bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ejection of mitochondria mediates hypertonicity-induced adipocytes dedifferentiation
Authors: Liu Guopan , Wang Ying , Pan Yilin , Tian Li , Choi Ming Ho , Wang Li , Kim Jin Young , Cheng Shuk Han , ZHANG Liang
Published: June 2023

Background: Recent studies demonstrated that elevated osmolarity could induce adipocyte dedifferentiation, representing an appealing procedure to generate multipotent stem cells. Here we aim to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that underlie osmotic induction of adipocyte reprogramming.Methods: To induce dedifferentiation, the 3T3-L1 or SVF adipocytes were cultured under the hypertonic pressure in 2% PEG 300 medium. The dedifferentiation of adipocytes was monitored by aspect ratio measurement, Oil Red staining and qPCR to examine the morphology, lipid droplet sizes, and adipose-specific gene expression, respectively. The stem-cell capacity of dedifferentiated adipocytes was validated by osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation. To elucidate the mechanism of the osmotic stress-induced dedifferentiation, the extracellular vesicles (EVs) were collected from the reprograming cells, followed by proteomic and functional analyses. To investigate the signaling mechanisms, qPCR was applied to assess the corresponding pathways and TNF-α neutralizing antibody (20ng/ml) was applied to counteract the effects of the TNF-α signaling. We also analyzed the Wnt signaling by assessing the activation of β-catenin and applying BML-284 that activates β-catenin to induce the multipotent adipocyte dedifferentiation.Results: We report that hypertonicity induces mitochondrial stress and prompts the adipocytes to eject mitochondrial components through extracellular vesicles, which we term mitochondrial EVs (MEVs). Importantly, we showed that MEVs function in an autocrine fashion to enhance the pro-inflammatory TNF-α signaling that activates β-catenin and drives adipocyte dedifferentiation. Alleviating mitochondrial stress inhibited MEVs release and hypertonicity-induced adipocyte dedifferentiation. In addition, we also observed increased apoptosis of adipocytes as a potential caveat of hypertonicity-induced adipocyte dedifferentiation. To circumvent this, we showed that BML-284, a small compound that directly activates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling could effectively promote multipotent adipocyte dedifferentiation without inducing apoptosis.Conclusions: Hypertonicity prompts the adipocytes to release MEVs, which in turn enhances the secretion of TNF-α as a pro-inflammatory cytokine during the stress response. Importantly, TNF-α is essential for the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling that drives adipocyte dedifferentiation. A caveat of the hypertonic treatment is apoptosis, which could be circumvented by direct activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling using BML-284.
Scale-dependent Power Law Properties in Hashtag Usage Time Series of Weibo
Authors: Jiang Jiwei J. , Yamada Kenta , Takayasu Hideki , Takayasu Misako
Published: June 2023

We analyze the time series of hashtag numbers of social media data. We observe that the usage distribution of hashtags is characterized by a fat-tailed distribution with a size-dependent power law exponent and we find that there is a clear dependency between the growth rate distributions of hashtags and size of hashtags usage. We propose a generalized random multiplicative process model with a theory that explains the size dependency of the fat-tailed distribution. Numerical simulations show that our model reproduces these size-dependent properties nicely. We expect that our model is useful for understanding the mechanism of fat-tailed distributions in various fields of science and technology.
The Secondary Somatosensory Cortex Gates Mechanical and Thermal Sensitivity
Authors: Woolf Clifford , Taub Daniel , Jiang Qiufen , Pietrafesa Francesca , Su Junfeng , Greene Caitlin , Jain Aakanksha , He Zhigang , Chen Chinfei , Callen Alexis , Yager Katherine , Blanchard Michael , El-Rifai Mahmoud , Chung Clara
Published: June 2023

The cerebral cortex is vital for the perception and processing of sensory stimuli. In the somatosensory axis, information is received by two distinct regions, the primary (S1) and secondary (S2) somatosensory cortices. Top-down circuits stemming from S1 can modulate mechanical and cooling but not heat stimuli such that circuit inhibition causes blunted mechanical and cooling perception. Using optogenetics and chemogenetics, we find that in contrast to S1, an inhibition of S2 output increases mechanical and heat, but not cooling sensitivity. Combining 2-photon anatomical reconstruction with chemogenetic inhibition of specific S2 circuits, we discover that S2 projections to the secondary motor cortex (M2) govern mechanical and thermal sensitivity without affecting motor or cognitive function. This suggests that while S2, like S1, encodes specific sensory information, that S2 operates through quite distinct neural substrates to modulate responsiveness to particular somatosensory stimuli and that somatosensory cortical encoding occurs in a largely parallel fashion.
Online triplet contrastive learning enables efficient cliff awareness in molecular activity prediction
Authors: Shen Wan Xiang , Cui Chao , Shi Xiang Cheng , Zhang Yan Bing , Wu Jie , Chen Yu Zong
Published: June 2023

Predicting molecular activity and quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) is important for drug discovery and optimization. With molecular structures as frames, graph neural networks (GNNs) are suited for activity prediction but tend to overlook activity-cliffs (ACs) where structurally-similar molecules have vastly different activity values. To address this, we introduced a new online triplet contrastive learning framework ACANet that incorporates a unique activity-cliff-awareness (ACA) loss function, enabling efficient AC-awareness during training. The ACA loss enhances metric learning in the latent space and task learning in the target space simultaneously to make networks aware of ACs. ACANet outperformed the state-of-the-art machine learning and deep learning models in activity prediction and AC awareness on 39 benchmark datasets. ACA loss function is superior in AC-awareness than the mean absolute error and mean squared error loss functions. This innovative approach opens new avenues and provides valuable tools for applications in drug discovery and chemical engineering.
Multimodal imaging and deep learning unveil pulmonary delivery profiles and acinar migration of tissue-resident macrophages in the lung
Authors: Yang Lin , Kumar Pramod , Sengupta Arunima , Farnoud Ali , Shen Ruolin , Trofimova Darya , Ziegler Sebastian , Davoudi Neda , Doryab Ali , Yildirim Ali , Schiller Herbert , Razansky Daniel , Piraud Marie , Liu Qiongliang , Rehberg Markus , Stoeger Tobias , Burgstaller Gerald , Kreyling Wolfgang , Isensee Fabian , Schmid Otmar
Published: June 2023

Holistic deciphering of spatially-resolved delivery and biokinetics of nanoparticles (NPs) in the lung, along with the mobility of tissue-resident macrophages (TRMs) and their role in regulating NP cellular fate, remains unclear. Multimodal imaging and deep learning were applied to elucidate the longitudinal inter- and intra-acinar deposition features and regional dosimetry of NPs. The initial NP distribution patterns depended significantly on the pulmonary delivery routes and were most uniform for aerosol inhalation. Artificial intelligence-driven 3D airway segmentation enabled direct determination of bronchial and acinar NP dose. Longitudinal imaging uncovered an intra-acinar NP kinetics profile independent of delivery route. Contrary to the traditional notion of passive diffusion, this study reveals that long-term NP lung retention is facilitated by intra-acinar NP transport mediated by phagocytosis and patrolling of TRMs. Overall, this study elucidates the complexities of NP-lung delivery features and TRM immunity on the fate of biopersistent NPs.
Will antibody-drug conjugate and immune checkpoint inhibitor-based combination therapy close the gap between benefit and toxicity in the treatment of cancers? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Leyin , Yan Yici , Chen Yixin , Lu Jiamin , Wang Binbin , Ren Ning , Sun Leitao
Published: June 2023

Background
Although antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) fosters hope for the treatment of cancer, the effect of single drug treatment is limited. Therefore, to achieve wider therapeutic effects, the combination of ADC and Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) therapy may hold potential.
Methods
After literature retrieval, screening and data extraction, quality assessment was done by two investigators. Then, overall response rate (ORR) and adverse effects (AEs) were evaluated to study its efficiency and safety. Publication bias was also calculated through Funnel plot, Begg's Test and Egger's test. Meanwhile, heterogeneity was investigated through subgroup and sensitivity analysis.
Results
11 eligible clinical studies with a total sample size of 551 were included. The pooled ORR was 59% (95% CI: 45% − 72%), especially in patients with relapsed classical Hodgkin lymphoma and patient treated with Brentuximab vedotin + Pembrolizumab. The most common AEs was peripheral neuropathy (38.2%) and AEs on skin (13.1% − 18.5%) and digestive system (8.7% − 28.1%) can not be overlooked.
Conclusion
ADC + ICI therapy may be recommended in cancer treatment, whereas strategies to manage toxicities warranted further exploration (PROSPERO CRD42023375601).
Quantifying subnational climate change mitigation solutions - a meta-analysis of impacts
Authors: Song Kaihui , Yeo Zhi Yi , Johnson Evan , Hsu Angel , Farr Katherine Burley
Published: June 2023

Although the potential for cities and regions to contribute to global mitigation efforts is widely acknowledged, there is little evidence on the effectiveness of subnational mitigation strategies. We address this gap through a systematic review of 234 quantitative mitigation case studies. We use a meta-analytical approach to estimate expected greenhouse gas emissions reductions from 12 categories of mitigation strategies. We find that strategies related to land use and development, circular economy, and waste management are most effective and reliable for reducing emissions. The results demonstrate that cities and regions are taking widespread action to reduce emissions. However, we find misalignment between the strategies that policymakers and researchers focus on, compared to those with the highest expected impacts. The results inform climate action planning at the city and regional level and the evaluation of subnational climate targets.
Assessment of combining ability and gene action for seed cotton yield and fibre quality traits in Lintless-Fuzzless genotypes of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum. L)
Authors: LATHA ANANDA LEKSHMI , MAHADEVAN KUMAR , SIVAKAMI RAJESWARI , MUTHURAJAN RAVEENDRAN , DORAISWAMY UMA , SADASIVAM MANICKAM
Published: June 2023

Background
Knowledge of genetic diversity is the prerequisite to choose the parents for heterosis breeding aimed at the improvement of any trait in cotton as hybridization among the accessions belonging to diverse genetic background exhibited desirable recombinants in segregating generation. Understanding the genetic behaviour of lint and fuzz formation in cotton is crucial for improving cotton production and developing new cotton varieties with desired traits.
Result
The current study was intended to evaluate the genetic diversity among different fuzzy and fuzzless genotypes and to understand the gene action and combining ability of seed cotton yield and yield contributing characters along with fibre quality. Principal component analysis revealed that the first four principal component analyses (PCs) out of the total eleven PCs exhibited higher eigen values (> 1) and had maximum contribution to total variability (89.46%). The attributes that had maximum share to total divergence included number of bolls per plant, number of sympodia, ginning out turn, elongation percentage, uniformity index, fibre length, fibre strength, days to first boll opening and days to fifty percent flowering. Line x Tester mating design was used to develop 36 hybrids. Study of biometrical traits revealed that the dominance variance was higher than the additive variance in both the sets. Considering the per se performance and gca effects, CO 14 and CO17 were found to be elite general combiners for yield and fibre quality traits which can be further utilized as parents in breeding programme. The hybrids with high sca effects in the desired direction were TCH1646 / CO17 and MCU5 / AKH9881 which showed best performance for yield and yield contributing traits.
Conclusion
It is quite important to breed new genotypes that have no fuzz on the seed and higher gin turnout. Fuzzless but fibery genotypes might be utilized to reach this goal. Seed cotton yield and its contributing characters were controlled non additively and hence hybrid breeding is the best choice for crop improvement.
Apoer2-ICD-dependent regulation of hippocampal ribosome mRNA loading
Authors: Wasser Catherine , Werthmann Gordon C. , Hall Eric M , Kuhbandner Kristina , Wong Connie H , Durakoglugil Murat S , Herz Joachim
Published: June 2023

BackgroundApoE4, the most significant genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD), sequesters a pro-synaptogenic Reelin receptor, Apoer2, in the endosomal compartment and prevents its normal recycling. In the adult brain, Reelin potentiates excitatory synapses and thereby protects against amyloid-β toxicity. Recently, a gain-of-function mutation in Reelin that is protective against early-onset AD has been described. Alternative splicing of the Apoer2 intracellular domain (Apoer2-ICD) regulates Apoer2 signaling. Splicing of juxtamembraneous exon 16 alters the g-secretase mediated release of the Apoer2-ICD as well as synapse number and LTP, and inclusion of exon 19 ameliorates behavioral deficits in an AD mouse model. The Apoer2-ICD has also been shown to alter transcription of synaptic genes. However, the role of Apoer2 splicing for transcriptional regulation and its role in AD pathogenesis is unknown.MethodsTo assessin vivomRNA-primed ribosomes specifically in hippocampi transduced with Apoer2-ICD splice variants, we crossed wild-type, cKO, and Apoer2 cleavage-resistant mice to a Cre-inducible translating ribosome affinity purification (TRAP) model. This allowed us to perform RNA-Seq on ribosome-loaded mRNA harvested specifically from hippocampal cells transduced with Apoer2-ICDs.ResultsAcross all conditions, we observed ~ 4,700 altered ribosome-associated transcripts, several of which comprise key synaptic components such as extracellular matrix and focal adhesions with concomitant perturbation of critical signaling cascades, energy metabolism, translation, and apoptosis. We further demonstrated the ability of the Apoer2-ICD to rescue many of these altered transcripts, underscoring the importance of Apoer2 splicing in synaptic homeostasis. A variety of these altered genes have been implicated in AD, demonstrating how dysregulated Apoer2 splicing may contribute to neurodegeneration.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate how alternative splicing of the APOE and Reelin receptor Apoer2 and release of the Apoer2-ICD regulates numerous ribosome-associated transcripts in mouse hippocampiin vivo. These transcripts comprise a wide range of functions, and alterations in these transcripts suggest a mechanistic basis for the synaptic deficits seen in Apoer2 mutant mice and AD patients. Our findings, together with the recently reported AD-protective effects of a Reelin gain-of-function mutation in the presence of an early-onset AD mutation in Presenilin-1, implicate the Reelin/Apoer2 pathway as a target for AD therapeutics.
Financial Literacy and Consumption Inequality of Chinese Households—Evidence from CHFS Data
Authors: Chen Qinghua , Kang Xiuhua , Wang Yuzhi
Published: June 2023

Common prosperity is the foundation for the steady development and growth of the economy. And alleviating consumption inequality in households is crucial for achieving common prosperity. The mechanisms of financial literacy as human capital to alleviate consumption inequality still need to be determined. Therefore, we theoretically analyzed the relationship between financial literacy on household consumption inequality. And then the Kakwani consumption relative deprivation index was employed to measure household consumption inequality based on the panel data from CHFS in 2017 and 2019. We utilized the instrumental variable approaches to overcome the endogeneity problems. The results showed that improving household financial literacy mitigated the consumption inequality of households, especially for development and enjoyment consumption. Financial literacy affected consumption inequality by the mediating effects of alleviating household liquidity constraints, optimizing asset allocation, and mitigating income inequality. It offers a promising way to help household consumption inequality and achieve common prosperity.
Chronic condition change and its longitudinal association with health care utilization among rural older adults: Intergenerational financial support as a possible moderator?
Authors: Yang Shijun , Gao Tingting , Fu Peipei , Li Jie , Wang Yi , Zhou Chengchao , Zhao Dan
Published: June 2023

Background:The prevalence of chronic conditions increases rapidly among older population. However, it is unclear how different chronic conditions progression contributes to the health care utilization, and whether intergenerational support modified this relationship. This study aimed to explore the longitudinal link between chronic condition progression and health care utilization, and examine whether intergenerational financial support is a moderator in this relationship among Chinese rural older people.
Methods: Data was derived from the Shandong Rural Elderly Health Cohort (SREHC), which was conducted from 2019 to 2020. A total of 2,785 participants were included in this study. Kruskal-Wallis rank tests and generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were employed to analyze the association between chronic condition progression and health care utilization. Moderating effect analysis was performed using GEE model and margins plot.
Results:Older people with progressive chronic conditions used more outpatient (no chronic condition to emerging multimorbidity: OR = 1.83; p = 0.028; one chronic condition to emerging multimorbidity: OR = 2.17; p < 0.001; remained multimorbidity while chronic conditions increased: OR = 3.26; p < 0.001) and inpatient services (no chronic condition to emerging multimorbidity: OR = 2.76; p < 0.001; one chronic condition to emerging multimorbidity: OR = 3.40; p < 0.001; remained multimorbidity while chronic conditions increased: OR = 5.32; p < 0.001) than those remained no chronic conditions. Intergenerational financial support may alleviate outpatient utilization of older people with multimorbidity (remained multimorbidity × intergenerational financial support: OR = 0.40; p = 0.013; remained multimorbidity while chronic conditions increased × intergenerational financial support: OR = 0.35; p = 0.019).
Conclusion: This study showed that the changes of chronic condition were associated with health care utilization, and intergenerational financial support moderated this relationship. It is vital to continuously monitor and timely intervene the chronic condition progression among rural older people.
Effects of Twitter Use on Academic Performance and Satisfaction in a Pathophysiology Course Among Omani Nursing Students: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Joseph Mickael Antoine , Natarajan Jansirani , Seshan Vidya , Roach Erna Judith , Omari Omar Al , Karkada Suja
Published: June 2023

Background
Nursing students often find bioscience courses, such as pathophysiology, challenging. Utilizing Twitter to provide concise course content and answer students' questions before exams may be beneficial. The objective of this study was to determine if using Twitter can improve nursing students’ academic performance and satisfaction with pathophysiology courses.
Methods
A post-test, two-group quasi-experimental research design was employed in this study. It involved second-year Bachelor of Nursing students participating in a pathophysiology course at the College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, in Muscat, Oman. Seventy-three second-year Bachelor of Nursing students participated in the pathophysiology course; 50 students opted to use Twitter, forming the experimental group, while the remaining 23, who chose not to use Twitter, formed the control group. We used Twitter to provide concise course content for the pathophysiology course and conduct one-hour question-and-answer sessions the night before exams. Academic performance was assessed through examination scores, and student satisfaction levels with Twitter was measured using five-point Likert scale questionnaires. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney and t-tests.
Results
Although there was no significant difference in final exam scores between the experimental and control groups, survey results showed that students were generally satisfied with the incorporation of Twitter in the pathophysiology course, including the question-and-answer sessions.
Conclusions
The findings suggest that Twitter can serve as a valuable tool for enhancing nursing student satisfaction with the pathophysiology course.
A study protocol for Project I-Test: a cluster randomized controlled trial of a practice coaching intervention to increase HIV testing in substance use treatment programs
Authors: Frimpong Jemima A. , Parish Carrigan , Feaster Daniel J. , Gooden Lauren K. , Matheson Tim , Haynes Louise , Linas Benjamin P. , Assoumou Sabrina A. , Tross Susan , Kyle Tiffany , Nelson C. Mindy , Liguori Terri K. , Toussaint Oliene , Siegel Karolynn , Annane Debra , Metsch Lisa R.
Published: June 2023

Background People with substance use disorders are vulnerable to acquiring HIV. Testing is fundamental to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention; however, in the past decade, there has been a decline in the number of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs offering on-site HIV testing. Fewer than half of SUDs in the United States offer on-site HIV testing. In addition, nearly a quarter of newly diagnosed cases have AIDS at the time of diagnosis. Lack of testing is one of the main reasons that annual HIV incidences have remained constant over time. Integration of HIV testing with testing for HCV, an infection prevalent among persons vulnerable to HIV infection, and in settings where they receive health services, including opioid treatment programs (OTPs), is of great public health importance.
Methods/Design In this 3-arm cluster-RCT of opioid use disorders treatment programs, we test the effect of two evidence-based “practice coaching” (PC) interventions on: the provision and sustained implementation of on-site HIV testing, on-site HIV/HCV testing, and linkage to care. Using the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services data available from SAMHSA, 51 sites are randomly assigned to one of the three conditions: practice coach facilitated structured conversations around implementing change, with provision of resources and documents to support the implementation of (1) HIV testing only, or (2) HIV/HCV testing, and (3) a control condition that provides a package with information only. We collect quantitative (e,g., HIV and HCV testing at six-month-long intervals) and qualitative site data near the time of randomization, and again approximately 7-12 months after randomization.
Discussion Innovative and comprehensive approaches that facilitate and promote the adoption and sustainability of HIV and HCV testing in opioid treatment programs are important for addressing and reducing HIV and HCV infection rates. This study is one of the first to test organizational approaches (practice coaching) to increase HIV and HIV/HCV testing and linkage to care among individuals receiving treatment for opioid use disorder. The study may provide valuable insight and knowledge on the multiple levels of intervention that, if integrated, may better position OTPs to improve and sustain testing practices and improve population health.
Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03135886. (02 05 2017)
Validation of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) in a Moroccan sample with substance use disorder
Authors: EL-AMMARI Abdelfettah , MALKI Hicham EL , MOUTAWAKKIL Salma Ghofrane , HILALY Jaouad EL , HOUARI Fatima EL , GNAOUI Samir EL , RAGALA Mohammed El Amine , RHAZI Karima EL , ZARROUQ Btissame
Published: June 2023

Background
Transcultural validation studies of depression scales are rare in Morocco. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) is commonly one of the most common and frequently used screening instruments for depressive symptoms, but the scale has not, up to date, been validated in dialect of Arabic in Moroccan contexts. Given the importance of assessing and preventing depressive symptoms in our Moroccan context, this study aims to validate the CES-D, translated, and adapted to the dialect of Arabic and Moroccan culture, in a sample with substance use disorder.
Methods
The data were analyzed in two successive phases. First, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to assess the factor structure in the pilot sample (N = 140). Then, this structure was confirmed in the validation sample (N = 205) using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).
Results
Exploratory factor analysis extracted three factors different from the four factors in the original version. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the structure of three factors. The fit indices level showed acceptable to good performance of the measurement model. The instrument showed sufficient reliability and convergent validity, as demonstrated by acceptable values of composite reliability (CR = 0.89–0.93) and average variance extracted (AVE = 0.64–0.66), respectively. The square roots of AVE were higher than factor-factor pairs correlations, and the Heterotrait-Monotrait ratio (HTMT) of correlations values was less than 0.85, indicating acceptable discriminant validity.
Conclusions
Overall reliability and both convergent and discriminant validity tests indicated that the Moroccan dialectal Arabic version of the CES-D had a good performance and may serve as a valid tool for measuring the severity of depression in people with substance use disorder.
Structure of a heteropolymeric type 4 pilus from a monoderm bacterium
Authors: Fronzes Remi , Anger Robin , Pieulle Lartitia , Shahin Meriam , Valette Odile , Guenno Hugo Le , Pelicic Vladimir , Kosta Artemis
Published: June 2023

Type 4 pili (T4P) are important virulence factors, which belong to a superfamily of nanomachines ubiquitous in prokaryotes, called type 4 filaments (T4F). T4F are defined as helical polymers of type 4 pilins. Recent advances in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) led to structures of several T4F. This revealed that the long N-terminal α-helix, the trademark of pilins, packs in the centre of the filaments to form a hydrophobic core, which in bacteria is accompanied by the melting (unfolding) of a portion of α1. Since all available bacterial T4F structures are from diderm species, we tested whether this architecture is conserved in phylogenetically distant species by determining the structure of the T4P of the monoderm Streptococcus sanguinis. Our 3.7 A resolution cryo-EM structure of this heteropolymeric T4P, and the resulting full atomic model including all minor pilins, highlight universal features of bacterial T4F and have widespread implications in understanding their biology.
Challenges, barriers, and solutions for implementing of clinical practice guidelines: A qualitative study in southern Iran
Authors: Salari Hedayat , Najm Fatemeh , Yazdankhahfard MohammadReza , Esfandiari Atefeh
Published: June 2023

Background Identifying the challenges of implementing clinical practice guidelines can provide valuable information for decision-makers and health policymakers at the national and local levels. The implementation of clinical practice guidelines requires the development of strategies to facilitate their use. This research aimed to determine the challenges, barriers, and solutions for implementing clinical practice guidelines from the expert point of view in Bushehr University of Medical Sciences.Methods This is a qualitative research using content analysis conducted in 2022 in southern Iran. In-depth interviews were conducted with the physicians and experts of the health system. Interviewing continued until reaching the saturation level. Altogether, 22 experts were interviewed. The interview guide was used to explore experts' opinions. All the interviews were recorded and then transcribed. Finally, coding and data analysis was done using MAXQDA 2022 software.Results The analysis revealed 4 main themes and 20 sub-themes. The four main themes included challenges related to physician, medical education, health system and patients. The most common themes were the lack of sufficient training (related to the medical education system), the lack of equipment and infrastructure, and the lack of localization of clinical guidelines (related to the health system). The solutions included 4 main themes and 19 sub-themes.Conclusion The most mentioned topic by the experts was the training CPGs in the medical schools. In the current medical education system of Iran, the training of CPGs is not included in the curriculum. It is proposed to reform the medical education system in Iran.
Assessment of the feasibility of a community-based mental health training programme for persons with disabilities by non-specialists from different stakeholders’ perspectives in Bangladesh
Authors: Koly Kamrun Nahar , Saba Jobaida , Christopher Enryka , Hossain Anan Nisat Nabela , Akter Taslima , Rahman Zakia , Ahmed Helal Uddin , Eaton Julian
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Bangladesh is a developing country where 11% of the population has at least one disability, but no community-level mental health service is available. There is limited evidence of the burden of mental health issues and health-seeking behaviour among this population. This study assessed the feasibility of a training intervention for persons with disabilities, where peer support providers provided community-based disability-inclusive mental health services.
Methods: Four stakeholder groups participated in this qualitative study: peer responders (trained persons with disabilities), trainers, representatives of organisations of persons with disabilities and disability-specific organisations, and officials of international and national non-governmental organisations. Two types of qualitative interviews were used to collect data, and thematic analysis techniques were utilised.
Result: Stakeholders perceived the peer responder training programme as acceptable for persons with disabilities to develop themselves as peer support providers, with potential benefits including increased mental health literacy, ensuring accessible mental health services, and improving the well-being of persons with disabilities. Potential challenges included receiving training and delivering services. Increased training duration, more fieldwork, supervision opportunities, and refresher training were recommended to mitigate training challenges. Financial support and formal community recognition were deemed necessary for training delivery.
Conclusion: The peer responder training programme was feasible to ensure accessible mental health services for persons with disabilities, build a workforce to screen for mental health conditions, and provide appropriate referrals. A multi-sectoral collaboration of government and non-governmental institutions is recommended to policy advocates to expand the peer responder training programme in the mainstream mental healthcare system.
Bacterial profiles and Predisposing factors associated with periodontitis among adult patients attending Ruhengeri Referral Hospital, Rwanda: A cross sectional study
Authors: Yadufashije Callixte , Bienvenu Nzayisenga , Mwanzia Lydia , Munyeshyaka Emmanuel , Muhimpundu Liliane , Habyarimana Thierry , Migabo Hiberte , Ngabitsinze Daniel , Kabare Isaie , Izere Cedrick , Mucumbitsi Joseph , Jacques Maniriho , Niyonzima Francois
Published: June 2023

Background
Periodontal disease is ranked the second oral health disorder following tooth decay. About 50% of the global adult population suffers from periodontal disease, making it one of the world’s most common disease. The study was carried out to assess the bacterial profiles and Predisposing factors associated with periodontitis among adult patients at Ruhengeri Referral Hospital.
Methods
This was a cross sectional study carried out between September 2021 and February 2022. A total of 102 participants were recruited for this study. Oral swab samples were collected with sterile cotton stick, and transported to INES Ruhengeri clinical microbiology laboratory for bacterial isolation and identification. Chi-square test was used to test for association, while logistic regression was used to test for the relationship between demographic characteristics and periodontitis.
Results
Periodontitis was prevalent in the age range of 40–49 years (24%) and the high morbidity was observed among females (68%) compared to males. The most predominant isolated microorganism was Lactobacillus spp. (10.43%). The logistic regression model showed that illiterate (p < 0.00001, 95% CI: 15.909–19.970), primary education level (p < 0.00001, 95% CI: 13.777–17.436), ordinary education level (p < 0.00001, 95% CI: 14.329–18.822), and urban residence (p = 0.018, 95CI: .318-3.422) were demographic characteristics that were significantly associated with periodontitis. The statistical significant association of predisposing factors with periodontitis was observed on smoking (p < 0.00001, 95% CI: 0.5971–0.8305), oral hygiene (p = 0.015, 95% CI: 0.2095–0.5563) and Oral medication (p < 0.00001, 95% CI: 0.2711–0.6049). Ciprofloxacin was the most effective antibiotic while Vancomycin was the least effective antibiotic to isolated bacteria. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most resistant among Gram-negative bacteria while Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most resistant bacteria among Gram-positive bacteria.
Conclusion
Periodontitis affected people of the age range between 40 years and 69 years, and females were the most affected by the disease. The patients should seek for a dentist when they present signs of periodontitis and early detection of the disease is recommended.
Experimental study on the axial tensile properties of polypropylene fiber reinforced concrete
Authors: Zhang Xutao , Yin Ruijie , Chen Yunjuan , Lou Chao
Published: June 2023

In order to study the axial tensile properties of polypropylene fiber reinforced concrete, an axial tensile test device for concrete is developed in this paper. The device is composed of three parts: rigid frame, spherical hinge and puller, and specimen fabrication part. The test device can accurately measure the tensile strength and peak tensile strain of concrete, and perfectly solves the eccentricity problem of concrete specimens under tension. It can measure the post peak segment tensile strain, such that the whole process tensile stress-strain curve can be obtained. The axial tensile test of polypropylene fiber concrete was carried out using the above test device, and the results show that the tensile strength of concrete can be clearly improved by adding polypropylene fiber, which makes the tensile failure of concrete show certain plastic characteristics. The effects of polypropylene fiber content and curing age on the tensile properties of concrete were studied and the optimum polypropylene fiber content was determined. The splitting tensile test of concrete under the same condition was carried out simultaneously. The damage phenomenon and test results of the axial tensile test and splitting tensile test of concrete were compared and analyzed, and the applicability of the new developed device in the concrete axial tensile test was verified.
A Hybrid Model for Prediction of Diabetes Using Machine Learning Classification Algorithms and Random Projection
Authors: V Poornima , R Ramya Devi
Published: June 2023

The medical industry has risen quickly to be particularly interested in the concept of machine learning. Clinical sets of information used in research predictions and studies aid in preventative care by offering effective interventions and monitoring. One of the diseases that is spreading fastest in the world is diabetes, which needs to be monitored constantly. We investigate various machine learning techniques that will aid in the early diagnosis of this disease to verify this. In this study, a reliable diabetes prediction system using Random Projection (RP) feature reduction has been developed. the hybrid approach of random projection with machine learning classification algorithms can be used for disease prediction. In the field of medical informatics, high-dimensional data, such as gene expression data or imaging data, is often used to predict diseases or diagnose conditions. The use of random projection in combination with machine learning classification algorithms can help reduce the dimensionality of the data and improve the accuracy of disease prediction. Three steps make up the proposed framework's overall process: 1) Pre-processing 2) Dimensionality reduction using Random Projection 3) Prediction using Hybrid Classifier. For categorization, a number of Machine Learning (ML) methods are employed, including Bayesian Net, Ada Boost, Logit Boost, Decision Table and Hoeffding Tree. This study investigated whether RP is best suited for use with machine learning methods to increase illness prediction accuracy. In this case, the dataset from the repository of UCI is used for testing in order to assess the system's performance and compare it to assessment criteria such as classification accuracy, True Positive ROC Curve, PRC Curve and Precision.
Neuropsychological stimulation for children living in low socioeconomic level suburbs from Guatemala City: A study protocol
Authors: Rodríguez-Prieto Pablo , Simpson Ian Craig , Gómez-Baya Diego , Cadena Claudia García de la , Ruiz-Aranda Desirée , Ibáñez-Alfonso Joaquín A.
Published: June 2023

Background
Guatemala remains one of the poorest countries in the American continent and suffers from high rates of social inequality and violence. Among other potential disadvantages, this unfavourable socioeconomic context poses a risk to children’s emotional and cognitive development (1, 2). In addition to the negative impact that two years without attending school has had on Guatemalan children, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the country’s economic stability has worsened the socioeconomic divide that these children face. The present work presents a registered protocol designed for the implementation and assessment of a cognitive and emotional stimulation program that aims to increase the academic performance of these children and consequently improve their quality of life.
Methods
The protocol proposes the implementation of a randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of a 24-session-long cognitive and emotional stimulation program. The program contains activities targeting the cognitive functions of attention, language, executive functions, and social cognition using the digital neurorehabilitation platform NeuronUP. The 5th grade participants (n = 480) will be randomly assigned to either the Experimental or Control group. Pre- and post-intervention assessments will be carried out, together with a follow-up in the following academic year, in which both groups will change roles. This will be done to ensure that all participants can benefit from the intervention, as mandated by current ethical research principles.
Discussion
Mid- and long-term results are still unknown, however if the program achieves the intended impact on the participants, effective interventions based on this protocol are expected to facilitate the following benefits for the participants: (1) Develop cognitive and emotional abilities to a level that would previously have been difficult to achieve; (2) Improve academic performance and subsequent educational level; (3) As a consequence of the first two points, provide the children with a better chance of accessing more resources and life opportunities.
Trial registration:
This project has been registered in the Open Science Foundation data base on the 10th of February 2022 (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/JVZ6W).
Detecting stochastic multiresonance in neural networks via statistical complexity measure
Authors: Wu Yazhen , Sun Zhongkui
Published: June 2023

This paper employs statistical complexity measure (SCM) to investigate the occurrence of stochastic multiresonance (SMR) induced by noise and time delay in small-world neural networks coupled with FitzHugh-Nagumo (FHN) neurons. Our findings reveal that SCM exhibits four local maxima for four optimal noise levels, providing evidence for the occurrence of quadruple stochastic resonances. Additionally, the research uncovers a series of optimal time delays for different noise intensities, where SCM shows several local maxima, indicating the appearance of SMR induced by time delay. Intriguingly, these optimal time delays are characterized by some small values of time delay, nTe as well as nTe-2 with n being a positive integer and Te being the period of subthreshold signal, respectively. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that the presence of time delay, coupled with the assistance of moderate noise, effectively enhances the detection capability of the subthreshold signal. These results provide a precise method to comprehend weak signal detection and information propagation in neural systems.
Third Eye Smart Aid for Visually Impaired
Authors: V Sahana , R Shashidhar , N. Bindu S. , N. Chandana A. , G Nishrutha C.
Published: June 2023

Smartphones are less likely to be considered as assistive technology for visual impairment among a large majority of health care providers, excluding vision rehabilitation professionals, and the public who are not familiar with accessible features and apps. They face significant challenges in terms of accessibility and inclusion in the smartphone environment. The world of money has completely changed, but some things remain the same. The quickly expanding utilization of CREDIT/ DEBIT cards and all the other different forms of money transfer mechanisms, including electronic payment, has certainly made its mark in today’s world. However, paper money is still broadly used in today’s world for ordinary exchanges because of its convenience. Due to similarity of the texture of the paper, and the different sizes that exist between different categories, visually impaired people face problems with monetary transactions because of their inability to recognize paper currency. The inability to read printed documents is a disadvantage for blind people. Speech based applications can help improve support for visually impaired people. The proposed system aims to provide assistive technology for currency recognition, text recognition to help visually impaired people.
Global Menstrual Cycle Symptomatology as Reported by Users of a Menstrual Tracking Mobile Application
Authors: Ainsworth Alessandra , Peven Kimberly , Bamford Ryan , Zhaunova Liudmila , Salimgaraev Rodion , Prentice Carley , Wickham Aidan , Cunningham Adam , Goddard Frederick , Ponzo Sonia , Babayev Samir
Published: June 2023

Background
Although a shared experience throughout the world, menstrual symptomatology is underreported and often misunderstood, by both individuals who menstruate and their providers. This study aimed to investigate symptomatology throughout the menstrual cycle, including the frequency of symptoms reported for each phase of the cycle and the relationship between symptoms.
Methods
This study included self-reported cycle information and symptoms during ovulatory menstrual cycles in mobile application users. Symptom frequency was described overall, by phase, and by day. Relationships between symptoms were examined through correlation coefficients and term frequency-inverse document frequency analysis.
Results
437,577 unique users and 896,051 unique cycles were included in the analysis. Somatic symptoms were most frequently reported, logged in 88.3% of cycles. Of the total symptoms logged, somatic, gastrointestinal, and negative mood symptoms were most prevalent in the late luteal and bleeding days. In contrast, positive mood and discharge were most reported in the fertile window. Mood symptoms were highly correlated with each other (energetic mood and happy mood r = 0.62, anxious mood and obsessive thoughts r = 0.60). Fatigue was highly correlated with somatic and gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating (r = 0.62), headache (r = 0.60), backache (r = 0.58), and nausea (r = 0.55).
Conclusions
Menstrual cycle-related symptoms are very common and vary throughout the menstrual cycle. While negative symptoms, including pain, bloating, and negative mood, are most commonly reported, women also report positive symptoms, such as energetic and happy mood. Self-reported data from cycle tracking and health apps can improve our understanding of the prevalence and variability of menstrual-related symptoms.
Trial Registration
Not applicable.
Evaluation of the Efficacy of SonicWeld Rx® System in Maxillofacial Fractures: A Clinical Study
Authors: Hassan Thaair A. Lateef , Alqattan Abdullah Hasan
Published: June 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Mesoscopic calcium imaging in head-unrestrained non-human primates using a lensless microscope
Authors: Robinson Jacob , Wu Jimin , Chen Yuzhi , Veeraraghavan Ashok , Seidemann Eyal
Published: June 2023

Mesoscopic calcium imaging enables studies of cell-type specific neural activity over large sections of the cortex and over multiple cortical areas. A growing body of literature from multiple animal models suggests that this neural activity can be different when animals are free to move their bodies compared to when they are restrained. Unfortunately, existing systems for imaging calcium dynamics over large areas of the brain in non-human primates (NHPs) are large table-top devices that require researchers to restrain the animal’s head so that it remains under the lens of the microscope. Here, we demonstrate the first fluorescent imaging device, which is capable of imaging mesoscale calcium activity in non-human primates that are free to move their heads. We successfully miniaturized our system by replacing lenses with an optical phase mask and computational algorithms that reconstruct images from complex sensor data. The resulting lensless microscope can fit comfortably on top of the heads of the NHPs, allowing the animals to move their heads freely while imaging. We demonstrate over 20 mm2 field of view in the primary visual cortex of rhesus macaques. With this approach we measured the first orientation columns maps from a head-unrestrained macaque. Our work establishes functional mesoscopic imaging using a head-mounted lensless microscope as a powerful approach for studying neural activity in head-unrestrained NHPs. These experiments can help reveal the relationship between neural activity and behavior under more naturalistic conditions.