bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
M6A methylase related MCM3AP-AS1 promotes the progression of colorectal cancer through the miR-98/IGF2BP1 signaling axis
Authors: Ma Wenhui , Ren Mudan , He Shuixiang , Guo Meng , Jing Du , Ran Shuang , Li Hangwei
Published: October 2023

Background
To investigate the relationship between N6-methyladenosine (m6A) related Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and prognosis in colon cancer (COAD) patients, and the effect of M6A methyltransferase RBM15 on downstream genes regulated by MCM3AP-AS1.
Methods
Download gene expression and clinical data from 552 COAD samples and 44 adjacent cancer samples from TCGA. Use the DESeq2 software package to screen differentially expressed genes (DEG) between COAD and adjacent cancer tissues. Calculate the correlation between m6A related genes and lncRNAs to screen for m6A related lncRNAs. Univariate Cox regression analysis is used to screen for m6A related lncRNAs that are significantly correlated with prognosis. Subsequently, LASSO was used to screen key lncRNAs from prognosis related lncRNAs to construct a risk model. CCK-8, Wound healing assay, Transwell assay, Flow cytometry, FISH assay, RNA pull-down, Double Luciferase activity assay and rescue experiment were used to explore the effect of MCM3AP-AS1 on colorectal cancer and its specific mechanism.
Results
Bioinformatics analysis constructed a risk model consisting of 12 lncRNAs. The prognosis of patients in the high-risk group is significantly lower than that in the low-risk group. The risk score has been proven to be an independent prognostic factor for COAD. Subsequently, a ceRNA network consisting of 8 m6A related lncRNAs, 23 miRNAs, and 1531 mRNA was established. Cell experiments have confirmed that the M6A methyltransferase RBM15 is significantly upregulated in colorectal cancer cells, which can mediate the regulation of miR-98 expression by MCM3AP-AS1. MCM3AP-AS1 is significantly upregulated in colorectal cancer cells, promoting cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and inhibiting cell apoptosis. The specific molecular mechanism may be to regulate the expression of IGF2BP1 by targeting downstream miR-98.
Conclusion
MCM3AP-AS1 can target miR-98 to regulate the expression of IGF2BP1, which may be a potential mechanism for the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer.
Improving the Descaling Rate of an In-situ Ultrasonic Fouling Removal Method for Industrial Water-filled Pipelines
Authors: Mohammadi Aminollah , Mobli Mohamadhassan , Siahtiri Saeed , Karbasioon Amirreza , Tehrani Alireza Fadaei
Published: October 2023

Introducing innovative and environmentally friendly fouling removal methods for water-filled pipelines is essential nowadays to increase pipelines' safety and productivity and eliminate the limitations of traditional descaling methods. In this paper, we investigate the capability of high-power ultrasonic waves and cavitation phenomenon as an influential online fouling removal tool to remove the build-up fouling with a thickness of 1 mm on the inner surface of 4-inch low-carbon stainless steel pipes filled with water. First, we developed a FEM simulation to investigate the effect of ultrasonic power on the acoustic pressure at different distances from the transducer attached point on the pipe using Comsol Multiphysics. After that, we conducted an experimental and statistical investigation to validate our result from FEM analysis using a transducer set and PZT-4 piezoelectric attached to the pipes' outer surface. The results showed that increasing the transducer's electrical power would raise the fluid's acoustic pressure. Furthermore, we indicate that increasing the electrical power to 400 W results in a higher fouling removal rate in the pipe.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the KCS gene family in soybean reveal their potential roles in response to abiotic stress
Authors: Gong Yujie , Wang Deying , Xie Haojie , Zhao Zewei , Chen Yuyue , Zhang Dongxue , Jiao Yexuan , Yang Jing , Guo Shangjing , Chu Pengfei , Sun Yongwang
Published: October 2023

Background: Very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) are fatty acids with chain lengths of 20 or more carbon atoms, which are the building blocks of various lipids that regulate developmental processes and plant stress responses. 3-ketoacyl-CoA synthase encoded by the KCS gene is the key rate-limiting enzyme in VLCFA biosynthesis, but the KCS gene family in soybean (Glycine max) has not been adequately studied thus far.
Results: In this study, 31 KCS genes (namely GmKCS1 - GmKCS31) were identified in the soybean genome, which are unevenly distributed on 14 chromosomes. These GmKCS genes could be phylogenetically classified into 7 groups. A total of 27 paralogous GmKCS gene pairs were identified with their Ka/Ks ratios indicating that they had undergone purifying selection during soybean genome expansion. Cis-acting element analysis revealed that GmKCS promoters contained multiple hormone- and stress-responsive elements, indicating that GmKCS gene expression levels may be regulated by various developmental and environmental stimuli. Expression profiles derived from RNA-seq data and qRT-PCR experiments indicated that GmKCSgenes were diversely expressed in different organs/tissues, and many GmKCS genes were found to be differentially expressed in the leaves under cold, heat, salt, and drought stresses, suggesting their critical role in soybean resistance to abiotic stress.
Conclusions: Thirty-one KCSgenes were identified and characterized in soybean, and their expression profiles under abiotic stress conditions suggested their potential roles in stress tolerance. These results providefundamental information about the soybean KCSgenes and will aid in their further functional elucidation and exploitation.
Trends in cancer-related suicide in the United States: a population-based cohort study spanning 40 years of data
Authors: Wang Jing , Liu Qiang , Qu Zheng , Dong Hao , Qi Yihang , Zhang Wenxiang , Wang Xiangyu , Fang Yi
Published: October 2023

There is a lack of large cohort studies examining trends in cancer-related suicide. This study addresses this gap by analyzing data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, encompassing a total of 4,870,410 patients diagnosed with cancer from 1975 to 2017. Age-adjusted suicide rates were examined using joinpoint regression to estimate the annual percent change (APC) and average annual percentage change (AAPC). In the past 40 years, studies have revealed a gradual increase in cancer-related suicide rates from 1975 to 1989, followed by a gradual decrease from 1989 to 2013, and a marked decrease from 2013 to 2017. These trends indicate the potential impact of advancements in psychosocial care for patients with cancer in contributing to the observed decrease in suicide rates.
Autonomous Swab Robot for Naso- and Oropharyngeal COVID-19 Screening
Authors: Haddadin Simon , Wilhelm Dirk , Wahrmann Daniel , Tenebruso Fabio , Sadeghian Hamid , Naceri Abdeldjallil , Haddadin Sami
Published: October 2023

The COVID-19 outbreak triggered a global health and economic crisis. With widespread cases and fatalities, testing is crucial to control viral spread. A recommended method, the combined naso-and oropharyngeal swab, poses risks and requires limited protective gear. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we developed and tested the first autonomous Swab Robot for Naso-and Oropharyngeal Coronavirus Screening (SR-NOCS). This groundbreaking device underwent two clinical studies—one conducted during the initial pandemic lockdown in Europe and the other after the pandemic had subsided early this year in a public place. In total, 52 patients suspected of COVID-19 infection were included in these clinical studies. The results showed a complete positive correlation between autonomous and manual sampling. The subject acceptance rate was very high; all test subjects stated they would repeat a test by SR-NOCS in the future. Based on these results, such systems could augment testing capabilities with the potential to conduct up to 300 tests per robot per day with the same precision in all the tests. Moreover, these tests can be conducted with minimum supervision and reduce infection risks, effectively protecting patients and healthcare workers and sparing personal protection equipment.
Frontiers and Hotspots Evolution between air pollution and Alzheimer’s: A Bibliometric Analysis From 2013 to 2023.
Authors: Hu Bingshuang , Tang Ju , Cheng BaoJing , Zhang LuShun
Published: October 2023

Background: In recent years, there is receiving incremental attention of researches on the air pollution. the studies associated to AD (Alzheimer’s disease) has scaled up progressively, yet the summarize of air pollution in AD are missing.
Objective: Finding research hotspots of air pollution in AD, grasping the direction of curative research, and promoting the development of research of air pollution in AD.
Material and Methods: According to specific key words, documents are combed in the core data set of Web of Science. CiteSpace, VOSviewer, Tableau are used to conduct statistical analysis on measurement indicators such as publishing countries, co-occurrence, subject matter area, co-authors and to visualize of a network of related content elements.
Results: It shows an upward trend in the field of air pollution in AD. Countries' cooperation is connected closely in air pollution and AD, and mainly interdisciplinary subjects involve environmental sciences, neurosciences, toxicology and public environmental occupational health. The research devotes discussion to the relationship between air pollution and AD. Keywordhotspots include Alzheimer' disease, particulate factor, ozone, inflammatory degeneration, and other research, and inseparably associates to new technologies. Overall, 249 reports on air pollution and AD from 2013 to 2023 were retrieved from Web of Science. 321 journals Published relevant literature, and literature has increased gradually since the past decade. US contains the most research records (130 publications and 4,230 citations).
Conclusion: The study revealed that the publications and citations related to air pollution and AD have grown over the last decade. The research and development of air pollution in AD advance quickly. However, there is not making an obvious breakthrough, and still need to establish more connections with multidisciplinary technology to explore cutting-edge hotspots
The value of dynamic FDG PET/CT in the differential diagnosis of lung cancer and predicting EGFR mutations
Authors: Wumener Xieraili , Zhang Yarong , Zang Zihan , Du Fen , Ye Xiaoxing , Zhang Maoqun , Liu Ming , Zhao Jiuhui , Sun Tao , Liang Ying
Published: October 2023

Introduction:
This study aims to evaluate the value of the quantitative metabolic parameters derived from dynamic 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/CT (PET/CT) in the differential diagnosis of lung cancer and predicting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status.
Methods:
We included 147 patients with lung lesions who were enrolled to perform FDG PET/CT dynamic + static imaging with informed consent. Based on the results of puncture and postoperative pathology, the patients were divided into benign and malignant groups, adenocarcinoma (AC) and squamous carcinoma (SCC) groups and EGFR-positive (EGFR+) and EGFR-negative (EGFR-) groups. Quantitative parameters including K1, k2, k3, and Ki of each lesion were obtained by applying the irreversible two-tissue compartment modeling using in-house Matlab software. The standardized uptake values (SUV) analysis from conventional static data. Differences in each metabolic parameter among the groups were analyzed. Wilcoxon rank-sum test or Independent-samples T-test and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed on each parameter to compare the diagnostic effects among the differentiated group. P<0.05 were considered statistically significant for all tests.
Results:
In the malignant group (N=124), the SUVmax, k2, k3, and Ki were higher than the benign group (N=23), and all have good performance in the differential diagnosis (P<0.05, respectively). In the AC group (N=88), the SUVmax, k3, and Ki were lower than in the SCC group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05, respectively). For ROC analysis, when the Ki cut-off value of 0.0250 ml/g/min have better diagnostic specificity than SUVmax (0.999 vs 0.70). In AC group, 48 patients underwent EGFR testing. In the EGFR (+) group (N=31), the average Ki (0.0279±0.0153 ml/g/min) was lower than EGFR (-) group (N=17, 0.0405±0.0199 ml/g/min), and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). However, the SUVmax, and k3 did not show such a difference between EGFR (+) and EGFR (-) groups (P＞0.05, respectively). For ROC analysis, the Ki had a cut-off value of 0.0350 ml/g/min for predicting EGFR status, a sensitivity of 0.710, a specificity of 0.588, and an AUC of 0.674 [0.523-0.802].
Conclusion:
When the cut-off value of Ki was 0.0250 ml/g/min, there was a more specificity than SUVmax for the differential diagnosis of lung cancer, although both methods were specific. The Ki has a good diagnostic value in the prediction of the EGFR status. For patients for whom EGFR testing is not available, dynamic imaging may become an important non-invasive screening tool.
Effect of oral anti-coagulant on 12-month overall mortality rate in admitted elderly patient with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter
Authors: Wattanawongwon Narongchai , Winijkul Arjbordin
Published: October 2023

Background
Atrial fibrillation increases risk of ischemic stroke which leading to disability and mortality. However, benefit of early initiation of treatment for stroke prevention in elderly with newly diagnosed AF during hospitalization for non-cardiac reasons is questionable.
Methods
We performed a retrospective cohort study in hospitalized patients from Siriraj hospital between 2003 to 2019. Participants with aged more than 75-year-old and newly diagnosed AF were included. Primary outcome was an overall mortality. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital mortality, non-fatal stroke, and bleeding event.
Results
A total of 216 participants: 24 in the oral anticoagulant (OAC) group and 192 in the non-OAC group. Most oral anti-coagulant use was warfarin (91.7%). The mean age was 81.9 years in the OAC group and 82.9 in the non-OAC group. The mean CHA2DS2VASc score was 4.5 in the OAC group and 4.2 in the non-OAC group. The mean HAS-BLED score was 3.0 both groups. During index admission, there were 1 death in the OAC group and 83 deaths in the non-OAC group. Over the course of 1-year follow-up, there were 6 deaths in the OAC group and 107 in the non-OAC group. The HR was 0.33 (95% confident interval [CI], 0.15-0.75; p-value = 0.08). Non-CV death were 96.4% of all deaths. After an exclusion of in-hospital mortality, there were 5 deaths (21.7%) in the OAC group and 24 deaths (22%) in the non-OAC group. The hazard ratio was 0.93 (95% CI, 0.36-2.42; p-value = 0.879). There were 4 non-fatal strokes in the non-OAC group but none in the OAC group. There were 3 bleeding events in the OAC group and 4 bleeding events in the non-OAC group. The hazard ratio was 6.11 (95% CI, 1.37-27.32; p-value = 0.018).
Conclusions
Non-CV death was the major cause of death during the hospitalization. Benefit of initiating OAC in patients with newly diagnosed AF during hospitalization may be limited by patients’ active conditions. However, stroke prevention after hospitalization should be considered.
Vitamin D is involved in the effects of the intestinal flora and its related metabolite TMAO on perirenal fat and kidneys in mice with DKD
Authors: Yang Mengxue , Zheng Xiaodi , Huang Yuhong , Jin Lulu , Zhang Xuemeng , Zhang Rui , Wu Yueyue , Yan Cuili , Gao Yuan , Zeng Miao , Li Fei , Zhou Xue , Zhang Neng , Liu Jun , Zha Bingbing
Published: October 2023

Vitamin D directly exerts a protective effect on the kidneys of individuals with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in our previous study. However, whether it has an effect on perirenal adipose tissue (PRAT) or the intestinal flora and its metabolites (trimethylamine N-oxide, TMAO) is unclear. We found that 1,25-(OH)2D3 could improve the dysbiosis of the intestinal flora of mice with DKD, increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as lactic acid bacteria, decrease the abundance of harmful bacteria such as Escherichia, reduce the pathological changes in kidney histopathology, reduce fat infiltration, and downregulate the mRNA expression of TLR4 and NF-κB in kidney tissue. We also found that the serum TMAO concentration in mice with DKD was significantly higher than that of the control group, and serum TMAO content was significantly positively correlated with urine ACR. In addition, vitamin D stimulated the expression of the surface markers PGC1α, UCP-1 and VDR in the PRAT in mice with DKD, and TMAO downregulated the expression of PRAT and renal VDR. The above results show that the renal protective effect of 1,25-(OH)2D3 on mice with DKD may also be related to the improvement of the intestinal mucosal barrier, composition of the intestinal flora and its metabolites, inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB inflammatory pathway and reduction in PRAT metabolite effects on the kidney. This study provides a theoretical basis for the use of hypoglycemic drugs combined with vitamin D therapy to improve diabetic nephropathy.
Taihangia rupestris: First Genome Survey and Microsatellite Motif Identification
Authors: Zhou Baoying , Chen Hongzhi , Meng Li , Song Linlin
Published: October 2023

Taihangia rupestris(T. rupestris) is a perennial herb on the China species red list that grows on the cliffs of Taihang Mountain. However, there has been limited research on the genome of T. rupestris, severely restricting further research. Here, a first genome survey of T. rupestris was conducted. The genome size and characteristics of T. rupestris were estimated using Illumina HiSeq X Ten and K-mer analysis, respectively. Additionally, simple sequence repeat predictions were obtained tested. The genome size of T. rupestris was estimated to be 976.97 Mb, with a heterozygosity rate of 0.726% and sequence repetition rate of 56.93%. The clean reads were assembled into 100,973 contigs, with the max length of 26,073 bp and an N50 value of 2,607 bp. Based on the T. rupestris genome data, 805,600 simple sequence repeat markers were identified and 72,769 pairs of primers were designed. In the present study, 100 primers were tested and 82 resulted in successful amplicon generation. In total, 15 primer pairs amplifying good polymorphisms effectively distinguished different T. rupestris populations. In general, the T. rupestris genome was difficult to assemble owing to micro-heterozygosity and high repetition levels. These analyses lay a foundation for the subsequent whole-genome sequencing of T. rupestris.
User-engagement in digital health applications: a scoping review
Authors: AKTAS Melek , CAMBON Linda , AROMATARIO Olivier
Published: October 2023

Background Participation has moved from political protest to active engagement in a number of areas health. Patient engagement has transformed healthcare, and mHealth has put mobile technology at the service of health promotion. Research links user engagement to effective interventions. This review aims to understand the attributes, methods and barriers to this user engagement in mHealth. Methods This scoping review used a systematic approach to map the evidence on mHealth interventions for health promotion and prevention in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed databases were searched using keywords appropriate to each database. A two-stage selection process was used and the analysis focused on attributes of participation, methods of engagement and barriers/facilitators. Results The study analysed mHealth interventions for health promotion and prevention. From 1,533 articles, 782 were obtained and 41 were selected for analysis on the basis of pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. There are different definitions and attributes of engagement, depending on the discipline and the author. There are also scales and gradations of engagement that qualify engagement according to its intensity or within the mHealth tool. User engagement methods included theory-based interventions, behaviour change techniques, user-centred design, personalisation, autonomy, peer support, motivation and gamification. Challenges included barriers to technology adoption, lack of theory-based interventions, personalisation, autonomy, peer support, motivation and gamification. Conclusion The current understanding of user participation in digital interventions reveals complexity and diversity, lacking consensus. Definitions vary among intervention providers, reflecting distinct objectives and methodologies. The absence of clear concepts and attributes emphasizes the need to refine definitions in digital health, guiding intervention evaluation and development methodologies.
Microplastic accumulation in sewer sediments and its potential entering the environment via combined sewer overflows: a study case in Paris
Authors: NGUYEN Minh Trang , PHUONG Ngoc Nam , SAAD Mohamed , TASSIN Bruno , GILLET Thomas , GUÉRIN-RECHDAOUI Sabrina , AZIMI Sam , ROCHER Vincent , GASPERI Johnny , DRIS Rachid
Published: October 2023

During wet weather events, combined sewer overflows (CSOs) transfer large amount of particulate matter and associated pollutants into surrounding water bodies, thereby deteriorating the recipients’ ecological health. Resuspension of sewer sediments during these events contribute significantly to pollution level of these discharges. However, how much this in-sewer process contributes to CSOs’ quality regarding microplastic (MP) pollution is little known. Therefore, an investigation on sewer deposits inside the Parisian combined sewer network was carried out. The study found high MP concentrations stored in this matrix, ranging from 5×103 to 178×103 particle/kg dry weight. Polymer composition is similar to what found in raw wastewater, containing a high proportion of polyethylene and polypropylene. Thus, the results indicated the retainment of MPs in sewer network during transport during dry weather periods to treatment facilities. Once resuspension of sewer deposits happens, MPs can be released into water flow and get discharged along with CSOs. This highlights another potential pathway of MPs into freshwater environment.
Community Animal Health Workers (CAHWs) contribution in detection and response to priority transboundary animal diseases and zoonoses in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone
Authors: Sow Adama , Kane Yaghouba , Boka Marcel , Kohagne Kohagné-Tongué Lisette , Bitek Austine , Nantima Noelina , Ouagal Mahamat , Ndiaye Racine , Ahmed Ibrahim , Bobo Germain , Seck Ismaila , Wolde Abebe , Soumare Baba
Published: October 2023

Veterinary services, including disease surveillance, animal healthcare delivery, were poorly structured in the Mano River countries (Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone) due to insufficient and inadequate qualified human resources, infrastructures, and motivation. To support the national veterinary services in their endeavors, FAO ECTAD, through the Global Health Security Agenda funded by the United States Agency for International Development, supported the training of Community Animal Health Workers (CAHWs) and their involvement in the animal diseases surveillance system and response in these countries. A total of 8,417 CAHWs (8 000 in Guinea, 228 in Liberia and 189 in Sierra Leone) were trained. The contents of the training in Liberia and Sierra Leone included veterinary health care delivery, while in Guinea the themes were focused on disease recognition and reporting. As results, CAHWs were able to report outbreaks of priority animal diseases including zoonoses in Liberia (n = 120) and Sierra Leone (n = 600). CAHWs also contributed to the vaccination campaign against Peste des Petits Ruminants, Newcastle Disease, and rabies in Sierra Leone. In Guinea, 1134 animal health events were notified with the collaboration of CAHWs from 2018 to 2020. Thus, CAHWs are contributing to improved surveillance in all the three countries. Governments and private sector should engage incentive conditions to sustain CAHWs work within the animal health system in the context of one health approach. Sustaining the important role of CAHWs to the animal health services requires the creation of a viable incentive mechanism supported by the Government and the private sector.
A chromosome-level genome assembly of the Rhus gall aphid Schlechtendalia chinensis provides insight into the endogenization of Parvovirus-like DNA sequences
Authors: Ahmad Aftab , Dohlen Carol D. , Ren Zhumei
Published: October 2023

The Rhus gall aphid, Schlechtendalia chinensis, feeds on its primary host plant Rhus chinensis to induce galls, which have economic importance in medicines and the food industry. Rhus gall aphids have a unique life cycle and are economically beneficial but there is huge gap of genomic information about this group of aphids. Schlechtendalia chinensis induces rich-tannin galls on its host plant and is emerging as a model organism for both commercial applications and applied research in the context of gall production by insects. Here, we generated a high-quality chromosome-level assembly for the S. chinensis genome, enabling the comparison between S. chinensis and non-galling aphids. The final genome assembly is 344.59 Mb with 91.71% of the assembled sequences anchored into 13 chromosomes. We predicted 15,013 genes, of which 14,582 (97.13%) coding genes was annotated, and 99% of the predicted genes were anchored to the 13 chromosomes. This assembly reveals the endogenization of parvovirus-related DNA sequences (PRDs) in the S. chinensis genome, which could play a role in environmental adaptations. We demonstrated the characterization and classification of cytochrome P450s in the genome assembly, which are functionally crucial for sap-feeding insects and have roles in detoxification and insecticide resistance. This genome assembly also revealed the whole genome duplication events in S. chinensis, which can be considered in comparative evolutionary analysis. Our work represents a reference genome for gall-forming aphids that could be used for comparative genomic studies between galling and non-galling aphids and provides the first insight to the endogenization of PRDs in the genome of galling aphids. It also provides novel genetic information for future research on gall-formation and insect-plant interactions.
Establishing conditions for the generation and maintenance of estrogen receptor-positive organoid models of breast cancer
Authors: Oliphant Michael UJ , Akshinthala Dipikaa , Muthuswamy Senthil K
Published: October 2023

Patient-derived organoid models of estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer would provide a much-needed tool to understand drug resistance and disease progression better. However, the establishment and long-term maintenance of ER expression, function, and response in vitro remains a significant challenge. Here, we report the development of an ER+ breast tumor organoid medium (BTOM-ER) that conserves ER expression, estrogen responsiveness, and dependence, as well as sensitivity to endocrine therapy of ER+ patient-derived xenograft organoids (PDXO). Our findings demonstrate the utility of subtype-specific culture conditions that better mimic the characteristics of the breast epithelial biology and microenvironment, providing a powerful platform for investigating therapy response and disease progression of ER+ breast cancer.
Mortality from Ischemic Heart Disease: Analysis of Multiple Causes of Death
Authors: Bastos Luiz Antonio Viegas de Miranda , Villela Paolo Blanco , Bichara José Lucas Peres , Pereira Basilio de Bragança , Nascimento Emilia Matos do , Bastos Eduardo Luiz Viegas de Miranda , de Oliveira Glaucia Maria Moraes
Published: October 2023

Context:
Both the aging of the population and the increase in noncommunicable diseases may influence the progression and outcomes culminating in death, changing the evolution of ischemic heart diseases (IHDs) and their associated causes. Thus, it is essential to understand the process of death from IHD, the diseases associated with IHD, and the diseases to which IHD is related.
Objectives
To evaluate the mortality from IHD in Brazil between 2006 and 2020 using the method of multiple causes and identify differences in the distribution pattern of IHD mortality by sex and geographic region.
Methods
Based on information extracted from death certificates (DCs) obtained from the database of the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS), we used the multiple causes method to analyze the diseases associated with IHD when IHD was defined as the underlying cause (UC) of death and the diseases listed as the UC when IHD was recorded in any line of the DC, from 2006 to 2020, in Brazil. Subsequently, the proportion of these diseases and differences between sexes and geographic regions were evaluated, with statistical relevance analyzed using the chi-square test, and the dependence between factors illustrated using stacked bar charts and small-world network graphs.
Results
When IHD was listed as the UC of death, the most frequent associated diseases were, in descending order of frequency, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), arterial hypertension (AH), chronic ischemic heart disease (CHID), heart failure (HF), and diabetes mellitus (DM). When IHD was mentioned in any line of the DC, the most frequent UCs of death were AMI followed by DM, CIHD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), stroke, dyslipidemia, and, in the year 2020, COVID-19. The most frequent diseases in women were DM as the UC and associated disease, AH as the UC, and CIHD and Alzheimer's disease as associated diseases, while the most frequent diseases in men were substance dependence as the UC and associated disease, and cancer as an associated disease. The most frequent diseases were DM and stroke in the North and Northeast, dyslipidemia and obesity in the Midwest, Alzheimer's disease in the South and Southeast, and atherosclerotic heart disease (AHD) and COPD in the South.
Conclusions
Several diseases – including AMI, AH, CIHD, HF, and DM – were the most frequent associated diseases when IHD was recorded as the UC. In contrast, AMI, DM, CIHD, COPD, and stroke were the most frequent UCs when IHD was listed as an associated disease. The degree of these associations varied between sexes and geographic regions. The use of the multiple causes of death method allows for a better understanding of the magnitude of these relationships and could enable better targeting of investments in health.
On Designing a Profitable System Model to Harmonize the Tripartite Dissension in Content Delivery Applications
Authors: Yang Libin , Lou Wei
Published: October 2023

The popularity of commercial content delivery applications has led to dissension among three embroiled parties: Content Service Providers (CSPs), Internet Service Providers (ISPs), and End Users (EUs). This dissension is not only a technical problem but an economic problem. To harmonize this dissension, this paper takes live streaming as a typical content delivery application. It proposes a profitable system model that enables all three parties to enlarge their benefits with the help of a prevalent content delivery architecture integrated with edge caching and traffic engineering technologies. We model the interactions among CSPs, ISPs, and EUs as a tripartite game where more and more ISPs and CSPs are involved in the market. We introduce a pricing scheme that captures the application features. We study the tripartite game in different market scenarios and propose a dynamic three-stage Stackelberg game combined with the Cournot game that characterizes the interdependent, interactive, and competitive relationship among the three parties. Moreover, we investigate how the market competition motivates ISPs to upgrade the cache service infrastructure. Our theoretical analysis and empirical study show that the model can result in a win-win-win outcome.
Comparison of remimazolam besylate to propofol on induction of monitored anesthesia care on patients undergoing hysteroscopy: a multicentered, randomized, double-blind, non-inferiority study
Authors: Li Si-xun , Fan Cheng-long , Cui Guang-rong , Lin Jing-yan
Published: October 2023

Remimazolam besylate is an intravenous benzodiazepine sedative created from “soft” drugs. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether the effectiveness of remimazolam is non-inferior to propofol in induction of monitored anesthesia care on patients undergoing BIS-guided hysteroscopy. This non-infertility study included patients aged 18 ~ 65 years with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II undergoing hysteroscopy. The 152 patients were prospectively recruited and randomized 1:1 to remimazolam and propofol groups.The results identified that the onset time of remimazolam was non-inferior to propofol. Compared with patients in Group P, MAP was significantly decreased at T1 (P < 0.05), HR was significantly increased from T3 to T5 (P < 0.05), and CO increased with significant difference at T8 in Group R (P < 0.05). Incidence of total adverse events in Group R was lower than that in Group P (P < 0.01). Compared with Group P, patients in Group R had a significantly longer awakening time and length of PACU stay (P < 0.05). As the induction time of monitored anesthesia care on patients undergoing hysteroscopy is considered, remimazolam besylate is non-inferior to propofol. Remimazolam has less inhibition on intraoperative hemodynamics and cardiac output than propofol. Our study shows the effectiveness and safety of remimazolam besylate on patients undergoing BIS-guided hysteroscopy.
Improving HIV testing, linkage, and retention in care among South African men through U=U messaging: A study protocol for two sequential hybrid type 1 effectiveness- implementation randomized controlled trials
Authors: Medina-Marino Andrew , Sibanda Nkosiyapha , Putt Mary , Davey Dvora Joseph , Smith Phillip , Thirumurthy Harsha , Bekker Linda-Gail , Buttenheim Alison
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND:
Increasing HIV testing and treatment coverage among people living with HIV (PLHIV) is essential for achieving global AIDS epidemic control. However, compared to women, cis-gender heterosexual men living with HIV are significantly less likely to know their HIV status, initiate anti-retroviral therapy (ART) and achieve viral suppression. This is particularly true in South Africa, where men are also at increased risk of mortality resulting from AIDS-related illnesses. While there is growing knowledge of Treatment as Prevention or the concept Undetectable=Untransmittable (U=U) among PLHIV in Western and high-income countries, the reach and penetration of the U=U message in sub-Saharan Africa remains limited, and few studies have evaluated the impact of accessible and relatable U=U messages on ART initiation and adherence. To address these gaps, rigorous evaluations of interventions that incorporate U=U messages are needed, especially among men in high prevalence settings.
METHODS:
Building on our U=U messages that we previously developed for men using behavioral economics insights and a human-centered design, we will conduct two sequential hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation trials to evaluate the impact of U=U messages on men’s uptake of community-based HIV testing and ART initiation (Trial 1), and retention in care and achievement of viral suppression (Trial 2). A cluster randomized trial will be implemented for Trial 1, with HIV testing service site-days randomized to U=U or standard-of-care (SoC) messages inviting men to test for HIV. An individual-level randomized control trial will be implemented for Trial 2, with men initiating ART at six government clinics randomized to receive U=U counselling or SoC treatment adherence messaging. We will incorporate a multi-method evaluation to inform future implementation of U=U messaging interventions. The study will be conducted in the Buffalo City Metro Health District of the Eastern Cape Province and in the Cape Town Metro Health District in the Western Cape Province in South Africa.
DISCUSSION:
These trials are the first to rigorously evaluate the impact of U=U messaging on HIV testing uptake, ART initiation and achievement of viral suppression among African men. If effective, these messaging interventions can shape global HIV testing, treatment and adherence counselling guidelines and practices.
Factors Associated with Repeat Pregnancies among Adolescent Mothers: Analysis of the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey Data 2022
Authors: Ikwara Asher Emmanuel , Atwijukiire Humphrey
Published: October 2023

Background:
Adolescent motherhood is a global public health concern, particularly affecting low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In Kenya, where the teenage pregnancy rate stands at 15%, addressing repeat adolescent pregnancies is crucial. This study utilizes data from the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) to investigate the factors influencing the occurrence of repeat pregnancies among adolescent mothers aged 15-19. Understanding these factors is essential for developing effective interventions to improve the health and well-being of adolescent mothers and their offspring.
Methods:
The study's dataset comprises 42,022 households from the 2022 KDHS. It focuses on 6,404 adolescent mothers aged 15-19. Demographic factors, considered as independent variables, were examined using SPSS. The analysis encompassed descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and multivariable logistic regression. The study's outcome variable was defined as experiencing one or more pregnancies during adolescence.
Results:
Among the adolescent mothers, 68.6% resided in rural areas, 58.1% had attained a secondary education level, and 86.0% demonstrated the ability to read complete sentences. Notably, 2.3% experienced repeat pregnancies. The study identified several significant factors associated with repeated adolescent pregnancies, including rural residence, lower educational attainment, male-headed households, illiteracy, and lack of mobile phone ownership, lower wealth index, and contraceptive use. Logistic regression analysis revealed that using contraception, both outside and within the calendar, was strongly associated with an increased likelihood of repeat pregnancies (AOR=9.534 and AOR=5.887, respectively). These findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions to address reproductive health disparities among adolescent mothers.
Conclusion and recommendation
This study highlights the complexity of repeated adolescent pregnancies in Kenya, emphasizing education, contraception, and gender equity. Recommendations include comprehensive education and improved access to contraceptives.
The Dietary Inflammatory Index is Associated with Reduced Kidney Function in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Patients
Authors: Shi Sanling , Du Leilei , Zhou Yimin , Ni Weicheng , Lu Yucheng , Lin Ken , Li Yuanmiao , Ke Jiayu , Zhou Hao
Published: October 2023

Background
Dietary patterns are strongly correlated with chronic inflammation. Inflammatory processes play a crucial role in maintaining renal homeostasis and function. The dietary inflammatory potential can be assessed through the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII), which has shown a positive association with a higher likelihood of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in healthy individuals. However, the applicability of DII in assessing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) patients has not been evaluated.
Methods
This cross-sectional study enrolled 3,599 adult participants with ASCVD taken from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 1999 and 2018. Systematic collection of baseline data was performed for all study participants. Patients were categorized into four groups according to the baseline DII. The association of kidney function with the DII score was assessed using linear regression analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to investigate the correlation between the DII score and the likelihood of CKD. Furthermore, a restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis was employed to explore potential non-linear correlations between the DII score and CKD.
Results
In regression models adjusted for a range of possible confounders, the DII score demonstrated a positive correlation with serum creatinine (p < 0.001) and an inverse correlation with the estimated glomerular filtration rate calculated using the MDRD equation (p < 0.001). Compared to individuals without CKD, those with CKD had significantly elevated DII scores (p < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between high DII scores and CKD; after classifying DII into quartiles and fully adjusting, individuals in the highest quartile (quartile 4) showed a positive and significant association with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease compared to those in the lowest quartile (quartile 1) (95% CI: 1.045–1.613, P = 0.019). Using restricted cubic spline analysis, a linear relationship was uncovered between the DII score and the risk of developing kidney disease in all study participants.
Conclusion
The study utilized the Dietary Inflammatory Index to assess dietary inflammatory potential in adults diagnosed with ASCVD. The findings revealed that a high DII score was associated with decreased kidney function in ASCVD patients and was an independent risk factor for the development of CKD. Our findings underscore the importance of maintaining a diet low in the inflammatory potential to reduce the risk of CKD in this population.
Design and Manufacturing Process of Soft Gripper for Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Kim Dongbum , Baek Seoung Rok , Kim Min Soo , Park Chae Young , Lee In Hwan
Published: October 2023

The soft gripper, constructed from elastic materials, serves as a crucial automated device component, aiming to minimize object damage. The central focus of utilizing soft grippers lies in their shape design, enabling effective handling of objects with low rigidity and diverse forms. This study delves into shape design research, employing a pneumatic pressure-responsive, tube-like soft gripper fabricated through injection molding. During the design phase, a comprehensive survey of soft gripper research trends was conducted, leading to two distinct configurations: Type1, drawing from established shapes, and Type2, a novel design ensuring bending angle stability. The prediction of bending angles was accomplished through employment of the Abaqus finite element analysis program. While conventional injection molding remains a prevalent manufacturing technique, it confronts challenges like demolding and undercuts. Thus, for intricate shapes and monolithic soft grippers, layer-by-layer additive manufacturing emerges as a superior choice over injection molding. The implementation of this approach holds the potential for streamlined soft gripper design processes, potentially yielding reductions in both time and cost. The significance of these findings lies in advancing the capabilities of soft grippers, propelling them toward efficient and cost-effective applications in various fields.
Dynamic visualization in animated mathematics videos I: a classification of didactic roles
Authors: Voorde Abe ten , Piroi Margherita , Bos Rogier
Published: October 2023

In recent years, a multitude of innovative educational videos focusing on mathematics and employing dynamic visualization techniques have emerged on YouTube. This study investigates how creators of such videos aim to teach through dynamic visualizations. From a sample of videos, we develop a classification of didactical roles of dynamic visuals and supporting animation techniques. The classification is constructed through an open coding approach, involving an iterative process of defining, analyzing and refining the codes. Additionally, we conducted an interview with a video creator about the intended roles of dynamic visuals employed in his animations. The classification encompasses the following categories of roles: connect objects, (co)vary objects, dynamic concept visualization, dynamic process visualization, symbol sense, connect to reality, and generalization. These roles are implemented through animation techniques like moving and morphing. The nomenclature of these roles suggests their affiliation with various mathematics education research perspectives, including covariational thinking, concept-process duality, symbol sense, and conversion between registers. The classification serves as a foundational framework for further research into the learning outcome and effectiveness of dynamic visualization in educational mathematics videos.
Global burden of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency from 1990 to 2019 at the global, regional, and national levels
Authors: liu jiaping , Ouyang Guoqing , Wang Yong , Xu Tingfeng , Xie Qiuli , Zeng Yonglian , He songqing , Yuan Guandou
Published: October 2023

A comprehensive report on the global burden of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is currently unavailable. Here we assess G6PD deficiency burden and trends by analyzing data from the Global Burden of Disease, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019, including the number and age-standardized rate of incidence (ASIR), prevalence (ASPR), and Years Lived with Disability (YLDs) from 1990 to 2019. Globally, there were increased trends in incident, prevalent and YLDs cases, the global ASIR and ASPR also increased during this period. Females had a greater burden of YLDs compared to males. In low and low-middle Social Development Index (SDI) regions, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, experienced higher ASPR and age-standardized YLDs rate (ASYR). India had the highest incident and prevalent number of G6PD deficiency. Malaysia showed the pronounced decreases in ASPR and ASYR. The highest and lowest ASYRs were observed at SDI values of 0.41 and 0.84, respectively. Together, G6PD deficiency continues to pose a heavy public health burden. Low and low-middle SDI regions need to allocate more efforts towards primary prevention to reduce its high burden.
Temperature control-based design of variable damping and lightweight gear bodies
Authors: Yang Jingrui , Zhang Yihe , Li Rui , Lee Chul Hee
Published: October 2023

The sustainability of today's industry turned into a critical requirement on account of energy cost increases, environmental pollution, and carbon emissions. As an important segment in mechanical drive, the vibration and noise from gear transmission negatively impact the physical and psychological health of workers and interfere with the machine running. This paper proposes a new temperature-controlled vibration-damping lightening polymer composite gear model with a modified lightweight web structure. The spur gear web was replaced with a spoke-like structure connected with a ring structure that adheres to the heating film. That was required to assure torsional rigidity and compliance meanwhile controlling the web structural damping performance. For experimental purposes, the gears were manufactured from three kinds of viscoelastic polymer using additive manufacturing technology. The gear frequency sweeping excitation testbed was built in the experiment. The vibration exciter and gear dynamic responses were measured through the force and torque sensor. The experimental result coincides with vibration analysis in the finite element (FE) method. In the tests, the modal frequency and damping of gears were measured at different temperatures by control heating films. Variable damping could be achieved by changing the viscoelastic polymer temperature and gear web structure. This research can provide guidance for the polymer material gear damping control in mechanical transmission applications.