bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating the Cost of Basic Public Health Service in Township Health Centers in Guangxi province, China: Based on Equivalence method
Authors: Wang shuyun , Zhao Yilin , Liang Xia , Kang Jing , Chen Yujun , Zhao Huihan , Lin Lin , Zhang Ying , Huang Zhaoquan , Feng Qiming
Published: February 2024

Objectives
By measuring the cost of basic public health service projects in township health centres in Guangxi, it provides a reference for improving the practical test of the theoretical system of the equivalence method, saving the cost of the projects, and improving the efficiency and quality of the services provided by medical personnel.
Methods
We used a multi-stage stratified sampling method to select 50 township health centres from Guangxi province, China. The cost of the basic public health service projects was measured by the equivalent method through field research and data collection.
Results
In 2020, 50 township health centres in Guangxi carried out 71 primary medical care services in 5 major categories and 37 basic public health services in 13 major categories, with a total cost of RMB 492,818,700. The equivalent cost of a standard service was RMB 18.00, and the per capital cost of the basic public health service items was RMB 110.95.
Conclusion
The equivalent method is applicable to township health centres; the financial subsidy of the basic public health service items is lower than the measured standard cost; there are differences in the project cost in different regions, which are mainly affected by the financial funds allocated by the local government and the efficiency of the services provided by grassroots medical staff. There is a need to improve the arrival rate of financial funds and the standardisation of services provided by grassroots medical staff.
Radiofrequency in the Treatment of Urinary Incontinence of Female Stress: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Brasil Cristina , Sodré Danielle , Lemos Amanda , Coutinho João , Vieira Mauricio , Mamede Tuffy , Teles Alcina , Lordelo Patricia
Published: February 2024

Radiofrequency (RF) is a new therapeutic option that may aid one of the pathophysiological mechanisms of stress urinary incontinence (SUI), which is a decrease in collagen in the urethral walls. This study aimed to verify the clinical response to nonablative RF treatment for SUI in women. This randomized clinical trial included women with SUI, randomized into two groups: the RF group (RG), which had five sessions of outpatient kinesiotherapy associated with monopolar nonablative RF, in the external urethral meatus (39–41°C) for 2 min, and the control group (CG), which followed the same protocol, except the RF was replaced with heated glycerin. All participants performed home exercises. Outcomes were assessed one week after treatment completion. The RG and CG had 13 and 9 women, respectively. The median reduced from 7.0 (4.5–14.5) to 1.0 (0.0–4.0) in the RG. In addition, a reduction in urinary loss was observed through a voiding diary, an increase in strength, endurance, resistance, and speed of the PERFECT scheme. There was a reduction in urinary loss in grams in women who underwent nonablative RF in the external urethral meatus.
Geohazard Susceptibility Mapping Considering Spatial Heterogeneity: A Case Study of Xide County in Sichuan Province
Authors: Ning zhijie , Tie Yongbo , Sun Cai , Xu Wei
Published: February 2024

Spatial heterogeneity is closely related to the development pattern and spatial distribution of geohazard, which significantly affects the result of geohazard susceptibility mapping. In view of this, taking Xide County in Sichuan Province as an example, this paper proposes a semi-quantitative zoning scheme based on the hazard-pregnant environment and hazard density to divide the study area into four blocks. And the effect of zoning is evaluated by utilizing the ecological detector and risk detector of Geodetector. On this basis, based on the data fluctuation weighted method, the selecting and weighted of evaluation factors were carried out in different blocks, and the mapping of the susceptibility of each block was completed by using ARCGIS software. The AUC value, precision rate, recall rate and coefficient of heterogeneity were used as evaluation parameters to compare the reasonableness of the susceptibility mapping before and after zoning. The results show that: Solving the problem of spatial heterogeneity can effectively improve the accuracy and reliability of susceptibility mapping. The analysis of susceptibility mapping relies on different evaluation parameters, and the coefficient of heterogeneity may play an important role in further improving the accuracy and reliability of the mapping results. The study contributes to the refined development of regional geohazard susceptibility mapping, and the proposed methodology is highly generalizable and replicable.
Expression of telomerase reverse-transcriptase ( in the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) eggs with varied developmental competence for gynogenesis
Authors: Ocalewicz Konrad , Kuciński Marcin , Jasielczuk Igor , Gurgul Artur , Kucharski Mirosław , Dobosz Stefan
Published: February 2024

Expression of the telomerase reverse-transcriptase (TERT) gene and activity of telomerase have been reported in the somatic tissues and gonads in fish irrespective of their age and size. Nevertheless, little is known about TERT expression in the fish eggs. In the present research, TERT expression was confirmed in the rainbow trout ovulated eggs before and after activation with non-irradiated and UV-irradiated sperm. Eggs originating from eight females had high and comparable quality expressed by similar hatching rates. However, the development of eggs activated with UV-irradiated sperm and further exposed to the High Hydrostatic Pressure (HHP) shock to provide gynogenetic Doubled Haploids (DHs) varied between females from 2.1 ± 0.4% to 40.5 ± 2.2%. Elevated TERT expression was confirmed in gametes originating from two females. However, only eggs from one of these females had increased competence for gynogenesis. In turn, eggs from the female that exhibited the highest survival after gynogenetic activation were characterized by the lowest TERT expression. TERT expression in the fish female gametes is presumably linked with the maintenance of the telomere length and the mechanism of Double Strand Breaks repair however, its upregulation does not assure increased ability of the rainbow trout eggs for the gynogenetic development.
Prevalence and factors associated with urinary incontinence in community-dwelling older adults
Authors: Soares Taís Gonçalves , Barbosa Juliana Magalhães Machado , Sampaio Natália Reynaldo , Corrêa Ully Caproni , Silva Silvia Lanziotti Azevedo da , Sunemi Mariana Maia de Oliveira , Pereira Daniele Sirineu
Published: February 2024

The prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) in Brazilian older adults is variable due to the methodological heterogeneity of available studies and investigating the factors associated with this condition can lead to an approach centered on the biopsychosocial model. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with UI in community-dwelling older adults. This is a population-based cross-sectional study with 496 community older adults enrolled in the Family Health Strategy of the Municipality of Alfenas, MG, Brazil. UI was identified from ICIQ-SF and its association with sociodemographic data, health-related habits and clinical and functional conditions was evaluated. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with UI. The prevalence of UI in the sample was 21%. The presence of multimorbidities (OR = 0.132; p = 0.007), higher BMI (OR = 1.055; p = 0.025), positive screening for depressive symptoms (OR = 0.417; p = 0.003) and worse performance on the TUG (OR = 1.056; p = 0.031) were associated with the presence of UI in community-dwelling older adults living in Alfenas, MG. The findings reinforce the need to carry out an assessment centered on the biopsychosocial model, considering all the factors which may influence the occurrence of UI in older adults.
Dietary Black Raspberry Supplementation as Natural Polyphenol Source Against Mild Dementia Patients with Overweight and Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Wang Chin-Kun , Tandoro Yohanes , Chiu Hui-Fang , Tan Chei-Ling , Hsieh Ming-Hong , Huang Yi-Wen , Yu Jianhua , Wang Li-Shu , Chan Chi-Ho
Published: February 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. H. pylori infection and overweight have been implicated in AD via the gut-brain axis (GBA). This study aimed to determine supplementation of BRBs has a meaningful effect on the H. pylori infection, overweight and AD development in a clinical trial setting. We conducted a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial in patients with mild clinical dementia who also had H. pylori infection and overweight. The study was carried out over 10 weeks, consisting of an 8-week intervention period (25g powder of black raspberries, BRBs, or placebo twice a day, morning and evening) and a 2-week follow-up. The primary outcomes were changes in Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), Urea Breath Test (UBT), and Body Mass Index (BMI). Consumption of BRBs improved cognitive functions (p<0.00001), compared to the placebo group (p>0.05). Besides, BRB ingestion decreased H. pylori infection and BMI (p<0.00001 and p<0.05 respectively) while placebo group stay statistically the same (p=0.98 and p=0.25 respectively). BRBs significantly decreased inflammatory markers, improved oxidative index, adiponectin (p<0.05) compared to placebo group, while adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and leptin did not significantly change. BRBs modulated the abundance of several fecal probiotics, particularly, Akkermansia muciniphila. Our results provided that BRBs suppressed H. pylori infection and decreased BMI and rebalancing the gut microbiome, which could improve cognitive functions in AD patients. Longer and larger randomized clinical trials of BRB interventions targeting H. pylori infection, overweight, or AD are warranted to confirm the results from this pilot trial.
Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05680532
Causal Associations of Circulating Metabolites and Immune Cells with Colorectal Cancer：A Bidirectional Two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Yifei , Li Xian , Zhan Chengwei , Liu Yanxin , Li Xianchao , Yu Jinhai
Published: February 2024

Background
Several recent studies have shown an association of circulating metabolites and immune cells with colorectal cancer. However, the causal relationship is unclear. (2) Methods: A bidirectional two-sample Mendelian Randomization(MR) analysis was used in our study. (3) Results: MR analysis of 1091 blood metabolites, 309 metabolite ratios, 731 immune cells and CRC showed 58 blood metabolites, 11 metabolite ratios, and 38 immune cells phenotypes were significant associations with CRC, including 2 blood metabolites and 1 immune cell phenotype exhibiting bidirectional associations. (4) Conclusion: Our study identified circulating metabolites and immune cells associated with the onset of CRC and explored their bidirectional relationships. We provided new insights into early screening, therapeutic targets, and treatment strategies for CRC. However, further research is required to confirm these preliminary observations and to elucidate the intricate network of causality involved.
A Low-noise MEMS Seismograph Based on Symmetric Buckling Beams
Authors: Che Lufeng , Wang Weidong , qi minghong , jin shilong , ding taotao , zhao zhengqiang , Ding Zhi , Hou Baoyin , Zhu Ye
Published: February 2024

MEMS seismographs are able to achieve lower noise performance by increasing the mass, reducing the resonant frequency, and increasing the quality factor (Q), which allows they can be used in the field of seismology. In this design, we propose a novel beam-mass design that incorporating two types of buckling beams (BBs), one of which will exhibits negative stiffness characteristic when the gravity of the proof mass is greater than its buckling load, while the other still exhibits positive stiffness characteristic. Through effective stiffness compensation, simulation results show that this MEMS seismograph owns a quasi-zero stiffness characteristic (0.15 N/m) and a low resonant frequency of 8.89 Hz. Previous studies of positive stiffness beams usually used folded beams, curved-beams with single-end constraints, etc, however, it is important to note that changes in the width of beams by the microfabrication directly impact the stiffness characteristic of the MEMS seismographs, and may even result in the loss of quasi-zero stiffness characteristics. Nevertheless, the simulation results of our design reveal that this MEMS seismograph maintain a quasi-zero stiffness characteristics and low resonant frequency (<10 Hz) within an angle from the horizontal (2.7° - 177.3°), although the width of BBs is smaller than the specified dimensions because of the effects of microfabrication errors. Finally, comprehensive testing reveals that this MEMS seismograph possesses a resonant frequency of 8.6 Hz at an angle of 84° from the horizontal, noise power spectral density of 20 ng/√Hz from 0.42 Hz to 3 Hz.
Analysis of Medication Utilization in Isolated Areas of Fever Clinics During the COVID-19 Epidemic Outbreak: A Multicenter Study in General Hospitals in China
Authors: Zhang Zhiqing , Zang Yaru , Yang Jingyi , Yang Kaining , Zhao Yue , Zhang Wei , Guo Shuanghu , Han Chaoxu , Liu Chaoxing , Mi Xiangzheng , Wang Xiaoli , Wang Chuanping
Published: February 2024

Objective: To analyze the demographic characteristics and patterns of medication use among patients in fever clinics (FCs) during the COVID-19 outbreak in China and provide information for COVID-19 treatment.
Method: Various-grade general hospitals in China were selected, and patient information was extracted during the initial wave of the COVID-19 epidemic. Demographic characteristics were analyzed, including visit time, age, sampling morbidity rate, and disease distribution. Prescription information from the FC database was extracted to analyze drug use and the rationality of the medication.
Result: Between September 1 and December 31, 2022, 41,445 patients received treatment at FCs in 11 included hospitals. After the relaxation of COVID-19 control measures, there was a rapid increase in the number of daily patient visits (peaking >1,000 people/day, with a growth rate of 158.8%). The highest sampling morbidity rate was observed among individuals over 85 years old (>100 person-times/million population), followed by children (60-94 person-times/million population). Respiratory system diseases (39,295 cases) were the most diagnosed, with respiratory system infections (21,201 cases) and fever (15,132 cases) the most common. The proportion and frequency of use of essential national drugs were 34.3% and 73.1%, respectively, while those for the drugs recommended in the national COVID-19 treatment guidelines were 6.1% and 43.2%, respectively. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and Lianhua Qingwen had the highest frequency of drug use. The most prescribed drugs by cost were immunoglobulin, azivudine, and cefoperazone sulbactam. The water-electrolyte balance regulator drugs, respiratory system drugs, anti-infective drugs, and traditional Chinese patent drugs were the most frequently used. In contrast, immunomodulators, anti-infectives, and Chinese patent drugs had the largest monetary amounts. There was a significant difference in medication rationality between different hospital grades (P<0.001), with tertiary teaching hospitals having the highest rate.
Conclusion: Strict epidemic control measures and the role of FCs played a crucial role in controlling the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic. Patients treated in FCs predominantly suffered from respiratory diseases, with older patients and children identified as high-risk populations. Physicians often choose national guidelines, essential drugs, and traditional Chinese for COVID-19 treatment. Tertiary teaching hospitals played a crucial role during the epidemic outbreak.
Observation of a moderate Major Baltic Sea inflow in December 2023
Authors: Purkiani Kaveh , Jochumsen Kerstin , Fischer Jens-Georg
Published: February 2024

Just before Christmas 2023, the low-pressure system storm "Zoltan" struck Germany, resulting in widespread damage and two consecutive large storm surges on the North Sea coast in the night from Thursday 21 December 2023 to Friday 22 December 2023. Storm Zoltan brought heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and winds ranging between 90 and 115 km h-1, with gusts reaching up to 140 km h-1 along the coast. Besides major rail service disruption and Christmas market clousers, it caused extreme flooding in northern Germany, e.g., in Hamburg St. Pauli sea level height rose to more than 3 m above mean high water level on 22 December 2023, flooding the historic Hamburg fish market. Characteristics of the inflowing water at the Darss Sill (DAR) and the Arkona basin buoy (ARK), including salinity, temperature, oxygen concentration and current properties, were analysed to understand the impact of storm Zoltan in the western Baltic Sea.In addition to the damage along its path, following the onset of strong westerly winds associated with storm Zoltan, a large volume of water, containing saline (17-22 psu), cold (5-6°C), and oxygen-rich (7-8 ml l-1) water from the North Sea reaches into the western Baltic Sea.
The sea level at Landsort Norra increased by +57 cm over a period of 14 days, from December 15 to December 29 2023. This results in a total volume change of 198 $\mathrm{km^3}$ in the Baltic Sea, with 169 $\mathrm{km^3}$ and 29 $\mathrm{km^3}$ provided via the Belt Sea and the Sound Sea, respectively. Observations at the Darss Sill station indicate a significant inflow between 19 December 2023 and 1 January 2024 with salinity above 13 psu, temperature below 5.5°C and dissolved oxygen concentration of about 7.5-8 ml l-1. While the maximum salinity of the bottom layer at Darss Sill is about 17 psu, the Arkona Basin buoy exhibits significantly higher salinities, reaching up to 22 psu at the bottom layer. During the main inflow period, 75 km3 of highly saline water enters the western Baltic Sea. This corresponds to a salt transport of 1.65 Gt into the western Baltic Sea (1.33 Gt from the Belt Sea and 0.32 Gt from the Sound Sea), which classifies the event in the moderate range of Major Baltic Sea inflows (MBI). This is the strongest inflow into the Baltic Sea since 2016.
Inferring the regional distribution of Visceral Leishmaniasis
incidence from data at different spatial scales
Authors: Nightingale Emily , Subramanian Swaminathan , Schwarzer Ashley , Chapman Lloyd , Jambulingam Purushothaman , Cameron Mary , Brady Oliver , Medley Graham , Lucas Tim
Published: February 2024

As cases of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) dwindle, there is justification to pursue a finer scale than the sub-district ("block") for monitoring the progress of elimination in India. Low incidence projections across broad regions of unevenly-distributed communities are difficult to act upon, and focal pockets of incidence cannot be overlooked if the goal is to avoid resurgence and sustain equitable elimination. However, maintaining consistent surveillance at a fine scale is difficult to justify in a low-resource elimination setting and not sustainable in the long-term.

This work analyses village-level incidence across the whole of Bihar. Spatial auto-correlation in observed incidence and associations with local environmental conditions are explored, and a statistical disaggregation approach is evaluated to infer village-level variation from routine block-level data. We found that the approach did not estimate village-level incidence more accurately than a baseline assumption of block-homogenous incidence, and that this inaccuracy did not appear to be due to non-linear or interacting covariate effects. We suggest that mechanisms of the current surveillance system may limit the predictability of observed village-level incidence, and that this should be a consideration when interpreting the output of disaggregation models.

Spatial autocorrelation is evident on a block-level but appears weak between neighbouring villages within individual blocks, suggesting that an important transmission mechanism may act at a longer range (for example due to population movement). Increasing the range of reactive interventions to neighbouring villages may therefore not improve efficacy, however increased routine surveillance and treatment among mobile population groups may be beneficial in reducing the risk of reintroduction into previously unaffected villages.
Discharge time following natural birth in Uganda: Do non-clinical factors explain the trend?
Authors: Brian Kayera , Lwanga Charles , Mangombe Kudzaishe , Malisha Lutendo , Hellen Namawejje
Published: February 2024

Background: The paper examines the socioeconomic, obstetric, and child factors, associated with the mothers’ length of stay in the hospital following vaginal delivery in Uganda.
Method: Self-reported data from the individual record were extracted from the 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) with a sample of 10220 women aged 15 - 49 who had their last birth in the last 5 years preceding the survey was used. Chi-square tests and binary logistic regression models were used to examine the relationship between socio-economic, obstetrics, and child factors, and hospital length of stay.
Results: The study found maternal age, marital status, wealth index, access to radio, place of delivery, child size, the child being a twin, and the child's health checked before discharge, to be associated with the hospital length of stay.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the risks of early discharge following vaginal delivery increased for mothers who were older; mothers from middle and rich income households; mothers giving birth in private health facilities; mothers accessing the media; mothers giving birth to big-sized children and giving birth to one child; and for infants not checked before discharge. Thus, healthcare professionals need to be mindful of the above socioeconomic and infant related factors when planning in-patient and out-patient care.
WITHDRAWN: Impact pressure characteristics of carbon dioxide phase transition fracturing technique
Authors: Yu bingzhen , Niu Shuaishuai , Zhou Shengtao , Lei Yu , He Zhijian , Luo Xuedong
Published: February 2024

Carbon dioxide (CO2) phase transition fracturing is widely regarded as a promising coal seam mining technology because it can effectively enhance the permeability of coal pore structure and prevent gas outbursts. A CO2 phase transition impact pressure test system was designed and developed, and the effects of different factors on phase transition impact pressure were investigated by combining CO2 release experiments and smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) numerical simulation. In addition, based on the Peng-Robinson (P-R) equation and the pipeline pressure drop formula, new mathematical models of the pressure in the buffer tank and the velocity of gaseous CO2 at the nozzle were obtained. The results show that the CO2 phase transition impact pressure can divided into rapid boost, fluctuation, and attenuation stages. The impact distance and impact angle have the most significant effects on pressure. The model of the pressure in the buffer tank and the velocity of gaseous CO2 at the nozzle well-simulated the experimentally obtained impact pressure curves of CO2. The impact results can be applied to reference for the application of CO2 phase transition fracturing technology.
An Artificial Neural Network Forecast of SO2 Air Contamination: A Case Study of Ghaziabad City
Authors: Kumar Lokesh , Kumar Gaurav
Published: February 2024

One of the pollutants in the air that contributes most to air pollution is SO2. Artificial neural networks, a popular learning technique currently in use, were used in this study to assess the effects of this toxin on the environment and human health using data from 2019 to 2023. The Air Observation Centre of Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) obtained information related to the Ghaziabad region, which is home to the industrial hub. SPSS programming was then used to complete the modelling and optimization processes. Before the generated SO2 estimation results were compared with the real data, they underwent a multilayer perceptron analysis. Moreover, the province of Ghaziabad's SO2 value has occasionally been reported to be higher than allowed, especially during times of high production.
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of food handlers on endocrine-disrupting chemicals in baby formula in Malawi- A cross-sectional study
Authors: Kachipande Andrew , Temba Ben , Materu Silvia , Kaonga Chikumbusko
Published: February 2024

Background This cross-sectional study examines knowledge, practice, and attitudes regarding food safety among 100 people involved in manufacturing baby formula in Malawi regarding endocrine disruptors. The study received approval from the National Committee on Research and informed consent.
Methods Data collected through face-to-face interviews were checked, cleaned and analyzed using R version 4.2.2. Logistic ordinal regression analysis was used to examine the correlation between socio-demographic variables against knowledge, attitudes, and practices. The p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant for the tests.
Results and discussion There were more males (67%) than females (33%), at least half (51%) were below 35 years of age with 64% having at least 5 years of working experience. 92% trust in the safety of their product despite being unfamiliar with EDCs. Raw materials and packaging are suspected contamination sources. Only 42% of food handlers are aware of EDCs, slightly higher than Egypt and Ethiopia due to sociodemographic differences and study designs. Food safety knowledge correlated with sex (p = 0.016), ages 18-24 (p =0.069) and 45-54 (p = 0.036), and education level (p = 0.002). Food handlers who attained at least secondary education were better knowledgeable. The study reveals a significant knowledge gap and a higher likelihood of unsafe practices among food handlers regarding endocrine disruptors as they had positive attitudes.
Conclusion The study identifies knowledge gaps and a lack of national strategies to deal with EDC contamination. It suggests the need for strengthening food safety knowledge, practices, and attitudes through legal instruments, awareness, training, and collaboration.
The impact of vertical model levels on the prediction of MJO teleconnections. Part 2: The stratospheric pathway in the UFS global coupled model
Authors: Garfinkel Chaim , Wu Zheng , Yadav Priyanka , Lawrence Zachary , Domeisen Daniela , Zheng Cheng , Wang Jiabao , Jenney Andrea , Kim Hyemi , Schwartz Chen , Stan Cristiana
Published: February 2024

This study continues the evaluation of the prediction of MJO teleconnections in two versions of the NOAA Unified Forecast System (UFS): prototype 5 (UFS5) and prototype 6 (UFS6). The key difference between the two prototypes is in the number of vertical layers (127 in UFS6 vs. 64 in UFS5) and model top (80 km in UFS6 vs. 54 km in UFS5), and the role of this increased resolution for the stratospheric pathway of MJO teleconnections is explored. The higher resolution prototype (UFS6) suffers from larger biases in its representation of tropospheric stationary waves, though both simulate a reasonable flux of wave activity entering the stratosphere. The stratospheric polar vortex in both is over-sensitive to incoming wave activity, however both simulate a reasonable downward propagation of vortex anomalies within the stratosphere and down to the troposphere. The net effect is that both simulate the stratospheric pathway of the MJO better than has been documented for any forecasting system. This allows them to predict, e.g., near-surface temperature over Eurasia with some skill on subseasonal timescales (week 3 to 5). However this success could be the result of ``two wrongs making a right", and as individual biases are fixed, skill could temporarily be reduced. Overall, the two prototypes show similar performance in simulating the stratospheric route, suggesting that in the UFS, the increase in model vertical resolution has limited impact on the prediction of MJO teleconnections via the stratosphere.
Dysregulation of Neuropilin-2 Expression in Inhibitory Neurons Impairs Hippocampal Circuit Development Leading to Autism-Epilepsy Phenotype
Authors: Santhakumar Vijjayalakshmi , Subramanian Deepak , Eisenberg Carol , Huang Andrew , Baek Jiyeon , Naveed Haniya , Komatireddy Samiksha , Shiflett Michael , Tran Tracy
Published: February 2024

Dysregulation of development, migration, and function of interneurons, collectively termed interneuronopathies, have been proposed as a shared mechanism for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and childhood epilepsy. Neuropilin-2 (Nrp2), a candidate ASD gene, is a critical regulator of interneuron migration from the median ganglionic eminence (MGE) to the pallium, including the hippocampus. While clinical studies have identified Nrp2 polymorphisms in patients with ASD, whether dysregulation of Nrp2-dependent interneuron migration contributes to pathogenesis of ASD and epilepsy has not been tested. We tested the hypothesis that the lack of Nrp2 in MGE-derived interneuron precursors disrupts the excitation/inhibition balance in hippocampal circuits, thus predisposing the network to seizures and behavioral patterns associated with ASD. Embryonic deletion of Nrp2 during the developmental period for migration of MGE derived interneuron precursors (iCKO) significantly reduced parvalbumin, neuropeptide Y, and somatostatin positive neurons in the hippocampal CA1. Consequently, when compared to controls, the frequency of inhibitory synaptic currents in CA1 pyramidal cells was reduced while frequency of excitatory synaptic currents was increased in iCKO mice. Although passive and active membrane properties of CA1 pyramidal cells were unchanged, iCKO mice showed enhanced susceptibility to chemically evoked seizures. Moreover, iCKO mice exhibited selective behavioral deficits in both preference for social novelty and goal-directed learning, which are consistent with ASD-like phenotype. Together, our findings show that disruption of developmental Nrp2 regulation of interneuron circuit establishment, produces ASD-like behaviors and enhanced risk for epilepsy. These results support the developmental interneuronopathy hypothesis of ASD epilepsy comorbidity.
In vivo affinity maturation of the HIV-1 Env-binding domain of CD4
Authors: Farzan Michael , Pan Andi , Bailey Charles , Ou Tianling , Xu Jinge , Liu Xin , Hu Baodan , Crynen Gogce , Skamangas Nickolas , Bronkema Naomi , Tran Mai , Mu Huihui , Zhang Xia , Yin Yiming , Alpert Michael , He Wenhui
Published: February 2024

Many human proteins have been repurposed as biologics for clinical use. These proteins have been engineered with in vitro techniques that improve affinity for their ligands. However, these approaches do not select against properties that impair efficacy such as protease sensitivity or self-reactivity. Here we engineer the B-cell receptor of primary murine B cells to express a human protein biologic without disrupting their ability to affinity mature. Specifically, CD4 domains 1 and 2 (D1D2) of a half-life enhanced-HIV-1 entry inhibitor CD4-Ig (CD4-Ig-v0) were introduced into the heavy-chain loci of murine B cells, which were then adoptively transferred to wild-type mice. After immunization, transferred B cells proliferated, class switched, affinity matured, and efficiently produced D1D2-presenting antibodies. Somatic hypermutations found in the D1D2-encoding region of engrafted B cells improved binding affinity of CD4-Ig-v0 for the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) and the neutralization potency of CD4-Ig-v0 by more than ten-fold across a global panel of HIV-1 isolates, without impairing its pharmacokinetic properties. Thus, affinity maturation of non-antibody protein biologics in vivo can guide development of more effective therapeutics.
The Effects of Simulation Training on Perineal Repair among Midwifery Students: A Quasi-Experiment Study
Authors: Pajohideh Zahra Sadat , Mohammadi Solmaz , Keshmiri Fatemeh , Honarmandpour Azam , Jahanimehr Azam
Published: February 2024

Background The increase in cesarean deliveries as well as the decrease in normal deliveries and episiotomies in midwifery practice has reduced the experience of midwifery students in perineum repair. This study examined the effect of perineal repair simulation training on the clinical skills of midwifery students by designing, implementing and evaluating simulation models in procedural education.Methods This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 60 midwifery students in intervention and control groups at Shoushtar, Iran, from September 2018 to August 2021. The intervention group participants received simulation training, while the control group participants took part in workplace-based training. These students' perineal repair skills were assessed in the 5th and 6th semesters. Students' skills were assessed in the real clinical environment using an observational examination. Data were analyzed using independent t-test, chi-square test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) in SPSS software. All p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.Results The mean score of perineal repair skill in the control group was 41.52 ± 3.33 and in the simulation training group was 49.73 ± 6.83. The difference in the skill score between the groups was statistically significant (8.21 ± 1.16) (p < 0.001). The results showed that, in the intervention group, 25 (83.33%) students were at a good to an excellent level, while in the control group 21 (70.00%) students were at an average skill level, and the rest were at a low level (p < 0.001).Conclusions The results of the present study indicated that the simulation for critical skills such as perineal repair skills was significantly more effective than workplace-based learning situations.
Genomic Epidemiology of CVA10 in Guangdong, China, 2013-2021
Authors: Lian Huimin , Yi Lina , Qiu Ming , Li Baisheng , Sun Limei , Zeng Huiling , Zeng Biao , Yang Fen , Yang Haiyi , Yang Mingda , Xie Chunyan , Qu Lin , Lin Huifang , Hu Pengwei , Xu Shaojian , Zeng Hanri , Lu Jing
Published: February 2024

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a highly contagious viral illness that primarily affects children globally. A significant epidemiological transition has been noted in mainland China, characterized by a substantial increase in HFMD cases caused by non-EV-A71 and non-CVA6 enteroviruses. Our study undertakes a retrospective examination of 36,461 enterovirus-positive specimens collected from Guangdong, China, from 2013 to 2021. Epidemiological trends suggest that, following 2013, CVA6 and CVA10 have risen to be the primary etiological agents for HFMD. In stark contrast, the incidence of EV-A71 has sharply declined, nearing extinction after 2018. Notably, CVA10 infection cases were considerably younger, with a median age of 1.8 years, compared to 2.3 years for those with EV-A71 infections, which may correlate with accumulated EV-A71-specific herd immunity among young children. Through extensive genomic sequencing and analysis, we identified the N136D mutation in the 2A protein, contributing to a predominant subcluster within genogroup C of CVA10 that has been circulating in Guangdong since 2017. Additionally, a high frequency of recombination events was observed in genogroup F of CVA10, suggesting that the prevalence of this lineage might be underrecognized. The dynamic landscape of enterovirus genotypes, along with their potential to cause outbreaks, underscores the need to broaden surveillance efforts to include a more diverse spectrum of enterovirus genotypes. Moreover, considering the shifting dominance of enterovirus genotypes, it may be prudent to re-evaluate and optimize existing vaccination strategies, which are currently focused primarily on EV-A71.
A multi-targeting immunotherapy ameliorates multiple facets of Alzheimer’ s disease in 3xTg mice
Authors: Wu Hui , Feng Xuejian , Hou Yunyu , Liu Jiaxin , Yan Fei , Dai Mingrui , Chen Mo , Wang Jianan , Li Jie , Liu Zhenjiang , Sun Dong , Zhang Yong , Yu Xianghui , Kong Wei
Published: February 2024

Alzheimer’ s disease (AD) is a intricate disorder involving amyloid deposits, neurofibrillary tangles, and chronic neuroinflammation. Though current Aβ-directed immunotherapies effectively eliminate amyloid plaques, their limited clinical benefits and notable safety concerns arise from overlooking two other neglecting neurodegenerative features. Compelling evidence highlights synergistic cooperation between Aβ and tau, underscoring the imperative need of developing combinational therapies to target he diverse pathologies of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Our prior studies had demonstrated the effectiveness of Aβ epitope and hyperphosphorylated tau (pTau) epitope vaccines in reducing AD pathology in corresponding transgenic mouse models.. In this study, we present a dual AD vaccine combining Aβ and pTau vaccines, eliciting robust and enduring antibody responses against pathological Aβ and pTau in 3xTg transgenic mice. The combinational vaccine significantly eradicated Aβ plaques and pTau tangles, markedly enhancing cognitive abilities in AD model mice compared to individual vaccines. Additionally, the combined vaccine suppressed neuroinflammatory factors, including gliosis and proinflammatory cytokines. Mechanistically, peripheral antibodies from the dual vaccine penetrated the brain, recognizing and inhibiting Aβ and pTau aggregation, thereby reducing their cytotoxicity. In summary, this innovative multi-targeting immunotherapy remarkably ameliorates diverse AD pathologies, demonstrating maximum benefits in slowing the clinical progression of this heterogeneous disease.
Development and validation of a blood-based genomic mutation signature for predicting the risk of brain metastases in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Fang Jiabin , Chen Lina , Pan Shuyao , Li Qing , Liu Siqiang , Chen Sufang , Yang Xiaojie , Zhang Qiongyao , Chen Yusheng , Li Hongru
Published: February 2024

Purpose
Available research indicates that the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling pathway is significantly correlated with lung cancer brain metastasis (BM). This study established a clinical predictive model for assessing the risk of BM based on the mTORC1-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).
Methods
The clinical data of 395 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were retrospectively analyzed. Variables associated with the risk of BM were identified by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) regression and included to establish a logistic model (Model A). These variables were further combined with SNPs from the peripheral blood samples to construct another logistic model (Model B). The predictive performance of both models was compared and the internal validation of the models was performed based on 1,000 bootstrap samples.
Results
Model A incorporated histology, clinical N stage, CEA, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio. Model A and B showed an arear under the curve of 0.841 and 0.848 in the training set, and of 0.796 and 0.798 in the internal validation, respectively. The calibration curves and Hosmer-Lemeshow tests reported a good fit for both models. The continuous net reclassification improvement (NRI), integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) tests, and decision curve analysis (DCA) revealed a superior predictive performance for Model B when compared with Model A.
Conclusion
The mTORC1-related SNPs in the peripheral blood can greatly facilitate the prediction of NSCLC brain metastasis, signifying its promising clinical value for an early detection and intervention for the NSCLC population.
Reducing single use plastics in dental practice: a quality improvement project
Authors: Hashemizadeh Ali , Lyne Alexandra , Liddicott Meg
Published: February 2024

Introduction. Climate change is a major issue facing the global population. Healthcare services, including dentistry, have an obligation to examine current practice and reduce the carbon footprint of their services. Single-use plastics, for example those used to cover dental equipment, are not necessarily essential for cross infection purposes.

Materials and Methods. This quality improvement project was carried out in 2023 across 12 dental practices in the North London Dental Foundation Training (DFT) Scheme. Baseline financial and environmental costs were estimated for the weekly single-use barrier plastics used in each practice. This was communicated to each practice. Practices using single-use plastics were contacted 3 months later to see if they had made any changes.

Results. 10 out of 12 practices were using one or more of the single-use plastics at baseline, with an estimated carbon footprint ranging from 0.07 to 27.02 kg CO2e per week. 3 practices reduced or eliminated their single-use plastics as a result of this quality improvement project, which resulted in an equivalent saving of 46.87 kg CO2e per week.

Discussion. The removal of non-essential single use plastics in the dental practice is an economically and environmentally sustainable change, that should be considered in all dental settings.
Instantaneous Response of Twisted Porous Fluid-Saturated Cylinder with an Ogden-type Material Behavior Skeleton
Authors: Suvorov Alexander
Published: February 2024

In this paper we obtain expressions for the stresses and fluid pressure developed over the short term in the porous fluid-saturated cylinder subjected to a finite twist deformation. The twist is applied to the cylinder in a fast rate so that the fluid pressure is nonzero. The material of the skeleton of the porous cylinder is hyperelastic of Ogden-type. The problem is similar to the torsion problem of incompressible hyperelastic materials except that for the porous fluid-saturated material the fluid pressure quantity also becomes of interest.
Estimation of Drilling Rate Index Using Artificial Neural Networks and Regression Analysis
Authors: Yetkin Mustafa Emre , Özfırat Muharrem Kemal , Özfırat Pınar Mızrak , Elmacı Deniz
Published: February 2024

In underground development gallery and tunnelling operations, the drillability properties of rocks have been studied by researchers in recently. Efficiency in excavation and drilling operations mainly depends on the success of mine production processes. Therefore, it is necessary to know the drillability properties of the formation to be excavated or drilled. This information can be obtained by detailed and costly field experiments. In this study, it is investigated whether the drillability properties of rocks can be determined rapidly and reliably depending on the brittleness index of the rocks. Brittleness index is a coefficient used in many mining designs. There exist a number of equations in literature to compute brittleness index of rocks. In this study, a new equation has been proposed for brittleness index as Bnew= \(\frac{\sqrt{{{}_{c}}^{2}+{{}_{t}}^{2}}}{\sqrt{2}{}_{t} }\). Effectiveness of this equation has been tested using linear and multiple regression models and has been compared with other brittleness equations in literature. In addition to Bnew index, effect of uniaxial compressive strength, tensile strength, three other brittleness equations, shore hardness and density variables are examined on drilling rate index value of rocks. Univariate regression, multiple regression and artificial neural networks are employed to estimate drilling rate index using these variables. Results have shown that using second degree multiple regression models and artificial neural networks drilling rate index can be estimated effectively.
Novel Gene Signatures Predictive of Patient Recurrence-free Survival in HR+HER2- Breast Cancer
Authors: Jin Ming-Liang , Jin Xi , Shao Zhi-Ming
Published: February 2024

Purpose
Predicting relapse-free survival (RFS) and understanding the molecular characteristics of endocrine therapy resistance are crucial for determining the treatment decision-making process in HR+/HER2- breast cancer patients. To address this, the main purpose of this study was to develop a signature to predict RFS in HR+/HER2- breast cancer patients
Methods
We analyzed transcriptome and clinical data from 856 patients with HR + HER2- breast cancer in the FUSCC cohort and 1140 patients in the METABRIC cohort. We identified 21 genes that were differentially expressed between endocrine therapy-sensitive and endocrine therapy -resistant tumors. Using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and stepwise Cox regression analysis, we developed a 13-gene signature, named the endocrine therapy resistant prognosis signature (ETRPS), to predict RFS in HR+/HER2-related breast cancer patients.
Results
Our analysis identified 21 genes that were differentially expressed between endocrine therapy-sensitive and endocrine therapy-resistant tumors. The ETRPS, a 13-gene signature, effectively predicted RFS in HR+/HER2- breast cancer patients, even in patients with negative lymph nodes. To validate the utility of ETRPS, we applied it to five external cohorts, demonstrating its widespread application value.
Conclusion
These findings provide valuable insights into the prediction of RFS and endocrine therapy resistance in HR+/HER2- breast cancer patients. The ETRPS signature may serve as a useful tool for determining treatment decision-making processes and for predicting patient outcomes in this breast cancer subtype.
Approximated acceleration modes-based detection method for violent video
Authors: Zhang Lei , Zeng Bohao , Yu Sentao , li Long , Wang Meng , Hu Jin
Published: February 2024

This paper first introduces the Pixel Tracking methods to solve the optical flow information from the original video frames, based on which the optical flow field is established. In this paper, the LFN2-2DCNN-ConvLSTM velocity recognition model is constructed based on the optical flow field, and the Acc-2DCNN-ConvLSTM acceleration recognition model is further constructed based on the velocity features. Among them, this paper innovatively gives a regionalized approximation method to approximate the acceleration feature sequence, obtains an efficient approximation of optical flow feature information under acceleration modes, and obtains the velocity and acceleration modes under CBAM mechanism centralized data. We verified the accuracy of the data in our experiments.
Dynamical Analysis of Malaria and Ebola Co-infection Fractional Model
Authors: Ullah Samee , Hyo Jung Il , Zaman Gul
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we use fractional order derivative in the form of Caputo Fabrizio to study the dynamical behavior of the co-infection model of Malaria and Ebola. First, we use fixed-point theory, to demonstrate both the existence and uniqueness of the proposed model. Then, we show that the model is well-posed. Adam-Bash fourth technique. Finally, the numerical outcomes are provided by defending the importance of the arbitrary fraction order derivative using a set of parameter values. The graphical outcomes demonstrated that the co-infection of Malaria and Ebola in Caputo Fabrizio’s fractional model provides useful information. This study helps to understand the complexity of the co-infection model that is valid and reliable for both integer and non-integer orders.
Subject Classification: 92D30, 34D05