bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of β-Lactam Antibiotics on the Evolution of Ceftazidime/Avibactam and Cefiderocol Resistance in KPC-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Zhang Ping , Hu Huangdu , Shi Qiucheng , Sun Long , Wu Xueqing , Hua Xiaoting , McNally Alan , Jiang Yan , Yu Yunsong , Du Xiaoxing
Published: February 2023

In this study, we aimed to clarify the evolutionary trajectory of a
Klebsiella pneumoniae
carbapenemase (KPC)-producing
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(KPC-Kp) population during β-lactam antibiotic therapy. Five KPC-Kp isolates were collected from a single patient.
Giant Virus Infection Signatures Are Modulated by Euphotic Zone Depth Strata and Iron Regimes of the Subantarctic Southern Ocean
Authors: Gilbert Naomi E. , LeCleir Gary R. , Pound Helena L. , Strzepek Robert F. , Ellwood Michael J. , Twining Benjamin S. , Roux Simon , Boyd Philip W. , Wilhelm Steven W.
Published: February 2023

The biology and ecology of marine microbial eukaryotes is known to be constrained by oceanic conditions. In contrast, how viruses that infect this important group of organisms respond to environmental change is less well known, despite viruses being recognized as key microbial community members.
Twenty-first century house calls: a survey of ambulatory care providers to inform organisational telehealth strategy
Authors: Holt Jeana M , Cusatis Rachel , Mortensen Natalie , Wolfrath Nathan , Hyun Noorie , Winn Aaron N , Brown Sherry-Ann , Somai Melek M , Crotty Bradley H
Published: February 2023

Objectives

While patient interest in telehealth increases, clinicians’ perspectives may influence longer-term adoption. We sought to identify facilitators and barriers to continued clinician incorporation of telehealth into practice.

Methods

A cross-sectional 24-item web-based survey was emailed to 491 providers with ≥50 video visits (VVs) within an academic health system between 1 March 2020 and 31 December 2020. We quantitatively summarised the characteristics and perceptions of respondents by using descriptive and test statistics. We used systematic content analysis to qualitatively code open-ended responses, double coding at least 25%.

Results

247 providers (50.3%) responded to the survey. Seventy-nine per cent were confident in their ability to deliver excellent clinical care through VV. In comparison, 48% were confident in their ability to troubleshoot technical issues. Most clinicians (87%) expressed various concerns about VV. Providers across specialties generally agreed that VV reduced infection risk (71%) and transportation barriers (71%). Three overarching themes in the qualitative data included infrastructure and training, usefulness and expectation setting for patients and providers.

Discussion

As healthcare systems plan for future delivery directions, they must address the tension between patients’ and providers’ expectations of care within the digital space. Telehealth creates new friction, one where the healthcare system must fit into the patient’s life rather than the usual dynamic of the patient fitting into the healthcare system.

Conclusion

Telehealth infrastructure and patient and clinician technological acumen continue to evolve. Clinicians in this survey offered valuable insights into the directions healthcare organisations can take to right-size this healthcare delivery modality.
Study protocol for neuromuscular stimulation for rehabilitation after general and vascular surgery: a pilot randomised clinical study
Authors: Nimura Megumi , Lane Tristan , Rawashdeh Majd , Onida Sarah , Javed Azfar , Sritharan Ganan , Reese George , Hrouda David , Davies A H
Published: February 2023

Objectives

To investigate the acceptability and safety of neuromuscular stimulation (NMES) as an adjunct for rehabilitation after vascular and general surgery.

Methods and analysis

Prospective, single-centre, single-blind, parallel group, randomised controlled study. This study will be conducted in a single-centre, secondary care setting (National Healthcare Service Hospital) in the UK. All patients aged over 18 years undergoing vascular or general surgery with Rockwood Frailty Score of 3 or above on admission. Exclusion is inability or unwillingness to participate in trial, implanted electrical device, pregnancy and acute deep vein thrombosis. Target number of recruitment is 100. Participants will be randomly assigned to active NMES group (group A) or placebo NMES group (group B) prior to surgery. Participants will be blinded and asked to use the NMES device, 1–6 sessions daily (30 min per session) after surgery in addition to standard National Health Service rehabilitation care until discharge. The primary study outcomes are acceptability and safety of NMES assessed by the device satisfaction questionnaire on discharge and adverse events recorded during hospital stay. The secondary outcomes are the postoperative recovery and cost-effectiveness compared between two groups, assessed by various activity tests, mobility and independence measures and questionnaires.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approvals were provided by London-Harrow Research Ethics Committee (REC) and the Health Research Authority (HRA), Ref: 21/PR/0250. Findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at national and international conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT04784962.
Multicentre, randomised, economic evaluation of a web-based interactive education platform, simple or enhanced, for patients with end-stage renal disease: the PIC-R trial protocol
Authors: Pillebout Evangeline , Durand-Zaleski Isabelle , Farge Louis , Perrier Lionel , de Chaisemartin Clement , Dupont J C K , Behaghel Luc , Rochaix Lise
Published: February 2023

Introduction

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) affects 84 000 persons in France and costs an estimated €4.2 billion. Education about their disease empowers patients and allows improved management of their disease and better health outcomes. This study aims to explore whether the addition of an interactive web-based platform to patient education is effective and cost-effective and additionally whether complementing the platform with social functions and features improves its performance.

Methods and analysis

Patients with severe, ESRD or post-transplant will be randomised 1:1:1 to either standard therapeutic education; or education using a specific application; or the enhanced interactive app with social features. The total follow-up duration is 18 months. Primary endpoint is the cost utility of using app-based therapeutic intervention; secondary endpoints are: compliance with treatment guidelines, app use (professionals and patients), patients’ satisfaction, budget impact analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

The findings will inform the deployment and reimbursement of the application. The study has ethical approval by the Ile de France ethics committee. Dissemination of the results will be presented at conferences and in peer-reviewed publications.

Trial registration number

NCT03090828.
Protocol for estimating the willingness-to-pay-based value for a quality-adjusted life year to aid health technology assessment in India: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chugh Yashika , Jyani Gaurav , Trivedi Mayur , Albert Sandra , Kar Sitanshu Sekhar , Patro Binod , Raman Swati , Rajsekar Kavitha , Baker Rachel Mairi , Donaldson Cam , Prinja Shankar
Published: February 2023

Introduction

To ensure that the evidence generated by health technology assessment (HTA) is translated to policy, it is important to generate a threshold value against which the outcomes of HTA studies can be compared. In this context, the present study delineates the methods that will be deployed to estimate such a value for India.

Methods and analysis

The proposed study will deploy a multistage sampling approach considering economic and health status for selection of states, followed by selection of districts based on Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) and identification of primary sampling units (PSUs) using the 30-cluster approach. Further, households within PSU will be identified using systematic random sampling and block randomisation based on gender will be done to select respondent from the household. A total of 5410 respondents will be interviewed for the study. The interview schedule will comprise of three sections including background questionnaire to elicit socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, followed by assessment of health gains, and willingness to pay (WTP). To assess the health gains and corresponding WTP, the respondent will be presented with hypothetical health states. Using time trade off method, the respondent will indicate the amount of time he/she is willing to give up at the end of life to avoid morbidities in the hypothetical health condition. Further, respondents will be interviewed about their WTP for treatment of respective hypothetical conditions using contingent valuation technique. These estimates of health gains and corresponding WTP will then be combined to ascertain the value of WTP per quality-adjusted life year.

Ethics and dissemination

The ethical approval has been obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC) of Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India. The study outcomes will be made available for general use and interpretation of HTA studies commissioned by India’s central HTA Agency.
Paramedic supportive discharge programmes to improve health system efficiency and patient outcomes: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Goldstein Judah , Lajeunesse Dominic , Abawajy Khadija , Luan Angela , Hancock Kristy , Carter Alix , Greene Jennifer Anne , McVey Jen , Lee Jacques Simon
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Discharging older adults with frailty home from the emergency department (ED) poses unique challenges due to multiple interacting physical and social problems. Paramedic supportive discharge services help overcome these challenges by adding in-home assessment and/or interventions. Our objective is to describe existing paramedic programmes designed to support discharge from the ED or hospital to avoid unnecessary hospital admissions. A comprehensive description of paramedic supportive discharge services will be conducted by mapping the literature to describe: (1) why such programmes are needed; (2) who is being targeted, making referrals and delivering the services and (3) what assessments and interventions are offered.

Methods and analysis

We will include studies that focus on expanded paramedic roles (community paramedicine) and extended scope postdischarge from the ED or hospital. All study designs will be included with no limit by language. We will include peer-reviewed articles and preprints and a targeted search of grey literature from January 2000 to June 2022. The proposed scoping review will be conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. We will use a search strategy designed by a health science librarian to search MEDLINE All (Ovid), CINAHL Full Text (EBSCO), Embase (Elsevier) and Scopus (Elsevier) for eligible studies from 2000 to present. Two independent reviewers will conduct screening and full-text review. Data extraction will be conducted by one reviewer and verified by another. We will report our findings descriptively by charting trends in the research.

Ethics and dissemination

Research ethics review is not required as this is a scoping review comprised published studies. The results of this research will be published in a manuscript and presented at national and international geriatric and emergency medicine conferences. This research will inform future implementation studies on community paramedic supportive discharge services.

Registration

This scoping review protocol was registered in Open Science Framework and can be found here:https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/X52P7.
Association of socioeconomic status with glycated haemoglobin level and risk factors for diabetic retinopathy: a cross-sectional study in Sichuan, western China
Authors: Xu Xinyin , Yang Wei , Deng Yin , Liu Lingling , Zhang Xin , Long Chengxu , Dong Ting , Zeng Jing , Kui Ji , Wu Xianping
Published: February 2023

Objective

Diabetes affects 1 in 10 adults in China. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a diabetes-related complication that, if untreated, impairs vision and causes blindness. Evidence on DR diagnosis and risk factors is limited. This study aimed to add evidence from socioeconomic factors.

Design

A cross-sectional survey of people with diabetes conducted in 2019 was analysed by using logistic regression to evaluate the association of socioeconomic factors with the glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level and DR.

Setting

Five counties/districts of western China (Sichuan) were included.

Participants

Registered participants with diabetes aged from 18 to 75 years were selected, and at last 2179 participants were included in the analysis.

Results

In this cohort, 37.13% (adjusted value 36.52%), 19.78% (adjusted value 19.59%) and 17.37% of participants had HbA1c<7.0%, DR (24.96% of those in the high-HbA1c group) and non-proliferative DR, respectively. Participants with higher social health insurance coverage (urban employee insurance (UEI)), higher income and urban residents tended to have glycaemic control (HbA1c) compared with their counterparts (OR: 1.48, 1.08 and 1.39, respectively). Participants with UEI or higher income had a lower risk of DR (OR: 0.71 and 0.88, respectively); higher education was associated with a 53%–69% decreased risk of DR.

Conclusion

This study shows disparities in the effect of socioeconomic factors on glycaemic (HbA1c) management and DR diagnosis among people with diabetes in Sichuan. Lower socioeconomic (especially non-UEI) status conferred a higher risk of high HbA1c and DR. The insights from this study indicate the need for national programmes to implement community-level measures to facilitate access to better HbA1c management and early detection of DR in patients with lower socioeconomic status and diabetes.

Trial registration number

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1800014432).
Couple-based lifestyle intervention to prevent type 2 diabetes: protocol for a randomised pilot trial
Authors: Whitaker Madelyn , Aguirre Monique C , Gutierrez Chavez Manuel , Beaulieu Elizabeth , Arones Yeny B , Gershenoff Dana , Hinton Kristie , Klein Natalie , Munezerou Uwizeye Jeanne , Napia Eru , Ramos Carmen , Tavake-Pasi O Fahina , Villalta Jeannette , Wolfsfeld Cathy , Witte Brieanne , Maxfield Ellen , Raphael Kalani , Simmons Debra L , Clark Lauren , Sher Tamara , Smith Timothy W , Baucom Katherine JW
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Type 2 diabetes is prevalent among US adults. Lifestyle interventions that modify health behaviours prevent or delay progression to diabetes among individuals at high risk. Despite the well-documented influence of individuals’ social context on their health, evidence-based type 2 diabetes prevention interventions do not systematically incorporate participants’ romantic partners. Involving partners of individuals at high risk for type 2 diabetes in primary prevention may improve engagement and outcomes of programmes. The randomised pilot trial protocol described in this manuscript will evaluate a couple-based lifestyle intervention to prevent type 2 diabetes. The objective of the trial is to describe the feasibility of the couple-based intervention and the study protocol to guide planning of a definitive randomised clinical trial (RCT).

Methods and analysis

We used community-based participatory research principles to adapt an individual diabetes prevention curriculum for delivery to couples. This parallel two-arm pilot study will include 12 romantic couples in which at least one partner (ie, ‘target individual’) is at risk for type 2 diabetes. Couples will be randomised to either the 2021 version of the CDC’s PreventT2 curriculum designed for delivery to individuals (six couples), or PreventT2 Together, the adapted couple-based curriculum (six couples). Participants and interventionists will be unblinded, but research nurses collecting data will be blinded to treatment allocation. Feasibility of the couple-based intervention and the study protocol will be assessed using both quantitative and qualitative measures.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the University of Utah IRB (#143079). Findings will be shared with researchers through publications and presentations. We will collaborate with community partners to determine the optimal strategy for communicating findings to community members. Results will inform a subsequent definitive RCT.

Trial registration number

NCT05695170
Continuous quality improvement strategy for increasing immediate postpartum long-acting reversible contraceptive use at Jimma University Medical Center, Jimma, Ethiopia
Authors: Sori Demisew Amenu , Debelew Gurmesa Tura , Degefa Lema Seboka , Asefa Zerihun
Published: February 2023

Background

Even though the immediate postpartum period is a golden time and a great opportunity to provide long-acting reversible contraceptives to prevent unintended pregnancy, its utilisation is very low in Ethiopia. Quality of care in postpartum long-acting reversible contraceptive provision is thought to be an issue for this low utilisation. Thus, continuous quality improvement intervention is necessary to increase the use of postpartum long-acting reversible contraceptives at Jimma University Medical Center.

Method

A quality improvement intervention to offer long-acting reversible contraceptive methods to immediate postpartum women at Jimma University Medical Center was initiated in June 2019. To study the baseline prevalence of long-acting reversible contraceptive use at Jimma Medical Centre over 8 weeks, we reviewed postpartum family planning registration logbooks and patients’ charts. Based on the baseline data, the quality gaps were identified, prioritised and change ideas were generated and tested over another 8 weeks towards achieving the immediate postpartum long-acting reversible contraceptive prevalence target set.

Result

This new intervention resulted in an average increase in immediate postpartum long-acting reversible contraceptive methods use from 6.9% to 25.4% by the end of the project intervention. The major barriers to low long-acting reversible contraceptive use were lack of attention from hospital administrative staff and quality improvement teams on the provision of long-acting reversible contraceptives, lack of training of healthcare providers on postpartum contraception and unavailability of contraception commodities at each postpartum service delivery points.

Conclusion and recommendations

The immediate postpartum long-acting reversible contraceptive use at Jimma Medical Centre was increased by training of healthcare providers, availing contraception commodities through administrative staff involvement, weekly audit and feedback on contraception use. Thus, training of the newly hired healthcare providers on postpartum contraception, involvement of hospital administrative staff, regular audits and feedback on contraception use is necessary to increase postpartum long-acting reversible contraception uptake.
Regulatory implications of ctDNA in immuno-oncology for solid tumors
Authors: Vellanki Paz J , Ghosh Soma , Pathak Anand , Fusco Michael J , Bloomquist Erik W , Tang Shenghui , Singh Harpreet , Philip Reena , Pazdur Richard , Beaver Julia A
Published: February 2023

In the era of precision oncology, use of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is emerging as a minimally invasive approach for the diagnosis and management of patients with cancer and as an enrichment tool in clinical trials. In recent years, the US Food and Drug Administration has approved multiple ctDNA-based companion diagnostic assays for the safe and effective use of targeted therapies and ctDNA-based assays are also being developed for use with immuno-oncology-based therapies. For early-stage solid tumor cancers, ctDNA may be particularly important to detect molecular residual disease (MRD) to support early implementation of adjuvant or escalated therapy to prevent development of metastatic disease. Clinical trials are also increasingly using ctDNA MRD for patient selection and stratification, with an ultimate goal of improving trial efficiency through use of an enriched patient population. Standardization and harmonization of ctDNA assays and methodologies, along with further clinical validation of ctDNA as a prognostic and predictive biomarker, are necessary before ctDNA may be considered as an efficacy-response biomarker to support regulatory decision making.
PKR induces TGF-β and limits oncolytic immune therapy
Authors: Hong Bangxing , Sahu Upasana , Mullarkey Matthew P , Hong Evan , Pei Guangsheng , Yan Yuanqing , Otani Yoshihiro , Banasavadi-Siddegowda Yeshavanth , Fan Huihui , Zhao Zhongming , Yu Jianhua , Caligiuri Michael A , Kaur Balveen
Published: February 2023

Background

Mammalian cells have developed multiple intracellular mechanisms to defend against viral infections. These include RNA-activated protein kinase (PKR), cyclic GMP-AMP synthase and stimulation of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) and toll-like receptor-myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (TLR-MyD88). Among these, we identified that PKR presents the most formidable barrier to oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV) replication in vitro.

Methods

To elucidate the impact of PKR on host responses to oncolytic therapy, we generated a novel oncolytic virus (oHSV-shPKR) which disables tumor intrinsic PKR signaling in infected tumor cells.

Results

As anticipated, oHSV-shPKR resulted in suppression of innate antiviral immunity and improves virus spread and tumor cell lysis both in vitro and in vivo. Single cell RNA sequencing combined with cell-cell communication analysis uncovered a strong correlation between PKR activation and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) immune suppressive signaling in both human and preclinical models. Using a murine PKR targeting oHSV, we found that in immune-competent mice this virus could rewire the tumor immune microenvironment to increase the activation of antigen presentation and enhance tumor antigen-specific CD8 T cell expansion and activity. Further, a single intratumoral injection of oHSV-shPKR significantly improved the survival of mice bearing orthotopic glioblastoma. To our knowledge, this is the first report to identify dual and opposing roles of PKR wherein PKR activates antivirus innate immunity and induces TGF-ß signaling to inhibit antitumor adaptive immune responses.

Conclusions

Thus, PKR represents the Achilles heel of oHSV therapy, restricting both viral replication and antitumor immunity, and an oncolytic virus that can target this pathway significantly improves response to virotherapy.
Contemporary percutaneous management of coronary calcification: current status and future directions
Authors: Hennessey Breda , Pareek Nilesh , Macaya Fernando , Yeoh Julian , Shlofmitz Evan , Gonzalo Nieves , Hill Jonathan , Escaned Javier
Published: February 2023

Severe coronary artery calcification is one of the greatest challenges in attaining success in percutaneous coronary intervention, limiting acute and long-term results. In many cases, plaque preparation is a critical prerequisite for delivery of devices across calcific stenoses and also to achieve adequate luminal dimensions. Recent advances in intracoronary imaging and adjunctive technologies now allow the operator to select the most appropriate strategy in each individual case. In this review, we will revisit the distinct advantages of a complete assessment of coronary artery calcification with imaging and application of appropriate and contemporary plaque modification technologies in achieving durable results in this complex lesion subset.
Effect of nintedanib in patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease and risk factors for rapid progression
Authors: Khanna Dinesh , Maher Toby M , Volkmann Elizabeth R , Allanore Yannick , Smith Vanessa , Assassi Shervin , Kreuter Michael , Hoffmann-Vold Anna-Maria , Kuwana Masataka , Stock Christian , Alves Margarida , Sambevski Steven , Denton Christopher P
Published: February 2023

Objective

To investigate the rate of decline in forced vital capacity (FVC), and the effect of nintedanib on the rate of decline in FVC, in subjects with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) who had risk factors for rapid decline in FVC.

Methods

The SENSCIS trial enrolled subjects with SSc and fibrotic ILD of ≥10% extent on high-resolution CT. The rate of decline in FVC over 52 weeks was analysed in all subjects and in those with early SSc (<18 months since first non-Raynaud symptom), elevated inflammatory markers (C reactive protein ≥6 mg/L and/or platelets ≥330×109/L) or significant skin fibrosis (modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) 15–40 or mRSS ≥18) at baseline.

Results

In the placebo group, the rate of decline in FVC was numerically greater in subjects with <18 months since first non-Raynaud symptom (−167.8 mL/year), elevated inflammatory markers (−100.7 mL/year), mRSS 15–40 (−121.7 mL/year) or mRSS ≥18 (−131.7 mL/year) than in all subjects (−93.3 mL/year). Nintedanib reduced the rate of FVC decline across subgroups, with a numerically greater effect in patients with these risk factors for rapid FVC decline.

Conclusion

In the SENSCIS trial, subjects with SSc-ILD who had early SSc, elevated inflammatory markers or extensive skin fibrosis had a more rapid decline in FVC over 52 weeks than the overall trial population. Nintedanib had a numerically greater effect in patients with these risk factors for rapid ILD progression.
High-efficiency integrated MIR band to visible band upconversion optoelectronic system
Authors: Motmaen Aytak , Rostami Ali
Published: February 2023

This study offers and explores an ultra-high efficiency up-converter to convert three mid-infrared frequency bands to three visible frequency bands. Our purpose is to explore frequency analysis in the up-conversion process. In our suggested band-to-band up-conversion device, the time-varying mid-infrared light signals are converted into time-varying electrical currents; these time-varying electrical currents are amplified by the transistor. Finally, these amplified currents produce time-varying visible light currents and power through the usage of organic light-emitting diodes (LEDs). This up-conversion device includes: (1) Doped nanocrystalline layers of PbSe, CdSe, and CdTe as photodetectors to detect three different central frequencies of 100, 70, and 56[Formula: see text]THz, (2) the NPN BJT as a current amplifier and output quantum efficiency (QE) improvement, (3) blue, green, red organic LEDs for producing visible light currents and powers; these OLEDs operate at central frequencies of 667, 545, and 484 THz, respectively. In this investigation, narrow-band mid-infrared light is converted into broadband visible light considering conventional LEDs. The mid-infrared input optical signal with a bandwidth of 0.004, 0.0006, and 0.004 THz is converted to visible optical bandwidth of 0.425, 0.52, and 0.37 THz, respectively. The output QE of the proposed structure for the frequency of 100, 70, and 56 THz is [Formula: see text]%, [Formula: see text]%, and [Formula: see text]%, respectively. The results indicate more excellent QE than other research. Also, it is the first study about the frequency response of the up-conversion device to convert narrowband mid-infrared lights into broadband visible lights.
A Development and Analysis of Color Image New Blind Watermarking Based on DWT-SVD Swapping and 3-Dimensional Cryptography Technique
Authors: Jayachandran T. , Kavitha S.
Published: February 2023

Several acceptable watermarking methods are designed to minimize this problem depending on the desired applications. A watermarking system that is stable and healthy at the same time, however, is hard to achieve. This paper provides information about the standard method for watermarking by using different methodologies including an arrangement of Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) and Discrete wavelet transforms (DWT) technique, ensuring a fully blind and robust watermarking technique. New swapping techniques and a nonlinear three-dimensional Chaos-based simple technique of Cryptography are implemented to improve the protection of the proposed method. Three-dimensional chaos is the first time used technique for permutated positions and value transformation techniques. In addition, this work compares the efficiency and safety analysis provided for the various fractal cover combinations by some metrics, which are deliberated in the result section. The proposed project will also be compared with some metrics such as Peak Signal Noise Ratio (PSNR), Mean Square Error (MSE), and Structural Similarity Index (SSIM). The outcomes show that image degradation is much less in the dimension of the hidden image file than in the cover image file, which is double in size. Therefore, the proposed method saves the bandwidth and storage requirements.
A Simple and Efficient Formaldehyde Detection Technique Using Poly Ethylene Glycol Modified Quartz Crystal Microbalance Sensor
Authors: Gangopadhyay Deepam , Nag Shreya , Dasgupta Samhita , Banerjee Mahuya Bhattacharyya , Tudu Bipan , Das Dipak , Pramanik Panchanan , Bandyopadhyay Rajib , Roy Runu Banerjee
Published: February 2023

Detection of formaldehyde is extremely important considering its detrimental health hazards. It is extensively used as a potent preservative in different consumables like mushrooms, fish, etc. Although there are several methods to detect formaldehyde, developing a robust and accurate technique is always challenging. Here in, a reliable and accurate quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) based formaldehyde detection technique is presented where polyethylene glycol (PEG-400) is used as the prime sensing material. The developed sensor has achieved a wide linear detection range of (5–600 parts per million) with a sensitivity of 0.112 Hz/ppm and a linear correlation coefficient ([Formula: see text] of 0.946. The lowest detection limit of Formaldehyde was 3.95[Formula: see text]ppm. The performance of the developed sensor was assessed for different samples of mushrooms which yielded about 99.61% accuracy in the predicted concentrations of formaldehyde using PCR analysis.
Orientation dependence on piezoresponse of lead-free piezoelectric sodium bismuth titanate epitaxial thin films
Authors: Zhao Jinyan , Ren Wei , Wang Zhe , Niu Gang , Wang Lingyan , Zhao Yulong
Published: February 2023

Lead-free piezoelectric sodium bismuth titanate (([Formula: see text][Formula: see text])TiO3, BNT) thin films were epitaxially grown onto (001)-, (110)-, and (111)-oriented Nb:SrTiO3 (STO) single crystal substrates prepared by sol–gel processing. Highly oriented growth in (001), (110), and (111) BNT thin films was obtained in this work benefiting from the lattice match between the BNT film and the STO substrate. The different growth models in thin films with various orientations result in various surface morphologies dependent on the film orientation. The piezoresponse of the BNT thin films was represented exhibiting a strong orientation dependence that (110)>(001)>(111). This is contributed by the various domain switching contribution related to the crystal symmetry and polarization distribution in the three oriented thin films.
Remotely Sensed Crop Disease Monitoring by Machine Learning Algorithms: A Review
Authors: Zhang Tianxiang , Cai Yuanxiu , Zhuang Peixian , Li Jiangyun
Published: February 2023

Crop pests and diseases are treated as one of the main factors affecting food production and security. An accurate detection and corresponding precision management to reduce the spread of crop diseases in time and space is an important scientific issue in crop disease control tasks. On the one hand, the development of remote sensing technology provides higher-quality data (high spectral/spatial resolution) for crop disease monitoring. On the other hand, deep learning/machine learning algorithms also provide novel insights for crop disease detection. In this paper, a comprehensive review was conducted to demonstrate various remote sensing platforms (e.g. ground-based, low-attitude and spaceborne scales) and popular sensors (e.g. RGB, multispectral and hyperspectral sensors). In addition, conventional machine learning and deep learning algorithms applied for crop disease monitoring are also reviewed. In the end, considering the crop disease early detection problem which is a challenging problem in this area, self-supervised learning is introduced to motivate future research. It is envisaged that this paper has concluded the recent crop disease monitoring algorithms and provides a novel thought on crop disease early monitoring.
A new giant theropod dinosaur track from the Middle Jurassic of the Cleveland Basin, Yorkshire, UK
Authors: Hudson John G. , Romano Mike , Lomax Dean R. , Taylor Rob , Woods Marie
Published: February 2023

A new specimen of a rare large theropod dinosaur print of Middle Jurassic age is described from the Long Nab Member of the Scalby Formation, Cleveland Basin, Yorkshire. This is only the sixth specimen of this type recorded from the Cleveland Basin since they were first discovered in 1934. The present specimen is included in the same, but slightly modified morphotype Bxviii as some of the previous ones, since it shows additional features including an elongated metapodium. The specimen is assigned to the ichnogenus
Megalosauripus
, and was possibly made by a
Megalosaurus
-like theropod. The elongated metapodium may be the result of resting or crouching behaviour.
Beyond the Hype: An Evaluation of Commercially Available Machine Learning–based Malware Detectors
Authors: Bridges Robert A. , Oesch Sean , Iannacone Michael D. , Huffer Kelly M. T. , Jewell Brian , Nichols Jeff A. , Weber Brian , Verma Miki E. , Scofield Daniel , Miles Craig , Plummer Thomas , Daniell Mark , Tall Anne M. , Beaver Justin M. , Smith Jared M.
Published: February 2023

There is a lack of scientific testing of commercially available malware detectors, especially those that boast accurate classification of never-before-seen (i.e., zero-day) files using machine learning (ML). Consequently, efficacy of malware detectors is opaque, inhibiting end users from making informed decisions and researchers from targeting gaps in current detectors. In this article, we present a scientific evaluation of four prominent commercial malware detection tools to assist an organization with two primary questions: To what extent do ML-based tools accurately classify previously and never-before-seen files? Is purchasing a network-level malware detector worth the cost? To investigate, we tested each tool against 3,536 total files (2,554 or 72% malicious and 982 or 28% benign) of a variety of file types, including hundreds of malicious zero-days, polyglots, and APT-style files, delivered on multiple protocols. We present statistical results on detection time and accuracy, consider complementary analysis (using multiple tools together), and provide two novel applications of the recent cost–benefit evaluation procedure of Iannacone and Bridges. Although the ML-based tools are more effective at detecting zero-day files and executables, the signature-based tool might still be an overall better option. Both network-based tools provide substantial (simulated) savings when paired with either host tool, yet both show poor detection rates on protocols other than HTTP or SMTP. Our results show that all four tools have near-perfect precision but alarmingly low recall, especially on file types other than executables and office files: Thirty-seven percent of malware, including all polyglot files, were undetected. Priorities for researchers and takeaways for end users are given. Code for future use of the cost model is provided.
TAM GAN: Tamil Text to Naturalistic Image Synthesis Using Conventional Deep Adversarial Networks
Authors: M Diviya , A Karmel
Published: February 2023

Text-to-image synthesis has advanced recently as a prospective area for improvement in computer vision applications. The image synthesis model follows significant neural network architectures such as Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs). The flourishing text-to-image generation approaches can nominally reflect the meaning of the text in generated images. Still, they need the prospect of providing the necessary details and eloquent object features. Intelligent systems are trained in text-to-image synthesis applications for various languages. However, their contribution to regional languages is yet to be explored. Autoencoders prompt the synthesis of images, but they result in blurriness, which results in clear output and essential features of the picture. Based on textual descriptions, The GAN model is capable of producing realistic images of a high quality that can be used in various applications, like fashion design, photo editing, computer-aided design, and educational platforms. The proposed method uses two-stage processing to create a language model using a BERT model called TAM-BERT and an existing MuRIL BERT, followed by image synthesis using a GAN. The work was conducted using the Oxford-102 dataset, and the model's efficiency was evaluated using the F1-Score measure.
Cross-Border Politics: Diasporic Mobilization and State Response
Authors: Waldinger Roger , Shams Tahseen
Published: February 2023

The global dimensions of diasporic politics and state response have generated a large, interdisciplinary literature. Yet, scholars struggle to find the most productive conceptual tools, as one literature, at point of origin, studies emigration and the other, at point of destination, studies immigration. The transnational turn in the social sciences four decades ago propelled scholars to study cross-border political mobilization by viewing immigration and emigration as two sides of the same coin. This article provides a guide to this scholarship. We show how the political nature of cross-border movements creates and circumscribes conditions for diasporic political mobilization. We then identify the different types of cross-border political activities and the modalities of corresponding home state policies. We conclude by reflecting how the world today has changed since the geopolitical moment in which the transnational turn was born and what these changes mean for studying immigrant and emigrant cross-border politics.
Quantitative Analysis of Silicon Tetrachloride, Carbon Disulfide, and Dichloroethane Concentration by Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Xiang Xiaoyan , Shao Yufeng , Wei Yanfang , Xia Wentang , Yuan Xiaoli
Published: February 2023

Quantitative analysis of silicon tetrachloride, carbon disulfide, and dichloroethane concentrations to obtain vapor-liquid equilibrium data of the SiCl4-CS2 and SiCl4-C2H4Cl2 binary systems was established by Raman spectroscopy. The cheap glass sampling pipe was used as a carrier for Raman spectroscopy measurements. The Raman peak height of the internal standard was used to remove interference factors such as sampling pipe diameter, temperature, laser power, and other effects from the instrument. The peak height ratio between the Raman characteristic peak of the analyte and that of the internal standard was proportional to the analyte concentration. During the measuring process of vapor-liquid equilibrium data for the SiCl4-C2H4Cl2 binary system, the linear equation of y = 0.0068 + 0.75x with R2 of 0.9939 was used for the determination of SiCl4 concentration at the 422 cm−1 band. The linear equation of y = 0.0019 + 0.2266x with R2 of 0.9966 was used for the determination of C2H4Cl2 concentration at the 754 cm−1 band. For the SiCl4-CS2 binary system, the linear equation of y = 0.0494 + 4.7535x with R2 of 0.9962 was used for the determination of SiCl4 concentration at the 422 cm−1 band. The linear equation of y = 0.8139 + 8.7366x with R2 of 0.9973 was used for the determination of CS2 concentration at the 654 cm−1 band. The concentration of standard samples calculated by these standard curves was compared with the actual value to verify the accuracy of this method. The reproducibility is good when determining silicon tetrachloride and dichloroethane concentrations for the SiCl4-C2H4Cl2 binary system, with RSEP values of 2.81% and 2.17%, respectively. Meanwhile, the RSEP values are 3.55% and 4.16%, respectively, when determining silicon tetrachloride and carbon disulfide concentrations for the SiCl4-CS2 binary system.
The Effect of Intrathecal Bupivacaine Plus Dextrose 5% and Fentanyl Compared with Bupivacaine Alone on the Onset and Duration of Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Lower-Limb Orthopedic Surgery
Authors: Sabertanha Amir , Makhmalbaf Gholam Reza , Bayati Maryam , Meshkini Aram
Published: February 2023

Introduction. This study aimed to compare the effect of intrathecal bupivacaine plus dextrose 5% and fentanyl with bupivacaine alone on the onset and duration of analgesia in patients undergoing lower-limb orthopedic surgery. Materials and Methods. A total of 40 patients eligible for lower-limb surgery were divided into two groups by simple randomization: the control group which received only bupivacaine and the intervention group which received bupivacaine plus dextrose 5% and fentanyl. Anesthesia was induced by the spinal method. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess the patients’ pain; hemodynamic status (systolic and diastolic blood pressure and the heart rate) and oxygen saturation were also monitored. Results. There was a significant difference between groups in the type of lower-limb movement at the L1 anesthesia level, the sensory block level at time zero after surgery, the type of backward movement at time zero after surgery, and the analgesic dose received (

p
<
0.05

). Fifteen and 30 minutes after the start of surgery, mean systolic blood pressure, and 45 and 60 minutes after the start of surgery, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and the heart rate were significantly lower in the control group than in the intervention group (

p
<
0.05

). The VAS score was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group at 6 and 24 hours after surgery (

p
<
0.05

). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure at time zero, systolic blood pressure at hour 6, and diastolic blood pressure at hour 24 after surgery were significantly lower in the control group than in the intervention group (

p
<
0.05

). Conclusion. The mean duration of anesthesia and analgesia was significantly longer in patients receiving bupivacaine plus fentanyl than in those receiving bupivacaine alone. However, concerning hemodynamic parameters, it cannot be concluded that the bupivacaine plus fentanyl receiving group was generally superior to the bupivacaine receiving group.
Molecular Simulation on Adsorption Difference of Water and Methane on Long-Flame Coal
Authors: Chen Xiangjun , Nie Siyu , Kang Ningning , Zhao San , Qi Lingling
Published: February 2023

The adsorption difference of water and methane by long-flame coal is compared and analyzed by molecular simulation. The results show that when the single-component isothermal adsorption pressure is less than 15 MPa, the adsorption capacity of CH4 and H2O increases gradually with the increase of the adsorption pressure, and the average adsorption amount of H2O is much higher than that of CH4; after more than 15 MPa, the average adsorption amount of CH4 and H2O is saturated. When the two-component isothermal adsorption pressure is less than 0.7595 MPa, the long-flame coal molecule can adsorb both CH4 and H2O; after more than 0.7595 MPa, the average adsorption amount of H2O is much larger than that of CH4 indicating that H2O is in a dominant position in the competitive adsorption with CH4.
Recurrence Leiomyosarcoma of the Popliteal Vein: A Rare Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Authors: Poosiripinyo Thanate , Sukpanichyingyong Sermsak , Salang Krits , Sumananont Chat , Chobpenthai Thanapon
Published: February 2023

Background. Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is a soft tissue sarcoma that originates from smooth muscle cells and constitutes approximately 5–10% of all soft tissue sarcomas. Vascular LMS is the least common subtype of LMS. About one-third of vascular LMS is located in the extremities, most commonly in the saphenous vein (25%). Vascular LMS originating from the popliteal vein is very rare, and to the best of our knowledge, only nine cases have been reported to date. Case presentation. We herein report a case of a 49-year-old woman who presented with recurrence of a mass that was located at the posterior aspect of the right proximal leg and extended to the popliteal fossa. She had mild pain and intermittent claudication without a history of an edematous leg. The tissue diagnosis was LMS. Wide en bloc resection of the tumor, including the segment of the involved popliteal vein, was performed without venous reconstruction. The patient received no other adjuvant treatments. At the 16-month follow-up, she had good oncologic and functional outcomes. Conclusion. Vascular LMS at the popliteal vein is uncommon but should be considered as a differential diagnosis in a patient who presents with a mass at the popliteal fossa. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and core needle biopsy were needed for a definite diagnosis. The mainstay of treatment is wide en bloc resection of the tumor, including the involved segment of the vein. Venous reconstruction after resection is unnecessary in chronic cases without a history of an edematous leg. Radiotherapy is an important adjuvant for local control when the surgical margins are close or positive. The role of chemotherapy in systemic management remains unclear.
PTPN18 Serves as a Potential Oncogene for Glioblastoma by Enhancing Immune Suppression
Authors: Wang Tao , Yu Yang , Ba Xinlei , Zhang Xiaonan , Zhang Na , Wang Guowen , Bai Bin , Li Tong , Zhao Jiahui , Zhao Yanjiao , Wang Bing
Published: February 2023

Glioblastoma is characterized as one of the deadliest cancers in humans. The survival time is not improved by standard treatment. Although immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment, the current therapy targets for glioblastoma patients are not satisfied. We systematically analyzed the expression patterns, predictive values, and immunological characteristics of PTPN18 in glioblastoma. The independent datasets and functional experiments were employed to validate our findings. Our data showed that PTPN18 is potentially cancerogenic in glioblastoma with advanced grades and poor prognosis. High expression of PTPN18 correlated with CD8+ T cell exhaustion and immune suppression in glioblastoma. In addition, PTPN18 facilitates glioblastoma progression by accelerating glioma cell prefiltration, colony formation, and tumor growth in mice. PTPN18 also promotes cell cycle progression and inhibits apoptosis. Our results illustrate the characterization of PTPN18 in glioblastoma and highlight the potential value as an immunotherapeutic target for glioblastoma treatment.
Hypopigmented Mycosis Fungoides in an 11-Year-Old Palestinian Boy
Authors: Rabi Duha , Shawer Balqis , Rabee Ahmad , Qudaimat Mohammad , Milhem Mohammad , Bakri Izzeddin
Published: February 2023

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a lymphoproliferative disorder of the skin. The most common subtype of CTCL in pediatrics is mycosis fungoides (MF). There are multiple variants of MF. The hypopigmented variant represents more than 50% of MF cases in pediatrics. Misdiagnosis of MF can occur because it may resemble other benign skin pathologies. This is a case of an 11-year-old Palestinian boy presented with generalized nonpruritic hypopigmented maculopapular patches with progressive course for 9-months. Biopsy samples from a hypopigmented patch revealed appearances diagnostic of MF. Immunohistochemical staining was positive for CD3 and CD7 (partial) and a mixture of CD4 and CD8 positive cells. The patient’s case was managed with narrowband ultraviolet B (NBUVB) phototherapy. After a few sessions, the hypopigmented lesions improved significantly.