bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Capacity Building through Comprehensive Implementation Research Training and Mentorship: An approach for translating knowledge into practice
Authors: Asampong Emmanuel , Kamau Edward Mberu , Tabong Philip Teg-Nefaah , Glozah Franklin , Nwameme Adanna , Opoku-Mensah Kwabena , Amankwa Belynda , Dako-Gyeke Phyllis
Published: January 2023

Background:Implementation research (IR) is increasingly gaining popularity as the act of carrying an intention into effect. It is thus an important approach to addressing individual practices, policies, programmes and other technologies to solving public health problems. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) continue to experience public health problems which could be addressed using implementation research. These countries however fall behind prioritizing implementation research due to the disorganized approach used to providing knowledge about the value and scope of implementation research. This paper seeks to explain steps taken to resolve this by capacity strengthening activities through a comprehensive implementation research training and mentorship programme.Methods:The roll-out of the comprehensive implementation research training and mentorship was done in phases, including engaging the implementation research community through TDR Global, competency building for programme officers and ethical review board/committee members, and practical guidance to develop an implementation research proposal.Results:The findings identified critical areas of mentors and how mentorship should be structured and the most effective ways of delivering mentorship. These findings were used to develop a mentorship guide in IR.Thementorship guidance is to be used as a check-tool for mentoring participants during trainings as part of the package of resources in implementation research through to developing six implementation research projects. It is also to be used in equipping review board members with knowledge on ethical issues in implementation research.Conclusion:The approach for providing comprehensive implementation research training and mentorship for programme personnel has provided an opportunity for both potential mentors and mentees to make inputs into developing a mentorship guidance for LMICs. This guidance would help address mentorship initiation and implementation challenges in IR.
HYpofractionated, Dose-redistributed RAdiotherapy with protons and photons to combat radiation-induced immunosuppression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: study protocol of the phase-I HYDRA trial
Authors: Elbers Joris B.W. , Gunsch Pascal A. , Vulpen Marco van , Debets Reno , Keereweer Stijn , Meerten Esther van , Zindler Jaap , Norden Yvette van , Hoogeman Mischa , Verduijn Gerda M. , Kroesen Michiel , Nout Remi A.
Published: January 2023

Background: Radiotherapy (RT) is standard of care for most advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and results in an unfavorable 5-year overall survival of 40%. Despite strong biological rationale, combining RT with immune checkpoint inhibitors does not result in a survival benefit. Our hypothesis is that the combination of these individually effective treatments fails because of radiation-induced immunosuppression and lymphodepletion. By integrating modern radiobiology and innovative radiotherapy concepts, the patient’s immune system could be maximally retained by: (1) increasing the dose per fraction so that the total-dose and number of fractions can be reduced (HYpofractionation), (2) redistributing the radiation dose towards a higher peak dose within the tumor center and a lowered elective lymphatic field dose (Dose-redistribution), and by (3) using RAdiotherapy with protons instead of photons (HYDRA).
Methods: The primary aim of this multicenter study is to determine the safety of HYDRA proton- and photon radiotherapy by conducting two parallel phase-I trials. Both HYDRA arms are randomized with standard of care for longitudinal immune profiling. There will be a specific focus on actionable immune targets and their temporal patterns that can be tested in future hypofractionated immuno-radiotherapy trials. The HYDRA dose prescriptions (in 20 fractions) are 40 Gy elective dose and 55 Gy simultaneous integrated boost on the clinical target volume with a 59 Gy focal boost on the tumor center. A total of 100 patients (25 per treatment group) will be recruited, the final analysis will be performed one year after the last patient has been included.
Discussion: In the context of HNSCC, hypofractionation has historically only been reserved for small tumors out of fear for late normal tissue toxicity. To date, hypofractionated radiotherapy may also be safe for larger tumors as both the radiation dose and volume can be reduced by the combination of advanced imaging for better target definition, novel accelerated repopulation models and high-precision radiation treatment planning and dose delivery. HYDRA’s expected immune sparing effect may lead to improved outcome by allowing for future effective combination treatment with immunotherapy.
Trial registration: The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT05364411 (registered on May 6th, 2022).
A randomised AI-supported long-term evaluation of a layer-by-layer macular thickness profile after manual and femtosecond laser cataract surgery
Authors: Schwarzenbacher Luca , Schmidt-Erfurth Ursula , Höftberger Theresa , Schartmueller Daniel , Röggla Veronika , Leydolt Christina , Menapace Rupert , Reiter Gregor
Published: January 2023

Objectives: To evaluate retinal thickening 18-months after low-pulse energy femtosecond laser-assisted (LCS) and manual cataract surgery (MCS) using artificial intelligence (AI)-based automated retinal layer segmentation.
Methods:
Design: Prospective, randomised, intraindividual-controlled study
Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Vienna.
Patient Population: 120 eyes of sixty patients with age-related cataract
Intervention: Bilateral same-day LCS and MCS in a randomised sequence.
Main Outcome Measure: Retinal thickness preoperative, after 1 week, 3 weeks, 6 weeks and 18 months in the central 1mm, 3mm, 6mm. Inner nuclear layer (INL), outer plexiform layer (OPL), outer nuclear layer (ONL), total retinal thickness (TRT) and photoreceptor (PR) thickness were segmented from Spectralis optical coherence tomography (OCT) using automated AI retinal layer segmentation.
Results: Fifty-six patients completed the follow-up. LCS compared to MCS did not impact any of the investigated retinal layers at any follow-up visit (p>0.05). For the central 1mm, a significant increase in TRT was seen after 1 week followed by an elevated plateau thereafter. For the 3mm and 6mm, TRT increased only after 3 weeks and 6 weeks and decreased again until 18-months. TRT remained significantly increased compared to preoperative thickness (p<0.001). INL and ONL were the main causative layers for the total TRT increase. PR declined 1 week after surgery but regained preoperative values 18 months after surgery.
Conclusions: Low-energy femtosecond laser pre-treatment did not influence thickness of the retinal layers in any topographic area compared to manual high fluidic phacoemulsification. TRT did not return to preoperative values 18 months after surgery.
Prevalence of Halitosis in Children and Associated Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Authors: Buj-Acosta Cindy , García-Sanz Verónica , Bellot-Arcís Carlos , Paredes-Gallardo Vanessa , Tarazona-Álvarez Beatriz , Tortajada-Girbés Miguel , Montiel-Company José María
Published: January 2023

Background: Halitosis is a common and well-studied condition throughout the world. There are several publications on the etiology and prevalence of halitosis in the adult population. However, in children, studies are inconclusive. This study aims to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to establish the prevalence and factors involved in halitosis in the pediatric population.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted in the databases: Scopus, Cocharne Library, Medline, and Embase, complemented by a manual search. This review was carried out according to PRISMA standards and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020183948).
Results: Twenty-five studies met the inclusion criteria for conducting the qualitative synthesis. Twelve studies were used for quantitative synthesis and meta-analysis. It was estimated that 36.6% of the children who participated in the studies had halitosis. The presence of oral breathing, coating of the tongue, gingival inflammation and inadequate oral hygiene were the main risk factors for the development of halitosis, with an odds ratio of 8.036 (95% CI: 1-44-9), 3.24 (95% CI 1.38-7.62), 1.577 (95% CI 1.14-2.19) and 3.09 (95% CI 2.36-4.04) respectively.
Conclusions: Given the high prevalence of halitosis in children and the many associated risk factors, a preventive approach is necessary to avoid its the negative social impact.
Vitamin D ameliorates age-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by increasing the mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system (MICOS) 60 level.
Authors: Lim Joo Hyun , Kim Gyu Hee , Jeong Hyeon-Ju , Lee Yoo Jeong , Koo Soo Kyung
Published: January 2023

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease. Despite intensive research, considerable NAFLD development remains to be revealed. In this study, we examined the effects of vitamin D on age-induced NAFLD, especially in connection with mitochondrial abnormalities.
We observed effective prevention of liver steatosis in 22-month-old C57BL/6 mice fed a vitamin D3-supplemented (20,000 IU/kg) diet, in contrast to mice fed a control (1,000 IU/kg) diet. We evaluated whether vitamin D3 supplementation enhanced mitochondrial functions and found that the mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system (MICOS) 60 (Mic60) level was reduced and was specifically restored by vitamin D3 supplementation in the aged mice. In addition, depletion of Immt, the human gene encoding the Mic60 protein, induced changes in gene expression that led to fat accumulation in HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells, which is effectively prevented by vitamin D3 supplementation. In contrast, silencing of Lonp1, the main matrix protease involved in mitochondrial quality control system and also expressed at a reduced level in aged mice, did not induce triglyceride (TG) accumulation in HepG2 cells. Moreover, VDR-RXR increased Mic60 levels by directly binding to the Immt 5' promoter region spanning from position − 3157 to -2323. Our study demonstrates, for the first time, that a reduction in Mic60 level due to aging may be one of the underlying mechanisms to development aging-associated NAFLD. In addition, vitamin D3 could positively regulate Mic60 expression, which may be one of the important molecular mechanisms that vitamin D could ameliorate age induced NAFLD.
Community-Based Distributed Flight Cluster Malicious Node Detection Based on Neural Network
Authors: Zhao Runhui , Wen Hong , Liu Qiang , Chen Zhiwei , Lin Haojie
Published: January 2023

A flight cluster refers to a group of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that can work together to perform complex tasks through specific organizational and control protocols. The flight state of each node of a flight cluster under distributed control depends on its flight state and neighbors. When a node in a flight cluster is attacked, it becomes a malicious node, which can use the distributed control protocol to launch a variety of attacks that cause the flight cluster to crash. To overcome such fatal weakness, we propose a peer-to-peer network model for the flight cluster networks based on the flight cluster characteristics that include the cluster control relationship topology network and the cluster communication link topology network. A malicious node detection scheme for flight clusters based on community partitioning is presented, which fully considers the flight cluster control topology and communication topology. Then, a novel malicious node detection model for the flight cluster based on neural network is given. Finally, the experiment is performed under the virtual cluster simulation environment. The results show that the scheme is low complexity, feasible, and effective in improving the operational efficiency of the detection model.
Antibiotic cocktail followed by Clostridium butyricum (CBM588) supplementation improves colonic anastomotic healing in mice
Authors: Chen Chun-Hsien , Chen Jenn-Wei , Lai Chao-Han , Chen Chien-Chin , Lin Wei-Chen , Chen Po-Chuan , Tsai Chih-Ming
Published: January 2023

Background
Microbiota manipulation through preoperative probiotic administration with Clostridium butyricum (CBM588) has shown promising results in reducing surgical site infections, but the resulting changes in gut microbiota are unclear. This study, using 16S ribosomal RNA metagenomic analysis, aimed to observe microbiome changes after CBM588 administration before murine colonic anastomosis.
Materials and methods
Eighteen C57BL/6 mice were divided into three groups. All mice, including group A as the control group, received oral neomycin and metronidazole before surgery. Group B received six consecutive days of CBM588 before surgery. Group C received kanamycin, gentamycin, colistin, metronidazole, and vancomycin, followed by six consecutive days of CBM588 before surgery.
Results
Compared with groups A and B, group C had significantly lower adhesion scores (p < 0.001), better postoperative performance (p < 0.05) and anastomotic healing scores (p < 0.001), and lower anastomotic necrosis areas (p < 0.05). Metagenomic analysis revealed that group C was enriched with the order Clostridiales, family Clostridiaceae, and genus Clostridium, with low bacterial diversity and composition.
Conclusions
Using a murine colonic anastomosis model, a preoperative antibiotic cocktail followed by CBM588 supplementation effectively decreased bacterial diversity and increased the percentage of Clostridiaceae. Associated outcomes included lower intra-abdominal adhesion scores, better postoperative performance and anastomotic healing scores, and lower anastomotic necrosis areas.
Observing the Proliferation of Salmonella spp. in Karnaphuli River: Catastrophic for the Riverbank Dwellers.
Authors: Alam Md. Wahidul , khandakar Md. Jahin , Jahan Most. Israt , Rahman MD. Mosfiqur , Aktar Fowzia , Rahman Mohammad Mostafizur , Mehjabin Saif
Published: January 2023

The quality of Karnaphuli river water has an important role in human infection and disease sheltered near Karnaphuli river along with the people of Chittagong. The present study was conducted to systematically examine the prevalence of indicator and pathogenic microorganism Salmonella spp. in water and sediment samples along with their relation with some physiochemical parameters like pH, salinity, DO, temperature, etc. during the post-monsoon time in September. A total of 6 water samples from 6 different stations were taken and samples were examined by the pour plate culture method along with chemical and biological tests for detection of Salmonella spp. This study showed that all water and sediment samples were positive for Salmonella species. There were significant differences between Station no. 2, referred to as Firingee Bazar, and the 6th station, known as Soltgola. The present research shows that pollution indicator like DO and the amount of cell of bacteria prevails in the unhygienic and polluted situation of the river which is a clear picture of uncontrolled hazardous activity.
Multi-source uncertainty propagation and sensitivity analysis of turbine blades with underplatform dampers
Authors: Yang Guang , She Houxin , Xu Bensheng , Zang Chaoping , Li Chaofeng
Published: January 2023

Underplatform dampers (UPDs) can suppress blade vibration through interface friction dissipation. At present, most of the existing UPD analysis models ignore the uncertainties induced by multi-source factors such as manufacturing, excitation, and wear, resulting in insufficient accuracy of dynamic prediction and optimization of UPDs. Therefore, this paper will deeply consider the uncertain factors such as machining tolerances, assembly tolerances, working load environment, and contact surface wear encountered in the actual manufacturing and working process, and carry out the multi-source uncertainty dynamics research of the UPDs. To solve the "dimension disaster" caused by multi-source uncertainty analysis, an adaptive algorithm based on the non-embedded polynomial chaotic expansion (PCE) is proposed. The algorithm selects the integral accuracy of the best chaotic polynomial by generalizing error convergence criteria and then constructs a surrogate model. This algorithm is in agreement with the calculated results based on Monte Carlo simulation (MCS). Through the quantitative characterization of the above uncertain factors, the efficient prediction of the uncertainty zone of the UPDs dynamic response is realized, the influence law of multi-source uncertainty factors on the vibration attenuation characteristics of UPDs is obtained, and sensitivity analysis of all parameters is carried out, which provides data support for the robust optimization design of UPDs. The simulation results show that the adaptive algorithm based on the uncertainty of multi-source parameters can predict the dynamic response of UPDs structure with high precision and high efficiency, and the uncertainty factors have a significant influence on the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of UPDs, In this case, phenomena such as "resonance band" and "frequency shift" will appear, and the uncertainty of multiple source parameters can cause large fluctuations in the dynamic response of UPDs, especially at the formant of the amplitude response. In addition, compared with other nonlinear regions, the Sobol exponents of uncertain parameters near the formant change significantly.
Two Concepts One Issue: A Bibliometric Analysis of Climate Change and Climate Crisis Concepts
Authors: Güney İsmet , Çelik Mehmet Ali , Rijsdijk Kenneth F. , çelik Emrah
Published: January 2023

This research aims to analyse and discuss the different conceptualization of anthropogenic global warming (AGW) in academic publications. The main question is to understand how different approaches to climate change is addressed in the literature. In order to answer this research question, a sample was created from Scopus literature database. Analysis was performed using the VOSviewer program on a data set consisting of keywords and citation information. The findings show that the perspectives of the studies that adress the same topic with different terms such as “climate change” and “climate crisis” are fundamentally different. Studies using the concept of “climate change” take a more techno-scientific methodological approach linking AGW to concepts such as drought, sea level changes, extreme weather events and agriculture. In contrast studies that use the concept of “climate crisis” relate the AGW to climate justice and concepts such as neoliberalism. It is noteworthy that studies using the concept of “climate crisis” are mostly studies carried out by social sciences studies that deal with the problem in an interdisciplinary political and social context whereas “climate change” is used by physical science studies including climatology, earth science and ecology. Given the traditional separation of these disciplines it is not surprising that two different nomenclatures were used to address the AGW problem. We argue that the concept “climate crisis” is capturing the urgency of the AGW and that in order to find interdisciplinary solutions both insights from physical and humanity sciences must be combined.
Architecture of Smart Hospital Information Systems based on IoT and Blockchain
Authors: Alihamidi Imam , Deroussi Anass , Charaf Lalla Amina , REOUKADJI Dior MASRANE , Madi Abdessalam Ait , addaim Adnane
Published: January 2023

Nowadays, information represents an important resource for any organization and to ensure its management, it is important to set up an information system. The latter being essential in various fields, it can bring improvements in the care of patients and in the quality of health services. However, the use of information and communication technologies on the quality of health services was exclusive in developed countries. It is with this in mind that we have focused our study on the proposal of architecture to make hospital intelligent based on the Internet of Things (IoT) and the Blockchain. To do this, we used three databases namely Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed. First, we collected references to open-source Hospital Information Systems (OS HIS) and we were able to extract thirteen popular projects of which seven are active and 6 are not. Then, we continued our study with the seven active projects. Second, we collected references to IoT architectures for healthcare and after extensive reading we opted for a three-layer architecture (perception layer, network layer and application layer). Third, we collected references to lightweight blockchains and after in-depth reading of the documents found, we selected the Hyperledger foundation which was created to ensure the promotion of blockchain through an open-source ecosystem. As a result, we were able to come up with a three-layer architecture which is on the concepts of IoT and Blockchain. The proposed work is promising and can be used as a reference for the deployment of a hospital information system in an environment with limited resources.
Superposition extreme high-altitude exposure (8848m) forms episodic memory of LIPN and PLCH1 genes associated
Authors: Zhang Shixuan , Duoji Zhuoma , Yang La , Qiangba Danzeng , De Yang , Hu Xiaoxi , Jiang Zeyu , Hou Dandan , Hu Zixin , Basang Zhuoma
Published: January 2023

Background: Extreme environmental stress interactions with DNA methylation may produce episodic memory for environmental adaptation.
Methods: In the present study, 64 volunteers born and living at an altitude of 4,700 m were recruited, including 32 volunteers who were repeatedly exposed to high altitudes (up to 8,848 m, up to 11 times). We explored the changes in the genes hosting 741,489 CpG loci as well as 39 physiological phenotypes under superposition extreme high-altitude exposure (SEH).
Results: 13 CpG for 11 genes were identified with tightly linked networks to five phenotypes. Bayesian causal network analysis suggests network properties of 15 SEH-related phenotypic networks and MP-SSN, reflected in increased robustness with an increasing number of SEH exposures, suggesting environmental resistance. In addition, we explored the characteristics under SEH of the MP-SSN network nodes in populations with significant differences in SpO2 (n High-adaptability= 28; n Low-adaptability= 36) and found concomitant changes in five phenotypes and CpG methylation, while the changes occurred earlier in the high SpO2 population (Climbing age = 5 times).
Conclusion: Considering evidence from the literature and database validation, we suggest that the promoter and enhancer regions of the LIPN and PLCH1 genes may be influenced by methylation memory generated by light environment exposure during SEH exposure. Methylation memory may have an effect on the phenotype by influencing the action of the pathway in which the gene is located, thus advancing the environmental adaptation status of SEH, such as SpO2 and SP.
Z-number Decision Tree and Its Appliction
Authors: Fang Yue , Wu Tao , Liu Shuai , Zhang Zui
Published: January 2023

Fuzzy decision tree(FDT) is an expansion and improvement of decision tree, which expands the application scope of decision tree to deal with the uncertainty and extracts classification rules efficiently. However, there are some problems in the process of sample attributes fuzzifying, such as information loss and the influence of strong personal subjectivity on the results. To solve these problems, a fuzzy decision tree algorithm based on Z-number(Z-FDT) is put forward. we propose a method to construct Z-number, first, membership functions is defined to fuzzify the data set and describe the size of the probability measure of the fuzzy set, then the cluster centers of multi-dimensional data are extracted ,using the fuzzy clustering algorithm., the membership function and cluster centers of different categories fuzzy partition the sample data set based on the features of the sample, and obtain the fuzzy sets. Finally, based on the definition of Z-number, fuzzy sets are constructed into Z-numbers. After the multidimensional data set is transformed into Z-numbers, the uncertainty measure of Z-number is used to select appropriate features to partition the data set, until the stop condition is met. Z-FDT can directly classify and predict samples with continuous attribute values, and has good generalization ability and relatively stable results, at the last, this will be confirmed through the comparative experiment with ID3, Cart and Fuzzy ID3.
Do the Academician Independent Directors Promote Green Innovation in Enterprises?
Authors: Zhang Luxiu , Zhang Yingjie , Li Ning , Zhang Qianwen
Published: January 2023

Using the manually collated data on the employment of academicians as independent directors by Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share listed firms from 2010 to 2020,the role and impact mechanism of academician independent directors on enterprise green innovation were empirically analyzed. The research shows that the academician independent directors promote green innovation of enterprises by alleviating corporate financing constraints,increasing corporate R&D investment and alleviating managerial myopia, and their role in promoting green invention patents is greater than that of green utility model patents.The academician independent directors will improve the green innovation level of enterprises in non-heavy polluting industries and enterprises in the eastern region,and the nature of propert rights and the degree of marketization will strengthen their role in promoting green innovation.
Computed tomography imaging features and diagnostic points for epithelium angiomyolipoma：a retrospective analysis
Authors: Yang Yuling , Yu Shuiquan , Zou Bin , Chen Qifeng , Lin Zilang , Guo Yongfei
Published: January 2023

Background The incidence of epithelium angiomyolipoma is extremely low, and the accurate diagnosis of pre-treatment imaging is clinically significant for treatment choice and patient prognosis. This study analyzed the computed tomography (CT) imaging features of patients with epithelium angiomyolipoma (EAML) and explored the causes of misdiagnosis to improve the accuracy of imaging diagnosis.
Methods This study was a retrospective analysis of the clinical manifestations, imaging data, and characteristics of 13 patients (14 lesions) with EAML in our hospital from March 2011 to March 2021; further, we performed a review of the domestic and international literature on its CT imaging characteristics.
Results The clinical presentations included abdominal pain, abdominal discomfort, or physical examination findings. All patients had a single lesion, except for one patient with one lesion in each kidney and one patient with additional renal vascular smooth muscle lipomas. Half of the lesions occurred in the left/right kidney, eight occurred in the middle of the kidney (57.1%), five (42.9%) occurred in the lower pole, 10 (71.4%) occurred mainly in the renal cortex, 10 (71.4%) showed exophytic growth, four (28.5%) were intraparenchymal, nine (64.3%) showed equal or slightly high density, eight (57.1%) had measurable fat components, 13 (92.9%) lacked calcification, 11 (84.6%) were round or oval, and 10 (71.4%) showed wedge-shaped signs on three-dimensional reconstruction. Seven lesions showed an early washout pattern (50.0%), seven (50.0%) showed a prolonged enhancement pattern, 10 (71.4%) showed inhomogeneous enhancement, and eight (57.1%) showed tumor neovascularization on enhancement scans. No lesions were correctly diagnosed preoperatively as epithelioid vascular smooth muscle lipoma. Four were mentioned in the differential diagnosis as requiring differentiation from fat-depleted vascular smooth muscle lipoma.
Conclusions The diagnostic accuracy of EAML imaging is low, the clinical manifestations are non-specific, and the imaging manifestations are difficult to distinguish from renal cancer or vascular smooth muscle lipoma. Lesions showed equal or slightly high density on CT scans, starting from the renal cortex, with exophytic growth, “wedge sign,” and prolonged enhancement patterns. This disease should be considered in cases with early washout patterns with more uniform enhancement or intratumoral neoplasia in the lesion.
High capacity clinical SARS-CoV-2 molecular testing using combinatorial pooling
Authors: Zismanov Shosh , Shalem Bar , Margolin-Miller Yulia , Rosin-Grunewald Dalia , Adar Roy , Keren-Naus Ayelet , Amichay Doron , Ben-Dor Anat , Shemer-Avni Yonat , Porgador Angel , Shental Noam , Hertz Tomer
Published: January 2023

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic led to unprecedented testing demands, causing significant testing delays globally. One strategy used for increasing testing capacity was pooled-testing, using a two-stage technique first introduced during WWII. Here we report the development, validation and clinical application of P-BEST - a single-stage pooled-testing strategy that was approved for clinical use in Israel. P-BEST was clinically evaluated using 3,636 side-by-side tests and was able to correctly detect all positive samples and accurately estimate their Ct value. P-BEST was then used to clinically test 837,138 samples using 270,095 PCR tests - a 3.1 fold reduction in the number of tests. Importantly, P-BEST was also used during the Alpha and Delta waves, when positivity rates exceeded 10%, rendering traditional pooling non-practical. We also describe a tablet-based solution that allows performing manual single-stage pooling in settings where liquid dispensing robots are not available. Our data provides a proof-of-concept for large-scale clinical implementation of single-stage pooled-testing for continuous surveillance of multiple pathogens with reduced test costs, and as an important tool for increasing testing efficiency during pandemic outbreaks.
Crystallization of Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon Thin Films Using Combined Continuous Wave Laser and Thermal Annealing
Authors: Shariah Adnan
Published: January 2023

Hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) films were deposited using the plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process on Corning glass substrates. An aluminum overcoat was deposited on the films. The specimens were irradiated with a continuous wave Ar + laser beam of varying power density and duration. The samples were then annealed at 250 oC for 15 minutes to convert the amorphous silicon into polysilicon film. The grain size of the polycrystalline silicon films varies by varying the laser power density and the exposure time. The polysilicon grains acquired diameters ranging from 0.4 to 1.25 µm when the laser power density was set between 74.7 W/cm2 and 94.3 W/cm2. The grains with a size ranging between 1 and 2.5 µm showed plate-like and dendritic-like configurations when laser power densities changed between 31.4 and 74.7 W/cm2. The XRD analysis revealed polycrystalline silicon with expected relative strengths.
Uncontrolled Blood Pressure and Associated Factors in Adult Hypertensive Patients Undergoing Follow-Up at Public Health Facility Ambulatory Clinics in Bishoftu Town, Ethiopia: A Multi-Center Study
Authors: Solomon Menawork , Bekele Nardos Tilahun , Getahun Mihiret Shawel , Negussie Yohannes Mekuria , Gurara Abenet Menene
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Uncontrolled blood pressure is an important medical and public health problem in developing countries like Ethiopia. Improving the management of hypertension requires a better comprehension of the factors influencing blood pressure control and the application of interventions. But in clinical practice, blood pressure is still not adequately controlled. Thus, this study aimed to assess uncontrolled blood pressure and associated among adult hypertensive patients on follow-up at public health facility ambulatory clinics in Bishoftu, Ethiopia.

Methods

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 398 adult hypertensive patients from April 1 to May 31, 2022. Systematic random sampling was used to select study participants. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered, semi-structured questionnaire and chart review. The collected data were entered into Epi-info version 7 and analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 26. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to model the association between dependent and independent variables. An adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were used to measure the strength of the association. Finally, the statistical significance was declared at a p-value < 0.05.

Result

Of the total study participants, 249(62.6%) were male. The mean age was 62.26 ± 11.55 years. The overall proportion of uncontrolled blood pressure was 58.8% (95% CI: 54–64). Salt intake (AOR = 2.51; 95% CI: 1.49–4.24), lack of physical activity (AOR = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.20–9.62), habitual coffee consumption (AOR = 4.52; 95% CI: 2.67–7.64), higher BMI (AOR = 2.08; 95% CI: 1.24–3.49), and non-adherence to antihypertensive medications (AOR = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.3–3.89) were independent predictors of uncontrolled blood pressure.

Conclusion

More than half of the hypertensive patients in this study had uncontrolled blood pressure. Healthcare providers and other accountable stakeholders should urge patients to follow salt restriction, physical activity, and antihypertensive medication regimes. Reduced coffee consumption and weight maintenance are other crucial blood pressure control measures.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) Role in Hypertension: Pathogenesis and Promising Therapeutics
Authors: Shaheen Nour , Diab Rehab Adel , Desouki Mariam Tarek , Shaheen Ahmed , Elmasry Mohamed , Rebei Mayssa , Swed Sarya
Published: January 2023

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules that play a crucial role in regulating various cellular processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and disease development. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of miRNAs in the development and progression of essential hypertension, a common form of high blood pressure that affects millions of individuals worldwide. The molecular mechanisms by which miRNAs regulate hypertension are complex and multifaceted. MiRNAs target the 3' untranslated regions of mRNA molecules, thereby regulating the synthesis of specific proteins involved in cardiovascular function. For instance, miRNAs are known to regulate the expression of genes involved in blood vessel tone, cardiac function, and inflammation.
The growing body of research on miRNAs in hypertension has highlighted their potential as therapeutic targets for managing this condition. Studies have shown that miRNA-based therapies can modulate the expression of key genes involved in hypertension, leading to improvements in blood pressure and cardiovascular function. However, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of miRNA-mediated hypertension and to develop effective therapeutic strategies.
In summary, this review highlights the current understanding of the role of miRNAs in essential hypertension, including their molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic applications. Further research is needed to fully understand the impact of miRNAs on hypertension and to develop new treatments for this common and debilitating condition.
Preliminary insights into the molecular mechanism of energy metabolism on sex differentiation in chickens based on transcriptome sequencing
Authors: Zhao Zongyi , Zuo Qisheng , Cheng Fufu , Hu Cai , Wu Yuhui , Geng Qingqing , Wu Rongfeng , Wang Yingjie , Zhang Wenhui , Niu Yingjie , Sun Hongyan , Jin Kai , Li Bichun , Zhang Yani
Published: January 2023

Mammalians sex determination is well-known, and sophisticated mechanisms to sex control have been developed. However, effective sex control in poultry has not yet been developed. Through RNA-sequencing of the male gonads and ovarian tissues of chicken embryos up to 18.5 days, we identified the primary metabolic factors affecting male and female sex differentiation and gonadal development. Pkm2, an essential glycolysis-related protein, influences sex differentiation in chickens via Gapdh, a crucial hormone gene. Glycolysis-related sex regulation also involves epigenetic alterations such as transcription factor (Srf, Myb, Tead1), acetylation (Hdac3), and phosphorylation (Nfkbia, Ikbkb) modifications. Our findings support the concept that glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation contribute upstream to sexual phenotypic development and maintenance.
Fe-Ti oxides/carbon composites derived from temperature-dependent solid-state reaction between MOFs core and TiO2 shell for broadband microwave absorption
Authors: Liu Wei , Cao Ronggan , Duan Pengtao , Ding Yue , Su Hailin , Zhang Xuebin , Zou Zhongqiu , Wang Jinzhi
Published: January 2023

Regulating phase composition and dispersion state of oxide particles inside metal-organic frameworks-derived carbon composite holds enormous potential in enhancing dielectric property and microwave absorption performance. Herein, solid state reaction between Fe-bdc nanorod and TiO2 shell has been used to synthesize a series of Fe-Ti oxides/carbon (FTO/C) composites at different annealing temperatures. The results show that with the increase of temperature, the grain size of oxide particles, which tend to distribute in the center of carbon rod, has increased, resulting in the formation of continuous conductive surface caron layer. Meanwhile, the aspect ratio of carbon rod would decrease, which would hinder the construction of conductive path in paraffin matrix. At lower temperature, internal oxide particles are less crystallized (Fe2.5Ti0.5)1.04O4, which may induce obvious dipole polarization. While at higher temperature, phase conversion from (Fe2.5Ti0.5)1.04O4 to Fe2TiO4 and FeTiO3 would bring about more interfaces, which generate strong interfacial polarization. Therefore, dielectric loss of as-prepared FTO/C composites would be enhanced with rising temperature until 700 oC, and impedance matching condition would always be improved with increasing temperature, in terms of lowest matching thickness in whole Ku or X bands. Consequently, S-700 owns a broad effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 6.84 GHz at 2.2 mm, covering whole Ku band and S-800 owns a large EAB of 4.16 GHz at 2.8 mm, covering whole X band. This work may provide novel insights into the design of metal-organic frameworks-derived carbon composite with desired dielectric properties through controlling the composition and dispersion of inner oxide particles.
Acceptance and utilization efficiency of a purple durum wheat genotype by Sitophilus granarius (L.)
Authors: D'Isita Ilaria , Palma Antonella Marta Di , De Vita Pasquale , Germinara Giacinto Salvatore
Published: January 2023

The granary weevil, Sitophilus granarius (Coleoptera, Curculionide) is one of the most damaging primary pest of stored cereals worldwide. Flavonoids are a major class of secondary plant metabolites which modulate feeding response and growth rate in insects. In the present study, the susceptibility to the granary weevil of the durum wheat T1303, an anthocyanin-rich purple genotype, in comparison with the yellow commercial durum (Ofanto) and bread (Mec) wheat varieties was evaluated. Moreover, to investigate the feeding response and food utilisation efficiency by adult insects, nutritional indices were calculated by means of flour disk bioassays. The total number of F1 progeny, the female parental offspring, and mean food consumption by an insect recorder for the T1303 genotype were significantly lower compared to yellow wheat varieties indicating different level of susceptibility to S. granariusattacks. Actually, T1303 induced positive values of Food Deterrence Index (FDI) indicating deterrence. Besides, Relative Grow Rate (RGR) and Efficiency Conversion of Ingested Food (ECI) indices were negative for T1303 and positive for both yellow wheat varieties indicating a decrease and an increase of insect body weight during the experiment, respectively. Finally, adult mortality of insects fed on T1303 whole flour disks was significantly higher than those observed for insects feed on yellow wheat varieties after six-day exposure. These results strongly suggested antifeedant and toxic effects of anthocyanins accumulated in the pericarp of T1303 kernels against granary weevils offering new insights into the mechanism of host acceptance and food utilization by this pest. This information would be useful to identify antifeedant flavonoids as well as in breeding programs aimed at developing varietal resistance-based strategies against stored-product insect pests.
Studies of glued bamboo-wood composite for strength characteristics in the manufacture of aviation structural elements
Authors: Komarov Bohdan , Zinchenko Dmytro , Barabas Dmytro
Published: January 2023

The goal of this study was the intention to demonstrate the expediency of utilization of bamboo composites in manufacturing of aircrafts. The research and testing of the material were conducted in the laboratories of the Institute of Aerospace Technolgies (IAT) of the National Technical University of Ukraine “Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute”. To determine the expediency of using bamboo composite, it is necessary to conduct tests of the material for external effects and analyse economic feasibility. The main advantages of such a material are its environmental friendliness and cheapness of both raw materials and processing. This article is dedicated to analysing the results of the research on the mechanical characteristics and economic aspects. Bars of different sizes, different materials, and different degrees of processing were used for the analysis. The results of the testing conducted have showed that the strength characteristics of a bamboo composite are higher than that of the majority of wood species. At the same time, bamboo elements are lighter judging by weight characteristics. The undisputable advantage of their usage is a powerful and widespread structure of existing manufacturing which does not require creation of new processing machinery.
Comparison of goal achievement during an early, intensive nutrition intervention delivered to people with upper gastrointestinal cancer by telephone compared with mobile application
Authors: Furness Kate , Huggins Catherine E. , Hanna Lauren , Croagh Daniel , Sarkies Mitchell , Haines Terry P.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to explore whether the mode of nutrition intervention delivery affected participant goal achievement in a three-arm randomised controlled trial of early and intensive nutrition intervention delivered to upper gastrointestinal cancer patients.

Methods

Newly diagnosed upper gastrointestinal cancer patients were recruited from four tertiary hospitals in Melbourne, Australia. Participants in the intervention groups received a regular nutrition intervention for 18 weeks from an experienced dietitian via telephone or mobile application (app) using behaviour change techniques to assist in goal achievement. Univariate and multiple regression models using STATA determined goal achievement, dose, and frequency of contact between groups. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The telephone group (n=38) had 1.99 times greater frequency of contact with the research dietitian (95% CI: 1.67 to 2.36, p<0.001) and 2.37 times higher frequency of goal achievement (95% CI: 1.1 to 5.11, p=0.03) compared with the mobile app group (n=36). The higher dose (RR 0.03) of intervention in the telephone group compared with the mobile app group positively impacted on participant goal achievement (95% CI: 0.01 to 0.04, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Telephone nutrition intervention delivery led to higher frequency of goal achievement compared to the mobile app intervention. There was also a higher number of behaviour change techniques employed which may have facilitated the greater goal achievement. Mobile app based delivery may have poorer acceptance in this population with high levels of withdrawal.

Practice Implications

We need to ensure that specifically designed technologies for our target populations are fit for purpose, efficacious, acceptable to both patients and healthcare providers.
Trial registration: 27th January 2017 Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN12617000152325).
Testing and Modification of Evaporation models & development of a regression model to compute pan Evaporation in Kulsi Watershed, Kamrup, Assam.
Authors: Yasmin Samima
Published: January 2023

Evapotranspiration constitutes one of the major components of the hydrological cycle and hence its accurate estimation is of vital importance to assess water availability and requirements. Knowing the rate of evaporation from surface water resources such as channels and reservoirs is essential for precise management of the vital resource called water. This study evaluates the performance of five evaporation estimation models viz. Dalton's Model, Penman-Monteith Model, Priestley Taylor Model, Hargreaves Model and Jensen-Haise Model to compute pan evaporation in Kulsi Watershed, Assam. These models involve the use of meteorological parameters such as temperature, solar radiation, relative humidity and wind speed. Model predicted evaporation rates were compared with observed values and considerable discrepancy in model predicted values were observed. An attempt was therefore made to analyze the causes of variation occurring between model predicted and observed evaporation data, based on which all the selected models were modified to make them useful for the region. Further, the modified models were used to predict evaporation rate and it was observed that the modified models could predict evaporation rate with a higher degree of accuracy. The study was also carried out to develop a local regression model with evaporation as the predicted variable and temperature, relative humidity, wind velocity and solar radiation as the predictor variables following multiple linear regression technique based on the data collected over the last ten (10) years. This was done to serve the purpose of a local physical basis and was carried out to study the effect of different climatological parameters on evaporation. The accuracy of estimating actual evapo-transpiration relies primarily on the ability of models to represent the physical laws governing the process and accuracy of observed meteorological data. The model estimated values were compared with the observed pan evaporation data and based on the results the models were modified suitably, to meet local requirements.
Multiple Time Servers Timed-Release Encryption Based on Shamir Secret Sharing
Authors: Yuan Ke , Cheng Ziwei , Chen Keyan , Yang Jingwen , Zhou Sufang , Jia Chunfu
Published: January 2023

Timed-release encryption (TRE) is a cryptographic primitive that can realize the data be decrypted and accessed only at a specified time in the future preset by the data sender. Currently, most TRE schemes adopt noninteractive single time server mode. However, once the single time server is attacked or corrupted, it is prone to directly threaten the TRE security application. Although there are some TRE schemes that "distribute" the single time server into multiple ones, there is a problem that they cannot resist single-point failure. For this reason, a multi-time server TRE scheme based on Shamir secret sharing and its variant scheme are proposed. In our proposed schemes, the ciphertext can be decrypted when the number of time trapdoors obtained by the data receiver exceeds or equals to the threshold. It can not only guarantee the security of data sender's identity privacy information, but also greatly improve the reliability of TRE. Security analysis shows that our schemes have data confidentiality, verifiability, anti-advance decryption and multi-time trapdoor robust decryption. Efficiency analysis shows that when choosing a reasonable threshold, the computational efficiency of our schemes is slightly improved compared with the existing multiple time servers TRE schemes.