bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect modification of luteinizing hormone chorionic gonadotropin hormone receptor gene variant (rs2293275) on clinical and biochemical profile, and levels of luteinizing hormone in polycystic ovary syndrome patients
Authors: Makhdoomi Mudassir Jan , Shah IdreesA. , Rashid Rabiya , Rashid Aafia , singh Saurabh , Shah Zaffar Amin , Ganie Mohd Ashraf
Published: September 2022

Background
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common multifaceted endocrine disorder among reproductive women. Deranged luteinizing hormone levels and associated downstream signalling cascade mediated by its receptor luteinizing hormone chorionic gonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) are pivotal in the etiopathogenesis of PCOS. Genetic variations in the LHCGR have been associated with PCOS risk, however, the results are inconclusive. We evaluated association of LHCGR rs2293275 polymorphic variant with PCOS risk and its impact on clinicobiochemical features of PCOS.
Methods
120 confirmed PCOS cases and an equal number of age-matched controls were subjected to clinical, biochemical and hormonal investigations. Genotyping for rs2293275 was performed using polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism. Logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios (OR) at 95%confidence intervals (95%CIs).
Results
PCOS cases reported lower annual menstrual cyclicity, significantly higher BMI and Ferriman Galway score (p < 0.01). Levels of serum testosterone, TSH, FSH and indicators of glucose homeostasis were significantly deranged in cases than controls. Higher risk of developing PCOS was noted in GA (OR = 10.4, P < 0.0001) or AA (OR = 7.73, P = 0.02) genotype carriers and risk persisted in the dominant model (GA + AA) as well (OR = 10.29, P = 0.01). On stratification, a higher risk of developing PCOS was observed in variant genotype carriers who had a family history of either T2DM (OR = 117;p < 0.0001) or hirsutism (OR = 79;p < 0.0001). We also found a significant linear increase in the serum LH levels in the subjects carrying GA and AA genotypes.
Conclusion
In the present study, we report a significant association ofthe LHCGR rs2293275 variant with the PCOS risk.
Pathologists aren’t Pigeons: Exploring the neural basis of visual recognition and perceptual expertise in pathology
Authors: Anderson Sarah J. , Warren Amy L. , Abdullayeva Nia , Krigolson Olav , Hecker Kent G.
Published: September 2022

Visual (perceptual) reasoning is a critical skill to many specialties of medical diagnosis, including pathology, diagnostic imaging, and dermatology. However, in an ever-compressed medical curriculum, learning and practicing this skill is often challenging. Previous studies (including work with pigeons) have suggested that using reward-feedback-based activities, novices can gain expert levels of visual diagnostic accuracy in shortened training times. But is this level of diagnostic accuracy a result of image recognition (categorization) or is it the acquisition of diagnostic expertise? To answer this, we measured electroencephalographic data (EEG) and two components of the human event-related brain potential - the reward positivity and the N170 - to further study the nature of visual expertise in a novice-expert study in pathology. We demonstrate that the amplitude of the reward positivity decreases with learning in novices (suggesting a decrease in reliance on feedback, as in other studies). However, this signal remains significantly different from the experts whose reward positivity signal did not change over the course of the experiment. We further show no change in the amplitude of the N170 - a reported neural marker of visual expertise - in novices over time and that their N170 signals remain statistically and significantly lower than experts throughout task performance. These data suggest that while novices gain the ability to recognize (categorize) pathologies through reinforcement learning, there is little change in the neural marker associated with visual expertise. This is consistent with the multi-dimensional and complex nature of visual expertise and provides insight into future training programs for novices to bridge the expertise gap.
The Influence of Dietary Components on Acne; A Case-Control Survey
Authors: MAHMOOD ATIYA , HANIF MUBASHRA , butt ghazala , zahoor mahwish
Published: September 2022

Background Acne vulgaris affects millions of adults. Despite extensive research, its etiology pertaining to food remains elusive. Objective To assess the correlation between dietary intake and acne through a case-control survey of 300 respondents aged 15–25 years living in Pakistan. Method 150 acne patients and 150 age- and ethnicity-matched controls were subjected to a questionnaire. Using SPSS-22, cases and controls were separated and univariate analysis was done using chi-square test. p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Adjusted odds ratio was used to assess the strength of association with 95% confidence interval. Results Most of the respondents were females (91.3%). Most(48.7%) acne patients were aged 20–25 years .Acne severity was mild in 50%, moderate in 34%, severe in 14% and very severe in 2%.Frequent low-fat foods (p < 0.001)(OR = 3.22),fat intake(p = 0.03)(OR = 1.629),sweet snacks i.e. biscuits and candies etc. (p = 0.013) (OR = 1.9254), soft drinks(p = 0.045)(OR = 1.9091),butter(p < 0.001) (OR = 1.8185),dairy products(p = 0.043)(OR = 0.624),salty foods(p = 0.011)(OR = 1.961),chocolate (p = 0.028)(OR = 1.669), were associated with increased acne risk. No association was found in terms of fried foods, desserts, fruit juices, raw fruit intake, fast foods, vegetables, cheese, soy product, salt intake and corn. Increased butter and chocolate consumption were linked to more severe forms of acne (p = 0.049 and p = 0.005 respectively). Most respondents (n = 218) thought they had healthy eating habits showing that they were not educated on dietary aspect of acne treatment. Conclusions Participants without acne had healthier eating habits. Dietary awareness is critical for convincing adolescents to reduce acne. Further studies must be conducted to develop a causative relationship between different dietary components and acne.
Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Protect Bone against Ovariectomy‑Induced Osteoporosis through ERK Signaling by Estrogen Receptor α
Authors: Qi Hui , Shen Enpu , Li Beibei , Wu Zhiwen , Jie Yongsheng , Zheng Rui , Shu Xiong , Chen Lei , Liu DANPING , Wu Cheng'ai
Published: September 2022

Background: Exosomes derived from bone marrow stem cells (BMSC-Exos) are considered as candidates for osteoporosis (OP) therapy. Estrogen is critical in the maintenance of bone homeostasis. However, the role of estrogen and/or its receptor in BMSC-Exos treatment of OP, as well as its methods of regulation during this process remain unclear.Methods: BMSCs were cultured and characterized. Ultracentrifugation was performed to collect BMSC-Exos. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and western blotting were used to identify BMSC-Exos. We examined the effects of BMSC-Exos on the proliferation, osteogenic differentiation, mineralization, and cell cycle distribution of MG-63 cells. The protein expression of estrogen receptor α (ERα) and the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) were investigated through western blotting. We determined the effects of BMSC-Exos on the prevention of bone loss in female rats. The female SD rats were divided into three groups: the sham group, ovariectomized (OVX) group, and the OVX + BMSC-Exos group. Bilateral ovariectomy was performed in the OVX and OVX + BMSC-Exos groups, while a similar volume of adipose tissue around the ovary was removed in the sham group. The rats in OVX+BMSC-Exos group were given BMSC-Exos after 2 weeks of surgery. Micro-CT scanning and histological staining were used to evaluate the in vivo effects of BMSC-Exos.Results: BMSC-Exos significantly upregulated the proliferation, ALP activity, and the ARS staining in MG-63 cells. The results of cell cycle distribution demonstrated that BMSC-Exos significantly increased the proportion of cells in the G2+S phase and decreased the proportion of cells in the G1 phase. Moreover, PD98059, an inhibitor of ERK, downregulated the expression of ERα, which was promoted by administration of BMSC-Exos. Micro-CT scan showed that in the OVX+BMSC-Exos group, BMSC-Exos significantly promoted ERα expression, with ameliorated bone mineral density (BMD), bone volume/tissue volume fraction (BV/TV), trabecular number (Tb. N), and trabecular separation (Tb. Sp). Additionally, the microstructure of the trabecular bone was preserved in the OVX + BMSC-Exos group compared to that in the OVX group.Conclusion: BMSC-Exos showed an anti-osteoporotic role in OVX rats both in vitro and in vivo, which may involve the ERα/ERK signaling pathway.
Inertial-Based Extragradient Algorithm for Approximating a Common Solution of Split Equilibrium Problems and Fixed Point Problems of Nonexpansive Semigroup
Authors: Nwawuru Francis O.
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we introduce a simple and easily computable algorithm for finding a common solution of split eqilibrium problems and fixed point problems in the framework of a real Hilbert space. New self-adaptive stepsizes are adopted for the avoidance of Lipschitz constants that are not practically implemented. Futhermore, inertial term is incorporated to speed up the rate of convergence, a condition which is very desirable in applications. A strong convergence is obtained under some mild assumptions, which is not limited to the fact that, the bifunctions are pseu-domonotone operators. This condition is quite better, weaker and more general than being strongly pseudomonotone or monotone. Our result improves and extends already announced results in this direction of research.
Short-term increase in clonal propagules following disturbance in a natural populationof Eremanthus erythropappus
Authors: Rocha Lucas Fernandes , Konzen Enéas Ricardo , de Carvalho Dulcinéia
Published: September 2022

Habitat fragmentation and management of natural populations of tree species may interfere with their dynamics of reproduction. Eremanthus erythropappus is a native pioneer tree from Cerrado and Atlantic Forest as well as their transition zones, that usually reproduces by sexual means, that is producing seeds, but can also induce propagules through assexual propagation. Management of natural populations of E. erythropappus for their use in cosmetics and other industrial applications, however, threaten the species survival and may alter the reproduction patterns of the species. Here we used six microsatellite loci to investigate whether management of a natural stand increased clonality rates in comparison to an unmanaged area. Significant increase in clonality levels, as detected from multilocus genotypes, were observed in the managed stand, although some clonality was also detected in the unmanaged area. Through the interpretation of the richness index (R), managed regenerants showed higher levels of clonality (R = 0.293), followed by managed adults (R = 0.489). Significant aggregation was also detected, indicating that closer individuals in distance could also be identical genotypes. The association index revealed some extent of linkage disequilibrium generated by clonality. Therefore, our data showed that clonality rates are significantly augmented when E. erythropappus is subjected to management. This may have further negative impact on the genetic diversity of natural populations of the species and for its long term conservation in their environment of origin. Management practices should take into account the extent of clonality they can induce in natural stands of the species.
Analysis of the characteristics of road traffic injuries in Guangzhou, China, in 2014–2018
Authors: Lin Wei-Quan , Feng Xiang-Ning , Pan Le-Le , Yang Yun-Ou , Sun Min-Ying , Huang Ting-Yuan , Qin Fa-Ju , Wu Di , Lin Guo-Zhen , Liu Hui , Wang Chang
Published: September 2022

Objective: To determine the epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors of road traffic injuries (RTIs) in Guangzhou, China.Methods: RTI data for the period of January 2014–December 2018 were obtained from the Injury Surveillance System of Guangzhou. Multiple logistic regression modeling was conducted to estimate the risk factors of RTIs in Guangzhou.Results: A total of 19,124 RTIs were reported in 2014–2018. The RTIs occurred mainly in summer and autumn, particularly in August. The male-to-female ratio of RTIs was 1.59:1. Many RTIs involved 20-year-olds working as businesspersons or service staff. The RTIs included multiple site injuries (30.22%) and lower limb (25.95%) and head (21.98%) injuries. Most RTIs were contusions or scratches (67.57%) and had mild (76.12%) and moderate (20.88%) outcomes. Most RTI cases involved motorcycles (35.20%). Regression results showed that gender, age groups, months, census registration, occupation, and alcohol consumption were associated with RTIs in Guangzhou, China.Conclusion: The number of reported RTIs in Guangzhou increased year by year. The risk factors are male, 10–69 years of age, June to November, nonlocal residence registration, businesspersons or service staff, low education level, and alcohol consumption. The findings may help formulate scientific and effective preventive measures for enhancing road safety.
Association of IL-4 with pachychoroid neovasculopathy
Authors: Baba Takashi , Koyama Ayumi , Uotani Ryu , Miyake Hitomi , Inata Kodai , Sasaki Shin-ichi , Shimizu Yumiko , Inoue Yoshitsugu , Adachi Kaori , Nanba Eiji , Miyazaki Dai
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this study was to identify inflammatory cytokines that are associated with pachychoroid neovasculopathy (PNV). Seventy-five eyes of 75 patients with PNV, 145 eyes of 145 patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration without pachyvessels, and 150 eyes of 150 normal subjects were examined for the levels of intracameral cytokines. In eyes with PNV, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, and VEGF were significantly elevated compared to controls. Logistic regression analysis indicated highest association with pachyvessels was observed for IL-4, IL-2, and IL-1α. In eyes with PNV, IL-4, TNFα, IL-17, IL-2, IL-12, IL-15, IL-5, IL-13, IL-1α, and IL-1β significantly increased choroidal thickness. Highest correlation with choroidal thickness was observed for IL-4. In PNV eyes with polypoidal lesions, the level of IL-4, IL-17, and TNFβ significantly correlated with the number of polypoidal lesions. We determined how the different disease characteristics of PNV were associated with the elevated cytokines. Of all these cytokines, IL-4 contributed significantly to the thickening of the choroidal vessels and to the formation of polypoidal lesions. We conclude that IL-4 is most likely involved in the establishing the clinical characteristics of PNV and polypoidal vascular remodeling. This may help to establish future therapeutic strategy for PNV.
HIV/AIDS Knowledge among secondary school students in Tanzania: A case of Missungwi district in Mwanza Region
Authors: Tungu Malale , Mpuya Maginya S. , Tesha Novatus A. , Paulo Heavenlight A. , Kagaigai Alphoncina , August Francis
Published: September 2022

Background
Based on the latest UNAIDS report on the global AIDS epidemic; about 34 million people worldwide are estimated to live with HIV and about 69% of them are found in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Tanzania, people living with HIV/AIDS are estimated to be 1.6 million, of which, 1.3 million belong to the age of 15 years and above.
Broad Objective
The study aimed to assess the general knowledge of HIV/AIDS among secondary school students in Misungwi district.
Methods
A cross-sectional study design was employed involving 330 students. Information concerning knowledge on causes, risk factors, transmission routes, signs and symptoms as well as preventive measures of HIV/AIDS was collected using a self-assessment structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using STATA. Mean and standard deviation summarized the numerical variables. Categorical variables were summarized using frequency and proportions. A linear regression model was used to determine the relationships between knowledge score and exposure variables. Multivariable were used to control for confounders. Significance level was set at 5%.
Results
Majority of students had the age of 16–18 years old. Male were 64% of the sample. The study found age, sex and level of classes had an influence the knowledge on symptoms, risk factors and general knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Age appeared to influence HIV symptoms, risk factors and general knowledge (p < 0.05). Age was negatively associated with knowledge.
Conclusion
The study found that age, sex and level of classes influence the general knowledge on HIV/AIDS, its symptoms and risk factors. Therefore, stakeholders should continue to provide HIV education to the youth of all ages and sex.
Climate & Health Implications of Adopting Modern Household Cooking Fuels on a Global Scale
Authors: Floess Emily , Grieshop Andrew , Puzzolo Elisa , Pope Daniel , Leach Nicholas , Smith Christopher J. , Gill-Wiehl Annelise , Landesman Katherine , Bailis Rob
Published: September 2022

Nearly 3 billion people in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) rely on polluting fuels, resulting in millions of avoidable deaths each year. Polluting fuels also emit short-lived climate forcers and greenhouse gases (GHGs). Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and grid-based electricity are scalable alternatives to polluting fuels. Here, we compare emissions and climate impacts of a business-as usual household cooking fuel trajectory to four large-scale transitions to clean cooking fuels in 77 LMICs. We use upstream and end-use emissions in a simple emissions-based reduced-complexity climate model to estimate radiative forcing and temperature changes associated with each scenario. Full transitions to modern fuels decrease emissions from both well-mixed GHG and short-lived climate forcers, resulting in a roughly 5 mK global temperature reduction by 2040. Full transitions to LPG and electricity for cooking also reduce annual emissions of PM2.5 by over 6 Mt (99%) by 2040, substantially lowering health risks.
Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis with a novel fibrillin-2 gene variant characterized by the expression of prenatal fibrillin-2 antigen and the aberrant proliferations of elastin and reticular fibers, a case report
Authors: Inai Testuichiro , Kosho Tomoki , Yamaguchi Tomomi , Kawabata Yoshinori , Inai Yuko , Imamura Shogo , Hidaka Kouko , Sanada Sakiko
Published: September 2022

Background: Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis is a recently recognized clinical entity characterized by interstitial pneumonia and has pathological characteristics with proliferating elastin at upper lung regions. Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis is categorized as idiopathic or non-idiopathic depending on coexistent initiating factors, however, congenital contractural arachnodactyly which is caused by abnormal production of elastin based on a mutation in fibrillin-2 gene, hardly reported the lung features resembling pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis. We had a case of pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis in a Japanese man with a novel mutation in fibrillin- 2 gene, which encode the prenatal fibrillin- 2 protein as a scaffold for elastin.Case presentation: A 45-year-old man, who had hardly open his mouth due to severe micrognathia, was referred to us with a complaint of cough and fever. Following the diagnosis of pneumonia with paraseptal emphysema at right upper lung regions, upper lung fibrosis were progressed to both side resulting in the platythorax and died of respiratory failure with hypercapnia complicated by chronic necrotizing aspergillosis. His severe micrognathia and paraseptal emphysema made it necessary to be considered the possibility of the hereditary connective tissue disease. The result of genetic tests for hereditary connective tissue disease identified his carrying a novel variant of the fibrillin-2 gene (NM_001999.3:c.3160C > A:p.Arg1054Ser). Mutations in fibrillin-2 are responsible for congenital contractural arachnodactyly to be characterized with skeletal features such as joint contracture, arachnodactyly, which share with Marfan syndrome caused by a mutation in fibrillin-1 gene. We explored his autopsied lung specimen for the relationship between the mutation in fibrillin-2 gene and upper lung fibrosis through the morphometry and the occupied area of elastic or reticular fibers, and through the immunohistochemical analysis in expression of fibrillin-2 antigen. The histopathological finding was consistent to pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis, in which the aberrant and imbalanced proliferations of elastic and reticular fibers, and the expression of fibrillin-2 antigen were observed.Conclusion: Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis occurred in the lung in the patient carrying a novel fibrillin-2 gene variant and had the aberrant proliferations of elastic and reticular fibers with the expression of fibrillin-2 antigen.
Efficacy of tolvaptan in postoperative volume therapy for acute Stanford type A aortic dissection
Authors: Wang Wenjun , Gao Feng , He Xuezhi , Gao Yang , Shi Lei , Liu Wei , Zhuang Xijing
Published: September 2022

Objective: Despite the increasing application of tolvaptan in cardiac surgery, there is no information on the use of tolvaptan in Stanford patients with type A aortic dissection. The objective of this study is to evaluate the clinical effect of tolvaptan in patients with type A aortic dissection after surgery.Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 45 patients treated for type A aortic dissection in our hospital from 2018 to 2020, including 21 patients who were treated with Group T and 24 patients who were not treated with Group L. Perioperative data were collected from the hospital's electronic records.Results: Patients receiving tolvaptan did not differ significantly from those on traditional diuretics in terms of the duration of mechanical ventilation, postoperative blood required, length of catecholamine use, or amount of diuretics received (all P> 0.05). The development of new atrial fibrillation was significantly less in the tolvaptan group (P=0.023). Urine volume was slightly, but non-significantly, higher in patients receiving tolvaptan. Serum levels of potassium, creatinine, and urea nitrogen did not differ between the groups in the week after surgery, while that of sodium was significantly higher in the tolvaptan-treated group on day 7 after transfer from the ICU (P=0.001). Sodium levels were also elevated by day 7 in patients receiving traditional diuretics (P=0.001). The serum creatinine and urea nitrogen levels were raised on both days 3 and 7 in both groups (both P<0.05).Conclusions: For patients after acute Stanford type A aortic dissection, both tolvaptan and traditional diuretics are effective and safe. Tolvaptan is more effective in reducing the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation. For patients following Acute Stanford A aortic dissection surgery, tolvaptan did not provide a greater advantage over loop diuretics in terms of fluid clearance, but it may reduce the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation.
Impacts of a weakened AMOC on precipitation over the Euro- Atlantic region in the EC-Earth3 climate model
Authors: Bellomo Katinka , Meccia Virna L. , D’Agostino Roberta , Fabiano Federico , Larson Sarah M. , von Hardenberg Jost , Corti Susanna
Published: September 2022

Given paleoclimatic evidence that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) may affect the global climate system, we conduct model experiments with EC-Earth3, a state-of-the-art GCM, to specifically investigate, for the first time, mechanisms of precipitation change over the Euro-Atlantic sector induced by a weakened AMOC. We artificially weaken the strength of the AMOC in the model through the release of a freshwater anomaly into the Northern Hemisphere high latitude ocean, thereby obtaining a ~57% weaker AMOC with respect to its preindustrial strength for 60 model years. Similar to prior studies, we find that Northern Hemisphere precipitation decreases in response to a weakened AMOC. However, we also find that the frequency of wet days increases in some regions. By computing the atmospheric moisture budget, we find that intensified but drier storms cause less precipitation over land. Nevertheless, changes in the jet stream tend to enhance precipitation over northwestern Europe. We further investigate the association of precipitation anomalies with large-scale atmospheric circulations by computing weather regimes through clustering of geopotential height daily anomalies. We find an increase in the frequency of the positive phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO+), which is associated with an increase in the occurrence of wet days over northern Europe and drier conditions over southern Europe. Since a ~57% reduction in the AMOC strength is within the inter-model range of projected AMOC declines by the end of the 21st century, our results have implications for understanding the role of AMOC in future hydrological changes.
The unbalanced rotating cylinder partially filled with fluid; multiple scales analysis of a forced Korteweg-de Vries-Burgers equation
Authors: Langthjem Mikael A. , Imura Makoto , Yamaguchi Kazuyuki
Published: September 2022

The paper is concerned with an unbalanced cylindrical rotor containing a small amount of fluid, spun out to form a thin fluid layer on the inner surface of the cylinder. The main interest is in the possibility of this fluid layer to counterbalance an unbalanced point mass, as well as in the derivation of approximate analytical solutions to the non-linear, forced equation that governs the fluid layer thickness perturbation. This equation is of the forced Korteveg-de Vries-Burgers type, and the analysis is based on the method of multiple scales. The leading-order solutions are capable of giving a qualitative explanation of the balancing effect of the fluid, in other words, to explain the mechanics of the so-called `fluid balancer'. Additionally, good agreement between theoretical and experimental results is found.
RF Sputtered ZnO Nanoballs on Porous Substrate for Highly Sensitive NO2 Gas Sensing Applications
Authors:   Department of Physics, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Delhi-NCR Campus, Ghaziabad 201204, India, Varshney Pankaj , Kumar Vinay ,   Centre for Bio-nanotechnology, Chaudhary Charan Singh, Haryana Agriculture University, Hisar 125004, India,   Department of Physics, Chaudhary Charan Singh, Haryana Agriculture University, Hisar 125004, India, Singh Pankaj ,   Department of Physics, Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, Delhi 110019, India, Sharma Ramphal ,   Thin Film and Nanotechnology laboratory, Department of Physics, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathawada University, Aurangabad 431004, India, Kumar Arvind ,   Thin Film Laboratory, Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Delhi 110016, India
Published: September 2022

In this work, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoballs were directly deposited on porous silicon (PS) substrates using RF magnetron sputtering method. The PS substrates were synthesised at room temperature via metal assisted chemical etching technique. The structural, surface morphological and cross-sectional properties of as prepared ZnO nanoballs were investigated by x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy techniques, respectively. The interaction of nitrogen dioxide (NO2 ) gas molecules with sensing layer and all sensing properties under lower detection limit (2 ppm–100 ppm) were studied in detail. The proposed ZnO nanoballs sensor chip exhibits high sensing response (29.2%) with fast response/recovery times (70 sec/96 sec) to 20 ppm NO2 in dry air at 250°C. Thus, the findings recommend the viability of ZnO nanoballs sensor as highly sensitive and selective NO2 gas sensor at moderate operating temperature regime.
Optimisation of Ibuprofen Extraction by Emulsion Liquid Membrane Using Box-Behnken Design
Authors:   School of Chemical Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, Mohd Harun Mohd Hazarel Zairy , Ahmad Abdul Latif ,   School of Chemical Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Published: September 2022

Emulsion liquid membrane (ELM) is a potential method for extracting ibuprofen (IBP) from aqueous solution. The concentrations of the carrier, surfactant and internal phases are important parameters to optimise the extraction efficiency of IBP. The Box-Behnken design (BBD) is used to optimise the main parameters of ELM, which are Aliquat 336 (A), Span 80 (B) and sodium carbonate, Na2CO3 (C). The responses were calculated using quadratic polynomial regression and the model suggests a significant result with the experimental data set, with the F-value and p-value calculated at 17.88% and 0.05%, respectively. Span 80 and Na2CO3 had a mutual interaction which was significant for the IBP extraction by ELM. At the optimised parameters, namely Aliquat 336 concentration (2 wt%), Span 80 concentration (4 wt%) and Na2CO3 concentration (0.1 M) resulted in 96.78% of IBP extraction.
A definition of primary operators in $J\bar T$-deformed CFTs
Authors: Guica Monica
Published: September 2022

J\bar TJT‾
- deformed CFTs provide an interesting example of non-local, yet
UV-complete two-dimensional QFTs that are entirely solvable. They have
been recently shown to possess an infinite set of symmetries, which are
a continuous deformation of the Virasoro-Kac-Moody symmetries of the
seed CFT. In this article, we put forth a definition of primary
operators in J\bar TJT‾
- deformed CFTs on a cylinder, which are singled out by having CFT-like
momentum-space commutation relations with the symmetry generators in the
decompatification limit. We show - based on results we first derive for
the case of J^1 \wedge J^2J1∧J2
- deformed CFTs - that all correlation functions of such operators in
the J\bar TJT‾
- deformed CFT can be computed exactly in terms of the correlation
functions of the undeformed CFT and are crossing symmetric in the plane
limit. In particular, two and three-point functions are simply given by
the corresponding momentum-space correlator in the undeformed CFT, with
all dimensions replaced by particular momentum-dependent conformal
dimensions. Interestingly, scattering amplitudes off the near-horizon of
extremal black holes are known to take a strikingly similar form.
Learning Summary Statistics for Bayesian Inference with Autoencoders
Authors: Albert Carlo , Ulzega Simone , Ozdemir Firat , Perez-Cruz Fernando , Mira Antonietta
Published: September 2022

For stochastic models with intractable likelihood functions, approximate Bayesian computation offers a way of approximating the true posterior through repeated comparisons of observations with simulated model outputs in terms of a small set of summary statistics. These statistics need to retain the information that is relevant for constraining the parameters but cancel out the noise.
They can thus be seen as thermodynamic state variables, for general stochastic models.
For many scientific applications, we need strictly more summary statistics than model parameters to reach a satisfactory approximation of the posterior.
Therefore, we propose to use a latent representation of deep neural networks based on Autoencoders as summary statistics.
To create an incentive for the encoder to encode all the parameter-related information but not the noise, we give the decoder access to explicit or implicit information on the noise that has been used to generate the training data.
We validate the approach empirically on two types of stochastic models.
A modified spectrophotometric method for selective determination of trace urea: application in the production process of ultrapure water
Authors: Jiang Shilong , Xiong Jianglei , Cheng Song , Cao Jiashun , Yuan Runbo
Published: September 2022

Conventional spectrophotometric methods were unable to accurately detect urea concentrations below 100 μg/L. A modified spectrophotometric method was developed to determine the trace urea in the ultrapure water (UPW) production process of the semiconductor manufacturing industry. This method was optimized based on the dosage of chemical agents, length of the optical path, and mode of the water bath. Metal ions were added to promote the stability of the chromogenic system. A calibration graph was observed with ideal linearity in the range of 0.8–100 μg/L. The detection and quantification limits of urea were 0.24 and 0.80 μg/L, respectively. The distribution of urea in raw water for the UPW production process was observed and the urea in tap water was 10–20 μg/L. The urea of municipal reclaimed water was 24–40 μg/L, which was twice that of industrial reclaimed water at 10–18 μg/L. The total removal rate of urea by the UPW production process was 50–70%. Reverse osmosis membranes played a critical role in the removal of urea (over 30%). The urea in the final UPW produced from tap water was approximately 4.1 μg/L, which creates a potential risk of excessive total organic carbon.
Adopting the circular model: opportunities and challenges of transforming wastewater treatment plants into resource recovery factories in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Ali Muhammad , Hong Pei-Ying , Mishra Himanshu , Vrouwenvelder Johannes , Saikaly Pascal E.
Published: September 2022

With the ever-growing population, water, energy, and resources need to be used carefully, reused, and renewed. There is an increasing global interest in resource recovery from ‘waste’, which is driven by sustainability and environmental concerns and motivated by the potential for economic benefits. A new era in waste (water) management is being realized where wastewater treatment is becoming part of the circular economy by integrating the production of reusable water with energy and resource recovery. In this new perspective, wastewater is no longer seen as a waste to be treated with energy expenditure but rather as a valuable source of freshwater, energy, nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorous), and materials (e.g., bioplastics, cellulose fibres, and alginate). In this review paper, the conversion of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) into resource recovery factories (RRFs) is presented as one of the ways forward to achieve a circular economy in the water sector for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The advanced technologies, some highlighted in the article, can be installed, integrated, or retrofitted into existing WWTPs to create RRFs enabling the recovery of freshwater, cellulose, alginate-like exopolymers (bio-ALE), and biogas from municipal wastewater achieving climate neutrality, decarbonization, and production of new and promising resources. The article highlights the need for modular, adaptive, and/or decentralized approaches using sustainable technologies such as aerobic granular sludge (AGS)-gravity-driven membrane (AGS-GDM), anaerobic electrochemical membrane bioreactor (AnEMBR), and anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) for conducive localized water reuse. The increase in reuse will reduce the pressure on non-renewable water resources and decrease dependency on the energy-intensive desalination process. This article also outlines the water challenges that are arising in KSA and what are the major water research programmes/themes undertaken to address these major challenges.
Biomarkers in Urological Cancers
Authors: Onal Bulent , Gultekin Mehmet Hamza , Simsekoglu Muhammed Fatih , Selcuk Berin , Gurbuz Ahmet
Published: September 2022

Urological tumours have become one of the most common cancers in the last decade. It is important to apply an approach that evaluates many factors related to the patient and the disease carefully to minimize cancer-associated morbidity and mortality. The clinical use of cancer biomarkers is a valuable part of the clinical management of urological cancers. These biomarkers may lead to optimized detection, treatment, and follow-up of urological cancers. With the development of molecular research, newly developed biomarkers and next-generation sequencing have also contributed to patient management. In this chapter, we will present biomarkers in the most common urological cancers under subheadings of bladder cancer, prostate cancer, kidney cancer, and testicular cancer. Additionally, due to the development that occurred in the next-generation sequencing (NGS), all the above-mentioned malignancies are evaluated with regard to NGS.
Application of New Acute Kidney Injury Biomarkers
Authors: Seyahi Nurhan Seyahi , Ozcan Seyda Gul
Published: September 2022

Kidney-related biomarkers can provide structural and functional information
about different parts of the nephron. These biomarkers can be used to evaluate
glomerular, tubular, or interstitial injury, inflammation, or repair, and glomerular or
tubular function. Furthermore, biomarkers can improve the acute kidney injury
diagnosis in various clinical conditions, including acute interstitial nephritis, acute
tubular injury, hepatorenal and cardiorenal syndrome, ischemic and nephrotoxic acute
kidney injury, and drug-induced acute kidney injury. Biomarkers might be used as an
additional precision medicine tool in managing patients with acute kidney injury; they
can help with clinical decision-making and impact patient outcomes. In this chapter, we
reviewed the utility of biomarkers used in acute kidney injury.
Research progress on magnesium silicate hydrate phases and future opportunities
Authors: Bernard Ellina
Published: September 2022

This short letter summaries the latest research on the structure and thermodynamic modelling of the magnesium silicate hydrates (M-S-H) phases. M-S-H structure is comparable to hydrated clays, with a smaller and rounder microstructures compared to clay platelets. Similar to clay minerals, M-S-H can incorporate ions such as aluminium and hydrated exchangeable cations to compensate the negative surface charge. This fundamental understanding of M-S-H structure allowed to develop structure-based thermodynamic models, which can further help to optimise the conditions for M-S-H formation and its use as cementitious materials. Optimized binders containing M-S-H have the advantages of presenting: i) good mechanical properties, ii) dense microstructure and potentially good resistances to leaching and iii) low pH values. These types of binders could therefore be used for cement products with non-steel reinforcement, for the encapsulation of specific wastes, for products containing natural fibres or for the clay stabilisation, etc.
Regeren over onzekerheid
Authors: Apt Alma
Published: September 2022

In Het regeren van precairen analyseert Isabell Lorey hoe het mogelijk is dat een aanzienlijk deel van de bevolking van neoliberale samenlevingen met onzekerheid leeft zonder zich te verzetten. Zij concludeert dat de logica van het liberalisme precariteit tegenover veiligstelling plaatst, waardoor individuen zichzelf middels zelfregeringstechnieken proberen af te schermen en zich niet verzetten tegen precariteit.
The PTSD Family Coach App: A Preliminary Evaluation Among Veteran Family Members (Preprint)
Authors: van Stolk-Cooke Katherine , Wielgosz Joseph , Hallenbeck Haijing , Chang Andrew , Rosen Craig , Owen Jason , Kuhn Eric
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among U.S. military veterans can adversely impact their concerned significant others (CSOs; e.g., family, romantic partners). Mobile apps can be tailored to support CSO mental health with psychoeducation, coping skills, and stress monitoring.

OBJECTIVE

The present study assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of PTSD Family Coach 1.0, a free, publicly available app for CSOs of veterans with PTSD.

METHODS

Two hundred participants who were an average of 39 years old (SD = 8.44), primarily female (97%), and White (80%) were randomized to self-guided use of either PTSD Family Coach 1.0 (n = 104) or a psychoeducation-only app (n = 96) for four weeks. Caregiver burden, stress, depression, anxiety, beliefs about treatment, and relationship functioning were assessed via web survey at baseline and posttreatment. User satisfaction and app helpfulness were assessed at posttreatment.

RESULTS

101 (50.5%) randomized participants used their allocated app. Participants found PTSD Family Coach 1.0 somewhat satisfying to use (M=4.88, SD=1.11) and moderately helpful (M=2.99, SD=0.97). Linear mixed effects models revealed no significant differences in outcomes by condition. Post hoc analyses collapsing across conditions revealed a significant between-groups effect on stress for app users versus nonusers (beta = -3.62, t(281)=-2.27, P=.023).

CONCLUSIONS

Although participants found PTSD Family Coach 1.0 acceptable, suboptimal app use suggests limitations to this version’s feasibility. App use regardless of condition was associated with reduced stress.
Artificial Intelligence in intensive care medicine: Bibliometric Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Tang Ri , Zhang Shuyi , Ding Chenling , Zhu Mingli , Gao Yuan
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

Interest in critical care-related Artificial Intelligence (AI) research is growing rapidly. However, the literature is still lacking in comprehensive bibliometric studies that measure and analyze scientific publications globally.

OBJECTIVE

This study's objective is to assess the global research trends in artificial intelligence (AI) in intensive care medicine based on publication outputs, citations, co-authorships between nations, and co-occurrences of author keywords.

METHODS

3619 documents published up to March 2022 were retrieved from the Scopus database. After selecting document type as articles, the title and abstract are checked for eligibility. For the final bibliometric study using Vosviwer, 1198 papers were included. The growth rate of publications, preferred journals, leading research countries, international collaboration, and top institutions was computed.

RESULTS

The number of publications increased steeply between 2018 and 2022, accounting for 72.54% (869/1198) of all included papers. USA and China contributed to about 55% of total publications. Nine out of fifteen most productive institutions were among top 100 universities worldwide. Detecting clinical deterioration, monitoring, predicting disease progression, mortality, prognosis, and classifying disease phenotype or subtype are some of the research hotspots for AI in critically ill patients. Neural networks, decision support systems, machine learning, and deep learning were all commonly utilized AI technology.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights popular research areas in AI research aimed at improving health care in ICUs, offers a comprehensive look at the research trend in AI application in the ICU, and provides insight into potential collaboration and prospects for future research. The 30 articles that received the most citations were listed in detail. For AI-based clinical research to be convincing enough for routine critical care practice, collaborative research efforts are needed to increase the maturity and robustness of AI-driven models.

CLINICALTRIAL

N.A.
Smartphone Global Positioning System–Based System to Assess Mobility in Health Research: Development, Accuracy, and Usability Study (Preprint)
Authors: Spang Robert P , Haeger Christine , Mümken Sandra A , Brauer Max , Voigt-Antons Jan-Niklas , Gellert Paul
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

As global positioning system (GPS) measurement is getting more precise and affordable, health researchers can now objectively measure mobility using GPS sensors. Available systems, however, often lack data security and means of adaptation and often rely on a permanent internet connection.

OBJECTIVE

To overcome these issues, we aimed to develop and test an easy-to-use, easy-to-adapt, and offline working app using smartphone sensors (GPS and accelerometry) for the quantification of mobility parameters.

METHODS

An Android app, a server backend, and a specialized analysis pipeline have been developed (development substudy). Parameters of mobility by the study team members were extracted from the recorded GPS data using existing and newly developed algorithms. Test measurements were performed with participants to complete accuracy and reliability tests (accuracy substudy). Usability was examined by interviewing community-dwelling older adults after 1 week of device use, followed by an iterative app design process (usability substudy).

RESULTS

The study protocol and the software toolchain worked reliably and accurately, even under suboptimal conditions, such as narrow streets and rural areas. The developed algorithms had high accuracy (97.4% correctness, F1-score=0.975) in distinguishing dwelling periods from moving intervals. The accuracy of the stop/trip classification is fundamental to second-order analyses such as the time out of home, as they rely on a precise discrimination between the 2 classes. The usability of the app and the study protocol was piloted with older adults, which showed low barriers and easy implementation into daily routines.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on accuracy analyses and users’ experience with the proposed system for GPS assessments, the developed algorithm showed great potential for app-based estimation of mobility in diverse health research contexts, including mobility patterns of community-dwelling older adults living in rural areas.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

RR2-10.1186/s12877-021-02739-0
Implementing a Machine Learning Screening Tool for Malnutrition: Insights From Qualitative Research Applicable to Other Machine Learning–Based Clinical Decision Support Systems (Preprint)
Authors: Besculides Melanie , Mazumdar Madhu , Phlegar Sydney , Freeman Robert , Wilson Sara , Joshi Himanshu , Kia Arash , Gorbenko Ksenia
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

Machine learning (ML)–based clinical decision support systems (CDSS) are popular in clinical practice settings but are often criticized for being limited in usability, interpretability, and effectiveness. Evaluating the implementation of ML-based CDSS is critical to ensure CDSS is acceptable and useful to clinicians and helps them deliver high-quality health care. Malnutrition is a common and underdiagnosed condition among hospital patients, which can have serious adverse impacts. Early identification and treatment of malnutrition are important.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the implementation of an ML tool, Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST)–Plus, that predicts hospital patients at high risk for malnutrition and identify best implementation practices applicable to this and other ML-based CDSS.

METHODS

We conducted a qualitative postimplementation evaluation using in-depth interviews with registered dietitians (RDs) who use MUST-Plus output in their everyday work. After coding the data, we mapped emergent themes onto select domains of the nonadoption, abandonment, scale-up, spread, and sustainability (NASSS) framework.

RESULTS

We interviewed 17 of the 24 RDs approached (71%), representing 37% of those who use MUST-Plus output. Several themes emerged: (1) enhancements to the tool were made to improve accuracy and usability; (2) MUST-Plus helped identify patients that would not otherwise be seen; perceived usefulness was highest in the original site; (3) perceived accuracy varied by respondent and site; (4) RDs valued autonomy in prioritizing patients; (5) depth of tool understanding varied by hospital and level; (6) MUST-Plus was integrated into workflows and electronic health records; and (7) RDs expressed a desire to eventually have 1 automated screener.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that continuous involvement of stakeholders at new sites given staff turnover is vital to ensure buy-in. Qualitative research can help identify the potential bias of ML tools and should be widely used to ensure health equity. Ongoing collaboration among CDSS developers, data scientists, and clinical providers may help refine CDSS for optimal use and improve the acceptability of CDSS in the clinical context.

CLINICALTRIAL