bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carpets with visual cues can improve gait in Parkinson’s disease patients: may be independent of executive function
Authors: Hu Ze-Di , Zhu Shi-Guo , Huang Jie-Fan , Chen Jin-Yu , Huang Shi-Shi , Liu Rong-Pei , Chen Zhu-Ling , Ma Lu-Lu , Zhang Xiong , Wang Jian-Yong
Published: June 2023

Background Gait impairment is common in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients, which greatly reduces their quality of life. Executive dysfunction is associated with gait impairment. Compensatory strategies, including visual cues, have been shown to be effective in improving PD gait. In this study, we aimed to understand whether carpets with visual cues could improve PD gait, and how the improvement varies across patients with different executive function state.Methods We designed carpets with chessboard and stripe cues. A total of 65 Chinese PD patients were recruited. Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale, L-dopa equivalent daily dosage, Hoehn & Yahr stage, Frontal Assessment Battery, Mini Mental State Examination Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Scale, and Hamilton Depression Scale were evaluated. Gait parameters including stride length, gait speed and fall risk were recorded by a wearable electronic device.Results The stride length and gait speed were significantly improved and the fall risk was significantly mitigated when PD patients walked on carpets with chessboard and stripe patterns. Further analysis showed the amelioration of gait parameters was independent of executive dysfunction.Conclusions Our study demonstrates that carpets with visual cues can improve the gait of PD patients even in those with partial executive dysfunction.
The impact of chronic TMAO administration on liver oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis
Authors: Florea Cristian Marius , Rosu Radu , Moldovan Remus , Vlase Laurian , Toma Vlad , Decea Nicoleta , Baldea Ioana , Filip Gabriela Adriana
Published: June 2023

Purpose
TMAO, a gut microbiota derived byproduct, has been associated with various cardiometabolic diseases by promoting oxidative stress and inflammation. The liver is the main organ for TMAO production and chronic exposure to high doses of TMAO could alter its function. In the present study we evaluated the effect of chronic exposure of high TMAO doses on liver oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis.
Methods
TMAO was administered daily via gastric gavage to 24 male Wistar rats for 3 months. The animals were divided in three groups, a high-dosage group that received 40 mg of TMAO/day, a low-dose group that received 20 mg of TMAO/day and a control group treated with vehicle. Blood was drawn for the quantification of TMAO and liver tissues were harvested for the assessment of oxidative stress (MDA, GSH, GSSG, GPx, CAT, and 8-oxo-dG) and inflammation by quantification of NOS and COX-2 expression. The evaluation of fibrosis was made by western blot analysis of α-SMA and Collagen-3 protein expression. Moreover, histological investigation and immunohistochemical staining of iNOS were performed in order to assess the liver damage.
Results
After 3 months of TMAO exposure, TMAO serum levels enhanced in parallel with significant increases in MDA and GSSG levels in liver and lower values of GSH and GSH/GSSG ratio as well as significant decrease in GPx and CAT activities. Inflammation was also highlighted, with a significant increase in iNOS and COX-2 expression, but without structural changes and without induction of liver fibrosis.
Conclusion
Chronic administration of TMAO for 3 months induced liver oxidative stress and inflammation without the appearance of fibrosis or liver structural changes.
Cover crop influence on nutrient cycling, nematode population and soybean yield in the Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: Souza Victória Santos , Santos Darliane Castro , Ferreira Jaqueline Gomes , Fialho Arlini Rodrigues , Souza Stéfany Oliveira , Gonçalo Tulio Porto , Sousa João Vitor Alves , Cruvinel Aline Guimarães , Vilela Lourival , Paim Tiago Prado , Almeida Rodrigo Estevam Munhoz , Cherubin Maurício Roberto
Published: June 2023

Soybean-maize succession is the main annual cropping system used in Brazilian cerrado. However, due to water restrictions, the cultivation of maize (off-season crop) is not viable after cultivation of late maturing soybean cultivars and/or when late soybean seeding occurs due adverse weather conditions. In this scenario, the use of cover crops can be a good option to benefit soil health and consequently the soybean yield in the next crop season. The objective is to evaluate the effects of cover crops on biomass inputs, nutrient cycling, and nematode control during the off-season in the Cerrado biome. The study was conducted for three years in two locations in the state of Goiás. We evaluated five options of cover crops after soybean cultivation: 1) Mix of cover crops (Pennisetum glaucum, Crotalaria spectabilis, and Urochloa ruziziensis), 2) P. glaucum, 3) C. spectabilis, 4) U. ruziziensis 5) U. brizantha cv. Marandu, and 6) U. brizantha BRS Paiaguás. The results revealed that Pennisetum glaucum (9633 and 6958 kg ha-1 in Montividiu and Rio Verde) and U. brizantha cv. Marandu (8015 kg ha-1 in Rio Verde) produced the highest amount of biomass on average over three years. The treatments soybean/Crotalaria spectabilis and soybean/Pennisetum glaucum reduce the population of the nematodes. However, the use of a more diversified system such as the mix of cover crops provided a greater soybean yield, soil coverage and a high concentration and release of nutrients during the soybean cycle. Being one important alternative for ensure agricultural sustainability in the Cerrado.
Model-Based Estimation of Heart Movements using Microwave Doppler Radar Sensor
Authors: Ota Takashi , Okusa Kosuke
Published: June 2023

This paper describes the development of a non-contact method for continuously estimating heart movements using a microwave Doppler radar sensor. With this method, mathematical models of cardiac physiology, i.e. the shape and movements of the heart, are created, and Doppler reflected waves are simulated based on these models. In this study, eight subjects were measured and analyzed for one minute, seated shallowly in a chair in the rested state with breathing and body movements allowed. Sinusoidal and extended triangular wave models based on cardiac physiology were employed as the mathematical models. Evaluations of cross-correlation coefficients obtained with the two models showed that those of the extended triangular wave model exceeded 0.9 while those of the sinusoidal wave model were around 0.7. The findings also revealed that extended triangular wave model parameters that maximize cross-correlation coefficients, such as heart radius and extended triangular wave, differed by subject. For instance, the estimated heart radii ranged between 4.2 cm and 7.0 cm depending on the subject, which is consistent with the findings of medical studies that report the heart radii of men and women in Japan to be about 5 cm. These results confirm the validity and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Effect of Volume Fraction of Mesh on The Flexural Strength of Flat and Ribbed Ferrocement Panel
Authors: Gaidhankar Darshan G. , Dubey Rushikesh K. , Kulkarni Mrudula S. , Shinde Sumant N. , Ingle Ganesh S.
Published: June 2023

Ferrocement is a composite used as a construction material. For any construction material, one of the crucial parameters considered during design is flexural and impact strength. This study’s objective was to look at how ribbed ferrocement panels behave when subjected to flexural and impact loads. The goal of this work was to determine how panel thickness and volume proportion of mesh affect the flexural and impact strength of ribbed ferrocement panels through an experimental and analytical programme. The experimental work consists of the preparation of ferrocement panels with 20mm, 30mm, and 40 mm thicknesses. For the preparation of the specimens, a matrix with a strength of 40 MPa and a mix proportion of cement and sand was 1:1.75 with a water-cement ratio of 0.40 was utilized. The specimens were reinforced with welded square wire mesh for a volume proportion of mesh between 1.5% to 2% for different sizes. These specimens were tested under two-point flexural loading and drop-weight impact loading. The ANSYS 16.0 programme was utilized for the analytical work to compare the experimental results by evaluating the deformation and equivalent stresses. The findings of this investigation show that specimen flexural and impact strength increased along with a rise in the panel thickness as mesh volume proportions increased. For flexural and impact loading, ribs provide adequate stiffness and skeletal steel provides good ductility as compared to those without rib specimens. The experimental findings were compared to the analytical work results and exhibited good agreement.
Supply Chain Strategies and Competitive Advantage: A Roadmap to Achieving Sustainable Performance
Authors: Tariq Samran , Nisar Qasim Ali , Mahmood Kashif , Moeen Ramish
Published: June 2023

In the last decade, the rise of competition and the globalization of markets have resulted in heightened difficulties in delivering goods and services according to the customer expectations cost effectively and efficiently. The main objective of this research is to explore the relationship between Supply Chain strategies with Competitive Advantage of firms that enhance the sustainable performance of the organizations. This study is based on the quantitative study and questionnaire were use to collect the data from supply providers of the hospitality and related industry of Pakistan. The smartPLS4 SEM bootstrapping was employed to analyze the data collected from supply chain professionals. The findings of this study indicate supplier relations, collaboration planning, forecasting, replenishment (CPFR), and leagile supply chain have significant relationships with a firm’s competitive advantage and sustainable performance. The conceptual model presented in this research can be thought as a fundamental reference point for industry professionals seeking to develop and design effective supply chain performance strategies. This study which is one of the first study best of knowledge suggests that lean and agile (leagile) are connected, and when combined with supplier relations and CPFR, they can create a competitive advantage for firms and improve overall organizational performance in the hospitality and related industries.
The Hippo-YAP signaling pathway drives CD24-mediated immune evasion in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via macrophage phagocytosis
Authors: Yan Ziyi , Hou Jinghan , Zhang Lichen , Chen Zhen , Gao Can , Ahmad Nor Haz , Guo Mingzhou , Wang Weilong , han tao , Chang Tingmin , Kang Xiaohong , Wang Li dong , Liang Yinming , Li Xiumin , Zhou Xiaofeng
Published: June 2023

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most lethal malignancies in the world with poor prognosis. Despite the promising applications of immunotherapy, the objective response rate is still unsatisfactory. We have previously shown that Hippo/YAP signaling acts as a powerful tumor promoter in ESCC. However, whether Hippo/YAP signaling is involved in tumor immune escape in ESCC remains largely unknown. Here, we show that YAP directly activates transcription of the “don’t eat me” signal CD24, and plays a crucial role in driving tumor cells to avoid phagocytosis by macrophages. Mechanistically, YAP regulates CD24 expression by interacting with TEAD and binding the CD24 promoter to initiate transcription, which facilitates tumor cell escape from macrophage-mediated immune attack. Our animal model data and clinical data show that YAP combined with CD24 in tumor microenvironment redefines the impact of TAMs on the prognosis of ESCC patients which will provide a valuable basis for precision medicine. Moreover, treatment with YAP inhibitor altered the distribution of macrophages and suppressed tumorigenesis and progression of ESCC in vivo. Together, our study provides a novel link between Hippo/YAP signaling and macrophage-mediated immune escape, which suggests that the Hippo-YAP-CD24 axis may act as a promising target to improve the prognosis of ESCC patients.
Dynamic changes and sustainable usage of soil water in the wheat- maize and rape-maize rotation in terrace fields of Southwest China
Authors: Yang Guotao , Chen Hong , Li Chong , Nabi Farhan , Liang Cheng , Shen Kaiqin , Wang Xuechun , Hu Yungao
Published: June 2023

The terraced agriculture has great significance for the utilization of soil water and crop carbon fixation in hilly areas, which is beneficial to the sustainable development of soil water. In this study, we focused on two main rotation modes (WM, winter wheat-summer maize rotation; RM, winter rape-summer maize rotation) as the research objective of this experiment. By reducing nitrogen fertilizer (N1 is normal fertilization, N2 is reduced by 15%), exploring the change in soil water and crop carbon under two rotation systems, as well as crop water use efficiency and carbon fixation under nitrogen fertilizer application. The results showed that compared with WM, the RM yield increased significantly by 7.52%, crop carbon fixation was significantly increased by 14.4%, while soil water consumption decreased significantly by 3.45% in the respective treatment. The crop water use efficiency increased significantly by 11.48% in RM as compared to WM, which indicates RM had stronger crop water utilization and crop carbon fixation capabilities. We also found no significant difference in WM soil water consumption, yield, crop carbon fixation and crop water use efficiency under N2 treatment. The environmental load rate of RM soil water was significantly lower than that of WM in the same treatment. Therefore, RM faced less soil water deficit and was more sustainable. In conclusion, the RM in hilly regions had better soil water utilization, economic benefit, carbon fixation and more conducive to the sustainable development of soil water storage than the WM.
The short- and long-term changes of upper airway and facial soft tissue in adult patients treated with Mini- Implant Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE): A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Cuiyu , Wang Kaixin , Jiang Chunmiao , Zhao Yang , Zhang Yiyan , Zhang Qianwen , Fan Cunhui , Liu Yang
Published: June 2023

Objective: This study aims to assess the short- and long-term changes in the upper airway and facial soft tissue after mini-implant -assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) in nongrowing patients with maxillary transverse deficiency (MTD).
Methods: Five electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) were searched up to 10 March 2023 without limitations and included studies were identified in accordance with the PICOS principles. The main outcomes were classified into three groups: 1) nasal cavity changes, 2) upper airway volume changes and 3) alar changes. Six reviewers independently completed literature screening, data extraction and quality evaluation. The mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to assess changes in the main outcomes. Heterogeneity tests, subgroup analyses, sensitivity analyses, and publication bias were also analysed.
Result: Overall, 2158 articles were retrieved; 18 articles met the inclusion criteria, and 16 articles were included for data analysis. Nasal cavity width (WMD: 1.58 mm; 95% CI: 0.90, 2.26) and nasal floor width (WMD: 1.88 mm; 95% CI: 0.75, 3.02) increased significantly. While palatopharyngeal volume (WMD: 0.2 cm3, 95% CI: -0.61, 1.00), glossopharyngeal volume (WMD: -0.35 cm3, 95% CI: -1.88, 1.18) and hypopharyngeal volume (WMD: -0.90 cm3; 95% CI: -1.86, 0.06) remained unchanged, nasal cavity volume (WMD: 1.24 cm3, 95% CI: 0.68, 1.81), nasopharyngeal volume (MD: 0.75 cm3, 95% CI: 0.44, 1.06), oropharyngeal volume (WMD: 0.59 cm3, 95% CI: 0.27, 0.92), and total volume of the upper airway (WMD: 1.67 cm3, 95% CI: 0.68, 2.66) increased significantly (P<0.05). Alar width (WMD: 1.47 mm; 95% CI: 0.40, 2.55) and alar base width (WMD: 2.02 mm; 95% CI: 0.26, 3.77) also increased in the short term.
Conclusion: MARPE can increase nasal cavity width, nasal cavity volume, nasopharyngeal volume and oropharyngeal volume for nongrowing patients, but has no significant effect on hypopharyngeal volume. In addition, the alar width also increased. However, the studies included in this meta-analysis were mainly retrospective, nonrandomized and small in number, so the findings should be interpreted with caution and high-quality RCTs need to be studied.
A global survey of eco-evolutionary pressures acting on horizontal gene transfer
Authors: Dmitrijeva Marija , Tackmann Janko , Rodrigues João Matias , Huerta-Cepas Jaime , Coelho Luis Pedro , von Mering Christian
Published: June 2023

Horizontal gene transfer, the exchange of genetic material through means other than reproduction, is a fundamental force in prokaryotic genome evolution. Genomic persistence of horizontally transferred genes has been shown to be influenced by both ecological and evolutionary factors. However, the limited availability of ecological information apart from species’ isolation sources prevented deeper exploration of ecological contributions to horizontal gene transfer. Here, we assessed extensive ecological profiles of gene-exchanging organisms, focusing on transfers detected through explicit phylogenetic methods. By analysing the observed horizontal gene transfer events, we show distinct functional profiles for recent versus old events. Although most genes transferred are accessory, genes transferred earlier in evolution tend to be more ubiquitous within present-day species. Based on environmental information, we find that co-occurring, interacting, and high-abundance species tend to exchange more genes. Finally, we show that host-associated specialist species are much more likely to exchange genes with each other, while generalist species display less of a preference towards HGT with other species in their assigned habitat. Our study covers an unprecedented scale of integrated horizontal gene transfer and environmental information, highlighting broad eco-evolutionary trends.
Development of body mass index in adulthood and risk of subtypes of postmenopausal breast cancer
Authors: Busund Marit Katinka , Ursin Giske , Lund Eiliv , Wilsgaard Tom , Rylander Charlotta
Published: June 2023

Background
Body fatness is a dynamic exposure throughout life. To provide more insight into the association between body mass index (BMI) and postmenopausal breast cancer, we aimed to examine the age at onset, duration, intensity and trajectories of body fatness in adulthood in relation to risk of breast cancer subtypes.
Methods
Based on self-reported anthropometry in the prospective Norwegian Women and Cancer Study, we calculated the age at onset, duration, and intensity of overweight and obesity using linear mixed-effects models. BMI trajectories in adulthood were modeled using group-based trajectory modeling. We used Cox proportional hazards models to calculate hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the associations between BMI exposures and breast cancer subtypes in 151,487 postmenopausal women.
Results
A total of 7,223 incident invasive postmenopausal breast cancer cases occurred during follow-up. Increased overweight duration and age at the onset of overweight or obesity were associated with luminal A-like breast cancer. Significant heterogeneity was observed in the association between overweight duration and the intrinsic-like subtypes (pheterogeneity 0.03). Compared with women who remained at normal weight throughout adulthood, women with a descending BMI trajectory had a reduced risk of luminal A-like breast cancer (HR 0.54, 95% CI 0.33–0.90), whereas women with ascending BMI trajectories were at increased risk (HR 1.09; 95% CI 1.01–1.17 for “Normal-overweight”; HR 1.20; 95% CI 1.07–1.33 for “Normal-obesity”). Overweight duration and weighted cumulative years of overweight and obesity were inversely associated with luminal B-like breast cancer.
Conclusions
Decreasing body fatness from obesity in adulthood was inversely associated with overall, hormone receptor-positive, and luminal A-like breast cancer in postmenopausal women. This study highlights the potential health benefits of reducing weight in adulthood and the health risks associated with increasing weight throughout adult life. Moreover, our data provide evidence of intrinsic-like tumor heterogeneity with regard to overweight duration.
Organic superbase-catalyzed oxidation of alkanethiols to dialkyl disulfides by elemental sulfur
Authors: Zhang Zihan , Xu Zhaoyang , Wang Rui , Li Fei , Jiang Heng
Published: June 2023

Under atmospheric pressure and solvent-free conditions, organic superbase (SB) catalyzed the oxidation of alkanethiols (RSH) to dialkyl disulfide (R2S2) by using sulfur as oxidant was investigated. The results showed that amidines (DBU, DBN) and guanidines (BTMG, MTBD, TMG) exhibited significantly higher catalytic activity than common organic bases. Under the condition of 3.0 molar ratio of RSH/S (50 mol% excess of RSH), 99~100% yield of (n-C8H17)2S2 could be obtained with 0.1 mol% SB and more than 95% yield of (n-C8H17)2S2 could be also obtained even if with 0.001 mol% SB. The yield of target product R2S2 (R = alkyl, phenyl) was still obtained above 90% when the molar ratio of RSH/S was 2.1 (5 mol% excess of RSH). R2S3 was the only by-product, and no R2S4 was generated. The deprotonation ability of SB to RSH is significantly higher than that of common organic bases, and RS− is the key active species in the catalytic reaction. This synthetic method has the advantages of operational simplicity, inexpensive, and the applicability to 20-30 g scale synthesis strengthen its potential applications for preparing disulfide at an industrial scale.
Morphological and molecular characterization of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.)
Authors: OJO Tolulope Bolatito , Togun Adeniyi O. , Dada Oyeyemi A. , Abberton Michael
Published: June 2023

Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) is a multipurpose short-lived perennial food legume that provides fodder and wood for small holders. However, the crop remains underutilized with limited research on its diversification and improvement. Understanding the genetic diversity in germplasm of a crop is an efficient mean for unveiling unique traits that could be exploited for enhancing genetic improvement and utilization. This study characterized pigeon pea accessions using morphological descriptors and molecular markers. Twenty pigeon pea accessions were evaluated under field conditions in a randomized complete block replicated thrice. Data collected on agro-morphological descriptors, were used to characterize the accessions. Young leaf samples collected from each accession was used for DNA extraction following CTAB standard procedure. Genetic diversity was carried out using Diversity Arrays Technology Sequence Single Nucleotide Polymorphic (DArTseq SNP) markers. Data were analysed using PCA, cluster analysis, and ANOVA at α0.05. The accessions differed significantly for all morphological parameters except days to 75% maturity and seed thickness. The accessions grouped into three clusters based on the morphological traits. Out of 2934 SNPs discovered all over the pigeon pea reference genome, only 2532 SNPs were retained after filtering. They were distributed all over the eleven chromosomes of pigeon pea.
Elasmobranch Bycatch in a bottom trawl fishery at Al Hoceima Port in Morocco (Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Keznine Mohamed , Giovos Ioannis , Mghili Bilal , AL-Mabruk Sara A. A. , Aksissou Mustapha
Published: June 2023

This study focuses on the identification and estimation of the number of rays and sharks caught incidentally in the Moroccan Mediterranean Sea and their seasonal variation. In 2020, from 62 bottom trawl surveys, it was estimated that elasmobranchs represent 6.67% (25 kg) of the total catch (372 kg/ trip) per trip in Al Hoceima Bay. Raja clavata and Scyliorhinus canicula were the most abundant species, representing between 27% and 21% of the total elasmobranchs captured respectively, followed by Prionace glauca (19%) and Oxynotus centrina (13%). Single or sporadic captures of the threatened and protected Isurus oxyrinchus and Mobula mobular were further recorded, as well as of the endemic and threatened Raja radula. Elasmobranch bycatch rates vary with depth, season and fishing area. The current data indicate that the Moroccan Mediterranean may be an important breeding area for many elasmobranchs. They also emphasize the urgent necessity for better understanding the interactions between fisheries and elasmobranchs to develop management measures.
A machine learning algorithm for distinguishing Saudi children with and without autism via eye-tracking data
Authors: Alarifi Hana , Aldhalaan Hesham , Hadjikhani Nouchine , Johnels Jakob Åsberg , Alarifi Jhan , Ascenso Guido , Alabdulaziz Reem
Published: June 2023

Background.
Despite the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) globally, there's a knowledge gap pertaining to autism in Arabic nations. Recognizing the need for validated biomarkers for ASD, our study leverages eye-tracking technology to understand gaze patterns associated with ASD, focusing on joint attention (JA) and atypical gaze patterns during face perception. While previous studies typically evaluate a single eye-tracking metric, our research combines multiple metrics to capture the multidimensional nature of autism, focusing on dwell times on eyes, left facial side, and joint attention.
Methods.
We recorded data from 104 participants (41 neurotypical, mean age: 8.21 ± 4.12 years; 63 with ASD, mean age 8 ± 3.89 years). The data collection consisted of a series of visual stimuli of cartoon faces of humans and animals, presented to the participants in a controlled environment. During each stimulus, the eye movements of the participants were recorded and analyzed, extracting metrics such as time to first fixation and dwell time. We then used these data to train a machine learning classification algorithm, to determine if these biomarkers can be used to diagnose ASD.
Results.
We found no significant difference in eye-dwell time between autistic and control groups on human or animal eyes. However, autistic individuals focused less on the left side of both human and animal faces, indicating reduced left visual field (LVF) bias. They also showed slower response times and shorter dwell times on congruent objects during joint attention (JA) tasks, indicating diminished reflexive joint attention. No significant difference was found in time spent on incongruent objects during JA tasks. These results suggest potential eye-tracking biomarkers for autism. The machine learning model developed achieved accuracy = 0.744, precision = 0.808, recall = 0.778, and F1 score = 0.792, surpassing traditional machine learning methods trained with more typical data (i.e., SCQ scores) under all metrics considered.
Conclusions.
Although the autism group displayed notable differences in reflexive joint attention and left visual field bias, the dwell time on eyes was not significantly different. Nevertheless, the machine algorithm model trained on these data proved effective at diagnosing ASD, showing the potential of these biomarkers. Our study shows promising results and opens up potential for further exploration in this under-researched geographical context.
The impact of social determinants of health on the relationship between stigma and health in people living with HIV: A two-wave panel study
Authors: Tian Jason M. Lo Hog , Watson James R. , Parsons Janet A. , Maunder Robert G. , Murphy Michael , Cioppa Lynne , Mcgee A. , Bristow Wayne , Boni Anthony R. , Ajiboye Monisola E. , Rourke Sean B.
Published: June 2023

Background
HIV stigma is still prevalent and negatively impacts the health of people living with HIV. Social determinants of health also have a significant impact on health, yet there is little work examining how these determinants play a role in the relationship between stigma and health. This study uses moderation analysis to examine how social determinants of health affects the relationship between different types of stigma (enacted, internalized, and anticipated) and physical and mental health.
Methods
The study used a two-wave panel design with quantitative survey data collected on 339 participants in Ontario, Canada at baseline (t1) between August 2018 and September 2019 and at follow-up (t2) between February 2021 and October 2021. Moderation models were constructed with each type of stigma at t1 as antecedents predicting physical and mental health at t2 as the outcome. Separate models were created with each social determinant of health (age, years since HIV diagnosis, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, geographic region, education, employment, and basic needs) acting as the moderator.
Results
We found the relationship between internalized stigma and lower mental health was stronger for those with older age (b = -5.20, 95% CI: -7.81, -2.59). The relationship between enacted stigma and lower mental health was stronger for those with older age (b = -3.31, 95% CI: -5.87, -0.75), those who live in the Greater Toronto Area (b = -3.96, 95% CI: -6.56, -1.37), and those who never lacked basic needs (b = -4.43, 95% CI: -7.25, -1.62). Lastly, the relationship between anticipated stigma and lower mental health was stronger for those identifying as gay/lesbian (b = -3.43, 95% CI: -6.60, -0.26), those who live in the Greater Toronto Area (b = -5.26, 95% CI: -8.60, -1.94), and those who never lacked basic needs (b = -4.17, 95% CI: -7.38, -0.95). None of the models with physical health as the outcome had significant moderators.
Conclusions
Our findings demonstrate that the relationship between stigma and mental health can change based on social determinants of health. This suggests that targeting certain population groups based on their social determinants of health could be an effective strategy for developing stigma reduction initiatives.
Large-area, high-numerical-aperture, freeform Metasurfaces
Authors: Zhou You , Mao Chenkai , Gershnabel Erez , Chen Mingkun , Fan Jonathan
Published: June 2023

Nanophotonic devices are optical platforms capable of unprecedented wavefront control. To push the limits of experimental device performance, scalable design methodologies that combine the simplicity and fabricability of conventional design paradigms with the extended capabilities of freeform optimization are required. We introduce a novel gradient-based design framework for large-area freeform metasurfaces in which nonlocal interactions between simply shaped nanostructures, placed on an irregular lattice, are tailored to produce high-order hybridized modes that support customizable large angle scattering profiles. Utilizing this approach, we design and experimentally demonstrate multifunctional super-dispersive metalenses. We also extend our approach to high numerical aperture radial metalenses capable of diffraction limited focusing and the generation of donut-shaped point spread functions. We anticipate that these concepts will have utility in super-resolution microscopy, particle trapping, additive manufacturing, and metrology applications that require ultra-high numerical apertures.
Delayed diagnosis of Lemierre's syndrome in a patient with severe coronavirus disease-2019: Importance of comprehensive oral and neck examination – A case report
Authors: Miura Tomotaka , Fukuta Hirotsugu , Kawada Hiroshi , Kaga Tetsuro , Matsuo Masayuki , Sakai Tsutomu , Yoshida Shozo , Okada Hideshi , Ogura Shinji , Tetsuka Nobuyuki
Published: June 2023

Background: Given the widespread prevalence of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), oral and neck examinations tend to be avoided in patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. This might delay the diagnosis of conditions, such as Lemierre's syndrome, which involves symptoms resembling COVID-19-related throat manifestations.
Case presentation: A 24-year-old man without any underlying conditions was diagnosed with COVID-19 7 days before presentation. He was admitted to another hospital 1 day before presentation with severe COVID-19 and suspected bacterial pneumonia; accordingly, he was started on treatment with remdesivir and meropenem. Owing to bacteremic complications, the patient was transferred to our hospital for intensive care. On the sixth day, the patient experienced hemoptysis; further, a computed tomography (CT) scan revealed new pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysms. Successful embolization was performed to achieve hemostasis. In blood cultures conducted at the previous hospital, Fusobacterium nucleatum was isolated, suggesting cervical origin of the infection. A neck CT scan confirmed a peritonsillar abscess and left internal jugular vein thrombus; accordingly, he was diagnosed with Lemierre's syndrome. The treatment was switched to ampicillin/sulbactam, based on the drug susceptibility results. After 6 weeks of treatment, the patient completely recovered without complications.
Conclusion: This case highlights the significance of thorough oral and neck examinations in patients with suspected or diagnosed COVID-19 for the detection of throat and neck symptoms caused by other conditions.
Low Vision Service Provision in Klang Valley: Optometrist Perspectives
Authors: Wong Yi Hen , Madhavan Indira , Azmi Azam Nur Hazman
Published: June 2023

Background: The demand for low vision services increased due to the increased prevalence of low vision. The low vision services provided, along with the knowledge, awareness, barriers, and improvements of the optometrists on low vision services in Klang Valley were investigated.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted through a Google Form questionnaire from July 2022 to May 2023. The questionnaire was modified from previous studies which asked about the participants demographic information, low vision services provided, knowledge, awareness, barriers, and improvements of low vision services.
Results: The study involved 193 participants and revealed the inadequacy of low vision services in Klang Valley. Many of them did not understand the “visual acuity criteria for low vision” (44.5%) and did not know the “available low vision devices” (39.8%). According to the optometrists surveyed, the main challenge in low vision practice was “lack of public awareness” (84.4%) and in their opinions, the services could be enhanced by offering “low-cost low vision devices” (88.1%).
Conclusion: Optometrists in Klang Valley had a basic low vision services knowledge and awareness, yet the services were not well established due to the challenges faced. Further study is expected to extend to the whole Malaysia and cover optometrists and low vision patients to obtain a more precise picture of low vision services.
Enhancing Coping Strategies for COVID-19 Vaccine Anxiety: The Efficacy of a Mobile Phone App-Assisted Educational Intervention
Authors: Ghozali Muhammad Thesa , Islamy Izdihar Dinah Amalia , Hidayaturrohim Bagus
Published: June 2023

Effective dissemination of information to the public is critical in managing anxiety associated with pandemics and vaccination programs. It implies that healthcare professionals, particularly pharmacists, are primarily responsible for providing precise and reliable information to reduce anxiety. This study aimed to quantify the prevalence of anxiety associated with the COVID-19 vaccine in Indonesia and to test the efficacy of a mobile phone app-based educational intervention in alleviating this specific type of distress. The study used a pre-experimental research design using a one-group pre-test–post-test structure to collect and analyze data. The study was conducted in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia, from March to August 2021. According to a descriptive analysis of the pre-intervention data, most participants (n = 268; 56.90%) reported “mild to moderate” concern over the COVID-19 vaccine. However, post-intervention data revealed a significant drop in anxiety levels. Only 36.30% (n = 171) of participants reported “mild to moderate” anxiety, while 27.39% (n = 129) reported “moderate to severe” anxiety. The statistical study, carried out using the Wilcoxon method of hypothesis testing, produced a significant result with a p-value of 0.001, which was much below the usually recognized significance criterion of 0.050. These findings concluded that a mobile phone app-assisted patient education intervention can effectively reduce the HARS questionnaire’s scores among Indonesians. As a recommendation, this study advocates for incorporating a mobile phone app as part of the complete educational infrastructure, since it can serve as an important aid in reducing anxiety associated with COVID-19 vaccines.
Contribution of macrophages to intracochlear tissue remodeling responses following cochlear implantation and neural survival
Authors: Rahman Muhammad Taifur , Mostaert Brain J. , Hunger Bryce , Saha Utsow , Claussen Alexander D. , Razu Ibrahim , Farjana Nasrin , Khan Nashwaan Ali , Coleman Sarah , Oleson Jackob , Kirk Jonathon , Keiko Hirose , Hansen Marlan R.
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Cochlear implants (CIs) restore hearing to deafened patients. The foreign body response (FBR) following cochlear implantation (post-CI) comprises an infiltration of macrophages, other immune and non-immune cells, and fibrosis into the scala tympani; a space that is normally devoid of cells. This FBR is associated with negative effects on CI outcomes including increased electrode impedances and loss of residual acoustic hearing. This study investigates the extent to which macrophage depletion by an orally administered CSF-1R specific kinase (c-FMS) inhibitor, PLX-5622, modulates the tissue response to CI and neural health.
Materials and methods: 10-12-week-old CX3CR1+/GFP Thy1+/YFP mice on C57Bl6 background with normal hearing were fed chow containing 1200 mg/kg PLX5622 or control chow for the duration of the study. 7-days after starting the diet, 3-channel cochlear implants were implanted ear via the round window. Serial impedance and neural response telemetry (NRT) measurements were acquired throughout the study. Electric stimulation began 7 days post-CI until 28- days post-CI for 5 hrs/day, 5 days/week, with programming guided by NRT and behavioral responses. Cochleae harvested at 10-, 28- or 56-days post-CI were cryosectioned and labeled with antibody against α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) to identify myofibroblasts and quantify the fibrotic response. Using IMARIS image analysis software, the outlines of scala tympani, Rosenthal canal, modiolus and lateral wall for each turn were traced manually to measure region volume. Density of nuclei, CX3CR1+ macrophages, Thy1+ spiral ganglion neuron (SGN) numbers and ratio of volume of α-SMA+ space/volume of scala tympani were calculated.
Results: Cochlear implantation in control diet subjects caused infiltration of cells, including macrophages, into the cochlea: this response was initially diffuse throughout the cochlea and later localized to the scala tympani of the basal turn by 56-days post-CI. Fibrosis was evident in the scala tympani adjacent to the electrode array. Mice fed PLX5622 chow showed reduced macrophage infiltration throughout the implanted cochleae across all timepoints. However, scala tympani fibrosis was not reduced relative to control diet subjects. Further, mice treated with PLX5622 showed increased electrode impedances compared to controls. Finally, treatment with PLX5622 decreased SGN survival in implanted and contralateral cochleae.
Discussion: The data suggest that macrophages play an important role in modulating the intracochlear tissue response following CI and neural survival.
Molecular identification and in silico functional characterization of a histone H2A derived antimicrobial peptide from Tilapia lake virus (TiLV) infected Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Mohandas Sowmya Pazhur , Gopi Jayanath , Sudhagar Arun , Swaminathan Thangaraj Raja , Sood Neeraj , Pradhan Pravata Kumar , Sarkar Uttam Kumar
Published: June 2023

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) constitute a unique class of low molecular weight peptides that are generated by the host innate immune system to elicit antimicrobial and immunostimulatory effects in all life forms. They are considered as novel therapeutic agents for combating multi drug resistance of infectious microorganisms. In the present investigation, a partial N terminal histone H2A derived AMP designated as Tilapia Hipposin (TiHip) was identified and characterized from tilapia lake virus infected tilapia Oreochromis niloticus. The virus infection in the fish was confirmed by molecular techniques, electron microscopy and in vitro cell culture studies. A 245 bp gene fragment that encoded 81 amino acid residues was identified from the gill tissue of the infected fish. This study is the first report of molecular identification of histone H2A derived AMP from virus infected nile tilapia. Phylogenetic analysis of TiHip indicated a close relationship with histone H2A sequences from other teleost fishes. Secondary structure prediction revealed the presence of α- helix and random coils and the helical wheel projection indicated the amphipathic nature of the peptide. The physicochemical properties, sequence similarity and structural characteristics of TiHip agreed with the characteristic attributes of AMPs, indicating its potential part in the innate immunity of fish. In silico functional analysis predicted antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-biofilm and non-hemolytic activity which clearly suggested that TiHip could act as a potent bioactive peptide for therapeutic applications.
Machine learning model for predicting oliguria in critically ill patients
Authors: Yamao Yasuo , Oami Takehiko , Yamabe Jun , Takahashi Nozomi , Nakada Taka-aki
Published: June 2023

Background: Oliguria is an important indicator for the early detection of acute kidney injury (AKI) and prediction of poor outcomes in critically ill patients; however, the accuracy of a prediction model using machine learning has rarely been investigated. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a machine learning algorithm for predicting oliguria in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: This retrospective cohort study used electronic health record data of consecutive patients admitted to the ICU between 2010 and 2019. Oliguria was defined as urine output of less than 0.5 mL/kg/h. We developed a machine learning model using a light-gradient boosting machine to predict oliguria between 6 to 72 h. The accuracy of the model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves. We calculated the Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) value to identify important variables in the prediction model. Subgroup analyses were conducted to compare the accuracy of the models in predicting oliguria based on sex, age, and furosemide administration. Results: Among 9,241 patients in the study, the proportions of patients with urine output < 0.5 mL/kg/h for 6 h and those with AKI during the ICU stay were 27.4% and 30.2%, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) of the prediction algorithm for the onset of oliguria at 6 h and 72 h using 50 clinically relevant variables was 0.966 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.965–0.968) and 0.923 (95% CI 0.921–0.926), respectively. The SHAP analysis for predicting oliguria at 6 h identified urine-related values, severity scores, serum creatinine, interleukin-6, fibrinogen/fibrin degradation products, and vital signs as important variables. Subgroup analyses revealed that males had a higher AUC than did females (0.969 and 0.952, respectively), and the non-furosemide group had a higher AUC than did the furosemide group (0.971 and 0.957, respectively). Conclusions: The present study demonstrated that a machine learning algorithm could accurately predict oliguria onset in ICU patients, suggesting a potential role for oliguria in the early diagnosis and optimal management of AKI.
The Relationship between Work Precariousness and Mental Health in Informal Workers: A Moderated Mediation Analysis
Authors: Jilili Maitixirepu , Liu Linping
Published: June 2023

Purpose This study aimed to explore the relationship between work precariousness and the mental health of informal workers and the mechanism of potential influence in the relationship.
Methods A total sample of 2,204 informal workers was derived from the latest wave of the Chinese Labor Dynamics Survey collected by the Social Science Research Center of Sun-Yetsen University in 2018.
Results The results of the study suggested that work precariousness has a significant impact on the mental health of informal workers. Furthermore, work stress plays a mediating role between work precariousness and mental health, while community-based factors moderated the impact of work stress on mental health of informal workers.
Conclusions The findings of the study suggested that the mental health of informal workers should be prioritized by improving working conditions, providing job training programs as well as ameliorating social security measures. Additionally, community factors should be taken into account when interventions are aimed at promoting the mental health of informal workers.
First- and Third-person Perspectives in the AR-assisted Blind Area Assembly
Authors: Feng Shuo , He Xinjing , He Weiping , Li Ruofan , Zhang Shaohua
Published: June 2023

In the development of significant products, assembly efficiency is essential to the improvement of the output and quality of the equipment, and there is still a large amount of work that needs to be done manually by the user during the assembly process. Due to the complex internal structure of the product, the user’s hands, assembly parts, and internal construction are often invisible. The lack of visual information leads to low assembly efficiency, high error rates and user fatigue. In this study, we developed a video-assisted assembly guidance system, called ARScope, in the augmented reality (AR) environment. Users can freely place the mini camera module on the back of their hands or inside the narrow blind area and obtain the video from the firstperson perspective (FPP) and the third-person perspective (TPP). In AR, users can get a comfortable guiding experience by transforming, rotating and scaling the video screen. In addition, we designed and conducted the user study to investigate the effect of different viewpoints on assembly efficiency and user’s experience during video-assisted blind assembly in AR space, and also explored other influencing factors of this process. The results showed that FPP had more synergy with the user than TPP, resulting in an efficient assembly. In addition, the stability of the screen, the tactile feedback and the portability of the system hardware were also essential factors in the blind assembly process.
Sparing concurrent chemotherapy in low-risk locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A retrospective study from real-world experience
Authors: Xu Hanchuan , Huang Wanfang , Yang Xiaojing , Xiao Nan , Zhang Quxia , Chen Bijuan , Zhu Lili , Lu Tianzhu , Zong Jingfeng , Xiao Youping , Pan Jianji , Guo Qiaojuan , Lin Shaojun
Published: June 2023

Objectives
This study aims to explore the feasibility of sparing concurrent chemotherapy (CCT) after induction chemotherapy (ICT) in low-risk locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LANPC).
Materials and methods
LANPC patients(excluding N3/T4N2) who received ICT + CCRT/RT alone between January 2014 and December 2018 were candidates for this retrospective study. All the enrolled patients should achieved favorable response(CR/PR) after ICT.
Results
A total of 336 patients were included. No significant differences in 4-year OS, LRFFS, DMFS and PFS (all p > 0.05) between ICT + IMRT and ICT + CCRT groups were observed. Multivariate analysis confirmed that CCT was not an independent prognostic factor for all survival outcomes (p > 0.05). Patients in the ICT + IMRT group had a significant lower incidence of grade 3–4 mucositis than those in the ICT + CCRT group (29.4% vs. 40.4%, p = 0.037), and other toxicities did not differ significantly.
Conclusions
Sparing CCT in those who achieved favorable response after ICT is feasible and has lower incidence of acute adverse events. Well-designed prospective clinical trials are expected to confirm our results.