bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Major roles of the circadian clock in cancer
Authors:   Department of Abdominal Oncology, Cancer Center and Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610000, China, Huang Chen , Zhang Chenliang ,   Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610000, China, Cao Yubin ,   Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610000, China, Li Jian ,   West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610000, China, Bi Feng ,   Department of Abdominal Oncology, Cancer Center and Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610000, China
Published: January 2023

Circadian rhythms are natural rhythms that widely exist in all creatures, and regulate the processes and physiological functions of various biochemical reactions. The circadian clock is critical for cancer occurrence and progression. Its function is regulated by metabolic activities, and the expression and transcription of various genes. This review summarizes the composition of the circadian clock; the biological basis for its function; its relationship with, and mechanisms in, cancer; its various functions in different cancers; the effects of anti-tumor treatment; and potential therapeutic targets. Research in this area is expected to advance understanding of circadian locomotor output cycles kaput (CLOCK) and brain and muscle ARNT-like protein 1 (BMAL1) in tumor diseases, and contribute to the development of new anti-tumor treatment strategies.
When to Use Large Language Model: Upper Bound Analysis of BM25 Algorithms in Reading Comprehension Task
Authors: Liu Tingzhen , Xiong Qianqian , Zhang Shengxi
Published: January 2023

Large language model (LLM) is a representation of a major advancement in AI, and has been used in multiple natural language processing tasks. Nevertheless, in different business scenarios, LLM requires fine-tuning by engineers to achieve satisfactory performance, and the cost of achieving target performance and fine-tuning may not match. Based on the Baidu STI dataset, we study the upper bound of the performance that classical information retrieval methods can achieve under a specific business, and compare it with the cost and performance of the participating team based on LLM. This paper gives an insight into the potential of classical computational linguistics algorithms, and which can help decision-makers make reasonable choices for LLM and low-cost methods in business R&D.
Supporting the Global Biodiversity Framework Monitoring with LUI, the Land Use Intensity Indicator
Authors: Spangenberg Joachim H.
Published: January 2023

Biodiversity loss has been identified as the environmental impact where humankind has been trespassing planetary boundaries most ruthlessly. Going beyond the pressures causing damages and analysing their un-derlying driving forces, ipbes identified a series of drivers. The Montreal-Kunming Global Biodiversity Framework GBF is intended to and claims to be a policy response to such analyses. To enhance the resilience of ecological systems, to allow for their recovery and enable the restoration efforts foreseen in the GBF to be successful, the pressures/direct drivers have to be reduced and the drivers/indirect drivers of biodiversity loss have to be redirected. However, often the necessary (semi-)quantitative infor-mation needed to politically address the drivers is absent or patchy. The data collected under the United Nations System of Environmental-Economic Accounting—Ecosystem Accounting, to which the GBF is affiliated, monitors the state of ecosystems, with no priority for pressure/direct driver analysis. Hence we suggest LUI, a deliberately simple index designed for two purposes, as a tool for communicating where sophisticated statistics are available, and as an information collection tool elsewhere Its simple and intuitively understandable structure makes it suitable for citizens’ science applications, and thus for partici-pative monitoring when extensive statistical data gathering is not feasible.
THERMOPHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE HVAF COATING FROM QUASICRYSTALLINE ALLOY OF THE Al-Cu-Fe SYSTEM
Authors: Frolov G.A. , Iefimov M.O. , Kisel V.M. , Evdokimenko Yu.I. , Borovik D.V. , Buchakov S.V.
Published: January 2023

The article deals with the results of determining the thermal conductivity coefficient from quasicrystalline coatings of the Al-Cu-Fe system in the temperature range up to 900 °C. The Al-Cu-Fe quasicrystalline alloy acquires a great interest for practical use as a material for protective coatings. The Al-Cu-Fe alloy is used to produce thermal barrier coatings in internal combustion engines, non-stick coatings on chemical synthesis equipment and in the food industry and to prevent the icing in aviation. The Al-Cu-Fe quasicrystals have low density, high hardness, high elasticity modulus, high values of corrosion resistance and wear resistance, low coefficient of friction, lowered adhesion, low thermal conductivity in combination with the coefficient of thermal expansion, which is close by its value to some metals. The water atomized Al63Cu25Fe12 powder with a dispersion of +40/-63 μm that has a content of the quasicrystalline phase of about 60 wt. % was used for spraying. The coating was sprayed to the butt of a cylindrical substrate from steel 45 (diameter – 25 mm, height – 10 mm), which before spraying was subjected to jet-abrasive treatment by corundum powder with a determining particle size of 1 mm at air pressure of spraying of 0.5 MPa. The Al-Cu-Fe coating with a thickness of more than 0.8 mm was made by high-speed air-fuel (HVAF) spraying using a burner GVO-RV12 with the following spraying mode: the pressure in the combustion chamber of the burner is 1.0 MPa; the oxidant excess coefficient a ≈ 1.2, the spraying distance is 270 mm. The samples were installed on the side surface of the drum (diameter 120 mm), which rotates at a speed of 2.0 rev/s (the speed of movement of the sputtering spot is 0.8 m/s). Spraying was done in three steps of 10 seconds each with a 30 second cooling time between them. Determination of the temperature dependence of the thermal conductivity of the coating was carried out by solving the inverse problem of thermal conductivity by one-dimensional temperature fields in samples obtained by single-sided jet heating with an industrial hot air torch (at surface temperatures up to 450 °C) and an oxygen-propane welding torch (at temperatures above 450 °C). It is shown that the values of the thermal conductivity coefficient of Al-Cu-Fe quasicrystalline coatings in the range of 20 °С…900 °С vary within λ = 1.9 – 2.31 W/(m×K).
ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVE FUEL PROCESSING TECHNOLOGIES
Authors: Sinkevich I. , Mаrdupenko O.
Published: January 2023

The article presents the results of a comparative analysis and experimental testing of the efficiency of technological processes for the processing of some types of alternative energy sources into fuel for transport engines.

The accumulated research experience in the development of on-board conversion systems (reactors) of traditional motor fuels shows that the level of their technical and technological complexity is incomparable with the ecological and economic effect of their use in an RTS power plant. The high temperature level of the processing of these fuels necessitates the need for additional energy expenditure for the organization of the conversion process (for example, burning part of the fuel to support the necessary thermal regime of operation in thermochemical reactors), and the presence of sulfur compounds in motor fuel excludes the possibility of using highly efficient catalysts. In addition, the large relative content of inert (non-combustible) components in the composition of the target conversion products create additional difficulties when they are burned in the engine. In general, the choice of an acceptable alternative energy carrier as a raw product for the production of motor fuel is a compromise that takes into account its energy value, temperature conditions of conversion, the spectrum of gases formed during conversion, cost, availability of raw materials, the possibility of adaptation to the conditions of the RTS, etc. From the set of factors considered above, it can be concluded that today methanol is one of the most energetically beneficial sources of cheap and efficient hydrogen-containing fuel for RTS engines. It should be noted that in the future, in the world of technology development and the corresponding raw material bases, it may be economically justified to use other compounds, which, according to their characteristics, will be able to meet the energetically favorable conditions in the technological structure of the on-board conversion implementation. This will allow creating a stable fuel and energy base , which practically does not depend on the imported hydrocarbon fuel.
Анализ динамики эпидемического процесса COVID-19 в мире за неделю с 07.01.2023 г. по 13.01.2023 г.
Authors: Зимирова Анастасия , Поспелов Михаил , Иванова Александра , Дмитриева Людмила , Чумачкова Елена , Карнаухов Игорь , Щербакова Светлана , Кутырев Владимир
Published: January 2023

В обзоре представлен анализ эпидемиологической ситуации в странах мира по COVID-19, за неделю с 07.01.2023 г. по 13.01.2023 г.
Towards World Identification in Description Logics
Authors: Badie Farshad
Published: January 2023

The logical analysis of the usability of nominals, that are introduced by Hybrid Logic, informal descriptions of the world (within modern knowledge representation systems and semantic systems) is very important because nominals, as second sorts of propositional symbols, can support logical identification of the described world at specific states. This paper will focus on answering the philosophical-logical question of ‘how a fundamental world description in the description logic (DL) and a nominal can be related to each other?’. Based on my assumption that nominals can support more adequate identification of the world in DL, this paper will deal with the concept of ‘world identification’. Accordingly, based on a logical-terminological analysis of nominals, it will analyse hybridised fundamental world descriptions. Relying on the outcomes, this research will reach the idea that we can have a hybrid description logic with the analysed concepts.
К вопросу о критерии паранепротиворечивости логик
Authors: Томова Наталья Евгеньевна
Published: January 2023

В статье рассмотрены различные аспекты, связанные с определением паранепротиворечивых логик. Приведены критерии паранепротиворечивости логических систем, которые были предложены С. Яськовским и Н. да Костой. Даны различные формулировки принципа <<из противоречия следует все, что угодно>> ($\textit{ex falso quodlibet}$) и соответствующие определения паранепротиворечивой логики.  Указано, в каких случаях эти определения могут быть эквивалентны. Также описана проблема эксплозивности отношения следования относительно некоторых операторов и связок, и приведены те решения, которые были предложены различными исследователями. В статье рассмотрены вопросы, связанные с паранепротиворечивым отрицанием, указаны  свойства классического отрицания, несовместимые  с отказом  от принципа <<из противоречия следует все, что угодно>>. Приведены различные взгляды на необходимость неверифицируемости в паранепротиворечивых логиках принципа непротиворечия.
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) exposure and risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in the elderly: Results from NHANES 2003-2014
Authors: Wu Zhaoping , Ouyang ting , Liu Hechun , Cao Lingling , Chen Weili
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to investigate the association between PFASs exposure and the risk of NAFLD in the elderly. Our sample included 1420 participants (≥ 60 years) from the 2003–2014 NHANES study with available serum PFASs, covariates and outcomes. NAFLD was defined based on the hepatic steatosis index. Weighted binary logistic regression was utilized to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals for each chemical. Results suggested that each one unit increase in ln-transformed concentration of PFOA was positively associated with risk of NAFLD in adjusted models. PFNA was also significantly associated with NAFLD incidence in adjusted linear regression. The effect of PFOA or PFNA on NAFLD development was found to be linear in the trend test. This study added novel evidence that exposure to PFASs (PFOA and PFNA) might be associated with NAFLD development.
A novel neutrosophic divergence score for enhancement of mammogram images
Authors: Chaira Tamalika
Published: January 2023

Medical images, especially mammogram images, have low contrast and brightness and so mammogram image enhancement is very much necessary in diagnosing breast cancer or tumor at an early stage. Further, enhancement is a crucial step to increase efficiency of computer assisted hardware. This paper proposes a novel image enhancement method using neutrosophic set (NS). A variety of image enhancement algorithms are in literature, but accuracy is still a crucial problem. NS has an ability to handle indeterminant information, thus reducing the uncertainty in the images. The image is initially converted into neutrosophic domain, where an image is represented using three membership degrees – truth membership (T), indeterminacy membership (I), and false membership (F). Indeterminate degree is computed from two information, and these are combined using a novel method that uses fuzzy Lukaseiwics t norm. Then, a novel neutrosophic divergence score (NDS) is suggested, which is computed from fuzzy divergence that measures the degree with respect to an ideal image and the image so formed has better contrast with noticeable fine structures. Then a modified histogram hyperbolization is used that uses a logarithmic function to obtain a final enhanced image. Performance of the proposed method is evaluated and compared both qualitatively and quantitatively with recent methods. Experiment has been performed on different types of mammogram images to evaluate the performance of the proposed method.
Can simultaneous immobilization of arsenic and cadmium in paddy soils be achieved by liming?
Authors: Yu Huiling , Zhong Delai , Zeng Hongyuan , Huang Bojun , Wang Xin , Peng Bo , Xing Baoshan
Published: January 2023

Liming acidic paddy soils to near-neutral pH is the most cost-effective strategy to minimize cadmium (Cd) accumulation by rice. However, the liming-induced effect on arsenic (As) (im)mobilization remains controversial and is called upon further investigation, particularly for safe utilization of paddy soils co-contaminated with As and Cd. Here we explored As and Cd dissolution along pH gradients in flooded paddy soils and extracted key factors accounting for their release discrepancy with liming. The minimum As and Cd dissolution occurred concurrently at pH 6.5-7.0 in an acidic paddy soil (LY). In contrast, As release minimized at pH < 6 in other acidic two soils (CZ and XX) while the minimum Cd release still appeared at pH 6.5-7.0. Such a discrepancy was determined largely by the relative availability of Fe under overwhelming competition from dissolved organic caron (DOC). A mole ratio of porewater Fe/DOC at pH 6.5-7.0 is suggested as a key indicator of whether co-immobilization of As and Cd can occur in flooded paddy soils with liming. In general, a high mole ratio of porewater Fe/DOC (≥ 0.23 in LY) at pH 6.5-7.0 can endow co-immobilization of As and Cd, regardless of Fe supplement, whereas such a case is not in the other two soils with lower Fe/DOC mole ratios (0.01–0.03 in CZ and XX). Taking an example of LY, introduction of ferrihydrite promoted transformation of metastable As and Cd fractions to more stable ones in the soil during 35 days of flooded incubation, thus meeting a Class I soil for safe rice production. This study demonstrates that the porewater Fe/DOC mole ratio can indicate liming-induced effect on co-(im)mobilization of As and Cd in typical acidic paddy soils, providing new insights into the applicability of liming practice for the paddy soils.
Ultrasensitive monolithic dopamine microsensors employing vertically aligned carbon nanofibers
Authors: Meng Lingju , Rantataro Samuel , Akhoundian Maedeh , Pande Ishan , Al-Azawi Anas , Shoja Yalda , Meinander Kristoffer , Suihkonen Sami , Jokinen Ville , Laurila Tomi , Franssila Sami
Published: January 2023

Brain-on-Chip devices, which enable on-chip cultures of neurons to simulate brain functions, are receiving tremendous attention to meet the demands of both fundamental research and clinical trials. Thus, miniaturized sensors are being developed to accomplish real-time monitoring of neurotransmitters, which are the signaling molecules between neurons and benchmarks for neuron network operation. Electrochemical sensors are promising candidates for detecting a critical neurotransmitter, dopamine (DA), a biomarker for Parkinson’s disease. A key advantage of electrochemical sensors is their capability of fast, real-time recording. However, current state-of-the-art electrochemical DA sensors are suffering from various issues like limited sensitivity and cumbersome fabrication. Here, we report a novel route in monolithically microfabricating vertically aligned carbon nanofiber (VACNF) electrochemical DA microsensors by an anti-blistering slow cooling process. Thanks to the new microfabrication process, we are able to achieve VACNF microsensors with complete insulation and large surface areas. The champion device shows extremely high sensitivity of 4.52×104 μA/μM · cm2, which is at least two-orders-of-magnitude higher than current devices, and a highly competitive limit of detection of 0.243 nM. These figures of merit will open new windows for future applications of Brain-on-Chip devices such as electrochemical recording from a single neuron.
Effect of phosphogypsum adding on setting kinetics and mechanical resistance of geopolymer based on metakaolin or fly ash matrices
Authors: HATTAF Rabii , Aboulayt Abdelilah , Lahlou Nouha , Touhami Mohamed Ouazzani , Gomina Moussa , Samdi Azzeddine , Moussa Redouane
Published: January 2023

Phosphogypsum results from the attack of phosphate ores with sulphuric acid with the aim of producing phosphoric acid. Large quantities of this industrial waste are produced annually, even though it is very harmful because the ores often have a high content of heavy metals. It is therefore necessary to undertake studies in order to reduce its production or to valorise it in the fields of building and civil engineering, in particular. Recent works propose a new way of valorisation in the technology of geopolymers: the addition of phosphogypsum in the mixtures improves the fire resistance of the products, which constitutes a great potential of use in many applications. Our study aims to highlight the effects of the addition of phosphogypsum on certain characteristics of geopolymer matrices based on metakaolin and fly ash, in the fresh state and in the hardened state. Monitoring the workability of the geopolymer matrices indicates that the addition of phosphogypsum increases the viscosity, but impairs the flowability and the shaping. Thus, the phosphogypsum addition rate is limited to 15% for metakaolin-based matrices and 12% for those based on fly ash, with a setting retarding effect in both cases. Moreover, the introduction of phosphogypsum to these matrices up to a mass rate of 6% has no significant effect on the mechanical resistance. Beyond that rate, the mechanical resistance deteriorates significantly.
The Impact of Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis Co-infection on the Health-Related Quality of Life of Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Uganda
Authors: Namusobya Martha , Bongomin Felix , Mukisa John , Batte Charles , Olwit William Kane , Rhein Joshua , Sekaggya-Wiltshire Christine , Prasad Shailendra
Published: January 2023

Background
Both pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) significantly affect health-related quality of life (HR-QoL). We aimed to determine the impact of CPA co-infection on the HR-QoL of Ugandans with PTB.
Methods
We conducted a prospective study among participants with PTB with persistent pulmonary symptoms after 2 months of anti-TB treatment at Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda between July 2020 and June 2021. HR-QoL was assessed using St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) at enrollment and at the end of PTB treatment (4 months apart). SGRQ scores range from 0 to 100, with higher score representing a poorer HR-QoL.
Results
Of the 162 participants enrolled, 32 (19.8%) had CPA + PTB and 130 (80.2%) had PTB only. The baseline characteristics of the two groups were comparable. Regarding overall health, a higher proportion of the PTB only group rated their HR-QoL as “very good” compared to those who had both TB and CPA (68 (54.0%) versus 8 (25.8%)). At enrollment, both groups had comparable median SGRQ scores. However, at follow up, the PTB only group had statistically significantly better SGRQ scores (interquartile range); symptoms (0 (0 — 12.4) versus 14.4 (0 — 42.9), p < 0.001), activity ((0 (0 — 17.1) versus 12.2 (0 — 35.5), p = .03), impact (0 (0 — 4.0) versus 3.1 (0 — 22.5), p = 0.004), and total scores ((0 (0 — 8.5) versus 7.6 (0 — 27.4), p = 0.005).
Conclusion
CPA co-infection impairs HR-QoL of people with PTB. Active screening and management of CPA in patients with PTB is recommended to improve HR-QoL of these individuals.
Spontaneous emergence of eyes in reinforcement learning agents
Authors: Liu Dianjing , Liu Boyuan , Zhou Ming , Qu Yurui , Wu Zhicheng , Zhou Qingyi , Yu Zongfu
Published: January 2023

A living animal exhibits remarkable ability to survive. It processes sensory input and takes actions to maximize the likelihood of survival. Researchers have been inspired to develop similar artificial agents powered by reinforcement learning—for instance, the Deep-Q learning agent, which learns to play Atari arcade games. In the recent development, the ability to process high-dimensional raw sensory data such as images, instead of handcrafted features, is one of the most important enablers, making it possible to train agents for different applications at scale. However, these agents are still different from fully autonomous agents such as living beings who not only process raw sensory data but also develop sensory function as part of their learning process. In this article, we show that an artificial agent powered by reinforcement learning can also spontaneously develop sensory apparatus. It can build its own bridge to connect the digital world to the physical one. This capability could be used to develop resilient agents that are adaptive in changing environments.
Most physical interventions for musculoskeletal pain in children and adolescents cannot be reproduced in clinical practice
Authors: Figueiredo Carolina , Santos Veronica , Madureira Eduarda , Antunes Jessica , Santo Caique Espirito , Leite Mariana , Yamato Tie
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Conservative treatments are usually the most indicated for the management of musculoskeletal pain; consequently, a detailed description of interventions enables the reproducibility of interventions in clinical practice and future research. The objective of this study is to evaluate the description of physical interventions for musculoskeletal pain in children and adolescents.
Methods: We considered randomised controlled trials that included children and adolescents between 4 and 19 years old, with an acute or chronic/persistent musculoskeletal pain. We considered interventions including active and passive physical therapies – related to all types of physical modalities aimed to reduce the intensity of pain or disability in children and adolescents with musculoskeletal pain. The description of interventions was assessed using the TIDieR checklist. We searched on CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsyINFO and PEDro up to October 2021. The description of physical interventions was presented using frequencies, percentages and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We also calculated the total TIDieR score for each study.
Results: We included 13 randomised controlled trials. The overall quality of description measured through the TIDieR checklist was poor, with an average of 11 (4.3) points out of 24. The item of the TIDieR that was mostly described was item 1 (brief name). The item that the description was mostly absent was item 10 (modifications).
Conclusion: The descriptions of physical interventions for the treatment of musculoskeletal pain in children and adolescents are usually poorly described, indicating the need for strategies to improve the quality of description to enable truly clinical reproducibility.
Visceral fat area measured by electrical bioimpedance as an aggravating factor of COVID-19: a study on body composition
Authors: Carvalho Juliana Bonfleur , Andrade Grasiela Konkolisc Pina , Nascimento Ludiane Alves , Golin Natalia , Rodrigues Ana Lucia Chalhoub Chediac , Suiter Erika , Soprani Maryana Virginia Orellana , Nadolskis Ariane Severine
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Severe forms of COVID-19 are more common in patients with abnormal fat distribution, particularly high visceral adiposity. The patient's muscle strength may be reduced during the acute phase of the infection. Electrical bioimpedance (BIA) is a non-invasive method for measuring body compartments and estimating visceral fat area (VFA) that can be used at the bedside.
Objective: To assess the relationship between several body composition parameters, primarily adipose tissue and VFA, in patients with and without a diagnosis of COVID-19 infection, as well as its role in disease severity.
Methods: This is a retrospective study that was conducted in a private hospital in the city of São Paulo from March 2020 to August 2021. The Student's T test was used to compare the results of quantitative variables in the groups with and without COVID-19. The non-parametric Mann-Whitney test was used where normality could not be established. When dealing with categorical data, Pearson's Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test are used to analyze relationships.
Results: A total of 96 patients with a mean age of 69.1 years (SD 15) were divided into two groups of 48 individuals, with and without COVID-19 infection. Body mass index (p=0.000), fat mass (p=0.052), and VFA (p=0.042) were all higher in the infection group. When COVID-19 patients were evaluated, those with higher VFA had longer hospital stays (p=0.020) and used more vasoactive drugs (p=0.043). Patients with COVID-19 with poor handgrip strength were 4.38 times more likely to require a prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay.
Conclusion:The study concluded that excess weight and body fat are significantly associated with COVID-19 involvement, but the severity is primarily related to a greater area of visceral fat. The use of bioimpedance for visceral fat measurement was effective, as it is a simple method performed in the hospital setting that does not require the use of radiation.
Corneal Higher-order Aberrations in Corneal Endothelial Decompensation Secondary to Obstetric Forceps Injury
Authors: Kasamatsu Hirotsugu , Yagi-Yaguchi Yukari , Yamaguchi Takefumi , Nishisako Sota , Murata Toshinori , Shimazaki Jun
Published: January 2023

Forceps corneal injuries during infant delivery cause Descemet membrane (DM) breaks, that cause corneal astigmatism and corneal endothelial decompensation. The aim of this study is to characterise corneal higher-order aberrations (HOAs) and corneal topographic patterns in corneal endothelial decompensation due to obstetric forceps injury. This retrospective study included 23 eyes of 21 patients (54.0 ± 9.0 years old) with forceps corneal injury, and 18 healthy controls. HOAs and coma aberrations were significantly larger in forceps injury (1.05 [0.76 to 1.98] µm, and 0.83 [0.58 to 1.69], respectively) than in healthy controls (0.10 [0.08 to 0.11], and 0.06 [0.05 to 0.07], respectively, both P < 0.0001). Patient visual acuity was positively correlated with coma aberration (rs = 0.482, P = 0.023). The most common topographic patterns were those of protrusion and regular astigmatism (both, six eyes, 26.1%), followed by asymmetric (5 eyes, 21.7%), flattening (4 eyes, 17.4%). These results indicate that increased corneal HOAs are associated with decreased visual acuity in corneal endothelial decompensation with DM breaks and corneal topography exhibits various patterns in forceps injury.
Compound Qiying Granules Alleviates Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy by Inhibiting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Apoptosis
Authors: Hu Yan , Chen Chen , Liang Zhengting , Liu Tao , Hu Xiaoling , Wang Guanying , Hu Jinxia , Xie Xiaolin , Liu Zhiyan
Published: January 2023

Background

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a major complication of diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms of Compound Qiying Granules (CQYG) for DPN.

Methods

Rats and RSC96 cells of DPN models were established to evaluate the therapeutic effects of CQYG. Then the morphology and apoptotic changes of sciatic nerves were detected. Further, tandem mass tag based quantitative proteomics technology was used to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Protein expression of key signaling pathways was also detected.

Results

CQYG treatment significantly improved blood glucose and oxidative stress levels, and further reduced nerve fiber myelination lesions, denervation, and apoptosis in DPN rats. Further, 2176 DEPs were found in CQYG treated DPN rats. Enrichment analysis showed that protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and apoptosis were all inhibited after CQYG treatment. Next, CQYG treatment reduced inflammatory factor expression, mitochondrial damage, and apoptosis in RSC96 cells which induced by high glucose. Transmission electron microscopy results found that CQYG treatment improved the morphology of nerve myelin, mitochondria, and ER. CQYG treatment decreased ER stress and apoptosis pathway proteins that were highly expressed in DPN models. In addition, we also predicted the potential targets of CQYG in DEPs.
Conclusions CQYG exerts neuroprotective effects in experimental diabetic neuropathy through anti-ER stress and anti-apoptosis.
Evaluation of biometric indicators of anterior segment parameters after ICL implantation by swept-source optical coherence tomography
Authors: Tang Chuhao , Sun Tong , Sun Zhengze , Duan Hongyu , Liu Yilin , Zhao Lu , Li Wenlong , Bian Linbo , Qi Hong
Published: January 2023

Purpose. To evaluate the anterior segment structure alteration after implantable collamer lens (ICL) implantation in myopic patients using swept-source quantitative optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT).
Methods. This prospective study included 47 eyes of 24 patients with preoperative spherical equivalent ≥ -3.00 D. Patients underwent ICL implantation at Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, from May 2021 to December 2022. SS-OCT was used to measure biometry including anterior chamber width (ACW), angle opening distance (AOD), angle recess area (ARA), trabecular iris area (TISA), trabecular-iris angle (TIA), iridotrabecular contact (ITC) area and ITC Index before ICL implantation surgery and at 1 month follow-up.
Results. At one month following ICL implantation, the ITC area is 0.396 ± 0.37 mm2, and the ITC index is 8.143 ± 5.439 %. All angle parameters, with the exception of ACW, showed a statistically significant reduction on SS-OCT (P<0.05). Mean AOD500, AOD750, ARA500, ARA750, TISA500, TISA750, TIA500 and TIA750 values at one month postoperatively declined by 60.0%, 60.4%, 58.1%, 59.2%, 57.3%, 58.7%, 48.8% and 50.7%, respectively. Vault was positively correlated with ITC index and the percent change in anterior chamber parameters. The vault of >0.659mm was found to be optimal for angle-closure suspect with a sensitivity of 85.2% and a specificity of 53.9%.
Conclusions. Anterior chamber parameters decreased 1 month after ICL implantation, and their percentage changes and ITC index correlated with the vault. When the vault is larger than 0.659mm, it is necessary to be alert to possible closed angle suspicion.
Interaction of Antiretroviral Drugs with the Microbiome & Implications on the development of cardiovascular diseases in HIV+ persons: A Study Protocol
Authors: Musarurwa Hannibal Tafadzwa , Brix Bianca , Kessler Harald , Roessler Andreas , Sewani-Rusike Constance R. , Nkeh-Chungag Benedicta N. , Goswami Nandu
Published: January 2023

Background The longevity of people living with HIV has been enhanced by the introduction of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs in the mid-90s. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is now mandatory for all persons who test HIV positive in South Africa and the government policy is to start treatment upon diagnosis. The ART is based on protease inhibitors (PIs) and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and both groups of drugs have been reported to have deleterious side effects manifesting as HIV-associated lipodystrophy syndrome, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases. HIV infection also causes dislocation of the gut microbiota which also contribute towards the observed systemic inflammation even before patients are on ART. The aim of this study is find the relationship between HIV infection, ART, endothelial function, and gut microbial dynamics and how they influence development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and metabolic syndrome. Presented here is the detailed study protocol. Methods This is a longitudinal study to be conducted over a period of two years. Newly diagnosed patients of both genders enrolled for the ART programme will be recruited and blood, stool and anthropometric measurements will be collected every 6 months. Endothelial function, measured by non-invasive methods i.e. flow-mediated dilation and retinal microvasculature assessment. Lipid profile, viral load and other relevant blood parameters will be measured using routine methods employed by the National Health Laboratory Services in Mthatha, South Africa. Stool samples will be used for metagenomic analysis to characterise changes in the gut microbial richness and abundance. The 16S rRNA gene will be PCR amplified and amplicons will be sequenced using a next-generation sequencing platform. Multivariate analysis will be used to determine the nature of the relationship between blood chemistry parameters, gut microbial profile, endothelial function and anthropometric data. Impact of project : The study aims to determine changes in vascular function and gut flora in the in persons living with HIV on the ART programme, subsequently providing a platform for development of corrective and therapeutic nutraceuticals and probiotics for the same population.
Phosphorus-nitrogen compounds: Part 69. Unsymmetrical Dispiro(N/N)cyclotriphosphazenes Containing Different Pendant Arms: Syntheses, Characterization, Stereogenism, Photophysical and Bioactivity Studies
Authors: Cemaloğlu Reşit , Asmafiliz Nuran , Çoşut Bünyemin , Kılıç Zeynel , Sabah Büşra Nur , Açık Leyla , Mergen Hatice , Hökelek Tuncer
Published: January 2023

In this research, the starting compounds tetrachloromonospirocyclotriphosphazenes, (BzSpiro-5)R1(N3P3)Cl4 [Bz: Benzyl; R1: Me (1) and R1: Et (2)], were synthesized from the reactions of hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene, N3P3Cl6 (HCCP, trimer) with N/N-donor type benzyldiamines. Both phosphazenes were reacted with 9-ethyl-N-methyl-3-carbazolyldiamines (3 and 4) to form dichloro trans/cis N/N-dispirocyclotriphosphazenes, [(BzSpiro-5)R1(N3P3)(CzSpiro-n)R2]Cl2 (Cz: Carbazolyl; R1, R2: Me or Et; n= 5 or 6; (5a-8a and 5b-8b), containing unsymmetrical diamino precursors. The structure of the cis-5b was clarified by single crystal X-ray crystallography. The space group of the chiral cis-5b isomer is P -1, which is centrosymmetric, and both enantiomers must be present in the unit cell. Since the absolute configuration of an enantiomer is found as SR' according to the X-ray crystallography, the other must be RS'. The chiralities of the compounds were also confirmed by 31P NMR spectroscopy recorded upon addition of chiral solvating agent [(S)-(+)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(9’-anthryl)ethanol; CSA] (for 5a, 5b and 8b) and the circular dichroism (CD) (for 5a, 5b, 6a and 6b) spectra. All N/N-dispirocyclotriphosphazenes (5a-8b) bearing carbazole units exhibited a fluorescence profile with a lifetime of about 4.9-6.5 ns and a quantum yield in the range of 0.11-0.20. On the other hand, P. aeruginosa was sensitive to compounds 5b, 7a, 8a and 8b, while E. coli was sensitive to most of the phosphazenes. The cytotoxic activities of phosphazenes against Vero cells (healthy) and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells were determined. In addition, compounds 5a and 5b appear to have very high antioxidant activity with respect to radical scavenging activities of 55.1% and 68.3%, respectively.
Monoclonal gammopathy of clinical significance with Cervical spondylotic myelopathy presenting as severe paralysis: a case report
Authors: Li Junhu , Wang Lei , Song Yuemin
Published: January 2023

Background: Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a progressive age-related degenerative disease. The natural course of CSM is usually marked by gradual deterioration in motor and sensory function, with a fixed parallel period. Therefore, CSM with severe progressive lower limb motor and bowel and bladder dysfunction is extremely rare. Monoclonal gammopathy (MG) is when abnormal B cell clones produce a monoclonal immunoglobulin in serum and urine. If it causes damage to multiple tissues or organs, it is known as Monoclonal gammopathy with clinical significance (MGCS). It is well established that Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) causes peripheral neuropathy; however, no significant association was found with neurological disorders such as cerebellar ataxia, CNS demyelinating diseases, and motor neuron diseases. To the best of our knowledge, patients with CSM combined with MGCS presenting as severe paraplegia are sporadic.
Case presentation: A 77-year-old man presented with progressive numbness of the trunk and lower extremities and weakness in his limbs for 11 months. Seven months ago, he complained of worsening symptoms and walking instability, developed to be unable to walk independently. The patient's most remarkable symptom was paralysis. We diagnosed myelopathy due to cervical disc herniation. Furthermore, we diagnosed MGCS because of the Bone marrow aspiration and flow cytology results. He was performed C7 Anterior cervical corpectomy decompression and fusion (ACCF). Three months after the operation, the patient showed improvement in symptoms.
Conclusion: We report that a severely paralyzed CSM patient was diagnosed with MGCS and peripheral neuropathy. Few CSM patients exhibit severe paralysis and bowel and bladder dysfunction. The relationship between MGCS and peripheral neuropathy has been established, but there is still no firm evidence of a link with central nervous system injury. We began to suspect a link between the patient's clinical symptoms and MGCS. In patients with severe paralysis with CSM, early intervention to improve neurofunction is the most crucial issue. The changes in intramedullary signal on MRI sometimes do not indicate a worse prognosis; aggressive surgical treatment is necessary. Differentiating diagnosis and finding the primary etiology is therefore critical. We provide a new way of thinking for surgeons, emphasizing the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration.
A smoking cessation intervention for people with severe mental illness treated in ambulatory mental health care (KISMET): study protocol of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Küçükaksu Müge H. , Meijel Berno van , Jansen Lola , Hoekstra Trynke , Adriaanse Marcel C.
Published: January 2023

Background
Smoking among people with severe mental illness (SMI) is highly prevalent and strongly associated with poor physical health. Currently, evidence-based smoking cessation interventions are scarce and need to be integrated into current mental health care treatment guidelines and clinical practice. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of a smoking cessation intervention in comparison with usual care in people with SMI treated by Flexible Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) teams in the Netherlands.
Methods
A pragmatic, cluster-randomised controlled trial with embedded process evaluation will be conducted. Randomisation will be performed at the level of FACT teams, which will be assigned to the KISMET intervention or a control group (care as usual). The intervention will include pharmacological treatment combined with behavioural counselling and peer support provided by trained mental health care professionals. The intervention was developed using a Delphi study, through which a consensus was reached on the core elements of the intervention. We aim to include a total of 318 people with SMI (aged 18–65 years) who smoke and desire to quit smoking. The primary outcome is smoking status, as verified by carbon monoxide measurements and self-report. The secondary outcomes are depression and anxiety, psychotic symptoms, physical fitness, cardiovascular risks, substance use, quality of life, and health-related self-efficacy at 12 months. Alongside the trial, a qualitative process evaluation will be conducted to evaluate the barriers to and facilitators of its implementation as well as the satisfaction and experiences of both patients and mental health care professionals.
Discussion
The results of the KISMET trial will contribute to the evidence gap of effective smoking cessation interventions for people treated by FACT teams. Moreover, insights will be obtained regarding the implementation process of the intervention in current mental health care. The outcomes should advance the understanding of the interdependence of physical and mental health and the gradual integration of both within the mental health care system.
Trial Registration:
Netherlands Trial Register, NTR9783. Registered on 18 October 2021.
The study on influencing factors of nurses' job engagement in 3-Grade Hospitals in east China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Ling , Feng Zhixian , Zhu Mingling , Yang Jialu , Yang Lili
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Nurses' job stress perception and psychological capital affect their job engagement. This paper explores the effects of demographic characteristics, mental workload, and AQ on the job engagement of nurses in 12 hospitals in East China.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted with a convenience sample. Data collection was performed from July 2020 to March 2021. Mean Rank and Median were used for descriptive statistical analysis. Mann–Whitney U Test and Kruskal–Wallis H Test compared the difference of different groups. Spearman correlation analysis was conduct to detect the correlation between mental workload, AQ, and job engagement. Binary logistic regression analysis explored the predictors and abilities of job engagement.

Results

labor and personnel relations, department, annual salary, marital satisfaction, social support, whether there is financial pressure or not, significant stresssignificant stress in the last six months, attitudes towards the nursing profession, attitude towards the current career position, the organization provides opportunities for further study, religious belief, study to get a degree or certificate in spare time were all influencing factors of job engagement. Job engagement has a remarkable positive correlation with AQ (r = 0.623, p＜0.001) and a negative correlation with mental workload (r = − 0.422, p＜0.001). Mental workload has an apparent negative correlation with AQ (r = − 0.250, p＜0.001). Department, study to get a degree or certificate in spare time, self-assessment, and endurance predicted nurses' job engagement.

Conclusions

This study is based on the JD-R model, and the results are helpful in understanding the effects of demographic characteristics, mental workload (job requirements), and AQ (job resources) on the job engagement of nurses. It is necessary to take a variety of measures according to the social-demographic characteristics, improve the AQ of hospital nurses, and evaluate the mental workload correctly, to improve the job engagement of nurses.
The effects of anaesthetic induction with propofol or thiopental on oxidative stress parameters in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery
Authors: ÇELİKSU Ayşe Gül , Aksoy Şemsi Mustafa , Özcan Ayça Tuba Dumanlı
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study is to find out which of the uses – propofol or thiopental – in the anaesthetic induction in the events of laparoscopic cholecystectomy could have a more positive effect on oxidative stress and to investigate the relation between the events’ haemodynamic parameter variables and oxidative stress. Planned as randomized and prospective, our study was carried out with 60 patients in the operating theatre of Ankara Atatürk Training and Research Hospital. Patients were randomly divided into two equal groups. In the anesthetic induction of the patients, in Group 1 thiopental 4-7 mg/kg iv and in Group 2 propofol 2-3 mg/kg iv were used. The other drugs used were the same. Hemodynamic data were recorded at designated times. To measure serum thiol-disulphide, TAS (total antioxidant status), TOS (total oxidant status), PON1 (paraoxonase) and ARES (arylesterase) levels, blood was drawn from the patients two times – one being before the general anesthesia induction and the other in the recovery room.While the thiol levels that include TOS, ARES and SH are affected similarly in both groups, TAS levels were found to be unchanged in thiopental group but to increase in propofol group, and PON1 level was found to be unchanged in propofol group and to decrease in thiopental group. Moreover, when the patients whose anesthesia ended in the morning and in the afternoon were studied within themselves in terms of changes in the oxidative stress parameters before and after operation, determination of the fact that there was a meaningful increase in the post-operative TAS values of patients whose anesthesia ended in the morning and that there was a more meaningful decrease in post-operative PON1, ARES and thiol levels in patients whose anesthesia ended in the afternoon gave rise to the thought that oxidative stress was higher in the afternoon. In our study, a positive correlation between post-operative TAS, PON1 and ARES and general blood pressure values; between post-operative TOS values and KAH values in induction; between ETCO2 values on the fifth minute of the operation and TOS values; between ARES value and post-extubation SpO2 and a negative correlation between PON1 and ARES values and KAH values were determined. In our study, we concluded that propofol would be a preferable iv anesthetic agent as it caused an increase in TAS level. Furthermore, in our study it was decided that we needed to avoid conditions such as hypertension, uncontrolled hypotension, tachycardia, hypercapnia, and hypoxia to reduce the oxidative stress.