bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demographics and trends for inbound medical tourism in Germany for orthopedic patients before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Heinz Tizian , Eidmann Annette , Jakuscheit Axel , Laux Tino , Rudert Maximilian , Stratos Ioannis
Published: September 2022

Background:
Medical tourism is a rapidly growing sector of economic growth and diversification. However, data on the demographics and characteristics of the travelling patients are sparse. In this study we analyzed common demographic properties and characteristics of the inbound medical tourists seeking orthopedic medical care in Germany for the years 2010 to 2019 compared to a domestic group. At the same time, we examined how the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak of 2020 changed the field of medical tourism in Germany.
Methods:
Calculations were performed using administrative hospital data provided by the Federal Statistical Department of Germany. Data were analyzed from the years 2010 to 2020. Six elective orthopedic surgery codes (bone biopsy, knee arthroplasty, foot surgery, osteotomy, hardware removal and arthrodesis) were identified as key service-indicators for medical tourism and further analyzed. Factors including residence, sex, year, and type of elective surgery were modeled using linear regression analysis. Age and sex distributions were compared between patients living inside Germany (DE) or outside Germany (non-DE).
Results:
Between 2010 and 2020 6,261,801 orthopedic procedures were coded for the DE group and 27,420 key procedures were identified for the non-DE group. Medical tourists were predominantly male and significantly younger than the domestic population. Linear regression analysis of the OPS codes over the past years showed a significantly different slope between the DE and non-DE groups only for the OPS code "hardware removal". With the COVID-19 pandemic an overall decline in performed orthopedic procedures was observed for the non-DE and the DE group. A significant reduction below the 95% prediction bands for the year 2020 could be shown for hardware removal and foot surgery (for DE) and for hardware removal, knee arthroplasty, foot surgery and osteotomy (for non-DE).
Conclusion:
This study is the first to quantify inbound medical tourism in elective orthopedic surgery in Germany. The COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected many - but not all - areas of orthopedic surgery. It has to be seen how this negative trend will develop in the future.
Influence of electronic screen exposure on depression among women in early pregnancy: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Yang Qianqian , Wang Qian , Zhang Hongzhi , Zheng Danping , Tang Shaidi
Published: September 2022

Background: Previous studies indicated that excessive engagement in digital devices could lead to negative psychological impacts in general population. The present study aimed to determine the effects of electronic screen exposure on depression among women in early pregnancy.
Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2021 to June 2022. A total of 665 women in early pregnancy were recruited and the information included socio-demographic characteristics, screen exposure and Patient Health Questionnaire -9 depression scale.
Results: Among the women in early pregnancy, the total daily smartphone viewing time was the longest (median [P25-P75], 5 [3-6] hours/day) in the three types of electronic screen exposure. The total daily smartphone viewing time (Z=-2.239, P=0.025), smartphone (Z=-2.494, P=0.013) and television viewing time (Z=-2.640, P=0.008) before nocturnal sleep were significantly associated with depression among women in early pregnancy. The thresholds calculated by receiver operator characteristic curves were 7.5 hours/day, 1.5 hours/day and 1.5 hours/day, respectively. In addition, women with higher scores of smartphone addiction were more susceptible to depression (Z=-6.201, P＜0.001). The top three smartphone usages in women with depression were watching videos (22.0%), listening to music (20.9%) and playing games (16.7%).
Conclusions:In conclusion, electronic screen exposure, including screen viewing time, smartphone addiction and problematic smartphone use was associated with depression among women in early pregnancy. Further studies are warranted to verify the conclusions.
Gap Junction Protein Expression in Hyperoxia-Exposed Neonatal Rat Lung Tissue
Authors: Qing Cai , Xuefei Yu , Xindong Xue , Jianhua Fu
Published: September 2022

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common devastating pulmonary complication in preterm infants. Gap junction is involved in many lung diseases. In this study, we examine the expression of gap junction proteins, including connexin 26 (Cx26), connexin 32 (Cx32), connexin 43 (Cx43), and connexin 46 (Cx46) in neonatal rat lung tissue. Neonatal rats were kept in either 21% (normoxia) or 85% O2(hyperoxia) continuously from postnatal day (PN) 1 to 14. The neonatal rats of normoxia group had well-formed alveoli and a normal RAC value. Distal lung histology in neonatal rats in the hyperoxia group showed fewer and larger alveoli with a lower RAC value (P < 0.01). Compared with the normoxia group, the ROS level and MDA level were significantly higher (P < 0.01), and the GSH level was remarkably lower (P < 0.01) in the hyperoxia group. The statistical analysis of TUNEL staining and apoptosis index (AI) results indicated that AI was significantly higher in the hyperoxia group than in the normoxia group (P < 0.01). Cx26, Cx32, Cx43, and Cx46 mRNAs levels in the hyperoxia group were higher than those in the normoxia group (P < 0.01). Immunohistochemical results suggested that Cx26, Cx32, Cx43, and Cx46 were expressed in the lung tissue of both normoxic and hyperoxic neonatal rats. Immunofluorescence double-staining results suggested that Cx26 was expressed in both alveolar type I (ATI) and alveolar type II (ATII) cells. Nevertheless, its expression was mainly enriched in ATII cells. Cx32 was expressed in ATII cells only. Cx43 was expressed in both ATI and ATII cells. Cx46 was expressed in both ATI and ATII cells, but mainly in ATI cells. The Cx32 mRNA level was positively correlated with ROS level (P < 0.01), positively correlated with AI level (P < 0.01), and negatively correlated with RAC value (P< 0.01). We found that Cx32 was expressed only in ATII cells and was closely related to oxidative stress, apoptosis, and alveolar development. Cx32 may be involved in the development of BPD and may be a novel target for BPD management.
Conservative treatment of patients with severe pelvic abscess after cesarean delivery in China: A case series
Authors: Wu Xiaoli , He Xiaobo , Chen Aner , Chen Jinliang , Wang Yinfen
Published: September 2022

Background: The rate of cesarean section (CS) is increasing worldwide (especially in China) reaching 51-65%. Although severe pelvic abscesses after CS are rare, they are diﬃcult to treat. To address this problem, we herein report 23 cases of severe pelvic abscesses and their treatments.
Methods: We identified 23 patients with severe pelvic abscesses using International Classification of Disease codes in a retrospective quality assurance analysis.
Results and discussion: During the study, 23 women with severe pelvic abscess were identified among the 12640 patients who underwent cesarean delivery (CD). Eachpatient had a fever that lasted 5-17 days. B ultrasound or MRI revealed abscess cysts around the uterus in the pelvic abscess group. A total of 14 (60.9%) of the 23 patients with pelvic abscesses had wound dehiscence. In our patients, 15 patients had positive cultures, 10 were bacteria, two were Mycoplasma suis, and one was Rhizopus.
Conclusions: In conclusion, our study reported that pelvic abscesses were always complicated with wound dehiscence and polycystic pus, and most of them were located anterior tothe uterus. Although we did not formulate a standard treatment for the pelvic abscesses, debridement was a good treatment option, and the patients’ temperatures were controlled after pus was expelled from their wounds.
Shrinking the Haystack: An Approach to Identifying Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in the Electronic Health Record using a Computable Phenotype
Authors: Dimmock Anne E.F. , Chuang Cynthia H. , Hwang Wenke , Lehmann Harold P. , Danoff Sonye K. , Bascom Rebecca
Published: September 2022

Background: Computable phenotypes are computerized search queries that allow efficient identification of specific groups of individuals (e.g., that may meet eligibility criteria for a clinical trial). Heterogeneous clinical syndromes challenge this approach because disease definitions and sub-phenotypes evolve, and diverse phenotypes may be needed for various applications (“use cases”) for diverse research aims. Herein we describe the development and validation of a computable phenotype for the rare disease idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), that addresses its evolving terminology and variable use cases. The goal of this study was to develop and execute a single computable phenotype for IPF using standard data architecture, and to evaluate it for different use cases, each with its own gold standard for validation.
Methods: The PaTH PCORnet Clinical Research Network (PaTH) IPF Working Group developed the candidate IPF computable phenotype and executed it against the Penn State PaTH to Health source population of 588,000 patients with an electronic medical record at Penn State Hershey Medical Center between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2015. We established a consensus clinician diagnosis and performed duplicate (2-person parallel) chart review on a 100% sample with discrepancy adjudication.
We evaluated the computable phenotype performance for two use cases, each with a separate gold standard: the Inclusive Use Case [gold standard defined as IPF, familial pulmonary fibrosis (FPF), or combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE)] and the Restrictive Use Case (gold standard defined as IPF, but not FPF nor CPFE).
Results: The IPF computable phenotype yielded an IPF Cohort (N=157) and an estimated population prevalence of 26.7/100,000. The computable phenotype had positive predictive values (PPV) for the Inclusive Use Case and Restrictive Use Case of 57% (89/157) and 47% (74/157), respectively, and an estimated population prevalence of 15.1 and 12.6/100,000, respectively.
Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the utility of a single computable phenotype that can be validated against different gold standards depending on the intended health care or research use case. In a disease where there is no discrete biomarker, this provides a flexible approach to meet diverse clinical research needs.
Trial registration: N/A
microRNA-mRNA regulatory network analysis reveals a possible metastatic mechanism of uveal melanoma
Authors: zhang Ruixue , Wen Ying , Hao Jiawen , Qiu Yan , Liu Jinpeng , Wei Huixia , Guo Bin , Bi Hongsheng , Yin Xuewei , Li Zonghong , Guo Dadong
Published: September 2022

Aim: Uveal melanoma (UVM) is the most common primary intraocular malignant tumor in adults and it can develop metastatic melanoma. Therefore, it is crucial to identify biomarkers to provide early diagnosis and therapeutic targets.
Methods: The differentially expressed microRNAs (DEmiRNAs) and mRNAs in patients with UVM were identified in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The target mRNAs regu-lated by DEmiRNAs were obtained from TargetScan and miRDB databases. Gene Ontology (GO) terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were performed using Metascape software. The hub mRNAs used for the construction of protein–protein interaction (PPI) network were identified using the STRING database and CytoHub plug-in. TCGA database and miRNA-targeted mRNAs were used to identify key mRNAs. Hub and key mRNAs were searched PubMed database for verification. Survival analysis was done using Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA). Moreover, the correlations between methylation level and key mRNA expression together with survival rate were analyzed by gene set cancer analysis (GSCA). The miRNA–mRNA network was constructed by integrating mRNAs and miRNAs in-formation.
Results: We identified 22 DEmiRNAs and obtained 1436 targeted mRNAs in patients with UVM. Ten hub mRNAs (i.e., HNRNPA1, SRSF1, MATR3, SYNCRIP, TRA2B, TIAL1, FUS, FN1, SFPQ, HNRNPU) were screened and HNRNPA1, SRSF1, TRA2B, TIAL1, FUS, FN1, SFPQ, and HNRNPU were associated with cancer metastasis. KEGG analysis showed FN1 was associated with survival. In addition, CA12, NYNRIN, TDRD10 and WDR72 were associated with survival, while FOXD3, CA12 and SPDEF play pivotal roles in cancer metastasis. The TDRD10, COL11A2 and NYNRIN levels were negatively correlated with methylation, and the methylation level had a significant impact on the prognosis of metastatic UVM. The miRNA–mRNA regulatory network was con-sisted of 10 miRNAs and 14 key mRNAs, and these miRNA targets may have potential links to UVM metastasis.
Conclusion: We found that HNRNPA1, SRSF1, TRA2B, TIAL1, FUS, FN1, SFPQ, HNRNPU, FOXD3, CA12 and SPDEF were related to metastatic UVM, and FN1, CA12, NYNRIN, TDRD10 and WDR72 were related to survival in metastatic UVM. These mRNAs may be used as bi-omarkers of metastatic UVM and therapeutic targets.
The role of systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in the prognosis of patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Tian , Zhang Duo , Tang Di , Heng Yu , Lu Li-ming , Tao Lei
Published: September 2022

Objectives:
Systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) values and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are associated with the prognosis of various tumors. There is minimal evidence of those two as prognostic markers in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). In this study, we aimed to examine the predictive value of SIRI and tumor-infiltrating CD3+/CD4+/CD8+T-cells in the prognosis of patients who underwent partial or total laryngectomy.
Study Design:
A total of 78 patients with LSCC who underwent total or partial laryngectomy at the Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital of Fudan University between 2013 and 2015 were retrospectively analyzed.
Methods:
The tumor tissues of 78 LSCC patients were retrospectively evaluated using immunohistochemical staining for CD3+/CD4+/CD8+ -cells. The overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates were recorded using the Kaplan-Meier method.
Results:
Patients with high immunoscore (IS) (3~4) had prolonged survival (P<0.001 for OS). High SIRI values were independently associated with poorer OS and DFS (P=0.018 for OS; P=0.016 for DFS). CD8+TILs and SIRI values showed a positive association (Pearson’s r = -0.2988, P<0.05). Patients with low SIRI values and high IS had better 5-year OS and DFS than those with high SIRI values and low IS (P<0.001 for OS; P=0.0014 for DFS). Patients with ‘hot’ tumor had a higher 5-year OS than those with ‘excluded’ or ‘cold’ phenotype.
Conclusions:
The SIRI values and the density of TILs may help predict LSCC patients' outcomes after surgery. The combination of SIRI and IS may be a new component of the tumor, nodes, and metastases (TNM) classification of cancer and prognostic factor for T cell-target immunotherapy.
Process of developing a cervical cancer education program for female university students in a health and physical education teacher training course: an action research
Authors: Yako-Suketomo Hiroko , Katayama Kayoko , Ogihara Atsushi , Asai-Sato Mikiko
Published: September 2022

Background The purpose of this study is to develop a cervical cancer education program for students and evaluate the process for female students of a Sports Science University who are training to become Japanese health and physical education teachers. Methods This study used the Action Research (AR) methodology. In developing the program, we analyzed the description of the teaching material development process, the lectures, and the content of the report as a process evaluation, which was the main activity in the program development. Thirtyfive third- and fourth-year students majoring in health promotion at the Women’s Sports and Science University, which trains health and physical education teachers in Tokyo, Japan, participated in this study. Results After a review of the prototype version of the cervical cancer education material, six out of nine reviewers determined that it can be published. In the revised cervical cancer education materials, messages from students, university lecturers, and gynecologists have been added as a column in the section on 'how to prevent cervical cancer. Analysis of the contents of the texts (16,792 characters in total) of 35 student reports resulted in the generation of 51 codes, 3 categories, and 15 subcategories. Conclusions This study reflects the intentions of female university students to contribute their knowledge to the development of educational materials on cervical cancer, which, alongside the lectures, have deepened the knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer. Based on this, the teaching material development process, lectures by experts, and students’ mindset after learning about cervical cancer is visualized in this study. There is a need for more educational programs on cervical cancer that are implemented through the education of female university students.
Determination of growth and yield stability in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) genotypes by using AMMI and GGE Biplot Analysis in different districts of Assam
Authors: Duarah Dorodi Priyom , Bordoloi Dibosh , Baruah Sudeshna , Gogoi Sukanya , Saikia Sewali , Dihingia Subhashree , Nath Lipika. , Bhagawati Mandakini , Sarmah Angana , Sarmah Juli , Neog Manoranjan , Pathak Prasanna Kumar
Published: September 2022

Improved variety of tomato could offer tomato growers in Assam sustainable and efficient option to achieve reliable yield across a range of locations. The Genotypes of tomato were grown in different environments (E) in the 2020–2021 rabi seasons. The objectives of the study were to (i) determine the size of genotypic and genotype by environment interaction (GEN × ENV) variance components and (ii) evaluate the relative stability of tested genotypes for yield and its components across environments. The AMMI analysis of variance on multi-environment trials showed significant effects of genotypes, environment and genotype by environment (GEN x ENV) for all the characters. Partitioning of the total variance as a percentage of the total sum of squares indicated a higher percentage of variation due to environments for all the characters ranging from 4.02 to 90.90%. The character's shelf life and fresh fruit yield per plant estimate high heritability in conjunction with high genetic advance, indicates these characters govern by additive gene action. The result of genotype performance and stability GGE biplot, concluded the genotypes Arka Abhed (G1) and Arka Rakshak (G2) have vectors closest to the origin of the biplot makes them among the environmentally least responsive and can therefore be used in stable performance across environments. The genotype Rocky (G3) had the longest vector indicating that it was most unstable but adaptable to an environment. This suggests that it can be recommended for specific environments and is among the environmentally most responsive genotypes. The present investigation, environments Sonitpur (E8) and Barpeta (E6) have been adjudged the most representative environment; because they had the longer environment vector with the AEA for fresh fruit yield per plant. This implies that it represented the average environment for tomato fresh yield. These results suggest that high tomato yields could be consistently achieved with Arka Abhed (G1) and Arka Rakshak (G2) across the regions of Assam.
Fault-tolerant quantum algorithm for dual-threshold image segmentation
Authors: López Luis O. , Orts Francisco , Ortega Gloria , González-Ruiz Vicente , Garzón Ester M.
Published: September 2022

The intrinsic high parallelism and entanglement characteristics of quantum computing have made quantum image processing techniques a focus of great interest. One of the most widely used techniques in image processing is segmentation, which in one of their most basic forms can be carried out using thresholding algorithms. In this paper, a fault-tolerant quantum dual-threshold algorithm has been proposed. This algorithm is based on Clifford+T gates. Because T gates add fault tolerance but have the trade-off of having a much higher cost than other quantum gates,our focus has been on reducing the number of T gates. This has allowed adding noise tolerance, computational cost reduction and fault toleranceto the state-of-the-art dual-threshold segmentation circuits. Sincethe dual-threshold image segmentation involves the comparison operation,as part of this work we have implemented two comparator circuits.These circuits optimise the metrics T-count and T-depth with respect to the best circuit comparators currently available in the literature.
Circadian skin temperature rhythm and dysautonomia in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: the role of endothelin-1 in the vascular dysregulation
Authors: Cambras Trinitat , Zerón-Rugerio Maria Fernanda , Díez-Noguera Antoni , Zaragoza Maria Cleofe , Domingo Joan Carles , Sanmartin-Sentañes Ramon , Alegre-Martín Jose , Castro-Marrero Jesus
Published: September 2022

Purpose
There is accumulating evidence of autonomic dysfunction in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS); however, little is known about its association with circadian rhythms and endothelial dysfunction. This study aimed to explore the relationship between autonomic responses using an orthostatic test, skin temperature circadian variations, and circulating endothelial biomarkers in ME/CFS.
Methods
Sixty-seven adult female ME/CFS patients and 48 matched healthy controls were enrolled. Demographic and clinical characteristics suggestive of autonomic disturbances were assessed using validated self-reported outcome measures. Postural changes in blood pressure [BP], heart rate [HR], and wrist temperature (WT) were recorded during the orthostatic test. Actigraphy during one week was used to determine the 24-hour profile of peripheral temperature and motor activity. Circulating endothelial biomarkers were also measured as indicators of endothelial functioning.
Results
ME/CFS patients showed higher BP and HR values than healthy controls at rest (p < 0.05 for both), and also higher amplitude of the circadian activity rhythm (p < 0.01). Circulating levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) were significantly higher in ME/CFS (p < 0.05). In ME/CFS, ET-1 levels were associated with the stability and amplitude of the temperature rhythm, (p < 0.01), and also with the self-reported questionnaires (p < 0.001).
Conclusions
ME/CFS patients exhibited alterations in circadian rhythms and hemodynamic measures that are associated with endothelial dysfunction, supporting previous evidence of dysautonomia in ME/CFS. Future investigation in this area is needed to assess vascular tone abnormalities and dysautonomia which may provide therapeutic targets for ME/CFS.
Oral corticosteroids abuse for the purpose of weight gain : First assessment in Algeria
Authors: Hadjilah Meriem , Fiala Sarah
Published: September 2022

While it is generally recognised that drug abuse only concerns illicit drugs and narcotics, other classes of medicines can also be abused such as oral corticosteroids; the use of which has been diverted for the purpose of gaining weight in many developing countries.
The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of an abuse of oral corticosteroids for the purpose of weight gain in the Algerian population and assess its extent and sociodemographics. A questionnaire was designed to extract sociodemographic information and clinical history from participants. The patients included in the study were recruited from all subjects who had shown an interest in weight gain.
One hundred and eleven individuals out of 600 (18.5% used corticosteroids for the purpose of weight gain with an average age of 25.62 ± 5.62 years old; and an over-representation of women (N=70, 63.1%, P<0.05). The majority of participants (N=71, 63.97%) obtained the drugs directly from a pharmacy with no medical prescription.
A significant number of the Algerian population interested in gaining weight is involved in corticosteroids abuse; this issue raises the need for public awareness of the potential adverse effects of corticosteroids and their devastating consequences.
Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule (Epcam) CD9 Present as High Receptivity and Stem Cell-Like in Endometrium Cells
Authors: Wang Jun , Yang Minyan , Zhou Zheng , Li Peifan , Zhou Ying , Long Aizhuan , Zhao Shuyun
Published: September 2022

The endometrium is the dynamic layer which functional layer differentiation, proliferation and regeneration follow by menstruation and estrous cycle, receptivity and decodialization is vital for endometrium fertility. Epcam and CD9 have been proved expression on embryonic stem (ES) cells, however, functions underpinning the roles of Epcam and CD9 in endometrium receptivity, regeneration and regulating expression of estrogen and progesterone remain incompletely understood. Fertility women and infertility patients endometrium cell sample were collected and detected by flow cytometry, Western blot and Q-PCR. Primary Epcam + CD9 + and Epcam-CD9- endometrium cells sorted by cell cytometry then test the expression of receptivity factors, stem-cell-like factors and decidualized factors by Western Blot and Q-pcr. Primary endometrium cells were cultured in the medium addition with of estrogen, progesterone, fulvestrant and mifepristone, respectively. Statistical analyses were performed by using Pearson's correlation analysis and unpaired samples T-test. Fertile women endometrium cell samples shown higher expression of receptivity, EPCAM and CD9 expression compared with infertility patient samples, and Epcam or CD9 positive corrected receptivity factors (P < 0.05). Epcam + CD9 + endometrium cells were highly expression in fertility women than infertility patients samples(P < 0.05). Primary sorted Epcam + CD9 + endometrium cells illustrated higher expression of receptivity factors, stem-cell-like factors and decidualized factors than Epcam-CD9- in endometrium cells(P < 0.05). Primary endometrial cell culture with estrogen, progesterone, fulvestrant and mifepristone, respectively.Our results have shown Epcam adhesion factor and CD9 associated with endometrium receptive and regeneration, and shed light on the possibility of receptivity marker (Epcam + CD9+) of endometrial epithelial cells for stem cell biology studies.
Deep learning framework for the robust prognosis of Tuberculosis from radiography images based on fused linear triangular interpolation
Authors: Sasikaladevi N , A Revathi
Published: September 2022

Background
Despite being treatable and preventable, Tuberculosis (TB) affected one-fourth of the world population in 2019, and it took the lives of 1.4 million people 2019. It affected 1.2 million children around the world in the same year. As it is an infectious bacterial disease, the early diagnosis of TB prevents further transmission and increases the survival rate of the affected person. One of the standard diagnosis methods is the sputum culture test. It usually takes one to eight weeks for diagnosis and rapid sputum test results in 24 hours. The bacteria spreads rapidly during this period of diagnosis, which severely impairs the status of the infected person. The use of posterior-anterior chest radiographs (CXR) facilitates a rapid and more cost-effective early diagnosis of Tuberculosis. Due to intraclass variations and interclass similarities in the images, TB prognosis from CXR is difficult.
Method
This work suggests an effective early TB diagnosis system based on deep learning. Deep Fused Linear Triangulation (FLT) is considered for CXR images to reconcile intraclass variation and interclass similarities. To improve the robustness of the prognosis approach, deep information must be obtained from the minimal radiation and uneven quality CXR imaginings. The advanced FLT method accurately visualizes the infected region in the CXR without segmentation. Deep fused images are trained by the Deep learning network (DLN) with residual connections.
Results
The largest standard database, comprised of 3500 TB CXR images and 3500 normal CXR images, is utilized for training and validating the recommended model. Specificity, sensitivity, Accuracy, and AUC are estimated to determine the performance of the proposed systems. Considering existing cutting-edge deep learning approaches for the prognosis of Tuberculosis, the designed scheme exhibits maximum testing accuracy of 99.2%, a sensitivity of 98.9%, specificity of 99.6%, a precision of 99.6%, and AUC of 99.4%, all of which are very high.
Conclusions
To lessen the radiologist's time, effort, and reliance on the level of competence of the specialist, the suggested system named tbXpert can be deployed as a computer-aided diagnosis technique for Tuberculosis.
The single-cell atlas of the heart reveals an unexpected erythrocyte-like cardiomyocyte
Authors: Li Yanfei , Shen Junwei , Ma Linlin , Hu Jing
Published: September 2022

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) is widely used in cancer research and organ development since its powerful ability to analyze cellular heterogeneity. However, its application in cardiomyocytes is rare mainly because the cardiomyocytes are too large and fragile to withstand traditional single-cell approaches. Through designing the isolation procedure of neonatal mouse cardiac cells, we provide detailed cellular atlases of the heart at single-cell resolution across four different stages after birth. We have luckily obtained tens of thousands of cardiomyocytes, to our knowledge, the most extensive reference framework so far. Moreover, we have discovered unexpected erythrocytes-like cardiomyocyte-terminal cardiomyocytes, comprising more than a third of all the cardiomyocytes. Only a few genes are highly expressed in these cardiomyocytes. They are highly differentiated cardiomyocytes function as contraction pump. In addition, we have identified two cardiomyocyte-like conducting cells, lending support to the theory that the sinoatrial node pacemaker cells are specialized cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, we provide an initial blueprint for comprehensive interactions between cardiomyocytes and other cardiac cells. We linked specific cell types to adverse drug reactions and congenital heart diseases and analyzed the roles of cell subtypes in adverse drug reactions and cardiac diseases. These mouse cardiac cell atlas improves our understanding of the heart and provides a valuable reference in response to varying physiological conditions and diseases.
Spice mapping profile in Indonesian traditional side dishes and beverages
Authors: Fibri Dwi Larasatie Nur , Anjani Diva Mahsa , Maymunah Maymunah , Putro Andika Wicaksono , Muhammad Dimas Rahadian Aji
Published: September 2022

Indonesia is well-known for its diversity of culture, ethnicity, agricultural products and cuisine, including staple food, side dishes, snacks and beverages. This study aims to determine the profile of Indonesian traditional side dishes through the pattern of use between culinary areas, the variety of spices, cooking ingredients and cooking methods. In addition, the pattern of spices in Indonesian beverages, their categories, and the relationship among the uses of the spices are part of interest. The research was conducted by extracting secondary data from the Indonesian Culinary Database in the form of a matrix diagram. The obtained data were tested with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) method with the help of XLSTAT software in order to reduce the magnitude of the observed data dimensions without losing significant information illustrating the actual data. This research concluded that every culinary area had a significant correlation with the specific spice and ingredients and a positive correlation between one spice and another. This information can be a solid basis for product development and an essential strategy for introducing new products to be more readily accepted.
Research Notes: Harnessing the nutritional benefits of pineapple pulp fiber to enhance antioxidant potential of wheat flour
Authors: Okoboi Joash , Kakongi Nathan , Male Keneth , Aja Patrick M , Tusubira Deusdedit , Kagoro-Rugunda Grace
Published: September 2022

Pineapple pulp fiber is highly palatable but is usually wasted during the processing of pineapple juice resulting in a loss in the pineapple value chain. It is known to contain both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, bromelain, and many important minerals. Changing lifestyles associated with most western diets characterized by excess intake of calories has led to increased incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Africa. Moreover, hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus is linked to increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to oxidative stress. ROS are known to damage cellular macromolecules including oxidation of lipids and nucleic acids. The need to formulate dietary formulas to achieve both reductions of calories with enhanced antioxidant potential inspired us to design a wheat flour-based formula enriched with pineapple pulp fiber of up to 10% of its weight. Pineapple pulp fiber-enriched wheat flour positively impacts the pineapple value chain. This study aimed at determining the antioxidant potential of the pineple pulp fibre enriched wheat flour. Pineapple pulp fiber-enriched wheat flour was prepared by mixing 10 g of dry and milled pineapple pulp with 90g of all-purpose wheat flour. The total polyphenolic content, total flavonoid content, and ferric reducing antioxidant power of the enriched and non-enriched wheat flour were determined using spectrophotometric method. The results were statistically analysedusing t-tests at a p < 0.05 level of significance. Enrichment of wheat flour with pineapple pulp fiber significantly increased the total polyphenolic content (p = 0.001), total flavonoids content (p = 0.002), and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) (p = 0.001) of the flour. These results indicate that pineapple pulp fiber has a potential to enhancing the nutritional quality of wheat flour through added antioxidant properties.
Rip Current Mortality in the Coastal Zone of the United States and Its Territories: 2000-2020
Authors: Dixon Richard Waynw
Published: September 2022

Rip currents are the primary cause of surf zone mortality in the US. This study examines mortality reports for 2000-2020 as compiled by the National Weather Service. Analysis includes demographic, spatial, and temporal distributions. Results of the analysis may be used to identify specific locations, timeframes, and populations adversely affected by this hazard. Such information may be used to tailor warnings and safety information to those populations most at risk.
Developing a dynamic geofencing algorithm for HVTT cargo security in road transport
Authors: Kuna Jakub , Czerwiński Dariusz , Janicki Wojciech , Filipek Piotr
Published: September 2022

Cargo security is one of the most critical issues in modern logistics. For high-value theft-targeted (HVTT) cargo the driving phase of transportation takes up a major part of thefts. Dozen fleet management solutions based on GNSS positioning were introduced in recent years. Existing tracking solutions barely meet the requirements of TAPA 2020. Map-matching algorithms present valuable ideas on handling GNSS inaccuracy, however, universal map-matching methods are overcomplicated and not suitable for real-time implementation. The dynamic geofencing algorithm presented in this article was developed for the specific purpose of HVTT security. The algorithm is adaptive geometric-based matching (alternately curve-to-curve, point-to-curve, point-to-point). The idea behind the algorithm is to detect and eliminate the atypical matching circumstances - namely if the raw position is registered at one of the exceptions described in the paper. The problem of adaptive cartographic projection is also addressed. The practical value of the proposed algorithm is that the distance between the raw GNSS position and map-matched position can be used as a quantitative security factor. Further development works focus on reducing false alarms caused by GNSS inaccuracy and drift.
Simultaneous Determination of Neonicotinoid Insecticides and Metabolites Residues in Milk and Infant Formula Milk Powder by EMR-Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Hou Jianbo , Xie Wen , Qian Yan , Zhang Wenhua , Shi Yingzhu , Song Wei , Lou Chengjie
Published: September 2022

An analytical method based on Enhanced Matrix Removal Lipid - Liquid Chromatography - Tandem Mass Spectrometry (EMR-LC-MS/MS) was developed for determination of neonicotinoid insecticides and metabolites residues (Imidacloprid (IMI) and its metabolites Imidacloprid-urea (IMI-U), Imidacloprid-olefin (IMI-O), Acetamiprid (ACE) and its metabolite N-desmethyl acetamiprid (IM 2 − 1), Dinotefuran (DIN) and its metabolite [1-methy1-3(tetrahydro-3-furylmethy1) urea (DIN-UF), Thiacloprid (THIA), Thiamethoxam (TMX), Clothianidin (CLO, metabolite of thiamethoxam), and Flupyradifurone (FLU)) in milk and infant formula milk powder. In this method, samples were added with extraction kits (containing sodium chloride, anhydrous magnesium sulfate, sodium citrate and sodium hydrogencitrate sesquinydrat), and acetonitrile was used for the protein precipitation and extraction, and then cleaned up by EMR, detected by LC-MS/MS with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode under positive electrospray ionization (ESI+), the isotope dilution internal standard or external standard method were used for quantification. The limits of quantification (LOQs, S/N = 10) were 2 µg/kg (IMI, IMI-U, ACE, IM 2 − 1, DIN-UF, THIA and TMX) and 5 µg/kg (IMI-O, DIN, CLO and FLU) for milk; 2 µg/kg (ACE), 15 µg/kg (THIA, IM 2 − 1, DIN-UF, THIA and TMX) and 40 µg/kg (IMI-U, IMI-O, DIN, CLO and FLU) for infant formula milk powder. The five levels calibration curves were used for quantification (0 µg/kg, 5 µg/kg, 10 µg/kg, 50 µg/kg, 100 µg/kg for milk and 0 µg/kg, 40 µg/kg, 80 µg/kg, 400 µg/kg, 800 µg/kg for infant formula milk powder), the correlation coefficients of linear calibration curve were higher than 0.995. At three spiked levels of 5, 10, 50 µg/kg (milk), or 40, 80, 400 µg/kg (infant formula milk powder), the recoveries were in the range of 71.7–108.7% and 71.9%-107.1%, the relative standard deviations were below 12.6% and 13.9%, respectively. This method was simple, rapid, and accurate to determinate the neonicotinoids and their metabolites residues in milk and infant formula milk powder.
Surgical efficacy evaluation of a modified Melbourne method in treatment of sagittal synostosis
Authors: Yan Qing , Zheng Lei , Qiu Dezhi , Zhang Xianli , Huang Songming , Gao Zhe , Wang Gang
Published: September 2022

Purpose To evaluate the efficacy of a modified Melbourne surgery technique in the treatment of pediatric sagittal synostosis in Chinese population.
Methods Thirty-seven sagittal synostosis patients who received surgery in the Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Department of Neurosurgery, from January 2015 to January 2020 were analyzed in this study. Here we reconstruct patients’ CT scan images from pre- and post-operation and control groups. Then the data of ICV, CI, anterior skull height, posterior skull height, and biparietal diameter were analyzed using the paired t-test or Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-ranks test.
Result The age of these patients was 28.33±11.54 months. After surgery, in the modified group, the average ICV was enlarged from 1280.95±136.06 to 1431.79±138.17 cm3 (P<0.001), the average CI was increased from 0.70±0.05 to 0.79±0.03 (P<0.001). The average anterior skull height, posterior skull height, and biparietal diameter were change from 99.39±4.52 mm, 83.96±5.97 mm, and 111.67±9.48 mm to 87.89±3.81 mm, 107.47±8.61 mm, and 134.15±7.18 mm after surgery (P<0.001, P=0.03, P<0.001, respectively). The average anterior tilt angle and posterior tilt angle were change from 33.75±3.94° and 25.73±5.25° to 16.56±3.59° and 14.14±3.45° after surgery (P<0.001, P<0.001, respectively).
Conclusion The modified Melbourne method is a safe and effective surgical method to treat older children or children with severe sagittal synostosis.
Acute impact of the early application of alirocumab on lipoprotein (a) and interleukin-6 in patients with unstable angina pectoris: a retrospective before-after study
Authors: Xu Zhen Yu , Zhang Lu Lu , Wang Sheng Huang , Wang Yong
Published: September 2022

BackgroundLipoprotein (a) is a determined causal risk factor for residual risks of recurrent ischemic cardiovascular events. Alirocumab has been found to reduce lipoprotein (a) levels. However, its effects on lipoprotein (a) and inflammation marker in a Chinese population with unstable angina remain to be characterized.AimWe aimed to assess the effect of alirocumab on lipoprotein (a) and inflammatory marker in Chinese subjects with unstable angina.MethodIn aretrospective before-after study, lipoprotein (a), interleukin-6 and other lipid profiles were measured before and after 4 weeks of alirocumab treatment in 53 patients with unstable angina (UA) who had already received oral lipid-lowering therapies.ResultsThe alirocumab signiﬁcantly lowered the levels of lipoprotein (a) (−11.28 mg/dL;p< 0.001) and interleukin-6 (-1.65 pg/mL;p< 0.001) after treatment. Moreover, there was a positive linear correlation between lipoprotein (a) and interleukin-6 at baseline (R=0.86;p< 0.001). Furthermore, in 11 patients with lipoprotein (a) levels ≥ 50 mg/dL at baseline, lipoprotein (a) (-27.37 mg/dL;p< 0.001) and interleukin-6 (-2.97 pg/mL;p< 0.001) decreased after treatment. In 42 patients with lipoprotein (a) levels < 50 mg/dL at baseline, lipoprotein (a) (-7.07 mg/dL;p= 0.001) and interleukin-6 (-1.31pg/mL,p< 0.001) also decreased after treatment.ConclusionsEarly application of alirocumab may be effective in reducing the levels of lipoprotein (a) and interleukin-6 in Chinese patients with unstable angina in the short term, especially in patients with lipoprotein (a) ≥ 50 mg/dL.
Tell me What you Like: Introducing Natural Language Preference Elicitation Strategies in a Virtual Assistant for the Movie Domain
Authors: Musto Cataldo , Martina Alessandro Francesco Maria , Iovine Andrea , Narducci Fedelucio , de Gemmis Marco , Semeraro Giovanni
Published: September 2022

Preference elicitation is a crucial step for every recommendation algorithm. Traditional interaction strategies for eliciting users’ interests and needs range from button-based interfaces, where users have to select what they like among a set of fixed alternatives, to more recent conversational interfaces, where users have to reply to some questions formulated by the algorithm about their preferences. However, none of these strategies either mimics the dynamics of real-world open-ended interactions, or allows users to express their needs with an adequate level of expressiveness and control. In this paper, we present a strategy that allow users to express their preferences and needs through natural language statements. In particular, our natural language preference elicitation pipeline allows users to express preferences on objective movie features (e.g., actors, directors, etc.) that are extracted from a structured knowledge base, as well as on subjective features that are collected by mining user-written movie reviews.
To validate our claims, we carried out a user study in the movie domain (N = 249). The main finding of our experiment is that users tend to express their preferences by using objective features, whose usage largely overcomes that of subjective features, that are more complicated to be expressed. However, the combination of objective and subjective features often leads to better recommendations, at the cost of a slightly longer conversation. We have also identified the main challenges that arise when users talk to the virtual assistant by using subjective features, and this paves the way for future developments of our methodology.
A New Risk Calculator to Predict Infant Survival between 22 0/7 – 25 6/7 weeks of Gestation
Authors: Forde Braxton , Czarny Heather , DeFranco Emily , Dufendach Kevin , Warshak Carri , Hall Eric , Rossi Robert
Published: September 2022

Objective: As current periviable survival calculators account for only five characteristics, this study aimed to create a predictive calculator for periviable infant survival that accounts for any variable associated with survival.
Study Design: US population-based cohort study of livebirths between 22 0/7 – 25 6/7 weeks of gestation from 2009 through 2013 to identify factors associated with neonatal survival. Multivariate logistic regression estimated the association of factors on risk of survival with Hosmer-Lemeshow calibration for test of fit.
Results: Variables in the model by magnitude of influence were birthweight, gestational age, sex, antenatal steroid exposure, resuscitation, presentation, mode of delivery and multifetal gestation. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve achieved AUC of 0.800 (95% CI 0.795-0.804), higher than presently available periviable calculators. External validation demonstrated a consistent measure of discrimination (AUC 0.800, 95% CI 0.790-0.809).
Conclusion: The calculator is available at https://stage.ob.tools/calc/elbw (username:elbw@ob.tools, password: personalizeCare) for use by health care providers in counseling women with threatening periviable birth.
Expanded-Multidimensional turnover intentions: Scale development and validation
Authors: Obinna Osita Ike , Ugwu Lawrence Ejike , Omeje Obiageli , Okonkwo Ejike , Ifeanyichukwu Chukwudi Eze , Enwereuzor Ibeawuchi K
Published: September 2022

This study aims to provide researchers and practitioners with a more elaborate instrument to measure turnover intentions based on the planned behaviour theory model. The questionnaire assesses 5 distinct aspects of turnover intentions (i.e., subjective social status, organisational culture, personal orientation, expectations, and career growth). We demonstrate the reliability, factor structure, and validity evidence based on internal structure and relationship with other variables of the new measure among two samples (N1 = 622; N2 = 433). In total, the study indicates that the assessment can be used to reliably assess several major indicators of turnover intentions.
Correlation between the expression of lipids in the inner membrane complex of Toxoplasma gondii and its virulent phenotypes
Authors: Konishi Rikako , Fukuda Kayoko , Kuriyama Sayuri , Kurokawa Yuna , Masatani Tatsunori , Xuan Xuenan , Fujita Akikazu
Published: September 2022

Toxoplasma gondii, a highly prevalent obligate apicomplexan parasite, is important in clinical and/or veterinary medicine. Based on its virulence in laboratory mouse strains, T. gondii is divided into three lineages. In this study, we examined and compared the distributions of the glycerophospholipids phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PtdEtn) and a glycosphingolipid GM3 in type I RH and type II PLK strains of T. gondii (highly and moderately virulent phenotypes, respectively). The gold labeling density of PtdSer in the exoplasmic leaflet (EF) of the inner membrane complex (IMC) in the RH strain was significantly higher than that in the PLK strain. PtdEtn labeling was significantly higher in the EF than in the cytoplasmic leaflet (PF) of the middle and inner IMC membranes in the RH strain. In contrast, PtdEtn labeling was low in the PLK strain. The gold labeling density of GM3, localized in the EF of the IMC membrane, was much higher in the RH strain than that in the PLK strain. GM3 is a major raft component and both PtdSer and PtdEtn affect the maintenance of raft microdomains, which are important for gliding motility when T. gondii enters mammalian host cells. Raft microdomains have significant roles in the virulence of T. gondii. Therefore, we suggest that the PtdSer and PtdEtn expression levels are correlated with the virulent phenotypes of T. gondii. Furthermore, we demonstrated that PtdSer was absent in the PF of the inner IMC membrane but present in the PF of the middle IMC membrane. This suggests that a barrier-like mechanism that prevents the diffusion of PtdSer exists in the PF between these two membranes.