bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Pilot Observational Study Evaluating the Diagnostic Capacity of Rotational Thromboelastometry in Periprosthetic Joint Infections
Authors: Tsantes Andreas G. , Papadopoulos Dimitrios V. , Goumenos Stavros , Trikoupis Ioannis G. , Tsante Konstantina A. , Bellou Vanesa , Koulouvaris Panagiotis , Houhoula Dimitra , Kriebardis Anastasios , Piovani Daniele , Nikolopoulos Georgios K. , Mavrogenis Andreas F. , Papagelopoulos Panayiotis J. , Bonovas Stefanos , Tsantes Argirios E.
Published: October 2023

Background:

Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are associated with altered hemostatic dynamics; therefore, coagulation laboratory methods such as rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) may be valuable in their diagnosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic role of ROTEM in PJI.

Methods:

A diagnostic study was conducted including 65 patients who underwent revision total hip arthroplasty or total knee arthroplasty due to PJI (30 patients) or aseptic loosening (35 patients). Preoperative laboratory evaluation included conventional coagulation studies, inflammatory markers, and ROTEM analysis. These parameters were compared between patients with PJI and patients with aseptic loosening.

Results:

Several ROTEM parameters differed in the patients with PJI, indicating a higher coagulation potential associated with PJI. Specifically, the development of PJI was associated with higher EXTEM maximum clot firmness (MCF) (odds ratio [OR], 1.12 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04 to 1.20]; p = 0.001). Among the ROTEM parameters, EXTEM MCF was found to have the highest diagnostic accuracy for PJI (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.850; sensitivity, 76.6%; specificity, 91.4%), which was comparable with C-reactive protein (CRP) (p = 0.22) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (p = 0.65), but higher than D-dimer (p = 0.037). Moreover, the combined diagnostic accuracy of elevated EXTEM MCF and CRP was improved compared with CRP alone (p = 0.019).

Conclusions:

Our results indicate that ROTEM analysis might be helpful for the detection of the hemostatic derangements that are associated with the development of PJI. However, because of the small size of this pilot study, further research is needed to investigate the value of incorporating viscoelastic studies in diagnostic scores for PJI.

Level of Evidence:

Diagnostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Implementasi Media Pembelajaran Crossword Puzzle Untuk Meningkatkan Keaktifan Peserta Didik Kelas IX.6 di SMP Negeri 57 Palembang
Authors: Saraswati Melly , Alfiandra  , Rita Murniati Sepertia
Published: October 2023

Based on the results of observations in class IX.6 for the 2022/2023 academic year, it was found that students' less activity was indicated by not paying attention to the teacher in learning, a lack of interest in learning which caused teaching and learning activities in the class’s feel quiet. This study aims to increase the active learning of students in class. This type of research is classroom action research (PTK) with 3 cycles. The subjects were 30 students consist of 16 male students and 14 female students. Learning activities by applying crossword puzzle learning media. The results showed that the application of TGT type cooperative learning with crossword puzzle learning media had been carried out very well. The active learning of students obtained from the results of observations is in the high category with a percentage of 80.34% and has reached the research target. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that crossword puzzle learning media has proven effective in increasing student learning activity in class.

Berdasarkan hasil observasi di kelas IX.6 tahun ajaran 2022/2023 ditemukan bahwa kurang optimalnya keaktifan peserta didik ditandai dengan tidak memperhatikan guru dalam pembelajaran, kurangnya minat belajar yang menyebabkan kegiatan belajar mengajar di kelas terasa sunyi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan keaktifan belajar peserta didik di kelas. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian tindakan kelas (PTK) dengan 3 siklus. Subjek penelitian adalah 30 orang peserta didik dengan jumlah 16 orang peserta didik laki-laki dan 14 orang peserta didik perempuan. Kegiatan pembelajaran dengan menerapkan media pembelajaran crossword puzzle. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penerapan pembelajaran kooperatif tipe TGT dengan media pembelajaran crossword puzzle atau teka-teki silang (TTS) telah terlaksana dengan sangat baik. Keaktifan belajar peserta didik yang diperoleh dari hasil observasi berada pada kategori tinggi dengan persentase 80,34% dan telah mencapai target penelitian. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian tersebut, dapat disimpulkan bahwa media pembelajaran crossword puzzle atau teka-teki silang (TTS) terbukti efektif dalam meningkatkan keaktifan belajar peserta didik dalam kelas.
Initial data collection from a fiber-optic-based dam seepage monitoring and detection system
Authors: Wagner Anna , Gelvin Arthur , Maakestad Jon , Coleman Thomas , Forsland Dan , Johansson Sam , Sundin Johan , Engel Chandler
Published: October 2023

Visual inspection is the most used method to detect seepage at dams. Early detection can be difficult with this method, and use of appropriate real time monitoring could significantly increase the chances of recognizing possible failure. Seepages can be identified by analyzing changes in water and soil temperature. Optical fiber placed at the embankment’s downstream toe has been proven to be an efficient means of detecting real time changes at short intervals over several kilometers. This study aims to demonstrate how temperatures measured using fiber optic distributed sensing can be used to monitor seepage at Moose Creek Dam, North Pole, Alaska. The fiber optic cable portion of the monitoring system is installed along a section of the embankment where sand boils have occurred. Though no flood event occurred during this monitoring period, routine pumping tests of nearby relief wells resulted in an increase of soil and water temperature (up to 13°C) along a 100 m section where sand boils were detected during the 2014 flood events. Measurements during a flood event are expected to provide a quantitative assessment of seepage and its rate.
Synthesis of lanthanum and waste lye modified-zeolite from fly ash and its application in constructed wetland for nitrogen and phosphorus removal
Authors: Liu Zhimei , Liang Zhen , Wu Shengjun
Published: October 2023

Excess inputs of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) can lead to imbalance in water ecosystems and thus trigger eutrophication. In this study, a novel Lanthanum modified zeolite synthesized from fly ash (LZFA) was prepared and used as a modified substrate for constructed wetland (CW) to enhance N and P removal. Single-factor and surface methodology (RSM) were used to optimize the preparation. The results showed that the maximum adsorption capacities of N and P were 17.26 mg/g and 21.48 mg/g. The decline in sorption capacity or diffusion coefficients of LZFA for N compared to zeolite synthesized from fly ash (ZFA) is mainly due to the decrease in surface negative charge and cation exchange capacity. The mechanism of P adsorption is attributed to the formation of La-O-P monodentate, bidentate mononuclear or bidentate binuclear inner-sphere complexation. Meanwhile, the introduction of Ca in waste lye is also involved in the P reaction. The N and P removal rates of LZFA modified subsurface flow constructed wetland (SFCW) were 2.67% and 7.33% higher than SFCW modified with gravel. In practical production, if a circular chain from coal ash production to use in green plant fertilizer can be established, the cost of treating P can be significantly reduced.
Unlocking the Future: Navigating 6G Research with Scientometrics and Emerging Trends
Authors: Al-Jamimi Hamdi A. , Makhashen Galal M. Bin , Al-Roubaiey Anas , Ahmad Naved , Ahmad Shakil
Published: October 2023

The advent of 6G, an emerging technology, has ushered in transformative changes across multiple industries. Its numerous benefits have paved the way for extensive research opportunities, thereby capturing the attention of the scholarly community. Given the swift proliferation of 6G-related research, there is a pressing need for a comprehensive examination of the existing knowledge landscape in this domain. While a few review articles have been published to address this demand, presenting the latest accomplishments and challenges of 6G technology from diverse perspectives, a Scientometrics evaluation of the current state of 6G still needs to be explored. In this investigation, we undertook a thorough Scientometrics analysis encompassing conference papers, journal articles, and review papers related to 6G indexed by the Web of Science (WoS) between 2015 and 2022. The outcomes of this analysis yielded valuable insights, including annual publication and citation trends, burgeoning research domains, the ten most influential papers, favored publication platforms, and primary funding sources. These findings contribute meaningful insights and offer a range of recommendations, serving as a valuable reference for both novice and experienced researchers venturing into the realm of 6G research in the times ahead.
Plasma C-peptide, Mammographic Density Parameters, Mammographic Texture Feature, and Risk of Breast Cancer
Authors: Azam Shadi , Peng Cheng , Rosner Bernard , Goncalves Marcus , Phillips Erica , Eliassen A. Heather , Heine John , Hankinson Susan , Tamimi Rulla
Published: October 2023

Background
High levels of insulin may increase the risk of breast cancer (BC). We studied the association between C-peptide levels as a marker of high-level endogenous insulin, mammographic density (MD) parameters, and BC risk. We also examined the association between C-peptide and BC risk varies by MD status.
Methods:
We conducted a nested case-control study (n=1260 cases; n=2221 controls) in the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) and NHS2. We assessed MD parameters and V (a measure of grayscale variation). MD parameters were square root-transformed. Linear and logistic regression models were used to analyze the associations between C-peptide and MD parameters among controls, and C-peptide with breast cancer, respectively. Multivariable models were adjusted for matching factors and established risk factors for BC.
Results:
In multivariable models including BMI, C-peptide was significantly inversely associated with percent MD and positively associated with non-dense area. However, no associations were detected with dense area and V measure. C-peptide was associated with an increased risk of invasive BC (top vs. bottom quartile, odds ratio = 1.40, 95% confidence interval :1.08 to 1.81). The association was stronger for ER-negative disease (adjusted OR=1.82, 95% CI: 1.13 to 2.94), though heterogeneity by ER status was not significant. There was no significant heterogeneity by menopausal status. There was no evidence of multiplicative interaction between C-peptide, and MD parameters and risk of BC (All p-interactions>0.11).
Conclusion
Our results suggest a positive association between C-peptide and BC risk. Furthermore, MD parameters do not seem to modify the association between C-peptide and BC risk.
Randomized controlled trial of a social media campaign to promote COVID-19 vaccination in Nigeria
Authors: Evans William D. , Bingenheimer Jeffrey B. , Long Michael , Ndiaye Khadidiatou , Donati Dante , Rao Nandan M. , Akaba Selinam , Agha Sohail
Published: October 2023

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged public health and behavior change programs and has also led to innovative interventions and research. In low -and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as Nigeria, new strategies to promote vaccination, increase pro-vaccination social norms, and reduce vaccine hesitancy have been deployed through social media campaigns and evaluated using digital media platforms.
Methods
The aim of this study was to conduct two randomized controlled evaluations of social media content designed to promote COVID-19 vaccination and to complement research on a nationwide vaccination promotion campaign in Nigeria run in 2022. We conducted two studies in March and August 2022 among Nigerians drawn from 31 states that were not the target of the nationwide campaign. Participants were randomized to receive the pro-vaccination social media campaign or not and data were collected at pre- and post-test to evaluate psychosocial predictors of vaccination and vaccination outcomes following a theory of change based on Diffusion of Innovations, Social Norms Theory, and the Motivation, Opportunity, Ability (MOA) Framework. Data were collected through a novel intervention delivery and data collection platform through social media, and this study demonstrates the capability and potential of new social media-based data collection techniques.
Results
The study found that pro-vaccination social norms and vaccination rates increased, and vaccine hesitancy decreased, among participants randomized to the social media intervention study arm.
Conclusion
Social media campaigns are a promising approach to increasing vaccination at scale in LMICs, and social norms are an important factor in promoting vaccination, which is consistent with the Social Norms Theory. We describe implications for future vaccination campaigns and identify future research priorities in this area. The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, and approved by the Institutional Review Board of the George Washington University (protocol code NCR213718, approved [9 September 2021]) and by the National Health Research Ethics Committee (NHREC) in Nigeria (approved 6 September 2021). Trial registration: Pan African Clinical Trial Registry number PACTR202310811597445 on 20/10/2023.
Understanding vessel noise across a network of marine protected areas
Authors: McKenna Megan F , Rowell Timothy J , Margolina Tetyana , Baumann-Pickering Simone , Solsona-Berga Alba , Adams Jeffrey D , Joseph John , Kim Ella B , Kok Annebelle , Kügler Anke , Lammers Marc O , Merkens Karlina , Reeves Lindsey Peavey , Southall Brandon , Stimpert Alison K , Barkowski Jack , Thompson Michael A , VanParijs Sofie , Wall Carrie C , Zang Eden J , Hatch Leila T
Published: October 2023

Protected areas are typically managed as a network of sites exposed to varying anthropogenic conditions. Managing these networks benefits from monitoring of conditions across sites to help prioritize coordinated efforts. Monitoring marine vessel activity and related underwater noise impacts across a network of protected areas, like the U.S. National Marine Sanctuary system, helps managers ensure the quality of habitats used by a wide range of marine species. Here, we use underwater acoustic detection of vessels to quantify vessel noise at 25 locations within eight marine sanctuaries including the Hawaiian Archipelago and the U.S. east and west coasts. Vessel noise metrics were paired with Automatic Identification System (AIS) vessel tracking data to derive a suite of robust vessel noise indicators for use across the network of marine protected areas. Network-wide comparisons revealed a spectrum of vessel noise conditions that closely matched AIS vessel traffic composition. Shifts in vessel noise were correlated with the decrease in vessel activity in early COVID-19 pandemic and vessel speed reduction initiatives. Improving our understanding of vessel noise conditions in these protected areas can help direct opportunities for reducing vessel noise, such as establishing and maintaining noise-free periods, enhancing port efficiency, engaging with regional and international vessel quieting initiatives, and leveraging co-benefits of management actions for reducing ocean noise.
The Effects of Reviewers' Security and Privacy Perceptions on Fin Apps' Performance: A Textual Analysis
Authors: Alnsour Yazan , Juma'h Ahmad H.
Published: October 2023

Large volumes of app reviews generated by online users have strategic value for app providers. We investigate how Fin app users consider information security and privacy in their reviews and how these concerns affect the app’s performance in terms of its overall rating. We used 71,044 online reviews from multiple Fin apps in the digital market. We analyzed the unstructured data by conducting a textual analysis and developed a semi-supervised machine-learning model to extract insights regarding how users perceive security and privacy. The main results showed that perceived concerns about security and privacy negatively affect the apps' performance.
New insights into the mechanism and DNA-sequence specificity of INO80 chromatin remodeling
Authors: Bartholomew Blaine , Shukla Shagun , Ngubo Mzwanele , Paul Somnath , Persinger Jim , Brahma Sandipan
Published: October 2023

The INO80 complex stood out in a large family of ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers because of its ATPase domain binding and translocating on DNA at the edge of nucleosomes, rather than at two helical turns from the center of DNA that is wrapped around nucleosomes. This unique property of INO80 was thought to account for its singular role in nucleosome placement at gene promoters in a DNA-sequence dependent manner that is crucial for transcription regulation. Now, we uncover INO80 functions differently than previously thought with its ATPase domain translocating on DNA close to the center of nucleosomes, like other remodelers. Our discovery also reveals the physical properties of the first ~36 bp of DNA on the entry side of nucleosomes is the main determinant for the DNA specificity of INO80 rather than the properties of the extranucleosomal DNA. The DNA sequence sensitive step of INO80 is after DNA is displaced from the histone octamer on the entry side of nucleosomes and 20 bp of DNA are moved out the exit side. We find the ATPase domain and Arp5 subunit of INO80 are likely involved in INO80’s DNA specificity and the mechanism of INO80 remodeling is substantially different than originally proposed.
Fungal biodegradation unravels potential low-tech pathway for paper electronics waste valorization
Authors: Schneiter Arthur , Rüegg Kasimir , Kim Jaemin , Biselli Silvia , Vaideeswaran Kaushik , Sereda Olha , Briand Danick , Bindschedler Saskia
Published: October 2023

Metallic traces are core component of simple electronic products such as printed circuit boards (PCB) and radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, which are central items of the Internet of Things (IoT). However, these systems come with an ecological footprint since metals, even if present at very low amounts, are non-renewable resources. Currently, more than 80% of electronic waste is still not properly recycled and the recent global semiconductor crisis demonstrates a risk of metal shortage in the upcoming decades. Paper electronics represent a sustainable alternative to standard FR4 PCBs since paper can be recycled, albeit the end-of-life treatment of the silver or copper printed metallization remains a major issue. Here, we investigated a microbial pathway for their biorecycling, where paper would be used as a carbon source for microbial growth while the metallic traces would be recovered through microbe-metal interactions. More specifically, we hypothesized that a bacterium and a fungus in co-cultures could use technical paper as a sole carbon source. In addition, they would cooperate to first solubilize, then translocate, and finally biomineralize Ag or Cu contained in metallic traces printed over the technical paper. We also tested whether an alternative carbon and nutrient source, spent coffee grounds, may enhance microbial growth and activity to eventually design a process fitting an industrial scale. Two fungal strains (Boeremia exigua and Neurospora sitophila) and two bacterial strains (Pseudomonas putida and Cupriavidus necator) were compared, alone and combined, under various nutritive conditions.
Results:
The presence of bacteria associated to fungi did not have any direct effect on metal-related processes. However, bacteria altered the architecture of the mycelial network, eventually modulating metal transformations. Hence, fungal activity only effectively led to metal mobilization and then immobilization through both extra- and intracellular precipitates.
Conclusions:
Although at this stage metal recovery was not actually achieved due to slow biodegradation, the results give a clear signal to the biotechnology communities that valorizing organic and electronic waste together may be envisioned.
A novel experimental method for determination of forming limits with generalized non- planar stress state using hydro-assisted incremental forming
Authors: Fatemi Afshin , Dariani Bijan Mollaei
Published: October 2023

Analytical prediction of forming limits under generalized non-planar stress state in processes such as hydroforming and incremental forming was topic of several investigations; however, limited evaluating experimental methods were mentioned. In this paper, hydro-assisted incremental forming (HAIF) is introduced as a hybrid process of incremental forming and hydromechanical deep drawing with enhanced formability resulted of simultaneous exertion of normal and through thickness stresses. A test method is invented based on this process and experimental and finite element assessment of forming limits are executed. Previous analytical forming limit curves predicted by the present authors are evaluated using experimental tests and finite element simulations and good compatibility is observed. It is again confirmed that application of normal and through thickness stresses enhance formability in all strain paths specially in plane strain mode.
Multi-omics analysis of human tendon adhesion reveals ACKR1 migrates macrophages involve in endogenous regeneration
Authors: Liu Shen , Li Baojie , Liu Ningning , Zhang Xinshu , Xiao Yao , Hu Bo , Li Yanhao , Zhang Shaoyang , Tian Jian , Wang Shuo , Tao Zaijin , Zeng Xinqi
Published: October 2023

Tendon adhesion is a common complication after tendon injury with the development of accumulated fibrotic tissues without effective anti-fibrotic therapies, resulting in severe disability. Macrophages are widely recognized as a fibrotic trigger during peritendinous adhesion formation. However, different clusters of macrophages have various functions and receives multiple regulation, which are both still unknown. In our current study, multi-omics analysis including scRNA-seq and proteomics were performed on both human and mouse tendon adhesion tissue at different stages after tendon injury. The transcriptomes of over 74,000 human single cells were profiled. As results, we found that SPP1+ macrophages, RGCC+ endothelial cells, ACKR1+ endothelial cells and ADAM12+ fibroblasts participated in tendon adhesion formation. Interestingly, despite of specific fibrotic clusters in tendon adhesion, FOLR2+ macrophages were identified as the antifibrotic cluster identified by in vitro experiments using human cells. Furthermore, ACKR1 were verified to regulate FOLR2+ macrophages migration in the injured peritendinous site by transplantation of bone marrow from Lysm-cre::R26R-Tdtomato mice to lethally irradiated Ackr1−/− mice (ACKR1−/− chimeras; deficient in ACKR1) and control mice (WT chimeras). By comparing with WT chimeras, the decline of FOLR2+ macrophages were also significantly observed, indicating that ACKR1 was specifically involved in FOLR2+ macrophages migration. Taken together, our study not only characterized the fibrosis microenvironment landscape of tendon adhesion by multi-omics analysis, but also uncovered the novel antifibrotic cluster of macrophages and their origin. These results provide potential therapeutic targets against human tendon adhesion.
Assessing the research landscape and clinical utility of large language models: A scoping review
Authors: Park Ye-Jean , Pillai Abhinav , Deng Jiawen , Guo Eddie , Gupta Mehul , Paget Mike , Naugler Christopher
Published: October 2023

Importance: Large language models (LLMs) like OpenAI's ChatGPT are powerful generative systems that rapidly synthesize natural language responses. Research on LLMs has revealed their potential and pitfalls, especially in clinical settings. However, the evolving landscape of LLM research in medicine has left several gaps regarding their evaluation, application, and evidence base.
Objective: This scoping review aims to (1) summarize current research evidence on the accuracy and efficacy of LLMs in medical applications, (2) discuss the ethical, legal, logistical, and socioeconomic implications of LLM use in clinical settings, (3) explore barriers and facilitators to LLM implementation in healthcare, (4) propose a standardized evaluation framework for assessing LLMs' clinical utility, and (5) identify evidence gaps and propose future research directions for LLMs in clinical applications.
Evidence Review: We screened 4,036 records from MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, medRxiv, bioRxiv, and arXiv from inception to June 26, 2023 for English-language papers and analyzed findings from 55 worldwide studies. Quality of evidence was reported based on the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine recommendations.
Findings: Our results demonstrate that LLMs show promise in compiling patient notes, assisting patients in navigating the healthcare system, and to some extent, supporting clinical decision-making when combined with human oversight. However, their utilization is limited by biases in training data that may harm patients, the generation of inaccurate but convincing information, and ethical, legal, socioeconomic, and privacy concerns. We also identified a lack of standardized methods for evaluating LLMs’ effectiveness and feasibility.
Conclusions and relevance: This review thus highlights potential future directions and questions to address these limitations and to further explore LLMs' potential in enhancing healthcare delivery.
Experiences and lessons learned in the field of health in the 2023 Turkish earthquake: a phenomenological study
Authors: Kivi Hamid Karimi , Nazari Saeed , Mahdian Hosein
Published: October 2023

Introduction: In accidents and disasters that cause injuries and illnesses to the affected people, quick and appropriate medical response, correct triage, evacuation/transfer and controlled distribution of the injured and patients by the local medical management system are important factors influencing the clinical situation. Providing effective services during the golden time of responding to accidents and disasters to patients and injured people, the most important goal is to quickly send health response teams to the area affected by the disaster. The present study was conducted to extract the experiences and lessons learned in the field of health in the earthquake of Turkey 2023.
Methodology: This is a qualitative study with a phenomenological approach; which was conducted through in-depth, semi-structured interviews and observations. The target community included the army's healthcare team and the Red Crescent Society of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the 2023 earthquake in Turkey. The interview and data collection guide were developed using the recommendations of the World Health Organization Office of Risk Reduction in Mass Casualty Incidents. Data collection continued until data saturation. Various strategies were used to increase the validity and reliability of the results of this research.
Findings: Extracting experiences and lessons learned in the field of health in the earthquake of Turkey in 2023; after conducting 26 interviews and data saturation, was reached. The obtained data were divided into 8 categories and 47 sub-categories. Categories include; Response operations, international aid, social partnership, disease care system, planning and response to health emergencies, environmental health, communication and cooperation, coordination, leadership, and control in health operations.
Conclusion: This study presented the experiences and lessons learned of the health, relief, and treatment teams of the army and the Red Crescent Society of Iran. Rapid response teams in the field of health must be prepared because they may face challenges in the response process in international missions. It is suggested to use several components extracted from this study to provide effective medical services and prevent challenges in the response phase of similar incidents and disasters.
Integration of transcriptomics and proteomics uncovers novel targets underlying the protective effects of Nrf2 knockout in HEI-OC1 cells
Authors: Li Siyu , Wang Weilong , Liang Rui , Gao Wei , Lu Peiheng , Chen Jiawei , Ma Pengwei , Yuan Hao , Lun Yuqiang , Guo Jianing , Wang Zi , Mei Hongkai , He Zuhong , Lu Lianjun
Published: October 2023

Cisplatin, a utilized anticancer drug in clinical practice, induces sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in patients. However, the precise mechanism underlying cisplatin-associated ototoxicity remains unknown. HEI-OC1 cells are immortalized cells derived from the organs of Corti mice and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 （Nrf2） knockout (KO) significantly enhances cisplatin resistance in these cells. The exploration of transcriptomic and proteomic data from Nrf2 KO has significant implications for the identification of novel targets to enhance HEI-OC1 cisplatin resistance in Nrf2 KO and for understanding the biological characteristics associated with SNHL. The RNA-seq analysis revealed a significant enrichment of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the Nrf2 KO model within key signaling pathways, including the PI3K-Akt, MAPK, as well as Glutathione metabolism signaling pathways. Notably, expression levels of 17 specific genes were confirmed by RT-qPCR (Real-time Quantitative-PCR). The marker-based quantitative proteomics analysis revealed significant enrichment of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in key signaling pathways, including the p53, Glutathione metabolism, Ferroptosis, Platinum drug resistance signaling pathways. Furthermore, six proteins were validated by Western blotting (WB). Correlation analysis between transcriptomics and proteomics data demonstrated, focusing primarily on p53, Glutathione metabolism, and Ferroptosis signaling pathways. Moreover, 1 gene was randomly selected for RT-qPCR and WB. The biomarkers identified in this study may be key to understanding the biological mechanism by which Nrf2 KO strongly increases HEI-OC1 cisplatin resistance, and by targeting the PI3K-Akt, MAPK, Glutathione metabolism signaling pathways provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of cisplatin-induced SNHL.
Computer Aided Diagnostic Model for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Multi-modal Feature Regression Approach
Authors: Yu Rongyao , Yang Fang , Shi Zewen , Chen Zeming , Chen Xianjun , Liu Yi , Pang Qingjiang , Shi Lin , Song Yang
Published: October 2023

Background:
Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent and debilitating form of arthritis, posing a substantial burden on patients' quality of life. Timely and precise diagnosis is pivotal in impeding disease progression and averting the necessity for invasive interventions such as joint replacement surgery. Given the widespread availability of X-ray imaging, there exists a critical need for an effective diagnostic methodology for KOA.
Methods:
In response to this need, this study introduces a novel computer-aided diagnostic model for KOA, based on multi-modal feature regression with X-ray image. Specifically, two different modals of diagnostic features are extracted. Firstly, by analyzing the diagnostic indicators of KOA with X-ray image, this study explores the diagnostic basis of osteoarthritis from the perspective of X-ray image content, and then designed several image content-based features for measuring bone gap, bone skin thickness and bone mass. Meanwhile, medical information-based features such age, gender and surgical history are also integrated as diagnostic features. Then, the mapping relationship between diagnostic features and the prevalence of osteoarthritis (denoted by K-L classification) is established by support vector regression as knee osteoarthritis diagnostic model
Results:
To validate the efficacy of our diagnostic model, we curated the NDKY-N2H knee X-ray image database, encompassing 300 knee joint X-ray images, each paired with its corresponding K-L classification. Experimental indicators, such as diagnostic accuracy can be better than 90%, which affirm the judicious design and competence of the proposed diagnostic model. It demonstrates noteworthy performance in knee osteoarthritis diagnosis.
Conclusion:
In summary, our research underscores the paramount importance of precise KOA diagnosis in ameliorating patient well-being and obviating the need for surgical interventions. The innovative multi-modal feature regression-based approach, amalgamating image content-based and medical information-based features, exhibits great potential for delivering dependable and effective KOA diagnoses via X-ray imaging. These findings not only contribute substantially to the arena of arthritis diagnosis but also lay a robust foundation for practical tools empowering healthcare professionals to enhance patient outcomes in cases of knee osteoarthritis.
Can Ecotoxicological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal in Floodplain Suspended Sediments Bridge the Gap from Present Conditions to Future Environmental Threats?
Authors: Ajala Lawrence Olusegun , Obasi Nwogo Ajuka , Fasuan Temitope Omolayo , Ominyi Chidinma Emmanuel , Onwukeme Valentine Ifenna
Published: October 2023

Given increasing concerns about the environmental impact of heavy metal pollution, assessing the level of contamination in floodplain suspended sediments is an important task. Effective environmental management and the preservation of an ecosystem depend on understanding existing pollution levels and potential concerns in the future. For this reason, floodplain-suspended sediments from major industrialized cities in Southeast Nigeria were sampled and analyzed for heavy metal contents. The investigation was conducted to evaluate the immediate and long-term bioavailability and pollution status of heavy metals in receptor organisms. A five-step sequential extraction procedure was adopted to fractionate iron, manganese, copper, zinc, nickel, lead, cadmium, and chromium to determine the geochemical phases in which they were distributed. Generally, the heavy metals were partitioned in the following order: residual > > oxidizable > carbonate > reducible > exchangeable. This indicates that a significant portion of the metals was tightly bound to the soil matrix, rendering them not readily bioavailable to the biota, except over an extended period. The levels of heavy metals, except for lead and cadmium in specific areas, were below the saturation point in terms of their bioavailability. Furthermore, the pollution assessment indices, such as the geo-accumulation index, reflected high levels of cadmium, copper, and lead contamination. This suggests a potential ecotoxicological risk to organisms near the sampling sites. The sites were classified as moderate and high risk in terms of immediate and future risk assessment, respectively. Proper cleaning methods and potential site reclamation are imperative to minimize or contain these heavy metals in stable forms within urban areas to prevent bioaccumulation.
The Temporal Progression of Retinal Degeneration and Early-Stage Idebenone Treatment in the Pde6b rd1/rd1 Mouse Model of Retinal Dystrophy
Authors: Zhang Lei , Liu Wei , Wang Hai-Yan , Qiang Wei , Wang Ru , Cui Zhi-Li , Zhang Zuo-Ming
Published: October 2023

Photoreceptor cell death, primarily through apoptosis, related to retinal disorders like retinitis pigmentosa (RP), would result in vision loss. The pathological processes and crucial mutant conditions preceding photoreceptor cell demise are not well understood. This study aims to conduct an in-depth examination of early-stage changes in the widely utilized Pde6brd1/rd1 (rd1) mouse model, which has Pde6b gene mutations representing autosomal recessive RP disorder. We investigated the morphology and ultrastructure of retinal cells, including second-order neurons, during the initial phase of disease progression. Our findings revealed that mitochondrial alterations in rod photoreceptors were present as a predeath mutant state as early as postnatal day 3 (P3). The bipolar and horizontal cells from the rd1 mouse retina exhibited significant morphological changes in response to loss of photoreceptor cells, indicating that second-order neurons rely on these cells for their structures. Subsequent oral administration of idebenone, a mitochondria-protective agent, enhanced retinal function and promoted both photoreceptor cell survival and inner retinal second-order synaptogenesis in rd1 mice at P14. Our findings offer a mechanistic framework, suggesting that mitochondrial damage acts as an early driver for photoreceptor cell death in retinal degeneration.
Overall Barriers to The Prefabricated Construction Industry: A Fuzzy-SEM
Authors: Ibrahim Amr , Hamdy Khaled , Badawy Mohamed
Published: October 2023

Prefabrication construction (PC) is a greener and more sustainable building method that must be used to achieve the project's sustainability. PC is a construction method in which modules are manufactured in a factory and then placed on-site. Although PC is widely used in developed nations, its applications in developing countries remain extremely limited. The primary objective of this investigation is to analyze and introduce a model for the fundamental factors that impede the implementation of prefabrication in the construction sector of Egypt. In order to attain the desired objective, a comprehensive literature review, expert consultations, and face-to-face interviews were conducted to gather 23 observable variables that significantly influence the prefabrication construction industry. A questionnaire form was developed and distributed among professionals in the construction field, and a total of 371 replies were gathered during the collection of data. Following that, fuzzy theory was utilized for analyzing the probability and impact data from the questionnaire survey to determine the risk relevance for each factor. Then, a model consisting of 15 variables and five major latent dimensions was produced. A proposed SEM model was developed in the next phase using the measurement and the structural model. The findings indicate that the policy factor and attitudinal factors have a predominant influence. The current study provides meaningful data about the aspects covered, which can help in the development of effective strategies for promoting prefabricated construction.
Complete genome sequence of a novel dsRNA virus from the phytopathogenic fungus Fusarium oxysporum
Authors: wang Jing , Ni Yunxia , Zhao Hui , Liu Xintao , Qiu Rui , Li Shujun , Liu Hongyan
Published: October 2023

Fusarium oxysporum is a widespread plant pathogen that causes Fusarium wilt and Fusarium root rot in many economically significant crops. Here, a novel dsRNA virus tentatively named Fusarium oxysporum Virus 1 (FoV1) was identified from F. oxysporum strain 3S-18. The genome of FoV1 spans a length of 2,944 nucleotides (nt) and encompasses two distinct open reading frames (ORF1-2), which do not overlap with each other. The larger ORF2 encodes RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRp) of 590 amino acids with a molecular mass of 67.52 kDa. The ORF1 encodes a putative nucleocapsid protein consisting of 134 amino acids with a molecular mass of 34.25 kDa. The RdRp domain of FoV1 shares 60.00–84.24% sequence similarity to the non-segmented dsRNA virus. Phylogenetic analysis further suggested that FoV1 is a new member of the unclassified monopartite dsRNA virus.
Analytical Investigation of the Factors Affecting the Supplier-Induced Demand in Healthcare: A Case Study of CT Scanning Department in Iran
Authors: Motaghi Samira , Farhadi Ehsan , Rajabian Hamid
Published: October 2023

The aim of this study is to investigate the factors affecting the supplier-induced demand in health care with the help of an analytical-survey approach and using a questionnaire tool, and to analyze the role of medical technology centers, such as centers equipped with a CT scanning department, in development of this type of demand. The statistical population of the present research consisted of the patients referring to this department, out of whom 80 people were selected as the research sample using the simple random sampling method. After checking the normality of the data distribution through the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, three research hypotheses were developed, all of which were confirmed by analyzing them using the Pearson correlation parametric test. The results of the data analysis indicated that the low patient information, high physician information, and high costs of healthcare service provider institutions have a positive effect on the supplier-induced demand in healthcare (especially in the departments with therapeutic technologies such as CT scanning). In addition, according to the results, the variable of high costs of healthcare provider organizations plays a more significant role in development of supplier-induced demand for healthcare providers, compared to the other two variables.
Perceptions of Students and Administrators on peer pressure as a predictor of students sexual behavior in secondary schools in Homa-Bay Town Sub-County, Kenya.
Authors: Ouma Steve , Mbagaya Catherine
Published: October 2023

A favorable school atmosphere, in which learners are well behaved, is one of the greatest concerns of education stakeholders. Although studies have reported a number of factors that lead to misbehavior among students in schools, peer pressure is reported to contribute up to 53% of cases of students’ misbehavior. The report on HIV/AIDS prevalence by the National Aids and STI control program shows that Homa-Bay had a high prevalence rate of 20.6% with girls aged between 14 and 25 years heavily affected, which is considerably higher than the national average of 4.8%. Reports further show an average of 64 teenage pregnancies for every 10000 people in Homa bay town sub county which is higher than those reported by neighboring sub counties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of students and administrators on peer pressure as a predictor of students’ sexual behavior in secondary schools in Homa Bay Town Sub County Kenya. The objective was to investigate the perception of students and administrators on the role of peer pressure in predicting risky sexual behavior among secondary schools’ students in Homa Bay Town Sub-County, Kenya. The target population was 10761 students and 33 deputy principals in the 33 secondary schools in Homa Bay Town Sub-County. Stratified and simple random sampling was used to select 30 secondary schools from which 30 deputy principals were selected. 370 students were sampled by simple random sampling. A descriptive survey research design was adopted to find out the perception of students and deputy principals on peer pressure as a predictor of Students' sexual behavior. Data on the students’ and deputy Principals’ perception was collected using structured questionnaires and deputy principal’s interview. The content validity of the research instruments was established by seeking opinions from the experts in the Department of Educational Psychology. Reliability was assessed by test re-test method and Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.882 and 0.996 was obtained for student’s and deputy principal’s questionnaires respectively. Descriptive statistics including frequency counts, means, standard deviation and percentages were used to analyze quantitative data. Qualitative data from the deputy principal interview was transcribed and categorized into emergent themes. The study revealed that Students generally expressed moderate agreement that peer pressure relates to Students’ sexual behavior (mean=2.65). Deputy Principals responses revealed that school administrators had higher level of agreement that peer pressure relates to Students’ sexual behavior (mean= 3.24). The findings of this study may help in increasing awareness and insight towards implementation comprehensive peer educational programs in school and provide useful information to the Ministry of Education and policy makers on secondary schools’ students’ behavior.
1H, 15N and 13C resonance assignments of S2A mutant of human carbonic anhydrase II
Authors: Kumari Neelam , Singh Himanshu
Published: October 2023

In preparation for a detailed exploration of the structural and functional aspects of the Ser2Ala mutant of human carbonic anhydrase II, we present here nearly complete sequence-specific resonance assignments for 1H, 15N, and 13C. The mutation of serine to alanine at position 2, located in the N-terminal region of the enzyme, significantly alters the hydrophilic nature of the site, rendering it hydrophobic. Consequently, there is an underlying assumption that this mutation would repel water from the site. However, intriguingly, comparative analysis of the mutant structure with the wild type reveals minimal discernible differences. Notably, the motivation for such a mutation extends beyond structural considerations; it aims to optimize the NMR signal-to-noise ratio, specifically in the context of active-site histidine sidechain correlations, by minimizing bulk-to-bound water exchange dynamics. This initial phase of our investigation thus sets the stage for a more profound understanding of the molecular dynamics and functional consequences of this strategic mutation within human carbonic anhydrase II.
Top-up Design and Health Care Expenditure: Evidence from Cardiac Stents
Authors: Jin Ginger Zhe , Lien Hsienming , Tao Xuezhen
Published: October 2023

Since 2006, Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) has covered the full cost of baseline treatment in cardiac stents (bare-metal stents, BMS). Still, it requires patients to pay the incremental cost of more expensive treatments (drug-eluting stents, DES). Within this “top-up” design, we study how hospitals responded to a 26% cut of the NHI reimbursement rate in 2009. We find that minor teaching hospitals that were more revenue reliant on cardiac patients, relative to other minor teaching hospitals, increased BMS usage per stent patient and raised DES prices, which, in turn, reduced the use of DES stents. These changes helped such minor teaching hospitals recoup up to 32.7% of the revenue loss from the NHI rate cut in 2009-2010. In comparison, we find little effects in the major teaching hospitals. Overall, the rate cut was effective in reducing NHI expenditure without any substantial changes in patient outcomes, although some minor teaching hospitals made moral hazard adjustments in response.
JEL: G22, I11, I18
Binary Classification of Drug Sensitivity Prediction Using Multimodal Deep Learning
Authors: Aqeeli Noura , Alzaid Eman
Published: October 2023

Precision medicine has revolutionized cancer treatment by tailoring cancer therapy to individual patients. The field of drug sensitivity prediction has witnessed significant growth, encompassing diverse contributions that range from multi-omics integration to novel computational network architectures. Many existing studies focused on predicting the continuous value of the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50), but few have focused on predicting the binary class of the response (sensitive or resistant). This study presents a Binary Multimodal Deep Learning classifier (BinaryMDL) trained on diverse data sources, including drug screening, gene expression, mutation, and clinical data, to predict binary drug responses. The training dataset comprises 166 drugs and 603 cell lines. Unlike prior studies, we addressed the issue of data imbalance by employing the class weight technique, which shows an improvement in the model’s consideration of the minority class. Furthermore, our model’s predictive ability improved when incorporating clinical data. The resulting model BinaryMDL showed a performance improvement compared to other studies, achieving an AUC of 0.890 and an auPR of 0.614. Our work advances binary drug sensitivity prediction, highlighting the potential of multimodal deep learning for precision cancer therapy.