bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacological evaluation of Natural Sea Salt against doxorubicin induced cardiac toxicity via Gut Microbiome
Authors: Asar Turky Omar , Nadeem Muhammad Shahid , Abbasi Fahad A. Al , Sheikh Ryan Adnan , Naqvi Salma , Hosawi Salman Bakr I. , Almalki Naif Abdullah R. , Alhayyani Sultan , Kumar Vikas , Rizwanuddin Sheikh , Kaleem Mohammed , Anwar Firoz
Published: August 2023

Cardiovascular complications including cardiac toxicity pose a major health threat worldwide. These complications can be handled by reducing the associated risk factors including diet. Gut microbiome is prominently associated with cardiovascular diseases. The present study demonstrates how the gut microbiota, under the effect of table salt and natural sea salt, modulates doxorubicin-induced cardiac toxicity. Experimental animals were divided into six groups (n = 6) as: Group I. Normal control (NC); Group II: table salt (0.3%) (NTS); Group III: natural sea salt (0.3%) (NSS.); Group IV: Doxorubicin-induced cardiac toxicity control (2mg/kg) (DC); Group V:DC + Table salt (0.3%) (DTS.); and Group VI: DC + Natural sea salt (0.3%) (DSS). CKMB, CRP, lipid profile was assayed in serum, GUT microbiota in stool, and histopathological variations in heart tissues were studied. Significant alterations were observed in the analytical values of blood parameters in the doxorubicin versus the normal control group. Also, a significant variation was observed in DTS and DSS groups for CKMB (p < 0.001), CRP (p < 0.01; p < 0.05), TC, TG, LDL (p < 0.0001) and HDL (p < 0.05, p < 0.01) respectively, when compared with DC group. Presence of gut microbes were identified in the stool samples. The population of Proteobacteria and Spirochetes were significantly lowered the DC group as compared to all other groups. However, the treatment with the sea salt increased the richness of this phylum to 36-fold, while table salt increased only by 9-fold. The change in microbial population is a direct marker for cardiac toxicity, which was highly prevented by sea salt as compared to table salt. Histopathological alterations in cellular architecture of the heart reflect a marked effect of the salts on it. Our observations suggest that a diet with natural sea salt demonstrated a significant protection to cardiac toxicity that may have initiated via inflammation after doxorubicin injury compared to the table salt.
Enhanced Photocatalytic activity of bio mediated Ag@Cu2O NPs towards Fampridine: Kinetic modelling and mechanistic pathways
Authors: ATTRI PRATIBHA , Garg Sangeeta , Rata Jatinder Kumar , Giri Ardhendu Sekhar
Published: August 2023

To enhance the photocatalytic activity of Cu2O NPs, Tabernaemontana divaricate leaf extract was used to synthesise Ag@Cu2O NPs. UV-Vis, XPS, XRD, and HR-TEM were used to characterize Ag@Cu2O NPs. The mechanism of Ag+ binding onto Cu2O NPs showed that plant extract was fully saturated with flavonoids and can implant Ag on the Cu2O NPs. XPS spectra of Ag@Cu2O NPs showed a shift towards lower binding energy in Cu 2p peaks from 932 eV to 931 eV and 952 eV to 951 eV, which confirmed the formation of Ag@Cu2O NPs. HR-TEM investigation of Ag@Cu2O NPs indicated that the lattice distance was (d = 0.25 nm) which corresponds to the (111) plane of Ag, which demonstrated the fabrication of Ag@Cu2O NPs. The degradation efficiency of fampridine was enhanced to 95% with 97% COD removal and 75% TOC conversion after 210 min using Ag@Cu2O NPs as compared to Cu2O NPs. The MFOK model was well fitted for the TOC conversion of fampridine, with R2 = 0.99 in comparison to the FOK model. LC-MS spectra for the degradation of fampridine have shown ten intermediate fragments. Ag@Cu2O NPs that were synthesised effectively inhibited the bacterial pathogen.
Cost-utility Analysis of Adult Patients with Severe Aplastic Anemia: a Single-center Cohort Study
Authors: Chen Lin , Fang Liwei , Kuang Zhexiang , Xu Jing , Wang Chuan
Published: August 2023

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of cyclosporine A + ALG and cyclosporine A + TPO-RA in treating SAA (Severe Aplastic Anemia) patients and provide scientific data support for maximizing the therapeutic benefit of SAA patients.
Methods: Cost-utility analysis was used to compare the two strategies' quality-adjusted years of life and total costs. Patient utility values were obtained by EQ-5D-3L and Japanese TTO conversion, and total treatment costs were obtained by electronic questionnaire and medical information data.
Results: Twenty-six adult patients were enrolled, including 17 patients in the cyclosporine A + ALG group and nine in the cyclosporine A + TPO-RA group. From admission to 6 months follow-up, the intuitive feelings of patients in the cyclosporine A + ALG group were higher than of those in the cyclosporine A + TPO-RA group, and the quality of life of the former group was significantly higher than that of the latter, with a difference of 0. 08 QALY (P < 0.01). The total cost of the former was twice that of the latter. The QALYs obtained by the two strategies were 687,000 yuan and 450,000 yuan, respectively. Compared with the cyclosporine A + TPO-RA regimen, the total cost of the cyclosporine A + ALG regimen was 1.51 million yuan per additional QALY.
Conclusions: Under the premise of ensuring clinical efficacy, CsA + TPO-RA can be used as a better treatment strategy to reduce the economic pressure of SAA patients, reduce the pressure of medical insurance, and obtain multi-benefits.
Ultrasound evaluation of cardiac and diaphragmatic function at different positions during a spontaneous breathing trial predicting extubation outcomes: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Luo Ling , Li Yi-dan , Wang Li-fang , Sun Bing , Tong Zhao-hui
Published: August 2023

Background: The ratio (E/Ea) of mitral Doppler inflow velocity to annular tissue Doppler wave velocity by transthoracic echocardiography and diaphragmatic excursion (DE) by diaphragm ultrasound have been confirmed to predict extubation outcomes. However, few studies focused on the predicting value of E/Ea and DE at different positions, and the effects of △E/Ea and △DE [the changes of E/Ea and DE during a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT)].
Methods: This study was a reanalysis of the data of 60 difficult-to-wean patients in a previous study published in 2017. All eligible participants were divided into respiratory failure (RF) group and extubation success (ES) group within 48 hours, or re-intubation (RI) group and non-intubation (NI) group within 1 week. The risk factors for respiratory failure and re-intubation including E/Ea and △E/Ea, DE and△DE at different positions were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression, respectively. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of E/Ea (septal, lateral, average) and DE (right, left, average) were compared with each other. Combination of E/Ea and △E/Ea, or DE and △DE was analyzed to predict respiratory failure or re-intubation.
Results: Among 60 patients, 29 cases developed respiratory failure, and 14 cases were re-intubated. Multivariate logistic regression showed that E/Ea were all associated with respiratory failure, while only DE (right) and DE (average) after SBT were related to re-intubation. There were no statistic differences between the ROC curves of E/Ea and DE at different positions. No statistical differences were shown in △E/Ea between RF and ES groups, but △DE (average) was remarkably higher in NI group than that in RI group. There was a tendency that the combined factor could predicted respiratory failure better than E/Ea (average) after SBT or △E/Ea (average) , same as for the combined factor predicting re-intubation better than DE (average) after SBT or △DE (average).
Conclusions: Cardiac and diaphragmatic dysfunction were related topostextubation respiratory failure and re-intubation, respectively. There were no statistical differences in E/Ea at different positions, similarly with DE. The combined factors could show the highest diagnostic accuracy in predicting respiratory failure and re-intubation.
Pre-movement sensorimotor oscillations shape the sense of agency by gating cortical connectivity
Authors: Bertoni Tommaso , Noel Jean-Paul , Bockbrader Marcia , Foglia Carolina , Colachis Sam , Orset Bastien , Rezai Ali , Panzeri Stefano , Becchio Cristina , Blanke Olaf , Serino Andrea
Published: August 2023

Our sense of agency, the subjective experience of controlling our actions, is a crucial component of self-awareness and motor control. It is thought to originate from the comparison between intentions and actions across broad cortical network. However, the underlying neural mechanisms are still unknown. We hypothesized that oscillations in the theta-alpha range, thought to orchestrate long-range neural connectivity, may mediate sensorimotor comparisons. To test this, we manipulated the relation between intentions and actions in a tetraplegic user of a brain machine interface (BMI), decoding primary motor cortex (M1) activity to restore hand functionality. We found that the pre-movement phase of low-alpha oscillations in M1 predicted the participant’s agency judgements. Using EEG-BMI in healthy participants, we linked M1 and supplementary motor area (SMA) pre-movement alpha oscillations to agency ratings, and to changes in their functional connectivity with sensory areas. These findings argue for phase-driven gating as a key mechanism for sensorimotor integration and agency.
Molecular Characterization of Contagious Pustular Dermatitis Virus in goats of Sri Lanka
Authors: Piratheepan Susanthaa , Puvanendran Sumathy , Perera Kalyani
Published: August 2023

Contagious Pustular Dermatitis (CPD), also known as Orf or Sore Mouth, is a zoonotic disease, in small ruminants. Contagious Pustular Dermatitis Virus (CPDV) is an epitheliotrophic DNA virus belongs to the Genus Parapoxvirus DNA virus Poxviridae family. CPD is characterized by papules and pustules typically found on and around muzzle, mouth and nose and eventually develop into thick scabs which become a site for secondary bacterial infections. CPD had been reported from all parts of Sri Lanka. In the North Central, Northern and Eastern provinces where 60% of national goat population is found, its incidence is higher. Laboratory confirmation and phylogenetic analysis of CPDV obtained through PCR and DNA sequencing respectively. Ninety two scab samples from affected animals were collected in 50% Glycerol phosphate saline from the following districts: Vavuniya, Trincomalee, Anuradhapura, Jaffna, Mannar, Kilinochchi and Kandy. Viral DNA was extracted and PCR was performed with modifications by using following primers ORF2F5’-CGAACTTCCACCTCAACCACTCC-3’ and ORF2R5’-CCTTGACGACGATGTCGCCCTTCT-3’. Partial B2L gene was amplified. B2L gene, which codes for an envelope protein, is highly conserved for CPDV. Hence, ten CPD positive samples (PCR products) representing different regions such as Trincomalee, Vavuniya, Anuradhapura, Kandy Kilinochchi and Jaffna were sequenced for partial B2L gene (507bp). Laboratory analysis showed that eighty-six samples were positive for CPD viral DNA. In phylogenetic analysis based on the partial B2L gene, the Sri Lankan strain was closer to the ORFV Assam/09 isolates (JN846834) from India. A12 strain (Anuradhapura) and ORFV Assam/09 isolates showed 99% similarity at the nucleotide levels. Two isolates from India (Accession No JN 846834, KU128538) were closely related to isolates from Anuradhapura, Mannar, Jaffna and Kilinochchi districts. Two isolates from China (Accession No KU 199831 and KC 568397) were closely related to isolates from Vavuniya and Trincomalee. Sri Lankan isolates are closely related with each other. Therefore one of the strains could be used as a vaccine candidate
Real or fake? Decoding realness levels of stylized face images with EEG
Authors: Chen Yonghao , Stephani Tilman , Bagdasarian Milena Teresa , Hilsman Anna , Eisert Peter , Villringer Arno , Bosse Sebastian , Gaebler Michael , Nikulin Vadim V.
Published: August 2023

Artificially created human faces play an increasingly important role in our digital world. However, the so-called uncanny valley effect may cause people to perceive highly, yet not perfectly human-like faces as eerie, bringing challenges to the interaction with virtual agents. At the same time, the neurocognitive underpinnings of the uncanny valley effect remain elusive. Here, we utilized an electroencephalography (EEG) dataset of steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEP) in which participants were presented with human face images of different stylization levels ranging from simplistic cartoons to actual photographs. Assessing neuronal responses both in frequency and time domain, we found a non-linear relationship between SSVEP amplitudes and stylization level, that is, the most stylized cartoon images and the real photographs evoked stronger responses than images with medium stylization. Moreover, realness of even highly similar stylization levels could be decoded from the EEG data with task-related component analysis (TRCA). Importantly, we also account for confounding factors, such as the size of the stimulus face’s eyes, which previously have not been adequately addressed. Together, this study provides a basis for future research and neuronal benchmarking of real-time detection of face realness regarding three aspects: SSVEP-based neural markers, efficient classification methods, and low-level stimulus confounders.
Adrenal crisis mainly manifested as recurrent syncope secondary to Tislelizumab:a case report and literature review
Authors: Wei HaiShan , Zuo Anju , Chen Jiying , Zheng Chunyan , Li Tingting , Yu Haiyan , Guo Yuan
Published: August 2023

As immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), Tislelizumab is an anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) drug. With the extensive application of ICIs, there is an ever-increasing proportion of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) in clinic, some of which may even be life-threatening. Herein we present a patient of Tislelizumab-induced adrenal crisis. The main clinical manifestation is recurrent syncope accompanied by high-grade fever. Timely identification and hormone replacement therapy helped the patient get through the crisis well. Finally,the patient discontinued Tislelizumab and switch to ADC therapy.We reported this case to improve our understanding of this situation, identify this kind of disease and prevent adrenal crisis in time. Eventually, limiting toxicities to reduce the interruption of immunotherapy. Since irAEs are multisystem damage with more non-specific symptoms, except for oncologists, general practitioners who endorse the need for taking a holistic approach to the patient should play a vital role in the management of cancer treatment.
Financial Development, Technology Adoption, and Sectoral Productivity Convergence
Authors: Avoumatsodo Komla
Published: August 2023

I document a notable differences in convergence speed across sectors and construct an endogenous growth model to elucidate the reasons behind these observed discrepancies. The model categorizes countries into three groups based on their levels of financial institutions and aggregate productivity. Initially, the first group, characterized by low aggregate productivity and weak financial institutions, experiences sectoral productivity divergence but eventually catches up with the second group. The second group demonstrates moderate levels of aggregate productivity and financial institutions, showcasing conditional convergence. On the other hand, the third group, characterized by high aggregate productivity and strong financial institutions, experiences unconditional convergence towards higher sectoral productivity. The model also suggests that convergence in sectors with faster growth rates at the technological frontier occurs at a later stage. Empirical evidence from the World Development Indicators dataset spanning 29 years and covering over 150 countries supports these and other predictions .
The social cost of the COVID-19 pandemic in Israel during 2020-2021
Authors: Shmueli Amir , Peled Osnat , Shachar Ella
Published: August 2023

Background The Covid-19 pandemic hit Israel in February 2020. In response to the pandemic, the government has imposed preventive measures to reduce the spreading of the virus, including lockdowns and restrictions that have severely undermined the normal course of life. Methods The social cost of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020–2021 is the sum of the direct and indirect costs and monetary values of the welfare loss that the pandemic has caused in various areas of life. We identified seven life/cost domains as follows: loss of GDP, fiscal cost, labor market, health, education, domestic violence and transportation. The cost of the pandemic includes components measured in monetary values (such as loss of GDP or government expenditure) and components caused by welfare loss (such as mortality, deterioration of mental health, or obesity) expressed as years of life or quality adjusted life years (QALYs) lost. The monetary value of a lost year of life or QALY adopted in this work is, according to the recommendation of the World Health Organization, three times GDP per capita (NIS 466,311 in 2019). The impact of the pandemic in the various domains was calculated by comparing the actual situation in 2020–2021 to the situation that was expected before the pandemic. Results The total cost of the Covid pandemic in Israel in 2020–2021 amounted to about NIS 783 billion, or 55% of GDP in 2019. This cost amounts to an average cost of about NIS 292,000 per Israeli household. The area most severely affected is health (33% of GDP), and most of the cost was caused by the increase in anxiety and depression levels. The labor market returned to normal quite rapidly, so no long-term unemployment costs were identified. Conclusions It is likely that the cost we estimated is an underestimation. Since we have not been able to locate similar works done in other countries, we performed a comparison with OECD countries in terms of the negative impact on GDP, loss of years of life and loss of school days. It shows that Israel has done better than the OECD average.
Changes in anti-Müllerian hormone values for ovarian reserve after minimally invasive benign ovarian cystectomy: Comparison of the Da Vinci robotic systems (Xi and SP) and the laparoscopic system
Authors: Park Yunjeong , Song Ayoung , Jee Junghyun , Bae Nayoung , Oh Sumin , Shin Jung-Ho , Kim Yong Jin
Published: August 2023

Objective
To investigate the impact on the ovarian reserve after minimally invasive ovarian cystectomy using two platforms, the Da Vinci robotic system (Xi and SP) and the laparoscopic system.
Materials and methods
Patients underwent laparoscopic or Da Vinci robotic (Xi or SP) ovarian cystectomy for benign ovarian cysts between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2022 at Guro Hospital, Korea University Medical center. We measured the change of AMH values(%) = [(postAMH − preAMH)] × 100 / preAMH.
Main Results
No significant differences in preoperative age, cyst size, estimated blood loss during surgery, hemoglobin drop, length of hospital stay, adhesion detachment rate and cyst rupture rate were observed. However, the operative time was significantly shorter in the laparoscopic group than that in the robotic group (67.78±30.58 min vs. 105.17±38.87 min, p<0.001)
The mean preAMH and postAMH were significantly higher with the Da Vinci robotic group than with the laparoscopic group (preAMH: 5.89±4.81 ng/mL vs. 4.01±3.59 ng/mL, p=0.02, postAMH: 4.36±3.31 ng/mL vs. 3.08±2.60 ng/mL, p=0.02). However, the mean ΔAMH was not significantly different between two groups. ΔAMH also did not demonstrate significant differences among the three groups; laparoscopic, Xi and SP robotic. Even in the patient groups with preAMH < 2 and diagnosed with endometriosis, the ΔAMH did not show significant differences between the laparoscopic and robotic groups.
Conclusion
Although the Da Vinci robotic system requires a longer time for performing a benign ovarian cystectomy compared to laparoscopic surgery, it is an effective and minimally invasive method for preserving ovarian function.
Identification and complete genomic sequence of a novel sadwavirus discovered in chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat)
Authors: Chen Jie , Dong Yafeng , Wang Hui , Zhang jie , Changnian Ma , Cao Liangliang , Shen Leiding , Cao Kuirong , Fan Xudong
Published: August 2023

The complete genomic sequence of a putative novel member of the genus Sadwavirus was determined by high-throughput sequencing of a chrysanthemum from an orchard of Tongxiang Agricultural Science Institute in Tongxiang, Zhejiang province. The complete genome was further confirmed using RT-PCR and the rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) method. The predicted genome of the putative virus was composed of two RNA molecules of 7016 and 6772 nucleotides in length, excluding the poly-A tails. The new virus was tentatively named “chrysanthemum sadwavirus” (ChSV). The Pro-Pol region of RNA1 and the CP region of RNA2 of ChSV shared the highest amino acid sequence identity of 53.01% and 36.40%, respectively, with the corresponding sequences of lettuce secovirus 1(LSV-1). Phylogenetic analysis showed that ChSV clustered in the subgenus Stramovirus (genus Sadwavirus). Taken together, these results suggest that ChSV is a new member of the genus Sadwavirus.
Early loss of bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells drives regeneration failure in cirrhosis
Authors: Nautiyal Nidhi , Maheshwari Deepanshu , Kumar Dhananjay , Rao E Pranshu , Tripathi Dinesh Mani , Mohanty Sujata , Baligar Prakash , Kumari Anupama , Bihari Chhagan , Biswas Subhrajit , Maiwall Rakhi , Sarin Shiv Kumar , Kumar Anupam
Published: August 2023

Liver failure is failure of regeneration. Underlying cause of regeneration failure in cirrhosis is not well-defined. Bone marrow stem cells (BMSC) and their progeny play a central role in tissue repair and regeneration and are defective in patients with chronic liver failure. Whether BM failure is cause or consequence of liver failure in cirrhosis is not known. In this study we aim to decipher the underlying relation between BM failure and regeneration failure in cirrhosis. Using murine model of chronic liver injury we showed that loss of BMSC occurs prior to failure of liver regeneration and onset of non-acute decompensation. We further showed, infusion of healthy-BM in cirrhotic-BM dampens the inflammation, increase glycolysis and induce the repopulation of native LT-HSCs. Restoring LT-HSCs reserve in cirrhotic animals restore liver macrophage number and function, accelerate regression of fibrosis, enhanced liver regeneration and delay the onset of non-acute decompensation. It improved liver clearance of immune complex, dampens neutrophil-mediated inflammation and shifted energy metabolism from glycolysis to OXPHOS. Therefore, early loss of BMSC reserve compromise innate immune function of liver and drive the regeneration failure in cirrhosis. We also provide the proof-of-concept that rejuvenating BM-HSC reserve as putative therapeutic approach to prevent regeneration failure in cirrhosis.
Role of visceral fat on postoperative complications and relapse in patients with Crohn's disease after ileocecal resection: is it overrated?
Authors: Schineis Christian Hans Wolfgang , Pozios Ioannis , Boubaris Katharina , Weixler Benjamin , Kamphues Carsten , Margonis Georgios Antonios , Kreis Martin Ernst , Strobel Rahel Maria , Beyer Katharina , Seifarth Claudia , Luitjens Jan , Kaufmann David , Lauscher Johannes Christian
Published: August 2023

Introduction:
The role of visceral fat in disease development, particularly in Crohn´s disease (CD), is significant, yet its preoperative prognostic value for postoperative complications and CD relapse remains unknown. This study aims to assess the predictive potential of preoperatively measured visceral and subcutaneous fat in postoperative complications and CD recurrence after ileocecal resection (ICR) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Primary endpoint of the study was postoperative anastomotic leakage of the ileocolonic anastomosis, with secondary endpoints evaluating postoperative complications according to the Clavien Dindo classification and CD recurrence at the anastomosis.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective analysis of 347 CD patients who underwent ICR at our tertiary referral center between 2010 and 2020. From this cohort, 223 patients with available high-quality preoperative MRI scans were included in the study. We recorded patient demographics, postoperative outcomes, and rates of CD recurrence at the anastomosis. To assess adipose tissue distribution, we measured the total fat area (TFA), visceral fat area (VFA), subcutaneous fat area (SFA), and abdominal circumference (AC) at the lumbar 3 (L3) level using an established image-analysis method on MRI cross-sectional images. Additionally, we calculated ratios of the aforementioned values.
Results:
None of the radiological variables showed an association with anastomotic leakage (TFA p=0.932, VFA p=0.982, SFA p=0.951, SFA/TFA p=0.422, VFA/TFA p=0.422), postoperative complications’ rate or CD recurrence (TFA p=0.264, VFA p=0.916, SFA p=0.103, SFA/TFA p=0.059, VFA/TFA p=0.059).
Conclusions:
None of the radiological visceral obesity variables were associated with postoperative outcomes or clinical recurrence in CD patients undergoing ICR. Measurement of visceral fat may be a good parameter to evaluate the severity of CD activity but is rather unspecific considering the prediction of possible postoperative complications and CD relapse.
Ultralow overpotential 465 mV: Ni and Fe synergistically promote the conversion of nitrate to ammonia
Authors: Liu Song , Kan Ziwang , Peng Kang-shun , Shi Lei , Chen Mengcheng , Ren Peidong , Hong Yan , Li Siqi , Hung Sung-Fu
Published: August 2023

The electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) can effectively remove the nitrate from effluent and convert it to usable ammonium. However, the high reaction overpotential and the unclear mechanism hinder the development of NO3RR. In this study, a NiFe nanosheet electrocatalyst is developed and employed as a platform to elucidate the NO3RR reaction mechanism. The as-prepared NiFe electrocatalyst exhibits an ultralow overpotential of 465 mV, and reaches the yield of ammonia 1329.7 µmol cm− 2 h− 1, the Faraday efficiency 96.9% at -0.2 V vs. RHE. In-situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and Raman spectrum reveal that Ni is the nitrate adsorption site, where the two-proton transfer step (*NO3-→*NO2-) takes place. Meanwhile, the Fe is the water absorption and dissociation site, which can provide more proton to Ni, promoting the further transformation of *NO2- to NH3.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of a Novel Pinless Friction Stir Spot Welding for Al 1060 Sheets
Authors: Cao Juyong , Zhang Jun , Xing Yanfeng , Yang Fuyong , Zhang Xiaobing , Xia Peiyun , Ma Xiaoyu
Published: August 2023

Pinless Friction Stir Spot Welding (P-FSSW) has potential applications in joining ultrathin sheets of thickness 1mm or less. However, two issues namely sheet tearing and weak material intermixing hinder the widespread adoption of P-FSSW in manufacturing fields. This paper proposed the Closed Pinless Friction Stir Spot Welding (CP-FSSW) technique to address these issues. In this study, the CP-FSSW process was performed on Al 1060 alloys, and investigated through experimental observation and numerical modelling. The experimental results show that sound joints without sheet tearing and partially bonded interface defects were achieved. Even a small plunge depth of 0.03 mm resulted in significant deformation of the materials, with the depth of the stir zone being approximately 51 times the plunge depth. Increasing the plunge depth to 0.05 mm or 0.07 mm at a dwelling time of 2 s effectively suppress the formation of hook defect, which was beneficial to the tensile shear load of the joints. Simulations indicate that the morphology of the hook defects at different plunge depth was highly dependent on the effective plastic strain.
An updated two-sample Mendelian randomization study: COVID-19 and pre-eclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension
Authors: Tang Wanting , Hao Ming
Published: August 2023

Objective: To investigate the association between COVID-19 and pre-eclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension (SPE).
Design: Two-sample Mendelian randomization study.
Setting: COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative (version R7) and FinnGen consortium (version R9).
Patients: A total of 222978 cases and 6284909 controls are derived from three different COVID phenotypes of the COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative, 154 cases, and 194266 controls with pre-eclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension (SPE) from FinnGen.
Intervention (s): None.
Mains Outcome Measure: SPE. Result(s): Genetic predisposition to three different COVID phenotypes of the COVID-19 was associated with an increased risk of SPE, their IVW ORs (95% CIs) and P-values are 1.39 (1.00-1.92) and 0.04, 1.88 (1.17-3.02) and 0.008, 6.41 (1.27-32.22) and 0.02, respectively.
Conclusion (s): This study based on genetic data suggests the causal potential of the association between COVID-19 and SPE.
Synergistic Interactions among Vacuum, Solar Heating, and UV Irradiation Enhance the Lethality of Interplanetary Space
Authors: Schuerger Andrew C.
Published: August 2023

A Planetary Atmospheric Chamber (PAC) was used to create simulations of interplanetary conditions to test spore survival of threeBacillusspp. exposed to interacting conditions of high-vacuum (VAC), simulated solar heating (HEAT), and simulated solar ultraviolet illumination (UV). Synergism was observed among the experimental factors against all threeBacillusspp. tested that suggests increased lethality of HEAT and UV when concomitantly exposed to VAC. The most aggressive biocidal effects were observed for assays with VAC + HEAT + UV conditions run simultaneously over short time-steps. Results were used to predict the accumulation of extremely rapid Sterility Assurance Levels (SALs; def., ‒12 logs of bioburden reduction) measured in a few 10s of min for interplanetary spacecraft. Furthermore, results were extrapolated to predict that approx. 1 x 104SAL exposures might be accumulated for external surfaces on the Europa Clipper spacecraft during a 3.5 year residence time between Venus (0.7 AU) and Mars (1.5 AU) during a series of Venus-Earth-Earth gravity assists (VEEGA trajectory) to Jovian space. The results are applicable to external spacecraft surfaces exposed to direct solar illumination during transits though the inner Solar System. [Submitted to Scientific Reports for peer review on 08-12-23.]
The Outcome of HIV Patients on ART during the War and Siege in a Tertiary Hospital, Northern Ethiopia, a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Weledegebriel Migbnesh Gebremedhin , Nigusse Afewerki Tesfahunegn , Gebru Tekae , Haftu Hansa , Gebrehiwet Teklu , Tsegay Niguse , Abera Bisrat Tesfay , Kassahun Eden , Gebrekidan Atsede , Hailu Berhane Yohannes , Kidane Samuel , Desta Rishan Tesfay
Published: August 2023

Introduction: HIV remains a serious global health pandemic, especially in developing countries where conflicts and political instabilities have persisted for decades. Although Tigray once had one of Ethiopia's best health systems, it has now completely collapsed due to the devastating two-year war and siege. Not only the lack of food but also the lack of medication has led to a loss of life and increased complications. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of people living with HIV infection in Tigray.
Method: Health facility-based independent repeated cross-sectional study designs were used to assess the outcome of HIV/AIDS patients during the war and siege in Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from October 2022 to November 2022. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were applied. The results are presented with tables and figures.
Results: A total of 440 participants were enrolled in prewar and during the war and siege periods with equal distribution to each. The mean ages were 39 and 41.2 years before and during the war. In this study, 63 (28.6%) in prewar, and 120 (54.5%) during the war and siege period had poor outcome status (p=0.000).
Following the eruption of the war, 68.8% of ART drugs were not available for more than 12 months, and only 10.6% (23/218) and 30.7% (67/218) of the participants took IPT and CPT, respectively. During the crisis, services such as CD4 and viral load determinations were significantly affected (p=000); there were also frequent ART switches and an increased number of missed appointments (p=000).
In prewar, severe malnutrition AOR 3.98 (95% CI-1.04-15.22), viral load determination AOR 0.07 (95% CI-0.03-0.18), and viral load >1000 copies AOR 6.68 (95% CI-2.91-15.32) were found to be associated factors with HIV outcome. During the crisis, AOR 2.56 (95% CI-1.14-5.74), CD4 count above 200 cells/ml AOR 0.27 (95% CI-0.08-0.97), patients on CPT 0.43 (95% CI-0.22-0.85), and frequent ART switches AOR 0.12 (95% CI-0.05-0.28) were the independent factors identified.
Conclusion: The war and siege have led to significantly poor outcome status of HIV patients and disruption of services in HIV care.
Perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors of bereavement care in emergency department staff: a descriptive qualitative study
Authors: Peng Yingxin , Zhang Min , Wu Haoming , Mei Tianshu , Zhou Tiantian , Huang Ping
Published: August 2023

Introduction
Bereavement care can alleviate the emotional distress that comes with the loss of a loved one. However, the current situation of bereavement care is not ideal in emergency department, and the lack of knowledge and skills of bereavement care among medical staff is considered to be one of the challenges in bereavement care. The aim of this study was to explore emergency department staff's perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors of providing bereavement care for unexpected death patients and family members.
Methods
A qualitative descriptive design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted between December 2022 and March 2023 with emergency department staff from three hospitals in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China, and the interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results
Finally, 15 emergency department staff were included. Three themes were identified from the interview results: perceptions of bereavement care, attitudes towards bereavement care, and care-centered bereavement care practices.
Conclusion
Emergency department staff providers have an incomplete understanding of bereavement care. Bereavement care for family members of unexpected death patients in emergency department is necessary but also has certain obstacles. In the emergency department, the education of emergency department staff should be strengthened and the behavior of bereavement care should be effectively guided.
Testing Theory of Mind in GPT Models and Humans
Authors: Strachan James , Albergo Dalila , Borghini Giulia , Pansardi Oriana , Scaliti Eugenio , Rufo Alessandro , Manzi Guido , Graziano Michael , Becchio Cristina
Published: August 2023

Interacting with other people involves reasoning about and prediction of others' mental states, or Theory of Mind. This capacity is a distinguishing feature of human cognition but recent advances in Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT suggest that they may possess some emergent capacity for human-like Theory of Mind. Such claims merit a systematic approach to explore the limits of GPT models' emergent Theory of Mind capacity and compare it against humans. We show that while GPT models show impressive Theory of Mind-like capacity in controlled tests, there are key deviations from human performance that call into question how human-like this capacity is. Specifically, across a battery of Theory of Mind tests, we found that GPT models performed at human levels when recognising indirect requests, false beliefs, and higher-order mental states like misdirection, but were specifically impaired at recognising faux pas. Follow-up studies revealed that this was due to GPT's conservatism in drawing conclusions that humans took to be self-evident. Our results suggest that while GPT may demonstrate the competence for sophisticated mentalistic inference, its lack of embodiment within an action-oriented environment make this capacity qualitatively different from human cognition.
Human airway epithelial cell pH regulatory proteins in cystic fibrosis: Differential expression in nasal and bronchial airway cells
Authors: Davis Michael D , Gaston Benjamin , Smith Laura , Rahman Rania Abdul , Khalid Faiza , Cotton Calvin , Chmiel James , Boyne Katie , Ramsey I. Scott , Marozkina Nadzeya
Published: August 2023

Background. Decreased apical bicarbonate transport into the airway surface liquid (ASL) has been associated with decreased ASL pH in some studies. Low ASL pH can have adverse respiratory effects. However, the human CF epithelium can also normalize ASL pH. We hypothesized that pH regulatory proteins other than the CF transmembrane regulator (CFTR) would be upregulated in the CF epithelium.
Methods. We grew primary human nasal and bronchial epithelial cells from healthy controls and CF subjects at air-liquid interface; each culture was grown until fully mature and ciliated (~ six weeks). We used immunoblotting to measure expression of proteins that can affect pH known in the airway, renal tubule and/or gut: carbonic anhydrases (CA) 1, 2 and 12; voltage-gated proton channel (Hv1); lactate dehydrogenases (LDH) A, B, and D; dual oxidases (DUOX) 1 and 2; Na+/H+ exchange regulatory factor; potassium-transporting ATPase alpha chain 2 (ATP12A), S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR); glutaminase; and vacuolar-type ATPase (VTP-ase). Proteins that were differentially expressed were localized using cell fractionation and by immunofluorescence.
Results. There were no differences in expression of any of the proteins studied between healthy control and CF nasal epithelial cells. On the other hand, Hv1, CA1, CA2, CA12, LDHa, LDHd, ATP12a and GSNOR expression were each increased in the CF bronchial epithelium relative to the healthy control. Hv1 and CA2 were expressed in both cell membrane and cytoplasm, whereas CA1 and CA12 were cytoplasmic and nuclear. RNASeq data suggested that the differences in expression were post-transcriptional.
Conclusions. In the renal tubule and gut, mechanisms regulating luminal pH are well understood. In the airway, absence of CFTR can in some cases lead to ASL acidification; but other pH regulatory proteins are not well-studied. Here, we show increased expression of CA’s, LDH’s, ATP12a, GSNOR and Hv1 in bronchial epithelium from patients with CF. We speculate that these proteins could serve to normalize the CF epithelial pH. Nasal cells did not have these changes, arguing against the hypothesis that nasal epithelial gene expression results can uniformly be extrapolated to understand the biology of bronchial epithelium. These data also allow us to begin to create a map of pH regulatory systems in the human airway epithelium.
Dynamic and Static Soft Computation of Effluent Quality Parameters of Dissolved Air Flotation of an Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plant – A case study
Authors: Abouzari Milad , Pahlavani Parham , Ahmadi Hossein
Published: August 2023

In the present study, several static and dynamic intelligent computing methods, including Gene Expression Programming (GEP), newly approach of Robusted/ Least Squares Support Vector Machines (RO/LS-SVM) with Grid search and radial basic functions, robust LS-SVM with grid search, Focused Time Delay Neural Network (FTDNN) with Levenberg-Marquardt Learning Algorithm, FTDNN with Bayesian regularization Learning Algorithm, and FTDNN with Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno (BFGS) Learning Algorithm have been used to estimate Acidity and Total dissolved solids (TDS) from the dissolved air flotation (DAF) unit. Furthermore, static and dynamic models perform differently under the conditions of shock loads accompanied by the temporal impact of past data on the system. Moreover, four related variables, such as COD, pH, Turbidity, and TDS from the effluent of the equalization tank (E. tank), were selected as inputs of the models, collected in an 8-hour monitoring during a year. The results demonstrated that GEP and FTDNN (with Bayesian regularization) with static and dynamic conditions modeled TDS and
pH parameters as the best results, respectively. The statistical quality of these models was found to be significant due to their high correlation between the experimental and observed chemical values, although some points in modeling, such as the implication of time lags, showed greater potential in model prediction along with simplicity and efficiency in a variety of complex physical, chemical, and biological processes.
Whole-family programmes for families living with parental mental illness: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Moltrecht Bettina , Lange Aurelie M.C. , Merrick Hannah , Radley Jessica
Published: August 2023

Several interventions have been developed to support families living with parental mental illness (PMI). Recent evidence suggests that programmes with whole-family components may have greater positive effects for families, thereby also reducing costs to health and social care systems. This review aimed to identify whole-family interventions, their common characteristics and investigate their effectiveness and acceptability. A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A literature search was conducted in ASSIA, CINAHL, Embase, Medline and PsycINFO in January 2021 and updated in August 2022. We double screened 3914 abstracts and 212 papers according to pre-set inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used for quality assessment. Quantitative and qualitative data was extracted and synthesised. Randomised-control trial data on child and parent mental health outcomes was analysed separately in random-effects meta-analyses. The protocol, extracted data and meta-data are accessible via the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/9uxgp/) Data from 67 articles, 42 trials and 31 interventions were included. Findings indicated small intervention effects for all outcomes including children’s and parents’ mental health (dc=-.017, -027; dp=-0.14, -0.16) and family outcomes. Qualitative evidence suggested that most families experienced whole-family interventions as positive, highlighting specific components as helpful, including whole-family components, speaking about mental illness, and the benefits of group settings. Our findings highlight the lack of high-quality studies. The present review fills an important gap in the literature by summarising the evidence for whole-family interventions. There is a lack of robust evidence coupled with a great need in families affected by PMI which could be addressed by whole-family interventions. We recommend the involvement of families in the further development of these interventions and in their evaluation.
Everything has changed: The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the transit market in Montréal, Canada
Authors: Carvalho Thiago , Ahmed El-Geneidy
Published: August 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the transit market leading to ridership loss and service cuts. Most of the post-pandemic transit market literature has focused on how to attract those who stopped using transit services, however little attention has been given to how rider profiles have changed. To address this gap, we examine 2019 and 2022 data regarding transit commuters from Montréal, Canada. We apply factor and k-means cluster analyses to derive market segments at both points in time considering satisfaction levels, telecommuting rates, and frequency of transit use. We build upon these analyses to report on overall and mode group-level changes in the transit market. Our market segmentation reveals that captive, captive-by-choice, and choice riders still exist in the current public transit market. However, the share of these groups in the market has changed. The proportion of captive and choice riders has increased while captive-by-choice riders have shrunk in size. Moreover, the post-pandemic market has become mostly composed of infrequent riders and higher rates of telecommuting. We further explore these trends by commute mode (i.e., bus only, metro only, and bus and metro users). The findings from this research can be of interest to practitioners and policymakers as they shed light on the evolution of the perceptions and behaviours of segments of transit riders from before to after pandemic.
A Smartphone-based Crowd-sourced Real-time Surveillance Platform (Apple Snail Inspector) for the Invasive Snail Pomacea canaliculata: Design and Development Study
Authors: Dai Yang , Zhang Qiang , Ding Xin , Zhang Yingshu , Yang Yougui , Mao Fanzhen , Ni Bixian , Liu Yaobao , Culleton Richard , Cao Jun
Published: August 2023

Background
The large amphibious freshwater snail, Pomacea canaliculata (P. canaliculata) is an important invasive species in China, but there is currently no method available for its surveillance. The development and popularization of smartphones provides a new platform for research on surveillance technologies for the early detection and effective control of invasive species.
Objective
We describe the design and development of the “Apple Snail Inspector” (ASI), a mobile health (mHealth) surveillance system that features real-time reporting and mapping of P. canaliculata.
Methods
The ASI surveillance system was developed based on the infrastructure of the WeChat platform and Amap. The user can directly enter the game interface through the WeChat port on their mobile phone and the system automatically obtains their location. The user can then report the location of P. canaliculata. The administrator can audit the reported information, and all information can be exported to Microsoft Excel version 2016 for analysis. The map was generated by ArcGIS 10.2 and was used to characterize the spatial and temporal distribution of P. canaliculata in Jiangsu Province.
Results
The architecture of ASI consists of three parts: a mobile terminal, a server terminal, and a desktop terminal. We published more than 10 tweets on the official WeChat account of the system to announce it to the public and a total of 207 users in 2020 and 2021 correctly reported sightings of P. canaliculata. We identified 550 P. canaliculata breeding sites in 2020 and 2021, featuring ponds (81%), parks (17%), and farmland (2%). In addition, most of the locations contained snail eggs, and the reporting times mainly occurred between May and September.
Conclusions
The ASI is an effective surveillance system that can be used to identify the breeding locations of P. canaliculata, and provides the basis for its prevention and control. Its successful development and operation provides new potential avenues for surveillance of other public health issues.
Use of Graphene (GP)/Nylon 6 (PA6) nanocomposite for remediation of Cadmium (II) ions from aqueous solutions
Authors: Moja T. N. , Tsai T.-Y. , Mishra S. B , Hwang S. S. , Mishra AK
Published: August 2023

Graphene (GP) is reinforced with Nylon 6 (PA6) composites were synthesized by melt mix extrusion and moulded through Mucell® injection technique. PA6/GP nanocomposites were fabricated for adsorption application for removal of Cd(II) metal ion. The structural morphologies of all samples evaluated on XRD, SEM, and TGA illustrated the thermally stable, and crystallized materials with pore-like cells. SEM analysis at low magnifications showed neat PA6 experienced porous-like fracture and had rough surface after introduction of foaming agent, whilst nanocomposite (PA6/GP) samples had rough, grainy surface indicating extensive deformation within the matrix complex. The storage modulus can exhibit the stiffness of the material and tan δ indicates the glass transition temperature of the composites. The storage modulus is 2399, 2622, 2775, 3221 MPa at 60℃for the neat PA6, 0.5, 1, 3 wt% GP,
respectively. Furthermore, the removal of Cd(II) with PA6/GP 3.0 wt% composite was found to follow the Langmuir isotherm model with a 99.9 % removal efficiency. The results indicated that PA6 1.0 wt% composite can be efficiently used as a superabsorbent for the removal of Pb
(II) from aqueous solution.