bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of intrauterine exposure to SARS-CoV-2 on infants’ development: A rapid review and meta-analysis
Authors: Pinheiro Gabriela Soutto Mayor Assumpção , Souza Rayany Cristina , Azevedo Vivian Mara Gonçalves Oliveira , Guimarães Nathalia Sernizon , Pires Laura Gregório , Lemos Stela Maris Aguiar , Alves Claudia Regina Lindgren
Published: January 2023

Background
Potential medium and long-term neurodevelopmental sequelae of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection during pregnancy have not been ruled out. Thus, we aimed to systematically review and summarize the evidence concerning the effects of intrauterine exposure to SARS-CoV-2 on infants’ development and behavior.
Methods
Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, and PsycNet databases were searched for studies published up to November 04, 2022, investigating the repercussions of gestational SARS-CoV-2 on infants’ development and behavior. We performed a narrative synthesis according to updated protocols. Studies using comparison groups and with the Ages and Stages Questionnaires-Third Edition (ASQ-3) scores available were included in a meta-analysis performed according to Cochrane protocols. We used the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale to analyze the risk of bias. Heterogeneity was calculated using the I2 statistic.
Results
The search identified 2,552 studies. After removing duplicates and applying the eligibility criteria, we performed a narrative synthesis on eight included studies and a meta-analysis on three. There was no evidence of higher developmental delay rates in infants exposed to SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy compared to non-exposed infants. However, the exposed infants scored lower than either of non-exposed children and pre-pandemic cohorts in some domains. Pooled results from the random-effects model indicated that SARS-CoV-2-exposed infants had lower scores on fine motor (mean difference [MD]=-4.70, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -8.76; -0.63), and problem-solving (MD=-3.05, 95% CI: -5.88; -0.22) domains than non-exposed (heterogeneity: I2 = 69% and 88%, respectively). There was no difference between exposed and non-exposed infants in the communication, gross motor, and personal-social ASQ-3 domains.
Conclusions
We did not find evidence confirming the association between SARS-CoV-2 gestational exposure and neurodevelopmental delay. However, the meta-analysis indicated that gestational exposure negatively affected fine motor and problem-solving skills. Robust evidence on the topic is still incipient, and the available studies present methodological inconsistencies that limit the drawing of clear-cut conclusions.
Novel organoid construction strategy for non-involuting congenital hemangioma for drug validation
Authors: Wei Haoche , Li Yanan , Li Li , Hu Qian , Shi Mingsong , Cheng Linbo , Jiang Xile , Zhou Yanting , Chen Siyuan , Ji Yi , Cheng Lijuan
Published: January 2023

Background:Non-involuting congenital hemangiomas (NICHs) are fully formed vascular tumors at birth, with distinctive clinical, radiologic, and histopathological profiles. In the literature, there is no effective therapy strategy for patients with NICH except surgery. Currently, no cell line or animal model exists for studying the mechanism of NICH and drug validation. We plan to construct a new strategy by constructing NICH organoids for further study.
Result:Here, we report a novel NICH organoid system construction and optimizationprocess. Both HE and immunohistological staining exactly matched NICH tissue. We further performed transcriptome analysis to elucidate the characteristics of NICH organoids. Both NICH tissue and NICH organoids manifested similar trends in download sites. NICH organoids display novel features to new cells derived from organoids and show spectacular multiplication capacity. In the preliminary verification, we found that cells splitting from NICH organoidswere human endothelial cells. Drug validation demonstrated that trametinib, sirolimus, and propranolol showed no inhibitory effects on NICH organoids.
Conclusion: Our data show that this new NICH-derived organoid faithfully captured the features of this rare vascular tumor. Our study will boost further research on the mechanism of NICH and drug filtering in the future.
The first chick brain with non-invasively embedded beads: a foundation for the automation of brain research
Authors: Yoshimura Akari , Seki Masayuki
Published: January 2023

Background
The automation of biotechnology, such as next-generation DNA sequencing, revolutionarily provides massive amounts of data and integrates various research fields. By contrast, many non-automated brain research fields are not interconnected with one other. In this study, we developed a basis for the automation of brain research. Two major technical barriers for the automation of brain research in vertebrates are the necessity for skull incision and a precise inoculation system for probes, devices, and electrodes in defined brain locations.
Methods
The former barrier in the background was overcome by inoculating probes into the future brain area of chick embryos before skull formation.
Results
Fluorescent micro-beads that mimic probes were inoculated into the future brain area of chick embryos, and 20% of the manipulated embryos hatched, with 71% of the hatched chicks containing multiple beads in their brains.
Conclusion
With this technique, beads are embedded inside the brain without skull incision, promising a novel non-invasive method that overcomes the drawbacks associated with traditional invasive brain manipulation.
Fuzzy Cost Optimization for Single Server Queue under Admission Control F-policy and Balking
Authors: Sanga Sudeep Singh , Antala Khushbu
Published: January 2023

This paper deals with the finite capacity unreliable single server queueing model under admission control F-policy with balking and feedback. F-policy deals with controlling the arriving customers in the system. In F-policy, if the system capacity is full (say K) then further customer is prohibited from admission to the system. The new admission of the customer is allowed into the system when system capacity decreases to a threshold value F (0 ≤ F ≤ K − 1). The concept of balking is incorporated to reduce the waiting line of the customer. The idea of server breakdown and repair is also added. The steady-state system probabilities and several performance indices are derived by using the Gauss-Seidel method. We construct the cost function and minimize it by using the direct search method. The cost minimization corresponding to the optimal service rate is also presented. We also present the numerical result under the optimal operating condition.
Implications of tioguanine dosing in IBD patients with a TPMT deficiency
Authors: Deben Debbie S. , Derijks Luc J.J. , Bosch Bianca J.C. van den , Creemers Rob H. , Nunen Annick van , Bodegraven Adriaan A. van , Wong Dennis R.
Published: January 2023

Purpose: Tioguanine is metabolised by less enzymatic steps compared to azathioprine and mercaptopurine, without generating 6-methylmercaptopurine ribonucleotides. However, thiopurine S-methyl transferase (TPMT) plays a role in early toxicity in all thiopurines. We aimed to describe the hazards and opportunities of tioguanine use in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients with aberrant TPMT metabolism and propose preventative measures to safely prescribe tioguanine in these patients.
Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, all determined TPMT genotypes (2016 – 2021) were evaluated for aberrant metabolism (i.e. intermediate and poor TPMT metabolisers). Subsequently, all IBD patients on tioguanine with aberrant TPMTgenotypes were evaluated for tioguanine dosages, adverse drug events, lab abnormalities, treatment duration and effectiveness.
Results: TPMT genotypes were determined in 485 patients of whom 50 (10.3%) and 4 patients (0.8%) were intermediate and poor metabolisers, respectively. Of these patients, 12 intermediate and 4 poor TPMT metabolisers had been prescribed tioguanine in varying doses. In one poor TPMT metaboliser, tioguanine 10 mg/day induced delayed pancytopenia.
In general, reduced tioguanine dosages of 5 mg/day for intermediate TPMT metabolisers, and 10 mg two-weekly for poor TPMT metabolisers, resulted in a safe, long-term treatment strategy.
Conclusions: Diminished or absent TPMT enzyme activity was related with a pharmacokinetic shift of tioguanine metabolism which is associated with relatively late occurring myelotoxicity in patients on standard tioguanine dose. However, in strongly reduced dose regimens with strict therapeutic drug and safety monitoring, tioguanine treatment remained a safe and effective option in IBD patients with dysfunctional TPMT.
A nomogram combining NLR, PLR and SII to predict progression-free survival of cetuximab-based first-line therapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Su Rixin , Shen Hao , Dang Wenxi , Liu Xudong , Zhang Zhihua , Wu Shusheng , Li Mengge , He Yifu
Published: January 2023

Objective: To establish an effective prognostic nomogram combining neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) to predict progression-free survival (PFS) of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patientstreated with cetuximab-based first-line therapy.
Materials and methods: 143 patients with mCRC were admitted to our hospital and received cetuximab-based first-line therapy. The patients were separated into training and validation cohorts. Patients' baseline blood parameters and clinical characteristics were collected. In the training cohort, Kaplan-Meier analysis, univariate analysis, and multivariate analysis were used to identify factors associated with PFS and to screen for independent predictors. A prognostic nomogram was constructed, and the model's predictive efficacy, stability and net benefit were evaluated. Validation was performed in the validation cohort.
Results: Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients in the NLR≥3.9 group, PLR≥152.2 group and SII≥464.3 group had worse PFS than those in the NLR<3.9 group, PLR<152.2 group and SII<464.3 group, respectively (P<0.001). Univariate analysis revealed that the resected primary tumor, liver metastases, NLR, PLR and SII were significantly correlated with PFS. Multivariate analysis revealed that the resected primary tumor (HR: 0.551, 95%CI: 0.329-0.924, P=0.024), liver metastases (HR: 2.033, 95%CI: 1.212-3.407, P=0.007), NLR (HR: 2.596, 95%CI: 1.378-4.888, P=0.003), PLR (HR: 2.002, 95%CI: 1.235-3.246, P=0.005) and SII (HR: 2.202, 95%CI: 1.292-3.751, P=0.004) were independent prognostic factors affecting PFS. A prognostic nomogram model was developed and revealed the greatest predictive efficacy (AUC=0.870). The nomogram revealed excellent stability and predictive value in both training (C-index=0.827) and validation cohort (C-index=0.870). Decision curve analysis (DCA) proved that the prognostic nomogram could be clinically valuable. Conclusions: The nomogram combining the resected primary tumor, liver metastases, NLR, PLR, and SII can be used to predict the PFS of mCRC patients treated with cetuximab-based first-line therapy.
Microbiome resilience of three-toed box turtles (Terrapene carolina triunguis) in response to rising temperatures
Authors: Guan Jimmy , Ramírez Gustavo A. , Eng Curtis , Oakley Brian
Published: January 2023

Background
The gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome of chelonians plays an important role in their metabolism, nutrition, and overall health but the GI microbiome of three-toed box turtles (Terrapene carolina triunguis) has yet to be characterized. How the GI microbiome responds to rapidly rising environmental temperatures has also not been studied extensively in ectotherms, specifically chelonians. Ambient temperature increases are known to perturb host-associated microbial communities and can result in dysbiosis and possible shedding of pathogens. In this study, twenty (20) T.c.triunguis were split into control and experimental groups. The experimental group experienced 4.5°C increases every two weeks while the control group stayed at a constant ambient temperature (24°C) through the entirety of the experiment. Before each temperature increase, all turtles had cloacal swab samples taken. These samples underwent DNA extraction followed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and microbial community analyses.
Results
Community composition of both groups were primarily composed of members of the classes Alphaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Bacteroidia, Clostridia, and Bacilli. Differences in diversity at the community level in the controls compared to the experimental groups were not significant, indicating microbiome resilience to rapid temperature changes in T.c.triunguis, although some differentially abundant genera were identified. Interestingly, an amplicon sequence variant belonging to the Erysipelothrix spp. was exclusively enriched in the highest temperature group relative to controls.
Conclusions
Although there were significant differences in both ambient and body temperature in the experimental group, there was not a significant change in diversity of the microbiome. This suggests that there may be an innate robustness to rapid temperature swings in the microbiome of T.c.triunguis which are native to temperate North America. Despite this resilience, a sequence type of Erysipelothrix spp. was enriched at the highest temperature. Phylogenetic analysis of this amplicon variant showed that it is a close relative of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, a pathogen of zoonotic importance associated with both wildlife and livestock.
Peripheral and Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation Improve Functional Outcomes of Nerve Recovery in a Rodent Forelimb Gap Repair Model
Authors: Nicksic Peter J. , Donnelly D’Andrea T. , Zeng Weifeng , Seitz Allison J. , Poore Samuel O. , Suminski Aaron J. , Dingle Aaron M.
Published: January 2023

Background: It is well established that peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) improves outcomes following nerve injury. By contrast, the trigeminal nerve has not yet been explored as a target of electrical stimulation (ES) for this indication. The hypothesis of this study is that the trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS) and PNS improve functional outcomes of peripheral nerve injury in a rat forelimb model when compared to rats not receiving ES.
Methods: Forty-five male Lewis rats were randomized into 4 groups: (1) sham injury, (2) nerve injury with sham ES, (3) nerve injury with PNS, and (4) nerve injury with TNS. Following repair, rats in the PNS group were stimulated for 1 hour. During rehabilitation, the TNS group received a 500ms train of ES immediately following each successful reach and grasp. Functional motor and sensory metrics were collected both pre-injury and throughout rehabilitation.
Results: The sham ES group did not recover their pre-injury baseline functional outcome measurements by the final week of recovery. In contrast, the PNS and TNS groups fully recovered following injury as there was no difference in functional outcomes between the pre-injury baseline and final week of rehabilitation (p > 0.05, all).
Conclusions: Trigeminal nerve stimulation and PNS are viable therapies to improve outcomes of nerve injury.
Estimating the degree of non-Markovianity using variational quantum circuits
Authors: Dinani Hossein , Tancara Diego , Fanchini Felipe , Norambuena Ariel , Coto Raul
Published: January 2023

Several applications of quantum machine learning (QML) rely on a quantum measurement followed by training algorithms using the measurement outcomes. However, recently developed QML models, such as variational quantum circuits (VQCs), can be implemented directly on the state of the quantum system (quantum data). Here, we propose to use a qubit as a probe to estimate the degree of non-Markovianity of the environment. Using VQCs, we find an optimal sequence of qubit-environment interactions that yield accurate estimations of the degree of non-Markovianity for the amplitude damping, phase damping, and the combination of both models. This work contributes to practical quantum applications of VQCs and delivers a feasible experimental procedure to estimate the degree of non-Markovianity.
Assessment of some factors associated with contraceptive pills usage among Sudanese ladies’ users
Authors: Ali Aya Alsedig , Ali Afag Altigani , Ahmed Hussain Gadelkarim , Zakout Yosef Mohamed-Azzam , Batran Samah Abd-Elrahim
Published: January 2023

Background: Many women use contraception, and many of them spend a substantial portion of their lives attempting to postpone or prepare for pregnancy. As a result, the current study sought to assess numerous parameters associated with Sudanese women's use of contraceptive pills.
Methodology: This descriptive study took place in Khartoum, Sudan from March to September 2022. The study comprised 100 women of reproductive age. All study participants were current or former users of hormonal contraceptive pills.
Results: 30% of users claimed to have used it without a prescription, while 70% said they had taken it as the doctor had instructed. The majority of participants (57%) took the pills for more than one year, followed by a period of one to twelve months. 41% of the study participants used the pills consistently, whereas the remaining 59% used them infrequently. About 80% of those who said they were aware of the side effects of the pills said they would appear between one month and a year after taking them, with 33% saying they would do so within a month.
Conclusion: Hormonal contraceptives (HCs) are routinely used without a doctor's prescription in Sudan. The great majority of HCs users report negative effects that could be attributed to incorrect use. Efforts are needed to raise the awareness of Sudanese women about the importance of the proper use of contraceptive pills.
A comprehensive analysis of the expression and prognosis of STATs in human breast invasive carcinoma
Authors: huo qin , Xie Ni
Published: January 2023

Background
Multiple cancer types are associated with the Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT) family of proteins. The expression and prognostic value of STATs in breast invasive carcinoma (BRCA) remain unclear.
Methods
Herein we investigated the clinical data onto 1,222 patients with BRCA based on the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, UALCAN, cBio Cancer Genomics Portal (cBioPortal), STRING, and GeneMANIA databases.
Results
The transcriptional levels of STAT4/5A/5B/6 were significantly decreased while the transcriptional levels of STAT1 were elevated in BRCA tissues. A significant correlation exists between STATs expressions and known prognostic factors, e.g., age, pathologic stage, radiation_therapy, and Tumor Node Metastasis (TNM) stages. It was discovered that patients with high STAT4 expression had a better prognosis for overall survival (OS) (HR = 0.59, p = 0.002), disease-specific survival (DSS) (HR = 0.59, p = 0.018), and progress free interval (PFI) (HR = 0.55, p < 0.001). STAT4 may be an independent prognostic marker for BRCA through univariate and multivariate Cox regression. In terms of immune infiltrating levels, A correlation between STAT1/2/4/13 expression and immune cell infiltration, including T cells and Th1, has also been noted. Furthermore, the levels of STAT4 were statistically significant correlated with T cells (r = 0.822, p < 0.001), cytotoxic cells (r = 0.746, p < 0.001), B cells (r = 0.691, p < 0.001), Th1 cells (r = 0.686, p < 0.001), and activated dendritic cells (DC).
Conclusion
Based on the findings of this study, STAT4 might serve as a novel prognostic biomarker to predict prognosis and levels of immune infiltration for BRCA.
Observed Changes and Variability in wet days and Dry Spells over IGAD region of Eastern Africa
Authors: Omay Paulino Omoj , Muthama Nzioka John , Christopher Oludhe , Kinama Josiah M. , Artan Guleid , Atheru Zachary
Published: January 2023

Extreme Rainfall is crucial for Crop production and food security in Eastern Africa. This paper seeks to investigate the changes and variability in wet days and dry spells over the IGAD region. Data used are Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station data (CHIRPS). Several statistical methods and wet days and dry spells thresholds at ≥ 1mm applied on decadal (10 years), 20, 30 and 41 years. The results show that decrease in the number of wet days lead to longer dry spells. The majority of districts in Uganda, southwestern South Sudan, southwestern zones in Ethiopia, highlands of western and Nyanza counties in Kenya observed the highest number of wet days (50–70 days) and lowest consecutive dry spells (0–1 spells). Uganda and South Sudan are the two countries with lowest variability on wet days (highest variability in dry spells). Again, South Sudan and Uganda, most parts of Ethiopia, highlands of western Kenya observed 90–100% probability of exceeding 7 and 14 days (1 and 2 spells) during March-May (MAM), June-August (JJA) and September-November (SON). Northeastern Kenya and Somalia, southeastern Ethiopia, most parts of Eritrea and Djibouti observed less than 5% of probability under 7, 14,21,28 days (1,2,3,4 spells). In addition, most parts of the region observed decreased number of wet days in the 1980s and 1990s, while the last decade (2011–2020) experienced an increase during MAM and JJA. These findings are important for rain-fed agriculture, supplementary irrigation planning and food security in the IGAD region.
Gender-Specific Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment and Control of Hypertension in Adults in India: A Study for Developing Gender-Specific Public Policy from Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) Data 2017-18
Authors: Singh Ayushi , Dixit Priyanka
Published: January 2023

Background and Objective
Hypertension is a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease and the leading cause of mortality among Indian adults. The difference in health status between men and women is becoming a great burden in itself worldwide. The purpose of this study was to examine the differences between men and women in the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension and related risk factors among people aged 45 and older in India using data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study of India in 2017-18.
Methods
Descriptive statistics were presented separately for males and females. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze the socio-demographic, lifestyle behaviours, and biological factors associated with the prevalence of hypertension. All statistical analyses were conducted using Stata Version 16.0 statistical software. The study of the data was conducted using survey weights available in the LASI datasets.
Key Findings
Overall, the study found that 45.1% of the study population had hypertension, with 26.9% self-reporting their condition and 30% having hypertension at the time of measurement. Approximately 41% of males and 59% of females had hypertension. The self-reported hypertension of men was found to differ significantly from measured hypertension by 8.7%, while in women the difference was only 1.2%. Diabetes was found to increase the odds of having hypertension in both males (OR = 3.65, 95% CI (3.37–3.97)) and females (OR = 3.46, 95% CI (3.21–3.74)).
Conclusion
The difference between self-reported and measured hypertension in men and women is contributing to gender and health inequalities that must be addressed. For adult females with hypertension, it is important to prioritize obesity, education level, physical activity, and regular visits to the clinic for the management of chronic conditions. Based on our findings, policy recommendations can be made to focus on increasing women's literacy, promoting men's screening for hypertension, banning tobacco and alcohol sales, and organizing hypertension awareness campaigns specifically for men and in rural areas.
Leather Industries Solid Waste Conversion to Organic Fertilizer through Vermicomposting: Utilization for Plant Growth
Authors: Abdulla-Al-Mamun Md. , Hossain Nazmul , Hossain Mohammad Iqbal , Sultana Rabeya
Published: January 2023

The generation of leather industries' solid waste is a matter of concern in the present world for its potential polluting ability. This study has assessed intend vermicomposting of leather industries generated lime flesh and shaving waste through a mix with cattle dung using Eisenia fetida earthworm, aiming at sustainable reuse in agriculture. The chromium content of shaving waste was optimized and brought under 2 mg/kg using hydrogen peroxide with potassium carbonate treatment and lime flesh was treated with hydrochloric acid treatment. Treated shaving waste and lime flesh were mixed with cattle dung in a proportion portion of 1:1 and 2:1 in different vermicompost fields. After 30 days 40 Eisenia fetida were introduced in each field and vermicomposted for 90 days within 50% of moisture was maintained. The number of earthworms was observed notably increases in every bed of 1:1 portion of vermicompost and a higher 2:1 portion of waste remarkably attacked the growth of worms. The parameters of this study were analyses and the number of earthworms, pH, total organic carbon (TOC), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), carbon and nitrogen ratio (C: N), total potassium (TK) and total phosphorus (TP) readings were taken at 0, 30, 60 and 90 days respectively. The resulting composting in a substantial reduction of pH, TOC and the C: N ratio was notably decreased by approximately nine-fold and increases in TKN and TP were seen. A slight reduction of TK was also observed. The results show that the earthworm Eisenia fetida has been able to convert the lime flesh and shaving waste into nutrient-enriched fertilizer products in the same proportion of waste and cow dung. However, the resultant vermicompost was applied on the Napier grass plantation. The accumulation of heavy metal effect on plants was investigated systemically for eco-friendly plant growth. The composts and plants’ different parts were analyzed for heavy metals and those found under permissible limits recommended by WHO. It was found vermicompost enhanced the organic matter significantly and nutrients are also improved for better crop yield.
Identification of novel ceRNA networks associated with PD- L1 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma based on whole-transcriptome sequencing
Authors: Han Xiao , Sun Qi , Lu Congxian , Zhang Mingjun , Wang Yaqi , Liu Jiahui , Guo Ying , Mou Yakui , Li Yumei , Song Xicheng
Published: January 2023

Objective
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a common and fatal cancer type worldwide. Competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) plays an important role in tumor development and progression through circular RNAs (circRNAs). Therefore, in this study, we attempted to explore the mechanisms by which circRNA/miRNA/mRNA ceRNA networks regulate head and neck squamous cell carcinoma HNSCC.
Methods
The biopsy samples from patients with HNSCC were obtained intra-operatively before any therapeutic intervention. The expression profiles of circRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs were performed using whole-transcriptome resequencing. Then, significantly differentially expressed circRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs were screened out. The circRNA/miRNA/mRNA ceRNA networks were constructed based on the predicted circRNA–miRNA interactions and miRNA–mRNA interactions. After that, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) analyses were performed to elucidate the possible functions of mRNAs contained in the ceRNA network. Furthermore, the hub network was screened among the key pathways of enrichment analysis. Finally, the expression of RNAs in hub network were verified by QRT-PCR and the association between them was revealed by Spearman correlation analysis.
Results
A total of 421 circRNAs, 112 miRNAs, and 1074 mRNAs with differential expression were detected. Among these, the top 9 circRNAs, 28 miRNAs, and 334 mRNAs were screened to construct a ceRNA network. The KEGG signal pathway and GO enrichment analysis of 334 mRNAs showed that cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), amino acid metabolism and other related pathways, biological processes such as extracellular matrix histogenesis were significantly enriched. Among them, CD274 and other genes were mainly enriched in CAMs pathway. Ultimately, a subnetwork including hsa_circ_0044507, hsa_circ_0044517, hsa_circ_0026774, hsa-miR-4446-3p, and PD-L1 (CD274) was screened out. QRT-PCR validated that the expression of hsa_circ_0044507, hsa_circ_0044517, hsa_circ_0026774, and PD-L1 were significantly increased, and hsa-miR-4446-3p were expressed significantly less in tumor tissue than in adjacent tissue. Spearman correlation showed that the expression of hsa_circ_0044507, hsa_circ_0044517, hsa_circ_0026774 were negatively correlated with hsa-miR-4446-3p, and positively correlated with PD-L1.
Conclusion
CeRNA network including hsa_circ_0044507, hsa_circ_0044517, hsa_circ_0026774, hsa-miR-4446-3p, and PD-L1 may be key regulators for HNSCC, and may be potential targets for the pathogenesis and treatment development of HNSCC.
Secure SDN-IoT framework for DDoS attack detection using Deep learning and Counter based Approach
Authors: Cherian Mimi , Varma Satishkumar L
Published: January 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Study of lunar regolith harnessed during Apollo and Luna space programs based on Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Katzer Jacek , Kobaka Janusz
Published: January 2023

A modern principal component analysis of the chemical properties of lunar soils was conducted. This multivariate statistics approach is currently easily available for scientists due to computing power unimaginable in 1970. Both American and Soviet results acquired during the Apollo and Luna missions were analysed and compared. The results were visualised in two and three-dimensional spaces. The key similarities and differences between the properties of the lunar soils were determined. The sources of possible differences in the properties of particular lunar soils were conceptualised. The directions of possible new research were defined.
How many mosquito nets are needed to reach universal coverage - an update
Authors: Koenker Hannah , Yukich Josh , Erskine Marcy , Opoku Robert , Sternberg Eleanore , Kilian Albert
Published: January 2023

Insecticide treated nets (ITNs) have served as the cornerstone of malaria vector control in sub-Saharan Africa for the past two decades. Over 2.5 billion ITNs have been delivered since 2004 primarily through periodic mass distribution campaigns scheduled at approximately three-year intervals, aligning with the expected lifespan of nets. Recent work indicates that ITN retention times are less than two years in most countries, raising key questions for quantification approaches and delivery frequency for ITN distribution. This paper models several quantification approaches for five typical ITN distribution strategies, estimates the proportion of the population with access to an ITN, and presents recommended quantification approaches to meet global targets for ITN access and use. A stock and flow model with annual timesteps was used to model ITN distribution and resulting ITN access for 2020–2035 under five scenarios in 40 countries: 1) three-year mass campaigns, 2) full-scale annual continuous distribution, 3) three-year mass campaigns plus continuous distribution in the years between campaigns, 4) three-year mass campaigns at different quantification approaches, 5) two-year mass campaigns at different quantification approaches. All scenarios included ITN distribution to pregnant women at antenatal clinics and infants at immunization visits. The current status quo of conducting mass campaigns every three years using a population/1.8 quantifier is insufficient to achieve or maintain targets of 80% population access to ITNs in most malaria-endemic countries, given most estimated retention times are less than three years. Tailored three-year or two-year mass campaigns were less efficient than annual continuous distribution strategies in nearly all settings. Recommended quantifiers for annual continuous distributions ranged from population x 36% to population x 15% for countries with 1- and 3-year median retention times, respectively. Given variation in ITN retention times across countries, tailored quantification approaches for mass campaigns and continuous distribution strategies are warranted. The quantity of ITNs required to meet these goals are substantially larger than current plans. National programmes and their funding partners should work to increase the number of ITNs distributed to those vulnerable to malaria, while at the same time working to extend the useful life of these critical commodities.
A Sophisticated Ambulance Escort System
Authors: L Kiran , R Akash , T Shakthi Mahendra , N Swaroopa , Almas Prof. Muquitha
Published: January 2023

Ambulatory services frequently become delayed at intersections because of gridlock or timed traffic signals. As a result, the ambulatory services could move more slowly or it might stay in its required place. A collision or a clog in the traffic might occur if the ambulance ever attempts to ignore an indication. Automated traffic control systems are suggested as a solution to this issue. A precise, cost-effective solution to save lives is what the system has been constructed to do when an approaching ambulatory services approaches; the system employs intelligent objects to recognize its siren, and it then stops traffic in other lanes of the junction to clear the way for the ambulatory services to pass.
Traffic congestion delays are responsible for 20% of emergency patient deaths each year. More than 50% of heart attack patients arrive at the hospital too late. The biggest problem is that nobody responds until the ambulance arrives, which makes it challenging for the ambulance to get where it needs to. In order to reduce these death rates. In today’s society, traffic, as the primary worry, is causing several challenges in everyday life. Apart from the usual difficulties of congestion, it seriously impedes the proper operation of ambulatory services. The rest of the automobiles must yield to ambulatory services. However, ambulatory services frequently miss their scheduled arrival times owing to unanticipated events or selfish drivers. Ambulatory services’ tardy arrival may put lives at jeopardy.
We developed a hybrid application to book the closest ambulance in order to decrease the time needed to travel from the ambulance stand-alone area to the location of the rescue patient.
Effects and potential resistance induced by imidacloprid and clothianidin insecticides in the German cockroach (Blatella germanica L.)
Authors: Konkala Anand , Kanthala Sampath , Narra Madhusudan Reddy
Published: January 2023

Neonicotinoid pesticides have occupied one-third of the world’s insecticidal market in the last two decades. Their mimicking effects of imidacloprid and clothianidin on the target-neurotransmission system (AChE) and digestive oxidative and antioxidant enzymes have been evaluated in Blatella germanica. The cockroach brain's AChE activity decreased through the exposure period. The P450 monooxygenase enzyme, which is involved in a xenobiotic breakdown in endogenous metabolism and has adapted to toxic chemicals, has increased over time. This phenomenon indicates that the P450 enzyme is coupled with insecticides through the detoxification process. The elevated SOD, CAT and LPO levels indicate an increase in the scavenging activity of free radicals to overcome the IMI and CLO-caused oxidative alterations. Increasing GST was conjugated with decreasing GSH in phase II bio-transformation reactions, resulting in a defence against the stress of intoxication. Besides, IMI and CLO instigated elevated oxidative stress, as proved by elevated hydrolytic lysosomal enzyme phosphatases (ALP and ACP) and lactate dehydrogenase activities evident that the cockroach counteracted to overcome the insecticidal stress. The present investigation elucidates the fact that resistance performance against the effects of imidacloprid and clothianidin baits, indicating the potential involvement of cytochrome P450 monooxygenase, antioxidants, and a slight participation of esterase, has activated the detoxification system to metabolise endogenous insecticide architecture. Because of its chemical structure, clothianidin causes severe intoxication and less detoxification than imidacloprid.
Extracellular vesicle-microRNAs mediated response of bovine ovaries to environmental heat stress
Authors: Gad Ahmed , Joyce Kamryn , Menjivar Nico Graham , Heredia Daniella , Rojas Camila Santos , Tesfaye Dawit , Gonella-Diaza Angela
Published: January 2023

Background
Elevated ambient temperature during the summer season is a main cause of stress in dairy and beef cows, leading to impaired reproductive function and fertility. Follicular fluid extracellular vesicles (FF-EVs) play an important role in intrafollicular cellular communication by in part mediating the deleterious effects of heat stress (HS). Here we aimed to investigate the changes in FF-EV miRNA cargoes in beef cows in response to HS during the summer (SUM) compared to the winter (WIN) season using high throughput sequencing of FF-EV-coupled miRNAs. In addition to their biological relevance, the potential mechanisms involved in the packaging and release of those miRNAs as a response to environmental HS were elucidated.
Results
Sequencing analysis revealed that an average of 6.6% of the EV-RNA mapped reads were annotated to bovine miRNAs. Interestingly, miR-148a, miR-99a-5p, miR-10b, and miR-143 were the top four miRNAs in both groups accounting for approximately 52 and 62% of the total miRNA sequence reads in the SUM and WIN groups, respectively. A group of 16 miRNAs was up-regulated and 8 miRNAs were down-regulated in the SUM compared to the WIN group. Five DE-miRNAs (miR-10a, miR-10b, miR-26a, let-7f, and miR-1246) were among the top 20 expressed miRNA lists. Sequence motif analysis revealed the appearance of two specific motifs in 13 out of the 16 upregulated miRNAs under HS conditions. Both motifs were found to be potentially bonded by specific RNA binding proteins including Y-box binding proteins (YBX1 and YBX2) and RBM42.
Conclusion
Our findings indicate that FF EV-coupled miRNA profile varies under seasonal temperature changes. These miRNAs could be a good indicator of the cellular mechanism in mediating HS response and the potential interplay between miRNA motifs and RNA binding proteins can be one of the mechanisms governing the packaging and release of miRNAs via EVs to facilitate cellular survival.
Scientifically speaking we know a lot, or do we? a model of knowledge using the electromagnetic spectrum
Authors: Espinoza Fernando
Published: January 2023

A quantitative model of human knowledge of the physical world based on the use of various parts of the electromagnetic spectrum is proposed. The model is epistemologically effective in demonstrating limits to what scientific knowledge can provide us about the physical world, thus enhancing for students the potentially exploratory opportunities available in scientific research, based on how little we really know. Additionally, the model provides a pedagogically useful way to engage students in considerations of the role of measurement, scale, and estimation; these features are urgently needed by many students according to international assessments and are particularly important for non-science majors.
Normalized economical speed is influenced by aging and not by exercise habituation
Authors: Horiuchi Masahiro , Saito Akira , Motoyama Kiyotaka , Tashiro Takehiro , Abe Daijiro
Published: January 2023

Objective: A U-shaped relationship between energy cost of walking (Cw; J·kg-1·m-1) and walking speed indicates that there is a specific speed minimizing the Cw, called economical speed (ES). It is mostly slower in older adults than young adults; however, effects of leg length on the ES have been ignored. We investigated the effects of aging and exercise habituation on the normalized ES by the leg length (nor-ES). Moreover, the diversity in the stride length (SL) and step frequency (SF) against sinusoidal speed change (SSC) at 30-s and 180-s periods with ±0.56 m･s-1 among sedentary young (SY), active young (AY), and active elderly (AE) adults was also quantified.
Results: The ES was significantly faster in the following sequence: AY, SY, and AE, whereas nor-ES was faster in the AY and SY than in the AE (no difference was found between AY and SY). Delayed SL and preceding SF were observed at the 180-s SSC in the young adults only. Collectively, greater delay and/or precedence of SL-SF combinations against SSC may reflect locomotive flexibility for passive speed change during walking. The nor-ES was slowed by aging; however, it was not influenced by exercise habituation, at least, in young populations.
WITHDRAWN: Dark Current in Pinned Photodiode CMOS Image Sensors: A Pre-Fabrication Physics-based Model
Authors: Suharwerdi Mohsin , Qazi Gausia
Published: January 2023

The present technique to find a dark current source in an image sensor, i.e., Dark Current Spectroscopy, is not sufficient to conclusively differentiate between the contribution of interface and bulk defect generation in a pixel. Also, the dark current data is available only post-fabrication. In this work, the Dark current vs Transfer Gate-off voltage curve is used to extract the defect density-cross-section product, activation energy and maximum carrier lifetime for two important device generation sites, i.e., interface under the Transfer Gate and Pinned Photodiode depletion region. A comprehensive analytical dark current model is formulated and validated using TCAD simulation and experimental data reported in the literature. The temperature variation is incorporated using the Arrhenius relation corresponding to the specific activation energy level. The proposed model along with the Arrhenius relation provides a sufficient pre-fabrication dark current estimate.
Stability of plane Poiseuille and Couette flows of Navier-Stokes-Voigt fluid
Authors: Shankar B. M. , Shivakumara I. S.
Published: January 2023

The temporal stability of plane Poiseuille and Couette flows for a Navier-Stokes-Voigt type of viscoelastic fluid is investigated. The primary unidirectional flow is between two infinite rigid parallel plates, which are either fixed or in relative motion. The stability/instability of the basic flow is examined by carrying out a numerical solution of the stability eigenvalue problem. The stability characteristics are found to be different from that of Newtonian fluid despite the base flow remains the same. In the case of plane Poiseuille flow, two values of the Reynolds number are found to be needed to specify the linear instability criteria owing to the existence of closed neutral stability curves and also the instability emerges only in a certain range of Kelvin-Voigt parameter . To the contrary, instability occurs for all non-zero values of in the case of plane Couette flow and the sufficiency of a single critical value of the Reynolds number is ensued to discuss the stability/instability of fluid flow as the neutral stability curves are parabolic. The sensitivity of the Kelvin-Voigt parameter is clearly discerned on the stability of both types of flows. The variations of streamlines at the dominant mode of instability are analyzed to understand the instability mechanism and to provide information regarding the secondary flow pattern.
Dyslipidemia trends in young adults in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Zhi Xiao-Yu , Zheng Ying-Ying , Wang Zhi-Long , Sun Chang-Hao , Yin Xin , Liu Yi-Tian , Wu Ting-Ting , Xie Xiang
Published: January 2023

Aim
To clarify the prevalence of dyslipidemia and trends in changes in lipid profile in young college students.
Methods
This was a retrospective, longitudinal study. A sample of 937 students from Xinjiang Medical University was included. All baseline data and blood lipid tests obtained from 2018 and 2021 physical exams were evaluated. The trends are computed using linear regression.
Results
Compared with 2018, the incidence of dyslipidemia increased significantly in 2021, and the mean values of body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) increased, while the mean values of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) decreased significantly. In the sub-analysis of sex, ethnicity, and BMI groups, we found that the values of the cardiovascular risk components were higher in males than in females, and that the increase in the prevalence of dyslipidemia over three years was more specific in males than in females. Differences in blood lipid composition across ethnic groups were more pronounced in 2021, with significant increases in the prevalence of low LDL-C and dyslipidemia within the Han, Uygur and Kazak ethnic groups, as well as among lean, normal, overweight and obese groups based on BMI nutritional status. The rate of dyslipidemia increases with BMI. The incidence of high TG, high LDL-C and low HDL-C was significantly higher in the obese group than in the other groups. The results of linear regression revealed that, in total students (R2 = 0.315), Sex (β=-1.125, P < 0.001), SBP (β = 0.034, P = 0.002), DBP (β = 0.058, P < 0.001), TG (β = 1.047, P < 0.001), HDL (β=-2.474, P < 0.001) were the independent risk factors of BMI.
Conclusions
This study demonstrates an increasing trend of dyslipidemia in young adults, which enriches the limited data on early changes in lipid profiles and gives insight into the distress of dyslipidemia in young adults.
‘Hearing nothing from those caring for my patient is depressing’: Family members’ perception of their needs in intensive care unit at Kamuzu Central Hospital, Malawi
Authors: Kalolo Angellina Mankhamba , Mula Chimwemwe , Gundo Rodwell
Published: January 2023

Background
Family members are the first people that recognize satisfactory care provided to their patients regardless of the outcome. However, little is known about the perceptions of family members regarding their needs when a relative is admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). We explored family members’ perceptions of their needs in the ICU at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe, Malawi.
Study Designs and Methods
The study used a qualitative descriptive design. We purposively selected 12 participants from immediate family members of patients hospitalized for 48 hours or more in ICU and adult HDU at Kamuzu Central Hospital. Data were collected through in-depth interviews. Data analysis followed the steps of conventional content analysis.
Findings
The following four themes were identified: perceived information, physical, and psychosocial needs, and coping mechanisms of the family members. The findings indicated that family members need to access information about their patient’s progress to lessen their anxiety as a priority compared to other needs such as comfort, and foodstuffs among others.
Conclusion
This study suggests that there should be a collaborative relationship between the ICU team and family members in order to meet their needs. Health professionals should be aware of how strong family members need information about their patients. The findings affirm the need to offer the basic guidelines or standards developed by both health professionals and family members on their needs and support when they have a patient in ICU.