bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum isthmin-1 levels are positively and independently correlated with albuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Wang Chuan , Xu Mingyue , Feng Ruiying , Zhang Lei , Yin Xiaofei , Feng Ruoqi , Liang Kai , Liu Jinbo
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Isthmin-1 (Ism-1), as a novel adipokine, plays a role in glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism. However, the relationship between Ism-1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the association of serum Ism-1 levels with albuminuria and insulin resistance in patients with T2DM and preserved renal function.

Research design and methods

A total of 150 patients with T2DM were recruited. The presence of albuminuria was evaluated by urinary albumin:creatinine ratio (UACR) in first morning urine sample. Serum Ism-1 levels were tested by ELISA. Homeostasis model assessments were used to evaluate insulin resistance. Binary logistic regression and multivariable linear regression analyses were used to assess the association of serum Ism-1 levels with albuminuria. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to explore the correlation of serum Ism-1 levels with insulin resistance.

Results

Compared with the normal-albuminuria and microalbuminuria groups, serum Ism-1 levels were significantly higher in the macroalbuminuria group (p<0.01). Binary logistic regression analyses showed that serum Ism-1 was positively associated with odds of albuminuria even after multiple adjustments (OR=4.766, p=0.013). Serum Ism-1 was positively associated with log10-transformed UACR (β=0.625, p<0.001). However, the associations between serum Ism-1 levels and insulin resistance were not observed in patients with T2DM.

Conclusions

Serum Ism-1 levels were positively and independently correlated with the severity of albuminuria in patients with T2DM but not with insulin resistance.
Factors associated with risk behaviours towards hepatitis B among migrant workers: a cross-sectional study based on theory of planned behaviour
Authors: Xiang Hui , Li Mingjing , Xiao Meng , Liu Min , Su Xiaoshan , Wang Dashu , Li Ke , Chen Rui , Gan Lin , Chu Kun , Tian Yu , Tang Xiaojun , Lei Xun
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Rural-to-urban migrant workers are susceptible to hepatitis B because of lack of self-protection awareness and social support. The aim of this study was to explore the factors influencing risk behaviours for hepatitis B among migrant workers based on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB).

Design

A cross-sectional survey.

Setting

Chongqing, China

Participant

Migrant workers

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcomes were the TPB variables. The secondary outcomes were factors explored by logistic regressions which were associated with hepatitis B related risk behaviours and behavioural intentions (BI).

Results

Of 1299 recruited migrant workers, 384 (29.56%) participants undertook risk behaviours related to hepatitis B virus infection in the 6 months prior to the survey, and 1111 (85.53%) migrant workers had the BI of doing so. Of 842 migrant workers who undertook sexual activities, 58.19% did not use condoms. Binary logistic regressions showed that migrant workers who were men (p<0.05), less educated (p<0.01), lacked hepatitis B knowledge (p<0.05) and of a young age (p<0.01), were more intent on conducting hepatitis B-related behaviours. Alcohol drinking (p<0.01) was also positively associated with hepatitis B risk. The scores of TPB variables, including attitude towards behaviour and subjective norms, were positively associated with BI when adjusted for sociodemographics (p<0.001). Meanwhile, experience of behaviour and regret feeling were positively associated with BI and actual behaviours (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively).

Conclusions

A considerable proportion of migrant workers undertake hepatitis B-related risk behaviours, and condoms are seldom used. Health education campaigns targeting the identified TPB variables may play a significant role in improving awareness of hepatitis B prevention among migrant workers, especially for those who are men, younger, alcohol drinkers, less educated and lacking hepatitis B knowledge.
Systematic literature review of cost-effectiveness analyses of robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy for localised prostate cancer
Authors: Song Chao , Cheng Lucia , Li Yanli , Kreaden Usha , Snyder Susan R
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Review and assess cost-effectiveness studies of robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) for localised prostate cancer compared with open radical prostatectomy (ORP) and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP).

Design

Systematic review.

Setting

PubMed, Embase, Scopus, International HTA database, the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination database and various HTA websites were searched (January 2005 to March 2021) to identify the eligible cost-effectiveness studies.

Participants

Cost-effectiveness, cost-utility, or cost-minimization analyses examining RARP versus ORP or LRP were included in this systematic review.

Interventions

Different surgical approaches to treat localized prostate cancer: RARP compared with ORP and LRP.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

A structured narrative synthesis was developed to summarize results of cost, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness results (eg, incremental cost-effectiveness ratio [ICER]). Study quality was assessed using the Consensus on Health Economic Criteria Extended checklist. Application of medical device features were evaluated.

Results

Twelve studies met inclusion criteria, 11 of which were cost–utility analyses. Higher quality-adjusted life-years and higher costs were observed with RARP compared with ORP or LRP in 11 studies (91%). Among four studies comparing RARP with LRP, three reported RARP was dominant or cost-effective. Among ten studies comparing RARP with ORP, RARP was more cost-effective in five, not cost-effective in two, and inconclusive in three studies. Studies with longer time horizons tended to report favorable cost-effectiveness results for RARP. Nine studies (75%) were rated of moderate or good quality. Recommended medical device features were addressed to varying degrees within the literature as follows: capital investment included in most studies, dynamic pricing considered in about half, and learning curve and incremental innovation were poorly addressed.

Conclusions

Despite study heterogeneity, RARP was more costly and effective compared with ORP and LRP in most studies and likely to be more cost-effective, particularly over a multiple year or lifetime time horizon. Further cost-effectiveness analyses for RARP that more thoroughly consider medical device features and use an appropriate time horizon are needed.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021246811.
Amphetamine-related care in the USA, 2003–2014: cross-sectional analyses examining inpatient trends and factors associated with hospitalisation outcomes
Authors: Liu Lisa J W , Crispo James A G , Bach Paxton , Ansell Dominique R , Thibault Dylan , Willis Allison W , Cragg Jacquelyn J
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Although amphetamine use is a growing health problem in the USA, there are limited data on amphetamine-related hospitalisations. The primary objective of our study was to examine trends in amphetamine-related hospitalisations in the USA between 2003 and 2014, including by age and sex. Our secondary objectives were to examine whether demographic, clinical and care setting characteristics were associated with select outcomes of amphetamine-related hospitalisations, including in-hospital mortality, prolonged length of stay and leaving against medical advice.

Design, setting and participants

Using the 2003–2014 National Inpatient Sample, we estimated the rate of amphetamine-related hospitalisations for each year in the USA among individuals 18+ years of age, stratified by age and sex. Subgroup analyses examined hospitalisations due to amphetamine causes. Unconditional logistic regression modelling was used to estimate the adjusted odds of admission outcomes for sociodemographic, clinical and hospital indicators.

Primary and secondary outcomes

Our primary outcome was amphetamine-related hospitalisations between 2003 and 2014; secondary outcomes included in-hospital mortality, prolonged length of stay and leaving against medical advice.

Results

Amphetamine-related hospitalisation rates increased from 27 to 69 per 100 000 population between 2003 and 2014. Annual rates were consistently greater among younger (18–44 years) individuals and men. Regional differences were observed, with admission to Western hospitals being associated with increased mortality (adjusted OR, AOR 5.07, 95% CI 1.22 to 21.04) and shorter (0–2 days) lengths of stay (AOR 0.70, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.83) compared with Northeast admissions. Males (AOR 1.26, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.38; compared with females) and self-pay (AOR 2.30, 95% CI 1.90 to 2.79; compared with private insurance) were associated with leaving against medical advice.

Conclusions

Increasing rates of amphetamine-related hospitalisation risk being overshadowed by other public health crises. Regional amphetamine interventions may offer the greatest population health benefits. Future studies should examine long-term outcomes among patients hospitalised for amphetamine-related causes.
Level of knowledge on low-dose CT lung cancer screening in Sichuan province, China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Ruicen , Luo Li , Tao Wenjuan , Huang Wenxia , Bao Ting
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Low-dose CT (LDCT) can help determine the early stage of lung cancer and reduce mortality. However, knowledge of lung cancer and lung cancer screening among community residents and medical workers, and potential factors that may affect medical institutions to set up LDCT are limited.

Design

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Sichuan province, China, in 2021. Community residents, medical workers and medical institutions were randomly selected, and participants responded to related questionnaires. Knowledge of lung cancer and LDCT lung cancer screening was evaluated. Data analyses were performed using SAS V.9.4.

Results

A total of 35 692 residents, 6350 medical workers and 81 medical institutions were recruited; 4.05% of the residents were very familiar with lung cancer and 37.89% were (completely) unfamiliar. Characteristics, such as age and level of education, were significantly related to residents who were very familiar with lung cancer. Furthermore, 22.87% of the residents knew that LDCT can effectively screen for early-stage lung cancer, which was correlated with smoking (OR 1.1300; 95% CI 1.0540 to 1.2110; p=0.006) and family history of cancer (OR 1.2210; 95% CI 1.1400 to 1.3080; p<0.0001); 66.06% of medical workers believed that LDCT can detect early-stage lung cancer. Technicians and nurses were less knowledgeable than doctors about whether LDCT can effectively screen for early-stage lung cancer (OR 0.6976; 95% CI 0.5399 to 0.9015; p=0.0059 and OR 0.6970; 95% CI 0.5718 to 0.8496; p=0.0004, respectively). Setting up LDCT in medical institutions was related to grade, administrative rank, number of hospital beds that opened and total number of medical workers.

Conclusions

The knowledge of lung cancer in residents is relatively low, and the knowledge of LDCT in screening (early-stage) lung cancer needs to be improved both in residents and medical workers. Possible factors that affect medical institutions to set up LDCT may need to be incorporated.
Describing and mapping scientific articles on alcohol globally for the period 2010–2021: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Jaeger Laslo , Devi Tanmay , Barbazza Erica , Neufeld Maria , Franz Christian , Marten Robert , Tello Juan E
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To describe and map scientific literature related to alcohol consumption, its determinants, governance, harm and control policies by publication output, author affiliations, funding, countries of study and research themes.

Design

Bibliometric analysis using performance analysis and science mapping techniques.

Data sources

Scientific articles.

Eligibility criteria

Indexed scientific articles published between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2021 with an English abstract focused on alcohol consumption, its determinants, harms, governance and control policies.

Data extraction and synthesis

Searches were run in Web of Science and PubMed. Performance metrics were analysed using descriptive statistics. Keywords were used for science mapping in a deductive approach to cluster articles by five main research themes. The ‘policy response’ theme was further analysed by six subthemes.

Results

4553 articles were included in the analysis. Three out of four articles (3479/4553, 76.4%) were authored solely by authors affiliated with HIC institutions. One in five articles (906/4553, 19.9%) had at least one author affiliated to an institution from an upper-middle-income, middle-income or low-income country context. Governments, followed by research institutions, were the predominant funding source. Half (53.1%) studied a single country and, of these, 77.0% were high-income countries (HICs). Australia, USA and UK were the most studied countries, together accounting for 44.9% (975/2172) of country-specific articles. Thematically, ‘consumption’ was most studied, and ‘alcohol determinants’, least. ‘Policy response’ articles were predominately conducted in HIC contexts.

Conclusions

Although the attributable harm of alcohol is known to affect more significantly lower-income and middle-income countries, scientific publications primarily report on HIC contexts by authors from HICs. Research themes reflect known cost-effective policy actions, though skewed towards HICs and a focus on consumption. The implementation of context-specific alcohol control policies requires addressing the determinants of the uneven geographical and thematic distribution of research.
Mental health literacy of school-going adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa: a regional systematic review protocol
Authors: Sodi Tholene , Quarshie Emmanuel Nii-Boye , Oppong Asante Kwaku , Radzilani-Makatu Makondelele , Makgahlela Mpsanyana , Nkoana Shai , Mutambara Julia
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Assessing mental health literacy has implications for the identification and treatment of mental health problems. Adolescents have been identified as a particularly important target group for initiating and improving mental health literacy. However, much of what we know about adolescent mental health literacy comes from high-income countries. This proposed review seeks to synthesise the available published primary evidence from sub-Saharan Africa on the status and measurement of mental health literacy among school-going adolescents.

Methods and analysis

We will perform a systematic review reported in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement (PRISMA-2020). We will systematically search selected global databases (EMBASE, PsycINFO, PubMed and MEDLINE) and regional electronic databases (African Index Medicus and African Journals OnLine) up to December 2021 for observational and qualitative studies published in English and French. The standard quality assessment criteria for evaluating primary research papers from a variety of fields (QualSyst criteria) will be used to appraise the methodological quality of the included studies. The Petticrew-Roberts 3-step approach to narrative synthesis will be applied to the included studies.

Ethics and dissemination

We will not seek ethical approval from an institutional review board, as this is a systematic review of available and accessible literature. When completed, the full report of this review will be submitted to a journal for peer-reviewed publication; the key findings will be presented at local and international conferences with—partial or full—focus on (adolescent) mental health (literacy).

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021229011.
Primary care for individuals with serious mental illness (PriSMI): protocol for a convergent mixed methods study
Authors: Grudniewicz Agnes , Peckham Allie , Rudoler David , Lavergne M Ruth , Ashcroft Rachelle , Corace Kimberly , Kaluzienski Mark , Kaoser Ridhwana , Langford Lucie , McCracken Rita , Norris W Craig , O'Riordan Anne , Patrick Kevin , Peterson Sandra , Randall Ellen , Rayner Jennifer , Schütz Christian G , Sunderji Nadiya , Thai Helen , Kurdyak Paul
Published: September 2022

Introduction

People with serious mental illness (SMI) have poor health outcomes, in part because of inequitable access to quality health services. Primary care is well suited to coordinate and manage care for this population; however, providers may feel ill-equipped to do so and patients may not have the support and resources required to coordinate their care. We lack a strong understanding of prevention and management of chronic disease in primary care among people with SMI as well as the context-specific barriers that exist at the patient, provider and system levels. This mixed methods study will answer three research questions: (1) How do primary care services received by people living with SMI differ from those received by the general population? (2) What are the experiences of people with SMI in accessing and receiving chronic disease prevention and management in primary care? (3) What are the experiences of primary care providers in caring for individuals with SMI?

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a concurrent mixed methods study in Ontario and British Columbia, Canada, including quantitative analyses of linked administrative data and in-depth qualitative interviews with people living with SMI and primary care providers. By comparing across two provinces, each with varying degrees of mental health service investment and different primary care models, results will shed light on individual and system-level factors that facilitate or impede quality preventive and chronic disease care for people with SMI in the primary care setting.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the University of Ottawa Research Ethics Board and partner institutions. An integrated knowledge translation approach brings together researchers, providers, policymakers, decision-makers, patient and caregiver partners and knowledge users. Working with this team, we will develop policy-relevant recommendations for improvements to primary care systems that will better support providers and reduce health inequities.
Assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on parental satisfaction in two European neonatal intensive care units
Authors: Zorro Carolina , MacRae Eva , Teresa-Palacio Marta , Williams Emma E , Aldecoa-Bilbao Victoria , Bhat Ravindra , Hickey Ann , Dassios Theodore , Greenough Anne
Published: September 2022

Background

Neonatal units across the world have altered their policies to prevent the spread of infection during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our aim was to report parental experience in two European neonatal units during the pandemic.

Methods

Parents of infants admitted to each neonatal unit were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding their experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. At King’s College Hospital, UK (KCH), data were collected prospectively between June 2020 and August 2020 (first wave). At the Hospital Clínic Barcelona (HCM), data were collected retrospectively from parents whose infants were admitted between September 2020 and February 2021 (second and third wave).

Results

A total of 74 questionnaires were completed (38 from KCH and 36 from HCM). The parents reported that they were fully involved or involved in the care of their infants in 34 (89.4%) responses in KCH and 33 (91.6%) responses in HCM. Quality time spent with infants during the pandemic was more negatively affected at KCH compared with HCM (n=24 (63.2%) vs n=12 (33.3%)). Parents felt either satisfied or very satisfied with the updates from the clinical care team in 30 (79.0%) responses at KCH and 30 (83.4%) responses in HCM. The parents felt that the restrictions negatively affected breast feeding in six (15.8%) responses at KCH and two (5.6%) responses in HCM. Travelling to the hospital was reported overall to be sometimes difficult (39.2%); this did not differ between the two units (14 (36.8%) respondents at KCH and 15 (41.6%) from HCM). Furthermore, the self-reported amount of time spent giving kangaroo care also did not differ between the two countries.

Conclusion

Restrictive policies implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the perception of quality of time spent by parents with their newborns admitted to neonatal units.
Abstracts from international emergency medicine journals
Authors: Production EMJ
Published: September 2022

Editor’s note: EMJ has partnered with the journals of multiple international emergency medicine societies to share from each a highlighted research study, as selected by their editors. This edition will feature an abstract from each publication.
T cell-intrinsic STING signaling promotes regulatory T cell induction and immunosuppression by upregulating FOXP3 transcription in cervical cancer
Authors: Ni Huanhe , Zhang Huanling , Li Lin , Huang He , Guo Hui , Zhang Lin , Li Chunwei , Xu Jing-Xiao , Nie Cai-Ping , Li Kui , Zhang Xiaoshi , Xia Xiaojun , Li Jiang
Published: September 2022

Background

Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is an innate immune sensor of cytoplasmic double-stranded DNA originating from microorganisms and host cells. The activation of cytosolic DNA-STING pathway in tumor microenvironments is usually linked to more robust adaptive immune responses to tumors, however the intracellular function of STING in regulatory T cells is largely unknown. In the present study, we aimed to explore the contribution of intracellular STING activation to regulatory T cell induction (iTreg) in cervical cancer (CC) microenvironments.

Methods

Blood samples and tumor specimens were obtained from patients with CC. The intratumoral STING, CCL22, CD8 and forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) expression levels were measured by immunohistochemistry. T cell-specific STING conditional knockout mice (CD4-Cre/STINGflox/flox, TKO) were generated, and syngeneic TC-1 tumor model were investigated. The differentiation and molecular regulatory pathway of human and murine iTreg under different treatments were investigated by ex vivo assays, immunoblotting and quantitative PCR. Tumor-associated exosomes (T-EXO) were isolated from CC cell lines and exosomal contents were identified by ELISA and Western blot analysis. The impact of T-EXO on T cell differentiation was tested in in vitro cell culture.

Results

Increased STING, CCL22 level, FOXP3+cells but decreased CD8+cells in tumor tissues predicted poor survival. Tumor-bearing CD4-Cre-STINGflox/flox(TKO) mice displayed slower tumor growth tendencies as well as fewer FOXP3+cells but higher CD8+cell proportion in tumor tissues than wild-type (WT) mice. Activating of STING signaling cooperated with T cell receptor, interleukin-2 receptor and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signals to promote CD4+CD25highFOXP3+iTreg differentiation from both human and murine CD4+-naïve T cells from WT and IFNAR−/−mice but not TKO or IRF3−/−mice in vitro. Ectopic STING, TBK1 or IRF3 expression promoted iTreg differentiation from human CD4+-naïve T cells. T cell-intrinsic STING activation induced FOXP3 transcription through TBK1-IRF3-mediated SMAD3 and STAT5 phosphorylation independent of interferon-β. In CC, tumor-derived exosomes activated STING signaling in tumor-infiltrated T cells by exosomal TGF-β, cyclic GMP-AMP synthase and 2’-3’-cGAMP, leading to iTreg expansion.

Conclusions

These findings highlight a novel mechanism for iTreg expansion mediated by tumor-derived exosome-activated T cell-intrinsic STING signal, and provide a rationale for developing immunotherapeutic strategies targeting STING signal in CC.
ExpSFROA-Based DRN: Exponential Sunflower Rider Optimization Algorithm-Driven Deep Residual Network for the Intrusion Detection in IOT-Based Plant Disease Monitoring
Authors: Deelip Mali Shrikant , Govinda K.
Published: September 2022

Internet of Things (IoT) significantly gained attraction nowadays, as it assists in numerous purposes. Several computerized technologies are employed for monitoring the plant disease in the IoT paradigm, and the major challenging lies in detecting the intrusions while monitoring the plant disease. This paper proposes an Exponential Sun Flower Rider Optimization Algorithm-driven Deep Residual Network (ExpSFROA-based DRN) for achieving effective intrusion detection results in the IoT. The proposed ExpSFROA is devised by incorporating Exponential Sun Flower Optimization (Exponential-SFO) and Rider Optimization Algorithm (ROA). Meanwhile, Exponential-SFO is designed by combining the Exponential Weighted Moving Average (EWMA) and Sunflower Optimization (SFO) algorithm. Here, the information is collected from the simulated IoT nodes based on the Cluster Head (CH), and performs the process of routing in order to predict the leaf disease more effectively. Based on the disease prediction process, the intrusion detection process is achieved by the devised ExpSFROA-based DRN. The performance of the newly developed ExpSFROA-based DRN is evaluated using four metrics such as accuracy, throughput, energy, and True Positive Rate (TPR). The developed method attained better results than the existing methods, such as SecTrust-RPL+DRN, OSEAP+IBFO+DRN, LASeR++DRN with a maximum accuracy of 0.950, higher throughput of 7533350 bps, minimal energy of 49.74 J, and higher TPR of 0.956. The proposed method is used in the agricultural land, which helps the farmers for monitoring the conditions of the fields anywhere and anytime, thereby minimizing the manpower and time.
How Does Sleep Tracking Influence Your Life?
Authors: Kuosmanen Elina , Visuri Aku , Kheirinejad Saba , van Berkel Niels , Koskimäki Heli , Ferreira Denzil , Hosio Simo
Published: September 2022

A new generation of wearable devices now enable end-users to keep track of their sleep patterns. This paper reports on a longitudinal study of 82 participants who used a state-of-the-art sleep tracking ring for an average of 65 days. We conducted interviews and questionnaires to understand changes to their lifestyle, their perceptions of the tracked information and sleep, and the overall experience of using an unobtrusive sleep tracking device. Our results indicate that such a device is suitable for long-term sleep tracking and helpful in identifying detrimental lifestyle elements that hinder sleep quality. However, tracking one's sleep can also introduce stress or physical discomfort, potentially leading to adverse outcomes. We discuss these findings in light of related work and highlight the near-term research directions that the rapid commoditisation of sleep tracking technology enables.
CheckMyFit
Authors: Yang Qi , Papakostas Michalis , Scott Jack M. , O'Neill Erin R. , Kondrashov Kirill Sergeyevich , Mateevitsi Victor A. , Olsen Gregory , Dittberner Andrew Burke
Published: September 2022

Putting on hearing aids (HAs) is a regular and crucial task for every hearing aid wearer. A sub-optimal insertion can impact user adoption and audiological benefit. Ability to visually evaluate the insertion can be helpful to achieve a proper physical fit of hearing aids or similar devices, but this is currently a challenging task. In this work we present CheckMyFit, a smartphone-based, automated solution enabling users to quickly take a photo of their hearing aid placement, and compare it with a reference ideal insertion. To evaluate the tool's usability and potential benefit we conducted two user studies: a) a pilot lab study with 7 participants, and b) a field study with 17 participants. In the two-week field study, older participants with no prior hearing aid experiences were instructed on hearing aid insertion remotely and performed daily insertions independently at home. We found that CheckMyFit is easy and quick to use for almost all participants. Ear-photo-aided insertions tend to have higher quality than insertions without the tool. This correlation was significant and persisted throughout the 2 weeks of the study, and is retained after a short break. This suggests that CheckMyFit tool can provide real-world benefit to new users learning to insert their hearing aids. We also used CheckMyFit to remotely facilitate the field study, demonstrating its potential usefulness in tele-medicine.
Imprecise but Fun
Authors: Karolus Jakob , Thanheiser Simon , Peterson David , Viot Nicolas , Kosch Thomas , Schmidt Albrecht , Wozniak Paweł W.
Published: September 2022

Novel input methods for game design often excite users, especially if they extend the way one interacts with the system. Electromyography (EMG) has the inherent potential to provide an intuitive - yet challenging - input channel for interactive systems. While this difficulty in control often limits the scope of applications for EMG in most systems, we argue that these qualities are especially relevant for games and playful interaction. The inherently challenging qualities of EMG input make the modality a prime candidate for designing body-centric playful experiences. Yet, we still need to understand its limitations to create engaging rather than frustrating experiences for users. In this work, we investigate EMG's potential to support playful interaction through exploratory studies, deriving feasible game interactions based on EMG's technical constraints, and study their application in game design. Based on our findings, we highlight design implications and pitfalls to avoid when creating EMG-based entertainment systems.
Understanding and Adapting Bezel-to-Bezel Interactions for Circular Smartwatches in Mobile and Encumbered Scenarios
Authors: Rey Bradley , Zhu Kening , Perrault Simon Tangi , Bardot Sandra , Neshati Ali , Irani Pourang
Published: September 2022

Supporting eyes-free interaction, mobility and encumbrance, while providing a broad set of commands on a smartwatch display is a difficult, yet important, task. Bezel-to-bezel (B2B) gestures are valuable for rapid command invocation during eyes-free operation, however we lack knowledge regarding B2B interactions on circular devices during common usage scenarios. We aim to improve our understanding of the dynamics of B2B interactions in these scenarios by conducting two studies and a third analysis: First, we explore the performance of B2B in a seated position; second, we explore the effect of mobility and encumbrance on the B2B interaction; finally, we improve on the B2B accuracies by calculating features and utilizing machine learning. With the limited interaction capabilities on smartwatches and the importance of the scenario of use, we conclude with applications and design guidelines for improved utilization of B2B that enables effective smartwatch control while in common, mobile and eyes-free scenarios.
Spatial Model Personalization in Gboard
Authors: Sivek Gary , Riley Michael
Published: September 2022

We introduce a framework for adapting a virtual keyboard to individual user behavior by modifying a Gaussian spatial model to use personalized key center offset means and, optionally, learned covariances. Through numerous real-world studies, we determine the importance of training data quantity and weights, as well as the number of clusters into which to group keys to avoid overfitting. While past research has shown potential of this technique using artificially-simple virtual keyboards and games or fixed typing prompts, we demonstrate effectiveness using the highly-tuned Gboard app with a representative set of users and their real typing behaviors. Across a variety of top languages, we achieve small-but-significant improvements in both typing speed and decoder accuracy.
Interacting with Rigid and Soft Surfaces for Smart-Home Control
Authors: Chamunorwa Michael , Wozniak Mikołaj P. , Vöge Sarah , Müller Heiko , Boll Susanne C.J.
Published: September 2022

For an improved user experience in smart homes, there is a need to enhance the current interaction methods by embedding control interfaces in everyday household objects. Embedded interfaces will allow smart home inhabitants to control their surroundings using more familiar interaction concepts and techniques than those imposed by appliance manufacturers and vendors. However, to achieve this state, technology designers need to understand the behaviours and attitudes of end users when they interact with different elements of a smart home using everyday objects as control media. We present a set of exploratory investigations focused on understanding the behaviours and attitudes of end-users as they control elements of a fictional smart home. Accordingly, we investigate how two highly different locations and form factors -- a table surface and a couch pillow -- impact user expectations about gestures used to control various smart home features. To this end, we conducted explorative elicitation with 14 participants. Our results highlight that an object's physicality significantly impacts the types of gestures users perceive as intuitive and that deforming an interface has the potential to bring playfulness to interaction. Following our observations, we formulated four design implications for conceiving interaction modalities with deformable interfaces for domestic environments.
Influence of Si3N4 and CuO Nanoparticles on the Microstructure and Properties of Multiphase Graphite Oxide/Hydroxyapatite/Sodium Alginate Coatings Obtained By Electrophoretic Deposition on Titanium Alloy
Authors: Moskalewicz Tomasz , Warcaba Maciej , Hadzhieva Zoya , Łukaszczyk Alicja , Jeleń Piotr , Sitarz Maciej , Boccaccini Aldo R.
Published: September 2022

In this work, we report an electrophoretic deposition path for efficient fabrication of advanced multiphase coatings, consisting of Ca cross-linked sodium alginate with graphite oxide n-GtO flakes mixed into bioactive hydroxyapatite and CuO or Si3N4 antibacterial nanoparticles. Anionic sodium alginate molecules ensured electrosteric stabilisation of the suspension. The effects of the chemical composition of the suspension and deposition parameters on coating morphology were investigated. Hydroxyapatite and antibacterial agents formed agglomerates fairly well spread within the alginate matrix. The coatings with Si3N4 incorporation presented outstanding adhesion to the Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy substrates. All coatings revealed hydrophilic surfaces and showed a high ability to protect the alloy substrates from corrosion in Ringer’s solution. A hydroxyapatite layer was formed as a result of soaking the coated samples in simulated body fluid for 3 weeks. CuO-containing samples showed significantly improved antibacterial properties against E. coli. The incorporation of n-GtO alone did not induce any cytotoxic effects of the coatings against MG-63 cells but its combination with CuO and Si3N4 reduced the cell viability. However, this behaviour was much more pronounced for the CuO-containing coatings. This work demonstrates the outstanding development potential of electrophoretically deposited multifunctional coatings with potential application in long-term titanium bone implants.
Anisotropic Terahertz Cross Polarization Converter based on Reflective Metasurface
Authors: Mitchell Arne , Summer Stacy , Powell Andrew
Published: September 2022

Terahertz (THz) band has been attracting an enormous reputation due to the paucity of natural materials in this range. Artificially flat thin films, called metasurfaces, plead the research community owing to their unprecedented features to manipulate the scattering properties of electromagnetic (EM) waves. A wideband polarization converter is investigated for THz frequencies by capitalizing on these unique attributes of the metasurfaces. The proposed metasurface rotates the incoming EM wave into its cross-component over a broad spectral range from 1 THz to 1.55 THz. The designed polarization conversion metasurface (PCM) manifests above 90% efficiency, having a bandwidth of 0.55 THz. This unit cell is also scalable to other operating regimes such as microwave and visible, just by scaling its physical dimensions. This kind of wideband PCM remains prudent for various applications of radar cross-section reduction (RCSR), imaging, communication, etc.
Injection of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Leads to Ventricular Remodeling
Authors: Zhu Enzheng , Yuan Congcong , Hu Simiao , Liao Yiling , Li Bowei , Zhou Yuliang , Zhou Wanxing
Published: September 2022

Objective. Previous studies have found that some ventricular remodeling is accompanied by increased matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in vivo, and MMP-9 inhibitors can reduce ventricular remodeling. However, there is still no direct evidence that MMP-9 causes ventricular remodeling. In this study, MMP-9 was injected into rats to observe whether MMP-9 caused ventricular remodeling, thereby providing direct evidence of MMP-9-induced ventricular remodeling. Methods. Forty-eight eight-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly divided, by weight, into control, low-, medium-, and high-dose MMP-9 groups and were administered normal saline or recombinant rat MMP-9 0.7, 1.4, or 2.1 ng/g, respectively, via intraperitoneal injection, twice per week. On the 28th day, six rats were randomly selected from each group (Stage I). The remaining rats continued receiving injections until the 56th day (Stage II). Echocardiography was performed to observe cardiac structure and function, and the left ventricular mass index (LVWI) was calculated. Myocardial pathological changes and the collagen volume fraction (CVF) were observed by HE and VG staining in myocardial tissue. MMP-9 levels in serum were tested using ELISA. Myocardial MMP-9 levels were measured using Western blots, and the myocardial expression levels of MMP-9 mRNA were assessed using RT-PCR. Results. During Stage I, serum MMP-9 and myocardial MMP-9 mRNA levels are increased; hypertrophic cardiomyocytes, disorderly arrangement of fibers, and endochylema dissolution are observed in the medium- and high-dose groups. The left ventricular weight index (LVWI) and myocardial MMP-9 increased, and the collagen volume fraction (CVF) reduced in the high-dose group. In Stage II, the left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) and diameter (LVIDd) are higher, and CVF decreased in the medium- and high-dose groups. Myocardial pathological lesions intensified. Serum MMP-9 in the model groups and myocardial MMP-9 in the medium- and high-dose groups are increased. Conclusions. Injection of MMP-9 can lead to ventricular remodeling.
Finite Element Method-Based Spherical Indentation Analysis of Jute/Sisal/Banana-Polypropylene Fiber-Reinforced Composites
Authors: Kaushik Nitish , Sandeep Ch. , Jayaraman P. , Hillary J. Justin Maria , Srinivasan V. P. , Abisha Meji M.
Published: September 2022

Material hardness of natural fiber composites depends upon the orientation of fibers, ratio of fiber to matrix, and their mechanical and physical properties. Experimentally finding the material hardness of composites is an involved task. The present work attempts to explore the deformation mechanism of natural fiber composites subjected to post-yield indentation by a spherical indenter through a two-dimensional finite element analysis. In the present work, jute-polypropylene, sisal-polypropylene, and banana-polypropylene composites are considered. The analysis is attempted by varying the properties of Young’s modulus of fiber and matrix, diameter of fiber, and horizontal and vertical center distance between the fibers. The analyses results showed that as the distance between the fiber’s center increases, the bearing load capacity of all composite increases nonlinearly. The jute fiber composite shows predominate load-carrying capacity compared to other composites at all [Formula: see text] ratios and interference ratios. The influence of subsurface stress in lateral direction is minimal and gets reduced as the distance between the fiber centers increases. The variation in diameter of fiber influences significantly, i.e., beyond the [Formula: see text] ratio of 1.0; for the same contact load ratio, the bearing area support is double for jute-polypropylene composite compared to sisal-polypropylene composite. Compared to the sisal-polypropylene composite, for the same interference ratio, the load-carrying capacity is two times high for banana-polypropylene composite, whereas four times high for jute-polypropylene composite, but this effect decreases as the [Formula: see text] ratio decreases. In all the composites, the subsurface stress gets distributed as the [Formula: see text] ratio increases. The ratio of fibers center distance to diameter of fiber influences marginally on the contact load and contact area and significantly on the contact stress for all the fiber-reinforced composites.
Laser Speckle Flowmetry for the Prognostic Estimation Study of Permanent Focal Ischemia in Mice
Authors: Li Cong , Zhou Guoqing , Yang Ming , Tang Qin , Zhu Liangzhen , Wang Yuan
Published: September 2022

The distal middle cerebral artery occlusion (dMCAO) model that mainly targets the cortex and causes low mortality is developed for the study of permanent focal ischemia, and it is highly appropriate for the study in the aged population. The two most common methods used to establish dMCAO models are dMCAO alone and dMCAO plus ipsilateral common carotid artery occlusion (CCAO). Up to now, studies on the prognosis of the two types of dMCAO models and the accuracy of cerebral blood flow (CBF) in predicting prognosis have not yet been reported. In the present study, we established permanent focal ischemia models in two groups of aged mice by dMCAO alone or by dMCAO plus ipsilateral common carotid artery occlusion (CCAO). CBF was evaluated by laser speckle flowmetry (LSF) before and after surgery. Cerebral infarction was assessed by TTC staining at day 2 after surgery and MAP2 staining at day 21 after surgery. In addition, behavioral outcomes were evaluated using the modified Garcia scoring system, adhesive removal test, and foot‐fault test. Our results showed that compared with those in the dMCAO alone group, the mice in the dMCAO plus CCAO group had a larger cerebral infarct size and more severe neurological deficits. According to the results of the correlation analysis, the area of the ischemic core region on CBF imaging in the dMCAO group was helpful in predicting the infarct volume. In addition, the total CBF of the ischemic area in the dMCAO plus CCAO group showed a significant correlation with Garcia scores 3 days after surgery, but there was no significant correlation of CBF imaging with the foot‐fault test 7 days after surgery. These results suggest that the total CBF of the ischemic area might be helpful to predict the severity of neurological damage at the acute stage.
Integrated Analyses of m6A Regulator‐Based Signature on Its Clinical Application and Immunogenomic Landscape in Stomach Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Lan , Zhang Qing , Huang Zebo , Zhu Mingxia , Wang Tongshan , Zhu Wei , Wang Xiaping , Zhou Xin
Published: September 2022

Background. The whole tumor microenvironment (TME) infiltration features monitored by integrated roles of different RNA N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) regulators remain elusive. Our study is aimed at exploring the association between m6A modification patterns, TME cell‐infiltrating levels, and patients’ prognosis in stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) patients. Methods. Consensus clustering was performed based on the integrated analyses of 17 m6A regulators and 229 m6A‐related hallmark genes in STAD (The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort, n = 443; Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) GSE57303, n = 70, GSE62254 n = 300, and GSE84437 n = 433). A m6ASig scoring system was calculated by the principal component analysis (PCA), and its prognostic value was validated in an independent dataset GES15459. Results. Three m6A clusters were identified among 1246 STAD patients, which had significant overall survival (OS) differences and demonstrated different TME immune cell infiltration and biological behaviors. According to the m6ASig score, which was generated from the m6A‐related hallmark genes, STAD patients were divided into the high‐m6ASig group (n = 585) and low‐m6ASig group (n = 586). Patients in the high‐m6ASig group had a notably prolonged OS and higher immune cell infiltration. Moreover, patients with higher m6ASig score were associated with higher microsatellite instability (MSI); higher PD‐L1, CTLA4, and ERBB2 expressions; and greater tumor mutation burden (TMB). Patients with higher m6ASig score demonstrated a better immune response and drug sensitivity. Conclusion. Our m6ASig scoring system could characterize TME immune cell infiltration, thus predict patient’s prognosis and immunotherapy and chemotherapy efficacy, offering a novel tool for the individualized therapeutic implications for STAD patients.
Keratin 80 Promotes Migration and Invasion of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells by Regulating the TGF-β/SMAD Pathway
Authors: Tong Yueyang , Chen Xueyuan , Feng Zhemin , Xu Changqing , Li Yaqian
Published: September 2022

Upregulation of keratin 80 (KRT80) expression levels and carcinogenic function has been found in several types of tumors. However, its contribution and mechanism in NSCLC remain to be outlined. In this study, bioinformatic investigation from the TCGA dataset revealed that KRT80 was confirmed to be elevated in human NSCLC tissues. The results of qRT-PCR and Western blot assays disclosed that KRT80 was uplifted in NSCLC cells. Data from CCK-8 and colony formation assays exhibited that depletion of KRT80 restrained NSCLC cell proliferation. Findings from Transwell and Western blot assays illustrated that downregulation of KRT80 inhibited NSCLC cell migration, invasion, and EMT. Further mechanism exploration implied that KRT80 may be included within the regulation of EMT of NSCLC cells by affecting the TGF-β/SMAD pathway. Moreover, depletion of KRT80 attenuated xenograft tumor growth and the expressions of KRT80, Ki-67, and TGFBR1. In conclusion, depletion of KRT80 repressed NSCLC cell proliferation, invasion, and EMT, possibly mediated by the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway, indicating that KRT80 may be a potentially useful target for NSCLC.