bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The predicted value of EEG reactivity with impaired consciousness patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Zhizheng , Zhou Xinhui , Tong Zhigao , Chen Kang , Chen Yun , Liu Zheng , Lu Guohui , Yang Xuanyong
Published: March 2023

Background
Identifying the prognosis of coma patients remains challenging. Electroencephalograph (EEG) has emerged as a diagnostic tool of choice to detect the good or bad outcomes of coma patients. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the prognostic value for the prediction of good outcomes after coma and compared it to the prognostic value of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score.
Methods
The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Ovid databases were searched in April 2022. The strategy complied with the PRISMA guidelines.
Results
12 clinical studies were included in the meta-analysis. In the overall analyses, the areas under the summary receiver operating characteristic curves were 0.86 for EEG-R and 0.77 for GCS score, respectively. EEG reactivity (EEG-R) had a sensitivity of 76% and a specificity of 82%. The GCS score showed poor diagnostic accuracy, with a specificity of 69% and a sensitivity of 73%. In subgroup analyses, we found no difference in diagnostic accuracy between prognostic assessment criteria, or type of illness.
Conclusions
This analysis demonstrated that patients with impaired consciousness featuring a reactive EEG are more likely to have favorable outcomes.
Emission of Carbon Dioxide (Co2) in Ghana: A Comparative Analysis on Consumption of Energy by the four major sectors (2000-2018)
Authors: Agyemang Richard , Wuni Ibrahim Yahaya
Published: March 2023

Due to their notably high levels of pollutant emissions, Ghana's transportation, industry, residential, and agricultural sectors have come under the focus due to contemporary archival rises in energy-related CO2 emissions worldwide. Taking inspiration from this, this article explores the factors that cause Ghana's carbon dioxide emissions by analyzing the energy use in the industrial, agricultural, residential, and transportation sectors. As a statistical tool, the regression model is used in this study to explore the relationships between the carbon dioxide emissions and the four major sectors of energy usage in Ghana. To pinpoint the factors influencing resource use or emission, a decomposition model was used. According to the report, the transport industry produces more carbon dioxide emissions than any other sector (almost 78 percent). This was greatly influenced by economic prosperity and population growth. However, the expansion of domestic material consumption was significantly slowed by technical development (DMC). In comparison to wealth, population played a relatively less but still substantial part in the drivers of DMC growth, underscoring the significant resource consumption brought on by urban sprawl. This paper presents strategic recommendations for Ghana and other comparable economies that reproduce indistinguishable condition in the transportation, agricultural, residential, and industrial sectors.
Eyes from Type 1 diabetes patients are associated with higher post-operative complications rates than those from Type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Cunha Mariana , Elhaddad Omar , Avadhanam Venkata , Tole Derek , Darcy Kieren , Levinger Eliya , Tuuminen Raimo , Achiron Asaf
Published: March 2023

Objective To assess the effect of the type of diabetes on the formation of pseudophakic cystoid macular edema (PCME) and posterior capsular opacification (PCO) following cataract surgery. Methods Cohort study of patients who underwent cataract extraction at the Department of Ophthalmology, Bristol Eye Hospital, Bristol, UK, between 2003 and 2017. The rate of PCME and Nd:YAG laser capsulotomies following cataract surgery were assessed and compared between non-diabetic, type 1 (DM1) and type 2 diabetes (DM2) patients. Multivariate Cox regression controlling for age and gender was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) for Nd:YAG laser capsulotomies. Results Included were 53,471 consecutive cataract surgeries (21,884 male and 31,587 female patients, with a mean age of 74.4 ± 10.9 years). Overall, 42,651 eyes (79.8%) were non-diabetic, 823 eyes (1.5%) of DM1, and 9997 eyes (18.7%) of DM2 patients. The mean follow-up time was 6.8 ± 4.2 years. PCME was found in 0.9% of non-diabetics, 2.1% of DM1, and 1.6% of DM2 patients (P = 0.003 and P < 0.001, respectively). In univariate analysis, the eyes of DM1 (P < 0.001) and DM2 (P = 0.003) patients had significantly higher Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy rates than the eyes of non-diabetic patients. In Cox regression analysis adjusted for the patient's age and gender, DM1 (HR 1.692, 95%CI 1.390–2.059, P < 0.001) and DM2 (HR 1.157, 95%CI 1.075–1.244, P < 0.001) remained significantly predictive for higher Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy rates. Conclusions In our large cohort study, DM1 predisposed to high risk for developing PCME and PCO following cataract surgery. These findings could expand our knowledge of the underlying mechanisms, preventive measures and therapeutic targets against late-onset complications.
Accuracy and Reproducibility of CBCT Assessment of Mandibular Changes Before and After Treatment for Class III Growing Patients -An Easy and Quick Way for Evaluation
Authors: Hu XiaoYing , Cheung Gary. Shun. Pan. , Zhang YiYang , Sun RuoNan , Dong FuSheng
Published: March 2023

Introduction: The objective of this study was to evaluate accuracy and reproducibility for 3-dimensional(3D)assessment of mandibular changes after treatment for growing patients with Class III malocclusion.
Methods: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were performed before and after orthodontic treatment. The scans before treatment were obtained under the condition that the patient’s mandibular plane were parallel to floor. Three observers independently constructed 180 3D virtual surface models from CBCT scans of 30 patients in InvivoDental software 5.1.3, reoriented 3D models before treatment to natural head posture. Mandibular voxel-based registration was done using an area encompassing from the internal part of the symphysis to the distal aspect of the first molars at the level of basal bone as a reference. Three observers independently identified 10 landmarks three times in the 3D models of before and after treatment, recorded three-dimensional coordinates of landmarks. The accuracy and reproducibility of the method were analyzed.
Results: The ICCs was > 0.90 for 25 (92.6%) of the intraobserver assessments. The precision of the measurement method was < 0.3 mm in 24 (88.9%) cases. The interobserver reproducibility errors were < 0.3 mm in 21 of the 27 cases.
Conclusions: Overall, the accuracy and reproducibility of 3D-dimensional assessment of mandibular changes for growing patients were excellent.
Orange molasses as a new energy ingredient for feedlot lambs in Brazil
Authors: SANTOS ISABELA JORGE , Junior Paulo César Gonzales Dias , Vicente Ana Carolina Silva , Alves Adrielly Lais , de Assis Rhaissa Garcia , Biava Janaina Socolovski , Nogueira Mateus Vigo Vercesi Almada , Pires Alexandre Vaz , Ferreira Evandro Maia
Published: March 2023

The objectives of this experiment were to evaluate the effects of increasing levels of orange molasses in replacement of flint corn grain in high-concentrate diets on dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency (FE) of feedlot lambs. Thirty male lambs without defined racial pattern (30.3 ± 5.3 kg of initial BW; mean ± SD) were used in a randomized complete block design with 10 blocks and 3 treatments. The treatments were defined by partial replacement of flint corn by orange molasses in the diet with 90% of concentrate and 10% of Cynodon spp hay, as follow: 0OM – control diet without orange molasses; 20OM – 20% of orange molasses replacing flint corn and 40OM – 40% of orange molasses replacing flint corn (DM basis). The experiment lasted 72 days divided into 3 subperiods, with 1subperiod of 16 days and 2 subperiods of 28 days. Animals were weighed after a16-h fast on days 1, 16, 44 and 72 of the experimental periods to determine the ADG and FE. The DMI, ADG and FE showed an interaction between treatments and experimental periods. The DMI in the first period decreased linearly (P < 0.01), in the third period, there was no effect of treatments (P > 0.05) on DMI. The ADG decreased linearly (P < 0.01) in the first period as the orange molasses increased. Otherwise, in the third period, ADG increased linearly (P = 0.05) as flint corn was replacement by orange molasses. The FE showed an interaction between treatment and period (P = 0.09). In the first period had a decreased linear effect, in the third period there was a trend (P = 0.07) of linear increased. There was no difference between the diets regarding the final BW of the lambs. In conclusion, the orange molasses can replace up to 40% of flint corn in diets for feedlot lambs without affecting final BW. However, it is important to consider the adaptation time proved to be very important for better use of orange molasses as a source of energy in diets for lambs.
Factors associated with misdiagnosis of hospitalised patients: A mixed method study in five general hospitals of Central Uganda
Authors: Katongole Simon Peter , Akweongo Patricia , DDMO Robert Anguyo , Kasozi Daniel Evans , Afari Augustine Adoma
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Inpatient misdiagnosis is a major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa, the scope and causes of which are unknown. The purpose of this cross-sectional study, conducted in five hospitals in central Uganda, was to identify the factors associated with inpatient misdiagnosis in general hospitals in central Uganda.Methodology: An explanatory mixed methods cross-sectional study was used. A retrospective review of 2,431 patient records was performed using explicit review methods to determine the extent of patient misdiagnosis and other variables thought to be related to patient misdiagnosis. Any discrepancy between the admission diagnosis made in the emergency room or outpatient clinic and the patient's discharge diagnosis made upon discharge was defined as a misdiagnosis. The diagnoses were classified using the World Health Organization ICD-11. Six clinical staff and six medical staff were interviewed using in-depth interviews (IDIs) in a phenomenological approach to obtain their explanatory account of factors associated with misdiagnosis. A logistic regression and a deductive thematic analysis were carried out on quantitative and qualitative data analyses. The quantitative and qualitative findings of the study were mixed in interpretation.Results:Misdiagnosis was discovered in 223/2431 (9.2%) of the admitted patients' records. Misdiagnosis was associated with the following factors: a patient admitted to Nakaseke hospital [aOR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.17–3.25, p = 0.01], admission at night [aOR = 3, 95% CI = 1.81–5.02, p0.01], male patient [aOR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.35–2.64, p0.01], patient's age groups 10–19 [AOR = 2.3, 95% CI = 2.3-9. Misdiagnosis was also linked to multimorbidity (aOR = 4.71, 95% CI = 1.91–11.65, p0.01) and patients with rare diseases (aOR = 2.57, 95% CI = 1.28–5.18, p0.01). Patients with no underlying diseases [aOR = 0.63; 95% CI = 0.43–0.91, p = 0.015] and those who were not referred [aOR = 0.51; 95% CI = 0.31–0.86, p = 0.011] had a lower risk of misdiagnosis. The quantitative findings of significant (p 0.05) and non-significant patient, contextual, disease, and health system factors associated with misdiagnosis were validated by the qualitative findings.Conclusion: To improve diagnostic accuracy, hospitals should reorganize patient admission processes, provide targeted training, create policies or guidelines targeting risk factors for misdiagnosis, and implement a diagnostic error prevention culture that addresses factors related to misdiagnosis in the respective hospitals oriented.
Transcriptome sequencing and microRNA–mRNA regulatory network construction in the lens from a Na 2 Se0 3 -induced Sprague Dawley rat cataract model
Authors: Fang Rui , Yue Pei-Lin , Li Hai-Long , Ding Xue-Fei , Jia Yu-Xuan , Liu Zhao-Chuan , Zhou Hong-Gang , Song Xu-Dong
Published: March 2023

Background
A sight-threatening, cataract is a common degenerative disease of the ocular lens. This study aimed to explore the regulatory mechanism of age-related cataract (ARC) formation and progression.
Methods
cataracts in Sprague Dawley rats were induced by adopting the method that injected selenite subcutaneously in the nape. We performed the high-throughput RNA sequencing technology to identify the mRNA and miRNA expression profiles of the capsular membrane of the lens from Na2Se03-induced and saline-injected Sprague Dawley rats. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were carried out to forecast the regulatory and functional role of mRNAs in cataracts by DAVID and Metascape. The protein-protein interaction(PPI) network of differentially expressed mRNA(DEmRNAs) was built via the STRING. Target miRNAs of hub genes were predicted by miRBD and TargetScan. Furthermore, differentially expressed miRNA(DEmiRNAs) were selected as hub genes’ targets, validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR), and a DEmiRNA-DEmRNA regulatory network was constructed via Cytoscape.
Result
In total, 329 DEmRNAs including 40 upregulated and 289 downregulated genes were identified. 47 DEmiRNAs including 29 upregulated and 18 downregulated miRNAs were detected. The DEmRNAs are involved in lens development, visual perception, and aging-related biological process. A protein-protein interaction network including 274 node genes was constructed to explore the interactions of DEmRNAs. Furthermore, a DEmiRNA-DEmRNA regulatory network related to cataracts was constructed, including 8 hub DEmRNAs, and 8 key DEmiRNAs which confirming by qRT-PCR analysis.
Conclusion
We identified several differentially expressed genes and established a miRNA-mRNA-regulated network in a Na2Se03-induced Sprague Dawley rat cataract model. These results may provide novel insights into the clinical treatment of cataracts, and the hub DEmRNAs and key DEmiRNAs could be potential therapeutic targets for ARC.
Rheological engineering of perovskite suspension toward high-resolution X-ray flat-panel detector
Authors: Song Zihao , Du Xinyuan , He Xin , Wang Hanqi , Liu Zhiqiang , Wu Haodi , Luo Hongde , Jin Libo , Xu Ling , zheng Zhiping , Niu Guangda , Tang Jiang
Published: March 2023

Solution-processed polycrystalline perovskite film is promising for the next generation X-ray imaging. However, the spatial resolution of current perovskite X-ray panel detectors is far lower than the theoretical limit. Herein we find that the pixel level non-uniformity, also known as fixed pattern noise (FPN), is the chief culprit affecting the signal-to-noise ratio and reducing the resolution of perovskite detectors. We report a synergistic strategy of rheological engineering the perovskite suspensions to achieve X-ray FPDs with pixel-level high uniformity and near-to-limit spatial resolution. Our approach includes the addition of methylammonium iodide and polyacrylonitrile to the perovskite suspension, to synergistically enhance the flowability and particle stability of the oversaturated solution. The obtained suspension perfectly suits for the blade-coating process, avoiding the uneven distribution of solutes and particles within perovskite films. The assembled perovskite panel detector exhibits greatly improved FPN value (1.39%), high sensitivity (6.3×105 μC Gyair-1 cm−2), low detection limit (14.27 nGyair·s-1) as well as good working stability, close to the performance of single crystal detectors. Most importantly, the detector achieves a resolution of 0.51 lp/pix, exceeding all previous perovskite X-ray flat-panel detectors.
Geoinformatics Heat Hazards Threat Based on Local Climate Zone.
Authors: Wibowo Adi , Ramadhan Tristan Dimastyo , Shidiq Iqbal Putut Ash , Ramdani Fatwa
Published: March 2023

Sumedang Regency has experienced considerable development in recent times. They started by expanding residential areas and toll roads to construct the Jatigede Dam. Changes in land cover may influence the temperature above and around it. This study aims to analyze the spatial pattern of surface temperature in Sumedang Regency between 2007-2022 based on land cover changes regarding the Local Climate Zone and heat hazard threat. The data used are Landsat TM, Landsat OLI/TIRS, and Landsat OLI-2/TIRS-2 images. The data is taken and processed using Google Earth Engine. The results found an increase in LST from 2007 until 2022, with the most significant increase occurring in 2022. This increase is accompanied by changes in land cover in Sumedang Regency. This increase is accompanied by changes in land cover in Sumedang Regency. Land surface temperatures in Sumedang Regency have continued to increase from 2007 until 2022, and based on the observed urban heat signature, the most significant increase in average temperature occurred from 2007 to 2022 (4.68℃). The strong heat stress category can cause dynamic thermal sensation (DTS), a core-to-skin, and an increase in rectal temperature. Extreme heat stress can cause an increase in rectal temperature time gradient, a steep decrease in total net heat loss, and a steep increase in average sweat rate.
Case reports and literature Review: A concern in transplant patients- Extraurogenital infection by Mycoplasma hominis
Authors: Ahamad Afrinash , aguero-rosenfeld Maria , Zervou Fainareti , Tehreem Bushra
Published: March 2023

Mycoplasma hominis, a facultative organism, is a part of the normal flora of the urogenital tract and is rarely reported as a concern in extragenital tract infection. Mycoplasma species are slow-growing organisms and unlike Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms, Mycoplasmas lack a peptidoglycan cell wall and require special media for growth, collectively these characteristics present a challenge in diagnostic microbiology to identify M. hominis in clinical specimens. Although previous studies have reported the presence of M. hominis in immunosuppressive patients, the current guidelines for diagnostic laboratories to rule out Mycoplasma species in specimens from transplant patients remain elusive. We present two cases of patients with bilateral lung and heart transplants who developed mycoplasma infection due to M. hominis. Understanding the presence of the organism in the clinical specimen can help in the early detection of the pathogen and will result in optimal clinical outcomes in a susceptible population.
Effect of focused power ultrasound mediated perirenal fat modification on primary hypertension: protocol of a multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled study
Authors: Li Menghuan , Shi Jing , Sheng Yanhui , Zhang Yuqing , Wu Tingting , Yang Jiaming , Zhang Kerui , Sun Wei , Kong Xiangqing
Published: March 2023

Background

Perirenal fat plays a key role in sustaining the pathological high blood pressure. We aim to investigate the efficacy of intervention for perirenal fat mediated by focused power ultrasound (FPU) on primary hypertension.

Methods

A multicenter, randomized, sham-controlled, double blinded trial will be implemented in 200 participants with mild to moderate hypertension. All enrolled participants will be randomly allocated to perirenal fat modification (PFM) intervention using PFU or sham-procedure at a ratio of 1:1, and will be follow up on 24hours, 14days, 30days, and 90days after intervention. The primary endpoint is changes of office systolic blood pressure (SBP) at 30days compared with baseline. The secondary endpoints include the changes of office SBP from baseline to 90days, changes of 24-hours mean SBP from baseline to 30days and 90days, and changes of heart rate from baseline to 30days. Safety endpoint is defined as any severe adverse events related to the intervention.

Discussion

The present study is the first to use noninvasive FPU to intervene in perirenal fat to achieve the goal of reducing blood pressure for patients with essential hypertension. Our study is expected to provide a new treatment strategy to control high blood pressure.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05049096. Registered on September 7, 2021.
Increasing of Amylopectin Starch Content in Tetraploid Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Using CRISPR/Cas9 System
Authors: Ali Nermin Mohamed , Rashed Mohamed Abd-elsalam , Atta Aiman Hanafi , Abd-Elhalim Haytham Mohamed , Ahmed Nouh Eyd , Metry Emad Anis
Published: March 2023

Background The potato tuber starch trait is affected by the composition of amylose and amylopectin. The synthesis of amylose in amyloplasts is catalyzed by granule-bound starch synthase (GBSS). GBSS gene expression was inhibited via CRISPR-Cas9-mediated genome editing in leaves of the Desiree Potato cultivar. Constructs containing the Cas9 gene and sgRNAs targeting the GBSS gene were introduced by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation delivery into protoplasts.
Methods and results Outcomes included lines with mutations in all or only some of the homoeoalleles of GBSS genes and lines in which homoeoalleles carried different mutations and multiple alleles that were up to 21 % of regenerated shoots. Mutations were found in one bp from the used guide sequence, verifying the high homology between a guide sequence and a target region near the protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) site. DNA delivery into protoplast resulted in mutants with no detectable Cas9 gene. Microscopic evaluation of iodine-stained starch granules was shown to be a sensitive system for qualitative and quantitative examination of amylose formation in starch granules of transgenic potato tubers.
Conclusion This study presented the successful application of CRISPRCas9 to fully knockout a GBSS gene function in a potato tetraploid plant in one round of transfection, without a stable introduction of DNA into the genome. In this study, the region of the GBSS gene was targeted, for driving the guide sequences. all the different experiments yielded high mutation frequencies, in the same order of magnitude, demonstrating the robustness of the CRISPR-Cas9 technique for potato research and breeding. Here, also the use of this new technology was demonstrated to develop a trait of commercial interest, an amylopectin potato starch, with uses in both food and technical applications.
Sex differences in mental health according to marital and cohabitation status
Authors: Cha Jaewoo , Kim Dayea
Published: March 2023

Background Marriage and cohabitation are considered important mental health factors, but most epidemiological research sets these factors as covariates. This cross-sectional study analyzed data from the 2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to elucidate the association between marital status and cohabitation with mental health in the Korean population. Methods The study comprised 7,359 participants aged 25 to 45 years. The variables of interest were the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scores, suicide attempts, and counseling for mental health issues during the previous year. Results Using chi-square tests for between-group comparisons and multiple logistic regression models to analyze risk factors, the PHQ-9 scores revealed that men and women in the separated group (divorced, not living with a spouse, or widowed) were 2.63 and 2.08 times more likely to develop depression than the spouse-cohabiting group, respectively. However, the latter was 1.91 times more likely to receive counseling for mental health problems than the separated group. Finally, in the separated group, men were 6.51 times more likely to attempt suicide, and women were 6.20 times more likely to develop depression than the men and women from the spouse-cohabiting group, respectively. Conclusion Marriage and cohabitation are negatively associated with the development of depression and suicidal ideation, especially among young adults in Korea. There is an urgent need to introduce healthcare policies that can prepare individuals to live in modern society.
WITHDRAWN: The Role of Botulinum Toxin in Management of Infantile Esotropia
Authors: Çiftçi Süleyman
Published: March 2023

Purpose
To find out the effect of a single dose botulinum toxin injection.
Methods
This study is an observational case series. Data of patients with infantile esotropia who received a single dose of botulinum toxin in 6th-9th month of their age were retrospectively reviewed during the period from February 2013 to January 2015. Botulinum toxin was injected in each of medial recti with a dose of 5 IU/0,05 mL without electromyography (EMG) control. Five patients were included in the study. Complications reletad to injection and to the toxin were recorded. During their regular follow-ups, the parents were instructed to patch the dominant eye if there is fixation preference either in exotropia or esotropia phases. Patients were examined between their 72nd to 96th month to find out their current visual acuity and to observe if they had any late term accompanying squints, nystagmus and amblyopia. Snellen optotypes or pictures were used for detecting best-corrected visual acuity.
Results
Orthophoria was the main outcome for 3 of the 5 patients. Dissociated deviations and latent nystagmus did not develop on any patient. On the last examination, patients’ visual acuities were assesed. Orthophoric ones: one patient had 1.0/1.0 visual acuity, one patient had 0.4/0.6 visual acuity, one patient had 0.2/0.2 visual acuity. Monocular esotropia ones: On the strabismic eye 0.1, on the dominant eye 1.0 visual acuity was detected. Inferior oblique muscle hyperfunction developed post injection on all the patients.
Conclusions
Botulinum toxin injection caused infantile esotropia to change into a more manageble form.
Sustainable increase in the self-sufficiency of Swiss agriculture – the potential of grain legumes in a traditionally meat- and dairy-based production
Authors: Keller Beat , Oppliger Corina , Chassot Mirjam , Hund Andreas , Walter Achim
Published: March 2023

Switzerland is a global hotspot in dairy production and has above-average values of per-capita meat consumption. Its livestock production causes high environmental costs and is highly depending on concentrated feed imports. At the same time, the local grain legume production is negligible and diets of Swiss population become more and more plant-based. The consumption of legume protein has two main advantages over meat protein: legume-based protein has a lower environmental footprint due to biological nitrogen fixation and it has a healthy composition. This study evaluates the potential of grain legumes to diversify agricultural products while increasing sustainable food production and self-sufficiency.
Especially peas and faba beans show potential for the Swiss agriculture but require adaptions in policy, pricing and breeding based on a qualitative assessment of expert opinions. A quantitative analysis using Geographic Information system (GIS) showed that when only suitable arable land (Scenario I) is used for grain legume production, more than 100% of Switzerland's meat protein consumption could be covered by legume-based proteins. Converting suitable meadows into additional arable land for legume production (Scenario II) would further increase this potential: 180% of the currently consumed meat protein could be generated. The increase in legume area could be compensated by forage area, i.e., leys and silage maize. Replacing 632,500 t of concentrated feed import additionally, the current monogastric and ruminant production would decrase by 31 and 39%, respectively. The ramped up production of legume protein (175,630 t) could replace the decrease in animal-based proteins (from milk and meat) and substantially increase self-sufficiency of Swiss agriculture.

Increasing legume production is one promising path for Swiss agriculture toward more sustainability allowing to decrease environmental costs, such as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, nitrogen pollution, and pressure on deforestation through soybean import. To stimulate legume production, not only policy needs to increase support, but also the supply chain of the agricultural and food industry are to be built up in parallel. Besides that, the agricultural management of legume production needs to be improved and new varieties adapted to current and future requirements are to be developed.
Carriers of heterozygous loss-of-function ACE mutations are at risk for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Danilov Sergei M. , Adzhubei Ivan A. , Kozuch Alex J. , Petukhov Pavel A. , Popova Isolda A. , Choudhury Ananyo , Sengupta Dhriti , Dudek Steven M.
Published: March 2023

Amyloid Aβ42 (constituents of the protein aggregates in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) cleaved by ACE, and thus, a decrease in tissue ACE activity (constitutive or ACE inhibitor-induced) could be risk factor for AD. We hypothesized that subjects with heterozygous Loss-of-Function (LoF) ACE mutations are at risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Existing SNP databases were analyzed for LoF ACE mutations using PolyPhen-2 scores and compared with the topology of known ACE mutations already associated with AD. The combined frequency of >400 of these LoF-damaging ACE mutations in the general population is quite significant – up to 5 % – comparable with the frequency of AD in the population >70 years old. Our analysis suggests several mechanisms by which ACE mutations may be associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Systematic analysis of blood ACE levels in patients with all ACE mutations is likely to have clinical significance because available sequencing data will help detect persons with increased risk of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Patients with transport-deficient ACE mutations (about 20 % of damaging ACE mutations) may benefit from preventive or therapeutic treatment with a combination of chemical and pharmacological (e.g., centrally acting ACE inhibitors) chaperones and proteosome inhibitors to restore impaired surface ACE expression.
How much did the Covid-19 shielding policy cost in Wales? A Retrospective Cost analysis within the EVITE Immunity study
Authors: Sewell Bernadette , Farr Angela , Akbari Ashley , Carson-Stevens Andrew , Edwards Adrian , Evans Bridie Angela , John Ann , Torabi Fatemeh , Dale Jeremy , Jolles Stephen , Kingston Mark Rhys , Lyons Jane , Lyons Ronan A , Porter Alison , Watkins Alan , Williams Victoria , Snooks Helen
Published: March 2023

Background: The EVITE Immunity study investigates the effects of shielding Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV) people during the COVID-19 pandemic on health outcomes and healthcare costs in Wales, UK, to help prepare for future pandemics. Shielding was intended to protect those at highest risk of serious harm from COVID-19. We report the cost of implementing shielding in Wales.
Methods: The number of people shielding was extracted from the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage Databank. Resources supporting shielding between March and June 2020 were mapped using published reports, web pages, freedom of information requests to Welsh Government and personal communications (e.g. the office of the Chief Medical Officer for Wales).
Results: At the beginning of shielding, 117,415 people were on the shielding list. The total additional cost to support those advised to stay home during the initial 14 weeks of the pandemic was £13,307,654 (£113 per person shielded). This included the new resources required to compile the shielding list, inform CEV people of the shielding intervention and provide medicine and food deliveries. The list was adjusted weekly over the 3-month period (130,000 people identified by June 2020) therefore the cost per person shielded lies between £102 and £113.
Conclusion: This is the first evaluation of the cost of the measures put in place to support those identified to shield in Wales. However, no data on opportunity cost was available. The true cost of shielding including its budget impact and opportunity costs need to be investigated to decide whether shielding is a worthwhile policy for future health emergencies.
Maternal Factors Influencing Under-five Mortality in Karemo Sub-county in Siaya County, Kenya
Authors: Odingo Paul Awiti , Munde Elly O. , Sang David , Atieli Harrysone , Ouma Collins
Published: March 2023

Background
Despite the substantial reduction of under-five mortality (U5M) across the world, about 15,000 under-fives (U5s) die daily. Majority occurs in developing countries with Sub-Saharan African countries like Kenya accounting for over 50%. In Kenya, the former Nyanza Province in western region exhibits the highest U5MR of 82 deaths/1000 live births. Karemo Sub-County in Nyanza Province displays twice as much U5MR as Nyanza Province despite having relatively good access to private and public health facilities. Moreover, the influence of maternal risk factors on U5M remains unknown.
Methodology:
The current cross-sectional study assessed the influence of maternal risk factors associated with U5M in Karemo Sub-County in Siaya County in 299 households of women of reproductive age (15–49 years). Data was collected using pre-tested structured questionnaire on a face-to-face interview. Differences between proportions were determined using Chi-square test while binary logistic regression was used to determine the association between maternal factors and U5M.
Results
Results show that children of older mothers (35–49 years) had increased mortality relative to those of younger mothers (< 20 years) (OR = 2.484; 95%CI: 1.249–4.940; P = 0.009). Short preceding birth interval of (< 2 years) was associated with increased risk of U5M relative to longer preceding birth intervals (> 2 years) (OR = 2.079; 95%CI: 1.240–3.485; P = 0.005). Relative to primary education level, children born to mothers who had attained tertiary level had reduced risk of U5M (OR = 0.408; 95%CI: 0.208-0.800; P = 0.009). Higher birth orders of 4 and above were five times more associated withU5M compared to lower birth orders (OR = 5.442; 95%CI: 2.789–10.620; P < 0.0001). Polygamy was associated with increased risk of U5M (OR = 3.370; 95%CI: 1.922–5.910; P < 0.0001). Similarly, lower death rates of about 61% were observed among children of married mothers compared to those of single mothers (OR = 0.382; 95%CI: 0.218–0.669; P = 0.001). Employment, subsistent farmers and small-scale business mothers showed increased risk to U5M (OR = 3.505, 95%CI: 1.657–7.414; P = 0.001), 2.1 (OR = 2.196; 95%CI: 1.190–4.053; P = 0.012) and 5.6 (OR = 5.639; 95%CI: 2.871–11.077; P < 0.0001), respectively.
Conclusion
Strategies targeting promotion of girl-child education above primary levels, women economic empowerment and acceptance of family planning are considered fundamental interventions and should be emphasized in reducing U5M in this region.
Sterile silicone ring tourniquets in limb surgery : A prospective clinical trial in pediatric patients undergoing orthopedic surgery
Authors: Bae Kunhyung , Kim Gisu , Aldosari Amaal M. , Gim Yeonji , Kwak Yoon Hae
Published: March 2023

Background
Sterile silicone ring tourniquets reduce intraoperative bleeding and provide a wide surgical view. Moreover, sterile silicone ring tourniquets reduce the risk of contamination and are more economical than conventional pneumatic tourniquets. The present study describes the perioperative outcomes of sterile silicone ring tourniquet placement in pediatric patients undergoing orthopedic surgery.
Methods
This study prospectively recruited 27 pediatric patients aged < 18 years who underwent 30 orthopedic surgeries between March and September 2021. Following complete surgical draping, all operations were initiated by placing sterile silicone ring tourniquets. We investigated the demographic and clinical characteristics of these patients, details about the tourniquet used, and intra- and postoperative outcomes of tourniquet placement.
Results
Thanks to the narrowness of tourniquet bands (< 2 cm) and tourniquet placement at the proximal ends of the extremities, wide surgical fields were achieved, without limiting joint range of motion. Bleeding control was effective. Tourniquets were applied and removed rapidly and safely, regardless of limb circumference. None of the patients experienced postoperative pain, paresthesia, skin problems at the application site, surgical site infections, ischemic problems, or deep vein thrombosis.
Conclusions
Sterile silicone ring tourniquets effectively reduced intraoperative blood loss and facilitated wide operative fields in pediatric patients with various limb sizes. These tourniquets allow for quick, safe, and effective orthopedic surgery on pediatric patients.
Altered functional connectivity and network excitability in a model of cortical dysplasia
Authors: Aquiles Ana , Fiordelisio Tatiana , Luna-Munguía Hiram , Concha Luis
Published: March 2023

Focal cortical dysplasias (FCDs) are malformations of cortical development that often result in medically-refractory epilepsy, with greater incidence in the pediatric population. The relation between the deranged cortical morphology of FCD and their epileptogenic activity remains unclear. We used the BCNU animal model of cortical dysplasia to evaluate neuronal and laminar alterations and how these result in altered activity of intracortical networks in an early stage of development. We corroborated the previously-reported morphological anomalies characteristic of the BCNU model, comprising slightly larger and rounder neurons and abnormal cortical lamination. Next, neuronal activity of live cortical slices was evaluated through large field-of-view calcium imaging and their response to a stimulus that leads to cortical hyperexcitability (pilocarpine). Examination of the joint activity of neuronal calcium time series allowed us to identify intracortical communication patterns and their response to pilocarpine. Baseline power density distribution of neurons in the cortex of BCNU-treated animals was different from that from control animals, with the former showing no modulation after stimulus. Moreover, the intracortical communication pattern differed between the two groups, with cortexes from BCNU-treated animals displaying decreased inter-layer connectivity as compared to control animals. Our results indicate that the altered anatomical organization of the cortex of BCNU-treated rats translates into altered functional networks that respond abnormally to a hyperexcitable stimulus, and highlights the role of network dysfunction in the pathophysiology of cortical dysplasia.
Growth, allergen profile and microbiome studies in Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus cultures
Authors: Calzada David , Martín-López Laura , Carnés Jerónimo
Published: March 2023

Mites are mass-cultured to manufacture allergen extracts for allergy diagnostics and therapeutic treatment. The present study focused on characterizing the growth, the allergen profile, and the microbiome of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Samples from three cultures were taken at 10 different times of development. Mite population, protein profile, total protein content and major allergen levels (Der p 1, Der p 2, Der p 23) were monitored. Additionally, the progression of the allergenicity was studied by immunoblot using a pool of sera from allergic patients. Regarding the microbiome study, genomic DNA from 600 adult mites from the last day of the culture was isolated. Mite microbiome was characterized by sequencing the 16rRNA gene. Taxonomic analyses were performed using Qiime2 software. Endotoxin content was also analyzed. The culture had a fast and unrelenting evolution. Mite density, total protein content, Der p 1 and Der p 23 levels were increased progressively during the culture. Furthermore, the growth profile had a good correlation with the total protein content (r Pearson = 0.84; p = 0.01) and the levels of Der p 1, Der p 2 and Derp 23 (r = 0.69; p = 0.0042; r = 0.86; p < 0.0001; r = 0.7; p = 0.0036). According to the microbiome studies, the results confirm the presence of non-pathogenic bacteria, being firmicutes and actinobacteria the most common bacterial taxa, with a very low content of Gram-negative bacteria and endotoxin content. The results of the growth, allergen profile and microbiome in our mite cultures confirm our in-depth knowledge, expertise, and control of culture processes to produce high-quality allergen extracts.
Song features correlate with male reproductive success and avian malaria infection in a promiscuous songbird with female-only parental care
Authors: Kubacka Justyna , Dubiec Anna , Arantes Larissa Souza , Herdegen-Radwan Magdalena , Mazzoni Camila , Sparmann Sarah , Osiejuk Tomasz Stanisław
Published: March 2023

The link between male song and reproductive success has been explored at length in socially monogamous birds. However, results were inconsistent and under-represented socially non-monogamous species with uniparental care. Here, using as a model the Aquatic WarblerAcrocephalus paludicola, a songbird with no sexual dimorphism, female-only care, promiscuity and elaborate song, we explored whether the repertoire size, percent time singing (song duty) and rate of A-songs, used in male aggressive interactions, are associated with male fitness- and quality-related traits. We found that the seasonal breeding success (number of 9-day-old nestlings fathered) increased with repertoire size but was unassociated with song duty and A-song rate, and none of the song variables explained return rate. Hence, greater repertoire sizes could improve chances for copulation or nestling survival. Repertoire size and A-song rate were associated positively with growth of chick tarsus (proxy for structural body size) and negatively with change in chick scaled mass index, SMI (proxy for energy reserves), between days 2 and 9 post-hatch. Hence, nestlings of males with greater repertoires and A-song rate could fledge faster. The male quality-related traits: inbreeding coefficient, SMI, wing-length and trypanosome infection were unassociated with the song characteristics. However, while plasmodium infection was unrelated to song duty and repertoire size, it positively correlated with A-song rate. This could arise through better survival of higher-quality infected individuals, or modulation by testosterone. We conclude that in male Aquatic Warblers repertoire size and agonistic song rate predict some of their fitness- and quality-related traits, and could be adaptive.
Shedding of SARS-CoV-2 genome in wastewater after COVID-19 outbreaks at nursing care homes in Japan: An ad-hoc survey
Authors: Yoshida Hiromu , Ueda Masatoshi , Hattori Yasuomi , Mori Tomiko , Yokoe Kumi
Published: March 2023

Early detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) among individuals in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes, has the potential to prevent the spread of infection. Polymerase chain reaction testing or antigen screening for SARS-CoV-2 help detect virus carriers; however, non-invasive methods, such as wastewater testing at a facility, might be beneficial as a long-term strategy. Nonetheless, survey studies are limited owing to complications ewrelated to different facilities. Therefore, we conducted an ad-hoc survey in three nursing homes using the grab or trap sampling methods, which have been used in previous studies for environmental surveillance. As this study was conducted on an ad-hoc basis, it is necessary to consider improving the sampling methods for adaptability to different drainage pipe systems across various facilities and ensure the reliability and sensitivity of the detection methods. Nevertheless, the results revealed viral genome detection at the early stage of the outbreak and shedding of the viral genome in the wastewater for approximately two months after the index case. Therefore, the result should be carefully interpreted as the viral genome would be detected over a long period. During the COVID-19 epidemic around the facility, frequent testing of wastewater, especially a combination of other clinical tests where necessary, might be helpful in early confirmation of index cases and reduce the risk of an outbreak within a facility.
The effect of having a spouse on the mortality risk in later life --Empirical evidence from China
Authors: Zhang Shanshan , Guo Shan , Yang Hualei
Published: March 2023

Purpose
Examines the impact of the presence or absence of a spouse on the risk of death among older Chinese people and explores issues such as differences in mortality risk among different populations.
Method
Using the five-period longitudinal data of the China Health Impact Survey on the Elderly (CLHLS) from 2005 to 2018 as the basis, a Cox risk regression model was constructed using the Chinese elderly population aged 65 to 105 years as the study population, with the risk of death among the elderly as the dependent variable and the presence of a spouse among the elderly as the core independent variable.
Results
Controlling for variables such as individual characteristics of the elderly, socio-economic characteristics and health status, the presence or absence of a spouse had a significant effect on the risk of death in older people, with older people with a spouse having a 45.2% lower risk of death than older people without a spouse, an effect that was more prevalent in older people, older people who were male, older people in rural areas, and older people without financial support from children or pension support. Further analysis of the risk of death without a spouse was widowed > divorced > unmarried.
Conclusion
Based on a sample of older people in China, we found that having a partner in later life is a worthwhile life goal, i.e. having a partner in old age is effective in reducing the risk of death in later life and is an important factor in coping with ageing and enjoying a high quality of life in later life. Being divorced, widowed and single is detrimental to health, especially in older, male, rural and insecure older people. To reduce the negative impact of spouselessness in later life on the risk of death in old age, we need to focus on the elderly, male elderly, rural elderly and the insecure elderly.
Crow Search Algorithm Based on Information Interaction for Epistasis Detection
Authors: Zhang Yaxuan , Shang Junliang , Gu Yijun , Guan Boxin , Ren Qianqian , Ge Daohui , Sun Yan
Published: March 2023

Background:In the genome-wide association study, the interactions of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) play an important role in revealing the genetic mechanism of complex diseases, and such interaction is called epistasis or epistatic interactions. In recent years, swarm intelligence methods have been widely used to detect epistatic interactions because they can effectively deal with global optimization problems.Results:In this study, we propose a crow search algorithm based on information interaction (FICSA) to detect epistatic interactions. FICSA combines particle swarm optimization (PSO) and crow search algorithm (CSA) to balance the exploration and exploitation in the search process, which can effectively improve the ability of the algorithm to detect epistatic interactions. In addition, opposition-based learning strategy and adaptive parameters are used to further improve the performance of the algorithm. We compare FICSA with other five epistasis detection algorithms on simulated datasets and an age-related macular degeneration (AMD) dataset. The results on simulated datasets show that FICSA has better detection power, while the results on the real dataset demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.Conclusions:The results show that FICSA is better than other methods and can effectively detect epistatic interactions. In addition，FICSA was tested on AMD data, many of the epistatic interactions found have been proved to be related to AMD in the relevant literature. Therefore, FICSA has good performance in epistasis detection.