bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electroosmotically actuated peristaltic-ciliary flow of propylene glycol + water conveying titania nanoparticles
Authors: Akram Javaria , Akbar Noreen Sher
Published: July 2023

The main focus of this article is to mathematically formulate the microfluidics-based mechanical system for nanofluids. A 50:50 mixture of propylene glycol (PG) and water is used as a heat transfer fluid because of its tremendous anti-freezing properties, and nontoxicity and it is safe to be utilized at the domestic level. Titanium dioxide (titania) nanoparticles are suspended in the working fluid to enhance its heat transfer ability. The fluid flow is induced by electroosmosis in a microtube, which is further assisted by cilia beating. The impacts of Joule heating and non-linear thermal radiation are also considered. The simplification of the dimensionless system is done under lubrication theory and the Debye-Hückel linearization principle. The nonlinear system of equations is executed for a numerical solution by adopting the symbolic mathematical software Maple 17 using the command “dsolve” along with the additional command “numeric” to get the numerical solution. This command utilizes a low-ordered method along with accuracy-enhancing schemes such as the deferred correction technique and Richardson extrapolation to get a numerical answer of desired accuracy, where we can choose the accuracy level and mesh points according to our requirements. The detailed analysis of results obtained from the numerical treatment of the considered problem indicates that the efficiency of the PG + water enhances due to the suspension of the nanoparticles and heat is rapidly removed from the system. Further, the velocity of the fluid is augmented by decreasing the thickness of the electric double layer and raising the strength of the electric field in the forwarding direction.
Exploring the potential connection between place capital and health capital in the post COVID-19 city
Authors: Meyrick Kate , Newman Peter
Published: July 2023

Great places have the potential to create enhanced health outcomes and improve quality of life. The positive connection between the built environment and the social determinants of health is well documented as is the role of the built environment in establishing place quality and sense of place. However, the relationship between the concepts of place capital and health capital is less understood and specifically the extent to which high levels of place capital confer a protective and restorative health benefit across the whole of life. COVID-19 changed our appreciation of the role that both health and place play in supporting our quality and way of life and has revealed the negative impact on wellness and wellbeing that arises when our connection to place is fractured. To contribute to the debate surrounding the post-COVID-19 city, this paper explores the intrinsic connection between place and health; it proposes a conceptual model that positions place capital as a tool for enhancing whole of life health capital at a neighbourhood scale. The Framework for measuring this place capital is created from traditional place literature and the new place context literature on the need to be inclusive, equitable and sustainable. It suggests that by building great places that are based on these measurable factors, there can be a reduction in the growth of medical spending and burden of disease over time.
Global scale coupling of pyromes and fire regimes
Authors: Pais Cristobal , Gonzalez-Olabarria Jose Ramon , Elimbi Moudio Pelagie , Garcia-Gonzalo Jordi , González Marta C. , Shen Zuo-Jun Max
Published: July 2023

Different interpretations of the fire regime concept have limited the capacity to allocate specific fire regimes worldwide. To solve this limitation, in this study, we present a framework to frame contemporary fire regimes spatially on a global scale. We process historical wildfire records between 2000 and 2018 across the six continents. We uncover 15 global pyromes with clear differences in fire-related metrics, such as frequency and size. The pyromes were further divided into 62 regimes based on spatial aggregation patterns. This spatial framing of contemporary fire regimes allows for an interpretation of how a combination of driving factors such as vegetation, climate, and demographic features can result in a specific fire regime. To the best of our knowledge, this open source platform at unprecedented scale expands on existing classification efforts and bridges the gaps between global and regional fire studies.
Muscle characteristics comparison and targeted metabolome analysis reveal differences in carcass traits and meat quality of three pig breeds
Authors: Song Bo , Cheng Yating , Azad Md. Abul Kalam , Ding Sujuan , Yao Kang , Kong Xiangfeng
Published: July 2023

The meat of the Taoyuan black pig might be healthier than that of the Duroc pig due to higher adrenic acid and palmitoleic acid contents; β-alanine and l-malic acid may be key metabolites regulating the growth and muscle fiber type transformation.
Increased cytotoxicity of Pb2+ with co-exposures to a mitochondrial uncoupler and mitochondrial calcium uniporter inhibitor
Authors: Lalwani Pooja , King Dillon E. , Morton Katherine S. , Rivera Nelson A. , Huayta Javier , Hsu-Kim Heileen , Meyer Joel N.
Published: July 2023

Mixtures of Pb2+ and two mechanistically distinct mitochondrial toxicants, ruthenium red and carbonyl cyanide-p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP), resulted in greater than additive Pb2+-induced cytotoxicity in HepG2 (human liver) cells.
Exploration of tricyclic heterocycles as core structures for RIOK2 inhibitors
Authors: Xiong Huilan , Yu Qiuchun , Ma Haowen , Yu Xiuwen , Ouyang Yifan , Zhang Zhi-Min , Zhou Wei , Zhang Zhang , Cai Qian
Published: July 2023

By replacing the [1,2,3]triazolo[4,5-c]quinolin-4-one core of previously identified RIOK2 selective inhibitor CQ211, a variety of “V-shaped” tricyclic compounds were designed, synthesized and evaluated.
Restoring susceptibility to aminoglycosides: identifying small molecule inhibitors of enzymatic inactivation
Authors: Magaña Angel J. , Sklenicka Jan , Pinilla Clemencia , Giulianotti Marc , Chapagain Prem , Santos Radleigh , Ramirez Maria Soledad , Tolmasky Marcelo E.
Published: July 2023

Growing resistance to antimicrobial medicines is a critical health problem that must be urgently addressed.
Modulating piezoelectricity and mechanical strength via three-dimensional gradient structure for piezoelectric composites
Authors: Yang Tao , Deng Weili , Tian Guo , Deng Lin , Zeng Wanghong , Wu You , Wang Shenglong , Zhang Jieling , Lan Boling , Sun Yue , Jin Long , Yang Weiqing
Published: July 2023

Three-dimensional gradient PMN-PT/PVDF composites were constructed via a non-equilibrium process that integrated modified electrospinning and hot-pressing. And the gradient structure exhibited both well piezoelectricity and mechanical strength.
Non-volatile resistive switching mechanism in single-layer MoS2 memristors: insights from ab initio modelling of Au and MoS2 interfaces
Authors: Boschetto Gabriele , Carapezzi Stefania , Todri-Sanial Aida
Published: July 2023

The migration of Au atoms to fill the S vacancies in MoS2 memristors increases the electron injection rate and reduces the contact resistance at the metal–semiconductor interface, thus causing the resistive switch.
Enantioselective modulation of amyloid burden and memory deficits by chiral polyoxometalates for Alzheimer's disease treatment
Authors: Hu Shuyang , Ning Xinlu , Lv Jie , Wei Yuxin , Zhang Huiran , Li Meng
Published: July 2023

Polyoxometalates with intrinsic chirality could enantioselectively inhibit Aβ aggregation and scavenge ROS to reduce Aβ accumulation and rescue memory deficits in AD mice.
Synthesis of Sb2S3 nanosphere layer by chemical bath deposition for the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye
Authors: Gomaa Mohammed M. , Sayed Mohamed H. , Abdel-Wahed Mahmoud S. , Boshta Mostafa
Published: July 2023

An antimony tri-sulfide Sb2S3 nanosphere photocatalyst was effectively deposited utilizing sodium thiosulfate and antimony chloride as the starting precursors in a chemical bath deposition process.
Fluorescence detection of three types of pollutants based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer and its comparison with colorimetric detection
Authors: Kong Yifei , Liu Dan , Guo Xinran , Chen Xinyue
Published: July 2023

A classical “on–off–on” fluorescence detection system was constructed based on FRET to detect three different types of pollutants.
Synthesis of CeO2/ZrO2/ZnO nano alloy oxide and investigation of photocatalysis of naphthol orange under sunlight
Authors: Sinha Anik , Sahu Sanjay Kumar , Biswas Suman , Ghorai Tanmay Kumar
Published: July 2023

Novel metal-like cerium- and zirconium-doped ZnO photocatalysts were prepared herein with various proportions of molar ratios via a cost-effective co-precipitation method.
Recent advances in the synthesis of new benzothiazole based anti-tubercular compounds
Authors: Yadav Rakhi , Meena Dilkhush , Singh Kavita , Tyagi Rajdeep , Yadav Yogesh , Sagar Ram
Published: July 2023

This review highlights the recent synthetic developments of benzothiazole based anti-tubercular compounds. Structure activity relationship of benzothiazole derivatives with molecular docking studies of selected compounds have been discussed against the target DprE1.
Interfacial defect healing of In2S3/Sb2(S,Se)3 heterojunction solar cells with a novel wide-bandgap InOCl passivator
Authors: Wang Changxue , Li Dongdong , Mao Xiaoli , Wan Lei , Cheng Zhen , Zhu Jun , Hoye Robert L. Z. , Zhou Ru
Published: July 2023

A novel wide-bandgap InOCl passivator incorporated between In2S3 buffer layer and Sb2(S,Se)3 absorber enables high performance fully environment-friendly solar cells.
A sustainable one-pot method to transform seashell waste calcium carbonate to osteoinductive hydroxyapatite micro-nanoparticles
Authors: Fernández-Penas Raquel , Verdugo-Escamilla Cristóbal , Triunfo Carla , Gärtner Stefanie , D'Urso Annarita , Oltolina Francesca , Follenzi Antonia , Maoloni Gabriele , Cölfen Helmut , Falini Giuseppe , Gómez-Morales Jaime
Published: July 2023

A straightforward, one-pot, low-temperature hydrothermal method has been set up to transform calcium carbonate particles from oyster shell waste into hydroxyapatite micro/nanoparticles with osteoinductive properties.
Synthetic strategies, properties and sensing application of multicolor carbon dots: recent advances and future challenges
Authors: Du Fangfang , Yang Liu-Pan , Wang Li-Li
Published: July 2023

Preparation strategies, optical properties, and sensing application of multicolor carbon dots.
Numerical study of Rayleigh wave interaction with wedge geometry
Authors: Vu Alex , Chakrapani Sunil Kishore
Published: July 2023

This article aims to study the interaction of Rayleigh or surface wave with a varying angled wedge using numerical simulations. This work uses numerical tools to understand this complex problem and fills some existing gaps such as the influence of frequency and geometry of the wedge (curved vs. sharp transition). Quantitative analysis was carried out by calculating the transmission and reflection coefficients, and qualitative analysis used displacement vector plots to study the scattering and mode conversion phenomenon. The results suggest a strong dependence of transmission and reflection coefficients on the frequency and geometry of transition, which has not been reported before in the literature.
Chromosomal Abnormalities of Interest in Turner Syndrome: An Update
Authors: Ibarra-Ramírez Marisol , Campos-Acevedo Luis Daniel , Martínez de Villarreal Laura E.
Published: July 2023

Turner syndrome (TS) is caused by the total or partial loss of the second sex chromosome; it occurs in 1 every 2,500–3,000 live births. The clinical phenotype is highly variable and includes short stature and gonadal dysgenesis. In 1959, the chromosomal origin of the syndrome was recognized; patients had 45 chromosomes with a single X chromosome. TS presents numerical and structural abnormalities in the sex chromosomes, interestingly only 40% have a 45, X karyotype. The rest of the chromosomal abnormalities include mosaics, deletions of the short and long arms of the X chromosome, rings, and isochromosomes. Despite multiple studies to establish a relationship between the clinical characteristics and the different chromosomal variants in TS, a clear association cannot yet be established. Currently, different mechanisms involved in the phenotype have been explored. This review focuses to analyze the different chromosomal abnormalities and phenotypes in TS and discusses the possible mechanisms that lead to these abnormalities.
Analyzing Mortality Trends in the UK Pediatric Critical Care Long-Stay Patient Cohort
Authors: Kothari Trishul , Kelly Nicola , Kanthimathinathan Hari Krishnan
Published: July 2023

Long-stay patients in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) are at risk of higher mortality. The long-stay PICU population is growing larger. Identification of indicators of adverse outcomes in this cohort may provide opportunities for timely counseling and support. We aim to analyze the factors associated with higher mortality in the long-stay PICU patient cohort. Retrospective single-center study of long-stay PICU admissions defined as a PICU length of stay of at least 28 days during a 3-year study period (April 1, 2017–March 31, 2020). Outcomes analyzed included in-PICU mortality and mortality within 12 months of PICU discharge. Variables analyzed for association with outcomes included primary diagnostic category, number and nature of additional comorbidities, long-term ventilation (LTV) pathway, etc. During a 3-year period, there were 2,848 unique individual patient admissions to the PICU; 165 children had 172 long-stay admissions. The overall in-PICU mortality of long-stay patient was 30.2% compared with 6.4% (p < 0.0001) for whole PICU population; 42% of the long-stay patients had died by 12 months postdischarge. Certain primary diagnostic groups, for example, hematology/oncology, had a statistically significant increased likelihood of death (odds ratio [OR] 8.6 [p = 0.004, confidence interval, CI, 2.0–39.5]). Children on an LTV pathway had relatively lower odds of death (OR 0.1 [p = 0.003, CI 0.01–0.34]). We described factors associated with higher and lower mortality rates in a group of long-stay PICU patients. Understanding the impact of specific combinations of factors as shown in this analysis on outcomes may be important for clinicians to help counsel families.
Autonomous sputter synthesis of thin film nitrides with composition controlled by Bayesian optimization of optical plasma emission
Authors: Fébba Davi M. , Talley Kevin R. , Johnson Kendal , Schaefer Stephen , Bauers Sage R. , Mangum John S. , Smaha Rebecca W. , Zakutayev Andriy
Published: July 2023

Autonomous experimentation has emerged as an efficient approach to accelerate the pace of material discovery. Although instruments for autonomous synthesis have become popular in molecular and polymer science, solution processing of hybrid materials, and nanoparticles, examples of autonomous tools for physical vapor deposition are scarce yet important for the semiconductor industry. Here, we report the design and implementation of an autonomous workflow for sputter deposition of thin films with controlled composition, leveraging a highly automated sputtering reactor custom-controlled by Python, optical emission spectroscopy (OES), and a Bayesian optimization algorithm. We modeled film composition, measured by x-ray fluorescence, as a linear function of plasma emission lines monitored during co-sputtering from elemental Zn and Ti targets in an N2 and Ar atmosphere. A Bayesian control algorithm, informed by OES, navigates the space of sputtering power to fabricate films with user-defined compositions by minimizing the absolute error between desired and measured optical emission signals. We validated our approach by autonomously fabricating ZnxTi1−xNy films that deviate from the targeted cation composition by a relative ±3.5%, even for 15 nm thin films, demonstrating that the proposed approach can reliably synthesize thin films with a specific composition and minimal human interference. Moreover, the proposed method can be extended to more difficult synthesis experiments where plasma intensity lines depend non-linearly on pressure, or the elemental sticking coefficients strongly depend on the substrate temperature.
Why do people in crowds sometimes form orderly lanes?
Authors: Jarman Sam
Published: July 2023

Researchers in the UK and Poland have created a new theory that explains how organized, counter-flowing lanes of motion can emerge in seemingly disordered systems – including crowds of people.
Emirates Mars Mission takes first high-resolution images of Martian moon Deimos
Authors: Blaustein Richard
Published: July 2023

The United Arab Emirates’ Mars probe has taken the first high-resolution images of Deimos, the smaller and lesser observed of Mars’ two moons.
Green light for Indian gravitational-wave detector
Authors: Padma T V
Published: July 2023

The Indian government has given the go-ahead for a gravitational-wave detector to be built in the state of Maharashtra, with an expected operational date of 2030.
Emerging trends in microfluidic-assisted nanomaterial synthesis for their high-resolution gas sensing applications
Authors: Ramya K , Amreen Khairunnisa , Pronin Igor , Karmanov Andrey , Yakushova Nadejda , Goel Sanket
Published: July 2023

Conventional methods of detecting hazardous gases and aerated microorganisms were judged unfeasible for use in a point of use environment. The use of a lightweight prototype and an easy fabrication provides significant advantages over conventional gas sensing systems. It would be ideal if scientists could develop relatively small, sensitive gas sensors that could detect trace amounts of biomarker gases and airborne pollutants. In the realm of sensors, microfluidics technology enables the analysis of a small quantity of samples by facilitating the use of a minimum amount of sensor materials. Moreover, the capacity to scrutinise a diminutive sample volume result in a sensor that exhibits prompt responsiveness. However, attaining selectivity towards the target analyte has been a major challenge. With this objective of obtaining specificity in gas sensing, this comprehensive study highlights recent breakthroughs in microfluidic device design and synthesis of sensing materials for selective gas and aerated pollutants. The present review focuses on brief explanation of a microfluidic device design, the substrate material, channel size, shape, deposition, and cleaning methods for synthesis of selective gas sensing materials based on noble metals, semiconductor oxide nanoparticles, and their composites. Further, the gas sensing application of these materials is also discussed in detail. This article is the first to provide an extensive overview of the substrate materials, design fabrication, deposition, and cleaning techniques, microfluidic synthesis of sensing materials for selective gas sensing, and the various detection approaches required for novel and efficient gas sensing analysis using recent microfluidic technology.
Influence of sex on efficacy of exercise training for patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation: insights from the ACTIVE-AF randomized controlled trial
Authors: Verdicchio Christian V , Mahajan Rajiv , Middeldorp Melissa E , Gallagher Celine , Mishima Ricardo S , Lau Dennis H , Sanders Prashanthan , Elliott Adrian D
Published: July 2023

Aims

Exercise training reduces recurrence of arrhythmia and symptom severity amongst patients with symptomatic, non-permanent atrial fibrillation (AF). However, there is little evidence on whether this effect is modified by patient sex. In a sub-analysis from the ACTIVE-AF (A Lifestyle-based, PhysiCal AcTIVity IntErvention for Patients With Symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation) randomized controlled trial, we compared the effects of exercise training on AF recurrence and symptom severity between men and women.

Methods and results

The ACTIVE-AF study randomized 120 patients (69 men, 51 women) with paroxysmal or persistent AF to receive an exercise intervention combining supervised and home-based aerobic exercise over 6 months or to continue standard medical care. Patients were followed over a 12-month period. The co-primary outcomes were recurrence of AF, off anti-arrhythmic medications and without catheter ablation, and AF symptom severity scores. By 12 months, recurrence of AF was observed in 50 (73%) men and 34 (67%) women. In an intention-to-treat analysis, there was a between-group difference in favour of the exercise group for both men [hazard ratio (HR) 0.52, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.29–0.91, P = 0.022] and women (HR 0.47, 95% CI: 0.23–0.95, P = 0.035). At 12 months, symptom severity scores were lower in the exercise group compared with controls amongst women but not for men.

Conclusion

An exercise-based intervention reduced arrhythmia recurrence for both men and women with symptomatic AF. Symptom severity was reduced with exercise in women at 12 months. No difference was observed in symptom severity for men.

Registration

Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12615000734561
Genome assembly and resequencing analyses provide new insights into the evolution, domestication and ornamental traits of crape myrtle
Authors: Zhou Yang , Zheng Tangchun , Cai Ming , Feng Lu , Chi Xiufeng , Shen Ping , Wang Xin , Wan Zhiting , Yuan Cunquan , Zhang Man , Han Yu , Wang Jia , Pan Huitang , Cheng Tangren , Zhang Qixiang
Published: July 2023

Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is a globally used ornamental woody plant and is the representative species of Lagerstroemia. However, studies on the evolution and genomic breeding of L. indica have been hindered by the lack of a reference genome. Here we assembled the first high-quality genome of L. indica using PacBio combined with Hi-C scaffolding to anchor the 329.14-Mb genome assembly into 24 pseudochromosomes. We detected a previously undescribed independent whole-genome triplication event occurring 35.5 million years ago in L. indica following its divergence from Punica granatum. After resequencing 73 accessions of Lagerstroemia, the main parents of modern crape myrtle cultivars were found to be L. indica and L. fauriei. During the process of domestication, genetic diversity tended to decrease in many plants, but this was not observed in L. indica. We constructed a high-density genetic linkage map with an average map distance of 0.33 cM. Furthermore, we integrated the results of quantitative trait locus (QTL) using genetic mapping and bulk segregant analysis (BSA), revealing that the major-effect interval controlling internode length (IL) is located on chr1, which contains CDL15, CRG98, and GID1b1 associated with the phytohormone pathways. Analysis of gene expression of the red, purple, and white flower-colour flavonoid pathways revealed that differential expression of multiple genes determined the flower colour of L. indica, with white flowers having the lowest gene expression. In addition, BSA of purple- and green-leaved individuals of populations of L. indica was performed, and the leaf colour loci were mapped to chr12 and chr17. Within these intervals, we identified MYB35, NCED, and KAS1. Our genome assembly provided a foundation for investigating the evolution, population structure, and differentiation of Myrtaceae species and accelerating the molecular breeding of L. indica.
Peristomal adenocarcinoma 16 years after colorectal adenocarcinoma resection with curative intent
Authors: van Dam Kayleigh A M , Tweed Thaís T T , de Vries Bart , Belgers Henricus J
Published: July 2023

Metachronous colorectal cancer is relatively rare, occurring in 0.7–3.6% of patients diagnosed with colorectal adenocarcinoma. Cutaneous metastases are similarly a rare presentation, occurring in <6% of metastatic colorectal cancer patients. Even more rare are the cutaneous recurrences at the peristomal site. Clinically, it is difficult to distinguish between metachronous cancer and cutaneous metastases. This paper reports a case of an elderly woman presenting with a slowly progressing peristomal cutaneous lesion 16 years after surgical resection for colorectal cancer. Core punch biopsy revealed a cutaneous localization of an intestinal type of adenocarcinoma. A surgical resection of the peristomal area was carried out whereby a new colostomy was created on the contralateral side. Definite histopathological examination showed a superficially located intestinal type adenocarcinoma with extensive pagetoid spread in the epidermal surface. In conclusion, it is important to remain alert and strive for early detection for cutaneous abnormalities following colorectal cancer.
Management of median arcuate ligament syndrome: a case-based review
Authors: Cunha Roberto , Silva Manuel , Henrique Alberto , Maximiano Pedro , Correia Mafalda , Vieira Isabel , Cássio Isabel , Oliveira Nelson , Dias Emanuel
Published: July 2023

Dunbar syndrome or median arcuate ligament syndrome is a rare pathology that has a great impact on the quality of life of patients. This brief report aims to present a case report of a successful treatment of Dunbar syndrome and to review the current management of this entity. We present the case of a 37 year-old patient, who was treated by median arcuate ligament laparoscopic resection. The median arcuate ligament syndrome is associated with significant morbidity. There are no diagnostic criteria established so alternative causes of abdominal pain must be excluded. Celiac artery decompression by laparoscopic approach is currently the preferred treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment of this pathology allow a significant improvement in the quality of life of patients.
Imaging telomerase reverse transcriptase expression in oligodendrogliomas using hyperpolarized δ-[1-13C]-gluconolactone
Authors: Batsios Georgios , Taglang Celine , Gillespie Anne Marie , Viswanath Pavithra
Published: July 2023

Background

Telomere maintenance by telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) is essential for immortality in most cancers, including oligodendrogliomas. Agents that disrupt telomere maintenance such as the telomere uncapping agent 6-thio-2’-deoxyguanosine (6-thio-dG) are in clinical trials. We previously showed that TERT expression in oligodendrogliomas is associated with upregulation of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), the rate-limiting enzyme of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). We also showed that hyperpolarized δ-[1-13C]-gluconolactone metabolism to 6-phosphogluconate (6-PG) can be used to probe the PPP in glioblastomas. The goal of this study was to determine whether hyperpolarized 13C imaging using δ-[1-13C]-gluconolactone can monitor TERT expression and response to 6-thio-dG in oligodendrogliomas.

Methods

We examined patient-derived oligodendroglioma cells and orthotopic tumors to assess the link between TERT and hyperpolarized δ-[1-13C]-gluconolactone metabolism. We performed in vivo imaging to assess the ability of hyperpolarized δ-[1-13C]-gluconolactone to report on TERT and response to 6-thio-dG in rats bearing orthotopic oligodendrogliomas in vivo.

Results

Doxycycline-inducible TERT silencing abrogated 6-PG production from hyperpolarized δ-[1-13C]-gluconolactone in oligodendroglioma cells, consistent with the loss of G6PD activity. Rescuing TERT expression by doxycycline removal restored G6PD activity and, concomitantly, 6-PG production. 6-PG production from hyperpolarized δ-[1-13C]-gluconolactone demarcated TERT-expressing tumor from surrounding TERT-negative normal brain in vivo. Importantly, 6-thio-dG abrogated 6-PG production at an early timepoint preceding MRI-detectable alterations in rats bearing orthotopic oligodendrogliomas in vivo.

Conclusions

These results indicate that hyperpolarized δ-[1-13C]-gluconolactone reports on TERT expression and early response to therapy in oligodendrogliomas. Our studies identify a novel agent for imaging tumor proliferation and treatment response in oligodendroglioma patients.
A Brief Peer-Led Intervention to Increase COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake Among People Who Inject Drugs in San Diego County: Results From a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Strathdee Steffanie A , Abramovitz Daniela , Harvey-Vera Alicia Y , Stamos-Buesig Tara , Vera Carlos F , Artamonova Irina , Logan Jenna , Patterson Thomas L , Servin Argentina E , Bazzi Angela R
Published: July 2023

Background

We evaluated the impact of a brief peer-led intervention on COVID-19 vaccination among people who inject drugs (PWID) presenting at syringe services program (SSP) locations in San Diego County, California.

Methods

Between March and July 2022, PWID aged ≥18 years without recent voluntary COVID-19 testing who were not up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations received a single-session motivational interviewing intervention (LinkUP) or an attention-matched didactic control condition from trained peer counselors at SSP sites randomized by week. Following either 30-minute session, counselors offered referrals to local vaccination services. Multivariable log binomial regression via generalized estimating equations assessed LinkUP effects on (1) acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination referrals immediately postintervention and (2) COVID-19 vaccine uptake at 6-month follow-up.

Results

COVID-19 vaccination outcomes were obtained on 135 (90.6%) of 149 participants. In multivariable analysis, participants receiving LinkUP had greater acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination referrals than controls (adjusted relative risk, 3.50; 95% CI, 1.01–12.2) and were marginally more likely to report receiving a new COVID-19 vaccine dose (adjusted relative risk, 1.57; 95% CI, .99–2.48). After 6 months, 20% reported receiving a new vaccine dose; however, if COVID-19 vaccine had been available at SSPs, this proportion could have been as high as 34.3% (45.3% LinkUP vs 24.3% control; P = .01).

Conclusions

A brief peer-led SSP-based intervention significantly improved COVID-19 vaccination among PWID. Further improvements could likely be obtained by supporting SSPs to offer COVID-19 vaccination on-site instead of relying on referrals.

Clinical Trials Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05181657.
Online sleep diaries: considerations for system development and recommendations for data management
Authors: Shaffer Kelly M , Daniel Katharine E , Frederick Christina , Buysse Daniel J , Morin Charles M , Ritterband Lee M
Published: July 2023

Study Objectives

To present development considerations for online sleep diary systems that result in robust, interpretable, and reliable data; furthermore, to describe data management procedures to address common data entry errors that occur despite those considerations.

Methods

The online sleep diary capture component of the Sleep Healthy Using the Internet (SHUTi) intervention has been designed to promote data integrity. Features include diary entry restrictions to limit retrospective bias, reminder prompts and data visualizations to support user engagement, and data validation checks to reduce data entry errors. Despite these features, data entry errors still occur. Data management procedures relying largely on programming syntax to minimize researcher effort and maximize reliability and replicability. Presumed data entry errors are identified where users are believed to have incorrectly selected a date or AM versus PM on the 12-hour clock. Following these corrections, diaries are identified that have unresolvable errors, like negative total sleep time.

Results

Using the example of one of our fully-powered, U.S. national SHUTi randomized controlled trials, we demonstrate the application of these procedures: of 45,598 total submitted diaries, 487 diaries (0.01%) required modification due to date and/or AM/PM errors and 27 diaries (<0.001%) were eliminated due to unresolvable errors.

Conclusion

To secure the most complete and valid data from online sleep diary systems, it is critical to consider the design of the data collection system and to develop replicable processes to manage data.

Clinical Trial Registration

Sleep Healthy Using The Internet for Older Adult Sufferers of Insomnia and Sleeplessness (SHUTiOASIS); https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03213132; ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03213132
Development of a nomogram for predicting survival in clinical T1N0M1 lung adenocarcinoma: a population-based study
Authors: Lin Xuejing , Tian Weicheng , Sun Ni , Xia Ziyang , Ma Pei
Published: July 2023

Objective

This study aimed to establish a prognostic model for clinical T1N0M1 (cT1N0M1) lung adenocarcinoma patients to evaluate the prognosis of patients in terms of overall survival (OS) rate and cancer-specific survival (CSS) rate.

Methods

Data of patients with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma from 2010 to 2016 were collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was conducted to identify relevant prognostic factors and used to develop nomograms. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and calibration curve are used to evaluate the predictive ability of the nomograms.

Results

A total of 45610 patients were finally included in this study. The OS and CSS nomograms were constructed by same clinical indicators such as age (<60 years or ≥60 years), sex (female or male), race (white, black, or others), surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and the number of metastatic sites, based on the results of statistical Cox analysis. From the perspective of OS and CSS, surgery contributed the most to the prognosis. The ROC curve analysis showed that the survival nomograms could accurately predict OS and CSS. According to the points obtained from the nomograms, survival was estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method, then cT1N0M1 patients were divided into three groups: low-risk group, intermediate-risk group, and high-risk group, and the OS (P < 0.001) and CSS (P < 0.001) were significantly different among the three groups.

Conclusion

The nomograms and risk stratification model provide a convenient and reliable tool for individualized evaluation and clinical decision-making of patients with cT1N0M1 lung adenocarcinoma.
Tacrolimus population pharmacokinetics in adult heart transplant patients
Authors: Paschier Adrien , Destere Alexandre , Monchaud Caroline , Labriffe Marc , Marquet Pierre , Woillard Jean‐Baptiste
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressant largely used in heart transplantation. However, the calculation of its exposure based on the area under the curve (AUC) requires the use of a population pharmacokinetic (PK) model. The aims of this work were (i) to develop a population PK model for tacrolimus in heart transplant patients, (ii) to derive a maximum a posteriori Bayesian estimator (MAP‐BE) based on a limited sampling strategy (LSS) and (iii) to estimate probabilities of target attainment (PTAs) for AUC and trough concentration (C0).

Material and Methods

Forty‐seven PK profiles (546 concentrations) of 18 heart transplant patients of the Pharmacocinétique des Immunosuppresseurs chez les patients GREffés Cardiaques study receiving tacrolimus (Prograf®) were included. The database was split into a development (80%) and a validation (20%) set. PK parameters were estimated in MONOLIX® and based on this model a Bayesian estimator using an LSS was built. Simulations were performed to calculate the PTA for AUC and C0.

Results

The best model to describe the tacrolimus PK was a two‐compartment model with a transit absorption and a linear elimination. Only the CYP3A5 covariate was kept in the final model. The derived MAP‐BE based on the LSS (0‐1‐2 h postdose) yielded an AUC bias ± SD = 2.7 ± 10.2% and an imprecision of 9.9% in comparison to the reference AUC calculated using the trapezoidal rule. PTAs based on AUC or C0 allowed new recommendations to be proposed for starting doses (0.11 mg·kg−1·12 h−1 for the CYP3A5 nonexpressor and 0.22 mg·kg1·12 h−1 for the CYP3A5 expressor).

Conclusion

The MAP‐BE developed should facilitate estimation of tacrolimus AUC in heart transplant patients.
Substituting a randomised placebo control group with a historical placebo control in an endometriosis pain trial: a case study re-evaluating trial data using historical control data from another trial
Authors: Sieverding Marius , Gerlinger Christoph , Seitz Christian
Published: July 2023

Objective

The substitution of an in-study control population with a historical control (HC) population is considered a viable option for reducing the necessary recruitment of control patients. However, it is necessary to evaluate whether this method is applicable to studies on indications targeting endometriosis-associated pelvic pain (EAPP). This study aims to evaluate the potential bias in the results of an EAPP study with an HC arm.

Methods

For this case study, we re-evaluated data from a randomised, placebo-controlled trial using dienogest daily to treat EAPP with an HC arm based on data from a second randomised, placebo-controlled trial in the same indication. Propensity Score (PS) matching was used to match between the treatment and HC arm on all baseline variables. To evaluate the effect of matching on the introduced bias, we evaluated efficacy parameters with the full treatment and control group, as well as the matched group.

Results

The difference between means (placebo minus treatment) in change in pain, as measured on the Visual Analogue Scale from baseline to end of treatment, deviates in the comparison treatment/pool of HC (7.15 (0.22 to 14.08)) from the overall in-study group (reference: 11.89 (6.06 to 17.73)). After PS matching on the baseline variables, the difference between means (11.79 (4.09 to 19.5)) is close to the reference.

Conclusions

Using HC with PS matching has proven to be useful in the setting of treating EAPP, while emphasis must be given to the selection mechanism and the underlying assumptions. This case study has shown that even for studies which are very similar in design, heterogeneity and between-study variations are present. With the use of an HC arm, it was possible to reproduce similar results than in the original study, while the PS matching improved the comparability considerably. For the main endpoint, PS matching could reproduce the original study results.

Trial registration number

NCT00225199,NCT00185341
Short-course antibiotic therapy of 5 days in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP5): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Israelsen Simone Bastrup , Tingsgård Sandra , Thorlacius-Ussing Louise , Knudsen Andreas , Lindegaard Birgitte , Johansen Isik S , Mygind Lone Hagens , Ravn Pernille , Benfield Thomas
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The optimal duration of antibiotic therapy for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is unsettled. Short-course therapy has proved successful in clinical trials but is not yet implemented in everyday clinical practice. Validation of results from randomised controlled trials is crucial to evaluate existing evidence and provide clinicians with assurance of using new treatment strategies. In a pragmatic framework, we aim to assess the use of short-course antibiotic therapy guided by the onset of clinical stability in patients hospitalised with CAP.

Methods and analysis

This study is a randomised controlled trial with a non-inferiority design that will examine the efficacy of short-course antibiotic therapy in patients hospitalised with CAP. From six hospitals across Denmark, we plan to enrol 564 patients between 2019 and 2024. Within 3–5 days after initiating antibiotic therapy, participants will be randomised 1:1 to parallel treatment arms: (1) short-course antibiotic therapy of 5 days or (2) antibiotic therapy of at least 7 days. The primary outcome will be 90-day readmission-free survival and will be estimated as an absolute risk difference with a predefined non-inferiority margin of −6%. Secondary outcomes will comprise other safety measures including new antibiotics, adverse events, length of hospital stay and postdischarge outpatient visits. Both intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses will be performed.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the Health Research Ethics Committee of the Capital Region of Denmark (identifier number: H-19014479). Trial data will be made available in anonymous form when the trial has ended.

Trial registration number

NCT04089787, ClinicalTrials.Gov.
Efficacy of quadruple therapy with clarithromycin based on faecal molecular antimicrobial susceptibility tests as first-line treatment forHelicobacter pyloriinfection: a protocol of a single-centre, single-blind, randomised clinical trial in China
Authors: Wu Yaoyi , Wang Yujing , Liu Xiaochen , Liao Oulan , Lou Guochun , Li Yan , Wu Hao , Du Qin , Ye Jun
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Helicobacter pyloriis the most well-known risk factor for gastric cancer. Antibiotic resistance is the main reason for the failure ofH. pylorieradication, and understanding the antibiotic resistance before treatment may be the main determinant of successful eradication ofH. pylori. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of quadruple therapy based on faecal molecular antimicrobial susceptibility tests for the first-line eradication ofH. pyloriinfection.

Methods and analysis

This is a single-centre, single-blind, randomised controlled trial, enrolling 855 patients withH. pyloriinfection. Patients are randomised to three groups for a 14-day treatment: group A: amoxicillin- and clarithromycin-based bismuth-containing quadruple therapy (BQT) (rabeprazole 10 mg, amoxicillin 1 g, clarithromycin 500 mg and colloidal bismuth 200 mg two times per day); group B: clarithromycin medication history-based BQT (rabeprazole 10 mg, amoxicillin 1 g, furazolidone 100 mg (with clarithromycin medication history)/clarithromycin 500 mg (without clarithromycin medication history) and colloidal bismuth 200 mg two times per day); group C: antimicrobial susceptibility test-based BQT (rabeprazole 10 mg, amoxicillin 1 g, clarithromycin 500 mg (clarithromycin-sensitive)/furazolidone 100 mg (clarithromycin resistant) and colloidal bismuth 200 mg two times per day). The primary end point is the eradication rate. The secondary end points are the incidence of adverse events and compliance.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University (Number 20230103). The results will be published in the appropriate peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

NCT05718609.
Application of the whole-course care model (IWF/C Care) for postintensive care syndrome based on an early warning system in critically ill patients: a randomised controlled trial study protocol
Authors: Liu Xiaohui , Long Jianmei , Chang Yonghu , Gao Huiming , Zhang Xia , Chen Junxi , Hu Rujun
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Critically ill patients are at risk of developing postintensive care syndrome (PICS), which is manifested by physical, psychological and cognitive impairment. Currently, there are no programmes that combine early warning systems with interventions for PICS. We hypothesise that a comprehensive care model for PICS based on an early warning system would reduce medical costs and the incidence of PICS.

Methods and analysis

The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) -Ward-Family/Community whole-course care (IWF/C Care) trial will be a unicentric, randomised, controlled trial. A total of 138 ICU patients from two ICUs at a university hospital in Guizhou province, China, will be enrolled in February 2023. The inclusion criteria are an age of 18 years or older, an ICU stay of more than 48 hours, provide informed consent and the ability to communicate normally. Patients will be followed for 12 months and randomised in a 1:1:1 ratio to three groups.

Interventions

Patients in intervention group 1 will be assessed by the PICS early warning system within 24 hours of ICU discharge, and precise interventions will be carried out according to the results; that is, high-risk patients will receive care based on the IWF/C Care model and low-risk patients will receive routine care. All patients in intervention group 2 will receive care based on the IWF/C Care model. The control group will receive routine care. The primary endpoints are the incidence of PICS and quality of life. The secondary endpoints include the incidence of adverse events: the unplanned readmission rate, cost-effectiveness, and the experiences and feelings of patients receiving care based on the IWF/C Care model. The incidence of PICS will be measured at ICU discharge, general ward discharge, the home/community stage and 1 month and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after discharge.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was obtained from Biomedical Research Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University (approval number: KLL-2022-780). The results of this study will be distributed through peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2300068135.
Effects of virtual reality for psychological health of ICU patients: a study protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zou Junjun , Chen Qian , Wang Jiajia , Gu Mengqian , Jiang Xiaoquan , Mao Mingyue
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Virtual reality (VR) has been shown to have a certain influence on the psychological health of intensive care unit (ICU) patients. However, its specific effects—particularly on psychological health problems, such as psychological well-being, quality of life (QOL) and patient satisfaction—remain unclear.

Method and analysis

This study follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols guidelines. Electronic data search is carried out on PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, EBSCO, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan Fang, VIP and Chinese Biology Medicine Database. The inclusion criteria follow the PICO principle, wherein ICU patients who have been hospitalised for 24 hours or more are included. Studies using VR-based interventions to improve the psychological health of ICU patients, compared with waitlist controls or traditional therapy groups; outcome assessments containing psychological well-being, QOL and patient satisfaction; and those designed as randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental research are included. Search time is from inception of each database to July 2023. No language restriction is considered. Studies for inclusion are screened by two independent reviewers for data extraction. Any dispute is resolved through discussion. Unresolved disputes are decided on by consulting a third author. For the risk of bias assessment in RCTs and non-RCTs, the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomised trials and risk of bias in non-randomised studies of interventions tool are used, respectively. For meta-analysis, RevMan V.5.3 is used.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol study does not include clinical research and thus does not require ethical approval. Research findings will be released in a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023400428.