bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel model prediction time-to-event analysis: data validation and estimation of 200 million cases in the global COVID-19 epidemic
Authors: Rezania Ali , Ghorbani Elaheh , Hassanian-Moghaddam Davood , Faeghi Farnaz , Hassanian-Moghaddam Hossein
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Assessment of recuperation and death times of a population inflicted by an epidemic has only been feasible through studying a sample of individuals via time-to-event analysis, which requires identified participants. Therefore, we aimed to introduce an original model to estimate the average recovery/death times of infected population of contagious diseases without the need to undertake survival analysis and just through the data of unidentified infected, recovered and dead cases.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

An internet source that asserted from official sources of each government. The model includes two techniques—curve fitting and optimisation problems. First, in the curve fitting process, the data of the three classes are simultaneously fitted to functions with defined constraints to derive the average times. In the optimisation problems, data are directly fed to the technique to achieve the average times. Further, the model is applied to the available data of COVID-19 of 200 million people throughout the globe.

Results

The average times obtained by the two techniques indicated conformity with one another showing p values of 0.69, 0.51, 0.48 and 0.13 with one, two, three and four surges in our timespan, respectively. Two types of irregularity are detectable in the data, significant difference between the infected population and the sum of the recovered and deceased population (discrepancy) and abrupt increase in the cumulative distributions (step). Two indices, discrepancy index (DI) and error of fit index (EI), are developed to quantify these irregularities and correlate them with the conformity of the time averages obtained by the two techniques. The correlations between DI and EI and the quantified conformity of the results were −0.74 and −0.93, respectively.

Conclusion

The results of statistical analyses point out that the proposed model is suitable to estimate the average times between recovery and death.
Barriers to COVID-19 vaccine acceptance to improve messages for vaccine uptake in indigenous populations in the central highlands of Guatemala: a participatory qualitative study
Authors: Skinner Nadine Ann , Sanders Kelly , Lopez Emily , Sotz Mux Magda Silvia , Abascal Miguel Lucía , Vosburg Kathryn B , Johnston Jamie , Diamond-Smith Nadia , Kraemer Diaz Anne
Published: January 2023

Introduction

As of July 2022, a little over one-third of Guatemalans were fully vaccinated. While COVID-19 vaccination rates are not officially reported nationally by racial/ethnic groups, non-governmental organisations and reporters have observed that COVID-19 vaccination rates are especially low among high-risk Indigenous populations. We conducted one of the first studies on COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in Indigenous populations in the Central Highlands of Guatemala, which aimed to better understand the barriers to COVID-19 vaccine uptake and how to improve vaccine promotional campaigns.

Methods

In November 2021, we conducted eight focus group discussions (FGDs) with 42 Indigenous men and women and 16 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with community health workers, nurses and physicians in Chimaltenango and Sololá. Using a participatory design approach, our qualitative analysis used constant comparative methods to understand the inductive and deductive themes from the FGD and IDI transcripts.

Results

We found three major overarching barriers to vaccination within the sampled population: (1) a lack of available easily understandable, linguistically appropriate and culturally sensitive COVID-19 vaccine information; (2) vaccine access and supply issues that prevented people from being vaccinated efficiently and quickly; and (3) widespread misinformation and disinformation that prey on people’s fears of the unknown and mistrust of the medical establishment and government.

Conclusion

When developing COVID-19 vaccine messages, content should be culturally relevant, appropriate for low-literacy populations and in the languages that people prefer to speak. Promotional materials should be in multiple modalities (print, radio and social media) and also have specific Maya cultural references (dress, food and concepts of disease) to ensure messaging connects with intended targets. This study supports the need for more robust research into best practices for communicating about COVID-19 vaccines to marginalised communities globally and suggests that policy makers should invest in targeted local solutions to increase vaccine uptake.
Early urine output monitoring in very preterm infants to predict in-hospital neonatal outcomes: a bicentric retrospective cohort study
Authors: De Mul Aurélie , Heneau Alice , Biran Valérie , Wilhelm-Bals Alexandra , Parvex Paloma , Poncet Antoine , Saint-Faust Marie , Baud Olivier
Published: January 2023

Objective

To evaluate whether urine output (UO), rarely assessed in the literature, is associated with relevant neonatal outcomes in very preterm infants, and which UO threshold may be the most clinically relevant.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Two Level IV neonatal intensive care units.

Patients

Very preterm infants born between 240/7and 296/7weeks of gestation documented with eight UO measurements per day between postnatal day 1 and day 7.

Main outcome measures

Composite outcome defined as death before discharge, or moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia, or severe brain lesions. The association between this outcome and UO was studied using several UO thresholds.

Results

Among 532 infants studied, UO <1.0 mL/kg/hour for at least 24 consecutive hours was measured in 55/532 (10%) infants and the primary outcome was recorded in 25 patients. The association between a UO threshold <1.0 mL/kg/hour and the primary outcome was found marginally significant (crude OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.02 to 3.16, p=0.04). The primary outcome was recorded in 112/242 (46%) patients with a UO <2.0 mL/kg/hour and only 64/290 (22%) patients with a UO ≥2.0 mL/kg/hour (p<0.001). This UO threshold was found significantly associated with the primary outcome (crude OR 3.1, 95% CI 2.1 to 4.7, p<0.001), an association confirmed using a multivariate logistic regression model including baseline covariates (adjusted OR 3.7, 95% CI 2.2 to 6.4, p<0.001).

Conclusion

A UO <2 mL/kg/hour over 24 hours between postnatal day 1 and day 7 strongly predicts neonatal mortality or severe morbidities in very preterm infants.
The value of extended short-term medical training placements in smaller rural and remote locations on future work location: a cohort study
Authors: McGrail Matthew R , Nasir Bushra F , Chater Alan Bruce , Sangelaji Bahram , Kondalsamy-Chennakesavan Srinivas
Published: January 2023

Objectives

To investigate the effects of extended short-term medical training placements in small rural and remote communities on postgraduate work location.

Design and setting

Cohort study of medical graduates of The University of Queensland, Australia.

Participants

Graduating medical students from 2012 to 2021 who undertook a minimum of 6 weeks training in a small rural or remote location. Some participants additionally undertook either or both an extended short-term (12-week) placement in a small rural or remote location and a long-term (1 or 2 years) placement in a large regional centre.

Primary outcome measure

Work location was collected from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency in 2022, classified as either rural, regional or metropolitan and measured in association with rural placement type(s).

Results

From 2806 eligible graduates, those participating in extended small rural placements (n=106, 3.8%) were associated with practising rurally or regionally postgraduation (42.5% vs 19.9%; OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.1 to 4.6), for both those of rural origin (50% vs 30%; OR: 4.9, 95% CI: 2.6 to 9.2) or metropolitan origin (36% vs 17%; OR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.7 to 4.8). Those undertaking both an extended small rural placement and 2 years regional training were most likely to be practising in a rural or regional location (61% vs 16%; OR: 8.6, 95% CI: 4.5 to 16.3). Extended small rural placements were associated with practising in smaller rural or remote locations in later years (15% vs 6%, OR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.3 to 5.3).

Conclusion

This work location outcome evidence supports investment in rural medical training that is both located in smaller rural and remote settings and enables extended exposure with rural generalists. The evaluated 12-week programme positively related to rural workforce outcomes when applied alone. Outcomes greatly strengthened when the 12-week programme was combined with a 2-year regional centre training programme, compared with either alone. These effects were independent of rural origin.
Quality and process improvement of the multidisciplinary Heart Team meeting using Lean Six Sigma
Authors: Hoefsmit Paulien C , Schretlen Stijn , Does Ronald J M M , Verouden Niels J , Zandbergen H Reinier
Published: January 2023

Introduction

The Heart Team is a multidisciplinary meeting for shared decision-making in cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery. A quality improvement project to optimise the Heart Team was initiated after the merger of the cardiac centres of Amsterdam University Medical Centre.

Methods

Lean Six Sigma was applied with the purpose of improving efficiency and quality of care. Qualitative and quantitative analyses supported the multidisciplinary team during quality improvement sessions. Lean Six Sigma tools included process mapping, gemba walks, root cause analysis, line balancing, first time right, standardised work and poka-yoke.

Interventions

Seven areas of improvement were introduced. Key elements were the improvement of the patient referral process, introduction of a structured agenda, task division and balanced planning of patients, better exchange of information, improved availability of diagnostics and supportive tools and information technology. Work agreements were introduced to support a positive work culture and mutual respect.

Results

Lean Six Sigma designed an optimised Heart Team to improve efficiency by better resource utilisation, first time right decision-making, patient selection, complete and better access to information and elimination of waste. It leads to higher quality of decision-making by involving physicians in a more structured preparation, attendance of an imaging cardiologist, meeting duration within limits, installation of standard operating procedures, increased involvement of the referring cardiologists and a better engaged team.

Conclusions

Heart Teams are essential to make evidence-based, patient-centred treatment plans for optimal patient outcomes. However, clinical practice and experience showed that it is challenging to have an efficient and effective discussion with complete patient information and to bring together healthcare professionals. The application of Lean Six Sigma resulted in an optimised Heart Team and created a best practice design for patient-centred, evidence-based decision-making. After implementation and process stability, a postintervention analysis could clarify long-term success and sustainability.
Promotion of physical activity-related health competence using digital workplace-based health promotion: protocol for a controlled before-and-after study
Authors: Oppermann Leonard , Dierks Marie-Luise
Published: January 2023

Physical activity (PA) has a high potential to prevent chronic diseases. At the same time, many people in Germany do not achieve PA recommendations due to trends such as digitalisation and the COVID-19 pandemic and, as a result, working from home. There is a need for location-independent and time-independent interventions.

Based on the model of physical activity-related health competence (PAHCO), a study design was developed for a digitally conducted, controlled, before-and-after-study targeting office workers. The intervention group receives video-based instructions with exercises that can be performed directly at the desk, complemented by anatomical explanations and advice on PA based on the PAHCO model. The control group only receives the exercises. The intervention period is 5 weeks. Follow-up is conducted after 3 months. The trial shall comprise 294 participants per group whose PA is recorded via questionnaire and online PA diary. Their PAHCO and health-related quality of life are also assessed.

The present study aims to increase the health-enhancing PA of office workers independent of time and location. Trial registration number is DRKS00028053.
‘My people perish for lack of knowledge’: barriers and facilitators to integrated HIV and hypertension screening at the Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Wamuti Beatrice , Owuor Mercy , Magambo Christine , Ndegwa Margaret , Sambai Betsy , Temu Tecla M , Farquhar Carey , Bukusi David
Published: January 2023

Introduction

HIV and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are the two main causes of death in Kenya with hypertension as CVD’s leading risk factor and HIV infection a risk factor for hypertension. We qualitatively evaluated the feasibility of integrated HIV and hypertension screening at Kenyatta National Hospital.

Methods

We conducted two focus group discussions (FGDs) in November 2020 (female FGD: n=7; male FGD: n=8) to elicit facilitators, barriers and viability of integrated diagnosis and management of both conditions at HIV testing service (HTS) facilities. Participants were selected using convenience sampling and were not pair matched. All participants had received HTS. All female clients had confirmed hypertension, while male relatives had been contacted for HIV and hypertension screening through a modified assisted partner services model—where a trained healthcare provider supports notification. Transcripts were coded independently, and the codebook was developed and revised through consensus discussion. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis.

Results

Main barriers to diagnosis and management included limited public awareness of hypertension risk factors and on improved treatment outcomes for those on lifelong HIV treatment, high cost of hypertension care despite free HIV care and healthcare system challenges especially medication stockouts. Strong support systems at family and healthcare levels facilitated care and treatment for both conditions. Participants recommended improved public awareness through individual-level communication and mass media campaigns, decentralised screening services for both HIV and hypertension, and either free or subsidised hypertension care services delivered alongside HIV treatment services. Most felt that an integrated HIV and hypertension service model was viable and would improve healthcare outcomes.

Conclusion

Patient-centred care models combining HIV and hypertension services hold promise for integrated service delivery.
Ultrasound assessment of degenerative muscle sarcopenia: the University of Barcelona ultrasound scoring system for sarcopenia
Authors: Möller Parera Ingrid , Miguel Maribel , Blasi Joan , Piccasso Riccardo , Hammer Hilde Berner , Ortiz-Sagrista Juan , Zaottini Federico , Martinoli Carlo , Terslev Lene
Published: January 2023

Aim

This study aimed to (1) determine the intraobserver and interobserver reliability of ultrasonographic measurement of muscle thickness (MT) and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the rectus femoris and biceps brachii, correlating these values with manual measurements on dissected cadavers and (2) develop the first semiquantitative musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) scoring system of muscle morphology in sarcopenia and assess its intraobserver and interobserver reliability. In addition, the MSUS morphology score was compared with the corresponding histological images to verify concurrent validity.

Methods

Ten cryopreserved limbs of 10 cadavers aged 68–91 years were evaluated. The MSUS scoring system was based on the severity of muscle degeneration on a 3-point qualitative scale: grade 1 (normal), grade 2 (moderate changes) and grade 3 (severe changes). Reliability was assessed with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for the MT and CSA and with Cohen’s kappa coefficients (κ) for the MSUS scoring system. Concurrent validity was analysed with ICC.

Results

The results showed excellent intraobserver and interobserver reliability for both the MSUS evaluation of MT and CSA (ICC ≥0.93). The MSUS scoring system showed excellent intraobserver reliability (κ=1.0) and very good interobserver reliability (κ=0.85). There was also a high intra- and inter-observer reliability for the histological scorings (ĸ ≥0.85 and mean ĸ=0.70, respectively), as well as high reliability between the histology and MSUS scoring systems (ICC=0.92). All results were statistically significant (p≤0.001).

Conclusion

MSUS measures of MT and CSA and the novel MSUS scoring system for degenerative muscle changes in sarcopenia was found to be reliable and strongly associated with histological findings.
Role of maturation and mortality in portfolio effects and climate resilience
Authors: Carvalho Paul G. , Satterthwaite William H. , O'Farrell Michael R. , Speir Cameron , Palkovacs Eric P.
Published: January 2023

The portfolio effect plays a critical role in population productivity and stability. Age structure of spawning salmon represents an example of portfolio effects such that the risks of experiencing unfavorable conditions are spread across time. However, the distribution of maturation ages for Pacific salmon ( Oncorhynchus spp.) is increasingly concentrated into fewer and younger ages, which may impact population resilience to climate change. We explored the population dynamics of Sacramento River fall-run Chinook salmon ( O. tshawytscha) under different age structure scenarios using a life-cycle model and compared two mechanisms that can underlie these changes—mortality and maturation. In addition, we tested whether age structure promotes resilience to drought. We found that high age structure diversity increased the stability of population size and harvest compared with low diversity. However, mean population size responded differently depending on the underlying mechanism. Reduced mortality of adult fish ages 4–5 increased escapement, whereas delayed maturation decreased escapement. Overall, high age structure diversity was able to buffer against the adverse effects of droughts by reducing the variability of population size and harvest compared with low diversity. Our results suggest that age structure promotes stability of salmon in an increasingly variable climate.
Buried wood effects on macronutrient supply and microbial activity and metabolic potential in different oil sands reclamation soils in northern Alberta
Authors: Manchola-Rojas Laura , Pinno Bradley D. , Mackenzie M. Derek , Dietrich Sebastian T.
Published: January 2023

Buried wood is an important yet understudied component of natural and anthropogenic soils. Nutrient immobilization as a response to wood addition during oil sands' reclamation may be a concern since surface wood is salvaged with the soil, thereby becoming buried wood in reclamation cover soils. This project investigated the impact of buried wood on macronutrient supply and microbial communities in different reclamation soils. A 60-day incubation was performed with different rates and types of wood (0%–50%, aspen and pine) and four different soils: fine and coarse forest floor-mineral mix (fFFMM and cFFMM), peat-mineral mix (PMM), and peat. Analysis of macronutrient supply rates using Plant Root Simulator (PRS™) probes and a community-level physiological profiling (CLPP) to assess metabolic potential was performed at the end of the incubation period; microbial activity was measured through soil respiration during the incubation. Responses varied by soil type; however, buried wood caused nitrogen immobilization in three soils due to an increase in the C:N ratio. Soils with lower C:N ratios like fFFMM and PMM were more susceptible to immobilization with a decrease in available nitrogen by up to 95% at a 10% of wood addition. Phosphorus immobilization was observed in cFFMM, and potassium supply increased at 20% of wood and above. Soil microbial activity and metabolic potential increased but no significant changes in the soil profiles were observed. The findings of this study demonstrate that buried wood increases the soil C:N ratio and can potentially cause nitrogen immobilization when added by 10% of volume or more.
Holographic model for light quarks in anisotropic hot dense QGP with external magnetic field
Authors: Aref’eva Irina Ya. , Ermakov Alexey , Rannu Kristina , Slepov Pavel
Published: January 2023

We present a five-dimensional twice anisotropic holographic model supported by Einstein-dilaton-three-Maxwell action describing light quarks. The first of the Maxwell fields provides finite chemical potential. The second Maxwell field serves for anisotropy, characterizing spatial anisotropy of the QGP produced in heavy-ion collisions (HIC). The third Maxwell field is related to a magnetic field that appears in HIC. The dependence of the 5-dim black hole solution and confinement/deconfinement phase diagram on this magnetic field is considered. The effect of the inverse magnetic catalyses for light quarks phase diagram is obtained. Positions of critical end points are found. We also study the behavior of the conductivity for light quarks in both isotropic and anisotropic cases and show that behaviour of the conductivity near critical points essentially depend on quark masses, meanwhile at high temperature they are similar.
Finite-distance gravitational deflection of massive particles by a rotating black hole in loop quantum gravity
Authors: Huang Yang , Cao Zhoujian
Published: January 2023

A rotating black hole in loop quantum gravity was constructed by Brahma, Chen, and Yeom based on a nonrotating counterpart using the revised Newman–Janis algorithm recently. For such spacetime, we investigate the weak gravitational deflection of massive particles to explore observational effects of the quantum correction. The purpose of this article is twofold. First, for Gibbons–Werner (GW) method, a geometric approach computing the deflection angle of particles in curved spacetimes, we refine its calculation and obtain a simplified formula. Second, by using GW method and our new formula, we work out the finite-distance weak deflection angle of massive particles for the rotating black hole in loop quantum gravity obtained by Brahma et al. An analysis to our result reveals the repulsive effect of the quantum correction to particles. What’s more, an observational constraint on the quantum parameter is obtained in solar system.
A New Fuzzy Propagation Model for Influence Maximization in Social Networks
Authors: Aliahmadipour Laya , Valipour Ezat
Published: January 2023

In this paper we introduce a fuzzy propagation model to deal with the influence maximization (IM) problem. The IM problem for the most of existing propagation model is NP-hard. Here, we model social networks as fuzzy directed graphs to propose an application-oriented propagation process. To this aim, we investigate an interesting relationship between zero forcing set concept in graphs and IM problem in social networks. In spite of its attractive theory, its implementation is not efficient in the real world. Thus, we improve the fuzzy zero forcing set concept and suggest our fuzzy propagation model, simultaneously. Moreover, we present a polynomial time complexity algorithm to solve IM problems under the proposed propagation process. In particular, we consider a propagation parameter to control the size of the seed set and its coverage. Also, experimental results on some real world social networks show that the propagation model finds optimal and flexible seed set.
Compressed air energy storage (CAES): current status, geomechanical aspects and future opportunities
Authors: Kim Seunghee , Dusseault Maurice , Babarinde Oladipupo , Wickens John
Published: January 2023

A compressed air energy storage (CAES) facility provides value by supporting the reliability of the energy grid through its ability to repeatedly store and dispatch energy on demand. Two main advantages of CAES are its ability to provide grid-scale energy storage and its utilization of compressed air, which yields a low environmental burden, being neither toxic nor flammable. The focus of this review paper is to deliver a general overview of current CAES technology (diabatic, adiabatic and isothermal CAES), storage requirements, site selection and design constraints. We discuss underground storage options suitable for CAES, including submerged bladders, underground mines, salt caverns, porous aquifers, depleted reservoirs, cased wellbores and surface pressure vessels. A geomechanical perspective is provided regarding the pressure limits for these options. The impacts of cyclic injection and withdrawal of compressed air, and the importance of caprock assessments with porous rock CAES, are also discussed. In addition, we provide an overview of the large-scale CAES facilities that are currently active or under development and a cost comparison of the diabatic, adiabatic and isothermal CAES options. Lastly, we outline major challenges and future opportunities for CAES and the top priorities for research, industry and stakeholders.
Report on the 25th Australasian Document Computing Symposium (ADCS 2021)
Authors: Mackenzie Joel , Spina Damiano
Published: January 2023

The 25th Australasian Document Computing Symposium (ADCS 2021) took place as a virtual seminar series from December 2021 through to February 2022, co-hosted by the University of Melbourne and RMIT University, and held in cooperation with ACM SIGIR. Five sessions were dedicated to presenting and discussing nine accepted research papers, book-ended by opening and closing keynotes. The virtual nature of ADCS 2021, coupled with free registration, attracted a broader audience than usual, with 110 registrants from 16 countries including those outside of Australia and New Zealand.

Date:
9 December, 2021 -- 24 February, 2022.

Website:
http://adcs-conference.org/2021.
New Frontiers in Obesity Treatment: GLP-1 and Nascent Nutrient-Stimulated Hormone-Based Therapeutics
Authors: Jastreboff Ania M. , Kushner Robert F.
Published: January 2023

Nearly half of Americans are projected to have obesity by 2030, underscoring the pressing need for effective treatments. Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) represent the first agents in a rapidly evolving, highly promising landscape of nascent hormone-based obesity therapeutics. With the understanding of the neurobiology of obesity rapidly expanding, these emerging entero-endocrine and endo-pancreatic agents combined or coformulated with GLP-1 RAs herald a new era of targeted, mechanism-based treatment of obesity. This article reviews GLP-1 RAs in the treatment of obesity and previews the imminent future of nutrient-stimulated hormone-based anti-obesity therapeutics.
Change in Oxygen Reduction Reactivity of Intermetallics: A Mechanism of the Difference in Trenching around Al–Fe and Al–Fe–Si Particles on AA1050 in NaCl
Authors: Kakinuma Hiroshi , Muto Izumi , Oya Yoshiyuki , Momii Takahiro , Jin Ying , Sugawara Yu , Hara Nobuyoshi
Published: January 2023

Trenching around intermetallic particles on AA1050 aluminum in 0.1 M NaCl at pH 6.0 was analyzed by in situ observations. Deep trenches, which become the initiation site for pitting, were formed around the Al–Fe–Si particles but not around the Al–Fe particles. The open-circuit potentials of the bulk intermetallic compounds and Al-matrix of AA1050 without intermetallic particles were measured. It was determined that the Al–Fe–Si and Al–Fe particles were cathodically polarized by the Al-matrix of AA1050 under natural immersion conditions. This cathodic polarization was found to change the oxygen reduction reactivity of the intermetallic particles. The cathodic reactivity on bulk Al–Fe was higher than that on bulk Al–Fe–Si under as-polished condition. However, after potentiostatic cathodic polarization, the cathodic reactivity on bulk Al–Fe decreased, whereas that on bulk Al–Fe–Si increased. Micro-electrochemical measurements and surface analyses clarified that the change in the cathodic reactivity of the intermetallic particles plays a critical role in trenching on AA1050 aluminum.
Multiple Dielectric Relaxations in CaMn2O4 Polycrystalline Compound
Authors: Tiyyagura Papireddy , Mamidipalli Nagarjuna Rao , Suresh Babu K.
Published: January 2023

The dielectric response of the CaMn2O4 polycrystalline compound has been reported in this paper. The orthorhombic room-temperature structure (space group Pbcm) is confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). The temperature dependent magnetization M(T) data reveal that antiferromagnetic ordering below T
N = 220 K. Further decreasing the temperature magnetization shows increasing trend of canted spin structure. Dielectric anomalies are clearly observed at the onset of the magnetic ordering (∼220 K) and also at the onset of the canted structure (50 K) in CaMn2O4. Such type of dielectric anomaly around long range order and canted spin transition will correlate the influence of underlying magnetic structure with electric ordering.
A Case Report of Management of Medulloepithelioma of the Ciliary Body and Iris without Recurrence over an Observation Period of Twenty Years
Authors: Eide N. , Navaratnam J. , Jebsen P.
Published: January 2023

Intraocular medulloepithelioma is a rare embryonal tumor that is believed to arise from the epithelium of the medullary tube. We report a 37-year-old female with medulloepithelioma presented at the age of 17 with a one-month history of left-sided visual deterioration and visible iris lesion. Birth history and medical and family histories were insignificant. The left eye revealed a vascularized iris mass. Further examination revealed a grey-white ciliary body mass and a subluxated lens with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 0.5. The patient underwent partial lamellar corneo-sclerouvectomy. The histological and electron microscopic findings revealed medulloepithelioma. To reduce the risk of recurrence of the probable malignant tumor, she was treated with Ruthenium plaque therapy about six weeks following surgical removal. Pars plana vitrectomy and lensectomy with laser photocoagulation of the peripheral retina were performed at the removal of the brachytherapy plaque. She regained her BCVA of 1.0 in her left eye 3.5 months following pars plana vitrectomy. At 20-year follow-up, no tumor recurrence was seen and her BCVA remained 1.0.
Comprehensive Bioinformatics Analysis Reveals PTPN1 (PTP1B) Is a Promising Immunotherapy Target Associated with T Cell Function for Liver Cancer
Authors: Zhu Yihao , Zu Yao
Published: January 2023

Recently, PTP1B was identified as a novel immune checkpoint whose removal can unleash T cell responses. However, research on the influence of PTP1B as an immune regulator on liver cancer is limited. This study aimed to investigate the immunological correlation and function of PTP1B in liver cancer. The expression profiles and corresponding clinical information of liver cancer patients were obtained from the TCGA and ICGC databases. GSE146115 and GSE98638 retrieved from the GEO database were used for the single‐cell RNA‐seq analysis. The mRNA expression of PTP1B (PTPN1) was increased in patients with most malignancies (all p < 0.05), including liver cancer (p < 0.001). Furthermore, up‐regulated PTPN1 was connected to advanced tumor stage (p < 0.05) and worse prognosis (p < 0.01) in liver cancer. Through Cox regression analysis, PTPN1 was considered as an independent prognosis factor of overall survival (p < 0.05) and acted as a high‐risk factor (hazard ratio > 1). Gene function and pathway analysis suggested PTPN1 was involved in T cell‐related immune responses. Moreover, a close relationship was also found between PTPN1 expression and immune checkpoints as well as immune cells, especially with T cell‐related checkpoints (all p < 0.001) and T cells (all p < 0.001). Single‐cell RNA‐seq analysis further illustrated that the enrichment of PTPN1 in the T cell population may be linked to its exhaustion in the liver cancer microenvironment. Overall, PTPN1 (PTP1B) closely related to T cell may function as an immunotherapy target for liver cancer.
HSF1 Alleviates Brain Injury by Inhibiting NLRP3-Induced Pyroptosis in a Sepsis Model
Authors: He Yi-fu , Hu Xi-min , Khan Md. Asaduzzaman , Yu Bo-yao , Sheng Yi-cun , Xiao Xian-zhong , Wan Xin-xing , Tan Si-pin , Xiong Kun
Published: January 2023

Background. Sepsis, which could cause a systemic inflammatory response, is a life-threatening disease with a high morbidity and mortality rate. There is evidence that brain injury may be related to severe systemic infection induced by sepsis. The brain injury caused by sepsis could increase the risk of mortality in septic patients, which seriously affects the septic patient’s prognosis of survival. Although there remains a focus on sepsis research, clinical measures to prevent and treat brain injury in sepsis are not yet available, and the high mortality rate is still a big health burden. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the new molecules or regulated pathways that can effectively inhibit the progress of sepsis. Objective. NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) increased in the procession of sepsis and functioned as the key regulator of pyroptosis. Heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) can protect organs from multiorgan dysfunction syndrome induced by lipopolysaccharides in mice, and NLRP3 could be inhibited by HSF1 in many organs. However, whether HSF1 regulated NLRP3 in sepsis-induced brain injury, as well as the detailed mechanism of HSF1 in brain injury, remains unknown in the sepsis model. In this research, we try to explore the relationship between HSF1 and NLRP3 in a sepsis model and try to reveal the mechanism of HSF1 inhibiting the process of brain injury. Methods. In this study, we used wild-type mice and hsf1-/- mice for in vivo research and PC12 cells for in vitro research. Real-time PCR and Western blot were used to analyze the expression of HSF1, NLRP3, cytokines, and pyrolytic proteins. EthD-III staining was chosen to detect the pyroptosis of the hippocampus and PC12 cells. Results. The results showed that HSF1 is negatively related to pyroptosis. The pyroptosis in cells of brain tissue was significantly increased in the hsf1-/- mouse model compared to hsf1+/+ mice. In PC12 cells, hsf1 siRNA can upregulate pyroptosis while HSF1-transfected plasmid could inhibit the pyroptosis. HSF1 could negatively regulate the NLRP3 pathway in PC12 cells, while hsf1 siRNA enhanced the pyroptosis in PC12 cells, which could be reversed by nlrp3 siRNA. Conclusion. These results imply that HSF1 could alleviate sepsis-induced brain injury by inhibiting pyroptosis through the NLRP3-dependent pathway in brain tissue and PC12 cells, suggesting HSF1 as a potential molecular target for treating brain injury in sepsis clinical studies.
Propofol Regulates ER Stress to Inhibit Tumour Growth and Sensitize Osteosarcoma to Doxorubicin
Authors: Wei Hua , Du Xinhui , Zhao Huaping , Sun Peipei , Yang Jianjun
Published: January 2023

Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant bone tumour affecting children and young adults. The antitumour role of propofol, a widely used intravenous sedative-hypnotic agent, has been recently reported in different cancer types. In this study, we aimed to assess the role of propofol on osteosarcoma and explore the possible mechanisms. Propofol of increasing concentrations (2.5, 5, 10, and 20 μg/ml) was used to treat the MG63 and 143B cells for 72 hours, and the CCK8 assay was applied to evaluate the tumour cell proliferation. Tumour cell migration and invasion were assessed with the transwell assay. The tumour cells were also treated with doxorubicin single agent or in combination with propofol to explore their synergic role. Differential expressed genes after propofol treatment were obtained and functionally assessed with bioinformatic tools. Expression of ER stress markers CHOP, p-eIF2α, and XBP1s was evaluated to validate the activation of ER stress response with western blot and qRT-PCR. The statistical analyses were performed with R v4.2.1. Propofol treatment led to significant growth inhibition in MG63 and 143B cells in a dose-dependent manner (

p
<
0.05

). Osteosarcoma migration (MG63 91.4 (82–102) vs. 56.8 (49–65),

p
<
0.05

; 143B 96.6 (77–104) vs. 45.4 (28–54),

p
<
0.05

) and invasion (MG63 68.6 (61–80) vs. 32 (25–39),

p
<
0.05

; 143B 90.6 (72–100) vs. 39.2 (26–55),

p
<
0.05

) were reduced after propofol treatment. Doxorubicin sensitivity was increased after propofol treatment compared with the control group (

p
<
0.05

). Bioinformatic analysis showed significant functional enrichment in ER stress response after propofol treatment. Upregulation of CHOP, p-eIF2α, and XBP1s was detected in MG63 and 143B secondary to propofol treatment. In conclusion, we found that propofol treatment suppressed osteosarcoma proliferation and invasion and had a synergic role with doxorubicin by inducing ER stress. Our findings provided a novel option in osteosarcoma therapy.
Cryptotanshinone Attenuated Pathological Cardiac Remodeling In Vivo and In Vitro Experiments
Authors: Li Wen-jing , Yan Han , Zhou Zi-ying , Zhang Nan , Ding Wen , Liao Hai-han , Tang Qi-zhu
Published: January 2023

Objective. Cardiac remodeling has been demonstrated to be the early stage and common pathway for various types of cardiomyopathy, but no specific treatment has been suggested to prevent its development and progress. This study was aimed at assessing whether Cryptotanshinone (CTS) treatment could effectively attenuate cardiac remodeling in vivo and in vitro. Methods. Aortic banding (AB) surgery was performed to establish a pressure-overload-induced mouse cardiac remodeling model. Echocardiography and pressure-volume proof were used to examine mouse cardiac function. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Picro-Sirius Red (PSR) staining were used to assess cardiac remodeling in vivo. Mouse hearts were collected to analysis signaling pathway and cardiac remodeling markers, respectively. Furthermore, neonatal rat cardiomyocyte (NRCMs) and cardiac fibroblast (CF) were isolated to investigate the roles and mechanisms of CTS treatment in vitro. Results. CTS administration significantly alleviated pressure-overload-induced mouse cardiac dysfunction, inhibited cardiac hypertrophy, and reduced cardiac fibrosis. Mechanically, CTS treatment significantly inhibited the STAT3 and TGF-β/SMAD3 signaling pathways. In vitro experiments, CTS treatment markedly inhibited AngII-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and TGF-β-induced myofibroblast activation via inhibiting STAT3 phosphorylation and its nuclear translocation. Finally, CTS treatment could not protect against pressure overload-induced mouse cardiac remodeling after adenovirus-associated virus (AAV)9-mediated STAT3 overexpression in mouse heart. Conclusion. CTS treatment might attenuate pathological cardiac remodeling via inhibiting STAT3-dependent pathway.
Efficient 3D Positioning of UAVs and User Association Based on Hybrid PSO-K-Means Clustering Algorithm in Future Wireless Networks
Authors: Shakhatreh Majd , Shakhatreh Hazim , Ababneh Ahmad
Published: January 2023

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) play an important role in the future of 5G and 6G communication networks. UAV-assisted communication offers the benefits of improved network capacity and coverage. A typical communication setup is for UAVs to connect users to the core network via a backhaul channel. Some of the challenges in such a setup include user-UAV association and management of the backhaul channel. These two challenges are greatly impacted by the positioning of the UAVs in the network. In this article, we address these challenges by considering a joint UAV placement and user association problem under data rate, signal to interference and noise ratio, and bandwidth constraints. To overcome this problem, a hybrid PSO-K-means clustering algorithm is used in two stages. In the first stage, we use a K-means algorithm to cluster users and determine their horizontal locations. In the second stage, we use particle swarm optimization (PSO) to find the efficient 3D position of UAVs to maximize various network designs, namely, the network-centric approach and the user-centric approach. The performance of the proposed solution is verified using simulation results.
Doxycycline as a Potential MMP‐1 Inhibitor for the Treatment of Spondylitis Tuberculosis: A Study in Rabbit Model
Authors: Siregar Otman , Lelo Aznan , Rahyussalim Ahmad Jabir , Ilyas Syafruddin , Benny  , Kurniawati Tri , Augustinus Yohanes , Hendra  , Mandagi Tommy , Zufar Muhammad Luqman Labib , Fathurrahman Irfan
Published: January 2023

Background. Tuberculosis (TB) of the spine is a highly disruptive disease, especially in underdeveloped and developing countries. This condition requires standard TB treatment for 9–18 months, which increases patient risk of drug‐resistant TB. Consequently, this raises the concern of adopting additional therapies to shorten the treatment duration, improve the efficacy of anti‐TB drugs, and further decrease damage in the affected tissues and organs. Matrix metalloproteinase‐ (MMP‐) 1 is a key regulator of the destruction of the extracellular matrix and associated proteins and is a new potential target for TB treatment research. In the present study, we investigated the effects of doxycycline as an MMP‐1 inhibitor in patients with spondylitis TB. Methods. Seventy‐two New Zealand white rabbits with spondylitis TB were divided into 12 different groups based on incubation period (2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks) and doxycycline administration (without, 1 mg/kg body weight (BW), and 5 mg/kg BW). We observed the course of infection through the blood concentration changes and immunohistochemical examination of MMP‐1, in addition to BTA staining, culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and histopathological examination. Results. Treatment with once daily 5 mg/kg BW doxycycline significantly improved the blood MMP‐1 level (p < 0.05) compared with the placebo and 1 mg/kg BW doxycycline. A significantly reduced ongoing infection and a higher healing rate were demonstrated in rabbits with a higher doxycycline dose through BTA staining, culture, PCR, and histopathology. Various degrees of vertebral endplates, vertebral body, and intervertebral disc destruction were observed in 32 rabbits with positive histopathological findings, in addition to positive inflammatory cell infiltration, characterized by numerous lymphocytes, macrophages, and epithelial cells, as well as abundant granulation tissue and necrotic substances proximal to the inoculated vertebral area. Bone and intervertebral disc destructions were more apparent in the untreated rabbits. Conclusion. Our study demonstrated the potential of doxycycline as an adjunctive treatment in spondylitis TB. However, limitations remain regarding the differences in the pathogenesis and virulence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis between rabbit and human systems, sample size, and the dose‐dependent effect of doxycycline. Further studies are needed to address these issues.
Simplified Mixing Rules for Calculating Transport Coefficients of High-Temperature Air
Authors: Wang Zhe , Han Yufeng , Cao Wei
Published: January 2023

The transport process of high-temperature air is vital in aerospace fields and has attracted increased attention in recent years. In this paper, an adequate study of factors affecting transport coefficients for high-temperature air is conducted. The results of a different-species model at different pressures and temperatures show that the 9-species air model is applicable to calculate the viscosity and translational thermal conductivity coefficients before significant ionization occurs. Based on the Chapman-Enskog method, simplified mixing rules for calculating viscosity and translational thermal conductivity coefficients of high-temperature air are developed by omitting unimportant matrix elements and assuming the reduced collision integral ratio to a reasonable constant value. The diagonal elements’ magnitude of the transport matrix indicates that collision related to the electrons has a little impact on viscosity but has a great influence on translational thermal conductivity. New simplified mixing rules can accurately calculate the viscosity and translational thermal conductivity coefficients of high-temperature air when dissociation or weak ionization occurs. The improved mixing rules are obviously more accurate than the Wilke mixing rule.
Sentiment Analysis to Understand the Perception and Requirements of a Plant-Based Food App for Cancer Patients
Authors: Dalayya Shekinah , Elsaid Salma Tamer Fathy Ahmed , Ng Kher Hui , Song Tien Lii , Lim Joanne Bee Yin
Published: January 2023

Understanding human perception and requirements on food for cancer prevention and condition management is important so that food applications can be catered to cancer patients. In this paper, web scraping was conducted to understand the public’s perception, attitude, and requirements related to a plant-based diet as a recommended diet for cancer prevention and condition management. Text and sentiment analyses were carried out on results gathered from 82 social sites to determine whether noncancer and cancer patients use plant-based diets, how they have been consumed, their benefits in the prevention and condition management of cancers, the existing myths/fake news about cancer, and what do cancer patients need in a food app. The results of the text analysis highlighted gaps in existing apps, including a lack of credibility as there were a lot of fake news and myths about cancer and endorsement by professionals. Future food apps should provide personalized diets to include both plant-based diets as well as meat, symptom management, good user experience, credibility, and emotional and mental health support.
Robot-Assisted Removal of a Partially Intravesical Intrauterine Device (IUD) and Large Bladder Stone
Authors: Heaney Cassandra , Lee Paul , Winer Andrew
Published: January 2023

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a highly effective and widely utilized option for long-acting reversible contraception. IUDs are generally well-tolerated with a low rate of serious complications. Perforation of an IUD through the uterine wall and into the urinary bladder is a rare event that may be asymptomatic. The approach for surgical removal primarily depends on the location of the device. We present a case report of a 41-year-old woman who was found to have a partially intravesical IUD and associated 2.4 cm bladder calculus. Removal of the intravesical IUD and stone was achieved with cystoscopy, cystolitholapaxy, and robot-assisted laparoscopic cystotomy.