bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vermistabilization: a sustainable strategy for the bioconversion and detoxification of textile industry sludge
Authors: Selvam Ramu , Bankole Paul Olusegun , PhD  , Sadasivam Senthil Kumar
Published: May 2023

Vermistabilization of the textile industrial sludge (TS) was carried out on a pilot scale with the help of the earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae. TS was mixed with cow dung (CD) in a ratio of 1:1 and thereafter subjected to vermicomposting for 90 days. Earthworms’ weights increased significantly by 55% in the feed mixture within 45 days of inoculation. Physicochemical parameters significantly reduced during vermicomposting (pH, EC, TDS, TOC, and NH3-N) whereas TKN, TP, TK were found to be significantly elevated in the final product. Except for Mn and Zn, the addition of amendments increased earthworm activity, which greatly reduced the content of heavy metals (Al, As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Ni, Cr, Mo, and Hg). Germination index (100%) of Brassica nigra was recorded in the feed mixture. The shoot and root length ranged from 2.26 and 4.36 after 90 days. Genotoxicity analysis revealed a 9.45–10.40% reduction in aberration frequencies of vermistabilized extracts in comparison with control (extracts of TS and CD only). The present study concluded that the deployment of vermistabilized extracts looks promising as a sustainable waste disposal management technology.
DUSP1 regulates the induction of Staphylococcus aureus-mediated apoptosis in THP-1 macrophage cells
Authors: Liu Zhanyou , Dai Fan , Zhang Xuyang , Zhang Dongtao , Li Zhiying , Li Wu
Published: May 2023

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a major human pathogen that causes apoptosis of immune cells during infections. The rate of apoptosis influences the severity and outcome of the disease, which can be fatal for infections including sepsis and septicemia. Dual specificity phosphatase-1 (DUSP1) is a negative regulator of MAPK signaling pathways in the host innate immune response, but its role in S. aureus-induced apoptosis remains unexplored. We used western blotting and immunofluorescence assays to show that S. aureus infection induced DUSP1 expression and promoted apoptosis in THP-1 cells. Knockdown of DUSP1 using an siRNA construct promoted the expression of key pro-apoptotic proteins, including cleaved-caspase3, cleaved-PARP1, cleaved-caspase9, cytochrome c and bax, whereas it inhibited the expression of key apoptosis inhibitory proteins bcl-2 and bcl-XL. These results were validated by flow cytometry. In addition, knockdown of DUSP1 promoted the accumulation of reactive oxygen species in S. aureus-induced macrophages, and mechanistically, knockdown of DUSP1 promoted the phosphorylation of target molecules in the MAPK signaling pathway, thereby promoting apoptosis in S. aureus-infected THP-1 macrophages. These data support a regulatory role for DUSP1 in S. aureus-mediated apoptosis and we suggest that DUSP1 be investigated as an anti-apoptotic therapeutic target.
The simulation training program of laparoscopic enteroenteric anastomosis on a 3D- printed model and the effect of left-hand dexterity training on this training
Authors: Zhu Zhihao , Mao Jinlei , Chen Hao , Cao Lidong , Xia Jianfu , Yang Jin , Wang Zhifei
Published: May 2023

Background In surgery, most right-handed people don't have enough left-hand dexterity. We would like to utilize a convenient way to improve left-hand dexterity and study whether it could enhance the effectiveness of surgical training.
Methods Four residents were randomly divided into two groups. The subjects in the study group were required to use the left-hand computer mouse for 15 minutes every day for 30 days. The hand dexterity of all subjects was tested through the O’Conner Tweezer Dexterity Test and their performance of enteroenteric anastomosis on a specific 3D printed model was recorded and evaluated by Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skill and Specific Rating Scales every time they train.
Results The average time for the left-handed test in the experimental group and control group was from 518.5s to 343s and from 531s to 444.5s respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in left-hand dexterity between the two groups (P=0.015).
The average performance score of the experimental group and control group improved from 25.5 to 42 and from 24.5 to 31.5 respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in training performance between the two groups in the 4th (P=0.014) and 5th (P=0.008) tests.
A figure about left-hand dexterity score and operation performance scores (Learning curve) was made. A table and a figure about the operation details in training were made.
Conclusion Regular surgical training on 3D printed models can improve suture performance while improving left-hand dexterity with a left-handed mouse can speed up the process and shorten the learning curve.
Climate warming contributes to the record-shattering 2022 Pakistan rainfall
Authors: Ting Mingfang , Biasutti Michela , You Yujia
Published: May 2023

A sequence of torrential rainstorms pounded Pakistan in the summer of 2022, shattering records by massive margins (7 sigma). The severe socioeconomic damages underscore the urgency of identifying its dynamic drivers and relationship with human-induced climate change. Here, we find that the downpours were primarily initiated by the synoptic low-pressure systems, whose intensity and longevity far exceeded their counterparts in history as fueled by a historically-high cross-equatorial moisture transport over the Arabian Sea. The moisture transport has been trending upward since the 1960s and, in 2022, along with the anomalous easterly moisture influx caused by the combination of La Niña and negative Indian Ocean Dipole events, created a corridor of heavy rainfall extending from central India toward southern Pakistan. While it is not yet established whether the observed trend of the cross-equatorial moisture transport has exceeded natural variability, model-based analysis confirms that it is consistent with the fingerprint of anthropogenic climate warming and will raise the likelihood of such rare events substantially in the coming decades.
Impact of Cold Plasma on Structural, Morphological, and Dielectrical Characteristics of Nanocomposites (PVA/PAA/Ag) Films
Authors: Obeid Zahraa Hasson , Rabee Bahaa H.
Published: May 2023

A nanocomposites of (PVA/PAA/Ag) was prepared by casting method in different concentration of the nanomaterial (Ag) represented by (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8( wt.%. The structural, morphological, and electrical characteristic were studied. The optical microscope (OM) proved the Ag NPs create a continuous network within the blend and the formation of pits and grooves, which indicates sufficient energy in the Ar plasma gas to extract this substance which noted at (PVA/PAA/8wt.% Ag) nanocomposites. The FTIR spectrum of the functional collections existing in polymer nanocomposite systems were established, and changes in shifting and transmittance were observed as a effect of the adding of Ag NPs. The (PVA/PAA/Ag) nanocomposites films have a homogenous and coherent surface morphology, as revealed by SEM. Argon plasma species on the (PVA/PAA) surface provide a progressive impression, which leads to a diverse morphology. Dielectric constant, dielectric loss, and alternating current (A.C) electrical conductivity of (PVA/PAA/Ag) nanocomposites are found to rise with rising concentrations of Ag NPs, while decreasing with increasing frequency. Plasma interaction with the molecular structure of these nanocomposites results in increased values for the dielectric constant, dielectric loss, and alternating current (A.C.) electrical conductivity following irradiation. Finally, the results demonstrated that cold plasma's impact on nanocomposites could produce materials with broad applications in nanodevices for cutting-edge electronics.
Molecular evaluation and genetic diversity of bovine tick-borne pathogens in southern Malawi
Authors: Xuan Xuenan , Chikufenji Boniface , Galon Eloiza May , Chatanga Elisha , Kamanga Nathan , Mohanta Uday Kumar , Ma Zhuowei , Hayashida Kyoko
Published: May 2023

Purpose: Tick-borne disease (TBD) prevention and control is dependent on a thorough understanding of disease vectors and pathogens. In Malawi, there is little information on molecular investigations of cattle tick-borne pathogens (TBPs). This study aimed to detect TBPs infecting cattle in southern Malawi which has the highest cattle population in Malawi.
Materials and Methods: A total of 220 apparently healthy cattle blood samples were collected in 6 southern Malawi districts. Detection of TBPs was done using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests with species-specific primers.
Results: A 72.3% overall infection rate (159/220) was recorded, with Anaplasma marginale (51/220, 23.2%), A. bovis (21/220, 9.6%), A. phagocytophilum (49/220, 22.3%), Babesia bigemina (76/220, 34.5%), B. bovis (16/220, 7.3%), B. naoakii(6/220, 2.7%), Theileria parva (34/220, 15.5%), T. mutans, (9/220, 4.1%), and T. taurotragi (49/220, 22.3%) as the detected pathogens.
Conclusion: The study reports B. naoakii, and B. bovis for the first time in cattle from Malawi. The study provides essential information on the distribution of TBDs and for carrying out potential control efforts in Malawi.
Identification of NK cell to predict prognosis in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer patients treated with immunotherapy plus chemotherapy
Authors: Cui Yanan , Zhao Peiyan , Li Shuang , Cheng Ying , Ren Xiubao
Published: May 2023

Background
Although the combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy has emerged as a new standard for the first-line treatment of extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC), there remains a dearth of prognostic markers of this novel therapeutic approach. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of immunotherapy plus chemotherapy in patients with ES-SCLC and explore the potential prognostic markers.
Methods
Pathologically confirmed ES-SCLC patients receiving immunotherapy plus chemotherapy as the first-line treatment were enrolled between July 2020 and August 2022 in this retrospective study. The natural killer (NK) cells in peripheral blood was collected at sequential time points. Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were utilized to calculate progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The prognostic value of the percentage of NK cells was evaluated by Cox proportional hazards regression analyses.
Results
A total of 33 patients with ES-SCLC treated with immunotherapy plus platinum-etoposide were included for the analysis. At the time of data cutoff, the median PFS was 5.6 months and the median OS was 13.9 months. It was found that the percentage of NK cells at baseline was an independent factor of PFS(HR 0.142; 95% CI, 0.053–0.377; P＜0.001), and the difference between NK cell percentage at the time of optimal efficacy and baseline was an independent predictor factor of OS(HR 0.375; 95% CI, 0.169–0.832; P = 0.016).
Conclusions
The study demonstrated that NK cells in peripheral blood could be used as a novel and convenient biomarker to predict the prognosis of patients with ES-SCLC treated with immunotherapy plus chemotherapy,which has significant implications for informing treatment decisions.
Diffusion Tensor Imaging helps identify shunt-responsive Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus patients amongst probable iNPH cohort
Authors: Sedlák Vojtěch , Bubeníková Adéla , Skalický Petr , Vlasák Aleš , Whitley Helen , Netuka David , Beneš Vladimír , Beneš Vladimír , Bradáč Ondřej
Published: May 2023

Objectives
The aim of this study was to investigate whether white matter changes as measured by Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) can help differentiate shunt-responsive idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) patients from patients with other causes of gait disturbances and/or cognitive decline with ventriculomegaly whose clinical symptoms do not improve significantly after cerebrospinal fluid derivation (non-iNPH).
Methods
Between 2017 and 2022, 85 patients with probable iNPH underwent prospective preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and comprehensive clinical workup. Patients with clinical symptoms of iNPH, positive result on lumbar infusion test and gait improvement after 120-hour lumbar drainage were diagnosed with iNPH and underwent shunt-placement surgery. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) values for individual regions of interest were extracted from preoperative MRI, using the TBSS pipeline of FSL toolkit. These FA and MD values were then compared to results of clinical workup and established diagnosis of iNPH. An identical MRI protocol was performed on 13 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers.
Results
Statistically significant differences in FA values of several white matter structures were found not only between iNPH patients and healthy controls, but also between iNPH and non-iNPH patients. ROI that showed best diagnostic ability when differentiating iNPH amongst probable iNPH cohort was uncinate fasciculus, with AUC of 0.74 (p < 0.001).
Conclusion
DTI methods of white matter analysis using standardised methods of ROI extraction can help in differentiation of iNPH patients not only from healthy patients, but also from patients with other causes of gait disturbances with cognitive decline and ventriculomegaly.
Adamantinoma-like Ewing Sarcoma Arising in the Abdominal Cavity: A Case Report of a Rare Entity and Review of the Literature
Authors: WANG ZHE , ZHANG XINKE , ZHANG YINGCHUN , WEN XIAOBO
Published: May 2023

ALES is a rare subtype that demonstrates the EWSR1-FLI1 translocation characteristic of ES and demonstrates complex epithelial differentiation including diffuse cytokeratin and p40 expression. It has predominantly recognized in the head and neck and is common in middle-aged population. This case is the first case of ALES reported in the abdominal cavity, sharing some morphological characteristics with ALES in the head and neck, including monotonous cytology, infiltrative growth pattern, and complex epithelioid differentiation, but ALES in the head and neck often has high-grade histological features (e.g., necrosis, high mitotic rate, etc.), and sudden keratinization can also occur, but these features were not reflected in this primary abdominal cavity ALES. Although ALES arising in the abdominal cavity and in the head and neck sites share the immunohistochemical and molecular profile, our case can provide new ideas in differential diagnosis of ALES arising in abdominal cavity and promote increased recognition and understanding of ALES.
Diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in preoperative evaluation of lymph node metastasis and thyroid nodules in papillary thyroid carcinoma: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Yang Zhixin , Wang Xiaofeng , Tao Tao , Zou Jiali , Qiu Zhu , Wang Long , Du Huimin , Chen Ni , Yin Xuedong
Published: May 2023

Background
The contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has been recently used for the assessment of cervical lymph node metastasis to guide the surgical operation in the patient with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). However, the specificity and sensitivity of CEUS reported from previous studies is not consistent. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of CEUS to the metastasis of cervical lymph node in PTC patients based on the data from one regional central hospital.
Methods
The diagnostic value of CEUS in preoperative LNM of PTC patients was concluded by comparing the results of CEUS on lymph node status with postoperative pathology examination. In addition, this study conducted hierarchical analysis of PTC patients to explore whether tumor size, different lymph node regions, and hashimoto's thyroiditis have an influence on the assessment of CEUS.
Results
This research enrolled 965 PTC patients finally, including 266 male and 699 female patients with a mean age of 42.27±11.34 years. 527 patients were supposed to be clinical-node negative and 438 were clinical-node positive before surgery. The specificity, sensitivity, PPV, NPV and accuracy of CEUS in the assessment of LNM in PTC patients were 56.00%, 71.00%, 57.06%, 69.76% and 62.59% respectively. For central and lateral lymph node, the accuracy of CEUS in PTC patients were 49.43% and 54.30%, respectively. Besides, it was showed that the accuracy of CEUS in PTC patients with HT slightly dropped to 58.44%, and the accuracy of CEUS in PTC patients with non-HT in turns increased to 64.17%. The accuracy of CEUS in non-PTMC and PTMC patients were 65.68% and 61.24%, respectively. The accuracy of CEUS in predicting central lymph node metastases was statistically different in PTC patients with or without Hashimoto's thyroiditis(P＜0.001) in this study, but not in lateral lymph nodes (P=0.114).
Conclusion
The accuracy of CEUS on the assessment of LNM in PTC is not consistently satisfactory, especially for central lymph nodes, small tumor diameter, or the patient with HT. More diagnostic technologies for abnormal lymph node should be considered in PTC patients.
Vacuoles and peroxisomes are involved in Aspergillus fumigatus
gliotoxin production and self-protection
Authors: de Castro Patrícia , Pinzan Camila , Reis Thaila does , Valero Clara , Rhijn Norman van , Menegatti Carla Carla , Migliorini Ivan , Bromley Michael , Trentin Gabriel , Almeida Fausto , Fleming Alastair , Traynor Aimee , Sarikaya-Bayram Özlem , Bayram Ozgur , Malavazi Iran , Ebel Frank , Barbosa Júlio , Fill Taícia , Pupo Monica , Goldman Gustavo
Published: May 2023

Aspergillus fumigatus is a saprophytic fungus that can cause a variety of human diseases known as aspergillosis. Mycotoxin gliotoxin (GT) production is important for its virulence and must be tightly regulated to avoid excess production and toxicity to the fungus. GT self-protection by GliT oxidoreductase and GtmA methyltransferase activities is related to the subcellular localization of these enzymes and how GT can be sequestered from the cytoplasm to avoid increased cell damage. Here, we show that GliT:GFP and GtmA:GFP are localized in the cytoplasm and in vacuoles during GT production. Peroxisomes are also required for proper GT production and self-defense. The Mitogen-Activated Protein (MAP) kinase MpkA is essential for GT production and self-protection, interacts physically with GliT and GtmA and it is necessary for their regulation and subsequent presence in the vacuoles. Our work emphasizes the importance of dynamic compartmentalization of cellular events for GT production and self-defense.
Employees’ Green Brand Love and Green Brand Citizenship Behavior: Perspectives of Social Exchange Theory
Authors: Lei Gang , Kuang Ting Yue , Yang Yi-Chun
Published: May 2023

Previous research suggested that brand love can enhance employees’ brand citizenship behaviors. In addition, organizational culture can serve as a moderator of the relationship between employees’ brand love and brand altruistic behaviors. Applying this concept in organizational green activities, this research aims to examine the relationship between green brand love and green brand citizenship behavior, and the moderator of culture in the restaurant industry, focusing on contact employees’ perspective. We gathered data from first-line personnel in China’s restaurants, this study chosen 7 chain restaurants which have more than one hundred employee, and each were sent 100 questionnaires. Of the 700 questionnaires sent to frontline employees, 512 valid questionnaires were gathered, representing a response rate of 73.1%. Consistent with our predictions, green brand love exerts a positive effect on green brand citizenship behevior, and testing the moderating effects of organizational cultures reveal that clan culture and adhocracy culture can strengthen the relationship between green brand love and green brand citizenship behavior.
Racial Discrimination is Associated with Binge-Eating Disorder in Early Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Raney Julia H , Al-shoaibi Abubakr A , Shao Iris Y. , Ganson Kyle T , Testa Alexander , Jackson Dylan B. , He Jinbo , Glidden David V. , Nagata Jason M.
Published: May 2023

Background
Racial and ethnic discrimination are known stressors and are associated with negative psychological and physical health outcomes. Previous studies have found relationships between racial/ethnic discrimination and binge-eating disorder (BED), though they have mainly focused on adult populations. The aim of this study was to determine associations between racial/ethnic discrimination and BED in a large, national cohort study of early adolescents. We further sought to explore associations between the racial/ethnic discrimination perpetrator (students, teachers, or other adults) and BED.
Methods
We analyzed cross-sectional data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (ABCD) (N = 11,075, 2018–2020). Logistic regression analyses examined associations between self-reported racial or ethnic discrimination and binge-eating behaviors and diagnosis. Racial/ethnic discrimination measures were assessed based on the Perceived Discrimination Scale, which measures experiences of discrimination based on race/ethnicity and frequency of ethnic discrimination by teachers, adults outside of school, and students. Binge-eating behaviors and diagnosis were based on the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (KSAD-5), adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, household income, parental education, and site.
Results
In this racially diverse sample of adolescents (N = 11,075, mean age: 11 years), 4.7% of adolescents reported racial or ethnic discrimination and 1.1% met the criteria for BED at the one-year follow-up. In the adjusted models, racial/ethnic discrimination was associated with 3 times higher odds of having BED (OR 3.31, CI 1.66–7.74); when investigating associations between the racial/ethnic discrimination perpetrator (students, teachers, or other adults) and BED, experiencing ethnic discrimination by students and adults outside school were associated with significantly increased odds of BED diagnosis (OR 1.36, CI 1.10–1.68 & OR 1.42 CI 1.06–1.90, respectively); further, increased odds of binge eating behaviors was only significantly associated with ethnic discrimination perpetuated by students (OR 1.12, CI 1.02–1.23).
Conclusions
Children and adolescents who have experienced racial/ethnic discrimination, particularly when discrimination was perpetuated by other students, have higher odds of having binge-eating behaviors and diagnoses. Clinicians may consider screening for racial discrimination and providing anti-racist, trauma-informed care when evaluating and treating patients for BED.
A Facile Environ-friendly One-pot Water-promoted Synthesis of Bis 1,2,3-triazole Linked Bis 2 - Aminopyrimidine Hybrids
Authors: Maheswari Rasupillai Murugesan , Ponnuswamy Alagusundaram
Published: May 2023

An elegant and efficient synthesis of a series of the novel (1,4) bis 1,2,3-triazole fused aminopyrimidine derivatives has been accomplished for the first time in green solvent viz water. Our method does not require chromatographic separation as the pure product is thrown out in the water medium.
Culture identification and antibiogram of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from a sputum sample
Authors: Khan Ruby , Wali Saima , Pari Bakht , Amir Nimra
Published: May 2023

Gram-negative pathogens are an important cause of community and hospital-acquired infections throughout the world. Klebsiella pneumoniae has become one of the more common causes of these infections and one of the important aspects of Klebsiella associated infections. It is the emergence of multi-drug resistant strains particularly those involved in nosocomial diseases. This study was done to determine the isolation rate of Klebsiella, their antibiogram and for the presence of resistant strains from sputum samples. A total number of 16 sputum samples were included in the present study. Sixteen clinical isolates were collected from Mardan Medical Complex ,Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.Klebsiellawere identified by standard microbiological techniques and antibiotic susceptibility testing was done by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method and interpreted as per CLSI guidelines. Through KBDD (Kirby Bauer Disk Diffusion Method), four verifiedK.pneumoniaeisolates were subjected to further testing for antimicrobial drug sensitivity. It was discovered that roughly 50% of them were multidrug resistant. As per CLSI guidelines results of the present study revealed that confirmedK.pneumoniaeisolates were resistant to Vancomycin 30(µg) , Amikacin 30(µg), Chloramphenicol 30(µg), Amoxicillin 30(µg) , Ticarcillin 75(µg) and were susceptible to Meropenem 10(µg),Piperacillin 100(µg) and Tazobactam 110(µg). These are capable of acting as an effective antibacterial agent in the treatment of serious bacterial infections caused byK. pneumoniae. The present study reveals the isolation ofKlebsiellafrom sputum samples and their tendency towards antibiotic resistance.K. pneumoniawas found to be most sensitive to Meropenem 10(µg), Piperacillin 100(µg) and Tazobactam 110(µg). The data of this study may be used to determine trends in antimicrobial susceptibilities to formulate local antibiotic policies and overall to assist clinicians in the rational choice of antibiotic therapy.
Changes in inner retina thickness and macular sensitivity in diabetic 2 patients with moderate diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Boned Ana , Fernandez Guisela , Orduna Elvira , Diaz Maria Dolores , Sanchez Ana Isabel , Sopeña Maria , Bielsa Sofia , Pinilla Isabel
Published: May 2023

To analyze total retinal(RT) and inner retinal layers(IRL) thicknesses in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) patients and retinal sensitivity, using swept source OCT(SS-OCT), and microperimetry. A total of 54 DM2 subjects with moderate diabetic retinopathy(DR) with no signs of diabetic macular edema(DME) and 73 age-matched healthy individuals were assessed by SS-OCT to quantify retinal thickness in the nine macular areas of the ETDRS grid. Retinal sensitivity was measured by microperimetry with MAIA. Mean ages were 64.06 ± 11.98 for the DM2 group and 60.79 ± 8.62 years for the control group. DM2 patients presented lower visual acuity (p < 0.001) and thicker RT (260.70 ± 19.22µm in the control group vs. 271.90 ± 37.61 µm in the DM2 group, p = 0.01). Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) was significantly lower in the outer nasal area (50.38 ± 8.20µm vs 45.17 ± 11.25µm, p = 0.005) as ganglion cells and inner plexiform layers(GCL+) in DM2. A positive correlation between LDL-C and RNFL and a negative correlation between HDL-C levels and inner temporal and central RNFL thickness were detected. The central and inner nasal areas presented a negative correlation between RNFL (p = 0.015) and MAIA (p = 0.008), while the outer inferior area showed a positive correlation(p = 0.025). Retinal sensitivity and macular RNFL thickness decrease in DM2 with moderate DR with no DME.
Machine Learning Decision Support Systems for Predicting Acute Kidney Injury: Improving Precision to improve patient outcomes
Authors: Rahimi Amir Kamel , Ghadimi Moji , Canfell Oliver J. , Pole Jason D. , Sullivan Clair , Shrapnel Sally
Published: May 2023

Background
There are many machine learning (ML) models which predict acute kidney injury (AKI) for hospitalised patients. While a primary goal of these models is to support clinicians with better decision-making in hospitals, the adoption of different methods of estimating baseline serum creatinine (sCr) can result in establishing inconsistent ground truth when estimating AKI incidence. The real-world utility of such models is therefore often an issue given the high rate of false positive predictions which can result in negative clinical outcomes.
Objective
The first aim of this study was to develop and assess the performance of ML models using three different methods of estimating baseline sCr. The second aim was to conduct an error analysis to reduce the rate of false positives.
Materials and Methods
For both aims, the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients of the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC)-IV dataset with the KDIGO (Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcome) definition was used to identify AKI episodes using three different methods of estimating baseline sCr. ML models were developed for each cohort and the performance of the models was compared. Explainability methods were used to analyse the XGBoost errors.
Results
The baseline, defined as the mean of sCr in 180 to 7 days prior to ICU, yielded the highest performance metrics with the XGBoost model. Using the explainability methods, the mean of sCr in 180 to 0 days pre-ICU led to a further reduction in FP rate, with the highest AUC of 0.86, recall of 0.61, precision of 0.56 and f1 score of 0.58. The cohort size was 31,586 admissions, of which 5,473 (17.32%) had AKI.
Conclusion
To enable the effective use of AI in AKI prediction and management, a clinically relevant and widely applicable standard method for baseline sCr is needed. In healthcare, the utilisation of explainability techniques can aid AI developers and end users in comprehending how AI models are making predictions. We concluded that ML development with model-driven and data-driven architectures can be effective in minimizing the occurrence of false positives. This can augment the success rate of ML implementation in routine care.
Preferred and actual places of death among patients with advanced cancer: A single-center cohort study in Japan
Authors: Ikari Tomoo , Hiratsuka Yusuke , Oishi Takayuki , Miyashita Mitsunori , Morita Tatsuya , Mack Jennifer W , Okada Yoshinari , Chiba Natsuko , Ishioka Chikashi , Inoue Akira
Published: May 2023

Purpose:
Achieving “good death” is one of the important goals of palliative care. Providing goal-concordant care and an environment tailored to the patient's preferences can contribute to “good death.” However, the concordance rate between the preferred and actual places of death among advanced cancer patients in Japan is less explored. This study aimed to identify the concordance between patients’ preferred and actual places of death, and the associated factors among patients with advanced cancer in Japan.
Methods:
Patients with advanced cancer who underwent chemotherapy between January 2015 and January 2016 were enrolled and followed up for 5 years. The enrolled patients were asked about their preference for their place of death. The response options were: “Own home,” “General ward” and “Palliative care unit (PCU).” We compared the actual place of death with the patient’s preference through a follow-up review of the medical records.
Results:
A total of 157 patients with advanced cancer were enrolled between January 2015 and January 2016. Of these patients, 22.9% (11/48) died at home according to their preference, 64.0% (16/25) in the general ward, and 37.9% (11/29) in the PCU. Only thirty-seven (37.3%) patients died where they wanted, based on the comparison between patients' preferences and actual places of death.
Conclusion:
The concordance rate between the preferred and actual places of death is not high in Japan. Improving concordance between patients' preferences and actual places of death has the potential to improve end-of-life care.
The effect of EEG biofeedback on patients with insomnia: an open- label study
Authors: huicong wang , Hou Yue , Wang Hongxing , Zhan Shuqin , Li Ning , Liu Jianghong , Wang Yuping
Published: May 2023

Insomnia is the most prevalent clinical sleep disorder and is usually accompanied by some affective symptoms. As traditional interventions for insomnia have certain limitations, novel interventions such as biofeedback therapy can be of great clinical significance. Here, we aimed to explore the clinical efficacy of biofeedback for insomnia and its potential mechanisms of action. We recruited 82 patients with insomnia from the insomnia clinic at the Xuanwu Hospital. Electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG) biofeedback training was conducted for 30 minutes. EEG data of two minutes were also recorded each before and after training. Intervention was performed once every alternate day and included 10 biofeedback treatments session and measured three times before, after fifth, and after tenth biofeedback treatment session. Scores on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scale after one trial of biofeedback treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment (p < 0.001) and continued to lower after subsequent trials (p < 0.001). Specifically, patients experienced a significant reduction in insomnia, an easier transition to natural sleep, a shorter time to fall asleep, fewer awakenings during sleep, and a much better quality of sleep. Additionally, the scores on the Beck Depression Inventory Scale (BDI) and State-Trait Anxiety Scale (S-STAI, and T-STAI) after treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment (p < 0.001). Our findings suggest that biofeedback therapy is effective in relieving insomnia symptoms for insomnia patients and biofeedback therapy likely relaxes the patients’ minds (reflected by the alpha wave) and muscles (reflected by frontal EMG) and reduces alertness states (reflected by beta waves), which finally promotes deep sleep (reflected by the theta wave).
Point of Care Assessment of Sexual Concerns among AYA Oncology Active Patients and Survivors
Authors: Shi Molin , Meltzer Karen J. , Dunker Alexandra , Hall Brittany C.
Published: May 2023

Purpose
Adolescent and young adults (AYAs) oncology populations have unique sexual health concerns that deserve more attention. The current study aimed to describe the prevalence and characteristics of sexual health and related concerns in AYAs in active treatment and survivorship to move toward integrating sexual health in routine care.
Methods
A total of 127 AYAs (ages 19–39) in active treatment and survivorship were recruited from three outpatient oncology clinics. In addition to providing demographic and clinical information, they completed an adapted version of the NCCN Distress Thermometer and Problem List (AYA-POST; AYA-SPOST) as part of an ongoing needs assessment study.
Results
Over one quarter (27.6%) of the total sample (Mage = 31.96, SD = 5.33) – 31.9% of active treatment, and 21.8% in survivorship – reported at least one sexual health concern (i.e., sexual concern, loss of libido, pain with sex, and unprotected sex). The most frequently endorsed concerns differed between active treatments and survivorship. Both genders often endorsed general sexual concerns and loss of libido.
Conclusion
The literature on sexual concerns in the AYA population is sparse and inconclusive, especially accounting for gender and other types of concerns. The current study highlights the need for further examination between treatment status, psychosexual concerns, emotional distress, and demographic and clinical factors. Given the prevalence of sexual concerns in AYAs in active treatment and survivorship, providers should consider integrating assessment and discussion of these needs at onset of diagnosis and as part of monitoring.
Experimental Investigation on the Grading Optimization and Storage Effect of Crushed Gangue for Backfill
Authors: Sun Kai , Zhu Lei , Li Jian , Tian Shanjun , Yang Zhiqiang , Liu Zhicheng , Wo Xiaofang
Published: May 2023

Coal mine backfilling mining controls the movement of overlying rock and surface subsidence by backfilling the fractured rock mass into the goaf. The compaction mechanical performance of the fractured rock is the key to the effectiveness of overlying rock control. In order to optimize the control effect of crushed gangue overlying rock, this article focuses on the regulating effect of gangue particle size grading on mechanical properties. Through research on the physical properties of gangue and natural graded gangue compaction experiments, the porosity of gangue crushing and the process of gangue crushing are analyzed. It is shown that the gangue material has good load-bearing performance in terms of physical structure, and the elastic modulus has an absolute effect on the compression characteristics of gangue particles. Through storage analysis of the natural grading experiment phenomenon, it was found that the alarm height for gangue not to be blocked is 20m. Through laboratory experiments, the compression characteristics of group B samples were analyzed, and it was found that the particles showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing under the coupling effect of particle size and particles of different sizes. Through the analysis of particle strain energy density and breakage energy, it is concluded that the strain energy density of the sample from high to low is B1, B2, B6, A5, B5, B4, and the breakage energy consumed to reach the sample broken state from low to high is A5, B6, B5, B4, B3, B2, B1, so the B6 group samples have the best economic benefits. Through analysis from the perspective of filling rate, it was found that the B6 group of samples has the best control effect on the overlying rock. Thus providing suggestions for optimizing the efficiency and effectiveness of backfill mining.
Carbon and silicon nanocages (C50 and Si50) as effective catalysts for CO2 reduction reaction
Authors: Li XiLan , Wang Jing , Wei XiaoLi
Published: May 2023

Here, the possible mechanisms for CO2 reduction reaction to produce the CO, CH4, HCOOH, HCHO and CH3OH species on surfaces of carbon and silicon nanocages (C50 and Si50) as catalysts are examined. The Ni adoption effects of C50 and Si50 nanocages on their catalytic activity for CO2 reduction reaction are investigated. The overpotential of CO2 reduction reaction on Ni-C50 and Ni-Si50 nanocages are lower than corresponding values on various metal catalysts, significantly. The rate limiting step for CH4 and CH3OH production is the nanocage-*CO → nanocage-*CHO on Ni-C50 and Ni-Si50 nanocages. The Ni-Si50 nanocage has more negative ΔGreaction values than Ni-C50 nanocage to process the possible reaction steps of CO2 reduction. The overpotential for CH4 and CH3OH production are lower than HCOOH and HCHO creation on Ni-C50 and Ni-Si50 nanocages. The Ni-C50 and Ni-Si50 nanocages can catalyze the processes of CO2 reduction reaction through possible mechanisms with high efficiency.
Detection and Mitigation of DDoS Attacks on SDN Controller in IoT Network using Gini Impurity
Authors: Singh Chandrapal , Jain Ankit Kumar
Published: May 2023

Nowadays, Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks are a serious threat to businesses and individuals, and it is getting more prevalent. Moreover, the exponential growth of IoT devices and their interdependency makes the technology more vulnerable to DDoS attacks. Therefore, this paper presents an efficient Gini-Impurity based method for detection and mitigation of DDoS attacks. The proposed approach uses the Gini impurity technique as a metric on the Software Defined Network (SDN) controller in IoT network to measure the homogeneity of the network traffic. Gini impurity based method is efficient, fast, and requires less computing power. The approach also uses a classifier to filter the network traffic. We evaluated the effectiveness of the proposed approach using real-world network traffic datasets. The detection rate of the proposed approach varies between 98% and 100%. We compared the proposed approach with existing methods, and it detects DDoS attacks early with high accuracy and a low false-positive rate.
Temporal changes in spatial scale and autocorrelation structure of forest openings based on taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional turnover
Authors: Barfknecht David F. , Heikens Alice L. , Gibson David J.
Published: May 2023

Context During European settlement, Illinois grasslands were converted for agricultural purposes. Remaining natural areas in southern Illinois include natural xeric forest openings, with communities representative of remnant grasslands and adjacent hardwood forests. Previous research in these openings shows plant communities are driven by edaphic conditions.Objectives The first objective aimed to characterize spatial scale and autocorrelation structure of these openings based on climatic, environmental, and diversity variables. The second objective was to predict taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional turnover between 1988 and 2019, using climatic and environmental variables.Methods Surveys were conducted to calculate taxonomic diversity and phylogenetic and functional trait analyses were used to calculate phylogenetic and functional diversity. Spatially-explicit climatic and environmental variables were included from earlier surveys and data repositories. Global Moran’s I and spatial autocorrelograms were used to assess spatial structure of climatic, environmental, and diversity variables and generalized dissimilarity modeling was used to characterize taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional turnover based on environmental variables.Results Soil depth as the only environmental variable which exhibited significant global spatial autocorrelation. Climate variables and diversity metrics exhibited significant spatial structure during surveys. Generalized dissimilarity models showed that geographic distance between openings was the most influential driver of turnover across surveys.Conclusions Previous glacial events explained the spatial structure of soil depth across sites, due to Quaternary loess deposition in loess sites. High diversity values were clustered in the southeastern portions of the study area. Functional generalized dissimilarity models best predicted turnover in these openings compared to taxonomic and phylogenetic models.
Comprehensive Study of Thunderstorm Indices Threshold Favorable for Thunderstorms During Monsoon Season Using WRF-ARW Model and ERA5 Over India
Authors: Mondal Unashish , Kumar Anish , Panda Subrat Kumar , Sharma Devesh , Das Someshwar
Published: May 2023

This study investigates the use of various thunderstorm indices in predicting severe thunderstorms events during the monsoon season in four different regions in India. The research evaluates the performance of the prediction model using a model skill score and utilizes the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model with the double moment microphysics scheme to simulate model cases. It also compares fifteen thunderstorm indices derived from the ERA5 dataset to identify the most effective index for predicting severe thunderstorms events. The results of this study show that incorporating thunderstorm indices with model skill scores improves severe thunderstorms forecasting in the monsoon season in India. The result revealed that determining the optimal threshold for each index is crucial in achieving accurate predictions. The study also highlights the importance of considering multiple indices rather than relying on a single index to predict severe thunderstorms events. The advance indices such as Energy Helicity Index (EHI), Supercell Composite Parameter (SCP), mainly works well with extreme severe thunderstorms. The simplistic indices can predict the weak or severe thunderstorm easily. The use of multiple thunderstorm indices can also help meteorologists to make more accurate predictions, which can further enhance public safety. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the potential of incorporating thunderstorm indices with model skill scores like HSS and TSS and combinations of different skill scores in severe thunderstorms forecasting during the monsoon season in India. Future research can build upon the findings of this study to develop more accurate and reliable severe weather forecasting models.
Reaming and cement spacer implantation for the treatment of bone infection after intramedullary nailing
Authors: Wang Xiaohua , Wang Shulin , Jia Chao , Hou Chunli , Shen Jie , Xie Zhao , Lin Wei , Wang Guanglin
Published: May 2023

Background
The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of reaming and cement spacer implantation for the treatment of bone infection after intramedullary nailing.
Methods
Retrospective analysis the patients with lower extremities infection after intramedullary nailing admitted to our hospital between February 2013 and April 2020. In the first stage, reaming and cement spacer implantation were performed and the defects were filled with antibiotic cement spacer. In the second stage, the patients were divided into repaired group and non-repaired group according to whether the bone defects were repaired or not. The infection control rate and complications of the two groups were compared.
Results
A total of 69 patients were admitted to this study, there were 37 tibias and 32 femurs. The average follow-up time was 38.82 months. After the first stage debridement surgery. There were 6 patients in repaired group, and 8 patients in non-repaired group recurrence of infection which need debridement again, the infection rate of repaired group was lower than that of non-repaired group, P = 0.038. Finally, the overall infection control rate was 97.1%, which was 100% in repaired group and 91.30% in non-repaired group, P = 0.108. The overall complication rate was 17.39%, and there was no significant difference between the two groups.
Conclusion
The efficacy of reaming and cement spacer implantation for the treatment of bone infection after intramedullary nailing is satisfactory, but repeated debridement may be required to improve the infection control rate. The recurrence rate of infection was higher in patients who had not undergone bone defects repaired for a long time.
Implementation of Artificial Neural Network-Based Signal Conditioning Circuit for a Temperature Transducer
Authors: Paruchuri Srinivas , Pingali Avinash , Devineni Venkata Kanaka Durga Bhavani , Vailipalli Chinmai , Shaik Hafsa
Published: May 2023

Thermistors are widely used as temperature transducers due to their low cost, small dimensions, and high sensitivity. However, their nonlinear resistance-temperature characteristics make their use in temperature measurement and control applications challenging. This paper presents a new method to linearize thermistors using an op-amp-based astable multivibrator and an artificial neural network. The proposed technique involves obtaining frequency values corresponding to the resistance values of the thermistor using an op-amp-based astable multivibrator circuit. The nonlinear frequency data obtained is then used to train an ANN to obtain the best-fit linear curve. A signal conditioning circuit is then constructed that takes the read frequency value and matches it to its corresponding linearized value, which is displayed. The method offers several advantages over traditional techniques, including improved accuracy and reduced cost. Additionally, it can improve the accuracy of measuring temperature, and control applications by eliminating the nonlinearities associated with thermistors.
MPPT techniques for PV systems: A comprehensive review of current trends and recent advances in AI
Authors: Boubaker Olfa
Published: May 2023

Over the past decades, solar photovoltaic (PV) energy has been considered as the most valuable green energy. It is renowned for its sustainability, environmentally friendly nature and low maintenance costs. Several methods aiming to extract the highest photovoltaic energy are described in the vast literature. The aim of this review is to focus on current trends and the most recent advances in the field. A “Scopus” bibliographic survey is carried out around survey and research articles published over the past three years (2019–2022) according to a predefined selection methodology. Over the selected works, different taxonomies of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) approaches are identified. The list of associated possible performance criteria is also established and new trends in the field are well identified. This survey paper could be a useful reference for researchers and companies concerned by the sustainable development goals (GSD) for clean energy production and climate change.