bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 Pandemic and Frontline Health Workers in Assam (India): Roles and Challenges faced by the Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs)
Authors: Parmar Daksha , Bedamatta Rajshree , Graeve Hilde , Shome Biraj Kanti , Mairembam Dilip Singh
Published: January 2024

COVID-19 was one of the most devastating health crises that the world witnessed in contemporary times. Health workers were at the forefront, responding to the crisis, saving millions of lives. Faced with an unprecedented situation, India’s frontline health workers (FHWs) in the public health system, played a critical role as first responders. There are limited studies that have explored and documented their contribution from the north eastern states of India.
Methods: In this qualitative study, we discuss the roles of FHWs during COVID-19, and the challenges they faced while working at the primary level public health facilities. The study was conducted in Dibrugarh, Dhubri, Kamrup and Kamrup Metropolitan districts representing spatial, socio-economic and geographical diversity and disparity of the state. Multiple modes of inquiry (in-depth interviews, group discussions, and telephonic interviews) were conducted with the ASHAs and other stakeholders.
Findings: The ASHAs have performed different roles in terms of creating awareness, health education, adopting preventive measures, disease surveillance, testing, quarantine and isolation of patients. They were instrumental in continuation of the essential health services and COVID-19 vaccination. Tremendous increase in their tasks, long working hours without proper break, insecure and risky work conditions without adequate safety measures, stigma, violence, and discrimination at community level, frequently changing guidelines, delayed and inadequate compensation were some of the main challenges faced by the ASHAs in Assam.
Conclusions: Working at the bottom of the public health system hierarchy, the ASHAs in rural and urban areas performed most of their responsibilities despite risks. Their contribution in increasing the community’s trust in the public health system, through their educational role and by being the first point of healthcare providers has been phenomenal.
High vs Low CPAP Strategy with Aerosolized Calfactant in Preterm Infants with Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Kaluarachchi Dinushan , Gerday Erick , Bahr Timothy , Zapata Henry , Lasarev Michael , Guthrie Scott , Minton Stephen
Published: January 2024

Background. CPAP levels used for respiratory distress syndrome are variable. Optimal CPAP strategy to prevent CPAP failure is unknown.
Objective. To evaluate the risk of CPAP failure in infants treated with high vs low CPAP strategy while receiving aerosolized calfactant in the AERO-02 clinical trial and AERO-03 expanded access program.
Methods. Comparisons were made between low and high CPAP groups (Low, 4-7 cm H20; High, 8-10 cm H20).
Results. Low and high CPAP groups had 215 and 106 infants respectively. CPAP failure and pneumothorax were not different between the groups. Odds of CPAP failure was not different after adjustment for baseline characteristics (OR = 0.61; 95% CI: 0.29, 1.24).
Conclusion. We found no difference in CPAP failure among infants who received aerosolized calfactant that were treated with high vs low CPAP strategy. Efficacy of high CPAP strategy with less invasive surfactant treatment needs to be evaluated in future studies.
Analysis of lymph node metastasis and prognostic risk factors in superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Wan-Wan , Su Tian-Chang , Shen Meng-Di , Wu Qiong , Zhao Li , Deng Min
Published: January 2024

Objective: To investigate the risk factors for lymph node metastasis (LNM) and prognosis in superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SESCC).
Methods: The clinical andpathological data of 222 patients with SESCC who were treated with surgery and pathologically confirmed at the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University from January 2010 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, and tumor specimens were examined under a microscope. Clinical factors and LNM were analyzed with a chi-squared test and Mann-Whitney U test. Clinical factors and overall survival were evaluated using multivariate Cox regression analyses.
Results: The LNM rate of patients with SESCC was 11.26% , and the LNM rates of M1, M2, M3, SM1, SM2 and SM3 were 2.2% , 0%, 3.6%, 0%（0/2）, 7.7%, 26.1%, respectively. Based on univariate analysis, tumor length, differentiation degree, invasion depth, and presence of cancer thrombus in the vasculature were correlated with LNM (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a depth of tumor invasion ≥2.4 cm, differentiation degree and depth of invasion were independent risk factors for LNM in SESCC. The median follow-up was 57 (30, 93) months, 23 (5.2%) patients were lost to follow-up, and 32 patients died. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 96.8%, 92.4%, and 86.3%, respectively, and the disease-free survival rates were 95.9%, 92.4%, and 85.9%, respectively. Cox regression analysis showed that low degree of differentiation, deep infiltration depth, and comorbidities, and positive lymph node metastasis were independent risk factors for prognosis.
Conclusion: For patients with SESCC with tumor diameter <2.4 cm, moderately to high differentiated tissue, mucosal layer location, the risk of LNM is small, and ESD is feasible.
COVID-19 Stress, Facebook Use Intensity and coping strategies of Filipino students: An analysis of data collected during a pandemic
Authors: Balberan Jaren Kim , Bengwasan Peejay
Published: January 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with significant levels of stress worldwide. For students, the shifts from in-person to virtual platforms may not only affect learning but also other aspects of their lives, which may yield certain levels of distress due to the uncertainties of the pandemic. Because of pandemic-related restrictions, students have turned to online resources and platforms such as social media for information, entertainment and social connection. Given findings that display the interaction of social media on different forms of stress, there is a need to look at how COVID-19 stress, which has created even more distance between students and typical forms of coping. Hence, this quantitative study explored the relationship between COVID-19 stress and Facebook use intensity among college students. The regression analysis of responses from 220 college students indicated a strong positive relationship. As college students’ COVID-19 stress increased, Facebook use intensity also got higher. With the rising need and popularity of social media and the development of stress during the COVID-19 pandemic, people continue to rely on the internet and online means to satisfy social needs. The findings of this study does not only report an increase in frequency of Facebook use, but also the intensification of college students’ engagement as brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. The moderation analysis showed that Approach and Avoidant coping when taken on their own, do not significantly moderate the relationship. When taken together, Approach and Avoidant coping significantly moderate the relationship on a minimal level. This confirms the contention that since social media use is highly subjective on an individual’s motives, coping through social media use also involves a combination of different types of coping.
Compound Flooding in River-Urban-Coastal Environments: Multi-factorial Drivers and Modeling Considerations
Authors: Khalid Arslaan , Ferreira Celso , Elliott Jason
Published: January 2024

In the National Capital Region, existing coastal flood guidance systems frequently underestimate total water levels (TWL), leading to inaccurate flood predictions. Flood forecasting in this region, located at the confluence of two major rivers (Potomac and Anacostia) with tidal connections to the Chesapeake Bay, faces TWL under-predictions due to missing physical processes, limited integration of hydrological and hydrodynamic models, and simplified operational model frameworks. This study introduces an integrated TWL framework using a high-resolution two-dimensional coastal storm surge model (ADCIRC) that includes multiple flood drivers (storm tide, river flows, urban runoff, and local wind forcing) as one-way input boundary conditions in the tidal Potomac River. This framework accurately replicates historical events based on observed data, with validations indicating a 0.1 m under-prediction at the NOAA Washington, DC tide station (WASD), representing a -5% deviation from observed maximum water levels. Through hypothetical simulations for 25-, 50-, and 100-year return periods, we emphasize the substantial impact of individual flood drivers. Local winds had the smallest impact on water levels at WASD compared to downstream storm surge from the Chesapeake Bay (Lewisetta, VA). Upstream major river discharges elevate water levels beyond the National Weather Service (NWS) major flooding level by 0.9 m, further amplified to 1.4 m above the threshold when urban discharges occur simultaneously in the National Capital Region. Unlike prior studies, our work offers a comprehensive evaluation of individual flood drivers' influence on TWL modeling, underscoring the imperative need for their inclusion in the framework to accurately estimate river, coastal, and compound floods in estuarine metropolitan areas.
Investigation the biological activities and the metabolite profiles of endophytic fungi isolated from Gundelia tournefortii L.
Authors: Ebadi Mostafa , Ahmadi Fatemeh , Tahmouresi Hossein , Pazhang Mohammad , Mollaei Saeed
Published: January 2024

Endophytic fungi are microorganisms that are considered as a potential source of natural compounds, and can be applied in various industries. The aims of this research was to investigate the molecular identification, extracellular enzymetic activity as well as phenolic and fatty acid profile analysis, and antioxidant activities of endophytic fungi isolated from the Gundelia tournefortii stems. Phylogenetic analysis was done based on the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region, and five isolates were identified as following: Aspergillus niger, Penicillium glabrum, Alternaria alternata, A. tenuissima, and Mucor circinelloides. Evaluation of the enzymatic properties showed that P. gabrum and A. niger had more ability for producing most of the studied extracellular enzymes, unlike to A. alternata and M. circinelloides which only able for degradation of starch and pectin. The antioxidant activity of isolates showed that A. alternata extract (IC50= 417 µg/mL) had the highest antioxidant properties, followed by A. tenuissima extract (IC50= 512 µg/mL). Also, the extract of A. alternata had the greatest amount of total phenols and flavonoids contents (2.8 mg GAL/g and 2.3 mg QE/g, respectively). The quantification analysis of phenolic acid showed that rosmarinic acid, para-coumaric acid, and meta-coumaric acid (42.02, 7.53, 5.41 mg/g, respectively) were the main phenolic acids in the studied fungi. The analysis of fatty acids confirmed that, in all fungi, the main fatty acids were stearic acid (27.9-35.2%), oleic acid (11.3-17.3%), palmitic acid (16.9-23.2%), linoleic acid (5.8-11.6%), and caprylic acid (6.3-10.9%). Our finding showed that endophytic fungi are a source of bioactive compounds, which could be used in various industries. This is the first report of endophytic fungi associated with G. tournefortii, which provides knowledge on their future use on biotechnological processes.
Social Needs and Healthcare Utilization in NICU Graduates
Authors: Yama Cecile , Greenberg Rachel , Johnson Erika , Mago-Shah Deesha
Published: January 2024

Objective:Unplanned healthcare utilization after neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) discharge poses challenges for families and healthcare systems. The impact of social needs on post-NICU healthcare utilization is underexplored. Our objective was to identify social needs among NICU graduates and examine associations between social needs and post-NICU healthcare utilization.Study Design:A prospective cohort design was used to screen for social needs and track healthcare utilization among 112 NICU graduates attending a NICU follow-up clinic (2021-2022). Associations between social needs and healthcare utilization were analyzed using non-parametric statistical tests.Results:Of 112 patients screened, 20 (18%) had some social need. Infants with social needs experienced statistically significant higher rates of hospitalizations, overall encounters, and missed appointments.Conclusion:Social needs are associated with increased healthcare utilization. Addressing these needs during NICU follow-up may improve preventative care attendance and reduce unplanned healthcare use, leading to better health outcomes for vulnerable infants and lower costs for healthcare systems.
A qualitative survey to explore dietary changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding in rural community in Korhogo, Côte d’Ivoire.
Authors: DIALLO AWA RITA , AKAKI KOFFI DAVID , AUDREY ESSILFIE , MUTUNGI GISELLA , WANG DANTONG , HARTWEG MICKAEL
Published: January 2024

Background
Pregnancy and breastfeeding periods have linked to some dietary modification that can potentially impact maternal and offspring health. Therefore, maternal nutrition during these periods is essential. The objective of this study was to assess dietary changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and the reasons behind these changes.
Methods
The study adopted a qualitative approach by submitting a questionnaire to 140 breastfeeding and 45 pregnant women to investigate dietary intake and any changes during these stages. The survey was conducted in 8 villages in rural areas, with groups of women farmers, on a voluntary basis. Data analysis was done manually using the thematic framework analysis method.
Results
62% of women reported having reduced or eliminated their intake of at least one food group (cereals, starchy roots, tubers, or nuts) during pregnancy. The reasons of these changes were gastrointestinal issues. 92% increased their intake of at least one food group (cereals, starchy roots, tubers, or eggs) to satisfy cravings during pregnancy. 42% of breastfeeding women eliminated fruits like mango and cashew apple from their diet. This reduction of fruits was because of concerns for the health of baby and breastmilk quality. To stimulate breast milk production, women increase their intake of cow's milk and dairy products.
Conclusion
Our findings have shown that during these stages many women change dietary intake for various reasons including gastrointestinal issues and health concerns. These results call for a need to focus on education and counselling, to improve women's nutritional knowledge and address any concerns they may have on food choices and impact on either pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Dapagliflozin Attenuates Inflammation and Apoptosis in a Rat Model of Letrozole-Induced Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Li Luxin , Liu Yong , Guan Huilin , Bai He , Wang Chunhua
Published: January 2024

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder related to chronic low-grade inflammation of the ovary. Several women of childbearing age are affected by polycystic ovary syndrome. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a new class of anti-diabetes drugs that can reduce the weight and hyperglycemia of Type-2 diabetes patients. However, the regulatory role of dapagliflozin, an inhibitor of SGLT2, in PCOS remains unclear. This study randomly divided 24 six-week-old female SD rats into Control, Letrozole, and Letrozole + dapagliflozin groups. PCOS model rats were constructed by gavage of letrozole (1 mg/kg) for 21 days. The intervention was conducted after the gavage of dapagliflozin (10 mg/kg) for 14 days to evaluate the estrous cycle and ovarian imaging changes of rats in each group. In addition, this study observed the weight, ovarian weight, and ovarian morphology changes of rats in each group. The pathological changes of ovaries were examined using H&E staining, the changes of inflammatory-related factors were detected using immunohistochemistry and Western blot, and the changes in apoptosis of ovarian tissue cells were identified using TUNEL staining. Compared with the letrozole group, dapagliflozin treatment significantly improved PCOS symptoms and recovered ovarian morphology and physiological function after drug intervention. Dapagliflozin treatment also reduced ovarian inflammatory factors of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB expression levels and improved the ovary’s apoptosis level. In summary, the treatment with dapagliflozin showed a protective effect on PCOS and reduced the inflammation and apoptosis of the ovary.
Proportional Study for Efficient Anomaly Detection Technique
Authors: Tripathi Rajeev , Singh Alok
Published: January 2024

The current world of internet, mobile devices, businesses, social media platforms, healthcare systems, and the Internet of Things all have a lot of data available online. In the study of genetic datasets, clustering is crucial. In the gene dataset, there is a tremendous quantity of hidden information. To uncover hidden information in gene expression data, a deeper understanding of functional genomics is required. Working with the gene dataset presents a lot of obstacles. The enormous volume of data, dimensionality, and dataset changes throughout time are these problems. Clustering algorithms are a useful tool for solving this type of problem. Consequently, the first step in resolving these issues is the application of clustering algorithms, which are necessary for data mining procedures to reveal the structure and hidden patterns in gene datasets. Gene expression datasets are analysed using several clustering techniques. Five clustering algorithms—OPTICS (Ordering Points To Identify Clustering Structure), Hierarchical Clustering, DBSCAN (Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise), and HDBSCAN—have been used in this study to cluster the cancer gene database. The efficiency of each clustering approach is assessed using a range of external and internal parametric clustering assessment metrics. When compared to other clustering approaches, the OPTICS and DBSCAN clustering algorithm yields the best results.
Ecological risks of dammed reservoir waters using the example of the Turawa Reservoir in southern Poland
Authors: Kłos Andrzej , Wiatkowski Mirosław , Skorulski Witold , Strzelczyk Maria , Polechoński Ryszard , Wróbel Barbara , Dobrzyński Jakub , Rosik-Dulewska Czesława , Steinhoff-Wrześniewska Aleksandra , Dołhańczuk-Śródka Agnieszka , Ziembik Zbigniew , Gruss Łukasz , Kabat Tomasz , Wierzba Sławomir , Piechaczek-Wereszczyńska Magdalena , Cygan Agnieszka , Helis Marek , Wieczorek Piotr
Published: January 2024

A study of the ecological potential and the chemical pollution of the Turawa Reservoir (southern Poland), as well as an assessment of the pollution of its recharge waters, was carried out between 2019 and 2021. Four research teams took part in the study. The reservoir was chosen because of the eutrophication process that has been ongoing for several decades. Phytoplankton, phytobenthos and macrozoobenthos were surveyed as part of the ecological potential assessment. Analysed indicators were: BOD5, CODCr, nitrogen concentrations (Kjeldahl nitrogen TKN, ammonium nitrogen NH4-N, nitrate nitrogen NO3-N and total nitrogen TN) and phosphorus (orthophosphate phosphorus PO4-P and total phosphorus TP), as well as conductivity and water pH. Using ion chromatography, the ionic composition (F−, Cl−, Br−, NO2−, NO3−, PO43−, SO42−, Na+, NH4+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+) and heavy metal concentrations (Cr, Ni, Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb) of the basin waters and the waters supplying the basin were determined. Coliforms, faecal enterococci and Salmonella spp. were also assessed. The condition of the reservoir water was assessed as poor. The poor quality of the water supplying the reservoir, and the bottom sediments, in which large quantities of, among other things, nutrients and heavy metals have accumulated over the years, have been identified as the cause. A factor related to biomass accumulation was also identified. During the vegetation cycle, due to biochemical processes taking place, the oxygen and nutrient indicators can be significantly influenced. The problem outlined characterises most European dam reservoirs, especially shallow reservoirs with low thermal stratification.
PaCO2 Association with Traumatic Brain Injury Patients Outcomes at High Altitude: A Prospective Single-Center Cohort Study.
Authors: Caceres Eder , Divani Afshin A. , Rubinos Clio A. , Olivella-Gómez Juan , Viñán-Garcés André Emilio , González Angélica , Alvarado-Arias Alexis , Bathia Kunal , Samadani Uzma , Reyes Luis F.
Published: January 2024

Background
partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) is generally known to influence outcome in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) at normal altitudes. Less is known about specific relationships of PaCO2 levels and clinical outcomes at high altitudes.
Methods
This is a prospective single-center cohort of consecutive TBI patients admitted to a trauma center located at 2600 meter above sea level. An unfavorable outcome was defined as the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOSE) < 4 at 6-month follow-up.
Results
81 patients with complete data, 80% (65/81) were men, and median (IQR) age was 36 (25–50) years). Median Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) on admission was 9 (6–14), 49% (40/81) were severe (GCS: 3–8), 32% (26/81) moderate (GCS 12 − 9), and 18% (15/81) mild (GCS 13–15) TBI. The median (IQR) Abbreviated Injury Score of the Head (AISh) was 3 (2–4). Frequency of an unfavorable outcome (GOSE < 4) was 30% (25/81), median GOSE was 4 (2–5), and 6-month mortality was 24% (20/81). Comparison between patients with favorable and unfavorable outcomes revealed that those with unfavorable outcome were older, median [49 (30–72) vs. 29 (22–41), P < 0.01], had lower admission GCS [6 (4–8) vs. 13 (8–15), P < 0.01], higher AIS head [4 (4–4) vs. 3(2–4), p < 0.01], higher APACHE II score [17(15–23) vs 10 (6–14), < 0.01), higher Charlson score [0(0–2) vs. 0 (0–0), P < 0.01] and higher PaCO2 (mmHg), mean ± SD, 39 ± 9 vs. 32 ± 6, P < 0.01. In a multivariate analysis, age (OR 1.14 95% CI 1.1–1.30, P < 0.01), AISh (OR 4.7 95% CI 1.55-21.0, P < 0.05), and PaCO2 (OR 1.23 95% CI: 1.10–1.53, P < 0.05) were significantly associated with the unfavorable outcomes. When applying the same analysis to the subgroup on mechanical ventilation, AISh (OR 5.4 95% CI: 1.61–28.5, P = 0.017) and PaCO2 (OR 1.36 95% CI: 1.13–1.78, P = 0.015) remained significantly associated with the unfavorable outcome.
Conclusion
Higher PaCO2 levels are associated with an unfavorable outcome in ventilated TBI patients. These results underscore the importance of PaCO2 level in TBI patients and whether it should be adjusted for populations living at higher altitudes.
Association between psychological stress and abnormal physical examination indictors in medical health workers: a cross-sectional study in a tertiary hospital
Authors: Li Na , Wang Yan , Dong Yijiao , Chen Xiaoxue , Zhang Bin , Wang Kejian , Sun Ying
Published: January 2024

Background: Medical health workers in the healthcare system play an essential role and face unique workplace stressors. But the impact of psychological stress on the physical health of medical staff has received less attention compared to the general population.
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) questionnaires and blood testing results collected from 1963 medical health workers. Then, we performed multivariate ordinal logistic regression analysis using a backward stepwise selection strategy, in order to identify physical examination indicators that were significantly affected by depression.
Results: We found that depression severity measured by SDS index score was positively correlated with the levels of hemoglobin (P=0.041), platelet count (P=0.020), and uric acid (P=0.049), while negatively correlated with red blood cell count (P=0.041). Analyses on subgroups divided by age and sex indicated similar results.
Conclusion: Our study suggested the correlation between depression level and certain physiological indicators in healthcare professionals. To validate our findings, larger multi-center investigations are needed to improve the health and well-being of medical personnels.
Value of In-house Viral Transport Medium in Breaking the Bottlenecks for Viral Testing in Pakistan
Authors: Adnan Fareeha , Khursheed Nazia , Khan Moiz Ahmed , Khan Maira , Parveen Nazia , Khan Mariam Ashfaq
Published: January 2024

INTRODUCTION:
The viral burden of Pakistan has substantially increased over the past decade owing to several outbreaks and newly emerging viruses. In such scenario, maintaining a steady supply of the viral transport medium (VTM) for transporting clinical samples to the laboratory for viral testing is critical. To ensure an adequate supply during times of shortage, we prepared an in-house VTM and validated its capacity to preserve viral nucleic acids.
METHODS
We used Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) supplemented with sterile glycerol and a combination of antibiotics viz. vancomycin, colistin sulphate, amphotericin B and trimethoprim lactate, for our VTM formulation. For stability, antimicrobial efficacy and sterility evaluation, representative samples from each batch were selected. To validate our VTM, we tested clinical nasal swab samples transported in commercially available (Copan Italia S.p.A.) and in-house VTM and compared both the media for viral nucleic acid recovery using Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
RESULTS
A satisfactory evaluation of in-house VTM in terms of stability, antimicrobial efficacy and sterility was obtained. A total of 239 nasal swabs were processed in both commercial and PBS VTM, out of which 61 samples (25.5%) transported in commercial VTM were positive whereas, 63 samples (26.4%) transported in PBS VTM turned out positive. A comparison of Ct values of samples that exhibited PCR positivity from both groups of VTM (n = 61), showed that 14.7% of samples from PBS VTM as compared to 21.3% of samples from commercial VTM had Ct values of less than 25. Whereas, more samples from PBS VTM (78.7%) as compared to commercial VTM (73.8%) exhibited Ct values of more than 30. No statistical significance was noted for these findings. Our results showed that PBS VTM exhibited 100% sensitivity, 98.9% specificity, 96.8% positive predictive value and 100% negative predictive value.
CONCLUSION
Our in-house prepared VTM was successfully validated and offers a readily available, cost-effective, and simpler to prepare alternative for diagnostic laboratories in low resource settings, for routine viral testing as well as in preparing for an impending outbreak.
A New Approach to Recognizing Double-Handed Sign Language with IRNCViT-MBTSO Algorithm
Authors: Vaidhya G. K. , Anand G. Paavai
Published: January 2024

Sign language is an effective communication tool to convey information to each other, that is a bridge to reduce the communication gap between deaf and dumb people. The word level sign language recognition is a challenging task due to the wide range of body gestures, unidentified signals and hand configuration. To overcome this issue, a novel Inverted Residual Network Convolutional Vision Transformer based Mutation Boosted Tuna Swarm Optimization (IRNCViT-MBTSO) algorithm is proposed for recognizing double-handed sign language. The proposed dataset is designed to identify different dynamic words and the predicted images are preprocessed to enhance the generalization ability of the model and improve image quality. The local features are extracted after performing feature graining and the global features are captured from the preprocessed images by implementing the ViT transformer model. These extracted features are concatenated to generate a feature map and are classified into different dynamic words using the Inverted Residual Feed Forward Network (IRFFN). The TSO algorithm tunes the parameters of the IRNCViT model that is responsible for handling high-dimensional problems and convergence issues. The Mutation operator is introduced in this optimization phase to escape local optimum issues while updating the position of tuna. The performance valuation of this proposed model is performed in terms of recognition accuracy, convergence and visual output of the dataset that showed the highest performance than other state-of-the-art methods.
Validation of a German Body Dysmorphic Disorder Screening Scale and Clinical Interview according to ICD-11 and DSM-5 in the General Population
Authors: Schüller Johanna Sabina , Ebert Mareike , Tavakoli Farahnaz , Stangier Ulrich , Ritter Viktoria
Published: January 2024

Background
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is an impairing psychological disorder with a high prevalence in clinical and cosmetic surgery settings. In the new ICD-11, BDD is grouped with the obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders and the diagnostic criteria are updated, largely corresponding with the DSM-5. Available diagnostic interviews and screening scales for BDD are not based on these current criteria. In this paper, a newly developed screening questionnaire (BDD-S) and structured clinical interview (BDD-CI) according to the ICD-11 and DSM-5 criteria were preliminarily validated.
Methods
The BDD-S and the BDD-CI cover all core BDD symptoms. Open-ended questions allow for the addition of qualitative information on affected body parts and behavioural and mental aspects. We determined the internal consistency and construct validity of the BDD-S and suggested a cutoff value. We assessed a subsample with the BDD-CI and estimated a prevalence. The BDD-S was translated into Farsi and applied to an Iranian sample. BDD-S scores, social anxiety symptoms, and general psychopathological impairment were compared between a German and an Iranian sample.
Results
Internal consistency of the BDD-S was excellent (ω = .92). A high correlation with the body dysmorphic concerns and moderate correlations with measures of other mental disorders supported good construct validity. We determined a cutoff value of 19 for balanced sensitivity and specificity (sensitivity = 0.92, specificity = 0.87, AUC = .94). We estimated a prevalence of 2.76% for the German sample. The cultural comparison showed that the BDD-S score was higher in the Iranian sample.
Conclusions
With the BDD-S, we developed an economic and versatile screening instrument based on current diagnostic criteria, to be followed up with the BDD-CI when applicable, to obtain a clinical diagnosis. In the next step, the measures must be validated in larger clinical samples.
Improved YOLOv5 aquatic real-time target detection model based on novel attention mechanism
Authors: Jiang Liubing , Mu Yujie , Che Li , Wu Yongman
Published: January 2024

As a pillar industry in coastal areas, aquaculture needs artificial intelligence technology to drive its economic development. In this paper, we proposed an improved YOLOv5 target detection model to achieve automated operation of the aquaculture industry. This model completes the computerized classification and detection of aquatic products, increases the industry's productivity, and fosters its economic development. To provide a foundation of data for training the model, this research creates a dataset comprising 15 species of marine products. An underwater image enhancement approach is suggested in the data preprocessing section to raise the dataset's quality. To enrich the dataset and bolster its features, mosaic data improvement is presented. The accuracy and speed of model prediction are significantly increased by integrating the SimAM attention mechanism and introducing the FReLU activation function in the network backbone section. The suggested model's superiority and efficacy are shown by the comparison and ablation experiments. The enhanced YOLOv5 target detection model's experimental results, which are verified by the mAP and FPS evaluation metrics, can achieve 0.953 and 203 frames per second. Compared to the base YOLOv5 network, the evaluation metrics improved by 0.067 and 48 frames per second, respectively. In summary, our method can quickly and accurately identify aquatic products and achieve real-time target detection of marine products, laying the foundation for developing automation systems in the aquaculture industry.
Pharmacological Efficacy of Ethanol Leaf Extract of Justicia secunda in Swiss Albino Mice Experimentally Infected with Plasmodium berghei
Authors: ADEYEMI Nasiru Ademola , ONIYE Sonnie , REKWORT Peter Ibrahim , YUSUF Abdullateef , WADA Yunusa , HUSSAINI Muhammad
Published: January 2024

Background
Plasmodium parasite that causes malaria has developed resistance to most antimalarial medications and this has prompted research on natural products. The plant, Justicia secunda, is domesticated in the tropical region of Africa, and is used for the treatment of anaemia and other debilities. We evaluated the antiplasmodial and immunomodulatory activity of ethanol leaf extract of J. secunda in mice experimentally infected with Plasmodium berghei.
Result
Ethanol leaf extract of Justicia secunda contains steroids, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenols, glycosides and carbohydrate as well as thirty (30) compounds with numerous pharmacological activities. The LD50 was above 5,000mg/kg with no mortality. A dose-dependent percentage suppression of P. berghei was observed in the curative test for the three doses respectively (53.13%, 60.71%, 71.21%). The suppressive test for ethanol leaf extract of J. secunda also showed a similar trend (52.2%, 62.16%, 75.18%). The ethanol leaf extract of J. secunda effectively prevented anaemia, reduced the level of ALT enzyme and also increased the level of TNF-α and IL-10 in the plasma of P. berghei-infected mice. It also significantly reduced the oxidative stress and vascular congestion in the liver of mice infected with P. berghei.
Conclusion
This study revealed that ethanol leaf extract of J. secunda could be utilized to treat infection caused by Plasmodium parasite and also ameliorate the pathogenesis of the disease.
Endogenous TDP-43 mislocalization in a novel knock-in mouse model reveals DNA repair impairment, inflammation, and neuronal senescence
Authors: Mitra Joy , Dharmalingam Prakash , Kodavati Manohar M. , Guerrero Erika N. , Rao K. S. , Hegde Muralidhar L
Published: January 2024

TDP-43 mislocalization and aggregation are key pathological features of motor neuron diseases (MND) such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). However, existing overexpression animal models typically capture late-stage TDP-43 proteinopathies, leaving a gap in our understanding of early motor neuron-specific disease mechanisms during pre-symptomatic phases. We address this by generating a new endogenous knock-in (KI) mouse model using a combination of CRISPR/Cas9 and FLEX Cre-switch strategy for the conditional expression of a mislocalized Tdp-43∆NLS variant of mouse Tdp-43. This variant is either expressed conditionally in whole mice or specifically within the motor neurons. The mice exhibit loss of nuclear Tdp-43 with its concomitant cytosolic accumulation and aggregation in targeted cells, leading to increased DNA double-strand breaks (DSB), signs of inflammation and DNA damage-associated cellular senescence. Notably, unlike WT Tdp43 which functionally interacts with Xrcc4 and DNA Ligase 4, key DSB repair proteins in the non-homologous end-joining pathway, the Tdp-43∆NLS mutant sequesters them into cytosolic aggregates, exacerbating neuronal damage in mice brain. The mutant mice also exhibit myogenic degeneration in limb muscles and distinct motor deficits, consistent with the characteristics of MND. Our findings reveal progressive degenerative mechanisms in motor neurons expressing endogenous Tdp-43∆NLS mutant, independent of TDP-43 overexpression or other confounding etiological factors. Thus, this unique Tdp-43 KI mouse model, which displays key molecular and phenotypic features of Tdp-43 proteinopathy, offers a significant opportunity to further characterize the early-stage progression of MND and also opens avenues for developing DNA repair-targeted approaches for treating TDP-43 pathology-linked neurodegenerative diseases.
Associations between metal-metal interaction and the risk of hypertension: A case-control study in Chinese community-dwelling elderly
Authors: Li Meiyan , Duan Siyu , Wang Rui , He Pei , Zhang Zhongyuan , Dai Yuqing , Shen Zhuoheng , Chen Yue , Yang Huifang , Li Xiaoyu , Sun Jian , Zhang Rui
Published: January 2024

Background
Fewer studies have focused on the interaction of metal mixtures with hypertension, especially in Chinese community-dwelling elderly. In addition, the relationship between metals exposure and hypertension may be weakened or strengthened due to the presence of multiple chronic diseases in the elderly.
Methods
In this study, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to detect the levels of 12 metals in the urine of 693 elderly people in the Yinchuan community. Conditional logistic regression model and restricted cubic spline analysis (RCS) were used to explore the association between urinary metal concentration and hypertension and dose-response relationship. Quantile g-computation and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) to analyze the association of individual urinary metal concentrations and metal mixtures with hypertension risk.
Results
Urinary concentrations of 12 metals (vanadium, iron, cobalt, zinc, copper, arsenic, selenium, molybdenum, cadmium, tellurium, thallium, and lead) were higher in the hypertension group than in the non-hypertension group. In the RCS models, the urinary concentrations of vanadium, iron, and lead showed a linear dose-response relationship with hypertension risk. Quantile g-computation analyses showed cadmium contributed the largest positive weights. The BKMR models showed that the positive slope of lead became steep at higher concentrations of urinary iron when the other three metals were at the median.
Conclusion
We found that exposure to metal mixtures was associated with the risk of hypertension and a significant positive interaction between urinary iron and lead. Further research is needed to confirm our findings and elucidate the underlying mechanisms of the interaction between metals and hypertension.
The Effects of Palliative Supportive Care on the Quality of Life of Women with Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema
Authors: Kaveh Vahid , Kargar Fatemeh , Torkashvand Zahra , Ghalichi Leila , Pirjani Pooneh , Heydari Heshmatolah
Published: January 2024

Purpose
Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a common complication that significantly impacts patient's quality of life (QOL). Consequently, it is crucial to provide a variety of services, including palliative care, to improve the overall QOL of patients. This study evaluates the effect of palliative care provided by the Iranian Cancer Control Center (MACSA) on enhancing the quality of life of women with BCRL.
Methods
A one-group interventional study with a before-and-after design was conducted from October 2019 to February 2021. This study focused on 57 women with unilateral upper BCRL. QOL was assessed using the QLQ-C30 and EORTC BR23-QLQ questionnaires before and one month after patients were provided a comprehensive supportive palliative care package, which included lymphotherapy and psychological care services.
Results
One month after receiving palliative care, there was a significant increase in the average scores on the functional scales of the QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 questionnaires, as well as overall QOL, compared to the scores before receiving these services (p < 0.05). Furthermore, there was a notable reduction in the average scores on each symptom scale on both questionnaires one month after patients received palliative care services.
Conclusion
Palliative care has been proven to enhance QOL in patients with BCRL. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in promoting various aspects of well-being, including general health, individual and social functioning, mental health, physical capabilities, sexual performance, satisfaction with appearance, reduction of arm circumference, and a positive attitude toward the future.
Synergistic effect of boreal autumn SST over the tropical and South Pacific and winter NAO on winter precipitation in the southern Europe
Authors: Li Jianping , Tang Xinxin
Published: January 2024

We find a positive phase of meridional tripole pattern of boreal autumn sea surface temperature anomalies over the tropical and South Pacific (TSPT+) can persist into winter and have a synergistic effect with negative NAO (NAO-) on the amplitude and occurrence of winter precipitation in southern Europe (SEWP). This synergistic effect is attributed to the linear superposition and nonlinear effect of NAO- and TSPT+. The TSPT+ with NAO- occur can stimulate a greater amount of Rossby wave energy propagating to the North Atlantic and Europe (NAE) region than without NAO- occur, and thereby synergistically regulating circulation with NAO-. Thus, NAO- and TSPT+ have a synergistic effect on the northwest-southeast trending positive-negative-positive circulation over the NAE region. Driven by the intensified mean circulation, water vapor transports and storm activity over southern Europe is evidently strong, which is important to precipitation formation over southern Europe.
The adsorption performance, thermodynamic and kinetic model of high crystallinity Na-p zeolites prepared from oil shale ash for the waste water treatment
Authors: Zhang Xuejian , Wang Rui , Meng Fanping , Li Yongtao , Chen Jie , Gao Yusheng , Zhang Jinyi , Ai Weidong , Wang Kuishan , Zhang Chenyang , Mahadevan C. K.
Published: January 2024

The Na-p zeolite using oil shale ash (OSA) as raw material was synthesized by hydrothermal synthesis method. The effects of alkali concentration, acid concentration, crystallization temperature, and crystallization time on the formation of Na-p zeolite were studied. The optimal synthesis conditions for converting oil shale ash into Na-p zeolite are: acid leaching concentration is 10%, NaOH dosage is 7 g, crystallization temperature is 130℃ and crystallization time is 12 h. It is found that adding some coal fly ash to oil shale ash can improve the adsorption performance of zeolite materials. The specific surface and the crystallinity of zeolite prepared from OSA and coal fly ash (CFA) are greater than that of pure OSA. The absorbion experiment results indicate that the zeolite synthesized by adding coal fly ash to the oil shale ash own richer pore structure and higher adsorption efficiency for methylene blue (99.2%). The thermodynamic and kinetic processes of methylene blue adsorption by pure oil shale ash, zeolites synthesized from oil shale ash, and zeolites synthesized from oil shale ash with coal fly ash have been systematically studied. These results reveal that the zeolite synthesized in the present study with high absorption can be used as a promising material for the wast water treatment.
INF2, an oncogenic protein in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
Authors: Wang Haibiao , Lin Man , Ye Fusang , Li Hong , Ye Meng , Wang Jie
Published: January 2024

Objectives
This study investigated the expression level of INF2 and its carcinogenic effects in hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition, the mechanism of INF2 in hepatocellular carcinoma was explored.
Materials and methods
We analyzed the expression of INF2 and its prognosis and even correlation with clinicopathological characteristics based on the public database and HCC samples. Cloning formation experiment and flow cytometry were used to analyze the effect of INF2 expression level on the growth of HCC cells. Cell scratch experiment and Transwell migration experiment were applied to determine the role of INF2 expression level in the migration ability of HCC cells. TIMER2.0 database and TCGA-LIHC database were used to analyze the correlation between INF2 and PD-L1 in HCC.
Results
INF2 is aberrantly high expression in HCC samples. And high INF2 expression is associated with overall survival, liver cirrhosis and pathological differentiation. In vitro HCC cell models, upregulated expression of INF2 triggers the proliferation and migration of the HCC cell, while knockout of INF2 could counteract this effect. Knockdown of INF2 inhibited the proliferation and migration of HCC in vitro may via suppressing the Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission. Moreover, INF2 was positively correlated with PD-L1 in HCC.
Conclusions
INF2 is an oncogenic protein in hepatocellular carcinoma, and targeting to INF2 may be beneficial to HCC patients with high expression of INF2.
Bronchial mucous gland adenoma: a rare case report and literature review
Authors: Wan Wang , Ye Zhuo-Hong , Zeng Guo-Xiong , Wang Kang-Xian , Wang Ming-Jun , Deng Biao , Wang Xue-Feng , Liang Zhu , Wu Yan-Xia
Published: January 2024

Mucous gland adenoma (MGA) is a rare benign tumor originating from the tracheobronchial serous mucinous glands and ducts. Most cases of this tumor are central-type, with very few being peripheral-type. A PubMed search identified no more than five cases of peripheral-type MGA in the literature. This report describes a rare case of peripheral-type MGA and identifies some special pathological features. The patient underwent right lower lobectomy, and the lesion was completely removed by video-assisted thoracic surgery. Currently, a clear diagnosis of MGA cannot be made before surgery, and further cases must be accumulated for future clinical or basic research.
Epidemiological aspects of Septoria spot (Septoria apiicola Speng) in the cultivation of celery Spain on four sowing dates.
Authors: Gonzalez Leonides Castellanos , Pineda Doris Adriana Laiton , García Carmen Omaira Rozo
Published: January 2024

Septoria is the most important disease of celery in Pamplona, Colombia, and there are few scientific results on this disease in the country. The objective was to evaluate some epidemiological aspects of Septoria apiicola Speng in celery cultivation at four sowing dates. Four sowing dates were evaluated, March, April, August and September of 2022. Meteorological data were taken at the research place. The variables incidence, severity and the Area Under the Disease Progress Curve (ABCPE) were estimated. Correlation and regression analyses were performed with the SPSS statistical package. Septoria appeared between the fourth and fifth week of crop age, with no statistical difference between sowing dates. A correlation of incidence and severity with crop age was evident on all sowing dates, but not always with meteorological variables. Linear and multiple regression models were obtained that were highly significant with crop age and meteorological conditions. The regression analysis showed very high R2 for incidence as a function of crop age with the quadratic model and R2 above 0.82 for severity as a function of age with the logistic model.