bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of a health coaching intervention on anthropometric indicators, physical activity, and life style of infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A quasi-experimental study
Authors: Delavar Maryam Abdollahzade , Delavar Mouloud Agajani , Ghadimi Reza , Esmaeilzadeh Sedighe , Amiri Mania
Published: July 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the effects of health coaching on anthropometric indicators, physical activity, and life style of infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Methods: A quasi-experimental study was performed on 78 infertile overweight/obese women with PCOS, aged 18-35 years, who were referred to an infertility clinic. The participants were randomly assigned to the coaching group or the control group receiving routine care. The coaching group participated in six coaching sessions (30-45 minutes), held by a midwife coach. The primary outcome of the study was BMI change before and after the intervention. The secondary outcomes were the waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, physical activity (based on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ], and lifestyle (based on the Lifestyle Questionnaire (LSQ].
Results: Changes in BMI after the intervention were 1.7 kg/m2 and 1.5 kg/m2 in the coaching and control groups, respectively. No significant mean difference was observed between the two groups in terms of change in BMI from T0 (baseline) to T1 (four months post-intervention). A significant mean difference was found between the two groups regarding changes in the waist circumference (-2.13; 95% CI, -0.22 to -4.05; P=0.020), total physical activity excluding the sitting time (3025.22; 95% CI, 1088.68 to 4961.77; P=0.003), and total LSQ score (11.03; 95% CI, 3.34 to 18.72; P=0.006).
Conclusion: In the present study, the beneficial effects of a health coaching intervention on reducing the waist circumference, increasing physical activity, and improving lifestyle were highlighted in most PCOS women undergoing fertility treatments.
Risk Stratification for Central Lymph Node Metastasis in Mono-focal Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Patients with Encapsulated Tumor as Confirmed by Preoperative Ultrasound: a Multi-center Analysis
Authors: Heng Yu , Wang Zhenwei , Ji Yangyang , Cai Wei , Yang Zheyu , Wu Chunping , Tao Lei
Published: July 2023

Purposes:
Mono-focal papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients with encapsulated tumor have traditionally been considered as low central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) risk subgroup. The aim of the research was to quantitatively predict the probability of CLNM for mono-focal PTC patients with encapsulated tumor as confirmed by preoperative ultrasound based on pre- and post-operative indexes respectively to guide the selection of prophylactic central lymph node dissection (CLND) and follow-up strategies.
Methods
A total of 1014 mono-focal PTC patients with encapsulated tumor as confirmed by preoperative ultrasound from three medical centers were retrospectively analyzed, with 534 patients served as Training group and 480 patients as Validation group.
Results
Multivariate analyses showed that age < 55 years old, male, clinical maximum tumor diameter (cMTD) > 0.5cm, pathological maximum tumor diameter (pMTD) > 0.5cm, and the presence of microscopic thyroid capsular invasion (mTCI) were independent CLNM risk factors. These were used to construct two nomograms that can effectively predict the central neck involvement in mono-focal PTC patients with encapsulated tumor. The first nomogram (pre-model) provides quantitative assessment on the necessity of prophylactic CLND, while the second nomogram (post-model) informs postoperative follow-up strategies.
Conclusions
Meticulous and comprehensive stratification flow charts that quantitatively evaluate the risk of central lymph node metastasis both pre- and post-operatively were constructed for mono-focal PTC patients with encapsulated tumor as confirmed by preoperative ultrasound, which may benefit both clinical decision-making of prophylactic CLND and postoperative follow-up strategies for the management of neck regions.
Clinical and molecular profile of 17 patients with DOCK8 deficiency: A single-centre experience from Southern India
Authors: Singh Neha , Janardhanan Jyothi , Ranganath Priya , Mohite Rachna S , Ginigeri Chetan , Kumar Harish , Bhattad Sagar
Published: July 2023

Introduction
DOCK8 deficiency is the most common cause of autosomal recessive Hyper IgE syndrome (AR-HIES). The clinical spectrum is wide resulting in combined immunodeficiency, atopy, autoimmunity, and malignancies.
Objectives
To study the clinical and molecular profile of 17 patients with DOCK8 deficiency.
Methods
Three hundred sixty patients with various Inborn errors of Immunity (IEIs) were diagnosed in the Pediatric Immunology Unit of our hospital during the study period of February 2017 to April 2023. Based on the clinical and immunological phenotype, DOCK8 deficiency was suspected in 21 patients. Genetic studies confirmed DOCK8 deficiency in 17 patients and their profile was analysed in detail.
Results
Seventeen patients from 14 kindreds were diagnosed with DOCK8 deficiency. Thirteen of these families (92%) reported consanguinity.
Our cohort had eight male and nine females. The mean age at onset of symptoms and diagnosis was seven months and 5.8 years respectively. Eczema was noted in 16 patients. Mucocutaneous manifestations included oromucosal hyperpigmentation(n=6), scalp seborrhoea(n=2), alopecia(n=1) and perianal tag(n=1). The spectrum of infections included pneumonia(n=11), diarrhea (n=5), otitis media (n=4), mucocutaneous candidiasis(n=3),meningoencephalitis(n=2), and cutaneous viral infections (n=3). Two patients had developed bronchiectasis. Autoimmune manifestations were noted in four patients and included autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (n=2) and vasculitis (n=2). Single exonic deletions(n=10) in DOCK8 gene were the most common mutations observed and 13 of these were novel. Twelve patients were on monthly intravenous immunoglobulin therapy at the time of writing this paper. Three patients underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplants elsewhere, two of whom succumbed to post-transplant complications and one is doing well. Overall, eight patients died during the study period, while nine patients continue to remain on follow-up.
Conclusion
We present one of the largest single-centre experiences on DOCK8 deficiency from India. A significant delay in the diagnosis contributed to poor outcome in our cohort.
Unlocking the Mystery of the Role of Vitamin D in Iron Deficiency Anemia in Antenatal Women: A Case Control Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital in New Delhi
Authors: Hitesh Tanishq , Khatuja Ritu , Agrawal Poonam , Dhamnetiya Deepak , Jha Ravi Prakash
Published: July 2023

Background
Vitamin D deficiency and anemia are clinical conditions that coexist during pregnancy. High prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency ranging from 50–94% is seen throughout the country. The aim of the study was to discover the association between Vitamin D status and iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy. Improving the vitamin D status of pregnant women is crucial to prevent iron deficiency anemia and can improve maternal and fetal outcomes.
Methods
A case control study including 94 primigravida women of age within the age group 18 to 30 years, divided into two groups: a Case Group of 48 patients with already diagnosed iron deficiency anaemia (mild to moderate) and a Control Group of 46 antenatal women with normal haemoglobin levels. Data on sociodemographic, clinical characteristics and the levels of 25(OH) Vitamin D was estimated in both the groups. The association of 25(OH)D levels and anaemia was then determined using suitable statistical analysis.
Results
Among pregnant women affected with anemia, 75% of women had serum Vitamin D concentrations < 20ng/ml compared to 52.2% of women in the controls. Maternal serum vitamin D was significantly lower in pregnant women affected with anemia (p = 0.024). A positive correlation was found between hemoglobin and vitamin D levels in pregnant women (Pearson’s r = 0.200, p = 0.05).
Conclusions
These findings provide evidence suggesting that Vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency during pregnancy may be a risk factor for anemia and correction of Vitamin D levels can improve hemoglobin levels. Educational efforts should be made to include safe vitamin D intake in antenatal care.
De novo assembly and annotation of Hellula undalis (Fabr.) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) transcriptome
Authors: Prajapati Malyaj R , Kumar Pankaj , Shanker Ravi , Singh Reetesh Pratap , Singh Rajendra , Bharti Mahesh Kumar , Singh Jitender , Kapoor Neelesh , Gangwar L. K. , Gaurav S. S. , Dixit Rekha , Prakash Satya
Published: July 2023

Background
The cabbage webworm, Hellula undalis (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), is a significant pest of brassicas and other cruciferous plants in warm regions worldwide. Transcriptome analysis is valuable for investigation of molecular mechanisms underlying the insect development and reproduction. De novo assembly is particularly useful for acquiring complete transcriptome information of insect species when there is no reference genome available. In case of Hellula undalis, only 17 nucleotide records are currently available throughout NCBI nucleotide database. Genes associated with metabolic processes, general development, reproduction, defense and functional genomics were not previously predicted in the Hellula undalis at the genomic level.
Methods & Results
To address this issue, we constructed Hellula undalis transcriptome using Illumina NovaSeq6000 technology. Approximately 48 million 125 bp paired-end reads were obtained from sequencing. A total of 30,451 contigs were generated by de novo assembly of sample and were compared with the sequences in the NCBI non-redundant protein database (Nr). In total, 71% of contigs were matched to known proteins in public databases including Nr, Gene Ontology (GO), and Cluster Orthologous Gene Database (COG), and then, contigs were mapped to 123 via functional annotation against the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway database (KEGG). In addition, we compared the ortholog gene family of the Hullula undalis, transcriptome to Spodoptera frugiperda, spodotera litura and spodoptera littoralis and found that 2,749 orthologous gene families are specific to Hullula undalis.
Conclusions
This study is the first transcriptome data for Hullula undalis. Additionally, it serves as a valuable resource for identifying target genes and developing effective and environmentally friendly strategies for pest control.
Beyond Spectral Measures: Multi-Scale Entropy Assessment of MEG Signals in Schizophrenia
Authors: Wolfson Erez J. , Fekete Tomer , Loewenstein Yonatan , Shriki Oren
Published: July 2023

Schizophrenia is a severe disruption in cognition and emotion, affecting fundamental human functions. In this study, we applied Multi-Scale Entropy (MSE) analysis to resting-state MEG data from 54 schizophrenia patients and 98 healthy controls. This method quantifies the temporal complexity of the signal across different time scales using the concept of sample entropy. Results show significantly higher sample entropy in schizophrenia patients, primarily in central, parietal, and occipital lobes, peaking at time scales equivalent to frequencies between 15 and 24 Hz. To disentangle the contributions of the amplitude and phase components, we applied the same analysis to a phase-shuffled surrogate signal. The analysis revealed that most differences originate from the amplitude component in the δ, α, and β power bands. While the phase component had a smaller magnitude, closer examination reveals clear spatial patterns and significant differences across specific brain regions. We assessed the potential of MSE as a schizophrenia biomarker by comparing its classification performance to conventional spectral analysis and a cognitive task (the n-back paradigm). The discriminative power of MSE and spectral features was similar, with a slight advantage for MSE features. The results of the n-back test were slightly below those obtained from MSE and spectral features.
Qualitative and quantitative reservoir characterization using seismic inversion based on particle swarm optimization and genetic algorithm: A comparative case study
Authors: Kant Ravi , Maurya S.P. , Singh K.H.
Published: July 2023

Accurate reservoir characterization is necessary to effectively monitor, manage, and increase production. A seismic inversion methodology using a genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique has been devised in thisstudy to characterize the reservoir both qualitatively and quantitatively. It has always been difficult and expensive to disclose deeper reservoirs in exploratory operations when using traditional approaches for reservoir characterization hence inversion based on advanced technique (based on GA and PSO) is proposed in this study. The main goal is to use GA and PSO to significantly lower the fitness (error) function between real seismic data and modeled synthetic data, which will allow us to estimate subsurface properties and, ultimately, accurately characterize the reservoir. Using two synthetic data and one real data from the Blackfoot field in Canada, the study examined subsurface acoustic impedance and porosity in the inter-well zone. Porosity and acoustic impedance are layer features, but seismic data is an interface property, hence these characteristics provide more useful and applicable reservoir information. The inverted results aid in the understanding of seismic data by providing incredibly high-resolution images of the subsurface. Both the GA and the PSO algorithms deliver outstanding results for both simulated and real data. The inverted section accurately anticipated a high porosity zone (> 20%) that supported thehigh seismic amplitude anomaly by having a low acoustic impedance (6000-8500m/s∗ g/cc). This unusual zone is categorized as a reservoir (sand channel) and is located in the 1040–1065 ms time range. In this inversion process, after 400 iterations, thefitness error falls from 1 to 0.88 using GA optimization, compared to 1 to 0.25 using PSO. The convergence time for GA is 670680 seconds, but the convergence time for PSO optimization is 356400 seconds, showing that the former requires 88% more time than the latter. The study recommends PSO application over GA in any E & P project because PSO inversion delivers faster convergence times, excellent error minimization, and high-resolution subsurface data compared to inversion utilizing GA optimization.
Meckel-Gruber syndrome together with Dandy–Walker malformation; an atypical case report of a 2nd recurrence in a consanguine marriage
Authors: Alsamal Mohamad S. , Zitoun Osama A. , Abdulghani Ebtsam Abdulaziz , Sula Idris
Published: July 2023

Meckel-Gruber syndrome is a lethal disorder characterized by occipital encephalocele, polycystic kidneys, and polydactyly. In most cases, it is identified and terminated antenatally. In this report, the authors present a case of Meckel-Gruber syndrome together with Dandy-Walker malformation. A pregnant woman referred at the 28th week of gestation with an abnormal ultrasound scan showing posterior encephalocele and bilaterally enlarged kidneys. Further imaging also indicated communication between the 4th ventricle and posterior cerebellar cerebrospinal fluid space, after which the fetus was diagnosed with Meckel Gruber syndrome and Dandy–Walker malformation. Pregnancy termination was refused by the parents and the offspring was prematurely born to be the 2nd recurrence of Meckel Gruber syndrome in this consanguine family. Remarkably, at the 3 different pregnancies, ultrasound was inconclusive before the 7th month of gestation. Though up to date Meckel-Gruber syndrome is ultimately lethal, the lifespan of affected newborns varied greatly. We suggest developing a severity classification to estimate life expectancy in unterminated cases.
All Silicon MIR super absorber using fractal metasurfaces
Authors: Ali Alaa M. , Ghanim AbdelRahman M. , Othman Muhammad , Swillam Mohamed A.
Published: July 2023

The study of blackbody radiation led to the development of quantum mechanics more than a century ago. A blackbody is an ideal absorber, as it absorbs all the electromagnetic radiation that illuminates it. No radiation is transmitted through it, and none is reflected. Now, "bodies" with high absorption qualities are crucial in numerous scientific and technological fields. Perfect absorbers can be used as photodetectors, thermal images, microbolometers, and thermal photovoltaic solar energy conversion. The spectrum of Mid-infrared (MIR) wavelengths offers numerous advantages for a wide range of applications. Among these applications is chemical and biological detection. In this study, we propose a fractal broadband silicon (Si) absorber. The proposed structure is composed of three layers: metal, dielectric, and metal (MDM), with the metal being n-type D-Si and the dielectric being Silicon Carbide (SiC). The structural composition displays a broad absorption profile across a broad spectrum of infrared wavelengths, ranging from 3 to 9 µm. The architectural design was derived from the Sierpinski carpet fractal, and different building locks were simulated to attain optimal absorption. Silicon that has been doped exhibits superior performance compared to metals in energy harvesting applications that utilize plasmonics at the mid-infrared range. Typically, semiconductors exhibit rough surfaces than noble metals, resulting in lower scattering losses. Moreover, silicon presents various advantages, including compatibility with complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) and simple manufacturing through conventional silicon fabrication methods. In addition, the utilization of doped silicon material in the mid-IR region facilitates the creation of microscale integrated plasmonic devices. This combination enables the production of numerous traditional plasmonic devices. The 2D finite element method (FEM) approach via COMSOL software is used to obtain the numerical results. The suggested fractal absorber exhibits high absorption enhancement in the Mid-IR range.
Costs associated with adverse drug reactions in an older population admitted to hospital: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Bennett Kathleen , Cahir Caitriona , Sorensen Jan
Published: July 2023

Purpose
This study examines healthcare costs associated with adverse drug reactions (ADR) in an older population admitted acutely to an Irish tertiary hospital.
Methods
This is a prospective cohort study involving older persons admitted to hospital with and without an ADR. Data was collected at baseline during hospitalisation and after hospital discharge. Participants provided information on healthcare resource use three months before and after discharge. For each healthcare resource, unit costs were derived and applied. Average, accumulated costs of hospitalisation and related health and social care were calculated. The average costs associated with ADR and non-ADR hospitalisation and post-discharge care were compared using difference-in-difference analysis and presented with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Costs by preventability and severity of ADR are also presented.
Results
A total of n=230 participants were included (n=93 associated with ADR and n=137 without ADR). The average cost associated with an ADR was estimated at €2047 (95% CI: -€889 to €4983). The mean incremental cost of definite preventable ADRs was estimated at €1648 (95% CI: -€4310 to €7605), possible preventable ADRs €2259 (95 CI: -€1194 to €5712) and unavoidable ADRs €1757 (95% CI: -€3377 to €6890). The mean incremental cost associated with moderate severe ADRs was estimated at €1922 (95% CI: -€1088 to €4932) and €3580 (95% CI: -€4898 to €12058) for severe ADRs.
Conclusion
ADRs leading to hospital admission are associated with modest incremental healthcare costs during and three months after admission. Severe and possibly preventable ADRs were associated with higher costs.
Intestinal Microbiome and Maternal Mental Health: Preventing Parenting Stress and Enhancing Resilience in Mothers
Authors: Matsunaga Michiko , Takeuchi Mariko , Watanabe Satoshi , Takeda Aya , Kikusui Takefumi , Mogi Kazutaka , Nagasawa Miho , Hagihara Keisuke , Myowa Masako
Published: July 2023

The number of mothers suffering from mental illness is increasing steadily, particularly under conditions of the coronavirus disease pandemic. The identification of factors that contribute to resilience in mothers is urgently needed to decrease the risks of poor physical and psychological functioning. We focused on the risk of parenting stress and psychological resilience in nonclinical mothers and conducted two studies to examine the relationships between intestinal microbiota, physical condition, and psychological state. Our results showed that alpha diversity and beta diversity of the microbiome are related to high parenting stress risk. Psychological resilience and physical conditions were associated with relative abundances of the genera Blautia, Clostridium, and Eggerthella. This study helps further understand the gut–brain axis mechanisms and supports proposals for enhancing resilience in mothers.
National prevalence and risk factors for tungiasis in Kenya
Authors: Elson Lynne , Kamau Christopher , Koech Sammy , Muthama Christopher , Gachomba George , Sinoti Erastus , Chondo Elwyn , Mburu Eliud , Wakio Miriam , Lore Jimmy , Maia Marta , Adetifa Ifedayo , Orindi Benedict , Bejon Phillip , Fillinger Ulrike
Published: July 2023

Background
Tungiasis is a highly neglected tropical skin disease caused by the sand flea, Tunga penetrans, the female of which burrows into the skin, causing pain and discomfort. The disease occurs throughout South America and Sub-Saharan Africa but there are few systematic data on national disease burdens.
Methods
We conducted the first nationally representative survey of tungiasis, including nine counties covering the major ecological zones of Kenya. A stratified multistage random sampling was used to select 22 primary schools from each of the nine counties and to select up to 114 pupils aged 8 to 14 years in each school. Pupils were examined thoroughly for tungiasis. Two surveys were conducted, the first between May and July 2021 and the second between October 2021 and April 2023.
Results
The overall prevalence of tungiasis in the first survey was 1.3% (95% CI 1.1–1.5%), and 0.89% in the second survey. The prevalence ranged from 0.08% (95% CI 0.01–0.6%) in Taita Taveta county to 3.2% (95% CI 2.4–4.4%) in Kajiado county. Tungiasis infection was associated with county of residence, male sex (adjusted Odds ratio (aOR) 2.01 95% CI 1.52–2.67), and lower age (aOR 0.81 95% CI 0.75–0.88). For the first time we demonstrate an association with attending public schools (aOR 5.62 95% CI 1.20–26.22) and lower socioeconomic status (aOR 0.10 95% CI 0.03–0.33).
Conclusion
Tungiasis is widely but heterogeneously distributed across Kenya. School-based surveys offer an efficient strategy for mapping tungiasis distribution.
Early to Bed and Early to Rise Makes a Man Healthy, Wealthy and Wise: The Relationship of Sleep to Health, Income and Education
Authors: Berry-Cabán Cristóbal S. , Beltran Thomas , McKiernan Sharon P. , Han Rachel H. , Choi Y. Sammy
Published: July 2023

Purpose To provide evidence for Benjamin Franklin's proverb, “Early to Bed and Early to Rise Makes a Man Healthy, Wealthy and Wise,” we used survey data to evaluate the relationship between sleep duration and health, income, and education.Methods Sleep, demographic, and wellness data from 49,365 participants aged 18 years and older was sourced from the 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). The BRFSS is a cross-sectional telephone survey conducted by state health departments with technical and methodological assistance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Self-reported sleep duration was assessed as well as self-perceptions of health and wellness. Participants’ income and educational level were used as representatives for ‘wealth’ and ‘wise,’ respectively.Results Individuals with average daily sleep durations between 7 and 9 hours reported significantly better physical and mental wellness as compared to those who reported fewer than 7 hours or more than 9 hours of sleep per day (p < 0.001). Similarly, these individuals reported the highest self-ratings of overall health and life satisfaction (p < 0.001), had the greatest percentage with 4-year college degrees and reported the highest levels of income of the three groups.Conclusion When using sleep duration as a proxy for ‘early to bed and early to rise,’ this study supports Benjamin Franklin's aphorism that adequate sleep “makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” Whether adequate sleep resulted in, or was a result of, better health, higher income and higher education, a relationship between them is clear.
Overexpression of TMEM79 combined with SMG5 is related to prognosis, tumor immune infiltration and drug sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang Yu , Jin Qin , Zhang Shu , Wang Yan
Published: July 2023

Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver malignancy that is now relatively common worldwide. TMEM79 (Transmembrane Protein 79) is a Protein Coding gene. It has been reported to play diagnostic and prognostic markers in a variety of cancers and was found to be closely associated with immune infiltration in kinds of tumors in a follow-up study. One study found that Multiple nonsense-mediated mRNA processes require the involvement of SMG5[1]. SMG5 is associated with immune cell infiltration in HCC[2]. However, the relationship between TMEM79 expression in HCC and prognosis, its role and mechanism of action, and its relationship with SMG5 have not been studied. This article focuses on not only the prognostic role of TMEM79 and its biological significance including immuno-infiltration, tumor mutations and drug sensitivity, but also the interaction with SMG5 in HCC.
Methods
Differential expression analysis and the multiCox proportional hazards regression analyses of TMEM79 and SMG5 were performed by multiple databases. And then IHC was used to validate the differential expressions, correlation of TMEM79 and SMG5, and prognosis of TMEM79 and SMG5 in HCC in our research. Subsequently, we used R software to analyze the clinical phenotype of both: analysis of clinicopathological features, enrichment analysis, analysis of immune infiltration, analysis of immune checkpoints, analysis of drug sensitivity, and immunotherapy. Then TMEM79-related molecules were classified into two types by using R software. And then prognostic analysis, enrichment analysis, and immuno-infiltration analysis were performed for the two types.
Results
Both the database studies and the results of our research group showed that TMEM79 and SMG5 were differentially expressed in HCC and normal tissues. The multiCox proportional hazards regression analyses of TMEM79 and SMG5 showed that they were independent prognostic factors in HCC. Validation of immunohistochemistry showed that differential expression of TMEM79 and SMG5, which influenced the prognosis of patients with HCC, could be an independent prognostic factor. Results of the TCGA database study showed that TMEM79 and SMG5 were correlated with immune infiltration, immune checkpoints, drug sensitivity, and immunotherapy. We typed TMEM79-related molecules in HCC according to R software. Two types of TMEM79 correlated with clinical features, survival of patients with HCC, and immune infiltration.
Conclusion
TMEM79 are highly expressed in HCC and play an important role in the prognosis of patients with HCC. TMEM79 and SMG5 are positively correlated and may both associated with immune infiltration, and closely linked to immune checkpoints, drug sensitivity, and immunotherapy in HCC.
Phase-dependent activity-stability relationships of molybdenum sulfide hydrogen evolution electrocatalysts
Authors: Escalera-López Daniel , Iffelsberger Christian , Zlatar Matej , Maselj Nik , Pham Chuyen Van , Jovanovič Primož , Hodnik Nejc , Thiele Simon , Pumera Martin , Cherevko Serhiy
Published: July 2023

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is widely regarded as a competitive hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalyst to replace platinum in proton exchange membrane water electrolysers (PEMWEs). Despite the extensive knowledge of its HER activity, stability insights under HER operation are scarce. This is paramount to ensure long-term operation of Pt-free PEMWEs, and gain full understanding on the electrocatalytically-induced processes responsible for HER active site generation. The latter are highly dependent on the MoS2 allotropic phase, and still under debate. We rigorously assess these by simultaneously monitoring Mo and S dissolution products using a dedicated scanning flow cell coupled with downstream analytics (ICP-MS), besides an electrochemical mass spectrometry setup for volatile species analysis. We observe that MoS2 stability is phase-dependent: lamellar-like MoS2 is highly unstable under open circuit conditions, whereas cluster-like amorphous MoS3 − x instability is induced by S loss and undercoordinated Mo site generation. Guidelines to operate non-noble PEMWEs are therefore provided based on the stability number metrics, and an HER mechanism which accounts for Mo and S dissolution pathways is proposed.
HPV E6/E7 mRNA detection in women with abnormal histology in Qazvin province, Iran
Authors: Benvari Sepideh , Aslanimehr Masoumeh , Samiee-Rad Fatemeh , Naserpour-Farivar Taghi
Published: July 2023

Objective: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, especially with type 16 or 18, is associated with cervical cancer. Two HPV proteins, E6 and E7, are essential factors in the carcinogenesis of HPV. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the presence of HPV 16/18 E6/E7 mRNA in women with abnormal histology in Qazvin province, Iran.
Results: HPV 16/18 DNA and E6/E7 mRNA was observed in 60.6% and 42.4% of samples, respectively. The frequency of positive HPV 16/18 and E6/E7 results increased with the severity of the injury, but the latter correlates better with progressive lesions. Despite the non-different sensitivity, PPV, and NPV of these two tests, E6/E7 mRNA showed higher specificity for detecting high-grade lesions (52.30% vs 75.38, P = 0.006).
Severe familial coronary artery spasm in two siblings : about 2 cases
Authors: Kerrouani Oualid , Faraj Raid , Bouchaala Abderrahmane , Dib Hassan , Lahmouch Nouhaila , Bargach Iness , Kihoul Ouassima , Zarzur Jamila , Cherti Mohamed
Published: July 2023

Background: Vasospastic angina (VSA) is the spasm of coronary arteries causing transient myocardial ischemia. VSA is commonly managed with antispasmodic medications including calcium-channel blockers (CCB) and nitrates. When vasospasm is refractory to conventional medications, unconventional treatment modalities may be used for symptomatic relief. Case presentation: Coronary artery spasm (CAS) was observed in two sisters. Neither of them had significant atheromatous stenosis in the coronary arteries. The 22-year- younger sister presented with rest angina in the early morning. The 32-year-old elder sister complained of rest and effort angina. Their coronary angiogram showed spontaneous spasm in the proximal segment of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). The youngest one had resistant and recurrent coronary vasospasm involving different segments of the coronary tree causing myocardial infarction with total occlusion of the proximal segment in the left anterior descending coronary artery. Our patients presented with a lesser-known phenomenon called refractory VSA, where intermittent vasospasm continues despite being on a combination of two medications. Conclusions: The familial appearance of coronary artery spasm had been previously reported. Although it is not well understood, the underlying mechanism appears to involve a combination of endothelial damage and vasoactive mediators. Genetic factors such as human leucocyte antigen (HLA) contributes to susceptibility to coronary spasm in some patients with VSA. Treatment for VSA is well-documented, however, little data is available for refractory VSA.
ThyNod Panel efficiently identifies genetic characteristics of thyroid nodules
Authors: Li Haorong , Han Rulai , Zhou Wei , Zhao Ming , Wan Zhihan , Meng Lingyang , Xie Jing , Yu Danyan , Xie Xiaoyan , Shen Liyun , Zhou Yulin , Wang Shu , Yan Jiqi , Ye Lei , Wang Weiqing
Published: July 2023

Purpose
We aimed to establish a next-generation sequencing panel for the molecular diagnosis of thyroid nodules.
Methods
The panel, named ThyNod Panel, was designed to detect SNV, indel, fusion, CNV in 48 thyroid malignancy associated genes as rule in markers, 3 benign associated genes as rule out markers, RNA expression levels in 16 thyroid differentiation/function genes and 23 cell identity marker genes. We retrospectively tested 68 frozen/4 FFPE tissues and prospectively tested 107 thyroid FNA samples.
Results
Seventeen nodules were C cell origin, one was parathyroid and the others were follicular cell. For follicular cell derived thyroid nodules, 123/161 (76%) were found mutations: malignancy associated mutations were BRAF V600E (n = 80), RAS mutations (n = 12), RET/PTC fusions (n = 7), NTRK3 fusions (n = 6) and, BRAF fusions (n = 4), PIK3CA mutations (n = 3); benign associated mutations were identified in 3 nodules, all with SPOP mutations. The accuracy of the ThyNod Panel in diagnosing malignant and benign follicular cell derived thyroid nodules was 91.30% (95% CI, 85.58–96.17), with sensitivity and specificity as 98.68% and 56.25%; for Bethesda category III/IV nodules, nine (64%, 9/14) were positive with malignancy associated mutations and molecular findings in 67% (4/6) nodules were consistent with histopathologic diagnosis. Eight nodules carried two or more driver alterations, two with ATA high-risk thyroid cancers.
Conclusion
ThyNod Panel can efficiently identify genetic characteristics in thyroid nodules and be applied in the molecular diagnosis of thyroid nodules.
Evaluation of a novel CBCT conversion method implemented in a treatment planning system
Authors: Lechner Wolfgang , Kanalas Dávid , Haupt Sarah , Lukas Zimmermann , Georg Dietmar
Published: July 2023

Background:
To evaluate a novel CBCT conversion algorithm for dose calculation implemented in a research version of a treatment planning system (TPS).
Methods:
The algorithm was implemented in a research version of RayStation (v. 11B-DTK, RaySearch, Stockholm, Sweden). CBCTs acquired for each ten head and neck (HN), gynecology (GYN) and lung cancer (LNG) patients were collected and converted using the new algorithm (CBCTc). A bulk density overriding technique implemented in the same version of the TPS was used for comparison (CBCTb). A deformed CT (dCT) was created by using deformable image registration of the planning CT (pCT) to the CBCT to reduce anatomical changes. All treatment plans were recalculated on the pCT, dCT, CBCTc and the CBCTb. The resulting dose distributions were analyzed using the MICE toolkit (NONPIMedical AB Sweden, Umeå) with local gamma analysis, with 1% dose difference and 1 mm distance to agreement criteria. A Wilcoxon paired rank sum test was applied to test the differences in gamma pass rates (GPRs). A p-value smaller than 0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results:
The GPRs for the CBCTb method were systematically lower compared to the CBCTc method. Using the 10% dose threshold and the dCT as reference the median GPRs were for the CBCTc method were 100% and 99.8% for the HN and GYN cases, respectively. Compared to that the GPRs of the CBCTb method were lower with values of 99.8% and 98.0%, for the HN and GYN cases, respectively. The GPRs of the LNG cases were 99.9% and 97.5% for the CBCTc and CBCTb method, respectively. These differences were statistically significant. The main differences between the dose calculated on the CBCTs and the pCTs were found in regions near air/tissue interfaces, which are also subject to anatomical variations.
Conclusion:
The dose distribution calculated using the new CBCTc method showed excellent agreement with the dose calculated using dCT and pCT and was superior to the CBCTb method. The main reasons for deviations of the calculated dose distribution were caused by anatomical variations between the pCT and the corrected CBCT.
Study of Removal conditions optimization for heavy metal from recycled formation water of oil field based on chitosan polymer and its quantum calculation
Authors: Khowdiary Manal M. , Sheta Mai , Taha Nahla Ahmed , Elhenawy Ahmed A. , Eweida Basant yousri
Published: July 2023

Specific objective for this study was to stabilize a valid method to remove copper from recycled formation water from oil field. Chitosan used for Cu+ 2adsorption from simulated wastewater. Comparison between commercial (CC) and natural prepared chitosan (NC) from shrimps shell, also CC and NC was grafted for enhancing the efficiency of remove tested metal ions. By studying removal of Cu+ 2 across certain parameters as concentration, adsorbent dose, contact time and pH. The results summarized that maximum % removal for all types used was at 20 ppm with value of 94% for CC and NC ,96% for CGC and 98% for NGC after 3hr, 1g and pH = 7. While reaches about 99% removals by increasing adsorbent dose to 4 g for NGC and CGC. Different adsorption isotherms were studied for the remove of Cu+ 2 ions. Also the rate of Adsorption for different types of chitosan used was pseudo 1st order, pseudo 2nd order and Elvoich equation. The kinetic data were analyzed by the intra-particle diffusion model and liquid film diffusion model for Cu+ 2 adsorption using different types of chitosan to study the mechanism of reaction for each type. Significantly, in order to scale up this effective technique on an industrial scale, response surface methodology (RSM) as a modelling tool Statistical Software for further copper ion removal used. The DFT using B3LYP and utilized with 6- 311G* correlation function applied for investigated probs. DFT, and MEPs, also, used to identify the interaction compounds behavior over heavy metal for formation water.
Prevalence of opioid-induced adverse events across opioids commonly used for analgesic treatment in Japan: a multicenter prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Hiratsuka Yusuke , Tagami Keita , Inoue Akira , Sato Mamiko , Matsuda Yasufumi , Kosugi Kazuhiro , Kubo Emi , Natsume Maika , Ishiki Hiroto , Arakawa Sayaka , Shimizu Masaki , Yokomichi Naosuke , Chiu Shih-Wei , Shimoda Mayu , Hirayama Hideyuki , Nishijima Kaoru , Ouchi Kota , Shimoi Tatsunori , Shigeno Tomoko , Yamaguchi Takuhiro , Miyashita Mitsunori , Morita Tatsuya , Satomi Eriko
Published: July 2023

Purpose:
Although opioids have been shown to be effective for cancer pain, opioid-induced adverse events (AEs) are common. To date, there is very little evidence suggesting that any one opioid agonist has a substantially better AE profile than any other. This study was performed to compare the prevalence of AEs across opioids commonly used for analgesic treatment in Japan.
Methods:
This study was conducted as a preplanned secondary analysis of a multicenter prospective longitudinal study of inpatients with cancer pain who received specialized palliative care for cancer pain relief. We assessed daily AEs until termination of follow-up. We rated the severity of AEs based on the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0. We computed adjusted odds ratios for each AE (constipation, nausea and vomiting, delirium, and drowsiness) with the following variables: opioid, age, sex, renal dysfunction, and primary cancer site.
Results:
In total, 465 patients were analyzed. Based on the descriptive analysis, the top four most commonly used opioids were included in the analysis: oxycodone, hydromorphone, fentanyl, and tramadol. With respect to the prevalence of AEs among all analyzed patients, delirium (n=25, 6.3%) was the most frequent, followed by drowsiness (n=21, 5.3%), nausea and vomiting (n=19, 4.8%), and constipation (n=28, 4.6%). The multivariate logistic analysis showed that no single opioid was identified as a statistically significant independent predictor of any AE.
Conclusion:
There was no significant difference in the prevalence of AEs among oxycodone, fentanyl, hydromorphone, and tramadol, which are commonly used for analgesic treatment in Japan.
Improved Trapdoors and Public Key Search Encryption Based on Middle-Product LWE
Authors: Yao Yun-Fei , Wang Jian-Hua , Wang Ke , Shen Lin-Zhi , Yu Hao-Yang , Chen Hui-Yan
Published: July 2023

Middle-product learning with errors (MP-LWE) was proposed in 2017 by Rosa et al., it is considered to be a method that combines the high efficiency of the R-LWE with the security guarantee of the ordinary LWE. Following the idea of this problem, in the TCC 2019, Alex Lombardi et al. further studied the method of constructing identity-based encryption (IBE) scheme on the premise of the MP-LWE. They introduced several major technologies, these include the introduction of a new leftover hash lemma and the instan-tiation of a brand-new variant of lattice trapdoor corresponding to MP-LWE.
The idea of instantiation of trapdoor is very novel, but the equation can not be solved correctly by using the trapdoor. In the current work, we have improved the research results of the Lombardi et al., that is, we re-instantiate the trapdoor matching MP-LWE and use it to construct a new IBE scheme. Further, we also use the classical transformation of Abdalla et al. to transform the constructed IBE scheme into a MP-LWE-based public key search encryption scheme (PEKS). Compared to IBE and PEKS schemes from LWE, our scheme is more effective, and their ciphertexts and keys size are only O˜(n) in size (for identities of size n bits). Compared to IBE and PEKS schemes from ring-LWE, our schemes have similar efficiency
Lira: Rotational Invariant Shape and Electrostatic Descriptors for Small Molecules based on Real Spherical Harmonics
Authors: Montalvão Rinaldo , Caires Fernando , Silva Samuel , Veríssimo-Alves Marcos , Pinheiro Vitor
Published: July 2023

Background: Modern AI-based tools are increasing the number of protein structures available, creating an opportunity and a challenge for automated high-throughput drug discovery pipelines. The amount of data is overwhelming for current methods, thus demanding new high-performance approaches for Machine Learning-based rational drug design.
Results: As shape and electrostatics are the main elements for understanding protein-ligand interaction, we used them to create a system of efficient and AI-compatible descriptors. This method, called LIRA, describes, compares and analyses shape and electrostatics for small ligands. It can generate databases with descriptors for tens of millions of shapes in a few hours, which can then be queried in seconds. The Lira design, focused on performance and reliability, makes its integration into AI-driven rational drug design pipelines simple.
Conclusions: Given an input query, we demonstrate that spherical harmonics can be used as the basis of an accurate and efficient platform for searching, selecting and comparing molecules for shape and electrostatics. It can be employed to efficiently compare large numbers of molecules, establishing a robust and compact method for describing and comparing the molecular shape and electrostatic potential suitable for Machine and Deep Learning applications. It also can be integrated with other structural software to create signatures directly based on the pocket characteristics of protein targets, thus accelerating novel lead identification. In addition, ongoing medicinal chemistry campaigns can benefit from applying Lira as the starting point for AI-guided drug development and lead maturation.
Modeling and experimental analysis of ultrasonic vibration drilling force prediction model for tiny small holes in high body fraction aluminum-based silicon carbide composites
Authors: Yang Shuaikun , Tong Jinglin , Zhang Zhipeng , Ye Yanqiu , Zhai Haojie , Tao Hongqing
Published: July 2023

A new theoretical mechanical model was proposed by the study, which takes into account ultrasonic vibrations and undeformed cutting thickness. By analyzing the kinematic characteristics of ultrasonic vibration, the undeformed cutting thickness under ultrasonic vibration drilling is calculated, and the theoretical analysis of axial forces and torques is carried out by using the model with simulation software. The results show that both the theoretical drilling force model and the 3D drilling simulation can predict the average axial force and average torque of SiCp/Al composite drilling process more accurately, and the simulation prediction results are better than the prediction results of the theoretical model. The average error of the simulated axial force is 7.11% and the average error of the torque is 7.19%, and the average error of the theoretical axial force is 10.49% and the average error of the torque is 13.05%.
Comparison of the effects of chewing versus smoking tobacco on corneal endothelial health
Authors: Jha Ashok , Gnanaraj Ramya , Gogia Atul , Priya Charima , Verma Aditya
Published: July 2023

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of chewing versus smoking tobacco on corneal endothelial health.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional, observational study analyzing 1797 eyes of 1797 patients. The study cohorts comprised tobacco smokers (N=605); tobacco chewers (N=595), and non-tobacco users (N=597). All the subjects underwent corneal endothelial evaluation by non-contact specular microscopy (EM 4000 Tomey Nishi-Ku, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan). Endothelial cell density (ECD; cells/mm2), coefficient of variation in cell size (CV; %), hexagonality (Hex; %), and central corneal thickness (CCT; µm) were recorded and compared among the 3 groups.
Results: ECD (p<0.001) was significantly lower in chewers when compared to smokers, and was significantly highest in non-tobacco users, whereas CV (p<0.001) and CCT (p=0.009) were found to be significantly higher in chewers when compared to smokers and non-tobacco users. Hex (p<0.001) was significantly lower in chewers when compared with non-tobacco users and smokers. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that increasing age was a significantly important factor in both the smokers and chewers in all the study parameters (negatively for ECD, Hex, and CCT; and positively for CV), except for CCT in chewers. Frequency and duration of smoking were significantly associated with higher CCT in smokers as well as chewers, whereas the duration of tobacco chewing negatively impacted ECD and Hex in chewers additionally.
Conclusions: Chewing tobacco, especially long-term, appears to be detrimental to the corneal endothelial structure when compared to smoking.
A Simple Assay for Identifying Innate Immune Defects Upstream of Nf-Kb – A Case Report
Authors: Englmeier Ludwig , Sieweke Michael , Nitsche Jessica , Subburayalu Julien
Published: July 2023

We suggest a simple non-invasive point-of-care (POC) diagnostic assay which should allow the identification of individuals who have a defect in a signaling pathway upstream of NF-kB. In this case report we show that activators of toll-like-receptors (TLRs) produce an observable inflammatory response (red spot, “erythema”) when administered onto the skin of an immunocompetent individual in the context of a skin prick test. We suggest that this readout will allow for a simple diagnostic assay, as it will be missing in patients with corresponding inborn errors of signaling pathways upstream of NF-kB. We suggest that this simple assay will allow population-wide screens for individuals with a TLR loss-of-function, as well as for individuals with defects further downstream, such as interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 4 (IRAK4)- or MYD88-deficiency. Thus, we expect that activators of signaling pathways upstream of NF-kB will become useful tools for future diagnostic routine testing in a point-of-care (POC) setting.