bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uso de dispositivos eletrônicos e distúrbios do sono durante a pandemia de Covid-19
Authors: Oliveira Antônio Fernandes de , Ferreira João Pedro Müller , Martinello Eduarda Caroline Ceriolli , Lutinski Junir Antônio
Published: August 2022

O isolamento social vivido durante a pandemia do Sars-cov-2 revelou um aumento significativo do uso de equipamentos eletrônicos no mundo inteiro. Novos problemas foram evidenciados graças a esse aumento, principalmente no sono. Aumentos de até 10 horas por dia no uso de eletrônicos foram observados, em função de trabalho e estudos que passaram a acontecer de forma remota. Neste contexto, este estudo objetivou avaliar a relação entre uso de eletrônicos e os distúrbios do sono durante a pandemia de Covid-19. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, observacional com delineamento transversal que reuniu informações fornecidas pela população da região sul do Brasil. A coleta de dados foi realizada através de um questionário online utilizando-se a ferramenta Formulários do Google, composto por vinte e duas perguntas e aplicado no primeiro semestre de 2021. Foram utilizadas estatísticas descritivas de frequência, de posição e de dispersão para a análise dos dados. Foram obtidas 289 respostas. Os relatos apontam para um aumento significativo no uso de aparelhos durante a pandemia. Nota-se também que 32,5% dos entrevistados apresentam algum distúrbio do sono. Percebeu-se a predominância da insônia em 24,5% da amostra. Esses distúrbios podem estar relacionados com o aumento do tempo diário de uso de aparelhos eletrônicos. Destaca-se a relevância de uma compreensão mais aprofundada da relação entre o uso de aparelhos eletrônicos e os distúrbios do sono durante a pandemia de Covid-19.
Sistem Kontrol Penggerak Motor Stepper Molding Microplastik Metode Fuzzy Logic Berbasis Myrio
Authors: Satriawan Yoga , Yulianto Yulianto , Sungkono Sungkono
Published: August 2022

— Semakin berkembangnya jaman, banyak sekali teknologi yang mengalami peningkatan, seperti halnya di dunia industry. Peningkatan produk dihasilkan dengan efesiensi dan produktifitas yang lebih baik sesuai dengan perkembangannya. Dalam hal ini, penelitian dilakukan dengan memanfaatkan teknologi pemrosesan plastik. Salah satu proses yang dilakukan yaitu dengan injeksi molding yang merupakan pemrosesan yang dilakukan dengan memanfaatkan bahan baku (butiran) plastik yang dicetak melalui mold. Pemrosesan injeksi molding ini memanfaatkan motor stepper untuk difungsikan sebagai actuator (penggerak) molding. Dalam penelitian ini didapatkan implementasi untuk mencetak plastik menjadi hasil yang diinginkan dengan hitungan time delay sekitar 1 menit, dan jarak yang ditentukan dari zero point (limit switch) hingga ke mold sebesar 40 mm. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan jika nilai error rata rata dari nilai pengukuran sensor encoder menuju nozzel sebesar 5%. Artinya nilai error keakurasian pada set point dan pengukuran secara real time mencapai nilai error 5%.
Kendali Proporsional Pada Pemanas Air Otomatis Menggunakan Metode Hibrid Dengan Memanfaatkan Tenaga Matahari Dan Listrik
Authors: Hakim M. Alfanshuril , Fathoni Fathoni , Luqman Mohammad
Published: August 2022

Penggunaan air panas dalam kehidupan sehari-hari sangat dibutuhkan terutama untuk keperluan mandi. Pemanas air pada umumnya menggunakan api atau pemanas listrik untuk memanaskan air. Dengan adanya pemanas air otomatis ini, sumber panas utama yang digunakan memanfaatkan energi matahari dan sumber panas cadangan menggunakan elemen pemanas listrik. Untuk memanfaatkan panas matahari digunakan pipa kolektor yang dapat menyerap panas menggunakan metode thermosiphon. Pipa kolektor dapat mencapai suhu maksimum sebesar 39,5°C pada kondisi cuaca cerah. Sedangkan penggunaan elemen pemanas hanya digunakan pada saat LDR tidak mendeteksi cahaya matahari yang cukup. Elemen pemanas akan dikontrol dengan kendali proporsional dengan nilai Kp sebesar 257 dengan nilai error maksimal sebesar 0,5% dengan setpoint 50°C.
Kontrol Yaw dan Rolling Layar pada Kapal Model Katamaran
Authors: Firdaus Mohammad Kamil , Setiawan Budhy , Pracoyo Agus
Published: August 2022

Perahu layar sudah lama menjadi kendaraan para nelayan. Seiring kemajuan teknologi mulai digunakan energi listrik sebagai sumber energi penggerak tambahan pada perahu layar, utamanya ketika tenaga angin kurang mencukupi. Supaya lebih praktis dalam penerapannya perlu dipasang kontroler yang secara otomatis dapat membuka atau menutup layar dan menghadapkan layar ke sumber angin. Untuk menguji ide otomasi layar tersebut, dibuatkan kapal model katamaran dengan layar berbentuk segi empat sebagai pendorong utama kapal. Sistem layar digerakkan menggunakan tali dan motor DC yang dikontrol menggunakan Arduino Mega. Layar  terbuka jika ada angin dan menutup ketika tidak ada angin atau sedang terjadinya badai. Sensor kecepatan angin dipasang untuk mendeteksi ada tidaknya angin, jika sensor kecepatan membaca kecepatan angin antara 1-10m/s maka dianggap ada angin. Adapun untuk menandai membuka atau menutupnya layar dipasang 2 buah sensor proximity berupa infrared. Untuk mendeteksi arah angin digunakan sensor kompas yang dipasang pada ekor windshock. Berdasarkan hasil uji coba terhadap kapal/layar didapatkan hasil bahwa Arduino dapat memerintah motor penggulung (rolling) layar dan motor penghadap(yaw) layar secara otomatis sesuai yang direncanakan. Layar dapat membuka dan menutup karena adanya sensor proximity dengan error 0 dan layar dapat menghadap ke arah angin dengan error 1.9 % meskipun error pembacaan kecepatan angin 0.9 %.
Pengaturan Ketepatan Pelontar Anak pada Mobile Robot
Authors: Bumi Fadillah Satria , Winarno Totok , Komarudin Achmad
Published: August 2022

Kemajuan ilmu pengetahuan dalam bidang robotika berkembang sangat cepat. Robot seringkali diimplementasikan untuk menggantikan atau mempermudah pekerjaan manusia sehingga pembuatan robot sekarang berorientasi pada pekerjaan manusia sebagai contoh dalam bidang olahraga memanah. Oleh karena itu dirancang sebuah mobile robot yang dapat bergerak ke segala arah dengan mudah, membaca jarak menggunakan perhitungan forward kinematics dan melontarkan anak panah tepat pada target berdasarkan pembacaan jarak tersebut. Untuk melontarkan anak panah sesuai dengan target yang ditentukan, robot dirancang memiliki pelontar dengan motor sebagai penggerak utama yang dikontrol dengan Kontrol Proportional Derivative metode Osilasi Ziegler-nichols 2 sehingga motor dapat mencapai kecepatan yang dibutuhkan dan dapat bertahan pada kecepatan tersebut dalam kurun waktu tertentu. Nilai Kp yang ditemukan adalah 13,6 sedangkan nilai Kd yang ditemukan adalah 0,76. Pada percobaan 15 kali pelontaran anak panah pada jarak 3,5m menghasilkan nilai error 6%.  Pada percobaan 15 kali pelontaran anak panah pada jarak 6m menghasilkan nilai error 13,3%. Error tersebut dapat disebabkan oleh pengaruh angin dan tegangan baterai.
Pembangkit Sinyal SPWM Berbasis Arduino Uno
Authors: Dinasti Satria , Luqman Mohammad , Pracoyo Agus
Published: August 2022

Pemanfaatan energi listrik saat ini semakin berkembang pesat. Tetapi suatu saat pasti akan terjadi pemadaman listrik. Dalam dunia elektronika ada yang namanya inverter. Inverter adalah salah satu teknik untuk mendapatkan gelombang sinus murni dari konversi gelombang DC yaitu dengan memodulasi lebar sinyal pulsa gelombang DC tersebut. Teknik ini disebut dengan sinusoidal pulse width modulation (SPWM).  Metode pembuatan inverter full bridge 1 phasa MOSFET IRF9540 dan IRF540 untuk menghasilkan gelombang SPWM dengan mengubah tegangan dari 12 VDC yang kemudian dinaikkan dan menggunakan Trafo Step Up serta menggunakan input frekuensi 10K Hz dari Arduino uno. Hasil dari pengujian yang telah dilakukan yaitu SPWM dengan Input tegangan 12 VDC dan frekuensi 10 KHz dan tegangan output inverter sebesar 106,9 VAC tanpa beban dan 81,1 VAC dengan menggunakan beban 20 Watt berupa lampu. Alat ini bisa digunakan untuk cadangan energy listrik saat pemadaman PLN.
SISTEM KENDALI PID MENGGUNAKAN PLC CP1H APLIKASI LEVEL CAIRAN SEBAGAI MINIPLANT
Authors: Anggraini Dania Puspa , Budi Edi Sulistio , Komarudin Achmad
Published: August 2022

Dalam miniplant menggunakan sensor ultrasonic HC-SR04 yang digunakan untuk mengukur ketinggian air dalam tanki. Kendali Proportional Integral Derivative pada sistem ini telah diuji menggunakan 2 metode yaitu metode Ziegler Nichols dan metode Trial and Error. Dalam pengujian menggunakan 2 metode tersebut, hasil yang diperoleh dapat dianalisa bahwa dengan metode Trial and Error yang dapat menghasilkan sinyal respon dengan rise time 250s, overshoot 2.5% dan settling time 200s dengan parameter Kp = 10, Ti = 10 dan Td = 30.
Autophagy regulated by the HIF/REDD1/mTORC1 signaling is progressively increased during erythroid differentiation under hypoxia
Authors: Li Jian , Quan Cheng , He Yun-Ling , Cao Yan , Chen Ying , Wang Yu-Fei , Wu Li-Ying
Published: August 2022

For hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), hypoxia is a specific microenvironment known as the hypoxic niche. How hypoxia regulates erythroid differentiation of HSPCs remains unclear. In this study, we show that hypoxia evidently accelerates erythroid differentiation, and autophagy plays a pivotal role in this process. We further determine that mTORC1 signaling is suppressed by hypoxia to relieve its inhibition of autophagy, and with the process of erythroid differentiation, mTORC1 activity gradually decreases and autophagy activity increases accordingly. Moreover, we provide evidence that the HIF-1 target gene REDD1 is upregulated to suppress mTORC1 signaling and enhance autophagy, thereby promoting erythroid differentiation under hypoxia. Together, our study identifies that the enhanced autophagy by hypoxia favors erythroid maturation and elucidates a new regulatory pattern whereby autophagy is progressively increased during erythroid differentiation, which is driven by the HIF-1/REDD1/mTORC1 signaling in a hypoxic niche.
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor contributes to immunopathogenesis during Plasmodium yoelii 17XL infection
Authors: Salazar-Castañón Víctor H. , Juárez-Avelar Imelda , Legorreta-Herrera Martha , Rodriguez-Sosa Miriam
Published: August 2022

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a cytokine recognized regulator of the inflammatory immune response associated with several immune cells that produce inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, IL-18, and TNF-α. This study aimed to understand the effect of MIF on the immune response and pathogenesis duringPlasmodiuminfection. Wild-type (Wt) and MIF knockout (Mif-/-) mice were intravenously infected with 1×103Plasmodium yoelii(Py) 17XL-parasitized red blood cells. Our data showed thatPy17XL-infected Wt mice died 11 days postinfection, whileMif-/-mice showed reduced parasitemia and an increase in their survival at day 11 up to 58%, importantly they succumb up to day 21 postinfection. The increased survival rate inMif-/-mice was associated with less severe cachexia and anemia as a result of a mixed Th1/Th2 cytokine profile, high levels of IL-12, IL-17/IL-4, and IL-10 in serum; and high levels of IL-4 and IL-10, and low levels of IFN-γ in spleen cells compared toPy17XL infected Wt mice. Moreover, macrophages (Mφs) fromMif-/-mice exhibited higher concentrations of IL-10 and IL-12 and reduced levels of TNF-α and nitric oxide (NO) compared toPy17XL-infected Wt mice. These results demonstrate that MIF has an important role in regulating the immune response associated with host pathogenesis and lethality, which is relevant to consider in preventing/reducing complications inPlasmodiuminfections.
Dexmedetomidine and acute kidney injury following cardiac surgery in pediatric patients—An updated systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Hongbai , Zhang Chaobin , Li Yinan , Jia Yuan , Yuan Su , Wang Jianhui , Yan Fuxia
Published: August 2022

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common postoperative complication in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery and associated with poor outcomes. Dexmedetomidine has the pharmacological features of organ protection in cardiac surgery patients. The aim of this meta-analysis is to investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine infusion on the incidence of AKI after cardiac surgery in pediatric patients.

Methods

The databases of Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched until April 24, 2022 following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. RevMan 5.3 was used to perform statistical analyses.

Results

Five relevant trials with a total of 630 patients were included. The pooled result using fixed-effects model with OR demonstrated significant difference in the incidence of AKI between patients with dexmedetomidine and placebo (OR = 0.49, 95% CI: [0.33, 0.73],I2= 0%,pfor effect = 0.0004). Subgroup analyses were performed based on congenital heart disease (CHD) types and dexmedetomidine intervention time. Pooled results did not demonstrate considerable difference in the incidence of AKI in pediatric patients receiving intraoperative (OR = 0.53, 95% CI: [0.29, 0.99],I2= 0%,pfor effect = 0.05) or postoperative dexmedetomidine infusion (OR = 0.56, 95% CI: [0.31, 1.04],pfor effect = 0.07), but a significant difference in patients receiving combination of intra- and postoperative dexmedetomidine infusion (OR = 0.27, 95% CI: [0.09, 0.77],pfor effect = 0.01). Besides, there was no significant difference in duration of mechanical ventilation (SMD: –0.19, 95% CI: –0.46 to 0.08,pfor effect = 0.16; SMD: –0.16, 95% CI: –0.37 to 0.06,pfor effect = 0.15), length of ICU (SMD: 0.02, 95% CI: –0.41 to 0.44,pfor effect = 0.93) and hospital stay (SMD: 0.2, 95% CI: –0.13 to 0.54,pfor effect = 0.23), and in-hospital mortality (OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 0.33–4.84,pfor effect = 0.73) after surgery according to the pooled results of the secondary outcomes.

Conclusion

Compared to placebo, dexmedetomidine could significantly reduce the postoperative incidence of AKI in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), but the considerable difference was reflected in the pediatric patients receiving combination of intra- and postoperative dexmedetomidine infusion. Besides, there was no significant difference in duration of mechanical ventilation, length of ICU and hospital stay, or in-hospital mortality after surgery.
Snow cover evolution at Qasigiannguit Glacier, southwest Greenland: A comparison of time-lapse imagery and mass balance data
Authors: Messerli Alexandra , Arthur Jennifer , Langley Kirsty , How Penelope , Abermann Jakob
Published: August 2022

In a warming climate, understanding seasonal fluctuations in snowline position is key to accurately predicting the melt contribution of glaciers to sea-level rise. Snow and ice conditions have a large impact on freshwater availability and supply on seasonal and multi-annual timescales. Factors such as snow extent and physical characteristics affect predictions in snowmelt- and glacier-fed catchments, influencing the potential of hydropower and drinking water supply in these areas, as well as ecosystems and fjord waters. Summer snow monitoring on glaciers and ice caps peripheral to the Greenland Ice Sheet are limited, and are typically excluded from ice-sheet wide assessments. Here, we analyse snow extent evolution on Qasigiannguit Glacier (QAS), a small coastal mountain glacier in Kobbefjord, southwest Greenland, with the aim of obtaining a baseline dataset of snow and ice conditions. Maximum snowline altitude and bare ice extent are extracted using terrestrial time-lapse photogrammetry, and compared to mass balance and automated weather station observations since 2014. The number of days of visible bare ice, cumulative Positive Degree Days (PDD) and mass balance are closely linked, with 2016 and 2019 experiencing the most negative mass balance, earliest onset of PDDs and greatest cumulative PDDs. 2021 had a relatively small negative mass balance (−0.072 m w.e.) despite having the longest bare ice exposure (112 days). This is attributed to the timing of bare ice exposure relative to the mean 90% cumulative PDD (28th August). Longer periods of bare ice exposure precede the mean 90% cumulative PDD in both 2016 and 2019, which reflects differences in the amount of melt energy available at different times in the melt season. This has far reaching implications for mass balance modelling efforts as this study demonstrates that spatial and temporal variability in snow/bare ice cover are linked to differences in melt factors and energy required to melt snow and ice. Snowline position provides a coarse indication of surface conditions, but future modelling efforts need to incorporate the complex spatial evolution of snow-to-bare ice ratios in order to improve estimates of mass loss from glaciarised mountain catchments.
Structural and functional insights into the candidate genes associated with different developmental stages of flag leaf in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Mehla Sheetal , Kumar Upendra , Kapoor Prexha , Singh Yogita , Sihag Pooja , Sagwal Vijeta , Balyan Priyanka , Kumar Anuj , Ahalawat Navjeet , Lakra Nita , Singh Krishna Pal , Pesic Vladan , Djalovic Ivica , Mir Reyazul Rouf , Dhankher Om Parkash
Published: August 2022

Grain yield is one of the most important aims for combating the needs of the growing world population. The role of development and nutrient transfer in flag leaf for higher yields at the grain level is well known. It is a great challenge to properly exploit this knowledge because all the processes, starting from the emergence of the flag leaf to the grain filling stages of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), are very complex biochemical and physiological processes to address. This study was conducted with the primary goal of functionally and structurally annotating the candidate genes associated with different developmental stages of flag leaf in a comprehensive manner using a plethora of in silico tools. Flag leaf-associated genes were analyzed for their structural and functional impacts using a set of bioinformatics tools and algorithms. The results revealed the association of 17 candidate genes with different stages of flag leaf development in wheat crop. Of these 17 candidate genes, the expression analysis results revealed the upregulation of genes such as TaSRT1-5D, TaPNH1-7B, and TaNfl1-2B and the downregulation of genes such as TaNAP1-7B, TaNOL-4D, and TaOsl2-2B can be utilized for the generation of high-yielding wheat varieties. Through MD simulation and other in silico analyses, all these proteins were found to be stable. Based on the outcome of bioinformatics and molecular analysis, the identified candidate genes were found to play principal roles in the flag leaf development process and can be utilized for higher-yield wheat production.
Paraneoplastic anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis associated with small cell lung cancer and cytotoxic T-cell-mediated pathology: Case report
Authors: Akanuma Haruna , Iizuka Takahiro , Abe Dan , Yoshida Kenji , Matsuda Nozomu , Sugimoto Kotaro , Hashimoto Yuko , Kanai Kazuaki
Published: August 2022

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antibody encephalitis is caused by a reversible inhibition of ion channel actions by autoantibodies and is associated with a relatively good prognosis. Pathological findings of NMDAR encephalitis usually do not show neurophagorous nodules, but rare or mild inflammatory infiltration. We report a patient of small cell lung cancer (SCLC)-related paraneoplastic encephalitis with NMDAR antibodies, a cytotoxic T-cell-mediated pathology of the brain, and a rapid clinical course. This case highlights that the neuropathological diversity of NMDAR encephalitis may be even broader than previously thought and that NMDAR antibodies may also be found in various pathological conditions with a vigorous immune response.
Moving from control to elimination of Visceral Leishmaniasis in East Africa
Authors: Makau-Barasa Louise Kathini , Ochol Duncan , Yotebieng Kelly A. , Adera Cherinet B. , de Souza Dziedzom K.
Published: August 2022

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is arguably one of the deadliest neglected tropical diseases. People in poverty bear the largest burden of the disease. Today, the largest proportion of persons living with VL reside in the Eastern African countries of Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan. These East African countries are among the top 10 countries reporting the highest number of cases and deaths. If left undiagnosed and untreated, VL almost always results in death. Subsequently, there is a need for integrated efforts across human, animal, and vector-control programs to address the scourge of VL in East Africa. In the East African region, the challenges including socio-cultural beliefs, poor health system, political instability, and limited epidemiological understanding impede the implementation of effective VL control strategies. The availability of funding, as well as diagnostics and treatment options, are also devastatingly limited. Furthermore, given the realities of climate change and population movement in the region, to effectively address the scourge of visceral leishmaniasis in East Africa, a regional approach is imperative. In this paper, we highlight some of the key challenges and opportunities to effectively move towards an effective control, and eventually elimination, of VL in East Africa. To do this, we underline the need for a fully integrated program in East Africa, inclusive of effective diagnostics and treatment, to effectively reduce and eliminate the burden of VL in the region, subsequently paving the way to achieve global elimination goals.
Age group differences in blubber fatty acid profiles in northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris)
Authors: Kirkpatrick Aaron W. , Crocker Daniel E. , Kanatous Shane B. , Smith Kerri J. , Kienle Sarah S. , Trumble Stephen J.
Published: August 2022

Northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris), like many marine mammals, rely on internal lipid stores, specifically fatty acids (FAs) stored in the blubber layer, to meet metabolic needs. The energetic demands of northern elephant seals vary with ontogeny, as each life-history stage experiences different metabolic requirements due to development, growth, and breeding. To date, no comprehensive study has reported on changes in blubber FA profiles across northern elephant seal age groups or sex. Therefore, our objective was to determine how blubber FAs differ across ontogeny and sex in northern elephant seals. As a sexually dimorphic mammal, northern elephant seals go through sex-specific ontogenetic changes in morphology and physiology; we hypothesized that these changes would be reflected in their FAs profiles. To determine this, FAs profiles were compared from full blubber cores collected from 79 northern elephant seals across four age groups. We provide the first evidence of blubber fatty acids differing across ontogeny as NES transition from young, developing seals to mature fully developed adults. However, we did not find differences in blubber FAs profiles between the sexes. Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) are found in the highest proportions across all NES age classes and sexes, followed by SFAs and PUFAs; this highlights the important role MUFAs play in maintaining fluidity of the blubber layer and in thermoregulation. The individual FAs with the highest concentrations (C16:1, C18:1n9 and C16:0) in northern elephant seal blubber are similar to those in other marine mammals. Weaned pup FAs profiles were significantly different from all other age classes; adults and juveniles also showed age-specific differences. Specifically, weaned pups had the highest proportions of SFAs and the lowest proportions of PUFA, suggesting use of PUFAs to aid development. Each life history stage of NES is interconnected to previous and future stages, making FA accumulation, mobilization, and storage an important process throughout an individual’s life. Further, any changes to this process can have cascading consequences throughout ontogeny in this species. Future monitoring of the FA composition of blubber across age classes could potentially indicate the costs of different environmental changes on blubber storage in NES.
Association between glucose-to-lymphocyte ratio and in-hospital mortality in intensive care patients with sepsis: A retrospective observational study based on Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV
Authors: Cai Shaoyan , Wang Qinjia , Ma Chuzhou , Chen Junheng , Wei Yang , Zhang Lei , Fang Zengqiang , Zheng Liangjie , Guo Chunming
Published: August 2022

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the association between the glucose-to-lymphocyte ratio (GLR) and in-hospital mortality in intensive care unit (ICUs) patients with sepsis.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study. Patients with sepsis from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV (MIMIC-IV) database had their baseline data and in-hospital prognosis retrieved. Multivariable Cox regression analyses were applied to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Survival curves were plotted, and subgroup analyses were stratified by relevant covariates. To address the non-linearity relationship, curve fitting and a threshold effect analysis were performed.

Results

Of the 23,901 patients, 10,118 patients with sepsis were included. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 17.1% (1,726/10,118). Adjusted for confounding factors in the multivariable Cox regression analysis models, when GLR was used as a categorical variable, patients in the highest GLR quartile had increased in-hospital mortality compared to patients in the lowest GLR quartile (HR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.15–1.38). When GLR was used as a continuous variable, each unit increase in GLR was associated with a 2% increase in the prevalence of in-hospital mortality (adjusted HR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01–1.03, p = 0.001). Stratified analyses indicated that the correlation between the GLR and in-hospital mortality was stable. The non-linear relationship between GLR and in-hospital mortality was explored in a dose-dependent manner. In-hospital mortality increased by 67% (aHR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.45–1.92) for every unit GLR increase. When GLR was beyond 1.68, in-hospital mortality did not significantly change (aHR: 1.04, 95% CI: 0.92–1.18).

Conclusion

There is a non-linear relationship between GLR and in-hospital mortality in intensive care patients with sepsis. A higher GLR in ICU patients is associated with in-hospital mortality in the United States. However, further research is needed to confirm the findings.
A novel form of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for the reduction of dysesthesias caused by spinal nerve dysfunction: A case series
Authors: Nishi Yuki , Ikuno Koki , Minamikawa Yuji , Igawa Yuki , Osumi Michihiro , Morioka Shu
Published: August 2022

Background

Current therapeutic interventions for dysesthesias caused by spinal cord dysfunctions are ineffective. We propose a novel intervention using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for dysesthesias, and we present an in-depth case series.

Patients and methods

Conventional high-frequency TENS and the novel dysesthesia-matched TENS (DM-TENS) were applied to 16 hands of nine patients with spinal cord dysfunction. The dysesthesia-matched TENS’ stimulus intensity and frequency matched the intensity and somatosensory profile of the patients’ dysesthesias. The Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire version-2 (SF-MPQ2) and quantitative sensory testing (QST) were applied during electrical stimulation/no stimulation. We determined intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) to evaluate the reliability of the setting and the effects on the dysesthesias and the change in subjective dysesthesia between each patient’s baseline without TENS and DM-TENS.

Results

We were able to apply electrical stimulation matching the patients’ subjective dysesthesia for 14 hands (eight patients). TENS could not be applied for the remaining patient due to severe sensory deficits. Compared to the patients’ baseline and high-frequency TENS, the DM-TENS provided significant decreases in tingling/pins-and-needles and numbness on the SF-MPQ2, and it significantly improved the dynamic and static mechanical detection on QST. Regarding the reliability of the dysesthesia-matched TENS settings, the ICCs (1,5) were intensity, 0.95; frequency, 1.00; and effect on dysesthesia, 0.98.

Conclusion

DM-TENS improved the dysesthesias and mechanical hypoesthesia caused by spinal cord dysfunction. The effectiveness of DM-TENS particularly for tingling and numbness was clearly higher and was reliable within the patients. These results may suggest an effective treatment of dysesthesias in patients with spinal cord dysfunction.

Clinical trial registration

[https://rctportal.niph.go.jp/s/detail/um?trial_id=UMIN000045332], identifier [UMIN000045332].
Extending and using anatomical vocabularies in the stimulating peripheral activity to relieve conditions project
Authors: Surles-Zeigler Monique C. , Sincomb Troy , Gillespie Thomas H. , de Bono Bernard , Bresnahan Jacqueline , Mawe Gary M. , Grethe Jeffrey S. , Tappan Susan , Heal Maci , Martone Maryann E.
Published: August 2022

The stimulating peripheral activity to relieve conditions (SPARC) program is a US National Institutes of Health-funded effort to improve our understanding of the neural circuitry of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in support of bioelectronic medicine. As part of this effort, the SPARC project is generating multi-species, multimodal data, models, simulations, and anatomical maps supported by a comprehensive knowledge base of autonomic circuitry. To facilitate the organization of and integration across multi-faceted SPARC data and models, SPARC is implementing the findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR) data principles to ensure that all SPARC products are findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable. We are therefore annotating and describing all products with a common FAIR vocabulary. The SPARC Vocabulary is built from a set of community ontologies covering major domains relevant to SPARC, including anatomy, physiology, experimental techniques, and molecules. The SPARC Vocabulary is incorporated into tools researchers use to segment and annotate their data, facilitating the application of these ontologies for annotation of research data. However, since investigators perform deep annotations on experimental data, not all terms and relationships are available in community ontologies. We therefore implemented a term management and vocabulary extension pipeline where SPARC researchers may extend the SPARC Vocabulary using InterLex, an online vocabulary management system. To ensure the quality of contributed terms, we have set up a curated term request and review pipeline specifically for anatomical terms involving expert review. Accepted terms are added to the SPARC Vocabulary and, when appropriate, contributed back to community ontologies to enhance ANS coverage. Here, we provide an overview of the SPARC Vocabulary, the infrastructure and process for implementing the term management and review pipeline. In an analysis of >300 anatomical contributed terms, the majority represented composite terms that necessitated combining terms within and across existing ontologies. Although these terms are not good candidates for community ontologies, they can be linked to structures contained within these ontologies. We conclude that the term request pipeline serves as a useful adjunct to community ontologies for annotating experimental data and increases the FAIRness of SPARC data.
Characteristics of dysphagia among different lesion sites of stroke: A retrospective study
Authors: Qiao Jia , Wu Zhi-min , Ye Qiu-ping , Dai Meng , Dai Yong , He Zi-tong , Dou Zu-lin
Published: August 2022

Objective

This study aims to compare the characteristics of dysphagia among different lesion sites and explore the possible risk factors that are relevant to penetration and aspiration after stroke.

Materials and methods

Data on patients with post-stroke dysphagia were collected. Major measures of the videofluoroscopic swallowing study included pharyngeal transit duration (PTD), pharyngeal response duration (PRD), soft palate elevation duration (SED), stage transition duration (STD), hyoid bone anterior-horizontal displacement (HAD), hyoid bone superior-horizontal displacement (HSD), upper esophageal sphincter opening (UESO), Pharyngeal Residual Grade (PRG), and Penetration Aspiration Scale (PAS). Included patients were divided into supratentorial (deep or lobar intracerebral) and infratentorial stroke groups. The Kruskal–Wallis test, Spearman’s correlation analysis, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to test the difference and the correlation between those measures. Time-to-event endpoints (oral feeding) were analyzed by the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

A total of 75 patients were included in this study. Significant differences were demonstrated in PTD, PRD, SED, STD, HAD, HSD, UESO, PAS, and PRG between supratentorial and infratentorial stroke groups (p < 0.05). The PRG score of the lobar intracerebral subgroup was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of the deep intracerebral and lobar + deep intracerebral stroke subgroups, while HSD was significantly shorter (p < 0.01). Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed that PAS was related to PTD, PRG, HAD, and UESO (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that HAD and PRG may be risk factors for penetration and aspiration (p < 0.05). Kaplan–Meier survival plot showed that there was a significant difference in time to oral feeding between supratentorial and infratentorial stroke groups (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Infratentorial stroke may lead to worse swallowing function as compared with supratentorial stroke, and lobar intracerebral stroke may be worse than deep intracerebral stroke. Suitable preventive measures may be considered for patients with higher PRG scores and shorter HSD to avoid penetration and aspiration.
Hunting for the cause: Evidence for prion-like mechanisms in Huntington’s disease
Authors: Donnelly Kirby M. , Coleman Cevannah M. , Fuller Madison L. , Reed Victoria L. , Smerina Dayna , Tomlinson David S. , Pearce Margaret M. Panning
Published: August 2022

The hypothesis that pathogenic protein aggregates associated with neurodegenerative diseases spread from cell-to-cell in the brain in a manner akin to infectious prions has gained substantial momentum due to an explosion of research in the past 10–15 years. Here, we review current evidence supporting the existence of prion-like mechanisms in Huntington’s disease (HD), an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease caused by expansion of a CAG repeat tract in exon 1 of the huntingtin (HTT) gene. We summarize information gained from human studies and in vivo and in vitro models of HD that strongly support prion-like features of the mutant HTT (mHTT) protein, including potential involvement of molecular features of mHTT seeds, synaptic structures and connectivity, endocytic and exocytic mechanisms, tunneling nanotubes, and nonneuronal cells in mHTT propagation in the brain. We discuss mechanisms by which mHTT aggregate spreading and neurotoxicity could be causally linked and the potential benefits of targeting prion-like mechanisms in the search for new disease-modifying therapies for HD and other fatal neurodegenerative diseases.
Combined serum IL-6, C-reactive protein, and cortisol may distinguish patients with anhedonia in major depressive disorder
Authors: Li Yinghui , Yue Yingying , Chen Suzhen , Jiang Wenhao , Xu Zhi , Chen Gang , Zhu Zixin , Tan Liangliang , Yuan Yonggui
Published: August 2022

Neuroinflammation and anhedonia in major depressive disorder (MDD) are closely connected, though the exact mechanism is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between cytokines, C-reactive protein (CRP), cortisol, and anhedonia, revealing the potential predictive value in identifying anhedonic MDD. In total, 66 patients with MDD (29 with anhedonia and 37 without anhedonia) and 66 healthy controls (HCs) were included. The severity of depression and anhedonia was evaluated using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression-24 (HAMD-24) and Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS), respectively. Serum cytokines were measured using flow cytofluorometric kits, while CRP and cortisol were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. We found higher serum levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-6, and cortisol in MDD than in HC where anhedonic MDD was highest. CRP and IL-6 were positively associated with anhedonia, and cortisol levels were related to both anhedonia and depression. A combination of IL-6, CRP, and cortisol had optimal predictive value for distinguishing anhedonic MDD. Anhedonic MDD has unique neuroendocrine-immune characteristics compared with those without anhedonia. The combination of IL-6, CRP, and cortisol might be an early marker to distinguish anhedonic MDD.
Effect of vitamin A on the relationship between maternal thyroid hormones in early pregnancy and fetal growth: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Lyu Yanyu , Xiu Qingyong , Zuo Hanxiao , Xu Guangfei , Cui Xiaodai , Sun Zhenfeng , Mi Rong , Wu Lijun
Published: August 2022

Background

Fetal growth patterns are influenced by maternal thyroid function and vitamin A level during pregnancy. Vitamin A presents interactions with thyroid tissues and hormonal systems. We examined whether vitamin A status modified the associations of maternal thyroid hormones in early pregnancy and fetal growth outcomes among euthyroid pregnant women in a prospective cohort study (n = 637).

Methods

We performed multiple linear regression and multinomial logistic regression analysis to investigate the effects of thyroid hormones in early pregnancy on fetal growth according to different levels of serum vitamin A based on median value.

Results

A 1 pmol/L increase in maternal free triiodothyronine (FT3) levels was associated with an increased birth weight of 0.080 kg (p = 0.023) in women with lower maternal vitamin A levels in early pregnancy. Increased maternal free thyroxine (FT4) was associated with decreased odds for both small size for gestational age (SGA) [odds ratios (OR) = 0.66, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.45–0.95] and large size for gestational age (LGA) (OR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.45–0.98) in women with higher vitamin A level in early pregnancy after adjustment for maternal prepregnancy body mass index, gestational weight gain, maternal employed, parity, gestational week at sampling, and gestational diabetes mellitus.

Conclusions

In Chinese pregnant women without overt thyroid dysfunction, maternal FT4 in early pregnancy was positively associated with optimal fetal growth among women with higher serum vitamin A concentrations.
The history of small extracellular vesicles and their implication in cancer drug resistance
Authors: Palazzolo Stefano , Canzonieri Vincenzo , Rizzolio Flavio
Published: August 2022

Small extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the last 20 years are demonstrated to possess promising properties as potential new drug delivery systems, biomarkers, and therapeutic targets. Moreover, EVs are described to be involved in the most important steps of tumor development and progression including drug resistance. The acquired or intrinsic capacity of cancer cells to resist chemotherapies is one of the greatest obstacles to overcome to improve the prognosis of many patients. EVs are involved in this mechanism by exporting the drugs outside the cells and transferring the drug efflux pumps and miRNAs in recipient cells, in turn inducing drug resistance. In this mini-review, the main mechanisms by which EVs are involved in drug resistance are described, giving a rapid and clear overview of the field to the readers.
A novel form of docetaxel polymeric micelles demonstrates anti-tumor and ascites-inhibitory activities in animal models as monotherapy or in combination with anti-angiogenic agents
Authors: Guo Leilei , Qin Xiaokang , Xue Liting , Yang Janine Y. , Zhang Yumei , Zhu Shunwei , Ye Gang , Tang Renhong , Yang WenQing
Published: August 2022

Malignant ascites (MA) is caused by intraperitoneal spread of solid tumor cells and results in a poor quality of life. Chemotherapy is a common first-line treatment for patients with MA. Taxotere ® (DTX) is widely used in solid tumor therapies. However, the low water solubility and side effects caused by additives in the formulation restrict the clinical application of docetaxel. HT001 is a clinical stage docetaxel micelle developed to overcome the solubility issue with improved safety profiles. To support clinical development and expand clinical application of HT001, this study used in vitro and in vivo approaches to investigate the anti-tumor effects of HT001 when applied as monotherapy or in combination with anti-angiogenic agents. HT001 demonstrated comparable anti-proliferative activities as docetaxel in a broad range of cancer cell lines in vitro. Furthermore, HT001 suppressed tumor growth in a dose-dependent manner in A549, MCF-7, and SKOV-3 xenograft tumor mouse models in vivo. In a hepatocellular carcinoma H22 malignant ascites-bearing mouse model, HT001 presented a dose-dependent inhibition of ascites production, prolonged animal survival, and reduced VEGF levels. When dosed at 20 mg/kg, the HT001-treated group exhibited curative results, with no ascites formation in 80% of mice at the end of the study while all the mice in the vehicle control group succumbed. Similar results were obtained in HT001 treatment of mice bearing malignant ascites produced by human ovarian cancer ES-2 cells. Notably, the combination of HT001 with Endostar not only significantly reduced ascites production but also prolonged survival of H22 ascites-bearing mice. HT001 showed similar PK and tissue distribution profiles as DTX in non-rodent hosts. Collectively, these results demonstrate potent anti-tumor activity of HT001 in multiple solid tumor models or malignant ascites models, and reveal synergistic effects with anti-angiogenic agents, supporting the clinical development and clinical expansion plans for HT001.
Transcription factor VvibHLH93 negatively regulates proanthocyanidin biosynthesis in grapevine
Authors: Cheng Jing , Shi Ying , Wang Jun , Duan Changqing , Yu Keji
Published: August 2022

Proanthocyanidins (PAs) derived from grape berries determine the astringency and bitterness of red wines. The two leucoanthocyanidin reductases (VviLAR1 and VviLAR2) are crucial for PA accumulation in grapevine. Our previous studies show that the promoter of VviLAR1 contains multiple proposed bHLH transcription factor binding sites, but the corresponding bHLH family regulators remain unknown. Here we identified and functionally characterized VvibHLH93 as a new bHLH transcription factor in PA pathway. Yeast one-hybrid and electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed that VvibHLH93 bound the E/G-box in VviLAR1 promoter. And VvibHLH93 gene was mainly expressed in grape flowers, tendrils, stems and berries at PA active stages. Overexpression of VvibHLH93 suppressed PA accumulation in grape callus, which was linked to the repression of the transcript levels of two VviLARs. The gene expression analysis in transgenic grape callus and the dual-luciferase assay in tobacco leaves together revealed that VvibHLH93 targeted a broad set of structural genes and transcription factors in flavonoid pathway. This research enriches the regulatory mechanism of the two VviLAR genes, and provides new insights into regulating PA content in grape berries.
Methods of increasing cultural competence in nurses working in clinical practice: A scoping review of literature 2011–2021
Authors: Červený Martin , Kratochvílová Inka , Hellerová Věra , Tóthová Valérie
Published: August 2022

Aim

Training for the development of cultural competence is often not part of the professional training of nurses within the European Economic Area. Demographic changes in society and the cultural diversity of patients require nurses and other medical staff to provide the highest quality healthcare to patients from different cultural backgrounds. Therefore, nurses must acquire the necessary cultural knowledge, skills, and attitudes as part of their training and professional development to provide culturally competent care to achieve this objective.

Objective

This review aims to summarize existing methods of developing cultural competence in nurses working in clinical practice.

Design

A scoping review of the literature.

Method

The following databases were used: PubMed, ScienceDirect, ERIH Plus, and Web of Science using keywords; study dates were from 2011 to 2021.

Results

The analysis included six studies that met the selection criteria. The studies were categorized as face-to-face, simulations, and online education learning methods.

Conclusion

Educational training for cultural competence is necessary for today’s nursing. The training content should include real examples from practice, additional time for self-study using modules, and an assessment of personal attitudes toward cultural differences.
Creation of personalised rib prostheses using a statistical shape model and 3D printing: Case report
Authors: Pontiki Antonia A. , Lampridis Savvas , De Angelis Sara , Lamata Pablo , Housden Richard , Benedetti Giulia , Bille Andrea , Rhode Kawal
Published: August 2022

Management of chest wall defects after oncologic resection can be challenging, depending on the size and location of the defect, as well as the method of reconstruction. This report presents the first clinical case where patient-specific rib prostheses were created using a computer program and statistical shape model of human ribs. A 64-year-old male was diagnosed with non-small-cell lung cancer originating in the right upper lobe and invading the lateral aspect of the 3rd, 4th, and 5th ribs. Prior to surgical resection, a statistical shape model of human ribs was created and used to synthesise rib models in the software MATLAB (MathWorks, Natick, MA, USA). The patient's age, weight, height, and sex, as well as the number and side of the ribs of interest, were the inputs to the program. Based on these data, the program generated digital models of the right 3rd, 4th, and 5th ribs. These models were 3D printed, and a silicone mould was created from them. The patient subsequently underwent right upper lobectomy with en bloc resection of the involved chest wall. During the operation, the silicone mould was used to produce rigid prostheses consisting of methyl methacrylate and two layers of polypropylene mesh in a “sandwich” fashion. The prosthetic patch was then implanted to cover the chest wall defect. Thirty days after the surgery, the patient has returned to his pre-disease performance and physical activities. The statistical shape model and 3D printing is an optimised 3D modelling method that can provide clinicians with a time-efficient technique to create personalised rib prostheses, without any expertise or prior software knowledge.