bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Recommended Novel Green Economic Sample Preparation for Developed Verified Chromatographic Assays to Determine a Common Insecticidal Blend’s Residues on Samples of Natural Nutrition and Commercial Formulation for Governmental Guarantee in the Middle East
Authors: Hegazy Amira , Mahmoud Hamada , Elsayed Mohamed , Abdelfatah Rehab , Ali Nouruddin
Published: November 2022

Spraying a tertiary blend of the insecticides; hexythiazox, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam, on tomato fruits, are routine in agriculture-attentive countries, especially in the Middle East region, to protect them against insects’ attacks. Insecticide residuals represent one of the major environmental contamination and health risks. Specific HP-TLC and RP-HPLC methodologies are established to estimate the residual insecticides and subsequently unassuming sample collection procedures. In the planner chromatographic methodology, methanol: chloroform: glacial acetic acid: triethyl amine (8.5: 1.5: 0.2: 0.1, v/v) is recommended as a mobile system. The other one is columnar chromatography; acetonitrile: water (20: 80, v/v), pH 2.8, is recommended as a mobile system. The validation parameters are examined following the ICH rules. They are applied to field samples for estimating the insecticides’ residues, effectively.
Self /other recognition and distinction in adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa: a double mirror paradigm
Authors: Lavenne-Collot Nathalie , Maubant Emilie , Deroulez Stéphanie , Bronsard Guillaume , Wehrmann Moritz , Botbol Michel , Berthoz Alain
Published: November 2022

Background
The body plays a major role in defining, understanding and treating anorexia nervosa. Much research has focused on patients' physical body representation or their own perceived body, but without explicit reference to their relationship to others and the social processes involved. Yet, there are a several arguments supporting impairments in interpersonal relationships in these patients. Notably, some evidence suggests that self/other distinction (SOD), the ability to distinguish one's own body, actions and mental representations from those of others could be impaired in anorexia. But research remains scarce in this area.
Material and Methods
A single-centre, prospective pilot study was conducted to investigate, for the first time, self-recognition and SOD in seven adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN) compared with matched healthy controls (HCs) using the "Alter Ego"TM double mirror paradigm. This innovative device allows the progressive morphing of one’s own face to that of another and vice versa between two subjects that interact on opposite sides of the device. Two judgement criteria were used: 1) M1: the threshold at which subjects start to recognize their own face during other-to-self morphing, and 2) M2: the threshold at which subjects start to recognize the other’s face during self-to-other morphing. In a second part, the same procedure was reproduced under 5 different sensorimotor conditions to examine their effects on self-recognition and SOD.
Results
The results showed that the participants with AN exhibited earlier self-recognition in the other-to-self sequence and delayed other-recognition in the self-to-other sequence. Furthermore, in contrast with that of HCs, the critical threshold for switching between self and other varied with the direction of morphing in AN participants. Finally, when AN subjects were seated in a chair with the backrest and footrest touching their body, the self-recognition threshold (M1) increased significantly, approaching that of controls.
Conclusions
Although additional research is needed to replicate the results of this preliminary study, it revealed the first behavioural evidence of altered SOD in individuals with AN through an embodied, semiecological face-recognition paradigm. Relationships between body perception and alterations in interpersonal relationships are discussed as well as new research and therapeutic perspectives are presented.
Improvement and Analysis for Accuracy of Baseflow Using SWAT-CUP Premium in the Yongjeon Stream, South Korea
Authors: Kim Jong-Tae , Lee Chang-Hun , Lee Namjoo
Published: November 2022

Here, SWAT simulation results are calibrated and validated using SWAT-CUP Premium, and R2 (coefficient of determination) values of simulated and observed flows are compared. According to the SWAT analysis of Cheongsong Yongjeon-stream basin, a low accuracy of 0.40 was the R2 (coefficient of determination) value for simulated and observed flows, and the base flow was calculated at an annual average of 46.659 m3/s. During the same period, after calibration and validation using SWAT-CUP Premium, the R2 value of simulated and observed flows was improved to 0.71, and the evaluation indexes showed that NS was 0.51, PBIAS was 37.1, P-factor was 0.73, and R-factor was 0.33, indicating that the relationship between observed and simulated flows was improved. In addition, after calibration and validation, the base flow was 56.951 m3/s, which was a more accurate value compared to the one before calibration and validation.
Changes in Fasting Plasma Glucose and Risk of Mortality Events for Individuals without Diabetes over Two Decades of Follow-up: a Pooled Cohort Analysis
Authors: Kohansal Karim , Masrouri Soroush , Khalili Davood , Ramezankhani Azra , Azizi Fereidoun , Blaha Michael J , Hadaegh Farzad
Published: November 2022

Background: To assess the gender-specific impact of 3-year changes in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) status on the risk of all-cause, cardiovascular (CV), and cancer mortality in individuals without type 2 diabetes during an 18-year follow-up.
Methods: The study population included 14,378 participants aged 30-60 years (8272 women) from three population-based cohort studies, including Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities, Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, and Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. Subjects were classified into six categories based on the approximately three-year changes in FPG status: 1) normal FPG (NFG) to NFG (NFG-NFG, reference category); 2) NFG-impaired fasting glucose (IFG, i.e., 126> FPG ≥100 mg/dl); 3) NFG-type 2 diabetes (T2DM); 4) IFG-NFG; 5) IFG-IFG; 6) IFG-T2DM. Multivariable stratified Cox regression, adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), BMI-Change, smoking status, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia, was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs [95% CI]) for all-cause and cause-specific mortality events. Women-to-men ratios of HRs (RHRs) for each category were also estimated.
Results: During follow-up, 2362 incidences of all-cause mortality were recorded. Among women, all categories of FPG change, excluding IFG-NFG (HR, 95% CI; 1.24 [0.98–1.57], p-value=0.07), were associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality compared to the NFG-NFG category. Moreover, women in IFG-T2DM (2.21 [1.42–3.44]) group were at increased risk for CV mortality. We also found that women in NFG-IFG (1.52 [1.20–1.91]), NFG-T2DM (2.90 [1.52–5.51]), and IFG-IFG (1.30 [1.02–1.66]) categories had a higher risk for cancer mortality. However, among men, a higher risk of all-cause mortality was found for only two groups of NFG-T2DM (1.78 [1.15–2.74]) and IFG-T2DM (1.34 [1.04–1.72]). Women with IFG-IFG had a 24% higher risk for all-cause mortality events than their men counterparts with the same condition (RHR; 1.24 [1.01–1.54]).
Conclusion: In women, the IFG status, whether as incident, persistent, or converted to T2DM, had a higher risk for mortality events; however, among men, only conversion to T2DM conferred an excess risk of all-cause mortality.
A case of multicystic biliary hamartoma with a marked peribiliary gland component successfully treated by purely laparoscopic anatomical liver resection
Authors: Kai Keita , Ide Takao , Tanaka Tomokazu , Kido Shinichi , Yukimoto Kumpei , Irie Hiroyuki , Noshiro Hirokazu , Aishima Shinichi
Published: November 2022

Background

Multicystic biliary hamartoma (MCBH) is an extremely rare benign liver lesion characterized by a gross well-circumscribed multicystic honeycomb appearance. This report presents a MCBH case with a marked peribiliary gland component which showed unusual histology.

Case presentation

A 63-year-old Japanese male was admitted to our hospital for a detailed examination of a hepatic cystic lesion, which was originally detected 14 years ago and had slowly enlarged. A preoperative imaging study revealed a well-demarcated multicystic lesion without communication to the biliary tracts. The possible clinical diagnoses were mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN) or MCBH. The lesion was successfully resected by purely laparoscopic right anterior sectionectomy considering the malignant potential of the lesion and hepatic functional reserve of the patient. The cut surfaces of resected specimens grossly exhibited a well-circumscribed multicystic lesion with a thick septum. Histologically, the cyst wall was covered by cuboidal epithelial cells resembling epithelium of the bile duct while abundant small ducts, which morphologically resembled peribiliary glands, were observed among the fibrous stroma of the thick septum. Although possible pathological diagnosis varied, including intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct, biliary adenofibroma, MCN and MCBH, the lesion was finally diagnosed as MCBH with a marked peribiliary gland component.

Conclusions

MCBH can contain abundant peribiliary glands in the fibrous stroma. A pathologist should be careful not to diagnose such peribiliary glands in MCBH as neoplastic glands.
Seeing past the tip of your own nose? How outward and self-centred orientations could contribute to closing the green gap despite helplessness
Authors: Adamus Magdalena , Šrol Jakub , Čavojová Vladimíra , Mikušková Eva Ballová
Published: November 2022

The present study explored moderators of the relation between environmental concerns and pro-environmental behaviour that could help to close the green gap. A sample of 500 individuals (250 women) participated in the study. Apart from socio-demographic characteristics, participants answered questions about their environmental concerns and pro-environmental behaviour, collectivism and individualism, time orientation and emotional responses to climate change. Our results corroborate the view that collectivism, future orientation and prosocial tendencies may form a single component of outward orientation, while individualism and immediate orientation form self-centred orientation. Generally, outwardly oriented individuals and those less self-centred reported more pro-environmental behaviour. However, strongly self-centred individuals, even when reporting elevated helplessness, also showed increased involvement in pro-environmental behaviour once their concerns were high. The study contributes to the literature by pointing out that both outward and self-centred orientations have the potential to insulate individuals against the negative effect helplessness may have on pro-environmental behaviour. This could inform strategies that would both prompt individuals already concerned to act and arouse more concern among those who are not yet preoccupied with climate change.
Variant in a gene encoding a serotonin receptor increases the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: a case control study
Authors: Penno Juliana Regina Chamlian Zucare , Santos-Bezerra Daniele Pereira , Cavaleiro Ana Mercedes , Sousa Ana Maria Silva , Zaccara Tatiana Assunção , Costa Rafaela Alkmin , Francisco Rossana Pulcineli Vieira , Correa-Giannella Maria Lucia
Published: November 2022

Background
Given the importance of the serotoninergic system for the adaptation of beta cells to the increased insulin demand during pregnancy, we hypothesized that genetic variants (single nucleotide polymorphisms [SNPs]) in the HTR2B gene could influence the risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
Methods
This was a case-control study. Five SNPs (rs4973377, rs765458, rs10187149, rs10194776, and s17619600) in HTR2B were genotyped by real-time polymerase chain reaction in 453 women with GDM and in 443 pregnant women without GDM.
Results
Only the minor allele C of SNP rs17619600 conferred an increased risk for GDM in the codominant model (odds ratio [OR] 2.15; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.53–3.09; P < 0.0001) and in the rare dominant model (OR 2.32; CI 1.61–3.37; P < 0.0001). No associations were found between the SNPs and insulin use, maternal weight gain, newborn weight, or the result of postpartum oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). In the overall population, carriers of the XC genotype (rare dominant model) presented a higher area under the curve (AUC) of plasma glucose during the OGTT, performed for diagnostic purposes, compared with carriers of the TT genotype of rs17619600.
Conclusions
SNP rs17619600 in the HTR2B gene influences glucose homeostasis, probably affecting insulin release, and the presence of the minor allele C was associated with a higher risk of GDM.
Real-World Study of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy with Bevacizumab in Patients with Ovarian Cancer: A Chinese single-institution study
Authors: Zhang Nan , Zheng Hong , Gao Yunong , Shu Tong , Wang Hongguo
Published: November 2022

Background: Bevacizumab was the first anti-angiogenic agent approved for the treatment of newly diagnosed and relapsed ovarian cancer. For patients with extensive tumor metastasis that is unsuitable for primary debulking surgery(PDS), platinum-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy(NACT) followed by interval debulking surgery(IDS) has become an important therapy strategy. The bevacizumab-containing regimens are also options for NACT and post-IDS chemotherapy. Although there have been many high-quality clinical trials of bevacizumab for ovarian cancer, real-world evidence is still necessary for clinical practice.
Objective: This study aimed to retrospectively assess the pattern, compliance, efficacy, and safety of bevacizumab as NACT in Chinese patients with ovarian cancer. Methods: We reviewed the clinicopathological data of patients with histologically confirmed epithelial ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer and primary peritoneal adenocarcinoma, who were diagnosed and treated at the Department of Gynecologic Oncology of Peking University Cancer Hospital between May 2012 and January 2022.
Results: A total of 58 patients were ultimately enrolled in this study, with 35 receiving bevacizumab during NACT alone(NT) and 23 receiving bevacizumab during both neoadjuvant and first-line chemotherapy(NT + FL). Among the 43 patients in NT and NT+ FL groups undergoing IDS, 38(88.4%) patients achieved optimal debulking and 24(55.8%) patients had no residual disease after IDS. All patients had a median PFS of 15 months (95%CI: 9.595-21.405), and the 12-month PFS was 60.2%. The median PFS of the NT and NT+ FL groups were 13 months(95% CI: 9.738-16.262) and 20 months(95% CI:11.362-28.638), respectively. Nevertheless, there was no significant difference between the two groups(p=0.113). According to multivariate analysis, patients treated with 15 mg/kg had a better PFS than those treated with ≤7.5 mg/kg(HR=0.352, 95% CI: 0.143-0.864, P = 0.023). Hypertension was the most common adverse event associated with bevacizumab. A total of 5.2% (3/58) of patients discontinued bevacizumab due to toxicity.
Conclusion: Bevacizumab is effective and well-tolerated in the real-world setting of ovarian cancer NACT treatment. Receiving the regimen containing bevacizumab in the last preoperative chemotherapy did not result in increased intraoperative bleeding. Patients receiving the dosage of 15mg/kg may have better survival outcomes than those receiving the dosage of ≤7.5mg/kg.
Superlattice Hafnia-Zirconia-Alumina Nano-Electro-Mechanical Resonators for Integrated Super-High-Frequency Control
Authors: Tharpe Troy , Hershkovitz Eitan , Hakim Faysal , Kim Honggyu , Tabrizian Roozbeh
Published: November 2022

Multifunctional electronic systems rely indispensably on high quality-factor (Q) micro- and nano-electro-mechanical systems (M/NEMS) resonators for frequency control applications such as precise clock generation, synchronization, and radio-frequency wireless communication. Hundreds of high-performance M/NEMS resonators with frequencies extending over 32 kHz to 6 GHz are heterogeneously integrated with complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) circuits to form portable frequency control systems. However, heterogeneous integration imposes substantial overhead on critical system specifications, such as size and power consumption, as well as overall performance. This further limits system scalability for dynamic spectrum use and frequency extension to untapped bands in centimeter- and millimeter-wave regimes. Here, we present intrinsically switchable NEMS resonator building-blocks with ultra-wide-spectrum coverage for monolithic CMOS integration of frequency control systems, using superlattice hafnia-zirconia-alumina (Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 – Al2O3) transducers. The superlattice structure along with ferroelastic re-orientation through pulsed poling enable large linear electromechanical coupling (kt2) and high-Q in Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 – Al2O3 NEMS resonators, operating in lateral- and thickness-oriented bulk acoustic wave modes. Integrated NEMS resonators with frequencies (f) over 0.4 to 17.3 GHz, f-Q products up to 4.04×1012 and kt2s as high as 2.5%, are demonstrated by electrical measurements. Using DC bias voltage for depolarization of transducers, we show these resonators can be intrinsically switched off to their electromechanical noise floor, providing an on-off isolation as high as 37dB. Intrinsically switchable superlattice hafnia-zirconia-alumina NEMS resonators pave the way to realize switch-free, monolithic frequency control systems with multi-band operation towards mm-wave regime.
Neurological outcomes after surgery and postoperative rehabilitation for cervical radiculopathy due to disc disease: a 2-year-follow-up of a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Peolsson Anneli , Löfgren Håkan , Dedering Åsa , Kristedal Mattias , Öberg Birgitta , Zsigmond Peter , Wibault Johanna
Published: November 2022

Reports on neurological outcomes in patients with cervical radiculopathy (CR) undergoing surgery and postoperative rehabilitation are important to inform prognosis. This 2-year-follow-up of a randomized clinical trial aimed to compare secondary neurological outcomes between structured postoperative rehabilitation and a standard approach after surgery for CR. A secondary aim was to increase knowledge about neurological outcomes in relation to patient-reported neck disability. Neurological outcomes included assessment of sensibility, motor function, arm reflexes and the Spurling test. A total of 153 and 135 participants (76% − 67% response rate) completed the clinical examination at 1- and 2-year-follow-up. Between-group difference and change over time in neurological impairments were investigated, as well as association between postoperative neurological impairments and the Neck Disability Index. There was no between-group difference in neurological outcomes at follow-up (p > 0.07). Although, prevalence of neurological impairments in sensibility, motor function and a positive Spurling test decreased over time in both groups (p < 0.04), postoperative neurological impairments were still common at follow-up, and were significantly associated with higher NDI score. Neurological outcomes improved over time with no difference between groups, although postoperative neurological impairments were still common, and associated with worse outcome for patient-reported neck disability.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and breast cancer: Effect measure modification by vitamin D and vitamin D-related single nucleotide polymorphisms
Authors: Rhoden Joyce A. , Bradshaw Patrick T. , Steck Susan E. , Nichols Hazel B. , Conway Kathleen , Crew Katherine D. , Teitelbaum Susan L. , Neugut Alfred I. , Olshan Andrew F.
Published: November 2022

Purpose: Our objective was to examine whether vitamin D and vitamin D-related SNPs modify the association between individual PAH sources and breast cancer .
Methods: This population-based case-control study included 1,026 women with first primary in situ or invasive breast cancer and 1,074 age-frequency matched controls. To evaluate effect measure modification (EMM) by measured vitamin D and vitamin D-related single nucleotide polymorphisms on multiple PAH measures (active cigarette smoking, smoking spouse, grilled/smoked meat consumption, synthetic log use, and vehicular traffic), we estimated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals with unconditional logistic regression. EMM was assessed on the multiplicative (likelihood ratio tests) and additive scales (interaction contrast ratio).
Results: Vitamin D modified the synthetic log use breast cancer association on the additive scale (ICR= -0.86; 95% CI: -1.67, -0.04) and multiplicative scales (OR=0.52; 95% CI: 0.09, 0.94). Contrary to expectation, the stratum-specific OR for synthetic log use among those with vitamin D <30 ng/mL was below the null compared to the elevated OR found for those with vitamin D ≥ 30ng/mL (0.89 vs 1.70). The effect estimates for other PAHs were imprecise.
Conclusion: We found evidence of EMM for the association between synthetic log use and breast cancer by vitamin D. The pattern of association was unexpected and requires replication. Potential EMM was observed with several other PAH measures. Additionally, we observed EMM for several SNPs which were not statistically significant after adjustment for multiple comparisons.
Climate-neutral aviation: will it fly?
Authors: Sacchi Romain , Becattini Viola , Gabrielli Paolo , Cox Brian , Dirnaichner Alois , Bauer Christian , Mazzotti Marco
Published: November 2022

The aviation sector must substantially reduce its climate impacts to reach net-zero goals. Such a reduction, however, must not be limited to flight CO2 emissions, since such a narrow focus leaves up to 80% of climate impacts unaccounted for – especially with further growth of air traffic. This study – based on rigorous life-cycle assessment combined with a time-dependent quantification of non-CO2 climate impacts – shows that both electricity-based synthetic jet fuels and compensating climate impacts via direct air carbon capture and storage (DACCS) can enable climate-neutral aviation. However, with a continuous increase in air traffic, synthetic jet fuels produced with electricity from renewables would exert excessive pressure on economic and natural resources, while compensation via DACCS would require massive CO2 storage volumes and prolong dependence on fossil fuels. Hence, the idea of a climate-neutral aviation will fly only if air traffic decreases to reduce the scale of climate impacts to mitigate.
Clinical evaluation of white spot lesions treated by surface pre-reacted glass filler coating material in comparison with Icon resin infiltration by laser fluorescence. (A randomized controlled trial)
Authors: Gabr Eslam Hassan , Maslout Ahmed Gamal ELdeen El , Wakwak Mohamed Ahmed
Published: November 2022

Objective: White spots become one of the initial signs of dental caries. Resin infiltration and remineralization was used to prevent WSLs cavitation. Deposition of minerals depends on the equilibrium between demineralization and remineralization which may happen as a natural repair mechanism. The aim of this study is to compare the effect of PRG Barrier Coat coating material (PRG) against the resin infiltration ICON material in improving the caries lesion state of the WSLs along 1 year.
Clinical Considerations: the efficacy of fluoroboro-aluminosilicate Glass surface coating S-PRG fillers and ICON resin infiltration in the ability to improve the aesthetic appearance (masking) and caries lesion state of the WSLs immediately, after 3 months, after 6 months, and after 1 year among adult patients. Laser fluorescence was used to compare the two materials to evaluate the caries progression. PRG Barrier Coat group showed immediate significant improvement in LF scores in demineralization progress and inhibition of caries progression with a significant improved effect.
Conclusions: Resin infiltration ICON is more clinical successful treatment for demineralized WSLs. PRG Barrier Coat is useful for short time as control of caries progression and prevention protocol not for treatment of WSLs.
Clinical Significance:S-PRG Barrier Coat was clinically successful strategy in inhibition of caries and improve remineralization.
Vancomycin Dosing Regimens based on Monte Carlo Simulation for Treated Gram-positive cocci Infection in neonates: A retrospective observational study
Authors: zhao Kai , liu Yang , chang Ying , zhao Fang , chen Hui , guo Bo , song Xiao , zhai Xin , zhang Guiling , zhao xiaolin , guo jinzhen , liu zhenguo
Published: November 2022

Background: The pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profiles of vancomycin in neonatal population have been previously reported. However, a consensus still has not been reached about optimal recommended dose. Few studies on neonatal population are available relating particularly to distribution of pathogens and clinical outcome.Therefore, we sought to optimise the drug-dosing regimen based on Monte Carlo Simulation and conducted a retrospective observational study to assess the trough concentration and clinical efficacy.
Methods: We collected data from neonates who were treated with vancomycin from November 2018 to December 2021. Based on the inclusion criteria, pharmacokinetic model group and observation group were selected for further inclusion. The recommended pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic(PK-PD) target AUC/MIC ratio for vancomycin is ≥400. The achieved goal of the probability of target attainment (PTA) and a cumulative fraction of response (CFR) were ≥90%. Monte-Carlo simulations were performed to identify optimal dosing regimens. Statistical analysis were performed to compare trough concentrations and effectiveness of the different treatment options.
Results: We collected pharmacokinetic data on a total of 137 neonates ( 92 male and 45 female) and 124 neonates ( 180 dosing regimens and 180 plasma trough concentration) were retrospectively analyzed in this study. The recommended doses required to achieve the goal of PTA or CFR from 25 to 225mg/d depending on PK-PD target in different subgroups. Recommended dosage regimen group ( n=80 ) presented higher values (P＜0.05）in trough concentration than in not-recommended groups ( n=100 ), yet the target concentration ( 5-15mg/l ) compliance rate indicates no significant differences (P＞0.05). Recommended dosage neonate group ( n=53 ) presented higher clinical response rate (P＜0.05）than in not-recommended groups ( n=71 ).
Conclusion: Large differences of required daily dose exist among different newborn subgroups. A higher trough level and clinical efficacy was reached in simulated recommended doses regimen. However target concentration compliance rate indicates no significant change. A more scientific and standard study of multi-center were needed to optimize recommended dose and evaluate the real-world efficacy and safety of vancomycin.
Robust observer design for T-S fuzzy singular systems with unmeasurable premise variables and partially decoupled disturbances
Authors: Mu Yunfei , Zhang Huaguang , Ma Dazhong , Yan Yuqing
Published: November 2022

This article makes some efforts towards discussing the problem of observer design for a kind of discrete-time T-S fuzzy singular systems corrupted by process disturbances and measurement noises. To situate our design scheme in a more practical context, the premise variables of fuzzy systems under consideration are unmeasurable, and the process disturbances are only partially decoupled rather than completely decoupled. By integrating the fuzzy Lyapunov function method and the linear matrix inequality technique, an unknown input observer which can not only decouple partial process disturbances, but also attenuate the influence of measurement noises and non-decoupled process disturbances is proposed to achieve state reconstruction. Particularly, to reduce the conservatism, some slack matrices and scalars are utilized in observer design to obtain extra degrees of freedom. Finally, the performance of theoretical results is fully verified via two numerical simulations.
Dietary Niche Partitioning Among Sympatric Terrestrial Gastropods in a Temperate Woodland
Authors: Phillips Ezekiel King , Yanes Yurena , Muruganantham Kaaviya , Pearce Timothy
Published: November 2022

Terrestrial gastropods are an integral part of the ecosystem because of their role in organic matter decomposition and the soil calcium cycle. While most species have traditionally been considered generalized herbivores, the specific dietary preferences of most taxa remain virtually unknown because gastropods’ behavior is difficult to observe in the wild due to their nocturnal habits and small body size. In forested areas across North America, upwards of 30 species can sometimes coexist within the same microhabitat, but it remains unclear if and how gastropods partition resources to minimize interspecific competition. This research investigated the diet of seven sympatric species of terrestrial gastropods from an Ohio temperate woodland using stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analyses. Results suggest that most species followed a varied diet that included variable proportions of vascular and non-vascular plants, fungi, lichen, and soil organic matter. Whereas some species (Anguispira alternata,Arioncfsubfuscus, andPhilomycidae sp.) showed more unique and specialized diets, others (Deroceras laeve,Euchemotrema fraternum,Mesodon thyroidus, andVentridens ligera) were generalized feeders and overlapped in diet. These findings illustrate that terrestrial gastropod food webs are more complex than previously thought and support the hypothesis that some coexisting species reduce interspecific competition by partitioning resources.
The Prevalence of Anti-Phospholipid Antibodies and Effects on the Outcomes of in Vitro Fertilization
Authors: Halaki Nagham Al , Khalayli Naram , Halake Wael Al , Kudsi Maysoun , Samra Rouaida Abou , Halabi Marwan Al
Published: November 2022

Background

The problem of infertility is common worldwide. In vitro fertilization remains the most widely used technique of assisted reproductive technology. Embryo implantation failure is a common cause of unexplained infertility and recurrent miscarriages, thus the relationship between antiphospholipid antibodies and embryo implantation failure after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer is an important problem in fertility medicine that must be studied.

Patients and Methods

The study included 1000 cases, of women that underwent IVF between 2017–2021, through a Cohort study.

Results

The average age of the women was 31.91, the success rate of assisted fertilization in inducing pregnancy in the last trial was 52.8%, the prevalence was 4.4% of anticardiolipin IgG, 2.6% of anticardiolipin IgM, and 4% of Lupus anticoagulant. No relation was found between the antiphospholipid value and the age of the women, the number of times the experiment was conducted, the rate of success and failure, the type of infertility, and the number of oocytes induction, while the duration of sterility was affected by positive values of IgG and lupus coagulant antibodies.

Conclusion

There is no need for a routine antiphospholipid assay for female candidates for IVF, and when it is confirmed, treatment is required by Anticoagulants.
The clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with systemic sclerosis with myocardial involvement
Authors: He Huilin , Lai Jinzhi , Zhou Jiaxin , Hou Yong , Xu Dong , Li Mengtao , Zeng Xiaofeng
Published: November 2022

Background: Myocardial involvement (MI) is the primary cause of death in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). We analyzed patients with SSc and MI to identify any associations between this complication and their characteristics.
Method: We retrospectively collated data from SSc patients with MI admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital between January 2012 and May 2021. SSc patients without MI were randomly selected as controls after matching age and gender at a ratio of 1:3.
Results: In total, 21 SSc patients (17 females) with MI were enrolled. The mean age at SSc onset was 44.8±15.1 years. Compared with controls, myositis (42.3% vs. 15.4%, P=0.004) were more common in patients with MI; elevations of creatine kinase (CK) (30.8% vs. 6.9%, P=0.006). Of the 7 patients without cardiovascular symptoms, 5 showed elevations in cardiac troponin-I (cTnI), 6 showed elevations of N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). Thirteen patients were followed up for median period of 15.5 months and four patients developed newly occurring left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)< 50%.
Conclusion: Almost 50% of SSc patients with MI were subclinical. Regular monitoring of CTnI, NT-proBNP and echocardiography is helpful for the diagnosis of MI during the early stages. Its progress is rapid and prognosis is poor.
The effect of research on COVID-19 and PM 2.5 on the localization of humanitarian aid
Authors: Nawahda Amin
Published: November 2022

This study sets out the effect of scientific research on humanitarian interventions during the respiratory -coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Amid the outbreak of this pandemic, the elders were severely affected by COVID-19. In addition to that effect, long-term PM2.5 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 μm) exposure is associated strongly with respiratory diseases among the same age group. COVID-19 caused death and tested positive cases in all prefectures of Japan during the study period from Feb. 18 to Apr. 16, 2020, are analyzed. Also, PM2.5 caused deaths from 2010 to 2017 are calculated based on PM2.5-relative risk (RR) of 1.04 (95% CI: 1.01 – 1.08) from the World Health Organization-Air Quality Guidelines (WHO–AQG). The findings of this study show that elders living in prefectures with high levels of PM2.5 could be the most vulnerable to COVID-19. The estimated death cases from 2010 to 2017 are about 115,532 (95% CI: 28,883 - 231,064) cases. Thus, humanitarian actors could consider PM2.5 data for the localization of the efforts to minimize the spread of COVID-19.
Viral and bacterial pathogens among malaria patients in an endemic area of southern Venezuela
Authors: Forero-Peña David A. , Carrión-Nessi Fhabián S. , Lopez-Perez Mary , Mora Marisol Sandoval-de , Amaya Iván D. , Gamardo Ángel F. , Chavero Melynar , Figuera Luisamy , Marcano María V. , Camejo-Ávila Natasha A. , Hidalgo Mariana , Arenas Cariagne J. , Arévalo-Herrera Myriam , Herrera Sócrates
Published: November 2022

Background
Malaria remains a leading public health problem worldwide. Co-infections with other pathogens complicate its diagnosis and may modify the disease’s clinical course and management. Similarities in the clinical presentation of malaria and other infections and overlapping endemicity result in the underdiagnoses of co-infections and increased mortality. To date, no study has focused on co-infections or co-circulation of other pathogens in malaria-endemic areas in Venezuela.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted on malaria patients attending three reference medical centres in Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela between June and November 2018. Clinical evaluation and laboratory tests for dengue virus (DENV), chikungunya virus (CHIKV), viral hepatitis (HAV, HBV, and HCV), and leptospirosis (LEP) were performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Previous exposure to these pathogens was defined by the presence of specific IgG, and co-infection or recent exposure (CoRE) was determined by the presence of specific IgM alone or IgM plus IgG.
Results
A total of 161 malaria patients were studied, 66% infected with Plasmodium vivax, 27% with P. falciparum, and 7.5% harboured P. vivax/P. falciparum mixed infection. Previous exposure to DENV (60%) and CHIKV (25%) was frequent. CoRE was confirmed in 55 of the 161 malaria patients (34%) and were more frequent in P. falciparum (49%) than in P. vivax (29%) and mixed malaria patients (25%) (OR = 2.43; 95% CI = 1.39–4.25; p = 0.018). The most frequent CoRE was DENV (15%), followed by HAV (12%), HBV (6.2%), CHIKV (5.5%), and LEP (3.7%); HCV CoRE was absent. Complicated malaria was significantly more frequent in patients with CoRE (56%) than those without CoRE (36%; OR = 2.31; 95% CI = 1.18–4.92; p = 0.013).
Conclusion
We found a high prevalence of CoRE in malaria patients as determined by serology in the study region; cases were associated with a worse clinical outcome. Further prospective studies with samples from different sites of infection and the use of molecular tools are needed to determine the clinical significance of these findings.
Novel XAI techniques for explaining GA applications in job scheduling
Authors: Chen Toly , Wang Yu Cheng
Published: November 2022

Many evolutionary artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have been applied to assist job scheduling in manufacturing. Among them, genetic algorithms (GAs) are one of mainstream methods. However, GA applications in this field may not be easy to understand or communicate, especially to factory workers without relevant background knowledge, preventing widespread acceptance of such applications. To address this problem, the concept of explanatory AI (XAI) has been proposed. This study first reviews existing XAI techniques for explaining GA applications in job scheduling. Based on the review results, the problems faced by existing XAI techniques are summarized. To solve these problems, this study proposes several novel XAI techniques, including decision tree-based interpretation, dynamic transformation and contribution diagrams, and improved bar charts. To illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology, it has been applied to a case in the literature. According to the experimental results, the proposed methodology can make up for the deficiencies of existing XAI methods in processing high-dimensional data and visualizing the contribution of feasible solutions, thereby satisfying all the requirements for an effective XAI technique for explaining GA applications in job scheduling. Furthermore, the proposed methodology can be easily extended to explain other evolutionary AI applications such as ant colony optimization (ACO), particle swarm optimization (PSO), artificial bee colony (ABC) in job scheduling.
Circulating cytokine-producing VP6-specific CD4+ T cells are rarely detectable in Rotarix -vaccinated Malawian children with severe rotavirus diarrhoea
Authors: Banda Chikondi Malamba- , Mhango Chimwemwe , Benedicto-Matambo Prisca , Mandolo Jonathan J. , Chinyama End , Kumwenda Orpha , Barnes Kayla G. , Cunliffe Nigel A. , Iturriza-Gomara Miren , Jambo Kondwani C. , Jere Khuzwayo C.
Published: November 2022

Strong CD4+ T cell-mediated immune protection following rotavirus infection has been observed in animal models, but its relevance in humans remains unclear. Here, we characterized acute and convalescent CD4+ T cell responses in Rotarix®-vaccinated children who were hospitalized with rotavirus-positive and rotavirus-negative diarrhoea in Blantyre, Malawi. Children presenting with laboratory-confirmed rotavirus infection had higher proportions of effector and central memory T helper 2 cells during acute infection i.e., at disease presentation compared to convalescence, 28 days post-infection defined by a follow-up 28 days after acute infection. However, circulating cytokine-producing (IFN-γ and/or TNF-α) rotavirus-specific VP6-specific CD4+ T cells were rarely detectable in children with rotavirus infection at both acute and convalescent stages. Moreover, following whole blood mitogenic stimulation, the responding CD4+ T cells were predominantly non-cytokine producers of IFN-γ and/or TNF-α. Our findings demonstrate limited induction of anti-viral IFN-γ and/or TNF-α-producing CD4+ T cells in rotavirus-vaccinated Malawian children following the development of laboratory-confirmed rotavirus infection.
Human OTUD6B positively regulates type I IFN antiviral innate immune responses by deubiquitinating and stabilizing IRF3
Authors: Xiong Sidong , Dong Chunsheng , Zheng Hui , Wang Jian
Published: November 2022

Elaborate regulation of innate immunity is necessary for the host to effectively respond to invading pathogens. As an important component of antiviral immunity transcription factors, the stability and activity of IFN regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) are tightly controlled via multiple post-translational modifications. Here, we identified a human ovarian tumor domain-containing deubiquitinase OTUD6B as a positive regulator of IRF3 that facilitates innate antiviral immune signaling. We demonstrated that OTUD6B directly hydrolyzes the lysine 33 (Lys33)-linked polyubiquitin chain at Lys315 of IRF3 by interacting with IRF3, stabilizing the protein level of IRF3, and promoting type I IFN production. Notably, OTUD6B enhanced cellular antiviral responses in vivo, as evidenced by mice that overexpressed human OTUD6B were more resistant to RNA virus infection and had reduced viral load and morbidity. These findings revealed a previously unknown role for OTUD6B in the regulation of innate antiviral immunity and may provide a potential target for enhancing host antiviral defense.
A ten-year microbiological study of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains revealed diffusion of carbapenems and quaternary ammonium compounds resistant populations
Authors: Pottier Marine , Gravey François , Castagnet Sophie , Auzou Michel , Bénédicte Langlois , Guérin François , Giard Jean-Christophe , Léon Albertine , Hello Simon Le
Published: November 2022

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the leading causes of healthcare-associated infections. For this study, the susceptibility profiles to antipseudomonal antibiotics and a quaternary ammonium compound, didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC), widely used as a disinfectant, were established for 180 selected human and environmental hospital strains isolated between 2011 and 2020. Furthermore, a genomic study was performed to determine their resistome and clonal putative relatedness. During the ten-year study period, it was estimated that 9.5% of clinical P. aeruginosa were resistant to carbapenem, 11.9% presented an MDR profile, and 0.7% an XDR. Decreased susceptibility (DS) to DDAC was observed for 28.0% of strains that was significantly more associated with MDR and XDR profiles and from hospital environmental samples (p <0.0001). According to genomic analyses, the P. aeruginosa population unsusceptible to carbapenems and/or to DDAC was diverse but mainly belonged to top ten high-risk clones described worldwide. The carbapenem resistance appeared mainly due to the production of the VIM-2 carbapenemase (39.3%) and DS to DDAC mediated by MexAB-OprM pump efflux overexpression. This study highlights the diversity of MDR/XDR populations of P. aeruginosa which are unsusceptible to molecules that are widely used in medicine and hospital disinfection and are probably distributed in hospitals worldwide.
Signatures of VH1-69-derived hepatitis C virus neutralizing antibody precursors defined by binding to envelope glycoproteins
Authors: Capella-Pujol Joan , de Gast Marlon , Radić Laura , Zon Ian , Chumbe Ana , Koekkoek Sylvie , Olijhoek Wouter , Schinkel Janke , Gils Marit J. van , Sanders Rogier , Sliepen Kwinten
Published: November 2022

An effective preventive vaccine for hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a major unmet need. Antigenic region 3 (AR3) on the E1E2 envelope glycoprotein complex overlaps with the CD81 receptor binding site and represents an important epitope for vaccine design aimed at inducing broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs). Most AR3 bNAbs utilize the VH1-69 gene and share structural features that define the AR3C-class of HCV bNAbs. In this work, we identified E1E2 glycoprotein trimers that bind to the inferred VH1-69 germline precursors of AR3C-class bNAbs, providing candidates for AR3C-class germline-targeting approaches. When presented on nanoparticles these recombinant E1E2 glycoproteins efficiently activated B cells expressing inferred germline AR3C-class bNAb precursors as B cell receptors. Furthermore, we identified critical signatures in two subclasses of the AR3C-class bNAbs that will allow refined protein design. These results provide a framework for germline-targeting vaccine design strategies against HCV.
Implementation and Effectiveness of a Sustained Depression Prevention Program for High School Students in Japan
Authors: Kira Yugo , Matsumoto Misuzu , Kambara Kohei , Ogata Akiko
Published: November 2022

Background: High school students, particularly in Japan, suffer from severe depression. School-based cognitive-behavioral depression prevention interventions are effective countermeasures against depression among high school students. However, due to the time-consuming nature of high school curriculum, such interventions are less common among high school students than they are among elementary and junior high school students, making it difficult to introduce them to a sustainable school curriculum. We used a long-term but low-frequency intervention as one of the implementation approaches to address curricular issues, which divide the program’s content across several grades. Therefore, this study examined the effectiveness of our approach to high school students.
Methods: We conducted the program on a grade-by-grade basis for students who entered the school each year over a two-year period. We administered surveys during the two-year intervention period and one-year follow-up period to 225 students who had enrolled in a high school during 2014–2019. Only those high schools were considered that implemented our program. Additionally, data from 608 Japanese high school students who did not receive this program were obtained through an online survey and compared to our data for higher levels of depressive symptoms at each grade level.
Results: According to the three-level hierarchical linear model analysis, students who participated in the program experienced improvement in their depressive symptoms and related factors over these three years. At the end of the program and one year after the intervention, the Welch test and chi-square test indicated fewer depressive symptoms and a lower percentage of students with depression compared to those who did not receive the intervention.
Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that a school-based cognitive-behavioral depression prevention program using a long-term but low-frequency approach may effectively reduce the implementation burden into the school curriculum, promote sustained implementation, and prevent depression among high school students. Future studies may consider other innovative methods to examine sustained intervention effects, considering economic and ethical issues, such as collecting depression scores of general high school students annually.
Predisposing factors, direction of dislocation, and changes in intraocular pressure after intrascleral intraocular lens fixation surgery
Authors: Saito Yuya , Shimizu Norihiro , Mashimo Yoichi , Tatsumi Tomoaki , Yokouchi Hirotaka , Baba Takayuki
Published: November 2022

The purpose of the present study is to identify predisposing factors and direction of dislocation of the natural crystallinelens or intraocular lens (IOL) in IOL intrascleral fixation surgery and determine changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) after surgery. We retrospectively investigated predisposing factors, direction of the lens, IOL dislocation, and IOP preoperatively and 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month postoperatively in 240 eyes from 232 patients who underwent IOL intrascleral fixation. The surgery was performed in 48 patients with long eye axis, 44 with pseudoexfoliation (PE), 42 with intraoperative problems, 40 with a history of trauma, 34 with a history of vitrectomy, 21 with atopic dermatitis, 6 with genetic diseases, 4 with retinitis pigmentosa, and 56 with unknown causes. Downward IOL dislocation was most observed (52 cases), while IOL falling into the vitreous cavity was seen in 46 cases, aphakic eye in 31 cases, and anterior lens dislocation in 16 cases. In general, IOP was significantly lower at 1 month postoperatively than preoperatively; specifically, in the PE, history of trauma, atopic dermatitis, long eye axis, and unknown cause groups, as well as the groups with anterior lens deviation, IOL fall into the vitreous cavity, and IOL downward deviation.