bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ensuring financial sustainability of the health systems to achieve universal health coverage in the wake of an ageing population: the challenge of Mauritius
Authors: Nundoochan Ajoy
Published: April 2023

Public health achievements have contributed to people living longer and healthily. Countries pledged to achieve universal health coverage where all people have access to health services they need, of sufficient quality, without experiencing any financial distress by 2030. Changing population age-mix on the economy poses serious treats for a financially sustainable health sector. Mauritius, notwithstanding its long tradition of a welfare state with free health services, is no exception considering its rapid demographical and epidemiological shift. Based on Population ageing financial sustainability gap for health systems Simulator, developed by the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies and World Health Organization Kobe Centre, and considering specific health expenditure profile scenario, an additional amount of USD 137 per person would be required by 2060 to cater for the health needs of an ageing population in Mauritius, representing 0.6% of the gross domestic product. Changes in tax rates and social contributions will influence revenues and alleviate the financing gaps for the health sector. An increase of 100 base points on taxes on goods and services, is expected to reduce the financing gap by USD 43 per person, representing a drop of 8.7 base points. The financial implications of an ageing population are exacerbated as the burden disease conditions among the elderly disproportionately affects mostly the poor and vulnerable population. The financing strategies for the health sector will have to be revisited to generate sustainable adequate financial resources. This is essential to promote efficiency, equity in the use of resources, and sustain financial risk protection against catastrophic health payments in pursuit of universal health coverage. Adopting the World Health Organization integrated care for older people approach would contribute towards mainstreaming the elderly health needs in primary health care, using a person-centred and integrated approach, and maximize both intrinsic capacity and functional ability.
Comparison of distal radius fracture plating surgery under wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet technique and general anesthesia: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Chih-Ting , Chou Shih-Hsiang , Huang Hsuan-Ti , Fu Yin-Chih , Jupiter Jesse , Liu Wen-Chih
Published: April 2023

Background
Distal radius fractures (DRF) are frequently treated with internal fixation under general anesthesia (GA) or a brachial plexus block. Recently, the wide-awake local anesthesia with no tourniquet (WALANT) technique has been suggested as a method that results in higher patient satisfaction. This study aimed to evaluate the functional outcomes, complications, and patient-reported outcomes of DRF plating surgery under both the WALANT and GA methods.
Methods
Ninety-three patients with DRFs who underwent open reduction and plating were included. Regarding the anesthetic technique, 38 patients received WALANT, while 55 received GA. The patient's overall satisfaction in both groups and the intraoperative numerical rating scale of pain and anxiety (0 to 10) in the WALANT group were recorded. The peri-operative radiographic parameters were measured; the clinical outcomes, including Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) score, wrist mobility, and grip strength, were recorded in up to 1-year follow-up. Results presented with a mean difference and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Results
The mean age of patients in the WALANT group was higher than in the GA group (63 ± 17 vs. 54 ± 17, P < 0.01), and there were fewer intra-articular DRF fractures in the WALANT group than in the GA group (AO type A/B/C: 30/3/5 vs. 16/10/19, P < 0.01). The reduction and plating quality were similar in both groups. The clinical outcomes at follow-up were comparable between the two groups, except the WALANT group had worse postoperative 3-month pronation (88% vs. 96%; -8.0% [-15.7 to -0.2%]) and 6-month pronation (92% vs. 100%; -9.1% [-17.0 to -1.2%]), and better postoperative 1-year flexion (94% vs. 82%; 12.0% [2.0 to 22.1%]). The overall satisfaction was comparable in the WALANT and GA groups (8.7 vs. 8.5; 0.2 [-0.8 to 1.2]). Patients in the WALANT group reported an injection pain scale of 1.7 ± 2.0, an intraoperative pain scale of 1.2 ± 1.9, and an intraoperative anxiety scale of 2.3 ± 2.8.
Conclusion
The reduction quality, functional outcomes, and overall satisfaction were comparable between the WALANT and GA groups. With meticulous preoperative planning, the WALANT technique could be an alternative to GA for DRF plating surgery in selected patients.
External validation and comparison of distal pancreatectomy fistula risk score (D-FRS) and DISPAIR-FRS for predicting pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy
Authors: Tang Bingjun , Wang Pengfei , Ma Jiming , Yu Fei , Shi Jun , Yang Shizhong , Feng Xiaobin , Zeng Jianping , Xiang Canhong , Wang Xuedong
Published: April 2023

Background Distal pancreatectomy fistula risk score (D-FRS) and DISPAIR-FRS has not been widely validated for predicting postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after distal pancreatectomy (DP).Methods We retrospectively analyzed 104 patients undergoing DP. The predictive value of the D-FRS and DISPAIR were compared. Risk factors associated with POPF were investigated by multivariate analysis.Results Of the 104 patients, 23 (22.1%) were categorized into the POPF group (all grade B). The areas under the ROC (AUCs) of the D-FRS (preoperative), D-FRS (intraoperative), and DISPAIR-FRS were 0.737, 0.809, and 0.688, respectively. Stratified by the D-FRS (preoperative), the POPF rates in low-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk groups were 5%, 22.6%, and 36.4%, respectively. By the D-FRS (intraoperative), the POPF rates in low-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk groups were 8.8%, 47.1%, and 47.4%, respectively. By the DISPAIR-FRS, the POPF rates in low-risk, intermediate-risk, and extreme-high-risk groups were 14.8%, 23.8% and 62.5%, respectively. Body mass index and main pancreatic duct diameter were independent risk factors of POPF both in preoperative (P = 0.014 and P = 0.033, respectively) and intraoperative (P = 0.015 and P = 0.039) multivariate analyses.Conclusions Both the D-FRS (preoperative), D-FRS (intraoperative), and DISPAIR-FRS has good performance in POPF prediction after DP. The risk stratification was not satisfactory in current Asian cohort.
Lung Quantitative Computer Tomography Analysis for Non-HIV Associated Pneumocystis Pneumonia Assessment：An Observational Clinical Cohort Study
Authors: Wang HY , Zhao HL , Leng BL , Wang Y
Published: April 2023

Introduction
Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is an opportunistic infection caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii. It always occurs secondary to HIV or tumors after chemotherapy or exposure to glucocorticoids. This infection can rapidly progress to respiratory failure, requiring ventilation support. CT is a significant tool for assessing the severity of PCP. Physicians commonly use descriptive features such as ground glass opacity (GGO), crazy paving, and consolidation in CT reports, but the relationship between these features and clinical physiopathological situations is unclear. In this study, we aim to investigate the association between quantitative CT features and clinical laboratory data for PCP.
Method
Between October 2018 and October 2022, 126 patients with PCP were enrolled in the study. 53 patients were included in the final cohort. Quantitative CT features, GGO, and consolidation were identified and marked using dedicated imaging software. Lung volume and percentage for each feature were estimated by 3D lung reconstruction. The Spearman correlation was used to illustrate the relationships among the CT features and laboratory items. Multiple linear regression, including the interaction of CT features, was performed to discuss the relationships between dedicated CT features and laboratory data. Finally, the ROC curve was used to determine the best cut-off value for predicting respiratory failure.
Results
GGO was the predominant finding (90%) in all CT slices, with 81.2% of CT slices demonstrating consolidation. Consolidation percentage was correlated with PaO2/FiO2, CRP, and NLR (r=-0.76, 0.66, and 0.59, respectively; all p=0.00). GGO percentage was also correlated with PaO2/FiO2, CRP, and NLR (r2=-0.35, 0.35, and 0.38, respectively; p=0.01, 0.005, and 0.009, respectively). The results of multiple linear regression indicated that consolidation percentage was associated with PaO2/FiO2(β=-26.69, 95%CI -42.93– -10.46, p=0.002) and NLR (β=1.38, 95%CI 0.02–2.75, p=0.04); the interaction of consolidation and GGO percentage was associated with CRP (β=0.28, 95%CI 0.04–0.52, p=0.03) when adjusted for time from onset to CT test. The best cut-off value of consolidation percentage for respiratory failure was 22.5% (sensitivity=0.452, specificity=0.955).
Conclusion
Although GGO is a common and typical pattern for PCP, the consolidation pattern is associated with a poor pathophysiological state. It could serve as a warning reminder for physicians in clinical practice.
Cost-effectiveness of a second opinion program on spine surgeries: an economic analysis
Authors: Antonioli Eliane , Malheiro Daniel Tavares , Teich Vanessa Damazio , Paiao Isabela Dias , Neto Miguel Cendoroglo , Lenza Mario
Published: April 2023

Background In this study we proposed a new strategy to measure cost-effectiveness of second opinion program on spine surgery, using as measure of effectiveness the minimal important change (MIC) in the quality of life reported by patients, including the satisfaction questionnaire regarding the treatment and direct medical costs.Methods Retrospective analysis of patients with prior indication for spine surgery included in a second opinion program during May 2011 to May 2019. Treatment costs and outcomes where compared considering each patients’ recommended treatment before and after the second opinion. Costs were measured under the perspective of the hospital, including hospital stay, surgical room, physician and staff fees and other costs related to hospitalization when surgery was performed and physiotherapy or infiltration costs when a conservative treatment was recommended. Reoperation costs were also included. For comparison analysis, we used data based on our clinical practice, using data from patients who underwent the same type of surgical procedure as indicated by the first referral. The measure of effectiveness was the percentage of patients who achieved the MIC in quality of life measured by the EQ-5D-3L 2 years after starting treatment. An incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated.Results Based upon the assessment of 1,088 patients that completed the entire second opinion process, conservative management was recommended for 662 (60.8%) patients; 49 (4.5%) were recommended to infiltration and 377 (34.7%) to surgery. Complex spine surgery, as arthrodesis, was recommended by second opinion in only 3.7% of cases. The program resulted in financial savings of -$6,705 per patient associated with appropriate treatment indication, with an incremental effectiveness of 0.077 patients achieving MIC when compared to the first referral, resulting in an ICER of $-87,066 per additional patient achieving the MIC, ranging between $-273,016 and $-41,832.Conclusion After 2 years of treatment, the second opinion program demonstrated the potential for cost-offsets associated with improved quality of life.
Low-Income and Elderly with Feed-in Tariffs Drive Solar Installation Rates for Energy Equity
Authors: Feng Kuishuang , Chang Rui-Dong , Wang Yuan , Zuo Jian , Yang Chenbo , Shan Mei , Gao Benhan , Goodsite Michael
Published: April 2023

Australian residents have the highest solar energy installation rate in the world. However, after experiencing rapid growth, the residential installation rate began to decline sharply starting in 2011. In this study, we examine installation data for small and medium-sized solar photovoltaic (PV) devices across 2,413 Australian postcode areas using regression analysis and coarsened exact matching (CEM). We reevaluate four primary factors influencing the residential solar energy installation rate: natural factors, energy policy factors, rooftop space factors, and socioeconomic factors. Our findings reveal that areas with higher proportions of elderly or low-income residents exhibit greater household solar PV installation rates. Additionally, increased feed-in tariff (FiT) subsidies further motivate these resident groups to install solar PV systems, resulting in higher installation rates within their neighborhoods. The results also suggest that if a subsidy policy with a feed-in tariff average expected return (FiT-AER) of more than 7 cents/kWh persists, elderly and low-income groups in Australia may continue to dominate home solar PV installations. This trend could potentially mitigate energy inequity during the energy transition process.
Amorphous Cis-1,4-Polybutadiene P-V-T properties from atomistic simulations
Authors: Shamsieva Aigul , Piyanzina Irina , Minisini Benoit
Published: April 2023

Context The experimental values of variation of glass transition temperature (Tg) with the pressure are relatively dispersed due to the diversity of microstructure encountered in Cis-1,4-Polybutadiene (PB) and the diversity of technics used for its measurement. Fortunately, atomistic simulations allow to get valuable information for very well controlled chemistry and structures using very well-defined protocol of acquisition. That’s why, atomistic modelling will be used to evaluate the variation of Tg with the pressure for a well-defined amorphous oligomer of cis-1,4 PB.Method Atomistic dilatometry was performed on model of amorphous cis-1,4 PB with a molecular weight of 5402 g.mol− 1. The analysis was carried out by reporting with respect to the temperature, the specific volume, the coefficient of thermal expansion, the total energy, and the constant volume heat capacity averaged over 7 independent configurations. Tait equation was used to fit the evolution of the specific volume for temperatures between 10 K and 700 K and pressure of 0, 60 and 100 MPa.Results The specific volume evolution with temperature and pressure of the melt is predicted to be within 2% of error with the experimental values extrapolated for a similar molecular weight with a very well reproduced coefficient of thermal expansion. The best predictions of Tgs are obtained using the Tait equation fit with a Tg predicted at 162 K at zero pressure and a linear dependence with pressure given a slope of 0.22 K/MPa. As recently observed for PEO and PS, the different calculated properties show hysteresis between the heating and cooling curves.
Measuring Small-scale Plasma Irregularities in the High-latitude E- and F-regions Simultaneously
Authors: Ivarsen Magnus F , St-Maurice Jean-Pierre , Hussey Glenn C , Spicher Andres , Jin Yaqi , Lozinsky Adam , Goodwin Lindsay V , Galeschuk Draven , Park Jaeheung , Clausen Lasse B N
Published: April 2023

The ionosphere, Earth’s space environment, exhibits widespread turbulent structuring, or plasma irregularities, visualized by the auroral displays seen in Earth’s polar regions. Such plasma irregularities have been studied for decades, but plasma turbulence remains an elusive phenomenon. We combine scale-dependent measurements from a ground-based radar with satellite observations to characterize small-scale irregularities simultaneously in the bottomside and topside ionosphere and perform a statistical analysis on an aggregate from both instruments over time. We demonstrate the clear mapping of information vertically along the ionospheric altitude column, for field-perpendicular wavelengths down to 1.5 km. Our results paint a picture of the northern hemisphere high-latitude ionosphere as a turbulent system that is in a constant state of growth and decay; energy is being constantly injected and dissipated as the system is continuously attempting an accelerated return to equilibrium. We connect the widespread irregularity dissipation to Pedersen conductance in the E-region, and discuss the similarities between irregularities found in the polar cap and in the auroral region in that context. Due to this intimate relationship between high-latitude irregularities and E-region ionization, we suggest that the electrodynamics of a conducting E-region should be considered when discussing plasma turbulence at high latitudes.
Engaging Adolescents and Young Adults in Decisions About Return of Genomic Research Results: a mixed-methods longitudinal clinical trial protocol
Authors: Blumling Amy , McGowan Michelle , Prows Cynthia , Childers-Buschle Kristin , Martin Lisa , Lynch John , Dufendach Kevin , Lipstein Ellen , Kovacic Melinda Butsch , Brinkman Bill , Myers Melanie
Published: April 2023

Background
To protect minors’ future autonomy, professional organizations have historically discouraged returning predictive adult-onset genetic test results and carrier status to children. Recent clinical guidance diverges from this norm, suggesting that when minors have genomic sequencing performed for clinical purposes, parents and children should have the opportunity to learn secondary findings, including for some adult-onset conditions. While parents can currently opt in or out of receiving their child’s secondary findings, the American Society of Human Genetics Workgroup on Pediatric Genetic and Genomic Testing suggests including adolescents in the decision-making process. However, it is not clear what factors young people consider when given the opportunity to learn genetic findings for themselves. We are examining adolescents’, young adults’, and parents’ (if applicable) decisions about learning genomic information for the adolescent.
Methods
We are enrolling assenting (ages 13–17) adolescents and consenting (ages 18–21) young adults in a prospective genomic screening study to assess the choices they make about receiving individual genomic results. Participants use an online tool to indicate whether they want to learn their personal genetic risk for specific preventable, treatable, and adult-onset conditions, as well as carrier status for autosomal recessive conditions. We are examining 1) how choices differ between adolescent and young adult cohorts (as well as between adolescents/young adults and parents) and 2) decisional conflict and stability across study timepoints. Results are returned based on participants’ choices. Qualitative interviews with a subset of participants explore decisional stability, adolescent/young adult engagement with parents in decision-making, and the impact of learning pathogenic/likely pathogenic and carrier results.
Discussion
This study explores decision making and decision stability between adolescents and parents (where applicable), as well as the ethical implications and impact of return of clinical-grade genetic research results to adolescents and young adults. The results of this study will contribute empirical evidence to support best practices and guidance on engaging young people in genetic research studies and clinical care that offer return of results.
Trial Registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04481061. Registered 22 July 2020.
Monitoring the misalignment of machine tools with autoencoders after they are trained with transfer learning data
Authors: Demetgul Mustafa , Zheng Qi , Tansel Ibrahim Nur , Fleischer Jürgen
Published: April 2023

CNC machines have revolutionized manufacturing by enabling high-quality and high-productivity production. However, to maintain these standards, it is essential to monitor the condition of these machines during production. Misalignment of the linear tables in CNCs can directly affect the quality of the manufactured parts, and the components of the linear tables wear out over time due to the heavy and fluctuating loads. To address these challenges, an intelligent monitoring system was developed to identify normal operation and misalignments. Since damaging a CNC machine for data collection is too expensive, transfer learning was used in two steps. First, a specially designed test linear table (SDTLT) was used to sample the current signal at normal and five levels of left-side misalignment conditions ranging from 0.05 mm to 0.25 mm Four different algorithm combinations were trained to detect misalignments. These combinations included a 1D convolution neural network (CNN) and Autoencoder combination, a Temporal Convolutional Network (TCN) and AE combination, a long short-term memory neural network (LSTM) and AE combination, and a CNN, LSTM, and AE combination. At the second step, Wasserstein Deep Convolutional Generative Adversarial Network (W-DCGAN) was used to generate data by integrating the observed characteristics of the SDTLT at different misalignment levels and collected limited data from the actual CNC machines. To evaluate the similarity and limited diversity of generated and real signals, t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (T-SNE) method was used. The hyperparameters of the model were optimized by random and grid search. The CNN, LSTM, AE combination demonstrated the best performance, which provides a practical way to detect misalignments without stopping production or cluttering the work area with sensors. The proposed intelligent monitoring system can detect misalignments of the linear tables of CNCs, thus enhancing the quality of manufactured parts and reducing production costs.
A nanoformula comprising three entities in one design Synthetic Sorafenib- loaded poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) conjugated with natural Curcumin induces a distinct intrinsic apoptosis pathway versus Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer A549 cell lines
Authors: El-Hamawi Omar , Eldin Zienab E. , Abdel-Moneim Adel , Zanaty Mohamed I. , El-Shahawy Ahmed A. G.
Published: April 2023

Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type of cancer globally. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are approved for treatment as first-line strategies, but the desire for novel development is necessary to achieve high efficiency and low side effects. Sorafenib (Sor) is approved as a multi-TKIs. The goal of this study is to evaluate a novel formula containing Sorafenib-curcumin (Cur) -loaded polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs). Characterization measurements were performed for the new formula. Sor's normal scale and the new formula's nanoscale drug release and cytotoxicity against the WI38 and A549 cell lines were also tested. Additionally, apoptosis factors such as P-53, caspases 3 and 9, cytochrome C, and BAX were measured. The results established the formation of Sor-PLGA-Cur nanoparticles with an entrapment efficiency of 81%. The new formula was less toxic to the WI-38 cell line than Sor, and it performed better in A549. Apoptosis factor measurements revealed that the new formula was more efficient on the A549 cell line than the Sor on a normal scale. In conclusion, the efficiency of Sor could be enhanced with Cur-loaded PLGA in NPs, providing a promising therapy for NSCLC with fewer side effects.
A newly revised estimation of bulk densities and examination of the shape of individual Ryugu grains
Authors: Miyazaki Akiko , Yada Toru , Yogata Kasumi , Hatakeda Kentaro , Nakato Aiko , Nishimura Masahiro , Nagashima Kana , Kumagai Kazuya , Hitomi Yuya , Soejima Hiromichi , Tahara Rui , Kanemaru Rei , Nakano Arisa , Yoshitake Miwa , Iwamae Ayako , Furuya Shizuho , Tsuchiyama Akira , Tachibana Shogo , Michikami Tatsuhiro , Okada Tatsuaki , Abe Masanao , Usui Tomohiro
Published: April 2023

The bulk density of grains from a celestial body is a fundamental property related to its composition and structure, providing a clue to understand the evolutionary history of the body. Here, we provide the bulk density of 637 grains returned from the C-type near-Earth asteroid 162173 Ryugu. This is the largest number of grains to date as a part of the curation activity, and corresponds to 38 wt.% of total returned samples (⁓5 g). Although several densities of the Ryugu grains were reported, some showed uncertainties in sample volume estimation. In this study, we applied a new volume estimation model calibrated by X-ray micro-computed tomography (XCT) to Ryugu grains to estimate their bulk density more accurately. The averaged bulk density of the Ryugu grains was 1.79±0.31 g/cm3 (error is 1 standard deviation) for a wide range of weight of 0.5‒100 mg (sub-mm ‒10 mm in size) and for a variety of their 3D shapes characterized by the three axial length ratios. We also found that the average bulk densities of the two sampling sites on Ryugu, stored separately in the Chambers A and C of the sample container, were almost the same within error. The log plots in the weight (≥1.0 mg) and size (≥1.5 mm) distributions were approximately linear, and the slopes were approximately -1.1 and -3.4, respectively. The average bulk density of 637 Ryugu grains with >0.5 mg was almost the same as that of 16 Ryugu grains with XCT, and also consistent with the densities of CI chondrites (1.57 ‒2.12 g/cm3). The axial ratios of the 724 Ryugu grains and the particles ejected during the sampling operations (flying particles) were similar, which suggests relatively small Ryugu materials (mm‒cm in size) are similar in shape. The minor difference between Rygu grains and flying particles could be attributed to subsequent events such as scraping during sampling operations and transportation.
Acute non traumatic cervical mielopathy in an adult patient: a challenging diagnosis. Case report.
Authors: Nuzzi Daniele , Alvaro Lorenzo , Zambon Giampaolo , Varotto Alessia , Bissoli Angela
Published: April 2023

Introduction Acute cervical myelopathy is a challenging diagnosis. Spinal cord infarction is generally caused by aortic pathologies. In absence of a definite diagnosis, fibrocartilagineous embolism can be a cause of spinal cord ischemia. Case presentation Authors here presented a case report of a 42 years old female patient, suffering acute myelopathy in a stenotic cervical canal by anterior osteophytes. She was admitted to our emergency department with chest pain and tetraparesis, manifesting with two acute episodes within 24 hours of each other, the second worse than the first. Traumatic, inflammatory, ischemic, infectious and compressive causes were excluded. Both neuroprotection therapies (administration of glucocorticoids, maintenance of mean arterial pressure) and surgical decompression of stenotic cervical canal were adopted. Follow-up was characterized by neurological improvement. Conclusions To our knowledge, the case here reported is the first of a suspected FCE in a stenotic CC surgically decompressed. FCE is generally an exclusive diagnosis; definite diagnosis could be only provided by spinal cord biopsy examination. Cervical canal decompression, by removing anterior osteophytes, probably contributed to SC adequate vascular perfusion through the anterior spinal artery and prevented secondary damage from medullary swelling.
Knowledge and attitude toward stroke among the population of one rural community in southern Thailand
Authors: Wanichanon Worawit , Ananchaisarp Thareerat , Buathong Napakkawat , Choomalee Kittisakdi
Published: April 2023

Background Prior knowledge of stroke is associated with decreased prehospital delay in acute stroke events. Knowledge and attitude toward stroke vary in each country. This study was conducted to evaluate attitude and knowledge of stroke in a rural community in southern Thailand.Methods A survey was conducted among people living in Koh Mak Distinct, Phatthalung Province, Thailand. Univariable analysis was tested by Chi-square, Fisher's exact, Rank sum or Kruskal-Wallis test. Linear and logistic regression were used to determine factors associated with the knowledge score and level of attitude toward stroke.Results Among 247 participants, most were Muslim and the median age was 54.0 years. The median (Q1, Q3) score of stroke risk factors was 5 (2, 7) (full score: 9). Participants who knew about stroke, had an acquaintance diagnosed with stroke, and had a high level of attitude had significantly higher scores. Two-thirds of the participants had a low-to-moderate level of attitude. Furthermore, most high-risk participants (99/113) had a low to no chance awareness of their risk to stroke. The median (Q1, Q3) score of stroke warning symptoms was 6 (3, 7) (full score: 10). The participants who had received education via the Face Arm Speech Time (FAST) campaign demonstrated a significantly higher proportion of correct answers to the symptoms mentioned in the FAST acronym.Conclusion Most participants in this community had insufficient knowledge, low-to-moderate level of attitude, and underestimated their risk to stroke even in the high cardiovascular risk participants. The FAST acronym may help people memorize the typical warning symptoms of stroke.
Resistance spot welding of dissimilar material joints with a cold gas sprayed inlayer
Authors: Hagen Christian , Klinkenberg Franz-Josef , Ossenbrink Ralf , Michailov Vesselin
Published: April 2023

In this publication, Cold-Gas-Spraying (CGS) is investigated as an enabler for mixed-material joints between aluminum die cast and steel components. By coating the aluminum substrate with a steel inlayer, welds can be performed between the steel joining partners. Thus, allowing the creation of a metallurgical bond between similar materials and a mechanical joint between dissimilar materials. During the resistance spot welding process, a reduction of defects in the porous inlayer surrounding the nugget is observable. With the use of an EBSD-analysis a recrystallization of the highly prestressed particles in the coating is noticeable which correlates with the reduction of hardness in the heat affected zone resulting in a metallurgical notch. Aluminum, with its lower melting point, will be liquefied during the welding process, resulting in a characteristic bloat. The contact between the liquid phase and the porous inlayer results in high requirements regarding the compactness of the cold-gas-sprayed inlayer.
Innovative i-PRF semisurgical method for gingival augmentation and root coverage in thin periodontal phenotypes: A preliminary study
Authors: ALAN Raif , ERCAN Esra , FIRATLI Yiğit , FIRATLI Erhan , TUNALI Mustafa
Published: April 2023

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) on gingival thickness (GT) and gingival recession (GR) in individuals with thin periodontal phenotypes using a semisurgical approach.Materials and methods In this prospective study, i-PRF was applied via a semisurgical method to augment 53 tooth regions with thin periodontal phenotypes. i-PRF injection was applied to the relevant areas in 4 sessions at an interval of 10 days. GT, GR, keratinized tissue width and periodontal parameters were also recorded before treatment and at 6 months after the last injection.Results A statistically significant difference was observed in GT and GR values at the end of the study compared to baseline. Accordingly, an increase in GT was achieved in 92.5% of the areas treated with i-PRF, and the desired GT (0.8 mm) was achieved in 44.9% of these areas. In addition, significant reductions in the amount of recession were observed in 83.3% of the 12 GR areas (p = 0.005). Moreover, complete coverage was achieved in 60% of these regions.Conclusion With the new i-PRF semisurgical method, which we introduced in this first preliminary study, we showed that GT can be increased in tooth regions with thin gingiva and that areas of GR can be covered. Further comprehensive studies are needed to fully understand the role of i-PRF in enhancing angiogenesis and the histoconductive properties of this fully autogenous blood concentrate.Clinical relevance Classical periodontal plastic surgery applications cannot give predictable results in areas with thin periodontal phenotypes, especially in the case of bone dehiscence and fenestration. In some cases, undesirable progressive GR in these tooth regions also draws attention. With this new i-PRF semisurgical method, successful and predictable treatments can be applied in tooth areas with thin gingiva by increasing angiogenesis and taking advantage of the histoconductive properties of i-PRF.
A spine segmentation method based on scene aware fusion network
Authors: Yilihamu Elzat Elham Yilizati , Yang Jintao , Yang Zimeng , Rong Feihao , Feng Shiqing
Published: April 2023

Background Intervertebral disc herniation, degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis, and other lumbar spine diseases can occur across most age groups. MRI examination is the most commonly used detection method for lumbar spine lesions with its good soft tissue image resolution. However, the diagnosis accuracy is highly dependent on the experience of the diagnostician, leading to subjective errors caused by diagnosticians or differences in diagnostic criteria for multi-center studies in different hospitals, and inefficient diagnosis. These factors necessitate the standardized interpretation and automated classification of lumbar spine MRI to achieve objective consistency. In this research, a deep learning network based on SAFNet is proposed to solve the above challenges.Methods In this research, low-level features, mid-level features, and high-level features of spine MRI are extracted. ASPP is used to process the high-level features. The multi-scale feature fusion method is used to increase the scene perception ability of the low-level features and mid-level features. The high-level features are further processed using global adaptive pooling and Sigmoid function to obtain new high-level features. The processed high-level features are then point-multiplied with the mid-level features and low-level features to obtain new high-level features. The new high-level features, low-level features, and mid-level features are all sampled to the same size and concatenated in the channel dimension to output the final result.Results The DSC of SAFNet for segmenting 17 vertebral structures among 5 folds are 79.46%±4.63%, 78.82 ± 7.97%, 81.32%±3.45%, 80.56%±5.47%, and 80.83%±3.48%, with an average DSC of 80.32%±5.00%. The average DSC was 80.32%±5.00%. Compared to existing methods, our SAFNet provides better segmentation results and has important implications for the diagnosis of spinal and lumbar diseases.Conclusions This research proposes SAFNet, a highly accurate and robust spine segmentation deep learning network capable of providing effective anatomical segmentation for diagnostic purposes. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method and its potential for improving radiological diagnosis accuracy.
Measuring single-cell susceptibility to antibiotics within monoclonal bacterial populations
Authors: Quellec Lena Le , Aristov Andrey , Ramos Salomé Gutiérrez , Amselem Gabriel , Bos Julia , Baharoglu Zeynep , Mazel Didier , Baroud Charles
Published: April 2023

The emergence of new resistant bacterial strains is a worldwide challenge. A resistant bacterial population can emerge from a single cell that acquires resistance or persistence. Hence, new ways of tackling the mechanism of antibiotic response, such as single cell studies are required. It is necessary to see what happens at the single cell level, in order to understand what happens at the population level. To date, neither bulk nor single-cell methods are able to link the heterogeneity of single-cell susceptibility to the population-scale response to antibiotics. Here, we present a platform that measures the ability of individual E.coli cells to form small colonies at different ciprofloxacin concentrations, by using anchored microfluidic drops and an image and data analysis pipelines. The microfluidic results are benchmarked against classical microbiology measurements of antibiotic susceptibility, showing an agreement between the pooled microfluidicchip and replated bulk measurements. Further, the experimental likelihood of a single cell to form a colony is used to provide a probabilistic antibiotic susceptibility curve. In addition to the probabilistic viewpoint, the microfluidic format enables the characterization of morphological features over time for a large number of individual cells. This pipeline can be used to compare the response of different bacterial strains to antibiotics with different action mechanisms.
A novel polysaccharide/zein conjugate as an alternative green plastic
Authors: Tallawi Marwa , Amrein Danial , Gemmecker Gerd , Aifantis Katerina , Drechsler Klaus
Published: April 2023

Significant attention has been directed toward the development of sustainable alternatives to traditional petroleum-based plastics in recent years. In this study, we investigated the conjugation of zein protein to flax-mucilage for the purpose of developing a bio-based functional material for packaging applications. Although both flax-mucilage and zein have excellent film-forming properties, they lack the required mechanical properties for industrial processing and are sensitive to high humidity. We present a simple and non-toxic method for developing a novel flax-mucilage/zein conjugate via oxidation of the flax-mucilage, forming aldehyde groups, followed by a glycation process with zein's amino groups. The resulting polymer exhibited promising thermoplastic and elastic properties, with an elastic modulus ranging from 1 to 3 GPa, demonstrating its potential as a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics. Additionally, the developed conjugate has demonstrated excellent processability with various industrial processing techniques, including solvent casting, heat pressing, injection molding, and foaming. This makes it a promising candidate for a wide range of industrial applications.
Placobdella nabeulensis sp. nov. (Hirudinea: Glossiphoniidae), a new glossiphoniiform leech from Palearctic North Africa
Authors: Ahmed Raja Ben , Gajda Łukasz , utevsky Serge , kvist sebastian , Świątek Piotr
Published: April 2023

Herein, we describe a new species of turtle blood-feeding leech, Placobdella nabeulensis sp. nov. from Palearctic North Africa (Tunisia and Algeria). The new species is described based on detailed morphological analyses using light and scanning electron microscopes. Apart from the detailed morphology of the atrium, morphological features alone do not sufficiently separate the species from congeners due to the absence of distinct diagnostic characters. Therefore, we turned to molecular data to better distinguish this new species from other members of the genus and establish a basis for its genetic separation. Four DNA fragments were successfully amplified, including mitochondrial COI and 12s rDNA, as well as nuclear 28S rDNA and histone H3. We then provided the molecular descriptor of the taxon, based on redundant diagnostic nucleotide combinations in DNA sequence alignment within the Folmer region. Results of the phylogenetic analysis and species delimitation methods (ABGD, ASAP, and bPTP) based on the COI locus support the species rank of the Tunisian-Algerian Placobdella. The new species is most closely related to the European species Placobdella costata (Fr. Müller, 1846) and the present study indicates that Placobdella nabeulensis sp. nov. has likely been confused with the European counterpart in several previous studies.
ERV3-1/ZNF117: rs67047829 association with substantial protection against obesity
Authors: Clark Jeremy S.C. , Podsiadło Konrad , Sobalska-Kwapis Marta , Marciniak Błażej , Rydzewska Kamila , Ciechanowicz Andrzej , de Wetering Thierry van , Strapagiel Dominik
Published: April 2023

There is now substantial evidence that zinc finger proteins are implicated in adiposity. High-frequency pretermination codons (PTCs) confer near-neutral selection. Aims were to datamine for high-frequency-PTC single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; n = 141; one linked with ERV3-1/ZNF117) from a database with > 550 000 variants and analyze possible association with obesity in a large Polish sample (n = 5757). Body mass index (BMI) was regressed (males/females together or separately) against genetic models. Stringent regression for rs67047829 uncovered an interaction-independent significant association between this high-frequency PTC-SNP and BMI with both sexes together: mean BMI ± standard deviation (n): GG, 25.4 ± 4.59 (3650), GA, 25.0 ± 4.28 (731); AA, 23.4 ± 3.60 (44); additive model adjusted for age and sex: p = 4.08x10− 5; beta: -0.0458, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.0732:-0.0183; surviving Bonferroni correction; and with males: GG, 24.8 ± 4.94 (1878); GA, 24.2 ± 4.31 (386); AA, 22.4 ± 3.69 (23); p = 4.20x10− 4; beta: -0.0573, CI: -0.0947:-0.0199. For average-height males the difference between GG and AA genotypes would correspond to ~ 6 kg, suggesting considerable protection against obesity. rs67047829 is a PTC-SNP in ERV3-1 which lies upstream of, and shares an exonic region and possibly a promoter with, ZNF117, previously associated with adiposity and type 2 diabetes. As this result occurs in a near-neutral Mendelian setting, a drug target involving ERV3-1/ZNF117 potentially might provide considerable benefits with minimal side-effects. This result needs to be replicated, followed by analysis of splice-variant mRNA and protein expression.
Bioinformatics analysis of the clinical value and potential mechanisms of NCKAP1 in prostate cancer
Authors: Huang Yifan
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND"Actin cytoskeleton vulnerability to disulfide stress mediates disulfidptosis" published in the journal "nature cell biology" on Feb. 6, 2023, reveals a new mechanism of disulfidptosis, which may lead to new therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment. Disulfidptosis" reveals a new mechanism of cell death, disulfidptosis, which may lead to new therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment, and NCKAP1 deficiency inhibits this mechanism.METHODSBased on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data, we screened NCKAP1-related genes by WGCNA and explored the clinical value and potential mechanisms of NCKAP1 in PRAD by multi-omics analysis. The proportion of tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIC) and the number of immune and stromal components were calculated in 481 PRAD cases from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database using CIBERSORT and ESTIMATE calculations.RESULTSNCKAP1 expression levels in cancer tissues are much lower than normal tissue levels and may be an independent prognostic factor. Intrinsic components of the plasma membrane, cell adhesion, and bioadhesion were most frequently noted in genomic enrichment analysis. NCKAP1 expression in PRAD was positively correlated with immune infiltration.CONCLUSIONNCKAP1 is a good diagnostic marker for PRAD.NCKAP1 may affect disulfidptosis and inhibit the development of PRAD through the intrinsic component pathway of the plasma membrane.CIBERSORT analysis showed that B cells naive, T cells CD4 memory resting and Macrophages M1 were positively correlated with NCKAP1 expression levels, which may provide potential clues for the prognosis and treatment of PRAD patients.
Ecological and behavioral correlates of homing performance in the egg-feeding poison frog Oophaga histrionica
Authors: GÓMEZ-CONSUEGRA JULIANA , AMÉZQUITA ADOLFO
Published: April 2023

Homing is the ability to return to previously visited sites, often to the home range. Most studies have focused on the mechanisms used to home, but few have addressed the cost-benefit analysis of homing behavior, e.g., by testing for associations between homing performance and ecological factors. We aimed to study homing ability in males of the poison frog Oophaga histrionica, by testing the general hypothesis that homing performance depends upon potential indicators of territory quality or the risk of losing it. First, we tested whether return time was related to displacement distance, body size, number of courtships during the previous month, or distance to nearest neighbors. All males homed and males that were displaced 10 meters (m) from their territories returned significantly faster than males displaced 25 or 40 m. Yet none of the ecological variables affected homing ability. In a second experiment, we tested whether males’ homing performance was affected by adding or removing acoustic cues, simulating changes in the number, identity, and spatial distribution of neighbors. Most displaced males homed within six hours, and males exposed to additional loudspeakers (i.e., neighbors) within their territories homed more accurately than other males. Our results indicate that the homing performance of males is affected by the perceived risk of being displaced from their territories.
High-throughput SARS-CoV-2 antiviral testing method using the Celigo Image Cytometer
Authors: Clair Laura A. St , Chan Leo Li-Ying , Boretsky Adam , Lin Bo , Spedding Michael , Perera Rushika
Published: April 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a worldwide public health crisis that has since resulted in 6.8 million reported deaths. The pandemic prompted the immediate response of researchers around the world to engage in rapid vaccine development, surveillance programs, and antiviral testing, which resulted in the delivery of multiple vaccines and repurposed antiviral drug candidates. However, the emergence of new highly transmissible SARS-CoV-2 variants has renewed the desire for discovering new antiviral drug candidates with high efficacy against the emerging variants of concern. Traditional antiviral testing methods employ the plaque-reduction neutralization tests (PRNTs), plaque assays, or RT-PCR analysis, but each assay can be tedious and time-consuming, requiring days to visualize and count plaques, or to prepare cell extractions for PCR analysis. In recent years, plate-based image cytometers have demonstrated high-throughput vaccine screening methods, which can be adopted for screening potential antiviral drug candidates. In this work, we developed a high-throughput antiviral testing method employing the Celigo Image Cytometer to investigate the efficacy of antiviral drug candidates on SARS-CoV-2 infectivity using a fluorescent reporter virus and their safety by measuring the cytotoxicity effects on the healthy host cell line using fluorescent viability stains. The Celigo Image Cytometer can provide an efficient and robust method to rapidly identify potential antiviral drugs to effectively combat the rapidly spreading SARS-CoV-2 virus and its variants during the pandemic.
Theoretical investigation of adsorption charactieristics of typical additives for zinc electroplating
Authors: Ri Song-Kyun , Kang Jin-Hyok , Pak Myong-Chol , Ri Mun-Hyok , Ri Chung-Nam , Choe Mun-Il Choe , Ju Kyong-Sik
Published: April 2023

Quantum chemical parameters~(QCPs) of four additives were calculated by using DFT, and MD simulations were performed.
By comparing binding energies of four additives (benzalacetone~(BA), sodium benzoate~(SB), polyoxyethylene nonylphenylether~(NP) and dispersant NNO), with Zn~(001) surface, BA has the smallest binding energy, which is due to the smallest hardness parameter, and NNO has the largest binding energy, which is due to the largest dipole moment despite its small hardness parameter.
In order to enhance the adsorption of BA onto Zn~(001) surface, NP was selected to be combined with BA, because BA has the lowest energy level of LUMO, which is more capable of accepting electrons from Zn~(001) surface than others, and NP has the highest energy level of HOMO, which is more capable of donating electrons to Zn~(001) surface than others.
By calculating the binding energies of the complex of BA and NP, it has larger binding energy than individual BA, SB, and NP, but smaller than NNO.