bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neonatal Outcomes According to Different Glucose Threshold Values in Gestational Diabetes: A Register-based Study
Authors: Kariniemi Kaisa , Vääräsmäki Marja , Männistö Tuija , Mustaniemi Sanna , Kajantie Eero , Eteläinen Sanna , Keikkala Elina
Published: January 2024

Background
Mild hyperglycaemia is associated with increased birth weight but association with other neonatal outcomes is controversial. We aimed to study neonatal outcomes in untreated mild hyperglycaemia using different oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) thresholds.
Methods
This register-based study included all (n = 4,939) singleton pregnant women participating a 75 g 2-hour OGTT in six delivery hospitals in Finland in 2009. Finnish diagnostic cut-offs for GDM were fasting ≥ 5.3, 1-hour ≥ 10.0 or 2-hour glucose ≥ 8.6 mmol/L. Women who did not meet these criteria but met the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) criteria (fasting 5.1–5.2 mmol/L and/or 2-hour glucose 8.5 mmol/L, n = 509) or the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) criteria (2-hour glucose 7.8–8.5 mmol/L, n = 166) were considered as mild untreated hyperglycaemia. Women who met both the Finnish criteria and the IADPSG or the NICE criteria were considered as treated GDM groups (n = 1292 and n = 612, respectively). Untreated mild hyperglycemia groups and treated GDM groups were compared to controls, who were normoglycemic according to all criteria (fasting < 5.1 mmol/L, 1-hour glucose < 10.0 mmol/L and 2-hour glucose < 8.5 mmol/L, n = 3031). The primary outcome - a composite of adverse neonatal outcomes, including neonatal hypoglycaemia, hyperbilirubinaemia, birth trauma or perinatal mortality – was analysed using multivariate logistic regression.
Results
Compared to controls, the risk for the adverse neonatal outcome was not increased in mild hyperglycemia according to the IADPSG criteria (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.01, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.71–1.44) or the NICE criteria (aOR: 1.05, 95% CI: 0.60–1.85).
Discussion
The risk of adverse neonatal outcomes was not increased in mild untreated hyperglycaemia. The OGTT cut-offs of 5.3 mmol/L at fasting and 8.6 mmol/L at 2 hours seem to sufficiently identify clinically relevant GDM, without excluding neonates with a risk of adverse outcomes.
Digital Learning in Nursing Education: Lessons from the COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Haanes Gro Gade , Nilsen Etty , Mofossbakke Randi , Wighus Marianne , Ravik Monika
Published: January 2024

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic led to the closure of universities worldwide, including in Europe, which resulted in the rapid adoption of online learning (e-learning) and online classes as a substitute for face-to-face teaching and interactions. Both nurse educators and students had to improvise in this new reality, and they had varying levels of experience and knowledge of e-learning. Given the critical role that nurses play in healthcare systems, understanding the unique challenges they face in e-learning environments as students is crucial for optimizing educational strategies and ultimately patient care.
Aim: To determine the experiences of nursing students and newly qualified nurses in learning and knowledge development during education provided via e-learning, based on their experiences during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Method: This descriptive and exploratory study applied qualitative individual and pair interviews conducted online via Zoom during February and March of 2022. A total of 31 participants from 3 distinct samples comprising full-time nursing students, part-time students, and newly qualified nurses were interviewed by 3 different researchers to gain insights into their experiences and reflections on the sudden shift to e-learning in nursing education during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Results: The study identified three main categories within the overarching theme of learning and knowledge development using e-learning during the lockdown period: (1) learning possibilities and learning barriers when using e-learning, (2) technological difficulties and challenges when using e-learning, and (3) psychological and social challenges when using e-learning. These categories encompass different dimensions of the participants’ perceptions of e-learning during the pandemic. They shed light on the barriers and limitations of digital platforms as well as possibilities in learning experiences and knowledge development using small groups versus large groups online.
Conclusion: Putting students into smaller groups might make e-learning more effective by facilitating deeper understanding and engagement. The scaffolding constructed by the teacher, consisting of structure, accessibility, and predictability, is crucial for achieving deeper learning. By understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by nursing students, educational institutions can optimize e-learning strategies to ensure that future nurses are well prepared for their vital roles in healthcare systems.
Grewia asiatica leaves extract assisted green synthesis of gold nanoparticles and study of their antibacterial, antioxidant and photocatalytic potential
Authors: Maryam Sana , Akhter Naseem , Qamar Muhammad Azam , Yaqoob Asma , Shahid Muhammad , Farhan Ahmad , Nazir Shela Parveen , Alaghaz Abdel-Nasser M. A.
Published: January 2024

The environmental issues generated by industrial advancement and human activities are serious and must not be overlooked. Bio-nanotechnology has emerged as a solution for producing biosynthetic nanomaterials to address environmental issues. The current work describes for the first time an economical and environmentally benign method of producing gold nanoparticles utilizing Grewia asiatica (GAAuNPs). The optimal AuNPs were produced using a gold ion concentration of 1 mM and a metal-to-extract ratio of 1:1. The resulting nanoparticles were analyzed and characterized using X-ray crystallography, FTIR, SEM, EDX, and UV visible spectroscopy. The catalytic methylene blue (MB) dye degradation properties, antibacterial and biofilm inhibition abilities, and antioxidant properties of the synthesized particles were investigated. The Au NPs demonstrated efficient catalytic degradation against MB and completely degraded it in 8 minutes. The NPs also exhibited potent biofilm inhibition against E. coli and S. aureus that was close to the standard and was more antioxidant than the standard. The findings highlight G. asiatica as a suitable, inexpensive biosource for biofabricating GAAuNPs with extensive multifunctional uses. To conclude, GAAuNPs' ability to degrade organic pollutants and eradicate pathogens provides a cost-effective and environmentally benign remedy to tackle contemporary pollutants.
Heat exposure and perinatal mortality: A time-stratified, case-crossover study from 16 hospitals in Benin, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda
Authors: Hanson Claudia , de Bont Jeroen , Annerstedt Kristi Sidney , Alsina Maria , Nobile Federica , Roos Nathalie , Waiswa Peter , Dossou Jean-Paul , Chipeta Effie , Benova Lenka , Kidanto Hussein , Pembe Andrea , Part Cherie , Stafoggia Massimo , Filippi Veronique , Ljungman Petter
Published: January 2024

Extreme heat events affect both pregnant women and their infants. We applied a time-stratified case-crossover design including 124,819 singleton births in a prospective observational study in 16 hospitals in Benin, Malawi, Tanzania, and Uganda to investigate the association between extreme heat and timing of perinatal death.
We observed weak associations between heat exposure and perinatal mortality with an odds ratio of 1.22 (95%CI 0.85-1.73) for stillbirths; 1.10 (95%CI 0.51-2.34) for antepartum and 1.54 (95%CI 0.63-3.73) for intrapartum stillbirths; and 1.17 (95%CI 0.84-2.61) for perinatal deaths with an increase from 75th to 99th percentile in mean temperature one week (lag 0-6 days) before childbirth. The cumulative exposure-response curve suggested the steepest slope for heat was in intrapartum stillbirths, and stronger associations during the hottest seasons. We conclude that higher temperatures may have short-term effects on mortality risks, particularly for intrapartum stillbirths, raising the importance of improved intrapartum care.
Prehospital invasive arterial blood pressure monitoring in critically ill patients attended by a UK Helicopter Emergency Medical Service – a retrospective observational review of practice
Authors: Butterfield Emma D , Bonsano Marco , Price James , Lachowycz Kate , Starr Zachary , Edmunds Christopher , Barratt Jon , Major Rob , Rees Paul , Barnard Ed B G
Published: January 2024

Background
Accurate haemodynamic monitoring of critically unwell and injured patients in the prehospital setting is essential. Non-invasive blood pressure measurement is susceptible to vibration and motion artefact, especially at extremes of hypotension and hypertension. Invasive arterial blood pressure (IABP) monitoring is a potential solution to these limitations. The aim of this study was to describe the largest series to date of patients in whom IABP monitoring was successfully initiated prehospital.
Methods
This retrospective observational study was conducted at East Anglian Air Ambulance, a UK helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) which provides prehospital critical care in the East of England. It included all patients attended by EAAA who underwent arterial catheterisation and initiation of IABP monitoring between 1st February 2015 and 20th April 2023.
The following data were retrieved for all patients: sex; age; aetiology (medical cardiac arrest, other medical emergency, trauma); site of arterial cannulation; operator role (doctor/paramedic); the time of insertion and, where applicable, time of pre-hospital emergency anaesthesia, and return of spontaneous circulation following cardiac arrest. Characteristics of the sample were described as number (percentage) for categorical variables and mean (± standard deviation (SD)) or median (interquartile range = IQR) for continuous variables as appropriate.
Results
During the study period 13,556 patients were attended; IABP monitoring was initiated in 1083 (8.0%) cases (70.8% male; median age 59 years). 546 cases (50.4%) were of medical cardiac arrest: in 22.4% of these IABP monitoring was initiated during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. 322 (29.7%) were trauma cases, and the remaining 215 (19.9%) were medical emergencies. The patients were critically unwell: 981 (90.6%) required intubation, of which 789 (72.6%) underwent prehospital emergency anaesthesia; 609 (56.2%) received vasoactive medication. In 424 (39.2%) cases IABP monitoring was instituted en route to hospital.
Conclusions
This study describes over 1000 cases of prehospital arterial catheterisation and invasive blood pressure monitoring in a UK HEMS system and has demonstrated feasibility at scale with no clear signal of catheter-associated complications. The high-fidelity of invasive arterial blood pressure monitoring with the additional benefit of arterial blood gas analysis presents an attractive translation of in-hospital critical care to the prehospital setting.
Robust ferroelectricity in HfO2-based bulk crystals via polymorphic engineering
Authors: Yu Haohai , Wang Shuxian , Shen Yihao , Yang Xiaoyu , Nan Pengfei , Ge Binghui , Zhang Shujun , Zhang Huaijin
Published: January 2024

The discovery of ferroelectricity in hafnium dioxide (HfO2) thin films over the past decade has revolutionized the landscape of ferroelectrics. HfO2-based ferroelectrics exhibit extraordinary switching capabilities and integrability in existing semiconductor chips, making them a promising candidate for next-generation ferroelectrics beyond the constraints of Moore’s law. However, the underlying mechanism of their ferroelectricity remains a topic of debate, possibly related to the presence of a metastable and volatile ferroelectric phase. Herein, we have achieved the successful growth of HfO2-based bulk crystals, revealing a remarkable remanent polarization of 26 μC/cm2 by a comprehensive understanding of the polymorphic engineering strategy. This result not only rivals the performances observed in extensively studied ultra-thin films but also underscores the universal feature of HfO2-based ferroelectricity. Our investigation has unveiled the intricate local structural transitions during the development of the ferroelectric phase in bulk crystals, clearly elucidating that the ferroelectric orthorhombic Pbc21 phase originates from the metastable tetragonal phase. This groundbreaking discovery clarifies the ferroelectric origin of HfO2 and provides a strategic approach for designing robust ferroelectricity. Our findings hold the potential to advance the comprehension of ferroelectric mechanisms in fluorite-structured materials, paving the way for significant strides in the subsequent development of HfO2-based nonvolatile electronic and photonic devices.
The role of hemoadsorption in cardiac surgery – a systematic review
Authors: Matejic-Spasic Marijana , Lindstedt Sandra , Lebreton Guillaume , Dzemali Omer , Suwalski Piotr , Folliguet Thierry , Geidel Stephan , Klautz Robert J.M. , Baufreton Christophe , Livi Ugolino , Gunaydin Serdar , Deliargyris Efthymios N. , Wendt Daniel , Thielmann Matthias
Published: January 2024

Background
Despite advancements, cardiopulmonary bypass-assisted cardiac surgery still carries a significant risk for morbidity and mortality, often related to postoperative hyperinflammation. Hemoadsorption of cytokines and various exogenous and endogenous inflammation triggers has been increasingly used in cardiac surgery to mitigate the risk of inflammation-mediated complications. Clinical evidence so far has not provided definite answers concerning this adjunctive treatment. The current systematic review aimed to assess the role of perioperative hemoadsorption in cardiac surgery critically.
Methods
A PubMed literature search with predefined criteria was conducted. The screening and selection process followed rigorous scientific principles (PRISMA statement). The search resulted in 29 publications that were grouped and descriptively analyzed due to the remarkable variability in study designs, however, they all reported exclusively on CytoSorb® therapy.
Results
CytoSorb® use was proven feasible and safe with no unanticipated device-related adverse events reported in the retrieved articles. The most frequently reported clinical outcome associated with hemoadsorption was reduced vasopressor demand resulting in better hemodynamic stability.
Conclusions
The role of hemoadsorption in cardiac surgery seems to be justified in selected high-risk cases in infective endocarditis, aortic surgery, heart transplantation, and emergency surgery of patients under antithrombotic therapy, as well as in those who develop a dysregulated inflammatory response, vasoplegia, or septic shock postoperatively. Current evidence suggests limited value from CytoSorb® use in routine elective surgery and low-risk patients. Further evaluation in more extensive prospective trials is required concerning proper patient selection and postoperative timing and administration.
Associations of demographic characteristics with cognition, prevalence, and control of CVD risk factors and prevalence of CVD among adult Chinese: a population-based study
Authors: Yuan Li , Yuyang Chen , bifang Mai , Ke Xia , Haiyang Xie , Danying Guo , Wenqing Tu , SL Xie
Published: January 2024

Background
The associations of demographic characteristics with cognition, prevalence, and control of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, and prevalence of CVD, are essential for informed targeted interventions and preventive measures. However, limited knowledge exists regarding these associations. This population-based study aims to investigate these associations among adult Chinese individuals.
Methods
A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 2,851 participants (mean age 44 years, 50.82% women) using data from the China Heart Rescue Global Evaluation Baseline Household survey. Data was collected using stratified random sampling and computer-assisted personal interviews. The χ2 test and Poisson regression modeling were employed to assess the differences and associations of demographic characteristics with CVD risk factors particulars (including cognition, prevalence, and control) and CVD prevalence.
Results
Although females exhibited higher cognition regarding certain risk factors, both genders demonstrated a high prevalence of CVD. Elderly individuals (≥ 60 years) had a higher prevalence of CVD risk factors and CVD, with notable control of hyperlipidemia (PR: 1.23, CI: 1.05–1.45, adjusted for sex). Higher educational attainment was associated with increased cognition of risk factors and decreased CVD prevalence. Divorced or widowed individuals displayed a higher prevalence of CVD risk factors and CVD (PR: 3.63, CI: 1.00-13.14, after adjusting sex and age).
Conclusion
Sex, age, educational level, and marital status were tightly associated with cognition, prevalence, and control of CVD risk factors, as well as CVD prevalence, among adult Chinese individuals. These findings highlight the importance of considering demographic factors in understanding and addressing cardiovascular health disparities.
Natural Radioactivity, its Health Implications in Natural Spring Water and Soil Mass Attenuation Coefficient Variation along with the Altitude Gradient: A Case Study from a Tourist Hub in Outer Himalayas
Authors: Anjum Mavia , Siddique Naila , Younis Hannan , Zaman Ali , Ahmad Mushtaq , Faiz Yasir , Shafique Munib Ahmed , Anjum Mahnoor
Published: January 2024

Murree, called ‘Queen of Mountains’, is a tourist attraction situated at the foothill of (outer) Himalaya. This study assesses the radionuclide concentration in the natural spring water of Murree and the variation of mass-attenuation coefficient in soil with altitude. For this study, 20 natural springs were selected for water sampling while soil samples were collected from 15 sites employing random sampling. The average radionuclide concentration of Radium-226, Thorium-232, and Potassium-40 were 0.43 ± 0.09, 0.52 ± 0.08, and 1.52 ± 0.19 Bq/L respectively. The radionuclide concentration in Murree’s water is above average as compared to the natural radionuclide concentration in spring water worldwide. The radiation hazard indices namely Radium equivalent (Raeq), external and internal hazard index (Hin & Hex), Indoor and outdoor dose (Din & Dout), annual indoor and outdoor effective dose (Eout & Ein), and lifetime cancer risk (LCR) were quantified. The mean values of Raeq, Hex, Hin, Dout, Din, Eout, Ein, LCRout and LCRin are 1.26 Bq/L, 0.003, 0.005, 0.564 nGy/h, 1.067 nGy/h, 0.001 mSv/y, 0.005 mSv/y, 0.002 & 0.018 respectively. The radionuclides concentration revealed that Murree’s natural spring water has above average radionuclides activity, but the health hazards are not alarming. The mass attenuation coefficient was quantified for 356, 661, 1173, and 1332 keV energies experimentally using Ba-133, Cs-137 & Co-60 sources and theoretically using XCOM software. The mean value of mass attenuation for 356, 661, 1173, 1332 keV is 0.097, 0.074, 0.057, 0.054 cm2/g respectively. The radiation attenuation parameters like Half value layer (HVL), Tenth value layer (TVL), Mean free path (MFP), and the thickness of soil required to attenuate 99% of the radiation were also calculated. Comparatively, Murree’s soil showed lower attenuation properties as compared to cement, tiles, concrete, and Egyptian soil. To correlate the data statistical tools Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Pearson’s Correlation were used. To express the data spatially ESRI ARC-GIS was used employing Inverse Distance Weighting Interpolation (IDW).
The Relation between Cigarette Smoking and Development of Sepsis: A 10-year Follow-up Study of Four Million Adults from the National Health Screening Program
Authors: Lee Eun Hwa , Lee Kyoung Hwa , Lee Kyu-na , Park Yebin , Han Kyung Do , Han Sang Hoon
Published: January 2024

Background
Sepsis remains a growing global health concern with soaring mortality and no direct anti-sepsis drug. Although smoking has distinct deleterious effects on chronic inflammatory illnesses and can impair immune function, a comprehensive analysis of the connection between sepsis and smoking is lacking.
Methods
This large-scale longitudinal cohort study retrospectively assessed adults aged ≥ 20 years who underwent national health checkups under the Korean National Health Insurance Service between January and December 2009 (N = 4,234,415) and were followed up for 10 years. Sepsis was identified based on the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision codes, and smoking status, including accumulated amount, was collected through a self-administered questionnaire. The Cox proportional hazard regression model was used, adjusting for age, sex, household income, body mass index, drinking, exercise, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and chronic renal disease.
Results
After excluding cases with sepsis occurring before follow-up or after ≤ 1 year of follow-up, 3,881,958 participants, including non-smokers (N = 2,342,841), former smokers (N = 539,850), and active smokers (N = 999,267) were included. Compared to non-smokers, all active smokers (adjust hazard ratio: 1.41, 95% confidence interval: 1.38–1.44) and former smokers (1.10, 1.07–1.14) with ≥ 20 pack-years exhibited a significantly higher risk of sepsis (p < 0.001). Smoking of ≥ 30 pack-years in former and active smokers groups significantly increased sepsis incidence (adjust hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.34 [1.31–1.38], p < 0.001).
Conclusions
Smoking is closely associated with the incidence of sepsis. Smoking cessation may help in the primary prevention of sepsis.
The association between periconceptual maternal dietary patterns and miscarriage risk in women with recurrent miscarriages: a multicentre cohort study
Authors: Chung Yealin , Melo Pedro , Easter Christina , Price Malcolm , Dhillon-Smith Rima , Quenby Siobhan , Devall Adam , Coomarasamy Arri
Published: January 2024

In a prospective multicentre cohort study across three UK university hospital research centres, we evaluated the association between periconceptual maternal dietary patterns and miscarriage risk among 1,035 women with recurrent miscarriages. Recurrent miscarriage was defined as 2 or more spontaneous pregnancy losses before 24 weeks. We used a 10-item Food Frequency Questionnaire and the analysis adjusted for maternal confounders and paternal dietary patterns. High consumption of fruit and nuts (almonds and walnuts) was strongly associated with lower miscarriage risk (for fruit the relative risk [RR] was 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.54 to 0.89, p = 0.004; for nuts RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.98, p = 0.039). High red meat intake was associated with an 86% increase in miscarriage risk (RR 1.86, 95% CI 1.10 to 3.16, p = 0.022). The association with miscarriage risk was unclear for other food groups, including fresh vegetables, white meat, fish, dairy, eggs, soya, and chocolate, due to imprecise point estimates. This study concludes that a maternal diet rich in fruits and nuts, but low in red meat, is associated with a lower miscarriage risk in women with a history of recurrent miscarriages.
Through-Polymer Via Technology-Enabled Flexible, Lightweight, and Integrated Device for Implantable Neural Probes
Authors: Sun Liuyang , Zhou Cunkai , Tian Ye , Li Gen , Ye Yifei , Gao Lusha , Li Jiazhi , Liu Ziwei , Su Haoyang , Lu Yunxiao , Li Meng , Zhou Zhitao , Wei Xiaoling , Qin Lunming , Tao Tiger
Published: January 2024

In implantable electrophysiological recording systems, the headstage typically consists of neural probes interfacing with brain tissue and integrated circuit chips for signal processing. Although advancements in MEMS and CMOS technology have significantly improved these components, their connection still relies heavily on conventional printed circuit boards and sophisticated adapters. This traditional approach adds considerable weight and volume, especially as channel counts increase. To address this, we have developed a Through-Polymer Via (TPV) method, inspired by the Through-Silicon Via (TSV) technique in advanced three-dimensional packaging. This innovation enables the vertical integration of flexible probes, amplifier chips, and PCBs, culminating in the creation of a Flexible, Lightweight, and Integrated Device (FLID). The total weight of FLID is only 25% of that of conventional counterparts using adapters, which significantly enhances animal activity levels, nearly matching those of control animals without implants. Furthermore, by incorporating a platinum-iridium alloy as the top layer material for electrical contacts, the FLID demonstrates exceptional electrical performance, enabling in vivo measurements of both local field potentials and individual neuron action potentials. Our findings not only showcase the potential of the FLID in scaling up implantable neural recording systems but also mark a significant step forward in the field of neurotechnology.
Modeling the Performance of a Single Rotor Row in a Turbomolecular Pump Using the TPMC Method: Effects of Operational and Geometric Variables
Authors: Sereshgi Maryam Hosseinzadeh , Ebrahimi Reza
Published: January 2024

Turbo-molecular pumps are widely used in industries and scientific studies in areas such as semiconductors and sedimentation. In; such pumps, the influence of the geometric characteristics and operating conditions on performance is of interest to researchers. A single-row rotor of a turbo-molecular pump was simulated, and the test particle Monte Carlo method was used to investigate the effects of blade spacing, angle, number, and length; as well as operating conditions on performance. The maximum compression ratio and pumping speed were calculated. The pump’s performance was studied for 12, 24, 36, and 48 blades in a single-row rotor at angles of 15, 20, and 30 degrees with a clearance of 0.015. We were increasing the gap from 0.015 to 0.025 and 0.035 examined across rotors with 12 to 48 blades, a blade speed ratio of 3.5, and a blade angle of 15 degrees. To validate the results, the numerical values obtained for 36 blades, 30-degree blade angle, and 0.015 clearance were compared to available experimental results, yielding good agreement. The results of this simulation are intended to cover cases of interest for design calculations.
Impacts of Meteorological Parameters on COVID-19 Transmission Trends in the Central Part of Thailand
Authors: Pongpiachan Siwatt , Hirisajja Jayakrit , Aekakkararungroj Aekkapol , Gupta Pawan , Rungsiyanon Siwaporn , Choochuay Chomsri , Deelaman Woranuch , Poshyachinda Saran
Published: January 2024

Several nonpharmaceutical intervention protocols in the form of lockdowns were officially enforced across Thailand to exigently decrease the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for the outbreak of COVID-19 disease. A massive contraction of Thailand’s economic activities changed its influences on air pollutants, especially nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone (O3). To elucidate these alterations, we investigate the data from 31 continuous ambient air quality observatory stations in the central part of Thailand from 12 January 2020 to 30 April 2022. Negative correlation coefficients between PM2.5 and O3 in ambient air ranged from -0.35 to -0.71, which can be attributed to the opposing effects of these two air pollutants. While O3 is principally generated by photochemical reactions in the presence of NOx and VOC, PM2.5 can absorb and scatter solar radiation, leading to the inhibition of O3 formation. In addition, multiple linear regression analysis underlined the importance of O3 as the main air pollutant affecting the enhancement of COVID-19 infection rates.
Distinct clinical features of transplanted children with Parvovirus B19 infection
Authors: jia ran , cao lingfeng , lu lijuan , zhong huaqing , xu menghua , liu pengcheng , zhu xunhua , su liyun , xu jin
Published: January 2024

Background
The immature and suppressed immune response makes transplanted children a special susceptible group to Parvovirus B19 (PVB19). However, the clinical features of transplanted children with PVB19 infection hasn’t been comprehensively described.
Methods
We searched the medical records of all the transplant recipients who attended the Children’s Hospital of Fudan University from 1 Oct 2020 to 31 May 2023, and reviewed the medical literature for PVB19 infection cases among transplanted children.
Results
10 cases of PVB19 infection were identified in 201 transplanted children at our hospital, and the medical records of each of these cases were shown. Moreover, we retrieved 40 cases of PVB19 infection among transplanted children from the literature, thus summarizing a total of 50 unique cases of PVB19 infection. The median time to the first positive PVB19 DNA detection was 14 weeks post-transplantation. PVB19 IgM and IgG were detected in merely 26% and 24% of the children, respectively. The incidence of graft loss/dysfunction was as high as 36%. Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients showed higher PVB19 load, lower HGB level, greater platelet damage, lower PVB19 IgM/IgG positive rates, and more graft dysfunction than solid-organ transplant (SOT) recipients, indicating a more incompetent immune system.
Conclusions
Compared with the published data of transplanted adults, transplanted children displayed distinct clinical features upon PVB19 infection, including lower PVB19 IgM/IgG positive rates, more graft dysfunction, and broader damage on hematopoietic cell lines, which was even more prominent in HSCT recipients, thus should be of greater concern.
Support mechanical response analysis and surrounding rock pressure calculation method for a shallow-buried super- large-section tunnel in weak surrounding rock
Authors: Lai Haixiang , Wang Xiuying , Tan Zhongsheng , Zhao Jinpeng , Liu Xiabing
Published: January 2024

At present, China's demand for high-speed railway construction is constantly increasing, and the construction of Multi line high-speed railway tunnels has been put on the agenda. The design and construction issues of super-large-sections tunnels urgently need to be addressed. The Xiabei mountain No.1 and No.2 tunnels in the Hangzhou-Taizhou Railway are typical shallow-buried super-large-section-tunnels in weak surrounding rock, and their design and construction issues are representative. Eleven monitoring sections were set up in the tunnel, including tunnel deformation, surrounding rock, shotcrete, steel frames, bolts and temporary support mechanical responses. Taking the monitoring data of the most typical cross-section as an example, the mechanical response of the support structure of a shallow-buried super-large-section tunnel was analyzed in detail. Based on previous research results, this paper discusses and summarizes the common construction problems of this type of tunnel, and puts forward corresponding suggestions. The existing formula for calculating surrounding rock pressure has poor applicability to super-large-section tunnels constructed by step excavation, resulting in conservative support parameters. Therefore, based on the monitoring values of surrounding rock pressure at 10 monitoring sections in Xiabei mountain No. 1 and No.2 tunnels, empirical parameters reflecting the impact of step excavation were summarized. Based on the Wang formula and combined with the step excavation empirical parameters, an empirical formula for the surrounding rock pressure of shallow-buried super-large-section tunnels considering step excavation was constructed. The calculated results are in good agreement with the on-site monitoring data. This study can provide a good reference for similar projects.
Injectable Bombyx mori (B.mori) silk fibroin/MXene conductive hydrogel for electrically stimulating neural stem cells into neurons for treating brain damage
Authors: Yang Zhangze , You Yuxin , Liu Xiangyu , Wan Quan , Xu Zongpu , Shuai Yajun , Wang Jie , Guo Tingbiao , Hu Jiaqi , Lv Junhui , Zhang Meng , Yang Mingying , Mao Chuanbin , Yang Shuxu
Published: January 2024

Brain damage is a common tissue damage caused by trauma or diseases, which can be life-threatening. Stem cell implantation is an emerging strategy treating brain damage. The stem cell is commonly embedded in a matrix material for implantation, which protects stem cell and induces cell differentiation. Cell differentiation induction by this material is decisive in the effectiveness of this treatment strategy. In this work, we present an injectable fibroin/MXene conductive hydrogel as stem cell carrier, which further enables in-vivo electrical stimulation upon stem cells implanted into damaged brain tissue. Cell differentiation characterization of stem cell showed high effectiveness of electrical stimulation in this system, which is comparable to pure conductive membrane. Axon growth density of the newly differentiated neurons increased by 290% and axon length by 320%. In addition, unfavored astrocyte differentiation is minimized. The therapeutic effect of this system is proved through traumatic brain injury model on rats. Combined with in vivo electrical stimulation, cavities formation is reduced after traumatic brain injury, and rat motor function recovery is significantly promoted.
Multi-platform whole genome sequencing for tuberculosis clinical and surveillance applications
Authors: Thorpe Joseph , Sawaengdee Waritta , Ward Daniel , Campos Monica , Wichukchinda Nuanjun , Chaiyasirinroje Boonchai , Thanraka Aungkana , Chumpol Jaluporn , Phelan Jody E. , Campino Susana , Mahasirimongkol Surakameth , Clark Taane G.
Published: January 2024

Whole genome sequencing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis offers valuable insights for tuberculosis (TB) control. High throughput platforms like Illumina and Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) are increasingly used globally, although ONT is known for higher error rates and is less established for genomic studies. Here we present a study comparing the sequencing outputs of both Illumina and ONT platforms, analysing DNA from 59 clinical isolates in highly endemic tuberculosis regions of Thailand. The resulting sequence data were used to profile the M. tuberculosis for their strain-type, drug resistance and presence in transmission chains, and compared to publicly available whole genome sequences from Thailand (n = 1,456). Our results revealed predominantly lineages 1 and 2 strain-types, with consistent drug resistance profiles, including six multidrug-resistant strains, however, ONT showed longer phylogenetic branches, emphasising its higher error rate. Analysis incorporating the larger dataset identified fifteen of our samples within six potential transmission clusters, including a significant clade of 41 multi-drug resistant isolates. ONT's extended sequences also revealed strain-specific structural variants in pe/ppe genes (e.g. ppe50), candidates for vaccine development. Despite limitations, ONT sequencing is promising for tuberculosis genomic research, supporting precision medicine and decision-making in areas with less developed infrastructure, crucial for tackling the disease’s significant regional burden.
Assessing Primary Productivity in Temperate Benthic Communities Using a novel in-situ Methodology - BIC
Authors: Reis Bianca , Franco João N. , Peiffer Friederike , Babé-Gómez Oscar , Sainz-Meyer Hugo , Sousa-Pinto Isabel , Arenas Francisco
Published: January 2024

Understanding climate change impacts on benthic habitats is crucial to acknowledge their actual ecosystem functioning value. One pertinent way to achieve this is by measuring primary productivity. Accurately quantifying primary productivity in turbulent subtidal, rocky habitats, particularly those with high canopy forming seaweeds, such as kelp, is inherently challenging, leading to a scarcity of information. Kelp primary productivity has primarily been assessed through 1) quantification of carbon standing stock and biomass, which provides limited values of net primary production; 2) ex-situ incubations in the laboratory, in which the obtained values do not accurately represent the real production of a community; and 3) in-situ incubations on individual kelp fronds, neglecting community effects on the production. To address this issue, we describe a novel methodology – the Benthic Incubation Chamber (BIC) - designed to assess in-situ primary productivity of different benthic communities (high and low canopy). The method involves incubation chambers where total oxygen flux, temperature, and photo-synthetically active radiation (PAR) are simultaneously recorded. From those measurements, net community production (NCP) and community respiration (CR) for a given biomass and water volume were derived for the sampled area of each chamber. Results from Portuguese continental coast showed differences in NCP rates among different benthic communities and demonstrated the feasibility of this technique to obtain reliable in-situ net primary productivity values in a variety of subtidal habitats. This method contributes to a comprehensive approach to sustain and protect vital marine ecosystems, supporting biodiversity and addressing environmental issues like climate change.
Identification of DNAJC24 as a potential therapeutic target in breast cancer
Authors: Meng Wenjing , Liu Wei , Wang Xiaorui , Zhan Linlin , He Yuchao , Luo Yi , Chen Liwei , Wang Yu , Li Guangtao , Shi Yehui , Tong Zhongsheng , Guo Hua
Published: January 2024

Background and Purpose
On the basis of current markers, a variety of targeted therapies have been proposed for clinical practice, but treatment resistance and recurrence remain the leading causes of breast cancer-related mortality. In addition, breast cancer exhibits significant heterogeneity, and patients with apparently similar tumor subtypes exhibit variable responses to identical drug treatments. Therefore, accurate prediction of breast cancer progression and personalized treatment plans will maximize patient benefit by avoiding overtreatment and undertreatment.
Approach and Key Results
In this study, we focused on investigating the role of DnaJ heat shock protein family member C24 (DNAJC24) in breast cancer through bioinformatic analysis by using public databases and clinicopathological samples. In addition, we performed in vitro functional assays to explore the biological functions of DNAJC24. In vitro experiments showed that the overexpression of DNAJC24 significantly inhibited the proliferation and invasion of breast cancer cells. Meanwhile, the downregulation of DNAJC24 enhanced cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. The findings provide a theoretical basis for the identification of a novel molecular therapeutic target for breast cancer.
Conclusion and Implications
Our research revealed that DNAJC24 was weakly expressed in breast cancer tissues, suggesting its involvement in breast carcinogenesis. Furthermore, we observed an inverse correlation between DNAJC24 expression and malignant progression of breast cancer including clinical stage among different pathological subtypes and molecular staging of breast cancer. Therefore, given the significant association between low levels of DNAJC24 expression and poor prognosis in patients with breast cancer, DNAJC24 may serve as a predictive marker.
A Multi-label Sewer Defects Classification Methodology Using Attention-based Dual Branch network
Authors: Li Xinxin , You Rui , Yu Mingxin , Sun Ting , Lu Wenshuai , Yu Shijie
Published: January 2024

The sewage system, essential for human welfare and ecological health, requires regular inspections to prevent defects such as cracks, deformation, joint displacement, etc. Traditionally, inspections have relied on Closed-Circuit TeleVision (CCTV), involving two stages: on-site video collection and time-consuming off-site video analysis. In this study, we propose a novel attention-based dual branch model for efficiently classifying multiple sewer pipe defects. It employs spatial and semantic relation graphs that have complementary relationship. Specifically, we first generate word embeddings from embedding layer using our defects corpus, then, we use the word embeddings as input data for the dual branch. For the first branch, we capture relationship between word embeddings and image feature maps, while for the second branch, we exploit co-occurrence dependencies of defect classifiers from correlation matrix of defects. The model was validated on Sewer-ML dataset which consists of 1.3 million multi-label sewer images and 17 specific defects classes. Compared with the state-of-the-art methods in related field, our model achieved a defect weighted F2 score of 83.71% and a normal pipe F1 score of 86.59%, showing its superior capability on the latest benchmark methods. The code was available at http://www.github.com/iamstarlee/Attention-based-Dual-Branch-Network.
Predictive Modeling of Dining Facility Waste by Material Type Across Time and Geography
Authors: Rice Abigail , Urban Angela , Davidson Paul
Published: January 2024

Solid waste generation is increasing at alarming rates, globally, with widespread challenges to decreasing generation and landfill disposal. U.S. Army installations are a unique basis for providing qualitative and quantitative data from a breadth of geographical locations. Modeling prediction capability of dining facility (DFAC) solid waste streams using data from 11 Army installations was investigated to demonstrate aggregate building and material type generation forecasting. Solid waste generation data was collected by quantifying potentially divertible materials (e.g., source reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, etc.) that are currently being landfilled. Over one week, samples from one day of DFAC operations were obtained for each installation. Materials were separated into 22 categories, weighed, and recorded. Results identified many materials with diversion potential in the solid waste stream. Five material types were down selected for model construction and validation based on robustness of data available and applicability outside military contexts. Models were constructed for each material type combination to avoid multiplication factor errors of coefficients for each independent variable. Results showed statistical significance (p-value ≤ 0.05) for 4 of 5 modeling combination predictions, indicating that these 4 models for each material type are uniquely capable of predicting solid waste generation. Each of the 4 statistically significant models differed in adjusted R-squared values, ranging from 0.988 to 0.996. This study provides models with predictive power that could reduce the labor- and cost-intensive process of characterizing waste streams while increasing data availability across the continental U.S. to focus targeted source reduction efforts for dining settings.
CLASSIFICATION CODE
MSC: 62, 92
JEL: I28, Q01, Q20, Q28, Q53
Ultrasonic Image's Annotation Removal: A Self-supervised Noise2Noise Approach
Authors: Zhang Yuanheng , Jiang Nan , Xie Zhaoheng , Cao Junying , Teng Yueyang
Published: January 2024

Objective: Accurately annotated ultrasonic images are vital components of a high-quality medical report. Hospitals often have strict guidelines on the types of annotations that should appear on imaging results. However, manually inspecting these images can be a cumbersome task. While a neural network could potentially automate the process, training such a model typically requires a dataset of paired input and target images, which in turn involves significant human labour.
Methods and procedures: This study introduces an automated approach for detecting annotations in images. This is achieved by treating the annotations as noise, creating a self-supervised pretext task and using a model trained under the Noise2Noise scheme to restore the image to a clean state. We tested a variety of model structures on the denoising task against different types of annotation, including body marker annotation, radial line annotation, etc.
Results: Our results demonstrate that most models trained under the Noise2Noise scheme outperformed their counterparts trained with noisy-clean data pairs. The costumed U-Net yielded the most optimal outcome on the body marker annotation dataset, with high scores on segmentation precision and reconstruction similarity. We released our code at https://github.com/GrandArth/UltrasonicImage-N2N-Approach.
Toxoplasma WH3 Δrop18: A live attenuated vaccine against acute and chronic toxoplasmosis
Authors: Yu Li , Wang Cong , Fu Shengnan , Yu Xin , Zhou Hang , Zhang Famin , Song Lingling , Zhao Ji , Yang Yun , Du Jianbing , Luo Qingli , Shen Jilong
Published: January 2024

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a zoonotic pathogen that can cause toxoplasmosis in humans and animals, which poses a significant health and socio-economic burden on society. It has been known that vaccines could provide an effective and long-term strategy to control the disease while reducing reliance and the side effects of chemical therapeutics, but there is no perfect vaccine available for toxoplasmosis. To develop a safe, effective and long-lasting vaccine against T. gondii infection remains essential for the control of the disease. Our recent findings indicated that the virulence of the mutant strain WH3 Δrop18 to mice was significantly reduced and no cysts were formed in the brain, indicating that WH3 Δrop18 might serve as the vaccine candidate. Here we assessed the immunoprotective efficacy of WH3 Δrop18 parasite as a live attenuated vaccine. The results showed that one hundred percent of mice vaccinated with WH3 Δrop18 survived when challenged with either virulent RH strain of type I and WH3 strain of type Chinese 1 or cyst-forming ME49 strain of type Ⅱ and WH6 strain of type Chinese 1 and in quite a few mice, no cysts were detectable in the brain tissues. Vaccination with the WH3 Δrop18 triggered a strong immune response, including significantly increased level of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ, IL-12 and TNF-α, the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and the activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocytes. In addition, Toxoplasma-specific total IgG antibodies and subclasses of IgG1 and IgG2a remained at high levels for 30 days and even 125 days post vaccination. Passive transfer of naive mice with sera from vaccinated mice conveyed the resistance of naive mice to T. gondii. Our results strongly indicate that vaccine of WH3 Δrop18 provide effective cellular and humoral immune protection against a wide range strains of Toxoplasma infections and it might be a promising live attenuated vaccine candidate.