bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Ecological Study on Decadal Trends and Impacts of Ambient Air Pollutants on COPD and Lung Cancer in Upper Northern Thailand: 2013-2022
Authors: Sapbamrer Pachara , Assavanoppkhun Pheerasak , Panumasvivat Jinjuta
Published: February 2024

Upper northern Thailand faced a crisis of air pollution, posing significant challenges to respiratory health. This study aimed to investigate the trends and associations between air pollutant levels and lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study spanned eight provinces over 2013–2022, collecting air pollutant monitoring data from the Pollution Control Department and respiratory health information, including mortality rates for lung cancer and COPD patients, along with the readmission rate for COPD patients, from Regional Public Health. The dataset was divided into two seasons, namely, the haze (December-May) and non-haze (June-November) seasons. The findings indicated a decadal pattern, with peak levels observed in March for all air pollutant parameters and COPD readmission rates. The PM2.5 concentration exceeded Thailand's air quality standards from January to April. COPD mortality and readmission rates significantly increased compared to those in the non-haze periods (p < 0.001). While lung cancer mortality rates were greater in the haze season, the difference was not statistically significant. Pearson correlation analysis indicated moderate positive associations between PM10, PM2.5, O3, CO, and NO2 levels and COPD readmission rates (r = 0.308 to 0.495, p < 0.01). Moreover, the PM10, PM2.5, O3, SO2 and NO2 concentrations exhibited a weak positive association with the COPD mortality rate (r 0.014 to 0.288, p < 0.01). Upper northern Thailand experienced a predictable pattern of air pollution, positively linked to higher COPD death and readmission rates. These findings highlight the need for an early and well-prepared public health response, especially before the haze season.
Simultaneous Labial and Lingual Augmented Corticotomy Assisted Presurgical Orthodontics in Class III Patients: The Morphological Aspects of the Mandibular Anterior Ridge with Cone-beam computed tomography
Authors: Liu Jian , Li Yi , Fu Yu , Hu Xinnong , Xu Xiao , Xu Li , Hou Jianxia
Published: February 2024

Objectives: To investigate alveolar bone changes after simultaneously performing labial and lingual augmented corticotomy (LLAC) in patients with insufficient thickness of the alveolar bone in the labial and lingual sides of the mandibular anterior teeth during presurgical orthodontic treatment.
Materials and Methods:Twenty-four surgical patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion were included: 10 (LLAC group) accepted LLAC surgery during presurgical orthodontic treatment, and 14 (non-surgery group, NS) accepted traditional presurgical orthodontic treatment. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were obtained before treatment (T0) and at the completion of presurgical orthodontic treatment (T1). The amount of vertical alveolar bone and contour area of the alveolar bone in the labial and lingual sides of mandibular incisors were measured.
Results: After presurgical orthodontic treatment, the contour area of the alveolar bone at each level on the lingual side and alveolar bone level on both sides decreased significantly in the NS group (P <0.001). However, the labial and lingual bone contour area at each level and bone level increased significantly in the LLAC group (P <0.001). The bone formation rate in the lingual apical region was the highest, significantly different from other sites (P <0.001).
Conclusions: During presurgical orthodontic treatment, LLAC can significantly increase the contour area of the labio-lingual alveolar bone in the mandibular anterior teeth to facilitate safe and effective orthodontic decompensation in skeletal Class III patients.
Clinical Relevance: This surgery has positive clinical significance in patients lacking bone thickness (< 0.5mm) in the labial and lingual sides of the lower anterior teeth.
Maintenance of Balanites aegyptiaca trees for fruit production in Kafta-Humera district, Western Zone of Tigray, Ethiopia.
Authors: Weldu Halefom , tewolde-berhan sarah , Grimay Gebrehanns
Published: February 2024

Balanites aegyptiaca is a dryland tree species with multiple socioeconomic and ecological benefits. The tree is cultivated by farmers in their fields in the Kafta Humera District, but scientific information on the local fruit morphological characteristics, and its fruit production of the Balanites aegyptiaca tree were insufficient in the study area. This study was initiated to investigate the morphology and fruit production of Balanites aegyptiaca for conservation in Kafta-Humeradistrict. Fruit morphology was studied on 180 fruits from 18 trees representing three diameter classes and two flavors. The relationship between dendrometric parameters and fruit production was analyzed using Pearson's correlation test. In addition, ANOVA was used for fruit morphology and production. Results showed that fruit morphological characteristics and fruit production were significant (p = 0.05) and differed according to DBH grade and flavor. Overall, the multipurpose tree Balanites aegyptiaca has the potential to produce fruit and the conservation of this tree on agricultural land with proper management in drought-prone areas could increase food security and provide great potential for edible wild crops.
Association of preoperative frailty with adverse postoperative outcomes in elderly patients undergoing elective spinal surgery: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Song Yanhong , Wu Ziyi , Zhao Anqi , Zhou Jiayu , Zhao Ping
Published: February 2024

Background
This study aims to investigate the relationship between a brief preoperative frailty assessment and the occurrence of adverse postoperative outcomes in elective spinal surgery in the elderly.
Methods
This is a prospective cohort study. The participants selected for the study were elderly patients undergoing elective spinal surgery at Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University. A total of 231 elderly patients aged 65 years or older were assessed for preoperative frailty using the FRAIL scale, a brief frailty screening scale that covers five main aspects: fatigue, resistance, mobility, disease status, and weight, within 1 week before surgery. Follow-up was conducted within 30 days after surgery to obtain information about postoperative recovery. The primary outcome indicator was the occurrence of postoperative complications. Complications of interest included postoperative infections (respiratory, urinary, and surgical site infections), cardiovascular complications, blood transfusions, electrolyte disturbances, and problems with postoperative feeding. Secondary outcome indicators were prolonged hospital stay and adverse postoperative course.
Results
A total of 207 patients were eventually analyzed in this study, of whom 101 (48.8%) were male and 106 (51.2%) were female. The median age of the cohort was 69 (67–72) years. Preoperative frailty assessment resulted in 30 (14.5%) being healthy, 121 (58.5%) being prefrail and 56 (27.1%) being frail. A total of 65 (31.4%) of the 207 patients experienced postoperative complications. In a multifactorial analysis, frailty (score ≥ 3) (OR, 4.80; 95% CI, 1.1-20.96) and ASA classification ≥ 3 (OR, 2.53; 95% CI, 1.23–5.21) were independent risk factors for the development of postoperative complications. ASA classification ≥ 3 (OR, 2.21; 95% CI, 1.046–4.69) was significantly associated with a prolonged hospital stay. Patients with frailty (score ≥ 3) (OR, 6.426; 95%CI, 1.13–36.69) or ASA classification ≥ 3 (OR, 4.10; 95% CI, 1.71–9.83) were at increased risk of adverse postoperative course (CCI above the 75th percentile).
Conclusions
In geriatric elective spinal surgery, preoperative assessment with the brief frailty screening scale can help identify individuals at high potential risk of postoperative adverse events.
Trial registration:
This study was initially registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on 8/8/2021 under the registration number ChiCTR2100049677.
Psychometric Properties of Severson Smokeless Tobacco Dependence Scale among Turkmen Nass Users in Iran
Authors: Charkazi Abdurrahman , Pahlavanzadeh Bagher
Published: February 2024

Background: Nass is a kind of Smokeless Tobacco (SLT) in Iran, and its consumption is common among Turkmen people. Nass consumption leads to nicotine dependency and addiction. This study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the Severson Smokeless Tobacco Dependence Scale (SSTDS)among Turkmen Nass Users in Iran.
Methods: Following a cross-sectional design, 327 Turkmens Nass consumers were recruited via convenience sampling in 2016. The participants completed the SSTDS and the Fagerström Tolerance Questionnaire for Smokeless Tobacco (FTQ-SLT), along with selected demographic variables. The data were analyzed through Explanatory Factor Analysis (EFA) using FACTOR ver 12.04.05 and R ver 4.2.2 software and through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) using Mplus software version 7.4.
Results: Based on the EFA, a unidimensional model was proposed. The results of CFA also showed a good fit for this one-factor model. The factor loadings of the final model (between 0.54 and 0.87) showed good convergent validity. The correlation coefficient of r = 0.65 (p<.0001) between the SSTDS and FTNS-STs also indicated concurrent validity. Cronbach's alpha for the reliability of the scale was α=0.855, and the FDI was 0.93, underscoring that the simple sum of scores serves as a robust indicator for assessing the extent of nicotine dependency.
Conclusions: The Persian version of the SSTDS is a reliable, valid tool for evaluating tobacco dependency among Turkmen Nass Users in Iran. Due to the unidimensional structure obtained for this scale, it will be easy to determine the extent of nicotine dependency in people who use Nass.
Two novel TMEM67 variations in a Chinese family with recurrent pregnancy loss: a case report
Authors: Pang Jialun , Kong Fanjuan , Tang Wanglan , Xi Hui , Ma Na , Sheng Xiaoqi , Peng Ying , Liu Zhiyu
Published: February 2024

Background:Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a common pregnancy complication that brings great pain to pregnant women and their families. Genetic factors are an important cause reason of RPL. However, clinical research on monogenic diseases with recurrent miscarriage is insufficient.
Case presentation: Here we reported a Chinese family with RPL and genetic analysis of the abortion and parents. A paternally inherited heterozygous missense variant c.1415T>G (p.V472G) and a maternally inherited heterozygous nonsense variant c.2314del (p.M772*) in TMEM67gene were identified by trio-exome sequencing. c.2314del (p.M772*) generated a premature stop codon and truncated protein, was classified as “pathogenic”. c.1415T>G (p.V472G) located in extra-cellular region, was classified as “likely pathogenic”. Biallelic variants in TMEM67 gene cause lethal Meckel syndrome 3, consistent with the proband’s prenatal phenotype.
Conclusion: The current study of the Chinese family expands the pathogenic variant spectrum of TMEM67and emphasizes the necessity of exome sequencing in RPL condition.
The evolutionary journey of the avian foot through its networks
Authors: Carril Julieta , De Mendoza Ricardo , Degrange Federico , Barbeito Claudio , Tambussi Claudia
Published: February 2024

The avian evolutionary pathway led to morphological adaptive variations in their feet. Diverse foot types are accompanied by a complex muscle system, allowing birds to adopt different primary lifestyles, and to display various locomotor and manipulative skills. We provide novel insights of evolutionary and functional significance on the avian foot architecture through Anatomical Network Analysis. Here we show that there is no link between the more complex foot networks and the ability to perform more specialized skills or a higher number of different tasks. Additionally, there is a trend towards the simplification of foot networks on a microevolutionary scale. The anatomical parts largely conserved in living birds and already present in ancestral dinosaurs exhibit the highest connectivity degree, a network parameter related to the constraint of an anatomical part or evolutionary change. Foot networks are phylogenetically constrained and conserved in all birds despite their foot type diversity. We suggest that this scenario could be the result of stabilizing selection, which led the connectivity of anatomical parts of the foot to be conserved.
Altered Gut Microbiota as a Potential Risk Factor for two types of anemia: insights from Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Zheng Liji , Chen Yu , zhao junyang , dai shixue , zou xin
Published: February 2024

Background
Numerous observational studies have indicated correlations between gut microbiota and anemia, specific causal relationships remain unclear. We investigated these relationships using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.
Methods
We acquired gut microbiota data at the multiple phylogenetic levels (five phyla, 10 classes, 13 orders, 26 families, 48 genera, and 105 species) from the Dutch Microbiome Project. We also gathered data on regarding iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and aplastic anemia (AA) from the Integrative Epidemiology Unit project. We performed MR analysis by methods including inverse variance weighting and median weighting. Next, we performed sensitivity analyses to assess pleiotropy and heterogeneity, ensuring result reliability. Finally, we used data from the MiBioGen consortium as a corroborating control.
Results
For IDA, we identified one class, one order, and three genera associated with decreased risk; three genera associated with increased risk. These included the genus Desulfovibrio (odds ratio [OR]: 0.86, P = 1.45×10^-2), genus Ruminococcus (OR: 0.87, P = 1.81×10^-3), species Streptococcus thermophilus (OR: 0.92, P = 2.08×10^-2), and species Sutterella wadsworthensis (OR: 1.18, P = 3.48×10^-3). For AA, one genus was associated with decreased risk; one phylum, one class, three orders, four families, and five genera were associated with increased risk. These included the genus Parasutterella (OR: 0.83, P = 2.65×10^-2), species Eubacterium hallii (OR: 1.22, P = 4.17×10^-2), genus Dorea (OR: 0.90, P = 3.46×10^-2), genus Anaerotruncus (OR: 1.32, P = 2.00×10^-2), genus Intestinibacter (OR: 1.24, P = 2.05×10^-2), and species Bilophila wadsworthia (OR: 1.30, P = 3.31×10^-2). Both types of anemia had a strong association with the order Clostridiales. The Dutch Microbiome Project results demonstrated superior efficacy, corroborated by data from the MiBioGen consortium.
Conslusions
Our MR analysis offers genetic insights into the associations between gut microbiota and both IDA and AA, providing new avenues for disease prevention and intervention.
Simultaneous microwave absorption and thermal insulation properties of porous rigid mullite by loading SiCN aerogel
Authors: Tian Huijie , Wei Qihong , Xie Junsheng , Wang Hongsheng , Ma Chao , Yuan Keke , Han Daoyang , Wang Hailong , Zhang Rui , Shao Gang
Published: February 2024

Porous rigid mullite is desirable for lightweight and highly efficient thermal insulation in the aerospace field. However, the limited functionality constrains its application. To fulfill the requirements of anti-radar detection and defense stealth, possessing thermal insulation while simultaneously having the ability of electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption in materials is essential. Herein, porous rigid mullite-based composites with stealth capability and high-temperature resistance were successfully fabricated by assembling SiCN ceramic aerogels (SiCNa) as microwave absorber through high-pressure impregnation-pyrolysis. Benefiting from the inclusion of SiCNa, S1 reached the minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of -49.24 dB at 15.84 GHz, and the effective absorption bandwidth achieved 9.23 GHz. The thermal conductivity of SiCN ceramic aerogels/mullite composites (SMC) decreased initially and then increased. The composites demonstrated quite low high-temperature thermal conductivity (0.086 W·m-1·K-1 at 1000°C of sample S1) with the cooperation of mullite fibers and SiCNa. Furthermore, there was a slight increase in density. The SMC with superior EMW absorption and low thermal conductivity properties making them an ideal material for stealth in weapon systems enduring high temperatures. What’s more, the multifunctional integration of EMW absorption and thermal insulation offers a feasible method for the preparation of defense materials in the future.
Loyal as a robin: Low frequency of extra-pair paternity in European robin population in the primeval forest of Białowieża National Park
Authors: Karpińska Oliwia Lidia , Gwiazdowska Aleksandra , Kamionka-Kanclerska Katarzyna , Rowiński Patryk , Rutkowski Robert
Published: February 2024

Although the robin is a quite common Eurasian bird, little is known about the phenomenon of extra-pair paternity (EPP) within this species, mainly due to its extremely secretive behavior during the breeding season. This study for the first time reveals the level of EPP of the continental subspecies under the primeval forest condition. To analyze the EPP frequency, genetic methods were used (microsatellite genotyping). Three research plots (~30 ha each) were established in a lime-hornbeam and riverine forest, in Białowieża National Park (north-eastern Poland) - the most primeval, lowland forest in the entire temperate zone. The study was conducted in 2018-2019 during the robin’s breeding season (late March - late June) using a combined mapping technique. Upon locating the nests, tail feathers, which were used as a source of DNA, were collected from entire robin families, including adults captured via mist nets. In total genetic material was obtained from a total of 70 robin families. Genotypes of social parents were compared with genotypes of nestlings to assess the occurrence of EPP and identify extra-pair males. We found evidence of EPP in 5.7 % of nests. Accordingly, 5.1 % of nestlings were the offspring of extra-pair males. We accept the assumed hypothesis of the low frequency of extra-pair paternity in the European robin population under the primeval forest condition. The explanations for the low level of EPP can be found in the robins begging behaviour in the pre-breeding period and the female constraint theory.
Nocturia and frailty in older adults: a scoping review
Authors: Komleva Yulia , Gollasch Maik , König Maximilian
Published: February 2024

Background
More than one in two older people wake up several times a night to urinate. Far from being a minor inconvenience, nocturia is associated with poor health outcomes. Given the importance of sleep as a foundation for resilience and healthy ageing, nocturia may promote the development of frailty, which is inextricably linked to physical decline, disability, and mortality.
The aim of this scoping review was to collate published evidence on the relationship between nocturia and frailty, using the methodological framework of Arksey and O'Malley, together with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology as guidance (OSF registration: osf.io/d5ct7).
Methods
Relevant publications were retrieved from Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library and Google Scholar. Rayyan was used to facilitate the screening process. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers. 250 publications were initially identified, of which 87 met the eligibility criteria.
Results
Most of the evidence came from cross-sectional studies, most of which had been published within the last 5 years. The researchers were diverse, with 27% having a geriatric background. Only few publications established a clear association between nocturia and frailty. Other topics included: the association between nocturia and poor sleep; the association between poor sleep and frailty; the association between frailty, multimorbidity and age-related changes in the lower urinary tract.
Conclusion
The findings emphasize the increasing interest and interdisciplinary nature of research into the relationship between frailty, nocturia, lower urinary tract symptoms, and sleep disturbance. Further research is required to enhance understanding, establish causality, and identify potential therapeutic approaches.
Forecasting battery degradation trajectory under domain shift with domain generalization
Authors: Zhang Tong-Yi , Tan Ruifeng , Lu Xibin , Cheng Minhao , Li Jia , Huang Jiaqiang
Published: February 2024

Rechargeable batteries play a pivotal role in the transition towards a carbon-neutral future by electrifying transportation and mitigating the intermittency of renewable energies. Forecasting the degradation of batteries is crucial for maximizing their usage. However, predicting battery degradation is not trivial due to complex failure mechanisms and diverse working conditions and chemistries. To tackle this challenge, we develop a deep learning model by leveraging meta-learning-based and task-driven domain generalization techniques. Our model delivers superior performance in forecasting battery degradation trajectories on 182 cells of different chemistries and conditions with few or no target-domain training data. Moreover, we explore the interpretability of the model and find that the model might gain generalization capability by learning domain gaps that are similar to the differences of degradation modes behind various operational conditions. Collectively, our work not only showcases the promise of the high-reliability data-driven model in diverse conditions and chemistries, but also spotlights the potential interplay between artificial intelligence and domain knowledge.
An increase in the fetal fraction can be associated with birthweight discordance and selective fetal growth restriction
Authors: Shi Yiru , Xia Yuanqing , Wang Shan , Hua Renyi , Sun Jinling
Published: February 2024

Background
Twin pregnancies are more likely to be affected by complications such as selective fetal growth restriction (sIUGR) which increase the risk of perinatal mortality and morbidity. Identifying those pregnancies likely to be affected by eiher sIUGR or birthweight discordant early can optimize counseling, the timing of interventions and may, in future, allow trials of preventative treatments.
Objective
The onset of sIUGR often correlates with increased levels of cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA). Here we tested the hypothesis that the fetal fraction (FF) in twin pregnancies can reflect discrepancies in the birthweights.
Study design
: This is a retrospective study of 237 twin pregnancies who underwent cffDNA screening for aneuploidy and delivered at the International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital in Shanghai between January 2018 and December 2021. The FFs and birthweights of the newborns were collected and analysed.
Results
The FF was found to be positively correlated with the difference of birthweights (β = 0.004, 95%CI: 0.001 ~ 0.006). For every 1% increase in the FF, the difference in the birthweight between twins increased by 0.4%. A higher FF was significantly associated with an increased risk of birthweight discordance of 20% (adjusted OR: 1.073, 95% CI: 1.009 ~ 1.142), 25% (adjusted OR: 1.092, 95% CI: 1.006 ~ 1.185) and sIUGR (adjusted OR: 1.130, 95% CI: 1.038 ~ 1.231). Using ROC analysis, we obtained optimum cut-off points for FFs ≥ 11.790 and ≥ 14.800 for birthweight discordance of 20% and sFGR, respectively. Compared with women with FFs of < 11.790, there were a 1.091-fold higher risk of birthweight discordance of 20% (adjusted OR: 2.091, 95% CI: 1.218 ~ 3.591) when the FF was ≥ 11.790. There were also significantly increased risks of birthweight discordance of 25% (adjusted OR: 3.045, 95% CI: 1.297 ~ 7.149) and sFGR (adjusted OR: 3.526, 95% CI: 1.443 ~ 8.618) among women with FFs of ≥ 14.800.
Conclusions
This study showed that the FF was positively correlated with differences in birthweights. In addition, the FF could be used as an indicator to predict birthweight discordance and sIUGR for individualized clinical monitoring of twin pregnancies.
Acute toxicity of the fungicide captan to honey bees and mixed evidence for synergism with the insecticide thiamethoxam
Authors: De Souza Daiana , Urbanowicz Christine M. , Ng Wee Hao , Baert Nicolas , Fersch Ashley A. , Smith Michael L. , McArt Scott H.
Published: February 2024

Honey bees are commonly co-exposed to pesticides during crop pollination, including the fungicide captan and neonicotinoid insecticide thiamethoxam. We assessed the impact of exposure to these two pesticides individually and in combination, at a range of field-realistic doses. In laboratory assays, mortality of larvae/pupae treated with captan was 80–90% greater than controls, dose-independent, and similar to mortality from the lowest dose of thiamethoxam. There was evidence of synergism (i.e., a non-additive response) from captan-thiamethoxam co-exposure at the highest dose of thiamethoxam, but not at lower doses. In the field, we exposed whole colonies to the lowest doses used in the laboratory. Exposure to captan and thiamethoxam individually and in combination resulted in minimal impacts on population growth or colony mortality, and there was no evidence of synergism or antagonism. These results suggest captan and thiamethoxam are each acutely toxic to immature honey bees, but whole colonies can potentially compensate for detrimental effects, at least at the low doses used in our field trial. Further work is needed to assess how compensation occurs, potentially via increased queen egg laying, and whether short-term compensation leads to long-term costs. Other crop pollinators that lack the social detoxification capabilities of honey bees may also be less resilient.
Myocardial Contrast Echocardiography Evaluation of Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction to Predict MACEs in Patients with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction Follow-up
Authors: Chen Fuhua , Weng Wenchao , Yang Daoling , Wang Xiaomin , Zhou Yibo
Published: February 2024

Background: Myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) is used to evaluate the accuracy of Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) for predicting major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) at follow-up.
Methods: The clinical data of 142 patients diagnosed with HFpEF in our hospital from January 2020 to January 2022 were retrospectively summarized and stratified into 77 cases (>1) in the CMD group and 65 cases (=1) in the non-CMD group based on the perfusion score index (PSI) of the 17 segments of the left ventricle examined by the admission MCE, and the perfusion parameters were measured at the same time, including the peak plateau intensity (A value), the curve slope of the curve rise (βvalue) and A×β values. At a median follow-up of 27 months till October 2023, MACEs were recorded mainly including heart failure exacerbation, revascularization, cardiac death, etc.
Results: Increasing age, hypertension, diabetes, and coronary artery disease in the CMD group resulted in decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), increased plasma NT-B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS), decreased A-values and A×β-values, and an increased incidence of MACEs (P < 0.05). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that LVGLS (HR = 1.714, 95% CI = 1.289 - 2.279, P < 0.001) and A×β values (HR = 0.636, 95% CI = 0.417 to 0.969, P = 0.035) were independent predictors of MACEs in patients with HFpEF. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of LVGLS combined with A×β value for diagnosis of MACEs was 0.861 (95% CI=0.761~0.961, P<0.001), which was significantly higher than that of LVGLS or A×β value (P<0.05). The Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that the cumulative survival rate in CMD group was significantly lower than non-CMD group (logrank χ2 =6.626, P=0.010), with the most significant difference at 20 months of follow-up.
Conclusion: MCE can evaluate CMD semi-quantitatively and quantitatively, LVGLS combined with A×β value has good performance in predicting the risk of developing MACEs in patients with HFpEF at 3 years of follow-up, and CMD can be used as an important non-invasive indicator for assessing clinical prognosis.
From Text To Insights: Building A Dynamic Dashboard For Sentiment Analysis - A Twitter Case Study
Authors: Adekoya-Cole Temitope , fernando Sandra
Published: February 2024

Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter have offered individuals and groups a public forum to share their ideas on numerous social issues and themes in the age of social media. Twitter, a popular social media, and networking tool has evolved into an important source of real-time news and a hub for public opinion. Using Twitter data, this study investigates the possibility applying of sentiment analysis to automatically identify tweets as positive, negative, or neutral and then presenting the results visually, resulting in an in-depth analysis of public opinion. This research project compares two pre-trained sentiment analysis models, VADER and TweetNLP, to determine which model best suits this task. The project concludes with the creation of a dynamic dashboard for sentiment analysis based on Twitter data. This dashboard provides users with real-time insights from text data in a user-friendly way. The dashboard's architecture and style are proficient in analysing sentiment across a wide range of topics and effectively expressing findings using visual aids such as bar charts, time graphs, and word clouds. This research project improves on previous papers that have presented the benefits of sentiment analysis on historic static data by providing evidence for practical applications of real-time sentiment analysis techniques to organisations seeking to understand public sentiment, governments monitoring public opinion, and researchers studying sentiment across multiple topics, serving as a prototype for future development in these domains.
Mosquito bloodmeals can be used to determine vertebrate diversity, host preference, and pathogen exposure in humans and wildlife
Authors: Vieira Carla Julia S. P. , Gyawali Narayan , Onn Michael B. , Shivas Martin A. , Shearman Damien , Darbro Jonathan M. , Wallau Gabriel L. , Hurk Andrew F. van den , Frentiu Francesca D. , Skinner Eloise B. , Devine Gregor J.
Published: February 2024

The surveillance and detection of zoonotic pathogens in animals is essential for predicting disease transmission pathways and the risks of spillover, but challenges include the costs, ethics and technical expertise required for vertebrate trapping, serum sampling and antibody or virus screening. Surveillance using haematophagous arthropods as a sampling tool offers a unique opportunity to obtain blood samples from a wide range of vertebrate species, allowing the study of host-mosquito associations, and host exposure to pathogens. We explored vertebrate diversity and potential Ross River virus (RRV) transmission pathways by analysing blood-fed mosquitoes collected in Brisbane, Australia. Host origins were identified using barcode sequencing, and host exposure to RRV was assessed using a modified plaque reduction neutralisation test. In total, 480 blood-fed mosquitoes were collected between February 2021 and May 2022. The host origins of 346 (72%) bloodmeals were identified, with humans (73%) and cattle (9%) comprising the dominant hosts. RRV seroprevalence was high in both vertebrate species with evidence of RRV exposure in 70% (21/30) of cattle and 52% (132/253) of humans. This is a novel, non-invasive method of estimating seroprevalence in vertebrate host populations. Our results highlight the potential of blood-fed mosquitoes to provide species-specific insights into pathogen transmission dynamics.
Evaluation of an Innovative Casting Method in the Recovery of Footwear Impressions in Soil
Authors: Xie Dongbai , Tang Zhijie , Lai Tian , Hong Hao , Duo Shuwang
Published: February 2024

Three-dimensional (3D) shoeprints taken from crime scenes can more accurately depict impressions than photographs, providing a crucial link between the crime scene and the suspect. This paper introduces rigid polyurethane foam as an alternative material for recovering and preserving 3D footwear impressions in soil. The rigid polyurethane is manufactured through gas expansion, solidifying in a foamed state that consists of a dense integral surface and a durable closed-cell structure beneath the skin layer. It is easily molded, lightweight, dimensionally accurate, and exhibits minimal changes in strength when the foam casts are created and stored indoors. In comparison to casts made with plaster of Paris, this method produces impressions on casts that exhibit more identifiable characteristics, serving as a complementary technique for the forensic science community in reproducing 3D footwear impressions found in soil.
Monocyte derived Galectin-9 and PD-L1 differentially impair innate and adaptive immune response in various phases of chronic HBV infection
Authors: Dey Debangana , Biswas Satabdi , Pal Sourina , Nandi Sarthak , Khatun NAJMA , Jha Rambha , Chakraborty Bidhan Chandra , Baidya Ayana , Ghosh Ranajoy , Banerjee Soma , AHAMMED SK MAHIUDDIN , Chowdhury Abhijit , DATTA SIMANTI
Published: February 2024

Background and aims: Patients with chronic HBV infection (CHI) exhibit defective anti-viral immune-response whose underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Monocytes can regulate immunity via interaction with other immune-cells apart from differentiating into macrophages. Immune-checkpoint molecules (ICMs) expressed by different immune-cells, including monocytes negatively regulate immune-responses. We evaluated the expression of ICMs (Gal-9/PD-L1/CTLA-4) on monocytes in different phases of CHI, identified viral/host-factors causing their aberrant expression and investigated their impact during interaction of monocytes with T-/B-/NK-cells and macrophage differentiation. Effect of antiviral-therapy on ICMs was studied.
Methods: Collection of blood/liver-tissue samples/flow-cytometry/cell-sorting/cell-culture/immune-fluorescence were performed.
Results: Gal-9+/PD-L1+-monocytes were significantly increased in HBeAg-positive/HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients than healthy controls (HC). In immune-tolerant (IT) subjects, Gal-9+-monocytes and in inactive carriers (IC), PD-L1+-monocytes were higher than HC while CTLA-4+-monocytes remained comparable among groups. High serum Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) concentration in IT/CHB and TNF-α in CHB triggered monocytic Gal-9-expression whereas high TNF-α/IL-4 in CHB and IL-1β in CHB/IC potentiated PD-L1 induction. Purified monocytes from CHB/IT having high Gal-9 expression led to expansion of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+-Tregs/CD19+CD27-CD21--atypical memory B-cells/CD19+IL-10+-Bregs and they preferentially differentiated into M2-macrophages. Anti-Gal-9-antibody reversed these phenomena. Parallelly, PD-L1+-monocytes in CHB/IC reduced IL-2/IFN-γ and IL-6-production by HBcAg-specific CD4+/CD8+T-cells and B-cells respectively, which were restored by anti-PD-L1-antibody. Gal-9+-/PD-L1+-monocytes caused decline in IFN-γ+-NK-cells but enhanced IL-10+-NK-cells and HBV-specific-T-cells. Increased intrahepatic CD14+Gal-9+/CD14+PD-L1+-monocytes was noted in CHB patients. One-year tenofovir-therapy failed to reduce monocytic Gal-9/PD-L1-expression and HBsAg/TNF-α/IL-4/IL-1β levels.
Conclusion: Monocyte-derived Gal-9/PD-L1 exert distinct inhibitory effects in different phases of CHI and their therapeutic targeting could boost anti-HBV immunity.
Enhancing Phishing URL Detection Accuracy in Software-Defined Networks (SDNs) through Feature Selection and Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: RUBY A USHA , J George Chellin Chandran
Published: February 2024

Phishing attacks remain an enduring and ever-evolving menace to both networked systems and their users' privacy. In response to this formidable challenge, our research delves into an innovative approach designed to enhance the precision of phishing Uniform Resource Locator (URL) detection within the dynamic and programmable realm of Software-Defined Networks (SDNs). By harnessing feature selection capabilities and adaptive machine learning techniques, our proposed framework aims to fortify security measures in SDNs against these malicious campaigns. Our methodology's core is the deliberate selection of discriminative features from the extensive network data attributes. This feature selection process is meticulously designed to identify the most relevant characteristics associated with phishing URLs, thereby enabling the extraction of invaluable insights for more precise detection. These carefully chosen features then serve as inputs for a dynamic machine learning model, trained to adapt and evolve alongside the constantly changing landscape of phishing attacks. Within the SDN environment, our framework optimizes utilizing network resources and controller processing power. It achieves this by reducing the dimensionality of input data, resulting in improved detection accuracy and a decrease in false positives. The adaptive nature of our machine learning model ensures rapid recognition of emerging phishing tactics, thereby reducing the risk of succumbing to novel and sophisticated attacks. To validate the effectiveness of our approach, we conducted extensive experiments and evaluations within an SDN testbed, utilizing real-world phishing URL datasets. The results consistently demonstrate that our framework surpasses conventional methods, achieving higher detection accuracy and adaptability to evolving threats. In summary, our research represents a significant stride in the ongoing battle against phishing attacks by leveraging the dynamic capabilities of SDNs. The synergy between feature selection and adaptive machine learning techniques empowers SDNs to sustain accurate and effective phishing URL detection, ultimately reinforcing network security and safeguarding user privacy in an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Tumor-stroma ratio can reliably be assessed in pre-treatment biopsies, shows substantial agreement with resections, and is significantly associated with overall and recurrence-free survival in early-stage oral squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Herber Katrin , Moeckelmann Nikolaus , Muenscher Adrian , Thorns Christoph , Knief Juliana
Published: February 2024

Objectives
Early-stage oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) are a heterogeneous group of tumors in terms of patients’ outcomes, and the current TNM classification is often insufficient to predict the clinical course. Recently, tumor-stroma ratio has been shown to better stratify patients into low- and high-risk groups. This study aims to assess whether pre-treatment biopsies can be used for this purpose and correlates findings with resections as well as survival.
Materials and Methods
66 resection specimens of early-stage OSCC (UICC stages I and II) and 50 corresponding pre-treatment biopsies were analyzed. Tumor-stroma ratio was determined with a cut-off of 50%. The Kappa correlation coefficient was used to determine the agreement between resections and biopsies. Kaplan-Meier curves for overall and recurrence-free survival were created, and a p-value < 0.05 indicated a significant correlation in all analyses. Additionally, cox proportional hazard analysis (univariate) was performed to test for independence.
Results
There was substantial agreement between preoperative biopsies and surgical specimens (Kappa correlation coefficient: 0.655). Stroma-rich tumors were associated with significantly decreased overall and recurrence-free survival in both resections and biopsies (p-values < 0.0001 and 0.039). Cox proportional hazard analysis revealed tumor-stroma ratio as an independent prognostic factor, with hazard ratios between 2.81 and 12.46 (p-values 0.002 and 0.049).
Cross-neutralizing antibody against emerging Omicron subvariants of SARS-CoV-2 in infection-naïve individuals with homologous BNT162b2 or BNT162b2(WT+ BA.4/5) bivalent booster vaccination
Authors: Cheng Samuel M.S. , Mok Chris K.P. , Li John K.C. , Chan Ken K.P. , Luk Kristine S. , Lee Ben H.W. , Gu Haogao , Chan Karl C.K. , Tsang Leo C.H. , Yiu Karen Y.S. , Ling Ken K.C. , Tang Yun Sang , Luk Leo L.H. , Yu Jennifer K.M. , Pekosz Andrew , Webby Richard J. , Cowling Benjamin J. , Hui David S.C. , Peiris Malik
Published: February 2024

Since the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, different variants and subvariants successively emerged to dominate global virus circulation as a result of immune evasion, replication fitness or both. COVID-19 vaccines continue to be updated in response to the emergence of antigenically divergent viruses, the first being the bivalent RNA vaccines that encodes for both the Wuhan-like and Omicron BA.5 subvariant spike proteins. Repeated infections and vaccine breakthrough infections have led to complex immune landscapes in populations making it increasingly difficult to assess the intrinsic neutralizing antibody responses elicited by the vaccines. Hong Kong’s intensive COVID-19 containment policy through 2020–2021 permitted us to identify sera from a small number of infection naïve individuals who received 3 doses RNA vaccine BNT162b2 of vaccines encoding the Wuhan-like spike who were boosted with a fourth dose monovalent Wuhan-like (WT) vaccine or the bivalent Wuhan-like and BA.4/5 spike (WT + BA.4/5) expressing vaccine. While neutralizing antibody to wild-type virus was comparable in both vaccine groups, BNT162b2 bivalent vaccine elicited significantly higher plaque neutralizing antibodies to Omicron subvariants BA.5, XBB.1.5, XBB.1.16, XBB.1.9.1, XBB.2.3.2, EG.5.1, HK.3, BA.2.86 and JN.1, compared to BNT162b2 monovalent vaccine. The single amino acid substitution that differentiates the spike of JN.1 from BA.2.86 resulted in a profound antigenic change.
Cattaneo-Christov and Darcy-Forchheimer Heat Flux on Reiner-Philippoff Fluid with Velocity and Thermal Slip Boundary Condition Under Heat Sink/Source
Authors: Warraich Sanaullah , Ayub Nadia , Qadeer Fatima , Umar Irfan
Published: February 2024

Reiner–Philippoff (RP) fluid flow above a heated sheet concluded the model of Cattaneo–Christov heat flux for Darcy-Forchheimer is implemented in this work. The influences of thermal radiation, heat source/sink, velocity, and thermal slip boundary conditions are also deliberated. The transformations are used to convert obtained PDEs into a set of ordinary differential equations, and they are solved numerically using the shooting method (RK-4) solver with the help of the computational software MATLAB. The dimensionless temperature and velocity numbers are further developed. More engineering curiosity of local Nusselt and Skin frictions are tabulated, depicted, and interpreted.
Agricultural practices influence soil microbiome assembly and interactions at different depths identified by machine learning
Authors: Mo Yujie , Bier Raven , Li Xiaolin , Daniels Melinda , Smith Andrew , Yu Lei , Kan Jinjun
Published: February 2024

Background:Soil microbiomes are critical to soil health and sustainable agriculture. Microbiome structures differ across agricultural soils that experience different management practices, such as tillage, fertilizers, and cover crops. Environmental factors, including those related to soil management, and microbiome-interactions alter these microbial communities. However, the full extent of these influences and relationships is not comprehensively understood. Here, we applied machine learning-based methods to identify prokaryotic and fungal assembly and distribution across various soil depths from fields under different agricultural practices.Results:Fertility source was the most pronounced agricultural factor for microbial assembly, especially for fungal communities, and this impact lessened as soil depth increased. Furthermore, fertility source shaped co-occurrence patterns within the microbial community, leading to fertility source-sensitive modules dominated by fungi down to 30 cm soil depth. Tillage predominantly affected microbial communities in soil depths of 0-20 cm, and not only enhanced microorganism dispersal but also amplified stochastic processes, especially in the prokaryotic community. However, tillage potentially jeopardized interactions within the microbiome. In contrast to the fertility source and tillage, cover crops had a less pronounced effect on microbial communities, with no clear depth-dependent patterns; however, they still affect microbial co-occurrence patterns to some extent. Additionally, microorganisms at varying depths, specifically 0-20 cm for tillage and cover crops and 0-60 cm for fertility sources, were indicative of different agricultural practices.Conclusions:Our result showed that the impact of agricultural practices on microbial communities is multifaceted, including the assembly process, interactions, and recruitment of specific microorganisms. We also demonstrated that machine learning models can overcome certain limitations of traditional methods, offering enhanced insights into the mechanisms underlying microbial assembly and distribution in agriculture soils.
Kinetics and Mechanism of Acid Orange AO7 Photodegradation Using Ag-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles
Authors: Alsaad Ahmad , Al-Hmoud Mohannad , Rababah Taha M. , Marashdeh Mohammad W. , Aljaafreh Mamduh J. , Alrub Sharif Abu , Binzowaimil Ayed , Aldaghri Osamah , Al-Aqeel Muneerah. A. M. , Telfah Ahmad D.
Published: February 2024

The photocatalyst degradation process of the azobenzene derivatives is complicated process due to the existence of many interaction combinations. Among these are intermolecular interactions including London dispersion forces (LDF), dipole interactions, and hydrogen bonding. In addition to investigating the mechanism of the photoisomerization process, UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, pH and conductivity measurements were used to investigate and clarify the photocatalytic mechanism and degradation pathway of AO7 using Ag doped ZnO NPs upon long-wavelength UV-irradiation. The kinetic rate constant is divided into two components. The first-rate and second-rate constants are obtained to be 0.014 min-1 and 0.022 min-1, respectively. The average rate constant of the AO7 degradation is a superposition of the rate constants of all frequency bands. This confirms that photocatalyst degradation process of the azobenzene derivatives is sophisticated process.
Coupling and coordination of rainfall erosivity and aerosols in the Pearl River Basin under multiple shared socio-economic pathways
Authors: Cao Zhen , Zhu Dayun , Zhao Yingshan , Xiao Hua , Li Ronghan , Fu Linjing
Published: February 2024

Aerosols can influence the size, quantity, and other characteristics of raindrops, subsequently altering the precipitation pattern and modifying rainfall erosivity (RE). To explore the relationship between RE and aerosols, this study analyzed the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of RE and aerosols in the Pearl River Basin. Utilizing GPM rainfall data from 2001 to 2022, future 100-year rainfall prediction data, and aerosol data, the study investigated the potential relationship between these indicators. The findings are as follows: (1) RE exhibited a spatial distribution decreasing from southeast to northwest, showing a declining trend; Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) demonstrated a similar decreasing spatial distribution and trend. (2) RE and AOD displayed a highly significant positive correlation, with a coordinated distribution within the basin, as indicated by a multi-year average coupling coordination index of 0.7054. (3) Over the next century, RE in various scenarios remained lower than current RE and exhibited a highly significant negative correlation with current AOD. (4) Aerosol particle size emerged as the most significant indicator correlated with RE, and among all RE indicators, rainfall quantity exhibited the strongest correlation with aerosols. (5) RE for rainfall across all magnitudes demonstrated a highly significant correlation with aerosols, with the strongest correlation observed in heavy rain. This study unveils the interrelationship between RE and aerosols, providing a theoretical basis for land managers and governments to formulate measures aimed at reducing the impact of rainfall erosion on farmland and ecosystems.