bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HSPA1B is the Dominant Partner in the HSPA1A/HSPA1B Mediated Proteotoxic Stress Response in Placenta-Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Alharbi Bothina Mohammed , Bugshan Aisha , Almozel Azhaar , Alenzi Reem , Bouchama Abderrezak , Khatlani Tanvir , Mohammad Sameer , Malik Shuja Shafi
Published: May 2022

Placenta-derived stem cells (PDSCs) offer the advantages of possessing mesenchymal and embryonic traits, broad differentiation potential, large-scale availability, and no ethical constraints in their utilization in therapeutic applications. Elevated protein synthesis and consequently enhanced protein maintenance networks become necessary both due to the requirement to maintain stemness and respond to different stresses. This study aimed to identify the primary determinants of proteotoxic stress response in PDSCs. We generated heat-induced dose-responsive proteotoxic stress models of three stem cell types DBMSCs, DPMSCs, and pMSCs, and measured stress induction through biochemical and cell proliferation assays. RT-PCR array analysis of 84 genes involved in protein folding and protein quality control led to the identification of Hsp70 isoforms HSPA1A and HSPA1B as the prominent ones among 17 significantly expressed genes and with further analysis at the protein level through western blotting. A 24-hours’ time series analysis of stress-response allowed a detailed kinetic analysis of HSPA1A and HSPA1B gene and protein expression. More prominent differences between the two Hsp70 isoforms were detected at the translational level eluding to a potential higher requirement for HSPA1B during proteotoxic stress in PDSCs. To conclude, consideration should be given to the manipulation of definitely characterized chaperones at their expression or functional levels when utilizing PDSCs in therapeutic and regenerative applications.
Evaluation of Tumor Grade and Proliferation Indices before and after Short-Course Anti-Inflammatory Prednisone Therapy in Canine Cutaneous Mast Cell Tumors
Authors: Klahn Shawna , Dervisis Nikolaos , Lahmers Kevin , Benitez Marian
Published: May 2022

Glucocorticoid administration is a common clinical practice in attempt to decrease inflammation associated with, and improve resectability of, canine mast cell tumors (MCTs). However, the impact of neoadjuvant glucocorticoids on histological features and proliferation indices of canine MCTs is unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in tumor grade, mitotic count, Ki67, AgNOR, and AgNORxKi67 scores following short-course, anti-inflammatory neoadjuvant prednisone in canine patients with MCTs. This was a prospective, single-arm pilot study. Client-owned dogs with treatment-naïve, cytologically-confirmed MCTs were enrolled. Patients underwent an initial incisional biopsy followed by a 10-14 day course of anti-inflammatory prednisone, and surgical resection. All histological samples were randomized, masked, and evaluated by a single pathologist. Unstained paired pre- and post-treatment samples were submitted to a commercial laboratory for Ki67 and AgNOR immunohistochemical analysis. There were 11 dogs enrolled with 11 tumors. There were no statistical differences between the pre- and post-treatment histological parameters of mitotic index, Ki67, AgNOR, or Ki67xAgNOR. There were no clinically-significant alterations between pre-treatment and post-treatment in the assignment of tumor grades. A short-course of anti-inflammatory prednisone does not appear to alter the histological parameters that affect grade-determination, nor significantly alter the proliferation indices in canine MCTs.
A Structural Approach on Enablers of IoT for Sustainable Development of Smart Cities
Authors: Thakur Ayusha , Aich Satyabrata , Kumar Rohit
Published: May 2022

Smart cities will undoubtedly be the distinguishing characteristic of human geography in the twenty-first century. Throughout 1.3 million people move to cities every week around the world, and it is estimated that by 2040, cities will house 65 percent of the world's population. While the world's largest cities now contribute for 60% of global GDP, this percentage will continue to climb as cities get larger and smarter. According to experts, cities will account for up to 80% of future economic development in developing regions. Smart cities are no longer the wave of the future; they have here and are rapidly expanding as the Internet of Things (IoT) grows. With dozens of towns throughout the world, the smart city sector is expected to grow into a massive business as time goes on. Cities have been an increasingly crucial engine of the global economy and wealth over time. As a result, it is critical to guarantee that they are optimized to maximize efficiency and sustainability while also ensuring that each citizen's quality of life is improved. We can describe the need for smart cities through this project, and it also shows us how IoT technology and smart city enablers may be deployed in urban settings to help cities perform better for their residents and achieve overall sustainable growth. This initiative will educate urban planners, researchers, ICT professionals, and other city officials about the facilitators of IoT for smart cities and their long-term growth.
A Preliminary Investigation on Frequency Dependant Cues for Human Emotions
Authors: Kumar Manish , Abhayapala Thushara D. , Samarasinghe Prasanga
Published: May 2022

The recent advances in Human Computer Interaction and Artificial Intelligence has significantly increased the importance of identifying human emotions from different cues, and has hence become a subject of study for various scholars from diverse background including Acoustics, Psychology, Psychiatry, Neuroscience and Biochemistry. This study is a preliminary step towards investigating cues for human emotion on a very fundamental level by aiming to establish relationship between tonal frequencies and emotions. For that, an online perception test was conducted, in which participants were asked to rate the perceived emotions corresponding to each tone. The results shows that a crossover point for four primary emotions lies in the frequency range of 417 - 440 Hz, thus consolidating the hypothesis that frequency range 432 – 440 Hz is neutral from human emotion perspective. It was also observed that frequency dependant relationship between emotion pairs Happy - Sad and Anger - Calm are approximately mirror symmetric in nature.
EMERGENCE OF NEW STRAINS OF SARS - COV - 2: AFRICA’S FATE AND ITS PREPAREDNESS AGAINST COVID - 19 INFECTION WAVE
Authors: Chinenyenwa M.D Ohia , Adeleye Solomon Bakarey , Tauseef Ahmad , Haroon Haroon , Godson R. E. E. Ana , Mynepalli K.C Sridhar
Published: May 2022

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus - 2 ( SARS - CoV - 2) has infected over 100 million individuals worldwide with diverse impacts on nations. The rising cases of n ew strains and resultant infection waves create an urgent need to assess the readiness of countries especially in Africa to mitigate the impact on community transmission. This paper delivers a brief synopsis of the novel SARS - CoV - 2, emerging cases of new v ariants reported worldwide, and implications for genetic surveillance of disease transmission in low - and middle - income countries ( LMICs) especially Africa. Materials and Methods: Literature search used keywords like SARS - CoV - 2; COVID - 19 epidemiology; pan demic waves; corona outbreak, clinical syndromes, treatments, prevention and control. Cross - sectional and observational studies published on COVID - 19 from 2019 till date of study provided main information sources. Databases such as Web of Science, Embase, PubMed and Google Scholar were utilised. Main findings: Over 220 countries have documented COVID - 19 cases with varied severity till date. Before the spikes in resurgence, a highly virulent mutated (>90% fatality rate) novel strain of COVID - 19 had been doc umented. There is very little data to ascertain the impact of the COVID - 19 infection waves in LMICs. Discussion: LMICs especially African countries still grapple with significant challenges like inefficient surveillance mechanisms, inadequate vaccination c overage, inadequate enforcement of environmental health strategies, poor health systems etc. Hence, Africa’s fate remains dicey in the face of the dynamic evolution of the SARS - CoV - 2 and other identified challenges. Conclusion: The adoption of a multidis ciplinary approach to mitigate the impact of emergence of mutant SARS - CoV - 2 variants and resurgence of infection spike is recommended.
GENETIC ANALYSIS 21 SHORT TANDEM REPEATS (STR) LOCUS IN MINANGKABAU POPULATION, WEST SUMATERA, INDONESIA
Authors: Citra Manela Citra x , Susanti Rika , Hon Tjong Djong , Yudianto Ahmad
Published: May 2022

Background: Minangkabau is the majority ethnic group in West Sumatra, Indonesia. West Sumatra is a disaster area, especially earthquakes and the potential for a tsunami. Allele frequency for 21 short tandem repeat locus and genetic variation are not well known. This data is essential for calculating the Paternity Index and Match Probability for forensic identification. Materials and methods: This was an observational study. We analyze the GlobalFiller STR loci in 25 unrelated individuals from Minangkabau ethnic group. The DNA was extracted using a Prefiller kit and amplified with a Global Filler kit by a GeneAmp PCR System, followed by capillary electrophoresis using ABI Prism 3500 Genetic Analyzer. Data analysis was performed by using Easy DNA and FORSTAT software. Results: We observed 162 alleles with allele frequencies between 0.02 – 0.36. The highest expected heterozygosity and the highest power of discrimination were at the SE33 loci, and the highest match probability was at the D2S441 locus. The Chi-square test showed that all STR loci followed Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (p > 0.05). All loci were highly polymorphic (PIC > 0.5). The combined discrimination capacity of each locus in the population was 99,999%. Conclusion: The 21 STR loci are useful for forensic analysis and population genetic studies of the Minangkabau population.
KNOWLEDGE AND COMPLIANCE TO PRACTICE OF PREVENTIVE MEASURES TO COVID-19 AMONG NURSES IN A SELECTED TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN SOUTH-SOUTH, NIGERIA: covid-19 Preventive measures among nurses
Authors: Linda C Odikpo , Okwudilli Calistus Ezike , Evert O Onyia , Michael Chiedu Egbuniwe , I. Ilo Clementina , I. Helen Obidife , U. Nwankwo Clementina
Published: May 2022

Background: Healthcare providers have been at the Front line the response to the COVID-19 disease. Many of them have contracted the disease, and some of them already dead. This study assessed the knowledge, compliance with preventive measures and determined the relationship between knowledge and practice of preventive strategies to COVID-19 among nurses working in a selected hospital in South-South Nigeria. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design guided the study. Census method guided the recruitment of all the 378 nurses in the hospital who met the study's inclusion criteria. Results: Majority (360 [95.2%]) of the nurses had good knowledge of the preventive measures to COVID-19 and 311 (82.4%) of the nurses adhere strictly to practice of the preventive strategies to COVID-19. Educational level and years of experience are determinants of knowledge about preventive measures to COVID-19 (p<0.05 respectively) while knowledge, sex, level of education, years of experience, and unit of practice are determinants of compliance to preventive measures to COVID-19 among the nurses (p<0.001). Female nurses (p=0.012), RN/RM qualified nurses (p=0.037), nurses with more than five years of experience, and those in children ward (p=0.020) and maternity complex (p=0.003) significantly comply more to the preventive measures for COVID-19 as shown by their adjusted odds ratios. Conclusion: As knowledge of COVID-19 preventive strategies continues to increase among health workers, there is a need to translate this knowledge into adequate practice in order to minimise the hazardous effect of the pandemic on the health workers especially nurses.
Alternative Prognosis of Recovery Assessment for the Hemiplegic Limb (APRAHL): a biomarker-free algorithm that predicts recovery potential for the hemiplegic upper-limb.
Authors: Athanasiadis Dimitrios , Dionyssiotis Yannis , Athanasiadis Dimitrios , Stefas Eleftherios
Published: May 2022

Objective
Stroke is a significant cause of disability, rendering patients with inability to perform activities of daily living due to lack of functional recovery. Precise prognosis in the early stage after stroke could enable realistic goal-setting and efficient resources allocation. Prediction algorithms have been tested and validate in the past, but they were using neurological biomarkers, thus they were time-consuming, difficult to apply, expensive and dangerous. The aim of this study was to create a new prediction algorithm that would not utilize any biomarkers.
Methods
127 stroke patients prospectively enrolled at day 3 after their stroke (mean age: 71, males: 84, females: 43). First, a sum of shoulder abduction and finger extension (SAFE) MRC score was graded at day 3. Secondly, a binarized response was marked by the MaSoNT’s basic application on the upper-limb. Third, the NIHSS score was assessed. All data from the patients were included in a Classification and Regression Tree analysis to predict upper limb function 3 months poststroke according to the Action Research Arm Test score at week 12.
Results
The CART analysis produced that combines three different scores in order to predict upper-limb recovery: the SAFE score, MaSoNT’s application response and the NIHSS. The overall correct prediction of the new algorithm is 69% which is lower than previous algorithms, though not significantly.
Conclusion
This study offers basic data to support the validity of the APRAHL algorithm. The new algorithm is faster and easier, but less accurate than the previous similarly-designed ones. Future studies are necessary to generalize and validate APRAHL.
Incidence and associated factors of cetuximab-induced hypersensitivity infusion reactions in 1392 cancer patients treated in four French areas: A possible association with Lyme disease?
Authors: Dupont Marine , Carlier Claire , Gower-Rousseau Corine , Barbier-Lider Pauline , Botsen Damien , Brasseur Mathilde , Burgevin Alice , Chourbagi Christophe , D’Almeida Rosario , Hautefeuille Vincent , Hentzien Maxime , Lambert Aurélien , Lamuraglia Michele , Lavau-Denes Sandrine , Lopez Anthony , Parent Damien , Slimano Florain , Brugel Mathias , Bouché Olivier
Published: May 2022

Background Previous studies have observed an increased incidence of Cetuximab-induced hypersensitivity infusion reactions (CI-IRs) in the southeastern states of the USA. Tick’s bites were suspected of generating cross-reactions between cetuximab and alpha-gal. This study aims was to describe the incidence and associated risk factors of CI-IRs, in the French areas chosen according to their Lyme disease incidence.Patients and methods A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients that received cetuximab infusion from January 2010 to June 2019 in 4 French areas with different Lyme disease incidence rates. Results Of 1392 patients, 117 (8.4%) experienced a CI-IR, including 68 severe (grade 3 or 4) reactions (4.9%). This CI-IR incidence was significantly higher in the Lyme disease high-risk area than in the other areas (13.2% versus 7.1%, 8.1% and 6.4%; P=0.016). Sex (P=0.53), premedication (P=0.91), primary cancer location (P=0.46) and chemotherapy regimen type (P=0.78) had no impact on CI-IR incidence in the overall population. In the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patient subgroup, CI-IRs were significantly more frequent in the high-risk area (16.4% versus 6.7%, 7.1% and 7.0%; P=0.0015). ConclusionThis study suggests that patients treated in the French area with the highest incidence of Lyme disease are at a higher risk of CI-IRs.
Enteric pathogens and histology of collared peccaries (Mammalia, Tayassuidae) according to levels of dietary fiber and interindividual behavioral differences
Authors: Cairo Pedro Leon Gomes , Gross Eduardo , Nogueira Selene Siqueira da Cunha , Lopes Amanda Teixeira Sampaio , Maciel Bianca Mendes , Vandenheede Marc , Bindelle Jérome , Nogueira-Filho Sérgio Luiz Gama
Published: May 2022

We aimed to measure differences in hindgut pH, intestinal histological parameters and occurrence of enteric pathogens in the collared peccary (Dicotyles tajacu), according to dietary fiber levels and interindividual behavioral differences. Samples of ileum and cecum (tissue and content) were collected from 24 adult males classified according to their behavioral traits, and which received either low (n = 12) or high-fiber (n = 12) diets. Salmonella spp. was discovered in the cecum content of the most distressed individual. Non-pathogenic E. coli was present in 21 of the 24 collared peccaries. The pH in cecum samples was higher when animals were fed with high-fiber diet. The depth of the crypt (CD) was correlated with the peccaries’ behavioral traits: the more relaxed, the higher the CD. Associations linking individual behavioral qualities, dietary fiber, pH, histology of the hindgut and the presence of enteric pathogens in farmed peccaries are multifaceted. The existence of Salmonella in the hindgut of the distressed individual and the positive impact of behavioral calmness traits on some intestinal histological parameters suggests the possible benefit of selecting calm individuals, from the point of view of both animal and human health and welfare.
Detecting Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) in SD-IoT Environment with Enhanced Firefly Algorithm and Convolution Neural Network
Authors: N. Sivanesan
Published: May 2022

In Recent years, Network security becomes essential due to increase in usage of Smart phones and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. An IoT device plays a vital role in day to day life of human being. Such IoT devices are less secured and mostly used under abandoned environment. Recently these devices are widely affected by Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack. DDos is one of the risky threats that destroy the critical network services. The extreme flow of packets in a network results in attack. Single source attack raises the Denial of Service (DoS); on the other hand attack rises from multiple servers referred to as DDoS. Researchers have developed software-defined networks (SDN) to effectively handle IoT equipment. To overcome above issue, we use an updated firefly algorithm to optimize the convolutional neural network (CNN) for detection of DDoS attacks in software-defined Internet of Things (SD-IoT) environment. Experimental result shows that our proposed model achieves 98% accuracy over detection of DDoS attack.
The effect of pre-treatment and anaerobic digestion for pathogens reduction in agricultural utilization of sewage sludge
Authors: Machnicka Alicja , Grübel Klaudiusz
Published: May 2022

The aim of the research work was to explain the possibilities of application of waste activated sludge (WAS) pretreatment processes prior to anaerobic digestion (mesophilic fermentation). Hydrodynamic disintegration and freezing/thawing disintegration methods were used. Based on the microbiological and parasitological analyses, a significant decrease in pathogenic bacteria, coliphages and parasite eggs was observed. The number of bacteria analysed (Salmonella sp., Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens) and coliphages were reduced from 19.3–42.3% after hydrodynamic cavitation. A similar effect was achieved for destruction by freezing/thawing with dry ice – between 7.8–14.9%. The effectiveness of parasite eggs reduction (Ascaris sp., Trichuris sp., Toxocara sp.) for these disintegration methods ranged from 10.7–29.3%. The highest results were observed for the hybrid disintegration method (hydrodynamic cavitation + dry ice disintegration) caused by a synergistic effect. Salmonella sp. in 1 gd.w. decrease about 69.7%, E. coli by 70.0%, Clostridium perfringens by 38.4%, coliphages by 48.2%. Disruption of WAS by a hybrid method led to a reduction in the number of helminth eggs Ascaris sp. (63.8%), Trichuris sp. (64.3%) and Toxocara sp. (66.4%). After anaerobic digestion under mesophilic conditions, an additional reduction of analysed bacterial pathogens and helminth eggs were observed. The introduction of hybrid disintegrated WAS to the fermentation chamber resulted in higher efficiency in decrease (from 1–23%) in comparison to the control sample (70%WAS + 30%DS (inoculum – digested sludge)).
Mixed culture of plants improved nutrients removal in constructed wetlands: response of microbes and root exudates
Authors: Wang Zhufang , Zhang Yinjing , Li Xiao , Li Jinkun , Zhao Zhimiao , Hou Xin
Published: May 2022

Root exudates are determined by plant species configuration and affect microbial community, which in turn affect purification efficiency of constructed wetlands (CWs). However, it is not well understood how the plant configuration affects CWs purification efficiency through specific root exudates. Herein, four mixed culture CWs were constructed, CW-G3 with Iris pseudacorus, Iris sibirica, Juncus effusus, and Hydrocotyle vulgaris showed the optimal diversity nutrients removal efficiency (TN: 94.2%, TP: 82.9%, COD: 74.7%). Highly increased antioxidant enzymes (peroxidase and catalase) reduced photosynthesis-negative enzyme (malondialdehyde) activity of plants in CW-G3, which ensured oxygen (O2) and organic carbon (OC) production and successfully released to rhizosphere by well-developed root aeration tissues. Further, plant configurations resulted in diversity microbial communities, CW-G3 enriched higher abundance of genus Saccharimonadales and Flavobacterium, which benefited nitrogen removal. More importantly, as OC, higher contents of maltose in CW-G3 (6.6 ~ 11.1 folds of that in other three CWs), as well as lauramide, choline, triethylamine and urocanic acid contributed to microbial denitrifying. Differently, higher contents of unsaturated fatty acids linoleic acid and oleic acid in other three CWs inhibited their microbial nitrifying, rather than utilized by bacteria as OC. Co-occurrent network results also proved the interactions between root exudates and functional bacteria. Thereby, plant configuration in CW-G3 provided higher O2 and OC contents for bacteria, and reduced nitrifying inhibitors, which contributed to higher purifying efficiency. The study promoted the understanding about root exudates’ effects on bacteria through plant configurations, and improved the purification efficiency of CWs.
Magnetic methods for phase control in titanium-base alloy synthesized by ball milling
Authors: ABADA Abderahim , YOUNES Abderrahmane
Published: May 2022

The nanocrystalline TiAlV alloys have been synthesized from pure titanium, aluminum and vanadium powders by mechanical alloying technique within a high energy planetary ball-mill. Magnetic behavior, Morphology and micro-structural properties were examined by a Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. Crystallite size reduced from 48.73nm to 9.38 nm and lattice strain increased from 0.15% to about 0.81% for 60 hours of grinding. X-ray diffraction testing confirms the apparition of new phases during grinding time. The Magnetic non-destructive testing showed that the nanocrystalline TiAlV contain a magnetic particle which is different from one period to another period, the change of magnetic properties is due by the reduction in crystallite size of magnetic particle which is due to the collision between the balls and the magnetic particles of the powder. The NDT by magnetic measurement confirms that we can control the state of the nanocrystalline alloy using the vibrating magnetometer samples.
Rubber dam isolation increases the costs and does not impact on composite resin restorations’ survival in primary teeth. 2-year results from a non-inferiority clinical trial
Authors: Olegário Isabel C. , Moro Bruna L. P. , Tedesco Tamara K. , Freitas Raiza D. , Pássaro Ana Laura , Garbim Jonathan Rafael , Oliveira Rodolfo , Mendes Fausto M. , Raggio Daniela , Group Cardec Collaborative
Published: May 2022

Background
This non-inferiority randomised trial aimed to evaluate the survival rate, costs and discomfort/behaviour of two operative field isolation methods.
Methods
A total of 93 4–8 years old children (174 molars) with at least one dentine caries lesion were randomly allocated to groups: rubber dam isolation (RDI) and cotton roll isolation (CRI), restored with bulk fill composite resin. Two blinded examiners assessed the restorations up to 24 months. Wong-baker faces, and Frankl’s behaviour rating scales were used for accessing child’s discomfort and behaviour, respectively. For the statistical analysis, the primary outcome (restoration survival) used two-sample non-inferiority test for survival data using Cox Regression, Bootstrap Linear regression analysis for cost analysis and logistic regression for discomfort and behaviour.
Results
157 restorations were evaluated (drop-out = 9.7%). Survival was RDI = 60.4% and CRI = 54.3. The non-inferiority hypothesis was accepted by the Cox Regression analysis (HR = 1.33; 90% CI 0.88–1.99; p = 0.036). RDI was 53% more expensive when compared to the CRI group. No differences were found between the groups in terms of discomfort and behaviour.
Conclusion
Cotton roll isolation proved to be non-inferior when compared to rubber dam for composite restorations longevity in primary molars. Furthermore, the latest presented the disadvantage of higher cost and longer procedure time.
Clinical Significance:
Rubber dam isolation has no impact on the survival of composite restoration in primary molars.
Clinical trial registration:
registered NCT03733522 on 07/11/2018. The present trial was nested within another clinical trial, the CARies DEtection in Children (CARDEC-03 - NCT03520309).
Contact Network Analysis of COVID-19 Delta variant Outbreak in Urban China ——Based on 2,050 Confirmed Cases in Xi'an, China
Authors: Yang Zhangbo , Chen Zheng , Wang Hui
Published: May 2022

Background: The purpose of this paper is to study how the Delta variant spread in a China city, and to what extent the non-pharmaceutical prevention measures of local government be effective by reviewing the contact network of COVID-19 cases in Xi’an, China. Methods: We organize the case reports of Shaanxi Health Commission into a database by text coding and convert them into structured network data. Then we construct a dynamic contact network for the corresponding analysis and calculate network indicators. we analyze the cases’ dynamic contact network structure and intervals between diagnosis time and isolation time by using data visualization, social network analysis method, and OLS regressions. Results: The contact network for this outbreak in Xi'an is very sparse, with a density of less than 0.0001. The contact network is a scale-free network. The average degree centrality is 0.741 and the average PageRank score is 0.0005. The network generated from a single source of infection contains 1,371 components. We construct three variables of intervals and analyze the trend of intervals during the outbreak. The mean interval (interval 1) between cases diagnosis time and isolation time is -3.9 days. The mean of the interval (interval 2) between the infector’s diagnosis time and the infectee diagnosis time is 4.2 days. The mean of the interval (interval 3) between infector isolation time and infectee isolation time is 2.9 days. Among the three intervals, only interval 1 has a significant positive correlation with degree centrality.Conclusions: By integrating COVID-19 case reports of a Chinese city, we can construct a contact network to analyze the dispersion of the outbreak. The network is a scale-free network with multiple hidden pathways that are not detected. The intervals of patients in this outbreak decreased compared to the beginning of the outbreak in 2020. City lockdown has a significant effect on the intervals that can affect patient’s network centrality. Our study highlights the value of case report text. By linking different reports, we can quickly analyze the spread of the epidemic in an urban area.
Architecture for at Speed Testing of Crosstalk Faults in Through Silicon Vias in Three Dimensional Integrated Circuits
Authors: K PRAVEEN KUMAR REDDY , Thangammal C.Bennila , Parthasarathy Rangarajan
Published: May 2022

A parallel test Algorithm and design for built in self test (BIST) architecture to test the crosstalk faults in clustered arrays of TSVs (through silicon via) in 3DICs (Three dimensional Integrated Circuits) is discussed in this paper. Design of Modified Flexible Boundary scan cells to transfer the outputs to the functional cores or to the Output response analyzers (ORA) or signature analysers is proposed. Algorithm state machine (ASM) based design of BIST controller to generate the control and timing signals for launch and capture of test patterns is discussed. Parallel outputs capturing and signature generation mechanism is designed to reduce the time complexity.
Economic Costs and Predictors of Occupation-related Injury from Employers Perspectives at Manufacturing Industries in Ethiopia: Top-down Approach and Friction Method
Authors: Debela Mitiku Bonsa , Azage Muluken , Deyessa Negussie , Motbainor Achenef
Published: May 2022

Background
Studies have documented the prevalence and associated factors of occupation-related injuries in manufacturing industries worldwide. However, sufficient information remains scarce on the economic burdens of occupation-related injuries in Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed to bridge this gap by quantifying economic costs and predictors of occupation-related injury from employers’ perspectives in Ethiopia.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was employed to estimate the employer-side economic cost of occupation-related injury from December 2021 to March 2022. This study used a top-down approach to compute direct costs, while the friction method was used for indirect costs estimation. Injury data were obtained from the Bureau of Labour and Social Affairs and the industries, while costs data were from workers’ compensation records. The insurance company’s injury compensation record was triangulated with industries data. The study collected primary data via a structured questionnaire from randomly selected 1,136 injured cases. Data analysis was carried out with STATA version 14 software. A generalized linear model was used to identify the predictors of the total cost. Statistical significance was accepted at P < 0.05. It applied Gamma distribution and identity link function. Direction and strength of association were expressed using exponentiate coefficients with a 95% confidence interval.
Results
From the perspective of the employers, the total cost of occupational–related injury was 22,587,635.32 Ethiopian birr (537,800.84 $).Indirect and direct costs accounted for 65.86% and 34.14% of the overall expenses, respectively. Long-term absence from work (exp (b) = 0.85, p < 0.01), having a sleeping disorder (exp (b) = 0.90, p 0.039), co-morbidity (exp (b) = 0.85, p < 0.001), and severity (type) of injury (exp (b) = 1.11, p < 0.001) were predictors significantly associated with the total cost variability.
Conclusions
Employers’ toll of occupation-related injuries represents severe economic implications. The influential factors that elevated the total cost variation were; long-term absence from work, unsafe acts of the workers, having a sleeping disorder, co-morbidity, and severity (type) of injury. Therefore, the identified modifiable factors are the areas of intervention to reduce the cost of occupation-related injuries.
Effects of Applied Direction of Kinesio Taping in Sensation and Postural Control between Pre- and Post- Muscle Fatigue for Healthy Athletes
Authors: Hung Min-Hao , Chen Hui-Ya , Chang Yun-Chi , Chin Chun-Wen , Chang Hsiao-Yun
Published: May 2022

Purpose: This study aimed to use two different taping directions on the gastrocnemius muscle, the most important muscle for stance stability, to further investigate the effect of different taping directions on overall balance and sensation systems before versus after muscle fatigue.Methods: The participants were 45 healthy athletes who random control method was divided into 3 groups: Placebo taping group (PTG), Facilitation KT group (FKTG), and Inhabitation KT group (IKTG). The neuromuscular balance ability and sensory function test were before versus after muscle fatigue.Results: The two-point discrimination sensitivity of the facilitation taping group was significantly higher than that of the placebo taping group. The eyes open swaying distance of the inhibition taping group was significantly greater than that of the placebo taping group before taping, after taping, and after fatigue from exercise. The swaying speed was also significantly higher in the inhibition taping group than in the placebo and facilitation taping groups. When the participants stood barefoot on one foot with the eyes closed, no significant differences were noted among groups. When standing on a soft cushion on one foot with the eyes open, significant differences were noted between the inhibition taping group and both the placebo and facilitation taping groups before taping, after taping, and after fatigue from exercise . When standing on a soft cushion on one foot with the eyes closed, there were significant differences in the duration of standing among the three groups before taping and after fatigue from exercise.Conclusion: The results of the present study show that muscle taping effectively improves athletes’ proprioception. Therefore, muscle taping during exercise can help to increase the balance of, improve the performance of, and prevent ankle sprains in athletes.
Conductance Spectroscopy of Majorana Zero Modes in Superconductor-Magnetic Insulator Nanowire Hybrid Systems
Authors: Muralidharan Bhaskaran , Singh Roshni
Published: May 2022

There has been a recent interest in superconductor-magnetic insulator hybrid Rashba nanowire setups for potentially hosting Majorana zero modes at smaller external Zeeman fields. Using the Keldysh non-equilibrium Green's function technique, we develop a detailed quantum transport approach that accounts for the complex interplay between the quasiparticle dynamics in the superconductor-magnetic insulator bilayer structure, and the transport processes through the semiconducting Rashba nanowire. We provide a detailed analysis of three terminal setups to probe the local and non-local conductance spectra in both the pristine as well as the disordered nanowire setups. We uncover the Majorana conductance quantization scaling with the bilayer coupling and the signatures of the gap closing and reopening followed by the emergence of near-zero energy states, which can be attributed to topological zero modes in the clean limit. In the presence of a smoothly varying disorder potential, trivial Andreev bound states may form with signatures reminiscent of topological zero modes in the form of a premature gap closure in the conductance spectra. Our results therefore provide transport-based analysis of the operating regimes that support the formation of Majorana modes in these hybrid systems of current interest, while investigating the effect of disorder on experimentally relevant device structures.
Reliability analyzes of unmanned engine cabin based on fault diagnosis and preventive under the maintenance cost
Authors: Xu Minggang , Fu Hao , Tian Wang , Lyu Binbin , Jiao Honglin , Liu Yang
Published: May 2022

The reliability and overall cost of unattended engine cabin are researched for two aspects: fault diagnosis and preventive maintenance in this paper. The ME-OWA algorithm is adopted to predict the fault diagnosis of per module in the unattended engine cabin and the cost of preventive maintenance is calculated, its costs are controlled by adopting the optimal number of preventive maintenances under the object of minimum reliability. The optimization of maintenance cost can be achieved by repairing modules with excessive fault diagnosis rates under the determining preventive maintenance times and reliability. The reliability model of the unattended engine cabin is founded to the series-parallel structure of per module, and its reliability is compared between the regular maintenance and the irregular maintenance. The calculations show that the reliability of the unattended engine cabin is more stable under the irregular maintenance.
Influence of welding parameters and surface preparation on thin copper-copper plates welded by ultrasonic welding process
Authors: Nunes Rafael , Faes Koen , De Meester Sylvia , De Waele Wim , Kubit Andrzej
Published: May 2022

In this paper the influence of ultrasonic welding parameters (USW) on the strength, quality in terms of metallography and energy of the welding process was analyzed. The properties of the USW joints, which are increasingly used in industry, depend on many factors. The work focuses on the technological parameters and surface properties of the joined EN Cu-ETP copper sheets with a thickness of 1 mm. The impact of parameters such as welding time, pressure, vibration amblitude and the surface roughness of the joined sheets on the strength in the tensile/shear test and metallographic properties of the weld structure was analyzed, and the welding energy for each variant was also determined. The research was conducted on the basis of the full factorial Design of Experiments. As a result of the research and analyzes carried out, the optimal process parameters were indicated, which for the considered joined materials made it possible to obtain a high-quality Cu-Cu joint in terms of strength and quality of the joint structure. Based on the presented experimental studies, it was shown that the ultrasonic vibration amplitude has the greatest impact on the strength of the joint. The surface preparation with acetone resulted in the highest welding energy and tensile strength, making any additional surface treatment unnecessary.
A comparison of the utility of the urine dipstick and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio for predicting microalbuminuria in patients with non-diabetic lifestyle-related diseases -A comparison with diabetes-
Authors: Ogi Makoto , Seto Takuya , Wakabayashi Yoshinori
Published: May 2022

Background: The utility of dipstick proteinuria for predicting microalbuminuria in non-diabetic lifestyle-related diseases compared with the urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (uPCR) and the effect of dipstick proteinuria on the cut-off value (CO) and accuracy of uPCR are unclear.Methods: The subjects included Japanese patients ≥18 years old with lifestyle-related diseases who had an estimated glomerular filtration rate of ≥15 ml/min/1.73 m2 and 　uPCR of <0.5 g/gCr at initiation. Urine dipstick, uPCR and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) were measured three times per case. Microalbuminuria was defined as uACR of 30-299 mg/gCr for at least 2 of 3 measurements. Youden’s Index was used as the optimal CO. Factors associated with microalbuminuria were analyzed using a logistic regression model.Results: In 313 non-diabetic cases (median 70.8 years old), the 3 dipstick proteinuria measurements were independently useful for detecting microalbuminuria, and the CO was when a trace findings was obtained at least 1 of the 3 times（sensitivity 0.56, specificity 0.80, positive predictive value [PPV] 0.73, negative predictive value [NPV]　0.65). A single uPCR measurement was more useful than 3 dipsticks measurement, and was useful for detecting microalbuminuria even in cases with three consecutive negative proteinuria, indicating that the CO of the second uPCR with G1-3a (n=136) was 0.06 g/gCr (sensitivity 0.76, specificity 0.84. PPV 0.68, NPV 0.89), while that with G3-b4 (n=59) was 0.10 g/gCr (sensitivity 0.56, specificity 0.91. PPV 0.83, NPV 0.71). The sum of 3 uPCRs was useful for detecting microalbuminuria in cases with G1-3a (sensitivity 0.67, specificity 0.94, PPV 0.82, NPV 0.86) and G3b-4 (sensitivity 0.78, specificity 0.94, PPV 0.91 NPV 0.83), with both COs being 0.23 g/dl. These COs of microalbuminuria did not change when trace or more proteinuria was included, although the sensitivity increased. A high uPCR and low urine specific gravity or creatinine level were independent factors for uACR ≥30 mg/gCr in cases with negative proteinuria, although uPCR was a major predictive factor of uACR ≥30 mg/gCr.Conclusions: The uPCR value (preferably using early morning urine), including in dipstick-negative proteinuria cases with non-diabetic lifestyle-related diseases, can aid in the early detection of microalbuminuria.Trial registration:　retrospectively registered
Differential properties of KRAS transversion and transition mutations in non-small lung cancer: associations with environmental factors and clinical outcomes
Authors: Sato Koichi , Akamatsu Hiroaki , Koh Yasuhiro , Ogawa Koichi , Isa Shun-ichi , Ando Masahiko , Tamiya Akihiro , Kubo Akihito , Kitagawa Chiyoe , Kawaguchi Tomoya , Yamamoto Nobuyuki
Published: May 2022

Background:
KRAS-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 23–35% and 13–20% of all NSCLCs in Caucasians and East Asians, respectively, and is therefore regarded as a major therapeutic target. However, its epidemiology and clinical characteristics have not been fully elucidated because of its wide variety of mutational subtypes. Here, we focused on two distinct base substitution types: transversion mutations (Tr) and transition mutations (Ts), as well as their association with environmental factors and clinical outcome.
Methods:
Dataset from the Japan Molecular Epidemiology Study, which is a prospective, multicenter, and molecular study epidemiology cohort study involving 957 NSCLC patients who underwent surgery, was used for this study. Questionnaire-based detailed information on clinical background and lifestyles was also used to assess their association with mutational subtypes. Somatic mutations in 72 cancer-related genes were analyzed by next-generation sequencing, and KRAS mutations were classified into three categories: Tr (G > C or G > T; G12A, G12C, G12R, G12V), Ts (G > A; G12D, G12S, G13D), and wild-type (WT). Clinical correlations between these subtypes have been investigated, and recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated.
Results:
Of the 957 patients, KRAS mutations were detected in 80 (8.4%). Of these, 61 were Tr and 19 were Ts mutations. Both pack-years of smoking and smoking duration had significant positive correlation with the occurrence of Tr (p = 0.03 and < 0.01, respectively). Notably, Ts showed an inverse correlation. with vegetable intake (p = 0.01). Ts had the shortest RFS and OS compared to Tr and WT. Multivariate analysis revealed that Ts, along with age and stage, were significant predictors of shorter RFS and OS (HR 2.15, p = 0.01; and HR 2.84, p < 0.01, respectively).
Conclusions:
Smoking exposure positively correlated with Tr occurrence in a dose-dependent manner. However, vegetable intake negatively correlated with Ts. Ts is a significantly poor prognostic factor among resected NSCLC patients.
Effects of Resveratrol on Tight Junction Proteins and Notch1 Pathway in HT-29 Cells Inflammation Model Induced by Lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Luo Yihua , Yu Xueyan , Zhao Peizhuang , Huang Jun , Huang Xue
Published: May 2022

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is closely associated with disruption of the intestinal epithelial tight junction proteins. A variety of studies have confirmed that resveratrol (RSV), a natural polyphenolic compound, has a potential anti-inflammatory effect and can regulate the expression of tight junction proteins. However, the mechanism by which RSV regulates the expression of tight junction proteins in the intestinal epithelium remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the RSV potential effect on tight junction proteins in the HT-29 cell inflammation model induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and explored its mechanism of action. Firstly, the downregulated expression of tight junction proteins occludin, ZO-1, and claudin-1 in the HT-29 cells inflammation model induced by LPS were reversed by incubation with RSV, accompanied by the decrease in the expression of tumor necrosis factor α-converting enzyme (TACE). Also, the Notch1 pathway was inhibited and the expression of inflammation factors IL-6 and TNF-α was decreased by treatment with RSV. Secondly, after Jagged-1 was used in combination with RSV to reactivate the Notch1 pathway, the protective effects of RSV against LPS-induced reduction of tight junction proteins occludin, ZO-1, and claudin-1, and the decrease of inflammation factors IL-6 and TNF-α were abolished. These results suggest that RSV might regulate the expression of tight junction proteins by inhibiting the Notch1 pathway.
Metabolome and transcriptome analysis of oral mucosa of HIV+ patients reveal a role for polyamine metabolic pathway in T cell dysfunction
Authors: Pandiyan Pushpa , Mahalingam Shanmuga , Jayaraman Sangeetha , Bhaskaran Natarajan , Schneider Elizabeth , Faddoul Fady , Silva Andre Paes da , Lederman Michael , Asaad Robert , Adkins-Travis Kayla , Shriver Leah
Published: May 2022

Metabolic changes of immune cells contribute to both physiological and pathophysiological outcomes of immune reactions. How viruses alter the metabolic states of mucosal T cells and the precise mechanisms underlying the persisting immune dysfunction during chronic viral infections are key questions that have not been fully addressed. Here, by comparing transcriptome and salivary metabolome profiles of the uninfected individuals and people living with HIV (PLWH) on treatment, we found a role of polyamine metabolism in immune perturbations of the oral mucosa of HIV+ patients. Flow cytometry analysis confirmed the higher expression of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC-1) and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (EIF5A), the polyamine metabolism intermediates in CD4+ T cells in PLWH. Mechanistic studies using an in vitro human tonsil organoid infection model revealed that HIV infection of activated T cells also resulted in increased polyamine synthesis, which was dependent on the activities of caspase-1, IL-1β, and ODC-1. HIV-1 also led to elevated dysfunctional regulatory T cells (TregDys) /T helper 17 (Th17) cell ratios as well as heightened expression of ODC-1, EIF5A, and hypusinated EIF5A. Blockade of caspase-1, ODC-1, and EIF5A hypusination and not HIF-1α or NLRP3 reversed the frequency of TregDys showing the direct impact of polyamine pathway in Treg dysfunction during HIV-1 infection. The addition of exogenous polyamines increased TregDys percentages independent of HIV-1 infection in vitro. Finally, oral mucosal TregDys/Th17 ratios and CD4 hyperactivation positively correlated with the increases in salivary putrescine levels, which were found to be elevated in the saliva of PLWH. Thus by revealing the role of aberrantly increased polyamine synthesis during HIV infection, our study unveils a new mechanism by which chronic viral infections could drive distinct T cell effector programs and Treg dysfunction.