bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Zinc Levels in Blood, Liver and Stomach Contents using ICP-AES: A Cross Sectional Autopsy Based Study
Authors:   PhD Scholar, Dept. of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Forensic Science Laboratory, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India., Yadav Anita , Kumar Adarsh ,   Professor, Dept. of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Forensic Science Laboratory, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India., Singh Surender ,   Professor, Dept. of Pharmacology, 5Ex-Director, Forensic Science Laboratory, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India., Jaiswal AK ,   Chemist, Dept. of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Forensic Science Laboratory, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India., Sharma Madhulika ,   Ex-Director, Forensic Science Laboratory, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India., Millo Tabin ,   Professor, Dept. of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology,Forensic Science Laboratory, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India., Gupta SK ,   Professor,  Dept. of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Forensic Science Laboratory, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India.
Published: January 2024

Zinc is an essential component of the body, but its excess quantity is harmful and long term intake above upper limits causes acute or chronic toxicity. Normal levels of zinc in serum is 75-120 µg/dL while in blood it is 1200 µg/dL. A study was conducted to determine the level of zinc in various biological samples from the medicolegal autopsies conducted at mortuary, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. Biological samples were taken from 100 cases comprising of Blood, Liver & Stomach contents from each case. They were analysed using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrophotometry (ICP-AES). The data obtained were analysed using various demographic profiles and treatment history to know prevalence & distribution of these metals in general population so as to help later in investigation of alleged deaths due to metal toxicity & metallic compounds poisoning. The result showed mean blood zinc levels were 14.21 μg/ ml (range 0-77.36 μg/ml), mean zinc levels in liver and stomach contents were 25.66 μg/g (range 0.72–127.03 μg/g) and 7.95 μg/ml (range 0–60.94 μg/ml) respectively. The data analysis on the basis of treatment history showed that mean zinc levels in blood, liver and stomach contents were higher in cases where treatment was not given i.e. 14.97 µg/ml, 15.25 µg/g and 8.18 µg/ml respectively.
Some Forensic Aspects on Antidepressants Drugs
Authors:   Senior Scientific Officer, Regional Forensic Science Laboratory, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh 474009, India., Dhingra Vinod , Gupta Ritika ,   Scientific Assistant, Forensic Sciences Laboratory, New Delhi 110085, India.
Published: January 2024

Antidepressants are the most prescribed for depression. The exact mechanism of action of antidepressant is unknown. The prevailing theory is that antidepressants increase the concentration of one or more brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) that nerves in the brain use to communicate with one another. The neurotransmitters affected by antidepressants are nor epinephrine, serotonin and dopamine. The different classes of antidepressants differ in the neurotransmitters they affect. This determines some of their side effects and potential drug interactions. All available antidepressants are effective and for most cases of depression there is no good evidence that any antidepressant is more effective than another. Side effects and potential drug interactions are major factors that influence selection of antidepressants. This article highlights some forensic aspects, their types, side effects and potential drug interactions of the major antidepressants classes.
Death due to Accidental Electrocution: Social Aspects: A Case Report
Authors:   Senior Resident, Department of Forensic Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Sri Aurobindo Marg, Ansari Nagar, Ansari Nagar East, New Delhi, Delhi 110029, India., Kumar Hemant , Ruchi K Vanika ,   Junior Resident Department of Forensic Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Sri Aurobindo Marg, Ansari Nagar, Ansari Nagar East, New Delhi, Delhi 110029, India., K Ruchi ,   Junior Resident Department of Forensic Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Sri Aurobindo Marg, Ansari Nagar, Ansari Nagar East, New Delhi, Delhi 110029, India., V Aravindan ,   Junior Resident Department of Forensic Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Sri Aurobindo Marg, Ansari Nagar, Ansari Nagar East, New Delhi, Delhi 110029, India., Dey Arijit ,   Senior Resident, Department of Forensic Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Sri Aurobindo Marg, Ansari Nagar, Ansari Nagar East, New Delhi, Delhi 110029, India.
Published: January 2024

Background: The passage of electric current through human body can produce multiple effects, commonly known as Electrocution. The passage of electric current through the body produces wide range of effects, varying from insignificant localized spasm, little or no contact burns, fatality with little or no burns or extreme severe burning. Case Report: A detailed history of the incident revealed that the bike rider skid and fell on the water logged road in rainy season and came in contact with the high tension wire and was electrocuted. The second person tried to attend to the bike driver and he also came in contact with the same wire and died instantly. Autopsy revealed external electrocution injuries on both deceased. Both these deaths were accidental in nature and were preventable. Histopathological examination of the electric contact point showed elongation and streaming of nuclei with focal inter-epidermal and epidermal-dermal separation. Conclusion: This present article focuses on need for proper development of water drainage system especially during rainy season and also to generate public awareness regarding regular supervision of roadside Electric pole and wires which could prevent similar accidents. A detailed history regarding the incidence, scene visit, circumstantial evidence, statement of witness and proper postmortem examination with the histopathological examination are recommended prior to concluding the cause of death in case of alleged death due to electrocution. The data can be used for further planning and implementation of adequate measures to prevent accidents and thereby benefit the society.
Contemporary Advances of Electrochemical Sensors in Forensic Applications
Authors:   Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, Sri Aurobindo College, University of Delhi, Delhi 110017,, Kumar Singh Vinay , Giri NG ,   Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, Shivaji College, Universityof Delhi, Delhi 110027,, Abbas NS ,   Associate Professor, Department of Botany, Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences, University of Delhi, Delhi 110075, India,, Shukla SK ,   Assistant Professor Department of Polymer Science, Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences, University of Delhi, Delhi 110075, India.
Published: January 2024

The present review article discusses the advances in electrochemical sensing for applications in forensic science to solve criminal conspiracy and cases. The basic principle involved in electrochemical sensing has been discussed along with their technical features and limitations. Furthermore, the significance of electrochemical sensing in the analysis of forensic samples i.e heavy metals, drugs, illicit compounds, biological weapons with suitable illustrations have been presented. The advances in electrochemical sensors have so far documented tremendous findings to assist forensic experts in correlating crime incidents with documents with some drawbacks. This linkage between the success and failure of electrochemical sensing in forensic sciences has tried to establish in interest in the safety and security of a society.
Thin Layer Chromatographic Detection of Dicyclomine Hydrochloride Extracted from Whole Blood
Authors:   Junior Research Fellow, Department, Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan Hospital, National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science, Delhi 110085,, Jain Neha , Krishna Supriya ,   Senior Scientific Assistant (Toxicology), Chemistry Department, Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan Hospital, National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science, Delhi 110085,, Jaiswal AK ,   Chemist, Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Department, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India.
Published: January 2024

Dicyclomine Hydrochloride belongs to a class of synthetic anticholinergics. It is regularly used for the treatment of spasmodic pain, spasmodic dysmenorrhea, and renal, ureteric and biliary colic. This drug is easily available in the market and can be abused for suicidal purposes. Its unsupervised use can lead to abuse, accidental poisoning along with the occasional report of intentional suicidal poisoning. Hence its analysis is very important for medicolegal purposes.Biological samples of choice for routine qualitative analysis of drug is liver, stomach content, whole blood, and urine. Routine toxicological procedures employ highly sophisticated state of the art instruments like High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Gas Liquid Chromatography (GLC) and Liquid ChromatographyMass Spectrophotometer (LC-MS) for the estimation of drug from biological and non-biological matrices but the present paper deals with an attempt to analyse the drug extracted from the biological sample of interest using a simple, feasible and optimal method with the help of Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC). The study involves the extraction of the drug from matrix (blood), using Liquid-Liquid Extraction method of alkaline plasma followed by its separation and identification by Thin Layer Chromatography. The present paper describes a simple, economical, reproducible sample extraction, clean-up and detection method that can be easily attempted in a laboratory. Keywords: Whole blood; Dicyclomine; Extraction; Analysis; Drug.
Significance of Autosomal STR Markers Kits to Determine Sexual Assault Case Involving Brother
Authors:   Scientific Officer, DNA Fingerpringing Unit, State Forensic Science Laboratory, Department of Home Police, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh 470001, India., Bhati Praveesh
Published: January 2024

Sexual harassment of women and child is an unpardonable crime that fallout from the distorted mentality of vermin men. A crime of this nature becomes very tragic and complicated when a close relative or family member of the victim is involved. In many cases the event is hidden under family pressure due to fear of desecration. Once such a crime is reported, it is necessary to detect the incident by scientific method. DNA fingerprinting plays an important role in detecting a criminal's involvement in a crime. Currently, the Y STR marker kit is available which helps to detect presence of male content on the exhibits, received from the complainant. But in some circumstances in which the woman is raped by her husband's spouse, the Y STR marker kit is not sufficient to give conclusive outcome. The present study is based on a similar incident in which a married woman was raped by her brother-inlaw. The presence of male DNA was confirmed by Y STR markers kit on the source of victim. Obtained Y STR DNA profile was completely matched with the male (Y) STR DNA profile of offender’s source, but this profile was also found similar to the male (Y) STR DNA profile of the victim's husband's. When the autosomal STR DNA profile was obtained from isolated DNA, conclusive results were obtained that the male DNA found at the victim's source was of the perpetrator rather than the victim's husband. The current case study suggests that the main advantage of using Y-STR approach is the ability to detect male DNA at the source of the victim, but when the woman is married and her husband's paternal relatives are involved in incidents can share same Y Lineages, then Such cases can only be resolved by using autosomal STR markers kit. Keywords: Sexual assault; Paternal relative; Power plex Y-STR; Global filer autosomal STR; DNA typing; Multiplex PCR.
Masseur: A Therapist or Sexual Abuser
Authors:   Deputy Director, Chemistry Division, Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Directorate of Forensic Science Services, Chandigarh 160036, India, Middha Deepak , Negi Archna ,   Junior Scientific Officer, Chemistry Division, Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Directorate of Forensic Science Services, Chandigarh 160036, India
Published: January 2024

Massage therapy is the scientific manipulation of the soft tissues of the body by applying pressure, holding & moving muscles and body tissues. This therapy releases stress and advance the function and health of the body. This therapy involves an element of trusts from massage therapists but in recent years there have been a rise in number of sexual assault by massage therapist. The therapist during massage therapy maliciously touches or passes demeaning comments to partially dressed customers. The clients after the incident do not come forward to register a complaint and some victims even feel ashamed to discuss as if they did something wrong or invited the sexual assault. Moreover, the investigating agencies are also facing difficulties in ascertaining the sexual assault charges as several cases regarding sexual assault in massage parlors are still lying pending with many laboratories due to unavailability of facilities or appropriate scientific methods. Hence, need of the hour is to unequivocally establish a technique for analysis of massage oil related sexual assault cases. In this paper inner wears of victim were analysed by two techniques i.e. ATR-FTIR and GC-MS. Various fragrance additives of massage oil alongwith some other chemical components including lignan, phytosterols, triterpene, sesquiterpene, antioxidant, saturated fatty acid, di-ester and skin conditioning agent that were originally contributed from the body odour & cosmetics/perfumery products of victim on her inner wears were detected. This research publication does have societal outreach as it makes the public at large aware about these unreported & hidden sexual crime committed by massage therapist under the guise of massage in massage parlors and delineate an urgency to apprehend these massage therapist. Their wrongful act in the guise of massage can be proved scientifically and can put them behind the bar.
A Guide to Forensic Photography: An Indispensable Tool in Modern Forensic Medicine Practice and Medicolegal Cases
Authors:   Senior Resident, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India., Raoof Abdul , Yadav Abhishek ,   Additional Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India., Vignesh Raj K Karthi ,   Senior Resident, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India., K Gupta Sudhir ,   Professor and Head, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India.
Published: January 2024

Forensic photography has become an important tool in the medicolegal system, so as to it give a complete picture for investigating crime scenes. It is the easiest and effectual way to capture the crime scene, in a way what could’ve happened that even the most illustrative and descriptive words could not do. However, appropriate selection and implementation of the proper photography and computer equipment combined with effective training and correct workflow patterns is required for incorporating photography into the field of forensic practice with proper documentation. This paper highlights basic aspects to gain clear and focused photographs both in living individuals and Medicolegal Postmortem examination. The paper contains the propositions for a draft protocol for Forensic Photography in Crime Scene Examination, Medicolegal examination, postmortem examination and examination of exhibits. The authors aim to make a guiding document by virtue of their experience so as to guide the young Forensic Medicine experts/ Forensic Scientists.
Interesting Nuclear Magnetic Resonance studies of some N, N-bis(2-methoxyethyl) substituted Benzamides
Authors:   Directorate of International Cooperation, Defence Research and Development Organisation, Raja ji Marg, New Delhi 110011, India,, Sharma Mamta , Kumar Mewar Sujeet ,   Scientist, Department of NMR, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India.
Published: January 2024

DEET (N, N Diethyl m-toluamide) and DEPA (Diethyl phenyl acetamide) are synthetic compounds and proven potent insecticide and repellent respectively. In the search of effective mosquito repellent, different derivatives of DEPA or substituted benzamides were synthesized and their NMR analysis was carried out at low temperature. Sterically Crowded Bis (2-methoxyethyl) substituted Benzamides possess low rotational barrier and are floppy at room temperature. Alkyl arms attached to nitrogen become magnetically nonequivalent even at low temperature. Di ortho Substitution in benzamides enhanced hindered internal rotation and resulted splitting in methylene proton signals. The effect of substitution in benzene ring, on the splitting of methylene proton NMR is very well explained and the complete NMR data of substituted benzamides is described in this study for reference purpose.
Listeria contamination in milk-processing chain and proficiency in Listeria monocytogenes decontamination of small-scale milk retailers
Authors: Kananub Suppada , Lertsakkongkul Papavarin , Aryatawong Patsara , Horhirunkhajohn Wilailak , Pinniam Nayika , Krajanglikit Praphaphan , Sonthong Kamonrat , Kasemsuwan Suwicha
Published: January 2024

Listeria spp. is an important-foodborne bacterium. This microorganism can be discarded from milk using high temperatures such as pasteurization. The milk processing methods of many small-scale retailers lack quality control. This study was to survey Listeria contamination at the farm and retailer levels. The retailers were to be interviewed for knowledge, attitude, and practice as well. Finally, we were to determine the heating processes employed to decontaminate microorganisms by the retailers using a reference strain of L. monocytogenes. Milk samples were collected from milk collecting centers and small-scale retailers. In clinical trial, the processing measures were proved the proficiency in L. monocytogenes decontamination. One out of 99 farms presented Listeria contamination, confirmed to L. marthii. Fifty small-scale retailers participated in the second part, including 13 males and 37 females. No Listeria spp., but Staphylococcus spp. and Bacillus spp. were identified in the processed milk. Data analyses revealed that the location of the retailer was significantly associated with the volume they routinely ordered per lot and the milk-processing time the retailers used to treat milk. Knowledge on raw milk contamination is significantly associated with the stocking or processing of the whole milk lot. Processing measures pre-sale significantly depended on the sex of the retailer. The male retailer reportedly spent less time treating milk than the female retailer. L. monocytogenes was used in the trial to evaluate the efficiency of the processes. No L. monocytogenes were after sample treatment, but S. epidermidis, S. warneri, and Escherichia coli. Although the trial implied that the retailer’s processes were effective in L. monocytogenes decontamination, the study presented the inappropriate practices of the retailer and the probability of cross-contamination. Product safety from small-scale milk retailers should be monitored incessantly.
A validated restriction enzyme ddPCR cg05575921 (AHRR) assay to accurately assess smoking exposure.
Authors: Fitzgerald Sandra , Bhat Basharat , Print Cristin , Jones Gregory
Published: January 2024

Background & Methods: In this study, a novel restriction enzyme (RE) digestion-based droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) assay was designed for cg005575921 within the AHRR gene body and compared with matching results obtained by bisulfite conversion (BIS) ddPCR and Illumina DNA methylation array.
Results: The RE ddPCR cg05575921 assay appeared concordant with BIS ddPCR (r2=0.94, P<0.0001) and when compared with the Illumina array, had significantly better smoking status classification performance for current versus never smoked (AUC 0.96 versus 0.93, P<0.04) and current versus ex-smoker (AUC 0.88 versus 0.83, P<0.04) comparisons.
Conclusions: The RE ddPCR cg05575921 assay accurately predicts smoking status and could be a useful component of ‘precision-medicine’ chronic disease risk screening tools.
Molecular Control via Dynamic Bonding Enables Material Responsiveness in Additively Manufactured Metallo-Polyelectrolytes
Authors: Lee Seola , Walker Pierre , Velling Seneca , Chen Amylynn , Taylor Zane , Fiori Cyrus , Gandhi Vatsa , Wang Zhen-Gang , Greer Julia
Published: January 2024

Metallo-polyelectrolytes have emerged as compelling functional materials for various applications – from filtration to biomedical devices and sensors – through the unique metal–organic matrix synergy [1–4]. The dynamic, reversible electrostatic interactions between metal ions and charged polymer chains offer advanced functionality such as relatively high ionic conductivity, thermal and electrochemical stability, self-healing capabilities, and broad tunability of mechanical properties in this unique class of materials [5, 6]. The knowledge gap between molecular-level chemistry of dynamic bonds and continuum-level material properties have limited the development and utilization of these materials in real-world applications [5]. Existing state-of-the-art fabrication methods typically involve cumbersome, multi-step solution-based synthesis, which usually produces materials with inhomogeneity and poor long-term stability. The multitude of time/length scales associated with the actuation and stimulus-driven response of metallo--electrolytes presents further computational challenges, which limits theoretical guidance for the development of experimental methods. We demonstrate a single-step stereolithography-based additive manufacturing (AM) method to produce metallo-polyelectrolyte complexed (MPEC) gels, which produces homogeneous, stable, and long-lasting materials using a straightforward synthesis route. We demonstrate that the AM-fabricated MPEC gels allow tunability in their mechanical response via two critical control parameters: (1) metal ion valency and (2) polymer charge sparsity. We discover that the mono-, di-, and trivalent metal ions afford control of the coordination environment and bond strength within the polymer matrix, which propagates to the macroscale properties where higher valency ions result in stiffer and tougher materials. Polyanion charge sparsity, regulated by the pH of the precursor photoresin, also impacts the gel phase, leading to changes in the mechanical response. We introduce experimentally-informed, theoretically-guided framework to draw mechanistic insight from molecular modeling and demonstrate the remarkable interplay of dynamic crosslinker valency and polyanion charge sparsity in governing material properties of MPEC gels. This work provides a comprehensive understanding of the metallo-polyelectrolyte behavior and lays out their parameter space, enabling selective design of advanced compliant and functional metallo-polyelectrolytes.
associations between recurrent COVID-19, attention and mental health: a longitudinal study
Authors: Khodami Mohammad Ahsan , Hosseini Seyed Mohammad , Bagheri Seyran , Kireeva Sofia
Published: January 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted mental health worldwide. While emerging research indicates attentional impairments following initial COVID-19 illness, no studies have examined the effects of recurrent infections. This longitudinal study investigated the cumulative impacts of repeat COVID-19 diagnosis on depression, anxiety, stress, and attentional components. Participants completed the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and Attentional Control Scale (ATTC) at the initial diagnosis and again approximately one year later. The results revealed pronounced increases in depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms following recurrent versus initial COVID-19 diagnosis. Recurrently infected participants also displayed deficits in attentional shifting and overall attentional control, despite intact focusing abilities. Notably, negative correlations between attentional components emerged only after repeat illness. Overall, the findings indicate cumulative adverse psychological and cognitive effects of multiple COVID-19 infections over time. This research remains highly relevant despite the waning pandemic by elucidating lasting impacts on mental health and cognition while informing care for "long COVID" neuropsychiatric sequelae. Monitoring cognitive function and assessing neuropsychiatric outcomes should remain priorities in future public health crises.
Observation of unconventional van der Waals multiferroics near room
temperature
Authors: Peng Bo , Wu Yangliu , Lu Haipeng , Han Xiaocang , Yang Chendi , Liu Nanshu , Zhao Xiaoxu , Qiao Liang , Ji Wei , Che Renchao , Deng Longjiang
Published: January 2024

The search for two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) multiferroics is an exciting yet challenging endeavor. Room-temperature 2D vdW few-layer multiferroic is a much bigger insurmountable obstacle. Here we report the discovery of an unconventional 2D vdW multiferroic with out-of-plane ferroelectric polarization and long-range magnetic orders in trilayer NiI2 device from 10 K to 295 K. The evolutions of magnetic domains with magnetic field, and the evolutions between ferroelectric and antiferroelectric phase have been unambiguously observed. More significantly, we realize a robust mutual control of magnetism and ferroelectricity near room temperature. The magnetic domains are manipulated by a small voltage ranging from ±1 V to ±6 V at 0 T and 295 K. This work opens opportunities for exploring multiferroic physics at the limit of few atomic layers.
Gene Expression Associated with Unfavorable Vaginal Bleeding in Women Using the Etonogestrel Subdermal Contraceptive Implant: A Prospective Study
Authors: Torelli Flávia R. , Rodrigues-Peres Raquel M. , Monteiro Ilza , Lopes-Cendes Iscia , Bahamondes Luis , Juliato Cássia
Published: January 2024

Objective
To evaluate gene expression associated with unfavorable vaginal bleeding in users of the Etonogestrel (ENG) contraceptive implant.
Materials and Methods
prospective study involving 100 women who intended to use the ENG implant. Exclusion criteria included abnormal uterine bleeding, inability to attend a 1-year follow-up, and implant removal for reasons unrelated to vaginal bleeding or loss of follow-up. We obtained endometrial biopsies before implant placement and assessed the expression of 20 selected genes. Users maintained a uterine bleeding diary for 12 months post-implant placement. For statistical analysis, we categorized women into those with or without favorable vaginal bleeding at 3 and 12 months.
Results
Women with lower CXCL1 expression had a 6.8-fold increased risk of unfavorable vaginal bleeding at 3 months (OR 6.8, 95% CI 2.21–20.79, p < 0.001), while those with higher BCL6 and BMP6 expression had 6- and 5.1-fold increased risks, respectively. By the 12-month follow-up, women with lower CXCL1 expression had a 5.37-fold increased risk of unfavorable vaginal bleeding (OR 5.37, 95% CI 1.63–17.73, p = 0.006). Women with CXCL1 expression < 0.0675, BCL6 > 0.65, and BMP6 > 3.4 had a higher likelihood of experiencing unfavorable vaginal bleeding at 3 months, and CXCL1 < 0.158 at 12 months.
Conclusion
Users of ENG contraceptive implants with elevated BCL6 and BMP6 expression exhibited a higher risk of breakthrough bleeding at the 3-month follow-up. Conversely, reduced CXCL1 expression was associated with an elevated risk of bleeding at both the 3 and 12-month follow-ups.
Metabolic adaptation following gastric bypass surgery: Results from a 2-year observational study.
Authors: Price Ruth , Naseer Fathimath , Zhang Shu-Dong , Miras Alexander , Redpath Tamsyn , Martin Melanie , Boyd Adele , Spence Heather , Pournaras Dimitri , Kerrigan David , Bodnar Zsolt , Roux Carel Le , Livingstone M
Published: January 2024

Background/Objectives: Metabolic adaptation is the lowering of basal metabolic rate (BMR) beyond what is predicted from changes in fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) and may hamper weight-loss progression. It is unclear whether metabolic adaptation occurs following gastric bypass surgery (GBP) and if it persists. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reduction in BMR that is not explained by changes in body composition in patients following GBP compared to a weight-stable comparator group.
Subjects: Thirty-one patients [77.4% female; mean BMI 45.5(SD 7.0) kg/m2; age 47.4 (11.6)y] who underwent GBP, and 32 time-matched comparators [50% female; BMI 27.2(4.6) kg/m2; age 41.8(13.6)y) were evaluated at 1-month pre-surgery, 3-, 12- and 24-months post-surgery.
Methods: BMR was measured under standardised residential conditions using indirect calorimetry and body composition using DXA. Linear regression analyses assessed metabolic adaptation post-surgery.
Results: After surgery, patients lost a quarter of their body weight [-25.6%(1.8%); p<0.0001] consisting mainly of FM (4:1 FM to FFM loss ratio) at 24-months post-surgery. Absolute BMR (MJ/d) reduced by 25.7% at 24-months post-surgery with values becoming similar to the comparator group from 3-months post-surgery. Positive associations were observed between changes in BMR and changes in FFM and FM (P<0.03). Metabolic adaptation was present in patients during the 1) rapid weight loss phase (6.9kg/month at 3-months post-surgery)(p=0.011), 2) slower weight loss phase (1.6kg/month from 3 to 12-months post-surgery)(p<0.0001), and, 3) weight maintenance phase (24-months post-surgery)(p=0.00073). However, the degree of metabolic adaptation observed in GBP patients was similar to the weight-stable comparator group (no metabolic adaptation) from 12-months post-surgery onwards (3-months; p=0.01, 12-months; p=0.26, 24-months post-surgery; p=0.70).
Conclusion: These results suggest that there is a potential biological mechanism of surgery that attenuates the expected postoperative downregulation in BMR thus helping GBP patients maintain weight loss.
HealthyPlan.City: A Web Tool to Support Urban Environmental Equity and Public Health in Canadian Communities
Authors: Doiron Dany , Setton Eleanor M , Seyer Joey , Redivo Andre , McKee Allan , Noaeen Mohammad , Patel Priya , Booth Gillian L , Brauer Michael , Fuller Daniel , Kestens Yan , Rosella Laura C , Stieb Dave , Villeneuve Paul , Brook Jeffrey R
Published: January 2024

Urban environmental factors such as air quality, heat islands, and access to greenspaces and community amenities impact public health. Some vulnerable populations such as low income groups, children, older adults, new immigrants, and visible minorities live in areas with fewer beneficial conditions and therefore face greater health risks. Planning and advocating for equitable healthy urban environments requires systematic analysis of reliable spatial data to identify where vulnerable populations intersect with positive or negative urban/environmental characteristics. To facilitate this effort in Canada, we developed HealthyPlan.City (https://healthyplan.city/), a freely available web mapping platform for users to visualize the spatial patterns of built environment indicators, vulnerable populations and environmental inequity within over 125 Canadian cities. This tool helps users identify areas within Canadian cities where relatively higher proportions of vulnerable populations experience lower than average levels of beneficial environmental conditions, which we refer to as Equity priority areas. Using nationally standardized environmental data from satellite imagery and other large geospatial databases and demographic data from the Canadian Census, HealthyPlan.City provides a block-by-block snapshot of environmental inequities in Canadian cities. The tool aims to support urban planners, public health professionals, policy makers and community organizers to identify neighbourhoods where targeted investments and improvements to the local environment would simultaneously help communities address environmental inequities, promote public health and adapt to climate change. In this paper, we report on the key considerations that informed our approach to developing this tool, and describe the current web-based application.
The Relationship between Neighborhood Urban Form and Major Non-communicable Diseases in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Dehkordi Zeynab Sadat Fazeli , Khatami Seyed Mahdi , Ranjbar Ehsan
Published: January 2024

In the current century, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases are among the main causes of mortality in all countries. However, little research has been conducted into the complex relationships between the neighborhood-built environment and the risk factors of non-communicable diseases in developed countries. For this purpose, this relationship was examined in 358 neighborhoods of Tehran. The information about disease rates and their risk factors in each neighborhood was collected for 118,000 adult residents based on the results of the second round of Urban Health Equity Assessment and Response Tool (Urban HEART-2). Next, the relationship of the data to 9 indicators of urban form in the neighborhoods and three socio-economic indicators was investigated using covariance analysis and ordinal logistic regression in SPSS and Minitab. The findings suggest that, apart from the effect of the economic and social status of the neighborhoods, some indicators of the built environment such as density, land use, green space, and access to public transportation can also affect the rates of the diseases as well as their risk factors (i.e., overweightness, obesity, and hypertension). As the main cause of many diseases, overweightness was found out to have the highest correlation with the indicators of urban form. In general, it can be concluded that the design and planning of urban neighborhoods may provide a good opportunity for improving urban health and preventing such diseases.
Bathymetric and Sediment Assessment for the Lukanga Swamps in Central Province, Zambia
Authors: Muchanga Manoah , Sichingabula Henry M. , Chisola Moses N. , Mbale Beauty S , Pule Gershom , Jani Rowen , Musana Fungai
Published: January 2024

Globally, wetlands are under threats and Lukanga Swamp, a wetland of international significance and a Ramsar site, is one of them. The aim of the study was to carry out bathymetric and sediment assessment of the Lukanga Swamp so as to provide further insights into the gravity of sediment load and ascertaining the extent of degradation of the wetlands, and the threats to it. An Hydrographic Survey Boat (HSB) Sonar Model RC-S2 mounted with a Trimble Hemisphere OmniSTAR Virtual Base Station (VBS) for Differential Geographic Positioning System (DGPS) was used to measure water depths across the Swamp. Data on sediment depth was collected using sediment coring method with the aid of a Graduated Sediment Depth Rod (GraSEDD). In sections of the swamp where there were too many weeds, GraSEDD was also used to determine water depth data, instead of the HSB. Photography was also used to collect relevant qualitative data. Quantitative bathymetric and sediment data were analysed using Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) in ArcMap 10.4 Environment. The swamp water and sediment depths ranged from 0.2m to 4.77m and 0.03m to 2.11m, respectively. The findings showed that at the time of survey, the water stored in the Swamp was about 2,918 Million Cubic Metres (MCM) and about 1,200 MCM of the Swamp’s capacity was lost to sedimentation. The study generally concludes that Lukanga Swamp has significantly lost the original storage capacity, a problem, which is recommended to Nature-based Solutions (NbS) so as to preserve the pristine of the natural habitat.
The characteristic of HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1, -DRB3/4/5, -DQA1, -DQB1, -DPA1 and -DPB1 loci in Zhejiang Han population
Authors: Tao Sudan , You Xuan , Chen Nanying , Dong Lina , Zhao Shuoxian , He Yizhen , Zhang Wei , Zhu Faming
Published: January 2024

The Zhejiang Han population, a subgroup of the Southern Han ethnic group, resides in Zhejiang Province, situated on the southeast coast of China. In this study, we conducted HLA genotyping for 813 voluntary umbilical cord blood donors from the Zhejiang Han population, targeting 11 HLA loci, namely HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1, -DRB3/4/5, -DQA1, -DQB1, -DPA1 and -DPB1, using the next-generation sequencing method. Our analysis of the alleles and haplotypes revealed a high degree of polymorphism within these loci. A total of 289 unique HLA alleles were identified, with the HLA-B locus exhibiting the most significant diversity, while HLA-DRB4 displayed the lowest variation. Due to the inherent limitations of the sequencing method, some unresolvable alleles in the specific loci, such as HLA-DRB1, -DPA1, and -DPB1, were assigned as G group designation. In our comprehensive analysis across all 11 HLA loci, a total of 1204 haplotypes were estimated. The distribution of these alleles were similar to those of the Chinese Southern Han population while highly different from the Caucasian population. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the genetic characteristics of HLA loci within the Chinese Southern Han population.
A Dense Residual Correlation Attention Multi-scale Network for Remote Sensing Scene Classification
Authors: Dai wei , Shi furong , Wang xinyu , Xu haixia , Yuan Liming , Wen xianbin
Published: January 2024

Remote sensing scene classification is a crucial task in the field of remote sensing technology, as it helps identify and categorize various geographical features on the Earth's surface. Recently, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have been widely employed for scene classification in remote sensing images, leading to significant performance improvements. However, current CNN methods have certain limitations, primarily manifested in their tendency to overly focus on extracting high-level features, often overlooking essential information at different levels within the images. Furthermore, some approaches attempt to directly merge features from different levels, potentially resulting in issues of information redundancy or mutual exclusion. To address these challenges, this paper proposes an efficient method for remote sensing scene classification. Our approach involves three main contributions. First, we introduce a feature extraction module called multi-stream feature extraction, which effectively utilizes features at various scales and extracts features at different levels and depths. Second, we propose a dense residual connection feature fusion technique that enables comprehensive feature interactions and improves overall accuracy. Additionally, we introduce a correlated attention network to learn powerful feature representations at multiple levels, further improving classification performance. The method outperforms existing algorithms in terms of effectiveness and accuracy, achieving state-of-the-art results on four widely used remote sensing scene classification benchmarks.
Comparative functional and molecular analysis of oral submucous fibrosis to oral squamous cell carcinoma: A pathway-based dynamic network analysis
Authors: Kumari Pratima , Dixit Anshuman
Published: January 2024

OSF (Oral submucous fibrosis) has been categorized as an OPMD (oral pre-malignant disease). It is frequently associated with areca chewing, a prevalent habit in Southeast Asia. The OSF is one of the leading causes of oral cancer and OSF and high prevalence of OSF-associated oral cancer is recorded in South India and Southeast Asia. The molecular mechanism of the transformation of OSF into OSCC is not properly understood. Identifying key genes and exploring the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in the transformation of OSF into OSCC is therefore of great importance. It may lead to the identification of new diagnostics, and ways to prevent the development of oral cancer from OSF. Therefore, in the present study, we devised a bioinformatics pipeline using gene expression analysis, dynamic protein-protein interaction network, and functional enrichment analysis to understand the transformation of OSF into oral cancer.
We identified gene expressions in different stages of transformation i.e. OSF without dysplasia (OSFWT), OSF with dysplasia (OSFWD), and further Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). OSF-associated 52 dysplastic genes were identified that were found to enrich the assembly of collagen fibrils and other multimeric structures, wound healing, spreading of cells, and sodium ion transmembrane transport processes. Important dysplastic genes such as COL1A2, COL5A1, COL5A2, COL6A1, DLG4, CS, and ALDH5A1 were proposed. Important dynamic (Dy) nodes were identified using enriched pathways. MYC is identified as the most important node in OSF with a high Dn-score. Dy-nodes were mostly enriched in immune system pathways suggesting immune involvement in OSCC progression. A few important genes were identified based on their frequency in every observation such as HSPD1, MAPT, HNRNPK, TRIM24, HLA-C, FOS, CD79B, TMPO, and PTPN6. In conclusion, our study identified a group of potential genes involved in OSF and OSF transformation into oral cancer and their functions.
First discovery of inter-specific roosts of tribe Dacini (Tephritidae: Diptera) fruit flies from Asia: Maneuvering toward the efficient bio-rational management of true fruit fly pests
Authors: Singh Maneesh Pal , Sharma Sneha , Hancock David Lawrence Hancock
Published: January 2024

This study unveils the discovery of inter-specific roosts within the tribe Dacini of familyTephritidae (Diptera) fruit flies fromAsia, involving six species of BactroceraMacquart. In addition, we also suggest a new parameter for inter-specific communication and discuss the possibility of interspecific communication among insects. We also indicate the possibility of roles of allelochemicals in establishing phylogenetic relationships.This finding advances bio-rational management techniques and offers a promising pathway for the effective control of true fruit fly pests.
Empowering Smart Grid Security: Towards Federated Learning in 6G-Enabled Smart Grids using Cloud
Authors: J Jithish , Mahalingam Nagarajan , Seng Yeo Kiat
Published: January 2024

As the realm of smart grids continues to evolve, embracing new technologies, researchers are exploring the potential ofupcoming 6G technology to address the challenges in management of smart grids. With the adoption of 6G technology,wireless energy meters, which play a key role in smart grid advancement, promise higher data rates, ultra-low latency, improvedconnectivity, and enhanced security. However, the integration of advanced technologies into smart grids, raises concernregarding cyberattacks such as distributed-denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, which pose grave threat to the functionality andstability of the grid. To address these security challenges, smart grids traditionally implement intrusion detection systems (IDS)that analyse traffic logs from smart meters, but traditional IDS may face difficulties in detecting novel attacks such as subtle,multi-domain DDoS attacks. Towards securing smart grids, anomaly detection emerges as a crucial technique, integratedwith deep learning (DL), this technique can potentially identify deviations from normal, non-malicious network traffic, to detectcyberattacks, thereby enhancing grid security. However, it is seen that using user data for training DL models at the serverviolates data privacy regulations, which necessitates a balance between advanced anomaly detection and strict adherence todata privacy norms. Federated Learning (FL) has emerged as a suitable solution in this scenario, offering a privacy-focusedsolution allowing smart meters to train DL models with locally generated datasets and make predictions at the edge. In thiswork, we propose a hierarchical FL approach in smart meters for the 6G era, focusing on privacy-preserving anomaly detectionagainst DDoS attacks. Our work integrates a cloud-based service framework within an FL setup for smart grids, leveraging thescalability of cloud platforms and edge computing for efficient, secure, and cost-effective anomaly detection in line with 6Gtechnology requirements. Evaluation of our approach in local local simulation environment, using a workstation as the serverand Raspberry Pi devices as client nodes and cloud infrastructure provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS). Our goal is toinvestigate the feasibility of using cloud solutions to support federated learning-based anomaly detection in smart grids.Theperformance metrics between local and cloud simulations for our custom neural network showed that the variations betweentwo sets of simulations are not significant, and the proposed approach is suitable for deployment in real-world scenarios,especially for upcoming 6G-enabled smart grids where consistent performance is essential.
High expression of SMPD4 promotes liver cancer and is associated with poor prognosis
Authors: Rongyue Wang , Yanze Su , Zhiheng Lin , Kelaier Yang , Erbao Chen , Jikui Liu
Published: January 2024

Background and objective:
The expression of sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase 4 (SMPD4), a neutral sphingomyelin enzyme, is intricately associated with tumorigenesis and progression. However, its function in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its pathogenic mechanism remain largely unclear. We investigated the correlation between SMPD4 in HCC and its prognostic significance and functions in HCC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration.
Methods
The expression of SMPD4 was detected in different tumor types, such as HCC, using the database from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The diagnostic significance of SMPD4 was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC). The Kaplan–Meier curve analysis was conducted to assess the ability of SMPD4 to predict HCC prognosis. The relationship between SMPD4 expression and the degree of immune cell infiltration in HCC was examined using the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) database. In addition, we performed quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to verify SMPD4 expression in 20 frozen liver cancer tissue samples and paired non-carcinoma liver tissues. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was performed to silence SMPD4 in cancer cells. The effect of SMPD4 expression in liver cancer cells was measured through qRT-PCR and western blotting. The function of SMPD4 in the proliferation, invasion, and migration of Hep3B and HepG2 cells was validated using the CCK-8, EdU, wound healing, and Transwell assays. Finally, the relationship between SMPD4 and drug sensitivity was examined.
Results
Elevated expression of SMPD4 was recorded in 22 cancer types, including HCC. SMPD4 expression was related to gender, T stage, N stage, clinical stage, and pathological grade. The area under the ROC curve was 0.952, indicating the excellent diagnostic value of SMPD4. The Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated that SMPD4 upregulation was related to poor overall survival (OS) in patients with HCC. The functional enrichment analysis revealed the critical effect of SMPD4 on the cell cycle. Moreover, SMPD4 expression exhibited a positive relationship between the infiltration levels of B cells, CD8 T+ cells, CD4+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells. Knocking down SMPD4 significantly inhibited HCC cell growth, invasion, and migration. Finally, SMPD4 expression was related to drug sensitivity.
Conclusions
SMPD4 is upregulated in HCC, indicating poor prognosis. It could be used as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for HCC. Knocking down SMPD4 affects the ability of proliferation, migration, and invasion by regulating the expression of cell cycle genes.