bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Polymeric Immunoglobulin Receptor Gene’s Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms with the Growth and Disease-Resistant in Chicken F2 Resource Population
Authors: He Jingyi , Xie Lu , Liang Qiying , Liu Tianfei , Luo Chenglong , Xu Xinchun , Yuan Yushan , Hao Qu , Shu Dingming , Ji Jian
Published: August 2023

Polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) plays an important role in mediating mucosal defenses, but the association between its single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and traits (such as growth and disease-resistant) in birds is scarcely known. In this research, we aimed to detect the single nucleotide polymorphisms of the pIgR gene in the chicken F2 resource population and discern the possible associations between pIgR SNPs and chicken growth, disease-resistant, respectively. Six-SNPs (3, 9, 15, 16, 19, and 21) in chicken (Gallus gallus) were significantly associated with disease-resistant in the pIgR gene (P < 0.05). The major allele genotype with SNP 9 and SNP 19 occurred more frequently with high Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) antibody rates; the major allele genotype with the SNP 3 was predominant in those with significantly lower NDV antibody rates (P < 0.05); heterozygous with the SNP 15 and SNP 21 occurred more frequently with high avian leukemia virus (ALV) antibody rates; the TT genotypes with the SNP 16 was predominant in those with low infectious bursal disease (IBD) antibody rates (P < 0.05). Besides, SNP 12 showed significant associations with body weights (BW) and shank lengths (SL) (P < 0.05). Genotyping revealed that the C allele occurred more frequently in breeds with high growth rates and the T allele was predominant in those with low growth rates at 8, 10, and 12w of age (P < 0.05). This polymorphic site may serve as a useful target for the marker assisted selection of growth and disease-resistant traits in chicken.
Overview of Membrane Protein Sample Preparation for Single-Particle Cryo-Electron Microscopy Analysis
Authors: Vénien-Bryan Catherine , Fernandes Carlos A. H.
Published: August 2023

Single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM SPA) has recently emerged as an exceptionally well-suited technique for determining the structure of membrane proteins (MPs). Indeed, in the last years, it was observed a huge increase in the number of MPs solved by cryo-EM SPA at a resolution better than 3.0 Å in the Protein Data Bank (PDB). However, sample preparation remains a significant challenge in the field. Here, we evaluated in the MPs solved by cryo-EM SPA deposited in the PDB in the last two years at a resolution below 3.0 Å the most critical parameters for sample preparation: i) the surfactant used for protein extraction from the membrane, ii) the surfactant, amphiphiles, nanodiscs or other molecules present in the vitrification step, iii) the vitrification method employed, and iv) the type of grids used. The aim is not to provide a definitive answer on the optimal sample conditions for cryo-EM SPA of MPs, but rather assess the current trends in the MP structural biology community towards obtaining high-resolution cryo-EM structures.
Probiotics in the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Disorders and What We Know About Their Effect on Microbiota
Authors: Patil Abhinandan , Singh Neha
Published: August 2023

Modulating the gut microbiota with probiotics has been identified as a promising therapeutic method for the management of gastrointestinal illnesses. The effectiveness of probiotics in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders can only be determined by delving into their underlying mechanisms of action. Through an analysis of the underlying processes, this study hopes to provide light on the potential benefits of probiotics for treating a variety of gastrointestinal conditions. The study covers a wide variety of gastrointestinal conditions, such as IBS, IBD, and antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Modifying the gut microbiota composition, strengthening the gut barrier function, modulating the immune system, and producing beneficial metabolites are among mechanisms of action that have been investigated. The strain- and dose-specific variables essential to getting the best treatment results are also highlighted. This review, which synthesizes the current information, gives a thorough overview of the effectiveness of probiotics in treating a variety of gastrointestinal illnesses and illuminates potential avenues for further study and therapeutic use.
Consensus Blood Product Transfusion Guidelines for a Large Neonatal Care Network
Authors: Gilmore Lindsay , Chou Stella , Ghavam Sarvin , Thom Christopher
Published: August 2023

product transfusions, but clinical practices vary widely. Many very low birth weight (VLBW) infants receive packed red blood cell (RBC) or platelet transfusions during their initial NICU stay, with incidence inversely proportional to gestational age at birth 1,2. Many critically ill infants are also transfused with plasma or cryoprecipitate to promote coagulation 3,4. These blood product transfusions are most often prophylactic, with clinical decisions made in response to numerical blood count values, as opposed to therapeutic transfusions in the context of active bleeding.Emerging evidence has shown that some transfusion practices are harmful for certain NICU patients, such as platelet transfusions in preterm infants 5,6. More broadly, transfusion reactions can occur with virtually all blood products 7 and these reactions are likely under-diagnosed, under-estimated, and under-reported in pediatric patients 3. Our intention was to establish optimal transfusion guidelines for our division and neonatal network, including 19 hospitals, based on a review of currently available literature.
Diesters of o-Phthalic Acids in Surface Waters with Background Level of Pollution: Concentrations Levels, Distribution, Sources, and Environmental Risk (Lake Baikal, Russia)
Authors: Gorshkov Alexander Georgievich , Grigoryeva Tatyana Arkadievna , Bukin Yurij Sergeevich , Kuzmin Anton Vasilevich
Published: August 2023

We found out main regularities of surface waters pollution by diesters of о-phthalic acid (PAEs) at the background level of concentrations. Lake Baikal was selected as a model for our studies. The composition of PAEs in Baicalins waters is represented by dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). Their concentrations are assessed in statistically valuable average values and ranges: 0.02 (0.01 – 0.02), 0.07 (0.06 – 0.09), 0.55 (0.47 – 0.66), 0.30 (0.26 – 0.34), µg/L, respectively. Main factors determining PAEs concentration are found out: year and season of sampling. The distribution of PAEs in the water body meets their hydrophobicity and is characterized by: i) even distribution of minor hydrophilic congeners DMP and DEP in the whole water area; ii) maximal concentrations of hydrophobic congeners DnBP and DEHP in the upper and near-bottom layers of the water column; iii) decrease of concentration of hydrophobic congeners in the near-shore zone. The contribution of near-shore sources of PAEs into the pelagic site is minimal, the main pollutants source is atmospheric transfer. A valuable contribution of DEHP from biogenic sources into the background level of PAEs is shown. Within RQ coefficients, we assessed the environmental risk for Baicalins biota.
Fabrication of Cu-doped Diamond-like Carbon Film for Improving Sealing Performance of Hydraulic Cylinder of Shearer
Authors: Shi Yufei , Ye Jingyan , Yu Xiang , Hao Ruxue , Zhao Zhiyan , Zhang Lei
Published: August 2023

During shearer operation, piston rod is susceptible to wear from invasion of pollutants, and then ruins sealing ring in hydraulic cylinder. This work attempts to conduct a systematical investigation of Cu-DLC (Cu-doped Diamond-like Carbon) film to improve the seal performance. Failure process of hydraulic cylinder was analyzed, and relevant parameters were determined. Several Cu-DLC films were deposited on the substrate of piston rod in a multi-ion beam assisted system, and their structures and combined tribological performances were investigated. As a result, dust particles attached to the piston rod may enter the cylinder, and damage the sealing ring under the radial force. Cu grains prefer to orientate (111) crystal plane with increase of Cu content, and may induce drop of hardness and internal stress for the film. Friction coefficient of the film ranges from 0.04 to 0.15, and rise of IG/ID ratio from 1.4 to 2.3 in Raman data indicates that bond transition from sp3-C to sp2-C may lower the friction coefficient. Modification mechanism of Cu-DLC film for the seal performance may come from synergistic effects of (i) contact force and friction heat induce the film graphitization, (ii) Cu doping improves toughness of the film and acts as a solid lubricant, and (iii) transfer layer plays a role of self-lubrication.
A Survey of Machine Learning Assisted Continuous-Variable Quantum Key Distribution
Authors: Long Nathan K , Malaney Robert , Grant Kenneth J
Published: August 2023

Continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) shows potential for the rapid development of an information-theoretic secure global communications network; however, the complexities of CV-QKD implementation remain a restrictive factor. Machine learning (ML) has recently shown promise in alleviating these complexities. ML has been applied to almost every stage of CV-QKD protocols, including ML-assisted phase error estimation, excess noise estimation, state discrimination, parameter estimation and optimization, key sifting, information reconciliation, and key rate estimation. This survey provides a comprehensive analysis of the current literature on ML-assisted CV-QKD. In addition, the survey compares the ML algorithms assisting CV-QKD with the traditional algorithms they aim to augment, as well as providing recommendations for future directions for ML-assisted CV-QKD research.
PNA6, a Lactosyl Analogue of Angiotensin-(1—7), Reverses Pain Induced in Murine Models of Inflammation, Metastatic Bone Disease, and Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Sulaiman Maha , Alabsi Wafaa , Szabo Lajos , Hay Meredith , Polt Robin , Largent-Milnes Tally , Vanderah Todd
Published: August 2023

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays a role in cardiovascular homeostasis and hydro-electrolyte balance influencing organ function throughout the body. The classical view of RAS focused on a single biologically active metabolite, the octapeptide angiotensin (Ang)ll, created by the Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). The past two decades have revealed new functions for intermediate products of the RAS beyond their role as substrates. Angiotensin 1-7 (Ang-(1—7), a RAS peptide product with actions at the Mas receptor, reportedly prevents cardiovascular disease-induced cognitive decline and cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP). However, Ang-(1—7) has a short half-life in vivo; here, we hypothesized that activating the MasR1 with a lactoside Ang-(1—7) analogue- PNA6-would attenuate inflammatory, cancer pain confined to the long bones, and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) for a longer-lasting efficacious therapeutic effect. PNA6, Asp-Arg-Val-Tyr-Ile-His-Ser-(O-β-Lact)-amide, was successfully synthesized on solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS). PNA6 significantly reversed inflammatory pain induced by 2% carrageenan in mice. In a second study modeling a complex pain state, E0771 breast adenocarcinoma cells were implanted into the femur of female C57BLK/6J wild-type mice to induce cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP). Both acute and chronic dosing of PNA6 significantly reduced the spontaneous pain behaviors associated with CIBP. A third murine model of platinum drug-induced painful peripheral neuropathy was established using oxaliplatin. Mice in the oxaliplatin-vehicle treatment groups demonstrated significant mechanical allodynia compared to oxaliplatin- PNA6 treatment group mice. These data suggest that PNA6 is a viable lead candidate for treating chronic inflammatory and complex neuropathic pain.
Fiducial Reference Measurements (FRM): What are they?
Authors: Goryl Philippe , Fox Nigel , Donlon Craig , Castracane Paolo
Published: August 2023

In recent years, the concept of Fiducial Reference Measurements (FRM) has been developed to highlight the need for precise and well-characterised measurements tailored explicitly to the post-launch calibration and validation (Cal/Val) of Earth observation satellite missions. The confidence that stems from robust unambiguous uncertainty assessment of space observations is fundamental to assessing the changes in the Earth system and climate model prediction, and delivering the essential evidence-based input for policy makers and society striving to mitigate and adapt to climate change. The underlying concept of an FRM has long been a core element of a Cal/Val program, providing a ‘trustable’ reference against which performance can be anchored or assessed. The ‘FRM’ label was created to embody into such a reference a set of key criteria. These criteria included the establishment of documented evidence of uncertainty with respect to a community-agreed reference (ideally SI-traceable) and specific tailoring to the needs of a satellite mission. It, therefore, facilitates comparison and interoperability between products and missions in a cost-efficient manner. CEOS Working Group Cal/Val (WGCV) is now putting in place a framework to assess the maturity and compliance of a ‘Cal/Val reference measurement’ in terms of a set of community-agreed criteria which define it to be of CEOS-FRM quality. The assessment process is based on a maturity matrix that provides a visual assessment of the state of any FRM against each of a set of given criteria; making visible where it is mature and where evolution and effort needs to be done. This paper provides the overarching definition of what constitutes an FRM and introduces the new CEOS FRM assessment framework.
Continuous Rankin Bound for Hilbert and Banach Spaces
Authors: KRISHNA K. MAHESH
Published: August 2023

Let $(Omega, mu)$ be a measure space and $\{\tau_\alpha\}_{\alpha\in \Omega}$ be a normalized continuous Bessel family for a real Hilbert space $\mathcal{H}$. If the diagonal $\Delta \{(\alpha, \alpha):\alpha \in \Omega\}$ is measurable in the measure space $\Omega\times \Omega$, then we show that \begin{align}\label{CRBA} \sup _{\alpha, \beta \in \Omega, \alpha\neq \beta}\langle \tau_\alpha, \tau_\beta\rangle \geq \frac{-(\mu\times\mu)(\Delta)}{(\mu\times\mu)((\Omega\times\Omega)\setminus\Delta)}. \end{align} We call Inequality (1) as continuous Rankin bound. It improves 76 years old result of Rankin [Ann. of Math., 1947]. It also answers one of the questions asked by K. M. Krishna in the paper [Continuous Welch bounds with applications, Commun. Korean Math. Soc., 2023]. We also derive Banach space version of Inequality (1).
Viewpoint-agnostic Taekwondo Action Recognition using a Synthesized Two-dimensional Skeletons
Authors: Luo Chenglong , Kim Sung-Woo , Park Hun-Young , Lim Kiwon , Jung Hoeryong
Published: August 2023

Issues of fairness and consistency in Taekwondo poomsae evaluation have emerged owing to the lack of an objective evaluation method. This study proposes a three-dimensional (3D) convolutional neural network (CNN)-based action recognition model for the objective evaluation of Taekwondo poomsae. The model exhibits robust recognition performance regardless of variation in perspective by reducing the discrepancies between training and test images. The model uses 3D skeletons of the poomsae unit action collected using a full-body motion-capture suit to generate synthesized two-dimensional (2D) skeletons from the desired perspective. This approach aids in obtaining 2D skeletons from diverse perspectives as part of the training dataset and ensures consistent recognition performance regardless of the viewpoint. The model was trained using 2D skeletons projected from diverse viewpoints, and its performance was evaluated using various test datasets, including projected 2D skeletons and RGB images captured from various viewpoints. Comparison of the performance of the proposed model with that of previously reported action recognition models demonstrated the superiority of the model, underscoring its effectiveness in recognizing and classifying Taekwondo poomsae actions.
Experimental Study on Methane Diffusion Characteristics of Different Metamorphic Deformed Coals Based on Counter Diffusion Method
Authors: Ren Jiangang , Gao Liang , Wen Zhihui , Weng Hongbo , Liu Jianbao , Lv Runsheng , Qu Yanwei , Song Zhimin , Zhang Yongwang , Li Bing
Published: August 2023

The diffusion coefficient (D) is a key parameter characterizing gas transport in coal seams. Usually, the D is calculated from the desorption curve of particle coal, which cannot accurately reflect the diffusion characteristics under the stress constraint conditions of in-situ coal seams. In this paper, based on Fick's law of counter diffusion, different metamorphic deformed coals of medium and high coal rank are taken as the research object. The change laws of D under different confining pressure, gas pressure, and temperature conditions are tested and analyzed, and the influencing mechanisms on the D are discussed. The results show that the D of different metamorphic deformed coals decreases exponentially with the increase of confining pressure, and increases exponentially with the increase of gas pressure and temperature. There is a limit diffusion coefficient. The influence of confining pressure on the D is essentially determined by the change of effective stress, and the D has a negative effect of effective stress similar to permeability. The effect of gas pressure on the D involves two mechanisms, namely, mechanical and adsorption effects, which are jointly restricted by effective stress and coal particle shrinkage and expansion deformation. The effect of temperature on the D is mainly achieved by changing the root mean square speed and average free path of gas molecules. Under the same temperature and pressure conditions, the D increases first and then decreases with the increase of deformation degree, and the D of fragmented coal is the largest. Under similar deformation conditions, the D of high-rank anthracite is greater than that of medium-rank fat coal. It is considered that porosity is the key factor affecting the change of D in different metamorphic deformed coals.
The Genome Assembly and Annotation of the Oriental Ratsnake Ptyas mucosa
Authors: Wang Jiangang , Wang Shiqing , Huang Song , Wang Qing , Lan Tianming , Jiang Ming , Wu Haitao , Yuan Yuxiang
Published: August 2023

The Oriental ratsnake Ptyas mucosa is a common non-venomous snake of the colubrid family, with a wide geographic range spanning much of South and Southeast Asia. P. mucosa is widely cultivated dut to it used in traditional medicine, scientific research, and handicrafts. Therefore, genome resources could play an important role in the efficacy of traditional medicine and the analysis of the living environment of the species. We collected a snake sample in Hezhou, Guangxi, China, which was identified as P. mucosa by morphological identification. Here we present a highly continuous P. mucosa genome with a genome size of 1.74Gb. The scaffold N50 length is 9.57Mb and the maximal length of scaffold is 78.3Mb, the P. mucosa genome has a CG content of 37.9% and the integrity of the gene reached 86.6%.Assembled using long-reads, the total length of the repeat sequence in the genome reached 735 Mb, and its repeat content was as high as 42.19%. A total of 24,869 functional genes were annotated. This study will assist in the understanding of the P. mucosa, and also provide a basis for medicinal research.
Utilization of Food Waste for Development of Composite Bread
Authors: Upadhyay Shuchi , Tiwari Rajeev , Kumar Sanjay , Gupta Shraddha Manish , Kumar Vinod , Rautela Indra , Kohli Deepika , Rawat B S , Kaushik Ravinder
Published: August 2023

Development of high nutritious bakery products with optimum utilization of food waste is a major challenge for food industries. Food waste is major challenge in an each country. The optimum utilization of food waste for sustainable development goal of country is important ant for growth of the nation. The aim of the present work is to prepare value-added composite flour mixed bread from wastes of fruit and vegetables. The composite flour was prepared in four formulations of Peel and Pomace Wheat Flour (PPWF), as PPWF1, PPWF2, PPWF3 and PPWF4. Compositing flour was blended by a mix of vegetable and fruits pomace powders and whole wheat flour. Indian gooseberry pomace powder, apple pomace powder, bottle gourd peel powder, and potato peel powder were used with whole wheat flour to make pomace and whole wheat flour compositions as PPWF1, PPWF2, PPWF3 and PPWF4. Broadly this work was divided into three phases, first phase has conducted nutritional and functional analysis on peel and pomace powders individually, which shows the significance of using them for our research work. The second phase works in the creation of composite flours with different composition ratios as discussed above as PPWF. This phase shows the nutritional and functional analysis of four composite flours. Out of these four flours, PPWF3 contained a good amount of fiber 8.16%, crude protein 3.18%, total phenolic content 14.48%, moisture 9.5%, vitamin C 13.64mg/100g, and total phenolic compound 14.48(mg/GAE/g) which are maximum and acceptable range values as compared to other three composite flours and the wheat flour-control group flour. Then in the third phase, the PPWF3 is used as a partial replacement ratio of wheat flour in wheat flour due to its high phenolic content, Vitamin C, and the richness of fibers. This composite flour is used to make bread dough, two samples G1 and G2 are made; out of which G2 offers better nutritional, functional, and sensory evaluations in comparison with refined wheat four bread is taken as a control group. Thus, such utilization of food wastes in bread making can generate a value of wastes and can improve nutritional attributes of bread, which may improve an individual’s health.
Research on Automatic Vertical Parking Path Planning Algorithm for Narrow Parking Spaces
Authors: Wu Yanfeng , Li Xuan , Gao Jianping , Yang Xinling
Published: August 2023

The narrow parking space will result in difficulties in path planning and spot turning caused by sudden changes and discontinuities in path curvature. To address the problem, this paper investigates the performance of three path planning algorithms and proposes a path optimization algorithm. First, the narrow parking space is defined based on single-step parking of the arc-line combination parking algorithm. Second, to compare the arc-line combination algorithm, Hybrid A* algorithm, and particle swarm optimization parking algorithm under different narrow parking spaces, a multi-objective evaluation function is proposed, including three evaluation indicators, namely, the path length, the number of positive and negative conversions of vehicle speed, and the smoothness of the path. Their performance is compared by simulation conducted in MATLAB, the results show that the Hybrid A* algorithm is the better than others for narrow parking spaces. Third, to smooth the planning path, a path optimization algorithm based on the cubic B-spline curve and gradient descent is proposed. Finally, the simulation is conducted between the proposed algorithm and Hybrid A* algorithm, the result shows that the proposal can effectively eliminate the curvature mutation point and constrain the path curvature to meet the requirements of a smooth path.
Paternalist Liderliğin İşe Adanmışlığa Etkisinin Kısmi En Küçük Kareler Yapısal Eşitlik Modellemesi ile İncelenmesi: Hastane Çalışanları Örneği
Authors: YEŞİLTAŞ Aysun , GÜL İsa , AYCAN Muhammet Samet
Published: August 2023

Bu araştırmanın amacı, paternalist liderliğin işe adanmışlık üzerindeki etkisini hastane çalışanları örnekleminde incelemektir. Araştırma, İç Anadolu Bölgesi’nde bir devlet hastanesinde görev yapan 152 çalışanla yürütülmüştür. Araştırmada veriler anket aracılığıyla toplanmıştır. Veri toplama süreci Mart - Ağustos 2022 tarihleri arasında gerçekleştirilmiştir. Verilerin analizinde SPSS ve RStudio programları kullanılmıştır. Derlenen veriler, tanımlayıcı istatistikler, geçerlik ve güvenirlik analizi, faktör analizi ve kısmi en küçük kareler yapısal eşitlik modellemesi uygulanarak analiz edilmiştir. Çalışmanın yapısal eşitlik modeli sonuçlarına göre paternalist liderliğin, bilişsel adanmışlık, duygusal adanmışlık ve fiziksel adanmışlık üzerinde pozitif yönde etkisinin olduğu belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca modelde, en yüksek yol katsayısının paternalist liderlik ve fiziksel adanmışlık arasında olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Bu araştırma, çalışanlarında işe adanmışlık davranışlarını geliştirmek isteyen örgütlere, paternalist liderliğin rolünü vurgulamaktadır. Bu bağlamda sağlık kurumu yöneticilerinin paternalist liderlik özellikleri sergilemeleri, hastane çalışanlarının fiziksel adanmışlıkları başta olmak üzere duygusal ve bilişsel açıdan adanmışlıklarını artıracağı ifade edilebilir.
Effects of currents and waves on the morphologies of coastal sandy clinoforms: sediment mobility calculations based on current meter and wave data from Southern California, U.S.A.
Authors: Mitchell Neil C. , Zhao Zhongwei
Published: August 2023

In some wave-exposed coasts, sandy clinoforms occur with rollovers (locations where their surfaces steepen) at ∼ 20–60 m depth. They have been suggested to have formed from sand mobilized by strong wave agitation in shallow water that has deposited in more tranquil deeper water beyond the rollover, although other suggested origins of clinoforms might also apply. In situ information on active sediment transport is needed to address their origins. Here, we assess sediment transport across a sandy clinoform rollover at 25–30 m depth using legacy data from current meters installed across the Southern California shelf near Del Mar in depths of 15, 30, and 60 m. Although lasting only 25 hours, the data captured conditions during the passage of a cyclone, which occurs frequently along this coast. Information from a global meteorological model reveals that waves were 1–2 m in height during the cyclone passage. Using the mean particle size from vibracores (0.129 mm), sand at the 15-m-depth site would have been continuously agitated above its threshold of motion during the 25-hour period, whereas sand at the 30-m site was mobile over 17 hours. Total-load fluxes of sand estimated from the waves and currents were strong at the 15-m site and comprised mostly suspended particles. The cyclone winds drove water, including bottom water, mostly parallel to the coast, but that movement was accompanied by a downwelling component over the first ∼ 10 hours. That downwelling likely moved suspended particles from the topset of the clinoform onto the foreset. A later upwelling component may have partially reversed that particle movement but was unlikely to have been so effective. The results suggest how wave effects, coupled with downwelling currents, dominated the sand transport and deposition over this short 25-hour period, contributing to the clinoform morphology.
Does the use of Acellular Dermal Matrices (ADM) in women undergoing pre-pectoral implant-based breast reconstruction increase operative success versus non-use of ADM in the same setting? A systematic review protocol
Authors: Cook Hannah , Zargaran David , Glynou Sevasti Panagiota , Hamilton Stephen , Mosahebi Afshin
Published: August 2023

Background
Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women in the UK. Following mastectomy, reconstruction is now integral to the surgical management of breast cancer, of which implant-based reconstruction (IBBR) is the most common type. IBBR initially evolved from pre-pectoral to post-pectoral due to complications but with developments in oncoplastic techniques and new implant technology, interest in pre-pectoral IBBR has increased.
Many surgeons use Acellular Dermal Matrices (ADM) however there is little evidence in literature as to whether this improves surgical outcomes in terms of complications, failure and patient satisfaction. This review aims to assess the available evidence as to whether there is a difference in surgical outcomes for breast reconstructions using ADM versus non-use of ADM.
Methods
A database search will be performed using Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. The search timeframe will be 10 years.
Studies will be screened using inclusion and exclusion criteria and data extracted into a standardised spreadsheet. Risk of Bias will be assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa scale and ROBIS tools. Screening, extraction and risk of bias assessments will be performed independently by two reviewers and discrepancies discussed and rectified.
Data analysis and meta-analysis (if appropriate) will be performed, and heterogeneity assessed.
Discussion
With the renaissance of pre-pectoral IBBR, it is important that surgeons have adequate evidence available to assist operative decision making. Assessing evidence in literature is important to help surgeons determine whether using ADM for IBBR is beneficial compared to non-use of ADM. This has potential impacts for patient complications, satisfaction and cost to healthcare trusts.
Systematic Review Registration
This review was registered with the International prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO), part of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). Registration is as follows: PROSPERO 2023 CRD42023389072. The review registration is available from: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023389072
Centrosome amplification and aneuploidy driven by the HIV-1-induced Vpr•VprBP•Plk4 complex in CD4+ T cells
Authors: Lee Kyung , Park Jung-Eun , Kim Tae-Sung , Zeng Yan , Monnie Christina , Alam Muhammad , Zhou Ming , Mikolaj Melissa , Maldarelli Frank , Narayan Kedar , Ahn Jinwoo , Ashwell Jonathan , Strebel Klaus
Published: August 2023

HIV-1 infection elevates the risk of developing various cancers, including T-cell lymphoma. Whether HIV-1-encoded proteins directly contribute to oncogenesis remains unknown. We observed that approximately 1–5% of CD4+ T cells from the blood of people living with HIV-1 exhibit over-duplicated centrioles, suggesting that centrosome amplification underlies the development of HIV-1-associated cancers by driving aneuploidy. Through affinity purification, biochemical, and cell biology analyses, we discovered that Vpr, an accessory protein of HIV-1, hijacks the centriole duplication machinery and induces centrosome amplification and aneuploidy. Mechanistically, Vpr formed a cooperative ternary complex with an E3 ligase subunit, VprBP, and polo-like kinase 4 (Plk4). Unexpectedly, however, the complex enhanced Plk4’s functionality by promoting its relocalization to the procentriole assembly and induced centrosome amplification. Loss of either Vpr’s C-terminal 17 residues or VprBP acidic region, the two elements required for binding to Plk4 cryptic polo-box, abrogated Vpr’s capacity to induce all these events. Furthermore, HIV-1 WT, but not its Vpr mutant, induced multiple centrosomes and aneuploidy in primary CD4+ T cells. We propose that the Vpr•VprBP•Plk4 complex serves as a molecular link that connects HIV-1 infection to oncogenesis and that inhibiting the Vpr C-terminal motif may reduce the occurrence of HIV-1-associated cancers.
Mechanical behavior of multiple-layered gradient cellular scaffolds with constant density: Experimental, analytical and numerical investigation
Authors: khanaki hamid reza , Rahmati Sadegh , Nikkhoo Mohammad , Haghpanahi Mohammad , Akbari Javad
Published: August 2023

Multiple-layered scaffolds with various three-dimensional architectures by the additive manufacturing (AM) have been successfully fabricated and can be used in tissue engineering. This study aimed to investigate the effect of unit cell shape, Struts diameter and number of layers on the mechanical properties of multiple-layered scaffolds with constant porosity. All the lattice scaffolds in cylindrical form (outer diameter of 30 mm and length of 60 mm) were designed and fabricated from 18 various types with 70% porosity and in single, double and triple layers and by Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) method. In all the samples, the outer layers had a higher density compared to the inner layers. The mechanical properties of the scaffolds were determined by the uniform compression test. The stress-strain curves of the samples revealed that as the struts diameter increases, the yield stress increases due to the reduction of manufacturing defects. And the numerical simulations showed that the position of the maximum radial displacement shifts from the middle region to the top and bottom regions of the scaffold with the increase in the number of the layers. Also, a good convergence between the results of the finite element model and the experimental results was observed.
An analysis of traffic accidents and COVID-19 impacts in France and Japan from 2015 to 2021: Insights and Trends
Authors: Simon Valenti , Mori Hirotake , Yoshiro Hadano , Naito Toshio
Published: August 2023

Preventive COVID-19 measures affected road traffic in France and Japan. This study explored the consequences on road traffic safety of these measures. A retrospective, descriptive cohort study with road traffic safety data extracted from the French (Observatoire national interministériel de la sécurité routière) and Japanese (National Police Agency) databases for 2015–2021. Road death figures by month, age, and vehicles, and injuries by age from 2015 to 2021 were extracted. In France, the percentage reduction of road deaths in 2020 was 20.5%. The decrease was 56.7% and 32.7% during the two lockdown periods. The road death reduction was observed for car occupants (23.4%), motorcyclists (22.0%), and pedestrians (19.0%). Outside the lockdown period, bicyclist deaths increased by 15% compared to 2017–2019. Injuries decreased by 20.8% for the year. In Japan, the overall road death reduction was 11.7%, with a reduction of 19.9% during the state of emergency in April-May 2020 and 29% in August 2020. Injuries decreased by 20% for the whole year 2020. There were reductions in road deaths for car occupants (18.6%), pedestrians (14.8%), and bicyclists (3.2%), but an increase for motorcyclists was observed (6.6%). In association with the reduction of road traffic, speeding violations increased. Preventive measures had a positive impact on road traffic safety figures.
Comparison of the efficacy for early warning systems in predicting obstetric critical illness
Authors: Xu Yonghui , Zhu Sha , Song Hao , Lian Xiaoyuan , Zeng Maoni , He Ji , Shu Lijuan , Xue XingSheng , Xiao Fei
Published: August 2023

Objective: To validate the accuracy of four early warning scores for early identification of women at risk for deterioration.
Study Design: This was a retrospective study of pregnant women admitted in the obstetrics Critical Care Unit (ICU) from August 2019 to August 2020.The capacity of the Modified Obstetric Early Warning Score (MOEWS), ICNARC Obstetric Early Warning Score (OEWS), Maternal Early Obstetric Warning System (MEOWS chart), and Maternal Early Warning Trigger (MEWT) were compared in in predicting severe maternal morbidity. All scoring systems were calculated 24 hours after admission in ICU. The area under receiver operator characteristic (AUROC) curve was used to evaluate the predictive performance of the scoring system.
Results: A total of 352 pregnant women were enrolled, 290 women with severe maternal morbidity were identified and two of them died. Gestational age in group of critically ill were shorter than the group of not critically ill (33.13±0.267 vs. 35.79±0.47, p<0.001). Both the length of ICU stay (3.503±0.314 vs. 1.758±0.994, p<0.001) and total length of stay (9.724±0.379 vs. 6.984±0.319, p<0.001) were longer in women with critically ill. MOEWS was more sensitive than MEOWS chart, ICNARC OEWS and MEWT (96.9% vs. 83.4%, 66.6% and 44.8%). However, MEWT had the highest specificity (98.4%), followed by MOEWS (83.9%), ICNARC OEWS (75.8%) and MEOWS chart （48.4%）. AUROC of MOEWS, ICNARC OEWS, MEOWS chart, and MEWT for prediction of maternal mortality were 0.91 (95% CI: 0.874-0.945), 0.765(95% CI: 0.71-0.82), 0.657(95% CI: 0.577-0.738), and 0.716 (95% CI, 0.659-0.773) respectively. Furthermore, MOEWS had the highest AUCs in the discrimination of serious complications in hypertensive disorders, cardiovascular disease, obstetric hemorrhage and infection. Additionally, among the individual vital signs, maximum diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was the most predictive and followed by maximum systolic blood pressure (SBP) , maximum respiratory rate (RR) and peripheral oxygen saturation(SPO2), the AUCs were 0.626(95% CI, 0.564-0.689), 0.616 (95% CI, 0.553-0.679), 0.607 (95% CI, 0.542-0.672) and 0.321(95%CI, 0.262-0.381) in turn.
Conclusion: MOEWS is significantly more accurate than ICNARC OEWS, MEOWS chart, and MEWT in the performance for predicting the deterioration of obstetric patient. The prediction ability of DBP, SBP, RR and SPO2 are more reliable.
The roles of health literacy and social support in the association between smartphone ownership and frailty in older adults: a moderated mediation model
Authors: Yi Jinseon , Yoon Ju Young , Won Chang Won , Kim Miji , Lee Kyoung Suk
Published: August 2023

Background Understanding the role of smartphones to promote the health status of older adults is important in the digital society. Little is known about the effects of having smartphones on physical frailty despite its positive effect on the well-being of older adults. This study aimed to explore the association between smartphone ownership and frailty in community-dwelling older adults and its underlying mechanism. Methods We used data from the Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study and analyzed 2,469 older adults aged 72–86 years. Frailty, health literacy, and social support were assessed by Fried’s frailty phenotype, the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System health literacy module, and the Enhancing Recovery in Coronary Heart Disease (ENRICHD) Social Support Instrument, respectively. The mediation model and moderated mediation model were estimated, where the mediator was health literacy and the moderator was social support, to explore the relationship between smartphone ownership and frailty. Results Of our study participants, 58.9% owned smartphones, and 10.9% were classified as frail. Smartphone ownership was negatively associated with frailty (β =−0.623,p < 0.001).Health literacy mediated the relationship between smartphone ownership and frailty (β= −0.154, boot confidence interval [CI] = − 0.222, − 0.096), and social support moderated the mediation effect (β =−0.010, Boot CI = − 0.016, − 0.004). Conclusions Owning smartphones among older adults could reduce the risk of frailty. Promoting health literacy and social support among older adults with smartphones would be effective to prevent frailty.
Knowledge, attitudes and beliefs toward polypharmacy among older people attending Family Medicine Clinic, Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Kamau Maureen , Mohamoud Gulnaz , Lusambili Adelaide , Nyanja Njeri , Shabani Jacob
Published: August 2023

Background
Life expectancy has increased over the last century among older individuals, particularly those 60 years and over. Aging is associated with increased disability, multiple chronic conditions, and increased use of health services managed with polypharmacy. There are few studies on polypharmacy and aging in sub-Saharan Africa, and it is unclear what older people know and their attitudes toward polypharmacy. This paper presents findings from a study that aimed to understand older people's knowledge, attitudes and beliefs toward polypharmacy.
Methods
A qualitative study using in-depth interviews of 15 patients aged 60 years and older taking more than five medications per day. The study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Family Medicine Clinic (FMC). Data were analyzed using NVivo 12 software.
Results
Participants had a good understanding of their comorbidities. For many, healthcare professionals and the Internet remained credible sources of polypharmacy. Their beliefs influenced compliance with polypharmacy in order to live. Although adverse side effects were reported, participants remained positive because they believed these medicines were beneficial. Religious faith and living healthy lifestyles were perceived to contribute to their positive attitude toward polypharmacy. Stigma and the cost of the medication were reported as barriers.
Conclusion
Older patients need to be educated to reduce the negative attitudes and stigma associated with polypharmacy. Prescription review is encouraged at every clinical encounter to ensure that older patients do not use potentially inappropriate medications. Further research could explore polypharmacy in the geriatric population attending public institutions and in rural settings in Kenya.
Elevated serum KL-6 concentration as an early detection biomarker of rituximab-related interstitial lung disease
Authors: Zou Wailong , Zhu Yonglin , Ren Wei , Yu Qian , Zhu Weihua , Wu Qun , Liu Xuetong , Wang Yumin , Zhang Zhe , Jiang Piping , Ma Feng , Chen Jichao
Published: August 2023

Background The rituximab-related interstitial lung disease (RTX-ILD) is a serious adverse event in rituximab treatment patients. Krebs Von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) is a glycoprotein, which was suggested to be associated with lung injury and repair. Studies have shown that KL-6 can be used as a diagnostic biomarker for a variety of interstitial lung diseases, while relevant researches are absent in RTX-ILD.Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of serum KL-6 levels in detecting patients with RTX-ILD.Methods 120 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma treated with rituximab were enrolled from a single study center. The serum KL-6 was measured respectively before the 1st to 5th chemotherapy by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Patients were divided into the non-ILD group (69 cases) and the RTX-ILD group (51 cases) according to follow-up results. The RTX-ILD group was further divided into four grades based on severity. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v26 and GraphPad Prism v9.Results The serum KL-6 was similar between the non-ILD [176 (70–280) U/mL] and the RTX-ILD group [152 (73–280) U/mL] before chemotherapy, while it had dynamic change during the treatment regardless of the RTX-ILD occurrence. The serum KL-6 in the RTX-ILD group was significantly higher than that in the non-ILD group after chemotherapy. KL-6 was an effective means to identify RTX-ILD patients even after the first chemotherapy cycle [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.973, 95%CI 0.951–0.995, P < 0.001]. Analysis of the serum KL-6 among different severity grades suggests that KL-6 may be inadequate as a marker for patient grading.Conclusions Serum KL-6 can be an indicator of RTX-ILD occurrence and effectively identify patients at risk of RTX-ILD at the early stage of chemotherapy. The measurement of serum KL-6 during RTX treatment is beneficial to the early detection and active intervention of RTX-ILD.Strengths and limitations of this study This study comprehensively evaluated serum KL-6 as a marker for RTX-ILD, specifically demonstrating its potential for early risk stratification during chemotherapy. Due to limited sample size, this study was unable to establish an accurate threshold or confirm the correlation between KL-6 level and RTX-ILD severity.
Immune Persistence after Different Polio Sequential Immunization Schedules in Chinese Infants
Authors: Yang Jingsi , Zhao Ting , Li Jing , Huang Teng , Huang Teng , Che Yanchun , Zhao Zhimei , Fu Yu ting , Tao Jun hui , Yang Qing hai , Wei Ding kai , Li Guoliang , Yi Li , zhao Yuping , Chen Hongbo , Wang Jianfeng , Jiang Ruiju , Yu Lei , Cai Wei , Yang Wei , Xie Ming xue , Yin Qiongzhou , Pu Jing , Shi Li , Hong Chao , Deng Yan , Cai Lukui , Zhou Jian , Wen Yu , Li Hong sen , Huang Wei , Mo Zhao jun , Li Chang-Gui , Li Qihan
Published: August 2023

Trivalent oral poliovirus vaccine (tOPV) has been withdrawn and instead an inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) and bivalent type 1 and type 3 OPV (bOPV) sequential immunization schedule has been implemented since 2016, but no immune persistence data are available for this polio vaccination strategy. This study aimed to assess immune persistence following different polio sequential immunization schedules. Venous blood was collected at 24, 36, and 48 months of age from participants who had completed sequential schedules of combined IPV and OPV in phase Ⅲ clinical trials. The serum neutralizing antibody titers against poliovirus were determined, and the poliovirus-specific antibody-positive rates were evaluated. A total of 1,104 participants were enrolled in this study. The positive rates of poliovirus type 1- and type 3-specific antibodies among the sequential immunization groups showed no significant difference at 24, 36, or 48 months of age. The positive rates of poliovirus type 2-specific antibody in the IPV-IPV-tOPV group at all time points were nearly 100%, which was significantly higher than the corresponding rates in other immunization groups (IPV-bOPV-bOPV and IPV-IPV-bOPV). Immunization schedules involving one or two doses of IPV followed by bOPV failed to maintain a high positive rate for poliovirus type 2-specific antibody.
Experiences of UK and Irish family carers of people with profound and multiple intellectual disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Linden Mark , Leonard Rachel , Forbes Trisha , Brown Michael , Marsh Lynne , Todd Stuart , Hughes Nathan , Truesdale Maria
Published: August 2023

Background
People with profound and multiple intellectual disabilities (PMID) have high and intensive support needs that ordinarily place significant strain on family carers. This was further heightened by the removal of many external supports during the COVID-19 pandemic. We sought to explore the experiences of family carers of people with PMID during the COVID-19 pandemic and understand what the longer-term impact might be on their lives.
Methods
Focus group interviews (n = 32) were conducted with family carers (n = 126) from the five countries of the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Participants were asked questions relating to their experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic, coping strategies, and challenges faced. All focus groups were conducted using an online platform. These were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed employing thematic analysis.
Findings:
Three main themes emerged from the data including (i) COVID-19 as a double-edged sword (ii) The struggle for support (iii) Constant nature of caring. These included 11 subthemes. (i) ‘COVID-19 as a catalyst for change’, ‘Challenges during COVID-19: dealing with change’, ‘Challenges during COVID-19: fear of COVID-19’, ‘The online environment: the new normal’ (ii) ‘Invisibility of male carers’, ‘Carers supporting carers’, ‘The only service you get is lip service: non-existent services’, ‘Knowing your rights’ (iii) ‘Emotional response to the caring role: Feeling devalued’, ‘Emotional response to the caring role: Desperation of caring’, ‘Multiple demands of the caring role.’
Conclusions
The COVID-19 pandemic presented immense challenges to family carers of people with PMID but also provided some opportunities. Families had already struggled to receive many of the supports and services to which they were entitled to only to have these removed at the onset of the pandemic. The experiences of male carers have been largely absent from the literature with this research showing they want to be included in decision making and require tailored support services to meet their needs. Service providers should see the end of the As the direct threat from COVID-19 diminishes and the experiences of those who lived through come to the fore, there is a need to re-examine current models and provision of support to family carers to better meet their needs.