bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retrospective Analysis of Outcomes in Qualified and Non-Qualified Medicare Admissions in a Long-Term Acute Care Hospital During Year One of the Pandemic Waiver Period
Authors: Grevelding Pete , Corbett John , Hrdlicka Henry C. , Chieffo Christopher B. , Sullivan Kathleen
Published: April 2023

Objective:
To compare the characteristics and outcomes of Medicare insured patients admitted to the long-term acute care hospital (LTCH) setting, before and during the first year of the CARES Act, and to determine whether there is functional benefit or projected cost-savings associated with admitting non-qualified patients beyond the waiver period.
Data Source and Study Setting:
Using the LTRAX outcome and demographic reporting system, primary data was collected for all Medicare insured patients admitted March 2019 through February 2021. Study activities were conducted at an independent LTCH located in Connecticut, USA.
Study Design:
This was a single-site retrospective cohort study. For each cohort, demographics and CMS required assistance scores for metrics such as self-care, communication, and functional mobility were compared. A sub-analysis of the stroke population was also conducted.
Data Collection/Extraction Methods:
Collected data were separated by admission date [historic control cohort (March 2019 through February 2020) or COVID-19 cohort (March 2020 through February 2021)] and qualified status.
Principle Findings:
Analysis revealed that non-qualified and qualified Medicare patients admitted before and during the COVID-19 waiver period were characteristically similar, were functionally similar at admission, and received a similar significant rehabilitation benefit. The stroke sub-analysis again demonstrated functional similarities between cohorts. However, in this sub-population, the traditionally non-qualified population saw a significant increase in the proportion of patients discharged home and a significant reduction in acute care readmissions within 30-days post LTCH discharge.
Conclusions:
Despite not meeting the three-midnight qualification, the non-qualified population was functionally similar at admission and received a similar rehabilitation benefit as the qualified population, while discharging home more often. This data then makes a compelling case to eliminate the three-midnight stay qualifier for LTCH admission, which would ultimately improve the rehabilitation outcomes and decrease the lifetime cost of care and caregiver burden for the traditionally non-qualified Medicare population.
Disaster processes-based spatiotemporal characteristics of apricot frost in the warm temperate zone (WTZ), China
Authors: Yang jianying , Zhang Lei , Huo  , Wang Peijuan , Wu Dingrong , Ma Yuping
Published: April 2023

Frost stress is a major environmental factor that limits apricot growth in the warm temperate zone (WTZ) of China, and is always triggered by extreme low temperature weather processes. In this study, the characteristics of the apricot frost processes f(D,Tcum), which were identified from historical disaster representation, were analyzed and apricot frost evaluation indicators were developed, thus facilitating the process-based assessment and spatiotemporal analysis of apricot frost processes. Periods of low temperature that persist for 1~2, 3 and ≥4 days (i.e., duration days, D) provide the initial identification indicator for light, moderate and severe apricot frost. The threshold ranges for Tcum are 0~3.9, 9.2~12.0 and >16.2 for D values of 1~2, 3 and ≥4, respectively. The northwest of the WTZ is dominated by apricot frost, with approximately 80% of apricot frost being light, followed by moderate and severe. Regional apricot frost exhibited a significant decreasing trend over the last four decades. A total of 29.65% of stations, which were mainly located in the northwest and middle parts of the study region, detected an increasing trend in apricot frost. The results provide technical support for targeted apricot frost level detection, and the process-based spatiotemporal characteristics of apricot frost can provide basic information for the prevention and mitigation of apricot frost.
Development of a method to discriminate salt sensitivity in hypertension by single-nephron blood flow (SNBF) index and new insights into the relationship between SNBF and hypertension.
Authors: Kunimi Motoei , Takizawa Toshikazu , Tamura Koichi
Published: April 2023

More than 95% of hypertensive patients have essential hypertension, which can be divided into salt-resistant hypertension (SRH) and salt-sensitive hypertension (SSH). They differ in several aspects. If they can be easily diagnosed, treatment, complications and prognosis can be improved. But there is no easy way to differentiate them. We focused on renal salt excretion process and renal blood flow (RBF). RBF of SRH decreases by increasing renal vascular resistance, and RBF of SSH increases by fluid accumulation for decreasing salt excretion efficiency. Since both can be distinguished by measuring RBF, we created a renal blood flow index using uric acid. Then, we divided RBF into 2 categories: whole renal blood flow (WRBF) and single-nephron blood flow (SNBF). We studied in 26 SRH and 16 SSH patients from 3/1/ to 30/11, 2018. SSH was higher than SRH in WRBF and SNBF, with no significant difference in WRBF (81.3±29.8 vs 73.3±32.4, p=0.43), but significant difference in SNBF (1.94±0.75 vs 1.04±0.39, P<0.01), suggesting that SNBF can distinguish SSH and SRH. Therefore, SNBF allows differentiation between SRH and SSH, and this study showed that essential hypertension is an abnormal condition in which SNBF is increased or decreased from the physiological range of SNBF.
An Efficient Blockchain-Based Framework For File Sharing
Authors: Peng Wanzong , Lu Tongliang , Wang Zhongpan
Published: April 2023

File sharing is the foundation of the Internet. But the traditional centralized service architecture will result in huge infrastructure costs and maintenance costs. Due to the lack of effective file management system, a lot of sensitive information is out of control and loss of confidentiality document has occur from time to time. In order to address the difficulty of tamper detection and the lack of supervision in the entire process of file transmission in the current Internet environment, this paper designs a block-chain-based system architecture for secure sharing of electronic documents. An efficient Blockchain model is used in our framework, and with the help of distributed storage system and asymmetric encryption technology, file sharing can be controlled, reliable and traceable in the transmission process.Referring to existing consensus mechanism, e.g., Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS) and Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance (PBFT), we propose a new consensus for efficient and secure file sharing.
Identification of candidate genes associated with host-seeking behavior in the parasitoid wasp Diachasmimorpha longicaudata
Authors: Wulff Juan P. , Traverso Lucila M. , Latorre-Estivalis Jose M. , Segura Diego F. , Lanzavecchia Silvia B.
Published: April 2023

Background: Diachasmimorpha longicaudata is a hymenopteran fruit fly endoparasitoid. Females of this species find their hosts for oviposition by using complex sensorial mechanisms in response to physical and chemical stimuli associated with the host and host habitat. Ecological and behavioral aspects related to host-seeking behavior for oviposition have been extensively studied in D. longicaudata, including the identification of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) acting as attractants to females. In this sense, molecular mechanisms of chemoreception have been explored in this species, including a preliminary characterization of odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), chemosensory proteins (CSPs) and odorant receptors (ORs), among other proteins. Functional assays on OBP and CSP have been conducted as a first approach to identify molecular mechanisms associated with the female host-seeking behavior for oviposition. The aims of the present study were to identify the D. longicaudata sensory gene repertoire expressed in the antenna of sexually mature and mated individuals of both sexes, and subsequently, characterize transcripts differentially expressed in the antennae of females, in order to identify candidate genes associated with the female host-seeking behavior for oviposition.
Results: A total of 33,745 predicted protein-coding sequences (CDS) were obtained from a de novo antennal transcriptome assembly, and 10 sensory-related gene families were annotated as follows: 222 ORs, 44 ionotropic receptors (IRs), 25gustatory receptors (GRs), 10 CSPs, 15 OBPs, 2 ammonium transporters (AMTs), 8 pickpocket (PPKs) receptors, 16 transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, 12 CD36/SNMPs and 3 Niemann-Pick type C2 like proteins (NPC2-like). Ninety sensory receptors were differentially expressed between females and males, 86 of which were annotated as ORs and 81 were upregulated in the female antennae.
Conclusions: The sensory gene repertoire of D. longicaudata was similar to that of other taxonomically related parasitoid wasps. We identified a high number of ORs upregulated in the female antenna. These results may indicate that this gene family has a central role in the chemoreception of sexually mature females during the search for hosts and host habitats for reproductive purposes.
Experience with the Management of 2599 Cases of Congenital Muscular Torticollis and a Multicenter Epidemiological Investigation in 17 Hospitals in China
Authors: Zhao Zhenhui , Deng Hansheng , Li Yuanheng , Wang Xinyu , Tang Geng , Zeng Yueping , Xu Hui , Yang Qisong , Wu Zhengyu , Li Shicheng , Cui Zhiwen , Feng Guoshuang , Fu Guibing , Tang Shengping , Xiong Zhu , Qiu Xin
Published: April 2023

Background Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is a common musculoskeletal disease affecting infants and young children. Summarizing the treatment options for CMT will aid in promoting a standardized treatment for CMT.Methods The general clinical and ultrasonographic data of children with CMT who received a three-step standardized treatment plan at our hospital from 2004 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Children with CMT were grouped according to the characteristics of ultrasound examination and treatment outcomes. General clinical information, treatment, and ultrasound examination data of children in each group were compared. Additionally, electronic medical records of patients admitted due to CMT in 17 tertiary children’s hospitals of China’s Futang Research Center of Pediatric Development (FRCPD) from 2015 to 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Data on sex, age, year of admission and discharge, and treatment cost during hospitalization were extracted from the first medical record pages according to the ICD codes.Results Three types of CMT were defined based on sternocleidomastoid muscle ultrasound examination characteristics: local mass, uniform thickening, and atrophy. From 2015 to 2020, the 5-year average age at surgery for CMT in 17 tertiary children’s hospitals of the FRCPD was 50 months. Overall, 663 children with CMT were 1–2 years of age, accounting for the largest proportion (28.3%).Conclusions Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to improve the conservative treatment success rate and achieve good prognosis in children with CMT. Our research team’s three-step standardized treatment plan has a high conservative treatment success rate and may facilitate the achievement of better prognosis.
Constructions of codes with weighted poset block metrics
Authors: Ma Wen , Luo Jinquan
Published: April 2023

Weighted poset block metric is a generalization of weighted poset metric introduced by Panek et al. ([14]) and the metric for linear error-block codes introduced by Feng et al. ([7]). This type of metrics includes many classical metrics such as Hamming metric, Lee metric, poset metric, pomset metric, poset block metric, pomset block metric and so on. In this work, we focus on constructing new codes under weighted poset block metric from given ones. Some basic properties such as minimum distance and covering radius are determined.
Cone-beam computed tomography assessment of the root canal morphology of primary molars
Authors: Rahmati Afsaneh , Khoshbin Elham , Shokri Abbas , Yalfani Hadis
Published: April 2023

Background: This study aimed to assess the root canal morphology of primary molars using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).
Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated 60 maxillary and mandibular primary first and second molars on CBCT scans of patients retrieved from the archives of Hamadan School of Dentistry between 2018-2020. The teeth were evaluated regarding the number of roots and canals, canal type according to the Vertucci’s classification, and root surface concavities. Data were analyzed descriptively and by independent t-test.
Results: The most frequent number of canals and roots in the maxillary right and left first molars was 3 canals (60%) and 3 roots (80%). These values were 4 canals (80%) and 5 canals (50%) with 3 roots in the maxillary right and left second molars, respectively, 4 canals (100%) and 2 roots (50%), and 3 canals (60%) and 2 roots (50%) in mandibular right and left first molars, respectively, and 4 canals (92.3%) and 3 roots (61.5%) in mandibular right and left second molars. Vertucci’s type IV was the most common canal type in mesial and distal canals, type I was the most common in mesiobuccal, mesiolingual, distobuccal, and distolingual, and types I and II were the most common in the palatal canal. The maximum and minimum concavities were noted in the buccal (26.7%) and mesial (8.3%) surfaces, respectively.
Conclusions: A wide variation exists in the number of roots and canals of maxillary and mandibular primary molars, which calls for further attention in treatment of such teeth.
Immediate application of low-intensity electrical noise reduced responses to visual perturbations during walking in individuals with cerebral palsy
Authors: Sansare Ashwini , Arcodia Maelyn , Lee Samuel C.K. , Jeka John , Reimann Hendrik
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) compensate for deficits in somatosensory processing by relying on visual input over proprioception for balance control. Upweighting, i.e., increasing reliance on proprioception, helps free up vision for high-level use like navigation and obstacle avoidance. We hypothesize that children with CP will be able to upweight proprioception and reduce visual reliance if their proprioception is improved. A promising technique to improve proprioception is the use of Stochastic Resonance (SR) stimulation, which uses random, sub-sensory, electrical current to improve proprioception. The aim of this study is to investigate if SR stimulation results in reduced reliance on vision during visually perturbed walking in individuals with and without CP. We hypothesized that the responses to visual perturbations would be smaller with SR stimulation vs. without SR. We also investigated how the two balance mechanisms driving the responses to the visual perturbations, ankle roll and foot placement, were affected by SR stimulation.
Methods: Seventeen ambulatory individuals (age 16.3 ± 4.3, 8 males) with spastic diplegic or hemiplegic CP and seventeen age-and sex-matched individuals with typical development (TD, age 16.1 ± 4.2) were recruited. SR stimulation was applied to the muscles and ligaments of ankle and hip joints. Participants walked on a self-paced treadmill in a virtual reality environment that induced a visual perturbation in the frontal plane once every 10-12 steps. Participants completed three trials of two minutes each of SR stimulation (SR) and no stimulation (noSR) in randomized order. We performed two-way mixed ANOVAs, with group (CP, TD) as between-subject and condition (noSR, SR) as within-subject factors.
Results:The response to visual perturbations was significantly smaller with SR in the CP group (p<0.001), but not in the TD group (p=0.883). There was no significant effect of stimulation on the use of ankle roll and foot placement in either group.
Conclusion:The reduced response to visual perturbations in the CP group supports our hypothesis that SR stimulation allows children with CP to upweight proprioception and reduce visual reliance. However, the balance mechanisms that are driving these changes in the response to visual perturbation are unclear.
Gratitude and academic engagement: multiple mediating effects of internal locus of control and subjective well-being
Authors: Cui Hongbo , Chen Weiyu , Bi Xiaoyan , Li Jiayu , Song Meidan , Gao Tao , Ma Yankun
Published: April 2023

This paper examines the relationship between gratitude and academic engagement among Chinese high school students, exploring the mediating effects of internal locus of control and subjective well-being. The students of some high schools in Guangzhou were surveyed using the Gratitude Questionnaire-6, the School Engagement Questionnaire, the Levenson’s IPC Scale, and the General Well-being Schedule, and 708 valid questionnaires were collected. Results showed a significant positive relationship between gratitude and academic engagement; internal locus of control and subjective well-being played a mediating role between gratitude and academic engagement, respectively; internal locus of control and subjective well-being played a chain mediating role between gratitude and academic engagement. These findings suggest that we can promote students' academic engagement not only by cultivating their gratitude, but also by improving their internal locus of control and subjective well-being.
Portable Impedance-Sensing Device for Microorganism Characterization in the Field
Authors: Bouzid Karim , Greener Jesse , Carrara Sandro , Gosselin Benoit
Published: April 2023

A variety of biosensors have been proposed to quickly detect and measure the properties of individual microorganisms among heterogeneous populations, but challenges related to cost, portability, stability, sensitivity, and power consumption limit their applicability. This study proposes a portable microfluidic device based on impedance flow-cytometry and electrical impedance spectroscopy that can detect and quantify the size of microparticles larger than 45 μm, such as algae and microplastics. The system is low cost ($300), portable (5 cm × 5 cm), low-power (1.2 W), and easily fabricated utilizing a 3D-printer and industrial printed circuit board technology. The main novelty we demonstrate is the use of square wave excitation signal for impedance measurements with quadrature phase-sensitive detectors. A linked algorithm removes the errors associated to higher order harmonics. After validating the performance of the device for complex impedance models, we used it to detect and differentiate between polyethylene microbeads of sizes between 63 μm and 83 μm, and buccal cells between 45 μm and 70 μm. A precision of 3% is reported for the measured impedance and a minimum size of 45 μm is reported for the particle characterization.
Experience of treating congenital complete atrioventricular block with epicardial pacemaker in infants and young children:a retrospective study
Authors: Song Linhong , Meng Qiang , Liu Changgen , Wang Gang , Wang Hui , Zhou Gengxu , Feng Zhichun
Published: April 2023

Background This article summarizes the treatment experience for congenital complete atrioventricular block (CCHB) in newborns and infants, and discusses the necessity and feasibility of treating CCHB with permanent pacemaker implantation in this population.
Methods In this study, the clinical data and follow-up results of nine children admitted at our center with CCHB from January 2005 to March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, two children received early implantation of permanent pacemakers (within 1 year of age), two children received non-early implantation (1 year or older), and the remaining five children received no pacemaker implantation. CCHB diagnosis was confirmed by clinical symptoms and clinical examinations, including electrocardiography and echocardiography before surgery. After surgery, the pacing and sensing functions of the pacemaker were observed using electrocardiography, echocardiography, and pacing threshold monitoring. A comprehensive evaluation of the treatment effect was performed, taking into account improvements in clinical symptoms, growth and development, and the absence of any other potential complications. The children who did not receive pacemaker implantation were followed up.
Results Among the four children who successfully received pacemaker implantation, one child who received non-early implantation died. For the remaining three children, the threshold level, amplitude, impedance, and minute ventilation sensor function of the pacemaker were good during the follow-up period, with a heart rate at the pacing rate. Their development followed the percentile curve, and their motor and cognitive development were not affected. Among the children who did not receive pacemaker implantation, two died and three were lost to follow-up.
Conclusions Early implantation of an epicardial pacemaker in newborns and infants diagnosed with CCHB can significantly improve clinical symptoms without affecting their growth and development. In this study, we have determined that permanent pacemaker implantation is necessary for these children because the treatment plan's safety, feasibility, and favorable prognosis.
Increasing rectum–prostate distance using a hydrogel spacer to reduce radiation exposure during proton beam therapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Narukawa Tsukasa , Aibe Norihiro , Tsujimoto Masashi , Shiraishi Takumi , Kimoto Takuya , Suzuki Gen , Ueda Takashi , Fujihara Atsuko , Yamazaki Hideya , Ukimura Osamu
Published: April 2023

SpaceOAR®, a polyethylene-glycol hydrogel, reduces rectal radiation exposure during radiation therapy for prostate cancer. This study aimed to investigate the impact of our modified technique of hydrogel insertion, which achieves greater separated distance at prostate-apex, on radiation exposure reduction during proton beam therapy (PBT). We included 330 patients undergoing PBT with the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of 63 Gray (Gy) for localized prostate cancer, and categorized them into groups 0 (no spacer, n = 141), 1 (separated distance of spacer at the prostate-apex level < 7.5 mm, n = 81), and 2 (distance ≥ 7.5 mm, n = 108). The rectal volumes to receive 30–60 Gy (RBE), was estimated and described as Rectal V30–60 (ml). The Rectal V30–60 (ml) was significantly lower in group 2 than in group 1, and in group 1 than in group 0. After propensity score matching, the multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the most significant factor to reduce radiation exposure was our modified technique of hydrogel insertion. Therefore, using a hydrogel spacer to expand the prostate–rectum distance not only at prostate-mid to prostate-base level but also at the prostate-apex level can reduce the radiation exposure in PBT for prostate cancer.
The construction of Bert fusion model of speech recognition and sensing for South China electricity charge service scenario
Authors: Wu Guangcai , Zheng Yinglong
Published: April 2023

Electric charge service and management is an important part of electric power work. The effective recovery of electric charge relates to the smooth development of daily work and continuous improvement of operation and management of power supply enterprises. With the large-scale implementation of the card prepayment system, the problem of electricity customers defaulting on electricity charges has been solved to a large extent, but some large electricity users still fail to pay electricity charges on time. Therefore, under the current situation of power grid development, it is still necessary to strengthen the service and management of electricity charges to promote efficient recovery of electricity charges. Speech recognition technology has increasingly become the focus of research institutions at home and abroad. People are committed to enabling machines to understand human speech instructions, and hope to control the machine through speech. The research and development of speech recognition will greatly facilitate people's life in the near future. At present, the development of 5G technology and the proposal of 6G technology make the interconnection of all things not only a hope but also a reality. To realize the interconnection of all things, one of the key technical breakthroughs is the development of a new human-computer interaction sensing system. Under the guidance of relevant theories and methods, this paper systematically analyzes the user structure, electricity charge recovery management and service system, existing problems and causes in South China, and clarifies the necessity of design and application of electricity charge service system in South China power supply companies. The experimental data and empirical analysis results show that the optimized Bert fusion model can provide more digital support for the power supply companies in South China in terms of electricity charge recovery efficiency, management level system improvement and electricity charge service.
English Speaking as a Second Language for Health Sciences’ Undergraduates: Preferred Activities & Motivators
Authors: Jayasinghe Manori , Liyanage Lakeesha , Wijesekara Kanchana , Kotapola Imendra
Published: April 2023

Introduction
Fluency in speaking English as a second language is critical for non-natives in Allied Health Sciences. Unfortunately, the undergraduates who study for health sciences degrees in English medium of instruction still find it challenging. This has made the faculty administration deliver numerous programs to enhance oral skills, which often fail due to poor turnout. The lack of motivation and reluctance to practice are two reasons visible on the surface. Identifying ways to enhance learner motivation has been considered a key challenge in the present study. The types of activities students were interested in have been examined and reported.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among the undergraduates in the Pharmacy, Nursing, and Medical Laboratory Science programs. Data were gathered using a self-prepared, validated, self-administered online survey questionnaire that was pilot tested for reliability using 10% (n=21) of the minimum sample size. Cronbach's Alpha values appeared ˃ 0.7. The data analysis was done using SPSS version 20.0. The distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic motivators and demotivators was examined using a paired sample t-test.
Results
There were 277 responses from Pharmacy (33.2%, n=92), Nursing (45.8%, n=127), and MLS (20.9%, n=58). Intrinsic motivation factors had a significant effect (p<0.001, 95% CI) on speaking skills compared to extrinsic motivation factors. Mean intrinsic motivation and mean extrinsic motivation were 4.16 (n=277, SD=0.66) and 3.73 (n=277, SD=0.81), respectively. The mean intrinsic demotivation, 3.16 (n=277, SD=0.77), and mean extrinsic demotivation, 2.56 (n=277, SD=0.91) also showed a significant variation. Findings denoted that students prefer free, relaxing learning experiences over compulsory English-speaking programs.
Conclusions
The results signified that self-motivation was the primary source of inspiration. It is essential that faculty revisit the compulsory and authoritative program designs to realign them, considering the students' motivation and interests at the center of it.
Evaluation of calcification distribution by CT-based textural analysis for discrimination of immature teratoma
Authors: Nakamori Akari , Tsuyoshi Hideaki , Tsujikawa Tetsuya , Orisaka Makoto , Kurokawa Tetsuji , Yoshida Yoshio
Published: April 2023

Background Mature and immature teratomas are differentiated based on tumor markers and calcification or fat distribution. However, no study has objectively quantified the differences in calcification and fat distributions between these tumors. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic potential of CT-based textural analysis in differentiating between mature and immature teratomas in patients aged < 20 years.Materials and methods Thirty-two patients with pathologically proven mature cystic (n = 28) and immature teratomas (n = 4) underwent transabdominal ultrasound and/or abdominal and pelvic CT before surgery. The diagnostic performance of CT for assessing imaging features, including subjective manual measurement and objective textural analysis of fat and calcification distributions in the tumors, was evaluated by two experienced readers. The histopathological results were used as the gold standard. The Mann–Whitney U test and receiver operating characteristic curve were used for statistical analysis.Results We evaluated 32 patients (mean age, 14.5 years; age range, 6–19 years). The mean maximum diameter and number of calcifications of immature teratomas were significantly larger than those of mature cystic teratomas (p < 0.01). The mean number of fats of immature teratomas was significantly larger than that of mature cystic teratomas (p < 0.01); however, no significant difference in the maximum diameter of fats was observed. CT textural features for calcification distribution in the tumors showed that mature cystic teratomas had higher homogeneity and energy than immature teratomas. However, immature teratomas showed higher correlation, entropy, and dissimilarity than mature cystic teratomas among features derived from the gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in the CT features of fats derived from GLCM.Conclusion Our results demonstrate that calcification distribution on CT is a potential diagnostic biomarker to discriminate mature from immature teratomas, thus enabling optimal therapeutic selection for patients aged < 20 years.
Identification of novel ferroptosis biomarkers predicts the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wu Siqian , Liu Meiliang , Xiao Suyang , Lai Mingshaung , Wei Liling , Li Deyuan , Wang Lijun , Zeng Xiaoyun , Yin Fuqiang
Published: April 2023

Background: Ferroptosis is a newly recognized type of programmed cell death. This work aimed to explore unreported ferroptosis-related genes that have not been found to predict the prognosis of HCC;
Methods: Candidate genes involved in the prognosis of HCC were identified from CROEMINE and FerrDb. Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox regression analysis were applied to assess the association of single gene and gene combinations with overall survival time (OS) and disease-free survival time (DFS) in TCGA cohort. Additionally, the predictor was further validated in the ICGC cohort. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemistry were performed in HCC samples.
Results: A total of 719 genes were included. Of these identified genes, 21 and 15 genes can predict OS and DFS, respectively, which had not been reported before. Survival analysis showed elevated mRNA expression of GLMP, SLC38A6, and WDR76 were associated with poor prognosis and three genes combination signature was an independent prognostic factor in HCC. RT-qPCR and Immunohistochemistry confirmed the results;
Conclusions: We established a novel computational process based on big data text-mining and bioinformatics analysis to explore new biomarkers of HCC associated with ferroptosis. Furthermore, after experimentally verified our result, we suggest that the expression of GLMP, SLC38A6, and WDR76 may be used as potential ferroptosis-related biomarkers to evaluate the prognosis of patients with HCC.
‘A recipe for cultural disaster!’– a case study of Woolworths Group’s proposal to build an alcohol megastore in Darwin, Northern Territory
Authors: Crocetti Alessandro Connor , (Larrakia) Beau Cubillo , Yorta) Troy Walker (Yorta , (Mununjali) Fiona Mitchell , (Wakaya) Yin Paradies , Backholer Kathryn , Browne Jennifer
Published: April 2023

Background: The health and wellbeing impacts of commercial activity on Indigenous populations is an emerging field of research. The alcohol industry is a key driver of health and social harms within Australia. In 2016 Woolworths, the largest food and beverage retailer in Australia, proposed to build a Dan Murphy’s alcohol megastore store in Darwin, near three ‘dry’ Aboriginal communities. This study examines the tactics used by Woolworths to advance the Dan Murphy’s proposal and understand how civil society action can overcome powerful commercial interests to protect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing.
Methods: Data from 11 interviews with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal informants were combined with data extracted from media articles and government, non-government and industry documents. Reflexive thematic analysis was informed by an adapted corporate health impact assessment framework.
Results: Woolworths employed several strategies including lobbying, political pressure, litigation, and divisive public rhetoric, while ignoring the evidence suggesting the store would increase alcohol-related harm. The advocacy campaign against the proposal highlighted the importance of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal groups working together to counter commercial interests and the need to champion Aboriginal leadership. Advocacy strategies included elevating the voices of community Elders in the media and corporate activism via Woolworths’ investors.
Conclusions: The strategies used by the coalition of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal groups may be useful in future advocacy campaigns to safeguard Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing from commercial interests.
Hydrothermal synthesis of the CeO 2 nanoparticles and its calcination temperature effect on dielectric and supercapacitor performance
Authors: Godlaveeti Sreenivasa Kumar , Chintaparty Rajababu , Somala Adinarayana Reddy , Nagireddy Ramamanohar Reddy
Published: April 2023

Cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles (NPs) was synthesized by the hydrothermal method. In this method cerium (IV) sulfate tetrahydrate as precursor was taken as solvent and sodium hydroxide as a precipitating agent. In this case, the CeO2 NPs prepared at dried and different calcination temperature conditions and followed by characterized by different instrument techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) and Raman spectroscopy were employed to examine the crystal structure, functional groups, morphology and elemental composition of the final product. The dried and different calcination of the CeO2 NPs were investigated by supercapacitor and dielectric performance.
Predictive Ability of Complete Blood Count, Mean Platelet Ratio, Mean Platelet Volume, and Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio for Severe Pneumonia among RT-PCR or Radiologically Proven COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Bohra Harishkumar Rameshkumar , Bhaskaan P , Rehana V , Nivedita A , Lakra P , Raghav P , Tandon A
Published: April 2023

In Rajasthan, the picture of COVID-19 has been very gloomy and on 21st December 2020 there were 12,422 active cases, and 283,957 cumulative cases which included either discharged or cured or migrated to other places. Disease may start with milder clinical manifestation, but it may suddenly progress to acute respiratory failure or acute respiratory distress syndrome or septic shock or metabolic acidosis or coagulopathies. There is an association of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), Mean Platelet Volume (MPV), Mean Platelet Ratio (MPR) and with the progression of the COVID-19 infection and it can be utilized by the physicians for identification of high risk or deteriorating patients at an early stage. In the context of this background, the present study was undertaken to study the predictive ability of these hematological parameters (especially MPV, MPR, NLR) in progression of COVID-19 infection to severe pneumonia among RT-PCR or radiologically proven COVID-19 patients. Materials and method: Analytical cross sectional Hospital based study of 729 COVID-19 patients enrolled between 1st April 2020 to 30th Nov 2021 conducted in Bangur hospital of Pali district, Rajasthan. Socio-demographic information, clinical profile, investigation reports and clinical outcome were collected from the electronic medical records. WHO’s definition for severe pneumonia of COVID-19 (17) was utilized to categorize patients with severe pneumonia. Data was entered in Microsoft Excel and checked for errors. The analyses were done using Jamovi and SPSS v.23.0. Results: It was found that neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio was significantly higher among those participants with evere pneumonia, but there was no such significance appreciated for mean platelet ratio.. Parameters related to acute infection (Total WBC count, granulocyte (%), absolute granulocyte count) were directly correlated with N/L ratio and Mean Platelet ratio (except granulocyte (%)).From multivariable analysis, it was found that increase in N/L ratio and decrease in albumin were significant predictors of severe pneumonia. Conclusion: N/L ratio is good predictor marker of COVID 19 severe pneumonia. MPV, MPR, and PC are nit the good predictive markers of COVID 19 severe pneumonia.
Effect of the level of alveolar atrophy on implant placement accuracy in guided surgery for full-arch restorations supported by four implants: An in vitro study
Authors: Göçmen Gökhan , Bayrakçıoğlu Ahmet , Bayram Ferit
Published: April 2023

Background
Fixed screw-retained full-arch restoration supported by four implants is a popular treatment option for edentulous arches. Optimal alignment of implants is quite challenging in extremely atrophied edentulous cases, and a small amount of deviation is expected during guided surgery. This study aimed to compare implant accuracy among edentulous jaws with various levels of atrophy.
Methods
Five separate copies of each Cawood model (III–V) were produced for the maxilla and mandible. A total of 120 implants were placed (30 models). The implant accuracy was assessed based on angular deviations at the base (angle, 3D offset, distal, vestibular, and apical) and tip (3D offset, distal, vestibular, and apical).
Results
The atrophy level of the jaws had a statistically significant effect on deviation; implants showed greater deviation from the planned location as the atrophy level increased.
Conclusion
Given that implant deviation increased with the degree of atrophy, a greater safety margin from important anatomical structures is recommended when planning implant location for guided surgery in Cawood V cases.
Anti-CRISPR Anopheles mosquitoes inhibit gene drive spread under challenging behavioural conditions in large cages
Authors: D'Amato Rocco , Taxiarchi Chrysanthi , Galardini Marco , Trusso Alessandro , Minuz Roxana , Grilli Silvia , Somerville Alastair , Shittu Dammy , Khalil Ahmad , Galizi Roberto , Crisanti Andrea , Müller Ruth , Simoni Alekos
Published: April 2023

CRISPR-based gene drives have the potential to spread within a population and are considered as promising vector control tools. A doublesex-targeting gene drive was shown effective to suppress laboratory populations in both small and large cages, and it is considered for field application. Challenges related to the field-use of gene drives and the evolving regulatory framework demand for systems able to modulate or revert the action of gene drives, as part of post-release risk-mitigation plans. We developed an improved AcrIIA4-based anti-drive strain and showed inhibition of gene drive spread, in complex feeding and reproductive behavioural conditions. A stochastic model predicted the experimentally-observed genotypes dynamics in overlapping generations in medium- and large-sized cages and further demonstrated the effectiveness of anti-drive in different release and fitness scenarios. This study provides a further validation for the use of anti-drive system in controlling the spread of gene drive in Anopheles under complex behavioural conditions.
Comparative Studies of Decoupling Schemes in the Current Control Loop of Three-Phase Drives at Extreme Stator/Sampling Frequency Ratios
Authors: Nuß Uwe
Published: April 2023

In this paper, the performance of different continuous-time and discrete-time models of the electrical subsystem of induction machines and permanent-magnet synchronous machines as well as methods based on them for decoupling the direct and quadrature axis components of the stator current are investigated and compared. The focus here is on inverter-fed, pulse width modulated drives when operated with a relatively large product of stator frequency and sampling time, where significant differences between the models and decoupling methods used come to light. Recommendations for a discrete-time model to be used uniformly in the future are made, as well as statements on whether feedforward or feedback decoupling structures are better suited. Simulation studies and measurement results support the statements made above.
A new model of pregnacy-associated malaria for inducing adverse pregnancy outcomes in ICR mice
Authors: Zhang Yingying , Liang Zhiming , Xing Haoyu , Yu Chuyi , Liang Jianming , Xu Qin , Song Jianping , He Zhouqing
Published: April 2023

Backgroud：Based on understanding of placental pathological features and safe medication in pregnancy-associated malaria (PAM), establishment of a stable pregnant mice infection model with Plasmodium was urgently needed.
Methods: ICR mice were randomly divided into pre-pregnancy infection, post-pregnancy infection, and uninfected pregnancy cohorts. The mice were inoculated with 1×106 Plasmodium berghei ANKA-infected RBCs by intraperitoneal injection, and the same amount of saline was given to uninfected pregnancy group. We recorded the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes and the amounts of offspring in each group.
Results: The pre-pregnancy infection group mice were unable to conceive normally, and vaginal bleeding, abortion, or stillbirth appeared in the post-pregnancy infection group. The incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes was extremely high and statistically significant compared with the control (Malaria-) group (P < 0.05), of which placenta exhibited pathological features associated with human gestational malaria.
Conclusions: The intraperitoneal injection of 1×106 Plasmodium berghei ANKA-infected RBCs can establish a murine model of post-pregnancy malaria infection.
Geo-environment intrinsic suitability evaluation to urban construction in Rongcheng district of Xiong’an New Area, China
Authors: LIU Hong-wei , HAN Bo
Published: April 2023

Xiong’an New Area is a national event and a project planned for a millennium of China. Its high-quality construction is of great significance to easing the non-capital functions of Beijing and the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. As an emerging city, the development and construction of Xiong’an New Area is bound to be restricted by geological and resources conditions. Therefore, geo-environment intrinsic suitability analysis is the necessary basis of urban development and construction. Geo-environment intrinsic suitability analysis to urban construction is a complex process that requires various geological indicators information and relevant expertise to analyze their relevance. This paper focuses on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) for the assessment of geo-environment intrinsic suitability to urban construction in Rongcheng district which is a Start Construction Region in Xiong’an New Area. Multiple factors, including characteristic value of bearing capacity of foundation soil, land-subsidence rate, faults, ground fissures, potential liquefied sands, groundwater quality, soil quality, corrosion of groundwater to concrete, corrosion of groundwater to steel, enrichment of deep groundwater and geothermal resource, were used for the intrinsic suitability assessments. From our achievements, we note that suitable lands for urban construction located in most parts of the case study area with an acreage percentage of 90.9％. Meanwhile, for another 9.1% of the land, the impacts of faults, land-subsidence rate and potential liquefied sands need to be noted preferentially when urban construction.
Dynamic Stress Response Analysis of Inhomogeneous Medium Containing Inhomogeneous Inclusions under Action of SH Waves
Authors: Zhu Yun , Yang Zai-lin , Zhao Jian , Chen Yicun , Mi Yong-tao
Published: April 2023

An analytical model is proposed for the propagation of elastic waves in inhomogeneous substrates containing inhomogeneous inclusions (considering inhomogeneities in the modulus and density) based on elastic wave propagation in a homogeneous medium. The proposed method provides novel concepts and serves as a theoretical reference for determining the dynamic stress concentration and interface displacement in functionally graded material (FGM) composites. An inhomogeneous substrate containing inhomogeneous circular inclusions under the action of SH waves is taken as an example: the variations in the modulus and density are considered to have an exponential form for the inclusions and a power law form for the substrate, and the dynamic stress response in the substrate induced by the inclusions is analyzed. Calculation examples are used to determine the effects of the reference wavenumber in the substrate, the inclusion-to-substrate wavenumber ratio and the inhomogeneity in the substrate and inclusions on the dynamic stress concentration factor (DSCF) distribution at the periphery of the inclusions. The dynamic stress concentration induced by the inclusions is found to be sensitive to changes in the substrate heterogeneity. Increasing the inhomogeneity parameter of the substrate results in a sharp increase in the dynamic stress concentration around a circular inclusion. Finally, regulating the heterogeneity of the inclusions can reduce the dynamic stress concentration to some extent.
Measuring the capability of biological incident rescue teams in China: Based on fuzzy analytic Hierarchy Process
Authors: Yao Lulu , Zhao Chao , Zhang Yongzhong , Bai Song , Li Nan , Li Tiantian
Published: April 2023

Background: Emergency rescue offers an important means to effectively respond to disasters and quickly restore normalization afterwards. With the rapid development of biotechnology, it is crucial to evaluate rescue capability in response to bioterrorism incidents, yet there is a lack of specific measurement standards and complete evaluation system. The purpose of this article is to establish an evaluation system for emergency rescue capability during bioterrorism events.
Methods: The index was established through the improved Delphi method, while the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model was established on the basis of AHP. Experts in disaster work and research were invited to rate indicator items using the Likert scale, calculating the degree of agreement for each indicator using the Kendall coefficient W to assess expert consensus, then screen and identify indicators using the cutoff method. The fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model was formed by calculating the weight of the judgment matrix.
Results: Over two rounds of expert inquiry, 11 experts participated in the improved Delphi study (the response rate was 100%), and the Kendall coordination coefficients of the first and second rounds were 0.303 and 0.632 respectively (P < 0.05). According to the comprehensive score, coefficient of variation and full score ratio, 5 first-level indicators and 25 second-level indicators were determined. A fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model based on AHP was established to evaluate the rescue response from bioterrorism.
Conclusions: The expert group reached a consensus on all indicators of the model and overall, the model has sound content validity. The next step is to transform the evaluation model into a scale, verify its operability, and apply it to actual evaluation work to promote capacity building across the biological incident rescue team.