bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Sentiment of a Virtual Rock Concert
Authors: Slater Mel , Cabriera Carlos , Senel Gizem , Banakou Domna , Beacco Alejandro , Oliva Ramon , Gallego Jaime
Published: March 2022

We created a virtual reality version of a 1983 performance by Dire Straits. To understand the responses of participants we carried out two studies which used sentiment analysis of texts written by the participants. Study 1 (n = 25) (Beacco et al., 2021, Disturbance and Plausibility in a Virtual Rock Concert, IEEE Virtual Reality) had the unexpected finding that negative sentiment was caused by the virtual audience, where e.g., some were fearful of being harassed by them. In Study 2 (n = 26) notwithstanding some changes, the audience again led to negative sentiment – e.g., a feeling of being stared at. For Study 2 we compared sentiment with questionnaire scores, finding that the illusion of being at the concert was associated with positive sentiment for males but negative for females. Overall, we found sentiment was dominated by responses to the audience rather than the band. We relate our findings to the concept of Plausibility, the illusion that events and situations in the VR are real. We conclude with the need for co-design of VR scenarios, and the use of sentiment analysis in this process, rather than sole reliance on concepts proposed by researchers which may not reflect the experiences of participants.
Meeting nature-positive goals for an organisation’s food system
Authors: Taylor Isobel , Bull Joseph , Ashton Bartholomew , Biggs Elizabeth , Clark Michael , Gray Niamh , Grub Henry , Stewart Cristina , Milner-Gulland Eleanor
Published: March 2022

Organisations are increasingly committing to ‘nature-positive’ targets, in line with proposed international goals. However, there are few worked examples showing how to feasibly achieve these targets. Here, we set out a novel approach to achieving nature-positive targets with respect to the embodied biodiversity impacts of an organisation’s food consumption. We quantify these impacts using a comprehensive database of life-cycle environmental impacts from food and provide exploratory strategies to meet defined targets, structured according to the Mitigation and Conservation Hierarchy. Through considering the varying needs and values across the organisation’s internal community, we identify a range of feasible, targeted approaches towards mitigating impacts, which balance top-down and bottom-up actions to different degrees. However, we also find that delivering ambitious nature-positive targets within current constraints will be highly challenging, particularly when considering how to mitigate cumulative impacts. Our results evidence the need for transformative systemic change if nature-positive targets are to be achievable at the organisational scale.
Feasibility of a theoretically grounded, multicomponent, physiotherapy intervention aiming to promote autonomous motivation to adopt and maintain physical activity in patients with lower-limb osteoarthritis: Protocol for a single-arm trial
Authors: Willett Matthew , Rushton Alison , Stephens Gareth , Fenton Sally , Rich Sarah , Greig Carolyn , Duda Joan
Published: March 2022

Background: Lower-limb Osteoarthritis (OA) causes high levels of pain and disability in adults over 45 years of age. Adopting and maintaining appropriate levels of physical activity (PA) can help patients with lower-limb OA self-manage their symptoms and reduce the likelihood of developing secondary non-communicable diseases. However, patients with lower-limb OA are less active than people without musculoskeletal pain. This single arm feasibility trial seeks to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a complex multi-component physiotherapy behaviour change intervention that aims to aid patients with lower-limb OA to adopt and maintain optimal levels of PA.Methods: This trial will be conducted at one site in a National Health Service physiotherapy outpatient setting in the West-Midlands of England. Up to thirty-five participants with lower-limb OA will be recruited to receive a physiotherapy intervention of six sessions that aims to optimise their PA levels during phases of behavioural change: adoption, routine formation, and maintenance. The intervention is underpinned by Self-Determination Theory (and other motivational frameworks) and seeks to foster a motivationally optimal (empowering) treatment environment and implement behaviour change techniques (BCTs) that target PA behaviours across the three phases of the intervention. Physiotherapists (n=5-6) will receive training in the why and how of developing a more empowering motivational environment and the delivery of the intervention BCTs. Participants will complete patient reported and performance-based outcome measures at baseline, three months (to reflect behavioural adoption) and six months (maintenance) post-baseline. Feasibility and acceptability will be primarily assessed through semi-structured interviews (purposively recruiting participants) and focus groups (inviting all physiotherapists and research staff). Further evaluation will include descriptive analysis of recruitment rates, loss of follow up, and intervention fidelity. Discussion: A novel complex, multi-component theoretical physiotherapy behaviour change intervention that aims to create a more empowering motivational treatment environment to assist patients with lower-limb OA to adopt and maintain optimal PA levels has been developed. Testing the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention and its’ associated physiotherapist training and related trial procedures is required to determine whether a full-scale parallel group (1:1) randomised controlled trial to evaluate the interventions effectiveness in clinical practice is indicated.Trial Registration: Trial register: International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial identification number: ISRCTN12002764 Date of registration: 15.02.2022 URL: https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN12002764
Triglyceride Glucose Index is Independently Associated with Aorta Intima-Media Thickness in Patients without Clinical Manifestations of Cardiovascular Disease Running Head: Triglyceride Glucose Index and Intima-Media Thickness
Authors: ÖZBİÇER Süleyman , YÜKSEL Gülhan , URGUN Örsan Deniz
Published: March 2022

Background and Aims: Subclinical atherosclerosis begins to develop in the thoracic aorta early in life. Insulin resistance is a well-established risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis. The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is a reliable marker of insulin resistance regardless of glucose tolerance or obesity. We aimed to investigate the relationship between the TyG index and aortic intima-media thickness (IMT) in patients without diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease undergoing transesophageal echocardiography due to suspected structural heart disease.Methods: One hundred twenty-two patients enrolled in the study between January 2021 and June 2021. Triglyceride-glucose index was calculated using fasting laboratory parameters, major cardiovascular risk factors and IMT of the thoracic aorta were recorded. Patients were divided into two groups according to their median IMT; patients with an IMT equal to or less than 1.42 mm were low IMT group, and higher than 1.42 mm were high IMT group.Results: Triglyceride-glucose index were higher in the high IMT group (8.69 ± 0.59 vs. 8.37 ± 0.53, p= 0.003). Triglyceride-glucose index was correlated with IMT (r=0.259, p=0.005) and in binary logistic regression analysis age and TyG was independently associated with having high IMT (β = 0.091, exp(B)=1.095 95%CI = 1.041 – 1.152, p<0.001 and β=1.726, exp(B)= 5.621 95%CI= 1.139- 27.728, p=0.034, respectively)Conclusion: We found an independent relationship between TyG and IMT of the thoracic aorta, an early marker of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients without atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Therefore, the TyG index can be used to identify high-risk subjects among healthy subjects.
Enteric Methane Emission of Cattle Grazing Rangeland Ecosystems of South Eastern Kenya
Authors: Maweu Annastacia Nduku , Bebe Bocklines Omedo , Kuria Simon Gichuru , Kashongwe Olivier Basole
Published: March 2022

Large herds grazing degraded rangeland pastures are associated with enteric methane emission, contributing to Global Warming Potential (GWP). Kenya has large herds of ruminants grazing rangelands yet hardly are methane emissions and associated GWP quantified. This study estimated enteric methane emission and the GWP from cattle grazing in Makueni County, a rangeland ecosystem in Southeastern Kenya. Estimation applied the IPCC Tier II approach that incorporated seasonal differences in feed quality, dry matter intake and animal performance to provide improved methane emission factors (EFs). Data on cattle population, animal classes and their performance and animal activity for the year 2019 was obtained from the County livestock inventory reports while feed quality data was sourced from recently published literature. The resultant EFs were 47.1 kg year-1 for females>2yrs; 27.2 kg year-1 for heifers 1-2 yrs; 46.5 kg year-1 for males>2yrs; 32.9 kg year-1 for young males 1-2yrs; and 17.2 kg year-1 for calves <1yr. These EFs were higher (7.7 to 14.9%) than those of Tier I for females>2yrs, young males 1-2yrs and for calves <1yr but lower (5.4 to 12.3%) for males>2yrs and for heifers 1-2 yrs. The Tier II estimates were 4.4% higher than the estimates with Tier I approach for both total estimated enteric methane emission (9,279,526.80 vs 8,889,997 kg CH4/year) and GWP (259,826,750.4 vs. 248,919,916 kg CO2 eq). The results reflect uncertainty of EFs generated from Tier I approach, which necessitates development of region-specific EFs using data from local breeds of animals and feed resources. This will improve certainties of the enteric methane emissions and accuracy in reporting the Nationally Determined Contributions.
Investigation of Linear and Nonlinear Variations of Radon, Total Electron Content and Meteorological Variables by Earthquakes: ARIMA and Monte Carlo Modeling
Authors: salh hemn , Külahcı Fatih , Ghafar Marjan Mohammed
Published: March 2022

An Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA)-Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) is proposed to analyze and model anomalies caused by earthquakes in the atmosphere and ground gases along the North Anatolian Fault Zone (NAFZ)-Turkiye. Earthquakes, Soil Radon Gas and Total Electron Content (TEC) show anomalies simultaneously. Positive correlations are observed among these three variables. Similarly, positive correlations are also observed among Rn-Meteorological-Atmospheric triple variables. The proposed ARIMA model and MCS for the Rn-TEC-Earthquake relations of the measured data gave statistically significant results. This model and simulation gave also significant peaks for the effects of micro earthquakes, which are more difficult to detect than large earthquakes, especially on the ionospheric TEC.
Interspecific competition between Microcystis aeruginosa and Chlamydomonas microsphaera stressed by tetracyclines
Authors: Zhou Xudong , Jiang Xincheng , Chen Jibao , Gao Pengcheng
Published: March 2022

The extensive tetracyclines in human and veterinary medicines cause contamination in the environment that could contribute to the antibiotic-resistant bacteria or the species competition in phytoplankton. In this study, Microcystis aeruginosa (bloom-forming cyanobacteria) and Chlamydomonas microsphaera (common green alga) were selected to test the effect of different concentrations of tetracyclines (tetracycline and oxytetracycline) in mono-culture and co-culture. The results showed that compared with mono-culture, the cell growth of C. microsphaera decreased significantly in co-culture treated with different concentrations of tetracycline and oxytetracycline. With the expose of 0.1, 2, 10 mg L-1 of tetracycline, the inhibition ratios of M. aeruginosa varied between 17.7% and 31.37% in co-culture compared to mono-culture, while the cell growth of M. aeruginosa was promoted treated with 0.1, 2, 7.25 mg L-1 of oxytetracycline in co-culture. However, the cell growth of C. microsphaera was significantly inhibited with all treatments in co-culture. With the treatment of tetracycline, the specific growth rate of M. aeruginosa was 0.36 to 0.31 day-1 in mono-culture and co-culture, while that of C. microsphaera was ranged from 0.38 to 0.26 day-1 in mono-culture, and it decreased from 0.25 day-1 (0 mg L-1) to 0.08 day-1 (10 mg L-1) in co-culture. With the treatment of oxytetracycline, the specific growth rate of M. aeruginosa was stimulated in co-culture while that of C. microsphaera showed an extremely significant inhibition in co-culture compared to mono-culture. Therefore, although M. aeruginosa outcompeted C. microsphaera in co-culture with the tetracyclines-free treatment, the competitive advantage of M. aeruginosa expanded upon addition of low or high concentrations of tetracyclines.
Socioeconomic inequalities in cervical pre-cancer screening among women in Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe – Analysis of Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment surveys
Authors: Chipanta David , Kapambwe Sharon , Nyondo-Mipando Alinane Linda , Pascoe Margaret , Amo-Agyei Silas , Bohlius Julia , Estill Janne , Keiser Olivia
Published: March 2022

Background: Screening for cervical pre-cancerous lesions may be inequitable among women in sub-Saharan African countries. This study examined age, residence, education and wealth inequalities and their combinations on cervical pre-cancer screening in Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Methods: We used the Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment (PHIA) data, including cervical pre-cancer screening variables and measured the magnitude of inequality between subgroups in percentages points, considering differences of 20%+ as high inequality, 5% to 20% medium, 0 to 5% as low. We described the sample characteristics using descriptive statistics for each country and examined the associations between cervical pre-cancer screening and each inequality. We analysed the differences using multivariable logistic regressions, controlling for covariates. We estimated the inequalities in cervical pre-cancer screening probability for each inequality alone and in combinations using marginal effects models. Results: The sample size of females aged 25–49 years ranged from 5882 in Ethiopia to 9186 in Tanzania. Self-reported cervical pre-cancer screening was low in the surveyed countries ranging from 3.5% (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 3.1%–4.0%) in Rwanda to 17.1% (95% CI 15.8%–18.5%) and 17.4% (95% CI16.1%–18.8%) in Zambia and Zimbabwe. Inequalities in cervical pre-cancer screening were low based on age, residence, education, and wealth. Combining the inequalities led to significant inequalities in self-reported cervical pre-cancer screening between rural dwelling women aged 25–34 years, in the lowest wealth quintile, with a primary education level, and urban dwelling women aged 35–49 years, in the highest quintile, with the highest education level ranging from 4.4% in Rwanda to 44.6% in Zimbabwe. Conclusions: Cervical pre-cancer screening was inequitable and low. None of the countries achieved one-third of the World Health Organisation target of screening 70% of eligible women for cervical pre-cancer by 2030. Inequalities in cervical pre-cancer screening related to age, rural-urban residence, education, and wealth were low. Their combinations led to high inequalities, preventing younger, rural-dwelling, uneducated, women in the lowest wealth quintile from cervical pre-cancer screening. Governments should include and monitor equity in their cervical pre-cancer screening programmes. Research is needed to understand how to scale up equitable cervical pre-cancer screening.
Clinical implementation of kVCT-guided Tomotherapy with ClearRT
Authors: Yang Bin , Geng Hui , Chang Tien Yee Amy , Tse Mei Yan , Lam Wai Wang , Huang Chen-Yu , Wu Tung Ho , Lau Ka Ki , Cheung Kin Yin , Chiu George , Yu Siu Ki
Published: March 2022

A helical fan-beam kilovoltage computed tomography (kVCT) was recently introduced into Tomotherapy units. This study aims to share the initial experience of kVCT in clinical workflow, compare its performance with that of the existing megavoltage computed tomography (MVCT), and explore its potential in adaptive planning.We retrospectively enrolled 23 patients who underwent both MVCT and kVCT scans. The clinical performance data regarding image acquisition time, nominal dose length product (DLP), registration time and registration corrections were extracted and compared. Image quality was scored by six experienced radiation therapists and quantified based on phantom measurements. CT number stability and the implementation of adaptive radiotherapy were dosimetrically evaluated by performing the dose recalculation on kVCT.Compared to MVCT, kVCT significantly reduced DLP (except the highest kVp protocol), image acquisition and registration time. KVCT obtained higher scores than MVCT on all criteria except artifacts. Phantom measurements also revealed a better image performance characterization of kVCT except for image uniformity. The CT number variation could lead to a dose difference of 0.5% for D95% of target and Dmean of organ-at-risk. For the treatment planning with kVCT, a systematic dose difference (> 1%) in PTV dose metrics was observed at regions with large longitudinal density discontinuities compared to the reference plans.The new kVCT imaging provides enhanced soft-tissue visualization. The improved efficiency with kVCT-guided treatment will allow more patients to be treated each day. In most cases, the dose calculation accuracy of kVCT images is acceptable except for regions with severe artifacts.
Unintended Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on The Rate Of Catheter Related Nosocomial Infections and Prevalence of Multiple Drug Resistance Pathogens in Three Intensive Care Units Not Allocated to Covid-19 Patients in A Large Teaching Hospital
Authors: Zand Farid , Vakili Hedayatollah , Asmarian Naeimehossadat , Masjedi Mansoor , Sabetian Golnar , Nikandish Reza , Shafiee Elham , Esfehani Azita Tabatabaei , Azadi Fatemeh , Dashti Anahita Sanaei
Published: March 2022

BackgroundThe prevalence of resistant hospital infections in the intensive care unit (ICU) increases mortality and antibiotic resistance. Covid-19 pandemic may have unintended impact on nosocomial infections (NI) and the prevalence of resistant microorganism. MethodologyThe present non-interventional study was performed by a pre and a post survey each lasting eight months before (March-October 2019) and after (March - October 2021) the onset of Covid-19 pandemic in three ICU’s, not allocated to Covid-19 patients, in Nemazee Hospital, Shiraz, Iran. The rates of the following nosocomial infections were compared at pre- and post-pandemic period: ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP), central line associated blood stream infection (CLABSI), catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) and prevalence of multiple drug resistance (MDR) pathogens.ResultsPre-pandemic and pandemic incidence of VAP was 23.5 and 17.2 cases per 1,000 device-days, respectively; an absolute decrease of 27%. The main reason for the decrease in the rate of VAP during the pandemic was a significant decrease in the rate of VAP caused by Acinetobacter baumannii; from 39% to 17% in total VAP episodes. The rate of VAP associated with other microorganisms remained relatively unchanged from 14.2 cases in pre-pandemic period to 14.3 cases per 1,000 MV-days during the pandemic (P =0.801). Pre-pandemic incidence of CLABSI was 7.3 cases and, in pandemic period, was 6.5 cases per 1,000 device-days (IRR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.43-1.73, P =0.703). Pre-pandemic incidence of CAUTI was 2 and in pandemic period, was 1.4 cases per 1,000 device-days (IRR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.22-1.98, P =0.469).ConclusionThe results of the present study showed a decrease in the incidence of VAP in critically ill non-Covid-19 patients during the pandemic compared to before the pandemic, especially regarding Acinetobacter Baumannii.
Single Versus Multiple Doses Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Elective Caesarean Section at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital
Authors: Pobee Frederickson
Published: March 2022

Objective To compare the effectiveness of single dose to multiple doses antibiotic prophylaxis for elective caesarean section in Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.Design Randomized non-inferiority comparative studySetting and population Eighty-six (86) pregnant women admitted for elective caesarean section and treated with single dose antibiotic and 86 pregnant women admitted for elective caesarean section and treated with multiple doses antibiotic in Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana.Methods This study was randomized into two groups. Group A were given single dose of Amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium and metronidazole while group B were given multiple doses. The patients were examined on postoperative day 3, 14, 42 for signs of wound infection and endometritis. Statistical analysis was done using the student t-test and the chi-square test. Results were presented in cumulative incidence and as odds ratio together with 95% confidence intervals and P-value. Main outcome Effectiveness of single dose to multiple doses antibiotic prophylaxis for elective caesarean sectionResults: The SSI over the study period was 9.4%. All infections were superficial incisional SSI. Six (7.1%) and 10(11.6%) of the patients in the single dose and multiple dose arm respectively had wound infection. A statistically non-significant difference of 4.5% (difference 4.5: 95% CI -13.1- 4.1) (p = 0.305) was observed. Conclusions These results suggest that a single prophylactic intravenous dose of Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid 1.2g and Metronidazole (500mg) given before caesarean section is non-inferior to a multiple dose regimen with regards to post caesarean section SSI.
Grassland-woodland transitions over decadal timescales in the Terai-Duar Savanna and Grasslands of the Indian subcontinent.
Authors: Banerjee Subham , Das Dhritiman , John Robert
Published: March 2022

The decline of grasslands and savanna due to woodland encroachment is a matter of global concern. In the Terai-Duar Savanna and Grassland ecoregion (hereafter terai), located at the base of the Himalayas in the Indian subcontinent, there are indications that grasslands and savanna are being lost, with unknown consequences for biodiversity and ecosystem function. We assessed large-scale vegetation changes in terai eight large protected terai habitats over three decades (1989-2019) and quantified the environmental and anthropogenic drivers of the observed changes using Bayesian Conditional Autoregressive spatial models. Notably, very little grasslands remain and the initial extent of 1417 km2 declined to 923 km2 (34.4%) in 30 years. Woodland area increased from 3235 km2 to 3516 km2 (8.7%). Dry season grass fire had the strongest influence on grassland persistence, followed by anthropogenic impacts. Terai ecosystems also experience significant threats from climatic changes and increasing human footprint, particularly in India.
Evaluation of Escherichia coli hydrogenases in persistence
Authors: Shekhar Chandra , KAI Tomonori , WOOD Thomas K. , MAEDA Toshinari
Published: March 2022

Persistence enables a subpopulation of tolerant bacteria to survive in the presence of a bactericidal antibiotic. Reports indicate the non-inherited nature of persistence; however, it also seems to be a genetically influenced phenomenon that has evolved to allow the organisms to survive in sudden environmental insults. In contrary to some reports, lowered available pool of ATP, NAD, and ROS leads to increased survival via slowing down the metabolism and resulting in an increased persister fraction. In this study, the hydrogenases of Escherichia coli were analyzed for their role in persistence, where four hydrogenase operon deletion mutants were evaluated before and after antibiotic treatment. As result, the expressions of hydrogenases and cellular viability (specifically hyd-1, 2, 3) were found elevated in antibiotic-treated cells, indicating their influential roles in persistence. Further work elucidated the affected ATP, NAD, and metabolism in the antibiotic-treated mutant cells. The transcriptomic analysis further revealed a wide genomic connectivity of hydrogenases to influence persistence in E. coli. Hydrogenases were mainly reported for their essential roles in bacterial hydrogen metabolism, this study further demonstrates their probable role in bacterial survival against antibiotic stress.
Identification of TLN1 as a prognostic biomarker to effect cell proliferation and differentiation in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Zheng Weiwei , Cui Di , Cui Xilong , Zhang Wenjing , Yu Yu , Gao Xinying , Mei Chuanzhong
Published: March 2022

The protein Talin1 encoded by the TLN1 gene is a focal adhesion-related protein that binds to various cytoskeletal proteins and plays an important role in cell adhesion and movement. Recent studies have shown that it is overexpressed in prostate cancer, liver cancer, and oral squamous cell carcinoma, and is closely related to tumor progression and metastasis. This study integrated bioinformatics and functional analysis to reveal the prognosis and potential functions of TLN1 in AML. The results showed that the expression level of TLN1 was abnormally increased in AML and localized in the cell membrane and cytoplasm, which is a significant prognostic indicator of overall survival(OS). Enrichment analysis of related genes showed that TLN1 is related to neutrophil mediated immunity, neutrophil activation and may regulate important signal pathways in hematological tumors including tyrosine kinase receptor, FLT3 and PIK3/AKT. The PPI network shows that TLN1 and MYH9 may be involved in the process of AML tumors together with PIP5K1C, ROCK1, S100A4, MY01A and WAC. Immune infiltration analysis explains that TLN1 is associated with multiple immune cells and may be an important immune marker in AML. Furthermore, molecular biology experiments confirmed that TLN1 is related to the proliferation, differentiation and cycle of AML cells. Silencing TLN1 can inhibit the proliferation of AML cells and promote differentiation through the Talin1/P-AKT/CREB signaling pathway.
Obesity is Associated With Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody Associated Disease in Acute Optic Neuritis
Authors: Stiebel-Kalish Hadas , Rubarth Kerstin , Blum Karni , Tiosano Alon , Lotan Itay , Hellmann Mark A. , Wilf-Yarkoni Adi , Bialer Omer , Flanagan Eoin P. , Pittock Sean J. , Bhatti M. Tariq , Schmitz-Hübsch Tanja , Friedemann Paul , Asseyer Susanna , Chen John J.
Published: March 2022

Background: Optic neuritis (ON) is a frequent presentation of multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-antibody disease (MOGAD) at onset. The pathophysiology underlying these diseases, especially MOGAD, is still being elucidated. While obesity has been reported to potentially be a risk factor for MS, this has not been explored in NMOSD or MOGAD. We aimed to investigate a possible association between obesity (body mass index [BMI] >30 kg/m²) and patients with MOGAD, NMOSD or MS. Methods: Multicenter non-interventional retrospective data collection from a first ever demyelinating attack of ON in patients subsequently diagnosed with MOGAD, NMOSD or MS between 2005-2020. The following data was collected: age, gender, ethnicity, BMI at disease onset and the etiology of ON after diagnostic work-up. A mixed model analysis was performed to assess the ability of obesity or BMI to predict MOGAD-ON and distinguish MOGAD-ON from NMOSD- and MS-ON. Main outcome measures included BMI in patients with acute ON and subsequent diagnosis of MOGAD, NMOSD or MS. Results: One-hundred and eighty-three patients were included: 44 with MOGAD, 49 with NMOSD, and 90 with MS. A higher BMI was significantly associated with a diagnosis of MOGAD-ON (p<0.001); in MOGAD patients the mean BMI was 31.6 kg/m² (standard deviation (SD) 7.2), while the mean BMI was 24.7 kg/m² (SD 5.3) in NMOSD patients and 26.9 kg/m² (SD 6.2) in MS patients. Mixed effects multionimal logistic regression, adjusted for age and gender with obesity as a binary variable revealed that obesity was associated with a higher odds ratio (OR) of a subsequent MOGAD diagnosis (OR 5.466, 95% CI: [2.039, 14.650], p = 0.001) in contradistinction with NMOSD. Conclusion: This study suggests an association between obesity and MOGAD. Our finding requires further exploration, but could have significant pathophysiologic implications if confirmed in larger prospective studies.
Isobavachalcone Attenuates NLRP3 Inflammasome-related Pyroptosis and Induces Apoptosis via Arresting Cell Cycle in Glioblastoma
Authors: Wu Yueshan , Chang Jing , Ge Juanjuan , Xu Kangyan , Zhou Quan , Zhang Xiaowen , Zhu Ni , Hu Meichun
Published: March 2022

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the worst and most common malignant intracranial tumor with high mortality rates and almost invariably poor prognosis even after surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and emerging immunotherapies. Therefore, it is important to find new therapeutic drugs for GBM treatment. In the present study, we aimed to explore the effect of one natural chalcone—Isobavachalcone (IBC) on GBM and clarify its anti-cancer mechanisms. It was observed that IBC could inhibit GBM cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro and prevent tumor growth without any significant drug toxicity in vivo. Mechanistically, IBC may target NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) transcription factor estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) by network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis. Experimentally, IBC reduced NLRP3 inflammasome-related pyroptosis and inflammation, arrested cell cycle at G1 phase, and induced mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in GBM cells. These results indicated that IBC is a potential therapeutic drug against GBM and provide a new insight into GBM treatment.
Family Caregivers’ Preparedness to Support the Physical Activity of Patients at Risk for Hospital Readmission in Rural Communities: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Fox Mary T. , Butler Jeffrey I. , Sidani Souraya , Nguyen An
Published: March 2022

Background
Physical activity in the post-discharge period is important to maximize patient recovery and prevent hospital readmission. Healthcare providers have identified family caregivers as potential facilitators of patients’ engagement in physical activity. Yet, there is very little research on family caregivers’ perspectives on their preparedness to support the physical activity of patients, particularly those at risk for hospital readmission in rural communities. Accordingly, this study explored family caregivers’ perspectives on their preparedness to support the physical activity of a recently discharged, rural-dwelling relative at risk for hospital readmission.
Methods
In this qualitative descriptive study, semi-structured interviews were conducted by telephone with sixteen family caregivers. Interview transcripts were analyzed using conventional qualitative content analysis.
Results
Participants were predominantly women (n = 14; 87.5%) with an average age of 49 years (range 26–67) who were the primary caregivers of a relative who had been hospitalized for a medical illness (n = 12; 63%) and was at high risk for hospital readmission. Four themes were identified: 1) family caregivers felt unprepared to support their relative’s physical activity, 2) family caregivers believed that rest was more important than physical activity to their relative’s recovery, 3) insufficient preparation for physical activity led to family caregiver-relative conflicts, and 4) to defuse these conflicts, some family caregivers wanted healthcare providers to be responsible for promoting physical activity.
Conclusions
Despite assertions that family caregivers are a potential source of support for patient physical activity, our findings indicate that family caregivers are largely unprepared to assume that role and that more work needs to be done to ensure they can do so effectively. We suggest that healthcare providers be conscious of the potential for family caregiver-relative conflict surrounding physical activity, assess family caregivers’ ability and willingness to support physical activity, educate them on the hazards of inactivity, and provide physical activity instructions to family caregivers and patients conjointly. Preparing family caregivers to support their relative’s physical activity is particularly important given the current emphasis on early discharge in many jurisdictions, and the limited formal healthcare services available in rural communities.
The Predictive Value of CHFR Methylation for Chemotherapy Response and Prognosis in Cancer Patients: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Zhuo , Zhang Wenjia , Xiang Qian , Liu Qianxin , Zhang Hanxu , Zhang Xiaodan , Cui Yimin
Published: March 2022

Purpose: CHFR (checkpoint with FHA and RING finger) methylation is a promising biomarker of treatment response and cancer prognosis, whereas the predictive role of it remains controversial. Thus, this meta-analysis aimed to quantify the predictive impact of this biomarker in cancer patients.Methods: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov. were searched to identify studies that assessed the association between CHFR methylation and clinical outcomes in patients with cancer. Treatment response was the primary endpoint, and overall survival (OS) and recurrence were the secondary endpoints.Results: Thirteen studies with 2185 cancer patients met the inclusion criteria were included. Our study showed that CHFR methylation was not associated with the chemotherapy response (odds ratio = 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.38–2.31, P =0.88). As for OS, we found no statistically significant association either (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.14; 95% CI: 0.86–1.50, P = 0.36), except in patients treated with surgery alone (HR = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.06-1.77, P = 0.02). Moreover, CHFR methylation was significantly associated with recurrence (HR = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.25–3.25, P=0.004).Conclusion: Our study indicates that CHFR methylation cannot be a predictive factor for response to chemotherapy, but might be a biomarker of OS and recurrence in cancer patient. Future studies should be conducted to reduce confounding and explore the mechanism.
Ignoring socio-political realities in 1.5°C pathways overplays coal power phaseout compared to other climate mitigation options
Authors: Muttitt Greg , Price James , Pye Steve , Welsby Dan
Published: March 2022

In IPCC pathways limiting warming to 1.5˚C, global coal power generation declines rapidly, due to its emissions intensity and substitutability. However, at the national level, we find that in countries highly dependent on coal generation - China, India and South Africa - this translates to a decline twice as fast as achieved historically for any power technology in any country, relative to system size. To explore a more societally feasible balance of mitigation, we constrain an integrated assessment model to the Powering Past Coal Alliance’s differentiated pace of phaseout, by 2030 in OECD/EU and 2050 elsewhere. We find that limiting warming to 1.5˚C then requires CO2 emissions reductions in the Global North to be roughly 50% faster than if this socio-political reality is neglected. This additional mitigation is focused in Europe and the USA, in transport and industry, and implies faster decline in global oil and gas production.
Spatial distribution and Determinates of poor consumption of foods rich in vitamin A among children aged 6–23 months in Ethiopia using data from Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey 2019: Spatial and Multilevel Analysis
Authors: Muhye Addis Bilal , Assimamaw NegaTezera , Tamir Tadesse Tarik , Alemu Tewodros Getaneh , Techane Masresha Asmare , Wubneh Chalachew Adugna , Belay GetanehMulualem , Kassie DestayeGuadie , Wondim Amare , Terefe Bewuketu , Tarekegn Bethelihem Tigabu , Ali Mohammed Seid , Fentie Beletech , Gonete Almaz Tefera , Tekeba Berhan , Kassa Selam Fisiha , Desta Bogale Kassahun , Ayele Amare Demsie , Dessie Melkamu Tilahun , Atalell Kendalem Asmare
Published: March 2022

Introduction:
Vitamin A is an essential element that supports rapid growth, builds the immune system, and prevents infection. In impoverished countries like Ethiopia, however, consumption of vitamin A-rich foods is a major problem. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the spatial distributions and determinants of poor consumption of foods rich in vitamin A among children aged 6–23 months in Ethiopia.
Methods
Data were obtained from the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) 2019. Spatial autocorrelation was done to test whether the poor consumption of foods rich in vitamin A had spatial dependency or not. Spatial SAT scan analysis and Hotspot (Getis Ord Gi*) were used to detect spatial clustering of poor consumption. A multilevel binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with poor consumption of vitamin A-rich foods. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was calculated, and variables with a p-value less than 0.05 were declared to be significant predictors of poor consumption of vitamin A-rich foods.
Result
The analysis looked at 1,605 children aged 6 to 23 months. In Ethiopia, poor consumption of vitamin A-rich foods was found to be prevalent in 61.2% of the population, with significant spatial variation. Spatial clustering of poor consumption of foods rich in vitamin A was observed in the Amhara, Somali, and Afar regions. At the individual level, the odds of poor consumption of foods rich in vitamin A among children aged 12–17 and 18–23 months were 0.57 (95%CI (0.39, 0.84)) and 0.39 (95%CI (0.26, 0.58)) respectively. At the community level, the odds of poor consumption of foods rich in vitamin A in Afar, Amhara and Somali were 6.07 (95%CI (2.59, 14.23)), 2.27 (95% CI (1.16, 4.44)) and 57.39 (95%CI (11.76, 279.90)) respectively.
Conclusion
In Ethiopia, poor consumption of vitamin A-rich foods among children aged 6 to 23 months varied significantly by region, with the highest prevalence found in the Amhara, Somali, and Afar regions. Child age, media exposure, maternal education, and regions were the significant predictors of poor consumption of foods rich in vitamin A. Through improving maternal education and creating awareness through mass media, interventions are targeted to improve the consumption of foods rich in vitamin A.
A cutaneous receptors-mimicking system for real-time and multimodal detection of tactile stimuli
Authors: Lee Bo-Yeon , Kim Seonggi , Oh Sunjong , Lee Youngoh , Park Jonghwa , Ko Hyunhyub , Koo Ja Choon , Jung Young-Do , Lim Hyuneui
Published: March 2022

A human can intuitively perceive and comprehend complicated tactile information, when interacting with objects, owing to the different cutaneous receptors distributed in the fingertip skin. Many research groups have attempted to mimic the structure and receptors of the skin to develop next-generation tactile sensors that can precisely and seamlessly deliver the overall tactile sensation. In this study, we propose a real-time multimodal tactile system that mimics the sensing qualities of cutaneous receptors entirely by simultaneously acquiring four types of decoupled tactile information in real time using multiple sensors integrated into three dimensions (3D), a signal-processing module, and a transmission module. The interconnections between 3D-integrated sensors and the signal-processing module were manufactured by 3D printing methods to have an adaptable shape. Furthermore, the proposed system can differentiate between various tactile stimuli, texture characteristics, and consecutive complex motions depending on the decoupled tactile sensing signals of pressure, shear force, vibration, and temperature. We believe that the results of this study can provide a novel design for a skin-like, perceivable, tactile sensing system for application in soft robotics, human-machine interfaces, health monitoring systems, and biomedical devices.
Hybrid Transcranial Access for Venous Sinus Stenting
Authors: Xian Elissa , Ng Angela Li Ching , Morrison Thomas , Allan Rodney
Published: March 2022

BackgroundThere is increasing evidence to demonstrate the use and efficacy of venous sinus angioplasty in select patients with medically refractory idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) and venous sinus stenosis. In patients with challenging venous access, transcranial access to the venous sinus may be required. MethodsWe describe the novel technique of open cranial access for venous sinus stenting and demonstrate that it is safe and effective in the appropriate candidate.Results and ConclusionTranscranial venous sinus stenting for IIH has not yet been described in the adult population. It utilises combined open and endovascular techniques, which are safe and effective where distal access is not feasible.
Contribution of Ambient Light Intensity vs Spectral Contents of Short Wavelength on Refractive Development in Young Rabbits
Authors: Tang Xiuping , Tang Zhijin , Zou Yunchun , Fan Haobo , Hussan Aadila
Published: March 2022

Background:The aim of this study was to compare the effects of manipulating lighting levels versus manipulating the short wavelength contents of ambient lighting on refractive development in young rabbits. Methods: A total of 32 healthy 3-week-old rabbits were randomly assigned to one of four groups with 8 in each group. Normal blue at normal illuminance (control, NC) group and normal blue at high illuminance lighting (HI) group were exposed to light emitted by ordinary LED lamps with low content in the short wavelength range. High-blue at high illuminance(Simulating natural light, S-NL) group and high-blue at normal illuminance (High-blue, HB) group were exposed to the light with high content in the short wavelength range provided by ordinary LED and blue LED lamps. The approximate mean illuminance (in human lux) on the cage floor was (NC:341lux, HI:5057lux, HB:342lux, S-NL: 5051lux). Refractive error, axial dimensions and corneal curvature radius were assessed by retinoscopy, ultrasonography and keratometry, respectively. Average data of both eyes for each animal were compared across groups.Results: During the intervention, all animals had an emmetropization period. The refractive development of HI group was similar to S-NL group, both significantly slower than that of HB and NC group (p<0.001). While the decrease of group refraction in HB paralleled to the control group (p=0. 381). At the 12th week, the group refraction of S-NL(3.000±0.267D) was similar to HI (3.250±0.267D), more hyperopic than HB(2.219±0.281D) and NC (1.938±0.291D). The vitreous chamber depth of S-NL (7.421±0.168mm) was shorter than HB (7.785±0.230mm) and NC (7.825±0.313mm), similar to that of HI group(7.264±0.256mm). The other components were less effected by light conditions(p＞0.05). Conclusions: Extrapolated from rabbits, these findings suggest that high illuminances per se but not the rich in short wavelengths determine the inhibitory effect of ambient lighting on myopia after increasing time outdoors.
Pump-controlled retrograde trial off for weaning from adult veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation – a retrospective observation cohort
Authors: LAU Fung Ming , CHAN Wai Kit , MOK Yuen Tin , LAI Peter Chi Keung , MA Sin Kwan Tammy , CHAN Wai Ming , NGAI Chun Wai , SIN Wai Ching , KWOK Wai Ling Phyllis , YU Kin Yip , NG Pauline Yeung
Published: March 2022

BackgroundThe optimal strategy of weaning veno-arterial (V-A) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) remains poorly described. Pump-controlled retrograde trial off (PCRTO) involves serial decremental pump revolutions until a retrograde flow from the arterial to venous ECMO cannula is achieved. It has been reported as a feasible weaning strategy in the pediatric population, but its application in adults has not been widely reported.MethodsThis was a retrospective observational study including all adult patients who underwent PCRTO during weaning from V-A ECMO at a tertiary ECMO center between January 2019 and July 2021. Hemodynamic characteristics during PCRTO and clinical outcomes were reported. The clinical and echocardiographic parameters of successful and unsuccessful PCRTO runs were compared.Results A total of 57 runs of PCRTO in 36 patients were analyzed – 45 (78.9%) of the trials were successful. The median blood flow rate during PCRTO was 0.6 L/min, and the median duration of PCRTO was 240 minutes in the successful group compared with 35 minutes in the unsuccessful group. Patients who tolerated the trial had higher systolic blood pressure (105 vs 96 mmHg, p=0.042) and mean arterial pressure (78 vs 63 mmHg, p=0.008) at the end of PCRTO. The left ventricular outflow tract velocity-time integral measured during PCRTO was greater in the successful group (17.5 vs 12.9 cm, p=0.021).Of the 35 patients who had at least one session of successful PCRTO, 31 (88.6%) ultimately underwent ECMO decannulation. In adjusted analysis, baseline alanine aminotransferase (OR 8.16, 95% CI 1.31-50.9, p=0.025) and serum creatinine (OR 7.15, 95% CI 1.04-49.2, p=0.046) were significantly associated with increased probability of successful PCRTO.ConclusionsPCRTO is a feasible strategy for trialing off V-A ECMO with a low risk of adverse events and high rate of predicting eventual successful ECMO decannulation. Laboratory parameters that reflect the degree and recovery of end-organ ischemic injury were useful for predicting a successful PCRTO. The application of PCRTO should be studied in multi-centered studies.
Design of a self-stable and population-controllable co-culture system in E. coli and its applications
Authors: Chen Hao , Liu Qun , wang Xuanlin , Liu Weifeng , Tang Shuang-Yan , Li Shizhong , Lin Baixue , Tao Yong
Published: March 2022

Modular co-culture engineering has been applied to divide labor among different strains in the biomanufacturer of substances through complicated metabolic pathways. However, dynamic instability, uncontrollable population ratios, and lack of mathematical models have hindered its further application. In this study, we built a mathematical model and used it to design a self-stable co-culture system with adjustable population ratios of two engineered Escherichia coli strains. As an indicator product, the yield of chlorogenic acid was successfully increased by 16.5% by adjusting the population ratio in the system. This system provides a robust and scalable production platform for modular co-culture engineering. The co-culture system was confirmed to be a symbiotic system with high carbon atom economy for acetyl-CoA-derived chemicals by optimization of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate production, which was 2.82-fold higher than it was for wild-type E. coli. The conversion rate of glucose to poly-β-hydroxybutyrate also was 3.19-fold higher in the co-culture system. Our results provide new insights into possible future applications of co-culture systems.