bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modeling the dynamics of COVID-19 with real data from Thailand
Authors: Ibrahim Alhassan , Humphries Usa Wannasingha , Ngiamsunthorn Parinya Sa , Baba Isa Abdullahi , Qureshi Sania , Khan Amir 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn recent years, COVID-19 has evolved into many variants, posing new challenges for disease control and prevention. The Omicron variant, in particular, has been found to be highly contagious. In this study, we constructed and analyzed a mathematical model of COVID-19 transmission that incorporates vaccination and three different compartments of the infected population: asymptomatic $$(I_{a})$$

(

I
a

)

, symptomatic $$(I_{s})$$

(

I
s

)

, and Omicron $$(I_{m})$$

(

I
m

)

. The model is formulated in the Caputo sense, which allows for fractional derivatives that capture the memory effects of the disease dynamics. We proved the existence and uniqueness of the solution of the model, obtained the effective reproduction number, showed that the model exhibits both endemic and disease-free equilibrium points, and showed that backward bifurcation can occur. Furthermore, we documented the effects of asymptomatic infected individuals on the disease transmission. We validated the model using real data from Thailand and found that vaccination alone is insufficient to completely eradicate the disease. We also found that Thailand must monitor asymptomatic individuals through stringent testing to halt and subsequently eradicate the disease. Our study provides novel insights into the behavior and impact of the Omicron variant and suggests possible strategies to mitigate its spread.
A GIS-based framework to assess heatwave vulnerability and impact scenarios in urban systems
Authors: D’Ambrosio Valeria , Di Martino Ferdinando , Miraglia Vittorio 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn this work, we propose a GIS-based platform aimed at the analysis of heatwave scenarios risks produced in urbanised environments, applied to assess vulnerability and impact heatwave scenarios. Our framework implements a hierarchical model that represents a good trade-off between forecast accuracy and portability in different urban fabrics, apart from the spatial scale of the data, using topographic and remote sensing spatial data provided by institutional agencies. The framework has been applied to two study areas: the dense city of Naples (Italy) and the intermediately populated city of Avellino (Italy) in order to evaluate its accuracy performances and portability in different urban fabrics. Our framework can be used by urban planners and decision makers as a tool to locate potential risk zones where it is necessary to implement climate-resilient solutions.
Serum ferritin level during hospitalization is associated with Brain Fog after COVID-19
Authors: Ishikura Teruyuki , Nakano Tomohito , Kitano Takaya , Tokuda Takechiyo , Sumi-Akamaru Hisae , Naka Takashi 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains an epidemic worldwide. Most patients suffer residual symptoms, the so-called “Long COVID,” which includes respiratory and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Brain Fog, one of the symptoms of Long COVID, is a major public health issue because it can impair patients’ quality of life even after recovery from the disease. However, neither the pathogenesis nor the treatment of this condition remains unknown. We focused on serum ferritin levels in this study and collected information on the onset of Brain Fog through questionnaires and found that high ferritin levels during hospitalization were associated with the occurrence of Brain Fog. In addition, we excluded confounders as far as possible using propensity score analyses and found that ferritin was independently associated with Brain Fog in most of the models. We conducted phase analysis and evaluated the interaction of each phase with ferritin levels and Brain Fog. We found a positive correlation between serum ferritin levels during hospitalization and Brain Fog after COVID-19. High ferritin levels in patients with Brain Fog may reflect the contribution of chronic inflammation in the development of Brain Fog. This study provides a novel insight into the pathogenic mechanism of Brain Fog after COVID-19.
Clostridioides difficile infection in thoroughbred horses in Japan from 2010 to 2021
Authors: Uchida-Fujii Eri , Niwa Hidekazu , Senoh Mitsutoshi , Kato Haru , Kinoshita Yuta , Mita Hiroshi , Ueno Takanori 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWe encountered 34 Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infection (CDI) cases among Thoroughbred horses in Japan from 2010 to 2021. Among them, 79.4% (27/34) either died or were euthanised. The risk factors associated with CDI and mortality among Japanese Thoroughbred horses remain unclear. We used genetic methods to examine C. difficile strains and their relationships with prognosis. Twenty-two (64.7%) cases were hospitalised at the onset of colitis. Outcomes were balanced for hospitalisation rates at the onset of colitis. The mortality rates of cases treated with metronidazole (65.0%) were significantly lower than untreated cases (100%). The predominant genotype of C. difficile isolate was polymerase chain reaction ribotype (RT) 078, isolated from 12 cases (35.3%), followed by RT014 (six cases, 17.6%). Binary toxin (C. difficile transferase [CDT])-positive strains, including all RT078 strains, were isolated from 16 horses. Mortality rates in RT078 strain (75.0%) or CDT-positive strain (83.3%) cases were comparable to that in cases of other types. Sufficient infection control is needed to prevent CDI in Thoroughbred horses. A timely and prompt CDI diagnosis leading to metronidazole treatment would improve CDI outcomes.
Occurrences, sources and health hazard estimation of potentially toxic elements in the groundwater of Garhwal Himalaya, India
Authors: Aswal R. S. , Prasad Mukesh , Patel Narendra K. , Srivastav A. L. , Egbueri Johnbosco C. , Kumar G. Anil , Ramola R. C. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractHigh concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in potable water can cause severe human health disorders. Present study examined the fitness of groundwater for drinking purpose based on the occurrence of nine PTEs in a heavy pilgrim and tourist influx region of the Garhwal Himalaya, India. The concentrations of analyzed PTEs in groundwater were observed in the order of Zn > Mn > As > Al > Cu > Cr > Se > Pb > Cd. Apart from Mn and As, other PTEs were within the corresponding guideline values. Spatial maps were produced to visualize the distribution of the PTEs in the area. Estimated water pollution indices and non-carcinogenic risk indicated that the investigated groundwater is safe for drinking purpose, as the hazard index was < 1 for all the water samples. Assessment of the cancer risk of Cr, As, Cd, and Pb also indicated low health risks associated with groundwater use, as the values were within the acceptable range of ≤ 1 × 10−6 to 1 × 10−4. Multivariate statistical analyses were used to describe the various possible geogenic and anthropogenic sources of the PTEs in the groundwater resources although the contamination levels of the PTEs were found to pose no serious health risk. However, the present study recommends to stop the discharge of untreated wastewater and also to establish cost-effective as well as efficient water treatment facility nearby the study area. Present work’s findings are vital as they may protect the health of the massive population from contaminated water consumption. Moreover, it can help the researchers, governing authorities and water supplying agencies to take prompt and appropriate decisions for water security.
Photo-dependent cytosolic delivery of shRNA into a single blastomere in a mouse embryo
Authors: Ikawa Yuka , Wakai Takuya , Funahashi Hiroaki , Soe Tet Htut , Watanabe Kazunori , Ohtsuki Takashi 
Published: August 2023

AbstractSingle-cell-specific delivery of small RNAs, such as short hairpin RNA (shRNA) and small noncoding RNAs, allows us to elucidate the roles of specific upregulation of RNA expression and RNAi-mediated gene suppression in early embryo development. The photoinduced cytosolic dispersion of RNA (PCDR) method that we previously reported can introduce small RNAs into the cytosol of photoirradiated cells and enable RNA delivery into a single-cell in a spatiotemporally specific manner. However, the PCDR method has only been applied to planer cultured cells and not to embryos. This study demonstrated that the PCDR method can be utilized for photo-dependent cytosolic shRNA delivery into a single blastomere and for single blastomere-specific RNA interference in mouse embryos. Our results indicate that PCDR is a promising approach for studying the developmental process of early embryogenesis.
Weakening of decadal variation of Northern Hemisphere land monsoon rainfall under global warming
Authors: Jiang Yeyan , Li Juan , Wang Bin , Yang Youngmin , Zhu Zhiwei 
Published: August 2023

AbstractOver the past century, Northern Hemisphere (NH) land monsoon rainfall (NHLMR) experienced significant decadal to multidecadal variations, mainly driven by an east–west sea surface temperature (SST) contrast over the Pacific (EWPC) and an interhemispheric North Atlantic–South Indian Ocean SST dipole (NAID). However, how the NHLMR’s decadal variation would vary and whether the oceanic forcing could continue to drive it in a warming world remain unexplored. Here, by analyzing 24 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) models’ historical simulations and future projections, we show that the leading mode of decadal NHLMR will retain its nearly-uniform spatial pattern and representation of the NHLMR’s intensity. In the future, the significant periodicities of decadal NHLMR are shortened as emissions levels increase. The intensity of decadal NHLMR variation will experience a comprehensive decline under various emission scenarios, which may link to the weakened intensity of NAID and EWPC. Although the relationship between EWPC and decadal NHLMR is slightly weakened in the future, EWPC will remain a primary driver while NAID is no longer. The significant historical correlation between NAID and NHLMR is mainly attributed to the influence of increased anthropogenic aerosols emission. However, the NAID-NHLMR linkage would no longer exist owing to the decline of anthropogenic aerosol emission in the future.
Combining chemical and organic treatments enhances remediation performance and soil health in saline-sodic soils
Authors: Rezapour Salar , Nouri Amin , Asadzadeh Farrokh , Barin Mohsen , Erpul Günay , Jagadamma Sindhu , Qin Ruijun 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWe investigated the individual and synergistic impact of gypsum, elemental sulfur, vermicompost, biochar, and microbial inoculation on soil health improvement in degrading calcareous saline-sodic soils. We developed Linear and nonlinear soil health quantification frameworks to assess the efficacy of remedial practices. The combined inoculated chemical and organic treatments; gypsum + vermicompost and elemental sulfur + vermicompost with 134% (0.29 versus 0.68) and 116% (0.29 versus 0.62) increases in nonlinear index, significantly increased the efficacy of amendments compared with control. An increase in the overall soil health index ranged between 12 to 134%. Microbial inoculation further enhanced the impact of treatments on soil health. Soil health properties included in the indexes explained 29 to 87% of the variance in wheat growth. The findings bring insight into the cost-effective and environmentally sustainable practices to recover degraded saline-sodic soils. Furthermore, the introduced soil health indexes offer a quantitative evaluation of soil remediation strategies.
International Sponsored Places: 47th FEBS Congress and 22nd Young Scientists’ Forum 2023
Authors: Ollett Lucy 
Published: August 2023

Each year, the Biochemical Society fully sponsors the attendance of two outstanding postgraduate or early career members to attend the Federation of European Biochemical Societies (FEBS) Congress and Young Scientists’ Forum (YSF). With a theme of ‘Together in bioscience for a better future’, the 47th FEBS Congress and 22nd YSF combined research presentations, general talks and practical career exercises to showcase the newest developments in biochemistry, molecular biology and related areas. Providing an incredible opportunity to make connections with European colleagues and discuss research with an international audience, we were delighted to offer International Sponsored Places to Dr Yang Li (University College London, UK) and Dr Ewa Blaszczak (Medical University of Lublin, Poland) in 2023.
Here, Yang and Ewa discuss their experiences at this year’s meetings and highlight the valuable networking and interactions developed as a result of their participation.
Maternal hepatic adaptations during obese pregnancy encompass lobe-specific mitochondrial alterations and oxidative stress
Authors: Grilo Luís F. , Martins João D. , Diniz Mariana S. , Tocantins Carolina , Cavallaro Chiara H. , Baldeiras Inês , Cunha-Oliveira Teresa , Ford Stephen , Nathanielsz Peter W. , Oliveira Paulo J. , Pereira Susana P. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Maternal obesity (MO) is rising worldwide, affecting half of all gestations, constituting a possible risk-factor for some pregnancy-associated liver diseases (PALD) and hepatic diseases. PALD occur in approximately 3% of pregnancies and are characterized by maternal hepatic oxidative stress (OS) and mitochondrial dysfunction. Maternal hepatic disease increases maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Understanding the role of MO on liver function and pathophysiology could be crucial for better understanding the altered pathways leading to PALD and liver disease, possibly paving the way to prevention and adequate management of disease. We investigated specific hepatic metabolic alterations in mitochondria and oxidative stress during MO at late-gestation.
Maternal hepatic tissue was collected at 90% gestation in Control and MO ewes (fed 150% of recommended nutrition starting 60 days before conception). Maternal hepatic redox state, mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC), and OS markers were investigated. MO decreased MRC complex-II activity and its subunits SDHA and SDHB protein expression, increased complex-I and complex-IV activities despite reduced complex-IV subunit mtCO1 protein expression, and increased ATP synthase ATP5A subunit. Hepatic MO-metabolic remodeling was characterized by decreased adenine nucleotide translocator 1 and 2 (ANT-1/2) and voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) protein expression and protein kinase A (PKA) activity (P&lt;0.01), and augmented NAD+/NADH ratio due to reduced NADH levels (P&lt;0.01). MO showed an altered redox state with increased OS, increased lipid peroxidation (P&lt;0.01), decreased GSH/GSSG ratio (P=0.005), increased superoxide dismutase (P=0.03) and decreased catalase (P=0.03) antioxidant enzymatic activities, lower catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPX)-4 and glutathione reductase protein expression (P&lt;0.05), and increased GPX-1 abundance (P=0.03). MO-related hepatic changes were more evident in the right lobe, corroborated by the integrative data analysis.
Hepatic tissue from obese pregnant ewes showed alterations in the redox state, consistent with OS and MRC and metabolism remodeling. These are hallmarks of PALD and hepatic disease, supporting MO as a risk-factor and highlighting OS and mitochondrial dysfunction as mechanisms responsible for liver disease predisposition.
Brief early life angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition attenuates the diuretic response to saline loading in sheep with solitary functioning kidney
Authors: McArdle Zoe , Singh Reetu R. , Moritz Karen M. , Schreuder Michiel F. , Denton Kate M. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
A solitary functioning kidney (SFK) from birth predisposes to hypertension and kidney dysfunction, and this may be associated with impaired fluid and sodium homeostasis. Brief and early angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition (ACEi) in a sheep model of SFK delays onset of kidney dysfunction. We hypothesized that modulation of the renin–angiotensin system via brief postnatal ACEi in SFK would reprogram renal sodium and water handling. Here, blood pressure (BP), kidney haemodynamics and kidney excretory function were examined in response to an isotonic saline load (0.13 ml/kg/min, 180 min) at 20 months of age in SFK (fetal unilateral nephrectomy at 100 days gestation; term 150 days), sham and SFK+ACEi sheep (ACEi in SFK 4–8 weeks of age). Basal BP was higher in SFK than sham (∼13 mmHg), and similar between SFK and SFK+ACEi groups. Saline loading caused a small increase in BP (∼3–4 mmHg) the first 2 h in SFK and sham sheep but not SFK+ACEi sheep. Glomerular filtration rate did not change in response to saline loading. Total sodium excretion was similar between groups. Total urine excretion was similar between SFK and sham animals but was ∼40% less in SFK+ACEi animals compared with SFK animals. In conclusion, the present study indicates that water homeostasis in response to a physiological challenge is attenuated at 20 months of age by brief early life ACEi in SFK. Further studies are required to determine if ACEi in early life in children with SFK could compromise fluid homeostasis later in life.
Barriers to Informational Support for Care Partners of People With Aphasia After Stroke
Authors: Shafer Jennifer S. , Haley Katarina L. , Jacks Adam 
Published: August 2023

Background:
Care partners of people with aphasia after stroke need various informational supports, such as aphasia education and resources for psychosocial support. However, informational support may vary across clinicians, and access to these supports remains a persistent unmet need. Using implementation science frameworks can help to assess the gap between what is known about an issue and what is occurring in practice.

Aim:
The aim was to identify barriers to providing informational support for care partners of people with aphasia after stroke.

Method and Procedure:
We performed a secondary analysis of qualitative data collected from two of our previous studies. New themes were identified by comparing feedback from both speech-language pathologists and care partners, and previously assigned codes were interpreted relative to the Knowledge to Action (KTA) framework.

Outcomes and Results:
We identified four implementation themes that were specifically related to the action cycle of the KTA framework: (a) Aphasia rehabilitation tends to exclude care partners, (b) aphasia rehabilitation can be hard to understand, (c) structure is lacking for care partner check-ins, and (d) care partner informational support rarely extends beyond the acute phases of recovery.

Conclusion:
The results suggest that changes are needed at both systemic and care provider levels to ensure that tailored information is provided to care partners of people with aphasia.
Front wheel angle control for steering system of intelligent commercial vehicle based on model predictive control
Authors: Li Yafei , Yang Yiyong 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAccurate control of front wheel angle is essential in intelligent vehicle electric‐hydraulic power steering (EHPS) system, because it has a significant impact on the safety, comfort, and reliability of vehicle steering. However, the accurate control of front wheel angle is a challenging problem due to the non‐linearity of hydraulic power in steering system and the uncertainty of steering resistance. In this paper, a model predictive control (MPC) method for front wheel angle based on steering resistance estimation is proposed. Firstly, through theoretical analysis and practical experiment of EHPS system model, the relationship between front wheel angle and steering wheel angle and the non‐linear characteristics of hydraulic power are obtained. Secondly, a sliding mode observer is established to estimate the front axle lateral tyre force and steering resistance, which is verified by MATLAB/TruckSim co‐simulation. Then a controller based on the MPC theory is designed and applied to the accurate control unit of front wheel angle in the EHPS system for real‐time control. Finally, the simulation and test platform results show that the control algorithm proposed in this paper can precisely control the vehicle's front wheel turning angle within a certain frequency range.
Expanding Perfusion Services Through Mobile Point-of-Care Coagulation Monitoring
Authors: Kohtz Ryan J. , Stammers Alfred H. , Mills Nancy J. , Petterson Craig M. , Nichols Jeffery D. , Kmiecik Scott A. , Liu Jun-Li , Zheng Hong 
Published: August 2023

Current trends in cardiac surgery have challenged perfusionists to seek diversification of services. Point-of-care coagulation (POCC) monitoring represents a desirable area of perfusion service expansion. The purpose of the study was to create a series of hemostatic conditions to assess the functionality of POCC monitors to identify specific coagulopathies with identifiable profiles for algorithm development.
Fresh (<4 h) bovine blood, anticoagulated with anticoagulant citrate dextrose, was adjusted to a hematocrit of 30.0 ± 2.0%. Hypofibrinogenemia (≤90 mg/dL), thrombocytopenia (≤70,000/ mm3), platelet dysfunction (850 µg/mL of nitroglycerin/mL of blood) and hyperfibrinolysis (0.40 units of urokinase/mL of blood) were created. Five POCC devices were used to evaluate activated clotting time, thrombin time, fibrinogen, platelet function, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and thromboelastograph. Results are reported as percentage change from control for each test (abtract table). Each test performed showed specificity and sensitivity for certain coagulopathies, however variability amongst monitors was encountered. In conclusion, the development of a mobile cart incorporating POCC monitors with knowledge of specific coagulopathic conditions may expand perfusion service.

Summary of results for induced coagulopathesis.

Device
Hypofibrinogenemia
Thrombocytopenia
Platelet Dysfunction
Hyperfibrinolysis

TEG index
−146% p < .05
−84% p < .05
−415% p < .05
−90% p < .05

ACT
23% p < .05
4% p = NS
89% p < .05
27% p < .05

Thrombin time
16% p = NS
−4% p = NS
19% p = NS
20% p = NS

Fibrinogen
–47% p < .05
−19% p = <.05
12% p = NS
5% p = NS

Platelet function
No result
−43% p < NS
No result
−19% p = NS
Role of Adrenal Vein Sampling in Guiding Surgical Decision in Primary
Aldosteronism
Authors: Younes Nada , Larose Stéphanie , Bourdeau Isabelle , Therasse Eric , Lacroix André 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAdrenal vein sampling (AVS) is recommended for subtyping primary aldosteronism
(PA) to identify lateralized or bilateral sources of aldosterone excess,
allowing for better decision-making in regard to medical or surgical management
on a case-by-case basis. To date, no consensus exists on protocols to be used
during AVS, especially concerning sampling techniques, the timing of sampling,
and whether or not to use adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation.
Interpretation criteria for selectivity, lateralization, and contralateral
suppression vary from one expert center to another, with some favoring strict
cut-offs to others being more permissive. Clinical and biochemical
post-operative outcomes can also be influenced by AVS criteria utilized to
indicate surgical therapy.In this review, we reanalyze studies on AVS highlighting the recent pathological
findings of frequent micronodular hyperplasia adjacent to a dominant
aldosteronoma (APA) overlapping with bilateral idiopathic hyperaldosteronism
(IHA) etiologies, as opposed to the less frequent unilateral single
aldosteronoma. The variable expression of melanocortin type 2 receptors in the
nodules and hyperplasia may explain the frequent discordance in lateralization
ratios between unstimulated and ACTH- stimulated samples. We conclude that
aldosterone values collected during simultaneous bilateral sampling, both at
baseline and post-ACTH stimulation, are required to adequately evaluate
selectivity, lateralization, and contralateral suppression during AVS, to better
identify all patients with PA that can benefit from a surgical indication.
Recommended cut-offs for each ratio are also presented.