bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical Insufflation-Exsufflation to promote extubation success in critically ill adults on intensive care: Protocol for a randomised controlled feasibility trial
Authors: Swingwood Ema L , Voss Sarah , Tume Lyvonne , Bewley Jeremy , Turner Nicholas , Ntoumenopoulos George , Rose Louise , Cramp Fiona
Published: January 2023

Background: Extubation failure, defined as reintubation within 48 hours is associated with increased intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay and higher mortality risk. One cause of extubation failure is secretion retention, resulting from an inability to cough effectively. Mechanical Insufflation-Exsufflation (MI-E) simulates a cough aiding secretion clearance. However, MI-E is not routinely used in the ICU setting for invasively ventilated patients. This study aims to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) examining MI-E use to promote extubation success in intubated, ventilated adults.
Methods: Single centre, feasibility RCT with semi-structured interviews, economic scoping, and an exploratory physiology study.
The feasibility RCT (n=50) will compare standard care to a MI-E protocol including a minimum of two MI-E sessions via the endotracheal tube prior to extubation. Post-extubation, MI-E will be delivered via facemask or mouthpiece up to two times/day for 48 hours. MI-E settings will be individualised based on patient tolerance, chest expansion and secretion clearance. All patients will receive standard care in relation to mechanical ventilation, weaning, rehabilitation, physiotherapy techniques such as positioning, manual airway clearance techniques, manual/ventilator hyperinflation, endotracheal suctioning and nebulisation. Clinical data collection will occur before, on completion and 5 minutes after all physiotherapy sessions (intervention and control arms). Resource use will be calculated for each 24 hour period. Analyses will be descriptive and address feasibility outcomes.
We will conduct semi-structured online interviews informed by the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA) with patients, clinicians and family members, exploring the acceptability of the MI-E intervention and study processes.
Interview data will be analysed using reflexive thematic analysis based on TFA domains through first level coding.
The embedded physiology study will use Electrical Impedance Tomography and Lung Ultrasound to explore lung recruitment and de-recruitment during MI-E in a subset of 5-10 patients.
Discussion: This study will examine the feasibility and acceptability of a RCT protocol of MI-E to promote extubation success. Study findings will inform further design modification and conduct of a future adequately powered trial. Furthermore, the study will contribute and advance the understanding of MI-E use in critically ill intubated adults.
Trial Registration: ISRCTN 24603037; IRAS 303674.
The effect of photobiomodulation on bone mineral density in individuals with complete spinal cord injuries with osteoporosis
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Esmaeil , Amiri Aref Hosseinian , Fekrazad Reza , Leitgeb Rainer A. , Mayr Winfried , Ezzati Kamran
Published: January 2023

Study Design: A quasi-experimental (matched-pair-design)study. Patients received local photobiomodulation(LPBM) on one side of their body and the control group was assigned to other side, at the same locations.
Objectives: To evaluate the LPBM effects on bone-mineral-density(BMD), in complete spinal-cord-injury(C.SCI) patients with osteoporosis(OP) by follow-up dual-energy X-ray-absorptiometry(DEXA).
Setting: The clinic of Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran
Methods: A total of 23 locations consisting of three-therapeutic-locations(TTLs): Forearm-MID, proximal-femur(PFe), proximal-tibia(PTib), in eight patients (except, forearm-MID with seven) were included LPBM treatment for 8 weeks. BMD were measured using DEXA in both side, at Week-8 of LPBM and at Week-15 for follow-up. Different doses were adjusted depending on the anatomical distance between the skin surface and bone depth as determined by sonography to deliver the optimal isodose at each depth for bone. This study used data from TTLs: Forearm-MID, PFe and PTib to analyze as subgroup effects. We also assessed serum 25-OH-Vitamin-D(Total) during the baseline and Week-8 of treatment
Results: BMD, statistically increased at Week-8 of LPBM and at Week-15 for follow-up compared with control group. Subgroup analysis showed, a statistically significant effect of LPBM on BMD, in both PFe and forearm MID, compared with their control, but not at the PTib. A statistically significant, increase in serum 25(OH)-Vitamin-D was found between Week-8 of LPBM treatment and baseline.
Conclusion: LPBM with an 830nm laser provided an appropriate dose calculation considering the depth is effective in increasing BMD in C.SCI patient with OP and can lead to a favorable effect on vitamin-D metabolism.
Mobility Management with Dynamic Forwarding in Smart Grid Communication
Authors: Ma Tianxiang , Duan Xin , Zeng Siming , Fan Hui , Luo Peng , Jia Boyan , Mao Yachun , Liu Deliang
Published: January 2023

Smart Grid, as a promising future architecture of Power Grid, its server mobility management is one of the important research contents in communication. Once the server moves, the routing table of some nodes will be invalid. As a result, the mobile server cannot be routed, which interrupts the requests of users and reduces the quality of network service. To solve the above problems, a mobility support mechanism based on the dynamic forwarding is pro-posed to ensure the stability of network. This mechanism updates the for-warding state on the router content plane by dynamically tracking the server’s location to reduce the unreachability of content during server movement. The simulation results show that DoM-FP can fully support server mobility. In the speed range of 0–30 m/s, the average packet loss rate caused by the mobile server is 8.1%, and the average retrieval delay is stable at 287.3ms. Addition-ally, the average additional consumption required to support server mobility is 0.35 packet/s.
Analysis of public emotion on flood disasters in southern China in 2020 based on social media data
Authors: Ma Mingjun , Gao Qiang , Xiao Zishuang , Hou Xingshuai , Hu Beibei , Jia Lifei , Song Wenfang
Published: January 2023

The exploding popularity of social networks, provides a new opportunity to study disasters and public emotion. Among the social networks, Weibo is one of the largest microblogging services in China. Taking Guangdong and Guangxi in the south of China as a case, Web Scraper was used to obtain Weibo texts related to floods in 2020. The spatial distribution of floods was analyzed using Kernel Density Estimation. Public emotion was analyzed using Natural Language Processing (NLP) tools. The association between floods and public emotion was explored through correlation analysis methods. The results indicated that: (1) Weibo texts could be utilized as an eﬀective data to identify urban waterlogging risk in Guangdong and Guangxi. (2) More floods occurred in the southeast than in the central and northwest, and more in the south than in the north in Guangdong and Guangxi. The coastal cities and provincial capitals were severely affected. (3) The public emotion was mainly negative and varied significantly over time, generally showing stronger negative emotion during periods of heavy precipitation. (4) There was a strong correlation between public emotion and floods in spatial-temporal variation. The degree of negative public emotion was significantly influenced by the number of waterlogging points. The presented results serve as the pre-liminary data for future planning and designing of emergency management.
Human-Robot Relationship: long-term effects on disclosure, perception and well-being
Authors: Laban Guy , Kappas Arvid , Morrison Val , Cross Emily S.
Published: January 2023

Since interactions with social robots are novel and exciting for many people, one concern is the extent to which people’s behavioural and emotional engagement with robots might develop from initial interactions with a robot, when a robot’s novelty is especially salient, and sustained over time. This challenge is particularly noticeable in interactions designed to support people’s wellbeing, with limited evidence for how social robots can support people’s emotional health over time. Accordingly, this research is aimed at studying how long-term repeated interactions with a social robot affect people’s self-disclosure behaviour toward the robot, perceptions of the robot, and how it affected factors related to well-being. We conducted a mediated long-term online experiment with participants conversing with the social robot Pepper 10 times over 5 weeks. We found that people self-disclose increasingly more to a social robot over time, and found the robot to be more social and competent over time. Participants’ moods got better after talking to the robot and across sessions, they found the robot’s responses to be more comforting over time, and they also reported feeling less lonely over time. Finally, our results stress that when the discussion theme was supposedly more emotional, participants felt lonelier and stressed. These results set the stage for addressing social robots as conversational partners and provide crucial evidence for their potential introduction as interventions supporting people’s emotional health through encouraging self-disclosure.
A patient with extensive meningeal calcification due to pseudohypoparathyroidism: A case report
Authors: Daoud Mahmoud , Elamin Abubakr , Rizgalla Ahmed , Hassan Abdallah
Published: January 2023

Background: This case emphasizes the adulthood onset of PHP with the association of new pattern of brain calcification which is exclusively falx cerebri and supratentorial.
Case presentation: A 35-year-old man with 17-year history of epilepsy on Carbamazepine, refered from neurosurgical department where was diagnosed with hydrocephalus complicated by secondary severe optic atrophy and underwent Ventriculo-Peritoneal shunt. Imaging revealed Falx Cerebri, Supratentorial calcification , biochemical tests showed hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia and elevated parathyroid hormone. Patient was given Vitamin D and Calcium in order to improve the outcome.
Conclusion: Although PHP being a rare possibility especially in adult , it has to be considered in incidental meningeal calcification,and to be picked up early before complications.
Grow Newtonian rigid inertia into parameter repetitiveness memory equivalent bio-inertia by degenerating eigenstates on a surface tension region to define quantum growth gravity for turnover selection immunity
Authors: Lai Yi Yu
Published: January 2023

Note: Please see pdf for full abstract with equations.
Inversion energy is parameter-against-gravity-internal-fluctuations, the non-simultaneousness tension among turnover fluctuations is quantizing time. Modified Newtonian Laws are, first: 𝑑/𝑑𝑥 cosx =−𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥, 𝑑/𝑑𝑥 sinx = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥; second: 𝐹⃗=𝑚∙𝑎⃗+|𝑚𝑔⃗∫𝑡𝑔𝜃⋅𝑑𝜃 ⟩↿⇂ third: Wavelength =2/𝑛 L, frequency = n𝑓0. Bio-systems are topological spaces that can process input objects into inversion energy for entropy-control by repetitiveness memory, the capability of equivalent procured inversion energy with memorized trigonometric repetitiveness is bio-inertia. Schrödinger equation has only quantized energy thus inducing quantum collapse, we then write down equation 𝑯̂𝜓=𝑬𝜓 + Σn|cos(1/𝑛 𝑥)⟩ to grow eigenstates on certain surface tension regions to define quantum growth gravity for lifespan. Originating from quantum gravitational turnover (resistance) tension between Planck regions and surface tension regions, bio quantum grows in vivo cross folded-surface tension region flow. Life relies on trigonometric negentropy procured from elastic entropy generation ground condensates and physically inherit by quantum growth turnover immunity that inversely regenerates by yolk sac homing. Long COVID niches grow from the turnover tension is also unveiled.
Self-Care Behaviors in Preventing COVID-19 based on the Health Belief Model in Yazd during 2019
Authors: Rahighee fateme , Asadi Leila , moshirenia Fateme , Namayandeh Seyedeh Mahdieh , hardani Mahdieh , Khorsandi Behjat
Published: January 2023

Objective: Identification of the self-care behaviors and their barriers in the COVID-19 pandemic can help health policymakers design appropriate and practical plans. The purpose of this study was to investigate effective self-care behaviors in preventing COVID-19 based on the health belief model (HBM) in Yazd in 2019.
Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using the convenience sampling method. The research data were collected via a researcher-made questionnaire based on the HBM. Followed by confirming its validity and reliability, the questionnaire was distributed on social networks and 232 questionnaires were collected and analyzed by running SPSS20
Results: The participants’ mean age was 35.5 ± 11.9 years and the majority of them (49%) were at a moderate level of economic status. No significant correlation was observed between the participants’ mean scores of HBM constructs and their age, gender, and education level (pv≥0.05). The HBM constructs could significantly predict preventive behaviors of COVID-19 and accounted for 29.6% of their changes (Adjusted R2= 0.296, F = 18.85, p ≤ 0.000). Among the HBM constructs, the perceived barriers construct was the best predictor of the disease (B = 0.268, p ≤ 0.000)
Conclusion: As an expectancy-value theory, HBM addresses the desire to avoid diseases and the belief that health-related measures can prevent illnesses. Based on the findings, the perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, and perceived severity of the participants’ self-care behaviors were at favorable levels but their perceived barriers and self-efficacy in terms of the self-care behaviors related to COVID-19 were not in a favorable status. To meet this problem, planning educational interventions is recommended to improve self-care behaviors.
Biological Effects of Negative Air Ions on Human Health and Integrated Multi-omics to Identify Biomarkers: A literature review
Authors: Xiao Sha , Wei Tianjing , Petersen Jindong Ding , Zhou Jing , Lu Xiaobo
Published: January 2023

Environmental pollution seriously affects human health. As one of the factors to evaluate air quality, negative air ions (NAIs) are widely considered a marker by scholars due to their unique biological function since their discovery at the end of the 19th century. NAIs are produced from alterations in the atmosphere and weather phenomena by natural radioactivity or combustion processes and can also be generated by air ionizers sold commercially. Therefore, much interest has been given to the possible effects of NAIs on human health and well-being. Research has shown that exposure to NAIs may benefit our health, such as cardiovascular system, respiratory system, and mood, but the conclusions are inconsistent. This study summarizes and prospects the research progress of domestic and foreign scholars on the generation, temporal, and spatial dynamic patterns of NAIs concentration and their relationship with human health from the overview aspects of NAIs, and biological effects of NAIs. Subsequently, we focused on the biological mechanism of NAIs based on omics as these are relatively new methods with some advantages in studying the action of NAIs.
Assessment of Landslide susceptibility and risk implication to road network in Mt Elgon, Uganda
Authors: Nakileza Bob Roga , Mugagga Frank , Musali Paul , Nedala Shafiq
Published: January 2023

Globally landslides occurrence is reportedly frequent particularly in the mountainous regions causing both direct and indirect effects to various sectors including the road transport. Existing literature reveals limited assessment of road vulnerability to landslides in the mountain regions in Africa. The objective of this study was to investigate the risk to different segments of the road network in the Mt Elgon region. A Fuzzy logic model was used to assess and map the landslide susceptibility of the study area. A total of 478 landslide sites were used in the model development. Ten conditional factors were applied for generating the dataset for training and validation of the model. The results reveal that mid to high altitude steep and rugged areas are more susceptible to landslides. The model performance was good as revealed by high Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 83% and thus can be relied upon in landslide susceptibility mapping. The hotspot segments, which are high risk sections of the road network need to be prioritized for monitoring so as to initiate and strength existing risk mitigation strategies.
Preparation of environmental probiotic factor γ-polyglutamic acid via microbial fermentation using Baijiu brewing steamer bottom water as a basic substrate
Authors: Wang Fengqing , Yang Can , Chen Yanmei , Li Mengxue
Published: January 2023

1) Purpose: Steamer bottom water is the main component of wastewater in the Baijiu industry.
2) Methods: In this study, γ-PGA was synthesized through fermentation using steamer bottom water as a substrate to address wastewater treatment problems and costs in Baijiu enterprises. A new, cheap raw material and process of γ-PGA production were developed.
3) Results: The γ-PGA yield was 48.29 g/L, which was 1.98 times higher than that before optimization. We detected 12 volatile substances in the fermentation broth; acetic acid, 2,3-butanedione, 2-methyl-butanoic acid, and acetoin were recognized as plant probiotics. The N, P, K, and total nutrient (sum of N, P, and K) contents were 4,100, 3,405, 885, and 8,390 mg/L, respectively; the number of viable Bacillus subtilis was 4.5×107 CFU/mL.
4) Conclusion: Therefore, steamer bottom water of Baijiu brewing can completely replace water as a fermentation medium solvent to produce γ-PGA. Moreover, the fermentation broth is a potential functional organic fertilizer.
Allelic and genotypic frequencies of SNP related to beef and carcass quality in Romosinuano cattle in Mexico
Authors: Martínez-Rocha Ricardo Emmanuel , Ramírez-Valverde Rodolfo , Núñez-Domínguez Rafael , García-Muñiz José G. , Parra-Bracamonte Gaspar M. , Domínguez-Viveros Joel
Published: January 2023

Romosinuano is a tropically adapted Bos taurus breed, and some Mexican breeders look to improve it genetically. The aim was to estimate allelic and genotypic frequencies for SNPs associated with meat quality in a Mexican Romosinuano population. Four hundred ninety-six animals were genotyped using the Axiom©BovMDv3 array. Only SNPs related to meat quality in this array were studied in this analysis. The Calpain, Calpastatin, and Melanocortin-4 receptor alleles were considered. Allelic and genotypic frequencies and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were estimated with the PLINK software. Principal component analysis was carried out with the meat quality SNPs information to determine stratification by haplotype in genes of the population. Alleles associated with meat tenderness, higher marbling score, and lower shear force were found in the Romosinuano cattle population. CAPN1_4751 was found in Hardy Weinberg equilibrium. The rest of the markers could be affected by selection and inbreeding. Romosinuano cattle in Mexico have similar genotypic frequencies in markers related to meat quality to Bos taurusbreeds known for their meat tenderness. Breeders can choose a marker-assisted selection to improve meat quality characteristics.
Submerged nanoporous anodized alumina structure for solar powered desalination
Authors: Kaviti Ajay , Akkala Siva Ram , Jeremias Michal , Pohorely Michael , Sikarwar Vineet Singh
Published: January 2023

Development of nano-porous structures utilizing a single step of anodization technique is well recognized as a cost-effective and straightforward approach for several applications. In the current work, anodized alumina was developed with nano-porous structure by utilizing oxalic acid as an electrolyte with a continuous voltage of 40 V. The formed nano-porous structure was subjected to desalination application because of its high absorbance of broadband solar spectrum energy. The desalination setup consists of two solar stills namely conventional and modified. The developed structure is placed in the modified still to examine its performance. It was observed that the structure distributing heat to surrounding water by absorbing photon energy from the sun through the nanopores and giving an efficient pathway to the water vapors for developing effective desalination. The nano-porous structure having ~ 45 nm average diameter. Furthermore, the band gap energy of nano-porous structure was found to be ~ 2.5 eV (Absorption Spectrum Fitting) and ~ 2.8 eV (Tauc plot). The nanoporous structure possess the visible light spectra in solar region which helps the band gaps of nanoporous structure to provide an additional supply of energy for generating more water to evaporate. Moreover, the urbach energy of the structure is 0.5 eV which reveals less defects in the modified still. The overall distillate yield of modified still was increased to 21% in contrast to conventional. Water quality analysis was also carried out before and after the desalination experiments and the results were within acceptable limits set by World Health Organization (WHO).
The effect on incisional hernia of absorbable barbed suture for midline fascial closure in minimally invasive surgery for colorectal and gastric cancers: study protocol for a prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lee Sejin , Han Se Wung , Lee Min Ro , Kim Chan-Young , Ha Gi Won
Published: January 2023

Background: Incisional hernia following abdominal surgery is a frequent complication of midline laparotomy. This complication is strongly associated with the technique and material used for suture. While a monofilament absorbable suture is recommended to prevent incisional hernia, it can lead to suture loosening or surgical-knot breakage. Although barbed sutures can be an alternative suture material in abdominal fascial closure, evidence for its safety and effectiveness is lacking. Therefore, we designed a prospective randomized trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of absorbable barbed sutures for midline fasciaclosure in minimally invasive surgery for colorectal and gastric cancers in comparison with conventional absorbable monofilament sutures.
Methods: A total of 312 patients who underwent minimally invasive surgery for colorectal and gastric cancers will be randomly allocated to either the absorbable barbed or monofilament suture group for abdominal fascia closure in a 1:1 ratio. The primary outcome is incisional hernia rate within three years after surgery, as verified by physical examination and computed tomography. Postoperative complications, including surgical site infection, postoperative pain, and quality of life, will be compared between two groups as secondary outcomes. The investigator will examine the patients until discharge and at 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months postoperatively.
Discussion: This is the first randomized controlled trial to compare absorbable barbed sutures with monofilament sutures for midline fascia closure in minimally invasive surgery. If absorbable barbed sutures demonstrate comparable results to those of monofilament sutures, this type of suture material may be recommended as an alternative option for abdominal fascia closure.
Trial registration: KCT0007069
A fault diagnosis method of rotating machinery based on improved multiscale attention entropy and random forests
Authors: Chen Fei , Zhang Liyao , Liu Wenshen , Zhang Tingting , Zhao Zhigao , Wang Weiyu , Chen Diyi , Wang Bin
Published: January 2023

In order to precisely diagnose the fault type of rotating machinery, a fault diagnosis method for rotating machinery based on improved multiscale attention entropy and random forests is proposed in this study. Firstly, a nonlinear dynamics technique without hyperparameters namely multiscale attention entropy is proposed for measuring signal complexity by extending attention entropy to multiple time scales. Secondly, aiming at the insufficient coarse graining of multiscale attention entropy, composite multiscale attention entropy is exploited to extraction the features of rotating machinery faults. Then, t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding is used to overcome the feature redundancy problem by reducing the dimension of the extracted features. Finally, the reduced-dimensional features are inputted into the random forests model to complete fault pattern recognition of rotating machinery. The results of the experiment indicate that the proposed method achieves 98.216%and 98.506% diagnosis rates on two different fault datasets respectively, showing an extremely competitive advantage in comparison with conventional diagnosis models. Meanwhile, the proposed method is adopted to the actual hydropower unit without misjudgment, which verifies its strong adaptability. The research proposes a novel method for detecting faults in rotating machinery such as hydropower units.
Tackling fungal diversity in lichen symbioses: molecular and morphological data recognize new lineages in Chaetothyriales (Eurotiomycetes, Ascomycota)
Authors: Cometto Agnese , Leavitt Steven , Grube Martin , de Hoog Sybren , MUGGIA LUCIA
Published: January 2023

Lichens have been reappraised as self-sustaining and long-living ecosystems in which a multiplicity of microorganisms are housed, in addition to the main symbiotic partners. Lichen-associated microfungi can frequently occur cryptically, and their species diversity has recently been more fully elucidated by DNA metabarcoding studies and culture isolations. These lichen-associated fungi represent a wide array of major lineages in Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes, including both filamentous and yeast species. Thanks to culture isolations, the morphology of a subset of the lichen-associated microfungal diversity has been studied. Metabarcoding analyses have shown high diversity of ascomycetous lichen-associated fungi in the two cosmopolitan rock-inhabiting lichens – Rhizoplaca melanophthalma and Tephromela atra – and many of these taxa were successfully isolated in culture. Based on DNA sequence data and morphological analyses, two new lineages within Chaetothyriales are here recognized. Both occur in lichens from dry habitats and are described here as the new species Cladophialophora endolichena Cometto, de Hoog, Muggia and Paracaldophialophora lichenicola Cometto, de Hoog, Muggia. Other strains are placed in Pleostigmataceae, Trichomeriaceae, Pleosporales, Mycosphaerellales, Coniochaetales and Hypocreales, further filling gaps of knowledge of the high fungal diversity residing in lichen thalli.
Minichromosome maintenance 6 protects against renal fibrogenesis by regulating DUSP6-mediated ERK/GSK-3β/Snail1 signaling
Authors: Huang Jing , Xu Zhi-Feng , Liu Feng , Song An-Ni , Su Hua , Zhang Chun
Published: January 2023

Background

Renal fibrosis is a major determinant of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and an inevitable outcome in all types of progressive CKD. Minichromosome maintenance 6 (MCM6) promotes the migration and invasive ability of tumor cells by regulating the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) cascade, but its exact biological function in kidney diseases remains unclear. In this study, we aim to explore the role and potential mechanism of MCM6 in renal fibrosis.

Methods

Two unrelated in vivo fibrotic models including unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and unilateral ischemia-reperfusion injury (UIRI), and two in vitro tubular epithelial cells (TECs) injury models including TGF-β1-induced injury and hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced injury, were established to detect the expression of MCM6 in fibrotic models. And two adeno-associated viruses harboring MCM6 were delivered into the mice kidney via intraparenchymal injection to knockdown or overexpress the expression of MCM6 in renal tubules prior to the establishment of the UUO or UIRI model in order to further explore the specific role of MCM6 in renal fibrosis. Hematoxylin and eosin, Masson’s trichrome, immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining, western blotting assay, and qRT-PCR were performed to identify the effect of MCM6 on tubular injury, partial EMT, and interstitial fibrosis.

Results

MCM6 was significantly upregulated in TECs during progressive renal fibrosis including in vivo fibrotic models and in vitro injury stimulations. Conditional gene silencing of MCM6 aggravated partial EMT, extracellular matrix accumulation, and myofibroblast activation in UUO- or UIRI-induced renal fibrosis. And overexpression of MCM6 promoted the recovery of E-cadherin and suppressed the deposition of fibrotic markers, thereby retarding UUO- or UIRI-induced renal fibrosis. Mechanistically, activation of ERK/GSK-3β/Snail1 signaling was associated with MCM6-induced partial EMT. Additionally, DUSP6 expression substantially decreased in fibrotic kidneys and that it could be involved in MCM6-induced renal fibrosis by regulating ERK phosphorylation.

Conclusion

Our results are the first to identify the upregulation of MCM6 in fibrotic kidneys and further provide direct evidence that MCM6 play an important role in maintaining the tubular epithelial phenotype and protecting against renal fibrosis. MCM6 may be a useful biomarker for renal fibrosis and a potential anti-fibrotic therapeutic target for patients with CKD.
An Improved Biodegradable Microwave Absorber Based on Peanut Shell Mixed with Metal Free Carbon Nanotube for Ku-Band
Authors: Gupta Hitender , Khanna Rajesh , Rai Mayank Kumar
Published: January 2023

Agriculture waste has been used to develop environment friendly microwave and pyramidal absorbers, based on their dielectric constant value, for anechoic chambers applications. This paper conferred the dielectric parameters and microwave absorption profile based on two samples, one of peanut shell (PS) and second of PS mixed with 1 wt% metal free multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MF-MWCNT) composite (PSCNT)for frequency range 12 GHz to 18 GHz (Ku-band).The measured reflectivity for sample 2 of PSCNT is found to be -16.92 dB and − 28.36 dB as compared to sample1 of PS as -8.35dB and − 12.46 dB at13.3 GHz and 15.76 GHz, respectively. The finding shows the PSCNT composite has improved microwave absorption and good absorptivity in the Ku-band. The results indicate that it can replace the existing agriculture based microwave absorber.
Safety analysis of new medications in clinical trials: A simulation study to assess the differences between cause-specific and subdistribution frameworks in the presence of competing events
Authors: Genet Astrid , Bogner Kathrin , Goertz Ralf , Böhme Sarah , Leverkus Friedhelm
Published: January 2023

Safety is an essential part of the evaluation of new medications and competing risks that occur in most clinical trials are a well identified challenge in the analysis of adverse events. Two statistical frameworks exist to consider competing risks: the cause-specific and the subdistribution framework. To date, the application of the cause-specific framework is the standard practice in safety analyses. Here we analyze how the safety analysis results of new medications would be affected if instead of the cause-specific the subdistribution framework was chosen. We conducted a simulation study with 600 participants, equally allocated to verum and control groups and a 30 months follow-up period. Simulated trials were analyzed for safety in a competing risk (death) setting using both the cause-specific and subdistribution frameworks. Results show that comparing safety profiles in a subdistribution setting is always more pessimistic than in a cause-specific setting. For the group with the longest survival and a safety advantage in a cause-specific setting, the advantage either disappeared or a disadvantage was found in the subdistribution analysis setting. These observations are not contradictory but show different perspectives. To evaluate the safety of a new medication over its comparator, one needs to understand the origin of both the risks and the benefits associated with each therapy. These requirements are best met with a cause-specific framework. The subdistribution framework seems better suited for clinical prediction, and therefore more relevant for providers or payers, for example.
Mitochondrial metabolism as a potential novel therapeutic target for lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Fujiwara Makoto , Mimae Takahiro , Kushitani Kei , Tsubokawa Norifumi , Miyata Yoshihiro , Takeshima Yukio , Okada Morihito
Published: January 2023

Background
Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common histological type of lung cancer and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The prognosis for LUAD patients remains unsatisfactory. To improve the prognosis of LUAD patients, identifying novel therapeutic targets is necessary. Oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) is involved in the progression and metastasis of several cancers. This study evaluated the role of OXPHOS in LUAD and determined the potential for LUAD cell growth suppression by inhibiting OXPHOS metabolism.
Methods
Gene expression profiles, clinicopathological characteristics, and prognosis of lung cancer patients were evaluated using the OXPHOS or glycolysis-related RNA-seq data extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. PPARγ expression, a representative OXPHOS molecule, was investigated using TCGA dataset and immunohistochemistry of surgically resected LUAD specimens. Expression of glycolysis-related molecules HIF1a, and LDH and OXPHOS-related molecules UCP2 and PPARγ and the effects of OXPHOS inhibitors oligomycin and metformin on cell growth were examined in human LUAD cell lines.
Results
High expression of OXPHOS-related genes was associated with worse prognosis and lymph node metastasis than that observed with low expression of OXPHOS-related genes (p = 0.07 and p < 0.01, respectively). In LUAD patients (n = 500), high PPARγ expression (n = 109) was associated with significantly worse prognosis than that seen with low PPARγ expression (n = 391) (5-year OS, high 34% vs. low 42%) (p = 0.01). PPARγ, detected in the invasive component of LUAD, was expressed only in the peripheral area. A549, HTB181, and H322 cells were classified as OXPHOS-high type, and H596 cells were classified as OXPHOS-low type, based on OXPHOS and glycolysis-related gene expression. Oligomycin treatment inhibited the proliferation of these OXPHOS-high-type cell lines (ratio of oligomycin 1.0 µM to control; A549:0.72, HTB181:0.69, H322:0.77, p < 0.01, respectively) but not of the OXPHOS-low expression type cell lines.
Conclusions
LUADs can be classified as high and low OXPHOS types, with heterogeneity in individual tumors. Inhibition of OXPHOS metabolism may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for LUAD patients with a high expression of OXPHOS-related genes.
Identification, Isolation, and Structural Characterization of Novel Forced Degradation Products of Ertugliflozin using Hyphenated Analytical Techniques HRMS, 2D-NMR, UPLC-MS, PREP-HPLC, and FT-IR
Authors: Salakolusu Suresh , Ganapavarapu Veera Raghava Sharma , Katari Naresh Kumar , Kaliyaperumal Muralidharan , Puppala Umamaheshwar , Ranga Mahesh , Jonnalagadda Sreekantha Babu
Published: January 2023

The research elucidates the stress degradation behavior of Ertugliflozin, which is used for the treatment of type-2 diabetics. The degradation was conducted as per ICH guidelines and Ertugliflozin is relatively stable in thermal, photolytic, and alkaline hydrolysis conditions; however, considerable degradation was detected in acid hydrolysis and oxidative hydrolysis. Degradation products were identified by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, isolated by semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography, and structural characterization using high-resolution mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Total four degradation products were identified and isolated in acid degradation, which are degradation products 1, 2, 3, and 4. Whereas in oxidative conditions, degradation product 5 was identified. All the five degradation products formed are novel, which was not reported earlier. This is the first time documented complete structural characterization of all five degradation products by using a hyphenated analytical technique. High-resolution mass, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy were used in the present study to get concrete confirmation of degradation products structures. The current method is also used to identify degradation products with shorter runtime in the future.
A Retrospective Cohort Review of the Health Disparities in the Older Adult Population with the Recent Surge in Telemedicine Use
Authors: Szerszen Anita , Kogan Yulia , Valsechi-Diaz Jonathan , Demissie Seleshi , Chacko Jincy , Alviar Kevin , Vig Raman , Sahni Puneet , Romm Yuval , Mishra Simita , Oppenheim Michael , Burns Edith
Published: January 2023

Background
Evaluate telemedicine uptake (audio-video and audio-only communications) and document sociodemographic differences amongst older adults during 2020.
Methods
Retrospective review of electronic medical records of patients 65 + years seen in three geriatric practices the New York metropolitan area January-November 2020. Multivariable regression evaluated association of demographic, socioeconomic factors and visit type.
Results
About a third of patients engaged in telemedicine visits. Telemedicine visits represented 80% of all visits in April dropping to an average of 11.8% by November. Use was similar across age groups, gender, race and insurance payer status between telemedicine versus in-person encounters. Patients with more comorbidities were more likely to use telemedicine. 47.5% of patients who engaged in video visits had another person/family member present during an encounter.
Conclusions
Telemedicine augmented access to health care across sociodemographic characteristics in this geriatric population. It may serve as a tool to reduce enduring health care disparities beyond the pandemic.
Delineation of shallow volcanic structures from audio-frequency magnetotelluirc data beneath Ulleung Island, East Sea (Sea of Japan)
Authors: Hong Jinpyo , Kim Kiyeon , Oh Seokhoon , Kwon Hyoung-Seok , Choi Sung Hi , Park Sun-Cheon
Published: January 2023

As volcanoes are closely related to the living environment of humans, in particular via natural hazards and geothermal energy, scientific studies on volcanic edifice structures are required. Ulleung Island is a quaternary volcanic island located in the mid-western East Sea (Sea of Japan). In this study, we conducted an audio-frequency magnetotelluric (AMT) survey to image the substructure of the Ulleung volcanic edifice. In addition, the electrical structure was also interpreted from the geothermal system perspective, the geochemical compositions of volcanic rocks, and the possibility of the presence of a magma chamber. AMT data were obtained from 25 stations and processed using remote reference techniques. Then, the three-dimensional (3-D) approach was reasonably adopted according to dimensionality analysis. Before conducting the 3-D inversion, the effects on topography and ocean were analyzed using a simplified 3-D synthetic model, because Ulleung Island is surrounded by the sea and the topography is undulating. Most AMT stations on Ulleung Island are distorted by topographical and oceanic effects; in particular, oceanic effects are significant at frequencies lower than 10 Hz. The 3-D inversion was conducted with full impedance components and vertical magnetic transfer functions at a frequency range of 10,000–1 Hz. The results showed that the Ulleung volcanic edifice is characterized by three layers of electrical structures as follows: the near-surface, a conductive layer, and a layer with relatively constant resistivity. In addition, the eruption pathway of volcanic materials that formed the Nari caldera and Albong was estimated. Considering the high geothermal gradient on Ulleung Island, we suggest that the conductive layer of the volcanic edifice is due to hydrothermal alteration of basaltic rocks, with a potential heat source underneath. Finally, based on the geochemical characteristics of the Ulleung volcanic rocks, the possibility of heat transfer from a trachytic magma reservoir within the shallow crustal depths is suggested. In summary, this study presents a geological interpretation of the substructure of Ulleung Island and the possibility of an active magma reservoir as a potential heat source for the volcanic edifice.
A TRPV4 mutation caused Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2C with scapuloperoneal muscular atrophy overlap syndrome and scapuloperoneal spinal muscular atrophy in one family: a case report and literature review
Authors: Chen Haofeng , Sun Chong , Zheng Yongsheng , Yin Junxiong , Gao Mingshi , Zhao Chongbo , Lin Jie
Published: January 2023

Background
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease 2C (CMT2C) and scapuloperoneal spinal muscular atrophy (SPSMA) are different clinical phenotypes of TRPV4 gene mutation. The mutation of p.Arg316Cys has been previously found to cause CMT2C and SPSMA separately.
Case presentation
Here, we reported a Chinese family harboring the same p.Arg316Cys variant but with overlap syndrome and different clinical manifestations. A 58-year-old man presented with severe scapula muscle atrophy as hanger-like shoulders. Distinct muscle atrophy also presented in his four limbs especially in the lower limbs. Sural nerve biopsy of the father indicated severe loss of myelinated nerve fibers with scattered regenerating clusters and pseudo-onion bulbs. Nerve conduction study indicated axon damage in both motor and sensory nerves. Sensory nerve action potentials could not be evocated in bilateral sural or superficial peroneal nerves. He was diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2C and scapuloperoneal muscular atrophy overlap syndrome. While his 27-year-old son was born with club foot and clinodactyly. Electromyogram examination indicated chronic neurogenic changes and anterior horn cells involvement. He complained of no obvious weakness or sensory symptoms currently. Early SPSMA could be considered for him.
Conclusion
A literature review of the clinical characteristics in CMT2C and SPSMA patients with TRPV4 gene mutation suggested that our case was distinct for his overlap syndrome. Altogether, this case broadened the phenotype spectrum and supplied the nerve biopsy pathological characters of TRPV4 gene mutation related neuropathy.
Personalising genetic counselling (POETIC) trial: A hybrid type II effectiveness-implementation randomised clinical trial of a patient screening tool to improve patient empowerment after cancer genetic counselling
Authors: Forrest Laura Elenor , Tutty Erin , De Silva Anurika P , Petelin Lara , Ruscigno Amy , Purvis Rebecca , Monohan Katrina , Kentwell Maira , Sexton Adrienne , Stafford Lesley , James Paul Andrew
Published: January 2023

Background: Genetic counselling aims to identify, and address, patient needs while facilitating informed decision-making about genetic testing and promoting empowerment and adaptation to genetic information. Increasing demand for cancer genetic testing and genetic counsellor workforce capacity limitations may impact the quality of genetic counselling provided. The use of a validated genetic-specific screening tool, the Genetic Psychosocial Risk Instrument (GPRI), may facilitate patient-centred genetic counselling. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness and implementation of using the GPRI in improving patient outcomes after genetic counselling and testing for an inherited cancer predisposition.
Methods: The PersOnalising gEneTIc Counselling (POETIC) trial is a hybrid type 2 effectiveness-implementation trial using a randomised control trial to assess the effectiveness of the GPRI in improving patient empowerment (primary outcome), while also assessing implementation from the perspective of clinicians and the healthcare service. Patients referred for a cancer risk assessment to the conjoint clinical genetics service of two metropolitan hospitals in Victoria, Australia, who meet the eligibility criteria and consent to POETIC will be randomised to the usual care or intervention group. Those in the intervention group will complete the GPRI prior to their appointment with the screening results available for the clinicians’ use during the appointment. Appointment audio recordings, clinician reported information about the appointment, patient-reported outcome measures, and clinical data will be used to examine the effectiveness of using the GPRI. Appointment audio recordings, health economic information, and structured interviews will be used to examine the implementation of the GPRI.
Discussion: The POETIC trial takes a pragmatic approach by deploying the GPRI as an intervention in the routine clinical practice of a cancer-specific clinical genetics service that is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of genetics and oncology clinicians. Therefore, the effectiveness and implementation evidence generated from this real-world health service setting aims to optimise the relevance of the outcomes of this trial to the practice of genetic counselling while enhancing the operationalisation of the screening tool in routine practice.
Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry registration number 12621001582842p. Date of registration: 19th November 2021.
Experiences with regular testing of students for SARS-CoV-2 in primary and secondary schools: results from a cross-sectional study in two Norwegian counties, autumn 2021
Authors: Franconeri Lea , Stebbings Sara , Heradstveit Petter , Johansen Mia , Løken Ragnhild , MacDonald Emily , Ødeskaug Liz , Naseer Umaer
Published: January 2023

Background: To allow for normal school attendance during the COVID-19 pandemic, regular testing of students was introduced in the autumn 2021 in Norway to manage COVID-19 transmission. We mapped the experiences of five stakeholders (parents, students, school staff and administration, contact tracing teams) regarding the implementation of regular testing in primary and secondary schools in Oslo and Viken counties, to assess the acceptability through different indicators and improve future guidelines.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between October and November 2021 to explore experiences of implementation, compliance, satisfaction, difficulties, concerns, confidence in regular testing, quality of teaching and school attendance. Five stakeholder groups were invited to participate: contact tracing teams; school administrators and employees in primary, lower secondary, and upper-secondary school; students in upper-secondary school and parents of primary and lower secondary students. Bivariate analyses were performed for students, parents, and school employees groups. Descriptive analyses were done for contact tracing teams and school administrators.
Results: 4 576 participants completed the survey. School attendance increased for most of the students in primary and lower secondary schools in Oslo and Viken after the implementation of regular testing. Students across all school levels reported high testing compliance and satisfaction with the implementation. Compliance was significantly associated with an increasing number of weekly tests across all school levels up to two weekly tests. Contact tracing teams were less satisfied with the cooperation with the educational authorities compared to the school employees. Higher educational level of parents was significantly associated with decreased concern of their children getting infected at school after regular testing implementation. Concerned parents were more likely to keep children at home from school, to protect all household members from becoming infected. Lack of time and communication were reported as challenging factors to implementation.
Conclusion: Compliance, satisfaction, and confidence in regular testing of COVID-19 were high among stakeholders. An acceptable testing regime for a future regular testing implementation would be a home-based, bi-weekly test. Increased awareness of the importance of school attendance, safety of regular testing along with good communication and role clarification should be prioritized for stakeholders involved in regular testing.