bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kinematic fields measurement during Ti-6Al-4V chip formation using new high-speed imaging system
Authors: Zouabi Haythem , Calamaz Madalina , Wagner Vincent , Cahuc Olivier , Dessein Gilles
Published: April 2022

In-situ visualization of the material flow during orthogonal cutting is achieved using new high-speed optical system. Difficulties arise from the submillimetric size of the cutting zone. Therefore, a dedicated optical system was designed allowing for local scale analysis of chip formation. The Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technique is applied on recorded images from the cutting zone to measure the kinematic fields. Then, the effect of the cutting conditions on chip formation is presented with local scale analysis.
Assessment of left atrial functions in active rheumatoid arthritis patients using different echo-Doppler modalities
Authors: Zaki Eman R. , naggar Basma M. El , Abou-Elhassan Hanaa A. , roshdy Eman , Sabry Seham , Al-Ghoubary Mohamed A. , Elbeialy Adel A.
Published: April 2022

Background: left atrium (LA) plays an important role in maintaining optimal cardiac output. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been considered an independent cardiovascular risk factor that can affect all cardiac chambers and functions, especially in active disease.Aim of the study: To evaluate the effect of the activity of rheumatoid arthritis disease on left atrial functions using different echo-Doppler modalities.Methods: Sixty-five patients with RA without evidence of previous cardiovascular disease and 36 healthy control subjects were included. Echo-Doppler examination was done with measurements included LV dimensions, ejection fraction, trans-mitral Doppler flow and tissue Doppler velocities , LA dimensions, volumes, phasic LA peak strain and LA global longitudinal strain.Results: 39 patients had an active disease while 26 were in remission. The two patients’ groups had higher values of LV internal dimensions, LA volumes, and early diastolic peak strain as a surrogate of the conduit function compared to the control group. On the other hand, they had lower values of LV-EF, FS, mitral E/A ratio & Em and lower values of parameters of reservoir & contractile function, compared to the control subjects. There were no significant differences between the 2 patients’ groups in all measures except for a significantly lower value of LA GLS in active RA compared to patients in remission (p=0.001). The LA-GLS correlated significantly with RA disease activity score (r=0.60, p<0.001).Conclusion: LA function is impaired in RA and this impairment correlates with the disease activity. The LA-GLS is superior in the detection of subclinical left atrial dysfunction.
A Heterogeneity Study of Carbon Emissions Driving Factors in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region, China, Based on PGTWR Model
Authors: Lou Ting , Ma Jianhui , Yu Lei , Guo Zhaopeng , He Yan , Sun Qingru
Published: April 2022

This paper introduced PGTWR model as the base model of the study and adopted thirteen prefecture-level cities as individuals of cross section and conducted spatial and temporal heterogeneity study of the converted influencing factors of carbon emissions in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region with the time period from the year 2013 to 2018 as panel data. From the perspective of time and space as a whole, the regression coefficient of each influencing factor of carbon emission in Hebei Province has obvious heterogeneity. Relatively speaking, the heterogeneity of influencing factors of carbon emission in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region is mainly reflected in time dimension. In the period of study, the impact of industrial structure, the level of urbanization, energy intensity and the level of economic development on carbon emission was on a decline curve while the impact of population size and the level of opening up on carbon emission was on the rise, which indicates that the former four factors that reflect the level of economy and technology are not the focus of consideration when making the policy of carbon emission reduction and that more attention should be paid to the latter two factors for the time to come. From the perspective of space, the differences in the impact of industrial structure and energy intensity on carbon emission vary significantly. As a result, these differences should be attached importance to when making the policy of carbon emission reduction.
Diketopiperazines, promising anti-adhesion metabolites of Glycomyces sediminimaris against dental pathogen Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Heidarian Sheida , Almasi Faezeh , Mohammadipanah Fatemeh
Published: April 2022

Oral biofilm formation by Streptococcus mutans as a critical and the predominant causative agent of several dental and physiologic disorders needs to be tackled. Investigating anti-biofilm compounds from marine Actinobacteria as a source of natural product for blocking the biofilm formation by Streptococcus mutans was conducted. Anti-adhesion activity of Actinobacterial extracts was investigated through crystal violet assay. Herein, the extract of Glycomyces sediminimaris UTMC 2460 (DSM 103727) prevented the adhesion potency of S. mutans up to 95.1% at 100 𝜇g/mL. The Extracellular Polymeric Substance (EPS) production and cell hydrophobicity index of the strain was restrained up to 66% and 30%, respectively. The extract showed metabolism suppression up to 20% in S. mutans even in the biofilm state at the effective biofilm inhibition concentration (100 𝜇g/mL). Metabolic profiling of Glycomyces sediminimaris revealed the presence of anti-biofilm diketopiperazines compounds as major components of the extract. The current finding postulate that the metabolic profile of marine Glycomyces sediminimaris includes biocompounds that can be evaluated in further studies as an anti-biofilm of S.mutans which has not been previously reported.
Enhanced structural, optical, electrical properties and antibacterial activity of PEO/CMC doped ZnO nanorods for energy storage and food packaging applications
Authors: Tarabiah A. , Alhadlaq H.A. , Alaizeri Z.M. , Ahmed A.A. , Asnag G.M. , Ahamed M.
Published: April 2022

The zinc oxide nanorods (ZnONRs) have been successfully prepared via sol-gel way. A series of Poly(ethylene oxide) and Carboxymethyl cellulose (PEO/CMC) blend samples filled with different concentration of ZnONRs were prepared using casting method. Transmission electron microscopic (TEM) image showed that the synthesized ZnONPs had a diameter in the range of 29.29 to 59.09 nm. These samples were characterized by different analytical techniques. On the basis of results obtained from XRD and FT-IR analysis, blends are miscible. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy exhibited the complexation between PEO/CMC blend and ZnONRs. The optical energy gap was calculated using the UV/vis. data. The maximum value of AC conductivity for the pure blend was 1.98×10− 7 S.cm− 1, and by raising the filling of ZnONRs increased to 3.26×10− 6 S.cm− 1 at highest concentration. After the added of ZnONRs, an improvement for the dielectric constant (ε′) and dielectric loss (ɛ") of PEO/CMC are detected. These samples can be employment in the semiconductor industries and portable electrochemical batteries, electric vehicles and grid energy storage, due to the noticed enhancements in optical, and AC conductivity. PEO/CMC/ZnONRs films were screened for their in vitro antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli bacteria have been tested. The excellent antimicrobial activity of these films provides a novel and simple way for the synthesis nanocomposites as functional biomaterials and has the possibility for usage in food packaging applications.
Whole transcriptome analysis of the differential RNA profiles and associated competitive endogenous RNA networks in hyperuricemia-induced mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
Authors: Shao Xiaoni , He Pengke , Li Na , Amatjana Mukaram , Zhang Boheng , Mai Xianyan , Jiang Qianle , Xie Haochen
Published: April 2022

Background: Aimed at investigate the dysregulated genes, pathways and networks involved in hyperuricemia-induced mild cognitive impairment　(MCI) through performing whole transcriptome sequencing, revealing the potential mechanism of hyperuricemia-induced MCI.Results: A total of 463 DEGs, including 391 mRNA, 31 lncRNA, 8 cirRNA, and 33 miRNA were differentially expressed in HUA rats compared with the common rats by calculating the gene fragments per kilobase million (FPKM) in each sample and conducting differential gene analysis. The GO enrichment analysis showed 10 GO terms were significantly enriched, and the KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed ECM-receptor interaction, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, protein digestion and absorption, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction and morphine addiction were significantly enriched. Conclusions: Hyperuricemia can cause a certain degree of abnormal gene expression and modulate signaling pathways in the hippocampus.
“Compared to COVID, HIV is nothing”: exploring how onshore international students in an Australian city navigate COVID-19 versus BBV/STI risk
Authors: Okeke Sylvester Reuben
Published: April 2022

BackgroundWhile a large body of evidence indicates changes in alcohol and other drug use among young people as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a lack of evidence around changes in sexual practices and how it may be impacting the potential spread of BBVs/STIs. Most of what we know about sex during COVID-19 lockdowns is largely based on solitary sexual practices, which may not answer the critical question around how the pandemic may be shaping BBVs/STIs risk practices among young people. Against this backdrop, this study explored how the COVID-19 pandemic may be shaping BBVs/STIs risk and protective practices among African and Asian international students in Sydney, Australia. MethodsThis phenomenological qualitative study involved a semi-structured telephone and face-to-face interviews with 16 international university students in Sydney, between September 2020–March 2021. Generated data were coded using NVivo and analysis was guided by reflexive thematic analysis. ResultsParticipants reported elevated mental health distress because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some participants reported engaging in casual sexual hook-ups as a strategy to seek relief from the mental health distress they experienced. Some of those sexual hook-ups were condomless partly because COVID-related disruptions impacted condom accessibility during lockdowns. Also, the preventive practices of some participants who reported being sexually active during the lockdowns were focused on preventing COVID-19 neglecting BBVs/STIs. ConclusionThis study indicates a need for comprehensive public health response to the evolving and near-endemic COVID-19 situation. Such comprehensive approach should focus on empowering young people to prevent both the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and the sexual spread of BBVs/STIs.
Perceived stress, competitive state anxiety, depression and sleep quality in Chinese athletes During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Chen Xin , Hou Xiangling , Chen Chao , Wang Dexin , Zhai Liang , Wang Jian
Published: April 2022

Background: The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has spread worldwide, and its associated stressors have resulted in decreased sleep quality among athletes. This study aimed to test the correlation between perceived stress and sleep quality and to figure out whether competitive state anxiety and depression mediate this association.Methods: The Perceived Stress Scale, Self-rating Depression Scale, CSA Inventory-2, and Pittsburgh SQ Index were administered in 590 Chinese athletes (275 females, age = 19.93+2.90 years). Mediation analyses were used to investigate whether competitive state anxiety and depression mediate the correlation between perceived stress and sleep quality in athletes.Results: The results indicated that perceived stress was positively related to poor sleep quality (r = 0.232, p < 0.001). Moreover, competitive state anxiety (ab = 0.0347, Boot SE =0.0179, Boot 95% CI = [0.0252, 0.1091]) and depression (ab = 0.0235, Boot SE = 0.0120, Boot 95% CI = [0.0032, 0.0502]) mediated the correlation between perceived stress and sleep quality in athletes.Conclusions: These findings contributed to a better understanding of how perceived stress related to sleep quality in athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic and indicated that perceived stress, competitive state anxiety, and depression are risk factors in the development of athletes’ poor sleep quality.
Therapeutic effects of a lipid transfer protein isolated from Morinda citrifolia L. (noni) seeds on irinotecan- induced intestinal mucositis in mice
Authors: Carmo Luana David do , Rangel Gisele de Fátima Pinheiro , Rabelo Liviane Maria Alves , de Souza Tamiris de Fátima Goebel , Lima-Júnior Roberto César Pereira , Wong Deysi Viviana Tenazoa , Leitão Renata Ferreira de Carvalho , Silva Alfredo Augusto Vasconcelos da , Magalhães Pedro Jorge Caldas , Costa Andréa Santos , Campos Dyély de Carvalho Oliveira , de Alencar Nylane Maria Nunes , de Oliveira Hermógenes David
Published: April 2022

This work aimed to evaluate the activity of a lipid transfer protein isolated from Morinda citrifolia L. seeds, McLTP1, on the development of intestinal mucositis following irinotecan administration. McLTP1 (0.5, 2 and 8 mg/kg, i.v.) was injected into mice 1h before irinotecan administration (75 mg/kg, i.p.; 4 days), and then for additional 6 days. Seven days after the first dose of irinotecan, diarrhea was assessed and the intestine was removed for histological evaluation, assessment of intestinal over-contractility, measurement of myeloperoxidase (MPO), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), proinflammatory cytokines and chemokine (IL-1, IL-6, and KC levels - a murine homolog of human IL-8 chemokine), analysis of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression. At the two highest doses, McLTP1 administration decreased mortality and diarrhea. McLTP1 (8 mg/kg, i.v.) significantly prevented irinotecan-induced intestinal damage and led to a reduction in over-contractility of the intestinal muscle (p < 0.05). Moreover, McLTP1 decreased the MPO, IL-1β, IL-6, and KC levels significantly by 74.7%, 42%, 92.9%, and 95.9%, respectively. Also, the expression of COX-2, NF-κB, and iNOS was reduced. Pretreatment with McLTP1 (8mg/kg; i.v.) significantly reduced the MDA level and increased the duodenum homogenates' GSH level. Our study provides a potential new therapeutic for preventing irinotecan-induced mucositis, improved clinical parameters, reduced inflammation, and oxidative damage.
Essential oil of Magnolia denudata is an effective anesthetic for spotted seabass (Lateolabrax maculatus): a test for its effect on blood biochemistry, physiology and gill morphology
Authors: Zeng Xiangbing , Dong Hongbiao , Wu Jingru , Wang Wenhao , Duan Yafei , Chen Jian , Zhang Jiasong
Published: April 2022

Magnolia denudata is a well-known ornamental tree in China due to its beautiful blossoms, and it has been used as an analgesic to treat human headaches. This study investigates the anesthetic potential and physiological response of the essential oils of M. denudata flower on spotted seabass Lateolabrax maculatus. Fish (mean ± SD, 164.16 ± 15.40 g) were individually exposed to different concentrations of M. denudata essential oil (MDO, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120 mg/L) and eugenol (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70 mg/L) to investigate anesthestic efficacy. Based on the time criteria of anesthesia induction (< 3 min) and post-recovery (< 10 min), the lowest effective concentration for spotted seabass was 100 mg/L for MDO and 60 mg/L for eugenol. The physiological and histopathological damages in the gill of L. maculatus after using essential oil and eugenol were also evaluated for the minimum dose inducing deep anesthetia, and 0, 6 and 24 h after recovery. These results showed that MDO and eugenol anesthesia alleviated the levels of cortisol, glucose and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) activities by handling. Compared with the eugenol, MDO also caused secondary stress to the body, but MDO caused minor physiological responses and histological changes in the gills. This study suggests that MDO is an effective anesthetic for spotted seabass.
Association between metabolic syndrome and uric acid: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Authors: Luque Rafael Molina , Cano Elena Raya , Saldaña Manuel Romero , Abellán Manuel Vaquero , Recio Guillermo Molina , Jiménez Domingo de Pedro
Published: April 2022

This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to provide the best evidence on the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and uric acid (UA) by determining the size of the effect of this biomarker on MetS. The review protocol is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021231124). The search covered the PubMed and Scopus databases. Methodological quality was assessed with the STROBE tool, overall risk of bias with RevMan (Cochrane Collaboration) and quality of evidence with Grade Pro. Initially, 1,582 articles were identified. Then, after excluding duplicates and reviewing titles and abstracts, 1,529 articles were excluded from applying the eligibility criteria. We included 43 papers (56 groups) comparing UA concentrations between subjects 91,845 with MetS and 259,931 controls. Subjects with MetS had a higher mean UA of 0.57 mg/dl (95% CI 0.54–0.61) (p < 0.00001). Given the heterogeneity of the included studies, the researchers decided to perform subgroups analysis. Men with MetS have a higher UA concentration mg/dl 0.53 (95% CI 0.45–0.62, p < 0.00001) and women with MetS 0.57 (95% CI 0.48–0.66, p < 0.00001) compared to subjects without MetS. Assessment of UA concentration could provide a new avenue for early diagnosis of MetS, as a new biomarker and the possibility of new therapeutic targets.
Nanoconfinement Facilitates Reactions of Carbon Dioxide in Supercritical Water
Authors: Stolte Nore , Pan Ding
Published: April 2022

The reactions of CO2 in water under extreme pressure-temperature conditions are of great importance to the carbon storage and transport below Earth's surface, which substantially affect the carbon budget in the atmosphere. Previous studies focus on the CO2 solutions in the bulk phase, but underground aqueous solutions are often confined to the nanoscale, and nanoconfinement and solid-liquid interfaces may substantially affect chemical speciation and reaction mechanisms, which are poorly known on the molecular scale. Here, we applied extensive ab initio molecular dynamics simulations to study aqueous carbon solutions nanoconfined by graphene and stishovite (SiO2) at 10 GPa and 1000~1400 K. We found that CO2(aq) reacts more in nanoconfinement than in bulk. The stishovite-water interface makes the solutions more acidic, which shifts the chemical equilibria, and the interface chemistry also significantly affects the reaction mechanisms. Our findings suggest that CO2(aq) in deep Earth may be more active than previously thought, and confining CO2 and water in nanopores may enhance the efficiency of mineral carbonation.
Using a Human-Centered, Mixed Methods Approach to Understand the Patient Waiting Experience and Its Impact on Vulnerable Populations
Authors: Liao Elizabeth N , Chehab Lara Z , Neville Kathryn , Liao Jennifer , Patel Devika , Sammann Amanda
Published: April 2022

Purpose: To use a mixed methods approach to investigate the patient waiting experience for an underserved population at an outpatient surgical clinic. Methods: We used lean methodology to perform 96 time-tracked observations of the patient journey in clinic, documenting the duration of activities from arrival to departure. We also used human-centered design (HCD) to perform and analyze 43 semi-structured interviews to understand patients’ unmet needs.Results: Patients spent an average of 68.5% of their total clinic visit waiting to be seen. While the average visit was 95.8 minutes, over a quarter of visits (27%) were over 2 hours. Patients waited an average of 24.4 minutes in the waiting room and 41.2 minutes in the exam room; and only spent 19.7% of their visit with an attending provider and 11.8% with a medical assistant. Interviews revealed that patients arrive to their visit already frustrated due to difficulties related to scheduling and attending their appointment. This is exacerbated during the visit due to long wait times, perceived information opacity, and an uncomfortable waiting room, resulting in frustration and anxiety. Conclusions: While time tracking demonstrated that patients spend a majority of their visit waiting to be seen, HCD revealed that patient frustrations span the waiting experience from accessing the appointment to visit completion. These combined findings are crucial for intervention design and implementation for vulnerable populations to improve the quality and experience with healthcare and also address system inefficiencies such as long wait times.
Aphid EPG waveforms classification based on wavelet kernel extreme learning machine
Authors: Xing Yuqing , Li Baofang , Wu Lili , Yan Fengming
Published: April 2022

Insect electrical penetration graph (EPG) instrument is a powerful tool to study the feeding behavior of piercing-sucking insect and insect transmission virus mechanism. However, the classification of EPG waveforms has been carried out manually. It is urgent to identify EPG waveforms automatically to improve the analysis efficiency. Machine learning methods are widely used in classifying human bioelectrical signals, but rarely in EPG signals. In this study, the kernel extreme learning machine (ELM) was applied to the classification of EPG waveforms. Morlet wavelet function was used as the kernel function of the ELM, and the number of neurons was selected adaptively by incremental algorithm to solve the classification problem of EPG waveforms quickly and accurately. In the experiment, the 6-dimensional feature vector was used to enter the wavelet kernel extreme learning machine (WKELM) which was composed of low frequency wavelet energy in the 2nd and 3rd layers, fractal box dimension, Hurst exponent and spectral centroid in the first two layers of HHT. The average classification accuracy was 94.47%, which was 3.04% higher than the previous study. The experimental results showed that the proposed classification method of EPG waveforms based on WKELM has high identification performance, which laid a theoretical foundation for the research and development of EPG waveforms automatic identification and analysis system.
Golgin45 SUMOylation Contributes To PML Nuclear Body Formation During Heat Shock Response
Authors: Jing Shuaiyang , Gao Jingkai , Tiwari Neeraj , Du Yulei , Zhu Lianhui , Gim Bopil , Qian Yi , Yue Xihua , Lee Intaek
Published: April 2022

SUMOylation is a post-translational modification that attaches a ubiquitin-like modifier to target proteins and plays a number of roles throughout the cells, including transcriptional regulation and cellular stress response, etc. We have recently reported that a Golgi structural protein, Golgin45, is subjected to Tankyrase1-dependent poly (ADP-Ribosyl)ation, resulting in dynamic regulation of Golgin45 protein and membrane trafficking of glycosylating enzymes at the Golgi. However, exact mechanism that modulates Tankyrase activity on Golgin45 remained elusive. Here, we report that Golgin45 is a SUMOylated protein, and heat shock significantly increases Golgin45 SUMOylation, concomitantly leading to reduced PARylation. Importantly, while PML is required for Golgin45 SUMOylation by SUMO3, over-expression of a SUMOylation-deficient Golgin45 mutant inhibits the formation of PML-NBs under heat shock, revealing a role of SUMOylated Golgin45 in PML-NB formation in the nucleus. These results provide a new insight into stress-induced inter-organelle communications between the Golgi and the nucleus.
Impact of an Intradialysis Virtual-reality-based Exercise Program on Healthcare Resources Expenditure: a Micro-costing Analysis
Authors: Testal Alicia García , Olmos José Francisco Martínez , Gómez Jose Antonio Gil , Coca Javier Villalón , Ramón Rafael Ortiz , Poyatos Alicia Cana , Maset Rafael García , Ortí Eva Segura
Published: April 2022

Background: Engagement in exercise by haemodialysis (HD) patients has been shown to generate benefits both in terms of improved functional capacity and in the health-related quality of life. The use of non-immersive virtual reality (VR) games represents a new format for the implementation of intradialysis exercise. Some studies have shown that engaging in exercise for 6 months reduces the consumption of antihypertensive drugs and decreases the time spent admitted to hospital among individuals receiving HD treatments. The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in the consumption of healthcare resources and micro-costing for patients on HD who completed an VR exercise program.Materials and methods: Design: This was a retrospective observational substudy in a cross-over clinical trial. The participants performed an intradialysis exercise program with non-immersive virtual reality for 3 months. The variables were recorded in two periods: 12 months before and 12 months after the start of the exercise program.Results: The micro-costing analysis showed a significant decrease in the mean cost, in euros, for the consumption of laboratory tests −330 (95% CI:[−533,−126];p =0.003), outpatient visits −351 ([−566,−135];p =0.003), and radiology tests −111 ([−209,−10];p =0.03) in the 12 months after the implementation of the exercise program relative to the 12 months prior to its start.Conclusion: The implementation of intradialysis exercise programs decreased the expenditure of some healthcare resources. Future studies could help clarify if longer interventions would have a stronger impact on these cost reductions.
Assessing knowledge and attitude of healthcare students towards medical marijuana
Authors: Ngo Hanh M. , Motamed Rashno , Patel Pooja H.
Published: April 2022

Background: As the number of patients who use Medical Marijuana (MMJ) is increasing, healthcare students and practitioners will be more involved in prescribing, consulting, and setting regulations/policies regarding this schedule-I controlled substance. This pilot study is aimed to assess the Texas A&M University Health Science Center students’ knowledge and attitude towards MMJ use, as well as identify areas to expand MMJ education opportunities.Methods: Students affiliated with the Texas A&M University Health Science Center (TAMHSC) across all five colleges (College of Dentistry, College of Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, and School of Public Health) were offered to complete a 17-question electronic survey to examine their knowledge on and attitudes towards medical marijuana.Results: One hundred sixty-five students voluntarily completed the survey. Students across five colleges performed consistently poorly in all four categories of knowledge-based questions, including “General”, “Indication”, “Side-effect” and “Formulation". Sixty-nine percent of students (n=112) supported the legalization of marijuana both medically and recreationally; and 24% supported the legalization of marijuana medically only (n=40). Close to two-thirds of students were not satisfied with the level of education on medical marijuana being provided to them. Most students supported the inclusion of education on medical marijuana in the curricula in the next five years ("required curriculum", "Strongly Agree/Agree", n=122, 74%; "elective curriculum", "Strongly Agree/Agree", n=145, 88%).Conclusions: With the legalization of medical marijuana in most U.S. states, we expect to see an increase in the number of patients utilizing this agent. It is important to educate healthcare students as future healthcare providers on the proper dosing, side effects, and indication of medical marijuana. Students across all healthcare professions demonstrated knowledge deficit on this topic, and majority supported the inclusion of more education on medical marijuana within the curricula.
Optimization of Fixture Locating Layout Design Using Comprehensive Optimised Machine Learning
Authors: Qazani Mohammad Reza Chalak , Parvaz Hadi , Pedrammehr Siamak
Published: April 2022

Fixtures are commonly employed in production as work holding devices that keep the workpiece immobilized while machined. The workpiece's deformation, which affects machining precision, is greatly influenced by the positioning of fixture elements around the workpiece. By positioning the locators and clamps appropriately, the workpiece's deformation might be decreased. Therefore, it is required to model the fixture–workpiece system's complicated behavioural relationship. In this study, long-short term memory (LSTM), multilayer perception (MLP), and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) are three machine-learning approaches employed to model the connection between locator and clamp positions and maximum workpiece deformation throughout end milling. The hyperparameters of the developed ANFIS, MLP, and LSTM are chosen using the evolutionary algorithms, including genetic algorithm (GA), particle swarm optimization (PSO), butterfly optimization algorithm (BOA), grey wolf optimization (GWO), and wolf optimization algorithm (WOA). Among developed methods, MLP optimized using BOA (BOA-MLP) reached the highest accuracy among all developed models in predicting the response surface. The developed model had a lower computational load than the final element model in calculating the response surface during the machining process. At the final step, the prementioned five evolutionary algorithms were implemented in the developed BOA-MLP to extract the optimal parameters of the fixture to decrease the deflection of the workpiece throughout the machining. The proposed method was modelled in MATLAB. The outcomes showed that the mentioned model was efficient enough compared with the previous method, such as optimized response surface methodology in the point view of 0.0441 (μm) lower workpiece deflection.
Increased seroprevalence and improved antibody responses following third primary SARS-CoV-2 immunisation: an update from the COV-AD study
Authors: Shields Adrian M , Faustini Sian E. , Hill Harriet J. , Al-Taei Saly , Tanner Chloe , Ashford Fiona , Workman Sarita , Moreira Fernando , Verma Nisha , Wagg Hollie , Heritage Gail , Campton Naomi , Stamataki Zania , Drayson Mark T. , Klenerman Paul , Thaventhiran James E. D. , Elkhalifa Shuayb , Goddard Sarah , Johnston Sarah , Huissoon Aarnoud , Bethune Claire , Elcombe Suzanne , Lowe David M. , Patel Smita Y. , Savic Sinisa , Richter Alex G. , Burns Siobhan O. , Consortium COVAD
Published: April 2022

BackgroundPatients with primary and secondary antibody deficiency are vulnerable to COVID-19 and demonstrate diminished responses following two-dose SARS-CoV-2 vaccine schedules. Third primary vaccinations have been deployed to enhance their humoral and cellular immunity. ObjectivesTo determine the immunogenicity of the third primary SARS-CoV-2 immunisation in a heterogeneous cohort of patients with antibody deficiency. MethodsParticipants enrolled in the COV-AD study were sampled before and after their third vaccine dose. Serological and cellular responses were determined using ELISA, live-virus neutralisation and ELISPOT assays. ResultsA third primary SARS-CoV-2 vaccine significantly increased anti-spike glycoprotein antibody seroprevalence from 61.4% to 76.0%, the magnitude of the antibody response, its neutralising capacity and induced seroconversion in individuals who were seronegative after two vaccine doses. Vaccine-induced serological responses were broadly cross-reactive against the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 variant of concern, however, overall seroprevalence and antibody levels remained significantly lower than healthy controls. No differences in serological responses were observed between individuals who received the AstraZeneca ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 and Pfizer BioNTech 162b2 during their initial two-dose vaccine schedule. SARS-CoV-2 infection naive participants who had received a heterologous vaccine as a third dose were significantly more likely to have a detectable T cell responses following their third vaccine dose (61.5% vs 11.1%). ConclusionThese data support the widespread use of third primary immunisations to enhance humoral immunity against SARS-CoV-2 in individuals with antibody deficiency.
Covid-19's influence on cardiac function: a machine learning perspective on ECG analysis
Authors: Gomes Juliana Carneiro , de Santana Maíra Araújo , Masood Aras Ismael , de Lima Clarisse Lins , Santos Wellington Pinheiro dos
Published: April 2022

Purpose: From December 2019, the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus from the Chinese city of Wuhan to the world gave rise to probably the biggest public health problem in the world: the Covid-19 pandemic. Initially seen only as a disease of the respiratory system, the scientific community soon realized that it was a disease of the blood with effects on the respiratory tract. Several works presented solutions to support the diagnosis of Covid-19 from the analysis of hematological parameters. However, considering its influence on hematological parameters, how does Covid-19 affect cardiac function? Methods: In this work, we sought to investigate how Covid-19 affects cardiac function using a machine learning approach to analyze electrocardiography (ECG) signals. We used a public database of ECG signals expressed as photographs of printed signals, obtained in the context of emergency care. This database has signals associated with abnormal heartbeat, myocardial infarction, history of myocardial infarction, Covid-19, and healthy heartbeat. We propose a system to support the diagnosis of Covid-19 based on hybrid deep architectures composed of pre-trained convolutional neural networks for feature extraction and Random Forests for classification. We investigated the LeNet, ResNet and VGG16 networks. Results: The best results were obtained with the VGG16 and Random Forest network with 100 trees, with attribute selection using particle swarm optimization. The instance size has been reduced from 4096 to 773 attributes. In the validation step, we obtained an accuracy of 94%, kappa index of 0.91, and sensitivity, specificity and area under the ROC curve of 100%. Conclusion: This work showed that the influence of Covid-19 on cardiac function is quite considerable: Covid-19 did not present confusion with any heart disease, nor with signs of healthy individuals. It is also possible to build a solution to support the clinical diagnosis of Covid-19 in the context of emergency care from a non-invasive and technologically scalable solution, based on hybrid deep learning architectures.
Neoadjuvant chemoradiation plus surgery for resectable and borderline resectable pancreatic cancer compared to upfront surgery: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trails
Authors: Xiang Zhi-Yong , Yang Xiao-Quan , Zhao Guang-yue , Wang Feng-jian , Liu Xin
Published: April 2022

Background: The role of of neoadjuvant chemoradiation for resectable and borderline resectable pancreatic cancer is controversial. We tried to compare the efficacy and safety between neoadjuvant chemoradiation plus surgery and upfront surgery for resectable and borderline resectable pancreatic cancer Methods: We performed the relevant literature search from Embase, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Wanfang and CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) databases up to February 2022.We collected the related data of primary outcomes (R0-resection, negative lymph node, local recurrence, distant metastasis, grade ≥3 postoperative morbidity and mortality) and secondary outcomes (disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS)) for the analysis.Results: Four studies with 400 patients were included, while 197(49.3%) patients were in neoadjuvant chemoradiation group (neoadjuvant chemoradiation plus surgery) and 203(50.7%) patients were in upfront surgery group. Neoadjuvant chemoradiation group had better R0 resection rate (OR: 4.03, 95% CI: 2.37 to 6.86, P<0.001, chi2=1.23, P=0.75, I2=0%, Fig 2a) and negative lymph node (OR: 6.26, 95% CI: 3.64 to 10.76, P<0.001, chi2=2.30, P=0.51, I2=0%, Fig 2b) than upfront surgery group in the fixed-effects model with little heterogeneity. The other primary outcomes and secondary outcomes were similar in the two groups.Conclusion: In the treatment of resectable and borderline resectable pancreatic cancer, neoadjuvant chemoradiation group could bring more R0 resection rates and negative lymph nodes than upfront surgery group. Neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy did not increase the incidence of postoperative adverse reactions and mortality. We speculated that neoadjuvant chemoradiation plus surgery could be a recommended treatment modality for resectable and borderline resectable pancreatic cancer.
Virtual Histological Staining of Label-Free Total Absorption Photoacoustic Remote Sensing (TA-PARS)
Authors: Boktor Marian , Ecclestone Benjamin R. , Pekar Vlad , Dinakaran Deepak , Mackey John R. , Fieguth Paul , Reza Parsin Haji
Published: April 2022

Histopathological visualizations are a pillar of modern medicine and biological research. Surgical oncology relies exclusively on post-operative histology to determine definitive surgical success and guide adjuvant treatments. The current histology workflow is based on bright-field microscopic assessment of histochemical stained tissues and has some major limitations. For example, the preparation of stained specimens for brightfield assessment requires lengthy sample processing, delaying interventions for days or even weeks. Therefore, there is a pressing need for improved histopathology methods. In this paper, we present a deep-learning-based approach for virtual label-free histochemical staining of total-absorption photoacoustic remote sensing (TA-PARS) images of unstained tissue. TA-PARS provides an array of directly measured label-free contrasts such as scattering and total absorption (radiative and non-radiative), ideal for developing H&E colorizations without the need to infer arbitrary tissue structures. We use a Pix2Pix generative adversarial network (GAN) to develop visualizations analogous to H&E staining from label-free TA-PARS images. Thin sections of human skin tissue were first virtually stained with the TA-PARS, then were chemically stained with H&E producing a one-to-one comparison between the virtual and chemical staining. The one-to-one matched virtually-and chemically-stained images exhibit high concordance validating the digital colorization of the TA-PARS images against the gold standard H&E. TA-PARS images were reviewed by four dermatologic pathologists who confirmed they are of diagnostic quality, and that resolution, contrast, and color permitted interpretation as if they were H&E. The presented approach paves the way for the development of TA-PARS slide-free histological imaging, which promises to dramatically reduce the time from specimen resection to histological imaging.
Design of hACE2-Based Small Peptide Inhibitors against Spike Protein of SARS-CoV-2: A Computational Approach
Authors: Dhingra Naveen , Bhardwaj Ravindra , Bhardwaj Uma , Kapoor Kapish
Published: April 2022

COVID-19 which is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been declared pandemic in 2019. Though there is development of vaccines but there is an emergence requirement of drugs against SARS-CoV-2. In the given study small peptide inhibitors with three amino acids are designed and docked against SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus using molecular docking approach. All the designed peptides bind at the active site but the highest binding affinity was observed for HisGluAsp. Molecular dynamics indicates marked stability of the compound. The molecule has followed the druglikeiness properties and with highest probability of being absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. The proposed small peptide could be a potential target against SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.
Discrimination of Candida nivariensis and Candida bracarensis among Candida glabrata sensu lato isolates from clinical isolates in Tunisia
Authors: slama darine , zribi manel , Babba hamouda , sakly Wahiba
Published: April 2022

Background
Candida nivariensis and Candida bracarensis are new species of Candida that are phenotypically similar to Candida glabrata sensu stricto, causing significant problems for their identification by traditional laboratory methods. This study used a singleplex PCR method for the rapid identification of members of the Candida glabrata species complex (Candida glabrata sensu stricto, Candida nivariensis and Candida bracarensis). Furthermore, we tried to choose an appropriate extraction method, which is an important factor for the success of the PCR approach.
Methods
A total of 163 clinical isolates cultured from urine samples, vaginal swabs, placenta, intrauterine device, and urinary catheter in patients from the Maternity and Neonatology Center of Monastir were screened. A singleplex PCR was used targeting the RPL31 gene for the discrimination between species of the Candida glabrata complex. Four different DNA extraction methods, two commercial kits (GF-1Tissue/Blood), the phenol–chloroform isoamylic method, and chelating resin, were applied to obtain and determine the most effective DNA extraction method. The DNA quantity and quality were determined using Nanodrop and PCR.
Results
The Singleplex PCR assay amplified a 1.061 bp amplicon from all 163 Candida glabrata sensu stricto isolates, thus identifying all clinical isolates in Tunisia as Candida glabrata sensu stricto. Low DNA concentrations were measured for all methods, and the results showed that with one method, PCR success was 100%. The results of DNA purity and quantity measurements show variant results.
Conclusion
Our results obtained from a collection of clinical Candida glabrata sensu lato isolates show that Candida nivariensis and Candida bracarensis are not clinically important or prevalent in Tunisia. For the extraction method, Chelex (chelating resin) turned out to be a rapid, low-cost method that can provide high-quality DNA.
Pancreatic and duodenal injuries: Experience at a single trauma centre
Authors: Pang Mark Alexander Yet Fee , Fischer Nicholas J
Published: April 2022

Background:Pancreatic and duodenal injuries are uncommon due to a relative protection by their posterior anatomical position and have an incidence of less than 1% of all hospital admissions for trauma. Auckland City Hospital (ACH) is a tertiary referral hospital in New Zealand with Trauma and Hepatopancreatobiliary units and admits approximately 384 patients with major trauma per year, predominantly from blunt mechanisms. This study is used to assess the incidence, diagnosis and clinical management of pancreatic and duodenal injuries in trauma patients at a single trauma centre. Method:A retrospective study was undertaken using data from a prospectively collected trauma registry. Inpatient notes including all patients admitted from 2007 to 2020 were reviewed. Pancreatic and duodenal injuries were graded using the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) organ injury scale (OIS) grading system. Investigations including radiology and biochemistry and clinical management were noted.Results:A total of 45 trauma patients admitted to Auckland City Hospital had sustained pancreatic or duodenal injuries, during a period in which approximately 380 patients per year were admitted with major trauma. Six patients had combined pancreaticoduodenal injuries, 16 had duodenal and 23 had pancreatic injuries. Grade I organ injuries were the most common in pancreatic (19/29) and duodenal injuries (9/22). The majority of patients underwent laparotomy (33/45) for associated haemodynamic instability. All organ specific indications for surgery occurred in Grade II and higher injuries. 10/45 patients were managed non-operatively, of which the majority had Grade I or II organ injuries (9/45). 3/45 patients died.Conclusion:The incidence of pancreaticoduodenal injuries is rare (45 patients in 13 years) and in keeping with trauma literature. In our series, haemodynamically stable patients with Grade I - II pancreatic and Grade I - II (non-laceration type) duodenal injuries did not require operative management. Endoscopic pancreatic stenting may facilitate selective non-operative management in some patients with pancreatic duct injury or complications.
Energy Aware Data Harvesting Strategy Based on Optimal Node Selection for Extended Network Lifecycle in Smart Dust
Authors: D Rajesh
Published: April 2022

Smart Dust environment face additional challenges as a result of the use of movable Smart Dust basestation(BS), despite its benefits. The main point of contention is the BS positioning updates to the smart dust nodes. Each smart object ought to be aware of the BS location so that it can send its data to the BS. According to the prevailing Flooding approach, the moveable BS must continuously distribute its location throughout the network in order to inform smart dust nodes about the BS location. In every case, visit positioning upgrades from the BS can result in maximal power usage as well as enhanced network breakdowns. Different sorts of routing architectures can be used to reduce BS position updating. A routing strategy based on the movable BS is successful if it preserves the network network's power consumption and latencies to a minimum. The study's main goal is to develop an energy-efficient routing mechanism focused on adaptive movable BS modification. In the Smart Dust Head (SDH) establishing the inferred surroundings, the most latest movable BS location will be preserved. As a result, rather than soliciting SDH in the environment, the location of the BS is propagated to the smart dust nodes located at the sectors in integrated networking. By transmitting request information to the nearest sector, the remaining SDH can find the most current BS location. The message's recipient is determined based on the information gathered. The best fuzzy related clustering algorithm will be used to accomplish this. The Enhanced Oppositional grey wolf optimization (EOGWO) methodology can be used to perform the improvement. Optimum network throughput, low latency, and other metrics are used to assess performance. To enhance productivity, the findings will be analyzed and compared to previous routing methodologies.