bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnitude of caesarean section delivery and its associated factors among immediate postnatal women in public hospitals of AddisAbaba, 2022
Authors: Getaneh Chala , Muluken G /mariam , Lambebo Abera , Mezemir Yordanos
Published: September 2023

Background;-Caesarean section is the commonest obstetric operative procedure worldwide. Including Ethiopia, that can improve infant and maternal outcomes.
Objective: - The objective of this study is to compute the magnitude of cesarean section delivery rate and its associated factors among immediate postnatal women in public hospitals of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2022.
Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted. A total of 550 study participants were chosen using multi-stage sampling. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used for data collection; the collected data was cleared and entered into Epi Data version 3.1. Then it was exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Then, the result will be presented by table frequency, percentage, and charts. By using binary logistic regression, bivariate analysis and multivariate analysis were computed to see the association between each independent variable and the outcome variable. Adjusted odds ratios with their 95% confidence intervals and a p-value of less than 0.05 will be used to declare a result as statistically significant.
. Results; - According to these results (n=550), the prevalence of cesarean sections was 45.8%, with a 95%CI of 42%–50.2%). Previous caesarean section (AOR = 15.32, 95% CI: (7.07-33.17)), eclampsia/pre eclampsia (AOR 10.69, 95% CI: (4.99-22.87)Fetal distress CS (AOR = 6.28, 95% CI: (2.98-13.24), APH (AOR = 3.13, 95% CI: (1.33-9.65), and mal presentation (AOR = 2.96, 95% CI: 14.2-6.18) were all significantly associated with caesarean section birth.
Conclusion; - In this study the rate of Caesarean delivery is unacceptably high Previous Cesarean section deliveries and Pre-eclampsia /eclampsia are the most significant factors for cesarean delivery. CS utilizations higher than WHO recommendation was not associated with a reduction in maternal and newborn mortality rates, Empowering and educating women, increasing co-services targeting mothers’ awareness might be very vital to deal with current problem.
Safranal alleviates pressure overload induced-cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction via activating AMPK signaling pathway
Authors: Sheng Weiyong , Wu Changjuan , Xu Guofan , Meng Xing , Xia Shouli , Tang Tiansheng
Published: September 2023

Objective: The study investigated the effect and mechanism of Safranal (SFR) on cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction during pressure overload.
Methods: Cardiac hypertrophy model of pressure overload was established firstly. Then, experiment was divided into Sham (sham surgery), AB (abdominal aortic coarctation surgery), AB+SFR1 (treated with 1 mg/kg SFR), AB+SFR2 (treated with 2 mg/kg SFR), AB+SFR4 (treated with 4 mg/kg SFR) groups. Cardiac function was detected by Echocardiography and cardiac morphology and myocardial fiber diameter were detected via HE staining. Myocardial hypertrophy markers -ANP, BNP, apoptosis factors -Capase-3, Capase-9, and inflammatory factors- IL-1β, TNFα were detected by Western blot and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). To further investigate the relevant mechanism, the study was divided into Sham, AB, AB+SFR, AB+SFR+CPD (treated with AMPK inhibitor -compound C and 2 mg/kg SFR). Afterwards, the myocardial hypertrophy, cardiac function, and AMPK signaling pathway-related molecules AMPK, ACC were detected respectively.
Results: In 1, 2, and 4 mg/kg SFR treatment groups, the degree of myocardial hypertrophy mitigated, and cardiac dysfunction improved compared with AB group. Simultaneously, the myocardial apoptosis and inflammation reduced, AMPK signaling pathway-related molecules AMPK and ACC increased. When AMPK signaling pathway was inhibited, the myocardial hypertrophy and cardiac dysfunction aggravated in AB+SFR+CPD group compared with the AB+SFR group, so does the myocardial inflammation and apoptosis. Namely, inhibition of AMPK signaling pathway reversed the protective effect of SFR on the cardiac hypertrophy.
Conclusions: SFR alleviated pressure overload induced-cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction via activating AMPK signaling pathway.
Weighted Gene Coexpression Network Analysis Identifies an Immunogenic Cell Death Signature for Predicting Prognosis and Therapeutic Responses in Glioblastoma
Authors: Chen Lei , Jin Qiu , Wang Xiuyu , Zhang Bingjie
Published: September 2023

Immunogenic cell death (ICD) represents a regulated cell death (RCD) process that can activate the adaptive immune response. Accumulating evidence supports the notion that ICD can reshape the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) by releasing danger signals or damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), exerting a profound impact on glioblastoma prognosis. In this study, we applied weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) to the TCGA-GBM cohort, enabling the identification of 319 ICD-related genes. Subsequently, we developed and rigorously validated an ICD-based prognostic model, effectively predicting the survival rate of GBM patients. Notably, marked disparities in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) were observed between the high- and low-score groups, underscoring the significance of our findings. In summary, we present a novel prognostic model for GBM utilizing an ICD signature. These findings highlight the potential of ICD as a promising prognostic indicator in GBM and contribute to our understanding of the intricate interplay between ICD and the tumor microenvironment. Ultimately, this research contributes to the advancement of GBM prognosis assessment, paving the way for improved patient outcomes in this challenging disease setting.
Synthesis of Ciprofloxacin conjugated gold nanoparticles and their study antibacterial effects on growth biofilm formation through Nebulizer mask against respiratory infection
Authors: Hasoon Buthenia A. , jawad kareem , Abdulsahib Sabah S.
Published: September 2023

An effective strategy has been identified as using antibiotic conjugated nanoparticles. The main goal of this research was to increase the biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles by conjugating it with ciprofloxacin. The optical, structural and biological properties of gold (Au) nanoparticles (NPs) and their conjugated form with ciprofloxacin (CIP@AuNPs). Using a simple and cost-effective method pulsed-laser ablation technique (PLAL). were studied using UV–VIS spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction(XRD), Transmission electron microscope (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), The findings demonstrated that TEM was used to determine the size and shape of nanoparticles with an average particle size of less than 20 nm. Investigated the antibacterial effects of AuNPs, antibiotic (ciprofloxacin) and CIP@AuNPs against two types of bacteria, namely, the gram-negative bacteria Klebsellia pneumonia and the gram-positive bacteria Streptococcus pneumonia. The well-diffusion method demonstrated that the effectiveness of (CIP@AuNPs) was greater than that of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin alone or Au NPs alone. Bacterial isolates tested for antibacterial susceptibility to the current study's antibiotics showed high resistance to them. The antimicrobial activity test revealed the largest inhibition zone in as Streptococcus pneumonia compared to Klebsiella pneumonia, with a more potent effect for Ciprofloxacin conjugated gold nanoparticles when compared with Ciprofloxacin alone and Au NPs alone. Further research was done on their capacity to prevent biofilm formation. This finding was supported by research using atomic force microscopy (AFM) to examine how Ciprofloxacin conjugated gold nanoparticles affected the development of bacterial biofilms in nebulizer masks. The combination of ciprofloxacin-conjugated gold nanoparticles may be used as a preservative of a Nebulizer mask. Through the prevent the formation of microbial biofilms in Nebulizer mask. The Ciprofloxacin conjugated gold nanoparticles also showed antioxidant activities by DPPH assay. Consequently, these investigations reveal that the prepared particles may be useful for the development of antioxidant drugs. Conclusion: Ciprofloxacin @Au nanoparticles are effective against multidrug-resistant bacteria in vitro and seem to be a good antibacterial agent.
Association between prevalence and severity of chronic kidney disease and employment status: a nationwide study in Korea
Authors: Choi Seoyeong , Jang Suk-Yong , Choi Eunjeong , Park Yu Shin
Published: September 2023

Background: The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing globally, and understanding the association between CKD and employment status is crucial. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association of CKD with employment and occupation type among patients with CKD.
Methods: We analyzed data from 36,732 Korean adults aged ≥ 30 years, who participated in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2014 and 2021. CKD was detected based on the estimated glomerular filtration rate, and the employment status of the participants was classified into distinct categories: full-time permanent employment, unemployment, self-employment, and precarious employment. We analyzed the data using multiple logistic regression.
Results: We observed a significant association between CKD and a higher likelihood of unemployment compared to that in individuals without CKD (odds ratio, 1.70; 95% confidence interval, 1.47–1.96). This association was more prominent in patients with severe CKD. In the multivariable logistic analysis, patients with CKD had a higher likelihood for precarious employment (odds ratio, 1.29; 95% confidence interval, 0.92–1.88), self-employment (odds ratio, 1.3; 95% confidence interval, 0.90–1.88), and unemployment (odds ratio, 2.10; 95% confidence interval, 1.51–2.92) compared to individuals without CKD.
Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that CKD is associated with a higher likelihood of unemployment and engagement in precarious employment. These findings highlight the challenges faced by patients with CKD in obtaining stable employment and emphasize the need for interventions to improve the employment outcomes of individuals with CKD.
Perceived Social Support: Correlation with Depression and Symptom Severity in Atrial Fibrillation Patients
Authors: Elsheikh Mohamed M. , Sadek Ismail , Abdel-Hassib Mohammed , Elmoshy Mohamed , Adwi Mohamed
Published: September 2023

Background
Atrial fibrillation can significantly impair daily functioning and impact the patient's quality of life, both physically and psychologically. Approximately one-third of patients with atrial fibrillation experience anxiety and depression. This study aimed to examine the relationship between perceived social support and the severity of atrial fibrillation (AF) symptoms among depressed and nondepressed AF patients.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted at Al-Azhar University Hospitals, assessing depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire depression scale (PHQ-9) and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) to assess social support. AF was graded according to the modified European Heart Rhythm Association (mEHRA).
Results
Our study involved a total of 93 atrial fibrillation patients; 32 were nondepressed compared to 61 with depression; 41.9% of the participants were female, with a mean age of 63.2 ± 10.89. Most participants (59.2%)were classified as having grade II AF. Only 17.2% of the participants reported low levels of social support. Among depressed patients, 15.1% reported severe depression. Linear regression analysis found that social support was negatively correlated with depression scores (β = -0.735). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that social support was negatively associated with depression (OR = 0.465, P = 0.001). Ordinal regression showed that low social support was the most significant variable affecting AF grades (OR = 35.939, P = 0.024).
Conclusion
Our findings highlight the need for social support for patients with AF; higher social support was negatively associated with depression, and lower social support was significantly associated with higher AF grades. This implies that healthcare practitioners should prioritize the psychological aspects to improve the health outcomes of patients with AF.
Anti-Müllerian hormone levels are associated with skeletal maturity in adolescent girls in the Fels Longitudinal Study
Authors: Ford McKenzie L , Choh Audrey C , Gonzalez Brandon , Lindheim Steven R , Stanczyk Frank Z , McGinnis Lynda K , Czerwinski Stefan A , Lee Miryoung
Published: September 2023

The role of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), a potential marker of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, is not well established in adolescent females. Most studies use secondary sexual characteristics or chronological age as predictors for AMH. Skeletal maturity, an indicator of bone development, has not been examined to predict AMH. This study sought to examine patterns of change in AMH in relation to skeletal maturity. Demographics, anthropometry, hand-wrist radiographs, and cardiometabolic risk factors from 88 females (212 observations), between the ages of 8 to 18 years from the Fels Longitudinal Study were used in this study. AMH was analyzed using ELISA from stored frozen serum samples. Generalized linear mixed effect modeling was used. In the stepwise regression models, log-transformed AMH (AMHlog) was regressed on relative skeletal age as the skeletal maturity indicator (calculated as chronological age minus skeletal age) and adjusted for chronological age, adiposity, and cardiometabolic risk factors. Skeletal maturity significantly predicted lower AMHlog (β= -0.073, SE=0.032, p=0.023). Glucose was significantly associated with decreases in AMHlog (β= -0.008, SE=0.004, p=0.044). Chronological age modeled as a cubic function was not significant. AMH and skeletal maturity may provide correlated information on growth and pubertal status in adolescent females.
Effects of Breastfeeding Knowledge and Health Beliefs Regarding Gestational Diabetes Mellitus on the Breastfeeding Intention of Pregnant Women
Authors: Park Seungmi , Kim Byungcheol , Paudel Jamuna , Park Hye Ok
Published: September 2023

Purpose: Research has shown that breastfeeding knowledge related to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and GDM-related breastfeeding health beliefs affect breastfeeding intention. However, research has been limited on the effects of pregnant women’s GDM-related breastfeeding knowledge and GDM-related breastfeeding health beliefs on breastfeeding intentions. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effect of GDM-related breastfeeding knowledge and GDM-related breastfeeding health beliefs on breastfeeding intention.
Methods: A total of 229 healthy pregnant women visiting an antenatal clinic in Nepal participated in this study between January and March 2023. They completed a questionnaire that assessed their GDM-related breastfeeding knowledge, GDM-related breastfeeding health beliefs, and breastfeeding intention. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, Scheffé’s post-hoc test, and logistic regression analysis.
Results: Of the participants, 86.9% (n = 199) indicated their breastfeeding intention, even with a relatively low level of GDM-related breastfeeding knowledge. Logistic regression analysis of the factors influencing breastfeeding intention yielded a significant model (χ2 = 38.80, p < .001) with significant variables. GDM-related breastfeeding knowledge (OR: 1.0, 95% CI: 1.02-1.40), GDM-related breastfeeding health beliefs (OR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.04-1.15), and immediate family history of diabetes mellitus (OR: 5.38, 95% CI: 1.98-14.620) were found to affect breastfeeding intentions.
Conclusion: Efficient interventions regarding breastfeeding for pregnant women should be implemented. They should provide sufficient information on the benefits of breastfeeding to prevent the long-term influence of GDM and strategies reinforcing GDM-related breastfeeding health beliefs through positive breastfeeding experiences.
Slaughter performances, body composition and carcass traits of indigenous Algerian cattle "Brune de l'Atlas"
Authors: Gherissi Djalel Eddine , Lamraoui Ramzi , Chacha Faicel , Chergui Moussa , Titaouine Mohammed , Gaouar Semir Bechir Suheil
Published: September 2023

The present study consists of an assessment of the slaughter performance, body composition, and carcass traits of 51 native Algerian bulls 'Brune de l'Atlas' belonging to four ecotypes, aged 1 to 2 years, and fattened for a period of 4 to 6 months. Its main objective is to provide an estimate of the mean parameters related to meat production in terms of quantity and quality, including live weight and body composition, slaughter yield, conformation, fatness, and fineness of carcasses. The average live weight is 366.56±92.56 kg. The average true and commercial dressing percentages are 60.11±11.09% and 56.1±10.04%, respectively. The studied animals produce lean carcasses with a low proportion of body fat. The fattening index and the score of the fattening state are 5.9±3.86% and 14.81±7.67, respectively, and the score of the fattening state is 1.85±0.83. As for the carcass conformation, it is relatively insignificant. The thigh compactness index is 4.82±1.59, the carcass compactness index is 1.55±0.37, the buttock compactness index is 0.69±0.02, and the average EUROP carcass classification score is 1.86±1.04 (≈O class). Significant positive correlations were found between body live weight and carcass weight, 5th quarter and carcass conformation, and negative correlations with slaughter yield and body fineness. These results showed an interesting level of slaughter performance of the local Algerian cattle population. The latter could contribute to satisfying the growing demand for red meat and reducing the costs of red meats imports through the improved valuation of its butchering performance by implementing genetic, nutritional, and other management practices improvements.
Optimised Expression and Activity Assessment of Bacterial Staphylokinase in E. coli BL21(DE3)
Authors: Buniya Harith
Published: September 2023

The application of recombinant proteins is rare following the high production costs of expressing proteins with expensive inducers, such as isopropyl-β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG). Staphylokinase (SAK), a fibrinolytic enzyme, is a small bacterial thrombolytic agent that specifically clots and converts plasminogens to plasmins and lysis fibrin clots. The primary objective of the present investigation sought to increase the yield and lower the cost of staphylokinase production using Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). Although the influence of the culture medium, culture density, and IPTG concentration on the production of SAK protein was explored. The results indicated that only culture density and concentration of IPTG were significant. This study achieved cost reduction by decreasing the IPTG inducer concentration (1.0 and 0.5 mM), which acted as the inducer. The production rate was also maintained or increased in low culture density. In conclusion, suitable production conditions, particularly diminished inducer concentration, effectively reduced upstream production costs and yielded high sak gene expression.
International Index of Erectile function (IIEF) among Filipino Men: A Reliability and Validity using Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses
Authors: De Guzman Sagie
Published: September 2023

The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) has emerged as a pivotal instrument for the evaluation of erectile dysfunction (ED) in both clinical and research settings. However, its psychometric properties have not been extensively examined among diverse populations. This study aimed to investigate the validity and reliability of the IIEF among a sample of Filipino men, given the distinct socio-cultural perspectives associated with sexuality and ED in this demographic. A total of N = 1,463 participants, aged 18 years and older, from various regions of the Philippines were enrolled.
Initial evaluations confirmed the internal consistency of the IIEF, with Cronbach's alpha values consistently ranging from .78 to .92 for each of the five domains. For construct validity, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was first utilized, revealing three-factor structure (sexual intercourse, stimulation, and satisfaction [IIEF-SSS]). Cronbach’s alpha for each IIEF-SSS subscale ranges from .76 to .96. Subsequent confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) provided robust support for this structure, with fit indices suggesting a strong model fit (X2 = 252.95, df = 80, X2/ df ratio = 3.16, RMSEA = 0.059, NFI = .97, CFI = .98, IFI= .98, GFI = .95, AGFI = .92).
The results of this comprehensive analysis underscore the IIEF-SSS’ robustness as a psychometric tool, confirming its reliability and validity within a Filipino context. Healthcare providers and researchers in the Philippines can, therefore, employ the IIEF-SSS with confidence when assessing ED. Additionally, the findings illuminate the instrument's cross-cultural adaptability, offering a precedent for its potential application in other diverse settings. Future studies could further delve into the cultural nuances impacting ED and its perception among Filipino men.
Prevalence and correlates of sleep disturbance among adolescents in the eastern seaboard of China
Authors: Yang Haidong , Luan Lingshu , Xu Jiuli , Xu Xingran , Tang Xiaowei , Zhang Xiaobin
Published: September 2023

Background
Sleep disturbances are serious public health issues that warrant increased attention, especially in adolescents. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with sleep disorders among urban adolescents in China.
Methods
This study utilized an online survey to assess the demographic characteristics and mental health status of secondary school students in Lianyungang City. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to evaluate suicidal ideation and sleep disturbances in adolescents. The seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) assessed anxiety symptoms, and the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS) was used to measure perceived social support.
Results
Among 3443 adolescents, the prevalence of sleep disorders were 10.8%, with significantly higher proportions of sleep disorders (13.7% VS 8.3%, χ2 = 26.559, P < 0.001) among female adolescents when compared to males. Binary regression analysis revealed that suicidal ideation (OR = 2.558, 95% CI: 1.897–3.450, P < 0.001) and anxiety symptoms (OR = 9.899, 95% CI: 7.317–13.393, P < 0.001) were risk factors for sleep disturbances, and significant other support (OR = 0.940, 95% CI: 0.894–0.989, P = 0.016) and good annual household income (OR = 0.661, 95% CI: 0.396–0.943, P = 0.026) were protective factors. Furthermore, multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that sex, suicidal ideation, anxiety symptoms, and parental relationship were associated with an elevated risk of experiencing more frequent sleep disturbances (all P < 0.05).
Conclusions
We have found that 10.8% of adolescents experience sleep disorders, and it is evident that various factors can influence healthy sleeping. These results underscore the significance of addressing these factors to enhance sleep health among this population.
A simulation model of selective laser melting (SLM) of glass silica monolayer
Authors: Zhang Wanrui
Published: September 2023

Although experimental studies have demonstrated the feasibility of processing glass materials via selective laser melting (SLM), further precise SLM manufacturing of fused silica remains a challenging but promising field. Consequently, a reliable simulation model was developed to predict the densification kinetics of glass powder monolayer under SLM, consequently providing a simulation tool for optimising processing parameters. To be particular, the relative neck diameter and density of the powder bed under SLM were estimated using a cluster model to predict the degree of consolidation, from which the thermal diffusivity of the powder bed can be determined and the corresponding result of heat transfer can be obtained. The experimental observation from other studies supported the numerical results. Therefore, the validated numerical simulation can assist researchers in discussing the effects of processing settings on silica glass under SLM. For instance, using powders with smaller particle sizes and a preheated working environment can improve the quality of the manufactured parts. Based on this model, a novel optimisation criterion can be used to optimise the parameters and fabricate transparent and high-purity glass parts via SLM.
Digital Twin-Driven Causal Diagnosis Mechanism for Life Health of High-Speed Spindle System
Authors: Feng Yuzhou , Kai-Guo Fan
Published: September 2023

In order to achieve the causal diagnosis of life health of high-speed spindle system, a digital twin system is designed and developed based on the combined programming of MATLAB, ANSYS, and LabVIEW. The domain and threshold models of heat generations of bearing and motor are established to diagnose the health status of the spindle system. The Long short-term memory recurrent neural network is used to predict the heat generations of the spindle system. A causal diagnosis model is proposed to judge the fault source according to the sudden change of thermal characteristics. The experimental results show that the digital twin accuracy of thermal characteristics reaches over 95%, and the proposed digital twin-driven causal diagnosis system for life health can successfully monitor the health status of the spindle system.
Multifunctional Mesoporous Hollow Silica Nanorod for Optical Imaging and Drug Delivery
Authors: wu yanli , guan xiaogao , Xu xianzhu , Yang ruchun , Kong Fangfang , Chen xi , Xiao Qiang
Published: September 2023

In this work, a multifunctional drug delivery system (DDS) composed of mesoporous hollow silica nanorod core and luminescent Gd2O3:Eu shell (MHSNR@Gd2O3:Eu) was fabricated and applied for optical imaging and drug carrying. The formation process, phase and morphology of the DDS were investigated. The results show that the multifunctional DDS possess uniform core-shell hollow structure, in which the core length of the hollow silica nanorods as approximately 400 nm and a width of approximately 150 nm and the Gd2O3:Eu shell was approximately 30 nm thick. Due to the doping of the Eu3+, the as prepared MHSNR@Gd2O3:Eu emitted bright red light. The in vitro assays with NCI-H460 lung cancer cells domenstrated that the as-obtained MHSNR@Gd2O3:Eu could rapidly and massively enter the cell. Using ibuprofen as a model drug, the release process of the synthesized MHSNR@Gd2O3:Eu was monitored in-vitro. In particular, as the amount of ibuprofen released increases, the photoluminescence intensity of DDS increases. Thus，it is possible to monitor and track the release process through changes in luminous intensity. In summary, it is expected that MHSNR@Gd2O3:Eu may be applied in drug carrying, luminescent tracking and monitoring, and optical imaging. Furthermore, this work provides a reliable approach for the design and preparation of silica/RE2O3 nanocomposite with mesoporous hollow rod-like structures.
The Role of Political Uncertainty in the Impact of Climate-Related Disasters on Financial Markets
Authors: Gregory Richard
Published: September 2023

This paper proposes a disaster DGSE model with political uncertainty to examine the future implications of climate disasters on financial markets. The model predicts that there are three additional risk factors due to this specification: climatic disaster risk, political uncertainty risk, and a combination of political uncertainty risk due to climatic disasters. The estimated risk premium of climatic disaster risk puts the economic decrease due to climatic disasters to be -6.30% of GDP, well in excess of predictions for the amount of temperature increase experienced thus far. It is found that the positive risk premium earned by climatic disaster risk is partially offset by the negative risk premium earned from the political uncertainty risk due to climatic disasters. In short, the government guarantee to offset climatic damage has shielded the economy from the effects of climatic disasters. Thus, to hedge future growing climatic disasters is to partially hedge future political uncertainty over the future value of the government's guarantee.
JEL Codes: G00, G12
Clinical and economic burden of Respiratory Syncytial Virus in children aged 0-5 years in Italy
Authors: Dovizio Melania , Veronesi Chiara , Bartolini Fausto , Cavaliere Arturo , Grego Stefano , Pagliaro Romina , Procacci Cataldo , Ubertazzo Loredana , Bertizzolo Lorenzo , Muzii Barbara , Parisi Salvatore , Perrone Valentina , Baraldi Eugenio , Bozzola Elena , Mosca Fabio , Esposti Luca Degli
Published: September 2023

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is among the leading causes of hospitalization due to lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in children younger than 5 years worldwide and the second cause of infant death after malaria. RSV infection occurs in almost all the infants before the second year of life with variable clinical severity, often requiring medical assistance. This analysis investigated patients aged 0-5 years with RSV infection focusing on epidemiology, clinical features, and economic burden of RSV-associated hospitalizations in a setting of Italian real clinical practice.
Methods: An observational retrospective analysis was conducted on administrative databases of healthcare entities covering around 2.6 million residents of whom 120,000 health-assisted infants aged <5 years. From 2010 to 2018, pediatric patients were included in the presence of hospitalization discharge diagnosis for RSV infections, and RSV-related acute bronchiolitis or pneumonia. Epidemiology, demographics, clinical picture and costs were evaluated in RSV-infected patients, overall and stratified by age ranges (0-1, 1-2, 2-5 years) and compared with an age-matched general population.
Results: Overall 1378 RSV-infected children aged 0-5 years were included. Among them, the annual incidence rate of RSV-related hospitalizations was 175-195/100,000 people, with a peak in neonates aged <1 year (689-806/100,000). While nearly 85% of infected infants were healthy, the remaining 15% presented previous hospitalization for known RSV risk factors, like preterm birth, or congenital heart, lung, and immune diseases. The economic analysis revealed that direct healthcare costs per patient/year were markedly higher in RSV patients than in the general population (3605€ vs 344€).
Conclusions: These findings derived from the real clinical practice in Italy confirmed that RSV has an important epidemiological, clinical, and economic burden among children aged 0-5 years. While the complex management of at-risk infants was confirmed, our data also highlighted the significant impact of RSV infection in infants born at term or otherwise healthy, demonstrating that all infants need protection against RSV disease, reducing then the risk of medium and long-term complications, such as wheezing and asthma.
MixOmics Integration of Biological Datasets Identifies Highly Correlated Key Variables of COVID-19 severity.
Authors: Harriott Noa C , Chimenti Michael S , Ryan Amy L
Published: September 2023

Background: Despite several years since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, challenges remain in understanding the factors that can predict the severity of COVID-19 disease and complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection. While many large-scale Multiomic datasets have been published, integration of these datasets has the potential to substantially increase the biological insight gained allowing a more complex comprehension of the disease pathogenesis. Such insight may improve our ability to predict disease progression, detect severe cases more rapidly and develop effective therapeutics.
Methods: In this study we have applied an innovative machine learning algorithm to delineate COVID-severity based on integration of paired samples of proteomic and transcriptomic data from a small cohort of patients testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection with differential disease severity. Targeted plasma proteomics and an onco-immune targeted transcriptomic panel was performed on sequential samples from a cohort of 23 severe, 21 moderate and 10 mild COVID-19 patients. We applied DIABLO, a new integrative method, to identify multi-omics biomarker panels that can discriminate between multiple phenotypic groups, such as the varied severity of disease in COVID-19 patients.
Results: As COVID-19 severity is known among our sample group, we can train models using this as the outcome variable and calculate features that are important predictors of severe disease. In this study, we detect highly correlated key variables of severe COVID-19 using transcriptomic discriminant analysis and multi-omics integration methods.
Conclusions: This approach highlights the power of data integration from a small cohort of patients offering a better biological understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving COVID-19 severity and an opportunity to improve prediction of disease trajectories and targeted therapeutics.
Siglec-15 on macrophages suppress the immune microenvironment in patients with PD-L1 negative non-metastasis lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yang Lili , Huang Ziqi , Guo Yan , Li Baihui , Shen Meng , Yi Yeran , Li Li , Zhao Xiaohe
Published: September 2023

Sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectin 15 (Siglec-15) is an immune checkpoint molecule with sequence homology to programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), which is mainly expressed on macrophages and tumor cells. However, whether Siglec-15 induced immunosuppression and poor prognosis are independent of PD-L1 remains unclear. In this study, we collected samples of 135 non-small cell lung cancer and found that Siglec-15 and PD-L1 expression were independent in non-small cell lung cancer by multiple immunofluorescence staining. Siglec-15 on macrophages (Mφ-Siglec-15) was significantly associated with DFS (p < 0.05) in PD-L1- patients with non-metastasis lung adenocarcinoma, not in PD-L1+ or lung squamous cell carcinoma patients. Moreover, stromal Siglec-15+ macrophages of Mφ-Siglec-15+PD-L1- patients were significantly more than those of Mφ-Siglec-15-PD-L1- patients (p = 0.002). We further found that Siglec-15+ macrophages were negatively associated with inflamed immunophenotype in PD-L1- patients and may inhibit CD8+T cells infiltration, validated in another independent cohort and in vivo. In conclusion, PD-L1-independent Siglec-15+ macrophages contribute to the formation of immunosuppressive microenvironment in non-metastasis lung adenocarcinoma patients, which may cause a higher risk of recurrence. Siglec-15 could be a potential target for normalizing cancer immunotherapy, benefiting patients who fail to respond to anti-PD-L1 therapy.
Development of A Simplified New Method of Bone Age Estimation Using Three Bones of the Hand and Wrist
Authors: Khadilkar Vaman , Mondkar Shruti Arvind , Desai Keyur Bhavesh , Oza Chirantap , Yewale Sushil , Dange Nimisha , Lohiya Nikhil , Patil Prashant , Prasad Hemchand Krishna , Shah Nikhil , Karguppikar Madhura , Maheshwari Ankita , Khadilkar Anuradha V
Published: September 2023

Though the Greulich and Pyle(GP) method is easy, inter-observer variability, differential maturation of hand bones influences ratings. The Tanner-Whitehouse(TW) method is more accurate, but cumbersome. A simpler method combining the above, such that it utilizes fewer bones without affecting accuracy, would be widely used and more applicable in clinical practice. Objectives:1.Devising a simplified method utilizing three bones of the hand and wrist for bone age(BA) assessment. 2.Testing whether the 3 bone method gives comparable results to standard methods (GP,TW2,TW3) in Indian children. Methods:Developmental stages and corresponding BA for radius, hamate, terminal phalanx (left middle finger) epiphyses combining stages from GP,TW3 atlases were described; BA were rated by two blinded observers. 3 bone method ratings were compared with the same dataset analyzed earlier using GP,TW2,TW3(4 raters). Results:Radiographs analysed:493 (Girls = 226). Mean chronological age:9.4 ± 4.6yrs, mean BA 3 bone:9.8 ± 4.8yrs, GP:9.6 ± 4.8yrs, TW3:9.3 ± 4.5yrs, TW2:9.9 ± 5.0yrs. The 3 bone method demonstrated no significant inter-observer variability(p = 0.3, mean difference = 0.02 ± 0.6yrs); a strong positive correlation (p < 0.0001) with GP(r = 0.985), TW3(r = 0.983) and TW2(r = 0.982) was noted. Bland-Altman plots demonstrated good agreement; the root mean square errors between 3 bone and GP,TW3,TW2 ratings were 0.6,0.7,0.6 years; mean differences were 0.19,0.49,-0.14 years respectively. Greatest proportion of outliers (beyond ± 1.96SD of mean difference) was between 6–8 years age for difference in 3 bone and GP, and between 4–6 years for difference in 3 bone and TW3,TW2. Conclusion:The 3 bone method has multiple advantages;it is easier, tackles differential maturation of wrist and hand bones, has good reproducibility, without compromising on accuracy rendering it suitable for office practice.
The Important Role of Natural Organic Ligands in the Distribution of Dissolved Fe(III) in Tropical Costal Water
Authors: Mohamed Khairul Nizam , Zamri Nur Amirah , Ramjam Nur Jannati , Li Ng Qing , Kamel Syaza Syafiqah Muhamad
Published: September 2023

The role of natural organic ligands on Fe(III) ion distribution was determined in the Mersing coastal water. It was studied by determining the concentration of natural organic ligand ([LT]) and its constant stability (Log KFeL) in the seawater collected during two different monsoon seasons, which were pre-monsoon in August 2020 and post-monsoon in April 2021. Both seasons have different physical and chemical conditions due to the influence of the Northeast monsoon. The seawater samples from both sampling periods were analysed using a competitive ligand equilibration-adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetry (CLE-AdCSV) method. The [LT] in August 2020 ranged from 13.9±0.1 nM to 21.4±0.8 nM, which was higher compared to its concentration in April 2021. In April 2021, its concentration ranged from 9.1±0.1 nM to 19.3±1.2 nM. For the binding strength (Log KFeL) of natural organic Fe(III) binding ligand in August 2020 and April 2021, it ranged between 11.1–11.8 and 10.6–11.9, respectively. This indicated the presence of a similar strong organic Fe (III) binding ligand class (L1) in our study area. Our present results suggested that the [LT] and log K were similar in Mersing coastal water for both August 2020 and April 2021. Despite the changes in in-situ parameters such as temperature, salinity, and DO caused by northeast monsoon phenomena, they had no significant impact on the distribution of dissolved Fe(III) speciation due to the presence of excess natural organic ligands in this coastal area. Hence, these strong organic ligands are important as they bind to the dissolved Fe(III) ions and create a Fe(III)-binding ligand complex that remains in the dissolved phase and is bioavailable to organisms such as phytoplankton.
Coupling analysis of crane accident risks factors based on Bayesian network and the N-K model
Authors: Wu Bangjie , Zheng Xiazhong , jin lianghai
Published: September 2023

A crane is one of the most widely used pieces of equipment on construction sites, but it is accompanied by a high accident rate. Crane accident risk analysis is very important for good lifting accident prevention and control and ensuring the safety of lifting operations. Therefore, we should attach great importance to the interaction between different types of risk factors. This paper proposes a coupling quantitative method of human, machine, management, and environmental risk factors for crane accidents based on Bayesian networks (BN) and the N-K model. Firstly, text mining technology and fault tree analysis are used to analyze the causes of crane accidents and classify the risk factors. Secondly, the types of risk coupling caused by human, machine, management, and environmental risk factors are defined. Thirdly, based on the crane accident risk analysis and its N-K model, the BN model is established. Fourthly, the parameters of the risk coupling nodes in the developed BN are determined by the calculation results of the N-K model. Finally, the risk coupling type with a high coupling value and the first-level node and second-level node the failure probability caused is analyzed by posterior probability and sensitivity analysis. The results find that man risk factors and management risk factors have a significant impact on crane accidents, and should be strengthened; the coupling effect of multiple risk factors has a great influence on the probability of crane accidents, which should be paid much attention to.
A Novel Deep Learning-Based Method for Real-Time Face Spoof Detection
Authors: Malik Muhammad Amir , Mazhar Tehseen , Haq Inayatul , Shahzad Tariq , Ghadi Yazeed Yaseen , Mallek Fatma , Hamam Habib
Published: September 2023

Facial-based Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) systems increase the success rate of spoof attacks to 70% detection accuracy. A spoof attack uses an image, video, or 3D model of a person to gain unauthorized access to a biometric system. Face spoof attacks are mostly based on common spoof vectors, print attacks, and replay attacks. This research aims to improve the detection accuracy of face spoof recognition systems by employing a hybrid model of machine learning and computer vision-based approaches. Differences, including Decision Tree, Nave Bayes, K-nearest Neighbor, Support Vector Machine, Convolutional Neural Network (CCN), and Recurrent Neural Networks are used for face spoof detection. For face spoof detection, the proposed model is a hybrid variant of the CNN-based classifier used in the proposed face spoof detection model. This study improves real-time face fake detection using machine learning and computer vision. The proposed system is based on a CNN-based classification approach with optimized hyper parameters that detect real-time face spoofing attacks using print, video, and repeat attacks, improving detection accuracy. IDIAP, USSA & and MSFD datasets are used in the simulation; the proposed model has achieved a maximum accuracy of 87.5%. Furthermore, the proposed model achieved a high sensitivity score of 92.45%, indicating that it is highly likely to be used for spoof attack detection systems in the future.
Histological, immunohistochemical and serological investigations of the ovary during follicular phase of estrous cycle in Saidi sheep
Authors: Abd-Elkareem Mahmoud , Khormi M.A. , Mohamed Ragab Hassan , Ali Fatma , Hassan Mervat S.
Published: September 2023

The present study was conducted on 25 healthy ewes for serum analysis and 10 healthy ewes for histological assessment aged 2 to 5 years and weighted (35–42 Kg). This work was done to give more information on some hormonal, oxidative, and blood metabolites parameters in addition to histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical investigations of the ovary during follicular phase of estrous cycle in Saidi sheep. Our results revealed that the follicular phase of estrous cycle in Saidi sheep was characterized by the presence of ovarian follicles in different stages of development and atresia in addition to regressed corpus luteum. Here we give a new schematic sequence of ovarian follicles in Saidi sheep and describing the features of different types. We also clarified that these histological pictures of the ovary was influenced by hormonal, oxidative and blood metabolites factors that characterizes the follicular phase of estrous cycle in sheep.
Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) associated optic neuritis in a patient with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) and compressive optic neuropathy Case Report
Authors: Sorensen Ryan , Vogt Ashtyn , Laylani Noor , Pakravan Mohammad , Lee Andrew
Published: September 2023

Background: Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-associated disease (MOGAD) has a wide phenotypic expression and should be considered in a differential diagnosis of patients with optic disc edema and increased intracranial pressure even after a diagnosis of IIH has been established.Case presentation: A 53-year-old woman with a history of IIH presented with headache and visual loss. She had a BMI of 35.44 kg/m2 and a past medical history significant for depression, hepatitis C, hyperlipidemia, and uterine cancer post-hysterectomy. She had undergone multiple lumbar shunt surgeries for IIH and a pituitary adenoma resection. Her visual acuity was no light perception OD and counting fingers OS. Cranial MRI showed symmetric thin peripheral optic nerve sheath enhancement of the intra-orbital optic nerves OU. Serum MOG antibody was positive, and she was treated with intravenous steroids followed by plasma exchange and rituximab, but her vision did not improve.Conclusions: This case highlights the importance of considering MOGAD and compressive optic neuropathy in patients with a history of IIH that had previously been stable for years, but who then present with new onset vision loss and optic disc edema. MOGAD and pituitary adenoma compressive neuropathy are relatively rare diseases, but early recognition and treatment may improve visual outcomes and prevent further irreversible neurologic damage.
First molecular detection of Babesia spp. in 4 species of wild rodents in northwestern China
Authors: Li Ente , Wu Xuanchen , Wang Suwen , Liu Gang , Zhang Chunju , Li Wei , Mi Ligu , Lu Xiaobo , Wang Yuanzhi
Published: September 2023

To date, Piroplasma detection in wild rodents is still limited, especially in Asia. Here 218 liver samples, collected from 92 red-cheeked ground squirrels (RCGS, Spermophilus erythrogenys), 77 Libyan jirds (LJ, Meriones libycus), 48 long-tailed ground squirrels (LTGS, Spermophilus undulatus) and 1 Mongolian five-toed jerboa (MFTJ, Allactaga sibirica) were used to molecularly detect Piroplasma with 18S rRNA gene. The results showed that i) 1 RCGS (1.08%, 1/92), 3 LJs (3.89%, 3/77), 2 LTGSs (4.16%, 2/48) and 1 MFTJ (100%, 1/1) were positive to Piroplasma; ii) Babesia sequences detected in wild rodents had the highest similarity (94.01-96.17%) to Babesia vulpes (OK178567.1) found in camel (Camelus dromedarius) in Egypt; and iii) phylogenetic tree indicated that Babesia agents in RCGS, LJ, LTGS and MFTJ were clustered into a dependent clade. These findings suggest that new species or subspecies of Piroplasma members were found in wild rodents in northwestern China, although more molecular evidence should be supported.