bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photometric Search for variable stars in the field of two Northern open clusters, DOLIDGE 14 and NGC 1960
Authors: Joshi Gireesh C.
Published: September 2022

In the present paper, the CCD time series observations of cluster NGC 1960 and DOLIDZE 14 are performed to search the short periodic variable stars within them. Absolute photometry via secondary standardization transformation has been used to construct the light curves for the detection of pulsation in stars. A comprehensive study of membership of variable stars is discussed along with their classification. A total of 18 and 4 short periodic variables found in the field of NGC 1960 and DOLIDZE 14 respectively. The period and classification of 18 discovered short periodic type variable stars of NGC 1960 are discussed, which consist of one EB, one Planet transit, one γ − Dor, two δ Scuti − γ − Dor, two LADS, two irregular, two ro-tational, three RRC and four Ellipsoidal type variable stars. In the case of DOLIDZE 14, four discovered variables consist of one miscellaneous, one rotational, two binary type variable stars. A comparative analysis of each short periodic variable star has been represented with a set of two comparison stars of similar brightness. In the case of NGC 1960, the 12 selected comparison stars have variation in brightness such that they can be classified as long periodic variable stars. A total of 4 stars are found to be standard stars. The variation in brightness of other twenty comparison stars is non-pulsating with irregular pattern. Very low amplitude pulsations of stars is instrumental errors in nature and seems to be a factor of misleading classification of variable stars. In the case of DOLIDZE 14, variation of brightness in light curves of comparison stars of each variable star is a result of errors during transformation of magnitudes. Membership analysis of variable stars are performed by using their distance, kinematic probability and location in (U − B) vs (B − V) TCD.
Assessing safe and personalised maternity and neonatal care through a pandemic: a case study of outcomes and experiences in two Trusts in England using the ASPIRE COVID-19 framework
Authors: Neal Sarah , Stone Lucy , Moncrieff Gill , Matthews Zoe , Kingdon Carol , Topiladou Anastasia , Balaam Marie-Claire , Cordey Sarah , Crossland Nicola , Feeley Claire , Powney Deborah , Sarian Arni , Fenton Alan , Heazell Alexander , de Jonge Ank , Severns Alexandra , Thomson Gill , Downe Soo
Published: September 2022

Background:
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in profound and far-reaching impacts on maternal and newborn care and outcomes. As part of the ASPIRE COVID-19 project, we describe processes and outcome measures relating to safe and personalised maternity care in England.
Methods:
We undertook a mixed-methods system-wide case study using quantitative routinely collected data and qualitative data from two Trusts and their service users. We mapped findings to our prior conceptual framework that explains pathways for the impact of COVID-19 on safe and personalised care.
Results:
The ASPIRE framework enabled us to develop a comprehensive, systems-level understanding of the impact of the pandemic on service delivery, user experience and staff wellbeing, and place it within the context of pre-existing challenges. However, timely routine clinical and staffing data were not always available. Personalised care and user and staff experiences were poorly captured by routine data.
Maternity services experienced some impacts on core service coverage, though not on Trust level clinical health outcomes (with the possible exception of readmissions in one Trust). Both users and staff found some pandemic-driven changes challenging such as remote or reduced antenatal and community postnatal contacts, and restrictions on companionship. Other key changes included an increased need for mental health support, changes in the availability and uptake of home birth services and changes in induction procedures. Many emergency adaptations persisted at the end of data collection. Differences between the Trusts indicate complex change pathways. Staff reported some removal of bureaucracy, which allowed greater flexibility.
During the first wave of COVID-19 staffing numbers increased, resolving some pre-pandemic shortages: however, by October 2021 they declined markedly. Trying to maintain the quality and availability of services had marked negative consequences for personnel.
Conclusions:
The COVID-19 crisis magnified pre-pandemic problems, in particular, poor staffing levels. Maintaining services took a significant toll on staff wellbeing. There is some evidence that these pressures are continuing. There was marked variation in Trust responses. Lack of accessible and timely data at Trust and national levels hampered rapid insights. The ASPIRE COVID-19 framework could be useful for modelling the impact of future crises on routine care.
Treatment with Lactobacillus delbruckii inhibits hypertrophic scar fibrosis
Authors: Wu Gaofeng , Shen Kuo , Han Fu , Cheng Jing , Han Shichao , Wang Xiaolei , Xin Keke , Hu Dahai
Published: September 2022

Hypertrophic scar (HS) is a common complication of skin after burn wounds and is a serious fibrosis disease which lack effective treatments. Scholars have suggested that certain probiotics may significantly impact on fibrosis. Hypertrophic scar derived fibroblasts (HFBs) was treated with or without Lactobacillus delbruckii. The fibrosis was determined under in vivo and in vitro conditions. The results showed that L. delbruckii significantly decreased expression of Collagen I, Collagen III and α-SMA in hypertrophic scar derived fibroblasts (HFBs). Masson and Sirius-red staining results indicated that L. delbruckii significantly reduced both Collagen I and Collagen III expression and inhibited scar hyperplasia in rabbit ear model and L. delbruckii inhibited the proliferation of HFBs. To further assess the mechanism of L. delbruckii inhibit hypertrophic scar fibrosis, ribonucleic acid sequencing and iTRAQ technology was used to analysis HFBs treat with or without L. delbruckii. Results revealed that L. delbruckii exert its inhibiting fibrosis effect by targeting multiple pathways at both the proteome and transcriptome levels. L. delbruckii decreased the fibrosis of hypertrophic scar which may provide pharmacological evidence to aid in its clinical application.
Changes of the Aqueous Cytokine Factors Levels and Optical Coherence Tomography in serous retinal detachment secondary to retinal vein occlusion
Authors: Liu Xin , Zhang Yahan , Yong Hongfang , Zeng Shun , Zuo Ling
Published: September 2022

Purpose
To study the alteration of cytokine factors in aqueous humor and retinal microstructure in the formation of serous retinal detachment (SRD) secondary to retinal vein occlusion.
Methods
The subjects were 39 patients with RVO, of whom 31 patients had SRD (RVO-SRD). Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) was used to measure the completeness of photoreceptor inner segment/outer segment (IS /OS) and the external limiting membrane (ELM) as well as the structure of RVO-SRD, including the height and shape of SRD. The aqueous humor was collected before intravitreal injection of Ranibizumab. The concentrations of VEGF, MCP-1, IL-8, IL-6, b-FGF and TNF-α in the aqueous humor were measured. All patients participated in the 6-month follow-up examinations, which included visual acuity, intraocular pressure, ophthalmologic examination, and SD-OCT. The time of recurrence of RVO-SRD was recorded.
Results
The formation of SRD was associated with the area of congested vein, disrupted IS /OS, ELM layers and high VEGF, MCP-1, IL-8, IL-6 levels. However, the height and shape of SRD were not relevant to any inflammatory factors. Moreover, high levels of MCP-1, IL-8 and IL-6 were found in large areas of congested veins. High levels of MCP-1 and IL-6 were observed in the patients with incomplete IS /OS and ELM. The recurrence of SRD was related to the high MCP-1 level.
Conclusion
High concentrations of cytokine factors in aqueous humor could induce vascular leakage, exacerbate the extent of macular edema, disrupt the structure of ELM and IS /OS, and develop SRD in RVO.
Information Embedding in DFRC Networks Through Chirp Waveform Diversity
Authors: Chalise Batu Krishna , Amin Moeness G. , Fabrizio Giuseppe A.
Published: September 2022

We consider a dual function radar communications network, and propose a waveform diversity-based approach to embed both target and scheduling data in transmitter pulses. The scheduling data of radar signal bandwidth, carrier frequency, and waveform along with the information on target detection, range, and Doppler are shared among the network radar nodes without a need for designated communication links. Scheduling and target information are encoded to bits and transmitted over the radar coherent pulse interval (CPI) using up- and down-chirps. We derive exact expressions of probability of bit error and false alarm rate for sharing scheduling and target information data between two radar nodes. The effect of different parameters and data sharing on the radar performance is analyzed and validated by computer simulations. Using the cross-ambiguity function (CAF), we show the capability of the up- and down- chirp sequence transmission scheme in reducing range sidelobes compared to the conventional transmission of only the up- (or down-) chirps. To overcome the limited data rate associated with only using two chirp waveforms, we consider orthogonal chirp division multiplexing (OCDM) and derive its CAF. We demonstrate the suitability of OCDM for high data rate radar operations by examining the mainlobe width and sidelobe levels of the zero-Doppler and zero-delay cuts of the CAF.
The influence of green human resource management practices on employee’s green creativity: The roles of green self-identity & green shared vision
Authors: Qamar Rabia , Abidin Zain UL , Fayyaz Sana , Ahmad Haseeb
Published: September 2022

This study is purposed to examine how Green human resource management practices increase green creativity. It assesses the mediating role of employees’ green self-identity and green shared vision which was nearly unobserved in the previous studies. The paper opted for an explanatory study using the convenience sampling technique/approach. Data were gathered from the general managers and HR managers of 3-star, 4-star, and 5-star hotels of Pakistan. As they are directly involved with the implementation of “green human resource management practices. 250 questionnaires were distributed and 202 valid responses were used for data analysis through Smart PLS 3.0. The systematic findings showed that the green human resource management practices adequately affect the green creativity of employees which also mediates by green self-identity. Moreover, mediation of green shared vision was rejected by the results. This research is an addition to previous knowledge by adding the constructs i.e., green self-identity and green shared vision to measure the green creativity of employees.Current study fulfill the gap that how green self-identity and green shared vision mediates the relationship of Green HRM and green creativity. This research study offers valued practical implications to the policymakers and upper management, ensuring the obligation of employees towards the application of green human resource management practices and green creativity to accomplish environmental goals.
The mechanosensitive transmembrane receptor NRP1 transduces mechanical stress inhibition via LATS1/YAP in hypertrophic scars
Authors: Shu Bin , Li Mengzhi , Wang Peng , Li Jingting , Zhou Fei , Huang Shixin , Qi Shaohai
Published: September 2022

A hypertrophic scar (HS) is abnormal fibrous hyperplasia of the skin caused by excessive tissue repair in response to skin burns and trauma, which restricts physical function and impairs the quality of life of patients. Mechanobiological components play an essential role in wound healing and scar formation and can improve the efficiency therapy. Herein, we used weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and differentially expressed gene (DEGs) analysis to screen the neuropilin 1 (NRP1) gene which is sensitive to mechanical stress in various human cells. We confirmed that mechanical stress stimulates NRP1 expression in human HS endothelial cells. Immunostaining revealed that the expression of large tumor suppressor kinase 1 (LATS1) and yes-associated protein (YAP) is mediated by mechanical compression. We verified the effects of mechanical stress on NRP1, LATS1, and YAP expressions in pressure culture human dermal microvascular endothelial cell model and rat tail-scar model. We knocked down NRP1 using NRP1-shRNA and validated that NRP1 reduced YAP expression by regulating the YAP upstream regulator LATS1. Co-immunoprecipitation analysis indicated that NRP1 binds to YAP and that mechanical compression disrupted this binding. Collectively, our results indicated that the mechanosensitive transmembrane receptor NRP1 transduces mechanical force inhibition by inhibiting YAP expression. Strategies targeting NRP1 may promote compression therapy with optimal and comfortable pressures.
Heterogeneity in the course of suicidal ideation and its relation to suicide attempts in first-episode psychosis: a five-year prospective study
Authors: Sicotte Roxanne , Iyer Srividya N. , Lacourse Eric , Séguin Jean R. , Abdel-Baki Amal
Published: September 2022

Introduction
: Although the risk of suicide is high in first-episode psychosis (FEP), little is known about the course of suicidal ideation and its relation with suicide attempts. Therefore, we aimed to identify five-year trajectories of suicidal ideation and associated factors in FEP and compare how suicide attempts were distributed across these identified trajectories.
Methods
This five-year prospective study assessed suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and potentially associated factors through research interviews, chart review and coroners’ reports in 382 FEP patients [mean age = 23.53(SD = 3.61)] admitted to two five-year early psychosis services in Montreal, Canada. Trajectories were identified using a semiparametric mixture model, and associated factors with multinomial logistic regression.
Results
Three suicidal ideation trajectories were identified: low and decreasing (85.08%); early decline, then increasing (7.85%), and persistent suicidal ideation (7.07%). Suicidal ideation prior to admission (OR = 2.85,p < 0.05) and cocaine use disorder (OR = 6.78,p < 0.05) were associated with the early decline, then increasing suicidal ideation trajectory. Persons with prior suicide ideation (OR = 4.33,p < 0.05) and attempts (OR = 8.18,p < 0.001) and alcohol use disorder (OR = 3.63, p < 0.05) were more likely to belong to the persistent suicidal ideation trajectory, and to attempt suicide during follow-up.
Conclusion
Our study highlights heterogeneity in the course of suicidal ideation over five years and the importance of ongoing assessment of suicidal risk in FEP patients, particularly during periods of transition to other services and for patients who persistently report suicidal ideation, as they are likelier to engage in suicide attempts. Patients with factors associated with increased or persistent suicidal ideation trajectories should be targeted for suicide prevention interventions.
“The chameleon among diseases”
- An explorative view of sarcoidosis and identification of the consequences for affected patients and relatives using qualitative interviews
Authors: Hilker Charlotte , Weis Johanna , Ziehfreund Stefanie , Arkema Elizabeth V. , Biedermann Tilo , Zink Alexander
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic disease, with the lungs being the main site of manifestation. Although the exact etiology remains unclear, both genetic and environmental factors are being discussed. Diagnostic evaluation is challenging, and the management of chronic patients and assessment of their needs proves difficult, especially in the absence of targeted therapy. Studies on sarcoidosis patients have shown that quality of life is limited even after clinically measurable parameters have resolved. The question remains how patients and their relatives perceive medical care and the diagnostic process and how these affect their well-being.
Methods: Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients and their relatives between September 2019 and February 2020. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Deductive hypotheses were then formed based on categories according to personal aspects, symptoms, diagnostic, daily life activity, therapy, psychological aspects and wishes.
Results: Fourteen patients and five relatives were included. Most patients reported subacute symptoms before the first organ-related episode. A high degree of personal initiative was required from the majority of respondents in both the diagnostic and subsequent therapeutic processes. In addition, respondents reported so-called "doctor-hopping", a lack of specialists or contacts, and a lack of medical support. The Internet and self-help groups played a fundamental role for patients and relatives in exchanging information with other affected persons and to compensate for an existing information deficit.
Conclusion: The results provide new insights into patients’ and relatives' perceptions of the sarcoidosis diagnosis and treatment process. Identification of barriers such as a lack of physicians and an information deficit highlights potential targets for strategies to optimize sarcoidosis management.
The more slack resources, the better the quality of medical care? The evidence from the public hospitals in Beijing
Authors: Zhu Junli , Song Xinrui
Published: September 2022

Background: In recent years, the scale of Chinese hospitals and the resources they occupy are in a situation of rapid expansion. Whether these resources can be fully and effectively used and whether they are conducive to the improvement of the quality of medical care remains to be studied.
Methods: The DEA model and the panel regression model were used to analyze the slack resources status, and to study the relationship between slack resources and the quality of medical care.
Results: First, slack in 23 hospitals was on the rise from 2015 to 2018, with significant reduction in 2019. Second, low-risk mortality increased from .014% to .003% when slack resources increased from 0 to about 0.225. However, the low-risk mortality rate increased to .086% when slack resources increased to about .577.
Conclusions: There is an inverted U-shaped curve relationship between slack resources and the quality of medical care in public hospitals in Beijing. That is, a small number of slack resources in the hospital is conducive to the improvement of the quality of medical care, but when it increase to a certain level it will have a negative impact on the quality of medical care.
Ocular Rosacea microBiome Study (ORBS). Sub-microbial versus antibiotic dosing of doxycycline versus placebo in treatment of symptomatic ocular rosacea: study protocol for a parallel-arm randomized clinical trial
Authors: Mahmud Hamidah , Keenan Jeremy D. , Gonzales John , Schallhorn Julie , Chan Matilda , Arnold Benjamin , Cavallino Victoria , Lietman Thomas M. , Doan Thuy , Seitzman Gerami D.
Published: September 2022

Background
Ocular rosacea is common and is often managed with long-term antibiotic treatment. Doxycycline is the most commonly selected antibiotic for the treatment of rosacea. As there is no established standard of care treatment dose for rosacea, prescribed doses of doxycycline vary widely. The FDA classifies 40 mg daily dose of doxycycline for ocular rosacea as sub-microbial in comparison to an antibiotic dose of 200 mg daily. However, this “sub-microbial” dose has never been evaluated in patients with ocular rosacea, and even the sub-microbial dose has potential to alter systemic mucosa flora. Here, we present a randomized controlled trial using RNA sequencing to fully characterize the impact of sub-microbial antibiotic dosing of doxycycline on antimicrobial resistance and bacterial composition of the ocular and gut flora.
Methods
In a triple-masked parallel randomized control trial, patients with ocular rosacea will be distributed to three arms: a 40 mg dose of doxycycline, a 200 mg antibiotic dose of doxycycline, or placebo. Collected rectal and lower eyelid samples will be compared for frequency of antimicrobial resistance genetic determinants and microbiome diversity. A subjective ocular surface disease index survey and objective tear breakup time measurement will be determined.
Discussion
These results will enhance our understanding of the overall systemic impact of long term systemic sub-microbial antibiotic dosing for the treatment of chronic recurrent ocular inflammatory diseases.
Trial registration:
This trial was registered on clinicaltrials.org (NCT05296837) on March 22, 2022.
Economic Openness, Institutional Quality and Economic Growth in Nigeria.
Authors: Adetokunbo Abiodun , Iddey Yusuf
Published: September 2022

Economic openness has been argued to be an enabler of growth when supported with appropriate policies. This study investigates the effects of economic openness on economic growth in Nigeria. It also assesses the role of institutions in enabling the relationship between economic openness and economic growth. Using annual series, vector error correction model and causality test, the study shows that economic openness have positive but insignificant effect on economic growth. With the inclusion of institutional quality, the relationship between economic (trade and financial) openness and economic growth shows weak significance, however with negative effect. The implication of these findings is that activities put in place to ensure free flow of goods and services and capital inflows have not contributed significantly to economic growth. Furthermore, efforts to ensure government effectiveness have not fully translated into ensuring improved economic growth and current quality of institution might not necessarily ensure a stronger economic openness-economic growth nexus. The study recommends improved flows of goods and services with special focus on import reduction and export promotion and also recommends the promotion of stronger and quality institutions that is able to make relevant trade and financial liberalization policies that will not distort but improve economic growth significantly.
Consistent Comparison of Symptom-based Methods for COVID-19 Infection Detection
Authors: Rufino Jesús , Ramirez Juan , Baquero Carlos , Champati Jaya , Frey Davide , Lillo Rosa , Anta Antonio Fernandez
Published: September 2022

Multiple COVID-19 diagnosis methods based on information collected from patients have been proposed during the global pandemic crisis, with the aim of providing medical staff with quick diagnosis tools to efficiently plan and manage the limited healthcare resources. In general, these methods have been developed to detect COVID-19 positive cases from a particular combination of reported symptoms, and have been evaluated using datasets extracted from different studies with different characteristics. On the other hand, the University of Maryland, in partnership with Facebook, launched the Global COVID-19 Trends and Impact Survey (UMD-CTIS), the largest health surveillance tool to date that has collected information from 114 countries/territories since April 2020. This survey captured various individual features including gender, age groups, self-reported symptoms, isolation measures, and mental health status, among others. In this paper, we compare the performance of different proposed COVID-19 diagnosis methods using the information collected by UMD-CTIS, for the years 2020 and 2021, in five countries: Brazil, Canada, Germany, Japan, and South Africa. The evaluation of these methods with homogeneous data across countries and years provides a solid and consistent comparison among them.
Short-term outcomes of catheter-related bloodstream infection in patients admitted to the emergency department: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Ahn Hyun Min , Kim June-sung , Park Min Gul , Hwang Jeongeun , Kim Won Young , Seo Dong Woo
Published: September 2022

Central line-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) is a common complication during hospital admissions; however, there is insufficient data regarding CRBSI in the emergency department. Therefore, we evaluated the incidence and clinical impact of CRBSI using a single-center retrospective study to analyze medical data of 2189 adult patients (median age: 65 years, 58.8% males) who underwent central line insertion in ED from 2013 to 2015. CRBSI was defined if the same pathogens were identified at peripheral and catheter tips or the differential time to positivity was > 2 hours. CRBSI-related in-hospital mortality and risk factors were evaluated. CRBSI occurred in 80 patients (3.7%), of which 51 survived and 29 died; those with CRBSI had higher incidence of subclavian vein insertion, and retry rates. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most common pathogen, followed by Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecium, and Escherichia coli. Using multivariate analysis, we found that CRBSI development was an independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio: 1.93, 95% confidence intervals: 1.19–3.14, p < 0.01). Therefore, CRBSI after central line insertion in the emergency department is fairly common and associated with poor outcomes. Infection prevention and management measures to reduce CRBSI incidence are essential to improve clinical outcomes.
Study to compare the Possible Efficacy and Safety of casirivimab and imdevimab combination versus standard antiviral therapy in hospitalized COVID-19 patients
Authors: Hassan Ahmed H. , Hegazy Sahar K. , Radwan Smar T.
Published: September 2022

Introduction:
Corona Virus induced disease – 2019 (COVID-19) disaster motivates scientific research to find a settling to this pandemic. With ending of 2021 year, various advances in immunotherapy against COVID-19 have emerged.
Regarding antiviral therapy, Casirivimab and imdevimab antibody combination is a type of new immunotherapy against COVID-19. Other antiviral therapy against COVID-19 includes Remdesivir and Favipravir.
Aim of Study:
To compare the efficacy and safety of casirivimab and imdevimab, Remdesivir and Favipravir as antiviral agents in hospitalized COVID19 patients.
Patients and Population:
265 COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) positive patients are included in this study and will be assigned into 3 groups in a ratio of (1:2:2):
1- Group A: REGN3048-3051
2-group B: Remdesivir
3-group C: Favipravir
Methods:
Study design is single blind non-Randomized Controlled Trial (non-RCT). The duration of study is about 6 months after ethical approval.
Results and discussion:
Casirivimab and imedivimab achieves less 28-day mortality rate, less mortality at hospital discharge, more negative swab cases than Remdesivir and Favipravir.
Conclusion:
the results show that Group A (Casirivimab & imedivimab) achieves more favorable clinical outcomes than B (remdesivir) & C (favipravir) groups.
Mosaicism detection and impact in eye development anomalies
Authors: Plaisancié Julie , Chesneau Bertrand , Ivashchenko Véronique , Habib Christophe , Gaston Véronique , Escudié Frédéric , Morel Godelieve , Capri Yline , Vincent-Delorme Cathrine , Calvas Patrick , Chassaing Nicolas
Published: September 2022

Micro-anophthalmia and Coloboma (MAC) form a spectrum of congenital eye malformations responsible for severe visual impairment. Despite the exploration of hundreds of genes by High-Throughput Sequencing (HTS), most of the patients remain without genetic diagnosis. One explanation could be the not yet demonstrated involvement of somatic mosaicism (undetected by conventional analysis pipelines) in those patients. Furthermore, the proportion of parental germline mosaicism in presumed de novo variations is still unknown in ocular malformations. Thus, using dedicated bioinformatics pipeline designed to detect mosaic variants, we reanalyzed the sequencing data obtained from a 119 ocular development genes panel performed on blood samples of 78 probands with sporadic MAC without genetic diagnosis. Using the same HTS strategy, we sequenced the asymptomatic parents of 41 probands carrying a disease-causing variant in an ocular development gene considered de novo after direct Sanger sequencing of both parents. Reanalysis of previously sequenced data did not find any mosaic variant in probands without genetic diagnosis. However, HTS of parents revealed undetected SOX2 and PAX6 mosaic variants in two parents. Finally, this work, performed on two large cohorts of patients with MAC spectrum or their parents, provides for the first time an overview of the interest of looking for mosaicism in ocular development disorders. Somatic mosaicism does not appear to be frequent in MAC spectrum and might explain only few diagnoses. Thus, other approaches such as whole genome sequencing should be considered in those patients. Parental mosaicism is however not that rare (around 5%) and challenging for genetic counselling.
Effects of Surface Irradiation on the Performance of CdZnTe-based Nuclear Detectors
Authors: Babalola Stephen O , Bolotnikov Aleksey , Camarda Giuseppe , Muntele Claudiu
Published: September 2022

CdZnTe (CZT) has emerged as a viable material for room temperature radiation detection applications in both bulk and pixelated configurations, however In this work we have modified CZT crystal surface, and hence the metal-semiconductor interface, by irradiating the surface with Yb 3+ ions at 5 MeV. At this energy we obtained ion implantation depth of ~1 micron and 0.05 ppm doping concentration by implanting 10 17 Yb ions per cm 3 of CZT crystal. We compared the characteristic properties and performance of the detector before and after ion irradiation. The resistivity of the bulk CdZnTe was found to be 2.45 x 10 10 ohm-cm. We employed low energy synchrotron X-rays to generate detector response map of both irradiated and non-irradiated regions of the CZT crystal. We observed non-uniform detector response in the irradiated regions. We also compared the response of both irradiated and non-irradiated CZT detectors to 241 Am. The irradiation process caused near-surface damages, which has little effect on the total active volume of the detector.
Valorization of Polypropylene Fibers to Improve the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Concrete and Mortars
Authors: Noufid Abdelhamid , Hidar Nadia , Feddaoui M’barek , Elafi Mohamed
Published: September 2022

Green construction, also called sustainable construction or green construction, offers various possibilities in order to reduce the ecological impact of buildings. The use of factory waste in construction is a means of recovering this waste and also a method of protecting the environment, more precisely against the harmful effects on flora and fauna. In this work, we study the reuse and recovery of waste polypropylene fibers which are wastes from factories manufacturing furniture products. The objective of this work is the valuation of polypropylene fibers in the manufacture of concretes and mortars. The aim is to investigate the impact of adding polypropylene fibers to the concrete and mortar in order to improve the mechanical properties. In order to measure the compressive and tensile strengths of concrete at ages of 3 days, 7 days and 28 days and the characteristics of adhesion of the mortar. The results obtained are compared with an ordinary concrete and mortar. According to this study an optimal addition of the polypropylene fibers allows an increase in the mechanical characteristics of the concretes and the mortars. This increase can reach 12% of the compressive strength at the age of 28 days. In order to enhance this work, we will try to compare the results with thorough research that has been carried out.
Machine learning–based construction of a clinical prediction model for hypercapnia during one-lung ventilation for lung surgery
Authors: Fan Yiwei , Ye Ting , Huang Tingting , Xiao Huaping
Published: September 2022

In this study, we developed a clinical prediction model for hypercapnia during one-lung ventilation for lung surgery by machine learning. We analyzed the cases and intraoperative blood gases of 348 patients who had undergone lung surgery at Jiangxi Cancer Hospital from November 2019 to June 2021. We analyzed the factors that independently influence hypercapnia during one-lung ventilation for lung surgery by selecting the best variables through a combination of random forest and logistic regression stepwise selection (Step AIC). Thereafter, we used these factors to construct logistic regression models and a nomogram. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to measure the predictive accuracy of the nomogram and its component variables, and the predictive probabilities of the nomogram were compared and calibrated by calibration curves. We used bootstrap to verify the internal validation method to judge the reliability of the model, and we employed decision curve analysis (DCA) for clinical decision analysis. The independent influencing factors for hypercapnia during one-lung ventilation for lung surgery were age, gender, and one-lung ventilation position. We established the hypercapnia during one-lung ventilation for lung surgery logistic regression model: −5.421 + 0.047 × age + 1.8 × gender (=1) + 0.625 × one-lung ventilation position (=1). The prediction accuracy probability of the nomogram is 0.7457 (95% confidence interval [0.6916, 0.7998]). The prediction model showed good agreement between the calibration curve and the ideal predicted value, and bootstrap internal validation showed the area under the curve was 0.745 and the C-index was 0.742. DCA indicated that the model has some clinical value. In this study, three independent influences on hypercapnia during one-lung ventilation were established. We constructed an individualized model for predicting hypercapnia during one-lung ventilation for pulmonary surgery, as well as the first internally validated predictive model and nomogram for hypercapnia during one-lung ventilation for pulmonary surgery, both of which have good predictive and calibration properties and can provide some clinical guidance value.
Long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on five mental and psychological disorders: in terms of the number of disease visits, drug consumption, and scale scores.
Authors: Zhu Hanyu , Guo Yimo , Pan Zhiming , Wang Yan , Zhang Mengli , Zhu Ruhuang , Li Zhangping , Wang Zhen
Published: September 2022

Background:COVID-19 caused mild to severe infections in humans. The long-term epidemic environment harms people's mental health. To explore the impact of the epidemic on people's mental and psychological conditions, we surveyed in Wenzhou.
Methods: We collected the data of people who visited the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University for five types of mental and psychological diseases from January 2018 to December 2021. Then, taking December 2019 as the cut-off point, the 48-month data were divided into the pre-epidemic group and the dur-epidemic group. Based on the above data, statistical analysis was done.
Results: From 2018 to 2021, the number of initial diagnoses, the number of disease visits, and drug consumption for these five types of mental and psychological diseases were all on the rise. Compared with the number of disease visits for all disorders in both psychiatry and neurology departments, it was found that the growth rate of these five diseases was higher than the growth rate of all disorders. We found that the number of disease visits, drug consumption, and scale scores after the COVID-19 outbreak were significantly different from those before the outbreak (P<0.05). And the number of disease visits positively correlated with drug consumption (P<0.0001, r=0.9503), which verified the stability of the data.
Conclusion: The epidemic environment has had a long-term and negative impact on people's mental and psychological conditions. Therefore, whether or not the epidemic is receding, we still need to be concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on mental and psychological health.
NNMT-LOX-FAK axis orchestrates the intergrowth of fibroblasts and tumor cells in oral squamous cell carcinoma: evidence from the patient-derived assembled organoids
Authors: Shang Zhengjun , Zhao Hui , Li Rui , Chen Yang , Yang Xiao
Published: September 2022

Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) has been reported to link with the methylation reprogramming in cancer cells. However, the role of NNMT in tumor microenvironment (TME) remained elusive. Here, we found that the expression of NNMT was elevated in the stroma of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Using a fibroblast-attached organoids (FAOs) model, we found that the stromal NNMT expression contributed to the generation of assembled tumor organoids. In tumor regeneration assay with co-implanted OSCC cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the tumor-initiating activity was reduced when NNMT in CAFs was silenced. On the contrary, overexpression of NNMT in paracancerous fibroblasts (PFs) accelerated the tumor growth in co-inoculation experiments. Of note, the fibroblast-specific NNMT can regulate the type I collagen deposition in both FAOs and xenograft. Further investigations confirmed that the stromal NNMT-aggravated oncogenic properties were attenuated by treatment with inhibitors targeting either the type I collagen synthesis (e.g. losartan, tranilast, halofuginone), or the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signal (i.e. defactinib). Mechanistically, overexpression of NNMT reduced the enrichment of H3K27me3 at the promoter of gene encoding lysyl oxidase (LOX), a key enzyme that regulates cross-link formation of type I collagen. Overall, we propose that NNMT-LOX-FAK axis is essential for the intergrowth of cancer cells and fibroblasts during OSCC development, and the NNMT-centric extracellular matrix remodeling is supposed to be a novel therapeutic target for patients with OSCC.
Adverse perinatal outcomes associated with prenatal exposure to protease- inhibitor-based versus non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-based antiretroviral combinations in pregnant women with HIV infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Saint-Lary Laura , Benevent Justine , Damase-Michel Christine , Vayssière Christophe , Leroy Valériane , Sommet Agnès
Published: September 2022

Background: About 1.3 million pregnant women lived with HIV and were eligible to receive antiretroviral therapy (ART) worldwide in 2021. The World Health Organization recommends protease inhibitors (PI)-based regimen as second or third-line during pregnancy. With remaining pregnant women exposed to PIs, there is still an interest to assess whether this treatment affects perinatal outcomes. Adverse perinatal outcomes after prenatal exposure to PI-based ART remain conflicting: some studies report an increased risk of preterm birth (PTB) and low-birth-weight (LBW), while others do not find these results. We assessed adverse perinatal outcomes associated with prenatal exposure to PI-based compared with non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase (NNRTI)-based ART.
Methods: We performed a systematic review searching PubMed, Reprotox, Clinical Trial Registry (clinicaltrials.gov) and abstracts of HIV conferences between 01/01/2002 and 29/10/2021. We used Oxford and Newcastle-Ottawa scales to assess the methodological quality. Studied perinatal outcomes were spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, congenital abnormalities, PTB (<37 weeks of gestation), very preterm birth (VPTB, <32 weeks of gestation), LBW (<2500 grs), very low-birth-weight (VLBW, <1500g), small for gestational age (SGA) and very small for gestational age (VSGA). The association between prenatal exposure to PI-based compared to NNRTI-based ART was measured for each adverse perinatal outcome using random-effect meta-analysis to estimate pooled relative risks (RR) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Pre-specified analyses were stratified according to country income and study quality assessment, and summarized when homogeneous.
Results: Out of the 49,171 citations identified, our systematic review included 32 published studies, assessing 45,427 pregnant women. There was no significant association between prenatal exposure to PIs compared to NNRTIs for VPTB, LBW, SGA, stillbirth, and congenital abnormalities. However, it was inconclusive for PTB, and PI-based ART is significantly associated with an increased risk of VSGA (sRR 1.41 [1.08-1.84]; I2=0%) compared to NNRTIs.
Conclusions: We did not report any significant association between prenatal exposure to PIs vs NNRTIs-based regimens for most of the adverse perinatal outcomes, except for VSGA significantly increased (+41%). The evaluation of antiretroviral exposure on pregnancy outcomes remains crucial to fully assess the benefice-risk balance, when prescribing ART in women of reproductive potential with HIV.
PROSPERO number: CRD42022306896.
Interleukin-18-primed human umbilical cord-mesenchymal stem cells achieve superior therapeutic efficacy for severe viral pneumonia via enhancing T-cell immunosuppression
Authors: Cai Cheguo , Liao Yan , Fu Zeqin , Huang Yinfu , Wu Shiduo , Wang Zhen , Ye Shaotang , Zeng Weijie , Zeng Guifang , Li Duanduan , Yang Yulin , Pei Ke , Yang Jian , Hu Zhiwei , Liang Xiao , Hu Junyuan , Liu Muyun
Published: September 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treatments are still urgently needed for critically and severely ill patients. Human umbilical cord-mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) infusion has therapeutic benefits in COVID-19 patients; however, uncertain therapeutic efficacy has been reported in severe patients. In this study, we selected an appropriate cytokine, IL-18, based on the special cytokine expression profile in severe pneumonia of mice induced by H1N1virus to prime hUC-MSCsin vitroand improve the therapeutic effect of hUC-MSCsin vivo.In vitro, we demonstrated that IL-18-primed hUC-MSCs (IL18-hUCMSC) have higher proliferative ability than non-primed hUC-MSCs (hUCMSCcon), and there was no significant difference in their migration capacity. In addition, VCAM-1, MMP-1, TGF-β1, and some chemokines (CCL2 and CXCL12, for example) are more highly expressed in IL18-hUCMSCs. We found that IL18-hUCMSC significantly enhanced the immunosuppressive effect on CD3+T-cells.In vivo, we demonstrated that IL18-hUCMSC infusion could reduce the body weight loss caused by a viral infection and significantly improve the survival rate. Of note, IL18-hUCMSC can also significantly attenuate certain clinical symptoms, including reduced activity, ruffled fur, hunched backs, and lung injuries. Pathologically, IL18-hUCMSC transplantation significantly enhanced the inhibition of inflammation, viral load, fibrosis, and cell apoptosis in acute lung injuries. Notably, IL18-hUCMSC treatment has a superior inhibitory effect on T-cell exudation and proinflammatory cytokine secretion in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Altogether, IL-18 is a promising cytokine that can prime hUC-MSCs to improve the efficacy of precision therapy against viral-induced pneumonia, such as COVID-19.
Predictors of subclinical atherosclerosis in HIV
Authors: Soto Julia Fernández , Romero-Jiménez Manuel Jesús , García José Carlos Alarcón , Estruch Elena Bonet , Ramos José Luís Sánchez , López Miguel Ángel Castaño
Published: September 2022

Background: Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in HIV patients.
The detection of subclinical atherosclerosis through vascular ultrasound allows us to identify patients at increased risk of cardiovascular disease as a primary prevention strategy; this test is not routine.
Our objective is to determine predictors of subclinical atherosclerosis in a population with HIV.
Methods: Patients with HIV infection were selected in primary prevention and underwent carotid and femoral ultrasound to detect atheromatous plaques. Logistic regression analysis was performed including vascular risk factors to predict the presence of atherosclerosis.
Results: One hundred eighty-three patients were included. Subclinical atherosclerosis was present in 62.29% of the patients; 83.32% had plaque in the carotid territory, 57.93% in the femoral territory and 25.6% in both vascular territories. Compared to those without atherosclerosis, patients with atherosclerosis were on average 5.35 years older (53.86 vs. 48.51, p<0.001) and had a higher prevalence of smoking (63.23% vs. 39.12%, p=0.020) and a CD4/CD8 ratio below 0.7 (44.23% vs. 29.02%, p=0.043). A CD4/CD8 ratio lower than 0.3 was always associated with subclinical atherosclerosis (95% CI: 83.9-100%).
Inclusion of smoking, CD4/CD8 ratio and age in the logistic regression analysis led to a diagnostic yield of 72% measured by the area under the ROC curve (95% CI: 64-80%).
Conclusions: Tobacco use, age and a CD4/CD8 ratio lower than 0.7 allow prediction of the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis in primary prevention.
A CD4/CD8 ratio below 0.3 was diagnostic of atherosclerosis in HIV patients in primary prevention.
Trial registration
Not applicable
DRIFT spectroscopic determination of clay and organic matter in sediment by mixed soil-sediment calibration approach
Authors: Jović Branislav , Maletić Snežana , Kordić Branko , Beljin Jelena
Published: September 2022

Bioavailability and movement of pollutants through land and underground flows are strongly related to some of the sediment characteristics, such as clay minerals and organic matter. Therefore, the determination of clay and organic matter content in sediment is of great importance for environmental monitoring. Clay and organic matter in sediment were determined using diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) spectroscopy in combination with multivariate analysis methods. Sediment from different depths was used in combination with the soil samples of different texture. Using multivariate methods and DRIFT spectra, sediments from different depths were successfully grouped according to similarity to different texture soils. Also, a quantitative analysis of clay and organic matter content was performed, where a new calibration approach was used in which sediment samples combined with soil samples were used for principal component regression (PCR) calibration. PCR models for the assessment of clay and organic matter were determined for a total of (57 sediment samples and 32 soil samples) and satisfactory determination coefficients were obtained for linear models (0.7136 for clay and 0.7062 for organic matter). The obtained RPD values for both models gave very satisfactory values of 1.9 for clay i.e., 1.8 for organic matter.