bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Anti-coagulation Dosage on the Outcome of Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients in Ethiopia: A multi-center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Tessema Abel Girma , Mengiste Zekarias Masresha , Hundie Tsegaye Gebreyes , Yosef Hailemichael Getachew , Huluka Dawit Kebede , Seyoum Abebaw Bekele , Abate Hannibal Kassahun , Howe Rawleigh Craig
Published: December 2022

Background:
Studies have indicated that hospitalized COVID-19 patients benefit from anticoagulation therapy in terms of survival; however, there is an ongoing controversy over the optimum anticoagulant dosage. This study aimed to compare clinical outcomes between patients who received prophylactic anticoagulation and those who received therapeutic anticoagulation.
Methods:
A multi-center retrospective cohort study was conducted to determine the impact of anticoagulation dosage in hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Ethiopia. The primary outcome measure was in-hospital mortality, and it was assessed using multivariable binary logistic regression and covariate-adjusted Cox Proportional Hazard model. For critical and severe COVID-19 patients, subgroup analyses were performed using multivariable binary logistic regression model and multivariable Cox regression models.
Result:
A total of 472 hospitalized COVID-19 patients were included in this study, of whom 235 (49.8%) received therapeutic anticoagulation and 237 (50.2%) received prophylactic dose. The demographic and baseline clinical characteristics were roughly similar between the groups. After adjustment for several confounders, in critical COVID-19 subgroup, therapeutic dose of anticoagulation was significantly associated with a higher inpatient mortality (AOR 2.27, 95% CI, 1.18 - 4.35, p = 0.013), whereas in severe COVID-19 subgroup, anticoagulation dosage was not associated with inpatient mortality (OR, 1.02, 95% CI, 0.45 – 2.33, p = 0.958). In severe COVID-19 patient group however, the incidence of thrombosis was slightly lower in the therapeutic group as compared with prophylactic group although the difference was not statistically significant (AOR 0.15, 95% CI, 0.02 – 1.20, p =0.073). Although there were only six major bleeding events in this study, all these were recorded from patients in the therapeutic subgroup, making the difference statistically significant (p = 0.013).
Conclusion:
Our findings suggest that, in critical COVID-19 patients, when compared to prophylactic anticoagulation, therapeutic anticoagulation may offer no survival advantage, no improved protection against thrombosis and pose a higher risk of bleeding. In severe COVID-19 subgroup, therapeutic anticoagulation may prolong hospital stay and not improve survival, although it may offer a slight protection against thrombosis. These findings suggest that the benefit of therapeutic anticoagulation for hospitalized COVID-19 patients should be further studied, if possible, with a randomized control trial in this setting.
Association between handgrip strength and depression among Chinese older adults: a cross-sectional study from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study
Authors: Zhang Fan , Yu Yaqi , Wang Hui , Zhang Ying , Bai Yan , Huang Liuyan , Zhang Huachun
Published: December 2022

Purpose: This study aimed to quantify the bidirectional association between handgrip strength (HGS) and depression in community-dwelling older adults.
Methods: Research data were obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Depression was assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD) with a cut-off score of 20 or more. HGS was assessed with a dynamometer. Binary logistic regression and multiple linear regression models were used to test the bivariate association between HGS and depression.
Results: The sample consisted of 7,036 CHARLS participants, with an average age of 68.9±7.2. After adjusting for potential confounders, compared with participants in the lowest quartile of HGS, those in the second to the fourth quartile group had a 0.84-, 0.70- and 0.46-fold risk of depression, respectively. Conversely, HGS decreased by approximately 1.54 kg in the presence of depression compared to participants without depression.
Conclusions: There were a negative bidirectional association between HGS and depression in community-dwelling older adults. It is critical to assess muscle strength in community older adults through accessible and valid objective measures to enhance depression screening.
Analysis and Prediction of Elderly Sports Participation using Artificial Neural Networks and Logistic Regression Models
Authors: Byun Hyun , Jeon Sang-Wan , Yi Eun Surk
Published: December 2022

Background
Korea's aging population and the lack of participation in sports by the elderly are increasing medical expenses. This study aimed to segment elderly sports participants based on their demographic characteristics and exercise practice behavior and applies artificial neural network and logistic regression models to these segments in order to best predict the effect of medical cost reduction. It presents strategies for elderly sports participation.
Methods
A sample comprising data on 1,770 elderly people aged 50 years and above, drawn from the 2019 National Sports Survey were used. The data were analyzed through frequency analysis, hierarchical and K-means clustering, artificial neural network, logistic regression, and cross-tabulation analyses, as well as one-way ANOVA using SPSS 23 and Modeler 14.2. The participants were divided into five clusters.
Results
The artificial neural network and logistic analysis models showed that the cluster comprising married women in their 60s who participated in active exercise had the highest possibility of reducing medical expenses.
Conclusions
Targeting women in their 60s who actively participate in sports The government should expand the supply of local gymnasiums, community centers, and sports programs. Thus, if local gymnasiums and community centers run sports programs and appoint appropriate sports instructors, the most effective medical cost reduction effect can be obtained.
A novel predictive model for phthisis bulbi following facial hyaluronic acid cosmetic injection
Authors: Si Shancheng , Su Wei , Wang Lei , Ji Yicong , Chen Anming , Hu Yuntao
Published: December 2022

Purpose:To observe long-term prognosis of anterior segment ischemia (ASI) following hyaluronic acid (HA) injection, propose a severity grading system for ASI and a predictive model for phthisis bulbi (PB) based on long-term secretion dysfunction of ciliary process.
Methods: This is a retrospective case-control study. All enrolled 20 patients were divided into two groups and followed for at least 6 months to observe the formation and transformation characteristics of ASI and long-term prognosis based on the degrees of ciliary function damage.
Results:The severity of ASI following HA injection could be subdivided into 4 grades according to the degrees of ciliary function damage, comprising ASI grades 0, 1, 2 and 3. In 20 patients, PB at the 2-year follow-up, ophthalmoplegia at 1-month follow-up, ASI within 1 month, ASI at 1-month follow-up, hypotony within 6 months were all significantly more common in study group than in control group (50% vs. 0%, P=0.033; 60% vs. 0%, P=0.011; 100% vs. 20%, P=0.001; 100% vs. 0%, P＜0.001; 80% vs. 0%, P=0.001, respectively). Sensitivity, specificity and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for predicting subsequent PB at 2-year follow-up through the co-occurrence of ophthalmoplegia at 1-month follow-up and hypotony within 6 months was 100%, 100% and 1.00, respectively.
Conclusions: The new grading system for ASI and novel predictive model for PB we proposed could predict the long-term prognosis and probability of subsequent PB due to ASI following HA injection through several dynamic assessments within 6 months.
Level of Evidence:Level IV, observational prognostic study
Development and application of hepatocellular carcinoma risk prediction model based on clinical characteristics and liver related indexes
Authors: Liu Zhijie , Xu Yue , Wang Wenxuan , Guo Bin , Guo Xiaolan , Zhang Guoyuan , Luo Guangcheng , Wang Qiang
Published: December 2022

Background and aims:

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is difficult to diagnose and has a low survival rate. The survival of patients with HCC is closely related to the stage of diagnosis. Using logistic regression model, this study aimed to identify risk factors associated with HCC and establish a risk prediction model based on clinical characteristics and liver-related indicators to predict the presence of HCC.

Methods

The clinical data of patients in Affiliate Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College from 2016 to 2020 were collected. Based on the time of admission, the cases were divided into training cohort (n = 1739) and validation cohort (n = 467). Using HCC as a dependent variable, the research indicators were incorporated into logistic univariate and multivariate analysis. An HCC risk prediction model, which was called NSMC-HCC model, was then established in training cohort and verified in validation cohort.

Results

The area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of NSMC-HCC model in HCC diagnosis was 0.960, with sensitivity 94.40% and specificity 95.35% in training cohort, and AUC was 0.966, with sensitivity 90.00% and specificity 94.20% in validation cohort. In early-stage HCC diagnosis, the AUC of NSMC-HCC model was 0.946, with sensitivity 85.93% and specificity 93.62% in training cohort, and AUC was 0.947, with sensitivity 89.10% and specificity 98.49% in validation cohort.

Conclusions

NSMC-HCC model was an effective risk prediction model in HCC and early-stage HCC diagnosis.
Seroprevalence against SARS-CoV-2 in health workers: evaluation 6 months after the complete scheme and reinfections
Authors: Cureño-Díaz Mónica Alethia , Vargas-De-León Cruz , Salaza Ma. Isabel , Cruz-Cruz Clemente , Loyola-Cruz Miguel Ángel , Durán-Manuel Emilio Mariano , Zamora-Pacheco Edwin Rodrigo , Bravata-Alcántara Juan Carlos , Fernández-Sánchez Verónica , Bello-López Juan Manuel , Gabriela Ibáñez-Cervantes
Published: December 2022

Background: One of the priority lines for the containment of the SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic is the vaccination programs for health personnel. However, with the emergence of highly contagious strains such as the Omicron variant, it is necessary to know the serological status of health personnel to make decisions for the application of reinforcements.
Objectives: To determine the seroprevalence against SARS-CoV-2 in health workers in a Mexican hospital, after six months of the administration of the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine and the association between comorbidities, response to the vaccine and reinfections.
Methods: Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 were determined by ELISA assays in 262 employees of the Hospital Juárez de México with and without a history of COVID-19. A beta regression analysis was performed to study the associated comorbidities and their relationship with the levels of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Finally, epidemiological follow-up was carried out to detect reinfections in this population.
Results: A significant difference in SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was observed in workers with a history of COVID-19 prior to vaccination, compared to those without a history of the disease. Beta regression showed that workers with a history of COVID-19 have greater protection, compared to those without a history of the infection. Neutralizing antibodies were found to be decreased in alcoholic and diabetic subjects. Eight cases with omicron reinfections were identified, and gender and obesity are associated with the presence of reinfections.
Conclusion: The response to the vaccine was influenced by the history of SARS-CoV-2 infection and associated comorbidities. The above highlights the importance of prioritizing this segment of the population for reinforcements in periods of less than one year to guarantee their effectiveness against new variants.
Experimental Approach for Development of a Powder Spreading Metric in Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Sehhat M. Hossein , Sutton Austin T. , Yates Zane , Leu Ming C.
Published: December 2022

The powder spreading is a vital step of powder-based Additive Manufacturing (AM) processes. The quality of spread powder can considerably influence the properties of fabricated parts. Poorly-packed powder beds with high surface roughness result in printed part layers with large porosity and low dimensional accuracy, leading to poor mechanical properties. Therefore, the powder spreadability and its dependence on process parameters and powder characteristics should be quantified to improve the efficiency of powder-based AM methods. This study proposes a novel dimensionless powder spreadability metric that can be commonly used in different powder-based AM processes. The quality of spread powder in terms of powder bed density and surface roughness was evaluated by adjusting the process parameters, including recoating velocity and layer thickness, and powder characteristics, including particle size distribution. In addition, the dynamic repose angle was proposed and examined as another powder spreadability metric. The results showed that these two proposed metrics were strongly correlated, and lower recoating velocity and larger layer thickness led to higher spreadability and lower dynamic repose angle.
Mediators and Moderators of the Effect of the Game Changers for Cervical Cancer Prevention Intervention on Cervical Cancer Screening Among Previously Unscreened Social Network Members in Uganda
Authors: Matovu Joseph KB , Wagner Glenn J. , Juncker Margrethe , Namisango Eve , Bouskill Kathryn , Nakami Sylvia , Beyeza-Kashesya Jolly , Luyirika Emmanuel , Wanyenze Rhoda K.
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Cervical cancer (CC) rates are high in Uganda, yet CC screening rates are very low. Our peer advocacy group intervention, Game Changers for Cervical Cancer Prevention (GC-CCP), was shown to increase CC screening uptake among social network members. In this secondary analysis, we examined mediators and moderators of this effect to better understand how and for whom the intervention was most successful in promoting CC screening.
Methods: We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial of GC-CCP in Namayingo district, Eastern Uganda between September 2021 and April 2022. Forty adult women who had screened for CC in the past year (index participants) enrolled at baseline: 20 were randomized to receive the 7-session intervention to empower women to engage in CC prevention advocacy, and 20 were assigned to the waitlist control; from these index participants, 103 unscreened social network members (alters) also enrolled. All participants were assessed at baseline and month 6 follow-up. Change in cognitive and behavioral CC-related constructs from baseline to month 6 were examined as mediators, using multivariate linear regression analysis. Index and alter demographics and index CC treatment status were examined as moderators.
Results: Increased alter engagement in CC prevention advocacy fully mediated the intervention effect on alter uptake of CC screening, and was associated with an increased likelihood of alter CC screening. CC treatment status of the index participant was the sole moderator of the intervention effect, as those in the intervention group who had screened positive and received treatment for pre-cancerous lesions were more likely to have alters who got screened for CC by month 6.
Conclusion: The effect of GC-CCP on alter CC screening is enhanced when the alter has been spurned on to increase her own advocacy for CC prevention. The intervention effects on increased engagement in CC prevention advocacy among both index and alter participants suggest a diffusion of advocacy, which bodes well for dissemination of knowledge and screening activation throughout a network and the larger community.
Kai-Xin-San protects against mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease through SIRT3/NLRP3 pathway
Authors: Su Shi-Jie , Chen GongCan , Gao Minghuang , Zhong Guangcheng , Zhang Zerong , Wei Dongyun , Luo Xue , Wang Qi
Published: December 2022

Background
Kai-Xin-San (KXS) has been reported to have a good curative impact on dementia. The purpose of the study was to determine whether KXS might ameliorate cognitive deficits in APP/PS1 mice and to evaluate its neuroprotective mechanism.
Methods
APP/PS1 mice were employed as an AD animal model; Aβ1–42 and KXS-containing serum were used in HT22 cells. Four different behavioral tests were used to determine the cognitive ability of mice. Nissl staining was utilized to detect hippocampal neuron changes. ROS, SOD, and MDA were used to detect oxidative stress levels. Transmission electron microscopy and Western blot were used to evaluate mitochondrial morphology, mitochondrial division, and fusion state. Western blotting and immunofluorescence identified PSD95, BDNF, NGF, SYN, SIRT3, and NLRP3 inflammasome levels.
Results
The results indicated that KXS protected APP/PS1 mice against cognitive impairments. KXS suppressed neuronal apoptosis and oxidative stress among APP/PS1 mice. KXS and KXS-containing serum improved mitochondrial dysfunction and synaptic and neurotrophic factors regarding APP/PS1 mice. In addition, KXS and KXS-containing serum enhanced mitochondrial SIRT3 expression and reduced NLRP3 inflammasome expression in APP/PS1 mice.
Conclusion
KXS improves cognitive dysfunction among APP/PS1 mice via regulating SIRT3-mediated neuronal cell apoptosis. These results suggested that KXS was proposed as a neuroprotective agent for AD progression.
Siamese Neural Networks for Regression: Similarity-Based Pairing and Uncertainty Quantification
Authors: Zhang Yumeng , Menke Janosch , He Jiazhen , Nittinger Eva , Tyrchan Christian , Koch Oliver , Zhao Hongtao
Published: December 2022

Here we present a similarity-based pairing method for generating compound pairs to train Siamese neural networks. In comparison with the conventional exhaustive pairing, it reduces the algorithm complexity from O(n2) to O(n). It also results in a better prediction performance consistently on the three physicochemical datasets, using a multilayer perceptron with the circular fingerprint as a proof of concept. We further include into a Siamese neural network the transformer-based Chemformer which extracts task-specific features from the simplified molecular-input line-entry system representation of compounds. Additionally, we propose a means to measure the prediction uncertainty by utilizing the n-shot ensemble learning. Our results demonstrate that the high prediction accuracy correlates with the high confidence. Finally, we investigate implications of the similarity property principle in machine learning.
Vogesella urethralis-induced aspiration pneumonia and bacteremia in an elderly man: a first case report
Authors: Matsuda Hironari , Katayama Isana , Watanabe Takayasu , Komatsu Arisa , Iwakami Naoko , Goto Yukiko , Suzuki Misako , Iwakami Shin-ichiro , Takahashi Kazuhisa
Published: December 2022

Background: Vogesella species are common aquatic Gram-negative rods first reported in 1997. Vogesella urethralis bacterium was first isolated from human urine in 2020. Only one case of Vogesella species-caused disease has been reported; however, no case of Vogesella urethralis-caused disease has been reported. Here, we report a case of aspiration pneumonia and bacteremia caused by Vogesella urethralis.
Case presentation: An 82-year-old male patient was admitted with dyspnea, increased sputum production, and hypoxia. Gram-negative rods were isolated from blood and sputum cultures from the patient. He was diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia and bacteremia. Initially, Vogesella urethralis was wrongly identified as Comamonas testosteroni using fully automated susceptibility testing; however, additional 16S rRNA gene sequencing identified it as Vogesella urethralis. The patient was treated with piperacillin and tazobactam. Unfortunately, he developed aspiration pneumonia again and passed away during hospitalization.
Conclusion: Since no database exists for rare bacteria in traditional clinical microbiology laboratories, 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis was considered useful. We report the first case of Vogesella urethralis-induced aspiration pneumonia and bacteremia.
GVC: Efficient Random Access Compression for Gene Sequence Variations
Authors: Adhisantoso Yeremia Gunawan , Voges Jan , Rohlfing Christian , Tunev Viktor , Ohm Jens-Rainer , Ostermann Jörn
Published: December 2022

Background: In recent years, the advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies enabled the use of genomic information in many fields, such as precision medicine, oncology, and food quality control. The amount of genomic data being generated is growing rapidly and expected to soon surpass the amount of video data. The majority of sequencing experiments, such as genome-wide association studies, have the goal to identify gene sequence variations to better understand phenotypic variations.
We present a novel approach for the compression of gene sequence variations with random access capability: the Genomic Variant Codec (GVC). We use techniques such as binarization, joint row-and column-wise sorting of blocks of variations, as well as the image compression standard JBIG for efficient entropy coding.
Results: Our results show that GVC provides the best trade-off in an evaluation of compression and random access compared to the state-of-the-art: it reduces the genotype information size from 758 GiB down to 890 MiB on the publicly available 1000 Genomes Project (phase 3) data, which is 21% less than the state of the art in random-access capable methods.
Conclusions: By providing the best results in terms of combined random access and compression, GVC facilitates the efficient storage of large collections of gene sequence variations. In particular, the random access capability of GVC enables seamless remote data access and application integration. The software is open source and available at https://github.com/sXperfect/gvc/.
Robotic Versus Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy: A Prospective, Randomised Trial Comparing Two Surgical Techniques
Authors: Oberhammer Lukas , Lusuardi Lukas , Kunit Thomas , Griessner Hubert , Colleselli Daniela , Pallauf Maximilian , Eiben Christian , Oswald David , Mitterberger Michael Josef
Published: December 2022

Purpose:
To compare oncological, peri-, and postoperative outcomes of robot-assisted with those of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.
Patients and Methods:
Thirty patients with low- or moderate-complexity renal tumors (R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry scoring) were randomized in a single-blind manner and operated on by the robot-assisted (n = 13) or laparoscopic (n = 17) approach. The primary outcome was oncological safety, based on the residual tumor (R) classification. Secondary outcome parameters were perioperative and postoperative results. The open-source R statistical software was used for statistical analysis.
Results:
Oncological outcomes did not differ significantly between the two surgical methods (p = 0.58). Operating time (p = 0.105), ischemia time (p = 0.884), overall length of hospital stay (p = 0.664), postoperative pain, and preoperative and in-hospital renal function scores were similar. Creatinine levels differed significantly six months postoperatively (robotic: 0.9 mg/dl versus laparoscopic: 1.1 mg/dl; p= 0.014). Intraoperative blood loss was significantly greater in the laparoscopic group (400 ml versus 168 ml; p = 0.028), which was also reflected in postoperative hemoglobin levels (13.8 mg/dl versus 12.5 mg/dl; p = 0.012). Peri- or postoperative complications did not differ significantly (p = 0.355). Subgroup analysis revealed significantly more frequent complications in patients with moderate-complexity tumors treated by laparoscopic surgery (p = 0.021).
Conclusions:
The oncological outcome in regard to the R status was similar in both groups. Intraoperative blood loss, postoperative renal function, and complications all benefited from robot-assisted surgery.
Trial registration:
The study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03900364; 03/04/2019).
S-ketamine promotes postoperative recovery of gastrointestinal function and reduces postoperative pain in gynecological abdominal surgery patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Tianzhuo , Yue Zhijie , Yu Ling , Li Shuo , Xie Yining , Wei Jin , Wu Mengge , Liu Honglei , Tan Hongyu
Published: December 2022

Background: This prospective randomized controlled study was designed to evaluate the effect of S-ketamine with sufentanil given intraoperatively and postoperatively on recovery of gastrointestinal (GI) function and postoperative pain in gynecological patients undergoing open abdomen surgery.
Methods: One hundred gynecological patients undergoing open abdomen surgery were randomized into an S-ketamine group (group S) or placebo group (0.9% saline; group C). Anesthesia was maintained with S-ketamine, sevoflurane, and remifentanil-propofol target-controlled infusion in group S and with sevoflurane and remifentanil-propofol target-controlled infusion in group C. All patients were connected to patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) pump at the end of the surgery with sufentanil, ketorolac tromethamine, and tropisetron in group C and additional S-ketamine in group S. The primary outcome was the time of first postoperative flatus, and the secondary outcome was postoperative pain score of patients. Postoperative sufentanil consumption within the first postoperative 24 h and adverse events such as nausea and vomiting were recorded.
Results: The time of first postoperative flatus in group S was significantly shorter (mean ± SD, 50.3±13.5 h) than that in group C (mean ± SD, 56.5±14.3 h, p=0.042). The patient’s visual analog scale (VAS) pain score 24 h after surgery at rest was significantly lower in group S than in group C (p=0.032). There were no differences in sufentanil consumption within the first postoperative 24 h, postoperative complications related to PCIA between the two groups.
Conclusions: S-ketamine accelerated postoperative GI recovery and reduced 24 h postoperative pain in patients undergoing open gynecological surgery.
Trial registration
ChiCTR2200055180. Registered on 02/01/2022.
Application of GIS-based hydrological modelling to assess ecohydrology of blanket bogs
Authors: Mackin Francis , Flynn Raymond , Fernandez-Valverde Fernando
Published: December 2022

A GIS-based hydrological model, developed to assess restoration potential of Irish raised bogs, was applied to four blanket bogs located across the island of Ireland. The model utilised high-resolution topographic data to predict surface/near-surface hydrological processes, based on climatic conditions, contributing catchment and local surface slope; these provided a prediction of relative surface wetness across each blanket bog catchment. Modifications to the raised bog modelling approach aimed to account for differences in hydrological processes. Application of a climatic correction factor, accounted for climatic variations between the four study sites, while monitoring of water table levels indicated a log-linear relationship between model outputs and summer water tables (median and D90 levels (i.e., water levels equalled or exceeded for 90% of the time)). Higher model outputs were associated with areas where the water table remains closer to the ground surface and a lower range of fluctuations during summer months. Deviations from model outputs were associated with hydrological pressures, such as artificial drainage or the occurrence of peat pipes, which lowered summer water tables. Model outputs also showed significant correlation with peat thickness. Despite being effective as a predictor of hydrological conditions, correlation with ecological variables such as Sphagnum spp. cover proved poor. This reflected the variation in vegetation within and between sites, pointing to the impact of past activities and damage caused by anthropogenic pressures. Findings demonstrate the model as an effective tool in simulating hydrological conditions within blanket bog-covered landscapes, thus proving useful to peatland practitioners in planning and prioritising restoration.
Carcass, meat quality traits, and economic analysis of Nellore bulls fed with finishing feedlot diets containing mechanically processed corn silage
Authors: Costa Ciniro , Baldassini Welder A.
Published: December 2022

Effects of mechanical processing (MP) of corn silage and its inclusion in feedlot diets on carcass and meat quality traits of Nellore (Bos indicus) were analyzed. Seventy-two bulls aged approximately 18 months and with an initial average body weight of 392.8 ± 22.3 kg were used. The experimental design was a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, considering the concentrate–roughage (C:R) ratio (40:60 or 20:80), MP of silage and their interactions. After slaughter, hot carcass weight (HCW), pH, temperature, backfat thickness (BFT), and ribeye area (REA), yields of meat cuts (tenderloin, striploin, ribeye steak, neck steak, and sirloin cap), meat quality traits and economic analysis were evaluated. A lower final pH was found in the carcasses of animals consuming diets containing MP versus unprocessed silage (pH = 5.81 versus 5.93). Carcass variables (HCW, BFT, and REA) and meat cut yields were not affected by treatments. The C:R 20:80 increased the intramuscular fat (IMF) content by approximately 1%, without affecting moisture, ash, and protein contents. Meat/fat color (L*, a* and b*) and Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) were similar among treatments. The results indicated that the MP of corn silage in finishing diets can provide better carcass pH results in Nellore bulls, without negatively influencing carcass weight, fatness and meat tenderness (WBSF). Better results on IMF content were obtained using a C:R 20:80 and lower total costs per arroba produced (3.5%), daily costs per animal/day (4.2%), and cost per ton of feeds (5.15%) were found with MP silage.
Jelly-Z: Swimming performance and analysis of twisted and coiled polymer (TCP) actuated jellyfish soft robot
Authors: Matharu Pawandeep S. , Gong Pengyao , Guntaka Koti P. R. , Almubarak Yara , Jin Yaqing , Tadesse Yonas T.
Published: December 2022

Monitoring, sensing, and exploration of over 70% of the Earth’s surface that is covered with water is permitted through the deployment of underwater bioinspired robots without affecting the surrounding natural habitat. To create a soft robot actuated with soft polymeric actuators, this paper describes the development of a lightweight jellyfish-inspired swimming robot, which achieves a maximum vertical swimming speed of 7.3 mm/s (0.05 body length/s) and is characterized by a simple design. The robot, named Jelly-Z, utilizes a contraction-expansion mechanism for swimming similar to the motion of a Moon jellyfish. To better understand the characteristics of this motion, FSI flow simulation, and particle image velocimetry (PIV) tests were conducted to study the wake structure from the robot’s bell margin. The thrust generated by the robot was also characterized with a force sensor to ascertain the force and cost of transport (COT) at different input currents. Jelly-Z is the first robot that utilized twisted and coiled polymer fishing line (TCPFL) actuators for articulation of the bell and showed successful swimming operations. Here, a thorough investigation on swimming characteristics in an underwater setting is presented theoretically and experimentally. We found swimming metrics of the robot are comparable with other jellyfish-inspired robots that have utilized different actuation mechanisms, but the actuators used here are scalable and can be made in-house relatively easily, hence paving way for further advancements into the use of these actuators.
Biogenic synthesis, characterization, and antifungal activity studies of copper oxide nanoparticles using Moringa Oleifera leave extract
Authors: Prajapati Jagdish Prasad , Toppo Anunay , Majhi Purusottam , Pradhan Umakant , Das Anirban , Das Debjit , Gaddameedi Sriramulu , Mallick Sadhucharan , Katlakunta Sadhana , Shukla A. K.
Published: December 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Iodine Status and its Association with Prevalence of Thyroid Diseases in Adults from Jiangxi Province, China
Authors: Yan Dien , Hu Lei , Shen Yun-Feng , Lai Xiao-yang
Published: December 2022

Background: Iodine is an essential element for biosynthesis of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Both excessive and deficiency of iodine are major risk factor for thyroid diseases, including thyroid dysfunction, thyroid nodules, and thyroid autoimmunity (TAI). This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between iodine status and incidence of thyroid diseases through a national cross-sectional epidemiological survey (TIDE) in Jiangxi province (China).
Methods: A population-based, cross-sectional study enrolled a total of 2636 Chinese local inhabitants who aged over 18 years from April to August in 2015. Physical examination was performed and biochemical indices, urinary iodine concentration (UIC), and TSH levels were measured and documented for each subject. The Chi-square test, nonparametric test, and 4 multiple logistic regression models adjusted for other risk factors were applied to analysis, and Spearman correlation coefficients were used to investigate the relationship between iodine intake level and the incidence of thyroid diseases.
Results: The median UIC was 176.4 μg/L, and a significant difference was found in median UIC between males(182.5 μg/L) and females (169.2 μg/L) (P =0.03). Among these participants, 14.4%, 44.5%, 26.1%, and 15.0% had deficiency, adequate, more than adequate, and excessive iodine concentrations, respectively. The incidence rates of hyperthyroidism, subclinical hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, subclinical hypothyroidism, thyroid nodules, and TAI were 0.91%, 0.57%, 0.34% and 7.89%, 9.45%, and 12.74%, respectively. Significant differences were found in iodine status, waist circumstance, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), total cholesterol (TC), TSH, thyroid nodules, and TAI between males and females (P <0.05). Compared with those with adequate UIC, subjects with excessive UIC had higher incidence rates of thyroid dysfunction (odds ratio (OR)=1.74, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.40-2.54) and thyroid nodules (OR=3.33, 95%CI 1.32–8.42). In addition, subjects with deficient and excessive UIC were at a higher risk of TAI compared with those with adequate UIC (OR=1.68, 95%CI: 1.19–2.60; OR=1.52, 95%CI: 1.04-2.96, respectively). UIC was positively correlated with the incidence rates of thyroid nodules (r=-0.44, P<0.01) and TAI (r=-0.055, P <0.01). On the contrary, UIC was negatively correlated with the risk of thyroid dysfunction (r=-0.24, P >0.05).
Conclusion: Adult inhabitants from Jiangxi province in the TIDE study were in the adequate iodine status. The incidence rates of of thyroid dysfunction, thyroid nodules, and TAI were higher in females. Excessive iodine status was noted as a risk factor for thyroid dysfunction and thyroid nodules. In addition, both iodine deficiency and excessive iodine were risk factors for TAI.
Towards fully automated Inner Ear Analysis: Deep-Learning-based Joint Segmentation and Landmark Detection Framework
Authors: Stebani Jannik , Blaimer Martin , Zabler Simon , Neun Tilmann , Pelt Danïel M. , Rak Kristen
Published: December 2022

Automated analysis of the inner ear anatomy in radiological data instead of time-consuming manual assessment is a worthwhile goal that could facilitate preoperative planning and clinical research. We propose a framework encompassing joint semantic segmentation and anatomical landmark detection. A fully automated pipeline with a single, dual-headed volumetric 3D U-Net was implemented, trained and evaluated using manually labeled in-house datasets from cadaveric specimen (N = 44) and clinical practice (N = 10). The model robustness was further evaluated on two independent open-source datasets (N = 23 + 7 scans). For the in-house datasets, Dice scores of 0.965 and 0.9505, intersection-over-union scores of 0.934 and 0.906 and average Hausdorff distances of 0.085 and 0.096 voxel units were achieved. The landmark localization task was performed automatically with an average localization error of 5.36 and 5.77 voxel units. A robust, but reduced performance could be attained for the two open-source datasets. The feasibility of the suggested integrated segmentation and landmark detection framework was experimentally evident by achieving competitive, efficient and consistent performance across a multitude of realistic, clinically relevant datasets and evaluation metrics. Based on these results, the applications in clinical practice and research beyond the data selection utilized in this study can be accomplishable.
Development of an ultrahigh-resolution, real-time alpha-particle imaging system for observing the trajectories of alpha particles in a scintillator
Authors: Yamamoto Seiichi , Yoshino Masao , Kamada Kei , Yajima Ryuga , Yoshikawa Akira , Nakanishi Kohei , Kataoka Jun
Published: December 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
TAT-PEP alleviated cognitive impairment by alleviating neuronal mitochondria damage and apoptosis after cerebral ischemic reperfusion injury
Authors: Zhao Pin , Zhang Jiapo , Kuai JianKe , Li Liya , Li Xuying , Feng Namin , Du Hailiang , Li Chen , Wang Qiang , Deng Bin
Published: December 2022

Paired immunoglobulin-like receptor B (PirB) has been identified as a receptor for myelin-associated inhibitory proteins (MAIs), which plays a vital role in axonal regeneration, synaptic plasticity, and neuronal survival after stroke. In our previous study, a transactivator of transcription-PirB extracellular peptide (TAT-PEP) was generated, which can block the interactions between MAIs and PirB. We found that TAT-PEP treatment enhanced axonal regeneration, CST projection, and improved long-term neurobehavioral functional recovery after stroke through its effects on PirB-mediated downstream signaling molecules. However, the impact of TAT-PEP on cognitive function recovery and neuronal survival also needs to explore. Here, we investigated that pirb RNAi alleviated neuronal injury by inhibiting PirB expression after exposure to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) in vitro. Moreover, TAT-PEP treatment attenuated brain infarct volume and promoted neurobehavioral function and cognitive function recovery. This study further found TAT-PEP exerted neuroprotection by alleviating neuronal degeneration and apoptosis after ischemic reperfusion injury. The study also showed that TAT-PEP enhanced neuronal survival and reduced the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in vitro. Furthermore, the results indicated TAT-PEP decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and alleviated reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation of neurons exposed to OGD injury. The possible mechanism was TAT-PEP could help neuronal mitochondria damage and affect the expression of cleaved Caspase3, Bax, and Bcl-2. Our findings suggest that PirB overexpression in neurons after suffering ischemic reperfusion injury-induced neuronal mitochondria damage, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. This study also indicated that TAT-PEP might represent a highly productive neuroprotective agent displaying therapeutic potential for stroke by alleviating neuronal oxidative stress, mitochondria damage, degeneration, and apoptosis against ischemic stroke.
The Prevalence and Economic Burden of Treatment-Resistant Depression in Thailand
Authors: Prasartpornsirichoke Jirada , Pityaratstian Nuttorn , Poolvoralaks Chayanit , Sirinimnualkul Naphat , Ormtavesub Tanaporn , Hiranwattana Nimmavadee , Phonsit Sasitorn , Rungnirundorn Teerayuth
Published: December 2022

Background
The objectives of this study were to investigate the proportion of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) among patients with diagnosed major depressive disorder (MDD), to estimate the economic cost of MDD and TRD, and to examine the differences between MDD and TRD in a Thai public tertiary hospital.
Methods
This was a combined study between retrospective review of medical records and a cross-sectional survey. The sample size was 500 dyads of MDD patients and their unpaid caregivers. The concept of healthcare resource utilization, the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire: depression and mood & mental state versions (WPAI: D, MM), the Class Impairment Questionnaire (CIQ), and the Family Experiences Interview Schedule (FEIS) were applied as the tools of the study. Pearson Chi’s square, Fisher’s Exact test, and independent T-test were employed for statistical analysis.
Results
The proportion of TRD was 19.6% among MDD patients in a Thai tertiary public hospital. Age, age of onset of MDD, BMI, history of suicide attempt and self-harm, and frequent smoking behavior were significantly associated with TRD. The annualized economic cost of TRD was 276,059.97 baht per person ($7,668.33), which was significantly higher than this cost of non-TRD (173,487.04 baht or $4,819.08). The aggregated economic costs of MDD were 96.8 million baht annually ($2.69M) if calculated from 500 MDD patients and unpaid caregivers. This contributed to the economic cost of TRD 27.05 million baht (98 respondents) and the economic cost of non-TRD 69.74 million baht (402 respondents).
Conclusions
The economic cost of TRD was significantly higher than those of non-TRD, especially direct medical costs and indirect costs.
Prokineticin-2 Participates in Chronic Constriction Injury-Triggered Neuropathic Pain and Anxiety via Regulated by NF-κB in Nucleus Accumbens Shell in Rats
Authors: Wang Wenting , Xu Yaowei , Yang Jingjie , Wang Xiaoling , zhou Yifan , Yu Zhixiang , Lu Zhongyuan , Wang Yiming , Yuan Meng , Hu Chenge , Bai Qian , Li Zhisong
Published: December 2022

Neuropathic pain (NP) is an intractable pain that results from primary nervous system injury and dysfunction. Herein, we demonstrated in animal models that peripheral nerve injury induced enhanced pain perception and anxiety-like behaviors. According to previous reports, nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell is required for complete expression of neuropathic pain behaviors and mood alternations, we found the elevated mRNA and protein level of Prokineticin-2 (Prok2) in the NAc shell after Chronic Constriction Injury (CCI). Prok2 knockdown in the NAc shell reversed NP and anxiety-like behaviors in rats, indicating that Prok2 might play a fundamental role in NP and anxiety co-morbidity. CCI significantly enhanced Prok2 co-expression with NF-κB P-p65 in comparison with control animals. In addition to reversing the established nociceptive hypersensitivities and anxiety simultaneously, NAc microinjection of NF-κB siRNA or specific inhibitor PDTC reversed Prok2 upregulation. Besides, Prok2 was significantly decreased in vitro when co-transfected with si-NF-κB. Dual-Luciferase assay showed NF-κB directly activated Prok2 gene transcriptional activity. Overall, these findings provide new insights into the neurobiological mechanisms behind NP and comorbid anxiety. The NF-κB/Prok2 pathway could be a potential therapeutic target for NP and anxiety disorders.
Colossal shift current response in elemental two-dimensional ferroelectrics
Authors: Liu Shi
Published: December 2022

A bulk material without inversion symmetry can generate a direct current under uniform illumination. This interface-free current generation mechanism, referred to as the bulk photovoltaic effect (BPVE), has the potential to overcome the Shockley-Queisser limit of traditional solar cells based on $p$-$n$ junctions. Here, we explore the shift current generation, a major mechanism responsible for the BPVE, in single-element two-dimensional ferroelectrics represented by phosphorene-like monolayers of As, Sb, and Bi. The strong covalency and large joint density of states afforded by these elemental 2D materials give rise to colossal shift currents, outperforming many state-of-the-art materials over a wide range of wavelengths including the visible light spectrum. For a given frequency and polarization of an incoming light, we find that the shift current, due to its topological nature, depends sensitively on the details of the Bloch wave functions. It is crucial to consider the electronic exchange-correlation potential beyond the generalized gradient approximation as well as the spin-orbit interaction in density functional theory calculations to obtain reliable photon frequency-dependent shift current responses.
Acute Kidney Injury in patients with Leukaemia submitted to allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant – KDIGO classification with creatinine and urinary output criteria. Cohort analysis
Authors: Rodrigues Natacha , Costa Claudia , Branco Carolina , Marques Filipe , Vasconcelos Pedro , Martins Carlos , Papoila Ana Luísa , Pinto Iola , Neves Marta , Lopes José António
Published: December 2022

Background - Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (allo-HSCT) is often complicated by Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) and has been increasingly used in patients with leukaemia. Studies on this subject include patients with several haematological diseases and use only serum creatinine (SCr) to define AKI. We aimed to evaluate incidence, risk factors and 5-year prognostic impact of AKI in patients with leukaemia submitted to allo-HSCT by SCr and urinary output (UO).
Methods - We conducted a single-centre retrospective cohort study. AKI was defined according to KDIGO classification. We used survival analysis methods considering competing events - the Fine and Gray method - to identify AKI risk factors and assess the impact of AKI on disease-free survival. Additive Cox proportional hazards regression models were applied to analyse time until death from all causes. Stepwise selection regression methods were used to create the final multivariable model.
Results - We included 164 patients. The cumulative incidence of AKI was 63.4% 100 days post-HSCT. On the first day of AKI, 76.9% presented SCr criteria, 15.4% presented UO criteria and 7.7% presented both criteria. The highest stage of AKI was 1 in 61.8%, 2 in 21.6% and 3 in 16.7%. Variables independently associated with AKI: HCT-CI >2 (HR:1.88,95%CI:1.13-3.11;p=0.015), radiotherapy in the past (HR:2.07,95%CI:2.07-1.06;p=0.034), LDH at hospital admission (HR:1.51,95%CI:1.03-2.21;p=0.035), shock (HR:1.57,95%CI:1.02-2.39;p=0.039), and sepsis (HR:3.36,95%CI:1.22-9.24;p=0.019). Severe AKI was independently associated with lower overall survival along the first 5 years (HR:1.76,95%CI:1.03-3.00;p=0.037).
Conclusion - AKI in leukaemia patients submitted to allo-HSCT had a cumulative incidence of 63.4% and more than 15% of these patients presented only with UO reduction on the day of AKI onset. Two thirds of the patients evolved with AKI stage 2 or 3. Sepsis, previous radiotherapy treatments at any time before HSCT, HCT-CI scoring higher than 2 points, shock and higher LDH levels increased the risk of developing AKI. Severe AKI was associated to lower overall survival throughout the first five years after allo-HSCT. To our knowledge, this is the first study considering both SCr and UO for AKI patients with Leukaemia submitted to allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant.