bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Evaluation of Cervix Maturity by Machine Learning and Ultrasound Images
Authors: Liu Yan-Song , Lu Shan , Wang Hong-Bo , Hou Zheng , Zhang Chun-Yu , Chong Yi-Wen , Wang Shuai , Tang Wen-Zhong , Qu Xiao-Lei , Zhang Yan
Published: November 2022

Background:To evaluate the improvement of evaluation accuracy of cervix maturity by adding objective ultrasound data and machine learning models to the existing traditional Bishop method.Methods:The machine learning model was trained and tested using 101 sets of data from pregnant women who were examined and had their delivery in Peking University Third Hospital in 2019-2021. The inputs of the model included cervical length, Bishop score, angle, age, induced labor time, measurement time, measurement time to induced labor time (MTILT), method of induced labor, and primiparity/multiparity. The output of the model is the predicted time from induced labor to labor. Our experiments analyzed the effectiveness of three machine learning models: XGBoost (eXtreme Gradient Boosting), CatBoost (an implementation of Gradient Boosted Decision Trees), and Random forest (RF). We considered the mean value of each scoring group of the traditional Bishop scoring method as the predicted value and calculated the mean square error of the real value and the predicted value for each data, considering the root-mean-squared error (RMSE) as the criterion to evaluate the accuracy of the model. We made a significant t-test on RMSE between the machine learning model and the traditional Bishop score.Results:The mean absolute error (MAE) of the prediction result of Bishop scoring method was 19.45 hours, and the RMSE was 24.56 hours. The prediction error of machine learning model was lower than the Bishop score method. Among the three machine learning models, the MAE of the model with the best prediction effect was 13.49 hours and the RMSE was 16.98 hours. After selection of feature the prediction accuracy of the XGBoost and RF was slightly improved. After feature selection and artificially removing the Bishop score, the prediction accuracy of the three models decreased slightly. The best model was XGBoost (p= 0.0017). Thep-value of the other two models was <0.01.Conclusion:In the evaluation of cervix maturity, the results of machine learning method are more objective and significantly accurate compared with the traditional Bishop scoring method. The machine learning method is a better predictor of cervix maturity than the traditional Bishop method.
Usefulness of percutaneous rupture for lumbar facet cysts: A retrospective study
Authors: Kanzaki Koji , Morishita Masutaro , Ishihara Yohei
Published: November 2022

Background: Percutaneous rupture of lumbar facet cysts (LFC) is the only non-surgical treatment able to directly reduce cysts. However, this is not yet a common procedure, and its effectiveness, including the evaluation of complications, remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of percutaneous rupture for LFC and elucidate whether this minimally invasive procedure could become an alternative to surgeries for cases resistant to conservative treatments.Methods: This study investigated 51 symptomatic patients with LFC for whom conservative treatments were ineffective and who underwent percutaneous rupture of the LFC. All patients were followed-up for >2 years after the treatment. Clinical evaluations (Visual Analogue Scale [VAS], recovery rate calculated with Japanese Orthopedic Association scores) and radiographic evaluations (size of LFC based on magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) were performed from pretreatment to final follow-up.Results: Successful LFS rupture, without hospitalization and general anesthesia, was achieved in 43 patients. No serious complications occurred during treatment through the last observation. Satisfactory clinical results were obtained (VAS: 11.1 mm, recovery rate: 83.1 %), and significant reduction of LFC was recognized in all cases based on post-treatment MRI. No successful rupture cases required subsequent surgical treatments, although there were 3 cases of LFC recurrence that required an additional percutaneous rupture treatment.Conclusions: Percutaneous rupture for LFC is not only a safe and minimally invasive procedure without any serious complications or requirements for hospitalization and general anesthesia, but also a very useful procedure that can prevent surgery for cases resistant to conservative treatments.
Disseminated nontuberculous mycobacterial infection in a patient with IFN-γ neutralizing antibodies and idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia: a case report
Authors: Goto Ryo , Shiota Seiji , Kaimori Ryo , Horinouchi Noboru , (Nishimizu) Rie Utsunomiya , Yamamoto Kyoko , Miyazaki Eishi
Published: November 2022

Background: Disseminated nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection usually occurs in immunodeficient patients, such as those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. However, disseminated NTM diseases have also been reported in immunocompetent patients. Autoantibodies to interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) are known to be involved in disseminated NTM disease, although anti-IFN-γ antibodies are mainly seen in immunocompetent patients rather than those with immunodeficiency. Here, we report a rare case of disseminated NTM that was positive for anti-IFN-γ antibodies in a patient with idiopathic CD4 lymphopenia.
Case presentation: A 64-year-old Asian male presented with fever, back pain, anorexia and weight loss. Physical examination revealed subcutaneous masses in the forehead, sternoclavicular joint, and right inguinal region. Computed tomography showed multiple osteosclerotic changes with soft structures and osteolytic changes. Both blood and sputum cultures were positive for Mycobacterium intracellulare, confirming the presence of disseminated NTM infection. Histopathological evaluation of the subcutaneous mass in the right inguinal region showed numerous granulomas consisting of epithelioid cells with Langhans-type giant cells. Anti-IFN-γ autoantibodies with suppression of IFN-γ-dependent signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) phosphorylation was detected. Interestingly, he was also diagnosed with idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia. Two-drug combination therapy with clarithromycin and ethambutol was started for the NTM infection, which resulted in a favorable disease course.
Conclusions: In patients with disseminated NTM infection, anti-IFN-γ antibody positivity can be detected even in patients with idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia. Anti-IFN-γ neutralizing antibodies should be examined even in patients with idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia to elucidate the pathophysiology of disseminated NTM disease.
Determinants of the uptake of childhood immunization in Kinshasa Province, the DRC: ordered logit regression analyses to assess timely infant vaccines administered at birth and six-weeks of age.
Authors: Boisson Alix , Thompson Peyton , Fried Bruce , Shea Christopher Michael , Ngimbi Patrick , Lumande Fidele , Tabala Martine , Mwandagalirwa Kashamuka , Babakazo Pélagie , Domino Marisa Elaine , Yotebieng Marcel
Published: November 2022

Background: Despite global efforts to reduce preventable childhood illness by distributing infant vaccines, immunization coverage in sub-Saharan African settings remains low. Further, timely administration of vaccines at birth – tuberculosis (Bacille Calmette-Guérin [BCG]) and polio (OPV0) – remains inconsistent. Countries such as Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) prepare to add yet another birth-dose vaccine in their immunization schedule, but research is necessary to understand the determinants of current birth-dose vaccines’ timely administration. This study aims to improve current and future birth-dose immunization coverage by understanding determinants of infants receiving vaccinations within the national timeframe.
Methods: The study used two ordered regression models to assess barriers to timely BCG and first round of hepatitis B (HepB3) immunization across multiple time points using the Andersen Behavioral Model to conceptualize determinants at various levels. The assessment leveraged survey data collected during a continuous quality improvement study (NCT03048669) conducted in 105 maternity centers throughout Kinshasa Province, DRC. The final sample included 2,398 (BCG analysis) and 2,268 (HepB3 analysis) women-infant dyads living with HIV.
Results: Between 2016 and 2020, 1,981 infants (82.6%) received the BCG vaccine, and 1,551 (68.4%) received the first dose of HepB3 vaccine. Of those who received the BCG vaccine, 26.3, 43.5%, and 12.8% received BCG within 24 hours, between one and seven days, and between one and 14 weeks, respectively. Of infants who received the HepB3 vaccine, 22.4% received it within six weeks, and 46% between six and 14 weeks of life. Many factors were positively associated with BCG uptake, including higher maternal education, household wealth, higher facility general readiness score, and religious-affiliated facility ownership. The factors influencing HepB3 uptake included older maternal age, higher education level, household wealth, transport by taxi to a facility, higher facility general and immunization readiness scores, and religious-affiliated facility ownership.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the study participants’ uptake of vaccines was consistent with the country average, but not in a timely manner. Various factors were associated with timely uptake of BCG and HepB3 vaccines. These findings suggest that investment to strengthen the vaccine delivery system might improve timely vaccine uptake and equity in vaccine coverage.
Anaemia, iron deficiency and inflammation prevalence in children in the Mount Cameroon area and the contribution of inflammatory cytokines on haemoglobin and ferritin concentrations: a cross sectional study
Authors: Sama Sharon Odmia , Taiwe Sotoing Germain , Teh Rene Ning , Njume Gwendolyne Elobe , Chiamo Seraphine Njuontsop , Sumbele Irene Ule Ngole
Published: November 2022

Background
Iron deficiency (ID) and anaemia of inflammation (AI) coexist where infections and nutritional deficiencies are common. The aim of this study was to determine burden of ID, anaemia, inflammation and AI in children in malaria endemic Limbe, Mount Cameroon as well as decipher the contribution of some inflammatory cytokines on the concentration of haemoglobin and ferritin.
Methods
A total of 520 children aged ≤ 15 years old from the Limbe Health District (LHD) were randomly selected and examined in a cross-sectional study for iron deficiency, anaemia, inflammation and inflammation anaemia. Collected blood samples were used for full blood count and inflammatory marker analyses with the aid of a haemoanalyzer and ELISA machine, respectively. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis was used to determine the correlation between cytokines and haemoglobin while multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the effects of inflammatory cytokines on haemoglobin and ferritin concentrations.
Results
The overall prevalence of anaemia, ID, IDA, inflammation and AI were respectively, 67.5%, 34.6%, 12.9%, 63.1% and 30.2%. Children aged 12‒15 years (P = 0.001), enrolled from the community (P < 0.001), whose parents are civil servants (P < 0.001), living in a home with 6‒10 occupants (P = 0.016), afebrile (P < 0.001) and malaria negative (P = 0.007) had the highest prevalence of ID while, children ≤ 5 years old (P = 0.001), with a family size of 1‒5 occupants (P = 0.033) had the highest prevalence of AI. Haemoglobin concentration positively correlated with concentrations of IFN-γ (P = < 0.001), TNF-α (0.045) and ferritin (P = < 0.001) while a negative correlation was observed with IL-10 (P = 0.003). In the multiple linear regression analysis only IL-6 significantly (P = 0.030) influenced haemoglobin concentration.
Conclusions
While IL-6 is of significance in the pathology of anaemia, iron deficiency and anaemia of inflammation are of moderate public health concerns in the Mount Cameroon area. Hence, appropriate intervention against anaemia, ID and AI should be directed at children ≤ 5 years and counterparts > 10 years old that bear the highest burden.
Analysis of hemi-uterus pregnancy outcomes in uterine malformations: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Qian Liang , Ding Jiashan , Shi Lan , Yu Qing , Zhu Jiawei , Huang Anfeng
Published: November 2022

Background: The association between uterine malformations and adverse pregnancy outcomes is well recognized. However, studies on adverse pregnancy outcomes based on one kind of anatomical commonality between different uterine anomalies have not been reported. The purpose of this study was to investigate pregnancy outcomes in pregnancies with uterine malformations when the pregnancy is confined to a hemi-uterus.
Methods:A retrospective observational cohort study of women who gave birth at our hospital from 2015 to 2021 was performed. Pregnancies with a unicornuate, complete bicornuate, or didelphic uterus were set as the study group, and pregnancies with a normal uterus were set as the referencegroup. For each case in the study group, pregnancies with a normal uterus were matched by age (± 2 years) in a 1:2 ratio. Data were obtained by reviewing medical records and telephone interviews. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were evaluated and compared between the two groups.
Results: Women in the study group had a higher history of spontaneous abortion and intrauterine fetal death (IUFD). Compared with the reference group, the study group had significantly higher rates of assisted reproductive technology (ART) and cord-around-the neck (CAN). Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that the study group was at higher risk for preterm birth, preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), malpresentation, and cesarean section.
Conclusion: Pregnancies with a unicornuate, didelphic, or complete bicornuate uterus are at higher risk for some adverse pregnancy outcomes than those with a normal uterus.
Affordances of virtual learning environments to support mathematics teaching
Authors: Trgalová Jana , Tabach Michal
Published: November 2022

The slow uptake of technology by mathematics teachers is in contrast with the rapid growth in the availability of different digital resources specifically designed to help teaching and learning mathematics. We refer to platforms that were designed to allow for mathematical communication between multiple users. We seek to explore the affordances of such digital platforms to support mathematics teachers who wish to integrate technology as part of their practice. Specifically, we ask: What are the affordances of the platforms that may support instrumentation and instrumentalization processes leading to the development of teacher’s didactic instrument to plan and enact a mathematical activity in a digital environment? The four platforms we chose for analysis are STEP, DESMOS, Labomep and WIMS. Our analysis shows on the one hand that the platforms afford support to the teacher while enacting technology-based mathematics activities. On the other hand, we suggest several components of didactic instrumental genesis that mathematics teachers need to develop in order to take benefit from digital platform affordances. These components include, in particular, the ability to base decision making on data gathered and visualized in dashboard embedded in learning management systems.
Phonon structure engineering for intrinsically spectrally selective emitters by anion groups
Authors: Huang Enhui , Zhou Xia , Zhang Rui , Guo Hongxuan , Gao Xu , Zhong Wenying , Xu Bo
Published: November 2022

Spectrally selective emitters (SSEs) have attracted considerable attention, because of radiative cooling, which could dissipate the heat from earth to outer space through the atmospheric window without any energy input. Intrinsically inorganic SSEs have significant advantages to other SSEs, such as the low fabrication cost due to the extremely simple structures and long-life span under solar exposure. However, few inorganic materials can act as intrinsic SSEs due to the limited emissions in atmospheric window. Here, we propose a strategy to design intrinsic SSEs by complementing the IR-active phonons in atmospheric window with anion groups. Accordingly, we demonstrate borates containing both [BO3]3- and [BO4]5- units can exhibit high emissivity within the whole atmospheric window, because the IR-active phonons of [BO3]3- units usually locate around 8 and 13 μm, while those of [BO4]5- units distribute in 9~11 μm. Furthermore, K3B6O10Cl and BaAlBO4 are selected as two examples to display their near-unity emissivity (>95%) within the whole atmospheric window experimentally. These results not only offer new strategy for the design of intrinsic SSEs, but also endow wide band-gap borates containing both [BO3]3- and [BO4]5- units with great potential applications for radiative cooling.
A Systematic Review of the Impact of Pneumatic Tube System Transport on Blood Chemistry and Hematology Parameters
Authors: Ausmolo Angelie Jae T. , Pua Joan Felice D. , Abiog Margaret Dominique H. , Alberto Beatrice C. , Bilo Eunice Lyn M. , De Leon Chasse Ysabel L. , Cerna Krista Luisa C. Dela , Jugueta Julien Rosx D. , Mendoza Marie Ethel M. , Sison Dorothy Elizabeth E. , Untalan Christ Theomar A. , Yumul Larra Betheriece B.
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Today, many hospitals use a Pneumatic Tube System (PTS) to quickly convey specimens to the lab. This study examined the clinical and practical impacts of PTS in delivering specimens. Blood chemistry and hematologic parameters were compared between PTS and manual transfer to determine whether there was a significant increase or decrease in its values. The study evaluated the following Blood Chemistry parameters such as LDH, K, AST, ALP, ALT, and Total Bilirubin and Hematologic parameters such as Red Cell indices (MCV, MHC, and MCHC), RBC count, Hemoglobin and Hematocrit, Hemolysis rate, and Platelet count. The data are gathered to evaluate if PTS provides the same specimen integrity as the manual technique. In this project, the researchers will conduct a systematic review utilizing the PRISMA 2020 reporting checklist.
Methodology: Studies obtained from online databases were utilized. A set of criteria for selecting prospective studies were established. The studies should be published from 2017 to October 2022, must assess the effects of PTS by comparing them to manually transported samples, and must be fully accessible. Subgroup analysis and cumulative analysis were conducted to establish transparency of the results.
Findings and Discussion: A total of 18 studies were evaluated. Three of these studies deal with blood chemistry, five with hematology, and ten with factors related to both blood chemistry and hematology. Among all the parameters evaluated, only LDH, potassium, and Hemolysis index showed clinical significance between the samples transported via PTS and manually delivered. The other chemistry parameters were also increased but were not clinically significant. Whereas, Hematologic parameters have only limited studies available that can show that it is of clinical significance. However, most included studies utilized a small sample size and limited population, restricting further analysis of the obtained results. Additionally, some were hindered due to insufficient data and information. Moreover, the technical aspects that can cause the results to differ are not provided because the PTS utilized to modify acceleration and deceleration, which are not sufficiently described. Some research claimed that their study was restricted to PTS effects alone.
Safety and Efficacy of First-in-Man Intrathecal Transplantation of Human Astrocytes (AstroRx) in ALS Patients: Phase I/IIa Clinical Trial Results
Authors: Gotkine Marc , Caraco Yoseph , Lerner Yossef , Blotnick Simcha , Wanounou Maor , Slutsky Shalom Guy Guy , Chebath Judith , Kuperstein Graciela , estrin elena , Ben-Hur Tamir , Hasson Arik , Molakandov Kfir , Sonnenfeld Tehila , Stark Yafit , Revel Ariel , Revel Michel , Izrael Michal
Published: November 2022

Background: AstroRx is an allogeneic cell-based product, composed of healthy and functional human astrocytes derived from embryonic stem cells. We previously showed that AstroRx protects neurons in ALS animal models by multiple mechanisms, including clearance of toxic compounds (e.g. glutamate), reduction of oxidative stress, immunomodulation, and secretion of various neuroprotective factors. We hypothesized that transplantation of AstroRx can compensate for the malfunction of astrocytes in ALS patients in a clinical setting.
Methods: We conducted a phase I/IIa, open-label, dose-escalating clinical trial to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and therapeutic effects of AstroRx transplantation in patients with ALS. Five patients were injected intrathecally with a single dose of 100x106 AstroRx cells and 5 patients with 250x106 cells (low and high dose, respectively). Safety and efficacy assessments were recorded during a period of 3-months pre-treatment (run-in) and 12-months post-treatment (follow-up).
Results: A single administration of AstroRx at either low or high doses was safe and well tolerated. No adverse events (AEs) related to AstroRx cells were reported. Transient AEs related to the Intrathecal (IT) procedure were all mild to moderate and resolved. The study demonstrated a clinically meaningful effect that was maintained over the first 3 months after treatment, as measured by the pre-post slope change in ALSFRS-R. In the 100x106 AstroRx arm, the ALSFRS-R rate of deterioration was attenuated from -0.88/month pre-treatment to -0.30/month in the first 3 months post-treatment (p=0.039). In the 250x106 AstroRx arm, the ALSFRS-R slope from -1.43/mo to -0.78/mo (p=0.0023). The effect was even more profound in a rapid progressor subgroup of 5 patients. No significant difference in the rate of ALSFRS-R deterioration was observed beyond 3 months after treatment. No significant change was found in hand-held dynamometry (HHD), grip strength (JAMAR), ALSAQ-40, or serum biomarkers.
Conclusions:
Overall, these findings suggest that a single IT administration of AstroRx to ALS patients at a dose of 100x106 or 250x106 cells is safe. A signal of beneficial clinical effect was observed for the first 3 months post cell injection. These results support further investigation of repeated IT administrations of AstroRx.
Trial Registration: NCT03482050
A novel band selection architecture to propose a built-up index for hyperspectral sensor PRISMA
Authors: Gaur Shishir , Das Nilendu , Bhattacharjee Rajarshi , Patra Debanirmalya , Ohri Anurag
Published: November 2022

Processing of hyperspectral remote sensing datasets poses challenges in terms of computational expense pertaining to data redundancy. As such, band selection becomes indispensable to address redundancy while preserving the optimal spectral information. This paper proposes a novel architecture using Genetic Algorithm (GA) optimizing technique with Random Forest (RF) classifier for efficient band selection with Hyperspectral Precursor of the Application Mission (PRISMA) dataset. The optimal bands are BLUE (λ=492.69nm), NIR (λ=959.52nm), and SWIR 1 (λ=1626.78nm). This paper also involves an application of the selected bands to accurate identify and quantify built-up pixels by means of a new spectral index named Hyperspectral Imagery-based Built-up Index (HIBI). The proposed index was used to map built-up pixels in six cities around the world namely Jaipur, Varanasi, Delhi, Tokyo, Moscow and Jakarta to establish its robustness. This analysis shows that the proposed index has an accuracy of 94.02%, higher than all the other indices considered for this study. Moreover, the spectral separability analysis also establishes the efficiency of the proposed index to differentiate built-up pixels from spectrally similar land use or land cover classes.
Comparison of covalent and in-situ immobilization of Candida antarctica lipase A on a flexible nanoporous material
Authors: Ghasemi Saba , Yousefi Maryam , Nikseresht Ahmad
Published: November 2022

In this study, Candida antartica lipase A (CALA) was subjected to immobilization on the flexible nanoporous MIL-53(Fe) by two approaches: covalent coupling and in situ immobilization method. The pre-synthesized support under ultrasound irradiation was incubated with N,N-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide to mediate the covalent attachment between the carboxylic groups on the support surface and amino groups of enzyme molecules. The in situ immobilization in which the enzyme molecules directly embedded into the MOF framework was performed under mild operating conditions in a facile one-step manner. Both immobilized derivatives of the enzyme were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), FT-IR spectra, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). In the in situ immobilization method, the enzyme molecules were efficiently encapsulated within the support with high loading capacity (220 mg/g support). On the other hand, the covalent attachment resulted in immobilizing much lower concentrations of the enzyme (20 mg/g support). Although both immobilized derivatives of lipase showed broader pH and temperature tolerance relative to the soluble enzyme, the biocatalyst, which was prepared through in situ method, was more stable at elevated temperatures than the covalently immobilized lipase. Furthermore, in-situ immobilized derivatives of CALA could be efficiently reused for at least eight cycles (> 70% of retained activity). In contrast, its covalently immobilized counterpart showed a drastic decrease in activity after five cycles (less than 10% of retained activity at the end of 6 rounds).
Finite-time sliding mode fault-tolerant neural network control for nonstrict-feedback nonlinear systems
Authors: Lin Funing , Xue Guangming , Li Shenggang , Liu Heng , Pan Yongping , Cao Jinde
Published: November 2022

In the paper, finite-time tracking control for a class of nonstrict-feedback nonlinear systems subject to uncertain control gains and multiple actuator faults is explored. To circumvent the issue of “complexity explosion” arisen from the standard backstepping design, second-order command filter is introduced to estimate the virtual input and its derivative in every step. By means of a useful structural attribute of neural networks, the algebraic loop problem is excluded. Besides, the unknown control gains are handled via using Nussbaum functions. To attain robust control performance against external perturbations and chattering phenomenon, a novel sliding mode fault-tolerant controller is introduced to ensure finite-time stability of the controlled system. Furthermore, simulation cases are conducted to demonstrate the practical applications of the proposed approach to one-link manipulator and electromechanical system.
Competitive gallium and indium adsorption from wastewaters on low cost chabazite
Authors: Sáez Patricia , Díez Eduardo , Gómez José María , López Carmen , Rodríguez Araceli
Published: November 2022

The paper describes the gallium and indium adsorption from aqueous solutions employing chabazite as adsorbent. Kinetic and isotherm adsorption experiments in monometallic solutions were carried out to ascertain the adsorption mechanisms. The obtained results showed that the adsorption of Ga (III) onto chabazite was properly described by Sips model while indium adsorption is well described by Freundlich model. Competitive adsorption experiments showed that chabazite had more affinity towards gallium than towards indium due to, according to the speciation diagrams, in the case of gallium the predominant specie in solution is GaOH2+, while in the case of indium, the main ionic specie is In3+. However, the most outstanding conclusion is that it is possible to remove both metals from the aqueous media, employing a relatively high chabazite dosage while with a low chabazite dosage (1 g/L) it is possible to selectively retain gallium in solid, remaining indium ions in the solution.
Screening, optimization and molecular characterization of cold-active lipase producing Bacillus cereus I13 from Arctic sediments
Authors: KATTATHEYIL HAFSA , SAJEELA VISHNUPRIYA , SALEENA SHAHANA KABEER , EZHUTHANIKKUNNEL AKHIL PRAKASH , PADINCHATI KRISHNAN KOTTEKATTU , AMMANAMVEETIL MOHAMED HATHA ABDULLAH
Published: November 2022

Cold active enzymes are valuable biocatalysts, due to their capacity to withstand extreme conditions. Microbial lipases are widely used in biotechnological applications as well as in industries due to their broad substrate specificity, and higher stability with less production costs compared to other sources. In the present study, bacterial strains were isolated from the surface and sub-surface sediment samples of the Arctic fjord and were screened for lipase enzyme production. From the 73 isolates that were screened, 8 isolates are considered to be good lipase producers. Among the 8 isolates, Bacillus cereus I13 produced lipase with the activity of 11.42 U/ml on the 4th day of incubation at 20 °C along with the highest zone of clearance of 27 mm in the agar well diffusion plate method. The optimum condition for higher lipase production was at pH 7.0, a temperature of 20 °C, an incubation period of 96 hours with glucose as a carbon source, yeast as the nitrogen source, and olive oil as substrate. Bacillus cereus I13 from Arctic fjord sediments can be used as a potential candidate for the industrial production of cold-active lipase. The optimization studies described in the study proved that lipase production can be effectively increased using these potent isolates.
The therapeutic monoclonal antibody bamlanivimab does not enhance SARS‑CoV-2 infection by FcR-mediated mechanisms
Authors: Cross Robert M , Wiethoff Christopher M , Brown-Augsburger Patricia , Berens Shawn , Blackbourne Jamie , Liu Ling , Wu Xiaohua , Tetreault Jonathan , Dodd Carter , Sina Ramtin , Witcher Derrick R , Newcomb Deanna , Frost Denzil , Wilcox Angela , Borisevich Viktoriya , Agans Krystle N , Woolsey Courtney , Prasad Abhishek N , Deer Daniel J , Geisbert Joan B , Dobias Natalie S , Fenton Karla A , Strifler Beth , Ebert Philip , Higgs Richard , Beall Anne , Chanda Sumit , Riva Laura , Yin Xin , Geisbert Thomas W
Published: November 2022

Background Antibodies targeting envelope glycoproteins have been shown in some instances to enhance infection by subverting Fc receptor and complement function, or by directly inducing fusion with cellular membranes. The potential for antibody dependent enhancement (ADE) of infection raises concern that passive immunization with a therapeutic anti-viral antibody could increase risk of disease. As part of the nonclinical package characterizing the risk profile of the SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing monoclonal antibody bamlanivimab, studies were conducted to evaluate the potential for ADE of infectionin vitroand in a non-human primate model of COVID-19. MethodsIn vitroassays were performed in primary human macrophage, Raji, or THP-1 cells exposed to SARS-CoV-2 in the presence of bamlanivimab ranging from approximately IC50 to more than 100-fold above or below the IC50. Samples were evaluated for demonstration of productive viral infection. Bamlanivimab binding to C1q and FcR were quantified, and activity was studied by cell-based assays.In vivostudies were performed in African green monkeys (AGM) infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus following sub-saturating or saturating doses of bamlanivimab or IgG control. Viral loads, clinical pathology, and histology endpoints were assessed to determine if bamlanivimab enhanced SARS-CoV-2 replication or clinical illness. Mixed model repeated measures were used to evaluate virology statistics. Results Bamlanivimab did not increase viral RNA production in FcγR-expressing cell lines, despite demonstration of effector function. No significant differences were found among the AGM groups in terms of weight, temperature, or food intake. Treatment with bamlanivimab reduced viral loads in nasal and oral swabs and BAL fluid relative to control groups. Viral antigen was not detected in lung tissue from animals treated with the highest dose of bamlanivimab. Microscopic findings along with decreases in viral loads in bamlanivimab-treated animals indicated that ADE of disease was not observed in this study. Conclusions Sub-saturating doses of bamlanivimab treatment do not induce ADE of SARSCoV2 infection in eitherin vitroor an AGM model of infection. Findings suggest that high affinity monoclonal antibodies pose a low risk of mediating ADE in patients and further supports their safety profile as a treatment of COVID-19 disease.
A Signature of Cuproptosis-Related lncRNAs Predicts Prognosis and Provide Basis for Future Anti-tumor Drug Development in Breast Cancer
Authors: Yu Hao , Liu Yanbiao , Zhang Wenrong , Peng Ziqi , Yu Xinmiao , Jin Feng
Published: November 2022

Background
Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignancy worldwide and the leading culprit for women death. Cuproptosis is a novel and promising modality of tumor cell death whose relationship with lncRNAs remains shrouded in veil. Studies in cuproptosis-related lncRNAs can aid on the clinical management of breast cancer and provide basis for anti-tumor drug development.
Methods
RNA-Seq data, somatic mutation data and clinical information were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Patients were divided into high and low risk groups according to the risk score they got. Cox regression and LASSO regression analyses were used to select prognostic lncRNAs to construct a risk score system. Its’ prognostic value was confirmed in the training and validation cohorts subsequently. Functional analysis regarding cuproptosis-related lncRNAs was performed.
Results
Eighteen cuproptosis-related lncRNAs were identified and 11 of them including AL023882.1, AC091588.1, AC138028.2, AC027514.1, AL592301.1, LRRC8C-DT, MFF-DT, NIFK-AS1, MECOM-AS1, OTUD6B-AS1 and RNF32-AS1 were selected for risk score system construction. The risk score was confirmed as an independent prognostic factor and patients in the high-risk group had worse prognosis. A nomogram based on the independent prognostic factors was constructed for clinical decision aids. Further analyses revealed that patients in the high-risk group faced a heavier tumor mutation burden and suppressed anti-tumor immunity. Besides, cuproptosis-related lncRNAs were associated with expression of immune checkpoint inhibitors, m6a and drug sensitivity in breast cancer.
Conclusions
A prognostic risk score system with satisfactory predictive accuracy was constructed. Besides, cuproptosis-related lncRNAs can influence immune microenvironment, TMB, m6a and drug sensitivity in breast cancer, which may provide basis for future anti-tumor drug development.
Characterizing Urban Growth and Land Surface Temperature in the Western Himalayan Cities of India using Remote Sensing and Spatial Metrics
Authors: Gupta Rajman , Sharma Mani , Singh Garima , Joshi Rajendra Kr
Published: November 2022

Urban heat island (UHI) is developing in major cities of India due to increased urbanization and decreased vegetation cover. Urbanization induces substantial land use changes resulting in surface transformation and thermal emissions which modifies urban microclimate posing serious risk to human health, environment and ecology of the Himalayan ecosystems. Therefore, an improved understanding is required to mitigate UHI. The study illustrates the impact of urbanization on land surface temperature (LST) in the capital city- Shimla and Dehradun in the western Himalayan, India using satellite datasets. The process has been analyzed using urban cover patterns derived from Landsat 5, 7 and 8 with respective sensors of TM, ETM+, and OLI. Built-up and non-built-up areas were extracted and biophysical parameters NDVI, NDBI, NDWI and LST were computed to capture different characteristics of urban growth. The result indicated that during study period, built-up areas have increased from 32.19 Km2 (2000) to 68.37 Km2 (2016) for Dehradun and 12.38 Km2 (2000) to 29.47 Km2 (2016) for Shimla which has manifested an increase in NDBI and LST and decrease in NDVI and NDWI. The results revealed that temperature hotspots were maximum in built-up areas followed by vegetation and water body. We observed significant correlation (p < 0.05) between LST and biophysical parameters -NDVI, NDBI, NDWI. Spatial metrics at class and landscape-level has indicated that landscape has fragmented, became more heterogeneous from 2000 to 2016 because of increased urban growth. The trends identified for changes in landscape patterns and their ramifications in respective areas have prospective policy implications.
A novel low-cost bearing fault diagnosis method based on convolutional neural network with full stage optimization in strong noise environment
Authors: Jiang Li , Yu Zhipeng , Zhuang Kejia , Li Yibing
Published: November 2022

In recent years, convolutional neural network (CNN) has been successfully applied in the field of bearing fault diagnosis. So as to improve the diagnosis performance in harsh environment with strong noise, the structure of CNN-based feature extractor becomes deeper and more complex. However, with the increase of depth, the model may lose shallow features and the training parameters will surge. Moreover, if the sample size is not large, it tends to over fit. It deviates from the concept of network lightweight. On the other hand, little attention will be paid to the optimization of model classifiers which can significantly improve the classification performance. Therefore, we proposed a CNN with full stage optimization (FSOCNN) model for bearing fault diagnosis in strong noise environment. In the feature extraction stage, the model is optimized with a novel multi-feature output structure connected with global average pooling to improve the feature extraction ability without any extra trainable parameters. In the classification stage, the traditional softmax layer will only participate in the parameter optimization of CNN model through gradient descent algorithm, and the diagnosis results will be output by support vector machine. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified on the two bearing datasets under different levels of noise. Compared with the existing five fault diagnosis models, the results prove that the proposed method possesses higher accuracy, less training time, and better stability.
Giant thoracic cyst caused by amniotic fluid aspiration during delivery
Authors: Wang Yifei , Sun Qi , Huang Yiling , Chen Rong , Wang Mingdong , Zhao Xuewei
Published: November 2022

In infants born after term, it is not unusual to find aspirated amniotic fluid (AF), but the long term effect on lung morphology and thoracic cavity is still rarely reported. Here, we report a case of a giant fibrocystic thoracic cavity with pulmonary dysplasia in adulthood, possibly due to aspiration of meconium-contaminated amniotic fluid during delivery. The patient was a 20-year-old girl presenting with chest tightness and recurrent cough for 4 months (until the time of arriving our hospital). When she was born, she had a lung infection due to aspiration of amniotic fluid contaminated with meconium, so she was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit for rescue. Image examinations confirmed a giant thoracic cavity cyst with pulmonary dysplasia in the left thoracic cavity. The patient underwent a thoracoscopic exploratory operation in the Nantong First People's Hospital on February 26, 2021, but the thoracic cyst still existed after the operation, and the patient's symptoms did not improve. She arrived to our hospital on April 21, 2021. On April 28, 2021, she underwent the urgent left thoracic giant cyst resection surgery for intrathoracic hemorrhage. The patient's symptoms improved significantly after the operation, and the patient recovered and was discharged from the hospital smoothly. Four months later, due to the left pneumothorax attack, she returned to our hospital and underwent the left lung repair operation under thoracoscopic. The re-examination result showed that the current left lung recruitment was satisfactory, and the follow-up result showed that everything in daily life is normal. The perinatal inhalation of meconium-and/or blood-stained amniotic liquid is a life-threatening event requiring intensive care. Aspiration of meconium-contaminated amniotic fluid can induce exudative alveolitis, coupled with airway obstruction and degradation of alveolar surfactant, resulting in atelectasis. In addition, amniotic fluid and meconium could disperse from the terminal bronchioles into the alveolar acini and pleural tissue causing pleural thickening. Amniotic fluid contains a variety of mesenchymal stem cells as well as growth factors, especially basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), which, in the context of inflammation, ultimately lead to the formation of giant thoracic cyst. In the Discussion section, we conducted an in-depth analysis of the relationship between the amniotic fluid aspiration at birth and its eventual pathological changes in this patient through a literature review.
Evaluating hospital consumer friendly price-estimator tools for shoppable services within dermatology
Authors: Yang Kevin , Drake Lara , Ghatnekar Shilpa , Kassamali Bina , Nambudiri Vinod E.
Published: November 2022

A recent mandate by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) required hospitals to publish prices online. This study examined the utility of CMS-mandated price estimators for dermatology procedures. Chargemasters and price-estimator tools from the five largest hospitals in each state (n=250) were reviewed for accessibility. Price estimators were also searched for the presence of dermatologic procedures and their estimated prices. Of the 250 hospitals included, 89.6% of chargemasters and 92.8% of price estimators were accessible. Of the available chargemasters and price estimators, 98.7% and 63.8% contained pricing data on dermatologic procedures, respectively. The most common dermatology procedures listed were debridement of subcutaneous tissue (CPT 11042) with a median price of $1,135.50 (IQR $577-$3533.67; n= 80), followed by simple incision and drainage of skin abscess (CPT 10060) with a median price of $956.00 (IQR $465.50-$6506.00, n=79), and single punch biopsy of skin (CPT 11104) with a median price of $506.06 (IQR $356.50-$922.08, n=29). Although price estimator tools are widely available in patient-friendly and searchable formats, they are not optimized for shoppable dermatologic services. Adding more dermatologic procedures to patient friendly price-estimator tools can help patients directly realize savings from price shopping.
N-acetylcysteine protects against neurodevelopmental injuries induced by methylmercury exposure during pregnacy and lactation
Authors: Li Xiaoyang , Pan Jingjing , Liu Haihui , Wang Chen , Xu Si , Xu Bin , Deng Yu , Yang Tianyao , Liu Wei , Sun Jingyi
Published: November 2022

As an extremely dangerous environmental contaminant, methylmercury (MeHg) results in detrimental health effects in human brain nervous system, one of its main targets. However, as a developmental toxicant, the brain of offspring is vulnerable to MeHg during pregnancy and lactation exposure. Unfortunately, mechanisms of neurodevelopmental injuries induced by MeHg have not been fully elucidated. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has been used for several decades as an antioxidant to antagonize oxidative stress. However, the molecular mechanisms of NAC alleviating MeHg-induced neurodevelopmental toxicity are not clear. Here, for evaluation of the dose-dependent effects of MeHg exposure on neurodevelopmental injuries of offspring, and the possible protective effects of NAC, the pregnant female mice were exposed to MeHg and NAC from gestational day 1 (GD1) to postnatal day 21 (PND21). Our results indicated that administering MeHg caused behavioral impairment and neuronal injuries in the cerebral cortex of newborn mice. MeHg dose-dependently caused reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction and oxidative stress aggravation, together with expression of Nrf2, HO-1, Notch1, and p21 up-regulation, and CDK2 inhibition. NAC treatment dose-dependently antagonized MeHg-induced oxidative stress that may contribute to alleviate the neurobehavioral and neurodevelopmental impairments. These results give insight into that NAC can protect against MeHg-induced neurodevelopmental toxicity by its antioxidation capacity.
Bioactivity and genome analysis of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens GL18 isolated from the rhizosphere of Kobresia myosuroides in an alpine meadow
Authors: Chen L. , Xie Y. L. , Wu X. H. , Wu L. L. , Yang J. , Gao Y. , Mi Y. , Yang F.
Published: November 2022

The unique eco-environment of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau breeds abundant microbial resources. In this research, the antagonistic activity, bacteriostatic hydrolase activity, and low temperature, salt, and drought resistance of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens GL18, isolated from the rhizosphere of Kobresia myosuroides from an alpine meadow, were determined and analysed. The seedlings of Avena sativa were root-irrigated using bacteria suspensions (cell concentration 1 ⋅ 107 cfu/mL) of GL18, and the growth-promoting effect of GL18 on it was determined under cold, salt and drought stress, respectively. The whole genome of GL18 was sequenced, and its functional genes were analysed. GL18 presented significant antagonistic activity to Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium acuminatum, Fusarium oxysporum and Aspergillus niger (inhibition zone diameter > 17 mm). Transparent zones formed on four hydrolase detection media, indicating that GL18 secreted cellulase, protease, pectinase and β-1, 3-glucanase. GL18 tolerated conditions of 10°C, 11% NaCl concentration and 15% PEG-6000 concentration, presenting cold, salt and drought resistance. GL18 improved the cold, salt and drought tolerance of A. sativa and it showed significant growth effects under different stress. The total length of the GL18 genome was 3,915,550 bp, and the number of CDS was 3726. Compared with the COG, GO and KEGG databases, 3088, 2869 and 2357 functional genes were annotated, respectively. GL18 contained gene clusters related to antibacterial substances, functional genes related to the synthesis of plant growth-promoting substances, and encoding genes related to stress resistance. This study identified an excellent Bacillus strain and provided a theoretical basis for improving stress resistance and promoting the growth of herbages under abiotic stress.
A journey to unravel the pathophysiology of stable and exacerbated Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease through erythrocyte proteomics: A combined mass spectrometry/bioinformatics approach
Authors: Das Sonu , John Mathew , Maria Evelyn , M Vanditha , Adiody Supriya , Varghese Jinsu
Published: November 2022

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disorder with high mortality. The present study, explores the novel and highly enriched protein networks differentially expressed in stable and exacerbated COPD variants to elucidate the disease pathophysiology. A label free relative quantification of erythrocyte cytosol proteome based on LC-MS/MS was performed on hemodepleted erythrocyte lysate samples of stable and exacerbated COPD with respect to healthy controls.
Five highly enriched protein clusters in stable and seven in exacerbated COPD were observed, on the application of MCODE algorithm and hierarchical clustering. Functional annotation and over-representation analysis (ORA) of the differentially expressed proteins brought to light the dysregulation of molecular events such as ERAD pathway, MAPK signalling, ciliogenesis, hypoxia, apoptosis and neutrophil migration resulting in the chronic inflammatory response characteristic to COPD. This study is a first-time report of the differential expression of unique proteins such as kyphoscoliosis peptidase, sperm associated antigen-1, calpastatin and LINE-1 in exacerbated COPD, which would lead to chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis and bacterial or viral infections, contributing to increased severity in exacerbated COPD. The identified proteins could serve as potential candidates for biomarkers in unravelling the pathophysiology of COPD.