bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Holistic Focus of Attention Increases Torque Production and Electromyography Activity in an Isokinetic Elbow Flexion
Authors: Becker Kevin A. , Avalos Marco A.
Published: May 2024

Recent research suggests that both a holistic focus of attention (i.e., focusing on the general feeling of a movement) and an external focus of attention improve motor performance relative to an internal focus of attention. The purpose of this study was to determine how a holistic, internal, and external focus impacts torque production and electromyography (EMG) activity in the biceps brachii during an isokinetic elbow flexion task. Twenty-four young adults completed five repetitions of an isokinetic elbow flexion task in internal, external, and holistic focus conditions. Peak torque, integrated torque, peak EMG amplitude, integrated EMG, and neuromuscular efficiency were averaged across trials in each condition. Peak torque, integrated torque, peak EMG amplitude, and integrated EMG were all significantly higher with a holistic focus than an internal or external focus. Internal and external focus conditions did not differ from each other in any variable. No differences due to focus were observed for neuromuscular efficiency. The present results suggest that using a holistic focus of attention can be a useful strategy for motor tasks requiring peak force production. However, it does not appear that this benefit is related to increased neuromuscular efficiency, as we hypothesized.
Laser speckle rheological microscopy reveals wideband viscoelastic spectra of biological tissues
Authors: Leartprapun Nichaluk , Zeng Ziqian , Hajjarian Zeinab , Bossuyt Veerle , Nadkarni Seemantini K.
Published: May 2024

Viscoelastic transformation of tissue drives aberrant cellular functions and is an early biomarker of disease pathogenesis. Tissues scale a range of viscoelastic moduli, from biofluids to bone. Moreover, viscoelastic behavior is governed by the frequency at which tissue is probed, yielding distinct viscous and elastic responses modulated over a wide frequency band. Existing tools do not quantify wideband viscoelastic spectra in tissues, leaving a vast knowledge gap. We present wideband laser speckle rheological microscopy (WB-SHEAR) that reveals elastic and viscous response over sub-megahertz frequencies previously not investigated in tissue. WB-SHEAR uses an optical, noncontact approach to quantify wideband viscoelastic spectra in specimens spanning a range of moduli from low-viscosity fibrin to highly elastic bone. Via laser scanning, micromechanical imaging is enabled to access wideband viscoelastic spectra in heterogeneous tumor specimens with high spatial resolution (25 micrometers). The ability to interrogate the viscoelastic landscape of diverse biospecimens could transform our understanding of mechanobiological processes in various diseases.
Strongly correlated multielectron bunches from interaction with quantum light
Authors: Kumar Suraj , Lim Jeremy , Rivera Nicholas , Wong Wesley , Ang Yee Sin , Ang Lay Kee , Wong Liang Jie
Published: May 2024

Strongly correlated electron systems are a cornerstone of modern physics, being responsible for groundbreaking phenomena from superconducting magnets to quantum computing. In most cases, correlations in electrons arise exclusively because of Coulomb interactions. In this work, we reveal that free electrons interacting simultaneously with a light field can become highly correlated via mechanisms beyond Coulomb interactions. In the case of two electrons, the resulting Pearson correlation coefficient for the joint probability distribution of the output electron energies is enhanced by more than 13 orders of magnitude compared to that of electrons interacting with the light field in succession (one after another). These highly correlated electrons are the result of momentum and energy exchange between the participating electrons via the external quantum light field. Our findings pave the way to the creation and control of highly correlated free electrons for applications including quantum information and ultrafast imaging.
An interpretable model of pre-mRNA splicing for animal and plant genes
Authors: McCue Kayla , Burge Christopher B.
Published: May 2024

Pre-mRNA splicing is a fundamental step in gene expression, conserved across eukaryotes, in which the spliceosome recognizes motifs at the 3′ and 5′ splice sites (SSs), excises introns, and ligates exons. SS recognition and pairing is often influenced by protein splicing factors (SFs) that bind to splicing regulatory elements (SREs). Here, we describe SMsplice, a fully interpretable model of pre-mRNA splicing that combines models of core SS motifs, SREs, and exonic and intronic length preferences. We learn models that predict SS locations with 83 to 86% accuracy in fish, insects, and plants and about 70% in mammals. Learned SRE motifs include both known SF binding motifs and unfamiliar motifs, and both motif classes are supported by genetic analyses. Our comparisons across species highlight similarities between non-mammals, increased reliance on intronic SREs in plant splicing, and a greater reliance on SREs in mammalian splicing.
Iron controls the development of airway hyperreactivity by regulating ILC2 metabolism and effector function
Authors: Hurrell Benjamin P. , Sakano Yoshihiro , Shen Stephen , Helou Doumet Georges , Li Meng , Shafiei-Jahani Pedram , Kazemi Mohammad Hossein , Sakano Kei , Li Xin , Quach Christine , Barbers Richard , Akbari Omid
Published: May 2024

Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) rapidly induce a type 2 inflammation in the lungs in response to allergens. Here, we focused on the role of iron, a critical nutritional trace element, on ILC2 function and asthma pathogenesis. We found that transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) is rapidly up-regulated and functional during ILC2 activation in the lungs, and blocking transferrin uptake reduces ILC2 expansion and activation. Iron deprivation reprogrammed ILC2 metabolism, inducing a HIF-1α–driven up-regulation of glycolysis and inhibition of oxidative mitochondrial activity. Consequently, we observed that in vivo iron chelation or induction of hypoferremia reduced the development of airway hyperreactivity in experimental models of ILC2-driven allergic asthma. Human circulating ILC2s rapidly induced TfR1 during activation, whereas inhibition of iron uptake or iron deprivation reduced effector functions. Last, we found a negative relationship between circulating ILC2 TfR1 expression and airway function in cohorts of patients with asthma. Collectively, our studies define cellular iron as a critical regulator of ILC2 function.
High efficacy treatment of murine
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
catheter-associated urinary tract infections using the c-di-GMP modulating anti-biofilm compound Disperazol in combination with ciprofloxacin
Authors: Hultqvist Louise Dahl , Andersen Jens Bo , Nilsson Carl Martin , Jansen Charlotte Uldahl , Rybtke Morten , Jakobsen Tim Holm , Nielsen Thomas Eiland , Qvortrup Klaus , Moser Claus , Graz Michael , Qvortrup Katrine , Tolker-Nielsen Tim , Givskov Michael
Published: May 2024

Persistent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in hospitalized patients constitute an important medical problem. It is estimated that 75% of nosocomial UTIs are associated with urinary tract catheters with
P. aeruginosa
being a species that forms biofilms on these catheters. These infections are highly resistant to standard-of-care antibiotics, and the effects of the host immune defenses, which allows for development of persistent infections. With antibiotics losing their efficacy, new treatment options against resilient infections, such as catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), are critically needed. Central to our anti-biofilm approach is the manipulation of the c-di-GMP signaling pathway in
P. aeruginosa
to switch bacteria from the protective biofilm to the unprotected planktonic mode of life. We recently identified a compound (H6-335-P1), that stimulates the c-di-GMP degrading activity of the
P. aeruginosa
BifA protein which plummets the intracellular c-di-GMP content and induces dispersal of
P. aeruginosa
biofilm bacteria into the planktonic state. In the present study, we formulated H6-335-P1 as a hydrochloride salt (Disperazol), which is water-soluble and facilitates delivery via injection or oral administration. Disperazol can work as a monotherapy, but we observed a 100-fold improvement in efficacy when treating murine
P. aeruginosa
CAUTIs with a Disperazol/ciprofloxacin combination. Biologically active Disperazol reached the bladder 30 min after oral administration. Our study provides proof of concept that Disperazol can be used in combination with a relevant antibiotic for effective treatment of CAUTIs.
On-target, dual aminopeptidase inhibition provides cross-species antimalarial activity
Authors: Edgar Rebecca C. S. , Malcolm Tess R. , Siddiqui Ghizal , Giannangelo Carlo , Counihan Natalie A. , Challis Matthew , Duffy Sandra , Chowdhury Mrittika , Marfurt Jutta , Dans Madeline , Wirjanata Grennady , Noviyanti Rintis , Daware Kajal , Suraweera Chathura D. , Price Ric N. , Wittlin Sergio , Avery Vicky M. , Drinkwater Nyssa , Charman Susan A. , Creek Darren J. , de Koning-Ward Tania F. , Scammells Peter J. , McGowan Sheena
Published: May 2024

To combat the global burden of malaria, development of new drugs to replace or complement current therapies is urgently required. Here, we show that the compound
MMV1557817
is a selective, nanomolar inhibitor of both
Plasmodium falciparum
and
Plasmodium vivax
aminopeptidases M1 and M17, leading to inhibition of end-stage hemoglobin digestion in asexual parasites.
MMV1557817
can kill sexual-stage
P. falciparum
, is active against murine malaria, and does not show any shift in activity against a panel of parasites resistant to other antimalarials.
MMV1557817
-resistant
P. falciparum
exhibited a slow growth rate that was quickly outcompeted by wild-type parasites and were sensitized to the current clinical drug, artemisinin. Overall, these results confirm
MMV1557817
as a lead compound for further drug development and highlights the potential of dual inhibition of M1 and M17 as an effective multi-species drug-targeting strategy.

IMPORTANCE

Each year, malaria infects approximately 240 million people and causes over 600,000 deaths, mostly in children under 5 years of age. For the past decade, artemisinin-based combination therapies have been recommended by the World Health Organization as the standard malaria treatment worldwide. Their widespread use has led to the development of artemisinin resistance in the form of delayed parasite clearance, alongside the rise of partner drug resistance. There is an urgent need to develop and deploy new antimalarial agents with novel targets and mechanisms of action. Here, we report a new and potent antimalarial compound, known as
MMV1557817
, and show that it targets multiple stages of the malaria parasite lifecycle, is active in a preliminary mouse malaria model, and has a novel mechanism of action. Excitingly, resistance to
MMV15578117
appears to be self-limiting, suggesting that development of the compound may provide a new class of antimalarial.
Retinal abnormalities in a patient with cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita
Authors: Hokazono Kenzo , Urzedo Ana Bárbara Dias Lopes , Dias Paula Basso , Dias Natália Assumpção Lima
Published: May 2024

Cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita is a rare congenital vascular malformation characterised by cutaneous vascular abnormalities, typically diagnosed at birth or in the early postnatal period. Although typically benign, this disease is associated with other systemic abnormalities, including rare ocular alterations, such as congenital glaucoma, cataracts and retinopathy.

This manuscript describes a female infant, who presented with generalised livedo reticularis, a band of alopecia and cutaneous atrophy in the temporal region above the coronal suture. The patient was diagnosed with cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita by a paediatrician, and an ophthalmological evaluation was requested. A funduscopy examination in both eyes showed temporal and superior retina with avascular areas with new vessels, venous dilations and shunts, and no retinal detachments. Given these findings, we performed retinal photocoagulation laser treatment with excellent results.

This case report highlights the importance of early ophthalmological evaluation of children with this disease to prevent secondary complications, such as vitreous haemorrhage and tractional retinal detachment.
Macular corneal dystrophy with iridofundal coloboma in the same patient: a unique combination
Authors: Gupta Noopur , Panigrahi Arnav , Gupta Neerja , Sen Seema
Published: May 2024

A young a presented with painless, progressive diminution of vision in both eyes (BE). Slit lamp examination revealed the presence of a single central corneal opacity in the right eye and multiple corneal opacities of varying sizes in the left eye (LE), limited to the anterior-mid corneal stroma. Microcornea with reduced central corneal thickness and complete inferonasal iris coloboma along with inferior fundal coloboma, sparing both the disc and macula, were noted in BE. A diagnosis of BE macular corneal dystrophy (MCD) and iridofundal coloboma (IFC) was made. The patient underwent LE sutureless anterior lamellar therapeutic keratoplasty. On histopathological examination, the excised corneal tissue revealed stromal lamellar disarray with positive colloidal iron staining, strongly suggestive of MCD. Whole-exome sequencing revealed the presence of a likely pathogenic carbohydrate sulfotransferase 6 (CHST6) mutation, confirming the diagnosis of MCD. This concurrent presence of IFC with a corneal stromal dystrophy is previously unreported in the literature, to the best of our knowledge.
Enhancing the structure–function relationship in glaucoma using anatomical compensation of retinal nerve fibre layer
Authors: Chua Jacqueline , Li Chi , Chong Rachel , Wong Tina T , Husain Rahat , Aung Tin , Schmetterer Leopold , Wong Damon Wing Kee
Published: May 2024

Background/aims

To investigate whether compensating retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness measurements for demographic and anatomical ocular factors can strengthen the structure–function relationship in patients with glaucoma.

Methods

600 eyes from 412 patients with glaucoma (mean deviation of the visual field (MD VF) −6.53±5.55 dB) were included in this cross-sectional study. Participants underwent standard automated perimetry and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography imaging (Cirrus; Carl Zeiss Meditec). Compensated RNFL thickness was computed considering age, refractive error, optic disc parameters and retinal vessel density. The relationship between MD VF and RNFL thickness measurements, with or without demographic and anatomical compensation, was evaluated sectorally and focally.

Results

The superior arcuate sector exhibited the highest correlation between measured RNFL and MD VF, with a correlation of 0.49 (95% CI 0.37 to 0.59). Applying the compensated RNFL data increased the correlation substantially to 0.62 (95% CI 0.52 to 0.70; p<0.001). Only 61% of the VF locations showed a significant relationship (Spearman’s correlation of at least 0.30) between structural and functional aspects using measured RNFL data, and this increased to 78% with compensated RNFL measurements. In the 10°–20° VF region, the slope below the breakpoint for compensated RNFL thickness demonstrated a more robust correlation (slope=1.66±0.18 µm/dB; p<0.001) than measured RNFL (slope=0.27±0.67 µm/dB; p=0.688).

Conclusion

Compensated RNFL data improve the correlation between RNFL measurements and VF parameters. This indicates that creating structure-to-function maps that consider anatomical variances may aid in identifying localised structural and functional loss in glaucoma.
Cardiovascular and mortality benefits of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists as third-step glucose-lowering medicine in patients with type 2 diabetes: a retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: McCormick Thomas A , Kramer Jason , Liles Elizabeth G , Amos Qiana , Martin John P , Adams John L
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Studies have found that sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2) and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP1) have cardiovascular benefits for patients with type 2 diabetes (DM2) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), or heart failure (HF). The literature does not provide evidence specifically for patients with these conditions who are adding one of these medicines to two glucose-lowering medications (ie, as “third-step” therapy). We explored the effects of different third-step medications on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with diabetes and these comorbid conditions. Specifically, we compared third-step SGLT2 or GLP1 to third-step dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4), insulin, or thiazolidinediones (TZD).

Research design and methods

We assembled a retrospective cohort of adults at five Kaiser Permanente sites with DM2 and ASCVD, CKD, or HF, initiating third-step treatment between 2016 and 2020. Propensity score weighted Poisson models were used to calculate adjusted rate ratios (ARRs) for all-cause mortality, incident major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE), and incident HF hospitalization in patients initiating SGLT2 or GLP1 compared with DPP4, insulin, or TZD.

Results

We identified 27 542 patients initiating third-step treatment with one or more of these conditions (19 958 with ASCVD, 14 577 with CKD, and 3919 with HF). ARRs for GLP1 and SGLT2 versus DPP4, insulin, and TZD in the patient subgroups ranged between 0.22 and 0.55 for all-cause mortality, 0.38 and 0.81 for MACE, and 0.46 and 1.05 for HF hospitalization. Many ARRs were statistically significant, and all significant ARRs showed a benefit (ARR <1) for GLP1 or SGLT2 when compared with DPP4, insulin, or TZD.

Conclusions

Third-step SGLT2 and GLP1 are generally associated with a benefit for these outcomes in these patient groups when compared with third-step DPP4, insulin, or TZD. Our results add to evidence of a cardiovascular benefit of SGLT2 and GLP1 and could inform clinical guidelines for choosing third-step diabetes treatment.
Association between preconception care and family planning and previous adverse birth outcomes in Ethiopia: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mekonnen Birye Dessalegn , Tsega Sintayehu Simie
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Inconsistent findings on the associations of preconception care with the utilisation of family planning and previous adverse birth outcomes have not been systematically reviewed in Ethiopia. Thus, this review aims to estimate the pooled association of preconception care with the utilisation of family planning and previous adverse birth outcomes in Ethiopia.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

Data sources

MEDLINE Complete, CINAHL Complete, Scopus and Global Health were searched from inception to 28 July 2023.

Eligibility criteria

Observational studies that reported preconception care as an outcome variable and the use of family planning before pregnancy or previous adverse birth outcomes as exposure variables were included.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two reviewers independently conducted study screening, data extraction and quality assessment. A fixed-effects model was used to determine the pooled association of preconception care with the utilisation of family planning and previous adverse birth outcomes.

Results

Eight studies involving a total of 3829 participants were included in the review. The pooled meta-analysis found that women with a history of family planning use had a higher likelihood of using preconception care (OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.74 to 2.52) than those women who did not use family planning before their current pregnancy. Likewise, the pooled meta-analysis found that women with prior adverse birth outcomes had a higher chance of using preconception care (OR 3.38, 95% CI 1.06 to 10.74) than women with no history of prior adverse birth outcomes.

Conclusion

This review indicated that utilisation of preconception care had a positive association with previous use of family planning and prior adverse birth outcomes. Thus, policymakers and other relevant stakeholders should strengthen the integration of preconception care with family planning and other maternal healthcare services.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023443855.
Frontline health workers’ experiences of providing care for people living with non-communicable diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana: a qualitative study
Authors: Baatiema Leonard , de-Graft Aikins Ama , Koram Kwadwo K , Kunfah Sheba Mary Pognaa , Allen Luke N , Abimbola Seye , Kruk Margaret
Published: May 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted frontline health workers. However, a neglected dimension of this discourse was the extent to which the pandemic impacted frontline healthcare workers providing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) care. This study aims to understand the experiences of healthcare workers with no prior exposure to pandemics who provided care to people living with NCDs (PLWNCDs).

Methods

A qualitative study design was employed, using a face-to-face in-depth interviews. Interviews were conducted in primary healthcare facilities in three administrative regions of Ghana, representing the Northern, Southern and Middle Belts. Only frontline health workers with roles in providing care for PLWNCDs were included. Purposive snowballing and convenience sampling methods were employed to select frontline health workers. An open-ended interview guide was used to facilitate data collection, and thematic content analysis was used to analyse the data.

Results

A total of 47 frontline health workers were interviewed. Overall, these workers experienced diverse patient-driven and organisational challenges. Patient-level challenges included a decline in healthcare utilisation, non-adherence to treatment, a lack of continuity, fear and stigma. At the organisational levels, there was a lack of medical logistics, increased infection of workers and absenteeism, increased workload and burnout, limited motivational packages and inadequate guidelines and protocols. Workers coped and responded to the pandemic by postponing reviews and consultations, reducing inpatient and outpatient visits, changing their prescription practices, using teleconsultation and moving to long-shift systems.

Conclusion

This study has brought to the fore the experiences that adversely affected frontline health workers and, in many ways, affected the care provided to PLWNCDs. Policymakers and health managers should take these experiences into account in plans to mitigate the impact of future pandemics.
Cohort profile: the Adverse Childhood Experiences cohort of the Malawi Longitudinal Study of Families and Health
Authors: Kidman Rachel , Mwera James , Rui Yang (Tingting) , Breton Etienne , Zulu Andrew , Behrman Jere , Kohler Hans-Peter
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) cohort of the Malawi Longitudinal Study of Families and Health (MLSFH-ACE) is a study of adolescents surveyed during 2017–2021. It provides an important opportunity to examine the longitudinal impact of ACEs on health and development across the early life course. The MLSFH-ACE cohort provides rich data on adolescents, their children and adult caregivers in a low-income, high-HIV-prevalence context in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Participants

The MLSFH-ACE cohort is a population-based study of adolescents living in three districts in rural Malawi. Wave 1 enrolment took place in 2017–2018 and included 2061 adolescents aged 10–16 years and 1438 caregivers. Wave 2 took place in 2021 and included data on 1878 adolescents and 208 offspring. Survey instruments captured ACEs during childhood and adolescence, HIV-related behavioural risk, mental and physical health, cognitive development and education, intimate partner violence (IPV), marriage and aspirations, early transitions to adulthood and protective factors. Biological indicators included HIV, herpes simplex virus and anthropometric measurements.

Findings to date

Key findings include a high prevalence of ACEs among adolescents in Malawi, a low incidence of HIV and positive associations between ACE scores and composite HIV risk scores. There were also strong associations between ACEs and both IPV victimisation and perpetration.

Future plans

MLSFH-ACE data will be publicly released and will provide a wealth of information on ACEs and adolescent outcomes in low-income, HIV-endemic SSA contexts. Future expansions of the cohort are planned to capture data during early adulthood.
Risk equations for prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) in UK: a retrospective study using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) AURUM and GOLD databases
Authors: Perni Stefano , Prokopovich Polina
Published: May 2024

Background

Prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are a serious negative outcome of arthroplasty with incidence of about 1%. Risk of PJI could depend on local treatment policies and guidelines; no UK-specific risk scoring is currently available.

Objective

To determine a risk quantification model for the development of PJI using electronic health records.

Design

Records in Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) GOLD and AURUM of patients undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty between January 2007 and December 2014, with linkage to Hospital Episode Statistics and Office of National Statistics, were obtained. Cohorts’ characteristics and risk equations through parametric models were developed and compared between the two databases. Pooled cohort risk equations were determined for the UK population and simplified through stepwise selection.

Results

After applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 174 905 joints (1021 developed PJI) were identified in CPRD AURUM and 48 419 joints (228 developed PJI) in CPRD GOLD. Patients undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty in both databases exhibited different sociodemographic characteristics and medical/drug history. However, the quantification of the impact of such covariates (coefficients of parametric models fitted to the survival curves) on the risk of PJI between the two cohorts was not statistically significant. The log-normal model fitted to the pooled cohorts after stepwise selection had a C-statistic >0.7.

Conclusions

The risk prediction tool developed here could help prevent PJI through identifying modifiable risk factors pre-surgery and identifying the patients most likely to benefit from close monitoring/preventive actions. As derived from the UK population, such tool will help the National Health Service reduce the impact of PJI on its resources and patient lives.
Utilisation and barriers of social health protection program among its enrolled population of federally administrative areas, Pakistan
Authors: Farooqui Marium Amir , Nabeel Ali Khizar , Riaz Sonia
Published: May 2024

Objectives

The objective of this research is to analyse the extent of utilisation and identify the barriers faced by individuals in the Federally Administrative Area of Pakistan concerning the Social Health Protection Programme.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out, enrolling permanent residents from Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir. The sampling frame was provided by the Sehat Sahulat Programme (SSP) office in Islamabad, using a simple random sampling method. The study used the ‘WHO Health Survey 2002’ tool, which is validated, to assess the utilisation and barriers of the Social Health Protection Programme.

Results

The study findings indicated that approximately 12% of the participants used the Social Health Protection Programme, while 6.5% experienced barriers in utilisation. The identified barriers were further classified into seeking (3%), reaching (0.25%) and receiving care (3.25%) barriers. A χ2test of association revealed significant statistical associations between card utilisation and sociodemographic factors such as age and level of education (p value <0.001). Additionally, statistically significant associations were observed with hospitalisation in the last year, duration and frequency of hospitalisation (p value <0.001). However, no statistically significant association was found between the utilisation of SSP and utilisation barriers.

Conclusion

The SSP had a low utilisation ratio due to the fact that half of the enrolled households were satisfied with their health conditions and did not feel the need for hospitalisation.
Total lockdown and fairness towards the sufferer: an egalitarian response to Savulescu and Cameron
Authors: Mora Jesús
Published: May 2024

Savulescu and Cameron supported selectively locking down the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic on two grounds: first, that preserving total lockdown would entail levelling down and, second, that levelling down is wrong. Their first assumption has been thoroughly addressed, but more can be said about their wider antiegalitarian point that levelling down is simply wrong. Egalitarians are not defenceless against the levelling-down objection. Even though some consider it the most serious challenge to supporters of equality, egalitarianism possesses sound reasons to assert, not only that something valuable is preserved when we level down, but also that preserving it may be, in certain circumstances, preferable to pursuing other fundamental moral goals. Although troublesome from a well-being maximising standpoint, levelling down ensures that healthcare policy reflects a commitment with the idea that people are equal in moral worth. That commitment is important enough to trump certain improvements in individual well-being. In the case of pandemic lockdowns, not all the interests protected by free movement are as fundamental as to pursue them at the cost of equality. Savulescu and Cameron’s framework is so reliant on the view that levelling down is wrong that it fails to account for the valuable loss that having the elderly suffer alone represents.
Distinguishability of binary extreme-mass-ratio inspirals in low frequency band
Authors: Jiang Ye , Han Wen-Biao , Zhong Xing-Yu , Shen Ping , Luo Zi-Ren , Wu Yue-Liang
Published: May 2024

The inspiral of compact stellar objects into massive black holes are one of the main astrophysical sources for the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) and Taiji. These extreme-mass-ratio inspirals (EMRIs) have great potential for cosmology and fundamental physics. A binary extreme-mass-ratio inspiral (b-EMRI) describes the case where binary black holes (BBHs) are captured by a supermassive black hole. The b-EMRIs serve as multi-band gravitational wave sources and provide insights into the dynamics of nuclei and tests of general relativity. However, if the b-EMRIs can be distinguished from the normal EMRIs or not is still not clear. In this work, with a few of assumptions, and using the Teukolsky equation, we calculate the approximate gravitational waves of b-EMRIs and assess their detectability by space-based detectors. We also decouple the secondary object information from the Teukolsky equation, enabling us to calculate the energy fluxes and generate the waveforms more conveniently. Variations in the quadrupole of the binary result in small but non-negligible changes in energy fluxes and waveforms, making it possible to distinguish b-EMRI signals with data analysis. This opens up the potential of using b-EMRIs to test gravity theories and for further astrophysical studies.
Polyphyllin VII Promotes Apoptosis in Breast Cancer by Inhibiting MAPK/ERK Signaling Pathway through Downregulation of SOS1
Authors: Du Shu-Guang , Zhang Hua-Min , Ji Yun-Xia , Tian Yu-Lin , Wang Dan , Zhu Kun , Zhang Qing-Gao , Liu Shuang-Ping
Published: May 2024

Polyphyllin VII is a biologically active herbal monomer extracted from the traditional Chinese herbal medicine Chonglou. Many studies have demonstrated the anticancer activity of polyphyllin VII against various types of cancers, such as colon, liver, and lung cancer, but its effect on breast cancer has not been elucidated. In this study, we demonstrate that polyphyllin VII inhibited proliferation, increased production of intracellular reactive oxygen species, and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential in breast cancer cells. Notably, polyphyllin VII also induced apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway. Transcriptome sequencing was used to analyze the targets of PPVII in regulating breast cancer cells. Mechanistic studies showed that polyphyllin VII downregulated Son of Sevenless1 (SOS1) and inhibited the MAPK/ERK pathway. Furthermore, PPVII exerted strong antitumor effects in vivo in nude mice injected with breast cancer cells. Our results suggest that PPVII may promote apoptosis through regulating the SOS1/MAPK/ERK pathway, making it a possible candidate target for the treatment of breast cancer.
Aerodynamic Performance of Leeward Side One During Trains Meeting on High-Speed Railway Bridges in Crosswinds
Authors: Tao Wei , Lou Ping , Sun Zhen
Published: May 2024

When high-speed trains (HSTs) meet on a bridge in a crosswind environment, the train on the windward side (TWS) will produce a wind-shielding effect similar to a windbreak. This effect, coupled with the instantaneous pressure wave generated at the time of the meeting, will cause an abrupt variation in the aerodynamic load of the train on the leeward side (TLS) during the meeting process, thereby affecting the safe and stable operation of the train. This study analyzed the factors affecting the degree of the abrupt variation in the aerodynamic load of the TLS during the meeting, and studied the change rule of the safety index of the TLS under different wind speeds. In addition, we also explored the impact of three types of ventilation rate curved wind barriers on the abrupt variation in the aerodynamic load of the TLS during the meeting. The research results show that the increase in crosswind speed will increase the degree of the abrupt variation in the aerodynamic load of the TLS, further exacerbating the impact on the safe and stable operation of the TLS. Although the increase in train speed will reduce the magnitude of the abrupt variation in the aerodynamic load of the TLS during the meeting, it will increase the rate of abrupt variation. However, a curved wind barrier with a ventilation rate of 30% can effectively alleviate the abrupt variation in the aerodynamic load of the TLS during the meeting. These research results have important reference value for improving the driving safety of HSTs in crosswind environments.
Vibration Study of Functionally Graded Microcantilever Beams in Fluids Based on Modified Couple Stress Theory by Considering the Physical Neutral Plane
Authors: Jiang Jize , Tang Feixiang , Gu Sen , He Siyu , Dong Fang , Liu Sheng
Published: May 2024

Theoretical studies on the vibration of microcantilever beams in fluids, which are commonly used in micro- and nanoelectromechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS). When microcantilever beams are subjected to photo-thermal excitation, they show that the material properties such as the dynamic response and the one-dimensional temperature field will show significant differences from the macroscopic properties when the size appearance of the microbeam decreases to the scale below a dozen micrometers. In this paper, by correcting the scale constants of the beams, the photothermal vibration model of the microbeam is established using the physical neutral plane theory. The one-dimensional heat transfer equations and scale-corrected temperature field of the microcantilever beam under laser excitation are derived, which are solved by Galerkin’s method, based on the theory of thermoelasticity, the hydrodynamic model of the beams vibrating in incompressible liquids proposed by Sader et al. and the theory of Euler–Bernoulli beams. The equations governing the vibration of micro-cantilever beams corrected for scale effects in different fluids when subjected to photothermal excitation are obtained. The results show that the temperature field, resonant frequency, and quality factor of the microbeam will have a significant upward drift when the size of the microbeam is close to the scale parameter, and the scale effect has a non-negligible influence on the macroscopic performance parameters; the upward drift is gradually weakening when the thickness to scale ratio gradually increases. Finally, the property of the beam is almost the same as that of the theory when the thickness of the beam is 10 times the scale constant. The correction of the theory by the scale effect is insignificant.
Performance Evaluation and Comparative Analyses of Tuned Inerter Damper for Stochastic Base Excited Structures Based on Hybrid H2/H∞ Optimization
Authors: Zhang Ruoyu , Huang Jizhong , Cheng Yuan
Published: May 2024

Compared with tuned mass damper, tuned inerter damper (TID) has higher damping efficiency and lightweight characteristic if appropriate optimal methods are selected. Generally, [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] optimal methods are adopted to determine the optimal parameters of TID individually. But the vibration mitigation performance of the TID under near resonance frequency band based on [Formula: see text] optimization is less than [Formula: see text] optimization, but the peak frequency response based on [Formula: see text] optimization will be greater than [Formula: see text] optimization at the same time. Dual-characteristic-based vibration control may not be achievable based on [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] criteria, respectively. For this reason, hybrid [Formula: see text] optimization can be adopted. In this work, closed-form expressions are derived for the control of structural displacement responses based on hybrid [Formula: see text] optimal method. The vibration mitigation performance of the different optimized TIDs is evaluated considering the single-degree-of-freedom and multi-degrees-of-freedom systems are subjected to typical ground motions excitation. Results illustrate that because of the use of the optimal stiffness ratio of [Formula: see text] optimization and very close value of [Formula: see text] optimizations’ nominal damping ratio in [Formula: see text] optimization, [Formula: see text] optimization shows ‘dual characteristics’ in different excitation situations. Specifically, the peak response and structural fundamental frequencies’ response in displacement frequency response function using hybrid [Formula: see text] optimal methods are between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] optimization, which indicates an excellent and balanced control performance combining the advantages of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] optimal solutions. Hence, this hybrid method is more suitable for more complex ground motions excitation to control critical structural responses instead of single characteristic excitation. And the comprehensive vibration control in dynamic time histories analyses can be achieved by this dual characteristic-based optimal strategy. When designing the specific TID, hybrid [Formula: see text] optimization can be considered as the best choice for its compatibility and high adaptability for complex practical engineering scenarios with random and diverse excitations.
Dynamic Characteristics of M-Shape Metal Rubber-Coated Pipeline System: Numerical Modeling and Experimental Analysis
Authors: Chen Yilin , Ge Shaoxiang , Liu Jianchao , Chen Xiaochao , Xue Xin
Published: May 2024

As a high-temperature resistant damping material, reducing vibration by coating with M-shape metal rubber (MMR) in a pipeline system is a promising solution due to its energy dissipation induced by micro dry friction between metallic wires. The main challenge for dynamic calculation and performance evaluation of elastic-porous metal rubber (MR) is derived from the intricate spatial network structure. In this work, the dynamic properties including acceleration admittance and insertion loss of the MMR-coated pipeline system were conducted by numerical simulation and experimental analysis. The constitutive models used to characterize hysteresis phenomena, including Yeoh and Bergström–Boyce models, were identified with different density parameters and adopted for steady-state dynamic numerical analysis. The sine sweep frequency test was conducted to verify the accuracy of the developed numerical model. The results indicate that the maximum error of stress–strain curve between numerical prediction and experimental measurement is 10.7%. In the frequency range of 0–1 500[Formula: see text]Hz, the insertion loss of the MMR-coated pipeline system is positively correlated with the density of MMR, as opposed to the coating distance of pipeline clamps and the influence of excitation force is minimal. Furthermore, the error of dynamic response of the pipeline system in low frequency between the experiment and simulation is 4.7%, indicating that the accuracy of the hysteresis model in predicting the dynamic characteristic of MR materials is effective.
Applications of nonlinear waves; lump wave, rogue wave, periodic wave, breather wave for a nonlinear model
Authors: Rizvi Syed T. R. , Seadawy A. R. , Sohail M. , Ali K. , Khalid M.
Published: May 2024

In this work, we study the Chafee–Infante differential equation (CIDE) for various types of nonlinear waves (NW) like breather waves (BW), periodic cross-kink (PCKW), lump waves (LW), rogue waves (RW), periodic wave (PW), lump soliton (LS) with one kink, LS with two kink and periodic-cross lump waves (PCLW). The CIDE is a nonlinear evolution equation (NLEE) introduced by Nathaniel Chafee and Ettore Infante. This equation has been widely investigated in the context of pattern generation and soliton solutions, and it plays an essential role in understanding the complex nonlinear dynamics across a wide range of scientific fields. BW is a localized, non-dispersive solution to NW equations, maintaining shape and amplitude during travel. An LS is a type of solitary wave solution in NLEEs. In mathematics, RW refers to rare and unusually large solutions of NW equations. These waves have garnered significant attention due to their unpredictable and extreme nature. A PW is a type of wave that repeats its shape and behavior at regular intervals in both time and space. These waves are characterized by their periodicity, which means that they have a consistent and predictable pattern of oscillation. We’ll offer a graphical explanation of our newly discovered answers toward the conclusion.
Noether symmetry in new extended modified f(R,G,T) theory of gravity
Authors: Malik Adnan , Khan Momina , Shamir M. Farasat , Alkhaldi Ali H.
Published: May 2024

This study is dedicated to investigate the Noether symmetry approach in a newly introduced gravitational theory known as [Formula: see text] gravity, where [Formula: see text] is the function of Ricci scalar [Formula: see text], trace of energy–momentum tensor [Formula: see text], and the Gauss–Bonnet invariant term [Formula: see text]. The Noether symmetry approach plays a supportive role in generating models and then determining the exact solutions by using the conserved quantities. For this purpose, the flat Friedmann–Robertson–Walker space–time is selected to observe cosmic evolution. The set of partial differential equations is calculated in the background [Formula: see text] modified theory gravity. We further examine the four different [Formula: see text] gravity models and calculate the conserved quantities to investigate the exact solutions. The three models show the increasing behavior of the cosmic scale factor that supports the expansion of universe. In fourth model, we are able to get the corresponding conserved quantity only and it is anticipated that this model will also support the expansion of universe.
Existence and stability results for a Langevin system with Caputo–Hadamard fractional operators
Authors: Hammad Hasanen A. , Qasymeh Montasir , Abdel-Aty Mahmoud
Published: May 2024

This paper is devoted to analyzing a new model of a coupled Langevin system with fractional operators under nonlocal antiperiodic integral boundary conditions. This model involves nonlinear Langevin fractional equations with Caputo–Hadamard and Caputo fractional operators. Also, the existence and uniqueness of solutions to the suggested model have been investigated by the fixed-point technique. Moreover, the Hyers–Ulam stability of the solutions has been discussed. Finally, we provide an illustrative example to support the theoretical results.
Cosmological evolution of new Tsallis agegraphic dark energy with conformal time as IR-cutoff
Authors: Sharma Umesh Kumar , Pandey Bramha Dutta , Kumar P. Suresh , Mishra Krishna Kant , Pankaj
Published: May 2024

This paper considers the only sectors to constitute the present universe as the dark matter and dark energy. The proposed new agegraphic dark energy model studies the gradual transition from matter to dark energy in sequential order, including the current dominance of the matter sector by dark energy. The model utilizes concepts of Tsallis entropy and the Karolyhazy relation with conformal time [Formula: see text] as the time scale. Various evolutionary aspects of the universe are characterized by Tsallis parameter [Formula: see text] and the model constant [Formula: see text]. Expressions for dynamic behavior of dark energy, as a differential equation, equation of state and deceleration parameters are obtained to describe the thermal history of universe evolution. Also, the stability of the model is analyzed through squared sound speed parameter. The analysis is made by considering an interaction as well as independence among the constituent sectors of the universe.
Cold dark matter and holographic dark energy cosmological model with big rip singularity
Authors: Pawar D. D. , Patil S. D. , Dagwal V. J.
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we have explored cold dark matter and holographic dark energy cosmological model with big rip singularity. To obtain the solution of the field equation, we supposed that scalar expansion [Formula: see text] is proportional to shear scalar [Formula: see text], which leads to [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] are metric potentials and [Formula: see text] is constant. Big bang and big rip singularity are investigated. The state-finder parameter is analyzed. The physical and geometrical parameters of the universe are explained.
Solving Convex Multi-Objective Optimization Problems via a Capable Neural Network Scheme
Authors: Jahangiri Mohammadreza , Nazemi Alireza
Published: May 2024

A neural network architecture is constructed to solve Convex Multi-objective Programming Problem (CMPP). By using the weighted sum method, a single-objective optimization problem related to the CMPP is formulated, in which the scalar objective is summation of weighted original objective functions. The Pareto Optimal Solution (POS) is given by using different values of weights. A neural network framework is then designed for solving the obtained convex problem. Based on employing Lyapunov theory, the proposed model is established to be stable in the sense of Lyapunov and it is globally convergent to an exact optimal solution of the convex programming problem with different values of weights. The computer simulations shows the feasibility and the efficiency of the suggested model.