bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low molecular weight fucoidan restores diabetic endothelial glycocalyx by targeting neuraminidase2: A new therapy target in glycocalyx shedding
Authors: Li Zhi , Wu Ning , Wang Jing , Yue Yang , Geng Lihua , Zhang Quanbin
Published: November 2023

Background and Purpose

Diabetic vascular complication is a leading cause of disability and mortality in diabetes patients. Low molecular weight fucoidan (LMWF) is a promising drug candidate for vascular complications. Glycocalyx injury predates the occurrence of diabetes vascular complications. Protecting glycocalyx from degradation relieves diabetic vascular complications. LMWF has the potential to protect the diabetes endothelial glycocalyx from shedding.

Experimental Approach

The protective effect of LMWF on diabetic glycocalyx damage was investigated in db/db mice and Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC) through transmission electron microscopy and WGA labelling. The effect of LMWF on glycocalyx degrading enzymes expression was investigated. Neuraminidase2 (NEU2) overexpression/knockdown was performed in HUVECs to verify the important role of NEU2 in glycocalyx homeostasis. The interaction between NEU2 and LMWF was detected by ELISA and surface plasmon resonance analysis (SPR).

Key Results

LMWF normalizes blood indexes including insulin, triglyceride, uric acid and reduces diabetes complications adverse events. LMWF alleviates diabetic endothelial glycocalyx damage in db/db mice kidney/aorta and high concentration glucose treated HUVECs. NEU2 is up‐regulated in db/db mice and HUVECs with high concentration glucose. Overexpression/knockdown NEU2 results in glycocalyx shedding in HUVEC. Down‐regulation and interaction of LMWF with NEU2 is a new therapy target in glycocalyx homeostasis. NEU2 was positively correlated with phosphorylated IR‐β.

Conclusion and Implications

NEU2 is an effective target for glycocalyx homeostasis and LMWF is a promising drug to alleviate vascular complications in diabetes by protecting endothelial glycocalyx.
Molecular characterization of the craniosynostosis‐associated interleukin‐11 receptor variants p.T306_S308dup and p.E364_V368del
Authors: Kespohl Birte , Hegele Anna‐Lena , Düsterhöft Stefan , Bakker Hans , Buettner Falk F. R. , Hartig Roland , Lokau Juliane , Garbers Christoph
Published: November 2023

Interleukin‐11 (IL‐11) is a member of the IL‐6 family of cytokines and is an important factor for bone homeostasis. IL‐11 binds to and signals via the membrane‐bound IL‐11 receptor (IL‐11R, classic signaling) or soluble forms of the IL‐11R (sIL‐11R, trans‐signaling). Mutations in the IL11RA gene, which encodes the IL‐11R, are associated with craniosynostosis, a human condition in which one or several of the sutures close prematurely, resulting in malformation of the skull. The biological mechanisms of how mutations within the IL‐11R are linked to craniosynostosis are mostly unexplored. In this study, we analyze two variants of the IL‐11R described in craniosynostosis patients: p.T306_S308dup, which results in a duplication of three amino‐acid residues within the membrane‐proximal fibronectin type III domain, and p.E364_V368del, which results in a deletion of five amino‐acid residues in the so‐called stalk region adjacent to the plasma membrane. The stalk region connects the three extracellular domains to the transmembrane and intracellular region of the IL‐11R and contains cleavage sites for different proteases that generate sIL‐11R variants. Using a combination of bioinformatics and different biochemical, molecular, and cell biology methods, we show that the IL‐11R‐T306_S308dup variant does not mature correctly, is intracellularly retained, and does not reach the cell surface. In contrast, the IL‐11R‐E364_V368del variant is fully biologically active and processed normally by proteases, thus allowing classic and trans‐signaling of IL‐11. Our results provide evidence that mutations within the IL11RA gene may not be causative for craniosynostosis and suggest that other regulatory mechanism(s) are involved but remain to be identified.
Detecting reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) patches from UAV‐based digital surface model images—A case study in a timothy (Phleum pretense L.) meadow field
Authors: Yoshitoshi Rena , Sakanoue Seiichi , Watanabe Nariyasu
Published: November 2023

Accurate determination of the weed ratio in artificial meadows is critical for efficient pasture renovation. Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea L., RCG) is treated as a troublesome grass in the Hokkaido region of Japan because of its low feed quality and poor palatability in dairy farming. In the present study, we examined a method of identifying the dominant area of RCG in timothy (Phleum pretense L.) meadows by applying the Canny method to unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)‐based digital surface model (DSM) images. Comparing the actual RCG patches observed in a field survey (50 m quadrats × 4 places) with the predicted patches, the pixel‐based recall and F value were 0.90 and 0.83, respectively. These results demonstrated that the area of RCG can be detected using a simple method without supervised data or deep learning. This study is expected to be utilized in a wide variety of applications using relative height differences.
The Standardized Pressure Injury Prevention Protocol (SPIPP) Checklist 2.0: Content validation
Authors: Pittman Joyce , Black Joyce M. , de Jesus Anna , Padula William V.
Published: November 2023

Background

Pressure injury prevention is complex, and rates continue to rise. Checklists reduce human error, improve adherence and standardization with complex processes, focus attention on evidence‐based practices derived from clinical practice guidelines and are arranged in a systematic manner to manage the entirety of a patient's risk for preventable outcomes. The original Standardized Pressure Injury Prevention Protocol was created to provide a checklist of pressure injury prevention measures but needed revision and validation.

Purpose

This article describes the revision and content validity testing of the Standardized Pressure Injury Prevention Protocol Checklist 2.0 that took place in 2022.

Methods

Using the International 2019 Clinical Practice Guideline as a foundation, items were identified/revised, and expert review of the items was obtained. The Standardized Pressure Injury Prevention Protocol 2.0 underwent three rounds of revision by experts from the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel. A panel of eight national experts completed the content validity survey. Individual item content validity index and total scale content validity index were used to summarize the content validity survey scores.

Results

The individual item content validity index scores ranged from 0.5 to 1.0. One item (using a mirror to look at heels) was rated as 0.5, three items were 0.75, 20 items were 0.875 and 23 items were 1.0. The item scoring 0.5 was deleted. Those items scoring 0.75 were revised using the content experts' recommendations. The total scale content validity index was 0.93.

Conclusion

The Standardized Pressure Injury Prevention Protocol 2.0 provides a standardized checklist of evidence‐based items that operationalize a rigorous clinical practice guideline for the prevention of pressure injuries. Early intervention using a standardized approach and evidence‐based checklist that can be integrated into the workflow of the direct‐care nurse and provider provides the best opportunity for successful and sustainable pressure injury prevention.
Skin aging‐related microbial types separated by Cutibacterium and α‐diversity
Authors: Leem Sangseob , Keum Hye Lim , Song Hae Jung , Gu Ki‐Nam , Kim Yunkwan , Seo Jung Yeon , Shin Joong‐Gon , Lee Seo‐Gyeong , Lee Seon Mi , Sul Woo Jun , Kang Nae Gyu
Published: November 2023

Background

Studies on the skin microbiome have been conducted to uncover the relationship between skin microbes and the host. However, most of these studies have primarily focused on analyzing individual microbial compositions, which has resulted in a limited understanding of the overall relationship.

Methods

We analyzed the facial skin characteristics and microbial profiles of 100 healthy Korean female volunteers using the V1‐V2 region of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene.

Results

The two most prominent features of the facial skin microbiome, the proportion of Cutibacterium and α‐diversity, were associated with most of the skin characteristics. Based on clustering results, we proposed four types of facial skin microbiome: type C for Cutibacterium, type B for balanced, type CB for those between types C and B, and type O for others. Type C, which has a high proportion of Cutibacterium, showed high levels of pigmentation, wrinkles, pores, and sagging pores, indicating a tendency for severe skin aging. Type B, which has no dominant species and high microbial diversity, had lower values for pigmentation and wrinkles indicating less severe skin aging. Type CB was an intermediate type between type C and type B in terms of microbial composition and the level of skin aging. Type O dominated by microorganisms other than Cutibacterium, had high levels of sebum and pores but low levels of wrinkles.

Conclusion

We proposed a criterion for classifying facial skin microbial types, each of which showed distinct facial skin aging features. Our simplified microbial types will contribute to a better understanding of facial skin microbial studies.
Paragons of character—Character strengths and well‐being of moral, creative, and religious exemplars
Authors: Gander Fabian , Wagner Lisa , Vylobkova Valentina , Kretzschmar André , Ruch Willibald
Published: November 2023

Objective

Which traits best describe individuals who are recognized as exemplary in different domains? And can self‐rated positively valued personality traits distinguish such individuals from the general population?

Background

The study of exemplary individuals’ personality traits traditionally focused on general and broad traits. Using character strengths, which are narrower and designed to describe desirable behavior, could provide new insights.

Method

In this study, we examined 204 outstanding individuals—exemplars who received or were nominated for a public award recognizing their exemplary behavior (e.g., a Carnegie Rescuers Award; n = 119), individuals holding a patent (n = 62), and individuals living in a religious order (n = 23). We compared these exemplars to comparison samples matched based on demographic variables. All participants completed self‐report questionnaires assessing character strengths and well‐being (e.g., satisfaction with life).

Results

Results showed that the three groups of exemplars differed meaningfully in their character strengths and well‐being from the matched comparison groups. Compared with matched counterparts, moral exemplars scored higher on the strengths related to the virtues of courage, humanity, and justice as well as the character strength of humility, creative exemplars scored higher on the character strengths of creativity and honesty, and religious exemplars scored higher on gratitude and spirituality.

Conclusion

Overall, our findings suggest that character strengths are a useful framework for studying exemplary behavior.
Religious Ritual Compliance with COVID‐19 Mandates in Plain Communities: A Case Study of Amish Obituaries and Funeral Practices
Authors: Corcoran Katie E. , Colyer Corey J. , Mackay Annette M. , Stein Rachel E.
Published: November 2023

Measures to limit COVID‐19's spread were vital at the pandemic's onset. While some churches complied with public health mandates, others resisted them. Some religious ceremonies depend on third parties independent of the church. Funerals may require mortuary services overseen by funeral directors. Religious groups that may otherwise resist public health directives may comply when they depend on a third party. Extending street‐level bureaucracy theory, we examine the role of service providers who function as street‐level bureaucrats in shaping how religious groups respond to public policy mandates. Using the case of funeral rites in Old Order Amish churches, we content‐analyzed Old Order Amish obituaries from an Amish correspondence newspaper and interviewed funeral directors that serve the Amish. We found that the content of obituaries changed to incorporate COVID‐19 mitigation strategies due to requirements from some funeral homes. We also found that funeral directors used discretion to interpret health mandates.
Fluconazole‐resistant Candida parapsilosis complex candidemia and analysis of mutations in the ERG11 gene from Pakistan
Authors: Zeeshan Mohammad , Memon Saba , Malick Ayesha , Naqvi Syed Faheem , Farooqi Joveria , Ghanchi Najia Karim , Jabeen Kauser
Published: November 2023

Background

Recent reports of the emergence of fluconazole resistance in Candida parapsilosis species complex poses a challenge, more specifically in settings where echinocandin‐based treatment regime is not feasible.

Objective

This study reported emergence of fluconazole resistance in C. parapsilosis species complex strains isolated from blood cultures.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective observational study was conducted from 2018 to 2020 at a tertiary care laboratory from Pakistan. Fluconazole‐resistant C. parapsilosis species complex fungemia cases were identified from laboratory database and clinical details were collected. Identification of C. parapsilosis species complex was done using API 20C AUX and Cornmeal Tween80 agar morphology. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined using Sensititre YeastONE and interpretation was done with CLSI M60 ED1:2017. ERG11 gene region was amplified and sequenced by Sanger sequencing and analysed by MEGA 11 Software.

Results

A total of 13 (8.5%) fluconazole‐resistant isolates were identified from 152 C. parapsilosis species complex candidemia cases. Fluconazole MICs of resistant isolates ranged between 8 and 256 μg/mL. Analysis of ERG11 gene revealed nonsynonymous mutations at position Y132F in 86% of the fluconazole‐resistant isolates. Diabetes and hospitalization were important risk factors for candidemia with fluconazole‐resistant C. parapsilosis complex.

Conclusion

This is the first report of the emergence and molecular mechanisms of fluconazole resistance in C. parapsilosis species complex from Pakistan. Y132F mutation in the ERG11 gene was the most common mutation in fluconazole‐resistant strains. These findings are concerning and necessitate better diagnostics, newer antifungals, ongoing surveillance and further insights on resistance mechanisms in the country.
JARID1B represses the osteogenic potential of human periodontal ligament mesenchymal cells
Authors: Ferreira Rogério S. , da Silva Rodrigo A. , Feltran Geórgia Da S. , da Silva Ericka Patricia , de Assis Rahyza I. F. , Rovai Emanuel Silva , Zambuzzi Willian F. , Andia Denise C.
Published: November 2023

Background

Here, we evaluated whether the histone lysine demethylase 5B (JARID1B), is involved in osteogenic phenotype commitment of periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs), by considering their heterogeneity for osteoblast differentiation.

Materials and Methods

Epigenetic, transcriptional, and protein levels of a gene set, involved in the osteogenesis, were investigated by performing genome‐wide DNA (hydroxy)methylation, mRNA expression, and western blotting analysis at basal (without osteogenic induction), and at the 3rd and 10th days of osteogenic stimulus, in vitro, using PDLCs with low (l) and high (h) osteogenic potential as biological models.

Results

h‐PDLCs showed reduced levels of JARID1B, compared to l‐PDLCs, with significant inversely proportional correlations between RUNX2 and RUNX2/p57. Epigenetically, a significant reduction in the global H3K4me3 content was observed only in h‐PDLCs. Immunoblotting data reveal a significant reduction in the global H3K4me3 content, at 3 days of induction only in h‐PDLCs, while an increase in the global H3K4me3 content was observed at 10 days for both PDLCs. Additionally, positive correlations were found between global H3K4me3 levels and JARID1B gene expression.

Conclusions

Altogether, our results show the crucial role of JARID1B in repressing PDLCs osteogenic phenotype and this claims to pre‐clinical protocols proposing JARID1B as a potential therapeutic target.
Risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 following joint and epidural corticosteroid injections: A retrospective study
Authors: Raju Robin , Holder Eric K. , Dundas Mark , Liang Jingchen , Donham Rebecca
Published: November 2023

Objective

The immunosuppressive effects of corticosteroid (CS) injections have come under more scrutiny during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. The aim of the study was to explore any relationship between joint/epidural CS injection and SARS‐CoV‐2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positivity.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients 18 years or over who received at least one joint or epidural CS injection by physiatrists in a tertiary care center between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021. This cohort of patients was then compared to a control group who did not receive any CS injection during this time period.

Results

A total of 766 patients were identified in the CS injection group and 1546 patients in the control group. Overall, 12.27% of patients turned SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR positive in the CS injection group, which was similar to 11.90% in the control group (p = 0.797). But 3‐month SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR positivity rate showed a statistically significant higher rate among the CS injection group (3.30% in the CS injection group vs. 2.10% in the control group; p = 0.027). In multivariate regression analysis, after adjusting both groups for Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), there was statistically significant higher SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR positivity rate in the CS injection group (p = 0.024). However, after adjusting both groups for age and total number of comorbidities, there was no difference between the groups in regard to SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR positivity rate (p = 0.081). In the subgroup analysis of only COVID‐19 vaccinated patients, there was an increased 3‐month SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR positivity rate among patients with severe comorbidities in the CS injection group (p = 0.036).

Conclusion

The study was not conclusive on the effect of joint or epidural CS injection on SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR positivity rate, although adjusted analysis suggests higher 3‐month SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR positivity rate after CS injection in patients with severe comorbidities with significant disease burden when compared to controls.
Cultural adaptation and clinical validation of Rapid Cognitive Screening Test in Turkish
Authors: Erdoğan Tuğba , Tüfekçioğlu Zeynep , Saçar Duygu Erbaş , Ören Meryem Merve , Bilgiç Başar , Karan Mehmet Akif , Bahat Gülistan
Published: November 2023

Background

The Rapid Cognitive Screen (RCS) is a brief, easy to administer score screening tool for cognitive dysfunction which can be very useful for cognitive screening in busy clinical settings. We aimed to cross‐culturally adapt and validate RCS in Turkish.

Methods

A total of 172 community‐dwelling older participants from geriatric and neurology clinics, aged 60 and older were included. The translation and cultural adaptation process was carried out in five stages: (i) two initial translations from English to Turkish; (ii) combination of these two translations; (iii) backward translations; (iv) an expert committee that consisted of three geriatricians and two neurologists, one Turkish lecturer reviewed to compare backward translations with the English test; and (v) pretest. The inter‐rater reliability and test–retest reliability were performed. To diagnose each type of dementia, gold standard diagnostic criteria specifically defined for each dementia were used. Performances of RCS test for dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were analyzed by using sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV). The receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to determine the area under the curve (AUC) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Among participants, 37.2% were considered as cognitively normal, 25.6% with MCI and 37.2% with dementia. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of RCS (cut‐off point of 4) for dementia were 89.06%, 92.56%, 87.7%, and 93.5%, respectively whereas the values were 77.27%, 51.56%, 52.3%, and 76.7% for MCI with a cut‐off point of 8. The RCS predicted dementia (AUC = 0.972, 95% CI: 0.935–0.991) and MCI (AUC = 0.720%, 95% CI: 0.626–0.802).

Conclusion

The cross‐cultural adaptation was successfully achieved. The Turkish‐RCS was found to be a reliable and valid test for screening of cognitive dysfunction.
A Mechanics-Based Perspective on the Function of Human Sphincters During Functional Luminal Imaging Probe Manometry
Authors: Elisha Guy , Halder Sourav , Carlson Dustin A. , Kou Wenjun , Kahrilas Peter J. , Pandolfino John E. , Patankar Neelesh A.
Published: November 2023

Functional luminal imaging probe (FLIP) is used to measure cross-sectional area (CSA) and pressure at sphincters. It consists of a catheter surrounded by a fluid filled cylindrical bag, closed on both ends. Plotting the pressure-CSA hysteresis of a sphincter during a contraction cycle, which is available through FLIP testing, offers information on its functionality, and can provide diagnostic insights. However, limited work has been done to explain the mechanics of these pressure-CSA loops. This work presents a consolidated picture of pressure-CSA loops of different sphincters. Clinical data reveal that although sphincters have a similar purpose (controlling the flow of liquids and solids by opening and closing), two different pressure-CSA loop patterns emerge: negative slope loop (NSL) and positive slope loop (PSL). We show that the loop type is the result of an interplay between (or lack thereof) two mechanical modes: (i) neurogenic mediated relaxation of the sphincter muscle or pulling applied by external forces, and (ii) muscle contraction proximal to the sphincter which causes mechanical distention. We conclude that sphincters which only function through mechanism (i) exhibition NSL whereas sphincters which open as a result of both (i) and (ii) display a PSL. This work provides a fundamental mechanical understanding of human sphincters. This can be used to identify normal and abnormal phenotypes for the different sphincters and help in creating physiomarkers based on work calculation.
A Unified Real-Time Motion Generation Algorithm for Approximate Position Analysis of Planar N-Bar Mechanisms
Authors: Lyu Zhijie , Purwar Anurag , Liao Wei
Published: November 2023

This paper presents a novel real-time kinematic simulation algorithm for planar N-bar linkage mechanisms, both single- and multi-degrees-of-freedom, comprising revolute and/or prismatic joints and actuators. A key feature of this algorithm is a reinterpretation technique that transforms prismatic elements into a combination of revolute joint and links. This gives rise to a unified system of geometric constraints and a general-purpose solver which adapts to the complexity of the mechanism. The solver requires only two types of methods—fast dyadic decomposition and relatively slower optimization-based—to simulate all types of planar mechanisms. From an implementation point of view, this algorithm simplifies programming without requiring handling of different types of mechanisms. This versatile algorithm can handle serial, parallel, and hybrid planar mechanisms with varying degrees-of-freedom and joint types. Additionally, this paper presents an estimation of simulation time and structural complexity, shedding light on computational demands. Demonstrative examples showcase the practicality of this method.
Shot noise in a strange metal
Authors: Chen Liyang , Lowder Dale T. , Bakali Emine , Andrews Aaron Maxwell , Schrenk Werner , Waas Monika , Svagera Robert , Eguchi Gaku , Prochaska Lukas , Wang Yiming , Setty Chandan , Sur Shouvik , Si Qimiao , Paschen Silke , Natelson Douglas
Published: November 2023

S trange-metal behavior has been observed in materials ranging from high-temperature superconductors to heavy fermion metals. In conventional metals, current is carried by quasiparticles; although it has been suggested that quasiparticles are absent in strange metals, direct experimental evidence is lacking. We measured shot noise to probe the granularity of the current-carrying excitations in nanowires of the heavy fermion strange metal YbRh
2
Si
2
. When compared with conventional metals, shot noise in these nanowires is strongly suppressed. This suppression cannot be attributed to either electron-phonon or electron-electron interactions in a Fermi liquid, which suggests that the current is not carried by well-defined quasiparticles in the strange-metal regime that we probed. Our work sets the stage for similar studies of other strange metals.
Mortality risk from United States coal electricity generation
Authors: Henneman Lucas , Choirat Christine , Dedoussi Irene , Dominici Francesca , Roberts Jessica , Zigler Corwin
Published: November 2023

Policy-makers seeking to limit the impact of coal electricity-generating units (EGUs, also known as power plants) on air quality and climate justify regulations by quantifying the health burden attributable to exposure from these sources. We defined “coal PM
2.5
” as fine particulate matter associated with coal EGU sulfur dioxide emissions and estimated annual exposure to coal PM
2.5
from 480 EGUs in the US. We estimated the number of deaths attributable to coal PM
2.5
from 1999 to 2020 using individual-level Medicare death records representing 650 million person-years. Exposure to coal PM
2.5
was associated with 2.1 times greater mortality risk than exposure to PM
2.5
from all sources. A total of 460,000 deaths were attributable to coal PM
2.5
, representing 25% of all PM
2.5
-related Medicare deaths before 2009 and 7% after 2012. Here, we quantify and visualize the contribution of individual EGUs to mortality.
Mining stakes claim on salmon futures as glaciers retreat
Authors: Moore Jonathan W. , Pitman Kara J. , Whited Diane , Marsden Naxginkw Tara , Sexton Erin K. , Sergeant Christopher J. , Connor Mark
Published: November 2023

Future ecological value of emerging habitats must be considered as climate change transforms the planet
Palladium catalysis enables cross-coupling–like S
N
2-glycosylation of phenols
Authors: Deng Li-Fan , Wang Yingwei , Xu Shiyang , Shen Ao , Zhu Hangping , Zhang Siyu , Zhang Xia , Niu Dawen
Published: November 2023

Despite their importance in life and material sciences, the efficient construction of stereo-defined glycosides remains a challenge. Studies of carbohydrate functions would be advanced if glycosylation methods were as reliable and modular as palladium (Pd)-catalyzed cross-coupling. However, Pd-catalysis excels in forming sp
2
-hybridized carbon centers whereas glycosylation mostly builds sp
3
-hybridized C–O linkages. We report a glycosylation platform through Pd-catalyzed S
N
2 displacement from phenols toward bench-stable, aryl-iodide–containing glycosyl sulfides. The key Pd(II) oxidative addition intermediate diverges from an arylating agent (Csp
2
electrophile) to a glycosylating agent (Csp
3
electrophile). This method inherits many merits of cross-coupling reactions, including operational simplicity and functional group tolerance. It preserves the S
N
2 mechanism for various substrates and is amenable to late-stage glycosylation of commercial drugs and natural products.
Air spaces bend light in plant stems
Authors: Whitewoods Christopher
Published: November 2023

Intercellular air spaces are necessary for phototropism in
Arabidopsis thaliana
African energy transitions should be driven from the ground up
Authors: Mutiso Rose M.
Published: November 2023

At the UN climate summit (COP28) kicking off in Dubai next week, we can expect the nations of the world to issue a flurry of energy- and climate-related announcements, pledges, and plans. Like their global peers, African governments will be using COP28 to demonstrate their climate ambition, building on
commitments they made at the inaugural African Climate Summit
held three months prior in Nairobi.
In Other Journals
Authors: Uzogara Ekeoma , Grocholski Brent , Wible Brad , Osborne Ian S. , Nusinovich Yevgeniya , Maroso Mattia , Ash Caroline
Published: November 2023

Editors’ selections from the current scientific literature
Exascale computers show off emerging science
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: November 2023

World’s fastest supercomputers will sharpen climate forecasts and design new materials
Cardiac and intramuscular adaptations following short-term exercise prehabilitation in unfit patients scheduled to undergo hepatic or pancreatic surgery: study protocol of a multinuclear MRI study
Authors: Wijma Allard G , Driessens Heleen , Jeneson Jeroen A L , Janssen-Heijnen Maryska L G , Willems Tineke P , Klaase Joost M , Bongers Bart C
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Short-term exercise prehabilitation programmes have demonstrated promising results in improving aerobic capacity of unfit patients prior to major abdominal surgery. However, little is known about the cardiac and skeletal muscle adaptations explaining the improvement in aerobic capacity following short-term exercise prehabilitation.

Methods and analysis

In this single-centre study with a pretest–post-test design, 12 unfit patients with a preoperative oxygen uptake (VO2) at the ventilatory anaerobic threshold ≤13 mL/kg/min and/or VO2at peak exercise ≤18 mL/kg/min, who are scheduled to undergo hepatopancreatobiliary surgery at the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), the Netherlands, will be recruited. As part of standard care, unfit patients are advised to participate in a home-based exercise prehabilitation programme, comprising high-intensity interval training and functional exercises three times per week, combined with nutritional support, during a 4-week period. Pre-intervention and post-intervention, patients will complete a cardiopulmonary exercise test. Next to this, study participants will perform additional in-vivo exercise cardiac magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and phosphorus 31-MR spectroscopy of the quadriceps femoris muscle before and after the intervention to assess the effect on respectively cardiac and skeletal muscle function.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved in May 2023 by the Medical Research Ethics Committee of the UMCG (registration number NL83611.042.23, March 2023) and is registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov register. Results of this study will be submitted for presentation at (inter)national congresses and publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT05772819.
Prevalence of psychological distress and associated factors among patients undergoing comprehensive genomic profiling testing: protocol for a multicentre, prospective, observational study
Authors: Matsuoka Ayumu , Fujimori Maiko , Koyama Takafumi , Sato Ayako , Mori Keita , Hirata Makoto , Tanabe Noriko , Nakachi Kohei , Kato Shunsuke , Okamoto Hiroaki , Ogawa Kohei , Komatsu Hirokazu , Iwasaku Masahiro , Miyaji Tempei , Uchitomi Yosuke
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Since May 2019, comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) has been covered by Japan’s health insurance system for patients with solid tumours that have progressed on standard chemotherapy, rare tumours or tumours of unknown primary origin. Although CGP has the potential to identify actionable mutations that can guide the selection of genomically matched therapies for patients with advanced cancer and limited treatment options, less than 10% of patients benefit from CGP testing, which may have a negative impact on patients’ mental status. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of psychological distress and associated factors among patients with advanced cancer who are undergoing CGP testing across Japan.

Methods and analysis

This multicentre, prospective cohort study will enrol a total of 700 patients with advanced cancer undergoing CGP testing. Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires at three timepoints: at the time of consenting to CGP testing (T1), at the time of receiving the CGP results (T2; 2–3 months after T1) and 4–5 months after T2 (T3). Primary outcome is the prevalence of depression as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 at the three timepoints. Secondary outcomes are the prevalence of anxiety and Quality of Life Score. Associated factors with psychological distress will also be examined, including knowledge about CGP, attitudes, values and preferences towards CGP, satisfaction with oncologists’ communication and patient characteristics as well as medical information including CGP test results and genomically matched therapies if provided. The prevalence of depression and anxiety will be estimated using the unadjusted raw rates observed in the total sample. Longitudinal changes in measures will be explored by calculating differences between the timepoints. Multivariate associations between variables will be examined using multiple or logistic regression analysis depending on the outcomes to adjust for confounders and to identify outcome predictors.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the National Cancer Center Japan on 5 January 2023 (ID: 2022-228). Study findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.

Trial status

The study is currently recruiting participants and the enrolment period will end on 31 March 2025, with an expected follow-up date of 31 March 2026.

Trial registration number

UMIN000049964.
‘That’s how we got around it’: a qualitative exploration of healthcare professionals’ experiences of care provision for asylum applicants’ with limited English proficiency in UK contingency accommodation
Authors: Tomkow Louise , Prager Gabrielle , Drinkwater Jessica , Morris Rebecca L , Farrington Rebecca
Published: November 2023

Objectives

The inadequate provision of language interpretation for people with limited English proficiency (LEP) is a determinant of poor health, yet interpreters are underused. This research explores the experiences of National Health Service (NHS) staff providing primary care for people seeking asylum, housed in contingency accommodation during COVID-19. This group often have LEP and face multiple additional barriers to healthcare access. Language discrimination is used as a theoretical framework. The potential utility of this concept is explored as a way of understanding and addressing inequities in care.

Design

Qualitative research using semistructured interviews and inductive thematic analysis.

Setting

An NHS primary care service for people seeking asylum based in contingency accommodation during COVID-19 housing superdiverse residents speaking a wide spectrum of languages.

Participants

Ten staff including doctors, nurses, mental health practitioners, healthcare assistants and students participated in semistructured online interviews. Some staff were redeployed to this work due to the pandemic.

Results

All interviewees described patients’ LEP as significant. Inadequate provision of interpretation services impacted the staff’s ability to provide care and compromised patient safety. Discrimination, such as that based on migration status, was recognised and challenged by staff. However, inequity based on language was not articulated as discrimination. Instead, insufficient and substandard interpretation was accepted as the status quo and workarounds used, such as gesticulating or translation phone apps. The theoretical lens of language discrimination shows how this propagates existing social hierarchies and further disadvantages those with LEP.

Conclusions

This research provides empirical evidence of how the inadequate provision of interpreters forces the hand of healthcare staff to use shortcuts. Although this innovative ‘tinkering’ allows staff to get the job done, it risks normalising structural gaps in care provision for people with LEP. Policy-makers must rethink their approach to interpretation provision which prioritises costs over quality. We assert that the concept of language discrimination is a valuable framework for clinicians to better identify and articulate unfair treatment on the grounds of LEP.
Prehospital acute life-threatening cardiovascular disease in elderly: an observational, prospective, multicentre, ambulance-based cohort study
Authors: del Pozo Vegas Carlos , Zalama-Sánchez Daniel , Sanz-Garcia Ancor , López-Izquierdo Raúl , Sáez-Belloso Silvia , Mazas Perez Oleaga Cristina , Domínguez Azpíroz Irma , Elío Pascual Iñaki , Martín-Rodríguez Francisco
Published: November 2023

Objective

The aim was to explore the association of demographic and prehospital parameters with short-term and long-term mortality in acute life-threatening cardiovascular disease by using a hazard model, focusing on elderly individuals, by comparing patients under 75 years versus patients over 75 years of age.

Design

Prospective, multicentre, observational study.

Setting

Emergency medical services (EMS) delivery study gathering data from two back-to-back studies between 1 October 2019 and 30 November 2021. Six advanced life support (ALS), 43 basic life support and five hospitals in Spain were considered.

Participants

Adult patients suffering from acute life-threatening cardiovascular disease attended by the EMS.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality from any cause within the first to the 365 days following EMS attendance. The main measures included prehospital demographics, biochemical variables, prehospital ALS techniques used and syndromic suspected conditions.

Results

A total of 1744 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The 365-day cumulative mortality in the elderly amounted to 26.1% (229 cases) versus 11.6% (11.6%) in patients under 75 years old. Elderly patients (≥75 years) presented a twofold risk of mortality compared with patients ≤74 years. Life-threatening interventions (mechanical ventilation, cardioversion and defibrillation) were also related to a twofold increased risk of mortality. Importantly, patients suffering from acute heart failure presented a more than twofold increased risk of mortality.

Conclusions

This study revealed the prehospital variables associated with the long-term mortality of patients suffering from acute cardiovascular disease. Our results provide important insights for the development of specific codes or scores for cardiovascular diseases to facilitate the risk of mortality characterisation.
HYDROPHOBIC PHOTORESPONSIVE AZOBENZENE-CONTAINING MATERIALS PREPARED BY CLICK REACTION
Authors: QIU LU , ZHENG JUNYU , YU XINYI , HAN XIAOQIAN , WANG NONG
Published: November 2023

With the rapid development of intelligent materials in recent years, intelligent hydrophobic materials have become a new research direction, and hydrophobic surfaces with adjustable wettability have enormous application potential in many fields. Generally speaking, surface wettability is determined by the combined effect of surface chemical composition and surface morphology. Therefore, the photoresponsive wettability of azobenzene-modified surfaces can be achieved by constructing rough surface of micro-nano scale and reducing the surface free energy. In this paper, we synthesized two photo responsive hydrophobic azobenzene derivatives (AAAB-PFDT and UAAB-PFDT), characterized their structure, thermal degradation behavior, and microscopic morphology. The light conversion performance of the two materials in dispersion was also studied using a UV–Vis spectrometer. By depositing the materials on the glass slide, the measurements of the water contact angle (WCA) under different lighting conditions were performed, demonstrating that both materials exhibit excellent photoswitchable hydrophobicity and reversibility.
Hygrothermal Effects on Vibration Response of Porous FG Nanobeams Using Nonlocal Strain Gradient Theory Considering Thickness Effect
Authors: Shajan Anna Mariya , Sivadas Krishnendu , Piska Raghu , Parimi Chandu
Published: November 2023

In this work, the thickness-dependent size effect on nonlinear free vibration response of a Porous Functionally Graded (PFG) nanobeam in a hygrothermal environment is examined via nonlocal strain gradient theory (NSGT). Through the depth of the beam, hygro-thermal loadings are uniformly distributed. The mechanical properties of the beam are assumed to vary continuously in the thickness direction according to the power law expression. The equations of motion are derived using Hamilton’s principle with consideration of von-Kármán nonlinearity. The nanobeam vibration responses are obtained with the aid of the Galerkin technique and the Hamiltonian approach. A vital point of this work is to explore the effects of power law index, slenderness ratio, porosity volume fraction, and hygrothermal changes on the vibration behavior of PFG nanobeams. The results indicate how the thickness effect and porosity volume fraction significantly change the size-dependent vibration response of the FG nanobeam under hygrothermal conditions. The paper findings can be applied to improve the mechanical performance of PFG nanobeams.
Abelian groups with C2
Authors: Călugăreanu Grigore , Keef Pat
Published: November 2023

Almost all Abelian groups with the property that each subgroup isomorphic to a direct summand, is also a direct summand, are determined. The relationship with co-Hopfian groups is also addressed.
Discovering High-Risk Bank Risk Factors Based on Risk Matrix
Authors: Wei Lu , Miao Xiyuan , Jing Haozhe , Li Guowen
Published: November 2023

Bank risk management is a crucial issue in the stability of the financial system. How to select high-risk factors that make banks in trouble and how these factors affect bank risks have always been a core problem. Previous studies comprehensively identified bank risk factors from textual risk disclosures and used the disclosure frequency of risk factors to determine important factors to which banks should pay more attention. This paper creatively constructs the textual risk matrix with frequency and sentiment of risk factors to divide bank risk factors into the high-risk category, mid-risk category, and low-risk category. Then we explore the impact of different categories of risk factors on bank risk and the risk perception of investors. Based on 457,383 sentences of 2,735 Form 10-K reports of 240 American commercial banks from 2006 to 2020, 33 bank risk factors were identified. Three risk factors belong to in high-risk category, including loan loss risk, regulation risk, and interest rate risk. Three factors are classified in the mid-risk category and 27 risk factors are low-risk factors. The regression results show that compared with individual bankruptcy risk, risk factors have better prediction and interpretive ability on the systemic risk. The disclosure of bank risk factors will affect the investors’ risk perception, especially the worse risk situation of the high-risk factors will increase the risk perceived by investors.
Grain Temperature Prediction Based on GRU Deep Fusion Model
Authors: Mao Bo , Tao Shancheng , Li Bingchan
Published: November 2023

Temperature is an essential quality index in storage. Prediction of temperature can help the grain storage industry to apply the appropriate operations such as ventilation or drying to improve the quality of grain and extend the suitable storage time. Traditional machine learning methods usually cannot accurately predict the temperature data of the grain considering the complexity of environmental factors and grain warehouse conditions. To make better use of the temporal data such as temperature/humidity information of grain itself and its environment, this paper proposes a gated recurrent unit (GRU)-based algorithm to predict the change of the data. The grain warehouse environmental data are collected by multi-functional sensors inside a grain depot, including temperature, humidity, wind speed, air pressure, etc. Some of these data features such as rain or snow days are sparse data features. Excessive sparse features can affect the training accuracy of the model. At the same time, due to sensor aging or extreme weather conditions, the data collected may not be accurate, and the data contain noise, which also has a significant impact on the training of the model. To improve the performance of the proposed GRU framework, multivariate linear regression is used for feature generation to optimize the volatility of weather data, strengthen and construct the characteristics of datasets, and wavelet filtering is used to denoise the corresponding features. This paper focuses on the data sparse and noise problem and applies the MLR and wavelet filtering to improve the GRU prediction framework for grain warehouse temporal data. According to our experiment, the temperature prediction results based on the GRU deep fusion model have better improvement in prediction accuracy and time than the existing neural network algorithms such as long–short-term memory (LSTM), GRU, and transformer.
Information Measures for Continuous Function-Valued q-Rung Orthopair Fuzzy Sets and an Extended TOPSIS
Authors: Ünver Mehmet , Aydoğan Büşra
Published: November 2023

The concept of continuous function-valued [Formula: see text]-rung orthopair fuzzy set (CFV[Formula: see text]ROFS) represents an innovative framework within fuzzy set theory, where the assessment of an element’s membership and nonmembership degrees is accomplished through continuous functions. This paper introduces a novel entropy measure for CFV[Formula: see text]ROFS, employing the Riemann integral. Furthermore, it outlines a theoretical framework for constructing a similarity measure based on entropy and presents a distance measure. The newly introduced entropy measure is used for weighting criteria and measuring the distance of the alternatives in decision-making processes. To illustrate the practical utility of these concepts, an extended Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) is proposed and is employed to tackle a real-world problem previously addressed in the literature. The outcomes of this extended TOPSIS are compared with those given in existing studies, and a sensitivity analysis is performed concerning the variable [Formula: see text].
Co@MoS2 Nanocatalyst: Enhanced Activation of Peroxymonosulfate for Effective Degradation of Sulfadiazine
Authors: Wang Sai , Wu En-Ni , Meng Liang , Wang Zhen-Jun , Wang Tuan-Tuan
Published: November 2023

To improve the activation efficiency of PMS to efficiently degrade antibiotic sulfadiazine (SD), herein, a Co@MoS2 catalyst was prepared by a one-step hydrothermal process. The unique petal-like structure of MoS2 enables the transition metal Co to achieve high dispersion and avoid agglomeration. Mo(IV) and unsaturated S accelerate the electron transfer between Co[Formula: see text] and Co[Formula: see text] to improve the cycling efficiency and thus realize the efficient activation of PMS. The results of active substance quenching experiment and ESR analysis show that the main active substance for the efficient degradation of SD by Co@MoS2 is the non-radical 1O2, while the other three radicals [Formula: see text], ⋅OH and [Formula: see text] contribute significantly to the efficient degradation of SD. And after 5 cycles, the degradation could still be as high as 90%. The strong consolidation of Co on the petal-shaped sheet of MoS2 ensures the stability of Co@MoS2 catalyst.