bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pleural effusions are associated with adverse outcomes after cardiac surgery: a propensity-matched analysis
Authors: Schiefenhövel Fridtjof , Poncette Akira-Sebastian , Boyle Edward M. , von Heymann Christian , Menk Mario , Vorderwülbecke Gerald , Grubitzsch Herko , Treskatsch Sascha , Balzer Felix
Published: December 2022

Background

Pleural effusions commonly occur in patients recovering from cardiac surgery; however, the impact on outcomes is not well characterized. The purpose of this study is to characterize the clinical outcomes of cardiac surgery patients with pleural effusion.

Methods

All patients undergoing cardiac surgery between 2006 and 2019 at a tertiary care university hospital were included in this observational, cross-sectional analysis using propensity matching.

Results

Of 11,037 patients that underwent cardiac surgery during the study period, 6461 (58.5%) had no pleural effusion (Group 0), 3322 (30.1%) had pleural effusion only (Group 1), and 1254 (11.4%) required at least one secondary drainage procedure after the index operation (Group 2). After propensity matching, the mortality of patients who underwent secondary drainage procedures was 6.1% higher than in Group 1 (p < 0.001). Intensive care unit (ICU) stay was longer for those with pleural effusions (18 [IQR 9–32] days in Group 2, 10 [IQR 6–17] days for Group 1, and 7 [IQR 4–11] days for Group 0, p < 0.001). Patients with pleural effusions had a higher incidence of hemodialysis (246 [20.0%] in Group 2, 137 [11.1%] in Group 1, 98 [7.98%] in Group 0), and a longer ventilation time in the ICU (57 [IQR 21.0-224.0] hours in Group 2, 25.0 [IQR 14.0–58.0] hours in Group 1, 16.0 [IQR 10.0–29.0] hours in Group 0).

Conclusion

Pleural effusions, especially those that require a secondary drainage procedure during recovery, are associated with significantly worse outcomes including increased mortality, longer length of stay, and higher complication rates. These insights may be of great interest to scientists, clinicians, and industry leaders alike to foster research into innovative methods for preventing and treating pleural effusions with the aim of improving outcomes for patients recovering from cardiac surgery.
Classification of breast cancer recurrence based on imputed data: a simulation study
Authors: Abassi Rahibu A. , Msengwa Amina S.
Published: December 2022

Several studies have been conducted to classify various real life events but few are in medical fields; particularly about breast recurrence under statistical techniques. To our knowledge, there is no reported comparison of statistical classification accuracy and classifiers’ discriminative ability on breast cancer recurrence in presence of imputed missing data. Therefore, this article aims to fill this analysis gap by comparing the performance of binary classifiers (logistic regression, linear and quadratic discriminant analysis) using several datasets resulted from imputation process using various simulation conditions. Our study aids the knowledge about how classifiers’ accuracy and discriminative ability in classifying a binary outcome variable are affected by the presence of imputed numerical missing data. We simulated incomplete datasets with 15, 30, 45 and 60% of missingness under Missing At Random (MAR) and Missing Completely At Random (MCAR) mechanisms. Mean imputation, hot deck, k-nearest neighbour, multiple imputations via chained equation, expected-maximisation, and predictive mean matching were used to impute incomplete datasets. For each classifier, correct classification accuracy and area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves under MAR and MCAR mechanisms were compared. The linear discriminant classifier attained the highest classification accuracy (73.9%) based on mean-imputed data at 45% of missing data under MCAR mechanism. As a classifier, the logistic regression based on predictive mean matching imputed-data yields the greatest areas under ROC curves (0.6418) at 30% missingness while k-nearest neighbour tops the value (0.6428) at 60% of missing data under MCAR mechanism.
Alpha-actnin-4 (ACTN4) selectively affects the DNA double-strand breaks repair in non-small lung carcinoma cells
Authors: Kriger Daria , Novitskaya Ksenia , Vasileva Giomar , Lomert Ekaterina , Aksenov Nikolai D. , Barlev Nikolai A. , Tentler Dmitri
Published: December 2022

Background

ACTN4 is an actin-binding protein involved in many cellular processes, including cancer development. High ACTN4 expression is often associated with a poor prognosis. However, it has been identified as a positive marker for platinum-based adjuvant chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The goal of our study was to investigate the involvement of ACTN4 in the NSCLC cells’ response to the genotoxic drugs.

Results

We generated H1299 cells with the ACTN4 gene knock-out (ACTN4 KO), using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The resistance of the cells to the cisplatin and etoposide was analyzed with the MTT assay. We were also able to estimate the efficiency of DNA repair through the DNA comet assay and gamma-H2AX staining. Possible ACTN4 effects on the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) and homologous recombination (HR) were investigated using pathway-specific reporter plasmids and through the immunostaining of the key proteins. We found that the H1299 cells with the ACTN4 gene knock-out did not show cisplatin-resistance, but did display a higher resistance to the topoisomerase II inhibitors etoposide and doxorubicin, suggesting that ACTN4 might be somehow involved in the repair of DNA strand breaks. Indeed, the H1299 ACTN4 KO cells repaired etoposide- and doxorubicin-induced DNA breaks more effectively than the control cells. Moreover, the ACTN4 gene knock-out enhanced NHEJ and suppressed HR efficiency. Supporting the data, the depletion of ACTN4 resulted in the faster assembly of the 53BP1 foci with a lower number of the phospho-BRCA1 foci after the etoposide treatment.

Conclusions

Thus, we are the first to demonstrate that ACTN4 may influence the resistance of cancer cells to the topoisomerase II inhibitors, and affect the efficiency of the DNA double strand breaks repair. We hypothesize that ACTN4 interferes with the assembly of the NHEJ and HR complexes, and hence regulates balance between these DNA repair pathways.
Analysis of multiple-period group randomized trials: random coefficients model or repeated measures ANOVA?
Authors: Moyer Jonathan C. , Heagerty Patrick J. , Murray David M.
Published: December 2022

Background

Multiple-period parallel group randomized trials (GRTs) analyzed with linear mixed models can represent time in mean models as continuous or categorical. If time is continuous, random effects are traditionally group- and member-level deviations from condition-specific slopes and intercepts and are referred to as random coefficients (RC) analytic models. If time is categorical, random effects are traditionally group- and member-level deviations from time-specific condition means and are referred to as repeated measures ANOVA (RM-ANOVA) analytic models. Longstanding guidance recommends the use of RC over RM-ANOVA for parallel GRTs with more than two periods because RC exhibited nominal type I error rates for both time parameterizations while RM-ANOVA exhibited inflated type I error rates when applied to data generated using the RC model. However, this recommendation was developed assuming a variance components covariance matrix for the RM-ANOVA, using only cross-sectional data, and explicitly modeling time × group variation. Left unanswered were how well RM-ANOVA with an unstructured covariance would perform on data generated according to the RC mechanism, if similar patterns would be observed in cohort data, and the impact of not modeling time × group variation if such variation was present in the data-generating model.

Methods

Continuous outcomes for cohort and cross-sectional parallel GRT data were simulated according to RM-ANOVA and RC mechanisms at five total time periods. All simulations assumed time × group variation. We varied the number of groups, group size, and intra-cluster correlation. Analytic models using RC, RM-ANOVA, RM-ANOVA with unstructured covariance, and a Saturated random effects structure were applied to the data. All analytic models specified time × group random effects. The analytic models were then reapplied without specifying random effects for time × group.

Results

Results indicated the RC and saturated analytic models maintained the nominal type I error rate in all data sets, RM-ANOVA with an unstructured covariance did not avoid type I error rate inflation when applied to cohort RC data, and analytic models omitting time-varying group random effects when such variation exists in the data were prone to substantial type I error inflation unless the residual error variance is high relative to the time × group variance.

Conclusion

The time × group RC and saturated analytic models are recommended as the default for multiple period parallel GRTs.
The Diabetes teleMonitoring of patients in insulin Therapy (DiaMonT) trial: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hangaard Stine , Kronborg Thomas , Hejlesen Ole , Aradóttir Tinna Björk , Kaas Anne , Bengtsson Henrik , Vestergaard Peter , Jensen Morten Hasselstrøm
Published: December 2022

Background

The effect of telemedicine solutions in diabetes remains inconclusive. However, telemedicine studies have shown a positive trend in regards to glycemic control. The telemedicine interventions that facilitate adjustment of medication seems to improve glycemic control more effectively. Hence, it is recommended that future telemedicine studies for patients with diabetes include patient-specific suggestions for changes in medicine. Hence, the aim of the trial is to explore the effect of telemonitoring in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) on insulin therapy.

Methods

The trial is an open-label randomized controlled trial with a trial period of 3 months conducted in two sites in Denmark. Patients with T2D on insulin therapy will be randomized (1:1) to a telemonitoring group (intervention) or a usual care group (control). The telemonitoring group will use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), an insulin pen, an activity tracker, and smartphone applications throughout the trial. Hospital staff will monitor the telemonitoring group and contact the subjects by telephone repeatedly throughout the trial period. The usual care group will use a blinded CGM the first and last 20 days of the trial and will use a blinded insulin pen for the entire period.

The primary endpoint will be changed from baseline in CGM time in range (3.9–10.0 mmol/L) 3 months after randomization. Secondary endpoints include change from baseline in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), total daily dose, time above range, and time below range 3 months after randomization. Exploratory endpoints include health-related quality of life, diabetes-related quality of life, etc.

Discussion

The DiaMonT trial will test a telemonitoring setup including various devices. Such a setup may be criticized, because it is impossible to determine which element(s) add to the potential effect. However, it is not possible and counterproductive to test the elements individually, since it is the full telemedicine setup that is being evaluated. The DiaMonT trial is the first Danish trial to explore the effect of telemonitoring on patients on insulin therapy. Thus, the DiaMonT trial has the potential to form the basis for the implementation of telemedicine for patients with T2D in Denmark.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04981808. Registered on 8 June 2021.
Warm up with music and visual feedback can effect Wingate performance in futsal players
Authors: Bayrakdaroğlu Serdar , Eken Özgür , Yagin Fatma Hilal , Bayer Ramazan , Gulu Mehmet , Akyildiz Zeki , Nobari Hadi
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Visual feedback and music while warm up may help elicit peak performance, but its effect during the Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT) in futsal players is unexplored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effects of music and visual stimulus on WAnT performance in futsal players.

Methods

The study included 17 young male futsal players (age, 21.53 ± 1.32 years; height, 177.59 ± 5.75 cm; 73.71 ± 9.31 kg; BMI 23.342 ± .47). The WAnT was administered using three distinct protocols: with music (M), without music (NM), and with music and visual feedback (MV) following a 10-min warm-up at 72-h intervals. After WAnT, the following parameters were evaluated: (a) peak power output: PPO (W), (b) relative peak power output: RPPO (W/kg), (c) mean power output: MPO (W), (d) relative mean power output: RMPO (W/kg), (e) fatigue index: FI (%), and (f) minimum power output MIPO (W).

Results

MV indicated that futsal players' WAnT values, including PPO, RPPO, MPO, RMPO, and MIPO improved more than with other protocols (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between protocols for FI (%) WAnT values (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Listening to music and watching visual feedback while warm up before performing WAnT performance suggest to coaches and futsal players.
Comparison of prokaryotes between Mount Everest and the Mariana Trench
Authors: Liu Yongqin , Zhang Zhihao , Ji Mukan , Hu Aoran , Wang Jing , Jing Hongmei , Liu Keshao , Xiao Xiang , Zhao Weishu
Published: December 2022

Background

Mount Everest and the Mariana Trench represent the highest and deepest places on Earth, respectively. They are geographically separated, with distinct extreme environmental parameters that provide unique habitats for prokaryotes. Comparison of prokaryotes between Mount Everest and the Mariana Trench will provide a unique perspective to understanding the composition and distribution of environmental microbiomes on Earth.

Results

Here, we compared prokaryotic communities between Mount Everest and the Mariana Trench based on shotgun metagenomic analysis. Analyzing 25 metagenomes and 1176 metagenome-assembled genomes showed distinct taxonomic compositions between Mount Everest and the Mariana Trench, with little taxa overlap, and significant differences in genome size, GC content, and predicted optimal growth temperature. However, community metabolic capabilities exhibited striking commonality, with > 90% of metabolic modules overlapping among samples of Mount Everest and the Mariana Trench, with the only exception for CO2 fixations (photoautotrophy in Mount Everest but chemoautotrophy in the Mariana Trench). Most metabolic pathways were common but performed by distinct taxa in the two extreme habitats, even including some specialized metabolic pathways, such as the versatile degradation of various refractory organic matters, heavy metal metabolism (e.g., As and Se), stress resistance, and antioxidation. The metabolic commonality indicated the overall consistent roles of prokaryotes in elemental cycling and common adaptation strategies to overcome the distinct stress conditions despite the intuitively huge differences in Mount Everest and the Mariana Trench.

Conclusion

Our results, the first comparison between prokaryotes in the highest and the deepest habitats on Earth, may highlight the principles of prokaryotic diversity: although taxa are habitat-specific, primary metabolic functions could be always conserved.
What has biotelemetry ever done for avian translocations?
Authors: Lee Simon C. R. , Hodgson David J. , Bearhop Stuart
Published: December 2022

Species translocation is a popular approach in contemporary ecological restoration and rewilding. Improving the efficacy of conservation translocation programmes requires a combination of robust data from comparable populations, population viability modelling and post-release monitoring. Biotelemetry is becoming an ever more accessible means to collect some of the high-resolution information on the ecology and behaviour of founding populations that such evaluations require. Here, we review 81 published case studies to consider how this capability could increase the success of avian translocations. We found that 67 translocations favoured traditional radio telemetry, with surveillance focussing mostly on immediate post-release dispersal, survival and breeding attempts. Just 28 projects tracked founder individuals for longer than 1 year and no studies referenced pre-release sampling or planning using biotelemetry. While our review shows that tracking devices have been deployed extensively in translocation projects, its application has been mostly limited to short-term spatial and demographic monitoring. We conclude that biotelemetry is a powerful tool for harnessing a multitude of lifetime eco-behavioural data which can be used to build valuable predictive models and surveillance programmes, but this capability has yet to be fully realised by researchers in avian translocations.
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 17-digenic TBP/STUB1 disease: neuropathologic features of an autopsied patient
Authors: Saito Rie , Tada Yui , Oikawa Daisuke , Sato Yusuke , Seto Makiko , Satoh Akira , Kume Kodai , Ueki Nozomi , Nakashima Masahiro , Hayashi Shintaro , Toyoshima Yasuko , Tokunaga Fuminori , Kawakami Hideshi , Kakita Akiyoshi
Published: December 2022

Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) type 17-digenic TBP/STUB1 disease (SCA17-DI) has been recently segregated from SCA17, caused by digenic inheritance of two gene mutations – intermediate polyglutamine-encoding CAG/CAA repeat expansions (polyQ) in TBP (TBP41 − 49) and STUB1 heterozygosity – the former being associated with SCA17, and the latter with SCA48 and SCAR16 (autosomal recessive). In SCA17, most patients carry intermediate TBP41 − 49 alleles but show incomplete penetrance, and the missing heritability can be explained by a new entity whereby TBP41 − 49 requires the STUB1 variant to be symptomatic. The STUB1 gene encodes the chaperone-associated E3 ubiquitin ligase (CHIP) involved in ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal control of protein homeostasis. However, reports of the neuropathology are limited and role of STUB1 mutations in SCA17-DI remain unknown. Here we report the clinicopathologic features of identical twin siblings, one of whom was autopsied and was found to carry an intermediate allele (41 and 38 CAG/CAA repeats) in TBP and a heterozygous missense mutation in STUB1 (p.P243L). These patients developed autosomal recessive Huntington’s disease-like symptoms. Brain MRI showed diffuse atrophy of the cerebellum and T2WI revealed hyperintense lesions in the basal ganglia and periventricular deep white matter. The brain histopathology of the patient shared features characteristic of SCA17, such as degeneration of the cerebellar cortex and caudate nucleus, and presence of 1C2-positive neurons. Here we show that mutant CHIP fails to generate the polyubiquitin chain due to disrupted folding of the entire U box domain, thereby affecting the E3 activity of CHIP. When encountering patients with cerebellar ataxia, especially those with Huntington’s disease-like symptoms, genetic testing for STUB1 as well as TBP should be conducted for diagnosis of SCA17-DI, even in cases of sporadic or autosomal recessive inheritance.
Effective oral function improvement by restoration-driven implant treatment after mandibular resection with a scapular flap: a case report
Authors: Kosaka Takayuki , Wada Masahiro , Akema Suzuna , Nishimura Yuichi , Matsunaga Kazuhide , Uzawa Narikazu , Ikebe Kazunori
Published: December 2022

Background

The extensive loss of teeth and surrounding tissues due to mandibulectomy for an oral tumor not only impacts negatively on appearance, but also often causes various functional disorders, decreasing quality of life (QOL). In the present case, reconstruction with a scapular flap was carried out along with segmental mandibulectomy, aiming for functional restoration through restoration-driven implant treatment. A good outcome was obtained, with improvement of masticatory function and QOL following the prosthetic treatment.

Case presentation

The patient was a 37-year-old woman diagnosed with ossifying fibroma in the left side of the mandible. Segmental mandibulectomy and reconstruction with a scapular flap were carried out. Implant diagnostic simulation was performed, and based on the result, secondary reconstruction using a particulate cancellous bone and marrow graft was carried out by an oral surgeon. After wound healing was complete, implant placement was performed twice, and the final prosthodontic treatment was completed. Masticatory performance and maximum bite force, which are indices of masticatory function, were improved from before to after prosthetic treatment. In addition, oral health-related QOL was improved from before to after prosthetic treatment.

Conclusion

In the present case, restoration-driven implant treatment was performed in a patient following segmental mandibulectomy for a mandibular tumor, with a good outcome. Planning the treatment measures with a focus on the final prosthetic vision can lead to improvement of oral function in patients with extensive mandibular defects.
Social network-based group intervention to promote uptake of cervical cancer screening in Uganda: study protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wanyenze Rhoda K. , Matovu Joseph K. B. , Bouskill Kathryn , Juncker Margrethe , Namisango Eve , Nakami Sylvia , Beyeza-Kashesya Jolly , Luyirika Emmanuel , Wagner Glenn J.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Cervical cancer (CC) is the most common cancer and accounts for one quarter of all cancer-related deaths among women in Uganda, where lifetime CC screening is estimated to be as low as 5%. This study will evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a social network-based group intervention designed to empower women who have received CC screening to encourage women in their social network to also screen.

Methods

Forty adult women (index participants) who have recently screened for CC will be recruited, 20 of whom will be randomly assigned to take part in the intervention and 20 to the wait-list control. Each index participant will be asked to recruit up to three female social network members (i.e., alters; maximum total = 120 alters) who have not screened for CC to participate in the study. Assessments (survey and chart abstraction) will be administered at baseline and month 6 to index and alter participants. The primary outcome is CC screening among participating alters, with a secondary outcome being engagement in CC prevention advocacy among index participants. Repeated-measure multivariable regression analyses will be conducted to compare outcomes between the intervention and control arms.

Discussion

If successful, this intervention model has the potential not only to impact uptake of CC screening and treatment but also to establish a paradigm that can be applied to other health conditions.

Trial registration

NIH Clinical Trial Registry NCT04960748 (clinicaltrials.gov).
Development of localized interictal epileptiform discharges following vagus nerve stimulation for lennox-gastaut syndrome: a case report
Authors: Qi Renli , Wang Wei , Xu Yaoduan , Shen Zongling , Geng Xin , Li Na , Li Jinghui , Yu Hualin
Published: December 2022

Background

Lennox-gastaut syndrome (LGS) is an epileptic encephalopathy often associated with behavioral and psychiatric disorders. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been approved effective for LGS treatment. Surgical resection is also an option for LGS patients with focal pathology, offering a high probability of seizure control. However, it is challenging to accurately localize the seizure focus.

Case presentation

The case presented here is a 19-year-old male with a 16-year history of epilepsy with comorbid severe cognitive and psychiatric disorders. He was diagnosed with LGS due to generalized slow spike-wave discharges and multiple seizure types. He was treated with VNS in 2017 at the age of 15. After that, the frequency of the short tonic seizures decreased from 4–5 times per day to 2–5 times per year, and the generalized tonic–clonic seizure pattern did not recur, which had a frequency of 2–4 times per month before the surgery. In 2019, the generalized abnormal interictal epileptiform discharges changed to be localized in the right frontal–temporal lobe at the age of 17 years (2019).

Conclusions

This case report suggested that the generalized epileptiform discharges evolve into localized discharges after VNS treatment, which may help reveal the primary seizure focus for resection surgery in patients with LGS.
Alternative prognosis of recovery assessment for the hemiparetic limb (APRAHL): a biomarker-free algorithm that predicts recovery potential for stroke patients
Authors: Athanasiadis Dimitrios , Stefas Eleftherios , Protopsaltis Stylianos
Published: December 2022

Objective

Stroke is a significant cause of disability, rendering patients with inability to perform activities of daily living due to lack of functional recovery. Precise prognosis in the early stage after stroke could enable realistic goal-setting and efficient resource allocation. Prediction algorithms have been tested and validated in the past, but they were using neurological biomarkers; thus, they were time-consuming, difficult to apply, expensive, and potentially harmful. The aim of this study was to create a new prediction algorithm that would not utilize any biomarkers.

Methods

A total of 127 stroke patients prospectively enrolled at day 3 after their stroke (mean age: 71, males n: 84, females n: 43). First, a sum of shoulder abduction and finger extension (SAFE) Medical Research Council (MRC) score was graded at day 3. Secondly, a binarized response was marked by the Mobilization and Simulation of Neuromuscular Tissue (MaSoNT) concept’s basic application on the upper limb. Third, the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was assessed. All data from the patients were included in a Classification and Regression Tree analysis to predict upper limb function 3 months post-stroke according to the Action Research Arm Test score at week 12.

Results

The Classification And Regression Tree (CART) analysis was performed that combines three different scores in order to predict upper-limb recovery: the SAFE score, MaSoNT’s application response, and the NIHSS. The overall correct prediction of the new algorithm is 69% which is lower than previous algorithms, though not significantly.

Conclusion

This study offers basic data to support the validity of the APRAHL algorithm. The new algorithm is faster and easier, but less accurate. Future studies are needed to create new algorithms that do not involve neurological biomarkers so that they will cost less and be easily applicable by health professionals.
A novel method to estimate Q from seismic data based on rock-physics modeling
Authors: Jin Ziqi , Liu Zhishui , Shi Ying , Wang Weihong
Published: December 2022

Although the mechanisms causing seismic wave attenuation ([Formula: see text]), the inverse of the quality factor, are always frequency-dependent, most Q estimation methods are still based on the assumption that Q is constant across frequencies. Therefore, existing rock-physics Q models have not been effectively applied to bridge frequency-dependent Q estimations and rock properties such as porosity and fluid saturation. An alternative way of dealing with frequency-dependent Q estimation is to use the mechanical response of viscoelastic models in the log spectral ratio method. Nevertheless, viscoelastic models are phenomenological models that lack physical meaning resulting in errors in Q estimation. Through the process of suitable rock-physics modeling and scaling, a new frequency-dependent Q estimation method, called the two-parameters spectral ratio method, is developed based on the wave-induced gas exsolution and dissolution and differential Kuster-Toksöz approach, appropriate for evaluating attenuation in saturated rocks. Compared with conventional Q estimation methods, our algorithm builds a link between rock-physic models, logging, and seismic data, providing more accurate and reliable Q results for better interpretation of subsurface properties.
Losing the thread: experiences of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Bebbington Paul
Published: December 2022

In an initiative to reduce stigma, an academic psychiatrist comes out of the dementia closet: describing his own experience of developing Alzheimer's disease, the accompanying memory problems, the restriction of some of his activities, emotional lability and his increasing reliance on others.
Emergent isotropy of a wave-turbulent cascade in the Gross-Pitaevskii model
Authors: Sano Yuto , Navon Nir , Tsubota Makoto
Published: December 2022

The restoration of symmetries is one of the most fascinating properties of turbulence. We report a study of the emergence of isotropy in the Gross-Pitaevskii model with anisotropic forcing. Inspired by recent experiments, we study the dynamics of a Bose-Einstein condensate in a cylindrical box driven along the symmetry axis of the trap by a spatially uniform force. We introduce a measure of anisotropy A(k, t) defined on the momentum distributions

, and study the evolution of A(k, t) and

as turbulence proceeds. As the system reaches a steady state, the anisotropy, large at low momenta because of the large-scale forcing, is greatly reduced at high momenta. While

exhibits a self-similar cascade front propagation, A(k, t) decreases without such self-similar dynamics. Finally, our numerical calculations show that the isotropy of the steady state is robust with respect to the amplitude of the drive.
Trajectory of massive particles around a static black hole in f(R) gravity
Authors: Mandal Surajit
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we investigated the trajectory of the massive particle in the vicinity of a general spherical symmetric black hole. Also, in the framework of general sphericalily symmetric black hole, pseudo-Newtonian potential (PNP) and effective potentials have been investigated. As an example, static spherically symmetric black hole in f(R) gravity is considered and a brief discussion on the structure of spacetime and horizons is presented. We calculated energy and angular momentum in the framework of general relativity as well as in pseudo-Newtonian theory. A graphical comparison of angular momentum in both these frameworks has been studied.
Association of Type 2 Diabetes Subgroups With Cognitive Status Without Modification From Lifestyle Intervention
Authors: Bancks Michael P , Lovato James , Balasubramanyam Ashok , Coday Mace , Johnson Karen C , Munshi Medha , Rebello Candida , Wagenknecht Lynne E , Espeland Mark A
Published: December 2022

Context

Type 2 diabetes is a risk factor for incident dementia but whether risk and treatment/prevention strategies differ by diabetes subgroup is unknown.

Objective

We assessed (1) whether specific type 2 diabetes (T2D) subgroups are associated with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or probable dementia (PD), and (2) whether T2D subgroups modified the association of the Action for Health in Diabetes (Look AHEAD) multidomain intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) with MCI/PD.

Methods

We included 3760 Look AHEAD participants with T2D and overweight or obesity randomly assigned to 10 years of ILI or diabetes support and education. We used k-means clustering techniques with data on age of diabetes diagnosis, body mass index, waist circumference, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) to characterize diabetes subgroups at randomization. Prevalent MCI/PD were centrally adjudicated based on standardized cognitive tests and other health information 10 to 13 years after randomization. We estimated marginal probabilities for prevalent MCI/PD among T2D subgroups with adjustment for potential confounders and attrition and examined whether ILI modified any associations.

Results

Four distinct T2D subgroups were identified, characterized by older age at diabetes onset (43% of sample), high HbA1c (13%), severe obesity (23%), and younger age at onset (22%). Unadjusted prevalence of MCI/PD (314 cases, 8.4%) differed across T2D subgroup (older onset = 10.5%, severe obesity = 9.0%, high HbA1c = 7.9%, and younger onset = 4.0%). Adjusted probability for MCI/PD within T2D subgroup was highest for the severe obesity subgroup and lowest for the younger onset subgroup but did not differ by ILI arm (interaction P value = 0.84).

Conclusions

Among individuals with T2D and overweight or obesity, probability of MCI/PD differed by T2D subgroup. Probability of MCI/PD was highest for a subgroup characterized by severe obesity.

Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier

NCT00017953
Macrophage-Orbital Fibroblast Interaction and Hypoxia Promote Inflammation and Adipogenesis in Graves’ Orbitopathy
Authors: Görtz Gina-Eva , Philipp Svenja , Bruderek Kirsten , Jesenek Christoph , Horstmann Mareike , Henning Yoshiyuki , Oeverhaus Michael , Daser Anke , Bechrakis Nikolaos E , Eckstein Anja , Brandau Sven , Berchner-Pfannschmidt Utta
Published: December 2022

The inflammatory eye disease Graves’ orbitopathy (GO) is the main complication of autoimmune Graves’ disease. In previous studies we have shown that hypoxia plays an important role for progression of GO. Hypoxia can maintain inflammation by attracting inflammatory cells such as macrophages (MQ). Herein, we investigated the interaction of MQ and orbital fibroblasts (OF) in context of inflammation and hypoxia. We detected elevated levels of the hypoxia marker HIF-1α, the MQ marker CD68, and inflammatory cytokines TNFα, CCL2, CCL5, and CCL20 in GO biopsies. Hypoxia stimulated GO tissues to release TNFα, CCL2, and CCL20 as measured by multiplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Further, TNFα and hypoxia stimulated the expression of HIF-1α, CCL2, CCL5, and CCL20 in OF derived from GO tissues. Immunofluorescence confirmed that TNFα-positive MQ were present in the GO tissues. Thus, interaction of M1-MQ with OF under hypoxia also induced HIF-1α, CCL2, and CCL20 in OF. Inflammatory inhibitors etanercept or dexamethasone prevented the induction of HIF-1α and release of CCL2 and CCL20. Moreover, co-culture of M1-MQ/OF under hypoxia enhanced adipogenic differentiation and adiponectin secretion. Dexamethasone and HIF-1α inhibitor PX-478 reduced this effect. Our findings indicate that GO fat tissues are characterized by an inflammatory and hypoxic milieu where TNFα-positive MQ are present. Hypoxia and interaction of M1-MQ with OF led to enhanced secretion of chemokines, elevated hypoxic signaling, and adipogenesis. In consequence, M1-MQ/OF interaction results in constant inflammation and tissue remodeling. A combination of anti-inflammatory treatment and HIF-1α reduction could be an effective treatment option.
Ants prefer the option they are trained to first
Authors: Oberhauser Felix B. , Bogenberger Katharina , Czaczkes Tomer J.
Published: December 2022

The temporal order in which experiences occur can have a profound influence on their salience. Humans and other vertebrates usually memorise the first and last items of a list most readily. Studies on serial position learning in insects, mainly in bees, showed preference for last encountered items. In bees, pheromone presence can also influence motivation, and thus learning. However, neither serial position learning nor the effect of recruitment pheromones on learning have been well investigated in ants. We trained Lasius niger ants to make multiple visits to sucrose on a runway which alternated between lemon or rosemary odour, and the presence or absence of trail pheromone, and then tested for preference between the odours on a Y-maze, in order to investigate the effect of pheromone presence on learning. Pheromone presence did not affect ant choice. However, unexpectedly, the ants strongly preferred the first odour encountered. This was explored by the addition of a familiarisation visit without pheromone or odour. The familiarisation visit disabled or reversed this preference for the first odour encountered, with ants now mostly taking their ‘default’ preference by choosing the left side of the maze. Our study found no effect of trail pheromone on learning, but a strong yet fragile preference for the first odour experienced. These different preferences could lead to spatial segregation of foraging activity depending on prior experience and might facilitate efficient resource exploitation by colonies.
The contraction–expansion behaviour in the demosponge Tethya wilhelma is light controlled and follows a diurnal rhythm
Authors: Flensburg Sarah B. , Garm Anders , Funch Peter
Published: December 2022

Sponges (phylum Porifera) are metazoans which lack muscles and nerve cells, yet perform coordinated behaviours such as whole-body contractions. Previous studies indicate diurnal variability in both the number of contractions and the expression of circadian clock genes. Here, we show that diurnal patterns are present in the contraction–expansion behaviour of the demosponge Tethya wilhelma, by using infrared videography and a simulated night/day cycle including sunrise and sunset mimics. In addition, we show that this behaviour is at least strongly influenced by ambient light intensity and therefore indicates light-sensing capabilities in this sponge species. This is supported by our finding that T. wilhelma consistently contracts at sunrise, and that this pattern disappears both when the sponge is kept in constant darkness and when it is in constant light.
Case Report: Euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis led by empagliflozin: A case report and literature review
Authors: Balan Irina , Ganapathiraju V Lakshmi N  Priyanka , Dirisanala Sudha , Taj Shafaq , Vekaria Pratikkumar
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are a new class of medications that have been approved for the treatment of heart failure (HF) in patients with and without type-2 diabetes mellitus. It is important to be aware of the likely side effects of SGLT2i for their optimal use and enhanced patient safety. One such rare but potential side effect is the development of euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (EDKA).

Objective: We present a case report of EDKA, in a patient who was started on empagliflozin – one of the SGLT2i – highlighting its presenting signs and symptoms, pertinent laboratory findings, differential diagnosis, treatment and outcome. To strengthen our findings and hypothesis, we conducted a literature review of other cases that used SGLT2i and found similar complications. This case report with review can help recognize the serious, potentially life-threatening complications of the new class of medication SGLT2i that has been incorporated into the current practice, and also help to take appropriate steps to mitigate its adverse effects and improve overall health outcomes in our patients. 

Conclusions: SGLT2i are increasingly used because of their favorable effects on mortality in the chronic HF patients along with its benefits of weight loss and blood pressure reduction. A potential underdiagnosed adverse effect of SGLT2i use is diabetic ketoacidosis in a setting of normal blood glucose levels. Thus, it is reasonable to be cognizant of its side effects to prevent any untoward events in a timely manner.
The genome sequence of the apple, Malus domestica (Suckow) Borkh., 1803
Authors: Könyves Kálmán , Mian Sahr , Johns Jennifer ,   Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Genome Acquisition Lab,   Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective, Ruhsam Markus , Leitch Ilia J. ,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: December 2022

We present genome assemblies from four Malus domestica cultivars (the apple; Streptophyta; Magnoliopsida; Rosales; Rosaceae). The genome sequences are 643–653 megabases in span. The greater part of each assembly length (99.24–99.74%) is scaffolded into 17 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial and plastid genomes were also assembled and are 400 kilobases and 167 kilobases in length respectively.
A Frequency and Radiation Pattern Reconfigurable Antenna Using Composed Structure of Pseudo-Fibonacci and DGS for 5G IoT/ WiFi 6/CR Applications
Authors:   Faculty of Telecommunication 1, Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam, Son Cao Xuan , Tu Duong Thi Thanh , Nga Nguyen Thi Thu , Dung Nguyen Tan , Tan Nguyen Van
Published: December 2022

Compound reconfigurable antennas have been studied in recent research for modern wireless communication systems due to their advantage of multifunctional capabilities. In this paper, a novel composed structure of frequency and radiation pattern reconfigurable antenna is proposed. The antenna uses four pseudo-Fibonacci curves and the E shape of Defected Ground Structures (DGS) to make the varied directivity radiation. The steering beam along can achieve based on the position of the active PIN diode in different directions. The resonant frequency can also switch from one to other bands depending on the number of active PIN diodes. The antenna gets a compact size of 30mm x 30mm x 1.6mm that can be fit on a small form factor while still being able to scan along with 8 radiation directions of 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°, or 45°, 135°, 225°, 315° and 4 frequencies at 3.5GHz and 5GHz bands. The antenna directivity reaches 2.283dBi and 4.185dBi at 3.5GHz and 5GHz bands, respectively. The simulation, measurement, and experiment results agree well to ensure the proposed reconfigurable antenna can apply for terminals in 5G IoT, 5GHz WLAN, or cognitive radio systems.
Techno-Economic Assessment of 5G NSA Deployment for Metropolitan Area: A Greenfield Operator Scenario
Authors:   School of Electrical Engineering, Telkom University, Bandung 40257, Indonesia, Nashiruddin Muhammad Imam , Nugraha Muhammad Adam , Rahmawati Putri , Hanuranto Ahmad Tri , Hikmaturokhman Alfin
Published: December 2022

Indonesia is the fourth-most populous country, with 260 million people. This increases telecom network demand. 4G-LTE is Indonesia's lea ding mobile technology (LTE), but its network is now crowded. The telecom business must adjust to consumer mobility and growing demand. The Indonesian government urges the deployment of 5G New Radio (NR) with Non-Stand Alone (NSA) model in 13 Indonesian cities area, especially in the capital city of Jakarta, which is the economic and government center of Indonesia. This research attempts to determine the technological and economic plans needed to satisfy the 5G NR mid-band 3.5 GHz with the NSA model for both capacity and coverage needs in a metropolitan and denseurban area of Indonesia, Jakarta City. This research utilized mid-band 3.5 GHz frequency due to its ability to hold optimum capacity and coverage, especially for greenfield operator scenarios (new mobile operators). According to analysis, all Jakarta municipals will need 919 5G NR 3.5 GHz gNodeB and create 17.7 Gbps/km2 of traffic. Synchronization Signal-Reference Signal Received Power (SS-RSRP) averages -93.27 dBm and is rated good, while SS-SINR averages 8.89 dB and is considered fair. In terms of economics, total CAPEX is IDR 147,184,134,855, total OPEX is IDR 1,004,463,403,900, Net Present Value (NPV) is IDR 477,532,953,385, Internal Rate of Return (IRR) is 24.7%, Payback Period (PBP) is 3.87 or within three years and ten months, and Profitability Index (PI) is 1.42. Meanwhile, the results of the sensitivity analysis indicates that the number of gNodeB and the number of users are the most significant parameters that greatly affect the business feasibility of deploying 5G NR NSA with 3.5 GHz in the metropolitan area of Jakarta City.
Blind CFO Compensation for Next Gen WLAN Systems
Authors:   Department of Electronics and Communications Engineering, Amrita School of Engineering Bengaluru, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, India, H Lalitha , Kumar Navin
Published: December 2022

With the next Gen Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) all geared up to enhance the network wireless capacity in gigabits with utmost reliability for mixed environments utilizing the MIMO OFDM/OFDMA technique with reduced subcarrier spacing and denser modulation schemes. These stern requirements make the system to be highly susceptible to Carrier Frequency Offset (CFO) and the IEEE standard specifies a very stringent frequency offset limit to be well within ±20ppm which is a demanding ask to be met to keep all the WiFi stations to operate within their specified channels with minimum spectral leakage. The current article proposes a novel blind carrier frequency offset compensation method which efficiently computes the CFO. The simulation results prove that the performance of the proposed algorithm not only satisfies the prescribed limits of ±20ppm but it is also robust to even higher offsets like ±25ppm. The proposed algorithm can be utilized in WiFi standards such as IEEE 802.11 n/ax. Rayleigh interference with additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel was applied to analyze the algorithm’s performance. This technique offers better synchronization and reliable communication.
Accuracy Enhancement of Automatic Modulation Recognition Using Deep Learning Paradigm
Authors:   Sudan University of Science and Technology, College of Engineering, Dept of Electronics, Sudan, Jassim Salah Ayad , Khider Ibrahim
Published: December 2022

Communication systems consist of advanced system performance that enables signal reception at the destination. In such a system, the difficult problem is to restore the original transmission. In this study, Automatic Modulation Recognition (AMR) is used to improve the precision of modulation recognition. This method is essential for advanced communication systems that require a minimal delay, such as Realtime broadcasting. Using paradigms of deep learning, the modulation approach of a received signal is identified. Feedforward neural network with Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) integration is proposed for this purpose. The suggested model exhibits optimal recognition accuracy of 97.3 percent, as reported.
A Virtual Projection-Based Incentive Routing Protocol for Mobile PFNs in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors:   Dept. of ECE, CMR Institute of Technological, Bangalore, Karnataka, India, L Niranjan , M Manoj Priyatham
Published: December 2022

The current Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) lacks the desired power owning to the non-availability of the power source. The challenge posed in the current scenario is conserving power for effective data transfer, which is seldom achieved. Added to the owes is the evolving technological innovations where the physical size of the Packet Forwarding Nodes (PFNs) is also reduced along with its power source, thereby reducing the power available to the system and making it inefficient. The existing methodology employed in monitoring the parameters used in Epidemic Algorithm (EA) and Incentive Compatible Routing Protocol (ICRP) protocols which are power guzzlers, the power available for data transfer is greatly reduced making the entire system inefficient. This paper attempts to mitigate the challenges posed by the EA & ICRP, the proposed protocol, “Incentive Routing Protocol with Virtual Projection (IRPVP)”, employs a Relay Sensing Node (RSN) which is designed to be distributed in a square cross-sectional area where each node acts as a unique Sensing Point (SP) monitoring each of the essential parameters like energy consumption, vibrant & non-vibrant SPN count, residual energy and routing overhead while still retaining power for data transfer since the RSN is connected to a dedicated power source. In IRPVP protocol, each packet of a node is subdivided into fragments that are designed to have fixed or variable lengths depending upon the application. Each of these packets is sent over multiple Packet Forwarding Nodes (PFNs) towards the data center. The selection of PFNs in the path is based on their trust levels like meeting probability, computation of residual energy, data weight, and security value. Special PFNs are placed in the network and are entrusted to deliver the packets to the data center without data loss during transmission. The result of the IRPVP protocol Vis-à-Vis the EA & ICRP protocol, backed by the simulation results proves that the IRPVP protocol is better in data handling and is more efficient.