bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Merajut Jati Diri Profetis Guru Agama Katolik Dalam Era Milenial
Authors: Dahurandi Keristian
Published: July 2023

There are two dangers of millennial era: economism and simulacra. Economism can change paradigm of thinking: from “unconditional love” to profit-capitalist calculations. A created simulacra is capable of reconstructing society to be a hyperreality world, that is, a society which does not understand reality as such but what the realtity is referred to or designed for economic interests (consumptive society). This danger becomes a serious pastoral challenge toprophetic role of Catholic Religion Teacher. One of possible solutions is to strengthen teacher ’sidentity through some modes: first, to live out the task as a vocation; second, living acovenant spirituality; third, being an agent of God’s image/likeness; fourth, to bear witness as disciples of Christ. These four modes, undoubtedly, will help Catholic teachers to play a professional and prophetic role.
Cinematic Representations of Homegirls: Echo Park vs. Hollywood in Allison Anders’s Mi Vida Loca
Authors: Antoszek Ewa
Published: July 2023

Allison Anders in Mi Vida Loca (1993) presents various aspects of gang life: from becoming a gang member, through various examples of female sisterhood and betrayal. Not resorting to gangxploitation, Mi Vida Loca is the “first commercial film to focus entirely on Chicana gang members” (Fregoso 97). Anders’s project, well-grounded and well-designed, attempts to do away with numerous stereotypes concerning homegirls
in L.A. and to portray a credible picture of gang life in Echo Park. At the same time, Anders’s approach is relatively “partial in its one-sided view of la vida loca,” which inevitably leads to further stereotyping of Chicana homegirls (Fregoso 97). The purpose of the article is to analyze assets and disadvantages of Anders’s representation of Chicana female gang members focusing on the dynamics of the interplay between Hollywood (i.e. Anders’s project) and the barrio-in that case Echo Park, L.A.
DECAF Score and BAP-65, the Tools for Prognosis in Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Meena Shyam Bihari , Bhat Pranavkumar , Magh Hijilo , Akhil A
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (AECOPD) result in significant morbidity and mortality. It is 3rd most common cause of death worldwide. Still, there is no proper prognostic scoring system available yet. The increasing mortality has been attributed to the smoking, epidemic and the advanced age of the world’s population. Exacerbations are uncommon in early COPD and are more common in moderate-to-severe disease. Aim: To validate and compare the Dyspnoea, Eosinopenia, Consolidation, Acidaemia, Atrial Fibrillation (DECAF) score and Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), Altered mental status, Pulse-age 65 (BAP-65) as tools of prognostication in AECOPD. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based prospective, observational study was conducted in the Department of General Medicine at Government Medical College Kota, Rajasthan, India. The duration of the study was two years, from December 2020 to December 2022. A total of 100 patients (84 males and 16 females), who were admitted with AECOPD were included. DECAF and BAP-65 scores, length of hospital stay, need for mechanical ventilation and mortality was recorded on a proforma and later analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. A Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn for comparison of the accuracy of both the scoring systems. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 64.91±11.78 years. Analysing the data statistically, the BAP65 class and DECAF score with mortality, need for mechanical ventilation, and duration of hospital stay showed a significant association. Comparing DECAF with BAP-65, DECAF showed higher predictive accuracy in mortality {Area Under Curve (AUC)- DECAF= 0.933 BAP-65-0.929) and duration of hospital stay (AUC-DECAF=0.753 BAP-65=0.929}) whereas, BAP-65 showed higher accuracy in predicting the need for mechanical ventilation (AUC-DECAF=0.851 BAP-65=0.916). Conclusion: Since, there was a good association between BAP-65 classes, as well as, the DECAF score and outcomes in AECOPD, these can be used as an assessment tool in predicting outcomes in patients presenting with AECOPD. It is better to use DECAF for predicting the length of hospital stay and mortality and BAP-65 for predicting the need for mechanical ventilation.
Design, Fabrication and Performance Evaluation of Groundnut Seeds Dehuller as Influenced by Varietal Differences
Authors: Lawson O. S. , Agbetoye L. A. S. , Olabinjo O. O. , Olajide O. G.
Published: July 2023

Several studies have been carried out to investigate the performance of developed groundnut dehullers, but very few studies have considered the influence of groundnut varietal differences on the dehuller performance. Therefore, the objectives of the study is to; (1) determine the influence of dehulling speed and varietal difference on the evaluation parameters of the developed machine; and (2) determine the main and interactive effects between the dehulling speed and groundnut variety on the developed machine evaluation parameters. Well designed and fabricated groundnut seed dehulling machine consists of the following components: hopper, dehulling unit, discharge unit, machine frame and drive system. The hopper houses the shaft and rotating circular plate covered with rug (which act as an adhesive) that rub roasted groundnut seeds at any orientation against a stationary circular plate, and discharges to the sprout unit. Results showed that for the dehuller, the red Valencia, white-runner type and Kampala gave dehulling efficiencies of 74.26-88.22, 79.69-91.3, and 77.21-89.77%, respectively. Result of the analysis showed that only speed is the variable significantly (P < 0.05) impacting the dehulling efficiency in their main effect, while the variety has no effect on dehulling efficiency (insignificant-P > 0.05). However, the interaction effect between the rotating speed and variety caused significant (P < 0.05) effect on the dehulling efficiency. Therefore, in order to further reduce drudgery through the development of machine for dehulling groundnut, the dehulling speed together with the variety of the groundnut seed must be prioritized.
Ultrahigh Sensitivity Solar‐Blind UV Detection via Multistage‐Concentric‐Annulus Architecture Metasurface
Authors: Cai Qing , Zhi Ting , You Haifan , Shao Pengfei , Chen Kai , Wang Jin , Guo Hui , Xue Junjun , Tao Tao , Liu Bin , Xie Zili , Cao Xun , Lu Hai , Zheng Youdou , Zhang Rong , Chen Dunjun
Published: July 2023

High‐sensitivity photodetection capability has become an indispensable requirement for detecting feeble solar‐blind ultraviolet (UV) light. Micro‐nano metallic metasurface structures are employed to enhance the detector photoelectric performances. However, existing approaches are confronted with bottlenecks of structure simplification and efficacy mediocrity. Here, a distinctive diamond solar‐blind UV photodetector with a synthetic multistage‐concentric‐annulus (MCA) architecture metasurface is reported, which is prepared through a facile and peculiar Fraunhofer diffraction technique. The detector achieves an excellent photo‐to‐dark‐current ratio of 2.4×108 and maintains an extremely low dark current on the order of pA magnitude. The intrinsic response peak and resonance absorption phenomenon in solar‐blind UV are evident from the optical properties. Moreover, the surface potential distribution intuitively reveals that plasmon resonance enhances the UV scattering and absorption cross sections, thus facilitating the photogeneration of carriers. Meanwhile, it expressly demonstrates that multi‐level dipole interaction in the MCA structure accelerates the separation and extraction of electron–hole pairs through enhancing the localized electric field intensity. In addition, a wide range of variable temperature measurements further prove the device possesses capacity for working in extreme environments. This photodetection technology by virtue of a delicate and viable diffraction metasurface is anticipated to provide a leap forward for future applications in wide‐band‐gap semiconductor UV detectors.
The copy number and mutational landscape of recurrent ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma
Authors: Smith Philip , Bradley Thomas , Gavarró Lena Morrill , Goranova Teodora , Ennis Darren P. , Mirza Hasan B. , De Silva Dilrini , Piskorz Anna M. , Sauer Carolin M. , Al-Khalidi Sarwah , Funingana Ionut-Gabriel , Reinius Marika A. V. , Giannone Gaia , Lewsley Liz-Anne , Stobo Jamie , McQueen John , Bryson Gareth , Eldridge Matthew ,   The BriTROC Investigators, Glasspool R. M. , Gourley C. , Kennedy R. , Hall G. , Edmondson R. , Clamp A. , Sundar S. , Walter A. , Hall M. , Gabra H. , Fotopoulou C. , Brockbank E. , Montes A. , Lockley M. , Macintyre Geoff , Markowetz Florian , Brenton James D. , McNeish Iain A.
Published: July 2023

The drivers of recurrence and resistance in ovarian high grade serous carcinoma remain unclear. We investigate the acquisition of resistance by collecting tumour biopsies from a cohort of 276 women with relapsed ovarian high grade serous carcinoma in the BriTROC-1 study. Panel sequencing shows close concordance between diagnosis and relapse, with only four discordant cases. There is also very strong concordance in copy number between diagnosis and relapse, with no significant difference in purity, ploidy or focal somatic copy number alterations, even when stratified by platinum sensitivity or prior chemotherapy lines. Copy number signatures are strongly correlated with immune cell infiltration, whilst diagnosis samples from patients with primary platinum resistance have increased rates of CCNE1 and KRAS amplification and copy number signature 1 exposure. Our data show that the ovarian high grade serous carcinoma genome is remarkably stable between diagnosis and relapse and acquired chemotherapy resistance does not select for common copy number drivers.
IL-1β turnover by the UBE2L3 ubiquitin conjugating enzyme and HECT E3 ligases limits inflammation
Authors: Mishra Vishwas , Crespo-Puig Anna , McCarthy Callum , Masonou Tereza , Glegola-Madejska Izabela , Dejoux Alice , Dow Gabriella , Eldridge Matthew J. G. , Marinelli Luciano H. , Meng Meihan , Wang Shijie , Bennison Daniel J. , Morrison Rebecca , Shenoy Avinash R.
Published: July 2023

The cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β) has pivotal roles in antimicrobial immunity, but also incites inflammatory disease. Bioactive IL-1β is released following proteolytic maturation of the pro-IL-1β precursor by caspase-1. UBE2L3, a ubiquitin conjugating enzyme, promotes pro-IL-1β ubiquitylation and proteasomal disposal. However, actions of UBE2L3 in vivo and its ubiquitin ligase partners in this process are unknown. Here we report that deletion ofUbe2l3in mice reduces pro-IL-1β turnover in macrophages, leading to excessive mature IL-1β production, neutrophilic inflammation and disease following inflammasome activation. An unbiased RNAi screen identified TRIP12 and AREL1 E3 ligases of the Homologous to E6 C-terminus (HECT) family in adding destabilising K27-, K29- and K33- poly-ubiquitin chains on pro-IL-1β. We show that precursor abundance determines mature IL-1β production, and UBE2L3, TRIP12 and AREL1 limit inflammation by shrinking the cellular pool of pro-IL-1β. Our study uncovers fundamental processes governing IL-1β homeostasis and provides molecular insights that could be exploited to mitigate its adverse actions in disease.
Neural signatures of social inferences predict the number of real-life social contacts and autism severity
Authors: Tusche Anita , Spunt Robert P. , Paul Lynn K. , Tyszka Julian M. , Adolphs Ralph
Published: July 2023

We regularly infer other people’s thoughts and feelings from observing their actions, but how this ability contributes to successful social behavior and interactions remains unknown. We show that neural activation patterns during social inferences obtained in the laboratory predict the number of social contacts in the real world, as measured by the social network index, in three neurotypical samples (totaln = 126) and one sample of autistic adults (n = 23). We also show that brain patterns during social inference generalize across individuals in these groups. Cross-validated associations between brain activations and social inference localize selectively to the right posterior superior temporal sulcus and were specific for social, but not nonsocial, inference. Activation within this same brain region also predicts autism-like trait scores from questionnaires and autism symptom severity. Thus, neural activations produced while thinking about other people’s mental states predict variance in multiple indices of social functioning in the real world.
Genetic erosion reduces biomass temporal stability in wild fish populations
Authors: Prunier Jérôme G. , Chevalier Mathieu , Raffard Allan , Loot Géraldine , Poulet Nicolas , Blanchet Simon
Published: July 2023

Genetic diversity sustains species adaptation. However, it may also support key ecosystems functions and services, for example biomass production, that can be altered by the worldwide loss of genetic diversity. Despite extensive experimental evidence, there have been few attempts to empirically test whether genetic diversity actually promotes biomass and biomass stability in wild populations. Here, using long-term demographic wild fish data from two large river basins in southwestern France, we demonstrate through causal modeling analyses that populations with high genetic diversity do not reach higher biomasses than populations with low genetic diversity. Nonetheless, populations with high genetic diversity have much more stable biomasses over recent decades than populations having suffered from genetic erosion, which has implications for the provision of ecosystem services and the risk of population extinction. Our results strengthen the importance of adopting prominent environmental policies to conserve this important biodiversity facet.
The burden of osteoarthritis due to high Body Mass Index in Iran from 1990 to 2019
Authors: Darbandi Mitra , Shadmani Fatemeh Khosravi , Miryan Mahsa , Ghalandari Mojtaba , Mohebi Mahsa , Jam Samira Arbabi , Pasdar Yahya
Published: July 2023

High BMI related burden of knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA) is on a significant rise worldwide. OA not only causes joint pain and stiffness, but it also leads to disability. This study investigated the trend and burden of OA attributable to high body mass index (BMI) in Iran. The age-standardized disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rates of knee and hip OA due to high BMI, were estimated using data from the Global Burden of Disease 2019. We evaluated DALYs rate trend of high BMI related OA by sex and age in span of 30 years from 1990–2019 across the 31 provinces of Iran. The age-standardized prevalence trend of OA in the knee and hip showed an increase from 1990 to 2019. In 2019 there were 29.92 (95% CI: 10.98–64.92) and 42.50 (95% CI: 16.32–97.37) DALYs/100,000 related to OA from high BMI in men and women, respectively. 2019 saw the greatest DALYs/100,000 rate in the 65–79 age group. From 2005 to 2019, men and women saw DALYs/100,000 rate changes of 24.87 and 17.43 percent, respectively. The burden of knee OA was significantly higher than that of hip OA. DALYs rate of OA due to high BMI was found to be positively associated with the Socio-demographic Index (SDI). The burden of knee and hip OA due to high BMI has increased significantly in recent years in Iran among all age groups of both men and women. It is recommended that health policymakers develop weight control strategies to reduce the burden of OA and implement them at the national level.
Probing of three-dimensional spin textures in multilayers by field dependent X-ray resonant magnetic scattering
Authors: Burgos-Parra Erick , Sassi Yanis , Legrand William , Ajejas Fernando , Léveillé Cyril , Gargiani Pierluigi , Valvidares Manuel , Reyren Nicolas , Cros Vincent , Jaouen Nicolas , Flewett Samuel
Published: July 2023

In multilayers of magnetic thin films with perpendicular anisotropy, domain walls can take on hybrid configurations in the vertical direction which minimize the domain wall energy, with Néel walls in the top or bottom layers and Bloch walls in some central layers. These types of textures are theoretically predicted, but their observation has remained challenging until recently, with only a few techniques capable of realizing a three dimensional characterization of their magnetization distribution. Here we perform a field dependent X-ray resonant magnetic scattering measurements on magnetic multilayers exploiting circular dichroism contrast to investigate such structures. Using a combination of micromagnetic and X-ray resonant magnetic scattering simulations along with our experimental results, we characterize the three-dimensional magnetic texture of domain walls, notably the thickness resolved characterization of the size and position of the Bloch part in hybrid walls. We also take a step in advancing the resonant scattering methodology by using measurements performed off the multilayer Bragg angle in order to calibrate the effective absorption of the X-rays, and permitting a quantitative evaluation of the out of plane (z) structure of our samples. Beyond hybrid domain walls, this approach can be used to characterize other periodic chiral structures such as skyrmions, antiskyrmions or even magnetic bobbers or hopfions, in both static and dynamic experiments.
Differences in proteome perturbations caused by the Wolbachia strain wAu suggest multiple mechanisms of Wolbachia-mediated antiviral activity
Authors: Rainey Stephanie M. , Geoghegan Vincent , Lefteri Daniella A. , Ant Thomas H. , Martinez Julien , McNamara Cameron J. , Kamel Wael , de Laurent Zaydah Rolande , Castello Alfredo , Sinkins Steven P.
Published: July 2023

Some strains of the inherited bacterium Wolbachia have been shown to be effective at reducing the transmission of dengue virus (DENV) and other RNA viruses by Aedes aegypti in both laboratory and field settings and are being deployed for DENV control. The degree of virus inhibition varies between Wolbachia strains. Density and tissue tropism can contribute to these differences but there are also indications that this is not the only factor involved: for example, strains wAu and wAlbA are maintained at similar intracellular densities but only wAu produces strong DENV inhibition. We previously reported perturbations in lipid transport dynamics, including sequestration of cholesterol in lipid droplets, with strains wMel/wMelPop in Ae. aegypti. To further investigate the cellular basis underlying these differences, proteomic analysis of midguts was carried out on Ae. aegypti lines carrying strains wAu and wAlbA: with the hypothesis that differences in perturbations may underline Wolbachia-mediated antiviral activity. Surprisingly, wAu-carrying midguts not only showed distinct proteome perturbations when compared to non-Wolbachia carrying and wAlbA-carrying midguts but also wMel-carrying midguts. There are changes in RNA processing pathways and upregulation of a specific set of RNA-binding proteins in the wAu-carrying line, including genes with known antiviral activity. Lipid transport and metabolism proteome changes also differ between strains, and we show that strain wAu does not produce the same cholesterol sequestration phenotype as wMel. Moreover, in contrast to wMel, wAu antiviral activity was not rescued by cyclodextrin treatment. Together these results suggest that wAu could show unique features in its inhibition of arboviruses compared to previously characterized Wolbachia strains.
Bleeding with intensive versus guideline antiplatelet therapy in acute cerebral ischaemia
Authors: Woodhouse Lisa J. , Appleton Jason P. , Christensen Hanne , Dineen Rob A. , England Timothy J. , James Marilyn , Krishnan Kailash , Montgomery Alan A. , Ranta Anna , Robinson Thompson G. , Sprigg Nikola , Bath Philip M.
Published: July 2023

Intensive antiplatelet therapy did not reduce recurrent stroke/transient ischaemic attack (TIA) events as compared with guideline treatment in the Triple Antiplatelets for Reducing Dependency after Ischaemic Stroke (TARDIS) trial, but did increase the frequency and severity of bleeding. In this pre-specified analysis, we investigated predictors of bleeding and the association of bleeding with outcome. TARDIS was an international prospective randomised open-label blinded-endpoint trial in participants with ischaemic stroke or TIA within 48 h of onset. Participants were randomised to 30 days of intensive antiplatelet therapy (aspirin, clopidogrel, dipyridamole) or guideline-based therapy (either clopidogrel alone or combined aspirin and dipyridamole). Bleeding was defined using the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis five-level ordered categorical scale: fatal, major, moderate, minor, none. Of 3,096 participants, bleeding severity was: fatal 0.4%, major 1.5%, moderate 1.2%, minor 11.4%, none 85.5%. Major/fatal bleeding was increased with intensive as compared with guideline therapy: 39 vs. 17 participants, adjusted hazard ratio 2.21, 95% CI 1.24–3.93, p = 0.007. Bleeding events diverged between treatment groups in the 8–35 day period but not in the 0–7 or 36–90 day epochs. In multivariate analysis more, and more severe, bleeding events were seen with increasing age, female sex, pre-morbid dependency, increased time to randomisation, prior major bleed, prior antiplatelet therapy and in those randomised to triple vs guideline antiplatelet therapy. More severe bleeding was associated with worse clinical outcomes across multiple physical, emotional and quality of life domains.

Trial registrationISRCTN47823388.
Preoperative thalamus volume is not associated with preoperative cognitive impairment (preCI) or postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD)
Authors: Fislage Marinus , Feinkohl Insa , Borchers Friedrich , Pischon Tobias , Spies Claudia D. , Winterer Georg , Zacharias Norman ,   BioCog Consortium, Wolf Alissa , Müller Anika , Hadzidiakos Daniel , Yürek Fatima , Lachmann Gunnar , Ofosu Kwaku , Heinrich Maria , Mörgeli Rudolf , Gallinat Jürgen , Kühn Simone , Slooter Arjen , van Dellen Edwin , Kant Ilse , de Bresser Jeroen , Hendrikse Jeroen , van Montfort Simone , Menon David , Stamatakis Emmanuel , Preller Jacobus , Moreno-López Laura , Winzeck Stefan , Melillo Daniela , Boraschi Diana , Camera Giacomo Della , Italiani Paola , Schneider Reinhard , Krause Roland , Heidtke Karsten , Nürnberg Peter , Helmschrodt Anja , Böcher Axel , Hafen Bettina , Armbruster Franz Paul , Diehl Ina , Ruppert Jana , Hartmann Katarina , Kronabel Marion , Weyer Marius , Dschietzig Thomas Bernd , Pietzsch Malte , Weber Simon , Ittermann Bernd , Fillmer Ariane
Published: July 2023

A growing body of literature suggests the important role of the thalamus in cognition and neurodegenerative diseases. This study aims to elucidate whether the preoperative thalamic volume is associated with preoperative cognitive impairment (preCI) and whether it is predictive for postoperative cognitive dysfunction at 3 months (POCD). We enrolled 301 patients aged 65 or older and without signs of dementia who were undergoing elective surgery. Magnetic resonance imaging was conducted prior to surgery. Freesurfer (version 5.3.) was used to automatically segment the thalamus volume. A neuropsychological test battery was administered before surgery and at a 3 month follow-up. It included the computerized tests Paired Associate Learning (PAL), Verbal Recognition Memory (VRM), Spatial Span Length (SSP), Simple Reaction Time (SRT), the pen-and-paper Trail-Making-Test (TMT) and the manual Grooved Pegboard Test (GPT). Using a reliable change index, preCI and POCD were defined as total Z-score > 1.96 (sum score over all tests) and/or Z-scores > 1.96 in ≥ 2 individual cognitive test parameters. For statistical analyses, multivariable logistic regression models were applied. Age, sex and intracranial volume were covariates in the models. Of 301 patients who received a presurgical neuropsychological testing and MRI, 34 (11.3%) had preCI. 89 patients (29.5%) were lost to follow-up. The remaining 212 patients received a follow-up cognitive test after 3 months, of whom 25 (8.3%) presented with POCD. Independently of age, sex and intracranial volume, neither preCI (OR per cm3 increment 0.81 [95% CI 0.60–1.07] p = 0.14) nor POCD (OR 1.02 per cm3 increment [95% CI 0.75–1.40] p = 0.87) were statistically significantly associated with patients’ preoperative thalamus volume. In this cohort we could not show an association of presurgical thalamus volume with preCI or POCD.

Clinical Trial Number: NCT02265263 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/results/NCT02265263).
Eco-friendly simultaneous multi-spectrophotometric estimation of the newly approved drug combination of celecoxib and tramadol hydrochloride tablets in its dosage form
Authors: Ramadan Hesham Sameh , Salam Randa A. Abdel , Hadad Ghada M. , Belal Fathalla , Salim Mohamed M.
Published: July 2023

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved co-formulated celecoxib and tramadol for the treatment of acute pain in adults. Three spectrophotometric methods were efficiently applied to estimate the co-formulated Celecoxib and Tramadol in their tablets; second derivative 2D-spectrophotometry technique (method I), induced dual-wavelength technique (method II) and dual-wavelength resolution technique (method III). The proposed methods were successfully validated following the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines and statistically assessed based on the correlation coefficients, relative standard deviations as well as detection and quantitation limits. The obtained results revealed non-significant differences compared to the reported results as revealed by the variance ratio F test and Student t test. Moreover, the applied techniques were further assessed concerning their greenness based on the analytical eco-scale method revealing an excellent green scale with a final score of 95. The proposed spectrophotometric techniques could be applied for the routine analysis and quality control of the studied drugs in their dosage form.
Enhanced neuronal activity by suffruticosol A extracted from Paeonia lactiflora via partly BDNF signaling in scopolamine-induced memory-impaired mice
Authors: Kim June Hee , Han Young-Eun , Oh Soo-Jin , Lee Bonggi , Kwon Obin , Choi Chun Whan , Kim Min Soo
Published: July 2023

Neurodegenerative diseases are explained by progressive defects of cognitive function and memory. These defects of cognition and memory dysfunction can be induced by the loss of brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF) signaling. Paeonia lactiflora is a traditionally used medicinal herb in Asian countries and some beneficial effects have been reported, including anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer activity, and potential neuroprotective effects recently. In this study, we found that suffruticosol A is a major compound in seeds of Paeonia lactiflora. When treated in a SH-SY5 cell line for measuring cell viability and cell survival, suffruticosol A increased cell viability (at 20 µM) and recovered scopolamine-induced neurodegenerative characteristics in the cells. To further confirm its neural amelioration effects in the animals, suffruticosol A (4 or 15 ng, twice a week) was administered into the third ventricle beside the brain of C57BL/6 mice for one month then the scopolamine was intraperitoneally injected into these mice to induce impairments of cognition and memory before conducting behavioral experiments. Central administration of suffruticosol A into the brain restored the memory and cognition behaviors in mice that received the scopolamine. Consistently, the central treatments of suffruticosol A showed rescued cholinergic deficits and BDNF signaling in the hippocampus of mice. Finally, we measured the long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampal CA3–CA1 synapse to figure out the restoration of the synaptic mechanism of learning and memory. Bath application of suffruticosol A (40 µM) improved LTP impairment induced by scopolamine in hippocampal slices. In conclusion, the central administration of suffruticosol A ameliorated neuronal effects partly through elevated BDNF signaling.
Sex differences in linear bone measurements occur following puberty but do not influence femoral or tibial torsion
Authors: Carman Laura , Besier Thor , Stott N. Susan , Choisne Julie
Published: July 2023

Torsional, angular, and linear measurements in a paediatric population are clinically important but not well defined and understood. Different methods of measurement and discrepancies between assessors leads to a lack of understanding of what should be defined as typical or atypical for the growing skeleton. From a large dataset of 333 paediatric CT scans, we extracted three-dimensional torsional, angular, and linear measurements from the pelvis, femur, and tibia/fibula. Sex differences in linear measurements were observed in bones of children aged 13+ (around puberty), but femoral and tibial torsion were similar between males and females. The rotational profile (femoral anteversion minus tibial torsion) tended to increase with growth. Epicondylar, condylar, and malleolar widths were smaller in females than males for the same bone length after the age of 13 years, which could explain why females may be more at risk for sport injuries during adolescence. This rich dataset can be used as an atlas for researchers and clinicians to understand typical development of critical rotational profiles and linear bone measurements in children.
Diagnostic performance of SARC-F and SARC-CalF in screening for sarcopenia in older adults in Northern Brazil
Authors: Barreto de Lima Alex , dos Santos Ribeiro Gustavo , Henriques-Neto Duarte , Rúbio Gouveia Élvio , Baptista Fátima
Published: July 2023

To compare the performance of SARC-F and SARC-CalF as screening tools for sarcopenia. Cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of 312 community-dwelling older people. Sarcopenia was defined as low handgrip strength (HGS) or low gait speed (GS ≤ 0.8 m/s). HGS was measured by dynamometry and GS by the 4-m walking speed test. For HGS, six criteria (C) were used to identify sarcopenia in men/women: CI: < 27 kg/16 kg; CII: < 35.5 kg/20.0 kg; CIII: grip over body mass index < 1.05/< 0.79; CIV: grip strength over total body fat < 1.66/< 0.65; CV: grip over bodyweight < 0.45/< 0.34; CVI: < 27 kg/16 kg and low skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI); CI and CVI defined according to the European Working Group on sarcopenia in older people and the rest according to the sarcopenia definition and outcomes Consortium. For sarcopenia screening, the SARC-F (≥ 4 points) and the SARC-CalF (≥ 11 points) were used. The kappa analysis revealed no agreement between the SARC-F and the various criteria for the identification of sarcopenia in men. The same lack of agreement was observed in women with some exceptions: CI = 0.161 ± 0.074, p = 0.020; GS = 0.209 ± 0.076, p = 0.003. Concerning the Cohen’s kappa between the SARC-Calf and the reference criteria of sarcopenia, the following coefficients were observed as significant for women: CI = 0.201 ± 0.069, p = 0.003; CII = 0.186 ± 0.064, p = 0.005; GS = 0.273 ± 0.068, p = 0.0001; and for men: CII = 0.139 ± 0.053, p = 0.021; GS = 0.223 ± 0.099, p = 0.011. ROC curves revealed the SARC-Calf with acceptable discrimination and reasonable sarcopenia predictive capacity considering a cutoff value of 10.5 in both men (AUC: 67.5%, p = 0.022; Se = 52.9%; Sp = 76.8%) and women (AUC: 72.4%, p < 0.001; Se = 63%; Sp = 68.5%) concerning GS. The SARC-CalF performed better than the SARC-F for screening sarcopenia in the population ≥ 60 years of age in the Amazonas, measured through walking slowness.
Low-concentration methane removal: what can we learn from high-concentration methane conversion?
Authors: Wang Yun , Zhang Haiyuan , Zhang Jie , Fu Yijie , Wang Yuyin , Bai Yang , Feng Xin , Zhu Jiahua , Lu Xiaohua , Mu Liwen , Li Wei
Published: July 2023

Methane (CH4) is the worlds second most potent greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide (CO2).
(R)-8-Methylsulfinyloctyl isothiocyanate from Nasturtium officinale inhibits LPS-induced immunoinflammatory responses in mouse peritoneal macrophages: chemical synthesis and molecular signaling pathways involved
Authors: Alcarranza Manuel , Villegas Isabel , Recio Rocío , Muñoz-García Rocío , Fernández Inmaculada , Alarcón-de-la-Lastra Catalina
Published: July 2023

Hirsutin, synthesized in a novel way by the “DAG methodology”, showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in immune murine cells.
Solving inference problems of Bayesian networks by probabilistic computing
Authors: Hong Seokmin
Published: July 2023

Recently, probabilistic computing approach has shown its broad application in problems ranging from combinatorial optimizations and machine learning to quantum simulation where a randomly fluctuating bit called p-bit constitutes a basic building block. This new type of computing scheme tackles domain-specific and computationally hard problems that can be efficiently solved using probabilistic algorithms compared to classical deterministic counterparts. Here, we apply the probabilistic computing scheme to various inference problems of Bayesian networks with non-linear synaptic connections without auxiliary p-bits. The results are supported by nanomagnet-based SPICE (Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis) results, behavioral model, and hardware implementations using a field-programmable gate array. Two types of Monte Carlo sampling methods are tested, namely rejection and importance samplings, where clamping of p-bits is applicable as in Boltzmann networks in the latter. Partial parallelism that can be used for the sequential update of each p-bit in Bayesian networks is presented. Finally, the model is directly applied to temporal Bayesian networks with relevant inference problems. We believe that the proposed approaches provide valuable tools and practical methods for various inference problems in Bayesian networks.
Measurement of laser induced fluorescence for argon plasma flow with oxygen injection
Authors: Kang In Je , Yang Jong Keun , Park In Sun , Choi Yong-Sup , Chung Kyu-Sun
Published: July 2023

The experimental investigation of the effects of O2 injection on the magnetized Ar plasma flow in the linear plasma device was conducted by using the measurement of laser induced fluorescence (LIF) with electric probes. The LIF measurement was based on the Ar ion transition from the 3d4F7/2 metastable level to the 4p4D5/2 level at a wavelength of 668.61 nm. In addition, the analysis of ion velocity distribution functions (IVDFs) involved the detection of fluorescence light emitted from the 4p4D5/2 level to the 4s4P3/2 level, which had a wavelength of 442.72 nm. For a comprehensive analysis of the intricate interaction between O2 injection and the behavior of the Ar plasma flow, the oxygen was injected into the Ar plasma, and the O2/Ar ratio ranged from 0% to 14% while maintaining a constant pressure of 2 mTorr. The Zeeman splitting in the IVDFs was clearly observable for pure Ar plasma due to 800 G as the high magnetic field strength. The split form disappeared due to a small amount of oxygen injected as the O2/Ar ratio of 3.5%. The LIF intensity is in agreement with the tendency of plasma density due to the reduction of Ar ions by charge transfer, quenching, and neutralization as O2 is injected into the Ar plasma. The experimental results show that the effects on temperature and flow velocity for the Ar ions are insignificant when O2 is injected into the Ar plasma at the O2/Ar ratio of 0%–14%, in contrast to the large change in the electron temperature.
An integrated calibration method for the cross-shaped magnetic gradiometer
Authors: Ma Jianfei , Tan Haifeng , Wang Zhiqiang , Yang Mingquan
Published: July 2023

The measurement accuracy of a magnetic gradiometer relies on magnetometer consistency, measurement accuracy, and assembly technology. The traditional methods calibrate measurement error, misalignment error, and the interference magnetic field independently. However, after a long time of work, the calibration parameters will inevitably change. Furthermore, it will waste a lot of manpower and material resources if the magnetic gradiometer is disassembled and calibrated step by step. Given the above problems, a novel attitude-independent calibration algorithm using a limited number of measurement points is proposed, which can effectively overcome the measurement distortion of the magnetic gradiometer and does not rely on a reference magnetometer. For the cross-shaped magnetic gradiometer, the simulation results show that the error after integrated calibration is reduced to less than 8% of the error before calibration. The test results suggest that the magnetic gradient results before calibration are even up to 1.5 µT/m, whereas the magnetic gradient results after the integrated calibration are less than 100 nT/m.
Appraising the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual against Recovery philosophies in elderly dementia
Authors: Aldrich Robyn
Published: July 2023

This article looks at the history of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM) classification system, its role and limitations, while making comparisons and contrasts to Recovery philosophies in relation to elderly dementia from a social work perspective. It was found that the clinician, caregiver and patient can all play a role in Recovery, and while not comparable the DSM complements psychosocial models of Recovery. It was also found that with the diversification and expansion of an increasing ageing population, gerontological social workers will need to modify and adapt practice skills and interventions as changes in evidence-based practices of Recovery and the DSM are disseminated at a faster rate.
“Without Losing What We Know”: Dissenting social work in the context of epochal crises
Authors: Baines Donna
Published: July 2023

INTRODUCTION: This article builds on Fraser’s (2021, 2019) argument that the overlapping crises of social reproduction, climate, economy, and public health have resulted in a splintering of the hegemony of dominant groups. This generates a “wilding of the public sphere” in which groups urgently seek counter-hegemonic storylines and alternative solutions to interwoven crises (Fraser, 2021, n.p.). This article further theorises consent and dissent in social work practice and workplaces.
METHODS: Data were collected using qualitative interviews and a convenience sample of ten executive directors and managers of social services in a large city in Canada. Data were analysed using a constant comparison method involving multiple readings of the field notes and transcripts, until patterns and themes could be discerned.
FINDINGS: The article analyses three themes, namely, dissent as: 1) working on the edges of the state; 2) working on decolonisation including what it means to be a settler; and 3) critical reflection. The themes are then discussed together under a final interwoven theme that is argued to reflect new hegemonies, in particular political world-making, building new emancipatory knowledges, theory, practice and hegemonies.
CONCLUSION: Social-justice-engaged practices can emerge within systems hostile to social solidarity, suggesting that dissent is resilient to neoliberalism though it may sometimes operate quietly and at the level of individual practice. This resistance and the nascent, shared, dissenting narratives can contribute to the de-legitimatisation of oppressive social structures as social workers search for, and build, more emancipatory approaches.
Utilising literature and systems theory to explore the intersections between policy, practice and equity of access to palliative care for older adults in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Lilley Dallace , Reid Kate
Published: July 2023

Older adults are the ‘disadvantaged dying’ within palliative care (Gott, Ibrahim, & Binstock, 2011). International and national research indicates those older in age are negatively impacted when accessing inpatient and outpatient palliative care services. As a Palliative Care Social Worker within a hospice multidisciplinary team, I primarily work alongside patients who are older adults, their family/whānau, and caregivers. Observations within practice foregrounded this examination of palliative care and inequity of access amongst older adults that includes Māori and LGBTQ+ perspectives, COVID-19 pandemic implications, and the impacts of inequitable access for caregivers and family/whānau. Inequity is explored within academic literature, national and international strategic documents, and legislative frameworks. Utilising a social work lens to examine the impacts of inequity and ageism, this article raises awareness for equitable access to palliative care and end-of-life services for older adults.
Comparison of antivascular endothelial growth factor treatment for myopia choroidal neovascularisation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Dong Liming , Li Guangyao , Song Zhihui , Cheng Xiao , Bai Jie , Zhang Chao
Published: July 2023

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy for myopia choroidal neovascularisation (CNV), and to compare the efficacy of two different anti-VEGF retreatment criteria.

Data sources

PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from inception to 31 July 2022.

Study selection

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing anti-VEGF with sham, photodynamic therapy (PDT) or PDT combination therapy in patients with myopia CNV were reviewed and selected. RCTs comparing visual acuity (VA) stabilisation or disease activity as anti-VEGF retreatment criteria were also included in the study.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two reviewers independently conducted data extraction and quality assessment. We used a random-effects model for all analyses. Primary outcomes included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central foveal thickness. Secondary outcomes included number of patients who gained more than three lines in BCVA, number of anti-VEGF injections and ocular adverse event (AE).

Results

Seven RCTs involving 1007 patients were included. Compared with sham and PDT therapy, anti-VEGF therapy achieved better BCVA gains of −0.28 logMAR (95% CI −0.36 to −0.20, p<0.00001) and −0.14 logMAR (95% CI −0.17 to −0.10, p<0.00001), respectively. Both ranibizumab and bevacizumab improved patients’ vision better than PDT therapy and no definitive increased risk of ocular AE was observed. Analysis of two small RCTs showed that PDT combination therapy had similar visual improvement and needed fewer anti-VEGF injections compared with anti-VEGF monotherapy (weighted mean difference (WMD)=1.30; 95% CI 1.24 to 1.37, p<0.00001). Anti-VEGF retreatment guided by disease activity criteria resulted in comparable visual improvement and reduced anti-VEGF injections compared with retreatment guided by VA stabilisation (WMD=0.83; 95% CI 0.42 to 1.25, p<0.0001).

Conclusions

Anti-VEGF therapy is effective and well-tolerated for myopia CNV patients. Anti-VEGF retreatment guided by disease activity criteria can achieve comparable efficacy and potentially reduce anti-VEGF injections.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021292806.
Effect of prehabilitation-relatedDIETary protein intake onQualityofRecovery after elective cardiac surgery (DIETQoR) study: protocol of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Cheung Helen Hoi TIng , Yau Derek King Wai , Chiu Lok Ching Sandra , Wong Man Kin Henry , Yeung Suey Shuk Yu , Underwood Malcolm John , Wong Randolph Hung Leung , Joynt Gavin Mathew , Lee Anna
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Protein malnutrition is associated with higher risks of postoperative complications, mortality, prolonged postoperative stays in hospital, slower physical and mental recovery after surgery and lower subsequent health-related quality of life. To reduce the risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality, nutritional prehabilitation programmes have been developed recently to build up patient’s nutritional reserve to withstand the stress of surgery. The intervention involves nutritional screening and counselling, and increasing dietary protein intake in protein-malnourished patients in the several weeks before surgery. However, there are few well-conducted preoperative studies to examine the effect of increasing dietary protein intake on the quality of recovery of malnourished patients after elective cardiac surgery.

Method and analysis

This randomised controlled trial of malnourished patients undergoing major elective cardiac surgery will compare the quality of postoperative recovery in patients with or without nutritional prehabilitation. One hundred and thirty-two patients will be randomised to receive nutritional prehabilitation (target-adjusted whey protein powder supplementation and an individualised 1 hour session/week counselling by a dietician 1 month before operation date) or standard care (no nutritional prehabilitation). Primary outcomes will be the quality of recovery after surgery (15-item Quality of Recovery) on the third postoperative day. Secondary outcomes will include days (alive and) at home within 30 days, changes in the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0, changes in health-related quality of life (EQ-5D) and Cardiac Postoperative Morbidity Survey. An outcomes assessor will be blinded to the treatment allocation. Appropriate univariate analyses, generalised estimating equations and multiple regressions will be performed for intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses.

Ethics and dissemination

The Joint CUHK-NTEC Clinical Research Ethics Committee approved the study protocol (CREC Ref. No.: 2021.703 T). The findings will be presented at scientific meetings, peer-reviewed journals and to study participants.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2200057463.
Mapping the characteristics, concepts and methodologies of matching-adjusted indirect comparison studies assessing pharmacological therapies in oncology: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Farinasso Cecília Menezes , Rocha Aline Pereira , Medeiros Flávia Cordeiro , Marra Lays Pires , Silva Parreira Patrícia Carmo , Oliveira Layssa Andrade , Ferreira Vinícius Lins , Lucchetta Rosa Camila , De Oliveira Junior Haliton Alves
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Matching-adjusted indirect comparison (MAIC) studies are a subtype of indirect comparison, which uses propensity score weighting to enhance comparability. This method adjusts aggregated data based on covariables from individual patient data from studies to produce population-adjusted indirect comparisons. Some national Health Technology Assessment agencies have recently received submissions containing MAIC models. However, there can be a lack of confidence in its estimates when they are poorly reported and inconsistent with other techniques. The objective of this study is to map the characteristics, concepts and methodology of MAIC studies used for pharmacological therapies in the field of oncology.

Methods and analysis

A scoping review methodology will be applied following the Joanna Briggs Institute framework and the results will be reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews. Studies that used MAIC to compare treatments in oncology conditions will be considered eligible. A systematic search will be conducted in PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library. No restriction of location or language will be applied. Study screening will be documented and presented in a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses flow diagram. Data will be extracted and recorded on a predefined data form and will be presented in a tabular form accompanied by a descriptive summary.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethical approval is required for this study. The results of this scoping review will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications.