bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intensification of Droplet Disintegration for Liquid–Liquid Systems in a Pulsating Flow Type Apparatus by Adding an Inert Gas
Authors: Vasilev Maksim P. , Abiev Rufat Sh.
Published: January 2023

Experimental studies have revealed that the introduction of a small amount (0.5% by volume) of permanent and chemically inert gas bubbles leads to the intensification of droplets disintegration in a liquid–liquid system (emulsification) in a pulsating flow type apparatus. The liquids used were water (continuous phase) and oil (dispersed phase) at room temperature, and nitrogen was used as a gas. The gas hold-up φin was varied in the range of 0% to 4%. The volume fraction of the dispersed phase (oil) was 1% with respect to the continuous phase. The size of the oil droplets was determined by microphotographs; at least 600 drops were photographed in each experiment. The optimal gas hold-up in terms of the highest interfacial area (for the studied conditions) was found to be 0.5%, at which value the droplets’ Sauter mean diameter d32 decreased 1.88 times, and the maximum droplet size decreased 1.3 times, compared with the case without gas input. The effect of decreasing the average droplet size d32 upon the injection of an inert gas in the continuous phase disappears at φin ≈ 2%. The pressure loss at φin ≤ 2% within the measurement error remained constant, while at 4%, it increases by only 5.4%. The role of an inert gas is explained by several factors: (i) a redistribution of momentum over the volume of liquid; (ii) the occurrence of microflows near bubbles and drops, which leads to an increase in shear stresses on the surface of the drops; and (iii) gas bubbles act as pseudocavitation bubbles, whereby when they collapse, they break up adjacent droplets.
Effect of Microwave and Ultrasound during the Killing Stage of the Curing Process of Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia, Andrews) Pods
Authors: Antonio-Gutiérrez Oscar , Pacheco-Reyes Isidro , Lagunez-Rivera Luicita , Solano Rodolfo , Cañizares-Macías María del Pilar , Vilarem Gerard
Published: January 2023

The curing process (CP) of Vanilla planifolia pods, which is a long and tedious process, is necessary to obtain the natural vanilla extract. This research evaluated the application of microwave (M) and ultrasound (U) during the “killing” stage of the CP and its effect on vanillin content and β-glucosidase activity. The pods were immersed in a container with water or with moistened samples for the M treatments. In U treatments, the pods were immersed in an ultrasonic bath. After this stage, the samples were subjected to an additional U treatment. The results show that the application of these technologies significantly improves vanillin yield (p < 0.05) and the curing time is reduced to 20 days. U treatments subjected to additional sonication at 38 °C obtain more than double the yield of vanillin regarding control. The effect of M and U on cell structure damage increases with additional sonication, but at 15 min, β-glucosidase inactivation decreases the final yield. Disposition of samples in M also affects the final vanillin content. There is no significant correlation between β-glucosidase and vanillin in the different treatments. The application of M and U with the appropriate parameters reduces the CP time without affecting the compounds of interest.
New Insights into the Application of High-Pressure Processing and Storage Time and Temperature to Sliced Iberian Chorizo
Authors: Carrapiso Ana I. , Trejo-Álvarez Antonia , Martín-Mateos María Jesús , Delgado-Adámez Jonathan , García-Parra Jesús , Ramírez Rosario
Published: January 2023

Producing dry-cured meats with relatively high aw and pH allows companies to cut costs to the detriment of microbial control. The purpose of this study was to evaluate for the first time the effect of High Processing Pressure (HPP) and storage temperature on the microbial counts, instrumental color, oxidation and sensory characteristics of sliced Iberian chorizo with high aw and pH. First, 600 MPa was applied for 480 s to sliced chorizo with aw: 0.88 and pH: 6.01, and the treated and untreated samples were stored at 4 or 20 °C for 90 or 180 days. HPP, storage time and storage at 20 °C were successful at decreasing the microbial counts that were initially high. HPP and the storage temperature had a limited detrimental effect, whereas the storage time had a marked adverse effect on oxidation and some sensory traits. Despite the high aw and pH, no safety issues arose initially or during the storage at 4 or 20 °C. In conclusion, for chorizo with high aw and pH favoring high microbial counts, HPP may be an effective hurdle without a noticeable detrimental effect, and the economically convenient storage at 20 °C might be beneficial despite causing moderate quality loss.
The Influence of the Fractal Dimension on the Mechanical Behaviors of the Soil–Rock Mixture: A Case Study from Southwest China
Authors: Zhang Zhenping , Fu Xiaodong , Yuan Wei , Sheng Qian , Chai Shaobo , Du Yuxiang
Published: January 2023

As the typical multi-phase geotechnical material, the particle size distribution of the natural soil–rock mixture (S–RM) has a significant impact on the structural and mechanical properties. The coarse grain content used in the laboratory and simulation tests falls short of accurately describing the particle size distribution feature of the entire material. The main subject of this article is the influence of the fractal dimension on mechanical behaviors based on the fractal theory. The double fractal characteristics were principally discussed along with the typical particle size distribution characteristics of the S–RM in the Three Gorges Reservoir and southwest China. The influence of the various fractal dimensions on the mechanical behaviors of S–RM was then investigated using three groups of large–scale triaxial tests, and the responses of the linear and nonlinear strength indexes were analyzed. The results show that the stress–strain curves of S–RM in the hyperbolic shape are visible under various confining pressure, and the nonlinear strength characteristics can be observed. The coarse grain content exhibits a negative correlation to the average fraction dimension. The difference between the coarse and fine grain fraction dimensions becomes considerably more obvious as the coarse grain content increases, which also increases the error when using the average fractal dimension. The voids between the coarse grains cannot be filled with the fine grains as the grain coarseness grows, resulting in a loose structure and a contact frictional effect, which lowers cohesion and raises the peak friction angle.
An Overview of Compact Star Populations and Some of Its Open Problems
Authors: de Sá Lucas M. , Bernardo Antônio , Bachega Riis R. A. , Rocha Livia S. , Moraes Pedro H. R. S. , Horvath Jorge E.
Published: January 2023

The study of compact object populations has come a long way since the determination of the mass of the Hulse–Taylor pulsar, and we now count on more than 150 known Galactic neutron stars and black hole masses, as well as another 180 objects from binary mergers detected from gravitational-waves by the Ligo–Virgo–KAGRA Collaboration. With a growing understanding of the variety of systems that host these objects, their formation, evolution and frequency, we are now in a position to evaluate the statistical nature of these populations, their properties, parameter correlations and long-standing problems, such as the maximum mass of neutron stars and the black hole lower mass gap, to a reasonable level of statistical significance. Here, we give an overview of the evolution and current state of the field and point to some of its standing issues. We focus on Galactic black holes, and offer an updated catalog of 35 black hole masses and orbital parameters, as well as a standardized procedure for dealing with uncertainties.
Acknowledgment to the Reviewers of Galaxies in 2022
Authors:   Galaxies Editorial Office
Published: January 2023

High-quality academic publishing is built on rigorous peer review [...]
Acknowledgment to the Reviewers of Gels in 2022
Authors:   Gels Editorial Office
Published: January 2023

High-quality academic publishing is built on rigorous peer review [...]
Investigation of UTR Variants by Computational Approaches Reveal Their Functional Significance in PRKCI Gene Regulation
Authors: Shah Hania , Khan Khushbukhat , Badshah Yasmin , Mahmood Ashraf Naeem , Shabbir Maria , Trembley Janeen H. , Afsar Tayyaba , Abusharha Ali , Razak Suhail
Published: January 2023

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with many diseases including neurological disorders, heart diseases, diabetes, and different types of cancers. In the context of cancer, the variations within non-coding regions, including UTRs, have gained utmost importance. In gene expression, translational regulation is as important as transcriptional regulation for the normal functioning of cells; modification in normal functions can be associated with the pathophysiology of many diseases. UTR-localized SNPs in the PRKCI gene were evaluated using the PolymiRTS, miRNASNP, and MicroSNIper for association with miRNAs. Furthermore, the SNPs were subjected to analysis using GTEx, RNAfold, and PROMO. The genetic intolerance to functional variation was checked through GeneCards. Out of 713 SNPs, a total of thirty-one UTR SNPs (three in 3′ UTR region and twenty-nine in 5′ UTR region) were marked as ≤2b by RegulomeDB. The associations of 23 SNPs with miRNAs were found. Two SNPs, rs140672226 and rs2650220, were significantly linked with expression in the stomach and esophagus mucosa. The 3′ UTR SNPs rs1447651774 and rs115170199 and the 5′ UTR region variants rs778557075, rs968409340, and 750297755 were predicted to destabilize the mRNA structure with substantial change in free energy (∆G). Seventeen variants were predicted to have linkage disequilibrium with various diseases. The SNP rs542458816 in 5′ UTR was predicted to put maximum influence on transcription factor binding sites. Gene damage index(GDI) and loss of function (o:e) ratio values for PRKCI suggested that the gene is not tolerant to loss of function variants. Our results highlight the effects of 3′ and 5′ UTR SNP on miRNA, transcription and translation of PRKCI. These analyses suggest that these SNPs can have substantial functional importance in the PRKCI gene. Future experimental validation could provide further basis for the diagnosis and therapeutics of various diseases.
Omics Data Preprocessing for Machine Learning: A Case Study in Childhood Obesity
Authors: Torres-Martos Álvaro , Bustos-Aibar Mireia , Ramírez-Mena Alberto , Cámara-Sánchez Sofía , Anguita-Ruiz Augusto , Alcalá Rafael , Aguilera Concepción M. , Alcalá-Fdez Jesús
Published: January 2023

The use of machine learning techniques for the construction of predictive models of disease outcomes (based on omics and other types of molecular data) has gained enormous relevance in the last few years in the biomedical field. Nonetheless, the virtuosity of omics studies and machine learning tools are subject to the proper application of algorithms as well as the appropriate pre-processing and management of input omics and molecular data. Currently, many of the available approaches that use machine learning on omics data for predictive purposes make mistakes in several of the following key steps: experimental design, feature selection, data pre-processing, and algorithm selection. For this reason, we propose the current work as a guideline on how to confront the main challenges inherent to multi-omics human data. As such, a series of best practices and recommendations are also presented for each of the steps defined. In particular, the main particularities of each omics data layer, the most suitable preprocessing approaches for each source, and a compilation of best practices and tips for the study of disease development prediction using machine learning are described. Using examples of real data, we show how to address the key problems mentioned in multi-omics research (e.g., biological heterogeneity, technical noise, high dimensionality, presence of missing values, and class imbalance). Finally, we define the proposals for model improvement based on the results found, which serve as the bases for future work.
Transcriptomic Analysis of Long Non-Coding RNA during Candida albicans Infection
Authors: Gonçalves Gabriela Flores , de Faria Poloni Joice , Dorn Márcio
Published: January 2023

Candida albicans is one of the most commonly found species in fungal infections. Due to its clinical importance, molecular aspects of the host immune defense against the fungus are of interest to biomedical sciences. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been investigated in different pathologies and gained widespread attention regarding their role as gene regulators. However, the biological processes in which most lncRNAs perform their function are still unclear. This study investigates the association between lncRNAs with host response to C. albicans using a public RNA-Seq dataset from lung samples of female C57BL/6J wild-type Mus musculus with induced C. albicans infection. The animals were exposed to the fungus for 24 h before sample collection. We selected lncRNAs and protein-coding genes related to the host immune response by combining the results from different computational approaches used for gene selection: differential expression gene analysis, co-expression genes network analysis, and machine learning-based gene selection. Using a guilt by association strategy, we inferred connections between 41 lncRNAs and 25 biological processes. Our results indicated that nine up-regulated lncRNAs were associated with biological processes derived from the response to wounding: 1200007C13Rik, 4833418N02Rik, Gm12840, Gm15832, Gm20186, Gm38037, Gm45774, Gm4610, Mir22hg, and Mirt1. Additionally, 29 lncRNAs were related to genes involved in immune response, while 22 lncRNAs were associated with processes related to reactive species production. These results support the participation of lncRNAs during C. albicans infection, and may contribute to new studies investigating lncRNA functions in the immune response.
KIF6 Trp719Arg Genetic Variant Increases Risk for Thoracic Aortic Dissection
Authors: Velasco Juan , Li Yupeng , Ziganshin Bulat , Zafar Mohammad , Rizzo John , Ma Deqiong , Zang Hui , Kalyanasundaram Asanish , Elefteriades John
Published: January 2023

Background: KIF6 (kinesin family member 6), a protein coded by the KIF6 gene, serves an important intracellular function to transport organelles along microtubules. In a pilot study, we found that a common KIF6 Trp719Arg variant increased the propensity of thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) to suffer dissection (AD). The present study aims for a definite investigation of the predictive ability of KIF6 719Arg vis à vis AD. Confirmatory findings would enhance natural history prediction in TAA. Methods: 1108 subjects (899 aneurysm and 209 dissection patients) had KIF6 719Arg variant status determined. Results: The 719Arg variant in the KIF6 gene correlated strongly with occurrence of AD. Specifically, KIF6 719Arg positivity (homozygous or heterozygous) was substantially more common in dissectors (69.8%) than non-dissectors (58.5%) (p = 0.003). Odds ratios (OR) for suffering aortic dissection ranged from 1.77 to 1.94 for Arg carriers in various dissection categories. These high OR associations were noted for both ascending and descending aneurysms and for homozygous and heterozygous Arg variant patients. The rate of aortic dissection over time was significantly higher for carriers of the Arg allele (p = 0.004). Additionally, Arg allele carriers were more likely to reach the combined endpoint of dissection or death (p = 0.03). Conclusions: We demonstrate the marked adverse impact of the 719Arg variant of the KIF6 gene on the likelihood that a TAA patient will suffer aortic dissection. Clinical assessment of the variant status of this molecularly important gene may provide a valuable “non-size” criterion to enhance surgical decision making above and beyond the currently used metric of aortic size (diameter).
Towards a Cure for HARS Disease
Authors: Wilhelm Sarah D. P. , Kenana Rosan , Qiu Yi , O’Donoghue Patrick , Heinemann Ilka U.
Published: January 2023

Histidyl-tRNA synthetase (HARS) ligates histidine to its cognate transfer RNA (tRNAHis). Mutations in HARS cause the human genetic disorders Usher syndrome type 3B (USH3B) and Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome type 2W (CMT2W). Treatment for these diseases remains symptomatic, and no disease specific treatments are currently available. Mutations in HARS can lead to destabilization of the enzyme, reduced aminoacylation, and decreased histidine incorporation into the proteome. Other mutations lead to a toxic gain-of-function and mistranslation of non-cognate amino acids in response to histidine codons, which can be rescued by histidine supplementation in vitro. We discuss recent advances in characterizing HARS mutations and potential applications of amino acid and tRNA therapy for future gene and allele specific therapy.
Genome Survey Sequencing of the Mole Cricket Gryllotalpa orientalis
Authors: Sun Kuo , Guan De-Long , Huang Hua-Teng , Xu Sheng-Quan
Published: January 2023

The mole cricket Gryllotalpa orientalis is an evolutionarily, medicinal, and agriculturally significant insect that inhabits underground environments and is distributed globally. This study measured genome size by flow cytometry and k-mer based on low-coverage sequencing, and nuclear repetitive elements were also identified. The haploid genome size estimate is 3.14 Gb by flow cytometry, 3.17 Gb, and 3.77 Gb-based two k-mer methods, respectively, which is well within the range previously reported for other species of the suborder Ensifera. 56% of repetitive elements were found in G. orientalis, similar to 56.83% in Locusta migratoria. However, the great size of repetitive sequences could not be annotated to specific repeat element families. For the repetitive elements that were annotated, Class I-LINE retrotransposon elements were the most common families and more abundant than satellite and Class I-LTR. These results based on the newly developed genome survey could be used in the taxonomic study and whole genome sequencing to improve the understanding of the biology of G. orientalis.
Progress of Endogenous and Exogenous Nanoparticles for Cancer Therapy and Diagnostics
Authors: Fujita Hideaki , Ohta Seiichi , Nakamura Noriko , Somiya Masaharu , Horie Masanobu
Published: January 2023

The focus of this brief review is to describe the application of nanoparticles, including endogenous nanoparticles (e.g., extracellular vesicles, EVs, and virus capsids) and exogenous nanoparticles (e.g., organic and inorganic materials) in cancer therapy and diagnostics. In this review, we mainly focused on EVs, where a recent study demonstrated that EVs secreted from cancer cells are associated with malignant alterations in cancer. EVs are expected to be used for cancer diagnostics by analyzing their informative cargo. Exogenous nanoparticles are also used in cancer diagnostics as imaging probes because they can be easily functionalized. Nanoparticles are promising targets for drug delivery system (DDS) development and have recently been actively studied. In this review, we introduce nanoparticles as a powerful tool in the field of cancer therapy and diagnostics and discuss issues and future prospects.
Spectrum of Causative Mutations in Patients with Hemophilia A in Russia
Authors: Pshenichnikova Olesya , Salomashkina Valentina , Poznyakova Julia , Selivanova Daria , Chernetskaya Daria , Yakovleva Elena , Dimitrieva Oksana , Likhacheva Elena , Perina Farida , Zozulya Nadezhda , Surin Vadim
Published: January 2023

Hemophilia A (HA) is one of the most widespread, X-linked, inherited bleeding disorders, which results from defects in the F8 gene. Nowadays, more than 3500 different pathogenic variants leading to HA have been described. Mutation analysis in HA is essential for accurate genetic counseling of patients and their relatives. We analyzed patients from 273 unrelated families with different forms of HA. The analysis consisted of testing for intron inversion (inv22 and inv1), and then sequencing all functionally important F8 gene fragments. We identified 101 different pathogenic variants in 267 patients, among which 35 variants had never been previously reported in international databases. We found inv22 in 136 cases and inv1 in 12 patients. Large deletions (1–8 exons) were found in 5 patients, and we identified a large insertion in 1 patient. The remaining 113 patients carried point variants involving either single nucleotide or several consecutive nucleotides. We report herein the largest genetic analysis of HA patients issued in Russia.
Construction of Fusion Protein for Enhanced Small RNA Loading to Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Es-Haghi Masoumeh , Neustroeva Olga , Chowdhury Iftekhar , Laitinen Pia , Väänänen Mari-Anna , Korvenlaita Nea , Malm Tarja , Turunen Mikko P. , Turunen Tiia A.
Published: January 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) naturally carry cargo from producer cells, such as RNA and protein, and can transfer these messengers to other cells and tissue. This ability provides an interesting opportunity for using EVs as delivery vehicles for therapeutic agents, such as for gene therapy. However, endogenous loading of cargo, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), is not very efficient as the copy number of miRNAs per EV is quite low. Therefore, new methods and tools to enhance the loading of small RNAs is required. In the current study, we developed fusion protein of EV membrane protein CD9 and RNA-binding protein AGO2 (hCD9.hAGO2). We show that the EVs engineered with hCD9.hAGO2 contain significantly higher levels of miRNA or shRNA (miR-466c or shRNA-451, respectively) compared to EVs that are isolated from cells that only overexpress the desired miRNA or shRNA. These hCD9.hAGO2 engineered EVs also transfer their RNA cargo to recipient cells more efficiently. We were not able to detect changes in gene expression levels in recipient cells after the EV treatments, but we show that the cell viability of HUVECs was increased after hCD9.hAGO2 EV treatments. This technical study characterizes the hCD9.hAGO2 fusion protein for the future development of enhanced RNA loading to EVs.
Phenotypes and Genotypes of Inherited Disorders of Biogenic Amine Neurotransmitter Metabolism
Authors: Mastrangelo Mario , Tolve Manuela , Artiola Cristiana , Bove Rossella , Carducci Claudia , Carducci Carla , Angeloni Antonio , Pisani Francesco , Leuzzi Vincenzo
Published: January 2023

Inherited disorders of biogenic amine metabolism are genetically determined conditions resulting in dysfunctions or lack of enzymes involved in the synthesis, degradation, or transport of dopamine, serotonin, adrenaline/noradrenaline, and their metabolites or defects of their cofactor or chaperone biosynthesis. They represent a group of treatable diseases presenting with complex patterns of movement disorders (dystonia, oculogyric crises, severe/hypokinetic syndrome, myoclonic jerks, and tremors) associated with a delay in the emergence of postural reactions, global development delay, and autonomic dysregulation. The earlier the disease manifests, the more severe and widespread the impaired motor functions. Diagnosis mainly depends on measuring neurotransmitter metabolites in cerebrospinal fluid that may address the genetic confirmation. Correlations between the severity of phenotypes and genotypes may vary remarkably among the different diseases. Traditional pharmacological strategies are not disease-modifying in most cases. Gene therapy has provided promising results in patients with DYT-DDC and in vitro models of DYT/PARK-SLC6A3. The rarity of these diseases, combined with limited knowledge of their clinical, biochemical, and molecular genetic features, frequently leads to misdiagnosis or significant diagnostic delays. This review provides updates on these aspects with a final outlook on future perspectives.
Does the Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Bcl-2 Have a Prognostic Significance in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer?
Authors: Markovic Marina , Mitrovic Slobodanka , Dagovic Aleksandar , Jovanovic Dalibor , Nikolic Tomislav , Ivosevic Anita , Milosavljevic Milos Z. , Vojinovic Radisa , Petrovic Marina
Published: January 2023

Lung cancer is the most common cause of mortality from malignant tumors worldwide. The five-year survival rate for people with advanced stages varies considerably, from 35.4% to 6.9%. The angiogenic potential of bcl2 is not well known, nor is the way in which tumor cells with excessive bcl2 expression affect VEGF production. Hypothetically, given that tumor growth, progression and metastasis are dependent on angiogenesis, the antiapoptotic effect is expected to form a link between these two molecules. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between bcl-2 and VEGF expression, clinicopathological features and survival in 216 patients with advanced NSCLC. Archival tumor tissues were examined by immunohistochemistry for the expression of bcl-2 and VEGF. Immunoreactivity for bcl-2 was observed in 41.4% of NSCLCs, 51% of squamous and 34.8% of adenocarcinomas-expressed Bcl-2. There was an inverse correlation of mononuclear stromal reaction and bcl-2 expression in adenocarcinoma (p < 0.0005). A total of 71.8% NSCLCs were VEGF positive, 56% of squamous and 82.2% of adenocarcinomas. High level of VEGF expression was significantly associated with histology type (p = 0.043), low histology grade (p = 0.014), clinical stage IV (p = 0.018), smoking history (p = 0.008) and EGFR mutations (p = 0.026). There was an inverse correlation in the expression of Bcl-2 and VEGF in NSCLC patients (p = 0.039, r = −0.163). Two-year survival of patients with unresectable NSCLC was 39.3%, and 50% of patients were alive at 17 months. Our results demonstrated no difference in survival for patients in advanced NSCLC grouped by bcl-2 and VEGF status. Additionally, we observed an inverse correlation in the expression of Bcl-2 and VEGF in NSCLC and mononuclear reaction and bcl-2 expression in adenocarcinomas.
Development of Clinical Prediction Score for Chemotherapy Response in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Chayangsu Chawalit , Khorana Jiraporn , Charoentum Chaiyut , Sriuranpong Virote , Patumanond Jayanton , Tantraworasin Apichat
Published: January 2023

The outcomes of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients have been significantly improved with novel therapies, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, in resource-limited countries, platinum-doublet chemotherapy is mainly used as a first-line treatment. We investigate clinical parameters to predict the response after chemotherapy, which may be useful for patient selection. A clinical prediction score (CPS) was developed, based on data from a retrospective cohort study of unresectable stage IIIB or IV NSCLC patients who were treated with platinum-doublet chemotherapy in the first-line setting with at least two cycles and an evaluated response by RECIST 1.1 at Surin Hospital Cancer Center, Thailand, between July 2014 and December 2018. The clinical parameters in the prediction model were derived by risk regression analysis. There were 117 responders (CR or PR) and 90 non-responders (SD or PD). The clinical prediction score was developed by six clinical parameters including gender, age, smoking status, ECOG, pre-treatment albumin, and histologic subtype. The AuROC of the model was 0.71 (95% CI 0.63–0.78). The internal validation was performed using a bootstrap technique and showed a consistent AuROC of 0.66 (95% CI 0.59–0.72). The prediction score ranged from 0–13, with a score of 0–8 meaning a low probability (PPV = 50%) and a score of 8.5–13 meaning a high probability (PPV = 83.7%) for chemotherapy response. Advanced NSCLC patients who cannot access novel therapies and have a CPS of 8.5–13 have a high probability for chemotherapy response in the first-line setting. This CPS could be used for risk communication and making decisions with patients, especially in regard to chemotherapy.
Antecedents and Outcomes of Work Engagement among Psychiatric Nurses in Japan
Authors: Kato Yuichi , Chiba Rie , Shimazu Akihito , Hayashi Yuta , Sakamoto Takuya
Published: January 2023

While previous studies have examined antecedents and outcomes of work engagement among general nurses, studies among psychiatric nurses remain limited. This study aimed to explore the antecedents (i.e., job crafting and nursing practice environment) and outcomes (i.e., strength-oriented care attitudes, mental health, and turnover intention) of work engagement among psychiatric nurses in Japan. This cross-sectional study included 309 nurses from three psychiatric hospitals in Japan (valid response rate: 60.4%). Data collection using the self-administered questionnaire took place from July to August 2021. We performed Structural Equation Modeling to examine the directional relationships among variables. Job crafting (β = 0.57, p < 0.01) and nursing practice environment (β = 0.23, p = 0.01) exhibited positive effects on work engagement. Work engagement had positive effects on strength-oriented care attitudes (β = 0.15, p = 0.04) and mental health (β = 0.37, p < 0.01) as well as negative effects on intention to resign from their profession as a nurse (β = −0.17, p = 0.01). Job crafting and a healthier nursing practice environment could help enhance work engagement. Higher work engagement could contribute to improving strength-oriented care attitudes, mental health, and intention to resign from their profession as a nurse.
Antenatal Fear of Childbirth as a Risk Factor for a Bad Childbirth Experience
Authors: Rúger-Navarrete Azahara , Vázquez-Lara Juana María , Antúnez-Calvente Irene , Rodríguez-Díaz Luciano , Riesco-González Francisco Javier , Palomo-Gómez Rocío , Gómez-Salgado Juan , Fernández-Carrasco Francisco Javier
Published: January 2023

Giving birth is one of the most impressive experiences in life. However, many pregnant women suffer from fear of childbirth (FOC) and experience labour in very different ways, depending on their personality, previous life experiences, pregnancy, and birth circumstances. The aim of this study was to analyse how fear of childbirth affects the childbirth experience and to assess the related consequences. For this, a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in a sample of 414 women between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2022. The Birth Anticipation Scale (BAS) was used to measure fear of childbirth and the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire (CEQ-E) was applied to measure satisfaction with the childbirth experience. Fear of childbirth negatively and significantly predicted the childbirth experience. In addition, women who were more fearful of childbirth were found to have worse obstetric outcomes and a higher likelihood of having a caesarean delivery (p = 0.008 C. I 95%). Fear behaved as a risk factor for the birth experience, so the greater the fear, the higher the risk of having a worse birth experience (OR 1.1). Encouraging active listening and support strategies may increase pregnant women’s confidence, thus decreasing their fear of the process and improving their childbirth experience.
Analyzing Overlaid Foreign Objects in Chest X-rays—Clinical Significance and Artificial Intelligence Tools
Authors: Roy Shotabdi , Santosh KC
Published: January 2023

The presence of non-biomedical foreign objects (NBFO), such as coins, buttons and jewelry, and biomedical foreign objects (BFO), such as medical tubes and devices in chest X-rays (CXRs), make accurate interpretation difficult, as they do not indicate known biological abnormalities like excess fluids, tuberculosis (TB) or cysts. Such foreign objects need to be detected, localized, categorized as either NBFO or BFO, and removed from CXR or highlighted in CXR for effective abnormality analysis. Very specifically, NBFOs can adversely impact the process, as typical machine learning algorithms would consider these objects to be biological abnormalities producing false-positive cases. It holds true for BFOs in CXRs. This paper examines detailed discussions on numerous clinical reports in addition to computer-aided detection (CADe) with diagnosis (CADx) tools, where both shallow learning and deep learning algorithms are applied. Our discussion reflects the importance of accurately detecting, isolating, classifying, and either removing or highlighting NBFOs and BFOs in CXRs by taking 29 peer-reviewed research reports and articles into account.
Application of Neural Networks for Hydrologic Process Understanding at a Midwestern Watershed
Authors: Aliev Annushka , Koya Sinan Rasiya , Kim Incheol , Eun Jongwan , Traylor Elbert , Roy Tirthankar
Published: January 2023

The Shell Creek Watershed (SCW) is a rural watershed in Nebraska with a history of chronic flooding. Beginning in 2005, a variety of conservation practices have been employed in the watershed. Those practices have since been credited with attenuating flood severity and improving water quality in SCW. This study investigated the impacts of 13 different controlling factors on flooding at SCW by using an artificial neural network (ANN)-based rainfall-runoff model. Additionally, flood frequency analysis and drought severity analysis were conducted. Special emphasis was placed on understanding how flood trends change in light of conservation practices to determine whether any relation exists between the conservation practices and flood peak attenuation, as the strategic conservation plan implemented in the watershed provides a unique opportunity to examine the potential impacts of conservation practices on the watershed. The ANN model developed in this study showed satisfactory discharge–prediction performance, with a Kling–Gupta Efficiency (KGE) value of 0.57. It was found that no individual controlling variable used in this study was a significantly better predictor of flooding in SCW, and therefore all 13 variables were used as inputs, which resulted in the satisfactory ANN model discharge–prediction performance. Furthermore, it was observed that after conservation planning was implemented in SCW, the magnitude of anomalous peak flows increased, while the magnitude of annual peak flows decreased. However, more comprehensive assessment is necessary to identify the relative impacts of conservation practices on flooding in the basin.
ML-Based Streamflow Prediction in the Upper Colorado River Basin Using Climate Variables Time Series Data
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Pouya , Nassar Ayman , Boubrahimi Soukaina Filali , Hamdi Shah Muhammad
Published: January 2023

Streamflow prediction plays a vital role in water resources planning in order to understand the dramatic change of climatic and hydrologic variables over different time scales. In this study, we used machine learning (ML)-based prediction models, including Random Forest Regression (RFR), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), Seasonal Auto- Regressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA), and Facebook Prophet (PROPHET) to predict 24 months ahead of natural streamflow at the Lees Ferry site located at the bottom part of the Upper Colorado River Basin (UCRB) of the US. Firstly, we used only historic streamflow data to predict 24 months ahead. Secondly, we considered meteorological components such as temperature and precipitation as additional features. We tested the models on a monthly test dataset spanning 6 years, where 24-month predictions were repeated 50 times to ensure the consistency of the results. Moreover, we performed a sensitivity analysis to identify our best-performing model. Later, we analyzed the effects of considering different span window sizes on the quality of predictions made by our best model. Finally, we applied our best-performing model, RFR, on two more rivers in different states in the UCRB to test the model’s generalizability. We evaluated the performance of the predictive models using multiple evaluation measures. The predictions in multivariate time-series models were found to be more accurate, with RMSE less than 0.84 mm per month, R-squared more than 0.8, and MAPE less than 0.25. Therefore, we conclude that the temperature and precipitation of the UCRB increases the accuracy of the predictions. Ultimately, we found that multivariate RFR performs the best among four models and is generalizable to other rivers in the UCRB.
Awareness, Utilization and Perception of Sexually Transmitted Infections Services Provided to Out-of-School-Youth in Primary Health Facilities in Tshwane, South Africa
Authors: Ditshwane Boitumelo , Mokgatle Matilda M. , Oguntibeju Oluwafemi O.
Published: January 2023

Background: Despite the availability of different health care initiatives and interventions, young people are still faced with barriers in accessing reproductive health care services; thus, they are exposed to health-related issues such as sexually transmitted infections. Aim: To determine the awareness, utilization and perceptions about sexually transmitted infections services provided to out-of-school-youth in primary health facilities in the Tshwane district, Gauteng Province, South Africa. Methods: The study employed a quantitative, cross-sectional descriptive survey with a sample size of 219 to determine the level of awareness, utilization and perceptions about sexually transmitted infections services provided to out-of-school-youth in Tshwane district. Results: Out-of-school-youth between the ages of 18–24 years participated in the study. Most of the participants (90.8%, n = 199) were female. Service utilization was high in females compared to their male counterparts. There is availability of youth-friendly services in primary health care facilities, however, the level of service utilization among young people is still a challenge evidenced by 12.1% (n = 74) of participants who never sought treatment for STIs, although they had STI symptoms. Furthermore, 52.0% reported that they were not happy with the health services they received when they had STIs. These findings clearly indicate a gap in service delivery for young people regarding reproductive health issues; thus, the low health care seeking behavior among the youth. Condom use was 69.1% and/or inconsistently used among the youth; about 80% of the participants had low perceptions of the risk of contracting STIs. The self-reported risks of HIV and AIDS was 46.8%. Approximately 20% reported that they would not refuse to have sex if their partner did not want to use condoms. These findings showed risky behavior among the participants, and shows that the level of awareness about the risk of contracting STIs is still poor. Conclusions: Irrespective of facilities with youth-friendly services, out-of-school-youth still display poor perceptions about sexually transmitted infections services due to health care providers’ attitudes, limited resources, and working hours. Furthermore, the level of awareness regarding sexually transmitted infections is poor, hence the display of risky sexual behaviors.
Inequalities in Childhood Immunisation in South Asia
Authors: Atteraya Madhu Sudhan , Song In Han , Ebrahim Nasser B. , Gnawali Shreejana , Kim Eungi , Dhakal Thakur
Published: January 2023

Identifying the inequalities associated with immunisation coverage among children is crucial. We investigated the factors associated with complete immunisation among 12- to 23-month-old children in five South Asian countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan, using nationally representative data sets from the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS). Descriptive statistics, bivariate association, and logistic regression analyses were employed to identify the prevalence and the factors in each country that affect the likelihood of full childhood immunisation coverage. The complete childhood immunisation coverage varied significantly within each country in South Asia. Afghanistan had the lowest immunisation rates (42.6%), whereas Bangladesh ranked the highest in complete childhood immunisation rates, at 88.2%. Similarly, 77.1% of Indian children, 79.2% of Nepali children, and 62.2% of Pakistani children were completely immunised. Household wealth status strongly correlated with full childhood immunisation in Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan at the bivariate level. The results from the logistic regression showed that a higher maternal educational level had a statistically significant association with complete childhood immunisation in all countries compared to mothers who did not attend any school. In conclusion, the study revealed the inequalities of complete childhood immunisation within South Asia. Governments must be proactive in their endeavours to address universal and equitable vaccine coverage in collaboration with national and international stakeholders and in line with the relevant Sustainable Development Goals.
Encouraging and Reinforcing Safe Breastfeeding Practices during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ukoli Flora , Leavell Jacinta , Mayo Amasyah , Moore Jayla , Nchami Nia , Britt Allysceaeioun
Published: January 2023

Aim: Promote safe breastfeeding during the pandemic. Methods: All participants were encouraged to request safe breastfeeding education from their prenatal provider. Pregnant mothers received appropriate breastfeeding and COVID-19 safe breastfeeding education in line with the CDC’s COVID-19 breastfeeding guidelines. Data were obtained from 39 mothers attending Nashville General Hospital pediatric well-baby clinics (Group I: from December 2019 to June 2020) and 97 pregnant women attending prenatal clinics (Group II: from July 2020 to August 2021). Results: The participants’ ages ranged from 15 to 45 years, with a mean of 27.5 ± 6.2. The women in both groups were similar in age, education, employment, and breastfeeding experience. They were equally unlikely to use face masks at home even while receiving guests or holding their babies. Although 121 (89.0%) women claimed face mask use while shopping, the rate for never doing so was 7 (18.0%) vs. 8 (8.3%) (p < 0.006) for Groups I and II, respectively. Safe practices included limited outing (66 (48.5%)), sanitized hands (62 (45.6%)), restricted visitors (44 (32.4%)), and limited baby outing (27 (19.9%)), and 8 (8.3%) in Group II received COVID-19 vaccinations. About half described fair and accurate COVID-19 safe breastfeeding knowledge, but 22 (30.1%) of them claimed they received no information. Breastfeeding contraindication awareness for Groups I and II were as follows: cocaine = 53.8% vs. 37.1%, p < 0.06; HIV = 35.9% vs. 12.4%, p < 0.002; breast cancer = 17.9% vs. 16.5%; and COVID-19 with symptoms = 28.2% vs. 5.2%, p < 0.001. The information source was similar, with family, friends, and media accounting for 77 (56.6%) of women while doctors, nurses, and the CLC was the source for 21 (15.4%) women. Exclusive breastfeeding one month postpartum for Groups I and II was 41.9% and 12.8% (p < 0.006), respectively. Conclusion: The mothers were not more knowledgeable regarding breastfeeding safely one year into the COVID-19 pandemic. Conflicting lay information can create healthy behavior ambivalence, which can be prevented by health professionals confidently advising mothers to wear face masks when breastfeeding, restricting visitors and outings, and accepting COVID-19 vaccination. This pandemic remains an open opportunity to promote and encourage breastfeeding to every mother as the default newborn feeding method.
Importance of Social Support of Parents of Children with Cancer: A Multicomponent Model Using Partial Least Squares-Path Modelling
Authors: Melguizo-Garín Anabel , Benítez-Márquez María Dolores , Hombrados-Mendieta Isabel , Martos-Méndez María José
Published: January 2023

The purpose of the present study is to build a model combining some variables that have been previously studied separately to improve our understanding on how they relate in parents of children with cancer. A total of 112 parents with an average age of 41 completed the self-assessment questionnaires containing the factors studied: social support received, social support provided, stress, adjustment of parents and life satisfaction. Two models were developed: one for social support received and one for social support provided. Structural equation models based on the variance estimated through partial least squares were used to analyze factors involved in quality of life based on an exploratory model of second order. The estimated model was robust in terms of quality of measurement (reliability and validity). According to results from the structural model, in the model of social support received, the impact of social support received on stress was considerable (β = −0.26; p = 0.02) and it explained 16% of the variance. The impact of social support received by parents on their adjustment (β = −0.56; p < 0.001) was also considerable, explaining 32% of the variance. Finally, adjustment of parents also showed an effect on life satisfaction (β = −0.33; p < 0.001) and it explained 26% of the variance. However, the relation between social support received (β = 0.15; p = 0.11) and life satisfaction, the relation between stress (β = −0.15; p = 0.08) and life satisfaction, and the relation between adjustment of parents (β = 0.20; p = 0.07) and stress were not significant. In the model of social support provided by parents, social support provided (β = 0.35; p < 0.001), and adjustment of parents (β = −0.31; p < 0.01) impacted life satisfaction, explaining 36% of the variance. Social support provided (β = −0.34; p < 0.01) impacted adjustment of parents and it explained 12% of the variance. Adjustment of parents (β = 0.28; p < 0.05) also impacted parents’ perception of stress, explaining 14% of the variance. However, the relation between social support provided (β = −0.17; p = 0.06) and stress, and the relation between stress (β = −0.13; p = 0.08) and life satisfaction, were not significant. Social support received showed a strong connection with stress and parents’ adjustment. Additionally, social support received showed a decrease in stress and parents’ adjustment. Social support provided by parents and the adjustments they experience are linked to their life satisfaction. Additionally, social support provided showed a decrease in adjustment and an increase in parents’ life satisfaction. The models can be used to improve parents’ situations and it has strong practical implications.
Exploiting the Waste Biomass of Durian Shell as a Heterogeneous Catalyst for Biodiesel Production at Room Temperature
Authors: Zhao Che , Chen Hongyuan , Wu Xiao , Shan Rui
Published: January 2023

Durian shell, a biomass waste, was simply burned and then could serve as a heterogeneous catalyst for the transesterification reaction of palm oil with methanol at room temperature. The chemical composition, structure, and morphology of the catalyst were well-characterized by XRD, BET, SEM, TEM, EDS, TGA, FT-IR, and XPS measurement. With the preparation temperature rising to 350 °C, the maximum yield of the biodiesel could reach 94.1% at room temperature, and the optimum reaction conditions were 8 wt.% catalyst, 8:1 methanol/oil molar ratio, ad 2.5 h reaction time. The characterizations results indicated that K2O and K2CO3 existed on the surface of catalyst, and a moderate amount of carbon, which acts as a carrier, attributed to the activity of the catalyst. After repeating five times, the catalyst prepared at 350 °C showed better stability than other catalysts. This might be because the incomplete combustion of the remaining carbon slowed down the loss of K to some extent.