bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The central role of cancer driver genes in pathway networks according to persistence homology
Authors: Ramos Rodrigo Henrique , Bardelotte Yago Augusto , Ferreira Cynthia de Oliveira Lage , Simao Adenilso
Published: November 2023

Cancer is a complex disease caused by mutations accumulated over a lifetime. Albeit cancer cells harbor many mutations, only a small fraction, called driver mutations, are responsible for the emergence and maintenance of the disease. Pathway networks are subsets from the whole cell interactome and represent meaningful biological functions. In this study, we explore the topological complexity of pathway sub-networks using the persistence homology theory, observing driver genes’ role. Results show drivers are associated with higher-order structures, and their removal is more impactful than non-drivers in the network complexity, even when the non-drivers are hubs. These findings increase our understanding of drivers and place persistent homology as an approach that can extract characteristics beyond traditional centrality measures that can be used to discover new driver genes.
ADMM-TGV image restoration for scientific applications with unbiased parameter choice
Authors: Zietlow Christian , Lindner Jörg K. N.
Published: November 2023

Image restoration via Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers (ADMM) has gained large interest within the last decade. Solving standard problems of Gaussian and Poisson noise, the set of ‘Total Variation’ (TV) based regularizers proved to be efficient and versatile. In the last few years the ‘Total Generalized Variation’ (TGV) approach combined TV regularizers of different orders adaptively to better suit local regions in the image. This improved the technique significantly. The approach solved the staircase problem inherent of the first order TV while keeping the beneficial edge preservation. The iterative minimization for the augmented Lagrangian of TGV problems requires four important parameters, two penalty parameters ρ and η and two regularization parameters λ0 and λ1. The choice of penalty parameters decides on the convergence speed, the regularization parameters decide on the impact of the respective regularizer and are determined by the noise level in the image. For scientific applications of such algorithms, an automated and thus objective method to determine these parameters is essential to receive unbiased results independent of the user. Obviously, both sets of parameters are to be well-chosen to achieve optimal results, too. In this paper a method is proposed to adaptively chose optimal ρ and η values for the iteration to converge faster, based on the primal and dual residuals arising from the opti-mality conditions of the augmented Lagrangian. Further, we show how to choose λ0 and λ1 based on the inherent noise in the image.
Electropolymerized polyaniline on electrospun silica nanofibers to prepare a SPME fiber for the sampling of linear alkyl benzenes
Authors: Rashidipour Marzieh , Dalvand Kolsoum , Ghiasvand Alireza
Published: November 2023

A polyaniline/silica (PANI/SiO2) nanocomposite was electrodeposited on the surface of a stainless steel wire and applied for the extraction of linear alkyl benzenes (LABs) with headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) method followed by GC-FID quantification. The structure and morphology of the synthesized sorbent was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) techniques. Response surface methodology (RSM) involving central composite design (CCD) was employed to evaluate the important experimental variables. Under the optimal conditions, linear dynamic ranges (LDRs) were in the range of 0.05-12µg mL− 1 for Φ-C11 and Φ-C13, 0.02-12µg mL− 1 for Φ-C12 and Φ-C14 with acceptable linearity greater than 0.99. The limits of detection (LODs) were found to be 0.4–0.9 ng mL− 1. The developed HS-SPME-GC-FID method was successfully applied for the extraction and determination of LABs in water and wastewater samples.
Combinatorial summation of Feynman diagrams: Equation of state of the 2D SU(N) Hubbard model
Authors: Kozik Evgeny
Published: November 2023

Feynman's diagrammatic series is a common language for a formally exact theoretical description of systems of infinitely-many interacting quantum particles, as well as a foundation for precision computational techniques. Here we introduce a universal framework for efficient summation of connected or skeleton Feynman diagrams for generic quantum many-body systems. It is based on an explicit combinatorial construction of the sum of the integrands by dynamic programming, at a computational cost that can be made only exponential in the diagram order on a classical computer and potentially polynomial on a quantum computer. We illustrate the technique by an unbiased diagrammatic Monte Carlo calculation of the equation of state of the 2D SU(N) Hubbard model in an experimentally relevant regime, which has remained challenging for state-of-the-art numerical methods.
Cactodera guizhouensis n. sp. (Nematoda: Heteroderinae), a new species of cyst-forming nematode from roots and surrounding soil of potato in Guizhou, China
Authors: ni Chunhui , Xie Yujia , Yang Si-Hua , Yang Zai-Fu , Xu Chunling , Xie Hui
Published: November 2023

A new cyst-forming nematode, Cactodera guizhouensis n. sp., isolated from roots and surrounding soil of potato in Guizhou, China, was the first species of genus Cactodera found from the potato rhizosphere. The new species was characterized by its L/W ratio of cyst is 1.4±0.1 (1.3-1.8), while fenestral diam. is 17.7-28.7×12.3-23.4 μm and absent vulval denticlest; its stylet length of second stage juveniles is 26.5±1.2 (24.1-29.0) μm, while tail is 53.4±3.9 (45.0-61.9) μm and hyaline tail is 25.7±2.4 (21.6-29.8) μm, as well as lateral field with four incisures and areolation; its eggshell with punctations. The internal transcribed spacer sequences of ribosomal RNA (ITS-rRNA), the sequences of the D2-D3 region of 28S ribosomal RNA (28S-rRNA) from the new species were amplified and sequenced. The phylogenetic tree based on sequences of ITS-rRNA and 28S-rRNA D2-D3 region showed that the new species clustered into a separate clade and could be distinguished from other species in genus Cactodera. A key to the species of Cactodera is also provided in this study.
Human amniotic membrane vs. silver sulfadiazine dressing in second-degree burns: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Moghimi Mohammad Hossein , Salehiyan Mehran , Abdi Mohammad , Tahrekhani Mehran , Safaie Alireza , Kamali Koorosh
Published: November 2023

Background
Burn wounds require optimal medical management due to associated psycho-emotional and socioeconomic impacts, and severe pain. Utilizing synthetic and biological dressings improves healing and reduces burn wound complications. The present study aimed to compare the outcomes of using a human amniotic membrane (HAM) and conventional silver sulfadiazine (SSDZ) ointment as the dressings, in the management of the second-degree burn wound,2018, Zanjan, Iran.
Methods
Fifty patients participated in this clinical trial and were divided into two groups by simple randomization. The target group (n = 25) was treated with HAM, and the control group (n = 25) was treated with the SSDZ ointment. The researcher-designed checklist was used to determine the clinical performance in the follow-up assessments on days 7, 14, and 30.
Results
No significant difference was found in terms of gender, age, and the percentage of the burn wound (P > 0.05). Wound epithelialization (days 7,14, and 30), scar and pigmentation of the wound, pain severity, the amount of analgesia required, and the hospital stay length (on day 30) were significantly less in the target group, compared to the control (P < 0.05). Nonetheless, the treatment costs in the target group (170$) were significantly higher than in the control (71$) (P < 0.001).
Conclusion
The HAM as a technology-based therapy dressing, albeit expensive, is superior to the SSDZ ointment dressing in terms of wound healing and pain mitigation. Due to the efficiency of this novel product educational policies are recommended to implement technological therapy modules in the medical education curriculum.
Deep longitudinal lower respiratory tract microbiome profiling reveals genome-resolved functional and evolutionary dynamics in critical illness
Authors: Jiang Chao , Cheng Minghui , Xu Yingjie , Cui Xiao , Wei Xin , Chang Yundi , Xu Jun , Lei Cheng , Xue Lei , Wang Zhang , Huang Lingtong , Zheng Min , Luo Hong , Leng Yuxin
Published: November 2023

The lower respiratory tract (LRT) microbiome impacts human health, especially among critically ill patients. However, comprehensive characterizations of the LRT microbiome remain challenging. We developed an efficient chelex100-based low-biomass microbial-enrichment method (CMEM) that enables the efficient deep metagenomic profiling of LRT samples to recover near-complete microbial genomes. We applied the method to 465 longitudinally collected LRT samples from 157 patients in intensive care units (ICUs) in three geographically distant hospitals. We detected hospital-specific and longitudinal signatures of the microbiome. Integrative analysis with clinical data demonstrated that diagnosed pneumonia and the length of ICU stay were significantly correlated with the abundance of specific microbes and antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs). Importantly, the alpha diversity of the LRT microbiome is inversely correlated to ARG abundance. Moreover, CMEM opens new avenues for genome-resolved analyses without laborious culturing. MAG-based analyses reveal strain-specific resistome and virulome and frequent inter-patient transmissions in ICUs. Evolutionary analyses identified highly conserved plasmids and recombination hotspots in Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae, which are associated with conjugative elements and prophages. Collectively, we present a genome-resolved functional, transmission, and evolutionary landscape of the longitudinal LRT microbiota in critically ill patients, demonstrating the deep LRT microbiome profiling method as a powerful tool for LRT microbial surveillance, functional, evolutionary, and clinical research.
Association between total testosterone and cervical cancer: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Lyu Qiongying , Zhang Juan , He Xiaoyan , Chen Yurou , Fan Guanlan , Xiong Jiaqiang , Zhang Wei
Published: November 2023

Background
Several experimental studies already proved that the increase of total testosterone could lead to the development of gynecological disease. Animal experiments have shown that testosterone may be associated with the progression of cervical cancer (CC). And the metabolism of cholesterol which serves as the initial raw material for testosterone synthesis is crucial for the occurrence of CC. However, the causal relationship between CC and Total testosterone still remained unknown.
Methods
We performed bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) study using summary statistics from the genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of Total testosterone and CC. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were used as instrumental variables (IVs) from GWAS in this study. The random-effects inverse-variance weighted (IVW) estimation method was applied as the primary method with several other estimators as complementary methods. Total testosterone was seen as exposure in forward MR analysis and CC was utilized as exposure in reverse MR analysis, and their SNPs were read and screened by "TwoSampleMR" R package. The bidirectional MR results were verified by a series of sensitive analyses. Moreover, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis of genes regulated by instrumental variable SNPs were conducted using “cluster Profiler”.
Results
In our study, the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) analysis in forward MR analysis (OR:1.0016, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0005–1.0027; p < 0.05) clarified that these SNPs could effectively predict that total testosterone could lead to increases the risk of CC, indicating a direct effect of total testosterone on CC. The IVW analysis in reverse MR analysis did not find a significant effect of CC on Total testosterone (p = 0.557). Moreover, in forward MR, most genes regulated by instrumental variable SNPs are mainly involved in C21-steroid hormone metabolic process, MHC protein complex and progesterone metabolic process, and the signal pathways are mainly involved in Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation, Hematopoietic cell lineage, Th17 cell differentiation.
Conclusion
The present study strengthened the evidence that Total testosterone is a potential risk factor for CC. Whether CC affects Total testosterone needs further research.
An Optimal Navigation Model for Realistic Traffic Network Scenarios in VANET
Authors: Kumari J Jesy Janet , S Thangam , Raja A. Saleem
Published: November 2023

Vehicle Ad-hoc Networks (VANETs) are a kind of Internet of Things system where groups of vehicles connect and vehicle tracking infrastructure to enhance driver and public security as well as lifestyles. In a VANET, vehicles oversee the communicating status to the controller and other drivers for processing, as well as the statuses of the road, traffic, and atmosphere around them. In these actual VANET network traffic scenarios, this research presents the mixing of enhanced genetic algorithms (EGA) based on ant colony optimization (ACO) techniques (EGAACO) to create an optimized routing algorithm. This research evaluates the conventional algorithm with metaheuristic possibilities and includes the experimental VANET simulation scenario. To verify the outcomes, the proposed approach is tested using open-source network and traffic simulation tools. On Simulation of Urban Mobility (SUMO), all three different traffic scenarios were simulated and examined using NS3.2. The results of these analyses were satisfactory, and it emerged EGAACO algorithm, performed better than the others in each of the three traffic scenarios. The four real-time traffic network scenarios include average throughput, packet delivery ratio, end-to-end delay, and packet loss in a network, which is collected from the city of Bangalore, and the performance metric measures utilized in traffic network conditions. The experimental result proved that the proposed EGAACO algorithm outperforms the Ad-hoc on- Demand Distance Vector Routing (AODV), Particle Swarm Intelligence (PSO), and ACO routing protocols in all settings.
Is Thyroid Function Associated With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome? A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study.
Authors: Zhang Qinnan , Ke Wencai , Ye Jun , Zhang Panpan , Yang Qian , Pan Fanfan , Wang Kai , zha bingbing
Published: November 2023

Context:
Some observational studies have suggested the association between thyroid function and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, it remains to be determined whether these associations are causal or not.
Objective
To investigate whether different thyroid function states causally affect the prevalence of PCOS.
Methods
We conducted two sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis between the effect of different thyroid function status on PCOS and further explored the reverse causality by bidirectional MR. This bidirectional MR was conducted in 10,074 individuals with PCOS and 103,164 controls primarily, validation analysis was repeated in FinnGen R9 and EstBB PCOS cohorts. We obtained female specific thyroid function GWAS from 2 database, including Hyperthyroidism (22,383 cases and 54,288 controls) and Hypothyroidism (27,383 cases and 54,288 controls) from the UK Biobank and Normal TSH (54,288 cases and 72,167 controls) and Normal FT4 (49,269 cases and 72,167 controls) from Thyroid Omics Consortium. Inverse variance weighting (IVW), MR-Egger, Weighted median, sensitivity and heterogeneity analysis were used.
Results
Contrary to previous observational studies, we did not find a causal relationship between thyroid function and the risk of PCOS among European ancestry. However, The IVW analysis suggested nominal significance between normal TSH in female and PCOS adjusted for age and BMI [p = 0.021; OR = 0.60 (95% CI = 0.61 to 0.96)], but p-value did not reach the threshold for Bonferroni correction (p-value < 0.0125).
Conclusion
Our MR analysis didn’t indicate genetic causal association between thyroid function and PCOS. Further efforts are needed to interpret the potential causal relationship between thyroid function and PCOS in different age and BMI sub-group.
Continuous Blood Exchange in Rats: A Protocol for Experimental Investigation
Authors: Pei Siya , Wang Yanjie , Zhang Zhimin , Mei Cheng , Yin Wenyu , Fu Xiangjie , Yan Danyang , Zhu Yuanyuan , Lin Tianli , Zhou Yiran , Li Ning
Published: November 2023

Blood exchange therapy, specifically whole blood exchange (WBE), is increasingly being utilized in clinical settings to effectively treat a range of diseases. Consequently, there is an urgent requirement to establish convenient and clinically applicable animal models that can facilitate the exploration of blood exchange therapy mechanisms. Our study conducted continuous whole blood exchange (WBE) in rats through femoral and tail vein catheterization using dual-directional syringe pumps. To demonstrate the applicability of continuous whole blood exchange, drug-induced hemolytic anemia (DIHA) was induced through phenylhydrazine hydrochloride injection. Notability, the rats of WBE treatment group survived all and recovered within the subsequent period. After the implementation of continuous whole blood exchange therapy day (Day 1), the treatment group exhibited a statistically significant increase in red blood cells (P = 0.0343) and hemoglobin levels (P = 0.0090). The rats in the WBE treatment group exhibited a faster recovery rate compared to the model group, indicating the successful establishment of a continuous blood exchange protocol. This experimental approach demonstrates not just promising efficacy in the treatment of DIHA and offers a valuable tool for investigating the underlying mechanisms of blood exchange. Furthermore, it has a great potential to the advancement of biomedical research such as drug delivery exploration.
Synthesis and characterization of pyrrole-based group 4 PNP pincer complexes
Authors: Tomsu Gerald , Stöger Berthold , Kirchner Karl Anton
Published: November 2023

The synthesis, characterization and reactivity of several group 4 metal complexes featuring a central anionic pyrrole moiety connected via CH2 linkers to two phosphine donors is described. Treatment of [P(NH)P-iPr] with [MCl4(THF)2] (M = Zr, Hf) in the presence of base yields the dimeric complexes [M(PNPiPr)(µ-Cl)(Cl)2]2 featuring two bridging chloride ligands. These complexes react with sodium cyclopentadienyl and SiMe3I to give the mononuclear complexes [M(PNPiPr)(η5-Cp)(Cl)2] and [M(PNPiPr)(I)3], respectively. The latter react with MeMgBr to form the trialkyl complexes [M(PNPiPr)(Me)3]. Upon treatment of [Ti(NMe2)4] with [P(NH)P-iPr] a complex with the general formula [Ti(PNPiPr)(NMe2)3] is obtained. DFT calculations revealed that the most stable species is [Ti(κ1N- PNPiPr)(NMe2)3] featuring a κ1N-bound PNP ligand. When [P(NH)P-iPr] is reacted with [Ti(NMe2)4] in CH2Cl2 complex [Ti(PNPiPr)(Cl)2(NMe2)] is formed. Treatment of a solution of [P(NH)P-iPr] (1) and [Zr(NMe2)4] with SiMe3Br affords the anionic seven-coordinate tetrabromo complex [Zr(PNPiPr)(Br)4][H2NMe2]. The corresponding hafnium complex [Hf(PNPiPr)(Br)4][H2NEt2] is obtained in similar fashion by utilizing [Hf(NEt2)4] as metal precursor. All complexes are characterized by means of NMR spectroscopy. Representative complexes were also characterized by X-ray crystallography.
Automatic berthing of unmanned surface vessels with predetermined performance
Authors: Wang Qiwen , Zhang Qiang , Zhao Enrui , Liu Yang , Zhang Yan
Published: November 2023

To solve the problem of ship automatic berthing control due to unknown time-varying disturbance and dynamic uncertainty of model parameters, an automatic berthing control law based on predefined performance time function is proposed. First, a predefined performance time function is designed and coupled with tracking error to achieve the predetermined performance of tracking error. Secondly, radial basis function neural network is used to approach the dynamic uncertainty of ship model parameters, and the complex uncertainty of model parameters and unknown time-varying disturbance is represented by linearized parameter form with single virtual parameter, which makes the calculation simple and easy to implement in engineering. On this basis, the reverse step control law is designed. Thirdly, the stability of the system is proved based on Lyapunov stability theory. Finally, the simulation results show that the control law can make the ship reach the desired position and heading Angle, and realize the automatic berthing of the ship. The control law and berthing controller designed in this paper have good applicability and robustness, which provides a theoretical basis for the subsequent control research of surface intelligent ships.
Identification of ANGPT2, FLT3, IGF1 and SPP1 related to glycolysis and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Rui , Xu Jun , Shi Zhi-yong , Zhang He-zhao , Zhang An-hong , Zhang Yu-zhi
Published: November 2023

Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor of the liver. Aerobic glycolysis is the reason for the high proliferation rate of HCC cells. In addition, PI3K / Akt pathway stimulates angiogenesis, which is beneficial to the growth of HCC cells. The aim of this research was to screen biomarkers related to glycolysis and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in HCC.
Methods
In TCGA-LIHC dataset, differential analysis was performed to screen out the DEGs between tumor and normal groups. The candidate genes were obtained through overlapping DEGs, GMRGs and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway-related genes. Biomarkers were identified by ten algorithms in the PPI network. The correlation between angiogenesis/autophagy/apoptosis/EMT and biomarkers was analyzed.
Results
A sum of 7476 DEGs were obtained between tumor and normal groups. Soon afterwards, 20 candidate genes were obtained. Then, we identified 4 biomarkers (ANGPT2, FLT3, IGF1 and SPP1) via PPI. we found these biomarkers were positively associated with angiogenesisa, autophagy, apoptosis and EMT. Finally, ANGPT2 and SPP1 was higher expressed in HCC group compared to the normal group.
Conclusion
Overall, we obtained four biomarkers related to glycolysis and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway (ANGPT2, FLT3, IGF1 and SPP1) associated with HCC, which laid a theoretical foundation for the treatment of HCC.
Measurement of synaptic density in Down syndrome using PET imaging : a pilot study
Authors: DIFILIPPO ALEXANDRA , Jonaitis Erin , Makuch Renee , Gambetti Brianna , Fleming Victoria , Ennis Gilda , Barnhart Todd , Engle Jonathan , Bendlin Barbara , Johnson Sterling , Handen Benjamin , Krinsky-McHale Sharon , Hartley Sigan , Christian Bradley
Published: November 2023

Down syndrome (DS) is the most prevalent genetic cause of intellectual disability, resulting from trisomy 21. Recently, positron emission tomography (PET) imaging has been used to image synapses in-vivo. The motivation for this pilot study was to investigate whether synaptic density in low functioning adults with DS can be evaluated using the PET radiotracer [11C]UCB-J. Data were acquired from low functioning adults with DS (n = 4) and older neurotypical (NT)) adults (n = 38). Motion during the scans required the use of a 10-minute acquisition window for the calculation of synaptic density using SUVR50 − 60,CS. This approximation was validated against the distribution volume ratio (DVRCS) calculated using radiotracer kinetic analyses in NT adults. Of the regions analyzed the DS group showed lower synaptic density in the hippocampus, and smaller hippocampus and cerebellum volumes. In this pilot study, PET imaging of [11C]UCB-J was successfully completed and synaptic density measured in low functioning DS adults. This work provides the basis for studies where synaptic density may be compared between larger groups of NT adults and adults with DS who have varying degrees of baseline cognitive status.
Operationalizing Back Referral Concept in Teaching Hospitals through Outreach Centre of Community Medicine Departments: A Pilot Study
Authors: Arun Ruchi , Beniwal Shreya Singh , Singh Amarjeet , Ijantkar Saakshi Ashwinkumar
Published: November 2023

Background: The healthcare system's efficient referral systems are vital for managing patient flows among various healthcare facilities. This pilot study focuses on the operationalization of the back referral concept, which aims to ensure optimal care at each level of the healthcare system by referring patients from receiving facilities back to initiating facilities.
Objectives: The primary objective of this pilot study is to evaluate the initial functioning of the Vardaan Referral unit at SRMSIMS, Bareilly.
Methods: The study is conducted at Shree Ram Murti Smarak Institute of Medical Sciences (SRMSIMS), Bareilly, India. Patients referred through rural and urban training centers of the Community Medicine Departments at SRMSIMS participate in the study. Data is collected through referrals using color-coded paper slips, detailed documentation of patients' medical history, follow-up tele-calling, and patient feedback.
Results: The pilot study included a total of 313 patients, and findings indicate that patients expressed satisfaction with the services provided at the Vardaan center. Case studies illustrate the functioning and benefits of the back referral system.
Conclusion: The pilot study highlights the successful implementation of the back referral system at SRMSIMS, providing efficient healthcare services to patients. The findings suggest the potential for reducing the burden on higher-level facilities and promoting a culture of self-care and non-medicinal interventions.
Communities Organizing to Promote Equity (COPE): Engaging local communities in public health responses to health inequities exacerbated by COVID-19– Protocol Paper
Authors: Pacheco Christina M. , Bridges Kristina M. , Ellerbeck Edward F. , Ablah Elizabeth , Greiner K. Allen , Chen Yvonnes , Collie-Akers Vicki , Ramírez Mariana , LeMaster Joseph W. , Sykes Kevin , Parente Daniel J. , Corriveau Erin , Neira Antonio Miras , Scott Angela , Knapp Kara E. , Finocchario-Kessler Sarah , Team COPE
Published: November 2023

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted rural and under-resourced urban communities in Kansas. The state's response to COVID-19 has relied on a highly decentralized and underfunded public health system, with 100 local health departments in the state, few of which had prior experience engaging local community coalitions in a coordinated response to a public health crisis.
Methods
To improve the capacity for local community-driven responses to COVID-19 and other public health needs, the University of Kansas Medical Center, in partnership with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, will launch Communities Organizing to Promote Equity (COPE) in 20 counties across Kansas. The COPE project will establish Local Health Equity Action Teams (LHEATs), coalitions comprised of community members and service providers, who work with COPE-hired community health workers (CHWs) recruited to represent the diversity of the communities they serve. CHWs in each county are tasked with addressing unmet social needs of residents and supporting their county's LHEAT. LHEATs are charged with implementing strategies to improve social determinants of health in their county. Monthly, LHEATs and CHWs from all 20 counties will come together as part of a learning collaborative to share strategies, foster innovation, and engage in peer problem-solving. These efforts will be supported by a multilevel communications strategy that will increase awareness of COPE activities and resources at the local level and project successes across the state. Our mixed methods evaluation design will assess the processes and impact of COPE activities as well as barriers and facilitators to implementation using aspects of both the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance (RE-AIM) models.
Discussion
This project is designed to expand community capacity to strategically partner with local public health and social service partners to prioritize and implement health equity efforts. COPE intentionally engages historically resilient communities and those living in underserved rural areas to inform pragmatic strategies to improve health equity.
Schistosomiasis endemicity and performance of preventive chemotherapy intervention programme in Nigeria in the year 2021
Authors: Imalele Edema Enogiomwan , Chikwendu Joy Ifeyinwa , Atsuwe Terese Simon
Published: November 2023

For managing schistosomiasis, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends mass treatment of impacted populations by administering periodic doses of praziquantel. This study assessed the impact of preventive chemotherapy on schistosomiasis endemicity in Nigeria. The study utilised secondary data from the WHO's Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN) available at the ESPEN portal. The assessment involved an examination of the extent to which preventive chemotherapy (PC) implementation was carried out and the regularity of treatment, with a connection made to the prevalence levels of schistosomiasis in Nigeria. There was no PC delivery in most states in the northeast, northwest, and North-central regions, as well as certain areas within the southwest region. PC was also not delivered in areas with high endemicity. Out of the 774 IUs, PC was carried out in 68 units (8.79%) targeting school children. Among these, successful implementation of PC was observed in 33 units (4.26%). PC was conducted only once among school children in 150 (19.38%) IUs, while 23.51% of IUs executed PC at least three times. However, 241 (31.14%) of the IUs successfully carried out effective PC (≥ 75%) once from 2013 to 2021. Conversely, a higher percentage (31.91%) of IUs indicated PC coverage below 75%, signifying ineffectiveness. Although treatment has proven effective in specific areas with a high prevalence of the disease, there is still a considerable need for substantial expansion of MDA programmes if the country aims to meet the WHO recommended objective of achieving PC coverage of ≥ 75%.
Electrical engineering of topological magnetism in two-dimensional heterobilayers
Authors: Abuawwad Nihad , Dias Manuel dos Santos , Abusara Hazem , Lounis Samir
Published: November 2023

The emergence of topological magnetism in two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) magnetic materials promoted 2D heterostructures as key building-blocks of devices for information technology based on topological concepts. Here, we demonstrate the all-electric switching of the topological nature of individual magnetic objects emerging in 2D vdW heterobilayers. We show from the first principles that an external electric field modifies the vdW gap between CrTe2 and (Rh, Ti)Te2 layers and alters the underlying magnetic interactions. This enables switching between ferromagnetic skyrmions and meron pairs in the CrTe2/RhTe2 heterobilayer while it enhances the stability of frustrated antiferromagnetic merons in the CrTe2/TiTe2 heterobilayer. We envision that the electrical engineering of distinct topological magnetic solitons in a single device could pave the way for novel energy-efficient mechanisms to store and transmit information with applications in spintronics.
Tunable Negative Permittivity Derived From Flexible MWCNT/PVA/Mn Ferrite/AC Metacomposites
Authors: Gholipur Reza , Maazi Mahfooz
Published: November 2023

With the development of new metamaterials made of periodic array structures, negative permittivity has recently received more and more attention. However, it is crucial to achieve negative permittivity behavior based on materials' intrinsic properties rather than their synthetically periodic structures, as easy preparation is always a priority. Wearable cloaks, stretchable sensors, thin-film capacitors, and other applications all hold great promise for the flexible metacomposites with tunable negative permittivity. Herein, flexible multi walled carbon nanotube/polyvinyl alcohol/manganese ferrite/active carbon (MWCNT/PVA/Mn ferrite/AC) porous metacomposites with negative dielectric constant was prepared by feasible sol-gel method. The resulting metacomposites with various MWCNT mass values were examined for their ac conductivity behavior, magnetic and dielectric characteristics, impedance, and absorbance performances. In this work, novel amorphous metacomposites for creating outstanding properties and regulable negative permittivity is demonstrated.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of a School-Based Mental Health Literacy Intervention from a Comprehensive Demographic and Cognitive Perspective
Authors: Wei Yifeng , Sha Li , McWeeny Robert , Johal Rav , Easton Constance , Baxter Andrew , Cao Bo , Greenshaw Andrew , Carr Wendy
Published: November 2023

Childhood and adolescence are a critical period for the onset of mental and neurodevelopmental disorders and a time when many can be first identified. Research demonstrates that mental health literacy applied in school settings may be an effective approach to address these challenges. In contrast to many existing studies conducted in multicultural and multilingual settings that treated subjects’ language as a demographic feature, the present study recognizes English proficiency as a cognitive factor and views the school-based mental health literacy (MHL) intervention as a learning process. The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of school-based mental health literacy intervention and explore how ethnicity and English proficiency as a cognitive factor, as a modified, rather than a fixed variable, impacted the intervention outcomes. Grade 9 students (n = 240) from schools in West Canada with diverse social/cultural background received the intervention in the classroom delivered by trained teachers and completed the pre-test and post-test over a 6-month period. The intervention was effective in improving knowledge and help-seeking attitudes among all students. Non-Chinese and native English-speaking students performed the best on all outcomes. Gender demonstrated an association with changes in stigma, stress and wellbeing. English proficiency was linked to knowledge acquisition, while ethnicity was connected to changes of attitude-related outcomes. These findings deepened our understanding of how sociodemographic and cognitive factors underlie changes in mental health literacy outcomes, which will facilitate the development of mental health literacy interventions for diverse student populations.
The characteristics of the influenza virus epidemic around the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic period in the Pudong New Area of Shanghai
Authors: Zhang Ge , Zhang Anran , Zhang Li , Zhu Aiqin , Li Zhongjie , Zhu Weiping , Ye Chuchu , Hu Wenbiao
Published: November 2023

Objectives: The concurrent impact of COVID-19 and influenza on disease burden is a topic of great concern. This discussion delves into the epidemiological characteristics of seasonal influenza activity in Shanghai within the context of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic.
Methods: From 2017 to 2023, a total of 11,081 patients having influenza-like illness (ILI) were included in this study for influenza virus detection. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‒PCR) assays were conducted according to standardised protocols to identify the types and subtypes of influenza viruses. The positivity rate of the influenza virus among the sampled ILI cases served as a surrogate measure for estimating various influenza seasonal characteristics, such as periodicity, duration, peak occurrences, and the prevalent subtypes or lineages. Epidemiological aspects across different years and age groups were subjected to comprehensive analysis. For categorical variables, the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was employed, as deemed appropriate.
Results: A total of 1,553 (14.015%) tested positive for influenza virus pathogens. The highest positivity rate for influenza was observed in adults aged 25–59 years (18.833%), while the lowest rate was recorded in children under 5 years old (3.843%). The influenza circulation patterns in Shanghai were characterised : (1) Two years exhibited semiannual periodicity (2017–2018, 2022–2023); (2) three years displayed annual periodicity (2018–2019, 2019–2020, and 2021–2022); and (3) during 2020-2021, epidemic periodicities of seasonal influenza viruses disappeared. In terms of influenza subtypes, four subtypes were identified during 2017-2018. In 2018-2019 and 2019-2020, A/H3N2, A/H1N1, and B/Victoria were circulating. Notably, one case of B/Victoria was detected in 2020-2021. The epidemic period of 2021-2022 was attributed to B/Victoria, and during 2022-2023, the influenza A virus was the dominant circulating strain.
Conclusions: The seasonal epidemic period and the predominant subtype/lineage of influenza viruses around the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic period in Shanghai city are complex. This underscores the necessity for vigilant influenza control strategies amidst the backdrop of other respiratory virus pandemics.
Energy spectrum of selected diatomic molecules (H 2 , CO, I 2 , NO) by the resolution of Schrodinger equation for combined potentials via NUFA method
Authors: Reggab Khalid
Published: November 2023

The equation proposed by Schrödinger is widely recognized as the foundational formula in quantum science, comparable to the law of gravity in the study of classical physics. Describing phenomena in various fields, such as quantum optics and atomic physics, exhibits significant diversity. For specific diatomic molecule potentials, analytical responses to the Schrodinger formula can be found. These responses cover all possible values of angular momentum. The NU functional analysis and the Greene-Aldrich hypothesis are employed in our study for the purpose of obtaining an approximate solution for the Schrödinger issue including a screened modified Kratzer potential combined with an inverse quadratic Yukawa potential, a systematic approach needs to be employed. In this study, we calculate the energy eigenvalues associated with bound states in various quantum states, the present study focuses on a distinct group of diatoms molecules. The analytical data that were acquired are utilized in the analysis of various diatomic compounds H2, CO, I2, and NO. A comparative analysis compares the results of this study to those found in other studies that used different methods to figure out how accurate the current method is.
Circulating bone morphogenetic protein 9 as a new biomarker for non-invasive stratification of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome
Authors: yang yuchen , Gu Meihong , Wang Wei , Li Shan , Lu Jinlai , Sun Qinjuan , Hu Miao , Zhong Lan
Published: November 2023

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to metabolic syndrome (MetS). Bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9) is an essential factor in glucose, lipid and energy metabolism. This study aims to investigate whether BMP9 can serve as a serological marker for the severity of NAFLD or MetS. Total of 263 individuals were enrolled and categorized into the healthy controls, NAFL group, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) at-risk group by the results of FibroTouch test and liver function. Basic demographic data and blood biochemical indicators were collected, and peripheral blood BMP9 levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Stratified analysis of population BMP9 levels was conducted according to the number of MetS components. Serum BMP9 levels differentiated NASH at-risk (58.13 ± 2.82 ng/L) from the other groups: healthy control (70.32 ± 3.70 ng/L) and NAFL (64.34 ± 4.76 ng/L). (p < 0.0001). The concentration of BMP9 was associated with transaminase, triglyceride (TG), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), uric acid (UA). Controlled attenuation parameter of liver fat (CAP) and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) were negatively correlated with BMP9 levels, while high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels were positively correlated. The risk of developing NAFLD increased along with elevated serum BMP9 and BMI, and a significantly higher risk observed in men compared to women. Additionally, serum BMP9 levels showed a downward trend as the number of components increased. BMP9 may be a protective factor for the onset and development of NAFLD, as well as a biomarker for the severity of the NAFLD and MetS.
Fate of Papilledema in Cerebral Venous Thrombosis Patients and its Correlation to Affected Cerebral Venous Sinuses
Authors: Ahmed Zahraa Ali Abdallah , Daoud Mahmoud Hussien Salih , Elsayed Muaz Abdullatif Mohammed , Mohmed Mohmed Hussien Ahmed , Osman Fadwa Hashim Mohamed
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND:
Cerebral venous thrombosis is an important cause of stroke in young and middle-aged adults with estimated (3-4) cases per million annual incidence. Papilledema is the most common sign detected in these patients that can end by blindness if not monitored and treated well. This research aims to assess development and prognosis of papilledema and its association with certain cerebral venous sinuses thrombosis. Evaluation of the optic nerve head has been done clinically and by using optical coherence tomography.
METHODS:
A descriptive_ analytic hospital based study was conducted in neurology unit at wad medani teaching hospital from December 2021 to July 2022. 20 patients were included in the study. Data including optical coherence tomography reports was collected at admission and after 2 months. Analysis was done using SPSS version 25 to report frequency of papilledema, 2months visual outcome, correlation of MRI\MRV findings with the development and outcome of papilledema.
RESULTS:
This study include 20 cerebral venous thrombosis patients with mean age of 35.75 years. Papilledema present in 70% at initial presentation in whom the superior sagittal sinus was affected in 78.6% .after two months period papilledema regressed in80%, 10% developed optic atrophy and10% died .There is clear correlation between the sinus affected and the development of papilledema (P value = 0.009); in contrast no relation between the sinus affected and the two months visual outcome of papilledema (P value = 0.417).
Conclusion:
Papilledema regressed in most CVT patients while small number of them developed optic atrophy confirming the importance of regular ophthalmological follow up of CVT patients at frequent intervals using OCT in addition to other papilledema assessment tools in order to prevent irreversible blindness. Affection of certain cerebral venous sinus can predict development of papilledema in CVT patients, but not the outcome.
Intriguing Tumor, Synovial Sarcoma: Hard to Diagnose, Harder to Treat
Authors: Karaca Mustafa , Başarır Kerem , savran merve dursun , Yüksel Seher , Kaygusuz Gülşah , Yıldız Hüseyin
Published: November 2023

This study comprehensively assessed synovial sarcoma (SS), a highly aggressive soft tissue sarcoma, focusing on diagnostic and treatment challenges.
Data from 63 patients diagnosed with SS between 2005 and 2020 were analyzed in the single center retrospective study. Patients with comprehensive records of pathology, radiology and surgery with at least 12 months of follow-up were included.
There were 63 patients (49% female, 51% male) with an average age of 37.55±17.08 years. Neither age nor gender significantly affected survival. SS primarily affected extremities (96.92%), with a predilection for the lower limbs (75.38%). Tumor volume, averaging 109.71±176.25 cm3, emerged as a key factor. Tumors >30 cm3 were prone to metastasis (p=0.0077) and reduced survival (p=0.0163). Histologically, 38.46% were monophasic, 36.92% biphasic, and 24.62% poorly differentiated, with lower survival in the latter. Immunohistochemistry revealed high positivity rates for Bcl-2 (89.47%) and EMA (88.14%). TLE1 showed positivity in 86.67% of cases (13/15), and FISH detected SS18-SSX fusion genes in 72.72% (8/11). 41.54% had metastases, 36.92% recurred, and 23.08% succumbed to the disease.
Accurate SS identification is crucial. Consider negative predictive factors (tumor volume >30 cm3, poor histologic differentiation) when making treatment decisions and ensure extended follow-up due to the risk of late recurrence.
Micro-needling using irradiated amniotic collagen matrix versus micro-needling alone in the treatment of stretch marks
Authors: Hassan Ghada F. R. , Ghanem Samah S , Radwan Nashwa Kamal , Nassar Samia O
Published: November 2023

Background
Striae distensae (SD), often referred to as stretch marks, are common linear lesions seen in individuals of all ages. Many treatment choices are available, not yet satisfactory. Amniotic fluid contains many growth factors which can be helpful in treatment of stretch marks.
Aim of the work:
was to assess the efficacy and safety of irradiated amniotic collagen matrix with micro-needling in treatment of stretch marks.
Patients and methods:
This was a prospective, right-left comparative study carried out on 40 patients presenting with striae. Every patient received 6 sessions every two weeks, for the right side we used micro-needling associated with application of irradiated amniotic collagen matrix, for the left side we used micro-needling, the patients were followed up for 3 months. Skin biopsies were taken before and after treatment, stained with Masson trichrome and Orcein stains to confirm clinical response.
Results
In both sides, there was significant improvement after treatment and there was significant difference with better results in the right side than the left side as regarding degree of improvement, percent of improvement and start of response.
Conclusion
This method was safe, effective, and good tolerated office techniques with minimal side effects for treatment of stretch marks.
Antitumoral and chemoprotective evaluation of isolated Bromelain and in combination with Doxorubicin
Authors: Sousa Athanara Alves , Nobre Taline Alves , Martins Jorddam Almondes , Miranda Kennyana Luz , Avelino Yanne Sousa , Pereira Ana Rafaela Silva , Farias Marlene Gomes , Mesquita Felipe Pantoja , Montenegro Raquel Carvalho , Ferreira José Roberto , Debia Nicole , Silva Felipe Cavalcanti Carneiro , Gonçalves Juan Carlos Ramos , Mendes Anderson Nogueira , Sousa João Marcelo Castro e
Published: November 2023

The use of dietary components as new antineoplastic agents has been highlighted due to their high biological activity against tumor cells, chemopreventive effects and relatively low toxicity. The present study evaluated the antitumor effects and chemoprotective potential of the bromelain enzyme complex (BL) alone and in combination with the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin (DOX) using the following in vitro tests: cell viability by Alamar blue in cells: AGP01, SKMEL-103 and CAL-27 lines; MTT assay and fluorescent labeling in murine sarcoma 180 (S-180); and the comet assay in human lymphocytes. The results showed cytotoxic effects of BL with IC50 (µg/mL) of 124.80 (AGP-01), 91.81 (SKMEL-103), 95.75 (CAL-27) and 25.27 (S-180). When incubated with the BL + DOX combination, the IC50s were (in µg/mL) 26.29 (AGP-01), 29.04 (SKMEL-103), 2.68 (CAL-27) and 6.11 (S -180), demonstrating combination indices ranging from synergistic to antagonistic. When evaluating the mechanism of cell death in S-180, an increase in the number of cells undergoing early apoptosis was observed after incubation with BL (100 µg/mL). In genotoxicity assays, isolated BL was not genotoxic in human lymphocytes, unlike DOX, which showed this activity. When combined (BL + DOX), BL modulated the DNA damage caused by the antineoplastic agent when compared to DOX alone, with ID values ​​of 55.91% and FD of 33.65%, showing chemoprotective potential in this case. In conclusion, isolated BL exhibited antiproliferative effects on tumor cell lines and was not genotoxic to human blood cells, with positive prospects for its use in combination with DOX chemotherapy.