bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validación y confiabilidad de una escala para medir violencia docente en Sonora, México
Authors: Fregoso Borrego Daniel
Published: February 2024

Objetivo.

Validar una escala a través de la Teoría de Respuesta al Ítem, que proporcione información

acerca de las conductas violentas que emplean los maestros contra los alumnos, según la percepción de

estos, identificando el tipo de violencia emitida.

Método.

Se seleccionaron 1536 estudiantes de 14 escuelas

secundarias de zonas vulnerables en siete localidades del Estado de Sonora (México). Los tres grados de

este nivel fueron partícipes del estudio. Se utilizó la Escala de Violencia Docente tipo Likert para medir el

tipo de agresión, y el Indicador General de Violencia (IGV) para obtener una visión general de violencia.

Resultados.

Se aplicó el modelo de Teoría de Respuesta al Ítem y

el Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio (AFC)

para obtener información acerca de la percepción de los alumnos de secundaria sobre los diferentes tipos de

violencia de los docentes. Se obtuvieron cuatro dimensiones: violencia física, humillación, sexual y burla,

con un alfa de Cronbach de 0.87, 0.82, 0.85 y 0.85, respectivamente; varianza total explicada de 46.42

%, e

índices de bondad de ajuste de CMIN/DF:

3.08, CFI:

0.92, RMSEA:

0.05, SRMR:

0.04, GFI:

0.89 y AIC:

1369.

Conclusión.

La Escala de Violencia Docente resultó en un modelo de cuatro dimensiones, válido y confiable,

para estudiantes de secundaria preadolescentes, en zonas de riesgo de violencia intrafamiliar.
Microglial Ffar4 deficiency promotes cognitive impairment in the context of metabolic syndrome
Authors: Wang Wei , Li Jinyou , Cui Siyuan , Li Jiayu , Ye Xianlong , Wang Zhe , Zhang Tingting , Jiang Xuan , Kong Yulin , Chen Xin , Chen Yong Q. , Zhu Shenglong
Published: February 2024

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is closely associated with an increased risk of dementia and cognitive impairment, and a complex interaction of genetic and environmental dietary factors may be implicated. Free fatty acid receptor 4 (Ffar4) may bridge the genetic and dietary aspects of MetS development. However, the role of Ffar4 in MetS-related cognitive dysfunction is unclear. In this study, we found that
Ffar4
expression is down-regulated in MetS mice and MetS patients with cognitive impairment. Conventional and microglial conditional knockout of
Ffar4
exacerbated high-fat diet (HFD)–induced cognitive dysfunction and anxiety, whereas microglial
Ffar4
overexpression improved HFD-induced cognitive dysfunction and anxiety. Mechanistically, we found that microglial
Ffar4
regulated microglial activation through type I interferon signaling. Microglial depletion and NF-κB inhibition partially reversed cognitive dysfunction and anxiety in microglia-specific
Ffar4
knockout MetS mice. Together, these findings uncover a previously unappreciated role of Ffar4 in negatively regulating the NF-κB–IFN-β signaling and provide an attractive therapeutic target for delaying MetS-associated cognitive decline.
T-FINDER: A highly sensitive, pan-HLA platform for functional T cell receptor and ligand discovery
Authors: Cetin Miray , Pinamonti Veronica , Schmid Theresa , Boschert Tamara , Mellado Fuentes Ana , Kromer Kristina , Lerner Taga , Zhang Jing , Herzig Yonatan , Ehlert Christopher , Hernandez-Hernandez Miguel , Samaras Georgios , Torres Claudia Maldonado , Fisch Laura , Dragan Valeriia , Kouwenhoven Arlette , Van Schoubroeck Bertrand , Wils Hans , Van Hove Carl , Platten Michael , Green Edward W. , Stevenaert Frederik , Felix Nathan J. , Lindner John M.
Published: February 2024

Effective, unbiased, high-throughput methods to functionally identify both class II and class I HLA–presented T cell epitopes and their cognate T cell receptors (TCRs) are essential for and prerequisite to diagnostic and therapeutic applications, yet remain underdeveloped. Here, we present T-FINDER [T cell Functional Identification and (Neo)-antigen Discovery of Epitopes and Receptors], a system to rapidly deconvolute CD4 and CD8 TCRs and targets physiologically processed and presented by an individual’s unmanipulated, complete human leukocyte antigen (HLA) haplotype. Combining a highly sensitive TCR signaling reporter with an antigen processing system to overcome previously undescribed limitations to target expression, T-FINDER both robustly identifies unknown peptide:HLA ligands from antigen libraries and rapidly screens and functionally validates the specificity of large TCR libraries against known or predicted targets. To demonstrate its capabilities, we apply the platform to multiple TCR-based applications, including diffuse midline glioma, celiac disease, and rheumatoid arthritis, providing unique biological insights and showcasing T-FINDER’s potency and versatility.
Computational discovery of microstructured composites with optimal stiffness-toughness trade-offs
Authors: Li Beichen , Deng Bolei , Shou Wan , Oh Tae-Hyun , Hu Yuanming , Luo Yiyue , Shi Liang , Matusik Wojciech
Published: February 2024

The conflict between stiffness and toughness is a fundamental problem in engineering materials design. However, the systematic discovery of microstructured composites with optimal stiffness-toughness trade-offs has never been demonstrated, hindered by the discrepancies between simulation and reality and the lack of data-efficient exploration of the entire Pareto front. We introduce a generalizable pipeline that integrates physical experiments, numerical simulations, and artificial neural networks to address both challenges. Without any prescribed expert knowledge of material design, our approach implements a nested-loop proposal-validation workflow to bridge the simulation-to-reality gap and find microstructured composites that are stiff and tough with high sample efficiency. Further analysis of Pareto-optimal designs allows us to automatically identify existing toughness enhancement mechanisms, which were previously found through trial and error or biomimicry. On a broader scale, our method provides a blueprint for computational design in various research areas beyond solid mechanics, such as polymer chemistry, fluid dynamics, meteorology, and robotics.
Magnetically driven formation of 3D freestanding soft bioscaffolds
Authors: Xie Ruoxiao , Cao Yuanxiong , Sun Rujie , Wang Richard , Morgan Alexis , Kim Junyoung , Callens Sebastien J. P. , Xie Kai , Zou Jiawen , Lin Junliang , Zhou Kun , Lu Xiangrong , Stevens Molly M.
Published: February 2024

3D soft bioscaffolds have great promise in tissue engineering, biohybrid robotics, and organ-on-a-chip engineering applications. Though emerging three-dimensional (3D) printing techniques offer versatility for assembling soft biomaterials, challenges persist in overcoming the deformation or collapse of delicate 3D structures during fabrication, especially for overhanging or thin features. This study introduces a magnet-assisted fabrication strategy that uses a magnetic field to trigger shape morphing and provide remote temporary support, enabling the straightforward creation of soft bioscaffolds with overhangs and thin-walled structures in 3D. We demonstrate the versatility and effectiveness of our strategy through the fabrication of bioscaffolds that replicate the complex 3D topology of branching vascular systems. Furthermore, we engineered hydrogel-based bioscaffolds to support biohybrid soft actuators capable of walking motion triggered by cardiomyocytes. This approach opens new possibilities for shaping hydrogel materials into complex 3D morphologies, which will further empower a broad range of biomedical applications.
The 25-kDa linear polyethylenimine exerts specific antiviral activity against pseudorabies virus through interferencing its adsorption via electrostatic interaction
Authors: Huan Changchao , Yan Ping , Yang Fan , Pan Haochun , Hou Yutong , Jiang Luyao , Yao Jingting , Chen Haozhen , Li Jiarun , Gao Song
Published: February 2024

Pseudorabies virus (PRV) is the causative agent of Aujeszky’s disease, which is responsible for enormous economic losses to the global pig industry. Although vaccination has been used to prevent PRV infection, the effectiveness of vaccines has been greatly diminished with the emergence of PRV variants. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop anti-PRV drugs. Polyethylenimine (PEI) is a cationic polymer and has a wide range of antibacterial and antiviral activities. This study found that a low dose of 1 µg/mL of the 25-kDa linear PEI had significantly specific anti-PRV activity, which became more intense with increasing concentrations. Mechanistic studies revealed that the viral adsorption stage was the major target of PEI without affecting viral entry, replication stages, and direct inactivation effects. Subsequently, we found that cationic polymers PEI and Polybrene interfered with the interaction between viral proteins and cell surface receptors through electrostatic interaction to exert the antiviral function. In conclusion, cationic polymers such as PEI can be a category of options for defense against PRV. Understanding the anti-PRV mechanism also deepens host-virus interactions and reveals new drug targets for anti-PRV.

IMPORTANCE

Polyethylenimine (PEI) is a cationic polymer that plays an essential role in the host immune response against microbial infections. However, the specific mechanisms of PEI in interfering with pseudorabies virus (PRV) infection remain unclear. Here, we found that 25-kDa linear PEI exerted mechanisms of antiviral activity and the target of its antiviral activity was mainly in the viral adsorption stage. Correspondingly, the study demonstrated that PEI interfered with the virus adsorption stage by electrostatic adsorption. In addition, we found that cationic polymers are a promising novel agent for controlling PRV, and its antiviral mechanism may provide a strategy for the development of antiviral drugs.
Prototype and BA.5 protein nanoparticle vaccines protect against Omicron BA.5 variant in Syrian hamsters
Authors: Bricker Traci L. , Joshi Astha , Soudani Nadia , Scheaffer Suzanne M. , Patel Nita , Guebre-Xabier Mimi , Smith Gale , Diamond Michael S. , Boon Adrianus C. M.
Published: February 2024

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants with greater transmissibility or immune evasion properties has jeopardized the existing vaccine and antibody-based countermeasures. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of boosting pre-immune hamsters with protein nanoparticle vaccines (Novavax, Inc.) containing recombinant Prototype (Wuhan-1) or BA.5 S proteins against a challenge with the Omicron BA.5 variant of SARS-CoV-2. Serum antibody binding and neutralization titers were quantified before challenge, and viral loads were measured 3 days after challenge. Boosting with Prototype or BA.5 vaccine induced similar antibody binding responses against ancestral Wuhan-1 or BA.5 S proteins, and neutralizing activity of Omicron BA.1 and BA.5 variants. One and three months after vaccine boosting, hamsters were challenged with the Omicron BA.5 variant. Prototype and BA.5 vaccine-boosted hamsters had reduced viral infection in the nasal washes, nasal turbinates, and lungs compared to unvaccinated animals. Although no significant differences in virus load were detected between the Prototype and BA.5 vaccine-boosted animals, fewer breakthrough infections were detected in the BA.5-vaccinated hamsters. Thus, immunity induced by Prototype or BA.5 S protein nanoparticle vaccine boosting can protect against the Omicron BA.5 variant in the Syrian hamster model.

IMPORTANCE

As SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve, there may be a need to update the vaccines to match the newly emerging variants. Here, we compared the protective efficacy of the updated BA.5 and the original Wuhan-1 COVID-19 vaccine against a challenge with the BA.5 Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 in hamsters. Both vaccines induced similar levels of neutralizing antibodies against multiple variants of SARS-CoV-2. One and three months after the final immunization, hamsters were challenged with BA.5. No differences in protection against the BA.5 variant virus were observed between the two vaccines, although fewer breakthrough infections were detected in the BA.5-vaccinated hamsters. Together, our data show that both protein nanoparticle vaccines are effective against the BA.5 variant of SARS-CoV-2 but given the increased number of breakthrough infections and continued evolution, it is important to update the COVID-19 vaccine for long-term protection.
Breast milk transmission and involvement of mammary glands in tick-borne flavivirus infected mice
Authors: Miao Yuanjiu , Zheng Yue , Wang Ting , Yi Wenfu , Zhang Nailou , Zhang Wanpo , Zheng Zhenhua
Published: February 2024

Tick-borne flaviviruses (TBFs) are transmitted to humans through milk and tick bites. Although a case of possible mother-to-child transmission of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) through breast milk has been reported, this route has not been confirmed in experimental models. Therefore, in this study, using type I interferon receptor-deficient A129 mice infected with Langat virus (LGTV), we aimed to demonstrate the presence of infectious virus in the milk and mammary glands of infected mice. Our results showed viral RNA of LGTV in the pup’s stomach milk clots (SMCs) and blood, indicating that the virus can be transmitted from dam to pup through breast milk. In addition, we observed that LGTV infection causes tissue lesions in the mammary gland, and viral particles were present in mammary gland epithelial cells. Furthermore, we found that milk from infected mice could infect adult mice via the intragastric route, which has a milder infection process, longer infection time, and a lower rate of weight loss than other modes of infection. Specifically, we developed a nano-luciferase-LGTV reporter virus system to monitor the dynamics of different infection routes and observed dam-to-pup infection using
in vivo
bioluminescence imaging. This study provides comprehensive evidence to support breast milk transmission of TBF in mice and has helped provide useful data for studying TBF transmission routes.

IMPORTANCE

To date, no experimental models have confirmed mother-to-child transmission of tick-borne flavivirus (TBF) through breastfeeding. In this study, we used a mouse model to demonstrate the presence of infectious viruses in mouse breast milk and mammary gland epithelial cells. Our results showed that pups could become infected through the gastrointestinal route by suckling milk, and the infection dynamics could be monitored using a reporter virus system during breastfeeding
in vivo
. We believe our findings have provided substantial evidence to understand the underlying mechanism of breast milk transmission of TBF in mice, which has important implications for understanding and preventing TBF transmission in humans.
Disenfranchised DNA: biochemical analysis of mutant øX174 DNA-binding proteins may further elucidate the evolutionary significance of the unessential packaging protein A*
Authors: Love Samuel D. , Posey Sierra , Burch April D. , Fane Bentley A.
Published: February 2024

Most icosahedral DNA viruses package and condense their genomes into pre-formed, volumetrically constrained capsids. However, concurrent genome biosynthesis and packaging are specific to single-stranded (ss) DNA micro- and parvoviruses. Before packaging, ~120 copies of the øX174 DNA-binding protein J interact with double-stranded DNA. 60 J proteins enter the procapsid with the ssDNA genome, guiding it between 60 icosahedrally ordered DNA-binding pockets formed by the capsid proteins. Although J proteins are small, 28–37 residues in length, they have two domains. The basic, positively charged N-terminus guides the genome between binding pockets, whereas the C-terminus acts as an anchor to the capsid’s inner surface. Three C-terminal aromatic residues, W30, Y31, and F37, interact most extensively with the coat protein. Their corresponding codons were mutated, and the resulting strains were biochemically and genetically characterized. Depending on the mutation, the substitutions produced unstable packaging complexes, unstable virions, infectious progeny, or particles packaged with smaller genomes, the latter being a novel phenomenon. The smaller genomes contained internal deletions. The juncture sequences suggest that the unessential A* (A star) protein mediates deletion formation.

IMPORTANCE

Unessential but strongly conserved gene products are understudied, especially when mutations do not confer discernable phenotypes or the protein’s contribution to fitness is too small to reliably determine in laboratory-based assays. Consequently, their functions and evolutionary impact remain obscure. The data presented herein suggest that microvirus A* proteins, discovered over 40 years ago, may hasten the termination of non-productive packaging events. Thus, performing a salvage function by liberating the reusable components of the failed packaging complexes, such as DNA templates and replication enzymes.
High pathogenicity avian influenza A (H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b virus infection in a captive Tibetan black bear (
Ursus thibetanus
): investigations based on paraffin-embedded tissues, France, 2022
Authors: Bessière Pierre , Gaide Nicolas , Croville Guillaume , Crispo Manuela , Fusade-Boyer Maxime , Abou Monsef Yanad , Dirat Malorie , Beltrame Marielle , Dendauw Philippine , Lemberger Karin , Guérin Jean-Luc , Le Loc'h Guillaume
Published: February 2024

High pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) H5Nx of clade 2.3.4.4b have been circulating increasingly in both wild and domestic birds in recent years. In turn, this has led to an increase in the number of spillover events affecting mammals. In November 2022, an HPAIV H5N1 caused an outbreak in a zoological park in the south of France, resulting in the death of a Tibetan black bear (
Ursus thibetanus
) and several captive and wild bird species. We detected the virus in various tissues of the bear and a wild black-headed gull (
Chroicocephalus ridibundus
) found dead in its enclosure using histopathology, two different
in situ
detection techniques, and next-generation sequencing, all performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues. Phylogenetic analysis performed on the hemagglutinin gene segment showed that bear and gull strains shared 99.998% genetic identity, making the bird strain the closest related strain. We detected the PB2 E627K mutation in minute quantities in the gull, whereas it predominated in the bear, which suggests that this mammalian adaptation marker was selected during the bear infection. Our results provide the first molecular and histopathological characterization of an H5N1 virus infection in this bear species.

IMPORTANCE

Avian influenza viruses are able to cross the species barrier between birds and mammals because of their high genetic diversity and mutation rate. Using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues, we were able to investigate a Tibetan black bear's infection by a high pathogenicity H5N1 avian influenza virus at the molecular, phylogenetic, and histological levels. Our results highlight the importance of virological surveillance programs in mammals and the importance of raising awareness among veterinarians and zookeepers of the clinical presentations associated with H5Nx virus infection in mammals.
What are the views of adults with an intellectual disability (AWID), carers and healthcare professionals on a community falls management programme for AWID: a qualitative interview study in the UK
Authors: Robinson Katie , Logan Phillipa , Tucker Carol , Finlayson Janet , van der Wardt Veronika , Kilby Alice , Knowles Sue , Vanhegan Stevie , Hodgson Stuart , Lidstone Nicola
Published: February 2024

Objectives

The aim of this study was to refine a draft of the ACTiON FALLS LD programme based on the views of adults with an intellectual disability (AWID), carers and healthcare professionals (HCPs).

Design, setting and participants

The semistructured interview study included HCP as well as AWID and carers supporting AWID living in the community. Community settings included sheltered living, supported living, AWID living at home with family carers or independently. The interview study explored the first draft of the ACTiON FALLS LD programme as well as the wider falls management for AWID. Interviews with AWID were developed to include a range of approaches (eg, case studies, pictures) to support inclusive participation. Individual interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed. Researcher notes were used during interviews with AWID. All data were analysed using the principles of framework analysis.

Results

14 HCP, 8 carers and 13 AWID took part in the interview process. Five key themes were identified: programme components, programme design, programme approach, who would use the programme and programme delivery.

Conclusions

The views of AWID, HCP and carers showed the need to consider the impact of risk perception, anxiety and fear of falling in the adaption of the ACTiON FALLS programme. The programme needs to be accessible and support the inclusion of AWID in managing falls and ultimately fulfil the requirement for a proactive and educational tool by all.
Clinical and cost-effectiveness of DREAMS START (Dementia RElAted Manual for Sleep; STrAtegies for RelaTives) for people living with dementia and their carers: a study protocol for a parallel multicentre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Rapaport Penny , Amador Sarah , Adeleke Mariam , Banerjee Sube , Barber Julie , Charlesworth Georgina , Clarke Christopher , Connell Caroline , Espie Colin , Gonzalez Lina , Horsley Rossana , Hunter Rachael , Kyle Simon D , Manela Monica , Morris Sarah , Pikett Liam , Raczek Malgorzata , Thornton Emma , Walker Zuzana , Webster Lucy , Livingston Gill
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Many people living with dementia experience sleep disturbance and there are no known effective treatments. Non-pharmacological treatment options should be the first-line sleep management. For family carers, relatives’ sleep disturbance leads to interruption of their sleep, low mood and breakdown of care. Our team developed and delivered DREAMS START (Dementia RElAted Manual for Sleep; STrAtegies for RelaTives), a multimodal non-pharmacological intervention, showing it to be feasible and acceptable. The aim of this randomised controlled trial is to establish whether DREAMS START is clinically cost-effective in reducing sleep disturbances in people living with dementia living at home compared with usual care.

Methods and analysis

We will recruit 370 participant dyads (people living with dementia and family carers) from memory services, community mental health teams and the Join Dementia Research Website in England. Those meeting inclusion criteria will be randomised (1:1) either to DREAMS START or to usual treatment. DREAMS START is a six-session (1 hour/session), manualised intervention delivered every 1–2 weeks by supervised, non-clinically trained graduates. Outcomes will be collected at baseline, 4 months and 8 months with the primary outcome being the Sleep Disorders Inventory score at 8 months. Secondary outcomes for the person with dementia (all proxy) include quality of life, daytime sleepiness, neuropsychiatric symptoms and cost-effectiveness. Secondary outcomes for the family carer include quality of life, sleep disturbance, mood, burden and service use and caring/work activity. Analyses will be intention-to-treat and we will conduct a process evaluation.

Ethics and dissemination

London—Camden & Kings Cross Ethics Committee (20/LO/0894) approved the study. We will disseminate our findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and at national and international conferences. This research has the potential to improve sleep and quality of life for people living with dementia and their carers, in a feasible and scalable intervention.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN13072268.
Perceptions on artificial intelligence-based decision-making for coexisting multiple long-term health conditions: protocol for a qualitative study with patients and healthcare professionals
Authors: Gunathilaka Niluka Jeewanthi , Gooden Tiffany E , Cooper Jennifer , Flanagan Sarah , Marshall Tom , Haroon Shamil , D’Elia Alexander , Crowe Francesca , Jackson Thomas , Nirantharakumar Krishnarajah , Greenfield Sheila
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Coexisting multiple health conditions is common among older people, a population that is increasing globally. The potential for polypharmacy, adverse events, drug interactions and development of additional health conditions complicates prescribing decisions for these patients. Artificial intelligence (AI)-generated decision-making tools may help guide clinical decisions in the context of multiple health conditions, by determining which of the multiple medication options is best. This study aims to explore the perceptions of healthcare professionals (HCPs) and patients on the use of AI in the management of multiple health conditions.

Methods and analysis

A qualitative study will be conducted using semistructured interviews. Adults (≥18 years) with multiple health conditions living in the West Midlands of England and HCPs with experience in caring for patients with multiple health conditions will be eligible and purposively sampled. Patients will be identified from Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) Aurum; CPRD will contact general practitioners who will in turn, send a letter to patients inviting them to take part. Eligible HCPs will be recruited through British HCP bodies and known contacts. Up to 30 patients and 30 HCPs will be recruited, until data saturation is achieved. Interviews will be in-person or virtual, audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. The topic guide is designed to explore participants’ attitudes towards AI-informed clinical decision-making to augment clinician-directed decision-making, the perceived advantages and disadvantages of both methods and attitudes towards risk management. Case vignettes comprising a common decision pathway for patients with multiple health conditions will be presented during each interview to invite participants’ opinions on how their experiences compare. Data will be analysed thematically using the Framework Method.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the National Health Service Research Ethics Committee (Reference: 22/SC/0210). Written informed consent or verbal consent will be obtained prior to each interview. The findings from this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conferences and lay summaries.
Sepsis policy, guidelines and standards in Canada: a jurisdictional scoping review protocol
Authors: Sheikh Fatima , Chechulina Victoria , Daneman Nick , Garber Gary E , Hendrick Kathryn , Kissoon Niranjan , Loubani Osama , Russell Kristine , Fox-Robichaud Alison , Schwartz Lisa , Barrett Kali
Published: February 2024

Introduction

To our knowledge, this study is the first to identify and describe current sepsis policies, clinical practice guidelines, and health professional training standards in Canada to inform evidence-based policy recommendations.

Methods and analysis

This study will be designed and reported according to the Arksey and O’Malley framework for scoping reviews and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews. EMBASE, CINAHL, Medline, Turning Research Into Practice and Policy Commons will be searched for policies, clinical practice guidelines and health professional training standards published or updated in 2010 onwards, and related to the identification, management or reporting of sepsis in Canada. Additional sources of evidence will be identified by searching the websites of Canadian organisations responsible for regulating the training of healthcare professionals and reporting health outcomes. All potentially eligible sources of evidence will be reviewed for inclusion, followed by data extraction, independently and in duplicate. The included policies will be collated and summarised to inform future evidence-based sepsis policy recommendations.

Ethics and dissemination

The proposed study does not require ethics approval. The results of the study will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at local, national and international forums.
Effectiveness of dexmedetomidine during surgery under general anaesthesia on patient-centred outcomes: a systematic review and Bayesian meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Verret Michael , Le John Bao Phuc , Lalu Manoj M , McIsaac Daniel I , Nicholls Stuart , Turgeon Alexis F , Hutton Brian , Zivkovic Fiona , Graham Megan , Le Maxime , Geist Allison , Berube Melanie , Gilron Ian , Poulin Patricia , Daudt Helena , Martel Guillaume , McVicar Jason , Moloo Husein , Fergusson Dean A
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Dexmedetomidine is a promising pharmaceutical strategy to minimise opioid use during surgery. Despite its growing use, it is uncertain whether dexmedetomidine can improve patient-centred outcomes such as quality of recovery and pain.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis following the recommendations of theCochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews. We will search MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, Web of Science and CINAHL approximately in October 2023. We will include randomised controlled trials evaluating the impact of systemic intraoperative dexmedetomidine on patient-centred outcomes. Patient-centred outcome definition will be based on the consensus definition established by the Standardised Endpoints in Perioperative Medicine initiative (StEP-COMPAC). Our primary outcome will be the quality of recovery after surgery. Our secondary outcomes will be patient well-being, function, health-related quality of life, life impact, multidimensional assessment of postoperative acute pain, chronic pain, persistent postoperative opioid use, opioid-related adverse events, hospital length of stay and adverse events. Two reviewers will independently screen and identify trials and extract data. We will evaluate the risk of bias of trials using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool (RoB 2.0). We will synthesise data using a random effects Bayesian model framework, estimating the probability of achieving a benefit and its clinical significance. We will assess statistical heterogeneity with the tau-squared and explore sources of heterogeneity with meta-regression. We have involved patient partners, clinicians, methodologists, and key partner organisations in the development of this protocol, and we plan to continue this collaboration throughout all phases of this systematic review.

Ethics and dissemination

Our systematic review does not require research ethics approval. It will help inform current clinical practice guidelines and guide development of future randomised controlled trials. The results will be disseminated in open-access peer-reviewed journals, presented at conferences and shared among collaborators and networks.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023439896.
Multicentre, parallel, open-label, two-arm, randomised controlled trial on the prognosis of electrical impedance tomography-guided versus low PEEP/FiO2 table-guided PEEP setting: a trial protocol
Authors: Wong HouPeng , Chi Yi , Zhang Rui , Yin Chengfen , Jia Jianwei , Wang Bo , Liu Yi , Shang You , Wang Rui , Long Yun , Zhao Zhanqi , He Huaiwu
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Previous studies suggested that electrical impedance tomography (EIT) has the potential to guide positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) titration via quantifying the alveolar collapse and overdistension. The aim of this trial is to compare the effect of EIT-guided PEEP and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) network low PEEP/fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) table strategy on mortality and other clinical outcomes in patients with ARDS.

Methods

This is a parallel, two-arm, multicentre, randomised, controlled trial, conducted in China. All patients with ARDS under mechanical ventilation admitted to the intensive care unit will be screened for eligibility. The enrolled patients are stratified by the aetiology (pulmonary/extrapulmonary) and partial pressure of arterial oxygen/FiO2(≥150 mm Hg or <150 mm Hg) and randomised into the intervention group or the control group. The intervention group will receive recruitment manoeuvre and EIT-guided PEEP titration. The EIT-guided PEEP will be set for at least 12 hours after titration. The control group will not receive recruitment manoeuvre routinely and the PEEP will be set according to the lower PEEP/FiO2table proposed by the ARDS Network. The primary outcome is 28-day survival.

Analysis

Qualitative data will be analysed using the χ2test or Fisher’s exact test, quantitative data will be analysed using independent samples t-test or Mann-Whitney U test. Kaplan-Meier analysis with log-rank test will be used to evaluate the 28-day survival rate between two groups. All outcomes will be analysed based on the intention-to-treat principle.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial is approved by the Institutional Research and Ethics Committee of the Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Data will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT05307913.
Use of statistical process control in quality improvement projects in abdominal surgery: a PRISMA systematic review
Authors: Lima de Mendonca Yara , Sarto Rubiana , Titeca Hannes , Bethune Rob , Salmon Andrew
Published: February 2024

Background

The use of quality improvement methodology has increased in recent years due to a perceived benefit in effectively reducing morbidity, mortality and length of stay. Statistical process control (SPC) is an important tool to evaluate these actions, but its use has been limited in abdominal surgery. Previous systematic reviews have examined the use of SPC in healthcare, but relatively few surgery-related articles were found at that time.

Objective

To perform a systematic review (SR) to evaluate the application of SPC on abdominal surgery specialties between 2004 and 2019.

Methods

An SR following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses flow diagram was completed using Embase and Ovid Medline with terms related to abdominal surgery and SPC.

Results

A total of 20 articles were selected after applying the exclusion criteria. Most of the articles came from North America, Europe and Australia, and half have been published in the last 5 years. The most common outcome studied was surgical complications. Urology, colorectal and paediatric surgery made up most of the articles. Articles show the application of SPC in various outcomes and the use of different types of graphs, demonstrating flexibility in using SPC. However, some studies did not use SPC in a robust way and these studies were of variable quality.

Conclusion

This study shows that SPCs are being applied increasingly for most surgical specialties; however, it is still less used than in other fields, such as anaesthesia. We identified conceptual errors in several studies, such as issues with the design or incorrect data analysis. SPCs can be used to increase the quality of surgical care; the use should increase, but critically, the analysis needs to improve to prevent erroneous conclusions being drawn.
Customised knowledge-sharing platform to foster resident quality improvement activities, tracking and scholarship
Authors: Rowe Katherine A , Carbo Alexander , Katz Joel T , Rotenstein Lisa
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Meeting accreditation requirements to train resident physicians in quality improvement (QI) may require more than education. Barriers to resident QI engagement underscore the need to demonstrate the impact and value of resident QI work. It is not known whether a platform to track and publicise resident QI projects and scholarship is feasible or acceptable to implement within a residency programme. We aimed to create a searchable online platform and associated programming to promote resident QI work.

Methods

This intervention targeted resident physicians in an internal medicine residency training programme at a tertiary, academic medical centre. We designed an intervention to track resident QI and related scholarship in a searchable online platform, including practical details of implementing each project. Newsletters and events were used to publicise these project profiles.

Results

During the 2020–2021 academic year, 104 projects were profiled from 238 sourced projects. Average readership was 31.5% across 11 newsletters sent to residents and key faculty.

Discussion

A platform to track and share resident QI work and scholarship can be feasibly and acceptably implemented within a residency programme, serving as a novel way to engage residents around QI.
Disruption of trauma research: an analysis of the top cited versus disruptive trauma research publications
Authors: Dilday Joshua , Wu Jessica , Williams Elliot , Grigorian Areg , Emigh Brent , Matsushima Kazuhide , Schellenberg Morgan , Inaba Kenji , Martin Matthew J
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The analysis of surgical research using bibliometric measures has become increasingly prevalent. Absolute citation counts (CC) or indices are commonly used markers of research quality but may not adequately capture the most impactful research. A novel scoring system, the disruptive score (DS) has been found to identity academic work that either changes paradigms (disruptive (DIS) work) or entrenches ideas (developmental (DEV) work). We sought to analyze the most DIS and DEV versus most cited research in civilian trauma.

Methods

The top papers by DS and by CC from trauma and surgery journals were identified via a professional literature search. The identified publications were then linked to the National Institutes of Health iCite tool to quantify total CC and related metrics. The top 100 DIS and DEV publications by DS were analyzed based on the area of focus, citation, and perceived clinical impact, and compared with the top 100 papers by CC.

Results

32 293 articles published between 1954 and 2014 were identified. The most common publication location of selected articles was published inJournal of Trauma(31%). Retrospective reviews (73%) were common in DIS (73%) and top CC (67%) papers, while DEV papers were frequently case reports (49%). Only 1 publication was identified in the top 100 DIS and top 100 CC lists. There was no significant correlation between CC and DS among the top 100 DIS papers (r=0.02; p=0.85), and only a weak correlation between CC and DS score (r=0.21; p<0.05) among the top 100 DEV papers.

Conclusion

The disruption score identifies a unique subset of trauma academia. The most DIS trauma literature is highly distinct and has little overlap with top trauma publications identified by standard CC metrics, with no significant correlation between the CC and DS.

Level of evidence

Level IV.
Iron ore tailings stabilization with alternative alkali-activated cement for dry stacking: mechanical and microstructural insights
Authors: Portela Farenzena Helena , Bruschi Giovani Jordi , Schmitt Medina Guilherme , de Sousa Silva João Paulo , Lotero Andres , Consoli Nilo Cesar
Published: February 2024

Upstream tailings dams are high-risk structures that have experienced several failures worldwide, particularly with iron ore tailings (IOT). In this study, new disposal methods/techniques, such as cement-stabilized dry stacking, are discussed that provide enhanced mechanical behavior while reducing failure risks. Alkali-activated materials are used as cementing agents due to their mechanical and environmental advantages compared to ordinary Portland cement. This study evaluates the mechanical and microstructural behavior of IOT stabilized with an alkali-activated cement (AAC) composed of two by-products from the IOT beneficiation process, metakaolin and sodium silicate, tested under plane strain conditions. Simple shear tests and microstructural analysis were performed. Mixtures of IOT were produced with 0%, 1%, 3%, and 5% AAC to examine the influence of such variables on strength and deformability parameters under undrained conditions. The mixtures with 3% and 5% AAC showed the greatest impact on the strength; however, the addition of 1% AAC was able to reduce positive pore-pressure generation. Cementitious bounds were evidenced by forming a sodium aluminosilicate hydrate gel. The studied AAC was effective in stabilizing IOT, even at small contents.
The impact of polypyrrole:carboxymethyl cellulose composite nanostructure on conductivity and capacitance
Authors: Azariah Gamaliel , Odetallah Mariam , Kuss Christian
Published: February 2024

Polypyrrole is a popular conjugated polymer that becomes highly conductive in its p-doped state. The intrinsically non-polar nature of the conjugated bond network limits the processing options of such polymers. Surfactants and polyanions help increase dispersity of conductive polymer in suitable solvents for processing. However, while such dispersions can be highly stable, they are formed by complex nanostructures that significantly impact the conducting polymer composite’s bulk properties. Similarly, complex nanostructures can be formed when surfactants or polyelectrolytes serve as templates during the polymerization of the conducting polymer precursor. Following the report of polypyrrole:carboxymethyl cellulose composites in battery electrodes as conductive binders, we are here investigating the role that nanostructure control can have in optimizing their performance. Using methyl orange as a structural template, we can control the composite’s nanoscopic shape between nanospheres and nanofibers. In the bulk material, the latter gives rise to significantly increased electronic conductivity and capacitance in battery use conditions, underlining the opportunities for improved performance of conducting polymer composites by controlling synthesis conditions.
OPTIMAL CONTROL ON FRACTIONAL ENZYME KINETICS WITH INHIBITORS
Authors: VELLAPPANDI M. , KOKILA J. , GOVINDARAJ V.
Published: February 2024

In enzyme kinetic chemical reaction, inhibitors are working as a regulators of the metabolism of the systems and the biochemical activities as well. The main focus of this study is to explore the fractional dynamics of enzyme kinetic biochemical reactions with competitive and uncompetitive inhibitors. Further, the analysis continuous with the optimal controls on the system which accelerate biochemical reactions and maximize product generation. Eventually, the numerical analysis have been done by the Adams predictor–corrector method and the forward–backward sweep method for the dynamics and optimal control study, respectively.
A Systematic Analysis, Outstanding Challenges, and Future Prospects for Routing Protocols and Machine Learning Algorithms in Underwater Wireless Acoustic Sensor Networks
Authors: Shwetha M. , Krishnaveni Sannathammegowda
Published: February 2024

Water has covered a wide part of the earth’s surface. Oceans and other water bodies contain significant natural and environmental resources as well as aquatic life. Due to humans’ hazardous and unsuitable underwater (UW) settings, these are generally undiscovered and unknown. As a result of its widespread utility in fields as diverse as oceanography, ecology, seismology, and oceanography, underwater wireless sensor networks (UWSNs) have emerged as a cutting-edge area of study. Despite their usefulness, the performance of the network is hampered by factors including excessive propagation delay, a changing network architecture, a lack of bandwidth, and a battery life that is too short on sensor nodes. Developing effective routing protocols is the best way to overcome these challenges. An effective routing protocol can relay data from the network’s root node to its final destination. Therefore, the state of the art in underwater wireless acoustic sensor network (UWASN) routing protocols is assessed with an eye toward their potential for development. In real-world applications, sensor node positions are frequently used to locate relevant information. As a result, it is crucial to conduct research on routing protocols. Reinforcement learning (RL) algorithms have the ability to enhance routing under a variety of conditions because they are experience-based learning algorithms. Underwater routing methods for UWSN are reviewed in detail, including those that rely on machine learning (ML), energy, clustering and evolutionary approaches. Tables are incorporated for the suggested protocols by including the benefits, drawbacks, and performance assessments, which make the information easier to digest. Also, several applications of UWSN are discussed with security considerations. In addition to this, the analysis of node deployment and residual energy is discussed in this review. Furthermore, the domain review emphasizes UW routing protocol research difficulties and future directions, which can help researchers create more efficient routing protocols based on ML in the future.
An algorithm and maximum deficiency energy of some graphs
Authors: Singh Omendra , Garg Pravin , Kansal Neha
Published: February 2024

The deficiency [Formula: see text] of a vertex [Formula: see text] is the deviation between the degree of the vertex [Formula: see text] and the maximum degree of the graph. The maximum deficiency matrix [Formula: see text] of a simple graph [Formula: see text] is square matrix whose [Formula: see text]th entry is max([Formula: see text], if the vertices [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are adjacent and [Formula: see text], otherwise. Maximum deficiency energy [Formula: see text] is the absolute sum of eigenvalues of maximum deficiency matrix [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we find maximum deficiency energy of some classes of graphs. Moreover, we construct an algorithm and Python 3.8 program to find out spectrum and maximum deficiency energy of [Formula: see text].
The Great Valley of Virginia as place and time in American geoheritage
Authors: Pyle Eric J. , Fichter Lynn S.
Published: February 2024

The Great Valley of Virginia (GVV) is a section of a much larger geological structure that spans from the northeastern USA through the mid-Atlantic and to the SE. While the structural formation of the region represents nearly 1.2 billion years of geological history, the rocks that remain record vast cycles of tectonic change. The legacy of that geology is a rich and aesthetically attractive region that has drawn many peoples over time to its agricultural fertility and geological resources. This contribution traces the geological development of the GVV, the relationship of the GVV to the peoples, both indigenous and European colonizers, who have inhabited the GVV over thousands of years and the geological resources that the inhabitants found. Although relatively under-expressed from a geoheritage perspective, the GVV possesses a rich legacy of how its resources supported each society's needs and interests and the role its geological environment has played at critical moments in the historical development of the USA over the last 400 years.
Pokémon GO
as an Advertising Platform: The Case for Locative Advertising in Location-based Games
Authors: Dunham John , Xu Jiangnan , Papangelis Konstantinos , Lalone Nicolas , Saker Michael , Schwartz David
Published: February 2024

Traditional location-based advertising (LBA), such as billboards and signage, has long been a staple of direct-to-consumer advertising. In recent years, however, the prominence and popularity of location-based games have made digital LBA even more appealing. This article draws on an original research project devised to explore a notable gap in the literature on locative media: the impacts of LBA on small businesses in the location-based game
Pokémon GO
. The project was conducted between August and October 2021, employing semi-structured interviews with 35 businesses leveraging Niantic’s sponsored location LBA. Our findings indicate that (1) participant businesses found location-based game advertising to be rewarding, (2) LGA can act as an amenity offered by the business, and (3) local community is an essential factor for success in location-based game advertising. In sum, this research demonstrates that local businesses could successfully utilize LGBs like
Pokémon GO
to advertise themselves.