bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An energy management strategy to reduce the comprehensive cost of hybrid energy storage systems in electric vehicles
Authors: Zhao Jianyou , Zhou Juanying , Wang Lufeng , Zhao Yang
Published: July 2023

A real-time adaptive energy management strategy (EMS) used a model-based predictive control algorithm that continuously adapted to the changing driving patterns and traffic conditions. With battery degradation in an operation being considered, the algorithm was designed to minimize the total cost of electricity consumed by vehicles with hybrid energy storage systems (HESSs) while ensuring that the battery and supercapacitor cell were not overcharged or overdischarged. First, the objective function was taken as the instantaneous minimization of the comprehensive cost. Second, a hierarchical instantaneous optimal control EMS (HIOC-EMS) was suggested to solve the optimal power coupling coefficient of the supercapacitor that satisfied the constraints at any moment. Third, the HIOC-EMS was proven to be an efficient and robust method for optimizing the energy management system of HESSs. The experimental results of three different driving cycles showed that the HIOC-EMS, when compared to the particle swarm-optimized fuzzy EMS (PFZY-EMS), achieved reductions in battery losses of 18.41%, 13.94%, and 20.37% and comprehensive cost reductions of 11.16%, 7.37%, and 9.61%, respectively, in the three cycles. Furthermore, compared to the dynamic programming EMS (DP-EMS), the HIOC-EMS resulted in increased battery losses of 14.87%, 10.77%, and 4.87% and increased comprehensive costs of 8.48%, 2.98%, and 1.55%, respectively. These results proved the effectiveness of the HIOC-EMS in reducing the usage cost of electric vehicles with HESSs.
Becoming adults: exploring the late ontogeny of the human talus
Authors: Figus Carla , Sorrentino Rita , Carlson Kristian J. , Colombo Antony , Bortolini Eugenio , Bernardini Federico , Erjavec Igor , Hajdu Tamás , Szeniczey Tamás , Mateovics-László Orsolya , Pap Ildiko , Tuniz Claudio , Novak Mario , Belcastro Maria Giovanna , Ryan Timothy M. , Benazzi Stefano
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The talus plays an important role in receiving and dissipating the forces and linking the leg and the foot. As such, it is of paramount importance to analyze how its morphology, internal and external, changes during late ontogeny and through adolescence.

Method

To explore both the external shape and the internal architecture of the talus, Geometric Morphometrics and trabecular analysis have been applied to a sample of 35 tali from modern human juveniles aged between 5 and 15 years old (Middle Neolithic (4800–4500 BCE) to mid-20th century).

Results

Results show that, as the overall size of the talus increases, the shape and orientation of talar facets also change. The youngest individuals exhibit a functional talus that is still characterized by a relatively immature shape (e.g., subtly expressed margins of articular surfaces) with articular facets only minimally rotated towards an adult configuration. In adolescents, talar shape has achieved adult form after the age of 11, with all the articular facets and posterior processes well-developed. Considering internal morphology, trabecular bone varies between age classes. While Bone Volume Fraction shifts during the age 5–15 range, Degree of Anisotropy is relatively more stable over the developmental period examined in the study since it exhibits smaller variations between age classes.

Discussion

This study examined the late ontogeny of the human talus by considering both internal and external morphology. Results suggest that, although the locomotion has already assumed an adult-like pattern, the exploration of late talar growth may help understand how the talus adapts to changes in locomotor activity and how it responds to the increase in weight. Present results can be used to a better understanding of talar plasticity, improving interpretations of adult human talar form.
Case report: splicing effect of a novel heterozygous variant of the NUS1 gene in a child with epilepsy
Authors: Hu Yan , Huang Mingwei , Wen Jialun , Gao Jian , Long Weiwei , Shen Yansheng , Zeng Qi , Chen Yan , Zhang Tian , Liao Jianxiang , Liu Qiuli , Li Nannan , Lin Sufang
Published: July 2023

NUS1 is responsible for encoding of the Nogo-B receptor (NgBR), which is a subunit of cis-prenyltransferase. Over 25 variants in NUS1 have been reported, and these variants have been found to be associated with various phenotypes, such as congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) and developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE). We report on the case of a patient who presented with language and motor retardation, epilepsy, and electroencephalogram abnormalities. Upon conducting whole-exome sequencing, we discovered a novel pathogenic variant (chr6:118024873, NM_138459.5: c.791 + 6T>G) in NUS1, which was shown to cause Exon 4 to be skipped, resulting in a loss of 56 amino acids. Our findings strongly suggest that this novel variant of NUS1 is responsible for the development of neurological disorders, including epilepsy. It is believed that the truncation of Nogo-B receptor results in the loss of cis-prenyltransferase activity, which may be the underlying cause of the disease.
The land-sea breeze influences the oceanography of the southern Benguela upwelling system at multiple time-scales
Authors: Fearon Giles , Herbette Steven , Cambon Gildas , Veitch Jennifer , Meynecke Jan-Olaf , Vichi Marcello
Published: July 2023

The physical and biogeochemical functioning of eastern boundary upwelling systems is generally understood within the context of the upwelling - relaxation cycle, driven by sub-diurnal wind variability (i.e. with a time-scale of greater than a day). Here, we employ a realistically configured and validated 3D model of the southern Benguela upwelling system to quantify the impact of super-diurnal winds associated with the land-sea breeze (LSB). The ocean response to the LSB is found to be particularly enhanced within St Helena Bay (SHB), a hotspot for productivity which is also prone to Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) development. We attribute the enhanced response to a combination of near-critical latitude for diurnal-inertial resonance (~32.5°S), the local enhancement of the LSB, and the local development of a shallow stratified surface layer through bay retention. Pronounced advection of the surface layer by diurnal-inertial oscillations contributes to large differences in day- and night-time sea surface temperatures (SST’s) (more than 2°C on average in SHB). Event-scale diapycnal mixing is particularly enhanced within SHB, as highlighted by a numerical experiment initialised with a subsurface passive tracer. These super-diurnal processes are shown to influence sub-diurnal dynamics within SHB through their modulation of the vertical water column structure. A deeper thermocline retains the upwelling front closer to land during active upwelling, while geostrophically-driven alongshore flow is impacted through the modulation of cross-shore pressure gradients. The results suggest that the LSB is likely to play an important role in the productivity and therefore HAB development within SHB, and highlight potential challenges for observational systems and models aiming to improve our understanding of the physical and biological functioning of the system.
Major fine-scale spatial heterogeneity in accumulation of gelatinous carbon fluxes on the deep seabed
Authors: Hoving Henk-Jan , Boetius Antje , Dunlop Katherine , Greinert Jens , Haeckel Matthias , Jones Daniel O. B. , Simon-Lledó Erik , Marcon Yann , Stratmann Tanja , Suck Inken , Sweetman Andrew K. , Purser Autun
Published: July 2023

Abyssal plain communities rely on the overlying water column for a settling flux of organic matter. The origin and rate of this flux as well as the controls on its fine-scale spatial distribution following seafloor settlement are largely unquantified. This is particularly true across regions where anthropogenically-induced seafloor disturbance has occurred. Here, we observed, quantified and mapped a mass deposition event of gelatinous zooplankton carcasses (pyrosomes) in July-September 2015 across one such physically disturbed region in the Peru Basin polymetallic nodule province (4150 m). Seafloor in this area was disturbed with a plough harrow in 1989 (as part of the DISCOL experiment) causing troughs in the sediment. Other parts were disturbed with an epibenthic sled (EBS) during a cruise in 2015 resulting in steep-walled, U-shaped troughs. We investigated two hypotheses: a) gelatinous food falls contribute significantly to the abyssal plain carbon pump and b) physical seafloor disturbance influences abyssal distribution of organic matter. We combined optical and bathymetric seafloor observations, to analyze pyrosome distribution on seabeds with different levels of disturbance. 2954 pyrosome colonies and associated taxa were detected in > 14,000 seafloor images. The mean regional carbon (C) deposition associated with pyrosome carcasses was significant compared to the flux of particulate organic C (182 to 1543%), and the total respired benthic C flux in the DISCOL Experimental Area (39 to 184%). EBS-disturbed seafloor tracks contained 72 times more pyrosome-associated C than an undisturbed reference site, and up to 4 times more than an area disturbed in 1989. Deposited pyrosomes collected had a higher proportion of labile fatty acids compared to the sediment. We document the temporal and spatial extent of an abyssal food fall event with unprecedented detail and show that physical seafloor disturbance results in the accumulation of detrital material. Such accumulation may reduce oxygen availability and alter benthic community structure. Understanding both the relevance of large food falls and the fine scale topography of the seafloor, is necessary for impact assessment of technologies altering seafloor integrity (e.g. as a result of bottom-trawling or deep seabed mining) and may improve their management on a global scale.
Effects of key parameters on performance of a pre-cooled core engine based on the closed helium cycle
Authors: Tong-Ling Ma , Xue-Feng Jiang , Guo-Dong Liu , Zhen-De Liu , Han Gao , Xue-Gang He , Peng-Cheng Du
Published: July 2023

A pre-cooled combined engine based on a closed helium (He) cycle offers high specific thrust and high specific impulse. Therefore, evaluation of the performance of such an engine is crucial for engine applications and key technology research. This study employs an analytical approach to investigate the effects of key parameters on the performance of a pre-cooled core engine, assuming a perfect gas model. The findings revealed that the specific thrust and specific impulse of the pre-cooled core engine are related to the pressurized coefficient of the airflow passage and equivalence ratio (ER). An increase in the pressurized coefficient leads to an increase in both specific thrust and specific impulse. However, within a certain range, although the specific thrust is positively correlated with the ER, the specific impulse is greatly reduced. With specific component parameters and a fixed thermodynamic cycle, a minimum ER exists, which satisfies the cycle-matching requirement. Moreover, the value of the minimum ER is related to the closed-cycle efficiency. For a pre-cooled core engine with a simple closed He cycle, the minimum ER is approximately 2.5–3.5.
Divide and conquer: genetics, mechanism, and evolution of the ferrous iron transporter Feo in Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Gómez-Garzón Camilo , Payne Shelley M.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Feo is the most widespread and conserved system for ferrous iron uptake in bacteria, and it is important for virulence in several gastrointestinal pathogens. However, its mechanism remains poorly understood. Hitherto, most studies regarding the Feo system were focused on Gammaproteobacterial models, which possess three feo genes (feoA, B, and C) clustered in an operon. We found that the human pathogen Helicobacter pylori possesses a unique arrangement of the feo genes, in which only feoA and feoB are present and encoded in distant loci. In this study, we examined the functional significance of this arrangement.

Methods

Requirement and regulation of the individual H. pylori feo genes were assessed through in vivo assays and gene expression profiling. The evolutionary history of feo was inferred via phylogenetic reconstruction, and AlphaFold was used for predicting the FeoA-FeoB interaction.

Results and Discussion

Both feoA and feoB are required for Feo function, and feoB is likely subjected to tight regulation in response to iron and nickel by Fur and NikR, respectively. Also, we established that feoA is encoded in an operon that emerged in the common ancestor of most, but not all, helicobacters, and this resulted in feoA transcription being controlled by two independent promoters. The H. pylori Feo system offers a new model to understand ferrous iron transport in bacterial pathogens.
Detection of emerging HoBi-like Pestivirus (BVD-3) during an epidemiological investigation of bovine viral diarrhea virus in Xinjiang: a first-of-its-kind report
Authors: Yang Ningning , Xu Mingguo , Ma Zhenguo , Li Honghuan , Song Shengnan , Gu Xiaoxiao , Liu Jingnan , Yang Zhonglian , Zhu Hongji , Ma Hailong , Yi Jihai , Wang Yong , Wang Zhen , Sheng Jinliang , Chen Chuangfu
Published: July 2023

Xinjiang pastoral area is the second largest pastoral area in China, accounting for 26.8% of the available grassland area in the country, and the geographical advantage of cattle breeding industry is very obvious. Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) has always been one of the important viral diseases that have plagued the development of cattle farming industry in the world. As one of the main pastoral areas of China’s cattle farming industry, the Xinjiang pastoral area has also been deeply affected. In this study, 6,153 bovine serum samples were collected from 18 large-scale cattle farms in 13 cities in Xinjiang. The antibodies and antigens of 6,153 and 588 serum samples were detected by serological detection methods, respectively. Ten serum samples, which were antigen-positive by ELISA, were randomly selected for RT-PCR detection, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis of suspected HoBi-like Pestivirus (HoBiPeV) strains. The results showed that the positive rates of BVDV antibodies and antigens were 53.68% (3,303/6,153) and 6.12% (36/588), respectively. One of the 10 randomly selected seropositive samples was infected with the HoBiPeV strain. HoBiPeV, also referred to as BVDV-3, is an emerging atypical Pestivirus that occurs in cattle and small ruminants, and its clinical signs are similar to those of BVDV infection. Based on the whole genome of the BVDV-3 reference strain (JS12/01) on the GenBank, the homology of the detected strain was 96.02%. The whole genome nucleotide sequence was submitted to the GenBank database, and the gene accession number was obtained: OP210314. The whole genome of isolate OP210314 was 12.239 nucleotides and contained a 5′-UTR of 340 nucleotides, a 3′-UTR of 199 nucleotides, and a large open reading frame (ORF) encoding a polyprotein consisting of 3,899 amino acids. In conclusion, the prevalence rate of BVDV infection in Xinjiang dairy cows is high, and the genetic diversity is increasing. This study successfully identified and isolated HoBiPeV in Xinjiang for the first time, posing a potential threat to the cattle industry in Xinjiang.
Differential fibril morphologies and thermostability determine functional roles of Staphylococcus aureus PSMα1 and PSMα3
Authors: Rayan Bader , Barnea Eilon , Khokhlov Alexander , Upcher Alexander , Landau Meytal
Published: July 2023

Phenol-soluble modulins (PSMs) are virulent peptides secreted by staphylococci that undergo self-assembly into amyloid fibrils. This study focuses on Staphylococcus aureus PSMα1 and PSMα3, which share homologous sequences but exhibit distinct amyloid fibril structures. Upon subjecting PSMα1 to an 80°C heat shock, it fibrillates into cross-β structures, resulting in the loss of cytotoxic activity. Conversely, PSMα3 cross-α fibrils undergo reversible disaggregation upon heat shock, leading to the recovery of cytotoxicity. The differential thermostability probably arises from the presence of hydrogen bonds along the β-strands within the β-sheets of the cross-β fibrils. We propose that the breakdown of PSMα3 fibrils into soluble species, potentially co-aggregating with membrane lipids, is crucial for its toxic process and enables the reversible modulation of its biological activity under stress conditions. In contrast, the formation of robust and irreversible cross-β fibrils by PSMα1 corresponds to its role in biofilm stability. These findings emphasize how the unique fibril morphologies and thermostability of PSMα1 and PSMα3 shape their functional roles in various environments of S. aureus.
gtAI: an improved species-specific tRNA adaptation index using the genetic algorithm
Authors: Anwar Ali Mostafa , Khodary Saif M. , Ahmed Eman Ali , Osama Aya , Ezzeldin Shahd , Tanios Anthony , Mahgoub Sebaey , Magdeldin Sameh
Published: July 2023

The tRNA adaptation index (tAI) is a translation efficiency metric that considers weighted values (Sij values) for codon–tRNA wobble interaction efficiencies. The initial implementation of the tAI had significant flaws. For instance, generated Sij weights were optimized based on gene expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which is expected to vary among different species. Consequently, a species-specific approach (stAI) was developed to overcome those limitations. However, the stAI method employed a hill climbing algorithm to optimize the Sij weights, which is not ideal for obtaining the best set of Sij weights because it could struggle to find the global maximum given a complex search space, even after using different starting positions. In addition, it did not perform well in computing the tAI of fungal genomes in comparison with the original implementation. We developed a novel approach named genetic tAI (gtAI) implemented as a Python package (https://github.com/AliYoussef96/gtAI), which employs a genetic algorithm to obtain the best set of Sij weights and follows a new codon usage-based workflow that better computes the tAI of genomes from the three domains of life. The gtAI has significantly improved the correlation with the codon adaptation index (CAI) and the prediction of protein abundance (empirical data) compared to the stAI.
Functional outcome in low-ASPECTS (0–5) acute ischemic stroke treated with mechanical thrombectomy: impact of laterality explored in a single-center study
Authors: Dumas Victor , Martin Killian , Giraud Clément , Prigent Julia , Bloch William , Soualmi Karim , Herpe Guillaume , Boucebci Samy , Neau Jean Philippe , Guillevin Rémy , Velasco Stéphane
Published: July 2023

Background

There is no consensus regarding the influence of infarct laterality in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to anterior large vessel occlusion (AIS-LVO) treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT), particularly in low-ASPECT (0–5) patients who were excluded from the initial MT studies and that participated in dedicated randomized-controlled trials that do not consider the side of the occlusion. We aimed to evaluate the role of infarct laterality on the clinical outcome in low-ASPECT AIS patients treated with MT.

Material and methods

We retrospectively analyzed our institutional stroke database in our Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center (TCSC), including patient characteristics, procedural variables, and outcomes, between January 2015 and January 2022. Patients with acute intracranial ICA and/or proximal MCA occlusions with ASPECT ≤ 5 either on CT or MRI were included and divided into 2 groups according to the location of ischemia. The primary endpoint was a good clinical outcome at 90 days (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0–3).

Results

Between January 2015 and November 2021, 817 MT were performed, of which 82 were low-ASPECT (10.0%): 41 left-sided and 41 right-sided strokes. The rates of good clinical outcome were 30.8% (12/41) for the left-sided group and 43.6% (17/41) for the right-sided group, with a p-value of 0.349. The morality rate showed no significant difference between the two groups: 39.0% (16/41) in the right stroke group and 36.6% (15/41) in the left stroke group.

Conclusion

The clinical outcome was not significantly influenced by stroke laterality. The results of this single-center retrospective study indicate either a lack of strength or equal value in performing mechanical thrombectomy regardless of stroke laterality.
Surrounding-aware representation prediction in Birds-Eye-View using transformers
Authors: Yu Jiahui , Zheng Wenli , Chen Yongquan , Zhang Yutong , Huang Rui
Published: July 2023

Birds-Eye-View (BEV) maps provide an accurate representation of sensory cues present in the surroundings, including dynamic and static elements. Generating a semantic representation of BEV maps can be a challenging task since it relies on object detection and image segmentation. Recent studies have developed Convolutional Neural networks (CNNs) to tackle the underlying challenge. However, current CNN-based models encounter a bottleneck in perceiving subtle nuances of information due to their limited capacity, which constrains the efficiency and accuracy of representation prediction, especially for multi-scale and multi-class elements. To address this issue, we propose novel neural networks for BEV semantic representation prediction that are built upon Transformers without convolution layers in a significantly different way from existing pure CNNs and hybrid architectures that merge CNNs and Transformers. Given a sequence of image frames as input, the proposed neural networks can directly output the BEV maps with per-class probabilities in end-to-end forecasting. The core innovations of the current study contain (1) a new pixel generation method powered by Transformers, (2) a novel algorithm for image-to-BEV transformation, and (3) a novel network for image feature extraction using attention mechanisms. We evaluate the proposed Models performance on two challenging benchmarks, the NuScenes dataset and the Argoverse 3D dataset, and compare it with state-of-the-art methods. Results show that the proposed model outperforms CNNs, achieving a relative improvement of 2.4 and 5.2% on the NuScenes and Argoverse 3D datasets, respectively.
The efficacy of a whole foods, plant-based dietary lifestyle intervention for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain in leprosy: a randomized control trial protocol
Authors: Klowak Michael , Boggild Andrea K.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Despite effective treatment of leprosy via WHO-approved multi-drug therapy (MDT), patients still suffer from debilitating neuropathic sequelae, including peripheral neuropathic pain (PNP), and continue to develop intercurrent etiologies (such as diabetes), and progressive existing neuropathy over time. Strategies seeking to improve physiological and metabolic wellness, including those that reduce systemic inflammation and enhance immune responsiveness to neurotoxic factors may influence underlying neuropathic etiologies. A whole food plant-based diet (WFPBD) has been shown to be effective in the management of neuropathic pain due to diabetes, limiting severity and relevant symptomology. Diabetes remains a significant sequela of leprosy, as up to 50% of patients in reaction requiring corticosteroids, may develop a biochemical diabetes. As nutritional interventions may modulate both leprosy and diabetes, a specific exploration of these relationships remains relevant.

Objectives

(1) To demonstrate the effect of a WFPBD lifestyle intervention, on neuropathic pain variables in leprosy; and (2) To contextualize the significance of diet in the treatment of chronic sequelae in leprosy by evaluating tolerability and side effect profile.

Methods

A prospective, randomized, controlled, single-blind, multicentre interventional trial is described. Weekly one-hour dietary counseling sessions promoting a WFPBD emphasizing vegetables, fruits, whole-grains, nuts, and legumes, omitting animal products, and limiting fat intake over a six-month duration will be implemented. Participants will be 70 age and sex-matched individuals experiencing active or treated “cured” leprosy and PNP, randomized to either intervention or control groups. Primary outcome measures include efficacy via visual analog scale, subjective questionnaire and objective quantitative sensory testing, as well as safety, tolerability, and harms of a WFPBD on PNP in leprosy. This study will be initiated after Research Ethics Board (REB) approval at all participating sites, and in advance of study initiation, the trial will be registered atClinicalTrials.gov.

Expected impact

It is hypothesized that WFPBDs will mitigate progression and severity of PNP and potentially reduce the adverse events related to standard corticosteroid treatment of leprosy reactions, thereby reducing disease severity. By examining the effects of WFPBDs on PNP in leprosy, we hope to illuminate data that will lead to the enhanced therapeutic management of this neglected tropical disease.
Non-animal-based options for animal-based foods- towards a systematic terminology
Authors: Abbaspour Nazanin , Sanchez-Sabate Ruben , Sabaté Joan
Published: July 2023

The market has seen a rapid increase in animal-free products intended to replace animal-based foods due to concerns for human health and environmental sustainability. However, there is a lack of consistent terminology for these products, with various terms being used interchangeably, creating ambiguity. To address this issue, we propose a systematic nomenclature that defines the most commonly used terms, namely alternative, substitute, replacement, and analog, along with examples of each. In this nomenclature, a substitute primarily serves a culinary purpose, while a replacement is concerned with nutritional properties. An analog strives to satisfy both culinary and nutritional attributes to closely mimic animal-based foods in terms of sensory, nutritional, and functional characteristics. The term “alternative” serves as an umbrella term encompassing all possibilities. This work aims to promote a clearer understanding of such products and their intended use and facilitate a unified use of terminology across disciplines. This will also enable informed decision-making for consumers and greater transparency in the food industry. The health and environmental implications of these products are not discussed in this perspective.
Effect of sedated colonoscopy with different cost coverage on improving compliance with colorectal cancer screening in China
Authors: Zhuo Lin , Kong Yunxin , Chen Siting , Ma Yue , Cai Ting , Pan Jianqiang , Wang Xiuying , Gao Yihuan , Lu Hang , Li Xinyue , Zhao Hongying , Mackay Louisa , Dong Wendi , Zhuo Lang , Dong Dong
Published: July 2023

Background

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide. Colonoscopy is the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening. However, the colonoscopy participation rate in China is much lower than that in Europe and the United States. As only non-sedated colonoscopies are offered in colorectal cancer screening programs in China, the absence of sedation may contribute to this gap.

Methods

To explore the effect of free and partially participant-paid sedated colonoscopy on improving colorectal screening participation, we conducted a cross-sectional study under the framework of the Cancer Screening Program in Urban China in Xuzhou from May 2017 to December 2020. The Quanshan district was set as the control group and provided free non-sedated colonoscopy, the Yunlong district was set as a partial cost coverage group and offered partially participant-paid sedated colonoscopy, and the Gulou district was set as the full cost coverage group and offered free sedation colonoscopies. Multivariate logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis of colonoscopy participation and colorectal lesion detection rates between the groups.

Results

From May 2017 to May 2020, 81,358 participants were recruited and completed questionnaire, 7,868 subjects who met high-risk conditions for CRC were invited to undergo colonoscopy. The colonoscopy participation rates in the control group, partially cost coverage, and full cost coverage groups were 17.33% (594/3,428), 25.66% (542/2,112), and 34.41% (801/2,328), respectively. Subjects in the partial and full cost coverage groups had 1.66-fold (95% CI: 1.48–1.86) and 2.49-fold (95% CI: 2.23–2.76) increased rates compared with those in the control group. The adjusted PARs for the partially and the full cost coverage group was 9.08 (95% CI: 6.88–11.28) and 18.97 (95% CI: 16.51–21.42), respectively. The detection rates of CAN in the control, partial-cost coverage, and full-cost coverage groups were 3.54% (21/594), 2.95% (16/542), and 5.12% (41/801), respectively. There were no significant differences in the detection rates between the group. However, sedated colonoscopy increases costs.

Conclusion

Sedated colonoscopy increased colonoscopy participation rates in both the partial and full cost-covered groups. A partial cost coverage strategy may be a good way to increase colorectal cancer participation rates and quickly establish a colorectal cancer screening strategy in underfunded areas.
Bardet-Biedl syndrome caused by compound heterozygosity in BBS12 gene: a case report of one family with three affected members
Authors: Simičić Majce Ana , Tudor Darija , Simunovic Marko , Todorovic Marko , Parlov Mladenka , Lozic Bernarda , Saraga-Babić Mirna , Saraga Marijan , Arapović Adela
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a rare genetic syndrome caused by a mutation in one of 26 different genes responsible for normal structure and/or function of primary cilia. The syndrome is characterized by multiorgan involvement with gradual onset of occurrence of clinical signs and symptoms resulting in great phenotypic variability and what is more important, often difficulties with establishing the timely diagnosis.

Case report

We report a case of a one family with three members with BBS caused by a very rare mutation, a compound heterozygosity in BB12 gene. Even though all three patients have the same type of mutation, they express a significant diversity in clinical expression as well as renal impairment.

Conclusion

This is a case report of a rare clinical syndrome caused by a very rare genetic mutation and it emphasizes the importance of genetic analysis in the timely diagnosis of oligosymptomatic patients with BBS, in order to possibly prevent long-term complications.
Identification of the biological processes, immune cell landscape, and hub genes shared by acute anaphylaxis and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Peng Zekun , Chen Hong , Wang Miao
Published: July 2023

Background: Patients with anaphylaxis are at risk for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, the pathological links between anaphylaxis and STEMI remain unclear. Here, we aimed to explore shared biological processes, immune effector cells, and hub genes of anaphylaxis and STEMI.

Methods: Gene expression data for anaphylactic (GSE69063) and STEMI (GSE60993) patients with corresponding healthy controls were pooled from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differential expression analysis, enrichment analysis, and CIBERSORT were used to reveal transcriptomic signatures and immune infiltration profiles of anaphylaxis and STEMI, respectively. Based on common differentially expressed genes (DEGs), Gene Ontology analysis, cytoHubba algorithms, and correlation analyses were performed to identify biological processes, hub genes, and hub gene-related immune cells shared by anaphylaxis and STEMI. The robustness of hub genes was assessed in external anaphylactic (GSE47655) and STEMI (GSE61144) datasets. Furthermore, a murine model of anaphylaxis complicated STEMI was established to verify hub gene expressions. The logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of hub genes.

Results: 265 anaphylaxis-related DEGs were identified, which were associated with immune-inflammatory responses. 237 STEMI-related DEGs were screened, which were involved in innate immune response and myeloid leukocyte activation. M0 macrophages and dendritic cells were markedly higher in both anaphylactic and STEMI samples compared with healthy controls, while CD4+ naïve T cells and CD8+ T cells were significantly lower. Enrichment analysis of 33 common DEGs illustrated shared biological processes of anaphylaxis and STEMI, including cytokine-mediated signaling pathway, response to reactive oxygen species, and positive regulation of defense response. Six hub genes were identified, and their expression levels were positively correlated with M0 macrophage abundance and negatively correlated with CD4+ naïve T cell abundance. In external anaphylactic and STEMI samples, five hub genes (IL1R2, FOS, MMP9, DUSP1, CLEC4D) were confirmed to be markedly upregulated. Moreover, experimentally induced anaphylactic mice developed impaired heart function featuring STEMI and significantly increased expression of the five hub genes. DUSP1 and CLEC4D were screened as blood diagnostic biomarkers of anaphylaxis and STEMI based on the logistic regression analysis.

Conclusion: Anaphylaxis and STEMI share the biological processes of inflammation and defense responses. Macrophages, dendritic cells, CD8+ T cells, and CD4+ naïve T cells constitute an immune cell population that acts in both anaphylaxis and STEMI. Hub genes (DUSP1 and CLEC4D) identified here provide candidate genes for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic targeting of STEMI in anaphylactic patients.
Finite element modeling of dual convection in a Y shaped porous cavity containing viscus fluid
Authors: Aslam Muhammad Aqib , Yao Hailou , Al Mesfer Mohammed K. , Irshad Kashif , Chuhan Imran Shabir , Danish Mohd , Hassan Ahmed M. , Shahzad Hasan , Eldin Sayed M.
Published: July 2023

This communication analyzes the dual convection regime of Newtonian fluid flow in a Y shaped porous enclosure with heat and mass distribution, using a mathematical model of dimensionless PDEs and an effective finite element method. The top curved wall of the enclosure is assumed hot and side walls are cold while the bottom wall is assumed adiabatic. The problem is discretized using P2 and P1 finite element methods to approximate the displacement, pressure, and velocity. The linearized system of equations is solved using Newton’s iterative scheme. The study evaluates the impact of key parameters such as the Hartmann number, Lewis number, Rayleigh number, and buoyancy ratio on the flow, heat transfer rate, and mass transfer rate. Results indicate that an increase in the Hartmann number, Rayleigh numbers and buoyancy ratio amplifies both mass and heat transfer rates. The buoyancy ratio has a noteworthy impact on the flow and transfer rates, with a greater influence seen for. The study presents graphical representations of flow and temperature fields, as well as Nusselt and Sherwood numbers provide a comprehensive visualization of the results. Heat and mass transfer rate is minimum for concentration dominated counter flow (N=−2) and maximum for concentration dominated assisting flow N=2.
A dual-weighted polarization image fusion method based on quality assessment and attention mechanisms
Authors: Duan Jin , Zhang Hao , Liu Ju , Gao Meiling , Cheng Cai , Chen Guangqiu
Published: July 2023

This paper proposes a dual-weighted polarization image fusion method based on quality assessment and attention mechanisms to fuse the intensity image (S0) and the degree of linear polarization (DoLP). S0 has high contrast and clear details, and DoLP has an outstanding ability to characterize polarization properties, so the fusion can achieve an effective complementation of superior information. We decompose S0 and DoLP into base layers and detail layers. In the base layers, we build a quality assessment unit combining information entropy, no-reference image quality assessment, and local energy to ensure the fused image has high contrast and clear and natural visual perception; in the detail layer, we first extract depth features using the pre-trained VGG19, then construct an attention enhancement unit combining space and channels, and finally effectively improve the preservation of detail information and edge contours in the fused image. The proposed method is able to perceive and retain polarization image features sufficiently to obtain desirable fusion results. Comparing nine typical fusion methods on two publicly available and own polarization datasets, experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms other comparative algorithms in both qualitative comparison and quantitative analysis.
Protein structural insights into a rare PCSK9 gain-of-function variant (R496W) causing familial hypercholesterolemia in a Saudi family: whole exome sequencing and computational analysis
Authors: Shaik Noor Ahmad , Al-Shehri Najla , Athar Mohammad , Awan Ahmed , Khalili Mariam , Al Mahadi Hadiah Bassam , Hejazy Gehan , Saadah Omar I. , Al-Harthi Sameer Eida , Elango Ramu , Banaganapalli Babajan , Alefishat Eman , Awan Zuhier
Published: July 2023

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a globally underdiagnosed genetic condition associated with premature cardiovascular death. The genetic etiology data on Arab FH patients is scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the genetic basis of FH in a Saudi family using whole exome sequencing (WES) and multidimensional bioinformatic analysis. Our WES findings revealed a rare heterozygous gain-of-function variant (R496W) in the exon 9 of the PCSK9 gene as a causal factor for FH in this family. This variant was absent in healthy relatives of the proband and 200 healthy normolipidemic controls from Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, this variant has not been previously reported in various regional and global population genomic variant databases. Interestingly, this variant is classified as “likely pathogenic" (PP5) based on the variant interpretation guidelines of the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG). Computational functional characterization suggested that this variant could destabilize the native PCSK9 protein and alter its secondary and tertiary structural features. In addition, this variant was predicted to negatively influence its ligand-binding ability with LDLR and Alirocumab antibody molecules. This rare PCSK9 (R496W) variant is likely to expand our understanding of the genetic basis of FH in Saudi Arabia. This study also provides computational structural insights into the genotype-protein phenotype relationship of PCSK9 pathogenic variants and contributes to the development of personalized medicine for FH patients in the future.
Exogenous selenium promotes the growth of salt-stressed tomato seedlings by regulating ionic homeostasis, activation energy allocation and CO2 assimilation
Authors: Zhang Wenbo , He Xiaoling , Chen Xianjun , Han Hongwei , Shen Bingru , Diao Ming , Liu Hui-ying
Published: July 2023

This study is aimed at investigating the effects of exogenous selenium (Se) on the ionic equilibrium and micro-domain distribution, state transitions between photosystem I (PSI) and photosystem II (PSII), and the photosynthetic carbon assimilation efficiency of tomato (Solanum lycopersicon L.) seedlings under the influence of salt stress. The application of 0.01 mmol•L-1 exogenous Se had no significant effects on the selective transport capacity of sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) from the roots to leaves under salt stress. It, however, significantly hindered the absorption of Na by the root system and leaves, increased the ratios of K/Na, Ca/Na and Mg/Na, and relieved the nonuniformity of micro-domain ionic distribution, thus, mitigating the ionic homeostasis imbalance and ion toxicity induced by salt stress. Additionally, the application of exogenous Se overcame stomatal limitation, regulated the state transitions between PSI and PSII, and enhanced the initial and overall activity of Rubisco as well as the activities of Rubisco activase (RCA) and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase). It also increased the levels of expression of nine relevant genes in Calvin cycle, which subsequently improved the concentration of photosynthetic substrates, balanced the distribution of activation energy between PSI and PSII, promoted the efficiency of CO2 carboxylation and carbon assimilation, thereby increasing the photosynthetic efficiency of tomato seedling leaves under salt stress. Hence, the supply of exogenous Se can alleviate the inhibition of salt stress on tomato seedling growth by rebuilding ionic homeostasis and promoting photosynthetic capacity.
Depression status and functional outcome of patients with ischemic stroke and the impact on caregivers living in Chengdu: a cross-sectional study
Authors: He Lanying , Wang Jian , Wang Feng , Wang Lu , Liu Yinglin , Zhou Fanfan , Xu Fan
Published: July 2023

Objectives

To investigate the associations between risk factors and depression symptoms in ischemic stroke (IS) survivors and the effect of IS survivors’ depression status and functional outcomes on caregiver burden in Chengdu, China.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we recruited a convenience sample of patients with IS and paired caregivers living in Chengdu from February 2022 to May 2022. Depression symptoms were assessed using the 17-item Chinese Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, the social support of patients was assessed using the perceived social support scale (PSSS), caregiver burden was assessed using the Zarit burden interview (ZBI). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the data between risk factors and depression symptoms, and multiple linear regression models were constructed to examine the depression symptoms and functional outcomes of stroke survivors, and caregiver burden.

Results

In total, 966 IS survivors and paired caregivers were included in this study. Among IS survivors, 35.51% (343/966) experienced depression. Age [adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 1.02; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.00–1.04; p = 0.036], the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (aOR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.47–1.68; p < 0.001), and PSSS score (aOR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.84–0.89; p < 0.001) were associated with an increased risk of depression. The NIHSS score (b = 2.57, p < 0.001), patients’ depression status (b = 2.54, p < 0.001), duration of care (b = 0.359, p = 0.006), and social support of caregivers (b = −0.894, p = 0.038) were significantly associated with the ZBI score.

Conclusion

The PSSS score was a major risk factor for the development of depression in IS survivors, and patients’ depression status and severe functional deficits had a negative impact on the ZBI score of the main caregivers. Social support can reduce the ZBI score.
Postpartum Medicaid coverage and outpatient care utilization among low-income birthing individuals in Oregon: impact of Medicaid expansion
Authors: Pradhan Satyasandipani , Harvey S. Marie , Bui Linh N. , Yoon Jangho
Published: July 2023

Objective

This study examined the effect of Medicaid expansion in Oregon on duration of Medicaid enrollment and outpatient care utilization for low-income individuals during the postpartum period.

Methods

We linked Oregon birth certificates, Medicaid enrollment files, and claims to identify postpartum individuals (N = 73,669) who gave birth between 2011 and 2015. We created one pre-Medicaid expansion (2011–2012) and two post-expansion (2014–2015) cohorts (i.e., previously covered and newly covered by Medicaid). We used ordinary least squares and negative binomial regression models to examine changes in postpartum coverage duration and number of outpatient visits within a year of delivery for the post-expansion cohorts compared to the pre-expansion cohort. We examined monthly and overall changes in outpatient utilization during 0–2 months, 3–6 months, and 7–12 months after delivery.

Results

Postpartum coverage duration increased by 3.14 months and 2.78 months for the post-Medicaid expansion previously enrolled and newly enrolled cohorts (p < 0.001), respectively. Overall outpatient care utilization increased by 0.06, 0.19, and 0.34 visits per person for the previously covered cohort and 0.12, 0.13, and 0.26 visits per person for newly covered cohort during 0–2 months, 3–6 months, and 7–12 months, respectively. Monthly change in utilization increased by 0.006 (0–2 months) and 0.004 (3–6 months) visits per person for post-Medicaid previously enrolled cohort and decreased by 0.003 (0–2 months) and 0.02 (7–12 months) visits per person among newly enrolled cohort.

Conclusion

Medicaid expansion increased insurance coverage duration and outpatient care utilization during postpartum period in Oregon, potentially contributing to reductions in pregnancy-related mortality and morbidities among birthing individuals.
Eyes on privacy: acceptance of video-based AAL impacted by activities being filmed
Authors: Maidhof Caterina , Offermann Julia , Ziefle Martina
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The use of video-based ambient assisted living (AAL) technologies represents an innovative approach to supporting older adults living as independently and autonomously as possible in their homes. These visual devices have the potential to increase security, perceived safety, and relief for families and caregivers by detecting, among others, emergencies or serious health situations. Despite these potentials and advantages, using video-based technologies for monitoring different activities in everyday life evokes concerns about privacy intrusion and data security. For a sustainable design and adoption of such technical innovations, a detailed analysis of future users' acceptance, including perceived benefits and barriers is required and possible effects and privacy needs of different activities being filmed should be taken into account.

Methods

Therefore, the present study investigated the acceptance and benefit-barrier-perception of using video-based AAL technologies for different activities of daily living based on a scenario-based online survey (N = 146).

Results

In the first step, the results identified distinct evaluation patterns for 25 activities of daily living with very high (e.g., changing clothes, showering) and very low privacy needs (e.g., gardening, eating, and drinking). In a second step, three exemplary activity types were compared regarding acceptance, perceived benefits, and barriers. The acceptance and the perceived benefits of using video-based AAL technologies revealed to be higher in household and social activities compared to intimate activities. The strongest barrier perception was found for intimate activities and mainly regarded privacy concerns.

Discussion

The results can be used to derive design and information recommendations for the conception, development, and communication of video-based AAL technologies in order to meet the requirements and needs of future users.