bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Actuation Acceleration-Based Kinematic Modeling and Parameter Identification Approach for a Six-Degrees-of-Freedom 6-PSU Parallel Robot With Joint Clearances
Authors: Liu Xin , Qi Chenkun , Lin Jianfeng , Li Dongjin , Gao Feng
Published: June 2024

The 6-prismatic-spherical-universal (6-PSU) parallel robot is useful for high-accuracy positioning, where the motors are installed on the robot base and the moving parts of the robot have low inertia. A highly accurate kinematic model of the robot is fundamental for the control. The joint clearances of all limbs often exist and have a significant influence on kinematic model accuracy. In this study, an actuation acceleration information-based kinematic modeling and identification method for a 6-PSU parallel robot with joint clearances is proposed. The direction of the joint clearance is related to the direction of the force acted on the joint, which is determined by the acceleration of the prismatic actuator. The existence of joint clearances is equivalent to the link length change. The joint clearances are identified from the experiments and compensated. Simulations and experiments show that the proposed method is effective and improves the accuracy of the kinematic model.
Draft genome of a human-derived
pks+ E. coli
that caused spontaneous disseminated infection in a mouse
Authors: Weis Allison M. , Matthews O’Connor J. , Mulvey Matthew A. , Round June L.
Published: June 2024

We present the draft genome of a novel human-derived
Escherichia coli
strain isolated from a healthy control human microbiota that, when put into a mouse, spontaneously disseminated from the gut to the kidneys.
A comparative evaluation of five phenotypic methods for identification of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae: a modified carbapenemase detection test
Authors: Solgi Hamid , Badamchi Ali , Shahcheraghi Fereshteh , Badmasti Farzad , Akbari Mojtaba , Behzadfar Mehdi
Published: June 2024

Rapid detection of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) is urgently needed to prevent their spread in healthcare settings. Here, we have evaluated the performance of the phenotypic methods for detection of carbapenemase production directly from bacterial cultures. A total of 99 clinical and rectal Enterobacteriaceae isolates were included (81 carrying known carbapenemase-encoding genes and 18 without carbapenemase production). All isolates were subjected to the five phenotypic tests including in-house Carba NP (iCarba NP), modified-Carba NP, E-Test MBL, modified Hodge test (MHT), and commercial combination disk test. Test results were read at different time points for iCarba NP and modified-Carba (1 min, 5 min, 15 min, 1 h and 2 h). The sensitivity and specificity of the iCarba NP were 78.87% and 100%, respectively, whereas those of the modified-Carba NP test were 95.06% and 94.44%, respectively. False-negative results were detected in four OXA-48 isolates with the use of modified-Carba NP, whereas one non-carbapenemase isolate had false-positive results. The sensitivity/specificity was 91.30%/100% and 80.25%/83.33% for the E-Test MBL and MHT, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the aminophenylboronic acid synergy test were 100% and 97.94%, respectively, whereas those of the dipicolinic acid synergy test were 82.61% and 96.23%, respectively. Rapid, simple, and reliable methods are needed for laboratory detection of CPE isolates to improve the detection and surveillance of these clinically relevant pathogens in an epidemiological context. We conclude that the modified-Carba NP test can be one of the reliable tests for the prediction of carbapenemase-producing bacteria.

IMPORTANCE

The emergence of carbapenem resistance among Gram-negative bacteria is a serious global health threat. Here, we investigate the performance of the five phenotypic assays against carbapenemase-producing and carbapenemase-non-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Accurate and rapid detection of CPE isolates is critically required for clinical management and treatment of infections caused by these organisms. Among the five evaluated phenotypic tests, the mCNP test presented the highest sensitivity (95.06%) and, therefore, can be considered the best test to be used as a screening phenotypic methodology.
Supplemental Material: Boulders modulate hillslope-channel coupling in the northern Alaska Range
Authors: Bender Adrian M , Lease Richard O.
Published: June 2024

 Supplementary text: Disclaimer, introduction, detailed methods. Figures S1–S15. Data S1. 
Supplemental Material: Constraints on the subduction and closure of the Hegenshan Ocean: Magmatic and sedimentary records from central Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Tang Jianzhou , al. et
Published: June 2024

Methods and results, Figures S1–S3, and Tables S1–S10. 
Prevalence and risk factors for diabetic retinopathy at diagnosis of type 2 diabetes: an observational study of 77 681 patients from the Swedish National Diabetes Registry
Authors: Sofizadeh Sheyda , Eeg-Olofsson Katarina , Lind Marcus
Published: June 2024

Introduction

To assess the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in persons with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (T2D) to understand the potential need for intensified screening for early detection of T2D.

Research design and methods

Individuals from the Swedish National Diabetes Registry with a retinal photo <2 years after diagnosis of T2D were included. The proportion of patients with retinopathy (simplex or worse) was assessed. Patient characteristics and risk factors at diagnosis were analyzed in relation to DR with logistic regression.

Results

In total, 77 681 individuals with newly diagnosed T2D, mean age 62.6 years, 41.1% females were included. Of these, 13 329 (17.2%) had DR.

DR was more common in older persons (adjusted OR 1.03 per 10-year increase, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.05) and men compared with women, OR 1.10 (1.05 to 1.14). Other variables associated with DR were OR (95% CI): lower education 1.08 (1.02 to 1.14); previous stroke 1.18 (1.07 to 1.30); chronic kidney disease 1.29 (1.07 to 1.56); treatment with acetylsalicylic acid 1.14 (1.07 to 1.21); ACE inhibitors 1.12 (1.05 to 1.19); and alpha blockers 1.41 (1.15 to 1.73). DR was more common in individuals born in Asia (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.25) and European countries other than those born in Sweden (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.18).

Conclusions

Intensified focus on screening of T2D may be needed in Sweden in clinical practice since nearly one-fifth of persons have retinopathy at diagnosis of T2D. The prevalence of DR was higher in men, birthplace outside of Sweden, and those with a history of stroke, kidney disease, and hypertension.
Prediction of coronary artery disease based on facial temperature information captured by non-contact infrared thermography
Authors: Kung Minghui , Zeng Juntong , Lin Shen , Yu Xuexin , Liu Chang , Shi Mengnan , Sun Runchen , Yuan Shangyuan , Lian Xiaocong , Su Xiaoting , Zhao Yan , Zheng Zhe , Ji Xiangyang
Published: June 2024

Background

Current approaches for initial coronary artery disease (CAD) assessment rely on pretest probability (PTP) based on risk factors and presentations, with limited performance. Infrared thermography (IRT), a non-contact technology that detects surface temperature, has shown potential in assessing atherosclerosis-related conditions, particularly when measured from body regions such as faces. We aim to assess the feasibility of using facial IRT temperature information with machine learning for the prediction of CAD.

Methods

Individuals referred for invasive coronary angiography or coronary CT angiography (CCTA) were enrolled. Facial IRT images captured before confirmatory CAD examinations were used to develop and validate a deep-learning IRT image model for detecting CAD. We compared the performance of the IRT image model with the guideline-recommended PTP model on the area under the curve (AUC). In addition, interpretable IRT tabular features were extracted from IRT images to further validate the predictive value of IRT information.

Results

A total of 460 eligible participants (mean (SD) age, 58.4 (10.4) years; 126 (27.4%) female) were included. The IRT image model demonstrated outstanding performance (AUC 0.804, 95% CI 0.785 to 0.823) compared with the PTP models (AUC 0.713, 95% CI 0.691 to 0.734). A consistent level of superior performance (AUC 0.796, 95% CI 0.782 to 0.811), achieved with comprehensive interpretable IRT features, further validated the predictive value of IRT information. Notably, even with only traditional temperature features, a satisfactory performance (AUC 0.786, 95% CI 0.769 to 0.803) was still upheld.

Conclusion

In this prospective study, we demonstrated the feasibility of using non-contact facial IRT information for CAD prediction.
Assessing safe chemotherapy needs and practices in Ile-Ife, Nigeria: a multi-disciplinary quality improvement project
Authors: Koranteng Lauren , Wuraola Funmilola Olanike , Thom Bridgette , Lynch Kathleen , Adesuji Adejuwon , Bifarin Mary , Randolph Kate , Olatunde Olabisi , Olatunji Funmilayo , Okunola Sola , Makut Paul , Olumide Ogundele , Johnson Lauren , Ogundipe Taiwo , Adeyemo Adekunle , Kingham T Peter , Barton-Burke Margaret , Alatise Olusegun Isaac
Published: June 2024

Objective

To explore the gaps in the safe handling, administration, preparation and disposal of chemotherapy agents in low and middle-income countries.

Design

Two surveys comprising a needs assessment survey and an American Cancer Society (ACS) ChemoSafe Facility Assessment.

Setting

2019 African Research Group for Oncology Symposium in South-West Nigeria (needs assessment) and the 2021 virtual engagement (ChemoSafe Assessment).

Participants

Health professionals (n=50 of 98) from multiple institutions across Nigeria (needs assessment survey) and a designated task force of health professionals (n=10) from one teaching hospital in Southwest Nigeria(ChemoSafe Facility Assessment).

Results

In 2019, 75% of survey respondents (n=50) reported a lack of training resources for safe handling of chemotherapy. Additionally, 61% felt dissatisfaction with assessment practices for preparing and administering chemotherapy. ChemoSafe is a programme developed by the ACS to assess the ability of a facility to handle hazardous drugs. The 2021 ACS ChemoSafe survey administered at one teaching hospital indicated several areas for improvement to promote concordance with international standards for safe handling. Thirty-three (19.5%) items received a ‘Yes’ response (ie, met compliance with international standards).

Conclusion

There is a need for the implementation of training resources for handling, administering and disposing of chemotherapy at sites across Nigeria. Strategies to identify and prioritise areas of need must be implemented in the context of available resources.
Targeting self-care adherence for glycaemic control in multimorbid type 2 diabetes mellitus with depression using bupropion: a protocol for cross-over randomised controlled trial
Authors: Shamim Muhammad Aaqib , Shukla Ravindra , Swami Mukesh Kumar , Srivastav Shival , Pradhan Anindita , Yadav Suraj Singh , Anil Abhishek , Saravanan Aswini , Varthya Shoban Babu , Singh Surjit , Dwivedi Pradeep
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Diabetes and depression are among the 10 biggest health burdens globally. They often coexist and exhibit a strong bidirectional relationship. Depression leads to decreased adherence to self-care activities. This impacts glycaemic control and worsens type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Both conditions have a synergistic effect and lead to greater complications, hospitalisations, healthcare expenditure and a worse quality of life. There is no consensus on managing people with comorbid T2D and depression. Bupropion is an efficacious antidepressant with many properties suitable for T2D with depression, including a favourable metabolic profile, persistent weight loss and improvement in sexual dysfunction. We will assess the efficacy and safety of add-on bupropion compared with standard care in people with T2D and mild depression. This study can give valuable insights into managing the multimorbidity of T2D and depression. This can help mitigate the health, social and economic burden of both these diseases.

Research design and methods

This cross-over randomised controlled trial will recruit people with T2D (for 5 years or more) with mild depression. They will be randomised to add-on bupropion and standard care. After 3 months of treatment, there will be a washout period of 1 month (without add-on bupropion while standard treatment will continue). Following this, the two arms will be swapped. Participants will be assessed for glycosylated haemoglobin, adherence to diabetes self-care activities, lipid profile, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, autonomic function, sexual function, quality of life and adverse events.

Ethics and dissemination

The Institutional Ethics Committee at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur has approved this study (AIIMS/IEC/2022/4172, 19 September 2022). We plan to disseminate the research findings via closed group discussions at the site of study, scientific conferences, peer-reviewed published manuscripts and social media.

Trial registration number

CTRI/2022/10/046411.
Experiences and perceptions of critical care nurses on the use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) to establish peripheral venous access in patients with difficult intravenous access: a qualitative study
Authors: Hansen Øystein Myrlund , Solbakken Rita
Published: June 2024

Objectives

This study aims to explore and describe critical care nurses’ (CCNs’) experiences and perceptions of using point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) to establish peripheral intravenous access in patients with difficult intravenous access (DIVA).

Design

A qualitative design with a hermeneutic approach was chosen for this study. From May to August 2022, data were collected using individual, face-to-face, and digital semistructured interviews and analysed using Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis.

Setting

The study were conducted in six intensive care units in both Norway and Sweden.

Participants

Nine CCNs experienced in using point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) to establish peripheral intravenous access in patients with DIVA were recruited.

Results

Data analysis led to the construction of the overarching theme: ‘POCUS simplifies a complicated procedure’based on the following five subthemes:‘Sharing the experience’,‘Seeing inside the body’,‘Independent in establishing difficult intravenous access’,‘Using POCUS to increase action readiness’, and‘Appreciating an expanded role as critical care nurses’.

Conclusion

Ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous access can become a valuable skill for CCN’s caring for patients with DIVA in the intensive care unit. This practice can potentially reduce patient suffering, improve patient outcomes, enable the CCN to provide high-quality care, improve action readiness, time management and job satisfaction for the nurses.
Assessing attitudes towards violence against women and girls, their determinants and health-seeking behaviour among women and men in South Sudan: a cross-sectional national survey
Authors: Lamadrid Angelo , Jeffery Caroline , Anguyo Robert , Devkota Baburam , Lako Richard , Valadez Joseph J
Published: June 2024

Objective

Investigating attitudes accepting two categories of violence against women and girls (VAWG) (intimate partner violence—IPV—and other expressions of VAWG) and their association with seven demographic/social determinants and health-seeking behaviours in South Sudan.

Design

Cross-sectional study using data from the South Sudan National Household Survey 2020.

Setting

South Sudan.

Participants and methods

1741 South Sudanese women and 1739 men aged 15–49 years; data captured between November 2020 and February 2021 and analysed using binary logistic regression.

Results

People with secondary or higher education displayed attitudes rejecting acceptance of IPV (OR 0.631, 95% CI 0.508 to 0.783). Women and men living in states with more numerous internally displaced people (IDP) or political/military violence had attitudes accepting IPV more than residents of less violence-affected regions (OR 1.853, 95% CI 1.587 to 2.164). Women had a higher odd of having attitudes accepting IPV than men (OR 1.195, 95% CI 1.014 to 1.409). People knowing where to receive gender-based violence healthcare and psychological support (OR 0.703, 95% CI 0.596 to 0.830) and with primary (OR 0.613, 95% CI 0.515 to 0.729), secondary or higher education (OR 0.596, 95% CI 0.481 to 0.740) displayed attitudes rejecting acceptance of other expressions of VAWG. People residing in states with proportionately more IDP and who accepted IPV were more likely to have attitudes accepting other expressions of VAWG (OR 1.699, 95% CI 1.459 to 1.978; OR 3.195, 95% CI 2.703 to 3.775, respectively).

Conclusion

Attitudes towards accepting VAWG in South Sudan are associated with women’s and men’s education, gender, residence and knowledge about health-seeking behaviour. Prioritising women’s empowerment and gender transformative programming in the most conflict-affected areas where rates of VAWG are higher should be prioritised along with increasing girls’ access to education. A less feasible strategy to decrease gender inequalities is reducing insecurity, military conflict, and displacement, and increasing economic stability.
Digital technologies for health financing in low-income and middle-income countries: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Pioch Carolina , Struckmann Verena , Brikci Nouria , De Allegri Manuela , Emmrich Julius Valentin , Knauss Samuel , Mathauer Inke , Opoku Daniel , Quentin Wilm
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Universal health coverage (UHC) is a global priority, ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare services without financial hardship. Many countries face challenges in progressing towards UHC. Health financing is pivotal for advancing UHC by raising revenues, enabling risk-sharing through pooling of funds and allocating resources. Digital technologies in the healthcare sector offer promising opportunities for health systems. In low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), digital technologies for health financing (DTHF) have gained traction, supporting these three main functions of health financing for UHC. As existing information on DTHF in LMICs is limited, our scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of DTHF in LMICs. Our objectives include identifying and describing existing DTHF, exploring evaluation approaches, examining their positive and negative effects, and investigating facilitating factors and barriers to implementation at the national level.

Methods and analysis

Our scoping review follows the six stages proposed by Arksey and O’Malley, further developed by Levacet aland the Joanna Briggs Institute. The reporting adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews framework. Eligibility criteria for studies reflect the three core elements of the search: (1) health financing, (2) digital technologies and (3) LMICs. We search multiple databases, including Medline via PubMed, EMBASE via Ovid, the Web of Science Core Collection, CENTRAL via Cochrane and the Global Index Medicus by the WHO. The extracted information is synthesised from both quantitative and qualitative studies.

Ethics and dissemination

As our scoping review is based solely on information gathered from previously published studies, documents and publicly available scientific literature, ethical clearance is not required for its conduct. The findings are presented and discussed in a peer-reviewed article, as well as shared at conferences relevant to the topic.
European Autism GEnomics Registry (EAGER): protocol for a multicentre cohort study and registry
Authors: Bloomfield Madeleine , Lautarescu Alexandra , Heraty Síofra , Douglas Sarah , Violland Pierre , Plas Roderik , Ghosh Anjuli , Van den Bosch Katrien , Eaton Eliza , Absoud Michael , Battini Roberta , Blázquez Hinojosa Ana , Bolshakova Nadia , Bölte Sven , Bonanni Paolo , Borg Jacqueline , Calderoni Sara , Calvo Escalona Rosa , Castelo-Branco Miguel , Castro-Fornieles Josefina , Caro Pilar , Cliquet Freddy , Danieli Alberto , Delorme Richard , Elia Maurizio , Hempel Maja , Leblond Claire S , Madeira Nuno , McAlonan Grainne , Milone Roberta , Molloy Ciara J , Mouga Susana , Montiel Virginia , Pina Rodrigues Ana , Schaaf Christian P , Serrano Mercedes , Tammimies Kristiina , Tye Charlotte , Vigevano Federico , Oliveira Guiomar , Mazzone Beatrice , O’Neill Cara , Pender Julie , Romero Verena , Tillmann Julian , Oakley Bethany , Murphy Declan G M , Gallagher Louise , Bourgeron Thomas , Chatham Christopher , Charman Tony
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Autism is a common neurodevelopmental condition with a complex genetic aetiology that includes contributions from monogenic and polygenic factors. Many autistic people have unmet healthcare needs that could be served by genomics-informed research and clinical trials. The primary aim of the European Autism GEnomics Registry (EAGER) is to establish a registry of participants with a diagnosis of autism or an associated rare genetic condition who have undergone whole-genome sequencing. The registry can facilitate recruitment for future clinical trials and research studies, based on genetic, clinical and phenotypic profiles, as well as participant preferences. The secondary aim of EAGER is to investigate the association between mental and physical health characteristics and participants’ genetic profiles.

Methods and analysis

EAGER is a European multisite cohort study and registry and is part of the AIMS-2-TRIALS consortium. EAGER was developed with input from the AIMS-2-TRIALS Autism Representatives and representatives from the rare genetic conditions community. 1500 participants with a diagnosis of autism or an associated rare genetic condition will be recruited at 13 sites across 8 countries. Participants will be given a blood or saliva sample for whole-genome sequencing and answer a series of online questionnaires. Participants may also consent to the study to access pre-existing clinical data. Participants will be added to the EAGER registry and data will be shared externally through established AIMS-2-TRIALS mechanisms.

Ethics and dissemination

To date, EAGER has received full ethical approval for 11 out of the 13 sites in the UK (REC 23/SC/0022), Germany (S-375/2023), Portugal (CE-085/2023), Spain (HCB/2023/0038, PIC-164-22), Sweden (Dnr 2023-06737-01), Ireland (230907) and Italy (CET_62/2023, CEL-IRCCS OASI/24-01-2024/EM01, EM 2024-13/1032 EAGER). Findings will be disseminated via scientific publications and conferences but also beyond to participants and the wider community (eg, the AIMS-2-TRIALS website, stakeholder meetings, newsletters).
Non-pharmaceutical interventions for depressive symptoms in patients with breast cancer: protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Yin Ping , Liu Lumin , Gao Ningyang , Huai Yisheng , Dong Yiyue , Jin Qi , Chen Yue-lai
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Patients with breast cancer often suffer from depressive symptoms throughout various stages of cancer, significantly impacting their quality of life and treatment outcomes. Non-pharmaceutical interventions such as psychotherapy, mind–body therapies and physical exercise have shown effectiveness in addressing cancer-related depression. However, the efficacy and safety of different non-pharmacological interventions remain a topic of debate. Therefore, to provide an objective assessment and comparison of the impact of different non-pharmaceutical interventions on depression, we will conduct a network meta-analysis (NMA) to explore the effects of different non-pharmaceutical interventions on reducing depressive symptoms among patients with breast cancer.

Methods and analysis

We will search nine Chinese and English-language databases, from database inception to 31 July 2023, for randomised controlled trials published in Chinese or English. The English-language databases are PubMed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the Chinese databases are CBM, CNKI, VIP and Wanfang. Two independent researchers will perform information extraction from eligible articles. The primary outcome will be the changes in depressive symptoms, while the secondary outcome will include adverse events. STATA V.15.0 will be used to conduct paired meta-analysis and NMA. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation will be used to assess the quality of evidence, and the Cochrane tool for assessing the risks of bias in randomised trials V.2 will be used for risk of bias assessment.

Ethics and dissemination

The study does not require ethical approval as it will analyse data from existing studies. It is expected that the results of the study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at relevant conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023450494.
Exploring discrimination and racism in healthcare: a qualitative phenomenology study of Dutch persons with migration backgrounds
Authors: Zemouri Charifa , Nait Kassi Assia , Arrazola de Oñate Wouter , Çoban Gökhan , Kissi Ama
Published: June 2024

Objective

To explore and characterise the discrimination and racism experienced in healthcare from the perspective of Dutch patients with a migration background.

Design

This was a qualitative phenomenological study incorporating an inductive thematic analysis of the answers provided to a free form online survey. Descriptive and differential analyses were conducted for the closed-ended questions.

Setting

This study used an online survey distributed in Dutch about experiences of discrimination and racism in healthcare to the general population in the Netherlands.

Participants

The survey was completed by 188 participants (Mage=39.89, SDage=10.2). Of whom 80 (Mage=37.92, SDage=10.87) met the eligibility criteria for thematic analysis (ie, has a migration background or a relative with a migration background and experienced discrimination in healthcare based on their background) and were thus included in the analysis.

Results

From the total sample, women, relative to men, were 2.31 times more likely to report experiencing healthcare discrimination (OR=2.31; 95% CI 1.23 to 4.37). The majority of the participants (60.1%) had a Moroccan or Turkish background. Six themes were identified relating to experienced discrimination in healthcare based on one’s migration background: (1) explicit discrimination, (2) prejudice, (3) not being taken seriously, (4) discriminatory behaviour, (5) language barriers and (6) pain attribution to cultural background. Some participants reported that their attire or religion was linked to their migration background, thus contributing to their experiences of discrimination.

Conclusion

Dutch patients with a migration background may experience discrimination based on their ethnic identity or other factors related to their backgrounds, such as their faith, culture and skin colour. Discrimination manifests as intersectional and may take different forms (eg, discrimination based on the intersection between race and gender). Therefore, healthcare discrimination may increase health inequities and lead to unequal access to healthcare services. Implicitly or explicitly discriminating against patients is immoral, unethical, illegal and hazardous for individual and public health. Further research on the magnitude of discrimination in healthcare and its relation to health is needed.
Loneliness, social isolation and incident chronic kidney disease among patients with diabetes
Authors: Tang Rui , Zhou Jian , Wang Xuan , Ma Hao , Li Xiang , Heianza Yoriko , Qi Lu
Published: June 2024

Background

Individuals with diabetes have a significantly higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) and higher levels of social isolation and loneliness compared with those without diabetes. Recently, the American Heart Association highlighted the importance of considering social determinants of health (SDOH) in conjunction with traditional risk factors in patients with diabetes.

Aims

To investigate the associations of loneliness and social isolation with incident CKD risk in patients with diabetes in the UK Biobank.

Methods

A total of 18 972 patients with diabetes were included in this prospective study. Loneliness and Social Isolation Scales were created based on self-reported factors. An adjusted Cox proportional hazard model was used to investigate the associations of loneliness and social isolation with CKD risk among patients with diabetes. The relative importance in predicting CKD was also calculated alongside traditional risk factors.

Results

During a median follow-up of 10.8 years, 1127 incident CKD cases were reported. A higher loneliness scale, but not social isolation, was significantly associated with a 25% higher risk of CKD, independent of traditional risk factors, among patients with diabetes. Among the individual loneliness factors, the sense of feeling lonely emerged as the primary contributing factor to the elevated risk of CKD. Compared with individuals not experiencing feelings of loneliness, those who felt lonely exhibited a 22% increased likelihood of developing CKD. In addition, feeling lonely demonstrated greater relative importance of predicting CKD compared with traditional risk factors such as body mass index, smoking, physical activity and diet.

Conclusions

This study indicates the significant relationship between loneliness and CKD risk among patients with diabetes, highlighting the need to address SDOH in preventing CKD in this population.
Chronic fatigue syndrome post-COVID-19: triple-blind randomised clinical trial of Astragalus root extract
Authors: Banihashemi Zahra-Sadat , Azizi-Fini Ismail , Rajabi Mahdi , Maghami Mahboobeh , Yadollahi Safoura
Published: June 2024

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Astragalus root extract on nurses suffering from post-COVID-19 chronic fatigue syndrome.

Materials and methods

The study was designed as a triple-blind, randomised, controlled trial in Iran in 2023. 64 chronic fatigue syndrome nurses were randomly assigned to one of two groups: an intervention group (n=32) that received Astragalus root extract (500 mg two times per day) or a control group (n=32) that received a placebo. Changes in chronic fatigue syndrome scores were measured before to, at the end of and 1 month after the intervention. Data were analysed using descriptive and analytical statistics (T-tests, χ2, analysis of variances, Cochran’s Q tests, McNemar and generalised estimating equations).

Results

In comparison to before, chronic fatigue prevalence decreased statistically significantly at the end of the intervention group (13.8%) and 1 month later (17.2%). Further, the frequency differed between before and after (p=0.0001) and 1 month later (p=0.0001). In the control group, chronic fatigue was statistically significantly different before and after the intervention (72.2%; p=0.003). Having an underlying disease (B=0.84, OR=2.33; p=0.04) and being in the control group (B=2.15, OR=12.36; p=0.01) increased the risk of chronic fatigue, whereas increasing the length of time decreased it (B=−0.67, OR=0.50; p=0.0001).

Conclusion

Astragalus root extract has been shown to reduce chronic fatigue in nurses. Therefore, this herbal extract can be used to reduce the incidence and treatment of chronic fatigue in nurses.
Synthesis of 3-hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives via photochemical rearrangement of 6-substituted bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-3-en-2-ones
Authors: Wang Shiuan-Po , Lu Jilliane Clare , Yoo Woo-Jin
Published: June 2024

The utilization of a photochemical rearrangement process to transform a wide range of substituted bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-3-en-2-ones into derivatives of 3-hydroxybenzoic acids is reported.
Rolling bearing fault diagnosis based on DRS frequency spectrum image and improved DQN
Authors: Chen Jiatai , Wang Hao , Su Botao , Li Zhuoxian
Published: June 2024

Deep learning may encounter challenges in fault diagnosis, such as exploration capability, long-term planning, and handling non-deterministic factors. The paper introduces a novel fault diagnosis method for rolling bearings combining deep Q-network (DQN) with discrete random separation (DRS) frequency spectrum images. DRS can be used to separate the deterministic components and random components of the fault signal and extract the fault feature very effectively. The improved DQN incorporates the atrous spatial pyramid pooling module for multiscale contextual fault feature extraction, enhancing diagnosis accuracy. Various deep networks, including convolutional neural network, ResNet18, traditional DQN, and the improved DQN, are employed with different frequency spectrum images (power spectral density, cepstrum, and DRS) for diagnosing bearing faults. Simulation results demonstrate that combining DRS frequency spectrum images with the improved DQN enhances fault diagnosis accuracy across diverse conditions. Generalization tests reveal strong capability of the proposed method in handling conditions different from the training data. Validation tests on difficult-to-diagnose fault data from the CWRU-bearing dataset demonstrate commendable performance of the improved DQN, even on difficult datasets. Finally, validation tests using the XJTU–SY bearing dataset reaffirm the excellent performance and robust adaptability of the improved DQN in conjunction with DRS frequency spectrum images.
Acoustic black hole: the Sagnac effect, the geodesics and the bounding values of the parameters
Authors: Roy Soumya Kanti , Ghosh Tanmoy , Raychaudhuri B. , Mondal Aditya S.
Published: June 2024

Sagnac interference experiment is theoretically analyzed in the curved spacetime of the Rotating Acoustic Black hole metric. The Zero and the infinite Sagnac delay has been analyzed. The geodesic motion in the metric is discussed very briefly to derive the formula for the Sagnac delay. For the first time, the values of the two constant parameters related to the metric of the acoustic black hole have been found to be restricted within certain limit by the use of the formula for the Sagnac delay. The equation for finding the sonic horizon has also been deduced.
Primordial gravitational waves assisted by cosmological scalar perturbations
Authors: Yu Yan-Heng , Wang Sai
Published: June 2024

Primordial gravitational waves are a crucial prediction of inflation theory, and their detection through their imprints on the cosmic microwave background is actively being pursued. However, these attempts have not yet been successful. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to detect primordial gravitational waves by searching for a signal of second-order tensor perturbations. These perturbations were produced due to nonlinear couplings between the linear tensor and scalar perturbations in the early universe. We anticipate a blue-tilted tensor spectral index, and suggest that the tensor-to-scalar ratio can potentially be measured with high precision using a detector network composed of the ground-based Einstein Telescope and the space-borne LISA project on a decade timescale.
Traversable wormholes satisfying energy conditions in f(Q) gravity
Authors: Rastgoo S. , Parsaei F.
Published: June 2024

In this article, a new family of asymptotically flat wormhole solutions in the context of symmetric teleparallel gravity, i.e., f(Q) theory of gravity, are presented. Considering a power-law shape function and some different forms of the f(Q) function, we show that a wide variety of wormhole solutions for which the matter fields satisfy some energy conditions, are accessible. We realize that the presence of f(Q) gravity will be enough to sustain a traversable wormhole without exotic matter. The influence of the free parameters of the shape function and the f(Q) models on the energy conditions is investigated. The equation of state and the boundary conditions are analyzed.
Quiescent optical solitons for Fokas–Lenells equation with nonlinear chromatic dispersion and a couple of self-phase modulation structures
Authors: Elsherbeny Ahmed M. , Arnous Ahmed H. , Biswas Anjan , Yildirim Yakup , Jawad Anwar Ja’afar Mohamad , Alshomrani Ali Saleh
Published: June 2024

The focus of the current paper is on the retrieval of quiescent optical solitons from Fokas–Lenells equation with nonlinear chromatic dispersion and having quadratic–cubic as well as quadratic–cubic–quartic forms of self-phase modulation structures. Two integration algorithms are implemented to carry out to seek such soliton solutions. They are the enhanced Kudryashov’s approach and the projective Riccati equation approach. In this context, both linear temporal evolution and generalized temporal evolution effects are addressed. A full spectrum of quiescent optical solitons is thus recovered.
Phenomenological toy model for flash effect in proton therapy
Authors: García G. , Llorena D. , Illescas C. , Viñals S. , García L. , Fernández de Barrena Machón G. , Sánchez-Parcerisa D. , Ynsa M. D.
Published: June 2024

We present a simple model based on general assumptions for the FLASH effect in radiotherapy, leading to a rate equation with only three free parameters. The model can predict the biological effect ratio between healthy and tumoral tissue for arbitrary input treatments, given as a dose rate versus time function. We analyze the behavior of the model and its sensitivity to its free parameters, and decide on suitable parameter values in accordance with available experimental data from the literature. Then we apply our model to study different sets of treatments, modeled as square pulse periodic functions with different pulse peak dose rate, pulse width and repetition period, in order to illustrate how it may be used to guide future experiment design. The model predicts that, for a given average dose rate above the FLASH threshold, a more prominent FLASH effect would be observed for continuous beams than for ultra-pulsated beams with an infinitely short irradiation time. This finding needs to be validated with suitable experiments.
Supplementary Figure S7 from A Histone Methylation–MAPK Signaling Axis Drives Durable Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition in Hypoxic Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Brown Brooke A. , Myers Paul J. , Adair Sara J. , Pitarresi Jason R. , Sah-Teli Shiv K. , Campbell Logan A. , Hart William S. , Barbeau Michelle C. , Leong Kelsey , Seyler Nicholas , Kane William , Lee Kyoung Eun , Stelow Edward , Jones Marieke , Simon M. Celeste , Koivunen Peppi , Bauer Todd W. , Stanger Ben Z. , Lazzara Matthew J.
Published: June 2024

Supplementary Figure S7
Supplementary Figure S11 from A Histone Methylation–MAPK Signaling Axis Drives Durable Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition in Hypoxic Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Brown Brooke A. , Myers Paul J. , Adair Sara J. , Pitarresi Jason R. , Sah-Teli Shiv K. , Campbell Logan A. , Hart William S. , Barbeau Michelle C. , Leong Kelsey , Seyler Nicholas , Kane William , Lee Kyoung Eun , Stelow Edward , Jones Marieke , Simon M. Celeste , Koivunen Peppi , Bauer Todd W. , Stanger Ben Z. , Lazzara Matthew J.
Published: June 2024

Supplementary Figure S11
Supplementary Figure S10 from A Histone Methylation–MAPK Signaling Axis Drives Durable Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition in Hypoxic Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Brown Brooke A. , Myers Paul J. , Adair Sara J. , Pitarresi Jason R. , Sah-Teli Shiv K. , Campbell Logan A. , Hart William S. , Barbeau Michelle C. , Leong Kelsey , Seyler Nicholas , Kane William , Lee Kyoung Eun , Stelow Edward , Jones Marieke , Simon M. Celeste , Koivunen Peppi , Bauer Todd W. , Stanger Ben Z. , Lazzara Matthew J.
Published: June 2024

Supplementary Figure S10
Supplementary Figure S1 from A Histone Methylation–MAPK Signaling Axis Drives Durable Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition in Hypoxic Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Brown Brooke A. , Myers Paul J. , Adair Sara J. , Pitarresi Jason R. , Sah-Teli Shiv K. , Campbell Logan A. , Hart William S. , Barbeau Michelle C. , Leong Kelsey , Seyler Nicholas , Kane William , Lee Kyoung Eun , Stelow Edward , Jones Marieke , Simon M. Celeste , Koivunen Peppi , Bauer Todd W. , Stanger Ben Z. , Lazzara Matthew J.
Published: June 2024

Supplementary Figure S1
Supplementary Data from A Histone Methylation–MAPK Signaling Axis Drives Durable Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition in Hypoxic Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Brown Brooke A. , Myers Paul J. , Adair Sara J. , Pitarresi Jason R. , Sah-Teli Shiv K. , Campbell Logan A. , Hart William S. , Barbeau Michelle C. , Leong Kelsey , Seyler Nicholas , Kane William , Lee Kyoung Eun , Stelow Edward , Jones Marieke , Simon M. Celeste , Koivunen Peppi , Bauer Todd W. , Stanger Ben Z. , Lazzara Matthew J.
Published: June 2024

Supplementary Methods, Tables, References
Supplementary Methods from Whole-Genome DNA Methylation Profiling of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Reveals Prognostic Subtypes with Distinct Biological Drivers
Authors: Liao Haotian , Chen Xing , Wang Haichuan , Lin Youpei , Chen Lu , Yuan Kefei , Liao Mingheng , Jiang Hanyu , Peng Jiajie , Wu Zhenru , Huang Jiwei , Li Jiaxin , Zeng Yong
Published: June 2024

Supplementary Methods
Supplementary Fig. S9 from Whole-Genome DNA Methylation Profiling of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Reveals Prognostic Subtypes with Distinct Biological Drivers
Authors: Liao Haotian , Chen Xing , Wang Haichuan , Lin Youpei , Chen Lu , Yuan Kefei , Liao Mingheng , Jiang Hanyu , Peng Jiajie , Wu Zhenru , Huang Jiwei , Li Jiaxin , Zeng Yong
Published: June 2024

Supplementary Fig. S9
Supplementary Fig. S8 from Whole-Genome DNA Methylation Profiling of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Reveals Prognostic Subtypes with Distinct Biological Drivers
Authors: Liao Haotian , Chen Xing , Wang Haichuan , Lin Youpei , Chen Lu , Yuan Kefei , Liao Mingheng , Jiang Hanyu , Peng Jiajie , Wu Zhenru , Huang Jiwei , Li Jiaxin , Zeng Yong
Published: June 2024

Supplementary Fig. S8
Supplementary Fig. S18 from Whole-Genome DNA Methylation Profiling of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Reveals Prognostic Subtypes with Distinct Biological Drivers
Authors: Liao Haotian , Chen Xing , Wang Haichuan , Lin Youpei , Chen Lu , Yuan Kefei , Liao Mingheng , Jiang Hanyu , Peng Jiajie , Wu Zhenru , Huang Jiwei , Li Jiaxin , Zeng Yong
Published: June 2024

Supplementary Fig. S18
Supplementary Fig. S16 from Whole-Genome DNA Methylation Profiling of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Reveals Prognostic Subtypes with Distinct Biological Drivers
Authors: Liao Haotian , Chen Xing , Wang Haichuan , Lin Youpei , Chen Lu , Yuan Kefei , Liao Mingheng , Jiang Hanyu , Peng Jiajie , Wu Zhenru , Huang Jiwei , Li Jiaxin , Zeng Yong
Published: June 2024

Supplementary Fig. S16
Supplementary Fig. S11 from Whole-Genome DNA Methylation Profiling of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Reveals Prognostic Subtypes with Distinct Biological Drivers
Authors: Liao Haotian , Chen Xing , Wang Haichuan , Lin Youpei , Chen Lu , Yuan Kefei , Liao Mingheng , Jiang Hanyu , Peng Jiajie , Wu Zhenru , Huang Jiwei , Li Jiaxin , Zeng Yong
Published: June 2024

Supplementary Fig. S11
Supplementary Fig. S10 from Whole-Genome DNA Methylation Profiling of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Reveals Prognostic Subtypes with Distinct Biological Drivers
Authors: Liao Haotian , Chen Xing , Wang Haichuan , Lin Youpei , Chen Lu , Yuan Kefei , Liao Mingheng , Jiang Hanyu , Peng Jiajie , Wu Zhenru , Huang Jiwei , Li Jiaxin , Zeng Yong
Published: June 2024

Supplementary Fig. S10
Supplementary Figure S2 from Obesogenic High-Fat Diet and MYC Cooperate to Promote Lactate Accumulation and Tumor Microenvironment Remodeling in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Boufaied Nadia , Chetta Paolo , Hallal Tarek , Cacciatore Stefano , Lalli Daniela , Luthold Carole , Homsy Kevin , Imada Eddie L. , Syamala Sudeepa , Photopoulos Cornelia , Di Matteo Anna , de Polo Anna , Storaci Alessandra Maria , Huang Ying , Giunchi Francesca , Sheridan Patricia A. , Michelotti Gregory , Nguyen Quang-De , Zhao Xin , Liu Yang , Davicioni Elai , Spratt Daniel E. , Sabbioneda Simone , Maga Giovanni , Mucci Lorelei A. , Ghigna Claudia , Marchionni Luigi , Butler Lisa M. , Ellis Leigh , Bordeleau François , Loda Massimo , Vaira Valentina , Labbé David P. , Zadra Giorgia
Published: June 2024

Supplementary Figure S2 shows the effect of obesogenic HFD on AP and VP lobes, the effect of HFD on cell proliferation rate in MYC-transformed DLP, and the effect of HFD on WT prostate lobes.
Supplementary Data from A Subpopulation of Luminal Progenitors Secretes Pleiotrophin to Promote Angiogenesis and Metastasis in Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhang Mengmeng , Zhou Kaiwen , Wang Zilin , Liu Ting , Stevens Laura E. , Lynce Filipa , Chen Wendy Y. , Peng Sui , Xie Yubin , Zhai Duanyang , Chen Qianjun , Shi Yawei , Shi Huijuan , Yuan Zhongyu , Li Xiaoping , Xu Juan , Cai Zhenhai , Guo Jianping , Shao Nan , Lin Ying
Published: June 2024

Including Supplementary materials and methods and Supplementary Figure S1-6
Figure 2 from Oncogenic Cell Tagging and Single-Cell Transcriptomics Reveal Cell Type–Specific and Time-Resolved Responses to Vhl Inactivation in the Kidney
Authors: Kurlekar Samvid , Lima Joanna D.C.C. , Li Ran , Lombardi Olivia , Masson Norma , Barros Ayslan B. , Pontecorvi Virginia , Mole David R. , Pugh Christopher W. , Adam Julie , Ratcliffe Peter J.
Published: June 2024

scRNA-seq on flow-sorted renal cells. A, UMAP plot of tdTomato-negative (left) or tdTomato-positive cells (right) from kidneys of Control mice harvested at the early time point. Cells are colored by inferred cell type. LoH, loop of Henle; DCT, distal convoluted tubule; CD, collecting duct; PC, principal cell; IC, intercalated; PEC, parietal epithelial cell; VSMC, vascular smooth muscle cell; NK, natural killer cell. B, Proportion of sequenced cells inferred to be of each cell type in tdTomato-positive or tdTomato-negative populations from kidneys of Control mice harvested at the early time point. Median and interquartile range plotted. C, UMAP plot depicting expression of PT Module A (left) and PT Module B (right) genes in PT cells from Control mice. D, Representative in situ RNA hybridization exhibiting spatially distinct expression of Neat1 (blue) and Fxyd2 (red) mRNA in FFPE kidney cortex from Control mice harvested at the early time point. Scale bar, 10 μm. Magnification, ×40. E, UMAP plot depicting cells from Control mice at the early time point. Cells are colored by assigned PT Class. A–E, scRNA-seq data shown for n = 3 female (3F) and n = 1 male (1M) Control mice.
Supplementary Figure S4 from Repolarization of Immunosuppressive Macrophages by Targeting SLAMF7-Regulated CCL2 Signaling Sensitizes Hepatocellular Carcinoma to Immunotherapy
Authors: Weng Jialei , Wang Zheng , Hu Zhiqiu , Xu Wenxin , Sun Jia-Lei , Wang Fu , Zhou Qiang , Liu Shaoqing , Xu Min , Xu Minghao , Gao Dongmei , Shen Ying-Hao , Yi Yong , Shi Yi , Dong Qiongzhu , Zhou Chenhao , Ren Ning
Published: June 2024

(A) Representative IHC staining images showing the expressions of SLAMF7, p-STAT1, and p-STAT3 in HCC samples from Fudan LCI cohort. Scale bar: 200 μm (left) and 20 μm (right). (B) Representative immunofluorescence staining (left) and the infiltration levels (right) of exhausted T cells (CD8+ PD-1+ TCF1-) in HCC tumors with high and low SLAMF7 protein expression in the Fudan LCI cohort. Scale bar: 20μm. *P<0.05, Student’s t test.
Figure S9 from Cigarette Smoking and E-cigarette Use Induce Shared DNA Methylation Changes Linked to Carcinogenesis
Authors: Herzog Chiara , Jones Allison , Evans Iona , Raut Janhavi R. , Zikan Michal , Cibula David , Wong Andrew , Brenner Hermann , Richmond Rebecca C. , Widschwendter Martin
Published: June 2024

Supplementary Figure 9
Figure S12 from Cigarette Smoking and E-cigarette Use Induce Shared DNA Methylation Changes Linked to Carcinogenesis
Authors: Herzog Chiara , Jones Allison , Evans Iona , Raut Janhavi R. , Zikan Michal , Cibula David , Wong Andrew , Brenner Hermann , Richmond Rebecca C. , Widschwendter Martin
Published: June 2024

Supplementary Figure 12