bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting the past and future evolutionary space of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Dong Xiaofeng , Matthews David , Gallo Giulia , Darby Alisdair , Donovan-Banfield I'ah , Goldswain Hannah , MacGill Tracy , Myers Todd , Orr Robert , Bailey Dalan , Carroll Miles , Hiscox Julian
Published: August 2023

SARS-CoV-2 emerged in the human population in late 20191,2, went through population bottlenecks3 and has undergone adaptation and evolution by single nucleotide polymorphisms and recombination. In individual humans, viral populations consist of dominant (the most common) and minor variant genomes4. Subsequent spread has driven the selection of variants that are more transmissible and capable of partial immune escape5-7. However, whether novel variants can be predicted is unknown. An analysis of 96,559 SARS-CoV-2 genomes and their associated variation in samples sequenced over a three-year period paint a detailed picture of viral population genetics. Variants contained non-synonymous amino acid changes, but there was little synonymous variability. Non-synonymous changes have increased in frequency as the pandemic progressed, with spike having the most changes. Amino acid variation associated with the Alpha and Delta Variants of Concern (VoCs) took three months to replace the previous lineages, however this occurred more quickly with Omicron. Mutational signals associated with VoCs and the current Omicron lineage were observed near the start of the pandemic in the UK, suggesting it was only a matter of time before such VoCs emerged. Machine leaning was used to develop a model that predicted the variable amino acid sites in spike that may be subject to future mutation and thus can inform design of medical countermeasures and provide a risk-based evaluation of viral properties.
Transforming South Asia's Economic Growth: Empowering Entrepreneurship through Technological Innovation, Financial Development, and Institutional Quality
Authors: Chowdhury Emon Kalyan , Abdullah Mohammad Nayeem , Quader Syed Manzur
Published: August 2023

The focus of this study is to analyze the key elements that have a significant impact on the economic growth in South Asia, specifically the development of entrepreneurship, technological innovation, and the quality of institutions. Through meticulous analysis of annual data from 2010 to 2022, encompassing all South Asian countries except Afghanistan, a compelling correlation between entrepreneurship development, technological innovation, and the coveted economic prosperity is unveiled. These findings ignite a spark of inspiration, highlighting the pivotal roles of nurturing entrepreneurship and fostering technological advancements in driving sustainable economic growth in this vibrant region. However, the pressing need to address the barriers hindering progress cannot be overlooked. It becomes evident that enhancing financial development and institutional quality is crucial for unlocking South Asia's boundless potential. Equipped with practical policy formulations, governments and institutions can seize the opportunity to elevate these responsible factors and propel South Asia towards a future of unparalleled economic progress.
JEL: O15; 033; P48; H55; G28
Genetic relationship between colorectal cancer and ulcerative colitis revealed by bioinformatics
Authors: Huang Tianfu , Lan ShuiQing , Wang Yan , Tai Weilong , Huang Xusen
Published: August 2023

Objective
To investigate the bioinformatics analysis methods of genes associated with colorectal cancer in ulcerative colitis.
Methods
We employed the intersection of the differential genes between UC and healthy controls, differential genes between UC dysplasia and UC, and the differential genes between UC dysplasia and healthy controls in GSE47908 to obtain overlapping genes and validated their accuracy in the TCGA dataset of COAD and GSE40967 to screen risk genes. The GSE110224/GSE113513 dataset of CODA, and the UC and COAD-related dataset GSE3629 were integrated for WGCNA analysis after normalizing the data. NOMO plot analysis was performed using the expression of overlapping genes of modular and risk genes in GSE47908 with UC dysplasia and UC.
Results
1576 overlapping genes were detected after screening for differential genes, which were validated in the TCGA and GSE datasets of colorectal cancer to construct a prognostic model. It was found that all P-values were less than 0.05 after survival analysis and less than 0.05 for progression-free survival, and the area under the risk score curve of the ROC curve was 0.894, which could be more accurate as a predictor of patient prognostic indicators. Then, WGCNA analysis was performed on UC, COAD and healthy controls to obtain five modular genes and intersected with overlapping genes to obtain 490 overlapping genes, and NOMO plotting by the LASSO algorithm to obtain seven key genes to predict the risk score of UC progression to COAD.
Conclusion
We screened seven gene indicators that could be used as key biomarkers of colorectal cancer susceptibility in patients with ulcerative colitis.
The cost of primary care consultations associated with long COVID in non-hospitalised adults: a retrospective cohort study using UK primary care data
Authors: Tufts Jake , Guan Naijie , Zemedikun Dawit , Subramanian Anuradhaa , Gokhale Krishna , Myles Puja , Williams Tim , Marshall Tom , Calvert Melanie , Matthews Karen , Nirantharakumar Krishnarajah , Jackson Louise , Haroon Shamil
Published: August 2023

Background
The economic impact of managing long COVID in primary care is unknown. We estimated the costs of primary care consultations associated with long COVID and explored the relationship between risk factors and costs.
Methods
Data were obtained on non-hospitalised adults from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink Aurum primary care database. We used propensity score matching with an incremental cost method to estimate additional primary care consultation costs associated with long COVID (12 weeks after COVID-19) at an individual and UK national level. We applied multivariable regression models to estimate the association between risk factors and consultations costs beyond 12 weeks from acute COVID-19.
Results
Based on an analysis of 472,173 patients with Covid-19 and 472,173 unexposed individuals, the annual incremental cost of primary care consultations associated with long COVID was £2.44 per patient and £23,382,452 at the national level. Among patients with COVID-19, a long COVID diagnosis and longer-term reporting of symptoms were associated with a 43% and 44% increase in primary care consultation costs respectively, compared to patients without long COVID symptoms. Older age, female sex, obesity, being from a white ethnic group, comorbidities and prior consultation frequency were all associated with increased primary care consultation costs.
Conclusions
The costs of primary care consultations associated with long COVID in non-hospitalised adults are substantial. Costs are significantly higher among those diagnosed with long COVID, those with long COVID symptoms, older adults, females, and those with obesity and comorbidities.
A Bibliometric analysis of research on stability of functional beverages by use of hydrocolloids using VOSviewer mapping analysis computations
Authors: Chaturvedi Neelam , Sahrawat Neha
Published: August 2023

This article presents a scientific overview of studies on the stabilization of functional beverages in relation to the use of hydrocolloids globally, an emerging yet expanding association that has developed through time and been systematized since 1963. A bibliometric analysis based on data from 717 records was used for examining the extracted articles after the screening from databases in Scopus, Web of Science core collection and Dimensions.ai between 2002 and 2022, using VOSviewer. The outcomes included publications on use of hydrocolloids in stabilization of functional beverages were significantly increased globally after 2017. China, Iran, United States and Brazil were the most productive producer of research that have played a leading role in collaborative research on application of stabilizers in functional beverages. The study also focuses on highly cited articles addressing the application of hydrocolloids in stabilization had been identified in several substantially cited publications. The journal co-citations revealed 75 specific journals and co-citation between cited references obtained a result of 134 cited references mainly published in Food Hydrocolloids and Food Chemistry. The co-occurrence of keywords that appeared extensively were offering evidence of a progression that permits for the rise of competing hypotheses on the implications of the use of hydrocolloids in the stabilization of functional beverages.
Evaluation of Lung Volumes and Gas Exchange in Surfactant-Deficient Rabbits Between Variable and Fixed Servo Pressures During High-Frequency Jet Ventilation
Authors: DiBlasi Robert , Micheletti Kellie , Romo Tina , Malone Patrik , Orth Jeff , Richards Evan , Kajimoto Masaki , Goldstein Justin , Keszler Martin
Published: August 2023

Objective To investigate a novel servo pressure (SP) setting during high-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) for a lung protective strategy in a neonatal model of acute respiratory distress.Study design: Comparison of efficacy between variable (standard) and fixed SP settings in a randomized animal study using rabbits (n = 10, mean weight = 1.80 kg) with surfactant-deficiency by repeated lung lavages.Results Rabbits in fixed SP group had greater peak inspiratory pressure, SP, minute volume, pH, and PaO2, and lower PaCO2 after lung lavage than the variable SP group. Lung volume monitoring with electrical impedance tomography showed that fixed SP reduced the decline of the global lung tidal variation at 30 minutes after lung lavage (-17.4% from baseline before lavage) compared to variable SP (-44.9%).Conclusion HFJV with fixed SP significantly improved gas exchange and lung volumes compared to variable SP. Applying a fixed SP may have important clinical implications for patients receiving HFJV.
Inhibition of CEACAM1 expression in cytokine-activated neutrophils using JAK inhibitors
Authors: Matsumoto Haruki , Sudo Ryota , Fujita Yuya , Onizawa Michio , Saito Kenji , Sumichika Yuya , Yoshida Shuhei , Temmoku Jumpei , Matsuoka Naoki , Asano Tomoyuki , Sato Shuzo , Suzuki Eiji , Machida Takeshi , Migita Kiyoshi
Published: August 2023

Objectives: Carcinoembryonic-antigen-related cell-adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) is an adhesion molecule that acts as a coinhibitory receptor in the immune system. We previously demonstrated that CEACAM1 is predominantly expressed on peripheral blood neutrophils in patients with RA. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) on cytokine-activated human neutrophils and CEACAM1 expression.
Methods: Peripheral blood neutrophils were obtained from healthy subjects. Isolated neutrophils were stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) or granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in the presence or absence of JAKi. The expression of CEACAM1 in peripheral blood neutrophils was analyzed by flow cytometry. Protein phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)1, STAT3, and STAT5 was assessed by Western blot using phospho-specific antibodies.
Results: We found that TNF-α-induced CEACAM1 expression was marginally suppressed after pretreatment with pan-JAK inhibitor, tofacitinib. Moreover, TNF-α induced STAT1 and STAT3 phosphorylation at the late stimulation phase (4 to 16 h). The expressions of CEACAM1 on neutrophils were markedly up-regulated by GM-CSF not by interleukin (IL)-6 stimulation. All JAKi inhibited GM-CSF-induced CEACAM1 expressions on neutrophils, however, the inhibitory effects of baricitinib were larger compared to those of tofacitinib or filgotinib. Moreover, CEACAM1 was marginally upregulated in IFN-γ stimulated neutrophils. Similarly, JAKi inhibited interferon (IFN)-γ-induced CEACAM1 expressions on neutrophils.
Conclusions: We demonstrated that JAKi prevent GM-CSF-induced CEACAM1 expression in neutrophils, and JAKi-induced inhibition depends on their selectivity against JAK isoforms. These findings suggest that JAKi can modulate the expression of CEACAM1 in cytokine-activated neutrophils, thereby limiting their activation.
Neutralizing antibody responses assessment after vaccination in People Living with HIV in the Republic of the Congo
Authors: Batchi-Bouyou Armel Landry , Djontu Jean Claude , Ingoba Line Lobaloba , Mougany Jiré Séphora , Mouzinga Freisnel Hermeland , Ntabi Jacques Dollon Mbama , Kouikani Franck Yannis , Ndala Arcel Christ Massamba , Diafouka-kietela Steve , Ampa Raoul , Ntoumi Francine
Published: August 2023

Objective
HIV has been reported to interfere with protective vaccination against multiple pathogens, usually through the decreased effectiveness of the antibody responses. We aimed to assess neutralizing antibody responses induced by COVID-19 vaccination in PLWH in Brazzaville, Republique of Congo
Method
The study was conducted at the Ambulatory Treatment Center of the National HIV Program, in charge of over 6000 PLWH, and the health center of FCRM in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo.Participants were divided into two groups: PLWH with well-controlled HIV infection (CD4 counts no older than one week ≥ 800 / mm3, undetectable viral load of a period no older than one week and regularly taking Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy for at least 6 months) and the non-PLWH (healthy HIV-negative volunteers). These groups were subdivided by vaccination status: fully Vaccinated with adenovirus-based vaccines (Janssen/Ad26.COV2.S and Sputnik/Gam-COVID-Vac) or inactivated virus vaccine (Sinopharm/BBIP-CorV) and a control group of unvaccinated healthy individuals. All participants were RT-PCR negative at inclusion and/or with no documented history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. ELISA method was used for detecting IgG and neutralizing Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 antigens using a commercial neutralizing assay. All participants were RT-PCR negative at inclusion and/or with no documented history of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Results
We collected oropharyngeal and blood samples from 1016 participants including 684 PLWH and 332 non-PLWH. Both PLWH and non-PLWH elicited high levels of antibody responses after complete vaccination with inactivated virus vaccine (Sinopharm/BBIP-CorV) and adenovirus-based vaccines (Janssen/Ad26.COV2.S and Sputnik/Gam-COVID-Vac). Overall, no difference was observed in neutralization capacity between non-PLWH and PLWH with well-controlled HIV infection.
Conclusion
The results from this study underline the importance of implementing integrated health systems that provide PLWH the opportunity to benefit HIV prevention and care, at the same time with monitoring their vaccine-induced antibody kinetics for appropriate booster schedules.
MIB Guides: Preclinical radiopharmaceutical dosimetry
Authors: Carter Lukas Michael , Zanzonico Pat B.
Published: August 2023

Preclinical dosimetry is essential for guiding the design of animal radiopharmaceutical biodistribution, imaging, and therapy experiments, evaluating efficacy and/or toxicities in such experiments, ensuring compliance with ethical standards for animal research, and providing reasonable initial estimates of normal-organ doses in humans, required for clinical translation of new radiopharmaceuticals. This MIB guide provides a basic protocol for obtaining preclinical dosimetry estimates with organ-level dosimetry software.
Correlation between Shear-wave Elastography and Diffusion-weighted MRI in Breast Cancer: Association with Imaging Characteristics and Breast Cancer Subtypes
Authors: Kwon Mi-ri , Youn Inyoung , Ko Eun Sook , Choi Seon-Hyeong
Published: August 2023

We aimed to investigate the correlation between shear-wave elastography (SWE) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in breast cancer and to identify the associated characteristics. We included 91 breast cancer patients who underwent SWE and breast MRI prior to surgery between January 2016 and November 2017. We measured the lesion’s mean (Emean) and maximum (Emax) elasticities of SWE and ADC values. We evaluated the correlation between SWE, ADC values and tumor size. The mean SWE and ADC values were compared for categorical variable of the pathological/imaging characteristics. ADC values showed negative correlation with Emean (r = − 0.315, p = 0.002) and Emax (r = − 0.326, p = 0.002). SWE was positively correlated with tumor size (r = 0.343–0.366, p < 0.001). A higher SWE value indicated a tendency towards a higher T stage (p < 0.001). Triple-negative breast cancer showed the highest SWE values (p = 0.02). SWE were significantly higher in breast cancers with posterior enhancement, vascularity, and washout kinetics (p < 0.02). SWE stiffness and ADC values were negatively correlated in breast cancer. SWE values correlated significantly with tumor size, and were higher in triple-negative subtype and aggressive imaging characteristics.
Using a Deep Learning Model to Address Interobserver Variability in the Evaluation of Ulcerative Colitis (UC) Severity
Authors: Kim Jeong Heon , Choe A Reum , Park Yehyun , Song Eun Mi , Byun Ju Ran , Lee Rena , Kim Jin Sung , Ahn So Hyun , Jung Sung Ae
Published: August 2023

The use of endoscopic images for the accurate assessment of ulcerative colitis (UC) severity is crucial to determining appropriate treatment. However, experts may interpret these images differently, leading to inconsistent diagnoses. This study aims to address the issue by introducing a standardization method based on deep learning. We collected 254 rectal endoscopic images from 115 patients with UC, and five experts in endoscopic image interpretation assigned classification labels based on the Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity (UCEIS) scoring system. Interobserver variance analysis of the five experts yielded an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.8431 for UCEIS scores and a kappa coefficient of 0.4916 when the UCEIS scores were transformed into UC severity measures. To establish a consensus, we created a model that considered only the images and labels on which more than half of the experts agreed. This consensus model achieved an accuracy of 0.94 when tested with 50 images. Compared with models trained from individual expert labels, the consensus model demonstrated the most reliable prediction results.
The Human Microglia Atlas (HuMicA) Unravels Changes in Homeostatic and Disease-Associated Microglia Subsets across Neurodegenerative Conditions
Authors: Ballestar Esteban , Martins-Ferreira Ricardo , Calafell-Segura Josep , Leal Bárbara , Rodríguez-Ubreva Javier , Mereu Elisabetta , Costa Paulo Pinho e
Published: August 2023

Dysregulated microglia activation, leading to neuroinflammation, is crucial in neurodegenerative disease development and progression. The initial M1/M2 dual activation classification for microglia is outdated. Even the ‘disease-associated microglia’ (DAM) phenotype, firstly described in mice, falls short in representing the diverse microglia phenotypes in pathology. In this study, we have constructed a transcriptomic atlas of human brain immune cells by integrating single-nucleus (sn)RNA-seq datasets from multiple neurodegenerative conditions. Sixteen datasets were included, comprising 295 samples from patients with Alzheimer’s disease, autism spectrum disorder, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Lewy body diseases, COVID-19, and healthy controls. The integrated Human Microglia Atlas (HuMicA) dataset included 60,557 nuclei and revealed 11 microglial subpopulations distributed across all pathological and healthy conditions. Among these, we identified four different homeostatic clusters as well as pathological phenotypes. These included two stages of early and late activation of the DAM phenotype and the disease-inflammatory macrophage (DIM) phenotype, which was recently described in mice, and is also present in human microglia, as indicated by our analysis. The high versatility of microglia is evident through changes in subset distribution across various pathologies, suggesting their contribution in shaping pathological phenotypes. Our analysis showed overall depletion of four substates of homeostatic microglia, and expansion of niche subpopulations within the DAM and DIM spectrum across distinct neurodegenerative pathologies. The HuMicA is invaluable in advancing the study of microglia biology in both healthy and disease settings.
A Study of Brain MRI Findings in CKD Patients with and without Parkinsonism
Authors: Varyani Sedigheh , Frouzanian Mehran , Cheraghmakani Hamed , Baghbanian Seyed Mohammad , Makhlough Atieh , Abdi Rohollah
Published: August 2023

Introduction CKD patients are believed to develop parkinsonism more than the general population. Early diagnosis and management play a crucial role in the potential reversibility of the disease symptoms. Identifying imaging abnormalities in these patients can aid in the timely diagnosis. Methods and Materials This study categorized 28 individuals with CKD into two groups, nine patients showing signs of parkinsonism and a control group of nineteen patients without. All participants underwent non-contrast brain MRI scans, including T1, T2, DWI, and FLAIR sequences. We examined the presence or absence of brain MRI findings. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS-24 and STATA for statistical analysis. Results Nine patients exhibited parkinsonism signs, while nineteen did not. In the brain MRI, putamen hypointensity was observed in six patients with parkinsonism signs (66.7%) and seven without (36.8%) (p = 0.139). Globus pallidus hypointensity was found in five patients with parkinsonism (55.6%) and seven without (36.8%) (p = 0.35). Cerebellar dentate nucleus hypointensity was identified in one patient with parkinsonism symptoms (11.1%) and one without (5.3%) (p = 0.575). Cerebral atrophy was present in six patients with parkinsonism symptoms (66.7%) and nine without (47.4%) (p = 0.339). CSVD was observed in eight patients with parkinsonism symptoms (88.9%) and seventeen without (89.5%) (p = 0.963). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups of patients regarding diabetes (p = 0.9), HTN (p = 0.689), and history of dialysis (p = 0.7). Conclusion Brain MRI findings in patients with parkinsonism symptoms were more varied compared to the control group. The relationship between brain MRI changes in CKD patients with parkinsonism symptoms and those without was insignificant. However, this difference did not reach statistical significance. Also, the duration of CKD was significantly associated with parkinsonism signs.
Jamun Seed-Derived Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Dots: A Novel Microwave-Assisted Synthesis for Ultra-Bright Fluorescence and Mn7+ Detection
Authors: R Swathi , G Bhagavanth Reddy , B Rajkumar , D Ramakrishna , P Yadagiri Swamy
Published: August 2023

For the synthesis of heteroatom-doped carbon nanostructures, biomass is considered a promising option. Utilizing the microwave-assisted method, we have demonstrated an easy and straightforward one-pot synthesis of nitrogen-doped luminous carbon dots (NCDs) from jamun seed powder and guanidine hydrochloride. Structural and morphological analyses were performed using various analytical techniques. Under ultraviolet light of 315 nm, NCDs emit a bright blue fluorescence, possess a high quantum yield of 26.90%, exhibit strong water dispersion, and demonstrated excellent stability. The average particle size of the NCDs was found to be 7.5±1.2 nm, with a spherical shape. NCDs exhibit high selectivity and sensitivity in fluorescence quenching when exposed to Mn7+ ions. Over a concentration range of 2–30 µM, the fluorescence response (F0/F) shows a linear relationship with Mn7+ concentration, with a detection limit of 0.81 µM. The probe exhibited negligible interference and proved to be effective in accurately quantifying Mn7+ in spiked real-water samples.
RETRACTED: Genomic detection of Human herpes virus 8 in the saliva of dental patients
Authors: Mohammed Zainab
Published: August 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Indoor Movement Data Analytics based on Machine Learning for Manufacturing Assembly Line
Authors: Rana Mashud , Smith Daniel , Rahman Ashfaqur , Baumgartner Peter
Published: August 2023

The paper presents an analysis on how machine learning models can be used to extract information from indoor movement data in an assembly line. An Indoor Positioning System (IPS) is commonly used to track workers, moving objects and vehicles at indoor venues where GPS is not effective. Movements happen within an assembly line as certain sets of work activities are performed (e.g., delivering assembled units from one work bench to another, reworking at a work bench and transporting a trolley from one place to another) and anything beyond that can be considered as anomalous. A computer assembly line was simulated and the movement trajectories of five workers were generated to perform the following activities: working at their own station, moving between different workstations, helping at another workstation, working at storage, and moving to a storage zone. We then developed a set of machine learning models to investigate how accurately these behaviours can be detected. The machine learning pipeline for indoor tracking data involves: (a) segmenting worker trajectories using Self–Supervised Learning (SSL). SSL is a machine learning process where a model is trained to learn one part of the input data from another part without the use of manually acquired labels. SSL is used to find the change points of the trajectories (i.e., used as segment boundaries) by training a model to predict the future interval of a trajectory from its temporally adjacent past window. (b) classifying trajectory segments (i.e., sub-trajectories) into different categories of worker behaviour. We investigated different supervised machine learning models to learn from the labelled segments. (c) estimating the state of the assembly floor based on the inferred worker behaviour. The state provides a wholistic view of the factory floor including the collective behaviour of workers. We used a clustering approach to identify the dominant states (joint activity) of the factory floor. We received some promising results from our analysis. We present the methods and results in detail in the paper.
Does the brain care about magnitudes? A tDCS study on functional lateralization of magnitude processing
Authors: Bahreini Narjes , Artemenko Christina , Plewnia Christian , Nuerk Hans-Christoph
Published: August 2023

Functional lateralization was previously established for various cognitive domains – but not for number processing. Although numbers are considered to be bilaterally represented in the intraparietal sulcus (IPS), there are some indications of different functional roles of the left vs. right IPS in processing number pairs with small vs. large distance, respectively. This raises the question whether number size plays a distinct role in the lateralization within the IPS. In our preregistered study, we applied anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the left vs. right IPS to investigate the effect of stimulation as compared to sham on small vs. large distance, in both single-digit and two-digit number comparison. We expected that anodal tDCS over the left IPS facilitates number comparison with small distance, while anodal tDCS over the right IPS facilitates number comparison with large distance. Results indicated no effect of stimulation; however, exploratory analyses revealed that tDCS over the right IPS slowed down single-digit number processing after controlling for the training effect. In conclusion, number magnitude processing might be bilaterally represented in the IPS, however, our exploratory analyses emphasise the need for further investigation on functional lateralization of number processing.
Segmental Femoral Fracture Malunion: Evidence and Prognostic Analysis of Medical Intervention in the 3rd Century BC
Authors: Haiyang Xing , Ruiqi Zou , Xiongfeng Tang , Min Yi , Zhuoting Xie , Sen You , Jianhua Liu , Quanchao Zhang , Yanguo Qin
Published: August 2023

We examined the remains of an individual who was unearthed from the Tuchengzi site and was believed to be from the Warring States period in China. The remains exhibited segmental femoral fracture. We aimed to deduce the cause of fracture, medical interventions, healing process, and motion behavior after fracture healing using several techniques, including macroscopic observation, computed tomography, and finite element analysis. The findings suggested that the segmental nature of the fracture was likely caused by the same occupational activity. The morphology of the healed fracture indicated that the individual underwent medical intervention. The fracture healing process signified that the lower extremity underwent adequate fixation, while bone callus remodeling suggested the recovery of lower-extremity load-bearing capacity. The finite element analysis demonstrated that the fracture healed to such a degree that it could withstand the load of standing, but not the load of normal walking. We suggest that medical practitioners in the Warring States period possessed a good knowledge of thigh anatomy, enabling them to guide fracture reduction and fixation. Reasonable medical intervention facilitated fracture healing and load recovery. Although the individual was able to stand, walking necessitated compensatory movement or instrumental assistance due to femur deformity resulting from fracture healing.
Clinical Characteristics and Prediction of Neurodevelopmental Outcomes for Infants with Ventriculomegaly in Utero: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Hou Xinlin , Zhou Faliang , Li Chen , Huo Yixuan , Sun Guoyu , Chen Junya , Lin Yan , Liu Lili
Published: August 2023

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the clinical features and neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants diagnosed with fetal ventriculomegaly (VM).
STUDY DESIGN:
We collected data of fetuses with VM (November 2017-January 2021). Neurodevelopmental outcomes were evaluated using the Chinese version of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development at 18 months. We analyzed the data using two-sided t-test, chi-square tests, and logistic regression.
RESULTS
Among the 167 VM fetuses, 130 completed a thorough evaluation and postnatal follow-up. Of 130 cases, 61 (47%) displayed isolated VM, while 69 (53%) had non-isolated VM. Neurodevelopmental outcomes differed between the isolated and non-isolated groups, the mild and severe groups, the progressive and non-progressive groups. Anomalies in the CNS, urogenital system, and gastrointestinal tract were associated with lower MDI or PDI scores.
CONCLUSIONS
Poor neurodevelopmental outcomes were observed in fetuses with severe or progressive VM or when accompanied by structural anomalies, particularly with cerebral, urogenital, and gastrointestinal anomalies.
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid enhances structural stability and thermotolerance of recombinant cyclomaltodextrinase from Geobacillus thermopakistaniensis at higher temperatures.
Authors: Aroob Iqra , Ahmad Nasir , Aslam Mehwish , Shaeer Abeera , Rashid Naeem
Published: August 2023

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), a chelating agent, has shown the ability to enhance the thermostability of cyclomaltodextrinase from Geobacillus thermopakistaniensis (CDaseGt). There was a 5-fold and 3-fold enhancement in the half-life of the enzyme at 70 and 75°C, respectively, when purified in the presence of EDTA. To further investigate, recombinant CDaseGt was subjected to molecular-level characterization using various techniques including circular dichroism spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy in the presence and absence of EDTA. Presence of EDTA caused several changes in the secondary structure of CDaseGt, specifically in terms of chirality and relocation of hydrophobic patches. No disturbance in the functional groups were observed with the addition of EDTA. The affinity analysis displayed a favorable binding and attractive electrostatic interactions between CDaseGt and EDTA. These findings provide insights into CDaseGt−EDTA interactions for better understanding of the structure-function relationship. The findings from this study contribute to our understanding of enzyme stability and provide valuable information for the development of more efficient and stable enzymes with a wide range of practical applications.
Some Statistical Characteristics of "Geothermal Vortex" in China from 1980 to 2017
Authors: ZHOU YA , Gao Xiaoqing , LI BAOFU , Li Zhenchao
Published: August 2023

Climate prediction is of great significance to the prevention of drought and flood. The method of "Underground Synoptic" map has achieved good results in short-term climate prediction. The main content of this method is "Geothermal Vortex"（GV）. Therefore, some characteristics of 3.2 m soil temperature anomaly (hereinafter abbreviated as T¢ 3.2 m) and GV are analyzed by using the data of monthly soil temperature at the depth of 3.2 m from 1980 to 2017. Results show that there are regional differences in the frequency of positive anomaly. Overall, there are more positive anomalies in southern China and fewer in Western China. Soil temperature anomaly has good memory, the shortest being 5 months and the longest being nearly 2 years. Moreover, results show the nonuniform distribution of memory duration and decreases from northwest to southeast as a whole. Statistical analysis of GV shows that the average life cycle of each GV is 9.7 months, with an average horizontal scale of 604 km and a characteristic scale of 2.4 cm/s. Spatially, the GV scale is largest in Northwest, with a horizontal scale of 1087km, and the GV appear most frequently in North China. The central location of GV is uneven, mainly in the central area with strong crustal activity and large absolute vertical deformation rate or in the high value area of soil heat flow.
Genetic Causal Association between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Periodontitis: A Bidirectional Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Analysis
Authors: Cheng Zijian , Gao Lu , Huang Peng , Luo Dingwen , Bi Chunsheng , Chen Xiaoyan
Published: August 2023

Background
A link between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontitis (PD) has been established. However, their causal relationship remains unclear and the effect of different serotypes of RA on the PD development has not been investigated. This study aims to elucidate the causal association between PD and different serotypes of RA using Mendelian Randomization (MR).
Methods
A bidirectional two-sample MR analysis was performed using available large-scale genome-wide association studies statistics. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) or multiplicative random-effects IVW was used to determine causality, depending on the heterogeneity of instrumental variables. Additional sensitivity analyses were also performed.
Results
The forward MR analysis identified that seropositive RA [odds ratio (OR):1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07–1.44, p = 0.0018], but not seronegative RA [OR:1.01, 95% CI: 0.95–1.06, p = 0.9098], was associated with an increased risk of PD. The reverse MR analysis did not show any significant causal effect of PD on RA, independent of the serotypes. The sensitivity tests (p > 0.05) confirmed the robustness and accuracy of these findings.
Conclusion
This study revealed that there was a genetic causal effect of seropositive RA on PD, suggesting that this subtype of RA patients may require specific clinical attention to prevent the development of PD.
Clinical implication of megestrol acetate in metastatic gastric cancer: A big data analysis from Health Insurance Review and Assessment (HIRA) database
Authors: Lee Chang Min , Kang Jung Hun , Go Se-Il
Published: August 2023

Objective
Megestrol acetate (MA) is used to manage anorexia and cachexia in patients with advanced cancer. This study investigated the prescription patterns of MA in patients with metastatic gastric cancer, as well as evaluated its impact on survival outcomes and the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE).
Methods
A Health Insurance Review and Assessment (HIRA) service database was used to investigate differences in baseline characteristics, survival, and the incidence of VTE according to MA prescription patterns (i.e., prescription vs. no prescription) in patients diagnosed with metastatic gastric cancer from July 2014 to December 2015.
Results
A total of 1,938 patients were included in this study. In total, 65% of the patients were prescribed MA. Older age, treatment in tertiary hospitals, and palliative chemotherapy were statistically significant predictive factors for MA prescription. Continuous prescription of MA was observed in 37% of patients. There was no statistically significant difference in survival between the MA and non-MA prescription groups on multivariate analysis. Among the 1,427 patients included in the analysis for VTE incidence, 4.3% and 2.9% were diagnosed with VTE during the follow-up period in the MA and non-MA prescription groups, respectively. However, there was no statistically significant difference in VTE diagnosis between the groups on multivariate analysis.
Conclusion
MA was frequently prescribed for patients with metastatic gastric cancer and did not adversely affect survival outcomes. Its prescription was associated with a modest increase in the incidence of VTE.
Strict conservation of the ITS regions of the ribosomal RNA genes in Northern snakehead (Channa argus)
Authors: Chen Shixi , Ao Li , Prodhan Zakaria Hossain , Zhao Tingjuan , Li Jie , Li Sha , Zou Yuanchao
Published: August 2023

The Northern Snakehead (Channa argus) is widely distributed and extremely resistant to hypoxia, it is now an aquaculture species in China and has heritable diversity of white body colour populations with two phenotypes of "grey fin rays" and "gold fin rays". In this study, the genetic diversity and molecular phylogenetics of C. argus with different body colours and geographical distribution are investigated based on their nuclear ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 sequences. The ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 sequences of the C. argus are conservative, with 1/1000 of mutation sites and 0.000-0.014 genetic distance indicates the C. argus that was studied has the same ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 sequences and genetic distance, all of which show that it is the same species. The intraspecific variation sites show that it was mainly transformation, white C. argus with "grey fin rays" individuals have more variation sites than "gold fin rays" individuals, and the variation associated with different geographical distributions is bigger than that associated with different body colors. The nuclear ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 sequences identified the differences between C. argus in different areas, which indicates that nuclear ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 sequences can be used to study molecular phytogeography.
“Smart” BLE Wearables for Digital Contact Tracing in Care Homes During the COVID-19 Pandemic – a Process Evaluation of the CONTACT Feasibility Study.
Authors: Thompson Carl A , Dafu-O'Reilly Amrit , Willis Thomas , Gordon Adam , Noakes Catherine , Khaliq Kishwer , Farrin Amanda , Kemp Andrew , Hall Tom , Bojke Chris , Spilsbury Karen
Published: August 2023

Background
Rapid and mass transmission of the Sars-cov2 virus amongst vulnerable people led to devastating effects from COVID-19 in care homes. The CONTACT intervention introduced Bluetooth Low Energy “smart” wearable devices (BLE wearables) as a basis for automated contact tracing in, and feedback on infection risks and patterns to, care homes to try and improve infection prevention and control (IPC). We planned a cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT) of CONTACT. To be feasible, homes had to adopt CONTACT’s technology and new ways of working. This paper reports on the process evaluation conducted alongside CONTACT’s feasibility study and explains why it lacked the feasibility and acceptability for a definitive RCT.
Methods
This mixed methods process evaluation used Normalisation Process Theory (NPT) qualitative (interviews, field notes, study case report forms and documents, and observation) and quantitative (survey instruments, counts of activity) data to plan, implement and analyse the mechanisms, effects and contextual factors that shaped the (lack of) feasibility and acceptability of the CONTACT intervention.
Results
Thirteen themes within four core NPT constructs explained CONTACT’s lack of feasibility. Coherence: the home’s varied in the scale and extent of commitment and understanding of the technology and study procedures. Leadership credibility was important but compromised by competing priorities. Management and direct care staff saw CONTACT differently. Work to promote (cognitive participation) and enact (collective action) CONTACT was burdensome and failed to be prioritised over competing COVID-19-related demands on time and scarce human and cognitive resources. Ultimately, staff appraisal of the value of CONTACT-generated information and study procedures (reflexivity) was that any utility for IPC was insufficient to outweigh the perceived burden and complexity involved.
Conclusions:
Dismissing BLE wearables' potential for capturing contacts is premature. In non-pandemic conditions, with more time, better co-design, and integration of theory-driven implementation strategies tailored to care homes' unique contexts researchers could enhance normalisation in readiness for future pandemic challenges.
Trial registration
ISRCTN registration: 11204126 registered 17/02/2021
A Multiple threshold panel ARDL Approach for studying the impact of stock market development on energy consumption
Authors: SADRAOUI Tarek
Published: August 2023

This study examines the impact of stock market development on energy consumption (electricity and oil) in a sample of G20 countries for the period from 2000 to 2023. Several different measures of the development of the stock market are examined, in particular, the market capitalization; stock traded total value (% of GDP), the turnover ratio and the number of listed companies. As an estimation method, we use the autoregressive distributed lag model (ARDL panel), more precisely the two estimators MG and PMG. The results provide dynamic relationships (short- and long-term) between stock market development and electricity consumption and only a long-term relationship for oil consumption. The results found are important for energy policies, the development of the stock market must be taken into account when estimating energy demand.
Computational model analysis on symmetrical aerofoil shaped pin fin arrays
Authors: Bhaumik Mainak , Dhanawade Kavita
Published: August 2023

It is a computational model analysis on symmetrical aerofoil pin-fin arrays. The commercial ANSYS 2021 R2 computational tool has been utilized. There are four models prepared on symmetrical aerofoil pin-fin arrays. These four models are no perforated inline aerofoil pin-fin array, perforated inline aerofoil array, no perforated staggered aerofoil array and perforated staggered aerofoil array. The basic geometry, meshing and computational analysis has been created in the Workbench, ICEM and Fluent Discover tool, respectively. In the Fluent solver settings, the k-omega turbulent model has been selected. The Reynolds number implied from 5,000 to 50,000 with an incremental value of 5,000. Moreover, the temperature valve input from 27 to 350℃. The results show that at rising input airflow velocity increases Nusselt number. Out of all the four models the convective heat transfer rate in the perforated one is quite higher than no perforated one. In the staggered perforated aerofoil pin-fin obviously there is more material savings. Apart from that in the no perforated staggered aerofoil pin-fin the pressure drop is lesser and better streamline pressure drop maintained. As far as overall performance is concern the perforated staggered aerofoil pin-fin arrangement gives very promising results.
What makes a shear-free spherical perfect fluid be inhomogeneous with tidal effects?
Authors: Hakata Jonathan , Goswami Rituparno , Hansraj Chevarra , Maharaj Sunil D.
Published: August 2023

This is an important and natural question as the spacetime shear, inhomogeneity and tidal effects are all intertwined via the Einstein field equations. Though many solutions with these properties exist in the literature, in this paper we identify, via a geometrical analysis, the important physical reason behind these solutions. We show that such scenarios are possible for limited classes of equations of state that are solutions to a highly nonlinear and fourth order differential equation. To show this, we use a covariant semitetrad spacetime decomposition and present a novel geometrical classification of shear-free Locally Rotationally Symmetric (LRS-II) perfect fluid self-gravitating systems, in terms of the covariantly defined fluid acceleration and the fluid expansion. Noteworthily, we deduce the governing differential equation that gives the possible limited equations of state of matter.
Qspr Modelling of Anti-viral Drugs Through Topological Descriptors
Authors: Sivakumar B. , Rajkumar V.
Published: August 2023

Quantitative Structure property relationship for the anti-viral drugs: Remdesivir, Favipiravir, Ribavirin, Lopinavir, Ritonavir, Darunavir, Oseltamivir and Umifenovir through degree based topological descriptors are presented. This QSPR study provides the mathematical relationship between the phsyico-chemical properties and different topological descriptors. This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of the data derived from the various topological descriptors of antiviral drugs using a range of statistical parameters. It is further demonstrated that these topological descriptors are closely related to the physicochemical characteristics of the above-mentioned antiviral drugs. The statistical analysis may be useful to the pharmaceutical industry in predicting the properties of antiviral drugs without conducting experiments.
Mapping every adult baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) across the Sahel to uncover the co-existence with rural livelihoods
Authors: huang ke , Brandt Martin , Hiernaux Pierre , Tucker Compton , Rasmussen Laura , Reiner Florian , Li Sizhuo , Kariryaa Ankit , Mugabowindekwe Maurice , Braber Bowy , Small Jennifer , Sino Scott , Fensholt Rasmus
Published: August 2023

The iconic baobab tree (Adansonia digitata L.) is an integral part of rural livelihoods throughout the African continent. However, the combined effects of climate change and increasing global demand for baobab products are currently exerting pressure on the sustainable utilization of these resources. Here we employ sub-meter resolution satellite imagery to identify the presence of nearly 2.8 (± 27.1%) million baobab trees in the Sahel, a dryland region of 1.5 million km2. This achievement is considered an essential step towards an improved management and monitoring system of valuable woody species. Using Senegal as a case country, we find that 94% of rural households have at least one baobab tree in their immediate surrounding, and that the abundance of baobabs is associated with a higher likelihood of people consuming a highly nutritious food group: dark green leafy vegetables. The generated database showcases the feasibility of mapping the location of single tree species at a sub-continental scale, providing vital information in times where human mismanagement and climate change cause the extinction of numerous tree species.