bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel architecture for gated recurrent unit autoencoder trained on time series from electronic health records enables detection of ICU patient subgroups
Authors: Merkelbach Kilian , Schaper Steffen , Diedrich Christian , Fritsch Sebastian Johannes , Schuppert Andreas
Published: March 2023

Electronic health records (EHRs) are used in hospitals to store diagnoses, clinician notes, examinations, lab results, and interventions for each patient. Grouping patients into distinct subsets, for example, via clustering, may enable the discovery of unknown disease patterns or comorbidities, which could eventually lead to better treatment through personalized medicine. Patient data derived from EHRs is heterogeneous and temporally irregular. Therefore, traditional machine learning methods like PCA are ill-suited for analysis of EHR-derived patient data. We propose to address these issues with a new methodology based on training a gated recurrent unit (GRU) autoencoder directly on health record data. Our method learns a low-dimensional feature space by training on patient data time series, where the time of each data point is expressed explicitly. We use positional encodings for time, allowing our model to better handle the temporal irregularity of the data. We apply our method to data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC-III). Using our data-derived feature space, we can cluster patients into groups representing major classes of disease patterns. Additionally, we show that our feature space exhibits a rich substructure at multiple scales.
Stress native T1 and native T2 mapping compared to myocardial perfusion reserve in long-term follow-up of severe Covid-19
Authors: Nickander Jannike , Steffen Johansson Rebecka , Lodin Klara , Wahrby Anton , Loewenstein Daniel , Bruchfeld Judith , Runold Michael , Xue Hui , Kellman Peter , Engblom Henrik
Published: March 2023

Severe Covid-19 may cause a cascade of cardiovascular complications beyond viral pneumonia. The severe inflammation may affect the microcirculation which can be assessed by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging using quantitative perfusion mapping and calculation of myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR). Furthermore, native T1 and T2 mapping have previously been shown to identify changes in myocardial perfusion by the change in native T1 and T2 during adenosine stress. However, the relationship between native T1, native T2, ΔT1 and ΔT2 with myocardial perfusion and MPR during long-term follow-up in severe Covid-19 is currently unknown. Therefore, patients with severe Covid-19 (n = 37, median age 57 years, 24% females) underwent 1.5 T CMR median 292 days following discharge. Quantitative myocardial perfusion (ml/min/g), and native T1 and T2 maps were acquired during adenosine stress, and rest, respectively. Both native T1 (R2 = 0.35, p < 0.001) and native T2 (R2 = 0.28, p < 0.001) correlated with myocardial perfusion. However, there was no correlation with ΔT1 or ΔT2 with MPR, respectively (p > 0.05 for both). Native T1 and native T2 correlate with myocardial perfusion during adenosine stress, reflecting the coronary circulation in patients during long-term follow-up of severe Covid-19. Neither ΔT1 nor ΔT2 can be used to assess MPR in patients with severe Covid-19.
Extraction-free clinical detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus from saline gargle samples using Hamilton STARlet liquid handler
Authors: Gadkar Vijay J. , Goldfarb David M. , Al-Rawahi Ghada N. , Srigley Jocelyn A. , Smailus Duane E. , Coope Robin J. N. , Pleasance Stephen , Watson Nicole , Chen Tammy , Lam Sunny , Hoang Linda , Tilley Peter A. G.
Published: March 2023

As part of the COVID-19 pandemic, clinical laboratories have been faced with massive increases in testing, resulting in sample collection systems, reagent, and staff shortages. We utilized self-collected saline gargle samples to optimize high throughput SARS-CoV-2 multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing in order to minimize cost and technologist time. This was achieved through elimination of nucleic acid extraction and automation of sample handling on a widely available robotic liquid handler, Hamilton STARlet. A customized barcode scanning script for reading the sample ID by the Hamilton STARlet’s software system was developed to allow primary tube sampling. Use of pre-frozen SARS-CoV-2 assay reaction mixtures reduced assay setup time. In both validation and live testing, the assay produced no false positive or false negative results. Of the 1060 samples tested during validation, 3.6% (39/1060) of samples required retesting as they were either single gene positive, had internal control failure or liquid aspiration error. Although the overall turnaround time was only slightly faster in the automated workflow (185 min vs 200 min), there was a 76% reduction in hands-on time, potentially reducing staff fatigue and burnout. This described process from sample self-collection to automated direct PCR testing significantly reduces the total burden on healthcare systems in terms of human resources and reagent requirements.
New pattern in regular nuclei based on their experimental quadrupole transition rates and some new candidates
Authors: Hosseinnezhad Asgar , Seidi Masoud , Sabri Hadi
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we tried to get a new signature of regular nuclei based on their quadrupole transition rates. We have analyzed the experimental electric quadrupole transition probabilities of well-known "regular nuclei". The results indicate finding specific repetition patterns for E2 transition rates, similar to what has been reported for the energy levels of these nuclei. We also tested the existence of this observed repetition scheme for all known isotopes whose experimental transition rates are available and introduced several new candidates as regular nuclei. Then, the energy spectra (Experimental) of these new suggested "regular nuclei" are investigated in the framework of the Interacting Boson Model, in which the parameters of Hamiltonian confirm the placement of these nuclei in the "Alhassid-Whelan arc of regularity" region. In order to further study the statistical distribution of experimental energy levels related to the electromagnetic transitions we are considering, we studied using the random matrix theory. The results confirmed their regularity.
An exploratory approach to identify microRNAs as circulatory biomarker candidates for epilepsy-associated psychiatric comorbidities in an electrical post-status epilepticus model
Authors: von Rüden Eva-Lotta , Janssen-Peters Heike , Reiber Maria , van Dijk Roelof Maarten , Xiao Ke , Seiffert Isabel , Koska Ines , Hubl Christina , Thum Thomas , Potschka Heidrun
Published: March 2023

Patients with epilepsy have a high risk of developing psychiatric comorbidities, and there is a particular need for early detection of these comorbidities. Here, in an exploratory, hypothesis-generating approach, we aimed to identify microRNAs as potential circulatory biomarkers for epilepsy-associated psychiatric comorbidities across different rat models of epilepsy. The identification of distress-associated biomarkers can also contribute to animal welfare assessment. MicroRNA expression profiles were analyzed in blood samples from the electrical post-status epilepticus (SE) model. Preselected microRNAs were correlated with behavioral and biochemical parameters in the electrical post-SE model, followed by quantitative real-time PCR validation in three additional well-described rat models of epilepsy. Six microRNAs (miR-376a, miR-429, miR-494, miR-697, miR-763, miR-1903) were identified showing a positive correlation with weight gain in the early post-insult phase as well as a negative correlation with social interaction, saccharin preference, and plasma BDNF. Real-time PCR validation confirmed miR-203, miR-429, and miR-712 as differentially expressed with miR-429 being upregulated across epilepsy models. While readouts from the electrical post-SE model suggest different microRNA candidates for psychiatric comorbidities, cross-model analysis argues against generalizability across models. Thus, further research is necessary to compare the predictive validity of rodent epilepsy models for detection and management of psychiatric comorbidities.
Cost consequence analysis of waiting for lumbar disc herniation surgery
Authors: Dandurand Charlotte , Mashayekhi Mohammad Sadegh , McIntosh Greg , Singh Supriya , Paquet Jerome , Chaudhry Hasaan , Abraham Edward , Bailey Christopher S. , Weber Michael H. , Johnson Michael G. , Nataraj Andrew , Attabib Najmedden , Kelly Adrienne , Hall Hamilton , Rampersaud Y. Raja , Manson Neil , Phan Philippe , Thomas Ken , Fisher Charles , Charest-Morin Raphaele , Soroceanu Alex , LaRue Bernard , Dea Nicolas
Published: March 2023

The economic repercussions of waiting for lumbar disc surgery have not been well studied. The primary goal of this study was to perform a cost-consequence analysis of patients receiving early vs late surgery for symptomatic disc herniation from a societal perspective. Secondarily, we compared patient factors and patient-reported outcomes. This is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from the CSORN registry. A cost-consequence analysis was performed where direct and indirect costs were compared, and different outcomes were listed separately. Comparisons were made on an observational cohort of patients receiving surgery less than 60 days after consent (short wait) or 60 days or more after consent (long wait). This study included 493 patients with surgery between January 2015 and October 2021 with 272 patients (55.2%) in the short wait group and 221 patients (44.8%) classified as long wait. There was no difference in proportions of patients who returned to work at 3 and 12-months. Time from surgery to return to work was similar between both groups (34.0 vs 34.9 days, p = 0.804). Time from consent to return to work was longer in the longer wait group corresponding to an additional $11,753.10 mean indirect cost per patient. The short wait group showed increased healthcare usage at 3 months with more emergency department visits (52.6% vs 25.0%, p < 0.032), more physiotherapy (84.6% vs 72.0%, p < 0.001) and more MRI (65.2% vs 41.4%, p < 0.043). This corresponded to an additional direct cost of $518.21 per patient. Secondarily, the short wait group had higher baseline NRS leg, ODI, and lower EQ5D and PCS. The long wait group had more patients with symptoms over 2 years duration (57.6% vs 34.1%, p < 0.001). A higher proportion of patients reached MCID in terms of NRS leg pain at 3-month follow up in the short wait group (84.0% vs 75.9%, p < 0.040). This cost-consequence analysis of an observational cohort showed decreased costs associated with early surgery of $11,234.89 per patient when compared to late surgery for lumbar disc herniation. The early surgery group had more severe symptoms with higher healthcare utilization. This is counterbalanced by the additional productivity loss in the long wait group, which likely have a more chronic disease. From a societal economic perspective, early surgery seems beneficial and should be promoted.
Development and validation of a method for analyzing the sialylated glycopeptides of recombinant erythropoietin in urine using LC–HRMS
Authors: Seo Yoondam , Park Jisoo , Lee Hyeon-Jeong , Kim Minyoung , Kang Inseon , Son Junghyun , Oh Min-Kyu , Min Hophil
Published: March 2023

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a glycoprotein hormone that stimulates red blood cell production. It is produced naturally in the body and is used to treat patients with anemia. Recombinant EPO (rEPO) is used illicitly in sports to improve performance by increasing the blood’s capacity to carry oxygen. The World Anti-Doping Agency has therefore prohibited the use of rEPO. In this study, we developed a bottom-up mass spectrometric method for profiling the site-specific N-glycosylation of rEPO. We revealed that intact glycopeptides have a site-specific tetra-sialic glycan structure. Using this structure as an exogenous marker, we developed a method for use in doping studies. The profiling of rEPO N-glycopeptides revealed the presence of tri- and tetra-sialylated N-glycopeptides. By selecting a peptide with a tetra-sialic acid structure as the target, its limit of detection (LOD) was estimated to be < 500 pg/mL. Furthermore, we confirmed the detection of the target rEPO glycopeptide using three other rEPO products. We additionally validated the linearity, carryover, selectivity, matrix effect, LOD, and intraday precision of this method. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a doping analysis using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry-based detection of the rEPO glycopeptide with a tetra-sialic acid structure in human urine samples.
Analysis of the effects of vertical joints on the stability of loess slope
Authors: Zhang Rong , Wang Bin
Published: March 2023

Vertical joints with different lengths and slope distances (the horizontal distance from joints to slope shoulder) are generated at the top of the loess slope because of the unloading and collapsibility of the loess. The existence of vertical joints is a significant risk factor for loess landslides. This paper applies three methods, including laboratory tests, numerical simulation and theoretical analysis, to analyze the influence of vertical joints on the stability of loess slope. Firstly, the typical failure mode and strength characteristics of the samples containing vertical joints are analyzed through the unconfined compressive strength test and triaxial compression test. Further, the effects of vertical joints with different lengths and the slope distance on the slope safety coefficient and sliding surface position are calculated by finite element numerical analysis. Finally, the formula for calculating the safety coefficient of loess slope with vertical joints is derived. The results show that: the joint bonding degree affects the sample's strength and failure rate. The strength of the sample with open vertical joints is less than that of closed ones, and the failure rate is greater than that of closed ones. When the length and the slope distances of the vertical joint are less than 5 m, the influence of vertical joints on the shape and position of the sliding surface will be small. When the length of the vertical joint is more than 5 m and less than 15 m, the safety factor of the slope decreases with the increase in the length of vertical joints. When the length of vertical joints reaches 15 m, and the slope distance is 10 m, the deterioration degree of vertical joints on the slope comes up to the peak. Statistical analysis shows that the dominant dip angle of shear fracture at the back edge of the landslide affected by the vertical joint surface is between 45° and 65°. The research results can be used for rapid calculation of the safety coefficient and rapid evaluation of slope stability of loess slope with vertical joints.
The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index predicts sarcopenia in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Saeki Chisato , Kinoshita Akiyoshi , Kanai Tomoya , Ueda Kaoru , Nakano Masanori , Oikawa Tsunekazu , Torisu Yuichi , Saruta Masayuki , Tsubota Akihito
Published: March 2023

Patients with cirrhosis are at high risk for sarcopenia and malnutrition, which are associated with reduced quality of life and increased mortality. We investigated the relationship between the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) and sarcopenia/gait speed and assessed the usefulness of the GNRI for predicting sarcopenia in patients with cirrhosis. We evaluated 202 patients with cirrhosis and divided them into three groups based on baseline GNRI values: low (L)-GNRI (< 94.0, n = 49), intermediate (I)-GNRI (between 94.0 and 109.5, n = 103), and high (H)-GNRI groups (> 109.5, n = 50). Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the criteria of the Japan Society of Hepatology. The prevalence of sarcopenia and slow gait speed was the lowest in the H-GNRI group (8.0% and 26.0%, respectively) and the highest in the L-GNRI group (49.0% and 44.9%, respectively). They increased stepwise with a decline in the GNRI group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.05, respectively). The GNRI values were significantly and positively correlated with handgrip strength, skeletal muscle mass index, and gait speed. Multivariate analysis identified lower GNRI as an independent risk factor for sarcopenia. The optimal cutoff value of the GNRI for predicting sarcopenia was 102.1 (sensitivity/specificity, 0.768/0.630). The GNRI was significantly associated with sarcopenia and physical performance and could be a helpful screening tool for predicting sarcopenia in patients with cirrhosis.
Proximal versus distal bone transport for the management of large segmental tibial defect: a clinical case series
Authors: Lu Yao , Wang Qian , Ren Cheng , Li Ming , Li Zhong , Zhang Kun , Huang Qiang , Ma Teng
Published: March 2023

This retrospective study compared proximal bone transport and distal bone transport in a series of cases diagnosed with large segmental tibial defects. Patients with a tibial segmental defect (> 5 cm) were eligible for inclusion. Twenty-nine patients were treated using proximal bone transport technique (PBT group) and 21 cases were managed by distal bone transport technique (DBT group). We recorded the demographic information, operation indexes, external fixation index (EFI), visual analog score (VAS), limb function scores, and complications. Patients were followed for 24–52 months. There was no significant difference in operation time, blood loss, time in frame, EFI and HSS score between the two groups (p > 0.05). However, the PBT group displayed better clinical effects than the DBT group, including higher AOFAS scores, lower VAS, and complication incidence (p < 0.05). In particular, the incidence of Grade-II pin-tract infection, transient loss of ankle movement, and foot drop was significantly lower in PBT group than that in DBT group (p < 0.05). Although both methods could be used safely for the management of large segmental tibial defects, the proximal bone transport may confer greater patient satisfaction because of better ankle functions and lower complications.
Metabolic syndrome for the prognosis of postoperative complications after open pancreatic surgery in Chinese adult: a propensity score matching study
Authors: Dai Yuanqiang , Shi Yaping , Wang Heng , Cheng Tianhua , Xia Boyang , Deng Yu , Xu Tao
Published: March 2023

To investigate the relationship between metabolic syndrome (MS) and postoperative complications in Chinese adults after open pancreatic surgery. Relevant data were retrieved from the Medical system database of Changhai hospital (MDCH). All patients who underwent pancreatectomy from January 2017 to May 2019 were included, and relevant data were collected and analyzed. A propensity score matching (PSM) and a multivariate generalized estimating equation were used to investigate the association between MS and composite compositions during hospitalization. Cox regression model was employed for survival analysis. 1481 patients were finally eligible for this analysis. According to diagnostic criteria of Chinese MS, 235 patients were defined as MS, and the other 1246 patients were controls. After PSM, no association was found between MS and postoperative composite complications (OR: 0.958, 95%CI: 0.715–1.282, P = 0.958). But MS was associated with postoperative acute kidney injury (OR: 1.730, 95%CI: 1.050–2.849, P = 0.031). Postoperative AKI was associated with mortality in 30 and 90 days after surgery (P < 0.001). MS is not an independent risk factor correlated with postoperative composite complications after open pancreatic surgery. But MS is an independent risk factor for postoperative AKI of pancreatic surgery in Chinese population, and AKI is associated with survival after surgery.
Geochemistry and mineralogy of auriferous tailings deposits and their potential for reuse in Nova Lima Region, Brazil
Authors: Lemos Mariana , Valente Teresa , Reis Paula Marinho , Fonseca Rita , Pantaleão João Paulo , Guabiroba Fernanda , Filho José Gregorio , Magalhães Marcus , Afonseca Bruno , Silva Antonio Roberto , Delbem Itamar
Published: March 2023

Since the mid-nineteenth century, gold ores, mainly hosted in sulfides, have been processed at metallurgical plants located in Nova Lima, Brazil. The generated wastes have been accumulated over the years in tailings dams or in piles. These materials represent wasted from old circuits, as well as from plants still in production. In this study, geochemical, mineralogical, 3D modelling, and metallurgical analyses wastes were carried out to evaluate potential reuse of these wastes. The performed characterization detected residues of very fine grain size containing sulfides and oxides. The wastes show high grades of Au hosted in different minerals. In addition to Au, samples contain S, Fe, Zn, Pb, Sc, Si, and As. The 3D modelling for spatial definition of Au was performed using ordinary kriging with dimensional variograms. The results indicated the occurrence of Au enrichment zones and allowed to reveal the most attractive tailing deposits in terms of Au content. Metallurgical tests showed recovery of 70% of Au and suggested other potential reuse of the wastes, such as aggregates for the civil construction sector and recovery of other metals. The present work highlights the importance of an integrative characterization within the scope of the circular economy and the value of tailings in the production chain of the mineral sector.
Comparative analysis of Acomys cahirinus and Mus musculus responses to genotoxicity, oxidative stress, and inflammation
Authors: Ghebryal Lamees N. , Noshy Magda M. , El-Ghor Akmal A. , Eissa Shaymaa M.
Published: March 2023

The Egyptian spiny mouse, Acomyscahirinus, is a recently described model organism for regeneration studies. It has surprising powers of regeneration with relatively fast repairing mechanisms and reduced inflammation form compared to other mammals. Although several studies have documented the exceptional capabilities of Acomys to regenerate different tissues after injury, its response to different cellular and genetic stresses is not yet investigated. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate Acomys abilities to resist genotoxicity, oxidative stress and inflammation induced by acute and subacute treatments with lead acetate. Responses of Acomys were compared with those of the lab mouse (Musmusculus), which displays signatures of the “typical” mammalian response to various stressors. Cellular and genetic stresses were induced by using acute and subacute doses of Lead acetate (400 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg for 5 days, respectively). The assessment of genotoxicity was carried out by using comet assay, while oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring the biomarkers; MDA, GSH and antioxidant enzymes CAT and SOD. Moreover, inflammation was assessed by analyzing the expression of some inflammatory-regeneration-related genes: CXCL1, IL1-β, and Notch2 and immunohistochemical staining of TNF-α protein in brain tissue, in addition to histopathological examination of brain, liver, and kidneys. The obtained results revealed a unique resistance potency of Acomys to genotoxicity, oxidative stress, and inflammation in certain tissues in comparison to Mus. Altogether, the results revealed an adaptive and protective response to cellular and genetic stresses in Acomys.
Resilience and coping behaviour among adolescents in a high-income city-state during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Moosa Aminath Shiwaza , Ng Ding Xuan , Aau Wai Keong , Goy Wei Teck Timothy , Yang Chenghan Roy , Sim En Hsien Andrew , Wee Juan Dee , Tan Ngiap Chuan
Published: March 2023

The study aimed to determine the resilience of multi-ethnic, multi-cultural adolescent students in cosmopolitan Singapore, their coping abilities, and the impact on their social and physical activities during the COVID-19 pandemic and its association with their resilience. A total of 582 adolescents in post-secondary education institutes completed an online survey from June to November 2021. The survey assessed their sociodemographic status, resilience level using the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) and Hardy-Gill Resilience Scale (HGRS), the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their daily activities, life settings, social life, social interactions, and coping ability in these aspects of life. Poor ability to cope with school life (adjusted beta = − 0.163, 95% CI − 1.928 to 0.639, p < 0.001), staying home (adjusted beta = − 0.108, 95% CI = − 1.611 to − 0.126, p = 0.022), sports (adjusted beta = − 0.116, 95% CI − 1.691 to − 0.197, p = 0.013) and friends (adjusted beta = − 0.143, 95% CI − 1.904 to − 0.363, p = 0.004) were associated with statistically significant low resilience level measured with HGRS. About half and a third of the participants reported normal and low resilience, respectively, based on BRS (59.6%/32.7%) and HGRS (49.0%/29.0%) scores. Adolescents of Chinese ethnicity and low socioeconomic status had comparatively lower resilience scores. Approximately half of the adolescents in this study had normal resilience despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Adolescents with lower resilience tended to have lower coping abilities. The study did not compare changes in the social life and coping behaviour of the adolescents due to COVID-19, as data on these aspects prior to the pandemic was unavailable.
Utilization possibilities of steel slag as backfill material in coastal structures
Authors: Tozsin Gulsen , Yonar Fatih , Yucel Onuralp , Dikbas Atilla
Published: March 2023

The aim of this study is to investigate the utilization possibilities of steel slags, basic oxygen furnace (BOF) and electric arc furnace (EAF) slags, as backfill material in coastal structures. Within the scope of the study, physical, mechanical and chemical properties of the steel slags were investigated and their potential to create environmental risks were evaluated. The results showed that soundness loss and filler content ratio were below the limit values for steel slags to be used as backfill material. It was determined that the density, porosity, water absorption and Los Angeles abrasion ratios of steel slags were generally higher than natural aggregates. In order to reach the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) limit (> 25%), the maximum particle size of the steel slag was reduced to 25 mm. In this particle size, CBR of the slag samples generally gave better results compared to the natural aggregate (38%), except for Kardemir and Asil samples. In addition, the concentration values of heavy metals (Cu, Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni, Zn, Hg and As) were below the limit values specified in the regulation. It is suggested that EAF slags should be aged for at least 6 months and BOF slags for at least 24 months in open air conditions before being used as backfill material in coastal structures after the maximum particle size is reduced to 25 mm.
Clinical evaluation of DIAGNOVIR SARS-CoV-2 ultra-rapid antigen test performance compared to PCR-based testing
Authors: Seymen Ali Aytac , Gulten Ezgi , Ozgur Erol , Ortaç Bülend , Akdemir Irem , Cinar Gule , Saricaoglu Elif Mukime , Guney-Esken Gulen , Akkus Erman , Can Fusun , Karahan Zeynep Ceren , Azap Alpay , Tuncay Erkan
Published: March 2023

Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The development of rapid antigen tests has contributed to easing the burden on healthcare and lifting restrictions by detecting infected individuals to help prevent further transmission of the virus. We developed a state-of-art rapid antigen testing system, named DIAGNOVIR, based on immune-fluorescence analysis, which can process and give the results in a minute. In our study, we assessed the performance of the DIAGNOVIR and compared the results with those of the qRT-PCR test. Our results demonstrated that the sensitivity and specificity of the DIAGNOVIR were 94% and 99.2%, respectively, with a 100% sensitivity and 96.97% specificity, among asymptomatic patients. In addition, DIAGNOVIR can detect SARS‑CoV‑2 with 100% sensitivity up to 5 days after symptom onset. We observed that the DIAGNOVIR Rapid Antigen Test’s limit of detection (LoD) was not significantly affected by the SARS‑CoV‑2 variants including Wuhan, alpha (B1.1.7), beta (B.1.351), delta (B.1.617.2) and omicron (B.1.1.529) variants, and LoD was calculated as 8 × 102, 6.81 × 101.5, 3.2 × 101.5, 1 × 103, and 1 × 103.5 TCID50/mL, respectively. Our results indicated that DIAGNOVIR can detect all SARS-CoV-2 variants in just seconds with higher sensitivity and specificity lower testing costs and decreased turnover time.
A real-time prediction interval correction method with an unscented Kalman filter for settlement monitoring of a power station dam
Authors: Zhou Ting , Jie Yuxin , Wei Yingjie , Zhang Yanyi , Chen Hui
Published: March 2023

A prediction interval (PI) method is developed to quantify the model uncertainty of embankment settlement prediction. Traditional PIs are constructed based on specific past period information and remain unchanged; hence, they neglect discrepancies between previous calculations and new monitoring data. In this paper, a real-time prediction interval correction method is proposed. Time-varying PIs are built by continuously incorporating new measurements into model uncertainty calculations. The method consists of trend identification, PI construction, and real-time correction. Primarily, trend identification is carried out by wavelet analysis to eliminate early unstable noise and determine the settlement trend. Then, the Delta method is applied to construct PIs based on the characterized trend, and a comprehensive evaluation index is introduced. The model output and the upper and lower bounds of the PIs are updated by the unscented Kalman filter (UKF). The effect of the UKF is compared with that of the Kalman filter (KF) and extended Kalman filter (EKF). The method was demonstrated in the Qingyuan power station dam. The results show that the time-varying PIs based on trend data are smoother than those based on original data with better evaluation index scores. Also, the PIs are not affected by local anomalies. The proposed PIs are consistent with the actual measurements, and the UKF performs better than the KF and EKF. The approach has the potential to provide more reliable embankment safety assessments.
Development of novel broad-spectrum antimicrobial lipopeptides derived from plantaricin NC8 β
Authors: Wiman Emanuel , Zattarin Elisa , Aili Daniel , Bengtsson Torbjörn , Selegård Robert , Khalaf Hazem
Published: March 2023

Bacterial resistance towards antibiotics is a major global health issue. Very few novel antimicrobial agents and therapies have been made available for clinical use during the past decades, despite an increasing need. Antimicrobial peptides have been intensely studied, many of which have shown great promise in vitro. We have previously demonstrated that the bacteriocin Plantaricin NC8 αβ (PLNC8 αβ) from Lactobacillus plantarum effectively inhibits Staphylococcus spp., and shows little to no cytotoxicity towards human keratinocytes. However, due to its limitations in inhibiting gram-negative species, the aim of the present study was to identify novel antimicrobial peptidomimetic compounds with an enhanced spectrum of activity, derived from the β peptide of PLNC8 αβ. We have rationally designed and synthesized a small library of lipopeptides with significantly improved antimicrobial activity towards both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including the ESKAPE pathogens. The lipopeptides consist of 16 amino acids with a terminal fatty acid chain and assemble into micelles that effectively inhibit and kill bacteria by permeabilizing their cell membranes. They demonstrate low hemolytic activity and liposome model systems further confirm selectivity for bacterial lipid membranes. The combination of lipopeptides with different antibiotics enhanced the effects in a synergistic or additive manner. Our data suggest that the novel lipopeptides are promising as future antimicrobial agents, however additional experiments using relevant animal models are necessary to further validate their in vivo efficacy.
Individual differences in sensory processing sensitivity amplify effects of post-learning activity for better and for worse
Authors: Marhenke Robert , Acevedo Bianca , Sachse Pierre , Martini Markus
Published: March 2023

Sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) is a biologically-based trait associated with greater reactivity to both positive and negative environments. Recent studies suggest that the activity following learning can support or hinder memory retention. Here, we employed a within-subject experiment to examine whether and how individual differences in SPS contribute to differences in memory retention. Sixty-four participants encoded and immediately recalled two word lists: one followed by 8-min of eyes-closed, wakeful resting; and the other by a distraction task. After 7 days, participants completed a surprise free recall test for both word lists. If participants wakefully rested after encoding, memory retention increased as a function of higher SPS. However, in the distraction condition, a negative curvilinear relationship indicated that memory retention was especially hindered for highly sensitive individuals. These results suggest that individual differences in SPS are an important factor to consider when examining the effects of environmental conditions on learning and memory.
Investigating quorum-quenching marine bacilli as potential biocontrol agents for protection of shrimps against Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS)
Authors: Müller Moritz , Spiers Andrew J. , Tan Angelica , Mujahid Aazani
Published: March 2023

Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS) has been a major problem for shrimp aquaculture in Southeast Asia due to its epizootic prevalence within the region since the first reported case in 2009. This study explores the application of halophilic marine bacilli isolated from coral mucus and their quorum-quenching abilities as potential biocontrol agents in aquaculture systems to combat the causative agent of EMS, Vibrio parahaemolyticus. N-acylhomoserine lactone (AHL)-degrading (AiiA) activity was first screened by PCR then confirmed by bio-reporter assay, and a combination of 16S rDNA sequence analysis and quantitative phenotype assays including biofilm-formation and temperature-growth responses were used to demonstrate diversity amongst these quorum-quenching isolates. Three phenotypically distinct strains showing notable potential were chosen to undergo co-cultivation as a method for strain improvement via long term exposure to the pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus. The novel approach taken led to significant improvements in antagonism and quorum quenching activities as compared to the ancestral wild-type strains and offers a potential solution as well as pathway to improve existing beneficial microbes for one of the most pressing issues in shrimp aquacultures worldwide.
Development and validation of a new analytical method for determination of linagliptin in bulk by visible spectrophotometer
Authors: Sahloul Lujain , Salami Maisam
Published: March 2023

A simple, economical, and specific analytical method has been developed for determining and validating linagliptin (LNG) in bulk. This method is based on a condensation reaction between a primary amine in LNG and an aldehyde group in P-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde (PDAB) to form the yellow Schiff base with a wavelength of 407 nm. The optimum experimental conditions for the formulation of the colored complex have been studied. The optimum conditions were 1 mL of 5% w/v reagent solution with methanol and distilled water as a solvent for both PDAB, LNG respectively, also adding 2 mL of HCl as an acidic medium, heating to 70–75 °C on a water bath for 35 min. Furthermore, the stoichiometry of the reaction has been studied according to Job’s and Molar ratio method which was expressing 1:1 for LNG and PDAB. The researcher modified the method. The results show that the linearity in the concentration range (5–45 µg/mL) with correlation coefficient R2 = 0.9989 with percent recovery (99.46–100.8%) and RSD was less than 2%, LOD and LOQ 1.5815 − 4.7924 μg/mL respectively. This method can show high quality and there is no significant interference with excipients and in pharmaceutical forms. None of the studies showed the development of this method before.
A novel non-slip banded balloon catheter for endoscopic sphincteroplasty: an ex vivo and in vivo pilot study
Authors: Inoue Tadahisa , Kutsumi Hiromu , Ibusuki Mayu , Yoneda Masashi
Published: March 2023

Endoscopic balloon sphincteroplasty is an established procedure for the extraction of bile duct stones. However, the balloon often slips during the inflation process, and its length is an impediment if the distance between the papilla and scope is limited and/or the stone is located close to the papilla. This animal experimental study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a novel short non-slip banded balloon measuring 15–20 mm in length for sphincteroplasty. The ex vivo component of this study was conducted using porcine duodenal papilla. Miniature pigs were subjected to endoscopic retrograde cholangiography in the in vivo component. The technical success of sphincteroplasty without any slippage was the primary outcome of the study and was compared between cases managed with the non-slip banded balloon (non-slip balloon group) and conventional balloon (conventional balloon group). The technical success rate of the ex vivo component, i.e., absence of any slippage, was significantly higher in the non-slip balloon group than in the conventional balloon group with the 8-mm (96.0% vs. 16.0%, P < 0.001) and 12-mm diameter balloons (96.0% vs. 0%, P < 0.001). The technical success rate of endoscopic sphincteroplasty without slippage in the in vivo component was significantly higher in the non-slip balloon group than in the conventional balloon group (100% vs. 40%, P = 0.011). No immediate adverse events were observed in either group. The slippage rate was significantly lower with sphincteroplasty using a non-slip balloon, despite the balloon length being considerably shorter than that of conventional balloons, demonstrating its potential utility in difficult cases.
Molecular testing devices for on-site detection of E. coli in water samples
Authors: Manzanas Carlos , Morrison Elise , Kim Young S. , Alipanah Morteza , Adedokun George , Jin Shouguang , Osborne Todd Z. , Fan Z. Hugh
Published: March 2023

Escherichia coli (E. coli) cells are present in fecal materials that can be the main source for disease‐causing agents in water. As a result, E. coli is recommended as a water quality indicator. We have developed an innovative platform to detect E. coli for monitoring water quality on-site by integrating paper-based sample preparation with nucleic acid isothermal amplification. The platform carries out bacterial lysis and DNA enrichment onto a paper pad through ball-based valves for fluid control, with no need of laboratory equipment, followed by loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) in a battery-operated coffee mug, and colorimetric detection. We have used the platform to detect E. coli in environmental water samples in about 1 h, with a limit of quantitation of 0.2 CFU/mL, and 3 copies per reaction. The platform was confirmed for detecting multiple E. coli strains, and for water samples of different salt concentrations. We validated the functions of the platform by analyzing recreational water samples collected near the Atlantic Ocean that contain different concentrations of salt and bacteria.
Long-term visual outcomes in children with regressed retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Park Se Hie , Ma Dae Joong , Choi Dong Gyu
Published: March 2023

This retrospective study evaluated long-term visual outcomes in children with regressed retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and correlations between visual acuity (VA) and clinical variables, including fundus findings. We reviewed the medical records of 57 consecutive patients diagnosed with ROP. We analyzed the correlations between best-corrected VA and anatomical fundus findings, such as macular dragging and retinal vascular tortuosity, after ROP regression. The correlations between VA and clinical variables such as gestational age (GA), birth weight (BW), and refractive errors (hyperopia and myopia in spherical equivalent [SE], astigmatism, and anisometropia) were also evaluated. Of 110 eyes, 33.6% had macular dragging; the presence of macular dragging and poor VA were significantly correlated (p = 0.002). Patients with larger macula-to-disc distance/disc diameter ratios had significantly poorer VA (p = 0.036). However, no significant correlation was observed between the VA and vascular tortuosity. Patients with smaller GA and BW had poorer visual outcomes (both, p = 0.007). The larger SE in absolute values, myopia, astigmatism, and anisometropia were significantly associated with poorer visual outcomes as well (all, p < 0.001). In children with regressed ROP, macular dragging, small GA and BW, large SE in absolute values, myopia, astigmatism, and anisometropia may be predictors of poor visual outcomes at early ages.
Distributed formation for interconnected networks with minimum energy restriction and interaction silence
Authors: Qiao Yukun , Li Junlong , Zhang Qi , Xi Jianxiang , Zheng Yuanshi
Published: March 2023

The minimum-energy formation strategy for interconnected networks with distributed formation protocols is persented, where the impacts of the total energy restriction and the interaction silence are analyzed, respectively. The critical feature of this article is that the distributed formation and the minimum-energy restriction are realized simultaneously, and the total energy restriction is minimum in the sense of the linear matrix inequality. However, the guaranteed-cost formation strategy and the limited-budget formation strategy cannot guarantee that the energy restriction is minimum. Firstly, sufficient conditions for minimum-energy-restriction formation without the interaction silence are proposed, which can be solved by a specific optimization approach in terms of the linear matrix inequality, and the formation whole motion trajectory is determined, which is closely related to the average of the initial states of all agents and formation control vectors. Then, minimum-energy-restriction formation criteria for interconnected systems with the interaction silence are proposed by introducing two inhibition parameters and the interaction silence rate. Finally, two simulation examples are performed to illustrate the effectiveness of theoretical analyses.
Inhibition of TGF-β signaling enables long-term proliferation of mouse primary epithelial stem/progenitor cells of the tympanic membrane and the middle ear mucosa
Authors: Yamamoto-Fukuda Tomomi , Pinto Filipa , Pitt Keshia , Senoo Makoto
Published: March 2023

The surface of the middle ear is composed of the tympanic membrane (TM) and the middle ear mucosa (MEM). A number of diseases and conditions such as otitis media, middle ear cholesteatoma, and perforation of the TM have been reported to cause dysfunction of the middle ear, ultimately leading to high-frequency hearing loss. Despite its importance in repairing the damaged tissues, the stem/progenitor cells of the TM and the MEM epithelia remains largely uncharacterized due, in part, to the lack of an optimal methodology to expand and maintain stem/progenitor cells long-term. Here, we show that suppression of TGF-β signaling in a low Ca2+condition enables long-term proliferation of p63-positive epithelial stem/progenitor cells of the TM and the MEM while avoiding their malignant transformation. Indeed, our data show that the expanded TM and MEM stem/progenitor cells respond to Ca2+stimulation and differentiate into the mature epithelial cell lineages marked by cytokeratin (CK) 1/8/18 or Bpifa1, respectively. These results will allow us to expand epithelial stem/progenitor cells of the TM and MEM in quantity for large-scale analyses and will enhance the use of mouse models in developing stem cell-mediated therapeutic strategies for the treatment of middle ear diseases and conditions.
A machine learning analysis of correlates of mortality among patients hospitalized with COVID-19
Authors: Baker Timothy B. , Loh Wei-Yin , Piasecki Thomas M. , Bolt Daniel M. , Smith Stevens S. , Slutske Wendy S. , Conner Karen L. , Bernstein Steven L. , Fiore Michael C.
Published: March 2023

It is vital to determine how patient characteristics that precede COVID-19 illness relate to COVID-19 mortality. This is a retrospective cohort study of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 across 21 healthcare systems in the US. All patients (N = 145,944) had COVID-19 diagnoses and/or positive PCR tests and completed their hospital stays from February 1, 2020 through January 31, 2022. Machine learning analyses revealed that age, hypertension, insurance status, and healthcare system (hospital site) were especially predictive of mortality across the full sample. However, multiple variables were especially predictive in subgroups of patients. The nested effects of risk factors such as age, hypertension, vaccination, site, and race accounted for large differences in mortality likelihood with rates ranging from about 2–30%. Subgroups of patients are at heightened risk of COVID-19 mortality due to combinations of preadmission risk factors; a finding of potential relevance to outreach and preventive actions.
Real-time botnet detection on large network bandwidths using machine learning
Authors: Velasco-Mata Javier , González-Castro Víctor , Fidalgo Eduardo , Alegre Enrique
Published: March 2023

Botnets are one of the most harmful cyberthreats, that can perform many types of cyberattacks and cause billionaire losses to the global economy. Nowadays, vast amounts of network traffic are generated every second, hence manual analysis is impossible. To be effective, automatic botnet detection should be done as fast as possible, but carrying this out is difficult in large bandwidths. To handle this problem, we propose an approach that is capable of carrying out an ultra-fast network analysis (i.e. on windows of one second), without a significant loss in the F1-score. We compared our model with other three literature proposals, and achieved the best performance: an F1 score of 0.926 with a processing time of 0.007 ms per sample. We also assessed the robustness of our model on saturated networks and on large bandwidths. In particular, our model is capable of working on networks with a saturation of 10% of packet loss, and we estimated the number of CPU cores needed to analyze traffic on three bandwidth sizes. Our results suggest that using commercial-grade cores of 2.4 GHz, our approach would only need four cores for bandwidths of 100 Mbps and 1 Gbps, and 19 cores on 10 Gbps networks.