bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison between the Hamiltonian Monte Carlo method and the Metropolis-Hastings method for coseismic fault model estimation
Authors: Yamada Taisuke , Ohno Keitaro , Ohta Yusaku
Published: February 2022

A rapid source fault estimation and quantitative assessment of the uncertainty of the estimated model can elucidate the occurrence mechanism of earthquakes and inform disaster damage mitigation. The Bayesian statistical method that addresses the posterior distribution of unknowns is significant for uncertainty assessment. Particularly, the Metropolis-Hastings (M-H) method, a kind of the Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method, generally has many applications, including cosesimic fault estimation. However, this method exhibits a trade-off between the transition distance and the acceptance ratio of parameter transition candidates and requires a long mixing time, particularly in solving high-dimensional problems. This necessitates a more efficient Bayesian method. In this study, we developed a fault estimation algorithm using the Hamiltonian Monte Carlo (HMC) method, which is generally considered to be more efficient than the other MCMC method but not sufficiently feasible, to estimate the coseismic fault for the first time. HMC can conduct sampling more intelligently with the gradient information of the posterior distribution. We applied our algorithm to the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake (Mj 7.3), and its sampling converged in \(2\times {10}^{4}\) chains, including \(1\times {10}^{3}\) burn-in chains. The estimated models satisfactorily accounted for the input data; the variance reduction was approximately 88 %, and th estimated fault parameters and event magnitude were consistent with those reported in previous studies. HMC could acquire similar results using only 2 % of the -H chains. Moreover, the power spectral density (PSD) of each model parameter's Markov chain showed that this method exhibited a low correlation with the subsequent sample and a long transition distance per step. These results indicate that HMC has advantages in terms of chain length than M-H, expecting a more efficient estimation for a high-dimensional problem that requires a long mixing time or a problem using non-linear Green's function, which has a large computational cost.
β-Escin Reduces Cancer Progression in TNBC by Inhibiting Glutamine Metabolism Through Downregulation of c-myc.
Authors: Akar Sakine , ALTUNTAŞ Hamiyet , HAMURCU Zuhal
Published: February 2022

The oncogene c-myc, which causes glutamine dependence in TNBC, is also the target of one of the β-Escin affected signaling pathways. We sought to determine how c-myc protein affects glutamine metabolism and proteins ASCT2 and GLS1 in β-Escin-treated MDA-MB-231 cells by glutamine uptake and western blot analysis. We also evaluated cell viability, colony formation, migration and apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells in response to β-Escin treatment using MTS, colonoy forming, wound healing, and Annexin-V assay. We determined that β-Escin decreased glutamine uptake and decreased myc and GLS1 protein expressions, conversially increased the expression of ASCT2. In addition, we determined that this inhibition of glutamine metabolism decreases cell proliferation, colony formation and migration, and induces apoptosis. In this study, it has been revealed that β-Escin inhibits glutamine metabolism through c-myc in MDA-MB-231 cells, by causing a reduce in the carcinogenic properties of the cells as a result of interrupting the energy source of these cells. As a result, β-Escin can be used as a therapeutic agent in glutamine dependent cancers.
The role of carbonaceous materials as water channels in membrane sensors together with acrylate polymerized cyclodextrin, for determination of azoxystrobin in canned food
Authors: Sheta Ahmed I. , Ayad Miriam F. , El-Kosasy Amira M. , Tawakkol Shereen M. , Fayed Ahmed S.
Published: February 2022

Fungicides of huge organic chemical structures may face some hindrance in passage across membranes of ion-selective electrodes. Thus, the invention of passages within the membrane matrix that selectively engulf these compounds, facilitating their transfer through the membrane. Carbonaceous materials of nanosized range showed superior ability in increasing ion transfer in comparison with carbon nanotubes. Their combination with acrylates-polymerized-cyclodextrin as ionophore, created two pathways for large organic molecules across the membrane. Application of both inventions in fabrication of three sensors using carbon nanotubes, graphene quantum dots, and nanographene oxide, enabled trace analysis of azoxystrobin fungicide in ranges (10-12 -10-5, 10-13 -10-4 and 10-13 -10-6 M), respectively, with high selectivity.
α-Synuclein Oligomers Induce the Loss of Dopaminergic Neurons via Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress in an Intragastric Rotenone Mouse Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Huang Teng , Liang Qiming , Hong Mei , Huang Mengyang , Uversky Vladimir N , Pan-Montojo Francisco , Jiang Hong , Chen Juan , Zhou Honglian , Hu Qi
Published: February 2022

α-Synuclein (α-Syn) oligomers play a critical role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). α-Syn oligomers inducing neuronal death are thought to be associated with the mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. A chronic PD mouse model was created by daily intragastric administration of rotenone (5 mg/kg, 12 weeks). We analysed the progression of α-Syn aggregates from the gut to the midbrain together with oxidative stress levels and mitochondrial morphology in neurons of the substantia nigra in these mice. Our results showed that α-Syn oligomers were accumulated in the midbrain of the wild-type mice sequentially. The number of dopaminergic neurons was significantly reduced in the rotenone-treated mice. These mice also showed increased reactive oxygen species levels and morphological alterations of mitochondria in the midbrain. These results were reproduced in the α-Syn-transfected SH-SY5Y cells. Collectively, these findings suggest that α-Syn oligomers induce neuronal death at least in part via mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress.
Effect of liquid column on process stability and weld formation under ultra-high power fiber laser-arc hybrid welding of thick plates
Authors: Li Yan , Geng Shaoning , Gu Siyuan , Huang Dehua , Wang Yilin , Mi Gaoyang , Jiang Ping
Published: February 2022

Liquid column was a common problem in ultra-high power fiber laser-arc hybrid welding (UHLAHW) process, which has an adverse effect on the welding stability and weld formation. Hence, the influence of welding parameters on the behavior of liquid column were investigated systematically, including laser arc recombination process, laser power and welding speed. As a result, the violent rising liquid column under laser was suppressed markedly after arc addition. However, it was hardly to restrain liquid column upturn when laser power was extremely high, because the huge recoil pressure and shear force between metal vapor/plasma and molten pool could increase the upward momentum of melt. Besides, the height of liquid column and volume of spatters were directly influenced by welding speed, due to the welding line energy could significantly influence the flow of melt on the front of keyhole. By optimizing the welding process, the liquid column could be controlled and thus improved the stability. Finally, a sound weld bead with qualified weld formation and 15.82 mm penetration was produced when the laser power was 21 kW and welding speed was 1.2 m/min under UHLAHW process. This work provides technical guidance for achieving stable welding process and qualified weld formation for thick plates.
Long Non-Coding RNAs Roles in Tumorigenesis of Esophageal Carcinoma
Authors: Talebi Samaneh , Kargar Mohammad , jafarinia Mojtaba , Gholamin Mehran
Published: February 2022

Background:Esophageal carcinoma (ESCA) is one of the most common types of cancer. ESCA is accounted for the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. The majority of the patients are diagnosed at late stages of ESCA, with distance metastasis and/or chemoresistance, which lead to a poor prognosis. Previous studies demonstrated lncRNA presentation and roles in ESCA cells and patients tissue. It has been proposed that lncRNAs can be considered as a new prognostic and diagnostic biomarker in ESCA. This study comprehensively explored the interaction of lncRNAs with miRNAs and mRNAs of TCGA database and proposed novel promising biomarker with favorable diagnostic and prognostic values. Methods: The public data of RNA-seq, miR-seq and related clinical data were downloaded from TCGA database. Differential expression analysis was conducted by “limma” in R. GO and KEGG signaling pathway were used for enrichments. STRING database was used for PPI analysis. CE-network was constructed by STAR database in R. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis (log-rank test) and ROC curve analysis to indicate the biomarkers' diagnostic and prognostic values.Results: Differentially expressed data illustrated that 1332 mRNA including 610 upregulated and 722 down-regulated were differentially expressed in ESCA.The GO and KEGG pathway analysis showed that the differentially expressed mRNAs were enriched in critical biological processes. The PPI showed that IGFBP5, ACAN, ADAMTS12, MMP13, and CDH2 were the important PPI hubs. The ceRNA network data demonstrated critical lncRNAs including TMEM16B-AS1, AC093010.3, SNHG3, and PVT1 which have an essential role in ESCA development.The data revealed that the lncRNA WDFY3-AS2, AC108449.2,DLEU2, AC007128.1, and AP003356.1 are potential diagnostic prognostic biomarker in the ESCA patients. Conclusion: Altogether, in our study, we demonstrated lncRNA, miRNA, and mRNA interaction and mentioned regulatory networks, which can be considered as a therapeutic option in ESCA. In addition, we proposed potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for the patients.
The Association Between Triglyceride-glycemic Index and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): a Meta- Analysis
Authors: Wang Yuxiao , Liu Xiaoge , Xiang Yunan , Chen Bicheng , Chen Youli , Zhou Chaoyang
Published: February 2022

Background: Triglyceride-glycemic (TyG) index is proposed to be an alternative tool for evaluating insulin resistance (IR). In recent years, TyG index has emerged as a potential biomarker of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), while its performance is still inconclusive. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the performance of TyG index in the diagnosis of OSA.Method: Systematic literature search through Pubmed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang data until November 17, 2021 was performed to retrieve studies that compared TyG index levels between OSA patients and healthy controls. The mean difference (MD) of TyG index was pooled using random-effect models. Results: Studies included in this meta-analysis uniformly identified increased levels of TyG index in OSA patients compared with control groups, and the pooled variance is 0.43 (95% CI = 0.36-0.50, P < 0.001; I² = 35%, p = 0.19). This finding is particularly reliable in severe OSA patients (MD = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.33-0.46, I² = 0%, p = 0.62). Conclusion: TyG index could be a promising biomarker for OSA, especially severe OSA with readily available and cost-effective evaluation techniques.
The role of silicon on C:N:P stoichiometry and yield of sugar beet under ammonium toxicity
Authors: Viciedo Dilier Olivera , Prado Renato de Mello , Peña Kolima , Calero-Hurtado Alexander , Piccolo Marisa de Cássia , Soares Mariana Bomfim , Lizcano Rodolfo Toledo
Published: February 2022

Most plants develop severe toxicity symptoms when grown on NH4+ as the sole nitrogen source, resulting in physiological and nutritional disturbances that slow vegetable growth. In this scenario of NH4+ stress, it is important to use strategies to mitigate this toxicity, and the use of silicon (Si) has promoted promising results. However, underlying studies on the effects of ammonia toxicity on C:N:P stoichiometric homeostasis and the role of Si in these stoichiometric ratios are lacking. In this study, we investigated the effects of different NH4+ concentration on the C:N:P stoichiometry and yield of sugar beet grown under hydroponic conditions, and examined whether the application of Si can alleviate the detrimental effects caused by toxic levels of NH4+. We conducted a hydroponic experiment to evaluate the effects of five concentrations of ammonium (1, 7.5, 15, 22.5, and 30 mmol L− 1) on C:N:P stoichiometry and yield of sugar beet cv. Early Wonder in the absence and presence (2 mmol L− 1) of Si. The experimental design was a randomized block design based on a 5 × 2 factorial scheme with four replicates. Our results indicate that in presence of Si both [N] and [P] in shoots and roots increased significantly and reaching its highest value at 15 mmol L− 1 of NH4+ in the nutrient solution, while shoot [C] remained stable, in roots increased with NH4+ concentrations of 22.5 and 30 mmol L− 1, respectively. In addition, shoot and root [Si] increased as higher levels of NH4+ in the nutrient solution. Our findings showed that homeostatic instability under highest levels of NH4+, especially in the plants cultivated without Si in the nutritive solution resulted in decreased shoots and roots dry matter production. In conclusion, both NH4+ concentration or Si in presence or absence in the nutrient solution can affect C:N:P stoichiometry of sugar beet.
Fatores que Favorecem e/ou Limitam o Pensamento Integrado na Prática: Uma análise do Conceito, Incorporação e Benefícios apresentados pela Literatura do Relato Integrado
Authors: Bevilaqua Isabelle Caroline , Neumann Marguit , Faia Valter Da Silva
Published: February 2022

O Relato Integrado abrange o ciclo de pensamento e relato integrados, um processo, no qual ambos são reforçados mutuamente. A pesquisa objetiva analisar o conceito, a incorporação e os benefícios do pensamento integrado e identificar os fatores que favorecem e limitam sua ocorrência na prática. Para isso, foi realizada uma pesquisa documental nas bases de periódicos Capes, Emerald Insight, Scielo (Web of Science), Science Direct, Scopus e Willey, com os termos “integrated reporting” e “integrated thinking”, em qualquer campo e sem delimitação temporal, resultando em uma amostra de 45 artigos. Os resultados dos artigos apresentaram divergência em relação ao conceito e incorporação do pensamento integrado. No entanto possibilitaram a elaboração do modelo de conceitualização do pensamento integrado, o qual amplia as discussões sobre o tema e avança com a apresentação de conceitualizações novas e complementares. Foram identificados dez fatores que impulsionam a adoção do pensamento integrado e onze fatores que limitam o pensamento integrado, dos quais formulou-se seis proposições. O estudo contribui com a literatura do Relato Integrado ao identificar os fatores e formular as proposições que podem ser utilizadas por estudos empíricos futuros e com a discussão dos desafios que abrangem o tema. Quanto à contribuição prática, as descobertas do estudo são relevantes, pois apresenta a classificação geral do pensamento integrado e os benefícios proporcionados pela sua adoção, ampliando a compreensão dos gestores quanto aos conceitos do pensamento integrado e com possíveis cenários para o desenvolvimento do relato e do pensamento integrado na prática.
Influence of different iron sources on Sb(III) removal from water by active iron-oxidizing bacteria and its mechanism
Authors: Li Yongchao , Liu Jialing , Mo Zhonggeng , Li Liyuan
Published: February 2022

Iron-oxidizing bacteria played an important role in the treatment of Sb-containing wastewater. In this study, effect of different iron sources on Sb(III) removal ability by isolated iron-oxidizing bacteria (named as IOB-L) was conducted systemically in batch experiment. Moreover, ferrous lactate and zero-valent iron were chosen as iron sources for IOB-L. The results showed that after inoculation of 2% volume of IOB-L, Sb(III) concentration in water decreased from initial 18 mg/L to 4.1 mg/L at optimal pH of 7.0. There was no reaction between Sb(III) and ferrous lactate, whereas corrosion product of iron can adsorb a certain amount of Sb. When active IOB-L cultivated in ferrous lactate, a better removal rate of Sb(III) can be reached with a longer stagnate phase for bacteria. However, Sb(III) removal ability of IOB-L using zero-valent iron as iron source was lower. SEM-EDS, FTIR, and XPS analysis further indicated that ferrous lactate was oxidized by IOB-L and precipitated as biogenic iron oxides which had strong adsorption ability towards Sb(III), whereas zero-valent iron was not a good iron source.
Elucidating the Role of Cardiac Biomarkers in COVID-19: A Narrative
Evaluation with Clinical Standpoints and a Pragmatic Approach for Therapeutics
Authors: Mukherjee Sukhes , Ray Suman Kumar , Kotnis Ashwin , Kanwar Jagat R
Published: February 2022

With the incidence of the unabated spreading of the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease
2019) pandemic with an increase in heart-related complications in COVID-19 patients, laboratory
investigations on general health and diseases of heart have greater importance. The production of a
higher level of clots in the blood in COVID-19 individuals carries a high risk of severe lethal
pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, or widespread thromboembolism. The COVID-19 pandemic has
raised awareness regarding the severe consequences for the cardiac system that might cause due to
severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (SARS-CoV-2). COVID-19 causes acute respiratory
distress syndrome (ARDS), acute myocardial infarction, venous thromboembolism, and acute heart
failure in people with preexisting cardiac illness. However, as COVID-19 is primarily a respiratory
infectious disease, there is still a lot of debate on whether and how cardiac biomarkers should be
used in COVID-19 patients. Considering the most practical elucidation of cardiac biomarkers in
COVID-19, it is important to note that recent findings on the prognostic role of cardiac biomarkers
in COVID-19 patients are similar to those found in pneumonia and ARDS studies. The use of natriuretic
peptides and cardiac troponin concentrations as quantitative variables should help with
COVID-19/pneumonia risk classification and ensure that these biomarkers sustain their high diagnostic
precision for acute myocardial infarction and heart failure. Serial assessment of D-dimers
will possibly aid clinicians in the assortment of patients for venous thromboembolism imaging in
addition to the increase of anticoagulation from preventive to marginally higher or even therapeutic
dosages because of the central involvement of endothelitis and thromboembolism in COVID-19.
Therefore, cardiac biomarkers are produced in this phase because of some pathological processes;
this review will focus on major cardiac biomarkers and their significant role in COVID-19.
Synthesis and Characterization of Selenium Containing Schiff Bases: The
Selenosemicarbazones
Authors: Kshirsagar Anuraj S. , Khanna Pawan Kumar
Published: February 2022

Background:

Many organoselenium compounds are well known for their applications in
various fields. However, some of the organoselenium compounds, like selenosemicarbazones, due to
difficulties in their synthesis are not much explored. Herein, we present the synthesis and characterization
of five different new selenosemicarbazones.

Objective:

The study aimed to carry out the synthesis and characterization of novel selenosemicarbazones,
a type of Schiff bases.

Methods:

Selenosemicarbazones are synthesized in a single step, i.e., acid-catalyzed condensation reaction
between ketones and hydrazine hydrate in the presence of potassium selenocyanate (KSeCN).

Results:

Butyrophenone, 4-phenyl 2-butanone, 2-acetonaphthone, 4-nitroacetophenone and menthone
were reacted with in-situ generated selenosemicarbazide, which led to the formation of respective selenosemicarbazones.
These organoselenium derivatives of Schiff bases have been characterized by
mass spectrometry, proton, carbon and selenium NMR.

Conclusion:

The yields of synthesized butyrophenone, 4-phenyl 2-butanone, 2-acetonaphthone, 4-
nitroacetophenone, and menthone selenosemicarbazones varied in between 44 to 65%. The synthesis
strategy involved one-pot synthesis of selenosemicarbazone without isolation of toxic selenosemicarbazide.
Long COVID Optimal Health Program (LC-OHP) to Enhance Psychological and Physical Health: Protocol for a Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Al-Jabr Hiyam , Windle Karen , Thompson David R , Jenkins Zoe M , Castle David J , Ski Chantal F
Published: February 2022

Background

Long COVID is a collection of symptoms that develop during or following a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19, which continue for more than 12 weeks. Despite the negative impact of long COVID on people’s lives and functioning, there is no validated treatment or even rehabilitation guidance. What has been recommended thus far is the adoption of holistic management approaches. The Optimal Health Program (OHP) is a brief 5-session, plus booster, psychosocial program designed to support mental and physical well-being that has been used effectively for a range of chronic conditions.

Objective

This study examines the feasibility and acceptability of employing an especially customized version of OHP (long COVID OHP [LC-OHP]) to improve psychological and physical health of people with long COVID.

Methods

This is a feasibility randomized controlled trial that will be running from November 2021 to February 2023. Eligible participants aged 18 years or older who are experiencing symptoms of long COVID will be identified through their secondary practitioners with recruitment to be undertaken by the research team. A total of 60 participants will be randomized into a control (usual care) or an intervention (LC-OHP) group. Outcomes will be feasibility and acceptability of the program (primary); and efficacy of the LC-OHP in improving anxiety, depression, fatigue, self-efficacy, and quality of life (secondary). Up to 20 participants will be interviewed at the end of the trial to explore their experience with the program. Quantitative data will be analyzed using SPSS, and differences between groups will be compared using inferential tests where appropriate. Qualitative data will be transcribed and thematically analyzed to identify common emerging themes.

Results

This is an ongoing study, which began in November 2021.

Conclusions

Long COVID has a significant impact on an individual’s mental and physical functioning. The LC-OHP has a potential to provide people living with long COVID with additional support and to improve self-efficacy. The findings of this study would identify the feasibility of delivering this program to this population and will provide an indication for the program’s effectiveness.

Trial Registration

ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN38746119; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN38746119

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/36673
The Impact of Long COVID-19 on Mental Health: Observational 6-Month Follow-Up Study (Preprint)
Authors: Houben-Wilke Sarah , Goërtz Yvonne MJ , Delbressine Jeannet M , Vaes Anouk W , Meys Roy , Machado Felipe VC , van Herck Maarten , Burtin Chris , Posthuma Rein , Franssen Frits ME , Vijlbrief Herman , Spies Yvonne , van 't Hul Alex J , Spruit Martijn A , Janssen Daisy JA
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

The psychological impact of COVID-19 can be substantial. However, knowledge about long-term psychological outcomes in patients with COVID-19 is scarce.

OBJECTIVE

In this longitudinal, observational study, we aimed to reveal symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and symptoms of anxiety and depression up to 6 months after the onset of COVID-19–related symptoms in patients with confirmed COVID-19 and persistent complaints. To demonstrate the impact in nonhospitalized patients, we further aimed to compare these outcomes between nonhospitalized and hospitalized patients.

METHODS

Demographics, symptoms of PTSD (Trauma Screening Questionnaire [TSQ] ≥6 points) and symptoms of anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS] ≥8 points) were assessed at 3 and 6 months after the onset of COVID-19–related symptoms in members of online long COVID-19 peer support groups.

RESULTS

Data from 239 patients with confirmed COVID-19 (198/239, 82.8% female; median age: 50 [IQR 39-56] years) were analyzed. At the 3-month follow-up, 37.2% (89/239) of the patients had symptoms of PTSD, 35.6% (85/239) had symptoms of anxiety, and 46.9% (112/239) had symptoms of depression, which remained high at the 6-month follow-up (64/239, 26.8%, P=.001; 83/239, 34.7%, P=.90; 97/239, 40.6%, P=.08, respectively; versus the 3-month follow-up). TSQ scores and HADS anxiety and depression scores were strongly correlated at the 3- and 6-month follow-ups (r=0.63-0.71, P<.001). Symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression were comparable between hospitalized (n=62) and nonhospitalized (n=177) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

A substantial percentage of patients with confirmed COVID-19 and persistent complaints reported symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, or depression 3 and 6 months after the onset of COVID-19–related symptoms. The prevalence rates of symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression were comparable between hospitalized and nonhospitalized patients and merely improved over time. Health care professionals need to be aware of these psychological complications and intervene on time in post-COVID-19 patients with persistent complaints.

CLINICALTRIAL

Netherlands Trial Register NTR8705; https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/8705.
A Nurse-Led Multimedia Intervention to Increase Patient Participation in Recovery After Knee Arthroplasty: Hybrid Type II Implementation Study (Preprint)
Authors: McDonall Jo , Redley Bernice , Livingston Patricia , Hutchinson Ana , de Steiger Richard , Botti Mari
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Advances in digital technology and the use of multimedia platforms to deliver information provide clinicians with a unique opportunity to develop innovative ways to consistently provide high-quality, accessible, and evidence-based information to support patient participation. Introducing new technologies into everyday acute care clinical practice can be difficult.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this paper was to provide a description of an implementation strategy and the subsequent evaluation undertaken to examine the contextual factors important to the successful adoption of new technology by nurses in the context of acute postoperative care.

METHODS

Implementation of the intervention and process evaluation was undertaken in 3 phases: phase 1, preimplementation stakeholder engagement and identification of barriers and enablers to implementation; phase 2, supported implementation of the intervention; and phase 3, evaluation of uptake, usability, and acceptability of the intervention in clinical practice.

RESULTS

The outcomes of the implementation of the multimedia intervention in the context of acute postoperative care were positive. Of the 104 patients in the intervention group, 103 (99%) received the intervention. All 103 patients completed the 8-item intervention questionnaire and 93.3% (97/103) were interviewed on day 3 to evaluate usability, uptake, and acceptability. Of these 97 patients, almost all (n=94, 91%) found the program easy to use and most (n=64, 62%) could view the MyStay Total Knee Replacement program as often as they wanted. The findings also suggest that the time to implement the program was minimal (5-10 minutes). Collaboration with nurses and patients before and during implementation to identify potential barriers to successful implementation of the intervention was essential to develop timely strategies to overcome these barriers. To ensure end-user engagement, careful consideration was given to nurses’ views on who was responsible for facilitating this intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings provide evidence that the structured implementation of the multimedia intervention was robust and successful in terms of patient participant recruitment and application; however, it was difficult to assess the level of engagement by nurse clinicians with the program.

CLINICALTRIAL

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN12614000340639; https://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?ACTRN=12614000340639
The Effect of Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation With Cognitive Training on Executive Brain Function in Individuals With Dementia: Protocol for a Crossover Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Jacobson Natasha , Lithgow Brian , Jafari Jozani Mohammad , Moussavi Zahra
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Although memory and cognitive declines are associated with normal brain aging, they may also be precursors to dementia.

OBJECTIVE

We aim to offer a novel approach to prevent or slow the progress of neurodegenerative dementia, or plausibly, improve the cognitive functions of individuals with dementia.

METHODS

We will recruit and enroll 75 participants (older than 50 years old with either mild cognitive impairment or probable early or moderate dementia) for this double-blind randomized controlled study to estimate the efficacy of active transcranial alternating current stimulation with cognitive treatment (in comparison with sham transcranial alternating current stimulation). This will be a crossover study; a cycle consists of sham or active treatment for a period of 4 weeks (5 days per week, in two 30-minute sessions with a half-hour break in between), and participants are randomized into 2 groups, with stratification by age, sex, and cognitive level (measured with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment). Outcomes will be assessed before and after each treatment cycle. The primary outcomes are changes in Wechsler Memory Scale Older Adult Battery and Alzheimer Disease Assessment Scale scores. Secondary outcomes are changes in performance on tests of frontal lobe functioning (verbal fluency), neuropsychiatric symptoms (Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire), mood changes (Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale), and short-term recall (visual 1-back task). Exploratory outcome measures will also be assessed: static and dynamic vestibular response using electrovestibulography, neuronal changes using functional near-infrared spectroscopy, and change in spatial orientation using virtual reality navigation.

RESULTS

As of February 10, 2022, the study is ongoing: 7 patients have been screened, and all were deemed eligible for and enrolled in the study; 4 participants have completed baseline assessments.

CONCLUSIONS

We anticipate that transcranial alternating current stimulation will be a well-tolerated treatment, with no serious side effects and with considerable short- and long-term cognitive improvements.

CLINICALTRIAL

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT05203523; https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT05203523

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/37282
Text Messages Exchanged Between Individuals With Opioid Use Disorder and Their mHealth e-Coaches: Content Analysis Study (Preprint)
Authors: Ranjit Yerina S , Davis Warren M , Fentem Andrea , Riordan Raven , Roscoe Rikki , Cavazos-Rehg Patricia
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Opioid use disorder (OUD) has affected 2.2 million people in the United States. About 7.2 million people reported using illicit drugs in 2019, which contributed to over 70,000 overdose deaths. SMS text messaging interventions have been shown to be effective in OUD recovery. However, the interpersonal communication between individuals in OUD treatment and a support team on digital platforms has not been well examined.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to understand the communication between participants undergoing OUD recovery and their e-coaches by examining the SMS text messages exchanged from the lens of social support and the issues related to OUD treatment.

METHODS

A content analysis of messages exchanged between individuals recovering from OUD and members of a support team was conducted. Participants were enrolled in a mobile health intervention titled “uMAT-R,” a primary feature of which is the ability for patients to instantly connect with a recovery support staff or an “e-coach” via in-app messaging. Our team analyzed dyadic text-based messages of over 12 months. In total, 70 participants’ messages and 1196 unique messages were analyzed using a social support framework and OUD recovery topics.

RESULTS

Out of 70 participants, 44 (63%) were between the ages of 31 and 50 years, 47 (67%) were female, 41 (59%) were Caucasian, and 42 (60%) reported living in unstable housing conditions. An average of 17 (SD 16.05) messages were exchanged between each participant and their e-coach. Out of 1196 messages, 64% (n=766) messages were sent by e-coaches and 36% (n=430) by participants. Messages of emotional support occurred the most, with 196 occurrences (n=9, 0.8%) and e-coaches (n=187, 15.6%). Messages of material support had 110 occurrences (participants: n=8, 0.7%; e-coaches: n=102, 8.5%). With OUD recovery topics, opioid use risk factors appeared in most (n=72) occurrences (patient: n=66, 5.5%; e-coach: n=6, 0.5%), followed by a message of avoidance of drug use 3.9% (n=47), which occurred mainly from participants. Depression was correlated with messages of social support (r=0.27; P=.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with OUD who had mobile health needs tended to engage in instant messaging with the recovery support staff. Participants who are engaged in messaging often engage in conversations around risk factors and avoidance of drug use. Instant messaging services can be instrumental in providing the social and educational support needs of individuals recovering from OUD.
The effect of red cabbage extract to serum MDA levels in rats after maximum physical activity
Authors: Haris Nadia Husna , Nugroho Trilaksana , Utomo Astika Widy , Yora Nindita
Published: February 2022

The maximum physical activity led to generate of free radical levels in the human body called oxidative stress. Red cabbage is well known as the vegetable containing highest anthocyanin among various other head cabbage plants. Anthocyanin is an antioxidant which is proven can prevent oxidative stress through reduction of MDA levels. The study aimed to investigate the effect of red cabbage extract (RCE) on MDA levels in rat after doing maximum physical activity. It was a true experimental study with post-test only control group design. Twenty-four male albino Wistar rats were used in this study. The rats were randomly divided into four groups i.e. the rats receiving maximum physical activity without and with RCE administration at dose of 86 mg/kg BW for eight days and the rats not receiving maximum physical activity without and with RCE administration. A swim test was used for maximum physical activity intervention. Serum MDA levels were measured using TBARS method. Data were analysed using one-way Anova followed by post-hoc LSD. A p value <0.005 was considered to be significant. The results showed that the rats treated with RCE both receiving maximum physical activity or not showed significant MDA reduction compared to rats without treated RCE (p=0.011 and p=0.027, respectively). Meanwhile, there was no significant difference in serum MDA levels between rats treated with RCE receiving maximum physical activity and rats not treated with RCE and not receiving maximum physical activity (p=0.540). Supplementation of RCE can reduce serum MDA levels in rats with and without maximum physical activity. Further study to investigate effective dose of RCE is recommended.
Clinical trial and therapeutical progress of COVID-19 treated with remdesivir: A review
Authors: Anna Maria Manullang  , Monia Agni Wiyatami  , Mahulauw Muhammad Azril Hardiman
Published: February 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) that first reported in Wuhan City, China. Most confirmed cases of COVID-19 develop mild, moderate, severe to critical symptoms. One of the therapies given and of concern is remdesivir. Remdesivir is an antiviral with a broad spectrum that has activity against various types of viruses including Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and SARS-CoV. The aim of this review was to evaluate the clinical trial and the therapeutical progress of remdesivir in the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Databases used for this review were Google Scholar, JAMA, PubMed and Science Direct library. The inclusion criteria were covering any literature using remdesivir in clinical studies and COVID-19 therapy published from December 2019 to October 2020. Overall no pattern of laboratory abnormalities and clinically significant changes in vital signs or ECG shifts was observed in patients receiving remdesivir. The decision to use remdesivir in COVID-19 treatment should consider its potential benefits and risks.
Clinical outcomes of retrievable inferior vena cava filters for venous thromboembolic diseases
Authors: Liu Jianlong , Jiang Peng , Tian Xuan , Jia Wei , Huang Ning-Ling , Zhan Huan , Chen Wendong
Published: February 2022

Aim:To identify literature evidence assessing retrievable inferior vena cava filter (rIVCF) for venous thromboembolic diseases.Methods:A systematic literature search was conducted to identify relevant references from the mainstay English and Chinese bibliographic databases (search period: January 2003 to October 2019).Results:80 original studies with 11,413 patients were included in this review. The success rates of deploying the six types of rIVCFs ranged from 98.4 to 100.0%. Denali had the highest retrieval success rate (95.4–97.6%). The incidence rates of fracture and perforation associated with retrieving the six rIVCFs were less than 2%.Conclusion:The approved rIVCF had comparable clinical profiles, except that Denali was easier to be retrieved than other rIVCF.
Static DC Transformer Based on Negative Capacitance and High Voltage Engineering
Authors: Chandrasekaran Deepalakshmi
Published: February 2022

Abstract: For DC voltage amplification, the operational amplifier is mostly used in the non-inverting configuration. In this case, the DC voltage amplification is done using a negative capacitance converter. Since the feedback capacitor acts as an open circuit for DC signal, it provides isolation between input and output. The amplified voltage level is limited by the breakdown voltage of the transistors used to build the op-amp and further the insulation breakdown limit of the Miller capacitor. By making use of new technologies such as silicon carbide technology, the breakdown voltage of transistors can be made higher even 1.2 KV and combined with high voltage engineering for capacitive insulation such as polymer capacitors, this can become a huge breakthrough in electric power engineering. Additionally, it can be used as a effective DC source for electric vehicles. The nominal voltage used in hybrid vehicles ranges from 100V to 200V.For electric-only vehicles, the required voltage is as high as 800V.The simulations are done using MIT Circuit sandbox, an open source circuit simulation tool. Keywords: DC amplifier, Op-amp, negative capacitance, silicon carbide and high voltage insulation.
Artificial Neural Network Based Load Forecasting
Authors: Singh Shweta
Published: February 2022

Abstract: In this report our point is to figure the power costs as precisely as conceivable by planning a half and half model and utilizing different blunder capacities to really take a look at the exactness of our outcome. Before liberation come to presence years and years back, the electric power enterprises have been overwhelmed by utilities that had full command over movements of every kind nearby. In any case, after its first endeavor in Latin America, the business has been on the move in many nations all over the planet. In a liberated market, end-use clients have the decision to choose their power provider. Keywords: Load Forecasting, ,Load forecasting models, Electricity pricing forecasting, AI Based Load forecasting, Neural network model
Analytical surfaces for ship hulls
Authors: Krivoshapko Sergey N. , Ivanov Vyacheslav N.
Published: February 2022

The choice of optimal shape of ship hull surface is one of the main problems of ship architects and designs. A choice of the form is based on empirical formulae or on intuition of designers. In the article a method of determination of explicit algebraic equations of theoretical shape of ship hull with three main cross-sections given in advance and coinciding with the design waterline, the midship section, and with the main buttock line is given. The forms of the lines in the main cross-sections are chosen from conditions taken in advance. These surfaces are called hydrodynamic. A method is illustrated for three threes of main cross-sections of the ship hulls, i.e. nine hydrodynamic surfaces were constructed. All algebraic equations were converted to parametrical form for comfort of computer modelling. With their help, all nine ship surfaces proposed for the introduction were visualized. Having changed constants containing in the surface equations, i.e. correcting the forms of three main geometric parameters of ship hull, one can select the most rational shape of hull surface for the first approach. Further, it is possible to begin planning parallel middle bodies or to combine bow and stern extremities of a ship from different fragments of algebraic surfaces but with the same midship sections. In a paper, only geometrical problems of design of theoretical hull shape are described.
Thermal deformation of a long elastic strip
Authors: Zveryaev Evgeny M.
Published: February 2022

A general method is proposed for the formulation and solution of temperature problems of the theory of elasticity for thin-walled bodies for a given temperature distribution with the preservation of the order of differential equations and the fulfilment of all boundary conditions. The elasticity relations, taking into account temperature deformations, are transformed to a form that allows, in accordance with the Saint-Venant-Picard-Banach method, to perform iterative calculation of all the looking for unknowns of the problem. The procedure for constructing a solution is reduced to replacing four differential equations of the first order of the original system of elasticity theory with four corresponding integral Picard equations with a small factor of relative thinness. Seven unknowns of the original problem calculated by direct integration are expressed in terms of four basic unknowns. The fulfilment of the boundary conditions on the long sides of the strip leads to the solution of four ordinary differential equations for slowly varying and rapidly changing components of the main unknowns. Slowly changing components describe the classical stress-strain state. The rapidly changing ones determine the edge effects at the points of discontinuity of the slowly changing classical solution and the fulfilment of the unsatisfied boundary conditions due to the lowering of the order of the differential equations based on the Kirchhoff hypothesis. In the general case, the solution is represented in the form of asymptotic series in the small parameter of thinness with coefficients in the form of power series in the transverse coordinate. The presentation is illustrated by examples of warping of a free strip and of the occurrence of stresses and displacements of only the edge effect in a strip rigidly clamped at the ends with a linear temperature distribution along the height.
Emergence of Hyalomma marginatum and Hyalomma rufipes adults revealed by citizen science tick monitoring in Hungary
Authors: Foldvari Gabor , Szabó Éva , Tóth Gábor Endre , Lanszki Zsófia , Zana Brigitta , Varga Zsaklin , Kemenesi Gabor
Published: February 2022

Hyalomma ticks are important vectors of Crimean-Congo
Haemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV) and other pathogens. They are
frequently carried as immatures from Africa, the Middle East and
Mediterranean areas to temperate Europe via migratory birds and
emergence of its adults has been reported in many countries where it has
so far been non-endemic. Our aim was to implement the first steps of the
DAMA (Document, Assess, Monitor, Act) protocol by monitoring the
potential arrival of adult Hyalomma ticks in Hungary applying
citizen-science methods. Ticks were collected from April-December 2021
by asking volunteer participants through a self-made website to look for
unusual hard ticks on themselves, their pets and livestock. Owing to the
intensive media campaign, the project website had over 31 thousand
visitors within seven months and 137 specimens and several hundreds of
photos of hard ticks were submitted by citizen scientists from all over
the country. Beside Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor
reticulatus,Dermacentor marginatus and Haemaphysalis
inermis, a specimen from a dog was morphologically identified as a male
Hyalomma marginatum and another removed from a cattle as a male
Hyalomma rufipes. The dog and the cattle had never been abroad,
they were approximately 280 km apart, thus the two Hyalomma
observations can be considered as separate introductions. Amplification
of the partial mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit I gene was
successful for both specimens. Sequencing verified the previous
morphological identification for both ticks. Based on the phylogenetic
analyses the Hy. marginatum individual most likely belongs to the
Eurasian population and the Hy. rufipes to a clade of mixed
sequences from Europe and Africa. We summarize the scattered historical
reports about the occurrence of Hyalomma ticks and CCHFV in
Hungary. Our data highlight the effectiveness of citizens science
programmes in the monitoring and risk assessment of CCHFV emergence and
preparedness in our region.
Brian Street (1943-2017): A Personal Reflection
Authors: Callan Hilary
Published: February 2022

Brian Street was a scholar and teacher whose contributions to social anthropology, and influence on the discipline, span a range of interlocking themes. This article explores several of these: the relationships between anthropology and literature; the ethnographic study of literacies; anthropology and education; and anthropology as it can be practised and understood by non-specialists and ‘ordinary people’. Running through all these, in turn, are Street’s personal commitments to the practical applications of scholarship in informed development policy, education, and the furtherance of global citizenship; to the understanding of how power and inequality are perpetuated; and to the democratisation of knowledge.
Estrategias didácticas en la enseñanza de los productos notables y la factorización en la telesecundaria
Authors: Gómez Segura Enrique
Published: February 2022

El presente trabajo tiene el objetivo de resignificar las operaciones matemáticas de los productos notables y la factorización con procedimientos geométricos y razonamiento lógico matemático, de tal manera que los estudiantes vean las operaciones como inversas una de otra y esto les permita transitar matemáticamente con mayor facilidad. Este contenido matemático se estudia en el tercer grado de educación telesecundaria, en el primer bloque del programa. Para aplicar las actividades didácticas, se rescataron los conocimientos previos de los estudiantes, lo cual les permitió construir con mayor facilidad las reglas para el desarrollo de los productos notables como es el caso de los binomios cuadrados, conjugados y binomios con un término común; posteriormente, se realizaron las actividades inversas, es decir, pasar de un trinomio cuadrado perfecto a un binomio cuadrado y a sí sucesivamente con los otros dos productos notables. En cuanto a los resultados obtenidos por la implementación de las secuencias didácticas, 17 alumnos (85 %) tuvieron un mejor aprovechamiento escolar. En conclusión, los alumnos pudieron relacionar las operaciones en forma retrospectiva hasta llegar al punto de partida; este razonamiento casi desperdiciado en la enseñanza de la matemática permite apropiarse de la resolución de problemas con su respectiva comprobación, eso quiere decir que existe un aprendizaje con un razonamiento metacognitivo. Las únicas dificultades que se observaron en el aprendizaje se presentaron en la representación gráfica de los binomios conjugados y en la construcción de la regla de los binomios con un término común.