bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the evolutionary phylodynamic of Delta and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: benazi nabil , Bounab Sabrina
Published: August 2022

Due to the inconsistency of the information regarding the evolution of the last two waves caused by the Delta and Omicron variants, we are attempting to provide a phylodynamic analysis. We used the nucleotide sequences of the Delta (n = 89) and Omicron (n = 74) variants recorded in the GISAID database to perform an analysis based on the contemporary model of the birth-death horizon. An average rate of evolution of 3.677 × 10− 4 subs /site/year (range,1.311× 10− 4−6.144×10− 4 ) for the DELTA variant, this gives an estimated mean of tMRCA corresponding to the root of the tree dated at 43.5 days. While for OMICRON a mean evolutionary rate of 3.898×10 − 3 subs/site/year (range,2.686×10− 3 − 5.102×10− 3) gave an estimated mean of tMRCA corresponding to the root of the tree dated at 26.4 days. The median of Re for the Indian DELTA = 1.81 (range, 0.196–3.94), and increased to 3.837 ≈ 4 on March 30, 2021. While for the South African OMICRON Re = 0.97 (range,0.41–1.54), and rose to 9.59 ≈ 9 on December 14, 2021. The average doubling times of the two waves are estimated respectively at 9 days for the DELTA variant and at 3 days for the OMICRON variant. The spread of the OMICRON pandemic is almost three times faster than that of the DELTA. The mean doubling times of the two waves are 9 days for the DELTA variant and 3 days for the OMICRON variant, respectively. As a result, the OMICRON pandemic is spreading nearly three times faster than the DELTA.
Altered dynamics of glymphatic flow in a mature-onset Tet-off APP mouse model of amyloidosis
Authors: Ben-Nejma Inès R. H. , Keliris Aneta J. , Vanreusel Verdi , Ponsaerts Peter , Linden Annemie Van der , Keliris Georgios A.
Published: August 2022

Background
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an incurable neurodegenerative disorder characterised by the progressive build-up of toxic amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau protein aggregates eventually leading to cognitive decline. Recent lines of evidence suggest that an impairment of the glymphatic system (GS), a brain waste clearance pathway, plays a key role in the pathology of AD. Moreover, a relationship between GS function and neuronal network integrity has been strongly implicated. Here, we sought to assess the efficacy of the GS in a transgenic Tet-off mouse model of amyloidosis, in which the expression of mutant APP was delayed until maturity, mimicking features of late-onset AD – the most common form of dementia in humans.
Methods
To evaluate GS function, we used dynamic contrast enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) in 14-months-old Tet-Off APP (AD) mice and aged-matched littermate controls. Brain-wide transport of Gd-DOTA contrast agent was monitored over time after cisterna magna injection. Region of interest analysis and computational modelling were used to assess GS dynamics while characterisation of brain tissue abnormalities at the microscale was performed ex vivo by immunohistochemistry.
Results
We observed reduced rostral glymphatic flow and higher accumulation of contrast agent in areas proximal to the injection side in the AD group. Clustering and subsequent computational modelling of voxel time courses revealed significantly lower inflow time constants in AD relative to the controls. Ex vivo evaluation showed abundant amyloid plaque burden in the AD group coinciding with extensive astrogliosis and microgliosis. The neuroinflammatory responses were also found in plaque-devoid regions, potentially impacting brain fluid circulation.
Conclusions
In a context resembling late-onset AD in humans, we demonstrate the disruption of glymphatic function and particularly a reduction in brain-fluid inflow in the AD group. We conjecture that the hindered circulation of cerebrospinal fluid is potentially caused by wide-spread astrogliosis and amyloid-related obstruction of the normal routes of glymphatic flow resulting in redirection towards caudal regions. In sum, our study highlights the translational potential of alternative approaches, such as targeting brain fluid circulation as potential therapeutic strategies for AD.
Predicting efficacy of drug-carrier nanoparticle designs for cancer treatment – A machine learning-based solution
Authors: Kibria Md Raisul , Akbar Refo Ilmiya , Nidadavolu Poonam , Havryliuk Oksana , Lafond Sébastien , Azimi Sepinoud
Published: August 2022

Molecular Dynamic (MD) simulations are very effective in the discovery of nanomedicines for treating cancer, but these are computationally expensive and time-consuming. Existing studies integrating machine learning (ML) into MD simulation to enhance the process and enable efficient analysis cannot provide direct insights without the complete simulation. In this study, we present an ML-based approach for predicting the solvent accessible surface area (SASA) of a nanoparticle (NP), denoting its efficacy, from a fraction of the MD simulations data. The proposed framework uses a time series model for simulating the MD, resulting in an intermediate state, and a second model to calculate the SASA in that state. Empirically, the solution can predict the SASA value 260 timesteps ahead 7.5 times faster with a very low average error of 1956.93. We also introduce the use of an explainability technique to validate the predictions. This work can reduce the computational expense of both processing and data size greatly while providing reliable solutions for the nanomedicine design process.
Bayesian Quantification of Covariance Matrix Estimation Uncertainty in Optimal Fingerprinting
Authors: Baugh Samuel , McKinnon Karen A.
Published: August 2022

Regression-based optimal fingerprinting techniques for climate change detection and attribution require the estimation of the forced signal as well as the internal variability covariance matrix in order to distinguish between their influences in the observational record. While previously developed approaches have taken into account the uncertainty linked to the estimation of the forced signal, there has been less focus on uncertainty in the covariance matrix describing natural variability, despite the fact that the specification of this covariance matrix is known to meaningfully impact the results. Here we propose a Bayesian optimal fingerprinting framework using a Laplacian basis function parameterization of the covariance matrix. This parameterization, unlike traditional methods based on principal components, does not require the basis vectors themselves to be estimated from climate model data, which allows for the uncertainty in estimating the covariance structure to be propagated to the optimal fingerprinting regression parameter. We show through a CMIP6 validation study that this proposed approach achieves better-calibrated coverage rates of the true regression parameter than principal component-based approaches. When applied to HadCRUT observational data, the proposed approach detects anthropogenic warming with higher confidence levels, and with lower variability over the choice of climate models, than principal-component-based approaches.
The role of HS N-sulfation in the pathogenesis of RSV nephropathy
Authors: Dong Liqun , Wang Ke , Jing Shuolan , Zhang Liang , Guo Yannan , Wu Jin , Yu Ping , Wang Zheng
Published: August 2022

Background Minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) is the most frequent cause of nephrotic syndrome in childhood. Previous studies have showed that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the common trigger of MCNS. Methods Immunofluorescence of 3G10, 10E4 and HepSS1was performed in the kidneys, lungs and livers of RSV nephropathy rat model and the control. RSV fusion protein (RSVF) was detected by Western blot. The levels of HS domains in the kidneys and lungs of RSV nephropathy rat model were compared with that of RSVF. Results The expression of 10E4 and Hepss1 in kidney and lung of the normal rat was higher than 3G10. In the rat model of RSV nephropathy, RSVF of the kidneys and lungs showed stronger signal than the livers on day 8 and 14 after RSV infected. The expression of 3G10, 10E4 and Hepss1 in kidneys were obvious on day 4, then reduced from day 8 to 120. In the lungs the expression of 10E4 decreased continuously from day 8 to day 120, and Hepss1 reached the highest level on day 14 following by a reduction. While the level of RSVF was highest on day 8 when HS domains appeared weakly.Conclusions In the study, there were two main findings: (1) it was because of the Heterogeneity of HS, that is, rich N-sulfation in the kidney mediating RSV adhesion, which resulted in the progress of MCNS; (2) We firstly demonstrated that the damage directly of RSV and T-cell disorder in the pathogenesis of MCNS were equally important.
Clinical Decision Support Systems Research in Nursing: A Visual Survey
Authors: Qin Lan Fang , Zhu Yi , Liu Chong Bin , Wang Rui , Gao XI Ren , Chen Ping Ping
Published: August 2022

Background：Artificial intelligence (AI) has a big impact on healthcare now and in the future. Nurses, representing the largest proportion of healthcare workers, are set to benefit greatly from this technology. AI-Enabled Clinical Decision Support Systems has received a great deal of attention recently. Bibliometric analysis can offer an objective, systematic, and comprehensive analysis of specific field with a vast background. However, no bibliometric analysis has investigated AI-Enabled Clinical Decision Support Systems research in Nursing.Objective:To determine the characteristics of articles about the global performance and development of AI-Enabled Clinical Decision Support Systems research in Nursing.Methods: In this study, the bibliometric approach was used to estimate the searched data on Clinical Decision Support Systems research in Nursing from 2009 to 2022, and we also utilized CiteSpace and VOSviewer software to build visualizing maps to assess the contribution of different journals, authors, et al, as well as to identify research hot spots and promising future trends in this research field.Result:From 2009 to 2022, a total of 2159 publications were retrieved. The number of publications and citations on AI-Enabled Clinical Decision Support Systems research in Nursing has increased obviously in the last years. However, They are understudied in the field of nursing and there is a compelling need to development more more high-quality research. Conclusion: AI-Enabled Nursing Decision Support System use in clinical practice is still in its early stages. These analyses and results hope to provide useful information and references for future research directions for researchers and nursing practitioners who use AI-Enabled Clinical Decision Support Systems.
Combining palaeontological and neontological data shows a delayed diversification burst of carcharhiniform sharks likely mediated by environmental change
Authors: Brée Baptiste , Condamine Fabien L. , Guinot Guillaume
Published: August 2022

Estimating deep-time species-level diversification processes remains challenging. Both the fossil record and molecular phylogenies allow estimating speciation and extinction rates, but each type of data may still provide an incomplete picture of diversification dynamics. Here, we combine species-level palaeontological (fossil occurrences) and neontological (molecular phylogenies) data to estimate deep-time diversity dynamics through process-based birth-death models for Carcharhiniformes, the most speciose shark order today. Despite their abundant fossil record dating back to the Middle Jurassic, only a small fraction of extant carcharhiniform species is recorded as fossils, which impedes relying only on the fossil record to study their recent diversification. Combining fossil and phylogenetic data, we recover a complex evolutionary history for carcharhiniforms, exemplified by several variations in diversification rates with an early low diversity period followed by a Cenozoic radiation. We further reveal a burst of diversification in the last 30 million years, which is partially recorded with fossil data only. We also find that reef expansion and temperature change can explain variations in speciation and extinction through time. These results pinpoint the primordial importance of these environmental variables in the evolution of marine clades. Our study also highlights the benefit of combining the fossil record with phylogenetic data to address macroevolutionary questions.
Novel machine learning-based point-score model as a non-invasive decision-making tool for infected ascites in patients with hydropic decompensated liver cirrhosis: A retrospective multicentre study.
Authors: Würstle Silvia , Hapfelmeier Alexander , Karapetyan Siranush , Studen Fabian , Isaakidou Andriana , Schneider Tillman , Schmid Roland M. , von Delius Stefan , Gundling Felix , Triebelhorn Julian , Burgkart Rainer , Obermeier Andreas , Mayr Ulrich , Heller Stephan , Rasch Sebastian , Lahmer Tobias , Geisler Fabian , Chan Benjamin , Turner Paul E. , Rothe Kathrin , Spinner Christoph D. , Schneider Jochen
Published: August 2022

Purpose
This study aimed to assess the distinctive features of patients with infected ascites and liver cirrhosis and develop a scoring system allowing to accurately identify patients who do not require abdominocentesis to rule out infected ascites.
Methods
A total of 700 episodes of patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis undergoing abdominocentesis between 2006 and 2020 were included. 532 spontaneous bacterial peritonitis episodes and 37 secondary peritonitis episodes were compared to a control group of 125 patients with 131 episodes of non-infected ascites. Overall, 34 clinical, drug, and laboratory features were evaluated using machine learning to identify key differentiation criteria and integrate them into a point-score model.
Results
The most important distinction criteria between infected and non-infected ascites were inflammatory markers C-reactive protein and leukocyte count, the occurrence of organ failure, fever, and comorbidities. In total, 11 discriminatory features were selected using a Lasso regression model to establish a point-score model. Considering a pre-test probability for infected ascites of 10%, 15%, and 25%, the negative and positive predictive values of the point-score model for infected ascites were 98.1%, 97.0%, 94.6% and 14.9%, 21.8%, and 34.5%, respectively. Besides the main model, a simplified model was generated, containing only features that are fast to collect, and revealed similar predictive values.
Conclusions
Our point-score model appears to be a promising non-invasive approach to rule out abdominocentesis in clinical routine with high negative predictive values in patients with hydropic decompensated liver cirrhosis. Diagnosis of infected ascites, on the other hand, requires abdominocentesis.
Prevalence and factors associated with underweight among 15–49-year-old women in Sierra Leone: A secondary analysis of Sierra Leone Demographic Health Survey of 2019.
Authors: Kitara David Lagoro , Ikoona Eric Nzirakaindi , Toure Mame Awa , Namulemo Lucy , Kamara Kassim , Oyat Freddy Wathum Drinkwater , Aloyo Judith , Njenga Amon , Kaluya Ronald
Published: August 2022

Background Women are at risk of being underweight due to biological, socio-economic, and cultural factors. Underweight women have higher risks of poor obstetric outcomes. We aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with being underweight among women of reproductive age (15–49 years) in Sierra Leone. Methods We used the Sierra Leone Demographic and Health Survey (2019-SLDHS) data of 5,714 women aged between 15 to 49 years, excluding the pregnant, post-natal, lactating, and post-menopausal women. A multistage stratified sampling approach was used to select study participants, and data was collected using a validated questionnaire. A multivariable logistic regression analysis determined factors associated with underweight among 15–49-year-old women in Sierra Leone. Results The prevalence of underweight was 6.7% (502/7,514). Women who belonged to the 25–34-year age group (Adjusted Odds Ratio) (AOR) = 1.670,95%CI:1.254–2.224; p < 0.001 were least likely to be underweight compared to 15–24 and 35-49-year age groups. Unmarried women AOR = 0.594, 95%CI:0.467–0.755; p < 0.001 were less likely to be underweight compared to married women. Women residing in the Northern region AOR = 0.734,95%CI:0.559–0.963; p = 0.026 were least likely to be underweight compared to those residing in the Northwest AOR = 0.840,95%CI:0.609–1.160; p = 0.290; South AOR = 0.776,95%CI:0.588–1.204; p = 0.073 and Western regions of Sierra Leone AOR = 1.385,95%CI:0.954–2.01; p = 0.087. Women who did not listen to radios AOR = 95%CI:0.673–0.826; p < 0.001 were less likely to be underweight compared to those who listened to radios. Conclusion The current study showed that age, marital status, region of residence, and listening to radios are associated with being underweight in Sierra Leone. There is a need to address the socio-economic determinants of undernutrition in women, mainly due to poverty and regional inequalities.
Using genetic analysis to understand the relationship of cognitive traits with peptic ulcer and Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Adewuyi Emmanuel , O'Brien Eleanor , Porter Tenielle , Laws Simon
Published: August 2022

Cognitive decline is typical of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). While studies suggest links between the gut and the brain in the risk of AD, the relationship of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) disorders with cognition is poorly understood. Leveraging large-scale genome-wide association study summary statistics, we assess the relationship of ten cognition-related traits with peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and AD. Similar to AD, we demonstrate a highly significant negative genetic correlation between PUD and intelligence (rg = -0.33, P = 2.11 × 10− 11), cognitive performance (rg = -0.32, P = 9.00 × 10− 16), educational attainment (rg = -0.46, P = 5.50 × 10− 33) and other cognitive traits (rg = -0.27 – -0.47, P = 8.41 × 10− 4 – 5.75 × 10− 25). Mendelian randomisation analysis suggests a risk-decreasing causal influence of genetically predicted intelligence (Odds ratio, OR = 0.77, P = 3.92 × 10− 7), educational attainment (OR = 0.56, P = 6.68 × 10− 21), and cognitive performance (OR = 0.75, P = 2.11 × 10− 6) on PUD’s risk. Genes with nominal association (Pgene < 0.05), in gene-based analyses, were significantly enriched (Pbinomial−test = 1.18 × 10− 3 – 3.85 × 10− 4) across cognitive traits, PUD and AD—indicating evidence of gene-level genetic overlap. Combining gene-based association results, we identify many shared genes reaching genome-wide significance (PFisher’s−combined−analysis <2.68 × 10− 6) for cognitive traits, PUD and AD. These findings highlight the protective role of cognitive traits on the risk of PUD and AD, provide additional insights into the genetic relationship of AD with GIT disorders and identify new targets for further investigation.
Modeling, Design and Kinetics of Novel Fred – Ugi Environmental Wastes Converter Reactor Plant For Crude Oil Distillates, Minerals and Petrochemical Synthesis
Authors: Ugi F. B. , O Ehirim E. , Wordu A. A , U Ugi B.
Published: August 2022

This present research thrives to design a waste converter reactor plant (WCRP) with which waste from various sources subjected to combustion and distillation process will generate bio-fuels, solid minerals and petrochemical feed stocks for further applications. Material and energy balance principles were applied in hands with some principles of thermodynamics, mathematics and kinetics. Volume and functional parameters such as length, space time and space velocity, diameter and length of the stirrer and also heat generated per unit volume and temperature of the WCRP were considered in the design process. Simulation of the design models and results were obtained using MATrix LABoratory (MATLAB-Simulink) and other data analyses simulators. Reactor performance equations for the reactor and major equipment were developed from first principle by the application of the principles of conservation of mass and energy. Dimensional and functional parameters of the waste converter reactor plant (WCRP) was also calculated. The results obtained for the dimensional and functional parameters at fractional conversion of 90% are: volume = 1.8m3, length = 1.0m, space time = 16.6hrs, space velocity = 0.06hr-1, heat load = 5.55*105J.
Stacked kinship CNN vs. GBLUP for genomic predictions of additive and complex continuous phenotypes
Authors: Nazzicari Nelson , Biscarini Filippo
Published: August 2022

Deep learning is impacting many fields of data science with often spectacular results. However, its application to whole-genomepredictions in plant and animal science or in human biology has been rather limited, with mostly underwhelming results.While most works focus on exploring alternative network architectures, in this study we propose an innovative representation ofmarker genotype data. Different types of genomic kinship matrices are stacked together in a 3D pile from where 2D grayscaleslices are extracted and fed to a deep convolutional neural network (DNN). We tested nine scenarios of simulated phenotypeswith combinations of additivity, dominance and epistasis, and compared the DNN to GBLUP-A (Genomic BLUP computedusing only the additive kinship matrix) and GBLUP-optim (Genomic BLUP with additive, dominance, and epistasis kinshipmatrices, as needed).Results varied depending on the accuracy metric employed, with DNN performing better in terms of Root Mean Squared Error(1%-12% lower than GBLUP-A; 1%-9% lower than GBLUP-optim) but worse in terms of Pearson’s correlation (0.505 for DNNcompared to 0.672 and 0.669 of GBLUP-A and GBLUP-optim for fully additive case; 0.274 for DNN, 0.279 for GBLUP-A, and0.477 for GBLUP-optim for fully dominant case).
Bioprospecting of Actinomycetes from Diverse Ecosystems: A Potential Source of Pharmaceutically Active Metabolites
Authors: Godbole Amita , Wadetwar Rita , Bundale Sunita , Nashikkar Nandita , Kanojiya Pranita
Published: August 2022

Present work includes isolation of actinomycetes from marine, mangrove, and terrestrial environments followed by their screening for bioactivity. Study led to the isolation of 109 actinomycete isolates. Broth supernatants and ethyl acetate crude extracts were analyzed for bioactivity of which, 19 isolates showed a potent inhibition against E. coli, 17 isolates showed activity against S. aureus, 10 isolates exhibited activity against K. pneumoniae and B. subtilis each, and 9 isolates showed zone of inhibition against C. albicans. Potential actinomycetes were and identified by 16S rRNA gene analysis and their sequences were deposited in GenBank. Two isolates belonging to non-Streptomyces genera viz., Micromonospora and Nocardiopsis were obtained. The broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against all the test organisms at very low concentration was shown by soil isolates D, D2, F30 (brown pigment), TS13 (Orange red), TS14 (green), TS4 (cherry red), and marine isolate M11 (yellow).
Prurigo Nodularis Onset during IL-17A Inhibitor Treatment of Psoriasis: A Case Report
Authors: Yang Qingqing , LYU Jiajie , Gui Yu , Yu Shuling , Chen Jiajie , Zhang Haoxue , Liu shengxiu
Published: August 2022

Background: secukinumab has been approved by the U.S. FDA and the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Here we report a case of prurigo nodularis during the treatment of psoriasis with secukinumab, which has never been reported before. Case introduction: the patient was a 22-years-old male with a 6-month history of severe plaque paoriasis vulgaris, who received regular treatment with satisfactory control of the psoriatic rash, and was seen for 1 week for red papules and nodules with pruritus on the trunk and extremities. Dermatologic condition: multiple edematous red firm papules on the trunk and extremities in the form of soy or hemispherical nodules, with some tops visible as ulcerated crusts, red in color, firm to touch, and negative Auspitz sign. Pathological examination confirmed prurigo nodularis (PN). Conclusion: This case is shared to inform clinicians about yet another adverse effect of the IL-17A inhibitor in the treatment of psoriasis. It is recommended that patients be carefully informed of the possible risk of prurigo nudularis before starting treatment.
MP2 study of the absorption of CO2 onto the water monomer, dimer and trimer
Authors: Lawson Daniel B. , Pappas Jordan
Published: August 2022

The nature of the CO2-nH2O interaction where n=1,2 and 3 is explored to evaluate the energetics of the CO2 molecule and small water clusters using ab initio MP2 and CCSD(T). We are interested in the absorbance of CO2 onto the water cluster and not those interactions that significantly alter the original water cluster. Thus, we characterize the interaction energy in terms of CO2 binding to an intact water cluster. We provide 3 lowest energy isomers of the CO2-water trimer not previously reported. We include a description of the bond lengths between the CO2 and the water and include AIM critical points to identify the hydrogen bond interactions.
A new method for guiding the use of cement reinforced screws: The combination method was used to determine osteoporosis
Authors: xu wei , Zhang Xiangyang , Chen liwei , Li Yifan , Silian Wang , Shichao Tong , Xiaojian Ye , Zhikun Li
Published: August 2022

Objective
To accurately judge the preoperative osteoporosis of patients, it is planned to develop a more accurate evaluation method of osteoporosis and better guide the use of bone cement reinforced screws.
Method
The patients WHO had undergone posterior lumbar decompression and fusion internal fixation in Shanghai Tongren Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The general information, bone mineral density assessment data, Fracture risk prediction rate(WHO Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX)), and whether to use cement reinforced screws were collected.Definition of combination method: T value<-2.5 or HU value < 110 or VBQ > 3.5.The diagnostic rates of osteoporosis were compared between DXA, HU, VBQ, NBHA, and combination methods, and the correlation between different methods was analyzed. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the significant influencing factors of the use of cement-reinforced screws.
Result
A total of 178 patients were enrolled in the study, aged 65.73 ± 14.43 years, 121 female, 57 male, BMI was 22.88 ± 3.52, 57 (32.0%) used cement reinforced screws, and 14 (7.9%) had previous fracture history.The diagnostic rates of osteoporosis by DXA, HU, VBQ, NBHA and combination method were 22.5% (40/178), 47.2% (84/178), 56.2% (100/178), 64.0% (114/178) and 75.8% (135/178), respectively.HU, VBQ, NBHA, and combination methods were significantly different from DXA in the diagnosis rate of osteoporosis (P < 0.001). Binary Logistics regression showed that age, T value, HU value, and VBQ value significantly influenced bone cement screw use, and the odds ratio of VBQ was 4.315. The prediction accuracy of the regression equation was 90.4%, the area under the ROC curve was 0.974, and the Youden index was 0.830.
Conclusion
At present, the most widely used DXA method for the diagnosis of osteoporosis has false negative results, and there are great differences among different methods for the diagnosis of osteoporosis. The detection rate of the combined method for osteoporosis is higher than other methods (75.8%). Age, T value, HU value, and VBQ value were significant influencing factors for the use of cement screws, and the accuracy of the regression equation was 90.4%. Cement-reinforced screws are recommended when osteoporosis is determined by a combination method.
Artificial Neural Network Modeling For California Bearing Ratio (CBR) Prediction in Clayey Soil Stabilised with Tyre Buffings and Lime
Authors: Erzin Yusuf , CABALAR Ali Firat , KARABASH Zuheir , ERZİN Selin
Published: August 2022

In this study, artificial neural network (ANN) and multiple regression (MR) models were developed to predict the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) values of clayey soil stabilised with tyre buffings and lime. To achieve this, a series of the CBR tests were performed on clayey soil mixed with tyre buffings and lime in ratios of 0, 5, 10, and 15%, and 0, 2, 4, and 6% of dry weight of the specimens, respectively. The results of the CBR tests were used in the development of both models. The predicted CBR values from both ANN and MR models were compared with experimentally measured CBR values. It is found that the ANN model gives more reliable predictions than the MR model. Moreover, several performance indices called as the determination coefficient, variance account for, mean absolute error, root mean square error, and the scaled percent error were used as the criteria for measuring the performance of the ANN and MR models. Based on these indices, the proposed ANN model yielded better performance than MR model in predicting the CBR values of clayey soil stabilized with tyre buffings and lime.
Effects of a weak interlayer zone on the tensile properties and failure characteristics of rock
Authors: Zhang Liang , Jing Hongwen , Liu Hanxiang , Yin Qian , Meng Yaoyao
Published: August 2022

A weak interlayer zone (WIZ) is widespread in a rock mass. Due to its relatively poor mechanical properties, it poses a potential threat to the stability of the rock mass. Brazilian tests and numerical simulations were conducted to study the effects of WIZ strength (WIZS), WIZ thickness (WIZT), and loading direction of the samples. The failure strength anisotropy index (FSAI) and sensitivity index were proposed to analyze the effects of WIZT and WIZS further. The results show that: (i) the failure strength decreases linearly with the increased bedding plane-loading angle(θ). (ii)The loading direction has a significant effect on the failure pattern of specimens, which can be divided into "+" shape failure, double "Y" shaped failure, and WIZ failure. However, WIZS and WIZT showed a weak correlation with failure patterns. (iii) The accumulated acoustic emission(AE) count curves were divided into three types: steady rise, level constant, and slow rise.
Clinical outcomes of anticoagulation and refining risk stratification for stroke in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease and atrial fibrillation
Authors: Cho Min Soo , Choi Hyung Oh , Hwang Ki Won , Kim Jun , Nam Gi-Byoung , Choi Kee-Joon
Published: August 2022

Background: We aimed to elucidate the effects of anticoagulation therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) according to the difference in renal function and define a chronic kidney disease (CKD) population that could benefit from anticoagulation therapy. Methods: Using datasets from the Asan Biomedical Research Environment Database between 2006 and 2017, 12,641 patients with nonvalvular AF were analyzed. The primary outcome was the net clinical outcome, defined as a composite of all-cause mortality, thromboembolic events, and major bleeding. Results: Patients were categorized into groups according to their baseline creatinine clearance. There was a trend for a progressive increase in the prevalence of stroke or systemic embolism, major bleeding, and all-cause mortality as the renal function deteriorated. The clinical benefit of anticoagulation therapy was the most prominent in patients with normal renal function and was reduced in those with advanced-stage CKD. Among CKD 5 patients, the benefit of anticoagulation therapy was only evident in those with a very high risk of embolism (CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥4). Conclusion: Advanced CKD is associated with a higher risk of the net clinical outcome. The clinical benefit of anticoagulation therapy reduces with the increasing degree of CKD. In CKD5, anticoagulation should be considered in high risk of embolism.
The association of miRNA-146a and its single nucleotide polymorphism with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Wang Lizhen , Wang Shunxian , Deng Xiaodong , Li Fengjiao , Feng Tingting , Li Fang , Lin Hongyu , Ke Sha , Ma Ying
Published: August 2022

Purposes:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and their single nucleotide polymorphisms may be involved in the pathophysiological process of acute ischemic stroke (AIS), of which miRNA-146a is one of the most concerned miRNAs. This experiment is aimed to investigate the association of miRNA-146a and its single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) with AIS and its susceptibility in a Chinese population.
Methods
A case-control study including 137 AIS patients and 100 controls were enrolled. The relative miRNA-146a expression in PBMCs was detected by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). And the SNP of miRNA-146a rs2910164 was genotyped using DNA extraction kit and TaqMan-MGB probe real-time PCR, and its relevance to AIS susceptibility was evaluated.
Results
The relative miRNA-146a expression in the experimental group (1.65 ± 0.11) was significantly higher than that in the control group (1.13 ± 0.09, P = 0.002). In subgroup analysis, the relative expression level of miRNA-146a in AIS with a course longer than 3 days was significantly higher than that less than or equal to 3 days and the control group (P < 0.05). Difference of the distribution of allele frequencies of the rs2910164C/G polymorphism was failed to found between the experimental and control groups (P = 0.703, OR = 0.930, 95% CI = 0.641–1.349). However, the GG genotype frequency was higher in AIS patients with other causes (SOE) than that in controls according to the TOAST subtype analysis. (P = 0.00, OR: 4.825, 95% CI: 2.720–8.562).
Conclusions
The findings suggested that miRNA-146a may be involved in the pathophysiological process of AIS. But the miRNA-146a rs2910164C/G polymorphism may not be associated with AIS genetic susceptibility, although the rs2910164GG genotype may increase the risk of SOE AIS.
Reconstruction of the internal jugular vein with triple-paneled great saphenous vein graft
Authors: Miyamoto Shimpei , Hidaka Takeaki , Fukuoka Osamu , Fujisawa Kou , Okazaki Mutusmi
Published: August 2022

Background Reconstruction of the internal jugular vein with the great saphenous vein requires difficulty in overcoming size discrepancy. We describe a triple-paneled method of saphenous vein grafting for this purpose. Case presentation A 54-year-old man with a thyroid papillary carcinoma underwent total thyroidectomy and bilateral neck dissection. The right internal jugular vein was transected, and the resultant defect was 8 cm long. Harvested great saphenous vein graft 30 cm in length was divided into three pieces of equal length. Each piece was opened longitudinally and sutured together side-by-side like panels to make a composite graft of three-fold caliber. The defect of the internal jugular vein was reconstructed with this composite graft. The long-term patency of the internal jugular vein was achieved. Conclusions The triple-paneled method can be a versatile option for reconstructing the internal jugular vein with the great saphenous vein in terms of the diameter ratio between the two veins.
Elucidating the effect of Pb and Ba substitution in SrTcO 3 for advanced radioactive semiconducting applications
Authors: Mubarak A. A. , Tariq Saad
Published: August 2022

In this work, lead (Pb) and barium (Ba) substitution in SrTcO3 (STO) has been studied in detail using density functional theory. The structural stability was tested using optimization, enthalpy of formation and tolerance factor. The structure of SrTc(1-x)ZxO3 for (Z = Ba and Pb; x = 0, 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75) is found to be thermodynamically stable and thus can be made and studied experimentally. In electronic properties, the band analysis is performed using GGA functional and found to follow the Moss-Burstein shift for the studied compounds, while DOS and contour plots have shown mixed p-d hybridization among the constituent elements. The magnetic properties revealed the existence of weak ferromagnetism which is found to decrease with the increase of Pb content in STO while it increases for the Ba substitution. The optical analysis has shown a high reflectivity value for visible light and high conductivity σ(ω) value in the UV region which suggests the ability of these materials to be used as optical reflectors to prevent radiations and as non-radioactive photocatalysis and optoelectronic sensors.
The Gut Microbiome of Obese Postpartum Women With and Without Previous Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and the Gut Microbiota of Their Babies
Authors: Dualib Patricia Medici , Fernandes Gabriel , Taddei Carla R , Carvalho Camila R S , Sparvoli Luiz Gustavo , Bittencourt Célia , Silva Isis T , Mattar Rosiane , Ferreira Sandra R G , Dib Sergio A , Almeida-Pititto Bianca
Published: August 2022

Background: The incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is increasing worldwide, and it has been associated with some changes in the gut microbiota. Studies have shown that the maternal gut microbiota pattern with hyperglycemia can be transmitted to the offspring. The study aimed to evaluate the gut microbiota of obese postpartum women with and without previous GDM and their offspring. Methods: We evaluated a total of 84 puerperal women who had (n=40) or not GDM (n=44), and their infants were also included. Stool samples were obtained 2 to 6 months after delivery. The molecular profile of the fecal microbiota was obtained by sequencing V4 region of 16S rRNA gene (Illumina® MiSeq) and the R package used for analyses. Results: We found that the gut microbiota structures of the puerperal women and their infants were similar. Stratifying according to the type of delivery, the relative abundance of Victivallis genus was higher in women who had natural delivery. Exposure to exclusive breastfeeding was associated with a greater abundance of Bacteroides and Staphylococcus. The differential abundance test showed correlations to clinical and laboratory parameters. This work showed no difference in the microbiota of obese puerperal women with and without GDM and their offspring, but breastfeeding contributed to the ecological succession of the intestinal microbiota of the offspring. Conclusion: This work can contribute to understanding the potential effects of GDM and early life events on the gut microbiome of mothers and their offspring and its possible role in metabolism later in life.
Women Attending Antenatal Care as a Sentinel Surveillance Population for Malaria in Geita Region, Tanzania: Feasibility and Acceptability to Women and Providers
Authors: Emerson Courtney , Stephen Ulimboka , Lemwayi Ruth , Kinyina Alen , Nhiga Samwel L , Aaron Sijenunu , Simeo Japhet , Kitojo Chonge , Reaves Erik J. , Drake Mary , Hussein Yahaya , Bungire Leila , Gutman Julie R. , Winch Peter J.
Published: August 2022

Background: Measurement of malaria prevalence is conventionally estimated through infrequent cross-sectional household surveys that do not provide continuous information regarding malaria parasitemia. Recent studies have suggested that malaria parasitemia prevalence among women attending antenatal care (ANC) correlates with prevalence among children under 5 years old and that pregnant women could be a sentinel population for tracking malaria prevalence. In mainland Tanzania, 97% of women are tested for malaria parasitemia during first ANC visits. However, acceptability among pregnant women and healthcare providers of collecting malaria risk factor data during ANC visits is limited.Methods: A tablet-based questionnaire including 15 questions on insecticide-treated net ownership and use and care-seeking for febrile children was introduced at 40 healthcare facilities in Geita Region, Tanzania. Facilities were randomly selected from among those with 15 to 120 first ANC visits per month. To assess perspectives regarding introduction of the questionnaire, 21 semi-structured interviews were held with providers and facility in-charges at 12 facilities. Thirty pregnant and recently delivered women participated in focus group discussions at 7 facilities to assess the acceptability of spending additional time answering questions about malaria risk. Results: All pregnant women reported that introduction of ANC surveillance and spending 10 more minutes with providers answering questions about their health would be neutral or beneficial. They perceived being asked about their health as standard of care. Providers and in-charges reported that introduction of ANC surveillance was within their scope of practice. Nine of 21 indicated it could potentially benefit women’s health. Six providers expressed concern about staffing shortages and need for reimbursement for extra time and noted that data management occurs after hours. Conclusions: Pregnant women and providers generally perceived ANC surveillance for malaria as acceptable and positive. Pregnant and recently delivered women saw this as a reasonable and even helpful intervention. To be seen as a part of standard practice, efforts are needed to ensure providers perceive a benefit for ANC clients and that staffing concerns are addressed. In addition, staff should receive feedback related to data submissions regarding malaria prevalence and risk factors among women at their facility, with actions to take.
NS1619 Alleviated Brain Derived Extracellular Vesicles Induced Brain Injury by Regulating the BKCa channel and Nrf2/Ho-1/Nf-kB Pathway
Authors: Gao Yalong , Zhang Hejun , Li Xiaotian , Li Lei , Li Fanjian , Li Tuo , Peng Ruilong , Wang Cong , Wang Jiwei , Zhang Shu , Zhang Jianning
Published: August 2022

Background
Brain induced extracellular vesicle (BDEV) are increased after traumatic brain injury (TBI) but their role in secondary brain injury is unclear. The question whether and how BDEV is involved in secondary brain injury whether neuroprotective drugs BKCa channel openers NS1619 may attenuate BDEV-induced brain injury makes sense.
Methods
First, BDEV was extracted from enzymatically digested brains after TBI. Second, we injected BDEV and lactadherin to mimic the up- and down-regulation of BDEV respectively after TBI and determined the role of BDEV in vivo. In vitro, the membrane potential and calcium concentration of HT-22, bEnd3 and BV-2 were determined by DiBAC4 (3) staining and fluo4-AM staining respectively. The effects of BDEV and NS1619 on HT-22 were evaluated by CCK-8, LDH release assay, Na+/k+-ATPase activity, JC-1 staining, DHE staining, and 4-HNE staining respectively. The role of BDEV and NS1619 on the Nrf2/HO-1/p65 pathway was also evaluated in HT-22. Finally, we administration TBI mice with NS1619 to clarify the role of NS1619 against BDEV in vivo.
Results
BDEV injection aggravated and lactadherin mitigated TBI-induced EB leakage, brain edema, neuronal degeneration, apoptosis, ROS level, microgliosis, MMP-9 activity, and NF-kB activation. In vitro, BDEV-caused depolarized membrane potential and calcium overload were significantly attenuated by NS1619 in HT-22, bEnd3 and BV-2. BDEV markedly decreased cell viability, Na+/k+-ATPase activity and mitochondrial dysregulation, ROS, oxidative stress, NF-kB activation. NS1619 pretreatment alleviated above process and enhanced antioxidant system Nrf2/HO-1 in HT-22. NS1619 administration significantly improved TBI outcome. NS1619 facilitated microglial/macrophage phenotypic transformation and increased anti-inflammatory factor and decreased pro-inflammatory factors after TBI. Finally, NS1619 treatment reduced 4-HNE and NF-kB activation and enhanced Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.
Conclusions
BDEV aggravated brain injury after TBI by perturbing cell membrane potential, calcium homeostasis, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. The BKCa channel opener NS1619 attenuated BDEV-induced pathological process in vitro and in vivo by modulating the BKCa channel and Nrf1/HO-1/p65 pathway.
Does behavioural parent training reduce internalising symptoms (or not) among children with externalising problems? Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bloss Ms Christy , Brown Ms Sophie , Sawrikar Vilas
Published: August 2022

Behaviour parent training (BPT) is known to effectively reduce child externalising problems. However, evidence for BPT to have secondary benefits for reducing internalising symptoms remains unclear. To address this, electronic databases (PsycINFO, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and SCOPUS) were systematically searched for studies examining internalising outcomes from BPT among children aged 2–12 years with clinically elevated externalizing problems. Outcomes for internalising problems following BPT were analysed by meta-analysis. Of 9105 studies identified, 24 studies met the eligibility criteria. Results from meta-analysis demonstrated a significant small treatment effect size (g= -0.41) for reducing internalising symptoms immediately after treatment. Studies showed moderate heterogeneity (I2 = 44%). Moderation analyses indicated that the overall treatment effect was robust against variations in treatment and study design characteristics. However, a review of individual study methods indicate that these results are limited by significant heterogeneity and limitations in clinical assessment. Overall, the results suggest that BPT programmes for reducing externalising problems have the potential to improve internalising outcomes, but that there is limited information to determine the reliability of these effects, highlighting the need for further investigation.
The role of cognitive reserve in mediating cognitive impairment in cART-treated HIV positive older adults in Mbeya, Tanzania
Authors: Sadler Molly , Said K , Chuma E , Kaminyoge S.M , Mussa B , Kuhoga E , Walker Richard , Livingston Gill , Gray William Keith , Paddick Stella-Maria , Mbwele Bernard
Published: August 2022

Introduction: HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) are a spectrum of cognitive impairments occurring in chronic HIV infection. HAND are highly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), despite combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Older people appear to be at increased risk. Cognitive reserve (CR), shown to be protective in neurodegenerative dementias, may also protect against HAND.Aim: To evaluate the association of CR and risk of HAND in an older cART-treated population in SSA.Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study undertaken at hospital outpatient clinics in Mbeya, Southwest Tanzania. HIV-positive participants aged ≥ 50 years and established on cART underwent diagnostic assessment by operationalised AAN criteria. Assessment included neuropsychological test battery, functional assessment, informant history and depression screen. HIV-negative control participants were attendees of other chronic disease clinics who completed neuropsychological assessments to provide normative scores for HAND diagnosis. CR was measured using the Cognitive Reserve Index (CRI) and other proxy measures including years of formal education.Results: Lower total Cognitive Reserve Index (CRI) score, lack of formal education, unemployment and low-skilled manual work were associated with increased risk of HAND. Lower CRI score and lack of formal education were independent risk factors for HAND but HIV disease severity measures were not.Conclusion: Higher total CRI score and formal education appeared to be protective for HAND, in this cohort. These are potentially modifiable factors, though education may be difficult to modify in later life. Cognitive reserve may be more important than HIV-disease control in risk of HAND in older people with treated HIV.