bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does the loss of diadromy imply the loss of salinity tolerance? A gene expression study with replicate nondiadromous populations of Galaxias maculatus
Authors: Delgado M. Lisette , Manosalva Aliro , Urbina Mauricio A. , Dalziel Anne C. , Habit Evelyn , Link Oscar , Ruzzante Daniel E.
Published: January 2023

The recurrent colonization of freshwater habitats and subsequent loss of diadromy is a major ecological transition that has been reported in many ancestrally diadromous fishes. Such residency is often accompanied by a loss of tolerance to seawater. The amphidromous Galaxias maculatus has repeatedly colonized freshwater streams with evidence that freshwater‐resident populations exhibit stark differences in their tolerance to higher salinities. Here, we used transcriptomics to gain insight into the mechanisms contributing to reduced tolerance to higher salinities in freshwater resident populations. We conducted an acute salinity challenge (0 ppt to 23–25 ppt) and measured osmoregulatory ability (muscle water content) over 48 h in three populations: diadromous, saltwater intolerant resident (Toltén), and saltwater tolerant resident (Valdivia). RNA sequencing of the gills identified genes that were differentially expressed in association with the salinity change and associated with the loss of saltwater tolerance in the Toltén population. Key genes associated with saltwater acclimation were characterized in diadromous G. maculatus individuals, some of which were also expressed in the saltwater tolerant resident population (Valdivia). We found that some of these “saltwater acclimation” genes, including the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene (CFTR), were not significantly upregulated in the saltwater intolerant resident population (Toltén), suggesting a potential mechanism for the loss of tolerance to higher salinities. As the suite of differentially expressed genes in the diadromous‐resident comparison differed between freshwater populations, we hypothesize that diadromy loss results in unique evolutionary trajectories due to drift, so the loss of diadromy does not necessarily lead to a loss in upper salinity tolerance.
Features of repetitive nerve stimulation and nerve conduction studies in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Sugimoto Takamichi , Kurokawa Katsumi , Naito Hiroyuki , Kono Tomoyuki , Nomura Eiichi , Maruyama Hirofumi
Published: January 2023

Background

Precise diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and differential diagnosis between ALS and other diseases are important. For ALS diagnosis, not only needle electromyography but also decremental responses to repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) and a decreased abductor pollicis brevis (APB)/abductor digiti minimi (ADM) amplitude ratio in nerve conduction studies (NCS) are useful. We should know the incidence of decrement in RNS responses and the decreased amplitude ratio in NCS in ALS patients with upper limb symptoms.

Aims

To evaluate the findings of both tests in ALS patients with and without upper limb symptoms.

Methods

We selected consecutive ALS patients at our hospital from September 2016 to December 2020 who underwent RNS and NCS. RNS was performed on at least one of the following five muscles: APB, ADM, trapezius, deltoid, and/or frontalis.

Results

Forty‐seven patients were included in this study. The rate of abnormal examination results was 70% for RNS responses, 49% for NCS, and 78% for at least one of the two tests in patients with upper limb symptoms at the time of RNS; by contrast, the rate was 30% for RNS responses, 20% for NCS, and 40% for at least one test in patients without upper limb symptoms at the time of RNS. RNS abnormalities were more often observed in patients with upper limb symptoms than in those without upper limb symptoms at the time of RNS (p = 0.030).

Conclusion

Upper limb symptoms at the time of RNS may reflect the rate of abnormal RNS responses in ALS.
The regulatory module MdBZR1–MdCOL6 mediates brassinosteroid‐ and light‐regulated anthocyanin synthesis in apple
Authors: Wang Yicheng , Zhu Yansong , Jiang Huiyan , Mao Zuolin , Zhang Junkang , Fang Hongcheng , Liu Wenjun , Zhang Zongying , Chen Xuesen , Wang Nan
Published: January 2023

The anthocyanin content is an important indicator of the nutritional value of most fruits, including apple (Malus domestica). Anthocyanin synthesis is coordinately regulated by light and various phytohormones. In this study on apple, we revealed the antagonistic relationship between light and brassinosteroid (BR) signaling pathways, which is mediated by BRASSINAZOLE‐RESISTANT 1 (MdBZR1) and the B‐box protein MdCOL6.

The exogenous application of brassinolide inhibited the high‐light‐induced anthocyanin accumulation in red‐fleshed apple seedlings, whereas increases in the light intensity decreased the endogenous BR content. The overexpression of MdBZR1 inhibited the anthocyanin synthesis in apple plants. An exposure to a high‐light intensity induced the degradation of dephosphorylated MdBZR1, resulting in functional impairment.

MdBZR1 was identified as an upstream repressor of MdCOL6, which promotes anthocyanin synthesis in apple plants. Furthermore, MdBZR1 interacts with MdCOL6 to attenuate its ability to activate MdUFGT and MdANS transcription. Thus, MdBZR1 negatively regulates MdCOL6‐mediated anthocyanin accumulation.

Our study findings have clarified the molecular basis of the integration of light and BR signals during the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis, which is an important process influencing fruit quality.
Successful Revision with INTERTAN for a Blade Cut Through in PFNA Fixation: A Case Report
Authors: Zhang Hengyan , Mu Xuemeng , Zhang Jia
Published: January 2023

Background

Implant cut‐out or cut‐through remains a common cause of cephalomedullary nail failure and patient morbidity following surgical treatment of intertrochanteric femur fractures. In patients not suitable for conversion to total hip arthroplasty, which can involve long operation times and substantial blood loss, as well as a higher risk of periprosthetic fracture and dislocation postoperatively, revision with another internal fixation is an alternative option. If the femoral head can be preserved as much as possible to avoid eventual joint replacement while the internal fixation failure is solved, the quality of life of patients will be significantly improved.

Case Presentation

This current case describes a successful clinical use of a salvage procedure that allows the surgeon to avoid joint arthroplasty using INTERTAN to solve internal fixation failure caused by cut‐through of Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation‐II (PFNA‐II). Four years after closed reduction and internal fixation of the right femur, the patient had immobilizing right hip pain and mobility disorder. X‐ray examination revealed contraction of the neck of the right femur and cut‐through of the helical blade of the PFNA‐II. After the revision operation, he recovered well and presented no grown pain or discomfort in weight‐bearing. Conventional radiographs at 1‐year follow‐up showed a healed fracture, with no implant migration.

Conclusion

Main nail exchange and revision with INTERTAN can be considered a salvage procedure in selected cases to revise a failed fixation with PFNA, which solves internal fixation failure as well as preserves the femoral head.
Circulatory cytokines during the piroplasm stage of natural Theileria annulata infection in cattle
Authors: Tümer Kenan Çağrı , Kızıl Meltem
Published: January 2023

The objective of the present study was to investigate the inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory cytokine response from a broad perspective in cattle with natural Theileria annulata infection. Ten cattle naturally infected with T. annulata and eight healthy cattle were included in this study. A total of 11 cytokines, including tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐12, IL‐13, and IL‐17 were evaluated in serum samples using commercially available enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. There was no statistical significance for serum TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐5, IL‐6, and IL‐17 levels between the T. annulata infected and healthy cattle. In contrast, the median serum levels of IFN‐γ (p = .023), IL‐2 (p = .066), IL4 (p = .0016), IL‐10 (p = .00087), IL‐12 (p = .00018), and IL‐13 (p = .023) were significantly higher in T. annulata‐infected cattle than in healthy cattle. The results of the present study revealed that in the intraerythrocytic stage of tropical theileriosis, a very pronounced anti‐inflammatory response occurs as well as an ongoing inflammatory process.
Translation and cultural adaption of the emergency department—consumer assessment of healthcare providers and systems (ED CAPHS)—A questionnaire to measure patient experience in Denmark
Authors: Abrahamsen Charlotte , Jensen Charlotte Myhre , Elkjær Mette , Østervang Christina , Knudsen Bettina Mølri , Jensen Signe Steenstrup , Moos Caroline , Viberg Bjarke , Mogensen Christian Backer
Published: January 2023

Aim

The aim of this study was to translate and culturally adapt The Emergency Department—Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (ED CAPHS) to the Danish ED context.

Background

In Denmark, a large number of patients attend emergency departments (ED) every year. During their ED visits, examinations, tests and encounters with different healthcare professionals occur frequently. Moreover, patients receive much information. Patients' direct experiences of care can provide valuable insights into what works and what does not in health care. The emergency department—consumer assessment of healthcare providers and systems (ED CAPHS) is a valid questionnaire designed to measure patients' experiences with ED care and is intended for patients discharged home following their ED visit.

Method

The translation process was systematically planned and executed using the principles of good practice for the translation and cultural adaptation process for patient‐reported outcomes (PRO) guidelines by the ISPOR.

Results

The translation and cultural adaption process were successfully conducted. Three items concerning language and race were omitted as they are not distinct in Danish ED context. Furthermore, a few conceptual factors and linguistic challenges were discussed and harmonised during the reconciliation and harmonisation process respectively. The Danish survey ED CAPHS DK containing 32 items was proofread and finalised.

Conclusion

Overall, patients reported that the survey was relevant and comprehensive, as it focused on essential factors when discharged directly home after an ED admission. ED CAPHS DK is found to be content valid and ready for use. However, a future study testing the Danish version using confirmative factor analysis and internal consistency reliability is needed to ensure construct validity and reliability.
Subgenome‐dominant expression and alternative splicing in response to Sclerotinia infection in polyploid Brassica napus and progenitors
Authors: de Jong Grant W. , Adams Keith L.
Published: January 2023

Polyploidy has played an extensive role in the evolution of flowering plants. Allopolyploids, with subgenomes containing duplicated gene pairs called homeologs, can show rapid transcriptome changes including novel alternative splicing (AS) patterns. The extent to which abiotic stress modulates AS of homeologs is a nascent topic in polyploidy research. We subjected both resynthesized and natural lines of polyploid Brassica napus, along with the progenitors Brassica rapa and Brassica oleracea, to infection with the fungal pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. RNA‐sequencing analyses revealed widespread divergence between polyploid subgenomes in both gene expression and AS patterns. Resynthesized B. napus displayed significantly more A and C subgenome biased homeologs under pathogen infection than during uninfected growth. Differential AS (DAS) in response to infection was highest in natural B. napus (12 709 DAS events) and lower in resynthesized B. napus (8863 DAS events). Natural B. napus had more upregulated events and fewer downregulated events. There was a global expression bias towards the B. oleracea‐derived (C) subgenome in both resynthesized and natural B. napus, enhanced by widespread non‐parental downregulation of the B. rapa‐derived (A) homeolog. In the resynthesized B. napus, this resulted in a disproportionate C subgenome contribution to the pathogen defense response, characterized by biases in both transcript expression levels and the proportion of induced genes. Our results elucidate the complex ways in which Sclerotinia infection affects expression and AS of homeologous genes in resynthesized and natural B. napus.
Travel Across More Time Zones Results in Worse Perceived Fatigue and Sleep in National-Team Footballers
Authors: Clements Ewan , Ehrmann Fabian , Clark Andrew , Jones Mark , McCall Alan , Duffield Rob
Published: January 2023

Purpose: This study investigated the association between (1) time zone difference and (2) travel direction (east vs west) with posttravel changes in perceptual responses of national-team footballers. Methods: Travel schedules from 355 national-team trips (50 elite soccer players) were verified using an online flight database. All players provided perceptual ratings of fatigue, sleep quality, soreness, and stress to calculate changes in scores up to 2 days after travel. Trips were categorized as <3, 3 to 6, 6 to 9, or 9+ time zone changes, along with travel direction (eastward or westward). The pretravel to posttravel changes in perceptual ratings at days 1 and 2 postarrival were compared between time zone change and travel direction with linear mixed models. Results: For every time zone crossed, poorer ratings of perceptual fatigue (β = 0.068, P < .001), sleep (β = 0.095, P < .001), soreness (β = 0.0049, P < .001), and total wellness (β = 0.214, P < .001) were observed. However, the models explained only small proportions of the variation in postflight perceptual responses (7%–18%). Regardless, travel across 9+ time zones resulted in significantly worse perceived fatigue, sleep, and total wellness for days 1 and 2 postarrival compared with travel with <6 time zones (P < .05). Additionally, fatigue, sleep, and total scores were worse on day 2 following trips of 9+ time zones. Eastward travel resulted in poorer sleep ratings (β = 0.52, P < .001) than westward travel within time zone groupings. Conclusions: Perceptual ratings of fatigue and sleep become progressively worse as travel increases in national-team soccer players, especially after travel across 9+ time zones and eastward travel.
Functional Diversity of Gram-Negative Permeability Barriers Reflected in Antibacterial Activities and Intracellular Accumulation of Antibiotics
Authors: Leus Inga V. , Adamiak Justyna , Chandar Brinda , Bonifay Vincent , Zhao Shibin , Walker Scott S. , Squadroni Brian , Balibar Carl J. , Kinarivala Nihar , Standke Lisa C. , Voss Henning U. , Tan Derek S. , Rybenkov Valentin V. , Zgurskaya Helen I.
Published: January 2023

Gram-negative bacteria are notoriously more resistant to antibiotics than Gram-positive bacteria, primarily due to the presence of the outer membrane and a plethora of active efflux pumps. However, the potency of antibiotics also varies dramatically between different Gram-negative pathogens, suggesting major mechanistic differences in how antibiotics penetrate permeability barriers.
Can foodborne illness estimates from different countries be legitimately compared?: case study of rates in the UK compared with Australia, Canada and USA
Authors: Holland Darren , Clifford Robin , Mahmoudzadeh Nazmina , O'Brien Sarah , Poppy Guy , Meredith Zebulah , Grantham-Hill Harry
Published: January 2023

Objective

Mathematical models have gained traction when estimating cases of foodborne illness. Model structures vary due to differences in data availability. This begs the question as to whether differences in foodborne illness rates internationally are real or due to differences in modelling approaches.

Difficulties in comparing illness rates have come into focus with COVID-19 infection rates being contrasted between countries. Furthermore, with post-EU Exit trade talks ongoing, being able to understand and compare foodborne illness rates internationally is a vital part of risk assessments related to trade in food commodities.

Design

We compared foodborne illness estimates for the United Kingdom (UK) with those from Australia, Canada and the USA. We then undertook sensitivity analysis, by recreating the mathematical models used in each country, to understand the impact of some of the key differences in approach and to enable more like-for-like comparisons.

Results

Published estimates of overall foodborne illness rates in the UK were lower than the other countries. However, when UK estimates were adjusted to a more like-for-like approach to the other countries, differences were smaller and often had overlapping credible intervals. When comparing rates by specific pathogens, there were fewer differences between countries. The few large differences found, such as virus rates in Canada, could at least partly be traced to methodological differences.

Conclusion

Foodborne illness estimation models are country specific, making international comparisons problematic. Some of the disparities in estimated rates between countries can be shown to be attributed to differences in methodology rather than real differences in risk.
An in-depth review of the UNICEF NutriDash platform, lessons learnt and future perspectives: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Swift Bethan , Imohe Annette , Perez Cristina H , Mwirigi Louise
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Robust data on nutrition are essential to realise the right to nutrition for every child. Created in 2009, UNICEF’s Nutrition Dashboard (NutriDash) collects nutrition programme information from 125 countries. An in-depth review of NutriDash was conducted to understand its strengths and identify key actions to increase its effectiveness and efficiency.

Methods

Adapting the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention updated guidelines for evaluating public health surveillance systems, a mixed-methods approach was used. A questionnaire was designed to capture information on key attributes of NutriDash and disseminated to UNICEF country offices for quantitative feedback on user experiences. Structured key informant interviews were held with internal and external stakeholders to gain qualitative perceptions on data generated from NutriDash. Analysis involved producing frequency distributions for the questionnaire data and performing thematic analyses on interview data.

Results

A total of 53 respondents completed the questionnaire (42% response rate), representing 48 countries and good regional geographic representation. Most respondents (96%) worked in UNICEF country offices. The percentages of participants who agreed or strongly agreed with each attribute of the NutriDash system were as follows: acceptability: 71%, stability: 68%, simplicity; 63%, data quality: 60%, flexibility: 58% and usefulness: 43%. Internal and external stakeholders commented on the value of NutriDash; its use ranging from nutrition global trend monitoring for programme planning to producing reports and dashboards. Key themes derived from this review as areas for improvement included communication, access to data and data quality.

Conclusions

This review has identified key themes that will inform improvements to NutriDash and form a baseline for future periodic reviews to continuously enhance the system to improve availability of timely quality nutrition programme data. UNICEF will continue to engage with countries, key partners and governments to improve the NutriDash data value chain and ensure the right to nutrition for every child.
People’s willingness to use COVID-19 self-testing in Nigeria: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Folayan Morenike , Shilton Sonjelle , Undelikwo Veronica , Alaba Oluwatoyin , Amusan Ranmilowo , Ibrahim Mustapha , Ogbozor Pamela Adaobi , Mojisola Oluyide , Batheja Deepshikha , Banerji Abhik , Ivanova Reipold Elena , Martínez-Pérez Guillermo Z
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Nigeria has been badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the poor testing coverage in the country may make controlling the spread of COVID-19 challenging. The aim of this study was to assess the general public’s acceptability of SARS-CoV-2 self-testing as an approach which could help to address this gap.

Setting

A household-based survey was conducted in five urban and five rural local government areas in the states of Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Kaduna and Lagos, in mid-2021.

Participants

2126 respondents (969 were female) participated. A five-pronged, probabilistic sampling approach was used to recruit individuals older than 17 years and available to participate when randomly approached in their households by the surveyors. A 35-item questionnaire was used to collect data on their values towards SARS-CoV-2 self-testing. Primary outcomes were: likelihood to use a self-test; willingness to pay for a self-test; and likely actions following a reactive self-test result.

Results

Of the total 2126 respondents, 14 (0.66%) were aware of COVID-19 self-testing, 1738 (81.80%) agreed with the idea of people being able to self-test for COVID-19, 1786 (84.05%) were likely/very likely to use self-tests if available, 1931 (90.87%) would report a positive result and 1875 (88.28%) would isolate if they self-tested positive. Factors significantly associated with the use of a self-test were having a college education or higher (adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 1.55; 95% CI: 1.03 to 2.33), full-time employment (AOR: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.06 to 2.63), feeling at moderate/high risk of COVID-19 (AOR: 2.43; 95% CI: 1.70 to 3.47) and presence of individuals at risk of COVID-19 within the household (AOR: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.78).

Conclusion

A majority of Nigerians agree with the concept of COVID-19 self-testing and would act to protect public health on self-testing positive. Self-test implementation research is necessary to frame how acceptability impacts uptake of preventive behaviours following a positive and a negative self-test result.
Serum N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and cystatin C for acute kidney injury detection in critically ill adults in China: a prospective, observational study
Authors: Deng Jia , He Linling , Liang Yufan , Hu Linhui , Xu Jing , Fang Heng , Li Ying , Chen Chunbo
Published: January 2023

Objective

Serum N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and cystatin C (sCysC) are available clinically and beneficial in diagnosing acute kidney injury (AKI). Our purpose is to identify the performance of their combined diagnosis for AKI in critically ill patients.

Design

A prospectively recruited, observational study was performed.

Setting

Adults admitted to the intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital in China.

Participants

A total of 1222 critically ill patients were enrolled in the study.

Main outcome measures

To identify the performance of the combined diagnosis of serum NT-proBNP and sCysC for AKI in critically ill patients. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC), category-free net reclassification index (NRI) and incremental discrimination improvement (IDI) were utilised for comparing the discriminative powers of a combined and single biomarker adjusted model of clinical variables enriched with NT-proBNP and sCysC for AKI.

Results

AKI was detected in 256 out of 1222 included patients (20.9%). AUC-ROC for NT-proBNP and sCysC to detect AKI had a significantly higher accuracy than any individual biomarker (p<0.05). After multivariate adjustment, a level of serum NT-proBNP ≥204 pg/mL was associated with 3.5-fold higher odds for AKI compared with those below the cut-off value. Similar results were obtained for sCysC levels (p<0.001). To detect AKI, adding NT-proBNP and sCysC to a clinical model further increased the AUC-ROC to 0.859 beyond that of the clinical model with or without sCysC (p<0.05). Moreover, the addition of these two to the clinical model significantly improved risk reclassification of AKI beyond that of the clinical model alone or with single biomarker (p<0.05), as measured by NRI and IDI.

Conclusions

In critically ill individuals, serum NT-proBNP, sCysC and clinical risk factors combination improve the discriminative power for diagnosing AKI.
Systematic estimates of the global, regional and national under-5 mortality burden attributable to birth defects in 2000–2019: a summary of findings from the 2020 WHO estimates
Authors: Perin Jamie , Mai Cara T , De Costa Ayesha , Strong Kathleen , Diaz Theresa , Blencowe Hannah , Berry Robert J , Williams Jennifer L , Liu Li
Published: January 2023

Objectives

To examine the potential for bias in the estimate of under-5 mortality due to birth defects recently produced by the WHO and the Maternal and Child Epidemiology Estimation research group.

Design

Systematic analysis.

Methods

We examined the estimated number of under-5 deaths due to birth defects, the birth defect specific under-5 mortality rate, and the per cent of under-5 mortality due to birth defects, by geographic region, national income and under-5 mortality rate for three age groups from 2000 to 2019.

Results

The under-5 deaths per 1000 live births from birth defects fell from 3.4 (95% uncertainty interval (UI) 3.1–3.8) in 2000 to 2.9 (UI 2.6–3.3) in 2019. The per cent of all under-5 mortality attributable to birth defects increased from 4.6% (UI 4.1%–5.1%) in 2000 to 7.6% (UI 6.9%–8.6%) in 2019. There is significant variability in mortality due to birth defects by national income level. In 2019, the under-5 mortality rate due to birth defects was less in high-income countries than in low-income and middle-income countries, 1.3 (UI 1.2–1.3) and 3.0 (UI 2.8–3.4) per 1000 live births, respectively. These mortality rates correspond to 27.7% (UI 26.6%–28.8%) of all under-5 mortality in high-income countries being due to birth defects, and 7.4% (UI 6.7%–8.2%) in low-income and middle-income countries.

Conclusions

While the under-5 mortality due to birth defects is declining, the per cent of under-5 mortality attributable to birth defects has increased, with significant variability across regions globally. The estimates in low-income and middle-income countries are likely underestimated due to the nature of the WHO estimates, which are based in part on verbal autopsy studies and should be taken as a minimum estimate. Given these limitations, comprehensive and systematic estimates of the mortality burden due to birth defects are needed to estimate the actual burden.
Implementing complex interventions to mitigate burnout among qualified healthcare professionals: a realist review protocol
Authors: Figueiredo Sabrina , Koch Ulrich , Oliveira Eliezer , Ennis-Durstine Kathleen
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Reported burnout rates among qualified healthcare professionals (QHP) are alarming. Systematic reviews evaluating the effectiveness of burnout interventions for QHP exist; however, findings are contradictory. In addition, to date, there is no indication of how these interventions work and what specific intervention elements mitigate burnout. This review aims to explain how burnout interventions work and the contextual factors that mediate the intended outcomes. Our ultimate goal is to formulate actionable recommendations to guide the implementation of complex burnout interventions for QHP working in the hospital setting.

Methods and analysis

In light of the heterogeneity and complexity of the interventions designed to address burnout, we will conduct a realist review using Pawson’s five iterative stages to explore and explain how burnout interventions work, for whom, and in what circumstances. We will search PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, PsycINFO and Web of Science from inception to December 2022. Grey literature sources will also be considered. The results will be reported according to the Realist and Meta-Narrative Evidence Syntheses—Evolving Standards quality and publication standards

Ethics and dissemination

Findings will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal, conference presentations and through the development of infographics and relevant educational material to be shared with stakeholders and key institutions. This study is a secondary data analysis; thus, a formal ethics review is not applicable.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021293154.
Variation in quality of care by medical institute level in China: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Wang Quan , Tu Xi , Fu Yaqun , Zhang Jiawei , Wei Xia , Zhu Zheng , Wang Ting , Yang Li
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Quality variation has been widely witnessed and discussed in China. However, limited evidence reveals quality gaps by the medical institute level, especially between hospitals and primary care institutes. This systematic review will synthesise the available evidence on quality variation between medical institutes at different levels in China. By adopting a quality framework, we will also explore the detailed domains (structure, process and outcomes) and dimensions (safety, effectiveness, timeliness, patient-centredness, efficiency, integration and equity) of quality gaps.

Methods and analysis

An extensive literature search will be conducted on eight key electronic databases: MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, EMBASE, ProQuest, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and WANFANG database. The Grey Matter Checklist will be used to screen relevant grey literature. The publication time limit should be before 31 December 2022 when we plan to conduct a literature search. All kinds of studies that revealed the quality difference between medical institutes at different levels will be included, no matter if quality improvement intervention is involved. All quality measures and indicators will be recorded and sorted into appropriate domains and dimensions. For those studies that took the completion rate of standard operations to assess the quality, we will also record the name of the clinical pathways, guidelines or checklists used. Two reviewers will independently perform the study selection, data extraction and quality assessment process. A narrative or quantitative synthesis will be performed based on the available data.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not applicable. The results of this study will be submitted to a widely accepted peer-review journal. The findings will also be used to inform administration about quality gaps by different medical institute levels and, therefore, help them to design policies that will minimise the quality variation.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022345933.
Beam test results of 25 and 35 $$\mu$$m thick FBK ultra-fast silicon detectors
Authors: Carnesecchi F. , Strazzi S. , Alici A. , Arcidiacono R. , Borghi G. , Boscardin M. , Cartiglia N. , Centis Vignali M. , Cavazza D. , Dalla Betta G. -F. , Durando S. , Ferrero M. , Ficorella F. , Ali O. Hammad , Mandurrino M. , Margotti A. , Menzio L. , Nania R. , Pancheri L. , Paternoster G. , Scioli G. , Siviero F. , Sola V. , Tornago M. , Vignola G.
Published: January 2023

This paper presents the measurements on first very thin Ultra-Fast Silicon Detectors (UFSDs) produced by Fondazione Bruno Kessler; the data have been collected in a beam test setup at the CERN PS, using beam with a momentum of 12 GeV/c. UFSDs with a nominal thickness of 25 and 35 $$\mu$$
μ
m and an area of 1 $$\times$$
×
1 $$\text {mm}^2$$

mm
2

have been considered, together with an additional HPK 50-$$\mu$$
μ
m thick sensor, taken as reference. Their timing performances have been studied as a function of the applied voltage and gain. A time resolution of about 25 ps and of 22 ps at a voltage of 120 and 240 V has been obtained for the 25 and 35 $$\mu$$
μ
m thick UFSDs, respectively.
Towards an automated data cleaning with deep learning in CRESST
Authors: Angloher G. , Banik S. , Bartolot D. , Benato G. , Bento A. , Bertolini A. , Breier R. , Bucci C. , Burkhart J. , Canonica L. , D’Addabbo A. , Di Lorenzo S. , Einfalt L. , Erb A. , Feilitzsch F. v. , Iachellini N. Ferreiro , Fichtinger S. , Fuchs D. , Fuss A. , Garai A. , Ghete V. M. , Gerster S. , Gorla P. , Guillaumon P. V. , Gupta S. , Hauff D. , Ješkovský M. , Jochum J. , Kaznacheeva M. , Kinast A. , Kluck H. , Kraus H. , Lackner M. , Langenkämper A. , Mancuso M. , Marini L. , Meyer L. , Mokina V. , Nilima A. , Olmi M. , Ortmann T. , Pagliarone C. , Pattavina L. , Petricca F. , Potzel W. , Povinec P. , Pröbst F. , Pucci F. , Reindl F. , Rizvanovic D. , Rothe J. , Schäffner K. , Schieck J. , Schmiedmayer D. , Schönert S. , Schwertner C. , Stahlberg M. , Stodolsky L. , Strandhagen C. , Strauss R. , Usherov I. , Wagner F. , Willers M. , Zema V. , Waltenberger W. ,   CRESST Collaboration
Published: January 2023

The CRESST experiment employs cryogenic calorimeters for the sensitive measurement of nuclear recoils induced by dark matter particles. The recorded signals need to undergo a careful cleaning process to avoid wrongly reconstructed recoil energies caused by pile-up and read-out artefacts. We frame this process as a time series classification task and propose to automate it with neural networks. With a data set of over one million labeled records from 68 detectors, recorded between 2013 and 2019 by CRESST, we test the capability of four commonly used neural network architectures to learn the data cleaning task. Our best performing model achieves a balanced accuracy of 0.932 on our test set. We show on an exemplary detector that about half of the wrongly predicted events are in fact wrongly labeled events, and a large share of the remaining ones have a context-dependent ground truth. We furthermore evaluate the recall and selectivity of our classifiers with simulated data. The results confirm that the trained classifiers are well suited for the data cleaning task.
The contribution of archeometry in characterization of decorative materials from the site of Villa di Teodorico in Galeata (Italy)
Authors: Saviane Luciana , Aceto Maurizio , Fornasini Laura , Mantovani Luciana , Morigi Alessia , Villicich Riccardo , Bersani Danilo
Published: January 2023

Villa di Teodorico in Galeata (Forlì-Cesena, Emilia Romagna) is an important archeological site in the north of Italy occupied from sixth century BC to twelfth century AD. The most interesting results concern the Roman age, when a large villa was built, and the late antiquity, when the Ostrogothic king Theodoric decided to build in this area his palatium (early sixth century AD). The archeometric investigation was performed on Roman wall paintings fragments and on late antique glass sectilia fragments belonging to Palazzo di Teodorico by using a multi-technique approach that included micro-Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, UV–visible–NIR diffuse reflectance spectrophotometry with optic fibers and optical stereo-microscopy.. This analytical approach allowed the identification of all components, collecting molecular, elemental, microscopic, morphological and chromatic data. The characterization of samples supplied essential archeological, historical and technological information. The production techniques and the rich materials employed suggest the importance of the site in different periods. The evolution of the manufacturing technologies and the possible trade routes mainly during late antique period are witnessed by the change in the raw materials.

Graphical abstract
New precise solutions to the Bogoyavlenskii equation by extended rational techniques
Authors: Karchi Nikan Ahmadi , Ghaemi Mohammad Bagher , Vahidi Javad
Published: January 2023

This paper adopts the rational extended sine-cosine and cosh-sinh methods to construct the Bogoyavlenskii equation’s exact solutions. To the best of our knowledge, the Bogoyavlenskii equation has not been investigated by aforementioned techniques. In this paper, we find the precise traveling wave solutions of the Bogoyavlenskii equation. Finally, 3D and 2D graphics of the obtained solutions are illustrated for the applicability and reliability of the proposed strategy for various special values.
Numerical analysis of MHD thermal-free bio-convection of nanofluid inside an Γ-shaped enclosure loaded with gyrotactic microorganisms
Authors: Fereidooni Jalil
Published: January 2023

Gyrotactic microorganisms may be mobile ones that exist in surroundings, for instance oceans, pools, and reservoirs. The convective heat transfer due to the movement of these microorganisms in the base fluids is known as bio-convection. In this paper, the analysis of MHD bio-convection of nanofluid in the [Formula: see text]-shaped enclosure with gyrotactic microorganisms inside is conducted. The effect of thermal Rayleigh number Rat (104–105), bio-convection Rayleigh number (10–100), Lewis number (0.1–0.9), and Peclet number (10[Formula: see text]–10[Formula: see text]) on the natural convection (NC) and concentration of the micro-organisms (C) is investigated. The Navier–Stokes equations are used as the governing equations and are solved by Finite Element Method. The results reveal that Le may have a reverse impact on Nuavg (upto 42%); however, Pe has a positive impact on both Nuavg (upto 10%) and Shavg (upto 12%) and enhances heat transfer performance.
Combined Use of Nonlinear Measures for Analyzing Pathological Voices
Authors: Muraleedharan K. M. , Kumar K. T. Bibish , John Sunil , Kumar R. K. Sunil
Published: January 2023

Automatic voice pathology detection enables an objective assessment of pathologies that influence the voice production strategy. By utilizing the conventional pipeline model as well as the modern deep learning-centric end-to-end methodology, numerous pathological voice analyzing techniques have been developed. The conventional methodology is still a valid choice owing to the lack of enormous amounts of training data in the study region of pathological voice. In the meantime, obtaining higher precision, higher accuracy, and stability is still a complicated task. Therefore, by amalgamating the nonlinear measure, the pathological voices are analyzed to abate such risks. The viability of six nonlinear discriminating measures derived from the phase space realm, involving healthy and pathological voice signals, is studied in this work. The analyzed parameters are Singularity spectrum coefficients ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]). Correlation entropy at optimum embedding dimension ([Formula: see text]) and correlation dimension at optimum embedding dimension ([Formula: see text]). Analyzing the pathological voices with better accuracy rates is the major objective of the proposed methodology. Here, the Support Vector Machine (SVM) was utilized as the classifier. Experimentations were performed on VOiceICarfEDerico (VOICED) databases subsuming 208 healthy, as well as pathological voices, amongst these 50 samples, were utilized. Here, the model obtained 97% of accuracy with 99% as of the classifier with Gaussian kernel function. Therefore, to differentiate normal as well as pathological subjects, the six proposed characteristics are highly beneficial; in addition, they will be supportive in pathology diagnosis.
Explainable Recommendation Based on Weighted Knowledge Graphs and Graph Convolutional Networks
Authors: Boughareb Rima , Seridi Hassina , Beldjoudi Samia
Published: January 2023

Knowledge Graphs (KGs) have been shown to have great potential to provide rich and highly defined structured data about Recommender Systems (RSs) items. This paper introduces Explain- KGCN, an Explainable RS based on KGs and Graph Convolutional Networks (GCNs). The system emphasises the importance of semantic information characterisation and high-order connectivity of message passing to explore potential user preferences. Thus, based on a relation-specific neighbourhood aggregation function, it aims to generate for each given item a set of relation-specific embeddings that depend on each semantic relation in the KG. Specifically, the relation-specific aggregator discriminates neighbours based on their relationship with the target node, allowing the system to model the semantics of various relationships explicitly. Experiments conducted on two real-world datasets for the top-K recommendation task demonstrate the state-of-the-art performance of the system proposed. Besides improving predictive performance in terms of precision and recall, Explain-KGCN fully exploits wealthy structured information provided by KGs to offer recommendation explanation.
Pillar[5]arene-porphyrin conjugates: from molecular flowers to photoactive rotaxanes
Authors: Nierengarten Iwona , Hahn Uwe , Holler Michel , Delavaux-Nicot Béatrice , Maisonhaute Emmanuel , Nierengarten Jean-François
Published: January 2023

Our groups are involved in a research program on the development of molecular and supramolecular systems combining pillar[5]arene building blocks with porphyrins. Functionalization of both rims of the pillar[5]arene scaffold with metalloporphyrins generated giant molecular machines mimicking the blooming of a flower as well as light-harvesting devices. On the other hand, we have also used the host-guest properties of pillar[5]arene derivatives to prepare photoactive mechanically interlocked molecules. In such compounds, complementary subunits are associated into a single molecular ensemble but without being connected through covalent bonds. Inter-component photo-induced energy transfer processes remain however extremely fast in these systems despite the exclusive link through mechanical bonds. All these results are described in the present review.
Crystal structure, host-guest interactions and supramolecular features of a novel μ-hydroxy bridged eclipsed dimer based on indium(III) tetrapyrazinoporphyrazine
Authors: Husain Ali , Makhseed Saad
Published: January 2023

The crystal structure of the indium(III) derivative of a chloro-substituted tetrapyrazinoporphyrazine (TPyzPz), which is dimerized through hydroxy bridges is reported. The In(III) ion resides well outside the mean plane of the distorted pyrazinoporphyrazine core and thus each TPyzPz fragment has a domed shape. Two axial hydroxy groups are coordinated to the indium ions of two adjacent In(III) tetrapyrazinoporphyrazine fragments to form a co-facial dimer (InTPyzPz) which are eclipsed in geometry. Each indium(III) is six coordinated and the whole molecule is neutral in charge. Four pyridine molecules are encapsulated between TPyzPz fragments in the dimer, thereby forming a stable host-guest system. The host-guest interactions between the TPyzPz and pyridines are achieved by efficient O-H...N and [Formula: see text]...[Formula: see text] type nonbonding interactions. The packing pattern of the crystal shows that the InTPyzPz system formed a herringbone-type assembly in its network. A combination of multiple Cl...Cl, C-H...O, and C-H...[Formula: see text] and interactions between adjacent TPyzPz have been observed which in turn favored and stabilized this supramolecular network. The dimeric InTPyzPz system is further studied by the Hirshfeld Surfaces analysis which also indicated significant nonbonding interactions in the crystal and the related 2D fingerprint plots provided a quantitative idea of the inter-atomic interactions among the adjacent dimers.
Synthesis, aggregation, and photophysical properties of amphiphilic BODIPY-Pt(II) metallacycles
Authors: Rubio Pedro , Salazar Ainhoa , Durán-Sampedro Gonzalo , de la Torre Gema
Published: January 2023

The construction of metallo-organic macrocycles using transition metals and optoelectronically active donor ligands is a very active area of research due to the potential applicability of these structures as sensors or as drugs for combined photodynamic/chemotherapy treatments. Herein, we report on the synthesis, photophysical properties, and aggregation behavior of a triangular Pt(II)-assembled metallo-supramolecular complex built by the coordination-driven assembly of a BODIPY functionalized with two pyridines at the 2,6 positions and an (R, R)-phenylalanine dipeptide moiety in the meso position. This hydrophilic group provides the metallacycle with water-solubility and self-assembly capabilities, which result in the formation of robust nanoparticles in aqueous solutions with a 50 nm average size.
How to Properly Use Quotations
Authors: Yaffe Philip
Published: January 2023

Each "Communication Corner" essay is self-contained; however, they build on each other. For best results, before reading this essay and doing the exercise, go to the first essay "How an Ugly Duckling Became a Swan," then read each succeeding essay.

Using quotations from prominent people, or even clever quotations from not-so-prominent people, is always a useful addition to a text or speech. However, not all quotations are created equal. It is important to know how quotations differ in order to use them to their best effect.
Growth of 28Si Quantum Well Layers for Qubits by a Hybrid MBE/CVD Technique
Authors: Liu Yujia , Gradwohl Kevin-Peter , Lu Chen-HSun , Yamamoto Yuji , Remmele Thilo , Corley-Wiciak Cedric , Teubner Thomas , Richter Carsten , Albrecht Martin , Boeck Torsten
Published: January 2023

Isotopically enriched 28Si quantum well layers in SiGe/Si/SiGe heterostructures are an excellent material platform for electron spin qubits. In this work, we report the fabrication of 28SiGe/28Si/28SiGe heterostructures for qubits by a hybrid molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) / chemical vapour deposition (CVD) growth, where the thick relaxed SiGe substrates are realised by a reduced-pressure CVD and the 28SiGe/28Si/28SiGe stacks are grown by MBE Here, we achieve a fully strained 28Si quantum well layer in such heterostructures with a 29Si concentration as low as 200 ppm within the MBE grown layers. It concludes that 29Si primarily originates from the residual natural Si vapour in the MBE chamber. A reliable surface preparation combining ex situ wet chemical cleaning and in situ annealing and atomic hydrogen irradiation offers epitaxy ready CVD grown SiGe substrates with low carbon and oxygen impurities. Furthermore, we also present our studies about the growth temperature effect on the misfit dislocation formation in this heterostructure. It shows that the misfit dislocation formation is significantly suppressed at a low MBE growth temperature, such as 350 °C.
The Immunoregulatory Effect of Aconite Treatment on H22 Tumor‐Bearing Mice via Modulating Adaptive Immunity and Natural Killer‐Related Immunity
Authors: Wang Huan , Qi Xiu zhong , Jia Wentao , Yu Jiahui , Yang Kangdi , Zhang Xu , Wang Lina
Published: January 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer and, in its advanced stages, has a 5‐year survival rate of only 3% to 5%. Despite novel mechanisms and treatments being uncovered over the past few years, effective strategies for HCC are currently limited. Previous studies have proven that aconite can suppress tumor growth and progression and prevent the recurrence and metastasis of multiple cancers, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. In this study, different doses of aconite were applied to mice bearing subcutaneous HCC tumors. It was found that aconite had a therapeutic effect on H22 tumor‐bearing mice in a dose‐dependent manner by reducing tumor volumes and prolonging survival times, which could be attributed to the immunoregulatory effect of aconite. Furthermore, results showed that high‐dose administration of aconite could enhance adaptive immunity and natural killer (NK) cell‐mediated immunity by regulating the secretion of interferon‐γ, upregulating T cells and NK cells, and modulating the expression of the NK cytotoxicity biomarker CD107a and the inhibitory receptor TIGIT. This study revealed a novel mechanism through which aconite exerts antitumor effects, not merely through apoptosis induction pathways, providing more sound evidence that aconite has the potential to be developed into an effective anti‐HCC agent.