bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring population health using health expectancy estimates from morbidity and mortality data
Authors: Carreras Marc , Ibern Pere , Inoriza José María
Published: August 2022

Background
National health plans frequently rely on health expectancies, which are systematically calculated in the EU countries using the Sullivan method. The Sullivan health expectancy index combines age-specific mortality rates and age-specific prevalence of healthy life. The main limitation of the Sullivan method is that prevalence data depends on expensive national health surveys. The objective of this work is to investigate an equivalent estimation, considering multiple health states, but using available information on morbidity and mortality.
Methods
Mortality and morbidity information, corresponding to years 2016 and 2017, was obtained for the population of the county of Baix Empordà (Catalonia), N = 91,130. The set of anonymized individual information on diagnoses, procedures and pharmacy consumption contained in the individual clinical record (ICD and ATC codes), were classified into health states according to the 3M-Clinical Risk Groups. The information analysed included acute inpatient care, acute outpatient care, primary care, pharmacy prescriptions, diagnostic tests, emergencies and long-term residential care services. Based on the health transitions observed between 2016 and 2017, life expectancies by health state were obtained from a multistate microsimulation model.
Results
Healthy life expectancies at birth and 65 years for females and males were respectively HLE0female = 39.94, HLE0male = 42.87, HLE65female = 2.43, HLE65male = 2.17. Point estimates for global life expectancies at birth and 65 years of age: LE0female = 85.82, LE0male = 80.58, LE65female = 22.31, LE65male = 18.86. Life expectancies were consistent with the government estimates for 2017. Healthy life expectancies substantially differed from the government estimates based on self-reported health surveys and the calculation method of prevalence.
Conclusions
Health expectancies can be efficiently obtained from multistate models based on mortality and morbidity information and can be useful for monitoring the population according to their health status, in the context of health planning. The results obtained were not comparable with those calculated with the standard Sullivan method.
Simultaneous enhancement in electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient by single- to double-valley transition in a Dirac-like band
Authors: Liu Te-Huan , Dai Yu , Zhou Wenjiang , Kim Hyun-Jung , Song Qichen , Qian Xin , yang ronggui
Published: August 2022

Recently, n-type SnTe has been shown to be a promising thermoelectric material. It possesses a unique single- to double-valley transition in the conduction band when a compressive strain is applied. Through a tight-binding analysis, it is shown that the variation of the band structure is attributed to the strain-induced delocalization of both the Sn-5s orbitals and Te-5p orbitals with different angular momenta. This effect can largely increase the electron density of states near the band edge and thus keep the Fermi level of the compressed SnTe closer to it, where the electrons have lower scattering rates. The strain-induced double valleys lead to simultaneous increases in the electrical conductivity and the Seebeck coefficient and thereby nearly four times enhancement of the power factor at the doping concentration of 5×1019 cm–3. This work suggests a feasible concept that can be employed to promote the power factor of a Dirac semiconductor via manipulating the valley degeneracy in the conduction band minimum.
Copper nanoparticles hold promise in the effective management of maize diseases without impairing environmental health
Authors: Dorjee Lham , Gogoi Robin , Kamil Deeba , Kumar Rajesh , Verma Ankita
Published: August 2022

A novel method of management of maize pathogens in vitro and in vivo using newly synthesized copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) has been documented in this study. CuNPs have been synthesized using CuSO4 as a precursor, NaBH4 and ascorbic acid as a reducing agent, and polyethylene glycol 8000 (PEG-8000) as a stabilizing agent. Characterization of CuNPs using a Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) confirmed the nanoparticles' size range of 35–70 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed the association of alcohol groups and allyl halides group with CuNPs. The synthesized CuNPs exhibited significant inhibition at 20 ppm of three pathogenic fungi namely Macrophomina phaseolina, Bipolaris maydis, and Fusarium verticillioides, and at 50 ppm against Rhizoctonia solani. Bactericidal property of CuNPs was evidenced against Erwinia carotovora and Ralstonia solanacearum at 30 ppm. Evaluation of CuNPs in vivo against two diseases viz., maydis leaf blight (MLB) and banded leaf and sheath blight (BLSB) culminated in a reduction in percent disease index (PDI). Seed treatment together with foliar spray @ 300 ppm of CuNPs resulted in a significant reduction of MLB. However, BLSB disease was reduced relatively less at the same aforesaid concentration nevertheless; it was evinced best in controlling BLSB disease. CuNPs were found inimical against beneficial fungi and bacteria. However, a positive effect was observed on soil enzyme activities namely dehydrogenase, urease, and alkaline phosphatase and maize seedling characters viz., shoot length, root length, number of roots per seedlings, fresh and dry weight.
Role of surface CO2 sources and wind transport on atmospheric CO2 variability over the Bay of Bengal during Southwest Monsoon - using mixing ratio, carbon isotope ratio and model simulated wind field
Authors: Guha Tania , Ghosh Subhomoy , Raghava Yakkala Yagnesh , Bhat Ganapati Shankar , Ghosh Prosenjit , Tiwari Yogesh , Kumar Kunchala Ravi
Published: August 2022

The present study examines the role of surface-CO2 sources and wind transport on atmospheric CO2 observations over the Bay of Bengal. The ship-based observations of mixing ratio and stable carbon isotope ratio (δ13C) of air CO2 was carried out at coastal and open ocean location during 17 July 2009 until 18 August 2009, covering the peak months of the Southwest Monsoon season. The average mixing ratio was higher for the coastal sites (407 ± 17 µmol mol− 1) than the open ocean sites (394 ± 9 µmol mol− 1), whereas the average δ13C value was lower (more depleted in 13C) (-8.75 ± 0.53‰) for the coastal sites than the open ocean sites (-8.48 ± 0.04‰). The observations were further used to identify the isotopic ratio of the source CO2 using the Keeling and the Miller-Tans plot. The presence of two different sources were confirmed from the observations. The coastal observations were affected by continental sources of CO2 (-19.95 ± 1.7‰), whereas for open ocean sites, oceanic sources (-10.31 ± 0.15‰) played a major role. Although there was a transport of continental air to open ocean, as observed from the WRF model simulated wind, the land-ocean contrast was maintained. It was evident from the Carbon Tracker simulation during the study period. Despite continental air transport, the open ocean observation was influenced by oceanic sources of CO2. To explore the reason, the predominant wind pattern for the sampling sites were determined from the WRF model simulated winds. A k-means clustering technique was used on the WRF model simulated hourly wind to understand the different atmospheric transport patterns during different days of sampling in July and August. Most of the sampling sites were resided within the clusters whose mean wind direction indicates south-westerly/southerly wind. Thus, irrespective of continental transport, the sampling sites were influenced by oceanic wind during July and August. The influence of oceanic wind allowed the identification of oceanic source CO2 over the open ocean sites despite the transport from the continent.
CCDC85A is regulated by miR-224-3p and augments cancer cell resistance to endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Tanaka Masamitsu , Takagane Kurara , Itoh Go , Kuriyama Sei , Umakoshi Michinobu , Goto Akiteru , Iijima Katsunori , Takahashi So , Yanagihara Kazuyoshi , Yashiro Masakazu
Published: August 2022

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play pivotal roles in the tumor microenvironment. Here, we analyzed miRNAs in tumor stromal fibroblasts. Expression of miR-224-3p in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) from scirrhous gastric cancer patients was lower than in normal fibroblasts (NF). Introduction of a miR-224-3p mimic attenuated migration and invasion of CAF. By contrast, a miR-224-3p inhibitor augmented migration of NF. Coiled-coil domain containing 85A (CCDC85A), whose function in tumors is not understood, was the target gene of miR-224-3p. Immunohistological analysis revealed that CCDC85A is expressed to varying degrees by cancer cells and CAFs in gastric and pancreatic carcinomas. Down-regulation of CCDC85A in cancer cells revealed that these cells are vulnerable to the ER-stress induced by thapsigargin or tunicamycin. Expression of CCDC85A in cancer cells fell upon exposure to NF-derived exosomes containing miR-224-3p, resulting in ER stress-mediated apoptosis and increased tumor shrinkage after cisplatin treatment. All these events were ameliorated after addback of CCDC85A. Mechanistically, CCDC85A associated with the molecular chaperone GRP78 and GRP94, thereby inhibiting association of these negative regulators of unfolded protein response (UPR) with PERK, leading to sustained activation of PERK upon ER-stress. Consistent with this, events downstream of PERK activation including phosphorylation of eIF2α and increased expression of ATF4 were suppressed in CCDC85A knockout cells. These data suggest a novel function of CCDC85A regulated by miR-224-3p in tumors: protection from ER stress and cisplatin resistance.
Development and initial psychometric testing of a scale for ICU nurses' knowledge, belief, and behavior in critically ill patients with post-ICU syndrome
Authors: cheng zhiqiang , Zhang Baozhen , xia jiaoyun , wang xiaoxing
Published: August 2022

Background: Post-ICU syndrome has not been paid enough attention in Chinese medical institutions. Due to the large population base in my country, the number of people with post-ICU syndrome is also large, which has a great impact on the quality of life of patients in the later period. Objectives To develop and verify ICU nurses' knowledge, attitude and practice scale on post-ICU syndrome in critically ill patients, to provide a basis for the investigation of post-ICU syndrome status. Methods Using the principle of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP), a scale item database was created through literature review and semi-structured interviews. The scale was modified by Delphi expert correspondence method and pre-investigation. 451 ICU nurses were selected for formal investigation, and the reliability of the scale was evaluated degree test. Results A scale of knowledge, attitude, and practice of ICU nurses on post-ICU syndrome in critically ill patients was formed, In which the number of items in the three dimensions of knowledge, attitude, and practice were 11, 7, and 13, respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficient between dimensions and the total score of the scale ranged from 0.526 to 0.860, and the correlation coefficients between items and dimensions ranged from 0.517 to 0.921 (P＜0.001). Item content validity (I-CVI) ranged from 0.867 to 1, and scale content validity (S-CVI) is 0.989. Four common factors were extracted by exploratory factor analysis, and the cumulative variance explanation rate was 76.214%. Confirmatory factor analysis: Chi-square ratio of degrees of freedom (χ2/DF) =2.789, RMSEA=0.077, RMR=0.048, GFI=0.947, CFI=0.922, NFI=0.943, IFI=0.922, TLI=0.915. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients of the scale and dimension were 0.948, 0.976, 0.966, 0.910, split-half reliability = 0.951, and re-test reliability=0.927. Conclusion The reliability and validity of the scale meets the requirements of scale preparation, and can reflect the knowledge, belief, and behavior of ICU nurses in post-ICU syndrome.Relevance to clinical practice In this study, we developed a post-ICU syndrome knowledge, belief, and behavior survey to understand the current status of post-ICU syndrome knowledge, belief, and behavior among ICU nurses in my country.
Dynamic changes of DNA modifications: 5-hydroxymethyluracil and N6-methyladenine in the Drosophila melanogaster life cycle and in response to environmental factors
Authors: Starczak Marta , Gawronski Maciej , Wasilow Aleksandra , Mijewski Pawel , Olinski Ryszard , Gackowski Daniel
Published: August 2022

In this study, the level of DNA modifications was investigated in three development stages of Drosophila melanogaster (larvae, pupae, imago) and in an in vitro model (Schneider 2 cells). The analysis was carried out using the two-dimensional ultra-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Our method made it possible for the first time to analyze a broad spectrum of DNA modifications in the three stages of the Drosophila. Each stage was characterized by a specific modification pattern and the level of these compounds fluctuated throughout the D. melanogaster life cycle. The level of the DNA modification was also compared between insects bred at 25°C (optimal temperature) and at 18°C, the conclusion being that both groups differed significantly. The profound changes of N6-methyladenine and 5-hydroxymethyluracil levels during the Drosophila life cycle and as a result of bred temperature changes indicate that these DNA modifications can play important regulatory roles in response to environmental changes and/or biological conditions. Moreover, the supplementation of Schneider 2 cells with 1mM L-ascorbic acid caused a time-dependent increase in the level of 5-(hydroxymethyl)-2’-deoxyuridine. These data suggest that a certain pool of this compound may arise from the enzymatic activity of dTET protein.
Mechanism of competitive binding of miR-106b-5p by circRNA-ITCH to target and regulate SETD2 to inhibit prostate cancer progression
Authors: Chen Guo , Qu Lijun , Mo Rujun , Ling Muan , Yin Wenjun , Chen Zheng , Pan Bin
Published: August 2022

Bacnkground Approximately 15% of patients with prostate cancer (PCa) are diagnosed with high-risk disease and will face sequelae of diagnosis and treatment. Recently, aberrant expression of circular RNA-ITCH (circ-ITCH) may be associated with the risk of lymph node metastasis and poorer prognosis in tumor patients. The mechanism underlying the role of circ-ITCH in the progression and development of PCa is still under investigation.Objective To elucidate the functional role of the circ-ITCH gene in PCa, assess its possible predictive/prognostic molecular biomarkers of PCa, and possible molecular mechanisms of action.Methods In this study, we collected six sets of paired PCa and normal tissue specimens to explore the relationship between circ-ITCH expression and PCa development; Cell growth was assessed by the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and cell clone formation assay; Transwell assays were performed to evaluate cell migration and invasion; Apoptotic cells were detected by Annexin-V-isothiocyanate fluorescein and propidium iodide staining; Target gene prediction and screening, luciferase reporter gene assays were utilized to confirm the relationship between circ-ITCH and microRNA.Results In the present study, we found that circ-ITCH, is down-regulated in PCa tissues and cell lines. Moreover, enforced-expression of circ-ITCH inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion and metastasis in vitro . Mechanistically, we demonstrate that circ-ITCH upregulates the expression of the target gene SETD2 by 'sponging' miR-106b-5p, which suppressed the aggressive biological behaviors of PCa.Conclusions Circ-ITCH inhibits PCa cell proliferation and metastasis by negatively regulating the miR-106b-5p/SETD2 axis.
Intrinsic dense twinning via release of native strain
Authors: Song Xianqi , Liu Chang , Li Quan , Ma Yanming , Chen Changfeng
Published: August 2022

Icosahedral boron-rich solids exhibit outstanding mechanical properties, but the crystal structure of this prominent class of materials has long remained enigmatic. Here, we report on a surprising discovery of an unprecedented twinning induced structural stabilization that creates highly twinned crystal structures that are stabler than the prevailing single crystal structure comprising complex multi-atom structural units. This phenomenon is showcased via a symmetry guided optimization process that produces a series of increasingly twinned B4C structures with progressively lower energy below that of the single crystal, and this behavior also occurs in multiple other boron-rich solids. These findings unveil a distinct paradigm of defect (twinning) induced structural stabilizing mechanism that reduces energy via release of native strains built in the complex structural units of the single crystal, creating an exceptional category of materials that comprise multiple domains of intrinsic dense twinning in the crystal structures.
Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity of Some New Benzimidazole Derivatives Bearing the Salicyl Moiety
Authors: Gürbüz Demet , Tavman Aydin , Çınarlı Adem , Tan A. Seher Birteksöz
Published: August 2022

Sixteen new benzimidazole compounds bearing the salicyl moiety have been synthesized by cyclization of 4,5-dichloro/dimethyl-1,2-phenylenediamine with various salicylaldehydes. All the compounds were characterizated by spectral methods (FT-IR, 1H NMR, ESI-MS and fluorescence spectroscopy) and elemental analysis. It is seen that the dichloro derivatives and 5-substitution of the phenolic ring shift the fluorescence radiation (emission) to the higher wavelength (red shift). Antimicrobial activities of the compounds were screened against six bacteria and a fungus. The dimethyl derivatives (9–16) are generally more active towards the microorganisms and show higher antifungal activity than the dichloro derivatives. The compound 13, which is effective against all microorganisms, shows the broadest activity.
Lisinopril Associated with Non-Pemphigus Bullae Lesions
Authors: Callahan Meghan , Sehmi Kirandeep , Hostoffer Robert W.
Published: August 2022

Background: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors are first-line drugs for patients suffering from hypertension. These drugs have common adverse effects including bronchospasm, cough, and angioedema. Drug-induced bullous eruptions have been reported previously with numerous drugs including lisinopril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. Three patients of note have had a form of biopsy-proven pemphigus induced by the introduction of lisinopril or an increase in dosage. We report a case of lisinopril-induced bullae that is not pemphigus foliaceus or bullous pemphigoid verified by biopsy.Case Presentation: A 65-year-old male presented with a blistering rash over his left flank, belly button and with a cluster on his ankle. His medical history is significant for hypertension, which was controlled by 20mg of lisinopril, which had been increased to 40mg in order to provide better control. A skin biopsy was done on one of the rashes with a histological report of a bullous reaction with a low possibility of bullous pemphigoid and probably caused by arthropod bite or drug hypersensitivity. Within a month of dosage change the patient started developing bullae across his body, with no relief from oral steroid administration. The patient was taken off lisinopril and within days the bullae started to heal and there were no new eruptions. Conclusion: Pemphigus is an autoimmune condition that causes blistering of the skin and mucous membranes and can be triggered by the environment, genetics or vaccination. Three patients have been reported to have a biopsy-proven pemphigus reaction caused by the introduction of lisinopril or an increase in dosage. These blisters were classified as pemphigus after biopsy and pathological analysis. These cases were resolved with removal of the medication from their regime along with topical creams to aid in healing. There is no known study published of a lisinopril-induced non-pemphigus bullae which our patient presented with after the doubling of his lisinopril dose and a pathology report stating a low likelihood of bullous pemphigoid.
Vitamin D level is associated with increased clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate in Chinese women undergoing IVF/ICSI-ET: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yu Zhengchen , Sun Yiqun , Wang Peng , Hu Yinkai , Zhou Yuxi , Xie Jinrui , Lu Zhenzhen , Xu Luxuan , Zhao Junzhao , Chi Haihong
Published: August 2022

Research questionTo explore the relationship between serum 25(OH)D level and Clinical Pregnancy Rate (CPR) as well as Live Birth Rate (LBR) in Chinese women receiving IVF/ICSI-ET.DesignThe data of 612 patients who underwent IVF/ICSI-ET in the Reproduction Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. ResultsNone of the baseline characteristics of participants were significantly different between the two cohorts. The trend of 25(OH)D concentration was positively correlated with CPR and LBR. Moreover, our results indicated that the younger (Age: p<0.001 both in CPR and LBR) women with primary infertility (Infertility type: p=0.004 in LBR) were more likely to get a better pregnancy outcome under the same 25(OH)D concentration stages. As shown on heatmap plots, CPR and LBR were significantly increased for 25(OH)D concentrations above 30.00ng/ml and women younger than 30 years old. The adjusted binary logistic regression and RCS showed that there exists a nonlinear positive correlation between 25(OH)D concentration and pregnancy outcome (CPR and LBR) (nonlinear < 0.001, respectively). The women with a sufficient 25(OH)D concentration (30ng/ml) had 1.07 (clinical pregnancy) and 1.05 (live birth) times higher successful birth outcomes compared to women with an insufficient 25(OH)D concentration (25ng/ml). (OR25ng/ml,ref=30ng/ml [95%CI] = 0.935[0.932-0.938] and 0.947[0.945-0.950],P<0.001, respectively)ConclusionIn Chinese women receiving IVF/ICSI-ET, the serum level of 25(OH)D demonstrated a non-linear positive correlation with pregnancy outcome（CPR&LBR, with stronger correlations above 25 ng/ml and worse yields below 30 ng/ml. However, it could not yet be considered different in distinct ages.
Tissue sheet engineered using human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells improves diabetic wound healing
Authors: Zhang Jingbo , Qu Xiang , Li Junjun , Harada Akima , Hua Ying , Yoshida Noriko , Ishida Masako , Sawa Yoshiki , Liu Li , Miyagawa Shigeru
Published: August 2022

Background: Diabetic foot ulceration is a common chronic diabetic complication. Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) have been widely in regenerative medicine used owing to their multipotency and wide range of sources. In this study, we developed an hUC-MSC tissue sheet by combining hUC-MSCs and a poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-based scaffold. Methods: hUC-MSC tissue sheets were formed and optimized by culturing hUC-MSCs on PLGA-based scaffolds. Cell apoptosis, collagen composition, and tissue sheet characterization were evaluated by immunostaining in vitro . Diabetic mice were subjected to a full-thickness skin biopsy experiment to generate diabetic wounds and treated with either the hUC-MSC tissue sheet, hUC-MSC injection, fiber only, or left untreated (control). Fourteen days after transplantation, wound area tissue was collected for histological and immunohistochemical analyses. Results: The in vitro data showed that hUC-MSC tissue sheets formed thick and solid tissue sheets with abundant extracellular matrix (ECM). Additionally, hUC-MSC tissue sheet transplantation promoted diabetic wound healing in vivo , with improved re-epithelialization and collagen deposition. Remarkable blood vessel formation and maturation were also observed in the hUC-MSC tissue sheet group compared to the other groups. Furthermore, hUC-MSC transplantation alleviated inflammation in vivo . Conclusion: Our findings suggest that hUC-MSCs cultured on PLGA scaffolds improve diabetic wound healing, collagen deposition, and angiogenesis . These data provide a novel and effective method for cell transplantation, and a new strategy for the treatment of diabetic skin wounds.
T-2 toxin inhibits osteoblastic differentiation and mineralization involving mutual regulation between Wnt signaling pathway and autophagy
Authors: Zhang Jian , Wu Xia , Song Miao , Zhang Xuliang , Huo Siming , Du Jiayu , Li Bo , Cao Zheng , Li Yanfei F.
Published: August 2022

Mycotoxins are most frequent contaminants in environment and agricultural production globally. The T-2 toxin of Fusarium species is the most toxic type of A trichothecene mycotoxins. T-2 toxin can accumulate in bone and cause bone development disorders. Osteoblast is the functional cell responsible for bone formation. Whereas, the mechanism of T-2 toxin toxicity on osteoblast remains unknown. In present study, MC3T3-E1 cells were used to investigate the effect of T-2 toxin on differentiation and mineralization and potential underlying mechanism. The results showed that T-2 toxin inhibited both osteoblastic differentiation and mineralization. T-2 toxin repressed Wnt signaling pathway both during osteoblastic differentiation and mineralization. T-2 toxin similarly promoted autophagy during osteoblastic differentiation, while inhibited it during osteoblastic mineralization. In addition, the activation of Wnt signaling pathway mitigated T-2 toxin-induced osteoblast impairment, while the inhibition of autophagy exacerbated it. Our results also indicated that there was a positive feedback loop between the Wnt signaling pathway and autophagy. This study can provide a better understanding for relieving T-2-related bone diseases.
Anxiety, Attitudes, and Education about Fertility Among Medical Students in the United States
Authors: Smith D. Grace , Ross Abigail , HogenEsch Elena , Okine Rachel , Bonus Marissa L. , Feinberg Eve C. , Bernardi Lia A.
Published: August 2022

Background: As delayed family building is common among physicians, the goal of this study was to evaluate childbearing plans, anxiety related to future fertility, and interest in fertility education among medical students.Methods: An electronic REDCap survey was distributed using social media and group messaging applications to medical students enrolled in medical schools across the United States. Answers were collected, and analysis of the descriptive statistics was performed.Results: The survey was completed by 175 participants, 72% of which were female (assigned at birth). The mean (± SD) age of participants was 24.9 ± 1.9 years. Of all participants, 78.3% desire to have children and 65.1% of these individuals plan to delay childbearing. On average, the planned age of first pregnancy is 31.0 ± 2.3 years. “Lack of time” was the greatest influence on decision regarding timing of childbearing. Of all respondents, 58.9% reported at least some anxiety related to future fertility. When females and males were compared, significantly more females (73.8%) versus males (20.4%) reported worrying about future fertility (p<0.001). Participants reported that greater knowledge about infertility and potential treatments would help ease fertility related anxiety, and 66.9% of respondents showed interest in learning about how things such as age and lifestyle can impact fertility, preferably through medical curricula, videos, and podcasts. Conclusion: A majority of the medical students in this cohort intend to have children and most plan to delay childbearing. A large percentage of female medical students reported anxiety related to future fertility, but many students showed interest in receiving fertility education. This study highlights an opportunity for medical school educators to incorporate targeted fertility education into their curriculum with the intention of decreasing anxiety and improving future reproductive success.
Cancer related-genes enriched in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of COVID-19 patients. a bioinformatics study
Authors: Ahmadi Ehsan , Changaei Mostafa , Teymouri Alireza , Alipour Behruz , Izad Maryam
Published: August 2022

BackgroundSince COVID-19 has become one of the biggest challenges for health care systems in the past decade. The SARS-CoV-2 primarily affects the lungs, but many studies implied that other health complications such as brain damage, heart failure, and kidneys dysfunction also are associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Many scientific efforts have revealed the clinical and molecular details of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis. However, comprehension of COVID-19 complications demands more investigations. In this context, the relation between SARS-CoV-2 infection and cancer has been less addressed. In this regard, we aimed to discover any possible links between SARS-CoV-2 infection and cancer development in a bioinformatics study.MethodsThe pertinent datasets were chosen from the GEO database. COVID-19 was searched for differentially expressed genes where |Log2 FC| > 1 and P < 0.05 were deemed statistically significant. The ClusterProfiler package employed gene ontology and pathway enrichment analysis for common genes. Functional interaction of proteins was predicted using STRING online then Cytoscape analysis was carried out to determine the target genes. Finally, gene set enrichment analysis was performed to find any correlation between candidate genes and different types of cancer.ResultsThe analysis showed that numerous cancer-related genes up-regulated in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients, particularly those genes participating in the cell cycle regulation or engaged in cellular senescence processes.ConclusionOur findings suggest that SARS-CoV-2 can be considered a potential risk factor for increasing the probability of developing cancer.
Daily tackling Health Inequalities : French Child Individual-Level Deprivation Index development and validation
Authors: Laporte Remi , Babe Philippe , Jouve Elisabeth , Daguzan Alexandre , Mazoue Franck , Minodier Philippe , Noel Guilhem , Urbina Diego , Gentile Stephanie
Published: August 2022

Purpose
Deprivation is a known risk factor for many diseases. But the fact it is progressive and multidimensional must be taken in account to assess its impact on health and enhance appropriate access to care. This study aimed to develop and validate a pediatric individual-level index measuring deprivation, usable in clinical practice and in public health.
Methods
The French Individual Child Deprivation Index (FrenChILD-Index) was designed in 4 phases: items generation then reduction using literature review, expert interviews, and a steering committee; index derivation then validation using a cross-sectional study in two emergency departments. During these last two phases, a blinded evaluation was performed between an expert opinion and FrenChILD-Index to assess its concordance and determine thresholds for two levels of moderate and severe deprivation.
Results
Generation and reduction phases retained 13 items to be tested. They were administered to 986 children for derivation and validation phases. In the validation phase, the final 12 items FrenChILD-Index showed for moderate deprivation (requiring single specific care for deprived children): sensitivity of 96.0% [92.6; 98.7] and specificity of 68.3% [65.2; 71.4]. For severe deprivation (requiring a multidisciplinary level of care) sensitivity was 96.3% [92.7; 100] and specificity was 91.1% [89.2; 92.9]. FrenChILD-Index met the Terwees validity criterion for screening instruments.
Conclusions
FrenChILD-Index is the first pediatric individual-level index of deprivation, methodologically validated in Europe. It enables individual appropriate referral of deprived children. Thus, FrenChILD-Index enables clinical practice to meet public health goals by taking into account the social determinants of health.
A Novel MOALO-MODA Ensemble Approach for Multi-objective Optimization of Machining Parameters for Metal Matrix Composites
Authors: Kalita Kanak , Kumar Vikas , Chakraborty Shankar
Published: August 2022

Machining of metal matrix composites (MMCs) has now become an essential task in shaping them to their final usable forms for various industrial applications. These machining operations may range from drilling of simple through holes to cutting and shaping the composites into complex shapes. Determination of the optimal process parameters during their machining presents a combinatorial optimization problem, which may turn out to be more complex due to involvement of various material dependent parameters of the MMCs, like particle size, reinforcement percentage etc. The importance of optimization increases manifold due to conflicting settings of different process parameters for attaining the desired quality characteristics. In this paper, two nature-inspired optimization algorithms, i.e. multi-objective antlion optimization (MOALO) and multi-objective dragonfly algorithm (MODA) are applied for multi-objective optimization of various process parameters during machining of MMCs. To mitigate uncertainties in global optimality of the predicted Pareto optimal fronts arising due to stochastic nature of the metaheuristics, an ensemble approach integrating MOALO and MODA techniques is proposed here. It is demonstrated with the help of two case studies that MOALO-MODA ensemble is far superior to its individual counterparts and thus, can be employed for development of robust and reliable Pareto optimal fronts.
Subjective well-being and households’ resilience strategies to COVID-19 pandemic in South Kivu, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Mugisho Gilbert M. , Hwali Lebon M. , Nfuamba Fabrice L.
Published: August 2022

The South-Kivu province, located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has not been spared by the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of March 2022, South Kivu had registered 1682 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Different response measures had been used to maintain the disease. The effects of the response measures had worsened the state of poverty and vulnerability among the population. This study aimed to assess the results of the COVID-19 pandemic on the subjective well-being of South-Kivu households and the impact of resilience strategies on the well-being of these households. The data were collected thrice in 474 households, from August 2020 to February 2021, and analyzed using the structural equations model. We found that 85% of households lost their purchasing capacity, 98% were afraid of being infected with COVID-19 and 54% complied with health measures. The results showed that the resilience strategies adopted by families had increased their subjective well-being. In general, during the third round, the health (84%), socioeconomic (97%) and psychological (97%) dimensions of resilience had a positive impact (68%) on the subjective well-being of South-Kivu households. This study suggests that, in addition to the adaptive resilience strategies developed by families, there is a need to develop proactive and early warning measures for unforeseen pandemics that could lead to health crises.
High-performance terahertz absorber with tunable and ultra-broadband characteristics based on synthetic- patterned vanadium dioxide metamaterials
Authors: Xue Xiaoju , Xu Bijun , Wu Bairui , Chen Dandan , Wang Xiaogang , Li Hongqiang , Hao Ying
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we designed a terahertz absorber based on vanadium dioxide (VO2) with tunable and ultra-broadband characteristics. The absorber is composed of four identical synthetic VO2 patterns, the dielectric layer and the metal reflector layer from top to bottom. The results indicate that the designed absorber achieves essentially total reflection when VO2 is in the insulated state. The designed absorber has an absorption bandwidth of over 90% absorptance up to 7.7 THz in the frequencies range 5.36 THz-13.06 THz when VO2 is in the metallic state. By adjusting the conductivity of VO2, the absorber realizes near-perfect amplitude modulation with absorbance dynamically tuned from 4.31% to 100%. The operating principle of ultra-broadband absorber is interpreted by wave interference theory, impedance matching theory and electric field analysis, respectively. Compared to previously reported terahertz absorbers, the designed absorber offers significant improvements in the absorption broadband, and it also has many advantages such as simple structure, polarization insensitivity, and flexible incident angle. Such tunable ultra-broadband terahertz absorbers hold great promise in the fields of photochemical energy absorption, thermal emitters, and stealth.
Effectively targeting climate investments: A methodology for mapping climate–agriculture–gender inequality hotspots
Authors: Koo Jawoo , Azzarri Carlo , Mishra Avni , Lecoutere Els , Puskur Ranjitha , Chanana Nitya , Singaraju Niyati , Nico Gianluigi , Khatri-Chhetri Arun
Published: August 2022

Women are at a particular disadvantage by the stress that climate change poses on food systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) as their adaptive capacity is hampered by unequal access to resources and services and constraints to their agency. This paper proposes a methodology to identify climate–agriculture–gender inequality hotspot LMICs and subnational areas where climate hazards converge with large concentrations of women participating in food systems and social conditions that disadvantage women. The methodology applies data reduction techniques on publicly available data to compute a hotspot index that forms the basis for ranking and mapping hotspots. Applying the methodology illustrates the hottest of 87 LMICs are located in Africa and identifies crop-specific hotspot subnational areas in four focus countries. Identifying hotspots can enable targeting populations at highest risk and render future efforts to support women’s agency for climate resilience and avert increasing gender inequalities more effective.
Performance Characteristics of Concrete With Nano- Graphene Oxide Inundations
Authors: Ellala Geetha , Saduwale Shrihari
Published: August 2022

Graphene oxide (GO) is one of the prominent Nano material, this has been utilized in producing cement composite materials. Graphene oxide represents unique range properties likely to enhance the strength and toughness of concrete. In this study, the performance of graphene oxide (GO) was evaluated on the workability, strength and durability properties of the fresh and hardened cement concrete. Different percentages of graphene oxide were added at 0wt%, 0.01wt%, 0.02wt%, 0.03wt%, 0.04wt%, 0.05% by weight of cement. Workability tests in terms of fluidity were conducted to the fresh GO based concrete. Compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural strength tests were conducted to the hardened GO based concrete at 7 days,14 days and 28 days. Durability tests viz: Rapid chloride permeability test and sorptivity investigated the role of GO in concrete to enhance the performance characteristics of concrete. Results demonstrated that, graphene oxide (GO) addition increases the viscosity, decreases the fluidity of concrete. Increased compressive, split tensile and flexural strength results were appeared due to the addition of graphene oxide (GO) at different dosages. At 0.03% wt of graphene oxide dosage, the average compressive strength was achieved by 85% at 7 days and 93% was attained at 14 days as that of 28days strength. It indicates that the early age strength can be achieved by GO based concrete.
Effects of drag reduction during formation locomotion in adult captive dolphins
Authors: Nishimura Taiga , Mori Tomoko , Sakakibara Masaki , Sakai Mai
Published: August 2022

The drag-reducing effects of formation locomotion have been reported in group-living mammals, birds, and fishes. Formation locomotion between the mother and calf has also been reported in cetaceans. Similar positions are used for swimming among adult animals; however, their drag-mitigating effects have not been reported. This study was conducted to elucidate the hydrodynamic characteristics among adult animals in cetaceans. We observed adult captive bottlenose dolphins and Pacific white-sided dolphins at Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium. A total of 342 episodes of formation locomotion were observed over three days. During formation locomotion, the follower's stride length was longer and the leader's stride length was shorter than that in the parallel and solitary swims. The leader’s power increased 11.7 times that of the solitary swim. This study quantified the energetic costs and benefits of social behavior, with followers benefiting an average of 0.4 W kg− 1 and leaders losing an average of 4.68 W kg− 1. Therefore, it is believed that there is no function to reduce the cost of movement as a group. Formation locomotion can be characterized as altruistic behavior, where the follower gains and the leader loses. Formation locomotion is not only a hydrodynamic property for dolphins, but also socially important.
Autonomous navigation system for exhibition hall service robots via laser SLAM
Authors: Cai Haocong , Wu Zhigang , Zhu Yaohui , Ye Feiyun , Chen Min
Published: August 2022

As an important tool for guiding and introducing visitors to the exhibition hall, the service robot needs to confront the complex environment existed and the constantly moving visitors. It is needed to have the ability to enable accurate positioning and navigation as well as dynamic obstacle avoidance. In recent years, simultaneous localization and mapping technology has been widely used to address localization and navigation issues in unknown indoor environments. Combining the service robot’s inertial measurement unit with other sensors to map the exhibition hall environment by the Cartographer SLAM algorithm, environmental information is collected by two-dimensional laser lidar. The path planning and dynamic obstacle are also achieved by the Cartographer simultaneous localization and mapping algorithm. The \({A^*}\) algorithm is selected for global path planning and the dynamic window approach algorithm for local path planning. The environment map construction, path planning and dynamic obstacle avoidance functions are verified by simulation and experiments in real environment. The average position deviation and standard deviation of the robot are less than 7cm and 3cm, respectively, when the robot is set to move at 0.5m/s. The average heading deviation is less than \({9^ \circ }\)and standard deviation is less than \({3^ \circ }\). The robot's positioning and navigation can well meet the working requirements of the pavilion service robot.
Determinant of Prolonged Second Stage Labor Among Mothers Who Give Birth in Dire Dawa City at Public Institution, Eastern, Ethiopia, Nov, 2021
Authors: Manaye Yibekal , Wolde Kiber , Manaye Elias , Yigezu Muluken
Published: August 2022

Background
Prolonged second stage of labor is a clinical dilemma in which controversy exists on whether extending labor in nulliparous women with epidural anesthesia decreases the incidence of cesarean delivery without increasing maternal or neonatal risks. This stage become prolonged often resulting to maternal and neonatal complications.
Objective
To determine the determinant of prolonged second stage among mothers who give birth in Dire Dawa city, Eastern, Ethiopia, NOV, 2021.
Methods
A Facility based unmatched Case control study was conducted among mothers who gave birth in health facilities in Dire Dawa city from NOV. 2021 to MAR. 2022. A total of 388 mothers who came for delivery care services in randomly selected health facility was included in the study. Data were collected using face to face interview, document review, and anthropometric measurement techniques. The data were entered into EPI INFO version 7.1 and exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis.
Result
A total of 388 women were included in the study, According to this finding factors shows an association for prolong second stage of labor were not perform physical exercise were AOR = 4.9 (2.1–11.3), nulliparous AOR = 2.6 (1.6–4.2), Inadequate uterine contraction AOR = 2.8 (1.7–4.5). Birth weight of ≥ 4000 gram AOR = 2.6(1.5–4.6)
Characterization of Laser Dye Concentrations in ZnO Nanostructures for Optimization Random Laser Emission Performance
Authors: Haider Adawiya J. , Sultan Fatima I. , Haider Mohammed J. , Taha Bakr , Al-Musawi Sharafaldin , Edan Mahdi S. , Jassim Chadeer S. , Arsad Norhana
Published: August 2022

Many other nanoforms of zinc oxide (ZnO) structures can be synthesized, such as (spheres, rods, flowers, disks, wall, etc.). However, nanoflowers and nanowires have received particular interest due to their wide range of applications, including biological pollutants, remedial cancer cell killing, gas sensors, and biosensors. In the present work, we investigate the optical and morphological properties of two shaped nanoparticles as scatter centers in the laser active medium on the performance emission of a random laser. Fluorescence and absorption spectra show that 10− 4 M for R6G dye and 0.184 ×1013cm-3 ZnO NPs are the optimal nanocomposite film concentrations for R6G dye. With excitation energies ranging from 3.44 to 28.34 mJ and a repetition rate of 2 Hz, second-harmonic generation Nd: YAG laser ASE spectra of the nanocomposite films were observed. The results indicated a minimum bandwidth (FWHM) of 13 nm at a threshold energy of 8.65 mJ for ZnO NW nanocomposite films at 0.184 × 1013cm-3 with R6G dye at 10− 4 M and PMMA. The ZnO NF nanocomposite film had a FWHM of 11 nm and a threshold energy of 4.8 mJ at the same concentrations of R6G dye on PMMA.
Evaluation of Fructosamine and Fructosamine-Albumin Ratio in Reflecting Fasting Glucose in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Ha Tuan Manh , Dao Thuy Thi , Nguyen Anh Tuan
Published: August 2022

Background
Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) may not correctly reflect chronic glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with chronic renal disease (CKD) due to anaemia. Growing evidence reports that fructosamine in reflecting glycaemic control is unaffected by anaemia in in these patients. However, the role of fructosamine remains unclear. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the acceptance of HbA1c and determine whether fructosamine levels or fructosamine-albumin ratios might be promising biomarkers of glycaemic control in T2DM patients with or without CKD.
Methods
HbA1c and fructosamine levels were measured in 50 T2DM patients with CKD and 50 T2DM patients without CKD, together with 30 healthy subjects. The area under the curve and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to compare HbA1c, fructosamine levels, and fructosamine-albumin ratio in reflecting glycaemic control. Youden’s index was applied to identify the cut-off points for those parameters. The cut-off point for HbA1c was 6.0%, which was used as the standard method to determine the values of fructosamine and fructosamine-albumin ratio predictors for complications.
Results
HbA1c levels correlated strongly with fasting blood glucose in T2DM patients without CKD (r = 0.758, p < 0.01) and moderately (r = 0.575, p < 0.01) in those with CKD. However, fructosamine levels and the fructosamine-albumin ratios showed a moderate correlation with fasting blood glucose in those without CKD (r = 0.466, p < 0.01 and r = 0.436, p < 0.01, respectively). Estimated blood glucose levels calculated by HbA1c were similar to actual fasting blood glucose in T2DM patients with different levels of eGFR. However, for fructosamine levels and fructosamine-albumin ratios, the estimated blood glucose levels were similar to actual fasting blood glucose in groups of T2DM patients with eGFR levels lower than 45 and 30 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. The fructosamine-albumin ratio was a strong predictor of glycaemic control in T2DM patients with CKD (AUC = 0.923), comparable with HbA1c (AUC = 0.966). A fructosamine level of 270 µmol/L was identified as the optimal cut-off point for monitoring the response to T2DM treatment.
Conclusion
The fructosamine concentration or fructosamine-albumin ratio effectively reflected blood glucose levels in T2DM Vietnamese patients with CKD (eGFR levels lower than 45 and 30 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively).