bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RISK FACTORS OF LEPROSY IN DAHA HUSADA GENERAL HOSPITAL, KEDIRI CITY
Authors: Alim Syahirul , Umbul Wahyuni Chatarina , Indriani Diah
Published: February 2023

Background: East Java Province is a province on the island of Java with a high incidence of leprosy. Daha Husada Kediri General Hospital is a hospital that provides health services to leprosy patients. Objective: To analyze the risk factors for leprosy in Daha Husada General Hospital, Kediri City. Methods: This study used a case-control research design to use an analytic observational method. The case group was patients diagnosed with leprosy and treated at Daha Husada General Hospital. In contrast, the control group was patients who were not diagnosed with leprosy and were treated at Daha Husada General Hospital. The variables used are age, education level, occupation, gender, and contact history. The number of respondents was 362 respondents divided into case and control groups, each of which was 181 people. Data collection is done through medical records. Results: The p-value for age 0.01<0.05 with OR 2.60 and 95% CI (1.64-4.14), the p-value for educational level (0.01)<0.05 with OR 2.99 and 95% CI (1.93-4.60), the p-value for sex (0.00)<0.05 with OR 0.43 and 95% CI (0.27-0.68), the p-value for history contact (0.01) <0.05 with OR 5.56 and 95% CI (2.51-12.31) which means that age, educational level, gender, contact history are related to leprosy. Conclusion: Age, education level, gender, and contact history determine the transmission of leprosy at Daha Husada General Hospital, Kediri.
TRACING OF COVID-19 TRANSMISSION BASED ON CLOSE CONTACT POPULATION: CASES IN SOUTH SUMATRA
Authors: Sitorus Rico Januar , Wibisono Hariadi , Ridwan Hibsah , Antara Nyoman Yudi , Panjaitan Merry Natalia , Sangalang Reymart V.
Published: February 2023

Background: COVID-19 causes a high death toll, illness, and economic losses. Transmission of the virus occurs from human to human and has spread to more than 200 countries. The purpose of this research is to determine the relationship between close contact and the COVID-19 incident in South Sumatra, Indonesia. Methods: This research used an observational analysis with a cross-sectional design. The population in this study was all COVID-19 patients and those who had close contact with COVID-19 patients in South Sumatra. The data were analyzed using univariate, bivariate, and multivariate tests. The bivariate analysis uses the chi-square test, while the multivariate analysis uses the logistic regression test. Results: The results show that close contact was related to the incidence of COVID-19 with a P value of 0.00 and an odds ratio adjusted (ORAdj) of 3.59 (95% CI: 2.93–4.39) after the variables of record of visiting local transmission areas, record of visiting health facilities, record of contact with suspected cases, and record of contact with confirmed cases were controlled. Conclusion: The transmission of close contact within families such as households was very high. A transmission could occur between a husband and wife and people who lived in the same house and shared plates while eating. To prevent a broader transmission, people who had close contact with COVID-19 needed to be quarantined. We could carry out public health interventions globally to fight against the pandemic based on these results.
Antibiorésistance chez l’animal en France : quels résultats ?
Authors: MADEC Jean-Yves
Published: February 2023

Les antibiotiques sont largement associés à la révolution médicale du XXe siècle et à l’amélioration de la prise en charge des infections bactériennes humaines. Les antibiotiques sont également utilisés chez les animaux, et les deux médecines contribuent donc à la sélection et à la transmission de la résistance aux antibiotiques (antibiorésistance). Cet article rappelle dans un premier temps les principales caractéristiques de l’antibiorésistance, et notamment dans la perspective d’une seule santé (One Health). Sont ensuite exposés les résultats obtenus ces dernières années en matière de réduction des niveaux d’antibiorésistance dans le secteur animal en France, en lien avec la mise en œuvre des politiques publiques par le Ministère de l’Agriculture et de l’Alimentation (plans EcoAntibio). En particulier, l’article détaille les deux grandes modalités de surveillance des niveaux d’antibiorésistance dans le secteur animal, dans la chaine alimentaire (animaux à l’abattoir et viandes au détail) d’une part, et chez les animaux malades (animaux en ferme) d’autre part. Les résultats obtenus reflètent les efforts de la profession vétérinaire sur l’usage des antibiotiques, et plus globalement ceux de l’ensemble des acteurs dans la prise en charge et la prévention des infections animales.
Réduction d’usage et alternatives aux antiparasitaires en élevage des ruminants.
Authors: HOSTE Hervé , RAVINET Nadine , CHARTIER Christophe , MARIE-MAGDELEINE Carine , BAMBOU Jean-Christophe , BONNEAU Mathieu , MANDONNET Nathalie , JACQUIET Philippe , DESQUESNES Marc
Published: February 2023

Les parasites (Helminthes, Protozoaires, Acariens, Insectes) restent responsables de pathologie majeures impactant l’élevage des ruminants. Pendant des décennies, la maitrise de ces divers groupes de parasites a reposé pour l’essentiel sur des molécules de synthèse développées par l’industrie pharmaceutique. Cependant, cette gestion quasi exclusive par des traitements chimiques se trouve désormais confrontée à plusieurs limites : d’une part, une demande sociétale croissante pour réduire les intrants chimiques en élevage dans le cadre d’une agriculture évoluant vers des critères agroécologiques ; d’autre part, le phénomène général de résistances aux antiparasitaires dans les différents groupes mentionnés. Dans ce contexte, le concept de gestion intégrée du parasitisme fondée sur une combinaison de solutions alternatives aux molécules de synthèse devient le nouveau paradigme de lutte applicable aux divers groupes de pathogènes. L’objectif de cette revue est de présenter quelques exemples de solutions complémentaires aux substances de synthèse en se fondant sur deux modèles principaux : les nématodes gastro intestinaux et les insectes chez des petits ruminants ou les bovins.
Volunteers’ well-being with the maqashid shariah approach: Evidence from charitable organizations in Indonesia
Authors: Kadji Dzuliyati , Widiyanti Dwi Retno
Published: February 2023

Purpose – This study aims to analyze the influence of the five dimensions of Maqashid Sharia on the life satisfaction of Muslim volunteers of charitable organizations di Indonesia.Methodology – This study used data from the World Value Survey Wave 7 with a sample of 504 muslim volunteers who are active members of charitable organizations in Indonesia. The data were analyzed using logit and probit regression.Findings – The results of this study reveal that both the logit and probit methods consistently show that from the five Maqashid Syariah dimensions, the dimensions of faith, life and wealth positively influence the life satisfaction of volunteers. In contrast, the intellectual and descendants dimensions are not significant to the life satisfaction of volunteers. Furthermore, the wealth dimension has the greatest tendency toward the life satisfaction of Muslim volunteers from charitable organizations in Indonesia. Implications – This research has implications for developing empirical analysis of individual well-being in Indonesia and the research on the subjective well-being of volunteers, which is part of a national and international analysis of economic happiness linked with the Islamic economy, specifically maqashid sharia as an essential part of Muslim individuals. Originality – This research is expected to fill in the existing research gap regarding welfare analysis of volunteer life satisfaction from an Islamic economic point of view through the Dimension of Maqashid Sharia. This study employs volunteers as objects because Indonesian volunteers are the most numerous in the world, contributing to Indonesia's position as the most generous country in the world.
The Short Survey of ICT in Education in Japan
Authors: Fujita Takaaki
Published: February 2023

The domain of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) education has garnered significant consideration in recent times. However, several challenges are inherent to this area of study, including monetary expense, temporal factors, pedagogical environment, teacher training programs, incentive, syllabus design, and health-related concerns. This paper presents an analysis of the difficulties encountered in the realm of ICT education in Japan, taking into account ten different perspectives.
BRCA Mutations: The Achilles Heel of Breast, Ovarian and Other Epithelial Cancers
Authors: Loboda Anna P. , Adonin Leonid S. , Zvereva Svetlana D. , Pestov Nikolay B. , Guschin Dmitri Y. , Korneenko Tatyana V. , Telegina Alexandra V. , Kondratieva Olga K. , Frolova Sofia E. , Barlev Nickolai A.
Published: February 2023

Two related tumor suppressor genes, Brca1 and Brca2, attract a lot of attention from both fundamental and clinical points of view. Oncogenic hereditary mutations in these genes are firmly linked to the early onset of breast and ovarian cancers. However, the molecular mechanisms that drive extensive mutagenesis in these genes are not known. In this review we hypothesize that one of the potential mechanisms behind this phenomenon can be mediated by Alu mobile genomic elements. Linking mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes to the general mechanism(s) of genome stability and DNA repair is critical to ensure the rationalized choice of anti-cancer therapy. Accordingly, we review the literature available on mechanisms of DNA damage repair where these proteins are involved in and how the inactivating mutations in these genes (BRCAness) can be exploited in anti-cancer therapy. We also propose a hypothesis that explains why breast and ovarian epithelial tissues are preferentially susceptible to mutations in BRCA genes. Finally, we discuss perspectives of novel therapeutic approaches for treating BRCAness cancers.
Assessment of Postharvest Loss of Avocado at Producers Level (Case of Wolaita and KembataTembaro Zones)
Authors: Dolaso Abera Abebe , Shano Berhanu Kuma
Published: February 2023

Current study was to estimation the post-harvest loss of avocado at the producer level using cross-sectional data obtained from 385 proportionately sampled respondents from Wolaita and Kembata Tembaro Zones, the SNNPR of Ethiopia. Descriptive and multiple regression analysis were used to the amount and determinant of post harvest loss of avocado fruits. Estimated total post harvest- loss of avocados was 24%; of which 5.7% unacceptable harvesting methods and 4.9% of improper storage practices. The respondent's sex, education, income, training, contact with extension agents, distance from the nearest road, and off-farm income were found to be negative determinants, whereas storage accessibility and avocado harvest techniques were found to be positive determinants of post-harvest loss of avocado fruits. Post-harvest management techniques for avocados need to be better understood and used by avocado growers if they are to minimize losses. Post-harvest losses contribute considerably to food insecurity and create a problem for the source of revenue for people and the economy of the country as well. Therefore, the use of a practical and effective post-harvest loss reduction technique could be a sustainable solution to increase food availability, eliminate hunger and improve farmers' livelihoods.
Repurposing Simvastatin in Parkinson's Disease Model: Protection is throughout Modulation of the Neuro-inflammatory Response in the Substantia Nigra
Authors: Rubio-Osornio Moisés , León Carmen T. Goméz-De , Montes Sergio , Rubio Carmen , Ríos Camilo , Monroy-Noyola Antonio , Morales-Montor Jorge
Published: February 2023

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by oxidative stress and immune activation in the nigro-striatal pathway. Simvastatin regulates cholesterol metabolism and protects from atherosclerosis disease. Simvastatin or tween-80 was administered 7 days before sterotaxic intrastriatal administration of MPP+ (1-methyl-4-phenylpyridine) in rats. Fluorescent lipidic product formation, dopamine levels, and circling behavior were considered damage markers. Twenty-four h and six days after, the animal group lesioned with MPP+ showed significant damage in relation to the control group. Animals pretreated with simvastatin reduced significantly the MPP+-induced damage compared to MPP+ treated group. As apoptosis promotes neuroinflammation and neuronal degeneration in Parkinson’s disease, and since there is not currently a proteomic map of the Nigro striatum of rats, and assuming a high homology among the identified proteins in other rat tissues, we based the search for rat protein homologs related to the establishment of inflammation response. We demonstrate that most proteins related to inflammation are decreased in the simvastatin-treated rats. Furthermore, differential expression of antioxidant enzymes in striated tissue of rat brains was found in response to simvastatin. These results suggest that simvastatin could prevent striatal MPP+-induced damage and for the first time the molecular mechanisms involved in this protective effect.
LEGAL ANALYSIS ON PERATURAN PRESIDEN NO. 98 TAHUN 2021: NILAI EKONOMI KARBON (NEK) CARBON PRICING IN INDONESIA
Authors: Yanti Linda , Buana Louie
Published: February 2023

This paper analyses Indonesia’s new regulatory framework of carbon pricing, namely Presidential Regulation No. 98 of 2021 on Carbon Economic Value (Presidential Regulation No. 98/2021). The Presidential Regulation is analysed under Law No. 12 of 2011 on the Formation of Legislation). This paper found that even though this regulation has fulfilled all the principles stated in the Law on the Formation of Legislation, many details are left to be regulated (as indeed requested in the Presidential Regulation), and more clarification needed for the roles of each actor and stakeholders in carbon economic valuation and how carbon economic valuation invites public participation
Use of Remote-Sensing to Quantify the Distribution of Progradation/erosion Along a Forced-Regressive Modern Coastline: Driving Factors and Impact on the Stratigraphic Record
Authors: Zuchuat Valentin , Poyatos-Moré Miquel , Nyberg Björn , Nanson Rachel A. , Sagar Stephen , Lymburner Leo , Bishop-Taylor Robbi
Published: February 2023

The long-term development of ancient and modern coastal distributive fluvial systems (DFSs) during periods of relative sea-level highstand or fall usually drives net-progradation of shorelines. Such systems often develop in periods of relative sea-level highstand or fall and typically record annual to millennial-scale deviations in coastal trajectories. A new continental dataset (Digital Earth Australia Coastlines: DEA Coastlines) provides an opportunity to examine such variations in coastal behaviour over annual to decadal scales (1988-2019) at local to continental spatial scales. This dataset is herein applied to the 655 km coastline fronting Australia’s largest amalgamated coastal distributive fluvial systems, which is situated in the epicontinental seaway of the Gulf of Carpentaria in the north of the continent. Despite the overall forced regressive conditions (i.e. progradation during relative sea-level fall), only 54% of this coastlines length net-prograded, whereas 47% was eroded. Though temporal cyclicity in progradation and erosion is evident along segments of this coast, these patterns could not be correlated with either the Southern Oscillation Index (R2 = -0.20) or rainfall (R2 = 0.24). Instead, short-term coastline dynamics appear to be the result of complex interactions between fluvial, wave, longshore current, and tidal processes. The high-resolution DEA Coastlines dataset highlights the diachronous, heterochronous, composite, and amalgamated nature of net-progradational stratigraphic strata that can develop in shallow-marine environments where hinge-points between prograding and retrograding coastal segments are dynamic features that migrate with time. Our conclusions show that shorelines display granular temporal and spatial deviations in coastal trajectory, with contemporaneous progradation and erosion occurring over 1-100 km length scales. This is significantly more heterogeneity than previously envisaged, thereby suggesting the need for updating models of coastal systems.
Análise dos custos diretos e indiretos da COVID-19 em um hospital brasileiro
Authors: Xavier Cecilia , Oliveira Layssa , Lucchetta Rosa Camila , Forgerini Marcela , Fantini Ana Beatris , Nadai Tales , Wiens Astrid , Mastroianni Patricia
Published: February 2023

Objetivo: Avaliar os custos diretos na perspectiva hospitalar e do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), bem como os custos indiretos de pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19. Métodos: Estudo observacional com coleta de dados por micro e macrocusteio, realizado com pacientes admitidos por COVID-19 em um hospital paulista (março a setembro de 2020). Custos indiretos foram obtidos pelos métodos de capital humano e de anos de vida ajustados pela incapacidade (DALY). Análises de Mann-Whitney e regressão linear foram realizadas. Resultados: Foram incluídos 158 indivíduos com mediana de idade de 57 anos (IIQ 42-68 anos). A mediana de custo da internação na perspectiva do SUS e hospitalar foi de, respectivamente, R$ 2.009,46 (IIQ: R$ 1.649,11; R$ 4.847,36), principalmente devido à unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI), e R$ 19.055,91 (IIQ: R$ 8.399,47; R$ 38.438,00), principalmente devido a recursos humanos. Tempo total de internação (p < 0,001), óbito (p < 0,001) e ventilação invasiva (p < 0,001) foram preditores de aumento de custo. Foi identificada perda de 381,5 DALY e perda de produtividade de 128 anos, equivalente a US$ 855.307. Conclusão: Os principais direcionadores de custo foram recursos humanos e UTI. Entretanto, na perspectiva da sociedade, foi identificado o maior impacto devido à perda de produtividade e DALY. Tempo de hospitalização foi um dos grandes contribuidores do custo, e esse fator pode estar atrelado a gravidade da doença e protocolos de cuidado ao paciente.
Preoperative pain aggravates postoperative cognitive deficits and hippocampal neuroinflammation in rats
Authors: Wu Xizhu , Zhang Longxin , Yi Huan , Lin Chuan-tao , Wang Yu-ping , Yu De-biao , Gao Xiang
Published: February 2023

Background: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is the progressive deterioration of cognitive function after surgery. The mechanism underlying the development of POCD is unclear. Previous studies have suggested that neuroinflammation is a major contributor to the development of POCD. The purpose of this study was to observe the effects of preoperative pain on inflammatory factors and neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus.
Methods: Cognitive function was evaluated by the Morris water maze (MWM), and the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α) were measured on the 1st, 3rd and 7th days after surgery. The levels of Ach, cAMP, PKA, and GABAA in the hippocampus were measured at the same time points.
Results: Our results showed that the rats that experienced preoperative pain exhibited impaired learning and memory after surgery (P< 0.001). Moreover, rats in the preoperative pain+surgery group exhibited increased neuronal apoptosis compared to that of rats in the surgery group. On the 1st, 3rd and 7th days after surgery, the expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in the pain+surgery group was increased compared to that in the surgery group (P<0.001). Furthermore, the expression of key proteins, including ACh, cAMP, PKA and GABAA, was decreased in the pain+ surgery group compared to the surgery group.
Conclusions: Preoperative pain may be a key risk factor for the development of POCD by inhibiting the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (ACh-cAMP-PKA signalling pathway) and decreasing the expression of GABAA in the CNS.
Seismic site-effects assessment in a fluvial sedimentary environment: case of Oued Martil floodplain, Northern Morocco
Authors: HILALI Mohamed EL , Bounab Ali , Timoulali Youssef , Messari Jamal Stitou , Ahniche Mohamed
Published: February 2023

In Northern Morocco, seismic site effects in general and liquefaction hazard in particular can occur in the event of a major earthquake due to the thick sedimentary cover characterizing the peripheral Neogene basins of the Alboran Sea. An example is Martil Plain which was the subject of important economic development during the last two decades. In this regard, we present in this study as assessment of seismic site-effect hazard through the HVSR method and the Kg index. MASW and coredrilling data are also used to complete our analysis and interpret the spatial distribution of Kg maps. Our findings suggest more vulnerability to liquefaction in the Southern segment of the basin, which can be explained by the asymmetrical geometry of Quaternary sedimentation, due to tectonic uplift that influences also the surface and subsurface hydrology processes. As a result, some districts, especially those classified as economically disadvantaged, are found to be the most exposed to this hazard, which must be taken into consideration in future risk reduction and mitigation plans. We conclude the existence of significant seismic effects potential despite the moderate seismicity of the area. Therefore, our research needs to be completed by scenario based seismic hazard modelling to investigate the capacity of seismic events at the region to produce the above suggested amplifications.
CD47 is correlated with immune infiltration and is a prognostic biomarker in colorectal cancer
Authors: Cai Chuanshu , Wang Peirong , Ke Chunlin , Shen Minmin , Dong Feng
Published: February 2023

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignant neoplasm, and the cluster of differentiation 47 (CD47) is an innate immune checkpoint and promising diagnostic and therapeutic target. We comprehensively examined the potential prognostic value, clinicopathological characteristics, and immune infiltration associated with CD47 in CRC patients.
Results: In total, 305 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis of CD47 suggested an area under the ROC curve of 0.819. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis indicated that CRC with high CD47 expression had a better prognosis in the progression-free interval (PFI; P = 0.011). Five drug targets (ABT-510, ALX148, TTI-621, CC-90002, and Hu5F9-G4) were identified for CD47. A positive correlation existed between CD47 expression and infiltrating levels of aDC, macrophages, T helper cells, Tcm, Th1 cells, Th2 cells, CD8 T cells, cytotoxic cells, neutrophils, T cells, and Tgd. In the neoplasm type, CD47 expression was higher in colon adenocarcinoma patients than in rectal adenocarcinoma patients (P = 0.029). In PFI events, CD47 expression was higher in live patients than in dead patients (P = 0.018). Male patients with high CD47 expression showed improved overall survival compared with female patients (P = 0.014). CD47 protein was highly expressed in colorectal tumor tissue and lowly expressed in normal tissues in the Human Protein Atlas(HPA). Methylation analysis of CD47 in CRC revealed that the first and second CpG islands were hypermethylated, whereas the third CpG island was hypomethylated. Genetic alterations in CRC included amplification and deletion of CD47 in colorectal cancer. I153M was found to be a mutational hotspot for CD47.
Conclusions: CD47 is correlated with immune infiltration and is a prognostic biomarker in colorectal cancer.
Evaluations of imputation methods for missing data with random forest modeling: an application with unbalanced data with a three categories outcome, the linkage to HIV care Uganda study
Authors: Mendoza Nadia B. , Bailey Barbara A. , Kiene Susan M. , Menzies Nicolas A. , Wanyenze Rhoda K. , Schmarje Katherine A. , Ediau Michael , Kalichman Seth C. , Naigino Rose , Lin Chii-Dean
Published: February 2023

Background: Incomplete observation units may contain important information about the population being studied, analysis conducted with the complete portion of the dataset, done in most standard statistical software, may produce biased or low statistical power results. In this paper we investigate the behavior of imputation methods for a linkage to HIV care study dataset with more than 60% incomplete cases.
Methods:Missing data imputation algorithms amelia, missForest, mice and hmisc were considered. Two sets of simulations were conducted: first with the subset of data containing only complete observations and second with the whole dataset. Imputation accuracy and general behavior for each imputation algorithm were accessed in the first set. Random forest models were fit to evaluate overall prediction accuracy and sensitivity in both sets of simulations.
Results: The imputed values by missForest, a single imputation method, were more accurate for all incomplete variables and scenarios. Median overall prediction accuracy of HIV status, a three levels outcome, was slightly higher after imputations with missForest and amelia (approximately 52%, 61% and 65% for samples of 350, 700 and 1050 units respectively). In general, different missing percentages (20%, 40% and 60%) did not result in large changes in prediction or imputation accuracy and larger sample sizes performance improved for imputation and overall prediction accuracy but mixed results were observed with sensitivity. For the second set of simulations, missForest and amelia produced better overall prediction accuracy with larger samples (1200 versus 350 units). For new HIV positive HIV class, hmiscand mice presented better sensitivity, with median sensitivity 65% versus 50% and approximately 90% versus 20% for samples with 350 and 1200 units respectively, compared to incomplete samples.
Conclusions: Imputation with mice and hmisc may be used for imputation when the main interest is to increase sensitivity in predicting new HIV positive. Furthermore, it is interesting to investigate which method gives more advantage for other performance measures of interest.
Trial registration: NCT02545673
IGSF6 is a novel biomarker to evaluate immune infiltration in mismatch repair-proficient colorectal cancer
Authors: Xu Yu-cheng , Yu Zhao-liang , Chen Xiao-chuan , Zhong Min-er , Liang Yu-fan , Weng Jing-rong , Luo Dan-dong , Bie Yi-ran , Chen Xi , Cai Jia-wei , Rong Yu-ming , Zou Yi-feng
Published: February 2023

Background
Immunotherapy has dramatically changed the landscape of treatment for colorectal cancer (CRC), but there is lack of effective predictive biomarker, especially for tumors with mismatch repair (MMR) proficiency. Immune response relies to cell surface receptors and their interactions, such as cell-cell recognition, binding and adhesion. However, the function of immunoglobulin superfamily (IGSF) genes in tumor immune microenvironment remains uncharacterized.
Methods
This study quantified the immune using the gene expression matrix obtained from the public database. Also the associations between IGSF6 gene expression and immune cell infiltration were assessed. The expression levels of IGSF6, CD8 + and CD4 + T cells in cancer tissues from CRC patients were evaluated.
Results
IGSF6 was more highly expressed in CRC tumor tissues than corresponding adjacent normal tissues. And IGSF6 was significantly correlated with immune cell infiltration in MMR-proficient patients. Remarkably, MMR-proficient patients with high IGSF6 expression showed more sensitive to immunotherapy and chemotherapy than those with low IGSF6 expression.
Conclusions
In summary, IGSF6 could be a novel biomarker to evaluate immune infiltration and predict therapeutic effect for MMR-proficient CRC.
A case of pulmonary tuberculosis patient complicated with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome and scrub typhus in Yunnan, China: a case report
Authors: Huang Hao , Kong Yichen , Yin Hongmin , Yang Zi , Ren Tilian , zhang Yunzhi
Published: February 2023

Background
Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) caused by Orthohantavirus (OHV) and scrub typhus (ST) caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi (OT) are two infectious diseases prevalent in southwest China. Rodents are the natural host and the main source of the two diseases. OT infection to humans is usually resulted from bite of an infective chigger mite on rodents, and OHV is transmitted through contact or inhalation of aerosols and secretions from infected rodent. For infectious diseases, the use of antibiotics and hormones is essential, so the diagnosis of complex situations is not easy under the action of drugs. Clinically, fever is the first symptom of these two diseases, and most of them are accompanied by common symptoms such as chills and headaches. The clinical symptoms of these two diseases are very similar, so it is easy to diagnose and miss diagnosis.
Case presentation:
In this case, a 44-year-old male famer with a history of working in coal transportation was admitted to the hospital because of respiratory symptoms accompanied by fever, headache, and skin rashes on his body. Biochemical and urinalysis revealed the hepatic and renal injury. The subsequent molecular testing confirmed he suffered from HFRS and scrub typhus simultaneously that the serological and clinical diagnosis could not identify the cause of infection before. Such case has not been reported in Yunnan Province before.
Conclusion
As the clinical findings of HFRS and scrub typhus are similar and usually unspecific, the clinical diagnosis should be made with a combination of serological and etiological approaches. In the endemic areas of the two diseases, potential HFRS and ST patients should be precisely distinguished with more tests, which is critical for developing proper treatment plans.
Functional characterization of the Polε protein family in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Xusheng , Ma Yongxin , Liu Kejun , Liu Yimin , Zhou Hongcai , Wei Peng , Yu Xuehai , Zhang Yaweng , Yang Bao , Chen Bendong
Published: February 2023

Background: Numerous genetic sequencing projects have demonstrated that alterations in Polε (DNA polymerase epsilon ) due to various causes are associated with the development of multiple human cancers. However, the biological functions of its four core genes, POLE1/2/3/4/, in the occurrence, progression, and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) remain poorly understood to date.
Methods: Multi-omics, multi-level deep mining of HCC data from TCGA and other publicly available databases by using online analysis tools from GEPIA2, TIMER2.0, DAVID, Kaplan-Meier plotter, cBioPortal and MethSurv databases, as well asthe R package to assess Polε family members in HCC for their potential biological functions.
Results: We found that the four target genes were significantly upregulated in HCC (P<0.001), their high expression was associated with a lower survival rate (P<0.05), and both diagnostic ROC curves and disease-specific survival time-dependent ROC curves suggested that POLE2/3 showed better disease predictive efficacy, and the four genes were significantly associated with immune infiltration, and drug sensitivity analysis suggested that the high expression groups of four target genes showed higher drug sensitivity in some chemotherapeutic drugs(P<0.001).
Conclusion: The POLE1/2/3/4are potential prognostic predictive molecules for HCC and correlate with immune infiltration,and high expression of POLE may serve as a potential predictor of the effect of targeted therapies. POLE2/3 may be the potential diagnostic biomarkers for HCC, and the expression level of POLE3 may serve as a biological predictive target for HCC chemotherapy sensitivity.
Oral hygiene behaviours and their associated factors in Chinese adolescents: Evidence from the National Oral Health Survey
Authors: Cui Zhiying , Wang Wenhui , Wang Xing , Feng Xiping , Tai Baojun , Hu Deyu , Lin Huancai , Wang Bo , Wang Chunxiao , Zheng Shuguo , Liu Xuenan , Rong Wensheng , Wang Weijian , Si Yan
Published: February 2023

To investigate oral hygiene behaviours and their correlates among Chinese adolescents. This cross-sectional study recruited 118,601 subjects aged 12-15 years from the National Oral Health Survey using multistage cluster sampling. A total of 32.6% of subjects brushed their teeth twice daily, 7.4% used fluoridated toothpaste, and 3.9% cleaned their teeth twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste. Multivariable logistic regression showed the probability of good oral hygiene practices (twice-a-day tooth brushing with fluoridated toothpaste) was higher among these groups: females (AOR: 1.141; 95%CI: 1.072-1.214), 15-year-olds (AOR: 1.786; 95%CI: 1.634-1.952), from urban areas (AOR: 1.389; 95%CI: 1.288-1.497), without siblings (AOR: 1.351; 95%CI: 1.259-1.450), with an educated father (AOR: 1. 605; 95%CI: 1.442-1.788) and mother (AOR: 1.706; 95%CI: 1.530-1.903), having dental visit experiences (AOR: 1.702; 95%CI: 1.589-1.823), rating one’s oral health as good (AOR: 2.341; 95%CI: 2.083-2.631), having fluoride knowledge (AOR: 4.345; 95%CI: 4.034-4.678) and having a positive attitude towards regular dental care (AOR: 1.589; 95%CI: 1.460-1.729). The oral hygiene behaviours of Chinese adolescents were undesirable. Good oral hygiene practices are significantly associated with sociodemographic factors, fluoride knowledge, and attitudes towards regular dental care. Twice-a-day tooth brushing with fluoridated toothpaste is essential when designing the content of oral health education and when counselling adolescents.
Effects of treatment with corticosteroids on human rhinovirus-induced asthma exacerbations in pediatric inpatients: a prospective observational study
Authors: Kan-o Keiko , Washio Yasuyoshi , Oki Takeshi , Fujimoto Tsuguto , Ninomiya Takahito , Yoshida Makoto , Fujita Masaki , Nakanishi Yoichi , Matsumoto Koichiro
Published: February 2023

Human rhinoviruses (HRVs) infection is a common cause of exacerbations in pediatric patients with asthma. However, the effects of corticosteroids on HRV-induced exacerbations in pediatric asthma are unknown. We conducted a prospective observational study in inpatients aged 6–16 years with asthma exacerbations to investigate the effects of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) on the detection rates of HRV species from nasopharyngeal samples and treatment periods of systemic corticosteroids on pulmonary lung function 3 months after exacerbations. Viral pathogens were identified in 45 out of 54 patients (83.3%) using multiplex PCR assay. HRV-A, -B, and -C were detected in 16 (29.6%), one (1.9%), and 16 (29.6%) patients, respectively. The detection rates of HRV-C were lower in the ICS-treated group compared with those in the ICS-untreated group (p = 0.01), whereas maintenance ICS did not affect the detection rate for viral pathogens in total and HRV-A. Changes in forced expiratory volume in one second predicted from baseline in patients treated with systemic corticosteroids for 6–8 days were higher than those in patients treated within 5 days (p = 0.0085). The protective effects of corticosteroids on virus-induced asthma exacerbations may be dependent upon the types of viral pathogen.
Interference Recommendation for the Pump Sizing Process in Progressive Cavity Pumps using Graph Neural Networks
Authors: Starke Leandro , Hoppe Aurélio Faustino , Sartori Andreza , Stefenon Stefano Frizzo , Leithardt Valderi Reis Quietinho
Published: February 2023

Pump sizing is the process of dimensional matching an impeller and stator to provide a satisfactory performance test result and good service life during the operation of progressive cavity pumps. In this process, historical data analysis and dimensional monitoring are done manually, consuming a large number of man-hours and requiring a deep knowledge of progressive cavity pump behavior. This paper proposes the use of graph neural networks in the construction of a prototype to recommend interference during the pump sizing process in a progressive cavity pump. For this, data from different expert applications were used in addition to individual control excel spreadsheets to build the database used in the prototype. From the pre-processed data, complex network techniques and the betweenness centrality metric were used to calculate the degree of importance of each order confirmation, as well as to calculate the dimensionality of the rotors. Using the proposed model a mean squared error of 0.28 was obtained for the cases where there were recommendations for order confirmations. Based on the results obtained, it was realized that there is a similarity with the dimensional defined by design engineers during the pump sizing process and this approach can be used to validate the project definitions.
Ethool, a tool to enable ethical and legal decision-making in research involving humans using new technologies in Europe: design and usability validation
Authors: Garzo Ainara , Garay-Vitoria Nestor
Published: February 2023

Human participation in technological research projects has become more frequent in recent years. However, most of the technological researchers who organize such experimentation are unaware about the various ethical and legal implications involved. Further, when it is a medical device prototype that is being evaluated, the ethical and legal implications may be even more complex. A review of the laws, standards and recommendations in Europe has been drawn up regarding human participation in new technology co-design, development and evaluation, focusing on technological research for assistive and medical devices. An easy-to-use tool, called Ethool, which acts as a guideline for European technological researchers has been designed and developed. In this manuscript, the iterative usability evaluation of Ethool is explained as well as the improvements made, following participants’ feedback. Ethool was rated as acceptable and usable by participants obtaining a SUS score of 93.0 in its last evaluation. The tool is currently available to be used by any interested parties with the aim of gathering additional feedback.
A route of polyethylene glycol-based phase change heat storage wood with AlN as the thermal conductive filler
Authors: Li Yanchen , Sun Jingmeng , Zhang Weiye , Fang Xiaoyang , Wang Beibei , Li Fangzhou , Zhang Daihui , Guo Hongwu , Liu Yi
Published: February 2023

Wood is a great potential natural material with good energy storage and temperature adjustment for the energy crisis. In this study, wood was delignified, and the PEG based eutectic polymer (PGMA) was impregnated into the delignified wood, and styrene (SM) grafted AlN was selected as thermal conductive filler to synthesize a stable phase change heat storage wood. The result shows that the styrene (SM) polymerized on the surface of AlN to form polystyrene (PS), the dispersion of AlN was enhanced. The thermal stability and loss resistance of PCES-Wood are improved for the penetration of PS-AlN into the cavities, which is attributed to the PS-AlN playing a "limiting" role in the crystallization of PGMA. When the content of PS-AlN is 6%, the thermal conductivity of PCES-Wood reaches 0.5148 W/(m·K). 4% PS-AlN-PCES@Balsa has the lowest undercooling and heat loss rate, and the melting enthalpy and solidification enthalpy reach 125.60 J/g and 120.30 J/g, respectively. The phase change temperature range is between 19.59 ℃ and 33.87 ℃, which is in the comfortable temperature range for the human. Under the illumination of the simulated solar light source, the surface temperature of PS-AlN-PCES@Balsa rises rapidly and shows a lasting heat storage capacity at low temperatures. After 200 cold and hot cycle tests, the phase change enthalpy of PS-AlN-PCES@Balsa is still high, and there is a slight leakage phenomenon. The phase-change wood prepared in this study shows that it is a potential material to store and release solar energy in practical applications.
Machine learning-based digital health application integrating wearable data and behavioral patterns improves metabolic health
Authors: Snyder Michael , McLaughlin Tracey , Zahedani Ashkan , Palmisano Salvator , Saberi Maziyar , Woodward Mark , Joselevitz Ronit , Ruan Jingyi , Romasko Heather , Agarwal Saransh , Tripathi Shital
Published: February 2023

Lifestyle interventions aimed at reducing caloric intake and increasing physical activity have the potential to prevent Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). The use of new technologies may enhance the success of lifestyle interventions, improve metabolic health, and prevent T2D. 2,217 participants, ranging from normoglycemic to T2D, were enrolled in the Season-of-Me Program in which glucose patterns were captured over 28 consecutive days via continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Food intake, activity, and body weight were logged by participants and integrated with wearables data using a smartphone-based app which continuously provided insights to participants, including overlaying daily glucose patterns with activity and food intake, as well as summarizing macronutrient breakdown, glycemic index (GI), glycemic load, and activity measures. The mobile app also used machine learning to provide personalized recommendations based on users’ preferences, including their adherence to recommendations, their personal goals, and their glycemic patterns. Users had the option to continue interacting with the mobile app without CGM for an additional two months. Results demonstrated significant improvements in hyperglycemia, glucose variability, and hypoglycemia (particularly in those who were not diabetic at baseline). Body weight decreased in all groups, particularly in the most overweight/obese. Healthy eating habits improved significantly, with reduced daily caloric intake and proportion of carbohydrates-to-calories; and increased intake of protein, fiber, and healthy fats (relative to calories). These results suggest that integration of behavior logging and CGM data with AI-based personalized lifestyle recommendations can improve the metabolic health of both nondiabetic and T2D individuals via healthier lifestyle choices. This technology thus serves as an important tool to enhance current approaches to T2D prevention and treatment.
Meningitis-Retention Syndrome: a review and update of an unrecognized clinical condition
Authors: Pellegrino Francesco , Funiciello Elisa , Pruccoli Giulia , Silvestro Erika , Scolfaro Carlo , Mignone Federica , Tocchet Aba , Roasio Luca , Garazzino Silvia
Published: February 2023

Objectives: We summarized the clinical and radiological characteristics of Meningitis-Retention Syndrome (MRS), its therapeutic options and urological outcome, to better understand the pathogenesis of this syndrome and to evaluate the effectiveness of corticosteroids in reducing the period of urinary retention.
Methods: We reported a new case of MRS in a male adolescent. We also reviewed the previously 28 reported cases of MRS, collected from inception up to September 2022.
Results: MRS is characterized by aseptic meningitis and urinary retention. The mean length of the interval between the onset of the neurological signs and the urinary retention was 6.4 days. In most cases no pathogens were isolated in cerebrospinal fluid, except for 6 cases in which Herpesviruses were detected. The urodynamic study resulted in a detrusor underactivity, with a mean period for urination recovery of 4.5 weeks, regardless of therapies.
Discussion: Neurophysiological studies and electromyographic examination are not pathological, distinguishing MRS from polyneuropathies. Although there are no encephalitic symptoms or signs, and the magnetic resonance is often normal, MRS may represent a mild form of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, without radiological detectable medullary involvement, due to the prompt use of steroids. It is believed that MRS is a self-limited disease, and no evidence suggests the effectiveness of steroids, antibiotics, and antiviral treatment in its clinical course.
What drives phylogenetic and trait clustering on islands?
Authors: Zhang Aiying , Cadotte Marc W. , Wu Donghao , Yu Mingjian
Published: February 2023

Context
As one primary catchment-scale impacts of dam constructions on ecosystems, fragmentation, resulting in reduced species richness, altered ecological processes and degraded ecosystem functioning, has been increasing intensely.
Objectives
Explore the drivers that hinder species co-existence and community assembly would facilitate understanding the fragmentation effect caused by dams.
Methods:
We hypothesized that habitat filtering and competitive exclusion can simultaneously drive community assembly processes, such that communities on small islands, where competition for limited space and resources is more intense, would be functionally and phylogenetically less clustered than those on large islands. We used ten functional traits and a phylogeny of 76 woody plant species to assess species diversity and similarity within communities across an island area gradient.
Results
As expected, species were more phylo-functionally similar to one another than expected by chance within islands and this underdispersion grew stronger with island area, indicating that while islands contained clustered communities, habitat filtering and competitive exclusion were both likely occurring. By integrating species abundance distributions with community similarity, we found that the most abundant species were phylo-functionally similar to the least abundant species. Species richness increased with island area, as expected, but the additional species found only on large islands tended to have low abundances, providing opportunities for rare species to persist.
Conclusions
With habitat filtering narrowing the number of species that can persist, the loss of phylo-functionally closely related rare species on small islands was likely caused by competition or stochastic removals, leading to greater species dissimilarity than on large islands. On large islands, the clustered patterns are likely to be the result of a combination of competitive exclusion caused by resource limitation and from habitat filtering.