bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photoelectrochemical Sensor Based on MoS2/BI2MoO6 Heterojunction for Triptriolide Detection
Authors: Shuang Pengcheng , Luo Yongming
Published: November 2023

Thunder God Vine has multiple effects such as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-fertility. One of its main active ingredients, triptriolide, can exert anti-tumor effects by targeting transcription factors, kinases, or inhibiting the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway to inhibit cell proliferation and promote tumor cell apoptosis. However, its high toxicity and poor water solubility limit its application. This study aims to develop a novel photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor based on MoS2/Bi2MoO6 nanohybrids for the rapid and accurate detection of triptriolide. The PEC sensor is a fundamental tool for extracting and identifying valuable bioactive compounds from this plant. Under optimal conditions, 0.01–10[Formula: see text]ng[Formula: see text]mL[Formula: see text] of triptriolide could be identified, with the detection limit being as low as 0.005[Formula: see text]ng[Formula: see text]mL[Formula: see text]. With advantages like rapid response, high sensitivity and preferable stability, the developed sensor is suitable for real-time monitoring of triptriolide levels in actual samples.
Common local spectral properties for the operator products
Authors: Hadji Soufiane
Published: November 2023

In their paper [Generalized Clines Formula for g-Drazin Inverse in a Ring, Filomat 35(8) (2021) 2573–2583], Chen and Abdolyousefi examined the common spectral properties of operators [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], subject to the following conditions: [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] In this note, we explore the common local spectral properties of these operators. We demonstrate that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] shared the single-valued extension property, the Bishop property [Formula: see text], the property [Formula: see text], the decomposition property [Formula: see text], and decomposability. Furthermore, we investigate the closedness of the analytic core and the quasinilpotent part. We also delve into the Dunford’s property [Formula: see text] and the property [Formula: see text].
The Cretaceous of the Neuquén Basin in the Central Andes
Authors: Aguirre-Urreta Beatriz
Published: November 2023

The Neuquén Basin, located at the foothills of the Central Andes of Argentina, with superb and extended exposures, is a natural laboratory. It is important not only for its continuous sedimentary record and superb palaeontological biota but also for its significant economic hydrocarbon resources. This synthesis is intended to provide an update only on the Cretaceous timespan in the basin development. It is characterized by a succession of sedimentary rocks that were deposited in different environments over time, interspersed with volcanic rocks associated with an active volcanic arc. High-precision geochronology dating on the tuffs establishes robust chronological ages to constrain the different stages. As this brief review only shows a fragment of the information presently available, an effort has been made to compile a comprehensive and up-to-date bibliography to compensate for the brevity of the text.
Modelling principal stress orientations in the Arabian Plate using plate velocities
Authors: Peña Clavijo Santiago , Dash Anindita , Baby Guillaume , Alafifi Abdulkader M. , Finkbeiner Thomas
Published: November 2023

We model maximum principal horizontal stress orientations in the Arabian Plate using a 3D finite element approach in conjunction with plate velocities. To capture the impact of geometry and tectonics, the model considers an accurate plate boundary shape and associated deformations. Three primary geological units represent plate architecture: sedimentary cover, crust and upper mantle. The mesh resolution varies to capture important geometrical features. Subsequently, we calculate the stress field using the force balance equation. Displacement boundary conditions are evaluated as accumulative deformation.

NE–SW maximum principal horizontal stress (S
Hmax
) azimuths dominate in northeastern Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, whilst NW–SE to NNW–SSE define the Dead Sea area. The Red Sea Basin and Saudi Arabia's interior is characterized by north–south S
Hmax
azimuths. Iraq's western area shows azimuths from NNW–SSE to NW–SE due to the collision at the Zagros Mountain Range, but changes to NE–SW in the east at the Zagros fold-and-thrust belt.

An extensive literature review reveals publicly available S
Hmax
azimuth data which augment the sparse records compiled in the World Stress Map database. Our simulated S
Hmax
azimuths are consistent with these data. The results further corroborate ongoing tectonic processes, deepen our understanding of
in situ
stress variation drivers and inform current elastic deformation mechanisms in the Arabian Plate.
On the External Validity of Average-case Analyses of Graph Algorithms
Authors: Bläsius Thomas , Fischbeck Philipp
Published: November 2023

The number one criticism of average-case analysis is that we do not actually know the probability distribution of real-world inputs. Thus, analyzing an algorithm on some random model has no implications for practical performance. At its core, this criticism doubts the existence of
external validity
; i.e., it assumes that algorithmic behavior on the somewhat simple and clean models does not translate beyond the models to practical performance real-world input.

With this article, we provide a first step toward studying the question of external validity systematically. To this end, we evaluate the performance of six graph algorithms on a collection of 2,740 sparse real-world networks depending on two properties: heterogeneity (variance in the degree distribution) and locality (tendency of edges to connect vertices that are already close). We compare this with the performance on generated networks with varying locality and heterogeneity. We find that the performance in the idealized setting of network models translates surprisingly well to real-world networks. Moreover, heterogeneity and locality appear to be the core properties impacting the performance of many graph algorithms.
Exploring Neighbor Correspondence Matching for Multiple-hypotheses Video Frame Synthesis
Authors: Jia Zhaoyang , Lu Yan , Li Houqiang
Published: November 2023

Video frame synthesis, which consists of
interpolation
and
extrapolation
, is an essential video processing technique that can be applied to various scenarios. However, most existing methods cannot handle small objects or large motion well, especially in high-resolution videos such as 4K videos. To eliminate such limitations, we introduce a neighbor correspondence matching (NCM) algorithm for flow-based frame synthesis. Since the current frame is not available in video frame synthesis, NCM is performed in a current-frame-agnostic fashion to establish multi-scale correspondences in the spatial-temporal neighborhoods of each pixel. Based on the powerful motion representation capability of NCM, we propose a heterogeneous coarse-to-fine scheme for intermediate flow estimation. The coarse-scale and fine-scale modules are trained progressively, making NCM computationally efficient and robust to large motions. We further explore the mechanism of NCM and find that neighbor correspondence is powerful, since it provides multiple-hypotheses motion information for synthesis. Based on this analysis, we introduce a multiple-hypotheses estimation process for video frame extrapolation, resulting in a more robust framework, NCM-MH. Experimental results show that NCM and NCM-MH achieve 31.63 and 28.08 dB for interpolation and extrapolation on the most challenging X4K1000FPS benchmark, outperforming all the other state-of-the-art methods that use two reference frames as input.
Realistic simulation and medical students’ performance in the Advanced Cardiac Life Support course: a comparative study
Authors: Coelho Débora L. , Amaral Rosana C. , Silva Isabella C. , Oliveira Ana Virgínia O. B. , Neto Augusto Scalabrini , Silva José Felippe P. , Joviano-Santos Julliane V.
Published: November 2023

Realistic simulation (RS) positively affected the performance of the students differently; it had more influence on practical abilities than theoretical knowledge. No correlation between the general academic performance and grades of the students without RS or with RS was found, providing evidence that RS is an important tool in Advanced Cardiac Life Support education.
Fiber-type traps: revisiting common misconceptions about skeletal muscle fiber types with application to motor control, biomechanics, physiology, and biology
Authors: Blemker Silvia S. , Brooks Susan V. , Esser Karyn A. , Saul Katherine R.
Published: November 2023

Skeletal muscle is a highly complex tissue that is studied by scientists from a wide spectrum of disciplines, including motor control, biomechanics, exercise science, physiology, cell biology, genetics, regenerative medicine, orthopedics, and engineering. Although this diversity in perspectives has led to many important discoveries, historically, there has been limited overlap in discussions across fields. This has led to misconceptions and oversimplifications about muscle biology that can create confusion and potentially slow scientific progress across fields. The purpose of this synthesis paper is to bring together research perspectives across multiple muscle fields to identify common assumptions related to muscle fiber type that are points of concern to clarify. These assumptions include 1) classification by myosin isoform and fiber oxidative capacity is equivalent, 2) fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) is a surrogate marker for myosin isoform or oxidative capacity, and 3) muscle force-generating capacity can be inferred from myosin isoform. We address these three fiber-type traps and provide some context for how these misunderstandings can and do impact experimental design, computational modeling, and interpretations of findings, from the perspective of a range of fields. We stress the dangers of generalizing findings about “muscle fiber types” among muscles or across species or sex, and we note the importance for precise use of common terminology across the muscle fields.
Phthalate Concentration Estimation and Exposure Assessment and Health Risk Assessment in Indoor Organic Film
Authors: Jeon Jeong-In , Lee Hye-Won , Park Si-Hyun , Yoon Dan-Ki , Lee Jeong-Il , Lee Cheol-Min
Published: November 2023

Organic films act as passive air samplers and can be employed to assess the concentration of semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs), such as phthalates, in the gas phase over a defined period using the kinetic adsorption model. Consequently, indoor organic films have been identified as effective media for evaluating human exposure to SVOCs. This study proposed an organic film-based method for assessing SVOC exposure in the indoor environment. Exposure assessments of various phthalate pathways were conducted on children and adults. Organic films were collected for analysis from 110 residential dwellings in metropolitan areas over a two-month period. The exposure assessments were categorized into inhalation, oral, and dermal exposure pathways. Diethyl phthalate was highest in inhalation exposure, dibutyl phthalate represented the highest dermal exposure, and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate was identified as the highest contributor to oral exposure. For children, the primary exposure pathways included dermal absorption of DBP, DEP, diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP), butylbenzyl phthalate (BBP), and di-n-hexyl phthalate (DNHP); dust ingestion of DEHP and di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP); and inhalation of dimethyl phthalate (DMP). The ECR and HQ for inhalation, dermal, and ingestion did not exceed the threshold in children and adults at all pollutants, suggesting no potential health impact. In contrast, the primary routes of exposure for adults were dermal absorption of DBP, DMP, DEP, DiBP, BBP, and DNHP, along with dust ingestion of DEHP and DNOP. The findings of this study provide valuable baseline data for future research in health risk and SVOC exposure assessments utilizing indoor organic films.
Protooncogenic Role of ARHGAP11A and ARHGAP11B in Invasive Ductal Carcinoma: Two Promising Breast Cancer Biomarkers
Authors: Naeimzadeh Y. , Ilbeigi S. , Dastsooz H. , Rafiee Monjezi M. , Mansoori Y. , Tabei S. M. B.
Published: November 2023

Invasive duct carcinoma (IDC) is one of the most common types of breast cancer (BC) in women worldwide, with a high risk of malignancy, metastasis, recurrence, and death. So far, molecular patterns among IDC cases have not been fully defined. However, extensive evidence has shown that dysregulated Rho family small GTPases (Rho GTPases) including Rho GTPase activating proteins (RhoGAPs) have important roles in the invasive features of IDCs. In the current study, we analyzed the expression levels of two RhoGAP genes, ARHGAP11A and ARHGAP11B, in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) breast cancer (BRCA) and also our 51 IDC tumors compared to their matched normal tissues using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Our TCGA data analysis revealed higher expression of ARHGAP11A and ARHGAP11B in various cancers comprising BCs. Also, we found correlations between these genes and other genes in TCGA‐BRCA. Moreover, our methylation analysis showed that their promotor methylation had a negative correlation with their overexpression. QPCR revealed their significant upregulation in our tumor samples. Furthermore, we found that the expression level of ARHGAP11A was considerably lower in women who were breastfeeding. Moreover, it had overexpression in cases who had regular menstrual cycles and early age (younger than 14) at menarche. However, ARHGAP11B had a higher expression in HER2‐positive tumors versus HER2‐positive and ER‐positive tumors. Our study found possible protooncogenic roles for these genes and their involvement in IDC pathogenesis and malignancy. Therefore, they can be considered novel prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers for IDC.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Bedside Nurses regarding Antimicrobial Stewardship in China: An Explanatory Sequential Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Zhao Wenting , Xu Yufei , Liu Ru , Zhao Tingting , Ning Yan , Feng Yaoqing , Kang Hongyun , Li Shuhua , Han Xiaojuan , Shang Linping
Published: November 2023

Aim. To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Chinese bedside nurses regarding antimicrobial stewardship, as well as to identify factors that influence nurses’ engagement in antimicrobial stewardship. Background. Antimicrobial resistance is a pressing global health threat. Antimicrobial stewardship is crucial in combating this issue. Nurses play a key role in implementing antimicrobial stewardship. However, little is known about the involvement of Chinese nurses in antimicrobial stewardship. Methods. An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was employed. A self-developed questionnaire was administered between March and August 2021 (N = 463), followed by semi-structured interviews with 17 nurses between March and July 2022. Descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis were used to analyze the data. Results. The study found that nurses scored 75% in knowledge, 82.8% in attitude, and 84.1% in practice domains. There was a moderate correlation between nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices. It revealed that knowing local antimicrobial stewardship programmes information and the frequency of receiving antimicrobial stewardship training had a significant impact on nurses’ knowledge scores. The willingness to participate in related training influenced nurses’ attitude scores. Being a clinical teacher and the frequency of receiving related training influenced nurses’ practice scores. The qualitative phase identified three themes: insufficient knowledge of nurses’ engagement, diverse attitudes towards engagement, and limited scopes and absence of standards in nurses’ participation. Conclusions. Our findings emphasize the importance of enhancing nurses’ perception and involvement in antimicrobial stewardship. While nurses exhibit positive attitudes and practices, addressing the existing knowledge gap is crucial. To achieve this, it is necessary to clarify the role and responsibilities of nurses in antimicrobial stewardship, provide regular training and innovative methods, strengthen communication and collaboration, and foster a positive work environment. Additionally, actively promoting the development of guidelines and evaluation criteria will enable nurses to more effectively participate. Implications for Nursing Management. Regular training of nurses in antimicrobial stewardship needs to be enhanced. Nursing managers should strive to create positive, empowering, and supportive work environments, participate in policy formulation and implementation, and provide clear expectations for nurses’ engagement in antimicrobial stewardship.
Basic Mechanisms of Immunometabolites in Shaping the Immune Response
Authors: Ryan Dylan Gerard , Peace Christian Graham , Hooftman Alexander
Published: November 2023

Background: Innate immune cells play a crucial role in responding to microbial infections, but their improper activation can also drive inflammatory disease. For this reason, their activation state is governed by a multitude of factors, including the metabolic state of the cell and, more specifically, the individual metabolites which accumulate intracellularly and extracellularly. This relationship is bidirectional, as innate immune cell activation by pathogen-associated molecular patterns causes critical changes in cellular metabolism. Summary: In this review, we describe the emergence of various “immunometabolites.” We outline the general characteristics of these immunometabolites, the conditions under which they accumulate, and their subsequent impact on immune cells. We delve into well-studied metabolites of recent years, such as succinate and itaconate, as well as newly emerging immunometabolites, such as methylglyoxal. Key Messages: We hope that this review may be used as a framework for further studies dissecting the mechanisms by which immunometabolites regulate the immune system and provide an outlook to harnessing these mechanisms in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
Fishery Products as Functional Food Sources of Selenium: Extraction and Potential
Authors: Trowulan Endang , Prihanto Asep Awaludin
Published: November 2023

Selenium, an essential trace mineral element, plays various physiological roles in the human body. Its functions include acting as a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory agent, and providing antiviral protection against oxidative stress, thereby reducing the risk of several diseases. The limited scope of prerequisites and harmful consequences associated with selenium led to the development of the Selenium-Health Benefit Value (Se-HBV) as a metric for seafood safety. A positive Se:Hg ratio can help reduce the risk of mercury (Hg) toxicity. Fishery products typically contain both inorganic forms (selenite and selenate) and organic forms (selenoprotein, selenocysteine, and selenomethionine) of selenium simultaneously. The relatively high total Selenium content in fishery products presents an opportunity to develop Selenium-enriched functional foods. The methods for extracting selenium in total and quantifying species-specific Selenium content in these products are predominantly conducted in the liquid phase, often in combination with other techniques, to enhance efficiency while preserving the integrity of the various Selenium species. When considering the potential development of fishery products as viable sources of selenium in the diet, it is crucial to consider factors such as bioaccessibility and bioavailability to optimize their health benefits.
Fragments of the Northern Routes: The Trade in Chinese Ceramics in the Golden Horde Territories
Authors: Bruccoleri Valentina
Published: November 2023

The role of Chinese ceramics in the interconnections of the Mongol khanates is not a new subject; however, most studies focus on the artistic exchanges between Yuan China and Ilkhanid Iran. Besides the well-known southern mainland route that linked these two regions, written sources and archaeological evidence also bear witness to intense commercial activity along the northern routes that passed over the Caspian Sea to the Caucasian region, relaying between the major cities of the Golden Horde khanate. The Chinese stoneware and porcelain excavated in some of these cities, including Saray, Saraijuk, Azov, Majar, and Bolgar, have been published among other materials in various excavations reports and articles covering these regions, but have never been considered as a whole. This article aims to provide an initial survey on the presence of fourteenth-century Chinese ceramics in the Golden Horde khanate, draw a preliminary picture of the typologies of the exported wares, and set the basis for further studies in the field.
Lestiphorus bilunulatus yamatonis Tsuneki, 1963 (Hymenoptera, Crabronidae) raised to full species status, with description of the hitherto unknown male
Authors: MOKROUSOV MIKHAIL V. , PROSHCHALYKIN MAXIM YU.
Published: November 2023

Lestiphorus yamatonis Tsuneki, 1963, stat. nov. is resurrected from synonymy and raised to full species level. The species diagnosis is updated and the hitherto unknown male is described. Illustrations of morphological details of L. yamatonis and related species are given. An updated key of the all twelve Palaearctic Lestiphorus is provided.
Review of the subgenus Turcmenicola Bogatchev, 1952, the genus Colposcelis Dejean, 1834 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae: Tentyriini)
Authors: BEKCHANOV NORBEK KH. , NABOZHENKO MAXIM V. , BEKCHANOVA MOKHIRA KH.
Published: November 2023

The subgenus Turcmenicola Bogatchev, 1952 (genus Colposcelis Dejean, 1834) is reviewed. Representatives of the studied taxon occur in the most lifeless rocky, gravelly and clayey areas of the deserts of Middle Asia (Ustyurt plateau, Kyzylkum desert, foothills of southern Kugitang, Betpak-Dala desert). Turcmenicola comprises five species from which two are described here as new: C. ustyurtensis Bekchanov & Nabozhenko sp. n. (Uzbekistan, Karakalpakstan, eastern part of Ustyurt plateau) and C. khudaybergani Bekchanov, Nabozhenko & Bekchanova, sp. n. (Uzbekistan, Karakalpakstan, Amudarya and Beruni districts). The following new synonymy is proposed: Colposcelis jachontovi (Bogatchev, 1952) = Colposcelis kerzhneri Medvedev, 1970, syn. n. A key to species of Turcmenicola is given.
Was the February 2022 Persistent Heavy Precipitation Event over South China Enhanced by Anthropogenic Climate Change?
Authors: Qiao Shaobo , Chen Dong , He Meng , Li Chao , Hu Chundi , Zhao Junhu , Cheng Jianbo , Feng Guolin
Published: November 2023

Annual maximum 7-day precipitation has increased over South China since 1961. Ten CMIP6 climate models simulate either weaker increases in risk ratio than observed or nonsignificant changes.
A Standardized Benchmarking Framework to Assess Downscaled Precipitation Simulations
Authors: Isphording Rachael N. , Alexander Lisa V. , Bador Margot , Green Donna , Evans Jason P. , Wales Scott
Published: November 2023

Presently, there is no standardized framework or metrics identified to assess regional climate model precipitation output. Because of this, it can be difficult to make a one-to-one comparison of their performance between regions or studies, or against coarser-resolution global climate models. To address this, we introduce the first steps toward establishing a dynamic, yet standardized, benchmarking framework that can be used to assess model skill in simulating various characteristics of rainfall. Benchmarking differs from typical model evaluation in that it requires that performance expectations are set a priori. This framework has innumerable applications to underpin scientific studies that assess model performance, inform model development priorities, and aid stakeholder decision-making by providing a structured methodology to identify fit-for-purpose model simulations for climate risk assessments and adaptation strategies. While this framework can be applied to regional climate model simulations at any spatial domain, we demonstrate its effectiveness over Australia using high-resolution, 0.5° × 0.5° simulations from the CORDEX-Australasia ensemble. We provide recommendations for selecting metrics and pragmatic benchmarking thresholds depending on the application of the framework. This includes a top tier of minimum standard metrics to establish a minimum benchmarking standard for ongoing climate model assessment. We present multiple applications of the framework using feedback received from potential user communities and encourage the scientific and user community to build on this framework by tailoring benchmarks and incorporating additional metrics specific to their application.

Significance Statement

We introduce a standardized benchmarking framework for assessing the skill of regional climate models in simulating precipitation. This framework addresses the lack of a uniform approach in the scientific community and has diverse applications in scientific research, model development, and societal decision-making. We define a set of minimum standard metrics to underpin ongoing climate model assessments that quantify model skill in simulating fundamental characteristics of rainfall. We provide guidance for selecting metrics and defining benchmarking thresholds, demonstrated using multiple case studies over Australia. This framework has broad applications for numerous user communities and provides a structured methodology for the assessment of model performance.
Observations of Intermittent Seamount-Trapped Waves and Topographic Rossby Waves around the Slope of a Low-Latitude Deep Seamount
Authors: Guo Binbin , Shu Yeqiang , Wang Weiqiang , He Gaowen , Liang Qianyong , Zhang Dongsheng , Yu Lusha , Wang Jun , Deng Xiguang , Yang Yong , Xie Qiang , Deng Yinan , Su Danyi
Published: November 2023

Observations of currents and temperatures from four moorings deployed around the deep slope (∼2500 m) of Caiwei Guyot in the Pacific Prime Crust Zone were utilized to investigate topographically trapped waves at low-latitude seamounts. Contrasting with commonly reported persistent diurnal seamount-trapped wave cases at middle and high latitudes, the subinertial variability in deep currents and temperatures at the slope of Caiwei Guyot was primarily characterized by two distinct lower-frequency bands (i.e., 13–24 and 3.3–4.7 days). These subinertial variabilities are interpreted as intermittent seamount-trapped waves and topographic Rossby waves (TRWs). During certain time periods, the observations include key signatures of seamount-trapped waves, such as near-opposite phases of azimuthal velocity (and temperature) on opposite flanks of the seamount, and patterns of temporal current rotation consistent with counterrotating cells of horizontal current propagating counterclockwise around the seamount. After comparing these observations to idealized seamount-trapped wave solutions, we conclude that the 13–24-day (3.3–4.7-day) energy is mainly due to radial–vertical mode 5 (3) for azimuthal wavenumber 1 (3). Sometimes the subinertial energy remained pronounced at only one flank of the seamount, primarily explained as TRWs with 192–379-m vertical trapping scale and 14–28-km wavelength. Upper-layer mesoscale perturbations might provide energy for deep seamount-trapped waves and TRWs. This study highlights the role of topographically trapped waves in modulating the deep circulation at low-latitude seamounts.
BaFe12O19/graphene/polyaniline coatings for flexible fabrics with enhanced microwave absorption
Authors: Jie Liu , Zhaohuan Zhang , Zijing Dong , Min Chen , Runjun Sun , Jiang Dai , Caiting He , Binghui Zhu , Yunyu Li
Published: November 2023

In this study, barium ferrite (BaFe12O19) was used as the basic microwave-absorbing material and compounded with graphene and PANI. Then, BaFe12O19, BaFe12O19/graphene, and BaFe12O19/graphene/PANI were mixed with waterborne polyurethane and coated on nylon fabrics by the cast coating method to prepare flexible microwave absorbing materials. The microwave absorbing performance of BaFe12O19/graphene/PANI coated fabric is significantly improved in comparison with BaFe12O19 and BaFe12O19/graphene coated fabric, which mainly comes from the synergistic effects of magnetic loss, dielectric loss, and conductivity loss. The BaFe12O19/graphene/PANI coated fabric has a minimum reflection loss value of –37.36 dB (at 13.76 GHz) and an effective absorption bandwidth of 5.40 GHz (12.44–17.84 GHz) when the thickness is 1.2 mm. Consequently, the facile preparation route and excellent performance make the BaFe12O19/graphene/PANI composite a promising candidate for efficient microwave absorbence.
Music Engagement as a Source of Cognitive Reserve
Authors: Wolff Lee , Quan Yixue , Perry Gemma , Forde Thompson William
Published: November 2023

Music engagement is a ubiquitous activity that is thought to have cognitive benefits for the rapidly aging population. In the absence of robust treatment approaches for many age-related and neuropathological health issues, interest has emerged surrounding lifestyle-enriching activities, like exercise and music engagement, to build cognitive reserve across the lifespan and preserve neurocognitive function in older adults. The present review evaluates evidence of neurocognitive preservation arising from lifelong music engagement with respect to the cognitive reserve hypothesis. We collated a body of neuroimaging, behavioral and epidemiological evidence to adjudicate the benefits of music engagement for cognitive reserve. The findings suggest that music engagement should be considered in tandem with other well-established cognitive reserve proxies as a contributor to differential clinical outcomes in older populations at risk of age-related and neuropathological cognitive decline.
Maresin1 ameliorates MSU crystal-induced inflammation by upregulating Prdx5 expression
Authors: Jiang Hui , Song DianZe , Zhou Xiaoqin , Chen Feng , Yu Qingqing , Ren Long , Dai Qian , Zeng Mei
Published: November 2023

Background

Maresin1 (MaR1) is a potent lipid mediator that exhibits significant anti-inflammatory activity in the context of several inflammatory diseases. A previous study reported that MaR1 could suppress MSU crystal-induced peritonitis in mice. To date, the molecular mechanism by which MaR1 inhibits MSU crystal-induced inflammation remains poorly understood.

Methods

Mousebone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were pretreated with MaR1 and then stimulated with FAs (palmitic, C16:0 and stearic, C18:0) plus MSU crystals (FAs + MSUc). In vivo, the effects of MaR1 treatment or Prdx5 deficiency on MSUc induced peritonitis and arthritis mouse models were evaluated.

Results

The current study indicated that MaR1 effectively suppressed MSUc induced inflammation in vitro and in vivo. MaR1 reversed the decrease in Prdx5 mRNA and protein levels induced by FAs + MSUc. Further assays demonstrated that MaR1 acceleratedPrdx5 expression by regulating the Keap1-Nrf2 signaling axis. Activation of AMPK by Prdx5 improved homeostasis of the TXNIP and TRX proteins and alleviated mitochondrial fragmentation. In addition, Prdx5 overexpression inhibited the expression of CPT1A, a key enzyme for fatty acid oxidation (FAO). Prdx5 protected against defects in FA + MSUc induced FAO and the urea cycle.

Conclusion

MaR1 treatment effectively attenuated MSUc induced inflammation by upregulating Prdx5 expression. Our study provides a new strategy by which Prdx5 may help prevent acute gout attacks.
Role of DCLK1/Hippo pathway in type II alveolar epithelial cells differentiation in acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Chen Xiao-Yue , Kao Ching , Peng Syue-Wei , Chang Jer-Hwa , Lee Yueh-Lun , Laiman Vincent , Chung Kian Fan , Bhavsar Pankaj K. , Heriyanto Didik Setyo , Chuang Kai-Jen , Chuang Hsiao-Chi
Published: November 2023

Background

Delay in type II alveolar epithelial cell (AECII) regeneration has been linked to higher mortality in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, the interaction between Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) and the Hippo signaling pathway in ARDS-associated AECII differentiation remains unclear. Therefore, the objective of this study was to understand the role of the DCLK1/Hippo pathway in mediating AECII differentiation in ARDS.

Materials and methods

AECII MLE-12 cells were exposed to 0, 0.1, or 1 μg/mL of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 6 and 12 h. In the mouse model, C57BL/6JNarl mice were intratracheally (i.t.) injected with 0 (control) or 5 mg/kg LPS and were euthanized for lung collection on days 3 and 7.

Results

We found that LPS induced AECII markers of differentiation by reducing surfactant protein C (SPC) and p53 while increasing T1α (podoplanin) and E-cadherin at 12 h. Concurrently, nuclear YAP dynamic regulation and increased TAZ levels were observed in LPS-exposed AECII within 12 h. Inhibition of YAP consistently decreased cell levels of SPC, claudin 4 (CLDN-4), galectin 3 (LGALS-3), and p53 while increasing transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) at 6 h. Furthermore, DCLK1 expression was reduced in isolated human AECII of ARDS, consistent with the results in LPS-exposed AECII at 6 h and mouse SPC-positive (SPC+) cells after 3-day LPS exposure. We observed that downregulated DCLK1 increased p-YAP/YAP, while DCLK1 overexpression slightly reduced p-YAP/YAP, indicating an association between DCLK1 and Hippo-YAP pathway.

Conclusions

We conclude that DCLK1-mediated Hippo signaling components of YAP/TAZ regulated markers of AECII-to-AECI differentiation in an LPS-induced ARDS model.

Graphical Abstract
Gains in the current understanding of managing neovascular AMD with brolucizumab
Authors: Bodaghi Bahram , Khanani Arshad M. , Khoramnia Ramin , Pavesio Carlos , Nguyen Quan Dong
Published: November 2023

Background

Unresolved retinal fluid and high injection burden are major challenges for patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Brolucizumab addresses these challenges by providing robust vision gains and superior fluid resolution, with the potential for longer treatment intervals.

Brolucizumab has been associated with adverse events of retinal vasculitis and retinal vascular occlusion typically in the presence of intraocular inflammation (IOI). To define the incidence of the adverse events, Novartis convened an external safety review committee, which found a rate of 4.6% for definite or probable IOI, 3.3% for retinal vasculitis, and 2.1% for retinal vascular occlusion in the HAWK and HARRIER trials. Novartis also established a coalition to explore 4 areas regarding the adverse events: root cause, patient characterization, event mitigation and vigilance, and treatment protocols for the adverse events. Based on the coalition findings, a risk mitigation framework was developed. Prior to initiating treatment with brolucizumab, it is important to weigh the potential benefit against risk of adverse events and to consider patient risk factors such as prior history of IOI and/or retinal vascular occlusion. To mitigate the potential for IOI-related adverse events, it is important to conduct a thorough dilated eye examination before each injection and closely monitor patients throughout treatment. Patients should be educated on symptoms of IOI to monitor for. Brolucizumab should not be injected in the presence of active IOI. If an adverse event is identified, prompt and intensive treatment should be considered.

Conclusion

Progress has been made in understanding how to mitigate IOI-related adverse events following treatment with brolucizumab.
Evaluation the quality of bag-mask ventilation by E/C, T/E and hook technique (a new proposed technique)
Authors: Balafar Moloud , Pouraghaei Mahboub , Paknezhad Seyed Pouya , Abad Saba Nemati Ahmad , Soleimanpour Hassan
Published: November 2023

Background

Bag-Mask Ventilation (BMV) is a crucial skill in managing emergency airway situations and induction of general anesthesia. Ensuring proficient BMV execution is imperative for healthcare providers. Various techniques exist for performing BMV. This study aims to compare the quality of ventilation achieved using the E/C technique, Thenar Eminence (T/E) technique and a novel approach referred to as the hook technique. The goal is to identify the most effective single-person BMV method.

Method

We conduct a pilot study on manikins involving 63 medical staff members who used the hook technique for ventilation. Subsequently, we obtained ethical approval and patient guardian consent to perform the study on 492 emergency department (ED) patients. These patients were randomly divided into three groups, with each group subjected to one three ventilation techniques. The study focused on patients requiring reliable airway management for rapid sequence intubation (RSI). Ventilation was administrated using bag-mask device connected to the capnograph. End-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) levels were recorded. Demographic data were collected and analyzed by SPSS software version 22. Success rates were reported as frequency (percentage) as well as mean ± standard deviation.

Result

Comparing partial pressure of CO2 (PCO2) results obtained via capnography between T/E, E/C and hook techniques, we found that the successful ventilation rate was 87.2% for T/E, 89.6% for E/C, and 93.3% for the hook methods. The hook method demonstrated significantly higher success rate compared to the other two techniques (P-value = 0.038). Furthermore, we observed statistically significant trends in PCO2 changes between measurements both within and between groups (P-value < 0/001).

Conclusion

Our study indicates that the hook method achieved notably higher success rate in ventilation compared to the T/E and E/C methods. This suggests that the hook method, which involves a chin lift maneuver while securely fitting the mask, could serve as a novel BMV technique, particularly for resuscitation with small hands for a prolonged use without fatigue and finger discomfort. Our finding contributes to the development of a new BMV method referred to as the hook technique.

Trial registration

IRCT registration number: IRCT20121010011067N5. URL of trial registry record: https://www.irct.ir/trial/57420.
Experiences of operating room nurses in disaster preparedness of a great disaster in Iran: a qualitative study
Authors: Rostami Mohammad , Babajani-Vafsi Saeed , Ziapour Arash , Abbasian Kourosh , Mohammadimehr Mojgan , Zareiyan Armin
Published: November 2023

Background

In recent years, Iran has encountered a growing frequency of earthquake disasters. Given that nurses constitute the largest group of healthcare providers, it is imperative that they possess adequate disaster preparedness skills, irrespective of the location or time. Despite the operating room nurses’ roles in disasters, their experiences and challenges in disaster preparedness have been overlooked. Consequently, this study aimed to investigate the experiences, challenges, perspectives, and factors influencing the disaster preparedness of operating room nurses during the 2017 earthquake in Kermanshah, Iran.

Methods

The present qualitative research was carried out in Iran In 2022 utilizing conventional content analysis. The study involved conducting semi-structured interviews with 16 operating room nurses who had participated in disaster preparedness during the Kermanshah earthquake. The participants were selected using a purposive sampling approach that aimed to achieve maximum diversity. The interviews were continued until the point of data saturation was reached, and the verbatim transcripts were analyzed using conventional content analysis in MAXQDA software. To ensure the rigor of the research, Guba and Lincoln’s criteria were employed.

Results

The study conducted data analysis to identify the main theme as “insufficient disaster preparedness due to a faded preparedness”, along with six major categories and eighteen subcategories related to earthquake disaster preparedness. The major categories included: knowledge and perception of preparedness for disasters; educational and training programs for disaster preparedness; equipment preparedness for disasters; managerial-organizational preparedness for disasters; clinical skills for responding to disasters; and resilient ability in disaster response situations.

Conclusion

The findings of the study provide valuable insights into the dimensions of disaster preparedness in earthquake disasters among operating room nurses. Nursing managers can utilize these findings to develop effective strategies and provide support in areas such as improving knowledge and educational level, equipment preparedness, strengthening plans and managerial structures, enhancing skills, and explaining resilience strategies to improve the disaster preparedness of operating room nurses and medical organizations’ disaster response teams.
Trueperella pyogenes endocarditis in a Swiss farmer: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Stuby Johann , Lardelli Patrizia , Thurnheer Christine M. , Blum Manuel R. , Frei Andrea N.
Published: November 2023

Background

Trueperella pyogenes (T. pyogenes) is a bacterium that colonizes the skin and mucosal surfaces of various domestic and wild animals. It rarely leads to infections in humans, with only a few descriptions available in the literature.

Case presentation

A 71-year-old Swiss farmer with a history of recurring basal cell carcinoma and metastasized pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor presented with signs of sepsis after a three-day history of general weakness, malaise and fever. Clinical and echocardiographic findings, as well as persistent bacteremia were consistent with mitral valve endocarditis caused by T. pyogenes. The patient’s condition gradually improved under antibiotic treatment with piperacillin/tazobactam (empiric therapy of sepsis), and later penicillin G based on resistance testing. He was discharged after 13 days and continued outpatient antibiotic therapy with ceftriaxone, resulting in a total antibiotic treatment duration of six weeks. This is the first literature review of T. pyogenes endocarditis in humans. Among nine cases of T. pyogenes endocarditis, three patients had documented contact with farm animals and five had an underlying condition that compromised the immune system. While antibiotic resistance of T. pyogenes is an emerging concern, susceptibility to beta-lactam antibiotics seems to persist. The mortality of T. pyogenes endocarditis described in the literature was high, with 66% of patients not surviving the disease.

Conclusions

T. pyogenes is a rare causative organism of infectious endocarditis in humans and descriptions are mainly restricted to case reports. In our review of the literature, we found that both an impaired immune system and contact with farm animals might be risk factors. Growth of T. pyogenes in blood cultures is unlikely to be missed during routine analysis, as it shows marked beta-hemolysis on blood agar culture plates, which generally leads to further characterization of the bacteria. Susceptibility to penicillin, ceftriaxone, and macrolides seems to be retained and the reported mortality in the few patients with T. pyogenes endocarditis is high.
Analysing the implementation of infection prevention and control measures in health care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic in the African Region
Authors: Kabego Landry , Balde Thierno , Barasa Deborah , Ndoye Babacar , Hilde Okou-Bisso , Makamure Tendai , Mulumeoderwa Guy Ohirweoluhya , Kanyowa Trevor , Kamara Rashidatu Fouad , Hamadou Boiro , Ogundiran Opeayo , Okeibunor Joseph , Williams George , Tusiime Jayne Byakika , Atuhebwe Phionah Lynn , Oyugi Boniface , Mawanda Elande-Taty , Razakamanantsoa Andry , Braka Fiona , Chamla Dick , Gueye Abdou Salam
Published: November 2023

Background

The declaration of SARS-CoV-2 as a public health emergency of international concern in January 2020 prompted the need to strengthen infection prevention and control (IPC) capacities within health care facilities (HCF). IPC guidelines, with standard and transmission-based precautions to be put in place to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 at these HCFs were developed. Based on these IPC guidelines, a rapid assessment scorecard tool, with 14 components, to enhance assessment and improvement of IPC measures at HCFs was developed. This study assessed the level of implementation of the IPC measures in HCFs across the African Region during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method

An observational study was conducted from April 2020 to November 2022 in 17 countries in the African Region to monitor the progress made in implementing IPC standard and transmission-based precautions in primary-, secondary- and tertiary-level HCFs. A total of 5168 primary, secondary and tertiary HCFs were assessed. The HCFs were assessed and scored each component of the tool. Statistical analyses were done using R (version 4.2.0).

Results

A total of 11 564 assessments were conducted in 5153 HCFs, giving an average of 2.2 assessments per HCF. The baseline median score for the facility assessments was 60.2%. Tertiary HCFs and those dedicated to COVID-19 patients had the highest IPC scores. Tertiary-level HCFs had a median score of 70%, secondary-level HCFs 62.3% and primary-level HCFs 56.8%. HCFs dedicated to COVID-19 patients had the highest scores, with a median of 68.2%, followed by the mixed facilities that attended to both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients, with 64.84%. On the components, there was a strong correlation between high IPC assessment scores and the presence of IPC focal points in HCFs, the availability of IPC guidelines in HCFs and HCFs that had all their health workers trained in basic IPC.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a functional IPC programme with a dedicated focal person is a prerequisite for implementing improved IPC measures at the HCF level. In the absence of an epidemic, the general IPC standards in HCFs are low, as evidenced by the low scores in the non-COVID-19 treatment centres.