bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An approach of scoring early host immune response from oro-nasopharyngeal swabs predicts covid-19 outcome providing possibility of early therapeutic intervention
Authors: Pal Jagannath , Rajput Yogita , Neral Arvind , Sherwani Nikita , Jain Vijaylakshmi , Sahu Malti , Paikra Fulsay , Lodhi Heeramani , Panda Ravindra , Jain Vinit , sundrani Omprakash , shammas MASOOD
Published: May 2023

Unpredictable fatal outcome of COVID-19 is attributed to dysregulated inflammation. The purpose of this study was to develop biomarkers for early detection of host immune impairment which may in turn identify high risk patients. We used RT-PCR to evaluate if impaired anti-inflammatory response (as defined by undetectable IL-10 in the presence of high expression of a representative interferon response gene) and/or impaired adaptive T cell response, assessed in leftover RNA samples extracted from oro-nasopharyngeal swab of COVID-19 patients at diagnosis, could serve as early prognostic marker/s. We demonstrate that a T cell response based ‘severity score’ comprising rational combination of Ct values of target genes can identify high risk noncomorbid potentially critical COVID-19 patients with a sensitivity of 91% (95% CI:58.7-99.8) and specificity of 92.6% (95% CI:75.7-99). Although inclusion of co-morbid patients reduced sensitivity to 77% (95% CI: 54.6-92.2), the specificity was still 94% (95% CI: 79.8-99.3). The work flow developed in the same pipeline of the COVID-19 diagnostic samples can also reduce expenditure and reporting time of the test for an earliest clinical decision ensuring possibility of early prophylactic treatment and rational management of patients.
The role and mechanism of miR-92a in endothelial autophagy
Authors: Cao Weili , Zhao Boxin , Gui Lin , Sun Xueyuan , Zhang Zhiyong , Huang Lijuan
Published: May 2023

Vascular endothelial cells (EC) are monolayer flat cells that form the vascular wall, and their dysfunction plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases.MicroRNA (miRNA) is a key regulatory factor that regulates multiple functions of EC, and is an ideal choice for diagnosis and treatment of various cardiovascular diseases.It is reported that miR-92a is up-regulated in the serum and cardiovascular tissues of patients with cardiovascular diseases. Elevated miR-92a leads to EC dysfunction by promoting EC inflammation, cell apoptosis and oxidative stress.However, it is not clear whether miR-92a affects EC autophagy. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore the effect of mir-92a on EC autophagy and the molecular mechanism of regulating EC autophagy.The autophagy inducer rapamycin (rapa) was used to treat EA. hy926 endothelial cells to construct endothelial cell autophagy model; The expression level of miR-92a was detected by qRT-PCR;The effect of miR-92a on the autophagy activity of EA. hy926 endothelial cells was studied by using liposome transfection technology to overexpress or inhibit miR-92a ;The level of autophagy was evaluated by western blot, immunofluorescence staining and transmission electron microscopy;Bioinformatics software and double luciferase experiment were used to to screen and confirm the combination of miR-92a and FOXO3;The results showed that the expression of miR-92a increased in the rapa-induced autophagy model of EA. hy926 endothelial cells;The experimental results after overexpression and inhibition of miR-92a showed that the up-regulation of miR-92a inhibited the autophagy of endothelial cells, while the inhibition of miR-92a promoted the autophagy of endothelial cells.In addition, miR-92a can directly bind to the 3 'untranslated region of the autophagy-related gene FOXO3 and reduce the expression of FOXO3.In conclusion, this study suggests that miR-92a may affect the occurrence and development of cardiovascular diseaseIn by targeting FOXO3 to inhibit the autophagy activity of EA. hy926 endothelial cells.
In silico clinical studies for the design of optimal COVID-19 vaccination schedules in patients with cancer
Authors: Jain Rakesh , Voutouri Chrysovalantis , Hardin C. Corey , Naranbhai Vivek , Nikmaneshi Mohammad , Khandekar Melin , Gainor Justin , Stylianopoulos Triantafyllos , Munn Lance
Published: May 2023

As we approach an endemic phase of COVID-19, there is an urgent need for the development of novel and flexible tools to predict the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines over the long term. This is particularly evident for patients with significant comorbidities, such as cancer, who may be underrepresented in general vaccine cohorts. More rigorous and scientifically grounded guidelines may help reduce the now prevalent "vaccine fatigue" (Stamm et al., Nature Medicine 2023). We propose that in silico clinical studies, i.e., use of computer simulations for the evaluation of a medicinal product or intervention, is a feasible solution. We have developed a mechanistic mathematical model of SARS-CoV-2 infection to better understand the mechanisms of COVID-19, that account for the specific characteristics of novel variants, including immune evasion and replicative potential. Previously, we used this modeling framework to predict the long-term effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in healthy individuals and those who have cancer or suppressed immune responses and performed in silico studies to predict vaccines effectiveness (Voutouri, et al, PNAS 2023). Here we present a comparison of our model predictions with data on bivalent vaccines. Our modeling framework provides a useful tool for predicting the effectiveness of booster doses for different vaccine variants, and our findings suggest that bivalent boosters are particularly effective for patients with cancer We hope that our study will contribute to the development of effective vaccination strategies for vulnerable populations.
Study on Etiological Shunting of Neonatal Cholestasis by High-Frequency Ultrasound Combined with Clinical Indicators
Authors: Xu Yaxuan , Tao Guowei , Sun Xiubin , Liu Qun , Li Wen , Zhou Dong , Zhuo Jing , Shi Dandan , Meng Dong , Huang Xiaoyang , Zhang Qiangye , Cong Xiang
Published: May 2023

Purpose Retrospectively evaluating the biliary atresia (BA) - related ultrasound (US) and clinical indictors and exploring the feasibility of surgical shunting for neonatal cholestasis (NC) with a simplified two-step strategy: clinical indicators and US evaluation.
Methods A total of 152 infants were enrolled and divided into BA group (80 cases) and non-BA group (72 cases). Their detailed US signs, clinical features and laboratory tests were collected, and their diagnostic performances were compared.
Results Among physical and routine laboratory indicators: pale stool, hepatomegaly, γ-glutamyl transferase > 117 U/L, direct bilirubin > 87.7 μmol/L, total bilirubin > 131.9 μmol/L appeared significantly different between the two groups. They could act as the early warning indicators for detailed US evaluation. The combination of the following five US signs had better diagnostic efficiency with highest sensitivity (100%): “anterior-wall thickness of the right portal vein >1.6 mm”, “triangular cord sign”, “portal vein diameter > 5.1 mm”, “hepatic subcapsular flow” or “porta hepatic cystic or tubular echoes”. They might act as US shunting signs for surgical exploration. Among the signs of abnormal gallbladder, “irregular gallbladder wall” showed higher efficiency (AUC 0.733), which followed by fasting gallbladder length ≤ 1.8 cm and non-visualization of gallbladder. Moreover, a new laboratory indicator - the matrix metallopeptidase-7 (MMP-7)had an excellent diagnostic value (AUC 0.989) with a cut-off value of 14.04 ng/ml.
Conclusions When the early clinical warning indicators appears in NC children, the intensive US evaluation may be helpful in the etiology shunting. And widely use of MMP-7 is promising.
Factors associated with an unsuppressed viral load among HIV-positive sexually transmitted infected patients attending STI services in South Africa, 2019
Authors: Mapiye Marceline , Ravhuhali Khuliso , de Voux Alex , Kufa Tendesayi
Published: May 2023

Background South Africa has a high burden of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In the absence of viral suppression, STIs may facilitate the onward transmission of HIV to uninfected partners. We determined factors associated with having an unsuppressed VL among HIV-positive patients attending STI services in South Africa.Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data on HIV-positive patients attending STI services at STI sentinel sites in Western Cape and Gauteng provinces between January–December 2019 in South Africa. We described the HIV-positive patients attending STI services by demographic and clinical factors. A Poisson regression model was used to identify factors associated with having an unsuppressed VL (> 50 copies/ml), considering a p-value cut-off of 0.25 for inclusion in a multivariable model and 95% CI with P < 0.05 statistically significant.Results Among the 93 HIV-positive patients attending STI services with VL data, the median age was 32 years (IQR 27–37 years). Overall, 32 (34.41%) patients were on ART and 61 (65.59%) were not on ART. The majority of patients (90.63%) on ART were aged ≥ 25 years and 65.20% (61) were male. The median HIV VL was 8011 RNA copies/ml (IQR = 78–99171). More than half of the patients on ART had an unsuppressed VL (56.25%) and 86.89% of those not on ART had an unsuppressed VL. After adjusting for age, gender, STI syndrome and ART use; factors associated with having an unsuppressed VL included age < 25 years (adjusted prevalence rate ratio [aPRR] = 1.25, 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI] = 0.99–1.60) and being female (aPRR = 1.12, 95% CI = 0.64–1.97). ART use was associated with a 33% lower prevalence of having an unsuppressed VL (aPRR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.49–0.92). In a subgroup of those on ART, after adjusting for sex partner number, patients < 25 years old had a higher likelihood of having an unsuppressed VL (aPRR = 1.94: 95% CI = 1.27–2.97) compared to those aged ≥ 25 years old.Conclusion The proportion of HIV-positive patients attending STI services reporting ART use was low and STI service patients had a high prevalence of having an unsuppressed VL regardless of ART status. These results are below the global target of 95%. Intensified ART support interventions targeted at young HIV-positive, females seeking STI services could improve viral suppression outcomes.
Correlation between richness of land cover types and landscape function in Jinghe County
Authors: Zhang Yue , Zhang Kun , Lv Jing , Wu Yan
Published: May 2023

In this study, jinghe County was selected as the study area, and the correlation between land cover richness and landscape function was analyzed based on landscape index from 2003 to 2017. According to the results, landscape diversity is an important driving factor of vegetation productivity and phenology, and its influence on the environmental conditions of maintaining relatively stable landscape pattern across the whole range. The landscape spatial structure in the low-value area (the AREA with DEM less than 800m) is more stable and the fragmentation degree is lower, while the landscape spatial structure in the high-value area (mainly distributed in the DEM2500 m area) is more complex and the fragmentation degree is higher, which is to some extent with the increase of the elevation. The overall heterogeneity and fragmentation of cultivated land were low, and the spatial pattern was stable. The mean value of EVI increased significantly with the increase of vegetation diversity, and the EVI_GS showed the same trend, while the length of growing season decreased significantly. The landscape richness in the study area was significantly positively correlated with Slope and Alt (r = 0.47, P < 0.01). EVI_AVG and EVI_GS were negatively correlated with slope direction and Alt (r = 0.58, P < 0.01, R = 0.54, P < 0.1; Was positively correlated with temperature and precipitation (r = 0.31, P < 0.1; R = 0.34, P < 0.1), indicating that the main vegetation distribution in the study area is obviously correlated with the terrain, and is greatly influenced by the terrain constraints.
Emotions, Worry, Efficacy, and Climate Change Mitigation Behaviors among a Representative Sample of Texas and Florida Residents
Authors: Garfin Dana Rose , Zernick Michelle V , Wong-Parodi Gabrielle
Published: May 2023

Individual (e.g., eating less meat, electric car use) and collective (e.g., petition signing, donating money to environmental causes) climate change mitigation behaviors are necessary to thwart the worst effects of the escalating climate crisis. Psychological factors including positive and negative emotional states, worry, and efficacy have been implicated as key correlates of these behaviors; however, little research has explored these relationships in representative samples at high risk for exposure to climate-related hazards (e.g., hurricanes, heat waves, flooding). We assessed climate-change mitigation behaviors in an ongoing study of a probability-based representative sample of 1,479 Texas and Florida residents repeatedly exposed to climate-related hazards including hurricanes, heat waves, flooding, and tornadoes. Controlling for demographics, behavior-related positive emotions (PA) and negative emotions (NA) correlated with engagement in performing greater number of collective (PA: IRR = 2.06, p < .001; NA: IRR = 1.46, p = .030) climate-change mitigation behaviors; individual-level behaviors were associated with PA (IRR = 1.18, p < .001). However, NA was fully mediated by worry about climate-related hazards, which in turn was mediated by worry about climate change specifically. PA was fully mediated by efficacy. In fully adjusted models examining individual emotions, hope, worry about climate change, and behavioral efficacy remained statistically significant predictors of performing greater individual and collective climate-change mitigation behaviors (all ps < .05). Results suggest worry about the climate crisis may be adaptive and that feelings of hope, relative to other emotions (both positive and negative), may be effective at spurring pro-environmental behaviors. Scalable interventions should explore leveraging these psychological experiences to promote climate-change mitigation behaviors.
Quality of life in women with ovarian cancer during first-line chemotherapy concerning the age of the patients
Authors: Bączyk Grażyna , Pleszewa Anna , Formanowicz Dorota , Kozłowska Katarzyna A.
Published: May 2023

Ovarian cancer is the worst prognostic gynaecological cancer and represents a grave clinical and social problem. Therefore, the study aimed to assess female patients' emotional, cognitive, physical and social quality of life. The study included 100 patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer and treated with chemotherapy in a day hospital setting in the Department of Radiotherapy and Gynaecological Oncology at the Wielkopolska Oncology Centre Poznań. The patients obtained a standard treatment regimen: paclitaxel 175 mg/m² in a 3-hourly infusion and carboplatin at an AUC of 6 (5–7) following Calvert as a 1-hour infusion for six cycles administered every 21 days. In addition, the standardised questionnaires of the Polish version of the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQOV28 were used. The analysis of the collected material shows that the patients reported the highest level of general health and quality of life at the study's first phase, i.e. before the start of chemotherapy (mean value 59.67 points). In contrast, the patients' lowest level of general health and quality of life was observed in the fourth phase of the study (mean value of 45.04 points). Detailed data analysis shows that the patients scored highest in the four study phases regarding cognitive functioning. The mean value in the first phase of the study was 77 points. While in the fourth phase of the study, it was 57.98 points. The study indicates that the patients in social functioning represented the lowest quality of life throughout the study process - the numerical mean on the social functioning scale. In the first phase, there were 63.50 points; in the fourth phase, 35.11 points. The problem of side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, affected the entire study group and was more troublesome in the final stage of treatment for all patients. In the study's first phase, the mean score on nausea and vomiting symptom scale was 16 points; in the fourth phase, the mean score was 40.07. Of the clinical factors, the symptom of fatigue was the most severe health problem for the subjects. The mean score of the fatigue scale in the study's first phase was 37.11 points, while a score of 70.33 was obtained in the fourth phase of the research. Women with ovarian cancer during chemotherapy need exceptional support from psychologists, nurses, dieticians and physiotherapists.
Prediction of reported monthly incidence of hepatitis B in Hainan Province of China based on SARIMA-BPNN model
Authors: Fang Kang , Cao Li , Fu Zhenwang , Li Weixia
Published: May 2023

Background To construct a statistical model of the monthly incidence of hepatitis B in Hainan Province of China and predict the monthly incidence of hepatitis B in 2022.Methods Simple central moving average method and seasonal index were used to analyze the trend and seasonal effects of monthly incidence of hepatitis B. Based on the time series of reported monthly incidence of hepatitis B in Hainan Province from 2017 to 2020, a multiplicative seasonal model (SARIMA), multiplicative seasonal model combined with error back propagation neural network model (SARIMA-BPNN), and a gray prediction model were constructed to fit the incidence, and the time series of monthly incidence of hepatitis B in 2021 was used to verify the accuracy of models.Results The lowest and highest monthly incidence of hepatitis B in Hainan Province were in February and August, respectively, and the mean relative error (MAPE) of SARIMA, SARIMA-BPNN, and gray prediction models were 0.089, 0.087, and 0.128, respectively.Conclusions The best fitting model is the SARIMA-BPNN model. The predicted monthly incidence of hepatitis B in 2022 showed a downward trend, with the steepest decline in March, which indicates that the prevention and control of hepatitis B in Hainan Province is effective, and the study can provide scientific and reasonable suggestions for the prevention and control of hepatitis B in Hainan.
Species-Specific Gene Expansion and Expressional Regulation of the Serine Protease Gene Family in Staphylococcus aureus from chronic wounds
Authors: Cao Xiyue , Shi Yulan , Zhao Fei , Song Yihan , Xu Qingrui , Li Fosheng , Qiao Dairong , Dai Yan , Cao Yi
Published: May 2023

Background Chronic wounds caused by pressure ulcers, diabetes foot ulcers, lower extremity arteriovenous ulcers, etc., not only increase the pain and mortality of patients, but also increase the social medical burden. The formation of bacterial biofilm is an important reason for the difficulty in healing chronic wounds. Staphylococcus aureus biofilm is an important pathogenic factor leading to the spread of infection in chronic wounds.Results Through comparative genomic analysis of S. aureus isolated from wounds and environmental samples, it was found that the unique genes of the wound isolate were enriched in the serine type peptidase activity, as well as metabolic pathways such as quorum sensing, signal transduction, and two component system. According to the analysis of the serine protease family of S. aureus, it was found that most of S. aureus strains isolated from the wound contains six serine protease-like proteins (SplA, SplB, SplC, SplD, SplE, SplF). The Staphylococcus phase UPMK1 may horizontally transfer the six serine protease-like protein genes to S. aureus in wounds and spread within the species. Through the transcriptome analysis of wild strain JE2 and its gltS knockout strains, it was found that the expression of serine protease genes (S1C, SspA, SplA and SplF) was significantly up-regulated when gltS mutant strains were cultured for 48 h in biofilm formation, which may play an important role in biofilm formation and pathogenicity.Conclusions Staphylococcus phase expand the genome of S. aureus in wounds. The spl serine protease gene of the S. aureus strain from the wound was obtained through horizontal gene transfer. The significant upregulation of gene expression of serine proteases (S1C, SspA, SplA, and SplF) is closely related to the formation of wound biofilm of S. aureus.
A reactive molecular dynamics study of the effect of electrostatic fields on hydrogen combustion
Authors: Khan Muhammad Mueed , Kritikos Efstratios M. , Giusti Andrea
Published: May 2023

The effect of external electrostatic fields on the reaction kinetics of hydrogen is investigated using reactive molecular dynamics simulations to give more insight into the use of electromagnetic interactions to control the reactivity of hydrogen systems. Combustion of hydrogen in both pure oxygen and air is studied. Furthermore, two different methods to compute the charge distribution, namely the Charge Equilibration (QEq) and Charge Transfer with Polarization Current Equalization (QTPIE) methods, which model the medium as an ideal conductor and a dielectric, respectively, are used to investigate the role of atomic charges on the reaction kinetics. Results show that the distribution of atomic charges is the major factor to determine the response of the system to external electrostatic fields and that close-range charge transfers are not sufficient to result in any significant change of reactivity for the range of electrostatic fields investigated in this work. Results also show that above a given threshold of the strength of the external electrostatic field, the presence of nitrogen in the systems facilitates a drop in hydrogen’s half-life compared to pure hydrogen-oxygen systems when charge transfers are not limited to close interactions. This threshold depends on ambient conditions and it is a result of the availability of charges that hydrogen and oxygen molecules could acquire. Further computations with electron force field (eFF) show that the electric field could alter the total energy and electro-static potential between the electron-nuclei pair, but the energy variations are at least an order of magnitude lower than the kinetic energy of the system. This suggests that electron dynamics may have a secondary role in the change of reaction kinetics.
Application of Machine Learning Methodology to Track History of Mangrove Forest Change in Macajalar Bay, Northern Mindanao (1950-2020)
Authors: Salvaña Mary Jean , Osa Justin Rhea , Agudo Gifford Jay
Published: May 2023

Mangrove forest in Macajalar Bay is regarded as an important ecosystem as it provides numerous ecosystem services. Despite their importance, deforestation has been rampant and has reached critical rates. Addressing this problem and further advancing conservation requires accurate mapping of mangroves, and understand the historical land cover changes. However, such information is sparse and insufficient to understand the change dynamics. In this study, mangrove cover change dynamics for Macajalar Bay, Philippines was determined using Landsat data and machine learning techniques. Vegetation maps derived from aerial photographs and satellite images were used to quantify mangroves and to monitor the rates of deforestation over a 70-year period. In 2020, the mangrove forest cover was estimated to be 187.67 ha, equivalent to only 58.00% of the 325.43 ha that was estimated in 1950. Original mangrove forest that existed in 1950 only represents 8.56% of the 2020 extent, suggesting that much of the old-growth mangrove have been cleared before 2000 and that contemporary mangrove extent is mainly composed of secondary forest. Highest deforestation rates occurred between 1950–1990 where it recorded a total of 258.51 ha, averaging a clearing rate of 6.46 ha/year. Clearing has been driven by large-scale aquaculture pond developments. Mangrove gains were evident in 2000 but it plateaued as it approaches 2020, while loss simultaneously increased since 2010. This indicates that mangroves gained since 2000 have experienced low survival rates. Promoting site-species matching, biophysical assessment, and verification of fishpond availability for mangrove rehabilitation programs are necessary undertakings to address such problems.
Efficient parameter estimation for missing data when many features are fully observed
Authors: Nguyen Thu , Phan Thanh Nhan , Hoang Van Ha , Halvorsen Pål , Riegler Michael , Nguyen Binh
Published: May 2023

Parameters (mean and covariance matrix) estimation is often a problem of interest since it provides information about the location and variation of the data and correlation between features and can be used for hypothesis testing, principle component analysis, etc. However, it is also common that values in some features of a dataset are missing. A popular way to deal with this problem is to use an Expectation-Maximization algorithm or to impute the missing values and then estimate the parameters based on imputed data. However, the first approach is a local optimization approach that may not converge under a fixed number of iterations. The second one, a two-step approach of imputation and analysis, is computationally inefficient. Therefore, we follow the recent trends of estimating the parameters directly from the data and propose PMF (Parameter estimation for Missing data in some Features) to deal with the aforementioned problems. The experiments show that our approach achieves better performance than other methods under comparison in performance and speed. Moreover, our estimates are asymptotic.
Association of genetic variants located at the Adenylate Cyclase 5 (ADCY5) and Parathyroid Hormone 1 Receptor (PTH1R) genes with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Bangladeshi population
Authors: Nawar Noshin , Alam Badrul , Fa Ar-Rafi Md. , Khan Safayat Mahmud , Hosen Ismail , Shekhar Hossain U.
Published: May 2023

Background Genome-Wide Association Studies have identified genetic polymorphisms located at the Adenylate Cyclase 5 (ADCY5) and Parathyroid Hormone 1 Receptor (PTH1R) genes on chromosome 3 as susceptibility loci for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in different population. The present study investigates the association of these two susceptibility loci (rs11708067 at the ADCY5 and rs11926707 at the PTH1R gene) with T2DM in Bangladeshi population. Furthermore, the association of circulating levels of vitamin D, Calcium (Ca), phosphate, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) with T2DM and the different genotypes of these SNPs were also studied.Methods and Materials A total of 415 individuals (211 T2DM patients and 204 healthy controls) were enrolled in the current study. The rs11708067 and rs11926707 were genotyped using the Taqman SNP Genotyping Assays. Univariate logistic regression analyses were performed for parameter associations with T2DM.Results In a sex-stratified analysis, the variant allele of the ADCY5 SNP (rs11708067) was associated to T2DM in males (odds ratio = 2.5, p-value = 0.02) but PTH1R SNP (rs11926707) did not show any significant correlation with T2DM (odds ratio 1.0 in both sexes, p-value > 0.05). In the correlation study, phosphate was shown to be significantly linked with Ca (p-value < 0.001) and PTH (p-value < 0.05) in both T2DM and healthy individuals. Lastly, neither SNP revealed any link between vitamin D, calcium, nor phosphate levels, with the exception of PTH.Conclusion Although ADCY5 has been identified as a T2DM susceptible locus in the Bangladeshi male population, the same cannot be said for the PTH1R locus in either males or females.
Accuracy of Non- Invasive Hemoglobin and Venous Blood Gas Hemoglobin Measurements in Comparison with Laboratory Method in Intensive Care Unit
Authors: SOBH OSAMA AHMED , ALSOOFI NAJLA , ALATEFI AFRAH , RAUF SOFIA , AHMED NANCY , ALSULIMAN LAMEES , SALATI SAJDA , ELMAGHRABI MARWA
Published: May 2023

Background: Continuous real time monitoring of hemoglobin (Hb) may provide clinical valuable information to guide blood transfusion decisions in the intensive care unit (ICU). This study was designed to evaluate non-invasive hemoglobin (SpHb) and venous blood gas (VBGHb) measurement accuracy in comparison to laboratory hematology measurement (LabHb) in ICU.
Methods: With each blood gas analysis, SpHb was recorded, and venous blood Hb was measured by hematology (LabHb) and blood gas CO-Oximetry (VBGHb).
Results: Compared to LabHb, SpHb showed small bias with better limits of agreement than VBGHb. Mean bias (95% limits of agreement) for SpHb was -0.0557 (-0.5614 to 0.4499) gm/dL and for VBGHb was -0.4734 (-2.8312 to 1.8844). Also for trend accuracy, Modified Bland–Altman analysis showed small bias with better limits of agreement for SpHb trends compared to VBGHb trends. Mean bias (limits of agreement g/dl) for SpHb was -0.0102 (− 0.6317 to 0.6113); for VBGHb was 0.0136 (− 3.5733 to 3.5461).
Conclusion: We concluded that Non-invasive hemoglobin (SpHb) showed acceptable absolute and trend accuracy and excellent correlation with Lab-Hb, which provides an easy, feasible and accurate solution for Hb measurement in ICU.
Identification of the antitumor effects of Apigenin against tongue squamous cell carcinoma on the basis of experimental validation and bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Lai Jianfei , Fang Chen , Zhang Guohua , Shi Chao , yu Feng , Gu Weiguo , Deng Jianxiong , Xu Jingbiao , Liu Chaoxing , Qiu Feng
Published: May 2023

Background: Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is one of the most widespread cancers in oral cancer, but the current treatment outcome for TSCC is unsatisfactory. Apigenin has been shown to have antitumor effects in various tumors. However, the potential role of Apigenin (API) in TSCC has not been proven yet.
Methods: The effects of API on the proliferation and migration ability of SCC-9 cells were measured by CCK8 assay and wound-healing assay. RNA-seq was executed to ensure differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in SCC-9 cells after API treatment. Then, combined with the gene expression data and relevant individual information of TSCC samples acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), an API-related model was built through Lasso regression and multivariate Cox regression. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and a nomogram and calibration curve were created to forecast patient outcomes to improve the clinical suitability of the API-related signature. The relationships between the two risk groups and function enrichment, immune infiltration characteristics, and drug susceptibility were analyzed. Furthermore, RNA-seq was performed to verify the expression of API-related genes in SCC-9 cells.
Results: We demonstrated that API could weaken the malignant behavior of SCC-9 cells and availably established the 7-API-related gene model to forecast the prognosis of TSCC patients, which was performed to divide TSCC patients into different risk groups, with risk scores working as an independent factor for participating TSCC related death. Besides, we confirmed that the model could be applied to assess prognostic status, tumor immune cell infiltration, and drug susceptibility. Moreover, TSCC cells treated with API, compared to the control group, have higher levels of TMEM213 and GPR158, and lower levels of CASP14 and ITGA5.
Conclusions: Our research suggested the inhibition effect of API on TSCC cells and provided a substantial foundation for the next study into the links between API-related genes and related functions in TSCC patients.
Comparative yield of molecular diagnostic algorithms for autism spectrum disorder diagnosis in India: Evidence supporting whole exome sequencing as first tier test
Authors: Sheth Frenny , Shah Jhanvi , Jain Deepika , Shah Siddharth , Patel Harshkumar , Patel Ketan , Solanki Dhaval I , Iyer Anand S , Menghani Bhargavi , Mhatre Priti , Mehta Sanjiv , Bajaj Shruti , Patel Vishal , Pandya Manoj , Dhami Deepak , Patel Darshan , Sheth Jayesh , Sheth Harsh
Published: May 2023

Background:
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects 1 in 100 children globally with a rapidly increasing prevalence. To the best of our knowledge, no data exists on the genetic architecture of ASD in India. This study aimed to identify the genetic architecture of ASD in India and to assess the use of whole exome sequencing (WES) as a first-tier test instead of chromosomal microarray (CMA) for genetic diagnosis.
Methods:
Between 2020 to 2022, 101 patient-parent trios of Indian origin diagnosed with ASD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th edition, were recruited. All probands underwent a sequential genetic testing pathway consisting of karyotyping, Fragile-X testing (in male probands only), CMA and WES. Candidate variant validation and parental segregation analysis was performed using orthogonal methods.
Results: Of 101 trios, 3 (2.9%) and 30 (29.7%) trios received a confirmed genetic diagnosis from CMA and WES, respectively. Amongst diagnosis from WES, SNVs were detected in 27 cases (90%) and CNVs in 3 cases (10%), including the 3 CNVs detected from CMA. Segregation analysis showed 66.6% (n=3 for CNVs and n=17 for SNVs) and 16.6% (n=5) of the cases had de novo and recessive variants respectively, which is in concordance with the distribution of variant types and mode of inheritance observed in ASD patients of non-Hispanic white/ European ethnicity. MECP2 gene was the most recurrently mutated gene (n=6; 20%) in the present cohort. Majority of the detected genes are involved in synaptic formation, transcription and its regulation, ubiquitination and chromatin remodeling.
Limitations: There is a possibility of ascertainment bias related to probands primarily having non-syndromic form of ASD. Furthermore, it needs to be considered that CMA and WES was carried out in the proband only, therefore, detailed assessment of all potential de novo variants couldn’t be carried out.
Conclusions: Our study suggests de novo variants as a major cause of ASD in the Indian population. Furthermore, we provide evidence of a significant difference in the diagnostic yield between CMA (3%) and WES (30%) which supports the implementation of WES as a first-tier test for genetic diagnosis of ASD in India.
Enumeration of Sigle Point Derivatives of Fullerene
Authors: Horai Hisayuki
Published: May 2023

This paper reports an analysis of the symmetry of (C60-Ih)[5, 6]Fullerene, so-called 'buchminsterfullerene' or 'fullerene' in short and the enumeration of the compounds derived from a fullerene such as heterofullerene, hydrofullerene, hydoxyfullerane and so on. A fullerene has Ih symmetry so that it has thirty-one axes of rotation and fifteen planes of reflection. It follows that a fullerene has the identity operation, fifty-nine rotation symmetry operations, fifteen reflection symmetry operations and forty-five rotoreflection symmetry operations. For each operation, we represent it as a permutation on positions of sixty carbon atoms, decompose the permutation to a set of cycles and have a cycle index. These operations form a permutation group as well as the identity operation and the rotation symmetry operations form a (sub)group. The former group corresponds to stereoisomers and the latter one corresponds to structural isomers. By Pólya-Redfield theorem, we have a generating function for each group. By means of the generating functions, we finally have the number of the structural and stereoisomers of fullerene derivatives.
Object Detection in Enhanced Drone Imagery using Extended ESRGAN with SSD
Authors: Subiksha P , Pattabiraman V , Jaincy D E Martina
Published: May 2023

Image enhancement and detection have achieved great attention in the field of deep learning. Image quality tops the list to the viewers because if the quality of an image is not satisfied by the consumer then the other features like cost, and warranty becomes less important. IQA is crucial to make sure that the image is free from distortions so that the objects in the image can be identified clearly. This study aims to predict objects in images captured by drones. But these images contain some degradation as it is captured at flight altitudes. An Extended ESRGAN algorithm has been proposed for enhancement. The spatial resolution of the image is stabilized using a Bi-linear interpolation algorithm. Furthermore, perceptual metrics which include SSIM, RMSE, and PSNR are computed to show that the proposed methodology gives better results in terms of image quality. After obtaining a high-resolution image from a low-resolution image using a Super resolution algorithm, Objects in the processed image are identified using DL and OpenCV. Single shot Detector has been utilized to detect the objects so that it will be helpful for the military to track the movements of enemies. This process has been implemented for normal images as well to prove that the proposed system gives good results in terms of enhancement and detection. In addition, a comparison between existing models and the proposed model has been performed. Results showed that the accuracy score of object prediction using SSD was 79% whereas with YOLOv5 it was only 68%.
Growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbial diversity and volatile fatty acid, and blood biochemical indices of suckling donkeys fed multienzyme-supplemented diets
Authors: Li Chao , Li Xuan Yue , Li Xiao Bin , Ma Chen , Chen Hui , Yang Fan , Zang Chang Jiang
Published: May 2023

Background Roughage and concentrate supplement contain large amounts of soluble non-starch polysaccharides (NSP). They not only reduce nutrient digestibility but also induce indigestibility in livestock. Moreover, starch particles embedded in the cereal protein matrix are not easily decomposed by starch-degrading enzymes. Glyanase, β-mannanase, β-glucanase, cellulase, protease, and amylase added to cereal diets can alleviate the adverse effects of NSP and cellulose. The current study determined the effects of adding glyanase, β-mannanase, β-glucanase, cellulase, protease, and amylase to the diet of 2-month-old suckling donkeys on their growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, fecal VFA and pH, fecal bacterial composition, and blood biochemical indices.Results On day 120 of the trial, fecal samples were collected from the rectum of donkeys for determining bacterial diversity, VFA content, and pH. Moreover, fresh fecal samples were collected from each donkey on days 110 and 115 to determine apparent digestibility. The multienzymes did not affect growth performance (P > 0.05) and apparent nutrient digestibility (P > 0.05) in the donkeys; however, they tended to increase (P = 0.0544) total height gain. At the study end, multienzymes increased (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) the Observed species, ACE, Chao1, and Shannon indices by 10.56%, and 10.49%, 10.47%, and 5.01%, respectively. The multienzymes also increased (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) the abundance of Firmicutes, Oscillospiraceae, Lachnospiraceae, Christensenellaceae, Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, and Streptococcus in feces and decreased (P = 0.0086) the abundance of Proteobacteria.Conclusions Conclusively, a multienzyme-supplemented basal diet for suckling donkeys can improve their total height gain and increase fecal microbial diversity and abundance.
Pesticides Handling, Risk Management and Estimation of Exposure Levels in Potato Farming Under Small Scale Production
Authors: Kilonzi Jackson , Nyongesa Moses , Nganga Nancy
Published: May 2023

Management of biotic stresses in agriculture solely depends on the use of pesticides globally. Little is currently known on the health risks attributed to pesticides in potato farming in Kenya. The level of exposure and safety precautions adopted by operators to avoid hazards attributed to handling of chemicals and develop an easy to use model of exposure in potato farming was investigated. A total of 197 potato farmers from Nyandarua County in Kenya were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Data on pesticides handling parameters were collected. Results revealed that, most hazardous chemical (WHO class III) were highly (75%) used, whilst biologicals were unfamiliar to farmers. Majority of farmers were in agreement that, pesticides posed health risks (85%) and (90%) environmental impairment. Only 46% of the farmers were aware of pesticides safety, while 36% used personal protective equipments (PPEs) when handling pesticides. In addition, the percentage of farmers who could read and understand chemical label was 30%. Trained and educated farmers were more likely to follow pesticides safety precautions (88%). Poor disposal of chemical leftovers and empty containers was evident whereas most farmers (86%) had no standard storage facility for pesticides. Lack of training (70%) was pointed out as the major constrain. Merely, 10% experienced self-reported symptoms of acute poisoning. Estimation of exposure elucidated that, potato growers are at high risk to metalaxyl and mancozeb exposure. Therefore multi-institutional interventions would be crucial in providing sustainable solutions.
Fever in the initial stage of IIM patients: an early clinical warning sign for AE-ILD
Authors: Liu Ting , Chen Haifeng , Shi Yitian , Xu Wei , yuan fenghong
Published: May 2023

Background
Fever is a common symptom of Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM). However, the exact correlation between fever and the prognosis of IIM is still unclear. This study aims to clarify if the IIM patients initiated with fever are associated with poorer outcomes.
Methods
This was a single-center retrospective cohort study. Data were collected from 79 newly diagnosed, treatment-naive IIM patients in the Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Wuxi, Jiangsu, China) from November 2016 to June 2020. According to the presence or absence of fever at the onset, the IIM patients were divided into two groups(fever group n=28, without fever group n=51) Clinical characteristics, laboratory data, treatment, and outcomes were recorded. The Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests were used to compare the all-cause mortality, relapse rate, and acute exacerbation of interstitial lung disease (AE-ILD) incidence. The association of fever with the outcomes was assessed in the unadjusted and adjusted forward logistic regression model.
Results
Compared with the non-fever group, the age at onset of the fever group was higher, and mechanic's hands (MH) and interstitial lung disease (ILD) were more common. Systemic inflammation (CRP and ESR) was significantly higher in the fever group, while the level of albumin(ALB) and muscle enzymes were lower. The fever group seemed to be received more aggressive treatment, with higher dose glucocorticoids and higher rates of intravenous immunoglobulins(IVIG) use. The all-cause mortality rate and the incidence rate of AE-ILD were higher in the fever group. Even adjusted for the age at onset and treatments, fever was significantly associated with AE-ILD and all-cause mortality.
Conclusion
Our study has demonstrated that fever at initial diagnosis is associated with AE-ILD and mortality. Fever should serve as an early clinical warning sign for poor outcomes in IIM patients.
Nonlinear dynamics of the Trappist-1-Trappist-1e exoplanetary system
Authors: Hysa Azem
Published: May 2023

I addition to the various methods on the study of exoplanetary systems, the case of the circular restricted three body problem can be used, among others, to determine the character of the orbits of an astronomical body which moves under the action of the gravitational field of two massive bodies such as star-planets or binary star systems. In this paper we will first present some general information on the Trappist-1 exoplanetary system. Then we will determine the position of the Lagrange points for the Trappist-1-Trappist-1e system as well as the values of the Jacoby constant for each positions of the Lagrange points. We will than construct trajectories for zero velocity, studying the motion of a particle in this system. Also, in this paper we will try to do a numerical analysis on the phase plane for different initial conditions, building in MATLAB® 2020, different orbits for the exoplanetary system Trappist-1-Trappist-1e, distinguishing between the types of body motion of the third body in this exoplanetary system. So, for this we will perform some numerical experiments in MATLAB® 2020. Finaly, we will also study the possibility of the existence of an exomoon in this very impressive exoplanetary system.
Development of A Fluorescence Polarization Assay for High- Throughput Screening of Inhibitors against HIV-1 Nef-Mediated CD4 Downregulation
Authors: Shamsabadi Mohammad Karimian , Jia Xiaofei
Published: May 2023

Therapeutic inhibition of the viral protein Nef is an intriguing direction of antiretroviral drug discovery as it may revitalize immune mechanisms to target, and potentially clear, HIV-1-infected cells. Of the many cellular functions of Nef, the most conserved is downregulation of surface CD4, which takes place through Nef hijacking the clathrin adaptor protein complex 2 (AP2)-dependent endocytosis. Our recent crystal structure has unraveled the molecular details of this interaction. Guided by the new structural knowledge, we have developed a fluorescence polarization-based assay for inhibitor screening against Nef’s activity on CD4. In our assay, AP2 is included along with Nef to ensure the proper formation of the CD4-binding pocket, and a fluorophore labeled CD4 cytoplasmic tail binds competently to the Nef-AP2 complex. The optimized assay has a good signal-to-noise ratio, excellent tolerance of DMSO and detergent, and the ability to detect competitive inhibition, making it suitable for high-throughput screening.
Supporting Underrepresented Students in Health Sciences: Using a Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping Approach
Authors: Chiang Danielle F. , Guerrero Scott A. , Sexton Emma C.
Published: May 2023

Background: The Students in Training in Academia, Health, and Research (STAHR) Program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) strives to increase the number of students from low-income families that have experienced educational challenges due to poverty who are prepared to enter, persist, and graduate from a health sciences degree program at UMKC. Students in the program participated in fuzzy cognitive mapping (FCM) sessions to ensure that all voices of the program were heard to improve program implementation, student success, and contribute to an equitable educational environment.
Methods: Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping sessions for the 2020-2021 cohort of students (n=52) were conducted to assess the strengths and weaknesses in program implementation, especially through the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Students’ maps were coded by a team of researchers and then confirmed using confirmatory factor analysis.
Results: Statistical analyses reveal that mentorship, workshops, and social supports helped students to work toward their goal of obtaining a professional health sciences degree, while a lack of time, remote learning, and outside stressors inhibited their opportunities for success.
Conclusions: The findings from mixed methods analyses of mapping data demonstrate the value of this innovative approach to the field, especially when looking to incorporate student voice.