bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BENTHIC FORAMINIFERAL MORPHOGROUPS AND TRACE FOSSILS FROM ALBIAN SHALLOW-MARINE MUDSTONE FACIES OF THE VIKING FORMATION, WESTERN INTERIOR SEAWAY, CANADA
Authors: MCNEIL DAVID H. , MACEACHERN JAMES A.
Published: June 2023

This study assesses the foraminiferal morphogroup concept as a quantitative tool for interpreting environments of deposition in the geological record. This was achieved by first establishing a solid paleoenvironmental framework based on assessment of trace fossils (Zoophycos, Cruziana, and Phycosiphon ichnofacies, and the unnamed brackish-water association), sedimentology, and facies analysis of shallow-marine siliciclastic units of the upper Albian Viking Formation of the Western Interior Seaway, Canada. Foraminiferal morphogroups were integrated into a framework of six well-defined marine mudstone-dominated facies—estuarine, embayment, prodelta, upper offshore, lower offshore, and marine shelf. Seven morphogroups were recognized, quantified, and labeled using alphanumeric codes—A (tubular), B1 (globular), B2 (coiled, flat), B3 (lenticular), C1 (elongate), C2 (quinqueloculine), and D (trochospiral).

Tubular forms (A, Bathysiphon) occur rarely in these shallow-marine facies. Globular forms (B1, Lagenammina) are common in estuarine (33%) and embayment (23%) facies, but also occur elsewhere in low numbers (7–14%). Coiled planar forms (B2, Ammodiscus) occur only rarely (1–8%), but have a minor presence in embayment facies (8%). Lenticular forms (B3, Haplophragmoides) are dominant in estuarine facies (43%) and occur commonly in other environments (9–29%) as well. Elongate forms (C1, Ammobaculites, Reophax, Verneuilinoides) dominate all shallow-marine facies (43–80%), except estuarine (10%). Quinqueloculine forms (C2, Miliammina) have a minor presence in prodelta and marine facies (5%) but are generally rare. Trochoid forms (D, Trochammina) occur rarely, but are relatively common in the prodeltaic facies (15%). Albian foraminiferal morphogroups of the Viking Formation are comparable to those of modern-day offshore environments from water depths of 13 to 160 meters. Foraminiferal morphogroups are objective entities independent of taxonomic determinations. Analysis of their form and function is applicable not only in the shallow-marine facies of the Albian Western Interior Seaway, but in similar facies throughout the geologic record.
Shade Selection for Natural Tooth Color Replication on Porcelain Laminate Veneers
Authors: Cunha Leonardo Fernandes da , Schelbauer Ricardo Susin , Costa Helton , Tabata Lucas Fernando , de Mello Daniella Birnbaum Pessoa , Kunz Patrícia Valeria Manozzo , Baratto Samantha Schaffer Pugsley , Baratto-Filho Flares , Madalena Isabela Ribeiro
Published: June 2023

Introduction: The final color of dental ceramics depends on different factors such as light source, substrate, and selected material (thickness, contour, and texture).
Objective: to report a clinical case in which a predictable protocol is used to optimize the final color of porcelain laminate veneers
Case report:: A male patient attended the dental clinic dissatisfied with the composite resin restorations made on his upper anterior teeth. After anamnesis and clinical examination, it was suggested that the resin restorations be replaced by laminated porcelain veneers. A diagnostic wax-up was performed. The mock-up was also used to evaluate the aesthetic length for replicating the details of the incisal edge and the shape and size of the embrasures. The shade was selected before composite resin removal to avoid dehydration of the dental substrate. A photograph was taken to guide the selection of colors in different thirds. After removing the restorations, another photograph was taken to evaluate the color of the substrate. The impression was taken with 000 retractor wire and addition silicone. The laminates were made with pressed ceramic and feldspathic porcelain veneers were subsequently applied by layering the layers of dentin, incisal edge and enamel based on the waxing diagnosis. After approval by the patient, a conventional cementation technique was performed. The occlusal adjustment was made with rubber polishing cups and the anterior and lateral guides were checked.
Conclusion: The protocol recommended for successful selection of the color of a porcelain laminate relies on the combination of knowledge of concepts, resources such as shade guides, spectrophotometers, and photographs, and porcelain application and characterization techniques performed by the technician and luting techniques by the dentist.
Perinatal outcomes of asthma exacerbation during pregnancy in a Chinese population: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Yan , Chang Chun , Li Tongxin , Dong Fawu , Li Nan
Published: June 2023

Asthma exacerbation (AE) is a significant clinical problem during pregnancy. This study aimed to identify factors and perinatal and offspring outcomes associated with AE during pregnancy. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Peking University Third Hospital database from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2020. We compared the clinical characteristics and perinatal and offspring outcomes of asthma with and without exacerbations among women who delivered during this period. The prevalence of gestational asthma increased from 0.52% in 2013 to 0.98% in 2020. Of the 220 patients with gestational asthma included in the study, 105 experienced AE during pregnancy: 62.9% (n = 66) had mild-to-moderate AE and 37.1% (n = 39) had severe AE. Pregnant women with allergic rhinitis have a higher risk of AE during pregnancy. The mean fetal weight was lower in the AE group than in the non-AE group (p = 0.01). Women who experienced AE were more at risk for gestational hypertension and preeclampsia than women who did not experience any exacerbation.
Prenatal diagnosis identifies compound heterozygous variants in PKDCC that causes Rhizomelic Limb Shortening with Dysmorphic Features in a Chinese fetus
Authors: Yan Lulu , Cao Juan , Zhang Yuxin , Liu Yingwen , Zou Jinghui , Lou Biying , Zhuang Danyan , Li Haibo
Published: June 2023

Background: Rhizomelic limb shortening with dysmorphic features (RLSDF) has already been a disorder of the rare autosomal recessive skeletal dysplasia, just having a few reported cases. RLSDF is caused by PKDCC gene variants. In this article, the clinical features and potential RLSDF molecular etiology in a Chinese fetus are depicted.
Methods: Genomic DNA (gDNA) extracted from the fetal muscle tissue and parents’ peripheral blood was subjected to chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) and trio-based whole exome sequencing (Trio-WES). The candidate pathogenic variants were verified by Sanger sequencing.
Results: Trio-WES identifed two compound heterozygous variants in PKDCC, c.346delC (p.Pro117Argfs*113) and c.994G>T (p.Glu332Ter), inherited from the father and mother, respectively. Both variants are classified as pathogenic according to ACMG guidelines.
Conclusions: It was reported the first prenatal case of PKDCC caused RLSDF among Chinese population. Our findings extended the variation spectrum of PKDCC and emphasized the necessity of WES for early diagnosis of fetuses with skeletal dysplasia and other ultrasound structural abnormalities.
Back analysis of shear strength parameters of failed slopes using probabilistic approach: two case studies
Authors: Nassirzadeh Reza , Dini Abdollah , Balagar Vahid
Published: June 2023

In general, geotechnical investigations deal with the back analysis of the geotechnical parameters on the basis of the field observation. According to the back analysis method introduced in the present study, geometry of a number of failed slopes have been carefully mapped and then statistical features of the groundwater level, the bulk unit weight and other measurable parameters have been determined. After that, a series of two-dimensional models for back analysis of the failures have been established. Moreover, statistical analyses based on probabilistic approaches have been utilized to estimate the variation ranges of the shear strength variables. The study provided the probabilistic back analysis of the slope failure with the two case studies in the copper mines of Anjerd and Daraloo. Results indicated that the approach to the probabilistic back analysis has been effective in the analysis of the slope failures wherein considerable uncertainty has been observed in the shear strength and other influential variables. Furthermore, the probabilistic back analysis presented a lot of information in comparison to the approach to the deterministic back analysis and thus had more reasonable matching with the practice of geotechnical engineering in the real world. Therefore, this method would be beneficial and practical for stability analysis, redesigning the slopes, designing the new slopes under the same geotechnical conditions and promote the construction safety. The probabilistic back analysis could be also used to estimate the shear parameters and analyze the stability of slopes as a cost-effective and high reliability method.
An evaluation of optometric advanced skills within a UK tertiary based setting
Authors: Jindal Anish , Abdulrasid Safwana , Mulholland Pádraig , Anand Vijay , Siriwardena Dilani
Published: June 2023

Introduction
Hospital-based optometrists are undertaking numerous extended roles across ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital (MEH) NHS Foundation Trust is the largest UK employer of hospital-based optometrists. It was sought to investigate what advanced skills (AS) are being performed and their relevance to the four pillars of advanced clinical practice (ACP) in this centre.
Methods
An online survey was sent to MEH optometrists in May 2022 that asked about professional status, subspecialties worked, qualifications, performance and validation of AS, research and leadership.
Results
Ninety-six responses were received, mean post-qualification experience was 16.2 (SD 10.4). There were 84 independent AS that covered clinical, leadership and research, with respondents achieving a mean of 11.8 (SD 10.3) AS. Those with independent prescribing (IP) qualifications (n = 52) had a higher number of AS compared to non-IP optometrists (p = 0.03). There were 68 clinical AS across the subspecialties (23 clinical AS were common in 2 or more subspecialties), 49 out of 120 clinical AS could be performed by at least 60% of staff. Twenty-six optometrists identified with leadership, fifty-six had undertaken research/audit, 27 had published within a peer-reviewed journal and 50% of time spent on research was supported by funding.
Conclusion
AS are being performed by optometrists within a tertiary eye hospital that supports ACP. IP Optometrists IP had higher self-reported AS but current educational frameworks don’t accommodate for some AS. Targeted AS courses with competency-based sign-off may further support high-quality patient care. Further research is required on how advanced care practitioners can be provisioned to support workforce transformation.
Spatial Model of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) Risk: Scoping Review
Authors: Pakaya Ririn , Daniel D. , Widayani Prima , Utarini Adi
Published: June 2023

This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the important predictors, and additionally spatial modeling tools capable of producing Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) risk maps. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar for studies reporting DHF risk factors. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) 2020 statement is used to report this scoping review. It lasted from January 2011 to August of 2022. Initially 1329 articles were found, after inclusion and exclusion criteria, 45 manuscripts were selected. A variety of models and techniques were used to identify DHF risk areas with an arrangement of various multiple-criteria decision-making, statistical, and Machine Learning technique. We found that There was no pattern of predictor use associated with particular approaches; instead, a wide range of predictors was used to create DHF risk maps. Predictors are various variables or factors that are considered when assessing the likelihood or intensity of DHF outbreaks in a specific area in the context of DHF risk mapping. These predictors can include climatology factors (e.g., temperature, rainfall, humidity), socio-economic indicators (e.g., population density, urbanization level), environmental factors (land-use, elevation) and other relevant factors (e.g., mosquito abundance, previous DHF cases). The spatial model of DHF risk is a valuable tool for public health authorities, policymakers, and communities to identify areas at higher risk of dengue transmission, but its limitations underscore the importance of complementing it with other approaches and considering contextual factors for a more holistic assessment of DHF outbreaks. It enables targeted interventions, such as vector control measures and public awareness campaigns, to be implemented in high-risk areas, ultimately helping to mitigate the impact of dengue outbreaks and protect public health.
Coupling of Evapotranspiration with Anthropogenic parameters -A case study of Central and Eastern India
Authors: Shweta  , Bhattacharya Bimal Kumar , Krishna Akhouri Pramod
Published: June 2023

Through present work district wise coupling of anthropogenic forcing’s with Evapotranspiration (ET) for the years 2001-2010 over Indian state of Bihar and Madhya Pradesh has been identified. Here, calibrated Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) annual ET data i.e MOD 16 8-Days ET Product along with different statistics related to agricultural management factors such as Net sown area (NSA), Gross cultivated area (GCA), Agriculture sown area more than once (ASMO), Net irrigated area (NIA), Gross irrigated area (GIA) alogwith Ground water level data were used. And, to identify coupling of ET with selected parameters Mann Kendall trend test statistics and correlation analysis have been performed at district-level. Thus, result thus obtained showed a good coupling and coorelation of ET with selected anthropogenic factors and this noticed coupling factor were covering 46% area of the state Bihar and 50% area of Madhya Pradesh and Correlation coefficient of these parameters with ET were ranging up to 0.9 for both the study states.
*Corresponding Author:Shweta
Email:swetagpt29@gmail.com
Thus, this part of the analysis showed very explicitly that ET was very well coupled with anthropogenic factors which is a good indication in terms of agricultural production, and at the same time shows alarming situation for exploition of irrigation resources for the respective states.
Towards the development of a direct method for the detection of autologous blood transfusions in sport doping: targeting the red blood cells “storage lesions”
Authors: Biasini Giorgia M , Botre Francesco , Torre Xavier de la , Donati Francesco
Published: June 2023

Background and objective: Autologous blood transfusion is a form of “blood doping” banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency. At present, this practice is detectable exclusively by the individual, longitudinal monitoring of hematological biomarkers, as in the hematological module of the Athlete Biological Passport; but this indirect approach may suffer from different confounding factors. We are presenting a multi-parametric, analytical strategy to detect autologous blood transfusions by targeting the modification of the red blood cells during storage. We focused on the assessment of “storage lesions” that occur to red blood cells between the withdrawal and the re-infusion.
Methods: We specifically focused on (i) membrane proteins: Glycophorin-A and Band 3 complex, (ii) biomarkers of oxidative stress: Peroxiredoxin-2 (PRDX2), (iii) biomarkers of senescence: CD47 and Phosphatidylserine, (iv) erythrocytes microparticles. All of the above were monitored, by immunological and flow cytofluorimetric methods, on samples of stored whole blood collected at different time intervals, and on fresh and blood samples mixed “ex vivo” to simulate an autotransfusion.
Results: Our results showed that the irreversible alteration of RBCs morphology, the loss of membrane integrity, the occurrence of hemolysis phenomena, and, more in general, the “aging” of the erythrocytes during storage are closely related to the reduced concentration of Band 3 protein and glycophorin A in the erythrocyte membrane, to the externalization of phosphatidyl serine and to the reduced concentration of CD47. In parallel, increasing levels of erythrocyte microparticles are produced during storage.
Conclusions: The most promising method to detect the presence of transfused blood in whole blood samples can be based on a multi-parametric strategy, considering jointly both protein expression on RBCs membranes and micro-vesiculation phenomena.
Development of a Novel Indirubin Derivative with Enhanced Anticancer Properties: Synthesis, In Vitro, and In Vivo Evaluation
Authors: Nguyen Trong Dan , Le Thai Minh Duy
Published: June 2023

The indirubin (2) derivative undergoes condensation with hydroxylamine hydrochloride, resulting in the formation of a novel indirubin derivative (3) that incorporates both the oxime group and the piperidine heterocycle. This compound is subsequently treated with hydrochloric acid in ethanol, leading to the formation of the hydrochloride salt (4), which exhibits excellent solubility in water. The chemical structures of compounds (3) and (4) were determined using 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, as well as high-resolution mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization (ESI). To evaluate their potential as anticancer agents, in vitro assays were conducted using three human cancer cell lines (A549, Hep-G2, SW480) and one murine cancer cell line (B16F10). These compounds, along with indirubin (1) and Bortezomib (BTZ), were tested. The results revealed that compounds (3) and (4) demonstrated significant antitumor activity against all four cancer cell lines, with concentrations ranging from 0.363 to 12.990 µM. Importantly, their activity surpassed that of indirubin (1) and BTZ. Furthermore, an in vivo anticancer activity assay was performed on compound (4) using the B16F10 cell line. After 18 days, the tumor size in the group treated with compound (4) was approximately eight times smaller than that of the control group, and nearly three times smaller than the group treated with BTZ.
Over-Pressured Layer Chromatography and QSARs in predicting pharmacokinetics and toxicity of new herbicide candidates
Authors: Śliwińska Anna , Janicka Małgorzata
Published: June 2023

The Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships (QSAR) methodology was utilized to predict the biological properties, including protein binding, plasma and brain unbound fractions, blood-brain barrier permeability, intestinal permeability, and lethal dose, of a series of newly synthesized s-triazines considered as potential herbicides. The Over-Pressured Layer Chromatography (OPLC) technique, employing reversed-phase systems, was applied to determine the lipophilicities of the substances, characterized by the retention parameters RM0. In the QSAR methodology, the chromatographic lipophilicity parameters (RM0), along with polarizability (α) and molecular weight (MW), were used as independent variables. Multiple linear regression was employed to derive the Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships, which were subsequently validated, and their statistical significance was demonstrated.
Evaluation of sexual function in females with chronic hepatitis C virus and its correlation with medical parameters
Authors: alashry shereen
Published: June 2023

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has a high prevalence in Egypt. The sexual function of female patients with chronic HCV has not been adequately studied in Egypt, where discussion of sexual desires and function is considered unacceptable by many. This study aims to evaluate sexual function in females with chronic HCV and its correlation with medical parameters. 120 female patients with chronic HCV and 120 healthy female controls were involved in the study. The Arabic validated version of Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used to assess the sexual function of the patients and controls. There was a significant decrease in all domains of the FSFI score (desire, excitement, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction and pain) in female patients with chronic HCV versus the control candidates. We found significant correlation between FSFI domains and haemoglobin level, leucocytic and platelet counts. However, the correlation between FSFI domains and serum HCV RNA, alanine transaminase (ALT) were stastistically non- significant. Being worker, having HCV + ve partner, having an old aged partner, presence of finantial stress and duration > 2 years since HCV diagnosis, all were associated with significant increase in female sexual dysfunction in chronic hepatitis C patients.
Preoperative prognostic model for localized and locally advanced renal cell carcinoma—Michinoku Japan Urological Cancer Study Group
Authors: Horie Shigemitsu , NAITO SEI , Hatakeyama Shingo , Kandori Shuya , Numakura Kazuyuki , Kato Renpei , Koguchi Tomoyuki , Myoen Shingo , Kawasaki Yoshihide , Ito Akihiro , Adachi Hisanobu , Kojima Yoshiyuki , Obara Wataru , Habuchi Tomonori , Nishiyama Hiroyuki , Ohyama Chikara , Tsuchiya Norihiko
Published: June 2023

Background
The Modified International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Dataset Consortium model (mIMDC) is a preoperative prognostic model for pT3cN0M0 renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This study aimed to validate the mIMDC and to construct a new model in a localized and locally advanced RCC (LLRCC).
Methods
A database was established (the Michinoku Japan Urological Cancer Study Group database) consisting of 65 patients who were clinically diagnosed with LLRCC (cT3b/c/4NanyM0) and underwent radical nephrectomy from December 2007 to May 2018. Using univariable and multivariable analyses, we retrospectively analyzed disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in this database, constructed a new prognostic model according to these results, and estimated the model fit using c-index on the new and mIMDC models.
Results
Independent poorer prognostic factors for both DFS and OS include the following: ≥1 Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, 2.0 mg/dL C-reactive protein, and > upper normal limit of white blood cell count. The median DFS in the favorable (no factor), intermediate (one factor), and poor-risk group (two or three factors) was 101.8, 18.2, and 4.0 months, respectively (P < 0.001). The 3-year OS in the favorable, intermediate, and poor-risk group were 100%, 54%, and 0%, respectively (P < 0.001). The c-indices of the new and mIMDC models were 0.73 and 0.66 for DFS (P = 0.065) and 0.86 and 0.73 for OS (P = 0.006), respectively.
Conclusion
The new preoperative prognostic model in LLRCC can be used in patient care and clinical trials.
Change over five years in important measures of methodological quality and reporting in cardiovascular clinical research trials
Authors: Baasan Odgerel , Freihat Omar , Nagy Dávid U , Lohner Szimonetta
Published: June 2023

Objectives
The aim of our current study was to analyze whether important measures of methodological quality and reporting of randomized controlled trials published in the field of cardiovascular disease research changed over time. Further aim was to investigate whether there was an improvement over time in the ability of these trials to provide a good estimate of the true intervention effect.
Methods
We conducted two separate searches in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTAL) database to identify cardiovascular clinical research trials published in either 2012 or 2017. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) trials in cardiovascular disease research with adult participants were eligible to be included. We randomly selected 250 RCTs for both publication year 2012 and 2017. Trial characteristics, data on measures of methodological quality and reporting were extracted and risk of bias for each trial was assessed.
Results
As compared to 2012 in 2017 there were significant changes in important measures of methodological quality and reporting, including an improvement in the reporting of the presence of a data monitoring committee (42.0% vs. 34.4%), and a positive tendency of registering cardiovascular disease research RCTs in clinical trial registries (83.6% vs. 72.0%). On the other hand, we also observed that significantly fewer RCTs reported sample size calculation (60.4% vs. 98.4%) in 2017 as compared to 2012. RCTs in 2017 were more likely to have low overall RoB than in 2012 (29.2% vs. 21.2%). However, the 5-year-change was not clearly in the direction of improvement for all RoB domains. In 2017 multicenter trials, drug trials and registered trials were also more likely to have a low overall RoB, than single center, non-drug on non-registered trials. In 2012 specific trial characteristics had not yet a significant impact on overall RoB.
Conclusion:
As compared to 2012 in 2017 there were significant improvement in some, but not all the important measures of methodological quality. Although more trials in the field of cardiovascular disease research had a lower overall RoB in 2017, the improvement over time was not consistently perceived in all RoB domains.
Delineation and Evaluation of Management Zones for Site Specific Nutrient Management in Maize Tracts of Northern Telangana using Geostatistical and Fuzzy C Mean Cluster approach.
Authors: Bhagwan Vaibhav Pandit Vaibhav , Theerthala Anjaiah Anjaiah , Devi Uma Devi M Uma , Neelima T.L. T.L. , C D. D. Srinivasa
Published: June 2023

Identification and demarcation of management zones (MZs) are required to maximize profit, reduce environmental damage, and enhance soil and crop health. The management zone with uniform spatial homogeneity and production potential may solve the problem of sustainable soil nutrient management. Hence, this current investigation was carried out to evaluate variations in soil parameters in order to demarcate the soil fertility zone for site-specific nutrient management. Overall, 200 soil samples (0-15 cm depth) with geographical coordinate were collected with a grid size of 14.2 m × 14.2 m from 4 ha maize cultivated area of Bogumpadu village ofEllanthakunthamandal, Karimnagar district, Telangana, India. The collected samples were tested with different reagents to know the soil reaction and available nutrients in soil. The geostatistical technique was implemented to assess nutrient variability and preparation of variability map. The spatial variability of soil properties was explained by different models whereas spherical, exponential, and Gaussian models identified as the best-fitted models. Furthermore, the management zone was delineated by principal component analysis and fuzzy C-means clustering algorithm. Five PCs with eigenvalue >1, explaining 99.98 % of variation in overall variation were selected for the next statistics. Three management zone were identified by using the fuzzy performance index (FPI) and normalized classification entropy (NCE). The management zone significantly differs from each other. MZ-1 covers an area of 45.5 %, followed by MZ-2 (29.5 %) and MZ-3 (25%). To evaluate the management zone productivity, site-specific nutrient management experiment was conducted in the maize field. The different fertilizer doses were calculated for three management zones by the Soil test crop response model and compared with farmer fertilizer practices. The result showed the highest maize grain yield in MZ-3 (80. 18 q ha-1) followed by MZ -2 (79.25 q ha-1) and MZ-1 (77.89 q ha-1) and the lowest grain yield with farmer fertilizer practice (72.69 q ha-1). The highest N, P2O5and K2O fertilizer saving was observed in MZ-3 followed by MZ -2 and MZ-1 compared to farmer fertilizer practices. This study concluded that the management zone concept reduced the application of fertilizer, reduced environmental pollution and increased the maize grain yield and profit.
Trends in seasonal precipitation extremes and associated temperatures along continental Chile
Authors: Lagos-Zúñiga Miguel A. , Mendoza Pablo A. , Rondanelli Roberto , Campos Diego
Published: June 2023

We characterize trends in maximum seasonal daily precipitation (seasonal Rx1day), and minimum (Tn), and maximum (Tx) daily temperatures during days with precipitation over continental Chile for the period 1970–2017, using surface stations and the AgERA5 gridded product derived from the ERA5 reanalysis dataset. We also examine seasonal trends of Sea Surface Temperature (SST), Precipitable Water (PW), Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE), Eddy Kinetic Energy (EKE), Atmospheric Rivers (ARs) frequency, and upper air observations to seek for possible mechanisms that explain precipitation trends. Our results show an increase in precipitation extremes during fall in Northern Chile (15–30°S) and during fall and winter in Austral Chile, and mostly negative trends in Central Chile, where a few locations with positive trends are found along the coast. Although warming trends prevail for Tn (< 0.5°C/dec), cooling trends are observed in Tx during seasonal Rx1day events for almost all seasons. The highest values in Tn trends are obtained on the western slopes of the Andes. We also explore temperature scaling in surface stations, finding strong positive super Clausius Clapeyron with Tn, especially during the fall. Sounding observations in five stations across Chile, suggest warming trends at 23.5°, 33°S and 53°S, with a stabilization effect by enhanced warming in the upper troposphere, while presenting cooling trends in Puerto Montt (41.5°S). Seasonal trends in PW reveal moistening along southern-Peru and Northern-Chile during spring and summer. Positive trends in CAPE are observed over 35–40°S (austral summer and fall) and the northern altiplano (autumn). SST analyses reveal strong cooling around 30°S in winter, which may explain the negative trends in seasonal Rx1day in central Chile. A warming spot on the northern Peruvian coast during fall may be responsible for humidification in front of Northern Chile, particularly during summer and fall. Positive EKE trends are detected south of 40°S, being stronger and reaching almost all of the coast during spring. ARs frequency unveils negative trends up to -5 days/dec during summer, and positive trends of 1 day/dec in 40°- 50°S coastal regions during spring. More generally, the results presented here shed light on the main large-scale processes driving recent trends in precipitation extremes across continental Chile.
OGM and WES Identifies Translocation Breakpoints in PKD1 Gene in an Polycystic Kidney Patient and Healthy Baby Delivered Using PGT
Authors: Xu Peiwen , Wang Lijuan , Li Jing , Huang Sexin , Gao Ming , Kang Ranran , Li Jie , Xie Hongqiang , Liu Xiaowei , Gao Xuan , Yan Junhao , Chen Zi-jiang , Gao Yuan
Published: June 2023

Background Whole exome sequencing (WES) is a routine tool for diagnostic confirmation of genetic diseases. Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is one of the most common autosomal dominant genetic diseases and WES was usually performed to confirm the clinical diagnosis in ADPKD. Reciprocal translocation is the most common chromosomal structural abnormalities and the most carriers have normal phenotypes, unless they are encountered infertility problem when they grow up. However, for polycystic kidney disease caused by abnormal chromosome structure, WES is difficult to achieve the purpose of gene diagnosis.
Methods ADPKD-related genes were detected by WES; Chromosomal karyotyping and Optical Genome Mapping (OGM) was used to detect structural variant; The genomic break-point locations and the abnormal splicing was detected by reverse transcription-PCR and Sanger sequencing. The karyomapping gene chip and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) were performed to screen aneuploidy and distinguish the noncarrier embryos from carrier embryos.
Results No pathogenic variant was found after first round of WES analysis. Karyotyping data showed 46, XX, t (16; 17) (p13.3; q21.3). With the help of OGM, the translocation breakpoint on chromosome 16 was located within the PKD1 gene. With re-analysis of WES raw data, the breakpoint of translocation was verified to be located at the c.10618+3 of PKD1 gene. Based on this molecular diagnosis, a noncarrier embryo was selected out from three blastocysts, with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) after in vitro fertilization (IVF), to transferred into uterus. With confirmation by prenatal and postnatal testing, the pedigree delivered a healthy baby.
Conclusion We identified a case of ADPKD caused by balanced translocation and assisted the patient to have a healthy child. When the phenotype was closely related with a monogenic disease and the WES analysis was negative, chromosomal structural analysis would be recommended for further genetic diagnosis. Based on the precision diagnosis, preventing the recurrence of hereditary diseases in offspring would be reachable.
Differential Activation of Programmed Cell Death in Patients with Severe SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Riegler Ashligh , Benson Paul , Long Kenneth , Leal Sixto
Published: June 2023

SARS-CoV-2 (SARS-2) causes severe lower airway disease and death in a subset of patients. Knowledge on the relative contribution of programmed cell death (PCD) to lung pathology is limited to few human autopsy studies with small sample size/scope, in vitro cell culture, and experimental model systems. In this study, we sought to identify, localize, and quantify activation of apoptosis, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis in FFPE lung tissues from patients that died from severe SARS-2 infection (n=28) relative to uninfected controls (n=13). Immunofluorescence (IF) staining, whole-slide imaging, and Image J software was used to localize and quantify expression of SARS-2 nucleoprotein and the following PCD protein markers: cleaved Caspase-3, pMLKL, cleaved Gasdermin D, and CD71, respectively. IF showed differential activation of each PCD pathway in SARS-2 infected lungs and dichotomous staining for SARS-2 nucleoprotein enabling distinction between high (n=9) vs low viral burden (n= 19). No differences were observed in apoptosis and ferroptosis in SARS-2 infected lungs relative to uninfected controls. However, both pyroptosis and necroptosis were significantly increased in SARS-2 infected lungs. Increased pyroptosis was observed in SARS-2 infected lungs, irrespective of viral burden, suggesting an inflammation-driven mechanism. In contrast, necroptosis exhibited a very strong positive correlation with viral burden (R2=0.9925), suggesting a direct SARS-2 mediated effect. These data indicate a possible novel mechanism for viral-mediated necroptosis and a potential role for both lytic programmed cell death pathways, necroptosis and pyroptosis, in mediating infection outcome.
Health-Related Quality of Life after stereotactic radiosurgery in patients with brain metastases
Authors: Albers Elaine A.C. , de Ligt Kelly M. , de Poll-Franse Lonneke V. van , Compter Annette , de Ruiter Michiel B. , Schagen Sanne B.
Published: June 2023

Purpose
This study aimed to assess Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in patients with brain metastases treated with Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and to identify factors associated with this.
Methods
HRQoL was measured pre-SRS, at 3 and 6 months follow-up. Physical functioning, cognitive functioning, role functioning and fatigue were analyzed with the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. Motor dysfunction, future uncertainty, visual disorder, communication deficit and headaches were analyzed with the EORTC QLQ-BN20. Clinically important symptom or functional impairment was assessed following set thresholds. Factors associated with impairment were identified through multivariable logistic regression analyses.
Results
At baseline, 178 patients were included; 54% (n = 96) completed questionnaires at 3 months and 39% (n = 70) at 6 months. Before SRS, 29% of LINAC patients reported physical and cognitive impairment, while 25% reported impairment for fatigue. At 6 months, 39%, 43% and 57% of LINAC patients reported impairment respectively. Forty-five percent of GK patients reported impairment pre-SRS for physical, cognitive functioning and fatigue. At 6 months, 48%, 43% and 33% of GK patients reported impairment respectively. Except for role functioning, pre-SRS symptom and functioning scores were associated with impairment at 3 months; whereas scores at 3 months were associated with impairment at 6 months. Age, gender, systemic therapy and intracranial progression were not associated with clinically important impairment.
Conclusion
As 33–57% of patients with brain metastases reported symptom burden and functional impairments that were of clinical importance, it is recommended to pay attention to the HRQoL outcomes of these patients during clinical encounters.
A Low Power CMOS Transceiver for low-field NMR Spectrometer
Authors: Li Fanyang , Zhang Yanqing
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we present a low-power NMR-on-a-chip system for low-field applications. The transmitter circuit consists of a level-shifted circuit and an H-bridge power amplifier (PA). The transmitter circuit has adjustable output power for multi-field applications, with 52 mW output power at 50 Ω load impedance, while the receiver circuit contains a low-noise amplifier (LNA), a variable gain amplifier (VGA), a down-conversion mixer, and a Variable BW low-pass filter with 19–75 dB link gain and an input reference noise of 0.85\(nV/\sqrt{Hz}\). The on-chip high-digitization frequency synthesizer can steadily generate pulsed signals from 20 to 45MHz (for magnetic field applications from 0.5T to 1T), and the phase noise is measured at -95dBc/Hz at 10KHz offset at a local oscillation frequency of 21.28MHz. buffer connection. The NMR on-chip system designed in this paper is based on the SMIC 0.18µm CMOS process, and the power consumption of the entire receiver side is only 3.89mW at 1.2V supply voltage, and the layout area of the whole system is only 1mm×1.14mm.
Oil spills, coastal pollution, and antibiotic resistance in bacteria isolated from soil across the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal coastlines
Authors: Rekadwad Bhagwan Narayan , Shouche Yogesh S. , Jangid Kamlesh
Published: June 2023

Pelagic transport causes oil pollution by traversing the open ocean in southern Asia and Indian territory via international tanker routes. The natural flow of ocean water from east to west, which carries pollutants and biohazards into the marine waters belonging to the Indian territory, is what causes the deposition and saturation of oil spills, tar (i.e., hydrocarbons), and wastes in ocean waters. Water currents and tides carry tons of crude oil that has leaked from oil tanker accidents in the open ocean to coastlines. Here, we report that marine traffic of sailing flags across oceans causes pollution that results in the formation of algal blooms and has an impact on the production of chlorophyll and the mortality of fauna. The consequences of pollution have mostly affected coastal areas, especially mangroves, and may destroy potential fishing zones. Furthermore, it was recorded that long-term exposure to pollutants may cause the development of antibiotic and hydrocarbon resistance in bacteria. Bacterial taxa such as Bacillus, Domibaciluus, Acinetobacter, Brevundimonas, Streptococcus, Mycolibacterium, and Sphingomonas, among others, were found, and their identities were confirmed by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene. Antimicrobial resistance in these bacteria may pose a threat to public health.
Mass Spectrometry in Cerebrospinal Fluid Uncovers Association of Glycolysis Biomarkers with Alzheimer’s Disease in a Large Clinical Sample
Authors: de Geus Matthijs B. , Leslie Shannon N. , Lam TuKiet , Wang Weiwei , Kivisakk Pia , Nairn Angus C. , Arnold Steven E. , Carlyle Becky C.
Published: June 2023

Background Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex heterogenous neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by multiple pathophysiologies, including disruptions in brain metabolism. Defining markers for patient stratification across these pathophysiologies is an important step towards personalized treatment of AD. Efficient brain glucose metabolism is essential to sustain neuronal activity, but hypometabolism is consistently observed in AD. The molecular changes underlying these observations remain unclear. Recent studies have indicated dysregulation of several glycolysis markers in AD cerebrospinal fluid and tissue.Methods In this study, unbiased mass spectrometry was used to perform a deep proteomic survey of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a large-scale clinically complex cohort to uncover changes related to impaired glucose metabolism.Results Two glycolytic enzymes, Pyruvate kinase (PKM) and Aldolase A (ALDOA) were found to be specifically upregulated in AD CSF compared to other non-AD groups. Presence of full-length protein of these enzymes in CSF was confirmed through immunoblotting. Levels of tryptic peptides of these enzymes correlated significantly with CSF glucose and CSF lactate in matching CSF samples.Conclusions The results presented here indicate a general dysregulation of glucose metabolism in the brain in AD. We highlight two markers ALDOA and PKM that may act as potential functionally-relevant biomarkers of glucose metabolism dysregulation in AD.
The Efficacy of Perioperative Antibiotic Therapy in Adenotonsillectomy Children
Authors: Wang Ying , Zhao Limin , Wang Jing , Li Xiaoyan
Published: June 2023

Purpose: This prospective study was to evaluate the role of perioperative antibiotics use in children after adenotonsillectomy.
Methods: A total of 246 children undergoing adenotonsillectomy admitted to our department from September 6th 2021 to September 5th 2022 were collected and randomly divided into observation group (128 cases) and control group (118 cases). The observation group received ampicillin sulbactam sodium intravenously 30min before and the day after surgery, while the control group was given saline instead. SPSS 27.0 was used for statistical analysis. Two independent samples mean T-test was used to evaluate the throat pain scores consecutive 3 days after the surgery, the time to resume to normal diet and the wound healing time between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the independent risk factors of the two groups. The generalized estimation model was used to evaluate the correlation between age and postoperative pain scores and the relationship between the different tonsillar bed grading and postoperative pain scores.
Results: The pain scores were 5.83±1.879, 5.20±1.933 and 4.02±1.936 in the observation group and 6.83±1.892, 6.17±2.001 and 5.29±2.068 in the control group on day 1 to 3 after surgery, respectively. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.01); The time of pain disappearance was (6.24±2.121) d in the observation group and (7.73±2.210) d in the control group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.01). The wound repair time was (18.66±2.200) d in the observation group and (18.70±2.468) d in the control group. There was no significant difference between the two groups (P =0.874). Logistic regression analysis showed that fever was an independent risk factor for the two groups and was negatively correlated (B=-1.237, P<0.001, OR=0.290); Generalized estimation model showed that there was a positive correlation between age and pain scores (P<0.001) and with the increasing grading of tonsillar bed, the higher the pain scores was (P<0.001).
Conclusions: Perioperative use of antibiotics in children with adenotonsillectomy can effectively reduce postoperative fever, throat pain symptoms and shorten the pain time. With the increasing of tonsillar bed grading, perioperative antibiotic therapy was more necessary.
Probabilistic seismic performance assessment of rocking buckling restrained braced frames
Authors: Soltani Mohammad Hosein , Yakhchalian Mansoor , Tavakoli Mahshid , Mirzaei Mehran
Published: June 2023

One of the new lateral force resisting systems introduced to improve seismic performance of structures is rocking buckling restrained braced frame (RBRBF). This lateral force resisting system in each bay includes buckling restrained braces (BRBs) on one side and conventional braces on the other side, and vertical links between the upper ends of braces located in adjacent stories. In this system, conventional braces and adjacent columns are designed to remain elastic until near seismic collapse. In this paper, RBRBFs are designed according to a displacement-based design approach. Maximum interstory drift ratio (MIDR) and maximum residual interstory drift ratio (MRIDR) are among the most critical engineering demand parameters (EDPs) used for assessing the safety of structures after an earthquake. The primary aim of this study is to investigate the effects of utilizing RBRBFs on MIDR and MRIDR responses compared with buckling restrained braced frames (BRBFs). For this purpose, 4-, 8-, and 12-story structures with RBRBF and BRBF systems are considered, and their collapse capacity values and residual drift capacity values given different levels of MRIDR are computed using incremental dynamics analyses (IDAs). After computing the capacity values, the mean annual frequencies (MAFs) of collapse (λCol) and exceeding different MRIDR levels (λRD) are obtained. The results demonstrate that all RBRBFs have better collapse and residual drift performance than BRBFs. Based on these results, the use of RBRBFs dramatically reduces BRBF weaknesses including the concentration of damage in a single story and low post-yield stiffness.
Multiplicative Neuron Models for Very Short-Term Load Forecasting
Authors: Joshi Harsh , Yadav Abhishek
Published: June 2023

Load forecasting has always been a crucial component of operational and managerial aspect of efficient power system planning. Since there are several factors on which load forecasting depends, it becomes necessary to find out the level of impact these factors put on it. In the study, data preparation is performed by transforming the historical electric load of Uttarakhand state adopting Max-Min normalization. The data generated was partitioned into categories of training and testing data for further application of the conventional and different multiplicative neuron models. As per the Akaike information criterion QIFNM is the best fit model among all. The QIFNM having single neuron and different parameters achieved MSE of 0.0020. The performance analysis of studied model revealed that a single neuron of QIFNM can be used for VSTLF in relation to a particular geographic area with same set of condition with better efficiency as of several neurons of the conventional model.
Time Steps Expandable Inverse Model for Ultrasound Shear Wave Elastography Imaging
Authors: Lee Yen-Min
Published: June 2023

Ultrasound shear wave elastography is an noninvasive imaging technique developed in the last two decades for clinical diagnosis. Commercialized tools perform imaging by measuring tissue elasticity. Consequently, pathological diagnosis can be ineffective owing to a lack of viscocity. Accurately imaging complete viscoelasticity is challenging for ultrasound shear wave elastography because it induces high underdetermination level of the inverse problem. In this paper, a time steps expandable inverse model is developed and used as a regularization method for ultrasound shear wave elastography. With this model, our numerical results demonstrate that ultrasound shear wave elastography is able to image viscoelasticity with measurement noises. The model has potential to enable wider clinical diagnosis for ultrasound shear wave elastography.