bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A scoping review exploring oral health inequalities in India: a call for action to reform policy, practice and research
Authors: Dasson Bajaj Parul , Shenoy Ramya , Davda Latha Sanjay , Mala Kundabala , Bajaj Gagan , Rao Ashwini , K.S. Aparna , Pai Mithun , Jodalli Praveen , B.R. Avinash
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Reduction in health inequalities and providing universal access to health care have been identified as two important global milestones by the World Health Organization for countries to achieve by 2030. Therefore, recognizing the magnitude of oral health inequalities in India has become a pressing priority to improve access to dental care within the country. This scoping review was conducted with the aim of reviewing, collating and analysing the current knowledge base on oral health inequalities in India.

Methodology

The scoping review followed Arksey and O’Malley’s approach, and reporting was performed in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A systematic search was conducted on Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE to identify literature addressing one or more dimensions of oral health inequalities in India, published in English between January 2002 and April 2022. The data were charted, and qualitative analysis was performed to derive themes, highlighting the key concepts emerging from this review.

Results

In accordance with the eligibility criteria, a total of 71 articles retrieved through database search and backward citation search were included in this scoping review. The major themes ranged from individual to diverse sociodemographic factors acting as barriers to and facilitators of access to dental care. Deficiencies in human resources for oral health, along with a wide diversity in dental service provision and dental education were other major themes contributing to inequality. Subsequently, this has resulted in recommendations on restructuring the dental workforce and their development and modifications in oral health care policies and practices. The qualitative synthesis demonstrates the intertwined nature of the multiple factors that influence the goal of achieving an affordable, accessible, extensive and inclusive oral healthcare system in India.

Conclusions

This comprehensive review provides a broad perspective on oral health inequalities in India, providing valuable insights for both researchers and policymakers in this area and guiding their efforts towards achieving universal oral health coverage in the Indian context.
Rates of compliance and adherence to high-intensity interval training: a systematic review and Meta-analyses
Authors: Santos Alexandre , Braaten Kyra , MacPherson Megan , Vasconcellos Diego , Vis-Dunbar Mathew , Lonsdale Chris , Lubans David , Jung Mary E.
Published: November 2023

Background

To determine rates of compliance (i.e., supervised intervention attendance) and adherence (i.e., unsupervised physical activity completion) to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) among insufficiently active adults and adults with a medical condition, and determine whether compliance and adherence rates were different between HIIT and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT).

Methods

Articles on adults in a HIIT intervention and who were either insufficiently active or had a medical condition were included. MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, and Web of Science were searched. Article screening and data extraction were completed by two independent reviewers. Risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2.0 or ROBINS-I. Meta-analyses were conducted to discern differences in compliance and adherence between HIIT vs. MICT. Sensitivity analyses, publication bias, sub-group analyses, and quality appraisal were conducted for each meta-analysis.

Results

One hundred eighty-eight unique studies were included (n = 8928 participants). Compliance to HIIT interventions averaged 89.4% (SD:11.8%), while adherence to HIIT averaged 63% (SD: 21.1%). Compliance and adherence to MICT averaged 92.5% (SD:10.6%) and 68.2% (SD:16.2%), respectively. Based on 65 studies included in the meta-analysis, compliance rates were not different between supervised HIIT and MICT interventions [Hedge’s g = 0.015 (95%CI: − 0.088–0.118), p = .78]. Results were robust and low risk of publication bias was detected. No differences were detected based on sub-group analyses comparing medical conditions or risk of bias of studies. Quality of the evidence was rated as moderate over concerns in the directness of the evidence. Based on 10 studies, adherence rates were not different between unsupervised HIIT and MICT interventions [Hedge’s g = − 0.313 (95%CI: − 0.681–0.056), p = .096]. Sub-group analysis points to differences in adherence rates dependent on the method of outcome measurement. Adherence results should be interpreted with caution due to very low quality of evidence.

Conclusions

Compliance to HIIT and MICT was high among insufficiently active adults and adults with a medical condition. Adherence to HIIT and MICT was relatively moderate, although there was high heterogeneity and very low quality of evidence. Further research should take into consideration exercise protocols employed, methods of outcome measurement, and measurement timepoints.

Registration

This review was registered in the PROSPERO database and given the identifier CRD42019103313.
LIPH contributes to glycolytic phenotype in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma by activating LPA/LPAR axis and maintaining ALDOA stability
Authors: Han Lijie , Jiang Yongsheng , Shi Minmin , Gan Lina , Wu Zhichong , Xue Meilin , Zhu Youwei , Xiong Cheng , Wang Ting , Lin Xiaozhu , Shen Baiyong , Jiang Lingxi , Chen Hao
Published: November 2023

Background

LIPH, a membrane-associated phosphatidic acid-selective phospholipase A1a, can produce LPA (Lysophosphatidic acid) from PA (Phosphatidic acid) on the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane. It is well known that LIPH dysfunction contributes to lipid metabolism disorder. Previous study shows that LIPH was found to be a potential gene related to poor prognosis with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, the biological functions of LIPH in PDAC remain unclear.

Methods

Cell viability assays were used to evaluate whether LIPH affected cell proliferation. RNA sequencing and immunoprecipitation showed that LIPH participates in tumor glycolysis by stimulating LPA/LPAR axis and maintaining aldolase A (ALDOA) stability in the cytosol. Subcutaneous, orthotopic xenograft models and patient-derived xenograft PDAC model were used to evaluate a newly developed Gemcitabine-based therapy.

Results

LIPH was significantly upregulated in PDAC and was related to later pathological stage and poor prognosis. LIPH downregulation in PDAC cells inhibited colony formation and proliferation. Mechanistically, LIPH triggered PI3K/AKT/HIF1A signaling via LPA/LPAR axis. LIPH also promoted glycolysis and de novo synthesis of glycerolipids by maintaining ALDOA stability in the cytosol. Xenograft models show that PDAC with high LIPH expression levels was sensitive to gemcitabine/ki16425/aldometanib therapy without causing discernible side effects.

Conclusion

LIPH directly bridges PDAC cells and tumor microenvironment to facilitate aberrant aerobic glycolysis via activating LPA/LPAR axis and maintaining ALDOA stability, which provides an actionable gemcitabine-based combination therapy with limited side effects.

Graphical Abstract
Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) predicts mortality in hospitalized geriatric patients independent of the admission diagnosis: a multicenter prospective cohort study
Authors: Di Rosa Mirko , Sabbatinelli Jacopo , Soraci Luca , Corsonello Andrea , Bonfigli Anna Rita , Cherubini Antonio , Sarzani Riccardo , Antonicelli Roberto , Pelliccioni Giuseppe , Galeazzi Roberta , Marchegiani Francesca , Iuorio Salvatore , Colombo Daniele , Burattini Maurizio , Lattanzio Fabrizia , Olivieri Fabiola
Published: November 2023

Background

The Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a marker of poor prognosis in hospitalized older patients with different diseases, but there is still no consensus on the optimal cut-off value to identify older patients at high-risk of in-hospital mortality. Therefore, in this study we aimed at both validating NLR as a predictor of death in older hospitalized patients and assess whether the presence of specific acute diseases can modify its predictive value.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included 5034 hospitalizations of older patients admitted to acute care units in the context of the ReportAge study. NLR measured at admission was considered as the exposure variable, while in-hospital mortality was the outcome of the study. ROC curves with Youden’s method and restricted cubic splines were used to identify the optimal NLR cut-off of increased risk. Cox proportional hazard models, stratified analyses, and Kaplan–Meier survival curves were used to analyse the association between NLR and in-hospital mortality.

Results

Both continuous and categorical NLR value (cut-off ≥ 7.95) predicted mortality in bivariate and multivariate prognostic models with a good predictive accuracy. The magnitude of this association was even higher in patients without sepsis, congestive heart failure, and pneumonia, and those with higher eGFR, albumin, and hemoglobin (p < 0.001). A negative multiplicative interaction was found between NLR and eGFR < 45 (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

NLR at admission is a readily available and cost-effective biomarker that could improve identification of geriatric patients at high risk of death during hospital stay independent of admitting diagnosis, kidney function and hemoglobin levels.
Analysis of codon usage bias of thioredoxin in apicomplexan protozoa
Authors: Wang Dawei , Yang Baoling
Published: November 2023

Background

Apicomplexan protozoa are a diverse group of obligate intracellular parasites causing many diseases that affect humans and animals, such as malaria, toxoplasmosis, and cryptosporidiosis. Apicomplexan protozoa possess unique thioredoxins (Trxs) that have been shown to regulate various cellular processes including metabolic redox regulation, parasite survival, and host immune evasion. However, it is still unknown how synonymous codons are used by apicomplexan protozoa Trxs.

Methods

Codon usage bias (CUB) is the unequal usage of synonymous codons during translation which leads to the over- or underrepresentation of certain nucleotide patterns. This imbalance in CUB can impact a variety of cellular processes including protein expression levels and genetic variation. This study analyzed the CUB of 32 Trx coding sequences (CDS) from 11 apicomplexan protozoa.

Results

The results showed that both codon base composition and relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) analysis revealed that AT-ended codons were more frequently used in Cryptosporidium spp. and Plasmodium spp., while the Eimeria spp., Babesia spp., Hammondia hammondi, Neospora caninum, and Toxoplasma gondii tended to end in G/C. The average effective number of codon (ENC) value of these apicomplexan protozoa is 46.59, which is > 35, indicating a weak codon preference among apicomplexan protozoa Trxs. Furthermore, the correlation analysis among codon base composition (GC1, GC2, GC3, GCs), codon adaptation index (CAI), codon bias index (CBI), frequency of optimal codons (FOP), ENC, general average hydropathicity (GRAVY), aromaticity (AROMO), length of synonymous codons (L_sym), and length of amino acids (L_aa) indicated the influence of base composition and codon usage indices on CUB. Additionally, the neutrality plot analysis, PR2-bias plot analysis, and ENC-GC3 plot analysis further demonstrated that natural selection plays an important role in apicomplexan protozoa Trxs codon bias.

Conclusions

In conclusion, this study increased the understanding of codon usage characteristics and genetic evolution of apicomplexan protozoa Trxs, which expanded new ideas for vaccine and drug research.

Graphical Abstract
Estimating attrition in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment clinical trials
Authors: Ritchie Marina , Gillen Daniel L. , Grill Joshua D.
Published: November 2023

Background

Participant retention is a key factor that affects clinical trial integrity. Trial protocols estimate attrition as a function of sample size calculations. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an area of active treatment development. We aimed to quantify the association between trial duration and completion rates and provide guidance for estimating attrition in AD trial protocols.

Methods

Using the Alzforum and ClinicalTrials.gov databases, we analyzed retention data from 125 mild-to-moderate AD and 12 mild cognitive impairment (MCI) clinical trials. We compared the rates of completion between trial arms (active vs. control) and ran regression models to test the hypothesis that trials with longer study duration have lower trial completion using all available data and restricting to placebo data. Our primary outcome was the odds of trial completion for a 6-month increase in trial duration. From the regression model, we estimated the proportion of participants completing 6-, 12-, and 18-month trials.

Results

We found that 21 (17%) mild-to-moderate AD trials and 1 (8%) MCI trial demonstrated greater dropout in treatment compared to placebo arms. For every 6-month increase in trial duration, there was a 27% decrease in the odds of trial completion (OR = 0.73; 95% CI 0.66, 0.81; p < 0.001) among participants in mild-to-moderate AD trials and a 55% decrease (OR = 0.45; 95% CI 0.36, 0.57; p < 0.001) among participants in MCI trials. The proportion of participants in the placebo group completing 6-, 12-, and 18-month trials were estimated to be 85.2%, 80.0%, and 73.3% for mild-to-moderate AD trials and 91.9%, 84.2%, and 71.3% for MCI trials, respectively.

Conclusions

Longer duration trials may be underpowered to demonstrate estimated treatment effects and may suffer from a greater risk of bias than do shorter trials.
Association between quality of governance, antibiotic consumption, and antimicrobial resistance: an analysis of Italian regions
Authors: Maugeri Andrea , Barchitta Martina , Agodi Antonella
Published: November 2023

Background

Emerging research has provided evidence suggesting the potential influence of governance on the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), accounting for significant disparities observed both between and within countries. In our study, we conducted an ecological analysis to investigate the relationship between governance quality, antibiotic consumption, and AMR across Italian regions.

Methods

By leveraging data from three distinct sources at the regional level, we compiled a comprehensive dataset comprising: AMR proportions for three specific pathogen-antibiotic combinations in the year 2021, antibiotic consumption data for systemic use in the year 2020, and the 2021 European Quality of Government Index (EQI) and its corresponding pillars. Employing mediation analysis, we investigated the potential mediating role of antibiotic consumption in the association between the EQI and an average measure of AMR.

Results

Our analysis revealed substantial variation in the percentages of AMR across different regions in Italy, demonstrating a discernible North-to-South gradient concerning both antibiotic usage and governance quality. The EQI exhibited a statistically significant negative correlation with both antibiotic consumption and AMR percentages, encompassing both specific combinations and their average value. Regions characterized by higher levels of governance quality consistently displayed lower values of antibiotic consumption and AMR, while regions with lower governance quality tended to exhibit higher levels of antibiotic use and AMR. Furthermore, we observed a significant total effect of the EQI on average AMR (β = − 0.97; CI − 1.51; − 0.43). Notably, this effect was found to be mediated by antibiotic consumption, as evidenced by a significant indirect effect (β = − 0.89; CI − 1.45; − 0.32).

Conclusions

These findings draw attention to the regional disparities observed in AMR levels, antibiotic consumption patterns, and governance quality in Italy. Our study also highlights the mediating role of antibiotic consumption in the relationship between governance quality and AMR. This underscores the significance of implementing focused interventions and policies aimed at improving governance quality and promoting responsible antibiotic use.
Deep learning image segmentation for the reliable porosity measurement of high-capacity Ni-based oxide cathode secondary particles
Authors: Lee Hee-Beom , Jung Min-Hyoung , Kim Young-Hoon , Park Eun-Byeol , Jang Woo-Sung , Kim Seon-Je , Choi Ki-ju , Park Ji-young , Hwang Kee-bum , Shim Jae-Hyun , Yoon Songhun , Kim Young-Min
Published: November 2023

The optimization of geometrical pore control in high-capacity Ni-based cathode materials is required to enhance the cyclic performance of lithium-ion batteries. Enhanced porosity improves lithium-ion mobility by increasing the electrode–electrolyte contact area and reducing the number of ion diffusion pathways. However, excessive porosity can diminish capacity, thus necessitating optimizing pore distribution to compromise the trade-off relation. Accordingly, a statistically meaningful porosity estimation of electrode materials is required to engineer the local pore distribution inside the electrode particles. Conventional scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image-based porosity measurement can be used for this purpose. However, it is labor-intensive and subjected to human bias for low-contrast pore images, thereby potentially lowering measurement accuracy. To mitigate these difficulties, we propose an automated image segmentation method for the reliable porosity measurement of cathode materials using deep convolutional neural networks specifically trained for the analysis of porous cathode materials. Combined with the preprocessed SEM image datasets, the model trained for 100 epochs exhibits an accuracy of > 97% for feature segmentation with regard to pore detection on the input datasets. This automated method considerably reduces manual effort and human bias related to the digitization of pore features in serial section SEM image datasets used in 3D electron tomography.

Graphical abstract
Engaging East Harlem, New York youth in action gun violence prevention research and child rights: a preliminary study
Authors: Malla Pallavi , Fray Nakesha , Formica Margaret K. , Goldberg Danielle , Marchesani Robert , Hennessy Patricia , Ervine Moshay , Wallace Jacqueline G. , Larson Elaine , Wridt Pamela , Laraque-Arena Danielle ,   IAACT, Mrozowski Adam , Troung Alexander , Lugo Alina , Hoffman Benjamin , Haughton Brianna , Duran Dibrianys , Goldberg Danielle , Laraque-Arena Danielle , Kener David , Sugrim Dyanand , Larson Elaine L. , Wallace Jacqueline G. , Hari Jasmin , Bogard Kimber , Formica Margaret , Reyes Mariela , Canfora Michael , Shajee Mohammad , Ervine Moshay , Fray Nakesha , Agrawal Nina , Malla Pallavi , Wridt Pamela , Hennessy Patricia , Theerman Paul , Richards-Peelle Reggie , Marchesani Robert , Flores Roseanne L. , Taylor Shaneah , Castro Syanne , Graham Yvonne
Published: November 2023

Background

The aim of the study was to have youth participate in the design and implementation of a research project set within a child rights framework to better understand high schoolers’ perceptions of safety in their school and community.

Results

Between June 2020 and March 2021, a team of East Harlem, New York high school students, participated as co-researchers to modify the United Nations Children's Fund Child Friendly Cities Initiative Survey to suit their needs. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the final survey was conducted through an online remote classes system during advisory school classes, accompanied by brief focused group discussions. The novel process of conducting an interactive qualitative and quantitative virtual survey during a pandemic via youth participatory action research is outlined in this paper.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that youth participatory action research can be utilized as part of a child rights framework approach to assess the views of youth regarding community safety and violence prevention.
Coaches’ Perceptions of Common Planning Concepts Within Training Theory: An International Survey
Authors: Anyadike-Danes Kechi , Donath Lars , Kiely John
Published: November 2023

Background

The planning of training is a popular yet controversial topic among coaches and sports scientists. Periodisation is often presented in the literature as the most efficacious approach to planning training. While historically surveys of coaches appeared to support this a key failing was that no unified definition of periodisation exists. Recent surveys offering a periodisation definition and an alternative planning methodology found many choosing the alternative therefore questioning periodisation’s wide acceptance. The current survey looked to explore how coaches perceived specific concepts, drawn from the literature, that relate to the planning of training.

Methods

106 coaches [age range: 18–65+ years, 31% 15+ years coaching, 58% individual-events/sports and 32% international level] from across the world completed a novel cross-sectional online survey on the planning of training and the training process. Topics included use of periodisation, division of time into discrete periods, assignment of goals and training to pre-determined periods and the adaptability of pre-established plans.

Results

The majority described their planning approach as training periodisation (71%). Similarly, there was strong agreement with the necessity to determining a goal for the season (85%) and divide the season into distinct manageable periods of time (73%). When examining whether physical adaptations are achievable within specific and fixed timeframes only a minority (33%) agreed, a similar result was found for training physical capacities in a sequential order (37%). Finally, there was limited support for training targets remaining fixed over a training period (10%).

Conclusions

As a tool for the planning of athlete’s training, periodisation is often presented as the best and most popular approach. Recent research however has highlighted possible discrepancies in its usage among practitioners. The results of this survey echo this and question the acceptance of periodisation concepts even among periodisation users. In part this may be due to key tenets of periodisation no longer being supported by research or practice. A lingering question then is whether the beliefs of coaches, developed through experience and supported by research, will continue to be marginalized. If sports scientists wish to aid coaches then they need to be engaged in future research initiatives as co-collaborators.
In vivo mutagenicity assessment of orally treated tert-butyl hydroperoxide in the liver and glandular stomach of MutaMouse
Authors: Murata Yasumasa , Suzuki Kenichiro , Shigeta Yoshiyuki , Iso Takako , Hirose Nozomu , Umano Takaaki , Horibata Katsuyoshi , Sugiyama Kei-ichi , Hirose Akihiko , Masumura Kenichi , Matsumoto Mariko
Published: November 2023

Background

tert-Butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP; CAS 75–91-2), a hydroperoxide, is mainly used as a polymerization initiator to produce polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and unsaturated polyester. It is a high-production chemical, widely used in industrial countries, including Japan. TBHP is also used as an additive for the manufacturing of food utensils, containers, and packaging (UCP). Therefore, there could be consumer exposure through oral intake of TBHP eluted from UCPs. TBHP was investigated in various in vitro and in vivo genotoxicity assays. In Ames tests, some positive results were reported with and/or without metabolic activation. As for the mouse lymphoma assay, the positive result was reported, regardless of the presence or absence of metabolic activation enzymes. The results of some chromosomal aberrations test and comet assay in vitro also demonstrated the genotoxic positive results. On the other hand, in in vivo tests, there are negative results in the bone marrow micronucleus test of TBHP-administered mice by single intravenous injection and the bone marrow chromosomal aberration test using rats exposed to TBHP for 5 days by inhalation. Also, about dominant lethal tests, the genotoxic positive results appeared. In contrast, there is little information about in vivo mutagenicity and no information about carcinogenicity by oral exposure.

Results

We conducted in vivo gene mutation assay using MutaMice according to the OECD Guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals No. 488 to investigate in vivo mutagenicity of TBHP through oral exposure. After repeated dosing for 28 days, there were no significant differences in the mutant frequencies (MFs) of the liver and glandular stomach up to 300 mg/kg/day (close to the maximum tolerable dose (MTD)). The positive and negative controls produced the expected responses.

Conclusions

These findings show that orally administrated TBHP is not mutagenic in the mouse liver and glandular stomach under these experimental conditions.
A validated RP-UPLC method for estimation of Samidorphan and Olanzapine in mixed powder and combined tablets
Authors: Ponnekanti Krishnaphanisri , Godela Ramreddy
Published: November 2023

Back ground

The key objective of the research study is to develop a new stability-indicating RP-UPLC approach to determine the presence of Samidorphan and Olanzapine simultaneously in bulk and their combination. A successful separation of Samidorphan and Olanzapine was achieved by using HSS column C18 (100 × 2.1 mm), a mobile phase of 0.1% orthophospharic acid: Acetonitrile (70:30 v/v), flow rate of 0.3 mL/min, and detection wavelength of 230 nm. The stability of the analytes in bulk and dosage forms was evaluated using extreme forced conditions, such as hydrolysis with acid and base, peroxide oxidation, and heat degradation, following ICH guidelines.

Results

Olanzapine and Samidorphan had retention times of 0.46 and 0.93 min, respectively. Olanzapine and Samidorphan have linear responses from the proposed method in the concentration ranges of 5–30 µg/mL and 2.5–15 µg/mL, respectively. The computed detection and quantification limits for Olanzapine were 0.22 µg/mL and 0.471 µg/mL, and for Samidorphan were 0.12 µg/mL and 0.36 µg/mL. All method validation parameters have complied with the ICH guidelines' Q2 acceptance limits. The stability representing the feature of the approach has been seen with the excellent resolution among the Olanzapine and Samidorphan and degradation products.

Conclusion

The suggested RP-UPLC method was extremely sensitive, precise, and stable-indicating. The technique can potentially be used in the production of Olanzapine and Samidorphan for routine analysis in the quality control department.

Graphical abstract
A rare case report of Gorlin-Goltz’s syndrome: a multisystemic disorder of otolaryngological domain
Authors: Richa Richa , Kumar Vivek , Ayushree Ayushree
Published: November 2023

Background

Gorlin-Goltz’s syndrome (GGS) is an extremely rare autosomal dominant disorder showing a high penetrance and variable expressivity. Gorlin-Goltz’s syndrome is an infrequent multisystemic disease, which is usually characterized by numerous basal cell carcinomas, odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs), and musculoskeletal malformations along with neurological, ophthalmic, endocrine, and genital manifestations. There are also multiple manifestations in the domain of ENT and patient may primarily present to an ENT clinician with one of the diverse clinical involvements.

Case presentation

We report one such infrequent case of a 24-year-old male patient who presented with an oroantral fistula at our tertiary health care center and was diagnosed to have Gorlin-Goltz’s syndrome. The diagnosis was made in our patient by the presence of 4 major and 2 minor criteria.

Conclusion

Early diagnosis and management of GGS helps to prevent long-term sequelae including malignancy and oro-maxillofacial deformation. The constellation of symptoms of such rare disorders should be promptly recognized and a high index of suspicion should be maintained. This case report is an appraisal of the diagnosis and management of GGS from an otolaryngological perspective and is being reported here for extreme rarity and clinical interest.
Simplified implicit finite-difference method of spatial derivative using explicit schemes with optimized constant coefficients based on L1 norm
Authors: Miao Zhongzheng , Zhang Jinhai
Published: November 2023

The explicit finite-difference (EFD) method is widely used in numerical simulation of seismic wave propagation to approximate spatial derivatives. However, the traditional and optimized high-order EFD methods suffer from the saturation effect, which seriously restricts the improvement of numerical accuracy. In contrast, the implicit FD (IFD) method approximates the spatial derivatives in the form of rational functions and thus can obtain much higher numerical accuracy with relatively low orders; however, its computational cost is expensive due to the need to invert a multidiagonal matrix. We derive an explicit strategy for the IFD method to reduce the computational cost by constructing the IFD method with the discrete Fourier matrix; then, we transform the inversion of the multidiagonal matrix into an explicit matrix multiplication; next, we construct an objective function based on the [Formula: see text] norm to reduce approximation error of the IFD method. This explicit strategy of the IFD method can avoid inverting the multidiagonal matrix, thus improving the computational efficiency. This constant coefficient optimization method reduces the approximation error in the medium-wavenumber range at the cost of tolerable deviation (smaller than 0.0001) in the low-wavenumber range. For the 2D Marmousi model, the root-mean-square error of the numerical results obtained by this method is one-fifth that of the traditional IFD method with the same order (i.e., 5/3) and one-third that of the traditional EFD method with much higher orders (i.e., 72). The significant reduction of numerical error makes the developed method promising for numerical simulation in large-scale models, especially for long-time simulations.
Effectiveness of Continuous Glucose Monitoring on Metrics of Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Uhl Stacey , Choure Anuja , Rouse Benjamin , Loblack Aggee , Reaven Peter
Published: November 2023

Purpose

To provide a systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizing the findings of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) in the management of adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on glucose control and clinical outcomes.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane were searched for RCTs that assessed the effectiveness of real-time CGM (rt-CGM) or flash CGM (FGM) in adults (≥18 years) with T2DM that reported on at least 1 of the following outcomes: hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), time in range, time in hyperglycemia, or time in hypoglycemia. The GRADE approach was used to assess certainty of evidence for primary outcomes.

Results

Fourteen RCTs assessing CGM were included, with 825 patients in 9 RCTs using rt-CGM and 822 in 5 RCTs using FGM. Moderate certainty of evidence indicated that use of CGM had a modest but statistically significant reduction in HbA1c levels of about 0.32%. Our analyses of each device type separately showed similar reductions in HbA1c (0.34% and 0.33%, respectively, for rt-CGM and FGM), with trends for improvement in other glucose metrics favoring rt-CGM over self-monitored blood glucose.

Conclusion

Both rt-CGM and flash CGM led to modest but statistically significant declines in HbA1c among individuals with T2DM, with little heterogeneity in the results. However, the duration of the included RCTs was relatively short and few studies reported on important clinical outcomes, such as adverse events, emergency department use, or hospitalization. Longer term studies are needed to determine if the short-term improvements in glucose control leads to improvements in clinically important outcomes.
Skeletal Muscle Gene Expression Signatures of Obese High and Low Responders to Endurance Exercise Training
Authors: Kovac Leona , Goj Thomas , Ouni Meriem , Irmler Martin , Jähnert Markus , Beckers Johannes , Hrabé De Angelis Martin , Peter Andreas , Moller Anja , Birkenfeld Andreas L , Weigert Cora , Schürmann Annette
Published: November 2023

Context

Exercise training is known to improve glucose tolerance and reverse insulin resistance in people with obesity. However, some individuals fail to improve or even decline in their clinical traits following exercise intervention.

Objective

This study focused on gene expression and DNA methylation signatures in skeletal muscle of low (LRE) and high responders (RES) to 8 weeks of supervised endurance training.

Methods

We performed skeletal muscle gene expression and DNA methylation analyses in LRE and RES before and after exercise intervention. Additionally, we applied the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) approach to identify predictive marker genes of exercise outcome.

Results

We show that the two groups differ markedly already before the intervention. RES were characterized by lower expression of genes involved in DNA replication and repair, and higher expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) components. The LASSO approach identified several novel candidates (eg, ZCWPW2, FOXRED1, STK40) that have not been previously described in the context of obesity and exercise response. Following the intervention, LRE reacted with expression changes of genes related to inflammation and apoptosis, RES with genes related to mitochondrial function. LRE exhibited significantly higher expression of ECM components compared to RES, suggesting improper remodeling and potential negative effects on insulin sensitivity. Between 45% and 70% of differences in gene expression could be linked to differences in DNA methylation.

Conclusion

Together, our data offer an insight into molecular mechanisms underlying differences in response to exercise and provide potential novel markers for the success of intervention.
Journey through the history of Journal of Experimental Biology: a timeline
Authors: Knight Kathryn
Published: November 2023

In the cut-throat industry of academic publishing, some journals barely survive a decade, let alone a century, but in October 2023, Journal of Experimental Biology is celebrating 100 years at the forefront of comparative physiology, neuroethology and biomechanics. In this Commentary article and the accompanying poster, I explore the journal's history from its inception, through the guidance of nine Editors-in-Chief, to achieving its aims of championing the comparative approach, disseminating and promoting high-quality research and supporting our community of researchers. I discuss technological developments in publishing and classic articles that have cemented the journal in its position at the forefront of comparative physiology.
Qualitative study on violence against women analyzed under the thought of Edmund Husserl in the context of the Society of Apurimac
Authors: Arbieto Mamani Oscar , POZO ENCISO BARO , Mendoza Vargas Miguel Gerardo , Alvarez Chavez Willie , Pozo Enciso Rosmery Sabina
Published: November 2023

The purpose of the investigation was to analyze the experiences and perspectives on violence against women in the Apurímac region, Peru. The analysis was carried out through interviews with women in each of the provinces of Apurimac. The aim was to learn about the status of women's rights and the effectiveness of provisions and regulations for their protection. The article will also explore the vast cultural and social diversity present in the interviews themselves, in contrast to the current normative system. As a general conclusion, it became evident that women in Apurimac-Peru suffered different types of abuse and mistreatment just because they were women and that they did not feel any kind of support from the authorities, showing a lack of interest from the state in improving the current situation of women in Peruvian society.
Gaidai reliability method for long-term coronavirus modelling
Authors: Gaidai Oleg , Yan Ping , Xing Yihan , Xu JingXiang , Wu Yu
Published: November 2023

Background Novel coronavirus disease has been recently a concern for worldwide public health. To determine epidemic rate probability at any time in any region of interest, one needs efficient bio-system reliability approach, particularly suitable for multi-regional environmental and health systems, observed over a sufficient period of time, resulting in a reliable long-term forecast of novel coronavirus infection rate. Traditional statistical methods dealing with temporal observations of multi-regional processes do not have the multi-dimensionality advantage, that suggested methodology offers, namely dealing efficiently with multiple regions at the same time and accounting for cross-correlations between different regional observations. Methods Modern multi-dimensional novel statistical method was directly applied to raw clinical data, able to deal with territorial mapping. Novel reliability method based on statistical extreme value theory has been suggested to deal with challenging epidemic forecast. Authors used MATLAB optimization software. Results This paper described a novel bio-system reliability approach, particularly suitable for multi-country environmental and health systems, observed over a sufficient period of time, resulting in a reliable long-term forecast of extreme novel coronavirus death rate probability. Namely, accurate maximum recorded patient numbers are predicted for the years to come for the analyzed provinces. Conclusions The suggested method performed well by supplying not only an estimate but 95% confidence interval as well. Note that suggested methodology is not limited to any specific epidemics or any specific terrain, namely its truly general. The only assumption and limitation is bio-system stationarity, alternatively trend analysis should be performed first. The suggested methodology can be used in various public health applications, based on their clinical survey data.
Effects of Consumer Dispositional Attitude on Purchase Intention in an Emerging Market
Authors: Shanbhogue A. Venugopal , Ranjith V. K.
Published: November 2023

Background Globalization trends have compelled multinational companies to change their marketing approach from multi-domestic marketing to global marketing. This strategy has had a major impact on the branding of companies. Due to these efforts by international companies, there has been a negative impact on local brands. Strong local brands always maintained the advantage of a high level of awareness among consumers, due to consumers’ close relationship with these brands, hence this resulted in strong and positive marketing investments in the home market. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the attitudinal dispositions towards global and local brands and purchase intention. The objective is to understand the underlying motives of consumers’ purchase decision. Methods Consumer disposition and attitude towards brands are evaluated based on respondents’ purchase intention of a select brand. Data are collected from Bangalore and Chennai using the convenience sampling method. Evaluation of the measurement model was performed using the Smart PLS 4 software. Results Findings suggest that consumer attitudinal disposition has a significant impact on consumers’ purchase intention. Attitude formation is the first step in consumers’ behavioural decision and making a purchase decision. Marketing managers/practitioners need to focus on forming this attitude in consumers’ minds, so that this attitude formation leads to a purchase decision. Conclusions This research provides theoretical and managerial implications for marketers, especially those operating in an emerging market like India as this study has examined the role of consumer disposition on attitude formation and purchase intention. From a theoretical perspective, this study developed and tested a conceptual model describing the relationship between attitudinal disposition and purchase intention.
Ruses of Nature: How Defending Ukraine Might Hasten the Decline of us Hegemony
Authors: Ramos Leonardo , Vadell Javier , Gontijo Caio
Published: November 2023

This paper discusses the war in Ukraine and its consequences, particularly the effects of the financial sanctions imposed by the United States, and its allies, on Russia. The conflict is examined in the context of a deeper structural change in the international order, with China and Russia as key players. We deploy a dialectical perspective, using Gramsci as a starting point to posit that simple quantitative changes can cause long-term qualitative differences in power relations. While the United States’ economic hegemony is unlikely to cease soon, the war in Ukraine and it’s economic repercussions could lead to unexpected results and transformations in the United States’ geopolitical position. We discuss how sanctions can be a double-edged sword, affecting all actors involved, and how actions that seek to restore order may accelerate processes of structural change in international power dynamics. The paper provides examples of how the responses to the conflict are affecting various other dynamics of world order by rearranging national interests, national security, and the political economies in Europe, China, and the Global South. We conclude that the “ruses of nature” manifest as contradictions in human actions and that the relationships between significant human actions and social forces can show how social impulses may accomplish the opposite of their original intent.
Analysis of high-contrast all-optical dual-wavelength switching in asymmetric dual-core fibers
Authors: The Tai Le Xuan , Longobucco Mattia , Viet Hung Nguyen , Pałuba Bartosz , Trippenbach Marek , Malomed Boris A. , Astrauskas Ignas , Pugžlys Audrius , Baltuška Andrius , Buczyński Ryszard , Bugár Ignác
Published: November 2023

We systematically present experimental and theoretical results for the dual-wavelength switching of 1560 nm, 75 fs signal pulses (SPs) driven by 1030 nm, and 270 fs control pulses (CPs) in a dual-core fiber (DCF). We demonstrate a switching contrast of 31.9 dB, corresponding to a propagation distance of 14 mm, achieved by launching temporally synchronized SP-CP pairs into the fast core of the DCF with moderate inter-core asymmetry. Our analysis employs a system of three coupled propagation equations to identify the compensation of the asymmetry by nonlinearity as the physical mechanism behind the efficient switching performance.
Impact of doping profiles on the formation of laser-active centers in bismuth-doped GeO2–SiO2 glass fibers
Authors: Alyshev Sergey , Vakhrushev Alexander , Khegai Aleksandr , Firstova Elena , Riumkin Konstantin , Melkumov Mikhail , Iskhakova Lyudmila , Umnikov Andrey , Firstov Sergei
Published: November 2023

Multi-wavelength-band transmission technology based on the exploitation of the extended spectral region is considered as a potential approach to increase the transmission capacity in the deployed fiber-optic communication infrastructure. The development of optical amplifiers operating in the O-, E-, S-, and U-telecom bands is an extremely important challenge for the successful implementation of this technology. Bismuth-doped fibers are of increasing interest as gain materials, which can be used to provide broadband amplification in the mentioned telecom bands. This is due to the ability of Bi ions incorporated into glass network to form bismuth active centers (BACs) with specific optical properties, which are primarily determined by the glass modifiers. In this work, the impact of the doping profiles of both Ge atoms as glass modifiers and Bi ions on the BACs formation is studied using a series of bismuth-doped fibers fabricated by the modified chemical vapor deposition (MCVD) technique. The Bi-to-BACs conversion efficiency in various spatial regions of the studied samples is presented. It is turned out that for high-Bi concentration regions, the conversion efficiency is very low (less than 10%). In addition, the relationship of the conversion efficiency to the distribution of Bi ions and/or Ge atoms is discussed. Finally, a continuous-wave laser at 1.46 μm with a record slope efficiency of 80% is demonstrated using a Bi-doped fiber with confined doping profile, where the Bi-to-BACs conversion efficiency is 35%. This paper provides new information which might help to facilitate understanding of the features of Bi-doped fibers and their potentially achievable characteristics.
Refractive index sensing based on a twisted nano-kirigami metasurface
Authors: Qiao Shuqi , Zhang Xiaochen , Liang Qinghua , Wang Yang , Ji Chang-Yin , Li Xiaowei , Jiang Lan , Feng Shuai , Guo Honglian , Li Jiafang
Published: November 2023

Plasmonic sensing technology has attracted considerable attention for high sensitivity due to the ability to effectively localize and manipulate light. In this study, we demonstrate a refractive index (RI) sensing scheme based on open-loop twisted meta-molecule arrays using the versatile nano-kirigami principle. RI sensing has the features of a small footprint, flexible control, and simple preparation. By engineering the morphology of meta-molecules or the RI of the ambient medium, the chiral surface lattice resonances can be significantly enhanced, and the wavelength, intensity, and sign of circular dichroism (CD) can be flexibly tailored. Utilizing the relation between the wavelength of the CD peak and the RI of the superstrate, the RI sensor achieves a sensitivity of 1133 nm/RIU. Additionally, we analyze these chiroptical responses by performing electromagnetic multipolar decomposition and electric field distributions. Our study may serve as an ideal platform for applications of RI measurement and provide new insights into the manipulation of chiral light–matter interactions.
Openly available illustrations as tools to describe eukaryotic microbial diversity
Authors: Keeling Patrick J. , Eglit Yana
Published: November 2023

Microbial life maintains nearly all the support systems that keep the Earth habitable, yet the diversity of this vast microbial world is greatly understudied, misrepresented, and misunderstood. Even what we do know is difficult to communicate broadly because an intuitive grasp of what these tiny organisms are like is abstract, and we lack tools that would help to describe them. In this Essay, we present a series of openly available technical diagrams that illustrate the diverse range of complex body plans of microbial eukaryotes (or “protists”), as well as an illustrated tree to show the vast diversity they encompass and how they are related to the more familiar macroscopic animals, fungi, and plants. These sorts of tools are desperately needed for teaching and communication about the microbial world, which is a pressingly important problem where much improvement is needed.