bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innovative communication approaches for initializing pediatric palliative care: perspectives of family caregivers and treating specialists
Authors: Hrdlickova Lucie , Polakova Kristyna , Loucka Martin
Published: June 2023

Background
Effective cooperation between pediatric palliative care team (PPCT), primary treating specialists, patients and families is crucial for high quality complex care of children with life-limiting conditions. Several barriers among patients, families and treating specialists have been identified in the context of initializing pediatric palliative care. The aim of the study was to assess the experience with initial pediatric palliative care consultations from perspectives of family caregivers and treating physicians with a special focus on two innovative approaches: attendance of the treating specialist and the opportunity for parents to give feedback on the written report from the consultation.
Methods
This was a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with family caregivers of children with malignant and non-malignant disease and their treating specialists. Framework analysis was used to guide the data collection and data analysis.
Results
In total, 12 family caregivers and 17 treating specialists were interviewed. Four main thematic categories were identified: 1) expectations, 2) content and evaluation, 3) respect and support from the team and 4) consultation outcomes. Parents viewed the consultation as unique opportunity to discuss difficult topics. They perceived the attendance of the treating specialist at the initial consultation as very important for facilitating communication. Treating specialists valued the possibility to learn about psychosocial issues of the child and the family while attending the initial palliative care consultation. All participants perceived the written report from the consultation as useful for further medical decisions. Family members appreciated the chance to give feedback on the consultation report.
Conclusions
Our study identified several clinically relevant issues that can help initialize pediatric palliative care and establish effective collaboration between families and PPCT and treating specialists. Supporting treating specialists in their ability to explain the role of palliative care is important to reduce the risk of misunderstanding or unrealistic expectations. Developing more specific expectations seems to be one of the ways to further increase the effectiveness of initial consultations. Results of the study can be especially helpful for the initial phase of implementing pediatric palliative care and initializing the process of setting up a collaborative relationship with palliative care teams in the hospital.
UBVRI night sky brightness at Kottamia Astronomical Observatory
Authors: Aboushelib Mohamed , Morcos Abd El Fady , Nawar Samir , Shalabiea Osama , Awad Zainab
Published: June 2023

Using a customized fully automatic photoelectric photometer, we measured the NSB in UBVRI filters at Kottamia Astronomical Observatory. The observations covered all the sky at all altitudes and azimuths with 10° steps at each. The observations were carried out on three nights of August, 1st, 2nd and 3rd 2022 and were averaged. The average zenith sky brightness is 20.49, 20.7, 19.34, 18.25 and 17.04 mag/arcsec2 in UBVRI filters respectively. The average color index is U-B = - 0.21, B-V = 1.37, V-R = 1.09 and R-I = 1.21 for the zenith. The average atmospheric extinction and sky transparency of the UBVRI filters were determined for the three nights of observations. We also included the atmospheric conditions during the observational nights.
Pyroptosis-related genes expression and nomogram predict overall survival of gastric cancer
Authors: Wang Song , Li Xing-Chuan , Zhu Jia-Rui , Ran Jun-Tao , Guan Quan-Lin
Published: June 2023

Background
The prognosis of gastric cancer remains poor. Pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) have been investigated as a potential biomarker in several types of cancer, including gastric cancer. This study aimed to investigate the expression, mutation and diagnostic and prognostic value of PRGs, analyzing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases.
Methods
RNA-sequencing data (RNA-seq), somatic datasets, and copy number variation (CNV) data for gastric cancer were also collected from the TCGA. Gene expression matrix and clinical information of GSE84437 were obtained from GEO data. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to investigate expression profiles of PRGs and their infiltration of immune cells, as well as prognostic significance in gastric cancer.
Results
A total of 22 out of 33 PRGs were up-regulated, only one PRGs was down-regulated in GC compared to normal tissues, while 10 of them showed no difference between the two groups. A total of 117 out of 433 (27.02%) gastric cancer samples demonstrated genetic mutations, missense mutation was the most common variant classification. More than half of the 33 PRGs had copy number amplification. We performed unsupervised consensus clustering based on the expression of PRGs. Two clusters associated with PRGs named cluster A and cluster B were identified in gastric cancer. Compared with cluster B, cluster A not only had worse overall survival, more patients younger than 65 years, and more deaths, but also had a lower infiltration level of T cell and greater activation B cells and mast cells. According to Gene set variation analysis, cluster A showed greater enrichment of vascular smooth muscle contraction, ECM receptor interaction and KEGG pathways of dilated cardiomyopathy. PRGs cluster B was markedly enriched in cytosolic DNA sensing, non-homologous end joining, and basal transcription KEGG pathways. Multivariate cox analyses revealed that CASP5 was the independent factor affecting the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer. The discriminative ability of the final model for overall survival was assessed using the C statistics, 0.651 for overall survival. A predictive nomogram suggested that 3-year and 5-year overall survival rates could be predicted relatively well compared to an ideal model across the entire cohort.
Conclusions
PRGs was relatively up-regulated in gastric cancer, it was associated with worse overall survival. The overall survival risk for an individual patient can be estimated using PRGs-based nomograms, which can lead to individualized therapeutic choices.
Evaluation on Coordinated Development of Population Economy and Eco- geological Environment in the twin-city economic circle of Chengdu- Chongqing region
Authors: Han Dong , Chen Liang , Huang Huan , Wu Hao , Wang Xinyuan , Xiao Yi , Du Juan , Yang Haonan , Liu Shiyu , Xu Shuangshuang
Published: June 2023

Using the CRITIC method, comprehensive index evaluation method, VAR model, coupling coordination model and other methods, this paper evaluates the comprehensive development of the population economy and eco-geological environment composite system in the Chengdu-Chongqing twin-city economic circle from 2000 to 2020, verifies the dynamic coupling relationship between subsystems and measures the coupling coordination degree of complex system. Meanwhile, the differences in the development process of each subsystem are discussed and the spatial-temporal evolution characteristics and laws of coupling and coordination of the three systems during the research period are analyzed. The results reveal the following: (1) There is a long-term coordinated relationship between population, economy and eco-geological environment in Chengdu-Chongqing region, which have the conditions for emergence and generation. (2) The subsystems of population, economy and eco-geological environment in Chengdu-Chongqing region show an overall upward trend, among which the Sichuan part obviously outperforms the Chongqing part. Besides, the growth rate of the economy subsystem is significantly higher than that of the population, eco-geological environment subsystem. (3) The coupling and coordinated development of the composite system has shown a benign upward development trend, gradually changing from "composite spiral structure" to "two cores outstanding, peripheral collapse, the west superior to the east", while the main coordination state has developed from "Basic synergy - Economic lag" in 2000 to "Basic synergy - Population lag" in 2022. In addition, Cheng-De-Mian and Yuzhong districts with the better level of economic development have shown "Advanced synergy - Ecological lag".
Prostate cancer genetic risk and associated aggressive disease in men of African ancestry
Authors: Soh Pamela , Mmekwa Naledi , Petersen Desiree , Gheybi Kazzem , Zyl Smit van , Jiang Jue , Patrick Sean , Campbell Raymond , Jaratlerdsiri Weerachai , Mutambirwa Shingai , Bornman Riana , Hayes Vanessa
Published: June 2023

African ancestry is a significant risk factor for prostate cancer and advanced disease. Yet, genetic studies have largely been conducted outside the context of Sub-Saharan Africa, identifying 278 common risk variants contributing to a multiethnic polygenic risk score, with rare variants focused on a panel of roughly 20 pathogenic genes. Based on this knowledge, we were unable to determine polygenic risk or differentiate prostate cancer status interrogating whole genome data for 113 Black South African men. To further assess for potentially functional common and rare variant associations, we interrogated 247,780 exomic variants for 798 Black South African men using a case versus control or aggressive versus non-aggressive study design. Notable genes of interest included HCP5, RFX6 and H3C1 for risk, and MKI67 and KLF5 for aggressive disease. Our study highlights the need for further inclusion across the African diaspora to establish African-relevant risk models aimed at reducing prostate cancer health disparities.
Towards Personalised Depression Modelling and Explanation from Wearable Data
Authors: Chatterjee Sobhan , Mishra Jyoti , Sundram Frederick , Roop Partha
Published: June 2023

Depression and anxiety are the leading causes of health loss globally, and the Covid-19 pandemic has significantly exacerbated the effect of these disorders. There is a widening gap between available resources and mental health needs globally. Digital health applications using artificial Intelligence (AI) are a promising opportunity to address this widening gap. Increasingly, passively acquired data from wearables is augmented with carefully selected active data from the participants to develop machine learning (ML) models of depression. However, these ML models are black-box in nature, and hence the outputs are not explainable. Depression is also multi-modal, and the reasons for depression may vary significantly between individuals. Explainable and personalised models will thus be beneficial to clinicians for determining the main features that lead to a decline in the mood state of a patient, thus enabling suitable personalised therapy. This is currently lacking. Therefore, this study presents the first methodology for developing personalised and accurate deep learning (DL)-based models for depression, along with novel methods for identifying the key facets that lead to the exacerbation of depressive symptoms. We illustrate our approach using an existing multi-modal dataset containing longitudinal ecological momentary assessments of depression, lifestyle data from wearables, and neurocognitive assessments for 14 mild to moderately depressed participants over one month. We train classification- and regression-based DL models to predict participants’ mood scores - a discrete score given to a participant based on the severity of their depressive symptoms. The models are trained inside eight different evolutionaryalgorithm-based optimisation schemes that optimise the model parameters for maximum predictive performance. A 5-fold cross-validation scheme is used to verify the model performance, with model error as low as 6% for some participants. We use the best model from the optimisation process to extract indicators, using SHAP, ALE and Anchors from Explainable AI literature to explain why certain predictions are made and how they affect mood. These feature insights can assist health professionals in incorporating personalised interventions into the patient’s treatment regimen.
Synthesis, characterization and application of double network hydrogels with superior ultraviolet resistance and antioxidant properties constructed from oligomeric proanthocyanidins and poly(vinyl alcohol)/sodium alginate
Authors: Song Jie , Zhang Shuyu , Du Liuping , Gao Chong , Xie Longyue , Shi Yu , Su Ling , Ma Yanli , Ren Shixue
Published: June 2023

A structurally dense hydrogel, with strong hydrogen bonding networks, was formed from poly(vinyl alcohol), sodium alginate, and oligomeric proanthocyanidins, using a combination of freeze-thaw cycles and calcium ion cross-linking. The structure of the hydrogel was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Mechanical testing and thermogravimetric analysis showed that incorporation of proanthocyanidins enhanced both the mechanical properties and the thermal stability of the hydrogel. The hydrogel was also demonstrated to have excellent ultraviolet resistance and antioxidant properties. The hydrogel was further shown to produce an electrochemical response, strongly suggesting that such hydrogels could be used as an electronic skin, with exciting potential in medical and other fields.
Data-driven Analysis of Carbon Nanotube Yarn Interfacial Bonding in Extreme Environments
Authors: De Leon Ana , Vanli O. Arda , Sweat Rebekah
Published: June 2023

Understanding nanocomposite interfacial bonding under environmental conditions will lead to game-changing material applications in energy, aerospace, electronics, and infrastructure applications. Carbon nanotube (CNT) yarns with high-temperature toughened matrices are candidates to be used in aircraft and space components. While operating, these components are exposed to severe temperatures, which alter their performance due to changes near the interfacial area. This study investigates the interfacial shear strength of CNT yarns in multiple matrices from near-cryogenic temperatures up to temperatures above the matrix glass transition temperature. Statistical and data-driven approaches are implemented to understand and quantify the interface between inclusion and matrix. The fiber bundle pullout test is performed at a broad temperature range for fundamental studies of composite material interfaces and their bonding properties in extreme environments. Analysis showed that IFSS decreases with increasing temperature, especially at temperatures near the resin's glass transition temperature. It was shown that the work required to pull out the CNT from all polymer matrices was reduced by more than 60% between temperature extremes.
Micro milling force prediction of arc thin-walled parts considering dual flexibility coupling deformation
Authors: Yi Jie , Wang Xurui , Tian Haoyu , Zhao Shanshan , Hua Yang , Zhang Wei , Yu Fusheng , Xiang Junfeng
Published: June 2023

The prediction of micro milling forces in difficult-to-machine materials such as titanium alloys, which have small dimensions and arc-thin-walled features, has become a major challenge due to the coupling effect of multi-physics fields. This problem has become a key bottleneck in the development of aerospace, space, biomedical and other fields. To address this issue, this study focuses on titanium alloy arc-thin-walled parts and develops a micro milling force prediction model that considers the dual flexible coupling deformation and geometric features of arc-thin-walled parts in the process of micro milling. Firstly, a micro milling force theoretical model is established based on the instantaneous cutter position angle and the actual instantaneous uncut thickness. Secondly, detailed geometric analysis is conducted to calculate the entry and exit angles and instantaneous uncut thickness considering the characteristics of arc micro milling paths. Subsequently, the Euler beam and Timoshenko beam are assumed based on the characteristics of the cutter and workpiece structure, as well as the force situations. The unit stiffness matrix is then solved to calculate the deflection deformation value. An iterative algorithm is used to introduce the coupling deflection deformation into the micro milling force prediction model, thereby improving the instantaneous uncut thickness model. Finally, the micro milling force data is obtained through arc micro milling experiments and the coefficient of micro milling force is identified. The micro milling force is predicted using a theoretical model and its rationality and accuracy is verified through experiments. The proposed model and methodology have practical significance and provide a basis for optimizing micro milling processes and promoting the development of related fields.
An antibody blocking IL-1 receptor accessory protein reduces cardiac inflammation and preserves heart function in viral and autoimmune myocarditis
Authors: Lema Diego , Jakobsson Gabriel , Daoud Abdel , Talor Monica , Rattik Sara , Grönberg Caitríona , Kalinoski Hannah , Gyllenbäck Elin Jaensson , Liberg David , Schiopu Alexandru , Cihakova Daniela
Published: June 2023

IL-1, IL-33 and IL-36 have complementary pro-inflammatory roles during the immune response promoting autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, such as myocarditis. Therapeutic blockers targeting the IL-1 pathway have previously been developed. However, we hypothesized that blockade of the shared co-receptor of these three pathways, IL-1 receptor accessory protein (IL1RAP), would exhibit a more potent and broader anti-inflammatory profile. To investigate this hypothesis, we induced coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3)-mediated or experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) in BALB/c mice, followed by treatment with mCAN10, an Fc-modified IL1RAP-blocking monoclonal antibody. IL1RAP blockade strongly reduced the severity of acute viral myocarditis when compared to isotype, saline or IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL1Ra) treatment (the gold standard of IL-1 receptor blockade), without affecting viral clearance from the heart. Spectral flow cytometry of heart immune populations showed that mCAN10 significantly reduced the infiltrating numbers of several populations, especially effector CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, inflammatory Ly6C+CCR2+ monocytes, neutrophils and eosinophils. Spatial gene expression revealed reduction in canonical inflammatory gene and pathway expression in the cardiac immune foci. This translated into protection from cardiac function deterioration and ejection fraction loss during viral and experimental autoimmune myocarditis. Altogether, our data show that a monoclonal antibody targeting 3 pro-inflammatory cytokine systems simultaneously, IL-1, IL-33 and IL-36, potently reduces viral and autoimmune myocarditis severity in a broad fashion not recapitulated by IL-1 blockade, and shows translational promise for development into therapeutics against cardiac inflammatory disease.
Climate adaptive loci revealed by seascape genomics corroborate phenotypic variation in heat tolerance of the coral Acropora millepora
Authors: Denis Hugo , Selmoni Oliver , Gossuin Hugues , Jauffrais Thierry , Butler Caleb C , Lecellier Gaël , Berteaux-Lecellier Véronique
Published: June 2023

One of the main challenges in coral reef conservation and restoration is the identification of coral populations resilient under global warming. Seascape genomics is a powerful tool to uncover genetic markers potentially involved in heat tolerance among large populations without prior information on phenotypes. Here, we aimed to assess the role of candidate heat associated loci identified using seascape genomics in driving the phenotypic response of Acropora millepora from New Caledonia to thermal stress. We subjected 7 colonies to a long-term ex-situ heat stress assay (4°C above the Maximum Monthly Mean) and investigated their physiological response along with their Symbiodiniaceae communities and genotypes. Despite sharing similar thermal histories and associated symbionts, these conspecific individuals differed greatly in their tolerance to heat stress. More importantly, the clustering of individuals based on their alleles at the candidate loci coincided with the phenotypic variation in heat tolerance. Colonies harboring a higher proportion of heat-associated alleles sustained on average lower mortality, higher Symbiodiniaceae/chlorophyll concentrations and photosynthetic efficiency under prolonged heat stress. Together these results support the relevance of seascape genomics to reveal candidate loci for heat adaptation in corals and develop predictive models of heat tolerance.
A primary research on male patients diagnosed as acute brucellosis with untargeted metabolomics technique
Authors: Li Qiang , Wang Qiong , Wang Jianling , Zhou Xin , Zhao Yanmei , Xue Hongmei , Li Jiquan , Chen Yangyang , Chao Jie , Zhao Zhijun , Qi Zhizhen
Published: June 2023

Background
Brucellosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease through the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products, inhalation of infected aerosolized particles, and direct or indirect contact with infected animals. A timely and accurate diagnosis is key to the clinical management of brucellosis.
Method
The study included 8 male brucellosis patients and 8 control subjects. The serum samples were analyzed using Ultra performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry ( UPLC- MS/MS ). The structural identification of these different metabolites was performed by comparing the exact mass data, retention time, and corresponding MS/MS fragments with those of mzCloud, mzVault and MassList database. We applied univariate analysis to calculate the statistical significance.The metabolites with VIP > 1 and P-value < 0.05 and fold change(FC) ≥ 2 or FC ≤ 0.5 were considered to be differential metabolites.
Results
25 different metabolites were identified. 6 metabolites were down-regulated, and 19 metabolites were up-regulated. Different metabolites identified in positive ionizationmodewereL-Kynurenine, (3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl) acetic acid, D- Sphingosine, D-(+)-Proline, 2-Amino-1,3-octadecanediol, Kahweol, 2- Hydroxycinnamic acid, Kynurenic acid, 5-(tert-butyl)-2- methyl-N-(4-nitrophenyl) – 3-furamide, 2-chloro-6-(4- methoxypheno xy)benzonitrile, and 1,4- dihydroxyheptadec =-16-en-2-yl acetate; Different metabolites identified in negative ionization mode were Lignoceric acid, Pentacosanoic acid, Xanthine, L-Phenylalanine, D-(+)-Tryptophan, Oleoyl-L-α-lysophosphatidic acid, γ- Aminobutyric acid, L- Glutamic acid, Citric acid, 2-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)-3 -(1,3- benzodioxol − 5-yl) acrylonitrile, Perfluorooctanoic acid, 4-Hexylresorcinol, Sorbitan monopalmitate, and Deoxycholic acid.
Conclusion
There were existing the metabolic changes of male patients diagnosised as acute brucellosis, which were involved in tryptophan metabolism, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism,as well as biosynthesis and metabolism of amino acids .
Low frequency binaural beats in instrumental music affects verbal memory but not false recall
Authors: Tay Peter Kay Chai , Lin Jia Lin Cherie , Lam Yeow Hing Bradley , Pang Chu Hui , Ng Soo Inn Fidessa , Wong Samuel Shengmiao
Published: June 2023

Binaural beats (BB) are produced when pure tones of slightly different frequencies are presented to each ear and may have therapeutic effects such as reduced anxiety and improved memory. While the effect of BB on anxiety has been investigated extensively, few studies explored the effect of BB on verbal memory and false memory. In the current double-blinded study, we investigated how BB overlaid with instrumental music affect memory for a list of words. 151 undergraduate participants (23% males) were randomized into one of three conditions to listen to a 30-min soundtrack: music with BB (n = 52), music only (n = 52), or audiobook (n = 47). The participants studied a list of fifteen words followed by a filler task. After which, the participants recall as many words as they could in any order. Two different word lists were presented before and after the listening task. We observed that while participants did not differ in their verbal recall before the listening tasks across the three conditions, those who listened to the music with BB recalled fewer words compared to those who listened to the audiobook after the listening task. In addition, although a greater proportion of participants who listened to the music with BB soundtrack produced false recall (51.9%) compared to those who listened to the music-only (50.0%) and audiobook (42.6%), the relationship between soundtrack and false recall was not statistically significant. The current findings suggest that low frequency BB in the delta/theta ranges may attenuate verbal memory particularly when listeners are exposed to BB frequency.
Interatrial Shunt Devices in Management of Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Min , Yi Tieci , Fan Fangfang , Qiu Lin , Wang Zhi , Weng Haoyu , Ma Wei , Zhang Yan
Published: June 2023

Background
Recent studies have shown that interatrial shunt devices (ISDs) can improve cardiac function and exercise tolerance in people with heart failure (HF). In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we assessed the efficacy of ISDs in the treatment of HF.
Methods
The Medline, Cochrane Library, Embase, and PubMed databases were searched through to December 7, 2022, to identify clinical studies that evaluated the effect of ISDs on HF. The primary endpoint was change in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Secondary endpoints included left atrial volume index, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, right ventricular diameter, and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion. Clinical functional capacity, including the 6-minute walk distance, New York Heart Association functional class, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide level, were also evaluated.
Results
Six trials that included 182 individuals were included in the quantitative analysis. Pooled analyses showed that LVEF increased by a mean of 3.07% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.30, 5.84; P = 0.03) after ISDs implantation. There was no significant change in left atrial volume index (mean difference [MD] -0.33 mL/m², 95% CI -4.80, 4.13; P = 0.88; I2 = 0), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (MD -0.53 cm, 95% CI -1.58, 0.53; P = 0.33; I2 = 80%), right ventricular diameter (MD 1.40 mm, 95% CI -1.72, 4.51; P = 0.38; I2 = 36%), or tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (MD 0.74 mm, 95% CI -0.49, 1.98; P = 0.24; I2 = 0) after ISDs implantation. The 6-minute walk distance, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide level, and New York Heart Association functional class were improved.
Conclusions
An ISDs can increase LVEF in patients with HF. Studies in larger sample sizes and with longer follow-up times are needed to confirm our findings.
The Impact of Site Contexts in Increasing the Diversity of Architectural Concepts: Using Interactive Architectural Approach
Authors: Baper Salahaddin Yassen , Ismael Zhiman Khairi
Published: June 2023

This research has introduced an approach to better cognition of the architectural concepts based on the site context parameter. Hence, the research investigates the role of site context in enhancing architectural concepts. The research problem is formulated to search the similarity and differences of senior architects’ strategies, thus, searching for aspects that may create the diversity of architectural products become necessary. The reality is that site considerations have received progressively less attention in the professional practice of architecture over the past decades. Then, the research used a two-level method with several steps to case study which are 12 international cases of three iconic deconstructive architects (Eisenman, Koolhaas, and Hadid). This study concludes that creating a site context that supports the surrounding context can enrich the design concept and create unexpected results.
Life satisfaction was measured as part of a retrospective study that evaluated the quality of life following TAR bridging treatment for recurring abdominal bulges
Authors: Saad Hassan A , Riad Mohamed , Eid Kamal Rabie , Elsayed Rasha S , Baz Azza , Elsayed Ashraf Abdelmonem , Farid Mohamed I , Eraky Mohamed E , El-Taher Ahmed k
Published: June 2023

Purpose
It is difficult to repair a large complex recurrent hernia. TAR with anterior fascial re-approximation may not be possible because of more tissue loss, so we find that transverse abdominal muscle repair (TAR) with bridging is a suitable technique for such a condition. We aim to demonstrate the results of bridge works at our hospital after data collection
Methods.
Our patients were retrospectively matched from our institution board sheet, zagazig university hospital.
One Hundredred ninety-two patients were available between 2015 and 2019 for our investigation.
Aim of the work:
Although the results of TAR with the bridge are not better with multiple recurrent, the life quality is improved; our outcome interesting are the quality of life (HerQLes) and pain severity(PROMIS pain intensity 3a), and recurrence, based on physical examinations and CT scans,
Results.
In our study, 192 patients were involved. The defect width of a hernia was typically 26±8 centimeters. Incisional hernias were the majority (93%). Recurrent type (71%) had, (21%) had five repeated prior hernia surgeries
A total (of 70%) had data accessible. HerQLes rankings confirmed a regular enhancement in the postoperative restoration manner (26± 21, 44± 26, and 60±33 at six months to three years, respectively; P value (<0.001).
as did the PROMIS Pain Intensity 3a
scores (46±11 at baseline, 45±11 at 30-day follow-up, and 39±11 at ix months–3 years; P=0.001). At a mean follow-up at six months to three years, P = 0.001). A composite recurrence of 46% was detected shortly at a counseled follow-up of 20±10 months, mainly from patients reporting a "bulge" at the site.
Conclusion.
Synthetic mesh in bridging TAR repairs for patients with recurrent, complex hernias is associated with a higher rate of bulge perception but with improved quality of life. The preoperative cases must be discussed for the ideal decision
A global assessment of academic promotion criteria: What really counts?
Authors: Lim Boon Han , D'Ippoliti Carlo , Dominik Martin , Vermeir Koen , Chong Kok-Keong , Backes Michael , Palomo Ignacio , Molnar Andreea , Hernández-Mondragón Alma , Cruz Thomas Edison dela , Mondello Stefania , López-Vergès Sandra , Coussens Anna , Enany Shymaa , Kumar Pradeep , Jambrak Anet Režek , Siciliano Velia , Bhadra Anindita , Bassioni Ghada , Xuereb André , Bueso Yensi Flores
Published: June 2023

The assessment of research performance is widely seen as a vital tool in upholding the highest standards of quality, with selection and competition believed to drive progress. Specifically, academic institutions need to take critical decisions on hiring and promotion, while facing external pressure by also being subject to research assessment [1–4]. Here, we present the first truly global outlook to research assessment for career progression, based on 159 institutional and 37 national policies from a total of 55 countries, 60% of them being outside of Western Europe and North America. We not only investigated how frequently various promotion criteria are mentioned, but also carried out a statistical analysis to infer structural commonalities and differences across policies. We find that quantitative assessment metrics remain popular, in agreement with other more geographically-restricted studies [5–9], but they are not omnipresent. We find notable differences between the Global North and the Global South as well as between institutional and national policies, but less so between research disciplines. In particular, the preference for bibliometric indicators is more marked in low- and middle-income countries. While we see some variation, many promotion policies assume that specific career paths that become normative rather than fully embracing diversity. In turn, this restricts opportunities for researchers. Our results challenge current practice and have strategic implications for researchers, research managers, and national governments.
Deep learning can predict prognosis and endocrine therapy response in breast cancer patients from H&E staining based on estrogen receptor signaling activity
Authors: Ng Chun Wai , Wong Kwong-Kwok
Published: June 2023

Estrogen receptor (ER) expression status has long been a main factor for endocrine therapy. Deep learning methods can predict ER expression status by hematoxylin-and-eosin (H&E) staining. Since ER signaling activity has been found to be prognostic and is related to endocrine therapy responsiveness, we determined whether deep learning methods and whole-slide H&E-stained images could be used to predict ER signaling activity to determine prognosis in patients with breast cancer. ER signaling activity was determined using the Hallmark Estrogen Response Early gene set from the Molecular Signature Database (MSigDB). The data were fed into ResNet50 with three additional fully connected layers to predict the ER signaling activity of the samples, with ER signaling activity higher than the quantile 0.5. The trained model predicted that ER+/HER2- breast cancer patients with higher ER signaling activity had longer disease-free survival (p = 0.00415) and disease-specific survival durations (p = 0.00887). In conclusion, a convolutional deep neural network can predict prognosis and endocrine therapy response in breast cancer patients based on ER signaling activity using whole-slide H&E-stained images of tumors.
Spontaneous shock waves in pulse-stimulated flocks of Quincke rollers
Authors: Zhang Bo , Glatz Andreas , Aronson Igor , Snezhko Alexey
Published: June 2023

Active matter demonstrates complex spatiotemporal self-organization not accessible at equilibrium and the emergence of collective behavior. Fluids comprised of microscopic Quincke rollers represent a popular realization of synthetic active matter. Temporal activity modulations, realized by modulated external electric fields, have been recently suggested as an effective tool to expand the variety and complexity of accessible dynamic states in active ensembles. Here, we report on the emergence of shock wave patterns composed of coherently moving particles energized by a pulsed electric field. The shock waves emerge spontaneously and move faster than the average particle speed. Combining experiments, theory, and simulations, we demonstrate that the shock waves originate from intermittent spontaneous vortex cores due to a vortex meandering instability. They occur when the rollers' translational and rotational decoherence times, regulated by the electric pulse durations, become comparable. The phenomenon does not rely on the presence of confinement, and multiple shock waves continuously arise and vanish in the ensemble. Our findings highlight the importance of the interaction timescales in the emergence of dynamic patterns under temporally modulated energy injection. The results may stimulate design strategies for reconfigurable self-assembled active architectures.
Statistical differences in selective profiles between H. sapiens and SARS-CoV-2 genomes discover double or single stranded DNA or RNA
Authors: Valenzuela Carlos Y
Published: June 2023

Background The neutral theory of evolution intended first to explain evolution mostly by drift. By and by neutralist added to random factors, purifying selection, selection with small coefficients and homologized selective neutral to selective equivalent alleles, making it indistinguishable from some models of the synthetic theory of evolution. Therefore, I developed a method to study neutral evolution by the distance to neutrality (randomness) of the distribution of the two bases of dinucleotides separated by 0, 1, 2…K nucleotide sites. The distance was the value of the chi-square test. This method informs on the adaptive nature of 5’-3’ polarity and of the double or single stranded structure of nucleic acids. The method obtains the significance matrix (chi-squares values) vs separations (K) of the deviations from neutrality of dinucleotides; it compares the selective profiles (significance order, sign of selection and selection coefficient) between parallel (Par) and antiparallel (a-Par) dinucleotides with their index dinucleotide. DNA complementarity defines Par and a-Par. The distances of selective profiles between the index-Par or Index-a-Par dinucleotides were compared between them and between the human chromosome 21 (HCh21, double stranded DNA) and SARS-CoV-2 (single stranded RNA).
Results In HCh21, the Index and a-Par dinucleotides present almost equal selective profile, while the Par dinucleotides differ from the Index profiles. In SARS-CoV-2, a-Par and Par dinucleotides differ from the Index dinucleotides. The test detects double or single stranded DNA or RNA. Double stranded DNA structure and 5’-3’ polarity are adaptive evolutionary traits in humans or SARS-CoV-2. Both genomes coincide in the most negatively selective dinucleotide whose bases are contiguous: CG. The agreement or disagreement of selective traits of genomes within a biotic community measured by this method offer a complementary approximation to studies on ecological relationships of communities with members of different taxa.
Conclusions These analyses show the possibility to detect single or double stranded DNA or RNA of organisms by a simple statistical test of their genomes, and offer a new tool to study ecological or evolutionary processes
Co-creation process of an intervention to implement a multiparameter point-of-care device in a Primary Healthcare setting for non-communicable diseases in Peru
Authors: Albitres-Flores Leonardo , Pérez-León Silvana , Bernabe-Ortiz Antonio , Tenorio-Mucha Janeth , Cardenas Maria Kathia , Vetter Beatrice , Safary Elvis , Gamboa Ricardo , Cordova Vicente , Gupta Reena , Moran Andrew , Beran David , Lazo-Porras Maria
Published: June 2023

Background
Point-of-care devices (POCT) are diagnostic tools that can provide quick and accurate results within minutes, making them suitable for diagnosing non-communicable diseases (NCDs). However, these devices are not widely implemented in healthcare systems and for this reason is relevant to understand the implementation process.
Aims
To describe the process and define a strategy to implement a multiparameter POCT for diagnosing and managing NCDs in a low- and middle- income country.
Methods
A descriptive and non-experimental study was conducted in one region of Peru (Tumbes) to design an intervention for implementing a multiparameter POCT. Two co-creation sessions were conducted involving three groups: community members, primary healthcare workers, and regional decision-makers. These sessions included activities to understand patient journeys in receiving care for NCDs, identify facilitators and barriers to POCT usage, and define an implementation strategy for POCT in both rural and urban settings. The research team analysed the data and summarized key topics for discussion after each session.
Results
A total of 78 participants were enrolled across the three groups. Among community members: 22.2% had only diabetes, 24.1% had only hypertension, and 18.5% had both diagnoses. In the patient journey, community members mentioned that it took at least three days to receive a diagnosis and treatment for an NCD. Most of the participants agreed that the POCT devices would be beneficial for their communities, but they also identified some concerns. The strategy for POCT implementation included healthcare workers training, POCT must be placed in the laboratory area and must be able to perform tests for glucose, glycated haemoglobin, cholesterol, and creatinine. Advertising about POCT should be displayed at the healthcare centres and the municipality using billboards and flyers.
Conclusions
The co-creation process was effective in developing strategies for the implementation of multiparameter POCT devices for NCDs, involving the participation of different groups of stakeholders inboth rural and urban settings in Peru.
A short communication on functional, rheological and extrusion properties of high protein fractions from pulses obtained by air-classification
Authors: Bresciani Andrea , Chiodaroli Giulia , Landers Michael , Müller Jens , Wiertz Jessica , Marti Alessandra
Published: June 2023

As animal-based foods have a large impact on the environment, plant-based meat analogous are now in the spotlight. Although protein concentrates/isolates from soy are the most used raw materials for meat analogues, some concerns about allergenicity, loss of biodiversity, and low sustainability of their production rise from their uses. In this context, high protein fractions (HPFs) obtained by air classification of pulse flours are here proposed as substitutes of protein concentrates. Thus, this work is aimed at understanding the aptitude of HPF from pulses to be transformed into meat analogous through high moisture extrusion (HME) process. Differences in functional and rheological properties among HPFs resulted in different HME properties and thus products with different appearance. Specifically, the foaming capacity of HPF from red lentil resulted in expansion at the end of the extruder creating a heterogeneous structure. While the unsuitability of HPF from chickpea to HME could be related to its high lipid content. On the contrary, HPF from both fava bean and yellow pea presented a fibrous structure.
Computer Vision-based Driver Fatigue Detection Framework with Personalization Threshold and Multi-feature Fusion
Authors: Li Xiaolei , Lin Hao , Yang Yanyan
Published: June 2023

This paper proposes a novel non-intrusive and computer vision-based framework for driver fatigue detection from the video. First, to improve the judging accuracyof the driver’s facial expressions, the personalized threshold is proposed insteadof the traditional average threshold. Secondly, in order to alleviate the impactof the lack of relevant public data on model training, the transfer learning isused to train the eye and mouth state classifier. Finally, to solve the problem oflow universality and accuracy of the driver fatigue detection caused caused byusing only one type of facial features, multiple features including appearance-based features and deep learning-based features are used to detect driver fatiguedriving. The experiment results indicate that our method achieves 92.21% F1score and 29 fps, and yields better performance than traditional methods on thepublic NTHU-DDD dataset.
Privacy Preserved Two Factor Authentication System using Spread Spectrum Watermarking of Fingerprint and Crypto code
Authors: Priyadarshini Priyanka , Naik Kshiramani
Published: June 2023

Two-factor authentication (2FA) method provides an additional layer of security to the user accounts and systems beyond a single authentication factor like simple password. Now days biometric based authentication is widely adopted as it reduces impersonation fraud and account takeover attacks. Biometric data are relevant with the user’s personal information can potentially be exploited by the attacker in the future to compromise additional data of the user. Hence protection of the biometric data is also vital part along with the secure authentication of the protected data. In this proposed work, a 2FA mechanism is implemented using Spread Spectrum Watermarking method. Instead of storing fingerprint biometric data in the database, it is embedded in the physical token/security token as invisible watermarking with the user’s image. the user's unique ID (UID) is stored in the database and embedded as an invisible watermark in the physical or security token, which serves as the second factor. Once both authentication factors and other user information are embedded, it becomes a smart card. To access protected data, the user's fingerprint is compared to the embedded fingerprint on the smart card for identification. To further validate the user's identity, the embedded UID is decrypted and matched against the stored UID in the database. The proposed watermarking-based 2FA model's enhanced outcomes are demonstrated through a detailed simulation analysis. Comparative analysis of the results confirms the superiority of the proposed model over traditional biometric-based 2FA systems.
Preparation of biodegradable antibacterial, antioxidant, and pH- sensitive hydrogel films based on carboxymethyl cellulose and collagen for fish freshness monitoring
Authors: Mirzaei Akbar , Nezafat Zahra , Mirzaei Ghazaleh , Javanshir Shahrzad , Karimkhani Mohammad Mahdi , Jamshidi Abdollah
Published: June 2023

From ancient times until present day, preservation of aliments as long as possible has been of particular importance. For this, it is necessary to limit as much as possible the multiplication and proliferation of micro-organisms on food which make it toxic for human consumption. Extending the life of a product is the area where packaging can contribute the most to reducing food waste. There are various types of food packaging. Not all are equal in terms of risk. Nevertheless, each of them has its own faults and contaminants. Among the lot of promising materials are so-called “intelligent” packaging. One of the most crucial points is to design packaging based on natural and biodegradable materials that do not harm the environment after use. Additional innovation is the introduction of antibacterial and antioxidants properties into food packaging materials. Indeed, in this research work, we prepared an active antimicrobial and antioxidant biodegradable blended hydrogel films based on natural polymers such as carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), collagen (COL) incorporated with active natural agents such as Eucalyptus leaf extract (ELE) or quercetin (QCT). The effects of eucalyptus extracts and quercetin on the physical and functional properties of the films, including morphology and structure, pH sensitivity, antioxidant and antibacterial properties were investigated. For the evaluation of the freshness of fish, the total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) content was determined. The results of TVB-N, antibacterial and antioxidant activities, and observed color change indicate that the prepared films have a high potential for preserving fish meat and can be used as an indicator to monitor the freshness of fish.
Dandelion Has Successfully Adapted to Grow in Suburban Environments
Authors: Abraham Thomas , Abraham Teresa , Thomas Sunil
Published: June 2023

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale G.H. Weber ex Wiggers) is a perennial herbaceous plant, generally considered as a weed, often seen blooming in the temperate areas during early spring. Dandelions growing in nature reserves or wastelands are significantly taller compared to those growing in lawns in the suburbs. In the lawns of the suburbs, the flower stalk of dandelion is shorter, with an angle of 300 or lower, and grows parallel to the lawn grass so that they can escape lawn mowing. In addition, the dandelion plants in the suburban lawns have shorter leaves and smaller flowers. The long dandelion seed head stalk that grows vertically helps the wind dispersal of its seeds to be transported large distances. Thus, the dandelion has adapted vegetative features for survival in the suburbs.