bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spectrum-optimized direct image reconstruction of super-resolution structured illumination microscopy
Authors: Li Hui , Wen Gang , Li Simin , Liang Yong , Wang Linbo , Zhang Jie , Chen Xiaohu , Jin Xin , Chen Chong , Tang Yuguo
Published: January 2023

Super-resolution structured illumination microscopy (SR-SIM) has become a widely used nanoscopy technique for rapid, long-term, and multi-color imaging of live cells. Precise but troublesome determination of the illumination pattern parameters is a prerequisite for Wiener-deconvolution-based SR-SIM image reconstruction. Here, we present a direct reconstruction SIM algorithm (direct-SIM) with an initial spatial-domain reconstruction followed by frequency-domain spectrum optimization. Without any prior knowledge of illumination patterns and bypassing the artifact-sensitive Wiener deconvolution procedures, resolution-doubled SR images could be reconstructed by direct-SIM free of common artifacts, even for the raw images with large pattern variance in the field of view (FOV). Direct-SIM can be applied to previously difficult scenarios such as very sparse samples, periodic samples, very small FOV imaging, and stitched large FOV imaging.
Supernova dust destruction in the magnetized turbulent ISM
Authors: Kirchschlager Florian , Mattsson Lars , Gent Frederick
Published: January 2023

Dust in the interstellar medium (ISM) is critical to the absorption and intensity of emission profiles used widely in astronomical observations, and necessary for star and planet formation. Supernova explosions (SNe) eject dust into the ISM, but potentially destroy much larger quantities already present in the ambient ISM. A major unresolved astrophysical problem exists: theory and prior simulations of dust processing by supernovae in uniform ISM predict much greater dust destruction than is compatible with estimates of dust abundances observed in young starburst galaxies. We simulate dust processing by supernovae within more realistic simulations of ISM dynamics and consider magnetic field effects. We show that the inhomogeneity of the ISM protects dust from blast waves, reducing dust mass destroyed within 1 Myr per SNe from 70 M⊙ to ∼60 M⊙. Magnetic fields protect dust, particularly large grains, from grain-grain collisions, reducing losses to only ∼30 M⊙.
Protective strategies and motivations to control drinking among Brazilian college students: A qualitative study
Authors: Faria Marina Noto , Santos Elaine Lucas , Noto Ana Regina , Bedendo André Souza , Souza-Formigoni Maria Lucia O.
Published: January 2023

Background: To develop prevention programs or early interventions to reduce alcohol consumption and related problems, it is essential understand social and cultural variations in human behaviors and beliefs. This study aimed to assess Brazilian college student´s motivations to control drinking and use protective strategies, while taking into account the influence of patterns of alcohol use, social situations and settings
Methods: Qualitative individual interviews were carried out with 23 college students with diverse settings and patterns of alcohol use (AUDIT - low-risk to suggestive of dependence), using snowball sampling up to the theoretical saturation point. The NVivo software was used for the content analysis.
Results: Data analysis highlighted three main themes a) Contexts and consumption patterns (such as bars, “open bar” parties and others); b) Protective Strategies (such as stop-drinking intervals, eating before or during drinking, returning home in the company of a friend); c) Motivations in respect drinking control (such as sense of responsibility, bad previous experiences, family and religious issues). Protective strategies and motivation to control drinking were perceived to be less prominent in contexts and patterns of higher alcohol consumption.
Conclusions: Motivations and protective strategies varied according to the drinker’s profile, social situations and the settings in which they consumed alcohol. These different factors need to be considered designing of preventive programs.
Coping strategies as mediators of uncertainty and psychological distress in patients with advanced cancer
Authors: Obispo Berta , Cruz-Castellanos Patricia , Fernández-Montes Ana , Coca-Membribes Sara , Rogado Jacobo , Antoñanzas Monica , Castillo-Trujillo Oscar A. , López-Ceballos Helena , Rodríguez-González Adan , Jiménez-Fonseca Paula , Calderon Caterina
Published: January 2023

Purpose: Uncertainty surrounding entails significant psychological distress.The aims were to evaluate the incidence of psychological distress at diagnosis of advanced cancer and to analyze whether the relationship between illness uncertainty and psychological distress can be mediated by coping strategies.
Methods: A multicenter, prospective,cross-sectional study was conducted in 15 medical oncology departments in Spain. Individuals with unresectable advanced cancer completed questionnaires on uncertainty (Michel Uncertainty of Illness Scale, MUIS), coping strategies (Mental Adjustment to Cancer, M-MAC), and psychological distress (Brief Symptom Inventory, BSI) after the diagnostic and treatment appointment and before beginning systemic cancer treatment.
Results:841 patients eligible for systemic treatment with palliative intent were included between February 2020 and April 2022. A total of 71.7% had clinically significant levels of psychological distress. Univariate analyses identified that the groups with less psychological distress were male(ηp2=0.016), married (ηp2=0.006), and had better performance status (ηp2=0.007). The most widely used coping strategies were positive attitude and cognitive avoidance. A positive relationship was found between uncertainty, coping strategies,and psychological distress (p<0.05).Participants who responded with anxious preoccupation suffered more helplessness and psychological distress, while those who responded with cognitive avoidance, displayed greater positive attitude and less psychological distress.
Conclusion: Most people with unresectable advanced cancer experience psychological distress in the face of uncertainty. This psychological distress can be mitigated through coping strategies such as cognitive avoidance.
Comparision of two methods of lateral shelf acetabuloplasty in the treatment for Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease
Authors: Li Wen Chao , Liu Li , Xu Rui Jiang , Yao Jia qi , Feng Zhi Chun
Published: January 2023

Purpose This retrospective study compares two methods of shelf acetabuloplasty between Staheli technique and Tectoplasty technique to evaluate the efﬁcacy of different surgery in the treatment of Perthes disease in children.
Methods The study included 42 patients (35 boys and 7 girls) older than 7 years with Perthes disease was performed by shelf acetabuloplasty. There were 24 children (19 boys and 5 girls; mean months at the surgery of 80.63±10.88) performed by Staheli technique and 18 children (16 boys and 2 girls; mean months at the surgery of 81.38±15.59) performed by Tectoplasty technique. The data and radiographs of patients were retrospectively recorded and analyzed. The clinical outcomes at the final follow-up were evaluated by Stulberg classiﬁcation at the last follow-up.
Results There were no significant statistical differences in the Herring and Catterall classification before surgery and the result of Stulberg classification at the follow-up between two groups (P>0.05). The containment of femoral head in hip was improved by surgery in two groups with the increase of Sharp angle and femoral head size ratio and the decrease of subluxation ratio of femoral head (P<0.05). The Staheli technique could provide more decrease of the subluxation ratio of femoral head with 74.38%±10.29% than Tectoplasty technique with 67.31%±6.87% (P=0.011). There was no significant statistical difference in the extent of decrease in Sharp angle between Staheli group of 77.12%±7.07% and Tectoplasty group of the 74.53%±5.21% (P=0.199), and no significant statistical difference in femoral head size ratio between Staheli group of 1.12±0.08 and Tectoplasty group of 1.17±0.07 (P=0.053).
Conclusion Both of Staheli and Tectoplasty technique of lateral shelf acetabuloplasty could promote the coverage of affected hip and remodeling of femoral head in the treatment of Perthes disease. The lateral acetabuloplasty represents a containment procedure that helps to reduce subluxation of the femoral head, thereby helping to restore the biomechanical function of the hip joint. Staheli technique could provide the more decrease in the subluxation ratio of femoral head than Tectoplasty technique.
Experimental, theoretical and numerical analysis of thermal conductivity of PDMS/Carbon fiber powder composites with dense networks
Authors: He Xiaoxiang , Ou Dan , He Zhiyuan , Zhang Hehui , Chen Ying , Ma Ying , Luo Yue , Wu Shuying
Published: January 2023

A novel hot embossing process was used to construct a dense carbon fiber powder (CFP) network in the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix of the PDMS/CFP composite, which was investigated experimentally. The results demonstrated that the addition of the filler and the decrease in sample thickness resulted in a significant increase in the thermal conductivity (TC) of the PDMS composites. TC of up to 19.325 W/(mK), which is as high as that of stainless steel (1Cr18Ni9Ti), was achieved at a filler content of 60 wt% and a thickness of 0.2 mm. A mathematical model for predicting TC was established, and the filler content, compression coefficient, and interfacial thermal resistance were systematically discussed. In addition, finite element analyses were performed to predict the TC of the PDMS/CFP composites with various thicknesses and filler contents. The numerical and theoretical results were in agreement with the experimental results. Finally, the PDMS composite was tested as a heat spreader, which significantly reduced the temperature.
Deep learning-based optic disc classification is affected by optic-disc tilt
Authors: Nam YoungWoo , Kim Joonhyoung , Kim Kyunga , Park Kyung-Ah , Kang Mira , Cho Baek Hwan , Oh Sei Yeul , Kee Changwon , Han Jongchul , Lee Ga-In , Kang Min Chae , Lee Dongyoung , Choi Yeeun , Yun Hee Jee , Park Hansol , Kim Jiho , Cho Soo Jin , Chang Dong Kyung
Published: January 2023

We aimed to determine the effect of optic disc tilt on deep learning-based optic disc classification. Image annotation was performed to label pathologic changes of the optic disc (normal, glaucomatous optic disc changes, disc swelling, and disc pallor) and note the appearance of a tilted optic disc (non-tilted versus tilted). Deep learning-based classification modeling was implemented to develop an optic-disc appearance classification. We acquired 2,507 fundus photographs from 2,236 subjects. Of the 2,507 data, 1,010 (40.3%) had tilted optic discs. The AUC of the models trained and tested using the non-tilted disc dataset was 0.988 ± 0.002, 0.991 ± 0.003, and 0.986 ± 0.003 for VGG16, VGG19, and DenseNet121, respectively. The AUC of the models trained and tested using the tilted disc dataset was 0.924 ± 0.046, 0.928 ± 0.017, and 0.935 ± 0.008. The model performance indicated by the AUC was better for non-tilted discs, regardless of the dataset used for training. In each pathologic change, non-tilted disc models showed better sensitivity than the tilted disc model. In the groups of glaucoma, disc pallor, and disc swelling, non-tilted disc models showed better specificity than the tilted disc model. We developed deep learning-based optic disc appearance classification systems using the fundus photographs of patients with and without tilted optic discs. The classification accuracy was lower in patients with the appearance of tilted discs compared to non-tilted discs, suggesting the need for identifying and adjusting for the effect of optic disc tilt on the optic disc classification algorithm in future development.
Heavy Metal Deposition and Parameter Change of Soft Contact Lenses by Exposure to Particulate Matter
Authors: Jung Won Young , Kim Jin Woo , Kim So Ra , Park Mijung
Published: January 2023

Background: Particulate matter (PM) is known to contain heavy metals and harmful to the human body including the eyes. As such, in this study, the deposition of heavy metals from PM on soft contact lenses was examined, and changes in the lens parameters were further investigated.
Methods: Six types of soft contact lenses were exposed to captured PM for eight hours. The central thickness, water content, refractive power, and oxygen transmissibility of each contact lens were measured after analyzation of the amounts of six heavy metals adsorbed on the contact lenses.
Results: Lead, manganese, barium, arsenic, vanadium, and cadmium were detected in the captured PM, and only lead was adsorbed on all soft contact lenses except senofilcon C. The largest absorption was 5.50% of the lead on lotrafilcon B. The oxygen transmissibility of nelfilcon A exhibited statistically significant changes, however, it was within the ISO standard tolerance. Nevertheless, changes in the central thickness, water content, and refractive power of each soft contact lens were not statistically significant.
Conclusions: This study revealed that a considerable amount of lead in PM was adsorbed on soft contact lenses, resulting in statistically significant changes of oxygen transmissibility. Thus, wearing soft contact lenses under high PM concentration might affect the physiology of the eyes.
The Golden-Angle Radial Sparse Parallel Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Rectal Perfusion: Performance for Prediction of Lymphovascular Invasion in Rectal Cancer
Authors: Zhou Mi , Fan Yingying , Wu Ling , Huang Hongyun
Published: January 2023

Purpose: This study aims to determine whether the dual-parameter approach combined with either time-resolved angiography with stochastic trajectories (TWIST) or golden-angle radial sparse parallel (GRASP) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) has superior diagnostic performance in predicting pathological lymphovascular invasion (pLVI) rectal cancer when compared with traditional single-parameter evaluations using DWI alone.
Materials and Methods: Patients with pathologically confirmed rectal cancer were enrolled. Perfusion (influx forward volume transfer constant [Ktrans] and rate constant [Kep]) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were measured by two researchers. For both sequences, areas under receiver operating characteristic (ROCs) to predict pLVI-positive rectal cancer were compared.
Results: A total of 179 patients were enrolled in our study. A combined analysis of ADC and perfusion parameters (Ktrans) acquired with GRASP yielded a higher diagnostic performance compared with diffusion parameters alone (area under the curve, 0.91±0.03 vs. 0.71±0.06, P<0.001); However, ADC with GRASP-acquired Kep and ADC with TWIST-acquired perfusion parameters (Ktrans or Kep) did not offer any additional benefit.
Conclusion: The Ktrans of the GRASP technique improved the diagnostic performance of multiparametric MRI to predict rectal cancers with pLVI-positive. In contrast, TWIST did not achieve this effect.
Ampelopsin alleviates cognitive impairment of SAMP8 mice by inhibiting microglial polarization and NLRP3 degradation via autophagy
Authors: Zhang meng , Liu xingran , Chang jingru , Chen dandan , qian shuaiwei , kou xianjuan
Published: January 2023

Microglial polarization and NRLP3 inflammasome mediated inflammation response are known to be involved in the pathological procession of AD. Ampelopsin, a natural flavonoid compound from Chinese herb Ampelopsis grossedentata, has been reported to have neuroprotective functions. However, there have been no reports on whether DHM suppresses microglial polarization and NLRP3-Caspase-1 inflammasome via autophagy pathway in an Alzheimer’s disease model. We aimed to study the effects of ampelopsin on M1/M2 polarization and the mechanism to regulate anti-inflammation both in vivo and vitro models. BV2 cells were treated with LPS in the presence or absence of DHM, and SAMP8 mice were orally administered 100 or 200 mg/kg/day of DHM for 8 weeks. Our results showed that ampelopsin significantly mitigated cognitive impairment and AD-like pathological proteins（BACE1 and APP）levels in AD mice. Treatment with different dose of ampelopsin efficiently suppressed NLRP3-Caspase-1 inflammasome activation, IL-1β and IL-18 production as well as microglia activation in the hippocampus of SAMP8 mice. Mechanistically, DHM promoted the transition from M1 to M2 microglia by up-regulating SIRT1 signaling. Transmission electron microscopy results further confirmed that DHM reversed impaired autophagy in AD mice. However, CQ, as an autophagy inhibitor, not only blocked the above protective effects of DHM in vivo, but also exacerbated those pathological changes. Our findings reveals activation of autophagic induced by DHM promote M2 polarization, NLRP3 inflammasome degradation, inhibiting inflammatory response, in turn, improving cognitive function in SAMP8 mice.
Bioinformatics analysis and verification of m6A related genes based on the construction of keloid diagnostic model
Authors: Yang Ronghua , Wang Xiaoxiang , Zheng Wenlian , Chen Wentao , Gan Wenjun , Qin Xinchi , Huang Jie , Chen Xiaodong , Zhou Sitong
Published: January 2023

Background: Keloid is the result of abnormal hyperplasia of skin connective tissue. This study explored the relationship between m6A related genes and keloid, and provides some reference for discovering the pathogenesis and therapeutic targets of keloid.
Methods: Transcriptomic datasets (GSE44270, GSE185309) of keloid and normal skin tissues were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database (GEO). The landscape of m6A gene was constructed, then the corresponding genes were verified by immunohistochemistry. Using protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, hub genes were extracted for unsupervised clustering analysis, and Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis was carried out to check the biological process or function affected by these differentially expressed genes. Finally, immune infiltration analysis was carried out to discuss the relationship between the therapeutic potential of keloid and immune microenvironment.
Results: There were genes with different expression trends in the three types of m6A genes, especially IGF2BP3 in the reader category, which is significantly up-regulated in keloid patients. We identified 6 genes showed significant differences through PPI analysis between the two groups of keloid samples. Enrichment analysis was performed to identify the functions of these differentially expressed genes, and we found that they were related to cell division, proliferation and metabolism, and there were significant differences in immunity-related pathways. Finally, we analyzed the immune infiltration level of immune cells in keloid with single sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis（ssGSEA）and CIBERSORT respectively.
Conclusions: We analyzed the relationship between m6A related genes and keloid through bioinformatics methods, so as to provide corresponding references for clarifying the molecular mechanism of keloid.
Comparison of modified U-shaped and inverted L-shaped medial capsulorrhaphy in hallux vulgus surgery
Authors: Wei Xiaohua , Liu Xiong , Zhang Peng , Liu Shifeng
Published: January 2023

Purpose: The distal soft tissue procedure is an integral component of bunion surgery to aid in hallux valgus angular (HVA) correction. There are some reports about the lateral soft tissue release, but rarely about medial capsular placation. The purpose of this study was to report a modified U-shaped medial capsulorrhaphy and compare its clinical and radiological differences with an inverted L-shaped capsulorrhaphy.
Methods: A prospective analysis and review of 78 consecutive patients was performed between January 2018 and October 2021. All patients underwent chevron osteotomy and soft tissue procedure for hallux valgus (HV), and the patients were separated into 2 groups according to the implemented medial capsule closing technique. The modified U-shaped capsulorrhaphy was implemented for patients in group A, and the L-shaped capsulorrhaphy was done for patients in group B. All patients were followed for at least a year. The preoperative and follow-up data were collected for each patient, which include patient demographics, weightbearing radiographs of the foot, the active range of motion (ROM) of first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint and clinical results.
Results: In total, 75 patients with 80 feet met the inclusion criteria, there were 38 cases (41 feet) in group A and 37 cases (39 feet) in group B.Comparing the degrees of HVA and intramedullary angle (IMA) at 1 year after surgery, the statistical value of IMA was insignificant (P =0.216), but a statistically significant difference in HVA was observed between the 2 groups (P= 0.017). The degrees of ROM of the first MTP joint after 1 year in group A were better than group B (P = 0.03). American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle forefoot score (AOFAS, forefoot) was 53.37±7.66 preoperatively and 85.51±3.94 at one-year follow-up in Group A and 52.3±8 and 86.56±3.87 respectively in Group B. Significant improvement was achieved for both groups, but neither group showed any statistically significant differences (P = 0.232).
Conclusion: Compared to the inverted L-shaped capsulorrhaphy, the modified U-shaped capsulorrhaphy can provide a better ROM of the first MTP joint, and the modified U-shaped capsulorrhaphy can help maintain the normal HVA better 1 year following surgery; it could be a better choice for medial soft tissue reconstruction in HV surgery.
Interactive effects of metal and metalloids on diatom motility and protoplasmic conditions
Authors: Sangeeta Sangeeta , Pandey Lalit Kumar , Negi Sudeeksha , Gupta Mahima , Gupta Divyanshi , Kumar Abhishek , Singh Shivangi
Published: January 2023

Metal and metalloid contamination in the waterbodies and its undesirable effect on the residing diatom communities is a problem of global concern. In the present study, the effect of metals (Fe and Zn) and metalloids (As and Hg) was examined (for 15 days) in the motility and protoplasmic content of different live diatom genera under laboratory conditions. Under Hg treatment, the % motile frustules in the six diatom genera lies between 2–5% after one day of exposure, while under As treatment value lies between 30–80%. In contrast, under Zn treatment % motile frustules in the six diatom genera lie between 60–80% after one day of exposure, while under Fe treatment value lies between 40–80%. However, after 15 days of exposure to Hg, the % motile frustules in the six diatom genera lies between 0–3%, while under As treatment value lies between 5–20%. In contrast, under Zn treatment % of motile frustules in the six diatom genera lies between 10–40% after one day of exposure, while under Fe treatment value lies between 10–20%. Based on the above results, the toxicity trends of metals and metalloids showed the following: Hg > As > Fe > Zn. Based on correlation ship analysis, it is found that % motile frustules in different diatom genera showed an inverse relationship with the % reduction in the protoplasmic content of the live cells i.e., the higher the value of the reduction in protoplasmic content lower will be the % motile frustules in the community. Based on obtained results, we can conclude that motility in live diatoms is the highly sensitive endpoint to assess the impact of metal and metalloid contamination in the water bodies. However, in comparison to metals, diatoms are more sensitive to the metalloid’s exposure, especially for Hg. Finally, we conclude that % motile diatom frustules in the community is a highly sensitive, quick, and easy-to-assess biomonitoring tool for assessing the metal and metalloid contamination in the water bodies.
The avian diversity of Deccan/ Western Bastar Plateau, Bastar Division, Chhattisgarh
Authors: Bharos A. M. K. , Naidu Ravi , Mandavia Ameet , Bharos Akhilesh , Vishwakarma Anurag
Published: January 2023

This much-needed study was undertaken from January 2017 to March 2020, in which 260 species were recorded in the geographical area of Dantewada and Bijapur districts, including Indravati Tiger Reserve. The study revealed the presence of 260 avians, both resident and migratory categories. Ten threatened category species were found, Critically Endangered two species, Vulnerable two species, and Near Threatened six Species,, including Malabar Pied Hornbill reported recently after 1991. One species was found extending its distribution range. The avian species encountered were categorized by feeding habits, the number of birds were found highest as Omnivorous and most petite as Nectarivores. In Indravati Tiger Reserve, this study revealed the presence of 165 additional species, which were not mentioned previously. Interestingly, species such as Pink-headed Duck and Lesser Florican have past records but have not been recorded in recent years. Finding a juvenile of Black Baza suggests its breeding in this area. Himalayan. Vulture was found in March 2020, the first record from Chhattisgarh. The entire area is subjected to multiple threats like large-scale poaching by locals, law and order problems, Iron ore mining, new Railway tracks and Power transmission line projects and two multipurpose hydel projects envisaged on river Indravati. These need to be mitigated. Despite our attempts, there is always scope for additions to our bird list.
Growth rates of the number of indecomposable summands in tensor powers
Authors: Coulembier Kevin , Ostrik Victor , Tubbenhauer Daniel
Published: January 2023

In this paper we study the asymptotic behavior of the number of summands in tensor products of finite dimensional representations of affine (semi)group (super)schemes and related objects.
Healthcare Professionals’ Perception of Physical Activity Promotion for Children with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Giblin Susan , Dalton Niall , Scully Paul , McCaffrey Alison , Connolly Muiriosa , Neylon Orla , O'Gorman Clodagh
Published: January 2023

Aims
Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is a chronic, lifelong condition. T1D incidence and prevalence rising globally. T1D management includes daily insulin regimens, blood glucose monitoring, nutrition management and physical activity (PA). PA plays a pertinent role in mitigating some of the adverse complications associated with T1D (e.g. cardiometabolic disease). Unfortunately, children with T1D often do not meet the minimum recommended requirements for sustaining a physically active lifestyle. Children with T1D face disease-specific barriers and facilitators to PA engagement. Healthcare professionals (HCP) working with children with T1D have an important role in supporting PA as a component of diabetes management. Within an Irish context, little is known about how HCPs’ perceive their role in the promotion of PA for children with T1D. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore the knowledge, beliefs and experiences of HCPs’ provision PA education and support to parents and children with T1D.
Methods
Members (n = 16) of the multidisciplinary team working in the paediatric outpatient diabetes clinic were recruited. Participants included 6 nurses, non-consultant hospital doctors (6 SHOs, 3 registrars) and 1 dietician. Participants completed a semi-structured questionnaire to gather information about their knowledge, beliefs and experiences in providing PA education to children, adolescents and parents.
Results
The results show that HCPs do recognise the importance of PA for maintaining health and inform patients of the importance of regular PA, however, HCPs report limited confidence in providing PA education to certain sub-populations of individuals with T1D (e.g. ethnic groups, females, overweight or obese individuals and high-level athletes). Furthermore, HCPs report limited provision of information about important facets of PA that impact blood glucose regulation (e.g. intensity, duration and aerobic versus anaerobic activity).
Conclusions
Healthcare professionals recognised their role in helping children with T1D and their parents to incorporate physical activity into diabetes management and everyday life, but perceived barriers to the successful fulfilment of their role.
Corneal Biomechanics in Normal and Subclinical Keratoconus Eyes
Authors: Peyman Alireza , Sepahvand Fatemeh , Pourazizi Mohsen , Noorshargh Pegah , Forouhari Ali
Published: January 2023

Background
The diagnosis of keratoconus, as the most prevalent corneal ectatic disorder, at the subclinical stage gained great attention due to the increased acceptance of refractive surgeries. This study aimed to assess the pattern of the corneal biomechanical properties derived from Corneal Visualization Scheimpflug Technology (Corvis ST) and evaluate the diagnostic value of these parameters in distinguishing subclinical keratoconus (SKC) from normal eyes.
Methods
This prospective study was conducted on 73 SKC and 69 normal eyes. Subclinical keratoconus eyes were defined as corneas with no clinical evidence of keratoconus and suspicious tomographic and tomographic features. Following a complete ophthalmic examination, topographic and tomographic corneal assessment via Pentacam HR, and corneal biomechanical evaluation utilizing Corvis ST were done.
Results
Subclinical keratoconus eyes presented significantly higher Deformation Amplitude (DA) ratio, Tomographic Biomechanical Index (TBI), and Corvis Biomechanical Index (CBI) rates than the control group. Conversely, Ambrósio Relational Thickness to the Horizontal profile (ARTh), and Stiffness Parameter at the first Applanation (SPA1) showed significantly lower rates in SKC eyes. In diagnosing SKC from normal eyes, TBI (AUC: 0.858, Cut-off value: > 0.33, Youden index: 0.55), ARTh (AUC: 0.813, Cut-off value: ≤ 488.1, Youden index: 0.58), and CBI (AUC: 0.804, Cut-off value: > 0.47, Youden index: 0.49) appeared as good indicators.
Conclusions
Integrated Corvis ST parameters could be valuable in distinguishing SKC eyes from normal ones.
Conservative surgery versus colorectal resection for endometrial deposits: a systematic review and meta-analysis of surgical and long-term outcomes
Authors: O'Brien Luke , Morarasu Stefan , Morarasu Bianca , Neary Paul C , Musina Ana Maria , Velenciuc Natalia , Roata Cristian , Dimofte Mihail-Gabriel , Lunca Sorinel , Raimondo Diego , Seracchioli Renato , Casadio Paolo , Clancy Cillian
Published: January 2023

PURPOSE: The optimal surgical approach for removal of colorectal endometrial deposits is unclear. Shaving and discoid excision of colorectal deposits allow organ preservation but risk recurrence with associated functional issues and re-operation. Formal resection risks potential higher complications but may be associated with lower recurrence rates. This meta-analysis compares peri-operative and long-term outcomes between conservative surgery (shaving and disc excision) versus formal colorectal resection.
METHODS: The study was registered with PROSPERO. A systematic search was performed on PubMed and EMBASE databases. All comparative studies examining surgical outcomes in patients that underwent conservative surgery versus colorectal resection for rectal endometrial deposits were included. The two main groups (conservative versus resection) were compared in three main blocks of variables including group comparability, operative outcomes and long-term outcomes.
RESULTS: Seventeen studies including 2861 patients were analysed with patients subdivided by procedure: colorectal resection (n=1389), shaving (n=703) and discoid excision (n=742). When formal colorectal resection was compared to conservative surgery there was lower risk of recurrence (p=0.002), comparable functional outcomes (minor LARS, p=0.30, major LARS, p=0.54), similar rates of postoperative leaks (p=0.22), pelvic abscesses (p=0.18) and rectovaginal fistula (p=0.92). On subgroup analysis, shaving had the highest recurrence rate (p=0.0007), however a lower rate of stoma formation (p<0.00001) and rectal stenosis (p=0.01). Discoid excision and formal resection were comparable.
CONCLUSION: Colorectal resection has a significantly lower recurrence rate compared to shaving. There is no difference in complications or functional outcomes between discoid excision and formal resection and both have similar recurrence rates.
Exploring the characteristics of Pre-service EFL teachers’ practicum experiences: A complexity theory-based case study in China
Authors: Li Ming , Kuang Fangtao , Dan Wei
Published: January 2023

With increasing attention being paid to teacher education, various theoretical perspectives have been adopted to study on how pre-service teachers learn to teach. This study employed complexity theory as conceptual framework and examined two pre-service EFL teachers’ practicum experiences by qualitative case study and identified three core characteristics of their learning-to-teach: complexity, dynamism and self-organization. It is found that pre-service EFL teacher learning, as a complex system, interacted between and among a network of socio-contextual factors and thus influenced and being influenced during the learning process in a non-linear and complex way. This study made empirical and theoretical contributions to the research field of teacher education and provided implications for university-school collaboration-based teacher education practice.
Power in the Pipeline: Gas Centrality Reduces Leader Turnover
Authors: Gallea Quentin , Morelli Massimo , Rohner Dominic
Published: January 2023

This paper provides the first comprehensive empirical analysis of the role of natural gas for the domestic and international distribution of power. The crucial role of pipelines for the trade of natural gas determines a set of network effects that are absent for other natural resources. Gas rents are not limited to producers but also accrue to key players occupying central nodes in the gas network. Drawing on our new gas pipeline data, this paper shows that gas centrality of a country increases substantially the ruler's grip on power as measured by lower leader turnover. A main mechanism at work is the reluctance of connected gas trade partners to impose sanctions, meaning that bad behavior of gas-central leaders is tolerated for longer before being sanctioned. Overall, this reinforces the notion that fossil fuels are not just poison for the environment but also for political pluralism and healthy regime turnover.
The Temporal Trend of Placebo Response in Migraine Prevention from 1990 to 2021: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis with Regression
Authors: Tepper Stewart J. , Cirillo Jessica , Kim Edward , L'Italien Gil , Tweedie Julie , Lodaya Kunal , Riley Dushon , Pathan Farah , Antaki Nicholas , Nathanson Brian H. , McAllister Peter
Published: January 2023

Background
Migraine affects 1.1 billion people globally and is the second leading cause of disability worldwide. In clinical trials, treatment efficacy is evaluated by comparing the differential responses in the treatment and placebo arms. Although placebo response in preventive migraine trials has been studied, there is limited research examining temporal trends. This study evaluates the trend of placebo response over thirty years in migraine prevention trials and investigates the association of potential confounders, such as patient, treatment, and study characteristics on placebo response using meta-analysis with regression.
Methods
We conducted literature searches from January 1990 to August 2021 in bibliographical databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE). Studies were selected according to PICOS criteria and included randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials evaluating preventive migraine treatments in adult patients diagnosed with episodic or chronic migraine, with or without aura. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021271732). Migraine efficacy outcomes included were either continuous (e.g., monthly migraine days) or dichotomous (e.g., ≥50% responder rate (yes/no)). We assessed the correlation of the change in outcome from baseline in the placebo arm, with the year of publication. The relationship between placebo response and year of publication was also assessed after accounting to confounders.
Results
A total of 907 studies were identified, and 83 were found eligible. For the continuous outcomes, the change from baseline in mean placebo response showed an increase over the years (rho=0.32, p=0.006). The multivariable regression analysis also showed an overall increase in placebo response over the years. The correlation analysis of dichotomous responses showed no significant linear trend between publication year and mean placebo response (rho=0.08, p=0.596). Placebo response also varied by route of administration.
Conclusion
Placebo response increased over the past 30 years in migraine preventive trials. This phenomenon should be considered when designing clinical trials and conducting meta-analyses.
The risk of persistent hypertension and chronic kidney disease in early and late-onset preeclampsia, a report from a low middle income country
Authors: Ernawati Ernawati , Sulistyono Agus , Aditiawardana Aditiawardana , Kamalia Kamalia , Rifdah Salsabila Nabilah , Akbar M. Ilham Aldika , Gumilar Erry , Aditiawarman Aditiawarman
Published: January 2023

Background
Early-onset preeclampsia (EOP) and late-onset preeclampsia (LOP) are associated with different maternal and fetal outcomes, biochemical markers, and clinical characteristics. Nevertheless, only a few data were presented about its long-term effects on kidney function later in life.
Objective
This study aimed to explore the risk of persistent hypertension and kidney failure in EOP and LOP in five years after delivery. Study Design: This retrospective cohort study included women with prior history of severe preeclampsia or normotensive pregnancy admitted to one of tertiary hospitals in Indonesia. The blood pressure, body mass index, urea and creatinine serum, and protein urine were analyzed, and risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) was performed using KDIGO classification.
Results
A total of 27 EOP, 35 LOP and 30 normotensive cases were included. Mean blood pressure after five years recorded respectively 115.6 ± 14.25 mmHg in normotensive group, 131.82 ± 19.34 mmHg in LOP group, and 154.96 ± 23.48 mmHg in EOP group. Percentage of women with positive protein urine varied from 13.3–31.4% and 66.7% in normotensive, LOP, and EOP, respectively. According to KDIGO classification, normotensive group had 90% of low-risk CKD, whereas the severe preeclampsia group had 41.9% of high-risk CKD. In the severe preeclampsia group, the risk of CKD was 20.94 times higher compared to normotensive women (OR 20.94; 95% CI [2.67-163.72], p = 0.004). Then risk of CKD in EOP group was 6.75 times higher than LOP group (OR 6.75; 95% CI [2.19–20.76], p = 0.001), whereas persistent hypertension in EOP group was 5.78 times higher than LOP group (OR 5.78; 95% CI [1.91-17.395], p = 0.002).
Conclusions
Preeclampsia women have a higher risk of CKD than normotensive women. Women with a history of EOP are more likely to develop persistent hypertension and CKD than women with prior LOP history.
Overcapacity of Chinese Industrial Enterprises’ Measurement and Governance
Authors: Yang Y , Gu R , Liu YF
Published: January 2023

Accurately measuring the capacity utilization of enterprises is a prerequisite for evaluating China's excess capacity of governance performance. This paper uses three-stage DEA to measure the capacity utilization of Chinese main industrial enterprises from 1998 to 2019excluding the influence of traditional DEA methods ignoring the environmental differences and random factors on the measurement results. And empirically evaluates the policy performance of administrative overcapacity governance. The results show that the overall capacity utilization of Chinese industrial enterprises is relatively low, and on average, industrial enterprises above the state designated scale are lower than listed enterprises. The governance policies have a very significant inhibitory effect on overcapacity with obvious industry and regional heterogeneity. Meanwhile, only enterprises with overcapacity are sensitive to control policies, showing precise control goals and good governance performance. Therefore, apart from adjusting the institutional distortions stimulating overcapacity in the long term, maintaining the density and intensity of administrative governance policies in the short term is equally important for overcapacity governance.
JEL Classification L50·O11·R11
The influence of additives on the thermal and mechanical behavior of Labu Sayong from Perak, Malaysia
Authors: Metselaar Hendrik Simon Cornelis , Muhammad Ros Fatihah , Taib Nur Iskandar , Thana’Ani Nur Amalina Ahmad , Nazri Siti Nadzirah , Akhiani Amir Reza , Zamari Mohd Pareb
Published: January 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Associations between endometriosis and adverse pregnancy and perinatal outcomes: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Gebremedhin Amanuel Tesfay , Mitter Vera R , Duko Bereket , Tessema Gizachew A , Pereira Gavin F
Published: January 2023

Purpose
To examine the association between endometriosis and adverse pregnancy and perinatal outcomes (preeclampsia, placenta previa, and preterm birth).
Methods
A population-based retrospective cohort study was conducted among 468,778 eligible women who contributed 912,747 singleton livebirths between 1980 and 2015 in Western Australia (WA). We used probabilistically linked perinatal and hospital separation data from the WA data linkage system’s Midwives Notification System and Hospital Morbidity Data Collection databases. We used a doubly robust estimator by combining the inverse probability weighting with the outcome regression model to estimate adjusted risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Results
There were 19,476 singleton livebirths among 8,874 women diagnosed with endometriosis. Using a doubly robust estimator, we found pregnancies in women with endometriosis to be associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia with RR of 1.18, 95% CI 1.11–1.26, placenta previa (RR, 1.59, 95% CI 1.42–1.79) and preterm birth (RR 1.45, 95% CI 1.37–1.54). The observed association persisted after stratified by the use of Medically Assisted Reproduction, with a slightly elevated risk among pregnancies conceived spontaneously.
Conclusions
In this large population-based cohort, endometriosis is associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia, placenta previa, and preterm birth, independent of the use of Medically Assisted Reproduction. This may help to enhance future obstetric care among this population.
Identification of NTCP in human podocytes and its mediating effect on the direct HBV infection of kidney tissue
Authors: Lifen Wang , Cheng Wang , Xu Wang , Yantao Cao , Xiaohua Guo , Zhiming Ye
Published: January 2023

Background: Direct hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in kidney tissue is associated with glomerulonephritis. However, it is unclear how HBV enters into kidney cells, We investigated the expression of sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP), an entry-specific receptor of HBV, in human renal podocytes and explored the ability of NTCP to mediate HBV-infected podocytes.
Methods: We detected the expression of NTCP in the renal tissue of patients with HBV and in cultured human podocytes using immunocytochemical and immunofluorescence co-localization along with western blotting. Human podocytes cultured in vitro were infected with HBV-containing supernatant derived from HepG2.2.15 cells. HBsAg, HBeAg, HBV DNA, HBV CCC DNA, and HBcAg in the podocytes were detected by ELISA, RT-PCR, and immunofluorescence.
Results: NTCP was expressed in the kidney podocytes of patients and in human renal podocytes cultured in vivo. HBsAg, HBeAg, HBV DNA, HBV CCC DNA, and HBcAg were expressed in cultured human podocytes with HBV-containing supernatant. Knocking down NTCP with shRNA attenuated the HBV infection in the cultured podocytes with HBV-containing supernatant.Up-regulateing NTCP with WT-NTCP enhanced HBV infection in the cultured podocytes with HBV-containing supernatant.
Conclusions: NTCP is expressed in human renal podocytes, where it mediates HBV infection. The findings provide a theoretical bases and a potential target (NTCP) for preventing the direct infection of podocytes by HBV.
A Novel Technique for Solving Intuitionistic Fuzzy DEA Model: An Application in Indian Agriculture Sector
Authors: Mohanta Kshitish Kumar , Sharanappa Deena Sunil , Edalatpanah S. A.
Published: January 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Gas-mediated trace element incorporation into rhyolite-hosted topaz: A synchrotron microbeam XAS study
Authors: Schaub D.R. , Northrup Paul , Nekvasil Hanna , Catalano Tristan , Tappero Ryan
Published: January 2023

Magmatic gas exsolving during late-stage cooling of shallow magmas has been considered an important facilitator of low-pressure alteration and metal transport. However, the chemical properties of such gas, particularly its metal transport mechanisms and capacity, remain elusive. Trace elements in minerals produced by gas-mediated surface reaction or precipitation from gas capture details of gas composition and reaction pathways. However, interpretation of mineral trace element contents is dependent on understanding crystallographic controls on gas/mineral partitioning. This work investigates the structural accommodation of As, Mn, Ga, Ge, Fe, and Ti in vapor-deposited topaz of vesicular topaz rhyolite from the Thomas Range, Utah, through single-crystal synchrotron microbeam X-ray techniques on picogram quantities of those trace elements. X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) data indicates that these elements are incorporated into topaz as As5+, Fe3+, Mn3+, Ti4+, Ga3+, and Ge4+. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analysis for these trace elements, compared to EXAFS of structural Al and Si, reveals that As5+ and Ge4+ are incorporated directly into the tetrahedral site of the topaz structure, with the octahedral site accommodating Mn3+, Fe3+, Ga3+, and Ti4+. For As5+ and Fe3+, the structural impact of substitution extends to at least second neighbors (other elements were only resolvable to first neighbors). Further interpretation of the EXAFS results suggests that the substitution of Ti4+ results in increased distortion of the octahedral site, while the other trace elements induce more uniform expansion correlating in magnitude to their ionic radius. Comparison of quantified X-ray fluorescence (XRF) data for two topaz crystals from this rhyolite reveals variable trace element concentrations for As5+, Fe3+, Ga3+, and Ti4+, reflective of a source gas undersaturated in these trace elements changing in concentration over the period of topaz deposition. The identical Ge4+ content of the two topaz crystals suggests that Ge4+ in the gas was buffered by the growth of another Ge4+-bearing phase, such as quartz. The very low Mn3+ content in the topaz crystals does not reflect the abundance of Mn3+ in the gas (saturation of Mn is evidenced by coexisting bixbyite). Instead, it suggests a strong Jahn-Teller inhibitory effect to the substitution of Mn3+ for Al3+ in the distorted octahedral site of topaz. It is proposed that exsolution of an HF-enriched gas from cooling rhyolitic magma led to local scouring of Al, Si, and trace metals from the magma. Once topaz crystals nucleated, self-catalyzed reactions that recycle HF led to continued growth of topaz.
Implementasi Pendidikan Karakter Islam di Masyarakat
Authors: Munawarah  , Hidayat Nur
Published: January 2023

Tujuan penelilitian ini untuk menganalisis beberapa ayat al-Qur’an dan hadis yang berkaitan dengan pendidikan karakter Islam di masyarakat. Jenis penelitian ini adalah kajian pustaka (library research). Penelitian ini bersifat deskriptif analitis, yaitu dengan cara mengumpulkan data berupa beberapa ayat dan hadits yang berkaitan dengan pendidikan karakter Islam di masyarakat, kemudian menafsirkan data yang diperoleh, lalu mengadakan analisis dan interpretasi terhadap data tersebut. Adapun hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa pada beberapa ayat dan hadis tersebut terdapat nilai-nilai yang mendeskripsikan mengenai pendidikan karakter Islam di masyarakat, seperti halnya nilai  relasi saling menghormati dalam Islam, gemar menolong orang lain, dan bersikap toleransi kepada orang lain.