bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Változó hím befektetés a nőstény további párosodását akadályozó képletekbe kis apollólepkénél (Parnassius mnemosyne (LINNAEUS, 1758))
Authors: Gór Ádám , Fónagy Adrien , Pásztor Kata , Szigeti Viktor , Lang Zsolt , Kis János
Published: September 2023

A párosodás körüli ivari konfliktus időben kiterjesztett, hím jelenléte nélküli, a nőstény párosodását akadályozó őrzést eredményezhet párzási dugók segítségével, amelyek gyakoriak rovaroknál. A legtöbb lepkénél a belső dugók elterjedtek, azonban két lepkecsaládnál nagy méretű, külső „erényövek”, ún. szfrágiszok egymástól függetlenül alakultak ki az evolúció során. Jellemzően szfrágiszt viselő fajoknál ezek hiányát, valamint „félkész” szfrágiszokat is leírtak néhány egyed esetében. A korábbi kutatásokkal ellentétben, amelyekben több faj néhány egyedének vizsgálata alapján írták le az egyes fajokra jellemző képleteket, mi egyetlen faj különböző párőrzési képleteit vizsgáltuk; ezek magyar nyelvű nevezéktanának bevezetése is célunk. Ehhez hat egymást követő évben végeztünk megfigyeléses vizsgálatot egy kis apollólepke- (Parnassius mnemosyne) populáción. Összesen három különböző képletet találtunk 492 nőstényen, a filamentumot, a plombát és a pajzsot (a szfrágisz egyik része), ebben a sorrendben növekvő mérettel és szerkezeti komplexitással, ami ennek megfelelő növekvő mértékű hím befektetést és párőrzési hatékonyságot feltételez. A pajzsméretekben, színükben és alakjukban nagy változatosságot találtunk. A pajzsok sokkal gyakoribbak voltak a többi képletnél. A párőrzést szolgáló képletek egy része elveszett. Ritkán megfigyeltük, amint a hímek eltávolították azokat, ami rámutat a hím ivarszerv egyes részeinek néhány funkciójára. Értékeljük a képletek változatosságának lehetséges okait, a képlet-eltávolítási próbálkozások szerepét, valamint mindkét ivarnál a lehetséges költség-haszon összefüggéseket.
A Case Study of Edge Computing Implementations: Multi-access Edge Computing, Fog Computing and Cloudlet
Authors: Tian Liang , Zhong Xiaorou
Published: September 2023

With the explosive growth of intelligent and mobile devices, the current centralized cloud computing paradigm is encountering difficult challenges. Since the primary requirements have shifted towards implementing real-time response and supporting context awareness and mobility, there is an urgent need to bring resources and functions of centralized clouds to the edge of networks, which has led to the emergence of the edge computing paradigm. Edge computing increases the responsibilities of network edges by hosting computation and services, therefore enhancing performances and improving quality of experience (QoE). Fog computing, multi-access edge computing (MEC), and cloudlet are three typical and promising implementations of edge computing. Fog computing aims to build a system that enables cloud-to-thing service connectivity and works in concert with clouds, MEC is seen as a key technology of the fifth generation (5G) system, and Cloudlet is a micro-data center deployed in close proximity. In terms of deployment scenarios, Fog computing focuses on the Internet of Things (IoT), MEC mainly provides mobile RAN application solutions for 5G systems, and cloudlet offloads computing power at the network edge. In this paper, we present a comprehensive case study on these three edge computing implementations, including their architectures, differences, and their respective application scenario in IoT, 5G wireless systems, and smart edge. We discuss the requirements, benefits, and mechanisms of typical co-deployment cases for each paradigm and identify challenges and future directions in edge computing.
Postoperative Recurrent Ependymoma Prognosis in Adolescents: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gu Zhaowen
Published: September 2023

Objective The aim of this study was to explore the prognosis and influencing factors of recurrent ependymoma in children. Methods PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched to collect studies on survival outcomes and influencing factors of recurrent ependymoma in children. The search time frame was from the establishment of the database to September 2023. Two evaluators independently screened the literature, extracted data, and evaluated the quality of the included studies. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. Results A total of 11 studies involving 1120 patients were included. The integrated results of mOS from the 11 studies showed significant heterogeneity (I2 = 92%). Therefore, a random-effects model was used for merging, and the results showed statistically significant differences (P < 0.00001). In all the studies, the pooled estimate of median OS from the time of recurrence was 15.54 months (95% CI 8.80-27.45; P < 0.00001), and the combined median progression-free survival (PFS) from the time of first recurrence was 6.7 months (95% CI 5.59-7.64; P < 0.0001). The median OS for patients who underwent surgery at the time of recurrence was 20.7 months (95% CI 12.40–34.72; P < 0.00001), while the mOS for patients who received radiation therapy was 29.5 months (95% CI 18.97–46.00; P < 0.0001), and for patients who received chemotherapy mOS was 18.0 months (95% CI 8.62–37.75; P < 0.00001). The mOS for patients under 3 years old at the time of recurrence was 20.1 months (95% CI 1.98-204.50; P < 0.00001), while for patients over 3 years old at the time of recurrence mOS was 16.6 months (95% CI 9.40-29.35; P < 0.00001). Conclusion The results of the study show poor prognosis for children with recurrent ependymoma, and there are significant differences in these results. The influencing factors include patient age, tumor recurrence location, and treatment methods. These findings can further guide clinical research on new treatment methods and strategies to improve the prognosis of this population.
Kemampuan Literasi dan Pemecahan Masalah Matematika: Bagaimana Keduanya Berkaitan?
Authors: Samosir Ernika , Makmuri  , Tian Abdul Aziz
Published: September 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis dan mendeskripsikan kemampuan pemecahan masalah siswa, kemampuan literasi matematika siswa, dan hubungan antara kedua kemampuan ini pada siswa kelas XI IPA SMA Negeri di Jakarta Timur khususnya pada materi Aplikasi Turunan Aljabar. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif deskriptif. Partisipan dalam penelitian ini teridiri 6 siswa yaitu: 2 siswa dengan Kemampuan Pemecahan Masalah tinggi, 2 siswa Kemampuan Pemecahan Masalah sedang, dan 2 siswa Kemampuan Pemecahan Masalah rendah. Pemilihan partisipan dalam penelitian ini ditentukan dengan menggunakan teknik purposive sampling. Beberapa teknik pengumpulan data dalam penelitian ini yaitu metode tes, wawancara, dan observasi. Teknik analisis data melalui 3 tahapan yaitu: reduksi data, penyajian data dan penarikan kesimpulan serta verifikasi. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian dan analisis yang dilakukan, ditemukan bahwa siswa yang memiliki kemampuan pemecahan masalah yang tinggi cenderung memiliki kemampuan literasi yang juga cukup tinggi. Sebaliknya siswa yang memiliki kemampuan pemecahan masalah rendah juga cenderung memiliki kemampuan literasi matematika yang rendah. Beberapa indikator dari kedua kemampuan ini yang saling terkait muncul ketika siswa diberi masalah untuk mengukur kedua kemampuan ini. Dapat disimpulkan bahwa pengembangan proses pembelajaran yang mendukung munculnya indikator kemampuan pemecahan masalah juga akan mendukung munculnya indikator kemampuan literasi matematika pada siswa.
Kemampuan Komunikasi Matematis Siswa pada Pembelajaran Matematika
Authors: Lubis Risa Nursamsih , Meiliasari  , Rahayu Wardani
Published: September 2023

Salah satu kemampuan yang sangat penting untuk diperhatikan dalam pembelajaran matematika adalah kemampuan komunikasi matematis siswa. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengertian kemampuan komunikasi matematis, indikator dalam mengukur kemampuan komunikasi matematis dan model pembelajaran yang diharapkan dapat meningkatkan kemampuan komunikasi matematis siswa. Metode yang digunakan adalah deskriptif, dengan mendeskripsikan hasil kajian Pustaka dari sekurang-kurangnya 25 artikel yang relevan. Hasil dari penelitian ini yaitu : (1) kemampuan komunikasi matematis terdiri atas komunikasi lisan dan komunikasi tulisan. kemampuan komunikasi matematis lisan adalah kemampuan seseorang dalam menyampaikan informasi, menyampaikan ide atau gagasan matematika melalui diskusi dan presentasi yang disampaikan secara jelas dan sistematis. komunikasi matematis tertulis adalah kemampuan seseorang dalam mengungkapkan ide matematika melalui gambar/grafik, tabel, persamaan, dalam tulisan dengan bahasa siswa sendiri (2) indikator kemampuan komunikasi matematis : 1) Menjelaskan ide, situasi, dan relasi matematis secara tulisan dengan benda nyata, gambar, grafik dan aljabar. 2) Menghubungkan benda nyata, gambar atau diagram ke dalam ide matematika. 3) Menyatakan peristiwa sehari-hari dalam bahasa atau simbol matematika. (3) Model pembelajaran yang dapat meningkatkan kemampuan komunikasi matematis diantaranya: Model pembelajaran problem based learning (PBL) , Model Pembelajaran think talk write (TTW) dan Model Pembelajaran Think Pair Share (TPS).
Pengaruh Pendekatan Konstrukivisme dengan Strategi Group Investigation terhadap Pemahaman Konsep Matematis Siswa SMP Negeri 99 Jakarta
Authors: Aprilia Monika , Tri Murdiyanto  , Sovia Anny
Published: September 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menginvestigasi pengaruh pendekatan konstruktivisme dengan strategi group investigation terhadap pemahaman konsep matematis siswa SMP Negeri 99 Jakarta. Metode penelitian ini adalah metode quasi experiment dengan post-test only control group design. Teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan purposive sampling dan cluster random sampling diperoleh sampel penelitian yaitu peserta didik kelas VIII-A sebagai kelas kontrol dan VIII-C sebagai kelas eksperimen. Instrumen yang digunakan adalah instrumen tes kemampuan pemahaman konsep matematis pada materi peluang yang telah dinyatakan diuji validitas dan reliabilitasnya. Hasil pengujian hipotesis statistik uji-t dengan taraf signifikansi
Development and Assessment of a Patient “Journey Guide” for Adult Traumatic Brachial Plexus Injury
Authors: Navarro Brendan , Liebendorfer Adam , Voorhees Mychal , Beamer Yosita , Ehrlich Elise , Brogan David M. , Dy Christopher J.
Published: September 2023

Background:

Patients with a traumatic brachial plexus injury (BPI) have previously identified the need for improved patient education tools, emphasizing the importance of communicating outcome expectations, providing attention to the emotional aspects of the injury and the treatment of pain, and acknowledging the needs of caregivers. We created a journey guide, a BPI-specific educational tool, to address these deficiencies. In this study, we determined the acceptability of the journey guide through surveys of and semistructured interviews with patients with a BPI.

Methods:

The journey guide was created by a multidisciplinary team focusing on previously defined areas for the improvement of patient education and care delivery related to BPI. To assess the acceptability of the journey guide, we recruited 19 participants from the brachial plexus clinic of our institution and the United Brachial Plexus Network to complete a series of surveys and semistructured interviews. Participants completed surveys regarding their satisfaction with the journey guide, and we conducted semistructured interviews to assess patient BPI experiences and impressions of the journey guide and to seek feedback. Interview transcripts were qualitatively analyzed to determine common themes for improvement.

Results:

A total of 19 participants with a mean age of 44.7 years were included. The cohort was predominantly male (13 participants) and White (16 participants). The mean time since BPI was 12.9 years, ranging from 2.0 to 39.7 years. On a visual analog scale, satisfaction with the journey guide was given a mean score of 8.4; expected usefulness when a patient is first injured, 8.7; potential for continued use, 7.3; and the fit for the BPI community, 8.8. Qualitative analysis demonstrated a primarily positive view of the guide and identified 4 major themes: (1) visuals and quotes improve clarity and engagement, (2) the journey guide would be most useful immediately following an injury, (3) the journey guide is an effective organizational tool, and (4) it is difficult to orient patients toward future hardships.

Conclusions:

The journey guide successfully filled a gap in the current care for BPI and was largely deemed acceptable by patients with a BPI. Specifically, participants found the journey guide to be a concise educational resource and an effective organizational tool. Participants also indicated that areas for improvement include the increased use of graphics and images and recognition of the greater BPI community with which patients can engage.
Use of Digital Elevation Models in Metallogenic Investigations on the Example of the Central Part of the Lower Amur Province
Authors: Gil’manova G.Z. , Nosyrev M.Yu. , Didenko A.N.
Published: September 2023

—The digital elevation model (SRTM03) of the central part of the Lower Amur province is analyzed. The Limuri–Amgun ring structure is identified on the basis of a set of features, and it is also the location of the Pilda–Limuri and Kherpuchin–V’yunsky gold-ore regions, as well as the Albazino deposit, known for large industrial gold deposits and many small deposits and ore occurrences. The distribution of linear and ring elements of the relief is analyzed and geologically interpreted, and its spatial relationship with gold deposits and ore occurrences is shown. The relationship between the morphological severity of the ring structure and the deep structure of the region is shown. It is revealed that the structure is magmatic and characterized by a high concentration of intrusive bodies. According to the reference data on the age and composition of the igneous complexes of the region, the formation of the ring structure is associated with the processes of formation and transformation of the Earth’s crust and upper mantle during the end of the Late Cretaceous and the onset of the Paleocene in a suprasubduction geodynamic setting.
CRF regulates pain sensation by enhancement of corticoaccumbal excitatory synaptic transmission
Authors: Cao Jun-Li , Zhao Weinan , Wang Xiao-Yi , Xia Sun-Hui , Ma Yu , Li He , Yu Yumei , Xu Zheng , Yang Jun-Xia , Wu Peng , Zhang Hongxing , Ding Hai-Lei
Published: September 2023

Both peripheral and central CRF systems have been implicated in regulating pain sensation. However, compared with the peripheral, the mechanisms underlying central CRF system in pain modulation have not yet been elucidated, especially at the neural circuit level. The corticoaccumbal circuit, a structure rich in CRF receptors and CRF-positive neurons, plays an important role in behavioral responses to stressors including nociceptive stimuli. The present study was designed to investigate whether and how CRF signaling in this circuit regulated pain sensation under physiological and pathological pain conditions. Our studies employed the viral tracing and circuit-, and cell-specific electrophysiological methods to label mPFCCRF-NAcS circuit and record its neuronal propriety. Combining optogenetic and chemogenetic manipulation, neuropharmacological methods, and behavioral tests, we were able to precisely manipulate this circuit and depicted its role in regulation of pain sensation. The current study found that the CRF signaling in the NAcS, but not NAc core, was necessary and sufficient for the regulation of pain sensation under physiological and pathological pain conditions. This process was involved in the CRF-mediated enhancement of excitatory synaptic transmission in the NAcS. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the mPFCCRFneurons monosynaptically connected with the NAcS neurons. Chronic pain increased the release of CRF into NAcS, and then maintained the persistent NAcS neuronal hyperactivity through enhancement of this monosynaptic excitatory connection, and thus sustained chronic pain behavior. These findings reveal a novel cell- and circuit-based mechanistic link between chronic pain and the mPFCCRF→NAcS circuit and provide a potential new therapeutic target for chronic pain.
Microstructural Cortical Gray Matter Changes Preceding Accelerated Volume Changes in Individuals at Clinical High Risk for Psychosis
Authors: Cho Kang Ik , Pasternak Ofer , Zhang Fan , Penzel Nora , Seitz-Holland Johanna , Tang Yingying , Zhang Tianhong , Xu Lihua , Li Huijun , Keshavan Matcheri , Whitfield-Gabrielli Sue , Niznikiewicz Margaret , Stone William , Wang Jijun , Shenton Martha
Published: September 2023

Recent studies show that accelerated cortical gray matter (GM) volume reduction seen in anatomical MRI can help distinguish between individuals at clinical high risk (CHR) for psychosis who will develop psychosis and those who will not. This reduction is thought to result from an accumulation of microstructural changes, such as decreased spine density and dendritic arborization. Detecting the microstructural sources of these changes before they accumulate is crucial, as volume reduction likely indicates an underlying neurodegenerative process. Our study aimed to detect these microstructural GM alterations using diffusion MRI (dMRI). We tested for baseline and longitudinal group differences in anatomical and dMRI data from 160 individuals at CHR and 96 healthy controls (HC) acquired in a single imaging site. Eight cortical lobes were examined for GM volume and GM microstructure. A novel dMRI measure, interstitial free water (iFW), was used to quantify GM microstructure by eliminating cerebrospinal fluid contribution. Additionally, we assessed whether these measures differentiated the 33 individuals at CHR who developed psychosis (CHR-P) from the 127 individuals at CHR who did not (CHR-NP). At baseline the CHR group had significantly higher iFW than HC in the prefrontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital lobes, while volume was reduced only in the temporal lobe. Neither iFW nor volume differentiated between the CHR-P and CHR-NP groups at baseline. However, in most brain areas, the CHR-P group demonstrated significantly accelerated iFW increase and volume reduction with time than the CHR-NP group. Our results demonstrate that microstructural GM changes in individuals at CHR have a wider extent than volumetric changes and they predate the acceleration of brain changes that occur around psychosis onset. Microstructural GM changes are thus an early pathology at the prodromal stage of psychosis that may be useful for early detection and a better mechanistic understanding of psychosis development.
Single Session Combined Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS), Magnetic Field, and Light Therapy by A Multifunctional Device in Pain Management After Acute Soft Tissue Injuries Among Athletes_ A Case-Control Study in Sweden
Authors: Carnefeldt Sebastian John , Yarmohammadi Ali Arab
Published: September 2023

Objective
The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of single-session combined LIPUS, magnetic field therapy, and the two light therapies (invisible infrared and Blue) using a multifunctional device in pain management after acute soft tissue injuries among athletes.
Methods
During the period of Feb-May 2023, a case-control study was conducted in Sweden among one hundred (100) athletes with various soft tissue injuries. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) measures pain intensity was used to compare between the LipusPlus therapy group and the Sham group.
Results
The analysis revealed that the LipusPlus therapy had a more pronounced impact on pain reduction compared to the Sham treatment. The LipusPlus group reported greater VAS reduction (2.460 on the VAS scale) compared to the Sham group (0.120 on the VAS scale). No adverse events were reported.
Conclusion
Combination therapy with devices like LipusPlus is a promising safe and effective alternative therapy for early pain management among athletes with acute soft tissue injuries which addresses the unique needs of athletes for rapid recovery by a potential synergic effect of multiple modalities. Combination therapy can be a valuable armament in physiotherapy and sports medicine arsenal.
Evaluation of gut microbial diversity and correlation in asymptomatic and symptomatic patients with hand, foot and mouth disease
Authors: Jin Hongwei , Feng Bin , Gong Wenxiao , Chen Xiaoliang , Wang Dongli , Li Yan , Huang Weijun , Peng Wenting
Published: September 2023

With the proposal of the concept of "metagenomics" and the development of sequencing technology, 16S rRNA gene profiling has been widely applied in the survey of microbial diversity. This study explored the gut microbiota of children with hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). We enrolled 24 cases with asymptomatic and symptomatic HFMD from January 2022 to October 2022 at a median age of three years. The controls were 19 healthy children of a similar age who underwent routine health examinations at the hospital during the same period. Gut microbiota was analyzed using high throughput 16S ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid sequencing (16S rRNA sequencing). The gut microbiota, both in asymptomatic and symptomatic HFMD patients, was distinct from the controls. Compared with the controls, the composition of gut microbiota in the HFMD cases represented a significant difference. The dysbiosis of gut microbiota of the HFMD cases included a reduction of butyrate-producing bacteria and an up-regulation of inflammation-inducing bacteria. These may have impaired the intestinal biological mucosal barrier and host immune functions, promoting the invasion of the enterovirus. In this study, aiming to preliminarily evaluate the characteristics of the diversity in the intestinal flora of patients with severe pneumonia, which can help to formulate new preventive and therapeutic strategies.
Autotetraploid synthetic seeds of Ficus carica L. exhibit a superior cold acclimation system than their origin diploids
Authors: Abdolinejad Ruhollah , Shekafandeh Akhtar
Published: September 2023

The current study investigates cold conservation of Synseeds of two fig cytotypes using sodium alginate 3% and nodal segments as explants. The biometrical and some important physiochemical parameters were evaluated to determine the cold acclimation responses of both cytotypes’ Synseeds. Results demonstrated that in the 9th month of conservation, 37.5% of autotetraploid Synseeds had survived, whereas all diploid Synseeds had died. The survival rate of autotetraploid Synseeds (87.5%) in the 6th month of conservation was significantly higher than that of their origin diploids (54.16%). Autotetraploid Synseeds produced significantly lower amounts of stress indexes such as H2O2 and MDA (53.7% and 31.7%, respectively) during the cold conservation period, particularly in the 6th month of conservation, than their origin diploids; which were accompanied by a lower ion leakage (49.75%) and a higher water content (8.34%) compared to their origin diploids. Furthermore, autotetraploid Synseeds exhibited superior capability of accumulating cell osmolytes in the 6th month of conservation than their origin diploids, including higher contents up to 34.62% TSS, 73.78% proline, and 43.96% glycine betaine. The activity of two key antioxidant enzymes of CAT and APX was also significantly higher in autotetraploid Synseeds up to 48.14% and 30.29% in the 6th month of conservation, respectively, than in their origin diploids. According to the findings, it could be concluded that the autotetraploid cytotype has significantly more tolerance to cold stress due to its superior cold acclimation strategies, mainly including the osmolytes accumulation and cell detoxification dependent on antioxidant enzymes, than their origin diploid cytotype.
High-quality HfO2/HfSe2 gate stack for low-power steep-switching computing devices
Authors: Lee Sungjoo , Kang Taeho , Park Joonho , Jung Hanggyo , Choi Haeju , Lee Nayeong , Jeon Jongwook , Kim Yong-Hoon
Published: September 2023

Herein, we report a high-quality gate stack (native HfO2 formed on 2D HfSe2) fabricated via plasma oxidation, realizing an atomically sharp interface with a suppressed interface trap density (Dit ~ 5×1010 cm− 2 eV− 1). The chemically converted HfO2 exhibits dielectric constant, κ ~ 23, resulting in low gate leakage current (~ 10− 3 A/cm2) at EOT ~ 0.5 nm. Density functional calculations indicated that the atomistic mechanism for achieving a high-quality interface is the possibility of O atoms replacing the Se atoms of the interfacial HfSe2 layer without a substitution energy barrier, allowing layer-by-layer oxidation to proceed. The field-effect-transistor-fabricated HfO2/HfSe2 gate stack demonstrated an almost ideal subthreshold slope (SS) of ~ 61 mV/dec (over four orders of IDS) at room temperature (300 K), along with a high Ion/Ioff ratio of ~ 108 and a small hysteresis of ~ 10 mV. Furthermore, we fabricated HfO2/HfSe2 based impact-ionization FET with a separately controlled channel structure, demonstrating the steep-switching characteristics of SS ~ 3.43 mV/dec at room temperature, overcoming the Boltzmann limit. Our results provide a significant step toward the realization of post-Si semiconducting devices for future energy-efficient data-centric computing electronics.
Distribution characteristics of Hg2+ and methylmercury in natural organic matter with different molecular weights
Authors: Zhang Dan
Published: September 2023

Natural organic matter (NOM) is a very important environmental medium in the aquatic environment. Hg2+ and methylmercury (MeHg) in the aquatic environment are mostly present in the form by combining with NOM. The distribution characteristics of Hg2+ and MeHg affects their transport and transformation in the aquatic environment. However, the distribution characteristics in molecular weight fractionated natural organic matters (Mf-NOM) are still unclear. In this study, the distribution characteristics of Hg2+ and MeHg in Mf-NOM were studied by isotope tracer technology. We observed that when both Hg2+ and MeHg were distributed in Mf-NOM, Hg2+ tended to distribute in higher molecular weight Mf-NOM, while MeHg preferred to the lower ones. These distributions had a strong correlation with pH. They was also affected by thiol-containing small molecules, which can bind with both Hg2+ and MeHg to form a more stable substance. Moreover, the composition and pH of water play a key role in determining the distribution characteristics of Hg2+ and MeHg in actual environment.
Relationships between cystatin C‑ and creatinine‑based eGFR in older adults with frailty
Authors: Shi Xiaotian , Wang Shan , Yang Huayu , Yang Yifan , Li Xu , Ma Qing
Published: September 2023

Background Frailty is commonly observed in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD), as indicated by a decrease in physical function indicators such as grip strength and gait speed, which are linked to the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).
Objective We hypothesizedthat the ratio of cystatin C-based eGFR (eGFRcys) to creatinine-based eGFR (eGFRcr) could serve as an indicator offrailty.
Methods This cross-sectional study included 502 individuals(≥60). The Fried Frailty Phenotype (FFP) defines frailty. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to assess the predictive efficacy of the eGFRcys/eGFRcr and to calculatethe area under the curve (AUC). The cutoff value was determined to optimize both test sensitivity and specificity.
Results The prevalence of frailty was 10.6%. The age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (ACCI) (OR=1.759, 95% CI 1.374-2.252), polypharmacy (OR=0.379,95% CI 0.190-0.755) and MNA-SF scores (OR=0.596,95% CI 0.488-0.729) were factors related tofrailty. ROC curve analysis showed that eGFRcys/eGFRcr had some predictive value for frailty, with an AUC of 0.665 (95% CI 0.622-0.706), a sensitivity of 60.38%, a specificity of 70.38%, and an optimal cutoff value of 0.3076. With the addition of MNA.SF, there was a significant increase in the AUC for diagnosing frailty to 0.749 (95% CI 0.709-0.786), with a sensitivity of 62.26% and specificity of 83.74%.
Conclusion The prevalence of frailty is high among older individuals and is associated with several factors, including ACCI, polypharmacy and malnutrition. A combination of a lower eGFRcys/eGFRcre ratio and MNA. SF may serve as a potential marker for detecting frailty.
Repeated Omicron infection dampens immune imprinting from vaccination and induces broad neutralizing profiles against other Omicron sub-variants
Authors: Yang Yang , Gong Xiaohua , Peng Ling , Wang Fuxiang , Liu Jiexiang , Peng Yun , Niu Siyu , Yin Juzhen , GUO Liping , Tang Yimin , Liu Yingxia , Lu Hongzhou
Published: September 2023

Protection from boosting with updated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines containing emerging Omicron sub-variants like BA.1 or BA.5 was not satisfying, especially the neutralizing ability against the newly emerged BQ and XBB related variants. Similar with influenza virus, antigenic drift is highly relevant to SARS-CoV-2 evolution, and immune imprinting may limit the performance of updated vaccines. In this study, we investigated whether repeated infection with Omicron variant could reduce the immune imprinting. A total of 194 participants with different status of vaccination (unvaccinated, regular vaccination and booster vaccination) confirmed for first infection and re-infection with BA.5, BF.7 and XBB variants were enrolled, and the neutralizing profiles against wild type (WT) SARS-CoV-2 and Omicron sub-variants were analyzed. The results showed that neutralizing potency against the corresponding infected variant is significantly hampered along with the doses of vaccination during first infection. However, for the participants with first infection of BA.5/BF.7 variants and re-infection of XBB variant, immune imprinting was obviously alleviated, indicated as significantly increased ratio of the corresponding infected variant/WT ID50 titers and higher percentage of samples with high neutralizing activities (ID50 > 500) against BA.5, BF.7 and XBB variants. Moreover, repeated Omicron infection could induce strong neutralizing potency with broad neutralizing profiles against a series of other Omicron sub-variants including the newly emerged EG.5.1 variant, both in the vaccine naïve and vaccine experienced individuals. In conclusion, our results provide useful information for the antigen selection and vaccination strategies, and indicated that repeated boosting vaccination with Omicron based vaccines especially the XBB sub-variant without the WT spike protein might achieve broad and efficient antibody responses against Omicron variant.
Effect of mixed Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection on rapid molecular diagnostics among patients starting MDR-TB treatment in Uganda
Authors: Komakech Kevin , Nakiyingi Lydia , Fred Ashab , Achan Beatrice , Joloba Moses , Kirenga Bruce J , Ssengooba Willy
Published: September 2023

Background: We evaluated the effect of mixed-MTB strain infection on the performance of Line Probe Assay (LPA) and GeneXpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) assays among patients initiating MDR-TB treatment in Uganda
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using sputum specimens collected from participants screened for STREAM 2 clinical trial between October 2017 and October 2019. Samples from 62 MTB smear-positive patients and rifampicin-resistant patients from the peripheral health facilities were processed for Xpert and LPA as screening tests for eligibility in the trial. From November 2020, processed stored sputum samples were retrieved and genotyped to determine the presence of mixed-MTB strain infection using a standard 24-locus Mycobacterial Interspersed Repetitive Unit–Variable Number Tandem-Repeat (MIRU-VNTR). Samples with at least 20/24 MIRU-VNTR loci amplified were considered for analysis. Agar proportional Drug Susceptibility Test (DST) was performed on culture isolates of samples that had discordant results between LPA and Xpert. The impact of the presence of mixed-MTB strain on Xpert and LPA test interpretation was analyzed.
Results: A total of 53/62 (85%) samples had analyzable results from MIRU-VNTR. The overall prevalence of mixed-MTB infection was 5/53 (9.4%). The prevalence was highest among males 3/33 (9.7%) and among middle-aged adults, 4/30 (13.3%). Lineage 4 of MTB contributed 3/33 (9.1%) of the mixed-MTB infection prevalence. Having mixed MTB strain infection increased the odds of false susceptible Xpert test results (OR 7.556, 95% CI 0.88-64.44) but not for LPA. Being HIV-positive (P=0.04) independently predicted the presence of mixed MTB infection.
Conclusions: The presence of mixed-MTB strain infection may affect the performance of the GeneXpert test but not for LPA. For patients with high pre-test probability of rifampicin resistance, an alternative rapid method such as LPA should be considered.
Defining and optimising the economic and social return on investment of telephone cancer information and support services: a research protocol
Authors: McCaffrey Nikki , White Vicki , Engel Lidia , Mihalopoulos Cathrine , Orellana Liliana , Livingston Patricia , Paul Christine , Aranda Sanchia , De Silva Daswin , Bucholc Jessica , Hutchinson Alison , Steiner Anna , Ratcliffe Julie , Lane Katherine , Spence Danielle , Harper Todd A , Livingstone Ann , Fradgley Elizabeth , Hutchinson Claire
Published: September 2023

Background
Over 50% of people affected by cancer report unmet support needs. To address unmet information and psychological needs, non-government organisations such as Macmillan Support (UK) and Cancer Councils (Australia) have developed state-based cancer information and support services, including telephone support. Due to competing demands, evidence on the value of telephone support services is needed to ensure that future investment makes the best use of scarce resources. This research aims to determine the costs and broader economic and social value of a telephone support service, to inform future funding and service provision models.
Methods
A co-designed, evaluative social return on investment analysis (SROI) will be conducted to estimate and compare the costs and monetised benefits of Cancer Council Victoria’s (CCV) telephone support line, 13 11 20, over one- and three-year benefit periods. Nine studies will empirically estimate the parameters to inform the SROI and calculate the ratio (economic and social value to value invested): Step 1 mapping outcomes (in-depth analysis of CCV’s 13 11 20 recorded call data; focus groups and interviews); Step 2 providing evidence of outcomes (comparative survey of people affected by cancer who do and do not call CCV’s 13 11 20; general public survey); Step 3 valuing the outcomes (financial proxies, value games); Step 4 establishing the impact (Delphi); Step 5 calculating the net benefit; and Step 6 service improvement (discrete choice experiment (DCE), “what if” analysis). Alternative ways of delivering, promoting, and targeting CCV’s 13 11 20 to optimise the SROI ratio of inputs (costs and resources) to monetised benefits will be explored. Qualitative (focus groups, interviews) and quantitative studies (natural language processing, cross-sectional studies, Delphi) and economic techniques (willingness-to-pay, financial proxies, value games, DCE) will be applied.
Discussion
This SROI applies a comprehensive and rigorous program of research using mixed-methods to generate robust evidence for identifying, measuring, and reporting the broader benefits and outcomes, and economic and social value of a telephone support line. The protocol describes the program methods and provides a potential guide for evaluating telephone support services and similar programs in other health and social care settings, advancing SROI methodology.
The use of late preterm antenatal corticosteroids in women with gestational diabetes at risk of late preterm delivery: a puzzle worth solving
Authors: Özkan Sadullah , Dereli Murat Levent , Kurt Dilara , Kurt Ahmet , Sucu Sadun , Fıratlıgil Fahri Burçin , İşleyen Fatih , Çelen Şevki , Üstün Yaprak Engin
Published: September 2023

Background: To investigate the association between late preterm antenatal corticosteroid treatment and outcome in late preterm neonates born to mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus,
Methods: All patients with gestational diabetes mellitus who had a late preterm delivery at Etlik Lady Zübeyde Hospital between 2017 and 2021 were included. Women who met the inclusion criteria and were not given antenatal corticosteroid treatment during current pregnancy before 34 0/7 weeks of gestation were divided into two groups according to whether or not they received late preterm antenatal corticosteroid treatment. The two groups were compared in terms of adverse neonatal complications. The main outcomes were composite respiratory outcome and composite neonatal outcome. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine additional potential predictors of neonatal outcome.
Results: This retrospective cohort study included a total of 400 participants with gestational diabetes mellitus who had a late preterm delivery within the study period. Of these women, 196 (49%) received late preterm antenatal corticosteroid treatment. Main outcomes showed no difference. Decreasing gestational age at birth was identified as an independent risk factor predicting both composite respiratory outcome and composite neonatal outcome in multivariate logistic regression analysis.
Conclusions: Antenatal corticosteroid treatment at or after 34 0/7 weeks of gestation in women with gestational diabetes mellitus who had a late preterm delivery was not associated with improvement in adverse neonatal outcomes. Decreasing gestational age at birth was the only independent risk factor predicting composite neonatal and composite respiratory outcomes.
Risk factors of the antenatal depression in a sample of Italian pregnant women: A preliminary study
Authors: Sergi Maria Rita , Saggino Aristide , Balsamo Michela , Picconi Laura , Anchora Luigi , Tommasi Marco
Published: September 2023

Background: Antenatal depression is characterized by low mood, insomnia, disorganised behaviour, irritability, and agitation during the pregnancy. If underestimated, antenatal depression is untreated during the pregnancy. It is associated to higher levels of suicide, higher risk of depression after childbirth, preeclampsia, preterm birth, low birth weight, poor interactions between child and mother and severe obstetric outcomes. New data underlined the importance to prevent the risk of depression during the pregnancy. This study examines the predictive validity of potential risk factors, such as socio-demographic and psychological factors, in developing the antenatal depression.
Methods: The sample was composed by Italian pregnant women (N=247, mean age of 33.77, SD=4.78 years). This sample completed the Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Teate Depression Inventory (TDI) and questionnaires about demographic variables. To study associations among variables examined bivariate correlations were computed. To analyse the role of socio-demographic factors and the psychological dimension to predict the severity of the antenatal depression a logistic regression was performed.
Results: Results showed significantly positive correlations between the EPDS and the TDI, and no associations among the EPDS and all socio-demographic factors. Therefore, only the psychological factors were significant predictive risk factors of antenatal period. Finally, higher score of the depression measured via TDI predicted higher score of the EPDS.
Conclusions: Our results had implications in clinical field. Indeed, the early diagnosis of depression during the pregnancy can help operators in the gynaecological field to prevent the depression in the post-partum period.
The Effectiveness of evidence-based nursing intervention for nasal irrigation after endoscopic sinus surgery in patients with chronic sinusitis：a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wang Lei , lv Yaru , Chang Xiaowei , Wang Mengyao , Wang Juan , Yang Jianwen , Zhang Chunming
Published: September 2023

Objective
To evaluate its effect of an evidence-based nursing program for nasal irrigation after endoscopic sinus surgery in patients with chronic sinusitis.
Methods
A total of 66 patients with chronic sinusitis who were randomly divided into two groups, the experimental group received evidence-based nasal irrigation nursing, and the control group received conventional nursing. Differences in VAS, SNOT-20, CT, LKES and overall efficacy were assessed between the two groups.
Results
2, 4 and 12 weeks after the intervention, the scores of VAS, SNOT-20, CT and LKES in the two groups were significantly lower than those before the surgery (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the scores were significantly lower in the experimental group (P < 0.05). 12 weeks after the intervention, the overall effective rate of treatment in the experimental group was 90.91%, while the control group was 72.73%, but the difference was not statistically significant in treatment effect(P > 0.05).
Conclusion
The implementation of nasal irrigation evidence-based nursing program for patients with chronic sinusitis after endoscopic sinus surgery can promote postoperative nasal mucosal recovery, improve treatment efficiency, and help improve patient comfort, quality of life and other subjective feelings.
Trial registration
The study was registered retrospectively with reference number ChiCTR2300075484 on 06/09/2023.
Development of Indicators and Moral Intelligence Scales for Junior High School Students: Mixed – Method Research
Authors: Prasertsin Ujsara , Sriha Kamontip , Roopsuwankul Pattama
Published: September 2023

The purposes of this research were (1) to study the indicators of moral intelligence for junior high school students, (2) to develop moral intelligence scales for junior high school students, and (3) to assess the needs of moral intelligence for junior high school students. By the mixed-method research, the sample group used in the research was 11 key informants for in-depth interviews, 100 students in mixed classes of 20 schools, 1,997 students in total. The results show the following: 1. The moral intelligence indicators for junior high school students consisted of 6 indicators: Equality, Empathy, Morality, Tolerance, Self-control, and Kindness. 2. To create moral intelligence scales for junior high school students, the Cronbach's alpha coefficients for each section were.939,.920 and.841, respectively. With corroborative component analysis classified by the overall composition, it was found that the mean was at a high level (M = 3.955), with a low distribution with a standard deviation (SD) of 0.576 and a distribution coefficient (C.V.) of 14.566. 3. For needs assessment of moral intelligence for junior high school students, it was found that the third component of morality had the most needs (PNImodified=0.095), followed by the 5th component of self-control (PNImodified=0.081), the second component of empathy (PNImodified=0.075), the 4th component of tolerance (PNImodified=0.073), the 6th component of kindness (PNImodified=0.055) and the first component of equality (PNImodified=0.053).
Optimizing Three-Dimensional Stencil-Operations on Heterogeneous Computing Environments
Authors: Herrmann Nina , Dieckmann Justus , Kuchen Herbert
Published: September 2023

Complex algorithms and enormous data sets require parallel execution of programs to attain results in a reasonable amount of time. Both aspects are combined in the domain of three-dimensional stencil operations, for example, computational fluid dynamics. This work contributes to the research on high-level parallel programming by discussing the generalizable implementation of a three-dimensional stencil skeleton that works in heterogeneous computing environments. Two exemplary programs, a gas simulation with the Lattice Boltzmann method, and a mean blur, are executed in a multi-node multi-graphics processing units environment, proving the runtime improvements in heterogeneous computing environments compared to a sequential program.
Ultrasound-triggered and Glycosylation Inhibition-enhanced Tumor Piezocatalytic Immunotherapy
Authors: Shi Jianlin , Wu Wencheng , Pu Yinying , Bing Jinhong , Wang Liang , Chen Mingqi , Shen Cuiyu , Gao Shuang , Zhou Min
Published: September 2023

Nanocatalytic immunotherapy holds excellent potential for future cancer therapy due to its rapid activation of the immune system to attack tumor cells. However, a high level of N-glycosylation can protect tumor cells, compromising the anticancer immunity of nanocatalytic immunotherapy. Herein, a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-sensitive scaffold (DBG), comprised of the synergistic components of piezocatalytic bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3) nanosheets and glucose/mannose analog 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2-DG), is designed and engineered for enhanced cancer piezocatalytic immunotherapy. After the implantation in the tumor, DBG generates both ROS and piezoelectric signals when excited with ultrasound irradiation, significantly promoting the activation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and M1 polarization of tumor-associated macrophages. More importantly, DBG-mediated ROS generation can trigger the release of 2-DG to disrupt the N-glycans synthesis, further overcoming the immunosuppressive microenvironment of tumors. Based on four mouse cancer models, we demonstrated the synergy effects of ultrasound-triggered piezo effects and glycosylation inhibition with an enhanced tumor piezocatalytic immunotherapy. A "hot" tumor-immunity niche was produced to inhibit tumor progress and lung metastasis and elicit strong immune memory effects. This work provides a promising piezocatalytic immunotherapy for malignant solid tumors featuring both low immunogenicity and high levels of N-glycosylation.
Energy personas in Danish households
Authors: Tchatchoua Nadine Sandjo , Madsen Line Valdorff , Hansen Anders Rhiger
Published: September 2023

Technologies to monitor the provision of renewable energy are part of emerging technologies to help address the discrepancy between renewable energy production and its related usage in households. This paper presents various ways householders use a technological artifact for the real-time monitoring of renewable energy provision. Such a monitoring thus affords householders with an opportunity to adjust their energy consumption according to renewable energy provision. In Denmark, EWII (previously Barry) is a Danish energy supplier which provides householders with an opportunity to monitor energy sources in ‘real time’ through a technological solution of the same name. This paper uses EWII’s provision as a case for exploring how householders organize themselves to use a technological artefact that supports the monitoring of energy– and its related usage. This study aims to inform technology design through the derivation of four (4) personas. The derived personas highlight the differences in households’ energy monitoring practices and engagement. These personas are characterised as 1) dedicated, 2) organised, 3) sporadic, and 4) convenient. Understanding these differences in energy monitoring practice using the technological artefact form a solid element in the design of future energy technologies that interfere with households’ everyday practices and energy consumption. This is paramount for future energy related technology design, and for the clarification of usage assumptions that are embedded in the rollout of energy related technology as Denmark moves through its green transition.