bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Systematic Review of Intellectual and Developmental Disability Curriculum in International Pre-Graduate Health Professional Education
Authors: Vi Lisa , Jiwa Muhammad Irfan , Lunsky Yona , Thakur Anupam
Published: January 2023

Background
Despite the increasing global population of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), this population remains especially vulnerable to health disparities through several factors such as a lack of access to sufficient medical care and poor determinants of health. To add, numerous studies have shown that healthcare professionals are still insufficiently prepared to support this population of patients. This review synthesizes the literature on current pre-graduate IDD training programs across healthcare professions with the goal of informing the creation of evidence-based curricula.
Methods
Four major databases were searched for current pre-graduate IDD training interventions for healthcare professionals. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis flow diagram and the Best Evidence Medical Educations systematic review guide were used to frame our collection and analysis.
Results
Of the 6236 studies screened, 24 studies were identified, with most studies involving medical students (50%). Of note, 38% of studies were interprofessional. Most interventions utilized multiple pedagogical methods with a majority including clinical experiences (83%) followed by theoretical teaching (50%). Kirkpatrick outcomes showed 13% were level 0, 9% were level 1, 17% were level 2, 33% were level 2B, 25% were level 3, 4% were level 4A, and none were level 4B.
Conclusions
There is a paucity of formally evaluated studies in pre-graduate health professional IDD education. As well, there are a lack of longitudinal learning opportunities and integration into formal curriculum. Strengths identified were the use of multimodal approaches to teaching, including interprofessional approaches to optimize team competencies.
Highly Conformable Chip-in-Foil Implants for Neural Applications
Authors: Stieglitz Thomas , Gueli Calogero , Martens Julien , Eickenscheidt Max , Floto Niklas , Sporer Markus , Ortmanns Maurits
Published: January 2023

Demands on neural interfaces in terms of functionality, high spatial resolution, and longevity have recently increased. These requirements can be met with sophisticated silicon-based integrated circuits. Embedding miniaturized dice in flexible polymer substrates significantly improves the adaptation to the mechanical environment in the body and thus the systems’ structural biocompatibility as well as the ability to cover larger areas of the brain. This work addresses main challenges in developing a hybrid chip-in-foil neural implant. Assessments were related to: first, the mechanical compliance to the recipient tissue that allows a long-term application, and second, the suitable design that allows the implant’s scaling and modular adaptation of chip arrangement. Finite element model studies were performed to identify design rules regarding die geometry, interconnect routing, and positions for contact pads on dice. Providing edge fillets in the die base shape was an effective measure to improve die-substrate integrity and increase the area available for contact pads. Furthermore, the routing of interconnects in the immediate vicinity of die corners should be avoided, as the substrate in these areas is prone to mechanical stress concentration. Contact pads on dice should be placed with a clearance from the die rim to avoid delamination when the implant is conformed to a curvilinear body. A microfabrication process was developed to transfer, align and electrically interconnect multiple dice into conformable polyimide-based substrates. The process enabled arbitrary die shape and size and independent target positions on the conformable substrate from the die position on the fabrication wafer.
Recent tectonism on Mercury revealed by a global population of small grabens
Authors: Man Benjamin , Rothery David , Balme Matthew , Conway Susan , Wright Jack
Published: January 2023

Since Mariner 10 first imaged Mercury in 1974, tectonic landforms, of which shortening structures dominate, have been well documented. Most tectonic structures on Mercury are thought to have formed, and been most active, early in the planet’s history but here we report the discovery of widespread young extensional grabens. These landforms occur as secondary tectonic features on larger, compressional tectonic structures and indicate continued activity of the parent structure. Extensional grabens are 10s to 100s of metres deep, tens of km in length and generally less than one kilometre wide. We calculate that they are ~300 million years old or younger, otherwise impact gardening would mask their signature. Together, the global distribution of extensional grabens and their young age provide compelling evidence that many of Mercury’s shortening structures have continued to move until geologically recent times.
Cancer Patients Circadian Rhythm Assessment Based on Morningness-Eveningness Preference
Authors: Daftari Ghazal , Rad Nasim khajavi , Abbaszadeh Mahsa , Reyhan Sahar Karimpour
Published: January 2023

Background
The circadian rhythm regulates various physiological processes, including cell division and cancer development. This study aimed to investigate circadian rhythm patterns in cancer patients.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, 150 cancer patients admitted to the internal ward of Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex in the fall of 2021 were evaluated. The demographic characteristics of patients were collected using a checklist. Patients also completed a morningness-eveningness questionnaire (MEQ). Utilizing Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Fisher’s exact test, circadian rhythm types with continuous and categorical variables were compared.
Results
The mean age of the study’s participants was 49.83 ± 14.53 years. A total of 82.7% (n = 124) had non-hematological cancers, and breast cancer was the most prevalent type of cancer among patients (23.3%). The MEQ score of the patients ranged from 41 to 74, with a mean score of 56.6 ± 6.34 and neither type was the most common type.
conclusions
According to the findings of this study, the circadian rhythm is distributed normally among the participants.
Resilience capacities to reduce the impacts of natural disasters (flood)
Authors: Amirsadat Meysam , Omidipoor Kooresh , Bastaminia Amir , Meshkinghalam Mohammad Mehdi
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this study is to investigate and evaluate resilience capacities to reduce the impacts of natural disasters (floods) in Konarak city. This study is applied research, which uses descriptive-analytical method to identify and measure dimensions and components resilience of Konarak city. The sample size was estimated using Cochran's formula of 371 households in four neighborhoods of Shomal nirogah gazi, Surak, Nazarabad and Jonoob shahr of Konarak city. To conduct research, first by using library sources, indicators and factors affecting social, economic, institutional, physical, environmental, health-sanitary and individual resilience were identified, and then the field methods and questionnaire were used to collect the required information.In order to analyze the data, the coefficient of multiple correlations such as multiple regression analyses and path analysis were used. The results showed that the level of resilience in the Konarak city is in the social dimension 48.70, economic 38.61, institutional 41.56, physical 31.20, environmental 34.12, health-sanitary 27.48 and individual dimension 39.12, which were in an unfavourable situation. The highest level of resilience is related to the neighbourhoods Shomal nirogah gazi and Surak with 40.95 and 37.81%, respectively, and the lowest level of resilience is for the neighborhoods Nazarabad and Jonoob shahr with 34.22 and 36.05%, respectively. Also, path analysis of resilience shows that in relation to the direct effects of resilience, the social dimension has the highest effect with (0.56) and the next ranks are the economic dimension with (0.51), the environmental dimension (0.41), and the physical dimension (0.39). ), the individual dimension (0.37), the institutional dimension (0.13) and the health-sanitary dimension with (0.10) have influenced the resilience of Konark city. Regarding the indirect effects, social resilience has the highest (0.43) and institutional dimension has the lowest (0.04) indirect impact on the resilience of the sample neighbourhoods of Konarak city.
Multiple endocrine neoplasia may have an increased risk of other cancers？—Clinical characteristics of Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 or 2 patients with malignant tumors
Authors: Zhao Yu xing , Wang Ou , Song An , Wang Lin jie , Gong Feng ying , Duan Lian , Yang Hong bo , Pan Hui , Zhu Huijuan
Published: January 2023

Objective
We aim to summarized and analyzed characteristics of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2 (MEN-2) cases with other malignant tumors which not belong to MEN components.
Methods
The clinical data from patients with MEN-1 or MEN-2 in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from April 2012 to April 2022 were collected. Mutations of MEN1or RET were identified by Sanger sequencing or MLPA in MEN-1 or MEN-2 patients who were diagnosed with malignant tumors which not belong to MEN-1 components.
Results
A total of 221 patients were diagnosed of MEN-1, in which, 23(11.61%) patients were found to have malignant tumors not belong to MEN-1 components, including papillary thyroid carcinoma (4.52%), breast cancer (1.81%), urologic neoplasms (1.35%), Primary hepatic carcinoma (0.09%), meningeal sarcoma(0.05%), glioblastoma(0.05%), cervical cancer (0.05%), lung carcinoma（0.05%. The prevalence of endocrine neoplasm especially gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors were higher in MEN-1 patients with other malignant tumors compared to MEN-1 patients without malignant tumors. 76 patients were diagnosed of MEN-2, 2 (2.63%) patients were identified with papillary thyroid carcinoma and lung cancer respectively.
Conclusion
MEN-1 patients have a higher risk of developing malignant tumors than the general population, especially breast cancer, papillary thyroid carcinoma and urologic neoplasms. The specific mechanism is still unclear, but the clinical manifestations of MEN-1 patients with malignant tumors were more severe than those without malignant tumors.
Multispectral sensor fusion in SmartWatch for in situ continuous monitoring of human skin hydration and body sweat loss
Authors: Volkova Elena , Perchik Alexey , Pavlov Konstantin , Nikolaev Evgenii , Ayuev Alexey , Park Jaehyuck , Chang Namseok , Lee Wonseok , Kim Justin , Doronin Alexander , Vilenskii Maksim
Published: January 2023

Post-pandemic health operations have become a near-term reality, discussions around wearables are on the rise. How do wearable health solutions effectively deploy and use this opportunity to fill the gap between wellness and healthcare? In this paper, we will talk about taking a step further towards making wearable healthcare diagnosis closer to the reality, with a particular focus on monitoring skin hydration using optical multi-wavelength sensor fusion. Continuous monitoring of human skin hydration is a task of paramount importance for maintaining water loss dynamics for fitness lovers as well as for skin beauty, integrity and the health of the entire body. Preserving the appropriate levels of hydration ensures consistency of weight, positively affects psychological state, and proven to result in a decrease in blood pressure as well as the levels of "bad" cholesterol while slowing down the aging processes. Traditional methods for determining the state of water content in the skin do not allow continuous and non-invasive monitoring, which is required for variety of consumer, clinical and cosmetic applications. We present novel sensing technology and a pipeline for capturing, modeling and analyses of the skin hydration phenomena and associated changes therein. By expanding sensing capabilities built into the SmartWatch sensor and combining them with advanced modeling and Machine Learning algorithms, we identified several important characteristics of photoplethysmography (PPG) signal and spectral sensitivity corresponding to dynamics of skin water content. In a hardware aspect, we newly propose the exapntion of SmartWatch capabilities with InfraRed light sources equipped with specialized wavelengths of 970 nm and 1450 nm. Evaluation of the accuracy and characteristics of PPG sensors has been performed with biomedical optics-based simulation framework using Monte Carlo simulations. We performed rigorous validation of the developed technology using experimental and clinical studies. The developed pipeline serves as a tool in the ongoing studies of the next generation of optical sensing technology.
Repeatability coefficient for fruit quality and selection of mango hybrids using REML/BLUP analysis
Authors: Costa Cristina dos Santos Ribeiro , Costa Antonio Elton da Silva , Neto Francisco Pinheiro Lima , de Lima Maria Auxiliadora Coelho , Martins Luiza Suely Semen , Musser Rosimar dos Santos
Published: January 2023

Mango is a tropical fruit of significant economic, social, and nutritional importance. However, the low diversity of commercial mango orchards in Brazil highlights the need to broaden the genetic base of this crop. From this perspective, this study aimed to select mango genotypes for cultivation under semi-arid conditions using the mixed model methodology: restricted maximum likelihood/best linear unbiased prediction (REML/BLUP). Two hundred and ninety-two plants were evaluated over two crop seasons using fifteen traits related to fruit quality. The statistical analyses were performed with the software Selegen. The repeatability coefficient estimates (r) ranged from 0.06 to 0.97, and were considered high for most variables. The selective accuracy predicted by REML for the evaluated parameters ranged from 0.25 to 0.98, revealing a good degree of confidence in the inferences. For all evaluated traits there was a genetic gain with selection. Twelve genotypes were selected as the most promising using the minimum selection indices proposed in this study, showing higher mean values for all evaluated traits. These genotypes can be selected for new stages of the mango breeding program in the Brazilian semi-arid region.
Two-dimensional Kβ-Kα fluorescence spectrum by nonlinear resonant inelastic X-ray scattering
Authors: Tamasaku Kenji , Taguchi Munetaka , Inoue Ichiro , Osaka Taito , Inubushi Yuichi , Yabashi Makina , Ishikawa Tetsuya
Published: January 2023

High sensitivity of the Kβ fluorescence spectrum to electronic state is widely used to investigate spin and oxidation state of first-row transition-metal compounds. However, the complex electronic structure results in overlapping spectral features, and the interpretation may be hampered by ambiguity in resolving the spectrum into components representing different electronic states. Here, we tackle this difficulty with a new nonlinear resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) scheme, where we leverage sequential two-photon absorption to realize an inverse process of the Kβ emission, and measure the successive Kα emission. The nonlinear RIXS reveals two-dimensional Kβ-Kα fluorescence spectrum of copper metal, leading to better understanding of the spectral feature. We isolate 3d-related satellite peaks in the two-dimensional spectrum, and find good agreement with our atomic multiplet calculation. Our work not only advances the fluorescence spectroscopy, but opens the door to extend RIXS into the nonlinear regime.
Insufficient Knowledge of Human Papilloma Virus among Reproductive-Aged Women from Arak, Iran
Authors: Fathi Parnia-Sadat , Sofian Masoomeh , Almasi-Hashiani Amir , Larijani Mona Sadat , Ashrafian Fatemeh , Ramezani Amitis
Published: January 2023

Background
Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide. This study aimed at evaluation of women’s knowledge about HPV and HPV vaccine and identification of related factors conducted on 400 reproductive-aged women referred to health care centers in Arak, Iran.
Methods
A researcher-made questionnaire was applied to assess the participants’ knowledge regarding HPV and HPV vaccine among Iranian reproductive-aged women.
Results
Most participants were married (82%), diploma (34.6%), had two children (32.2%), and lived in an urban area (93%).The mean age among the studied population was 32.5 years. The associated HPV and vaccine knowledge were evaluated as insufficient in 86.5% and 79% of the participants, respectively. Out of 400, 37.5% and 34.5% of participants knew that the HPV vaccine protected against cervical cancer and genital warts, respectively. Our results revealed that the knowledge of the infection and its ways of protection were significantly higher in well-educated women. What is more, the awareness declined in those with more children in the family.
Conclusions
The level of understanding in terms of the incidence and also prevention was evaluated poor in our study. This highlights that further campaigns are required to improve it. Vaccination programs should be seriously considered to prevent HPV infection and its complications like cervical cancer.
Inferring Circadian Gene Regulatory Relationships from Gene Expression Data with a Hybrid Framework
Authors: Hu Shuwen , Yi Jing , Li Tao , Wang You-Gan , Liu Zhenyu , Gao Jing , Tian Yu-Chu
Published: January 2023

Background: The central biological clock controls countless aspects of mammalian physiology, such as sleep, metabolism, and immune system regulation. Gene regulatory relationships are essential in understanding the mechanisms that underlie various cellular biological processes. It is feasible to infer circadian gene regulatory relationships from time-series gene expression data. But the correlation-based inference of the relationships between genes does not provide sufficient information about causation. Moreover, gene expression data usually have low-sampling observations and high dimensions, leading to difficulties in gene data analysis.
Results: In this paper, we proposed a new hybrid framework to infer circadian gene regulatory relationships from gene expression data of rats. For practical clustering computation of the high-dimensional problem, the framework hybridizes the fuzzy C-means clustering algorithm and dynamic time warping (DTW) distance. After a cluster of genes is identified for the target gene, we conducted Wilcoxon signed-rank test to obtain the number of significant genes in the specific cluster. Finally, we applied a dynamic vector autoregressive method to the selected significant gene expression profiles to identify a directed causal regulatory relationship from partial correlation.
Conclusions: Circadian gene regulatory relationships are inferred from the gene expression data of rats based on the Aanat target gene. The results show that genes Pde10a, Atp7b, Prok2, Per1, Rhobtb3 and Dclk1 stand out, which have been known to be essential for the regulation of circadian behaviour. The potential relationships between genes Tspan15, Eprs, Eml5 and Fsbp with a circadian rhythm need further experimental research.
Culturally diverse facial expression signals diminish the precision of emotion communication across cultures
Authors: Chen Chaona , Messinger Daniel , Chen Cheng , Yan Hongmei , Duan Yaocong , Ince Robin , Garrod Oliver , Schyns Philippe , Jack Rachael
Published: January 2023

Communicating emotional intensity provides rich information both about the nature and likelihood of helpful or harmful behaviors. How human facial expressions achieve this complex signalling task remains unknown. Here, using the six classic emotions—happy, surprise, fear, disgust, anger, sad—in two distinct cultures (East Asian, Western European; total N = 120 individual observers), we mathematically modelled the specific facial movements that signal emotion categories and emotion intensity. In both cultures, specific facial movements cascade emotion category and intensity information over time via a distinct temporal structure. Cross-cultural analysis revealed systematic cultural variance in these facial signals that diminishes cross-culture communication but preserves communication of priority threat-related information. Together, our results provide new insights into how facial expressions can achieve complex signalling tasks via compositional and dynamic structures.
26.7% efficiency silicon heterojunction solar cells achieved by electrically optimized nanocrystalline-silicon hole contact layers
Authors: Lin Hao , Yang Miao , Ru Xiaoning , Wang Genshun , Yin Shi , Peng Fuguo , Hong Chengjian , Qu Minghao , Lu Junxiong , Fang Liang , Han Can , Procel Paul , Isabella Olindo , Gao Pingqi , Li Zhenguo , Xu Xixiang
Published: January 2023

Thanks to the prominent passivating contact structures, silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cell has recently achieved revolutionary advancements in the photovoltaic industry. This is, however, bound to further strengthen its contact performance for gaining the competitive edge in the period of technology transformation. Here, we developed SHJ cells with improved rear contact consisting of a p-type doped nanocrystalline silicon and a tailored transparent conductive oxide. Benefiting from the low contact resistance of hole-selective contacts (< 5 mΩ·cm2), a high power conversion efficiency of 26.74% together with a record filling factor (FF) of 86.48% were certified on industrial-grade silicon wafers (274 cm2, M6 size). The electrical properties of the modified SHJ cells were thoroughly analyzed in comparison with the normal p-type transporting layer counterparts (i.e., amorphous silicon), and the improved charge carrier transport in behind were also fully demonstrated.
Antibody responses against vaccine-preventable infectious diseases in HIV-exposed and unexposed Malawian infants
Authors: Baroncelli Silvia , Galluzzo Clementina Maria , Orlando Stefano , Pirillo Maria Franca , Luhanga Richard , Mphwere Robert , Kavalo Thom , Amici Roberta , Floridia Marco , Andreotti Mauro , Ciccacci Fausto , Scarcella Paola , Marazzi Maria Cristina , Giuliano Marina
Published: January 2023

Background
The evaluation of immunological status with respect to vaccine-preventable infectious diseases allows to identify populations with suboptimal protection. HIV-exposed infants, even if not infected with HIV, have higher morbidity and mortality in comparison to their unexposed counterparts, and even if the underlying mechanisms have not been clearly elucidated, dysfunctional immune responses might be involved. The aim of this study was to evaluate post-vaccination immune responses in two groups of infants (HIV-exposed and HIV-unexposed) living in the area of Blantyre, Malawi, measuring IgG levels against Haemophilus Influenzae type B (HiB), Hepatitis B (HBV), and Streptococcus pneumoniae (PCP).
Methods
Sixty-two infants, 49 HIV-exposed, uninfected (HEU), born to women living with HIV, and 13 HIV-unexposed, uninfected (HUU), born to HIV-negative mothers, were included in the study. The infants were visited monthly, from birth to 12 months, and blood samples were collected at 6 months. Anti-HiB, -HBV and -PCP vaccines are administered in Malawi at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of life. The antibody responses to the vaccines were determined by ELISA tests.
Results
The geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) of anti-HiB, anti-HBs and anti-PCP antibodies were not different between the two groups. The proportion of infants with protective levels (> 0.15 mg/l) versus HiB was lower (although not significantly) in HEU in comparison to HUU infants (81.6% vs 100%, p = 0.095). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the proportion of infants with protective antibody levels against HBV or PCP, although this proportion was lower than expected in both groups, varying from 81.6–84%. Overall, only 61.3% of the infants showed protective levels against all three vaccine antigens.
Conclusions
The humoral response after vaccination was similar in HEU and HUU infants. A disturbingly high proportion of infants without protective antibody levels against HBV and PCP in both groups of infants and against HiB in HEU infants was observed.
Both GEF domains of the autism and epilepsy-associated Trio protein are required for proper tangential migration of GABAergic interneurons
Authors: Rossignol Elsa , Eid Lara , Raju Praveen Kumar , Lokmane Ludmilla , Tadoum Samuel Boris Tene , Jiang Xiao , Toulouse Karolanne , Lupien-Meilleur Alexis , Charron-Ligez François , Toumi Asmaa , Backer Stephanie , Lachance Mathieu , Lavertu-Jolin Marisol , Montseny Marie , Lacaille Jean-Claude , Bloch-Gallego Evelyne
Published: January 2023

Recessive mutations in the TRIO gene are associated with intellectual deficiency (ID), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and developmental epileptic encephalopathies (DEE). TRIO is a dual guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) that activates Rac1, Cdc42 and RhoA. Trio has been extensively studied in excitatory neurons, and has recently been found to regulate the switch from tangential to radial migration in GABAergic interneurons (INs), through GEFD1-Rac1-dependent SDF1α/CXCR4 signalling. Given the central role of Rho-GTPases during neuronal migration and the implication of IN pathologies in ASD and DEE, we investigated the relative roles of both Trio’s GEF domains in regulating the dynamics of INs tangential migration. In Trio−/− mice, we observed reduced numbers of tangentially migrating INs, with intact progenitor proliferation. Further, we noted increased growth cone collapse in developing INs, suggesting altered cytoskeleton dynamics. To bypass the embryonic mortality of Trio−/− mice, we generated Dlx5/6Cre;Trioc/c conditional mutant mice, which develop spontaneous seizures and behavioral deficits reminiscent of ASD and ID. These phenotypes are associated with reduced cortical IN density and functional cortical inhibition. Mechanistically, this reduction of cortical IN numbers reflects a premature switch to radial migration, with an aberrant early entry in the cortical plate, as well as major deficits in cytoskeletal dynamics, including enhanced leading neurite branching and slower nucleokinesis reflecting reduced actin filament condensation and turnover. Further, we show that both Trio GEFD1 and GEFD2 domains are required for proper IN migration, with a dominant role of the RhoA-activating GEFD2 domain. Altogether, our data show a critical role of the DEE/ASD-associated Trio gene in the establishment of cortical inhibition and the requirement of both GEF domains in regulating IN migration dynamics.
SPACEL: characterizing spatial transcriptome architectures by deep-learning
Authors: Xu Hao , Lin Jun , Wang Shuyan , Fang Minghao , Luo Songwen , Chen Chunpeng , Wan Siyuan , Wang Rirui , Tang Meifang , Xue Tian , Bin Li , Qu Kun
Published: January 2023

Spatial transcriptomics (ST) technologies detect mRNA expression in single cells/spots while preserving their two-dimensional (2D) spatial coordinates, allowing researchers to study the spatial distribution of the transcriptome in tissues; however, joint analysis of multiple ST slices and aligning them to construct a three-dimensional (3D) stack of the tissue still remain a challenge. Here, we introduce spatial architecture characterization by deep learning (SPACEL) for ST data analysis. SPACEL comprises three modules: “Spoint” embeds a multiple-layer perceptron with a probabilistic model to deconvolute cell type composition for each spot in a single ST slice; “Splane” employs a graph convolutional network approach and an adversarial learning algorithm to identify spatial domains that are transcriptomically and spatially coherent across multiple ST slices; and “Scube” automatically transforms the spatial coordinate systems of consecutive slices and stacks them together to construct a 3D architecture of the tissue. Comparisons against 16 state-of-the-art methods using both simulated and real ST datasets demonstrate that SPACEL outperforms the others for cell type deconvolution, for spatial domain identification, and for 3D alignment, thus showcasing SPACEL as a valuable integrated toolkit for ST data processing and analysis.
Chronic olanzapine treatment leads to increased opioid receptor expression and changes in feeding regulating neurons in the rat hypothalamus
Authors: Krogsbaek Maiken , Larsen Nick , Yarmahmoudi Fatemeh , Søndergaard Jeppe , Landau Anne , Sanchez Connie , Nyengaard Jens
Published: January 2023

Opioid receptor antagonists have in recent years shown increasing promise as adjunct therapy to psychotropic medication. The goal is to reduce the weight gain and metabolic adverse effects that are associated with certain second generation antipsychotics, such as olanzapine (OLZ) and clozapine. In this study, female rats were treated for 4 weeks with a long-acting injectable formulation of OLZ at a dose that produced clinically relevant plasma levels to access effects on feeding regulation regions of the hypothalamus. Using quantitative spatial in situ hybridization and receptor autoradiography, expression levels of the mu, kappa and delta opioid receptors were defined in the five hypothalamic areas: paraventricular nucleus (PVN), arcuate nucleus (ARC), ventromedial nucleus (VMN), dorsomedial nucleus (DMN) and lateral hypothalamus (LH). In addition, hypothalamic neuron number and size were estimated using the optical fractionator and spatial rotator. Hyperphagia was observed after only 24 hours of OLZ treatment, with continued weight gain throughout the duration of the study. In contrast, the observed food intake reversed to control levels after 2 weeks of OLZ treatment. Blood samples from day 28 revealed no changes in metabolic markers compared to controls. Chronic OLZ treatment led to increased expression of kappa opioid receptor mRNA and receptor availability in the PVN, as well as increased mu opioid receptor availability in the PVN, ARC and VMN. These changes were accompanied by a decreased number of anorexigenic POMC neurons of the ARC and CRH neurons of the PVN. In conclusion, this study supports a connection between OLZ driven adverse metabolic effects and increased opioid receptor expression in the hypothalamus, thus providing a rationale for the positive effects of using opioid receptor antagonist to relieve OLZ adverse effects.
The safety and efficacy of wearing a deodorant pad in breast cancer patients with an ulceration
Authors: Ishiba Toshiyuki , Ishida Hirohiko , Inoue Michiaki , Tazoe Yuki , Sakai Mami , Natori Yuki , Kida Hiroko , Kosaka Taijiro , Adachi Mio , Ishihara Sakiko , Nara Miyako , Saita Chiaki , Kamio Hidenori , Miyahara Kana , Goto Risa , Iwamoto Naoko , Yonekura Rika , Nakatsugawa Noriko , Aruga Tomoyuki
Published: January 2023

[Purpose] The present study, called the “efficacy and safety of the deodorAnt Pad against Odor and uLceration for LOcally advanced breast cancer (APOLLO)” study, aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of wearing a deodorant pad in patients with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) with an ulceration..
[Methods] Komagome Pads for LABC, previously developed by Juntendo University and Kao Corporation, were used. In Test A, a conventional pad consisting of gauze, a commercially available diaper, pad, etc. and the Komagome Pad (not directly applied to the wound but used through a gauze, etc.) were compared over three days to assess their efficacy and possible improvements for short-term use. In Test B, the Komagome Pad was used continuously for one month to evaluate its safety during long-term use.
[Results] The present study included 14 patients in Test A and nine patients in Test B. In odor evaluation using sensory testing in Test A, nine of the 14 patients reported more significant efficacy in odor suppression with the Komagome Pad than with the conventional pad. The odor intensity of the Komagome Pad was lower than that of the conventional pad on the gas chromatography mass spectrometry. The group with a high level of exudation reported significantly higher satisfaction with the Komagome Pad. In Test B, no adverse events were observed during in the clinical use of the Komagome pads.
[Conclusion] Testing of a new treatment pad for LABC demonstrated that was highly safe and efficacious in suppressing odor.
Cost-of-illness of adult atopic dermatitis from a societal perspective in Hungary
Authors: Beretzky* Zsuzsanna , Koszorú* Kamilla , Rencz Fanni , Hajdu Krisztina , Borza Júlia , Bodai Katalin , Feifei Xu , Szegedi Andrea , Sárdy Miklós , Brodszky Valentin
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Cost-of-illness studies are widely used for healthcare decision-making in chronic conditions. Our aim was to assess the cost-of-illness of adult atopic dermatitis (AD) from the societal perspective in Hungary.
Areas covered: We conducted a multicentre, cross-sectional questionnaire survey. Consecutive AD patients aged ≥18 years were recruited at dermatology departments in Hungary. We calculated direct and indirect costs, including costs for treatments, outpatient visits, hospital admissions, informal care, travel costs and productivity loss. Generalized linear model was used to analyse predictors of total, direct and indirect costs.
Expert Commentary: Altogether 218 patients completed the survey (57.8% female) with an average age of 31.3 (SD=11.7). Patients’ average Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score was 13.5 (SD=8.5). According to Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score, 2.3% (n=5), 21.2% (n=46), 54.4% (n=118) and 22.1% (n=48) had clear, mild, moderate, and severe AD, respectively. We found that the average total, direct medical, direct non-medical and indirect annual costs per patients were €4,331, €1,136, €747, and €2450, respectively, with absenteeism and presenteeism being the main cost drivers, accounting for 24% and 29% of the total cost of AD. A one-year longer disease duration led to, on average, 1.6%, and 4.2% increase in total and direct non-medical costs, respectively. Patients with worse health-related quality of life (higher DLQI score) had significantly higher total, direct medical, direct non-medical costs, and indirect costs. Our results indicate a substantial economic burden of AD from a societal perspective, mainly driven by productivity losses.
A short and simple bedside test to detect cognitive fluctuations in patients with dementia with Lewy bodies.
Authors: Segers Kurt , Benoit Florence , Rocha Francisco de Assis Oliveira , Praet Jean-Philippe , Surquin Murielle
Published: January 2023

Background and Purpose:
The establishment of cognitive fluctuations is important when dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is suspected, but can be especially difficult in the absence of a caregiver that lives with the patient. We examined the use of fluctuating scores on a forward (FDS) and backward digit span (BDS) test as a marker for cognitive fluctuation.
Methods:
Patients with DLB (21), other forms of dementia (14 with Alzheimer’s disease, 8 with vascular dementia) and 20 controls were ask to perform two times a FDS and BDS with an interval of 20 minutes.
Results:
Seventy percent of patients with DLB showed evidence of cognitive fluctuations for at least one test, while less than 10% of controls and patients with other dementias did. Evidence of cognitive fluctuations on at least one of both tests classified 83 % of patients correctly (i.e. DLB or not), with a sensitivity of 70% and a specificity of 90%.
Conclusions:
Repeated forward and backward digit span tests seem a valid, short, easy and inexpensive bedside tool to detect cognitive fluctuations in the diagnostic work-up of DLB, even in the absence of a caregiver, which limits the use of questionnaires.
Power for clinical and statistical significance
Authors: Bishara Samuel
Published: January 2023

This paper explores the implication of utilising statistical power for superiority, rather than equivalence, in clinical trials, with a specific illustration for unpaired continuous parametric variables using a simple adjustment to the power calculation which has been previously described. The advantages of such an approach, is that it separates the notion of the likely difference between two groups (the effect size) and the minimum clinically significant difference, without which logically inconsistent positions might be held. In the post-hoc scenario, this approach can shed further light on the value of undertaking further studies, which is not apparent form the standard power calculation which purely reflects the obtained p-value. The trend for increased trial size and the mirror approach of non-inferiority studies, that is sometimes adopted, implies a trend for overall reduction in the clinical effectiveness of newer studies, which could be countered by powering for superiority.
IL-17A promotes the malignant progression of colon cancer cells by activating JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway
Authors: Zhou Hairong , Wang Junbin , Gao Zhenyuan , Wu Xiao , Wang Yaping , Zhang Lu
Published: January 2023

Background
Colon cancer (CC) is a malignant disease of the digestive system. Multiple cancers are caused by IL-17A, which plays a significant role in inflammation. In this paper, the expression of IL-17A in CC patients is discussed, as well as its regulatory role in CC cells.
Methods
Firstly, the IL-17A expression level in the tissues of CC patients was detected by immunohistochemistry, Western blot and RT-qPCR. The IL-17A expression in serum of CC patients was detected by ELISA. Then two colon cancer cell lines HCT116 and HT29 were selected and IL-17A was applied at different concentrations to the cells. Subsequently, CCK8, colony formation assay, flow cytometry and transwell assay were used to detect cell proliferation, cell cycle, invasion and migration. Western blot was used to detect the expression of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway-related proteins. Finally, further discussion of the mechanism was conducted with the addition of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway inhibitor AG490.
Results
CC cell proliferation, invasion and migration induced by IL-17A significantly increased. At this point, the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway is activated. AG490 can significantly reverse the promoting effect of IL-17A on the malignant progression of CC cells.
Conclusion
IL-17A promoted the malignant progression of colon cancer cells by activating JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.
Psychological Capital and Alienation among patients with COVID-19 infection: The mediating role of Social Support
Authors: Wu Chao , He Chun-yan , Yan Jia-ran , Zhang Hong-li , Li Lu , Tian Ci , Chen Nana , Wang Qing-yi , Zhang Yu-hai , Lang Hong-juan
Published: January 2023

Background
COVID-19 infection continues all over the world, causing serious physical and psychological impacts to patients. Patients with COVID-19 infection suffer from various negative emotional experiences such as anxiety, depression, mania, and alienation, which seriously affect their normal life and is detrimental to the prognosis. Our study is aimed to investigate the effect of psychological capital on alienation among patients with COVID-19 and the mediating role of social support in this relationship.
Methods
The data were collected in China by the convenient sampling method. A sample of 259 COVID-19 patients completed the psychological capital, social support and social alienation scale and the structural equation model was adopted to verify the research hypotheses.
Results
Psychological capital was significantly and negatively related to the COVID-19 patients’ social alienation (p < .01). And social support partially mediated the association between psychological capital and patients’ social alienation (p < .01).
Conclusion
Psychological capital is critical to predicting COVID-19 patients’ social alienation. Social support plays an intermediary role and explains how psychological capital alleviates the sense of social alienation among patients with COVID-19 infection.
Chemical sterilisation and vetiver grass performance on gold tailings dump chrono-toposequences at Muriel mine, Zimbabwe
Authors: Jephita Gotosa , Nomatter Chikwenya , Tatenda Nyenda , Lynda Mangori Zelma
Published: January 2023

Land pollution at gold mine dumps requires sustainable rehabilitation. A study was conducted at Muriel gold mine, Zimbabwe to investigate the integrated effects of dump age, topographic position and soil depth on chemical degradation and vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanoides) performance. The triplicated experiment was set up as a split-split plot, where the fresh dump, old dump and reference site were the main treatments; topographic position (upper, middle, lower) was the sub treatment and soil layer (0-20cm, 20-50cm) was the sub-sub treatment. Samples collected from soil layers were analysed for total lead(Pb), zinc(Zn) and iron(Fe), pH and salinity. Irrigated vetiver growth was monitored over 12 weeks through measuring changes in height, rooting depth and shoot numbers. The old dump was acidic (pH = 4.30 ± 0.207); fresh dump alkaline (pH = 8.32 ± 0.142) and reference site was neutral (pH = 7.9 ± 0.09). Salinity was highest in the 20-50cm layers on old dump lower slopes due to salt concentrating processes of: evaporation, metal dissolution and translocation of cyanidation effluents. Total Pb, Zn and Fe concentrations were highest (p < 0.05) at the old dump; lower (p < 0.05) in the 0-20cm layers and differed (p < 0.05) in the order: upper < middle < lower slope. Soil Zn and Pb concentrations exceeded safe limits at lower slope positions of both dumps. Vetiver growth parameters were 1.5-3 times higher (p < 0.05) on the reference site compared with the dumps. Sterilisation of gold dumps was determined by chemical transformation and translocation processes on the landscape. Expeditious biological rehabilitation of dumps is recommended to evade unsuitable conditions created by rapid acidification.
Quality monitoring of resistance spot welding based on digital twin
Authors: dong jianwei , Hu Jianming , Luo Zhen
Published: January 2023

As an important means to realize intelligent manufacturing, digital twin is a digital expression of physical entities, which realizes virtual-real interaction and iterative optimization of product design and manufacturing by constructing a bridge of information mapping between the physical world and the virtual world. Resistance spot welding technology is widely used in automotive manufacturing, aerospace and other fields as a spot linking process for the manufacture of thin sheet structures. Resistance spot welding is a highly nonlinear coupled process, and physical models make it difficult to accurately monitor its quality. This paper takes 2219/5A06 aluminum plates with different thicknesses as the object, and applies digital twin technology to the welding process monitoring of aluminum plates to effectively improve the quality and efficiency of aluminum plate welding. In order to break through the key technologies such as information interaction in the digital twin system, a data acquisition system for resistance spot welding process is established and a real-time data processing technology based on wavelet threshold analysis is proposed. Based on the real-time data, the processed process parameters are tested in Digital-twin space to verify the feasibility of the solution. Feedback process parameters to physical entities to enable online quality monitoring of resistance spot welding and promote product quality stability during production.
Be Well™ Acres Homes: a community-driven, evidence-based approach to reduce health inequities through sustained cross-sector partnership
Authors: Rechis Ruth , Oestman Katherine B , Walsh Michael T , Love Brad , Hawk Ernest
Published: January 2023

Purpose
Be Well Communities™ is MD Anderson’s signature place-based approach for cancer prevention and control, working with communities to promote wellness and address modifiable risk factors for cancer. In this project, the planning phase of the Be Well Communities’ model was implemented in Acres Homes.
Methods
A community advisory group (Steering Committee) including residents, non-profit organizations, health care partners, city and county agencies, plus other stakeholders, was convened and aligned through a structured process to develop shared goals, foster multisector collaboration, as measured by a stakeholder survey administered twice, and enhance community capacity to improve health outcomes through development of a Community Action Plan.
Results
Clear, achievable goals were developed, multisector collaboration was enhanced, and more than 400 hours of capacity building support led to a Community Action Plan focused on healthy eating and active living, including 15 evidence-based interventions led by 18 organizations. The majority (93%) of the Steering Committee reports that this plan reflects community priorities and will reach the residents most in need.
Conclusions
By listening and developing trust, the Be Well Communities team successfully worked with Acres Homes residents and organizations to enhance community capacity to address health inequities in one of Houston’s most historic communities.
Exploration on Ononin and Corylin molecule Against Anti-Influenza H1N1 A Virus via Molecular Docking, Molecular dynamics simulation and Binding free energy calculations
Authors: Bangaru Sathya , Thamotharan Keerthivasan , Manickam Srinivasan , Ramasamy Anandha Krishnan , Perumalsamy Ramasamy
Published: January 2023

Ononin and Corylin drug molecules exhibit antiviral effects against the H1N1 influenza A virus, with IC50 values of30%at 200 µM and > 115 µM, respectively.The drug molecules Ononin and Corylin obey the Lipinski’s rule of five. Ononin and Corylin's ADMET properties indicate that the molecules can be exploited as an oral drug due to high solubility nature. The combined approach of computational methods such as molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation and binding free calculations was used as a tool to achieve the drug-receptor intermolecular interactions, molecular electrostatic potential, conformational and energetic stability for Ononin and Corylin with H1N1 NA enzyme. The NBO, global and local reactivity descriptors were computed to find the stabilization energy, chemical reactivity, kinetic stability and toxicity nature for Ononin and Corylin molecules. As a consequence, the Ononin and Corylin molecules has good biological activity and could be used as a probable treatment against the H1N1 influenza A virus.