bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
O uso da aromaterapia na saúde mental
Authors: Januario Gabrielle Peres Burlandy , Figueiredo Nébia Maria Almeida de , Handem Priscila de Castro , Perissé Luísa
Published: November 2023

O objeto do presente estudo deriva dos resultados da pesquisa de Doutorado, Aromaterapia no Centro de Atenção Psicossocial III: efeitos fisiológicos e comportamentais em usuários com ansiedade. Objetivo: Compreender a contribuição da Aromaterapia como tratamento complementar e integrativo na Psiquiatria. Metodologia: Revisão integrativa de artigos nas bases de dados MEDLINE, PUBMED e seleção de publicações com ensaios clínicos e testes controlados. Resultados: A eficácia da Aromaterapia foi relacionada a fatores como idade, sexo e gravidade da ansiedade. Por meio da estimulação olfativa, os resultados sugerem que a Aromaterapia pode influenciar parâmetros psicológicos, modular o humor e agir na redução de sintomas de ansiedade, depressão, além de melhorar a qualidade do sono. A conexão íntima entre o sistema olfativo e as regiões cerebrais, relacionadas à regulação emocional, foi enfatizada como um mecanismo plausível para os efeitos positivos observados. No entanto, desafios como a falta de protocolos padronizados e o efeito placebo requerem considerações antes de uma adoção generalizada. Conclusão: A Aromaterapia apresenta potenciais benefícios na gestão de condições psiquiátricas, contudo a pesquisa contínua e uma abordagem baseada em evidências são essenciais. É fundamental a colaboração entre aromaterapeutas, psiquiatras e farmacologistas para garantir a segurança do paciente e otimizar os benefícios do tratamento. A integração da Aromaterapia na Psiquiatria abre novas possibilidades e destaca a importância de esforços colaborativos para explorar as intervenções adjuvantes e promover o bem-estar do paciente.
Avaliação do tempo de efervescência de comprimidos de vitamina C em amostras de água com diferentes durezas
Authors: Costa Fernanda Michele Oliveira da , Fonseca Fernanda Santos da , Freitas Paulo Mateus Rodrigues , Lobão Yasmin Bitelli , Giorgetti Leandro , Michelin Luis Felipe Gomes
Published: November 2023

Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar o tempo de efervescência do comprimido de vitamina C (ácido ascórbico) em águas de diferentes durezas. Foram avaliadas três marcas com concentração de 1 grama de vitamina C em duas amostras de água de dureza de 71,4 ppm (moderadamente dura) e 232 ppm (muito dura). Duas hipóteses foram levantadas sobre os possíveis impactos que a dureza da água teria na efervescência dos comprimidos: a primeira relacionava o pH da água dura e sua influência na tensão superficial da água, e a segunda relacionava a possibilidade da reação dos íons presentes na água com as substâncias constituintes do comprimido. O método empregado para a determinação da dureza total foi o teste MQuant®, e as duas amostras de água apresentaram dureza de 71,4 e 232 ppm. Em seguida, os tempos de desintegração dos comprimidos foram obtidos e comparados através do método de Tukey. Não houve diferenças significativas entre as amostras analisadas.  Este trabalho reforça que são necessárias pesquisas adicionais sobre a relação da dureza da água com a efervescência de comprimidos de vitamina C, o que ajuda a compreender como a relação da qualidade da água pode afetar a utilização de medicamentos efervescentes.
ANALISIS FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI KESTABILAN GULA DARAH PENDERITA DIABETES MELLITUS PADA USIA DEWASA DAN LANSIA
Authors: Setianto Andi , Maria Lilla , Firdaus Achmad Dafir
Published: November 2023

Penyakit DM ditandai dengan ketidakstabilan gula darah tubuh karena adanya gangguan pengeluaran insulin. Pemberian terapi pada pasien DM perlu memperhatihan faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi kestabilan gula darah, sehingga pemberian terapi akan lebih efektif dan akurat sesuai dengan kebutuhan penderita DM. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui faktor apasaja yang mempengaruhi kestabilan gula darah penderita DM pada usia dewasa dan lansia.  Penelitian ini adalah studi tinjauan pustaka dengan menggunakan beberapa strategi pencarian literature yaitu menggunakan framework PICOS, pencarian keywords (gula darah, diabetes mellitus, faktor, dewasa, lansia), dan pencarian pada database (Ebsco, PubMed, CAB Direct. Faktor-Faktor yang mempengaruhi kestabilan gula penderita DM pada usia dewasa dan lansia adalah data demografi, pola makan, aktivitas fisik, lama terdiagnosa DM, pengetahuan penderita DM, penyakit penyerta dan komplikasi, jenis dan kepatuhan pemberian terapi antidiabetes. Faktor yang paling berpengaruh terhadap kestabilan gula darah adalah lama terdiagnosa penyakit DM.
PENGARUH KOMBINASI ANTIBAKTERI EKSTRAK BUNGA TELANG (Clitoria ternatea L.) DAN LIDAH BUAYA (Aloe vera) TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN PROPIONIBACTERIUM ACNES
Authors: Khairunnisa Nadhira Izdihar
Published: November 2023

Latar belakang: Propionibacterium acnes berperan penting dalam akne vulgaris. Terhitung sebanyak 80-85% angka kejadian akne vulgaris di  Indonesia. Pengunaan antibiotik sering menyebabkan resistensi. Antibiotik dari bahan alami menjadi salah satu alternatif, salah satunya Bunga Telang (Clitoria ternatea) dan Lidah Buaya (Aloe vera) yang memiliki aktivitas antibakteri. Kombinasi ekstrak telah terbukti memiliki efek sinergisme dibandingkan dengan ekstrak tunggal.

Tujuan: Mengetahui pengaruh kombinasi ekstrak Bunga Telang (Clitoria ternatea L.) dan Lidah Buaya (Aloe vera) terhadap pertumbuhan bakteri Propionibacterium acnes.

Metode: Penelitian ini menggunakan metode true experimental dengan posttest only control group design. Menggunakan sampel bakteri Propionibacterium acnes dan metode dilusi tabung dengan 6 konsentrasi Bunga Telang dan Lidah Buaya 100%, 50%, 25%, 12,5%, 6,25%, 0%. Analisis data menggunakan uji T-Test.

Hasil: Pada Uji T-Test didapatkan hasil bahwa kombinasi ekstrak Bunga Telang dan Lidah Buaya pada konsentrasi 6,25% memiliki perbedaan yang signifikan.

Kesimpulan: Kombinasi ekstrak Bunga Telang (Clitoria ternatea) dan Lidah Buaya (Aloe vera) memiliki pengaruh dalam menghambat pertumbuhan Propionibacterium acnes.
The GluN2B-Containing NMDA Receptor Alleviates Neuronal Apoptosis in Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy by Activating PI3K-Akt-CREB Signaling Pathway
Authors: ZHANG X-T ZHANG , PENG K-Z , XU S-L , WU M-X , SUN H-J , ZHAO J , YANG S , LIU S-J , LIAO C-Y , ZHANG X-M
Published: November 2023

Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a disease caused by insufficient blood supply in the brain in newborns during the perinatal period. Severe HIE leads to patient death, and patients with mild HIE are at increased risk of cognitive deficits and behavioral abnormalities. The NMDA receptor is an important excitatory receptor in the central nervous system, and in adult hypoxic-ischemic injury both subtypes of the NMDA receptor play important but distinct roles. The GluN2A-containing NMDA receptor (GluN2A-NMDAR) could activate neuronal protective signaling pathway, while the GluN2B-NMDAR subtype is coupled to the apoptosis-inducing signaling pathway and leads to neuronal death. However, the expression level of GluN2B is higher in newborns than in adults, while the expression of GluN2A is lower. Therefore, it is not clear whether the roles of different NMDA receptor subtypes in HIE are consistent with those in adults. We investigated this issue in this study and found that in HIE, GluN2B plays a protective role by mediating the protective pathway through binding with PSD95, which is quite different to that in adults. The results of this study provided new theoretical support for the clinical treatment of neonatal hypoxic ischemia.
High-Fat Diet Induces Resistance to Ghrelin and LEAP2 Peptide Analogs in Mice
Authors: HOLÁ L , TURECKIOVÁ T , KUNEŠ J , ŽELEZNÁ B , MALETÍNSKÁ L
Published: November 2023

Recent data suggest that the orexigenic peptide ghrelin and liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP2) have opposing effects on food intake regulation. Although circulating ghrelin is decreased in obesity, peripheral ghrelin administration does not induce food intake in obese mice. Limited information is available on ghrelin resistance in relation to LEAP2. In this study, the interplay between ghrelin and LEAP2 in obesity induced by a high-fat (HF) diet in mice was studied. First, the progression of obesity and intolerance to glucose together with plasma levels of active and total ghrelin, leptin, as well as liver LEAP2 mRNA expression at different time points of HF diet feeding was examined. In addition, the impact of switch from a HF diet to a standard diet on plasma ghrelin and LEAP2 production was studied. Second, sensitivity to the stable ghrelin analogue [Dpr3]Ghrelin or our novel LEAP2 analogue palm-LEAP2(1-14) during the progression of HF diet-induced obesity and after the switch for standard diet was investigated. Food intake was monitored after acute subcutaneous administration. HF diet feeding decreased both active and total plasma ghrelin and increased liver LEAP2 mRNA expression along with intolerance to glucose and the switch to a standard diet normalized liver LEAP2 mRNA expression and plasma level of active ghrelin, but not of total ghrelin. Additionally, our study demonstrates that a HF diet causes resistance to [Dpr3]Ghrelin, reversible by switch to St diet, followed by resistance to palm-LEAP2(1-14). Further studies are needed to determine the long-term effects of LEAP2 analogues on obesity-related ghrelin resistance.
RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY OF POST-RESECTION DEFECTS OF THE UPPER JAW
Authors: Magomedova Kh. M. , Sletova V. A. , Gandylyan K. S. , Gabbasova I. V. , Kononenko V. I. , Idrisova A. M. , Sletov A. A.
Published: November 2023

Post-resection defects of the upper jaw are one of the most difficult problems in surgery. They can occur after removal of tumors, trauma or infection, and can cause various functional and aesthetic problems in patients. Surgical reconstruction of the maxilla may require the use of bone grafts and/or implants, which may be ineffective or cause a number of complications in the absence of a reconstructive approach.

The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy and safety of surgical reconstruction of the upper jaw using modified individual plates and bone autografts.

Materials and methods. The study was conducted among 35 patients with post-resection defects of the upper jaw. All patients underwent surgical reconstruction using modified individual plates and revascularizable autografts, according to the division into 2 groups. Evaluation of the effectiveness of the reconstruction was carried out based on clinical data in the early and late postoperative periods.

Results. The use of revascularized flaps makes it possible to achieve an optimal long-term result with the absence of a large volume of foreign bodies in the recipient bed.

Conclusions. Reconstructive surgery using metal structures is fraught with a number of postoperative complications that require corrective manipulations and (or) a fundamentally different approach for repeated interventions. Currently, the gold alternative standard is the use of revascularized flaps, which allowed 16 patients to achieve a long-term stable result with the restoration of the continuity of the upper jaw, followed by prosthetics.
INSOMNIA IN PANIC DISORDER. LITERATURE REWIEW
Authors: Korabelnikova E. A. , Yakovleva E. V.
Published: November 2023

Sleep disorders and panic disorder (PD) are often comorbid and closely interrelated. Sleep disorders aggravate the severity of panic disorder, and pathological anxiety worsens sleep. In this regard, the treatment of insomnia in patients with PD is aimed at harmonizing the emotional state and correcting sleep and, along with pharmacotherapy, includes a wide range of psychotherapeutic methods. Successful treatment of insomnia increases the effectiveness of PD therapy, reduces the likelihood of relapse and increases the susceptibility of patients to many anti-anxiety drugs.
SPORCU ÜNİVERSİTE ÖĞRENCİLERİNİN AHLAKTAN UZAKLAŞMALARI İLE ANTRENÖRLERİNİN ETİK DIŞI DAVRANIŞLARI ARASINDAKİ İLİŞKİNİN İNCELENMESİ
Authors: GÜLLÜ Sevim
Published: November 2023

Bu araştırmanın amacı antrenörlerin sporcuları tarafından algılanan etik dışı davranışları ile sporcuların ahlaktan uzaklaşmaları arasındaki ilişkinin incelenmesidir. Örneklemini 327 sporcu üniversite öğrencisi oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmada katılımcılara demografik bilgiler sorulmuş, ayrıca veri toplama aracı olarak “Antrenörlerin Etik Dışı Davranışları ile İlgili Sporcu Algısı Ölçeği” ile “Sporda Ahlaktan Uzaklaşma Ölçeği” kullanılmıştır. Araştırma tekniği olarak nicel araştırma yöntemlerinden betimsel ve ilişkisel tarama modeli kullanılmıştır. Verilerin değerlendirilmesi için frekans ve fark testleri (t testi ve ANOVA) yapılmış, ölçekler arasındaki ilişkinin varlığını ve derecesini ölçmek için Korelasyon testi yapılmıştır. Bulgulara göre; erkek sporcular kadın sporculara göre sporda ahlaktan uzaklaşma konusunda daha yüksek düzeyde görüş bildirmişlerdir. Rekreasyon Bölümünde okuyan sporcuların Antrenörlük Eğitimi ile Beden Eğitimi ve Spor bölümlerinde okuyan sporculara göre antrenörlerinin algıladıkları etik dışı davranışları ile sporda ahlaktan uzaklaşma puanları daha yüksek düzeydedir. Milli sporcu olmayan sporcuların milli sporcu olanlara göre, uluslararası başarıları olmayan sporcuların uluslararası başarıları olan sporculara göre antrenörlerinin algıladıkları etik dışı davranışları ile sporda ahlaktan uzaklaşma puanları daha yüksek düzeydedir. Korelasyon tablosuna göre Antrenörlerin Etik Dışı Davranışları ile Sporda Ahlaktan Uzaklaşmaları arasında pozitif yönde ve orta düzeyde ilişki bulunmuştur. Buna göre; antrenörlerin sporcular tarafından algılanan etik dışı davranışları arttıkça sporcuların ahlaktan uzaklaşma düzeyleri artmaktadır.
PENINGKATAN KUALITAS PELAYANAN PUBLIK MELALUI APLIKASI PENGADUAN SP4N-LAPOR! PADA KEMENTERIAN PENDAYAGUNAAN APARATUR NEGARA DAN REFORMASI BIROKRASI
Authors: Wulandari Serly
Published: November 2023

Aplikasi pengaduan SP4N-LAPOR! merupakan aplikasi tunggal dalam pengelolaan pengaduan pelayanan publik terintegrasi nasional yang bertujuan untuk meningkatkan kualitas pelayanan publik. Hingga tahun 2022, sebesar 8,61% instansi pusat/daerah belum terhubung ke SP4N-LAPOR!, 30,2% dari keseluruhan total laporan pengaduan belum diselesaikan serta nilai kepuasan terhadap admin SP4N-LAPOR! hanya 54%. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui peningkatan kualitas pelayanan publik yang telah dilakukan oleh Kementerian PAN-RB melalui Aplikasi Pengaduan SP4N-LAPOR!. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif dengan pendekatan kualitatif. Kerangka konseptual penelitian menggunakan teori Kualitas Pelayanan Elektronik Parasuraman (2005) dengan dimensi antara lain: efficiency, fullfilment, system avaibility dan privacy. Sumber data berupa data primer dan data sekunder. Teknik pengumpulan data melalui wawancara, observasi dan studi dokumen. Teknik analisis data melalui reduksi data, penyajian data hingga penarikan kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa peningkatan kualitas pelayanan publik melalui aplikasi pengaduan SP4N-LAPOR! masih belum berjalan secara optimal dimana dari dimensi efficiency, tahapan cara melapor tidak ada didalam cara mengakses SP4N-LAPOR! melalui sms ke nomor 1708; dimensi fullfilment, masih terdapat pengelolaan SP4N-LAPOR! yang tidak sesuai dengan Peraturan Menteri PAN-RB No.62 Tahun 2018; dimensi system avaibility, masih ada instansi yang belum terhubung dengan SP4N-LAPOR! akibat terkendala jaringan di daerah; serta dimensi privacy, dimana jaminan keamanan dan kerahasiaan data pelapor telah dilakukan dengan melibatkan berbagai pihak serta dibuatnya fitur khusus dalam SP4N-LAPOR!.
Optimized repetitive sampling X-bar control chart: performance evaluation and comparison with Shewhart control chart
Authors: Muñoz Jose J. , Aslam Muhammad , Campuzano Manuel J.
Published: November 2023

When initial sample information falls short of enabling industrial engineers to confidently make decisions about lot quality assessment, repetitive sampling emerges as a solution. In this study, we present an optimized repetitive sampling control chart for X-bar values. Through meticulous analysis, we determined the optimal control chart coefficients. Additionally, we established the control chart parameters for scenarios where the sample size equals the average sample number, encompassing both in-control and out-of-control processes. To underscore the effectiveness of our proposed chart compared to the traditional Shewhart control chart, we provide comprehensive tables across various sample sizes. By meticulously examining these tables alongside the corresponding control charts, the chart's efficacy in relation to the Shewhart alternative becomes evident.
Green roof infrastructure outperforms grey technology in flood mitigation in São Paulo’s urbanized region
Authors: Ferreira Mauricio Jonas , da Rocha Humberto Ribeiro
Published: November 2023

São Paulo City, Brazil, a densely urbanized area in a tropical climate region, is facing increasing challenges from flooding. However, a promising solution has emerged in the form of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) infrastructure, surpassing traditional grey technology in flood mitigation. This article examines the effectiveness of green roofs in reducing flood risks and highlights their superiority over conventional approaches. We analyzed the direct impacts of surface permeabilization in public areas (sidewalks, streets, and squares) and private areas (urban lots, subdivisions) on runoff volume and peak flow in the Aricanduva River basin in São Paulo city. We used a thoroughly validated hydrological model to compare the interference in the land use of the watershed between a green infrastructure type called Green Roof (GR) and a gray technology called Permeable Pavement (PP), in terms of hydrological efficiency in mitigating floods. The flow and water level simulations for varying areas with GR or PP covered a wide range, allowing for situations above or below the canal overflow level, which provided a good distinction of the impact of boundary conditions. Overall, we observed a positive hydrological response, with a reduction in peak flow and runoff volume proportional to the increase in permeable area, and consequently, proportional to the increase in GR or PP surface within the contributing area. As the main contribution, the hydrological performance calculated with the variation of GR was remarkably superior to the variation of PP in terms of requiring a smaller coverage area with interference to prevent overflow or achieve equivalent efficiency. It is worth noting that the substitution of approximately 24% of the gray roof area with GR prevented canal overflow, which is notably lower than the required substitution of approximately 40% for PP interference. We reinforce the relevance of green roofs as an option to mitigate intense hydrological effects in urban areas and, more importantly, paves the way for other NBS with the same hydrological principles and environmental co-benefits to work individually or in combination.
Docking and MM study of non-structural protein (NS5) of Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) with some derivatives of adenosyl
Authors: Tiwari Rakesh Kumar , Pandey Vinayak , Srivastava Harshita , Srivastava Ambrish Kumar , Pandey Vishnudatt
Published: November 2023

Introduction: The flavivirus NS5, a non-structural protein of Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV), a serious deadly human pathogen responsible for epidemics in South East Asia, consists of N-terminal methyl transferase (MTase) domain and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is known for unique viral genome replication and cap formation activity. S-adenosyl executes a crucial function in these viral activities. S-adenosyl derivatives are chosen as potential binders with the MTase domain of NS5 based on MM and docking studies.

Methods: MM GBSA (Generalized Born Surface Area) simulation were performed to evaluate the binding energy, following the 100 nanosecond (ns) production MD simulation in the periodic boundary condition (PBC) for the selected docked ligands with NS5. Quasi-harmonic entropy of the ligands was also calculated with semi-empirical calculations at the PM3/PM6 level supporting docking and MM-GBSA results.

Results and discussion: The residue-wise decomposition energy reveals that the key hydrophobic residues Gly 81, Phe 133, and Ile 147 in the RdRp-MTase interface, indicate the biological relevance. These residues act as the key residue stabilizer, binding vigorously with S-Adenosyl derivatives in the vicinity of the interface between the MTase domain and RdRp. This paves the way for the other potential drug as an inhibitor for the enzymatic activity of the NS5.
Erythromycin, retapamulin, pyridoxine, folic acid, and ivermectin inhibit cytopathic effect, papain-like protease, and MPRO enzymes of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Bello Shaibu Oricha , Imam Mustapha Umar , Bello Muhammad Bashir , Yunusa Abdulmajeed , Ahmed Adamu Adamu , Shuaibu Abdulmalik , Igumbor Ehimario Uche , Habib Zaiyad Garba , Popoola Mustapha Ayodele , Ochu Chinwe Lucia , Yahaya Bello Aishatu , Deeni Yusuf Yahaya , Okoye Ifeoma
Published: November 2023

Background

Although tremendous success has been achieved in the development and deployment of effective COVID-19 vaccines, developing effective therapeutics for the treatment of those who do come down with the disease has been with limited success. To repurpose existing drugs for COVID-19, we previously showed, qualitatively, that erythromycin, retapamulin, pyridoxine, folic acid, and ivermectin inhibit SARS-COV-2-induced cytopathic effect (CPE) in Vero cells.

Aim

This study aimed to quantitatively explore the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2-induced CPE by erythromycin, retapamulin, pyridoxine, folic acid, and ivermectin and to determine the effect of these drugs on SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease and 3CL protease (MPRO) enzymes.

Methods

Neutral red (3-amino-7-dimethylamino-2-methyl-phenazine hydrochloride) cell viability assay was used to quantify CPE after infecting pre-treated Vero cells with clinical SARS-Cov-2 isolates. Furthermore, SensoLyte® 520 SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease and SensoLyte® 520 SARS-CoV-2 MPRO activity assay kits were used to evaluate the inhibitory activity of the drugs on the respective enzymes.

Results

Erythromycin, retapamulin, pyridoxine, folic acid, and ivermectin dose-dependently inhibit SARS-CoV-2-induced CPE in Vero cells, with inhibitory concentration-50 (IC50) values of 3.27 µM, 4.23 µM, 9.29 µM, 3.19 µM, and 84.31 µM, respectively. Furthermore, erythromycin, retapamulin, pyridoxine, folic acid, and ivermectin dose-dependently inhibited SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease with IC50 values of 0.94 µM, 0.88 µM, 1.14 µM, 1.07 µM, and 1.51 µM, respectively, and inhibited the main protease (MPRO) with IC50 values of 1.35 µM, 1.25 µM, 7.36 µM, 1.15 µM, and 2.44 µM, respectively.

Conclusion

The IC50 for all the drugs, except ivermectin, was at the clinically achievable plasma concentration in humans, which supports a possible role for the drugs in the management of COVID-19. The lack of inhibition of CPE by ivermectin at clinical concentrations could be part of the explanation for its lack of effectiveness in clinical trials.
Minimum clinically important differences in the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure questionnaire: from a study of heart failure patients treated with integrated Chinese and Western medicine
Authors: Zhu Yanbo , Cong Jianni , Lin Lin , Du Jinhang , Long Liqun , He Yuan , Ren Jiaju
Published: November 2023

Objective

The purpose of this study was to estimate the minimum clinically important differences (MCIDs) in the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure questionnaire (MLHFQ), which targeted patients with heart failure treated with integrated Chinese and Western medicine, as a means of helping doctors and patients judge the effectiveness of intervention.

Methods

A total of 194 patients with chronic heart failure were recruited from three general hospitals in Beijing. Anchor-based and distribution-based approaches were used to estimate MCID. The anchor was SF-36 item 2 (HT, Health Transition), and the calculation methods included the mean change method, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and linear regression model. For the distribution-based approaches, 0.2, 0.5, and 0.8 standardized response mean (SRM) values and standard error of measurement (SEM) value of 1 were used.

Results

The correlation coefficients of the MLHFQ scale information and HT were 0.346–0.583. Different MCIDs were obtained by the mean change method, ROC curve, and linear regression model. The minimum MCID in the physical domain, emotional domain, and total scores were 3.6, 2.0, and 7.4, respectively; the maximum estimates were 9.5, 2.5, and 13.0, respectively; and the average estimates were 5.7, 2.2, and 10.0, respectively. The average estimates were close to the result of the 0.5 SRM or 1 SEM.

Conclusion

We established MCIDs in the MLHFQ using anchor-based and distribution-based approaches. It was recommended to round the average estimates of anchor-based approaches up to the nearest whole number for the MCIDs of the MLHFQ physical domain, emotional domain, and total scores. The results were 6.0, 2.0, and 10.0, respectively.
Non-linear effects of corporate global value chain participation on pollution emissions: evidence from China
Authors: Wang Bo , Shao Xuyang , Xu Honghai
Published: November 2023

Global value chains (GVCs) involve production and distribution cooperation as well as pollution redistribution. With the increasing frequency of global trade activities and the growing problem of environmental pollution, the impact of GVC participation on environmental pollution has attracted considerable academic attention. In this study, a dynamic panel Gaussian mixture model was constructed using data from several databases, including Chinese industrial enterprise pollution emission and customs data from 2005 to 2013. We found that the degree of GVC participation of enterprises and pollution emission show a non-linear inverted U-shaped relationship. This indicates that the pollution emissions of enterprises increased and then decreased as the degree of GVC participation increased. We constructed separate models for the effects of output upstreamness and input downstreamness on pollution emissions and found that upstreamness is negatively related to pollution emissions, with the upstream economic components of GVC (such as technology research and development, international marketing, and key component manufacturing) producing emission reduction effects. Downstreamness, on the other hand, is positively correlated with emissions, which means that the downstream economic components of the GVC (e.g., processing, assembly, and production of non-critical components) will increase emissions. Based on the second finding, we proposed that the inverted U-shaped relationship is the result of the combined influence of upstream and downstream participation and confirmed this hypothesis by constructing a multiple mediating effects model. This study will help enterprises consciously implement environmental protection measures and broaden the scope of research on the environmental impact of GVCs, providing a broader segmented research perspective on the degree of participation in GVCs and the environmental performance of exporting enterprises, and guiding governments to formulate more effective industrial policies for foreign trade and promote better environmental performance of enterprises.
Transition to a zero-carbon energy system in the Ningxia area: integrated CO2 reduction measures from the multi-level perspective
Authors: Qi Caijuan , Meng Jinyou , Che Bin , Kang Junjie , Zhao Yingtao , Hua Zhilei
Published: November 2023

China’s commitment to decarbonization has become a foundational principle guiding policymaking at national, provincial, and local levels across diverse sectors. This commitment is especially evident in the active promotion of low-carbon energy transitions by all provinces, aligning with the national goal of carbon neutrality. This paper focuses on Ningxia Province and constructs five scenarios for low-carbon energy transition, adopting the multi-level perspective. These scenarios include the business-as-usual scenario (BAU), high electrification scenario (HES), high outward electricity scenario (HOS), low carbon scenario (LCS), and energy saving scenario (ESS). Utilizing the LEAP-Ningxia model, we simulate energy demand across various sectors until 2060. The quantitative analysis covers primary energy production, secondary energy conversion, final energy consumption, and CO2 emissions. Notably, under scenarios incorporating carbon capture and storage (CCS) and carbon credits, the total CO2 emissions in Ningxia are projected to decrease to 17∼23 Mt CO2 until 2060 under BAU, HES, and HOS. In LCS and ESS, a remarkable achievement is forecasted with 6∼93 Mt CO2 of negative emissions from the energy sector in Ningxia until 2060. The findings underscore the importance of diverse CO2 reduction measures and their impacts on achieving a zero-carbon energy transition in Ningxia. The implications of scenarios with CCS and carbon credits showcase significant reductions in CO2 emissions, aligning with China’s broader decarbonization goals. The results provide valuable scientific support and insights for policymakers and stakeholders involved in steering Ningxia towards a sustainable and low-carbon future.
Design and field-scale demonstration of the buoyant-kill process for restoring integrity of wells with sustained casing pressure
Authors: Demirci Efecan , Wojtanowicz Andrew
Published: November 2023

Sustained Casing Pressure (SCP) is the persistent casinghead pressure resulting from the well’s annular integrity loss and migration of gas above the leaking cement sheath. Downhole—intervention methods for SCP removal employ workover rigs to access and plug off the leaking annulus at depth from within the well. The inexpensive rig-less method of Buoyant Kill involves surface injection of immiscible heavy fluid at the casinghead into the well’s annulus to replace the annular fluid column above the gas-leaking cement and stop gas migration. Laboratory and pilot-size testing have shown feasibility of the method. Presented here, is a field-scale demonstration experiment conducted in a pressurized 2750-foot well with water displaced by an immiscible brominated organic fluid over 20-h long operation. Discussed is experimental design supported by fluid selection study, benchtop and pilot tests, and fluid transport model. Also analyzed is the process performance and operational problems. The results confirm feasibility of the Buoyant Kill technique for SCP removal. The overall change of the wellhead and downhole pressures follows the expected patterns indicating partial removal of the simulated SCP. The removal is incomplete due to pumping pressure pulses and wellhead pressure variations resulting in some emulsification of the two fluids and partial loss of the injection fluid into the overflow. The results show that wellhead pressure control and injection pump operation are critical for successful SCP removal using the Buoyant Kill technique.
Unnecessary orchiectomy due to atypical sarcoidosis manifesting as a unilateral scrotal mass: a case report and literature review
Authors: Skopelidou Valeria , Hurník Pavel , Židlík Vladimir , Tulinský Lubomír , Lenz Jiří , Balner Tomáš , Žiak Dušan , Delongová Patricie , Karas Rudolf , Škripková Miroslava , Jendřejek Matěj
Published: November 2023

Sarcoidosis is a disease characterised primarily by lung tissue involvement. Extrapulmonary involvement, particularly in the genitourinary tract, is extremely rare, particularly when it comes to primary disease detection in this location. The gold standard in establishing a definitive diagnosis of sarcoidosis is a combination of the clinical picture, the results of imaging methods, and histopathological examination from the biopsy taken (thus ruling out other causes of granulomatous inflammation). However, it is common for the biopsy to be infeasible or for the patient to refuse such an examination, resulting in the neglect of this critical verification. We introduce the case of a young 29-year-old man of Czech nationality who had been complaining for some time about non-specific pain above the pubic bone and in the lower abdomen, which was combined with a painless enlargement of the right half of the scrotum. Due to suspected malignancy, it was, after considering clinical, imaging, and laboratory findings, decided to perform a radical orchiectomy as a treatment option. The histological examination revealed that it was not cancer, but rather a rare genitourinary form of extrapulmonary sarcoidosis. In this case, radical resection had been, therefore, unnecessary. We also present a review of the literature on published extrapulmonary, genitourinary, and testicular sarcoidosis cases. All the above demonstrates the importance of considering a possible atypical sarcoidosis manifestation and histological confirmation before pursuing radical solutions.
Rapid transient and longer-lasting innate cytokine changes associated with adaptive immunity after repeated SARS-CoV-2 BNT162b2 mRNA vaccinations
Authors: Rosati Margherita , Terpos Evangelos , Homan Philip , Bergamaschi Cristina , Karaliota Sevasti , Ntanasis-Stathopoulos Ioannis , Devasundaram Santhi , Bear Jenifer , Burns Robert , Bagratuni Tina , Trougakos Ioannis P. , Dimopoulos Meletios A. , Pavlakis George N. , Felber Barbara K.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Cytokines and chemokines play an important role in shaping innate and adaptive immunity in response to infection and vaccination. Systems serology identified immunological parameters predictive of beneficial response to the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine in COVID-19 infection-naïve volunteers, COVID-19 convalescent patients and transplant patients with hematological malignancies. Here, we examined the dynamics of the serum cytokine/chemokine responses after the 3rd BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination in a cohort of COVID-19 infection-naïve volunteers.

Methods

We measured serum cytokine and chemokine responses after the 3rd dose of the BNT162b2 mRNA (Pfizer/BioNtech) vaccine in COVID-19 infection-naïve individuals by a chemiluminescent assay and ELISA. Anti-Spike binding antibodies were measured by ELISA. Anti-Spike neutralizing antibodies were measured by a pseudotype assay.

Results

Comparison to responses found after the 1st and 2nd vaccinations showed persistence of the coordinated responses of several cytokine/chemokines including the previously identified rapid and transient IL-15, IFN-γ, CXCL10/IP-10, TNF-α, IL-6 signature. In contrast to the transient (24hrs) effect of the IL-15 signature, an inflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokine signature (CCL2/MCP-1, CCL3/MIP-1α, CCL4/MIP-1β, CXCL8/IL-8, IL-1Ra) remained at higher levels up to one month after the 2nd and 3rd booster vaccinations, indicative of a state of longer-lasting innate immune change. We also identified a systemic transient increase of CXCL13 only after the 3rd vaccination, supporting stronger germinal center activity and the higher anti-Spike antibody responses. Changes of the IL-15 signature, and the inflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokine profile correlated with neutralizing antibody levels also after the 3rd vaccination supporting their role as immune biomarkers for effective development of vaccine-induced humoral responses.

Conclusion

These data revealed that repeated SARS-Cov-2 BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination induces both rapid transient as well as longer-lasting systemic serum cytokine changes associated with innate and adaptive immune responses.

Clinical trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT04743388.
Analysis of the protective efficacy of approved COVID-19 vaccines against Omicron variants and the prospects for universal vaccines
Authors: Chen Keda , Zhang Ling , Fang Zhongbiao , Li Jiaxuan , Li Chaonan , Song Wancheng , Huang Zhiwei , Chen Ruyi , Zhang Yanjun , Li Jianhua
Published: November 2023

By the end of 2022, different variants of Omicron had rapidly spread worldwide, causing a significant impact on the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic situation. Compared with previous variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS–CoV-2), these new variants of Omicron exhibited a noticeable degree of mutation. The currently developed platforms to design COVID-19 vaccines include inactivated vaccines, mRNA vaccines, DNA vaccines, recombinant protein vaccines, virus-like particle vaccines, and viral vector vaccines. Many of these platforms have obtained approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the WHO. However, the Omicron variants have spread in countries where vaccination has taken place; therefore, the number of cases has rapidly increased, causing concerns about the effectiveness of these vaccines. This article first discusses the epidemiological trends of the Omicron variant and reviews the latest research progress on available vaccines. Additionally, we discuss progress in the development progress and practical significance of universal vaccines. Next, we analyze the neutralizing antibody effectiveness of approved vaccines against different variants of Omicron, heterologous vaccination, and the effectiveness of multivalent vaccines in preclinical trials. We hope that this review will provide a theoretical basis for the design, development, production, and vaccination strategies of novel coronavirus vaccines, thus helping to end the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
Development of an autoantibody panel for early detection of lung cancer in the Chinese population
Authors: Tong Lin , Sun Jiayuan , Zhang Xiaoju , Ge Di , Li Ying , Zhou Jian , Wang Dong , Hu Xin , Liu Hao , Bai Chunxue
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Tumor-associated autoantibodies have been revealed as promising biomarkers for the early detection of lung cancer. This study was designed to develop an autoantibody panel for early detection of lung cancer in the Chinese population.

Methods

Recruited prospectively in three clinical centers, the subjects (n = 991) who had a definite diagnosis during follow-up were included in the development of the autoantibody panel. The levels of 14 autoantibody candidates in plasma were detected.

Results

A panel of nine autoantibody markers (named as CN9), namely, P53, SOX2, SSX1, HuD, NY-ESO-1, CAGE, MAGE-A4, P62, and CK20, was preferably selected from 14 candidates. The overall specificity, sensitivity, and AUC were 90.5%, 40.8%, and 0.64, respectively. The CN9 panel demonstrated a reasonable detection rate in lung cancer patients at all stages, histological types, sizes of lesions, and risk levels. Its estimated overall accuracy is 85.5% and 90%, with PPV at 0.32 and 0.04, and NPV at 0.93 and 0.99 in the scenario of pulmonary nodules' characterizing and lung cancer screening, respectively. Two risk models were developed within the subgroups of malignant and benign pulmonary nodules in this study. By adding the CN9 result to the Mayo model indicators, it achieved a sensitivity of 41.3% and an AUC of 0.74 at a specificity of 91.3%. By adding the CN9 result to the Brock model indicators, it achieved a sensitivity of 47.7% and an AUC of 0.78 at a specificity of 91.3%. Both were improved compared with either the standalone Mayo or Brock model.

Discussion

This multi-center prospective study indicates a panel of nine autoantibody markers that can help in the detection of lung cancer and the classification of pulmonary nodules in the Chinese population.
A simple-to-use score system for predicting HBsAg clearance to peginterferon alfa-2b in nucleoside analogs-experienced chronic hepatitis B patients
Authors: Song Kaimin , Zeng Dawu , Zheng Yijuan , Zhang Huatang , Weng Zhangyan , Zhou Yongjun , Su Zhijun , Yu Xueping
Published: November 2023

Objective

Patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) often fail to achieve clearance of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) with peginterferon treatment. Our study aimed to develop a simple-to-use scoring system to predict the likelihood of HBsAg clearance following treatment with peginterferon alfa-2b(PEG-IFN-α2b) in patients with CHB.

Methods

A total of 231 patients were enrolled and divided into HBsAg clearance (n = 37) and non-HBsAg clearance (n = 194) groups. Multifactor logistic models were constructed using univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis were used to evaluate the discrimination, calibration, and clinical applicability of the predictive scoring system.

Results

Four clinical variables (age, baseline HBsAg level, HBsAg level decline at week 12, and alanine aminotransferase ratio at week 12) were independently associated with HBsAg clearance after PEG-IFN-α2b treatment and, therefore, were used to develop a predictive scoring system ranging from 0 to 13. The optimal cut-off value was >4, with a sensitivity of 86.49%, specificity of 72.16%, positive predictive value of 37.2%, negative predictive value of 96.6%, and an AUC of 0.872. This model exhibited good discrimination, calibration, and clinical applicability. Among patients with scores <4, 4, or > 4 HBsAg clearance was achieved in 0.85, 14.29, and 37.21% of the patients, respectively.

Conclusion

The scoring system could effectively predict the predominance of HBsAg clearance after PEG-IFN-α2b treatment in the early stage. This may be helpful when making clinical decisions for the treatment of patients with CHB.
A visual questioning answering approach to enhance robot localization in indoor environments
Authors: Peña-Narvaez Juan Diego , Martín Francisco , Guerrero José Miguel , Pérez-Rodríguez Rodrigo
Published: November 2023

Navigating robots with precision in complex environments remains a significant challenge. In this article, we present an innovative approach to enhance robot localization in dynamic and intricate spaces like homes and offices. We leverage Visual Question Answering (VQA) techniques to integrate semantic insights into traditional mapping methods, formulating a novel position hypothesis generation to assist localization methods, while also addressing challenges related to mapping accuracy and localization reliability. Our methodology combines a probabilistic approach with the latest advances in Monte Carlo Localization methods and Visual Language models. The integration of our hypothesis generation mechanism results in more robust robot localization compared to existing approaches. Experimental validation demonstrates the effectiveness of our approach, surpassing state-of-the-art multi-hypothesis algorithms in both position estimation and particle quality. This highlights the potential for accurate self-localization, even in symmetric environments with large corridor spaces. Furthermore, our approach exhibits a high recovery rate from deliberate position alterations, showcasing its robustness. By merging visual sensing, semantic mapping, and advanced localization techniques, we open new horizons for robot navigation. Our work bridges the gap between visual perception, semantic understanding, and traditional mapping, enabling robots to interact with their environment through questions and enrich their map with valuable insights. The code for this project is available on GitHub https://github.com/juandpenan/topology_nav_ros2.
Regulation of AMPA receptor trafficking by secreted protein factors
Authors: Rennich Bethany J. , Luth Eric S. , Moores Samantha , Juo Peter
Published: November 2023

AMPA receptors (AMPARs) mediate the majority of fast excitatory transmission in the brain. Regulation of AMPAR levels at synapses controls synaptic strength and underlies information storage and processing. Many proteins interact with the intracellular domain of AMPARs to regulate their trafficking and synaptic clustering. However, a growing number of extracellular factors important for glutamatergic synapse development, maturation and function have emerged that can also regulate synaptic AMPAR levels. This mini-review highlights extracellular protein factors that regulate AMPAR trafficking to control synapse development and plasticity. Some of these factors regulate AMPAR clustering and mobility by interacting with the extracellular N-terminal domain of AMPARs whereas others regulate AMPAR trafficking indirectly via their respective signaling receptors. While several of these factors are secreted from neurons, others are released from non-neuronal cells such as glia and muscle. Although it is apparent that secreted factors can act locally on neurons near their sites of release to coordinate individual synapses, it is less clear if they can diffuse over longer ranges to coordinate related synapses within a circuit or region of the brain. Given that there are hundreds of factors that can be secreted from neuronal and non-neuronal cells, it will not be surprising if more extracellular factors that modulate AMPARs and glutamatergic synapses are discovered. Many open questions remain including where and when the factors are expressed, what regulates their secretion from different cell types, what controls their diffusion, stability, and range of action, and how their cognate receptors influence intracellular signaling to control AMPAR trafficking.
Lower incidence of diabetes mellitus in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a large case–control study with propensity score matching
Authors: Zhong Weiying , Chen Kai , Song Ziyin , Xiao Yizhou , Zhou Donglin , Zhang Mingxiang , Wang Yunyan , Wang Donghai , Su Wandong
Published: November 2023

Background and purpose

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a well-established cardiovascular risk factor for atherosclerotic disease; however, its effect on the risk of rupture of intracranial aneurysms remains controversial. Herein, we aimed to perform a case–control study to investigate the relationship between DM and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the data of patients with ruptured or unruptured aneurysms who were treated between 2013 and 2023. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was conducted to evaluate the relationship between DM and risk of aSAH.

Results

A total of 4,787 patients with 5,768 intracranial aneurysms were included. Among them, 2,957 (61.8%) were females, 1765 (36.9%) had ruptured aneurysms, and 531 (11.1%) presented with DM. Female sex, current drinking, and hypercholesterolemia were associated with a higher risk of aSAH, whereas old age, former smoking, and DM were associated with a lower risk of aSAH in multivariate analysis (p < 0.05). The incidence of DM (13.4%, 406/3022) in the unruptured group was higher than that in the ruptured group (7.1%, 125/1765) (odds ratio, 0.55; 95% confidence interval, 0.444–0.680) (p < 0.001). After propensity score matching, 530 patients with DM were successfully matched, and DM was still associated with a lower risk of aSAH (odds ratio, 0.24; 95% confidence interval, 0.185–0.313) (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Patients with aSAH have a lower incidence of DM, however, this case-cohort study could not establish a causal relationship. A prospective and large study with long-term follow-up is warranted to establish a causal relationship.