bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age‐adjusted mortality and predictive value of liver chemistries in a Viennese cohort of COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Hartl Lukas , Haslinger Katharina , Angerer Martin , Jachs Mathias , Simbrunner Benedikt , Bauer David J. M. , Semmler Georg , Scheiner Bernhard , Eigenbauer Ernst , Strassl Robert , Breuer Monika , Kimberger Oliver , Laxar Daniel , Trauner Michael , Mandorfer Mattias , Reiberger Thomas
Published: April 2022

Background and Aims

The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID‐19) causes considerable mortality worldwide. We aimed to investigate the frequency and predictive role of abnormal liver chemistries in different age groups.

Methods

Patients with positive severe acute respiratory distress syndrome‐coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test between 03/2020‐07/2021 at the Vienna General Hospital were included. Patients were stratified for age: 18–39 vs. 40–69 vs. ≥70 years (y). Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine‐aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) and total bilirubin (BIL) were recorded.

Results

900 patients (18–39 years: 32.2%, 40–69 years: 39.7%, ≥70 years: 28.1%) were included. Number of comorbidities, median D‐dimer and C‐reactive protein increased with age. During COVID‐19, AST/ALT and ALP/GGT levels significantly increased. Elevated hepatocellular transaminases (AST/ALT) and cholestasis parameters (ALP/GGT/BIL) were observed in 40.3% (n  = 262/650) and 45.0% (n  = 287/638) of patients respectively. Liver‐related mortality was highest among patients with pre‐existing decompensated liver disease (28.6%, p < .001). 1.7% of patients without pre‐existing liver disease died of liver‐related causes, that is consequences of hepatic dysfunction or acute liver failure. Importantly, COVID‐19‐associated liver injury (16.0%, p < .001), abnormal liver chemistries and liver‐related mortality (6.5%, p < .001) were most frequent among 40–69 years old patients. Elevated AST and BIL after the first positive SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR independently predicted mortality in the overall cohort and in 40–69 years old patients.

Conclusions

Almost half of the COVID‐19 patients exhibit abnormal hepatocellular and cholestasis‐related liver chemistries with 40–69 years old patients being at particularly high risk for COVID‐19‐related liver injury and liver‐related mortality. Elevated AST and BIL after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection are independent predictors of mortality, especially in patients aged 40–69 years.
Effect of liquid and solid test meals on symptoms and gastric myoelectrical activity in patients with gastroparesis and functional dyspepsia
Authors: Koch Kenneth L. , Van Natta Mark , Parkman Henry P. , Grover Madhusudan , Abell Thomas L. , McCallum Richard W. , Shaltout Hossam A. , Sarosiek Irene , Farrugia Gianrico , Shulman Robert J. , Tonascia James , Miriel Laura , Hamilton Frank , Pasricha Pankaj J. ,   Gastroparesis Clinical Research Consortium
Published: April 2022

Background

Patients with gastroparesis (GP) and functional dyspepsia (FD) have similar symptoms, but the pathophysiology of postprandial symptoms remains uncertain.

Aims

To compare symptoms and gastric myoelectrical activity (GMA) after liquid and solid test meals in patients with GP and FD.

Methods

Patients enrolled in the Gastroparesis Clinical Research Consortium Registry were studied. Clinical characteristics were measured with standard questionnaires. GP was determined by 4‐h solid‐phase gastric scintigraphy. GMA was measured using electrogastrography before and after ingestion of a water load or nutrient bar on separate days. Symptoms were measured on visual analog scales. GMA responses to the water load for individual patients were also determined.

Results

284 patients with GP and 113 with FD were identified who ingested both test meals. Patients with GP and FD had similar maximal tolerated volumes of water [mean (SD) 378 (218) ml vs. 402 (226) ml,p = 0.23] and reported similar intensity of fullness, nausea, bloating, and abdominal discomfort after the test meals. Twenty‐six percent and 19% of the patients with GP and FD, respectively, ingested subthreshold (<238 ml) volumes of water (p = 0.15). Gastric dysrhythmias were recorded in 66% of the GP and 65% of the FD patients after the water load. Symptoms and GMA were similar in both groups after ingestion of the nutrient bar.

Conclusion

The similarity in GMA responses and symptoms after ingestion of solid or liquid test meals suggests GP and FD are closely related gastric neuromuscular disorders.
Genotype of autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis from a tertiary care center in India
Authors: Chiramel Minu Jose , Mathew Lydia , Athirayath Rekha , Chapla Aaron , Sathishkumar Dharshini , Mani Thenmozhi , Danda Sumita , George Renu
Published: April 2022

Background

Autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI) refers to non‐syndromic ichthyosis caused by mutations in one of the 13 identified genes. There are limited data on the genotype of ARCI and its phenotypic correlation from India.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to characterize the genotype of ARCI among patients from the Indian subcontinent.

Methods

Twenty‐eight patients clinically diagnosed as ARCI were recruited prospectively from September 2017 to June 2019 (21 months). DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and analyzed for the 13 described ARCI genes—TGM1, ABCA12, ALOX12B, ALOXE3, CERS3, CYP4F22, LIPN, NIPAL4, PNPLA1, SDR9C7, SLC27A4, SULT2B1, and CASP14 by next‐generation sequencing using an in‐house panel. The variants identified were confirmed by Sanger sequencing and compared with known pathogenic variants to establish pathogenicity. We also attempted to correlate the phenotype with the genotype.

Results

Among the 28 patients recruited (M = 17, F = 11), we identified phenotypes of congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma in 12 (42.9%), 8 with lamellar ichthyosis (28.6%), 5 with intermediate phenotype (17.9%), and 3 with bathing suit ichthyosis (10.7%). Pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants were identified in 22 (78.6%) patients, involving 7 out of the 13 known ARCI genes while 6 (21.4%) did not have pathogenic variants. These included TGM1 mutation in 6 (21.4%), ALOX12B and ALOXE3 in 4 (14.3%) each, NIPAL4 and PNPLA1 in 3 (10.7%) each, and ABCA12 and CERS3 in 1 (3.6%) patient each. Previously unknown pathogenic variants were found in 59.1 % of patients.

Conclusions

Our patients with ARCI were found to have genotypes as previously described in other populations.
Against Slagle’s Reading of Eliminative Materialism on Self‐Defeating
Authors: Tümkaya Serdal
Published: April 2022

Jim Slagle claims that eliminative materialism (EM) denies some of the mind’s self‐evident properties, such as intentionality, qualia and the view that beliefs are real or veridical. I, herein, will argue that what EM denies is actually the folk psychological notion of belief, not belief as such. The Churchlands construe propositional belief as merely one kind of representation in the larger representational scheme. The point here is not to deny belief, but to construe it as one of the, and possibly a very recent, sorts of representations that the brain uses, not the general or fundamental form thereof.
Development of a novel machine learning‐based weighted modeling approach to incorporate Salmonella enterica heterogeneity on a genetic scale in a dose–response modeling framework
Authors: Karanth Shraddha , Pradhan Abani K.
Published: April 2022

Estimating microbial dose–response is an important aspect of a food safety risk assessment. In recent years, there has been considerable interest to advance these models with potential incorporation of gene expression data. The aim of this study was to develop a novel machine learning model that considers the weights of expression of Salmonella genes that could be associated with illness, given exposure, in hosts. Here, an elastic net‐based weighted Poisson regression method was proposed to identify Salmonella enterica genes that could be significantly associated with the illness response, irrespective of serovar. The best‐fit elastic net model was obtained by 10‐fold cross‐validation. The best‐fit elastic net model identified 33 gene expression–dose interaction terms that added to the predictability of the model. Of these, nine genes associated with Salmonella metabolism and virulence were found to be significant by the best‐fit Poisson regression model (p < 0.05). This method could improve or redefine dose–response relationships for illness from relative proportions of significant genes from a microbial genetic dataset, which would help in refining endpoint and risk estimations.
Parental play supportiveness and kindergartners’ peer problems: Children's playfulness as a potential mediator
Authors: Fung Wing Kai , Chung Kevin Kien Hoa
Published: April 2022

This study examined the mediating role of children's playfulness in the relationship between parental play supportiveness and children's prospective peer problems in a sample of Hong Kong Chinese kindergarten children. Participants were parents and teachers of 108 local children (56% boys, mean age = 60.0 months). At time 1, parents reported their supportiveness towards household play and their child's playfulness through a questionnaire. Six months later at time 2, teachers reported children's peer problems as exhibited in the kindergarten. A path analytic model revealed that, controlling for child age, gender, and birth order, parental play supportiveness and children's playfulness at time 1 were positively associated, and that playfulness at time 1 negatively predicted peer problems at time 2. The indirect relationship between parental play supportiveness and peer problems as mediated through playfulness was significant, whereas the direct relationship between parental play supportiveness and peer problems was non‐significant. These findings suggest that parents who support children's household play may promote children's capacity to establish positive peer relationships by improving their level of playfulness. Practically, the results highlight the utility of fostering parental play supportiveness and children's playfulness to support kindergarten children's social development.
The novel HLA‐DRB1*01:129 allele identified in a kidney transplant recipient
Authors: Shin Kyung‐Hwa , Lee Hyun Ji , Kim Hyung‐Hoi , Oh Seung‐Hwan
Published: April 2022

HLA‐DRB1*01:129 differs from HLA‐DRB1*01:01:01:01 by one nucleotide in codon 216.
The basic leucine zipper transcription factor OsbZIP83 and the glutaredoxins OsGRX6 and OsGRX9 facilitate rice iron utilization under the control of OsHRZ ubiquitin ligases
Authors: Kobayashi Takanori , Shinkawa Haruka , Nagano Atsushi J. , Nishizawa Naoko K.
Published: April 2022

Under low iron availability, plants induce the expression of various genes for iron uptake and translocation. The rice (Oryza sativa) ubiquitin ligases OsHRZ1 and OsHRZ2 cause overall repression of these iron‐related genes at the transcript level, but their protein‐level regulation is unclear. We conducted a proteome analysis to identify key regulators whose abundance was regulated by OsHRZs at the protein level. In response to iron deficiency or OsHRZ knockdown, many genes showed differential regulation between the transcript and protein levels, including the TGA‐type basic leucine zipper transcription factor OsbZIP83. We also identified two glutaredoxins, OsGRX6 and OsGRX9, as OsHRZ‐interacting proteins in yeast and plant cells. OsGRX6 also interacted with OsbZIP83. Our in vitro degradation assay suggested that OsbZIP83, OsGRX6 and OsGRX9 proteins are subjected to 26S proteasome‐ and OsHRZ‐dependent degradation. Proteome analysis and our in vitro degradation assay also suggested that OsbZIP83 protein was preferentially degraded under iron‐deficient conditions in rice roots. Transgenic rice lines overexpressing OsGRX9 and OsbZIP83 showed improved tolerance to iron deficiency. Expression of iron‐related genes was affected in the OsGRX9 and OsGRX6 knockdown lines, suggesting disturbed iron utilization and signaling. OsbZIP83 overexpression lines showed enhanced expression of OsYSL2 and OsNAS3, which are involved in internal iron translocation, in addition to OsGRX9 and genes related to phytoalexin biosynthesis and the salicylic acid pathway. The results suggest that OsbZIP83, OsGRX6 and OsGRX9 facilitate iron utilization downstream of the OsHRZ pathway.
CD14 recycling modulates LPS‐induced inflammatory responses of murine macrophages
Authors: Ciesielska Anna , Krawczyk Marta , Sas‐Nowosielska Hanna , Hromada‐Judycka Aneta , Kwiatkowska Katarzyna
Published: April 2022

TLR4 is activated by the bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and triggers two proinflammatory signaling cascades: a MyD88‐dependent one in the plasma membrane, and the following TRIF‐dependent one in endosomes. An inadequate inflammatory reaction can be detrimental for the organism by leading to sepsis. Therefore, novel approaches to therapeutic modulation of TLR4 signaling are being sought after. The TLR4 activity is tightly connected with the presence of CD14, a GPI‐anchored protein that transfers LPS monomers to the receptor and controls its endocytosis. In this study we focused on CD14 trafficking as a still poorly understood factor affecting TLR4 activity. Two independent assays were used to show that after endocytosis CD14 can recycle back to the plasma membrane in both unstimulated and stimulated cells. This route of CD14 trafficking can be controlled by sorting nexins (SNX) 1, 2 and 6, and is important for maintaining the surface level and the total level of CD14, but can also affect the amount of TLR4. Silencing of these SNXs attenuated especially the CD14‐dependent endosomal signaling of TLR4, making them a new target for therapeutic regulation of the inflammatory response of macrophages to LPS.
The integral Hodge conjecture for two-dimensional Calabi–Yau categories
Authors: Perry Alexander
Published: April 2022

We formulate a version of the integral Hodge conjecture for categories, prove the conjecture for two-dimensional Calabi–Yau categories which are suitably deformation equivalent to the derived category of a K3 or abelian surface, and use this to deduce cases of the usual integral Hodge conjecture for varieties. Along the way, we prove a version of the variational integral Hodge conjecture for families of two-dimensional Calabi–Yau categories, as well as a general smoothness result for relative moduli spaces of objects in such families. Our machinery also has applications to the structure of intermediate Jacobians, such as a criterion in terms of derived categories for when they split as a sum of Jacobians of curves.
Study on the Main Controlling Factors and Formation Mechanism of Motion States of Bottom Hole Assembly in Slightly Deviated Wells
Authors: Li Wei , Wu Baizhi , Huang Genlu , Yu Fan , Ni Hongjian
Published: April 2022

With the further development of deep oil and gas resources, the deep and ultra-deep wells are used widely, which make lateral vibration of bottom hole assembly (BHA) more violent. Lateral vibration greatly restricts the service efficiency and life of downhole devices. To study the main controlling factors and formation mechanism of lateral motion states in slightly deviated wells, the numerical simulation and indoor experiment were conducted. A drillstring dynamics model with three-dimensional beam elements was built, which combined the advantage of the finite element method and the beam-column theory. The simulation and experiment were carried out to analyze the motion states and motion laws under different drilling coefficients. Four kinds of conventional motion states were classified, and the physical characteristics, forming conditions, and identification methods were given. Four main controlling factors of motion states were summarized, and the formation mechanism was discussed through the principle of least energy consumption and least work consumption. The researches show that the numerical and experimental results are in good agreement. Meanwhile, well inclination, rotational speed, and friction coefficient have significant effects on motion states. The states contain forward whirl, random motion, and backward whirl in vertical wells, and circular arc swing in slightly deviated wells. Moreover, radial component of gravity promotes the formation of circular arc swing, centrifugal force promotes forward whirl before drillstring contacts wellbore and promotes backward whirl after that, tangential friction promotes backward whirl, and internal friction promotes forward whirl. Finally, the paper holds that BHA in vertical wells should operate in the motion state with least output power of the system and also operate in the motion state with least input power of external force during steady motion. The study can lay a theoretical foundation for predicting, identifying, and controlling motion states in drilling field to reduce vibration and improve drilling efficiency.
Numerical Investigations on Static and Rotordynamic Characteristics for Two Types of Liquid Hole-Pattern Seals With Tilted Cavities
Authors: Fang Zhi , Li Zhigang , Li Jun
Published: April 2022

Two types of liquid hole-pattern seals with axially oblique (A-HPS) or circumferentially oblique (C-HPS) hole cavities are designed. To evaluate the leakage and rotordynamic characteristics of the liquid hole-pattern seals, a 3D transient perturbation method is employed, which based on the multifrequency one-dimensional rotor whirling model and the mesh deformation technique. The accuracy and reliability of the proposed numerical approach is demonstrated based on the published experimental data of the leakage and rotordynamic force coefficients for a hole-pattern seal (HPS). Seal leakage and force coefficients are presented and compared for the A-HPS (axially oblique angle α=−30degto30deg), C-HPS (circumferentially oblique angle β=−30degto30deg), and HPS (α = 0, β = 0) at various rotational speeds (n = 0.05, 2.0, 4.0, and 6.0 krpm). Results reveal that the tilted hole cavity with positive α or β can reduce the seal effective clearance and strengthen the kinetic dissipation in hole cavities, yielding less leakage by 5–10%, especially at higher rotational speeds. The tilted hole cavity with a positive oblique angle (α=30deg,β=30deg) results in a moderate growth (by ∼6% for the A-HPS, by ∼15% for C-HPS) in the effective stiffness. Furthermore, the tilted hole cavity shows a very weak influence (<4.0%) on the effective damping, particularly for higher rotational speeds and vibration frequencies. Considering the decreasing leakage and nonworse rotordynamic characteristics, a tilted hole cavity with suitable positive oblique angles (10deg–30deg) is beneficial for the liquid hole-pattern seal.
Porous Carbon With Facial Tuning of the Heteroatom N by Polyvinylidene Chloride Dehalogenation Toward Enhanced Supercapacitor Performance
Authors: Luo Yumei , Lu Yao , Wang Qingyong , Xu Fen , Sun Lixian , Wang Yu , Lao Jianhao , Liao Lumin , Zhang Kexiang , Zhang Huanzhi , Zou Yongjin
Published: April 2022

Porous carbon with a high surface area has attracted wide attention in energy storage systems due to its fast charge−discharge rate and exceptional rate capability. However, it is still a challenge to design electrochemical capacitors with both high energy density and power density by using low-cost electrode materials. Herein, we report a novel strategy of simultaneous dehalogenation and nitrogen doping to prepare nitrogen-doped porous carbon materials. Ethylenediamine is used as a dehalogenation agent, a structural modifier, and a nitrogen source. The optimal sample (CPVDC-3) has a high specific surface area of ∼3120 m2 g−1 with a large pore volume. An excellent electrochemical as well as energy storage behavior is shown in supercapacitors as tested in three-electrode and two-electrode system. The as-synthesized CPVDC-3 sample obtains a high specific capacitance of 402 F·g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A·g−1 in KOH. Furthermore, a specific energy of 11.1 W·h·kg−1 is obtained at the power density of 124.9 W·kg−1. The obtained nitrogen-doped porous carbon material exhibits enhanced electrochemical performance due to its high surface area and hierarchically porous structure. This work highlights a simple and feasible method to design and prepare nitrogen-doped carbon for supercapacitors, which is expected to realize the reuse of polyvinylidene chloride and alleviate the environmental pollution caused by this compound.
Pedagogical Practices Among Teachers of Different Demographics and Dispositions Toward Change: Results of a Multi-Region Survey of U.S. Physical Educators
Authors: Kern Ben D. , Wilson Wesley J. , Malinowski Paul , Wallhead Tristan
Published: April 2022

Purpose: To examine the current pedagogical practices among physical educators with different dispositions toward the change process and belonging to different demographic categories. We hypothesized that change-disposed, nonchange-disposed, and neutral change disposition teachers, along with teachers of different gender identities and student grade level(s), implement “best practices” with differing frequencies. Methods: Eight hundred thirty U.S. physical educators completed the Teacher Change Questionnaire-Physical Education and a 15-item adaption of Society of Health and Physical Educators America’s 20 Indicators of Effective Physical Education Instruction. Results: Nonchange-disposed teachers more frequently provided objective-related feedback, provided assessment for differentiation and summative evaluation, ensured 50% student moderate to vigorous physical activity during physical education classes, and set student learning goals than change-disposed or neutral change disposition teachers. Female and elementary teachers reported more frequent use of written curriculum and assigned grades based on student knowledge/skill assessment than male and secondary counterparts. Discussion: Continuing professional development initiatives should be designed with consideration given to change disposition, gender identity, and grade level.
Population-level implications of the Israeli booster campaign to curtail COVID-19 resurgence
Authors: Gavish Nir , Yaari Rami , Huppert Amit , Katriel Guy
Published: April 2022

Israel was one of the first countries to administer mass vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Consequently, it was among the first countries to experience substantial breakthrough infections due to the waning of vaccine-induced immunity, which led to a resurgence of the epidemic. In response, Israel launched a booster campaign to mitigate the outbreak and was the first country to do so. Israel’s success in curtailing the Delta resurgence while imposing only mild nonpharmaceutical interventions influenced the decision of many countries to initiate a booster campaign. By constructing a detailed mathematical model and calibrating it to the Israeli data, we extend the understanding of the impact of the booster campaign from the individual to the population level. We used the calibrated model to explore counterfactual scenarios in which the booster vaccination campaign is altered by changing the eligibility criteria or the start time of the campaign and to assess the direct and indirect effects in the different scenarios. The results point to the vast benefits of vaccinating younger age groups that are not at a high risk of developing severe disease but play an important role in transmission. We further show that, when the epidemic is exponentially growing, the success of the booster campaign is highly sensitive to the timing of its initiation. Hence, a rapid response is an important factor in reducing disease burden using booster vaccination.
Online and In-Person Learning Preferences during the COVID-19 Pandemic among Students Attending the City University of New York
Authors: Price Banks Diane , Vergez Sasha M.
Published: April 2022

The widespread disease outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 in early 2020 elicited mandated shutdowns of all facilities not considered essential to include academic institutions. Many educational institutions had to find a way to transition into online learning modalities rapidly.
Differences in Transmission between SARS-CoV-2 Alpha (B.1.1.7) and Delta (B.1.617.2) Variants
Authors: Trobajo-Sanmartín Camino , Martínez-Baz Iván , Miqueleiz Ana , Fernández-Huerta Miguel , Burgui Cristina , Casado Itziar , Baigorría Fernando , Navascués Ana , Castilla Jesús , Ezpeleta Carmen
Published: April 2022

The higher transmissibility of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 in comparison with the Alpha variant has been reported. We compared the transmission of the Alpha and Delta variants by characteristics and COVID-19 vaccination status of index cases and their close contacts.
Emergence of Colistin Resistance Gene
mcr
-
10
in
Enterobacterales
Isolates Recovered from Fecal Samples of Chickens, Slaughterhouse Workers, and a Nearby Resident
Authors: Xu Linna , Wan Fen , Fu Hao , Tang Biao , Ruan Zhi , Xiao Yonghong , Luo Qixia
Published: April 2022

We discovered
mcr-10
-harboring isolates in the “one health” approach and reported for the first time multidrug-resistant clinically threatening ST11
K. pneumoniae
isolates coharboring
mcr
-
10
and
mcr-8
genes that are resistant to polymyxins and show reduced susceptibility to tigecycline. The exhaustive screening of 941,449 bacterial genomes in the GenBank database discovered a sporadic distribution of
mcr-10
-harboring isolates all around the world in a variety of sources, especially humans, which warrants close monitoring and a particular concern in clinical settings.
Retrospective Analysis of Ugandan Men with Urethritis Reveals Mycoplasma genitalium and Associated Macrolide Resistance
Authors: Melendez Johan H. , Hardick Justin , Onzia Annet , Yu Tong , Kyambadde Peter , Parkes-Ratanshi Rosalind , Nakku-Joloba Edith , Kiragga Agnes , Manabe Yukari C. , Hamill Matthew M.
Published: April 2022

Mycoplasma genitalium
is a common sexually transmitted infection associated with urethritis in men. Little is known about
M. genitalium
infection in men with urethritis in Uganda. We report that 12% of participants in this study were positive for
M. genitalium
and that resistance to azithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic, is present. Furthermore, we show that either self-collected penile-meatal swabs or urine can be used for detection of
M. genitalium
.
Supplemental Material: Geochemical and Nd isotopic constraints on the origin of uppermost Silurian rhyolitic rocks in the northern Appalachians (northern New Brunswick): Tectonic implications
Authors: Dostal Jaroslav , al. et
Published: April 2022

Table S1: Major and trace element analyses of rhyolitic rock samples from the Dickie Cove Group 
Applying the PRECIS-2 tool for self-declared ‘pragmatic’ acupuncture trials: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Lim Jinwoong , Lee Hyeonhoon , Kim Yong-Suk
Published: April 2022

Introduction

The pragmatic design has received much attention in the field of acupuncture clinical trials because of insufficient information about the specific effects of acupuncture. However, pragmatism in pragmatic acupuncture trials has not been comprehensively investigated. The PRECIS-2 tool was developed and has been gradually used to design pragmatic trials; therefore, we will apply the PRECIS-2 tool to investigate the pragmatism of pragmatic acupuncture trials in this study.

Methods and analysis

In this systematic review, self-declared ‘pragmatic’ randomised clinical trials (RCTs) or protocols of self-declared ‘pragmatic’ RCTs investigating acupuncture will be searched and included to be reviewed. MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials, CINAHL, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED), China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP, WANFANG, Taiwan Periodical Literature Database, KoreaMed, KMbase, Research Information Service System, Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System, CiNii and ClinicalTrials.gov for registered trials will be electronically searched from inception to March 2022. Protocols of published RCTs or secondary analysis of RCTs will be excluded. Additionally, no language restriction will be applied. Two authors will independently extract descriptive information and assess the pragmatism of pragmatic acupuncture trials using nine domains of the PRECIS-2 tool and one additional domain—control. Descriptive statistics will be reported for each domain and the overall score, and a one-sample t-test will be used to statistically analyse whether the score is greater than 3 (equally pragmatic and explanatory). The wheel diagrams of the nine domains of the PRECIS-2 tool will be used to demonstrate the pragmatism of the included studies.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not warranted as this study will obtain data from previously reported articles. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021236975.
Single-centre cross-sectional study on the impact of cumulative erythropoietin on bone mineral density in maintenance dialysis patients
Authors: Cheng Chung-Yi , Kuo Yi-Jie
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Numerous factors are associated with the risk of osteoporosis in patients with chronic kidney disease, including vitamin D deficiency, hypocalcaemia, hyperphosphataemia and secondary hyperparathyroidism. This study aimed to assess the correlation between cumulative erythropoietin (EPO) doses and osteoporosis risk in patients on chronic dialysis. A further objective was to determine the bone mineral density (BMD) of patients undergoing dialysis and its correlation with specific clinical and biochemical factors.

Setting

The study was undertaken at a tertiary care centre within the southern region of the Taipei Metropolitan area.

Participants

This cross-sectional study included 165 participants aged 41–90 years. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure BMD. A total of 108 age-matched and sex-matched participants were selected for further analysis. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between bone measurements and bone diseases’ risk factors.

Primary and secondary outcomes

The primary outcome of this study was to assess the T-scores of the participants who received dialysis for more than 3 months in our institution. The secondary outcome was using a receiver operating curve to predict osteoporosis development in patients on dialysis who received EPO treatments.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 66.6±11.1 years. A total of 99 (60%) participants (41 men, 58 women) were diagnosed as having osteoporosis. Fifty-four (32.7%) participants with T-scores >−2.5 but <−1.0 were diagnosed as having osteopenia. Osteoporotic participants received 1.61±1.52 million units EPO compared with nonosteoporotic participants, who received 1.01±0.64 million units (EPO1 model), p=0.015. The cumulative EPO dose negatively correlated with the T-scores of participants (p<0.0001).

Conclusion

On the basis of the results of the study, cumulative EPO doses show a negative correlation with BMD development in patients on chronic dialysis.
Clinical efficacy and safety of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) in acute hypoxaemic patients with COVID-19: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Lei , Wang Weili , Ye Gongjie , Dong Zhouzhou
Published: April 2022

Introduction

When COVID-19 patients develop hypoxaemic respiratory failure, they often undergo early intubation. Such a potentially aerosol-generating approach places caregivers at increased risk of contracting COVID-19. This protocol aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of a high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) for the treatment of COVID-19 patients with acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure.

Methods and analysis

We intend to search MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library to identify all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on the use of HFNC in COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory failure. We will screen the RCTs against eligibility criteria for inclusion in our review. Two reviewers will independently undertake RCT selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment. Primary outcome will be the rate of intubation, and secondary outcomes will be intensive care unit (ICU)/hospital mortality, ICU/hospital length of stay and risks of infection transmission. We will conduct meta-analyses to determine the risk ratio for dichotomous data and the mean difference (MD) or standardised MD for continuous data. Subgroup analyses will be performed based on the different quality of studies, different levels of disease severity, and the age and sex of participants.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required for this study considering this is a systematic review protocol that uses only published data. The findings of this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021236519.
Effective antimicrobial therapies of urinary tract infection among children in low-income and middle-income countries: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ara Rifat , Mohammad Nasrullah Sarker , Tasnim Zarrin , Afrin Sadia , Saif-Ur-Rahman K M , Hawlader Mohammad Delwer Hossain
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a frequently diagnosed infection in women and children. Treatments are often initiated with broad-spectrum antibiotics without performing any culture and sensitivity test. Inappropriate and empirical antimicrobial regimens and poor adherence to the drugs lead to the recurrence of the disease. Moreover, resistance against antibiotics in the urinary tract bacteria due to inadequate therapies is a more significant cause of concern. This systematic review will explore the different antimicrobial options for treating UTIs in children and compare their effectiveness.

Methods and analysis

Four electronic databases MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus and Web of Science will be searched in February 2022 to find relevant studies. After the initial screening by two independent review authors, the selected articles will go through the full-text evaluation to filter the inclusion criteria. Using an appropriate tool, the risk of bias will also be assessed by two independent review authors. The review results showing the treatment effects of different antimicrobials will be presented as a narrative synthesis, and a meta-analysis will be conducted if applicable. Assessment of heterogeneity between studies, assessment of publication bias, and sensitivity analysis will also be performed.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol of this systematic review has been approved by the institutional review board of North South University. The dissemination of the results will be conducted in the form of scientific publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presentations in different regional and international conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021260415.
Are E-cigarettes associated with postpartum return to smoking? Secondary analyses of a UK pregnancy longitudinal cohort
Authors: Orton Sophie , Taylor Lauren , Laing Libby , Lewis Sarah , Ussher Michael , Coleman Tim , Cooper Sue
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Postpartum return to smoking (PPRS) is an important public health problem. E-cigarette (EC) use has increased in recent years, and in a contemporary UK pregnancy cohort, we investigated factors, including ECs use, associated with PPRS.

Design

Secondary analyses of a longitudinal cohort survey with questionnaires at baseline (8–26 weeks’ gestation), late pregnancy (34–36 weeks) and 3 months after delivery.

Setting

17 hospitals in England and Scotland in 2017.

Participants

The cohort recruited 750 women who were current or recent ex-smokers and/or EC users. A subgroup of women reported being abstinent from smoking in late pregnancy (n=162, 21.6%), and of these 137 (84.6%) completed the postpartum questionnaire and were included in analyses.

Outcome measures

Demographics, smoking behaviours and beliefs, views and experience of ECs and infant feeding.

Results

35.8% (95% CI 28% to 44%) of women reported PPRS. EC use in pregnancy (adjusted OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.85) and breast feeding (adjusted OR 0.06, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.24) were inversely associated with PPRS, while household member smoking at 3 months post partum was positively associated with PPRS (adjusted OR 11.1, 95% CI 2.47 to 50.2).

Conclusion

EC use in pregnancy could influence PPRS. Further research is needed to confirm this and investigate whether ECs could be used to prevent PPRS.
Physician emotional experience of communication and decision making with end-of-life patients: qualitative studies systematic review
Authors: Latham John S , Butchard Sarah , Mason Stephen R
Published: April 2022

Objective

To explore the emotional experience of physicians in acute settings when encountering end-of-life conversations and decision making.

Method

Thematic synthesis of qualitative studies. Medline, PsychInfo, PubMed, BNI and CIAHL were searched from 1985 to 2021 for studies published in English. Data extraction was informed by a framework created for assessing methodological quality by Polanin, Pigott, Espelage and Grotpeter (2019) and adapted by Draperet al.(2019).

Results

Of 8429 papers identified, 17 were selected for review. Two themes containing 10 subthemes described the emotional and psychological factors impacting the experience of end-of-life care, namely: a tension between desire and ability to communicate end-of-life news, and a conflict of hiding versus revealing self across several practical and emotional contexts.

Conclusion

Medical training is only a small factor in how well a person copes with end-of-life care and may sometimes feed negative appraisals . Lack of support from senior colleagues, fear of criticism and a sense of perceived failure were linked to lower self-efficacy in end-of-life care. Beyond learning practical skills, physicians benefit from understanding the psychological factors impacting their experience and in building self-efficacy, and observing senior colleagues effectively process strong and difficult emotions.

Practical implications

Promoting personal reflection and sharing of the experiences encountered in end-of-life care, especially modelled from senior colleagues, may contribute to improvements in competence and reduce the impact of heroism, feelings of failure and avoidance in practice.
Metformin improves renal injury of MRL/lpr lupus-prone mice via the AMPK/STAT3 pathway
Authors: Chen Xiao-cui , Wu Dan , Wu Hong-luan , Li Hui-yuan , Yang Chen , Su Hong-yong , Liu Ze-jian , Huang Xiao-rong , Lu Xing , Huang Li-feng , Zhu Shao-ping , Pan Qing-jun , An Ning , Liu Hua-feng
Published: April 2022

Objective

Lupus nephritis (LN) is a major complication and cause of death among patients with SLE. This research used in vivo and in vitro experiments to explore the therapeutic potential of metformin in kidney injury from LN-induced inflammation.

Methods

In vivo study, 8-week-old MRL/MpJ-Faslpr/J (MRL/lpr) mice were randomly divided into two groups (n=12 each): daily administration of 0.3 mg/mL metformin in drinking water and control (water only). Body weight and urinary samples were measured biweekly. Mice were sacrificed after 8-week treatment to harvest serum, lymph nodes, spleen and kidneys. In vitro study, human kidney-2 (HK-2) cells were pretreated with 1 mM metformin for 1 hour and then stimulated with 20 µg/mL lipopolysaccharides (LPS) or 10 ng/mL tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) for another 48 hours. Protein was collected for subsequent analysis.

Results

We found that metformin administration improved renal function in MRL/lpr lupus-prone mice, measured by decreased urea nitrogen and urinary proteins. Metformin reduced immunoglobulin G and complement C3 deposition in glomeruli. The treatment also downregulated systemic and renal inflammation, as seen in decreased renal infiltration of F4/80-positive macrophages and reduced splenic and renal MCP-1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1) and TNF-α, and renal IL-1β (interleukin 1β) expression. Metformin administration decreased renal expression of necroptosis markers p-RIPK1 (phosphorylated receptor-interacting protein kinase 1) and p-MLKL, along with tubular injury marker KIM-1 (kidney injury molecule-1) in lupus mice. In addition, metformin alleviated the necroptosis of HK-2 cells stimulated by LPS and TNF-α, evidencing by a decrease in the expression of necroptosis markers p-RIPK1, p-RIPK3 and p-MLKL, and the inflammasome-related markers NLRP3 (NLR family pyrin domain containing 3), ASC (apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD), caspase-1. Mechanistically, metformin treatment upregulated p-AMPK (phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase) and downregulated p-STAT3 (phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) expression in the kidneys. Moreover, AMPKα2 knockdown abolished the protective effects of metformin in vitro.

Conclusions

Metformin alleviated kidney injury in LN though suppressing renal necroptosis and inflammation via the AMPK/STAT3 pathway.
Two-year follow-up of exposure, engineering controls, respiratory protection and respiratory health among workers at an indium-tin oxide (ITO) production and reclamation facility
Authors: Harvey R Reid , Virji M Abbas , Blackley Brie H , Stanton Marcia L , Trapnell Bruce C , Carey Brenna , Healey Terrance , Cummings Kristin J
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To determine whether engineering controls and respiratory protection had measurable short-term impact on indium exposure and respiratory health among current indium-tin oxide production and reclamation facility workers.

Methods

We documented engineering controls implemented following our 2012 evaluation and recorded respirator use in 2012 and 2014. We measured respirable indium (Inresp) and plasma indium (InP) in 2012 and 2014, and calculated change in Inresp(∆Inresp) and InP(∆InP) by the 13 departments. We assessed symptoms, lung function, serum biomarkers of interstitial lung disease (Krebs von den Lungen (KL)-6 and surfactant protein (SP)-D) and chest high-resolution CT at both time points and evaluated workers who participated in both 2012 and 2014 for changes in health outcomes (new, worsened or improved).

Results

Engineering controls included installation of local exhaust ventilation in both grinding departments (Rotary and Planar) and isolation of the Reclaim department. Respiratory protection increased in most (77%) departments. ∆InPand ∆Inrespoften changed in parallel by department. Among 62 workers participating in both 2012 and 2014, 18 (29%) had new or worsening chest symptoms and 2 (3%) had functional decline in lung function or radiographic progression, but average KL-6 and SP-D concentrations decreased, and no cases of clinical indium lung disease were recognised.

Conclusions

Increased engineering controls and respiratory protection can lead to decreased Inresp, InPand biomarkers of interstitial lung disease among workers in 2 years. Ongoing medical monitoring of indium-exposed workers to confirm the longer-term effectiveness of preventive measures is warranted.
Voluven treatment could induce NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis of bone marrow-derived macrophages
Authors: Yi Xiuna , Wang Yongli , Zhang Jianzhong , Huang Shaoyan , Liu Mingming
Published: April 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of Voluven on the NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis in bone marrow-derived macrophage (BMDM). Separated BMDMs were cultured and treated with different concentration of Voluven (0, 0.1, and 0.5 µg) dissolved in 10 µL 0.9% NaCl solution for 24 h. Both wild-type and nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat protein 3 (NLRP3)–/–C57BL/6J mice ( n = 18) were intravenously injected with 0.2 mL of 0%, 5%, and 10% Voluven through femoral vein, respectively. Pyroptosis was inspected with flow cytometry. The mRNA levels of NLRP3 and caspase-1 were detected with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The levels of NLRP3, pro-caspase-1, and cleaved caspase-1 (p10) in serum were determined with Western blot. The expression of IL-17A in peripheral blood CD4+T cells was analyzed with flow cytometry. The expression of cleaved caspase-1 (p10) in mice spleens was inspected with immunofluorescence. Compared with control group, the ratio of pyroptosis in all Voluven-treated groups rose significantly. The levels of NLRP3 and caspase-1 were increased after Voluven treatment. The expression of interleukin (IL)-17A in Voluven-treated CD4+T cells was also increased, exhibiting a dose-dependent pattern. In wild-type mice, Voluven-treated mice had higher levels of IL-17A, NLRP3, and cleaved caspase-1 (p10) in a dose-dependent manner. The effects of Voluven were diminished in NLRP3–/–mice.
Curvature–matter couplings in modified gravity: From linear models to conformally invariant theories
Authors: Lobo Francisco S. N. , Harko Tiberiu
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we review modified theories of gravity with a curvature–matter coupling between an arbitrary function of the scalar curvature and the Lagrangian density of matter. This explicit nonminimal coupling induces a nonvanishing covariant derivative of the energy–momentum tensor, that implies nongeodesic motion and consequently leads to the appearance of an extra force. Here, we explore the physical and cosmological implications of the nonconservation of the energy–momentum tensor by using the formalism of irreversible thermodynamics of open systems in the presence of matter creation/annihilation. The particle creation rates, pressure, and the expression of the comoving entropy are obtained in a covariant formulation and discussed in detail. Applied together with the gravitational field equations, the thermodynamics of open systems lead to a generalization of the standard [Formula: see text]CDM cosmological paradigm, in which the particle creation rates and pressures are effectively considered as components of the cosmological fluid energy–momentum tensor. Furthermore, we also briefly present the coupling of curvature to geometry in conformal quadratic Weyl gravity, by assuming a coupling term of the form [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the ordinary matter Lagrangian, and [Formula: see text] is the Weyl scalar. The coupling explicitly satisfies the requirement of the conformal invariance of the theory. Expressing [Formula: see text] with the use of an auxiliary scalar field and of the Weyl scalar, the gravitational action can be linearized in the Ricci scalar, leading in the Riemann space to a conformally invariant [Formula: see text]-type theory, with the matter Lagrangian nonminimally coupled to geometry.
Soft Semigraphs and Some of Their Operations
Authors: George Bobin , Thumbakara Rajesh K. , Jose Jinta
Published: April 2022

Semigraph is a generalization of graph introduced by E. Sampathkumar which is different from hypergraph. In 1999, D. Molodtsov initiated the novel concept of soft set theory. This is an approach for modeling vagueness and uncertainty. It is a classification of elements of the universe with respect to some given set of parameters. The concept of soft graph introduced by Rajesh K. Thumbakara and Bobin George is used to provide a parameterized point of view for graphs. Theory of soft graphs is a fast developing area in graph theory due to its capability to deal with the parameterization tool. In this paper, we introduce the concepts of soft semigraph by applying the concept of soft set in semigraph. Also we introduce some operations on soft semigraphs and investigate some of their properties.