bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CAVI (Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index) as an Independent Predictor of Hypertensive Response to Exercise
Authors: Wuttichaipradit C. , Yodwut C. , Sukhum P. , Hengrussamee K. , Treesong M. , Thiangtham S. , Samut B. , Tunhasiriwet A. , Yingchoncharoen T.
Published: February 2023

OBJECTIVES
Hypertensive response to exercise (HRE) is related to the development of future hypertension, cardiovascular morbidity, and mortality, independent of resting blood pressure. We hypothesized that arterial stiffness as measured by cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) could be an independent predictor of HRE.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Retrospective chart review of patients participated in the preventive health program at the Bangkok Heart Hospital who underwent both CAVI and treadmill stress testing on the same day between June and December 2018 were performed. Variables for the prediction of HRE were analyzed using univariate analysis, and significant variables were entered into multiple logistic regression. An ROC curve was created to test the sensitivity and specificity of CAVI as a predictor of HRE.
RESULTS
A total of 285 participants (55.1% female) were enrolled in this study. There were 58 patients (20.4%) who met the HRE definition (SBP > 210 mmHg in males, SBP > 190 mmHg in females, or DBP > 110 mmHg in both males and females), with a mean age of 46.4 12.8 years. In univariate analysis, age, systolic blood pressure at rest, diastolic blood pressure at rest, pulse pressure at rest, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, history of beta-blocker, and CAVI results were statistically significant. Multiple logistic regression revealed that CAVI and systolic blood pressure were statistically significant predictors of HRE with OR of 5.8, 95%CI: 2.9-11.7, P<0.001 and OR 1.07, 95%CI: 1.03-1.10, P=0.001 respectively. ROC curve analysis of the CAVI revealed an AUC of 0.827 (95%CI: 0.76-0.89, p < 0.001), and the sensitivity and specificity of cut-point CAVI > 8 were 53% and 92%, respectively.
CONCLUSION
This study demonstrated that CAVI is an independent predictor of hypertensive response to exercise. CAVI > 8 is specific predictor of HRE.
Quantifying Global Colonization Pressures of Alien Vertebrates in Trade
Authors: Li Yiming , Blackburn Tim , Luo Zexu , Song Tianjian , Li Wenhao , Deng Teng , Luo Zhenhua , Li Yuanyi , Du Jiacong , Niu Meiling , Zhang Jun , Zhang Jinyu , Yang Jiaxue , Wang Siqi
Published: February 2023

The increased trade in live wildlife for pets and other uses potentially elevates colonization pressure, and hence the risk of invasions. Yet, we have limited knowledge on number of species traded outside their native ranges as aliens. We create the most comprehensive global live terrestrial vertebrate trade database, and use it to investigate the richness of alien species in trade, and correlates of establishment richness, for aliens across countries worldwide. We identify 10,378 terrestrial vertebrate species in the live wildlife trade globally. Approximately 90.1% of these species are aliens, and 9.1% of the aliens establish populations. Large numbers of alien species have been imported to countries with high incomes and large areas. Such countries are also hotspots for establishment, along with some island nations. Colonization pressure and insularity consistently promote establishment richness across countries. Socio-economic and climatic factors are also associated with establishment richness for different taxa. This study identifies daunting challenges to global biosecurity from future invasion risks posed by wildlife trade.
Exploring the configuration space of
elemental carbon with empirical and machine learned interatomic
potentials
Authors: Marchant George , Caro Miguel , Karasulu Bora , Bartok-Partay Livia
Published: February 2023

In the present work we detail how the many-body potential energy landscape of elemental carbon, as described by interatomic potentials, can be explored by utilising the nested sampling algorithm, allowing the calculation of their pressure-temperature phase diagram up to high pressures. We present a comparison of four interatomic potential models: Tersoff, EDIP, GAP-20 and its recently updated version, GAP-20U. Our evaluation is focused on their macroscopic properties, particularly on their melting transition and on identifying thermodynamically
stable solid structures up to at least 100 GPa. The studied models all form graphite structures upon freezing at lower pressure, then the diamond structure as the pressure increases. In the cases of the Tersoff, EDIP and GAP-20U potentials we were able to locate the transition between these phases. We placed particular focus on the state-of-the-art machine-learned models, the GAP-20 and GAP-20U, and calculated their phase diagrams up to 1 and 0.1 TPa, respectively, to evaluate their predictive capabilities well outside of the models’ fitting range. The phase diagrams of the GAP models showed remarkably good agreement with the experimental phase diagram up to 200 GPa. However, we found that the accuracy of the models’ descriptions of graphite was adversely affected by the relative stability of phases with incorrect layer spacing. By adding a suitable selection of graphite structures to the GAP training set and re-training the model, we have derived an improved model — referred to as the GAP-20U+gr — that suppresses erroneous local minima in the graphitic energy landscape. At extreme high pressure nested sampling identified two novel stable solid structures in the GAP-20 model, a strained diamond structure above 270 GPa and a strained hexagonal-close-packed structure above 890 GPa. However, the stability of these two phases were not confirmed by DFT calculations, highlighting potential routes to further improve the GAP model.
Gender Discrimination of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Using High-Resolution Melting Analysis
Authors: Sawongta Nipitpong
Published: February 2023

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is dioecious plant, having separate male and female flowers with late initial reproductive age. In order to produce dates, it is important for the agriculturalist to know the gender of the date palm because the date can only be collected from females. High-Resolution Melting (HRM) analysis is a powerful molecular technique for identifying species, cultivars, and gender of living organisms. Therefore, this study aims to use the HRM analysis for sex discrimination of the date palm cultivar Deglet Nour. This research is divided into three main parts, including (i) collecting the nucleotide sequences of the 12th chromosome, which are the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) region and the gene region, as markers for gender identification; (ii) selecting candidate primers for sex identification requires designing primers and performing simulation HRM analysis using uMELT software; and (iii) conducting in vitro HRM analysis with the candidate primers to differentiate the gender of the date palm. The difference in melting curve profile and melting temperatures (Tm) between the genders were used to determine the sex of date palms. It is found that the most suitable primer for gender identification of the date palm by HRM analysis is the TIF2 primers (gene region). Male and female melting curves generated from TIF2 primers can be clearly separated. In addition, melting temperature of male and female date palm were also different. The results demonstrate that the HRM coupled with TIF2 primers is a powerful molecular technique for sex discrimination of the date palm cultivar Deglet Nour.
The Efficacy and Safety of Canaloplasty Vs Trabeculectomy Either Standalone or Combined with Cataract Surgery: An Updated Meta-Analysis
Authors: Abdelaal Abdelaziz , Badr Helmy , Serhan Hashem Abu , Elmallahy Mohamed , Ebrahim Mohamed , Abuelazm Mohamed , Abdallah Ahmed , Ebrahim Abdulrahman , Katamesh Basant E. , Abdelazeem Basel
Published: February 2023

To compare the efficacy and safety between trabeculectomy (TE) and canaloplasty (CP) either as standalone or combined with phacoemulsification (PTE and PCP). Nine databases were searched for studies reporting efficacy and safety of TE/PTE and CP/PCP. Efficacy endpoints included postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), complete, and qualified success, while safety endpoints included failure, revision surgery, and complications. STATA was used to pool the crude mean difference (MD) or log odds ratio (logOR) for continuous and categorical outcomes, respectively. Fourteen studies were included. TE/PTE was associated with lower IOP when compared to CP/PCP [MD=-2.55; 95%CI=-3.30: -1.80, I2 = 61.43%]. Similarly, TE/PTE was associated with significantly higher odds of complete [logOR = 1.20; 95%CI = 0.79:1.61, I2 = 7.41] and qualified success [logOR = 0.64; 95%CI = 0.16:1.13, I2 = 0%] when compared to CP/PCP, respectively. Although no significant differences in failure and revision surgery were noted between TE/PTE and CP/PCP, in the TE subgroup, a significant reduction in failure was observed as compared to CP [logOR=-0.82; 95%CI=-1.61: -0.04, I2 = 28.18%]. TE/PTE was associated with higher odds for hypotony and choroidal detachment and lower odds for Descemet’s membrane detachment and hyphema. TE/PTE has superiority over CP/PCP regarding IOP control and revision surgery rates. However, the certainty of these findings is low to very low.
A method for mitigating the phase imbalance and insertion loss in the optical mm- wave system for 5G communication network
Authors: Mahmood Rawa Muayad , Yaakob Syamsuri , Ahmad Faisul Arif , Anas Siti Barirah Ahmad , Zan Zuraidah , Kadir Muhammad Zamzuri Abdul , Beson Mohd Rashidi Che , Mahmud Azwan
Published: February 2023

In this paper, an optical millimeter-wave (mm-wave) generated using a signal Mach Zehnder modulator (MZM) is proposed for a 5G communication network. This paper presents the mitigation process of phase imbalance and the insertion loss of the optical mm-wave signal. In the proposed system, the phase imbalance can be reduced by tuning the phase of the optical mm-wave signal at the optical stage. The best results are obtained when tuning the phase of 5π/12 at the phase shift. From the results, the phase imbalance influences the insertion loss and the amplitude of the mm-wave signal. In this study, the phase imbalance decreased from 0.4° to 0.1°. Mitigating the phase imbalance can lower the phase noise to 0.2°.
Morpho-physiological mechanisms of two different quinoa ecotypes to resist salt stress
Authors: Hussin Sayed A. , Ali Safwat H. , Lotfy Muhammad E. , El-Samad Emad H. Abd , Eid Mohamed A. , Abd-Elkader Ali M. , Eisa Sayed S.
Published: February 2023

Background: Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Wild.) is a facultative halophyte, showing various mechanisms of salt resistance among different ecotypes cultivars. This study aimed to determine salt resistance limits for a Peruvian sea level ecotype “Hualhuas” and Bolivian salar ecotype “Real” quinoa cultivars and elucidate individual mechanisms conferring differences in salt resistance of these cultivars. The plants were grown in sandy soil and irrigated with various water salinity levels (0, 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 mM NaCl) under greenhouse conditions.
Results: At high salinity treatment, plant growth was reduced by 80% and 87% in Hualhuas and Real, respectively. Both cultivars were able to lower the osmotic potential of all organs due to substantial Na+ accumulation. However, Hualhuas plants exhibited distinctly lower Na+ contents and consequently higher K+/Na+ ratio compared to Real plants, suggesting a more efficient control mechanism on Na+ loading and better K+ retention in Hualhuas plants. Net CO2 assimilation rates (Anet) were reduced, being only 22.4% and 36.2% of the control values in Hualhaus and Real, respectively, at the highest salinity level. At full-strength salinity, Hualhuas plants showed lower stomatal conductance and transpiration rates, but higher photosynthetic water use efficiency, indicative of an efficient control mechanism over the whole gas-exchange machinery.
Conclusion: These results reveal that Hualhuas is a promising candidate in terms of salt resistance and biomass production compared to Real.
Ubiquitin Ligase MDM2 mediated endothelial inflammation in Kawasaki disease vasculitis development
Authors: Xu Lei , Zhu Li-yan , Qian Guang-Hui , Huang Hong-Biao , Huang Cheng-Cheng , Qin Jie , Zheng Yi-Ming , Sun Ling , Ren Yan , Lv Hai-Tao , Ding Yue-Yue
Published: February 2023

Background
Kawasaki Disease (KD), which is mainly characterized by systemic small and medium vasculitis in children, can lead to coronary artery lesions (CALs). Our previous study identified that STAT3 signaling plays essential roles during the acute phase of KD patients. However, whether its interacted protein MDM2 (Murine double minute 2), which functions as an E3 ligase is likewise involved in KD pathogenesis still unknown and remains to be investigated.
Methods
The role of MDM2 was investigated using the whole-blood samples from KD patients with CALs before and after IVIG treatment. The plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were respectively isolated and collected. Meanwhile, a Candida albicans cell wall extracts (CAWS)‑induced KD mouse model was used to analyze the in vivo functions of MDM2. Real-time PCR, western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent methods were used respectively in the HCAECs or other cells to investigate the molecular mechanism of MDM2 involved in KD.
Results
MDM2 levels were downregulated, and STAT3 and VEGFA levels were upregulated in clinical blood samples from KD patients with CAL in the acute stage and in the mouse model. In the mouse model and HCAECs, MDM2 co-located with STAT3 . In vitro, the endogenous STAT3 protein level in HCAECs was upregulated after MDM2knockdown. Overexpression of MDM2 increased STAT3 ubiquitination and endogenous STAT3 and VEGFA levels decreased significantly. Additionally, the E3 ubiquitin ligase MDM2 can target its endogenous substrate STAT3 for ubiquitination.
Conclusions
Decreased MDM2 levels can reduce STAT3 ubiquitination, leading to STAT3 activation and the induction of VEGFA transcription, which is involved in the vascular endothelial inflammatory injury process of KD.
Segregation behavior of Cu and Sb with inclusion defects on local corrosion
Authors: Xiao Kui , Li Zhaoliang , Chen Junhang , Xue Wei , Yin Chenghui , Song Jialiang
Published: February 2023

The distribution characteristics of corrosion-resistant elements in low-alloy steel affected the initial corrosion behavior of matrix. In this article, the segregation behavior of elements at grain boundaries and pearlite defects in low-alloy steel and the precipitation behavior of Cu in inclusion had been studied. The precipitation of Cu in the inclusion was beneficial to the reduction of grain boundary segregation. And Cu had the ability to capture Sb and Ni. Cu was involved in the local corrosion initiation of inclusions, during which Cu and Sb were oxidized to corresponding Cu2O and Sb2O3, and distributed in the corrosion products. Under the influence of the segregation of elements at the grain boundaries, the local corrosion spreading process was carried out, and the internal part of the crystal was preferentially corroded. Cr was enriched in the cementite of pearlite and took part in the corrosion process, resulting in the formation of CrO3.
Effect of the tutorial training programme based on ADDIE model on research capacity of clinical nurses: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Dong Xiaoqian , Wang Sha , Li Lijun , Duan Yinglong , Zheng Feng , Liu Min , Gan Gang , Xie Jianfei , Ding Siqing , Cheng Andy SK
Published: February 2023

Background
Over the last two decades, global continuous efforts have been devoted to improving nursing research capacity. However, it is currently at a low to medium level in China and the training measures still have shortcomings such as lack of theoretical guidance, single content, short time and poor learning effect. To design a training programme about research capacity based on the ADDIE(analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation, ADDIE) model and the tutor system for clinical nurses and evaluate its effect through before-and-after control.
Methods
A quasi-experimental, one-group, self-control, and pretest-posttest design study. From July 2020 to June 2021, forty-five clinical nurses from a hospital were enrolled and underwent the training programme based on ADDIE model, which included five stages. By special scales, the nurses’ levels of research capacity, self-efficacy and professional values were evaluated on a six months of theory training, a six months of practice training, and a follow-up six months after the training. Finally, forty nurses completed this study. SPSS25.0 software was used for analysis.
Results
The score of research capacity before training was 43.42 ± 22.50. The total scores of research capacity and its all dimensions, total scores of general self-efficacy and nurses professional values differed significantly in before, immediately after training and six months after training (P < 0.001). Six months after training, the numbers of application for scientific research projects, papers published and patent applications, were higher than those pre-training (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
The research capacity of clinical nurses was at a medium level. The tutorial training programme based on ADDIE model is beneficial to improve research capacity, self-efficacy and professional values of clinical nurses, and promote the output of research and innovation projects.
Comparison of the relative impacts of acute consumption of an inulin-enriched diet, milk kefir or a commercial probiotic product on the human gut microbiome and metabolome
Authors: Cotter Paul , Walsh Liam , Walsh Aaron , Perez Isabel Garcia , Crispie Fiona , Costabile Adele , Ellis Richard , Finlayson Jim , Finneganan Laura , Claesson Marcus , Holmes Elaine
Published: February 2023

It has been established that the human gut microbiota is central to health, and, consequently, there has been a growing desire to positively modulate its composition and/or function through, for example, the use of fermented foods, prebiotics or probiotics. Here, we compare the relative impact of the daily consumption of an inulin-enriched diet, a commercial probiotic-containing fermented milk product (FMP), or a traditional kefir FMP over a 28-day period on the gut microbiome and urine metabolome of healthy human adults. None of the treatments resulted in significant changes to clinical parameters or biomarkers tested. However, shotgun metagenomic analysis revealed that kefir consumption resulted in a significant change in taxonomy, in the form of an increased abundance of the sub-dominant FMP-associated species Lactococcus raffinolactis, which further corresponded to shifts in the urine metabolome. Overall, our results indicated that daily consumption of a single portion of kefir alone resulted in detectable changes to the gut microbiota and metabolome of consumers.
Comparison of Dental Flosses – An Investigation of Mechanical Properties and Subjective Preference
Authors: Huang Zhongjin , Broadbent Jonathan M. , Choi Joanne Jung Eun
Published: February 2023

Objective
To investigate the properties (tensile strength, roughness, abrasiveness) of different dental flosses and how these properties relate to subjective preference for floss by users.
Materials and method
Four flosses of differing compositions were selected (polytetrafluoroethylene, nylon, silk, and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene). Tensile strength (TS) was measured utilising a universal testing machine (n = 10/group). Surface roughness (Ra) was measured on 3D reconstructed models of scanning electron microscope (n = 5/group). Abrasiveness was measured through block-on-ring tests against human enamel (n = 3/group). Subjective preference for floss was measured by asking a sample of 16 individuals to use each floss for an 8 day period using a split-mouth design.
Results
Highest TS was found in ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene floss (194.18 \(\pm\) 24.61 MPa) while the lowest TS was found in polytetrafluoroethylene floss (11.78 \(\pm\) 0.77 MPa). Silk floss had the highest Ra (0.304 \(\pm\) 0.025 µm) while polytetrafluoroethylene floss had the lowest (0.048 \(\pm\) 0.003 µm). In-vitro abrasion testing of the flosses identified in no significant differences between the flosses in causing wear on tooth enamel. Subjective ratings of flosses indicated polytetrafluoroethylene floss to be most preferred and nylon floss to be least preferred.
Conclusion
Polytetrafluoroethylene was rated more highly by participants than the other floss types. This floss had the lowest surface roughness and the lowest tensile strength.
Clinical Relevance:
This is the first study to comprehensively compare a wide range of mechanical properties of commercially available dental floss and the results of this study can provide guidance for the recommendation of dental floss for oral hygiene routines
A set of vectors and strains for chromosomal integration in fission yeast
Authors: Matsuyama Akihisa , Hashimoto Atsushi , Nishimura Shinichi , Yoshida Minoru
Published: February 2023

The expression of heterologous genes is an important technique in yeast genetics. In fission yeast, the leu1 and ura4 genes have been used mainly as selectable markers for heterologous expression. To expand the repertoire of selection markers available for heterologous expression of genes, here we developed new host-vector systems employing lys1 and arg3. By employing genome editing with the Crispr/Cas9 system, we isolated several alleles of lys1 and arg3, each having a critical mutation in the ORF region. In parallel, we developed a set of vectors that complement the amino acid auxotrophy of lys1 and arg3 mutants when integrated into each locus. Using these vectors in combination with the previously developed integration vector pDUAL, we successfully observed the localization of three proteins in a cell simultaneously by fusing them with different fluorescent proteins. Thus, these vectors enable combinational expression of heterologous genes, which addresses increasingly diverse experimental challenges.
Integrative analysis of uterine leiomyoma genetics, epigenomics, and single-cell transcriptomics reveals causal genetic variants, gene targets, and cell types
Authors: Buyukcelebi Kadir , Seker-Polat Fidan , Abdula Fatih , Kinali Meric , Adli Mazhar
Published: February 2023

Uterine fibroids (UF), also called leiomyomas, are observed in nearly 70% of women of reproductive age. These tumors disrupt normal uterine function and cause significant physical and psychological health problems. Although heritable genetics is a significant risk factor, specific genetic variations and gene targets causally associated with UL are poorly understood. We performed a meta-analysis on existing fibroid genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and integrated the identified risk loci and potentially causal single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with epigenomics (H3K27me3), transcriptomics (RNA-Seq), 3D chromatin organization (Hi-C) and single-cell atlas (scRNA-Seq) of primary samples from UF patients. The integrative analysis identified 24 risk loci and 394 potential gene targets associated with UF. Among these, 106 of them were differentially expressed in UF tumors. Critically, the integrative analysis with single-cell RNA sequencing revealed the cell types with aberrant expression of these target genes in normal and UF tissue. Finally, CRISPR-based epigenetic manipulation (dCas9-KRAB) of two risk loci in a disease-relevant cell type fine-mapped the gene targets. These findings and the methodological approach indicate the effectiveness of integrative multi-omics data combined with locus-specific epigenetic editing approaches to identify disease-relevant risk loci and their target genes.
A clinical experience-based Chinese herbal formula improves ethanol metabolism, drunken behavior and hepatic steatohepatitis based on both acute and acute-on-chronic (NIAAA) mice models
Authors: Gao Han , Li Zhen , Liu Yao , Zhao Yong-kang , Cheng Cheng , Qiu Feng , Gao Yuan , Lu Ya-wen , Song Xin-hua , Wang Jia-bo , Ma Zhi-tao
Published: February 2023

Background: Bao-Gan-Xing-Jiu pills (BGXJW) is a clinical experience-based Chinese herbal formula. Its efficacy, pharmacological safety, targeted function, process quality, and other aspects have met the evaluation standards and the latest requirements of preparations. It could prevent and alleviate the symptoms of drunkenness and alcoholic liver injury clinically. The present work aims to elucidate whether BGXJW could protect against drunkenness and alcoholic liver disease in mice and explore the associated mechanism.
Material and methods: We used acute-on-chronic (NIAAA) mice model to induce alcoholic steatosis, and alcohol binge-drinking model to reappear the drunk condition. BGXJW at indicated doses were administered by oral gavage respectively to analyze its effects on alcoholic liver injury and the associated molecular mechanisms.
Results: BGXJW had no cardiac, hepatic, renal, or intestinal toxicity in mice. Alcoholic liver injury and steatosis in the NIAAA mode were effectively prevented by BGXJW treatment. BGXJW increased the expression of alcohol metabolizing enzymes ADH, CYP2E1, and ALDH2 to enhance alcohol metabolism, inhibited steatosis through regulating lipid metabolism, counteracted alcohol-induced upregulation of lipid synthesis related proteins SREBP1, FASN, and SCD1, meanwhile it enhanced fatty acids β-oxidation related proteins PPAR-α and CPT1A. Alcohol taken enhanced pro-inflammatory TNF-α, IL-6 and down-regulated the anti-inflammatory IL-10 expression in the liver, which were also reversed by BGXJW administration. Moreover, BGXJW significantly decreased the blood ethanol concentration and alleviated drunkenness in the alcohol binge-drinking mice model.
Conclusions: BGXJW could effectively relieve drunkenness and prevent alcoholic liver disease by regulating lipid metabolism, inflammatory response, and alcohol metabolism.
Preference of Silicon Accumulation on the Shaded Foliage of Tree Crowns and its Implications for Juniperus chinensis L
Authors: Zhang Youfu , Chen Chun-Yan , Zhang Ruiyuan , Chen Tuo
Published: February 2023

The passive accumulation of silicon (Si) generally depends on the regulation of plant transpiration rates. It is challenging to comprehend how plants use Si to adapt to shaded habitats where they have low transpiration rates. Therefore, we hypothesized that Si accumulation is partly due to physiological demand rather than being entirely dependent on transpiration regulation. To test this hypothesis, the concentrations of Si and total minerals at various positions of shaded foliage and branches within the crowns of Juniperus chinensis L. trees were examined to determine whether shaded foliage and branch had a physiological demand allocation to resist shade. The concentrations of total minerals and Si in the foliage were consistently higher in shaded areas than in sunny areas within the same crown, regardless of the position within the crown or foliar age. However, foliar Si accumulation displayed more dependent on available light, which is linked to crown orientation. Additionally, branch Si accumulation displayed a weak dependence on the available light. These results suggested that Si, an energy-saving element that supplements cell walls, could also supplement carbon-based components in photosynthetic organs to balance energy limitations in shaded habitats. Thus, the high Si accumulation in shaded foliage, not in shaded branches, was explained by the physiological demand to make up for the decreased energy supply caused by shade.
Attitudes of health care professionals toward interprofessional teamwork in Ashanti Region, Ghana
Authors: Dassah Edward T. , Dzomeku Veronica M. , Norman Betty R. , Gyaase Daniel , Opare-Addo Mercy N.A. , Buabeng Kwame O. , Adu-Sarkodie Yaw
Published: February 2023

Background
Interprofessional collaboration ensures that high-quality health care is provided leading to improved health outcomes and provider satisfaction. Assessing the attitudes of health care professionals towards teamwork in Ghana is novel.
Objective
To examine the attitudes of health care professionals toward interprofessional teamwork in the Ashanti region, Ghana, prior to implementing an in-service interprofessional HIV training programme.
Methods
A cross-sectional pre-training online survey using a modified Attitudes Toward Health Care Teams Scale was conducted among health care practitioners undergoing a two-day interactive interprofessional HIV training in Kumasi and Agogo from November 2019 to January 2020. Trainees were diverse health professional cadres selected from five hospitals in the Ashanti region of Ghana. Data was summarised using the mean and standard deviation for continuous variables, and frequencies and percentages for categorical variables. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted to categorise the 14 items of the modified attitudes scale. The Wilcoxon rank-sum (Mann-Whitney) and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to test the mean attitude difference among the demographic characteristics. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
Altogether, 302 health professionals completed the survey. The ages ranged from 20–58 years, mean age 27.96 years (standard deviation 5.90 years). Up to 95% of the trainees agreed with the 14 statements on the modified attitudes scale. Three factors were identified; “quality of care”, “team efficiency”, and “time constraint” with Cronbach alpha measures of 0.73, 0.50, and 0.45 respectively. The overall mean attitude score was 58.15 ± 6.28 (95% CI, 57.42–58.88). Attitude of health care professionals toward interdisciplinary teams for patient care varied significantly by age (p = 0.014), health profession cadre (p = 0.005), facility (p = 0.037), and professional experience (p = 0.034).
Conclusion
Strengthening in-service interprofessional training for health practitioners especially early career professionals in the Ashanti region would be valuable.
Production of Dothiepin sulfoxide Carbonyl compounds by the phage resistant Streptomyces coeruleorubidus.
Authors: Magdy Mahmoud
Published: February 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
WITHDRAWN: Internet of Things in Livestock Farming: Implementation and Challenges
Authors: Rana Vijay , Sharma Sunny , THAKUR KISHORE Kumar , Pandit Anil , Mahajan Sunita
Published: February 2023

The Internet of Things (IoT) has the potential to revolutionize the livestock farming industry by improving efficiency, reducing costs and increasing productivity. IoT plays an important role in providing innovative solutions to revolutionize the agriculture & farming sectors. Eminent researchers are constantly working to provide novel solutions and systems using IoT to address different challenges in the agriculture domain. The core application domains of IoT in agriculture are Livestock, Precision farming, and greenhouses that are further assembled into different domain monitoring applications, which assist the agriculturists and researchers to make better decisions. This paper explores the ways in which IoT can be implemented in livestock farming, including the use of sensor technology and automation. Additionally, the paper also discusses the challenges that must be overcome in order to fully realize the potential of IoT in the livestock farming industry. These challenges include the cost of implementation, lack of standardization in the industry, and the need for further research and development to address these issues. The paper concludes that while IoT has the potential to greatly benefit the livestock farming industry, overcoming these challenges.
Searching for ocean formation probability proxies in exoplanet databases – an astrogeological approach
Authors: Bradák Balázs
Published: February 2023

Finding planetary bodies in the Solar system and beyond, with surface or subsurface oceans, which may harbor life, is one of the main goals of planetary studies. As a result of this search, an exponentially growing number of exoplanets have been discovered lately, which provides us with a unique opportunity to build and test new theories. Here, we introduce the Extraterrestrial Oceanography (ExTerrO) framework, and its focuses, such as the evaluation of the parameters, found in the exoplanet dataset(s), from a comparative astrogeological point of view, including, i) the influence of those parameters in surface ocean formation, and ii) their possible role as surface ocean proxy, standing individually or as a part of a more complex index. The theory behind the research considers that the more of the parameters applicable to an exoplanet with some divergence from known and well-examined “pilot planetary bodies” with surface oceans, the greater the possibility of surface ocean formation. Based on the preliminary results of the framework, orbital parameters, such as eccentricity and semi-major axis, and the planetary mass affect ocean formation-related processes the most and are potential candidates as future ocean formation probability proxies individually and/or as a part of more complex indices.
A machine learning model for the prediction of peripherally inserted central catheter-related venous thrombosis among high-risk adult patients
Authors: Cao Songmei , Wang Shuhua , Fan Yi Meng , Cheng Bo , Zhu Liqun , Li Li , Liang YiQing , Li Aiping , Zhu Hong
Published: February 2023

Background: The impact of PICC-related thrombosis is worth paying attention to, and it is important to predict the risk factors for thrombosis in patients with PICC catheterization， accurate scientific assessment tools are critical forpredictingand preventing thrombosis in patients with PICCs.The main objective is to develop and validate a machine learning model for predicting the risk of peripherally inserted central catheter-related venous thrombosis.
Methods: Overall, 626 patients undergoing peripherally inserted central catheter placement from January 2016 to October 2020 were enrolled. The variables included patient demographic characteristics, clinical condition, laboratory examinations, treatment, and catheter-related factors. Support vector machine and genetic algorithm were used to develop and optimize the model, respectively. SHapley Additive exPlanations was used to interpret the model.
Results: The model obtained an average area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.95. The SHapley Additive exPlanations summary plot was used to illustrate the effects of the top 20 features from support vector machine. This study provides a visual way to illustrate the impact of input features on the result prediction.
Conclusions: The machine learning model developed based on genetic algorithm shows good predictive ability in patients with a high risk of thrombosis-related peripherally inserted central catheter.
Trial registration:retrospectively registered.
Diverging responses to environmental change and different landscape structure in Aftrotropical birds and butterflies
Authors: Habel Jan Christian , Mulwa Moses , Wagner Laura , Schmitt Thomas , Teucher Mike , Ulrich Werner
Published: February 2023

Species respond differently to landscape structures and environmental changes. In nature conservation, however, responses of a few indicator groups are often generalised to the ecosystem level. In this study, we analyse how birds and butterflies respond to identical landscape structures and environmental gradients across a habitat mosaic in southern Kenya. The study area represents natural coastal forest (core and margins) as well as different agro-environments (orchards and pastures), which partly may also be suitable surrogate habitats for forest species. We assessed birds and butterflies during the same time and along identical transects, covering the dry and rainy season. The obtained results indicate that both indicator groups depict habitat types in some aspects similarly but in others in somewhat different ways. Thus, strongest differences in community similarity were visible between forest interior and open landscape (i.e. pastures) for both taxa. The forest community strongly overlapped with orchards for birds but less so for butterflies. Thus, orchards in close geographic context with natural forests might be possible surrogates for certain forest bird species but less so for the little mobile forest butterfly species. The temporal variation in species richness, abundances, and community structures was much stronger for butterflies compared to birds. Thus, seasonality in tropical ecosystems has to be considered when interpreting community structures of butterflies but much less so in birds. In general, birds and butterflies proved to be suitable indicator groups to ecologically assess landscape structures in East Africa, with birds more representing the landscape level and butterflies more the fine-grained habitat scale.
Pregnant women's knowledge and practice in preventing coronavirus disease and its associated factors in the Dire Dawa administration, Ethiopia
Authors: Mohammed Aminu , Aliyi Ahmedin
Published: February 2023

Background Severe acute respiratory infections are a group of respiratory tract infections caused by a beta coronavirus (SARS-COV2).Corona Virus Disease ("COVID-19") is a family of SARS caused by a novel coronavirus that has recently spread rapidly throughout the world. The literature reveals gaps in preventive measures for specific groups, such as pregnant women. Thus, this study was aimed at assessing this gap to help with interventions. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 1 to 30, 2022, in the Dire Dawa city administration, Ethiopia. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to select participants, and data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Data were entered and cleaned by Epi DATA (Version 3.1) and analyzed using SPSS (Version 22). A P-value < 0.25 at bivariate to select variables for multivariate and ≤ 0.05 at multivariate with 95% confidence intervals was considered statistically significant. Results A total of 404 participants were included, for a response rate of 96.4%. About 60.6 percent and 46.3 percent of pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) were knowledgeable and had good practice against COVID-19 prevention measures, respectively. The predictors for knowledge were urban residence (AOR = 0.10, 95% CI: 0.06–0.17), media exposure (AOR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.17–3.40), antenatal care visits (AOR = 2.70, 95% CI: 1.33–5.35), and parity (AOR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.18–0.88). While urban residence (AOR = 6.60, 95% CI: 4.01–10.90), low income (AOR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.37–0.93), and wanted pregnancy (AOR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.01–3.04) were predictors for practice, Conclusion Knowledge of pregnant women on COVID-19 was moderate compared to other studies, but their prevention practice was poor. Increased health education programs about COVID-19 were recommended for both urban and rural areas, as well as at hospital ANC wards.
Prognostic nomogram for Glioblastoma (GBM) patients presenting with distant extension: a seer-based study
Authors: Zhou Zhou , Yuan Jing , Chen Hongtao , Zhan Li ping , SUN Er yi , Chen Bo
Published: February 2023

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) with distant extension is rarely reported. We re-trieved the data of GBM patients from the SEER database in order to identify the prognostic factors of GBM with distant extension and constructed a nomogram to predict the overall survival (OS) of these patients.
Methods: The data of GBM patients between 2003 and 2018 was retrieved from the SEER Database. 181 GBM patients with distant extension were randomly divided into the training cohort (n=129) and the validation cohort (n=52) at a ratio of 7:3. The prognostic factors associated with the OS of the GBM patients were identified through univariate and multivariate cox analyses. A nomogram was constructed based on the training cohort to predict OS, and its clinical value was verified using the validation cohort data.
Results: Kaplan–Meier curves showed that the prognosis was significantly worse for GBM patients with distant extension than GBM patients without distant extension. Stage (GBM patients with distant extension) was independent prog-nostic factor of survival. Multivariate Cox analyses demonstrated that age, surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy were independent risk factors for OS of GBM patients presenting with distant extension. The C-indexes of the nomogram for predicting OS were 0.755 (95% CI: 0.713–0.797) and 0.757 (95% CI:0.703–0.811) for the training and validation cohorts respectively. The calibration curves of both cohorts showed good consistency. The area under the curve (AUC) for predicting 0.25-year, 0.5-year and 1-year OS in the training cohort were 0.793, 0.864 and 0.867 respectively, and that in the validation cohort were 0.845, 0.828 and 0.803 respectively. The decision curve analysis (DCA) curves showed that the model to predict the 0.25-year, 0.5-year and 1-year OS probabilities was good.
Conclusion: Stage (GBM patients with distant extension) is independent prognostic factor for GBM patients. Age, surgery, radio-therapy and chemotherapy are independent prognostic factors for GBM patients presenting with distant extension, and the nomogram based on these factors can accurately predict the 0.25-year, 0.5-year and 1-year OS of these patients.
Reaction of p-chlorobenzaldehyde derived ligand Complexes possessing an azomethine and oximino functions with Lanthanide (III) ions and its biological activity.
Authors: Sankhe Sharad , sarvade Pratik
Published: February 2023

The synthesis of benzilmonoximethiocarbohydrazide-p-chlorobenzaldehyde (HBMTpCB) ligand possessing one of oxime functions that is associated to a second functions such as azomethine or thiocarbohydrazide function in the first described. This prepared ligand, which possesses an inner N2S coordination site, allows formation of neutral lanthanide (III) metal-ligand complexes under their mono deprotonated form. The ligand was characterized by elemental analysis, FT (IR),1H NMR and electronic spectra. The La (III), Nd (III), Gd (III), Tb (III) and Dy (III) complexes of the HBMTpCB were prepared and characterized by the analytical and spectroscopic methods. In addition, the magnetic susceptibility and molar conductance measurements have been made. Seven coordinated geometrical structure were proposed for La (III), Nd (III), Gd (III), Tb (III) and Dy (III) complexes. These prepared novel complexes complete our work dealing with the oxime function complexing ability towards lanthanides (III) ions.
Historical cultivars of Allium cepa L. (Aggregatum-Group) introduced to Sweden 1830-1860
Authors: de Vahl Erik
Published: February 2023

To deepen the knowledge of the plant material and the names use connected to cultons spread in the 19th century might be of essential value. Historical records of old growing systems and propagation methods add valuable knowledge to the preservation values tied to the genetic diversity of the gene pool for future breeding. In historical records, different cultons, now regarded as Allium cepa L. has often been taxonomically divided into vegetatively propagated shallots and seed-propagated onions (Rabinowitch andKamenetsky 2002). Furthermore, shallots have been widely known by the rural population in Sweden as "potatislök" [potato onion] and preserved as heirloom landraces (Nygårds andLeino 2013; Strese andDe Vahl 2018). Differing practices and principles regarding distinguishing between potato onions, shallots and onions in European countries have sometimes made it difficult to understand historical records. This study presents the plant material of A. cepa L. Aggregatum Group introduced and spread in Sweden between 1830-1860. The plant material exemplifies different principles regarding the denominations and shows the range of cultons available in the north of Europe by the time, but also examples of domestic local cultivars. Shallot and potato onions, later mainly vegetatively propagated, were already in the 19th century occasionally propagated and spread by true seed, in Europe and to Sweden. In addition, a Russian growing system with a true seed generation was known in literature.
Complex combined cortical and internal watershed infarction: clinical case presentation and pathogenesis review
Authors: Petrovic Dusan
Published: February 2023

Objective and Background: The watershed (WS) infarcts development mechanism still remains very controversial, although mainly a hemodynamic cause is usually presumed. Herein we report a very rare case of complex combined and concomitant cortical and internal watershed infarctions and discuss its patomechanism and clinic-radiological correlation.
Clinical case presentation: A 45-year-old female subject was sent from an urgency ambulance to Urgent Medicine, Neuroradiology Department suspected with clinical signs of left-sided weakness, both left-sided hand and leg weakness, with difficult walking and communication, that occurred approximately few days before hospital administration. Neurological findings: conscious, communicative, left central facialis, deviation of the head to the right, partial deviation of the bulbus to the right, left hemiparesis of a severe degree on the left, hemineglect on the left; blood pressure 157/85 mmHg; glucose 28 mmol/l; treated for type 2 diabetes mellitus (insulin dependent) and Haschimoto thyreoiditis for several years. His endocranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including diffusion weighted MRI imaging showed multi-infarct changes in the right parieto-occipital, right frontal and parietal, right capsulothalamic and in the corpus callosum (splenium and genu) as part of the so-called watershed cerebral infarcts (borderzone infarcts) with development of cortical (external) and deep (internal) border zone infarctions.
Results and Conclusions: Hemodynamic instability due to chronic arterial hypertension and concomitant uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus could lead to WS infarctions. The WS infarcts development mechanism is multifactorial (very often synergistic), and distinguishing WS infarcts (cortical and internal types) from other stroke types is extremely important, because different pathogenic mechanisms require different therapeutic options and treatment strategies and MRI plays a pivotal role therein.
Organic supramolecular room-temperature phosphorescence featuring profound dependence on host-guest binding behaviors
Authors: Li Chunhui , Guo Qichao , Zhu Jinkang , Wang Qiaochun
Published: February 2023

Recent years have witnessed tremendous progresses in the field of cucurbit[n]uril (CB[n])-based organic supramolecular room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP). However, the relationship between phosphorescence property and host-guest binding behaviors has been ignored in this research area. Herein, three guest compounds (G1, G2 and G3), featuring a same luminescence core (4-(4-bromophenyl)-1-methylpyridinium chloride) and the relatively similar molecular phosphorescence properties, can form 1:1 complexes with phCB[6] respectively in an order of descending enwrapping degrees (phCB[6]/G1 > phCB[6]/G2 > phCB[6]/G3), along with which The RTP quantum yields of these three supramolecular complexes in solid state show a distinctly decreasing trend, thereby demonstrating an obvious influence of host-guest binding behaviors on phosphorescence performance. This work may provide a new idea for the design of high-performance RTP materials.