bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Upscaling Method for the In-Situ Conversion Process
Authors: Tan Qizhi , Wang Yanji , Li Hangyu , Liu Shuyang , Xu Jianchun
Published: February 2023

The simulation of the in-situ conversion process (ICP) is a challenging endeavor that involves complicated thermal-reactive-compositional coupling processes. The upscaling of ICP simulation has been investigated, but the developed methods have significant limitations, which hinder their use in complicated models. The most constraining limitation of previous ICP upscaling techniques is that they all require modifications of the simulation code, which make them difficult to use in closed-source commercial simulators. In this paper, we introduce a novel upscaling method for ICP simulation. In this new method, we introduce two correction factors (namely α and β in this paper) to adjust the coarse-scale reaction frequency factor and activation energy. The calculation of the two factors is based on the reactions on both coarse-scale and fine-scale models. The new upscaling method does not entail any additional modifications of the underlying simulation source code, and thus it is more feasible to implement. We demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of our upscaling method with 2D and 3D models, respectively. Apart from model dimensions, the availability of the novel upscaling method for ICP simulations with different values of kinetic parameters is considered as well. It is shown that the novel upscaling method provides reasonably accurate results, and significant computational savings are also achieved.
Self-determination Theory Interventions Versus Usual Care in People with Diabetes: a Systematic Review with Meta-analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis
Authors: Mathiesen Anne Sophie , Zoffmann Vibeke , Lindschou Jane , Jakobsen Janus Christian , Gluud Christian , Due-Christensen Mette , Rasmussen Bodil , Marqvorsen Emilie Haarslev Schröder , Lund-Jacobsen Trine , Skytte Tine Bruhn , Thomsen Thordis , Rothmann Mette Juel
Published: February 2023

Background
Autonomy supporting interventions, such as self-determination theory and guided self-determination interventions, may be a prerequisite to achieve long-term improvements in people with diabetes. Such interventions have never been systematically reviewed assessing benefits and harms and controlling the risks of random errors using trial sequential analysis methodology. This systematic review investigates the benefits and harms of self-determination theory-based interventions versus usual care in people with diabetes.
Methods
We followed Cochrane guidelines and the PRISMA checklist. Randomized clinical trials assessing interventions theoretically based on guided self-determination or self-determination theory in any setting were included. A comprehensive search (latest search April 2022) was undertaken in CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, PsycINFO, SCI-EXPANDED, CINAHL, SSCI, CPCI-S, and CPCI-SSH to identify relevant trials. Our primary outcomes were quality of life, all-cause mortality, and serious adverse events. Our secondary outcomes were diabetes distress, depressive symptoms, and non-serious adverse events not considered serious. Exploratory outcomes were glycated hemoglobin and motivation (autonomy, controlled, amotivation). Outcomes were assessed at the end of the intervention (primary timepoint) and at maximum follow-up. The analyses were conducted using Review Manager 5.4 and Trial Sequential Analysis 0.9.5.10. Two authors independently screened, extracted data, and performed risk of bias assessment of included trials using the Cochrane risk of bias tool 1.0. Certainty of the evidence was assessed by GRADE.
Results
Our search identified 5578 potentially eligible studies of which 11 randomized trials (6059 participants) were included. All trials were assessed at overall high risk of bias. We found no effect of self-determination theory-based interventions compared with usual care on quality of life (mean difference 0.00 points, 95% CI -4.85, 4.86, I2=0%; 225 participants, 3 trials, TSA-adjusted CI -11.83, 11.83), all-cause mortality, serious adverse events, diabetes distress, depressive symptoms, adverse events, glycated hemoglobulin A1c, or motivation (controlled). The certainty of the evidence was low to very low for all outcomes. We found beneficial effect on motivation (autonomous and amotivation; low certainty evidence).
Conclusions
We found no effect of self-determination-based interventions on our primary or secondary outcomes. The evidence was of very low certainty.
Systematic review registration
The protocol has been registered in PROSPERO reg.no CRD42020181144.
Screening of diagnostic markers related to immune infiltration in osteoarthritis patients based on machine learning
Authors: Yang Su , Li Xi-yong , Wang Yue-peng , liao Chang-sheng , Han Peng-yong , Han Peng-fei
Published: February 2023

Purpose We analyze the immune infiltration model of osteoarthritis to determine the relevant diagnostic biomarkers (OA), and to provide some help for the treatment and diagnosis of OA. Methods From the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, we downloaded GSE168505 and GSE114007 gene expression datasets, including 24 patients and 21 healthy controls. The R softwareLimmapackage andSVApackage were used to analyze the batch effect. We selected differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and we then analyzed the DEGs’ functional enrichment. We performed differential analysis to pick out the differentially expressed immune-related genes (DEIRGs) in the merged data set. We first selected the candidate genes by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method, and then further screened the diagnostic markers by support vector machine-recursive feature elimination algorithm (SVM-RFE). In dataset GSE129147, the diagnostic value was determined by drawing the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. In addition, we used the CIBERSORT program to assess the 22 kinds immune cells of infiltration models. Finally, an in vitro cell model of OA was established by interleukin-1β(IL-1β) to verify the bioinformatics results. Results Through differential analysis, 454 differential genes were identified, mainly involved ossification, extracellular matrix organization, collagen − containing extracellular matrix, metalloendopeptidase activity, PI3K − Akt signaling pathway, regulation of cell population proliferation, and other biological processes. We screened BIRC5 and TNFSF11 as candidate biomarkers by machine learning. In the data set GSE129147, BIRC5 and TNFSF11 were verified as diagnostic markers of OA by the ROC curve. The following correlation analysis found that BIRC5 and TNFSF11 were correlated with Mast cells resting, NK cells resting, Monocytes, Plasma cells, Eosinophil, Macrophages M0, and Macrophages M2. The expression of BIRC5 and TNFSF11 was up-regulated in the OA model in vitro. Conclusion We conclude that BIRC5 and TNFSF11 can be biomarkers for diagnosing OA. This discovery provides a direction for the occurrence of OA and the exploration of new treatment methods from the perspective of immunology.
Prevalence and Risk factors of Diabetes foot ulcers in Kano, Northwestern Nigeria
Authors: Aliyu Raliyatu , Gezawa Ibrahim D , Uloko Andrew E , Ramalan Mansur A
Published: February 2023

Background: Foot complications account for more hospital admissions than any other Diabetes Mellitus (DM) complications with adverse outcomes being foot ulcers and amputation.
Objective:To determine the prevalence and risk factors of diabetic foot ulcers in Kano, Northwestern Nigeria.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the diabetes outpatient clinics, medical and surgical wards of two hospitals in Kano, Nigeria. Data was collected on Socio – demographic characteristics, type and duration of DM. The study subjects were assessed for presence and risk factors for foot ulcers.
Results: We recruited 394 patients with DM (163 males and 231 females) with mean (SD) age and duration of DM of 50.8±12.5years and 7.72±6.65years respectively. Type 2DM was present in 95% of the study subjects. Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) was present in 57(14.5%) of the patients. Risk factors associated with DFU assessed using univariate analysis were older age, longer duration of DM, presence of Peripheral neuropathy(PN), Peripheral arterial disease(PAD), diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, foot deformities, previous DFU and poor glycemic control. The independent determinants of DFU were previous DFU, foot deformities, retinopathy, PN, PAD and poor glycemic control.
Conclusion: DFU can be relatively found in our setting and the predominant risk factors for DFU are common and still remain unchanged in our environment. This study therefore buttresses the effect of early detection and treatment of DM in preventing the complications that arise from the disease.
Defining Medication Discontinuation from Prescription Claims Records to Initiate Clinical Intervention in Schizophrenia & Bipolar disorder: A Systematic Review
Authors: Musker Michael , Lewis Martin , Schrader Geoffrey , Isaac Vivian , Strobel Jorg , Bidargaddi Niranjan
Published: February 2023

Background: Digitally accessible prescription claims have potential utility in timely identification and active follow up interventions for unsupervised medication discontinuation in consumers with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, that may prevent relapse and other adverse outcomes. We conducted a systematic review in order to identify and understand definitions of non-adherence from prescription claims records to serve as decision points for interventions.
Methods: Electronic searches were conducted using Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and PsycINFO on 12 January 2020 to identify studies published in English. Data extraction was done by two reviewers independently. A narrative synthesis and tabulation of outcomes was performed. PROSPERO (CRD42020201708).
Results: Thirty-one studies were eligible for analysis. Three common computing parameters were used to calculate non-adherence over 12 months, the Medication Possession Ratio (MPR) was used most frequently (21 studies - 68%) with a non-adherence threshold <0.8 (or <80% use of the full prescription of medication) in 55% of studies (n=17). All studies defined non-adherence retrospectively, and the main outcome reported by most studies was increased hospitalisation (24 of 31 studies – 77%).
Discussion: Computing non-adherence from prescription claim records is a potential decision point for interventions. Better utilisation of this widely available data should be used to improve clinical practice and ensure targeted access to services.
Conclusion: While there was variation in methods used to compute non-adherence parameters from prescription claims records, all approaches demonstrated that non-adherence was associated with adverse outcomes, the foremost of which was rehospitalisation and increased costs of care.
Prospero Registration: PROSPERO CRD42020201708
Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of an electronic mindfulness-based intervention to improve maternal mental health in the peripartum: Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Branjerdporn Grace , Gillespie Kerri , Martin Elizabeth , Kissane Vivianne , De Young Alex , Ewais Tatjana , Goldsmith Kathleen , Wilson Susan , Adhikary Sam , McGahan Greg , Schulz Constanze , Beckmann Michael
Published: February 2023

Background: Perinatal women are highly vulnerable to developing mental health issues, and particularly susceptible to a recurrence of psychiatric illness. Poor mental health during the perinatal period can have long-term impacts on the physical and psychiatric health of both mother and child. A potentially useful strategy to improve women’s mental health is through a mobile application teaching mindfulness; an evidence-based technique helping individuals focus on the present moment.
Methods: A mixed method, prospective randomised controlled trial. The study group comprise women aged 18 years and over, who are attending the public and private maternity clinics at Mater Mothers’ Hospital. A sample of 360 prenatal women will be randomised into the intervention group (with use of the mindfulness app) or usual care. Participants will remain in the study for 11 months and will be assessed at four timepoints for changes in postnatal depression, mother-infant bonding, and quality of life. A cost-effectiveness evaluation will also be conducted using Quality-Adjusted Life Year (QALY) calculations. A random selection of intervention participants will be invited to attend focus groups to give feedback on the mindfulness app.
Discussion: Previous studies have found mindfulness interventions can reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances in a prenatal population. The risks of the intervention are low, but could be of significant benefit for women who are unable to attend face-to-face appointments due to geographical, financial, or time barriers; during endemic or pandemic scenarios; or due to health or mobility issues.
Trial registration: This study was approved by the Mater Misericordiae Human Research Ethics Committee (83589). The trial is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) (Trial ID: ACTRN12622001581752).
The TAS1R2 sweet taste receptor regulates skeletal muscle mass and fitness
Authors: Kyriazis George , Serrano Joan , Boyd Jordan , Mason Carter , Smith Kathleen , Karolyi Katalin , Kondo Saki , Brown Ian , Maurya Santosh , Meshram Nishita , Serna Vanida , Gilger Joshua , Branch Daniel , Gardell Stephen , Baskin Kedryn , Ayala Julio , Pratley Richard , Goodpaster Bret , Coen Paul
Published: February 2023

Muscle fitness and mass deteriorate under the conditions of obesity and aging for reasons yet to be fully elucidated. Herein, we describe a novel pathway linking peripheral nutrient sensing and skeletal muscle function through the sweet taste receptor TAS1R2 and the involvement of ERK2-PARP1-NAD signaling axis. Muscle-specific deletion of TAS1R2 (mKO) in mice produced elevated NAD levels due to suppressed PARP1 activity, improved mitochondrial function, increased muscle mass and strength, and prolonged running endurance. Deletion of TAS1R2 in obese or aged mice also ameliorated the decline in muscle mass and fitness arising from these conditions. Remarkably, partial loss-of-function of TAS1R2 (rs35874116) in older, obese humans recapitulated the healthier muscle phenotype displayed by mKO mice in response to exercise training. Our findings show that inhibition of the TAS1R2 signaling in skeletal muscle is a promising therapeutic approach to preserve muscle mass and function.
Spatial-temporal heterogeneity of the coupling between digital economy and ecological efficiency and its influencing factors in China
Authors: Zheng Ziyan , Zhu Yingming , Wang Yi , Yang Yaru , Fang Zijun
Published: February 2023

The synergy of the digital economy and ecological efficiency is the foundation for achieving a win-win situation for the economy and the environment in the post-epidemic era. It is the catalyst for sustainable economic growth and high-quality development in China. Specifically, the study applies modified E-G index, super-efficiency slacks-based measure (SBM) with Malmquist-Luenberger (ML) index, entropy weight Topsis, coupling coordination degree and other models to explore the spatial-temporal heterogeneity of the coupling between digital economy and ecological efficiency. In addition, the internal mechanism of coupling is analyzed from the dimensions of industrial collaboration, technological innovation, environmental regulation, and other aspects. The results show that the coupling between digital economy and ecological efficiency is an upward trend from imbalance to synergy in China on the whole. The distribution of the coupling at the synergistic level expanded from point-like to band-like, and the pattern of spreading from east to the center and west was significant. The number of cities in the transitional level decreased significantly. It can be seen that the jump phenomenon and linkage effect of coupling in space and time are significant. Additionally, the absolute difference among cities has expanded. Although the coupling in the west has the fastest growth rate, the coupling of the east and resource-based cities still has obvious advantages. Therefore, the interaction of systems has not reached the ideal coordinated state, and a benign interaction pattern has yet to be formed. Industrial synergy, industrial upgrading, government support, economic foundation, and spatial quality all show positive effect on promoting the coupling of digital economy and ecological efficiency; technological innovation reflects a certain lag; environmental regulation that has not been fully exerted needs to be used scientifically and accurately. Among them, the positive effects of government support and spatial quality performed better in the east and non-resource-based cities. Because of the continuous optimization of the industrial level, the coupling between the west and resource-based cities has achieved better dividends, but the spatial quality needs to be further improved. Therefore, the efficient coordination of China's digital economy and ecological efficiency urgently needs scientific, reasonable, localized, and distinctive manner.
COSMOS: A Platform for real-time morphology-based, label-free cell sorting using deep learning
Authors: Salek Mahyar , Li Nianzhen , Chou Hou-Pu , Saini Kiran , Jovic Andreja , Jacobs Kevin , Johnson Chassidy , Lu Vivian , Lee Esther , Chang Christina , Nguyen Phuc , Mei Jeanette , Pant Krishna , Wong-Thai Amy , Smith Quillan , Huang Stephanie , Chow Ryan , Cruz Janifer , Walker Jeff , Chan Bryan , Musci Thomas , Ashley Euan , Masaeli Maddison
Published: February 2023

Cells are the singular building blocks of life, and comprehensive understanding of morphology among other properties is crucial to assessment of underlying heterogeneity. We have developed Computational Sorting and Mapping of Single Cells (COSMOS), a platform based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and microfluidics to characterize and sort single cells based on deep learning interpretation of high-resolution brightfield images captured in real-time. Supervised deep learning models were applied to characterize and sort cell lines and dissociated primary tissue based on high-dimensional embedding vectors of morphology without need for biomarker labels and stains/dyes. We demonstrated COSMOS capabilities with multiple human cell lines and tissue samples. These early results suggest that our neural networks embedding space can capture and recapitulate deep visual characteristics and can be used to efficiently purify unlabeled viable cells with desired morphological traits. Our approach resolves a technical gap in ability to perform real-time deep learning assessment and sorting of cells based on high-resolution brightfield images, rather than limited biophysical parameters or reconstructed images.
A genome-wide co-expression network analysis revealed ZmNRAMP6-mediated regulatory pathway involved in maize tolerance to lead stress
Authors: Liu Peng , Jiang Li , Long Ping , Li Qinglin , Hou Fengxia , Yuan Guangsheng , Chen Zhong , Zhang Minyan , Zou Chaoying , Pan Guangtang , Ma Langlang , Shen Yaou
Published: February 2023

Lead (Pb) is one of the most toxic heavy metal pollutants, which can penetrate to plant cells via root absorption and thus cause irreversible damages to the human body through the food chain. To identify the hub gene responsible for Pb tolerance in maize, we performed a trait-associated co-expression network analysis at a genome-wide level, using two maize lines with contrasting Pb tolerances. Finally, ZmNRAMP6 that encodes a metal transporter was identified as the hub gene among the Pb tolerance-associated co-expression module. Heterologous expression of ZmNRAMP6 in yeast verified its role in Pb transport. Combined Arabidopsis overexpression and maize mutant analysis suggested that ZmNRAMP6 conferred plant sensitivity to Pb stress by transporting Pb ion from the roots to shoots. Knockout of ZmNRAMP6 caused Pb retention in the roots and activation of the antioxidant enzyme system, resulting in an increased Pb tolerance in maize. An integration of yeast one-hybrid and dual-luciferase reporter assay uncovered that ZmNRAMP6 was negatively regulated by a known Pb tolerance-related transcript factor ZmbZIP54. Different from the other known NRAMP genes, ZmNRAMP6 acted as a Pb transporter from the roots to shoots and environment. Collectively, knockout of ZmNRAMP6 will aid in the bioremediation of contaminated soil and food safety guarantee of forage and grain corn.
Vitamin D and Vitamin D receptor polymorphism in Asian Adolescents with primary dysmenorrhea
Authors: Donayeva Ainur , Amanzholkyzy Ainur , Nurgaliyeva Roza , Gubasheva Gulnara , Saparbayev Samat , Ayaganov Dinmukhamed , Kaldybayeva Aiman , Abdelazim Ibrahim A. , Farghali Mohamed M.
Published: February 2023

Background: The expression of vitamin D receptor in the normal endometrium and ovaries supports the role of vitamin D in local immunity and inflammatory cytokines regulation.
Objective: This study aimed to detect the relation between serum 25(OH)D and primary dysmenorrhea.
Methods: Two hundred and five (205) adolescents complaining of primary dysmenorrhea (study group) were compared with matched controls (210 controls), after informed consent following the Helsinki Declaration.
After thorough evaluation, and pelvic ultrasound examination, blood samples were collected from the studied adolescents for measuring the serum 25(OH)D and for vitamin D receptor TaqI (rs731236) genotyping.
Collected data were analyzed using the Pearson`s correlation to detect the relation between serum 25(OH)D and primary dysmenorrhea (primary outcome). The secondary outcome measures the odds of primary dysmenorrhea in Asian adolescents with TaqI (rs731236) polymorphism.
Results: The serum 25(OH)D was significantly lower in the studied-dysmenorrhea group compared to controls (16.17 ± 7.36 versus 17.65 ± 6.36 ng/ml, respectively), (P=0.01). The correlation analysis showed a significant negative correlation between the serum 25(OH)D, and visual analogue scale of dysmenorrhea (r=-0.9003, P<0.0001).
The studied-dysmenorrhea cases with T/t and t/t genotypes had significantly lower serum 25(OH)D (16.7 ± 8.05 and 14.4 ± 4.1 ng/ml, respectively) compared to controls (18.97 ± 6.7 and 21.4 ± 2.45 ng/ml, respectively), (P=0.02 and 0.004, respectively). The odds of primary dysmenorrhea were significantly higher in T/t and t/t genotypes (OR 1367.2, P<0.0001, and 106.2, P=0.001, respectively).
Conclusion: The serum 25(OH)D was significantly lower in the studied-dysmenorrhea group compared to controls. The studied-dysmenorrhea cases with T/t and t/t TaqI genotypes had significantly lower serum 25(OH)D compared to controls. The odds of primary dysmenorrhea were significantly higher in T/t and t/t TaqI genotypes.
Individual and population diversity of 20 representative olfactory receptor genes in pigs
Authors: Kang Mingue , Ahn Byeongyong , Youk Seungyeon , Jeon Hyoim , Soundarajan Nagasundarapandian , Cho Eun-Seok , Park Woncheoul , Park Chankyu
Published: February 2023

Understanding the influence of genetic variations in olfactory receptor (OR) genes on the olfaction-influenced phenotypes such as behaviors, reproduction, and feeding is important in animal biology. However, our understanding of the complexity of the OR subgenome is limited. In this study, we analyzed 1,120 typing results of 20 representative OR genes belonging to 13 OR families on 14 pig chromosomes from 56 individuals belonging to seven different breeds using a sequence-based OR typing method. We showed that the presence of copy number variations, conservation of locus-specific diversity, abundance of breed-specific alleles, presence of a loss-of-function allele, and low-level purifying selection in pig OR genes could be common characteristics of OR genes in mammals. The observed nucleotide sequence diversity of pig ORs was higher than that of dogs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the individual- or population-level characterization of a large number of OR family genes in livestock species.
Adaptation of the Professionalism Mini- Evaluation Exercise Instrument Into Turkish: A Validity and Reliability Study
Authors: Taşçı Ali İhsan , Akdeniz Esra , Gülpınar Mehmet Ali , Danacioglu Yavuz Onur , Sarı Emine Ergül , Yaşar Levent , Karandere Faruk , Ferahman Sina
Published: February 2023

Background

There is an ongoing search for standardized scales appropriate for each culture to evaluate professionalism, which is one of the basic competencies of a physician. The Professionalism Mini-evaluation Exercise (P-MEX) instrument measures professionalism that was developed in Canada. This study aimed to adapt P-MEX into Turkish and evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version.

Methods

A total of 58 resident students at Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital were assessed with the Turkish version of P-MEX by 24 raters consisting of faculty members, attending physicians, peer residents, and nurses during patient room visits and outpatient clinic and group practices. For construct validity, the confirmatory factor analysis through structural equation modeling was performed. For reliability, a decision study were undertaken, and Cronbach’s alpha scores were calculated. After the administration of P-MEX was completed, the participants were asked to provide feedback on the acceptability, feasibility, and educational impact of the instrument.

Results

A total of 696 forms were obtained from the administration of P-MEX. The content validity of P-MEX was found to be appropriate by the faculty members. In the confirmatory factor analysis of the original structure of the 24-item Turkish scale, the goodness-of-fit parameters were calculated as follows: CFI = 0.675, TLI = 0.604, and RMSEA = 0.089. In the second stage, the factors on which the items loaded were changed without removing any item, and the model was modified. For the modified model, the CFI, TLI, and RMSEA values were calculated as 0.857, 0.834, and 0.057, respectively. The decision study on the results obtained from the use of P-MEX in a Turkish population revealed the necessity to perform this evaluation 18 times to correctly evaluate professionalism with this instrument. Cronbach’s alpha score was 0.844. All the faculty members provided positive feedback on the acceptability, feasibility, and educational impact of the adapted P-MEX.

Conclusion

The findings of this study showed that the Turkish version of P-MEX had sufficient validity and reliability in assessing professionalism among resident students. Similarly, the acceptability and feasibility of the instrument were found to be high, and it had a positive impact on education.
Trial registration: 2020/249, Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital
Efficacy and safety of arthroscopy in femoroacetabular impingement syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lamo-Espinosa Jose María , Mariscal Gonzalo , Gómez-Álvarez Jorge , San-Julián Mikel
Published: February 2023

The aim of this study was to compare, in terms of efficacy and safety, arthroscopy with physiotherapy or joint lavage in patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). A meta-analysis using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Collaboration Library database was carried out in September 2022. We included studies focusing on patients with FAI undergoing arthroscopic surgery versus physiotherapy or arthroscopic lavage. Outcomes were functional scores (iHOT-33 and HOS ADL) and adverse events. We included randomized clinical trials. Data was combined using Review Manager 5.4. (PROSPERO: CRD42022375273). A total of six RCTs were included from a pool of 839 patients (407 females). iHOT-33 and HOS ADL scales showed significant differences at 12 months in favour of the arthroscopy group (MD 10.65; 95% CI; 6.54–4.76) and (MD 8.09; 95% CI; 3.11–13.07). MCID was not achieved through arthroscopy in functional variables. The rate of osteoarthritis (OR 6.18; 95% CI; 1.06–36.00) and numbness (OR 73.73; 95% CI; 10.00-43.92) was significantly high in the arthroscopy group. Arthroscopic surgery showed statistical superiority over the control group without exceeding MCID in most studies; however, the results might have been influenced by secondary variables. Finally, arthroscopic surgery showed a high rate of conversion to osteoarthritis.
Blocking muscle wasting via deletion of the muscle-specific E3 ubiquitin ligase MuRF1 impedes pancreatic tumor growth
Authors: Neyroud Daria , Laitano Orlando , Dasgupta Aneesha , Lopez Christopher , Schmitt Rebecca , Schneider Jessica , Hammers David , Sweeney Lee , Walter Glenn , Doles Jason , Judge Sarah , Judge Andrew
Published: February 2023

Cancer-induced muscle wasting reduces quality of life, complicates or precludes cancer treatments, and predicts early mortality. Herein, we investigated the requirement of the muscle-specific E3 ubiquitin ligase, MuRF1, for muscle wasting induced by pancreatic cancer. Murine pancreatic cancer (KPC) cells, or saline, were injected into the pancreas of WT and MuRF1-/- mice, and tissues analyzed throughout tumor progression. KPC tumors induced progressive wasting of skeletal muscle and systemic metabolic reprogramming in WT mice, but not MuRF1-/- mice. KPC tumors from MuRF1-/- mice also grew slower, and showed an accumulation of metabolites normally depleted by rapidly growing tumors. Mechanistically, MuRF1 was necessary for the KPC-induced increases in cytoskeletal and muscle contractile protein ubiquitination, and the depression of proteins that support protein synthesis. Together, these data demonstrate that MuRF1 is required for KPC-induced skeletal muscle wasting, whose deletion reprograms the systemic and tumor metabolome and delays tumor growth.
Diosmetin blocks type Ⅰ interferon signaling by metabolic control of phosphatidylethanolamine
Authors: Shen Nan , Jiang Xiaoyue , Yin Zhihua , Liu Can , Gao Xingyu , Cai Bin , Zhou Kaixia , Qi Chaojun , Deng Jun , Qu Bo , Qin Yuting , Ding Huihua , Ye Zhizhong , Wu Lingling
Published: February 2023

Type I interferon (IFN-I) is essential in the development of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and many other autoimmune diseases. To explore the metabolic regulations of IFN-I signaling pathway, we conducted a high through-put screening of a small molecule library and identified diosmetin as a potent compound for blocking IFN-I signaling. We showed diosmetin functioned by preventing the alteration of cellular phosphatidylethanolamine and the spatiotemporal dynamics of IFNAR2 during the activation of IFN-I signaling pathway, and CYP1B1 was verified as the potential target of diosmetin. Further, diosmetin can ameliorate lupus-like autoimmune phenotypes in IFNα-accelerated NZB/NZW F1 lupus model and pristane-induced murine lupus model. Of note, diosmetin can block over-activated IFN-I signaling pathway in PBMCs from lupus patients by reducing the expression of CYP1B1. Our findings reveal a novel lipid metabolic regulation of IFN-I signaling and a potent alternative therapeutic target for autoimmune diseases with overactivated IFN-I signaling pathway.
Deciphering the Role of Saliva in COVID 19: A Global Cross-Sectional Study on the Knowledge, Awareness and Perception among Dentists
Authors: Kritika Selvakumar , Mahalaxmi Sekar , Sriniva N , Krithikadatta Jogikalmat
Published: February 2023

Objectives: The global pandemic outbreak of the coronavirus has instilled the quest amongst researchers on the expedited need for the early detection of viral load. Saliva is a complex oral biological fluid which not only causes the disease transmission but can be an effective alternative sample for detection of SARS-CoV2. This provides an ideal opportunity for dentists to be the frontline healthcare professionals who can collect the salivary samples; however the awareness of this amongst dentists is uncertain. Hence the aim of this survey was to evaluate the knowledge, perception and awareness of the role of saliva in detecting the SARS-CoV2 among dentists worldwide.
Methods: The online questionnaire comprising of 19 questions was shared to 1100 dentists worldwide and a total of 720 responses was collected. The data was tabulated, statistically analysed using the non- parametric Kruskal-Wallis test (p<0.05). Based on the principal component analysis, 4 components (knowledge about virus transmission, perception about SARS-CoV2 virus, awareness on the sample collection and knowledge about prevention of the virus) were obtained which was compared with the 3 independent variables (years of clinical experience, occupation and region).
Results: A statistically significant difference was observed in the awareness quotient amongst the dentists with 0-5 years and greater than 20 years of clinical experience. In terms of the occupation, a significant difference was noted when comparing the postgraduate students to practitioners knowledge about the virus transmission. A highly significant difference was seen on comparing academicians and postgraduate students and also between academicians and practitioners. No significant difference was evidenced amongst the different regions, however the mean score was in the range of 3-3.44.
Conclusion: This survey highlights the deficiency in the knowledge, perception and awareness among dentists worldwide.
Long-term Trends in Arctic Riverine Chemistry Signal Multi-faceted Northern Change
Authors: Tank Suzanne , McClelland James , Spencer Robert , Shiklomanov Alexander , Suslova Anya , Moatar Florentina , Amon Rainer , Cooper Lee , Elias Greg , Gordeev Vyacheslav , Guay Christopher , Gurtovaya Tatiana , Kosmenko Lyudmila , Mutter Edda , Peterson Bruce , Peucker-Ehrenbrink Bernhard , Raymond Peter , Schuster Paul , Scott Lindsay , Staples Robin , Striegl Robert , Tretiakov Mikhail , Zhulidov Alexander , Zimov Nikita , Zimov Sergey , Holmes Robert
Published: February 2023

Large rivers integrate processes occurring throughout their watersheds, and are therefore sentinels of change across broad spatial scales. Riverine chemistry also regulates ecosystem function across Earth’s land-ocean continuum, exerting control from the micro- (e.g., food web) to the macro- (e.g., carbon cycle) scale. In the rapidly warming Arctic, a wide range of processes have been hypothesized to alter river water chemistry. However, it is unknown how the land-ocean flux of waterborne constituents is changing at the pan-Arctic scale. Here, we show profound shifts in the concentration and transport of biogeochemical constituents in the six largest Arctic rivers (the Ob’, Yenisey, Lena, Kolyma, Yukon, and Mackenzie) since 2003, near river mouths capturing two-thirds of the pan-Arctic watershed. While some constituent fluxes increase substantially at the pan-Arctic scale (alkalinity and associated ions), others decline (nitrate and associated inorganic nutrients) or are overall unchanged (dissolved organics). These clear but divergent trends diagnose a multi-systems perturbation that indicates alteration of processes ranging from chemical weathering on land, to primary production in the coastal ocean. We anticipate these findings will refine models of current and future functioning of the coupled land-ocean Arctic system, and spur research on scale-dependent change across the river-integrated Arctic domain.
Water stabilizes an alternate turn conformation in horse heart myoglobin
Authors: Bronstein Alex , Marx Ailie
Published: February 2023

Comparison of myoglobin structures reveals that protein isolated from horse heart consistently adopts an alternate turn conformation in comparison to its homologues. Analysis of hundreds of high-resolution structures discounts crystallization conditions or the surrounding amino acid protein environment as explaining this difference, that is also not captured by the AlphaFold prediction. Rather, a water molecule is identified as stabilizing the conformation in the horse heart structure, which immediately reverts to the whale conformation in molecular dynamics simulations excluding that structural water.
Battery pack degradation - Understanding aging in parallel-connected lithium-ion batteries under thermal gradients
Authors: Naylor-Marlow Max , Chen Jingyi , Wu Billy
Published: February 2023

Practical lithium-ion battery systems require parallelisation of tens to hundreds of cells to achieve high capacities, however interconnection resistances, pack architecture and thermal gradients influence initial and subsequent lifetime performance. Fundamental understanding around the interplay between these design factors and degradation modes is still a major gap; motivating this work to develop understanding around the effects of heterogeneities on parallel-string degradation. An experimental study of surface cooled parallel-string lifetime (temperature range 20-45 °C) shows thermal heterogeneities caused divergent capacity fade between parallel-connected cells. While growth of the anode solid-electrolyte interphase is generally quoted as the dominant degradation mechanism, for the blended cathode (lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide/lithium cobalt oxide) cells studied, impedance growth was negatively correlated with temperature, suggesting other dominant mechanisms. Consequently, increasingly heterogeneous current and state-of-charge distributions occur during aging. Quantitative diagnostics indicate significant loss of cathode active material over the range of temperatures studied. From this, a mechanistic explanation of the observed degradation behaviour is proposed and the comprehensive aging dataset is made available. This work thus highlights the critical role of capturing cathode degradation processes in parallel-connected batteries; providing key insights for battery pack developers.
A serial mediation model of social media addiction and college students’ academic engagement: The role of sleep quality and fatigue
Authors: Zhuang Jie , Mou Qiaoxing , Zheng Tong , Gao Fei , Zhong Yaqin , Lu Qingyun , Gao Yuexia , zhao Miaomiao
Published: February 2023

Background
It has been documented that social media addiction (SMA) has a detrimental effect on college students’ academic engagement. However, the mechanisms underlying this association have been little studied. This study aimed to determine the serial mediation effects of sleep quality and fatigue in the connection between SMA and academic engagement among college students.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 2661 college students. The participants completed the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, and the Utrecht Student Work Engagement Scale for Students, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Fatigue Assessment Scale. The serial mediation effects were examined using Model 6 in Hayes’ PROCESS macro for SPSS.
Results
The results showed that SMA among college students had a negative relationship with their academic engagement (Effect = − 0.051, 95% CI: −0.087 to − 0.015); both sleep quality(Effect = − 0.031, 95% CI: −0.048 to − 0.016) and fatigue played(Effect = − 0.109, 95% CI: −0.133 to − 0.088) partial and parallel mediation role in the relationship between SMA and academic engagement; and sleep quality and fatigue played a serial mediating role in the relationship between SMA and academic engagement(Effect = − 0.080, 95% CI: −0.095 to − 0.066). The total mediation effect was 81.2%.
Conclusions
Decreased academic engagement caused by SMA can be aggravated by poor sleep quality and fatigue. Therefore, improving sleep quality and reducing fatigue should be considered in interventions for college students addicted to social media to promote their engagement in academic work.
Comparison of the Efficacy of 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT and 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/MRI for Prostate Cancer Staging: Protocol of a Single-Center Prospective Study
Authors: Wang Ye , Zhang Xiaomin , Cheng Chao , Chen Rui , Ta Na , Yan Shi , Xiao YuTian , Wang Jian , Song Shaoli , Zuo Changjing , Ren Shancheng
Published: February 2023

Background: Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in men; thus, its diagnosis is of utmost importance. With the advancement of imaging techniques, many diagnostic methods have become available, the most novel being prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET). The specificity and sensitivity of PSMA PET/computed tomography (CT) for the diagnosis of prostate cancer have already been recognized. Current research focuses on the utility of PSMA PET/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); however, almost all studies to date are retrospective. Therefore, we designed a prospective study to explore the diagnostic and staging efficacy of PSMA PET/MRI for prostate cancer by head-to-head comparison with PSMA PET/CT.
Methods: The study population will include patients with intermediate- or high-risk prostate cancer who will undergo both PSMA PET/CT and PSMA PET/MRI with a single contrast injection, followed by robot-assisted radical prostatectomy or systemic treatment. The imaging findings will be compared with the postoperative pathological findings to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of PSMA PET/MRI for in situ tumors, extracapsular extension, and seminal vesicle invasion.
Discussion: By head-to-head comparing the efficacy of PSMA PET/CT and PSMA PET/MRI with the use of pathological findings as control, we intend to support the use of PSMA PET/MRI in the diagnosis of PCa and determine the most suitable target population in clinical practice.
Trial registration: This study has been registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100042373)on January 21, 2021.
Using Spirulina as an adjuvant to the treatment of Periodontitis: a systematic review of clinical trials
Authors: Andrade Gabriel , Labarca Tomas Felipe , Llanca Valentina , Morales Paulina , Sabando Katherine , Ortuno Duniel
Published: February 2023

Background: This study aims to assess the clinical effectiveness of spirulina as an adjuvant to non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) in contrast with the use of NSPT alone for the treatment of periodontitis.
Method: A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Central Cochrane Library, Scielo, Epistemonikos, and Google Scholar databases until April, 1st 2022. Adults with periodontitis who received NSPT were included. The intervention group consisted of subjects that were administered spirulina as an adjuvant to NSPT; the control group received NSPT alone. The search terms included randomized controlled clinical trials (RCT), with no language restrictions, and the following clinical periodontal parameters were established as primary change results: bleeding on probing index, probing depth, clinical attachment levels and gingival index. The risk of bias (RoB) was assessed by the RoB-2 tool. The mean differences were calculated and grouped through a meta-analysis, by using a random effects model.
Results: The risk of bias in the selected articles varied from “serious” to “very serious”. It was detected that there was a higher reduction in probing depth stemming from the use of spirulina as an adjuvant to NSPT, as compared with the probing depth values seen when receiving NSPT alone.
Conclusion: The evidence on the reduction of probing depth experienced by those participants who were treated with spirulina as an adjuvant to NSPT, compared to the one observed in those receiving NSPT alone, is weak. However, its clinical relevance can be argued upon given the scarce number of articles with high certainty and the high heterogeneity of the studies analyzed.
Systematic Review Registration: The study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under the reference number CRD42022318265.
Budgets of Second-Order Turbulence Moments over a Real Urban Canopy
Authors: Akinlabi Emmanuel Olutayo , Giometto Marco , Li Dan
Published: February 2023

This study analyses budgets of second-order turbulence moments over a real urban canopy using large-eddy simulation (LES). The urban canopy is representative of the City of Boston, MA, United States and is characterized by a significant height variability relative to the mean building height. The budgets of double-average Reynolds-stress components, scalar fluxes, and scalar variances are examined with a focus on the importance of the dispersive terms above the mean building height. Results reveal the importance of the wake (dispersive) production term, in addition to the shear production term, in the turbulent kinetic energy, streamwise velocity variance and scalar variance budgets well above the mean building height. In this region, the turbulent and dispersive transport terms are smaller than the local production and dissipation terms. Nonetheless, the dispersive transport terms in the TKE and scalar variance budgets can be as important as their turbulent counterpart. The viscous dissipation term is the main sink in the TKE, vertical velocity variance and scalar variance budgets. In the momentum and scalar flux budgets, the pressure-strain correlation term and the pressure gradient-scalar interaction term are the significant sink terms, respectively. Our analysis highlights the complexity associated with the budgets of second-order turbulence moments over real urban canopies.
Using pseudo-labeling to improve performance of deep neural networks for animal identification
Authors: Ferreira Rafael E. P. , Lee Yong Jae , Dórea João R. R.
Published: February 2023

Contemporary approaches for animal identification use deep learning techniques to recognize coat color patterns and identify individual animals in a herd. However, deep learning algorithms usually require a large number of labeled images to achieve satisfactory performance, which creates the need to manually label all images when automated methods are not available. In this study, we evaluated the potential of a semi-supervised learning technique called pseudo-labeling to improve the predictive performance of deep neural networks trained to identify Holstein cows using labeled training sets of varied sizes and a larger unlabeled dataset. By using such technique to automatically label previously unlabeled images, we achieved an increase of up to 19.6 percentage points compared to using only manually labeled images for training. Our final best model achieved an accuracy of 92% on an independent test set to correctly identify individuals in a herd of 59 cows. These results indicate that it is possible to achieve better performing deep neural networks by using images that are automatically labeled based on a small dataset of manually labeled images using a relatively simple technique. Such strategy can save time and resources that would otherwise be used for labeling, and leverage well annotated small datasets.