bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ranking of Patient Preferences on Refer to Obstetrician/Gynecologist in the Private Sector Using Factor Analysis Technique
Authors: Setoodefar Masood , Etminani Kobra , Eslami Saeed , Tara Fatemeh , Tabesh Hamed
Published: August 2022

Objective
Identifying patients' preferences when referring to specialist physicians is one of the key concerns in private sector marketing, which leads to the identification of new ways to attract new customers and create loyal customers. In addition, purposeful identification and fulfilment of patients' preferences leads to patient satisfaction and, subsequently, patient adherence to treatment. The purpose of this study was to identify and rank women's preferences and criteria in referring to a gynecologist/obstetrician in the private sector.
Materials & Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted in a 2-month period from January to February 2018. The study population consisted of 462 patients referring to private obstetrics and gynecology offices in Mashhad metropolis. The scale used to measure patients' preferences was a questionnaire whose validity and reliability were confirmed in the previous phase of this project (CVI = 0.80, Cronbach's alpha = 0.88). The process of completing the questionnaire was done with the help of a questioner/investigator using a mobile application. Factor analysis technique was used to establish construct validity, eliminate the effect of common variance of items, reduce dimensions, and give weight to items. The items in the final model were ranked based on two methods: 1) a constant weight and 2) variable weights based on the factor loading of each item. Finally, the ranking results of both methods were compared with each other. Friedman ranking statistical test was used to rank items.
Results
The model obtained from factor analysis to measure patients' preferences consisted of 28 items distributed in nine factors, which explained the variance of the data by 63.63%. The model dimensions and the amount of variance explained by each dimension were as follows: behavioral and communication skills (13.9%), availability (7.8%), recommendation (6.4%), office environment (6.0%), gender (6.0%), insurance (6.0%), professionalism (5.9%), special procedure (5.6%), and accessibility (5.6%). The items "private examination", "respecting the patient during the examination", "confidentiality", and "honesty" gained the highest rank, while the "university affiliation" item gained the lowest rank in the final model.
Conclusion
Selection and referral to an obstetrician/gynecologist in the field of pregnancy and cancer is more complicated than other medical fields. By considering the differences in the importance of items that measured patients' preferences in referring to a gynecologist/obstetrician and by ranking them based on factor loadings, a comprehensive, homogeneous, and valid model was obtained for patients' preferences.
The Systemic Propolis Application Inhibits Radiation-Induced Oral Mucositis Propolis For Oral Mucositis
Authors: Demirsoy Mustafa Sami , Erdil Aras , Çolak Sefa , Erdim İbrahim , Avcı Gülhan Güler , Gevrek Fikret
Published: August 2022

Objectives
The current study aimed to investigate the effects of dose-dependent systemic administration of propolis on a radiation-induced buccal mucositis model, which is a challenging side effect of head and neck radiotherapy.
Study Design:
The study sample comprised seven rats in the control group (G1) and 27 in the three experimental groups. In the study groups, radiotherapy (15Gy) was delivered to the head and neck regions. In addition to radiotherapy, 100 mg/kg propolis in Group 3 and 200 mg/kg propolis in the Group 4 were administered systemically for 14 days. In the harvested buccal mucosa samples, proinflammatory markers (interleukin-6 [IL-6], myeloperoxidase [MPO], tumor-necrosis factor-α [TNF-α]) were analyzed with Enzyme Linked-Immuno-Sorbent Assay method, and tissue samples were stained with Hematoxylin-eosin and classified regarding the inflammation scores.
Results
The tissue levels of IL-6, MPO, and TNF-α significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner in experimental groups (p = 0.001, p = 0.016, p = 0.001, respectively). Also, the inflammation scores were highest in Group 2 (p = 0.002), whereas Group 3 and 4 had the lowest (p = 0.012).
Conclusion
The systemic administration of propolis can decrease the inflammatory responses in irradiated buccal mucosa in a dose-dependent manner. However, further studies are required with various doses and routes to prove effectiveness.
Clinical Relevance:
Radiation-induced oral mucositis (RIOM) that occurs during head and neck radiotherapy can lead to life-threatening complications. Aqueous propolis extract containing high caffeic acid phenyl ester can prevent the formation of RIOM with its superior anti-inflammatory and free radical scavenging properties.
Measurement of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness with a Deep Learning Algorithm in Ischemic Optic Neuropathy and Optic Neuritis
Authors: Razaghi Ghazale , Hedayati Ehsan , Hejazi Marjaneh , Kafieh Rahele , Samadi Melika , Ritch Robert , Subramanian Prem S. , Fard Masoud Aghsaei
Published: August 2022

This work aims at determining the ability of a deep learning (DL) algorithm to measure retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness from optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans in anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) and demyelinating optic neuritis (ON). The training/validation dataset included 750 RNFL OCT B-scans. Performance of our algorithm was evaluated on 194 OCT B-scans from 70 healthy eyes, 82 scans from 28 NAION eyes, and 84 scans of 29 ON eyes. Results were compared to manual segmentation as a ground-truth and to RNFL calculations from the built-in instrument software. The Dice coefficient for the test images was 0.87. The mean average RNFL thickness using our U-Net was not different from the manually segmented best estimate and OCT machine data in control and ON eyes. In NAION eyes, while the mean average RNFL thickness using our U-Net algorithm was not different from the manual segmented value, the OCT machine data were different from the manual segmented values. In NAION eyes, the MAE of the average RNFL thickness was 1.18 ± 0.69 µm and 6.65 ± 5.37 µm in the U-Net algorithm segmentation and the conventional OCT machine data, respectively (P = 0.0001).
RETRACTED: A novel Interleaved Bridgeless SEPIC Converter with Synchronous Rectifier for multiple applications
Authors: Kumar MuthuRam
Published: August 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Effects of the combination of straw incorporation and urease inhibitor on ammonia volatilization, nitrogen use efficiency, and grain yield in southwestern China
Authors: Wang Hong , Yao Li , Zhang Qi , Liu Haitao , Luo Fuxiang , Lin Chaowen
Published: August 2022

The maintenance of crop residues is essential for sustainable soil management, enhancing the ammonia (NH3) volatilization loss due to fertilizer-N. Therefore, implementing the N fertilization strategies within residue straw systems is necessary to reduce N loss. This work investigated how oilseed rape straw incorporation and urease inhibitor applied with urea affected NH3 emissions, N use efficiency (NUE), and rice yields within two growing seasons. This work arranged eight treatments having three replicates, which included urea (UR), urea + 2 Mg ha− straw (UR + 2S), urea + 5 Mg ha− straw (UR + 5S), urea + 8 Mg ha− straw (UR + 8S), urea + 2 Mg ha− straw + 1% NBPT (UR + 2S + UI), urea + 5 Mg ha− straw + 1% NBPT (UR + 5S + UI), urea + 8 Mg ha− straw + 1% NBPT (UR + 8S + UI) and non-urea fertilizer (control), based on the randomized complete block method. Our results indicated that incorporating oilseed rape straw increased NH3 losses by 3.22%-21.51% in 2018 and 30.18%-51.43% in 2019 than the UR treatment, attributing to the higher NH4+-N content and pH value within floodwater. The UR + 2S + UI and UR + 8S + UI enhanced NH3 losses by 2.70%-24.00% in 2019, relative to the oilseed rape straw addition alone. However, combined application of 5 Mg ha− straw and 1% NBPT (UR + 5S + UI) reduced NH3 losses by 26.20% in 2018 and 14.60% in 2019, separately (P < 0.05) when compared with 5 Mg ha− oilseed rape straw only (UR + 5S). Based on the results, adding 1%, NBPT significantly decreased NH3 losses while 5 Mg ha− oilseed rape straw incorporation was applied. Moreover, adding straw alone or in combination with NBPT elevated rice yield by 0.78%-21.21% and NUE from 13.13–21.72%. Otherwise, yield-scaled NH3 emissions within the UR + 5S + UI treatment significantly decreased among all the treatments in 2018 and 2019. Our results indicated that optimizing the oilseed rape straw rate combined with 1% NBPT applied with urea efficiently increased rice yield and reduced NH3 emissions in southwestern China.
Enhanced adsorption–photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants via ZIF-67 derived Co-N co-doped carbon matrix catalyst
Authors: Yang Zheng , Xie Heng-Shen , Lin Wei-Yuan , Wei Xian-Yong
Published: August 2022

A stable and efficient photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants has been achieved via ZIF-67 derived Co-embedded N-doped nanoporous carbon materials catalyst (Co-N/C). The catalyst features well-distributed structures, suitable specific surface areas, and more active sites according to the various characterization analysis. Photocatalytic activity of Co-N/C was evaluated by the degradation of target pollutant Rhodamine B (RhB). As a result, the RhB could establish adsorption-desorption equilibrium in dark within 30 min and thoroughly degraded into H2O and CO2 by Co-N/C under a 500 W visible light irradiation in 40 min. Moreover, radical quenching experiments and reactive oxygen species monitor were performed to further probe the plausible photodegradation mechanism of RhB. Co-N/C is also appropriate for other alternative dyes and antibiotics affording ideal removal efficiencies. After the reaction, the Co-N/C could be facile separated by an external magnetic field and reused for 8 reaction cycles without obvious deactivation of its photocatalytic properties. This work is expected to provide an instructive guideline for the design of efficient and recyclable composite photocatalysts derived from metal-organic framework for a broad range of environmental remediation.
Combination of albumin-to-globulin ratio with plasma fibrinogen is a sensitive tool for preoperatively screening infected nonunion in patients undergoing reoperation after open reduction and internal fixation
Authors: Wang Zhen , Mao Hai-Jun , Xu Guang-Yue
Published: August 2022

Background: Preoperatively accurate diagnosis of infected nonunion remains challenging. Here, we evaluated the diagnostic potential of novel biomarkers for infected nonunion. Methods: A cohort of 311 patients having surgery for suspected septic nonunion after open reduction and internal fixation were enrolled. Preoperatively analyzed clinical parameters included white blood cell (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), albumin, globulin, albumin-to-globulin ratio (AGR), plasma D-dimer, plasma fibrinogen, platelet count (PC), monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, sensitivity and specificity were utilized to compare the diagnostic potential of those biomarkers. Results: The WBC, CRP, ESR, NLR, MLR, PLR, PC, plasma D-dimer, plasma fibrinogen, and globulin levels in infected nonunion patients were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than aseptic patients. The albumin and AGR levels of infected nonunion group were significantly lower (p < 0.05). The ROC curve analysis showed the diagnostic accuracy of AGR and plasma fibrinogen was good. The combination of AGR with plasma fibrinogen had the highest area under the curve (AUC) (0.916). Sensitivity and specificity were 70.27% and 91.04% for AGR, and 67.57% and 84.08% for plasma fibrinogen, respectively. The combination of AGR with plasma fibrinogen showed a sensitivity of 86.49% and specificity of 92.54%. In patients with comorbidities, the diagnostic accuracy of the combination of AGR with plasma fibrinogen also performed well.Conclusion: AGR and plasma fibrinogen are promising biomarkers for improving the diagnosis of infected nonunion. The combination of AGR with plasma fibrinogen is a sensitive tool for screening infected nonunion.
Stochastic analysis of spatial variability in two-dimensional steady-state confined groundwater flow
Authors: Ni Chuen-Fa , Chang Ching-Min , Lin Chi-Ping , Lee I-Hsian
Published: August 2022

Studies of fluid flow behavior in confined aquifers of variable thickness presented in the literature assume that the thickness of the aquifer varies linearly or nonlinearly. However, natural variations, such as the thickness of the aquifer caused by complex natural events, cannot be accurately predicted. Therefore, quantifying the variability of the flow field in heterogeneous, non-uniform, confined aquifers may be done from a stochastic perspective. In this study, the spatial variations in hydraulic conductivity are considered as a stationary random process, while the spatial variations in aquifer thickness are treated as a nonstationary random process with homogeneous (stationary) increments. General expressions for the spatial covariance functions and the evolutionary power spectra of the depth-averaged hydraulic head and integrated specific discharge in the direction of x1 are derived using the Fourier-Stieltjes spectral representation approach and representation theorem. Closed-form solutions for the evolutionary power spectra of depth-averaged hydraulic head and integrated specific discharge are used to analyze the effect of variation in the thickness of the confined aquifer on the variability of depth-averaged head and integrated discharge. An application of the theory developed here to the case of random aquifer thickness fields exhibiting a power-law semivariogram is given. The stochastic theory developed here to quantify the variability of flow fields (uncertainty) in complex geologic formations under uncertainty should provide valuable information for stochastic environmental risk assessment.
Flood Hazard Mapping of Flood Inundation Area of Huluka River Catchment in Ethiopia
Authors: Emama Walabuma Oli , Hirko Deme Betele , Gudeta Milko Abishu
Published: August 2022

Floods are the most destructive of all-natural disasters in the globe, wreaking havoc on lives and property. Many locations in Ethiopia are experiencing flooding, and Ambo, like other tropical cities in Ethiopia, is experiencing a flash flood this can be minimized by giving attention to flood hazard measures. One of these measures is inundating flood hazard areas. Therefore, this study was conducted to map flood hazard maps along the Huluka River using GIS, HEC-HMS, and HEC-RAS in GIS environs. Flood Hazard mapping is used to define the zones which are more susceptible to flooding along the river when the release of a stream surpasses the bank-full stage along the river. The normal ratio approach was utilized to fill in missing values in precipitation data, and a double mass curve was used to ensure data consistency. Precipitation loss modeling, surplus precipitation translation to direct runoff, base flow modeling, and flood routing, the Soil Conservation Service-Curve Number, Soil Conservation Service-Unit Hydrograph, monthly constant, and Muskingum methods were used. Performance assessment approaches such as Nash Sutcliff Efficiency (NSE) and Coefficient of Determination were used to assess the model's performance (R2). During calibration and validation, Nash Sutcliff Efficiency was 0.77 and 0.7, respectively, while the coefficient of determination was 0.86 and 0.9, respectively. Flood frequency analysis was carried out utilizing the frequency storm method developed by HEC-HMS for 10, 25, 50, and 100-year return periods. For each return period, the peak flood was 38, 47, 55, and 61.5 m3/s, respectively. Using HEC-RAS and inundation areas of 98.9ha, 102ha, 104ha, and 106.4 ha, flood inundation mapping was modeled for a peak flood of each return period.
Application of teleseismic receiver functions and Gravity for Moho depth mapping: A case study of Western Himalayas
Authors: Salam Mohammad , Ahmed Jamil , Zafar Waqar Ali , Iqbal Muhammad Tahir , Khan Imran , Sultan Amir , Iqbal Talat
Published: August 2022

This study presents the coherently stacked P-wave receiver functions and bouguer anomaly mapping ofWestern Himalayas (longitude 71◦ -74◦ E and latitude 31◦ -34◦ N ) to estimate crustal thickness. Data used for P-wave receiver function is from a local seismic network of Pakistan whereas, gravity data is extracted from Topex and available in the public domain for research. The crust thickness and average crust Vp/Vs ratio at each station of the network are obtained by coherently stacking the Ps, PpPs, PpSs + PsPs phases of 15seismic stations. The data used in this study was collected from 2012 to 2019, events with magnitudes mb ≥ 6 and epicentral distances 30◦ to 95◦ were chosen. There is a significant difference in Moho depth beneath the broadband seismic stations used for the investigations. Moho depth is 36 km in the south, on average 46 km in the center, and 52 km at the northernmost seismic station of the study area. The crust is generally dipping from South to North for the study area. In order to support this interpreted argument of moho-depth variation from the P-wave receiver function, residual calculation of Bouguer anomaly data was carried out as well. The residuals showing a variation of anomalous data from -89 to 193 mGal in the study area have presented a good correlation and favored the argument of crustal dipping as suggested by the P-wave function from the seismic network. The trend confirms that the crustal thickening and shortening are caused by the collision of Indian and Asian plates.
Wetlands' Response to Climatic Variability: Empirical Evidence from the Kumadugu-Yobe River Basin of West Africa
Authors: Jajere Ahmed Abubakar , Nabegu Aliyu Baba , Bibi Muhammed Umar , Kibon Usman Ado
Published: August 2022

The wetlands of the Kumadugu-Yobe River Basin are the economic mainstay of the lower and mid-stream basin population, providing a wide range of ecosystem services and functions. However, series of impediments have been altering the hydrology of the sub-basin wetlands since the early 1970s. In order to understand the extent of the impact of climate variability on the basin wetlands, this study mapped the temporal variability in wetland size from 1982–2018 and examined the wetland's response to rainfall and temperature variability. The study used advanced very high resolution spectroradiometer (AVHRS) and moderate-resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) NDVI data sets of 1982–2018 rainfall and temperature data from upstream and downstream stations. Geo-spatial technology and statistical tools were used in analysing the collected data. The findings reveal a large-scale annual increasing trend of 337km2 in wetland size between 1982 and 2018, as against the orthodox view of continuous degradation. The result of the analysis revealed that the wetland’s response to a 1% increase in downstream annual rainfall, upstream annual rainfall, Jos August rainfall and downstream temperature was by expanding by 5.2 km2, 7.5 km2, 33 km2 and shrinking by 1,456 km2, respectively. The study concluded that the basin wetlands respond significantly to any slide fluctuations in rainfall and temperature variables. Based on the findings, the research recommended proper water management strategies within the basin, especially in the Kano region. Water diversion into Tiga and Challawa dams from neighbouring basins is thus a key to the contentious existence of the basin wetlands.
Optimization of micropropagation protocol and elicitation of luteolin and rutin biomolecules using phenylalanine and chitosan in root callus of Rumex hastatus D. Don
Authors: Singh Tikkam , Agrawal Veena
Published: August 2022

Rumex hastatus D. Don, a traditional medicinal plant known for its, antitumorous, antiangiogenic and antibacterial potential is continuously under threat of extinction due to over exploitation and climatic changes. Phytochemical analysis of different plant parts showed that roots had the maximum quantity of two bioactive molecules, luteolin and rutin and thus was selected for establishment of aseptic culture. In vitro technology has been employed for developing an efficient micropropagation protocols for its conservation, large scale production as well elicitation of the valuable bioactive compounds. Murashige and Skoog’s medium supplemented with 5µM TDZ proved best for developing greenish-brown and compact calluses in 98% root cultures within 30 days. Such callus pieces on subculture to same but fresh medium differentiated an average of 10.50 ± 1.29 shoots which were elongated on MS basal medium. Such excised shoots, rooted in MS + 0.1 µM IBA medium with an average of 12.03 ± 2.49 roots per shoot. These plantlets were successfully acclimatized under greenhouse conditions and fields and their genetic fidelity was evaluated employing SRAP and SCoT markers which revealed their high similarity with mother plant proving their true-to-type nature. Interestingly, the in vitro regenerants showed elevated levels of phenols, flavonoids, luteolin and rutin content and higher antioxidant activities over the mother plant as done by phosphomolybdenum and DPPH assays. For elicitation of bioactive compounds, 100 mg/L phenylalanine was best for enhancing optimum luteolin content (407.18 ± 10.58 µg/g d.w.) over control (22.10 ± 0.57 µg/g d.w.) almost, 17.42–fold, whereas for rutin, 25 mg/L chitosan proved most effective enhancing its synthesis up to 1169.07 ± 46.49 µg/g d.w. over control (312.41 ± 12.42 µg/g d.w.), i.e., 2.74–fold. To the best of our knowledge, this is our first report on micropropagation and elicitation of luteolin and rutin in Rumex hastatus through root culture.
Exposure to maternal diabetes during pregnancy is associated with worse short-term neonatal and neurological outcomes following perinatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy
Authors: Laval Nancy , Paquette Mariane , Talsmat Hamza , Marandyuk Bohdana , Wintermark Pia , Birca Ala , Pinchefsky Elana , Tremblay Sophie
Published: August 2022

Background
Infants of diabetic mothers are at higher risk of perinatal morbidities but the impact of maternal diabetes on neonatal and neurological outcomes of neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) remains poorly described.
Objectives
To determine the association between maternal diabetes with outcomes following HIE.
Methods
A retrospective study including term neonates with HIE who received therapeutic hypothermia treatment between 2013–2020.
Results
Neonates with HIE and maternal diabetes exposure had lower gestational age at birth (P = 0.005) and higher birth weight (P = 0.012). Infants of diabetic mothers were ventilated longer (P = 0.0047) and had a longer neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stay (P = 0.0483) as well as longer time to reach full oral feed (P = 0.0432). Maternal diabetes was associated with increased risk of death or abnormal neurological examination at discharge in neonates with HIE (OR 6.41).
Conclusion
In neonates with HIE, maternal diabetes is associated with an increased risk of death or short-term neonatal morbidities.
Evidence of metals levels, distribution and association in soil and wild edible morels of high altitudes of Pakistan: A risk assessment study
Authors: Badshah Hussain , Khan Muhammad Usman , Mumtaz Abdul Samad
Published: August 2022

This study investigates the macro-nutrients and prevailing metals content in wild edible morels (WEM) and their associated soil substrates, deciphering the potential health risk posed due to their consumption at high altitudes of Pakistan. Samples of three species (Morchella crassipes, M. pulchella and M. eohespera) and their proximate soil samples were collected in triplicate from several sites of Azad Kashmir, Murree, Swat and Skardu. The concentration of macronutrients (Na, K, Ca, and Mg) and metals i.e. (Zn, Mn, Ni, Cu, Pb, Co, Cd, Cr) were assessed using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometery. In general, macronutrients in fruiting bodies and their associated soil samples were concentrated as: K > Mg > Ca > Na and Ca > Mg > K > Na, respectively. While metals in fruiting bodies of WEM were accumulated as: Zn > Cu > Ni > Mn > Co > Cr > Pb > Cd and those in underlying soil samples were: Zn > Cu > Ni > Pb > Co > Cr > Mn > Cd, respectively. Although, Cd, Pb and Zn concentration in samples of some WEM and Cd in soil had just exceeded the permissible limits set by different organizations suggesting that WEM had greater accumulation/or transfer potential for Zn, Co, Ni and Cu in their edible parts, yet the health risk index (HRI) for metals in all assessed samples was < 1. Furthermore, the correlation analyses depicted that the parameters such as pH (basic), low organic matter content and sandy texture are likely to be responsible for metals transfer to the lower pool of soil. However, the increasing concentration of some metals in WEM warrants monitoring of morels to avoid the potential health risks due to their regular usage.
Sex Related Nutritional Outcomes Among Preterm Very Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Parker Leslie , cruz Diomel de la , Weaver Michael , Neu Josef
Published: August 2022

Objective: Sex-specific differences exist in morbidity and growth yet little is known about other nutritional outcomes in preterm very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. We aimed to determine the effect of sex on days to full enteral feedings and other nutritional outcomes.Study Design: This was a longitudinal 2-group comparison using secondary analysis of existing data of 314 infants born <32 weeks gestation and weighing <1500g. Information regarding nutritional outcomes was obtained from the infant’s EMR. Results: Males had higher direct bilirubin levels (p=0.04), more emesis (p=0.02), and more late-onset sepsis (p=0.04). Males weighed more at birth but not at 6-weeks and while the slope of weight increase over 6-weeks was higher in males (p=0.04), growth velocity was similar between sexes yet tended to be higher in females. Conclusion: Sex-specific differences in nutritional outcomes among VLBW infants may exist suggesting personalized nutritional support may improve health outcomes.
Effects of Fresh Bone Marrow Mononuclear Stem Cells in Rat Model of Retinopathy of Prematurity
Authors: Tanourlouee Saman Behboodi , Zolbin Masoumeh Majidi , Azimzadeh Ashkan , Babaei Javad Fahanik , Bitaraf Masoud , Mirnia Kayvan , Kajbafzadeh Abdol-Mohammad
Published: August 2022

Background: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of intravitreal injection of bone marrow mononuclear stem cells (BMMNC) on neurological and vascular damages in a rat model of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Methods: Ten newborn Wistar rats were divided randomly into the control and the oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) group. Animals in the OIR group were incubated in an oxygen chamber to induce retinopathy. One eye of animals in the OIR group received BMMNC suspension (treated eyes), and the contralateral eye received the same volume of saline injection. Then, all animals underwent funduscopy, electroretinography, and histopathological assessments. Results: Compared to the saline injection group, eyes treated with BMMNC had less vascular tortuosity while veins and arteries had relatively same caliber, as revealed by fundus examination. Eyes in treatment group showed significantly elevated photopic and scotopic B waves amplitude. In histopathological assessments, nuclei count in inner retinal layer in the treatment group was significantly lower compared to untreated eyes. Also, BMMNC transplantation reduced apoptosis of neural retina cells. Conclusions: Our results indicated that intravitreal injection of BMMNC reduces neural and vascular damages and results in recovered retinal function in rat model of ROP. Ease of extraction without in vitro processing, besides the therapeutic effects of BMMNCs, make this source of stem cells as a new choice of therapy for ROP or other retinal ischemic diseases in further biomedical research.
Paremeter choice strategies and the numerical stability of Tikhonov regularized approximation formulae
Authors: Tian Lin
Published: August 2022

The paper concerns the Tikhonov regularized approximation formulae derived by the authors (An and Wu, Inverse Problems 37(1), 015008 (2020)). First, we give more specific an L2 error bound and a uniform error bound of the Tikhonov regularized approximation polynomial. From these two error bounds we know that a regularization parameter in this approximation polynomial is important. Then, we employ two strategies, the balancing principle and Brezinski-Rodriguez-Seatzu estimators, to select the regularization parameter. Some numerical experiments are given to illustrate that both parameter choice strategies can select suitable regularization parameters. The two parameter choice strategies are also compared by testing some oscillation functions. Finally, we study the numerical stability of Tikhonov regularized barycentric interpolation formula and Tikhonov regularized modified Lagrange interpolation formula. Both interpolation formulae are shown to be forward stable, and Tikhonov regularized modified Lagrange interpolation formula is also backward stable. We give numerical examples to illustrate the theoretical results.
Aybar´s classification: a simple classification for open fractures with good interobserver and intraobserver reliability.
Authors: Montoya Alfredo Aybar , Nuñez Jorge H. , Cruz Oscar A. Solís , Coronado Cesar A. Tipian
Published: August 2022

Purpose
Currently, the Gustilo-Anderson classification is the most widely used means of assessing open injuries, but it has many limitations. A limitation of Gustilo-Anderson classification and current classification is that does not address the severity of injuries of the bone. The aim of this paper is to show the Aybar classification, as a simple classification of open fractures that have a good interobserver and intraobserver reliability.
Methods
Retrospective study of 141 open tibial fractures. Aybar classification was developed in 1982 and modified to its present form after the experienced in their use and the development of new management of open fractures. Thirty-eight independent, blinded observers reviewed the radiographs and skin lesions images in two separate occasions, with a minimum two-week interval between sittings. The observers represented a different level of orthopaedic training. Interobserver and intraobserver reliability, was analyzed.
Results
Inter-observer and intra-observer assessment demonstrated a high reliability compared with the Gustilo–Anderson classification. Also, there was a high agreement between residents and surgeons, with kappa value > 0.80.
Conclusions
The classification had a good inter-observer and intra-observer agreement and it is presents in a simple and understandable shape for the prognostics of open fracture, through a cross-table diagram.
Bronchogenic Cysts in Rare Sites (Retroperitoneum, Skin, Spinal Cord, or Pericardial Cavity): A Case Series and Characterization of Epithelial Phenotypes
Authors: Onishi Yusuke , Kawabata Shigeru , Yasuda Emi , Ibuki Naokazu , Azuma Haruhito , Hirota Yuka , Ueda Koichi , Neo Masashi , Daimon Masahiro , Kurisu Yoshitaka , Hirose Yoshinobu
Published: August 2022

Background: Bronchogenic cyst is a congenital malformation of the bronchial tree, detected as a cystic and/or mass lesion in the thoracic cavity. Although its occurrence in distant locations, such as the skin and retroperitoneum, has been reported, the components and phenotypes of the epithelium that line a bronchogenic cyst in rare sites have scarcely been evaluated.Case presentation: We reviewed 34 available bronchogenic cysts that were surgically resected at Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University Hospital from 1998 to 2020. We found several bronchogenic cysts in rare sites, and reconfirmed their diagnoses based on the following anatomopathological criteria: the presence of pseudostratified, ciliated, and/or columnar epithelium together with at least one of the following – cartilage, smooth muscle, or seromucous glands. The phenotypes of the epithelium lining the cyst were characterized using immunohistochemical analysis. Six bronchogenic cysts in rare sites (two cases in the retroperitoneum, two cases in the skin, one case in the cervical spinal cord, and one case in the pericardial cavity) met the criteria for the reconfirmation of the diagnoses. The epithelium lining the cyst stained positive for cytokeratin CK7 and thyroid transcription factor 1 (a marker expressed in thyroid follicle, and bronchial epithelium), and negative for CK20, indicating that the phenotypes were similar to those of the respiratory epithelium. Conclusions: This study shows that a bronchogenic cyst could occur in rare sites, such as the retroperitoneum, skin, spinal cord, and pericardial cavity, suggesting that it should be listed as a differential diagnosis before surgical resection in order to apply relevant management modalities.
An Investigation into the Structural, Electronic, and Non-Linear Optical Properties in C N (N=20, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, and 38) Fullerene Cages
Authors: Soyarslan K. , Ortatepe B. , Yurduguzel B. , Güllüoğlu M. T. , Erdogdu Y.
Published: August 2022

The present study attempts to investigate the structural, electronic, and non-linear optical properties of CN (N = 20, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, and 38) fullerene cages based on Density Functional Theory (DFT). In the DFT calculations, the B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) and CAM-B3LYP/6-311 + + G(d,p) level of theories were used. The isomers of each fullerene have been received from the Fullerene Structure Library. These isomers have optimized using the B3LYP/6-311G(d,p). The results included optimization of the neutral, and ionic state structures according to their multiplicity. Geometries, optimization energies, relative energies, frequencies, HOMO, LUMO, and HOMO-LUMO gap of these stable fullerene cages have been predicted by B3LYP/6-311G(d,p). Afterwards, the most stable structures have been re-optimized using the CAM-B3LYP /6-311 + + G(d,p). Finally, non-linear optical properties, fukui functions, density of state, electron affinity, ionization potential values of the most stable fullerene cages have been found out by the DFT/ CAM-B3LYP /6-311 + + G(d,p) level of theory. All calculation results have been compared with both C60 fullerene and the relevant literature on corresponding fullerenes.
Emergence of psychiatric adverse events during antipsychotic treatment in naive children and adolescents
Authors: Menard Marie-Line , Auby Philippe , Cruzel Coralie , Cohen David , Bonnot Olivier , Askenazy Florence , Thümmler Suzanne , group ETAPE Study
Published: August 2022

Objective: Over the last decades, antipsychotic prescriptions in children have increased worldwide. Nevertheless, adverse events are frequently observed, with some such as psychiatric adverse events remaining poorly documented. Method: The French ETAPE study is a 12-month naturalistic prospective multisite study that included 190 naïve pediatric patients (mean age = 12±3 years), treated by antipsychotic for psychotic or non-psychotic symptoms. From the ETAPE database, we performed additional analyses focusing on psychiatric adverse events.Results: Children received mainly second-generation antipsychotic for conditions out of regulatory approval, with risperidone and aripiprazole being the most frequent (respectively 52.5% and 30.83%). Clinicians reported 2447 adverse events, mainly non-psychiatric (n=2073, 84.72%), including neuromuscular, metabolic, gastroenterological, and (n=374, 15.28%) psychiatric. 55.88% of psychiatric adverse events were attributable to antipsychotic by the clinician, compared to 89% of non-psychiatric AEs (p<0.001). 63.2% (n=120) of the 190 children and adolescents presented at least one psychiatric adverse event. The most frequent were externalized behaviors such as aggressiveness or agitation (22.7%), mood changes (18.4%) and suicidal ideas or behaviors (11.8%). Half of psychiatric adverse events occurred during the first quarter, 49.46%, compared to 23.79% during the second, 15.77% during the third, and 10.96% during the fourth. Conclusion: This additional analysis from the French ETAPE study emphasizes that psychiatric adverse events might be more frequent than expected in the pediatric population. Also, the potential risk of psychiatric adverse events should be part of the benefit-risk evaluation and sub-sequent follow-up.
CDH17 as a Cell Surface Immunotherapy Target in Colorectal Cancer: An In Silico Analysis
Authors: Wong Kah Keng
Published: August 2022

Immunotherapy development against colorectal cancer (CRC) is hindered by the lack of surface antigen highly expressed in cancer cells but with restricted presence in normal tissues to minimize off-tumor toxicities. In this in silico analysis, a longlist of genes (n=13,488) expressed in CRCs according to the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database were evaluated to shortlist for potential surface targets based on the following prerequisites: (i) Absent from the brain and lung tissues to minimize the likelihood of neurologic and pulmonary toxicities; (ii) Restricted expression profile in other normal human tissues; (iii) Genes that potentially encode cell surface proteins and; (iv) At least moderately expressed in CRC cases. Fifteen potential targets were shortlisted and subsequently ranked according to the combination of their transcript and protein expression levels in CRCs derived from multiple datasets (i.e. DepMap, TCGA, CPTAC-2, and HPA CRCs). The top-ranked target with the highest and homogenous expression in CRCs was cadherin 17 (CDH17). Downstream in silico analyses in CRC cases showed that CDH17 was highly correlated with carcinoembryonic antigen expression, CDH17 expression was lower in cases with high microsatellite instability, as well as negatively associated with the expression of MHC class I and II molecules. In summary, CDH17 represents an optimal target for immunotherapy development against CRCs, and this study provides a framework to shortlist for promising surface targets for immunotherapy development against other malignancies.
Establishment and validation of a predictive model for post-transplantation diabetes mellitus based on glucose status on day 3 after kidney transplantation
Authors: Yang xiuyan , Li Zheng , Cai Qiuqin , Cui Yu , Deng Hao , Xu Weiwei , Peng Wenhan , Wang Rending , Huang Hongfeng , Chen Jianghua , Wu Jianyong , Huang Lihua
Published: August 2022

Background and objectives: Post-transplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a common complication following kidney transplantation that significantly impacts long-term clinical outcomes. The current study aimed to develop a practical model for predicting the risk of PTDM based on glucose status on day 3 after kidney transplantation.Methods: This study enrolled 300 kidney transplant recipients between October 2018 and July 2019. All recipients were randomly assigned to either development or validation cohorts in a 2:1 ratio. Univariate logistic regression was used for predictor selection. The nomogram was created using a multivariate logistic regression model and calibrated by the receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC), the calibration curves, and the decision-curve analysis. The validation model externally validated the model.Results: The cumulative probability of developing PTDM within one-year of a kidney transplant was 11%. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified hyperglycemia on day 3 (OR 2.02, 95% CI: 1.34-3.07, p < 0.001) and recipient age (OR 1.09, 95% CI: 1.02-1.15, p = 0.007) as independent risk factors for PTDM. The calculated potential predictive risk for PTDM was found to be in perfect agreement with the observed prevalence of PTDM. When compared to the previously used glucose statute on day 5, our model had better predictive performance. Moreover, higher risk of PTDM was associated with a lower recovery rate of graft function.Conclusion: Our study confirmed that the prediction model based on day 3 blood glucose levels can provide an early and accurate prediction of PTDM. This model will assist our clinicians in identifying and intervening in high-risk patients on time to prevent PTDM.
Oscillations in anterior cingulate and medial prefrontal cortex explain learning alterations in trait anxiety
Authors: Hein Thomas , Gong Zheng , Ivanova Marina , Fedele Tommaso , Nikulin Vadim , Herrojo-Ruiz Maria
Published: August 2022

Recent work suggests that anxiety biases how individuals form beliefs and estimate uncertainty, modulating learning. Yet the precise neural underpinnings of these computational alterations remain undetermined. Here we assess whether oscillatory activity in regions of the overlapping anxiety and decision-making circuitry, such as the medial prefrontal, anterior cingulate and orbitofrontal cortex (mPFC, ACC, OFC), is associated with misestimation of uncertainty and altered belief updating in anxiety. In a magnetoencephalography experiment, two groups of human participants pre-screened with high and low trait anxiety (HTA, LTA: 39) performed a volatile probabilistic reward-based learning task. A hierarchical Bayesian model revealed that HTA undermines learning through an overestimation of volatility leading to faster belief updating, more stochastic decisions and pronounced lose-shift tendencies. Using convolution modelling for oscillatory responses in the source space, we observed enhanced gamma activity in HTA during the encoding of unsigned precision-weighted prediction errors (pwPE). These effects emerged in the ACC, dorsomedial PFC (dmPFC), and OFC, and they were accompanied by additional suppression of ACC alpha/beta activity with pwPE and precision-weights in HTA. Our study supports the association between altered learning in trait anxiety and faster updating of beliefs through gamma and alpha/beta activity changes across the ACC, dmPFC and OFC.
Tumor necrosis factor α, agonist and antagonists of cannabinoid receptor type 1 and type 2 alter the immunephenotype of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth
Authors: Trevizani Marizia , Leal Laís Lopardi , Rettore João Vitor Paes , Macedo Gilson Costa , Alves Caio César Souza , Castro Sandra Bertelli Ribeiro , Carmo Antônio Márcio Resende , Silva Silvioney Augusto , Maranduba Carlos Magno Costa , Silva Fernando Sá
Published: August 2022

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is composed of endocannabinoid molecules synthesizing and degrading ligands and cannabinoid receptors such as types CB1 and CB2. The ECS is present in various tissues and cell types, such as in central nervous system, immune system, and mesenchymal stem cells. The presence of these receptors in both immune system cells and stem cells shows a common pathway of communication-related to repair and immunomodulation. The aim of the present study was to verify the participation of ECS in the immunomodulatory profile of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED), in the presence or absence of TNF-α. SHED was cultured in the presence or absence of the agonist anandamide and the two antagonists AM251 and SR144528 of CB1 and CB2 receptors, under stimulation or not of TNF-α. For immunomodulation analysis, surface molecules linked to immunomodulation: HLA-DR, PD-L1 and PD-L2 were measured by flow cytometry. The results showed that SHED respond to ECS and TNF-α by altering key molecules of the immune response. It is concluded that the inhibition of endocannabinoid receptors added with the pro-inflammatory effect of TNF-α led SHED to show increased HLA-DR, as well as, to assume an anti-inflammatory profile by increasing PD-L1 and PD-L2.
Guaranteed Data Destruction Strategies and Drive Sanitization: SSD
Authors: Suthar Hepi , Sharma Priyanka
Published: August 2022

Data destruction is an inevitable and very important part of the life cycle of almost every drive. Replacing a hard drive, memory card or SSD drive must be preceded by the destruction of the information stored on them. And here is the very case when even those “who have nothing to hide” should think about it. Anything can be found on old hard drives - up to account passwords. Here are just a few dozen of the most notorious cases of leaks from hard drives that were not properly destroyed: Residual Data on Used Equipment. To prevent this from happening, data on storage media must be carefully deleted before selling, donating, or simply throwing away the device. Today we will talk about how to ensure that information is deleted from a variety of media. The variety of ways and methods of data destruction is amazing. This diversity is due not least to the fact that in different types of devices the methods of storing information vary greatly. Moreover, the methods of deleting recorded data are also different. Let's start with the most common medium - a conventional magnetic hard drive.
The risk of occult HBV infection in HBcAb-positive general population: a systematic review and meta-analyses
Authors: Yang Yuting , Xing Huiwu , Wu Guojin , Huang Ailong , Zhao Yao
Published: August 2022

Background & Aim:
Hepatitis B is still a significant public health concern worldwide. The disease burden of occult HBV infection (OBI) has received more widespread attention. Hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb)-positive is the seromarker of past HBV infection. Whether HBcAb can be used as the surrogate for OBI screening remains controversial. A meta-analysis is performed to evaluate the risk of OBI in HBcAb-positive general population.
Method
We search published studies in electronic databases which evaluated the prevalence of OBI in HBcAb-positive general population from January 1990 to April 2022, including Pubmed, Web of science, Embase, and Cochrane Library Central through April 18, 2022. The scope of this search was restricted to article published in English.
Results
Forty-three studies were including in the study, involving 19,777 individuals, 39 (39/43, 91%) original researches with blood detection, and 4 (4/43, 9%) with liver tissue samples. We found the pooled estimated incidences of OBI were 8% (95% CI: 4–13) in HBcAb-positive and 2% (95% CI: 0–4) in HBcAb-negative with blood sample detection, 66% [95% CI: 36–91]) and 0% (95% CI: 0–2) with liver tissue detection, respectively; variable sensitivities and specificities of HBV DNA detection methods were used in different studies.
Conclusion
The risk of OBI is significantly higher in HBcAb-positive general population than HBcAb-negative. It is necessary to consider HBcAb as a serological surrogate for OBI screening. Establishing standardized and validated confirmation assays for OBI diagnosis are warranted to support the goal of eliminating of HBV infection worldwide.