bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine Learning Weather Analogs for Renewable Forecasting
Authors: Hu Weiming , Cervone Guido , Young George , Monache Luca Delle
Published: September 2022

The Analog Ensemble (AnEn) is a technique to generate forecast ensembles using a deterministic model and associated observations. It has been widely used for weather forecasting and renewable energy production forecasting. Ensemble members are chosen based on a similarity metric that calculates the weighted multi-variate Euclidean distance. However, identifying optimal weights is a challenging and computationally expensive process, which often involves performing a constrained exhaustive search. As a result, only a few predictors were selected and optimized in previous AnEn studies.
A new Machine Learning similarity metric is proposed address this shortcoming. First, a Deep Learning network is trained to generate latent features using all the temporal multi-variate input predictors. The analogs for a target forecast are selected by computing the Euclidean distance of the latent variables between the target and all previous forecasts. This process can be performed in parallel for each location. The proposed method does not require prior predictor selection and weight optimization. It is tested using wind speed and solar irradiance forecasts in Pennsylvania for 2017 to 2019. Results show that the proposed method is capable of handling a large number of predictors and it outperforms the original similarity metric in RMSE, bias, and CRPS. Since the transformation network is trained empirically, the proposed method has been found to be more flexible for searching through a longer historical record.
Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease Better Identifying Patients at Risk of Liver and Cardiovascular Complications
Authors: Cheng Yu-Ming , Wang Chia-Chi , Kao Jia-Horng
Published: September 2022

Background/purpose:
A nomenclature of “metabolic associated fatty liver disease” (MAFLD) with new definition was proposed in 2020 instead of previous “non-alcoholic fatty liver disease” (NAFLD). However, which better fits the clinical demand remains controversial.
Methods
The participants with fatty liver on ultrasonography from Taiwan bio-bank cohort were included. MAFLD was defined as the presence of fatty liver, plus any of the following three conditions: overweight/obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), or metabolic dysfunction. The severity of liver fibrosis was determined using fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) score and NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS). The risk of atherosclerosis was assessed using intima media thickness (IMT) or plaques of carotid duplex ultrasound.
Results
A total of 9719 subjects (age 55.9 ± 10.8; males 42.6%) were divided to four groups including “both fatty liver disease (FLD)”, “MAFLD only”, “NAFLD only”, and “neither FLD” with the percentages of 79.7%, 12%, 7.1%, and 1.2%, respectively. Compared with NAFLD patients, MAFLD patients had higher frequency of male gender, BMI, waist circumference, HbA1C, and triglyceride. On addition, they had higher levels of serum ALT, AST, GGT, fatty liver index (FLI), NFS and IMT, but no difference in FIB-4 index and the percentage of carotid plaques. Of note, the added population “MAFLD only group” had higher levels of AST, ALT, GGT, FLI, FIB-4, NFS, IMT and higher percentage of carotid plaques than the missed population “NAFLD only group”.
Conclusions
This large, population-based study showed MAFLD with new diagnostic criteria could identify more high-risk patients of metabolic, liver and cardiovascular disease complications in clinical practice.
Synthesis and In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Some Novel pyrido[3,2- f][1,2,4,3]thiadiazaphosphepinone Compounds, bearing a pyridine moiety
Authors: Hassan Mohamed M. , Alhalafi Mona H.
Published: September 2022

Several pyridothiadiazaphosphepinones (3–9) were synthasized by combining tetraphosphorus decasulfide, Lawesson's reagent, phosphorus tribromide, and P,P-dichlorophenyl phosphine with 2-(aminosulfanyl)-6-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-(furan-2-yl)-5-oxo-5,6-dihydropyridine-3-carbonitrile (2). The reaction mechanisms for these products were discussed. On the basis of elemental analysis and spectrum data, the structures of the newly synthesized compounds were determined. The biological activity of every synthesized compound was examined against various microorganisms using the disc diffusion method. The bulk of the microorganisms tested are effectively inhibited by the newly synthesised chemicals.
A Luminescent Cu(II)-MOF with Lewis Basic Schiff Base Sites for the Highly Selective and Sensitive Detection of Fe 3+ Ions and nitrobenzene
Authors: Kaur Manpreet , Yusuf Mohamad , Malik Ashok Kumar
Published: September 2022

A Schiff base functionalized Cu(II)-based metal-organic framework (MOF) denoted as Cu-L, was developed via a solvothermal method using low-cost starting material, i.e., Schiff base linker, 4,4'-(hydrazine-1,2-diylidenedimethylylidene)dibenzoic acid (L). Good crystallinity and thermal stability of synthesized Cu-L was confirmed by the crystallographic and thermogravimetric studies. An excellent photoluminescent properties of Cu-L ensure their suitability for the ultrafast detection of Fe3+ ions and nitrobenzene via a turn-off quenching response. The remarkable sensitivity of Cu-L towards Fe3+ions and nitrobenzene was certified by the low limit of detection (LOD) of 47 ppb and 0.004 ppm, respectively. With incorporated free azine groups, this MOF could selectively capture Fe3+ions and nitrobenzene in aqueous solution. The plausible mechanistic pathway for the quenching in the fluorescence intensity of the Cu-L in the presence of Fe3+ ions and nitrobenzene have been explained in detail through the density functional theory calculations, photo-induced electron transfer (PET), fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), and competitive energy adsorption. This present study open a new avenue to synthesize novel crystalline MOF-based sensing materials from cheap Schiff base linkers for fast sensing of toxic pollutants.
Natural variations in the promoter of Stay-green gene, TaSGR associated with yield-related traits in wheat
Authors: Islam Md Ashraful , Ma Jielong , Gao Lifeng , Jin Xiujuan , Guo Feng , Sun Lili , Zhao Kai , Bai Xingxuan , Li Ning , Wang Shuguang , Jia Jizeng , Jing Ruilian , Sun Daizhen
Published: September 2022

Stay-green ( SGR ) gene is crucial for degradation of chlorophyll in Arabidopsis but remained elusive in wheat, especially the effects of their allelic variations on leaf senescence and grain yield. Here, systematic analysis of chlorophyll content and TaSGR expression in wheat flag leaves during natural senescence revealed that the higher expression of TaSGR-5A and TaSGR-5B leads to faster chlorophyll degradation and endogenous hormones and dark treatment could induce TaSGR-5A and TaSGR-5B transcriptions. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) assays identified eight allelic variation sites in the promotor of TaSGR-5A and four haplotypes were detected in wheat populations. Two markers SNP-A-1 or SNP-A-2 were designed to differentiate four haplotypes. Besides, two allelic variation sites were identified in the promotor of TaSGR-5B and three haplotypes were detected in wheat populations. Two markers SNP-B-1 or SNP-B-2 were designed to differentiate three haplotypes . Association analysis suggested that accessions with Hap-5A-1 had higher spikelet number per spike (SNS), grain per spike (GPS), thousand-grain weight (TGW), yield per plant and chlorophyll content along with reduced TaSGR-5A transcription compared to accessions with other haplotypes. Accessions with Hap-5B-2 of TaSGR-5B had higher chlorophyll content and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) relative to the accessions with other haplotypes. However, silencing of TaSGR significantly delayed leaf senescence without affecting SNS, TGW and yield suggesting that allelic variations in TaSGR promoter might regulate increased SNS and grain yield in wheat. Overall, functional markers developed in this study could be utilized for screening stay-green phenotype with increased grain yield in wheat breeding.
Multiple Potential Pathways in Diabetes Revealed by Integrated Transcriptome and Pathway Analyses
Authors: Wu Peishan , Hou Yanli , Gao Guoliang , Wang Xiaolei
Published: September 2022

Liver damage is a primary complication leading to aggravation of diabetes. Therefore, a better understanding of the biological underpinnings of liver damage and the related signalling pathways might lead to the development of novel biomarkers and targeted therapies. While a multitude of transcriptomic data are currently available for diabetes from several parts of the world, almost no such studies have been performed in patients with diabetes after stem cell therapy. This study aimed to improve the understanding of the altered molecular networks in the liver tissue of diabetic rats after stem cell therapy. We compared liver tissues from eight diabetic rats treated with or without adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and identified 1770 upregulated and 362 downregulated transcripts. Selected genes identified by RNA-Seq were subsequently validated using qRT‒PCR. Differentially expressed (2.0-fold change, adj. p < 0.05) transcripts were subjected to Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, which revealed numerous affected signalling pathways and functional categories. Dual specificity phosphatase 1 (DUSP1) mechanistic networks were activated prominently in liver tissue. Additionally, genes related to liver damage, inflammation, and insulin secretion were markedly enriched in liver tissue. Expression of genes indicative of hepatitis, liver steatosis and liver fibrosis was observed in liver tissue. Our data provide novel insight into the biology of liver damage and suggest common alterations in molecular networks during liver damage in diabetic rats and suggest the need for future development of therapeutic interventions targeting these common signalling pathways.
The impact of the COVID‑19 pandemic on physical activity, life satisfaction, anxiety, stress perception and coping strategies in student-athletes: a comparison between Belarus and Poland - countries with a different approach of anti-pandemic measures
Authors: Shpakou Andrei , Sokołowska Dorota , Krajewska-Kułak Elżbieta , Cybulski Mateusz , Kowalewska Beata , Korpak Filip , Surkov Sergei , Owoc Jakub , Krakowiak Jan , Kowalczuk Krystyna
Published: September 2022

Background
Two years and more of the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the lives of people around the world and has had a profound impact on the field of sports. This has resulted in decreased physical activity (PA) and changes in mental health. The goal was to assess self-reported physical activity, life satisfaction, perceived stress, choice of coping strategies and their correlation among student athletes from neighboring countries in the context of various anti-pandemic strategies.
Methods
Standardized questionnaires: The International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form (IPAQ-SF), The Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (Mini-COPE) were used to compare the self-assessment of 600 students from the Physical Education and Sports departments of universities in Belarus (n = 333), where restrictions were found to be less stringent than in neighboring Poland (n = 267).
Results
The minor differences in PA between the two countries indicate that student athletes have adapted fairly quickly and found ways to keep PA at a fairly high level. Nevertheless, higher PA was recorded in the group of student athletes from Belarus. PA levels correlated with life satisfaction, anxiety and stress levels. Female students from Poland reported lower satisfaction with their lives. Their perception of stress was twice as high as that of their Belarusian counterparts. The most common coping strategy in both groups was active coping. The strategies of avoiding the problem and seeking outside support were used to a lesser extent by Polish respondents.
Conclusion
The level of physical activity, well-being of student athletes, is associated with increased mental health and coping with stress and contributed to the prevention of affective disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, it is dependent on the country's anti-pandemic policies.
Validity of bronchoscopist assessment of patient discomfort during flexible bronchoscopy: an observational study
Authors: Usui Yusuke , Miyoshi Shion , Nakamura Yasuhiko , Shimizu Hiroshige , Sekiya Muneyuki , Urabe Naohisa , Isshiki Takuma , Isobe Kazutoshi , Sakamoto Susumu , Takai Yujiro , Homma Sakae , Kishi Kazuma
Published: September 2022

The distress experienced by patients during bronchoscopy is often more severe than bronchoscopists anticipate. We examined the accuracy of bronchoscopist evaluation of predicted patient discomfort during bronchoscopy under intravenous sedation. This study retrospectively reviewed 186 consecutive patients who underwent bronchoscopy between December 2018 and April 2019. Ultimately, 113 patients who underwent bronchoscopy with pethidine and 64 patients who underwent bronchoscopy with pethidine and midazolam were assigned to the pethidine group and pethidine with midazolam combination group, respectively. We compared the patient discomfort score obtained by self-assessment with the patient discomfort score predictively evaluated by bronchoscopists using a 5-point rating scale in each sedation group. Any discrepancy was then evaluated. The pethidine group had significantly higher self-assessed patient discomfort scores than the predictive assessment by bronchoscopists [mean score 3.4±1.3 vs. 2.9±1.2; P < 0.0001]. Conversely, the pethidine with midazolam group had significantly lower self-assessed patient discomfort score than the bronchoscopists’ predictive assessment [mean score 2.4±1.5 vs. 3.3±1.4; P = 0.0004]. Multivariate analysis identified the use of midazolam as a significant factor affecting patient discomfort (odds ratio: 0.176, P < 0.001). Bronchoscopists may underestimate patient discomfort during bronchoscopy under intravenous sedation. The use of midazolam in combination with pethidine relieved patient discomfort.
Vehicle detection algorithm based on lightweight YOLOX
Authors: Xiong Cong , Yu Anning , Yuan Senhao , Gao Xinghua
Published: September 2022

Nowadays, accurate and fast vehicle detection technology is of great significance for the construction of intelligent transportation systems in the context of the era of big data. This paper proposes an improved lightweight YOLOX real-time vehicle detection algorithm. Compared with the original network, the detection speed and accuracy of the new algorithm have been improved with fewer parameters. First, referring to the GhostNet, we make a lightweight design of the backbone extraction network, which significantly reduces the network parameters, training cost, and inference time. Furthermore, by introducing the α-CIoU loss function, the regression accuracy of the bounding box(bbox) is improved while the convergence speed of the model is also accelerated. The experimental results show that the mAP of the improved algorithm on the BIT-Vehicle dataset can reach up to 99.21% with 41.2% fewer network parameters and 12.7% higher FPS than the original network and demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed method.
High performance Juncus effusus cellulosic adsorbent modified with citric acid and magnetic Fe3O4 for dye wastewater
Authors: Zhou Keming , Yan Lianpeng , Zhang Rui , Zhu Xuedong
Published: September 2022

Eco-friendly cellulose-based magnetic adsorbents have attracted great attention in the field of dye adsorption recently. Herein, we utilized the pith of biomass Juncus effusus (JE) to synthesize a novel type of magnetic adsorbents for the treatment of wastewater containing methylene blue (MB). After employing citric acid (CA) for esterified modification and then loading Fe3O4 upon JE, the obtained magnetic citric acid-modified JE pith powders (M-CA/JEPP) showed outstanding adsorption properties. For 50 mg/L MB dye solution, the adsorption efficiency could reach 98.34% within 10 min under basic condition and the maximum adsorption capacity was 293.132 mg/g at 303 K. Moreover, magnetization overcomes the disadvantages of JE powders density being small which is very difficult to collect. In the other words, this magnetic adsorbent has excellent reusability and it is easily to be separated from water, which provides new insights for development of cellulose-based adsorbents to remove dye in aqueous systems.
Bivariate binary logistic regression analysis on optimal antenatal care visits and timing of antenatal care initiation among reproductive age women in Ethiopia; evidence from 2019 Ethiopian mini demographic health survey
Authors: Asmare Abebew Aklog , Agmas Yitateku Adugna
Published: September 2022

Background
Maternal and neonatal mortality is a significant public health issue that reflects the overall status of a country’s healthcare system and socioeconomic development. ANC remains one way to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths. Thus, the goal of this study is to run a bivariate binary logistic regression model that takes into account the possible dependency of optimal ANC visits and timing of ANC initiation.
Methods
The data came from the DHS program's measurements. A total of 5,492 women were involved in this study. Given the effect of other predictors, a bivariate binary logistic regression model is used to assess the relationship between optimal ANC visits and timing of ANC initiation.
Results
The prevalence of optimal ANC visits and timing of ANC initiation were 59.7% and 19.8%, respectively. The odds of timing ANC initiation and optimal ANC visits among women from households with middle and rich wealth status were 1.391 times (AOR = 1.391; 95%CI: 1.121–1.726), 2.047 times (AOR = 2.047; 95%CI: 1.669–2.511), 1.141 times (AOR = 1.141; 95%CI: 1.007–1.321), and 1.197 times (AOR = 1.197; 95%CI: 1.017–1.409), respectively, as compared to those from households with poor wealth status. The estimated odds ratio of timing ANC initiation among women who reside in rural areas was lower by 0.790 (AOR = 0.790; 95% CI: 0.652–0.957) as compared to women who reside in urban areas.
Conclusion
According to the results of bivariate logistic regression, maternal age, region, maternal education, wealth index, and total number of children ever born were common determinants of both optimal ANC visits and timing of ANC initiation, whereas place of residence and family size were significantly related to timing of ANC initiation. Finally, raising awareness and improving women's living conditions may increase antenatal care utilization. As a result, maternal mortality and morbidity can be reduced, and Ethiopia can meet the SDG target.
singleCellBase: a high-quality manually curated database of cell markers for single cell annotation across multiple species
Authors: Meng Fanlin , Qin Wenyan , Liu Kunbang , Wang Yan , Li Ming , Meng Chen , Li Yanze , Ren Yonghong , Sun Yimin
Published: September 2022

Background
Annotating cells in the analysis of single-cell RNA-Seq (scRNA-seq) data is one of the most challenging tasks that researchers are actively addressing. Manual cell annotation is generally considered the gold standard method, although it is labor intensive and independent of prior knowledge. At present, the relationship between high-quality, known marker genes and cell types is very limited, especially for a variety of species other than humans and mice.
Methods
We manually reviewed thousands of published literatures, comprehensively curated the records on associations of cell type and gene markers. By organizing the records using MySQL based on relational schema, and constructing website based on Java Server Pages using the Java Servlet framework, we developed our singleCellBase database.
Results
The singleCellBase is a manually curated resource of high-quality cell types and gene markers associations across multiple species. In details, it offers 9,027 entries spanning a total of 2,610 cell types and linking with 21,044 genes (cell markers), covering 381 diseases/status, and 524 types of tissues across 33 species. The singleCellBase provides a user-friendly interface to the scientific community to browse, search, download and submit records of marker genes and cell types.
Conclusions
The resource providing ineluctable prior knowledge required by manual cell annotation, which is valuable to interpret scRNA-seq data and elucidate what cell type or cell state that a cell population represents.
Classification and Variety Identification of Corn Ears using Machine Vision combined with Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Xu Jinpu , Lv Guangjie , Zhao Wei , Lan Jinhao , Ma Dexin
Published: September 2022

Corn is an important human food crop and animal feed source. Purity of corn seed is critical to yield and marketing. Screening of corn ears is an important but time-consuming and labor-intensive task in seed production. In recent years, deep learning has made great achievements in tasks such as image classification, object detection, face recognition, etc. In this paper , a method combining convolutional neural network VGG16 and machine vision to quickly classify different varieties of corn using corn ear images is proposed. By collecting RGB images of corn ears with intact phenotypic traits of 5 varieties, a data set containing 1000 images was constructed, and divided into training set, validation set and test set according to the ratio of 7:2:1. By improving the fully connected layer structure of the VGG16 network, optimizing the training parameters, and using transfer learning and data enhancement techniques, the optimal performance model was obtained after training all layers of the VGG16, and the accuracy rate reached 98.00% on the test set. Under the same experimental conditions, comparing the three methods of training from scratch, pre-feature extraction and only training the fully connected layer, the accuracy rates obtained were 94.00%, 96.88%, and 94.00%, respectively. The improved model achieved the highest classification accuracy rate and stable performance. In the experiments, the effects of network parameters on the model classification results were also discussed. The experiment showed that the phenotypic characteristics of the corn ears could better realize the classification and identification of different varieties of corn, which provides a reference for the intelligent sorting of corn seed production.
Incidence and Risk factors for Intraoperative Hypothermia during Cancer Surgery of Gastrointestinal Tracts: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: LUO Mengjia , LANG Hongjuan , DAI Yanran
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND Intraoperative hypothermia in cancer surgery of gastrointestinal tracts causes complications, but its related risk factors have been are not fully understood. The aim of study is to investigate the incidence and related risk factors.
METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 1217 patients aged from 18 to 85 years who underwent gastrointestinal tracts cancer surgery under general anesthesia in the gastrointestinal surgery department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University from January through December, 2019. Incidences were calculated and associated risk factors were evaluated by univariate logistic regression and multivariate regression analyses.
RESULTS The overall incidence of intraoperative hypothermia was 25.7%. The risk factors including that age<60yrs (OR, 0.658; 95% CI, 0.486 to 0.889), BMI≥22（kg/m2）(OR, 0.502; 95% CI, 0.367 to 0.687), Open abdominal surgery (OR, 0.480; 95% CI, 0.333 to 0.691), perioperative temperature≥37(℃) (OR, 0.160; 95% CI, 0.079 to 0.323), without warming mattress (OR, 0.402; 95% CI, 0.293 to 0.550).
CONCLUSION The incidence of perioperative hypothermia was common while active warming during operation is low. We highlight that more attention needs to be paid on prevention of intraoperative hypothermia.
An observational study on the efficacy of combined Chinese medicine targeted penetration therapy for schizophrenia with anxiety disorders
Authors: Zhu Cuifang , Wang Xin-Yue , Li Hong , Zhao Jing , Long Bin , Xiao Xudong , Pan Ling-Yi , Chen Jian-Hua
Published: September 2022

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Chinese medicine targeted transdermal therapy for schizophrenia with anxiety disorders.
Methods Eighty schizophrenic patients accompanying anxiety disorders were randomly assigned to the treatment group (n=40) and the control group (n=40) with 6 weeks of follow-up. Patients in the treatment group were treated with the original antipsychotic drug program and were additionally treated with Chinese medicine targeted penetration therapy. Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-17), and treatment emergent symptom scale (TESS) were evaluated before enrollment, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks after treatment. Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS) was assessed at baseline and 6 weeks.
Results At the end of 3 and 6 weeks, the scores of HAMA scale in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.001). Neither HAMD-17 scale scores, PANSS total scores nor subscale scores were significantly different between the two groups (P>0.05), and no significant differences were detected in adverse effects that occurred during the intervention between the two groups (P>0.05). After 6 weeks of penetration therapy, there was a low negative correlation between total disease duration and the change in HAMA scale score (pre-treatment-post-treatment) in the treatment group.
Conclusion Combined traditional Chinese medicine directed penetration therapy can improve the anxiety symptoms of schizophrenia patients with a safe profile.
Schiff base-functionalized Metal-Organic Frameworks for Selective Sensing of Chromate and Dichromate in Water
Authors: Kaur Manpreet , Yusuf Mohamad , Malik Ashok Kumar
Published: September 2022

In this research, Zn- or Cd-based metal-organic frameworks (coded ZnMOF-1 and CdMOF-1) containing benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid (H2bdc) and pyridyl-based Schiff base (4-pyridylcarboxaldehydeisonicotinoylhydrazone (L)) dual ligands were successfully assembled via a conventional solvothermal method. The photoluminescence quenching response of ZnMOF-1 and CdMOF-1 and their sensing sensitivity and selectivity towards various inorganic anions were evaluated in aqueous media. Crystallographic and thermogravimetric studies confirm the formation of both MOFs with good crystallinity and thermal stability.Photoluminescence studies also verify the selectivity of ZnMOF-1 and CdMOF-1 for efficient sensing of inorganic oxyanions (like chromate/dichromate: CrO42− and Cr2O72−). Further, it was noted that only chromate/dichromate (CrO42−/Cr2O72−) anions showed a significant turn-off quenching effect while other anions (like F−, Br−, I−, Cl−, ClO4−, SCN−, SO42−, NO3−, and NO2−) have a low/negligible effect on the photoluminescence intensity of both MOFs. The limit of detection (LOD) of chromate/dichromate by ZnMOF-1 and CdMOF-1 was 9.79/10.94 µM and 2.68/1.48 µM, respectively. A probable mechanism for turn-off quenching response towards chromate and dichromate anions could be attributed to the spectral overlap of both excitation and emission spectra of ZnMOF-1/CdMOF-1 with the absorption spectra chromate/dichromateanions. As a result, the energy transfer from ZnMOF-1 or CdMOF-1 to the target chromate and dichromate anions decreased fluorescence intensity (i.e., fluorescence quenching effect).
Clinical and pathophysiologic insights of FT3/FT4 ratio in patients with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: data from the NETDiamond cohort
Authors: Leite Ana Rita , Neves João Sérgio , Angélico-Gonçalves António , Vasques-Nóvoa Francisco , Saraiva Francisca A. , Pinho Inês Beatriz , Oliveira Ana Cristina , Borges-Canha Marta , von Hafe Madalena , Vale Catarina , Lourenço André P. , Araújo José Paulo , von Hafe Pedro , Almeida Jorge , Ferreira João Pedro , Leite-Moreira Adelino
Published: September 2022

Purpose
Thyroid dysfunction is common in patients with heart failure (HF). Impaired conversion of T4 into T3 is thought to decrease the availability of T3 and contribute to HF progression. In HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), it is not known whether changes in conversion of thyroid hormones (TH) are associated with clinical status and outcomes.
Methods
We evaluated 79 HFpEF participants of the NETDiamond cohort without known thyroid disease. We performed regression modelling to study the associations of TH and FT3/FT4 ratio with clinical and echocardiographic parameters, and survival analysis to evaluate associations with the composite of urgent HF visit, HF hospitalization or cardiovascular death, over a median follow-up of 2.8 years.
Results
The mean age was 73.5 years and 47% were men. The mean FT3/FT4 ratio was 2.63 (SD 0.43). Subjects with lower FT3/FT4 ratio were more likely to be obese and have atrial fibrillation. Lower FT3/FT4 ratio was associated with higher body fat (β=-5.60kg per FT3/FT4 unit, p = 0.034), higher pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP) (β=-10.26mmHg, p = 0.002) and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (β = 3.60%, p = 0.008). Lower FT3/FT4 ratio was associated with higher risk for the composite HF outcome (HR = 2.50, 95%CI 1.04–5.88, per 1-unit decrease in FT3/FT4, p = 0.041).
Conclusions
In patients with HFpEF, lower FT3/FT4 ratio was associated with higher body fat, higher PASP and lower LVEF. Lower FT3/FT4 predicted a higher risk of urgent HF visit, HF hospitalization or cardiovascular death. These findings suggest that decreased FT4 to FT3 conversion may be associated with HFpEF progression.
Integrative Analysis of the TNFRSF13B Variants in Common Variable Immune Deficiency
Authors: Firtina Sinem , Kutlu Asli , Yozlu Medinenur , Cepeci Beyza Nur , Isikgil Begum , Ar Muhlis Cem , Sayitoglu Muge
Published: September 2022

Background:
TNF receptor superfamily member 13B ( TNFSRF13B ) is a member of the TNF superfamily which is crucial for B cell maturation, plasma cell differentiation and antibody response. Impaired expression of TNFRSF13B gene was associated with common variable immune deficiency (CVID), selective IgA deficiency, autoimmunity and/or lymphoproliferation disorders. Beside disease-causing variants of this gene, the polymorphisms can be associated with strong or weak TNFRSF13B expression that leads to unbalanced B cell response and increased autoreactive antibody production.
Materials and Methods:
Within the scope of this paper, we detect 26 variants (three synonymous, five missense, eleven UTR, seven intronic variants) in the TNFRSF13B gene by screening 80 pediatric and adult CVID patients.
Results:
Beyond categorization of these detected variants as likely benign, benign, or variant of uncertain significance, we perform an integrative bioinformatics approach to provide a plausible explanation for CVID associations of these detected variants from different perspectives, e.g. missense variants from a thermodynamical point of view, UTR variants from regulatory issues, synonymous variants in RNA binding perspectives and so on. 58% of (15/26) detected variants were altered regulatory elements, such as transcription factor binding or miRNA binding sites and splice site regions or thermodynamic impact on protein. Thirteen variants were found to have at least tenfold increased allele frequencies compared to global databases indicating TNFRSF13B variants which have a potential regulatory effect, more common in CVID patients.
Conclusions:
All findings have suggested that the presence of these variants may not be the causative variant for CVID phenotype but might be associated with minimal or moderate regulatory impacts on CVID patients. This study also emphasizes the importance of using the integrative bioinformatic approach to identify promising variants.
Tsunami Runup and Inundation in Tonga from the January 2022 eruption of Hunga Volcano
Authors: Borrero Jose C. , Cronin Shane J. , Latu’ila Folauhola Helina , Tukuafu Pupunu , Heni Nikolasi , Tupou Ana Maea , Kula Taaniela , Fa’anunu Ofa , Bosserelle Cyprien , Lynett Patrick , Kong Laura
Published: September 2022

On January 15th, 2022, at approximately 4:47 pm local time (0347 UTC), several weeks of heightened activity at the Hunga volcano 65 km northwest of Tongatapu, culminated in an 11-hour long violent eruption. The Kingdom of Tonga lies astride a large and tsunamigenic subduction zone, but it has relatively few formally recorded significant tsunami. Assessment activities took place both remotely and locally. Between March and June 2022, a field team quantified tsunami runup and inundation on the main populated islands Tongatapu and Eua, along with several smaller islands to the north, including the Ha’apai Group. Peak tsunami heights were ~19 m in western Tongatapu and ~20 m on south-eastern Nomuka Iki island, located ~65 km SE and NE from Hunga volcano, respectively. In western Tongatapu, the largest tsunami surge overtopped a 13-15 m-high ridge along the narrow Hihifo peninsula in several locations. Analysis of tide gauge records from Nukualofa (which lag western Tongatapu arrivals by ~18-20 min), suggest that initial tsunami surges were generated prior to the largest volcanic explosions at ~0415. Further waves were generated by ~0426 UTC explosions that were accompanied by air-pressure waves. The largest tsunami wave that toppled a weather station on a 13 m-high ridge on western Tongatapu soon after 0500 UTC. The origin of this wave is currently uncertain. Smaller later tsunami continued until ~0900, coincident with a second energetic phase of eruption, and noted by eyewitnesses on Tungua and Mango Islands. Despite an extreme level of destruction caused by this tsunami the death toll was extraordinarily low (3 victims). Interviews with witnesses and analysis of videos posted on social media suggest that this can be attributed to the arrival of smaller ‘pre tsunami’ waves that prompted evacuations, as well as continuous tsunami education and awareness efforts since the 2009 Niuatoputapu, Tonga tsunami. This event highlights an unexpectedly great hazard from volcanic tsunami worldwide, which in Tonga’s case overprints an already extreme level of tectonic tsunami hazard. Education and outreach efforts should continue to emphasize the ‘natural warning signs’ of strong ground shaking and unusual wave and current action, and the importance of self-evacuation from coastal areas of low-lying islands. The stories of survival from this event can be used as global best practice for personal survival strategies from future tsunami.
Declarative Data Flow in a Graph-Based Distributed Memory Runtime System
Authors: Knorr Fabian , Thoman Peter , Fahringer Thomas
Published: September 2022

Runtime systems can significantly reduce the cognitive complexity of scientific applications, narrowing the gap between systems engineering and domain science in HPC. One of the most important angles in this is automating data migration in a cluster. Traditional approaches require the application developer to model communication explicitly, for example through MPI primitives. Celerity, a runtime system for accelerator clusters heavily inspired by the SYCL programming model, instead provides a purely declarative approach focused around access patterns. In addition to eliminating the need for explicit data transfer operations, it provides a basis for efficient and dynamic scheduling at runtime. However, it is currently only suitable for accessing array-like data from runtime-controlled tasks, while real programs often need to interact with opaque data local to each host, such as handles or database connections, and also need a defined way of transporting data into and out of the virtualised buffers of the runtime. In this paper, we introduce a graph-based approach and declarative API for expressing side-effect dependencies between tasks and moving data from the runtime context to the application space.
IPSS-M has greater survival predictive accuracy compared with IPSS-R in persons ≥ 60 years with myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Wu Junying , Zhang Yudi , Qin Tiejun , Xu Zefeng , Qu Shiqiang , Pan Lijuan , Li Bing , Jia Yujiao , Li Chenwen , Wang Huijun , Gao Qingyan , Cai Wenyu , Gong Jingye , Zhao Songyang , Li Fuhui , Gale Robert Peter , Xiao Zhijian
Published: September 2022

There are considerable new data on mutation topography in persons with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). These data have been used to update conventional risk models such as the Revised International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-R). Whether the molecular IPSS (IPSS-M) which includes these data improves survival prediction accuracy is untested. To answer this question, we compared survival prediction accuracies of the IPSS-R and IPSS-M in 852 consecutive subjects with de novo MDS. Concordance statistics (C-statistics) of the IPSS-R and IPSS-M in the entire cohort were similar, 0.67 (95% Confidence Interval [CI],0.64, 0.71) and 0.68 (0.64, 0.71). Average numbers of mutations and of IPSS-M related mutations were greater in persons ≥ 60 years (2.0 [Interquartile Range [IQR], 1, 3] vs. 1.6 [0, 2], P = 0.003; 1.6 [0, 2] vs. 1.3 [0, 2], P = 0.006). Subjects ≥ 60 years had a higher incidence of mutations in RUNX1, TP53, TET2, SRSF2, DNMT3A, STAG2, EZH2 and DDX41. In contrast, mutations in U2AF1 were more common in persons < 60 years. Next we tested survival prediction accuracy based on age < or ≥ 60 years. C-statistics of the IPSS-R and IPSS-M in subjects ≥ 60 years were 0.66 (0.61, 0.71) and 0.69 (0.64, 0.73) whereas in subjects < 60 years they were 0.67 (0.61, 0.72) and 0.65 (0.59, 0.71). These data indicate an advantage for the IPSS-M over the IPSS-R in subjects ≥ 60 years but not in those < 60 years probably because of a great frequency of mutations correlated with survival in those ≥ 60 years.
Evaluation of different extractants to estimate bioavailable arsenic in soil
Authors: Mishra Rahul , Datta Siba Prasad , Golui Debasis , Meena Mahesh Chand , Dwivedi Brahma Swaroop , Rahman Mohammad Mahmudur , Bandyopadhyay Kali Kinkar , Bhatia Arti , Pandey Punyavrat S
Published: September 2022

Owing to the similar chemistry of phosphorus (P) and arsenic (As), sodium bicarbonate (0.5 N NaHCO3) is commonly used to extract plant accessible As in soil. However, 0.5 N NaHCO3 is not compatible with the ICP-MS measurement due to the large amount of dissolved solids. This investigation set out to devise a suitable extractant for determining extractable As in soil and measured by the ICP-MS. Paired soil and plant samples were collected from paddy fields in West Bengal, India. Soil was extracted with 0.5 M NaHCO3, 0.03 M (0.1 N) and 0.17 M (0.5 N) phosphoric acid (H3PO4), 0.05 M (0.1 N) and 0.25 M (0.5 N) sulfuric acid (H2SO4), and 0.01 M calcium chloride (CaCl2). This made it possible to measure As by hydride generation-atomic absorption spectrophotometer (HG-AAS), while ICP-MS was used for the determination of As extracted from soil with different concentrations (0.1-1.5M) of HNO3. The NaHCO3 extractable As was 1.45 and 1.23 mg kg− 1 for soil to extractant ratio of 1:20 and 1:5, respectively. Of these extractants, 1.5 N HNO3 extractable As had the best correlation with As content in rice grain (r = 0.45**) and straw (r = 0.71**), comparable with standard extractant i.e. 0.5 N NaHCO3 (r = 0.47** and r = 0.64** in case of grain and straw, respectively). A significant positive relationship of 1.5 N HNO3 was obtained with 0.5 N NaHCO3. Thus, 1.5 N HNO3 may serve as an extractant for soil As, which is compatible with ICP-MS analysis.
Craniospinal irradiation high dose as independent predictor of permanent alopecia in childhood medulloblastoma survivors: cohort study and literature review
Authors: Satragno Camilla , Verrico Antonio , Giannelli Flavio , Ferrero Alfonso , Campora Sucheeta , Turazzi Marianna , Cavagnetto Francesca , Schiavetti Irene , Garrè Maria Luisa , Garibotto Federica , Milanaccio Claudia , Piccolo Gianluca , Crocco Marco , Ramaglia Antonia , Profio Sonia Di , Barra Salvina , Belgioia Liliana
Published: September 2022

Purpose
Our aim was to determine the main risk factors related to the occurrence of permanent alopecia in adult survivors of childhood medulloblastoma (MB) to improve their quality of life.
Methods
We retrospectively analysed the clinical features of all consecutive survivors of MBtreated at our Institute. We divided the patients into 3 groups depending on the craniospinal irradiation (CSI) dose received and defined permanent alopecia first in terms of the skin region affected (whole skin and nape region) then on the basis of the toxicity degree (G).
Any relationship between alopecia and other characteristics was investigated by a univariate and multivariate analysis and Odds ratio (OR) with confidence interval (CI) was reported.
Results
We analysed data from 41 patients with a 10-year follow-up. High dose of CSI was found to be the independent factor leading to permanent hair loss in both groups: alopecia of the whole skin (G1 p-value 0.030, G2 p-value 0.003) and of the nape region (G1 p value 0.038, G2 p value 0.006).
The posterior cranial fossa (PCF) boost volume and dose were not significant at multivariate analysis neither in permanent hair loss of the whole skin nor only in the nuchal region.
Conclusion
In paediatric patients with MB, the development of permanent alopecia seems to depend only on the CSI dose exceeding 36 Gy. Acute damage to the hair follicle is dose dependent, but in terms of late side effects, constant and homogeneous daily irradiation of a large volume may have a stronger effect than a higher but focal dose of radiotherapy.
Patients’ experience of medication brand changes during hormone therapy for breast cancer. An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Authors: Eraso Yolanda , Moon Zoe , Steinberga Ieva
Published: September 2022

Purpose Medication adherence to hormone therapy (HT) in breast cancer survivors is often suboptimal, and is affected by a range of factors. Patients are usually prescribed different generic formulations of HT drugs and their impact on side effects and on adherence and persistence is poorly understood. This study aimed to explore women’s lived experience of HT medication brand changes (generic substitution), its impact on side effects, quality of life and medication-taking behaviours as well as on adherence and persistence. Methods Nine female breast cancer survivors who had previous experience of HT medication brand changes participated in the study. Individual, online, semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results The findings identified three superordinate themes and nine subordinate themes which influenced the lived experience of medication brand changes for these patients: (i) experiencing brand changes; (2) responsiveness of health care providers; and (iii) future expectations. Conclusions Women reported negative physical and emotional experiences of brand changes, which is often compounded by healthcare professionals’ lack of information and reassurances, disbelief in the worsening of side effects, and inconsistent advice regarding generics. This has implications for women’s self-efficacy for medication-taking behaviours, ability to manage side effects, and HT adherence and persistence.
Assessing Camouflaging in the Spanish Population: Cultural Adaptation of the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire for Spain
Authors: Mosquera Miguel Lois , Zubizarreta Sabela Conde-Pumpido , Fungueiriño María Tubío , Navarro María Alemany , Hull Laura , Álvarez Angel Carracedo , Gafo Berta Gándara , Prieto Montse Fernández
Published: September 2022

Purpose: Misdiagnosis or late diagnosis in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), especially for women without intellectual disability, has been partly attributed to camouflaging. However, in Spain there is a need for culturally adapted tools with gender perspective when assessing autism. Therefore, the main object of this study was to adapt the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q) for use in the Spanish population.
Method: A internationally established method for cultural adaptations was carried out. The procedure consisted of direct and back translation process, cognitive interviews in 7 participants from 16 years old diagnosed with ASD living in Spain and a linguistic expert review.
Results: The translation process resulted in a tool culturally adapted to the Spanish population. Cognitive interviews revealed no serious difficulties, with only 3 problematic items.
Conclusion: The CAT-Q-Spanish is conceptually and semantically equivalent to the original tool and provides a camouflage measure for Spanish adolescents and adults diagnosed with ASD.
Pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein 1-enriched exosomes involves in the regulation of maternal vascular endothelial function during pregnancy
Authors: Jia Linyan , Huang Xiaojie , Peng Hao , Jia Yuanhui , Zhang Ruonan , Wei Yingying , Wei Mengtian , Wang Ruixue , Li Han , He Qizhi , Wang Kai
Published: September 2022

Background
Pregnancy is a dynamic process associated with significant physiological changes in the cardiovascular system. It is well known that during pregnancy, the placenta secretes a variety of molecular signals, including of exosomes into the maternal circulation to adapt to increased blood volume and maintain blood pressure at normotensive levels.
Results
In the present study, we compared the effects of exosomes derived from peripheral blood serum of nonpregnant women (NP-Exo) and normal pregnant women (P-Exo) on endothelial cell function. We also analyzed the proteomic profiles of these two groups of exosomes and the molecular mechanisms underlying the effect of exosome cargoes on maternal vascular function. We found that P-Exo was positively involved in regulating the function of maternal vascular endothelial cells, promoting nitric oxide (NO) release and maintaining maternal blood pressure at normal levels. Furtherly, we revealed that trophoblast-derived pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein 1 (PSG1)-enriched exosomes treatment induced promotion of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) proliferation and migration, as well as the release of NO. Moreover, we observed that treating mice with P-Exo induced the activation of renin-angiotensin system, although there was no significant change in blood pressure in mice.
Conclusions
These results strongly suggested that PSG1-enriched exosomes derived from maternal peripheral blood regulate the function of vascular endothelial cells and plays an important role in regulating maternal blood pressure during pregnancy.
Effect of compost on the nitrate phytoremediation by the mung bean plant
Authors: Farasati Masumeh , Ferdous Tanveer Saeed , Nazarpoor Reza , moghaddam Ali Nakhzari
Published: September 2022

The present study aims to investigate the effect of compost on the nitrate absorption capability
of the mung bean plant by employing the phytoremediation method. The examined factors at 7
levels include nitrate alone at concentration levels of 10, 30 and 50 mg/L, nitrate at concentration
levels of 10, 30 and 50 mg/l together with compost and control treatment (compost- and
nitrate-free soil) along with soil depth at three levels of 0-10, 10-20 and 20-30 cm.The highest wet
weights of the plant during the pod setting and maturity stages corresponding to the roots, were
estimated as 36.97and 17.69 g in the compost+nitrate treatment at concentration level of
50 mg/L (SCn3), respectively. However, the lowest wet weight during the pod setting
stage was recorded in the plant shoot as 4.87 g (control treatment) while it was measured as
6.41 g for the leaf during the maturity stage in the compost+irrigation treatment with a nitrate
concentration of 30 mg/l (Scn2). Furthermore, the highest plant’s dry weight (103.3 g) was
related to the plant root and irrigation treatment with 50 mg/l nitrate (Sn3) while the lowest
one (26.7 g) was associated with the leaf and control treatment. According to the results obtained,
during the pod setting stage, the nitrate uptake rate by mung bean root and shoot increased
with the increasing compost. Moreover, at high nitrate concentration levels, the effect of compost
on the nitrate uptake rate by the mung bean plant was greater and this matter was eventually transferred to the plant shoot.