bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Boosting the Bifunctional Oxygen Electrode Activity of Nitrogen-decorated Carbon Networks via Ni/NiO Addition for Li-Air and Zn-Air Batteries
Authors: Athika Mattath , Junais Pulikkathumbayil Muhammed , Elumalai Perumal
Published: March 2023

Designing efficient and cost-effective oxygen electrode catalysts for metal-air batteries is the most intrinsic requisite for next-generation energy storage devices. In this work, bifunctional air-breathing electrode catalysts made of nitrogen-doped carbon (NC) and nickel/nickel oxide/nitrogen-doped carbon (NNONC) nanocomposites are explored for rechargeable Li-Air and Zn-Air batteries. The integration of Ni/NiO nanoparticles on the NC enhances the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activities of the NC. Ni, nickel oxide, and NC acted synergistically to create additional reaction sites, high conductivity, and rapid diffusion pathways, resulting in increased catalytic activity. The CR-2032 coin-type and split cell Li-Air batteries were made with NNONC composite as cathode and Lithium metal as anode. The split cell had a high discharge capacity of 3330 mA h g−1 at a current density of 100 mA g−1. Moreover, the NNONC used as bifunctional cathode catalyst in the rechargeable Zn-Air battery. Where Anode is made of zinc-can from a used zinc carbon battery. The Zn-Air battery has good electrochemical activity, such as good cycle life and low overpotentials of 0.31 and 0.19 V for charging and discharging, respectively. Thus, NNONC can be a promising bifunctional catalyst for both the non–aqueous and aqueous rechargeable metal–air batteries.
A Mini Review on Flotation Techniques and Reagents Used in Graphite Beneficiation
Authors: Vasumathi N. , Sarjekar Anshuli , Chandrayan Hrishikesh , Chennakesavulu K. , Reddy G. Ramanjaneya , Vijaya Kumar T. V. , El-Gendy Nour Sh. , Gopalkrishna S. J.
Published: March 2023

Due to its numerous and major industrial uses, graphite is one of the significant carbon allotropes. Refractories and batteries are only a couple of the many uses for graphite. A growing market wants high-purity graphite with big flakes. Since there are fewer naturally occurring high-grade graphite ores, low-grade ores must be processed to increase their value to meet the rising demand, which is predicted to increase by >700% by 2025 due to the adoption of electric vehicles. Since graphite is inherently hydrophobic, flotation is frequently used to beneficiate low-grade ores. The pretreatment process, both conventional and unconventional; liberation/grinding methods; flotation methods like mechanical froth flotation, column flotation, ultrasound-assisted flotation, and electroflotation; and more emphasis on various flotation reagents are all covered in this review of beneficiation techniques. This review also focuses on the different types of flotation reagents that are used to separate graphite, such as conventional reagents and possible nonconventional environmentally friendly reagents.
Evolution Mechanism and Control of Floor Heave in the Deep Roadway with Retained Bottom Coal
Authors: Li Peng , Suo Yonglu , Gong Peilin , Lai Xingping , Yi Kang , Su Chao , Liu Chang
Published: March 2023

Roadways with retained bottom coal are common in thick coal seam mining, and floor heaving is a prominent problem. In this study, based on the interaction between the floor and two sides of the roadway-surrounding rock, a Winkler elastic foundation beam model is established to analyze the floor heave problem. A 3DEC model was used to analyze the failure range, failure mode, and migration law of the floor-surrounding rock with different bottom coal thicknesses and coal body strengths. The results show that (1) an increase in the thickness of the bottom coal results in a decrease in the stiffness of the roadway side coal body (the foundation of the supporting rock layer) and an increase in the bending deformation range, the amount of floor rock beam deformation, and the extrusion force. This leads to an expansion in the range of the sides of the coal body that are squeezed by the floor rock layer, resulting in additional failure and deformation of the coal body sides. Therefore, the damage to the floor rock layer is extended and increased. (2) The expansion of the floor pressure-bearing arch and surrounding rock in the arch are the causes of floor heave in the deep coal roadway with retained bottom coal. (3) Because of an increase in the thickness of the bottom coal and a decrease in the coal body strength, the floor pressure-bearing arch expands to the deeper part; thus, the range of surrounding rock in the arch with deformation and failure increases, resulting in an increase in floor heave. The field practice indicates that the support strategy of the “high prestressed strong rock bolt (cable) supporting two sides and bottom corners in time” can effectively control the floor heave of a roadway with retained bottom coal.
Irregularity Measure of Graphs
Authors: Ghalavand Ali , Gutman Ivan , Tavakoli Mostafa
Published: March 2023

A simple graph

G

is said to be regular if its vertices have the same number of neighbors. Otherwise,

G

is nonregular. So far, various formulas, such as the Albertson index, total Albertson index, and degree deviation, have been introduced to quantify the irregularity of a graph. In this paper, we present sharp lower bounds for these indices in terms of the order, size, maximum degree, minimum degree, and forgotten and Zagreb indices of the underlying graph. We also prove that if

G

has the minimum value of degree deviation, among all nonregular

n
,
m

-graphs, then

Δ

G

−
δ

G

=
1

.
The Effects of Hospital Volume on Short-Term Outcomes of Laparoscopic Surgery for Rectal Cancer: A Large-Scale Analysis of 37,821 Cases on a Nationwide Administrative Database
Authors: Oba Takuya , Tomioka Shinichi , Sato Norihiro , Otani Makoto , Sakurai Akiko , Akiyama Yasuki , Nagata Jun , Torigoe Takayuki , Matsuda Shinya , Hirata Keiji
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Laparoscopic low anterior resection (L-LAR) has become widely accepted for the treatment of rectal cancer. However, little is known about the superiority of L-LAR in a real-world setting (including low-volume hospitals) and the association between the short-term outcomes and hospital volume focusing on L-LAR. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study. A total of 37,821 patients who underwent LAR for rectal cancer were analyzed using the Diagnosis Procedure Combination (DPC) database from January 2014 to December 2017. The short-term surgical outcomes were analyzed using a multilevel analysis. Hospital volumes were divided into quartiles, including low (1–31), middle (32–55), high (56–91), and very-high volume (92–444 resections per 4 years). The effects of hospital volume on the outcomes were investigated. Results: The study population included 8,335 patients (22%) who underwent open low anterior resection (O-LAR) and 29,486 patients (78%) who underwent L-LAR. The in-hospital mortality and morbidity were consistent with previous reports. In patients who underwent L-LAR, the in-hospital mortality (0.12% vs. 0.41%; OR: 0.33; p = 0.005), the rate of reoperation (3.76% vs. 6.48%; OR: 0.67; p < 0.001), and the perioperative transfusion rate (3.81% vs. 5.90%; OR: 0.66; p < 0.001) were significantly lower in very-high-volume hospitals than in low-volume hospitals. These effects of hospital volume were not observed in O-LAR. Conclusions: Our present study demonstrates that high volume improves outcomes in patients who underwent L-LAR in a real-world setting.
Effects of Occupation-Specific Vocal Stress on the Mental Health of Day Care Teachers
Authors: Darius Sabine , Voigt-Zimmermann Susanne , Böckelmann Irina
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Kindergarten teachers are exposed to numerous kinds of strains, such as noise, which can negatively affect their voices. This cross-sectional study investigates whether and to what extent the profession-specific high vocal demand is associated with the educators’ mental health. Methods: One hundred and ninety-two kindergarten teachers from Magdeburg, Germany and its surrounding areas aged 43.4 ± 12.8 years, voluntarily participated in a survey. Vocal demand and vocal demand response, general strain factors, and mental health were assessed by using questionnaires (self-check on voice demands, Rudow checklist, General Health Questionnaire, and Maslach Burnout Inventory). The statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS. Results: The interviewed educators felt stressed by the excessive number of work tasks and children in each class, noisy work environment, and loud conversations. In addition, educators complained of headaches and neck pain (66%), while 28% of them experienced hoarseness and a burning throat. The mental health of 39 of the educators was impaired, and nine were at an increased risk of burnout. Self-reported voice effort correlated low with mental health (r = 0.287; p < 0.001) and burnout risk (r = 0.306; p < 0.001). Conclusion: The vocal demands on educators in day care settings are very high, which is a major associated factor for the development of burnout syndrome and is also associated with headaches and neck pain. Measures for the prevention of occupational voice disorders and voice training should be a mandatory part of the educators’ training and must be offered as in-service training.
Sexual motivation and performance in sexual naïve and experienced rats treated with ivermectin: an ultrasonic vocalization study
Authors: Rodrigues Paula da Silva , Sampaio Ana Claudia Silva , Silva Éricka Patrícia da , Suffredini Ivana Barbosa , Bondan Eduardo Fernandes , Bernardi Maria Martha , Kirsten Thiago Berti
Published: March 2023

In mammals, ivermectin acts as a GABAA receptor agonist and stimulates GABA release. Previous studies showed that ivermectin (IVM) reduces sexual performance, impairing the latency to the first mount and intromission. These parameters are usually considered motivational parameters of sexual behavior. However, IVM increases GABAergic activity leading to motor incoordination. Thus, it is reasonable to propose that IVM affects sexual performance via motor incoordination pathways. The present study analyzed ultrasonic vocalization in rats to verify whether IVM impairs sexual behavior via motivational mechanisms or motor impairment. Because sexual experience attenuates the impairment of motor performance, rats with sexual experience were also studied. Sexually naive and experienced rats were administered a therapeutic IVM dose and saline. The rats were exposed to receptive females, and the latency to the first mount was evaluated, followed by the 50-kHz USV test. IVM treatment in naïve rats increased the latency to first to mount relative to Saline naïve rats, while no differences were observed between saline and experienced rats. In naïve-IVM rats, a reduced frequency and total calls and increased mean time of calls occur relative to SAL-naïve rats. Experienced IVM rats did not show differences in the frequency, mean, and maximal calls close to Saline experienced rats. However, an increase in the total calls and the dominant frequency of calls were observed in IVM-experienced rats compared to Saline experienced rats. A negative and positive correlation occurred between the latency to the first mount and USVs in groups with and without ivermectin exposure. Hence, we propose that ivermectin increased the sexual motivation of rats exposed to a female in estrous based in USVs despite an increased latency to the first mount that occurred. The increased latency to the first mount resulted from motor incoordination, as previously observed and proposed by our group.
Probiotics supplementation reduces cigarette smoke-induced damage in the respiratory micro-architecture of mice
Authors: Khan Komal , Zaneb Hafsa , Masood Saima , Ashraf Saima , Usman Mirza Muhammad , Faseehur-Rehman Hafiz , Rehman Habibur
Published: March 2023

This study evaluated the protective efficacy of probiotics supplementation against cigarette smoke-induced lung emphysema, inflammation, and loss of cilia in mice. Probiotics are known to promote mucosal tolerance and mitigate respiratory injuries. Twenty-four adult mice were randomly divided into three groups: control (Ctr), cigarette smoke (CS), and cigarette smoke + probiotics (CS+P). Probiotics were given for 7 days before exposure to smoke in the CS+P group. Tissue samples of the trachea (goblet cell count and index, loss of cilia), lungs (airspace distention), and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were collected and processed. The results showed a significant increase in acidic and neutral goblet cells in the CS group compared to the Ctr and CS+P groups (P < 0.05). Overall, goblet cell number and index were lower in the CS+P group (41.71 ± 5.76, 0.67 ± 0.073) than CS group (56.28 ± 5.34, 1.31 ± 0.28). Inflammatory cells and loss of cilia significantly decreased in mice fed probiotics before exposure to cigarette smoke (P < 0.05). Lung emphysema was also significantly reduced in the CS+P group compared to the CS group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of probiotics reduced lung emphysema, inflammatory cells, goblet cell index, and loss of cilia under conditions of cigarette smoke exposure in mice.
Relationships Between Young/Older Japanese Women and Filipino/Western English Teachers: Age, Gender, Ethnicity and English-Speaker Status
Authors: Kobayashi Yoko
Published: March 2023

Pre-pandemic studies indicate that East Asian students’ migration to ASEAN Outer Circle nations to study English by no means marks their departure from an idealized anglophone English world. Via research conducted during the pandemic when online learning had become mainstream, this study further explores the significance of such students’ English study with Outer Circle teachers. A questionnaire survey was administered to 200 Japanese female English learners aged 20–59 who have taken English lessons provided by both western and Filipino teachers. The textual data analyses reveal that the respondents’ essentialized appreciation of Filipino teachers’ ‘Asianness’ and their English-as-a-second-language background is caused by their identity as Asian English learners struggling to acquire ‘correct’ English. Meanwhile, quantitative analyses identify the presence of many Japanese women who study English as a hobby irrespective of their age and teachers’ ethnicity. This finding provides an additional insight about Japanese female English learners who are well discussed in light of marginalized young Japanese women's longing for western men from/in the idealized West. Moreover, based on the statistical analysis of age differences in reasons for taking private English lessons and concern about teachers’ accent, this study discusses a possible impact of teacher–student age/gender matching on young or mature Japanese female English learners’ perceptions about lessons provided by predominantly young Filipino women or western men. It concludes with suggestions for future research that examines the significance of learning English from Filipino and other Outer Circle English teachers amid the pervasive native English norms tied to Inner Circle English teachers.
Comparison of circulating bacterial profiles between mild and severe COVID-19 patients
Authors: Sivapornnukul Pavaret , Chitcharoen Suwalak , Sawaswong Vorthon , Tachaboon Sasipha , Dinhuzen Janejira , Srisawat Nattachai , Payungporn Sunchai
Published: March 2023

Recent reports revealed that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-infected patients can develop bacteremia; however, the circulating bacterial profile is not well studied. Therefore, this study has aimed to investigate circulating bacterial profile in mild ( n = 15) and severe ( n = 13) SARS-CoV-2-infected patients as well as healthy controls ( n = 10), using 16S rDNA (V4) sequencing approach. The alpha diversity indexes and Bray–Curtis dissimilarity matrix revealed that the bacterial profiles between the two conditions are significantly different. Correspondingly, the relative abundance indicates that the predominant bacterial phylum in both conditions was Proteobacteria. At genus level, the dominant bacterial genera in the mild patients belonged to Sphingomonas, Stenotrophomonas, and Achromobacter, while bacterial genera belonging to Enhydrobacter, Comamonas, and Acinetobacter were dominant in the severe patients. Furthermore, Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) Effect Size (LEfSe). revealed that Stenotrophomonas, Delftia, Achromobacter, and Neisseria were enriched in the mild condition, while Agrobacterium, Comamonas, Pseudomonas, Corynebacterium, Alkaliphilus, and Kocuria were enriched in the severe patients. These results revealed a distinct circulating bacterial profile in the mild and severe SARS-CoV-2-infected patients, which may provide an insight for further therapeutic strategy.
Silent Sinus Syndrome: A Case of Orbital Reconstruction With Patient-specific Implant and Intraoperative Navigation System and Computed Tomography Scan
Authors: Pereda Adrián Cardín , Pereira Alberto Rocha
Published: March 2023

Objective

By reporting a case of orbital restoration with a patient-specific implant (PSI), intraoperative navigation and computed tomography scan (CT) in a silent sinus syndrome patient, we aim to make reconstructive surgeons aware of the advantages these tools confer.

Case Report

We report a case of a 33-year-old woman affected by spontaneous enophthalmos and hypoglobus of her right eye. Anamnesis, physical exam and CT findings were compatible with a silent sinus syndrome. Caldwell-Luc technique and concurrent transconjunctival repair of the orbital floor using a PSI with intraoperative navigation and CT scan were performed successfully, achieving satisfactory repositioning of the globe and facial symmetry.

Conclusion

The silent sinus syndrome is an acquired uncommon condition which may require correction of secondary orbital deformities. In this scenario, patient-specific implants, CAD/CAM and intraoperative navigation have emerged as safe and effective tools.
A bispecific inhibitor of complement and coagulation blocks activation in complementopathy models via a novel mechanism
Authors: Andersen John F , Lei Haotian , Strayer Ethan C. , Kanai Tapan , Pham Van , Pan Xiang-Zuo , Alvarenga Patricia Hessab , Gerber Gloria F , Asojo Oluwatoyin A , Francischetti Ivo M , Brodsky Robert A. , Valenzuela Jesus G , Ribeiro Jose
Published: March 2023

Inhibitors of complement and coagulation are present in the saliva of a variety of blood feeding arthropods that transmit parasitic and viral pathogens. Here we describe the structure and mechanism of action of the sand fly salivary protein lufaxin, which inhibits formation of the central alternative C3 convertase (C3bBb) and inhibits coagulation factor Xa (fXa). Surface plasmon resonance experiments show that lufaxin stabilizes the binding of the serine protease factor B (FB) to C3b but does not detectably bind either C3b or FB alone. The crystal structure of the inhibitor reveals a novel all β-sheet fold containing two domains. A structure of the lufaxin-C3bB complex obtained by cryo-electron microscopy shows that lufaxin binds via its N-terminal domain at an interface containing elements of both C3b and FB. By occupying this spot, the inhibitor locks FB into a closed conformation where proteolytic activation of FB by FD cannot occur. C3bB-bound lufaxin binds fXa at a separate site in its C-terminal domain. In the cryo-EM structure of a C3bB-lufaxin-fXa complex the inhibitor binds both targets simultaneously and lufaxin inhibits fXa through substrate-like binding of a C-terminal peptide at the active site as well as other interactions in this region. Lufaxin inhibits complement activation in ex vivo models of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) as well as thrombin generation in plasma, providing rationale for the development of a bispecific inhibitor to treat complement-related diseases in which thrombosis is a prominent manifestation.
Supplemental oxygen and noninvasive ventilation
Authors: Owens Robert L. , Derom Eric , Ambrosino Nicolino
Published: March 2023

The respiratory system attempts to maintain normal levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide. However, airflow limitation, parenchymal abnormalities and dysfunction of the respiratory pump may be compromised in individuals with advanced COPD, eventually leading to respiratory failure, with reduced arterial oxygen tension (hypoxaemia) and/or increased arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2; hypercapnia). Hypoxaemia may persist in individuals with severe COPD despite smoking cessation and optimisation of pharmacotherapy. Long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) can improve survival in those with severe daytime hypoxaemia, whereas those with less severe hypoxaemia may only have improved exercise capacity and dyspnoea. Changes in respiratory physiology that occur during sleep further predispose to hypoxaemia, particularly in individuals with COPD. However, the major cause of hypoxaemia is hypoventilation. Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) may reduce mortality and need for intubation in individuals with COPD and acute hypercapnic respiratory failure. However, NIV may also improve survival and quality of life in individuals with stable, chronic hypercapnia and is now suggested for those with prolonged hypercapnia (e.g.PaCO2>55 mmHg 2–6 weeks after hospital discharge) when clinically stable and after optimisation of medical therapy including LTOT if indicated. Many questions remain about the optimal mode, settings and goal of NIV therapy.
MSLP: mRNA subcellular localization predictor based on machine learning techniques
Authors: Musleh Saleh , Islam Mohammad Tariqul , Qureshi Rizwan , Alajez Nehad M. , Alam Tanvir
Published: March 2023

Background

Subcellular localization of messenger RNA (mRNAs) plays a pivotal role in the regulation of gene expression, cell migration as well as in cellular adaptation. Experiment techniques for pinpointing the subcellular localization of mRNAs are laborious, time-consuming and expensive. Therefore, in silico approaches for this purpose are attaining great attention in the RNA community.

Methods

In this article, we propose MSLP, a machine learning-based method to predict the subcellular localization of mRNA. We propose a novel combination of four types of features representing k-mer, pseudo k-tuple nucleotide composition (PseKNC), physicochemical properties of nucleotides, and 3D representation of sequences based on Z-curve transformation to feed into machine learning algorithm to predict the subcellular localization of mRNAs.

Results

Considering the combination of the above-mentioned features, ennsemble-based models achieved state-of-the-art results in mRNA subcellular localization prediction tasks for multiple benchmark datasets. We evaluated the performance of our method  in ten subcellular locations, covering cytoplasm, nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), extracellular region (ExR), mitochondria, cytosol, pseudopodium, posterior, exosome, and the ribosome. Ablation study highlighted k-mer and PseKNC to be more dominant than other features for predicting cytoplasm, nucleus, and ER localizations. On the other hand, physicochemical properties and Z-curve based features contributed the most to ExR and mitochondria detection. SHAP-based analysis revealed the relative importance of features to provide better insights into the proposed approach.

Availability

We have implemented a Docker container and API for end users to run their sequences on our model. Datasets, the code of API and the Docker are shared for the community in GitHub at: https://github.com/smusleh/MSLP.
Epidemiological profile of arboviruses in two different scenarios: dengue circulation vs. dengue, chikungunya and Zika co-circulation
Authors: Farias Pablo Cantalice Santos , Pastor André Filipe , Gonçales Juliana Prado , do Nascimento Iasmyn Dayanne Santos , de Souza Ferraz Ellida Suellen , Lopes Thaísa Regina Rocha , do Carmo Rodrigo Feliciano , Côelho Maria Rosângela Cunha Duarte , Silva Júnior José Valter Joaquim
Published: March 2023

Background

The severity and distribution of dengue virus (DENV) infections have been attributed to a complex interaction among viral, host and environmental factors. Herein, we investigated the influence of chikungunya (CHIKV) and Zika (ZIKV) viruses on the epidemiological profile of dengue cases, using Recife, Pernambuco state, Brazil, as a study model. In addition, we described and compared the epidemiological profile related to each arbovirus (DENV vs. CHIKV vs. ZIKV).

Methods

All cases of dengue, chikungunya and Zika reported to the Pernambuco Health Department in 2011–2013 (DENV circulation) and 2016–2018 (DENV, CHIKV and ZIKV co-circulation) were included in our study. The cases were classified by sex, age and race/color and their distribution was analyzed by the χ2 test. Furthermore, the data were also analyzed for co-infections. Temperature, humidity and rainfall data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and paired t-test.

Results

During 2011–2013, 15,315 dengue cases were diagnosed, most of them female, brown and 20–29 age group. Between 2016 and 2018, 15,870 dengue cases were described, which presented the same profile described above. In the two triennia, the female/male dengue ratio fluctuated significantly, ranging from 1.07 to 1.52. Regarding chikungunya, 7076 cases were reported, most of them female and brown. The female/male ratio also fluctuated significantly, ranging from 1.62 to 2.1. Two main age groups were observed in chikungunya: ≤ 19 years (minority of diagnoses) and ≥ 20 years (majority of diagnoses). In the same triennium, 266 Zika cases were reported to the Pernambuco Health Department, mainly in females and in the 0–9 and 20–39 age groups. In general, 119 co-infections were identified: 117 DENV-CHIKV, 1 CHIKV-ZIKV and 1 DENV-CHIKV-ZIKV. Concerning climate data, only the humidity in 2011 was significantly different from the other years.

Conclusion

The epidemiological profile of dengue cases did not change after the introduction of CHIKV and ZIKV. Females were the most diagnosed with dengue, chikungunya or Zika, however we found important differences in the age profile of these arboviruses, which should be considered by public health policies, as well as investigated in future studies of virus-host interaction.
Renoprotective effect of febuxostat on contrast-induced acute kidney injury in chronic kidney disease patients stage 3: randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sarhan Iman Ibrahim , Abdellatif Yasser A. , Saad Rania Elsayed , Teama Nahla Mohamed
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is known to be a complication of using intravascular contrast injection. Unfortunately, it is associated with adverse outcomes such as prolonged length of hospitalization and increased burden of health care costs. So, we aimed to determine the efficacy of febuxostat in the prevention of contrast-induced acute kidney injury among patients with chronic kidney disease Stage 3 performing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

In a randomized controlled trial we enrolled 120 CKD stage 3 Patients with acute coronary syndrome referred to the cardiology department Ain-Shams University hospital for performing PCI and stenting. Patients were randomly assigned to two arms: Group I (study group): Included 60 patients who received Febuxostat added to the traditional treatment (IV hydration and N-acetylcysteine). The patients received Feburic 80 mg within 6–18 h before and within 6–18 h after the coronary intervention (a time gap of 24 h between two doses). Group II (control group): included 60 patients who received only traditional treatment.

Results

The incidence of AKI was higher in the control group with a statistically significant difference. We found that Independent Significant risk factors that led to AKI were febuxostate avoidance, DM, high urea level, high creatinine level, CKD stage 3B, high Mehran score and high AKI risk.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that febuxostat has a Reno protective effect and it can help to reduce the incidence CI-AKI in CKD patients stage 3 performing PCI.
Prevalence and predictors of outcomes among ESRD patients with COVID-19
Authors: Baptiste Claire S. , Adegbulugbe Esther , Shankaranarayanan Divya , Izzi Zahra , Patel Samir , Nakity Rasha , Amdur Richard L. , Raj Dominic
Published: March 2023

Background

 End-stage renal disease patients on hemodialysis (ESRD) patients are at high risk for contracting COVID-19. In this propensity matched cohort study, we examined the prevalence of COVID-19 in emergency room (ER) patients and examined whether clinical outcomes varied by ESRD status.

Methods

Patients who visited George Washington University Hospital ER from April 2020 to April 2021 were reviewed for COVID-19 and ESRD status. Among COVID-positive ER patients, the propensity for ESRD was calculated using a logistic regression model to create a propensity-matched sample of ESRD vs non-ESRD COVID-19 patients. A multivariable model examined whether ESRD was an independent predictor of death and other outcomes in COVID-19 patients.

Results

Among the 27,106 ER patients, 2689 of whom were COVID-positive (9.9%). The odds of testing positive for COVID-19 were 0.97 ([95% CI: 0.78–1.20], p = 0.76) in ESRD vs non-ESRD patients after adjusting for age, sex, and race. There were 2414 COVID-positive individuals with non-missing data, of which 98 were ESRD patients. In this COVID-positive sample, ESRD patients experienced a higher incidence of stroke, sepsis, and pneumonia than non-ESRD individuals. Significant independent predictors of death included age, race, sex, insurance status, and diabetes mellitus. Those with no insurance had odds of death that was 212% higher than those with private insurance (3.124 [1.695–5.759], p < 0.001). ESRD status was not an independent predictor of death (1.215 [0.623–2.370], p = 0.57). After propensity-matching in the COVID-positive patients, there were 95 ESRD patients matched with 283 non-ESRD individuals. In this sample, insurance status continued to be an independent predictor of mortality, while ESRD status was not. ESRD patients were more likely to have lactic acidosis (36% vs 15%) and length of hospital stay ≥ 7 days (48% vs 31%), but no increase in odds for any studied adverse outcomes.

Conclusions

In ER patients, ESRD status was not associated with higher odds for testing positive for COVID-19. Among ER patients who were COVID positive, ESRD was not associated with mortality. However, insurance status had a strong and independent association with death among ER patients with COVID-19.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health and well-being of Veterans’ spouses: a cross sectional analysis
Authors: Hansen Kevin T. , Plouffe Rachel A. , Walker Deanna L. , Wanklyn Sonya G. , Lamrock Laryssa , Maher Polliann , Nazarov Anthony , Richardson J. Don
Published: March 2023

Background

COVID-19 has negatively impacted the mental health and well-being of both Canadians and the world as a whole, with Veterans, in particular, showing increased rates of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Spouses and common-law partners often serve as primary caregivers and sources of support for Veterans, which may have a deleterious effect on mental health and increase risk of burnout. Pandemic related stressors may increase burden and further exacerbate distress; yet the effect of the pandemic on the mental health and well-being of Veterans’ spouses is currently unknown. This study explores the self-reported mental health and well-being of a group of spouses of Canadian Armed Forces Veterans and their adoption of new ways to access healthcare remotely (telehealth), using baseline data from an ongoing longitudinal survey.

Methods

Between July 2020 and February 2021, 365 spouses of Veterans completed an online survey regarding their general mental health, lifestyle changes, and experiences relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. Also completed were questions relating to their use of and satisfaction with health-care treatment services during the pandemic.

Results

Reported rates of probable major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), alcohol use disorder (AUD), and PTSD were higher than the general public, with 50–61% believing their symptoms either directly related to or were made worse by the pandemic. Those reporting being exposed to COVID-19 were found to have significantly higher absolute scores on mental health measures than those reporting no exposure. Over 56% reported using telehealth during the pandemic, with over 70% stating they would continue its use post-pandemic.

Conclusions

This is the first Canadian study to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic specifically on the mental health and well-being of Veterans’ spouses. Subjectively, the pandemic negatively affected the mental health of this group, however, the pre-pandemic rate for mental health issues in this population is unknown. These results have important implications pertaining to future avenues of research and clinical/programme development post-pandemic, particularly relating to the potential need for increased support for spouses of Veterans, both as individuals and in their role as supports for Veterans.
Prevalence, patterns of multimorbidity and associations with health care utilization among middle-aged and older people in China
Authors: Zhong Yaqin , Qin Gang , Xi Hanqing , Cai Duanying , Wang Yanan , Wang Tiantian , Gao Yuexia
Published: March 2023

Background

Multimorbidity has become one of the main challenges in health care system. The association between prevalence, patterns of multimorbidity and health care utilization is less often discussed in China. The purpose of this study is to examine this association among Chinese middle-aged and older adults and take into account different sociodemographic, behavioral and health characteristics. Based on this, implications of current evidence and effective intervention on multimorbidity and health care utilization can be identified and put into practice.

Methods

The wave 4 in 2018 of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) was used in the study. Multimorbidity was defined as the co-occurrence of two or more chronic medical condition of a list of fourteen chronic diseases in one person. The presence of chronic diseases was assessed through self-report. Health care utilization include whether the respondents received outpatient service last month and inpatient service in the past year. Latent Class Analysis was conducted to identify the clustering pattern of chronic diseases. Logistic regressions were employed to explore the association between prevalence, patterns of multimorbidity and health care utilization. Analyses were weighted using individual sample weights, adjusted for non-response of individual and household.

Results

Among 19,559 participants aged 45 and older, 23.10% were aged above 70 years and 52.42% were female. The prevalence of multimorbidity was 56.73%. Four patterns were identified: relatively healthy class, respiratory class, stomach-arthritis class and vascular class. Multimorbid individuals used more outpatient services (OR = 1.89, 95%CI = 1.65–2.17) and more inpatient services (OR = 2.52, 95%CI = 2.22–2.86) compared to their no-multimorbid counterparts. Compared to relatively healthy class, the respondents classified into respiratory class, stomach-arthritis class and vascular class used more outpatient services (OR = 1.90, 95%CI = 1.57–2.30; OR = 2.39, 95%CI = 2.06–2.78; OR = 1.53, 95%CI = 1.32–1.79 respectively) and more inpatient services (OR = 2.19, 95%CI = 1.83–2.62; OR = 2.93, 95%CI = 2.53–3.40; OR = 1.90, 95%CI = 1.65–2.19 respectively).

Conclusion

Our study provided evidence that multimorbidity is high among Chinese older adults and is associated substantially higher health care utilization in China. Four multimorbidity patters were identified. Policy should prioritize improving the management of individuals with multimorbidity to increase healthcare efficiency. Further research is necessary with special emphasis on the trajectory of multimorbidity and the role of health system in satisfying needs of multimorbid individuals.
The oral microbiome in autoimmune diseases: friend or foe?
Authors: Huang Xiaoyan , Huang Xiangyu , Huang Yi , Zheng Jiarong , Lu Ye , Mai Zizhao , Zhao Xinyuan , Cui Li , Huang Shaohong
Published: March 2023

The human body is colonized by abundant and diverse microorganisms, collectively known as the microbiome. The oral cavity has more than 700 species of bacteria and consists of unique microbiome niches on mucosal surfaces, on tooth hard tissue, and in saliva. The homeostatic balance between the oral microbiota and the immune system plays an indispensable role in maintaining the well-being and health status of the human host. Growing evidence has demonstrated that oral microbiota dysbiosis is actively involved in regulating the initiation and progression of an array of autoimmune diseases.

Oral microbiota dysbiosis is driven by multiple factors, such as host genetic factors, dietary habits, stress, smoking, administration of antibiotics, tissue injury and infection. The dysregulation in the oral microbiome plays a crucial role in triggering and promoting autoimmune diseases via several mechanisms, including microbial translocation, molecular mimicry, autoantigen overproduction, and amplification of autoimmune responses by cytokines. Good oral hygiene behaviors, low carbohydrate diets, healthy lifestyles, usage of prebiotics, probiotics or synbiotics, oral microbiota transplantation and nanomedicine-based therapeutics are promising avenues for maintaining a balanced oral microbiome and treating oral microbiota-mediated autoimmune diseases. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between oral microbiota dysbiosis and autoimmune diseases is critical for providing novel insights into the development of oral microbiota-based therapeutic approaches for combating these refractory diseases.
Role of OAS gene family in COVID-19 induced heart failure
Authors: Gao Li-Juan , He Zhong-Mei , Li Yi-Ying , Yang Rui-Rui , Yan Min , Shang Xuan , Cao Ji-Min
Published: March 2023

Background

COVID-19, the current global pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection, can damage the heart and lead to heart failure (HF) and even cardiac death. The 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS) gene family encode interferon (IFN)-induced antiviral proteins which is associated with the antiviral immune responses of COVID-19. While the potential association of OAS gene family with cardiac injury and failure in COVID-19 has not been determined.

Methods

The expression levels and biological functions of OAS gene family in SARS-CoV-2 infected cardiomyocytes dataset (GSE150392) and HF dataset (GSE120852) were determined by comprehensive bioinformatic analysis and experimental validation. The associated microRNAs (miRNAs) were explored from Targetscan and GSE104150. The potential OAS gene family-regulatory chemicals or ingredients were predicted using Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) and SymMap database.

Results

The OAS genes were highly expressed in both SARS-CoV-2 infected cardiomyocytes and failing hearts. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the two datasets were enriched in both cardiovascular disease and COVID-19 related pathways. The miRNAs-target analysis indicated that 10 miRNAs could increase the expression of OAS genes. A variety of chemicals or ingredients were predicted regulating the expression of OAS gene family especially estradiol.

Conclusion

OAS gene family is an important mediator of HF in COVID-19 and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for cardiac injury and HF in COVID-19.
Incomplete reporting of complex interventions: a call to action for journal editors to review their submission guidelines
Authors: Ryan Mairead , Hoffmann Tammy , Hofmann Riikka , van Sluijs Esther
Published: March 2023

Reporting of intervention research has been inadequate for many years. The development and promotion of freely available checklists aims to address this problem by providing researchers with a list of items that require reporting to enable study interpretation and replication. In this commentary, we present evidence from a recent systematic review of 51 randomised controlled trials published 2015–2020 that inadequate intervention reporting remains a widespread issue and that checklists are not being used to describe all intervention components. In 2022, we assessed the submission guidelines of 33 journals that published articles included in our review and found that just one at the time encouraged the use of reporting checklists for all intervention components. To drive progress, we contacted the editors of the other 32 journals and requested that they update their submission guidelines in response. We conclude by highlighting the waste associated with current practices and encourage journals from all fields to urgently review their submission guidelines. Only through collective action can we build an evidence base that is fit for purpose.
Vector competence of sterile male Glossina fuscipes fuscipes for Trypanosoma brucei brucei: implications for the implementation of the sterile insect technique in a sleeping sickness focus in Chad
Authors: Mahamat Mahamat Hissene , Ségard Adeline , Rayaisse Jean-Baptiste , Argiles-Herrero Rafael , Parker Andrew Gordon , Solano Philippe , Abd-Alla Adly Mohamed Mohamed , Bouyer Jérémy , Ravel Sophie
Published: March 2023

Background

Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) is a neglected tropical disease caused by Trypanosoma brucei gambiense transmitted by tsetse flies in sub-Saharan West Africa. In southern Chad the most active and persistent focus is the Mandoul focus, with 98% of the reported human cases, and where African animal trypanosomosis (AAT) is also present. Recently, a control project to eliminate tsetse flies (Glossina fuscipes fuscipes) in this focus using the sterile insect technique (SIT) was initiated. However, the release of large numbers of sterile males of G. f. fuscipes might result in a potential temporary increase in transmission of trypanosomes since male tsetse flies are also able to transmit the parasite. The objective of this work was therefore to experimentally assess the vector competence of sterile males treated with isometamidium for Trypanosoma brucei brucei.

Methods

An experimental infection was set up in the laboratory, mimicking field conditions: the same tsetse species that is present in Mandoul was used. A T. b. brucei strain close to T. b. gambiense was used, and the ability of the sterile male tsetse flies fed on blood with and without a trypanocide to acquire and transmit trypanosomes was measured.

Results

Only 2% of the experimentally infected flies developed an immature infection (midgut) while none of the flies developed a metacyclic infection of T. b. brucei in the salivary glands. We did not observe any effect of the trypanocide used (isometamidium chloride at 100 mg/l) on the development of infection in the flies.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that sterile males of the tested strain of G. f. fuscipes were unable to cyclically transmit T. b. brucei and might even be refractory to the infection. The data of the research indicate that the risk of cyclical transmission of T. brucei by sterile male G. f. fuscipes of the strain colonized at IAEA for almost 40 years appears to be small.

Graphical Abstract
IoT trust and reputation: a survey and taxonomy
Authors: Aaqib Muhammad , Ali Aftab , Chen Liming , Nibouche Omar
Published: March 2023

IoT is one of the fastest-growing technologies and it is estimated that more than a billion devices would be utilised across the globe by the end of 2030. To maximise the capability of these connected entities, trust and reputation among IoT entities is essential. Several trust management models have been proposed in the IoT environment; however, these schemes have not fully addressed the IoT devices’ features, such as device’s role, device type and its dynamic behavior in a smart environment. As a result, traditional trust and reputation models are insufficient to tackle these characteristics and uncertainty risks while connecting nodes to the network. Whilst continuous study has been carried out and various articles suggest promising solutions in constrained environments, research on trust and reputation is still at its infancy. In this paper, we carry out a comprehensive literature review on state-of-the-art research on the trust and reputation of IoT devices and systems. Specifically, we first propose a new structure, namely a new taxonomy, to organise the trust and reputation models based on the ways trust is managed. The proposed taxonomy comprises of traditional trust management-based systems and artificial intelligence-based systems, and combine both the classes which encourage the existing schemes to adapt these emerging concepts. This collaboration between the conventional mathematical and the advanced ML models result in design schemes that are more robust and efficient. Then we drill down to compare and analyse the methods and applications of these systems based on community-accepted performance metrics,e.g. scalability, delay, cooperativeness and efficiency. Finally, built upon the findings of the analysis, we identify and discuss open research issues and challenges, and further speculate and point out future research directions.
Localized microglia dysregulation impairs central nervous system myelination in development
Authors: Holloway Rebecca K. , Zhang Liang , Molina-Gonzalez Irene , Ton Kathy , Nicoll James A. R. , Boardman James P. , Liang Yan , Williams Anna , Miron Veronique E.
Published: March 2023

Myelination of neuronal axons is a critical aspect of central nervous system development and function. However, the fundamental cellular and molecular mechanisms influencing human developmental myelination and its failure are not fully understood. Here, we used digital spatial transcriptomics of a rare bank of human developing white matter to uncover that a localized dysregulated innate immune response is associated with impeded myelination. We identified that poorly myelinating areas have a distinct signature of Type II interferon signalling in microglia/macrophages, relative to adjacent myelinating areas. This is associated with a surprising increase in mature oligodendrocytes, which fail to form myelin processes appropriately. We functionally link these findings by showing that conditioned media from interferon-stimulated microglia is sufficient to dysregulate myelin process formation by oligodendrocytes in culture. We identify the Type II interferon inducer, Osteopontin (SPP1), as being upregulated in poorly myelinating brains, indicating a potential biomarker. Our results reveal the importance of microglia-mature oligodendrocyte interaction and interferon signaling in regulating myelination of the developing human brain.
The earliest known artificial synthesized ε-Fe2O3 in the Deqing Kiln ceramic ware of Tang Dynasty
Authors: Li Gen , Wang Zhifang , Zhou Jianzhong , Kang Baoqiang , Ding Yinzhong , Guan Ming , Wei Xiangjun , Lei Yong
Published: March 2023

Metastable ε-Fe2O3 was discovered on a ceramic ware of Deqing kiln of the Tang Dynasty, which coexists with α-Fe2O3 in the brown area between adjacent black glaze areas, and it is the earliest known artificially synthesized ε-Fe2O3. Based on the composition analysis of α-Fe2O3, ε-Fe2O3 and the glass phase around them, it is speculated that some Fe3+ ions were replaced by Al3+ ions during the formation of ε-Fe2O3, and a relatively low CaO content may be required for its crystallization. This work may promote researchers' understanding of ε-Fe2O3 crystals, and provide clues for the artificial synthesis of large ε-Fe2O3 crystals.