bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a Quality of Work Life scale for community pharmacists in Japan: A questionnaire survey
Authors: Kato Yuta , Sekiya Takashi , Ishii Ryo , Hirako Yoji , Satoh Hiroki , Kimura Hiromichi
Published: January 2023

Background: Human resource management may be difficult for community pharmacists because of recent drastic changes in work volume and content. In Japan, few studies have been conducted on job satisfaction, well-being, and quality of work life (QWL) among community pharmacists. Focusing on QWL, a more comprehensive concept than job satisfaction, this study aimed to develop a multi-trait-based QWL scale for Japanese community pharmacists (QWLS for JCP) and test its reliability and validity.
Methods:A questionnaire survey was conducted among 2027 pharmacists working in pharmacies, with the cooperation of 20 corporations running pharmacies. The collected data were subjected to principal component factor analysis with Promax rotation using SPSS28.
Results: The following five significant components were identified based on factor analysis using data from 1966 pharmacists. These form the basis of the QWLS for JCP: “Influence of work on mind and body,” “Relationships with colleagues,” “Relationship with the boss,” “Meaning of existence in the workplace,” and “Pride in work.” Cronbach’s alpha, which expresses reliability, was between 0.585 and 0.854 for these subscales.
Conclusions: The QWLS for JCP significantly explained the concept of QWL, which means that its validity was sufficient.
Rejection Sensitivity and Psychological Well-being: Moderating Role of Self-esteem and Socio-demographics
Authors: Zulfiqar Najia , Khan Muhammad Ahmer , Saleem Nadia
Published: January 2023

The present study aimed to examine the moderating effects of self-esteem and socio-demographics of gender, age, family system, and the number of friends on the relationship between rejection sensitivity and psychological well-being. Participants were adolescents (n = 112; M = 16 years) and emerging adults (n = 189; M = 23 years) who belonged to nuclear (n = 181) or combined family system (n = 120) and had limited friends (n = 185) or numerous friends (n = 116). Almost an equal number of boys (n = 150) and girls (n = 151) responded to the Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire, Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, and Ryff’s Psychological Well-being Scale. The hypothesis stated that rejection sensitivity will predict poor psychological well-being, and high self-esteem will decrease the negative effects of rejection sensitivity on psychological well-being. Findings indicated that rejection sensitivity was a significant negative predictor of psychological well-being and accounted for 14% of the variance in the outcome measure. Rejection sensitivity and high self-esteem had a significant negative correlation and buffered its negative effects on psychological well-being. Participants, i.e., boys, emerging adults, belonging to the nuclear family system, and with more friends, reported having more psychological well-being than their counterparts. The study has intrapersonal and interpersonal behavioral implications at individual, social, and community levels to safeguard behavior from rejection sensitivity, low self-esteem, and poor psychological health. Parents, teachers, policy-makers, psychologists, sociologists, and mental health practitioners can practically benefit from the findings to foster positive behavior and implement prevention-intervention support.
Ceramide present in cholangiocarcinoma-derived extracellular vesicle induces a pro-inflammatory state in monocytes.
Authors: Oliviero Barbara , Cas Michele Dei , Zulueta Aida , Maiello Roberta , Villa Alessandro , Martinelli Carla , Favero Elena Del , Falleni Monica , Montavoci Linda , Varchetta Stefania , Mele Dalila , Donadon Matteo , Soldani Cristiana , Franceschini Barbara , Maestri Marcello , Piccolo Gaetano , Barabino Matteo , Bianchi Paolo , Banales Jesus M , Mantovani Stefania , Mondelli Mario , Caretti Anna
Published: January 2023

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a rare cancer with global increasing incidence. Extracellular vesicles (EV) contribute to many of the hallmarks of cancer through transfer of their cargo molecules. The sphingolipid (SPL) profile of intrahepatic CCA (iCCA)-derived EVs was characterized by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis. The effect of iCCA-derived EVs as mediators of inflammation was assessed on monocytes by flow cytometry. iCCA-derived EVs showed downregulation of all SPL species. Of note, poorly-differentiated iCCA-derived EVs showed a higher ceramide and dihydroceramide content compared with moderately-differentiated iCCA-derived EVs. Higher ceramide and dihydroceramide content was associated with vascular invasion, larger tumor size and relevant expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in monocytes. Inhibition of synthesis of ceramide with Myriocin, a specific inhibitor of the serine palmitoyl transferase, reduced the pro-inflammatory capacity of iCCA-derived EVs, demonstrating the role for ceramide as mediator of inflammation in iCCA. In conclusion, iCCA-derived EVs may facilitate iCCA progression by exporting the excess of pro-apoptotic and pro-inflammatory ceramides.
Could health scientists help advance interprofessional collaboration? A qualitative study on students’ views and perspectives on collaborative practice
Authors: Gysin Stefan , Wagner Aylin , Dawson-Townsend Kathryn , Schirlo Christian , Neuner-Jehle Stefan
Published: January 2023

Background
Interprofessional collaboration (IPC) is a key strategy for improving health and social care. Health scientists, an emerging professional group with a system perspective on health care, could help advance collaborative practice. The aim of this study was to describe the experiences of first-year health sciences students with a newly introduced course on interprofessional and interdisciplinary collaboration, and to explore their views and perspectives on collaborative practice.
Methods
The course was implemented at the University of Lucerne, Switzerland, in Spring 2022, and covered the current evidence and challenges of IPC, tasks and competencies of various health professionals, and real-world interprofessional projects. We conducted seven individual interviews and one focus group discussion with health sciences students who attended the course. To analyze the data, a hybrid approach of thematic analysis was applied.
Results
The analysis resulted in three main themes: (1) key lessons from the course, (2) health sciences as a professional field, and (3) the role of health scientists in interprofessional teams. Students were open-minded and considered collaborative practice a highly relevant topic. They emphasized the multifaceted course program, the variety of different professional perspectives, and the practical experiences of the interprofessional faculty. The interviewees described health sciences as a broad and flexible field with a holistic approach that could potentially complement the expertise of specialists, and envisioned their role in facilitating the collaboration between different health professions as well as across health care sectors.
Conclusions
Our results provide first insights into the potential roles and tasks of health scientists in interprofessional teams from the student perspective. Their broad and interdisciplinary perspective could help facilitate IPC at the individual, institutional and system levels, thereby potentially improving health care.
Analysis of the LMS and NLMS Algorithms Using the Misalignment Norm
Authors: Lopes Paulo Alexandre Crisóstomo
Published: January 2023

This work describes the convergence of the misalignment square norm (MSN) of the NLMS and LMS algorithms. It is shown that the MSN decrease is almost proportional to the mean square error (MSE). This allows obtaining simple expressions for the steady-state MSE. Also, it allows limiting the amount of time that the MSE takes large values and a curve that limits the MSE of LMS at any given time, independent of the input and background noise signals' properties. Finally, it is also shown that many complications in the analysis of the LMS and NLMS algorithms can come from variations in the input vector square norm. The proposed analysis becomes very simple for long filters or constant power signals.
Effects of robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy on normal and glaucomatous eyes
Authors: Sakaue Yuta , Iikawa Ryu , Igarashi Ryoko , Togano Tetsuya , Akagi Tadamichi , Shirono Yuko , Kasahara Takashi , Tomita Yoshihiko , Fukuchi Takeo
Published: January 2023

We evaluated intraocular pressure (IOP) changes in normal and glaucomatous eyes during robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP) and the effects on visual function. We enrolled 52 patients with normal eyes and 12 patients with glaucoma who underwent RARP. IOP increased during Trendelenburg positioning. IOP under anesthesia in a steep Trendelenburg position at the end of the procedure was 29.4 ± 7.7 mmHg in normal eyes and 31.2 ± 5.2 mmHg in glaucomatous eyes. IOP returned to the level at the beginning of the operation when the patient was returned to the supine position. Mean IOP for each time point was similar in normal and glaucomatous eyes. None of the patients with normal eyes experienced the onset of glaucoma postoperatively. None of the patients with glaucomatous eyes had progression as assessed with optical coherence tomography and visual field tests up to 12 months after RARP. RARP appears to have little or no effect on the subsequent progression of glaucoma. Though it is certain that IOP increases during surgery, RARP might be considered acceptable for patients with mild to moderate stage of glaucoma.
Brain Tumor classification using BrainNet: A Deep Learning Approach
Authors: Wagh Atharwa , Bhosale Aniket , Singh Tripty , Nair Rekha R , Babu Tina
Published: January 2023

Cancers of any type are life-threatening diseases and totally hamper normal body functions. One of the leading causes of death in both adults and children is malignant brain tumors. Asa result, detecting brain tumors in their early stages is critical for accurate diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is commonly used to diagnose brain tumors. Brain tumors are complex due to extremely erratic shapes and locations and are challenging to fully understand the nature of the tumor. For MRI analysis, a skilled neurosurgeon is also required. Because there are frequently insufficient highly trained medical experts and a general lack of knowledge about tumors in developing countries, obtaining results from MRIs can be extremely difficult and time-consuming. To overcome this drawback of this, proposed a novel Convolution Neural Network(CNN)with BrainNet for the multiclass classification of tumors. The proposed BrianNet performs better than transfer learning models VGG13, VGG16, VGG19, Squeeznet, and InceptionResV2 which are pre-trained on the Imagenet dataset. The proposed CNN (BrainNet) architecture achieved a training accuracy of 99.96% and test accuracy of 97.71% and an average precision of 94.75%. Medical professionals can classify tumours with the aid of the proposed work.
Racial Differences in the Major Clinical Symptom Domains of Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Li Kevin , Richards Erica , Goes Fernando S.
Published: January 2023

Background: Across clinical settings, black individuals are disproportionately less likely to receive a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder (BD) and more likely to be diagnosed with Schizophrenia, a traditionally more severe and chronic disorder with lower expectations for remission. The causes of this disparity are likely multifactorial, ranging from the effects of implicit bias to developmental and lifelong effects of structural racism, to differing cultural manifestations of psychiatric symptoms and distress. While prior studies examining differences have found a greater preponderance of specific psychotic symptoms (such as persecutory delusions and hallucinations) and a more dysphoric/mixed mania presentation in Black individuals, these studies have been limited by a lack of systematic phenotypic assessment and small sample sizes. In the current report, we have combined data from two large multi-ethnic studies of BD with comparable semi-structured interviews to investigate differences in symptoms presentation across the major clinical domains of BD.
Results: In the combined meta-analysis, there were 4423 patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder type I, including 775 of self-reported as Black race. When symptom presentations were compared in Black relative to White individuals, differences were found across the major symptom domains of bipolar disorder. Psychotic symptoms, particularly persecutory hallucinations and persecutory and mood-incongruent delusions, were more prevalent in Black individuals with bipolar disorder type I (ORs = 1.26 to 2.45). In contrast, Black individuals endorsed fewer prototypical manic symptoms, with a notable decreased likelihood of endorsing abnormally elevated mood (OR = 0.44). Within depression associated symptoms, we found similar rates of mood or cognitive related symptoms, but higher rates of decreased appetite (OR = 1.32) and weight loss (OR = 1.40), as well as increased endorsement of initial, middle, and early-morning insomnia (ORs = 1.73 to 1.82). Concurrently, we found that black individuals with BP-1 were much less likely to be treated with mood stabilizers, such as lithium (OR = 0.45), carbamazepine (OR = 0.37) and lamotrigine (OR = 0.34), and moderately more likely to be on antipsychotic medications (OR = 1.25).
Conclusions: In two large studies spanning over a decade, we found highly consistent and enduring differences in symptoms across the major clinical domains of bipolar disorder. These differences were marked by greater burden of mood-incongruent psychotic symptoms, insomnia and irritability, and fewer prototypical symptoms of mania. While such symptoms warrant better recognition to reduce diagnostic disparities, they may also represent potential targets of treatment that can be addressed to mitigate persistent disparities in outcome.
A simulator for Goldmann Applanation Tonometry: a novel approach to training
Authors: Hojati Ashkhan , Yerrabelli Rahul S. , Amin Atish S. , Smith Alexander D. , Brozek Joshua
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND: Goldmann Applanation Tonometry (GAT) is the gold standard technique for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) and an essential skill required early in clinical ophthalmic practice. Medical students, residents, and ophthalmic technicians often practice on real-life patients or courageous volunteers, increasing the chance of possible cross infections, corneal abrasions, and incorrect IOP measurements. The Goldmann Applanation Tonometry Simulator (GatSim) is a novel online application aimed to act as an adjunct to standard GAT training.
METHODS: A website was created using HTML and JavaScript ES6, tested on Google Chrome version 104, and hosted on GitHub. The user interface was designed to provide experiential learning via opportunities to practice the technical components of GAT including tonometer and mires positioning, real-time feedback, and new patient selection. The simulation was tested by our research team to ensure that it appropriately mimicked GAT in the user interface.
RESULTS: We developed a web application which simulates GAT. The latest version can be found at gatsim.com. Beginner operators can now gain initial experience on our model before seeing patients, a safety measure which may mitigate potential adverse events and improve overall outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS: GatSim is the world’s first online Goldmann Applanation Tonometry simulator. Its utility is impactful, allowing students to learn the mechanics of GAT via an easy-to-use online application while also demonstrating the power of simulation in education. We hope such technology can help develop GAT trainee skill sets, minimize potential complications in the performance of GAT, and provide inspiration for future developments of online simulators.
Key conditions for the successful uptake and implementation of evidence-based practice in concurrent disorder nursing care with the ECHO Model: insights from a mixed methods study
Authors: Chicoine Gabrielle , Côté José , Pepin Jacinthe , Pluye Pierre , Jutras-Aswad Didier
Published: January 2023

Background: People with concurrent mental health and substance use disorders have complex biopsychosocial problems, but risk not having their healthcare needs met. Nurses are positioned to meet these needs but often lack training in concurrent disorder management. Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO©) is a promising technology-enabled collaborative learning model used to implement evidence-based practice and build capacity among healthcare professionals in managing complex, chronic health conditions. This study aimed to understand how an ECHO program for concurrent disorder management impacts nurses’ competency development and clinical practice, and uncover key conditions for successful uptake and implementation.
Methods: We used a mixed-methods convergent design to collect, analyze, and interpret data from nurse participants in the first two years of a Canadian ECHO program for concurrent disorder management. Two studies were conducted simultaneously: (1) an uncontrolled before-and-after study using online surveys at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months to measure changes in nurse-related outcomes, with self-efficacy in concurrent disorder competencies as the primary outcome; and (2) a qualitative, interpretive description study using individual semi-structured interviews with a nurse subgroup, to explore how they developed and implemented competencies, and what factors influenced this process. Quantitative and qualitative results were then merged for comparison and complementarity, using the Pillar Integration Process.
Results: Six interrelated conditions were identified for successful uptake and implementation of evidence-based practice in nursing care: (1) Practice and validation opportunities; (2) Reciprocal and trusting relationships in an interprofessional learning environment; (3) Peer-to-peer experience sharing and mentoring; (4) Collaboration with experts; (5) Reinforcement of positive attitudes about professional work in complex or adverse situations; (6) Learning experiences that are team-based, tailored to the setting, and organizationally supported.
Conclusions: Outcome measures, perspectives, and experiences collected over 12 months indicated that ECHO contributed to nurses’ competency development and, under some conditions, to effective nursing practice changes. Given the challenges in implementing clinical guidelines in concurrent disorder nursing care, our results highlight the importance of understanding the key conditions for successful uptake and implementation. This informs approaches to optimally adapt implementation strategies to the needs and specificities of nurses, to obtain impactful, sustainable results.
Ketogenic diet enhances the effects of oxycodone in mice
Authors: Trinko R. , Diaz D. M. , Foscue E. , Thompson S.L. , Taylor J. R. , DiLeone R. J.
Published: January 2023

Opioids have been used to manage pain for thousands of years, but they have significant potential for abuse. Prescription opioids, like oxycodone, are associated with 32% of overdoses, that have reached a total of 75,673 deaths in 2021. A major challenge is maximizing their therapeutic potential while minimizing the negative side effects including opioid use disorder (OUD). The Ketogenic Diet (KD) has been reported to reduce pain and decrease the severity of alcohol use disorder, yet its effects on oxycodone remain unknown. KD mice displayed increased oxycodone-induced locomotor activity and enhanced antinociceptive effects of oxycodone, suggesting a dietary effect on opiate sensitivity. Male KD mice exposed to chronic oxycodone exhibited increased naloxone-induced jumps, suggesting a sex-specific effect of diet on opioid withdrawal. Consistent with this, male KD mice self-administered less oxycodone while female KD mice did not differ from controls. Finally, no effect of KD on motivation to obtain oxycodone was observed during a progressive ratio schedule. These data suggest sex-biased effects of KD on responses to opioids that should be considered and potentially leveraged in both pain management and treatment of OUD.
Wavelet Scattering Networks of Deep-Learning Features for Robust Discovery of Protein Markers in Rectal Cancer
Authors: Pham Tuan D.
Published: January 2023

Cancer biomarkers play a very important role for the disease diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of treatment response. In this study, expression levels of RhoB and DNp73 proteins in rectal cancer captured on immunohistochemical images were analyzed for predicting the 5-year survival time of two patient cohorts with and without preoperative radiotherapy. Applications of deep convolutional neural networks in medicine have been increasingly attracting attention in clinical cancer research. The success is mainly due to the power of extracting deep features of images that are very useful for machine learning. Another successful convolution-based method for feature extraction at multiple levels is wavelet scattering networks. This study combines the potential of these two convolution-based methods for robust image feature extraction of protein expression. The proposed approach was tested with samples of various tissue types (tumor, biopsy, metastasis, and normal condition adjacent to tumor). Statistical performance measures show very high rates in terms of prediction, classification and model accuracies, precision, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. The results suggest the usefulness of the double convolutional learning for assisting clinical researchers in timely validating and discovering cancer biomarkers.
A comparative study of femtosecond pulsed laser ablation of meloxicam in distilled water and in air
Authors: Nagy Eszter , Kopniczky Judit , Smausz Tamás , Náfrádi Máté , Alapi Tünde , Bohus János , Pajer Viktor , Szabó-Révész Piroska , Ambrus Rita , Hopp Béla
Published: January 2023

The increasing prevalence of water insoluble or poorly soluble drugs calls for the development of new formulation methods. Common approaches include the reduction of particle size and degree of crystallinity. Pulsed laser ablation is a chemical-free technique for producing sub-micrometre sized drug particles and has the potential to induce amorphization. We studied the effect of femtosecond pulsed laser ablation (ELI ALPS THz pump laser system: λc = 781 nm, τ = 135 fs) on meloxicam in distilled water and in air. The ablated particles were characterized chemically, morphologically, in terms of size, crystallinity and thermal behaviour. Furthermore, we analyzed changes in the solubility as compared to the original material. We demonstrated that femtosecond laser ablation in both distilled water and air can be an effective particle size reduction technique, resulting in an increased saturation concentration of the drug. The mostly sub-micrometre sized particles showed signs of melting and decreased crystallinity. In case of femtosecond pulsed laser ablation in air meloxicam spheres were produced without the use of excipients. We aimed to describe the abalation processes in both unvestigated media.
Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes improve brain tissue and functional recovery in mice with cerebral palsy
Authors: Chen Xingxing , Sai Yipa , Cui Weijing , Hu Xiaoxia , Liu Jing , Cao Xiaofeng , Wu Shili
Published: January 2023

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurodevelopmental and motor disorder syndrome threatening children’s physical and mental health. Hypoxic-ischemic brain injury and inflammation have been considered as the main causes of CP. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can repair brain tissue damage, and many studies have proved that exosomes from MSCs have a critical advantage in the central nervous system (CNS) disease. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the improvement effect of human umbilical cord MSC (hUC-MSC)-derived exosomes on CP and whether synergistic action existed when combined with mouse nerve growth factor (mNGF). Therefore, the exosomes were isolated from hUC-MSCs and examined using electron microscopy, particle size, and Western blot (WB). A CP model was constructed by hypoxic induction after unilateral common carotid artery ligation combined with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) infection. The pathological damage of neuron tissue and synaptic structure in the hippocampus was determined using a light microscope after hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. The survival of neurons was analyzed using Nissl staining. The WB analysis was performed to monitor postsynaptic density 95(PSD-95) and synaptophysin(SYN) protein levels. The results showed that exosomes released by hUC-MSCs could ameliorate the motor function in mice with CP by rescuing the impaired brain tissue, synaptic structure, and neuronal function with increased PSD-95 and SYN levels. When the exosome was combined with mNGF, an improvement in CP was found. The results indicated that the intravenously injected hUC-MSC-exosomes and intraperitoneal administration of mNGF alleviated the nerve function injury in mice with CP.
Mediastinal gray zone lymphoma in a pregnant woman presenting with cardiac tamponade
Authors: Alizadeasl Azin , Roudini Kamran , Hesami Mahshid , kosari Farid , Pouraliakbar Hamid Reza , Mohseni Mina , Dokhani Negar
Published: January 2023

Background: Mediastinal gray zone lymphoma is a newly recognized rare B cell neoplasm, which is challenging in diagnosis and treatment.
Case presentation: In the current study, we aimed to report a 25-year-old pregnant woman at 25 weeks of gestation who presented with chronic cough and progressive shortness of breath, hypotension, tachycardia, and tachypnea. A large circumferential pericardial effusion with compressive effect on the right atrium and right ventricle and a large extracardiac mass with external pressure to mediastinal structures was seen on trans thoracic echocardiography. The emergency pericardiocentesis was performed with the diagnosis of cardiac tamponade. Also, CMR revealed a huge heterogeneous anterior mediastinal mass, and the pathology and the immunohistochemistry of the mass biopsy revealed gray zone lymphoma with positive CD3, CD20, CD30, CD45, PAX5, and negative CD15 expression. Three courses of chemotherapy with the CHOP regimen were performed with an acceptable response every three weeks before delivery. An elective caesarian section was performed at 37 weeks without any problem for the patient and fetus. She had an appropriate health status, and chemotherapy will start three weeks after delivery.
Conclusion: Cardiac tamponade as an emergency condition occurred in this pregnant patient by malignant pericardial effusion and mediastinal mass pressure. Accurate diagnosis and on time interventions caused a significant improvement and a successful delivery.
Towards a Realistic MISO Simulation: Impact of Rectification
Authors: Pradhan Maheswar , Rao Suryachandra A. , Bhattacharya Amitabh
Published: January 2023

State-of-the-art coupled models have several limitations in representing the phase and amplitude characteristics of monsoon intra-seasonal oscillations (MISO). Specifically, the models' deficiencies in predicting stronger active spells have been widely reported in earlier studies. In the present study, we endeavour to overcome this limitation by better representing the diurnal cycle of the sea surface temperature and the associated feedback processes. In the present study, we demonstrate that resolving the diurnal cycle rectification in a state-of-the-art global coupled model improves the simulation of MISO. The present analysis showcases how rectification can modulate the oceanic, atmospheric and interfacial properties so that the coupled model can better simulate stronger active monsoon spells. The essential requirements for the coherent northward propagation mechanism of MISOs are pronounced in the presence of intra-seasonal rectification by diurnal SSTs.
Monitoring spatiotemporal changes in urban flood vulnerability from satellite nighttime light data
Authors: Ziarh Ghaith Falah , Chung Eun Sung , Shahid Shamsuddin , Hamed Mohammed Magdy , Iqbal Zafar
Published: January 2023

Urban flood vulnerability monitoring needs a large amount of socioeconomic and environmental data collected at regular time intervals. Collecting such data volume is a significant constraint in assessing changes in flood vulnerability. This study proposed a novel method to monitor spatiotemporal changes in urban flood vulnerability from satellite nighttime light (NTL) data. Peninsular Malaysia was chosen as the research region. A flood vulnerability index (FVI), estimated from socioeconomic and environmental data for a year, was linked to NTL data using a machine learning algorithm called Adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). The model was calibrated and validated with administrative unit scale data and subsequently used to predict FVI at a spatial resolution of 10 km for 2000‒2018 using NTL data. Finally, changes in estimated FVI at different grid points were evaluated using the Mann-Kendall trend method to determine changes in flood vulnerability over time and space. Results showed a nonlinear relationship between NTL and flood vulnerability factors such as population density, Gini coefficient and percentage of foreign nationals. The ANFIS technique showed a good performance in estimating FVI from NTL data with a normalized root-mean-square error of 0.68 and Kling-Gupta Efficiency of 0.73. The FVI revealed a high vulnerability in the urbanized western coastal region (FVI ~ 0.5 to 0.54), which matches well with major contributing regions to flood losses in Peninsular Malaysia. Trend assessment showed a significant increase in flood vulnerability in the study area from 2000 to 2018. The spatial distribution of the trend indicated an increase in FVI in the urbanized coastal plains, particularly in rapidly developing western and southern urban regions. The results indicate the potential of the technique in urban flood vulnerability assessment using freely available satellite NTL data.
Changes in the composition of molecular species of covalently bound and free ceramides, and their correlation with disease severity in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Kondo Akari , Takenaka Yuko , Fujiwara Anna , Takahashi Saori , Kitade-Miyayama Masami , Morifuji Masashi , Kawashima Makoto , Ishiguro Naoko
Published: January 2023

Ceramides (Cers) are major constituents of the stratum corneum intercellular lipids, which are involved in the barrier function of the skin. Here, we examined the ratio of molecular species of Cers and their correlation with disease severity in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). The levels of unsaturated fatty acids (USFAs) in both covalently bound and free Cers were higher in the lesional skin of patients with AD than in the non-lesional skin of patients with AD and normal skin of healthy controls. The proportion of USFAs (C30:1, C32:1, and C34:1) was considerably higher than that of other Cer molecular species in both covalently bound and free Cers in patients with AD. The proportion of USFAs in covalently bound Cers positively correlated with the levels of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) (r = 0.542) in the lesional skin of patients with AD. Additionally, the proportion of USFAs in covalently bound Cers positively correlated with thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), which is an index of disease severity, in the non-lesional (r = 0.676) and lesional (r = 0.503) skin of patients with AD. The proportion of USFA (C32:1), which was the highest in covalently bound Cers, also positively correlated with the TARC level in non-lesional (r = 0.733) and lesional (r = 0.515) skin of patients with AD. Our study is the first to show that there is an increase in USFA in not only lesional but also non-lesional skin of patients with AD. Moreover, this increase in USFA was associated with dryness and impaired barrier function and correlated with the TARC levels, a marker for the degree of type 2 inflammation. We speculate that exacerbation of type 2 inflammation may lead to abnormal epidermal lipid metabolism in the skin of patients with AD.
Viscosity Evaluation of Carbon-Nanotube-Dispersed Phase Change Material as Latent Heat Storage Material
Authors: Morita Shin-ichi , Haniu Toshihiro , Takai Kazunori , Hayamizu Yasutaka
Published: January 2023

Latent heat storage with a high heat storage density owing to the phase change is a promising method. Melting convection is a dominant process in the phase change progression during latent heat storage. To reduce latent heat storage time, thermal conductivity and melting convection should be increased and promoted, respectively. Dispersed fluids have a continuous fluid phase that can be convected; hence, the heat exchange performance can be improved using a high thermal conductivity material as the dispersoid. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are promising materials for dispersoids, owing to their high thermal conductivity. However, the inclusion of dispersoids obstructs convection because of the increased viscosity and flow complications owing to the change to a non-Newtonian fluid. Therefore, understanding the viscosity properties of latent heat storage materials with dispersed systems is essential for system design. This study evaluates the viscous properties of a multi-walled CNT (MWCNT) dispersed phase change material (PCM). The test sample consists of MWCNT as the dispersoid, latent heat storage material in the continuous phase and surfactants for dispersion. Moreover, this study carries out a flow analysis of latent heat storage by melting. Shear-rate dependence of the shear stress was measured using a rotational viscometer. The experimental data are obtained for a temperature range of 60–84 °C, a shear rate of 500 1/s or below, and an MWCNT content of 0–1.0 mass%, which are arranged as an experimental equation based on the power law.
Quantum annealing for microstructure equilibration with long-range elastic interactions
Authors: Sandt Roland , Bouar Yann Le , Spatschek Robert
Published: January 2023

We demonstrate the use and benefits of quantum annealing approaches for the determination of equilibrated microstructures in shape memory alloys and other materials with long-range elastic interaction between coherent grains and their different martensite variants and phases.
After a one dimensional illustration of the general approach, which requires to formulate the energy of the system in terms of an Ising Hamiltonian, we use distant dependent elastic interactions between grains to predict the variant selection for different transformation eigenstrains.
The results and performance of the computations are compared to classical algorithms, demonstrating that the new approach can lead to a significant acceleration of the simulations.
Beyond a discretization using simple cuboidal elements, also a direct representation of arbitrary microstructures is possible, allowing fast simulations with currently up to several thousand grains.
Development and Validation of Nomograms to Predict Overall Survival and Cancer-Specific Survival for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer with Chest Wall Invasion: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Yang Jie , Yin Hui , Zou Guowen , Yu Bentong
Published: January 2023

Background: Chest wall invasion is a relatively kind of infrequent direct tumor extension in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a poor survival outcome. Risk factors that impact overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) remain unclear. Therefore, we aimed to explore prognostic factors in NSCLC patients with chest wall invasion and construct predictive nomograms to predict both OS and CSS in NSCLC patients with chest wall invasion.
Methods: We extracted a total of 2091 patients diagnosed with primary NSCLC with chest wall invasion between 2010 and 2015 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. The total patients were divided into two groups randomly, the training cohort (1463 patients) and the validation cohort (628 patients). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were applied to distinguish the independent prognostic factors. Two prognostic nomograms for OS and CSS were established based on the training cohort and were evaluated in both cohorts. The concordance index (C-index), receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC), calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA) curves were applied to assess the performance of these two nomograms.
Results: After multivariate Cox analysis, age, sex, histology, grade, N stage, M stage, surgery, and chemotherapy were identified as independent prognostic factors for OS, meanwhile, age, histology, grade, N stage, M stage, surgery, and chemotherapy for CSS.
The C-index of the nomogram for OS in the training and validation cohorts was 0.711 and 0.716, respectively. The C-index of the nomogram for CSS in the training and validation cohorts was 0.721 and 0.726, respectively. The ROC curves, calibration curves, DCA curves, and K-M survival curves also exhibited good predictive performance in the training and validation cohorts of these two prognostic nomograms.
Conclusion: Two nomograms provide a useful and reliable tool to predict both OS and CSS in NSCLC patients with chest wall invasion. These nomograms can provide strong references to facilitate clinic decisions.
A Noise-free Bias, 0.2TΩ Input Impedance CMOS Ultra- Low Noise Front-end Neural Amplifier in 65nm Process
Authors: Akuri Naga Ganesh , Jatoth Deepak Naik , Kumar Sandeep , Song Hanjung , Kar Asutosh , H Kirankumar Lad
Published: January 2023

This work proposes a CMOS two-stage ultra-low noise front-end neural amplifier (FENA) that is realized in the UMC 65nm Process. The proposed FENA consists of an operational transconductance amplifier along with incorporated low pass filter (LPF) technique. Due to this technique, FENA circuit provided best performances such as ultra-low input referred noise, ultra-high input impedance and high gain. An algorithm and mathematical noise model are employed to optimize the dimensions of LPF technique and transistor fingers which yield noise-free biasing current and ultra-low input referred noise of 18fv/√Hz at 10 KHz. The ultra-low input referred noise of FENA is achieved by reducing the gate distributed resistance method which is ignored in conventional FEA design. The FENA achieves an ultra-high input impedance of 0.2 TW, while a splendid post-layout gain of 80 dB has succeeded. FENA has layout area of 0.0023 mm2 which consumes lower power consumption of 1 mW under supply voltage of 1.2V. The FENA is found to be less prone to PVT variations as 1mHz of high-pass corner frequency is achieved for robust design. The best performance parameters of FENA could be beneficial for the purpose of deep exploration neural activities in wireless neural monitoring systems.
Open-source environmental data as an alternative to snail surveys to assess schistosomiasis risk in areas approaching elimination
Authors: Grover Elise , Allshouse William , Lund Andrea , Liu Yang , Paull Sara , James Katherine , Crooks James , Carlton Elizabeth
Published: January 2023

Background:Although the presence of intermediate snails is a necessary condition for local schistosomiasis transmission to occur, using them as surveillance targets in areas approaching elimination is challenging because the patchy and dynamic quality of snail host habitats makes collecting and testing snails labor-intensive. Meanwhile, geospatial analyses that rely on remotely sensed data are becoming popular tools for identifying environmental conditions that contribute to pathogen emergence and persistence.
Methods: In this study, we assessed whether open-source environmental data can be used to predict the presence of human Schistosoma japonicum infections among households with a similar or improved degree of accuracy compared to prediction models developed using data from comprehensive snail surveys. To do this, we used infection data collected from rural communities in Southwestern China in 2016 to develop and compare the predictive performance of two Random Forest machine learning models: one built using snail survey data, and one using open-source environmental data.
Results: The environmental data models outperformed the snail data models in predicting household S. japonicum infection with an estimated accuracy and Cohen’s kappa value of 0.89 and 0.49, respectively, in the environmental model, compared to an accuracy and kappa of 0.86 and 0.37 for the snail model. The Normalized Difference in Water Index (NDWI) within half to one kilometer of the home and the distance from the home to the nearest road were among the top performing predictors in our final model. Homes were more likely to have infected residents if they were further from roads, or nearer to waterways.
Conclusion:Our results suggest that in low-transmission environments, investing in training geographic information systems professionals to leverage open-source environmental data could yield more accurate identification of pockets of human infection than using snail surveys. Furthermore, the variable importance measures from our models point to aspects of the local environment that may indicate increased risk of schistosomiasis. For example, households were more likely to have infected residents if they were further from roads or were surrounded by more surface water, highlighting areas to target in future surveillance and control efforts.
New accelerated preconditioner for the solution of linear systems from Stokes problem
Authors: Badahmane Achraf
Published: January 2023

Many applications in fluid mechanics require the numerical solution of sequences of linear systems typically issued from finite element discretization of the Stokes equations. The resulting matrices, then exhibit a saddle point structure and the iterative solution of such preconditioned linear systems is considered as challenging. The involved linear systems being large scale and ill-conditioned, effective linear solvers must be implemented. Here we proposes a direct approach with multiple right-hand sides, considering in particular the multi-frolintal massively parallel sparse solver (MUMPS), as a new strategy to improve the performance of Hermitian and skew-Hermitian precondi-tioner (P HSS) and accelerated Hermitian and skew-Hermitian preconditioner (P AHSS). The proposed preconditioners can be used as a preconditioner corresponding to the stationary iterative method or to accelerate the convergence of the generalized minimal residual method (GMRES). Several numerical experiments are run on a Linux cluster. We assess the performance of the preconditioned iterative solvers in terms of computational time and numbers of GMRES iterations. We find that the use of MUMPS to improve the preconconditioners P HSS and P AHSS is particularly efficient.
Evaluation Of The RDW Index (Red Cell Distribution Width) In The Prognosis Of Patients With Breast Cancer
Authors: Ferreira Amanda , Silva Luciana , Sabino Adriano , Carvalho Maria das Graças , Gomes Karina , Simões Ricardo
Published: January 2023

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the most frequent cause of death in women. The tumor inflammatory process is associated with the initiation, progression and maintenance of cancer and Red cell distribution width (RDW) index is one of the parameters that is altered in progressive inflammatory states.
Objective: To correlate RDW and inflammatory markers in women with breast cancer as aid in monitoring adverse events associated with the use of doxorubicin.
Methods: Database analysis of a prospective study of 80 women with breast malignancy undergoing doxorubicin-based chemotherapy, in a public hospital, from June 2015 to June 2018. To assess the significance of RDW in cancer and to correlate it with the variables: - plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), galectin 3, myeloperoxidase, NT-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide and troponin I (cTnI).
Results: Analysis by marginal logistic regression, significant differences were found over time for the variables - RDW (p<0.001), PCR (p=0.036). In the comparative analysis of correlation between the different variables, there was a significant, negative difference between RDW and CRP at time T1, with a decrease in CRP over time, while RDW showed an increase.
Conclusion: The RDW is a simple test, easy to obtain and economical as part of the hemogram. The present study presented significant differences in providing additional information regarding the laboratory evolution of breast cancer and variations in its evolution regarding the therapeutic response.
Opioid Reduction and Enhanced Recovery in Orthopaedic Surgery (OREOS): A Protocol for a Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial in Knee Replacement Patients
Authors: Madden Kim , Pallapothu Sushmitha , Shing Darren Young , Adili Anthony , Bhandari Mohit , Carlesso Lisa , Khan Moin , Kleinlugtenbelt Ydo V. , Krsmanovic Adrijana , Nowakowski Matilda , Packham Tara , Romeril Eric , Tarride Jean-Eric , Thabane Lehana , Tushinski Daniel M. , Wallace Christine , Winemaker Mitchell , Shanthanna Harsha
Published: January 2023

Background: Knee arthritis is a leading cause of limited function and long-term disability in older adults. Despite a technically successful total knee arthroplasty (TKA), around 20% of patients continue to have persisting pain with reduced function, and low quality of life. Many of them continue using opioids for pain control, which puts them at risk for potential long-term adverse effects such as dependence, overdose, and risk of falls. Although persisting pain and opioid use after TKA have been recognised to be important issues, individual strategies to decrease their burden have limitations and multi-component interventions, despite their potential, have not been well studied. In this study, we propose a multi-component pathway including personalized pain management, facilitated by a pain management coordinator. The objectives of this pilot trial are to evaluate feasibility (recruitment, retention, and adherence), along with opioid-free pain control at 8 weeks after TKA.
Methods: This is a protocol for a multicentre pilot randomized controlled trial using a 2-arm parallel group design. Participants in the intervention group will receive support from a pain management coordinator who will facilitate a multicomponent pain management pathway including: 1) preoperative education on pain and opioid use; 2) preoperative risk identification and mitigation; 3) personalized post-discharge analgesic prescriptions; 4) continued support for pain control and recovery up to 8 weeks post-op. Participants in the control group will undergo usual care. The primary outcomes of this pilot trial are to assess the feasibility of participant recruitment, retention, and adherence to the interventions, and key secondary outcomes are persisting pain and opioid use.
Discussion: The results of this trial will inform implementation of a coordinated approach, integrating a multicomponent pain pathway to improve pain control and reduce harms, while keeping an emphasis on patient centered care and shared decision making.
Trial Registration: Prospectively registered in clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04968132) on 21 July 2021. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04968132