bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hospital case-fatality and mortality related to Chagas disease in Brazil over two decades
Authors: Souza Eliana Amorim , Cruz Marly Marques , Ferreira Anderson Fuentes , Sousa Andrea Silvestre , Luiz Ronir Raggio , Palmeira Swamy Lima , Luquetti Alejandro Ostermayer , Heukelbach Jorg , Ramos Alberto Novaes
Published: October 2023

Objective
To analyse hospital case fatality and mortality related to Chagas disease (CD) in Brazil, 2000–2019.
Method
This is a mixed ecological study with spatial and temporal trends, based on national population data from the Brazilian Ministry of Health - hospital admissions (HA) and death certificates (DC). Records with CD as a primary or secondary cause of death in HA and/or as an underlying or associated cause of death in DC were evaluated. Temporal trends were analysed by Joinpoint regression and the spatial distribution of age- and gender-adjusted rates, spatial moving averages, and standardized morbidity ratios.
Results
There was a total of 4,376 HAs due to CD that resulted in death and 122,275 deaths from CD. The Southeast region recorded the highest proportions and rates of HAs resulting in death (63.9%, n = 2,796; 0.17/100,000 inhabitants), and overall deaths from CD (51.0%, n = 62,308; 3.79/100,000 inhabitants). The highest risk of CD-related death was found in males (Relative risk [RR] 1.27) and Afro-Brazilians (RR 1.63). There was an increase in hospital mortality from CD (Average Annual Percent Change [AAPC] 7.5, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 5.3 to 9.9), and stability in the North, Northeast and Southeast regions. For CD-related mortality, a decrease was observed in the country (AAPC − 0.7%, 95%CI -0.9 to -0.5), with an increase in the Northeast region (AAPC 1.1%, 95%CI 0.6 to 1.6). Municipalities with a very high Brazilian Deprivation Index tended to show increased mortality (AAPC 2.1%, 95%CI 1.6 to 2.7), while the others showed a decrease.
Conclusion
Hospital case fatality and specific mortality due to CD are a relevant public health problem in Brazil. Differences related to gender, ethnicity, and social vulnerability reinforce the need for comprehensive care, and to ensure equity in access to health in the country. Municipalities, states, and regions with indicators that reveal higher morbidity and mortality need to be prioritized.
The Dual Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic and Medical Consumables Policy on Cardiac Surgery care in China: a Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Zhang Tianyi , Wang Shan , Yan Li , Bai Huajuan , Ma Xiaolong , Guo Jiugong , Liu Jianchao , Liu Lihua
Published: October 2023

Background
China introduced Reforms on High Value Medical Consumables (RHVMC) to reduce expenses during COVID-19 pandemic. However, there exists a paucity of data regarding the adult cardiac surgical care under the combined effect of COVID-19 pandemic and RHVMC policy.
Methods
This cohort included data on cardiac surgery patients aged over 18 years, based on medical records from 17 Chinese hospitals from January 2019 to December 2019 (prepandemic period) and January 2020 to December 2021 (pandemic and RHVMC period). Interrupted time series analysis were used to estimate the change in monthly cardiac surgery admissions between the two periods. Additionally, multivariable regression and propensity score matching (PSM) analyses were used to assess the association of COVID-19 pandemic and RHVMC with in-hospital mortality, complications, 30-day readmissions, length of stay (LOS) and costs at patient-level.
Results
This study included 8154 cardiac surgery patients with mean (SD) age of 60.60(10.28) years in the prepandemic cohort and 60.75(10.48) years in the pandemic and RHVMC cohort. The period of pandemic and RHVMC was associated an immediate 47.04% decrease (95CI: -60.56%- -48,20%) followed by a gradual monthly 2.22% (95CI: 0.85%- 3.62%) increase in the volume of cardiac surgery, and 30.32% increase followed by monthly 2.47% decrease in hospitalization proportions based on ITS analyses. Multivariable and PSM analyses showed that the period of pandemic and RHVMC was associated a 5%, 3% and 52% decrease in LOS, costs and risk of cerebral infraction/hemorrhage; but a 66% and 81% increase in the risk of arrhythmia and pneumonia. The in-hospital mortality and 30-day readmissions were similar between the two periods.
Conclusions
The combination of COVID-19 pandemic and RHVMC was associated with a reduction in LOS and costs, but an increase in the risk of arrhythmia and pneumonia among cardiac surgery patients. Future attention should be focused on the risk of arrhythmia and pneumonia in these patients.
Event-Triggered Confidentiality Fusion Estimation Against Eavesdroppers in Cyber-Physical Systems
Authors: Xu Daxing , Chen Zhiqiang , Wang Hailun
Published: October 2023

System state plays an important role in cyber-physical systems (CPSs). Ensuring the security of the CPSs is a key issue that can be widely applied. The confidentiality of system state is a fundamental feature of the CPSs security. This paper studies the distributed fusion estimation problem in the presence of eavesdropper, where local sensors send their estimates to a remote fusion center (FC). To prevent eavesdropping, the event triggered scheduling strategy was adopted on each sensor. Some sufficient conditions on the triggers’ threshold were derived to make the eavesdropping expected covariance unbounded while the expected error covariance for the user remains bounded. Moreover, the distributed confidentiality fusion estimation algorithm is provided to achieve perfect expected secrecy. Finally, simulations of different trigger levels for two local systems are employed to show the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Combination protein biomarkers predict multiple sclerosis diagnosis and outcomes
Authors: Kodosaki Eleftheria , Watkins W John , Loveless Sam , Kreft Karim L , Richards Aidan , Anderson Valerie , Hurler Lisa , Robertson Neil P , Zelek Wioleta M , Tallantyre Emma C
Published: October 2023

Establishing biomarkers to predict multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis and prognosis has been challenging using a single biomarker approach. We hypothesised that a combination of biomarkers would increase the accuracy of prediction models to differentiate MS from other neurological disorders and enhance prognostication for people with MS. We measured 24 fluid biomarkers in the blood and CSF of 77 people with MS and 80 people with other neurological disorders, using ELISA or Single Molecule Array (SiMoA) assays. Primary outcomes were multiple sclerosis versus any other diagnosis, time to first relapse, and time to disability milestone (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 6), adjusted for age and sex. Multivariate prediction models were calculated using the area under the curve (AUC) value for diagnostic prediction, and concordance statistics (the percentage of each pair of events that are correctly ordered in time for each of the Cox regression models) for prognostic predictions. Predictions using combinations of biomarkers were considerably better than single biomarker predictions. The combination of CSF[chitinase-3-like-1 + TNF-receptor-1 + solubleCD27] and serum[Osteopontin + MCP-1] had an AUC of 0.95 for diagnosis of MS compared to the best discriminative single marker in blood (Osteopontin: AUC 0.84) and CSF (chitinase-3-like-1: AUC 0.84). Prediction for time to next relapse was optimal with a combination of CSF[vitamin D binding protein + Factor I + C1inhibitor] + serum[Factor B + Interleukin-4 + C1inhibitor] (concordance 0.80), and time to EDSS 6 was optimally predicted by CSF[C9 + Neurofilament-light] + serum[chitinase-3-like-1 + CCL27 + vitamin D binding protein + C1inhibitor] (concordance 0.98). A combination of fluid biomarkers has a higher accuracy to differentiate MS from other neurological disorders and significantly improved the prediction of the development of sustained disability in MS. Serum models rivalled those of cerebrospinal fluid, holding promise for a non-invasive approach.
Physicochemical and sensory characterisation of ‘Molido’ fresh cheese from cows fed sorghum silage in small-scale dairy systems in the highlands of central Mexico
Authors: Ortega-González Carla Ivonne , Espinoza-Ortega Angélica , Sánchez-Vega Laura Patricia , Sainz-Ramírez Aurora , López-González Felipe , Arriaga-Jordan Carlos M.
Published: October 2023

The diet of milking cows influences dairy products through the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of the milk produced. Sorghum silage has been proposed as an alternative forage for small-scale dairy systems in the highlands in the face of changing rain patterns and dry spells. Sorghum forage has tannins and other metabolites that could affect cheese composition and sensory characteristics for consumers. Fresh ‘Molido’ cheese made cows fed a diet with a forage base of 80% sorghum silage – 20% maize silage on a DM basis (treatment SgSLG) compared to the conventional forage base of 100% maize silage (treatment MzSLG). Chemical composition was analysed by analysis of variance on a completely randomised design, and a sensory assessment by a 1 to 5 point hedonic scale analysed by the Kruskal-Wallis non parametric test, and overall preference analysed by a Xi-square test. There were significant differences between cheeses (P < 0.05) for fat, protein and ash contents. In the sensory assessment, significant differences (P < 05) were for flavour, texture in mouth, and aroma persistence with higher score for MzSLG cheese. However, in overall preference, SgSLG cheese was significantly preferred (P < 0.05) over MzSLG cheese. The overall preference for cheese made from milk of cows fed a forage base of sorghum silage, represents an alternative to small-scale dairy farmers whose milk is for artisan ‘Molido’ fresh cheese production.
A Digital Twin Approach to Support a Multi-task Industrial Robot Operation using Design of Experiments
Authors: Guerra-Zubiaga David Apolinar , Santos Matheus Cardoso dos , Voicu Razvan Cristian , Richards Gershom , Gosnell Sean , Barbosa Gustavo Franco
Published: October 2023

The manufacturing industry recognizes drilling operations as a significant portion of production, often accounting for a substantial part of overall costs. In the transformative wave of Industry 4.0, new technologies have emerged, presenting remarkable opportunities to enhance machining processes. Thus,this study integrates digital twins (DT) technology to refine drilling operations. Within this framework, a robot actively executed drilling tasks, with the DT closely monitoring and regulating the drilling speed. This research further established a connectivity bridge that facilitates synchronizing the virtual system with the operational process. The article presents a Design of Experiments (DOE) in a virtual simulation space to analyze the impact of various parameters. This approach aimed to pinpoint the robot joints wielding the most significant influence on the comprehensive drilling operations sequence. The findings underscored that the J4 joint of the FANUC robot model M-16iB/20 stood out as a critical contributor to the process, influencing it by an impressive margin of 16%. This research demonstrates a promising avenue for harnessing digital twin technology to streamline and optimize manufacturing production, setting a precedent for future explorations in the field.
Combination of echocardiographic views better diagnoses and differentiates fetal right aortic arch and double aortic arch: experience from multi-center study
Authors: Yang Lijuan , Liu Yong , Lu Yu , Huang Fan , Xu Yan , Ru Tong , Yang Lan , Ren Min
Published: October 2023

Purpose
Patients with fetal right aortic arch (RAA) and double aortic arch (DAA) have different clinical outcomes, while fetal screening by traditional echocardiography provides limited information. This study aimed to discover and evaluate a novel combination of different echocardiography views in the diagnosis and differentiation of RAA and DAA.
Methods
From January 2014 to December 2022, the cases diagnosed as RAA or DAA by initial ultrasound screening from two hospitals were divided into the RAA group and DAA group. All the pregnant women were routinely offered karyotyping if confirmed diagnosis. Three-vessel-trachea (3VT) and descending aortic arch (DAO) coronal views were combined for further diagnosis, and the reasons for misdiagnosis were analyzed and summarized.
Results
A total of 332 cases were diagnosed with RAA or DAA by initial ultrasound, including RAA group 244 cases and DAA group 88 cases. In the RAA group, the mirror RAA (MRAA) could not be completely diagnosed by 3VT view alone, with the accuracy and sensitivity of 88.9% and 72.6%, respectively. In the DAA group, 36 cases were misdiagnosed only by 3VT view alone, with the accuracy and specificity of 88.9% and 86.8%, respectively. However, the accuracy for MRAA or DAA could reach to 100% when combining with 3VT and DAO coronal views. The abnormal detection rate of karyotyping was 10.5% (20/190), excluding the cases who refused the karyotyping.
Conclusion
Combining 3VT and DAO coronal view could effectively distinguish RAA variants from DAA. The karyotyping should be recommended for the patients with RAA or DAA, and the accurate prenatal diagnosis was highly valuable to provide appropriate perinatal counseling and prognostic evaluation.
Quantifying the Impact of Resource Redundancy on Smart City System Dependability: A Model-Driven Approach
Authors: Silva Francisco Airton , Fé Iure , Silva Francisco , Nguyen Tuan Anh
Published: October 2023

Effective quality management plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth operation of smart city systems, which have significant implications for safety, accessibility, affordability, and maintainability. Dependability of autonomous systems is of utmost importance, as achieving satisfactory levels of availability and reliability poses considerable challenges. Smart cities are characterized by interconnected sub-architectures, encompassing vehicle monitoring, sidewalk monitoring, and building monitoring, all of which need to function efficiently. Analytical models such as Petri nets, Markov chains, and fault trees are well-suited for evaluating complex scenarios in the context of smart cities. This paper presents analytical models that utilize fault tree and Markov chain techniques to assess the availability and reliability of smart city monitoring systems. The model is divided into shared and non-shared components, with non-shared components being specific to certain contextual applications, while shared components, such as data processing and electrical power, are essential for all smart city monitoring and management systems. The study underscores the ease with which the fault tree model can enhance availability by modifying failure requirements and resources. Case studies provide concrete examples of how availability improved from 95.3% to 99.8% by varying a configuration known as "KooN" in multiple components. This paper takes a comprehensive approach to evaluating the dependability of smart city architectures and contributes advancements, such as hierarchical modeling, sequential sensitivity analysis, and the "KooN" analytic method. These contributions expand the existing knowledge and methodologies in smart city dependability analysis. Moreover, this work aims to serve as a practical tool to assist smart city managers in optimizing their proposals. All modeling aspects and parameters are detailed thoroughly to enable effective implementation of the proposed approach by anyone using it.
Evaluation Of Salivary Stress Markers And Inflammatory Cytokine Levels In Peri- implantitis Patients
Authors: SOYSAL Fatma , UNSAL Berrin , ISLER Sila Cagri , AKCA Gulcin , BAKIRARAR Batuhan , OZCAN Mustafa
Published: October 2023

Background and Objective:
Psychological stress has been identified in some observational studies as a potential factor that may modify and affect periodontal diseases, but there are no similar data for peri-implantitis. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, interferon (IFN)α inflammatory cytokines and the psychological stress-related markers, glucocorticoid receptor-α (GRα), and salivary α-amylase (sAA) gene expression levels in saliva samples obtained from healthy implants and peri-implantitis patients.
Material and Methods
The study included a total of 50 systemically healthy subjects. Peri-implant clinical parameters were recorded and psychological stress level was evaluated with the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HAD) and state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) questionnaire forms. Following the evaluations, the patients were divided into 4 groups according their stress and clinical status (Ia, Ib, IIa, IIb). IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IFNα, GRα, sAA gene expression levels in the saliva samples were quantified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).
Results
In the group of peri-implantitis who had a high score in stress level assessment scales, significantly higher IL-1β, IL-6, sAA expression levels were observed (p < 0.001). The IL-10 gene expression levels were lower in the groups with a high score in the stress level assessment scales (p < 0.001). GRα gene was expressed at lower levels in the group of peri-implantitis who had a high score in stress level assessment scales but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.065).
Conclusion
The study findings suggest that psychological stress may increase the inflammation associated with peri-implantitis by affecting cytokine expression levels.
Clinical relevance:
To prevent peri-implantitis or reduce its prevalence, it could be beneficial to evaluate stress levels and identify individuals experiencing stress.
Impact of PGRs and Biofertilizers on shoot development in Mulberry (Morus alba L.) cuttings under Shade Net conditions
Authors: Kumar Pankaj , Singh Vikram , Johar Vishal , Kotiyal Amit
Published: October 2023

The aim of the study is to determine the effect of PGRs, and biofertilizers on the shoot growth performance of mulberry cuttings under shade net house conditions. The experiment was to check the effect of auxins, cytokinin, and biofertilizers on the shoot parameters of the cuttings. Auxins were applied in the form of IBA (Indole-3-butyric acid) and NAA (Naphthalene acetic acid), cytokinin in the form of Kinetin, while biofertilizers in the form of Mycorrhiza and PSB (Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria). The control treatment was given with distilled water. Based on the experimental variant, the treatment was given by the quick dip method of the PGRs application during planting. The result showed that the combination of IBA + NAA (1000ppm + 1000ppm) was the most effective treatment on the early sprouting (4.33 DAP), the higher number of leaves per cuttings (21.67), the diameter of the shoot (3.74mm), length of the shoot (31.67cm) and leaves (13.58cm), leaf area (41.35cm2), fresh (53.73g) and dry (12.16g) weight, and shooting percentage (86.66%), while the maximum Survival percentage (93.33%) under the IBA (1000ppm) and high mortality rate were observed under control followed by IBA + Kinetin (1000ppm + 200ppm) treatment. Additionally, regarded with Biofertilizers, the highest shoot growth was observed under the Mycorrhiza (@500g/L) followed by PSB (@500g/L) of the most parameter as compared with control. Thus, the proportional combination of Auxins and the application of biofertilizers stimulates and might be a greater source for the vegetative growth of the mulberry cuttings.
Genetic architecture of routinely acquired blood tests in a UK cohort of South Asian ancestry reveals ancestry-specific causal variants
Authors: Jacobs Benjamin , Stow Daniel , Hodgson Sam , Zöllner Julia , Samuel Miriam , Kanoni Stavroula , Bidi Saeed , Team Genes and Health Research , Langenberg Claudia , Dobson Ruth , Finer Sarah , Morton Caroline , Siddiqui Moneeza , Martin Hilary , Pietzner Maik , Mathur Rohini , Heel David van
Published: October 2023

Understanding the genetic basis of blood tests routinely acquired in clinical care can provide insights into several aspects of human physiology and disease. Previous efforts have almost exclusively focussed on individuals of European descent, severely limiting generalizability to ancestrally-diverse populations. Here we describe the largest genome-wide association study of quantitative traits in a cohort of South Asian ancestry. We tested the association of >7 million autosomal, common (minor allele frequency [MAF] > 1%) Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) genotyped using the Illumina Global Screening Array version 3 and imputed from the TOPMED-r2 panel. We defined 39 quantitative blood test traits from Electronic Healthcare Records (EHRs) – both primary care and hospital records - of ~40,000 British Bangladeshi and British Pakistani adults. We discover eight novel locus-trait associations which were specific to Genes & Health, including CUX2 (serum vitamin D), BRD3OS (glycated haemoglobin) and STMN2 (lymphocyte count). By performing multi-ancestry meta-analysis and fine mapping using data from UK Biobank, we demonstrate ancestry-specific causal variants within the PIEZO1 and HBB loci which were associated with alterations in red cell traits and glycated haemoglobin. The South Asian ancestry-specific causal signal for glycated haemoglobin, rs563555492(MAF 3.2% in 1,000 Genomes South Asian ancestry samples), is a missense variant in PIEZO1 which is monomorphic in other ancestries, and illustrates how ancestry-specific genetic variants may be of relevance for the design of clinical reference ranges. Our results shed light on the genetic basis of clinically-relevant quantitative traits in an under-represented population, and emphasise the importance of ancestral diversity in genetic studies.
Fluorine contamination, mobility, and risks in soils at a phosphate-gypsum waste landfill: A new analytical method and comparison with previous methods
Authors: Oh Seok-Young , Kim Hyeongseok , Yoon Hye-On
Published: October 2023

This study used a new X-ray fluorescence (XRF)-based analytical method with better precision and sensitivity to evaluate the fluorine concentrations in soil. It was hypothesized that the XRF method with a pellet-synthesizing procedure may effectively analyze the fluorine concentrations in soil with ease and reliability. The total fluorine concentrations determined using XRF were compared with those determined using three different types of analytical protocols—incineration/distillation, alkaline fusion, and aqua regia extraction procedures. Among the three procedures, the incineration/distillation procedure did not show reliable precision and reproducibility. In contrast, the total fluorine concentrations determined using the XRF analysis were linearly correlated with those determined using the alkaline fusion and aqua regia extraction procedures. Based on the results of the Korean waste leaching procedure (KWLP) and toxicity characteristics leaching procedure (TCLP), the leachability of fluorine from soil and waste was not directly related to total fluorine concentrations in soil. Risk assessment also revealed that the fluorine-rich soils did not show non-carcinogenic toxic effects, despite exceeding the regulation level (800 mg/kg) in South Korea for total fluorine concentrations in soil. Our results suggest that XRF analysis in combination with the newly developed pretreatment method may be a promising alternative procedure for easily and rapidly determining the total fluorine concentration in soil. However, further efforts are needed to evaluate fluorine leachability and its associated risks in fluorine-contaminated soils.
Complex regulatory role(s) of Atf1 and Pcr1 under nitrosative stress in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Dey Chirandeep , Samaddar Shuddhasattwa , Ghosh Sanjay
Published: October 2023

Excess nitric oxide (NO) and reactive nitrogen species produce nitrosative stress in cells. Schizosaccharomyces pombe cells showed intra S-phase check point activation under nitrosative stress. In this study we investigated the role of bZIP transcription factors Atf1 and Pcr1 under nitrosative stress in S. pombe. Δatf1 and Δpcr1 strain of S. pombe showed differential growth sensitivity towards NO donor. Δatf1 strain of S. pombe showed growth acceleration whereas Δpcr1 showed growth retardation in response to NO donor. Mitotic index and flow cytometry data also showed faster mitotic entry and absence of intra S-phase checkpoint activation in Δatf1 strain of S. pombe compared to Δpcr1 strains in response to NO donor. Interestingly, phospho mutant of Atf1 also showed similar effects like the wild type indicating phosphorylation of Atf1 was not essential for inducing nitrosative stress response in S. pombe. Our previous experimental evidences established the fact that Wee1 phosphorylates Cdc2 Tyr15 which leads to replication slowdown in the fission yeast under nitrosative stress. Cdc13 is a B-type cyclin and it forms a complex with Cdc2, and this complex formation is essential for activating Cdc2. To check whether Pcr1 and Cdc13 are involved or not in Δatf1 strain of S. pombe for activating Cdc2 under nitrosative stress, we checked the transcripts of both. Both Pcr1 and Cdc13 expression were significantly increased in S. pombe upon nitrosative stress in the absence of Atf1. From our study it is evident that Atf1 and Pcr1 play complex regulatory role in S. pombe under nitrosative stress.
Invasion Note Predatory preferences of a non-indigenous crab do not depend on prey invasion status
Authors: Theurich Nora , Briski Elizabeta , Cuthbert Ross N.
Published: October 2023

Predatory non-indigenous species (NIS) have profound impacts on global ecosystems, potentially leading to native prey extinction and reshaping community dynamics. Among mechanisms potentially mediating predator impacts and prey invasion success are predator preferences between native vs. non-indigenous prey, a topic still underexplored. Using functional response and prey preference experiments, this study focused on the predation by the non-indigenous Japanese brush-clawed shore crab, Hemigrapsus takanoi, between the native gammarid Gammarus duebeni and the analogous non-indigenous Gammarus tigrinus. Although H. takanoi showed subtle differences in its functional response type between the two prey species, its preferences across their environmental frequencies were not strongly influenced by prey invasion status. This lack of clear preference indicates that intraguild interactions between the two gammarids might play a more significant role in ecosystem dynamics than predation by H. takanoi. Such findings highlight the need for a comprehensive understanding of interactions in ecosystems with multiple NIS, offering fresh insights into complex feeding interactions within marine environments.
The use of a low-cost, small-aperture array as an auxiliary tool to improve infrasound monitoring in the Azores region
Authors: Jesus Maria do Céu , Belli Giacomo , Gheri Duccio , Matos Sandro , Wallenstein Nicolau , Marchetti Emanuele
Published: October 2023

The 2022’s seismo-volcanic crisis on São Jorge Island of the Azores archipelago, has provided an opportunity to deploy a portable infrasound array (SJ1), in a collaborative work between the Research Institute for Volcanology and Risk Assessment (IVAR), of the University of the Azores (UAc), and the University of Florence (UniFI). This 4-element array became operational on 2nd April 2022. Despite being deployed in a first stage to monitor the activities related to the volcanic unrest on São Jorge Island, SJ1 integrated an infrasound monitoring network in the region in association with the IMS infrasound station IS42, located on Graciosa Island at ~ 40 km distance. This work emphasises the importance of low-cost portable infrasound arrays in improving the coverage of infrasound observations for local and regional monitoring purposes in the area of the Azores. In this regard, two events recorded by both arrays are briefly exemplified herein: a low-magnitude earthquake on São Jorge Island and a fireball which crossed the North Atlantic Ocean.
Analysis of cone-beam CT measurements of three-dimensional gingival morphology in the aesthetic zone of maxillary anterior teeth
Authors: Hua Liu , Yating Fu , adayi aidina , Xiao Ma
Published: October 2023

OBJECTIVE: By utilizing a combination of cone beam computed tomography(CBCT) and other methods, our objective is to examine the three-dimensional structure of the labial gingiva of maxillary anterior teeth, enabling us to develop an indirect means of evaluating gingival morphology.
METHODS: 35 healthy participants received a combination of gingival barrier resin and iodohexol on the labial aspect of their maxillary anterior teeth. CBCT scans were taken using positioning wires. Gingival tissue height(SGT), gingival thickness(GT), keratinised gingival width(KGW), and differences between gingival phenotypes were analyzed statistically.
RESULT：The research discovered that mesial incisors are situated further away from the labial central SGT than cuspids. The maxillary anterior area showed the thickest GT in mesial incisors and the thinnest in cuspids. Males exhibited thicker GT in incisors, while KGW was more extensive in incisors than in cusps. A correlation analysis unveiled positive correlations between GT-KGW, GT-SGT, and KGW-SGT. Variation was also observed in KGW and SGT between thick and thin gingival types.
CONCLUSION: Significant discrepancies were identified in the SGT, GT, and KGW values within the anterior maxillary region amongst distinct gingival phenotypes, indicating the possibility of designing individualized treatment regimens based on those phenotypes.
Clinical Relevance:This study showcases the clinical implementation of CBCT and a combination approach to evaluating gingival morphology, revealing the prospect of developing bespoke treatment plans tailored to an individual's gingival biotype.
Securing the Cloud: An In-depth Exploration of Conceptual Models, Emerging Trends, and Forward-looking Insights
Authors: Mupila Francis k. , Gupta Himanshu , Bhardwaj Akashdeep
Published: October 2023

The ascendancy of cloud computing, while praising scalability and flexibility, simultaneously unveils a convoluted security panorama. This review talks about the complicated ideas behind security models in cloud environments. It combines information from several studies to show how cloud security has changed, where it is now, and what the future holds. It details the change from traditional security models to more abstract, data-centric, and user-access control models, showing how people are trying to balance new technologies and cyber threats. Case studies like the Capital One Data Breach add to the discussion by showing how things work in the real world. The discussion then moves on to a summary of the findings that show how important it is to have dynamic, proactive, and multifaceted security approaches. Challenges spanning technical, organisational, and regulatory domains are elucidated, spotlighting gaps and beckoning deeper exploration into emerging technologies' implications and ethical considerations in cloud security. The paper culminates with strategic recommendations for varied stakeholders and signals towards unexplored avenues in cloud security research, particularly intertwining the potential and ethical dimensions of technologies like Quantum Computing and Blockchain. This review seeks to act as a lighthouse, guiding organisations, researchers, and policymakers through the murky waters of cloud security and offering a structured pathway towards a secure, resilient, and ethically sound cloud future.
Effects of Institutionnal Factors on Climate Change Mitigation Strategies Amongst Rice Farmers in Nort-east Zone, Nigeria
Authors: Malabe K. M. , Ango A. K. , Yakubu D. H.
Published: October 2023

This study ascertained on-farm mitigation strategies to climate change effects amongst rice farmers, in North-East Zone, Nigeria. Multi-stage random sampling techniques was used to select 300 rice farmers. Data for this study were collected through primary and secondary sources. The analytical tools used to analyze the data obtained were descriptive (frequency count, percentages and weighted mean) and inferential (multiple regression analysis) statistics. The results of the institutional factors shows that majority (86.0%) of the rice farmers were members of cooperatives associations with 6–10 years of cooperative membership experience. The result further shows that all the rice farmers engaged labour on farm work and majority (90.0%) of them used family source of labour. About 17.7% of the rice farmers had access to credit facilities out of which majority (83.0%) of them obtained a loan of ₦200, 000 and below from their respective sources. Only few (9.0%) of the rice farmers had extension contact out of which 14.8% of them had contacts twice with extension agent during the period under review. Majority of the farmers’ level of use of climate change mitigation strategies fell within 1.0-1.70 mean value. Therefore, it is concluded that few rice farmers had access to agricultural loan facilities. Also, the level of use of climate change mitigation strategies were generally low. Therefore, it is recommended that there should be modalities that would provide an avenue for farmers to have easy access to agricultural loan facilities. Also, farmers should be encourage through awareness campaign to enhance their level of use of climate change mitigation strategies in order to effectively avert its adverse effects.
Construction of a lymphangiogenesis related gene score signature and prognostic model for bladder cancer
Authors: Chen Hao , Mao Longkun
Published: October 2023

Background: Lymph node metastasis is an important prognostic factor for bladder cancer patients, and the critical importance of lymphangiogenesis as an elemental process of metastasis has been reported. However, the effect of lymphangiogenesis genes on the prognosis of bladder cancer is still unclear.
Method: The gene expression and clinical data of bladder cancer patients were obtained from the TCGA database, and lymphangiogenesis-related genes were screened using univariate Cox regression analysis and LASSO analysis to construct a risk assessment model. The model was validated in the bladder cancer cohort patients in the GEO database. Finally, multi-omics analysis was performed to explore the predictive value of the model, and the transcriptional regulatory mechanism of related genes.
Results：We screened 17 lymphangiogenesis-related genes and established a risk score model for predicting survival in BCa patients. Better overall survival was observed in the low-risk group of both the training and test groups. A nomogram was developed to predict the survival outcomes of postoperative patients by integrating several clinical factors, and a well-predictive effect was observed. In addition, we performed drug sensitivity analysis to learn the chemosensitivity of each sample, assessed the relationship between the model and the immune microenvironment, and explored the specific signaling pathways involved in the prognostic model through enrichment analyses.
Conclusion: We developed a risk model using 17 lymphangiogenesis-related genes, which showed good predictive efficacy among both the internal and external validation groups. The clinical predictive value of the model was also explored in a multi-omics study.
Link between infrasound and rainfall variability of central region of Madagascar
Authors: RAMANANTSOA Andry Harifidy , RANDRIANARINOSY Fanomezana , RAKOTOARISOA Andriniaina Tahina , ANDRIANAIVOARISOA Jean Bernardo , RAMBOLAMANANA Gérard , RAZAFIMAMONJY Sandra
Published: October 2023

Thunderstorm is a well-known and permanent source of infrasound events. Infrasound signal propagation is known as well to be dictated by atmospheric parameters like temperature and wind. In tropical region like in Madagascar, rainfall pattern is one possible technique used to explain seasonal variation of IMS infrasound network detectability. In this study, 20 years of I33MG infrasonic station bulletin was correlated to rainfall data. Infrasound bulletin is obtained from DTKPMCC software in NIAB collection, atmospheric variations are derived from ECMWF ERA5 data and precipitation data are from local meteorological service of Madagascar. Observation of rainfall as well as infrasound bulletin from 2003 to 2022 shows a correlation between precipitation and infrasound events.
Comparative Analysis of Fecal Microbiota Between Infants With Cow Milk-induced Proctocolitis and Healthy Controls
Authors: Haytoglu Zeliha , Ozcan Dilek , Altıntas Derya Ufuk
Published: October 2023

Purpose
This study aimed to analyze the gut microbiota in stool samples from exclusively breastfed infants diagnosed with cow milk-induced allergic proctocolitis (CMIAP), with a focus on controlling potential factors that could interfere with the microbiota and to compare the findings with those derived from healthy infants.
Methods
16S-rRNA gene sequencing by Illumina MiSeq sequencing system was used to analyze the fecal microbiota. The β-diversity and α-diversity indices were determined to assess the species richness, evenness and group dissimilarities. The results were analyzed by QIIME 2 and R software. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and effect size analysis (LefSe) was performed to identify specific microbial taxa that significantly differed between the proctocolitis group and the healthy control group.
Results
25 infants including 16 infants with CMIAP and 9 healthy infants recruited. Bray-Curtis dissimilarity between the two groups was statistically significant (p-value = 0.001). At the phylum level, the proctocolitis group exhibited a significantly lower abundance of Actinobacteriota (LDA score 5.80 vs. 5.58, p = 0.001) and a higher abundance of Proteobacteria (LDA score 5.53 vs. 5.22, p = 0.044). At the class level, the proctocolitis group showed a higher abundance of Gammaproteobacteria (LDA score 5.57 vs. 5.17, p = 0.027) and lower abundances of Actinobacteria (LDA score 5.37 vs. 5.75, p = 0.0003) and Coriobacteriia (LDA score 4.56 vs. 4.93, p = 0.043). At the genus level proctocolitis group showed a higher abundance of Rumnicocus (LDA score 5.063 vs. 4.64, p = 0.035) and a lower abundance of Bifidobacterium (LDA score 5.63 vs 5.63, p = 0.0002)
Conclusions
The findings suggest significant differences in the gut microbiota composition between infants with proctocolitis and healthy infants. This study underscores the importance of studying the gut microbiota in proctocolitis and highlights the need for continued research in this field to better understand the complex interplay between gut microbiota and health outcomes in infants with proctocolitis.
Increased Hindbrain Motion in Chiari I Malformation Patients Measured Through 3D Amplified MRI (3D aMRI)
Authors: Abderezaei Javid , Pionteck Aymeric , Chuang Ya-Chen , Carrasquilla Alejandro , Bilgili Gizem , Lu Tse-An , Scadeng Miriam , Fillingham Patrick , Morgenstern Peter , Levitt Michael , Ellenbogen Richard , Yang Yang , Holdsworth Samantha , Shrivastava Raj , Kurt Mehmet
Published: October 2023

Chiari Malformation type 1 (CM-I) is a neurological disorder characterized by morphological defects including excessive cerebellar tonsillar ectopia and associated manifestations. We used 3D amplified MRI on a cohort of healthy and CM-I subjects to investigate the brain’s intrinsic motion, its association with the morphology and patient’s symptomatology, and surgical outcomes. We observed significantly higher anterior-posterior, superior-inferior, and medio-lateral displacements in the cerebellar tonsils and medulla (∼16%-∼73%) of the CM-I group. The ratio of neural tissue in the foramen magnum was correlated with the superior-inferior tonsillar motion (r=0.58). The tonsillar herniation was correlated with the anterior-posterior motion of the tonsils (r=0.61), and the anterior-posterior and medio-lateral motions of the medulla (r=0.66, and r=0.57). The medio-lateral motion of the tonsils was the only indicator of surgical outcomes (p=0.03, and AUC=0.95), with improved outcomes in subjects with larger motion.
Costs of Capital and Wealth Tax -- Remarks on Bjerksund and Schjelderup (2022)
Authors: Kruschwitz Lutz , Löffler Andreas , Lorenz Daniela , Uttscheid Moritz
Published: October 2023

This note incorporates wealth taxes in a simple asset valuation model based on discounted cash flows. Any valuation method requires an adjustment of pre-tax into post-tax costs of capital. By adopting the adjustment procedure proposed in previous literature, we show that arbitrage opportunities can occur - which is incompatible with a consistent valuation. In particular, such problems arise if a wealth tax system applies that uses current (instead of previous) stock prices as the basis for assessment. Furthermore, in this setting we derive a consistent relation between pre-tax and post-tax costs of capital that is compatible with the premise of no-arbitrage by exploiting risk-neutral probabilities.
Dynamic Bandwidth-aware Link Aggregation Control Algorithm for Self- Hosted Lms Data Center
Authors: Kunu Bright K. , Dagadu Joshua C. , Pomatse Stephen Kwaku , Boansi Oliver K.
Published: October 2023

Reliable network connectivity is an absolute requirement for running online Learning Management System (LMS). This is particularly important, but challenging for a self-hosted LMS which is characterized by growing number of users. As many self-hosted systems are fraught with low bandwidth and hence deliver poor quality service to end users. Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) has been proposed as a networking technique that can effectively provide link reliability and improved bandwidth at a much reduced cost. Notwithstanding, traditional LACP implementation usually results in link redundancy due to poor configuration. This study proposes an algorithm that will allocate network bandwidth according to the dynamic behaviours of the LMS application. The dynamic bandwidth-aware LACP system was configured to dynamically assign network bandwidths according to the requirements of the LMS application instance. The system is simulated for a 2-LAG and 4-LAG setups using the SDN Ryu controller. The results of the simulation show that the proposed system is effective in assigning communication link bandwidth according to the dynamic needs of the LMS. Also, the system can quickly re-assign link bandwidth when one or two links are down. However, as the number of aggregated links increases, delays and packet retransmission rates also increase. This suggests that the number of links aggregated into a LAG should be carefully selected according to the SDN controller’s ability to fully utilize them to avoid link redundancy.
Associations between rat infestations and mental health vary by gender, race, and income in Chicago
Authors: Murray Maureen H , Byers Kaylee A , Buckley Jacqueline Y , Magle Seth B , German Danielle
Published: October 2023

Rats are an understudied stressor for people in urban environments around the world but the effects may not be distributed equally among residents. In this study, we examined associations between residential rat sightings and mental health in Chicago, where rat complaints are the highest of any American city. We examined how this relationship varied by frequency of rat sightings, race, ethnicity, income, home ownership, and gender and explored potential psychosocial pathways (e.g. feelings about the home) between rat sightings and mental distress. We conducted a randomized household survey along an income gradient in 2021 and asked about depressive symptoms in the past week (i.e. Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale), frequency of rat sightings in/around the home, perceptions of rats, neighborhood conditions, and socio-demographic characteristics. We used logistic regression to assess relationships among these variables for our entire sample and for specific demographics using stratified models. Respondents (n = 589; 409 complete cases) who saw rats in/around the home daily/almost daily had 5.5 times higher odds of reporting high depressive symptoms relative to respondents who saw rats less frequently after accounting for socio-demographics and neighborhood conditions. This relationship was significant for men and respondents with lower incomes or race or ethnicity other than white. Our results show that rat infestations should be considered a threat to mental health among urban residents. Increased mental health support for residents living in rat-infested housing may improve public health in cities.
Higher cadmium exposure was associated with sex-specific thyroid dysfunction: Consistent evidence from two independent cross-sectional studies based on urinary and blood cadmium measurements
Authors: Shao Ranqi , Su Liqin , Wang Peng , Han Xu , Wang Ting , Dai Jun , Gu Yi , Luo Jiao , Deng Lifang , Liu Jingping
Published: October 2023

Population-based studies on the association between cadmium (Cd) exposure and thyroid function are limited and have shown conflicting results. Two independent cross-sectional studies using different Cd biomarkers were carried out in six rural areas with different soil Cd levels in China. Thyroid dysfunction was defined based on levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4). Both multivariable linear regression, multiple logistic regression and restrictive cubic splines models were used to estimate the association between Cd and thyroid dysfunction. For both of the two independent studies, higher Cd levels were observed to be associated with lower TSH levels and higher risk of thyroid dysfunction. The negative relationship between urinary Cd and TSH was found in both total participants (β = -0.072, p = 0.008) and males (β = -0.119, p = 0.020) but not in females, however, the negative relationship between blood Cd and TSH was only found in females (β = -0.104, p = 0.024). Higher urinary Cd (> 2.52 µg/g creatinine) was associated with higher risk of thyroid dysfunction, while higher blood Cd was associated with higher risk of hyperthyroidism status. The adjusted Odds Ratio (OR) for the risk of hyperthyroidism status was 3.48 (95%CI:1.36–8.92) and 6.94 (95%CI:1.23–39.31) times higher with every natural log unit higher in blood Cd in total participants and males, respectively. Results from the two independent cross-sectional studies consistently suggested that higher Cd levels were associated with sex-specific thyroid dysfunction.
Exploring Patient’s Clinical Outcomes, Hospital Costs, and Satisfaction After the Implementation of Integrated Clinical Pathway-Based Nursing Practice Model
Authors: Rachmawaty Rini , Wahyudin Elly , Bukhari Agussalim
Published: October 2023

Introduction: The prevalence of non-communicable diseases in Indonesia tends to increase accompanied by an increase in the National Health Insurance claim costs by 18%-25% every year leading to the Indonesian government encouraging the use of clinical pathways to achieve optimal quality of health services.
Methods: The method used in this study was action research by developing, implementing, and evaluating the clinical guidelines and integrated clinical pathways (ICPs) for 10 diseases that were categorized as high volume, high risk, and high cost. Data was collected through observation and interviews and was analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 28.
Results:A total of 40 patients from Haji Hospital (n= 20) and from Labuang Baji Hospital (n= 20) with diagnoses of pulmonary tuberculosis, pneumonia, dyspepsia, typhoid fever, normal delivery, and COPD were included and analyzed. Compliance with the ICPs in both hospitals is quite low, 50.02% in Haji Hospital and 44.46% in Labuang Baji Hospital. However, the length of patients’ stay (LOS) was found to be compliant and some exceeded the ICP standards. The patients’ hospital costs were found to be different in earning profit for all disease diagnoses. Patient satisfaction also improved with each diagnosis.
Conclusion: The implementation of ICP at both hospitals showed that all indicators of patient clinical outcomes improved according to the time specified in ICP, resulting in patients’ LOS being shorter than stipulated in ICP and an increase in patient satisfaction. ICP implementation has also led to hospitals earning different profits in almost all diagnoses.