bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Designer bugs as cancer drugs?
Authors: Sajjath Sairaj M. , Gola Anita , Fuchs Elaine
Published: April 2023

Skin microbiota can be engineered to induce antitumor T cells
Report on trial death stokes Alzheimer’s drug fears
Authors: Piller Charles
Published: April 2023

Amyloid-clearing antibody lecanemab faces key FDA hearing in June
Judicial interference with mifepristone
Authors: Hamburg Margaret , Sharfstein Joshua
Published: April 2023

In the days since Texas federal judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk invalidated the approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of mifepristone, a medication used to terminate pregnancy, a shock wave of concern has swept through many people, organizations, and companies that work closely with the agency. The strong opposition reflects the high stakes not only for pregnant persons and for the FDA, but also for the scientific process of drug development and public access to safe and effective medications. Twists and turns in the case are already happening. A federal appeals court stayed the full suspension of mifepristone, but permitted multiple restrictions on its availability. Then the Supreme Court, which recently overturned the constitutional right to abortion, kept the status quo in place for a few days while considering the government’s appeal. The results of the legal battle will be enormously consequential for reproductive health care—and far beyond, for innovation, science, and health.
Antimicrobial Activity of Cefiderocol against the Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacter cloacae Complex and Characterization of Reduced Susceptibility Associated with Metallo-β-Lactamase VIM-1
Authors: Lasarte-Monterrubio Cristina , Guijarro-Sánchez Paula , Vázquez-Ucha Juan Carlos , Alonso-Garcia Isaac , Alvarez-Fraga Laura , Outeda Michelle , Martinez-Guitian Marta , Peña-Escolano Andrea , Maceiras Romina , Lence Emilio , González-Bello Concepción , Arca-Suárez Jorge , Bou German , Beceiro Alejandro
Published: April 2023

Emergence of cefiderocol resistance among carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales, particularly those in the
Enterobacter cloacae
complex (ECC), is becoming of alarming concern; however, the mechanistic basis of this phenomenon remains poorly understood.
Bacterial TLR2/6 Ligands Block Ciliogenesis, Derepress Hedgehog Signaling, and Expand the Neocortex
Authors: Mann Beth , Crawford Jeremy Chase , Reddy Kavya , Lott Josi , Youn Yong Ha , Gao Geli , Guy Cliff , Chou Ching-Heng , Darnell Daniel , Trivedi Sanchit , Bomme Perrine , Loughran Allister J. , Thomas Paul G. , Han Young-Goo , Tuomanen Elaine I.
Published: April 2023

Fetal brain development in early gestation can be impacted by transplacental infection, altered metabolites from the maternal microbiome, or maternal immune activation. It is less well understood how maternal microbial subcomponents that cross the placenta, such as bacterial cell wall (BCW), directly interact with fetal neural progenitors and neurons and affect development.
Deficient Phagocytosis in Circulating Monocytes from Patients with COVID-19-Associated Mucormycosis
Authors: Sinha Bishnu Prasad , Mehta Priyanka , Hoque Md Asmaul , Bandopadhyay Purbita , Nandi Ayandip , Saha Ipsita , Nandi Mitra Anita , Mondal Asish , Bhattacharjee Boudhayan , Chamilos Georgios , Pandey Rajesh , Basu Kaushik , Ganguly Dipyaman
Published: April 2023

A number of cases of mucormycosis, often fatal, were reported among severe COVID-19 patients from India as well as from some other parts of the world. However, specific immunocellular mechanisms that underlie susceptibility to this fungal infection in COVID-19 remain largely unexplored.
Draft Genome Sequence Resource of
Erwinia
sp. Strain INIA01, a Phytopathogen Isolated from a Diseased Stalk of Peruvian Maize
Authors: Estrada Richard , Saldaña Carla L. , Pérez-Porras Wendy , Arteaga Linda , Martínez Gabriel , Injante Pedro , Duran Moises R. , Salazar Wilian , Cosme Roberto , Poemape Carlos , Arbizu Carlos I.
Published: April 2023

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
Erwinia
sp. strain INIA01, a bacterium isolated from lesions of
Zea mays
from northern Peru. This genome possesses two circular replicons, a 4.2-Mb chromosome, and a 438-kb plasmid.
Complete PacBio Single-Molecule Real-Time Sequence of a Novel Probiotic-Like Bacterium, Rouxiella badensis subsp.
acadiensis
, Isolated from the Biota of Wild Blueberries in the Acadian Forest
Authors: Salvetti Elisa , Tremblay Julien , Arbour Melanie , Mallet Jean-François , Masson Luke , Matar Chantal
Published: April 2023

The PacBio whole-genome sequencing of the potential probiotic strain Canan SV-53T recovered from lowbush blueberries demonstrates high homology to
Rouxiella badensis
but with distinct enough clusters to propose the name
Rouxiella badensis
subsp.
acadiensis
. The sequencing also detected the presence of two native plasmids.
Infection of Endothelial Cells with Acinetobacter baumannii Reveals Remodelling of Mitochondrial Protein Complexes
Authors: Leukert Laura , Tietgen Manuela , Krause Felix F. , Schultze Tilman G. , Fuhrmann Dominik C. , Debruyne Charline , Salcedo Suzana P. , Visekruna Alexander , Wittig llka , Göttig Stephan
Published: April 2023

Virulence traits of
Acinetobacter baumannii
isolates of the worldwide most prevalent international clonal lineage, IC2, remain largely unknown. In our study, multidrug-resistant IC2 clinical isolates differed substantially in their virulence potential despite their close genetic relatedness.
Severe tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica in an asymptomatic patient
Authors: Dall'Amico Giovanni Francesco , Sharma Dave , Ritchie Lulu , Sandhu Guri
Published: April 2023

Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica (TO) is a rare condition affecting the lumen of the tracheobronchial tree. It is characterised by the presence of multiple osseous and cartilaginous nodules with posterior wall sparing. While it is a benign condition, it can cause narrowing of the tracheal lumen and subglottis to varying degrees. Approximately 400 cases have been reported worldwide, with an incidence of 0.3% in autopsies and between 1 in 125 and 1 in 5000 on bronchoscopy. As most patients are asymptomatic, this may contribute to underdiagnoses and relative low incidence. Severity of the condition is often unrelated to patient symptomatology. We present a patient with one of the most severe cases of TO seen at our institution. Despite being asymptomatic, significant tracheal and bronchial narrowing was found incidentally on laryngobronchoscopy.
Examining the differential of digital ischaemia and review of paraneoplastic ischaemia
Authors: Zeineddine Lauran , Gomez-Manjarres Diana
Published: April 2023

There is a broad differential diagnosis of digital ischaemia that includes commonly encountered conditions of vascular or thromboembolic nature as well as less commonly seen such as those of vasculitic or rheumatological origin. A less frequently encountered pathology is digital ischaemia associated with malignancy. This paraneoplastic process is rare and infrequently described in the literature, though it has been observed in various solid and haematological malignancies. Here, we describe a patient case with an atypical presentation of digital ischaemia and present a brief review on prior reports of digital ischaemia related to cancer.
Educational approaches to teach students to address colonialism in global health: a scoping review
Authors: Perkins Sylvie , Nishimura Holly , Olatunde Praise F , Kalbarczyk Anna
Published: April 2023

Introduction

The enduring legacy of colonisation on global health education, research and practice is receiving increased attention and has led to calls for the ‘decolonisation of global health’. There is little evidence on effective educational approaches to teach students to critically examine and dismantle structures that perpetuate colonial legacies and neocolonialist control that influence in global health.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review of the published literature to provide a synthesis of guidelines for, and evaluations of educational approaches focused on anticolonial education in global health. We searched five databases using terms generated to capture three concepts, ‘global health’, ‘education’ and ‘colonialism’. Pairs of study team members conducted each step of the review, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyse guidelines; any conflicts were resolved by a third reviewer.

Results

This search retrieved 1153 unique references; 28 articles were included in the final analysis. The articles centred North American students; their training, their evaluations of educational experiences, their individual awareness and their experiential learning. Few references discussed pedagogical approaches or education theory in guidelines and descriptions of educational approaches. There was limited emphasis on alternative ways of knowing, prioritisation of partners’ experiences, and affecting systemic change.

Conclusion

Explicit incorporation of anticolonial curricula in global health education, informed by antioppressive pedagogy and meaningful collaboration with Indigenous and low-income and middle-income country partners, is needed in both classroom and global health learning experiences.
Physical performance testing in post-COVID-19 patients: protocol for a systematic review of psychometric measurement properties
Authors: Nascimento Larissa Fernanda Estevam do , Mendes Luciana Andrade , Torres-Castro Rodrigo , Fregonezi Guilherme AF , Gimeno-Santos Elena , Vilaró J , Resqueti Vanessa R
Published: April 2023

Introduction

COVID-19 is an infectious disease that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome. A large variety of exercise capacity tests are used for the evaluation of post-COVID-19 patients, but the psychometric properties of these exercise tests remain undetermined in this population. This study aims to critically appraise, compare and summarise the psychometric properties (validity, reliability and responsiveness) of all physical performance tests that are used to assess exercise capacity in post-COVID-19 patients.

Methods and analysis

This systematic review protocol follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols guidelines. We will include studies with hospitalised adult post-COVID-19 patients (aged 18 years or older and with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19). The research will cover randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs and observational studies published in English and performed in the following settings: hospital, rehabilitation centre, outpatient clinic. We will search the following databases with no date restrictions: PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, SciELO, Cochrane Library, CINAHL and Web of Science. Two authors will independently assess the risk of bias (using the Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments Risk of bias checklist) and the certainty of evidence (using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations). According to the results obtained, data will be meta-analysed or reported narratively.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethical approval is required for this publication since it will be based on published data. Results of this review will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021242334.
Delays in seeking, reaching and access to quality cancer care in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review
Authors: Lombe Dorothy Chilambe , Mwamba Monde , Msadabwe Susan , Bond Virginia , Simwinga Musonda , Ssemata Andrew Sentoogo , Muhumuza Richard , Seeley Janet , Mwaka Amos Deogratius , Aggarwal Ajay
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Late presentation and delays in diagnosis and treatment consistently translate into poor outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The aim of this study was to collate and appraise the factors influencing diagnostic and treatment delays of adult solid tumours in SSA.

Design

Systematic review with assessment of bias using Risk of Bias in Non-randomised Studies of Exposures (ROBINS-E) tool.

Data sources

PubMed and Embase, for publications from January 1995 to March 2021.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion criteria: quantitative or mixed-method research, publications in English, on solid cancers in SSA countries. Exclusion criteria: paediatric populations, haematologic malignancies, and assessments of public perceptions and awareness of cancer (since the focus was on patients with a cancer diagnosis and treatment pathways).

Data extraction and synthesis

Two reviewers extracted and validated the studies. Data included year of publication; country; demographic characteristics; country-level setting; disease subsite; study design; type of delay, reasons for delay and primary outcomes.

Results

57 out of 193 full-text reviews were included. 40% were from Nigeria or Ethiopia. 70% focused on breast or cervical cancer. 43 studies had a high risk of bias at preliminary stages of quality assessment. 14 studies met the criteria for full assessment and all totaled to either high or very high risk of bias across seven domains. Reasons for delays included high costs of diagnostic and treatment services; lack of coordination between primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare sectors; inadequate staffing; and continued reliance on traditional healers and complimentary medicines.

Conclusions

Robust research to inform policy on the barriers to quality cancer care in SSA is absent. The focus of most research is on breast and cervical cancers. Research outputs are from few countries. It is imperative that we investigate the complex interaction of these factors to build resilient and effective cancer control programmes.
HIV testing and counselling among women in Benin: a cross-sectional analysis of prevalence and predictors from demographic and health survey data
Authors: Adu Collins , Adzigbli Leticia Akua , Cadri Abdul , Yeboah Paa Akonor , Mohammed Aliu , Aboagye Richard Gyan
Published: April 2023

Objective

To examine the uptake of HIV testing and counselling (HTC) and its associated factors among women in Benin.

Design

We performed a cross-sectional analysis of data from the 2017–2018 Benin Demographic and Health Survey. A weighted sample of 5517 women was included in the study. We used percentages to present the results of the uptake of HTC. Multilevel binary logistic regression analysis was used to examine the predictors of HTC uptake. The results were presented using adjusted odds ratios (aORs), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Setting

Benin.

Participants

Women aged 15–49.

Outcome measure

Uptake of HTC.

Results

The overall uptake of HTC among women in Benin was found to be 46.4% (44.4%–48.4%). The odds of HTC uptake was higher among women covered by health insurance (aOR 3.04, 95% CI 1.44 to 6.43) and those with comprehensive HIV knowledge (aOR 1.77, 95% CI 1.43 to 2.21). The odds of HTC uptake increased with increasing level of education, with the highest odds among those in the secondary or higher level (aOR 2.06, 95% CI 1.64 to 2.61). Also, the age of the women, mass media exposure, region of residence, high community literacy level, and high community socioeconomic status were associated with higher odds of HTC uptake. Women residing in rural areas were less likely to use HTC. Religious affiliation, number of sexual partners, and place of residence were associated with lower odds of HTC uptake.

Conclusion

Our study has shown that the uptake of HTC among women in Benin is relatively low. There is a need to enhance efforts to empower women, as well as reduce health inequities as they all have a substantial impact on HTC uptake among women in Benin, taking into consideration the factors identified in this study.
Detection of pathogenic variants in breast cancer susceptibility genes in bilateral breast cancer
Authors: Evans D Gareth , Burghel George J , Schlecht Helene , Harkness Elaine F , Gandhi Ashu , Howell Sacha J , Howell Anthony , Forde Claire , Lalloo Fiona , Newman William G , Smith Miriam Jane , Woodward Emma Roisin
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To investigate the frequency of germline pathogenic variants (PVs) in women with bilateral breast cancer.

Methods

We undertookBRCA1/2andCHEK2c.1100delC molecular analysis in 764 samples and a multigene panel in 156. Detection rates were assessed by age at first primary, Manchester Score, and breast pathology. Oestrogen receptor (ER) status of the contralateral versus first breast cancer was compared on 1081 patients with breast cancer withBRCA1/BRCA2PVs.

Results

764 women with bilateral breast cancer have undergone testing ofBRCA1/2andCHEK2; 407 were also tested forPALB2and 177 forATM. Detection rates wereBRCA111.6%,BRCA214.0%,CHEK22.4%,PALB21.0%,ATM1.1% and, for a subset of mainly very early onset tumours,TP534.6% (9 of 195). The highest PV detection rates were for triple negative cancers forBRCA1(26.4%), grade 3 ER+HER2 forBRCA2(27.9%) and HER2+ forCHEK2(8.9%). ER status of the first primary inBRCA1andBRCA2PV heterozygotes was strongly predictive of the ER status of the second contralateral tumour since ~90% of second tumours were ER− inBRCA1heterozygotes, and 50% were ER− inBRCA2heterozygotes if the first was ER−.

Conclusion

We have shown a high rate of detection ofBRCA1andBRCA2PVs in triple negative and grade 3 ER+HER2− first primary diagnoses, respectively. High rates of HER2+ were associated withCHEK2PVs, and women ≤30 years were associated withTP53PVs. First primary ER status inBRCA1/2strongly predicts the second tumour will be the same ER status even if unusual for PVs in that gene.
External validation and updating of prediction models of bleeding risk in patients with cancer receiving anticoagulants
Authors: Trinks-Roerdink EM , Geersing GJ , Hemels MEW , van Gelder IC , Klok FA , van Smeden M , Rutten FH , van Doorn S
Published: April 2023

Objective

Patients with cancer are at increased bleeding risk, and anticoagulants increase this risk even more. Yet, validated bleeding risk models for prediction of bleeding risk in patients with cancer are lacking. The aim of this study is to predict bleeding risk in anticoagulated patients with cancer.

Methods

We performed a study using the routine healthcare database of the Julius General Practitioners’ Network. Five bleeding risk models were selected for external validation. Patients with a new cancer episode during anticoagulant treatment or those initiating anticoagulation during active cancer were included. The outcome was the composite of major bleeding and clinically relevant non-major (CRNM) bleeding. Next, we internally validated an updated bleeding risk model accounting for the competing risk of death.

Results

The validation cohort consisted of 1304 patients with cancer, mean age 74.0±10.9 years, 52.2% males. In total 215 (16.5%) patients developed a first major or CRNM bleeding during a mean follow-up of 1.5 years (incidence rate; 11.0 per 100 person-years (95% CI 9.6 to 12.5)). The c-statistics of all selected bleeding risk models were low, around 0.56. Internal validation of an updated model accounting for death as competing risk showed a slightly improved c-statistic of 0.61 (95% CI 0.54 to 0.70). On updating, only age and a history of bleeding appeared to contribute to the prediction of bleeding risk.

Conclusions

Existing bleeding risk models cannot accurately differentiate bleeding risk between patients. Future studies may use our updated model as a starting point for further development of bleeding risk models in patients with cancer.
Legalised active assistance in dying: palliative care stakeholders’ national e-consultation
Authors: Economos Guillaume , Moulin Pierre , Perceau-Chambard Élise , Xavier Mattelaer , Marion Broucke , Cécile Barbaret , Van Lander Axelle , Mathilde Ledoux , Vincent Morel , Sahut-dizarn Marine , Claire Fourcade
Published: April 2023

Objectives

There is a growing debate surrounding the legalisation of medical assistance in dying (MAID). MAID is currently prohibited by the French law; however, the debate has recently been reinvigorated in France. This study aims to collect opinions of palliative care stakeholders (PCS) regarding the legalisation of MAID and to identify the factors associated with their opinions.

Methods

We performed a transversal survey between 26 June 2021 and 25 July 2021, on PCS who were on the French national scientific society for palliative care. Participants were invited by email.

Results

1439 PCS took part and expressed an opinion about the legalisation of MAID. 1053 (69.7%) were against the legalisation of MAID. When forced to choose which option should be privileged if the law had to change, 3.7% favoured euthanasia, 10.1% favoured assisted suicide with provision of lethal drug by a professional, 27.5% favoured assisted suicide with prescription of a lethal drug and 29.5% favoured assisted suicide with provision of a lethal drug by an association. The opinion regarding legalisation of MAID was statistically different depending on the participant profession (p<0.001) and when comparing clinical and non-clinical positions (p<0.001). A quarter of participants (26.7%) believe that legalising MAID might lead them to change their current position.

Conclusions

Overall, French palliative care professionals are against a modification of the current legal framework for legalising MAID but some might change their current position if a law was voted. This might destabilise the PCS demography that is already worrying.
Influence of time from admission to norepinephrine administration and volume of fluids received on outcomes of patients meeting sepsis-3 criteria: a retrospective study using the MIMIC-IV database
Authors: Firzli Tarek R , Miah Faria Z , Horton Cody , Akhtar Hassan , Riddle Mark , Siddiqui Faisal
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Vasopressors are a cornerstone in the management of sepsis, marked by distributive shock often unresponsive to fluid resuscitation. Prior research and clinician surveys have suggested that earlier usage of vasopressors corresponds to improved outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective cohort was constructed using patient data contained within the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV database. Analytic cohort included a total of 2079 patients meeting sepsis-3 criteria with a ≥2-point rise in Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score and administered norepinephrine (NE) as first-line vasopressor within 24 hours of admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). Patients receiving other vasopressors or missing documented fluid resuscitation information were excluded. Primary end points included mortality, use of invasive mechanical ventilation and length of stay which were analyzed in a multivariate logistic regression model for the primary effect of time from ICU admission to NE administration using covariates.

Results

Time to NE use was defined as either early, using <6 hours from time of ICU admission or late using >6 hours to ≤24 hours. Patients who received early NE had significantly lower adjusted odds of mortality (0.75, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.97, p=0.026), higher adjusted odds of invasive mechanical ventilation (1.48, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.16, p=0.045), no significant difference in hospital length of stay (difference in days 0.6 (95% CI −3.24 to 2.04)) and lower ICU length of stay (difference in days −0.9 (95% CI −1.74 to –0.01)), as compared with the late NE group.

Conclusion

Among patients admitted to the ICU for sepsis, early use of NE was associated with significantly lower odds of mortality but higher odds of mechanical ventilation, and no significant difference in length of hospital stay but less time in the ICU. Furthermore, the volume of fluids received prior to NE use may have a significant impact on optimal NE timing.

Level of evidence

Level IV—therapeutic care/management.
Analysis of bacterioplankton genes in an impaired Great Lakes harbour reveals seasonal metabolic shifts and a previously undetected cyanobacterium
Authors: Palermo Christine N. , Fulthorpe Roberta R. , Saati Rosemary , Short Steven M.
Published: April 2023

Hamilton Harbour is an impaired embayment of Lake Ontario that experiences seasonal algal blooms despite decades of remedial efforts. To study the harbour’s cyanobacterial and heterotrophic bacterial communities, we extracted and sequenced community DNA from surface water samples collected biweekly from different sites during summer and fall. Assembled contigs were annotated at the phylum level, and Cyanobacteria were further characterized at order and species levels. Actinobacteria were most abundant in early summer, while Cyanobacteria were dominant in mid-summer. Microcystis aeruginosa and Limnoraphis robusta were most abundant throughout the sampling period, expanding the documented diversity of Cyanobacteria in Hamilton Harbour. Functional annotations were performed using the MG-RAST pipeline and SEED database, revealing that genes for photosynthesis, nitrogen metabolism, and aromatic compound metabolism varied in relative abundances over the season, while phosphorus metabolism was consistent, suggesting that these genes remained essential despite fluctuating environmental conditions and community succession. We observed seasonal shifts from anoxygenic to oxygenic phototrophy, and from ammonia assimilation to nitrogen fixation, coupled with decreasing heterotrophic bacteria and increasing Cyanobacteria relative abundances. Our data contribute important insights into bacterial taxa and functional potentials in Hamilton Harbour, revealing seasonal and spatial dynamics that can be used to inform ongoing remediation efforts.
Redcliff hard red spring wheat
Authors: Iqbal M. , Spaner D. , Ciechanowska I. , Strenzke K. , Beres B.
Published: April 2023

Redcliff hard red spring wheat was developed at the University of Alberta using a modified bulk breeding method. In 3 years of evaluation in the Parkland Cooperative test from 2018 to 2020, Redcliff produced 7.3% more grain and matured 1.9 days earlier than the highest yielding check Carberry. Redcliff had 3.9 cm taller plants than Carberry but shorter than the other checks and displayed good lodging tolerance. The test weight of Redcliff was slightly higher than Carberry and Parata but lower than Glenn. The grain weight of Redcliff was higher than Parata and similar to the other checks. Grain protein content was within the range of the checks. Redcliff was rated “resistant” to the prevalent races of stem rust, “resistant” to “moderately resistant” to Fusarium head blight, “intermediate” to leaf and stripe rusts, whereas “moderately susceptible” to common bunt. Three years of end-use quality evaluation have indicated that Redcliff is acceptable for the Canada Western Red Spring wheat market class, with improvements in flour yield.
Improving fission-product decay data for reactor applications: part I—decay heat
Authors: Nichols A. L. , Dimitriou P. , Algora A. , Fallot M. , Giot L. , Kondev F. G. , Yoshida T. , Karny M. , Mukherjee G. , Rasco B. C. , Rykaczewski K. P. , Sonzogni A. A. , Tain J. L.
Published: April 2023

Effort has been expended to assess the relative merits of undertaking further decay-data measurements of the main fission-product contributors to the decay heat of neutron-irradiated fissionable fuel and related actinides by means of Total Absorption Gamma-ray Spectroscopy (TAGS - sometimes abbreviated to TAS) and Discrete Gamma-ray Spectroscopy (DGS). This review has been carried out following similar work performed under the auspices of OECD/WPEC-Subgroup 25 (2005–2007) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (2009, 2014), and various highly relevant TAGS measurements completed as a consequence of such assessments. We present our recommendations for new decay-data evaluations, along with possible requirements for total absorption and discrete high-resolution gamma-ray spectroscopy studies that cover approximately 120 fission products and various isomeric states.
Investigation of the electronic, optical, elastic, mechanical and vibrational properties of CuI using HSE03
Authors: Tse Geoffrey
Published: April 2023

Ab Initio density functional theory (DFT) simulations have been employed to systematically explore the electronic, optical, elastic, mechanical and vibrational properties. In this study, we revealed that [Formula: see text]-CuI has a wide direct bandgap energy of 3.21 eV, is pure covalent and brittle. We also found that the core level is made up of I s electron orbitals, the valence band is constructed with I p orbitals, and the Cu s orbital states mainly contribute to the conduction band minimum (CBM). The reflectivity of CuI is reported to be low (35.9% for the light reflected), showing high material absorption. A high absorption coefficient of [Formula: see text] is also reported. The elastic and mechanical properties can further confirm the mechanical stability of the CuI system, derived from DFT-calculated elastic constants and phonon dispersion from density functional perturbation theory (DFPT) calculations.
Chameleonic dark matter and reheating constraints in a logarithmic f(R) gravity
Authors: Hermanto Arief , Yusmantoro  , Budhi Romy H. S.
Published: April 2023

We investigated the viability of a logarithmic [Formula: see text] gravity in calculating the reheating temperature and describing dark matter. We discovered that the logarithmic model possessed a chameleon problem, and we addressed this by modifying the model to incorporate the [Formula: see text] term from the Starobinsky model. We examined the viability of the corrected model and revealed that it provided the same reheating temperature as the original logarithmic model, approximately [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]GeV. However, the constraints on the parameter [Formula: see text] are significantly different in the [Formula: see text]-Logarithmic [Formula: see text] gravity, in which we obtained [Formula: see text] instead of [Formula: see text] in the original model. Furthermore, the [Formula: see text]-Logarithmic [Formula: see text] model avoids the chameleon problem, and the scalaron derived from the model can be a potential dark matter candidate with [Formula: see text].
Single atom-based electrodes for alkali metal-ion batteries: Current progress and future perspectives
Authors: Zhang Xu , Wang Kexin , Xu Guo Qin
Published: April 2023

Alkali metal-ion batteries (Li/Na/K) are important energy storage systems due to their ample elemental reserves and suitable working voltage. Many electrode materials had been developed and utilized to seek higher capacity and cycle stability. Single atom materials (SAMs) have high active atom dispersion and are very promising. The active metal sites can promote the diffusion kinetics and adsorption of lithium, sodium and potassium ions, which plays a key role in improving the capacity and cycling-stability. However, the experimental investigation of SAMs in Li/Na/K is still in its infancy stage. In this mini review, the structural design and electrochemical performance of single atom electrode materials in Li/Na/K are systematically summarized. The current challenges and potential research directions of designing SAMs for high-performance electrodes are also discussed.
Quantum Time–Space Tradeoff for Finding Multiple Collision Pairs
Authors: Hamoudi Yassine , Magniez Frédéric
Published: April 2023

We study the problem of finding
K
collision pairs in a random function
f : [N] → [N]
by using a quantum computer. We prove that the number of queries to the function in the quantum random oracle model must increase significantly when the size of the available memory is limited. Namely, we demonstrate that any algorithm using
S
qubits of memory must perform a number
T
of queries that satisfies the tradeoff

T
3
S ≥ Ω (K
3
N)

. Classically, the same question has only been settled recently by Dinur [
22
], who showed that the Parallel Collision Search algorithm of van Oorschot and Wiener [
36
] achieves the optimal time–space tradeoff of

T
2
S = Θ (K
2
N)

. Our result limits the extent to which quantum computing may decrease this tradeoff. Our method is based on a novel application of Zhandry’s recording query technique [
42
] for proving lower bounds in the exponentially small success probability regime. As a second application, we give a simpler proof of the time–space tradeoff

T
2
S ≥ Ω (N
3
)

for sorting
N
numbers on a quantum computer, which was first obtained by Klauck, Špalek, and de Wolf [
30
].
Information Processing for Low Resource Processing Based Cognitive Psychology for Second Language Teaching by Opinion Mining using Deep Learning Architecture
Authors: Li Juntao
Published: April 2023

Foreign language instruction is crucial and difficult in every nation. Effective teachers must consider students' attitudes, motivation, and knowledge. Quality teaching determines student success. This study presents an AI-based deep learning method for second language and English instruction. This dataset was collected from students' second language and English teaching preferences. Dimensionality reduction and missing value removal were done on the dataset. Fuzzy set-based clustering with stochastic gradient residual neural network (ResNet) architecture classified this processed data. Students' second language and English teaching opinions were collected using fuzzy rules. Fuzzy clustering and stochastic gradient ResNet architecture classified this data. Student opinion mining was used for experimental study of various datasets and the parametric analysis yielded 96% accuracy, 90% sensitivity, 92% specificity, 82% F-1 score, 72% Mean squared error (MSE), and 88% Area Under the Curve (AUC).
Analysis of Cursive Text Recognition Systems: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Khan Sulaiman , Nazir Shah , Khan Habib Ullah
Published: April 2023

Regional and cultural diversities around the world have given birth to a large number of writing systems and scripts, which consist of varying character sets. Developing an optimal character recognition for such a varying and large character set is a challenging task. Unlimited variations in handwritten text due to mood swings, varying writing styles, changes in medium of writing, and many more puzzle the research community. To overcome this problem, researchers have proposed various techniques for the automatic recognition of cursive languages like Urdu, Pashto, and Arabic. With the passage of time, the field of text recognition matured, and the number of publications exponentially increased in the targeted field. It is very difficult to find all the techniques developed, calculate the time and resource consumptions, and understand the cost–benefit tradeoffs among these techniques. These tradeoffs resist making this technology able for practical use. To address these tradeoffs, this article systematic analysis to identify gaps in the literature and suggest new enhanced solution accordingly. A total of 153 of the most relevant articles from 2008 to 2022 are analyzed in thissystematic literature review (SLR)work. This systematic review process shows (1) the list of techniques suggested for cursive text recognition purposes and its capabilities, (2) set of feature extraction techniques proposed, and (3) implementation tools used to design and simulate the empirical studies in this specialized field. We have also discussed the emerging trends and described their implications for the research community in this specialized domain. This systematic assessment will ultimately help researchers to perform an overview of the existing character/text recognition approaches, recognition capabilities, and time consumption and subsequently identify the areas that requires a significant attention in the near future.
Review—Exploring Technological Innovations of Doped Rare Earth Materials
Authors: Farooq Mudasir , Nazir Irfan , Rafiq Haqnawaz , Rasool Mir Hashim
Published: April 2023

The manuscript reflects the implications of rare-Earth elements, which comprise an important class of material and are essential for numerous technological improvements. Their research has gradually advanced due to their peculiar chemical and physical characteristics. The implications of their versatility will encourage the development of energy-efficient technological innovations. Interestingly, materials based on rare-Earth elements have been closely studied in conjunction with several contemporary biologically based technological advances and targeted therapies, to adequately overcome neurological problems. The manuscript provides a thorough overview of the multiple effects of materials made of rare Earth’s, especially within the field of neuroscience research.
Economic ZnCo2O4 Nanoflakes Chemiresistor Assisted Room-Temperature Monitoring of Low Trace Airborne Ammonia
Authors: Singh Aastha , Singh Ajeet , Verma Arpit , Yadav Bal Chandra , Chaudhary Vishal
Published: April 2023

Even if there is a market for specifically designed ammonia sensors, room temperature and long-term stable detection of low trace airborne ammonia represent a serious challenge that calls for immediate alternatives. This communication reports single-step hydrothermally engineered ZnCo2O4 nanoflakes for developing energy-efficient and economic ammonia-detecting chemiresistor. The formation of ZnCo2O4 nanoflakes was revealed through scanning electron microscopy. The X-ray diffraction outcomes reveal the crystal structure of ZnCo2O4 to be of cubic phase and Fd-3m space group. Optical absorbance analysis exhibits the optical band gap of the ZnCo2O4 nanoflakes to be 2.71 eV. Further, a chemiresistor was fabricated and used as the ambient room temperature ammonia sensor. The sensor exhibits a superior sensing response of around 34.13 for 30 ppm of ammonia, whereas at 5 ppm the sensor response of 3.49 with prompt response and recovery times of 1.52 s and 2.12 s respectively. The fabricated chemiresistor demonstrated excellent sensing performance in terms of 3 essential S’s (Selectivity, stability and sensitivity) and 5 R’s (Recovery, response, range, room temperature operation and repeatability). The enhanced sensing performance in an energy-efficient module is attributed to nanoflakes morphology of engineered ZnCo2O4 with a high surface area and its stable crystal structure.
Effectual Seed Pick Framework Focusing on Maximizing Influence in Social Networks
Authors: Choudhary Sonia , Sharma Kapil , Bajaj Monika
Published: April 2023

Today, the emergence of social media is helpful for the healthcare system where everyone is closely connected. Large numbers of people can be reached by using seed nodes to provide medical advice, facilities, new changes in the treatment, and any health ministry guidelines. As today’s world is dealing with COVID-19, the main objective is to provide healthcare services to many people irrespective of time and locality. As people suffering from corona are dealing with mental health issues, in order to deal with it, a seed pick framework using machine learning for the influence maximization technique is proposed, which will be helpful to provide pervasive healthcare. For pervasive healthcare, an effectual seed pick framework is required focusing on influence maximization using machine learning. The proposed algorithm Fuzzy-VIKOR is helpful to identify the targeted node to spread information at a high rate. Consequently, the proposed structure effectively addresses different issues related to a large number of patients, and thus, increased influence maximization using seed nodes is helpful for pervasive healthcare. The experiments show that the proposed framework has high precision, accuracy, F1-score, and recall compared to other existing algorithms employed to find influence maximization seeds.
Testicular Apoptosis and Proliferation in Relation to Body Mass Index and m-TESE Success in Nonobstructive Azoospermic Men
Authors: Kuntsal Ekin , Kadıoğlu Ateş , Şirvancı Serap
Published: April 2023

Male infertility occurs due to the disruption of the balance of proliferation and apoptosis in the testicular tissue. It is important to show the effect of increased body mass index, which is one of the factors that disrupts this balance of apoptosis and proliferation, not only at the blood hormone level but also at the tissue level. For this reason, the present study is aimed at demonstrating the relation between body mass index and cell turnover in the testis using immunohistochemical methods. In the present study, patients were grouped as normal, overweight and obese, and as m-TESE positive and negative. The sperm retrieval rate with microsurgical testicular sperm extraction (m-TESE) was 41.67%. Histological diagnosis of testicular tissues was made with hematoxylin and eosin and Masson’s trichrome staining. Apoptosis and proliferation in the testicular tissue were demonstrated by TUNEL and PCNA immunohistochemical methods, respectively. It was concluded that BMI had no significant effect on reproductive hormone profile (FSH, LH, and testosterone), m-TESE success, apoptosis, and proliferation in testicular tissue in nonobstructive azoospermic men. In addition TUNEL positivity and proliferative index was found to be significantly correlated with testicular histology and m-TESE outcome.
Design and Implementation of a Lightweight Security-Enhanced Scheme for Modbus TCP Protocol
Authors: Liu Zechao , Liang Tao , Wang Wenshan , Sun Ruochen , Li Sizhao
Published: April 2023

The advent of Industry 4.0 has made people pay more and more attention to the security of the industrial control system. As a common and typical communication protocol, Modbus does not consider the problem of data security at the beginning of its design, which provides opportunities for criminals. In this paper, we design a security scheme to protect the traditional Modbus TCP protocol, by using domestic encryption algorithms. As a result, the proposed scheme is able to identity authentication, data encryption, data integrity check, and anti-replay attacks. Security analysis and experimental results show that our proposed scheme solves the security problem of Modbus TCP protocol with minimal overhead increase.
Rutin‐Rich Flavonoid Subfraction of Annona senegalensis Mitigates Trypanosoma brucei brucei Infection and Hematobiochemical Changes in Infected Mice
Authors: Mohammed Yusuf Alhaji , Kabiru Adamu Yusuf , Hamzah Rabiat Unekwu , Lukman Halimat Yusuf , Aliu Tawakalitu B. , Alqarni Mohammed , Batiha Gaber El-Saber , De Waard Michel , Lawal Bashir
Published: April 2023

Trypanosomiasis is an important but neglected tropical diseases which continues to cause morbidity and mortality on a large scale in sub‐Saharan Africa. In the present study, the aqueous leaf extract, flavonoid fraction, and subfractions of the flavonoid from A. senegalensis leaves were evaluated for their antitrypanosomal activities, effects on some hematological parameters, and some liver‐based enzymes in mice infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei. Mice treated with aqueous extract at a concentration range of 100–400 mg kg bw exhibited parasite inhibition range between 66.08 and 73.09% while mice treated with the flavonoid fraction (50‐200 mg/kg bw) exhibited higher parasite inhibition (83.37‐86.38%). Mice treated with subfractions of the flavonoids showed a significant decrease in parasite count (p < 0.05), with subfraction 3 completely clearing parasites in the circulation after twenty‐one days of treatment. Biochemical analysis revealed that the subfraction 3 restored the alterations in the serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and total protein concentrations that were observed in the infected nontreated mice. The subfraction 3 was subsequently characterized by HPLC analysis which revealed the presence of rutin (RT: 22.26, 65.34 ppm) as the most abundant bioactive compound that could be attributed to the bioactivity of the subfraction 3. Other polyphenolic compounds identified included gallic acid (RT: 4.39, 0.578 ppm), quercetin (RT: 37.27, 0.729 ppm), kaempferol (RT: 38.33, 1.52 ppm), and luteolin (RT; 39.173, 32.77 ppm). Taken together, subfraction 3 of the flavonoid fraction from of A. senegalensis demonstrated potent antitrypanosomal activities and therefore represents a reserve of bioactive metabolite worthy of further exploration for the treatment of trypanosomiasis.
Lama2 And Samsn1 Mediate the Effects of Brn4 on Hippocampal Neural Stem Cell Proliferation and Differentiation
Authors: Zhang Lei , Zhang Xunrui , Ji Ruijie , Ji Yaya , Wu Yuhang , Ding Xiuyu , Shang Zhiying , Liu Xueyuan , Li Wen , Guo Jingjing , Wang Jue , Cheng Xiang , Qin Jianbing , Tian Meiling , Jin Guohua , Zhang Xinhua
Published: April 2023

The transcription factor Brn4 exhibits vital roles in the embryonic development of the neural tube, inner ear, pancreas islet, and neural stem cell differentiation. Our previous studies have shown that Brn4 promotes neuronal differentiation of hippocampal neural stem cells (NSCs). However, its mechanism is still unclear. Here, starting from the overlapping genes between RNA-seq and ChIP-seq results, we explored the downstream target genes that mediate Brn4-induced hippocampal neurogenesis. There were 16 genes at the intersection of RNA-seq and ChIP-seq, among which the Lama2 and Samsn1 levels can be upregulated by Brn4, and the combination between their promoters and Brn4 was further determined using ChIP and dual luciferase reporter gene assays. EdU incorporation, cell cycle analysis, and CCK-8 assay indicated that Lama2 and Samsn1 mediated the inhibitory effect of Brn4 on the proliferation of hippocampal NSCs. Immunofluorescence staining, RT-qPCR, and Western blot suggested that Lama2 and Samsn1 mediated the promoting effect of Brn4 on the differentiation of hippocampal NSCs into neurons. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that Brn4 binds to the promoters of Lama2 and Samsn1, and they partially mediate the regulation of Brn4 on the proliferation inhibition and neuronal differentiation promotion of hippocampal NSCs.
Cross-Core and Robust Covert Channel Based on Macro-Op Fusion
Authors: Wang Han , Tang Ming
Published: April 2023

Covert channels based on the CPU front-end typically utilize time or power differences caused by contention. This requires that the sender and receiver are located on the same and quiet physical core. We propose one channel exploiting the macro-op fusion in the front-end, called MFCC, which has cross-core and robust properties. Macro-op fusion is one of the optimization strategies in x86 microarchitecture, which aims to fuse two macro-ops and decode them into a single micro-op. We reverse the constraints of macro-op fusion and find that decoders stop decoding after two macro-op fusions in one cycle. Thus time differences appear in two identical loops with different virtual addresses, represent-ing one and zero, respectively. We build two types of MFCC: the sender and receiver running in the same thread but operating at different privilege levels, and the two running in two different processes. The accuracy within a single thread is almost independent of the CPU load, while the accuracy of interprocess transmission maintains more than 0.8 even when the CPU load is 100%. Finally, we propose three possible protection strategies: eliminating the macro-op fusion mechanism, adding noise to the hardware counters, and making the events delivered at a defined point in time. This paper demonstrates that even minor optimizations in the front-end can lead to covert transmission.