bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cooperative Game-Based Resource Allocation Scheme for Heterogeneous Networks with eICIC Technology
Authors: Kim Sungwook
Published: August 2023

Heterogeneous network (HetNet) is considered to be the most promising approach for increasing communication capacity. However, HetNet control problems are difficult due to their intertier interference. Recently, the enhanced intercell interference coordination (eICIC) technology is introduced to offer several benefits, including a more equitable traffic load distribution across the macro and embedded small cells. In this paper, we design a new resource allocation scheme for the eICIC-based HetNet. Our proposed scheme is formulated as a joint cooperative game to handle conflicting requirements. By adopting the ideas of Kalai and Smorodinsky solution (KSS), multicriteria Kalai and Smorodinsky solution (MCKSS), and sequential Raiffa solution (SRS), we develop a hybrid control algorithm for an adaptive resource sharing between different base stations. To effectively adjust the eICIC fraction rates, the concepts of MCKSS and SRS are applied in an interactive manner. For mobile devices in the HetNet, the assigned resource is distributed by using the idea of KSS. The key insight of our algorithm is to translate the originally competitive problem into a hierarchical cooperative problem to reach a socially optimal outcome. The main novelty of our approach is its flexibility to reach a reciprocal consensus under dynamic HetNet environments. Exhaustive system simulations illustrate the performance gains along different dimensions, such as system throughput, device payoff, and fairness among devices. The superiority of our proposed scheme is fully demonstrated in comparison with three other existing eICIC control protocols.
Table S2 from HER3 Augmentation via Blockade of EGFR/AKT Signaling Enhances Anticancer Activity of HER3-Targeting Patritumab Deruxtecan in EGFR-Mutated Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Yonesaka Kimio , Tanizaki Junko , Maenishi Osamu , Haratani Koji , Kawakami Hisato , Tanaka Kaoru , Hayashi Hidetoshi , Sakai Kazuko , Chiba Yasutaka , Tsuya Asuka , Goto Hiroki , Otsuka Eri , Okida Hiroaki , Kobayashi Maki , Yoshimoto Ryoto , Funabashi Masanori , Hashimoto Yuuri , Hirotani Kenji , Kagari Takashi , Nishio Kazuto , Nakagawa Kazuhiko
Published: August 2023

Hallmarks of posttreatment samples with/without HER3 augmentation
Histidine Metabolic Pathway Contributes to Clozapine-Induced Sialorrhea Based on Nontargeted Metabolomics
Authors: Zhang Kun , Wu Shengwei , Wang Youtian , Zhou Yufang , Guo Jianxiong , Xiao Aixiang , Ye Junrong , Wu Baofeng , Li Shuyun , Zhu Fujian , Li Zezhi , Yu Lin
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Clozapine-induced sialorrhea (CIS) is one of the most common side effects of clozapine use, while the mechanism remains unclear. Methods: A total of 51 schizophrenia patients taking clozapine were selected. Among them, 32 had sialorrhea, and 19 had no sialorrhea. Saliva metabolites were identified using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-MS/MS (UHPLC-MS/MS), and the differences in saliva metabolites in each group were analyzed through qualitatively searching HMDB, KEGG, and self-built databases, combined with multivariate statistics. After further evaluation by receiver-operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis, the screened differential metabolites were enriched and topologically analyzed. Results: The biomarkers potentially related to CIS included 37 differential metabolites involving 17 metabolic pathways, mainly histidine metabolism (p < 0.05, impact = 0.50), pyrimidine metabolism (p < 0.05, impact = 0.08), and β-alanine metabolism (p < 0.05, impact = 0.06). Conclusion: Our study indicates that histidine metabolic pathway may contribute to the mechanism of CIS.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Ocular Ultrasonography in Identifying Raised Intracranial Pressure among Pediatric Population
Authors: Kappagantu Vignan , Sinha Tej Prakash , Agrawal Deepak , Jamshed Nayer , Kumar Akshay , Kumar Atin , Pandey R M , Gopinath Bharath , Bhushan Vidhya , Tiwari Atul Kumar , Bhoi Sanjeev Kumar
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Role of CT scan, MRI, ophthalmoscopy, direct monitoring by a transducer probe in identifying raised intracranial pressure (ICP) in emergency department is limited. There are few studies correlating elevated optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) measured by point of care ultrasound (POCUS) with raised ICP in pediatrics emergencies. We studied the diagnostic accuracy of ONSD, crescent sign, and optic disc elevation in identifying increased ICP in pediatrics. Methods: Prospective observational study was done between April 2018 and August 2019 after ethics approval. Out of 125 subjects, 40 patients without clinical features of raised ICP were recruited as external controls and 85 with clinical features of raised ICP as study subjects. Their demographic profile, clinical examination, and ocular ultrasound findings were noted. This was followed by CT scan. Out of 85 patients, 43 had raised ICP (cases) and 42 had normal ICP (disease controls). Diagnostic accuracy of ONSD in identifying raised ICP was evaluated using STATA. Results: The mean ONSD in case group was 5.5 ± 0.6 mm, 4.9 ± 0.5 mm in disease control group and external control group was 4.8 ± 0.3 mm. Cut-off of ONSD for raised ICP at ≥4.5 mm had a sensitivity and specificity of 97.67% and 10.98%, while ≥5.0 mm showed a sensitivity and specificity of 86.05% and 71.95%. Crescent sign and optic disc elevation had good correlation with increased ICP. Conclusion: ONSD ≥5 mm by POCUS identified raised ICP in pediatric population. Crescent sign and optic disc elevation may function as additional POCUS signs in identifying raised ICP.
The Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes of 71 Duodenal Brunner’s Gland Adenomas with Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection
Authors: Xiang Ying , Liu Jinyan , Wang Nan ya , Tang Dehua , Wang Lei , Zou Ping xiao , Xu Guifang , Huang Qin
Published: August 2023

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate outcomes of patients with duodenal Brunner’s gland adenomas (BGAs) that were treated endoscopically. Methods: We identified 71 consecutive patients treated at our center with endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for their duodenal tumors diagnosed pathologically as BGAs over the period between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2021. We retrospectively analyzed our experience and short- and long-term outcomes of ESD therapy on patients with BGAs. Results: Among 71 BGA patients with an average age of 57 ± 11.7 years (range: 30–82), 48 (67.6%) were male and 23 (32.4%) were female. The accuracy of preoperative diagnosis with endoscopic ultrasonography was 44.0% (22/50). The H. pylori infection was found in 29 patients (29/71, 40.8%). The median size of BGAs was 1.5 cm (interquartile range [IQR] 0.8–2.7 cm). The most common location was the duodenum bulb (50/71, 64.8%). For the ESD procedure, the median operation time was 15.0 min (IQR 9.5–25.5 min). The en bloc and the complete resection rates were 97.2% and 92.3%, respectively. ESD-related mild acute obstructive pancreatitis was present in 2 patients (2/4, 50%) with BGAs located in the ampulla region. During the follow-up period, 1 patient with a positive peripheral margin experienced tumor recurrence 2 years after the initial ESD. There was no disease-related death for the cohort. Conclusion: ESD was an effective and safe therapeutic option for BGA patients with excellent outcomes. Long-term follow-up is needed.
Identification of Human Ventricular Tachycardia Demarcated by Fixed Lines of Conduction Block in a 3-Dimensional Hyperboloid Circuit
Authors: Nishimura Takuro , Shatz Nathan , Weiss J. Peter , Zawaneh Michael , Bai Rong , Beaser Andrew D. , Upadhyay Gaurav A. , Aziz Zaid A. , Nayak Hemal M. , Shatz Dalise Y. , Miyazaki Shinsuke , Goya Masahiko , Sasano Tetsuo , Su Wilber , Raiman Michael , Tung Roderick
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND:

The circuit boundaries for reentrant ventricular tachycardia (VT) have been historically conceptualized within a 2-dimensional (2D) construct, with their fixed or functional nature unresolved. This study aimed to examine the correlation between localized lines of conduction block (LOB) evident during baseline rhythm with lateral isthmus boundaries that 3-dimensionally constrain the VT isthmus as a hyperboloid structure.

METHODS:

A total of 175 VT activation maps were correlated with isochronal late activation maps during baseline rhythm in 106 patients who underwent catheter ablation for scar-related VT from 3 centers (42% nonischemic cardiomyopathy). An overt LOB was defined by a deceleration zone with split potentials (≥20 ms isoelectric segment) during baseline rhythm. A novel application of pacing within deceleration zone (≥600 ms) was implemented to unmask a concealed LOB not evident during baseline rhythm. LOB identified during baseline rhythm or pacing were correlated with isthmus boundaries during VT.

RESULTS:

Among 202 deceleration zones analyzed during baseline rhythm, an overt LOB was evident in 47%. When differential pacing was performed in 38 deceleration zones without overt LOB, an underlying concealed LOB was exposed in 84%. In 152 VT activation maps (2D=53, 3-dimensional [3D]=99), 69% of lateral boundaries colocalized with an LOB in 2D activation patterns, and the depth boundary during 3D VT colocalized with an LOB in 79%. In VT circuits with isthmus regions that colocalized with a U-shaped LOB (n=28), the boundary invariably served as both lateral boundaries in 2D and 3D. Overall, 74% of isthmus boundaries were identifiable as fixed LOB during baseline rhythm or differential pacing.

CONCLUSIONS:

The majority of VT circuit boundaries can be identified as fixed LOB from intrinsic or paced activation during sinus rhythm. Analysis of activation while pacing within the scar substrate is a novel technique that may unmask concealed LOB, previously interpreted to be functional in nature. An LOB from the perspective of a myocardial surface is frequently associated with intramural conduction, supporting the existence of a 3D hyperboloid VT circuit structure. Catheter ablation may be simplified to targeting both sides around an identified LOB during sinus rhythm.
Fossil ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of the early Oligocene Canyon Ferry Reservoir deposit
Authors: LAPOLLA JOHN S.
Published: August 2023

The early Oligocene (ca. 32.0 Ma) Canyon Ferry Reservoir deposit is known to contain an extraordinary number of well-preserved plant and animal fossils. Among those are 111 fossil ant specimens that were examined and assigned to five genera: Dolichoderus, Liometopum, Camponotus, Lasius, and Manica from three subfamilies: Dolichoderinae, Formicinae, and Myrmicinae. Two new fossil species are described. Liometopum greenwalti sp. nov. is the third fossil species known from this genus in North America and is morphologically distinct from the other two fossil species that are known from the Florissant deposit. The three fossil Liometopum species are compared to the three extant North American species. Manica iviei sp. nov. is the first fossil species in this genus known from North America and only the second fossil species described. This species possesses a broad ventral postpetiolar process which among North American extant species is only present in Manica hunteri. The Canyon Ferry ants represent the only definitively Oligocene-aged fossil deposit that contains ants in North America and therefore offer a unique view into a time when the modern-day ant communities of the continent were emerging.
Discovery of Late Cretaceous amber from Guangzhou, South China
Authors: NI ZI-JIE , SONG XIANG-BO , AZAR DANY , WANG ZI-XI , CAI CHEN-YANG , XUAN QIANG , MAKSOUD SIBELLE , LIAN XIN-NENG , HUANG DI-YING
Published: August 2023

Cretaceous amber plays a crucial role in comprehending the origin and early evolution of terrestrial life, as well as understanding paleoclimate and paleoecology during the Late Mesozoic, especially the Cretaceous Terrestrial Revolution. Amber outcrops from the Cretaceous period are to date more abundant in the Northern Hemisphere than in the Southern one and are primarily distributed within an interval of approximately 54 million years, spanning from the Barremian to the Campanian (Delclòs et al., 2023). These outcrops are known for containing amber exceptionally rich in bioinclusions, as seen in locations such as Kachin in Myanmar (Grimaldi et al., 2002) and Lebanon (Maksoud et al., 2022).
The first Phengodidae fossil (Coleoptera: Elateroidea): Cretocydistus wittmeri gen. et sp. nov. from the mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber
Authors: ROZA ANDRÉ SILVA , KUSY DOMINIK , LIAN ZHENDONG , KUNDRATA ROBIN
Published: August 2023

Elateroidea superfamily holds a huge diversity, morphological variation and a myriad of habitat specializations. The presence of bioluminescence and paedomorphosis renders the group as an interesting model for several studies. The “lampyroid” clade manifests both features, in a variety of light displays and body-forms, but the small fossil records hampers any advance in understanding the origin of these characteristics, as well as the biogeographic history of the group. We present here the description of a new fossil species, Cretocydistus wittmeri gen. et sp. nov. from the mid-Cretaceous of northern Myanmar, the first fossil of the family Phengodidae. We putatively place the genus in the subfamily Cydistinae, which extant species are distributed in Asia Minor, the Levant, and Iran. We also discuss how the discovery of this fossil taxa influences the study of the family and the “lampyroid” clade evolutionary history and biogeography.
Kalanchoe sect. Streptanthae (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae), a new two-species section in K. subg. Bryophyllum
Authors: SMITH GIDEON F.
Published: August 2023

A new section, Kalanchoe sect. Streptanthae, with two Malagasy species, K. streptantha and K. bogneri, the only ones included in it, is described in K. subg. Bryophyllum (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae).
An enhanced coupling optimal trajectory planning for bridge cranes
Authors: Liang Yanyang , Li Renxing , Liu Tianle , Lin Chenmin , Wang Tianlei , He Yuebang
Published: August 2023

For the bridge crane system, the control objective is to deliver the cargo to the target location quickly, accurately, and with the smallest possible swing. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel signal-based trajectory planning approach and designs the corresponding tracking control strategy. The approach ensures that the payload can be transported smoothly in the shortest time and effectively suppresses and eliminates payload swing throughout the process. Specifically, a novel signal with enhanced coupling is first constructed, and then the system model is transformed into the system represented by the signal. The system is further discretized into critical control points, the trajectories are designed, and the optimization problem is formulated using the constraints obtained from the discrete system. Moreover, the proposed method enhances the coupling between the trolley motion and the payload swing angle, which reduces computational accuracy loss and improves the transient performance of the system. Additionally, a tracking controller is designed to verify the feasibility of the trajectory and enhance the tracking effect of the trajectory. Finally, the effective control performance of the proposed method is verified by comparing it with existing methods.
Hardware-in-the-loop based ground test system for space berthing and docking mechanism of small spacecraft
Authors: Wei Yaqiang , Yang Xiao , Bai Xinlin , Xu Zhigang
Published: August 2023

Ground test for space berthing and docking mechanism plays crucial roles in their stable operation in orbit. In this paper, a hardware-in-the-loop based ground test system is presented for economic reliability test for space berthing and docking mechanism of small spacecraft. In the system, the support and adapter unit is employed to fix the active part of the berthing and docking mechanism, and the end-effector of the manipulator connects the passive part. The manipulator is driven according to the relative motion calculated by the hardware-in-the-loop model after gravity compensation, to simulate motion of space berthing and docking mechanism in space. A Smith predictor is introduced for control system delays compensation. A berthing and docking mechanism was employed in the experiment to evaluate the performance of the test system. The results validated the effectiveness of the test system. Since only one manipulator is exploited in the test system, compared with existing systems using two manipulators, the system cost can be greatly decreased.
Impact of inhaled treprostinil on risk stratification with noninvasive parameters: a post hoc analysis of the TRIUMPH and BEAT studies
Authors: Tonelli Adriano R. , Sahay Sandeep , Gordon Kathryn W. , Edwards Lisa D. , Allmon Andrew G. , Broderick Meredith , Nelsen Andrew C.
Published: August 2023

The 2015 European Society of Cardiology/European Respiratory Society treatment guidelines recommend frequent risk assessment in pulmonary arterial hypertension utilizing risk variables. Our objectives were: (1) to investigate the impact of inhaled treprostinil on risk stratification using the French noninvasive approach and REVEAL 2.0, and (2) to analyze the prognostic utility of both risk stratification methods in the predominantly New York Heart Association/World Health Organization functional class III/IV cohorts of TRIUMPH and BEAT. A post hoc analysis was performed to assess risk at baseline and follow‐up at Week 12 in the TRIUMPH cohort (n = 148) and at Week 16, 21, and 30 in the inhaled treprostinil naïve placebo BEAT cohort (n = 73). Overall survival, clinical worsening‐free survival, and pulmonary arterial hypertension‐related hospitalization‐free survival were all assessed in the pooled TRIUMPH and inhaled treprostinil naïve placebo BEAT cohorts based on risk group/strata at Week 12/16 follow‐up. Inhaled treprostinil improved REVEAL 2.0 risk stratum (OR: 2.38, 95% CI: 1.09–5.19, p = 0.0298) and REVEAL 2.0 score (p = 0.0008) compared to placebo in the TRIUMPH cohort at Week 12. REVEAL 2.0 risk stratum and the number of low‐risk criteria by the French approach improved at Weeks 16, 21, and 30 in the inhaled treprostinil naïve placebo BEAT cohort. Combining cohorts, REVEAL 2.0 risk stratification at follow‐up was prognostic for clinical worsening‐free, pulmonary arterial hypertension hospitalization‐free, and overall survival, whereas the number of low‐risk criteria was not. These post‐hoc pooled analyses suggest inhaled treprostinil improves risk status and indicates that the REVEAL 2.0 calculator may be more suitable than the French noninvasive method for evaluating short‐term clinical change in the New York Heart Association/World Health Organization functional class III/IV population.
GPRC5C drives branched-chain amino acid metabolism in leukemogenesis
Authors: Zhang Yu Wei , Velasco-Hernandez Talia , Mess Julian , Lalioti Maria-Eleni , Romero-Mulero Mari Carmen , Obier Nadine , Karantzelis Nikolaos , Rettkowski Jasmin , Schönberger Katharina , Karabacz Noémie , Jäcklein Karin , Morishima Tatsuya , Trincado Juan Luis , Romecin Paola , Martinez Alba , Takizawa Hitoshi , Shoumariyeh Khalid , Renders Simon , Zeiser Robert , Pahl Heike L. , Béliveau François , Hébert Josée , Lehnertz Bernhard , Sauvageau Guy , Menendez Pablo , Cabezas-Wallscheid Nina
Published: August 2023

Leukemia stem cells (LSCs) share numerous features with healthy hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). G-protein coupled receptor family C group 5 member C (GPRC5C) is a regulator of HSC dormancy. However, GPRC5C functionality in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is yet to be determined. Within patient AML cohorts, high GPRC5C levels correlated with poorer survival. Ectopic Gprc5c expression increased AML aggression through the activation of NF-κB, which resulted in an altered metabolic state with increased levels of intracellular branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). This onco-metabolic profile was reversed upon loss of Gprc5c, which also abrogated the leukemia-initiating potential. Targeting the BCAA transporter SLC7A5 with JPH203 inhibited oxidative phosphorylation and elicited strong antileukemia effects, specifically in mouse and patient AML samples while sparing healthy bone marrow cells. This antileukemia effect was strengthened in the presence of venetoclax and azacitidine. Our results indicate that the GPRC5C–NF-κB-SLC7A5–BCAAs axis is a therapeutic target that can compromise leukemia stem cell function in AML.
Disparities in survival of hematologic malignancies in the context of social determinants of health: a systematic review
Authors: Miranda-Galvis Marisol , Tjioe Kellen C. , Balas E. Andrew , Agrawal Gagan , Cortes Jorge E.
Published: August 2023

Social determinants of health (SDHs) have been reported as relevant factors responsible for health inequity. We sought to assess clinical data from observational studies conducted in the United States evaluating the impact of SDHs on the outcomes of patients with hematologic malignancies. Thus, we performed a systematic review in 6 databases on 1 September 2021, in which paired reviewers independently screened studies and included data from 41 studies. We assessed the risk of bias using the Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal tools and analyzed the data using a descriptive synthesis. The most common SDH domains explored were health care access and quality (54.3%) and economic stability (25.6%); others investigated were education (19%) and social and community context (7.8%). We identified strong evidence of 5 variables significantly affecting survival: lack of health insurance coverage or having Medicare or Medicaid insurance, receiving cancer treatment at a nonacademic facility, low household income, low education level, and being unmarried. In contrast, the reports on the effect of distance traveled to the treatment center are contradictory. Other SDHs examined were facility volume, provider expertise, poverty, and employment rates. We identified a lack of data in the literature in terms of transportation, debt, higher education, diet, social integration, environmental factors, or stress. Our results underscore the complex nature of social, financial, and health care barriers as intercorrelated variables. Therefore, the management of hematologic malignancies needs concerted efforts to incorporate SDHs into clinical care, research, and public health policies, identifying and addressing the barriers at a patient-based level to enhance outcome equity (PROSPERO CRD42022346854)
AQP3-mediated activation of the AMPK/SIRT1 signaling pathway curtails gallstone formation in mice by inhibiting inflammatory injury of gallbladder mucosal epithelial cells
Authors: Wang Ganggang , Zhang Hao , Zhou Zhijie , Jin Wenzhi , Zhang Xin , Ma Zenghui , Wang Xiaoliang
Published: August 2023

Background

Inflammatory injury of gallbladder mucosal epithelial cells affects the development of cholelithiasis, and aquaporin 3 (AQP3) is an important regulator of inflammatory response. This study reports a mechanistic insight intoAQP3regulating gallstone formation in cholelithiasis based on high-throughput sequencing.

Methods

A mouse model of cholelithiasis was induced using a high-fat diet, and the gallbladder tissues were harvested for high-throughput sequencing to obtain differentially expressed genes. Primary mouse gallbladder mucosal epithelial cells were isolated and induced with Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) to mimic an in vitro inflammatory injury environment. Cell biological phenotypes were detected by TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) assay, flow cytometry, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and Trypan blue staining. In addition, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) determined the production of inflammatory factors in mouse gallbladder mucosa.

Results

Whole-transcriptome sequencing data analysis identified 489 up-regulated and 1007 down-regulated mRNAs. Bioinformatics analysis revealed thatAQP3was significantly down-regulated in mice with cholelithiasis.AQP3might also confer an important role in LPS-induced gallbladder mucosal injury. Overexpression ofAQP3activated theAMPK(adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase) /SIRT1(sirtuin-1) signaling pathway to reduce LPS-induced inflammatory injury of the gallbladder mucosa epithelium, thereby ameliorating gallbladder damage and repressing gallstone formation in mice.

Conclusion

Data from our study highlight the inhibitory role ofAQP3in gallbladder damage and gallstone formation in mice by reducing inflammatory injury of gallbladder mucosal epithelial cells, which is achieved through activation of theAMPK/SIRT1signaling pathway.
Model of Surface Texture for Honed Gear Considering Motion Path and Geometrical Shape of Abrasive Particle
Authors: Liu Yuhu , Huang Xiaohui , Cao Huajun , Wang Jiacheng , Xiao Huapan
Published: August 2023

Gear power-honing is mainly applied to finish small and medium-sized automotive gears, especially in new energy vehicles. The distinctive curved surface texture greatly improves the noise emission and service life of honed gears. The surface texture for honed gear considering the motion path and geometrical shape of abrasive particles has not been investigated. In this paper, the kinematics of the gear honing process is analyzed, and the machining marks produced by the abrasive particles of honing wheel scratching abrasive particles against the workpiece gear are calculated. The tooth surface roughness is modeled considering abrasive particle shapes and material plastic pile-ups. This results in a mathematical model that characterizes the structure of the tooth surface and the orientation of the machining marks. Experiments were used to verify the model, with a maximum relative error of less than 10% when abrasive particles are spherical. Based on this model, the effects of process parameters on the speeds of discrete points on the tooth flank, orientations of machining marks and roughness are discussed. The results show that the shaft angle between the workpiece gear and the honing wheel and the speed of the honing wheel is the main process parameters affecting the surface texture. This research proposes a surface texture model for honed gear, which can provide a theoretical basis for optimizing process parameters for gear power-honing.
Effect of interesting respiratory rehabilitation training for the treatment of refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children
Authors: Li Wenqing , Liu Ting , Yao Min , Yu Ru , Shu Meiyan , Zhang Maorong , Huang Jing
Published: August 2023

Backgrounds

Refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (RMPP) cause damage of pulmonary function and physical therapy assisting medical treatment is needed.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of interesting respiratory rehabilitation training on pulmonary function in children with RMPP.

Methods

A total of 76 children with diagnoses of RMPP in our hospital from January 2020 to February 2021 were enrolled in this prospective study. According to the random number table method, they were divided into the control group and the study group, with 38 cases in each group. The control group were given conventional treatment, and the study group received interesting respiratory rehabilitation training in the basis of conventional treatment. The antipyretic time, disappearance time of pulmonary shadow and cough, length of hospital stay, pulmonary function (first second of expiratory volume (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC) at 1 day before and after intervention, serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and quality of life (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, PedsQL 4.0 scale) were observed in the two groups.

Results

The antipyretic time, disappearance time of pulmonary shadow and cough, length of hospital stay in the study group were shorter than those in the control group (P < 0.05). One day before intervention, there was no significant difference in FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC IL-6, CRP, and TNF-α between the two groups (P > 0.05). One day after intervention, FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC in the study group were better than those in the control group (P < 0.05), and the levels of IL-6, CRP, and TNF-α in the study group were lower than those in the control group with significant difference (P < 0.05). One day before intervention, there were no significant differences in physiological function, emotional function, social function, and school function between the two groups (P > 0.05). After intervention, physiological function, emotional function, social function, and school function of the study group were better than those of the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The interesting respiratory rehabilitation training can effectively improve the pulmonary function of children with RMPP, with strong flexibility, which is worthy of clinical application.
Low mindfulness is related to poor sleep quality from middle adolescents to emerging adults: a process model involving resilience and emotional dysfunction
Authors: Zhou Huaiyuan , Zhu Ziqing , Feng Xiangang , Zhang Ruibin
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Transitions from middle adolescence into merging adulthood, a life stage between age 15–25, has a high prevalence of sleep problems. Mindfulness is a trait defined as being attentive to the present moment which positively relates to sleep quality. In this study, we aimed to investigate how resilience and emotional dysfunction may influence the relationship between trait mindfulness and sleep quality.

Methods

The Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales were used to measure the key variables through an online survey of 497 participants between middle adolescence and emerging adults (317 females, mean age 18.27 ± 0.76 years). A process model was built to investigate the mediating roles of resilience and emotional dysfunction in the impact of trait mindfulness on sleep quality, together with the relationships between their specific components.

Results

We found a positive association between mindfulness and sleep quality through resilience and through emotional dysfunction, and through the sequential pathway from resilience to emotional dysfunction. Of note, acting with awareness (mindfulness facet) showed significant indirect effects on sleep quality, mediated by resilience and emotional dysfunction.

Conclusions

Our findings may unveil the underlying mechanisms of how low mindfulness induces poor sleep quality. The findings indicate that conceiving mindfulness as a multifaceted construct facilitates comprehension of its components, relationships with other variables, and underscores its potential clinical significance given its critical implications for mental health.
Posttraumatic stress disorder in a war-affected area of Northeast Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Birhan Zelalem , Deressa Yonas , Shegaw Maregu , Asnakew Sintayehu , Mekonen Tesfa
Published: August 2023

Background

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a chronic condition that affects a significant proportion of war survivors following war and conflict. If PTSD is not managed, it can lead to decreased quality of life and impairments in daily functioning and lead to death. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder and its associated factors among residents in a war-affected area, Dessie Town, Northeast Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adult residents in the war-affected area, Dessie Town. A total of 615 individuals were selected by a systematic random sampling method. PTSD was assessed using the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist, Civilian Version. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to measure the associated factors. Associations between variables were described using odds ratios, 95% confidence intervals, and a p-value less than 0.05.

Results

The prevalence of PTSD was 34.5% (95% CI: 31–38). Female sex (AOR: 1.82; CI: 1.18–2.82), divorced or widowed (AOR: 2.12, CI: 1.23–3.66), having only primary schooling (AOR: 2.17; CI: 1.25–3.78), depression (AOR: 2.03; CI: 1.34–3.08), experienced ill health without medical care during the wartime (AOR: 2.97; CI: 1.43–6.16), forced separation from family (AOR: 1.90; CI: 1.16–3.12), and experienced stressful life events (AOR: 1.60; CI: 1.06–2.42) were significantly associated with PTSD.

Conclusion

A significant rate of PTSD was found among residents of the war-affected area, Dessie Town. One in three people was experiencing PTSD. As a result, post-war mental health early screening and intervention is a priority, particularly for females, those who are separated or divorced, and those who have experienced stressful life events due to the war.
Dementia prediction in the general population using clinically accessible variables: a proof-of-concept study using machine learning. The AGES-Reykjavik study
Authors: Twait Emma L. , Andaur Navarro Constanza L. , Gudnason Vilmunur , Hu Yi-Han , Launer Lenore J. , Geerlings Mirjam I.
Published: August 2023

Background

Early identification of dementia is crucial for prompt intervention for high-risk individuals in the general population. External validation studies on prognostic models for dementia have highlighted the need for updated models. The use of machine learning in dementia prediction is in its infancy and may improve predictive performance. The current study aimed to explore the difference in performance of machine learning algorithms compared to traditional statistical techniques, such as logistic and Cox regression, for prediction of all-cause dementia. Our secondary aim was to assess the feasibility of only using clinically accessible predictors rather than MRI predictors.

Methods

Data are from 4,793 participants in the population-based AGES-Reykjavik Study without dementia or mild cognitive impairment at baseline (mean age: 76 years, % female: 59%). Cognitive, biometric, and MRI assessments (total: 59 variables) were collected at baseline, with follow-up of incident dementia diagnoses for a maximum of 12 years. Machine learning algorithms included elastic net regression, random forest, support vector machine, and elastic net Cox regression. Traditional statistical methods for comparison were logistic and Cox regression. Model 1 was fit using all variables and model 2 was after feature selection using the Boruta package. A third model explored performance when leaving out neuroimaging markers (clinically accessible model). Ten-fold cross-validation, repeated ten times, was implemented during training. Upsampling was used to account for imbalanced data. Tuning parameters were optimized for recalibration automatically using the caret package in R.

Results

19% of participants developed all-cause dementia. Machine learning algorithms were comparable in performance to logistic regression in all three models. However, a slight added performance was observed in the elastic net Cox regression in the third model (c = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.78–0.78) compared to the traditional Cox regression (c = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.74–0.77).

Conclusions

Supervised machine learning only showed added benefit when using survival techniques. Removing MRI markers did not significantly worsen our model’s performance. Further, we presented the use of a nomogram using machine learning methods, showing transportability for the use of machine learning models in clinical practice. External validation is needed to assess the use of this model in other populations. Identifying high-risk individuals will amplify prevention efforts and selection for clinical trials.
Assessment of satisfaction with antiretroviral drugs and the need for long-acting injectable medicines among people living with HIV in Japan and its associated factors: a prospective multicenter cross-sectional observational study
Authors: Ishihara Masashi , Hikasa Shinichi , Tsukiji Mariko , Kunimoto Yusuke , Nobori Kazuko , Kimura Takeshi , Onishi Kenta , Yamamoto Yuki , Haruta Kyohei , Kashiwabara Yohei , Fujii Kenji , Shimabukuro Shota , Watanabe Daichi , Tsurumi Hisashi , Suzuki Akio
Published: August 2023

Background

Long-acting injectable formulations for HIV infection have been approved and are now available in Japan. Although not currently recommended as first-line drugs in Japanese or overseas guidelines, use of such formulations may increase, in accordance with patient conditions and preference. We determine the level of satisfaction with current anti-HIV drugs and analyzed the preferences of patients who favor long-acting injectable drugs based on their satisfaction level with the present anti-HIV drugs.

Methods

People living with HIV (PLWH) who had received antiretroviral therapy (ART) for at least one month and consented to the study between 1 April and 31 December 2021 were included in a survey conducted using a self-administered questionnaire. The content of the survey included satisfaction with seven items (tablet size, ease and feeling when taking the medicine, color, taste, portability, daily oral therapy, and co-payment) related to the anti-HIV drugs they were taking and their need for future drugs (dosage form, frequency of dosing, long-acting injectable, etc.). In addition, factors related to the need for long-acting injectable medications were analyzed with regard to the relationship with satisfaction with anti-HIV drugs.

Results

Overall, 667 patients available for analysis were included in this study. Satisfaction with anti-HIV drugs was highest with regard to “co-payment” and lowest with “daily oral therapy”. Regarding the need for long-acting injectable medications, logistic regression analysis indicated that tablet size and daily oral therapy were significant predictors of patient preference for a once-every-eight-weeks intramuscular formulation in terms of their requirement for long-acting injectable medications (tablet size, OR = 2.14, 95%CI 1.030–4.430, p = 0.042; and daily oral therapy, OR = 1.75, 95%CI 1.010–3.030, p = 0.044).

Conclusions

Patients currently receiving anti-HIV drugs who express dissatisfaction with tablet size and daily oral therapy may prefer a long-acting injectable formulation, taking into consideration patient age, employment status, ART history, frequency of daily dosage and concomitant medications other than ART.
Development and efficacy assessment of hand sanitizers and polylactic acid films incorporating caffeic acid and vanillin for enhanced antiviral properties against HCoV-229E
Authors: Hyun Seok-Woo , Han Sangha , Son Jeong Won , Song Min Su , Kim Dan Ah , Ha Sang-Do
Published: August 2023

Background

Although three years after the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, the virus is still having a significant impact on human health and the global economy. Infection through respiratory droplets is the main transmission route, but the transmission of the virus by surface contact cannot be ignored. Hand sanitizers and antiviral films can be applied to control SARS-CoV-2, but sanitizers and films show drawbacks such as resistance of the virus against ethanol and environmental problems including the overuse of plastics. Therefore, this study suggested applying natural substrates to hand sanitizers and antiviral films made of biodegradable plastic (PLA). This approach is expected to provide advantages for the easy control of SARS-CoV-2 through the application of natural substances.

Methods

Antiviral disinfectants and films were manufactured by adding caffeic acid and vanillin to ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, benzalkonium chloride, and PLA. Antiviral efficacies were evaluated with slightly modified international standard testing methods EN 14,476 and ISO 21,702.

Results

In suspension, all the hand sanitizers evaluated in this study showed a reduction of more than 4 log within 2 min against HCoV-229E. After natural substances were added to the hand sanitizers, the time needed to reach the detection limit of the viral titer was shortened both in suspension and porcine skin. However, no difference in the time needed to reach the detection limit of the viral titer was observed in benzalkonium chloride. In the case of antiviral films, those made using both PLA and natural substances showed a 1 log reduction of HCoV-229E compared to the neat PLA film for all treatment groups. Furthermore, the influence of the organic load was evaluated according to the number of contacts of the antiviral products with porcine skin. Ten rubs on the skin resulted in slightly higher antiviral activity than 50 rubs.

Conclusion

This study revealed that caffeic acid and vanillin can be effectively used to control HCoV-229E for hand sanitizers and antiviral films. In addition, it is recommended to remove organic matter from the skin for maintaining the antiviral activity of hand sanitizer and antiviral film as the antiviral activity decreased as the organic load increased in this study.
Strategies to strengthen a climate-resilient health system: a scoping review
Authors: Mosadeghrad Ali Mohammad , Isfahani Parvaneh , Eslambolchi Leila , Zahmatkesh Maryam , Afshari Mahnaz
Published: August 2023

Background

Climate change is a major global threat to human health and puts tremendous pressure on health systems. Therefore, a resilient health system is crucial to enhance, maintain, and restore the population’s health. This study aimed to identify interventions and actions to strengthen a climate-resilient health system to deal with the adverse health effects of climate change.

Method

This study was a scoping review. Five databases and Google Scholar search engine were searched using relevant keywords. Initially, 4945 documents were identified, and 105 were included in the review. Content thematic analysis method was applied using MAXQDA 10 software.

Results

Overall, 87 actions were identified for building a climate-resilient health system and were classified into six themes (i.e., governance and leadership; financing; health workforce; essential medical products and technologies; health information systems; and service delivery). The most commonly reported actions were formulating a national health and climate change adaptation plan, developing plans for essential services (electricity, heating, cooling, ventilation, and water supply), assessing the vulnerabilities and capacities of the health system, and enhancing surveillance systems targeting climate-sensitive diseases and their risk sources.

Conclusions

A holistic and systemic approach is needed to build a climate-resilient health system owing to its complex adaptive nature. Strong governance and leadership, raising public awareness, strategic resource allocation, climate change mitigation, emergency preparedness, robust health services delivery, and supporting research, are essential to building a climate-resilient health system.
Cement-augmented pedicle screw for thoracolumbar degenerative diseases with osteoporosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Song Zhoufeng , Zhou Qiujun , Jin Xiaoliang , Zhang Jinjie
Published: August 2023

Background

Cement-augmentation pedicle screws have been widely used in spinal internal fixation surgery combined with osteoporosis in recent years, which can significantly improve the fixation strength, but compared with conventional methods, whether it has more advantages is still inconclusive of evidencebased medicine. To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of cement-augmented pedicle screw in the treatment of thoracolumbar degenerative diseases with osteoporosis.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library for studies published from the establishment of the database up until June 2023. We included studies that concerning the cement-augmented pedicle screw and the traditional pedicle screw placement for thoracolumbar degenerative diseases with osteoporosis. We excluded repeated publication, researches without full text, incomplete information or inability to conduct data extraction and animal experiments, case report, reviews and systematic reviews. STATA 15.1 software was used to analyze the data.

Results

A total of 12 studies were included in this meta-analysis. The sample size of patients were totally 881, of which, 492 patients in cement-augmented screw group and 389 patients in conventional screw group. Meta-analysis results showed that Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score (WMD = 1.69, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.22), intervertebral space height (WMD = 1.66, 95% CI 1.03 to 2.29) and post-operation fusion rate (OR = 2.80, 95% CI 1.49 to 5.25) were higher in the cement-augmented screw group than those in the conventional screw group. Operation time was longer in the cement-augmented screw group than that in the conventional screw group (WMD = 15.47, 95% CI 1.25 to 29.70). Screw loosening rate was lower in the cement-augmented screw group than those in the conventional screw group (OR = 0.13, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.22). However, hospitalization time, intraoperative blood loss and Visual analog scale (VAS) score were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Compared with conventional pedicle screw placement, cement-augmented pedicle screw is more effective in the treatment of osteoporotic thoracolumbar degenerative disease by improving fusion rate and interbody height, reducing the incidence of screw loosening, and elevating long-term efficacy.
Evidence on risk factors for knee osteoarthritis in middle-older aged: a systematic review and meta analysis
Authors: Dong Yawei , Yan Yan , Zhou Jun , Zhou Qiujun , Wei Hongyu
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This review was made to identify the risk factors for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) in middle-older aged (≥ 40 years), and to provide the newest evidence for the prevention of KOA.

Method

Cohort study and case–control study of the risk factors of KOA was included from Pubmed, Web of Science, Ovid Technologies, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP), Wanfang Database, SinoMed from their inceptions to July 2023. Two authors independently screened the literature and extracted data. Assessment of quality was implemented according to Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software.

Results

3597 papers were identified from the seven databases and 29 papers containing 60,354 participants were included in this review. Meta-analysis was performed for 14 risk factors, and 7 of these were statistical significance (P < 0.05). The risk factors which were analyzed in this review included trauma history in knee (1.37 [95% CI 1.03–1.82], P = 0.030), body mass index (BMI) ≥ 24 kg/m2 (1.30 [95% CI 1.09–1.56], P = 0.004), gender (female) (1.04 [95% CI 1.00–1.09], P = 0.030), age ≥ 40 (1.02 [95% CI 1.01–1.03], P = 0.007), more exercise (0.75 [95% CI 0.62–0.91], P = 0.003), a high school education background (0.49 [95% CI 0.30–0.79], P = 0.003) and an university education background (0.22 [95% CI 0.06–0.86], P = 0.030).

Conclusion

The risk factors analyzed in this review included trauma history in knee, overweight or obesity, gender (female), age ≥ 40 and the protective factors included more exercise and a high school or an university education background.