bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epileptogenic Zone with Focal Cortical Dysplasia in the Frontoparietal Lobe: A Voxel-Based Morphometry Analysis
Authors: lin yaoyun , cao xueliang , zhao yang
Published: April 2023

Objective: The abnormal zone of the epileptogenic zone may explain the impact of focal epilepsy on more widespread brain networks involved in typical cognition and development. In some patients, seizures continue after surgery, interfering with accurate detection of potential preoperative zone. This study unraveled zone changes and mechanisms in the frontoparietal cortex of patients with focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) type IIb using voxel-based morphometric analysis before surgery.
Methods: Three-dimensional magnetic resonance images were captured from 22 patients with histologically verified FCD type IIb in the frontoparietal lobe. Twenty-two healthy subjects constituted the control group. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM), xjView, and automated anatomical labeling atlas were used to calculate the volume alteration of the whole-brain gray matter by measuring the increment and decrement of gray matter cluster abnormalities.
Results: A significant increase in gray matter clusters distributed mainly in the bilateral frontal gyrus, temporal gyrus, fusiform, several brain nuclei, and right cerebellum was observed in patients with FCD. Subtle changes were observed in the occipital gyrus, inferior parietal gyrus, paracentral and insular regions in the left hemisphere, hippocampus, parahippocampus, thalamic nuclei, and basal ganglia in the right hemisphere. The VBM results were concordant with the clinical findings.
Conclusions: The VBM analysis established pre-evaluation and surgical strategies. The significant brain regions investigated using VBM potentially improve the prognosis of epilepsy surgeries after complete resection of the epileptogenic zone.
Association between Cerebrospinal fluid pressure and cognition in Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body dimentia
Authors: Yang Xia , Gan Jinghuan , Ji Yong
Published: April 2023

Background: The relationship between cerebrospinal fluid pressure (CSFP) and cognition has received little research attention. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between cerebrospinal fluid pressure and cognition in dementia patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), patients with Lewy body dementia (LBD).
Method: We included 174 participants with dementia, including 131 patients with AD, 36 patients with LBD (including dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and parkinson's disease dementia (PDD)). The CSFP was measured by lumbar puncture, and informant-based history, laboratory test and neuroimaging were collected, logistic and linear regression analysis were used to evaluate the associations between CSFP and cognition.
Results: The mean age of the included patients was 63.23±8.9 years and the mean cerebrospinal fluid pressure was 120.89±33.36 mmH2O, 77.0% of patients had a CSFP distribution of [90-170) mmH2O. 39 patients (23.4%) had severe dementia, 78 patients (46.7%) had moderate dementia, and 50 patients (30.0%) had mild dementia. In multivariate analysis, in all participants (OR: 5.81, 95% CI: 1.38-24.37, p = 0.01) and patientswith AD (OR: 6.82, 95%: CI: 1.32-35.18, p = 0.02), the lowest quartile SCFP [50-90) mmH2O was associated with more severe dementia level compared to the highest quartile CSFP [170-210) mmH2O. In addition, there was a significant positive linear correlation between CSFP and MMSE score in all participants (r = 0.42, p ＜ 0.001, Durbin-Watson test = 1.24) and in patientswith AD (r = 0.44, p = 0.006, Durbin-Watson test = 1.20).
Conclusion: In dementia patients with AD, the decrease of CSFP is related to the more serious dementia level, and CSFP have a positive relationship with MMSE score. However, no such relationship was found in patients with LBD.
Exploration of prognostic value and underlying mechanism of P2RY14 in triple negative breast cancer by multi-omics
Authors: Lai Shenglian , Wang Siyan , Ma Ruilan , Li Xingzhe , Mao Min
Published: April 2023

Background Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) was a highly heterogeneous and invasive breast cancer. Although novel therapeutic strategies had improved, it could not still achieve satisfactory efficacy. P2RY14 participated in the occurrence and development of numerous cancers, while the relationship between P2RY14 and TNBC remained uncertain. Therefore, our aim was to investigate the value of P2RY14 in TNBC to improve this condition.Method The differential expression of P2RY14 was determined based on 158 TNBC and 113 paracancer samples came from TCGA database via Wilcoxon test. The result was validated using GSE37751 and GSE65216 database. Kaplan–Meier analysis was performed to analysis and validate the relationship between P2RY14 and overall survival of TNBC in both TCGA cohort and METABRIC cohort. Patients was divided into low P2RY14 group and high P2RY14 group based the median expression value of P2RY14. Single-sample gene-set enrichment analysis and immune cycle analysis were utilized to investigate underlying mechanism.Result P2RY14 was significant differential expression with P < 0.05 among TCGA, GSE37751 and GSE65216. The methylation of P2RY14 had an inhibitory function in its expression via Pearson correlation analysis (P < 0.05). Patients with high P2RY14 had improved overall survival based on criterion of P < 0.05 in TCGA. The result was validated in METABRIC. Higher immune infiltration in 29 immune cells was mainly closely correlated with high P2RY14 group. Multiple steps of immune cycle were positively associated with High P2RY14 group. In addition, we found that immunotherapy had potential values in high P2RY14 group.Conclusion Our study elucidated the significant value of P2RY14 on pathogenesis and prognosis of TNBC and demonstrated its potential as a novel biomarker. Our results would provide novel perspectives into the prognosis monitoring and decision for TNBC.
The anxiety associated with COVID-19, general health, spiritual health, and job satisfaction in healthcare workers: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Roshani Daem , Saboni Keivan , Amjadian Mohiadin
Published: April 2023

Background: Previous research has shown the impact of pandemic communicable diseases on the mental health of healthcare workers. This study examined the relationship between general health, spiritual health, anxiety associated with COVID-19, job satisfaction, and the mediating role of sex in healthcare workers in Iran in 2021.
Methods: This was a descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study performed on 163 healthcare workers in some hospitals in Sanandaj. Data were collected using COVID-19 Anxiety, General Health, job satisfaction, and Spiritual Health questionnaires. Then, the data were analyzed using SPSS-22 software, regression test, and path analysis.
Results: Although women averaged lower levels of general health, job satisfaction, anxiety associated with COVID-19, and higher scores in spiritual health than men, none of these differences were statistically significant, and sex didn’t play a significant role here. Also, general health and spiritual health could significantly predict 17.1% of the variance in job satisfaction in the path analysis. However, sex and Covid-19 anxiety could not significantly predict this variable.
Conclusion: The results may help prepare appropriate interventions to reduce the healthcare s’ mental disorders, and to promote general health and job satisfaction during such pandemics.
Addressing Disparities in Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Access: Implementing a Community- Centered Mobile PrEP Program in South Florida
Authors: Butts Stefani , Young BreAnne , Blackmon Jakisha , Doblecki-Lewis Susanne
Published: April 2023

Background Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention is highly effective, but disparities in PrEP access remain considerable, particularly among Black and Latino men who have sex with men (MSM). To address this, the University of Miami Mobile PrEP Program was created, offering mobile HIV prevention/PrEP services in areas throughout South Florida where HIV incidence is high and PrEP access is geographically limited. Using a community-centered participatory approach, the program strategized and executed expansion into the Liberty City neighborhood of Miami. This study qualitatively assessed factors affecting Mobile PrEP implementation as perceived by community stakeholders, clients, and program staff.Methods Forty-one in-depth interviews were conducted with 21 Mobile PrEP clients, 10 key informants from local health organizations, and 10 program staff. Interview questions queried perceived organizational and positional barriers and facilitators to mobile clinic implementation. Service satisfaction, setting preferences, social factors, and likelihood of recommending Mobile PrEP were also assessed. A thematic content analysis was performed using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) taxonomy as the guiding constructs for the analysis.Results Participant statements indicated that providing no-cost services, convenient location, program-covered rideshares, individualized patient navigation, and a community-centric approach to patient care, which included staff members with shared lived experiences to increase positive interactions and renewed trust among poorly served communities, were facilitators of PrEP access and intervention uptake. The importance of program familiarization with the community before implementation, particularly for Black and African American communities, who may experience unique barriers to accessing sexual healthcare was strongly emphasized by participants.Conclusions The Mobile PrEP intervention was found to be an acceptable and accessible mode of HIV/STI preventive care. The importance of pre-implementation community engagement and preparation is emphasized. Future research is needed to refine understanding of the intervention's components and evaluate implementation determinants in other highly impacted neighborhoods.
Impedance of whole body plays a crucial role in the pathway from rheumatoid arthritis to prostate cancer: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhao Pin , zhan yonghao , Xue Shilong , Zhu Zhaowei , Zhang Xuepei
Published: April 2023

Background: An earlier observational study has indicated a potential link between rheumatoid arthritis and a higher chance of developing prostate cancer, but the exact causal direction and the role of impedance of whole body in this association remain unclear. To address this gap in knowledge, we conducted two-sample univariable and multivariable MR analyses to assess the total and direct effects of rheumatoid arthritis and whole-body impedance on prostate cancer risk.
Methods: The primary estimate was derived using the inverse-variance weighted method, and additional methods such as MR Pleiotropy. We conducted two-sample univariable and multivariable MR analyses to assess the total and direct effects of rheumatoid arthritis and whole-body impedance on prostate cancer risk. Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) was utilized to examine the independent causal effects of rheumatoid arthritis on whole-body impedance. The primary estimate was derived using the inverse-variance weighted method, and additional methods such as MR Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier, MR-Egger, and weighted median were employed to detect any heterogeneity or pleiotropy. In our meta-analysis, we found that both rheumatoid arthritis and impedance of whole body were associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer (rheumatoid arthritis: OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.01−1.05, p=0.003; impedance of whole body: OR =1.11, 95% CI =1.02 -1.20, P =0.015). Furthermore, the MR analysis provided evidence to support the notion that rheumatoid arthritis can increase the risk of impedance of whole body (OR= 1.01.95% confidence interval [CI] 1.004-1.013; p = 0.0002). There was little evidence that rheumatoid arthritis influenced prostate cancer once impedance of whole body was controlled for, whereas impedance of whole body could significantly affect prostate cancer independently of rheumatoid arthritis (IVW: p=0.018).
Results: Mendelian randomization study offers evidence to support the idea that impedance of whole body seems to have a significant impact on the link between rheumatoid arthritis and prostate cancer.
Clinical significance of metastatic tumor deposit foci in rectal cancer in the lateral pelvic lymph node area
Authors: Yamai Daisuke , Shimada Yoshifumi , Nakano Masato , Ozeki Hikaru , Matsumoto Akio , Abe Kaoru , Tajima Yosuke , Nakano Mae , Ichikawa Hiroshi , Sakata Jun , Nagai Takahiro , Ling Yiwei , Okuda Shujiro , Watanabe Gen , Nogami Hitoshi , Maruyama Satoshi , Takii Yasumasa , Wakai Toshifumi
Published: April 2023

Background
Although previous studies have demonstrated that tumor deposits (TDs) are associated with worse prognosis in colon cancer, their clinical significance in rectal cancer has not been fully elucidated, especially in the lateral pelvic lymph node (LPLN) area. This study aimed to clarify the clinical significance of TDs, focusing on the number of metastatic foci, including lymph node metastasis (LNM) and TD, in the LPLN area.
Methods
This retrospective study involved 226 consecutive patients with cStage II/III low rectal cancer who underwent LPLN dissection. Metastatic foci, including LNM and TD, in the LPLN area were defined as lateral pelvic metastasis (LP-M). LP-M was evaluated according to LP-M status: presence (absence vs presence), histopathological classification (LNM vs TD), and number (1 to 3 vs 4 or more). We evaluated the relapse-free survival of each model and compared them using the Akaike information criterion (AIC) and Harrell’s concordance index (c-index).
Results
Forty-nine of 226 patients (22%) had LP-M, and 15 patients (7%) had TDs. The median number of LP-M per patient was one (range, 1-9). The best risk stratification power was observed for number (AIC, 758; c-index, 0.668) compared with presence (AIC, 759; c-index, 0.665) or histopathological classification (AIC, 761; c-index, 0.664). The number of LP-M was an independent prognostic factor for both relapse-free and overall survival, and was significantly associated with cumulative local recurrence.
Conclusion
The number of metastatic foci, including LNM and TD, in the LPLN area is useful for risk stratification of patients with low rectal cancer.
Underestimating the pandemic: the Impact of Covid-19 on Income Distribution in US and Brazil
Authors: SCHETTINO FRANCESCO , CLEMENTI FABIO , Molini Vasco , Fabiani Michele , Alfani Federica
Published: April 2023

The COVID-19 has exposed people to different risks, increasing the chances of losing jobs and income, worsening well-being levels, as well as developing serious health problems or death. In Brazil and US, at least in the first phases, the respective governments underestimated the extent of the pandemic, employing policies not adequately pointed at reducing the virus diffusion and at improving the public health system. This attitude, progressively mitigated, probably assumed an important role on the pandemic impact dimension on the local population. Employing novel econometric methods on available microdata, emerges that a growth in COVID-19 prevalence significantly increases economic disparities. Also, the impact of COVID-19 on inequality increases over time, suggesting that this negative impact has intensified over the time. In the U.S., the results suggest that working from home, being unable to work or being prevented from seeking work significantly increases inequalities. Although more data are needed to validate the hypothesis, it is concluded that based on this preliminary evidence, the pandemic has significantly contributed to the inequality growth in two countries already characterized by increasing polarization and high degrees of social disparities.
JEL codes: D63, N30, P36
A Computational Study of Metal Monochalcogenides: Examining the Accuracy of the gga_x_gam-mpw1k Functional in Predicting Band Gaps
Authors: Toumiat Amor , May Abdelghani
Published: April 2023

In this work, we used the full potential linearized augmented plane wave method (FP-LAPW) in combination with the gga_x_gam-mpw1kfunctional to calculate the structural and electronic properties of Cd and Zn metal monochalcogenides (MMCs) in their wurtzite structure. We report results for lattice parameters, bandgap, band structure, and density of states, which are in good agreement with previous theoretical calculations and available experimental data. Our study also revealed that the effectiveness of these methods is due to their efficient treatment of d-state electrons.
Management of anesthesia and cardiopulmonary bypass of pediatric abdominal tumor invading inferior vena caval and right atrium: our clinical experience
Authors: Li Shangyingying , Xu Hongzhen , Li Jie , Zhang Ting , Cui Jie
Published: April 2023

ObjectiveAbdominal tumor with inferior vena caval (IVC) and right atrium tumor thrombus is relatively rare in children. In this paper,we summarize the management of anesthesia and cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB) during the multidisciplinary treatment(MDT).MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of children with abdominal tumor with inferior vena caval and right atrium tumor thrombus from January 2012 to December 2022,who had been performed surgeon under CPB. We summarize the management of anesthesia and CPB, intraoperative hemorrhage ,arterial blood gas, blood transfusion, postoperative outcome,follow-up and so on.Results6 pediatric patients with IVC and right atrium tumor thrombus from abdominal tumor underwent surgical treatment with CPB. The primary malignancies were nephroblastom (n = 2), renal clear cell carcinoma(n = 1) and hepatoblastoma (n = 3). In all cases the primary tumor and tumor thrombus were completely removed. In all these patients, the mean age was 25.8 months (range 14-41months). The mean operative time was 459.8 min (range 365–580 min) and the mean anaesthesia time was 553.1 min (range 450–745 min). The mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 150.3 min (range 91–261) .The mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 150.3 min (range 91–261 min). The mean aortic block time was 46.1min (range 24–68 min) and the mean hypothermic circulatory arrest time was 22 min (range 3–46 min).The mean volume of red blood concentrates (RBC) transfuion was 5.1U(range 3-9.5U). There were all survival and no serious complications occurred after operation untill December 2022 for the follow-up.ConclusionsPediatric abdominal tumor with IVC and right atrium tumor thrombus is relatively rare, and the management of anesthesia and CPB for this multidisciplinary surgical treatment have not been reported.Thus, our report provides clinical experience of the management of anesthesia and CPB. Induction of anesthesia steadily and intraoperative massive hemorrhage are the major challenges during anesthetic management, as well as the management of intraoperative critical situations.
Benign Acute Children Myositis: Five Years’ Experience in a Tertiary Care Pediatric Hospital
Authors: Attaianese Federica , Benucci Cristiana , Lasagni Donatella , Trapani Sandra
Published: April 2023

Purpose: Benign acute childhood myositis (BACM) is a self-limited childhood illness, and it is mainly caused by viral infections. Clinical and laboratory alterations usually normalize rapidly; generally, the only medical intervention required is supportive (hydration, analgesic medication). The low awareness about BACM often led to delayed diagnosis and unneeded ancillary investigations. This study aims to better characterize the clinical and laboratory features of BACM to improve the diagnostic process and inpatient and outpatient management.
Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective study selecting all children admitted to Meyer's Children's Hospital-IRCCS (Florence, Italy) with a diagnosis of BACM over the last 5 years. Clinical, laboratory, and instrumental data were collected from electronic clinical records and analyzed.
Results: Sixteen patients were enrolled. The median age was 7.68 years (IQR 5.7-12.9). Male gender (62.5%) and Caucasian ethnicity (68.75%) were prevalent. Most of the patients were admitted during winter, and a second peak has been found in summer. All patients had bilateral calf pain at admission (87.5%), associated with asthenia, and refuse to walk (93.7%). Prodromal symptoms were fever (81.25%), cough (37.5%), coryza (43.5%), sore throat (50%), and vomiting (31.25%). The median value of CPK was 2,183.5 U/L (IQR 1,395.5-7,156.25) at peak. CPK median time to normalization was 7 days (IQR 7-8.5) from the nadir. Influenza B was the virus most frequently BACM associated, followed by influenza A; a novel association with Sars-CoV-2 has been detected. Two patients had pathogenic variants at the Next Generation Sequencing myopathies panel.
Conclusions: School-aged children admitted to the hospital with walking difficulty and myalgia generally after an upper respiratory tract infection with a moderate CPK elevation should remind at first of BACM. Rapid complaint resolution and biochemical markers normalization will prevent unnecessary tests and inappropriate therapies.
Health and Social Literacy Intervention to Improve Maternal Health: Study Protocol for a Randomized Pre-Post Test Design with a team-building intervention for primary healthcare teams and community needs assessment
Authors: Jafree Sara Rizvi , Ahsan Humna , Zakar Rubeena , Muzamill Anam , Burhan Syeda Khadija , Javed Ambreen , Durrani Rana Rubab , Malhi Fareena Noor , Fischer Florian
Published: April 2023

Background: The majority of poor, illiterate women of reproductive years in Pakistan are living in underdeveloped regions and are solely dependent on free primary health services provided by the state. This project aims 1) to collect baseline health and social data, 2) to deliver a health and social literacy intervention, 3) to deliver a team-building intervention for primary-level healthcare providers, and 4) to conduct a community needs assessment.
Methods: Electronic health and social data will be collected at baseline, which will be used to develop a comprehensive database and develop an index for Maternal Health and Wellbeing. A 24-month intervention will be delivered which will have 6 modules related to health and social literacy. The principal investigators will train the data collectors and intervention facilitators. Lady Health Workers will collect the electronic data and pre-post test data, and Community Social Workers will deliver the health and social literacy intervention. Cluster randomized sampling will be used to sample 6 BHUs across 6 different cities of Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 360 women will be sampled and assigned randomly to the experiment and control groups. The principal investigators will deliver the team-building intervention and conduct the community needs assessment. The participants for the latter will include doctors, nurses and community health workers; and for the former will include women from the community, women community health providers, community elders and religious leaders, and local government officials.
Discussion: Pakistan is falling behind on its sustainable development goals for maternal health, mainly due to the limitations of the existing services and literacy of women. There is critical need to support understaffing of current providers by partnering them with community social workers and training them for better care delivery. Similarly, women need support for gaps in both health and social literacy. Development of an index and community needs assessment report can support better identification of environmental and socio-cultural needs in the community and to advise policy makers and stakeholders about issues wider which directly and indirectly impact women’s health.
Trial registration: This study has been registered with ClinicalTrials.gov. The identification number is: NCT05389501.
Causal relationship between cholesterol-lowering therapy and Alzheimer Disease: evidence from genetic correlation and Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Huan Sheng , Gao Jing , YIN Guoping
Published: April 2023

The objective of this study was to investigate the causal relationship between cholesterol-lowering therapy and Alzheimer's disease (AD) using Mendelian Randomization (MR) with two sets of genetic instruments derived from UK Biobank, GLGC, and GWAS ATLAS. Instrumental variables were selected based on SNPs that were significantly associated with lipid-lowering drugs or targets, but not with outcome or confounding factors. The primary analysis was conducted using inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR-PRESSO, WM. Cochran Q, and MR pleiotropy tests to assess heterogeneity or pleiotropy. The results revealed that cholesterol-lowering drugs did not show a significant effect on AD risk with IVW (Atorvastatin: OR = 0.943, 95% CI = 0.612–1.453, p = 0.789; Pravastatin: OR = 6.857, 95% CI = 0.514–90.864, p = 0.144; Rosuvastatin: OR = 2.466, 95% CI = 0.333–18.278, p = 0.377; Simvastatin: OR = 1.138, 95% CI = 0.976–1.328, p = 0.098; Ezetimibe: OR = 1.292, 95% CI = 0.239-6,969, p = 0.766). Further multivariable and target MR analyses (HMGCR, NPC1L1, and PSCK9) also demonstrated that the combination of statins and ezetimibe, or their pharmacological targets, did not show a significant causal relationship with AD. Therefore, based on the current evidence, it can be concluded that there is no causal relationship between cholesterol-lowering drugs and AD.
Metabolic Syndrome Differences between Unilateral and Bilateral Staghorn Renal Stones and the Impact on Outcome of Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy
Authors: Shen Zhonghua , Xie Linguo , Luo Di , Xie Haijie , Chen Hongyang , Liu Chunyu
Published: April 2023

Purpose To evaluate the Metabolic syndrome(MetS) in patients with unilateral and bilateral staghorn calculus(SC) and compare the impact on the outcome of percutaneous nephrolithotomy(PCNL).Methods The patients who underwent PCNL for the treatment of SC were retrospectively reviewed between 2019–2022. SC were divided into unilateral and bilateral. The variables of the patients were calculated to evaluate the MetS difference between unilateral and bilateral SC and the impact on the outcome of PCNL.Results 1778 patients were received PCNL between 2019 and 2022, After screening computed tomography, A total of 379 patients with staghorn calculus, patients without follow-up and incomplete data were excluded, finaly 310 patients with SC were included. 84 with bilateral SC and 226 with unilateral. More higher body mass index, complete staghorn and metabolic syndrome were found in the patients with bilateral SC. Higher body mass index, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, MetS were 62.58%, 44.84%, 21.94%, 60.65% and 27.42% in patients. 85 patients with MetS(+) resulted in higher rate of overall complication(Number(N)(%), 29(38.10) VS 54(23.89), p = 0.013) and comparable stone free rate with 225 MetS(-). Multivariable analysis confirmed that hyperlipidemia(p = 0.044, odds ratio[OR] = 1.991, 95% confidence interval[CI] 1.020–3.888) and MetS ( p = 0.005, OR = 2.427, 95%CI 1.316–4.477) were independent risk factors for overall complication.Conclusions MetS are strongly correlated with the formation of bilateral SC and is the core predictor in assessing overall complication for PCNL.
The Association of Different Types of Physical Activity and Sleep Disorder: Analysis from NHANES 2017-2018
Authors: Zhang Jipeng , Mo Hongfei , Feng Junkai , Jiao Zhipeng , Xue Zhengwei , Yang Wenjun , Feng Rui
Published: April 2023

Background: Sleep disorder is an important psychological and public health burden, which seriously endangers physical and psychological health. Physical activities are closely related to sleep disorder, while different types of physical activities may have different effects on sleep disorder.
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of different types of physical activity on sleep disorder independent from each other.
Materials and Methods: We extracted data from NHANES 2017-2018, including demographic characteristics, sleep disorder and physical activity. A total of 4157 adults aged 20 years or older (mean age 51.05 ± 17.52 years, 2029 males and 2128 females) was included. Types of physical activity (work, transportation, recreational physical activity and sedentary behavior) were defined and assessed by the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ); sleep disorder was assessed by patient self-report in the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire (MCTQ). Chi-square test and Kruskal-Wallis tests was used to compare differences between groups; the associations of each type of physical activity and sleep disorder were analyzed through binary Logistic regressions.
Results: 1) 1211 participants were found to have sleep disorder, accounting for 29.1% of the total sample size; 2) There were significant differences in work physical activity (P=0.043), sedentary behavior (P<0.001) and recreational physical activity (P=0.001) among sleep disorder, the difference of transportation physical activity was close to significant (P=0.055). 3) Work physical activity (OR=1.249, 95% CI: 1.126-1.385, P<0.001) and sedentary behavior (OR=1.524, 95% CI: 1.330-1.745, P<0.001) were positively associated with sleep disorder, while recreational physical activity (OR=0.776, 95% Cl: 0.700-0.860, P<0.001) was negatively associated.
Conclusions: 1) There are no significant associations between transportation physical activity and sleep disorder. 2) Both work physical activity and sedentary behavior are risk factors for sleep disorder. 3) Recreational physical activity is a protective factor for sleep disorder.
Trachoma: an Underdiagnosed Disease Revealed by a Survey Carried Out at Jau, São Paulo
Authors: Schaal Luisa Fioravanti , Menghim Roberta Lilian Fernandes de Sousa , Ferraz Lucieni Cristina Barbarini , Padovani Carlos Roberto , Victoria Cassiano , Schellini Silvana Artioli
Published: April 2023

Background: Trachoma is a notifiable disease in the state of São Paulo – Brazil. However, in Jaú, a municipality located in this state, in the last 10 years there are no records of cases. This study purpose is to assess if there are cases of inflammatory trachoma in schoolchildren aged 1 to 9 years in the municipality of Jaú as well if it is possible to detect clusters areas of the disease to establish elimination programs.
Methods: An epidemiological study was performed in 2018, involving a stratified random sample of schoolchildren aged 1- to 9-year-old, from public day care centers and elementary schools in the municipality of Jaú. A trachoma screening following the criteria of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the distribution of cases was assessed using geoprocessing.
Results: Four thousand-six hundred-nineteen children from 44 elementary schools were examined, and 126 children with active trachoma were detected, with a prevalence rate of 2.65%. The prevalence was higher (3.01%) in children aged 6- to 9-year-old compared to children aged 1-to 5-year-old (2.42%). There were clusters with a higher concentration of positive cases of the disease in three schools located in the neighborhoods with lower socioeconomic conditions.
Conclusion:Inflammatory trachoma still present in children aged 1- to 9-year-old in the city of Jaú, with a prevalence of 2.65%. The positive cases were located mainly in areas with low socioeconomic conditions. Health promotion with active search and periodical treatment must be planned to fight this important blinding cause, that persists in our municipality.
Deep learning-based classification model for GPR151 activator activity prediction
Authors: Xu Huangchao , Zhang Baohua , Liu Qian
Published: April 2023

Background: GPR151 is a kind of protein belonging to G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family that is closely associated with a variety of physiological and pathological processes. The potential use of GPR151 as a therapeutic target for the management of metabolic disorders has been demonstrated in severalstudies, highlighting the demand to explore its activators further. Activity prediction serves as a vital preliminary step in drug discovery, which is both costly and time-consuming. Thus, the development of reliable activity classification model has become an essential way in the process of drug discovery, aiming to enhance the efficiency of virtual screening.
Results: We propose a learning-based method based on feature extractor and deep neural network to predict the activity of GPR151 activators. We first introduce a new molecular feature extraction algorithm which utilizes abag-of-words model in natural language processing to densify the sparse fingerprint vector. Mol2vec method is also used to extract diverse features. Then, we construct three types of deep learning model to enhance the representational capacity of molecules and predicted activity label by five different classifiers. Our method is evaluated on the GPR151 activator dataset built in this paper. The results demonstrate high classification accuracy and stability, with the optimal model Mol2vec-CNN significantly improving performance across multiple classifiers. The svm classifier achieves the best accuracy of 0.92 and F1 score of 0.76 which indicates promising applications for our method in the field of activity prediction.
Conclusion: All the experimental results show that the performance of feature extraction algorithm is better than that of the traditional classifiers and the proposed method is appropriately designed.
Influence of Electric Potential-Induced by Atmospheric Pressure Plasma on Cell Response
Authors: Okumura Takamasa , Chang Chia-Hsing , Koga Kazunori , Shiratani Masaharu , Sato Takehiko
Published: April 2023

Plasma irradiation leads not only active species, but also reactive chemical species, ultraviolet light, electric fields, magnetic fields, and shock waves. To date the effects of reactive chemical species have been mainly discussed. To understand the biological effect caused by an electric potential induced with an atmospheric-pressure plasma, the behavior of cell stimulated by electric potential was investigated using HeLa cell. The cell concentration assay revealed that less than 20% of cells inactivated by potential stimulation and the remained cells proliferate afterward. Fluorescent microscopic observation revealed that potential stimulation is appreciable to transport the molecules through membrane. These results show that potential stimulation induces intracellular and extracellular molecular transport, while the stimulation has a low lethal effect. A possible mechanism for this molecular transport by potential stimulation was also shown using numerical simulation based on an equivalent circuit of the experimental system including adhered HeLa cell. The potential formation caused by plasma generation is decisive in the contribution of plasma science to molecular biology and the elucidation of the mechanism underlying a biological response induction by plasma irradiation.
Long-term climate change impacts on regional Sea Level Statistics analyzed from the MPI-ESM Large Ensemble Simulation
Authors: Nandini-Weiss Sri , Ojha Sayanthani , Köhl Armin , Jungclaus Johann , Stammer Detlef
Published: April 2023

Statistics of regional sea level variability are analyzed in terms of probability density functions of a 100-member ensemble of monthly mean sea surface height (SSH) timeseries simulated during the low-resolution Max Planck Institute Grand Ensemble (MPI-GE) experiment for historical and climate change conditions. To analyze the impact of climate change on sea level statistics, fields of SSH variability, skewness and excess kurtosis representing the historical period 1986–2005 are compared with similar fields from projections for the period 2081–2100 obtained under moderate (RCP4.5) and strong (RCP8.5) climate forcing conditions. Overall, larger deviations from Gaussian SSH statistics are limited to the western and eastern tropical Pacific. Under future climate warming conditions, SSH variability of the western tropical Pacific tends to become more Gaussian in agreement with weaker zonal easterly wind stress pulses, suggesting a reduced El Niño Southern Oscillation activity in the western warm pool region. Otherwise SSH variability changes show a complex amplitude pattern with some regions becoming less variable, e.g., off the eastern coast of the north American continent, while other regions become more variable, notably the Southern Ocean. A west (decrease)-east (increase) gradient in variability changes across the subtropical Atlantic under RCP8.5 forcing is related to changes in the gyre circulation and a declining Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation in response to external forcing changes. We diagnosed regional changes of the 99th percentiles as well as global mean that increase by 16cm for RCP4.5 and by 24cm for RCP8.5, respectively, suggesting increased high-end sea level extremes for warmer climate conditions.
Dynamics of urbanisation and its impact on Land cover and Land use changes in Kolkata, India (1971 to 2011)
Authors: GUPTA DEVARUPA , Bhagat Ram Babu
Published: April 2023

Urbanisation in India has taken place at a slower pace compared to other countries. Though it has important demographic, economic, developmental, and social implications yet, unplanned, unsystematic and rapid urbanisation negatively affects the environment. This study attempted to understand the spatio-temporal dynamics of urban population change and associated impact on land cover and land use patterns in the city of Kolkata. Using secondary data sources (Census of India dataset and Landsat imageries) and information from primary interviews, this article discussed the effect of unprecedented urbanisation (1971 to 2011) and space delineation. Results showed an extensive stretch of built-up area throughout the city; from the north, towards the south, east and western sides of Kolkata. This structural change occurred at the cost of loss of green space, croplands, and wetlands, creating a fragmented morphology. City limits expanded till 1991. Over the decades rapid expansion of built-up area was prominent towards the southern and south-eastern portions along with increase in population density within the inner city. The population growth trended downwards recently, eventually becoming negative in 2011. Low fertility rate, out-migration of young skilled personals and an extremely large floating population can be attributed to this phenomenon. However, the expansion of built-up area in Kolkata was divergent to these dynamics. The city landscape was majorly concretised. The foremost concern at this hour is that most of the development remains unbalanced. It reflects on the crucial problems associated with unplanned city growth on the loss of green space, productive cropland, wastelands, and wetlands.
An Experimental Study on Enhancing Recycled Aggregate Concrete Properties Through Silica Fume Incorporation
Authors: Nazir Shakir , Mahajan Akshat , Jaggi Sahil
Published: April 2023

Construction and demolition waste and shortage of natural resources is growing issue that has been arisen through recent years all over the world. Although concrete, the most adaptable construction material, is a key factor in the expansion of the industrial and infrastructural sectors, it has been argued that concrete is not an environmentally friendly material because of its destructive resource-consumption nature and the potential for serious environmental impact after its use. However, it will continue to be the dominant building material utilised on a global scale. The present study aimed to assess the concrete properties with the effect of silica fume and recycled aggregates with the design mix of M30 grade of concrete. The study aimed to investigate the effects of replacing natural coarse aggregates with various percentages of recycled concrete aggregates (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%) and using silica fume (2.5% and 5%) as a substitute for cement in the production of concrete. To achieve this, different concrete mixes were prepared and tested for their compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural strength, while also conducting a rapid chloride permeability test to determine the chloride ion penetration. The results showed that using recycled aggregates up to 20% can optimize compressive and tensile strength, while flexural strength can be optimized up to 30%. The use of recycled aggregates in concrete production can help reducing the consumption of natural resources and incorporating silica fume as a cement alternative can help reduce the environmental impact of cement production upto5%.
Study on arc characteristics and weld appearance of Laser-twin-arc-GTAW hybrid welding
Authors: Wang Bo , Ge Fuchen , Zhang hongtao , Sang Jian , Fan Yanlong , Du Rongmao
Published: April 2023

Laser twin-arc GTAW (LTA-GTAW) process has been developed by using the synergic interaction effects of laser and a coupled arc in a weld pool in order to achieve higher energy efficiency. In this study, bead-on-plate welding was conducted on 8-mm-think Q235b workpieces to investigate the variation of hybrid arc profile, Influence of mixed arc profile on weld forming arc, arc pressure distribution during LTA-GTAW process. The influence of Laser-GTAW and LTA-GTAW methods on weld surface appearance, heat input per unit length and weld metal microstructure were also demonstrated systematically. The LTA-GTAW can make the distribution of arc pressure and arc energy more reasonable in welding depth and width. Compared with Laser-GTAW, LTA-GTAW processes has smaller heat input per unit length, significantly finer weld microstructure and the comprehensive mechanical properties of the weld are better when the same penetration depth is achieved.
Green preparation of low-crystalline CoMoO 4 ·0.9H 2 O/carbon composite for energy storage applications using a mechanochemical method
Authors: Liu Liangyu , Liu Peng , Zhou Yong , Yang Bin , Li Bing , Liu Xiaoyang
Published: April 2023

Metal oxide/carbon composites have attracted considerable attention owing to their high charge storage capacity and excellent cycling stability. In this work, hierarchical porous carbon loaded with low-crystalline CoMoO4·0.9H2O (CMOC) was prepared via a solvent-free mechanochemical method. Due to the low-crystalline CoMoO4·0.9H2O, the porous structure, and the superior conductivity of carbon, CMOC exhibited good charge storage capacity (340 F g-1) and excellent cycling stability (~85% of capacitance retention for 10,000 cycles). Moreover, an asymmetric supercapacitor device (CMOC//AC ASC) was assembled using CMOC as the positive electrode and activated carbon as the negative electrode, thus achieving a high-energy density of 23.1 Wh kg-1 at a power density of 798.1 W kg-1. The mechanochemical method used in the study is simple, cost-effective, and generalizable. This study will provide valuable information for the large-scale preparation of metal oxide/carbon composites as electrode materials for supercapacitors.
Knowledge Assessment on Cleft Lip and Palate among Recently Qualified Dentists: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Agha Bahn , Helal Narmin Mohammed Saeed , Al-Khafaji Thaer Jaber , Farie Ghada Abdullah , Basri Osama , Fleming Padhraig S.
Published: April 2023

Background.The current study aimed to develop a validated questionnaire for cleft lip and palate (CLP) knowledge assessment and to assess the knowledge of cleft lip and palate among a group of recently qualified dentists.
Materials and methods. A Multiple-site, cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted. A questionnaire was developed and validated with internal consistency assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and factor analysis performed. The 15-item questionnaire was distributed to 156 dental interns with a response rate of 67%.
Results.The overall proportion of correct responses was moderate (73%). The best results were found in relation to CLP treatment including the effect of unfavorable surgical outcomes on speech (89.5%) and the impact of CLP on the occlusion (87.6%). The lowest rate of correct responses (26.7%) was identified in relation to the association between CLP and smoking.
Conclusion.A validated CLP questionnaire was developed permitting evaluation of the knowledge of cleft lip and palate and its management among dental students. Given that general dentists are often the gatekeeper for the management of patients with cleft lip and palate, this can be used to inform the curriculum and teaching of cleft lip and palate both nationally and internationally.
Prediction Models for Successful External Cephalic Version: An Updated Systematic Review
Authors: Yerrabelli Rahul Sai , Lee Claire , Palsgaard Peggy K. , Lauinger Alexa R. , Abdelsalam Omer , Jennings Valerie
Published: April 2023

PURPOSE: To review the decision aids currently available or being developed to predict a patient’s odds that their external cephalic version (ECV) will be successful.
METHODS: We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Central, and ClinicalTrials.gov from 2015-2022. Articles from a pre-2015 systematic review were also included. We selected English-language articles describing or evaluating models (prediction rules) designed to predict an outcome of ECV for an individual patient. Acceptable model outcomes included cephalic presentation after the ECV attempt and whether the ECV ultimately resulted in a vaginal delivery. Two authors independently performed article selection following PRISMA 2020 guidelines.
Since 2015, 380 unique records underwent title and abstract screening, and 49 reports underwent full-text review. Ultimately, 17 new articles and 8 from the prior review were included. Of the 25 articles, 22 proposed 1-2 models each for a total of 25 models, while the remaining 3 articles validated prior models without proposing new ones.
RESULTS: Of the 17 new articles, 10 were low, 6 moderate, and 1 high risk of bias. Almost all articles were from Europe (11/25) or Asia (10/25); only one study in the last 20 years was from the USA.
The models found had diverse presentations including score charts, decision trees (flowcharts), and equations. The majority (13/25) had no form of validation and only 5/25 reached external validation. Only the Newman-Peacock model (USA, 1993) was repeatedly externally validated (Pakistan, 2012 and Portugal, 2018).
Most models (14/25) were published in the last 5 years. In general, newer models were designed more robustly, used larger sample sizes, and were more mathematically rigorous. Thus, although they await further validation, there is great potential for these models to be more predictive than the Newman-Peacock model.
CONCLUSION: Only the Newman-Peacock model is ready for regular clinical use. Many newer models are promising but require further validation.