bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of early palliative care on the quality of life in caregivers of cancer patients: A systematic review
Authors: Agustina Rismia , Ispriantari Aloysia , Konlan Kennedy Diema , Lin Mei‐Feng
Published: January 2023

Background

Maintaining caregivers' quality of life (QoL) is critical to sustaining the care needed for cancer patients. One of the interventions applied to cancer patients' caregivers is early palliative care (EPC).

Aims

This systematic review synthesized the implementation of EPC on the QoL of caregivers of cancer patients.

Methods

The search was undertaken using seven electronic databases: Medline, Embase, CINAHL, CENTRAL, Web of Science, Scopus, and ProQuest Dissertation & Theses (PQDT). The search strategy integrated relevant terms of early palliative care, caregivers, cancer, and quality of life and was conducted until March 14, 2022. The thematic data analysis approach was used to integrate the results.

Results

Using advanced search features, 4193 studies were obtained on the initial search. After screening and quality assessment, eight studies were included. Eight studies depicted that EPC interventions were delivered for caregivers of patients with advanced cancer, that is, those with a life expectancy of at least 4–24 months or considered intermediate to poor prognosis. One study provided the intervention for caregivers of patients newly diagnosed with cancer. None of the studies had the same protocol or content in delivering EPC for caregivers. Four studies gave similar details on addressing the strategies for caregivers in several aspects, including physical, psychological, social, and spiritual. There was no difference in the QoL between caregivers with cancer patients who received EPC compared with usual care. EPC was noted to influence other factors, such as caregivers' psychological distress and burden.

Linking evidence to action

The data on EPC interventions portray no beneficial effects on the QoL of caregivers with cancer patients. Further studies on developing standard protocols of EPC, multidisciplinary team, and how early it should be given to caregivers are strongly recommended.
Implementation of high-performance and high-yield nanoscale hafnium zirconium oxide based ferroelectric tunnel junction devices on 300 mm wafer platform
Authors: Liehr Maximilian , Hazra Jubin , Beckmann Karsten , Mukundan Vineetha , Alexandrou Ioannis , Yeow Timothy , Race Joseph , Tapily Kandabara , Consiglio Steven , Kurinec Santosh K. , Diebold Alain C. , Cady Nathaniel
Published: January 2023

In this work, hafnium zirconium oxide (HZO)-based 100 × 100 nm2 ferroelectric tunnel junction (FTJ) devices were implemented on a 300 mm wafer platform, using a baseline 65 nm CMOS process technology. FTJs consisting of TiN/HZO/TiN were integrated in between metal 1 (M1) and via 1 (V1) layers. Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy analysis confirmed the targeted thickness and composition of the FTJ film stack, while grazing incidence, in-plane x-ray diffraction analysis demonstrated the presence of orthorhombic phase Pca21 responsible for ferroelectric polarization observed in HZO films. Current measurement, as a function of voltage for both up- and down-polarization states, yielded a tunneling electroresistance (TER) ratio of 2.28. The device TER ratio and endurance behavior were further optimized by insertion of thin Al2O3 tunnel barrier layer between the bottom electrode (TiN) and ferroelectric switching layer (HZO) by tuning the band offset between HZO and TiN, facilitating on-state tunneling conduction and creating an additional barrier layer in off-state current conduction path. Investigation of current transport mechanism showed that the current in these FTJ devices is dominated by direct tunneling at low electric field (E < 0.4 MV/cm) and by Fowler–Nordheim (F–N) tunneling at high electric field (E > 0.4 MV/cm). The modified FTJ device stack (TiN/Al2O3/HZO/TiN) demonstrated an enhanced TER ratio of ∼5 (2.2× improvement) and endurance up to 106 switching cycles. Write voltage and pulse width dependent trade-off characteristics between TER ratio and maximum endurance cycles (Nc) were established that enabled optimal balance of FTJ switching metrics. The FTJ memory cells also showed multi-level-cell characteristics, i.e., 2 bits/cell storage capability. Based on full 300 mm wafer statistics, a switching yield of >80% was achieved for fabricated FTJ devices demonstrating robustness of fabrication and programming approach used for FTJ performance optimization. The realization of CMOS-compatible nanoscale FTJ devices on 300 mm wafer platform demonstrates the promising potential of high-volume large-scale industrial implementation of FTJ devices for various nonvolatile memory applications.
Dilute polymer solutions under shear flow: Comprehensive qualitative analysis using a bead-spring chain model with a FENE-Fraenkel spring
Authors: Pincus I. , Rodger A. , Ravi Prakash J.
Published: January 2023

Although the nonequilibrium behavior of polymer solutions is generally well understood, particularly in extensional flow, there remain several unanswered questions for dilute solutions in simple shear flow, and full quantitative agreement with experiments has not been achieved. For example, experimental viscosity data exhibit qualitative differences in shear-thinning exponents, the shear rate for the onset of shear-thinning, and high-shear Newtonian plateaus depending on polymer semiflexibility, contour length, and solvent quality. While polymer models are able to incorporate all of these effects through various spring force laws, bending potentials, excluded volume (EV) potentials, and hydrodynamic interaction (HI), the inclusion of each piece of physics has not been systematically matched to experimentally observed behavior. Furthermore, attempts to develop multiscale models (in the sense of representing an arbitrarily small or large polymer chain) which can make quantitative predictions are hindered by the lack of ability to fully match the results of bead-rod models, often used to represent a polymer chain at the Kuhn-step level, with bead-spring models, which take into account the entropic elasticity. In light of these difficulties, this work aims to develop a general model based on the so-called FENE-Fraenkel spring, originally formulated by Larson and co-workers [J. Chem. Phys. 124 (2006)], which can span the range from rigid rod to traditional entropic spring, as well as include a bending potential, EV, and HI. As we show, this model can reproduce, and smoothly move between, a wide range of previously observed polymer solution rheology in shear flow.
Complex polymer topologies in blends: Shear and elongational rheology of linear/pom-pom polystyrene blends
Authors: Hirschberg V. , Lyu S. , Schußmann M. G.
Published: January 2023

The shear and elongational rheology of linear and pom-pom shaped polystyrene (PS) blends was investigated experimentally and modeled using constitutive models such as the Doi–Edwards and the molecular stress function (MSF) model. The pom-pom molecule is the simplest topology to combine shear thinning with strain hardening in elongational flow. A PS pom-pom with a self-entangled backbone (Mw,bb = 280 kg mol−1) and 22 entangled sidearms (Mw,a = 22 kg mol−1) at each star was blended with two linear PS with weight average molecular weights of Mw = 43 and 90 kg mol−1 and low polydispersities (Ð < 1.05). A semilogarithmic relationship between the weight content of the pom-pom, ϕpom-pom, and the zero-shear viscosity was found. Whereas the pure pom-pom has in uniaxial elongational flow at T = 160 °C strain hardening factors (SHFs) of SHF ≈100, similar values can be found in blends with up to ϕpom-pom = 50 wt. % in linear PS43k and PS90k. By blending only 2 wt. % pom-pom with linear PS43k, SHF = 10 can still be observed. Furthermore, above ϕpom-pom = 5–10 wt. %, the uniaxial extensional behavior can be well-described with the MSF model with a single parameter set for each linear PS matrix. The results show that the relationship between shear and elongational melt behavior, i.e., zero-shear viscosity and SHF, can be uncoupled and customized tuned by blending linear and pom-pom shaped polymers and very straightforwardly predicted theoretically. This underlines also the possible application of well-designed branched polymers as additives in recycling.
Experiences of Older Adults With Mild Balance Dysfunction Who Participated in a Supervised Seniors Exercise Park Program Progressing to Independent Practice
Authors: Ng Yoke Leng , Hill Keith D. , Burton Elissa
Published: January 2023

Older adults with mild balance dysfunction can benefit from early intervention. This research explored the experiences of older adults with mild balance dysfunction participating in an 18-week supervised outdoors Seniors Exercise Park program and 6 weeks of unsupervised independent practice. Factors influencing attendance and independent practice were also explored. Semistructured face-to-face interviews were conducted with 24 participants (mean age = 77.4 years, SD = 5.4) and 22 participants (mean age = 77.5 years, SD = 5.6) after 18 and 24 weeks, respectively. The data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Many participants perceived improvements in health and responded positively to the supervised Seniors Exercise Park program. Factors supporting attendance included building social connections and positive instructor personality. Barriers to training included competing time demands and poor health. These insights suggest that a group-based Seniors Exercise Park supervised program was well accepted and can be an option to improve the health of older adults with mild balance dysfunction.
The Effect of Remote Work on Family and Work Dynamics Within the Sport Industry
Authors: Huml Matt R. , Taylor Elizabeth A. , Martin Eric M.
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of required remote work on work–family spillover within U.S. college sport. In particular, we examined the changes in work–family spillover (positive and negative), job commitment, and workaholism as employee’s work environment changed from traditional work expectations to work from home, and if these changes were, at least partially, due to parental responsibilities. Data were collected from full-time, National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) athletic department employees (n = 1,139) in November 2019 and again in May 2020 following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and after the transition to remote work. Results showed that sport employees found a number of benefits associated with working remotely, including a significant decrease in negative work–family spillover. However, employees with children at home reported higher levels of negative family–work spillover after going to remote work. Workaholism was also higher after the move to remote work. Both theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Enhanced surface nanoanalytics of transient biomolecular processes
Authors: Miller Alyssa , Chia Sean , Toprakcioglu Zenon , Hakala Tuuli , Schmid Roman , Feng Yaduo , Kartanas Tadas , Kamada Ayaka , Vendruscolo Michele , Ruggeri Francesco Simone , Knowles Tuomas P. J.
Published: January 2023

Fundamental knowledge of the physical and chemical properties of biomolecules is key to understanding molecular processes in health and disease. Bulk and single-molecule analytical methods provide rich information about biomolecules but often require high concentrations and sample preparation away from physiologically relevant conditions. Here, we present the development and application of a lab-on-a-chip spray approach that combines rapid sample preparation, mixing, and deposition to integrate with a range of nanoanalytical methods in chemistry and biology, providing enhanced spectroscopic sensitivity and single-molecule spatial resolution. We demonstrate that this method enables multidimensional study of heterogeneous biomolecular systems over multiple length scales by nanoscopy and vibrational spectroscopy. We then illustrate the capabilities of this platform by capturing and analyzing the structural conformations of transient oligomeric species formed at the early stages of the self-assembly of α-synuclein, which are associated with the onset of Parkinson’s disease.
Microcystis
pangenome reveals cryptic diversity within and across morphospecies
Authors: Cai Haiyuan , McLimans Christopher J. , Beyer Jessica E. , Krumholz Lee R. , Hambright K. David
Published: January 2023

Microcystis
, a common harmful algal bloom (HAB) taxon, threatens water supplies and human health, yet species delimitation is contentious in this taxon, leading to challenges in research and management of this threat. Historical and common morphology-based classifications recognize multiple morphospecies, most with variable and diverse ecologies, while DNA sequence–based classifications indicate a single species with multiple ecotypes. To better delimit
Microcystis
species, we conducted a pangenome analysis of 122 genomes. Core- and non–core gene phylogenetic analyses placed 113 genomes into 23 monophyletic clusters containing at least two genomes. Overall, genome-related indices revealed that
Microcystis
contains at least 16 putative genospecies. Fifteen genospecies included at least one
Microcystis aeruginosa
morphospecies, and 10 genospecies included two or more morphospecies. This classification system will enable consistent taxonomic identification of
Microcystis
and thereby aid in resolving some of the complexities and controversies that have long characterized eco-evolutionary research and management of this important HAB taxon.
The ERAD system is restricted by elevated ceramides
Authors: Hwang Jiwon , Peterson Brian G. , Knupp Jeffrey , Baldridge Ryan D.
Published: January 2023

Misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are removed through a process known as ER-associated degradation (ERAD). ERAD occurs through an integral membrane protein quality control system that recognizes substrates, retrotranslocates the substrates across the membrane, and ubiquitinates and extracts the substrates from the membrane for degradation at the cytosolic proteasome. While ERAD systems are known to regulate lipid biosynthetic enzymes, the regulation of ERAD systems by the lipid composition of cellular membranes remains unexplored. Here, we report that the ER membrane composition influences ERAD function by incapacitating substrate extraction. Unbiased lipidomic profiling revealed that elevation of specific very-long-chain ceramides leads to a marked increase in the level of ubiquitinated substrates in the ER membrane and concomitantly reduces extracted substrates in the cytoplasm. This work reveals a previously unrecognized mechanism in which ER membrane lipid remodeling changes the activity of ERAD.
High-resolution cryo-EM structures of plant cytochrome b
6
f at work
Authors: Sarewicz Marcin , Szwalec Mateusz , Pintscher Sebastian , Indyka Paulina , Rawski Michał , Pietras Rafał , Mielecki Bohun , Koziej Łukasz , Jaciuk Marcin , Glatt Sebastian , Osyczka Artur
Published: January 2023

Plants use solar energy to power cellular metabolism. The oxidation of plastoquinol and reduction of plastocyanin by cytochrome b
6
f (Cyt b
6
f) is known as one of the key steps of photosynthesis, but the catalytic mechanism in the plastoquinone oxidation site (Q
p
) remains elusive. Here, we describe two high-resolution cryo-EM structures of the spinach Cyt b
6
f homodimer with endogenous plastoquinones and in complex with plastocyanin. Three plastoquinones are visible and line up one after another head to tail near Q
p
in both monomers, indicating the existence of a channel in each monomer. Therefore, quinones appear to flow through Cyt b
6
f in one direction, transiently exposing the redox-active ring of quinone during catalysis. Our work proposes an unprecedented one-way traffic model that explains efficient quinol oxidation during photosynthesis and respiration.
Evolution of Longevity as a Species-Specific Trait in Mammals
Authors: Shilovsky Gregory A. , Putyatina Tatyana S. , Markov Alexander V.
Published: January 2023

From the evolutionary point of view, the priority problem for an individual is not longevity, but adaptation to the environment associated with the need for survival, food supply, and reproduction. We see two main vectors in the evolution of mammals. One is a short lifespan and numerous offspring ensuring reproductive success (r-strategy). The other one is development of valuable skills in order compete successfully (K-strategy). Species with the K-strategy should develop and enhance specific systems (anti-aging programs) aimed at increasing the reliability and adaptability, including lifespan. These systems are signaling cascades that provide cell repair and antioxidant defense. Hence, any arbitrarily selected long-living species should be characterized by manifestation to a different extent of the longevity-favoring traits (e.g., body size, brain development, sociality, activity of body repair and antioxidant defense systems, resistance to xenobiotics and tumor formation, presence of neotenic traits). Hereafter, we will call a set of such traits as the gerontological success of a species. Longevity is not equivalent to the evolutionary or reproductive success. This difference between these phenomena reaches its peak in mammals due to the development of endothermy and cephalization associated with the cerebral cortex expansion, which leads to the upregulated production of oxidative radicals by the mitochondria (and, consequently, accelerated aging), increase in the number of non-dividing differentiated cells, accumulation of the age-related damage in these cells, and development of neurodegenerative diseases. The article presents mathematical indicators used to assess the predisposition to longevity in different species (including the standard mortality rate and basal metabolic rate, as well as their derivatives). The properties of the evolution of mammals (including the differences between modern mammals and their ancestral forms) are also discussed.
Planetary Metronome as a Regulator of Lifespan and Aging Rate: The Metronomic Hypothesis
Authors: Olovnikov Alexey M.
Published: January 2023

A metronomic mechanism for the duration control of ontogenetic cycle periods of an animal is proposed. The components of the proposed metronomic system include the ventricular system of the brain, planet Earth as a generator of metronomic signals, and temporal DNA (tDNA) as a substrate that is epigenetically marked to measure elapsed time of ontogenesis. The metronomic system generates repetitive signals in the form of hydrodynamic disturbances in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The metronomic effect arises due to the superposition of two processes – the near-wall unidirectional flow of CSF and oscillations in the movement of the planet. Hydrodynamic impacts of the metronome are transformed into nerve impulses that initiate epigenetic modification of tDNA in neurons, changing the content of factors expressed by this DNA for innervated targets of the body. The duration of ontogenetic cycle periods, including duration of the adult life, depends on the rate of addition of epigenetic marks to tDNA. This rate depends mainly on the frequency of the metronomic signals used by each particular species. But epigenetic modifications can also be influenced by factors that modulate metabolism and the rate of chromatin modifications, such as a calorie-restricted diet.
Biology of the SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus
Authors: Mingaleeva Rimma N. , Nigmatulina Nigina A. , Sharafetdinova Liliya M. , Romozanova Albina M. , Gabdoulkhakova Aida G. , Filina Yuliya V. , Shavaliyev Rafael F. , Rizvanov Albert A. , Miftakhova Regina R.
Published: January 2023

New coronavirus infection causing COVID-19, which was first reported in late 2019 in China, initiated severe social and economic crisis that affected the whole world. High frequency of the errors in replication of RNA viruses, zoonotic nature of transmission, and high transmissibility allowed betacoronaviruses to cause the third pandemic in the world since the beginning of 2003: SARS-CoV in 2003, MERS-CoV in 2012, and SARS-CoV-2 in 2019. The latest pandemic united scientific community and served as a powerful impetus in the study of biology of coronaviruses: new routes of virus penetration into the human cells were identified, features of the replication cycle were studied, and new functions of coronavirus proteins were elucidated. It should be recognized that the pandemic was accompanied by the need to obtain and publish results within a short time, which led to the emergence of an array of conflicting data and low reproducibility of research results. We systematized and analyzed scientific literature, filtered the results according to reliability of the methods of analysis used, and prepared a review describing molecular mechanisms of functioning of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. This review considers organization of the genome of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, mechanisms of its gene expression and entry of the virus into the cell, provides information on key mutations that characterize different variants of the virus, and their contribution to pathogenesis of the disease.
Community engagement self-monitoring (CE-SM) strategy for social innovations in health: pilot implementation in the Philippines
Authors: Tiangco Pauline Marie Padilla , Mier-Alpano Jana Deborah , Cruz Jose Rene Bagani , Alacapa Jason , Escauso Joey , Amazigo Uche , Halpaap Beatrice , Labarda Meredith , Juban Noel
Published: January 2023

The Social Innovation in Health Initiative (SIHI) piloted a community engagement self-monitoring (CE-SM) strategy, where communities were actively engaged in monitoring the implementation and performance of their social innovations to ensure that their objectives were achieved. This strategy aims to empower communities to document processes, understand the factors involved and measure outcomes by developing a community-grounded self-monitoring tool and implementing their own approach.

Two community comanaged social innovations were selected. For one innovation, the communities implemented the CE-SM independent of external intervention. For the second, the communities were provided with minimal assistance by SIHI. These communities identified their monitoring indicators and selected local monitors to collect data to assess performance outcomes and document the entire process.

Communities chose indicators based on their perceived importance and practicality, while monitors were chosen based on their familiarity with the community. Community leaders’ proactive leadership and community members’ participation contributed significantly to its success. The important role of regular feedback sessions was also emphasised, not only as a means of monitoring progress but also for boosting their morale. The level of external support needed by a community was determined by the scope of the project and the community’s grasp of the strategy.

CE-SM has been demonstrated to be a viable strategy when communities realise their capacity to monitor their own projects using an approach they deem fit. It has also enhanced their sense of ownership which could improve the chances of sustaining these initiatives and contribute to more accessible healthcare and services.
Risk factors of multidrug resistant tuberculosis among patients with tuberculosis at selected multidrug resistance treatment initiative centres in southern Ethiopia: a case-control study
Authors: Admassu Fantahun , Abera Ermias , Gizachew Addisalem , Sedoro Tagesse , Gari Taye
Published: January 2023

Objective

To identify the risk factors for multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) among patients with TB at selected MDR-TB treatment initiative centres, southern Ethiopia, 2021.

Design

An unmatched case-control study was employed.

Setting

Multidrug resistance treatment initiative centres in southern Ethiopia (Nigist Elen Mohamed Memorial Comprehensive Specialized Hospital and Butajira General Hospital).

Participants

A total sample size of 392 (79 cases and 313 controls) were selected by the systematic sampling technique. Caseswere all patients with TB with culture proven or line probe assay confirmed Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistant to at least both isoniazid and rifampicin and registered on second-line TB treatment. Controls were all patients with bacteriological (molecular) proven drug-susceptible TB strains and whose recent smear results were turned to negative and registered as cured. Both bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors of MDR-TB infections.

Main outcome measure

Identifying the risk factors for MDR-TB.

Results

A total of 392 participants (79 cases and 313 controls) were interviewed. Multivariable analysis showed that direct contact with known patients with TB (AOR =4.35; 95% CI: 1.45 to 9.81), history of previous TB treatment (AOR=2.51; 95% CI: 1.50 to 8.24), history of cigarette smoking (AOR=3.24; 95% CI :2.17 to 6.91) and living in rural area (AOR=4.71; 95% CI :3.13 to 9.58) were identified risk factors for MDR-TB infections.

Conclusions

The study findings revealed that direct contact with known patients with TB, previous history of TB treatment, history of cigarette smoking and rural residence were potential risk factors for the occurrence of MDR-TB. In order to reduce the burden of drug resistance, strategies of controlling MDR-TB in the study area should emphasise on enhancing public health education and reducing treatment interruptions of patients with TB and drug-resistant TB.
Are joint replacement registries associated with burden of revision changes? A real-world panel data regression analysis
Authors: Okafor Charles Ebuka , Nghiem Son , Byrnes Joshua
Published: January 2023

Objectives

The association of joint replacement registries with outcomes such as revision burden is uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate whether joint replacement registries are associated with the burden of revision changes while controlling for confounders that could affect the association.

Design

A longitudinal study involving a combination of cross-sectional and time series data from 1980 to 2018. The study was a panel regression analysis using the difference-in-difference method.

Setting

Data from countries with joint replacement registries and countries without joint replacement registries were used. Registry data were obtained from joint replacement registries’ annual reports, while non-registry data were obtained from each included country’s pooled hospitals’ annual revision burden reported in the literature.

Outcome measures

Changes in revision burden from 1980 to 2018 was the outcome measure. The revision burden in the registry periods of registry countries was compared with the non-registry periods of registry and non-registry countries.

Results

Data were obtained from 12 registry periods and 8 non-registry periods. The average difference in revision burden in the registry periods of registry countries relative to the non-registry periods of registry and non-registry countries was statistically significant for hip, −3.80 (95% CI (−2.50 to −5.10); p<0.001) percentage points and knee, −1.63 (95% CI (−1.00 to −2.30); p<0.001) percentage points. This translates to a 19.30%, and 21.85% reduction in revision burden for hip and knee registries, for the whole sampling period.

Conclusion

Joint replacement registries are associated with a significant reduction in the burden of revision. Although revision burden reduces over time even without the registries, the establishment of joint replacement registries is associated with an increased reduction. The establishment of joint replacement registries in non-registry countries would be a worthwhile decision as it will further improve the outcomes of arthroplasty surgeries.
Identification of patients with type 2 diabetes with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease who are at increased risk of progressing to advanced fibrosis: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Mettananda Chamila , Egodage Thimira , Dantanarayana Channaka , Fernando Rumal , Ranaweera Lakmali , Luke Nathasha , Ranawaka Chamila , Kottahachchi Dulani , Pathmeswaran Arunasalam , de Silva Hithanadura Janaka , Dassanayake Anuradha Supun
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Identification of advanced hepatic fibrosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is important as this may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The risk of hepatic fibrosis is especially high among patients with diabetes with NAFLD. Annual screening of patients with diabetes for fatty liver and calculation of Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) score and exclusion of significant fibrosis with vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) have been recommended. However, VCTE is expensive and may not be freely available in resource-limited settings. We aim to identify predictors of significant liver fibrosis who are at increased risk of progression to advanced liver fibrosis and to develop a prediction model to prioritise referral of patients with diabetes and NAFLD for VCTE.

Methods and analysis

This cross-sectional study is conducted among all consenting adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus with NAFLD at the Colombo North Teaching Hospital, Ragama, Sri Lanka. All patients get the FIB-4 score calculated. Those with FIB-4 ≥1.3 undergo VCTE (with FibroScan by Echosens). Risk associations for progression to advanced liver fibrosis/cirrhosis will be identified by comparing patients with significant fibrosis (liver stiffness measure (LSM) ≥8 kPa) and without significant fibrosis (LSM <8 kPa). A model to predict significant liver fibrosis will be developed using logistic regression.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained from the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya (P/66/07/2021). Results of the study will be disseminated as scientific publications in reputable journals.
Examining the immediate and ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on population-based estimates of dementia: a population-based time series analysis in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Jones Aaron , Bronskill Susan E , Maclagan Laura C , Jaakkimainen Liisa , Kirkwood David , Mayhew Alexandra , Costa Andrew P , Griffith Lauren E
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Population-based chronic disease surveillance systems were likely disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this study was to examine the immediate and ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the claims-based incidence of dementia.

Methods

We conducted a population-based time series analysis from January 2015 to December 2021 in Ontario, Canada. We calculated the monthly claims-based incidence of dementia using a validated case ascertainment algorithm drawing from routinely collected health administrative data. We used autoregressive linear models to compare the claims-based incidence of dementia during the COVID-19 period (2020–2021) to the expected incidence had the pandemic not occurred, controlling for seasonality and secular trends. We examined incidence by source of ascertainment and across strata of sex, age, community size and number of health conditions.

Results

The monthly claims-based incidence of dementia dropped from a 2019 average of 11.9 per 10 000 to 8.5 per 10 000 in April 2020 (32.6% lower than expected). The incidence returned to expected levels by late 2020. Across the COVID-19 period there were a cumulative 2990 (95% CI 2109 to 3704) fewer cases of dementia observed than expected, equivalent to 1.05 months of new cases. Despite the overall recovery, ascertainment rates continued to be lower than expected among individuals aged 65–74 years and in large urban areas. Ascertainment rates were higher than expected in hospital and among individuals with 11 or more health conditions.

Conclusions

The claims-based incidence of dementia recovered to expected levels by late 2020, suggesting minimal long-term changes to population-based dementia surveillance. Continued monitoring of claims-based incidence is necessary to determine whether the lower than expected incidence among individuals aged 65–74 and in large urban areas, and higher than expected incidence among individuals with 11 or more health conditions, is transitory.
Mental health and well-being of unpaid caregivers: a cross-sectional survey protocol
Authors: Parry Monica , Beleno Ron , Nissim Rinat , Baiden Deborah , Baxter Pamela , Betini Raquel , Bjørnnes Ann Kristin , Burnside Heather , Gaetano Daniel , Hemani Salima , McCarthy Jane , Nickerson Nicole , Norris Colleen , Nylén-Eriksen Mats , Owadally Tasneem , Pilote Louise , Warkentin Kyle , Coupal Amy , Hasan Samya , Ho Mabel , Kulbak Olivia , Mohammed Shan , Mullaly Laura , Theriault Jenny , Wayne Nancy , Wu Wendy , Yeboah Eunice K , O'Hara Arland , Peter Elizabeth
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Unpaid caregiving, care provided by family/friends, is a public health issue of increasing importance. COVID-19 worsened the mental health conditions of unpaid caregivers, increasing substance/drug use and early development of chronic disease. The impact of the intersections of race and ethnicity, sex, age and gender along with unpaid care work and caregivers’ health and well-being is unknown. The aim of this study is to describe the inequities of caregiver well-being across the intersections of race and ethnicity, sex, age and gender using a cross-sectional survey design.

Methods and analysis

We are collaborating with unpaid caregivers and community organisations to recruit a non-probability sample of unpaid caregivers over 18 years of age (n=525). Recruitment will focus on a target sample of 305 South Asian, Chinese and Black people living in Canada, who represent 60% of the Canadian racial and ethnic populations. The following surveys will be combined into one survey: Participant Demographic Form, Caregiver Well-Being Index, interRAI Self-report of Carer Needs and the GENESIS (GENdEr and Sex DetermInantS of Cardiovascular Disease: From Bench to Beyond-Premature Acute Coronary Syndrome) PRAXY Questionnaire. Sample characteristics will be summarised using descriptive statistics. The scores from the Caregiver Well-Being Index will be dichotomised into fair/poor and good/excellent. A two-stage analytical strategy will be undertaken using logistic regression to model fair/poor well-being and good/excellent well-being according to the following axes of difference set a priori: sex, race and ethnicity, gender identity, age, gender relations, gender roles and institutionalised gender. The first stage of analysis will model the main effects of each factor and in the second stage of analysis, interaction terms will be added to each model.

Ethics and dissemination

The University of Toronto’s Health Sciences Research Ethics Board granted approval on 9 August 2022 (protocol number: 42609). Knowledge will be disseminated in pamphlets/infographics/email listservs/newsletters and journal articles, conference presentation and public forums, social media and through the study website.

Trial registration number

This is registered in the Open Sciences Framework with a Registration DOI as follows:https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/PB9TD
Time to onset of clinical response to anifrolumab in patients with SLE: pooled data from the phase III TULIP-1 and TULIP-2 trials
Authors: Bruce Ian N , van Vollenhoven Ronald F , Psachoulia Konstantina , Lindholm Catharina , Maho Emmanuelle , Tummala Raj
Published: January 2023

Objectives

To evaluate the time course of clinical response following anifrolumab treatment in patients with SLE.

Methods

A post hoc analysis was conducted using pooled data from phase III, randomised, 52-week, placebo-controlled, Treatment of Uncontrolled Lupus via the Interferon Pathway (TULIP)-1 and TULIP-2 trials of intravenous anifrolumab (every 4 weeks, 48 weeks) in patients with moderate-to-severe SLE receiving standard therapy. Anifrolumab 300 mg and placebo groups were compared for British Isles Lupus Assessment Group-based Composite Lupus Assessment (BICLA) response over time, time to sustained BICLA response, SLE Responder Index ≥4 (SRI(4)) response over time, time to sustained Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Disease Area and Severity Index Activity (CLASI-A) response and change in glucocorticoid dosage over time. All p values for comparisons were nominal.

Results

Of the 726 evaluated patients (anifrolumab 300 mg, n=360; placebo, n=366), a greater proportion attained a BICLA response in the anifrolumab versus the placebo group from Week 8 (p<0.001); treatment group differentiation was maintained at all subsequent visits to Week 52. Consistently, more patients achieved a BICLA response sustained to Week 52 in the anifrolumab versus placebo group (HR=1.73, 95% CI 1.37 to 2.20). More patients attained SRI(4) response with anifrolumab than placebo from Week 12 (p=0.005). As early as Week 8, more patients achieved CLASI-A skin response sustained to Week 52 with anifrolumab versus placebo (HR=1.72, 95% CI 1.17 to 2.55). Glucocorticoid dosage reductions from baseline were greater in anifrolumab-treated versus placebo-treated patients from Week 20 (p=0.010) through Week 52.

Conclusions

Anifrolumab treatment was associated with sustained improvements in overall SLE disease activity and skin responses versus placebo from Week 8, which likely led to greater glucocorticoid reductions in the anifrolumab versus placebo groups from Week 20. These findings provide insights to physicians and patients on when to expect potential clinical responses following anifrolumab treatment.
Accelerating Multi-Exit BERT Inference via Curriculum Learning and Knowledge Distillation
Authors: Gu Shengwei , Luo Xiangfeng , Wang Xinzhi , Guo Yike
Published: January 2023

The real-time deployment of bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (BERT) is limited by its slow inference caused by its large number of parameters. Recently, multi-exit architecture has garnered scholarly attention for its ability to achieve a trade-off between performance and efficiency. However, its early exits suffer from a considerable performance reduction compared to the final classifier. To accelerate inference with minimal compensation of performance, we propose a novel training paradigm for multi-exit BERT performing at two levels: training samples and intermediate features. Specifically, for the training samples level, we leverage curriculum learning to guide the training process and improve the generalization capacity of the model. For the intermediate features level, we employ layer-wise distillation learning from shallow to deep layers to resolve the performance deterioration of early exits. The experimental results obtained on the benchmark datasets of textual entailment and answer selection demonstrate that the proposed training paradigm is effective and achieves state-of-the-art results. Furthermore, the layer-wise distillation can completely replace vanilla distillation and deliver superior performance on text entailment datasets.
Manifolds with nonnegative curvature operator of the second kind
Authors: Li Xiaolong
Published: January 2023

We investigate the curvature operator of the second kind on Riemannian manifolds and prove several classification results. The first one asserts that a closed Riemannian manifold with three-positive curvature operator of the second kind is diffeomorphic to a spherical space form, improving a recent result of Cao–Gursky–Tran assuming two-positivity. The second one states that a closed Riemannian manifold with three-nonnegative curvature operator of the second kind is either diffeomorphic to a spherical space form, or flat, or isometric to a quotient of a compact irreducible symmetric space. This settles the nonnegativity part of Nishikawa’s conjecture under a weaker assumption.
Stability and generalization of graph convolutional networks in eigen-domains
Authors: Ng Michael K. , Yip Andy
Published: January 2023

Graph Convolution Networks (GCNs) have been shown to be very effective in utilizing pair-wise relationships across samples. They have been successfully applied to solve various machine learning problems in practice. In many applications, the construction of GCNs involves more than one layer. However, their generalization and stability analysis are limited. The main aim of this paper is to analyze GCNs with two layers. The formulation is based on transductive semi-supervised learning and the filtering is done in the eigen-domain. We show the uniform stability of the neural network and the convergence of the generalization gap to zero. The analysis of two-layer GCN is more involved than the single-layer case and requires some new estimates of the neural network’s quantities. The analysis confirms the usefulness of GCNs. It also sheds light on the design of the neural network, for instance, how the data should be scaled to achieve the uniform stability of the learning process. Some experimental results on benchmark datasets are presented to illustrate the theory.
A class of non-local elliptic system in non-reflexive fractional Orlicz–Sobolev spaces
Authors: El-Houari Hamza , Chadli Lalla Saâdia , Moussa Hicham
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the existence of a weak solution to a non-local elliptic system, driven by the fractional [Formula: see text]-Laplacian operator in fractional Orlicz–Sobolev space that may be non-reflexive. The non-reflexive case occurs when the Orlicz function [Formula: see text] does not verify the [Formula: see text]-condition.
Finding the Right Tools for Your Classroom's Tech Needs
Authors: Konstantinou Georgia
Published: January 2023

In Educational Duct Tape, Jake Miller compares, contrasts, and selects a plethora of technology tools for educators in a creative and entertaining way. By offering snapshots from his personal and professional life, the author created a pleasant and easy-to-read book. He emphasizes that technology should not be employed as the end objective, but rather as a means to an end. Throughout the book, he argues that educational technology tools should be utilized to solve classroom problems, address learning objectives, and accomplish specific goals exactly as we use duct tape to mend minor problems in our daily lives. The book is complemented with educational technology podcasts and online resource hubs for each chapter, which include supplementary tools, videos, and discussion sections.
Evaluation of Proximate, Phytochemical, and Heavy Metal Content in Black Cumin and Fenugreek Cultivated in Gamo Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Tura Alemu Mekonnen , Debisa Markos Dele , Tulu Etalema Desta , Tilinti Birhanu Zeleke
Published: January 2023

Spices have been recognized to have medicinal properties. Among several spices and medicinal plants, black cumin and fenugreek are very common. Geographical, climatic, and cultivating soil type can change the chemical composition of these spices. The objective of this work is to determine proximate, phytochemical, and heavy metal content in black cumin and fenugreek cultivated in the Gamo zone, Ethiopia. The proximate composition (moisture, ash, fiber, fat, protein carbohydrate, and gross energy) was determined; their content (%) in black cumin is

6.98
±
0.12

,

5.02
±
2.9

,

6.90
±
0.21

,

32.1
±
0.68

,

20.9
±
0.09

,

34.1
±
0.73

, and

498
±
4.4

, respectively, and

6.30
±
0.35

,

4.27
±
0.17

,

9.36
±
0.25

,

12.8
±
0.41

,

30.8
±
0.09

,

46.1
±
0.52

, and

422
±
1.6

, respectively, in fenugreek. The total means of phenolic flavonoids and alkaloids in black cumin are

193
±
5.3
 
mg
 
GAE
/
100
 
g

,

87.6
±
4.3
 
mg
 
QE
/
100
 
g

, and

69.4
±
4.7
 
mg
 
AE
/
100
 
g

, respectively, and

382
±
11
 
mg
 
GAE
/
100
 
g

,

123
±
3.6
 
mg
 
QE
/
100
 
g

, and

37.6
±
2.2
 
mg
 
AE
/
100
 
g

, respectively, in fenugreek. In black cumin and fenugreek collected from Kamba, Daramalo, and Dita woredas, nine heavy metals were determined by using FAAS. The total mean concentrations in mg/kg for detected heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Co) in black cumin are

78.5
±
5.9

,

27.3
±
1.5

,

3.06
±
0.26

,

8.47
±
0.22

, and

10.1
±
0.37

, respectively, and Cr, Ni, Pb, and Cd were not detected in black cumin. Similarly, the concentrations of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Co, and Ni in fenugreek are

168
±
5.2

,

14.8
±
0.20

,

4.76
±
0.1

,

13.7
±
0.40

,

3.66
±
0.21

, and

2.12
±
0.03

, respectively, and Cr, Pb, and Cd were not detected in fenugreek. All the results of determined parameters were compared to previous studies, and the values were in agreement with slight variations. Therefore, black cumin and fenugreek cultivated in the Gamo zone were free from heavy metal toxicity.
The Influence of Outer Membrane Protein on Ampicillin Resistance of Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Authors: Meng Xiangyu , Huang Danyang , Zhou Qing , Ji Fan , Tan Xin , Wang Jianli , Wang Xiaoyuan
Published: January 2023

The antibiotic resistance of the food-borne pathogen Vibrio parahaemolyticus has attracted researchers’ attention in recent years, but its molecular mechanism remains poorly understood. In this study, 7 genes encoding outer membrane proteins (OMPs) were individually deleted in V. parahaemolyticus ATCC33846, and the resistance of these 7 mutants to 14 antibiotics was investigated. The results revealed that the resistance of the 7 mutants to ampicillin was significantly increased. Further exploration of 20-gene transcription changes by real time-qPCR (RT-qPCR) demonstrated that the higher ampicillin resistance might be attributed to the expression of β-lactamase and reduced peptidoglycan (PG) synthesis activity through reduced transcription of penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), increased transcription of l,d-transpeptidases, downregulated d,d-carboxypeptidase, and alanine deficiency. This study provides a new perspective on ampicillin resistance in OMP mutants with respect to PG synthesis.
Suffering and Quality of Life Impairment in Patients with Eczematous Diseases: Results from an Observational Study Assessing the Relevance of the Involvement of Two Sensitive Body Sites, Namely, the Face and Hands
Authors: Corazza Monica , Flacco Maria Elena , Schettini Natale , Borghi Alessandro
Published: January 2023

Background: Quality of life (QoL) impairment by eczematous diseases, with reference to body site involvement, has not been deeply addressed. Objectives: The aims of this study were to assess: (1) the impact on QoL of eczematous diseases affecting the face or hands; (2) any differences in QoL impairment in the case of face versus hand involvement; (3) sensitivity of Pictorial Representation of Illness and Self Measure (PRISM) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) in measuring disease-related burden. Methods: Adults with eczematous diseases of the face or hands were involved. Patients were patch tested and underwent DLQI and PRISM. Results: 143 patients were included, 43.36% with face and 56.64% with hands involvement. PRISM and DLQI scores showed a moderate to strong inverse correlation, but PRISM revealed a higher sensitivity in capturing patients’ suffering than DLQI, especially in the case of face involvement. Itching was the sole parameter significantly associated with both PRISM and DLQI scores. Conclusions: PRISM appeared to be more accurate in detecting the burden of eczematous diseases involving the face, probably due to the interception of the emotional impact, while DLQI, focusing on patient functioning, was more affected by hand involvement. Site involvement could be a criterion for selecting the best QoL assessment tool.