bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-protein glycation and free-radical scavenging properties of Sri Lankan antidiabetic medicinal plant Salacia reticulata l. (Kothala Himbutu)
Authors: Premakumara Galbada Arachchige Sirimal , Abeysekera Walimuni Kanchana Subhashini Mendis
Published: May 2023

Background: Decoctions of root and stem of the medicinal plant Salacia reticulata is an indigenous remedy for diabetics and its complications in Sri Lanka. In diabetics, the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) leads to many pathologies. Nevertheless, the anti-protein-glycation property of this plant is poorly documented. This study reports the anti-protein-glycation and radical scavenging potential of various plant parts of S. reticulata.
Methods: Hot water extracts (2g dried powder/50 ml) of root, stem, leaf, twigs, and fruits at various concentrations (15.6 to 500.0 µg/ml) were subjected to anti-glycation and glycation reversing assays in vitro. 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay was used for free radical scavenging property.
Results: Various plant parts of S. reticulata showed anti-protein-glycation and free-radical scavenging activities. IC50 for the anti-glycation activity of root, stem, leaf, twigs, and fruits extracts were 11.92 ± 1.14, 35.18 ± 2.79, 113.3 ± 1.91, 149.59 ± 1.06, and 1120.37 ± 229.48 µg/ml respectively. IC50 of Rutin was 21.88 ± 2.82 µg/ml. EC50 of the root, stem, twigs, and leaf extracts for glycation reversing was 102.09 ± 6.23, 116.99 ± 5.82, 154.45 ± 5.79, and 278.78 ± 14.19 µg/ml respectively. The EC50 values for the radical scavenging activity of leaf, stem, and roots were 26.4±4.7, 9.0±1.2, and 9.1±1.3 respectively. Root had significantly (p<0.05) high activity for all the parameters tested.
Conclusion: Salacia reticulata possess anti-glycation, glycation-reversing and free radical scavenging activities. Other than root and stem, the leaves and twigs too may be a useful source for anti-diabetic bioactive molecules.
Exome and Genome Sequencing to Unravel the Precise Breakpoints of Partial Trisomy 6q and Partial Monosomy 2q
Authors: Zhang Shuang , Cui Qianwei , Yang Shangying , Zhang Fangxia , Li Chunxia , Wang Xiaoguang , Lei Bo , Sheng Xunlun
Published: May 2023

Background
Uncovering the precise breakpoints of subchromosomal deletions and duplications could help to clarify the spectrum of the unbalanced translocation and detect the cause of congenital malformations and mental retardation in Children. However, it is challenging to capture the large segment of genomic variants using exome sequencing techniques. Here, we combine exome and genome sequencing techniques to secure the accurate breakpoints of a proband with both heterozygous microduplications in the 6q 25.3-q27region and microdeletions in the 2q37.1-q37.3 region.
Case presentation
Here, the Whole Exon Sequencing (WES) got clues about the pathological CNVs at chromosomes 2q and 6q but failed to detect the precisely related location. Then we applied the genome sequencing, as copy number variations sequencing (CNV-seq), to compensate for determining the accurate breakpoint sites. These sites could also be ensured by Oxford Nanopore sequencing (ONT) and Optical genome mapping (OGM). The proband showed de novo heterozygous copy number deletion with del(2)(q37.1q37.3)chr2:g.232963568_24305260del and copy number duplication with dup(6)(q25.3q27)chr6:g.158730978_170930050dup which derived from parental balanced translocation t(2;6)(q37.1-37.3;q25.3-27). Different from previous reports about the translocation of 2q and 6q, we get the accurate breakpoint, and the proband showed severe congenital cranial dysinnervation disorders(CCDD), and abnormal thorax development.
Conclusions
We conclude that it is highly efficient to combine exome and genome sequencing techniques to secure precise breakpoints of subchromosomal deletions and duplications derived from balanced translocation. And the genome sequencing techniques could be CNV-seq, ONT, or OGM.
Binomial-discrete Erlang-truncated exponential mixture and its application in Cancer Disease
Authors: El-Alosey Alaa R. , Eledum Hussein
Published: May 2023

The probability mass function of Binomial-discrete Erlang-truncated exponential distribution, a mixture of binomial distributions with the number of trials (parameter n) taken after a discrete Erlang-truncated exponential distribution, is demonstrated in this paper by utilizing the probability generating function method. A comprehensive mathematical treatment of the proposed distribution and expressions of its density, cumulative distribution function, survival function, failure rate function, Quantile function, moment generating function, Shannon entropy, order statistics, and stress-strength reliability, are provided. The model's parameters are estimated using the maximum likelihood method. Two real-world lifetime count data sets from the cancer disease, both of which are right-skewed and over-dispersed, are fitted using the proposed BDETE distribution to evaluate its efficacy and viability. We expect the findings to become standard works in probability theory and its related fields.
Combined application of manure and phosphorus fertilizer improved aggregate stability and phosphorus availability by improving soil organic carbon stock in coastal saline-alkaline soil
Authors: Gao Chunwei , Liu Jiangong , Zhang Shirong , Chen Mengmeng , Zhang Xiaoguang , Ding Xiaodong
Published: May 2023

Purpose
The high salt content in soil decreases soil structure and fertility. We inquired the effects of manure combined phosphorus (P) fertilizer on the soil organic carbon (SOC) stock, soil aggregate stability and P availability in coastal saline-alkali soil.
Methods
A 2-year field experiment was arranged with manure and P fertilization in saline-alkaline soil of Yellow River Delta including: four manure treatments (C0, C1, C2 and C3, which was 0, 500, 1000 and 2000 kg C ha− 1, respectively) under two P fertilization levels (P1 and P2, which was 105 and 75 kg P ha− 1, respectively).
Results
Compared with C0 treatment, soil available P (AP) and microbial P in C2 treatment was significantly increased under the two P levels (p < 0.05). Under same C treatment, optimized P application did not significantly reduce soil AP pool. Under the two P levels, compared with C0 treatment, the mean weight diameter and > 0.25 mm aggregates proportion were significantly increased in C2 treatment (p < 0.05). As the binder for macroaggregates formation, SOC stock was increased by 5.98% and 5.11% in P1C2 and P2C2 treatments, respectively. And humus content increased with manure application. The fulvic acid (FA) content in C3 treatment was highest. However, the humin (HU) content in C2 treatment was highest. This might be because the increase of FA improved the activity of microorganisms and decomposed part of HU. Soil physicochemical properties were increased with manure application.
Conclusions
Appropriate manure and optimized P fertilizer was conducive P availability, increased aggregate stability and SOC stock.
High-performance green moisture-electric generator based on supramolecular hydrogel with tens of milliamp electricity toward practical applications
Authors: Tao Xiaoming , Yang Su , Zhang Lei , Mao Jianfeng , Guo Jianmiao , Hao Jianhua , Chai Yang , Chen Wei
Published: May 2023

Scavenging sustainable energy from moisture has emerged as a promising green technology to achieve carbon neutrality in next-generation energy suppliers. Besides, ecofriendly materials used for moisture-electric generators (MEGs) can add significant contributions to alleviate carbon emission. Until now, it is still a grand challenge for MEGs as a direct power supply for practical applications due to low power density and intermittent electric output. Herewith, we design a green MEG with high direct-current (DC) power output by introducing polyvinyl alcohol-sodium alginate based supramolecular hydrogel as active material. A single unit can generate an enhanced power density of up to 0.11 mW cm− 2, a milliamp-scale short-circuit current density of ca. 1.31 mA cm− 2 and an open-circuit voltage of ca. 1.30 V under moisture stimuli and room temperature. Such outstanding electric generation is mainly attributed to enhanced moisture absorption and remained water gradient to initiate ample dissociable ions transport within supramolecular hydrogel network by theoretical calculation and experiments. Of practical importance, a record-breaking enlarged current of ca. 65 mA is achieved by an integrated MEG bank with parallel connection. The high-power-output and scalable MEGs offer sufficient energy to directly power many commercial electronics in real-life scenarios, such as charging smart watch, illuminating a household bulb, driving a digital clock for one month. This work broadens the application paradigm of MEGs and provides new insight for constructing green, high-performance and scalable MEGs as sustainable energy source for Internet-of-Things and wearable applications.
Analysis of the changing dietary structure of Chinese residents and its medical expenditure effect
Authors: Zhu Xiaohua , Zhu Yuanyuan , Luo Yuan , Tu Zhenfa
Published: May 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Oral Health Knowledge, Attitude and Behavior among Dental & Medical Students at Kabul University of Medical Sciences
Authors: Ehsan Hedayatullah , Ahmadzai Nazera , Orfani Zarlasht , Rezayee Bibi Marwa , Wally Moqadasa , Daftani Sardara
Published: May 2023

Objective: The study's goal was to find out how much dentistry and medical students at Kabul University of Medical Sciences knew about oral health, as well as their attitudes and behaviors toward dental health and oral hygiene routines.
Materials and Methods: From September 2022 to December 2022, cross-sectional research was conducted at Kabul University of Medical Sciences. A total of 496 dentistry and medical students (312 females and 184 males) aged 18–25 years old from 5 colleges of health and medical-related disciplines were addressed. All participants were given a thorough questionnaire with 30 amended items modified from Peterson et al. and Stenberg et al.
Results: 44.5% of the participants brushed their teeth twice per day, 41.3% once per day, and 9.31% more than twice per day, while just 4.7% cleaned their teeth less than once per day. Surprisingly, the majority of participants (91%) were aware of the significance of routine dental visits, and 51.3% of participants reported visiting the dentist frequently even while they experienced pain. 94% of students were of the opinion that brushing their teeth prevents dental decay. 93% of them agreed that using fluoride strengthens teeth, and 96% said that sweets are bad for teeth.
Conclusions: Oral health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors are associated with the individual subject’s educational level. Females are more concerned about their oral health than males. And for better oral hygiene, there is a need for educational programs for the public.
Polarization dependent light propagation in WTe2 multilayer structure
Authors: Abdol S. Oskoui , Shojaei S. , Abdollahipour B.
Published: May 2023

WTe 2 is one of the exciting and outstanding semimetallic members of TMDCs which has attracted immense attention for manipulating light propagation due to its inherent optical anisotropy and hyperbolic characteristic in the infrared frequency range. We investigate dependence of the reflectance and transmit-tance of a single layer and double layers of WTe2 thin film in terms of frequency and polarization angle of the incident wave. We find rich behaviors in the optical response of these structures due to their anisotropic permittivity tensors. Furthermore, we analyze the polarization rotation of transmitted and reflected waves through these structures. We demonstrate that these structures provide the ability to achieve desired polarization rotation for outgoing waves by tuning the frequency and polarization angle of the incident wave with respect to the principal axes of WTe2 thin film. In particular, we elucidate essential relevance of the optical response and polarization rotation of the double layer structure to the in-plain rotation angle of WTe2 thin films. We explain that this structure permits a comprehensive control of the polarization rotation of the outgoing waves by adjusting the angle between layers. The proposed structure can be employed as an efficient light manipulator with the aim of application in communication, imaging, and information processing.
Analysis of the Application Effect of an Emergency Caesarean Section Rapid Response Team with PDCA Cycle Management
Authors: Li Yi , Yang Dong , Yang Chunfen , Yang Shuangjian , Lan Hui
Published: May 2023

Objective To explore the clinical effect of constructing Rapid Response Team(RRT) with Plan-do-check-action (PDCA) Cycle Management in emergency caesarean section.Methods The patients who underwent routine emergency caesarean section were retrospectively analysed and divided into experimental group (51 patients with RRT) and control group (52 patients without RRT). Operation time related indexes, DDI passing rate, neonatal Apgar score and maternal complications were compared between the two groups.Results The DDI, DII, DOI and O-I of the experimental group were shorter than control group (P < 0.05). The experimental group’s DDI pass rate was higher than control group (P < 0.01). The 1-minute Apgar score of the experimental group was higher than control group (P < 0.05).Conclusion In the face of emergency situations, the RRT through PDCA cycle model may be more conducive to maternal and infant safety than conventional models.
Combining ability and Gene action studies for yield and fibre characters in Gossypium arboreum using Griffings numerical and Haymans graphical approach
Authors: Bhimireddy Sukrutha , S Rajeswari , N Premalatha , N Manikanda Boopathi , K Thirukumaran , A Manivannan
Published: May 2023

Background: For the purpose of utilising hybrid vigour to produce possible hybrids with a suitable level of stability, knowledge of gene activity and combining ability is a crucial prerequisite before choosing desirable parents.
Results: The present study was carried out with six parents and were crossed in full diallel fashion and generated 30 F1 hybrids. These hybrids were evaluated in two replications in Randomised Block Design at Department of Cotton, TNAU for combining ability and gene action. Diallel analysis was carried out according to Griffing’s method-I (parents+ F1+reciprocals) and model-I and Hayman’s graphical approach by using INDOSTAT software. Analysis of variance for combining ability indicated that mean square values of GCA, SCA and reciprocals were highly significant for all the traits except for uniformity index. RG763 and K12 showed highly positively significant GCA effects for most of the yield characters whereas PA838 and K12 for fibre quality traits and thus found as best general combiners. PAIG379×K12 and PDB29×K12 for yield traits and PDB29×PA838, RG763×PA838 and CNA1007× RG763 cross combinations for fibre quality traits can be recommended for future breeding programmes.
Conclusion: The results of both Griffing’s and Hayman’s approach showed that non-additive gene action predominates as SCA variance was bigger than variance, so heterosis breeding is thought to be the more fruitful option for enhancing many traits GCA.
Precise detection of IgG molecules using AuNP anchored, PEDOT-MoS 2 based electrochemical sensor
Authors: Medhi Ankush , MOHANTA Dambarudhar
Published: May 2023

We report on gold nanoparticle (AuNP) anchored PEDOT-MoS2 based immunosensor probes for rapid electrochemical detection of the specific antigen. After structural and morphological characterization, the AuNP/PEDOT-MoS2 composite electrodes were subjected to Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and impedance spectroscopy (EIS) studies. The electroactivity and interfacial charge transfer kinetics of the electrodes were exploited in 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution (PBS) containing 5 mM K3[Fe(CN)6] as redox probe. Further, the immunosensor was developed considering cross linking of glutaraldehyde over AuNP/PEDOT-MoS2 electrode. Monitored by electrochemical means, an observable rise in current trend upon detection of specific antigen was believed to be due to suitable interfacial changes of the bioelectrode under study. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) technique provided the sensing parameters with the help of the calibration equation. It is observed that the antibody-antigen interaction taking place in our system follows Langmuir adsorption isotherm with the adsorption coefficient value, 27.5 L/g. The limit of detection (LOD) and sensitivity of the as prepared immuno-responsive biosensor was estimated to be 81.46 pM and 1.8456 (µA/(ng/mL) cm2) respectively under a wide linear range of 7.7-263 ng/mL.
Care-seeking behavior, perceived professional healthcare support, social structural and perinatal mental health: a cross-sectional study from the perspective of Chinese mother
Authors: An Shanshan , Sun Sheng
Published: May 2023

Background Perinatal mental health (PMH) represents a public health concern due to their impact on the health of mothers and their infants. However, only a small proportion of Chinese mother seek help, and even when perinatal health services are available, mother 's PMH has not improved due to many factors. This study to determine the factors affecting the relationship between care-seeking behavior and PMH, to discover Chinese mother’s attitudes of care-seeking behavior. Understanding mother’s care-seeking behaviors is critical to devising strategies that increase treatment rates for perinatal mental health.Methods In this cross-sectional survey, face-to-face interviews were conducted among 1705 mother from early, middle, and late stages of pregnancy in hospitals with an annual delivery volume of at least 5000 in Wuxi during October 2021 to November 2022. Mother’s social demographic information and their different seeking healthcare were collected, also investigated the relationship between care-seeking behavior and PMH, as well as the multiple mediating effects of perceived professional healthcare support (PPHS) and perceived societal stigma or trust. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS 24.0 and AMOS 24.0, and the mediating effect was evaluated by bootstrapping with 95% confidence intervals (CI).Results Among 1705 mothers, 636 (37.3%) sought help from professional, and care-seeking behavior during early pregnancy is easier compared to later stages of pregnancy.However, even mother seeking help from professional, did not positively affect their PMH compared to mother who did not seek help, while reporting the PPHS, social stigma and trust with medical play multiple mediating roles in the relationship between care-seeking behavior and PMH. The perception of PPHS based on the trust or stigma of the medical system may reflect inadequacy surrounding that maternity care services and health education in China, further exploration in future research.Conclusion This study highlights the several barriers and facilitators at individual, institutional, doctor-patient relationship, and public policy levels that can affect relationship between mother’s care-seeking behavior and PMH. To effectively address this influence, it is imperative to recognise the need to develop interventions across socio-ecological levels is key.
Unraveling the Phase Diagram-Ion Transport Relationship in Aqueous Electrolyte Solutions and Correlating Conductivity with Concentration and Temperature by Semi-Empirical Modeling
Authors: Abu-Lebdeh Yaser , Al-Salih Hilal , Baranova Elena A.
Published: May 2023

The relationship between structure and ion transport in liquid electrolyte solutions is not well understood over the whole concentration and temperature ranges. In this work, we have studied the ionic conductivity (κ) as a function of molar ratio (x) and Temperature (T) for aqueous solutions of salts with nitrate anion and different cations (proton, lithium, calcium, and ammonium) along with their liquid-solid phase diagrams. The connection between the known structural changes in the phase diagrams and the ionic conductivity isotherms is established with an insight on the conductivity mechanism. Also, known isothermal (κ vs. x) and iso-compositional (κ vs. T) equations along with a newly proposed two variables semi-empirical model (κ = f (x, T)) were fitted to the collected data to validate their accuracy. The role of activation energy in controlling ionic conductivity is discussed. This work brings us closer to the development of a phenomenological model to describe the structure and transport in liquid electrolyte solutions.
Identification of potential biological processes and key genes in diabetes-related stroke through Weighted gene co-expression network analysis
Authors: He Yong , Bai Yang , Huang Qin , Feng Jie
Published: May 2023

Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an established risk factor for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Although there are reports on the correlation of diabetes and stroke, data on its pathogenesis is limited. This study aimed to explore the underlying biological mechanisms and promising intervention targets of diabetes-related stroke.Methods Diabetes-related datasets (GSE38642 and GSE44035) and stroke-related datasets (GSE16561 and GSE22255) were obtained from the Gene Expression omnibus (GEO) database. The key modules for stroke and diabetes were identified by weight gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes Genomes (KEGG) analyses were employed in the key module. Genes in stroke- and diabetes-related key modules were intersected to obtain common genes for DM-related stroke. In order to discover the key genes in DM-related stroke, the Cytoscape and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were constructed. The key genes were functionally annotated in the Reactome database.Results By intersecting the diabetes- and stroke-related crucial modules, 24 common genes for DM-related stroke were identified. Metascape showed that neutrophil extracellular trap formation was primarily enriched. The hub gene was granulin precursor (GRN), which had the highest connectivity among the common genes. In addition, functional enrichment analysis indicated that GRN was involved in neutrophil degranulation, thus regulating neutrophil extracellular trap formation.Conclusions This study firstly revealed that neutrophil extracellular trap formation may represent the common biological processes of diabetes and stroke, and GRN may be potential intervention targets for DM-related stroke.
Association between systemic inflammatory response index and left ventricular remodeling and systolic dysfunction in atrial fibrillation patients
Authors: Chi Runze , Shan Xiaoli , Guan Chunping , Yang Hao , Wang Xiangkun , Li Bingong , Zhang Qing
Published: May 2023

Background:
Cardiac remodeling and dysfunction can be caused by atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this research is to investigate the relationship between the systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) and left ventricular (LV) remodeling and systolic function in individuals with AF.
Methods:
416 patients with AF who were admitted to the Second Department of Cardiology in the East Ward of the Qingdao Municipal Hospital between January 2020 and May 2022 were included in the present retrospective research. The relationship between SIRI and various cardiac parameters was analyzed. The patients' left atrial (LA) enlargement and left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and systolic dysfunction were evaluated.
Results:
SIRI significantly correlated with LV end-diastolic diameter (LVDd), LV posterior wall thickness at end-diastole (LVPWTd), interventricular septal thickness at end-diastole (IVSTd), LV mass index (LVMI), LV ejection fraction (LVEF), LA diameter (LAD), C-reactive protein (CRP), and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in patients with AF. In multivariate linear regression analyses, SIRI was discovered to be significantly related to LVMI (LN transferred) (p=0.025), LVEF (LN transferred) (p=0.005), and LAD (LN transferred) (p=0.007). In multivariate logistic regression, the highest quartile of SIRI (SIRI > 1.62 mg/L) was significantly associated with LV hypertrophy (p=0.026), impaired LV systolic function (p=0.002), and LA enlargement (p=0.025).
Conclusions:
SIRI was significantly associated with LV remodeling and systolic function impairment in patients with AF. SIRI may serve as a reliable and convenient inflammatory biomarker for detecting impaired cardiac structure and systolic function in patients with AF.
Three new species of genus Amanita Pers. (Amanitaceae) from India
Authors: Ghosh Aniket , Kumar Anil , Mehmood Tahir , Verma Komal , Chakraborty Dyutiparna , Hembrom Manoj Emanuel , Sharma Yash Pal
Published: May 2023

Based on morphological evidence and DNA sequencing, we propose three new species of the genus Amanita, namely Amanita aurantialba, A. indovaginata and A. pseudohemibapha from India. Amanita aurantialba, a member of sect. Phalloideae, A. indovaginata a representative of sect. Vaginatae and A. pseudohemibaphabelong to sect. Caesareae. Amanita aurantialba was collected from the temperate forests dominated by Quercus species, whereas A. pseudohemibapha and A. indovaginata are associated with tropical forests dominated by Shorea robusta. Photographs, line drawings and detailed morphological descriptions for these species are provided with comparisons against closely-related taxa.
Anti-Leishmania spp. antibody detection in domestic cats from a visceral leishmaniasis transmission area
Authors: Hartmann Gabriela , Roman Isac Junior , Lorenzetti Douglas Miotto , Herbichi Alana Pivoto , Mazaro Renata Dalcol , Santos Matheus Yuri dos , Tonin Alexandre Alberto , Vogel Fernanda Silveira Flôres , Fighera Rafael Almeida
Published: May 2023

Feline leishmanial infection is reported worldwide, but the epidemiological role of domestic cats in the leishmaniasis cycle remains unclear, and cats might act as cryptic reservoir hosts in endemic areas with no feline leishmaniosis cases. Considering that, a serological screening for anti-Leishmania spp. antibodies was performed by indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) in 389 necropsied cats’ serum samples from a new visceral leishmaniasis transmission area with no feline leishmanial infection reported to unveil if the cats are being exposed to the parasite. The overall seroprevalence for Leishmania spp. was 11,05% (43/389). Statistical significance was not found between sex, neutering status, age group, breed, coat length, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection, and Leishmania spp. antibody detection. A positive association was found with coat color (cats within the orange spectrum with white [particolor]) with p = 0.044 and OR = 2.47 (1–6.13) and a negative association, with p = 0.01 and OR = 0.38 (0.18–0.79), between feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection and IFAT positivity for Leishmania spp. Henceforth, parasite DNA detection by molecular studies is required to determine if it's exposition or infection.
Partial stability criteria for time-varying nonlinear systems
Authors: Hamzaoui Abdelfettah , Taieb Nizar Hadj , Hammami Mohamed Ali
Published: May 2023

In this paper we investigate the practical partial asymptotic and exponential stabilityof time-varying nonlinear systems. We derive some sufficient conditions that guaranteepractical partial stability of a large class of perturbed systems using Lyapunov’s theorywhere a converse theorem is presented. Therefore, we generalized some works which arealready made in the literature. Furthermore, some examples are presented.
2000 Mathematics Subject Classification: 34D20, 37B25, 37B55.
Defining critical illness using immunological endotypes in patients with and without of sepsis: A cohort study
Authors: Balch Jeremy A. , Chen Uan-I , Liesenfeld Oliver , Starostik Petr , Loftus Tyler J. , Efron Philip A. , Brakenridge Scott C. , Sweeney Timothy E. , Moldawer Lyle L.
Published: May 2023

Background: Sepsis is a heterogenous syndrome with limited therapeutic options. Identifying characteristic gene expression patterns, or endotypes, in septic patients may lead to targeted interventions. We investigated whether patients admitted to a surgical ICU with sepsis and with high risk of mortality express similar endotypes to non-septic, but still critically ill patients using two multiplex transcriptomic metrics obtained both on admission to a surgical intensive care unit (ICU) and at set intervals.
Methods: We analyzed transcriptomic data from 522 patients in two single-site, prospective, observational cohorts admitted to surgical ICUs over a 5-year period ending in July 2020. Using an FDA-cleared analytical platform (nCounter FLEX®, NanoString, Inc.), we assessed a previously validated 29-messenger RNA transcriptomic classifier for likelihood of 30-day mortality (IMX-SEV-3) and a 33-messenger RNA transcriptomic endotype classifier. Clinical outcomes included all-cause (in-hospital, 30-, 90-day) mortality, development of chronic critical illness (CCI), and secondary infections. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess for true effect and confounding.
Results: Sepsis was associated with a significantly higher predicted and actual hospital mortality. At enrollment, the predominant endotype for both septic and non-septic patients was adaptive, though with significantly different distributions. Inflammopathic and coagulopathic septic patients, as well as inflammopathic non-septic patients, showed significantly higher frequencies of secondary infections compared to those with adaptive endotypes (p<0.01). Endotypes changed during ICU hospitalization in 57.5% of patients. Patients who remained adaptive had overall better prognosis, while those who remained inflammopathic or coagulopathic had worse overall outcomes. For severity metrics, patients admitted with sepsis and a high predicted likelihood of mortality showed an inflammopathic (49.6%) endotype and had higher rates of cumulative adverse outcomes (67.4%). Patients at low mortality risk, whether septic or non-septic, almost uniformly presented with an adaptive endotype (100% and 93.4%, respectively).
Conclusion: Critically ill surgical patients express different and evolving immunological endotypes depending upon both their sepsis status and severity of their clinical course. Future studies will elucidate whether endotyping critically ill, septic patients can identify individuals for targeted therapeutic interventions to improve patient management and outcomes.
Supraphysiologic doses of 17β-Estradiol aggravate depression-like behaviors in ovariectomized mice possibly via regulating microglial responses and brain glycerophospholipid metabolism
Authors: Li Ming , Zhang Jing , Chen Wendi , Liu Shuang , Liu Xin , Ning Yunna , Cao Yongzhi , Zhao Yueran
Published: May 2023

Background 17β-Estradiol (E2) is generally considered neuroprotective in humans. However, the current clinical use of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) is based on the physiological dose of E2 to treat menopausal syndrome and has limited therapeutic efficacy. The efficacy and potential toxicity of superphysiological doses of ERT for menopausal neurodegeneration are unknown.
Methods In this study, we investigated the effect of E2 with a supraphysiologic dose (0.5 mg/kg, sE2) on the treatment of menopausal mouse models established by ovariectomy. We performed the open field, Y-maze spontaneous alternation, forced swim tests, and sucrose preference test to investigate behavioral alterations. Subsequently, the status of microglia and neurons was detected by immunohistochemistry, HE staining, and Nissl staining, respectively. Real-time PCR was used to detect neuroinflammatory cytokines in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. Using mass spectrometry proteomics platform and LC-MS/ MS-based metabolomics platform, proteins and metabolites in brain tissues were extracted and analyzed. BV2 and HT22 cell lines and primary neurons and microglia were used to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms in vitro.
Results sE2 aggravated depression-like behavior in ovariectomized mice, caused microglia response, and increased proinflammatory cytokines in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, as well as neuronal damage and glycerophospholipid metabolismimbalance. Subsequently, we demonstrated that sE2 induced the pro-inflammatory phenotype of microglia through ERα/NF-κB signaling pathway and downregulated the expression of cannabinoid receptor 1 in neuronal cells, which were important in the pathogenesis of depression.
Conclusion These data suggest that sE2 may be nonhelpful or even detrimental to menopause-related depression, at least partly, by regulating microglial responses and glycerophospholipid metabolism.
Chip-Integrated Metasurface Full-Stokes Polarimetric Imaging Sensor
Authors: Yao Yu , Zuo Jiawei , Bai Jing , Choi Shinhyuk , Basiri Ali , Chen Xiahui , Wang Chao
Published: May 2023

Polarimetric imaging has a wide range of applications for uncovering features invisible to human eyes and conventional imaging sensors. Compact, fast, cost-effective and accurate full-Stokes polarimetric imaging sensors are highly desirable in many applications, which, however, remain elusive due to fundamental material limitations. Here we present a Metasurface-based Full-Stokes Polarimetric Imaging sensor (MetaPolarIm) realized by integrating an ultrathin (~600 nm) metasurface polarization filter array (MPFA) onto a visible imaging sensor with CMOS compatible fabrication processes. The MPFA is featured with broadband dielectric-metal hybrid chiral metasurfaces and double-layer nanograting polarizers. This chip-integrated polarimetric imaging sensor enables single-shot full-Stokes imaging (speed limited by the CMOS imager) with the most compact form factor, record high measurement accuracy, dual-color operation (green and red) and a full angle of view up to 40 degrees. MetaPolarIm holds great promise to enable transformative applications in autonomous vision, industry inspection, space exploration, medical imaging and diagnosis.
Adaptive Spectral Solution Method for Fredholm Integral Equations of the second kind
Authors: Abdennebi Issam , Rahmoune Azedine
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this paper is to develop and analyse an adaptive collocation method for Fredholm integral equations of the second kind, even if the equation exhibits a localized rapid variations, steep gradients, or steep front. The strategy of the adaptive procedure is to transform the given equation into an equivalent one with a sufficiently smooth behavior in order to ensure the convergence of the Legendre spectral collocation method without dividing the domain of the integral equation, as usual, into the sub intervals. Furthermore, the existence and uniqueness of the solution are discussed. Error analysis is carried out in both L∞-norm and L2-norm. Finally, several numerical examples are provided to show that the proposed method is preferable to its classical predecessor and some other existing approaches.
Unexpected finding of a rare pathogenic germline BRCA1 variant in an intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma using the Oncomine Focus DNA assay: clinical and diagnostic implications
Authors: De Bonis Maria , Mannavola Francesco , Salvatore Lisa , De Paolis Elisa , Nero Camilla , Giaco' Luciano , Tortora Giampaolo , Giuliante Felice , Urbani Andrea , Scambia Giovanni , Normanno Nicola , Minucci Angelo
Published: May 2023

Background
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a malignant tumor arising from the epithelial cells of the bile ducts and is the second most common liver cancer after hepatocellular carcinoma.
Recently, our Institution launched a Comprehensive Genomic Profiling (CGP) program (named FPG500 program), set up to provide a complete molecular characterization through the TruSight Oncology 500 High Throughput (TSO500HT) solution and samples that do not reach pre-set sample quantity and/or quality thresholds required for TSO500HT, are addressed to Oncomine Focus DNA Assay (OFA) and the Archer's FusionPlex Lung Panel (AFL).
Methods and results
Here we report the case of a patient with iCCA enrolled in the FPG500 program and screened by the orthogonal workflow (OFA/AFL). Although BRCA1 is not among the genes declared in the OFA panel, we unexpectedly detected a pathogenic variant in this gene (c.5278-2del, rs878853285).
Conclusions
This case highlights the diagnostic capabilities of CGP, now widely used in both clinical practice and academic setting. The incidental involvement of BRCA1 focuses attention on the role of BRCA genes in biliary tract cancers. Finally, as an orthogonal test confirmed the germline origin of BRCA1 c.5278-2delvariant, the germline implications of CGP need to be considered.
Body image dissatisfaction and its relation to body mass index among female medical students in Sudan: A cross-sectional study 2020-2021
Authors: Mohamed Balqees Abdeen Ahmed , Idrees Malaz Hassan Dafaallah
Published: May 2023

Background Body image is mainly determined by biological, social, psychological and cultural factors thus it is a multifaceted vigorous construct. Body image is an essential aspect of girls' self-definition and individual identity. Excessive concern about body image and body image misconceptions leads to dissatisfaction, disturbed eating patterns, affecting the nutritional status and also leading to depression and anxiety disorder.Methods This is a descriptive cross-sectional university-based study aiming to investigate body image dissatisfaction and its relation to BMI among female medical students at the University of Khartoum, faculty of medicine. The study was carried out between December 2020 and January 2021. Simple random sampling was applied and a two-sectioned questionnaire was used. The first part consisted of socio-demographic data and the second part contained questions to assess body image the data was. A total of 277 participants were enrolled in the study. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.Results We enrolled 277 female medical students the majority of participants (53%) were considered of normal weight according to BMI, 7% considered obese, and 18% underweight. Large number of participants thought that they are not in the ideal weight according to their height (62%). (21–17%) of participants always feel pressure from people or society to get to a certain weight. With respect to attitude towards weight, (29%) of participants always wear clothes that don't reveal their body shape, (35%) of them always tend to wear clothes that hide their excess weight.Conclusions The study concluded that participants who were overweight, obese or underweight have significant increase risk for poor body image perception with odd ratio of 39, 11, and 59 respectively. Thus early and proper interventions are necessary to circumvent the impact and future repercussion of body image distortion.
Mechanical Properties of Ply-Lam Cross-Laminated Timbers Fabricated with Lumber and Plywood
Authors: Yang Seungmin , Lee Hyunjae , Choi Gyuwoong , Kang Seoggoo
Published: May 2023

The mechanical properties of four ply-lam cross-laminated timbers (CLTs) containing a plywood layer were compared with those of glued laminated timber (GLT) and CLT. The bending, out-of-plane shear, compression strengths were highest in the GLT, which was followed by the ply-lam CLTs and CLT. The modulus of elasticity values for three studied ply-lam CLT samples were 1–2.5 GPa higher than GLT; however, the bending strength of all ply-lam CLTs was 7.3–18.8 MPa lower than GLT. The length of the plywood product is 2,440 mm, and longitudinal bonding is required to manufacture ply-lam CLTs of length > 3m. The prediction of bending capabilities by shear analogy was compared with the bending properties when joints were included. The performances of all the pilot-scale ply-lam CLT samples exceeded the predicted bending performance standards for MOE (10 GPa) and modulus of rupture (30 MPa) All samples exceeded 10 GPa and 30 MPa, based on projected and experimental data.
CFD Uncertainty Quantification using PCE-HDMR – Exemplary Application to a Buoyancy-Driven Mixing Process
Authors: Wenig Philipp J. , Kelm Stephan , Klein Markus
Published: May 2023

For the investigation of uncertainties in high dimensional spaces of computationally expensive engineering applications, reliable Uncertainty Quantification (UQ) methods are needed. These methods should provide accurate and efficient High-Dimensional Model Representations (HDMR) of stochastic results using a reasonable number of calculations. Therefore, the PCE-HDMR approach is utilized to qualify appropriate UQ methods for large-scale computations in the field of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). This technique is a combination of Cut-HDMR, a hierarchical decomposition modeling approach, with Polynomial Chaos Expansion (PCE). To demonstrate its effectiveness, the PCE-HDMR methodology in conjunction with complementary modeling techniques is applied for the UQ analysis of a buoyancy-driven mixing process between two miscible fluids within the Differentially Heated Cavity (DHC) of aspect ratio 4. The results include a thorough probabilistic representation of time-dependent response quantities that comprehensively describe the mixing process. The stochastic models are derived from Large Eddy Simulations (LES) using PCE HDMR and the Sparse Grid Method (SGM), which serves as a reference for the results from PCE-HDMR. The results show that PCE-HDMR provides accurate statistics of the modeled time-dependent stochastic processes and shows good agreement with the SGM reference. Thus, PCE-HDMR indicates great potential for UQ of technical-scale computations due to its efficiency and flexibility in the construction of stochastic models.
Adaptive Growth of the Ductus Arteriosus and Aortic Isthmus in Various Ductus-Dependent Complex Congenital Heart Diseases
Authors: Hashim Liza , Vari Daniel , Bhat Abdul M. , Tsuda Takeshi
Published: May 2023

Background: The ductus arteriosus (DA) is critical in maintaining postnatal circulation in neonates with obstructed systemic circulation (OSC) and pulmonary circulation (OPC). We hypothesized that the size of the DA and aortic isthmus (AoI) undergoes adaptive growth in utero to counteract the hemodynamic challenges in these congenital heart diseases (CHD).
Methods: Postnatal echocardiograms of neonates diagnosed prenatally with ductal-dependent CHD who were started on prostaglandins within 24 hours of birth were reviewed. We assessed the cross-sectional area of the aortic valve opening, pulmonary valve opening, AoI, and DA by calculating (diameter)2/body surface area. Neonates were classified into OSC or OPC then subgrouped depending upon the patency of semilunar valves: OSC with and without aortic atresia (OSC-AA and OSC-nAA, respectively) and OPC with and without pulmonary atresia (OPC-PA and OPC-nPA, respectively).
Results: Ninety-four cases were studied. The DA in OSC was significantly larger than OPC, and the DA in OSC-AA was significantly larger than OSC-nAA. The size of the AoI was significantly larger in OPC than OSC and larger in OSC-AA than OSC-nAA. Within the OSC-nAA group, there was no significant difference in the size of the DA, AoI, or pulmonary valve opening between those with retrograde flow (RF) at the AoI and without (nRF) except the aortic valve opening was significantly larger in nRF. All groups had comparable cross-sectional areas of systemic output.
Conclusions: Our findings suggest that DA and AoI show compensatory growth to maintain critical blood flow to vital organs against primary anatomical abnormalities in ductus-dependent CHD.
Recently Emerging Trends in Big Data Analytic Methods for Modeling and Combating Climate Change Effects
Authors: Ikegwu Anayo , Nweke Henry , Alo Uzoma , Anikwe Chioma , Okonkwo Obikwelu
Published: May 2023

Big climate change data have become a pressing issue that organizations faced with methods to analyse data generated from various data types. However, storage, processing, and analysis of data generated from climate change activities are massive, which is challenging for the current algorithms to handle. Therefore, big data analytics methods are designed for significant data that is required to enhance seasonal change monitoring and understanding, ascertain the health risk of climate change, and improve the allocation, and utilisation of natural resources. This paper provides an outlook on big data analytic methods and describes how climate change and sustainability issues can be analysed through these methods. We extensively discuss big data analytic methods, strengths, and weaknesses. The purpose of analysing big climate change using these methods, the common datasets and implementation frameworks for climate change modeling using the big data analytics approach was also discussed. This big data analytics method is well timed to solve the inherent issues of data analysis and easy realization of sustainable development goals.
miRNA profiling of lumpy skin disease virus infected primary lamb testicle cells
Authors: Pandita Sakshi , Verma Assim , kamboj Himanshu , Kumar Ram , Chander Yogesh , Yadav Devender , Barua Sanjay , Kumar Naveen
Published: May 2023

In this study, miRNA profiling of cells infected with lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) was conducted for the first time. As compared to the mock-infected cells, LSDV-infected primary lamb testicle (LT) cells revealed dysregulation of 64, 85, and 85 miRNAs at 12 hours post-infection (hpi), 48 hpi and 72 hpi, respectively. While some of these miRNAs were found to be specifically dysregulated at a particular time point following LSDV infection, others were commonly dysregulated across all three time points. The analysis of the differentially expressed miRNA-mRNA interaction networks, Gene ontology analysis of the predicted targets and KEGG analysis of the highly enriched pathways revealed several cellular factors/pathways involved in protein/ion/enzyme binding, cell differentiation, movement of subcellular component, calcium reabsorption, aldosterone synthesis and secretion and, melanogenesis. Besides understanding virus replication, virus-host interactions and disease pathogenesis, these miRNAs and their cellular targets may serve as biomarkers as well as novel targets for therapeutic intervention against LSDV.
Fever and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion in a patient with multiple system atrophy after treatment with duloxetine
Authors: Zhao Wen , Shi Jinyu , Zhang Haitao , Sarma Anand Karthik , Lin Jianwen , Zhang Yuhua , Xie Lushuang , Liu Yi
Published: May 2023

Background: Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is characterized by involvement of the extrapyramidal system, cerebellum and autonomic nervous system. Hypothalamus can also be affected with fever and hyponatremia, and is more vulnerable when combined with certain conditions, such as infection. Duloxetine was prescribed for chronic pain as a dual inhibitor of serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine reuptake, resulting in the rare side effects of fever and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH).
Case presentation: This article reports a rare case of fever and SIADH in a patient with multiple system atrophy after treatment with duloxetine, and analyzes potential pathophysiological mechanism.
Conclusions: For MSA patients with suspected hypothalamic involvement, drugs such as duloxetine that could potentially exacerbate the hypothalamic burden through neurotransmitters involved neural circuits should be evaluated carefully before prescription.