bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intelligent IDS: Venus Fly-trap Optimization with Honeypot Approach for Intrusion Detection and Prevention
Authors: Chaithanya Movva Sai , Nikudiya Suresh , Basanaik Varsha S , Reddy Damodar , Bhukya Hanumanthu
Published: July 2021

Intrusion Detection Systems and Intrusion Prevention Systems are used to detect and prevent attacks/malware from entering the network/system. Honeypot is a type of Intrusion Detection System which is used to find the intruder, study the intruder and prevent the intruder to access the original system. It is necessary to build a strong honeypot because if it is compromised, the original system can be easily targeted by the attacker. To overcome such challenges an efficient honeypot is needed that can shut the attacker after extracting his attack technique and tools. In this paper, a Venus fly-trap optimization algorithm has been used for implementing the honeypot system along with Intrusion Detection System. Venus plants are a type of carnivorous plants that catch their prey intelligently. By adopting this feature we make an effective honeypot system that will intelligently interact with the attacker.

A new fitness function has been proposed to identify size of the attacker. The effectiveness of the proposed fitness function has been evaluated by comparing it with state of the art. For comparison, remote-to-local attacks, probing attacks and DOS attacks are performed on both proposed and existing models. The proposed model is significant to catch/block all the intruders which were caught by the art and also the proposed model reduces the time of interaction between the attacker and honeypot system thereby giving minimum information to the attacker.
How Do Natural Gas, Oil, and Coal Consumption Contribute to Environmental Degradation? An Empirical Investigation in Russia
Authors: Kanat Orazaliyev , Yan Zhijun , Asghar Muhammad Mansoor , Ahmed Zahoor , Mahmood Haider , Kirikkaleli Dervis , Murshed Muntasir
Published: July 2021

Environmental degradation sourced by conventional energy sources is not only a major factor behind climate change but also poses an adverse impact on human health. Undoubtedly, fossil fuels are major drivers of economic growth; however, their detrimental environmental impacts are of global scope, affecting the inhabitants of the whole world. In the literature, there is no comprehensive empirical evidence on the linkage between different energy sources and CO2 emissions in Russia which is among the top five CO2 emitting nations. Thus, this paper aims to quantify the relationships between oil consumption, natural gas consumption, coal consumption, and CO2 emission controlling economic growth in Russia. The findings indicate that CO2 emissions in Russia are cointegrated with oil, gas, coal, and economic growth. The long-run outcomes unfold that Russian economic growth is not directly harmful to environmental quality; however, the consumption of oil, gas, and coal upsurge the level of CO2 emissions. In addition, we conducted Granger causality tests for causal interaction analysis. The findings on the Russian data confirm the existence of both long and short-term causal connections with the country’s economic growth, disaggregated fossil fuel consumption, and CO2 emissions. In conclusion, we directed several policy recommendations to address the challenges and threats posed by energy-related emissions without adversely impacting economic growth in Russia. These policies could also be advantageous to other countries, especially those with close Russian links.
Convection-permitting Modeling Strategies for Simulating Extreme Rainfall Events Over Southeastern South America
Authors: Feijoó Martín , Solman Silvina
Published: July 2021

A set of six convection-permitting (CP) domain configurations were implemented to perform 72-hour long simulations of three extreme precipitation events over Southeastern South America (SESA). The goal of the study is to determine the most adequate configuration for reproducing not only the rainfall evolution and intensity, but also the synoptic triggering mechanisms that led to these extreme events, taking into account the trade-off between model performance and computational cost. This study assesses the impact of 1) the horizontal resolution in the CP domain, 2) the horizontal resolution of the driver domain, 3) the size of both CP and driver domains and 4) the nesting strategy (one-step versus two-step nesting). Each simulation was performed with the Weather Research and Forecasting model driven by the ERA-Interim reanalysis. For each event and domain configuration, a 6-member physics ensemble is built, making a total of 36 simulations for each event. No significant differences were found between the 4 km and 2.4 km CP ensembles. Increasing the horizontal resolution of the driver domain from 20 km to 12 km introduced only subtle differences. Increasing the size of the CP domain improved significantly the model performance, mainly because of better resolved topography and, hence, better resolved synoptic environment. The results in this study reveal that the one-step nesting CP ensemble at 4 km horizontal resolution covering an area of 21°x29° (lat-lon) arises as the optimal domain configuration to simulate extreme precipitation events over SESA.
Transcriptome wide association study of coronary artery disease identifies novel susceptibility genes
Authors: Schunkert Heribert , Li Ling , Chen Zhifen , Scheidt Moritz , Steiner Andrea , Güldener Ulrich , Koplev Simon , Ma Angela , Hao Ke , Pan Calvin , Lusis Aldons , Pang Shichao , Kessler Thorsten , Ermel Raili , Sukhavasi Katyayani , Ruusalepp Arno , Gagneur Julien , Erdmann Jeanette , Kovacic Jason , Bjorkegren Johan
Published: July 2021

Transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS) explore genetic variants affecting gene expression for association with a trait. Here we studied coronary artery disease (CAD) using this approach by first determining genotype-regulated expression levels in nine CAD relevant tissues by EpiXcan in two genetics-of-gene-expression panels, the Stockholm-Tartu Atherosclerosis Reverse Network Engineering Task (STARNET) and the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx). Based on these data we next imputed gene expression in respective nine tissues from individual level genotype data on 37,997 CAD cases and 42,854 controls for a subsequent gene-trait association analysis. Transcriptome-wide significant association (P < 3.85e-6) was observed for 114 genes, which by genetic means were differentially expressed predominately in arterial, liver, and fat tissues. Of these, 96 resided within previously identified GWAS risk loci and 18 were novel (CAND1, EGFLAM, EZR, FAM114A1, FOCAD, GAS8, HOMER3, KPTN, MGP, NLRC4, RGS19, SDCCAG3, STX4, TSPAN11, TXNRD3, UFL1, WASF1, and WWP2). Gene set analyses showed that TWAS genes were strongly enriched in CAD-related pathways and risk traits. Associations with CAD or related traits were also observed for damaging mutations in 67 of these TWAS genes (11 novel) in whole-exome sequencing data of UK Biobank. Association studies in human genotype data of UK Biobank and expression-trait association statistics of atherosclerosis mouse models suggested that newly identified genes predominantly affect lipid metabolism, a classic risk factor for CAD. Finally, CRISPR/Cas9-based gene knockdown of RGS19 and KPTN in a human hepatocyte cell line resulted in reduced secretion of APOB100 and lipids in the cell culture medium. Taken together, our TWAS approach was able to i) prioritize genes at known GWAS risk loci and ii) identify novel genes which are associated with CAD.
The Prevalence and Characters of Pressure Injuries in Hospital: A Hospital Study in Southeast China
Authors: Xu Jie , Deng Xiaofang , Sun Caixia , Pan Xiaoyun
Published: July 2021

Background and objective:

Hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) carry many adverse consequences (such as pain, wound odors, long lengths of hospital stay), and are a concern internationally. The aim of this study was to describe the incidence, clinical and epidemiological features of HAPI in a tertiary hospital.
Methods

A retrospective, qualitative study was conducted from 2017 to 2018. A questionnaire was designed around the existing literature about HAPI, including general information, Braden Scale scores (on admission, the moment that patients developed HAPI, and discharge), and the assessment of HAPI.
Results

419 patients had HAPI, representing an incidence of 0.12%. On average, patients developed HAPI after 12 days. The intensive care unit (ICU; 79,18.9%) saw the largest number of patients with HAPI. HAPIs were most commonly at Stage 2 (71.4%) and of a sacral location (42.3%). Braden Scale scores at first development of HAPI were lower than those on admission or discharge (with a low score signifying high risk).
Conclusion

The incidence of HAPI in a tertiary hospital was lower than at other hospitals. Braden Scale scores predicted the highest HAPI risk occurring at the point where HAPI were first developed.
A Retrospective Study of the Factors Associated With Deterioration Severity of COVID-19 Illness at a Tertiary Hospital in Saudi Arabia
Authors: AlJabr Mohammad , AlDossary Areej , Alkanani Kanan , Zahrani Turky Al , Almulhim Sofian , Kheir Hatim , AlAbdulkader Assim , Mushcab Hayat , Alreshidi Yaser , Albalawi Nouf , Alabdullatif Wedyan , Almarzooq Abrar , Qahtani Saeed Al
Published: July 2021

Background: COVID-19 has rapidly progressed to a pandemic causing a severe burden on healthcare systems worldwide. It has proven to be a serious threat to certain populations such as elderly and chronically ill people. In this study we aim to determine risk factors contributing and affecting COVID-19 severity and deterioration during the course of illness. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study for all hospitalized patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 from March to July 2020.Results: A total of 639 patients were included in this study. The majority were Saudi patients (87.3%). 465 (76%) were symptomatic with abnormal x-ray imaging diagnosis (56.2%). Predetermined clinical risk factors were obesity (46.3%), hypertension (42.3%), diabetes mellitus (41.8%), dyslipidemia (39%), Ischemic heart disease (13.2%), chronic lung disease (11%), chronic kidney disease (10.3%), cancer (7.9%), congestive heart failure (6.1%), and immunocompromised patients (4.6%). It was also found that chest x-ray finding upon diagnosis, and presentation of symptoms had a significant impact on the pattern of deterioration.Conclusion: This study found that elderly and chronically ill patients are at higher risk for more severe COVID-19 infection and risk of deterioration, hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, and probably death when compared to younger and healthier patients.
Bacillus Thuringiensis Predominated in the Zombie Fungus Ophiocordyceps Unilateralis S. L.-Infected Ant Cadavers and Investigation of its Biological Properties
Authors: Tu Kai-Wen , Chiu Ming-Chung , Lin Wei-Jiun , Hsueh Yen-Ping , Lin Chung-Chi , Chou Jui-Yu
Published: July 2021

Animal hosts infected and killed by parasitoid fungi become a nutrient-rich cadaver for saprophytes. Bacteria adapted to colonization of parasitoid fungi can be selected and can predominate in the cadaver, actions that consequently impact the fitness of the parasitoid fungi. In Taiwan, the zombie fungus, Ophiocordyceps unilateralis sensu lato (Clavicipitaceae: Hypocreales), was found to parasitize eight ant species, with preference for a principal host, Polyrhachis moesta. In this study, ant cadavers grew a fungal stroma that was predominated by Bacillus thuringiensis. The bacterial diversity in the principal ant host was found to be lower than the bacterial diversity in alternative hosts, a situation that might enhance the impact of B. thuringiensis on the sympatric fungus. The B. thuringiensis isolates from fungal stroma displayed higher resistance to a specific naphthoquinone (plumbagin) than B. thuringiensis from the environment. Naphthoquinones are known to be produced by O. unilateralis s. l., and hence the resistance displayed by B. thuringiensis isolates to these compounds suggests an advantage to B. thuringiensis to grow in the ant cadaver. Bacteria proliferating in the ant cadaver inevitably compete for resources with the fungus. However, the B. thuringiensis isolates displayed in vitro capabilities of hemolysis, production of hydrolytic enzymes, and antagonistic effects to co-cultured nematodes and entomopathogenic fungi. Thus, co-infection with B. thuringiensis offers potential benefits to the zombie fungus in killing the host under favorable conditions for reproduction, digesting the host tissue, and protecting the cadaver from being taken over by other consumers. With these potential benefits, B. thuringiensis is not entirely a competitor but could also be a synergist in O. unilateralis s. l. infections under certain conditions.
The Lost Productivity Cost of Absenteeism Due to COVID-19 in Health Care Workers in Iran
Authors: Faramarzi Ahmad , Javan-Noughabi Javad , Tabatabaee Seyed Saeed , Najafpoor Ali Asghar , Rezapour Aziz
Published: July 2021

Background: Human resources management plays an important role in social development and economic growth. Absence from work due to health problems can make obstacles to the growth of economy. This study conducted aimed to evaluate the absenteeism in healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: This cross-sectional study calculated the lost productivity cost of absenteeism among patients with COVID-19 between February 19, 2020, and September 21, 2020. The absenteeism costs were calculated using the human capital approach. Finally, we applied the linear regression to assess the impact of variables on the lost productivity of absenteeism due to COVID-19 on health care workers.Results: The results of this study showed that there were 1958 patients with COVID-19 among the staff of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (MUMS) from February to September 2020. The absenteeism days in our study were 32,209 days. Total costs due to absenteeism were estimated to be nearly $1.3 million, with an average of $95.9 per patient in a month. The results of regression model showed that gender, age, employment type, job, experience and monthly income had a significant impact on the cost of absenteeism due to COVID-19.Conclusions: We calculated the absenteeism costs due to COVID-19 for the first time. Estimate costs and create evidence-based documentation can decrease the economic impacts of COVID-19 and improve human resources management during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Undergoing Multiple Red Blood Cell Transfusions is Associated With Poorer Outcomes in Very Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Fang Xiaohong , Huang Dali , Zeng Huibin , Xu Liping
Published: July 2021

Objective
This study was designed to assess red blood cell (RBC) transfusion frequency in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW)infants and to understand the relationships between the number of transfusions and the composite risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), and mortality.
Method:
VLBW infants admitted from May 2017 – July 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Relationships between gestational age (GA), birth weight (BW), numbers of transfusions, and comorbidities were evaluated through Pearson correlation analyses. The relationship between factors of interest (Model 1: GA, BW, comorbidities; Model 2: number of transfusions) and composite risk was assessed via a logistic regression approach.
Results
Overall,408 VLBW infants were enrolled, of whom 74% underwent at least one RBC transfusion. Infants with a GA < 30 weeks, a BW < 1,250 g, and comorbidities were more likely to require RBC transfusion. Number of transfusions was related to the risk of analyzed composite outcomes, with risk correlating with undergoing > 3 transfusions (OR: 3.275, 95% CI: 1.707–6.275).
Conclusion
We found that undergoing > 3 RBC transfusions was related to an increased risk of BPD, ROP, or death in VLBW infants.
Impaired CD8+ Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cells and Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Promote The Development of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Zhu Mengting , Xu Yuping , Li Caihua , Lu Zhimin , Bi Kaihuan , Wang Kangxia , Guo Peipei , Jiang Huanhuan , Cao Yunxia
Published: July 2021

Background: Immune dysfunction is one of the mechanisms to promote polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Various immune cells have been reported to be involved in the development of PCOS. Meanwhile, the disturbance of metabolism is closely related to PCOS. This study is to explore the effect of mucosal-associated invariant T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells on the pathogenesis and the metabolic dysfunction of PCOS patients.Methods: 68 PCOS patients and 20 controls were recruited in this study and we collected the peripheral blood of participants’ during their follicular phase. The frequencies of MAIT cells and MDSCs were determined by flow cytometry after being stained with different monoclonal antibodies. And the concentrations of cytokines were determined by ELISA.Results: Compared to control group, the frequency of MDSCs, CD8+MAIT cells and CD38+CD8+MAIT cells were significantly decreased of PCOS patients with normal metabolism, however, proportion of CD4+MAIT cells exhibited a noticeable increase. PCOS patients with abnormal weight showed a lower level and activation of CD8+MAIT cells. On the contrary, they displayed an enrichment of CD4+MAIT cells. PCOS patients with glucose metabolic disorder displayed a remarkable dysregulation of MDSCs and Mo-MDSCs. MDSCs were positively correlated with MAIT cells. Negative correlations between the frequency of CD8+MAIT cells, CD38+CD8+MAIT cells and body mass index were revealed. CD4+MAIT cell was positively correlated with BMI. Mo-MDSCs were found to be negatively related to the levels of 2hour plasma glucose and HOMA-IR index.Conclusion: The MAIT cells subpopulations and MDSCs played distinct roles in the etiology and metabolic disorders of PCOS.
WITHDRAWN: Comparison The Effect of Single Daily Dose With 48 Hours Interval of Amikacin With Meropenem in Treatment With Urinary Tract Infection With E. Coli: A Clinical Trial Study
Authors: Mohsenpur Behzad , Azizzadeh Hero , Ghaderi Ebrahim , Ahmadi Amjad
Published: July 2021

Objective: Urinary tract infection is among the most prevalent infections in humans, and E. coli is the most frequent pathogen causing this disease. The production of Beta lactamase enzymes (ESBL) in this bacterium makes it resistant to many antibiotics. The aim of this study was to evaluate a novel method single daily dose of Amikacin at 48 h intervals in a clinical trial This was a double-blind clinical trial study.Material and Methods: The patients were divided into two groups of Intervention (Administration of single daily dose of Amikacin at 48 h intervals Intervals for 1 week 3 doses) and control (Prescription of Meropenem for 1 Week). Results: The mean age of the Intervention group was (46.64±3.89) and control group (46.03±2.38). The frequency of E. coli infection was 61(54%), and that of other infections was 52(46%).Conclusion: The results of our study show the therapeutic effect of single daily dose administration of Amikacin every 48 hours
Regionalization of Rainfall Intensity-Duration-Frequency (IDF) Curves With L-Moments Method Using Neural Gas Networks
Authors: Mahmoudi Mohammadreza , Eslamian Saeid , Soltani Saeid
Published: July 2021

Floods are one of the most frequent and destructive natural events which lead to lots of human and financial losses with damage to the houses, farms, roads, and other buildings. Intensity-duration-frequency (IDF) curves are the main and practical tools that have been used for flood control studies including the design of the water structures. In many cases, there is not any measuring device at the desired place or their information are not useful if there is any available. In this case, it is not possible to extract these curves through the conventional methods. Regionalizing the IDF curves is a method that has solved the issues mentioned in the common methods. In this research, the regionalized IDF curves are extracted in Khozestan province, Iran using 21 rain gauge stations through L-moments and neural gas networks. Clustering is one of the most effective steps and a prerequisite for regional frequency analysis (RFA) that divides the region and existing stations into hydrologically homogenous regions. In this study, clustering is done using two new models named neural gas (NG) and growing neural gas (GNG) network. Comparing the regional IDF curves with single site curves, it was found that neural gas network models had a more accurate performance and higher efficiency so that they had the lowest estimate error amount among other models. Also, due to the acceptable difference between regional and single site curves, the efficiency of L-Moments in RFA was evaluated as appropriate.
Developmental Factors That Predict Head Movement During Resting-State fMRI in Preschool-Age Children
Authors: Johnson Chelsea A. , Garnett Emily O. , Chow Ho Ming , Spray Gregory J. , Zhu David C. , Chang Soo-Eun
Published: July 2021

Background: Early childhood marks a period of dynamic neurocognitive development. The preschool age coincides with the onset of many childhood disorders and is a developmental period that is frequently studied to determine markers of neurodevelopmental disorders. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often used to explore typical brain development and the neural bases of neurodevelopmental disorders. One advantage of MRI is that it provides comprehensive imaging data with high spatial resolution that is not possible with “child-friendly” techniques such as electroencephalography (EEG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). However, acquiring high-quality MRI data in young children is challenging. The enclosed space and loud sounds can trigger unease and cause excessive head movement. A better understanding of potential factors that predict successful MRI acquisition would increase chances of collecting useable data in children with and without neurodevelopmental disorders.Methods: We investigated whether age, sex, stuttering status, and childhood temperament as measured using the Child Behavioral Questionnaire, could predict movement extent during resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) in 76 children aged 3 to 7 years, including 42 children who stutter (CWS). Results: The CWS did not differ significantly from controls in temperament or head movement during scanning. Boys exhibited significantly more movement than girls, and younger age was a consistent predictor of increased movement, unless temperament was considered. Effortful control and negative affectivity significantly predicted movement especially in young boys. Conclusions: Considering temperament, age, and sex may help predict the success of acquiring useable rs-fMRI data in young children and inform future studies developing better desensitization techniques for pediatric MR neuroimaging.
Predictors of Long-term Prognosis in Rheumatoid Arthritis-related Interstitial Lung Disease
Authors: chen juan , Chen Yaqiong , Liu Dehao , Lin Yihua , Zhu Lei , Song Shuli , Hu Yudi , Liang Tao , Liu Yongliang , Liu Wei , Lin Weng , Li Qiyuan , Ge Shengxiang , Ascherman Dana P.
Published: July 2021

Objective. To identify specific clinical and serum protein biomarkers that are associated with longitudinal outcome of RA-associated interstitial lung disease（RA-ILD).Methods. 60 RA patients with clinical and serological profiles were assessed by HRCT and pulmonary function tests (PFTs) at baseline (Year 0) and 5 years post enrollment (Year 5). Progression versus non-progression was defined based on the changes in Quantitative Modified HRCT scores and PFTs over time. Specific serum protein biomarkers were assessed in serum samples at baseline and Year 5 by Multiplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs).Results. Based on changes of Quantitative Modified HRCT scores, 32% of patients demonstrated progressive RA-ILD, 35% were stable, and 33% improved. Baseline age and rheumatoid factor (RF) were significantly different between RA-ILD outcomes of progression versus no-progression (p=0.002 and 0.027, respectively). In multivariate analyses, changes in the serum levels of CXCL11/I-TAC and MMP13 from Year 0 to Year 5 (log Year 5-log Year 0) also distinguished RA-ILD outcomes (p< 0.05). A final binary logistic regression model revealed that baseline age and changes of MMP13 were associated with RA-ILD progression (Yes vs. No) at Year 5 (p< 0.05). Receiver Operating Characteristics analysis indicated that these variables predicted progression with an AUC of 0.7569.Conclusion. While baseline age and RF predicted RA-ILD outcomes of progression versus no-progression, changed levels of CXCL11/I-TAC and MMP-13 over 5 years were also correlated with long-term prognosis of RA-ILD. In multivariate analyses, baseline age and changed levels of MMP-13 were associated with the risk of progression of RA-ILD.Trial registrationNo
Adult acetonemic vomiting complicated with low body weight in a subject with Mycobacterium avium complex pulmonary disease: A case report
Authors: Tanaka Hitomi , Anno Takatoshi , Takenouchi Haruka , Kawasaki Fumiko , Kurokawa Katsumi , Okimoto Niro , Tomoda Koichi , Kaneto Hideaki
Published: July 2021

BackgroundPulmonary diseases often bring about a significant health issue and nutritional disorders. Weight loss and malnutrition are related to the severity of obstructive disorders. Therefore, such patients easily fall into lack of nutritional energy. Acetonemic vomiting is caused by acetonemic syndrome and recently it has been considered that acetonemic vomiting can occur at any age from infancy to adulthood. It is considered that acetonemic vomiting is likely brought about in subjects with low body weight, because stored carbohydrates in the body are reduced and fats are mainly utilized. As the results, large amounts of acetone are produced, which causes nausea and vomiting together with hypoglycemia.Case presentationA 79-year-old Japanese woman was brought to an emergency room with symptoms of nausea and vomiting. She was diagnosed as MAC pulmonary disease at the age of 52. Her height, body weight and body mass index (BMI) were 155.4 cm, 33.5 kg and 13.9 kg/m2, respectively. she had slight hypoglycemia and urinary ketone bodies. Surprisingly, she had been hospitalized four times within one year and her main complaint in every hospitalization were nausea and vomiting. Moreover, at every hospitalization, she had repeated slight hypoglycemia and urinary ketone bodies. Based on such findings, we finally diagnosed her as acetonemic vomiting complicated with low body weight. We started the education and diet therapy for her and after then she has not been hospitalized for one year.ConclusionsWe should bear in mind that the subjects with pulmonary diseases are often complicated with low body weight and thereby they could have acetonemic vomiting with slight hypoglycemia and ketosis. It is very important that such pulmonary diseases patients with low body weight and repeated nausea and/or vomiting get appropriate education and diet therapy, because their repeated symptoms can be mitigated by such therapy.
Experiences and Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Students and Academics in Health Care Education in Universiti Brunei Darussalam
Authors: Idris Fazean , Zulkipli Ihsan , Mumin Khadizah Abdul , Ahmad Rohaiza , Mitha Shahid , Rahman Hanif Abdul , Rajabalaya Rajan , David Sheba , Naing Lin
Published: July 2021

Background: In keeping with nation-wide efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) made the move towards online teaching to ensure students continue to receive their education while minimizing the risks of exposure and community spread of COVID-19. We investigated teaching and learning experiences, physical and mental health of undergraduate students and academic staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on undergraduate students and academic staff in a health science faculty using a self-developed pretested questionnaire through anonymous online data collection method.Results: 56 academics (100% response rate) and 279 students (83.3% response rate) participated. The positive experiences as reported by students include: becoming independent (72.8%), adapting to online learning (67.4%) and sudden changes (62.0%), learning to manage scheduling (58.8%), and being self-motivated (57.7%); while academics’ positive experiences included new teaching techniques (50.0%), flexible schedules (50.0%), remote teaching (48.2%) and improved teaching tools (46.4%). Students reported negative experiences as being distracted at home (72.0%), feeling of uncertainty with regards to examinations (66.7%), and getting a slow response from lecturers (55.6%). With regards to health, both students and academics reported stress, anxiety, loneliness, back problems, and eye strain.Conclusion: In this challenging period towards an abrupt shift to online teaching, students and academic staff of UBD identified both positive and negative experiences including the impact on their physical and mental health. Our findings are important to provide the evidence for online pedagogical benefits and can serve to promote the enhancement and adaptation of digital technology in education. Our findings also aim to promote the importance of addressing physical and mental health issues of the university community’s well-being through provision of emotional and mental health support and appropriate programs.
Successful Treatment of Refractory Status Asthmaticus With Omalizumab.
Authors: Benes Jan , Skulec Roman , Jilek Dalibor , Fibigr Ondrej , Cerny Vladimir
Published: July 2021

The presented case demonstrates the efficacy of omalizumab as a rescue therapy of refractory status asthmaticus associated with high IgE levels. Omalizumab should be considered in patients with status asthmaticus unresponsive to standard treatment.
The Microbiome Profile In Ulcerative Colitis And Pouchitis
Authors: Gao Xin , Huang Di , Yang Lisheng , He Anqi , Li Kaiyu , Liu Tong , Liu Gang
Published: July 2021

Both ulcerative colitis and pouchitis are associated with an imbalance in the intestinal microbiota, which may be related to the immune response. The objective was to determine the bacterial composition in pouchitis and ulcerative colitis in order to explore the underlying pathogenesis. Microbiome was profiled and evaluated by 16S ribosomal DNA gene sequencing in stool samples of 37 patients with ulcerative colitis, 15 patients with normal ulcerative colitis-pouch, 15 patients with ulcerative colitis-pouchitis and 18 healthy volunteers, PICRUSt and PICRUSt2 were performed to analyze the function of dominant bacteria. In our Chinese cohort, with aggravation of ulcerative colitis, intestinal microorganisms were characterized by a gradual decreased in diversity and numbers of butyrate-producing bacteria and Bacteroides. Besides, in addition to the decrease of probiotics, the bloom of Escherichia-Shigella and Ruminococcus_gnavus was observed in pouchitis which related to multiple infection pathways according to KEEG pathway analysis. Our results showed that pouchitis and ulcerative colitis differ in their intestinal microbial structures and metabolic pathways, but the reasons need to be further explored.
A Statistical Model To Evaluate Fiber Bending Flexibility
Authors: Jin Chao , Yu Hui , Yang Guanghui , Yang Yuliang , Zhang Hongdong
Published: July 2021

A statistical model, that is the Kratky-Porod (KP) chain model (Kratky and Porod 1949), was first introduced to the pulp and paper field in this paper. Based on this model, a new method for characterizing the bending flexibility of fibers was developed and the pulp demand of the thinnest sheet was evaluated. Firstly, for the three types of pulps, the experimental results were compared with the KP chain model, and the resulting determination coefficients were all above 0.95, which proved that the model was feasible to be applied to these three fibers. Then, the relation between fiber bending rigidity and that of cellulosic chains inside was discussed to deduce the fiber bending flexibility. The results that have certain statistically significant were in the range of 0.6×1011~3.5×1011 N-1m-2, which was comparable to that of other direct methods recorded. Finally, as an application of the model, the critical concentration of paper-forming was evaluated by the fiber dimension quantified in the KP chain model. At this concentration, fiber network in one layer represented the thinnest paper in theory. To form a paper sheet with the area of 1m2, the minimum pulp assumption was in the range of 0.06~0.44g in theory. In conclusion, the KP chain model can be well applicable to describe the morphological characteristics of plant fibers, which will have more potential applications in the pulp and paper field.
Dynamic Colonization of Gut Microbiota and Its Influencing Factors Among The Breast-Feeding Infants During The First Two Year of Life
Authors: Li Ping , Chang Xuelian , Chen Xiaoyu , Tang Tiantian , Liu Yajing , Shang Yu , Qi Kemin
Published: July 2021

Background

Maturation of the infant gut microbiota has lifelong implications on health, which has been proposed as the major events during the first year of life. However, little was known about dynamic colonization of the gut microbiota and its influencing elements among the two-year infancy as well as into the adulthood.
Results

Based on the 16S rRNA sequencing data in the V3-V4 regions among 30 healthy mother-infant pairs with the normal range of the growth and development index from birth to two years old, the diversity of the gut microbiota was significantly increased from Six-month to Two-year subgroups. Furthermore, the dynamic colonization of gut microbiota was that the significant trends of Firmicutes (Faecalibacterium, Blautia, Enterococcus, Subdoligranulum, Agathobacter, Unidentified_Erysipelotrichaceae, Staphylococcus, Acinetobacillus, Unidentified_ Ruminococcaceae and Fusicatenibacter), Bacteroidetes and Verrucomicrobia were increased, while Actinobacteria (Bifidobacterium) and Proteobacteria (Enterobacteriaceae and Klebsiella) were decreased with the increased age at the phylum and genus levels. These above results revealed that certain bacteria might modulate the host pathways, such as Chemoheterotrophy, Fermentation, Parasites_or _symbionts, Nitrate_reduction and Aerobic_chemoheterotrophy metabolism. Moreover, there were significant associations between maternal (gut microbiota in the milk, Pre-pregnancy BMI-M.BMI, BMI gain during the pregnancy-I.BMI) and infant characteristics (BMI at birth-B.BMI and increment of BMI-G.BMI), and the compositions of gut microbiota in the faeces, but not differences were shown between the different sex and mode of productive subgroups.
Conclusion

Overall, the gut microbial community was significantly matured into adulthood with the increased age subgroups. It also identified that there were significant correlations between the features of gut microbiota and maternal (gut microbiota in the milk, M.BMI and I.BMI) and infant characteristics (B.BMI and G.BMI), which will provide a new direction for the host-gut microbiota interplay during the two years of life.
A Low Aldosterone/Renin Ratio and High Soluble ACE2 Associate with COVID-19 Severity
Authors: Akin Sakir , Schriek Paula , Nieuwkoop Cees van , Neuman Rugina I. , Meynaar Iwan , Helden Erik J. van , Bouazzaoui Hassan El , Baak Remon , Veuger Marjan , Mairuhu Ronne A.T.A. , Berg Lettie van den , Driel Vincent van , Visser Loes E. , de Jonge Evert , Garrelds Ingrid M. , Duynstee Jan Friso A. B. , Rooden Jan Kees van , Ludikhuize Jeroen , Verdonk Koen , Caliskan Kadir , Jansen Tim , Schaik Ron H.N. van , Danser A.H. Jan
Published: July 2021

Background The severity of COVID-19 after SARS-CoV-2 infection is unpredictable. Angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) is the receptor responsible for coronavirus binding, while subsequent cell entry relies on priming by the serine protease TMPRSS2 (transmembrane protease, serine 2). Although renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system (RAAS) blockers have been suggested to upregulate ACE2, their use in COVID-19 patients is now considered safe. The aim of our study was to investigate parameters that determine COVID-19 severity, focusing on RAAS-components and variation in the genes encoding for ACE2 and TMPRSS2.MethodsAdult patients hospitalized due to SARS-CoV-2 infection between May 2020 and October 2020 in the Haga Teaching Hospital were included, and soluble ACE2 (sACE2), renin, aldosterone (in heparin plasma), and polymorphisms in the ACE2 and TMPRSS2 genes (in DNA obtained from EDTA blood) were determined. Measurements and main resultsOf the 188 patients that were included, 60 were defined as severe COVID-19 (ICU and/or death). These patients more often used antidiabetic drugs, were older, had higher renin and sACE2 levels, lower aldosterone levels, and a lower aldosterone/renin ratio. In addition, they displayed the TMPRSS2-rs2070788 AA genotype less frequently. No ACE2 polymorphism-related differences were observed. Multivariate regression analysis revealed independent significance for age, sACE2, the aldosterone/renin ratio, and the TMPRSS2 rs2070788 non-AA genotype as predictors of COVID-19 severity, together yielding a C-index of 0.79. Findings were independent of the use of RAAS blockers. Conclusion High sACE2, a low aldosterone/renin ration, and having the TMPRSS2 rs2070788 non-AA genotype are novel independent determinants that may help to predict COVID-19 disease severity. Trial registration: retrospectively registered
Benefits, Risks, and Cost-Effectiveness of Corona Self-Tests from a Consumer's Perspective
Authors: Gandjour Afschin
Published: July 2021

Background: The aim of this study is to quantify the health benefits, risks, and cost-effectiveness of corona self-tests from a consumer's perspective in Germany.Methods: The clinical endpoints considered in this analysis are avoided SARS-CoV-2 infections and secondary severe clinical events (death, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and long COVID syndrome). The study determines the number of self-tests that must be conducted under the current 7-day incidence rate (30 per 100,000) to prevent one infection or severe clinical event. The (testing) costs per avoided clinical event and quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained are calculated from a consumer perspective. In a sensitivity analysis, the number of unreported cases is calculated considering the infection fatality rate.Results: Disregarding the rate of unreported COVID-19 cases, 13,148 self-tests have to be conducted (over 36 years) in order to avoid one undesirable event (death, intensive care unit stay, or long COVID syndrome). Three quarters of infections are not avoided with direct contact persons but along the chain of infection. The costs per quality-adjusted life year gained from a consumer’s perspective are €22,715. Taking into account the number of unreported cases reduces the number of testing years to prevent one undesirable event to 28.Conclusions: The benefits and cost-effectiveness of self-testing in the general population at a 7-day incidence rate (30 per 100,000) appear to be no more than modest.
Substituent Effects on the σ···π Interactions Between Au6 Cluster and Substituted Benzene
Authors: Zhao Qiang
Published: July 2021

The σ···π interactions in the Au6···PhX (X=H, CH3, OH, OCH3, NH2, F, Cl, Br, CN, NO2) complexes are studied using quantum chemical methods. The present study focuses on the different effects of electron-donating and -withdrawing substituent. The structure and binding strength of the complexes are examined. The interactions between Au6 cluster and various substituted benzene become strengthened relative to the Au6···benzene complex. The interaction region indicator analysis was performed, and the interaction region and interaction between the substituent and Au6 cluster are discussed. It is found that the substituent effects on the σ···π interactions between Au6 cluster and substituted benzene are different from π···π interactions of benzene dimer. Energy decomposition analysis was carried out to study the nature of σ···π interactions, and the substituent effects are mainly reflected on the electrostatic interaction and dispersion.
A Low Computational Complexity DOA Estimation using Sum/difference Pattern based on DNN
Authors: Xu Saiqin , Chen Baixiao , Xiang Houhong
Published: July 2021

Tracking low-elevation targets over an uneven surface is challenging because of the complicated and volatile multipath signals. Multipath signals cause the amplitude and phase distortion of direct signal, which degrades the performance and generates mismatch between existing classical multipath signal and actual model. Machine learning-based methods are data-driven, they do not rely on prior assumptions about array geometries, and are expected to adapt better to array imperfections. The amplitude comparison Direction-of-Arrival (DOA) algorithm performs a few calculations, has a simple system structure, and is widely used. In this paper, an efficient DOA estimation approach based on Sum/Difference pattern is merged with deep neural network. Fully learn the potential features of the direct signal from the echo signal. In order to integrate more phase features, the covariance matrix is applied to the amplitude comparison algorithm, it can accommodate multiple snapshot signals instead of a single pulse automatically. The outputs of the deep neural network (DNN) are concatenated to reconstruct a covariance matrix for DOA estimation. Moreover, the superiority in computational complexity and generalization of proposed method are proved by simulation experiments compared with state-of-the-art physics-driven and data-driven methods. Field data sets acquired from a VHF array radar are carried out to verify the proposed method satisfies practicability in the severe multipath effect.
Incidence and Predictors of Loss to Follow-Up Among Pregnant and Lactating Mothers Living with HIV and Enrolled in HIV Care Clinic in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ayenew Asteray
Published: July 2021

BackgroundMother-to-Child Transmission of HIV accounts for more than 90% of all pediatric HIV infections. Ethiopia has recently adopted lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) for all HIV-positive pregnant and breastfeeding women (Option B+ strategy), regardless of CD4 count or clinical stage. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to estimate the pooled incidence and predictors of loss to follow-up among pregnant and lactating mothers living with HIV and enrolled in HIV care clinics in Ethiopia.MethodThe Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline was followed. All observational published studies were retrieved using relevant search terms in PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Scopus, African Journals Online, CINHAL, and Ethiopian's university research repository online library. STATA 11 software was used to analyze the data. The Cochrane Q and I2 tests were used to assess the heterogeneity of studies. The pooled estimated prevalence and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were computed by a random-effects model.Result: The pooled magnitude of loss to follow-up among pregnant and lactating mothers living with HIV and enrolled in HIV care clinics in Ethiopia was 14.28% (95%CI: 10.12-18.44). Poor/fair antiretroviral treatment adherence (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.68; 95% CI: 2.89–4.69), who does not know their CD4 level (AOR = 3.68; 95% CI: 2.40–5.63), disclosure of HIV status to partner (AOR = 2.69; 95% CI: 2.08–3.48), experienced drug side effect (AOR =7.91; 95% CI: 2.94–21.33), residing in the rural area (AOR =2.66; 95% CI: 2.34–3.03), and no education (AOR =4.28; 95% CI: 3.62–5.00) were the significant predictors of loss to follow up.ConclusionThe magnitude of loss to follow-up among pregnant and lactating mothers was high in Ethiopia. Thus, counseling, strengthening the linkage and referral system, establishing appropriate tracing mechanisms, and determining CD4 level is crucial to decrease loss to follow-up among pregnant and lactating mothers living with HIV.
Diagnostic AI Modeling and Pseudo Time Series Profiling of AD and PD Based on Individualized Serum Proteome Data
Authors: Zhang Jianhu , zhang Xiuli , Sh Yuan , Liu Benliang , Hu Zhiyuan
Published: July 2021

BackgroundParkinson's disease (PD), Alzhaimer's disease (AD) are common neurodegenerative disease, and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) may be happened in the early stage of AD or PD. Blood biomarkers are considered to be less invasive, less cost and more convenient, and there is tremendous potentia for the diagnosis and prediction of neurodegenerative diseases. As a recently mentioned field, artificial intelligence (AI) is often applyed in biology and shows excellent results.MethodHuman blood protein microarray profiles including 156 CT, 50 MCI, 132 PD, 50 AD samples are collected from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). First, we used bioinformatics methods and feature engineering in machine learning to screen important features, constructed ANNclassifier models based on these features to distinguish samples, and evaluated the model's performance with classification accuracy and Area Under Curve (AUC). Secenod, we used Ingenuity Pathway Anaylsis (IPA) methods to analyse the pathways and functions in early stage and late stage samples of different diseases, and potential targets for drug intervention by predicting upstream regulators.ResultOverall, we incorporated six indicators, including EPHA2, MRPL19, SGK2, to build a diagnostic model for AD with a test set accuracy of up to 98.07%. Incorporating 15 indicators such as ERO1LB, FAM73B, IL1RN to build a diagnostic model for PD, with a test set accuracy of 97.05%. Thirty indicators such as XG, FGFR3 and CDC37 were incorporated to establish a four-category diagnostic model for both AD and PD, with a test set accuracy of 98.71%. In addition,we found that early PD may occur earlier than early MCI. Finally, there are 24 proteins that may serve as potential therapeutic targetsConclusionUsing deep learning methods to build classifiers based on blood protein profile can achieve better classification performance, and it helps us to diagnose the disease early. In total, it is important for us to study neurodegenerative diseases from both diagnostic and interventional aspects.