bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The keratinized mucosa width at partially edentulous molar sites and its associated factors: a pilot study
Authors: Han Ziyao , Wang Cui , Wei Yiping , Yang Gang , Hu Wenjie , Chung Kwok-Hung
Published: December 2022

Background

Assessment of the keratinized mucosa width (KMW) at edentulous sites is important for the subsequent implant treatment design. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of the KMW at edentulous molar sites and explore the associated factors.

Methods

A total of 150 patients with 222 edentulous molar sites were included. The buccal KMW of the edentulous molar sites was measured during implant treatment planning. Potentially associated factors, including age, sex, smoking status, location, reasons for tooth loss/extraction, gingival phenotype (GP) and keratinized gingival width (KGW) of the adjacent teeth, were collected and analyzed. The Shapiro‒Wilk test, Student’s t test, one-way ANOVA, generalized estimation equations (GEEs) and linear regression analysis were used for data analysis at α = 0.05.

Results

The buccal KMW at edentulous molar sites was 3.97 ± 2.06 mm, and 41.9% of sites presented with KMW < 4 mm. The mean KMWs of the maxillary sites were significantly higher than that those of the mandibular sites (4.96 ± 2.05 mm vs. 3.41 ± 1.85 mm, respectively). In total, 54.7%, 46.5%, 29.8%, and 0.0% of mandibular first and second molar sites and maxillary first and second molar sites, respectively, displayed a KMW of < 4 mm. Statistically significant linear correlations were found between KMW and GP (r = 0.161, p = 0.025) and between KMW and KGW of the adjacent teeth (r = 0.161, p = 0.023), while other factors were found to have no significant association.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of the present study, the KMW at edentulous molar site was related to the location of molar tooth loss/extraction. The GP and KGW of the adjacent teeth of edentulous molar sites were also associated with their KMW, which was probably attributed to the continuity of the adjacent soft tissue.
Proper partograph utilization among skilled birth attendants in Hawassa city public health facilities, Sidama region, Ethiopia, in 2021
Authors: Negash Berhan Tsegaye , Alelgn Yitateku
Published: December 2022

Abnormalities of labor are the major causes of maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. Proper partograph utilization is a key intervention to detect labor abnormalities and subsequent initiation of management. Although a great deals of studies were conducted about partograph utilization, they have failed to explore some critical factors which correlate with correct filling of partograph so far. To assess magnitude and factors associated with proper partograph recording among skilled delivery attendants in public health facilities of Hawassa city, Sidama Ethiopia, in 2021. An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted to assess proper partograph filling practice among skilled delivery providers of public health facilities of Hawassa city, Sidama region, Ethiopia from November to December 15, in 2021. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaire, and client chart review. Data were entered, cleaned, and analyzed using SPSS software. Binary and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to show association between outcome and explanatory variables. Multi-collinearity test was done using VIF. Adjusted Odds Ratio with 95% CI and p value less than 0.05 was taken as cuff of value for statistically significant value at final model. Out of 405 study participants, only 370 study subjects have provided full response for questions making a response rate of 91.4% in this study. The reason of non-responders was evaluated as not related with the issue of the outcome variable. The mean age of study subjects was 28 ± 3.9 years. Magnitude of proper partograph utilization was found to be58.4% (95% CI, 55.8–60.9%) among skilled delivery attendants in this study. Factors associated with partograph uptake were: On job training (AOR = 1.9, 95% CI: (1.1, 3.2), good knowledge (AOR = 3.1, 95% CI: (1.8, 5.3) and supportive supervision (AOR = 4.5, 95% CI, 2.5, 7.9), client took Uterotonics (AOR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.4, 3.9), and day time admission (AOR = 3.5, 95% CI, 1.9–6.4). These factors were associated positively with proper partograph utilization. In conclusion, magnitude of proper partograph utilization was found to be lower than magnitude of WHO threshold. Hence, on job training should be enhanced about proper partograph utilization. Furthermore, monitoring, supervision and strengthening the human resource of delivery process would be mandatory by managers of delivery units.
A novel strategy combining Mini-CEX and OSCE to assess standardized training of professional postgraduates in department of prosthodontics
Authors: Niu Lin , Mei Yukun , Xu Xiaoqiao , Guo Yi , Li Zhen , Dong Shaojie , Liu Ruirui
Published: December 2022

Objective

Mini clinical evaluation exercise (mini-CEX) and objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) are widely acknowledged as effective measures of resident standardization training (RST) in European and American countries. However, in China primary mini-CEX and OSCE forms are mainly limited in undergraduate clinical examination. Little knowledge is available regarding the validity and right way of mini-CEX /OSCE evaluation system in advanced dental clinical education so far. This study aimed to explore whether combination of mini-CEX and OSCE represents a global-dimension assessment for postgraduate clinical competence in RST.

Methods

Postgraduates who received RST from June 2017 to June 2019 were selected and evaluated by modified mini-CEX/OSCE scales. Each student received evaluations at least twice in the initial and final stages of training (tested every 4 months). A questionnaire was conducted to investigate the satisfaction with the arrangement of RST.

Results

Mini-CEX/OSCE test results indicated that postgraduates have significantly improved their comprehensive competence in RST projects in the department of prosthodontics (P < 0.05). Compared to other master of Stomatology students, postgraduates taking up prosthodontics master’s degree have made more progresses through a training period of up to 1 year and four sessions of face-to-face feedback tutoring (P < 0.05). Survey results revealed high level of satisfaction on clinical practice evaluation.

Conclusion

Modified mini-CEX/OSCE combined evaluation system is an effective and reliable assessment tool for clinical comprehensive ability in the RST of professional graduates and can fully highlight their respective advantages on the improvement of students’ clinical competency, especially after several rounds of assessments.
Monoclonal antibodies against S2 subunit of spike protein exhibit broad reactivity toward SARS-CoV-2 variants
Authors: Ko Shih-Han , Chen Wan-Yu , Su Shih-Chieh , Lin Hsiu-Ting , Ke Feng-Yi , Liang Kang-Hao , Hsu Fu-Fei , Kumari Monika , Fu Chi-Yu , Wu Han-Chung
Published: December 2022

Background

The variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) harbor diverse spike (S) protein sequences, which can greatly influence the efficacies of therapeutics. Therefore, it would be of great value to develop neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that can broadly recognize multiple variants.

Methods

Using an mRNA-LNP immunization strategy, we generated several mAbs that specifically target the conserved S2 subunit of SARS-CoV-2 (B-S2-mAbs). These mAbs were assessed for their neutralizing activity with pseudotyped viruses and binding ability for SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Results

Among these mAbs, five exhibited strong neutralizing ability toward the Gamma variant and also recognized viral S proteins from the Wuhan, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Omicron (BA.1, BA.2 and BA.5) variants. Furthermore, we demonstrated the broad reactivities of these B-S2-mAbs in several different applications, including immunosorbent, immunofluorescence and immunoblotting assays. In particular, B-S2-mAb-2 exhibited potent neutralization of Gamma variant (IC50 = 0.048 µg/ml) in a pseudovirus neutralization assay. The neutralizing epitope of B-S2-mAb-2 was identified by phage display as amino acid residues 1146–1152 (DSFKEEL) in the S2 subunit HR2 domain of SARS-CoV-2.

Conclusion

Since there are not many mAbs that can bind the S2 subunit of SARS-CoV-2 variants, our set of B-S2-mAbs may provide important materials for basic research and potential clinical applications. Importantly, our study results demonstrate that the viral S2 subunit can be targeted for the production of cross-reactive antibodies, which may be used for coronavirus detection and neutralization.
Effects of single and multiple sessions of lower body diastole-synchronized compressions using a pulsating pneumatic suit on endothelium function and metabolic parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes: two controlled cross-over studies
Authors: Valensi Paul , Barber-Chamoux Nicolas , Rezki Amel , Lambert Céline , Pereira Bruno , Dualé Christian , Delmas Dominique , Duclos Martine
Published: December 2022

Background

Endothelium function is often impaired in patients with type 2 diabetes. We hypothesized that by improving endothelial function using diastole-synchronized compressions/decompressions (DSCD) to the lower body may improve the metabolic profile. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of single and multiple DSCD sessions on microcirculation, endothelium function and metabolic parameters of patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Two monocentric, controlled, randomized cross-over studies (Study 1 and Study 2) were performed. In Study 1, 16 patients received one 20 min DSCD and one simulated (control) session at 2 week intervals; continuous glucose monitoring and cutaneous blood flow were recorded continuously before, during and after DSCD or Control session; other vascular assessments were performed before and after DSCD and control sessions. In Study 2, 38 patients received 60 min DSCD sessions three times/week for three months followed by a 4–6 week washout and 3 month control period (without simulated sessions); vascular, metabolic, body composition, physical activity and quality of life assessments were performed before and after 3 months.

Results

Both studies showed significant, multiplex effects of DSCD sessions. In Study 1, cutaneous blood flow and endothelium function increased, and plasma and interstitial glucose levels after a standard breakfast decreased after DSCD sessions. In Study 2, cutaneous endothelium function improved, LDL-cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol decreased, extra-cell water decreased and SF-36 Vitality score increased after 3 months of DSCD sessions.

Conclusions

Our findings support the beneficial effect of DSCD on the endothelium and show concomitant beneficial metabolic and vitality effects. Future clinical trials need to test whether DSCD use translates into a preventive measure against microvascular diabetic complications and its progression.

Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: NCT02293135 and NCT02359461.
A quantitative interpretation of oxidative protein folding activity in Escherichia coli
Authors: Rettenbacher Lukas A. , von der Haar Tobias
Published: December 2022

Background

Escherichia coli is of central interest to biotechnological research and a widely used organism for producing proteins at both lab and industrial scales. However, many proteins remain difficult to produce efficiently in E. coli. This is particularly true for proteins that require post translational modifications such as disulfide bonds.

Results

In this study we develop a novel approach for quantitatively investigating the ability of E. coli to produce disulfide bonds in its own proteome. We summarise the existing knowledge of the E. coli disulfide proteome and use this information to investigate the demand on this organism’s quantitative oxidative folding apparatus under different growth conditions. Furthermore, we built an ordinary differential equation-based model describing the cells oxidative folding capabilities. We use the model to infer the kinetic parameters required by the cell to achieve the observed oxidative folding requirements. We find that the cellular requirement for disulfide bonded proteins changes significantly between growth conditions. Fast growing cells require most of their oxidative folding capabilities to keep up their proteome while cells growing in chemostats appear limited by their disulfide bond isomerisation capacities.

Conclusion

This study establishes a novel approach for investigating the oxidative folding capacities of an organism. We show the capabilities and limitations of E. coli for producing disulfide bonds under different growth conditions and predict under what conditions excess capability is available for recombinant protein production.
Citizen engagement in healthcare procurement decision-making by healthcare insurers: recent experiences in the Netherlands
Authors: Brito Fernandes Óscar , Bos Véronique , Klazinga Niek , Kringos Dionne
Published: December 2022

Background

In insurance-based healthcare systems, healthcare insurers are interested in engaging citizens in care procurement to contract healthcare services that matter to people. In the Netherlands, an amendment to the Health Insurance Act was set forth in 2021 to formalize and strengthen the engagement of the insured population with healthcare insurers’ procurement cycles. This study explores the role of Dutch healthcare insurers in operationalizing citizen engagement in procurement cycles before changes occur linked to the amendment to the Health Insurance Act.

Methods

A phenomenological qualitative design was employed in two phases: (1) we consulted academics and policy experts on the role of healthcare insurers regarding citizen engagement; (2) we conducted focus groups with representatives of healthcare insurers to understand how citizens’ engagement is being operationalized. Transcripts of the interviews with experts and detailed notes of focus group meetings were analysed using a qualitative inductive approach. Selected excerpts were analysed on discourse and content and organized by a coding scheme following a rigorous and accelerated data reduction technique.

Results

We identified four strategies used by healthcare insurers to operationalize citizen engagement: (1) broadening their population health orientation; (2) developing and improving mechanisms for engaging citizens; (3) strengthening features of data governance for effective use of value-driven data; (4) implementing financial and incentive mechanisms among healthcare providers in support of value-based healthcare. However, regulated market mechanisms and low institutional trust in healthcare insurers undermine their transition from merely funding healthcare towards becoming people-centred value-based healthcare purchasers.

Conclusion

Dutch healthcare insurers seem to be strengthening the community orientation of their functioning while enhancing the end-to-end experience of the insured. The expected practical effects of the amendment to the Health Insurance Act include broadening the role of the council of insurees in decision-making processes and systematically documenting the efforts set forth by healthcare insurers in engaging citizens. Further research is needed to better understand how the regulated competitive market could be hampering the engagement of citizens in healthcare procurement decision-making and value creation from the citizens’ perspective.
Severe Raynaud’s phenomenon from ethosuximide raised concern over possible onset of systemic vasculitis: a case report
Authors: Berntson Lillemor , Liminga Gunnar
Published: December 2022

Background

Ethosuximide and other anti-epileptic drugs have been reported to cause idiosyncratic reactions such as lupus-like syndromes, with elevated antinuclear antibody (ANA) levels. Herein, we present a case of a girl who developed a very severe Raynaud’s phenomenon reaction and anti-Scl-70 antibodies related to treatment with ethosuximide, due to juvenile absence epilepsy (JAE).

Case presentation

A 12-year-old girl was diagnosed with JAE and treatment with ethosuximide was initiated. Two and a half months later her fingers, digits II–V bilaterally, began to ache and were discolored, alternatingly white, blue, or normal-colored. Two weeks later, her fingers were bluish-black, aching severely, almost continuously. The family sought medical advice. Ethosuximide was halted and due to the severe symptoms, treatment with both prednisolone and intravenous iloprost was commenced. Laboratory tests revealed high ANA levels with anti-Scl-70 pattern and confirmed anti-Scl-70 antibodies. After a few weeks, she started to improve and the symptoms slowly decreased over five months. Anti-Scl-70 was still detectable four months after onset of symptoms, though she was much improved. After eleven months, repeated ANA analyses were completely negative.

Conclusion

Although extremely rare, it is important to recognize that severe Raynaud’s phenomenon, threatening peripheral digital circulation, may occur as an idiosyncratic reaction to ethosuximide, raising concern over possible onset of vasculitis.
Efficacy of a breastfeeding support education program for nurses and midwives: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sato Izumi , Imura Masumi , Kawasaki Yohei
Published: December 2022

Background

Nutritional support influences the growth and development of late preterm infants (LPIs) and their long-term health status. However, healthy LPIs have a shorter hospital stay and may not receive adequate care after discharge. In this study, we developed and evaluated the effectiveness of an educational program for nurses and midwives to enable them to support breastfeeding of healthy LPIs.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted in Japan from July 2018 to April 2019. The participant pool consisted of nurses and midwives working at midwiferies and obstetric centers in Tokyo, Japan. A total of 395 candidates were recruited for participation across 79 facilities. The final participants were assigned to two groups: the breastfeeding support for LPIs program (BSLPI group; n = 36) or the non-technical skills program (NTS group; n = 33). The measures included the Self-Efficacy of Breastfeeding Support scale (SBS), the Social Skills in Nursing Interactions with Mothers (SS) scale, and the Knowledge and Skills Necessary for Breastfeeding Support for LPIs test (K-S). Scores for each measure were collected before, after, and one-month after the intervention. Repeated-measures ANOVA was used to identify differences (main effects) according to program (BSLPI and NTS) and time (before, immediately after, and one month after intervention).

Results

All 69 participants attended the program. Main effects of the program were observed only for K-S scores (F[1,58] = 78.57, p = 0.01). No significant differences were found for SBS (F[1,58] = 0.63, p = 0.43) or SS scores (F[1,58] = 1.51, p = 0.23).

Conclusions

Participation in the BSLPI was related to improved breastfeeding support knowledge and skills but was not related to improvements in nurses’ self-efficacy or social skills.

Trial registration

Registered 12 December 2018, https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000040145 (UMIN: UMIN000035227).
Identification of a novel WAS mutation and the non-splicing effect of a second-site mutation in a Chinese pedigree with Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome
Authors: Ji Xin , Hou Xuening , Guo Xin , Sun Yifeng , Ma Futian , Hao Jihong
Published: December 2022

Background

Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome (WAS) is a rare X-linked immunodeficiency disorder caused by abnormal expression of the WAS protein (WASp) due to mutations in theWASgene, and is generally characterized by microthrombocytopenia, eczema, recurrent infections, and high susceptibility to autoimmune complications and hematological malignancies.

Results

Herein, we identified a novelWASmutation (c.158 T > C) using next-generation sequencing in a Chinese pedigree with WAS. The expression of WASp in the patients and their families was detected by flow cytometry and western blot analysis. To explore the exon-splicing effect of intron mutations and the correlation between the genotype and clinical phenotype, four groups of wild-type (WT), exon mutant, intron mutant, and combined mutant recombinant plasmids were transfected into COS-7 cells in vitro. The proband showed dramatically decreased WASp expression, while the female carriers showed a slightly lower level of WASp. The expression of products in the mutant and WT recombinant plasmids was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which showed a significant reduction in the combined mutant group than in the WT, exon mutant, and intron mutant groups. The length of the expression products in the four groups showed no differences, each containing 360 base pairs. Sequence analysis confirmed that the c.158 T > C mutation appeared in the exon mutant and combined mutant groups, whereas the intron variant c.273 + 14C > T caused no other sequence changes.

Conclusion

This study confirmed that the intron mutation did not affect the splicing of exons and excluded the influence of the double mutations at the transcription level on the severe clinical manifestations in the cousin. This in vitro study provided new insights into the pathogenesis of intronic mutations in WAS.
Parallel single-cell and bulk transcriptome analyses reveal key features of the gastric tumor microenvironment
Authors: Kang Boxi , Camps Jordi , Fan Biao , Jiang Hongpeng , Ibrahim Mahmoud M. , Hu Xueda , Qin Shishang , Kirchhoff Dennis , Chiang Derek Y. , Wang Shan , Ye Yingjiang , Shen Zhanlong , Bu Zhaode , Zhang Zemin , Roider Helge G.
Published: December 2022

Background

The tumor microenvironment (TME) has been shown to strongly influence treatment outcome for cancer patients in various indications and to influence the overall survival. However, the cells forming the TME in gastric cancer have not been extensively characterized.

Results

We combine bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing from tumors and matched normal tissue of 24 treatment-naïve GC patients to better understand which cell types and transcriptional programs are associated with malignant transformation of the stomach. Clustering 96,623 cells of non-epithelial origin reveals 81 well-defined TME cell types. We find that activated fibroblasts and endothelial cells are most prominently overrepresented in tumors. Intercellular network reconstruction and survival analysis of an independent cohort imply the importance of these cell types together with immunosuppressive myeloid cell subsets and regulatory T cells in establishing an immunosuppressive microenvironment that correlates with worsened prognosis and lack of response in anti-PD1-treated patients. In contrast, we find a subset of IFNγ activated T cells and HLA-II expressing macrophages that are linked to treatment response and increased overall survival.

Conclusions

Our gastric cancer single-cell TME compendium together with the matched bulk transcriptome data provides a unique resource for the identification of new potential biomarkers for patient stratification. This study helps further to elucidate the mechanism of gastric cancer and provides insights for therapy.
The advantages and challenges of non-invasive towed PILOT tags for free-ranging deep-diving megafauna
Authors: Fontes J. , Macena B. , Solleliet-Ferreira S. , Buyle F. , Magalhães R. , Bartolomeu T. , Liebsch N. , Meyer C. , Afonso P.
Published: December 2022

Background

Biologging technologies have yielded new insights into the ecology and behaviour of elasmobranchs, but to date, most studies involve animal capture and restraint to attach tags. Capturing animals usually results in a period of atypical behaviour after release and is undesirable or simply not possible for large and vulnerable elasmobranchs such as mobulas and whale sharks. To avoid animal capture and restraint, we developed and tested two non-invasive multisensor towed tags. The use of towed packages creates additional data analytical challenges relative to fixed packages because towed devices wobble independently of animal movements. We present five examples, two mobulas (reef manta and sicklefin devil ray) and three sharks (blue, tiger and whale shark), to illustrate the advantages and challenges of this approach. We used animal-borne video to validate behavioural data derived from accelerometers and conducted an experiment to compare accelerometer data from attached and towed tags simultaneously deployed on a shark.

Results

We used fluid dynamic models to calculate the added drag of towed devices on target species. We found that drag impact is acceptable for short-term tagging of large mobulas, but the drag penalty associated with the current camera tag design is greater than 5% for most mature blue sharks. Despite wobble effects, swimming behaviour (tail-beat and wing-stroke frequency) captured by towed accelerometers was consistent with those attached directly to the animal and with data from animal-borne video. Global Positioning System (GPS) sensors recorded up to 28 and 9 geolocations per hour of surface swimming by sicklefin devil ray and blue sharks, respectively.

Conclusions

Towed tags with non-invasive attachments provide an effective alternative for acquiring high-resolution behaviour and environmental data without capturing and handling animals. This tool yields great potential to advance current knowledge of mobula ecology and behaviour without capture or invasive tagging.
Anomaly detection and community detection in networks
Authors: Safdari Hadiseh , De Bacco Caterina
Published: December 2022

Anomaly detection is a relevant problem in the area of data analysis. In networked systems, where individual entities interact in pairs, anomalies are observed when pattern of interactions deviates from patterns considered regular. Properly defining what regular patterns entail relies on developing expressive models for describing the observed interactions. It is crucial to address anomaly detection in networks. Among the many well-known models for networks, latent variable models—a class of probabilistic models—offer promising tools to capture the intrinsic features of the data. In this work, we propose a probabilistic generative approach that incorporates domain knowledge, i.e., community membership, as a fundamental model for regular behavior, and thus flags potential anomalies deviating from this pattern. In fact, community membership serves as the building block of a null model to identify the regular interaction patterns. The structural information is included in the model through latent variables for community membership and anomaly parameter. The algorithm aims at inferring these latent parameters and then output the labels identifying anomalies on the network edges.
A systematic review of high impact empirical studies in STEM education
Authors: Li Yeping , Xiao Yu , Wang Ke , Zhang Nan , Pang Yali , Wang Ruilin , Qi Chunxia , Yuan Zhiqiang , Xu Jianxing , Nite Sandra B. , Star Jon R.
Published: December 2022

The formation of an academic field is evidenced by many factors, including the growth of relevant research articles and the increasing impact of highly cited publications. Building upon recent scoping reviews of journal publications in STEM education, this study aimed to provide a systematic review of high impact empirical studies in STEM education to gain insights into the development of STEM education research paradigms. Through a search of the Web of Science core database, we identified the top 100 most-cited empirical studies focusing on STEM education that were published in journals from 2000 to 2021 and examined them in terms of various aspects, including the journals where they were published, disciplinary content coverage, research topics and methods, and authorship’s nationality/region and profession. The results show that STEM education continues to gain more exposure and varied disciplinary content with an increasing number of high impact empirical studies published in journals in various STEM disciplines. High impact research articles were mainly authored by researchers in the West, especially the United States, and indicate possible “hot” topics within the broader field of STEM education. Our analysis also revealed the increased participation and contributions from researchers in diverse fields who are working to formulate research agendas in STEM education and the nature of STEM education scholarship.
Effect of compaction condition on the water retention capacity, microstructure and its evolution during drying of compacted loess
Authors: Xiao Tao , Li Ping , Pan Zhenhui , Wang Jiading
Published: December 2022

To investigate the initial microstructure and water retention capacity of compacted loess molded under different compaction energy, the soil–water characteristic curves (SWCCs) and pore-size distribution curves (PSDs) of compacted loess specimens with different molding water contents or compaction energies were determined. Moreover, the PSDs of compacted loess specimens dried to different suctions were measured and the fractal dimensions of these specimens were examined to explore the microstructural evolution of compacted loess during drying. The results show that molding water content mainly affects the densities of macropores and mesopores, and compaction energy only affects the density of macropores. As the molding water content range of 16% to 20%, the AEV decreases with the increase of molding water content. The specimen with a lower molding water content has a larger slope of SWCC (or desorption rate). Compaction energy influences the water retention capacity of compacted loess in the low suction range (< 30 kPa). In response to suction increase, the PSD of compacted loess changes a little, while the fractal dimension increases with suction and there is a good linear relationship between them, indicating that the roughness of the pore surfaces is increasing during drying. This study provides new insight into the relationship between water retention capacity and pore structure of compacted loess and the microstructural evolution of compacted loess during drying, which is meaningful to the prevention of loess geological hazards.
Self-curling 3D oriented scaffolds from fish scales for skeletal muscle regeneration
Authors: Shi Yong , Zhang Xiaoxuan , Liu Rui , Shao Xiaoyan , Zhao Yuanjin , Gu Zhuxiao , Jiang Qing
Published: December 2022

Background

Volumetric muscle loss (VML) due to various reasons may cause motor dysfunction and tissue engineering has been proposed for muscle regeneration. However, developing three-dimensional (3D) tissue-engineered scaffolds that can mimic oriented cell growth of muscle tissues are challenging for regeneration medicine. Herein, we propose a novel self-curling 3D oriented scaffold (SCOS) composed of fish derived gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) and fish scales for repairing skeletal muscles.

Methods

Fish scales of tilapia were decellularized and decalcified. Then, SCOSs were constructed by ultraviolet-coating methylated fish gelatin on the back of fish scales. C2C12 myoblasts were cultured on SCOSs, and after induction of myogenic differentiation, SCOS/C2C12 transplants were prepared for in vivo experiments.

Results

Decellularized and decalcified fish scales (DDFSs) became soft and retained the original oriented microgroove surface structure that could induce oriented cell growth. SCOSs could self-curl into 3D structures when immersing in culture medium due to different swelling properties of fish GelMA and DDFSs. Cell experiments demonstrated that SCOSs enhanced the oriented growth and myogenic differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts. By integrating SCOSs and myogenic differentiated C2C12 myoblasts, the resultant SCOS/C2C12 transplants promoted de novo muscle regeneration and functional restoration of muscle activity in the mouse model of VML.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that SCOSs loaded with myogenic differentiated C2C12 myoblasts can promote muscle regeneration in mice with skeletal muscle injuries, indicating application prospects of such scaffolds in muscle tissue engineering and other related fields.
A denoising-classification neural network for power transformer protection
Authors: Li Zongbo , Jiao Zaibin , He Anyang , Xu Nuo
Published: December 2022

Artificial intelligence (AI) can potentially improve the reliability of transformer protection by fusing multiple features. However, owing to the data scarcity of inrush current and internal fault, the existing methods face the problem of poor generalizability. In this paper, a denoising-classification neural network (DCNN) is proposed, one which integrates a convolutional auto-encoder (CAE) and a convolutional neural network (CNN), and is used to develop a reliable transformer protection scheme by identifying the exciting voltage-differential current curve (VICur). In the DCNN, CAE shares its encoder part with the CNN, where the CNN combines the encoder and a classifier. Based on the interaction of the CAE reconstruction process and the CNN classification process, the CAE regards the saturated features of the VICur as noise and removes them accurately. Consequently, it guides CNN to focus on the unsaturated features of the VICur. The unsaturated part of the VICur approximates an ellipse, and this significantly differentiates between a healthy and faulty transformer. Therefore, the unsaturated features extracted by the CNN help to decrease the data ergodicity requirement of AI and improve the generalizability. Finally, a CNN which is trained well by the DCNN is used to develop a protection scheme. PSCAD simulations and dynamic model experiments verify its superior performance.
Differences in health-related quality of life between the Roma community and the general population in Romania
Authors: Robinson Tomos , Oluboyede Yemi , Vale Luke , Olariu Elena
Published: December 2022

Background

Previous research has shown that Roma people report worse health outcomes than the general population and suffer from a myriad of economic and social disadvantages. The objective of this study was to assess the differences in the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) between the Roma people and the Romanian general population.

Methods

Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted face-to-face in 2018 and 2019 in two nationally representative samples of both the general population and Roma communities, recruited from all regions of Romania. Both samples completed the EQ-5D-5L and EQ-VAS questionnaires, as well as a range of sociodemographic questions. Coarsened Exact Matching and several different regression models were used to assess the differences in HRQoL between the two groups.

Results

2308 respondents were included in the matched sample: 1,621 general population individuals; 687 Roma people. Roma people had more problems with self-care, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression than the general population. They also reported a lower overall level of HRQoL than the general population of Romania, as reflected by the lower EQ-5D-5L and EQ-VAS scores. Our sensitivity analysis between Coarsened Exact Matching and other matching procedures showed consistent results across all regression models.

Conclusions

In Romania, the Roma community has a lower level of HRQoL than the general population. Understanding the underlying causes of this inequality should be the focus of future research. Policies aimed at reducing the level of health inequality between the Roma and the general populations should be promoted locally.
Embryogenesis and early larval development in bocachico (Prochilodus magdalenae) in Colombia
Authors: Yepes-Blandón Jonny Andrés , Vásquez-Machado Gersson , Ávila-Coy Jersson , Ortiz-Acevedo Yanan , Estrada-Posada Ana
Published: December 2022

Background

The bocachico (Prochilodus magdalenae) is a migratory freshwater fish and one of the main species of Colombian continental fishery. Interest in it is due to the fish’s excellent reproductive characteristics and sociocultural value in its native region. As part of native fish species repopulation programs carried out by the GIPEN research group of the San Silvestre fish farm and ISAGEN, the present study aimed to characterize the embryogenesis and early larval development of bocachico from zygote phase to the exogenous feeding period, using morphological and histological landmarks.

Results

Embryos were obtained by fertilization from hormonally induced, wild-caught brood stock, and subsequent development was monitored at temperatures coinciding with native conditions. Embryonic development from fertilization to hatch lasted 13 h. This included the following stages: zygote, cleavage, blastula, gastrula, segmentation and organogenesis, pharyngula and hatching. Larvae emerged with unpigmented eyes; the cephalic area and the eye primordium were more developed at 1 day post-hatching. At 2–3 days post-hatching, the somites formed myotomes and pharyngeal arches were present as well as an undifferentiated digestive tract (endogenous feeding period). At 3–4 days post-hatching, the mouth was open, and the oral valve was developed; the mouth was continuous with the esophagus and the rest of the digestive system (beginning of the endo–exogenous feeding period). The yolk was observed for up to 9 days post-hatching (end of the endo–exogenous feeding period and beginning of the exogenous feeding period).

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive analysis made of the development of the bocachico to date, from early embryonic development to the larval phase, and this research will contribute to improving the knowledge of the developmental intervals of this species, the critical stages in feeding phases, as well as a more concrete approximation of when the fish is suitable for repopulation based on its morphological development.
High-dimensional aerodynamic data modeling using a machine learning method based on a convolutional neural network
Authors: Zan Bo-Wen , Han Zhong-Hua , Xu Chen-Zhou , Liu Ming-Qi , Wang Wen-Zheng
Published: December 2022

Modeling high-dimensional aerodynamic data presents a significant challenge in aero-loads prediction, aerodynamic shape optimization, flight control, and simulation. This article develops a machine learning approach based on a convolutional neural network (CNN) to address this problem. A CNN can implicitly distill features underlying the data. The number of parameters to be trained can be significantly reduced because of its local connectivity and parameter-sharing properties, which is favorable for solving high-dimensional problems in which the training cost can be prohibitive. A hypersonic wing similar to the Sanger aerospace plane carrier wing is employed as the test case to demonstrate the CNN-based modeling method. First, the wing is parameterized by the free-form deformation method, and 109 variables incorporating flight status and aerodynamic shape variables are defined as model input. Second, more than 7000 sample points generated by the Latin hypercube sampling method are evaluated by performing computational fluid dynamics simulations using a Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes flow solver to obtain an aerodynamic database, and a CNN model is built based on the observed data. Finally, the well-trained CNN model considering both flight status and shape variables is applied to aerodynamic shape optimization to demonstrate its capability to achieve fast optimization at multiple flight statuses.
Seasonal dynamics of myocardial infarctions in regions with different types of a climate: a meta-analysis
Authors: Kuzmenko Nataliya V. , Tsyrlin Vitaliy A. , Pliss Mikhail G. , Galagudza Mikhail M.
Published: December 2022

Background

It is known that cardiovascular events (CVE) occur more often in winter than in summer. However, dependence of myocardial infarction (MI) risk of on various meteorological factors is still not fully understood. Also, the dependence of the seasonal dynamics of MI on gender and age has not yet been studied. The purpose of our meta-analysis is to reveal dependence of the circannual dynamics of MI hospitalizations on gender, age, and characteristics of a region’s climate.

Main body

Using Review Manager 5.3, we performed a meta-analysis of 26 publications on the seasonal dynamics of MI. In our meta-analysis, the relative MI risk was higher in colder compared to warmer seasons. Old age insignificantly increased the seasonal MI risk; gender did not affect the seasonal dynamics of MI, but MI was more common in men than in women. The severity of the seasonal dynamics of MI risk depended on the climate of the region. In a climate with a small amplitude of circannual fluctuations in air temperature, atmospheric pressure, and partial oxygen density in the air, as well as in regions where air humidity is higher in winter than in summer, an increase in MI risk in winter compared to summer was significant. It was not significant in regions with opposite climatic tendencies.

Conclusions

Based on the results of our studies, it can be concluded that a decrease in air temperature increases in MI risk; in addition, hypoxia in the hot season can provoke CVE associated with ischemia.
Warming-induced changes of broccoli head to cauliflower-like curd in Brassica oleracea are regulated by DNA methylation as revealed by methylome and transcriptome co-profiling
Authors: Yao Zilei , Yuan Lu , Liu Ke , Wang Tingjin , Liu Bin , Zhao Yan , Gan Susheng , Chen Liping
Published: December 2022

Increasingly warming temperature impacts on all aspects of growth and development in plants. Flower development is a complex process that is very sensitive to ambient temperature, and warming temperatures often lead to abnormal flower development and remarkably reduce the quality and yield of inflorescent vegetables and many other crops, which can be exemplified by Brassica oleracea cv. Green Harmony F1, a broccoli cultivar, whose floral development is ceased at inflorescence meristem (at 28 °C) or floral primordium stage (at 22 °C), forming a cauliflower-like curd (28 °C) or intermediate curd (22 °C) instead of normal broccoli head at 16 °C. However, the underlying molecular regulatory mechanisms are not well understood. Here we report that warming temperature (28 °C or 22 °C) induced hypermethylation of the genome, especially the promoter regions of such sets of genes as ribosome biogenesis-related and others, leading to the suppression of the apex-highly-expressed distinctive genes, subsequently resulting in the abnormal floral development, as revealed by methylome and transcriptome co-profiling. The regulation of warming-induced abnormal floral development in broccoli was further verified by the fact that the DNA methylation inhibitor 5-azacytidine (5-azaC) released the expression of genes from the warming temperature-induced suppression, and restored the broccoli development to normalcy at warming temperature. The research provided new approaches to breeding broccoli and other crops for growing in wider or warmer temperature zones.
EDIFY (Eating Disorders: Delineating Illness and Recovery Trajectories to Inform Personalised Prevention and Early Intervention in Young People): project outline
Authors: Hemmings Amelia , Sharpe Helen , Allen Karina , Bartel Heike , Campbell Iain C. , Desrivières Sylvane , Dobson Richard J.B. , Folarin Amos A. , French Tara , Kelly Jonathan , Micali Nadia , Raman Sneha , Treasure Janet , Abbas Ruby , Heslop Beck , Street Tallulah , Schmidt Ulrike
Published: December 2022

EDIFY (Eating Disorders: Delineating Illness and Recovery Trajectories to Inform Personalised Prevention and Early Intervention in Young People) is an ambitious research project aiming to revolutionise how eating disorders are perceived, prevented and treated. Six integrated workstreams will address key questions, including: What are young people's experiences of eating disorders and recovery? What are the unique and shared risk factors in different groups? What helps or hinders recovery? How do the brain and behaviour change from early- to later-stage illness? How can we intervene earlier, quicker and in a more personalised way? This 4-year project, involving over 1000 participants, integrates arts, design and humanities with advanced neurobiological, psychosocial and bioinformatics approaches. Young people with lived experience of eating disorders are at the heart of EDIFY, serving as advisors and co-producers throughout. Ultimately, this work will expand public and professional perceptions of eating disorders, uplift under-represented voices and stimulate much-needed advances in policy and practice.
Amplitude-dependent rheological responses of axisymmetric grains
Authors: Amereh M. , Nadler B.
Published: December 2022

Oscillatory shear flows of axisymmetric grains exhibit amplitude-dependent rheological responses, which is related to the evolution of the microstructure. In this work, it is shown that the highly ordered configuration of grains at steady-state shear flow undergoes microstructural rearrangement when subjected to shear oscillations. This rearrangement may lead to reduced ordering configurations which give rise to macroscale shear hardening, which can result in shear jamming if the applied shear traction is below the critical shear resistance. On the other hand, it was observed that applying oscillatory shear to the primary condensed shear flow enhances flowability due to microstructure rearrangement. In this study, we investigate the amplitude-dependent rheological responses of axisymmetric grains subjected oscillatory shear flows. First, we look into the evolution of grains alignment subjected to a range of oscillation amplitudes, where we show that the lower oscillation amplitudes have the potential to change the orientation from the ordered steady state to a completely disordered (isotropic) orientation. Next, we study the dependency of the shear flow resistance on the microstructure configuration, and show that the strain hardening and potential jamming have strong dependency on the oscillations amplitude. We also show that, in the case of jamming, the shear strain and the corresponding number of oscillation cycles depend not only on the grains aspect ratio but also on the oscillation amplitude.
Does the Risk of Embryo Abnormality Increase in PCOS Women? A Secondary Analysis of a Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wang Jiahui , Zhou Wei , Song Zhiyi , Ni Tianxiang , Zhang Qian , Chen Zi-Jiang , Yan Junhao
Published: December 2022

Context

Some studies have reported the early miscarriage rate is higher in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women. However, there is a lack of evidence as to whether the risk of embryo abnormalities increases in PCOS women.

Objective

This work aimed to evaluate the association between PCOS and embryo ploidy.

Methods

A secondary analysis of a multicenter, randomized controlled trial was conducted from July 2017 to June 2018. The original intent was to identify whether preimplantation genetic test for aneuploidy (PGT-A) improves the live birth rate as compared with in vitro fertilization (IVF). From 14 reproductive centers, 190 patients diagnosed with PCOS and 1:1 age-matched non-PCOS patients were chosen from a PGT-A group. A total of 380 patients with 1118 embryos were included in our study. Intervention included women diagnosed with PCOS, and the main outcome measures were embryonic aneuploidy and embryonic mosaic.

Results

After adjusting for potential confounders, the rate of embryonic aneuploidy and embryonic mosaic in the PCOS group were comparable with the control group (embryonic aneuploid rate PCOS group: 14.0% vs control group: 18.3%, adjusted OR [95% CI]: 0.78 [0.54, 1.12]; P = .19; embryonic mosaic rate 10.9% vs 10.1%, adjusted OR [95% CI]: 0.91 [0.59, 1.40]; P = .66). We further stratified PCOS women into 4 groups according to phenotype. The rate of aneuploid and mosaic embryos was comparable between each PCOS phenotype and control group. There was still no significant difference of embryonic aneuploid and embryo mosaic rates among the 4 phenotypes.

Conclusion

The risk of aneuploid and mosaic embryos did not increase in PCOS women. Thus, we suggest that the miscarriage rate arising from abnormal embryonic chromosomes could be similar between PCOS and non-PCOS women.