bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Randomised clinical trial: the use of alginates during preinvestigation proton pump inhibitor wash-out and their impact on compliance and symptom burden
Authors: Vales Andres , Coyle Cathal , Plehhova Kate , Hobson Anthony , Woodland Philip
Published: January 2023

Background/aims

Investigation of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is usually performed off proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). This can exacerbate symptoms, potentially impacting investigation accuracy if patients circumvent the preinvestigation instructions. There are no standard recommendations on how to manage PPI withdrawal. We aimed to assess the impact of structured alginate use on symptom burden.

Methods

Participants were already established on ≥4 weeks of PPI therapy and being referred for manometry and 24-hour pH/impedance testing. Preinvestigation instructions involved stopping PPIs and H2 receptor antagonists for 1 week, but antacids and alginates were allowed until the night before. Participants were randomised to follow these standard instructions (control group), or the same instructions with the provision of Gaviscon Advance to be taken four times daily (treatment group). The primary outcome assessed change in Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease Health-Related Quality of Life Score.

Key results

Data for 48 patients were available for primary outcome assessment. While patients in the control group had a significant increase in symptoms (median difference 6.5, 95% CI (1 to 7), p=0.04), no change occurred in the treatment arm (median difference -1.5, 95% CI (-2, 3.5), p=0.54). There were no serious adverse events.

Conclusions

Structured alginate use prevents symptom exacerbation during preinvestigation PPI wash-out. These findings are limited to the 1-week wash-out period but can benefit thousands of patients undergoing investigation for gastro-oesophageal reflux each year. Further research is required to assess this effect in other settings, such as sustained PPI deprescription. The trial was funded by Reckitt Benckiser.

Trial registration number

EudraCT registration 2019-004561-41
Experience of the United Arab Emirates in the use of monoclonal antibody drug sotrovimab in high-risk vaccinated and unvaccinated patients with COVID-19: an observational cohort study
Authors: Abdalateef Sumaya , Al Meheiri Noor Majed , Nassef Mohamed , Shorrab Ahmed A. , Hashimi Obaid Al Rahman , Allam Samah , Alnaqbi Mariam Saif , Al-Rifai Rami H.
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Monoclonal antibodies can slow COVID-19 progression. This study describes the experience of using sotrovimab in patients with COVID-19 at high risk for disease progression and hospitalisation within the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Design

Observational cohort study.

Setting

A tertiary hospital in the Emirate of Sharjah, UAE.

Participants

Patients with mild or moderate COVID-19 at high risk for disease progression.

Interventions

Infusion with a single 500 mg dose of the monoclonal antibody drug sotrovimab.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Any adverse effect within 24 hours, disease progression within 5 days, emergency department visit within 10 days, hospital admission within 10 days or mortality within 28 days of infusion.

Results

3227 high-risk COVID-19 patients were infused with sotrovimab during the mild (n=3107, 96.3%) or moderate (n=120, 3.7%) disease stages. The incidence of at least one outcome was recorded in 196 (6.1%) of the patients (60.7 per 1000 patients). The most common outcome was disease progression within 5 days of infusion in 129 patients (4.0%), followed by emergency department visits by 90 patients (2.8%) within 10 days. Twenty-nine (0.9%) patients were hospitalised within 10 days of infusion with only two deaths (0.1%). Patients infused with sotrovimab during the moderate disease stage had 11 times greater odds of developing at least one outcome compared with patients infused during the mild stage (adjusted OR, aOR 10.86, 95% CI 7.14 to 16.54). SARS-CoV-2 vaccinated (aOR 12.8, 95% CI 7.3 to 20.5) and unvaccinated (aOR 7.2, 95% CI 3.4 to 15.3) patients infused with sotrovimab during the moderate disease stage had similar odds of at least one outcome compared with patients infused during the mild stage.

Conclusions

Among high-risk sotrovimab-infused COVID-19 patients, there were relatively low incidences of disease progression and hospitalisation. Regardless of vaccination history, monoclonal antibody intervention during the early stages of COVID-19 results in better outcomes.
Previous injury, sex and well-being are associated with injury profiles in 422 adolescent elite athletes of age 15–16 years: a 20-week longitudinal study
Authors: Fridén Cecilia , Ekenros Linda , von Rosen Philip
Published: January 2023

Background

Adolescent elite athletes have a high injury risk and many risk factors for injury have been suggested. However, there is a lack of prospective studies in adolescent elite athletes of age 15–16 years.

Aim

The aim of the study was to prospectively explore risk factors associated with different injury prevalence profiles in adolescent elite athletes.

Methods

Substantial injury was monitored in adolescent elite athletes (n=422) using the validated Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Questionnaire over 20 weeks. Athletes were categorised in tertiles based on injury prevalence.

Results

The median substantial injury prevalence for all athletes was 10% (IQR 0%–20%). Compared with the ‘no injury’ group, previous injury (p<0.001, OR 3.91) and well-being (p<0.001, OR 0.93) were associated with the ‘high injury’ group, and previous injury (p=0.006, OR 1.96) and being a female athlete (p=0.002, OR 2.08) with the ‘low injury’ group. A female athlete with a previous injury and low perceived well-being (25th percentile) had a 48% risk (95% CI 36% to 59%) of belonging to the ‘high injury’ group, compared with 7% (95% CI 4% to 12%) for a male athlete with no previous injury and high well-being (75th percentile).

Conclusion

Medical personnel should be aware of the high injury risk and risk factors for injury in adolescent elite athletes, and closely monitor the rehabilitation post-injury as a previous injury is such a strong risk factor for a new injury.
Diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis in patients presenting with cardiac arrest or life-threatening arrhythmias
Authors: Hatipoglu Suzan , Gardezi Syed K M , Azzu Alessia , Baksi John , Alpendurada Francisco , Izgi Cemil , Khattar Raj , Kouranos Vasileios , Wells Athol Umfrey , Sharma Rakesh , Wechalekar Kshama , Pennell Dudley J , Mohiaddin Raad
Published: January 2023

Objective

Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) may present with cardiac arrest or life-threatening arrhythmias. There are limited data on this subgroup of patients with CS. Advanced imaging including cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and cardiac 18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) are used for diagnosis. This study aimed to describe advanced imaging patterns suggestive of CS among patients presenting with cardiac arrest or life-threatening arrhythmias.

Methods

An imaging database of a CS referral centre (Royal Brompton Hospital, London) was screened for patients presenting with cardiac arrest or life-threatening arrhythmias and having imaging features of suspected CS. Patients diagnosed with definite or probable/possible CS were included.

Results

Study population included 60 patients (median age 49 years) with male predominance (76.7%). The left ventricle was usually non-dilated with mildly reduced ejection fraction (53.4±14.8%). CMR studies showed extensive late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) with 5 (4–8) myocardial segments per patient affected; the right ventricular (RV) side of the septum (28/45) and basal anteroseptum (28/45) were most frequently involved. Myocardial inflammation by FDG-PET was detected in 45 out of 58 patients vs 11 out of 33 patients with oedema imaging available on CMR. When PET was treated as reference to detect myocardial inflammation, CMR oedema imaging was 33.3% sensitive and 77% specific.

Conclusions

In patients with CS presenting with cardiac arrest or life-threatening arrhythmias, LGE was located in areas where the cardiac conduction system travels (basal anteroseptal wall and RV side of the septum). While CMR was the imaging technique that raised possibility of cardiac scarring, oedema imaging had low sensitivity to detect myocardial inflammation compared with FDG-PET.
New prognostic model in patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma treated with second-line immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Bamias Aristotelis , Merseburger Axel , Loriot Yohann , James Nicholas , Choy Ernest , Castellano Daniel , Lopez-Rios F , Calabrò Fabio , Kramer Mario , de Velasco Guillermo , Zakopoulou Roubini , Tzannis Kimon , Sternberg Cora N
Published: January 2023

Background

Bellmunt Risk Score, based on Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS), hemoglobin levels and presence of liver metastases, is the most established prognostic algorithm for patients with advanced urothelial cancer (aUC) progressing after platinum-based chemotherapy. Nevertheless, existing algorithms may not be sufficient following the introduction of immunotherapy. Our aim was to develop an improved prognostic model in patients receiving second-line atezolizumab for aUC.

Methods

Patients with aUC progressing after cisplatin/carboplatin-based chemotherapy and enrolled in the prospective, single-arm, phase IIIb SAUL study were included in this analysis. Patients were treated with 3-weekly atezolizumab 1200 mg intravenously. The development and internal validation of a prognostic model for overall survival (OS) was performed using Cox regression analyses, bootstrapping methods and calibration.

Results

In 936 patients, ECOG PS, alkaline phosphatase, hemoglobin, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, liver metastases, bone metastases and time from last chemotherapy were identified as independent prognostic factors. In a 4-tier model, median OS for patients with 0–1, 2, 3–4 and 5–7 risk factors was 18.6, 10.4, 4.8 and 2.1 months, respectively. Compared with Bellmunt Risk Score, this model provided enhanced prognostic separation, with a c-index of 0.725 vs 0.685 and increment in c-statistic of 0.04 (p<0.001). Inclusion of PD-L1 expression did not improve the model.

Conclusions

We developed and internally validated a prognostic model for patients with aUC receiving postplatinum immunotherapy. This model represents an improvement over the Bellmunt algorithm and could aid selection of patients with aUC for second-line immunotherapy.

Trial registration number

NCT02928406.
Predicting symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage in anterior circulation stroke patients with contrast enhancement after thrombectomy: the CAGA score
Authors: Chang Guo-Can , Nguyen Thanh N , Qiu Jing , Li Wei , Zhao Yong-Gang , Sun Xian-Hui , Liu Xin , Zhao Zi-Ai , Liu Liang , Abdalkader Mohamad , Chen Hui-Sheng
Published: January 2023

Background

The aim of the study was to establish a reliable scoring tool to identify the probability of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) in anterior circulation stroke patients with contrast enhancement (CE) on brain non-contrast CT (NCCT) after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) who had CE on NCCT immediately after EVT for anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO). We used the Alberta stroke program early CT score (ASPECTS) scoring system to estimate the extent and location of CE. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to derive an sICH predictive score. The discrimination and calibration of this score were assessed using the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis.

Results

In this study, 194 of 322 (60.25%) anterior circulation AIS-LVO patients had CE on NCCT. After excluding 85 patients, 109 patients were enrolled in the final analysis. In multivariate regression analysis, age ≥70 years (adjusted OR (aOR) 9.23, 95% CI 2.43 to 34.97, P＜0.05), atrial fibrillation (AF) (aOR 4.17, 95% CI 1.33 to 13.12, P＜0.05), serum glucose ≥11.1 mmol/L (aOR 9.39, 95% CI 2.74 to 32.14, P＜0.05), CE-ASPECTS ＜5 (aOR 3.95, 95% CI 1.30 to 12.04 P＜0.05), and CE at the internal capsule (aOR 3.45, 95% CI 1.03 to 11.59, P＜0.05) and M1 region (aOR 3.65, 95% CI 1.13 to 11.80, P＜0.05) were associated with sICH. These variables were incorporated as the CE-age-glucose-AF (CAGA) score. The CAGA score demonstrated good discrimination and calibration in this cohort, as well as the fivefold cross validation.

Conclusion

The CAGA score reliably predicted sICH in patients with CE on NCCT after EVT treatment.
Double stent-retriever as the first-line approach in mechanical thrombectomy: a randomized in vitro evaluation
Authors: Li Jiahui , Tiberi Riccardo , Canals Pere , Vargas Daniel , Castaño Oscar , Molina Marc , Tomasello Alejandro , Ribo Marc
Published: January 2023

Background

A repeated number of passes during mechanical thrombectomy leads to worse clinical outcomes in acute ischemic stroke. Initial experiences with the simultaneous double stent-retriever (double-SR) technique as the first-line treatment showed promising safety and efficacy results.

Objective

To characterize the potential benefits of using the double-SR as first-line technique as compared with the traditional single-SR approach.

Methods

Three types of clot analogs (soft, moderately stiff, and stiff) were used to create terminal internal carotid artery (T-ICA=44) and middle cerebral artery (MCA=88) occlusions in an in vitro neurovascular model. Sixty-six cases were randomized into each treatment arm: single-SR or double-SR, in combination with a 0.071" distal aspiration catheter. A total of 132 in vitro thrombectomies were performed. Primary endpoints were the rate of first-pass recanalization (%FPR) and procedural-related distal emboli.

Results

FPR was achieved in 42% of the cases. Overall, double-SR achieved a significantly higher %FPR than single-SR (52% vs 33%, P=0.035). Both techniques showed similar %FPR in T-ICA occlusions (single vs double: 23% vs 27%, P=0.728). Double-SR significantly outperformed single-SR in MCA occlusions (63% vs 38%, P=0.019), most notably in saddle occlusions (64% vs 14%, P=0.011), although no significant differences were found in single-branch occlusions (64% vs 50%, P=0.275). Double-SR reduced the maximal size of the clot fragments migrating distally (Feret diameter=1.08±0.65 mm vs 2.05±1.14 mm, P=0.038).

Conclusions

This randomized in vitro evaluation demonstrates that the front-line double-SR technique is more effective than single-SR in achieving FPR when treating MCA bifurcation occlusions that present saddle thrombus.
Phenomenological studies on neutral B-meson decays into $$J/\psi f_1$$ and $$\eta _c f_1$$
Authors: Yao De-Hua , Liu Xin , Zou Zhi-Tian , Li Ying , Xiao Zhen-Jun
Published: January 2023

The axial-vector mesons $$f_1(1285)$$

f
1

(
1285
)

and $$f_1(1420)$$

f
1

(
1420
)

are particularly viewed as the mixtures of flavor states $$f_n$$

f
n

and $$f_s$$

f
s

with mixing angle $$\varphi $$
φ
. In order to determine this angle, we study the $$B_{d,s}^0\rightarrow J/\psi f_1(1285,1420)$$

B

d
,
s

0

→
J
/
ψ

f
1

(
1285
,
1420
)

and $$B_{d,s}^0\rightarrow \eta _c f_1(1285,1420)$$

B

d
,
s

0

→

η
c

f
1

(
1285
,
1420
)

decays in perturbative QCD (PQCD) approach, including the effects of vertex corrections, nonfactorizable diagrams and penguin operators. Not only the branching fractions, but also the direct CP asymmetries and the polarization fractions are calculated. It is found that the branching fractions of these decays are large enough to be measured in the running LHCb and Belle-II experiments. Moreover, in comparison with the observed $${\mathcal {B}}(B_{d,s}^0 \rightarrow J/\psi f_1(1285))$$

B
(

B

d
,
s

0

→
J
/
ψ

f
1

(
1285
)

)

, $$B_s^0 \rightarrow (J/\psi , \eta _c) f_1(1420)$$

B
s
0

→

(
J
/
ψ
,

η
c

)

f
1

(
1420
)

decays have large branching fractions, which could be measured promisingly through $$f_1(1420) \rightarrow K_S^0 K^\pm \pi ^\mp $$

f
1

(
1420
)

→

K
S
0

K
±

π
∓

in experiments. We also propose several ratios that could be used to further constrain the absolute value of the mixing angle $$\varphi $$
φ
, but its sign cannot be determined yet in these decays. The direct CP asymmetries of these decays indicate the penguin pollution in the $$B_d^0 \rightarrow (J/\psi , \eta _c) f_1$$

B
d
0

→

(
J
/
ψ
,

η
c

)

f
1

decays cannot be neglected. We acknowledge that there are large theoretical uncertainties arising from the distribution amplitudes of axial-vector mesons and charmonium states, and more precise nonperturbative parameters are called. The comparisons between our results and future experimental data would help us to understand the nature of $$f_1$$

f
1

states and to test the PQCD approach.
Axion-like dark matter detection using Stern–Gerlach interferometer
Authors: Hajebrahimi Milad , Manshouri Hassan , Sharifian Mohammad , Zarei Moslem
Published: January 2023

Quantum sensors based on the superposition of neutral atoms are promising for sensing the nature of dark matter (DM). In this study, we utilize the Stern–Gerlach (SG) interferometer configuration to seek a novel method for the detection of axion-like particles (ALPs). Using an SG interferometer, we create a spatial quantum superposition of neutral atoms such as $$^{3}$$

3

He and $$^{87}$$

87

Rb. It is shown that the interaction of ALPs with this superposition induces a relative phase between superposed quantum components. We use the quantum Boltzmann equation (QBE) to introduce a first-principles analysis that describes the temporal evolution of the sensing system. The QBE approach employs quantum field theory (QFT) to highlight the role of the quantum nature of the interactions with the quantum systems. The resulting exclusion area demonstrates that our scheme allows for the exclusion of a range of ALP mass in the range $$10^{-10}\le m_{a}\le 10^{2}\,\textrm{eV}$$

10

-
10

≤

m
a

≤

10
2

eV

and ALP-atom coupling constant in the range $$10^{-13}\le g_{ae}\le 10^{0}$$

10

-
13

≤

g

ae

≤

10
0

.
Study on density and lattice compression of Al, Cu and AlCu in high temperature and pressure from statistical moment method
Authors: Hoc Nguyen Quang , Huyen Vu Minh , Van Nguyen Thi Mai , Dat Hua Xuan
Published: January 2023

We derive analytic expressions of Helmholtz free energy, crystal parameters, nearest neighbor distance and mean nearest neighbor distance between two atoms, volume and equation of state of metal and substitutional alloy with FCC structure on the basis of the statistical moment method. We perform numerical calculations of density and ratio of volume at pressure [Formula: see text] to volume at zero pressure for metals Al, Cu and substitutional alloy AlCu at temperature up to 1500 K and pressure up to 350 GPa when using the Mie–Lennard–Jones [Formula: see text] potential and the coordination sphere method. Our calculation results are compared with the experimental data, other theoretical calculations and molecular dynamics simulations.
Prediction of the Test Yield of Future Integrated Circuits Through the Deductive Estimation Method
Authors: Yeh Chung-Huang , Chen Jwu E.
Published: January 2023

In the past 20 years, semiconductor manufacturing technology has advanced rapidly, but the advancement of integrated circuit (IC) testers has been slow. Using obsolete testers to inspect advanced wafers has become a significant challenge for test manufacturers. In this research, we used DITM (digital IC testing model) to discuss the impact of the test guardband (TGB) on quality and yield. Considering the interaction between semiconductor fabrication capability parameters and test capability parameters, we proposed an estimation method [deductive estimation method (DEM)] to analyze the electrical distribution changes of products after chip production and deduce the yield of future products. The deductive estimation method can correctly depict the future test yield [Formula: see text] curve using the chip frequency data published by IRDS (International Roadmap for Devices and Systems) in 2017. Furthermore, test manufacturers can measure whether the current test capabilities can cope with future semiconductor chip manufacturing capabilities by predicting the trends. Next, test manufacturers can maintain high-quality and high-yield chip output by pre-adjusting the hardware testing capabilities of ATE (automated test equipment) or proposing more effective chip testing methods.
Rate Control in Versatile Video Coding with Cosh Rate–Distortion Model
Authors: Wang Dongzi , Fang Bin , Wei Xuekai , Xian Weizhi , Zhou Mingliang , Mao Qin
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we propose a rate control (RC) scheme for versatile video coding (VVC) to enhance coding performance. First, we propose a rate–distortion (R–D) model at the coding tree unit (CTU) level to describe the R–D relationship. Second, we adjust the quantization parameter (QP) and Lagrange multiplier at the coding unit (CU) level according to visual features to improve the rationality of local coding results. Finally, we propose a model parameter updating strategy to guarantee bitrate accuracy. The experimental results demonstrate that our RC method has better R–D performance with similar bitrate accuracy and better visual quality compared to the default RC strategy in VVC reference software VTM 10.2.
PL-MACONT-I: A Probabilistic Linguistic MACONT-I Method for Multi-Criterion Sorting
Authors: Wen Zhi , Liao Huchang
Published: January 2023

Multi-criterion sorting (MCS) problems aim to assign alternatives to corresponding categories according to multiple criteria. Various MCS methods have been proposed. However, these methods need to preset reference profile of each category to arrange alternatives, which may be difficult for decision makers. To circumvent this issue, this study proposes an MCS method without setting reference profiles of categories. The mixed aggregation by comprehensive normalization technique (MACONT) method, as a recently-developed multi-criterion decision-making method, can obtain a multi-aspect and comprehensive solution for choice and ranking problems. To solve multi-criteria sorting problems, this study introduces an MACONT-I method in which the deck of card method (DCM) is applied to derive criteria weights. Furthermore, to enhance the applicability of the proposed method in decision-making with uncertain information, we extend the DCM and the proposed MACONT-I method to probabilistic linguistic context and propose a PL-MACONT-I method for multi-criterion sorting. An illustrative example is provided to demonstrate the practicality of the proposed method. Through sensitivity analysis and comparative analysis, the merits of the proposed method are emphasized.
A Study of a Prey-Generalist Predator System Considering Hunting Cooperation and Fear Effects Under Interval Uncertainty
Authors: Mondal Bapin , Sarkar Susmita , Ghosh Uttam
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we examine the role of fear and hunting cooperation in a generalist predator–prey system in an imprecise environment. We investigated the positivity and boundedness of the solutions and determined the existence of equilibria and their local stability for the system. We analyzed the transcritical and Hopf bifurcation considering the uncertain parameter as a bifurcation parameter. Based on simulation results, both populations can survive at low to moderate values of imprecise parameters, but the prey population cannot survive at higher values of the imprecise parameter. Additionally, we observe fear, hunting cooperation, and generalist predators with an imprecise concept that illustrates the complex dynamics of the system.
Bifurcation and optimal control for an infectious disease model with the impact of information
Authors: Ma Zhihui , Li Shenghua , Han Shuyan
Published: January 2023

A nonlinear infectious disease model with information-influenced vaccination behavior and contact patterns is proposed in this paper, and the impact of information related to disease prevalence on increasing vaccination coverage and reducing disease incidence during the outbreak is considered. First, we perform the analysis for the existence of equilibria and the stability properties of the proposed model. In particular, the geometric approach is used to obtain the sufficient condition which guarantees the global asymptotic stability of the unique endemic equilibrium [Formula: see text] when the basic reproduction number [Formula: see text]. Second, mathematical derivation combined with numerical simulation shows the existence of the double Hopf bifurcation around [Formula: see text]. Third, based on the numerical results, it is shown that the information coverage and the average information delay may lead to more complex dynamical behaviors. Finally, the optimal control problem is established with information-influenced vaccination and treatment as control variables. The corresponding optimal paths are obtained analytically by using Pontryagin’s maximum principle, and the applicability and validity of virous intervention strategies for the proposed controls are presented by numerical experiments.
Dynamical behaviors of a constant prey refuge ratio-dependent prey–predator model with Allee and fear effects
Authors: Pal Soumitra , Panday Pijush , Pal Nikhil , Misra A. K. , Chattopadhyay Joydev
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we consider a nonlinear ratio-dependent prey–predator model with constant prey refuge in the prey population. Both Allee and fear phenomena are incorporated explicitly in the growth rate of the prey population. The qualitative behaviors of the proposed model are investigated around the equilibrium points in detail. Hopf bifurcation including its direction and stability for the model is also studied. We observe that fear of predation risk can have both stabilizing and destabilizing effects and induces bubbling phenomenon in the system. It is also observed that for a fixed strength of fear, an increase in the Allee parameter makes the system unstable, whereas an increase in prey refuge drives the system toward stability. However, higher values of both the Allee and prey refuge parameters have negative impacts and the populations go to extinction. Further, we explore the variation of densities of the populations in different bi-parameter spaces, where the coexistence equilibrium point remains stable. Numerical simulations are carried out to explore the dynamical behaviors of the system with the help of MATLAB software.
Noble metal (Pt or Pd)-decorated atomically thin MoS2 as a promising material for sensing colorectal cancer biomarkers through exhaled breath
Authors: Aasi Aref , Aghaei Sadegh Mehdi , Panchapakesan Balaji
Published: January 2023

Early-stage disease and cancer diagnosis are of particular importance for effective patient identification as well as their treatment. Breath analysis is a promising method for this purpose which can help to detect disease biomarkers. Benzaldehyde and Indole gas molecules as members of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are composed of a proportion of the exhaled breath and changes in the level of them from breath can be considered for colorectal cancer biomarkers. Due to these incentives, we scrutinized the sensing behavior of Molybdenum disulfide (MoS[Formula: see text] toward Benzaldehyde and Indole gas. We inspected the adsorption of the molecules on the pristine and Pd-, Pt-decorated MoS2 by employing density functional nonequilibrium Green’s function (DFT-NEGF). It was disclosed that the molecules were weakly adsorbed upon the pristine MoS2. Howbeit, after the decoration of the surface, the adsorption energy and charge transfer of the molecules were improved greatly. On the other hand, the band gap was decreased after metal decoration. For example, adsorption energy of −2.37[Formula: see text]eV and band gap of 1.32[Formula: see text]eV were achieved by interaction of Indole with Pd-decorated MoS2 and it can be desorbed under UV light and at temperature of 698[Formula: see text]K with recovery time of 12.8[Formula: see text]s. Ergo, our analysis would help us better understand the adsorption mechanism of Pd- and Pt-decorated MoS2-based gas sensors. It may open a new route in early disease detection and colorectal cancer monitoring.
Pseudo Relevance Feedback with Deep Language Models and Dense Retrievers: Successes and Pitfalls
Authors: Li Hang , Mourad Ahmed , Zhuang Shengyao , Koopman Bevan , Zuccon Guido
Published: January 2023

Pseudo Relevance Feedback (PRF) is known to improve the effectiveness of bag-of-words retrievers. At the same time, deep language models have been shown to outperform traditional bag-of-words rerankers. However, it is unclear how to integrate PRF directly with emergent deep language models. This article addresses this gap by investigating methods for integrating PRF signals with rerankers and dense retrievers based on deep language models. We consider text-based, vector-based and hybrid PRF approaches and investigate different ways of combining and scoring relevance signals. An extensive empirical evaluation was conducted across four different datasets and two task settings (retrieval and ranking).

Text-based PRF
results show that the use of PRF had a mixed effect on deep rerankers across different datasets. We found that the best effectiveness was achieved when (i) directly concatenating each PRF passage with the query, searching with the new set of queries, and then aggregating the scores; (ii) using Borda to aggregate scores from PRF runs.

Vector-based PRF
results show that the use of PRF enhanced the effectiveness of deep rerankers and dense retrievers over several evaluation metrics. We found that higher effectiveness was achieved when (i) the query retains either the majority or the same weight within the PRF mechanism, and (ii) a shallower PRF signal (i.e., a smaller number of top-ranked passages) was employed, rather than a deeper signal. Our vector-based PRF method is computationally efficient; thus, this represents a general PRF method others can use with deep rerankers and dense retrievers.
Enabling Efficient Web Data-Record Interaction for People with Visual Impairments via Proxy Interfaces
Authors: Ferdous Javedul , Lee Hae-Na , Jayarathna Sampath , Ashok Vikas
Published: January 2023

Web data records are usually accompanied by auxiliary webpage segments, such as filters, sort options, search form, and multi-page links, to enhance interaction efficiency and convenience for end users. However, blind and visually impaired (BVI) persons are presently unable to fully exploit the auxiliary segments like their sighted peers, since these segments are scattered all across the screen, and as such assistive technologies used by BVI users, i.e., screen reader and screen magnifier, are not geared for efficient interaction with such scattered content. Specifically, for blind screen reader users, content navigation is predominantly one-dimensional despite the support for skipping content, and therefore navigating to-and-fro between different parts of the webpage is tedious and frustrating. Similarly, low vision screen magnifier users have to continuously pan back-and-forth between different portions of a webpage, given that only a portion of the screen is viewable at any instant due to content enlargement. The extant techniques to overcome inefficient web interaction for BVI users have mostly focused on general web-browsing activities, and as such they provide little to no support for data record-specific interaction activities such as filtering and sorting – activities that are equally important for facilitating quick and easy access to
desired
data records. To fill this void, we present InSupport, a browser extension that: (i) employs custom machine learning-based algorithms to automatically extract auxiliary segments on any webpage containing data records; and (ii) provides an instantly accessible proxy
one-stop
interface for easily navigating the extracted auxiliary segments using either basic keyboard shortcuts or mouse actions. Evaluation studies with 14 blind participants and 16 low vision participants showed significant improvement in web usability with InSupport, driven by increased reduction in interaction time and user effort, compared to the state-of-the-art solutions.
Deconstructing the Lomagundi-Jatuli Carbon Isotope Excursion
Authors: Hodgskiss Malcolm S.W. , Crockford Peter W. , Turchyn Alexandra V.
Published: January 2023

The early to mid-Paleoproterozoic Lomagundi-Jatuli Excursion (LJE) is ostensibly the largest magnitude (approximately +5 to +30‰), longest duration (ca. 130–250 million years) positive carbon isotope excursion measured in carbonate rocks in Earth history. The LJE has been attributed to large nutrient fluxes, an increase in the size of the biosphere, a reorganization of the global carbon cycle, and oxygenation of the atmosphere. However, significant debate remains about its genesis, synchroneity, global-versus-local extent, and role in atmospheric oxygenation. Here we review existing models and mechanisms suggested for the LJE and analyze a compilation of ∼9,400 δ13Ccarb and associated contextual data. These data call into question the interpretation of the LJE as a globally synchronous carbon isotope excursion and suggest that any model for the LJE must account for both the absence of a clearly defined initiation and termination of the excursion and a facies-dependent expression of 13C-enrichment.
▪The Lomagundi-Jatuli Excursion (LJE) continues to challenge current understandings of the carbon cycle.▪Understanding this excursion is critical for reconstructing biogeochemical cycles and atmospheric oxygenation through Earth history.▪Some evidence indicates local rather than global changes in δ13CDIC and raises the possibility of asynchronous, local excursions.▪Resolving whether the LJE was globally synchronous or asynchronous is essential for discriminating between different models.
Public Health Implications of Drought in a Climate Change Context: A Critical Review
Authors: Salvador Coral , Nieto Raquel , Vicente-Serrano Sergio M. , García-Herrera Ricardo , Gimeno Luis , Vicedo-Cabrera Ana M.
Published: January 2023

Extreme weather events are expected to increase due to climate change, which could pose an additional burden of morbidity and mortality. In recent decades, drought severity has increased in several regions around the world, affecting health by increasing the risk of water-, food-, and vector-borne diseases, malnutrition, cardiovascular and respiratory illness, mental health disorders, and mortality. Drought frequency and severity are expected to worsen across large regions as a result of a decrease in precipitation and an increase in temperature and atmospheric evaporative demand, posing a pressing challenge for public health. Variation in impacts among countries and communities is due to multiple factors, such as aging, socioeconomic status, access to health care, and gender, affecting population resilience. Integrative proactive action plans focused on risk management are required, and resources should be transferred to developing countries to reduce their vulnerability and risk.
Sustainable and Resilient Health Care in the Face of a Changing Climate
Authors: Sherman Jodi D. , MacNeill Andrea J. , Biddinger Paul D. , Ergun Ozlem , Salas Renee N. , Eckelman Matthew J.
Published: January 2023

Climate change is a threat multiplier, exacerbating underlying vulnerabilities, worsening human health, and disrupting health systems’ abilities to deliver high-quality continuous care. This review synthesizes the evidence of what the health care sector can do to adapt to a changing climate while reducing its own climate impact, identifies barriers to change, and makes recommendations to achieve sustainable, resilient health care systems.
The Role of Carbon-Based Cathode Components in Li–S Batteries
Authors: Djuandhi Lisa , Mittal Uttam , Sharma Neeraj , Andersen Henrik L.
Published: January 2023

Carbon-based cathode materials play a crucial role in the development of alternative battery technologies. For lithium-sulfur batteries, carbonaceous S-hosts and carbon-sulfur copolymers have been reliably used as cathode materials to improve battery cyclability and working lifetimes. Characterizing these carbon-based materials in their as-prepared state, when fabricated into cathodes, and during electrochemical function requires the use of multiple complementary techniques probing various length scales, e.g., atomic, nanometer, micrometer. Appropriate coupling of characterization techniques and interpretation of data allows researchers to accurately establish the relationship between composition, structure, and property, which in turn facilitates rational design of complex materials. These combined strategies have provided some of the most detailed insights surrounding the role and design of carbon-based materials to date. This review covers some of the ways both conventional and emerging analytical techniques have been used by researchers to investigate carbon-based cathode materials for Li-S batteries.
Indocyanine-enhanced mouse model of bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis with hallmarks of progressive emphysema
Authors: Grandi Andrea , Ferrini Erica , Mecozzi Laura , Ciccimarra Roberta , Zoboli Matteo , Leo Ludovica , Khalajzeyqami Zahra , Kleinjan Alex , Löwik Clemens W. G. M. , Donofrio Gaetano , Villetti Gino , Stellari Franco Fabio
Published: January 2023

The development of new drugs for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis strongly relies on preclinical experimentation, which requires the continuous improvement of animal models and integration with in vivo imaging data. Here, we investigated the lung distribution of bleomycin (BLM) associated with the indocyanine green (ICG) dye by fluorescence imaging. A long-lasting lung retention (up to 21 days) was observed upon oropharyngeal aspiration (OA) of either ICG or BLM + ICG, with significantly more severe pulmonary fibrosis, accompanied by the progressive appearance of emphysema-like features, uniquely associated with the latter combination. More severe and persistent lung fibrosis, together with a progressive air space enlargement uniquely associated with the BLM + ICG group, was confirmed by longitudinal micro-computed tomography (CT) and histological analyses. Multiple inflammation and fibrosis biomarkers were found to be increased in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of BLM- and BLM + ICG-treated animals, but with a clear trend toward a much stronger increase in the latter group. Similarly, in vitro assays performed on macrophage and epithelial cell lines revealed a significantly more marked cytotoxicity in the case of BLM + ICG-treated mice. Also unique to this group was the synergistic upregulation of apoptotic markers both in lung sections and cell lines. Although the exact mechanism underlying the more intense lung fibrosis phenotype with emphysema-like features induced by BLM + ICG remains to be elucidated, we believe that this combination treatment, whose overall effects more closely resemble the human disease, represents a valuable alternative model for studying fibrosis development and for the identification of new antifibrotic compounds.
Transcriptomic and proteomic profiling of young and old mice in the bleomycin model reveals high similarity
Authors: Klee Stephan , Picart-Armada Sergio , Wenger Kathrin , Birk Gerald , Quast Karsten , Veyel Daniel , Rist Wolfgang , Violet Coralie , Luippold Andreas , Haslinger Christian , Thomas Matthew , Fernandez-Albert Francesc , Kästle Marc
Published: January 2023

The most common preclinical, in vivo model to study lung fibrosis is the bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis model in 2- to 3-mo-old mice. Although this model resembles key aspects of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), there are limitations in its predictability for the human disease. One of the main differences is the juvenile age of animals that are commonly used in experiments, resembling humans of around 20 yr. Because IPF patients are usually older than 60 yr, aging appears to play an important role in the pathogenesis of lung fibrosis. Therefore, we compared young (3 months) and old mice (21 months) 21 days after intratracheal bleomycin instillation. Analyzing lung transcriptomics (mRNAs and miRNAs) and proteomics, we found most pathways to be similarly regulated in young and old mice. However, old mice show imbalanced protein homeostasis as well as an increased inflammatory state in the fibrotic phase compared to young mice. Comparisons with published human transcriptomic data sets (GSE47460, GSE32537, and GSE24206) revealed that the gene signature of old animals correlates significantly better with IPF patients, and it also turned human healthy individuals better into “IPF patients” using an approach based on predictive disease modeling. Both young and old animals show similar molecular hallmarks of IPF in the bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis model, although old mice more closely resemble several features associated with IPF in comparison to young animals.
Diet-induced obesity worsens allergen-induced type 2/type 17 inflammation in airways by enhancing DUOX1 activation
Authors: Habibovic Aida , Hristova Milena , Morris Carolyn R. , Lin Miao-Chong Joy , Cruz Litiele C. , Ather Jennifer L. , Geiszt Miklós , Anathy Vikas , Janssen-Heininger Yvonne M. W. , Poynter Matthew E. , Dixon Anne E. , van der Vliet Albert
Published: January 2023

More than 50% of people with asthma in the United States are obese, and obesity often worsens symptoms of allergic asthma and impairs response to treatment. Based on previously established roles of the epithelial NADPH oxidase DUOX1 in allergic airway inflammation, we addressed the potential involvement of DUOX1 in altered allergic inflammation in the context of obesity. Intranasal house dust mite (HDM) allergen challenge of subjects with allergic asthma induced rapid secretion of IL-33, then IL-13, into the nasal lumen, responses that were significantly enhanced in obese asthmatic subjects (BMI >30). Induction of diet-induced obesity (DIO) in mice by high-fat diet (HFD) feeding similarly enhanced acute airway responses to intranasal HDM challenge, particularly with respect to secretion of IL-33 and type 2/type 3 cytokines, and this was associated with enhanced epithelial DUOX1 expression and was avoided in DUOX1-deficient mice. DIO also enhanced DUOX1-dependent features of chronic HDM-induced allergic inflammation. Although DUOX1 did not affect overall weight gain by HFD feeding, it contributed to glucose intolerance, suggesting a role in glucose metabolism. However, glucose intolerance induced by short-term HFD feeding, in the absence of adiposity, was not sufficient to alter HDM-induced acute airway responses. DIO was associated with enhanced presence of the adipokine leptin in the airways, and leptin enhanced DUOX1-dependent IL-13 and mucin production in airway epithelial cells. In conclusion, augmented inflammatory airway responses to HDM in obesity are associated with increases in airway epithelial DUOX1, and by increased airway epithelial leptin signaling.
Effects of Phoenix dactylifera against Streptozotocin‐Aluminium Chloride Induced Alzheimer’s Rats and Their In Silico Study
Authors: Ismail Hammad , Khalid Dania , Ayub Saad Bin , Ijaz Muhammad Umar , Akram Samra , Bhatti Muhammad Zeeshan , Taqi Malik Mumtaz , Dilshad Erum , Anwaar Sadaf , Batiha Gaber El-Saber , Aggad Sarah S. , Yousef Fatimah M. , Waard Michel De
Published: January 2023

Phoenix dactylifera is known for medicinal importance due to its antioxidant, antidiabetic, antidepressant, and anti‐inflammatory properties. This study is aimed at evaluating the effect of P. dactylifera seeds to cure Alzheimer’s disease (AD). AD was induced in the rats with streptozotocin + aluminium chloride followed by treatment of methanolic extract of P. dactylifera seeds. The blood glucose levels were determined at regular intervals, which showed a prominent decrease in the extracts treated group. Behavior tests, including the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) test and Morris Water Maze (MWM) test, were used to evaluate memory patterns in rats. The results indicated that extract‐treated rats significantly improved memory behavior compared to the diseased group. After dissection, the serum electrolytes, antioxidant enzymes, and choline esterase enzymes were measured in different organs. The serum parameters creatinine, urea, and bilirubin increased after extract treatment. Similarly, the level of antioxidant enzymes like peroxidases (POD), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) in the extract‐treated group showed improved results that were close to the normal control group. The enzyme (lipase, insulin, amylase, and acetylcholine) levels were found enhanced in extract groups as compared to diseased rats. High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the level of dopamine and serotonin neurotransmitters, which were increased significantly for P. dactylifera seeds with values of 0.18 μg/mg tissue and 0.56 μg/mg tissue, respectively. Overall, results showed that P. dactylifera seeds proved to be quite efficient in improving the memory and behavior of treated rats. The antioxidants and enzymes were also increased; therefore, it may be a potential candidate for treating AD.
Improvement of Balance, Motor Aspects, and Activities of Daily Living in Parkinson’s Disease after a Sequential Multimodal Aquatic- and Land-Based Intervention Program
Authors: Iucksch Dielise Debona , Siega Juliana , Leveck Giovanna Cristina , Araujo Luize Bueno de , Mélo Tainá Ribas , Israel Vera Lúcia
Published: January 2023

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative, with heterogeneous clinical conditions and motor changes that reduce functioning. Postural instability is one of the motor aspects of disease progression, with a potential increase in the risk of falls, consequently affecting the activities of daily living (ADL). The objective of this study was to verify the influence of a multimodal intervention program (MIP) sequentially applied in aquatic- (AEs) and land-based environments (LEs) on balance, postural control, motor activities, and ADL in people with PD. It is an interventional clinical study with patients in stages 1 to 4 in the Hoehn and Yahr scale, assessed with Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Mini-Balance Evaluation System Test (Mini-BESTest), Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) II and III, Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), and quiet stance (QS) analysis in a force platform. The MIP was conducted sequentially with aquatic- (AIs) and land-based interventions (LIs) for 12 weeks each, twice a week, each session lasting 1 hour, and a 12-week interval between interventions. The comparison analysis was made with Friedman ANOVA, and the multiple comparisons with Wilcoxon signed-rank, Bonferroni correction, and effect size (

r

). The sample comprised 18 people with PD (

66.83
±
11.74

years). The AI and the full intervention (FI) had a large effect according to BBS. With Mini-BESTest, the LI and FI had a large effect. According to UPDRS II, the MIP improved ADL after LI, with a medium effect, and the motor aspects of UPDRS III improved after LI and FI, with a large effect. DGI was not sensitive in the analyses, with a ceiling effect after FI. No differences were identified in QS analyses. This research identified improved balance, ADL, and motor aspects in people with PD after sequential MIP in AI and LI, indicating that land-based and aquatic interventions are complementary and advantageous to people with PD.