bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Educational intervention for the promote behaviors related to oral health: a randomized trial protocol
Authors: Marashi Seyedeh Zahra , Hidarnia Alireza , Kazemi Seyedeh Somayeh , Zarei Fatemeh
Published: March 2023

Background: Oral health is an essential part of the overall health in infants, children, and adolescents; because oral diseases have effect on growth performance and quality of life. Given that adolescence is associated with many changes, including physical, sexual and psychosocial changes, and on the other hand, nowadays; many adolescents use mobile applications to monitor their lifestyle behaviors and improve their health. Therefore, the present study will be conducted with the aim of the effect of educational intervention based on self-efficacy theory on promoting adolescent oral health behaviors through the mobile application.
Methods: This is a randomized controlled trial that will be done in two steps. The first stage is related to a descriptive-analytical study; at this stage, determination the current status and educational need assessment of behaviors related to oral health and will be reviewed eligible individuals. The second stage is an experimental study, which is based on the results of a descriptive-analytical study and intervention design. At this stage, eligible adolescents are divided into two groups of intervention and control based on randomized allocation. Then the interventions will be implemented by using of educational strategies based on the self-efficacy theory. Evaluations will be performed with a standard questionnaire of self-efficacy and behaviors related to oral health (knowledge, attitude, behavior), at three points of time (1) Before intervention, (2) one month and (3) three months after the intervention.
Discussion: Adolescents who are in the early stages of permanent teeth; and this unfavorable condition of the mouth and teeth can have negative effects on the longevity of permanent teeth. This study is an attempt to investigate the impact of interventions in promotion behaviors related to oral health of adolescents through the mobile application.
Trial Registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trial (IRCT) IRCT20200120046204N1. Registered on 24 September 2022 Ethics code: IR.MODARES.REC.1401.125
Are Dogs Suitable Proxies for Humans in Archaeological Isotopic Dietary Assessments? Bayesian Analyses of Bone Collagen Stable Isotope Ratios from Ancestral Iroquoian Sites
Authors: Hart John P.
Published: March 2023

Under the archaeological canine surrogacy approach (CSA) it is assumed that because dogs were reliant on humans for food, they had similar diets to the people with whom they lived. As a result, the stable isotopes of their tissues (bone collagen and apatite, tooth enamel and dentine collagen) will be close to the humans with whom they cohabited. Therefore, in the absence of human tissue, dog tissue isotopes can be used to reconstruct past human diets. Here d13C and d15N ratios on previously published dog and human bone collagen from fourteenth-seventeenth century AD ancestral Iroquoian village archaeological sites and ossuaries in southern Ontario are used with MixSIAR, a Bayesian dietary mixing model, to determine if dog stable isotope ratios are good proxies for human diets. The modeling results indicate that human and dogs had different diets. Human dietary protein came primarily from maize and high trophic level fish and dogs from maize, terrestrial animals, low trophic level fish, and human feces. This indicates that CSA is likely not a valid approach for the reconstruction of ancestral Iroquoian diets.
On graded fuzzy n-absorbing hyperideals in graded multiplicative hyperrings
Authors: Ghiasvand Peman , Al-Zoubi K. , Farzalipour F.
Published: March 2023

ABSTRACT. Let G be a group with identity e and R be a graded commutative multiplicative hyperring. In this article, we study the notion of graded fuzzy multiplicative hyperrings as a generalization of fuzzy multiplicative hyperrings. Also, we introduce and study the notion of graded fuzzy n-absorbing hyperideals of R as a generalization of fuzzy prime hyperideals. Many properties, examples and characterizations of graded fuzzy n-absorbing hyperideals of R are introduced. Moreover, among other results in this paper, we investigate graded fuzzy strongly n-absorbing hyperideals, graded fuzzy weakly completely n-absorbing hyperideals and graded fuzzy k-n-absorbing hyperideals. We obtain some basic properties and new results of this case of structures.
2010 Mathematics Subject Classification: 08A72, 20N20, 16W50
Facile fabrication of CuFe2O4 coated with Carbon Quantum Dots nanocomposite as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst toward the reduction of nitroaniline compounds for management of aquatic resources
Authors: Naghash-Hamed Samin , Arsalani Nasser , Mousavi Seyed Borhan
Published: March 2023

The main objective of the current study is to scrutinize the fabrication of facile carbon quantum dots (CQDs) of glucose along with CuFe2O4-CQD nanocomposite and its catalytic reduction towards 2-Nitroaniline (2-NA) and 4-Nitroaniline (4-NA). Considering this, glucose-CQDs and nanocomposite of CuFe2O4-CQD were synthesized via hydrothermal and co-precipitation methods, respectively. Afterward, the fabricated nanocomposite as a promising nanocatalyst was employed to catalyze the 2-NA and 4-NA as a model of toxic organic pollutants into the 1,2-diaminobenzene (1,2-DAB) and 1,4-diaminobenzene (1,4-DAB) with a reducing agent of sodium borohydride (NaBH4), sequentially. The developed CQDs and magnetic nanocomposite were analyzed using FT-IR, XRD, VSM, SEM, TEM, BET surface area, BJH pore volume, and UV-Vis techniques. The results explicated that the magnetically recyclable CuFe2O4-CQD catalyst demonstrated high activity (∼ 96.7 % conversion within 45 s, for 2-NA and ∼ 96.5 % conversion within 18 s, for 4-NA) and efficient recyclability (up to 5 Cycles). The pseudo-second-order apparent reaction constant rate (k2) of 2-NA and 4-NA reduction were 7.12×10-2 and 1.77×10-1, respectively. These findings reveal that the fabricated catalyst offers a new method for the simultaneous reduction of 2-nitroaniline as well as 4-nitroaniline simply for environmental safety purposes.
Controlling the Skyrmion Density and Size for Quantized Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: LONE AIJAZ H. , Ganguly Arnab , Li Hanrui , El-Atab Nazek , Das Gobind , Fariborzi H.
Published: March 2023

Skyrmion devices show energy-efficient and high-integration data storage and computing capabilities. Herein, we present the results of experimental and micromagnetic investigations of the creation and stability of magnetic skyrmions in the Ta/IrMn/CoFeB/MgO thin-film system. We investigate the magnetic-field dependence of the skyrmion density and size using polar magneto-optic Kerr effect (MOKE) microscopy supported by a micromagnetic study. The evolution of the topological charge with time under a magnetic field is investigated, and the transformation dynamics are explained. Furthermore, considering the voltage control of these skyrmion devices, we evaluate the dependence of the skyrmion size and density on the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction and the magnetic anisotropy. We furthermore propose a skyrmion-based synaptic device based on the results of the MOKE and micromagnetic investigations. We demonstrate the spin-orbit torque–controlled discrete topological resistance states with high linearity and uniformity in the device. The discrete nature of the topological resistance (weights) makes it a candidate to realize hardware implementation of weight quantization in a quantized neural network (QNN). The neural network is trained and tested on the CIFAR-10 dataset, where the devices act as synapses to achieve a recognition accuracy of ~ 87%, which is comparable to the result of ideal software-based methods.
The impact of fast food marketing on brand preferences and fast food intake of youth aged 10-17 across six countries
Authors: Bagnato Mariangela , Roy-Gagnon Marie-Hélène , Vanderlee Lana , Hammond David , Kent Monique Potvin
Published: March 2023

Background
Consumption of fast food, which is associated with poor diet, weight gain and the development of noncommunicable diseases, is high amongst youth. Fast food marketing, a modifiable determinant of excess weight and obesity, affects youth’s food-related behaviours. This study aimed to examine the relationship between exposure to fast food marketing and the fast food brand preferences and intake amongst youth aged 10-17 across six countries.
Methods
Data from 9,695 youth respondents living in Australia, Canada, Chile, Mexico, the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US) were analyzed from the 2019 International Food Policy Youth Study. Survey measures assessed exposure to fast food marketing and brand-specific marketing, and preference for these brands and fast food intake. Regression models adjusted for age, sex, income adequacy and ethnicity were used to examine the associations.
Results
Exposure to fast food marketing was positively associated with brand preferences and intake consistently across most countries. Overall, preference for McDonald’s (OR:1.97; CI:1.52, 2.56), KFC (OR:1.61; CI:1.24, 2.09) and Subway (OR:1.73; CI:1.34, 2.24) were highest when exposed to general fast food marketing ≥2x/week compared to never. Preference for McDonald’s (OR:2.32; CI:1.92, 2.79), KFC (OR:2.28; CI:1.95, 2.68) and Subway (OR:2.75; CI:2.32, 3.27) were also higher when exposed to marketing for each brand compared to not. Fast food intake was highest in Chile (IRR:1.90; CI:1.45, 2.48), the UK (IRR:1.40; CI:1.20, 1.63), Canada (IRR:1.32; CI:1.19, 1.48), Mexico (IRR:1.26; CI:1.05, 1.53) and the US (IRR:1.21; CI:1.05, 1.41) when exposed to general fast food marketing ≥2x/week compared to never and was higher
across most countries when exposed to brand-specific marketing compared to not. Respondents classified as ethnic minorities were more likely to report consuming fast food than ethnic majorities, and females were less likely to report consuming fast food than males.
Conclusions
Exposure to fast food marketing is consistently and positively associated with brand preferences and fast food intake in all six countries. Our results highlight the need for strict government regulation to reduce exposure of unhealthy food marketing to youth in all six countries.
Maternal Mental Health and Breastfeeding Support in Tertiary Hospital Nurseries in Nigeria
Authors: Alao Michael Abel , Ibrahim Olayinka Rasheed , Yekini Sakiru Abiodun , Sotimehin Sikirat Adetoun , Diala Udochukwu Michael , Briggs Datonye Christopher , Musa Aishatu Zaidu , Imam Zainab Oluwatosin , Famutimi Esther oluwatoyin , Idris Adedeji Abiodun , Ayuk Adaeze C. , Iloh Kenechukwu Kosisochukwu , Odimegwu Chioma Laura , Adeyemi Ayomide Toluwanimi , Medupin Patricia F , Adeniyi Yetunde C. , Nnamani Kenechi Ogbodo , Tongo Olukemi Oluwatoyin
Published: March 2023

Background
The postpartum period is associated with an increased risk of maternal mental disorders. The combined effect of having the mother's infant admitted to a tertiary hospital in a low-resource setting and the need to exclusively breastfeed the infant may exaggerate this risk. This study aimed to determine the breastfeeding support provided to mothers whose infants were hospitalised in Nigerian tertiary hospital nurseries and the prevalence of common mental health disorders among this population.
Methods
This was a national cross-sectional study involving mothers of hospitalised infants from eleven Nigerian tertiary hospitals between May and August 2022. To assess mothers' mental health and breastfeeding support, we utilised the WHO self-reporting Questionnaire 20 and an adapted WHO/UNICEF ten-step breastfeeding support package.
Results
Of the 1,120 mothers recruited from neonatal nurseries in the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria, only 895 had a complete dataset for analysis. The mean age of the mothers was 29.9 ±6.2; with 54.7% belonging to the low-socioeconomic class. Most of the mothers (835, 93.3%) received antenatal care, and 591: 66.0% were delivered at term. Overall, less than half (427; 47.7%) of the mother received optimal breastfeeding support. One in every four, 216; 24.0% of nursing mothers (95% CI: 21.235 to 26.937%) had common mental disorders (CMD). History of mental health disorders was reported in 41; 4.6% of the nursing mothers. Overall, the lowest performing areas of breastfeeding support were family-centred care (198, 22.1%), practical skill demonstration in the ward (n=279, 31.2%), and antenatal clinics (n=294, 32.8%). CMDs were statistically significantly associated with the healthcare provider's practical breastfeeding skill demonstration and the provision of storage facilities for breastmilkand family-centered-care. Across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones, there was an inverse relationship between optimal breastfeeding support and the proportion of mothers with CMDs. The northern zone provided better breastfeeding support and had fewer CMDs than the southern region of the country.
Conclusion
Common mental disorders are prevalent among nursing mothers in Nigerian tertiary hospital nurseries, and they are inversely related to breastfeeding support. Urgently required in tertiary hospitals for improved and sustainable breastfeeding practices are a focus on family-centred care and enhanced health workers’ practical breastfeeding support skills.
Endometriosis in ectopic kidney: A rare case report and literature review
Authors: Chen MengLin , Yu YuanMeng , Zhao XinXiang
Published: March 2023

Background: Endometriosis mainly occurs in the pelvic tissues and organs of women. Endometriosis in the kidney is extremely rare, and to the best of our knowledge, this article reports the first case of endometriosis in the ectopic kidney.
Case presentation: We describe a case of a 19-year-old girl with occasional mild abdominal pain, who was admitted to hospital due to the discovery of an ectopic left kidney. SPECT-CT showed no abnormal radioactive distribution was found in the left pelvis, suggesting that the left ectopic kidney was not functioning. Laparoscopic left ectopic kidney resection was subsequently performed. Histopathology revealed endometriosis of the ectopic left kidney.
Conclusions: In female patients with clinical manifestations of abdominal pain and gross hematuria, the possibility of renal endometriosis should be considered.
Acute brain slice elastic modulus decreases over time
Authors: Exton John , Higgins Jonathan M.G. , Chen Jinju
Published: March 2023

A common benchmark in the brain tissue mechanics literature is that the properties of acute brain slices should be measured within 8 hours of the experimental animal being sacrificed. The core assumption is that — since there is no substantial protein degradation during this time — there will be no change to elastic modulus. This assumption overlooks the possibility of other effects (such as osmotic swelling) that may influence the mechanical properties of the tissue. To achieve consistent and accurate analysis of brain mechanics, it is important to account for or mitigate these effects. Using atomic force microscopy (AFM), tissue hydration and volume measurements, we find that acute brain slices in oxygenated artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) with a standard osmolarity of 300 mOsm/l experience rapid swelling, softening, and increases in hydration within the first two hours after slicing. Reductions in elastic modulus can be partly mitigated by addition of chondroitinase ABC enzyme (CABC). Increasing aCSF osmolarity to 400 mOsm/l does not prevent softening but may hasten equilibration of samples to a point where measurements of relative elastic modulus are consistent across experiments.
Honokiol affects the composition of gut microbiota and the metabolism of lipid and bile acid in methionine-choline deficiency diet-induced NASH mice
Authors: Zhai Ting , Wang Junjun , Chen Yong
Published: March 2023

Background
Honokiol (HNK), one of the main active components of Magnolia officinalis, has a positive effect on non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, the effects of HNK on the composition of serum lipids and bile acids (BAs) and gut microbiota (GM) of NASH mice are still unknown.
Methods
C57BL/6 mice were fed with methionine-choline deficiency (MCD) diet and gavaged with HNK (20mg/kg/d) for 8 weeks, then the serum lipids and BAs were detected by LC-MS, the composition of ileum microflora and the mRNA expression of hepatic BAs homeostasis related genes were analyzed by 16SrDNA sequencing and RT-qPCR, respectively.
Results
HNK treatment decreased the degree of hepatic lipid drops, inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrosis. Meantime, the serum levels of 34 lipids and 4 BAs in MCD mice were significantly altered by HNK treatment, as well as the increased abundance of Ruminococcaceae, Caulobacteraceae, Micrococcaceae and Brevundimonas, and the decreased abundance of Firmicutes and Dubosiella. Besides, HNK treatment increased the hepatic mRNA expression of Oatp1b2 in MCD mice.
Conclusions
The ameliorating effect of HNK on NASH may be partly related to its correction on the disorders of GM, serum lipids and BAs through influencing gut-liver axis of MCD mice.
Comparison of three different anastomotic methods of sleeve gastrectomy with transit bipartition using an obese rodent model
Authors: Chu Yuxiao , Widjaja Jason , Wang Jian , Wu Wei , Hong Jian , Zhu Xiaocheng , Yao Libin
Published: March 2023

Introduction: The long-term effects and safety of single-anastomosis sleeve ileal (SASI) bypass have not been confirmed. One anastomosis procedure carries the risk of bile reflux, and Braun anastomosis can reduce bile reflux. This study was designed to compare the influences of bile reflux and histological changes in the esogastric sections of rats.
Methods: Obese Sprague-Dawley rats underwent sleeve gastrectomy with transit bipartition (RYTB) (n=12), SASI (n=12), SASI bypass with Braun anastomosis (BTB) (n=12), esojejunostomy (EJ) (n=12), and SHAM (n=8) surgery. During the 12-week follow-up period, weight changes, glucose improvement, and changes in serum nutrition were evaluated. Histological expression and bile acid concentration in the rats in all groups were also evaluated.
Results: No significant differences in weight loss and glucose improvements were observed in the RYTB, SASI, and BTB groups. The RYTB and BTB groups had significantly lower bile acid concentration and albumin levels than the SASI group. In addition, mucosal height in the RYTB and BTB groups was significantly lower than in the SASI group.
Conclusion: Braun anastomosis had a significant effect on anti-reflux. BTB may be a superior primary procedure due to its potential for parallel bariatric and metabolic improvements, effective anti-reflux effects, simplified operations, and avoidance of severe malnutrition. Further clinical studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Psychosocial Experiences in a Rural Australian Cancer Service: Mixed method insights into patient and carer psychological distress and psychosocial service barriers
Authors: Barnes Marisa , Rice Kylie , Usher Kim , Thorsteinsson Einar B. , Murray Clara V. , Ord Fiona
Published: March 2023

Purpose: An increasing body of evidence indicates that people with cancer experience psychosocial concerns across the entirety of their cancer experience from pre-diagnosis to survivorship. These concerns have not just a deleterious effect on their medical journey, but impact more broadly across well-being and, importantly, the well-being of the people that love and care for them. Whilst most oncology research focuses on patients, the role and experiences of families and carers is increasingly recognised as a core component of health service delivery.
Methods: This paper outlines an evaluation of the psychosocial experiences of 125 rural people accessing cancer services through three health services in rural NSW.
Results: Despite an increasing and improved focus on rural heath equity, and the funding of high-quality rural cancer services over the past decade, the findings of this study suggest that cancer patient and carer populations in rural NSW experience concerning levels of psychological distress and barriers to accessing quality healthcare.
Conclusions: The combination of high psychological need for patients and carers with insufficiency and inaccessibility of psychosocial support services have substantial implications for service provision and the psychological wellbeing of those they service. Under-detection of psychosocial need and a lack of support services poses a significant challenge for rural people with cancer and for those that care for them; this must be an urgent priority for quality improvement and equitable health care provision.
Booster mRNA vaccination post-SARS-CoV-2 infection enhances functional qualities of T cell immunity
Authors: Buggert Marcus , Cai Curtis , Gao Yu , Ballesteros Olga Rivera , Hansson Lotta , Österborg Anders , Sandberg Johan , Ljunggren Hans-Gustaf , Björkström Niklas , Strålin Kristoffer , Qin Chuan , Grifoni Alba , Weiskopf Daniela , Wherry E. , Sette Alessandro , Aleman Soo
Published: March 2023

T cells are critical to providing protection from severe COVID-19. However, whether repeated SARS-CoV-2 vaccination post-infection fuels T cell exhaustion or reshapes functionality remains debated. Here, we sampled SARS-CoV-2 convalescent donors of different COVID-19 disease severity before and after subsequent mRNA vaccination to determine the functional consequences of hybrid immunity. Using combined single-cell protein and transcriptional analysis of T cells targeting different regions of the SARS-CoV-2 genome, we identified that spike-specific T cells increased in magnitude but, notably, also gained improved polyfunctional characteristics. In contrast, T cell responses targeting non-spike proteins diminished with time and functionally remained unchanged. Elevated IFN-γ expression was a common hallmark of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses in mRNA-vaccinated individuals after SARS-CoV-2 infection. These responses were founded on both pre-expanded and newly detected CD8+ T cell clones after vaccination. Elevated IFN-γ production and magnitude of SARS-CoV-2-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were also found in patients with B cell abnormalities (chronic lymphocytic leukemia; CLL) after booster mRNA vaccination (four doses). Collectively, these data demonstrate limited signs of functional exhaustion and instead cumulative benefits of booster vaccination post-infection, increasing the quantity and quality of cell-mediated immunity.
A task-unified network with transformer and spatial-temporal convolution for left ventricular quantification
Authors: Li Dapeng , Peng Yanjun , Sun Jindong , Guo Yanfei
Published: March 2023

Quantification of the cardiac function is vital for diagnosing and curing the cardiovascular diseases.
Left ventricular function measurement is the most commonly used measure to evaluate the function
of cardiac in clinical practice, how to improve the accuracy of left ventricular quantitative assessment
results has always been the subject of research by medical researchers. Although considerable efforts
have been put forward to measure the left ventricle (LV) automatically using deep learning methods,
the accurate quantification is yet a challenge work as a result of the changeable anatomy structure
of heart in the systolic diastolic cycle. Besides, most methods used direct regression method which
lacks of visual based analysis. In this work, a deep learning segmentation and regression task-unified
network with transformer and spatial-temporal convolution was proposed to segment and quantify
the LV simultaneously. The segmentation module leveraged a U-Net like 3D Transformer model to
predict the contour of three anatomy structures, while the regression module learned spatial-temporal
representations from the original images and the reconstruct feature maps from segmentation path to
estimate the fifinally desired quantification metrics. Furthermore, we employed a joint task loss function
to train the two module networks. Our framework is evaluated on the MICCAI 2017 Left Ventricle
Full Quantification Challenge dataset. The results of experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of
our framework, which achieves competitive cardiac quantification metric results and at the same time
produces visualized segmentation results that are conducive to later analysis.
Identification of Radiomic Biomarkers in a Set of Four Skeletal Muscle Groups on Dixon MRI of the NAKO MR study
Authors: Fischer Marc , Küstner Thomas , Pappa Sofia , Niendorf Thoralf , Pischon Tobias , Kröncke Thomas , Bette Stefanie , Schramm Sara , Schmidt Börge , Haubold Johannes , Nensa Felix , Nonnenmacher Tobias , Palm Viktoria , Bamberg Fabian , Kiefer Lena , Schick Fritz , Yang Bin
Published: March 2023

In this work, we propose a processing pipeline for the extraction and identification of meaningful radiomics biomarkers in skeletal muscle tissue as displayed using Dixon-weighted MRI. The approach comprises the texture feature extraction from raw data based on well established approaches, such as a nnU-Net neural network and the Pyradiomics toolbox, a subsequent selection according to adequate conditions for the muscle tissue of the general population, and an importance-based ranking to further narrow the amount of meaningful features with respect to auxiliary targets. The performance was investigated with respect to the included auxiliary targets, namely age, body mass index (BMI), and fat fraction (FF). Four skeletal muscles with different fiber architecture were included: the mm. glutaei, m. psoas, as well as the extensors and adductors of the thigh. The selection allowed for a reduction from 1015 available texture features to 65 for age, 53 for BMI, and 36 for FF from the available fat/water contrast images considering all muscles jointly. Further, the dependence of the importance rankings calculated for the auxiliary targets on validation sets (in a cross-validation scheme) was investigated by boxplots. In addition, significant differences between subgroups of respective auxiliary targets as well as between both sexes were shown to be present within the ten lowest ranked features by means of Kruskal-Wallis H-tests and Mann-Whitney U-tests. The prediction performance for the selected features and the ranking scheme were verified on validation sets by a random forest based multi-class classification, with strong area under the curve (AUC) values of the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) of 73.03 ± 0.70 % and 73.63 ± 0.70 % for the water and fat images in age, 80.68 ± 0.30 % and 88.03 ± 0.89 % in BMI, as well as 98.36 ± 0.03 % and 98.52 ± 0.09 % in FF.
Entorhinal cortex layer III ADGRL2 expression controls topographical circuit connectivity required for sequence learning
Authors: Donohue Jordan , Liu Elizabeth , Saab Lisette , Kaur Rajbir , Yang Woojin , Anderson Garret
Published: March 2023

The entorhinal cortex and hippocampus are interconnected brain regions required for episodic learning and memory. For this functional encoding, correct assembly of specific synaptic connections across this circuit is a critical component during development. To guide the connection specificity that exists between neurons requires a multitude of circuit building molecular components, including the latrophilin family of synaptic cell adhesion molecules (Lphn1-3; gene symbols ADGRL1-3). Of this genetic family, Lphn2 (ADGRL2) exhibits a unique topographical and cell-type specific expression patterning in the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus that mirrors connectivity. To investigate the role of Lphn2 in a specific cell-type in this circuit, we here created a transgenic mouse (Lphn2fl/fl;pOXR1-Cre) with targeted Lphn2 deletion in medial entorhinal cortex layer III neurons (MECIII). Using these mice, we find two major input/output circuitry pathways to be topographically shifted with Lphn2 deletion in MECIII neurons that include MECIII axon projections to contralateral MEC layer I, and presubiculum axons to ipsilateral MEC layer III. To test the behavioral consequences of these circuitry alterations, we investigated varying entorhinal cortex dependent behaviors, revealing selective deficits in spatial-temporal sequence recognition. Taken together, this study demonstrates that Lphn2 expression in MECIII neurons is necessary for the accurate assembly of MEC topographical circuits that support episodic learning.
The evaluation of MMP-2/TIMP-1 ratio in peptic ulcer and its association with refractory helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Negaresh Mohammad , Safarzadeh Elham , Fouladi Nasrin , Matin Somaieh , Pourfarzi Sanaz
Published: March 2023

Background
Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) is one of the leading causes of peptic ulcers, and its treatment is a worldwide challenge. Matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors influence the development and healing of peptic ulcers. This study aimed to evaluate the ratios of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) to tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in patients with a peptic ulcer that are sensitive or resistant to H. pylori treatment and compare them with healthy individuals.
Methods
In this study, 95 patients were included and divided into two groups sensitive (41 patients) and resistant to treatment (54 patients). The results were compared with a control group of twenty participants with normal endoscopy. After obtaining written informed consent, five ml of venous blood was taken to determine their serum MMP-2 and TIMP-1 levels using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results
In patients with H. pylori-induced peptic ulcers, the MMP-2/TIMP-1 ratio was significantly higher than those of the healthy controls (P < 0.05). MMP-2 level was associated with patients’ response to treatment (P < 0.05). The MMP-2/TIMP-1 ratio and the chance for refractory H. pylori-induced peptic ulcer disease were higher in patients with simultaneous gastric and duodenal ulcers (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
It seems that peptic ulcer disease caused by infection with H. pylori increases the MMP-2/TIMP-1 ratio in patients with peptic ulcers. However, it might not be a good predictor of refractory H. pylori-induced peptic ulcer disease.
Investigation and analysis of entry personnel’s mental health status under COVID-2019 quarantine in Shanghai, China
Authors: Chen Liping , Chu Qiao , Xu Chenhui , Zhou Feng , Hu Xiaolong , Jin Ying , Wang Zhaoxin , Lv Yipeng
Published: March 2023

Background
To investigate the mental health status and stress coping of quarantined personnel entering Shanghai from abroad, identify the key influencing factors, and provide suggestions for improving the mental health of COVID-19 quarantined personnel.
Methods
We surveyed quarantined individuals to collect general demographic data and COVID-19-related information of 327 entry personnel at the quarantine medical observation point. PHQ-9, GAD-7, and Cope scale (simplified version) were used to assess depression, anxiety, and individual stress coping. We analyzed the independent individual variables for their relationship with mental health outcomes.
Results
Among the entry quarantined personnel, we found that 27.8% scored positively for depression and 20.5% for anxiety. Depressive symptoms were more likely in individuals with pre-existing health conditions (p = 0.003), lack of medical insurance (p = 0.012), worry about the impact of the epidemic on their studies / work (p = 0.020), worry about the lack of daily necessities during quarantine (p = 0.005), and worry about being rejected or discriminated against by the outside world after quarantine (p = 0.002). Anxiety symptoms were more likely in those without medical insurance (p = 0.008) and those worried about being rejected or discriminated against by the outside world after quarantine (p = 0.010). In terms of stress coping, those with higher scores in "denial (disapproval of events) (p = 0.025, P = 0.041), guilt and self-blame (p = 0.001, p = 0.009)" were more likely to score higher for depression and anxiety.
Conclusion
Attention should be paid to the negative psychological reactions of the entry quarantined personnel, especially those with pre-existing health conditions, those without medical insurance, and students studying abroad who are at high risk of negative emotions. Timely mental health support should be provided. Accurate and effective epidemic dynamic information and preventive and control measures can be provided to the public through media publicity to prevent fear and stigma against quarantined personnel.
Genetic Correlations between Suicide Attempts and Psychiatric and Intermediate Phenotypes Adjusting for Mental Disorders
Authors: Ohi Kazutaka , Fujikane Daisuke , Kuramitsu Ayumi , Takai Kentaro , Muto Yukimasa , Sugiyama Shunsuke , Shioiri Toshiki
Published: March 2023

Suicide attempts are a moderately heritable trait, and genetic correlations with psychiatric and related intermediate phenotypes have been reported. However, as several mental disorders as well as major depressive disorder (MDD)are strongly associated with suicide attempts, these genetic correlations could be mediated by psychiatric disorders. Here, we investigated genetic correlations of suicide attempts with psychiatric and related intermediate phenotypes, with and without adjusting for mental disorders. To investigate the genetic correlations, we utilized large-scalegenome-wide association studysummary statistics for suicide attempts (with and without adjusting for mental disorders), nine psychiatric disorders, and fifteen intermediate phenotypes. Without adjusting for mental disorders, suicide attempts had significant positive genetic correlations with risks of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, MDD and anxiety disorders; higher risk tolerance; earlier age at first sexual intercourse, at first birth and at menopause; higher parity; lower childhood IQ, educational attainment and cognitive ability; and lower smoking cessation. After adjusting for mental disorders, suicide attempts had significant positive genetic correlations with the risk of MDD; earlier age at first sexual intercourse, at first birth and at menopause; and lower educational attainment. After adjusting for mental disorders, most of the genetic correlations with psychiatric disorders were decreased, while several genetic correlations with intermediate phenotypes were increased. These findings highlight the importance of considering mental disorders in the analysis of genetic correlations related to suicide attempts and suggest that susceptibility to MDD, reproductive behaviors, and lower educational levels share a genetic basis with suicide attempts after adjusting for mental disorders.
Survival prediction of NLST lung cancer patients from radiomics and clinical data
Authors: Leu Anh , Subramanian Vaishnavi , Dasso Mary , Do Minh , Menchaca Martha
Published: March 2023

Background: It is critical to accurately predict the survival likelihood of cancer patients to allow the best care and treatment. Publicly available datasets have emerged recently, such as the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) data with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans of at-risk populations. Recent research focuses primarily on improving survival prediction performance by developing more complex models without sufficient focus on interpretability. In contrast, this study focuses on identifying and analyzing the importance of different radiology features and clinical variables in survival prediction.
Methods: This research used the NLST data with two widely-used predictive models - the Cox proportional hazards (CPH) model and the random survival forests (RSF). The first step was to generate semi-automated primary nodule annotations for an NLST subset of adenocarcinoma patients with the close help of a radiologist and extract commonly-used radiomic features to characterize these primary nodules. By coupling the radiomic features with the patient's clinical data, the models predict death by lung cancer from the first LDCT scan. The next step is to construct smaller subsets of influential features and demonstrates that these subsets preserve survival performance. Additionally, this study investigated the potential of combining radiomic features and clinical data in survival prediction. Lastly, to make similar studies on the NLST more feasible, the semi-automated nodule segmentations for the NLST subset used in this study were provided for public use along with the code for the experiments at https://github.com/hleu/survival_nlst.
Results: The best result of 67.06 C-index and a mean time-dependent area under the receiver operating characteristic (TD-AUC) of 71.27 was obtained by using CPH models with a combination of a subset of clinical features and shape-based radiomic features.
Conclusions: The first contribution is the nodule annotation, segmentation, and exact feature extraction from the NLST dataset. This annotated dataset increases the model performance for lung cancer prognosis. Secondly, this study applied two different survival analysis methods to radiology and clinical features and compared the results obtained from different techniques. The models with a combination of features can outperform the model with only radiomics or clinical features.
Polymer-based dual drug delivery system for targeted treatment of fluoroquinolone-resistant Staphylococcus aureus mediated infections
Authors: Thamilselvan Gopalakrishnan , David Helma , Sajeevan Anusree , Rajaramon Shobana , Solomon Adline Princy , D Ramyadevi , Narayanan Vedha Hari B
Published: March 2023

The present study attempts to treat S. aureus-induced soft skin infections using a novel combinatorial therapy with an antibiotic, Ciprofloxacin (CIP), and an efflux pump inhibitor 5-Nitro-2-(3-phenylpropoxy) pyridine (5-NPPP) through a smart hydrogel delivery system. The study aims to reduce the increasing rates of infections and antimicrobial resistance; therefore, a novel efflux pump inhibitor molecule is synthesised and delivered along with an antibiotic to re-sensitize the pathogen towards antibiotics and treat the infections. CIP loaded polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels at varying concentrations were fabricated and optimized by a chemical cross-linking process, which exhibited sustained release of the drug for 5 days. The compound 5-NPPP loaded hydrogels provided linear drug release for 2 days, necessitating the need for the development of polymeric nanoparticles to alter the release drug pattern. 5-NPPP loaded Eudragit RSPO nanoparticles were prepared by modified nanoprecipitation - solvent evaporation method, which showed optimum average particle size of 230–280 nm with > 90% drug entrapment efficiency. The 5-NPPP polymeric nanoparticles loaded PVA hydrogels were fabricated to provide a predetermined sustained release of the compound to provide synergistic effect. The selected 7% PVA hydrogels loaded with the dual drugs were evaluated using Balb/c mice models induced with S. aureus soft skin infections. The results of in vivo studies were evidenced that the dual drugs loaded hydrogels were non-toxic and reduced the bacterial load causing re-sensitization towards antibiotics, which could initiate re-epithelization. Overall, the research concluded that the PVA hydrogels loaded with CIP and 5-NPPP nanoparticles could be an ideal and promising drug delivery system to treat S. aureus induced skin infections.
Metformin ameliorates peripheral neuropathy in diabetic rats by downregulating autophagy via the AMPK pathway
Authors: Liu Fengmin , Li Wei , Xie Diya , Du Xiaojuan , Chen Xiaole
Published: March 2023

Aims
Diabetic neuropathy (DN) represents an important complication of diabetes mellitus. Autophagy is considered to be potentially involved in the regulation of DN. Metformin is broadly utilized in the first-line treatment of diabetes. The present work aimed to assess whether and how metformin exerts protective effects in DN.
Methods
A diabetic neuropathy rat model induced by STZ was established. Metformin was administered to examine its effect on sciatic nerve pathology, and the possible mechanism was explored.
Results
Morphological damage was observed in sciatic nerve samples from diabetic animals, accompanied by decreased p-AMPK expression and increased LC-3 levels. Notably, metformin ameliorated the morphological changes in the sciatic nerve by downregulating autophagy via p-AMPK upregulation.
Conclusions
These results indicate that metformin attenuates peripheral neuropathy in diabetic rats by regulating autophagy.
Feasible intervention combinations for achieving a safe exit of the Zero-COVID policy in China and its determinants: an individual- based model study
Authors: Cheng Qu , Hao Xingjie , Wu Degang , Wang Qi , Spear Robert C. , Wei Sheng
Published: March 2023

Background
Although several pathways have been proposed as the prerequisite for a safe phase-out in China, it is not clear which of them are the most important for keeping the mortality rate low, what thresholds should be achieved for these most important interventions, and how do the thresholds change with the assumed key epidemiological parameters and population characteristics.
Methods
We developed an individual-based model (IBM) to simulate the transmission of the Omicron variant in the synthetic population, accounting for the age-dependent probabilities of severe clinical outcomes, waning vaccine-induced immunity, increased mortality rates when hospitals are overburdened, and reduced transmission when self-isolated at home after testing positive. We applied machine learning algorithms on the simulation outputs to examine the importance of each intervention parameter and the feasible intervention parameter combinations for safe exits, which is defined as having mortality rates lower than that of influenza in China (14.3 per 100, 000 persons).
Results
We identified vaccine coverage in those above 70 years old, number of ICU beds per capita, and the availability of antiviral treatment as the most important interventions for safe exits across all studied locations, although the thresholds of them required for safe exits vary remarkably with the assumed vaccine effectiveness, as well as the age structure, age-specific vaccine coverage, community healthcare capacity of the studied locations.
Conclusions
The analytical framework developed here can provide the basis for further policy decisions that incorporate considerations about economic costs and societal impacts. Achieving safe exits from the Zero-COVID policy is possible, but challenging for China’s cities. When planning for safe exits, local realities such as the age structure and current age-specific vaccine coverage must be taken into consideration.
The risk of hospitalization for psychotic disorders following hospitalization for COVID-19: a French nationwide longitudinal study
Authors: Pignon Baptiste , Decio Valentina , Pirard Philippe , Bouaziz Olivier , Corruble Emmanuelle , Geoffroy Pierre , Kovess-Masfety Viviane , Leboyer Marion , Lemogne Cédric , Messika Jonathan , Perduca Vittorio , Schurhof Franck , Regnault Nolwenn , Tebeka Sarah
Published: March 2023

COVID-19, like other infectious diseases, may be a risk factor for a first episode of psychosis or psychotic relapse. We aimed to compare the proportions of hospitalizations for psychotic disorders in the 12 months following discharge from hospital for either COVID-19 or for another reason in the adult general population in France during the first wave of the pandemic.
We conducted a retrospective longitudinal nationwide study using the national French administrative healthcare database. Psychotic disorders were first studied as a whole, and then chronic and acute disorders separately. The role of several adjustment factors, including sociodemographics, a history of psychotic disorder, the duration of the initial hospitalization, and the level of care received during that hospitalization, were also analyzed.
Between 1 January 2020 and 30 June 2020, a total of 14,622 patients were hospitalized for psychotic disorders in the 12 months following discharge from hospital for either COVID-19 or another reason. Initial hospitalization for COVID-19 (vs. another reason) was associated with a lower rate of subsequent hospitalization for psychotic disorders (0.31 % vs. 0.51 %, OR = 0.60, 95% CI [0.53-0.67]). This was true for both chronic and acute disorders, even after adjusting for the various study variables. Importantly, a history of psychotic disorder was a major determinant of hospitalization for psychotic disorders (aOR = 126.56, 95% CI [121.85-131.46]).
Our results suggest that individuals initially hospitalized for COVID-19 (vs. another reason) present a lower risk of hospitalization for first episodes of psychotic symptoms/disorders or for psychotic relapse in the 12 months following discharge. This finding contradicts invalidates the hypothesis that there is a higher risk of psychotic disorders after a severe COVID-19.
A hydrodynamic interaction between gas bubbles departed in liquid and gas supply system
Authors: Dzienis Pawel , Golak Karol , Konopka Mateusz , Mosdorf Romuald , Bazienė Kristina , Gargasas Justinas
Published: March 2023

In the present paper the hydrodynamic interactions between bubble - bubble and bubble-gas supply system to the needle were experimentally and numerically investigated. In an experiment in one of the needles, the air volume flow rate was constant and in the neighbouring needle, it was changed. Despite setting the constant air flow rate supply to the needle, the frequency of bubble departures fluctuated, with a change in the flow rate in the neighbouring needle. In order to identify the occurrence of hydrodynamic interaction the methods of nonlinear data analysis - wavelet analysis and FFT were used. It can be concluded that the synchronised or alternative bubble departures from twin neighbouring needles, (occurring due to hydrodynamic interaction) are possible by modifying the bubble waiting time. Moreover modification of hydrodynamic interaction between bubble – bubble actually bubble – gas supply system can be used to control the bubble departure process.
Apremilast reverses the profibrotic phenotype of dermal fibroblasts derived from patients with systemic sclerosis and prevents the progression of bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis in mice
Authors: Higuchi Tomoaki , Takagi Kae , Tochimoto Akiko , Ichimura Yuki , Hirose Hikaru , Sawada Tatsuo , Shibata Nobuyuki , Harigai Masayoshi , Kawaguchi Yasushi
Published: March 2023

Phosphodiesterase (PDE) 4 inhibitors have been reported to suppress the progression of dermal fibrosis in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc); however, the precise mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Therefore, we conducted experiments focusing on the antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects of apremilast using dermal fibroblasts derived from patients with SSc and an SSc mouse model. Dermal fibroblasts derived from healthy controls and patients with SSc were incubated with apremilast in the presence or absence of 10 ng/ml transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 for the measurement of intracellular cAMP levels and evaluation of mRNA and protein expression. A bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis mouse model was used to evaluate the inhibitory effects of apremilast on the progression of dermal fibrosis. Intracellular cAMP levels were significantly reduced in dermal fibroblasts derived from patients with SSc compared with those derived from healthy controls. Apremilast reduced the mRNA expression of COL1A1, COL1A2, CTGF, and ACTA2 and the protein expression of type I collagen and Cellular Communication Network Factor 2 (CCN2) in dermal fibroblasts. Additionally, apremilast inhibited the progression of dermal fibrosis in mice, partly by acting on macrophages. These results suggest that apremilast may be a potential candidate for treating dermal fibrosis in SSc.