bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recognition of rib fracture on chest X-ray images with deep learning: a pilot study
Authors: Huang Shu-Tien , Huang Ming-Yuan , Liu Liong-Rung , Tsai Ming-Feng , Chiu Hung-Wen
Published: July 2022

Objectives:
Among trauma patients, it is crucial to avoid a delay in providing life-saving procedures owing to a missed diagnosis of a fracture. Unfortunately, missed rib fractures are common in such patients. Ribs have been found to be the locations with the most frequently missed fractures. As shown in previous studies, nearly 50% of rib fractures are missed on radiographs. As a concern, patients with fractured ribs may have higher morbidity and mortality rates than those without fractures. Although arranging more sensitive image studies such as computer tomography for every chest trauma patient is an option, doing so is impractical because of the cost and higher radiation exposure. Point of care ultrasound is another option that is time consuming and operator dependent. The purpose of this study was to identify rib fractures on chest radiographs using deep convolutional neural network (DCNN).
Methods:
We retrospectively collected chest radiographs with formal image reports of rib fractures during the last 5 years from a single medical center. Then, 2000 region-of-interest (ROI) slices for each category, i.e., fractured rib, non-fracture rib, and background, were segmented into pixel dimensions of 128 × 128 for DCNN model training.
Results:
The validation accuracy of the trained models was as follows: 91.00% transfer learning with AlexNet and 91.17% transfer learning with GoogLeNet. Both performances of our trained model are remarkable.
Conclusions:
Further application of rib fracture recognition DCNN models for clinical decision support could significantly improve the clinical workflow and help clinical doctors from missing the diagnosis of rib fractures.
Influence of Smartphone Usage on Development of Sexuality Among Late Adolescent Boys in Health Sciences Colleges of South India
Authors: Manya Sharath M , K Jayashree , Mithra Prasanna , Galagali Preeti M
Published: July 2022

Purpose
The present study aimed to understand the existing smartphone usage pattern among late adolescents and their association with the development of adolescent male sexuality.
Demography:
Medical, dental, and allied health sciences male students of Asian origin, aged between 18 and 19 years.
Study Settings:
Medical university in Mangalore, an urban area in the South Indian State of Karnataka.
Methodology:
This institution-based cross-sectional study. A pre-validated semi-structured questionnaire (Google form) was electronically mailed to all participants willing to participate in the study, and responses were collected after collecting the informed consent from each participant.
Analysis:
Data analysis was done using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 25.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp. The influence between smartphone usage and sexuality development was done using the Chi-square test and independent-sample t-test. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Findings:
Half of the late adolescents have PSU, living with family being a protective factor for PSU. Friends and media remain among the leading sources for raising awareness about male pubertal changes. Pornographic content is accessed through smartphones.
Green tea catechin-grafted silk fibroin hydrogels with reactive oxygen species scavenging activity for wound healing applications
Authors: Lee Gyeongwoo , Ko Young-Gwang , Bae Ki Hyun , Kurisawa Motoichi , Kwon Oh Kyoung , Kwon Oh Hyeong
Published: July 2022

Overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is known to delay wound healing by causing oxidative tissue damage and inflammation. The green tea catechin, (–)-Epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG), has drawn a great deal of interest due to its strong ROS scavenging and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we developed EGCG-grafted silk fibroin hydrogels as a potential wound dressing material. The introduction of EGCG to water-soluble silk fibroin (SF-WS) was accomplished by the nucleophilic addition reaction between lysine residues in silk proteins and EGCG quinone at mild basic pH. The resulting SF-EGCG conjugate was co-crosslinked with tyramine-substituted SF (SF-T) via horseradish peroxidase (HRP)/H2O2 mediated enzymatic reaction to form SF-T/SF-EGCG hydrogels with series of composition ratios. Interestingly, SF-T70/SF-EGCG30 hydrogels exhibited rapid in situ gelation (< 30 sec), similar storage modulus to human skin (~ 1000 Pa) and superior wound healing performance over SF-T hydrogels and a commercial DuoDERM® gel dressing in a rat model of full thickness skin defect. This study will provide useful insights into a rational design of ROS scavenging biomaterials for wound healing applications.
Fabrication of an Au-doped Cu/Fe@polymer Nanoreactor with Chemodynamic and Photodynamic Dual Effects as Potential Cancer Therapeutic Agents
Authors: Sun Chun-Kai , Wang Yin-Hsu , Chen Yu-Liang , Lu Ting-Yu , Chen Hsi-Ying , Pan Shih-Chin , Chen Po-Chun , Liao Mei-Yi , Yu Jiashing
Published: July 2022

Nanoparticles are widely used in biomedical applications and cancer treatments due to their minute scale, multi-function, and long retention time. Among the various nanoparticles, the unique optical property derived from the localized surface plasmon resonance effect of metallic nanoparticles is a primary reason that metallic nanoparticles are researched and applied. Copper and Iron nanoparticles have the potential to generate hydroxyl radicals in excess H2O2 via Fenton or Fenton-like reactions. On the other hand, gold nanoparticles equipped with a photosensitizer can transfer the energy of photons to chemical energy and enhance the production of singlet oxygen, which is suitable for cancer treatment. With the actions of these two reactive oxygen species in the tumor microenvironment, cell apoptosis can further be induced.In this work, we first synthesized dual metal nanoparticles with poly[styrene-alt-(maleic acid, sodium salt)( Cu ferrite@PSMA) by a simple one-step hydrothermal reduction reaction. Then, gold(III) was reduced and doped into the structure, which formed a triple metal structure, Au-doped Cu ferrite nanoparticles (Au/Cu ferrite@PSMA NPs). The metal ratio of the product could be controlled by manipulating the Fe/Cu ratio of reactants and the sequence of addition of reactants. The core-shell structure was verified by transmission electron microscopy. Moreover, the hydroxyl radical and singlet oxygen generation ability of Au/Cu ferrite@PSMA was proved. The chemodynamic and photodynamic effect was measured, and the in vitro ROS generation was observed. Furthermore, the behavior of endocytosis by cancer cells could be controlled by the magnetic field. The result indicated that Au/Cu ferrite@PSMA is a potential agent for chemodynamic/photodynamic synergetic therapy.
Prevention of horizontal transfer of laboratory plasmids to environmental bacteria: how to select disinfection methods that are also effective in destroying DNA
Authors: LORET Suzanne Marie , HABIB Boutaina , Romain Pierre , Roba Agnès , Reboul Angéline
Published: July 2022

Routine work of any molecular biology laboratory includes the daily use of microorganisms, including non-pathogenic E coli strains, transformed with a variety of plasmids expressing at least one antibiotic resistance gene (ARG). To check the efficacy of neutralization methods, bacteria isolated from wastewater from laboratories and research institutes were identified using the 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing and they were tested for the presence of an origin of replication and several ARGs frequently found in laboratory plasmids. Surprisingly, the origin of replication of Enterobacteriaceae was detected in non-Enterobacteriaceae bacteria strains suggesting that an interspecies transfer of laboratory plasmids had occurred. Using quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR), we determined the Decimal reduction value (D-value, expressed as concentration of disinfectant or length of physical treatment) of several neutralization methods for their DNA-bd effect: i.e. 0.7M for Sulfuric, 3.2% for a commercial disinfectant P3, 25 minutes for steam sterilization at 121°C and 49 minutes for UVC. A 20-minute treatment of laboratory liquid waste (LLW) with 1–10% sodium chlorine is ineffective in destroying completely plasmid gene markers intreated cells. Therefore, to prevent the horizontal transfer of laboratory ARGs to environmental bacteria, bleach-treated liquid waste should not be released in sewage without additional plasmid destruction treatment.
Exploring The Psycho-emotional Experiences of Women With Infertility In Urban Ghana: A Qualitative Study.
Authors: Otchere Lucinda Naomi , Sefogah Promise Emmanuel , Yarney Lily , Baku Anita Asiwome , Adzei Francis Anderson
Published: July 2022

BackgroundApproximately 20–40% of couples in Sub-Saharan Africa suffer infertility. Infertility is best understood as a socially constructed process where the affected couples define their inability to have children as a problem, its nature and then construct an appropriate course of action. Infertility is often associated with psychological distress among affected couples. The Ghanaian society places high values on childbearing, making infertility a major social problem for the affected women. This subject has limited qualitative data in Ghana.ObjectiveTo explore experiences of women in Ashanti region of Ghana regarding infertility and its effect on daily living.MethodA qualitative study utilizing content analysis approach. Purposive sampling of 18 women with infertility who sought infertility treatment as referral cases in Kumasi, Ashanti Region were selected for a semi-structured in-depth interview after giving informed consent.ResultsFour main themes emerged as participants’ perception of infertility and its consequences on their daily lives. These include: “abuse”, “marital instability”, “social isolation”, and “loss of self-esteem.” The most predominant theme was “loss of self-esteem”. Infertility was found to influences both psychological and social well-being of women.ConclusionInfertility imposes significant impairment on the emotional, psychological and social well-being of women in Ghana. These include: isolation, abuse, loss of self-esteem, and marital instability.What is already known? infertility may impose psychological distress on affected couples.What did study adds: This study reveals the extent to which infertility-related distress affects the daily living experience of women in Sub-Saharan Africa, including physical abuse.How this study might affect research, practice, or policy: The severity of the psycho-emotional burden of infertility is worse on women and could be mitigated if treatment costs are subsidized.
Disruption of C/EBPβ-Clec7a Axis Exacerbates Neuroinflammatory Injury via NLRP3 Inflammasome-mediated Pyroptosis in Experimental Neuropathic Pain
Authors: WU Dan , ZHANG Yanqiong , ZHAO Chunhui , LI Qiuyue , ZHANG Junhong , HAN Jiaxin , XU Zhijian , LI Junfang , MA Yan , WANG Ping , Xu Haiyu
Published: July 2022

Background
Growing evidence shows that C-Type Lectin Domain Containing 7A (Clec7a) may be involved into neuroinflammatory injury of various neurological diseases. However, its roles in neuropathic pain remain unclear.
Methods
A chronic constriction injury (CCI) rat model was established, and gene expression profilings in spinal cord tissues of CCI-insulted rats were detected by both microarray and RNA-seq studies. A series of bioinformatics analyses identified C/EBPβ-Clec7a to be a candidate axis involved into neuropathic pain. Then, its roles in mechanical allodynia, and pathological and molecular changes during CCI progression were determined by various gain-of-function and loss-of-function experiments in vivo and in vitro.
Results
Significant upregulation of Clec7a at both mRNA and protein levels were verified in spinal cord tissues of CCI-insulted rats. Clec7a knockdown markedly attenuated CCI-induced mechanical allodynia, obstructed Syk, ERK and JNK phosphorylation, inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome and caspase-1 activation, GSDMD cleavage, and consequently reduced the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (all P < 0.05). Mechanically, the rat Clec7a promoter was predicted to bind with transcription factor C/EBPβ, confirmed by Luciferase assay and ChIP-qPCR. Both in vivo and in vitro assays demonstrated that C/EBPβ knockdown significantly suppressed CCI- or LPS/ATP-induced Clec7a upregulation, and subsequently reduced Syk, ERK and JNK phosphorylation, NLRP3 oligomerization, caspase-1 activation, GSDMD expression and pyroptosis, which were markedly reversed by the co-transfection of Clec7a expression vector.
Conclusions
This pre-clinical investigation reveals that C/EBPβ-Clec7a axis may be a potential target for relieving neuropathic pain through alleviating neuroinflammation, paving its way for clinical translation as a promising approach for neuropathic pain therapy.
Antiferromagnetic skyrmion crystal in Janus monolayer CrSi2N2As2
Authors: Dai Ying , Dou Kaiying , Du Wenhui , He Zhonglin , Huang Baibiao , Ma Yandong
Published: July 2022

Antiferromagnetic skyrmion crystal (AF-SkX), a regular array of antiferromagnetic skyrmions, is a fundamental phenomenon in the field of condensed-matter physics. So far, only very few proposals have been made to realize the AF-SkX, and most based on three-dimensional (3D) materials. Herein, using first-principles calculations and Monte-Carlo simulations, we report the identification of AF-SkX in two-dimensional lattice of Janus monolayer CrSi2N2As2. Arising from the broken inversion symmetry and strong spin-orbit coupling, large Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction is obtained in Janus monolayer CrSi2N2As2. This, combined with the geometric frustration of its triangular lattice, gives rise to the skyrmion physics and long-sought AF-SkX in the presence of external magnetic field. More intriguingly, this system presents two different antiferromagnetic skyrmion phases, and such phenomenon is distinct from those reported in 3D systems. Furthermore, by contacting with Sc2CO2, the creation and annihilation of AF-SkX in Janus monolayer CrSi2N2As2 can be achieved through ferroelectricity. These findings greatly enrich the research on antiferromagnetic skyrmions.
Satellite weather data accurately models global space heating and cooling demand
Authors: Staffell Iain , Pfenninger Stefan , Johnson Nathan
Published: July 2022

Various tools exist for modelling the temporal and spatial impacts of weather on energy supply, yet few consider these impacts on energy demand for heating and cooling in the same universal way. Available models are limited in their applicability or validate poorly against measured energy consumption. Here, we present a model of hourly heating and cooling demand that can be applied globally at all scales and customised to specific contexts. We validate it against energy consumption from ~5,000 individual buildings and 43 nations / regions spanning four continents. We then assess two contemporary case studies. Firstly, we show that ‘turning down the thermostat’ by 1°C across all buildings would reduce Europe’s reliance on Russian natural gas imports by one-fifth, and allow the US to increase gas exports by one-tenth. Secondly, we show that providing a ‘comfortable’ standard of space cooling globally would require nearly half of current global electricity demand. The model and underlying data are available freely on an interactive platform to aid further research in this area.
Research on tooth surface design and side milling machining method of ruled line face gear
Authors: chu xiaomeng , zeng hong , wang yanzhong , huang yizhan
Published: July 2022

In order to solve the problem of generalized design and batch processing of face gear, a method of tooth surface design and side milling of ruled-line face gears is proposed in this paper. First of all, the discrete points of the pitch cone surface of the face gear are calculated, and the straight-line cluster and section curve of the tooth surface are constructed to analyze the deviation of the ruled line face gear. Secondly, the tooth surface model of the ruled line face gear is constructed, and the curvature and contact trace are calculated. Thirdly, the curvature and tangent of the ruled line face gear tooth surface are analyzed, the feed plane of the equidistant surface and the guideline are obtained, the torsion angle of the tooth surface and the distribution of the tangent vector along the generatrix are calculated, and the tool axis position based on the two-point offset method is studied. Finally, the side milling processing test of the face gear is carried out, and the tooth surface of the face gear after side milling is measured. The measurement results verify the correctness of the tooth surface design and the side milling processing method of the ruled line face gear.
Development of a species-specific qPCR assay for the detection of invasive African Sharptooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus) using environmental DNA
Authors: Krishnan Gopi , Sunkara Meher , Raghavan Rajeev , Umapathy Govindhaswamy
Published: July 2022

Detection and monitoring of target species is the primary strategy in the management and control of biological invasions. Traditional methods to detect invasive species are time consuming and cumbersome with a requisite for trained taxonomists for identification of aquatic species. Environmental DNA (eDNA)-based molecular methods offer an alternative, as they are quick, cost-effective and requires minimal manpower. In this study, we design and optimize a reliable eDNA-based quantitative PCR assay to detect the African Sharptooth catfish, a highly invasive and banned species in India. Here, we delineate the step-by-step processes involved in the design and optimization of the assay, and show its performance through field-testing in selected water bodies in and around the city of Hyderabad. The present workflow can be used to design assays to detect a wide range of aquatic species.
A case control investigation of COVID-19 associated Mucormycosis in India
Authors: Anand Tanu , Mukherjee Aparna , Satija Aanchal , Velamuri Poonam Sharma , Singh Kh. Jitenkumar , Das Madhuchhanda , Josten Kripa , Yadav Pragya D. , Sahay Rima R. , Keche Archana Y , Nagarkar Nitin M , Gupta Prashant , Reddy D. Himanshu , Mistry Sejal N. , Patel Jimy D. , Rao Prajwal , Rohatgi Shalesh , Ghosh Soumitra , Hazra Avijit , Kindo Anupma Jyoti , Annamalai Radha , Rudramurthy Shivaprakash M , Singh Mini P , Shameem Mohammad , Fatima Nazish , Khambholja Janakkumar R. , Parikh Sangita , Madkaikar Manisha , Pradhan Vandana D. , Kataria Sushila , Sharma Pooja , Panda Samiran , group ICMR- Mucormycosis group ICMR-Mucormycosis
Published: July 2022

Background: Increased occurrence of mucormycosis in India during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2021 in India subsequently prompted us to undertake a multi-site case-control investigation. The objectives were to examine the monthly trend of Covid-19 Associated Mucormycosis (CAM) cases among in-patients and to identify factors associated with it.Methods: Eleven study sites were involved across India and archived records since 1st January till 30th September, 2021 were used for trend analysis. The cases and controls were enrolled during 15th June 2021 to 30th September 2021. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Among 1211 enrolled participants, 336 were CAM cases and 875 were COVID-19 positive non-mucormycosis controls. Results: Admitted CAM-case number reached highest point in May 2021 after a month of peak admission for COVID-19. Odds of developing CAM increased with the history of working in a dusty environment (adjusted odds ratio; aOR 3.24, 95%CI: 1.34, 7.82), diabetes mellitus (aOR: 31.83, 95%CI: 13.96, 72.63), longer duration of hospital stay (aOR: 1.06, 95%CI: 1.02, 1.11) and use of methyl prednisolone (aOR: 2.71, 95%CI: 1.37, 5.37) following adjustment for age, gender, occupation, education, type of houses used for living, requirement of ventilatory support and route of steroid administration. Higher proportion of CAM cases required supplemental oxygen compared to the controls; use of non-rebreather mask (NRBM) was associated as a protective factor against mucormycosis compared to face masks (aOR: 0.18, 95%CI: 0.08, 0.41). Genomic sequencing of archived respiratory samples showed similar presence of Delta and Delta derivates in both cases and controls.Conclusions: Appropriate management of hyperglycemia, judicious use of steroids and use of NRBM during oxygen supplementation among COVID-19 patients bear the potential to reduce the risk of occurrence of mucormycosis. Avoiding exposure to dusty environment would add to prevention efforts.
How much is accessibility worth? Utility-based accessibility to evaluate transport policies in Latin America
Authors: Guzman Luis A. , Cantillo-Garcia Victor A. , Oviedo Daniel , Arellana Julian
Published: July 2022

There is now a long tradition of accessibility research in Latin American cities, with an increasingly rich set of frameworks and methods from a distributional perspective. Despite such a positive outlook, most accessibility metrics deployed in research and practice do not consider the dimension of (dis)utility, which resonates more clearly with mainstream transport decision-making and planning. This paper seeks to contribute to debates about the use of utility-based measures as inputs for accessibility assessment of transport infrastructure investments in the Global South using discrete choice modeling and its potential as a bridging language between socially nuanced and economics-driven transport planning practices. This paper uses mixed revealed preferences and stated preferences data collected in Bogotá, Colombia. Then, it uses a logsum accessibility metric to estimate the differentiated impact of a set of infrastructure interventions on the accessibility of residents with different income levels and other socioeconomic conditions for accessing opportunities in the city. Particularly, the logsum accessibility metric analyses future innovations and structural additions to Bogotá public transport networks reflecting their effect on the accessibility and consumer surplus in the next 20 years. The proposed approach captures the benefits derived from the opportunity locations and transport infrastructure improvements, which has relevance for debates about transport policy and practice in this and similar urban contexts in the Global South. These accessibility gains could be assigned a monetary value to include in project cost-benefit assessments.
Low-frequency Signal Generation in Space Based on the High-frequency Electric Antenna Array and Doppler effect
Authors: Cui Anjing , Li Daojing , Wu Jiang , Gao Jinghan , Zhou Kai , Hu Chufeng , Wu Shumei
Published: July 2022

Low-frequency signals can be used in target detection and geological exploration, but the large antenna sizes limit their applications. Hence, it is significant to investigate the low-frequency signal generation method based on antennas with appropriate sizes. Different from mechanical antenna methods, previous work of this paper proposes a novel low-frequency signal generation method in space on the basis of Doppler effect, and designs the high-frequency electric antenna staggered array and timing sequency of the periodic pulse train signal. In this paper, 8-element short-array and 64-element long-array experimental prototypes are proposed, and the 121.35 MHz signal is composed of 156 MHz radiating element signals. Experimental results show that the measured composite signal spectrums are similar to the simulations and physically verify the feasibility of the low-frequency signal generation method based on the high-frequency electric antenna array, which is valuable in the area of low-frequency signal generation with small antennas.
Make it double: Identification and characterization of a Tandem-Hirudin from the Asian medicinal leech Hirudinaria manillensis
Authors: Lukas Phil , Melikian Georgij , Hildebrandt Jan-Peter , Müller Christian
Published: July 2022

Haematophagous leeches expresses a broad variety of secretory proteins in their salivary glands, among them hirudins and hirudin-like factors. Here we describe the identification, molecular and initial functional characterization of Tandem-Hirudin (TH), a novel salivary gland derived factor identified in the Asian medicinal leech, Hirudinaria manillensis. In contrast to the typical structure of hirudins, TH comprises two globular domains arranged in a tandem-like orientation and lacks the elongated C-terminal tail. Similar structures of thrombin inhibitors have so far been identified only in kissing bugs and ticks. Expression of TH was performed in both cell-based and cell-free bacterial systems. A subsequent functional characterization revealed no evidence for a thrombin-inhibitory potency of TH.
Prestimulation of breast cancer cells with arginine vasopressin accentuates the anticancer effect induced by Dynamin 2 inhibitor
Authors: Kafaas Samar Sami Al , Loutfy Samah Ali , Diab Thoria , Hessien Mohamed
Published: July 2022

Purpose: Breast cancer cells abnormally express arginine vasopressin hormone (AVP) and its receptors. Clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) involves a machinery of intracellular endocytic proteins, including large Dynamins. The impact of Dynamin inhibition on the survivability and metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer cells, stimulated by AVP, was not well addressed. Methods: To explore this, Dynamin 2 was selectively inhibited by dynasore (DYN) in MDA MB-231 cells, which was prestimulated with AVP, or cotreated with, a PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitor. Results: Dynasore induced apoptosis in 19.2±1.5% of cells, whereas in cells transiently prestimulated with AVP or co-treated with Wortmannin (Wort), apoptosis has increased to 28.0±1.4% and 35.4±1.5%, respectively. This was associated with an increase in the expression of the autophagy indicators (LC3II protein and Beclin-1 mRNA), whereas, Wort reduced both markers. Moreover, 85.1%, 76.3% and 74.8% of cells were arrested in G0/G1 phase, when they were exposed to AVP, DYN or both, respectively. The Phosphorylated Akt (pAkt) decreased in DYN-treated cells in presence of AVP, Wort or both. Besides, DYN enhanced the expression of Bax and Caspase-3 genes, downregulated the multidrug resistance gene (MDR1), and reduced cell’s invasion. Conclusion: These results suggest the antineoplastic, anti-metastasis effects of Dynamin inhibition in triple negative breast cancer cells, in which V2R receptor was stimulated with AVP. Mechanistically, the drug repressed AKT/PI3K pathway, upregulated the apoptosis related genes and enhanced cells responsive to chemotherapy as similar as Wort. These events may nominate dynamin as anticancer target in breast cancer.
Bayesian Spatial Small Area Estimations of Undernutrition Using Big Data Sources
Authors: Yilema Seyifemickael Amare , Shiferaw Yegnanew A. , Zewotir Temesgen , Muluneh Essey Kebede
Published: July 2022

Survey estimates play a vital role in policy decision-making at the national and regional levels. Small area estimation (SAE) for aggregated area-level data is commonly employed under the Fay–Herriot model with independently and identically distributed area effect assumption. However, the presence of a spatial influence between adjacent or surrounding regions cannot be ignored in various applications, which is not handled by this approach. Simultaneous autoregressive specifications take into account spatial connection as well as spatial correlation effects between neighboring areas. In addition, the prior parameter information is required to maximize the efficiency of direct survey estimations. The study aimed to use Bayesian spatial statistics under the Fay-Herriot model to improve direct survey estimates of undernutrition in Ethiopia. Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithms were applied for implementing the Bayesian spatial FH model. The diagnostic measures are demonstrated to examine the model assumptions and reliability and validity of the generated model-based small area estimates. Bayesian spatial SAE has a lower percent coefficient of variation (CV) than the corresponding direct survey estimates of undernutrition. Therefore, model-based estimates are more precise, efficient, and adequate than the corresponding estimates for all target variables (stunting, wasting, and underweight) in almost all zones for children under five. The zonal level undernutrition estimates produced by the Bayesian spatial SAE methods provide invaluable information to policy analysts and decision-makers.
Reciprocal regulation of CIP2A and AR expression in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Chuang Hao-Wen , Pan Jian-Hua , Cai Yi-Xuan , Rupa Darius , Huang Ting-Syuan , Kuo Tzu-Chien , Lin Chiao-Wen , Chen Chi-Wei , Lin Chia-Chin , Lee Herng-Sheng , Yuan Ta-Chun
Published: July 2022

Cancerous inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (CIP2A) is an oncoprotein overexpressed in human malignancies, including prostate cancer (PCa). In this study, we aimed to explore the oncogenic function of CIP2A in PCa cells and its underlying mechanism. We showed that 63.3% (38/60 cases) of PCa tissues exhibited a high CIP2A immunostaining, compared to 25% (3/12 cases) of BPH samples. Furthermore, CIP2A expression was positively correlated with patients’ short survival time and nuclear AR levels in PCa tissues. Compared to PZ-HPV-7, an immortalized prostate cell line, androgen-sensitive LNCaP C-33, androgen-independent LNCaP C-81, or 22Rv1 cells exhibited a high CIP2A expression, associated with high AR expression and phosphorylation. While AR expression and activity modulated CIP2A expression, manipulating CIP2A expression in PCa cells regulated their AR expression and proliferation. The reduction of CIP2A expression also enhanced the sensitivity of PCa cells toward Enzalutamide treatment. Our data further showed that depletion of polo-kinase 1 (PLK1) expression or activity in C-81 or 22Rv1 cells caused reduced expression of c-Myc and AR. Notably, inhibition of PLK1 activity could abolish CIP2A-promoted expressions in c-Myc, AR, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in C-33 cells under an androgen-deprived condition, suggesting the role of PLK1 activity in CIP2A-promoted AR expression. In summary, our data showed the existence of a novel regulation between CIP2A and AR expression, which is critical for promoting PCa malignancy. Thus, CIP2A could serve as a therapeutic target for PCa.
An unusual hepatic lesion in a patient following radical surgery of rectal cancer
Authors: Wang Ming , Yang Qin
Published: July 2022

Chemotherapy-induced hepatic pseudotumor has not been reported before. A 69-year-old female was admitted for a newly detected hepatic lesion after radical resection and chemotherapy for the advanced rectal cancer patient (pT4aN1aM1). Further radiological examinations, including contrast-enhanced CT, Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI and ultrasound, could not exclude the possibility of liver malignancy. Laparoscopic complete resection of the lesion was performed. Histopathological examination showed scattered multinucleated giant cell response, focal fibrous tissue hyperplasia between lobules, local necrosis with granuloma formation, and collagen nodule formation. Acid-fast and Periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) stains were negative. Neither malignant evidence was found nor sufficient evidence to diagnose a benign liver lesion that fit into the current classification system of a benign hepatic tumour. The final diagnosis of chemotherapy-induced pseudotumor was made using the opinions of pathologists, surgeons and oncologists. No recurrence occurred during the 12-months follow-up. In conclusion, surgical resection should still be the first choice for newly detected liver lesions after chemotherapy of colorectal cancer. Hepatic pseudotumor could be triggered by chemotherapy as a form of hepatic injury.
Microbiological analysis & Bioremediation Bioassay for characterization of industrial effluent
Authors: Alyhaiby Amani H. , Zabermawi Nidal M. , El-Bestawy Ebtesam A.
Published: July 2022

This study aims to investigate bacteria for biodegradation of oil pollutants from oily industrial wastewater to be used as bioremediation tools and to determine the characterization of Bioremediation Bioassays. A screening bioassay was carried out using six exogenous environmental bacterial strains to degrade oily pollution, which indicated promising clearance of the oily wastewater. Two strains, namely Enterobacter cloacae 279 − 56 (R4) and Pseudomonas otitis MCC10330 (R19), could successfully eliminate oil content and reasonable removal of the organic load. Results showed that the two promising bacterial candidates (R4 and R19) were selected according to the preliminary screening of the six tested bacteria considered the most efficient for all the tested parameters. The highest Removal Efficiency (Removal Efficiency resulted in Residual levels of total dissolved solids (TDS), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and Oil content in the treated oily wastewater effluents are 1940, 171, 131, and 84 mg/l respectively where these results are not within safe discharge limits, except for TDS. Hence, the bioremediation assays were carried out using the mixed culture since it was the most efficient strain for degrading all tested parameters.
Ant-colony Optimization Based Energy Aware Cross Layer Routing Protocol to Improve Route Reliability in MANETs
Authors: Shafi Shaik , Ratnam D.Venkata
Published: July 2022

Improved route reliability is one of the key parameter for successful dissemination of the multimedia and emergency messages in decentralized, highly dynamic Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs). In order to achieve this, an energy efficient optimized routing protocol is essential, as mobile nodes run on battery power. There is plethora of studies that emphasizes on route reliability and energy consumption by modifying the existing MANET reactive routing schemes. Most of these are based on shortest path with traditional single layer approach, allows only one or two node parameters for both relay node selection and optimal path. However, due to the nature of the MANETs, still several factors such as unnecessary flooding of control packets and intermittent connectivity among the nodes distress the battery power directly. Therefore, in this paper, an Ant colony optimization based energy aware cross layer routing protocol (AOERP) is presented. The proposed AOERP includes series of mechanisms: firstly, selection of an adaptive relay nodes based on high energy factor and neighbor node ratio at each node in the network to avoid dead nodes and secondly identifying a finest path among the selected relay nodes in the direction of destination using Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) method. These mechanisms make an attempt to improve the route reliability and in turn increases entire network lifetime to overcome the rerouting in the network by making use of multiple node parameters from lower three layers such as physical, MAC and network layers. The performance of the proposed AOERP protocol is carried out using Network Simulator Version 2.34 (NS-2.34) and compared over existing energy aware routing schemes. The simulation results show that the proposed AOERP outperforms in terms of reliability, energy factor, average end-to-end delay and percentage of dead nodes for different node density and node speeds.
Stressful life events and relapse in schizophrenia: The moderating effect of social support
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Zhu Xiaodan , Wang Qing , Chen Bing , Xu Xuebing , Jiang Xiaojian , Liu Juan
Published: July 2022

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the relationship between stressful life events, relapse, and social support, and the moderating effect of social support on the association between stressful life events and relapse in schizophrenia.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 215 patients recruited from Ningxia Mental Health Centre, China. All participants completed the Social Readjustment Rating Scale, Social Support Rating Scale, Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, Clinical Global Impressions-Severity Scale, and Morisky Medication Adherence Scales-8. Spearman’s correlation analysis and binary logistic regression analysis were used to explore the relationship between stressful life events, relapse, and social support. The moderating effect of social support was tested with PROCESS 3.4 SPSS.Results: Stressful life events and the three domains of social support exerted a significant influence on the relapse of schizophrenia. Significant evidence suggests that social support acts as a protective factor and moderates the relationship between stressful life events and relapse. However, this moderating effect exists only in subjective social support and not in objective social support and availability.Conclusion: This study provides a better understanding of the relationship between stressful life events, relapse, and social support and provides significant evidence suggesting that social support moderates the impact of stressful life events on relapse. This suggests that the promotion of social support is beneficial in reducing the risk of relapse in patients with schizophrenia.
Quest of New Molecular Frameworks for Carbon Monoxide-Releasing Molecules: A Computation Prospective
Authors: Seth Ritu , Jose Amilan D. , Singh Ajeet
Published: July 2022

Manganese tricarbonyl complexes are one of the most promising compounds since they release carbon monoxide. CO-releasing molecules (CORMs) may supply a control amount of CO to the biological systems and therefore this area of research is a hot topic in medicine, especially for cancer treatment. The analysis of carbon monoxide-releasing compounds can be done using a variety of experimental and theoretical methods. To identify and scrutinize such molecules, we have performed density functional theory (DFT) calculations to investigate the ability of liberation of CO. In this report, we have taken Mn(Ⅰ) tricarbonyl complexes that bear bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl) amine unit with different kinds of electron-withdrawing nature ligands. For optimization of different complexes, we have used density functional theory (DFT) with the B3LYP/LANL2DZ basis. DFT and time dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations infer that the taken carbonyl complexes will release CO efficiently. The calculated results also suggests that the transfer of electron density from the electron rich metal centres to π molecular orbitals of the ligand via strong metal to ligand charge transfer (MLCT) in the visible/near IR region. The strong MLCT results weaken the metal-CO back bonding and promote the speedy CO release.
Complete Genome Sequence of Invertebrate Iridescent Virus From Kazahstan
Authors:   Alexyuk Madina2,   Bogoyavlenskiy Andrey2,   Anarkulova Elmira1, Makhabbat Amanbayeva , Anar Imangazy , Pavel Alexyuk
Published: July 2022

Iridoviruses are members of the nucleocytoplasmic large DNA viruses. The complete DNA sequence of invertebrate iridescent virus from Kazakhstan was determined using a whole-genome shotgun approach on virion DNA. The circular form genome was 212482 bp in length. It contained 467 coding DNA sequences (CDs) with forward and reverse orientation. The comparison of 26 core proteins showed that Invertebrate iridescent virus was 98% similarity with previously sequenced Iridovirus 6. Sequencing the genomes of new viruses creates an opportunity to study the structure of the viruses genome, the prerequisites for a more complete annotation of genes and expands our understanding of the evolution of this group of viruses
Earthquake Vulnerability Assessment through Spatial Multi-Criteria Analysis: A Case Study of Quetta City, Pakistan
Authors: Kk Jamal-ud-din , Ainuddin Syed , Murtaza Ghulam , Faiz Shabana , Muhammad Abida Sher , Raheem Abdul , Khan Sanaullah
Published: July 2022

Vulnerability assessment of an urban area to earthquake hazards is the requirement for attaining sustainable urban resilience. Quetta city is the capital of the province of Balochistan surrounded by mountains with the existence of many active faults. The main objective of the current study was to assess the earthquake vulnerability in Quetta valley. A total of 400 sample size was taken for the primary household survey. Secondary data was taken from the Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP), the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), and the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Data related to the socio-economic and structural components are performed in SPSS software and then transferred into the GIS environment to generate required maps. Whereas indicators related to hazard assessment like Peak Ground acceleration (PGA), Fault lines (FL), and Soil Type (ST) are performed in Arc-GIS to produce the expected maps and results. Analytical Hierarchal Process (AHP) & Weighted Linear Combination (WLC) methods are used to identify earthquake vulnerability. The results of the study reveal that Quetta is highly vulnerable to earthquake hazards in the future; its geology coupled with the human dimension indicates a more disastrous future in the next event. This research study has significant implications for urban planners and provides a risk reduction platform to reduce future earthquake losses and make Quetta city more resilient and sustainable.
Evaluation of arterial stiffness and carotid intima-media thickness in children with primary and renal hypertension
Authors: Altay Emine , Kıztanır Hikmet , Kosger Pelin , Cetin Nuran , Sulu Ayse , Tufan Aslı Kavaz , Ozen Hulya , Ucar Birsen
Published: July 2022

Hypertension is an increasing disease in children and the risk of endothelial damage and target organ damage increases in the presence of additional risk factors such as obesity. In our study, early atherosclerotic changes and target organ damage were investigated in hypertensive children. Twenty four-hour ambulatory pulse wave analysis was performed by oscillometric method in 17 patients with primary hypertension, 18 obese patients with primary hypertension, and 16 patients with renal hypertension. Carotid intima- media thickness and left ventricular mass index were measured. The control group included 20 age- and sex-matched healthy children. Central systolic blood pressure, central diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were higher in the primary hypertension group compared to controls (p = 0.001, p = 0.005, p = 0.001, p = 0.009, respectively), central systolic blood pressure was higher in the renal hypertension group than the control group (p = 0.018). There was no difference between the two groups in terms of pulse wave analysis parameters, carotid intima-media thickness, or left ventricular mass index (p > 0.05). Pulse wave velocity was positively correlated with systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, central systolic blood pressure, central diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.001). Augmentation index was positively correlated with DBP and cDBP (p = 0.01, p = 0.002, respectively). Our findings show that high blood pressure is associated with arterial stiffness and target organ damage. Pulse wave analysis is a reliable and non-invasive method that can be used to prevent target organ damage in hypertensive children by detecting early atherosclerotic changes and thus allowing to take necessary precautions such as lifestyle changes.
Development of a scoring model for the prediction of gangrenous/perforated appendicitis
Authors: Kobayashi Toshimichi , Hidaka Eiji , Koganezawa Itsuki , Nakagawa Masashi , Yokozuka Kei , Ochiai Shigeto , Gunji Takahiro , Sano Toru , Tomita Koichi , Tabuchi Satoshi , Chiba Naokazu , Kawachi Shigeyuki
Published: July 2022

Purpose
This study aimed to develop a new scoring model based on objective findings in predicting gangrenous/perforated appendicitis in adults.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed 151 patients with acute appendicitis who underwent emergency surgery between January 2014 and June 2021. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify independent predictors for gangrenous/perforated appendicitis. A new scoring model was developed based on logistic regression coefficients for independent predictors. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and the Hosmer–Lemeshow test were performed for assessing the discrimination and calibration of the model. Finally, the scores were classified into three categories based on the probability of gangrenous/perforated appendicitis.
Results
Among the 151 patients, 85 and 66 patients were diagnosed with gangrenous/perforated appendicitis and uncomplicated appendicitis, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, C-reactive protein, maximal outer diameter of the appendix, and presence of appendiceal fecalith were identified as independent predictors for developing gangrenous/perforated appendicitis. The new scoring model was developed based on three independent predictors and ranged from 0 to 3. The area under the ROC curve was 0.792 (95% confident interval 0.721–0.863), and the Hosmer–Lemeshow test showed good calibration of the new scoring model (P = 0.716). Three risk categories were classified: low, moderate, and high risk, with probabilities of 30.9%, 63.8%, and 94.4%, respectively.
Conclusions
Our scoring model can objectively and reproducibly identify gangrenous/perforated appendicitis with good diagnostic accuracy and help in not only judging the degree of urgency but also in making decisions with regard to appendicitis management.
Deep learning-based predictions of clear and eosinophilic phenotypes in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Ohe Chisato , Yoshida Takashi , Amin Mahul , Uno Rena , Atsumi Naho , Yasukochi Yoshiki , Ikeda Junichi , Nakamoto Takahiro , Noda Yuri , Kinoshita Hidefumi , Tsuta Koji , Higasa Koichiro
Published: July 2022

We have recently shown that histological phenotypes focusing on clear and eosinophilic cytoplasm in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) correlated with prognosis and the response to angiogenesis inhibition and checkpoint blockade. This present study aims to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) model for predicting clear or eosinophilic phenotypes in ccRCC using the TCGA-KIRC dataset and to demonstrate if the predicted phenotypes correlate with pathological factors and gene signatures related to angiogenesis and cancer immunity. Prior to the development of the AI model, histological evaluation using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) whole-slide images of the TCGA-KIRC cohort (n = 435) was performed by a urologic pathologist, similar to our previous studies, and successfully shown that clear and eosinophilic histological phenotypes correlated with clinicopathological characteristics, gene signatures, and prognosis, confirming that our diagnostic method based on the histological phenotypes by using the TCGA-KIRC cohort consisting of multi-institutional slides was valid. The AI model was developed as follows. First, the highest-grade area on each whole slide image was captured for image processing. Second, the selected regions were cropped into tiles to develop the AI model. Third, the AI was trained using transfer learning on a deep convolutional neural network, and clear or eosinophilic predictions were scaled as AI scores. Next, we verified the AI model using a validation cohort (n = 95). Finally, we evaluated the accuracy of the prognostic predictions of the AI model and revealed that the AI model detected clear and eosinophilic (mixed or predominantly eosinophilic) phenotypes with high prediction. The AI model stratified the patients’ outcomes in the TCGA-KIRC cohort (p = 0.008) and predicted eosinophilic phenotypes correlated with adverse clinicopathological characteristics and high immune-related gene signatures. In conclusion, an AI-based histologic subclassification accurately predicts clear or eosinophilic phenotypes in ccRCC allowing for consistently reproducible stratification for prognostic and therapeutic stratification.