bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long COVID-19 and diabetes mellitus: a short review
Authors: Kreutzenberg Saula Vigili de
Published: March 2023

The persistence of Covid-19 infection for more than four weeks after the acute phase is defined as the long Covid-19 syndrome. This condition, otherwise defined by the persistence of signs and symptoms for more than 12 weeks, shares several features with diabetes mellitus: diabetes mellitus and Covid-19 infections have a pandemic dimension, are characterized by an inflammatory milieu, and show a bidirectional relationship. Diabetic patients appear more likely to develop long Covid-19 syndrome than non-diabetic individuals. The chronicity of Covid-19 favors the development of new cases of diabetes. In this short review, we discuss the evidence supporting the link between Covid-19 and diabetes mellitus, focusing on the epidemiological and pathophysiological aspects of this dangerous relationship.
Metabolic primary liver cancer in adults: risk factors and pathogenic mechanisms
Authors: Lugari Simonetta , Baldelli Enrica , Lonardo Amedeo
Published: March 2023

Primary liver cancer (PLC) is a heterogeneous group of disorders arising with the background of chronic liver disease (CLD) owing to varying etiologies. PLC carries a high lethality rate and a substantial epidemiological, clinical, and financial burden, which is projected to escalate. The two most common PLC histotypes in adults are hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CC); the latter is sub-classified as either intrahepatic CC or extrahepatic CC. Over recent decades, there has been a decline of viral CLD accompanied by an increase in dysmetabolic CLD, resulting in PLC becoming relatively more common in Western countries. Metabolic co-morbidities are risk factors and co-factors for HCC and (increasingly) CC. Complex immunological, cellular, pro-inflammatory, molecular, and genetic processes in the systemic dysmetabolic milieu increase PLC risk. Improved understanding of these mechanisms requires close surveillance and early diagnosis of at-risk patients while paving the way for personalized medicine, chemoprevention, and innovative management of metabolic PLC.
Assessment of background plastics contamination from human respiratory tract sample collection vessels
Authors: Okoffo Elvis D. , Rauert Cassandra , Boots Robert , Fielding David , Bashiradeh Farzard , Singh Mahendra , Thomas Kevin V.
Published: March 2023

Humans are increasingly exposed to airborne plastic particles due to their widespread contamination of all parts of the environment, yet the extent of inhalation exposure is still widely unknown. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and Transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) are two methodologies that are routinely used to detect micron or sub-micron foreign particles lodged in the human respiratory system. However, disposable plastic sampling and collection equipment is commonly used in these procedures. In this study, the potential of sample contamination due to the migration of particles from a range of containers commonly used in BAL and TBNA sample collection was investigated. PE and PVC were detected at the highest concentrations (1.5-5.6 and 1.2-8.0 g/sample, respectively) and likely originated from the container (PE) or background contamination from the manufacture/shipping process (PVC). The results demonstrated that samples collected with BAL equipment could be confidently used for the quantification of PP, PMMA, PC and PVC. Samples collected with the TBNA equipment could be confidently used for quantification of PMMA and PC, but with further assessment of trace levels from certain pieces of equipment, PP, PET, and PS could also be quantified. The results of this study demonstrate that there is potential to analyze samples collected in plastic hospital collection equipment for certain polymers. As a recommendation, background contamination from materials to be used in sample collection should be assessed before sample collection, and if consistent, then there is the potential for the analysis of a range of target plastics, with the addition of blank subtraction.
An insight into the fate of Cu2+ and zero-valent iron during removal of Cu2+ by nanoscale zero-valent iron
Authors: Anang Emmanuella , Liu Hong , Fan Xianyuan
Published: March 2023

Aim: The transformation of zero-valent iron (Fe0) and Cu2+ during Cu2+ removal by nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) has not been properly investigated using modern analytical techniques, despite its importance in environmental toxicology and surface chemistry associated with wastewater treatment/groundwater remediation. This study critically examines the phenomenon using a variety of modern instruments that characterize the physical and chemical properties of materials and provides extensive comprehension of the subject. Methods: As-prepared nZVI was used to remove Cu2+ in 5 mmol/L CuSO4. The morphological and structural characteristics of the Cu2+ and nZVI after removal were investigated with the aid of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS). Results: Complete removal of Cu2+ by the nZVI was achieved within 60 min and remained constant till 120 min. The Cu2+ got reduced into cuprite (Cu2O) and copper metal (Cu0) (the crystals of both transformation products were cubic), while the Fe0 nanoparticles transformed into lath-like lepidocrocite (γ-FeOOH) and twin-rod goethite (α-FeOOH). The mechanism of Fe0 transformation was that the Fe2+ produced by Fe0 corrosion and oxidation by Cu2+ was hydrolyzed and oxidized to form hydropyrite, which was later converted into lepidocrocite and goethite with the assistance of Fe2+. The transformation of Cu2+ was due to the strong reduction property of Fe0. The toxicity and bioavailability of the transformed products were lower than those of Cu2+ and Fe0 nanoparticles. Conclusion: The findings are critical in understanding the fate of Fe0 nanoparticles and Cu2+ during Cu2+ removal by nZVI and can provide guidance for the application of nZVI technology.
LPS-Induced Systemic Inflammation Affects the Dynamic Interactions of Astrocytes and Microglia with the Vasculature of the Mouse Brain Cortex
Authors: Xingi Evangelia , Koutsoudaki Paraskevi N. N , Thanou Irini , Phan Minh-Son , Margariti Maria , Scheller Anja , Tinevez Jean-Yves , Kirchhoff Frank , Thomaidou Dimitra
Published: March 2023

The Neurovascular Unit (NVU), comprised of glia (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia), neurons, pericytes and endothelial cells, is a dynamic interface ensuring physiological functioning of the central nervous system (CNS), that gets affected and contributes to the pathology of several neurodegenerative diseases. Neuroinflammation is a common feature of neurodegenerative diseases and is primarily related to the activation state of perivascular microglia and astrocytes, which constitute two of its major cellular components. Our studies focus on monitoring in real time the morphological changes of perivascular astrocytes and microglia, as well as their dynamic interactions with the brain vasculature, under physiological conditions and following systemic neuroinflammation triggering both microgliosis and astrogliosis. To this end, we performed 2-photon laser scanning microscopy (2P-LSM) for intravital imaging of the cortex of transgenic mice visualizing the dynamics of microglia and astroglia following neuroinflammation induced by systemic administration of the endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Our results indicate that following neuroinflammation the end-feet of activated perivascular astrocytes lose their close proximity and physiological crosstalk with vasculature, an event that most possibly contributes to a loss of blood-brain-barrier (BBB) integrity. At the same time, microglial cells get activated with more frequent contacts of the blood vessels. These dynamic responses of perivascular astrocytes and microglial are peaking at 4 days following LPS administration, however they still persist at a lower level 8 days after LPS, revealing incomplete reversal of inflammation affecting the glial properties and interactions with the NVU.
Measuring Consumer Involvement and Product Attributes on Beef Consumer Segmentation
Authors: Muzayyanah Mujtahidah Anggriani Ummul , Triatmojo Agung , Qui Nguyen Hoang Qui Hoang
Published: March 2023

Involvement is crucial in explaining emerging consumer behavior, such as purchasing and consumption decisions. Consumer involvement and purchase decisions are influenced by product attributes, resulting in differences in segmentation. Therefore, this study aims to examine consumer involvement in various beef segmentation categories and their product attributes. This would enable the profiling of consumer segmentation based on their level and type of involvement. The data were collected through an unrestricted self-selected survey run among 303 consumer and 4 consumer segments were identified. Furthermore, the One-way ANOVA F-tests with post-hoc Tukey multiple comparison test of mean scores and Pearson's chi-squared were used to achieve the second objective. The results showed concerned-consumer and cautious-consumer segment place emphasis on the economic value of the product when making purchasing decisions. In contrast, there was no distinction between functional and symbolic values of involvement in each consumer segment. This indicates that concerned-consumer, cautious-consumer, indifferent-consumer and straightforward-consumer segment perceive the advantages of purchasing beef. Furthermore, the concerned-consumer segment scored high on all product attributes. This study found that consumer with high involvement may consider a variety of factors before purchasing a product. Nevertheless, a low level of consumer involvement has less information to be apprehensive about, and improved consumer service can assist the cautious-consumer and concerned-consumer segment by simplifying the various information considered. Also, the identification of consumer segment based on balancing their attitudes towards meat consumption is of fundamental importance for the development of strategies in the red meat sector. The formulation of the market orientation has implications for product differentiation and marketing communication strategies.
Effect of Screw Rotation Speed on Mechanical Properties and Morphology of Abs/Mcc Composites
Authors: Adhana Irvian , Smaradhana Dharu Feby , Ariawan Dody , Raharjo Wijang Wisnu , Yusuf Burhanuddin
Published: March 2023

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) polymer is an example of a thermoplastic polymer that requires heat in its production process. ABS polymer also can be modified to increase strength against resistance, toughness, and heat resistance by adding MCC as a reinforcement to ABS composites. Extrusion is one of the established methods of polymer processing with filler and consequently disperses filler inside the polymer. Different speed shows different behavior of filler dispersion. Therefore, this study was conducted to know the effect of extruder screw speed variations on the mechanical, physical, and thermal stability of ABS/MCC composites. The compositions used in producing ABS/MCC composites are 96% for ABS and 4% for MCC. The production process uses screw extruder speed variations of 10 rpm, 15 rpm, and 20 rpm. ABS/MCC composite in the barrel and hot press use 160 °C for the temperature process. The highest tensile strength was obtained at 10 rpm variation for 14.2 MPa. Increasing the speed of the extruder screw causes a decrease in MCC content attached to ABS which reduces the mechanical strength. ABS/MCC composite density value decreased with the increased extruder speed, as evidenced by the increasing number of voids formed based on SEM testing.
Ketimpangan Penghasilan Berdasarkan Status Pekerjaan dalam Model Imbal Jasa Pendidikan
Authors:   Universitas Sangga Buana, Hendajany Nenny , Rizal Deden ,   Universitas Sangga Buana
Published: March 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan melihat kesenjangan penghasilan antarstatus pekerjaan dalam imbal jasa pendidikan dari tahun 2000 ke 2014 menggunakan data IFLS. Tahap pertama analisis pilihan status pekerja dengan metode multinomial logit. Tahap kedua estimasi imbal jasa pendidikan dengan memasukkan koreksi dari hasil tahap pertama. Hasil empiris memperlihatkan perbedaan marginal efek antarstatus pekerjaan. Nilai imbal jasa pendidikan terkecil tahun 2000 dan 2014 pada status pekerjaan bekerja sendiri, dan terbesar adalah bekerja dengan bantuan tenaga tetap. Perbedaan nilai imbal jasa memperlihatkan adanya ketimpangan penghasilan dari para pekerja berdasarkan status pekerjaannya. Nilai imbal jasa pendidikan rata-rata menurun dari tahun 2000 ke 2014.
Migrasi Desa-Kota di Indonesia: “Risk Coping Strategy VS Investment”
Authors:   Fakultas Ekonomi, Universitas Negeri Padang, Marta Joan , Fauzi Akhmad ,   Fakultas Ekonomi dan Manajemen, Institut Pertanian Bogor, Juanda Bambang ,   Fakultas Ekonomi dan Manajemen, Institut Pertanian Bogor, Rustiadi Ernan ,   Fakultas Pertanian Institut Pertanian Bogor
Published: March 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis alasan dibalik motif migrasi di antara rumah tangga perdesaan berdasarkan karakteristik rumah tangga dan karakteristik daerah asal. Penelitian ini menggunakan data IFLS tahun 2007 dan 2014 yang terdiri dari 2.581 sampel rumah tangga yang tersebar di 13 provinsi. Model binomial dan multinomial logit digunakan untuk memperkirakan probabilitas untuk bermigrasi berdasarkan motif migrasi. Hasil penelitian ini menemukan efek kontradiktif dari pendapatan rumah tangga pada keputusan untuk bermigrasi di antara motif. Pendapatan memiliki efek negatif dalam mengatasi risiko sebagai motif migrasi, sebaliknya memiliki efek positif dalam motif investasi.
Efektivitas Kredibilitas Bank Sentral terhadap Inflasi bagi Produsen dan Konsumen di Indonesia
Authors:   Program Pascasarjana Ilmu Ekonomi Fakultas Ekonomi dan Bisnis Universitas Indonesia, Prabowo Rakhmat , Ikhsan Mohamad ,   Program Pascasarjana Ilmu Ekonomi Fakultas Ekonomi dan Bisnis Universitas Indonesia
Published: March 2023

Penelitian ini menjelaskan dampak kredibilitas Bank Sentral terhadap inflasi di Indonesia. Dampak kredibilitas Bank Sentral dianalisis pada tingkat produsen maupun konsumen. Untuk mengukur kredibilitas Bank Sentral, penelitian ini menggunakan indeks kredibilitas bernilai 0 (zero credibility) hingga 1 (perfect credibility). Metode Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) digunakan untuk menganalisis dampak kredibilitas Bank Sentral terhadap inflasi. Berdasarkan hasil empiris, kredibilitas Bank Sentral cenderung lebih memengaruhi inflasi pada Indeks Harga Produsen (IHP) dibandingkan Indeks Harga Perdagangan Besar (IHPB) dan deflator Produk Domestik Bruto (PDB). Kredibilitas Bank Sentral lebih memengaruhi inflasi inti dibandingkan dengan inflasi umum. Dari hasil empiris diketahui bahwa kredibilitas Bank Sentral lebih memengaruhi inflasi pada sisi produsen dibandingkan konsumen.
A case study on providing FAIR and metrologically traceable data sets
Authors: Dorst Tanja , Gruber Maximilian , Vedurmudi Anupam P. , Hutzschenreuter Daniel , Eichstädt Sascha , Schütze Andreas
Published: March 2023

In recent years, data science and engineering have faced many challenges concerning the increasing amount of data. In order to ensure findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability (FAIRness) of digital resources, digital objects as a synthesis of data and metadata with persistent and unique identifiers should be used. In this context, the FAIR data principles formulate requirements that research data and, ideally, also industrial data should fulfill to make full use of them, particularly when Machine Learning or other data-driven methods are under consideration. In this contribution, the process of providing scientific data of an industrial testbed in a traceable and FAIR manner is documented as an example.
Digital Calibration Certificate in an industrial application
Authors: Nummiluikki Juho , Saxholm Sari , Kärkkäinen Anu , Koskinen Sami
Published: March 2023

Rapid growth of automation generates increasing need for measurement data, provided by sensors, the interface between real and digital world. In Industry 4.0 scheme the measurement data, including the calibration information, flows through the whole production chain in digital format. We demonstrated a fully digitalized environment for the calibration data generation, transfer, and usage in a Proof of Concept (PoC) project. Various stages of the PoC and different information systems used by the partners Aalto University, VTT MIKES, Beamex, Vaisala and Orion are discussed. The developed and tested Digital Calibration Certificate (DCC) solution and its components are described. The major findings of the project include further need of DCC standardization and good practice subschemas. Development of the DCC is ongoing worldwide and the big picture goes even beyond the DCC. It is not only a question of calibration certificates and related data transfer to digital and machine-readable format, but also how this data could be used effectively.
Parental stress as a mediator between parents’ emotion regulation and youth’s psychological symptoms during the COVID-19 lockdown: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Orgilés Mireia , Belzunegui Pastor Àngela , Morales Alexandra , Espada José P.
Published: March 2023

Mental health in families has been affected by COVID-19 stressors. Parental stress and emotion regulation can moderate the emotional effects on their children. This study analyzes the role of parental stress as a mediating variable between parents’ emotion regulation and children’s symptoms. Participants were 214 parents of youth aged 3-17 years, who completed an online survey providing information about parental variables and symptoms in their children. The results show that parental stress mediates the relationship between parental emotion regulation and children’s psychological symptoms. Thus, parents who used cognitive reappraisal strategy less frequently reported more psychological symptoms in their children and higher parental stress. Parents who used expressive suppression more frequently also reported more psychological symptoms in their children and higher parental stress. The present study provides novel information by relating parental psychological variables with psychological variables in youth during a period characterized by the most significant psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Relationship Between Interest Rates and Private Investment in South Africa A Nonlinear ARDL Approach
Authors: Temitope Lydia Leshoro , WABIGA PAUL
Published: March 2023

Conventional economic theory states that higher interest rates reduce investment levels because interest rates represent the cost of borrowing, thereby implying a linear inverse relationship. However, the effects of positive and negative shocks in interest rates on investment may differ and this is what the study investigates. In this paper, we examine the asymmetrical nature of the relationship between interest rates and private investment in South Africa. We utilize annual time series data from 1971 to 2019, while employing the recent nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) technique. Our study finds that interest rates and private investment exhibit short-run and long-run asymmetric relationships, with private investment responding differently to negative and positive shocks in interest rates. A key conclusion from the study findings is that empirical evidence based on linear analyses of the relationship between interest rate and private investment may be insufficiently rich to warrant dependable macroeconomic forecasts. This may lead to misguided policy interventions and management, especially by monetary policy custodians, which ultimately hamstrings efforts towards sustained economic growth and development.
JEL Classification: C13, E43, E52. Key words: private investment, interest rates, asymmetrical relationship, NARDL
Hydrothermally produced Mo-doped WO3 nanoparticles and their enhanced photocatalytic and electrochemical properties
Authors: KHAN MOHD ABDUL MAJEED , Pawar Manjeet , Ansari Anees Ahmad , Ahamed maqusood , Kumar Sushil
Published: March 2023

In this study, pure WO3 as well as doped with molybdenum (0, 2.5, and 5 at. wt. %) nanoparticles were successfully synthesized via sol-gel processing followed by a hydrothermal approach. The physicochemical characteristics of WO3 and Mo-doped WO3 nanoparticles were thoroughly characterized using techniques, including XPS, FESEM, HRTEM, UV-visible, photoluminescence, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Results predicted that the insertion of Mo into the WO3 lattice had a prominent effect on morphology as well as microstructure. The addition of Mo ions in WO3 NPs narrowed the bandgap of WO3 and enhanced its ability of light absorption. The photocatalytic behavior of prepared nanoparticles was investigated through the photodegradation of an organic dye (methyl orange, MO) in an aqueous solution in presence of UV-Visible light. Photocatalytic activity of WO3 nanoparticles could considerably be increased with Mo doping, which might be due to the redshift of absorption edge as well as the lowering of recombination rate of electron-hole pairs caused by the trapping of charge carriers through crystal defects. The electrochemical properties of undoped WO3 nanoparticles, and Ag NPs loaded WO3 nanocomposite, were investigated through cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge, and electrochemical impedance measurements and analysis. The present findings recommend that 5% Mo-doped WO3 nanocomposite provides a promising direction for the development of high quality, effective and reliable photocatalytic and electrode material for organic dyes degradation and hybrid supercapacitors respectively.
A Study on Dupont Model and Financial Performance of State Bank of India before and after Merger
Authors: S Selvi
Published: March 2023

All businesses usually prioritize growth, and to do this, they often engage in merger and acquisition activity (M&A) in order to increase profits and market share. Businesses need mergers and acquisitions (M&As) to achieve economies of scale, expansion, diversification, synergy, and financial planning. The globalization of the economy and monopolistic business practices further spur interest in M&As among corporations looking to gain more market share. The current paper's goal is to examine the numerous reasons why mergers in the Indian banking industry continue to happen after reforms got underway. This covers a variety of bank merger-related elements. With the use of financial indicators including gross profit margin, net profit margin, operating profit margin, return on capital employed, return on equity, and debt-equity ratio, the article examines the pre- and post-merger financial performance of State bank of India which got its associate banks merged with its parent entity.
Diabetes mellitus and Associated Risk Factors among HIV infected patients on HAART
Authors: Kanyara Lucy kanyara , Lel Rency , kageha Sheila , Kinyua Joyceline , matu sophie , Ongaya Asiko , Matilu Mary , Mwangi Paul , Okoth Vincent , Mwangi Joseph , olungae Dama
Published: March 2023

Background: Understanding the impact of disease associations is becoming a priority in Kenya and other countries bearing the load of infectious diseases. With the increased incidences of non-communicable diseases and the endemicity of infectious diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa, their co-existence poses significant challenges to patients, health workers and an overwhelmed health sector. Classical risk factors for diabetes such as physical inactivity and unhealthy diet may not solely explain the current trends, suggesting the role of novel risk factors including infections/inflammation. HIV and its treatment have been identified as potential contributors especially to patients with family history of confirmed diabetes cases. Co-infections frequently observed during HIV infection also significantly influence both the epidemiological and pathophysiological of the link between HIV and diabetes. Understanding the correlates of HIV and diabetes is crucial to inform management and prevention strategies of the twin infections. We therefore aimed to determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and risk factors in a population of HIV infected patients on HAART. This study determined the association of diabetes/impaired glucose regulation in the context of HIV-1. A cross-sectional study was conducted at a comprehensive care clinic in Nairobi (Kenya). Participants were screened for diabetes and impaired glucose regulation using random blood glucose and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) This paper describes the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in Human Immunodeficiency Virus positive individuals and the associated risk factors.
We have demonstrated that family history is a risk factor for diabetes. While age and BMI are known risk factors, they were not associated with diabetes in this study.
Application of speech emotion recognition in English teaching mode based on multi-core learning feature fusion
Authors: Geng Yanmei
Published: March 2023

Educational informatization has also had a significant impact on college English education, which has brought about a major change in the traditional English education model, and the adjusted English education has been used as an international language. Therefore, the organic combination of English education and the new education model will better promote the interaction between education and learning. In the new era of education, college English teachers should seize the opportunity to change teaching concepts, innovate teaching methods, deepen educational reforms, and make active scientific explorations of the "dual classroom" teaching model in college English teaching. This paper designs a voice emotion recognition method based on multi-core learning and multi-function feature fusion. At the same time, in order to obtain high-discrimination feature information, the motion map of speech depth is used as the feature information source, and the features of spatial multi-scale binary histogram speech and gradient histogram speech are made into three-dimensional. According to the information of the shape structure, we can extract the characteristics of speech and speech emotion in time and space, and use the Fourier transform in the time series to map the characteristics of the time series to the frequency domain. On the one hand, the feature vectors are rearranged. On the other hand, it allows us to change the form of function. In this article, we use public databases MSRGesture3D and SKIG to retrieve attribute data through a series of spatiotemporal structure attribute extraction algorithms. The results show that this method has strong anti-speech emotion ability and is very effective for speech classification of deep data. Compared with traditional feature extraction algorithms, the classification effect is better.
Application of machine learning to predict hospital visits for respiratory diseases using meteorological and air pollution factors in Linyi, China
Authors: Yang Jing , xu xin , Ma Xiaotian , Wang Zhaotong , You Qian , Shan Wanyue , Yang Ying , Bo Xin , Yin Chuansheng
Published: March 2023

Urbanization and industrial development have resulted in increased air pollution, which is concerning for public health. This study evaluated the effect of meteorological factors and air pollution on hospital visits for respiratory diseases (pneumonia, acute upper respiratory infections, and chronic lower respiratory diseases). The test dataset comprised meteorological parameters, air pollutant concentrations, and outpatient hospital visits for respiratory diseases in Linyi, China from January 1, 2016 to August 20, 2022. We used support vector regression (SVR) to build regression models to analyze the effect of meteorological factors and air pollutants on the number of outpatient visits for respiratory diseases. To evaluate the model performance, 70% of the dataset was used for training and 30% was used for testing. The Spearman correlation and SVR model results indicated that NO2, PM2.5, and PM10 were correlated with the occurrence of respiratory diseases, and the strongest correlation was for pneumonia. An increase in the daily average temperature and daily relative humidity decreased the number of patients with pneumonia and chronic lower respiratory diseases but increased the number of patients with acute upper respiratory infections. The SVR modeling showed potential for predicting the number of respiratory-related hospital visits. This work demonstrated that combining machine learning with meteorological and air pollution data can be used for disease prediction and can serve as a useful tool for policymakers to take preventive measures.
Synthesis and Performance of a Cathode Catalyst Derived from Bauhinia Accuminata Seed Pods in Single and Stacked Mfc
Authors: Ajit Karnapa , John Juliana , Krishnan Haribabu
Published: March 2023

It becomes important to simultaneously focus on the development of cost-effective electrode materials and catalysts as well as evaluating their performance on stacked systems in order to create scalable bio electrochemical systems for waste water treatment. Platinum group metal free biomass derived cathode catalysts have been observed to improve the microbial fuel cell performance in recent years. But their performance in scalable systems using Natural clay membrane – SS mesh electrode MEA needs to be evaluated for applying to real time systems. In the current work, a catalyst with intrinsic Fe-N-C coordination could be synthesised from the seedpods of biomass Bauhinia Accuminata. The elemental analysis and XPS results confirmed the intrinsic doping of heteroatoms N and P in the catalyst with atomic weight percentages of 4.5 and 3.5, respectively. The deconvolution of N1 and Fe2p spectra confirmed Fe-N-C coordination in the catalyst with pyridinic N and graphitic N content of 17.3% and 34.1%, favouring the ORR activity. The catalyst when coated on SS mesh and used in an MFC system with natural clay membrane - modified SS mesh electrode MEA, the maximum power density was 0.91 W/m3 compared to 0.02 W/m3 in plain SS electrode cell with COD removal efficiency of 93.3%. The study also demonstrated the stepping up of voltage, current and power achieved while stacking such single MFCs in series, parallel, parallel - series and fluidically connected configurations. Parallelly connected system outperformed other systems with a maximum power density of 1.54 W/m3 despite a high OCV of 4.15V attained in series connection. It was also notable that the fluidically connected parallel system achieved better power and current density (0.84W/m3 and 1.97A/m3) than the mixed parallel series circuitry (0.7W/m3 and 0.57A/m3).
Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 isolation in cell culture from nasal/nasopharyngeal swabs or saliva specimens of patients with COVID-19
Authors: Yazawa Shunsuke , Yamazaki Emiko , Saga Yumiko , Itamochi Masae , Inasaki Noriko , Shimada Takahisa , Oishi Kazunori , Tani Hideki
Published: March 2023

It has been revealed that SARS-CoV-2 can be efficiently isolated from clinical specimens such as nasal/nasopharyngeal swabs or saliva in cultured cells. In this study, we examined the efficiency of viral isolation including SARS-CoV-2 mutant strains between nasal/nasopharyngeal swab or saliva specimens. Furthermore, we also examined the comparison of viral isolation rates by sample species using simulated specimens for COVID-19. As a result, it was found that the isolation efficiency of SARS-CoV-2 in the saliva specimens was significantly lower than that in the nasal/nasopharyngeal swab specimens. In order to determine which component of saliva is responsible for the lower isolation rate of saliva specimens, we tested the abilities of lactoferrin, amylase, cathelicidin, and mucin, which are considered to be abundant in saliva, to inhibit the infection of SARS-CoV-2 pseudotyped viruses (SARS-CoV-2pv). Lactoferrin and amylase were found to inhibit SARS-CoV-2pv infection. In conclusion, even if the same number of viral genome copies was detected by the real-time RT-PCR test, infection of SARS-CoV-2 present in saliva is thought to be inhibited by inhibitory factors such as lactoferrin and amylase, compared to nasal/nasopharyngeal swab specimens.
Conservative management of double teeth in molar teeth with periapical periodontitis: A report of five cases and literature review
Authors: Chen Mengxi , Bai Xinna , Wang Xiangzhu , Xie Xiaoli , Chen Minmin
Published: March 2023

Background: Double teeth are usually the result of an abnormality in the developing tooth germ. Double teeth can occur in either the primary or permanent dentition, with the majority of cases concerning permanent teeth reported in the anterior teeth and less frequently in the molar teeth.
Case presentation: This report illustrates five cases of double teeth in molars with periapical periodontitis, including one case of geminated teeth and four cases of fused teeth. Radiographic findings revealed the presence of extra teeth on the buccal aspect of the molar in five cases, with or without communication between the two root canal systems. Root canal treatment was performed by using CBCT and a dental operating microscope. The treatment outcome was good in all five cases.
Conclusion: The diagnosis and treatment of double teeth requires special attention. The root canal system should be carefully explored to obtain a full understanding of the anatomy, allowing it to be fully cleaned and obturated. Proper anatomical structure analysis prior to treatment facilitates the development of an appropriate treatment plan, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful treatment both aesthetically and functionally.
Use of Routinely Collected Blood Donation Data for Expanded Hiv and Syphilis Surveillance in Blantyre District, Malawi
Authors: Singogo Emmanuel , Hartney Thomas , Bourdin Sarah , Chagomerana Maganizo , Kudowa Evaristar , Puerto-Meredith Sydney , M’baya Bridon , Kadewere Godfrey , Platt Lucy , Rice Brian , Hargreaves James R , Weir Sharon , Hosseinipour Mina C
Published: March 2023

Background
Although WHO recommends that all blood donations be screened for transfusion transmissible infections, these data are currently not incorporated into national surveillance. We set out to use routinely collected data from blood donors in Blantyre district, Malawi to explore HIV and syphilis prevalence and identify seroconversions among repeat donors.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of blood donation data collected by the Malawi Blood Transfusion Service (MBTS) from October, 2015 to May, 2021. All blood donations were routinely screened for HIV and syphilis. We characterized donor demographics as well as screening outcomes, including identifying seroconversions among repeat donors who previously tested negative on their last donation. Log binomial regression was used to model the impact of individual level covariates on HIV and syphilis prevalence and risk of seroconversion.
Results
A total of 23,280 donations from 5,051 donors were recorded, with a median frequency of donations of 3 (IQR:2–6). At the time of their first donation, most donors were male (4,294; 85%) and students (3262; 64.6%). Of those screened for HIV and syphilis at first donation, 1.0%, (52/5,051) and 1.6% (80/5,051) tested positive, respectively. Among repeat donors who previously tested negative, 52 HIV seroconversions and 126 syphilis seroconversions were identified, indicating an incidence rate per 1,000 person-years of 5.9 (95% CI: 4.7, 7.4) and 13.3 (95% CI:11.4, 15.4) respectively. Prevalence of HIV (Prevalence ratio (PR) = 0.31: 95% CI: 0.15, 0.65) and syphilis (PR = 0.54: 95% CI:0.30, 0.94) were lower and risk of syphilis seroconversion (Risk ratio = 0.47: 95% CI:0.31, 0.70) was higher among students compared to other donors.
Conclusions
While blood donors are generally considered a low-risk population for HIV and syphilis, we were able to identify that there remain relatively high rates of undiagnosed HIV and syphilis infections among donors. The routinely collected data from national blood donation services may be used to better understand the epidemiology of HIV and syphilis in specific locations, with the potential to enhance existing population-level disease surveillance systems. In addition, these findings may be used to identify priority prevention areas and populations in Blantyre district that can inform targeted interventions for improved disease prevention, testing and treatment.
The Association Between Trial of Labor After Cesarean in Obese Patients and Adverse Maternal Outcomes
Authors: Jude Gabrielle , Fain Audra , Raker Christina , Rubenstein Shayna , Wagner Stephen , Bicocca Matthew , Gupta Megha
Published: March 2023

Purpose: We hypothesized that among obese patients with a history of cesarean birth, a TOLAC is associated with decreased composite maternal adverse outcomes (CMAO) compared to planned repeat low transverse cesarean section (RLTCS).
Methods: In this population-based cross-sectional study using the National Birth Certificate database from 2016-2020, we compared obese patients who attempted TOLAC at term (³37 weeks estimated gestational age) to planned RLTCS. The primary outcome was a CMAO, defined as delivery complications, including intensive care unit (ICU) admission, uterine rupture, unplanned hysterectomy, or maternal blood transfusion.
Results: 794,278 patients met inclusion criteria for the study; 126,809 underwent a TOLAC, and 667,469 had a planned RLTCS. The overall CMAO was significantly higher for patients undergoing TOLAC (9.0 per 1,000 live births) compared to RLTCS (5.3 per 1,000 live births; aRR 1.64, 95% CI 1.53-1.75).
Conclusions: This data demonstrates that in obese patients with prior cesarean birth , a trial of labor is associated with increased maternal morbidity when compared to a planned repeat cesarean birth.
Expressions of pandemic fatigue on digital platforms: A thematic analysis of sentiment and narratives for infodemic insights
Authors: White Becky K , Ishizumi Atsuyoshi , Lavery Lucy , Wright Amy , Foley Tom , O’Neill Rhys , Rambaud Kimberly , Sreen Ravi Shankar , Salvi Cristiana , Takahashi Ryoko , D’Agostino Marcelo , Nguyen Tim , Briand Sylvie , Purnat Tina D
Published: March 2023

Background
The infodemic accompanying the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an overwhelming amount of information, including questions, concerns and misinformation. Pandemic fatigue has been identified as a concern from early in the pandemic. With new and ongoing health emergencies in 2022, it is important to understand how pandemic fatigue is being discussed and expressed by users on digital channels.
Methods
This paper describes the collection of publicly available data over a 3-month period from multiple online sources using Meltwater, CrowdTangle to source data from Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Pinterest, Product Reviews, Twitch, blogs & forums. A comprehensive search strategy was developed and tested. A total of 1,484,042 social media posts were identified during the time-period that included the defined search terms for pandemic fatigue. These data were initially sorted by highest levels of engagement and from this dataset, analysts reviewed the mentions to isolate and remove irrelevant content and identify dominant narratives. A thematic analysis was carried out on these narratives to identify themes related to expression of pandemic fatigue. Two researchers reviewed the data and themes.
Results
The thematic analysis of narratives identified six main themes relating to expression of pandemic fatigue, and one theme of counter narratives against pandemic fatigue. Data volume increased concurrent with the time of the mpox emergency announcement. Emergent themes showed the different ways users expressed pandemic fatigue and how it was interlaced with issues of trust, preventative measure acceptance and uptake, misinformation, and being overwhelmed with multiple or sustained emergencies.
Conclusions
This paper has identified the different ways users express pandemic fatigue on digital channels over a 3-month period. Better understanding the implications of the infodemic ecosystem on user’s perceptions, questions, and concerns regarding pandemic and more broadly emergency fatigue is vital in identifying relevant interventions and, in the longer term, strengthening the global architecture for health emergency preparedness, prevention, readiness and resilience, as evidenced in this paper. There are clear pathways for further research, including incorporating additional languages and reviewing these themes over longer time periods.
Health status of inhabitants from the period of the Funnel-beaker Culture from Modřice (Brno-Country District, Czechia)
Authors: Vargová Lenka , Tvrdý Zdeněk , Vymazalová Kateřina
Published: March 2023

The presented work is focused on the palaeopathological analysis of the skeletal remains of 22 individuals (11 adults, 2 subadults, 9 children) from Modřice (Brno-Country District, Czechia) dated to the period of the Funnel-beaker Culture (3700-4000 BC). It represents a group of settled farmers. There are clear signs on the skeletons of physical activity. These inhabitants subsisted mainly on plant-based food. Compared to similar Neolithic groups, the Modřice skeletons had a very high rate of tooth decay. Of the congenital malformations, skeletal (scaphocephaly) and spinal (vertebral synostosis, spondylolysis) disabilities were found here. Most of the inflammatory changes on the bones were observed in connection with dental diseases, two cases of otitis media and inflammatory foci on the cranial vault of one of the females were also recorded. Although the presented research was limited by the small number of examined skeletons, it presents new information about the health status of the studied population group and enriches the existing knowledge about this important Neolithic population.
Long-term Causal Effects of Redlining on Environmental Risk Exposure
Authors: Conzelmann Claire , Salazar-Miranda Arianna , Phan Toan , Hoffman Jeremy
Published: March 2023

We provide new evidence that policies implemented nearly a century ago have significant causal effects on the exposure of 9 urban communities in the U.S. to climate-related risks. Using a boundary design, we show that redlining, a discriminatory federal housing policy pursued in the 1930s and outlawed in the 1960s, has resulted in persistent inequality in climate risk exposure. Locations in neighborhoods assigned lower credit grades have significantly higher exposure to flooding and higher air temperatures than comparable locations with higher grades. We attribute these disparities to lower measures of environmental capital, specifically tree coverage and ground surface perviousness, in these neighborhoods. Our findings underscore the ongoing causal effects of historical housing policies on present-day exposure to climate risks, and highlight the need to address the legacies of past policies in adapting to future climate risks.
Isolation and genomic characterization of one novel goose astrovirus causing acute gosling gout in China
Authors: Peng Zhifeng , Gao Dongsheng , Song Xinghui , Huang Huimin , Zhang Xiaozhan , Jiang Zenghai , Qiao Hongxing , Bian Chuanzhou
Published: March 2023

Novel goose astrovirus (NGAstV) is a member of the genus Avastrovirus and the family Astroviridae. NGAstV-associated gout disease has caused huge economic losses to the goose industry worldwide. Since early 2020, NGAstV infections characterized by articular and visceral gout emerged continuously in China. Herein, we isolated a GAstV strain from goslings with fatal gout disease and sequenced its full-length genome. Then we conducted systematic genetic diversity and evolutionary analysis. The results demonstrated that two genotypic species of GAstV were circulating in China, and GAstV-II sub-genotype IId had become the dominant one. Multiple alignments of amino acid sequences of GAstV capsid protein revealed several characteristic mutations (E456D, A464N, and L540Q) in GAstV-II d strains, as well as additional residues in the new isolate which varied over time. These findings enrich the understanding of the genetic diversity and evolution of GAstV and may facilitate the development of effective preventive strategies.
Identification of fasciclin-like arabinogalactan protein family genes associated with fruit ripening in tomato
Authors: Hu Jiahui , Wang Jun , Tuerdiyusufu Diliaremu , Yang Tao , Li Ning , Yang Haitao , Wang Baike , Yu Qinghui
Published: March 2023

Background: Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a model plant for fruit ripening, of which contains a series of complex physiological and biochemical process. Fasciclin-like arabinogalactan proteins (FLAs) are a subclass of arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) involved in cell wall formation and intracellular signal transduction. However, its functional mechanism in plant development including fruit ripening is rarely studied. In the present study, we identified four species tomatoes’ FLAs and analyzed their structural characteristics, evolutionary history and expression patterns during fruit development to mine candidate genes and determine their potential role in tomato fruit ripening.
Results: In the present study, 18 ,21, 22 and 22 FLAs were identified from the S. lycopersicum, S. pimpinellifolium, S. pennellii, and S. lycopersicoides, respectively. These proteins were divided into four groups by evolutionary and structural characteristics, and each group of FLAs in FAS structure domain, glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) and the number there are similarities. The FLAs in four species are relatively conserved, and most of them are distributed at both ends of chromosomes. The FLA family members are amplified and evolved mainly by means of segmental duplication and purifying selection. Similar transcripts and expression patterns analysis among them revealed their regulatory roles in tomato fruit ripening. More intresting, in the WGCNA module constructed by the combination of tomato fruit transcriptome and targeted carotenoid metabolome, several SlFLAs co-expressed with genes enriched in secondary metabolism.
Conclusion: The FLAs gene family found in four species tomatoes and provides valid information in their little-studied studies on the regulation of fruit ripening. Combined with the detection of a key metabolite of tomato fruit ripening, carotenoids, which broadens the idea of biological functional analysis of SlFLAs and provides a theoretical basis and candidate genes for improving tomato fruit quality.
Prediction of vancomycin trough concentration using machine learning in the intensive care unit
Authors: Igarashi Yutaka , Osawa Shuichiro , Akaiwa Mari , Sato Yoshiki , Saito Takuma , Nakanishi Hatsumi , Yamanaka Masanori , Nishimura Kan , Ogawa Kei , Isoe Yuto , Miura Yoshihiko , Miyake Nodoka , Ohwada Hayato , Yokobori Shoji
Published: March 2023

Background: It is difficult to predict vancomycin trough concentrations in critically ill patients as their pharmacokinetics change with the progression of both organ failure and medical intervention. This study aims to develop a model to predict vancomycin trough concentration using machine learning (ML) and to compare its prediction accuracy with that of the population pharmacokinetic (PPK) model.
Methods: A single-center retrospective observational study was conducted. Patients who had been admitted to the intensive care unit, received intravenous vancomycin, and had undergone therapeutic drug monitoring between 2013 and 2020,were included. Thereafter, ML models were developed with random forest, LightGBM, and ridge regression using 42 features. Mean absolute errors (MAE) were compared and important features were shown using LightGBM.
Results: Among 335 patients, 225 were included as training data and 110 were used for test data. A significant difference was identified in the MAE by each ML model compared with PPK;4.13 ± 3.64 for random forest, 4.18 ± 3.37 for LightGBM, 4.29 ± 3.88 for ridge regression, and 6.17 ± 5.36 for PPK. The highest importance features were pH, lactate, and serum creatinine.
Conclusion: This study concludes that ML may be able to more accurately predict vancomycin trough concentrations than the currently used PPK model in ICU patients.