bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection of mecA gene from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from school children, Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Bhandari Bina , Ansari Mehraj , pyakurel Susil , Rijal Sandeep , Sah Anil Kumar , Aryal Manita 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is an important pathogen affecting children worldwide. Children are at increased risk of nasal colonization and may be responsible for spreading S. aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) to the community settings. This study aimed to determine MRSA nasal colonization among school-going (aged 10–16 years) children of Kathmandu Valley and detect the mecA gene among isolated S. aureus. This study is the first study from Nepal to test the mecA gene from S. aureus from the community (school children). A total of 190 samples were collected from anterior nares, and S. aureus was identified using standard microbiological techniques. An antibiotic susceptibility test was performed, and MRSA screening was done by incorporating the cefoxitin disk in the AST plate. DNA was extracted using the hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) method, and the mecA gene was detected using PCR. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS v16.0. Among the total of 190 children, 85 (44.7%) had nasal S. aureus colonization, and 45 (53%) were positive for MRSA. The highest MRSA colonization (100%) was found in females aged 10–12 years. Age and handshaking habits were associated risk factors of nasal MRSA colonization. Gentamycin, linezolid, and vancomycin were highly effective against MRSA, and erythromycin was the least effective besides cefoxitin and penicillin. Similarly, among 45 MRSA isolates, 41 (91.1%) were mecA gene-positive, and among 40 MSSA isolates, 38 (95%) were mecA gene positive. Our study showed a high prevalence of MRSA among school children. The prevalence of the mecA gene among MRSA isolates was also high. Therefore, the proper screening of MRSA should be done to identify, decolonize carriers and prevent the possible spread of MRSA to students in school and even to the community.
Association between iron status markers and kidney outcome in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Fujisawa Hironobu , Nakayama Masaru , Haruyama Naoki , Fukui Akiko , Yoshitomi Ryota , Tsuruya Kazuhiko , Nakano Toshiaki , Kitazono Takanari 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The associations of iron status markers such as transferrin saturation (TSAT) and serum ferritin with kidney outcome in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) were inconsistent and remained strongly debated. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether TSAT and serum ferritin levels were associated with kidney outcome in such a population. In this prospective study, primary kidney outcome was a composite of doubling of serum creatinine, end-stage kidney disease, or death due to kidney failure. Participants were divided into quartiles (Q1–Q4) according to TSAT or serum ferritin levels. In the multivariable Cox analyses, compared with Q3 of TSAT, the hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for Q1, Q2, and Q4 were 1.22 (0.89, 1.69), 1.40 (1.03, 1.89), and 1.15 (0.82, 1.60), respectively. Compared with Q2 of serum ferritin, lower and higher quartiles had a significantly increased risk for kidney outcome; hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for Q1, Q3, and Q4 were 1.65 (1.19, 2.29), 1.74 (1.26, 2.40), and 1.53 (1.11, 2.11), respectively. A Fine-Gray model with death before kidney events as a competing risk showed results similar to the above. In CKD, lower and higher ferritin levels were independent risk factors for kidney disease progression.
Pottery decor as networks on the Middle Niger
Authors: Gestrich Nikolas , Schardt Juan-Marco Puerta 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
This paper reports on an attempt to analyse decorative techniques on archaeological pottery from the Middle Niger as knowledge exchange networks. The 12th-century CE state of this network is modelled and analysed, and then compared to its 9th-century counterpart. The analysis shows how knowledge about pottery decoration was propagated within networks of different sizes and intensities, from local, well-connected networks to more loosely tied long-distance connections. The article shows how the perspective of network analysis differs from, and can fruitfully complement, previous treatments of ceramic décor distribution in the region. It adds a novel perspective to what the distribution of archaeological ceramics in this region reflects, and contributes to the generation of hypotheses that can be further tested by fieldwork.
Evaluation of the functional state and mobility of patients after stroke depending on their cognitive state
Authors: Guzek Zbigniew , Dziubek Wioletta , Stefańska Małgorzata , Kowalska Joanna 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of rehabilitation in stroke patients depending on their cognitive state.
Methods: 180 patients were divided into four groups: 48 patients without symptoms of cognitive impairment (G1); 38 with mild cognitive impairment without dementia (G2); 47 with mild dementia (G3); 47 with moderate dementia (G4). The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Barthel Index (BI), Sitting Assessment Scale (SAS), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Trunk Control Test (TCT) and Test Up & Go (TUG) were used. The tests were carried out at the time of admission to the ward (T1) and at the time of discharge (T2).
Results: A statistically significant improvement was demonstrated in all parameters in the G1 group as well as in the G2 group. In the G3 group, a significant improvement was noted in the SAS-hand function, BI and BBS. In the G4 group, a significant improvement concerned only SAS - hand function. Regression analysis showed that MMSE and BI at T1 and MMSE score at T2 explained the functional status at T2.
Conclusions: Cognitive dysfunction at the time of admission to the ward and discharge may determining the patient's functional status at the time of discharge from the ward.
The minimal SUF system is not required for Fe-S cluster biogenesis in the methanogenic archaeon Methanosarcina acetivorans
Authors: Saini Jasleen , Deere Thomas , Lessner Daniel 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Iron-sulfur (Fe-S) proteins are essential for the ability of methanogens to carry out methanogenesis and biological nitrogen fixation (diazotrophy). Nonetheless, the factors involved in Fe-S cluster biogenesis in methanogens remain largely unknown. The minimal SUF Fe-S cluster biogenesis system (i.e., SufBC) is postulated to serve as the primary system in methanogens. Here, the role of SufBC in Methanosarcina acetivorans, which contains two sufCB gene clusters, was investigated. The CRISPRi-dCas9 and CRISPR-Cas9 systems were utilized to repress or delete sufC1B1 and sufC2B2, respectively. Neither the dual repression of sufC1B1 and sufC2B2 nor the deletion of both sufC1B1 and sufC2B2 affected the growth of M. acetivorans under any conditions tested, including diazotrophy. Interestingly, deletion of only sufC1B1 led to a delayed-growth phenotype under all growth conditions, suggesting that the deletion of sufC2B2 acts as a suppressor mutation in the absence of sufC1B1. In addition, the deletion of sufC1B1 and/or sufC2B2 did not affect the total Fe-S cluster content in M. acetivorans cells. Overall, these results reveal that the minimal SUF system is not required for Fe-S cluster biogenesis in M. acetivorans and challenge the universal role of SufBC in Fe-S cluster biogenesis in methanogens.
Hypertension Risk Stratification and Detection of Diabetes Mellitus- II: A Machine Learning and Deep Learning Paradigm for Early Assessment using Photoplethysmography
Authors: khan Muzaffar , Singh Bikesh Kumar , Nirala Neelamshobha 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Early diagnosis of prehypertensive patients is crucial in managing and preventing subsequent complications. The major challenge is that there are no alarming symptoms for the prehypertensive patients resulting in delayed diagnosis. Further, patients with hypertension have an increased risk of being diagnosed with type-2 diabetes. The existing systems are not suitable for large-scale screening. Additionally, they lack diagnostic accuracy, which is essential for early risk assessment of hypertension. This article aims to develop a diagnostic expert system for hypertension risk stratification and diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM-II) detection using photoplethysmography (PPG) signals. A total of 156 time-domain features are extracted from the PPG signal and its derivative in terms of time-span, amplitude, area, power and their ratios. ReliefF and minimum redundancy maximum relevance (mRMR) feature selection algorithms are employed to select 20 top optimal features with a correlation to systolic blood pressure (SBP) and Diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Several classification models optimized using Bayesian optimization with 10-fold cross-validation are adopted for comparison. The highest F1 scores for the Normal (NT) versus prehypertension (PHT), NT versus hypertension type 1 (HT-I) and NT versus hypertension type 2 (HT-II) are found to be 100%, 73.9%, 80.7% for SBP and 100%, 72.8%, 81.8% respectively for DBP. The F1 scores achieved by Bi-directional long short-term memory for NT vs. PHT, NT vs. HT-I, and NT vs. HT-II are 95.1%, 97.2% and 100%, respectively. Furthermore, the classification accuracy for NT vs. DM-II achieved an F1 score of 96.0%. Our results indicate that PPG can be successfully used for risk stratification of hypertension and detection of DM-II. Future work is required to prove the efficacy of the proposed technique on a larger dataset. Multi-modal or combination of clinical data with PPG for classification is also considered in future scope.
An experimental study on the failure behaviors of hybrid supercapacitors under overdischarge conditions
Authors: Wu Mingxia , Xie Shengnan , Yang Chongyang , Xue Xin , Li Heshun , Zhang Can , Xu Jiaqiang 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Hybrid supercapacitors (HSCs) have higher energy density which can meet more working conditions. However, the improved energy density also brings safety hazards. Thereinto, overdischarge is a common abuse situation that can lead to performance degradation and safety issues. Herein, we fabricated a large-format pouch cell HSC with a composite cathode including activated carbon (AC) and lithium nickel cobalt manganate oxide (NCM), hard carbon (HC) anode, and ceramic polyethylene terephthalate (PET) nonwoven separator. The failure behaviors of cyclic overdischarge and external short circuit were compared, and it is found that the performance failure of HSCs caused by external short circuit is more serious than cyclic overdischarge. After 250 cycles of discharge at 0 V and 0.5 V, copper (Cu) was found on both the anode and separator, but not found at the voltage of 1.0V, 1.5V and 2.0V after 500 cycles. After external short circuit for 24 h, the electrochemical performance decreased significantly, and the energy decayed to less than 80%. 5.62 wt% Cu was found on the anode after charge and discharge once. The gas composition after external short circuit is mainly methane (CH4) and ethylene (C2H4).
Yoke Stress Analysis of New Engines by Using Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Jadhav Swapnil , Patil Lalit , Patil Atul , Bhosale Digvijay , Patil Yashraj 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
In this study, an assembly fixture called a "Yoke" that is used to assemble different engine types is analyzed. The new engine has some unique parts which cannot be accommodated on the yoke during the assembly. The fouling part is the outlet water pipe which fouls one of the supporting blocks during the assembly. Therefore, the aim of the present work is to effectively accommodate the fouling parts without much modifying the components by using ANSYS. In order to adapt the changing design of new engines inexpensively, this fixture has to be analyzed to identify regions where stress is concentrated. With the aid of the simulation programme ANSYS, this study successfully illustrates the integration of the finite element methods to solve complicated issues quickly. These calculations are exceedingly time-consuming to complete manually, thus simulation software like ANSYS is utilized to complete them more quickly and correctly. The results have been validated by using its mathematical model. The most secure and cost-effective modification for the yoke would be found after thorough investigation in order to successfully accommodate the fouling or clashing elements during installation.
ATP2C1 knockdown induces abnormal expressions of cytoskeletal and tight junction proteins mimicking Hailey–Hailey disease
Authors: Zhou Mingzhu , Kang Shiran , Xia Yumin , Zhang Dingwei , Chen Wenwen 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Hailey–Hailey disease (HHD) is a rare, autosomal, dominant, and hereditary skin disorder characterized by epidermal acantholysis. The HHD-associated gene ATPase calcium-transporting type 2C member 1 (ATP2C1) encodes the protein secretory pathway Ca2 + ATPase1 (SPCA1), playing a critical role in HHD pathogenesis. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of ATP2C1 knockdown on keratinocyte cultures that mimicked HHD. The levels of cytoskeletal and tight junction proteins such as SPCA1, P-cofilin, F-actin, claudins, occludin, and zonula occludens 1 were analyzed in skin biopsies and cultured ATP2C1 knockdown keratinocytes. The results showed decreased levels of these proteins in HHD skin lesions. Moreover, their levels decreased in human keratinocytes transfected with ATP2C1 short hairpin RNA, accompanied by morphological acantholysis. Furthermore, the proliferation and apoptosis of the keratinocytes as well as intracellular calcium concentrations in these cells were not affected. The present findings indicated that SPCA1 inhibition led to abnormal levels of the cytoskeletal and tight junction proteins in the keratinocyte cultures. Therefore, keratinocyte cultures can mimic HHD and can serve as an in vitro model, thereby helping develop treatment strategies against HHD.
High-resolution prediction models for Rhipicephalus microplus and Amblyomma cajennense s.l. ticks affecting cattle and their spatial distribution in continental Ecuador using bioclimatic factors
Authors: Pérez-Otáñez Ximena , Rodríguez-Hidalgo Richar , Enríquez Sandra , Celi-Erazo Maritza , Benítez Washington , Saegerman Claude , Vaca-Moyano Franklin , Ron-Garrido Lenin , Vanwambeke Sophie O. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
In Ecuador, the main tick species affecting cattle are Rhipicephalus microplus and Amblyomma cajennense sensu lato. Understanding their spatial distribution is crucial. To assess their distribution, data from 2895 farms visited between 2012 and 2017 were utilized. Ticks were collected during animal inspections, with each farm's location georeferenced. Bioclimatic variables and vapor pressure deficit data from CHELSA were overlaid to develop predictive maps for each species using Random Forest (RF) models. The cross-validation results for RF prediction models showed high accuracy for both R. microplus and A. cajennense s.l. presence with values of Accuracy = 0.97 and 0.98, Sensitivity = 0.96 and 0.99, and Specificity = 0.96 and 0.93, respectively. A carefully selected subset of bioclimatic variables was used to describe the presence of each tick species. Higher levels of precipitation had positive effect on the presence of R. microplus but a negative effect on A. cajennense s.l. In contrast, isothermality (BIO3) resulted as more important for the presence of A. cajennense s.l. compared to R. microplus. As a result, R. microplus had a broader distribution across the country, while A. cajennense s.l. was mainly found in coastal areas with evident seasonality. The coexistence of both species in certain regions could be attributed to transitional zones, whereas high altitudes limited tick presence. This information can aid in developing appropriate tick management plans, particularly considering A. cajennense s.l.'s broad host range species and R. microplus's specificity for cattle. Moreover, the predictive models can identify areas at risk of associated challenging hemoparasite, requiring special attention and mitigation measures.
Prevalence of onychomycosis among diabetic population of District Doda (UT of J&amp;K, India) - a five year survey
Authors: Kotwal Sandeep , Sumbali Geeta 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Onychomycosis, which is the chronic fungal infection of finger and toe nails, is too prevalent in persons suffering with diabetes mellitus. Diabetes generally make a person more prone to a number of diseases due to their weakened immune system. Diabetics are almost three times more likely to develop onychomycosis than non-diabetics. In our present study, out of the 370 detected diabetic patients (190 males and 180 females), a total of 45 cases were found to be positive for onychomycosis, which showed a prevalence percentage of 12.16%. 35 onychomycotic male patients with a prevalence percentage of 9.46% and 10 onychomycotic female patients with a prevalence percentage of 2.70% with different clinical symptoms viz., Distal lateral subungual onychomycosis (DLSO), Proximal subungual onychomycosis (PSO), White superficial onychomycosis (WSO) and Total dystrophic onychomycosis (TDO) were reported. A total of 5 dermatophytes, 12 non-dermatophytes (yeast-like fungi) and 28 non-dermatophytes (filamentous fungi) were isolated from the nails of detected diabetic patients. The study also indicates that diabetic males are 3.5 times more prone to onychomycosis than diabetic females. This high prevalence of onychomycosis in diabetics is attributed to a combination of host factors including impaired glycaemic index, ischaemia, neuropathy and local immune-suppression. Onychomycosis can be especially important for some specific occupational groups because of their regular contact with soil, dirt and dust. Such people of the society, which depend upon physical labour for earning, such as, the farmers, gardeners, sweepers, maidservants, labourers, miners, etc., may be more prone to dermatophytic and non-dermatophytic onychomycosis and if they are diabetic then situation will become more complicated for them. This study also found that among detected diabetic patients highest prevalence rate of onychomycosis was found in employees (35.6%), farmers (24.4%), house-wives (17.8%), business-men (11.1%) and labourers (11.1%). Onychomycosis is a significant predictor for the development of secondary infections and foot ulcers in diabetes. Since, diabetics have vascular and nerve impairment, any minor injury to feet including a nail fungal infection can lead to more serious complications. Diabetics may have increased difficulty in doing regular foot check-ups due to obesity or retinopathy or cataracts, which may contribute to higher risk of developing complications from onychomycosis. In addition, symptoms go away very slowly and may take a year or more for the entire replacement of the old and infected nail. The study also found a correlation between the increasing age, diabetes and onychomycosis.
Soil Erosion in Al-Adhaim River Basin, Central Part of Iraq
Authors: Sissakian Varoujan K. , Elias Ziyad , Al-Ansari Nadhir 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Al-Adhaim River is a tributary of the Tigris River, it has three main tributaries: Khassa Soo, Aq Soo, and Tuz Chia, all of which are seasonal streams. The course of Al-Adhaim River and its three tributaries flow in a very rugged topography, especially in the upper courses with high gradients. The main present rocks in the catchment area are soft claystone with coarse conglomerate and sandstone, which are very easily eroded by running water, especially during floods. We have used SRTM images of ground resolution of 3-arc-second (90 m) and a vertical resolution of approximately 10 m to divide the catchment area into 14 sub-basins using ArcGIS (Arc map). Moreover, to calculate many factors concerning soil erosion, such as drainage density, erosion intensity, erosion rates, and soil erodibility. We have found that the drainage density ranges between (0.26–0.39) km/ km2 with class Poor, the Erosion Intensity ranges between (264–387) m/km2 with Very poor Zone, the Erosion rates (Kk) ranges from (0.01–0.325), and the Erosion Coefficient ranges from (0.7 − 1.0).
MiR-383 sensitizes osteosarcoma cells to cisplatin treatment via down-regulating PSMB5
Authors: Wang Haifan , Bai Chuanyi , Dang Xiaoqian , Wang Haoyu 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background： Proteasome inhibition represents a promising strategy for cancer therapy. Bortezomib, primarily targeting the chymotrypsin-like activity of PSMB5, has been proven effective in several tumors. However, variable sensitivity exits in response to bortezomib, which may be partially due to differences in the expression of proteasome subunits.
Methods and Results: In this study, we investigated whether miR-383 affects the proteasome subunits expression in osteosarcoma (OS) cells, and if so, whether OS cells display differential sensitivity to bortezomib concerning miR-383 expression. We detected a decreased miR-383 expression in OS cells and tissues. Then we found a negative correlation between bortezomib cytotoxicity and proteasome 20S core particle subunit β5 (PSMB5) expression level. Intriguingly, we found that PSMB5 is a target of miR-383. Higher expression of miR-383 led to decreased PSMB5 expression and exhibited greater sensitivity to bortezomib in OS cells.
Conclusions: In summary, our results represent the first comprehensive analysis of the role of miR-383 in OS. The results suggest that miR-383 may enhance the anticancer effect of bortezomib through PSMB5 repression, providing a novel therapeutic strategy in OS and a new pathway for proteasome regulation.
Comprehensive Ecological Health Assessment of the Qinghe River Basin: Towards Sustainable Management and Environmental Protection
Authors: Xu Chengbin , Lei Jingcheng , Zhang Jinfeng , Li Peiying , Zhang Hongliang , Meng Xuelian 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Ecosystem health assessment on a large river basin scale is a crucial area of focus in ecological health evaluation, representing a prominent research direction in environmental science and landscape ecology. The Qinghe River Basin, which faces multiple environmental challenges induced by human activities, has significant impacts on both the ecological environment and the sustainable development of society and economy. In order to fully understand the ecological health status of this basin, an ecological health assessment was conducted in there. With reference to the Guidelines for Basin Ecological Health Assessment (Trial), a systematic framework was developed to establish an assessment system that includes both aquatic and terrestrial systems within the basin to ensure a comprehensive evaluation. The WHI, which is a comprehensive assessment index, was utilized for this purpose.By adopting an integrated approach, the ecological health assessment of the Qinghe River Basin provides a comprehensive evaluation of the overall condition of the river basin. The results indicate an average evaluation grade of 58.66, reflecting the overall ecological health of the Qinghe River Basin. The assessment of the ecological system in the Qinghe River Basin is an important step in understanding the current situation and major issues faced by the basin. It also provides a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for promoting sustainable development, effective management, and comprehensive environmental protection in the area. This study not only contributes valuable insights to the scientific community but also supports policymakers and stakeholders in making informed decisions to protect ecological integrity and promote sustainable development.