bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of blood pressure variation in recovered COVID-19 patients at one-year follow-up: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Azami Pouria , Vafa Reza Golchin , Heydarzadeh Reza , sadeghi Mehrdad , Amiri Farhang , Azadian Alireza , Khademolhosseini Amin , Yousefi Mina , Montaseri mohammad , Hosseini Nazanin , Hosseini seyed ali , Kojuri Javad
Published: September 2023

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has various sequelae, one of which might be hypertension. We aimed to evaluate COVID-19’s impact on blood pressure (BP) in non-hospitalized patients at one-year follow-up.
Method: A total of 7,950 consecutive COVID-19 patients regularly visiting our cardiology clinic were retrospectively screened. Patients' electronic medical records including demographics, comorbidities, vital signs, treatments, and outcomes, were reviewed by two physicians. Individuals with at least one BP measurement in the three months preceding COVID-19 and one measurement in 12 months or more following recovery were included. BP levels before and after COVID-19 were compared using the paired t-test.
Results: 5,355 confirmed COVID-19 patients (mean age 55.51 ± 15.38 years) were included. Hypertension (56.9%) and diabetes mellitus (34%) were the predominant comorbidities, and 44.3% had prior major adverse cardiovascular events. Both systolic (126.90 ± 20.91 vs. 139.99 ± 23.94 mmHg, P<0.001) and diastolic BP (80.54 ± 13.94 vs. 86.49 ± 14.40 mmHg, P<0.001) were significantly higher post-COVID-19 vs. pre-COVID-19. Notably, 456 (14%) hypertensive patients experienced exacerbated hypertension, while 408 (17%) patients developed new-onset hypertension, overall 864 (16%) of patients had exacerbation or new hypertension. Linear regression analysis revealed that advanced age, smoking, previous cardiovascular events, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus predict increased BP following COVID-19 (P <0.001).
Conclusion: COVID-19 raised systolic and diastolic BP in the long term in non-hospitalized patients, with over one-sixth developing new-onset or exacerbated hypertension. All patients should be evaluated regarding BP, following COVID-19 recovery, particularly those with the mentioned predictive factors. (clinicaltrial.gov: NCT05798208)
Maternal Periodontitis as a Risk Factor for Preterm Birth: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Gilani Imran , Niaz Aiman , Afridi Saira
Published: September 2023

Background
Preterm birth is a heterogeneous condition with multiple underlying causes, and periodontal diseases are one of them. There are approximately 900,000 preterm births reported in Pakistan each year, with a global prevalence of 11.1%. Oral infections such as periodontitis during pregnancy are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes such as low birth weight and preterm births. However, different studies have reported contradictory findings. We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the association of preterm birth with oral infection in pregnancy.
Methods
We conducted an observational cross-sectional study on 400 postpartum pregnant women in Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar. Only women within the age bracket 18 to 40 years were recruited. Mothers who had less than 6 teeth and a history of systemic diseases were excluded. Data were collected by an interview-based structured questionnaire. The Severity and Extent index was used to assess the periodontal health of participants. Frequency tables were generated, and the chi-square test was used to determine associations between different categorical variables.
Results
The mean age of the participants was 25.8 ± 4.9 years. Approximately 87.5% of the women had generalized periodontitis. Approximately 68% of mothers had moderate severity of periodontitis. The extent index showed no notable difference between the preterm and full-term birth groups. In contrast, the severity index displayed a statistically significant difference between the preterm and full-term birth groups.
Conclusion
The majority of the women had generalized periodontitis. The severity index demonstrated a significant association between maternal periodontitis and preterm births. There was no association between the age of mothers and preterm births. Complications in pregnancy were not associated with preterm births.
Treatment of Moderate and Severe Pelvic Organ Prolapse by Biomechanical Reconstruction: A Series of 135 patients
Authors: Wang Xingqi , Yang Xunguo , Lin Han , Gao Zhenhua , Zhang Quan , Li Ling , Tian Daoming , Wen Yubin , Chen Lihua , Shen Jihong
Published: September 2023

Objective
To evaluate the efficacy of pelvic floor biomechanical reconstruction surgery in patients with moderate and severe pelvic organ prolapse (POP).
Materials and methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 135 patients diagnosed with moderate and severe pelvic organ prolapse (POP) who underwent pelvic floor biomechanical reconstruction at the Urogynecology Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University from January 2021 to May 2022. The procedure included anterior compartment mesh inlay, posterior colporrhaphy, and reconstruction of perineal body. Follow-up examinations were systematically performed at 3 months, 6 months and annually after the surgery. The primary outcomes assessed were objective and subjective cure rates, while the secondary outcomes included recurrence rate, reoperation rate, and complications. Anatomic evaluation was conducted using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System (POP-Q) and sonographic imaging of pelvic floor functional anatomy. Patient’s satisfaction was evaluated using the Patient Global Impression of Improvement Scale (PGI-I).
Results
All operations were successfully completed, with the exception of one case that experienced an intraoperative bladder injury. At a follow-up of 10.4 ± 3.3 months, out of the 135 patients evaluated, statistically significant improvements were observed in the POP-Q points compared to preoperative measurements at the 6-month, 1-year and 2-year time points (p < .001). Additionally, postoperatively, the Urethral Rotation Angle (URA), Restrovesical Angle (RVA), Levator Hiatus Area (LHA) at maximum Valsalva state, and Bladder Neck Descent (BND) were significantly lower than their preoperative values (p < .05). At 1 year 1.5% patients had mesh exposure, and the reoperation rate was 2.2%. More than 90% of patients expressed highly satisfaction with the surgical outcome.
Conclusions
Pelvic floor biomechanical reconstruction is a safe technique that has shown promising results and low complication rates. It may serve as a viable alternative to sacral hysteropexy for patients with POP.
Neighborhood Effects on the Health of Elderly Persons: Evidence from China
Authors: xia dongping , Gong Ren-gui , Hu Yang-ming , Hu Zan , Xiang Hua
Published: September 2023

Background
Presently, global aging has become increasingly serious, whereas the health concerns brought by aging have become a public issue that warrants an urgent solution from all countries across the world. Therefore, this research paper discusses the influence of neighborhood health on elderly individuals' health, and extending a realistic basis for the other economies to improve the neighborhood environment and promote the health of the elderly.
Methods
Based on the data of CHARLS2018, this research paper adopts the samples that fulfill the study requirements (N = 7326). we constructed a comprehensive research framework integrating ordinary least square (OLS) regression, heterogeneity analysis, IV-2SLS, robustness testing, Furthermore, the KHB decomposition method is implemented to ascertain the influential mechanism of NMH and NPH on the mental- and physical health of elderly persons.
Results
The OLS regression analysis indicates that NMH 0.241 and NPH 0.294 exert positive influences on the elderly’s mental- and physical health. Meanwhile, the effects of IV-2SLS on NPH and NMH stand at 0.346 and 0.207, which are different from the OLS regression results; thereby, indicating the existence of endogeneity. Afterward, KHB mediating effect confirms that Internet use, gift reciprocity, and charity activity contribute 13.48% and 28.16% to physical- and mental health, respectively.
Conclusions
Firstly, the NPH and NMH demonstrate a positive influence on the physical and mental health of the elder population. However, there exist heterogeneous differences. Secondly, the IV-2SLS model deals with the endogeneity of NPH and NMH. Thirdly, social integration, social interaction, and social engagement serve as significant transmission mechanisms for the influences of NMH and NPH on the health of elderly persons.
Advances in phase changing materials in solar thermal energy storage and applications
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Thakur Amit Kumar , Gupta Lovi Raj , Gehlot Anita , Sikarwar Vineet Singh
Published: September 2023

Phase-changing materials are nowadays getting global attention on account of their ability to store excess energy. Solar thermal energy can be stored in phase changing material (PCM) in the forms of latent and sensible heat. The stored energy can be suitably utilized for other applications such as space heating and cooling, water heating, and further industrial processing where low-temperature heat energy is required. The presented work attempts to evaluate past, present, and future trends in the development of energy storage materials and their encapsulation techniques for efficient utilization of the available energy. Hybrid PCM with nanoparticles has excellent potential to tailor thermo-physical properties and uplift the efficiency of energy storage systems. Synergistic use of PCM with nano-micro material can further improve the capacity of energy storage system along with the charging and discharging efficiencies of the system. Impacts of the size of particle, concentration ratio, and shape of particle have been studied to assess their effectiveness in enhancing storage efficiency of the systems. Waste heat recovered and stored in energy storage materials can undoubtedly improve the total energy availability of the source; thus, enhancing the exergy efficiency with simultaneous reduction in the entropy generation rate. Core-shell nanoparticles can further improve the optical absorptance spectra towards an infrared region of thermal energy. Encapsulation techniques, hybrid non-enhanced PCM and contentment designs can further augment the energy storage and discharging efficiency which in turn can diversify their applications in various systems.
Correlates of Climate Change Risk Perception:
Evidence from Latin America
Authors: Fasolin Guilherme , Spektor Matias , Marques Renan , Camargo Juliana
Published: September 2023

Climate change risk perceptions are subjective constructs through which individuals make sense of potential damage or harm resulting from climate change. Identifying the determinant factors that influence such perceptions is consequential because assessments of risk can facilitate or hinder public participation in climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. Scholars have shown that in the rich societies of the West, climate risk perception is associated with knowledge, political orientation, demographics, emotions, and personal experience with extreme weather events. Here we test the validity of these findings in the developing world. Through surveys, we show that unlike it is the case in the developed world, in Latin America climate risk perception is influenced by affect but not by cognition, ideology, demographics, or exposure to experience. We anticipate our findings to be a starting point for more sophisticated public risk communication strategies tailored for audiences in the Global South.
Bibliometric analysis, physical properties, and experimental evaluation of additives-diesel ternary blends
Authors: Kumar Chandan , Kumar Mukesh , Das Umesh Kumar , Sharma Sumit
Published: September 2023

Petroleum fuel availability faces a significant challenge in today's world, primarily due to its heightened demand and overreliance on imports. The rapid pace of urbanization, intertwined with factors like air quality, economic considerations, and fuel availability, has ignited a growing awareness of the pressing need for a cleaner environment and the search for alternative fuel sources. As global emissions limits continue to rise, there is a collective pursuit of improved fuels that can seamlessly integrate with compression ignition engines. A comprehensive bibliometric analysis further underscores the escalating worldwide research efforts in this critical domain. According to the existing literature, nitromethane and 2-ethoxy ethyl acetate have demonstrated superior physical and combustion properties compared to other additives. To explore their potential, a meticulous performance and emission analysis was conducted using a single-cylinder, 4-stroke VCR CI engine, employing varying proportions of 2-ethoxy ethyl acetate and a constant 2% blend of nitromethane, with EEA concentrations ranging from 5%, 10%, to 15% (v/v). This research delved into the influence of these diverse fuel blends on the performance of CI engines and exhaust characteristics within a compression ratio spectrum spanning from 17 to 20. The experimental findings revealed that ternary blends, although having a marginal impact on engine performance, exhibited lower emissions compared to pure diesel. The pinnacle of this investigation emerged with the EEA5NM2D93 blend, which yielded optimal results in terms of both performance and emission characteristics.
Computational Study of Rapid Direct Metal Laser Sintering for Compression Mold Manufacturing
Authors: Mirzaei Shokoufeh , Siaumau Ryan
Published: September 2023

Compression mold tooling fabrication has been traditionally conducted via machining processes—for example, computerized numerical control machining, mill, or lathe operations. While subtractive manufacturing operations provide high-precision tooling, they have an extended lead time and generate material waste, which increases manufacturing costs. This paper analyzes Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) as a viable alternative to traditional compression mold manufacturing. DMLS is an additive manufacturing process that uses high-powered lasers to fuse metal powders in a layered approach to create high-precision metal components. Through layering materials, DMLS can produce complex geometries which can have features impossible to machine from traditional manufacturing methods. Additionally, DMLS uses less material for parts, reducing material costs and lead times. In this paper, DMLS manufactured mold was computationally studied against a traditional compression mold's thermal and pressure requirements. The DMLS mold was designed with a honeycomb structure to reduce material usage while maintaining structural integrity. Computational Analysis showed that the production requirement, “maximum deflection of 0.001 inches”, was achieved with the DMLS when pressures and temperatures were similar to those required for the tooling. In addition, DMLS-produced mold utilized 74% less material than a traditionally manufactured mold.
Rivaroxaban Plus Aspirin vs Dual Antiplatelet Therapy in Endovascular Treatment in Peripheral Artery Disease and Analysis of Medication Utilization of different Lesioned vascular regions
Authors: H SiYan , Che Jun
Published: September 2023

Background
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) necessitates administration of anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications. Dual antiplatelet therapy(DAPT) and rivaroxaban show promise in reducing adverse outcomes. Heterogeneity in lower limb artery pathology may calls for personalized treatment strategies.
METHODS
In a single-center retrospective study, pharmacotherapy in peripheral artery disease involved aspirin plus rivaroxaban（5 mg twice daily） or aspirin plus clopidogrel（75 mg once daily). The primary efficacy outcome was a composite of Rutherford classification increase, acute limb ischemia, amputation for vascular reasons, target lesion revascularization, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and cardiovascular death.The primary safety outcome was major bleeding, defined according to the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) classification; major bleeding as defined by the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) was a secondary safety outcome.Two subgroups analyzed: suprapatellar and infrapatellar arterial lesion-only patients.
Results
From January 2016 to December 2021, 455 patients received clopidogrel plus aspirin or rivaroxaban plus aspirin after endovascular treatment(EVT). Rivaroxaban group (n=220) had lower primary efficacy outcome incidence (49.1% vs 60.4%, hazard ratio(HR) 0.77, P=0.006), but more TIMI major bleeding events (5.9% vs 2.1%, HR 2.6, P=0.04). ISTH major bleeding events did not significantly differ, though more rivaroxaban patients discontinued medication due to bleeding(10% vs 4.7%, HR 2.2,P=0.03). In suprapatellar subgroup, rivaroxaban group had lower primary efficacy outcome incidence (28.2% vs 45.2%，HR 0.55, P=0.02). In infrapatellar subgroup, No significant difference was found in the occurrence of primary efficacy events between the two groups (58.7% vs 64.8%，HR 0.76, P=0.14).
Conclusion
Rivaroxaban plus aspirin improved outcomes compared to DAPT in lower extremity artery disease. Similar findings were seen in the suprapatellar artery lesion-only group. In the infrapatellar artery lesion-only group, rivaroxaban plus aspirin did not outperform DAPT. Safety-wise, Rivaroxaban plus aspirin had higher bleeding risks and treatment discontinuation compared to aspirin plus clopidogrel.
A Comparative Analysis Of Machine Learning Algorithms To Predict Backorder In Supply Chain Management
Authors: Banik Semonti , Islam Md. Rifatul , Rahman Kazi Naimur , Rahman Md. Abdur
Published: September 2023

In supply chain inventory management, the backorder of products is a common occurrence. A backorder can only be successful if the supplier can be relied upon to provide the out-of-stock product when required or if the consumer is prepared to wait for the product without becoming impatient. So, to avoid uncertain circumstances and lessen the loss, it is important to know which goods are more likely to be back-ordered ahead of time so that appropriate measures can be taken. This work presents a backorder predictive model based on an imbalanced historical dataset obtained from an online source. The data has undergone sampling techniques, various Machine Learning algorithms, and evaluation metrics. After Random Undersampling (RUS), Random Forest (RF) achieved the highest accuracy of 99.328% while an accuracy of 98.917% was obtained from Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) model, which was highest after applying Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE). XGBoost has outperformed other models with highest ROC-AUC score of 94.55% and 95.93% for oversampled and undersampled data respectively. In this paper, we made a visualization of the attributes of the dataset, then applied and analyzed Machine Learning algorithms to predict the backorder.
Test and numerical simulation of vibratory pile sinking in expansive soil layer
Authors: Zhang Tao , Cai Min , Shan Cancan , Shu Dongqing , Chen Jun
Published: September 2023

In order to study the pile sinking characteristics of steel sheet piles (H-shape) under vibratory loading in expansive soil layer, the test results of pile sinking depth and pile sinking rate in expansive soil layer were obtained through field tests under two different conditions, i.e. without auxiliary measures and with the auxiliary measures of "hydrodynamic method". Using finite element numerical analysis method, a three-dimensional numerical calculation model was established under the two different conditions to simulate and analyse the pile sinking process, and the ultimate depth of pile sinking in expansive soil layer was obtained, which reveals the variation rules and characteristics of the pile side friction resistance and the total pile side resistance. The results can be used to assess the reliability of pile sinking in expansive soil layer and provide quantitative reference for the design and construction of vibratory loaded pile sinking in expansive soil layer.
Unignorable Influence of Chest Pain on Mood Symptoms and Prognostic Values in Coronary Artery Disease: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Tan Hanxuan , Xu Mingyu , Li Weiya , Liu Quanjun , Yin Han , Geng Qingshan
Published: September 2023

Background
Prior studies examining depression and anxiety among individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD) have predominantly concentrated on their connection with clinical and laboratory markers, disregarding the profound effect of the cardinal symptom—chest pain. The potential influence of chest pain on the prognostic significance of depression and anxiety, encompassing cardiovascular outcomes, has yet to be fully investigated.
Methods
Secondary analyses based on a cross-sectional research for investigating prevalence of mood symptoms/disorder in CAD patients. Five-hundred and sixty-one consecutive inpatients were enrolled. The prognostic data was consistently monitored over a median follow-up period of 26 months. The aims of this study were to determine the influence of chest pain on depression and anxiety symptoms and their prognostic effects in CAD. Logistic regression models were used for selecting the most relevant predictors for mood symptoms. Cox regression model were applied for analyzing the prognostic values.
Results
The prevalence of having depression and anxiety symptoms in CAD reached 37.6% and 27.3%, respectively. Comprehensive analyses revealed that the primary correlated factors for depression were chest pain frequency, age, history of diabetes, and exercise time, and for anxiety were chest pain frequency, chest pain course, and education level. As the common and strongest predictor, chest pain frequency demonstrated a dose-dependent relationship with the risk for mood symptoms. Chest pain frequency and course were not directly associated with prognosis, however impact the prognostic effect of mood symptoms. The association between major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and depression symptoms was primarily observed in patients with a high chest pain frequency, whereas with anxiety was mainly presented in patients with a short chest pain course. For noncardiac rehospitalization, anxiety presented higher predictive value in participants with low chest pain frequencies, while depression was right the opposite.
Conclusions
These findings underscore the significance of considering chest pain as a crucial factor when investigating the influence of mood symptoms in CAD patients. Particularly, individuals with mood symptoms who experience frequent chest pain episodes despite a short course warrant special attention. Enhancing their emotional well-being and addressing chest pain symptoms might potentially yield valuable clinical benefits.
Drivers of unprofessional behaviour between staff in acute care hospitals: A realist review
Authors: Aunger Justin Avery , Maben Jill , Abrams Ruth , Wright Judy M , Mannion Russell , Pearson Mark , Jones Aled , Westbrook Johanna I
Published: September 2023

Background
Unprofessional behaviours (UB) between healthcare staff are rife in global healthcare systems, negatively impacting staff wellbeing, patient safety and care quality. Drivers of UBs include organisational, situational, team, and leadership issues which interact in complex ways. An improved understanding of these factors and their interactions would enable future interventions to better target these drivers of UB.
Methods
A realist review following RAMESES guidelines was undertaken with stakeholder input. Initial theories were formulated drawing on reports known to the study team and scoping searches. A systematic search of databases including Embase, CINAHL, MEDLINE and HMIC was performed to identify literature for theory refinement. Data were extracted from these reports, synthesised, and initial theories tested, to produce refined programme theories.
Results
We included 81 reports (papers) from 2,977 deduplicated records of grey and academic reports and 28 via Google, stakeholders, and team members, yielding a total of 109 reports. Five categories of contributor were formulated: (1) workplace disempowerment; (2) harmful workplace processes and cultures; (3) inhibited social cohesion; (4) reduced ability to speak up; and (5) lack of manager awareness and urgency. These resulted in direct increases to UB, reduced ability of staff to cope, and reduced ability to report, challenge or address UB. Twenty-three theories were developed to explain how these contributors work and interact, and how their outcomes differ across diverse staff groups. Staff most at risk of UB include women, new staff, staff with disabilities, and staff from minoritised groups. UB negatively impacted patient safety by impairing concentration, communication, ability to learn, confidence, and interpersonal trust.
Conclusion
Existing research has focused primarily on individual characteristics, but these are inconsistent, difficult to address, and can be blamed to deflect organisational responsibility. We present a comprehensive programme theory furthering understanding of contributors to UB, how they work and why, how they interact, whom they affect, and how patient safety is impacted. More research is needed to understand how and why minoritised staff are disproportionately affected by UB.
Study registration
This study was registered on the international database of prospectively registered systematic reviews in health and social care (PROSPERO): https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021255490.
EMT-related gene risk model establishment for prognosis and drug treatment efficiency prediction in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Gao Xiaqing , Yang Chunting , Li Hailong , Shao Lihua , Wang Meng , Su Rong
Published: September 2023

This study was designed to evaluate the prognosis and pharmacological therapy sensitivity of epithelial mesenchymal transition-related genes (EMTRGs) that obtained from the EMTome database in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using bioinformatical method. The expression status of EMTRGs were also investigated using the clinical information of HCC patients supported by TCGA database and the ICGC database to establish the TCGA cohort as the training set and the ICGC cohort as the validation set. The differentially expressed EMTRGs between HCC tissue and liver tissue in the TCGA cohort were investigated to perform the WGCNA analysis. Subsequently, the data were then analyzed in the order of univariate COX regression, LASSO regression, and multivariate COX regression to construct a risk model for EMTRGs. In addition, enrichment pathways, gene mutation status, immune infiltration, and response to drugs were also analyzed in the high-risk and low-risk groups of the TCGA cohort, and the protein expression status of EMTRGs was verified. The results showed a total of 286 differentially expressed EMTRGs in the TCGA cohort, and EZH2, S100A9, TNFRSF11B, SPINK5, and CCL21 were used for modeling. The TCGA cohort was found to have a worse outcome in the high-risk group of HCC patients, and the ICGC cohort confirmed this finding. In addition, EMTRGs risk score was shown to be an independent prognostic factor in both cohorts by univariate and multivariate Cox regression. The results of GSEA analysis showed that most of the enriched pathways in the high-risk group were associated with tumor, and the pathways enriched in the low-risk group were mainly associated with metabolism. Patients in various risk groups had varying immunological conditions, and the high-risk group might benefit more from targeted treatments. To sum up, the EMTRGs risk model was developed to forecast the prognosis for HCC patients, and the model might be useful in assisting in the choice of treatment drugs for HCC patients.
The characteristics of vaginal microbiome comparing pre- and post-testosterone treatment in transgender men
Authors: Paniachaya Punika , Panyakhamlerd Krasean , Suwan Ammarin , Ariyasriwatana Chai , Visedthorn Suthida , Chanchaem Prangwalai , Klomkliew Pavit , Payungporn Sunchai , Nilgate Sumanee , Chatsuwan Tanittha , Tuntiviriyapun Punkavee , Chavaengkiat Suchanant , Bumphenkiatikul Thanapob , Nimitpanya Panachai
Published: September 2023

Sex hormone levels affect the composition of vaginal flora. Changes in the vaginal microbiome affect individual health. Among transgender men (TM) who receive gender-affirming treatment, there can be a change in the vaginal microbiome causing adverse effects that are neglected by both transgender individuals and healthcare professionals. This study aims to understand the influence of testosterone on the vaginal microbiome. This prospective study was conducted at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. All TM who had not yet received testosterone were included. High-throughput sequencing was used to evaluate the bacterial community profiles. Testosterone enanthate 150 mg IM every three weeks was given. Vaginal health was reevaluated 12 weeks after treatment. The primary outcome was to compare the vaginal microbiome before and after using testosterone. Twenty-six participants were included in the analysis. Compared to pretestosterone treatment, testosterone-treated TM had a lower likelihood of having Lactobacillus as their dominant bacterial species, considerably higher relative bacterial abundance, and higher alpha diversity (p<0.01). Clinically, after administering testosterone for 12 weeks, participants reported more symptoms (p=0.04), higher vaginal atrophy scores (p<0.01), lower normal flora scores (p<0.01), higher vaginal pH (p<0.01), and worse scores for vaginal maturation values (p<0.01).
Exploring Changes in Facial Microbiota of Maskne Patients and Healthy Individuals Before and After Mask Wearing Using 16S rRNA Analysis
Authors: Deng Kexin , Tong Xiaofei , Chen Shuyue , Wu Guojun , Shi Ke , Chen Hao , Tan YuRong , Liao Junlin , Zhou Jianda , Zhao Junxiang
Published: September 2023

Whether in the field of medical care or in people's daily life and health protection, increased emphasis has been put on the significance of masks. Acne is the most common complication after wearing masks, which is also called as Maskne and has been successfully introduced into the common language,and been a common topic of dermatologist consultations. This study aims to study the microflora changes of Maskne patients and normal people before and after wearing masks. In the summer 2023, we collected a total of 50 samples from 15 Maskne patients and 10 normal people before and after wearing masks for a long time. 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing and identification technology with V3-V4 variable region were adopted to explore the microbiome changes caused by mask-wearing, analyzing the changes in microbial diversity, and making interaction network. LDA effect size analysis and ANOVA t-test were used to find changed microorganisms. After Maskne patients wore masks,the changing degree of their microbiomes was significantly more than those of normal people,with both α diversity and β diversity lower than those of Maskne patients before wearing masks and those of normal people after wearing masks.Co-occurrence network analysis showed that compared with other groups, the network of Maskne patients after wearing masks for a longtime had the lowest connectivity and complexity, but the highest clustering property,while the normal people group was the opposite. Many microbes that are potentially beneficial to the skin decreased significantly after wearing the mask.There was almost no difference in normal people before and after wearing masks.
Equitable clean cooking:-solar Injera stoves with sensible heat storage
Authors: Tesfay Asfafaw Haileselassie , Kahsay Mulu Bayray , Hailu Mesele Hayelom , Nydal Ole Jørgen
Published: September 2023

Energy poverty is at its highest risk in Africa and yet introducing clean and modern energy in rural Africa demands huge resource. Most African rural use biomass energy in traditional cook stoves. Similarly, Ethiopia’s rural are using traditional stoves with their associated risks. Injera, the highly consumed food in the country is the most energy intensive cooking activity. Authors’ previous researches have proved that it is possible to bake Injera by using solar stoves. However, optimization and safety issues need further study. This paper has focused on demonstrating safe and affordable indirect solar Injera stoves that considered end users economy, ergonomics and versatility of the system. Solar Injera stove with integrated latent heat storage gives good degree of freedom in terms of baking time. However, its high cost remained challenging to implement in rural communities. This research uses a sensible heat storage that lasts for about 30 minutes of baking and avoids the high cost and high-risk concerns of Authors’ previous innovation. Similar to the other works of the authors, this study has also demonstrated Injera baking in the range of 130–150 ºC is best baking temperature range. The symmetry nature of the charging and discharging nature makes these innovations ideal for continuous heat collection and baking. Consequently, it makes it easy to revolutionize clean and affordable solar Injera stoves.
T1 Hypointense Brain Lesions in NMOSD and Its Relevance with Disability: A Single Institution Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Hashemi Mohamad Ghazanfari , Talebi Vahid , Kasbi Naghmeh Abbasi , Abbasi Mehrshad , Asgari Nasrin , Sahraian Mohammad Ali
Published: September 2023

1. Background: T1 hypointense lesions are considered a surrogate marker of tissue destruction. Although there is a dearth of evidence about T1 hypointense brain lesions, black holes, in patients with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD), the clinical significance of these lesions is not well determined.
2. Objectives: The impact of T1 hypointense brain lesions on the clinical status and the disability level of patients with NMOSD, was sought in this study.
3. Methods: A total of 83 patients with the final diagnosis of NMOSD were recruited.
Aquaporin-4 measures were collected. The expanded disability status scale (EDSS) and MRI studies were also extracted.
T1 hypointense and T2/FLAIR hyperintense lesions were investigated. The correlation of MRI findings, AQP-4, and EDSS was assessed.
4. Results: T1 hypointense brain lesions were detected in 22 patients. Mean ± SD EDSS was 3.7± 1.5 and was significantly higher in patients with brain T1 hypointense lesions compared to those without them (p-value = 0.01). Noticeably, patients with more than four T1 hypointense lesions had EDSS scores ≥ 4. The presence of T2/FLAIR hyperintense brain lesions correlated with EDSS, as well (3.6±1.6 vs 2.3±1.7; p-value = 0.01). EDSS was similar between those with and without positive AQP-4 (2.7± 1.6 vs. 3.2± 1.7; p-value= 0.17). Also, positive AQP-4 was not more prevalent in patients with T1 hypointense brain lesions compared to those without them (50.9 vs 45.4%; p-value= 0.8).
5. Conclusion: We demonstrated that the presence of the brain T1-hypointense lesions corresponds to a higher disability level in NMOSD.
Knowledge graph-based small sample learning for label of medical imaging reports
Authors: Zhang Yuxuan , Gu Zongyun , Jia Pengcheng , Li Tiancheng , Lu Wenhao , Ge Mingxin , Chen Linyu , Li Chuanfu
Published: September 2023

Background: Through the utilization of knowledge graph and small sample learning, the study effectively tackled the challenges of data scarcity and automatic annotation in the field of medical image recognition with the application of artificial intelligence technology.
Methods: Initially, 2000 X-ray reports of the lumbar spine were labeled manually employing a knowledge graph approach. These reports were subsequently split into a training dataset of 1000 cases and a test dataset of 1000 cases. Following this, distinct levels of data augmentation, namely the synonym/apposition method, were applied to the training dataset. Subsequently, the deep learning model BERT (Bidirectional Encoder Representation of Transformer) was utilized for the training process. Afterward, the BERT model is tested on the specified test dataset, and subsequently, the nodes showing insufficient performance are supplemented with iterative target data. Finally, the method is evaluated by using various metrics including AUC(Area Under Curve), F1 score, precision, recall and relabelled rate.
Results: Before conducting data augmentation, the AUC value was 0.621, the F1 value was 32.1%, the average precision was 0.383, and the average recall was 0.303. Following data augmentation, the AUC value improved to 0.789, the F1 value improved to 70.3%, the average precision improved to 0.879, and the average recall improved to 0.580. After targeted data supplementation, the AUC reached 0.899, the F1 value reached 85.7%, the average precision reached 0.952, and the average recall reached 0.803.
Conclusions: The current study achieves its objective by training an automatic annotation model using a knowledge graph-based approach to annotate medical imaging reports on a small sample dataset. Furthermore, this approach enhances both the efficiency and accuracy of medical imaging data annotation, providing a significant research strategy for applying artificial intelligence in the field of medical image recognition.
Non-Contrast Ultrasound Image Analysis for Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Blood Flow After Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Routkevitch Denis , Soulé Zoe , Kats Nicholas , Baca Emily , Hersh Andrew M. , Kempski-Leadingham Kelley M. , Menta Arjun K. , Bhimreddy Meghana , Jiang Kelly , Davidar A. Daniel , Smit Constantin , Theodore Nicholas , Thakor Nitish V. , Manbachi Amir
Published: September 2023

Ultrasound technology can provide high-resolution imaging of blood flow following spinal cord injury (SCI). Blood flow imaging may improve critical care management of SCI, yet is limited clinically by the invasive nature of contrast agent injection required for high-resolution, continuous monitoring. In this study, we aim to establish non-contrast ultrasound as a clinically translatable imaging technique for spinal cord blood flow via comparison to contrast-based methods and by measuring the spatial distribution of blood flow after SCI. A rodent model of contusion SCI at the T12 spinal level was carried out using three different impact forces. We compared images of spinal cord blood flow taken using both non-contrast and contrast-enhanced ultrasound. Subsequently, we processed the images as a function of distance from injury, yielding the distribution of blood flow through space after SCI, and found the following. (1) Both non-contrast and contrast-enhanced imaging methods resulted in similar blood flow distributions (Spearman’s ρ = 0.55, p < 0.0001). (2) We found an area of decreased flow at the injury epicenter, or umbra (p < 0.0001). Unexpectedly, we found increased flow at the periphery, or penumbra (rostral, p < 0.05; caudal, p < 0.01), following SCI. However, distal flow remained unchanged, in what is presumably unaffected tissue. (3) Finally, tracking blood flow in the injury zones over time revealed interesting dynamic changes. After an initial decrease, blood flow in the penumbra increased during the first 10 minutes after injury, while blood flow in the umbra and distal tissue remained constant over time. These results demonstrate the viability of non-contrast ultrasound as a clinical monitoring tool. Furthermore, our surprising observations of increased flow in the injury periphery pose interesting new questions about how the spinal cord vasculature reacts to SCI, with potentially increased significance of the penumbra.
Polypyrrole-wool composite with electrical heating properties fabricated via layer-by-layer method
Authors: Lee Suhyun
Published: September 2023

Conductive polymer-textile composites with electric heating features were developed by the in-situ polymerization of polypyrrole on wool-felt fabrics. In particular, the amount and uniformity of polypyrrole deposition inside the fabrics was controlled by consecutive cycles of layer-by-layer (LBL) in-situ polymerization. To analyze the interaction principle of wool fiber and polypyrrole and to explore the processing conditions that can maintain the mechanical properties of the composites, the appearance, add-on, and electrical heating performance were evaluated according to the number of LBL cycles. The polypyrrole formed spherical particles on the wool-felt after polymerization. As the number of LBL cycles increased, more polypyrrole particles were deposited. In the case of mechanical properties, the tensile strength and bending rigidity increased with the polypyrrole deposition, and the strain decreased; however, the difference according to the number of LBL cycles was insignificant. However, the electrical properties were implemented in the polypyrrole-wool composites by polymerization, and a rapid decrease in the surface resistance was observed until the second LBL cycle. In the case of electrical heating performance, the surface temperature increased by up to 15.5 ℃ when 12 V voltage was applied, and the surface temperature increased linearly as the number of LBL cycles increased. This electrical heating performance maintained a high temperature for a certain period, even after removing the voltage, owing to the low thermal conductivity of the wool fiber. In addition, the polypyrrole conductive layer maintained excellent conductivity even after repeated abrasion owing to the improvement in uniformity by the LBL cycles.
In vitro plant regeneration of Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. using shoot tips of mature trees
Authors: Das Shayantani , Mathew Binu , Dang Jiten Chandra
Published: September 2023

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) belonging to the family Moraceae is the largest fruit in the world. Jackfruit is a cross-pollinated species exhibiting wide genetic variation resulting in heterozygosis and degradation of the quality of seedlings. Additionally, due to the recalcitrant nature of the jackfruit seed, its storage, even for a short time, results in loss of viability and poor germination. Hence, propagation of the jackfruit plant from seeds is not recommended for commercial cultivation. Traditional ex vitro vegetative propagation methods such as budding, grafting, and cutting, show a slow growth rate, and the process is cumbersome and time consuming. To overcome these challenges and to produce true-to-type jackfruit plants for quality maintenance and sustenance, in vitro propagation using shoot tips from mature jackfruit trees was undertaken. The actively growing shoot tips from mature jackfruit trees were excised, washed, and sterilized with 70% ethanol and 0.1% HgCl2. This was followed by inoculating the explants on MS medium supplemented with various combinations of plant growth regulators to induce shoot proliferation and subsequent rooting. In the present study, the highest rate of shoot initiation (93.33%) with the highest number of shoots (5.93) per shoot explant was achieved on MS medium fortified with 3.0 mg/L BAP and 2.0 mg/L TDZ. The excised microshoots rooted on half-strength MS medium with 2.0 mg/L IBA induced the highest number of roots (8.07) per shoot. The in vitro obtained jackfruit plantlets were acclimatized the best in vermicompost-containing potted plants with a 95% survival rate. The gradually acclimatized jackfruit plants were further transferred to natural conditions, where 90% of the plants survived successfully.
Genome-wide association studies for identification of novel QTLs related to agronomic traits in Horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum)
Authors: Sharma Ankita , Chahota Rakesh Kumar
Published: September 2023

Horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum) is an important legume crop well adapted to harsh environments and has significant nutritional value. It is also well recognised due to its nutritional value, health benefits, drought tolerance, and ability to improve soil fertility. It is a versatile crop used in various dishes and is a valuable addition to any diet. However, in-depth molecular analysis must be improved to understand the molecular architecture regulating the essential traits. To achieve this, the study utilized a genome-wide association mapping approach using 88 horsegram accessions genotyped with 55656 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). A total of 54271 SNPs were mapped to the reference genome. Phenotypic data were collected for four agronomic and yield-related traits Plant height, Days to maturity, days to flowering and number of branches per plant. These traits played a significant role in plant growth, development, protection, and crop yield. The study identified 79 significant SNP-trait associations for the traits under study. The identified SNPs were in 8 chromosomes. The study also identified several novel genomic regions associated with the traits considered, providing new insights into the genetic basis of these essential traits in horse gram. Overall, the study highlights the potential of genome-wide association mapping for identifying genomic regions associated with important agronomic and yield-related traits in horsegram. This could facilitate the development of improved horsegram varieties through marker-assisted breeding programs and overcoming the morphological selection of desirable genotypes in the background of narrow genetic base.
Feasibility of a novel wearable thermal device for management of bothersome hot flashes in patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Peeke Pamela , Billes Sonja , Vetter Andrew , Naghavi Nader , Le Diana , Smith Matthew , Morgans Alicia
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND
This single-arm prospective study evaluated the feasibility of a novel wrist-worn thermal device that applies cooling to the inside of the wrist for management of bothersome hot flashes in prostate cancer survivors.
METHODS
57 individuals were enrolled and instructed to use the device as needed for 4 weeks. The primary outcome was thermal device usage (hours and sessions per day). Additional outcomes included the change in patient reported Hot Flash Related Daily Interference Scale (HFRDIS, range 0–10) and Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Sleep Disturbance 4a (PROMIS SD T-score, range 0-100) and Sleep Related Impairment 8a (PROMIS SRI T-score, range 0-100). Study procedures were conducted remotely from May to Dec 2021 in the US.
RESULTS
44 participants completed the study and 39 had retrievable usage data. The mean ± SD age was 67 ± 6 years and 5 ± 5 years since cancer diagnosis. Baseline scores indicated moderate hot flash interference (HFRDIS mean ± SD: 4.3 ± 2.0) and mild sleep disturbance (PROMIS SD: 56.4 ± 6.7). Mean ± SD use of the thermal device was 3.2 ± 2.5 hours/day and 7.6 ± 3.6 sessions/day. Most (67%) participants reported using the device 7 days/nights each week. Statistically significant improvements from baseline at Week 4 were observed for HFRDIS (mean ± SE change: -1.1 ± 0.3), PROMIS SD (-6.0 ± 1.0), and PROMIS SRI (-5.5 ± 1.2) scores (all p < .001). Improvements were also observed in subjective measures of hot flashes and night sweats. The majority (69%) of participants reported that the thermal device was effective at helping them manage hot flashes. No adverse events were reported.
CONCLUSIONS
Results support the feasibility of using the thermal device for management of bothersome hot flashes in prostate cancer survivors. Future randomized controlled studies are warranted to evaluate patient reported outcomes related to frequency and severity of hot flashes, sleep quality, fatigue, and overall quality of life.