bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuro-nutraceuticals: Insights of experimental evidences and molecular mechanism in neurodegenerative disorders
Authors: Wal Pranay , Aziz Namra , Dash Biswajit , Tyagi Sachin , Vinod Yadav Rupali
Published: April 2023

Background

One of the most important healthcare challenges in the world today is neurological disorders. Pose lifestyle changes are linked to a significantly higher risk of chronic illnesses and diseases, placing a significant financial and healthcare burden on society at large. In this review article, we focused on the various neuro-nutraceutical herbs and their beneficial roles in neurodegenerative disorders.

Main body of the abstract

An extensive literature review was done from the standard databases such as Scopus, Elsevier, and PubMed using standard keywords “Nutraceuticals”, “Neuro-nutraceuticals”, “Neurodegenerative disorders”. Numerous "neuro-nutraceuticals" are natural plant compounds with dietary and pharmaceutical components that are intended to improve cerebral blood flow along with illness prevention and control. These compounds are found in food, herbal medicines, and nutritional supplements such as Bacopa monnieri, Curcuma longa, Asparagus racemosus, Helicteres angustifolia, Hericium erinaceus, Crocus sativus, Uncaria tomentosa, Centella asiatica, Convolvulus pluricaulis, Moringa oleifera.

Short conclusion

While discussing the neuroprotective and the neuromodulatory properties of various neuro-nutraceuticals, we rationally postulate here their molecular mechanisms. Additionally, compared to single-target medicines, which may have unfavourable side effects, these herbs are believed to be safer and to provide a more holistic improvement in brain health.

Graphical Abstract
Effect of Red Blood Cell Transfusion on Regional Tissue Oxygenation in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Patients
Authors: Surma Victoria J. , Patel Ankur , Ng Derek K. , Goswami Dheeraj K. , Garcia Alejandro V. , Bembea Melania M.
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND:

Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are used frequently in pediatric patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after cardiac surgery. To improve data-driven transfusion decision-making in the ICU, we conducted a retrospective analysis to assess the effect of RBC transfusion on cerebral and somatic regional oxygenation (rSO2).

METHODS:

We evaluated post- versus pre-RBC transfusion cerebral rSO2 and somatic rSO2 in all consecutive pediatric patients (age >28 days to <18 years) who underwent biventricular cardiac surgery at a single center between July 2016 and April 2020.

RESULTS:

The final data set included 263 RBC postoperative transfusion events in 75 patients who underwent 83 surgeries. The median pretransfusion hemoglobin was 10.6 g/dL (25th–75th percentile, 9.3–11.6). The median pretransfusion cerebral and somatic rSO2 were 63% (54–71) and 69% (55–80), which increased by a median of 3 percentage points (–2 to 6) and 2 percentage points (–3 to 6), respectively, after transfusion. After adjusting for pretransfusion hemoglobin, change in hemoglobin posttransfusion versus pretransfusion, and potential confounders (age, sex, and STAT surgical mortality risk score), the posttransfusion versus pretransfusion change in cerebral or somatic rSO2 was not statistically significant. Pretransfusion cerebral rSO2 (crSO2) was ≤50%, a previously described threshold for increased risk for unfavorable neurological outcome, for 22 of 138 (16%) transfusion events with complete pre- and post-crSO2 data. Sixteen of these 22 (73%) transfusions resulted in a posttransfusion crSO2 >50%. When restricting analysis to the first (index) transfusion after arrival to the ICU from the operating room (administered at a median of 1.15 postoperative days [25th–75th percentile, 0.84–1.93]), between-patient pretransfusion hemoglobin was not associated with pretransfusion crSO2 but within-patient posttransfusion versus pretransfusion hemoglobin difference was significantly associated with posttransfusion versus pretransfusion crSO2 difference (mean posttransfusion versus pretransfusion crSO2 difference, 2.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.50–4.48).

CONCLUSIONS:

In this study, neither cerebral nor somatic rSO2 increased significantly post- versus pre-RBC transfusion in pediatric cardiac surgery patients admitted to the ICU after biventricular repairs. However, almost three-quarters of transfusions administered when pretransfusion crSO2 was below the critical threshold of 50% resulted in a posttransfusion crSO2 >50%. In addition, the significant within-patient change in crSO2 in relation to the change in posttransfusion versus pretransfusion hemoglobin in the immediate postoperative period suggests that a personalized approach to transfusion following within-patient trends of crSO2 rather than absolute between-patient values may be an important focus for future research.
A Case Report of Multimodal Analgesia for the Treatment of Refractory Chronic Nipple Pain
Authors: Lee Vivian , Wilson Sara M. , Johansson Melanie D.
Published: April 2023

Chronic nipple pain can be challenging to a multidisciplinary care team. We report a case of a patient who experienced years of ineffective treatment before presenting to the pain management clinic. Upon presentation, the patient was trialed on neuropathic agents, topical pain medications, acupuncture, calcium channel blockers, intercostal nerve blocks, pulsed radiofrequency, and a spinal cord stimulator trial. We report the treatment options and what was ultimately effective to improve pain scores and functionality. Presenting this treatment approach will educate the reader about options for multimodal therapy to avoid delayed treatment for other patients in the future.
When Lightning Strikes: Sports and Recreational Activities Safety
Authors: Bauer Alison K. , Golden Krystyna G. , Colvin Christopher M. , Lammlein Kyle P. , Wise Sean R.
Published: April 2023

Lightning strikes and their sequela are well-known sources of injury associated with sports and outdoor activities. While mortality is relatively rare and has steadily decreased over the years, the potentially catastrophic effects make knowledge about lightning strike injuries continually relevant. The primary focus of lightning-related safety is prevention and newer literature over the last 2 years has been largely case reports. Attempts to reduce lightning-related injuries in outdoor sports have been made with easily recalled guidelines by the National Athletic Trainers' Association, as well as the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Newer technology related to lightning safety uses digital and app-based monitoring systems to aid in injury prevention strategies. Occupational lightning exposure continues to be a hazard, especially for those who work outdoors, including certain military personnel. Service members, athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts should remain vigilant, especially during times with higher likelihood of lightning strikes.
Ant functional groups and their effects on other insects in organic and conventional cropping areas
Authors: Estrada Milene Andrade , Pereira Joabe Rodrigues , Almeida Ângela Alves de , Vargas André Barbosa , Almeida Fábio Souto
Published: April 2023

The present research aimed to study the functional groups of ants in organic and conventional cropping areas and assess their influence on the abundance of other insects in agroecosystems. Sampling was carried out in eight rural properties with organic, and eight with conventional crops in Paraíba do Sul, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Fifteen pitfall soil traps were installed to collect ants in each property, in April and May 2016. The ants collected were dry-mounted and identified. The insect abundances of the orders Coleoptera, Hemiptera, and Orthoptera were also obtained. Ants were classified into seven functional groups. The functional group with the largest number of species was “omnivores that inhabit the soil and the leaf litter,” followed by “omnivores that inhabit the soil, the leaf litter, and the plants.” The group “omnivores that inhabit the soil and the leaf litter” showed the highest abundance of ants in both types of crops. The mean richness of functional groups was significantly higher in organic than in conventional crops. We only observed the effect of the abundance of ants of the group “omnivores that inhabit the soil, the leaf litter, and the plants” on the abundance of coleopterans in conventional crops. Hence, areas with organic crops are more favorable for maintaining an ant fauna with higher functional diversity than areas using the conventional cropping system.
A Simplified Method for Value of Information Using Constructed Scales
Authors: Runge Michael C. , Rushing Clark S. , Lyons James E. , Rubenstein Madeleine A.
Published: April 2023

The value of information is a central concept in decision analysis, used to quantify how much the expected outcome of a decision would be improved if epistemic uncertainty could be resolved prior to committing to a course of action. One of the challenges, however, in quantitative analysis of the value of information is that the calculations are demanding, especially in requiring predictions of outcomes as a function of alternative actions and sources of uncertainty. However, the concept of value of information is important in early framing of some decisions, before such predictions are available. We propose a novel measure of the value of information based on constructed scales (CVOI), grounded in the algebra of the expected value of perfect information (EVPI), but requiring less of experts and analysts. The CVOI calculation decomposes EVPI into a contribution representing the relevance of the uncertainty to the decision and a contribution representing the magnitude of uncertainty; constructed ratio scales are then proposed for each contribution. We demonstrate the use of CVOI to identify research priorities related to migratory bird management in the face of climate change.

Funding: This work was funded in part by the U.S. Geological Survey National Climate Adaptation Science Center.
The Power to Reward vs. the Power to Punish: The Influence of Power Framing on Individual-Level Exploration
Authors: Evans Jonathan B. , Schilke Oliver
Published: April 2023

This article adopts a relational perspective to demonstrate that characteristics of the dyadic relationship between supervisors and their employees are critical to understanding individual-level exploration—understood as the extent to which organizational members pursue new opportunities and experiment with changes to current practices. To this end, we introduce the concept of power framing—that is, whether the control over valued resources is emphasized as the ability to reward or to punish—and propose that supervisor power framing shapes employee exploration. In an experimental study, we demonstrate that reward (versus punishment) power framing increases employee exploration behavior and that this effect is mediated by perceived trustworthiness of the supervisor. In a second survey study, we replicate these findings in a field sample and show that the relationship between reward power framing and exploration depends on the degree to which the focal employee is sensitive to power characteristics (i.e., power distance orientation). This investigation advances scholarship on the microfoundations of exploration while also highlighting the ability of leaders to alter trustworthiness perceptions and induce employee exploration through power framing.

Funding: This work was supported by a National Science Foundation CAREER Award from the Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences [Grant 1943688] granted to O. Schilke. Additional funding was provided by the Sauder School of Business, University of British Columbia.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2023.1672 .
Correlation Analysis between Eye Movement Patterns and Reading Comprehension Skills by Reading Condition in Children with Typical Development and Language Impairment
Authors: Park Wonjeong , Yang Yoonhee , Jeong Eunae , Kim Ayoung , Yim Dongsun
Published: April 2023

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify whether there was a significant difference in reading comprehension in typically developing children (TD) and children with language impairment (LI) in early school age according to reading conditions, and to determine whether there was a significant correlation between reading comprehension skills and eye movement patterns in each group.Methods: A total of 213 children (TD: 183; LI: 30) in the 1st and 2nd grades of elementary school participated in this study. According to the reading conditions (reading while listening, reading only), all children were randomly assigned to perform text reading tasks, and real-time data collection was carried out through an attached eye-tracker.Results: There was no significant difference in story understanding according to reading conditions between groups, but it was confirmed that the correlation patterns between each group’s reading comprehension and eye movement patterns were different depending on reading conditions.Conclusion: In the TD group this study found that the faster the processing speed, the higher the reading processing efficiency. On the other hand, in the LI group, the processing speed was generally slow due to their poor literacy or cognitive processing speed, therefore there was no correlation between eye movement patterns and reading comprehension skills.
Workforce retention of junior doctors in Ireland: what can be learnt from the literature and international experience?
Authors: Higgisson Emma
Published: April 2023

This article examines the issue of non-consultant hospital doctor (or junior doctor) retention in the Irish healthcare system. It explores factors relating to the mass emigration of junior doctors, and proposes local and organisational solutions to improve training and working conditions, enhance staff engagement and ensure a sustainable workforce.
Exploring health care professionals' experiences of supporting LGBTQ+ patients: a qualitative study
Authors: Pearce Chelsea , Lorito Claudio Di
Published: April 2023

Background/Aims

Patients from the LGBTQ+ community report negative healthcare experiences, such as healthcare professionals (HCPs) making assumptions about their identities. Research shows that HCPs report not having enough knowledge to facilitate an open conversation with patients from the LGBTQ+ community, leading to patients feeling ignored. This study aimed to explore HCPs' experiences of supporting patients from the LGBTQ+ community.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with HCPs recruited from the research teams' professional network. Data were analysed using deductive thematic analysis.

Results

HCPs reported positive and negative experiences, as well as a variety of barriers and facilitators to effective communication, with patients from the LGBTQ+ community. HCPs discussed how clinical practice could improve, for example, by developing more inclusive training that is specific to the HCPs' clinical group.

Conclusions

HCP training needs to be more inclusive of LGBTQ+ identities. It should be tailored to the HCPs' patient group as this better reflects the varied needs of different clinical groups.
A Comparative Study of Distal Tibia Metaphyseal Fractures in a Series of 50 Patients: Intramedullary Nailing (IMN) Vs Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis (MIPO)
Authors: Tribhuwan Tejas , Pradhan Chetan , Patil Atul , Puram Chetan , Attarde Dheeraj , Sancheti Parag , Shyam Ashok
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Multiple treatment modalities have been described for distal tibia metaphyseal fractures but there is no consensus regarding optimal treatment. The purpose of this study was to compare the management of these fractures by intramedullary nailing (IMN) and minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique by assessing the functional and radiological outcomes and complications. Methods: 50 patients having distal tibia fractures were studied and divided into two equal groups of IMN and MIPO with a follow-up period of one year. Functional assessment was done using SF-36, LEFS and VAS scores; radiological assessment was done by evaluating the union type and radiological deformity, and complications in both procedures were studied. Various fracture patterns were also considered. Results: SF-36 showed no statistical significance with regard to treatment mode and fracture type. LEFS score reduced with increase in complexity of fracture and also indicated that both IMN and MIPO groups regained comparable functional capacity after a year. IMN cases (96%) showed better chances of primary union than MIPO cases (72%), after a year. Varus was found in 16% and valgus in 20% of plating cases. AO Type fractures 43 A1 and 43 A2 were preferably treated with nailing whereas 43 A3, with plating. Conclusion: While union time is shorter for IMN cases, there is a greater occurrence of deformity in MIPO patients. We concluded that both the techniques can provide a similar return of functional capabilities but as the complexity of the fracture increases, nail becomes difficult to use than a plate. Keywords: IMN; Distal tibia metaphyseal; MIPO; Distal third tibia fractures.
Integrated metamaterial with the functionalities of an absorption and polarization converter
Authors: Jiang Xu-Xian , Xiao Zhong-Yin , Wang Xin-Wen , Cheng Pei
Published: April 2023

A switchable and tunable dual-function absorber/polarization converter is presented in this work. The constitution of the structure, which incorporates patterned graphene and photosensitive silicon (Si), can minimize undesired optical losses. Simulated results show that when the Si is metallic, the structure behaves as a broadband absorption of more than 90% in the range of 1.45–3.36 THz. Its peak absorption can be tuned from 22% to 99.8% by changing the Fermi energy of graphene. Furthermore, the interference theory analyzes the physical mechanism for broadband absorption. When the Si is in the dielectric state, the structure has a transmission polarization conversion function, which realizes the conversion from linear to cross-polarized waves. The polarization conversion ratio (PCR) is greater than 90% in the 3.82–4.43 THz range. Meanwhile, the cross-polarization transmission can be dynamically tuned from 28% to 97%, and the PCR can also be tuned from 17% to 99.9% by adjusting the conductivity of the Si. The reason for realizing polarization conversion is explained by the polarization decomposition method. This study provides a design opinion of high-performance multifunctional tunable terahertz devices.
Performance of the mid-infrared Q-switched LD side-pumped Er:YSGG MOPA laser
Authors: Ye Xianlin , Zhang Song , Liu Zhengyi , Ren Huaijin , Wei Xingbin , Zhang Lei , Zhang Bin , Fan Guobin
Published: April 2023

We report on a laser-diode (LD)-pumped master-oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) mid-infrared laser system based on an LD side-pumped Er:YSGG seed laser that can operate in both free-running and Q-switched regimes. In the free-running mode of the seed laser, the maximum amplified single-pulse energy was 83.4 mJ. In Q-switched mode of the seed laser, a maximum single-pulse energy of 7.8 mJ was achieved at 100 Hz repetition rate with the pulse width of 90 ns, corresponding to the peak power of 86.7 kW and the single-pass amplification factor of 1.66. The results indicate that the LD side-pumped MOPA structure is an effective way to realize a nanosecond ∼3µm mid-infrared laser with high repetition rate and high pulse energy.
Key-count differential-based proactive key relay algorithm for scalable quantum-secured networking
Authors: Lee Chankyun , Kim Yonghwan , Shim Kyuseok , Lee Wonhyuk
Published: April 2023

By overcoming the distance limit in quantum key distribution (QKD) technology, key relaying over trusted nodes is regarded as an essential function for practical quantum-secured networking. The key relay function consumes a series of costly quantum key resources to establish an end-to-end key in QKD networks (QKDNs); thus, an efficient key relay algorithm is required. To investigate this problem, we developed an integer linear programming (ILP) formulation that maximizes a balanced summation between max-min fairness and efficiency in the key relay. Inspired by the ILP model, this study developed a key-count differential-based proactive key relay (DPKR) heuristic algorithm to provide a scalable solution for key relays in QKDNs. The proposed DPKR algorithm iteratively selects a set of nodes by considering the key-count differential between nodes and establishes an end-to-end key by relaying it over the selected nodes. Owing to the proactive key relay model, an effective key relay route in the key management layer in the QKDN can be calculated solely by the key-count status in the key management layer. The proposed DPKR algorithm reduces manifold order-of-magnitude in the algorithm computation time at the cost of an acceptable loss in the average and minimum numbers of keys from those of the ILP optimization model. The computation time evaluation clearly manifests a scalability of the DPKR algorithm in quantum-secured networking.
All-fiber orthogonal-polarized white-noise-modulated laser for short-coherence dynamic interferometry
Authors: Han Zhigang , Li Fangxin , Chen Jiale , Rui Jiuduo , Wu Zhixun , Zhao Xinyang , Zhu Rihong
Published: April 2023

An all-fiber orthogonal-polarized white-noise-modulated laser (AOWL) for short-coherence dynamic interferometry is proposed. Short-coherence laser is achieved by current modulating of a laser diode with the band-limited white noise. A pair of orthogonal-polarized lights with adjustable delay for short-coherence dynamic interferometry are output by the all-fiber structure. In the non-common-path interferometry, the AOWL can significantly suppress the interference signal clutter with 73% side lobe suppression ratio, that improves the positioning accuracy of zero optical path difference. The wavefront aberrations of a parallel plate are measured with the AOWL in the common-path dynamic interferometers, avoiding the fringe crosstalk.
Coherently averaged dual-comb spectroscopy with a low-noise and high-power free-running gigahertz dual-comb laser: erratum
Authors: Phillips C. R. , Willenberg B. , Nussbaum-Lapping A. , Callegari F. , Camenzind S. L. , Pupeikis J. , Keller U.
Published: April 2023

This erratum corrects a typographical error in equation (8) of our published paper [Opt. Express 31, 7103 (2023)10.1364/OE.479356]. All the calculations used the correct equation, so all the results and conclusions remain unchanged.
Physical-layer security of optical communication based on chaotic optical encryption without an additional driving signal
Authors: Xue Chenpeng , Xia Yongkang , Chen Wei , Gu Ping , Zhang Zuxing
Published: April 2023

We propose and numerically demonstrate a scheme for physical-layer security based on chaotic phase encryption, where the transmitted carrier signal is used as the common injection for chaos synchronization, so there is no need for additional common driving. To ensure privacy, two identical optical scramblers consisting of a semiconductor laser and a dispersion component are used to observe the carrier signal. The results show that the responses of the optical scramblers are highly synchronized but are not synchronized with the injection. By properly setting the phase encryption index, the original message can be well encrypted and decrypted. Moreover, the legal decryption performance is sensitive to the parameter mismatch, since it can degrade the synchronization quality. A slight drop in synchronization induces an evident deterioration in decryption performance. Therefore, without perfectly reconstructing the optical scrambler, the original message cannot be decoded by an eavesdropper.
Second harmonic generation by matching the phase distributions of topological corner and edge states
Authors: Hu Weipeng , Liu Chao , Dai Xiaoyu , Wen Shuangchun , Xiang Yuanjiang
Published: April 2023

Second harmonic generation (SHG) in topological photonic crystals is chiefly concerned with frequency conversion between the same topological states. However, little attention has been paid to the effect of coupling between different topological states on the SHG. In this study, we propose a method for achieving optimal SHG in a topological cavity by matching the phase distributions of the electric fields of the topological corner state (TCS) and topological edge state (TES). Our results show that the intrinsic efficiency can be improved when the phase distributions of the fundamental wave within the TCS and the second harmonic wave within the TES have the same symmetry. Otherwise, conversion efficiency will be greatly inhibited. With this method, we achieved an optimal intrinsic efficiency of 0.165%. Such a platform may enable the development of integrated nanoscale light sources and on-chip frequency converters.
Si-integrated lanthanide-doped ferroelectrics for a photomemory based on a photochromic reaction
Authors: Chen Wenwen , Chen Haisheng , Shen Jiaying , Du Xiaona , Guo Jiaxing , Bian Taiyu , Liang Yuanlin , Yu An , Wu Zhenping , Zhang Yang
Published: April 2023

We describe a Si-integrated photochromic photomemory based on lanthanide-doped ferroelectric Na0.5Bi2.5Nb2O9:Er3+ (NBN:Er) thin films. We show that upconversion emission can be effectively modulated by up to 78% through the photochromic reaction. The coupling between lanthanide upconversion emission and the photochromic effect ensures rewritable and nondestructive readout characteristics. Moreover, integrating photochromic thin films with Si would benefit from its compatibility with the mature complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technique. These results demonstrate the opportunity to develop more compact photochromic photomemories and related photonic devices.
Air spark-assisted excitation to suppress the self-reversal effect in nanosecond UV laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
Authors: Karnadi Indra , Pardede Marincan , Harefa Edward , Tanra Ivan , Hedwig Rinda , Harsono Budi , Hadiyanto Marvin Yonathan , Lie Tjung Tjie , Zhou Weidong , Kagawa Kiichiro , Kurniawan Koo Hendrik
Published: April 2023

A self-reversal effect in plasma has affected the accuracy of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). This effect becomes pronounced in a high-density and inhomogeneous plasma, which is commonly generated in UV LIBS due to efficient ablation of the sample by UV irradiation. Here we present a simple method to suppress the self-reversal effect in UV LIBS at atmospheric pressure utilizing an air spark-assisted excitation. We simultaneously generated the air spark and target plasma by adjusting the lens’ focal point position relative to the sample surface. The interaction between the air spark’s tail and target plasma helps reduce the number of cold ground-state atoms at the periphery of the target plasma. Under this condition, we significantly suppressed the self-reversal effect in the resonance lines of high-concentration aluminum. The time-resolved features show that the emission lines of Al I 394.40 nm and Al I 396.15 nm obtained using the proposed approach are free from self-reversal. These results indicate that the proposed technique can improve the plasma’s homogeneity and, therefore, the spectral quality of resonance lines of nanosecond UV LIBS.
Low-loss multi-mode anti-resonant hollow-core fibers
Authors: Yu Fei , Wu Dakun , Wu Cheng , zhao meng , Zheng Jinhu , Hu Lili , Knight Jonathan
Published: April 2023

In this work, multi-mode anti-resonant hollow-core fiber (AR-HCF) with 18 fan-shaped resonators is fabricated and characterized. The ratio of core diameter over transmitted wavelengths in the lowest transmission band is up to 85. The measured attenuation at 1 μm wavelength is below 0.1 dB/m and the bend loss below 0.2 dB/m at a bend radius smaller than 8 cm. Modal content of the multi-mode AR-HCF is characterized using the S2 imaging technique and seven LP-like modes in total are identified using a 23.6 meter fiber length. Multi-mode AR-HCFs for longer wavelengths are fabricated by scaling up the same design, extending the transmission window beyond 4 µm wavelength. Low-loss multi-mode AR-HCF could find applications in the delivery of high-power laser light with a medium beam quality, where higher coupling efficiency and laser damage threshold are expected.
In-silico EEG biomarkers of reduced inhibition in human cortical microcircuits in depression
Authors: Mazza Frank , Guet-McCreight Alexandre , Valiante Taufik A. , Griffiths John D. , Hay Etay
Published: April 2023

Reduced cortical inhibition by somatostatin-expressing (SST) interneurons has been strongly associated with treatment-resistant depression. However, due to technical limitations it is impossible to establish experimentally in humans whether the effects of reduced SST interneuron inhibition on microcircuit activity have signatures detectable in clinically-relevant brain signals such as electroencephalography (EEG). To overcome these limitations, we simulated resting-state activity and EEG using detailed models of human cortical microcircuits with normal (healthy) or reduced SST interneuron inhibition (depression), and found that depression microcircuits exhibited increased theta, alpha and low beta power (4–16 Hz). The changes in depression involved a combination of an aperiodic broadband and periodic theta components. We then demonstrated the specificity of the EEG signatures of reduced SST interneuron inhibition by showing they were distinct from those corresponding to reduced parvalbumin-expressing (PV) interneuron inhibition. Our study thus links SST interneuron inhibition level to distinct features in EEG simulated from detailed human microcircuits, which can serve to better identify mechanistic subtypes of depression using EEG, and non-invasively monitor modulation of cortical inhibition.
Equity should be fundamental to the emergence of innovation
Authors: Gallifant Jack , Nakayama Luis Filipe , Gichoya Judy Wawira , Pierce Robin , Celi Leo Anthony
Published: April 2023

The ability of artificial intelligence to perpetuate bias at scale is increasingly recognized. Recently, proposals for implementing regulation that safeguards such discrimination have come under pressure due to the potential of such restrictions stifling innovation within the field. In this formal comment, we highlight the potential dangers of such views and explore key examples that define this relationship between health equity and innovation. We propose that health equity is a vital component of healthcare and should not be compromised to expedite the advancement of results for the few at the expense of vulnerable populations. A data-centered future that works for all will require funding bodies to incentivize equity-focused AI, and organizations must be held accountable for the differential impact of such algorithms post-deployment.
Overestimation of school-based deworming coverage resulting from school-based reporting
Authors: Sheahan William , Anderson Roy , Aruldas Kumudha , Avokpaho Euripide , Galagan Sean , Goodman Jeanne , Houngbegnon Parfait , Israel Gideon John , Janagaraj Venkateshprabhu , Kaliappan Saravanakumar Puthupalayam , Means Arianna Rubin , Morozoff Chloe , Pearman Emily , Ramesh Rohan Michael , Roll Amy , Schaefer Alexandra , Simwanza James , Witek-McManus Stefan , Ajjampur Sitara S. R. , Bailey Robin , Ibikounlé Moudachirou , Kalua Khumbo , Luty Adrian J. F. , Pullan Rachel , Walson Judd L. , Ásbjörnsdóttir Kristjana Hrönn
Published: April 2023

Background

Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH) infect over 1.5 billion people globally and are associated with anemia and stunting, resulting in an annual toll of 1.9 million Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs). School-based deworming (SBD), via mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns with albendazole or mebendazole, has been recommended by the World Health Organization to reduce levels of morbidity due to STH in endemic areas. DeWorm3 is a cluster-randomized trial, conducted in three study sites in Benin, India, and Malawi, designed to assess the feasibility of interrupting STH transmission with community-wide MDA as a potential strategy to replace SBD. This analysis examines data from the DeWorm3 trial to quantify discrepancies between school-level reporting of SBD and gold standard individual-level survey reporting of SBD.

Methodology/Principal findings

Population-weighted averages of school-level SBD calculated at the cluster level were compared to aggregated individual-level SBD estimates to produce a Mean Squared Error (MSE) estimate for each study site. In order to estimate individual-level SBD coverage, these MSE values were applied to SBD estimates from the control arm of the DeWorm3 trial, where only school-level reporting of SBD coverage had been collected.

In each study site, SBD coverage in the school-level datasets was substantially higher than that obtained from individual-level datasets, indicating possible overestimation of school-level SBD coverage. When applying observed MSE to project expected coverages in the control arm, SBD coverage dropped from 89.1% to 70.5% (p-value < 0.001) in Benin, from 97.7% to 84.5% (p-value < 0.001) in India, and from 41.5% to 37.5% (p-value < 0.001) in Malawi.

Conclusions/Significance

These estimates indicate that school-level SBD reporting is likely to significantly overestimate program coverage. These findings suggest that current SBD coverage estimates derived from school-based program data may substantially overestimate true pediatric deworming coverage within targeted communities.

Trial registration

NCT03014167.
The role of safety in modal choice and shift: A transport expert perspective in the state of Victoria (Australia)
Authors: Ibrahim Mohammad Nabil , Logan David B. , Koppel Sjaan , Fildes Brian
Published: April 2023

Background

Previous research showed differences in the exposure to risk from using different modes of transport and that modal choice can significantly impact road safety outcomes. Though, a modal shift to a safer mode is not commonly discussed as part of road safety strategies.

Aim

This study aimed to explore the perspectives of transport policymakers about the role of safety in modal choice and if it can be one of the main factors for modal choice and shift.

Method

Seven semi-structured interviews were conducted with transport experts from government (n = 5) and private (n = 2) organisations in the state of Victoria. Interview transcripts were analysed using a thematic approach to identify the key perspectives of the experts.

Results

Overall, the analyses indicated uncertainty of the ability to use safety in modal choice as a road safety strategy and identified two main issues; 1) the perceived limited role that safety plays in people’s modal choice, and 2) that safety is perceived to be a barrier to modal choice and modal shift towards public and active travel. Experts suggested that when considering transport modes other factors such as convenience, availability, speed, cost, trip purpose and income are more influential than safety in modal choice. They also suggested that safety might play a role within the chosen mode, but not in choosing between modes, such as considering safety features when purchasing a car after deciding to drive a car. It was also stated that safety could act as a barrier preventing people from choosing sustainable transport modes of public transport and active travel.

Conclusions

Theoretically, it is argued that safety and mobility cannot be traded against each other, and that mobility becomes a function of safety, not vice-versa. However, our findings indicated that the transport experts did not believe that safety is the main factor in the modal choice process. Transport experts believed users choose their mode of transport mainly to achieve mobility benefits without necessarily considering how safe is their choice as a differentiator factor. While the shift to a safer mode of transport would help improve road safety outcomes, further investigations are needed to inform how can we influence the consideration of safety as the main factor in modal choice and removing barriers to using the relatively safest available mode of transport.
Emirates Heart Health Project (EHHP): A protocol for a stepped-wedge family-cluster randomized-controlled trial of a health-coach guided diet and exercise intervention to reduce weight and cardiovascular risk in overweight and obese UAE nationals
Authors: King Jeffrey K. , Sheek-Hussein Mohamud , Nagelkerke Nico J. D. , Kieu Alexander , Al-Shamsi Saif , Nauman Javaid , Hoque Nicholas , Govender Romona D. , ElBarazi Iffat , Crawford Kristoffer
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most common cause of death both globally and in the United Arab Emirates. Despite public health measures and health education, the rates of death from CVD remain stable. Barriers previously identified to lifestyle changes include cultural reasons, boredom, and lack of family support. The Emirates Heart Health Project (EHHP) seeks to support healthy lifestyle changes through a family-based intervention using a health coach and fitness tracker.

Methods and analysis

The EHHP is a stepped-wedge cluster-randomized trial with each cluster comprised of members of an extended family. Eligible participants will be ≥ 18 years of age, with BMI ≥ 25, have Emirati citizenship and be able to give informed consent for study participation. The cluster will have 16 weekly teaching sessions in the participants’ family home by a health coach who will review individual weight, diet and exercise (monitored by a wearable fitness tracker). The clusters will have pre-intervention assessments of their weight and CVD risk profile and enter the intervention in randomized order. Each cluster will have a post-intervention assessment of the same measures. The primary outcome is weight reduction from baseline. Secondary outcomes will include change in CVD risk factors such as systolic and diastolic blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides, waist circumference, and BMI. A mixed linear model will be used for analysis, where the parameters measured at the end of each 16-week episode will be the outcome values. These will be analyzed such that baseline values (measured just prior to the start of an episode) will be fixed covariables. Random effects are the family units. This trial has been registered with the NIH at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04688684) and is being reported using the SPIRIT (Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials) and TIDieR (Template for intervention description and replication) framework.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04688684.
Comparative evaluation of radiographic and computed tomographic findings in dogs with bilateral medial coronoid disease (MCD) presenting with unilateral forelimb lameness
Authors: Seidler Sophia , Rhode Michaela , Volk Holger , Harms Oliver
Published: April 2023

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to compare the radiographic and computed tomographic (CT) findings of dogs with diagnosed bilateral medial coronoid disease, which showed clinically only unilateral lameness of the forelimbs.

Materials and methods

Medical records, including radiographs and CT images of dogs with diagnosed bilateral MCD showing only a unilateral forelimb lameness clinically were reviewed retrospectively. Depending on the gait of each dog we established two groups to investigate their radiographs and CT data comparatively. Group I: affected non-lame limb. Group II: affected lame limb. Several evaluation systems were used to assess which factors are important for clinical decision making and a patient tailored therapeutic plan.

Results

Data from 84 affected elbow joints (42 dogs) diagnosed with MCD by computed tomography were included. Both the radiological and the CT analysis showed that there are significant differences between Groups I and II. Group I had a lower modified International Elbow Working Group Score (IEWG), the values of the Trochlear notch sclerosis were only slightly deviated, and this group showed less often a dislocation of the fragment compared to group II. Furthermore, the size of the fragment (both the median and the mean value) of the forelimbs from group II was almost twice as big as the one from group I. The following sizes of the fragments were calculated (group I versus (vs.) group II)—median: 0.09 cm2vs. 0.16 cm2, mean value: 0.112 cm2vs. 0.202 cm2. It could be shown that a larger fragment is more likely to dislocate than a smaller one.

Clinical significance

This study provides some evidence towards a better understanding of which diagnostic parameters and findings might be important in clinical decision making. Nevertheless, a “decision tree” for the correct therapy of MCD could not be determined in this study.
Evaluating the contact anatomy and contact bone volume of spinal screws using a novel drilled surface image
Authors: Tang Yun-Xuan , Peng Shin-Lei , Chen Yi-Wen , Huang Hsiang-Ming , Shih Cheng-Ting
Published: April 2023

Intraoperative navigation systems have been widely applied in spinal fusion surgery to improve the implantation accuracy of spinal screws using orthogonal tomographic and surface-rendering imaging. However, these images contain limited anatomical information and no information on bone volume contact by the implanted screw, which has been proven to affect the stability of implanted screws. This study proposed a novel drilled surface imaging technique that displays anatomical integration properties to calculate the contact bone volume (CBV) of the screws implanted along an implantation trajectory. A cylinder was used to represent the area traversed by the screws, which was manually rotated and translated to a predetermined implantation trajectory according to a vertebra model obtained using computed tomography (CT) image volumes. The drilled surface image was reconstructed by interpolating the CT numbers at the predefined sampling points on the cylinder surface. The anatomical integration property and CBV of the screw implanted along the transpedicular trajectory (TT) and cortical bone trajectory (CBT) were evaluated and compared. The drilled surface image fully revealed the contact anatomical structure of the screw under the trajectories, improving the understanding of the anatomical integration of the screw and surrounding tissues. On average, the CBV of the CBT was 30% greater than that of the TT. The proposed drilled surface image may be applied in preoperative planning and integrated into intraoperative navigation systems to evaluate the anatomical integration and degree of bone contact of the screw implanted along a trajectory.
A hybrid MCDM model combining Fuzzy-Delphi, AEW, BWM, and MARCOS for digital economy development comprehensive evaluation of 31 provincial level regions in China
Authors: Zhao Haoran , Wang Yuchen , Guo Sen
Published: April 2023

With the deepening of a new round of technological revolution and industrial reform, digital technology has been continuously innovated and widely penetrated into various economic fields. The digital economy (DE) is gradually becoming the focus of China’s economic development planning and a new engine to enhance national strength. Evaluating the development level of DE in various regions is conducive to timely discover the shortcomings in China’s DE development, as well as provide an important basis for putting forward corresponding policy suggestions. This investigation established a hybrid multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) model for evaluating DE development of 31 provincial level regions in China ranging from 2015 to 2020. Firstly, the evaluation indicator system is established from digital infrastructure, integrated development, social benefits, innovation ability, and electronic-commerce dimensions containing 17 quantitative sub-criteria based on Fuzzy-Delphi method. Secondly, integrated weights of 17 sub-criteria from 2015 to 2020 are computed in terms of objective weights calculated by the anti-entropy weight (AEW) approach from 2015 to 2020 and subjective weights obtained via the best-worst method (BWM). Thirdly, MARCOS model is applied to evaluate the DE development degree of various regions in China ranging from 2015 to 2020. Case analysis illustrates that the DE development of Guangdong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Beijing always maintain in the top four from 2015 to 2020, while the southwest and northwest regions in China are obviously fall behind others. And the DE development degree of various regions is primarily affected under the integrated development performance, innovation ability performance, and social benefits performance. Therefore, the backward regions should emphasize the development of software industry and information technology industry. The robustness of the proposed MCDM model combining Fuzzy-Delphi, AEW, BWM and MARCOS is discussed employing three similarity coefficients of rankings. And it is verified that the proposed MCDM model has superior robustness and validity in evaluating DE development.
Artemisinin suppresses aerobic glycolysis in thyroid cancer cells by downregulating HIF-1a, which is increased by the XIST/miR-93/HIF-1a pathway
Authors: Yang Fei , Zhang Jie , Zhao Zhijun , Liu Yan , Zhao Zhen , Fu Kai , Li Baokun , Jin Jing
Published: April 2023

The incidence of thyroid cancer (TC) continues to increase worldwide. Aerobic glycolysis, the prominent feature of glucose metabolism in cancer progression, is associated with TC. We first demonstrated that HIF-1a is highly expressed in TC tissues and is positively correlated with the level of XIST in the serum of patients with TC. Then, we proved that XIST regulates the expression of HIF-1a through the XIST/miR-93/HIF-1a pathway, thereby regulating the level of glycolysis in TC cells. Knockdown of XIST inhibits glycolysis, proliferation, the cell cycle and metastasis of TC cells. Finally, we verified that artemisinin could target the degradation of HIF-1a and inhibit glycolysis in TC cells. Collectively, XIST levels in serum may be used as a tumor marker for TC promoted by HIF-1a, which could be treated using artemisinin.