bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of neuromuscular taping form I on wound temperature and erythema in diabetic foot ulcer: a preliminary study
Authors: Kristianto Heri , Ahsan Ahsan , Mukaroma Lailatul , Akhsinnadya Fenida , Indri Melati Cahyani , Damayanti Nina , Kusbandiyah Inne , Rohyani Ridha Tri , Blow David , Rias Yohanes Andy , Wibisono Ahmad Hasyim , Noviyanti Linda Wieke , Nasution Tina Handayani
Published: June 2024

Objective:

This study aimed to measure the effectiveness of neuromuscular taping (NMT) form I (a polyacrylate tape 0.6cm wide and 30cm long) on wound temperature and erythema in diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) as an initial study in NMT intervention trials.

Method:

The study employed a quasi-experimental pretest and post-test design with a seven-day observation. The research sample was 38 patients with DFU grades 2 and 3. The sample was divided into two groups: the control group (n=19) and the intervention group (n=19). In wound care, the modern dressing was applied to both groups while NMT was applied to the intervention group in form I with 30cm long and 6mm wide strips, and on the proximal, distal and lateral sides. The wound bed temperature was measured with a non-contact infrared thermometer, and erythema was measured with Corel Photo-Paint X5 software (Corel Corp, Canada). Statistical analysis between the two groups was carried out using the Mann–Whitney test, independent t-test and Chi-squared test with p< 0.05 representing statistical significance.

Results:

The preliminary results revealed that no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) were noted between the groups in sociodemographic or clinical characteristics, including age, body mass index, blood sugar, duration of diabetes, sex, smoking history, wound temperature and degree of erythema. Finally, it was also observed that, after seven days of application, NMT form I increased wound bed temperature, and reduced the level of erythema (p<0.05).

Conclusion:

In this study, NMT form I has been shown to increase the wound bed temperature and reduce the degree of erythema in DFUs.
Piperacillin/tazobactam-induced sudden severe thrombocytopenia in a patient with a pressure ulcer: a case report
Authors: Roh Solji , Hashimoto Kohei , Kiriishi Rina , Matsubara Ken , Isozaki Yuki , Tanaka Hiroaki , Kuwata Tomoyuki
Published: June 2024

The standard treatment for an infected pressure ulcer (PU) with osteomyelitis is debridement, wound coverage and antibiotic administration. However, systemic administration of antibiotics in patients with osteomyelitis is controversial, and the optimal treatment duration for chronic osteomyelitis has not been standardised. We report a case of sudden severe thrombocytopenia induced by piperacillin/tazobactam (PIPC/TAZ) in a patient with PU-related osteomyelitis. A 57-year-old male patient with paraplegia, using a wheelchair full-time, presented to our plastic surgery department with infection of a stage IV hard-to-heal ischial PU. We surgically debrided the necrotising tissue and raised an ipsilateral biceps femoris musculocutaneous propeller flap for wound coverage. Polymicrobial infections, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, were detected in the bone biopsy sample; therefore, systemic PIPC/TAZ was administered for the osteomyelitis. Unexpectedly, during the next 12 days of antibiotic administration, the patient's platelet count acutely dropped to 1×103/μl over three days. Based on a series of examinations, PIPC/TAZ was suspected to be the most likely cause of the severe thrombocytopenia. After drug discontinuation, the thrombocytopenia gradually improved. PIPC/TAZ is one of the most widely used antibiotic combinations in the plastic surgery field; it is conventionally administered for hard-to-heal wounds such as PUs and diabetic foot. The present case suggests that surgeons must take special precautions for patients undergoing PIPC/TAZ treatment. In this report, PIPC/TAZ-induced thrombocytopenia and the efficacy of antibiotic treatment for PU-related osteomyelitis are discussed in light of the available literature.
Non-lactational mastitis with multiple sinus wounds treated by integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine
Authors: Zhang Yinhua , Zhang Ranran , Sun Chunlei , Meng Dong , Chen Ling
Published: June 2024

Objective:

Non-lactational mastitis (NLM) is a benign inflammatory disease of the mammary gland, with pain, swelling and redness as the main clinical manifestations. There is no unified and effective standard treatment plan for this disease at present. In addition to breast cancer, non-lactational mastitis is also becoming a presenting complaint in an increasing number of outpatients at the authors' clinic. This case report summarises the treatment and management of a 35-year-old female patient with NLM complicated with multiple sinus wounds after surgery.

Method:

The patient was treated as follows, with: timely debridement according to the local condition of the wound, with manual compression to drain exudate from the sinus wound; selected wound dressings according to their performance and characteristics to fill the sinus tract for drainage and infection control; psychological care of the patient and their family to ensure that patients actively participate in the treatment; family support to the patient to deal with negative emotions; integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine to prevent/manage infection; dietary care and control; posture management and health education to facilitate the patient's wound healing process.

Results:

After local management with systemic treatment and management using integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine, the wound healed after 46 days, with no recurrence during a follow-up period of one year.

Conclusion:

As shown in this case report, the wound should be cut and drained as soon as possible in order to prevent obstruction of the sinus drainage. Modern wound dressings are selected for the ‘external’ treatment of local wounds. Integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine may help in systemic therapy of the whole patient.
Impact of Controlled Drainage on Crop Yield Including Within-Field Variability
Authors: Baird Amanda , Frankenberger Jane , Bowling Laura , Kladivko Eileen
Published: June 2024

Highlights

A 10-m grid system was developed for spatial and temporal analysis of crop yield impacts of controlled drainage.

Yields were analyzed by annual wetness classification, soil drainage class, and elevation within the field.

Overall, controlled drainage significantly increased corn yield by an average of 2.3%, but not soybean yield.

The grid-based analysis with a linear mixed model identified characteristics influencing CD yield effect.

Abstract.
Controlled drainage is the practice of using a water control structure to raise the outlet in agricultural fields during periods when drainage is unnecessary, with the primary purpose of reducing nitrate loss. The use of this practice may increase crop yields compared to free drainage because controlled drainage can capture water from precipitation as soil water and store it for crop use later in the growing season. However, results from published studies of controlled drainage have shown mixed impacts on crop yields, and the effects of field characteristics and annual weather variation on these impacts are not well understood. To analyze crop yield impacts, two controlled and two free draining plots in eastern Indiana were compared. A grid system consisting of 10 by 10 meter cells was created to obtain a balanced data set and used to analyze crop yield by year, annual wetness classification, soil drainage class, and elevation. Controlled drainage significantly increased the corn yield in six out of nine years, and the nine-year corn yield average increased by 2.3%. Soybean yield was significantly higher under controlled drainage in three out of four years, but there was no significant difference in the four-year soybean average. Years were further classified as wet, normal, or dry based on growing season precipitation, and results indicated controlled drainage had the greatest significant impact on corn yield in the dry years. Analyzing yield by soil drainage class determined that yield had the greatest response to controlled drainage on the very poorly drained soils. Controlled drainage had a significant yield benefit in corn during dry years in areas in which the elevation is more than 30 cm above the surface elevation at the outlet, and did not lead to significant differences in normal or wet years at any elevation. The grid-based analysis with a linear mixed model accounting for autocorrelation was useful for understanding within-field variability of yield response. Keywords: Controlled drainage, Crop yield, Drainage water management, Soil drainage class, Subsurface drainage.
Cong Abbey: a palimpsest in stone
Authors: Moss Rachel
Published: June 2024

This paper traces the longue dureé architectural history of Cong Abbey, Co. Mayo. It demonstrates how patterns of change, echoed in medieval religious houses across Ireland, can mislead the interpretation of medieval remains. The thirteenth-century church was transeptal in form. The demolition of the north transept and conversion of the south transept to a fortified tower in the late sixteenth century has hitherto obscured this. Conversion of the east range of the cloister into a manor house in the early seventeenth century involved the movement of carved features from other areas of the site. From at least the early eighteenth century, worship was reinstated at the abbey in a thatched mass house located at the south-east corner of the abbey complex. The preservation of the abbey buildings as a Romantic ruin in the late nineteenth century added further difficulties to the interpretation of the remains. As the complex, multi-layered history of the buildings was improperly understood, ‘replica’ historical features were added that may never have originally existed. These changes were not recorded and have subsequently further confused interpretation of the medieval elements of the buildings.
Versatile, fast, and accurate frequency excursions with a semiconductor laser
Authors: Llauze Thomas , Montjovet-Basset Félix , Louchet-Chauvet Anne
Published: June 2024

Achieving accurate arbitrary frequency excursions with a laser can
be quite a technical
challenge, especially when steep slopes
(GHz/µs) are required, due to
both deterministic and stochastic frequency fluctuations. In this work
we present a multistage correction combining four techniques:
pre-distorsion of the laser modulation, iterative correction,
opto-electronic feedback loop, and feed-forward correction. This
combination allows us not only to compensate for the non-instantaneous
response of the laser to an input modulation but also to correct in
real time the stochastic frequency fluctuations. We implement this
multistage architecture on a commercial DBR laser and verify its
efficiency, first, with monochromatic operation, and second, with
highly demanding frequency excursions. We demonstrate that our
multistage correction not only enables a strong reduction of the laser
linewidth but also allows steep frequency excursions with a relative
RMS frequency error well below 1% and a laser spectral purity
consistently better than 100 kHz, even in the midst of
gigahertz-scale frequency excursions.
Design and implementation of a physical layer optical fiber security communication system based on a ZUC stream cipher
Authors: Hui Shihao , Wang Dongfei , Wang Xiangqing , Li Zichen
Published: June 2024

In this work, we have proposed a new physical layer encryption scheme to improve the
security of optical fiber communication systems. The secrecy scheme is
based on disturbance of the data cluster under the ZUC algorithm
(named for Zu Chongzhi, a famous mathematician in ancient China),
which is generated by optical XOR using a dual-drive Mach–Zehnder
modulator (DD-MZM). A base scrambling pseudo random binary sequence
(PRBS) generated by the ZUC stream cipher is introduced, which results
in a better scrambling effect and randomness in the key stream of the
block encryption structure. A simulation setup conducted in an
encrypted transmission of the 64×64 grayscale image over 80 km of optical
fiber shows that the authorized user can successfully decrypt the
received signal, while the eavesdroppers cannot derive useful
information with a bit error rate (BER) at approximately 0.5. In the
simulation, after setting the delay compensation to 3.125 ps, a
correct signal with a Q-factor as high as 11.3642 and a BER as low as 3.14295−30 can be obtained.
Fiber Bragg grating guided laser interferometer-based highly sensitive vacuum pressure sensor
Authors: Ullah Rahim , Mehmood Khan Raja Yasir , Ahmad Kamran , Faisal Muhammad
Published: June 2024

Vacuum sensing and metrology pave the way for promising solutions to fulfill the scientific and technological demands of various contemporary industries and research fields. This study introduces an innovative vacuum pressure sensor, employing a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) guided Michelson interferometer. The sensor works on the principle of interferometric measurement of precisely gauging the displacement of an elastic diaphragm with pressure variation connected to a vacuum chamber in terms of interference fringe counts due to arm-length variation of the interferometer. The elastic silicone diaphragm and stainless steel cantilever, being critical components of the sensor, were examined using finite element analysis and subsequently demonstrated experimentally. The diaphragm’s position is continuously monitored in real time through the Bragg’s wavelength of the FBG, continuously updating the interferometer after each 15 ms for the accurate measurement of fluctuating vacuum pressures. The strain-induced shift in the FBG’s Bragg wavelength follows a linear trend with pressure variation, exhibiting a sensitivity of 12.7 pm/mbar. With a dynamic range spanning 0.05–100 mbar, the sensor demonstrates a sensitivity of 16.073 fringe counts/mbar and a notable resolution of 0.3364 mbar. Moreover, the sensor exhibits good repeatability, with a hysteresis of up to 2.59% during full span cyclic operation. The coupling of the interferometer with FBG makes it a unique secondary standard solution for precision vacuum measurement.
Complete polarization state generator composed of one fixed polarizer and two rotating retarders
Authors: Wang Nan , Guo Tingbiao , He Sailing
Published: June 2024

We discuss all possible responses of a linearly polarized light passing through two linear retarders. Based on this theory, a complete polarization state generator (PSG) composed of a fixed polarizer and two rotating retarders is proposed. The restriction on the phase retardances of the two retarders is given, and the procedures to determine the orientations of the two retarders to generate any pre-specified elliptical polarization state are presented. Compared with the traditional PSG, our design has the advantage that the working wavelength can be selected in a rather broad range. At the same time, our system only requires two normal linear retarders, and is thus cheaper than the PSG composed of achromatic or variable retarders. In addition, by selecting the retardance values of the two retarders, our complete PSG can also be designed to show a good broadband property, such as generating a specific polarization for an extended range of wavelengths under white light illumination. Finally, the comprehensive analysis of a linearly polarized light passing through two linear retarders presented in our paper is also inspiring for the design of other related systems.
Advanced optical transceiver and switching solutions for next-generation optical networks
Authors: Nadal L. , Martínez R. , Ali M. , Vílchez F. J. , Fàbrega J. M. , Svaluto Moreolo M. , Casellas R.
Published: June 2024

Innovative transceiver and switching approaches should be explored with special focus on flexibility, energy efficiency, sustainability, and interoperability to be adopted on next-generation 6G optical networks driven by the diverse landscape of emerging applications and services and increasing traffic demand. In this regard, multiband (MB) and spatial division multiplexing (SDM) technologies arise as promising technologies for providing suitable network capacity scaling while fulfilling the stringent requirements of the incoming 6G era. In this paper, innovative MB over SDM (MBoSDM) switching node and sliceable bandwidth/bit rate variable transceiver (S-BVT) architectures with enhanced capabilities and features are proposed and experimentally validated. Different network scenarios have been identified and assessed, enabling up to 180.9 Gb/s S+C+L transmission in back-to-back (B2B) configuration. A MBoSDM scenario including both transceiver and switching solutions is demonstrated, including a 19-core multi-core fiber (MCF) of 25.4 km. Thanks to the transceiver modular and scalable approach, higher capacities can be envisioned by enabling multiple slices working in the different bands beyond the C-band. A power efficiency analysis of the proposed transceiver is also presented, including a pathway towards the integration with a software defined networking (SDN) control plane assisted by energy-aware artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning (ML) trained models.
Optical network topology design to execute many tasks simultaneously in a disaggregated data center
Authors: Ikoma Akishige , Ohsita Yuichi , Murata Masayuki
Published: June 2024

In a disaggregated data center (DDC), task execution is reliant on the communication between resources, making performance highly sensitive to network quality. An optimized physical network topology is crucial for a DDC. To enable the simultaneous execution of numerous tasks, a substantial number of communicable resource pairs satisfying performance requirements is necessary. We propose a physical topology evaluation metric called the capability of simultaneous task execution (CSTE) and a corresponding physical topology design leveraging CSTE for a DDC equipped with optical networks. CSTE represents the ratio of resources that could be used as a resource communicating with other resources without violating the performance requirements in a situation where tasks up to the maximum number of executable tasks are executed. In addition, we formulated a physical topology design problem aimed at generating a physical network topology capable of maximizing task execution based on CSTE. By solving this optimization problem, we generated topologies and validated their effectiveness via task allocation simulations. The results showed that an optimal topology based on CSTE reduces task blockages by over 50% compared to conventional topologies. In addition, the results exhibited a positive correlation with the number of executable tasks. Through a physical topology design based on CSTE, we could construct a DDC that could handle a larger volume of tasks.
Gender preference and fertility behavior among married women: A community based study from far western Nepal
Authors: Dawadi Pratima , Bhatta Aarati Sharma , Rajbanshi Laxmi , Gautam Rajendra
Published: June 2024

Gender preference often results in low use of contraceptives and parity progression, which can increase the risks of morbidity and mortality for women. This study aimed to identify gender preference and fertility behavior, including contraceptive use and the desire for additional children, among married women. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using systematic random sampling to select280 household, with one respondent interviewed from each household using a semi-structured interview schedule. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis were performed on the collected data. Of 280 respondents, 44.6% were aged 26–35 years (mean30.23±7.39 years). Most (74.3%) were literate, and 70% were paid worker. Son preference was reported by 53%, with support in old age (87.2%) being the main reason. Gender preference was 60.5% less likely among Bramhin/Chhetri ethnic groups (p = 0.033) and 71.3% less likely if husbands were literate (p = 0.002). Contraception use was 90.7%, but 31.8% desired additional children. Permanent contraceptive method use was 9.387 times more likely above age 30 years (p = <0.001), independent of respondents’ and husbands’ education, sex composition of children, and having a preferred child. Desire for more children was 6.813 times more likely below age 30 years (p = <0.001) and 5.875 times more likely with 1–2 living children (p = 0.001), independent of respondents’ and husbands education.The study concludes that son preference persisted among the illiterate. Contraceptive use was lower among respondents below 30 years. Enhancing educational status may reduce gender bias. Targeting family planning to women below 30 years could improve contraceptive utilization in this age group.
Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir or Molnupiravir for treatment of non-hospitalized patients with COVID-19 at risk of disease progression
Authors: Butt Adeel Ajwad , Yan Peng , Shaikh Obaid S.
Published: June 2024

Background

In randomized controlled trials, Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (NMV/r) and Molnupiravir (MPV) reduced the risk of severe/fatal COVID-19 disease. Real-world data are limited, particularly studies directly comparing the two agents.

Methods

Using the VA National COVID-19 database, we identified previously uninfected, non-hospitalized individuals with COVID-19 with ≥1 risk factor for disease progression who were prescribed either NMV/r or MPV within 3 days of a positive test. We used inverse probability of treatment weights (IPTW) to account for providers’ preferences for a specific treatment. Absolute risk difference (ARD) with 95% confidence intervals were determined for those treated with NMV/r vs. MPV. The primary outcome was hospitalization or death within 30 days of treatment prescription using the IPTW approach. Analyses were repeated using propensity-score matched groups.

Results

Between January 1 and November 30, 2022, 9,180 individuals were eligible for inclusion (6,592 prescribed NMV/r; 2,454 prescribed MPV). The ARD for hospitalization/death for NMV/r vs MPV was -0.25 (95% CI -0.79 to 0.28). There was no statistically significant difference in ARD among strata by age, race, comorbidities, or symptoms at baseline. Kaplan-Meier curves did not demonstrate a difference between the two groups (p-value = 0.6). Analysis of the propensity-score matched cohort yielded similar results (ARD for NMV/r vs. MPV -0.9, 95% CI -2.02 to 0.23). Additional analyses showed no difference for development of severe/critical/fatal disease by treatment group.

Conclusion

We found no significant difference in short term risk of hospitalization or death among at-risk individuals with COVID-19 treated with either NMV/r or MPV.
Revealing the spatiotemporal evolution pattern and convergence law of agricultural land transfer in China
Authors: Sheng Min , Shi Wenting , Lin Xiaobiao , Wu Bowei , Wu Shidai
Published: June 2024

The transfer of land plays a crucial role in revitalizing land resources, acting as a catalyst for promoting the high-quality development of agriculture. The land transfer ratio is a crucial metric for assessing the progress of rural land transfer and the effective allocation of rural land resources. Thus, this study examines the rural land transfer ratio across 30 provinces in China from 2005 to 2020. The study explores the distribution characteristics of the ratio using the rank-size rule and trend surface analysis. The LISA space-time transition method is employed to analyze the spatial and temporal dynamics of the rural land transfer ratio and examine its convergence. The study aims to comprehensively analyze the spatial distribution characteristics and evolutionary patterns of rural land transfer in China, illustrating the convergence and influencing factors during the development process. The results indicate that: (1) The rural land transfer ratio in China is generally increasing, with a spatial pattern showing an upward trend from west to east and from north to south. The main spatial contrast is between the eastern and western regions, with a relatively minor distinction between the southern and northern regions. (2) The LISA space-time transition highlights a significant spatial locking effect in China’s rural land transfer ratio, suggesting strong spatial integration in its evolution. (3) Clear indications of σ convergence, absolute β convergence, and club convergence are evident in China’s rural land transfer ratio. This suggests a gradual reduction in internal disparities among provinces and regions, where areas with higher land transfer ratios influence spatial spillover effects on adjacent lower areas. (4) Factors such as transportation infrastructure, irrigation, water conservancy construction, and farmers’ per capita income collectively influence the spatial and temporal evolution of China’s rural land transfer ratio, with dominant driving factors varying across different periods.
Political party affiliation, social identity cues, and attitudes about protective mask-wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany
Authors: Magnus Kathleen D. , Dammann Niklas , Ziegler Elâ , Lüdecke Daniel , Dingoyan Demet
Published: June 2024

This cross-sectional study aimed to determine 1) whether German citizens’ adherence to health professionals’ recommendations and mandates regarding protective masks during the COVID-19 pandemic varied according to their political party affiliations, and 2) how behavioral cues provided by members of shared social groups, such as family and friends, influenced individual mask-wearing behavior. A quota-based sample of German voters (n = 330) consisting of 55 citizens whose voting intentions aligned with each of the country’s six main political parties responded to an online questionnaire consisting of multiple-choice and open-ended questions. Univariate descriptive statistical analyses of quantitative data were conducted, and multiple regressions were performed to determine log odds and significant variations among group-based responses. A pragmatic inductive coding process was used to conduct a thematic analysis of qualitative data. Results indicated that those participants who expressed an intention to vote for the populist radical right party were the least likely to follow health experts’ recommendations and the most likely to express anger and dissatisfaction over mask mandates. Prospective Left Party voters were the most likely to adhere to the advice of their doctors, while those associated with the Green Party were the most likely to adhere to the advice of public health experts. Most survey participants reported aligning their mask-wearing behavior with that of family and friends, with prospective CDU/CSU voters particularly likely to consider the mask-wearing behavior of family members. The results indicate that public health officials should consider how group-related factors influence public health compliance in order to encourage protective mask-wearing in the future.
The association between nap time, nighttime sleep and depression in Chinese older adults: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Song Yanliqing , Liu Haoqiang , Liu Yue
Published: June 2024

Objective

To explore the relationship among nap time, night sleep time, and depression among the elderly and to determine the recommended sleep time to provide a scientific and reasonable basis for the prevention and control of depression in residents.

Methods

Based on the 2020 China Health and Elderly Care Longitudinal Survey (CHARLS) database, the demographic data and the health and lifestyle information of the study subjects were obtained. A total of 2,959 valid samples were included, and the relationship between sleep and depression was explored by logistic regression, restricted cubic spline, and isotemporal substitution model.

Results

In the cross-sectional analysis, no statistical relationship was observed between napping time and depression in the elderly. The optimal sleep interval for the elderly at night is 6–7.5 hours, and the health benefits are the largest. A sleep duration of < 6 hours at night (OR = 2.25, 95% CI: 1.90 to 2.65) was associated with a high likelihood of depression. The probability of depression in the elderly continues to decrease with the increase of time after the nighttime sleep duration reaches 6 hours and is at the lowest level of about 7.5 hours. Moreover, the probability of depression will increase after the sleep duration exceeds 9.5 hours. In the range of 6–7.5 hours of recommended sleep duration, the likelihood of depression in the elderly will be reduced by 0.311 for every 30-minute increase in nighttime sleep time instead of noon sleep time.

Conclusion

The duration of nighttime sleep and the probability of depression have a U-shaped relationship. The likelihood of depression was lowest in the elderly who slept for 6–8 hours at night, and the likelihood of depression could be reduced by increasing the nighttime sleep time instead of napping time within the optimal nighttime sleep range.
Depressive symptoms among adults is associated with decreased food security
Authors: Meshkat Shakila , Pang Hilary , Tassone Vanessa K. , Janssen-Aguilar Reinhard , Wu Michelle , Jung Hyejung , Lou Wendy , Bhat Venkat
Published: June 2024

Objective

We aim to evaluate the association of depressive symptoms, depressive symptoms severity and symptom cluster scores (i.e., cognitive-affective and somatic) with food security (FS). We will also evaluate the interaction effect of sex, income and ethnicity on these associations.

Methods

Data from the 2005–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey cycles were used in this study. Participants included survey respondents 20+ years who had completed Depression and Food Security questionnaires. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the associations between depressive symptoms and FS.

Results

A total of 34,128 participants, including 3,021 (7.73%) with depressive symptoms, were included in this study. In both unadjusted and adjusted models, participants with depressive symptoms had lower odds of FS (aOR = 0.347, 95% CI: 0.307,0.391, p<0.001). Moreover, in both unadjusted and adjusted models, for each 1-point increase in cognitive-affective (aOR = 0.850, 95% CI = 0.836,0.864, p <0.001) and somatic symptoms (aOR = 0.847, 95% CI = 0.831,0.863, p <0.001), odds of high FS decreased correspondingly. Our study found no significant interaction effects of sex on depressive symptoms-FS association. Statistically significant interactions of ethnicity and poverty-to-income ratio on depressive symptoms-FS association were observed, revealing higher odds of FS among Non-Hispanic Black and Mexican American groups, and lower odds of FS in Non-Hispanic White and high-income subgroups.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated an association between depressive symptoms and decreased FS. Further research is required to deepen our understanding of the underlying mechanisms and to develop focused interventions.
Bioinformatics for Dentistry: A secondary database for the genetics of tooth development
Authors: Chow Ava K. , Low Rachel , Yuan Jerald , Yee Karen K. , Dhaliwal Jaskaranjit Kaur , Govia Shanice , Sharmin Nazlee
Published: June 2024

Genes strictly regulate the development of teeth and their surrounding oral structures. Alteration of gene regulation leads to tooth disorders and developmental anomalies in tooth, oral, and facial regions. With the advancement of gene sequencing technology, genomic data is rapidly increasing. However, the large sets of genomic and proteomic data related to tooth development and dental disorders are currently dispersed in many primary databases and literature, making it difficult for users to navigate, extract, study, or analyze. We have curated the scattered genetic data on tooth development and created a knowledgebase called ‘Bioinformatics for Dentistry’ (https://dentalbioinformatics.com/). This database compiles genomic and proteomic data on human tooth development and developmental anomalies and organizes them according to their roles in different stages of tooth development. The database is built by systemically curating relevant data from the National Library of Medicine (NCBI) GenBank, OMIM: Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man, AlphaFold Protein Structure Database, Reactome pathway knowledgebase, Wiki Pathways, and PubMed. The accuracy of the included data was verified from supporting primary literature. Upon data curation and validation, a simple, easy-to-navigate browser interface was created on WordPress version 6.3.2, with PHP version 8.0. The website is hosted in a cloud hosting service to provide fast and reliable data transfer rate. Plugins are used to ensure the browser’s compatibility across different devices. Bioinformatics for Dentistry contains four embedded filters for complex and specific searches and free-text search options for quick and simple searching through the datasets. Bioinformatics for Dentistry is made freely available worldwide, with the hope that this knowledgebase will improve our understanding of the complex genetic regulation of tooth development and will open doors to research initiatives and discoveries. This database will be expanded in the future by incorporating resources and built-in sequence analysis tools, and it will be maintained and updated annually.
Synergistic stabilization of a menthol Pickering emulsion by zein nanoparticles and starch nanocrystals: Preparation, structural characterization, and functional properties
Authors: Yang Minghe , Cheng Shujin , LÜ Lei , Han Zhonghui , He Jinxing
Published: June 2024

A Pickering emulsion was synergistically stabilised with zein nanoparticles (ZNPs) and starch nanocrystals (SNCs) to prepare it for menthol loading. After response surface optimisation of the emulsion preparation conditions, a Pickering emulsion prepared with a ZNPs:SNCs ratio of 1:1, a particle concentration of 2 wt% and a water:oil ratio of 1:1 provided the highest menthol encapsulation rate of the emulsions tested (83%) with good storage stability within 30 days. We examined the bilayer interface structure of the emulsion by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The results of simulated digestion experiments showed that the release rate of free fatty acid was 75.06 ± 1.23%, which ensured bioavailability. At the same time, the emulsions facilitated the slow release of menthol. Bacteriostatic studies revealed that the Pickering emulsion had a protective effect on menthol, with the most significant inhibitory effects on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus under the same conditions. Overall, this study proposes a novel approach for the application and development of l-menthol by combining it with Pickering emulsion.
Reference ranges of computed tomography-derived strains in four cardiac chambers
Authors: Ahn Yura , Koo Hyun Jung , Lee Seung Ah , Jung DaSol , Kang Joon-Won , Yang Dong Hyun
Published: June 2024

Research on cardiovascular diseases using CT-derived strain is gaining momentum, yet there is a paucity of information regarding reference standard values beyond echocardiography, particularly in cardiac chambers other than the left ventricle (LV). We aimed to compile CT-derived strain values from the four cardiac chambers in healthy adults and assess the impact of age and sex on myocardial strains. This study included 101 (mean age: 55.2 ± 9.0 years, 55.4% men) consecutive healthy individuals who underwent multiphase cardiac CT. CT-derived cardiac strains, including LV global and segmental longitudinal, circumferential, and transverse strains, left atrial (LA), right atrial (RA), and right ventricle (RV) strains were measured by the commercially available software. Strain values were classified and compared by their age and sex. The normal range of CT-derived LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), and global radial strain (GRS) were −20.2 ± 2.7%, −27.9 ± 4.1%, and 49.4 ± 12.1%, respectively. For LA, reservoir strain, pump strain, and conduit strain were 28.6 ± 8.5%, 13.2 ± 6.4%, and 15.5 ± 8.6%, respectively. The GLS of RA and RV were 27.9 ± 10.9% and −22.0 ± 5.7%, respectively. The absolute values of GLS of RA and RV of women were higher than that in men (32.4 ± 11.4 vs. 24.3 ± 9.1 and −25.2 ± 4.7 vs. −19.4 ± 5.0, respectively; p<0.001, both). Measurement of CT-derived strain in four cardiac chambers is feasible. The reference ranges of CT strains in four cardiac chambers can be used for future studies of various cardiac diseases using the cardiac strains.
Diagnostic accuracy of nanopore sequencing for the rapid diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yu Guocan , Xu Xudong , Shen Yanqin , Fang Bifei
Published: June 2024

Background

Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is the most common type of tuberculosis (TB). Rapid diagnosis of PTB can help in TB control. Although the use of molecular tests (such as the GeneXpert MTB/RIF) has improved the ability to rapidly diagnose PTB, there is still room for improvement. Nanopore sequencing is a novel means of rapid TB detection. The purpose of this study was to establish a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol for evaluating the accuracy of nanopore sequencing for the rapid diagnosis of PTB.

Methods

We completed this protocol according to the Preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) statement and registered on the PROSPERO platform. We will screen studies related to nanopore sequencing for diagnosis of PTB by searching through PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library using English, and Wanfang database, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) using Chinese. Eligible studies will be screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria established in the study protocol. We will evaluate the methodological quality of the individual included studies using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2). We will use Stata (version 15.0) with the midas command and RevMan (version 5.3) for meta-analysis and forest plots and SROC curves generation. A p < 0.05 was treated as a statistically significant difference. When significant heterogeneity exists between studies, we will explore sources of heterogeneity through meta-regression analysis and subgroup analysis.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this will be the first systematic review and meta-analysis of nanopore sequencing for the diagnosis of PTB. We hope that this study will find a new and effective tool for the early diagnosis of PTB.

PROSPERO Registration number

CRD42023495593.
Assessing the association between antibody status and symptoms of long COVID: A multisite study
Authors: Binswanger Ingrid A. , Palmer-Toy Darryl E. , Barrow Jennifer C. , Narwaney Komal J. , Bruxvoort Katia J. , Kraus Courtney R. , Lyons Jason A. , Lam Jessica A. , Glanz Jason M.
Published: June 2024

The association between SARS-CoV-2 humoral immunity and post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (long COVID) remains uncertain. The objective of this population-based cohort study was to assess the association between SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity and symptoms consistent with long COVID. English and Spanish-speaking members ≥ 18 years old with SARS-CoV-2 serologic testing conducted prior to August 2021 were recruited from Kaiser Permanente Southern California and Kaiser Permanente Colorado. Between November 2021 and April 2022, participants completed a survey assessing symptoms, physical health, mental health, and cognitive function consistent with long COVID. Survey results were linked to SARS-CoV-2 antibody (Ab) and viral (RNA) lab results in electronic health records. Weighted descriptive analyses were generated for five mutually exclusive patient groups: (1) +Ab/+RNA; (2) +Ab/- or missing RNA; (3) -Ab/+RNA; (4a) -Ab/-RNA reporting no prior infection; and (4b) -Ab/-RNA reporting prior infection. The proportions reporting symptoms between the +Ab/+RNA and -Ab/+RNA groups were compared, adjusted for covariates. Among 3,946 participants, the mean age was 52.1 years old (SD 15.6), 68.3% were female, 28.4% were Hispanic, and the serologic testing occurred a median of 15 months prior (IQR = 12–18). Three quarters (74.5%) reported having had COVID-19. Among people with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19, there was no association between antibody positivity (+Ab/+RNA vs. -Ab/+RNA) and any symptoms, physical health, mental health, or cognitive function. As expected, physical health, cognitive function, and fatigue were worse, and palpitations and headaches limiting the ability to work were more prevalent among people with laboratory-confirmed prior infection and positive serology (+Ab/+RNA) compared to those without reported or confirmed prior infection and negative serology (-Ab/-RNA/no reported COVID-19). Among people with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 serology from practice settings were not associated with long COVID symptoms and health status suggesting limited utility of serology testing for long COVID.
Exploring the link: Systemic immune-inflammation index as a marker in endometriosis—Insights from the NHANES 2001–2006 cross-sectional study
Authors: Peng Liang , Luo Xiaohan , Cao Baodi , Wang Xiaohui
Published: June 2024

Objective

The systemic immuno-inflammatory index (SII), a novel immune marker of inflammation, has not been previously associated with endometriosis. The objective of this research is to explore the link between SII and the occurrence of endometriosis.

Methods

Utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning 2001 to 2006, we screened and extracted relevant information from the population. Participants missing data on either SII or endometriosis were excluded. We divided the remaining cohort into quartiles based on SII levels: Q1 (SII < 249, n = 848), Q2 (249 ≤ SII < 604.55, n = 847), Q3 (604.55 ≤ SII < 825.35, n = 847), and Q4 (SII ≥ 852.35, n = 848). Multiple linear regression and smooth curve fitting techniques, were to evaluate the non-linear association between SII and endometriosis.

Results

The study included 3,390 adults aged 20 to 55. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between SII and endometriosis [3.14, 95% CI (2.22, 4.45), P < 0.01]. This correlation was consistent across subgroups defined by marital status, poverty income ratio, BMI, alcohol consumption, and age at first menstrual period. However, the relationship between SII and endometriosis was significantly modified by age, education, and history of pregnancy in the stratified analyses. The curve fitting indicated an S-shaped curve, with an inflection point at SII = 1105.76.

Conclusion

The SII may serve as a predictive marker for endometriosis risk among women in the United States, offering a potentially simple and cost-effective approach. However, given the cross-sectional design of this investigation, further validation in prospective studies is necessary.
Future redistribution of fishery resources suggests biological and economic trade-offs according to the severity of the emission scenario
Authors: Alabia Irene D. , Molinos Jorge García , Hirata Takafumi , Narita Daiju , Hirawake Toru
Published: June 2024

Climate change is anticipated to have long-term and pervasive effects on marine ecosystems, with cascading consequences to many ocean-reliant sectors. For the marine fisheries sector, these impacts can be further influenced by future socio-economic and political factors. This raises the need for robust projections to capture the range of potential biological and economic risks and opportunities posed by climate change to marine fisheries. Here, we project future changes in the abundance of eight commercially important fish and crab species in the eastern Bering Sea and Chukchi Sea under different CMIP6 Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) leading to contrasting future (2021–2100) scenarios of warming, sea ice concentration, and net primary production. Our results revealed contrasting patterns of abundance and distribution changes across species, time periods and climate scenarios, highlighting potential winners and losers under future climate change. In particular, the least changes in future species abundance and distribution were observed under SSP126. However, under the extreme scenario (SSP585), projected Pacific cod and snow crab abundances increased and decreased, respectively, with concurrent zonal and meridional future shifts in their centers of gravity. Importantly, projected changes in species abundance suggest that fishing at the same distance from the current major port in the Bering Sea (i.e., Dutch Harbor) could yield declining catches for highly valuable fisheries (e.g., Pacific cod and snow crab) under SSP585. This is driven by strong decreases in future catches of highly valuable species despite minimal declines in maximum catch potential, which are dominated by less valuable taxa. Hence, our findings show that projected changes in abundance and shifting distributions could have important biological and economic impacts on the productivity of commercial and subsistence fisheries in the eastern Bering and Chukchi seas, with potential implications for the effective management of transboundary resources.
Deleting the ribosomal prolyl hydroxylase OGFOD1 protects mice against diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance
Authors: Rodriguez Rebeca , Harris Michael , Kennedy Leslie M.
Published: June 2024

Type 2 diabetes predisposes patients to heart disease, which is the primary cause of death across the globe. Type 2 diabetes often accompanies obesity and is defined by insulin resistance and abnormal glucose handling. Insulin resistance impairs glucose uptake and results in hyperglycemia, which damages tissues such as kidneys, liver, and heart. 2-oxoglutarate (2-OG)- and iron-dependent oxygenases (2-OGDOs), a family of enzymes regulating various aspects of cellular physiology, have been studied for their role in obesity and diet-induced insulin resistance. However, nothing is known of the 2-OGDO family member 2-oxoglutarate and iron-dependent prolyl hydroxylase domain containing protein 1 (OGFOD1) in this setting. OGFOD1 deletion leads to protection in cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury and cardiac hypertrophy, which are two cardiac events that can lead to heart failure. Considering the remarkable correlation between heart disease and diabetes, the cardioprotection observed in OGFOD1-knockout mice led us to challenge these knockouts with high-fat diet. Wildtype mice fed a high-fat diet developed diet-induced obesity, insulin resistance, and glucose intolerance, but OGFOD1 knockout mice fed this same diet were resistant to diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance. These results support OGFOD1 down-regulation as a strategy for preventing obesity and insulin handling defects.