bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and Performance Analysis of Monitoring System for Seed Metering and Fertilization of Precision Seeder Based on Photoelectric Sensor
Authors: Liu Jia , Shi Yan , Meng Desheng , Liu Zhongfeng
Published: November 2023

In order to realize accurate monitoring of wheat sowing and fertilization process and ensure efficient and reliable sowing operation, an integrated monitoring system of wheat sowing and fertilization based on variable-distance photoelectric sensor is designed. The monitoring system
includes the hardware circuit of STM32F103 lower computer and the human-machine interface of the upper computer touch screen. The hardware circuit of the lower computer is composed of OH-1021 photoelectric sensor, signal shaping and amplifying circuit, encoder speed acquisition module, communication
module, central processor, and peripheral circuits. The information of seed fertilizer flow and seed fertilizer shaft rotation is obtained through the reflective photoelectric sensor and rotary encoder respectively to judge the running state of sowing. The information is transmitted to the
human-machine interface of the upper computer touch screen of MCGS by means of Modbus communication protocol. In the experimental species, the single seed monitoring accuracy of the monitoring system reaches 98.6%. Compared with the test results of the performance test bench of the seed metering
device, the monitoring error of the monitoring system is less than 0.3%, the monitoring error of the replay rate is less than 0.6%, and the monitoring accuracy of the seeding amount is greater than 94%. The simulation results of the seed metering monitoring circuit of the lower computer show
that the detection distance of the amplifier circuit to the photoelectric sensor of the seed tube changes by [4 mm, 7 mm]. The communication test results of the upper and lower computers show that the accuracy of data transmission reaches 100%, the monitoring system shows that the accuracy
of fault detection exceeds 90%, and the response time of lacking, blocking, and leaking is less than 0.3 s. The monitoring system realizes high-precision monitoring of wheat seed metering and fertilization, which is helpful to improve the quality of wheat planting.
Simulation of Gallium Nitride/Aluminum Nitride-Based Triple Barrier Quantum Region for ULTRARAM Application
Authors: Mehmood Safdar , Bi Jinshun , Liu Mengxin , Zhang Yu
Published: November 2023

ULTRARAM is a low-power, high-speed, nonvolatile compound semiconductor memory device that uses triple barrier resonance tunneling (TBRT) to store electrical charge in a floating gate. Using a self-consistent solution of Schrödinger-Poisson equations, we investigated the electrical
properties, transmission spectra, and electron dynamics across GaN/AlN TBRT region for the ULTRARAM application. The simulation results show that GaN/AlN exhibits tunable electrical properties by using a TBRT region of variable thickness. Successive optimization and testing of various thicknesses
significantly altered the transmission across multiple barriers and localization of electrons in the quantum wells. The program/erase (P/E) operation of GaN/AlN-based ULTRARAM in a triple barrier structure is accomplished at less than 2 V. The device’s excellent nonvolatility is due
to the conduction band offset (CBO) of GaN/AlN heterostructure providing a large energy barrier (2.1 eV), which prevents electrons from escaping from the floating gate. Because of the low voltage operation and small capacitance, the switching energy consumption is much lower than that of a
standard floating gate Flash.
Solid-State Emissive Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs) with a Long Wavelength Emission
Authors: Walaa Al Masri , Ali Mumtaz , Omar Al-Hartomy , Wageh S.
Published: November 2023

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs)—growing stars of the nanocarbon family—have received attention owing to their intriguing photoluminescence (PL), stability, and biocompatibility. However, CQDs may suffer from serious aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) of PL, specifically in powder
or thin film form. Moreover, most engineering applications are solid-state; therefore, it is important to design solid-state emissive CQDs, potentially defeating ACQ. Previous reviews highlighted the strategies for solid-state emissive CQDs; however, less focus has been given to CQDs with
emissions at longer wavelengths. This review summarizes recent advances (specifically in the last two years), focusing on long wavelengths, including yellow-, orange-, and red-emissive fluorescence. Furthermore, the synthesis method, quantum yield, and mechanism of fluorescence are explained.
In addition, a detailed summary of synthesis parameters and their role in emission tuning is highlighted. Finally, the future directions and potential applications of solid-state CQDs for emerging applications were discussed.
New and emerging therapies for women, girls, and people with the potential to menstruate with VWD
Authors: Casari Caterina , Leung Jennifer , James Paula D.
Published: November 2023

Innovation in therapies for patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD) has lagged far behind that for hemophilia, creating inequity in the bleeding disorder community. Although currently existing treatments of antifibrinolytics, desmopressin, and plasma-derived von Willebrand factor replacement are considered effective, multiple studies report poor quality of life in patients with VWD, especially those with heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). This disconnect underscores the need for novel therapies that are safe and effective and that consider a patient’s specific contraceptive and reproductive needs. Recombinant von Willebrand factor is the most recent new therapy for VWD; the data specific to women are reviewed. We also present emerging data on emicizumab for the treatment of VWD, BT200 (rondoraptivon pegol), generalized hemostatic therapies (VGA039 and HMB-011), as well as treatments based on nanotechnology (platelet-inspired nanoparticles and KB-V13A12). We are optimistic as we move toward pivotal clinical trials for these elegant and innovative treatments.
Chronic toxicity testing including transcriptomics-based molecular profiling in Cloeon dipterum
Authors: Germing Kirsten , Ayobahan Steve U. , Reinwald Hannes , Vogt Maria , Ringbeck Benedikt , Göckener Bernd , Eilebrecht Elke , Kosak Lena , Eilebrecht Sebastian
Published: November 2023

The so-called EPT taxa have been shown to be highly sensitive to various environmental pollutants. However, there are only few published studies on toxicity testing with EPT representatives and there is a particular lack of protocols for chronic toxicity testing, e.g., for integration into species sensitivity distribution (SSD) approaches. To address this gap, we performed a long-term 38-day semi-static toxicity test with the European mayfly species Cloeon dipterum using the insecticide fipronil as model substance. The functionality of the test system was confirmed by the high emergence rate of 85% in the control condition. We found a high sensitivity with regard to larval development with an EC50 of 180 ng/L and a NOEC of 38.0 ng/L after 7 days exposure. After 38 days, an LC50 value of 185 ng/L and an EC50 value of 160 ng/L for emergence (both: NOEC = 38.0 ng/L) were calculated. In a short-term 7-day toxicity test, we found a similar effect on larval development. In addition to the physiological endpoints, we examined fipronil-induced gene expression changes at the transcriptome level in this test. Our results revealed a concentration-dependent increase in the number of differentially expressed genes, as well as observed effects on larval development. Notably, we identified marker gene candidates involved in nervous system development, mirroring the known mode-of-action of fipronil in C. dipterum. The affected genes primarily play crucial roles in neurological processes. Concluding, within this two-step approach we were able to identify fipronil effects on the sublethal physiological endpoint larval development and to complement these effects at the molecular level by gene expression changes in the transcriptome. Thus, this assay proved to be suitable to assess sublethal effects as well as the mode-of-action of substances in the non-standard organism C. dipterum already after a short-term exposure of 7 days. However, further testing is required to validate the procedure.
Statistical modeling to quantify the uncertainty of FoldX-predicted protein folding and binding stability
Authors: Sapozhnikov Yesol , Patel Jagdish Suresh , Ytreberg F. Marty , Miller Craig R.
Published: November 2023

Background

Computational methods of predicting protein stability changes upon missense mutations are invaluable tools in high-throughput studies involving a large number of protein variants. However, they are limited by a wide variation in accuracy and difficulty of assessing prediction uncertainty. Using a popular computational tool, FoldX, we develop a statistical framework that quantifies the uncertainty of predicted changes in protein stability.

Results

We show that multiple linear regression models can be used to quantify the uncertainty associated with FoldX prediction for individual mutations. Comparing the performance among models with varying degrees of complexity, we find that the model precision improves significantly when we utilize molecular dynamics simulation as part of the FoldX workflow. Based on the model that incorporates information from molecular dynamics, biochemical properties, as well as FoldX energy terms, we can generally expect upper bounds on the uncertainty of folding stability predictions of ± 2.9 kcal/mol and ± 3.5 kcal/mol for binding stability predictions. The uncertainty for individual mutations varies; our model estimates it using FoldX energy terms, biochemical properties of the mutated residue, as well as the variability among snapshots from molecular dynamics simulation.

Conclusions

Using a linear regression framework, we construct models to predict the uncertainty associated with FoldX prediction of stability changes upon mutation. This technique is straightforward and can be extended to other computational methods as well.
Corneal biomechanics in normal and subclinical keratoconus eyes
Authors: Peyman Alireza , Sepahvand Fatemeh , Pourazizi Mohsen , Noorshargh Pegah , Forouhari Ali
Published: November 2023

Background

The diagnosis of keratoconus, as the most prevalent corneal ectatic disorder, at the subclinical stage gained great attention due to the increased acceptance of refractive surgeries. This study aimed to assess the pattern of the corneal biomechanical properties derived from Corneal Visualization Scheimpflug Technology (Corvis ST) and evaluate the diagnostic value of these parameters in distinguishing subclinical keratoconus (SKC) from normal eyes.

Methods

This prospective study was conducted on 73 SKC and 69 normal eyes. Subclinical keratoconus eyes were defined as corneas with no clinical evidence of keratoconus and suspicious topographic and tomographic features. Following a complete ophthalmic examination, topographic and tomographic corneal assessment via Pentacam HR, and corneal biomechanical evaluation utilizing Corvis ST were done.

Results

Subclinical keratoconus eyes presented significantly higher Deformation Amplitude (DA) ratio, Tomographic Biomechanical Index (TBI), and Corvis Biomechanical Index (CBI) rates than the control group. Conversely, Ambrósio Relational Thickness to the Horizontal profile (ARTh), and Stiffness Parameter at the first Applanation (SPA1) showed significantly lower rates in SKC eyes. In diagnosing SKC from normal eyes, TBI (AUC: 0.858, Cut-off value: > 0.33, Youden index: 0.55), ARTh (AUC: 0.813, Cut-off value: ≤ 488.1, Youden index: 0.58), and CBI (AUC: 0.804, Cut-off value: > 0.47, Youden index: 0.49) appeared as good indicators.

Conclusions

TBI, CBI, and ARTh parameters could be valuable in distinguishing SKC eyes from normal ones.
Devices and furniture for small and sick newborn care: systematic development of a planning and costing tool
Authors: Tarus Alice , Msemo Georgina , Kamuyu Rosemary , Shamba Donat , Kirby Rebecca P. , Palamountain Kara M. , Gicheha Edith , Kumar Meghan Bruce , Powell-Jackson Timothy , Bohne Christine , Murless-Collins Sarah , Liaghati-Mobarhan Sara , Morgan Alison , Oden Z. Maria , Richards-Kortum Rebecca , Lawn Joy E.
Published: November 2023

Background

High-quality neonatal care requires sufficient functional medical devices, furniture, fixtures, and use by trained healthcare workers, however there is lack of publicly available tools for quantification and costing. This paper describes development and use of a planning and costing tool regarding furniture, fixtures and devices to support scale-up of WHO level-2 neonatal care, for national and global newborn survival targets.

Methods

We followed a systematic process. First, we reviewed planning and costing tools of relevance. Second, we co-designed a new tool to estimate furniture and device set-up costs for a default 40-bed level-2 neonatal unit, incorporating input from multi-disciplinary experts and newborn care guidelines. Furniture and device lists were based off WHO guidelines/norms, UNICEF and national manuals/guides. Due to lack of evidence-based quantification, ratios were based on operational manuals, multi-country facility assessment data, and expert opinion. Default unit costs were from government procurement agency costs in Kenya, Nigeria, and Tanzania. Third, we refined the tool by national use in Tanzania.

Results

The tool adapts activity-based costing (ABC) to estimate quantities and costs to equip a level-2 neonatal unit based on three components: (1) furniture/fixtures (18 default but editable items); (2) neonatal medical devices (16 product categories with minimum specifications for use in low-resource settings); (3) user training at device installation. The tool was used in Tanzania to generate procurement lists and cost estimates for level-2 scale-up in 171 hospitals (146 District and 25 Regional Referral). Total incremental cost of all new furniture and equipment acquisition, installation, and user training were US$93,000 per District hospital (level-2 care) and US$346,000 per Regional Referral hospital. Estimated cost per capita for whole-country district coverage was US$0.23, representing 0.57% increase in government health expenditure per capita and additional 0.35% for all Regional Referral hospitals.

Conclusion

Given 2.3 million neonatal deaths and potential impact of level-2 newborn care, rational and efficient planning of devices linked to systems change is foundational. In future iterations, we aim to include consumables, spare parts, and maintenance cost options. More rigorous implementation research data are crucial to formulating evidence-based ratios for devices numbers per baby. Use of this tool could help overcome gaps in devices numbers, advance efficiency and quality of neonatal care.
Collecting evidence of validity for an assessment tool for Norwegian medical students’ non-technical skills (NorMS-NTS): usability and reliability when used by novice raters
Authors: Prydz Katrine , Dieckmann Peter , Fagertun Hans , Musson David , Wisborg Torben
Published: November 2023

Background

The NorMS-NTS tool is an assessment tool for assessing Norwegian medical students’ non-technical skills (NTS). The NorMS-NTS was designed to provide student feedback, training evaluations, and skill-level comparisons among students at different study sites. Rather than requiring extensive rater training, the tool should capably suit the needs of busy doctors as near-peer educators. The aim of this study was to examine the usability and preliminary assess validity of the NorMS-NTS tool when used by novice raters.

Methods

This study focused on the usability of the assessment tool and its internal structure. Three raters used the NorMS-NTS tool to individually rate the team leader, a medical student, in 20 video-recorded multi-professional simulation-based team trainings. Based on these ratings, we examined the tools’ internal structure by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) (version 3.1) interrater reliability, internal consistency, and observability. After the rating process was completed, the raters answered a questionnaire about the tool’s usability.

Results

The ICC agreement and the sum of the overall global scores for all raters were fair: ICC (3,1) = 0.53. The correlation coefficients for the pooled raters were in the range of 0.77–0.91. Cronbach’s alpha for elements, categories and global score were mostly above 0.90. The observability was high (95%-100%). All the raters found the tool easy to use, none of the elements were redundant, and the written instructions were helpful. The raters also found the tool easier to use once they had acclimated to it. All the raters stated that they could use the tool for both training and teaching.

Conclusions

The observed ICC agreement was 0.08 below the suggested ICC level for formative assessment (above 0.60). However, we know that the suggestion is based on the average ICC, which is always higher than a single-measure ICC. There are currently no suggested levels for single-measure ICC, but other validated NTS tools have single-measure ICC in the same range. We consider NorMS-NTS as a usable tool for formative assessment of Norwegian medical students’ non-technical skills during multi-professional team training by raters who are new to the tool. It is necessary to further examine validity and the consequences of the tool to fully validate it for formative assessments.
Comparative study of 360° virtual reality and traditional two-dimensional video in nonface-to-face dental radiology classes: focusing on learning satisfaction and self-efficacy
Authors: Im Ji-Eun , Gu Ja-Young , Bae Jung-Hee , Lee Jae-Gi
Published: November 2023

Background

Acquiring adequate theoretical knowledge in the field of dental radiography (DR) is essential for establishing a good foundation at the prepractical stage. Currently, nonface-to-face DR education predominantly relies on two-dimensional (2D) videos, highlighting the need for developing educational resources that address the inherent limitations of this method. We developed a virtual reality (VR) learning medium using 360° video with a prefabricated head-mounted display (pHMD) for nonface-to-face DR learning and compared it with a 2D video medium.

Methods

Forty-four participants were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 23; 2D video) and an experimental group (n = 21; 360° VR). DR was re-enacted by the operator and recorded using 360° video. A survey was performed to assess learning satisfaction and self-efficacy. The nonparametric statistical tests comparing the groups were conducted using SPSS statistical analysis software.

Results

Learners in the experimental group could experience VR for DR by attaching their smartphones to the pHMD. The 360° VR video with pHMD provided a step-by-step guide for DR learning from the point of view of an operator as VR. Learning satisfaction and self-efficacy were statistically significantly higher in the experimental group than the control group (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The 360° VR videos were associated with greater learning satisfaction and self-efficacy than conventional 2D videos. However, these findings do not necessarily substantiate the educational effects of this medium, but instead suggest that it may be considered a suitable alternative for DR education in a nonface-to-face environment. However, further examination of the extent of DR knowledge gained in a nonface-to-face setting is warranted. Future research should aim to develop simulation tools based on 3D objects and also explore additional uses of 360° VR videos as prepractical learning mediums.
Patients’ perspectives and preferences toward telemedicine versus in-person visits: a mixed-methods study on 1226 patients
Authors: Moulaei Khadijeh , Sheikhtaheri Abbas , Fatehi Farhad , Shanbehzadeh Mostafa , Bahaadinbeigy Kambiz
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Despite the fact that telemedicine can eliminate geographical and time limitations and offer the possibility of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases by sharing reliable information, many individuals still prefer to visit medical centers for in-person consultations. The aim of this study was to determine the level of acceptance of telemedicine compared to in-person visits, identify the perceived advantages of telemedicine over in-person visits, and to explore the reasons why patients choose either of these two types of visits.

Methods

We developed a questionnaire using the rational method. The questionnaire consisted of multiple-choice questions and one open-ended question. A total of 2059 patients were invited to participate in the study. Chi-square tests and descriptive statistics were employed for data analysis. To analyze the data from the open-ended question, we conducted qualitative content analysis using MAXQDA 18.

Results

Out of the 1226 participants who completed the questionnaire, 865 (71%) preferred in-person visits, while 361 (29%) preferred telemedicine. Factors such as education level, specific health conditions, and prior experience with telemedicine influenced the preference for telemedicine. The participants provided a total of 183 different reasons for choosing either telemedicine (108 reasons) or in-person visits (75 reasons). Avoiding infectious diseases, saving cost, and eliminating and overcoming geographical distance barriers were three primary telemedicine benefits. The primary reasons for selecting an in-person visit were: more accurate diagnosis of the disease, more accurate and better examination of the patient by the physician, and more accurate and better treatment of the disease.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate that despite the numerous benefits offered by telemedicine, the majority of patients still exhibit a preference for in-person visits. In order to promote broader acceptance of telemedicine, it becomes crucial for telemedicine services to address patient preferences and concerns effectively. Employing effective change management strategies can aid in overcoming resistance and facilitating the widespread adoption of telemedicine within the population.
Guideline evaluation and implementation mechanisms in school health services (GuideMe): protocol for a hybrid randomized factorial trial
Authors: Sagatun Åse , Engell Thomas , Brekke Malene , Sjølie Hege , Ekornes Stine M. , Waldum-Grevboe Kristin Sofie , Pape Kristine , Kvaløy Kirsti , Jeneson Annette , Trøan Anna Stigum , Askeland Anne Liv , Stien Line , Holen Solveig
Published: November 2023

Background

Norwegian school health services received a national best-practice guideline in 2017. To promote healthy life skills and identify adolescents needing support, the guideline includes strong recommendations for individual consultations with all 8th graders and increased collaboration with schools. To help implement the recommendations, a blended implementation strategy (SchoolHealth) was co-created with school nurses, students, and stakeholders. SchoolHealth consists of three implementation elements: Digital dialog and administration tool (audit and feedback +), Dialog support (external consultation), and Collaboration materials (targeted dissemination). This hybrid study will test the main and combined effects of the elements on guideline fidelity and effectiveness.

Methods

The GuideMe study is a factorial cluster randomized controlled trial examining SchoolHealth's effectiveness on guideline fidelity and guideline effectiveness goals. Forty Norwegian secondary schools will be randomized to eight different combinations of the elements in SchoolHealth. Participants will include school nurses and school personnel from these schools, and 8thgrade students (n = 1200).Primary outcomes are school nurses' fidelity to the guidelines and student's ability to cope with their life (i.e., health literacy, positive health behaviors and self-efficacy). Quantitative methods will be used to test effects and mechanisms, while mixed- and qualitative methods will be used to explore mechanisms, experiences, and other phenomena in depth. Participants will complete digital questionnaires at the start and end of the schoolyear, and after the consultation during the schoolyear. The study will run in two waves, each lasting for one school year. The multifactorial design allows testing of interactions and main effects due to equal distribution of all factors within each main effect. Sustainment and scale-up of optimized SchoolHealth elements using national infrastructure are simultaneously prepared.

Discussion

The study will investigate possible effects of the implementation elements in isolation and in combination, and hypothesized implementation mechanisms. In-depth study of user experiences will inform improvements to elements in SchoolHealth. The results will yield causal knowledge about implementation strategies and the mechanisms through which they assert effects. Mixed-methods will provide insights into how and when the elements work. Optimizing guideline implementation elements can support adolescents in a crucial life phase.

Trail registration

ISRCTN24173836. Registration date 8 August 2022.
Experiences of Alaska Native people living with burn injury and opportunities for health system strengthening
Authors: Smith Mallory B. , Brownson Elisha , Newman Andrea K. , Madison Christopher , Fuentes Molly , Amtmann Dagmar , Carrougher Gretchen J. , Gibran Nicole S. , Stewart Barclay T.
Published: November 2023

Background

Injuries are a leading cause of death and disability for Alaska Native (AN) people. Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) is supporting the development of a burn care system that includes a partnership between Alaska Native Medical Center (ANMC) in Anchorage, AK and UW Medicine Regional Burn Center at Harborview Medical Center (HMC) in Seattle, WA. We aimed to better understand the experiences of AN people with burn injuries across the care continuum to aid development of culturally appropriate care regionalization.

Methods

We performed focus groups with twelve AN people with burn injury and their caregivers. A multidisciplinary team of burn care providers, qualitative research experts, AN care coordinator, and AN cultural liaison led focus groups to elicit experiences across the burn care continuum. Transcripts were analyzed using a phenomenological approach and inductive coding to understand how AN people and families navigated the medical and community systems for burn care and areas for improvement.

Results

Three themes were identified: 1-Challenges with local burn care in remote communities including limited first aid, triage, pain management, and wound care, as well as long-distance transport to definitive care; 2-Divergence between cultural values and medical practices that generated mistrust in the medical system, isolation from their support systems, and recovery goals that were not aligned with their needs; 3-Difficulty accessing emotional health support and a survivor community that could empower their resilience.

Conclusion

Participants reported modifiable barriers to culturally competent treatment for burn injuries among AN people. The findings can inform initiatives that leverage existing resources, including expansion of the Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) telementoring program, promulgation of the Phoenix Society Survivors Offering Assistance in Recovery (SOAR) to AK, coordination of regionalized care to reduce time away from AK and provide more comfortable community reintegration, and define rehabilitation goals in terms that align with personal goals and subsistence lifestyle skills. Long-distance transport times are non-modifiable, but better pre-hospital care could be achieved by harnessing existing telehealth services and adapting principles of prolonged field care to allow for triage, initial care, and resuscitation in remote environments.
Diabetic microvascular disease in non-classical beds: the hidden impact beyond the retina, the kidney, and the peripheral nerves
Authors: Mauricio Dídac , Gratacòs Mònica , Franch-Nadal Josep
Published: November 2023

Diabetes microangiopathy, a hallmark complication of diabetes, is characterised by structural and functional abnormalities within the intricate network of microvessels beyond well-known and documented target organs, i.e., the retina, kidney, and peripheral nerves. Indeed, an intact microvascular bed is crucial for preserving each organ’s specific functions and achieving physiological balance to meet their respective metabolic demands. Therefore, diabetes-related microvascular dysfunction leads to widespread multiorgan consequences in still-overlooked non-traditional target organs such as the brain, the lung, the bone tissue, the skin, the arterial wall, the heart, or the musculoskeletal system. All these organs are vulnerable to the physiopathological mechanisms that cause microvascular damage in diabetes (i.e., hyperglycaemia-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction) and collectively contribute to abnormalities in the microvessels’ structure and function, compromising blood flow and tissue perfusion. However, the microcirculatory networks differ between organs due to variations in haemodynamic, vascular architecture, and affected cells, resulting in a spectrum of clinical presentations. The aim of this review is to focus on the multifaceted nature of microvascular impairment in diabetes through available evidence of specific consequences in often overlooked organs. A better understanding of diabetes microangiopathy in non-target organs provides a broader perspective on the systemic nature of the disease, underscoring the importance of recognising the comprehensive range of complications beyond the classic target sites.
From pressure to tension: a model of damaging inflation stress
Authors: Marini John J. , Thornton Lauren T. , Rocco Patricia R. M. , Crooke Philip S.
Published: November 2023

Although the stretch that generates ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) occurs within the peripheral tissue that encloses the alveolar space, airway pressures and volumes monitor the gas within the interior core of the lung unit, not its cellular enclosure. Measured pressures (plateau pressure, positive end-expiratory pressure, and driving pressure) and tidal volumes paint a highly relevant but incomplete picture of forces that act on the lung tissues themselves. Convenient and clinically useful measures of the airspace, such as pressure and volume, neglect the partitioning of tidal elastic energy into the increments of tension and surface area that constitute actual stress and strain at the alveolar margins. More sharply focused determinants of VILI require estimates of absolute alveolar dimension and morphology and the lung’s unstressed volume at rest. We present a highly simplified but informative mathematical model that translates the radial energy of pressure and volume of the airspace into its surface energy components. In doing so it elaborates conceptual relationships that highlight the forces tending to cause end-tidal hyperinflation of aerated units within the ‘baby lung’ of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
Design, spectral, molecular modeling, antimitotic, analytical and mechanism studies of phenyl isothiocyanate Girard's T derived metal complexes
Authors: Akl Magda A. , El Mahdy Nora A. , Elbadrawy Zizi , El-Zeny Abdelrahman S. , Mostafa Mohsen M.
Published: November 2023

The ligand N-{[(phenyl amino) thioxomethyl] hydrazino carbonyl methyl} trimethyl ammonium chloride (PTHAC) was prepared by the refluxing phenyl isothiocyanate and Girard-T (trimethyl ammonium-acethydrazide) in a molar ratio (1:1). The metal complexes derived from NiCl2.6H2O, CuCl2.2H2O and Co(CH3COO)2.6H2O were synthesized and purified. The PTHAC and its Cu(II), Co(II), and Ni(II) metal complexes(1–3) were characterized using a variety of various instrumental performances such as elemental analysis, magnetic moment, spectra (IR, UV–Vis, 1H NMR, mass) and thermal analysis (TGA and DTG).The results of element analysis, magnetic moment, spectra (IR, UV–Vis, 1H NMR, mass), and thermal (TGA and DTA) analyses provide the structures of the produced ligand and its (1–3) complexes. According to the spectroscopic results, PTHAC acts as an O, N and S tridentate donor, creating a mononuclear complex with copper(II), cobalt(II), and nickel(II) ions with an octahedral geometry. All of the atomic properties, including bond lengths, bond angles, HOMO, LUMO, dipole moments, and charges, have been determined. The cytotoxic activities of the PTHAC and the produced (1–3) complexes against breast carcinoma cells have been studied and correlated to the molecular modeling. When compared to the free ligand, CoII-L, and NiII-L, the CuII-L complex inhibits breast cancer cell growth more effectively. Furthermore, the PTHAC ligand was successfully applied for separation via flotation and spectrophotometric determination of Co(II) in several natural water, certified ore and pharmaceutical samples using oleic acid surfactant (HOL). At pH 6.5, PTHAC reacted with Co(II) to create a dark green (1:1) Co(II):PTHAC complex that was floated significantly using oleic acid (HOL) surfactant. The different experimental variable affecting the separation procedure e.g. pH, concentration of Co(II), HOL, PTHAC, temperature etc.…, were investigated. Co(II) had a linear range of (0.1–7.0) mgL−1. In the aqueous and scum layers, the molar absorptivities for the coloured complex are 0.14 × 104 and 0.16 × 105Lmol−1 cm−1, respectively. The LOD was 0.04 mgL−1, which is related to Sandell sensitivity of 3.7 × 10−3 µg cm−2 with a preconcentration factor of 200 and a RSD, % (n = 5) less than 4.2%. In addition, the mechanisms involved in the process of coordination of PTHAC with Cu(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) and the mechanism involved in the process of flotation of the PTHAC-Co(II) complex using HOL surfactant were elucidated.
Using geometric wing morphometrics to distinguish Aedes japonicus japonicus and Aedes koreicus
Authors: Sauer Felix G. , Pfitzner Wolf Peter , Jöst Hanna , Rauhöft Leif , Kliemke Konstantin , Lange Unchana , Heitmann Anna , Jansen Stephanie , Lühken Renke
Published: November 2023

Background

Aedes japonicus japonicus (Theobald, 1901) and Aedes koreicus (Edwards, 1917) have rapidly spread in Europe over the last decades. Both species are very closely related and occur in sympatry. Females and males are difficult to distinguish. However, the accurate species discrimination is important as both species may differ in their vectorial capacity and spreading behaviour. In this study, we assessed the potential of geometric wing morphometrics as alternative to distinguish the two species.

Methods

A total of 147 Ae. j. japonicus specimens (77 females and 70 males) and 124 Ae. koreicus specimens (67 females and 57 males) were collected in southwest Germany. The left wing of each specimen was removed, mounted and photographed. The coordinates of 18 landmarks on the vein crosses were digitalised by a single observer. The resulting two-dimensional dataset was used to analyse the differences in the wing size (i.e. centroid size) and wing shape between Ae. j. japonicus and Ae. koreicus using geometric morphometrics. To analyse the reproducibility of the analysis, the landmark collection was repeated for 20 specimens per sex and species by two additional observers.

Results

The wing size in female Ae. koreicus was significantly greater than in Ae. j. japonicus but did not differ significantly for males. However, the strong overlap in wing size also for the females would not allow to discriminate the two species. In contrast, the wing shape clustering was species specific and a leave-one-out validation resulted in a reclassification accuracy of 96.5% for the females and 91.3% for the males. The data collected by different observers resulted in a similar accuracy, indicating a low observer bias for the landmark collection.

Conclusions

Geometric wing morphometrics provide a reliable and robust tool to distinguish female and male specimens of Ae. j. japonicus and Ae. koreicus.

Graphical Abstract
Effect of six-week short-duration deep breathing on young adults with chronic ankle instability-a pilot randomized control trial
Authors: Ramalingam Vinodhkumar , Cheong Soon Keng , Lee Poh Foong
Published: November 2023

Background

Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is the most common injury in youth sports, which leads to psychological stress from doubting their performance. Cost effective and easy to access tool to reduce the stress among this target group are desired. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of adding on intervention with short-duration deep breathing (SDDB) alongside with conventional physiotherapy (CP) among young adults with chronic ankle instability (CAI).

Methods

Total of 30 CAI participants attended physiotherapy, who were randomly assigned into control and experimental groups. The participants in the experimental group received combined intervention (SDDB + CP), and the control group received CP for 6 weeks. The effectiveness of interventions was assessed at 3 intervals with a battery of questionnaires (Visual Analog Score, Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool, Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, and Oxford Happiness Questionnaire) at the end of week 3, week 6, and week 12 as follow-up. A two-way repeated measures of ANOVA was applied to report the statistical significance at p < 0.05.

Results

The results showed a better improvement in pain, balance, happiness, and mindfulness attention among participants in the experimental group, with a significant improvement in mindful attention over the time point as compared to the control group.

Conclusion

The findings provide insight into incorporating SDDB additions to the existing CP for better CAI management. Breathing techniques that improve attention and happiness play a vital role in CAI, which recommends the biopsychosocial approach in chronic injury rehabilitation.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials using Clinical Trials Registry under ID number NCT04812158 retrospectively registered on 23/03/2021.
The CalculAuthor: determining authorship using a simple-to-use, fair, objective, and transparent process
Authors: Martins Russell Seth , Mustafa Mohsin Ali , Fatimi Asad Saulat , Nasir Nosheen , Pervez Alina , Nadeem Sarah
Published: November 2023

Authorship determination on a research article remains a largely subjective process. Existing guidelines on authorship taxonomy lack objectivity and are more useful in determining who deserves authorship rather than determining the order of authors. To promote best practices in authorship taxonomy, we developed an authorship rubric that provides a fair, objective, and transparent means of crediting authorship. We christened this tool the “CalculAuthor”. The following steps are to be undertaken to create a scoring system based on the requirements of the projects: determining creditable criteria, assigning credit weightages, deciding levels of contribution, determining each author’s contribution, calculating authorship scores and ranking. These must be performed by or in close collaboration with the primary investigator (PI), with conflicts being resolved at the PI’s discretion. All team members should be informed about the authorship determination process early in the project and their agreement regarding its use must be obtained. While the CalculAuthor was developed to be used in medical research, its customizability enables it to be employed in any field of academia. We recommend that the CalculAuthor be piloted within institutions before its mainstream adoption, and any institution-specific factors should be considered to make the process more efficient and suitable.
Comprehensive analysis of aero-engine vibration signals based on wavelet transform method
Authors: Xin Mai , Ye Zhifeng , Zhao Yu , Liu Xing , Liu Longlong , Ge Hailang , Zhang Tong
Published: November 2023

A single type of signal processing means that it is difficult to analyze vibration signals comprehensively and effectively. By comprehensively using wavelet analysis techniques, a comprehensive and in-depth study of aero-engine vibration conditions is realized as a way to carry out health management. By introducing various types of wavelet analysis techniques and using Labview2022 programming, corresponding signal processing tools are developed for the analysis of the collected vibration signals. The comprehensive analysis of aero-engine vibration signals based on the wavelet transform method is realized, and the corresponding products are successfully applied in engineering practice.
Effects of metformin therapy on HMGB1 levels in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Zhang Lihua , Zhou Yuqing , Jiang Shengzhi , Fan Yubei , Huang Jierou , Xiao Bin , Rao Hui , Huang Lingyun
Published: November 2023

Objective

The traditional treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has some side effects. We aimed to explore the effect of metformin treatment on the expression of HMGB1, cytokines, T cell subtypes and the clinical outcomes in RA patients.

Methods

The present prospective cohort study recruited 124 RA patients (metformin group) who were treated with metformin and conventional therapy (methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine sulfate and sulfasalazine) and 98 RA patients (conventional therapy group) who were only treated with conventional therapy. All subjects were admitted from December 2018 to December 2021 and continuous medication for 90 days. The serum high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Flow cytometric were used to analyze the expression of CD4+and CD8+. Demographic and clinical statistics including age, body mass index (BMI), sex, course of disease, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), rheumatoid factor (RF), visual analogue score (VAS)and disease activity score (DAS)-28 were collected.

Results

The serum levels of HMGB1, CRP, IL-6, CD4+ expression and CD4+/CD8+ ratio were significantly increased in patients with DAS-28 score ≥ 2.6. The serum HMGB1 and cytokines levels of metformin group declined more quickly during the study time. Pearson’s analysis supported that a positive correlation existed between the HMGB1 and IL-6, TNF-α, CRP, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+ratio, and VAS scores. HMGB1 could be a potential diagnostic biomarker for RA patients in active phase. Serum HMGB1 (95% CI 1.133–1.397,P < 0.001) was a factor associated with active RA.

Conclusion

The serum HMGB1 levels were significantly increased in RA patients in active phase. The serum levels of HMGB1 and inflammatory factors and VAS scores were decreased gradually with metformin treatment. HMGB1 might act as a novel therapeutic target for RA.
A student-centered approach using modern technologies in distance learning: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Kerimbayev Nurassyl , Umirzakova Zhanat , Shadiev Rustam , Jotsov Vladimir
Published: November 2023

A literature review was conducted to develop a clear understanding of the student-centered approach using modern technologies in distance learning. The study aimed to address four research questions: What research experience already exists in the field of the student-centered approach in distance learning? What modern technologies are used in distance learning, and how are they related to the student-centered approach? What are the advantages and limitations of implementing the student-centered approach and modern technologies in distance learning? What recommendations can be derived from existing research for the effective implementation of the student-centered approach and modern technologies in distance learning? The purpose of writing this review article is to provide a comprehensive overview of the student-centered approach using modern technologies in distance learning and its advantages. To conduct this review, a Web of Science and Scopus database was searched using the keywords “student-centered approach,“ “modern technologies,“ and “distance learning.“ The search was limited to articles published between 2012 and 2023. A total of 688 articles were found, which were selected based on their relevance to the topic. After the verification and selection process, 43 articles were included in this review. The main results of the review revealed that the student-centered approach to learning took various forms or was defined individually, and there were significant differences in the main research findings. The review results provide a comprehensive overview of existing studies, advantages and limitations of the student-centered approach using modern technologies in distance learning as well as examples of successful implementation in various educational institutions. The article also discusses the challenges that online and distance learning may pose to the student-centered approach, the modern technologies that support the student-centered approach, and suggests ways to overcome these challenges. The role of technology in facilitating the student-centered approach in online and distance learning is analyzed in the article, along with recommendations and best practices for its implementation. The student-centered approach is gaining increasing attention and popularity as a means to address these issues and improve the quality of online and distance learning.
Nanomaterials-incorporated hydrogels for 3D bioprinting technology
Authors: Yoon Jungbin , Han Hohyeon , Jang Jinah
Published: November 2023

In the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, various hydrogels derived from the extracellular matrix have been utilized for creating engineered tissues and implantable scaffolds. While these hydrogels hold immense promise in the healthcare landscape, conventional bioinks based on ECM hydrogels face several challenges, particularly in terms of lacking the necessary mechanical properties required for 3D bioprinting process. To address these limitations, researchers are actively exploring novel nanomaterial-reinforced ECM hydrogels for both mechanical and functional aspects. In this review, we focused on discussing recent advancements in the fabrication of engineered tissues and monitoring systems using nanobioinks and nanomaterials via 3D bioprinting technology. We highlighted the synergistic benefits of combining numerous nanomaterials into ECM hydrogels and imposing geometrical effects by 3D bioprinting technology. Furthermore, we also elaborated on critical issues remaining at the moment, such as the inhomogeneous dispersion of nanomaterials and consequent technical and practical issues, in the fabrication of complex 3D structures with nanobioinks and nanomaterials. Finally, we elaborated on plausible outlooks for facilitating the use of nanomaterials in biofabrication and advancing the function of engineered tissues.