bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are cross-sectional safety climate survey results in operating room staff associated with the surgical site infection rates in Swiss hospitals?
Authors: Pfeiffer Yvonne , Atkinson Andrew , Maag Judith , Lane Michael A , Schwappach David , Marschall Jonas
Published: April 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between surgical site infections (SSIs), a major source of patient harm, and safety and teamwork climate. Prior research has been unclear regarding this relationship.

Design

Based on the Swiss national SSI surveillance and a survey study assessing (a) safety climate and (b) teamwork climate, associations were analysed for three kinds of surgical procedures.

Setting and participants

SSI surveillance data from 20 434 surgeries for hip and knee arthroplasty from 41 hospitals, 8321 for colorectal procedures from 28 hospitals and 4346 caesarean sections from 11 hospitals and survey responses from Swiss operating room personnel (N=2769) in 54 acute care hospitals.

Primary and secondary outcomes

The primary endpoint of the study was the 30-day (all types) or 1-year (knee/hip with implants) National Healthcare Safety Network-adjusted SSI rate. Its association with climate level and strength was investigated in regression analyses, accounting for respondents’ professional background, managerial role and hospital size as confounding factors.

Results

Plotting climate levels against infection rates revealed a general trend with SSI rate decreasing as the safety climate increased, but none of the associations were significant (5% level). Linear models for hip and knee arthroplasties showed a negative association between SSI rate and climate perception (p=0.02). For climate strength, there were no consistent patterns, indicating that alignment of perceptions was not associated with lower infection rates. Being in a managerial role and being a physician (vs a nurse) had a positive effect on climate levels regarding SSI in hip and knee arthroplasties, whereas larger hospital size had a negative effect.

Conclusions

This study suggests a possible negative correlation between climate level and SSI rate, while for climate strength, no associations were found. Future research should study safety climate more specifically related to infection prevention measures to establish clearer links.
Cohort profile: a longitudinal regional cohort study to assess COVID-19 seroprevalence in blood donors – baseline characteristics of the SeMaCo study participants
Authors: Pohl Robert , Stallmann Christoph , Marquardt Pauline , Kaasch Achim J. , Heuft Hans-Gert , Apfelbacher Christian
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The SeMaCo study (Serologische Untersuchungen bei Blutspendern des Großraums Magdeburg auf Antikörper gegen SARS-CoV-2), a prospective, longitudinal cohort study with four survey phases spanning 3–5 months each over a period of 22 months, extends the spectrum of seroepidemiological studies in Germany. We present here a careful characterisation of the initial survey phase of the cohort to provide baseline data on infection incidence and obtained from questionnaires, focussing in particular on the attitude towards COVID-19 vaccinations, the vaccination success and the vaccination acceptance.

Participants

A total of 2195 individual blood donors from the donor pool of the blood donation service of the University Hospital Magdeburg were enrolled in the initial survey phase from 20 January 2021 to 30 April 2021. 2138 participants gave sociodemographic/contact data (51.7% male, mean age 44 years) and 2082 participants answered the vaccination questionnaire.

Findings to date

Out of 2195 participants with antibody results, 1909 (87.0%) were antibody negative. The remaining 286 subjects (13.0%) were either antibody-positive and vaccinated (160/286; 55.9%) or antibody-positive without vaccination information (17/286; 5.9%) or antibody-positive and unvaccinated (109/286; 38.1%). The latter result reflects the rate of true or highly probable SARS-CoV-2 infections in our initial study cohort.

Future plans

The study primarily aims to measure the prevalence and long-term kinetics of IgG-antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Including the baseline, the study foresees four survey periods of 3–4 months each. At each visit, we will assess the blood donors’ attitude towards vaccination, the antibody response following vaccination and/or infection, as well as undesired vaccination effects. We aim to test the same participants during the survey periods by repeated invitations for blood donation to ensure a long-term (follow-up) in as many study participants as possible. After the four survey phases, a longitudinal data set will be created that reflects the course of the antibody levels/frequencies as well as the infection and vaccination incidence.

Trial registration number

DRKS00023263.
Investigating health services for sexual and gender minorities in France: a qualitative study protocol
Authors: Girard Gabriel , Marsicano Elise , Beaubatie Emmanuel , Eched Yael , Le Bris Mona , Porée Lydie , Raz Michal , Virole Louise
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Discrimination and structural violence experienced by sexual and gender minorities are the source of social inequalities in health. The last decade has been marked by major developments in the provision of sexual health services for these minorities in France. This paper presents the research protocol of the Services for Minorities-Lesbian Gays Bisexuals Transgender Intersex+ (SeSAM-LGBTI+) study, which aims to document the health, social and professional challenges in the organisation of current health services for sexual and gender minorities in France.

Methods and analysis

The SeSAM-LGBTI+ study relies on a multidisciplinary qualitative study. It has two objectives: (1) to analyse the history of the development of LGBTI+ health services in France, through interviews with key informants and rights activists and through a study of archives and (2) to study the functioning and challenges of a sample of health services currently offered to LGBTI+ people in France, through a multiple case study, using a multilevel and multisited ethnography. The study will rely on approximately 100 interviews. The analysis will be based on an inductive and iterative approach, combining sociohistorical data and the cross-sectional analysis of the case studies.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol has undergone a peer review by the Institut de Recherche En santé Publique’s scientific committee and has been approved by the research ethical committee of Aix-Marseille University (registration number: 2022-05-12-010). The project has received funding from December 2021 to November 2024. The results of the research will be disseminated from 2023 onwards to researchers, health professionals and community health organisations.
UK medical students’ mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative interview study
Authors: Rich Antonia , Viney Rowena , Silkens Milou , Griffin Ann , Medisauskaite Asta
Published: April 2023

Objectives

To understand the impact of COVID-19 on medical students with mental health problems.

Design

Qualitative study employing in-depth semistructured interviews with medical students which were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Setting and participants

A purposive sample of 20 students originating from 8 geographically spread UK medical schools were selected, representing various mental health issues and demographic characteristics.

Results

Three themes were identified: (1) medical schools’ response to the pandemic—schools increased awareness-raising of mental health support and increased flexibility in regards to academic requirements; (2) disruption to the medical degree—COVID-19 brought change and uncertainty to medical education and missed learning opportunities reduced students’ confidence and (3) psychological consequences of the pandemic—COVID-19 had a negative impact on mental health, most notably raising stress and anxiety but also triggering new or existing conditions.

Conclusions

While there were many negative aspects of the pandemic for medical students experiencing mental ill health, there were also positives. Students felt that the increased focus on mental health support during the pandemic had reduced stigma towards mental health. Given stigma has been identified as a key barrier for help-seeking in medical students, future research should investigate the longer-term impacts of the pandemic and whether medical students are more likely to seek help for mental health difficulties postpandemic.
Perspectives of individuals on reducing meat consumption to mitigate climate change: protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Moosburger Ramona , Wagner Julia , Heldt Katharina , Richter Almut , Manz Kristin , Mensink Gert B M , Loss Julika
Published: April 2023

Introduction

High consumption of red and processed meat increases the risk of several chronic diseases. Many people, especially in high-income countries, eat more meat than recommended by nutritional and health agencies. Meat production also has negative impacts on the environment and contributes to climate change. Therefore, climate protection, besides health or animal welfare, could motivate individuals to eat less meat. Willingness to reduce meat consumption and motives to do so are not yet fully understood.

Methods and analysis

Based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) extended guidelines, a scoping review of peer-reviewed original studies will be conducted to address three questions: What is the evidence regarding (1) the willingness of individuals to reduce meat consumption to mitigate climate change, (2) the awareness of individuals about the link between their meat consumption and the potential to mitigate climate change and (3) individuals having reduced meat consumption for the reason of climate protection? We will search the databases Medline (via PubMed), Scopus, Embase, Greenfile (via Ebsco) and PsynDex/CurrentContent/Agris (via Livivo) using a systematic search string. Studies from 2015 onwards, published in English, German, Danish or Dutch, will be included. We will include observational studies, qualitative studies, intervention studies (if they include surveys) and reviews. Data will be summarised in a narrative synthesis, comprising methods, population characteristics, meat type under study, indicators measured and limitations. Key findings will be grouped according to the research questions. This scoping review will help clarify the role of climate protection in individual reduction of meat consumption and identify research gaps in this field.

Ethics and dissemination

Formal ethical approval is not required, as primary data will not be collected in this study. Findings of this scoping review will be presented at scientific conferences and published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/MWB85.
Sleep apnoea and hypoventilation in patients with five major types of muscular dystrophy
Authors: Li Leping , Umbach David M , Li Yuanyuan , Halani Pallav , Shi Min , Ahn Mihye , Yeung Deryck S C , Vaughn Bradley , Fan Zheng Jane
Published: April 2023

Background

The characteristics of and relationship between sleep apnoea and hypoventilation in patients with muscular dystrophy (MD) remain to be fully understood.

Methods

We analysed 104 in-laboratory sleep studies of 73 patients with MD with five common types (DMD—Duchenne, Becker MD, CMD—congenital, LGMD—limb-girdle and DM—myotonic dystrophy). We used generalised estimating equations to examine differences among these types for outcomes.

Results

Patients in all five types had high risk of sleep apnoea with 53 of the 73 patients (73%) meeting the diagnostic criteria in at least one study. Patients with DM had higher risk of sleep apnoea compared with patients with LGMD (OR=5.15, 95% CI 1.47 to 18.0; p=0.003). Forty-three per cent of patients had hypoventilation with observed prevalence higher in CMD (67%), DMD (48%) and DM (44%). Hypoventilation and sleep apnoea were associated in those patients (unadjusted OR=2.75, 95% CI 1.15 to 6.60; p=0.03), but the association weakened after adjustment (OR=2.32, 95% CI 0.92 to 5.81; p=0.08). In-sleep average heart rate was about 10 beats/min higher in patients with CMD and DMD compared with patients with DM (p=0.0006 and p=0.02, respectively, adjusted for multiple testing).

Conclusion

Sleep-disordered breathing is common in patients with MD but each type has its unique features. Hypoventilation was only weakly associated with sleep apnoea; thus, high clinical suspicion is needed for diagnosing hypoventilation. Identifying the window when respiratory muscle weakness begins to cause hypoventilation is important for patients with MD; it enables early intervention with non-invasive ventilation—a therapy that should both lengthen the expected life of these patients and improve its quality.Cite Now
Hospital-level variation in practices and outcomes for patients with severe acute exacerbations of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a retrospective multicentre cohort study
Authors: Shankar Divya A , Walkey Allan J , Hawkins Finn J , Bosch Nicholas A , Peterson Daniel , Law Anica C
Published: April 2023

Background

In the absence of evidence-based strategies to improve patient outcomes, the management of patients with severe idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) exacerbations may vary widely across centres. We assessed between-hospital variation in practices and mortality for patients with severe IPF exacerbations.

Methods

Using the Premier Healthcare Database from 1 October 2015 to 31 December 2020, we identified patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) or intermediate care unit with an IPF exacerbation. We assessed idiosyncratic, between-hospital variation in ICU practices (invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV), corticosteroid use, and immunosuppressive and/or antioxidant use) and hospital mortality by determining median risk-adjusted hospital rates and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) from hierarchical multivariable regression models. A priori, an ICC>15% was deemed ‘high variation’.

Results

We identified 5256 critically ill patients with a severe IPF exacerbation at 385 US hospitals. Hospital median risk-adjusted rates of practices were: IMV (14% (IQR: 8.3%–26%)), NIMV (42% (31%–54%)), corticosteroid use (89% (84%–93%)), and immunosuppressive and/or antioxidant use (3.3% (1.9%–5.8%)). Model ICCs were: IMV (19% (95% CI: 18% to 21%)), NIMV (15% (13% to 16%)), corticosteroid use (9.8% (8.3% to 11%)), and immunosuppressive and/or antioxidant use (8.5% (7.1% to 9.9%)). The median risk-adjusted hospital mortality was 16% (IQR: 11%–24%) with an ICC of 7.5% (95% CI: 6.2% to 8.9%).

Interpretation

We observed high variation in the use of IMV and NIMV, and less variation in corticosteroid and immunosuppressant and/or antioxidant use among patients hospitalised with severe IPF exacerbations. Further research is needed to guide the decisions surrounding initiation of IMV and role of NIMV and to understand the effectiveness of corticosteroids among patients with severe IPF exacerbations.
Alternate-day fasting induces metabolic and morphofunctional changes in the gastrointestinal tract of male rats
Authors: Beckmann Ana Paula Simões , Gama Loyane Almeida , Machado Mariana Pirani Rocha , Alves Wellington David Luz , Corá Luciana Aparecida , Américo Madileine Francely
Published: April 2023

Alternate-day fasting (ADF) is a nutritional intervention with modulatory and overall protective effects, but its role in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is still uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of ADF on the metabolic patterns and morphofunctional motility of the GI tract in rats. Thirty-two male Wistar rats were allocated into groups: control for 15 days (CON 15, n = 8), control for 30 days (CON 30, n = 8), ADF for 15 days (ADF 15, n = 8), and ADF for 30 days (ADF 30, n = 8). Blood glucose, body weight, and food and water consumption were measured. Frequency and amplitude of gastric contractions as well as gastric emptying time, small intestinal transit time, and cecum arrival time were measured. Intestinal histomorphometric, relative weight of organs, lipidogram, and leptin levels were also evaluated. ADF decreased water consumption and food consumption. The weight gain decreased; however, the relative kidney weight increased. ADF triggered an increase in the amplitude of gastric contractions and accelerated gastric emptying. However, small intestinal transit time was delayed in both ADF groups. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, non-HDL cholesterol, and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels decreased, whereas villus height, depth of the crypts and thickness of the circular, and longitudinal muscular layers of intestine increased after ADF. In conclusion, our results showed ADF exert an effect on both metabolism and GI motility and impacts on overall digestive functions.
Boron neutron capture therapy in the new age of accelerator-based neutron production and preliminary progress in Canada
Authors: Dziura Dominik , Tabbassum Sana , MacNeil Amanda , Maharaj Dalini D. , Laxdal Robert , Kester Oliver , Pan Ming , Kumada Hiroaki , Marquardt Drew
Published: April 2023

Each year more than 3000 Canadians are diagnosed with brain cancers like glioblastoma multiforme or recurrent head and neck cancers, which are difficult to treat with conventional radiotherapy techniques. One of the most clinically promising treatments for these cancers is boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). This procedure involves selectively introducing a boron delivery agent into tumor cells and irradiating them with a neutron beam, which kills the cancer cells due to the high-linear energy transfer radiation produced by the 10B(n,α)7Li capture reaction. The theory of BNCT has been around for a long time since 1936, but has historically been limited by poor boron delivery agents and non-optimal neutron source facilities. Although significant improvements have been made in both of these domains, it is mainly the advancements of accelerator-based neutron sources that have led to the expansion of over 20 new BNCT facilities worldwide in the past decade. Additionally in this work, particle and heavy ion transport code system simulations, in collaboration with the University of Tsukuba, were performed to examine the effectiveness of the Ibaraki BNCT beam shaping assembly to moderate a neutron beam suitable for BNCT at the proposed prototype Canadian compact accelerator-based neutron source (CANS) site, which uses a similar but slightly higher energy 10 MeV proton accelerator with a 1 mA average current. The advancements of CANSs in recent decades have enabled significant improvements in BNCT technologies, allowing it to become a more viable clinical treatment option.
Flavour bounds on the flavon of a minimal and a non-minimal $${\mathcal {Z}}_2 \times {\mathcal {Z}}_N$$ symmetry
Authors: Abbas Gauhar , Singh Vartika , Singh Neelam , Sain Ria
Published: April 2023

We investigate flavour bounds on the $${\mathcal {Z}}_2 \times {\mathcal {Z}}_5$$

Z
2

×

Z
5

and $${\mathcal {Z}}_2 \times {\mathcal {Z}}_9$$

Z
2

×

Z
9

flavour symmetries. These flavour symmetries are a minimal and a non-minimal forms of the $${\mathcal {Z}}_2 \times {\mathcal {Z}}_N$$

Z
2

×

Z
N

flavour symmetry, that can provide a simple set-up for the Froggatt–Nielsen mechanism. The $${\mathcal {Z}}_2 \times {\mathcal {Z}}_5$$

Z
2

×

Z
5

and $${\mathcal {Z}}_2 \times {\mathcal {Z}}_9$$

Z
2

×

Z
9

flavour symmetries are capable of explaining the fermionic masses and mixing pattern of the standard model including that of the neutrinos. The bounds on the parameter space of the flavon field of the $${\mathcal {Z}}_2 \times {\mathcal {Z}}_5$$

Z
2

×

Z
5

and $${\mathcal {Z}}_2 \times {\mathcal {Z}}_9$$

Z
2

×

Z
9

flavour symmetries are derived using the current quark and lepton flavour physics data and future projected sensitivities of quark and lepton flavour effects. The strongest bounds on the flavon of the $${\mathcal {Z}}_2 \times {\mathcal {Z}}_5$$

Z
2

×

Z
5

symmetry come from the $$D^0 - {{\bar{D}}}^0$$

D
0

-

D

¯

0

mixing. The bounds on the $${\mathcal {Z}}_2 \times {\mathcal {Z}}_9$$

Z
2

×

Z
9

flavour symmetry are stronger than that of the minimal $${\mathcal {Z}}_2 \times {\mathcal {Z}}_5$$

Z
2

×

Z
5

symmetry. The ratio $$R_{\mu \mu }$$

R

μ
μ

provides rather robust bounds on the flavon parameters in the future phase-I and phase-II of the LHCb by leaving only a very small region in the allowed parameter space of the models.
Deviation to the Tri-Bi-Maximal flavor pattern and equivalent classes
Authors: Barradas-Guevara E. , Félix-Beltrán O. , Gonzalez-Canales F.
Published: April 2023

In the model-independent context, the neutrino mass matrix is assumed to be diagonalized by means of a unitary matrix that possesses the Tri-Bi-Maximal (TBM) flavor mixing pattern. We present an analysis where the TBM deviation is explored by considering different forms with texture zeros, for the charged lepton mass matrix. These last mass matrices are classified into equivalent classes. We are interested in the charged lepton mass matrices with the minimum free parameter number, i.e. the maximum number of texture zeros, that allows us to correctly reproduce the reactor mixing angle value. We show a deviation from the TBM pattern in terms of the charged lepton masses as well as the theoretical expressions and their parameter space for the mixing angles. Finally, we present the phenomenological implications of numerical values of the “Majorana-like” phase factors on the neutrinoless double-beta decay.
Incompressible flow in a duct with an arbitrary cross-section
Authors: Khorrami Mohammad , Aghamohammadi Amir
Published: April 2023

In this paper, the problem of finding the velocity profile of fully developed laminar flows through ducts of arbitrary cross-sections is investigated. The method which is used is based on a perturbative approach, although some nonperturbative exact results are also obtained. The main quantity which is addressed is the specific conductivity. This is a dimensionless quantity, which is independent of the size of the duct and the properties of the fluid, depending on only the shape of the duct. Some examples are studied is detail, for which the numerical values of the specific conductivity are determined, in the form of perturbative or exact results.
A Survey of Data Quality Requirements That Matter in ML Development Pipelines
Authors: Priestley Maria , O’donnell Fionntán , Simperl Elena
Published: April 2023

The fitness of the systems in which Machine Learning (ML) is used depends greatly on good-quality data. Specifications on what makes a good-quality dataset have traditionally been defined by the needs of the data users—typically analysts and engineers. Our article critically examines the extent to which established data quality frameworks are applicable to contemporary use cases in ML. Using a review of recent literature at the intersection of ML, data management, and human-computer interaction, we find that the classical “fitness-for-use” view of data quality can benefit from a more stage-specific approach that is sensitive to where in the ML lifecycle the data are encountered. This helps practitioners to plan their data quality tasks in a manner that meets the needs of the stakeholders who will encounter the dataset, whether it be data subjects, software developers or organisations. We therefore propose a new treatment of traditional data quality criteria by structuring them according to two dimensions: (1) the stage of the ML lifecycle where the use case occurs vs. (2) the main categories of data quality that can be pursued (intrinsic, contextual, representational and accessibility). To illustrate how this works in practice, we contribute a temporal mapping of the various data quality requirements that are important at different stages of the ML data pipeline. We also share some implications for data practitioners and organisations that wish to enhance their data management routines in preparation for ML.
Towards Enhanced Identification of Emotion from Resource-Constrained Language through a novel Multilingual BERT Approach
Authors: Ali Nadia , Tubaishat Abdallah , Al-Obeidat Feras , Shabaz Mohammad , Waqas Muhammad , Halim Zahid , Rida Imad , Anwar Sajid
Published: April 2023

Emotion identification from text has recently gained attention due to its versatile ability to analyze human-machine interaction. This work focuses on detecting emotions from textual data. Languages, like English, Chinese, and German are widely used for text classification, however, limited research is done on resource-poor oriental languages. Roman Urdu (RU) is a resource-constrained language extensively used across Asia. This work focuses on predicting emotions from RU text. For this, a dataset is collected from different social media domains and based on Paul Ekman's theory it is annotated with six basic emotions, i.e., happy, surprise, angry, sad, fear, and disgusting. Dense word embedding representations of different languages is adopted that utilize existing pre-trained models. BERT is additionally pre-trained and fine-tuned for the classification task. The proposed approach is compared with baseline machine learning and deep learning algorithms. Additionally, a comparison of the current work is also performed with different approaches for the same task. Based on the empirical evaluation, the proposed approach performs better than the existing state-of-the-art with an average accuracy of 91%.
Securing Scalable Real-time Multiparty Communications with Hybrid Information-centric Networking
Authors: Muscariello Luca , Papalini Michele , Roques Olivier , Sardara Mauro , Tran Van Arthur
Published: April 2023

In this article, we consider security aspects of online meeting applications based on protocols such as WebRTC that leverage the Information-centric Networking (ICN) architecture to make the system fundamentally more scalable. If the scalability properties provided by ICN have been proved in recent literature, the security challenges and implications for real-time applications have not been reviewed. We show that this class of applications can benefit from strong security and scalability jointly without any major tradeoff and with significant performance improvements over traditional WebRTC systems. To achieve this goal, some modifications to the current ICN architecture must be implemented in the way integrity and authentication are verified. Extensive performance analysis of the architecture based on the open source implementation of Hybrid-ICN proves that real-time applications can greatly benefit from this novel network architecture in terms of strong security and scalable communications.
Improved Long Short-Term Memory: Statistical Regression Model for High Precision SOC Estimation of Lithium-Ion Batteries Adaptive to Complex Current Variation Conditions
Authors: Wang Zhi , Wang Shunli , Yu Chunmei , Qiao Jialu
Published: April 2023

Lithium battery health management is of great significance to promote its wide application. Its accurate battery modeling and state prediction can ensure the safe start-up and stable operation of battery management system. A new method for estimating the charge state of lithium-ion batteries based on phase space reconstruction was proposed by combining long and short term memory network and statistical regression. Compared with the traditional method, the improved LSTM improves the accuracy of prediction by adding data feature dimension through phase space reconstruction, and the segmentation prediction reduces the complexity of data and improves the learning speed. By combining neural network with Kalman filter, it is more consistent with the continuity of lithium battery SOC and further improves the prediction accuracy. Finally, in order to verify the accuracy of the algorithm, an estimation test is carried out using ternary lithium battery. The results show that in BBDST conditions, the prediction ability of the proposed method is significantly improved compared with other algorithms. After 400 cycles of charge and discharge, the prediction error is less than 2.21%, which further indicates that this method has good estimation ability.
Ca2+ release or Ca2+ entry, that is the question: what governs Ca2+ oscillations in pancreatic β cells?
Authors: Fletcher Patrick A. , Thompson Ben , Liu Chanté , Bertram Richard , Satin Leslie S. , Sherman Arthur S.
Published: April 2023

The standard model for Ca2+ oscillations in insulin-secreting pancreatic β cells centers on Ca2+ entry through voltage-activated Ca2+ channels. These work in combination with ATP-dependent K+ channels, which are the bridge between the metabolic state of the cells and plasma membrane potential. This partnership underlies the ability of the β cells to secrete insulin appropriately on a minute-to-minute time scale to control whole body plasma glucose. Though this model, developed over more than 40 years through many cycles of experimentation and mathematical modeling, has been very successful, it has been challenged by a hypothesis that calcium-induced calcium release from the endoplasmic reticulum through ryanodine or inositol trisphosphate (IP3) receptors is instead the key driver of islet oscillations. We show here that the alternative model is in fact incompatible with a large body of established experimental data and that the new observations offered in support of it can be better explained by the standard model.
Persistent inflammation selectively activates opioid-sensitive phasic-firing neurons within the vlPAG
Authors: McPherson Kylie B. , Bouchet Courtney A. , Coutens Basile , Ingram Susan L.
Published: April 2023

Intrinsic firing properties define four distinct vlPAG neuron populations, and a subset of each population expresses MORs coupled to GIRK channels. Persistent, but not acute, inflammation selectively activates opioid-sensitive Phasic vlPAG neurons. Although the vlPAG is known to contribute to the descending inhibition of pain, the activation of a single physiologically defined neuron type in the presence of persistent inflammation represents a mechanism by which the vlPAG participates in descending facilitation of pain.
Optogenetic activation of septal inhibitory cells abates focal seizures
Authors: Lévesque Maxime , Wang Siyan , Etter Guillaume , Williams Sylvain , Avoli Massimo
Published: April 2023

The medial septum could represent a therapeutic target to treat patients with focal epilepsy. In this study, we show that optogenetic activation of inhibitory parvalbumin-positive interneurons in the medial septum can block spontaneous seizures and prevents their reoccurrence for ∼5 days after the end of stimulation. Our findings suggest that the anti-ictogenic effects induced by stimulation of the medial septum could also alter the progression of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy.
Two‐Stage Game‐Based Pricing Strategy for the Duopoly Online Freight Platform
Authors: Gu Yong , Zhang Wen , Su Yuxia , Tang Xin , Liao T. Warren
Published: April 2023

The online freight platform, also called freight resource sharing platform or freight O2O platform, developed rapidly lately, has gradually become the leaders in China’s road freight market in recent years, especially in the intracity freight market. The platform’s revenue mainly comes from the registration fee and commission, of which the commission is extracted from the freight rate. Therefore, how to determine the registration fee and freight rate becomes a key issue for the platform. Our research focuses on analyzing the pricing strategy by considering the charging mode, game model, and affecting factors. Based on the two‐sided market theory and the classic Hotelling model, a tripartite game model of online freight platform‐carrier‐consignor is constructed. Furthermore, a game model of consignor and alternative carriers is built by introducing the platform user’s psychological pressure and satisfaction priority into the model. Finally, through mathematical derivation and numerical experiment, we analyze the effects of various factors on platform profits, platform registration fees, and freight rate, and propose some suggestions to promote the orderly development of online freight platforms for the intracity freight market.
Seismic Performance of an Underground Structure with an Inerter-Based Isolation System
Authors: Chen Qingjun , Zhang Luqi , Zhang Ruifu , Pan Chao
Published: April 2023

Existing isolation methods for seismic control of underground structures show that increasing the energy dissipation effect for isolation bearings tends to unfavorably add the relative deformation and force responses of the isolated columns. Exploring high-performance energy dissipaters is necessary for simultaneously controlling multiple performance indices of isolated underground structures. In this study, an inerter-based isolation system installed in a subway station is proposed to isolate columns and dissipate input energy benefited by its mass amplification and damping enhancement mechanisms. The inerter is a two-terminal relative-acceleration-related inertial device that can adjust structural inertial properties but scarcely increase actual physical mass. A method for the development of the user-defined inerter element is proposed and used because of the absence of inerter elements in existing finite element software. Then, the soil-underground structure model is established to simulate a typical subway station with the inerter-based isolation system used at the top of the column. Parameter studies together with design cases are conducted under horizontal and vertical input excitations with different frequency components. The results show that the inerter-based system can simultaneously control multiple performance indices of the subway station, including the relative deformation, shear force, bending moment of the central column, and the horizontal relative deformation of the isolation layer. Meanwhile, the inerter-based system can realize the high-efficiency energy dissipation control effect with low demands for damping due to the damping enhancement. A large proportion of energy is first absorbed by the inerter and then reserved by the kinetic and potential energy of the inerter-based system. Therefore, the proposed inerter-based isolation system is effective for enhancing columns and reducing lateral dynamic responses, which can prevent underground structures from collapsing.
A Comprehensive Investigation on the Influence of Zeolite, Pumice, and Limestone Powder on the Characteristics of Eco-Friendly Calcium Aluminate Cement Mixes
Authors: Rasekhi Sahneh A. R. , Dashti Rahmatabadi M. A. , Madani H. , Dehghan Manshadi H.
Published: April 2023

The current research aims to investigate the influence of pumice, zeolite, and limestone powder as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) on the characteristics of calcium aluminate cement (CAC) composites. For this purpose, SCMs were used in substitution levels of 5%, 15%, 25%, 40%, and 60% of CAC. The results indicate that the active SCMs had a great influence on enhancing the characteristics of the cement composites. For instance, the mixtures with 40% pumice and zeolite outperformed the plain mixture in the compressive strength test by about 45% and 90% at 90 days, respectively. At the age of 90 days, the rapid chloride migration coefficient for the optimal mixture of Z40 (containing 40% zeolite) was reduced by about 93%, and the electrical resistance was increased by about 70% in comparison to the age of 28 days; however, at the same ages, for the plain mixture, the rapid chloride migration coefficient was increased by about 74%, and the electrical resistance was decreased by about 60%. At the age of 90 days, the electrical resistivity of the Z40 mixture was 685% higher compared to the plain mixture. The results show that the high cost of CAC composite could be significantly lowered by utilizing SCMs. Moreover, using SCMs could significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the tests including the modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, permeable pore space, XRD, and microstructural analyses were also carried out to study the mechanical and durability properties. It must be mentioned that the effect of high dosages of pumice and zeolite on the durability properties of this type of cement has not been studied previously, which can be considered an innovation of this study. Furthermore, the obtained results could be beneficial to develop applications of CAC.
Distribution of 3-Isobutyl-2-methoxypyrazine across Rachis Components of Vitis vinifera Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon
Authors: Sanders Ross D. , Boss Paul K. , Capone Dimitra L. , Kidman Catherine M. , Nicholson Emily L. , Jeffery David W.
Published: April 2023

Rootstock can significantly alter the concentration of methoxypyrazines (MPs) in the bunch stem (rachis) of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, which has implications for winemaking and wine style. The distribution of MPs across the rachis is an important consideration, but such information was not available. This study aimed to address this research question by comparing MP concentrations in different rachis components throughout grape maturation and in the absence of ambient light. Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon bunches were sampled throughout development, segmented into four components (peduncle, top rachis, bottom rachis, and pedicel), and 3-isobutyl-2-methoxypyrazine (IBMP) was quantified in each. For both cultivars, IBMP showed a negative correlation with grape maturity, with concentrations in pedicel at harvest being significantly higher than other rachis components. Additionally, light exclusion significantly increased IBMP concentrations in all rachis segments. The concentration of IBMP varied significantly between different rachis components. The greatest concentrations were measured in the pedicel, which also contributed the largest proportion among the components to total rachis by weight. Due to elevated IBMP concentrations in rachis and the difficulties in excluding matter other than grape from a fermentor, the presence of pedicel during fermentation could produce Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon wines with higher concentrations of MPs, thereby potentially increasing vegetal sensory characteristics.
Effect of Pickering Emulsion Stabilized by Soy Protein Nanoparticles on Physical and Rheological Properties of Gluten-Free Cake Batter
Authors: Abbaszadeh Fatemeh , Aalami Mehran , Kadkhodaee Rassoul , Maghsoudlou Yahya , Sadeghi Mahoonak Alireza
Published: April 2023

In this research, Pickering emulsion (PE) stabilized by soy protein nanoparticles (SPNs) and xanthan gum, was added to gluten-free cake batter based on rice flour. The physical and rheological properties of the PE-containing batter were quantified, compared with the control sample. The results revealed that the addition of the PE to the batter decreased its specific gravity, which in turn increased the volume and reduced the hardness of the cake. The power-law model with a high determination coefficient (

R

2

) could best describe the flow behavior of the batter. Measurement of apparent viscosity, consistency coefficient, and flow behavior index indicated that the gluten-free cake batter had shear-thinning behavior. Moreover, the oscillatory test results showed that the PE-containing batter had more liquid-like behavior than the PE-free sample.
Development, RSM-Based Optimization, and Characterization of a Unique Edible Composite Film by Incorporating Clove Essential Oil Based on Sodium Alginate and Aloe vera Gel to Preserve the Quality of Blueberries
Authors: Cui Zhuoyu , Li Yang , Feng Xin , Hu Zexi
Published: April 2023

In recent years, edible composite films have attracted more attention instead of plastic packaging in the field of food packaging. Combined with clove essential oil (CO), the edible composite film based on sodium alginate (SA) and Aloe vera gel (AG) was developed. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of SA, AG, and CO on the barrier and mechanical properties of the composite films and the impact of the edible composite film on the freshness of blueberry fruits. Response surface methodology (RSM) based on single factor experiments were used to get the optimum formula with the best property. The results showed that the optimal formula was SA 15.6 gL-1, AG 90 gL-1, and CO 10 gL-1, SA, AG, and CO had significant effect on the characteristics of the films, also, the crossed-linking action of SA and AG was further confirmed by characterization, while CO significantly influenced barrier and mechanical property and improved the antibacterial activity of the film. The composite film kept great hardness, less weight loss, more soluble solid, and more vitamin C of blueberries, proving the bacteriostatic activity of AG and CO. The results suggest that the edible composite film has an enormous potential in extending the shelf-life of blueberries with this formula.
Effect of Microwave Precooking and Freeze-Drying on the Quality of the Germinated Brown Rice
Authors: Guan Huanan , Wu Yongcun , Liu Xiaofei
Published: April 2023

In this paper, microwave precooking and freeze-drying were used to improve the quality of germinated brown rice. The results suggested that the ideal microwave precooking conditions for germinated brown rice were 1 : 1 (

m
/
V

) followed by a 9 min heating time at 600 W. Brown rice with microwave precooking and freeze-drying treatment (TBR) had a better nutritional value than untreated brown rice (UBR). The edible quality of TBR was improved, and its hardness was reduced by 54.78%. TBR, in contrast to UBR, has a rough and porous surface, a loose internal structure, and facilitates the contact between starch and water during cooking, hence enhancing gelatinization. In germinated brown rice, microwave precooking and freeze-drying significantly increased the synthesis of the majority of volatile compounds. The aforementioned data imply that microwave precooking-freeze-drying may greatly improve the nutritional value and palatability of brown rice after germination.
Second‐Line Antiretroviral Treatment Outcome in HIV‐Infected Patients Coinfected with Tuberculosis in Pakistan
Authors: Shafiq Muhammad , Zafar Sana , Ahmad Aftab , Kazmi Abeer , Fatima Alina , Mujahid Tanvir Ahmed , Qazi Rizwan , Akhter Nasim , Shahzad Amir , Rehman Saif Ur , Shereen Muhammad Adnan , Hyder Muhammad Zeeshan
Published: April 2023

Background. Tuberculosis (TB) coinfection in human immunodeficiency virus‐ (HIV‐) infected patients is considered a risk of antiretroviral therapy (ART) failure. Coadministration of antitubercular therapy (ATT) with ART is another challenge for TB management. Objective. The study was aimed at investigating contributing factors affecting treatment outcomes in HIV‐/TB‐coinfected patients. Design. Cross‐sectional. Setting. Samples were collected from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital Islamabad. Subject and Methods. Clinicodemographic and immunovirological factors between the two groups were compared. The Student t‐test and chi‐square test were applied to compare outcome variables, and logistic regression was applied to determine the effect of TB on virological failure (VF). Main Outcome Measures. TB coinfection did not increase VF even in univariate (p = 0.974) and multivariate analysis at 6 and 12 months of 2nd‐line ART start. ARV switching was significant (p = 0.033) in TB‐coinfected patients. VF was significantly high in ATT‐coadministered patients along with a viral load of ≥1000 (p = 0.000). Sample Size and Characteristics. We recruited seventy‐four HIV patients on 2nd‐line ART; 33 coinfected with TB were followed for at least 12 months. Conclusion. In HIV‐/TB‐coinfected patients, CD4 count, CD4 gain, and VF remained comparable to HIV patients with no TB infection. ATT significantly affects the treatment outcome, suggesting drug‐to‐drug interactions. These factors are important to revisit the therapeutic guidelines to maximize the benefit of dual therapy in resource‐limited settings.
Formulation and Nutritional Characterization of Mustard and Sesame Oilseed Cake Extract-Based Functional Drinks
Authors: Usman Ifrah , Imran Ali , Arshad Muhamad Umair , Saeed Farhan , Afzaal Muhammad , Sana Saima , Islam Fakhar , Ahmed Aftab , Azam Iqra , Shah Mohd Aisf , Islam Saiful
Published: April 2023

The current investigation was carried out to develop polyphenol-enriched functional drinks from oil industry waste. Purposely, polyphenols were extracted from the mustard and sesame oilseed cakes through ultrasound-aided extraction alongside conventional extraction mode for comparison purposes. Among the oilseed cake extracts, sesame with methanol and ultrasonic extraction exhibited best results for TPC, DPPH, FRAP, ABTS, and β-carotene as

39
±
0.04
 
g

GAE/100 g,

35
±
0.02
 
g

TE/100 g,

20
±
0.02
 
g

TE/100 g,

18
±
0.03
 
g

TE/100 g, and

35
±
0.05
 
g

TE/100 g, respectively, and mustard showed

31
±
0.04
 
g

GAE/100 g,

20
±
0.01
 
g

TE/100 g,

16
±
0.02
 
g

TE/100 g,

12
±
0.01
 
g

TE/100 g, and

30
±
0.05
 
g

TE/100 g, respectively. In case of conventional extraction and methanol as solvent, sesame revealed outcomes for TPC, DPPH, FRAP, ABTS, and β-carotene as

13
±
0.02
 
g

GAE/100 g,

17
±
0.03
 
g

TE/100 g,

10
±
0.01
 
g

TE/100 g,

21
±
0.04
 
g

TE/100 g, and

15
±
0.03
 
g

TE/100 g, respectively, compared to mustard which showed for TPC, DPPH, FRAP, ABTS, and β-carotene as

11
±
0.02

,

12
±
0.01

,

08
±
0.01

,

17
±
0.03

, and

10
±
0.01

, respectively. Likewise, for mustard oilseed cake extract with conventional extraction technique and water as solvent, minimum findings were observed for TPC, DPPH, FRAP, ABTS, and β-carotene as

07
±
0.01

,

09
±
0.02

,

06
±
0.01

,

14
±
0.03

, and

07
±
0.01

, respectively. T0 without extracts, T1 (sesame oilseed cake extract based Functional drink) , and T2 (mustard oilseed cake extract based Functional drink). The recorded values for total phenols, total flavonoids, total carotenoids, and vitamin C in T0, T1, and T2 were

29.79
±
6.05

,

32.53
±
7.05

, and

30.5
±
5.05

;

26.33
±
5.05

,

30.60
±
7.05

, and

29.75
±
5.05

;

2.11
±
0.05

,

2.12
±
0.05

, and

2.08
±
0.01

; and

31.7
±
7.05

,

30.5
±
5.05

, and

29.6
±
6.05

, respectively. Likewise, sensory evaluation for color, flavor, sweetness, sourness, and overall acceptability during 2 months of storage depicted acceptable scores. The inclusive best outcomes for phytochemical analysis were achieved with sesame oilseed cake extracts by applying ultrasonic extraction technique and methanol as solvent. In the same way, among the developed functional drinks, T1 (sesame oilseed cake extract-based functional drink) exhibited best physiochemical as well as storage characteristics.