bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of associated molecular events in Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric cancer through integrated computational analysis of Microarray and RNA-Seq datasets
Authors: Zeb Sabaoon , Paracha Rehan Zafar , Nisar Maryum , Khalid Rimsha , Mustansar Zartasha , Rizwan Samawia , Bano Saddia
Published: December 2021

According to the World Health Organization, Gastric cancer (GC) is the third leading cause of death worldwide, where, the major precursor of cancer progression is infection with Helicobacter pylori. It has been reported that 50% of the total populace is infected with H.pylori, while in 80% the ulcer emerges in later stages of the infection. Although extensive separate analysis has been performed on H.pylori infection and GC data, however, there is a need to perform comparative analysis to identify the cross-talk between the conditions and to hunt significant molecular events that occurs during H.pylori induced GC. The aim of this multi-population study was to identify common molecular events and potential bio-markers against H.pylori induced GC. We performed microarray and RNA-seq analysis on publicly available H.pylori infection, gastritis, H.pylori induced GC and GC datasets to obtain Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs). After obtaining the DEGs, integrative analysis, functional enrichment analysis and network biology approaches were utilized to identify common markers and hub genes between various disease conditions. Functional enrichment analysis revealed the DEGs of H.pylori infection, gastritis, H.pylori induced GC and GC were strongly associated with spliceosome, adherens junction, focal adhesion and ribosome. Being one of the common DEG, and highly interactive hub protein in the networks of all the conditions, translationally controlled tumour protein (TPT1) was identified as a significant predictive biomarker for early prognosis and diagnosis of H.pylori induced GC. Therefore, the mechanisms behind TPT1 should be further studied using in vitro cell-based functional assays, to determine its role in the progression of H.pylori induced GC.
Sensitive and Specific Detection of Breast Cancer Lymph Node Metastasis Through Dual-Modality Magnetic Particle Imaging and Fluorescence Molecular Imaging: a Preclinical Evaluation
Authors: Wang Guorong , Shi Guangyuan , Tian Yu , Kong Lingyan , Ding Ning , Lei Jing , Jin Zhengyu , Tian Jie , Du Yang
Published: December 2021

Purpose: A sensitive and specific imaging method to detect metastatic cancer cells in lymph nodes (LNs) to detect the early-stage breast cancer is urgently needed. The purpose of this study was to investigate a novel breast cancer-targeting and tumour microenvironment ATP-responsive superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIOs) imaging probe that was developed to detect lymph node metastasis (LNMs) through fluorescence molecular imaging (FMI) and magnetic particle imaging (MPI). The imaging nanoprobe comprised of SPIOs conjugated with breast cancer-targeting peptides (CREKA) and an ATP-responsive DNA aptamer (dsDNA-Cy5.5), abbreviated as SPIOs@A-T. Methods: SPIOs@A-T was synthesised and characterized for its imaging properties, targeting ability and toxicity in vitro. Mice with metastatic lymph node (MLN) of breast cancer were established to evaluate the FMI and MPI imaging strategy in vivo. Healthy mice with normal lymph node (NLN) were used as control group. Histological examination and biosafety evaluation were performed for further assessment. Results: After injection with SPIO@A-T, the obvious high fluorescent intensity and MPI signal were observed in MLN group than those in NLN group. MPI could also complement the limitation of imaging depth from FMI, thus could detect MLN more sensitively. The combination of the imaging strengths of FMI and MPI ensured the detection of breast cancer metastases with high sensitivity and specificity, thereby facilitating the precision differentiation of malignant from benign LNs. Besides, the biosafety evaluation results showed SPIO@A-T had good biocompatibility. Conclusion: Due to the superior properties of tumour-targeting, detection specificity, and biosafety, the SPIOs@A-T imaging probe in combination with FMI and MPI can provide a promising novel method for the early and precise detection of LNMs in clinical practice.
Chinese Interest in Thyroid Related Diseases: Evidence from Baidu Index
Authors: Fan Zhao-ya , Mou Yuan-lin , Hu Qian , Yin Ruo-yun , Tang Lei , Zhang Fan
Published: December 2021

Background: Common thyroid diseases are hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroiditis, thyroid tumor and so on. Baidu is currently the most widely used online search tool in China, has developed an internet search trends collection and analysis tool called the Baidu Index. The aim of the present study was to understand the trend and characteristics of public’s online attention to thyroid diseases, and to explore the value of Baidu Index in monitoring online retrieval behavior of thyroid related information.Methods: Taking the period from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2019 as the time range into consideration, we used the big data analysis tool of Baidu Index and took “thyroid nodules”, “thyroid cancer”, “thyroiditis” “hyperthyroidism” and “hypothyroidism” as the keywords, the data of “search index” and “media index” were recorded on a weekly basis, and all information were aggregated into quarterly and annual to generate the final data which was carried out for secondary analysis. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between the search index of keywords and the year. One-way Analysis of Variance was used to analyze the differences between search index and media index.Results: Among the five keywords, thyroid nodule search index had the highest growth rate (640%), followed by thyroid cancer (298%). The media’s attention to thyroid diseases had been declining year by year. Unlike the public’s attention, the media index of hyperthyroidism was significantly higher than other keywords.Conclusion: Over the past nine years, the public's attention to thyroid related diseases has been increasing gradually. Baidu Index is an effective tool to track the health information query behavior of Chinese internet users, which can provide a cost-effective supplement to traditional monitoring system.
Calculations of The Change of State of a Gas By Integrating The Partial Derivatives
Authors: Choi Soon-Ho , Kim Sedong
Published: December 2021

It will not be denied that the calculations of the change of state for a gas is highly important in most engineering applications. For determining the gas’s properties such as the pressure (P), the volume (V) and the temperature (T), engineers and scientists uses the Boyle’s, Charles’s and Gay-Lussac’s (B-C-G) law of P1V1/T1=P2V2/T2. Although the B-C-G law provides the accurate property values of a gas, it give no detailed information embedded in the process when a gas changes its state. In this study, the author theoretically carried out the integrations of the partial differentials when differentiating the B-C-G law, which has not been tried by anyone up to now. The integration results of this study were thoroughly compared with the experimentally measured data and it was confirmed that the integration methods suggested in this study accurately provides the differential properties on ΔP, ΔV and ΔT. In addition to it, through the stepwise analysis of the integration of the partial differentials, it revealed that the efficiency in the change of state of a gas inherently exists higher than the Carnot cycle, which is operating between the same conditions. Therefore, the results of this study can be lead to the conclusion that all changes of state of all materials inevitably accompanies an energy loss and it is a natural phenomenon.
Prevalence of Eating Disorders Among Nutritional Sciences Students and Dietitians in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Tarawah Renad Ahmad , Bakr El-Sayed
Published: December 2021

Background: Eating disorders (EDs) involve persistent disturbed eating and related behaviors that result in altered consumption or absorption of food with potential physical or psychological function impairment. EDs have four major types: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and eating disorder not otherwise specified. The investigation aimed to study the prevalence of EDs by assessing nutritional status for nutrition students and dietitians from multiple provinces in Saudi Arabia.Methods: A cross-sectional study comprising 175 male and female nutrition students or dietitians. EDs were diagnosed using EAT-26 and DSM5. Dietary intake was estimated by repeated 24-hr recall records. Diet was analyzed using food processor nutrition and fitness software. Intakes were compared with the recommended dietary allowances. Results: According to EAT-26 diagnostic criteria, the prevalence of EDs was 15.4%. The mean age was 24.96 ± 4 years. ED subjects had normal BMIs. The diet analysis showed that these subjects had a lower intake of energy, macronutrients, and some micronutrients, and other micronutrients were high as compared to the RDA. Conclusion: EDs were more prevalent among dietitians than students. The EDs comprised a high number of OSFED and UNFED cases. Subjects with an ED had an unbalanced diet with poor nutrition.
Lifetime Distribution of Clusters in Binary Mixtures Involving Hydrogen Bonding Liquids
Authors: JUKIC Ivo , POZAR Martina , LOVRINCEVIC Bernarda , PERERA Aurélien
Published: December 2021

Hydrogen bonded liquids are associated liquids and tend to exhibit local inhomogeneity in the form of clusters and segregated sub-nano domains. It is an open question as to whether Hbonded clusters in pure water have common features with the water segregated pockets observed in various aqueous binary mixtures, such as water-alcohol mixtures, for example. In the present study, we demonstrate through classical molecular dynamics studies of the lifetime distributions of the hydrogen bonds in different types of binary mixtures, that these lifetimes exhibit the same universal features in the case of the pure liquids, independently of the species concentrations. The same types of three distinct lifetimes are observed, all of them in the sub picosecond regime. The primary lifetime concerns that of Hbonded dimers, and strongly depends on Hbonding criteria such as the bonding distance. The two others are independent of bonding criteria. The secondary lifetime concerns Hbonded cluster lifetimes, while the tertiary lifetime concerns the topology of these clusters, such as chains or globules, for example. This surprizing separation in three distinct lifetimes suggests the existence of associated three distinct kinetic mechanisms in the very short sub-picosecond time scales.
Assessment of Solid Waste Management at Source in Compliance With Guidelines Among Residents of Kawempe Division, Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Maderu Paul , Omona Kizito
Published: December 2021

Background: Solid waste management poses a big challenge for many urban households, municipalities and cities, especially in developing countries, partly due to increasing urbanization. Overcrowding and informal settlements have emerged with illegal and indiscriminate waste disposal. Guidelines for proper management of solid waste are least observed at house hold level in such settings. The purpose of the study was to assess solid waste management at source in compliance with guidelines among residents of Kawempe municipality Kampala district. Methods: It was descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study design, with both quantitative and qualitative methods. 385 households heads and four local leaders were interviewed using researcher administered questionnaires and interview guide. Results: The study found that only 37.9% of households complied with guidelines for solid waste management at source. Factors of waste management practices were waste reduction (p=0.005), separation (p=0.001), reuse (p=0.001) and composting (p=0.027). Determinants such as gender (p=0.007), marital status (p=0.016), level of education (p<0.0001), occupation (p=0.007), household size (p=0.025), medium of community sensitization (p<0.0001), enforcement of bi-laws (p=0.005), type of waste generated (p<0.0001) and waste storage method (p=0.009) were implicated. Conclusion: Compliance with guidelines in the management of household solid waste at source was still very low within the city. Authorities ought to intensify household solid waste management awareness campaigns.
Population genetic structure and phenotypic diversity of Aspidodera raillieti (Nematoda: Heterakoidea), a parasite of Didelphini marsupials in Brazil’s South and Southeast Atlantic Forest
Authors: Varella Karina , Vilela Roberto do Val , Gentile Rosana , Cardoso Thiago dos Santos , Costa-Neto Sócrates Fraga da , Júnior Arnaldo Maldonado
Published: December 2021

Background: Population genetics of parasites may be influenced by host specificity, life-cycle, geographical distance, evolutionary history, and host-populations structure. The nematode Aspidodera raillieti infects different marsupial and rodent hosts in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, implying a presumably significant gene flow among populations. However, niche diversification of A. raillieti main hosts in superimposed areas may provide conditions for population genetic structuring within this parasite species. We examined the genetic structuring of A. raillieti infecting three marsupial species co-occurring along South and Southeast Brazilian Atlantic Forest, a hotspot of biodiversity.Methods: We employed morphometric analyses and partial mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I gene sequences (MT-CO1) to characterize populations via phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses.Results: Among 175 A. raillieti specimens recovered from marsupial hosts Didelphis aurita, D. albiventris, and Philander quica, we identified 99 MT-CO1 haplotypes forming four groups in phylogenetic trees and networks. Clades I and II encompassed parasites of D. albiventris from the South region, Clade III comprised parasites of D. aurita from the South and Southeast regions, and Clade IV encompassed parasites of D. aurita and D. albiventris from the South and Southeast regions and parasites of Philander quica from the South region. High genetic differentiation between clades, with a high fixation index and greater genetic variation in the analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), indicated low gene flow between clades. Haplotypes shared among host species revealed a lack of host specificity. Significant correlation in the Mantel test, suggested parasite isolation by distance, although there was no evidence of geographic structure between populations. Negative values in neutrality tests for Clades III and IV suggested recent population expansion. Morphometric differentiation between A. raillieti specimens recovered from different host species, as well as from different localities, was more evident in males.Conclusion: The genetic structure of A. raillieti populations in the South and Southeast Atlantic Forest resulted from historical events rather than from current geographical distribution or host specificity. We also demonstrate morphometric variation associated with host species and localities, suggesting phenotypic plasticity to host attributes and to spatial variables.
Differences In Chronic Pain Prevalence Between Men And Women At Mid-Life: A Systematic Review Protocol
Authors: Borra Catherine , Hardy Rebecca
Published: December 2021

Background: Epidemiological literature has revealed differences in chronic pain (CP) prevalence in men and women. Women have been found to be more likely to develop CP compared to men at different points of the life-course, such as childhood and old age. Less is known about differences in prevalence by sex during mid-life. While CP is most prevalent later in life, biological and physical changes in mid-life may predispose to an earlier differentiation in CP distribution – for example due to the menopause. The aim of this study is to describe the prevalence of CP at midlife in men and women, and to identify how these differences relate to results pertaining to other periods in the life-course. Methods: This systematic review follows PRISMA guidelines. An electronic search will identify appropriate studies in the following databases: MEDLINE, to be accessed through Web of Science; and EMBASE, AMED and PSYCHinfo to be accessed through OVID. Two reviewers will independently screen each title and abstract and subsequently each full text following the inclusion criteria outlined in this protocol. The reference lists of eligible papers will also be screened to identify any further eligible studies. Any inconsistencies between reviewer decisions will be resolved through discussion. Studies eligible for data extraction will report estimates of CP prevalence, of prevalence for each sex, and difference in prevalence between sexes. Two reviewers will conduct data extraction using a standardised data extraction form. Quality assessment will be conducted using a risk of bias assessment tool for prevalence studies. The findings will be reported in a narrative synthesis and will comment on expected heterogeneity, following the Social Research Council Methods Programme guidelines. A random effects meta-analysis will be conducted where the reviewers can justify combining results.Discussion: This review will summarise the prevalence of CP in men and women at mid-life, based on existing evidence. It is expected that the results will identify gaps in knowledge and areas for further research.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO: CRD42021295895
Sympathetic Nerve Innervation and Metabolism in Ischemic Myocardium in Response To Remote Ischemic Conditioning
Authors: Kiss Attila , Lu Xia , Schlederer Michaela , Pilz Patrick M , Szabo Petra Lujza , Wu Ping , Weber Lukas , Vraka Chrysoula , Pichler Verena , Mitterhauser Markus , Zhang Xiaoli , Abraham Dietmar , Podesser Bruno K , Hacker Marcus , Li Xiang
Published: December 2021

Background

Multiple potential interventions have been tested to protect the heart against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MIR) injury. Remote ischemic conditioning (RIC), an endogenous cardioprotective approach, could markedly improve cardiac function post-myocardial ischemia injury. In this study, we aimed to assess the effects of RIC on cardiac sympathetic nerve innervation and metabolism in the association with Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (GSPG).
Methods

Transient myocardial ischemia (30 min) is induced by ligature of the left anterior descending coronary artery ligation (LAD) in male Sprague Dawley rats (250-350 g), in vivo cardiac [11C]mHED and 2-[18F]FDG PET scans were performed at 14 days after ischemia. Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPerc) was induced by three cycles of five-minute-long unilateral hind limb ischemia and intermittent five minutes of reperfusion during LAD occlusion period. The quantitative parameters were quantified in parametric polar maps. This standardized format facilitates the regional radioactive quantification of parameters in deficit regions to remote areas. The ex vivo radionuclide distribution was additionally identified using autoradiography. Myocardial neuron density and GSPG expression were assessed by immunohistochemistry.
Results

There was no significant difference in the metabolism-defected to the remote activity ratio (44.6±4.8% vs. 45.4±4.4%) between control rats (MIR) and treated (MIR+RIPerc) rats (P>0.05). Additionally, the mean nervous activity of denervated myocardium activity was significantly elevated in rats with RIPerc coupled with reduced denervated myocardium size compared to the rats MIR group (35.9±7.1% vs. 28.9±2.3% of the left ventricular (LV) remote area (P<0.05). These findings were associated with preserved LV systolic function and a significant reduction in GSPG expression in the myocardium.
Conclusion

RIPerc presented the effect on cardiac sympathetic nerve innervation following ischemia, but there is no significant effect on myocardial metabolism. A long-term outcome study is warranted.
Effect of thyroid dysfunction on hematological profiles at Menelik II Referral Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Tewabe Haymanot , Mitiku Assaye , Abebaw Abtie
Published: December 2021

Background

Thyroid hormones have a crucial role in the metabolism, production, and proliferation of blood cells. So the current study aimed to assess the hematological profile of patients with thyroid dysfunction.
Methods

A comparative prospective study was conducted from June to September 2021; on a total of 360 participants (120 health groups and 240 patients with thyroid dysfunction. 10 ml of venous blood samples were collected and separated into two test tubes (in the SST tube used for measurement of TSH, T3, and T4, and sample in the EDTA tubes was used for CBC analysis). The analysis was done by using SPPS software. Finally, the result was interpreted by using chi-square, Pearson's correlation, and multivariate logistic regression. The level of statistical significance was set at a 95% confidence and P-value is less than 0.05 was considered clinically significant.
Results

Out of 360 study participants (120 (33.33%) hypothyroidism, 120 (33.33%) hyperthyroidism, and 120 (33.33%) healthy controls); 195 (54.2%) were female, 150 (41.7%) were in the age range of 25-44 years. The finding indicated a statistically significant decrease in RBC, Hgb, HCT, MCV, PLT, MCH, MCHC, MPV, and a significantly increased valve in RDW, WBC, and NEU% in both types of thyroid dysfunction compared to control groups (p-value <0.05). Finding of MON%, EOS% and BAS% did not show significant differences between the groups (p-value >0.05).
Conclusion

The finding showed that thyroid dysfunction has a significant effect on RBCs, Hgb, HCT, MCV MCHC, MCH, WBC, neutrophils, PLT count, and MPV findings (p<0.05). But no show significant effect on monocyte, eosinophil and basophils (p-value > 0.05).
Experimental Investigations On Optimizing Manufacturing Parameters For Electro-Spark Deposition Diamond Wire Saw
Authors: Li Chengyun , Ge Peiqi , Bi Wenbo , Wang Qihao
Published: December 2021

The third generation of superhard semiconductor materials, represented by single-crystal SiC, is used widely in microelectronics due to their excellent physical and mechanical properties. However, their high hardness and brittleness become the bottleneck of their development. Diamond wire saw (DWS) has become the mainstream tool for sawing hard and brittle crystal materials. However, the diamond abrasive is consolidated on the core wire through resin or electroplated nickel, and the holding strength is not high. When sawing superhard crystal materials, the efficiency is low. In order to improve the sawing efficiency of superhard crystal materials, it is of great significance to improve the wear resistance of wire saw and the holding strength of abrasive particles. Electro-spark deposition (ESD) can deposit electrode materials on the substrate with low heat input to achieve metallurgical bonding between metal materials. It can effectively improve the gripping strength of the abrasive grains. And the sawing ability of the wire saw to make the consolidated DWS by the ESD process. In this paper, the ESD equipment has been designed according to the characteristics of the ESDDWS process. The discharge gap size and electrode consumption are monitored in real-time by a single-chip microcomputer (SCM). Orthogonal experiments were carried out for the two motion modes. The effects of process parameters, such as (A) Grain size, (B) Abrasive content, (C) Pulse duration time, (D) Compacting pressure, (E) Current, (F) Electrode diameter, (G) Pulse interval time, (H) Reciprocating times, (I) Wire feed speed, on the quality of ESDDWS were analyzed. Through the extremum difference analysis, the optimal parameter combinations of ESDDWS were obtained. The results of the validation experiment are better than the original experimental results.
Long-term Mechanical Loading is Required for the Formation of 3D Bioprinted Functional Osteocyte Bone Organoids using Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Zhang Jianhua , Griesbach Julia , Ganeyev Marsel , Zehnder Anna-Katharina , Zeng Peng , Schädli Gian Nutal , Anke de Leeuw , Rubert Marina , Mueller Ralph
Published: December 2021

Mechanical loading has been shown to influence various osteogenic responses of bone-derived cells and bone formation in vivo. However, the influence of mechanical stimulation on the formation of bone organoid in vitro is not clearly understood. Here, 3D bioprinted human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs)-laden graphene oxide composite scaffolds were cultured in cyclic-loading bioreactors for up to 56 days. Our results showed that mechanical loading from day 1 (ML01) significantly increased organoid mineral density, organoid stiffness, and osteoblast differentiation compared with non-loading and mechanical loading from day 21. Importantly, ML01 stimulated collagen I maturation, osteocyte differentiation, lacunar-canalicular network formation and YAP expression on day 56. These finding are the first to reveal that long-term mechanical loading is required for the formation of 3D bioprinted functional osteocyte bone organoids. Such 3D bone organoids may serve as a human-specific alternative to animal testing for the study of bone pathophysiology and drug screening.
AstraZeneca ChAdOx1-S COVID-19 Vaccine Can Be Safely Administered in Patients with EDTA Allergy
Authors: Ali Syed Basharat , Perkins Griffith , Ryoo Dongjae , Lee Maverick , Tunbridge Matthew , Yuson Chino , Smith William , Hissaria Pravin , Le Thanh-Thao Adriana
Published: December 2021

Background: Immediate hypersensitivity reactions to COVID-19 vaccines have been postulated to be linked to their excipients, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) in Pfizer Comirnaty, or polysorbate 80 and ethylenediaminetetracetic acid (EDTA) in AstraZeneca ChAdOx1-S [recombinant] (Vaxzevria). These excipients are potentially found in a range of other products, including injectable and oral medications as well as intravenous radiocontrast media (RCM) and various cosmetic products.Currently patients with proven excipient allergy may be advised to avoid a COVID-19 vaccine containing that excipient and/or potentially cross-reactive excipients. We present two cases of previously confirmed EDTA anaphylaxis, who had negative Vaxzevria vaccine in-vivo testing and subsequently tolerated the vaccine.Case 1: A patient with history of anaphylaxis to RCM and local anaesthetics (LA) had positive intradermal test (IDT) to EDTA nine years earlier. Skin testing to Vaxzeria vaccine (up to 1:10 IDT), Comirnaty vaccine (up to 1:10 IDT) and EDTA 0.3mg/mL IDT were negative. However, following EDTA 3mg/ml IDT, he developed immediate generalised urticaria without anaphylaxis. Basophil activation testing was negative to disodium EDTA, Vaxzevria and Cominarty vaccines. Given the negative in-vitro and in-vivo testing to Vaxzevria vaccine, he proceeded to Vaxzevria immunisation and tolerated both doses.Case 2: A patient with history of anaphylaxis to RCM had positive skin testing to EDTA and RCM containing EDTA six years earlier. Following referral to COVID19 vaccine clinic, Vaxzevria vaccine (1:10 IDT) and Cominarty vaccine (1:10 IDT) were negative whilst EDTA was positive at 0.3mg/mL IDT. He subsequently tolerated both Vaxzevria vaccinations.Conclusion: Excipient allergy does not necessarily preclude a patient from receiving a vaccine containing that excipient. Allergy testing can help identify excipient-allergic patients who may still tolerate vaccination, which is important in situations where COVID-19 vaccination options are limited.
Deep Convolutional Bidirectional LSTM Model for identifying Ventricular Tachyarrhythmia using ECG Signal Variability
Authors: OJHA MANOJ KUMAR , Wadhwani Sulochna , Wadhwani Arun Kumar , Shukla Anupam
Published: December 2021

An electrocardiogram (ECG) signal is used widely to detect ventricular tachyarrhythmia (VTA) and to diagnose heart disease. Deep learning models and large ECG data have made the diagnosis of VTA an attractive task to demonstrate the power of artificial intelligence in clinical applications. One of the life-threatening complications of VTA is cardiac arrest (CA). The VTA is divided into two categories: ventricular fibrillation (VF) and ventricular tachycardia (VT). Abnormal electrical activity in the ventricle causes VT, which leads to CA, whereas the chaotic electrical activity in the ventricle leads to VF. To improve the clinical diagnostic system and to help cardiologists, it is essential to identify the risk of VTA at an early stage. The goal of this paper is to develop an end-to-end (E2E) deep learning model that uses a convolution neural network (CNN) and a bidirectional long-short term memory network (BiLSTM) to classify VT and VF arrhythmias from multiple ECG databases. The CNN extracts features from ECG signals, and BiLSTM learns information. The ECG signals are acquired from the MIT-BIH malignant ventricular arrhythmia database (VFDB) and the Creighton University VTA database (CUDB). These ECG signals indicate that heart rate variability is a fast and dynamic event. Before the method's implementation, ECG signals are windowed at a fixed size according to annotation information and then normalized within each window. In terms of accuracy and sensitivity, the proposed CNN-BiLSTM deep learning model outperforms existing state-of-the-art methods. These results made it possible to obtain a relatively higher average accuracy (AC) of 99.37%, precision (PE) of 97.12%, a sensitivity (SE) of 98.15%, and F-score (FS) of 98.43%, and an overall accuracy of 99.07%, respectively.
Mapping the Aetiology and Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns of Maternal Bacterial Infection in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocol
Authors: Chapuma Chikondi Isabel Joana , veer Charlotte Van der , Monk Edward J M , Selemani Apatsa , Kulapani David , Dunlop Catherine , Feasey Nicholas , Lissauer David
Published: December 2021

Background: Over two-thirds of global maternal deaths occur in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with more than 200,000 deaths per year. Maternal sepsis causes 10% of these deaths, twice the proportion observed in high-income countries. In SSA, limited access to diagnostic microbiology facilities poses difficulties in promptly identifying and managing maternal infection and sepsis. This protocol describes a systematic review and meta-analysis that aims to summarize available data on the main bacterial agents causing maternal infections and their antibiotic susceptibility in SSA. Methods: Three electronic databases will be searched: MEDLINE, Embase and African Journals Online. Our search strategy will combine terms relating to laboratory-confirmed bacterial infection, pregnancy, postnatal period and SSA. We will include observational studies describing maternal bacterial infection's aetiology and antimicrobial resistance patterns in SSA. Two authors will perform study selection, data extraction and quality assessment. A third author will be consulted to resolve disagreements if they arise.We will summarize the proportion (and 95% confidence intervals) of samples testing positive for the most common bacteria and, depending on the data's availability and heterogeneity, examine results by country and/or region. If possible, we will describe trends over time and differentiate aetiological organisms and resistance/sensitivities by maternal infection sources. We will also undertake subgroup analyses based on HIV status, the invasive and non-invasive status of the infection, SSA sub-regions and mortality if there is adequate information to make such subgroup analysis feasible. Discussion: Data on the microbiologic outcomes for maternal infections in SSA are likely fragmented and not fully representative due to the limited availability of microbiology diagnostics and geographical differences in clinical and laboratory practices. If this is the case, policies and programme strategies to guide treatment and identify antimicrobial resistance threats in SSA settings will be challenging to target. Our systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the available data, describe the main organisms causing maternal infection and their sensitivities, and identify areas that require further research. Prospero ID: CRD42021238515
Time-resolved smoothness of distributed brain activity tracks conscious states and unifies emergent neural phenomena
Authors: Nanda Aditya , Johnson Graham , Mu Yu , Ahrens Misha , Chang Catie , Englot Dario , Breakspear Michael , Rubinov Mikail
Published: December 2021

Much of systems neuroscience posits that emergent neural phenomena underpin important aspects of brain function. Studies in the field variously emphasize the importance of distinct emergent phenomena, including weakly stable dynamics, arrhythmic 1/f activity, long-range temporal correlations, and scale-free avalanche statistics. Few studies, however, have sought to reconcile these often abstract phenomena with interpretable properties of neural activity. Here, we developed a method to efficiently and unbiasedly generate model data constrained by interpretable empirical features in long neurophysiological recordings. We used this method to ground several major emergent neural phenomena to time-resolved smoothness, the correlation of distributed brain activity between adjacent timepoints. We first found that in electrocorticography recordings, time-resolved smoothness closely tracked transitions between conscious and anesthetized states. We then showed that a minimal model constrained by time-resolved smoothness, variance, and mean, captured dynamical and statistical emergent neural phenomena across modalities and species. Our results thus decouple major emergent neural phenomena from network mechanisms of brain function, and instead couple these phenomena to spatially nonspecific, time-resolved changes of brain activity. These results anchor several theoretical frameworks to a single interpretable property of the neurophysiological signal and, in this way, ultimately help bridge abstract theories of brain function with observed properties of brain activity.
A Multi-Epitope Vaccine Designed Against Blood-Stage of Malaria: An Immunoinformatic And Structural Approach
Authors: Atapour Amir , Vosough Parisa , Jafari Somayeh , Sarab Gholamreza Anani
Published: December 2021

Malaria is a complex disease caused by genus Plasmodiumis parasites and is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The most severe form of malaria disease is caused by Plasmodium falciparum. A combination of different approaches is needed to control malaria, and on the other hand, resistance to first-line drugs and insecticides makes the need for an effective vaccine more mandatory than ever. Erythrocyte parasites have the most clinical symptoms, so designing the potential vaccine for this stage of infection could be very helpful. In this research, we used various bioinformatics tools to design an effective antibody-inducing multi-epitope vaccine against the blood-stage of malaria infection. For this purpose, we selected the malaria PfGARP protein as the target here. The predicted B and HTL epitopes and flagellin molecule (as an adjuvant) were connected with suitable linkers and the final construct vaccine was designed. The various properties of this construct, including physicochemical properties, 3D structures, molecular docking, molecular simulations, and in silico cloning were then carried out. Based on preliminary findings, our designed fusion construct could be proposed as a novel potential vaccine candidate against Malaria. However, in vitro and in vivo studies are essential for further validation.
Combined, Converted, and Prophylactic Use of Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta for Severe Torso Trauma: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Irahara Takayuki , Oishi Dai , Tsuda Masanobu , Kajita Yuka , Mori Hisatake , Terashima Tsuguaki , Tanabe Subaru , Hattori Miyuki , Kuge Yuuji , Takeyama Naoshi
Published: December 2021

Background: Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is used as an intra-aortic balloon occlusion method in Japan; however, the protocols for its effective use in different pathological conditions remain unclear. This study aimed to summarise the strategies of REBOA use in severe torso trauma.Methods: Twenty-nine cases of REBOA for torso trauma treated at our hospital over 5 years were divided into the shock (n=12), cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) (n=13), and non-shock (n=4) groups. We retrospectively examined patient characteristics, trauma mechanism, injury site, severity score, intervention, survival rates at 24 hours, and intervention details in each group.Results: In the shock group, 9 and 3 patients survived and died within 24 hours, respectively; time to intervention (56.6 vs 130.7 min, p=0.346) and total occlusion time (40.2 vs 337.7 min, p=0.009) were both shorter in surviving patients than in the casualties. In the CPA group, 10 patients were converted from resuscitative thoracotomy with aortic cross-clamp (RTACC); a single patient survived. Four patients in the non-shock group survived, having received prophylactic REBOA.Conclusions: The efficacy of REBOA for severe torso trauma depends on patient condition. In the shock group, time to intervention and total occlusion time correlated with survival. The use of REBOA with definitive haemostasis and minimum delays to intervention may improve outcomes. Patients with CPA are at a high risk of mortality; however, conversion from RTACC may be effective in some cases. Prophylactic intervention in the non-shock group may help achieve immediate definitive haemostasis.
Understanding Rheology of Metal Nanocontacts
Authors: Khosravi Ali , LAINE Antoine , Vanossi Andrea , Wang Jin , Siria Alessandro , Tosatti Erio
Published: December 2021

The mechanical rigidity or softness of metal-metal nanocontacts under large vibrations is important in nanoscale rheology and in technology. A puzzling shear-induced liquefaction under oscillatory strain, totally unexpected at room temperature, was suggested by recent experiments on nanosized gold junctions. Here we show theoretically that the simulated gold nanocontact structure actually remains crystalline even under large oscillatory strains. Tensile and compressive slips, respectively of “necking” and “bellying” types, do take place, but recover reversibly even during fast oscillatory cycles. We also explain why, counterintuitively, the residual stress remains tensile after both slips, driving the averaged stiffness from positive to negative, thus superficially mimicking a liquid’s. Unlike a liquid, however, the softening of the solid junction occurs by stick-slip, predicting largely frequency independent stiffness with violent noise in stress and conductance, all properties compatible with experiments. This surprising large amplitude rheology of nanojunctions and its consequences are likely to apply, with different parameters, to many other metals.
Risk Factor Analysis of Perioperative Complications in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Undergoing Primary Cervical Spine Surgery
Authors: Sakuraba Koji , Omori Yuki , Kai Kazuhiro , Terada Kazumasa , Kobara Nobuo , Kamura Satoshi , Fujimura Kenjiro , Bekki Hirofumi , Ohta Masanari , Miyahara Hisa-aki , Fukushi Jun-ichi
Published: December 2021

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) often causes cervical spine lesions as the disease condition progresses, which induce occipital neuralgia or cervical myelopathy requiring surgical interventions. Meanwhile, patients with RA are susceptible to infection or other complications in the perioperative period because they frequently have comorbidities and use immunosuppressive medications. However, the risk factors or characteristics of patients with RA who experience perioperative complications after cervical spine surgery remain unknown. A risk factor analysis of perioperative complications in patients with RA who underwent primary cervical spine surgery was conducted in the present study.Methods: A total of 139 patients with RA who underwent primary cervical spine surgery from January 2001 to March 2020 were retrospectively investigated. Age and height, weight, serum albumin, serum C-reactive protein, American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status (ASA-PS), Charlson comorbidity index, medications used, cervical spine lesion, surgery time, bleeding volume, and procedures were collected from medical records to compare the patients with complications to those without complications after surgery. The risk factors for perioperative complications were assessed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results: Twenty-eight patients (20.1%) had perioperative complications. Perioperative complications were significantly associated with the following factors [data presented as odds ratio (confidence interval)]: lower height [0.928 (0.880-0.980), p=0.007], higher ASA-PS [2.296 (1.007-5.235), p=0.048], longer operation time [1.013 (1.004-1.021), p=0.003], more bleeding volume [1.004 (1.000-1.007), p=0.04], higher rates of vertical subluxation [2.914 (1.229-6.911), p=0.015] and subaxial subluxation (SAS) [2.507 (1.063-5.913), p=0.036], occipito-cervical (OC) fusion [3.438 (1.189-9.934), p=0.023], and occipito-cervical/thoracic (long) fusion [8.021 (2.145-29.99), p=0.002] in univariate analyses. In multivariate analyses, lower height [0.915 (0.860-0.974), p=0.005], higher ASA-PS [2.622 (1.023-6.717), p=0.045] and long fusion [7.289 (1.694-31.36), p=0.008] remained risk factors. High-dose prednisolone use [1.247 (1.024-1.519), p=0.028], SAS [6.413 (1.381-29.79), p=0.018], OC fusion [17.93 (1.242-258.8), p=0.034] and long fusion [108.1 (6.876-1699), p<0.001] were associated with severe complications.Conclusions: ASA-PS and long fusion could be indicators predicting perioperative complications in patients with RA after cervical spine surgery. In addition, cervical spine lesions requiring OC fusion or long fusion and high-dose prednisolone use were suggested to be risk factors for increasing severe complications.
Influence of Short-Term Conservative Treatment Using Kinesiotape On Hallux Valgus Angle
Authors: Ahmed Mohamed , Gharib Magdy , Moustafa Mahmoud , Qasheesh Mohammed
Published: December 2021

Background: Hallux Valgus HV was first proposed as a common pathologic condition affecting the great toe. The mechanism behind it is yet unknown. It has an impact on one's quality of life and ability to perform since it alters the mechanics of the foot and causes pain. conservative treatment is crucial. Kinesiotape (KT) has been demonstrated to be challengeable, cost-effective, and effective tool for restoring muscle function and strength, improving range of motion, reducing discomfort, and increasing lymphatic drainage, as well as having a mechanical correction effect. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of 8 weeks KT for HV-on-HV angle (HVA) and subsequently on pain.Design: pretest posttest control group randomized controlled trial.Subjects: Thirty HV patients their mean age 29.07 ±6.3 years.Methods: Patients were assigned randomly to study(A) and control(B) groups, study group received KT for HV which is replaced every 5 days for 8 weeks, and home regular exercise program for HV, control group received placebo KT replaced every 5 days and the same exercise program for HV, HVA was measured using x-ray pre and post taping also pain intensity was measured using visual analogue scale (VAS) Results: HVA showed a significant reduction in study group (p = 0.001) for right and left feet while non-significant reduction occurred in control group (p = 0.11 for right foot, p = 0.09 for left foot, while pain showed significant improvement in both study and control groups in both feet (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that KT in mobile hallux valgus for 8 weeks is effective on improving the metatarsophalangeal joint angle, decreasing pain, and hence may has positive functional impact in patients with hallux valgus.Clinical trial registration: retrospectively registered 5th of DEC. (NCT05165134)
Superlative Photoelectrochemical Properties of 3D MgCr- LDH Nanoflowers influencing towards Photoinduced Water Splitting Reactions
Authors: nayak susanginee , Parida Kulamani M.
Published: December 2021

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are competent photocatalysts for water splitting reactions, vital to produce solar fuels, but their restricted available reactive sites, slow mass and charge transfer, are yet remain a challenge. To surmount these lacunas, Nanoflowers-like three-dimensional (3D) open structure of MgCr-LDH have been designed in a substrate-free path by one-step formamide assisted hydrothermal treatment followed by visible light irradiation and utilized as efficient photocatalysts for the H2 and O2 production. The structural, morphological, optical and photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties of the MgCr-LDH nanoflowers were extensively examined, by various physico-chemical characterization techniques. Moreover, the well-designed 3D MgCr-LDH nanoflowers with open structure were formed by a stacking of numerous 2D nanosheets, which inherently triggered with magnificent PEC properties, including high current density of 6.9 mA/cm2, smallest arc of the Nyquist plot (59.1 Ω cm−2) with photostability of 6000 s thereby enhancing the photocatalytic water splitting activity along. Moreover such a perfectly self-stacked 2D nanosheet in 3D MgCr-LDH possess defect sites as enriched 50% oxygen vacancy resulting a good contact surface within the structure for effective light absorption and easy electron and hole separation, facilitates the adsorption of protons and intermediate of water oxidation. Further, the doped Cr3+ pull up electrons from water oxidation intermediates, thereby displaying superior photocatalytic H2 and O2 production activity of 1315 µmol/h and 579 µmol/h, respectively. Favorable oxygen vacancy type defect surface with Cr3+ dopant in MgCr-LDH triggers significant PEC properties, which influences the easy charge transfer and separation mechanism and robustly enhance the photocatalytic performance of the nanoflower.