bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of mortality, requirement of ICU and hospitalization: the COVID-outcome prognostic score
Authors: Nieto-Ortega Eduardo , Arenal Alejandro Maldonado , Escudero-Roque Lupita , Macedo-Falcon Diana Ali , Escorcia-Saucedo Ana Elena , Ángel Adalberto León , Méndez Alejandro Durán , García-Callejas Karla , Hernández-Islas Sergio , Romero-López Gabriel , Hernández-Romero Ángel Raúl , Pérez-Ortega Daniela , Rodríguez-Segura Estephany , Montaño‑Olmos Daniela , Hernández-Muñoz Jeffrey , Rodríguez-Peña Samuel , Magos Montserrat , Rueda-Medécigo María José , Aco-Cuamani Yanira Lizeth , García-Chávez Nazareth , García-Otero Ana Lizeth , Mejía-Rangel Analiz , Losada Valeria Gutiérrez , Cova-Bonilla Miguel , Aguilar-Arroyo Alma Delia , Sandoval-García Araceli , Martínez-Francisco Eneyda , Vázquez-García Blanca Azucena , Peón Alberto Navarrete
Published: January 2023

Prognostic scales may help to optimize the use of hospital resources, which may be of prime interest in the context of a fast spreading pandemics. Nonetheless, such tools are underdeveloped in the context of COVID-19. In the present article we asked whether accurate prognostic scales could be developed to optimize the use of hospital resources. We retrospectively studied 467 files of hospitalized patients after COVID-19. The odds ratios for 16 different biomarkers were calculated, and those that were significantly associated were screened by a Pearson’s correlation, and such index was used to establish the mathematical function for each marker. The scales to predict the need for hospitalization, intensive-care requirement and mortality had enhanced sensitivities (0.91 CI 0.87–0.94; 0.96 CI 0.94–0.98; 0.96 CI 0.94–0.98; all withp < 0.0001) and specificities (0.74 CI 0.62–0.83; 0.92 CI 0.87–0.96 & 0.91 CI 0.86–0.94; all withp < 0.0001). Interestingly, when a different population was assayed, these parameters did not change considerably. These results show a novel approach to establish the mathematical function of a marker in the development of highly sensitive prognostic tools, which in this case, may aid in the optimization of hospital resources. An online version of the three algorithms can be found at: http://benepachuca.no-ip.org/covid/index.php
The Socio-Economic Impacts of the Covid-19 Mitigation Measures and Vulnerabilities in Singapore
Authors: Daly Patrick , Nejad Amin , Domijan Katarina , McCaughey Jamie , Brassard Caroline , Kathiravelu Laavanya , Marques Mateus , Sarti Danilo , Parnell Andrew , Horton Benjamin
Published: January 2023

Lockdowns were widely used to reduce transmission of COVID-19 and prevent health care services from being overwhelmed. While these mitigation measures helped to reduce loss of life, they also disrupted the everyday lives of billions of people. We use data from a survey of Singaporean citizens and permanent residents during the peak of the lockdown period between April and July 2020 to evaluate the social and economic impacts of Singapore’s COVID-19 mitigation measures. Over 60% of the population experienced negative impacts on their social lives and 40% on household economics. Regression models show the negative economic impacts were influenced by socio-economic and demographic factors that align with underlying societal vulnerabilities. When dealing with large-scale crisis’ like COVID-19, slow-onset disasters, and climate change, some of the burdens of mitigation measures can constitute a crisis in their own right – and this could be experienced unevenly by vulnerable segments of the population.
A Comprehensive Evaluation of Quantitative Diffusion Parameters for Differentiating Histopathological Features and Subtypes of Breast Cancers: Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging (DKI), Intravoxel Incoherent Motion (IVIM) and Histogram Analysis of ADC
Authors: Amini Behnam , Ghasemi Moein , Rashidi Fatemeh , Farazandeh Dorreh , Jafarimehrabady Niloofar , Alaei Maryam , Sedaghat Mona , Hosseini Seyyed Mohammad Mehdi , Torabi Sarah , Karimi Nastaran , Parsaei Amirhossein , Dehnavi Ali Zare , Rikhtehgar Masih , Shahbaz Amir Pasha Amel , Vajihinejad Maryam
Published: January 2023

Background
The objective of this study is to quantitatively compare the diagnostic value of conventional diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM), and diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) in differentiating the histopathological features and subtypes of breast cancer.
Materials and Methods
There were 98 patients with breast cancer studied by multiple b value DWIs and DKIs grouped according to their molecular prognostic factors. Entropy and histogram derived parameters of volumetric ADC values, true diffusivity (Dt), pseudo-diffusion coefficient (Dp), perfusion fraction (f), mean kurtosis (MK), and mean diffusivity (MD) maps were calculated using voxel based analysis for the whole lesion volume. The diagnostic efficacy of various diffusion parameters for predicting both molecular prognostic factors (Hormone-Receptor (HR, ER or PR positive), HER2 and ki67) and breast cancer subtypes were compared. Diagnostic performance was evaluated using the univariate and multivariate logistic regressions, ROC analysis, multivariate backward logistic regression, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and partial eta squared (ηp2) estimation.
Results
HR- positive tumors had significantly lower median ADC values (P= < 0.001, Bonferroni adjusted significance < 0.002) than HR- negative tumors. HER-2 positive tumors had significantly higher mean ADC values and last ADC quartile (P< 0.001, univariate regression: OR=99.3, 14.2, AUC=0.79, 0.73, P<0.001) than HER-2 negative tumors. High ki67 tumors had significantly lower last ADC quartile (P< 0.001) than tumors with low ki67 index. Luminal B subtype had significantly lower mean ADC, median ADC (OR=0.011, AUC=0.78, P<0.001) and last ADC Quartile (P< 0.001, Bonferroni adjusted significance < 0.001), HER-2 subtype had significantly higher mean ADC, median ADC and last ADC Quartile (P< 0.001, (OR=129.2, 32.1, 78.7, univariate regression, P<0.001, AUC=0.94, 82, 89, P<0.001) and triple negative subtype showed significantly lower MD (P< 0.001, univariate regression: OR=0.02, AUC=0.73, P=0.002) than other tumor subtypes. ANCOVA analyses found a significant association between mean ADC and luminal HER2 (ηp2=0.86, P< 0.001) after adjusting for molecular prognostic factors.
Conclusion
The use of diffusion imaging with multiple b values will be beneficial for the classification of breast cancers.
Predictors of Not Exclusively Breastfeeding among Ghanaian Women: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Chanase Mary-Ann Wepiamo
Published: January 2023

Background
Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is a practice highly recommended by the WHO and UNICEF for all infants to be given solely breastmilk in the first six months. This practice is advised because breastmilk is the gold standard of infant feeding, as it is untainted and comprises all of the essential nutrients for the first few months of a child’s life. The objective of this study is to focus on the factors that prevent mothers from exclusively breastfeeding among Ghanaian women residents in rural and urban geographic locations.
Methods
Data were acquired from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) for this analysis. A total of 557 mothers who had infants in the last 2 years between the ages of 0–5 months were extracted from the individual child (KR) dataset. A logistic regression model was utilized to ascertain the predictors of not exclusively breastfeeding among Ghanaian women.
Results
Overall, 52% of mothers engaged in exclusive breastfeeding. Ethnicity, infant size, region, marital status, mother’s age, and husband’s occupation had a significant association with breastfeeding status [Table 1]. The binary logistic regression revealed that the timing of first antennal visits, maternal education, region, ethnicity, and husband’s occupation were significantly associated with predictors of EBF. Mothers without formal education and mothers whose husbands/partners' occupation was skilled manual labor were more likely to not breastfeed exclusively. Mothers residing in the northern part of Ghana, mothers of a minority ethnic group, and the timing of first antennal visits had lower odds of not exclusively breastfeeding.
Conclusion
The findings suggest that breastfeeding in Ghana is a universal practice since more than 98% of infants were birthed in the last 2 years breastfed before at some point. Despite the existence of breastfeeding campaigns and the high awareness created, EBF rates continue to decline in the nation. Therefore, it is crucial to develop and implement EBF intervention programs that aim to eliminate misconceptions and misinformation about the practice with more emphasis on the health and economic benefits of EBF.
Secular trends of low birth weight, preterm birth, and small for gestational age in Shanghai from 2004 to 2020: an age-period-cohort analysis
Authors: Zhou Rongfei , Yu Huiting , Qian Naisi , Jin Shan , Cai Renzhi , Chen Lei , Wang Chunfang , Wu Fan
Published: January 2023

Background: Although highly heterogeneous among countries, the incidence rates of low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth (PTB), and small for gestational age (SGA) have been increasing globally over the past two decades. To better understand the cause of the secular trends, this study aimed to clarify the effects of age, period, and birth cohorton adverse birth outcomes in Shanghai.
Methods: Data of 2,958,695 singleton live births at 24-41 gestational weeks between 2004 and 2020 were obtained for this study. Age-period-cohort models based on Poisson regression were used to evaluate the independent effects of maternal age, delivery period, and maternal birth cohort on the trends in LBW, PTB, and SGA.
Results: The incidence rates of LBW, PTB, and SGA were 2.9%, 4.7%, and 9.3%, respectively, and significant changes were observed (+6.2‰, +6.1‰, and -11.0‰, respectively) from 2004 to 2020. Cohort effect increased steadily, from 1960 (risk ratio [RR] = 0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.65-0.78) to 1993 (RR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.94-1.01) for LBW and from 1960 (RR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.64-0.75) to 2004 (RR = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.94-1.12) for PTB. A strong cohort effect was found with the highest risk of SGA (RR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.72-1.93) in 1960 and the lowest risk (RR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.54-0.61) in 2004, compared with the reference cohort of 1985. There was a “U-shaped” maternal age effect on LBW and PTB and a weak period effect on the three birth outcomes.
Conclusions: Our findings suggest a significant independenteffect of age, period, and birth cohort on the three birth outcomes. The increasing rates of LBW and PTB inspired us to focus on young and advanced pregnant women. Meanwhile, the prevalence of SGA decreased steadily, illustrating the need for further research on the mechanisms underlying these trends.
Feasibility and Safety of Transvaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (V-NOTES) Panhysterectomy: A Polycentric Retrospective Study
Authors: Qian Panlian , Chen Weimin , Su Bin , Chen Yao , Shan Wulin , Tang Huimin , Wei Weiwei , Wang Huihui , Xia Bairong , Chen Jiming
Published: January 2023

Objective
To investigate the feasibility and safety of Transvaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (V-NOTES) panhysterectomy.
Method
A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of 75 patients who underwent panhysterectomy for hysteromyoma in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Tongxiang Maternal and Child Health Hospital; Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Changzhou Second People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC from June 2019 to June 2020. According to the operation mode, the patients were divided into two groups: the traditional Multi-Port Laparoscopic Surgery (MPLS) group (n = 45) and the Transvaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (V-NOTES) group (n = 30). The operation duration, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative exsufflation time, postoperative activity time, hospital stay, treatment cost, 6h activities of daily living (ADL) score after the operation, cosmetic score, visual analog score, and complications were observed in the two groups.
Results
Perioperative period related indicators: Compared with the MPLS group, the total treatment cost and cosmetic score of the V-NOTES group were significantly better than those of the MPLS group, but the operation duration was longer, and the HB decreased more significantly (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in intraoperative blood loss, postoperative exsufflation time, postoperative activity time, 6h ADL score after the operation, and hospital stay between the two groups (P > 0.05). Postoperative pain: The VAS score 1h, 6h, 12h, and 24h after the operation was lower in the V-NOTES group than in the MPLS group (P < 0.05). Postoperative complications: The complication rate of the V-NOTES group was significantly lower than that of the MPLS group (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
In treating panhysterectomy patients, both V-NOTES and MPLS can achieve satisfactory efficacy and prognosis, and both have advantages and disadvantages. Specifically, the V-NOTES surgery has significant advantages such as a lower treatment cost, lower incidence of postoperative complications, less pain, and more beautiful wounds.
Perception of corneal extraction from cadavers among Beni-Suef University Hospital Physicians, Egypt
Authors: Senosy Shaimaa , Hifnawy Tamer , Youssef Mohamed , Khedr Mohamed , Mostafa Zahraa M
Published: January 2023

Objectives This study investigated the perception of healthcare physicians about cadaveric corneal extraction for corneal transplantation in Beni-Suef University Hospital, Egypt. Methods This cross-sectional study assessed physicians’ awareness, knowledge, and attitude towards cadaveric corneal extraction for transplantation. It was conducted among 104 physicians (resident doctors up to professors) in Beni-Suef University Hospital using a self-administered questionnaire, between September and November 2021. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, with a confidence interval and significance level of 95% and 0.05, respectively. Results Most (93.3%) of the participants were aware of cadaveric corneal extraction. However, only 19.2% had good knowledge of corneal extraction. Participants’ knowledge showed a statistically significant negative linear correlation with age (r = − 0.339, p = 0.001), and years of experience (r = − 0.320, p = 0.001). Participants accepting corneal extraction because donated cornea can give good results (51.9% important, 29.8% very important) and it is a pleasure to help a blind person (27.9% important, 53.8% very important). The perceived barriers to corneal extraction were lack of awareness about corneal extraction (30.8% important, 26% very important) and objection to eye donation by family members (33.7% important, 25% very important). Conclusion Physicians at Beni-Suef University Hospital have inadequate understanding about cadaveric corneal extraction. Which makes them insufficiently qualified to guide and encourage corneal donation. With the right knowledge and perception, physicians can help raise awareness and encourage corneal donation while doing their daily professional duties.
Finite Element Analysis of the Knee Joint Stress After Partial Meniscectomy for Meniscus Horizontal Cleavage Tears
Authors: Chen Hao , Liu Lantao , Zhang Youlei
Published: January 2023

Backgrounds: Although most scholars believe that suture is the best way to treat horizontal cleavage tears (HCT), they often choose partial meniscectomy resection because it is very difficult to suture horizontal meniscal tears by arthroscope and it is difficult to heal. However, there seems to be no conclusion as to which of the popular single lobectomy and double lobectomy has the least effect on the internal pressure of the knee. So we hope to use a three-dimensional model of the knee joint to simulate this process, so as to draw conclusions. This study aims to establish a finite element model of meniscus horizontal fracture and partial resection, and to simulate the mechanical changes of knee joint under 0°, 10°, 20°, 30°, 40° flexion angles, and to explore what is the optimal surgical plan.
Methods The MRI data of the knee joint were extracted, and the 3D model was reconstructed by Mimics Research, Geomagic Wrap and SolidWorks software. The mechanical simulation was carried out in AnsysWorkbench to compare the mechanical changes of knee joint under different meniscectomy models.
Results The analysis results showed that the changes of pressure, shear force and stress area in the medial and lateral compartments of the knee model with the resection of the upper lobe of the meniscus horizontal cleft were the most similar to the changes of the knee model with the meniscus horizontal cleft.
Conclusion Suture repair is the best way to maintain the force relationship in the knee joint. However, resection of the upper lobe of the meniscus is also a reliable choice when suture repair is difficult.
Construction and evaluation of a phospholipid-based phase transition in situ gel system for brexpiprazole
Authors: Tao Ran , Liu Li , Xiong Yingxin , Zhang Qianyu , Lv Xiangyu , He Linbo , Ren Fang , Zhou Lu , Chen Baoyan , Wu Kexin , Zhang Yan , Chen Huali
Published: January 2023

The objective of this study was to develop phospholipid-based injectable phase transition in situ gels (PTIGs) for the sustained release of Brexpiprazole (Brex). Phospholipid (Lipoid S100, S100) and stearic acid (SA) were used as the gel matrix which was dissolved in biocompatible solvent medium-chain triglyceride (MCT), N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP), and ethanol to obtain PTIGs solution. The Brex PTIG showed a solution condition of low viscosity in vitro and was gelatinized in situ in vivo after subcutaneous injection. Both in vitro release assay and in vivo pharmacokinetics study in SD rats displayed that Brex in PTIGs could achieve a sustained release, compared with brexpiprazole solution (Brex-Sol) or brexpiprazole suspension (Brex-Sus). The Brex-PTIGs had good degradability and biocompatibility in vivo with rare inflammation at the injection site. Among the three Brex-PTIG formulations, Brex-PTIG-3 with the SA in the formulation had the greatest gelation viscosity, the lowest initial release rate, and the most stable release profile with sustained release of up to 60 days. The above results indicated that, as a novel drug delivery system, the Brex-PTIGs offered a new option for the clinical treatment of patients with schizophrenia.
Deletion of Gpatch2 does not alter Tnf expression in mice
Authors: Dalseno Destiny , Anderton Holly , Kueh Andrew , Herold Marco , Silke John , Strasser Andreas , Bouillet Philippe
Published: January 2023

The cytokine TNF has essential roles in immune defence against diverse pathogens and, when deregulated, it can drive severe inflammatory disease. The proper control of TNF levels is therefore critical for normal functioning of the immune system and health. We have identified GPATCH2 as a putative repressor of Tnf expression acting post-transcriptionally through the Tnf 3’ UTR following a CRISPR screen for novel regulators of TNF expression. GPATCH2 is a proposed cancer-testis antigen with roles reported in proliferation in cell lines. However, its role within the whole organism has not been established. We have generated Gpatch2−/− C57BL/6 mice to assess the potential of GPATCH2 as a regulator of Tnf expression. Here we show that loss of GPATCH2 does not affect basal Tnf expression in mice, nor Tnf expression in intraperitoneal LPS and subcutaneous SMAC-mimetic injection models of inflammation. We have detected endogenous GPATCH2 protein in mouse testis tissue, however, testis morphology is unaltered in Gpatch2−/− animals. Gpatch2−/− mice are viable, appear grossly normal, and we did not detect aberrations in lymphoid tissues or blood cell composition. Collectively, our results suggest no indispensable role for GPATCH2 in the control of Tnf expression, and the absence of an overt phenotype warrants further investigation of the role of GPATCH2 in vivo which may be masked by substantial functional overlap with a related protein.
Ammonia emission of paddy was reduced by the combined action of soil and plants under long-term rice-based cropping system
Authors: Zhou Wei , Yan Fengjun , Fan Yu , Chen Yanqiu , Hu Zhitao , Wang Tao , Liu Qi , Chen Yong , Deng Fei , Lei Xiaolong , Hu Jianfeng , Tao Youfeng , Cheng Hong , Ren Wanjun
Published: January 2023

Aims
In order to reveal the influence of different cropping system on ammonia volatilization in paddy field and be helpful to the sustainable development of agricultural system.
Methods
Two long-term paddy-upland rotations, garlic-rice (GR) and wheat-rice (WR), were conducted to investigate the influence factors and difference of ammonia volatilization in paddy using in situ ventilation method in field and pot experiments.
Results
Although the soil nitrogen level was higher under GR, the loss amount of ammonia volatilization decreased by 13.9% compared with WR, which mainly attributed to the 28.9% and 12.4% reduction in spikelet-developing fertilizer and base fertilizer, respectively. Dry matter accumulation and rice yield under GR was 8.2% and 8.9% higher that under WR respectively, which leading to a 14.8% increase in nitrogen uptake by rice plants and 15.3%-24.7% decrease in the average ammonia volatilization rate of spikelet-developing fertilizer. Ammonia volatilization of base fertilizer was significant positively correlated with ammoniacal nitrogen concentration in paddy water. The soil C/N ratio increased by 4.2%-13.3% under GR, which increased the adsorption capacity of ammoniacal nitrogen and decreased the concentration of ammoniacal nitrogen in paddy water, leading to the average ammonia volatilization rate of base fertilizer under GR decreased by 12.0%-16.4%.
Conclusion
The increase of soil carbon and nitrogen content and C/N ratio reduced ammonia volatilization of base fertilizer, and meanwhile promoted plant growth, increased rice yield and nitrogen uptake, which in turn reduced ammonia volatilization of spikelet-developing fertilizer.
Identification of an Eight-Cuproptosis-related lncRNA Signature as a Novel Prognostic Model and Prediction of Immunotherapy Response in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Sun Dan , Lin Shanshan , Qin Huayi , Yang Ying , Tong Junru , Zhi Zhifu , Fan Jiangtao
Published: January 2023

Background
Cuproptosis-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified and constructed as new prognostic markers in several cancers. However, the role and prognostic value of Cuproptosis-related lncRNAs in ovarian cancer (OC) remain unknown.
Methods
RNA sequencing and clinical and tumor somatic mutation data from OC samples were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Patients with OC were randomly assigned to the training and testing groups. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis and Cox regression models were used to determine the prognostic model in the training cohort and confirmed in the testing cohort. In this study, a nomogram was constructed. Functional enrichment and immune function analyses were performed to investigate differences in biological functions. Tumor mutation burden (TMB) and tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) scores were used to predict response to immunotherapy.
Results
A total of eight Cuproptosis-related lncRNAs prognostic markers (AL732292.2, LINC00996, AC025287.2, AC022893.3, SUCLG2-AS1, AC245041.1, AL391832.3, and AC019080.5) were identified. The Kaplan−Meier survival curve revealed that the overall survival (OS) between the high- and low-risk groups was statistically significant. A mixed nomogram containing clinical characteristics and risk scores was constructed. The receiver operating characteristic curve and principal component analysis showed the accurate predictive ability of the model. Functional enrichment and immune function analyses confirmed that prognostic features were significantly correlated with the immune status of patients with OC. Patients in the high-risk group had a higher TIDE score and lower TMB, indicating a poor response to immunotherapy. The risk model can distinguish between the effects of antitumor therapy in patients with OC.
Conclusions
We identified an eight-Cuprotosis-related lncRNA signature of OC as a prognostic predictor and constructed a nomogram, which may be a reliable biomarker for predicting the benefit of OC immunotherapy.
Effects of Intravenous Anesthetic Drugs on Leukocytes for Patients Undergoing Surgery: A Diagnostic Clinical study
Authors: Rashid Kamal Jalal , Karim Safa Bakr , Babakir-Mina Muhammed
Published: January 2023

Background
General anesthesia and intravenous anesthetic drugs influence the leukocytes. The study designed to assess the effects of intravenous anesthetics and anesthesia technique on leukocytes which are the important human immune cells.
Methods
The prospective study was performed on 100 patients undergoing surgery in Sulaimani Teaching and Shar Teaching Hospitals from November 2021 to March 2022. First blood sample were collected from the patients before induction and second sample were collected 6 hours after operation. Complete blood counts were done for all samples to find out the rates of leukocytes pre- and post-operative.
Results
In general, the mean of lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils counts were decreased after operation, but the mean of neutrophils counts were increased. General anesthesia was more effective to leukocytes than other types. All hypnotic anesthetic drugs were affecting the level of leukocytes except Pentothal. Patients who given analgesics had obvious effect on leukocytes than other who were not received analgesics. Also, leukocytes changes were shown for muscle relaxant, they decrease the level of lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils count, but increase the level of neutrophils. According to the leukocytes count, significant changes were found for most of the intravenous anesthetics (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
All hypnotic, analgesic, and muscle relaxant except Pentothal can decrease leukocytes especially, Lymphocytes. While, by using all the intravenous anesthetic drugs neutrophil counts elevation may occurs.
COVID-19 Activity Risk Calculator as a Gamified Public Health Intervention Tool
Authors: Natraj Shreyasvi , Bhide Malhar , Yap Nathan , Liu Meng , Seth Agrima , Berman Jonathan , Glorioso Christin
Published: January 2023

Public health intervention techniques have been highly significant in reducing the negative impact of several epidemics and pandemics. Among all of the wide-spread diseases, one of the most dangerous one has been severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The impact of the virus has been observed in over 200 countries leading to hospitalizations and deaths of millions of people. Currently existing COVID-19 risk estimation tools provided to the general public have been highly variable during the pandemic due to its dependency on rapidly evolving factors such as community transmission levels and variants. There has also been confusion surrounding certain personal protective strategies such as risk reduction by mask-wearing and vaccination. In order to create a simplified easy-to-use tool for estimating different individual risks associated with carrying out daily-life activity, we developed COVID-19 Activity Risk Calculator (CovARC). CovARC serves as a gamified public health intervention as users can "play with" how different risks associated with COVID-19 would change depending on several different factors when carrying out a daily routine activity. Empowering the public to make informed, data-driven decisions about safely engaging in activities may help to reduce COVID- 19 levels in the community. In this study, we demonstrate a streamlined, scalable and accurate COVID-19 risk calculation system. Our study also showcases quantitatively, the increased impact of interventions such as vaccination and mask-wearing when cases are higher, which could prove as a validity to inform and support policy decisions around mask mandate case thresholds and other non-pharmaceutical interventions.
Relationship between temperature and fatal myocardial infarction:A time series study in Xuzhou, China, from 2018 to 2020
Authors: Miao Hao , Bao Wei , Lou Peian , Chen Peipei , Zhang Pan , Chang Guiqiu , Hu Xiaoqin , Zhao Xinliang , Huang Shuo , Yang Yu , Wang Zhirong , Chen Minglong , Li Chengzong
Published: January 2023

Background
It is widely known that the incidence rate and short-term mortality of acute myocardial infarctions (AMIs) are generally higher during the winter months. The goal of this study was to determine how the temperature of the environment influences fatal acute myocardial infarctions in Xuzhou.
Methods
This observational study used the daily meteorological data and the data on the cause of death from acute myocardial infarction in Xuzhou from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2020. After controlling meteorological variables and pollutants, the distributed nonlinear lag model (DLNM) was used to estimate the correlation between temperature and lethal AMI.
Results
A total of 27712 patients with fatal AMI were enrolled. 82.4% were over the age of 65, and 50.9% were men. Relative to the reference temperature (15 ℃), the 30-day cumulative RRs of the extremely cold temperature (− 2 ℃) for the general population, women, and people aged 65 years and above were 4.66 (95% CI: 1.76, 12.30), 15.29 (95% CI: 3.94, 59.36), and 7.13 (95% CI: 2.50, 20.35), respectively. The 30-day cumulative RRs of the cold temperature (2 ℃) for the general population, women, and people aged 65 years and above were 2.55 (1.37, 4.75), 12.78 (2.24, 5.36), and 3.15 (1.61, 6.16), respectively. No statistically significant association was observed between high temperatures and the risk of fatal AMI. The influence of the cold effect (1st and 10th) was at its peak on that day, and the entire cold effect persisted for 30 days. Temperature extremes had an effect on the lag patterns of distinct age and gender stratifications.
Conclusion
According to this study, the risk of fatal AMI increases significantly in cold weather but not in hot weather. Women above the age of 65 are particularly sensitive to severe weather events. The influence of frigid weather on public health should also be considered.
The impact of Covid-19 on menstrual cycle’s alterations, in relation to depression and sleep disturbances: a prospective observational study in a population of medical students
Authors: Polese Daniela , Costanzi Flavia , Bianchi Paola , Frega Antonio , Bellati Filippo , De Marco Maria Paola , Parisi Pasquale , Bruni Oliviero , Caserta Donatella , Cozza Giuliana
Published: January 2023

Background: The sars-Cov-2 pandemic has determined adverse circumstances beyond everyday experience, leading to psychological stress, with particular relevance to the young population of female medical students. This work aims at studying the impact of the pandemic on menstrual cycle alteration in relation to psychological stress, monitoring the presence of depression, sleep disturbances and post-traumatic stress, on a population of medical students.
Methods: 293 female students (23,08 years old ±3,8) were enrolled. One year after quarantine, a personal data sheet on menstrual cycle, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Impact of Event Scale (IES-R) have been administered.
Results: A statistically significant association between menstrual alterations and stress during pandemic has been found. The onset of depressive symptoms and sleep disturbances has been observed in 57,1% and in 58,1% of young women with cycle’s alterations, respectively. Amenorrhea was three times more common in female students with depressive symptoms, PMS had a significant correlation with both depression and sleep disturbances. Pandemic has been related to menstrual alterations, with depressive symptoms and sleep disorders. Amenorrhea is connected to depression, as observed on the functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA).
Conclusions: Post-traumatic stress disorder has not been found, it may be more likely associated with high physical and psychological stress in frontline female health workers during the pandemic. New strategies of psychological intervention should be considered after pandemic experience, in order to help students, and particularly medical trainees, with specific attention to women’s needs.
A novel anterior nasal swab to detect respiratory viruses: a prospective study of diagnostic sensitivity and specificity
Authors: Tosif Shidan , Lee Lai-yang , Nguyen Jill , Overmars Isabella , MBioStat Chris Selman , Grobler Anneke C , McMinn Alissa , Waller Gregory , McNab Sarah , Jarvis Tayla , Steer Andrew , Babl Franz , Daley Andrew , Crawford Nigel
Published: January 2023

Detection of respiratory viruses requires testing of the upper respiratory tract to obtain specimens for analysis. However, nasal and throat swabs can cause discomfort and procedural anxiety in children. Respiratory sampling methods which are accurate and less invasive are needed. We aim to determine the sensitivity and specificity of a novel anterior nasal swab (ANS) compared with the combined throat and anterior nasal swab (CTN), the reference standard, for detection of respiratory viruses. Children 5 – 18 years of age presenting to a tertiary paediatric hospital with respiratory symptoms were tested with both swabs in randomised order. Respiratory samples were tested on a respiratory multiplex RT-PCR panel. Viral detections, RT-PCR cycle-threshold values and child/parent/clinician experience of the swab were recorded. There were 157 viral detections from 249 participant CTN swabs. In comparison with the CTN, the overall sensitivity and specificity of ANS for detection of respiratory viruses was 96% (95% CI, 92-98%) and 99% (95% CI, 99-99%), respectively. The ANS was “extremely comfortable”, or only a “little uncomfortable” for 90% of children compared with 48% for CTN. 202 children (84%) rated the ANS as the preferred swab, and 208 (87%)indicated they would prefer ANS for future testing. The ANS has high sensitivity and is comparable to the current standard of care. The high acceptability from the less invasive ANS provides a more comfortable method for respiratory virus testing in children.
The effectiveness and security of Uni-VATS for chronic pulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: Wang Bing , Yao Li , Sheng Jian , Liu Xiaoyu , Jiang Yuhui , Shen Lei , Xu Feng , Liu Qibin , Gao Chao , Dai Xiyong
Published: January 2023

Background Surgery is a crucial component of the management of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA).However, there is currently less information available on Uni-port thoracoscopy(Uni-VATS) for CPA.Therefore, we created a single-center retrospective analysis of surgical procedures for CPA to demonstrate the effectiveness and security of Uni-VATS in CPA.
Methods The basic information and surgical data of patients who underwent surgery at our hospital from January 2018 to June 2022 for CPA were obtained, all of whom received voriconazole antifungal medication for 3-6 months following surgery and were monitored for more than 6 months.
Results A total of 110 patients met the inclusion criteria, including 59 cases in the traditional open chest incision group and 51 cases in the Uni-VATS group. There was one death among all patients due to pulmonary infection after surgery in our hospital.The mean operative time in the traditional open chest incision group and Uni-VATS group was 321.90±92.16 and 233.12±113.65 minutes, respectively.In the two groups mentioned above, the median (IQR) of intraoperative blood loss volume was 450(300-1000) and 330(100-500) ml,postoperative 24-hour drainage volume was 520(320-820) and 200(120-400) ml, postoperative second 24-hour drainage volume was 420(260-650) and 170(100-300) ml, pain scores were 9(8-10) and 4(4-5), postoperative drainage tube removal time was 15(8-21) and 8(5-16) days,postoperative hospital stay time was 18(13-23) and 12(8-18) days, and postoperative complication rate was 40.7%(24/59) and 17.6%(9/51) respectively.
ConclusionUni-VATS is highly effective safe and minimally invasive for patients with CPA, and could be suggested as an alternative to traditional methods of lung surgery.
A new equation of four infinite series and sums by using a generalized recurrence relation
Authors: Louiz Akram
Published: January 2023

Motivated by the fundamental presence of mathematics in all engineering and scientific fields, I made this mathematical article in order to answer many of my personal questions which are also not answered questions in mathematics. This is a mathematical article that proves a usefulrecurrence relation that is very useful for mathematics demonstrations. The article proves also that four infinite series are equivalent. Hence, this article opens new opportunities to demonstrate and develop new mathematical findings and observations. The demonstrated formulas of this article can also be very useful for all the fields that apply mathematics and especially infinite series and sums.
One Class Support Subsequence Machine: Abnormal time
series subsequences detection using One-Class SVM
Authors: Amine Melakhsou Abdallah , Batton-Hubert Mireille , Casoetto Nicolas
Published: January 2023

In this paper, an approach is proposed for the detection of abnormal time series subsequences using
the One-Class SVM with an application to defect detection of two automatic welding processes. The
One Class-SVM has been used in many works for the same purpose but only after transforming the
subsequences into a set of feature vectors. However, finding the relevant features that allow anomaly
detection may be challenging. Methods dealing with the raw subsequences, on the other hand, can be
easily generalized to other problems and are known to be efficient. Nevertheless, they often suffer from
high computational cost since they involve computing the distances to all the reference subsequences,
which may restrict their application, especially with the need of real time predictions in most of the
applications. We show in this work that, contrary to what is indicated in the literature, the One-
Class SVM can be used directly with the raw subsequences. This is achieved by employing distance
substitution kernels, which are a class of kernels that allow to use dissimilarity measures in the
One-class SVM formulation. The results show that the approach has a similar efficiency of those
suggested in the literature that operate with raw subsequences in terms of accuracy. Furthermore,
because it just requires the distances to the support vectors, the approach has a low time complexity
in the prediction phase, making it more suitable for real-time monitoring. We further show that the
One-Class SVM with non-metric dissimilarity remains efficient for aberrant subsequence identification.
The Effect of the Abuse of Over-the-counter Medications on the Nutritional Status of the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton Students.
Authors: Dumo Neema
Published: January 2023

Background: Society and in turn students have a misconception towards the use of medications to enhance performance. The constant abuse of these drugs is suspected to create complications with the nutritional status of individuals. The problem is that little research is available for students in the East African region.This research aims to determine the correlation between abuse of over-the-counter medications and the nutritional status of students at the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton. The study shall assist in filling the information gap.
Methods: The aim of the study was to obtain insight on the abuse of prescription medication and the effect that it has on dietary patterns. It was a cross-sectional survey study design and was done at the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton with a population of 3124 students in total. A sample size of 377 was formulated using Cochran's formula. 51% of the sample population being female. The study spanned over 3 months and online questionnaires were used. Results were analyzed using SPSS.
Results: 62% abused over-the-counter medications; 66% falling in the normal BMI range. It was found that while the student body heavily participated in the abuse of over-the-counter medications; however, there was no significant correlation with poor nutritional status. This was due to the BMI Vs. prescribed medication p value being at 0.103 when the CI is at 0.05. The correlation between appetite and over-the-counter medications is statistically significant at the 5% level of significance (p-value 0.00114).
Discussion: The implication is that while appetite is affected by these medications, the nutritional status of the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton students remains unscaved. There were several limitations including recall bias and non-returning of questionnaires which may have affected the overall results. An East African perspective has effectively been added to the research pool.
Conclusion: The students are affected by the abuse of OTC medications, but the effect is miniscule on their nutrition status.
Trial registration: N/A
Prosodic signatures of ASD severity and developmental delay in preschoolers
Authors: Godel Michel , Robain François , Journal Fiona , Kojovic Nada , Latrèche Kenza , Dehaene-Lambertz Ghislaine , Schaer Marie
Published: January 2023

Atypical prosody in speech production is a core feature of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) that can impact everyday life communication. Because the ability to modulate prosody develops around the age of speech acquisition, it might be affected by ASD symptoms and developmental delays that emerge at the same period. Here, we investigated the existence of a prosodic signature of developmental level and ASD symptom severity in a sample of 74 preschoolers with ASD. We developed an original diarization pipeline to extract preschoolers’ vocalizations from recordings of naturalistic social interactions. Using this novel approach, we found a robust voice quality signature of ASD developmental difficulties in preschoolers. Moreover, some prosodic measures were associated with one year later outcome in participants who had not acquired speech yet. Together, our results highlight the potential benefits of automatized diarization algorithms and prosodic metrics for digital phenotyping psychiatry, helping clinicians establish diagnosis and prognosis.
B cell-specific knockout of AID protects against atherosclerosis
Authors: Ebrahimian Talin , Dierick France , Ta Vincent , Kotsiopriftis Maria , Mann Koren K , Orthwein Alexandre , Lehoux Stephanie
Published: January 2023

Rationale: Antigen-naive IgM-producing B cells are atheroprotective, whereas mature B cells producing class-switched antibodies promote atherosclerosis. Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID), which mediates class switch recombination (CSR), would thus be expected to foster atherosclerosis. Yet, AID also plays a major role in the establishment of B cell tolerance.
Objective: We sought to define whether AID affects atherosclerotic plaque formation.
Methods and Results: In Ldlr-/- mice, a high fat diet (HFD) increased aortic expression of AID compared with chow diet. We generated Ldlr-/- chimeras transplanted with bone marrow from Aicda-/- or wild-type (WT) mice, fed a HFD for 14 weeks. Decreased B cell maturation in Ldlr-/-Aicda-/- mice was demonstrated by 50% reduction in splenic and aortic BAFFR expression, a key signaling component of B2 cell maturation. This was associated with increased plasma IgM in Ldlr–/-Aicda-/- compared with Ldlr-/-WT animals. Importantly, Ldlr-/-Aicda-/- mice had reduced atherosclerotic lesion area (0.20±0.03mm2) compared with Ldlr-/-WT (0.30±0.04mm2, P<0.05), although no differences in plaque composition were noted between groups. In addition, immunofluorescence analysis revealed increased splenic B and T cell areas independent of cell number.
Conclusions: AID activity directly promotes atherosclerotic plaque formation.
Alleviation of hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance, and myopathy by nano selenium/ nano CoQ10 platform with simvastatin in hyperlipidemic rats; comprehensive outlook
Authors: Abo-zalam Hagar B. , Denshary Ezz El Deen El , Abdalsalam Rania A. , Khalil Islam A. , Khattab Mahmoud M. , Hamzawy Mohamed
Published: January 2023

In the present work seeks to address the role of
nanoencapsulated platform of Coenzyme Q10 (coQNPs) or selenium
(SeNPs) in hyperlipidemia and alleviation of simvastatin-induced
myopathy and adverse reactions. Physicochemical characters and zeta
potential studies for solid nanoparticles (SLNPs), coQNPs and SeNPs
were performed. Male Wistar albino rats were treated for 112 days
with either (i) nano-vehicle only (ii) high fat diet (HFD) (iii)
HFD + SV (20 mg/kg/day, P.O.) alone or (iv) with coQNPs
(10mg/Kg/day, P.O.) or (v) / and (vi) SeNPs (0.1 mg/Kg/day, P.O.)
for last 30 days. CoQNPs and SeNPs were shown in a uniform
spherical shape with EE% 91.20 ±2.14, 94.89 ±1.54, respectively.
HFD resulted in severe changes in all tested parameters that
affirmed with histopathological results. Treatment with SV and
CoQNPs/ or SeNPs exhibited a prominent restoring of all measured
patterns, but the triple combination of SV, CoQNPs, and SeNPs
exhibited an intense hepatic and muscular injury. SV and SeNPs
treatment showed a pronounced improvement like control itself.
These results represent that CoQNPs or SeNPs platforms showed
advanced alleviation of hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance, with a
direct limitation for its adverse effects such as myopathy and
hepatotoxicity.
What factors promote the chronic disease patients’ participation in shared decision making of medication: a cross-sectional survey in Hubei Province, China
Authors: Hu Qijun , Feng Zhanchun , Zong Qiao , Wang Jia , Zheng Zehao , Feng Da
Published: January 2023

Background: Shared decision making (SDM) improves the health status of patients with chronic disease, especially in the condition of poly-medicated patients. This study aims to find the factors associated with chronic disease patients’ participation in SDM of medication.
Methods: A total of 1,196 patients with chronic disease were selected using cluster sampling method. The random forest method was applied to sort the importance of independent variables by Mean Decrease Gini coefficient, and the multiple logistic regression was used to explore the key factors associated with patients’ medication decision-making.
Results: In this study, 5.18% of patients used informed decision-making (IDM), 37.79% of patients used SDM, and 57.02% of patients used paternalistic model. The random forest showed that the top 10 important factors are exercise, age, education, drinking, disease course, medication knowledge, gender, depression, job type, and compliance. The multiple logistic regression showed that patients over 65 years old, drinking always, with depressive symptoms, poor knowledge and compliance of medication are more likely to use IDM compared to SDM. Moreover, compared to SDM, those patients over 65 years old, exercise infrequently, with disease course over 10 years, depressive symptoms, poor medication knowledge and an occupation of manual labor were more likely to use paternalistic model.
Conclusion: Patients’ health behaviors and medication knowledge significantly influenced the patients’ participation in SDM of medication. Related interventions should be executed to ameliorate the health behaviors and medication knowledge of patients with chronic disease to promote them participating in SDM of medication