bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The extract of Sclerocarya birrea, Nauclea latifolia, and Piper longum mixture ameliorates diabetes-associated cognitive dysfunction
Authors: Tientcheu Jean Philippe Djientcheu , Tsofack Florence Ngueguim , Gounoue Gounoue Kamkumo , Mbock Michel Arnaud , Fifen Rodrigue , Kavaye Antoine Kandeda , Dimo Théophile
Published: June 2023

Diabetes-associated cognitive dysfunction is linked to chronic hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, inflammation, cholinergic dysfunction, and neuronal degeneration. We investigated the antidiabetic and neuroprotective activity of a mixture of Sclerocarya birrea, Nauclea latifolia, and Piper longum (SNP) in type 2 diabetic (T2D) rat model-induced memory impairment. Fructose (10%) and streptozotocin (35 mg/kg) were used to induce T2D in male Wistar rats. Diabetic animals received distilled water, metformin (200 mg/kg), or SNP mixture (75, 150, or 300 mg/kg). HPLC-MS profiling of the mixture was performed. Behavioral testing was conducted using the Y-maze, NORT, and Morris water mazes to assess learning and memory. Biochemical markers were evaluated, including carbohydrate metabolism, oxidative/nitrative stress, pro-inflammatory markers, and acetylcholinesterase activity. Histopathological examination of the pancreas and hippocampus was also performed. Fructose/STZ administration resulted in T2D, impaired short- and long-term memory, significantly increased oxidative/nitrative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE), hippocampal neuronal loss and degeneration in CA1 and CA3 subfields, and neuronal vacuolation in DG. SNP mixture at 150 and 300 mg/kg significantly improved blood glucose and memory function in diabetic rats. The mixture reduced oxidative/nitrative stress and increased endogenous antioxidant levels. It also reduced serum IL-1β, INF-γ and TNF-α levels and ameliorated AChE activity. Histologically, SNP protected hippocampus neurons against T2D-induced neuronal necrosis and degeneration. We conclude that the aqueous extract of SNP mixture has antidiabetic and neuroprotective activities thanks to active metabolites identified in the plant mixture, which consequently normalized blood glucose, protected hippocampus neurons, and improved memory function in diabetic rats.
Predictive factors for conversion to laparotomy in women undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy. An evaluation of clinicopathological factors in the era of minimally invasive gynecology.
Authors: Lamersdorf Ludwig , Rad Morva Tahmasbi , Karn Thomas , Gasimli Bahar , Bachmann Annette , Becker Prof. Sven , Gasimli Khayal
Published: June 2023

Background: Abdominal hysterectomy by laparotomy has been largely replaced by minimal invasive surgery. Nevertheless, in some situations a minimally invasive intervention must be converted to laparotomy. Factors associated with conversion to laparotomy are still a matter of debate. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinicopathological factors for conversion and to develop a preoperative scoring system predicting the likelihood of laparotomy.Methods: Four hundred forty-one patients who underwent hysterectomy by benign diagnosis in the period of 2016 to 2020 were enrolled in this retrospective analysis. Primary endpoint was to reevaluate the rate and risk factors of conversion of a preplanned laparoscopic procedure to laparotomy. The potential predictive factors such as age, BMI, type of diagnosis, surgeon’s experience, uterus weight, leiomyoma size, previous surgeries, and coagulopathies are studied. Associations between the clinical factors were analyzed using Pearson’s chi-square and Fisher’s exact test.Result: In 32 (7.26%) patients during hysterectomy for benign diagnosis conversion to laparotomy occurred. Significant differences were detected for uterus weight, myoma size, and type of diagnosis. Conversion caused prolonged surgery time and hospital stay, as well as an increased rate of wound infection. In multivariate logistic regression uterus weight, adnexal pathology, non-physiological adhesions, and myoma size predicted conversion. A 10-gramm difference in uterus weight increased the risk of conversion by 7.0%, and a 1-cm difference in leiomyoma diameter by 7.3%, while adnexal findings and extensive adhesions displayed odds ratios of 3.2 (1.09–9.6) and 3.6 (1.3–10.0), respectively.Conclusion: Uterus weight, myoma size, simultaneous pathological adnexal findings, and non-physiological adhesions are independent risk factors for conversion from laparoscopy to laparotomy.
Early-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Presenting as Membranous Lupus Nephritis in a 2-Year-Old Male: A Case Report
Authors: Román Luis Francisco Cantú San , Gonzalez José Antonio Villanueva , Campos Marcela Rodríguez , Garate Mauricio Saucedo , Rivera Juan Alberto Canizalez , Hamilton Robert Luis
Published: June 2023

Background: Lupus Nephritis (LN) is a severe manifestation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), which has a significant impact on morbidity and mortality. LN not often diagnosed before the age of 5 years and predominantly develops in girls. This case report adds to the limited literature on early-onset SLE presenting as membranous lupus nephritis in a 2-year-old male. Early recognition and intervention are crucial to preserve kidney function and improve outcomes. Timely management is critical for maintaining kidney function and preventing future complications.
Case Presentation: We report a case of a 2-year-old Mexican male patient from a low-income region; autoimmune anemia and immune thrombocytopenia are the initial diagnoses. Despite treatment with prednisone and cyclosporine, we not observed response. In following days, we admitted the patient to our center with nephrotic-range proteinuria, hypertension and hematuria. Membranous lupus nephritis class V has identified by kidney biopsy. The diagnosis of membranous lupus nephritis in this young patient with clinical features of autoimmune disease highlighted the importance of considering SLE in all patients, regardless of age. The proposed treatment plan consisted of methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide, which significantly improved the patient's condition.
Conclusions: This case highlights the atypical presentation of SLE in a 2-year-old male and underscores the importance of maintaining a high degree of suspicion for SLE in young children. The rarity of SLE in this age group makes this case unique and emphasizes the need for early detection and intervention. By promptly diagnosing and treating SLE, we can improve outcomes and lower the chance of long-term complications, like chronic kidney disease. More investigation and case reporting are required in order to improve our comprehension of the unique clinical presentation and management of early-onset SLE.
Analysis of Renewable Energy Consumption and Economy Considering the Joint Optimal Allocation of "Renewable Energy + Energy Storage + Condenser"
Authors: Wang Zesen , Li Qi , Kong Shuaihao , Li Weiyu , Luo Jing , Huang Tianxiao
Published: June 2023

The power system presents a "double high" characteristic with an increased renewable energy penetration rate. Taking renewable energy as the main body brings significant challenges to the safe and stable operation of the power grid. On the one hand, the voltage support capacity of the renewable energy grid point must be improved due to the weak support of renewable energy power generation equipment. There is a severe energy phenomenon of abandonment and power limitation. On the other hand, due to the volatility and randomness of the renewable energy output, the power abandonment of renewable energy is serious. "Renewable energy + energy storage + condenser" joint intelligent control and optimization technology can effectively improve the limit of renewable energy delivery capacity, improve the utilization rate of renewable energy, and meet the demand for renewable energy delivery and consumption. Firstly, according to the definition of the MRSCR index, the mechanism of distributed condensers to improve the short circuit ratio is analyzed. Secondly, taking the minimum total cost of system operation as the optimization objective, a time series production simulation optimization model is established, and a time series production simulation optimization method considering the joint optimization configuration of "renewable energy + energy storage + condenser" is proposed. Finally, through the joint calculation of BPA, SCCP, and production simulation model, the actual large-scale renewable energy and thermal power are combined through the AC/DC transmission system as an example to verify. The research results show that "Renewable energy + energy storage + condenser" joint intelligent control and optimization technology can improve renewable energy sending and absorbing capacity and bring good economic benefits.
Bone growth after fracture of the femoral shaft in children
Authors: Itonaga Ichiro , Iwasaki Tatsuya , Kaku Nobuhiro , Tsumura Hiroshi
Published: June 2023

Background Overgrowth after femoral diaphyseal fractures in children has been well-known. The process and degree of overgrowth vary among patients, making it difficult to predict the length of the fractured femur at growth arrest.Materials and Methods 3 cases aged 4–7 years (2 boys and 1 girl) with femoral diaphyseal fractures were subjected. Observation period was 6–12 years. Leg length was assessed by taking a simple X-ray of the entire lower extremities in a standing position.Results 2 cases underwent anatomical reduction and external fixation. After the fracture had healed, there was overgrowth of the fractured femur, resulting in leg length discrepancy. Both cases were treated with an 8-plate temporal epiphysiodesis. 1 case was treated conservatively with skeletal traction, and fracture was healed with overriding of bone fragments. Overgrowth occurred and resulted in a fractured femur that became longer than opposite side. However, leg length discrepancy was gradually self-corrected and was eventually eliminated.Conclusions Overgrowth after femoral diaphyseal fracture was seen in all patients. Overgrowth tended to occur rapidly after the fracture and then slow down. Leg length discrepancy caused by overgrowth may be corrected during growth to some degree, and it should be decided whether patient need additional treatment.
Discrimination of Wheat Varieties by Terahertz Time-domain Spectroscopy and Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Shen Yin , Li Guanglin , Li Zeju , Ai Ming , Wang Liang , xiong xingling , tao dan
Published: June 2023

A feasibility study on variety discrimination was organized for 12 wheat varieties before warehousing by applying the Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) technology in combination with convolutional neural network (CNN) considering the time-consuming and complex traditional methods for discrimination of wheat varieties that require great number of pretreatment processes. In the experiment, the original time-domain spectra (TDS) of wheat in the range of 0.1~2.0THz were acquired, and the frequency domain spectra (FDS), the refractive index spectra and the absorption coefficient spectra in the range of 0.1~1.4THz were obtained by removing noise and irrelevant information through Fourier Transform and SNV smoothing pretreatment. The competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) and Uninformative Variable Elimination (UVE) algorithms were applied to screen the absorption coefficient spectra, which were then trained as the input parameters for building the Support Vector Machine (SVM) model, the Least Square Support Vector Machine (LS-SVM) model and the Back-Propagation Neural Networks (BPNN) model for discrimination. A seven-layer convolutional neutral network (CNN) was designed to train the full-spectrum information matrix, which comprises 3 convolution layers, 2 pooling layers, 1 full connection layer and 1 output layer. In the meantime, the Stochastic Gradient Descent Momentum (SGDM) and Dropout operation were introduced in CNN, facilitating the convergence of model and effectively avoiding the overfitting. As for the CNN built during the experiment, the calibration set accuracy and predication set accuracy reached up to 98.7% and 97.8% respectively, with the wrong discrimination rate of 2.2% only. As for the traditional SVM, BPNN and LS-SVM models, the accuracy rates were 89.6%, 87.2% and 90.6% respectively, while the wrong discrimination rates were 10.4%, 12.2% and 9.4%, respectively. The accuracy of the aforesaid three traditional models is lower than that of CNN built during the experiment. According to the results, THz-TDS can be applied to effectively acquire the relevant information about wheat varieties. It is a reliable and efficient solution to discriminate wheat varieties by applying THz-TDS technology in combination with CNN, bearing important practical significance and positive application prospect.
Validity of parental recall to estimate vaccination coverage: Evidence from nine districts in Malawi
Authors: Phiri Vincent Samuel , Stanley Christopher , Msuku Harrison , Chinkhumba Jobiba , Tembo Atupele Kapito , Mathanga Don P
Published: June 2023

Introduction
During household surveys, vaccination coverage is commonly estimated through vaccination cards and parental recall. Although data from vaccination cards are more reliable than parental recall, both approaches are prone to selection and information bias. At times, vaccination cards may not be available because of loss or misplacement necessitating the use of parental recall as alternative.
In this study, the validity of the vaccination coverage from these two sources were compared. Individual and household level factors associated with recall bias were also assessed.
Methods
The vaccination coverage of the parental recall and vaccination card were calculated separately for each of the vaccines. The level of agreement was computed between the estimates from the parental recall and vaccination cards. Sensitivity and specificity of parental recall were computed. The study also examined the factors that would be associated with recall bias. Multiple logistic regression model by vaccine type were fitted where odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were reported.
Results
The vaccination coverage for BCG was 98.6 for card-based and 98.1 for parental recall. The vaccination coverage for OPV was 98.9 for card-based and 98.1 for parental recall. For PCV, it was 99.6 for card-based and 97.4 for parental recall. For measles was 84.1 for card-based and 88.0 for parental recall. The results show a high level of agreement between parental recall and card-based (>97%) across all vaccines. The parental recall bias was minimal ranging from 1.13 to 6.66. The sensitivity of parental recall was almost 100% with low specificity. Factors such as parental and child age was associated with parental recall bias for PCV and measles
Conclusion
The study has demonstrated and supported the need to use the parental recall to estimate the vaccination coverage for different vaccine types which can be used instead of or in the absence of card-based data or records.
Comparison of skeletal and dentoalveolar features between males and females and between Yemeni and Iranian patients with deep overbite malocclusion
Authors: Almotareb Fuad Lutf , Alaklany Baleegh Abdulwahab Galeeb
Published: June 2023

Background and objective: the aim of this study was to determine the skeletal and dentoalveolar features of deep bite in Yemeni adolescents and compare this feature between males and females and with the Iranian population.
Material and methods: With participants ranging in age from 18 to 136, an across-sectional prospective study was done to investigate 136 people with deep bites utilizing study casts and lateral cephalometrics (62 males and 74 females). The Onyx software was utilized for analysis. SPSS was used to collect, tabulate, and perform statistical analysis on the recorded data.
Results: There were no statistically significant differences in all measurements between males and females except in the following: skeletal measurements (Sn-MP, Ar-GO-Me, PFH) and dental measurements (distance between the mesial cusp of L6 and MP, inclination U1 to PP). There were statistically significant differences between the Yemeni and Iranian individuals in all variables except for basal angle (p = 0.379), saddle angle (p = 0.629), articular angle (p = 0.095), LAFH (p = 0.263), L.6.L° (p = 0.032), and Curve of Spee (p = 0.000).
Conclusion: The cephalometric feature of the deep bite is different depending on sex and ethnic groups.
Unraveling the Formation Mechanism of Oxygen Vacancy on the Surface of Transition Metal-Doped Ceria Utilizing Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Xu Liangliang , Xu Ning , Wang Yue , Hu Xiaojuan , Han Zhongkang
Published: June 2023

Ceria has been extensively utilized in different fields, with surface oxygen vacancies playing a central role. However, versatile oxygen vacancy regulation is still in its infancy. In this work, we propose an effective strategy to manipulate the oxygen vacancy formation energy via transition metal doping by combining first-principles calculations and analytical learning. We elucidate the underlying mechanism driving the formation of oxygen vacancies using combined symbolic regression and data analytics techniques. The results show that the Fermi level of the system, along with the electronegativity of the dopants, are the paramount parameters (features) influencing the formation of oxygen vacancies. These insights not only enhance our understanding of the oxygen vacancy formation mechanism in ceria-based materials to improve their functionality but also potentially lay the groundwork for future strategies in the rational design of other transition metal oxide-based catalysts.
Leveraging African traditional medicines to achieve universal health coverage in the management of hypertension in Cameroon: A discrete choice policy analysis.
Authors: Yongabi K.A. , Mbakwa E , Okechukwu-Ezike N.C , Ezenwa C.M , Nwadike C.M , Oly-Alawuba C.N , Verla A.W , Uwaezuoke J.C , Chia P.N , Tata E.F
Published: June 2023

Background:
Hypertension is a global disease affecting one billion people and is the common risk factor for death throughout the world. Hypertension is a major risk factor and one of the leading causes of Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) such as Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI), stroke, heart failure and death. Patients make catastrophic out-of-pocket payments to manage this condition conventionally. In Africa some patients still visit traditional healers even after consulting with medical personnel and are apparently willing to pay out of pocket for Traditional Medicine (TM). This is done without the knowledge of health personnel, with the risk of incurring adverse drug-herb interactions. The aim of this study is to compare the costs of orthodox medicine and TM in the management of hypertension.
Methods:
Questionnaire interviews of 122 participants, 104 hypertensive patients and 18 tradipractitioners were conducted to obtain qualitative and quantitative data. Cost analysis between orthodox and TM treatment of hypertension was performed. Data was expressed in frequencies and percentages, used to determine significance.
Results:
1. We found that the cost of orthodox treatment of hypertension was almost two times higher than that of TM.
2. Age, self-rated health and self-employment positively influenced antihypertensive drug adherence.
3. Plants used by tradipractitioners had bioactive substances to counter hypertension.
Conclusion:
Hypertension treatment is less costly with TM than with orthodox treatment. TM can be a good alternative in managing hypertension.
New data on Short Tandem Repeat loci in Gabonese population: Tri-Allelic Patterns of Penta D and TPOX Identified
Authors: LENDOYE Elisabeth , MOMBO Landry Erick , MEZUI-MBENG Marie-Andrée N'NEGUE ep. , KOMBA Opheelia MAKOYO , NGOUNGOU Edgard Brice , ABESSOLO Felix OVONO , SIAWAYA Joel Fleury DJOBA , ALT-MÖRBE Juliane
Published: June 2023

Short tandem repeats (STRs) are repeating DNA sequences used in forensic human identity testing and the diagnosis of aneuploidies. Many STRs like Penta D and TPOX are used routinely for paternity tests, but these tests are not widely used in sub-Saharan Africa. The study population consisted of Gabonese families seeking a paternity test. After DNA extraction from the individuals collected by buccal swabs, we genotyped samples using a panel of 15 to 22 STRs. A total of 115 subjects from 39 families were included. Allele frequencies of the 22 STR loci were determined in unrelated Gabonese subjects. The most polymorphic loci were D21S11 and FGA, with 16 and 17 alleles, respectively, while D3S1358 and TH01 loci were less polymorphic, with 5 alleles. Deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were only observed in the cases of TPOX, D3S1358, CSFPO and D7S820 loci. We report tri-allelic patterns that indicate aneuploidies at a combined frequency of 4% (4/115) with 3% for Penta D (1/35) and 3% for TPOX (3/102). Furthermore, we identified a new tri-allelic genotype 5-8-16 for the Penta D locus located on chromosome 21 in a healthy subject. In addition, we observed 3 tri-allelic variants of TPOX, located on chromosome 2, in healthy subjects, namely 8-10-11, 8-9-10, and 8-8-10. Our study revealed unsuspected polymorphic genetic mutations for the first time in Gabon that raise several questions about chromosomal disorders. Further population genetic studies are needed in Gabon to characterize these changes better, both qualitatively and quantitatively.
Implementing Germ Defence digital behaviour change intervention via all primary care practices in England to reduce respiratory infections during the COVID-19 pandemic: an efficient cluster randomised controlled trial using the OpenSAFELY platform.
Authors: Ainsworth Ben , Horwood Jeremy , Walter Scott R , Miller Sascha , Chalder Melanie , De Vocht Frank , Denison-Day James , Elwenspoek Martha , Curtis Helen , Bates Chris , Mehrkar Amir , Bacon Seb , Goldacre Ben , Collaborative The OpenSAFELY , Craggs Pippa , Amlot Richard , Francis Nick , Little Paul , MacLeod John , Moore Michael , Morton Kate , Rice Cathy , Sterne Jonathan , Stuart Beth , Towler Lauren , Willcox Merlin , Yardley Lucy
Published: June 2023

Background: Germ Defence (www.germdefence.org) is an evidence-based interactive website that promotes behaviour change for infection control within households. To maximise the potential of Germ Defence to effectively reduce the spread of COVID-19 the intervention needed to be implemented at scale rapidly.
Methods: With the approval of NHS England, we implemented an efficient two-arm (1:1 ratio) cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT) to examine the effectiveness of randomising implementation of Germ Defence via GP practices across England, UK, compared with usual care. GP practices randomised to the intervention arm (n=3292) were emailed and asked to disseminate the Germ Defence intervention to all adult patients via mobile phone text, email or social media. GP practices randomised to the usual care arm (n=3287) maintained standard management for the 4-month trial period after and then asked to share Germ Defence with their adult patients. The primary outcome was the rate of GP presentations for respiratory tract infections (RTI) per patient. Secondary outcomes comprised rates of acute RTIs, confirmed COVID-19 diagnoses, suspected COVID-19 diagnoses, COVID-19 symptoms, gastrointestinal infection diagnoses, antibiotic usage, hospital admissions. The impact of the intervention on outcome rates was assessed using negative binomial regression modelling within the OpenSAFELY platform. The uptake of intervention by GP practice, and by patients were measured via website analytics.
Results: Germ Defence was used 310,731 times. The average satisfaction score after using the website was 7.52 (0-10 not at all to very satisfied, N = 9933). There was no evidence of a difference in the rate of RTIs between intervention and control practices (rate ratio (RR) 1.01, 95%CI 0.96, 1.06, p=0.70). This was similar to all other eight health outcomes. Patient engagement within intervention arm practices ranged from 0- 48% of a practice list. Practices with high levels of intervention uptake (>11%) had a lower proportion of minority ethnic groups.
Conclusions: We demonstrated that rapid large-scale implementation of a digital behavioural intervention can be evaluated with a novel efficient prospective RCT methodology analysing routinely collected patient data entirely within a trusted research environment.
Trial registration: This trial was registered in the ISRCTN registry (14602359) on 12 August 2020.
HER2 Overexpression Triggers Dynamic Gene Expression Changes in Breast Cancer
Authors: Soltanalizadeh Babak , Asghari Arvand , Maroufy Vahed , Umetani Michihisa , Zheng W Jim , Wu Hulin
Published: June 2023

HER2 is one of the most well-recognized oncogenes responsible for around 25% of breast cancer cases. While HER2 overexpression and activation is one of the hallmarks of HER2-positive breast cancers, the exact dynamic effects of HER2 overexpression on gene regulations in the cells have been largely unexplored. Here, combining a novel gene expression dynamic analysis method with the utilization of publicly available time-dependent gene expression datasets from HER2 overexpressed breast cancer cells, we found that HER2 regulates a vast range of genes that are essential for the proper function, such as growth, escaping apoptosis, and managing inflammatory signals, in breast cancer cells. We also found that HER2 overexpression leads to the regulation of several transcription factors such as STAT3, MYC, RELA, and ATF3 that are essential for the cell’s metabolism in breast cancer cells. Our results offer novel insights on how HER2 regulates gene expression in breast cancer cells and open new doors toward targeting HER2 for potential novel therapies for HER2-positive breast cancers.
Plant growth promoting endophytic fungi of the wild halophytic rice Oryza coarctata
Authors: Airin Arifa Akhter , Arafat Md Iyasir , Begum Rifat Ara , Islam Md Rakibul , Seraj Zeba Islam
Published: June 2023

Background
Plant growth-promoting endophytic fungi (PGPEF) associated with halophytes have the potential to boost plant growth and salinity tolerance in crops enabling cultivation in the coastal lands.
Methods
Endophytic fungi from the wild halophytic rice Oryza coarctata were isolated, characterized, identified and studied for their effects on plant growth and yield both with and with without salt stress.
Key results:
In this study, three different fungal endophytes were isolated from the halophytic wild rice Oryza coarctata. Two isolates were identified as Talaromyces adpressus (OPCRE2) and Talaromyces argentinensis (OPCRh1) by ITS region sequencing, the remaining isolate NPCRE2 was identified as a novel strain named Aspergillus welwitschiae Ocstreb1 (AwOcstreb1) by whole genome sequencing. These endophytes showed various plant growth-promoting (PGP) abilities in vitro (e.g. IAA, ACC-deaminase and siderophore production, phosphate and zinc solubilization as well as nitrogen fixation), where AwOcstreb1 was significantly more efficient compared to the other two isolates at high salinity (900 mm). Independent treatment of these fungi in commercial rice (Oryza sativa) showed significant elevation in plant growth, especially in the case of the AwOcstreb1 inoculants, which had enhanced metabolite and chlorophyll content at the seedling stage in both no-salt control and 100 mm salt-stressed plants. At the same time, a significantly low level of H2O2, electrolyte leakage and Na+/K+ ratio was demonstrated under the saline condition. Higher expression (1.6 folds) of the SOS1 (Salt Overly Sensitive 1) gene was also observed in AwOcstreb1-treated plants under salinity stress. This strain also improved percent fertility, tillering, panicle number and filled grain number in both no-salt control and 45 mm salt-stressed inoculated plants at the reproductive stage. Consequently, their yield increased by 125.16% and 203.96% (p < 0.05) in colonized plants in normal and saline conditions, respectively, compared to uninoculated controls.
Conclusions
We propose that AwOcstreb1 is a potential candidate for an eco-friendly biofertilizer formula to improve cultivation and yield of rice or any crop in high saline coastal regions of Bangladesh.
Isolation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Food and Determination of Their Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: YILMAZ Nazife , URGANCI Nida Nur , YILDIRIM Zeliha
Published: June 2023

Despite the fact that Pseudomonas aeruginosa is as a prominent opportunist pathogen, it is a recondite microorganism in food safety. Due to its high adaptation capability, rapid reproduction and minimal growth necessities, P. aeruginosa is a common bacterium in the food chain. The resistance of P. aeruginosa to various antibiotics in clinical isolates has been extensively investigated and in-depth characterized. Conversely, information on food-borne isolates of this genus and species is insufficient. Therefore, in this study, 208 P. aeruginosa strains were isolated from 144 food samples collected from different provinces, and 10 isolates (from milk samples) with P. aeruginosa-specific characteristics were identified according to their 16S rRNA region. Antibiotic resistances of the identified isolates were determined against azithromycin (macrolides), erythromycin (macrolides), cephoperazon (cephalosporin), ceftazidime (cephalosporin), meropenem (carbapenem), imipenem (carbapenem), amikacin (aminoglycoside), teminoglycosylcin (teminoglycoside), teminoglycosylcin (pinocycycin) antibiotics. In this study, P. aeruginosa isolates were isolated from milk and the results showed that the prevalence of antibiotic resistance was low. It was found that all of the isolates showed 100% sensitivity to imipenem, piperacilin and vancomycin, 90% sensitivity to cephaperazon and meropenem, and 80% sensitivity to amikacin, ceftazidime and gentamycin. The same isolates were found to be 50% resistant to azithromycin, 90% resistant to tetracycline, and 100% resistant to erythromycin, nalidixic acid, ampicillin and chloramphenicol.
Long-term association of 15-second heart rate variability with cardiovascular events
Authors: Orini Michele , Duijvenboden Stefan van , Young William J. , Ramírez Julia , Jones Aled R. , Hughes Alun , Tinker Andrew , Munroe Patricia B. , Lambiase Pier D.
Published: June 2023

Heart rate variability (HRV) is an established cardiac autonomic marker with predictive value in cardiac patients. Ultra-short HRV (usHRV) derived from 10–30 sec ECGs can be measured at scale using standard and wearable ECGs, but its association with cardiovascular events in the general population is undetermined. We aimed to validate usHRV measured using 15-second ECGs (using RMSSD, SDSD and PHF indices) and investigate its association with atrial fibrillation (AF), major adverse cardiac events (MACE), stroke and mortality in individuals without cardiovascular disease. In the National Survey for Health and Development (n = 1,337 participants), agreement between 15-second and 6-minute HRV, assessed with correlation analysis and Bland-Altman plots, was very good for RMSSD and SDSD and good for PHF. In the UK Biobank (n = 51,628 participants, 64% male, median age 58), after a median follow-up of 11.5 (11.4–11.7) years, incidence of outcomes ranged between 1.7% and 4.3%. Non-linear Cox regression analysis showed that reduced usHRV was associated with all outcomes. Individuals with low usHRV (< 20th percentile) had hazard ratios for outcomes between 1.16 and 1.29, p < 0.05, with respect to the reference group. In conclusion, usHRV from 15-second ECGs correlates with standard short-term HRV and predicts increased risk of cardiovascular events in the general population.
Leaf Classifications using Machine Learning
Authors: R Balamurali , Tiwari Abhinav
Published: June 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Research on 3D Point Cloud Segmentation based on KCA- PointNet Network
Authors: Wang Wensheng , Jing Haitao , Liu Panpan , Tang Jinying , Luan Wenfei
Published: June 2023

Currently, mainstream 3D point cloud segmentation methods still have shortcomings, which have an impact on the accuracy of point cloud segmentation. In particular, by using the MLP layer with shared weights, PointNet, and its improved version, generate redundant channel features when mapping 3D point cloud data to high-dimensional space. This study intended to improve the PointNet network and introduce the key point attention and channel attention mechanisms into the PointNet model to build the KCA-PointNet network. Taking the point cloud data generated via oblique photography as the experimental data, the experimental results show that 1) after adding the KCA module, the segmentation accuracy of buildings, parks, and other places is greatly improved; 2) the segmentation accuracy of the combined use of the KA and the CA module is about 3% higher than that when they are used independently; and 3) the different connection modes of the KA and the CA modules also have an impact on the accuracy, and upon connecting the two modules in series, the data first pass through KA and the segmentation effect after CA is better than that of the other two connection methods. Through the improvement of the PointNet network, this study not only eliminated the redundant channel features, but also extracted the key points in the point cloud, reduced the possibility of losing important information in the process of point cloud data sampling, and effectively improved the accuracy and efficiency of point cloud segmentation. Furthermore, the results of this study will help to broaden the application scope of deep learning in the field of point cloud data, promote the development and innovation of point cloud segmentation algorithms, and lay a scientific foundation for deep learning point cloud segmentation.
The differential physiological mechanism and ecological response of Pisolithus sp. mycorrhizal Pinus thunbergii to Chromium
Authors: Shi Liang , Liu Binhao , Zhang Xinzhe , Zhao Xuan , Shen Zhenguo , Chen Yahua
Published: June 2023

Aims Pisolithus sp. as a class of ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi with multiple HM tolerance. However, the physiological mechanism and ecological response of Pisolithus sp. ECM plants to chromium (Cr) remain unclear. Pisolithus sp.1 (Cr tolerant strain) and Pisolithus sp.2 (Cr sensitive strain) ECM Pinus thunbergii were synthesized to explore their different physiological and ecological response to Cr in this work.
Methods Biomass, nutrient elements and Cr concentration of plants; Cr form and content in soil; Physicochemical properties, enzyme activities and microbial high-throughput analysis of soil were performed by pot and acute exposure experiments.
Results The growth and Cr tolerance of P. thunbergii were improved after been inoculated with Pisolithus sp.1 by reducing the transportation of Cr from roots to shoots, increasing the N assimilation rates of host through mycelium, and enhancing the available phosphorus (P) and enzyme activities in soil. The above-mentioned process were co-driven by the fungi in Basidiomycetes and Ascomycota phylum, the predominant bacteria Brevundimonas sp., Muribaculaceasand Lachnospiraceae, as well as hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) tolerant and reducing strain Simplicillium and Pichia. Pisolithussp.2 promoted the Mg accumulation in shoots of host and increased the abundance of Gibberella, Mortierella and Didymella in soil, which accelerated the P solubilization in soil and nutrient transformation in host to response to Cr.
Conclusions Our results showed that Pisolithussp.1 ECM P. thunbergii had high adaptability to Cr, and this work also have an important theoretical guiding significance and application value for mycorrhizal phytoremediation of Cr-contaminated soil.
Assessing the relationship between gut microbiota and oropharynx cancer:a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: GAO CHEN , LIN XIUAN , Wu YU , LIU HUI
Published: June 2023

Background Growing evidence suggests that gut microbiota is closely related to the risk of oropharynx cancer (OPC), but whether there is a causal effect remains unknown. In this study, we adopted a Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to evaluate the potential causal relationships between gut microbiota and the risk of OPC.Methods We identified genetic instrumental variables for gut microbiota from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 18,340 participants. Summary statistics of oropharynx cancer were drawn from a GWAS Catalog including 9,981 cases and 437,924 controls. Our main analyses were conducted using the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method with random-effects model, complemented by the other two analyses: weighted median method and MR-Egger approach. We also performed reverse MR analysis to evaluate the possibility of reverse causation.Results We identified suggestive associations between four bacterial traits and the risk of OPC: the odds ratio (OR) was 2.74 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.57, 4.78; p = 0.00041) for genus Hungatella; OR was 0.53 (95% CI: 0.33, 0.85; p = 0.0087) for family Rikenellaceae; OR was 0.44 (95% CI: 0.23, 0.84; p = 0.012) for genus Alistipes, and OR was 0.56 (95% CI: 0.38, 0.82; p = 0.0029) for phylum Lentisphaerae. The results of sensitivity analyses for these bacterial traits were consistent. We did not find statistically significant associations between OPC and these four bacterial traits in the reverse MR analysis.Conclusions Our systematic analyses provide evidence to support a potential causal relationship between several gut microbiota taxa and the risk of oropharynx cancer. Further studies are required to investigate how the gut microbiota affects the development of OPC.
C-source priority and availability limits bidirectional electron transfer in freshwater mixed culture EAB biofilms
Authors: Michalska Karina , Brown Robert Keith , Schröder Uwe
Published: June 2023

This study investigated if a mixed electroactive bacterial (EAB) culture cultivated heterotrophically at a positive applied potential could be adapted from oxidative to reductive or bidirectional extracellular electron transfer (EET). To this end, a periodic potential reversal regime between − 0.5 and 0.2 V vs. Ag/AgCl was applied. This yielded biofilm detachment and mediated electroautotrophic EET in combination with carbonate, i.e. dissolved CO2, as the sole carbon source, whereby the emerged mixed culture (S1) contained previously unknown EAB. Using acetate (S2) as well as a mixture of acetate and carbonate (S3) in addition to small amounts of ethanol as carbon sources yielded alternating electrogenic organoheterotropic and electroautotrophic EET. The EAB mixed cultures developed accordingly, with S1 being very different in composition to S2 and S3, whereby S2 and S3 biofilms remained attached to the electrodes. There was only minor evidence of fully reversible bidirectional EET. In conclusion the three triplicates operated under the same conditions, but fed with different carbon sources demonstrated two forms of diauxie: Firstly, S1-BES showed a preference for the electrode as the electron donor via mediated EET. Secondly, S2-BES and S3-BES showed a preference for acetate as electron donor and c-source, as long as this was available, switching to CO2 reduction, when acetate was depleted. Ethanol is neutral and didn’t benefit either electrogenic organoheterophy or electroautotrophy.
Simulation and prediction of the geographical distribution of five Caragana species in the north temperate zone
Authors: Jiang Xiuchen , Wu Linxuan , Yang Guang , Gao Yike , Li He
Published: June 2023

Shrub encroachment caused by Caragana does harm to grassland ecosystem. However, based on the current limited understanding of ecosystems and future climatic conditions, the future distribution and dynamics of grassland-shrubland still need further research. In this paper, multivariate statistical analysis was used to identify the dominant environmental causes affecting the geographic range of five species of Caragana in the north temperate zone. Through the MaxEnt model, the current and future geographical distributions of them were simulated by combining 11 environmental variables and 1124 geographical distribution data points selected to analyze their geographical distribution patterns and dynamic changes. The results show the following: (1) The distribution patterns of the five Caragana species in the north temperate zone are predominantly governed by the abiotic factors of temperature and precipitation. (2) Caragana’s suitable habitat has a tendency to extend northward in the future. (3) As greenhouse gas emissions intensify, the habitable zone of C. microphylla and C. korshinskiiwill expand gradually, while the distribution probability of C. stenophylla, C. spinifera and C. pygmaea will shrink significantly in 60%-80% of the area, and the habitable area will fluctuate sharply. (4) The future distribution of suitable habitats for Caragana is concentrated in central Mongolia and around Lake Baikal in Russia. This research could offer a reference for the protection of grassland resources, ensuring sustainable development under the action of shrub encroachment.
Edaravone promotes A1/A2 polarization of astrocytes through JAK2 / STAT3 pathway
Authors: Liu Teng-teng , DUAN zhaoda , Jia Qiu-ye , Chen Hao-lun , Jia Wen-ji , Zheng Li-yang , Xu Dong-yao , Yang Yu-jia , Yuan Yun , Yang Li , Wu Chunyun
Published: June 2023

Edaravone is widely used in acute stroke. Regulation of astrocyte activation by edaravone is thought to be one of the neuroprotective mechanisms of neuroprotection of edaravone after ischemic injury. Previous studies have shown that astrocytes are rapidly activated after cerebral ischemia and differentiation into a neuroprotective A1 phenotype and a damaging A2 phenotype. Therefore, the present study aim to find the effects of edaravone on the A1/A2 phenotype of activated astrocytes after cerebral ischemia and the underlying regulatory mechanisms. For this purpose, we replicated the cerebral ischemia model and the oxygen-glucose deprivation induced astrocytes model. Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression changes of A1 astrocyte markers C3 and SerpinG1, and A2 astrocyte markers PTX3 and SPHK1, respectively. We found that edaravone could significantly decreased the expression of C3 and SerpinG1 and enhanced PTX3 and SPHK1 expression in A2 astrocytes. Importantly, the JAK2/STAT3 pathway was activated after astrocyte activation, and edaravone treatment significantly inhibited the expression of proteins associated with this pathway. In light of the above, edaravone can promote the transformation of A1 astrocytes to A2 phenotype by regulating JAK2/STAT3 pathway and play a neuroprotective role.
Disturbance Rejection Model Predictive Control of Lower Limb Rehabilitation Exoskeleton
Authors: Jin Xin , Guo Jia
Published: June 2023

Nowadays, exoskeleton is broadly used in the rehabilitation training of many postoperative patients. However, the uncertainty and disturbances caused by different patients and system itself may lead to incompletely rehabilitation training as planned, or even unsafety. This paper addresses the control problem of a lower limb exoskeleton, in the spirit of the recent progress on Model Predictive Control (MPC) and Extended State Observer (ESO). More precisely, our approach is based on the strategy that designing an ESO to estimate the total disturbance of the dynamics model and compensating it in the design of the MPC process. To accomplish this, we introduce the virtual control quantity to decouple the dynamics model of the system and summarize the human disturbances, unmeasured states and system non-linearity as the total disturbance of the model. By doing so, the uncertainty can be estimated by our designed ESO. Based on the moving horizontal optimization and feedback mechanism of MPC, the output prediction of the system can be more accurate since the uncertainty are effectively compensated. The virtual experiment results demonstrate that proposed controller significantly improves the control accuracy on lower limb rehabilitation exoskeleton with disturbances (improved by over 34%), comparing with conventional MPC and fuzzy PID. As a result, our achievements will make contributions to better rehabilitation training for patients using rehabilitation exoskeletons.
Quantitative analysis of DNA methylation-related proteins in patients with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Cai Zhengyu , Long Teng , Wang You
Published: June 2023

Background
Knee osteoarthritis is a common musculoskeletal disease characterized by degeneration of articular cartilage. Current diagnostic tools are limited to radiographs and physical examination.
Methods
We collected osteoarthritis cartilage tissues of five patients at different OA stage. We performed genome-wide DNA methylation sequencing and proteomic assays. For proteomic data processing, raw data from LC-MS/MS were imported into Proteome Discover 2.4 (Thermofisher) for analysis. For DNA methylation data processing, statistical differences in continuous variables between the two groups were compared by independent-samples t test. The possible causative genes were identified by cross-analysis of the two tests
Results
We identified 13 potential genes as osteoarthritis-related genetic signatures after analysis of the methylation and proteome.
Conclusions
Our study found that the process of knee osteoarthritis may be regulated by a combination of epigenetic and genetic modulation.
Self-efficacy and well-being in the association between caregiver burden and sleep quality among caregivers of elderly patients having multiple chronic conditions in rural China: a serial multiple mediation analysis
Authors: Yang Ziyue , Sun Fengye , Zhao Lingrui , Hu Tingwei , Lin Xin , Guo Yu Fang
Published: June 2023

Background
Caregivers of elderly patients with multiple chronic conditions have heavy caregiver burden and poor sleep quality, which has an important impact on both caregivers and patients. This study aimed to examine among rural caregivers of elderly patients who have multiple chronic conditions in China, whether self-efficacy and well-being mediate the link between caregiver burden and sleep quality.
Methods
The study recruited 325 caregivers of elderly patients having multiple chronic conditions in rural China. This current study utilized several measures including the Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI), Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) and Index of Well-Being (IWB) to collect data from participants. Structural equation modeling was employed to study the relationships in caregiver burden, sleep quality, self-efficacy, as well as well-being.
Results
Results indicate self-efficacy and well-being act as mediators in the link between caregiver burden and sleep quality, accounting for 10.94% and 15.63% of the total effect, respectively. In addition, results suggest that self-efficacy and well-being have a serial multiple mediating effect, with this mediating pathway, explaining 9.93% of the total effect.
Conclusions
Caregivers of elderly patients having multiple chronic conditions in rural China experience poor sleep quality due to the caregiver burden. Self-efficacy and well-being have serial mediating roles between caregiver burden and sleep quality.