bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lysosomal-associated protein transmembrane 5 ameliorates non-alcoholic steatohepatitis through degradating CDC42
Authors: Jiang Lang , Zhao Jing , Yang Qin , Li Mei , Liu Hao , Xiao Xiaoyue , Tian Song , Hu Sha , Liu Zhen , Yang Peiwen , Chen Manhua , Ye Ping , Xia Jiahong
Published: September 2022

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has received great attention due to its extremely high incidence. Our team screened LAPTM5 associated with NASH progression through extensive bioinformatics analysis. We found protein LAPTM5 markedly decreased in response to lipotoxicity both in liver tissues from human and mouse NASH groups, and protein level of LAPTM5 was negatively correlated with NAS score. Then, we found LAPTM5 degradation was mediated through its ubiquitination modification by the E3 ubquitin ligase NEDD4L. Hepatocyte specific depleting LAPTM5 exacerbated hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis in mouse NASH models. In contrast, LAPTM5 overexpression in hepatocyte exerted opposite effects. Mechanistically, LAPTM5 interacted with CDC42 and promoted its degradation through a lysosomal dependent manner, thus inhibited activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. Finally, adenovirus-mediated hepatic LAPTM5 overexpression ameliorated above symptoms in NASH models. These findings proved LAPTM5 as effective treatment in NASH and a potential biological marker for detecting NASH progression.
Early growth evaluation and biomass allocation differences of Cupressus funebris clones and families
Authors: Yang Tao , Zhang Zheng , Wang Pengcheng , Wang Wenyue , Jin Guoqing , Qiu Yongbin , Shen Han , Zhou Zhichun
Published: September 2022

Clonal forestry offers the opportunity to increase yields, enhance uniformity and improve wood characteristics. Evaluation of growth differences between clones and families has rarely been studied in slow-growing Cupressus funebris species, and whether such growth differences are related to biomass allocation patterns remains to be revealed and is essential for assessing the genetic selection potential and carbon sink capacity of superior species. We studied the genetic variation, heritability (replication power) and gain levels of 36 clones and 33 families of superior trees and analysed their biomass allocation patterns. The results showed that the early growth of Cupressus funebris was dominated by high growth, and the clones grew rapidly, with 253.36% and 51.77% higher diameter at breast height and height at 8 years old than the family lines, respectively. However, the genetic variation of growth traits in the families was higher than that of the clones. The clone repeatability and family heritability levels were evaluated. According to the 10% selection rate, the genetic gains of DBH and tree height of clones were 39.53% and 24.23%, respectively, 5.22 times and 2.05 times the genetic gains of families. The ratio of narrow and broad heritability of each trait was estimated to be 0.55–0.68, with an average value of 0.63, indicating that clones obtained higher additional genetic gains through nonadditive effects. The growth advantage of the clones was to increase the biomass of the aboveground part (86.03%) at the expense of the belowground biomass allocation, which was mainly reflected by the proportion of branch and leaf biomass allocation. The branches and leaves of the clones were dominated by the middle and upper layers, which accounted for 180.64% and 60.14%, respectively, while the middle and lower layers of the branches and leaves of the family lines accounted for a higher percentage. The model ln W=k0+k1 lnD + k2 lnH +k3 has the best prediction of biomass and could be used for early genetic evaluation of Cupressus funebris. In general, Cupressus funebris clones are fast growing and will help to improve the productivity and carbon storage of stands through genetic selection and utilization.
Diagnostic accuracy of a deep learning model using YOLOv5 for detecting developmental dysplasia of the hip on radiography images
Authors: Den Hiroki , Ito Junichi , Kokaze Akatsuki
Published: September 2022

Introduction
Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a cluster of hip development disorders and one of the most common hip diseases in infants. Hip radiography is a convenient diagnostic tool for DDH, but its diagnostic accuracy is dependent on the interpreter’s level of experience.
The aim of this study was to develop a deep learning model for detecting DDH using YOLOv5.
Methods
Patients younger than 12 months who underwent hip radiography between June 2009 and November 2021 were selected. Using their radiography images, transfer learning was performed to develop a deep learning model using YOLOv5.
Results
A total of 305 anteroposterior hip radiography images (205 normal hip images and 100 DDH hip images) were collected. Of these, 30 normal hip images and 17 DDH hip images were used as the test set. The sensitivity and the specificity of our best deep learning model (YOLOv5l) were 0.94(95%CI 0.73-1.00) and 0.96 (95%CI:0.89-0.99), respectively.
Conclusion
This is the first study to establish a model for detecting DDH using YOLOv5. Our deep learning models provided good diagnostic performance for DDH. We believe our model is a useful diagnostic assistant tool.
Three nervous system-specific expressed genes are potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis through a bioinformatic analysis
Authors: Liao Yifu , Cai Haiping , Luo Feifei , Li Dongcheng , Li Hao , Liao Geng , Duan Jinhai , Xu Renshi , Zhang Xiong
Published: September 2022

Background
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common neurodegenerative disease in adults. However, ALS, especially sporadic ALS (sALS), is difficult to diagnose due to the lack of biomarkers.
Results
We used the Bioinformatics technology to find the potential biomarker and we found that two hundred seventy-four DEGs were identified and enrichment analysis showed DEGs were involved in nervous system activity, like axon_guidance and the neurotrophin_signaling_pathway. Five nervous system-specific expressed hub genes were further validated by three GEO datasets. APP, LRRK2, and PSEN1 might be potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of sALS, and NEAT1-miR-373-3p/miR-302c-3p/miR-372-3p-APP, circ_0000002-miR-302d-3p/miR-373-3p-APP and XIST-miR-9-5p/miR-30e-5p/miR-671-5p might be potential ceRNA regulatory pathways. APP SNP analysis showed subjects harboring the minor G allele of rs463946, minor G allele of rs466433 and minor C allele of rs364048 had an increased risk of sALS development.
Conclusions
Our results identified three nervous system-specific expressed hub genes that might be diagnostic and prognostic markers of sALS and APP might be a genetic susceptibility factor contributing to sALS development.
Identifying driving factors of basin ecosystem service value based on local bivariate spatial correlation patterns
Authors: Ding Xue , Shu Yuqin , Tang Xianzhe , Ma Jingwen
Published: September 2022

Ecosystem service value (ESV) is a crucial indicator for evaluating ecological environment health, and identifying its spatial driving factors will help to provide scientific decision support for ecological protection and restoration. This study takes the Liuxi River Basin in China as the research object and uses the value equivalent method to estimate regional ESV. In the process of using the Geodetector model (GDM), the study area is spatially stratified by using the local bivariate spatial correlation pattern to mine the potential drivers of ESV. The results show that: (1) From 2005 to 2018, the total value of ecosystem services in the Liuxi River Basin showed a fluctuating and increasing trend. ESV has high-value aggregation in the northeastern mountainous areas with high green space coverage and high river distance accessibility and low-value aggregation in the central and southwestern urban areas with frequent human activities. Its spatial heterogeneity and aggregation pattern are of statistical significance. (2) The spatial distribution characteristics of ESV are affected by various driving factors to varying degrees. The order of their degree of influence on ESV is per capita green area > slope > proportion of urban and rural human settlements > river distance accessibility > population. (3) Compared to the previous study, the stratification method employing the local bivariate spatial correlation pattern more fully considers the spatial autocorrelation and spatial heterogeneity. It effectively captures the spatial explanatory power of driving factors. This study can provide new ideas for capturing the driving mechanisms of ESV and insights into the sustainable development of the ecological environment in other regions with similar characteristics worldwide.
In vitro cestocidal activity of Persicaria hydropiper (L.) Delarbre, a traditionally used anthelmintic plant in India
Authors: Nagi Keleni-i , Roy Bishnupada , Yadav Arun K.
Published: September 2022

This study was aimed to investigate the anthelmintic effects of Persicaria hydropiper, a traditionally used anthelmintic plant in India. The in vitro anthelmintic efficacy of methanol leaf extract of P. hydropiperwas assessed on the basis of paralysis and mortality of Raillietina echinobothrida, the intestinal cestode parasite of domestic fowl, following exposure to 10 mg/ml, 20 mg/ml and 30 mg/ml concentrations of extract. The effects of extract were also observed on the body surface of parasite by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicated that in vitro anthelmintic efficacy of extract is dose-dependent. The highest efficacy was observed by 30 mg/ml concentration of extract, in which the mortality of parasites occurred in 4.79 ± 0.17 h, in comparison to control, where the parasites showed survival till 45.63 ± 0.18 h. The SEM observations of extract-treated parasites revealed notable impairment in scolex, with distorted suckers and eroded spines. Also, the tegument was observed shrunken with impaired microtriches. The results indicate that P. hydropiper leaves possess significant anthelmintic efficacy and justify their use in traditional medicine against intestinal worms.
Handling non-response under ranked set sampling by Substitution method and its application to COVID-19 data
Authors: Rehman Syed Abdul , Shabbir Javid
Published: September 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Factors associated with stunting in children under-5 in Sudan A secondary analysis of the second Sudan Household Health Survey, 2010
Authors: Gaafar Reem , Mukhtar Abdel Moniem , Minarcine Suzanne Marlowe
Published: September 2022

Stunting is a measure of health inequalities between children with implications that extend into adulthood. Sudan is one of 14 countries carrying 80% of the global burden of stunting. Stunting is reversible if addressed in the first 1000 days of life, so it is essential to identify associated factors in order to target them through government policy. This study aimed to identify factors associated with stunting in children under 5 in Sudan. A secondary analysis of the Sudan Household Health Survey 2010 was done following the UNICEF framework for child under-nutrition which identifies immediate, underlying, and basic factors. We used the chi-square test and multiple regression to adjust for potential confounders. We found that 33.4% (n = 3734) of the children in our study were stunted. Stunting was more common among males, children living in rural areas, born to or household heads with no education, living in households without toilets and had suffered from diarrhea in the past two weeks. Poverty, rurality, poor education and poor sanitation are reversible socioeconomic factors significantly associated with childhood stunting. Government policies aiming to promote child health in Sudan should include poverty-reduction strategies, proper housing, rural development and improving girls’ and women’s education.
Cytotoxic effects of novel 2-methylthio dihydropyrimidines on human acute myeloid leukemia cell lines
Authors: Toguchi Yuki , Kikuchi Hidetomo , Nishimura Yoshio , Yuan Bo , Arai Rie , Cho Hidetsura , Sunaga Katsuyoshi
Published: September 2022

Dihydropyrimidines (DPs), one of the six-membered heterocyclic compounds, are well known to have a wide range of pharmacological activities including anticancer. Recently, our previous studies have demonstrated that 6-unsubstituted 2-thioxo-, 2-oxo-, and 2-amino DPs, and 4,4-disubstituted 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones and -thiones induced cytotoxicity against human promyelocytic leukemia cell line, HL-60, suggesting that DPs can serve as promising candidates for anticancer treatment. In the current study, the effects of novel 2-methylthio DPs, benzyl 4,4,6-trimethyl-2-methylthio-1,4-dihydropyrimidine-5-carboxylate (DP03) and ethyl 6-methyl-2-methylthio-1,4-dihydropyrimidine-5-carboxylate (DP09) were investigated by focusing on cell viability in human leukemia cell lines, NB4 and HL-60 cells together with other seventeen types of novel 2-methylthio DPs. Our study demonstrated treatment with DP03 at the low concentration for 96 h resulted in a significant decrease in cell viability of NB4 rather than HL-60 cells, whereas treatment with DP09 under the same condition was diametrically opposed to NB4 and HL-60 cells. Whether cell differentiation, cell cycle arrest, and cell death are involved in the DP03-induced cytotoxicity of NB4 cells was further investigated. Instead of necrosis, differentiation, and cell cycle arrest, apoptosis induction was observed in DP03-treated NB4 cells. DP03-triggered apoptosis was accompanied by the activation of caspase-8, -9, and − 3 but not caspase-12, and DP03-induced apoptosis was significantly inhibited by a pan-caspase inhibitor, but not the specific inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinase, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription. Their finding suggests that induction of apoptosis associated with the activation of caspase-8, -9, and − 3 contributed to the cytotoxicity of DP03 against NB4 cells.
Compare analysis of the PRNP gene indels polymorphism and expression among Yellow cattle, Zhongdian Yak and their hybrid
Authors: He Xiaoming , Memon Sameeullah , Yue Dan , Zhu Junhong , Lu Ying , Liu Xingneng , Xiong Heli , Li Guozhi , Deng Weidong , Xi Dongmei
Published: September 2022

Background
Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) is a fatal disease in cattle caused by misfolded prion protein and linked to indel polymorphisms in promoter and intron1 of PRNP gene. The aim of this study was to determine the allele, genotype and haplotype frequencies of PRNP indel polymorphisms and to investigate the effect of PRNP gene expression of 23bp and 12bp Indels by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in Zhongdian Yak (Bos-grunniens) (YK), Zhongdian Yellow cattle (Bos-taurus) (YC) and Zhongdian Yakow (Bos-primigenius taurus×Bos-grunniens) (PK). Resultant, high allelic frequencies were found in 23- and 12+, while haplotype frequencies were very low in 23+/12 in YK, YC and PK. PRNP expression was higher +-/-- diplotype of PK and (mean ± SE) were 3.6578 ± 1.85964. Furthermore, two variable sites were investigated, 23bp indels polymorphism holding AP1-binding site and 12bp indels polymorphism holding SP1-binding site. Additionally, Reporter gene assays revealed a link between two proposed transcription factors and lower expression levels of +/+ allele as compared to -/- allele. The expression level of PRNP was shown to be dependent on two indels polymorphisms in bovine PRNP promoter, which includes binding sites for RP58 and SP1 transcription factors, and results suggested that PRNP genotype may contributing to high variation of PRNP expression.
Molecular surveillance of antimalarial drug resistance genes in Plasmodium falciparum isolates in Odisha, India: A decade after CQ withdrawal
Authors: Rana Ramakanta , Khan Nikhat , Sandeepta Sonali , Pati Sanghamitra , Das Aparup , Bal Madhusmita , Ranjit Manoranjan
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND: India has targeted to eliminate malaria by 2030. Surveillance of drug-resistant malaria parasites in different endemic settings country is a pressing need to achieve the target in the face of emerging drug resistance. In Odisha, the highest contributor of malaria cases to the national pool has changed the drug policy in 2009 following increasing of failure rate of treatment with chloroquine (CQ). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum molecular markers that are associated with resistance to CQ, S-P, and ART in Odisha 10 years after the institution of the new policy.
METHODS: The study was conducted from July 2018 to November 2020 among the patients attending Government Health facilities, selected randomly in four different physiographical regions of the state. The prevalence of critical point mutations in the genes of Pfcrt (codon 76),
Pfmdr1(codon 86), Pfdhfr (codons, 16, 50, 51, 59, 108, and 164), Pfdhps (codons 436, 437, 540, 581, and 613) and PfK13 gene were examined in parasite isolates.
RESULTS: The prevalence of Pfcrt (K76T) was 2.1% and Pfmdr1 (N86Y) 3.4%. None of the five mutations in the Pfkelch13 gene associated with resistance to artemisininwas detected. The overall prevalence of Pfdhfr mutations was 50.4% with a total number of 12 genotypes. The Pfdhfr C59R mutation was the most common (41.8%), followed by the C50R mutation (40.8%) and S108N mutation (39.2%). The overall prevalence of Pfdhps mutations was 40.1% with a total number of 26 genotypes. The maximum number of mutations was found at codon S436A (26.7%) followed by A613S (17.6%) and K540E(17.2%). No isolate with Pfdhfr triple mutation (N51I/ C59R/S108N) combined with Pfdhps double mutation (A437G/K540E) was found in the studied sample.
CONCLUSION: These results predict the return of susceptibility of P. falciparum to CQ ten years after the change of malaria treatment policy, while confirming the emergence of parasite resistance to S-P in the state of Odisha. Additional surveillance in the same region and other malaria-endemic parts of the country may help to provide evidence for drug policy updates.
Anorectal functional outcomes after transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME): a Random Forest analysis to predict patients' outcomes
Authors: Tirelli Flavio , Lorenzon Laura , Biondi Alberto , Neri Ilaria , Santoro Gloria , Persiani Roberto
Published: September 2022

Background. Anorectal, sexual and urinary dysfunctions are still common issues after rectal cancer surgery, although seldom explored.
Objective. To investigate the entire spectrum of anorectal urinary, and sexual functional outcomes in patients treated with trans-anal total mesorectal excision (TaTME).
Design. Patients with a mid-/low-rectal cancer (1-11 cm from the anorectal junction) treated with TaTME between 2015-2020, were interviewed after surgery using validated questionnaires. Statistical analyses were computed to identify variables correlated with worse outcomes and to provide a decision tree algorithm.
Setting. University Research Hospital, high volume referral center for rectal cancer surgery.
Patients. Patients were included if undergoing TaTME with primary anastomosis with or without diverting ileostomy/colostomy. Only patients with a minimum follow-up of 6 months (from stoma reversal or from the primary procedure) were selected.
Interventions. Patients were interviewed using the CCFIS - Wexner Scale, LARS score, ICIQ-MLUTS, ICIQ-FLUTS, IIEF and FSFI questionnaires.
Main Outcome Measures. The primary outcome measure was the bowel function. Secondary outcomes were urinary and sexual functional data.
Results. Out of 154 patients treated with TaTME, 97 were included (mean age: 66.1 years, M/F 1.7). Sixty-seven percent underwent NAD and 88.7% had a protective stoma. Patients were interviewed in a mean time of 19.0±9.3 months after primary or stoma reversal surgery. Mean Wexner score was 3.8±4.8, whereas mean LARS score was 17.4±13.8. Statistical analyses documented that increased age, operative time and interval to stoma reversal correlated with worse Wexner-LARS categories. The Random Forest analyses documented worse LARS symptoms among patients with an operative time>295 minutes and a stoma reversal performed after more than 5.6 months. Among those who carried a stoma from 3-5.6 months, patients older than 65 years reported anorectal postoperative dysfunction.
Limitations. Single center experience with no comparison group.
Conclusions. TaTME can provide good long-term results for the anorectal functions. An algorithm with specific risk categories was provided to identify sub-groups at risk to develop major LARS syndrome.
The value of hydrogen for global climate change mitigation
Authors: Wolfram Paul , Kyle Page , Fuhrmann Jay , O'Rourke Patrick , McJeon Haewon
Published: September 2022

In the search for low-carbon energy carriers, there is renewed interest in hydrogen. However, it remains highly uncertain to what extent hydrogen may be deployed in a future energy system, and at what cost. We improve on the state-of-the-art integrated assessment model GCAM and run several scenarios in which the global energy system reaches carbon neutrality by deploying different mitigation technology portfolios, including hydrogen, direct electrification, and negative emission technologies. Across a range of scenarios we confirm that hydrogen is an important mitigation technology for 'difficult-to-electrify' sectors such as cement, fertilizer, chemical, and iron and steel production, international shipping and heavy freight truck transport. Crucially however, we find that deploying hydrogen can reduce mid-century mitigation costs by 15-23%, compared to counterpart scenarios without hydrogen availability. Our findings can guide optimal investment decisions for effective climate change mitigation.
Superhydrophobic encapsulation of flexible Bi2Te3/CNT coated thermoelectric fabric via layer-by-layer assembly
Authors: Ding Ding , Wu Qian , Wang Jinmei , Chen Yixun , Li Qian , Hou Lin , Zhao Lei , Xu Yan-yan
Published: September 2022

Fabric based flexible thermoelectric materials capable of converting body heat to electricity are promising in self-powered wearable electronic applications. To improve the thermoelectric performance and the wearability of fabric based thermoelectric materials, a superhydrophobic encapsulated Bi2Te3/CNT thermoelectric fabric was introduced. Through layer-by-layer assembly process, Bi2Te3 and CNT were coated onto the surface of cotton fabric substrate, respectively. The prepared thermoelectric fabric has great flexibility and a power factor of 0.15µW·m− 1·K− 2. A thermoelectric generator consists of five Bi2Te3/CNT fabric legs could generate an output voltage of 1.8mV under a temperature difference of 30°C and could be easily attached to the end of sleeves or socks. A double layer superhydrophobic encapsulation composed of silicone, PDMS and PMMA was coated onto the surface of Bi2Te3/CNT fabric to isolated it from the ambient environment. The encapsulation layer, with a water contact angle of 158.6° and a sliding angle of 6.5°, exhibits great self-cleaning property and flexibility. This concept of superhydrophobic thermoelectric fabric paves new way to improve the durability and wearability of thermoelectric generators.
Artificial intelligence-based radiomics for the prediction of nodal metastasis in early-stage lung cancer
Authors: Shimada Yoshihisa , Kudo Yujin , Maehara Sachio , Fukuta Kentaro , Masuno Ryuhei , Park Jinho , Ikeda Norihiko
Published: September 2022

We aimed to investigate the value of computed tomography (CT)-based radiomics with artificial intelligence (AI) in predicting pathological lymph node metastasis (pN) in patients with clinical stage 0–IA non-small cell lung cancer (c-stage 0–IA NSCLC). This study enrolled 720 patients who underwent complete surgical resection for clinical stage 0–IA NSCLC, and were assigned to the derivation and validation cohorts. Using the AI software Beta Version (Fujifilm Corporation, Japan), 39 AI imaging factors, including 17 factors from the AI ground-glass nodule analysis and 22 radiomics features from nodule characterization analysis, were extracted to identify factors associated with pN. Multivariate analysis showed that clinical stage IA3 (p = .028), solid-part size (p < .001), and average solid CT value (p = .033) were independently associated with pN. The receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the area under the curve and optimal cut-off values of the average solid CT value relevant to pN were 0.761 and − 103 Hounsfield units, and the threshold value provided sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive values of 67%, 59%, and 93%, respectively. Measuring the average solid-CT value of tumors for pN may have broad clinical applications such as guiding surgical approaches and individualized postoperative treatment.
“There is no cure for Tuberculosis”: An Anthropological investigation on social perception, prejudice, and stigma in Bangladesh
Authors: Dutta Goutam Kumar , Rahman Md. Mostafizur , Bhattacharyya Dipika Shankar , Rahman Md. Musfikur , Dey Palash Kumar , Nur Mosa Effat , Alom Kazi Robiul
Published: September 2022

Background
Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the major public health problems around the globe. Evidence suggests that TB has social dimensions related to perception, prejudice, and stigma that create barriers for patients in accessing health care. However, there is more such evidence required in the Bangladesh context. Therefore, we aimed to explore the existing perceptions and prejudice towards tuberculosis among patients attending a divisional level TB hospital in Bangladesh and how these perceptions and prejudice process the stigmatization of the patients in their societal environment.
Methods
This is a cross-sectional study, we applied qualitative phenomenological approaches. We conducted 20 In-depth Interviews (IDIs) with the patients, and attendants of patients of the hospital to capture a range of information through purposive sampling. We carried out a thematic analysis of their lived experiences.
Results
The majority participants upheld their beliefs and experiences which identified as misperceptions and prejudice to TB infection that induced them to stigmatization and isolation in society. They also revealed that if they are infected by TB there is no way to cure this disease. Moreover, the dominant group (not infected) knew about that (disease), no one wanted to touch the TB patients. Finally, family, friends, and kinsmen remain alienated from the TB infected persons which in turn makes those persons isolated from the family and society.
Conclusion
The identified lived experiences can inform policy-makers and program implementers to adopt socially and culturally appropriate interventions that can improve treatment adherence of TB patients in the community level of Bangladesh.
Chaos Synchronization Using Super-Twisting Sliding Mode Control Applied on Chua’s Circuit
Authors: Chibani Abdelilah , Daaou Bachir , Gouichiche Abdelmadjid , Safa Ahmed , Badaoui Yacine , Chedjara Zakaria
Published: September 2022

Chua’s circuit is the classic chaotic system and the most widely used in serval areas since it offers many advantages in the case of secure communication. Developing an accurate chaos control strategy is one of the most challenging works in synchronization or suppression or secure communication plant for the chaotic behavior. To avoid chaotic behavior in terms of synchronization or suppression. this study presents a chaos control strategy for Chua’s circuit. A new application of super twisting algorithm (STC) based on sliding mode control (SMC) is applied aiming to eliminate or synchronize the chaotic behavior. Therefore, the designed control scheme is robust against the system uncertainty with a good regulation tracking task. Using the Lyapunov stability, the property of asymptotical stability is verified. The whole of the system including the (control strategy, and Chua’s circuit) is implemented under a suitable test setup based on dSpace1104 to validate the effectiveness of our proposed control scheme.
Molecular and expression characterization of insulin-like signaling in development and metabolism of Aedes albopictus mosquito
Authors: Dai Yi , Li Xin , Ding Jinying , Liang Zihan , Guo Renxian , Yi Tangwei , Zhu Yihan , Chen Siqi , Liang Shaohui , Liu Wenquan
Published: September 2022

Background
Insulin-like signaling (IS) is a conserved pathway in all metazoans. In insects, IS pathway is activated by the binding of Insulin-like peptides (ILPs) and insulin receptor (InR), and is involved in the development, reproduction, and longevity by regulating ERK/AKT cascades. A varying number of ILPs were identified in the Aedes aegypti mosquitos and other insects. Aedes Albopictus (Ae. Albopictus), a major vector for transmitting dengue fever, is fast spreading worldwide. Until now, the molecular and expression characteristics of IS pathway have not been investigated in Ae. Albopictus.
Methods
The orthologues of ILP in Ae. albopictus genome assembly were analyzed by using sequence blast. Phylogenetic analysis and molecular characterization were performed to identify the functional domains of Ae.albopictus ILPs (AalbILPs). Quantitative analysis was performed to determine the expression characteristics of ILPs, InR and ERK/AKT cascades in the lifespan, and different tissues of female adults after blood feeding. In addition, knockdown of InR was achieved by feeding larvae with E.coli-producing dsRNA to investigate the impact of IS pathway on mosquito development.
Results
We identified seven putative AalbILP genes in the Ae. Albopictus genome assembly, based on nucleotide similarity to the ILPs of Ae. Aegypti and other insects. Bioinformatics and molecular analyses suggested that the AalbILPs contain the structural motif which is conserved in the insulin superfamily. Expression levels of AalbILPs, InR and ERK/AKT varied among developmental stages and between male and female Ae. Albopictus. Quantitative analyses revealed that expression of ILP6, the putative orthologue of the IGF, was highest in midgut of female adults after blood meals. Knockdown of InR induces a significant decrease in the phosphorylation levels of ERK and AKT proteins, and results in developmental delays and smaller body sizes of Ae. Albopictus mosquito.
Conclusions
The IS pathway of Ae. Albopictus mosquito contains ILP1-7, InR, and ERK/AKT cascades, which exhibited different developmental and tissue expression characteristics. Feeding larvae with E.coli-producing InR dsRNA blocks the ERK and AKT cascades and interferes with the development of Ae. Albopictus mosquito. Our data suggest that IS pathway plays an important role in the metabolism and developmental process and could represent a target for controlling mosquito-borne diseases.
Achieving Optimal Heath Data Impact in Rural African Healthcare Settings: Measures to Barriers in Bukomansimbi District, Central Uganda
Authors: Chraish Miiro , Ndawula Josephine Caren , Enoch Musudo , Peace Nabuuma Olivia , Norman Mpaata Charles , Shamim Nabukenya , Alex Akaka , Olivia Bebembeire , Douglas Sanya
Published: September 2022

Background

Health data is one of the most valuable assets in health service delivery yet one of the most underutilized in especially low-income countries. Health data is postulated to improve health service delivery through availing avenues for optimal patient management, facility management, and public health surveillance and management. Advancements in information technology (IT) will further increase the value of data, but will also call for capacity readiness especially in rural health facilities.
We aimed to understand the current knowledge, attitudes and practices of health workers towards health data management and utilization.

Methods

We conducted key informant interviews (KII) for health workers and data staff, and focus group discussions (FGD) for the village health teams (VHTs). We used both purposive and convenience sampling to recruit key informants, and convenience sampling to recruit village health teams. Interviews and discussions were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. We manually generated the codes and we used thematic analysis to identify the themes. We also developed a reflexivity journal.

Results

We conducted a total of 6 key informant interviews and 3 focus group discussions of 29 participants. Our analysis identified 7 themes: One theme underscored the health workers’ enthusiasm towards an optimal health data management setting. The rest of the six themes resonated around working remedies to the systemic challenges that grapple health data management and utilization at facilities in rural areas. These include: Building human resource capacity; Equipping the facilities; Improved coordination with partners; Improved data quality assurance; Promotion of a pull supply system and Reducing information relay time.

Conclusion

Our findings reveal a plethora of systematic challenges that have persistently undercut optimal routine health data management and utilization in rural areas and suggest possible working remedies. Health care workers express enthusiasm towards an optimal health management system but this isn’t matched by their technical capacity, facility readiness, systems and policy willingness. There is an urgent need to build rural lower facilities’ capacity in health data management and utilization which will also lay a foundation for exploitation of information technology in health.
Insulin and Early Debridement keys to survival of COVID 19 associated mucormycosis (CAM) patients- An Experience from tertiary care hospital In India
Authors: Thakur Neha , Misra Maitreyi , Misra Samir , Misra Shyambhavi , Shukla Devesh Kumar , Singh Arvind Kumar , Dheer Yadvendra , Mch DrVaibhav Jaiswal , Raipur Narendra
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Amid the second wave of COVID 19 India witnessed a surge of mucormycosis cases. This worsened the already existing health emergency. India a diabetic capital had all the favourable factors to support the growth of black fungus. This study was conducted with objectives of ascertaining patient characteristics, clinical type of mucormycosis, predisposing factors, predictors of survival and long term outcome of survivors.Materials and Methods:An ambispective study of COVID 19 associated mucormycosis patients admitted in mucor ward of tertiary care hospital between May 2021- August 2021 was done. Study was approved by Institute Ethical Committee. Demographic characteristics, presence of risk factors, clinical sign and symptoms, mode of diagnosis, treatment given, final outcome and long term follow up for a period of 1 year from discharge was done.Results367 COVID 19 associated mucormycosis (CAM )patients were included in the study. 72.5%(n = 266) were men and 27.5% (n = 101) were females. Mean age group was 51.3 years (SD 12.4 years). Most important comorbidity was diabetes( n = 320,87.2%), followed by cardiovascular disease (n = 68, 18.5%) and hypertension (n = 58,15.8%). Other predisposing factors were use of oxygen (n = 367,100%), antibiotics( n = 213,58%) and steroids (n = 272, 74.1%). Dexamethasone was the most commonly used steroid (n = 218,59.4%). Rhino orbital cerebral mucormycosis was the most common type. 83.7% patients (n = 307) survived and 16.3% (n = 60) succumbed to illness. Kaplan Meir survival analysis curve showed use of insulin (p = 0.025), early debridement ( p < 0.05) significantly increased survival rate. Similarly patients with lesions involving, face (p < 0.05) and nose (p = 0.014) had much better outcome as compared to disseminated forms. Only 96 patients remained in follow up. Of these patients no significant alteration in metabolic profile was noted and they remained euglycemic on oral hypoglycaemics.Conclusion: Early debridement and insulin use are keys to improved survival. Oxygen, Steroids and antibiotics are the risk factors for mucormycosis. Diabetes is the most important comorbidity.
The Chinese version of the Functionality Appreciation Scale: Psychometric properties and measurement invariance across sex and age
Authors: He Jinbo , Cui Tianxiang , Barnhart Wesley , Chen Gui
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The present work examined the psychometric properties of the Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS) among four Chinese samples of different ages. The invariance of the FAS across sex and age was also tested.

Methods

Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA and CFA) were conducted to confirm the factorial structure of the FAS among the four Chinese samples of different ages, including middle school adolescents (n = 894, Mage = 12.17 years), high school adolescents (n = 1347, Mage = 15.07 years), young adults (n = 473, Mage = 21.95 years), and older adults (n = 313, Mage = 67.90 years), and the invariance of the FAS across sex and age. Cronbach’s α was used to measure internal consistency, while correlations with theoretically related measures were employed to assess construct validity.

Results

The FAS had a unidimensional structure and was invariant across sex and age groups. The FAS presented sound psychometric properties in all age groups by sex, with good internal consistency reliability [e.g., high Cronbach’s α values (.91 ~ .97)] and good construct validity. Moreover, group comparisons showed minimal sex differences in functionality appreciation. However, significant age differences were found in functionality appreciation, with older ages generally associated with higher functionality appreciation.

Conclusion

Overall, the FAS proved to be a sound instrument to be used in the Chinese context; and functionality appreciation was found to be higher in older adults than adolescents or young adults, suggesting the potentially important role of aging in functionality appreciation.
Level of Evidence: Level V, cross-sectional descriptive study
The Effect of Decentralized Services on Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Care in Sub- Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review
Authors: Achayo Meckie , Larbi Yaw-Awuku , Mall Sumaya , Ibisomi Latifat
Published: September 2022

Background
Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), which is resistant to rifampicin and isoniazid, is a significant public health concern. MDR-TB care has transitioned from being centralized where inpatient care provided at specialized facilities to being decentralized, where the focus is on outpatient care provided at the community. This review aims to synthesize results of studies on the effect of decentralizing MDR- TB care on the accessibility of services and patient treatment outcomes in sub- Saharan Africa (SSA).
Methods
A systematic review which synthesized observational studies, interrupted time series and cost analyses from SSA, published between 2011 and 2021 was conducted. Five databases (PubMed, Cochrane library, Global health, Scopus and Global Index Medicus (WHO)) were searched to identify eligible studies. Quality assessment of included studies was conducted using the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) tool for observational studies and the CHEERS checklist for cost evaluation studies.
Results
Twelve studies met the eligibility criteria for inclusion. In SSA, decentralization of MDR-TB care has been suggested to improve utilization and cost of MDR-TB services. The treatment cost has reduced and volume of patients utilizing both diagnostic and treatment services has increased in all countries represented by the studies. Increased successful treatment as well as reduction in patients who are lost to follow up have also been suggested to be outcomes of decentralizing MDR-TB treatment services within SSA.
Conclusion
In resource limited settings such as those in SSA, studies have suggested that decentralizing MDR-TB services is beneficial as it enables increased utilization of diagnostic and treatment services at lower service delivery costs. High retention into care and treatment success rates are also suggested to be better achieved and maintained when using decentralized approaches than centralized approaches.
Multi-modal Vision-and-Language Analysis of Communication Deficits due to Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Liu Ziming , Collier Parker , Paek Eun Jin , Yoon Si On , Casenhiser Devin , Zhou Wenjun , Simpson Skylar , Zhao Xiaopeng
Published: September 2022

Previous research has demonstrated that referential communication tasks (RCTs) can be used to detect language deficits in people with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). This study carried out a multi-modal vision-and-language analysis on data produced during RCT. Using the CLIP model, we calculated the association between the transcripts of image descriptions collected in RCTs and the images being described. Statistical analyses were conducted to examine the differences between people with AD and cognitively healthy older adults. The analysis results are significantly different between the two groups. Moreover, the results vary significantly across different experimental conditions in the cognitively healthy group, but not in the AD group. This paper is the first study on multi-modal vision-language analysis of RCTs using CLIP. The study reveals communication deficits in vision-language association in people with AD. Further research is needed to evaluate the potential of using CLIP for automatic dementia screening using interactive image-based description tasks
Survival of People with Cystic Fibrosis in Australia
Authors: Ruseckaite Rasa , Salimi Farhad , Earnest Arul , Bell Scott C , Douglas Tonia , Frayman Katherine , Keatley Lucy , King Susannah , Kotsimbos Tom , Middleton Peter G , Morey Sue , Mulrennan Siobhain , Schultz Andre , Wainwright Claire , Ward Nathan , Wark Peter , Ahern Susannah
Published: September 2022

Survival statistics, estimated using data from national cystic fibrosis (CF) registries, inform the CF community and monitor disease progression. This study aimed to estimate survival among people with CF in Australia and to identify factors associated with survival. This population-based cohort study used prospectively collected data from 23 Australian CF centres participating in the Australian CF Data Registry (ACFDR) from 2005-2020. Period survival analysis was used to calculate median age of survival estimates for each 5-year window from 2005-2009 until 2016-2020. The overall median survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Between 2005-2020 the ACFDR followed 4,601 people with CF, noting 516 (11.2%) deaths including 195 following lung transplantation. Out of the total sample, more than half (52.5%) were male and 395 (8.6%) had undergone lung transplantation. Two thirds of people with CF (66.1%) were diagnosed before six weeks of age or by newborn/prenatal screening. The overall median age of survival was estimated as 54.0 years (95% CI: 51.0–57.04). Estimated median survival increased from 48.9 years (95% CI: 44.7–53.5) for people with CF born in 2005-2009, to 56.3 years (95% CI: 51.2–60.4) for those born in 2016-2020. Factors independently associated with reduced survival include being F508del homozygous, receiving a lung transplant, having low FEV1pp and BMI. Median survival estimates are increasing in CF in Australia. This likely reflects multiple factors, including newborn screening, improvement in diagnosis, refinements in CF management and centre-based multidisciplinary care.
Allyl bromide-enabled diversification of strong C(sp3)-H bonds: From stoichiometric reactions to catalysis
Authors: Ye Ziqi , Yu Ying , Lin Yu-Mei , Chen Yuehua , Song Silin , Gong Lei
Published: September 2022

The development of practical approaches to the selective functionalization of strong, neutral C(sp3)-H bonds, such as those in petroleum-derived hydrocarbons, is of general interest but remains a remarkable challenge in synthetic chemistry. We here report a photochemical system employing allyl bromides as versatile reagents or pre-catalysts in the presence of sodium fluoride. Diverse C(sp3)-H functionalization of alkanes, cycloalkanes and other relatively unreactive substances has been achieved from stoichiometric to catalytic variants ¬(TON up to 3300), furnishing a variety of allylated, heteroarylated, alkylated, hydrazinated and aminated products in good yields and with high chemo- and site-selectivity. Binary NaF-allyl bromide adducts generated in situ appear to play essential roles, in that they can act as visible light-active species, hydrogen atom transfer precursors and potential functionalization reagents. We expect that this transition metal- and photosensitizer-free strategy will provide a general platform for C-H diversification of hydrocarbon feedstocks and late-stage modification of lead compounds.
Effect of different atmospheres on microcosm biofilm formation and tooth demineralization
Authors: Braga Aline Silva , Kim Rafaela Ricci , Magalhães Ana Carolina
Published: September 2022

This study evaluated the effects of different atmospheres on the cariogenic potential of microcosm biofilms. Ninety bovine enamel and 90 dentin specimens were allocated into three atmospheres: 1) microaerophilia (5 days, 5% CO2); 2) anaerobiosis (5 days, jar); 3) mixed (2 days microaerophilia and 3 days anaerobiosis), which were subdivided into 0.12% chlorhexidine (positive control- CHX) and Phosphate-Buffered Saline (negative control- PBS) (n = 15). Biofilms were prepared using human saliva and McBain's saliva containing 0.2% sucrose. From the second day, the specimens were treated with CHX or PBS (1 x 1 min/day). After five days, colony-forming units (CFU) were counting and tooth demineralization was analyzed using transverse microradiography (TMR). Data were subjected to two-way ANOVA and Tukey–Sidak’s test (p < 0.05). Regarding CFU counting, most atmospheres were able to differentiate between CHX and PBS (differences of 0.3–1.48 log10 CFU/ml), except for anaerobiosis and microaerophilia for total microorganisms in enamel and dentin biofilm, respectively. In the case of dentin, no effect of CHX on Lactobacillus spp. was observed. All atmospheres were able to differentiate between CHX and PBS regarding enamel demineralization, showing lower mineral loss and lesion depth for CHX (78% and 22% reductions for enamel and dentin, respectively). The enamel mineral loss data did not differ between the models; however, the enamel lesion depth was greater under anaerobiosis. Dentin mineral loss was lower under anaerobiosis than under other atmospheres. Conclusion: The choice of atmosphere did not seem to interfere with the cariogenic potential of the microcosm biofilm.