bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SNRPG serves as a novel predictor of prognosis and tumor development for hepatocellular carcinoma by activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling
Authors: Qin Yunsheng , Zhou Zhipeng , Shi Tongdong , Sun Jian , Liu Yang
Published: September 2023

Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies with poor prognosis and high mortality. The study aimed to identify crucial genes associated with HCC prognosis and treat responses, as well as the underlying mechanisms.
Methods
mRNA and protein levels in tumor cells and tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC), qRT-PCR, and western blot. CCK-8 assay was used to assess the proliferation of HCC cells and Cell cycle status was analyzed by flow cytometer. The protein interaction between SNRPB and SNRPG was verified using Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). The effects of SNRPB and SNRPG expression on tumor response to XAV939 and immune checkpoint blocking (ICB) therapies were deduced through the analysis of TIDE and genomic of the GDSC dataset.
Results
SNRPB and SNRPG were significantly up-regulated in HCC tissues than that in adjacent non-tumor tissues. HCC patients with higher expressions of SNRPB and SNRPG had poor prognoses and lower survival rates. SNRPG knockdown resulted in an obvious decrease in proliferation and EMT of HCC cells and cell cycle arrest in the G2 phase, as well as reduced protein expressions of components and targets of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. SNRPG overexpression simultaneously with shSNRPB recovered proliferation inhibition caused by SNRPB knockdown. Importantly, the double-genes prognostic signature formed by SNRPB and SNRPG had a good prognostic value for HCC patients and was negatively associated with the responses to chemo drug XAV939 and immune checkpoint blocking (ICB) therapies.
Conclusion
SNRPG was a potential interactive tumor-promoting factor and may guide clinical chemotherapy and immunotherapy for HCC.
Patient-Reported Outcome Measures More Than Fifteen Years After Treatment of Sagittal or Metopic Craniosynostosis: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Woerdeman Peter A. , Klieverik Vita M. , Cheong Alexander , Singhal Ash , Cochrane Douglas , Steinbok Paul
Published: September 2023

Purpose
To evaluate the long-term anthropometric measurements, cosmetic satisfaction, and other patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) of patients who underwent surgical treatment or observation only of sagittal or metopic single-suture craniosynostosis (SSC).
Methods
A prospective study was designed for all patients diagnosed with non-syndromic sagittal and metopic craniosynostosis at the British Columbia Children’s Hospital, Vancouver, Canada, in the period July 1986 to July 2006. After a minimum of 15 years post-diagnosis, all eligible patients were invited to fill out the Craniofacial Surgery Outcomes Questionnaire (CSO-Q) and to attend a scheduled follow-up appointment for the collection of anthropometric measurements. A descriptive analysis of the cosmetic results was performed. Statistical analyses compared the differences in anthropometric measurements between treated and non-treated patients.
Results
Of the 253 eligible patients, 52 participants were willing to share patient data for use in the study. Of those 52 former patients, 36 (69.2%) filled out and returned the CSO-Q and 23 (44.2%) attended the follow-up appointment. The mean follow-up period between surgical treatment and the CSO-Q was 20.2 ± 2.5 years and between surgical treatment and the follow-up appointment was 20.9 ± 2.7 years. In patients with sagittal SSC, the mean cephalic index (CI) was significantly larger in treated than in non-treated patients (74.6 versus 69.1, p = 0.04), while the mean pupillary distance and forehead to back index were significantly smaller (pupillary distance 6.0 cm versus 6.7 cm [p = 0.04] and forehead to back index 19.6 cm versus 21.1 cm [p = 0.03]). Focusing more on the patient reported outcome measures, overall cosmetic satisfaction was found to be high (80.6%) and no differences were found between sagittal and metopic synostosis patients, nor between treated or non-treated craniosynostosis patients. Overall outcomes regarding self-esteem (RSES) and fear of negative evaluation (FNE) were comparable with population based outcomes.
Conclusion
This is the first prospective study of sagittal and metopic craniosynostosis patients regarding long-term anthropometric outcome and patient reported outcome measures, including patients who were treated surgically and those who received observation only. Although study participation two decades after initial diagnosis was difficult to obtain, our data provide a platform from which one can develop an inclusive and uniform approach to assess patients’ subjective cosmetic satisfaction using the CSO-Questionnaire and might be useful in preoperative counseling and psychosocial care for patients and their families.
The Effect of Different Elicitor Treatments on Cold Stress in V. Vinifera L. Cv. 'victoria'
Authors: Daler Selda , YAĞCI Adem , CANGİ Rüstem
Published: September 2023

In the study carried out as a two–year greenhouse experiment, the effects of salicylic acid (SA; 0.5, 1.0 and 2.5 mM), methyl jasmonate (MJ; 5, 10 and 15 mM) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP; 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mM) treatments at different concentrations against cold stress (4°C, 16 hours) in Victoria variety grapevine saplings were investigated, and the most effective concentration ranges were investigated. 1.0 mM SA was found to be the most effective treatment to promote cold stress resistance of grapevines by increasing superoxide dismutase (114.23 U.mg− 1 protein), catalase (1.024 U.mg− 1 protein) and ascorbate peroxidase (20.43 U.mg− 1 protein) enzyme activities while decreasing electrolyte leakage (14.44%) and lipid peroxidation (6.07 nmol.g− 1) levels. Moreover, 10 mM MJ and 1.0 mM SNP treatments also contributed to the improvement of the osmotic adjustment capacity of grapevines by increasing proline content (MJ, 0.185 µmol.g− 1; SNP, 0.435 µmol.g− 1) and relative water content (MJ, 90.06%; SNP, 89.78%), and decreasing electrolyte leakage (MJ, 14.71%; SNP, 16.06%) and lipid peroxidation (MJ, 4.10 nmol.g− 1; SNP, 5.96 nmol.g− 1). Additionally, principal component analysis, heatmap and comprehensive evaluation based on the analytic hierarchy process indicated that 1.0 mM SA, 10 mM MJ and 1.0 mM SNP treatments performed better than other treatments in terms of both increasing plant resistance and reducing the severity of damage. This study contains important information that can provide a reference for researchers to enhance the adaptation ability of grapevines to cold stress and can enhance the success of future studies.
Correlation of diet and micronutrients with microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus: A Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Pu Shengdan , Xu Yuxin , Sun Xiaotong , Tong Xuewei , Zhang Yitong , Gao Xinyuan
Published: September 2023

Background
Observational studies have found that dietary intake and certain micronutrients are associated with microvascular complications of diabetes. However, the exact causal relationship is unclear.
Methods
Causal associations of dietary intake and micronutrients with 2 diabetic microvascular complications (diabetic retinopathy and diabetic nephropathy) were explored using two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses, respectively. Genetic data related to dietary intake were obtained from the IEU public database, and genetic data related to micronutrients were obtained from previous genome-wide association studies. Summary statistics for microvascular complications of diabetes were obtained from the FinnGen consortium. Random-effects inverse variance weighted estimation was used as the primary method. Heterogeneity was tested using Cochran's Q statistic. The MR-Egger intercept was used to test for pleiotropy. In addition, we used leave-one-out analysis to test for the presence of SNPs that independently influenced the results.
Results
Inverse variance weighted estimates suggest coffee intake leads to increased risk of DR [OR = 2.15, 95%CI(1.44–3.20), p = 1.68E-04] and DN [OR = 3.34, 95%CI(1.72–6.46), p = 3.54E-04]. Cheese intake has a protective effect on DR [OR = 0.50, 95%CI(0.34–0.74), p = 4.39E-04]. No significant correlation was observed between micronutrients and two diabetic microvascular complications.
Conclusions
These findings expose a causal relationship between diet and microvascular complications of diabetes. Coffee intake was associated with an increased risk of DR and DN. Cheese intake was associated with decreased risk of DR.
Injectable kaempferol-loaded fibrin glue regulates metabolic balance and inhibits inflammation in intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Gao Wenshuo , Bao Jianhang , He Du , Zhang Yujun , Zhang Liangping , Pan Hao , Wang Dong
Published: September 2023

Kaempferol has a prominent anti-inflammatory effect, and it has been shown to be effective in treating chronic inflammatory diseases, including intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). However, the rapid release and clearance of kaempferol in IVDD treatment has limited its application. Natural fibrinogen is a widely used biomaterial with suitable biocompatibility and cell interaction and has certain anti-inflammatory and pro-repair effects. The combination of kaempferol and fibrin glue can not only promote the anti-inflammatory effect of kaempferol but prolong the release of drugs. We successfully constructed a kaempferol-loaded fibrin hydrogel system (FG@F) that can reduce the inflammatory response associated with IVDD and regulate matrix synthesis and degradation. Animal experimental results show that the FG@F system can maintain the IVDD early microenvironment in a steady state and improve IVDD. An IVDD drug delivery and biotherapy platform based on this functional system might also serve as an alternative therapy for IVDD.
Powder bed fusion of AlSi10Mg using an electron beam: Processability, microstructure and mechanical properties
Authors: Ortmann Robert , Kretzer Nele , Grimm Tobias , Sehrt Jan T.
Published: September 2023

Powder bed fusion additive manufacturing processes of metals using an electron beam (PBF-EB/M) and laser beam (PBF-LB/M) are methods for producing complex near-net-shape parts layer upon layer, which are standardized in DIN EN ISO/ASTM 52900. Although the manufacturing processes are extensively used in research and industry, the processing of aluminum alloys with high specific strength, such as AlSi10Mg, is only applied and scientifically covered in laser powder bed fusion, but not yet in electron beam powder bed fusion using a spot-based exposure approach. Based on powder feedstock characterization, this study focuses on the processability, element evaporation, and properties of AlSi10Mg samples processed by electron beam powder bed fusion and compares the obtained properties with those reported for AlSi10Mg processed by PBF-LB/M. Manufactured samples achieve 99.9 % relative density and a Vickers hardness of up to 52 HV1. Tensile properties are showing lower tensile strengths of up to 152 MPa, but superior elongation at break values of up to 27 % compared to PBF-LB/M.
Advanced in immunological monitoring of HIV infection: value of NK cells and pro- inflammatory cytokines in people living with HIV-1 in Benin
Authors: Assogba Pierrot Yaou , Adechina Adefounke Prudencia , Tchiakpe Edmond , Nouatin Odilon Paterne , Kèkè René K. , Bachabi Moussa , Bankole Honoré Sourou , Yessoufou Akadiri
Published: September 2023

Background
Immune cells and cytokines have been linked to viremia dynamic and immune status during HIV infection. They may serve as useful biomarkers in the monitoring of people living with HIV-1 (PLHIV-1). The present work was aimed to assess whether cytokines and immune cell profiles may help in the therapeutic follow-up of PLHIV-1.
Methods
Forty PLHIV-1 in treatment success (PLHIV-1s) and fifty PLHIV-1 in treatment failure (PLHIV-1f) followed at the University Hospital of Abomey-Calavi/Sô-Ava in Benin were enrolled. Twenty healthy persons were also recruited as control group. Circulating cytokines and immune cells were quantified respectively by ELISA and flow cytometry.
Results
PLHIV-1 exhibited low proportions of CD4 + T cells, NK, NKT, granulocytes, classical and non-classical monocytes, and high proportions of CD8 + T cells, particularly in the PLHIV-1f group, compared to control subjects. Eosinophils, neutrophils and B cell frequencies did not change between the study groups. Circulating IFN-γ decreased whereas IL-4 significantly increased in PLHIV-1s compared to PLHIV-1f and control subjects even though the HIV infection in PLHIV-1s downregulated the high Th1 phenotype observed in control subjects. However, Th1/Th2 ratio remained biased to a Th1 phenotype in PLHIV-1f, suggesting that high viral load may have maintained a potential pro-inflammatory status in these patients. Data on inflammatory cytokines showed that IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations were significantly higher in PLHIV-1s and PLHIV-1f groups than in control subjects. Significant high levels of IL-5 and IL-7 were observed in PLHIV-1f compared to controls whereas PLHIV-1s presented only a high level of IL-5. No change was observed in IL-13 levels between the study groups.
Conclusion
Our study shows that, in addition to CD4/CD8 T cell ratio, NK and NKT cells along with IL-6, TNF-α, IL-5 and IL-7 cytokines could serve as valuable immunological biomarkers in the therapeutic monitoring of PLHIV-1 although a larger number of patients would be necessary to confirm these results.
New values of the accumulated development rate for detailed the spring wheat phenological stage model calibrated with multilocal and multiyear documentation in subtropical Brazil
Authors: Barbosa Eduardo Augusto Agnellos , Kochinski Edson Giovanni , Fogaça Alisson Marcos , Tsukahara Rodri Yoiti
Published: September 2023

The model for simulating wheat phenological development proposed by Wang and Engel (WE) represents a major advance in establishing wheat phenological phases based on air temperature and photoperiod information. However, the WE model was developed for winter wheat and may have flaws in the phenological prediction of spring wheat. In this sense, the study aims to predict in detail the phenological stages of spring wheat, with new values of the accumulated development rate and with no effect of vernalization (f(V) = 1.0) cultivated in the subtropical region from Brazil. Climatic and phenological information of three genotypes were collected at five locations and eleven sowing dates for calibration and validation of the WE model adjusted for spring wheat. The WE model multilocal and multiyear documentation of spring wheat growth were partitioned in El Niño, La Niña, and neutral conditions to calibrate and validate the model in five sites for five growing seasons. The original model was improved from three phenological events to ten phenological stages and the model coefficient was calibrated to predict the Julian date of occurrence of each stage. A validation dataset that contained 344 observations in different weather conditions was compared with the model outputs and it resulted in R2 and Willmott agreement index greater than 0.98, and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 4 days. The new values of the accumulated development rate predicted the dates of the developmental stage for spring wheat more precisely and with a low RMSE. The cumulative RMSE of the model along the growth period reached 6 days. The present model is a sharp tool to schedule spring wheat management.
Bioimpedance analysis for identifying new indicators of exercise-induced muscle damage
Authors: YAMAGUCHI SHOTA , Inami Takayuki , Hiroyuki Ishida , Naoya Nagata , Mitsuyoshi Murayama , Akihisa Morito , Satoshi Yamada , Naohiko Kohtake
Published: September 2023

To date, noninvasive and immediate assessment of muscle tissue status after exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) has not been established. This study was designed to assess and determine parameters suitable for measuring EIMD after eccentric exercise, using multi-frequency bioimpedance analysis (BIA). Thirty-five young male participants performed dumbbell exercises with their left arm, and BIA parameters were measured at time points up to 168 h post exercise using a multi-frequency BIA device. At all time points, intra and extracellular water content was greater in the left arm than in the right arm, and the impedance, reactance, resistance, and phase angle were lower in the left arm than in the right arm. Established indices of EIMD, such as maximal isometric voluntary contraction, were measured and used in correlational analyses. Only reactance was highly correlated with biomarkers indicating muscle damage; therefore among BIA parameters, reactance is the most suitable to assess EIMD.
Effect of an 8-week physical exercise program on functional physical fitness and quality of life in elderly people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease residing at high altitude
Authors: Villamil-Parra Wilder , Mancera-Soto Erica , Torrella Joan Ramon , Cristancho-Mejía Edgar
Published: September 2023

Introduction: People with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are exposed to chronic hypoxia due to structural and functional damage to the respiratory system that disrupts O2 diffusion. These aspects decrease physical fitness, fatigue tolerance, and quality of life of people. It is recognized that physical exercise improves the physical condition of people with COPD; however, the effects of exercise on physical fitness and quality of life in people with COPD exposed to altitudinal hypoxia are poorly known.
Purpose: To establish the effect of an 8-week physical exercise program on functional physical fitness and quality of life in people with COPD living at >2500m.
Methods: The intervention was a physical exercise home program comprising physical training and health education sessions for COPD and control groups. The physical condition was measured with functional tests. Quality of Life was assessed after the impact of respiratory symptoms, and by evaluating functional impairment attributable to dyspnea.
Results: The patients with COPD increased SpO2 by 8% (P<0.001) and decreased heart rate at rest and systolic blood pressure by 11% and 4%. Physical performance of people with COPD increased by 107% in 6MWT, 60% in Arm Curl Test, 38% in 30secSTS, 39% in Hand Grip Test, 23% in Back Scratch Test, and 45% in Chair Sit and Reach Test. Quality of life increased and dyspnea decreased (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The intervention program improved their physical condition and quality of life to values comparable to age-matched participants without respiratory disease.
Trial registration. NCT04955977 - [Clinical Trials.gov]. Registered on July 9, 2021.
Design and testing of a Mini-RF plasma thruster with permanent magnets
Authors: Sun Yuzhe , Zhang Jikun , Zhang Zun
Published: September 2023

Compared with traditional electric propulsion, RF plasma thruster have attracted much attention due to their characteristics of no electrodes, long life, and high ionization rate. In recent years, the development of micro-nano satellites has put forward requirements for the miniaturization, modularization, and integration of satellite thrusters, and the miniaturization of RF plasma thrusters has a broad prospect. In this paper, a mini-RF plasma thruster with a discharge chamber inner diameter of 10 mm is designed, and a magnetic field is generated around it by two annular samarium cobalt permanent magnets. The discharge state and plasma parameters of the mini-RF thruster are tested using optical emission spectrometry (OES) and target thrust stand. In the experiment, we changed the flow rate of argon gas, the presence or absence of a magnetic field, the power of the RF source and analyzed the effects of these factors on the mode transition, plasma density, electron temperature, and thrust. According to the experimental results, it is found that the magnetic field (maximum strength 0.14T) helps to increase the plasma density at low power but delay the jump power threshold of the CCP-ICP.
Brucella pituitosa strain BU72, a new hydrocarbonoclastic bacterium through exopolysaccharide-based surfactants production
Authors: MAHJOUBI Mouna , CHERIF Hanene , ALIYU Habibu , CHOUCHANE Habib , CAPPELLO Simone , NAIFER Mohamed , MAPELLI Francesca , SOUISSI Yasmine , BORIN Sara , COWAN Don A. , CHERIF Ameur
Published: September 2023

Hydrocarbons and heavy metals pollution is considered among the most prevalent and serious problems in environment due to their toxicity and persistence. Bioremediation, using microorganisms, is considered as one of the most effective ways to reduce this type of pollution. In the present study, we unveil the bioremediation potential of Brucella pituitosa strain BU72. Besides its ability to grow on multiple hydrocarbons as sole carbon source and highly tolerant to several heavy metals, BU72 was able to produce different exopolysaccharide-based surfactants (EBS) when grown with glucose or with crude oil as sole carbon source. These EBS demonstrated particular and specific functional groups as determined by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectral analysis that showed a strong absorption peak at 3250 cm− 1 generated by -OH group for both EBS. The major differences in the FTIR spectra, of EBS produced are the increase of functional groups and the protein content. To better understand the EBS production coupled to the degradation of hydrocarbons and heavy metal resistance, the genome of strain BU72 was sequenced. Annotation of the genome revealed the presence of multiple genes putatively involved in EBS production pathways coupled with resistance to heavy metals genes such as arsenic tolerance and cobalt-zinc-cadmium resistance were identified. The genome sequence analysis showed the potential of BU72 to synthesize secondary metabolites and confirmed the presence of genes involved in plant-growth promoting. Here we provide a physiological and metabolic characterization associated with genomic analyses of BU72 considered as a promising candidate for application in the bioremediation.
Develop and test the reliability and validity of the postoperative visual function rehabilitation compliance assessment scale for children with congenital cataract
Authors: Zhang Yanan , Xie Wanhua , Xiang Daoman
Published: September 2023

Purpose To develop the postoperative visual function rehabilitation compliance assessment scale for children with congenital cataract, and test its reliability and validity.
Method The interactive model of health behavior is taken as the theoretical framework, and the first draft of the scale was constructed through literature review, qualitative interview and Delphi expert correspondence. From June 2022 to July 2023, convenience sampling was used to select 225 children with congenital cataract who were treated in the ophthalmology clinic and inpatient department of a children's hospital in Guangzhou to conduct a questionnaire survey. The items of the scale were revised and the reliability and validity were tested.
ResultsThe postoperative visual rehabilitation compliance scale for children with congenital cataract included 5 dimensions and 18 items. Exploratory factor analysis extracted a total of 5 common factors, and the cumulative variance contribution rate was 68.151%. The item-level content validity index ranged from 0.730 to 1.000. The content validity index of the scale was 0.963. The total Cronbach's α coefficient, split-half reliability and test-retest reliability of the scale were 0.855, 0.778 and 0.859, respectively.
ConclusionsThe postoperative visual function rehabilitation compliance scale for children with congenital cataract has good reliability and validity, which can be used to evaluate the postoperative visual function rehabilitation compliance of children with congenital cataract, and can provide reference for the clinical development of standardized nursing programs for children with congenital cataract.
Reconstruction of the posterior root of the medial meniscus in pigs with an autologous patellar tendon: an experimental study
Authors: chen zhian , Li Anxu , Shi Rongmao , Wang Ling , Cao Zijian , Mao Neng , Luo Zhihong , Tan Hongbo
Published: September 2023

The posterior horn of the medial meniscus (MMPR) bears a greater proportion of load through strong bone attachments than the anterior horn of MM, resulting in a higher injury rate. Removal and repair through the tibial plateau is the most commonly used surgical treatment, but long-term studies have found poor efficacy. The type I collagen fiber bundle of tendon tissue is the same as the part of the meniscus, and tendon reconstruction of the meniscus has not been reported in large animal models.Here, we established an animal model through Twelve pigs were selected and compared autologous patellar tendon reconstruction versus trans-tibial plateau pull-out repair.Autologous patellar tendon reconstruction of the MMPR can generate a fibrocartilage-like regenerative meniscus, and both reconstruction and pull-out repair can preserve the structural integrity of the meniscus, promote healing of the MMPR, delay the degeneration of the meniscus.Compared to tibial plateau pull-outrepair, the autologous patellar tendon reconstruction group has significant advantages in meniscus repair.
Prevalence and serotype distribution of nasopharyngeal carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae among healthy children under 5 years old in Hainan Province, China
Authors: Wang Jian , Qiu Li , Bai Shuang , Zhao Wei , Zhang Ao , Li Jing , Zhang Jun-Nan , Zhou Shan-Shan , Qiu Ren , Huang Zhu , Liu Jv-Xia , Wang Ting-Bin , Sun Xue , Wu Jiang , Zheng Qun , He Bin , Lv Min
Published: September 2023

Background The thirteen-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) is not included in the national immunization program and administered voluntarily with informed consent in China. In preparation for assessing the impact of pilot introduction in Hainan Province, we conducted a carriage study among children under 5 years old from four regions in Hainan Province.
Methods In 2022, nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs collected from healthy children were tested for pneumococcus using conventional culture. Pneumococcal isolates were serotyped using the Quellung reaction. Risk factors associated with pneumococcal colonization were assessed using univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression adjusting for age, daycae attendance and other factors.
Result Pneumococcus was isolated in 710 (30.4%) of the 2333 children enrolled. Of 737 pneumococci, 29 serotypes were identified; 60.9% were PCV13 serotypes; the most common were 6B (20.4%), 19F (13.04%), 6A (11.9%) and 23F (6.1%); and the most common non-vaccine serotypes were 23A (12.9%), 34 (6.08%) and nontypeable (NT) pneumococci (5.6%). Children vaccinated with PCV13 had lower carriage (17.7% vs 32.5%; P=0.0001) and fewer were PCV13-type (41.9% vs 62.7%; P=0.0017) compared to unimmunized children. After adjustment, NP carriage was higher among children attending daycae and those with siblings; living in urban areas, mothers who had completed senior high/technical secondary school and completion of 3-4 doses of PCV13 were associated with a lower carriage rate.
Conclusions We established the baseline of pneumococcal carriage, serotype distribution and PCV13 immunization rates among healthy children under 5 years old in Hainan Province, prior to the introduction of PCV13 into national immunization. The high proportion of PCV13 serotype suggests that PCV13 introduction will likely have substantial impact on pneumococcal carriage in Hainan Province.
Examining the feasibility of assisted index case testing for HIV case-finding: a qualitative analysis of barriers and facilitators to implementation in Malawi
Authors: Meek Caroline J. , Munkhondya Tiwonge E. Mbeya , Mphande Mtisunge , Tembo Tapiwa A. , Chitani Mike , Jean-Baptiste Milenka , Vansia Dhrutika , Kumbuyo Caroline , Simon Katherine R. , Rutstein Sarah E. , Barrington Clare , Kim Maria H. , Go Vivian F. , Rosenberg Nora E.
Published: September 2023

Background: Assisted index case testing, in which health care workers take an active role in referring at-risk contacts of people living with HIV for HIV testing services, has been widely recognized as an evidence-based intervention with high potential to increase PLHIV status awareness. Promising evidence for the approach has led to several attempts to scale assisted index case testing throughout eastern and southern Africa in recent years. However, despite effective implementation being at the heart of any assisted index case testing strategy, there is limited implementation science research from the perspective of the HCWs who are doing the “assisting”. This study examines the feasibility of assisted index case testing from the perspective of health care workers implementing the approach in Malawi.
Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with 26 lay health care workers delivering assisted index case testing in Malawian health facilities. Interviews explored health care workers’ experiences counselling index clients and tracing these clients’ contacts, aiming to inform development of a blended learning implementation package. Transcripts were inductively analyzed using Dedoose coding software to identify and describe key factors influencing feasibility of assisted index case testing. Analysis included multiple rounds of coding and iteration with the data collection team.
Results: Participants reported a variety of barriers to feasibility of assisted index case testing implementation, including privacy concerns, limited time for assisted index case testing amid high workloads, poor quality contact information, logistical obstacles to tracing, and challenges of discussing sexual behavior with clients. Participants also reported several health care worker characteristics that facilitate feasibility: robust understanding of assisted index case testing’s rationale and knowledge of procedures, strong interpersonal skills, positive attitudes towards clients, and sense of purpose in their work.
Conclusions: Findings demonstrate that maximizing assisted index case testing’s potential to increase HIV status awareness requires adequately equipping health care workers with appropriate knowledge, skills, and support to address and overcome the many feasibility challenges that they face in implementation.
Trial Registration Number: NCT05343390
Date of registration: April 25, 2022
A predictive model for the failure of the first placement of ureteral access sheath (12/14Fr): a multi-center retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Guoqing , Zou Zhonglin , Jiang Bo , Yin Hubin , Li Xinyuan , Li Bo , Yao Yunzhuo , Deng Yuanzhong
Published: September 2023

Background: Method for predicting failure of the first placement of ureteral access sheath (UAS) are currently lacking.
Methods: All patients were enrolled in two large medical centers from 2015 to 2022. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were conducted to identify independent prognostic factors. Based on the results of the multivariate logistic regression models, a nomogram was developed. The consistency index, receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), calibration curve, decision curve analysis, and kappa-test was used for validating efficiency of the prognostic nomogram.
Results: 563 eligible patients were enrolled in the study and then randomly divided into a training cohort (n=299) and a validation cohort (n=213). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the cross-sectional area of the lower ureter, history of calculi expulsion from the urethra, and normal ureteral wall thickness of the lower ureter were independent risk factors associated with failure of the first placement of UAS. The C-index was 0.980 and 0.968 in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.986 and 0.961 in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. Moreover, calibration curves and decision curve analysis demonstrated that the nomogram exhibited favorable predictive accuracy in the training cohort. Ultimately, the kappa test confirmed a significant agreement between predicted outcomes and actual outcomes in 51 patients (kappa value = 0.538, P < 0.001).
Conclusion: Our study provided an individualized risk assessment for the initial placement of UAS in patients with renal or ureteral calculi using a prognostic nomogram. Additionally, based on this prediction, urologists can advise patients to choose between ureteral stenting or flexible ureteroscopy prior to surgery.
Immune inhibitory receptor-mediated immune response, metabolic adaptation, and clinical characterization in COVID-19 patients
Authors: An Huaying , Yan Congrui , Ma Jun , Gong Jiayuan , Gao Fenghua , Ning Changwen , Wang Fei , Zhang Meng , Li Baoyi , Su Yunqi , Liu Pengyu , Wei Hanqi , Jiang Xingwei , Yu Qun
Published: September 2023

Immune inhibitory receptors (IRs) have been demonstrated to play a critical role in the regulation of immune response to various respiratory viral infection. However, in COVID-19, the potential roles of the integrated effect of these IRs in immune modulation, metabolic reprogramming, and clinical characterization remains to be determined. Through the consensus clustering analysis of IR transcription in the peripheral blood of COVID-19 patients, we identified two distinct IR patterns in COVID-19 patients. And we demonstrated that IR_cluster2 patients characterized by lower expression of most IRs presented suppressed immune response, lower nutrient metabolism, and worse clinical manifestations or prognosis. To quantify and assess the IR patterns of individual COVID-19 patients, we established a scoring system named IRscore based on principal component analysis algorithms. Similar to IR_cluster2 patients, patients with high IRscore had a longer hospital-free days at day 45, required ICU admission and mechanical ventilatory support, and presented higher Charlson comorbidity index score and SOFA score. Moreover, high IRscore was also linked to high viral load, acute infection phase, and absence of drug intervention. Our investigation comprehensively elucidates the potential role of IR patterns in regulating immune response, modulating metabolic processes, and shaping clinical manifestations for COVID-19. All these evidences suggest the essential role of prognostic stratification and biomarker screening based on IR patterns in the clinical management and drug development of future emerging infectious diseases such as COVID-19.
Incorporation of Patient and Public Involvement in Statistical Methodology Research: Development of an Animation
Authors: Worboys Hannah M , Broomfield Jonathan , Smith Aiden , Stannard Rachael , Tyrer Freya , Vounzoulaki Elpida , Czyznikowska Barbara , Grewal-Santini Gurpreet , Greenwood Justin , SMART PPI- , Gray Laura J
Published: September 2023

Background:
Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) is important to all aspects of health research. However, there are few examples of successful PPI in statistical methodology research. One of the reasons for this relates to challenges in the identification of individuals interested in statistical methods, and ambiguities over the importance of PPI to these projects.
Methods:
This project was conducted between August 2022 and August 2023. The aim is to report the process of the development of an accessible animation to describe what statistical methodology is and the importance of PPI in methods-based projects. For this, we combined storyboarding and scriptwriting with feedback from PPI members and researchers.
Results:
After three stages that incorporated feedback from the relevant stakeholders, we produced a final animation about PPI in statistical methodology. The resulting animation used minimal text, simple animation techniques and was of short duration (< 3 minutes) to optimise the communication of the key messages clearly and effectively.
Conclusions:
The resulting animation provides a starting point for members of the public to learn about PPI in statistical methodology and for methodologists who wish to conduct PPI. We recommend further work to explore ways in which members of the public can be more meaningfully involved in methodology research.
The Socio-Economic Determinants of the Number of Physicians in Italian Regions
Authors: Leogrande Angelo , Costantiello Alberto , Leogrande Domenico
Published: September 2023

In the following article, we analyse the determinants of the number of physicians in the context of ISTAT BES-Benessere Equo Sostenibile data among twenty Italian regions in the period 2004-2022. We apply Panel Data with Random Effects, Panel Data with Fixed Effects, and Pooled OLS-Ordinary Least Squares. We found that the number of Physicians among Italian regions is positively associated, among others, to “Trust in the Police and Firefighters”, “Net Income Inequality”, and negatively associated, among others, to “Research and Development Intensity” and “Soil waterproofing by artificial cover”. Furthermore, we apply the k-Means algorithm optimized with the Silhouette Coefficient and we find the presence of two clusters. Finally, we confront eight different machine-learning algorithms to predict the future value of physicians and we find that the PNN-Probabilistic Neural Network is the best predictive algorithm.
Some Results on Various Subclasses of Harmonic P-valent Functions Associated With Pascal Distribution Series
Authors: Arikewuyo Mojeed Adeleke , Hamzat Jamiu Olusegun
Published: September 2023

In this study, some results based on various subclasses of harmonic p-valent functions blended with Pascal Distribution Series are provided using lucid mathematical approach.
Design of Flat All-Dielectric Metasurface Lens for Antenna Coupled Transition Edge Sensor Bolometers
Authors: Yu Qing , He Kaiyong , Wu Xinyu , Liu Jianshe , Chen Wei
Published: September 2023

The focal plane of a telescope for cosmic microwave background (CMB) observation typically contains a large-scale array of transition edge sensor (TES) bolometers. Polarized planar antennas are easy to fabricate and integrate, compared to commonly used horn antennas in receiving modules. In order to enhance the directivity and coupling efficiency, a planar antenna is generally equipped with a hyper-hemispherical silicon lens. However, a Si-lens has a large volume, and the fabrication and assembly processes are complex. A flat all-dielectric metasurface lens is proposed to replace Si-lens to converge beam and increase gain of a slot antenna. The all-dielectric structure of silicon holes with sub-wavelength thickness can change the volumetric fill factor to adjust the local effective refractive index, and thus manipulate the shape of wavefront while ensuring high transmission efficiency. The meta-lens was found to exhibit high gain, low cross polarization, and good beam symmetry, as verified by simulated electric field amplitude distribution and far-field patterns at 225 GHz using CST microwave studio suite. The detector array and the meta-lens array can both be fabricated using standard planar photolithography technology, and the combination has the potential to achieve larger scale arrays.
Eco-Friendly Piper cubeba official extract corrosion inhibition of c-steel in 1M sulphamic acid
Authors: Salem Aya. M. , Al-Sharif Merfat S.
Published: September 2023

The examination of the inhibitory rates of Piper cubeba official extract (P. cubebaOE) on C-steel in 1.0 M H2NSO3H solution is covered in the research article. Utilizing chemical and electrochemical methods in addition to theoretical calculations such as DFT, Fukui function, the study produced results that indicated up to 96.0% inhibition at 300 ppm at 25oC., P. cubebaOE is an inhibitor of mixed kind. Through increasing concentration, Nquist diagrams showed that the charge transfer resistance elevated and the capacitance of the double layer decreased. It was also discovered that the inhibition process follows the Langmuir isotherm, demonstrating the generation of a monolayer on the surface of the C-steel.
Respiratory pathogen trends coinciding with the early public health response to limit transmission of SARS-Coronavirus-2.
Authors: Sweeny Amy Lynn , Gerrard John , Alcorn Kylie , Grant Gary , Huang Ya-Ling , Gerhardy Benjamin , Keijzers Gerben
Published: September 2023

The SARS-Coronavirus-2 pandemic disrupted normal transmission of many viral respiratory pathogens. We analysed a state-wide dataset of microbiological results from public hospitals in Queensland, Australia. Following declaration of the pandemic and subsequent non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), we observed decreases in influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) consistent with other studies. However, upon easing intrastate border and crowd gathering restrictions, RSV levels surged to unseasonally high levels; influenza levels did not. Among bacterial pathogens, we observed a decrease in detection of S. pneumoniae of 35% (95% confidence interval: 22% to 47%). No change in detection of S. aureus or P. aeruginosa per 100 cultures was evident, but cultures positive for K. pneumoniae increased from 1.21 (1.10-1.32) per 100 cultures pre-pandemic to 1.80 (1.58-2.02) in 2020 and 2021. We suggest that early NPIs limited transmission of all droplet-spread pathogens. However, later less-restrictive NPIs allowed RSV, (with a reproductive number greater than influenza or the Delta strain of SARS-CoV-2 but lower than the Omicron strain), to re-emerge. The increase in K. pneumoniae, commonly implicated in hospital-acquired infections, requires further investigation.
Clustering of Microarray Data Using Endist
Authors: S Sumathi , G Hannah Grace
Published: September 2023

Microarray gene expressions shed light on genetic indicators that help distinguish between healthy and malignant cells. An unsupervised learning technique called clustering divides the data into groups depending on how similar they are. Clustering of microarray data helps us to identify the expression profiles of the genes. This identifies genes with similar functions like upregulated genes and downregulated genes. The distance measure helps precisely ascertain how dissimilar two items are to one another which is a fundamental idea for these analytical jobs and applications. This research proposes a novel distance measure for microarray datasets. For clustering tasks, the benchmark algorithm k-medoids is employed. ENDIST findings are compared with those of other widely used distance measures, including Manhattan and the Euclidean distance measure. The utilized data are central nervous system dataset, lung cancer dataset, brain cancer dataset, endometrial cancer dataset and the dataset for prostate cancer. The preprocessing technique involves transformation of raw data into logarithm values followed by both binary and ternary discretization. The quality of the clusters by using ENDIST were validated through the Dunn index.
Predictive Value Of Suprasellar Extension For Intracranial Infection After Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Pituitary Adenoma Resection
Authors: Lin Mingjian , Wang Wenbo , Tang Lejian , Zhou Yunxiang , Li Wencai , Xiao Jing , Peng Zhizhu , Xia Xuewei
Published: September 2023

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between suprasellar extension (SSE) and intracranial infection after Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach (EETA) for pituitary adenoma resection.
METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 94 patients with suprasellar extended pituitary adenoma admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery of the Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical College from January 2018 to December 2021. We measured the preoperative magnetic resonance sagittal SSE and collected clinical data and divided the patients into groups according to the presence of postoperative intracranial infection. The critical value for the SSE was calculated by using a working characteristic curve for the subjects. The risk factors for intracranial infection after EETA resection of pituitary adenomas were analyzed by multivariate regression analysis.
RESULTS: Among the 94 patients, 12 cases (12.8%) were placed in the infection group and 82 cases (87.2%) in the non-infection group. The cut-off value for the SSE in the sagittal position was 15.6 mm, the sensitivity was 75%, the specificity was 87.8%, and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.801; The coronary cut-off value for the SSE was 15.8mm, the sensitivity was 66.7%, the specificity was 79.3%, and the AUC was 0.787; The SSE values in the sagittal and coronal positions were correlated with postoperative intracranial infection (P<0.05). After univariate analysis, those with significant differences were included in the multivariate regression analysis. It was concluded that the extension distance of the tumor above the sella in the sagittal position was ≥15.6 mm, the tumor texture was hard, and the postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage were the independent risk factors for intracranial infection after EETA resection of suprasellar extended pituitary tumors (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: The value of SSE on sagittal MRI can predict intracranial infection in patients with suprasellar extended pituitary adenoma after endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal resection. This finding recommends neurosurgeons to pay more attention to the imaging characteristics of pituitary adenomas and select appropriate treatment plans in combination with the intraoperative conditions to reduce the incidence of intracranial infection.
The association between serum selenium with circulating levels of adipokine in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Khademi Zeinab , Pourreza Sanaz , Hamedi-Shahraki Soudabeh , Amirkhizi Farshad
Published: September 2023

Growing evidence has shown a possible correlation between selenium (Se) and its main transport protein, selenoprotein-P (SePP), with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The Se and SePP link with adipokine levels in this group of individuals received insufficient attention, though. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the associations of Se and SePP with adipokine levels in patients with PCOS. In this cross-sectional study, 115 patients with PCOS aged 18–45 years, diagnosed based on Rotterdam Consensus criteria, were recruited. Participants' general characteristics were collected using a general questionnaire and anthropometric measurements were taken. The blood sample was obtained, and serum levels of leptin, adiponectin, visfatin, resistin, and omentin-1, as well as glucose metabolism markers, were measured. Serum levels of Se and SePP were inversely correlated with fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), serum insulin, and the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). In addition, serum levels of Se and SePP positively correlated with adiponectin and visfatin serum levels. Although there was no significant correlation between serum Se and serum omentin-1 levels, a significant positive correlation was found between the serum levels of SePP and this adipokine. The present study found that serum Se and SePP levels were positively correlated with serum adiponectin and visfatin levels. Further studies are required to confirm these findings.