bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polygenic risk score predicting susceptibility and outcome of benign prostatic hyperplasia in the Han Chinese
Authors: Hung Sheng-Chun , Chang Li-Wen , Hsiao Tzu-Hung , Lin Guan-Cheng , Wang Shian-Shiang , Li Jian-Ri , Chen I-Chieh
Published: June 2023

Importance:
Polygenic risk score (PRS) is effective in predict benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) incidence, prognosis and risk of operation in Han Chinese.
Objective:
The aim of our study is to investigate the role of PRS for BPH incidence and treatment outcome through hospital-based genome-wide association study (GWAS).
Design, setting, and participants:
The Affymetrix Genome-Wide TWB 2.0 SNP Array genotyped 6,237 male participants with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and 17,170 non-BPH controls from the Taiwan Precision Medicine Initiative (TPMI). PRS was determined using PGS001865, which included 1,712 single nucleotide polymorphisms. PRS scores were categorized into quartiles (Q1-Q4) and their association with outcomes in BPH patients was analyzed using logistic regression models.
Main outcomes and measures:
We investigated the PRS association with BPH incidence, adjusting for age and PSA levels. We explored PSA's relationship with prostate volume and assessed 5ARI treatment response via percentage reduction in prostate volume per patient. Additionally, we studied the PRS association with TURP risk.
Results:
In a cohort of 23,407 men, 6,237 were diagnosed with BPH. Risk of BPH was higher in the fourth quartile (Q4) than the first quartile (Q1) (OR=1.34, 95% CI=1.24-1.46, p<0.0001), even after adjusting for age (OR=1.39, 95% CI=1.27-1.52, p<0.0001). The Q4 group had larger prostate volume (43.1 ± 25.0 ml) than Q1 (34.6 ± 19.0 ml) (p<0.001), and less volume reduction after 5ARI treatment (Q1: 29.9 ± 16.6 ml, Q4: 25.0 ± 18.6 ml, p=0.011). Q1 had lower cumulative TURP probability at 3, 5, and 10 years compared to Q4 (p=0.045, p=0.009, p<0.001, respectively). PRS Q4 was an independent TURP risk in multivariate COX hazard regression (HR=1.45, 95% CI=1.09-1.92, p=0.012).
Conclusions and relevance:
In this hospital-based cohort, a higher PRS was associated with the susceptibility to BPH in male Han Chinese. In patients with BPH, a higher PRS was associated higher PSA level, larger prostate volume, inferior response of 5ARI and higher risk of TURP. Age, PSA and prostate volume were also independent risk of TURP. Prospective large-scale study with longer follow-up would be needed to validate our result.
Effects of condensed tannins on bacterial and fungal communities during aerobic exposure in sainfoin silage
Authors: Huang Rongzheng , Zhang Fanfan , Ma Chunhui , Wang Xuzhe
Published: June 2023

Sainfoin is a forage legume that is widely distributed around the world and is beneficial for animals owing to the characteristics of its condensed tannins (CTs), which, from certain plants, can prolong the aerobic stability of silage. The present study investigated whether sainfoin CTs can prolong aerobic stability by adding polyethylene glycol (PEG) to inactivate CTs activity in the silage system. The results showed that the aerobic stability increased under the PEG treatment (P < 0.05). The pH (4.62 vs. 4.53; P < 0.05) was lower while the ammonia nitrogen (0.71 g ammonia nitrogen/kg dry matter (DM) vs. 0.94 g/kg DM; P < 0.05) was higher in the PEG-treated group compared with the control after 3 d of aerobic exposure. The crude protein content decreased by 5.93% in the PEG-treated group during 7 d of aerobic exposure. BA was detected only in the PEG-treated group upon aerobic exposure. Yeasts were more abundant in the control compared with the PEG-treated group after 7 d of aerobic exposure (4.32 vs. 4.08 Log10 CFU/g, fresh weight basis, P < 0.05), after which the relative abundance of Lactobacillus was lower in the PEG-treated group (65.01% vs. 75.01% in the control; P < 0.05), while the relative abundance of Pediococcus was higher in the PEG-treated group compared with the control (10.9% vs. 4.49%, respectively; P < 0.05). Wickerhamomyces was dominant in both groups after 7 d of aerobic exposure, with no difference between groups (P > 0.05). The relative abundances of Apiotrichum and Aspergillus were lower in the control than in the PEG-treated group after 7 d of aerobic exposure (2.28 vs. 8.63% for Apiotrichum and 0.58 vs. 7.19% for Aspergillus, respectively; P < 0.05). The results suggested that sainfoin CTs decreased aerobic stability, but could inhibit certain bacteria and fungi, such as Pediococcus and Apiotrichum, and preserve the protein content during the aerobic exposure of silage.
Protective Effects of Aureobasidium pullulans Lysate on UV-damaged Human Skin Fibroblasts and HaCaT Cells
Authors: Wang Xin , Zhang Yongtao , Wang Dongdong , Su Ning , Yang Li , Fu Hao , Zhang Jiachan , Li Meng , Wang changtao
Published: June 2023

Background
Aureobasidium pullulans has a wide range of applications. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can cause skin photoaging. In order to explore the protective effect and application potential of A.pullulans lysate on UV-damaged Human Skin Fibroblasts (HSF) and HaCaT Cells, this study investigate the anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects of A.pullulans lysate and the mechanism of anti-oxidative stress from the cellular and molecular levels through cytotoxicity experiments, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).
Results
The experimental results showed that the A.pullulans lysate reduced the loss of extracellular matrix components (EMC) such as collagen and hyaluronic acid(HA), cleared excessive reactive oxygen species( (ROS)) in the body, increased catalase activity, reduced the expression of intracellular matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and enhanced the gene expression of metalloproteinases inhibitor (TIMP), reduced the content of inflammatory factors, and regulated the balance of oxidative stress through Nrf2/Keap1 and MAPK signaling pathways.
Conclusions
This study shows that the A.pullulans lysate has the potential to resist photoaging.
Effect of Contact Inhibition Location on confined cellular organization
Authors: Potdar Harshal , Pagonabarraga Ignacio , Muhuri Sudipto
Published: June 2023

Experiments performed using micro-patterned one dimensional collision assays have allowed a precise quantitative analysis of the collective manifestation of contact inhibition locomotion (CIL) wherein, individual migrating cells reorient their directionof motion when they come in contact with other cells. Inspired by these experiments, we present a discrete, minimal 1D Active spin model that mimics the CIL interaction between cells in one dimensional channels. We analyze the emergent collective behaviour of migrating cells in such confined geometries, as well as the sensitivity of the emergent patterns to driving forces that couple to cell motion. In the absence of vacancies, akin to dense cell packing, the translation dynamics is arrested and the model reduces to an equilibrium spin model which can be solved exactly. In the presence of vacancies, the interplay of activity-driven translation, cell polarity switching, and CIL results in an exponential steady cluster size distribution. We define a dimensionless Péclet number Q - the ratio of the translation rate and directional switching rate of particles in the absence of CIL. While the average cluster size increases monotonically as a function of Q, it exhibits a non-monotonic dependence on CIL strength, when the Q is sufficiently high. In the high Q limit, an analytical form of average cluster size can be obtained approximately by effectively mapping the system to an equivalent equilibrium process involving clusters of different sizes wherein the cluster size distribution is obtained by minimizing an effective Helmholtz free energy for the system. The resultant prediction of exponential dependence on CIL strength of the average cluster size and Q1/2 dependence of the average cluster size is borne out to reasonable accuracy as long as the CIL strength is not very large.
Automatic Power Trace Alignment for Side-Channel Analysis
Authors: Wang Sying-Jyan , Lin Yi-Chi , Li Katherine Shu-Min , Lin Chen-Yeh , Chong Song-Kong
Published: June 2023

Data encryption is critical for information security. Previous studies show that power analysis is a powerful tool for side-channel attack (SCA) against cryptographic modules. Therefore, it is essential to carry out power analysis to assess the vulnerability of cryptographic modules. The success of power analysis relies on aligned power traces, which is not easy without an external trigger point. Locating cryptographic operations in a power trace can be tedious, so it is desirable if we can achieve automatic power trace alignment. In this paper, we propose an automatic power trace alignment method so that operations in power traces and be located without external trigger points. Experimental results show that the proposed method can be applied to various ciphers, including AES, RSA, and ECC.
Supramolecular architecture of a novel non-centrosymmetric heteromolybdate hybrid for nonlinear optical applications: structure, characterization, stability study and DFT calculations
Authors: Djeribi Malek , Nagazi Ichraf , Dege Necmi , Issaoui Noureddine , Haddad Amor
Published: June 2023

A novel non-linear optical organic–inorganic material based on three-dimensional (3D) Strandberg-type polyoxoselenomolybdate, (C6H14N2)2[Se2Mo5O21]·2.6 H2O (I) has been successfully obtained by solution process and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, infrared and ultraviolet spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, cyclic voltammetry measurement. The electronic and electrochemical stability behaviour of the compound was evaluated as a function of pH and time via UV-visible spectroscopy and cyclic voltametry. Single X-Ray diffraction was used for complete structure elucidation which confirms the title compound crystallizes in the non-centrosymmetric orthorhombic space group P212121 thus allowing non-linear optical properties. The supramolecular framework exhibits a periodic arrangement of Strandberg clusters anions [Se2Mo5O21]4– connected to each other with water molecules and Dabconium organic cations through a network of hydrogen bonds. The intermolecular interactions which ensure the cohesion between different entities were ‎analysed by density functional theory calculations and Hirshfeld surface analysis. DFT ‎calculations with different functionals have been used to better understand several properties. A good agreement was found between the experimental and computational results.
The Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship Application Webinar Series: A Novel Approach to Helping Applicants Succeed
Authors: Bartlett Michelle , Ribar Ellen , Zheng Yingying , Amiri Sasha , Dyess Nicolle Fernández , Lucke Ashley , French Heather
Published: June 2023

Background
In 2022, 13,586 candidates applied to subspecialty fellowships. Formal resources to inform candidates on subspecialty-specific fellowship application are limited. Candidates rely on residency application experience, informal advice, and online research for navigating the application process. Thus, a need exists for formal subspecialty-specific fellowship application guidance. The American Academy of Pediatrics Organization of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Training Program Directors (ONTPD) and Trainees and Early Career Neonatologists (TECaN) created a webinar-based curriculum to help educate trainees about the application process and recruit diverse fellowship applicants.
Methods
In 2022, ONTPD and TECaN co-hosted and implemented a four-part national webinar series focused on different aspects of the Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine (NPM) fellowship application and interview processes. Webinars were advertised through list-servs and social media, conducted in two time zones, and recorded for asynchronous viewing. Registration, demographic data, and questions for webinar panelists were collected via electronic survey. Program evaluation data was collected after each webinar and following the fellowship match.
Results
In the 2022 appointment year, 310 candidates participated in the NPM fellowship match and 250 individuals registered for the webinar series. A quarter (26%) of registrants identified as underrepresented in medicine. Most registrants reported minimal or no knowledge of the fellowship application (64%, 158/248) and interview (81%, 201/248) processes. The majority of registrants (70%, 173/248) were planning on applying to fellowship in 2022, and 91% of post-webinar respondents (43/47) felt the webinars were moderately or extremely helpful, a finding that was sustained beyond the match (37/42). Almost all respondents rated the quality of the webinars as good or higher and were likely or very likely to recommend them to peers (39/42). There was considerable variability amongst respondents in the number of fellowship programs applied to, interviewed at, and ranked, and factors influencing rank list.
Conclusion
We describe a virtual curriculum to prepare trainees for the NPM fellowship application and interview process. This webinar series provides needed education to fellowship candidates, bridges the gap between candidate knowledge and program director expectations, is generalizable to other specialties, and can be replicated with minimal resources.
Laser Trimming and Performance Analysis of Mill-grinding Tools for Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics
Authors: Liu Li , Yao Peng , Zhang Heyong , Chu Dongkai , Qu Shuoshuo , Huang Chuanzhen
Published: June 2023

Carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) are widely used in the aeronautic aerospace and manufacturing industries due to their excellent performance. However, Due to the structural characteristics of CFRP, its processing efficiency is low, the surface quality is poor, and it is easy to cause tool wear. In this study, the effect of tool type (conventional milling tool, rhombus tooth milling tool, electroplating mill-grinding tool, slotted mill-grinding tool, laser trimmed milling-grinding tool) and processing parameters (spindle speed, feeding speed, radial cutting depth) on tool life, processing quality and accuracy was systematically studied. The cutting force of the three types of electroplated diamond mill-grinding tools and the surface roughness of the processed CFRP are smaller than that of the conventional milling tool, and larger than that of the rhombus tooth milling tool. The main cutting and radial force of the trimming mill-grinding tool is 9.5 N, 1.26 N, respectively. The surface roughness is about 2.524 µm. Due to the laser trimmed mill-grinding tool has neat and sharp edges which can shear carbon fiber effectively, there is no obvious burrs on the processed CFRP. Moreover, the processed surface roughness was significantly reduced, and only slight wear of the tool was occurred. More importantly, since the processing debris can easily flow out of the straight groove of the laser trimmed mill-grinding tool, resulting in a sharp edge of the tool, which would reduce the cutting force. The overall processing performance of the laser trimmed mill-grinding tool is close to that of CFRP special tool (rhombus tooth milling tool), but its price is about one-fiftenth that of special tools. Therefore, the electroplated diamond milling tool with improved structure and optimized processing parameters can be an ideal tool for mill-grinding CFRP.
Monitoring of Heavy Metals in Vegetables and Soils of Lokoja Riverside Soils, Kogi State, Nigeria
Authors: Mustapha Mukhtar , Omoniyi K. I.
Published: June 2023

The purpose of these study was to assess the accumulation of heavy metals in riverside soils of river Niger and Benue and beyond the confluence and their uptake by Amarantus hybridus and Corchorus olitorius L grown on these soils. Four agricultural areas around the confluence point were selected. A total of 9 samples each of soils, were collected from the selected areas and were analyzed for pH, textural class, percentage organic carbon and matter, moisture content, Manganese, Nickel, Copper, Zinc, Lead and Cadmium. Soil pH ranged from 6.4 to 6.7, There was no significant difference in the mean values of the organic matter, organic carbon and moisture contents of the soils, while the total metal content ranges from 3.0–8.4 mg/kg for Cadmium; 10.2–20.2 mg/kg for Copper; 170.0–205.2 mg/kg for Manganese; 201.0–269.4 mg/kg for Nickel; 23.5–33.4 mg/kg for Lead and 48.7–77.8 mg/kg for Zinc. Nickel and chromium were in levels higher than the European Union Standards. The levels of Nickel, Zinc, lead and Cadmium in the vegetables were higher than the World Health Organisation permissible value in plants. The total metal contents in A. hybridus and C. olitorius L grown on the riverside soils follow the ranking: Ni > Mn > Zn > Pb > Cu > Cd. Of all the metals studied, Pb had the highest bioaccumulation factor, 0.5691 and 0.6301 in the soil from CN site for A. hybridus and Corchorus olitorius L respectively this indicated that the highly toxic metal lead has been entering our food chain through vegetables.
Assessing the Impact of Land Use Change and Climate Variability on Soil Erosion Rates in Peusangan Watershed, Aceh Province, Indonesia
Authors: Djunarsjah Eka , Julian Miga M. , Putra Andika P. , Nusantara Candida A.S. , Lubis Nafandra S. , Baskoro Alfin A. , Alfandi Nazri R.
Published: June 2023

Climate change has become a pressing issue that affects the interaction between watersheds and coastlines. The recent accelerated trend of climate change, increased erosion, and sedimentation in watersheds can significantly alter the coastal landscape. This study aims to investigate the impact of climate change on watershed erosion and sedimentation. The study will be conducted in the Peusangan Watershed, Aceh Province, Indonesia. The study will employ a combination of quantitative research methods, including field surveys, geographic information system (GIS) analysis, and modeling approaches. Specifically, this study will address the following research questions: 1) How have the historical and future climate characteristics affected the watershed dynamics? 2) How do climate change scenarios impact sedimentation dynamics? The results of this study will provide a better understanding of the implications of climate change on watershed and coastal interactions and will serve as a scientific reference for the development of effective adaptation strategies for climate change, watershed and coastal management.
Fate after the Mustard procedure for d-transposition of the great arteries: impact of age, complexity and atrial tachyarrhythmias – a single center experience
Authors: Krause Ulrich , Teubener Sophie Theres , Müller Matthias J. , Schneider Heike E. , Paul Thomas
Published: June 2023

Introduction
Patients with dextro transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA) after atrial switch procedure are at risk to develop heart failure and arrhythmias during long-term follow up. The present study aims to add knowledge on the fate of subjects after Mustard procedure during long-term follow up into adulthood.
Patients and Methods
A single center, retrospective chart review analysis was conducted. All subjects who had Mustard-type atrial switch procedure between 1969 and 1994 at our institution were included.
Results
A total of 92 subjects were included. Early postoperative death was reported in 2 subjects. Long-term follow up was available in 49 survivors. Of those, 6 individuals died during further follow-up. Sudden cardiac death was the most prevalent cause for fatal outcome. Mortality during long-term follow up was associated with the presence of additional cardiovascular malformations (complex d-TGA). Sinus node dysfunction was observed in 65% of the patients and atrial tachyarrhythmias were common in adult survivors (63%). Implantation of a pacemaker or a cardioverter defibrillator was required in 31% and 45% of those surviving into adulthood. Complications were frequently observed during follow-up after either pacemaker or cardioverter defibrillator implantation (43%) with lead failure being the most frequent complication.
Conclusion
The aging population of patients after Mustard procedure is facing challenging problems mainly resulting from a failing systemic right ventricle, presence of associated cardiac malformations and the presence of atrial baffles associated with relevant atrial scars. Age, associated cardiac malformations and atrial tachyarrhythmias seem to play a major role in determining the fate of patients with d-TGA after atrial switch procedures.
Interpersonal distance modulation by facial disease cues: Gender differences and increased avoidance
Authors: Magalhães Ana C. , Soares Sandra C.
Published: June 2023

The distance we keep between ourselves and others without feeling uncomfortable is called interpersonal distance (IPD). It has been suggested that IPD is implicated in pathogen avoidance, as keeping greater distances from those who are (or are perceived as) sick can decrease contamination risk. While some studies have started to investigate this hypothesis, no study to date has used conspicuous disease-connoting cues in faces, highly relevant sources of social information. Thus, the present study sought to explore whether commonly found facial disease cues (i.e., flu-like appearance and facial rash) could modulate participants’ IPD behavior. In a computerized version of the paper-and-pencil IPD task, participants (N = 70) were asked to indicate, by moving a virtual silhouette representing themselves, the distance they would be comfortable taking in social interaction with a male or female stranger that could display (or not) a facial disease cue. Results showed that, on average, participants assumed greater distances toward stranger avatars when they were associated with facial disease cues, compared to control avatars. Furthermore, whilst male avatars were associated with a greater IPD across conditions, female avatars suffered a greater IPD increase when exposed to facial disease cues, compared to the former. These findings support the defensive role of the behavioral immune system and highlight the relationship of the latter with gender stereotypes. Implications regarding how the threat of contagion can lead to aversive responses towards those who bear facial “disfigurements” are also discussed.
Methods for the Generation and Characterization of Cryomilled Micro- and Nanoplastics
Authors: McColley Campbell J. , Nason Jeffrey A. , Harper Bryan J. , Harper Stacey L.
Published: June 2023

There is a critical need to generate environmentally relevant microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) to better investigate their behavior in laboratory settings. Environmental MPs are heterogenous in size and shape, unlike monodisperse and uniform microspheres commonly used as surrogates. Cryogenic grinding, or cryomilling, was successfully utilized to transform polystyrene (PS) bulk material into heterogenous micro and nano fragments. Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed that this approach did not alter polymer surface chemistry. The number of milling cycles (time of milling) and frequency of grinding (intensity of milling) were varied to investigate the role cryomilling parameters had on generated MP characteristics. The resulting particle size distributions of cryomilled samples were measured and compared. Coulter Counter and Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) were used to measure the particle size distributions at the micro and nanoparticle size ranges, respectively. Microspheres were used to determine what camera settings yielded more accurate sizing and to reduce bias in the NTA analysis. Increasing milling cycles generally increased the number of smaller particles. The evolution of the measured size distributions indicated that small nanosized fragments broke off from larger MPs during cryomilling, steadily eroding larger MP fragments. The number of milling cycles was observed to more consistently impact the size distributions of fragments compared to the frequency of milling. This study offers both analysis of the cryomilling process and recommendations for generating more realistic MP/NPs for examining environmental fate and effects.
Anatomo-histopathological alterations of gastric lesions in free-living giant anteaters (Mymercophaga tridactyla) and lesser anteaters (Tamandua tetradactyla).
Authors: Saracchini Paula Gabrielle Veiga , Lima Samara Rosolem , Braga Lucas Santos de Melo , Barbosa João Marcos da Silva , Luba Camila do Nascimento , Yogui Debora Regina , Alves Mario Henrique , Desbiez Arnaud Léonard Jean , Leite Juliana da Silva , Silva Kassia Valéria Gomes Coelho da , Ferreira Ana Maria Reis
Published: June 2023

The aim of this study was to describe and characterize the anatomo-histopathological alterations observed in the stomach of free-living giant anteaters (Mymercophaga tridactyla) and lesser anteaters (Tamandua tetradactyla). Twenty-two free-ranging anteaters found dead on highways in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul were included. In macroscopy, erosions, ulcers, parasitism and changes in tissue consistency and texture were evaluated, and in microscopy, the intensity and distribution of fibrosis, hemorrhage, necrosis, inflammation and cellular composition. The mucosa was the most affected layer, predominating gastritis as the main lesion, occurring in all portions of the stomach, with the cardia being the most injured region and most sensitive to aggressions. The presence and severity of the lesions were better evidenced by microscopy. The lesions showed characteristics of chronicity. Gastritis occurred in 100% of the samples, predominantly mixed composition, with mild intensity and diffuse distribution. Parasites were observed in five stomachs accompanied by granulomatous and eosinophilic inflammation: moderate in three, mild in one and severe in one. The slight response to parasites demonstrated that anteaters have high tolerance and adaptation to parasitism. The most frequently found helminths were adults and larvae of the genus Physaloptera. All anteaters in this study were found with evidence of being victims of vehicular collisions, demonstrating the fragility of these specimens in the face of anthropogenic action.
The Force-dependent Viscoelastic Behavior of Hydrogels
Authors: Qari Nada , Song Zhaoqiang , Hosseini-Toudeshki Hamed , Li Chenghai , Cai Shengqiang
Published: June 2023

In this work, we investigate the viscoelastic properties of hydrogels through stress relaxation experiments to gain a better understanding of the force-dependent dynamics of these materials with the aspiration of expanding their application envelope within the biomedical field and beyond. We experimentally studied the viscoelastic behavior of 4 different types of hydrogels: covalently crosslinked polyacrylamide (PAAm), covalently crosslinked PAAm network immersed in a viscous alginate solution, ionically crosslinked alginate along with crosslinked PAAm-alginate double network. Through our investigations, we demonstrate that we can tailor the viscoelasticity of a covalently bonded PAAm network by tuning the viscosity of the solution in the gel. Moreover, based on the stress relaxation test of ionically crosslinked alginate gel and the double network gel, we have revealed the quantitative correlation between the ionic bond dissociation and force-dependent viscoelastic behavior of gels containing ionic crosslinks.
Changing inequity in health service utilization and financial burden among patients with hypertension in China: Evidence from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study(CHARLS), 2011–2018
Authors: Tang Haoqing , Li Mingyue , Liu Larry Z , Zhou Yanbing , Liu Xiaoyun
Published: June 2023

Background: China initiated a health system reform in 2009 to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2020. While the effectiveness of health-system reforms has been studied, equity in health-service utilization and financial burden remains underexplored. This study evaluated whether the health system reform has improved the equity inutilization and financial burden of health services among patients with hypertension in China.
Methods: We obtained data from four waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) conducted between 2011 and 2018. The main outcome variables were outpatient and inpatient service utilization rates and catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) for patients with hypertension. The Standardized Concentration Index (CI) was used to measure the changing equity in health service utilization and affordability.
Results: Outpatient service utilization was relatively equal among patients with varying socioeconomic statuses (SESs) (CI: 0.048 in 2011 and 0.072 in 2018). Inpatient service utilization inequity improved from CI 0.153 in 2011 to CI 0.063 in 2018. CHE incidence increased from 15.6% in 2011 to 24.2% in 2018. CI for CHE declined from -0.0668 in 2011 to -0.013 in 2015 but increased to -0.0607 in 2018.
Conclusions: Health insurance expansion and poverty alleviation policies promoted equity in inpatient service utilization for hypertensive patients. However, the financial burden for the poor requires further attention through reimbursement policy adjustments for outpatient services in primary care settings.
Prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, and enterotoxin gene profiles of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from mobile phones of the food vendors in Phayao province, Thailand
Authors: Khoothiam Krissana , Prapasawat Watsawan , Yosboonruang Atchariya , Rawangkan Anchalee , Phuangsri Chorpaka , Rupprom Kitwadee , Kraivuttinun Parinya , Tanomsridachchai Wimonrat , Suthienkul Orasa , Siriphap Achiraya
Published: June 2023

Background
Mobile phones are widely used and may cause bacterial pathogens to spread among various professionals. S. aureus from the hands of food vendors can contaminate food through their mobile phones during the cooking or packaging process. This research aimed to determine the prevalence, enterotoxin genes, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles of S. aureus contaminating the vendors’ mobile phones.
Methods
In this study, 266 mobile phone samples were randomly collected from food vendors selling food on walking streets (n = 139) and in food centers (n = 127) in Phayao province. All samples were identified S. aureus by the conventional culture method and confirmed species-specific gene by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Then, all identified S. aureus were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility by broth microdilution method and staphylococcal enterotoxin (SE) genes by PCR.
Results
The results showed that 12.8% of the mobile phones collected from walking streets (11.5%) and food centers (14.5%) were contaminated with S. aureus. Of 49 S. aureus isolates, 30 (61.2%) were positive for SE genes, detected in both settings. The most common SE gene was sea followed by sec, seb, sem, seq, and sel. Moreover, S. aureus was most frequently resistant to penicillin, followed by chloramphenicol and tetracycline, erythromycin, clindamycin, and gentamicin. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA), and multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains were also detected.
Conclusions
This study showed that mobile phones were an intermediate surface for the colonization of S. aureus, including multidrug resistance (MDR) variants. It indicates that hand hygiene and the decontamination of mobile phones are essential to prevent cross-contamination of S. aureus in food.
Significance of 8-OHdG expression as a predictor of survival in colorectal cancer
Authors: Kang Myunghee , Jeong Soyeon , Park Sungjin , Nam Seungyoon , Chung Jun-Won , Kim Kyoung Oh , An Jungsuk , Kim Jung Ho
Published: June 2023

Background
Although oxidative stress regulates essential signaling pathways, oxidative DNA damage causes cancer initiation and progression. Given that the relationship between oxidative stress and colorectal cancer (CRC) remains poorly understood, we confirmed the clinical significance of 8-hydroxy-2' deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a representative oxidative stress marker, and its potential as a survival predictor.
Methods
This study was 564 patients who underwent CRC surgery at Gachon University Gil Medical Center between April 2010 to November 2012. We aimed to confirm the clinical significance of 8-OHdG and its role as a survival predictor. To this end, 8-OHdG levels in CRC patients were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, followed by univariate/multivariate analysis and survival analysis according to the pathological stage.
Results
8-OHdG expression was associated with cell differentiation. Furthermore, the 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) hazard ratios (HRs) of the low 8-OHdG subgroup were 1.41 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01–1.98, p = 0.04) and 1.6 (95% CI: 1.12–2.28, p < 0.001), respectively. When tumor node metastasis (TNM) staging and 8-OHdG expression were combined, the 5-year DFS and DSS HRs of patients with CRC with low 8-OHdG expression and advanced stage III/IV cancer were 6.85 (95% CI: 4.09–11.50, p < 0.001) and 8.24 (95% CI: 4.66–14.59, p < 0.001), respectively, compared to those with high 8-OHdG expression and early stages I/II cancer, indicating a poor prognosis.
Conclusions
Combining the currently commonly used TNM stage with the novel biomarker 8-OHdG identified in CRC patient tissues may result in a more accurate patient diagnosis and prognosis.
Suprapatellar pouch effusion is associated with an increased risk of neglected osteochondral fractures in primary acute traumatic patellar dislocation: A consecutive series of 113 children
Authors: Miao Mingyuan , Cai haoqi , Wang Zhigang , Hu Liwei , Bian Jingxia , Cai Haiqing
Published: June 2023

Background
The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors of neglected osteochondral fractures in primary acute traumatic patellar dislocation in the pediatric population.
Methods
A total of 113 patients with primary acute traumatic patellar dislocation for whom coincident osteochondral fractures could not be confirmed by X-ray examination at initial diagnosis between January 2010 and February 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Medical history, physical examination, and radiographic images were recorded in detail. The greatest dimension of the suprapatellar pouch (SP) effusion on radiograph was measured. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were used to confirm the presence of neglected osteochondral fractures and measure the fragment size. Potential risk factors were calculated and correlated with reference to the neglected osteochondral fractures and fragment size using multivariate linear regression analysis.
Results
Weight, walking ability, effusion grade, and SP measurement had a significant correlation with neglected osteochondral fractures in primary acute traumatic patellar dislocation (p = 0.046; p < 0.001; p = 0.048; p < 0.001). The cutoff point was 53.5 kg for weight and 18.45 mm for SP measurement. In the neglected fractures group, SP measurement was statistically significant with larger fragment size (beta value = 0.457; p < 0.001), and the cutoff point was 26.2 mm.
Conclusions
SP effusion is not only associated with an increased risk of neglected osteochondral fractures in primary acute traumatic patellar dislocation, but also with larger fragment size. Knee radiograph, medical history, and physical examination can predict the need for further imaging examination and even surgery in primary acute traumatic patellar dislocation.
Behaviour of the faujasite zeolite occluded with Ti(IV) and Zr(IV) and its interaction with Nickel Hexacyanoferrate (III) : A comparative study in the voltammetric detection of isoniazid
Authors: Magossi Maiara Souza , Vicente Fábio Simões , Carmo Devaney Ribeiro
Published: June 2023

This study describes titanium and zirconium incorporations into a FAU zeolite and subsequent modification with nickel hexacyanoferrate.The obtained materials (ZTiNiH and ZZrNiH) were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Dispersive Energy Spectroscopy (EDS), Porosity and Surface Area and Cyclic Voltammetry (CV). The cyclic voltammograms applied to the modifed ZTiNiH and ZZrNiH graphite pastes indicate sensitivity to isoniazid (IZN). The modifed ZTiNiH graphite paste electrode displayed a linear analytical curve response from 4.0× 10–5to 7.0× 10–4mol L− 1and limit of detection of 4.9×10− 5mol L− 1, while the modified ZZrNiH electrode presented a linear analytical curve response from 1.0×10− 5a 3.0×10− 4mol L− 1and limit of detection of 2.0×10− 5mol L− 1. After catalytic IZN electro-oxidation, a study concerning the main IZN interferents was performed and its recovery from a synthetic urine sample was assessed. The obtained ZTiNiH and ZZrNiH materials are noteworthy for their good limit of detection and recovery eficiency when applied to real samples, thus comprising potential candidates for the development of electrochemical sensors aiming at IZN detection.
Impact of ERAS Compliance on the Short-Term Outcomes for Distal Radius Surgery: A Single-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Zha Mi Er A Li Mu Mu Er Ti , Sun Zhi Jian , Li Ting , Ti Re Zi Ya Ai Mai , Fu Gang , Yao Dong Chen , Yu Xiang
Published: June 2023

Background
Distal radius fractures (DRF) account for one in five bony injuries in both primary and secondary trauma care. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) has been adopted successfully for improvement and efficacy in numerous diseases; however, no study has demonstrated the different degrees of ERAS compliance on the short-term outcomes for distal radius surgery. We aimed to analyze whether different compliance degrees to the ERAS pathway are associated with improvement in patients with DRF.
Methods
We analyzed all consecutive patients with ERAS who underwent surgery for DRF at our department between May 2019 and October 2022 retrospectively. Their pre-, peri-, and post-operative compliance with the 22 elements of the ERAS program were assessed. We compared patient complications, the total length of hospitalization, the discharge time after surgery, hospital costs, times for return to preinjury level, times of the visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score > 3 points during hospitalization, disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) scores, and other parameters between low- (< 68.1%) and high-compliance (> 68.1%) groups. We performed multiple linear regression equations to assess the impact of ERAS compliance on the function level of the patients postoperatively (DASH scores).
Results
No significant differences were detected between the high- and low-compliance groups, with respect to the demographics, including the sex, age, body mass index (BMI), and comorbidity (P > 0.05). We observed significant differences between the high- and low-compliance groups in terms of the DASH score (32.25 ± 9.97 vs. 40.50 ± 15.65, p < 0.05) at 6 months postoperatively, the discharge time after surgery (2.45 ± 1.46 vs. 3.14 ± 1.50, p < 0.05), and times of VAS pain scores > 3 points during hospitalization (0.88, (0.44, 1.31), p < 0.05). Our study demonstrated a significant negative association between ERAS compliance and the function level of the patients postoperatively (DASH scores) when adjusted for the age, comorbidity, sex, and BMI.
Conclusion
This study can provide a realistic evaluation and comparison of the ERAS protocol among patients with DRF and eventually guide clinical decision making.
The ERAS protocol might improve the medical quality and efficacy with high function levels, less pain and time after surgery without increased complication rate and hospital cost.
Insights of the ultralow wear and low friction of carbon fiber reinforced PTFE in inert trace trace moisture environment
Authors: Johansson Pontus , Elo Robin , Naeini Vahid Fadaei , Marklund Pär , Björling Marcus , Shi Yijun
Published: June 2023

Ultralow wear rates and low friction have been observed for carbon fiber reinforced PTFE (CF/PTFE) when sliding against steel or cast iron in dry gas environments. Although the strong environmental sensitivity of this tribosystem is well known, the origin of the outstanding tribological performance in dry gas remains unanswered. Some researchers attribute the low friction and wear to the formation of carbon-rich surfaces in the absence of oxygen and moisture in the environment. However, low friction between carbon surfaces is generally dependent on moisture. In this paper, extensive analyzes are conducted on the tribofilms formed on the CF/PTFE surface and the steel counterface after sliding in a high-purity nitrogen environment. TEM analysis of a cross-section of the tribofilm on the steel surface reveals that the sliding surface consists mainly of iron (II) fluoride and not carbon, even though a significant amount of carbon was observed near the surface. XPS and TEM analysis further revealed that the tribofilm formed on the worn composite surface consisted of nanoparticle agglomerates, anchored to the PTFE matrix and to each other by carbon with turbostratic structure. Turbostratic carbon also formed an ultrathin and surface-oriented superficial layer on top of the agglomerates. Governing mechanisms of the low friction and wear of the CF/PTFE – steel tribosystem were investigated by complementary tribotests with pure graphite samples and MD simulations of the identified surfaces. These indicated that the low friction between the carbon and iron fluoride in the tribofilms is due to poor adhesion between the distinctly different surfaces.
DIS3 ribonuclease prevents the cytoplasmic accumulation of lncRNAs carrying non-canonical ORFs, which represent a source of cancer immunopeptides.
Authors: Foretek Dominika , Gabriel Marc , Hatin Isabelle , Jarroux Julien , Pinskaya Marina , Pepermans Elise , Boonen Kurt , Topno Rachel , Slaninova Vera , Serna Marina , Llorca Oscar , Baggerman Geert , Bertrand Edouard , West Steven , Namy Olivier , Morillon Antonin
Published: June 2023

Around 12% of multiple myeloma (MM) cases harbour mutations in DIS3, which encodes an RNA decay enzyme that controls the turnover of some long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). Although lncRNAs, by definition, do not encode proteins, some can be a source of (poly)peptides with biological importance, such as antigens. The extent and activities of these “coding” lncRNAs in MM are largely unknown. Here, we showed that DIS3 depletion results in the accumulation in the cytoplasm of 5162 DIS3-sensitive transcripts (DISTs) previously described as nuclear-localised. Around 14,5% of DISTs contain open reading frames (ORFs) and are bound by ribosomes, suggesting a possibility of translation. Transcriptomic analyses identified a subgroup of overexpressed and potentially translated DISTs in MM. Immunopeptidomic experiments revealed association of some DISTs’ derived peptides with major histocompatibility complex class I. Low expression of these transcripts in healthy tissues highlights DIST-ORFs as an unexplored source of potential tumour-specific antigens.
Supra-second interval timing in bipolar disorder: examining the role of disorder sub-type, mood, and medication status
Authors: Ewald Victoria Muller , Trapp Nicholas T. , Sarrett McCall E. , Pace Benjamin D. , Wendt Linder , Richards Jenny , Gala Ilisa , Miller Jacob , Wessel Jan , Magnotta Vincent , Wemmie John , Boes Aaron , Parker Krystal
Published: June 2023

Background:
Widely reported by bipolar disorder (BD) patients, cognitive symptoms, including deficits in executive function, memory, attention, and timing are under-studied. Work suggests that individuals with BD show impairments in interval timing tasks, including supra-second, sub-second, and implicit motor timing compared to the neuronormative population. However, how time perception differs within individuals with BD based on BD sub-type (BDI vs II), mood, or antipsychotic medication-use has not been thoroughly investigated. The present work administered a supra-second interval timing task concurrent with electroencephalography (EEG) to patients with BD and a neuronormative comparison group. As this task is known to elicit frontal theta oscillations, signal from the frontal (Fz) lead was analyzed at rest and during the task.
Results:
Results suggest that individuals with BD show impairments in supra-second interval timing and reduced frontal theta power compared during the task to neuronormative controls. However, within BD sub-groups, neither time perception nor frontal theta differed in accordance with BD sub-type, mood, or antipsychotic medication use.
Conclusions:
his work suggests that BD sub-type, mood status or antipsychotic medication use does not alter timing profile or frontal theta activity. Together with previous work, these findings point to timing impairments in BD patients across a wide range of modalities and durations indicating that an altered ability to assess the passage of time may be a fundamental cognitive abnormality in BD.
Antecedent climate explains divergent, long-term restoration outcomes in the Western Great Plains, USA.
Authors: Mahood Adam , Barnard David , Macdonald Jacob , Green Tim , Erskine Robert
Published: June 2023

Converting croplands to grasslands can restore ecosystem functions and services. But there is uncertainty about why some restoration treatments succeed and others do not. Existing restoration strategies tailor species compositions of seed mixes according to mean conditions in hardiness zones. But individual years typically deviate from average climate norms such that restoration activities may be better informed by recent conditions than with climate averages in order to best direct management strategies. We monitored a field in eastern Colorado that was converted from wheat-fallow to native perennial grassland via seeding. The same seed mix was used to seed half the strips in 2013 (drier) and the other half in 2014 (wetter). The strips seeded in 2013 had only one native grass and shrub species from the seed mix establish, whereas in 2014 all native grasses established Higher soil moisture preceding seed application was positively associated with perennial grasses, while rhizomatous grasses, shrubs and introduced annuals were associated with other variables. We found evidence of facilitatory interactions between grasses and forbs, and antagonistic interactions between native perennial grasses and introduced annuals. These findings can assist land managers to improve upon current approaches by considering antecedent conditions during restoration planning.
Identification of Hazardous prone lakes using Remote Sensing and ANN applications in Western Himalaya
Authors: ray Aishwarya , Gaddam Vinay Kumar , Kusuma sundara kumar , Gaddam Hari Krishna
Published: June 2023

The Himalayan glaciers are observed to be declining for the past three to four decades, due to ongoing changes in climate. Among them, a few glaciers have favored the formation of (hazardous prone) lakes, which may burst and can cause severe damage to the downstream communities. Hence, these lakes need to be monitored continuously by identifying them. However, identification of these lakes is quite difficult because of limitations exist in a) accurate identification of pixels of lakes due to mixed pixels, b) existence of cloud cover c) classification error while applying automatic or semi-automatic approaches d) identification of movement of mass down slope due to coarse spatial resolution e) limited field measurements for validation etc. Also, Remote Sensing techniques alone may not be helpful for providing the solution for these types of catastrophic events. Therefore, advanced machine learning techniques such as Artificial Neural Network approach are preferred along with Remote sensing images for assessment of flood prone lakes. In this study, the glacial lakes are interpreted by using NDSI & NDWI approach using the latest satellite data of Landsat -8, and Sentinel -2a. A total of 355 glacial lakes are identified. However, due to above said limitations, manual interpretation is also carried out using high spatial resolution Google Earth pro images, and with this the initial count had increased from 355 to 655 lakes. Then, the lakes were classified into different categories namely Ice- dammed lakes, Moraine dammed lakes, Bed dammed lakes and other lakes. Further, the back propagation method of ANN algorithm is trained using the data from the spatial datasets and found that 18 lakes in the study region are more prone to hazards.