bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Surgical Treatment of Ossified Cephalhematoma in Infants
Authors: wei min , Zhan Qijia
Published: June 2023

Purpose: Some newborns' cephalhematoma will ossify if it lasts for a long time, which will affect the shape of the head and lead to other complications. There is still controversy about the operation. Our purpose is to evaluate whether the operation can effectively improve the skull shape and improve the clinicians' understanding of the ossification of cephalhematoma.
Methods: A retrospective cohort review in ossified cephalhematoma cases who had undergone ablation in the Department of Neurosurgery of Shanghai Children’s Hospital, School of medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University from since Jan. 2015 to Jan. 2022 with at least 6 months follow-up was conducted. Our study focused on the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, perioperative precautions and prognosis of the disease.
Results: A total of 20 cases were included in the current study. All infants were treated for head mass and examined by CT. The cephalhematomas were localized in typical parietal(n=18) or parieto-occipital/ temporoparietal region. All infants were full-term, including 16 infants delivered vaginally, 3 cesarean section, 1 conversion cesarean. Birth weight was 2750-3900g, and preoperative hemoglobin range was 96-124g / L. After the preoperative examination was completed, all infants received surgical treatment.13 patients received blood transfusion during and after operation. After at least half a year's follow-up, their surgical results were good, and the scalp incision healed in one stage, without any complications.
Conclusion: Early intervention for cephalohematoma to minimize the possibility of ossification. When local double-layer sign is revealed in theircranial CT, ossified cephalhematoma cases could benefit from surgery with regard toimproving their skull shape without complications.
Synthesis, molecular docking studies and cytotoxicity evaluation of new tetrazolic substituted para toluene sulfonamid on HT29 cancerous cell line
Authors: sadeghi zahra , Abolhasani Hoda , Mirjafary Zohreh , Najafi Gholamreza , Heidari Fatameh
Published: June 2023

In this study, novel tetrazolic substituted para toluene sulfonamid derivatives were synthesized using an azide-nitrile cycloaddition reaction. The easy availability of the inexpensive starting materials, avoiding isolation and handling of hazardous organic azide, and mild reaction conditions make this synthetic protocol a valuable tool for the synthesis of functionalized tetrazole compounds. All reactions proceeded smoothly to achieve the corresponding tetrazole compounds 5a, in moderate to good yields (70–78%) using ZnBr2 as a catalyst and green solvent system H2O/2-propanol. The structure of all products was confirmed by FT-IR, 1HNMR, and 13CNMR analysis. N-((2H-tetrazol-5-yl)methyl)(phenyl)-N-tosylmethanamine and N-((2H-tetrazol-5-yl)methyl)-N-tosylpyridin-2-amine Cytotoxicity evaluations of compounds 5a and 5b on HT29 cell line demonstrated that compound 5a displayed the most potent in vitro antiproliferative activity with IC50 values of 85.57 ± 6.61 µM on HT29 cells. Although, compound 5b displayed anti-proliferative activity with IC50 values of 24.66 ± 4.51 µM on HT29 cells, comparable to Cisplatin, as a potent known anticancer drug with IC50 values of 7.49 ± 1.71 µM. Furthermore, we used molecular docking studies to investigate the possible drug-likeness of the synthesized molecules 5a, 5b revealing that some molecules are the most promising drug-like molecules out of the two synthesized molecules.
Comparative Analysis of Machine Learning Models for Prediction of Surface Water Quality
Authors: Shivhare Shubham , Sharma Atul
Published: June 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
The reliability and validity of the OneStep smartphone application for gait analysis among patients with gait asymmetry undergoing rehabilitation for lower limb chronic pain or functional disability
Authors: Marom Pnina , Brik Michael , Agay Nirit , Dankner Rachel , Katzir Zoya , Keshet Naama , Doron Dana
Published: June 2023

Background
An affordable, easy-to-use, reliable, and valid tool is essential for gait assessment of people with various gait pathologies. This study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of the OneStep smartphone application (app) compared to the C-Mill VR + instrumented treadmill (Motek, Nederlands), among patients with gait asymmetry undergoing rehabilitation for lower limb disability or chronic pain.
Methods
Seventy patients participated in the study. The data of 35 patients were used to improve the app's algorithms, which were then validated on the remaining 35. Participants were asked to walk on a treadmill for up to 15 minutes at their own comfortable pace. Spatiotemporal gait parameters were extracted from the treadmill and from two smartphones placed on each leg. Reliability was evaluated using Pearson correlation, Cohen's d, and intra-cluster correlation coefficient (ICC), comparing the readings of the app from the two phones. Validity was assessed using the same measures, comparing readings from each phone to the data obtained from the treadmill. Bland-Altman plots were used to demonstrate the level of agreement between the app and the treadmill for each leg separately.
Results
Twenty-eight patients completed the validation study (seven were excluded); the median age was 45.5 years, 61% males. Walking sessions lasted on average 8.4 minutes. The ICC for consistency between the phones showed high correlation (r = 0.89 to 1) and good to excellent reliability (ICC range, 0.77 to 1) for all the gait parameters examined. The correlations between the phones and the treadmill were mostly above 0.8. The ICC for consistency demonstrated excellent validity for cadence and gait speed (range, 0.92 to 1), and moderate-to-excellent validity for all the other parameters (range, 0.58–0.93). Only step length of the impaired leg parameter showed poor-to-good validity (range, 0.37–0.84). Some subtle differences, though statistically significant, were found between the readings of the treadmill and the smartphone placed on the healthy leg. Cohen's d effect size was small (d < 0.5) for all the parameters.
Conclusions
The OneStep smartphone application demonstrated good reliability and validity for spatiotemporal gait assessment in people with gait asymmetry undergoing rehabilitation. These findings highlight the potential for smartphone-based gait analysis in a rehabilitation setting.
Trial registration:
NIH identifier: NCT05009303, date of registration: August 17, 2021.
The potential use of plasma GFAP as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of motor subtype in early Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Che Ning-Ning , Shang Huifang
Published: June 2023

Objectives Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a heterogeneous movement disorder with different motor subtypes including tremor dominant (TD), indeterminate and postural instability and gait disturbance (PIGD) motor subtypes. Plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was elevated in PD patients and may be regarded as a biomarker for motor and cognitive progression. Here we explore if there was an association between plasma GFAP and different motor subtypes and whether baseline plasma GFAP level can predict motor subtype conversion.Methods Patients with PD classified as TD, PIGD or indeterminate subtypes underwent detailed neurological evaluation at baseline and 2 years follow-up. Plasma GFAP in PD patients and controls were measured using an ultrasensitive single molecule array.Results The study enrolled 184 PD patients and 95 control subjects. Plasma GFAP levels were significantly higher in the PIGD group compared to the TD group at 2 years follow-up. Finally, 45% of TD patients at baseline had a subtype shift and 85% of PIGD patients at baseline remained as PIGD subtypes at 2 years follow-up. Baseline plasma GFAP levels were significantly higher in TD patients converted to PIGD than non-converters in baseline TD group. Higher baseline plasma GFAP levels were significantly associated with the TD motor subtype conversion (OR = 1.283, P = 0.033) and lower baseline plasma GFAP levels in PIGD patients were likely to shift to TD and indeterminate subtype (OR = 0.551, P = 0.021) after adjusting for confounders.Conclusions Plasma GFAP may serve as a clinical utility biomarker in differentiating motor subtype and predicting baseline motor subtype conversion in PD patients.
Long-term follow-up of surgery of an isolated apical defect using synthetic materials and their effect on quality of life and satisfaction with life
Authors: Zalewski Maciej , Kołodyńska Gabriela , Rodríguez Raquel Leirós - , Mucha Anna , Przestrzelska Monika , Andrzejewski Waldemar , Piątek Aleksandra
Published: June 2023

Background:
Pelvic organ prolapse is an extremely important therapeutic problem and affects up to 50% of nulliparous women, and its frequency increases with age and parity and is more common after menopause. This ailment has a negative impact on many aspects of life, significantly reducing its quality. Nowadays, not only the cure of the problem, but also the improvement of the quality of life and life satisfaction of patients is of great importance for doctors, therefore the assessment of these aspects should also be constantlyevaluated. The objective of this study was to determine the quality of life and satisfaction with life of patients before, 1 year and 3 years after performing the surgery of an isolated apical defect using BSC synthetic mesh.
Methods:
Of 60 patients with an isolated apical defect, 45 had sufficient medical records for the analysis. Evaluation comprised the P-QOL and the SWLS questionnaires conducted three times.
Results:
The results obtained for the P-QOL questionnaire carried out after 3 years show that the quality of life of the patients improved. A statistically significant increase in the quality of life was achieved in almost all domains (p <0.05).
Conclusion:
The results obtained after completing the SWLS questionnaire indicate that 3 years after the surgery, patients' satisfaction with life showed an upward trend. Surgical treatment of an isolated apical defect using the AMI BSC kit results in an improvement in the quality of life in the majority of patients, even in a long-term evaluation.
Classification optimization of tunnel surrounding rock based on geometric parameter effect of joints
Authors: Xu Pengfei , Yu Qingyang , Liu Han , Jia Sibo , Tian Lupeng , Shen Shiwei
Published: June 2023

This research aims to study the relationship between the mechanical properties and failure modes of jointed rock mass and the geometrical parameters of the joint and to optimize the grading of the tunnel surrounding rock according to the test results. The numerical model of the jointed rock mass is established using the discrete element particle flow program PFC2D. An uniaxial compression test simulation is conducted for the joint rock mass, considering that the joint dip angle and joint spacing exist simultaneously. Test results show that when the joint dip angle is 45°, the mechanical properties of the jointed rock mass are the worst, the UCS and elastic modulus are the smallest, and the Poisson’s ratio reaches the maximum. When the joint spacing is large, the joint dip angle leads to failure. With the increase in the joint dip angle from 0° to 45°, the failure mode changes from intact rock mass failure to plane and block failure. The change rule is the opposite when the joint dip angle ranges from 45° to 90°. When the spacing is small, the joint spacing dominates the failure mode. With an increase in spacing, the failure mode changes from an intact rock mass to a plane and block failure mode. Based on the influence of joint geometric parameters on the mechanical properties of the rock mass, the surrounding rock classification method was optimized using the basic quality index of the rock mass (BQ).
A Comprehensive Overview Rock Strength of Karak Highway Affected by Tectonic Settings
Authors: Azmi Nur Anati , Md.Yu Zainuddin
Published: June 2023

In the vicinity of the research area, the Karak Highway is located approximately sixty-five kilometers apart from Gombak. The aim of this study is to investigate the petrological characteristics of rock mineral assemblages in the study region, which have been influenced by tectonic activity and the effect on the strength and kinematics of rock masses, which can contribute to slope failures. In the initial stages of the investigation, a thorough review of relevant literature and earlier studies was conducted. The study area was mapped using the geological mapping technique known as traversing, and rock samples were collected from three separate exposed outcrops. These samples were then transported to a laboratory for microscopic and petrographic analysis to determine their compositions and identify the mineral assemblages present in both regions. The study of petrological characteristics, tectonic activities, and slope stability along the Karak Highway provides valuable insights into the influence of geological structures on slope stability. Understanding the mineral assemblages and their relationship with tectonic activities is crucial for identifying potential slope failures and implementing appropriate mitigation measures.
Formulation of an Anti-inflammatory Pharmaceutical Drinkable Emulsion Based on Artemisia Absinthium L Essential Oil
Authors: Djedri Safia , Chemat Zoubida , Belhadji Linda
Published: June 2023

The importance of aromatic plants, their essential oil content and the chemical nature of their constituents, give them great prospects for application. Nowadays, essential oils present a major source of a variety of bioactive molecules, they are also used as an alternative to conventional drugs. The evaluation of phytotherapeutic properties, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory are gaining great interest in the research field. The objective of this work is the evaluation of the antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory effect of the essential oil of wormwood from the region of Blida, Algeria and that of a drinkable emulsion formulated in the presence of this essential oil. Average yield of 0.52% of essential oil extracted by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger from the fresh aerial part of absinthe was obtained. GC/MS analysis demonstrated that wormwood essential oil is dominated by the presence of the compounds βThujone with 45.646% and 7-ethyl, 1,4 dimethyl Azulene with a percentage of 25.95%. The absinthe essential oil extracted showed an activity against all bacteria and fungi tested. The drinkable emulsion exerted remarkable an anti-inflammatory activity which induced an edema reduction rate of 35.70%, close to the one obtained by a Clofenal reference. Toxicity tests of the essential oil of Artemisia absinthium and the drinkable emulsion which were followed for two weeks, showed neither mortality nor abnormality.
An ionic liquid-assisted sample preparation method for sensitive integral-membrane proteome analysis
Authors: Taoka Masato , Kamei Kota , Kashima Akiko , Takekiyo Takahiro , Uekita Takamasa , Ichimura Tohru
Published: June 2023

Many ion channels and receptorproteins are potential targets for new drugs. However, standard methods for profiling these integral membrane proteins (IMPs) have not been fully established, especially when applied to rare and quantity-limited biological samples. In this study, we present a combined ion liquid (IL)-assisted proteomic sample preparation platform (termed pTRUST) which is compatible with starting materials in the submicrogram range, using our recently developed IL-based sample preparation strategy (iBOPs) and an in-StageTip technique. This novel and straightforward approach allows for the rapid solubilization and processing of a variety of IMPs from human samplesto support highly sensitive mass spectrometry analysis. We also demonstrated that the performance of this technology surpasses that of conventional methods such as filter-aided sample preparation methods, FASP and i-FASP. The convenience and availability of pTRUST technology have great potential for proteomic identification and characterization of novel drug targets and novel disease biology in research and clinical settings.
Chronic Pb exposure impairs learning and memory abilities by inhibiting excitatory projection neuro-circuit of the hippocampus in mice
Authors: Zou Rong-Xin , Gu Xiaozhen , Huang Chengqing , Wang Hui-Li , Chen Xiang-tao
Published: June 2023

Lead (Pb) is an environmental neurotoxic metal. Chronic Pb exposure causes behavioral changes in humans and rodents, such as dysfunctional learning and memory. Nevertheless, it is not clear whether Pb exposure disrupts the neural circuit. Thus, here we aim at investigating the effects the chronic Pb exposure on neural-behavioral and neural circuits in mice from prenatal to postnatal day (PND) 63. Pregnant mice and their male offspring were treated with Pb (150 ppm) until postnatal day 63. In this study, several behavior tests and Golgi-Cox staining methods were used to assess spatial memory ability and synaptogenesis. Virus-based tracing systems and immunohistochemistry assays were used to test the relevance of chronic Pb exposure with disrupted neural circuits. The behavioral experiments and Golgi-Cox staining results showed that Pb exposure impaired spatial memory and spine density in mice. The virus tracing results revealed that Entorhinal cortex (EC) neurons could be directly projected to CA1 and DG, forming a critical circuit inhibited, in either a direct or indirect way, by Pb invasion. In addition, excitatory neural input from EC(labeled with CaMK2)to CA1/DG was significantly attenuated by Pb exposure. In conclusion, our data indicated that Pb significantly impaired the excitatory connections from EC to the hippocampus (CA1 and DG), providing a novel neuro-circuitry basis for Pb neurotoxicity.
Efficacy of entomopathogenic fungi against the fruit fly Drosophila suzukii and their side effects on predator (Orius laevigatus) and pollinator (Bombus terrestris) insects
Authors: Galland Chloé D. , Lalaymia Ismahen , Declerck Stéphane , Verheggen François
Published: June 2023

Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are insecticide alternatives for pest control. Their ability to easily adhere and quickly penetrate the insect cuticle is a key factor for their selection, which has received too little consideration so far. Here, we evaluated the impact of five EPF on the survival and fecundity of Drosophila suzukii, a worldwide invasive pest of soft-skinned fruits. We assessed the exposure time needed to achieve fly mortality as well as the mortality of two non-target insects: Orius laevigatus and Bombus terrestris, commonly encountered in greenhouses where D. suzukii is the most damaging.
Drosophila suzukii were exposed for 3 hours to a fungal culture from each EPF and survival rates were assessed daily. Beauvaria bassiana was the most efficient EPF, killing over 95% of the flies within 10 days. Additional flies were then exposed to this fungus culture for 10 seconds, 1 minute, 10 minutes and 1 hour. The exposure time impacted the mortality rates: 50% of the flies died within 4 days after a 3-hours exposure to B. bassiana, whereas 6 days were needed to reach the same result with 10 seconds of exposure. Whatever the exposure time, this EPF always needed ten days to be lethal for more than 95% of individuals. Beauvaria bassiana was not lethal for the non-target species.
Thus, B. bassiana is an option to control D. suzukii without harming beneficial insects. Further studies are now needed under real cultivation conditions to assess whether B. bassiana can be included in biocontrol strategies against D. suzukii.
Securing Vanadium by Ion-anchoring Separators for Long-lasting Aqueous Zinc-Vanadium Batteries
Authors: Wang Xin , Qin Yao
Published: June 2023

Aqueous zinc-based batteries are an upcoming energy storage device integrating intrinsic safety and low cost yet suffering from anodic dendrites and dissolution of cathodic compounds. Here, we designed a new mixed-matrix separator (SZ) by in situ growing zeolite materials on the flexible polymeric membrane to form an ionic barrier that prevents further leaching and shuttling of active materials from the cathode. The SZ separator enables a full cell operation of over 400 cycles at 0.5 A g-1 with an initial capacity of 375.4 mAh g-1 and over 10,000 cycles at 15 A g-1. When pre-anchored with vanadium ions, the SZ separator permits a full cell capacity retention of up to 94.6% at 5 A g-1 over 1000 cycles. Most important, the SZ separator improves the reversibility and stability of the Zn anode, allowing 2500 h symmetric cell life with well-suppressed dendrites. The mixed-matrix separator featuring an ion barrier contributes to a key component advance for commercializing Zn-storage devices.
Removal of Cadmium (II) from aqueous solution through adsorption using wood biochar: Kinetics and Isotherms studies
Authors: Lalhruaitluanga H. , Hauhnar Lalremruata
Published: June 2023

Removal of cadmium ions through adsorption has been investigated by locally available wood biochar. The motivations of the present study were to investigate the application of this wood biochar in the field of environmental problem, so that wood biochar would be more valuable for the community. Freundlich, Langmuir, Temkin, Redlich-Peterson, Sips, Flory-Huggins, Fowler-Guggenheim, and Harkin-Jura isotherms were used to elucidate the adsorption mechanism. Similarly, Pseudo- first order, Pseudo- second order, Intra-particle diffusion, and liquid film diffusion models were used to study the kinetics of adsorption. The sorption process is favorable with a monolayer formation and predominantly physical adsorption when the equilibrium was attained. The negative value of Gibbs free energy (ΔGo) indicates that the adsorption process is thermodynamically spontaneous and feasible. The presence of repulsion between the adsorbed molecules was also confirmed. The maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) was 28.57 mg/g. The kinetics of the adsorption process follows Pseudo- second order and is also controlled by diffusion through the liquid film. It is also confirm existence of boundary layer influence by Weber and Morris intraparticle diffusion. From these studies, the wood biochar could be used as adsorbents for efficient treatment of Cd (II) from aqueous solution.
In-vitro quality assessment of commercially available Albendazole tablets marketed in Arbaminch town, SNNPR, Ethiopia
Authors: Wado Teshale Etiso , Nuri Yesuf , Kashala Kefita
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Albendazole is amongst the most used broad-spectrum anti-helminthic which is active against a wide range of intestinal parasites. The existence of poor-quality brands in the current drug market is posing a threat to optimizing the therapeutic use of this drug. Therefore conducting regular post-marketing quality control testing has enormous importance.
Methods: This study was carried out on samples collected from Arbaminch town in Ethiopia. Product samples were collected by using a convenient sampling method from private drug retail outlets which are found in Arbaminch town and the quality assessment was done in Jimma University drug quality control laboratory. The collected drug samples were undergone a friability test, weight uniformity test, dissolution test, identification test, and assay test as per British and United States Pharmacopeia specifications.
Result: Brand A3 (0.630) of Albendazole had the highest percentage of friability. None of the tested brands of Albendazole differ from the mean weight by more than 5% which is an acceptable limit. One brand of Albendazole tablets, A1(67.93), failed the dissolution test. Albendazole samples passed the identification test since the retention time of the samples and reference standard do not differ by more than 0.1 minutes. All three Albendazole brands are within the acceptance range of the assay test.
Conclusion: This study of in-vitro quality assessment tests has revealed that all brands passed most quality parameters except one brand of the three tested Albendazole brands that failed the dissolution test. The quality of pharmaceuticals is very important for the ultimate therapeutic outcome.
Expression Of Visceral Adipose Tissue Extracellular Matrix Related Genes Correlates With Insulin Resistance And Predicts Metabolic Improvement Following Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Pérez Maria Teresa Quiles , Beisani Marc , Bello Janice Velasco Moreno , Via Maria Antònia Arbós , Balibrea Jose María , Gil-Barrionuevo Esther
Published: June 2023

Background:The role of different adipose tissues (AT) regarding alterations in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling in obesity is currently unknown. Objective: To perform a comparative analysis on the expression of ECM-related genes in four tissues of interest between obese and non-obese patients.Methods:A comparative transcriptional analysis was performed using microarrays to analyze the expression of ECM-related genes in subcutaneous AT, omentum, mesentery and peritoneum between obese (n=30) and non-obese (n=13) individuals. The main expression differences were validated by RT-qPCR, and their relationship with different clinical variables and evolution following bariatric surgery (BS) was analyzed.Results:Microarray analysis showed overexpression of ECM-related genes in visceral tissues of obese patients, while expression differences between groups were scarce in subcutaneous AT. Omental and mesenteric expression ofHAS1,ADAMTS4,THBS1andS100A8were associated with obesity and insulin resistance. Mesenteric overexpression ofADAMTSfamily metallopeptidases was also detected in insulin-resistant individuals. Epiploic expression ofHAS1,THBS1,VCANandS100A8, as well as peritoneal expression ofTHBS1,ADAMTS1and-4correlated with HOMA-IR in the studied subjects. After BS, omentalTHBS1expression and mesentericADAMTS9expression showed correlation with HOMA-IR variation 12 months following surgery.Conclusions:Our results point to a relationship between the over-expression of ECM-related genes in the analyzed visceral tissues and insulin resistance, as well as with metabolic improvement after BS. Our study highlights the possible contribution of mesenteric AT as well as mesothelial cells to metabolic dysregulation in the obese patient.
Comparative study of differently composted organic fraction of municipal solid waste: Insights from physicochemical analysis
Authors: Rahman Sami Ur , Yousaf Saeeda , Ilyas Muhammad , Su Yuping , Riaz Musarat , Ditta Allah , Ayub Gohar
Published: June 2023

Changes in consumption pattern, living standards, and urbanization, and industrialization has resulted in a huge amount of municipal solid waste generation which poses severe threats to environmental sustainability. In this regard, the present study was conducted to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of three different composting methods, based on different maturity indices for the conversion of organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) to compost as a potting medium. Among the applied methods of composting, windrow composting (WC) showed the higher degradation rate of OFMSW, and compost was obtained in the shortest period followed by pit and drum composting. After a comparative study of all the produced compost, all the physicochemical parameters were found close to each prepared by different methods. All the physical parameters like pH, EC, MC, TOC, and C/N ratios of the prepared composts were in the acceptable range as declared by US and European guidelines for compost. The results revealed that the total content of micronutrients (Zn, Mg, Na, Fe, Cu, Mn) in all produced composts were below the critical ranges specified by the European Commission organic agriculture and A-class compost used in Spain for agriculture purposes. Heavy metals (Ni, Pb, Cr, Cd, and Hg) concentration in the final composts were also below the ranges reported by previous researchers. In conclusion, the composted materials through WC could serve as a potential potting medium owing to the existence of high biodegradable organic material, suitable content of C/N ratio, MC, pH, NPK, micro-and macro-nutrients, and heavy metals below the permissible limits.
A Cross Sectional Study on Knowledge and Attitudes About Organ Donation and Transplantation in an Urban Population in a Low-Income Country.
Authors: Kituuka Olivia , Ocan Moses , Mbiine Ronald , Ibingira Charles , Wayengera Misaki , Tayebwa Mordecai
Published: June 2023

Background: Uganda’s Health Sector Development Plan (2015/16 -2019/2020) noted that most referrals for treatment abroad were for organ transplant services costing government over 5.6 million US dollars. The government of Uganda has invested in building capacity for Organ donation and transplantation services by training human resource and setting up the infrastructure in Kampala where these services can be accessed. However, there is no information on the readiness of communities and the scientific community to embrace (communities) or undertake (science) organ transplantation in the country. We set out to assess Knowledge and Attitudes about organ donation and transplantation among the urban population in Kampala.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 395 participants from the urban population of Kampala at Garden City Mall, Wandegeya market and Nakawa market 28th May - 7th June 2021. We asked about knowledge about organ donation and transplantation, collected sociodemographic data and did a sentiment analysis of participants' attitudes towards organ donation and transplantation.Results: The M:F ratio of participants was 1:1, majority (55.9%) of participants were Baganda, two thirds of participants knew about organ donation, 90% of participants did not know of any government policy on organ donation and transplantation. Radio/television was the commonest source of information. The commonest organ donated was the kidney. Overall, there were 94.3% and 93.2% positive sentiments towards organ transplantation and organ donation respectively. The need for stricter laws governing organ donation and transplantation, corruption and fear were the main negative sentiments expressed by participants.Conclusions:Sensitization of the community is required about government policy on organ donation and transplantation, and this should be communicated through radio/television and social media. There was a positive attitude towards organ donation and transplantation.
Hyperbilirubinemia during Atazanavir/Ritonavir Treatment in HIV-infected Patients at Vajira Hospital, a Tertiary Hospital in Thailand
Authors: Maekarsingharak Duangporn , Thinpangnga Peerawit , Munsakul Warangkana
Published: June 2023

Background
Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in people living with HIV (PLHIV) decreases opportunistic infections; however, long-term HAART use is commonly associated with adverse drug reactions. Although atazanavir/ritonavir (ATV/r) therapy has several advantages, including once-daily dosing, ATV/r-associated hyperbilirubinemia has been frequently reported, with diverse incidence and related factors in many studies. This study investigated the incidence and risk factors of ATV/r-associated hyperbilirubinemia.
Methods
PLHIV who received HAART at the Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Vajira Hospital, from January 2010 to December 2020 were retrospectively recruited. Data were recorded on a standardized timescale every 6 months. The cumulative incidence of hyperbilirubinemia Grade ≥ II was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to study risk factors.
Results
Of the 2,987 participants, 127 received ATV/r, in this cohort with a mean age of 43.22 ± 10.76 years. The average treatment duration was 5.16 ± 3.14 years and the incidence of Grade ≥ II hyperbilirubinemia was 76.38%. The cumulative incidence (95% CI) of hyperbilirubinemia at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8 years was 44.63% (36.42–53.78), 65.53% (56.85–74.06), 74.01% (65.44–81.90), 78.96% (70.49–86.35), 81.59% (73.21–88.63), and 90.03% (80.84–95.99), respectively. Abnormal total bilirubin (TB) at baseline and raltegravir coadministration were associated (HR [95% CI]) with a significantly higher risk (1.22 [1.10–1.35], p ≤ 0.001 and 3.36 [1.20–9.48], p = 0.021, respectively) whereas tenofovir and efavirenz coadministration seemed protective (0.42 [0.27–0.65], p < 0.001 and 0.34 [0.16–0.68], p = 0.003, respectively) against hyperbilirubinemia.
Conclusions
Hyperbilirubinemia is a common adverse effect of ATV/r therapy. Abnormal baseline TB level and raltegravir coadministration were significant risk factors of hyperbilirubinemia. Concomitant tenofovir or efavirenz use seemingly decreased the risk of hyperbilirubinemia. Therefore, the risk of hyperbilirubinemia should be considered when selecting other antiretroviral agents in combination with ATV/r.
Evidence of Autoinflammation as a Principal Mechanism of Myocardial Injury in SARS-CoV-2 PCR-Positive Medical Examiner Cases
Authors: Hammond Margo Elizabeth H , Christensen Erik D , Belenky Michael , Snow Gregory L , Shah Kevin , Hammond M Elizabeth H
Published: June 2023

Background
Disease from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) remains the third leading cause of death in the United States, after cancer and heart disease. Many patients infected with this virus develop later cardiovascular complications including myocardial infarctions, stroke, arrhythmia, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death (20–28%). The purpose of this study is to understand the primary mechanism of myocardial injury in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2.
Methods
We investigated a consecutive cohort of 48 medical examiner cases who died with PCR-positive SARS-CoV-2 (COVpos) infection in 2020. We compared them to a consecutive cohort of 46 age and sex-matched controls who were PCR-negative for SARS-CoV-2 (COVneg). Clinical information available at postmortem examination was reviewed on each patient. Formalin-fixed sections were examined using antibodies directed against CD42 (platelets), CD15 (myeloid cells), CD68 (monocytes), C4d, Fibrin, CD34 (stem cell antigen), CD56 (natural killer cells), and Myeloperoxidase (MPO) (neutrophils and NETs). We used a Welch 2-sample T-test to determine significance. A cluster analysis of marker distribution was also done.
Results
We found a significant difference between COVpos and COVneg samples for all markers, all of which were significant at p < 0.001. The most prominent features were neutrophils (CD15, MPO) and MPO positive debris suggestive of NETS. A similar distribution of platelets, monocytes, fibrin and C4d was seen in COVpos cases. Clinical features were similar in COVpos and COVneg cases for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI).
Conclusion
These findings suggest an autoinflammatory process is likely involved in cardiac damage during these infections.
Study on the Law of Repeated Mining Strata Movement and Surface Subsidence in Close Distance Coal Seam
Authors: Wu Zhoukang , Wang Wencai , Li Tan , Yang Shaochen , Wang Peng , Gao Xiangxiang , Su Baoshan
Published: June 2023

In order to study the characteristics of surface subsidence under the condition of repeated mining of close distance coal seams in Wuhai mining area of the Yellow River Basin, Wuhushan Coal Mine in Wuhai City, Inner Mongolia was taken as the engineering background. By means of theoretical analysis, physical similarity simulation experiment, numerical simulation and field monitoring, the migration law of overlying strata and the determination of maximum surface subsidence value under close repeated mining conditions are studied, and further verified by engineering measurement. Through theoretical analysis, the characteristics of surface subsidence under the condition of close-range repeated mining are studied, and the physical similarity simulation experiment and 3DEC numerical simulation software are used to study the migration law of overlying strata under the condition of close-range repeated mining. The results show that under the condition of repeated mining of close distance coal seams, the migration law of overlying strata and surface of upper and lower coal seams presents four development stages from bottom to top : ' caving stage-fracture development stage-positive trapezoid rising stage-surface subsidence basin formation stage ' ; the distribution law of the maximum subsidence value of the repeated mining surface is not symmetrically distributed, but tends to the cut side ; the surface subsidence coefficient of repeated mining probability integral method in close distance coal seam is corrected. The modified surface subsidence prediction function is used to predict the maximum surface subsidence on site. The error between the surface subsidence prediction curve and the measured curve is 8.9%, which is basically consistent with the measured value. The rationality of the subsidence prediction function of the repeated mining probability integral method in close coal seams is verified. At the same time, the prediction can provide reference for similar working face mining and subsidence control.
Nexus of Public Debt and Banking Stability, What Role for Governance: Evidence from Panel Data estimations for WAEMU’s Banking System
Authors: ASSOUM Feissal , ALINSATO Alastaire Sèna
Published: June 2023

This paper aims to highlight the mediating role of state governance’s quality in public debt effects on banking stability using a sample of 106 banks in the WAEMU area from 2013 to 2019. The results from using the system GMM estimator and a quantile regression with a non-addictive fixed effects approach (QRPD) show that the effect of public debt on banking stability is non-linear and depends on the level of governance. Governance quality mitigates the adverse effect of public debt on banking stability. A governance threshold is identified, showing a minimum level of good quality of governance from which public debt begins enhancing banking stability. We conclude by encouraging the WAEMU countries to significantly improve the quality of governance if they want public debt to promote banking stability.
JEL Classification : C23, G21, H63.
A Chinese medicine formula(Sanzi-huangshi pill) as an adjuvant therapy for lower-risk myelodysplastic syndrome: protocol for a prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded-endpoint (PROBE) trial
Authors: Xu Hao , Hu Qi , Tao Yuchen , Cai Shuyang , Wang Yanlu , Hu Kexin , Xue Tingting , Bao Jizhang , Lu Jiahui
Published: June 2023

Background: Lower-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is characterized by the presence of dysplasia, low bone marrow blast percentage, low number and depth of cytopenia(s), and relatively good-risk karyotpic and molecular abnormalities. Lower-risk MDS patients have primarily received supportive care, immunomodulators, and immunosuppressants. New effective regimens or drugs are urgently needed for the treatment of lower-risk MDS owing to the unsatisfactory clinical efficacy. Sanzi-huangshi pill is an arsenic-containing Chinese medicine that has been used as a promising drug for MDS for decades, but its efficacy has not yet been proven by high-quality clinical trial.
Methods: SPIRIT guidelines were followed in drafting this protocol for a randomized controlled multicenter trial. Ninety-two adults with lower-risk MDS are randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to Sanzi-huangshi pill group or control group, and all participants are required to receive 6 months of intervention and 18 months of observation. The primary outcome is Overall Response Rate defined as the sum of complete remission, partial remission, cytogenetic complete remission and hematologic improvement accounting for the proportion of total evaluable cases.
Discussion: This is the first randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of arsenic-containing Chinese medicine as an adjuvant therapy in lower-risk MDS with serum erythropoietin (sEPO) >500 IU/ml. The purpose of this study is to correctly evaluate the position of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment plan of MDS and to formulate an effective regimen of integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine to provide preliminary clinical evidence.
Clinical Trial Registration: http://www.chictr.org.cn, identifier: ChiCTR2200064230, Registered September 30, 2022.
Design and Simulation of a Highly Sensitive Photonic Crystal Fiber Sensor for Malaria Detection
Authors: MIRED Ilhem , DEBBAL Mohammed , Chikh-Bled Hicham
Published: June 2023

In this word, we investigate a sensor-based photonic crystal fiber with a cladding region composed of four layers of air holes with circular geometry. Two of these holes were filled with hemoglobin. The dispersion behavior was reported numerically, and the proposed PCF was found to exhibit highly sensitive behavior at a wavelength of 1.2µm. Our findings suggest that this PCF shows promising potential for use in blood sensing applications, and may be particularly useful for detecting malaria.
Assessing the prognostic effects of hematologic indices in mortality of patients with methanol poisoning
Authors: Boogar Shahrokh Sadeghi , Hassani Amir Hossein , Shirazi Farnaz Kamali Haghighi , Roozbeh Jamshid , Pakfetrat Maryam , Nikoo Mohammad Hossein , Ostovan Vahid Reza , Khodamoradi Zohre , Kouhi Paryia , Jamali Mohammad Hossein
Published: June 2023

Background: methanol poisoning is an important cause of death, especially in countries where alcohol consumption is forbidden by law. Due to unspecific symptoms, diagnosis of this condition is made by a delay; however, having a prognostic tool for predicting the outcome of patients with methanol poisoning would help physicians stratify the risk imposed to each patient. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic effect of hematologic indices in patients with methanol poisoning.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 311 patients with methanol poisoning were evaluated. The hematologic indices of the patients including hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, platelets, leukocytes and lactate dehydrogenase levels were extracted from the patient files. The factors were compared in survived and expired patients. The correlation of the hematologic indices and mortality was evaluated using spearman’s correlation test and the ROC curves were drawn.
Results: among the 311 patients who entered in our study, the mean age was 32.56±10.672 and 282 patients (90.7%) were male. Fifty-eight patients (18.6%) expired in our study. The expired patients were older, and had higher leukocytes, MCV, and LDH levels. An LDH higher than 381 had a sensitivity and specificity of 93.5% and 55.1%, respectively for mortality due to methanol poisoning.
Conclusions: leukocytosis, macrocytosis, and higher serum LDH levels were associated with higher mortality in methanol poisoning, and high LDH had the highest prognostic factor for prediction of death in this condition.
Occupational health and safety practices among frontline Medical laboratory staff in the Covid-19 testing centres in the Bono region of Ghana
Authors: Garchie Emmanuel I. A. , Mensah Benjamin Tetteh , Ntiamoah Elvis Oppong
Published: June 2023

Background: Medical laboratory personnel are exposed to various occupational risks, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their role in testing COVID-19 patients puts them at risk of contracting the virus while handling specimens. This study aimed to assess the occupational health and safety practices of frontline medical laboratory staff in COVID-19 testing laboratories in Ghana's Bono region.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using purposive sampling among medical laboratory staff at five COVID-19 testing centers in the Bono region. Checklists, interview schedules and structured questionnaires were used for data collection. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0.
Results: The study included 137 participants, with 85 (62.0%) aged between 21 and 30 years. Males constituted 96(70.1%) whiles females constituted 41(29.9%) of the study participants. Among the respondents, 55% reported having been infected with COVID-19 before vaccination, 30% after vaccination, and 15% both before and after immunization. The majority of participants (93%) emphasized the importance of adhering to occupational health and safety procedures. Furthermore, 97% believed that standard operating procedures should be regularly reviewed, and 91% agreed that rewards should be provided
for following safety protocols.
Conclusion: The study revealed a positive attitude toward adherence to occupational health and safety protocols among frontline medical laboratory staff in COVID-19 testing centers in the Bono region of Ghana.
Analysis of gastric mucosal commensal bacteria and plasma metabolites across different stomach microhabitats using multi-omic analyses in development of gastric cancer
Authors: Wang Bingsen , Luan Jiahui , Zhao Weidong , Yu Jun bao , Li Anqing , Li Xinxin , Zhong Xiaoqin , Cao Hongyun , Wang Ruicai , Liu Bo , Lu Shiyong , Shi Mei
Published: June 2023

As an important component of microenvironment, the gastric microbiota and their metabolites are associated to tumor occurrence, progression and metastasis. However, the relationship between gastric microbiota and the development of gastric cancer is far from clear. To investigate the role of gastric mucosa microbiome and metabolites as etiological factors in gastric carcinogenesis, gastric biopsies (n=70) and blood samples (n=95) were applied to identify microbial structure and plasma metabolic changes in different stomach microhabitats using multi-omics techniques including the 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and metabolomics. It was noted that the microbiota diversity and community composition were remarkably changed in different stomach microhabitats during gastric carcinogenesis, especially in the presence of Helicobacter pylori. High H. pylori colonization modified the overall diversity and the composition of the gastric microbiota in gastritis and tumoral microhabitats. Most importantly, the gastric carcinoma microbiota was characterized by reduced abundance of Helicobacter and by the prevalence of other bacterial genera at the developmental stage of gastric cancer, mostly represented by oral cavity and intestinal microbiota. PiCRUSt2 analysis revealed that the nitrate reductase genes were significantly enriched in tumoral microbiota, while urease-producing function was significantly enriched in microbiota of Hp-positive cases. The untargeted metabolomics analysis uncovered 81 metabolites, including 2-methoxyestradiol, 8,9-DiHETrE and leukotriene B4, were significantly different between superficial gastritis and gastric cancer patients and they were related to top 25 signal pathways. On the other hand, uric acid, N-acetylserotonin and phenylethylamine significantly discriminated H. pylori-positive and H. pylori-negative patients with chronic atrophic gastritis. Furthermore, ROC curve analysis identified a series of gastric microbiota and plasma metabolite signatures which might playimportant roles in gastric carcinogenesis and had the potential to be used as biomarkers for diagnosis, making surveillance of gastric cancer patients with a minimally invasive possibility.
The AHP method as a yacht design support used to determine sailing yacht owners' preferences for deck equipment.
Authors: Sierzputowski Jan , Karczewski Artur , Krata Przemysław
Published: June 2023

A sailing yacht is a human-centred product which design revolves primarily around the wants and desires of her future owner. These preferences are in most cases immeasurable e.g., the personal aesthetic feeling, a need of comfort, speed, safety etc. The aims of this paper are firstly to demonstrate that these likings can be classified and represented numerically, and secondly to indicate that they correlate with the type of the owned yacht. As a case study, the owners’ preferences regarding deck equipment are considered. They are determined by pairwise comparisons of the grades of importance of features previously defined by the yacht owners, which is a part of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method used in this study. In result a quantitative representation of a studied preferences is established. Furthermore, they correlate with the type of the operated yacht. The findings of the current study show that the yacht owners’ preferences can be represented numerically, what leads to a utilitarian conclusion that concerns the support and even some degree of automation of the design process.