bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Home-based mobile-guided exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation among patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (REHAB-TAVR): protocol for a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Shen Zhiyun , Mi Shouling , Huang Chenxu , Zhou Daxin , Pan Wenzhi , Xu Xiaohua , Lin Ying , Zhang Yuxia
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a standard treatment for aortic stenosis, particularly in older adults. Reduced exercise capacity and frailty significantly impact outcomes in TAVR patients, yet current management lacks strategies to address these issues. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of home-based mobile-guided exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation in TAVR patients, led by a multidisciplinary team with clear progression milestones.

Methods and analysis

The study involves 90 patients aged 60–89 in a single centre who will be randomised to a 3-month novel multidomain exercise intervention or routine care. Outcome assessors will be blinded towards group allocation. The primary outcome is the 6-min walk distance at month 3. The secondary outcomes include the 6-min walk distance at month 6, physical function measured by total Short Physical Performance Battery score and exercise adherence measured by the Exercise Adherence Rating Scale at months 3 and 6. Additional outcome measures, including rehospitalisations, death, handgrip strength, frailty (Fried Criteria and Essential Toolset), cognitive function (Mini-Mental State Examination), quality of life (EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level), nutritional status (Mini-Nutritional Assessment), anxiety (General Anxiety Disorder-7), depression (Geriatric Depression Scale), sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), functional capacity (Duke Activity Status Index), clinical indices (body mass index, symptoms, signs, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide, etc) and social support (Lubben Social Network Scale-6), along with comprehensive cost analysis, enhance the study’s significance. The study’s findings hold crucial implications for crafting an effective exercise-focused cardiac rehabilitation strategy for TAVR patients. Community implementation not only deepens understanding but also fosters the potential integration of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation into self-care, promising enhanced patient adherence and overall cardiovascular health management.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University Ethics Committee (B2022-062R). Results will be disseminated to local stakeholders and the research community through publications and conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT05989594
Evaluation of hospital-onset bacteraemia and fungaemia in the USA as a potential healthcare quality measure: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Leekha Surbhi , Robinson Gwen L , Jacob Jesse T , Fridkin Scott , Shane Andi , Sick-Samuels Anna , Milstone Aaron M , Nair Rajeshwari , Perencevich Eli , Puig-Asensio Mireia , Kobayashi Takaaki , Mayer Jeanmarie , Lewis Julia , Bleasdale Susan , Wenzler Eric , Mena Lora Alfredo J , Baghdadi Jonathan , Schrank Gregory M , Wilber Eli , Aldredge Amalia A , Sharp Joseph , Dyer Kelly E , Kendrick Lea , Ambalam Viraj , Borgetti Scott , Carmack Anna , Gushiken Alexis , Patel Ashka , Reddy Sujan , Brown Clayton H , Dantes Raymund B , Harris Anthony D
Published: May 2024

Background

Hospital-onset bacteraemia and fungaemia (HOB) is being explored as a surveillance and quality metric. The objectives of the current study were to determine sources and preventability of HOB in hospitalised patients in the USA and to identify factors associated with perceived preventability.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of HOB events at 10 academic and three community hospitals using structured chart review. HOB was defined as a blood culture on or after hospital day 4 with growth of one or more bacterial or fungal organisms. HOB events were stratified by commensal and non-commensal organisms. Medical resident physicians, infectious disease fellows or infection preventionists reviewed charts to determine HOB source, and infectious disease physicians with training in infection prevention/hospital epidemiology rated preventability from 1 to 6 (1=definitely preventable to 6=definitely not preventable) using a structured guide. Ratings of 1–3 were collectively considered ‘potentially preventable’ and 4–6 ‘potentially not preventable’.

Results

Among 1789 HOB events with non-commensal organisms, gastrointestinal (including neutropenic translocation) (35%) and endovascular (32%) were the most common sources. Overall, 636/1789 (36%) non-commensal and 238/320 (74%) commensal HOB events were rated potentially preventable. In logistic regression analysis among non-commensal HOB events, events attributed to intravascular catheter-related infection, indwelling urinary catheter-related infection and surgical site infection had higher odds of being rated preventable while events with neutropenia, immunosuppression, gastrointestinal sources, polymicrobial cultures and previous positive blood culture in the same admission had lower odds of being rated preventable, compared with events without those attributes. Of 636 potentially preventable non-commensal HOB events, 47% were endovascular in origin, followed by gastrointestinal, respiratory and urinary sources; approximately 40% of those events would not be captured through existing healthcare-associated infection surveillance.

Discussion

Factors identified as associated with higher or lower preventability should be used to guide inclusion, exclusion and risk adjustment for an HOB-related quality metric.
Effect of the non-application of the motorcycle male passenger restriction policy on the risk of homicides in Cali, Colombia
Authors: Mena Jorge , Fandiño-Losada Andrés , Gutiérrez María Isabel
Published: May 2024

Background

Restrictions of male passengers of motorcycles to prevent homicides is a long-standing policy in Cali, Colombia. For some periods of time, the policy was suspended and then put into action again. All these changes were never evaluated and there has been controversy due to the perception of citizens, specifically motorcycle users, that the law was properly implemented in some periods and poorly applied in others. Our aim was to examine the effect of the non-application of the motorcycle male passenger restriction policy on the risk of homicides in Cali, Colombia.

Methods

Ecologic study conducted using an interrupted time series analysis. The main outcome was the aggregated daily counts of homicides. Secondary outcomes were the aggregated daily counts of homicides using a motorcycle and using motorcycle and firearm. Incidence rate ratios (IRR) were obtained by comparing periods of policy implementation with periods of lack of implementation in autoregressive negative binomial regression models.

Results

There was an increased risk of homicides when the policy was not implemented (IRR=1.12; 1.05–1.19). There was no effect on the risk of homicides committed in motorcycles (IRR=0.98; 0.88–1.10) and when a motorcycle and firearm were used (IRR=0.99; 0.89–1.10).

Conclusions

The lack of implementation of the ban of motorcycle male passengers was associated with an increased risk of homicides. Our findings support the importance of this policy to prevent homicides in Cali, Colombia. Future work should examine how this policy influences other policies related to prevent homicide and violent risk-related behaviour.
Neighbourhood-level policing as a racialised gendered stressor: multilevel analysis of police stops and preterm birth in Seattle, Washington
Authors: Riley Taylor , Jahn Jaquelyn L , Sharif Mienah Z , Enquobahrie Daniel A , Hajat Anjum
Published: May 2024

Background

Most studies capturing the health effects of police violence focus on directly impacted individuals, but a burgeoning field of study is capturing the indirect, community-level health effects of policing. Few empirical studies have examined neighbourhood-level policing, a contextual and racialised gendered stressor, in relation to preterm birth risk among Black and other racially minoritised people.

Methods

We spatially linked individual birth records (2017–2019) in Seattle, Washington (n=25 909) with geocoded data on police stops for three exposure windows: year before pregnancy, first and second trimester. We fit race-stratified multilevel modified Poisson regression models predicting preterm birth (<37 gestational weeks) across tertiles of neighbourhood stop rates controlling for individual and neighbourhood-level covariates. For the second trimester exposure window, birth was operationalised as a time-to-event outcome using multilevel Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

Neighbourhood stop rates of Black residents was higher compared with White residents, and Black and Asian pregnant people were exposed to the highest median neighbourhood-level stop rates. Black birthing people living in neighbourhoods with more frequent police stops had increased risk of preterm birth across all exposure windows including the year before pregnancy (adjusted risk ratio (aRR): 1.38, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.85), first trimester (aRR:1.74, 95% CI 1.17 to 2.57) and second trimester (aHR: 1.66, 95% CI 1.14 to 2.42). We found null or inverse associations among Asian, Hispanic and White people.

Conclusion

Our study adds to the growing evidence documenting associations of higher risk of preterm birth with neighbourhood police stops among Black birthing people. These findings suggest that routine police practices are one aspect of structural racism contributing to racialised perinatal health inequities.
Examining legal and ethical challenges in HIV/AIDS disclosure obligations and medical practices: a case study from China
Authors: Xie Ziyi , Duan Zhizhuang
Published: May 2024

In accordance with China’s regulations on the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS, individuals diagnosed with HIV are required to disclose their medical condition when soliciting medical care in Mainland China. Empirical field investigations, however, indicate that people living with HIV (PLHIV) predominantly comply with this mandate only under conditions of absolute necessity. The ensuing conundrum, juxtaposing the imperative of privacy against the duty of disclosure, has materialised into a recurrent vicious cycle in its practical application, intensifying the intrinsic trust disparities characterising doctor-patient interactions. A meticulous scrutiny of pertinent legal precedents, coupled with in-depth field studies, reveals that the genesis of these complications can be traced back to an unforeseen metamorphosis in the legislative intent underpinning HIV/AIDS prevention and therapeutic strategies. While the initial objective was risk mitigation, the effect of enactment in real-world scenarios has significantly decreased. Owing to factors including extensive media reporting as well as prevailing public discourse, PLHIV, rather than being perceived as rights-bearing entities in legal frameworks, are increasingly relegated to the restrictive and dehumanising labels of ‘HIV/AIDS’. As these individuals navigate their rights through alternative non-regulatory channels, circumventing formal legal obligations, their efficacy in actualising these rights is concurrently undermined.
HOW DOES THE GOVERNMENT PLAY A ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BIG DATA INDUSTRY? BASED ON THE fsQCA RESEARCH OF 31 PROVINCES AND CITIES IN CHINA
Authors: CUI HONGQIAO , WU HUANWEN , ZHU YU
Published: May 2024

This study employs fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis to explore factors influencing the development of the big data industry in 31 provinces and municipalities in China. By analyzing eight representative variables across four dimensions—new infrastructure construction, data resources and applications, government services, and resource input—the study aims to uncover configurations and pathways that affect industry growth. The results reveal four effective strategies: combining infrastructure with data application, integrating government services with data application, coupling infrastructure with resource investment, and focusing solely on government services. Core variables such as optical cable length, policy environment, and service environment require governmental intervention to foster development. Therefore, continuous enhancement of new infrastructure construction, supporting the development of small and medium-sized Enterprises in big data, strengthening the big data industry and government service environment, and increasing investments in talent and capital are recommended to drive industry progression.
Quantum deformation of cubic string field theory
Authors: Shabir Arshid , Khan Amaan A. , Quach James Q. , Wani Salman Sajad , Faizal Mir , Rubab Seemin
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we will analyze a quantum deformation of cubic string field theory. This will be done by first constructing a quantum deformation of string theory, in a covariant gauge, and then using the quantum deformed stringy theory to construct a quantum deformation of string field theory. This quantum-deformed string field will then be used to contract a quantum-deformed version of cubic string field theory. We will explicitly demonstrate that the axioms of cubic string field theory hold even after quantum deformation. Finally, we will analyze the effect of the quantum deformation of string field theory on the string vertices.
GENERALIZED RINGS AROUND SIERPIŃSKI HOLES
Authors: PAK SINHYOK , JANG HYEGYONG
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we prove the existence and arrangement structure of rings passing through superstable parameters and escape parameters and lying outside dividing ring in the parameter plane of the McMullen family [Formula: see text] The dividing ring [Formula: see text] is a simple closed curve passing through [Formula: see text] superstable parameters and the same number of escape parameters. Ring [Formula: see text] is a simple closed curve lying outside ring [Formula: see text] and meeting with [Formula: see text] at [Formula: see text] points and passing [Formula: see text] superstable parameters and [Formula: see text] escape parameters. For [Formula: see text], there exist [Formula: see text] rings [Formula: see text] and each ring passes through [Formula: see text] superstable parameters and the same number of escape parameters. Each ring [Formula: see text] is characterized by a unique symbolic sequence of length [Formula: see text] representing the property of critical orbit corresponding to a parameter lying on it. [Formula: see text] meets with one [Formula: see text]. There are [Formula: see text] rings [Formula: see text] meeting with [Formula: see text] and of those, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] rings lie outside and inside ring [Formula: see text] meeting with [Formula: see text], respectively.
Herglotz’s representation for operator valued functions and the spectral theorem for unitary operators
Authors: Sinha Kalyan Bidhan
Published: May 2024

The Herglotz–Nevanlinna theorem in [Formula: see text] is a very classical, useful theorem with myriad applications. Here a complete proof of its operator-valued version is given, which is then used to prove the spectral theorem for unitary operators.
Anticipating quantum stochastic integrals
Authors: Ji Un Cig
Published: May 2024

Based on the quantum white noise theory, we formulate new types of anticipating quantum stochastic integrals by combining the Hitsuda–Skorokhod quantum stochastic integrals and the interactions between the integrands and the integrators. For our purpose, we prove various versions of analytic characterization theorems of symbols of white noise operators as more general cases. Also, several types of quantum (stochastic) gradients are formulated as continuous linear operators which are related to the quantum white noise derivatives and reflecting the interactions with the external noises. Finally, we formulate further systematical study of anticipating quantum stochastic integrals.
Matching in Networks: Structure of the Set of Stable Allocations
Authors: Garces Alejandra , Neme Alejandro , Risma Eliana Pepa
Published: May 2024

Matching models with contracts have been extensively studied in the last years as a generalization of the classical matching theory. Matching in networks is an even more general model in which firms trade goods via bilateral contracts constituting a supply chain. Hatfield and Kominers ([2012] Matching in networks with bilateral contracts, Am. Econ. J., Microecon. 4(1), 176–208, doi:10.1257/mic.4.1.176) showed that a natural substitutability condition characterizes the maximal domain of firm preferences for which the existence of stable allocations is guaranteed in such a model, if the set of all existent contracts is acyclic. Moreover, they asserted that these conditions are sufficient to obtain a suitable lattice structure for the set of all stable allocations. In this paper, we exhibit an inconsistency in the last point through an example, and introduce an additional condition over firm preferences that allows to recover an appropriate lattice structure.
The number of conjugacy classes of noncyclic subgroups of finite nilpotent groups
Authors: Wei Boyan , Chen Yinan , Liang Xingliang
Published: May 2024

Let [Formula: see text] be a finite nilpotent group. We denote by [Formula: see text] the number of conjugacy classes of noncyclic subgroups of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] the number of conjugacy classes of subgroups of [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we give the formula for [Formula: see text], and prove that [Formula: see text] when the order of [Formula: see text] is prime power. Moreover, we get the minimum of [Formula: see text] according to [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the number of distinct noncyclic Sylow subgroups of [Formula: see text].
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ELECTRIC HANDPIECE AND AIR-TURBINE HANDPIECES AFTER TOOTH PREPARE FOR VENEER
Authors: LUO BIZHU , XU QIUSHENG , HUANG MEIE , ZOU JINGBO , YANG CHANGWEI , HONG RUYAN , CHENG QIANHUANG , YIN LU
Published: May 2024

To evaluate the comparative effects of air-turbine and electric handpieces on dental preparation, 60 premolars were categorized into four groups, each comprising 15 specimens, based on the preparation method employed: air-turbine handpiece (Group A), and electric handpiece set at rotational speeds of 200,000[Formula: see text]rpm (Group B), 50,000[Formula: see text]rpm (Group C), and 20,000[Formula: see text]rpm (Group D). Analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in the surface roughness of the preparations across the four groups ([Formula: see text]). Similarly, no significant variance was observed in fracture resistance among the groups ([Formula: see text]). However, a notable distinction was detected in the degree of microleakage following the aging test ([Formula: see text]), with veneers prepared using the electric handpiece at 200,000[Formula: see text]rpm demonstrating the lowest average microleakage. It is noteworthy that the surface roughness of the preparations and the veneers’ fracture resistance remained unaffected by the variations in preparation method.
THE EFFECT OF ANTHROPOMETRIC PARAMETERS ON THE SEAT TRANSMISSIBILITY DURING WHOLE-BODY VIBRATION: A HYBRID MODELING APPROACH BASED ON ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS AND PRINCIPAL COMPONENT ANALYSIS
Authors: ZHANG XIAOLU , LIN SEN , WANG XINWEI , MIAO YANG
Published: May 2024

The modeling of the seat transmissibility is necessary to advance the understanding of the dynamic interactions between compliant seats and occupants. Within this investigation, an optimized artificial neural network (ANN) model was employed to clarify contributions associated with anthropometric parameters to the seat transmissibility. Anthropometric parameters underwent dimensionality reduction through the principal component analysis, and resultant principal components served as input features for the ANN model. Additionally, the ANN structure’s weights and biases values were adjusted using the genetic algorithm (GA), resulting in a PCA-GA-ANN model for the prediction of seat transmissibilities. The results indicated root mean square error (RMSE) values for predicting vertical in-line and horizontal cross-axis transmissibilities from the developed model were 0.061 and 0.055, respectively, demonstrating superior effectiveness in the prediction error and trends when compared with both the ANN and GA-ANN models. The seat transmissibility predicted from the PCA-GA-ANN model exhibited resonance behaviors similar to that observed in the whole-body vibration test. The sensitivity analysis showed that the subject’s age was the most predominant anthropometric parameter for the prediction, followed by gender and body mass index. The ANN model optimized with principal component analysis (PCA) and GA effectively eliminates the redundant information of anthropometric parameters, enhancing the generalization of the seat transmissibility prediction.
The Effect of the Proportion of Rubber Components on the Properties of EVA/SBR/BR Foams
Authors: Li Qianxi , Gong Zhou , Wang Xinghuo , Cao Ziwu , Hao Jianxin , Chen Yukun
Published: May 2024

In actual production processes, pure ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) foams have a high shrinkage rate, and the foaming matrix is prone to plastic deformation, even causing the collapse of bubbles. This limits the further application of EVA foams. In this study, we incorporated styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) and butadiene rubber (BR) into EVA to improve the mechanical properties and dimensional stability of EVA composite foams without sacrificing their low-density characteristics of low density. We used a melting index meter, rotorless vulcanizing meter and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) to characterize the changes in viscosity and energy storage modulus of the composite matrix. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to study the microscopic morphology of foams. The mechanical properties test results showed that the addition of SBR reduced the density of EVA/SBR/BR composite foams, and the addition of BR improved the mechanical properties and dimensional stability of the foams. By combining the advantages of both, the density of products is comparable to pure EVA, the tensile strength and the compressive strength are increased by 11% and 6.3% relative to pure EVA, respectively.
Exhaustive review of acceleration strategies for Monte Carlo simulations in photon transit
Authors: Xu Louzhe , Zhu Zijie , Li Ting
Published: May 2024

Monte Carlo simulation techniques have become the quintessence and a pivotal nexus of inquiry in the realm of simulating photon movement within biological fabrics. Through the stochastic sampling of tissue archetypes delineated by explicit optical characteristics, Monte Carlo simulations possess the theoretical capacity to render unparalleled accuracy in the depiction of exceedingly intricate phenomena. Nonetheless, the quintessential challenge associated with Monte Carlo simulation methodologies resides in their extended computational duration, which significantly impedes the refinement of their precision. Consequently, this discourse is specifically dedicated to exploring innovations in strategies and technologies aimed at expediting Monte Carlo simulations. It delves into the foundational concepts of various acceleration tactics, evaluates these strategies concerning their speed, accuracy, and practicality, and amalgamates a comprehensive overview and critique of acceleration methodologies for Monte Carlo simulations. Ultimately, the discourse envisages prospective trajectories for the employment of Monte Carlo techniques within the domain of tissue optics.
Computational and in-vitro Investigation of Phytochemicals from Allamanda cathartica as a Potential Candidate for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes mellitus
Authors: Tomar Ritu , Mishra Shashank Shekher , Sahoo Jagannath , Rath Santosh Kumar
Published: May 2024

Diabetes, a chronic metabolic disease, has become a severe health problem worldwide. According to the latest data from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), there were 537 million diabetic mellitus (DM) patients worldwide in 2021, expected to increase to 783 million by 2045. Over 90% of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes, which is driven by socio-economic, demographic, environmental, and genetic factors. Diabetes is still a major global health issue, with prevalence rates rising all across the world. This not only imposes a significant burden on healthcare systems but also impacts the quality of life of affected individuals and their families. Therefore, there is a continuous high demand worldwide to develop novel, more effective, and easily affordable medications against diabetes. This paper illustrates the in-vitro antidiabetic activity and probable binding mechanism prediction of phytoconstituents of Allamanda cathartica against type 2 diabetes molecular targets. Through the application of bioactivity score prediction, molecular docking, and ADMET prediction approach, the potential and selective phytoconstituents with the highest binding affinity and lower toxicity were gained from the curated datasets. Further molecular dynamics simulations and DFT calculations were carried out to identify the favorable binding conformations when the top-scored phytoconstituents bind with the PPAR[Formula: see text] receptors compared to the rosiglitazone. Compound AC2 interacts with the PPAR[Formula: see text] proteins by forming seven hydrogen bonds with the amino acid residues Phe282, His449, Tyr327, His323, and Ser289. The ligand was bound to the protein during the simulation since none of the complex conformations was unstable, and no unfolding or folding occurred. Our results provided an approach to further design and optimize the natural product-inspired small druglike molecules as potential antidiabetic agents. This study highlighted that the phytoconstituents of Allamanda cathartica have antidiabetic potential through the binding of PPAR[Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]-amylase and [Formula: see text]-glucosidase proteins that can be further explored for novel antidiabetic drug development.
Do Know Harm: Considering the Ethics of Online Community Research
Authors: Chancellor Stevie , Konstan Joseph A. , Terveen Loren , Yarosh Svetlana
Published: May 2024

Strategies for engaging in more ethical research with online communities.
Boosting Fair Classifier Generalization through Adaptive Priority Reweighing
Authors: Hu Zhihao , Xu Yiran , Du Mengnan , Gu Jindong , Tian Xinmei , He Fengxiang
Published: May 2024

With the increasing penetration of machine learning applications in critical decision-making areas, calls for algorithmic fairness are more prominent. Although there have been various modalities to improve algorithmic fairness through learning with fairness constraints, their performance does not generalize well in the test set. A performance-promising fair algorithm with better generalizability is needed. This article proposes a novel adaptive reweighing method to eliminate the impact of the distribution shifts between training and test data on model generalizability. Most previous reweighing methods propose to assign a unified weight for each (sub)group. Rather, our method granularly models the distance from the sample predictions to the decision boundary. Our adaptive reweighing method prioritizes samples closer to the decision boundary and assigns a higher weight to improve the generalizability of fair classifiers. Extensive experiments are performed to validate the generalizability of our adaptive priority reweighing method for accuracy and fairness measures (i.e., equal opportunity, equalized odds, and demographic parity) in tabular benchmarks. We also highlight the performance of our method in improving the fairness of language and vision models. The code is available at
https://github.com/che2198/APW
.
Effect of Potassium Ferrocyanide on CMP Performance of Ruthenium in H2O2-based Slurries
Authors: Liu Renhao , Xu Yi , Liu Yuling , Tan Baimei , Ji Jinbo , Zhang Shihao , Zhao Jiadong
Published: May 2024

As feature size of integrated circuits develops to 7 nm, ruthenium is considered the preferred material to replace traditional Ta/TaN barrier layers. Ruthenium can be electroplated without the need for copper seed crystal layers. However, the removal of the ruthenium barrier layer during the polishing process must be addressed. Therefore, this article studies the promoting effect of potassium ferrocyanide (K4Fe(CN)6) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) containing silicon slurries on the rate of ruthenium chemical mechanical polishing. Experiments have shown that the polishing rate of ruthenium is significantly improved by the combined action of K4Fe(CN)6 and H2O2. The stronger hydroxyl radicals is the main factor in achieving a high Ru polishing rate, which accelerates the dissolution and removal of Ru layers by converting the hard Ru layer into softer RuO2 and RuO3 oxide layers. The dependencies of the chemical properties (such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and surface morphology) proved that the CMP mechanism using Fenton reaction principally performs chemical oxidation and etching dominant CMP simultaneously. This study is expected to provide ideas and insights for the development and design of a new alkaline polishing solution for ruthenium, which is beneficial for the wider application of ruthenium in the field of integrated circuits.
Using a flipped classroom in a veterinary systems physiology course increases student performance on basic knowledge and clinical applicability questions
Authors: Basel Matthew T.
Published: May 2024

A flipped classroom using case-based learning can significantly improve student performance in a veterinary physiology course with the largest gains going to lower performing students. Student perception of the flipped classroom can be improved by showing students data on the improvement in performance on examinations.
Oral administration of CXCL12-expressing Limosilactobacillus reuteri improves colitis by local immunomodulatory actions in preclinical models
Authors: Öhnstedt Emelie , Doñas Cristian , Parv Kristel , Pang Yanhong , Lofton Tomenius Hava , Carrasco López Macarena , Gannavarapu Venkata Ram , Choi Jacueline , Ovezik Maria , Frank Peter , Jorvid Margareth , Roos Stefan , Vågesjö Evelina , Phillipson Mia
Published: May 2024

Colitis symptoms are efficiently reduced by peroral administration of probiotic bacteria genetically modified to deliver CXCL12 locally to the inflamed intestine in several mouse models.
Mechanisms of gelofusine protection in an in vitro model of polymyxin B-associated renal injury
Authors: Hudson Cole S. , Roy Anirban , Li Qingtian , Joshi Aniket S. , Yin Taijun , Kumar Ashok , Sheikh-Hamad David , Tam Vincent H.
Published: May 2024

Gelofusine is a gelatinous saline solution with the potential to attenuate polymyxin-associated nephrotoxicity. We demonstrated that the mechanisms of gelofusine renal protection involve reducing polymyxin B uptake by proximal tubule cells, limiting subsequent oxidative stress and apoptosis activation. In addition, gelofusine was more effective at reducing cellular injury than a known antioxidant control, methionine, and a megalin knockout cell line, indicating that gelofusine likely has additional pharmacological properties besides only megalin inhibition.
Expression and localization of HSD17B13 along mouse urinary tract
Authors: Zhang Haibo , Chang Jiazhen , Dai Zhihong , Wang Qiuming , Qiao Rongfang , Huang Yingzhi , Ma Beibei , Jiang Jiuchao , Zhu Chunhua , Su Wen , Zhang Xiaoyan , Guan Youfei
Published: May 2024

HSD17B13, a lipid droplet-associated protein, is crucial in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) development. NAFLD also independently raises chronic kidney disease (CKD) risk, often with renal lipid buildup. However, HSD17B13’s role in CKD-related lipid accumulation is unclear. This study makes the first effort to examine HSD17B13 expression and localization along the urinary system, providing a basis for exploring its physiological and pathophysiological roles in the kidney and urinary tract.
Kcnma1 alternative splicing in mouse kidney: regulation during development and by dietary K+ intake
Authors: Whelan Sarah Christine M. , Mutchler Stephanie M. , Han Agnes , Priestley Catherine , Satlin Lisa M. , Kleyman Thomas R. , Shi Shujie
Published: May 2024

We identified the major Kcnma1 splice variants that are specifically expressed in the whole mouse kidney or aldosterone-sensitive distal nephron segments. Our data suggest that Kcnma1 alternative splicing is developmentally regulated and subject to changes in dietary K+.
Impaired distal renal potassium handling in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice
Authors: Wu Peng , Li Shu-Ting , Shu Ting-Ting , Mao Zi-Hui , Fu Wen-Jia , Yang Yuan-Yuan , Pan Shao-Kang , Liu Dong-Wei , Liu Zhang-Suo , Gao Zhong-Xiuzi
Published: May 2024

Neither low dietary K+ intake nor high dietary K+ intake effectively modulates renal K+ excretion and K+ homeostasis in STZ mice, which is closely related to the abnormality of ENaC expression and activity. SGLT2 inhibitor increases urinary K+ excretion and reduces plasma K+ level in STZ mice under high dietary K+ intake, an effect that may be partly due to the upregulation of ENaC activity.
Clinical Observation of Posterior-Chamber Phakic Implantable Collamer Lens V4c Implantation in Myopic Patients with Shallow Anterior Chamber Depth: A Retrospective, Consecutive Observational Study
Authors: Yuan Juan , Wu Shuang , Hu Zongli , Chen Chunlin , Ye Shiyang , Ye Jian
Published: May 2024

Purpose. The reference range for the preoperative anterior chamber angle width for ICL surgery is unclear. Our objective was to assess the clinical effect and the range of anterior chamber angle width of posterior-chamber implantable collamer lens V4c (ICL V4c) implantation in patients with anterior chamber depth (ACD) < 2.8 mm. Methods. Patients who underwent ICL V4c implantation with shallow ACD were included in this retrospective study. The patients’ uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity, angle of trabecular-iris (TIA), angle-opening distance (AOD500), trabecular-iris space area (TISA500), corneal endothelial cell density, vault, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, intraocular pressure, visual field, and complications were analyzed. Results. Forty-one patients (68 eyes) completed at least 12 months of follow-up (median follow-up, 30 months). The effectiveness and safety indices were 1.09 ± 0.13 and 1.04 ± 0.21, respectively. The preoperative TIA values on the nasal and temporal sides were 39.78 ± 7.68 degree (range, 25.8-65.1 degree) and 41.54 ± 8.03 degree (range, 28.5-63.00 degree). Forty-seven eyes had uncorrected distance visual acuity ≥1.0, and 55 had corrected distance visual acuity ≥1.0 at the last follow-up visit. The TIA, AOD500, and TISA500 on the nasal and temporal sides were significantly reduced compared to those before surgery (all P<0.01); no eye had an angle closure or elevated intraocular pressure. The ICL V4c vault was 290.88 ± 153.36 μm (range, 60.0-880.0 μm). No severe complications occurred in any patient. Conclusions. In patients with myopia with shallow ACD (2.55-2.79 mm), a preoperative TIA >25.8° is safe and effective for a relatively long time after surgery; however, an extended long-term close follow-up is needed.
Detection and Characterization of the Metabolites of Ciwujianoside B in Rats Based on UPLC-Fusion Lumos Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Dong Wan-Ru , Gao Xue , Li Chen-Xue , Song Yan , Chai Jun-Hong , Liang Jun
Published: May 2024

We previously conducted a systematic study on the metabolic process and products of hederasaponin B in rats. We hypothesized that the sugar chain structures play a key role in the metabolism of triterpenoid saponins. To verify this hypothesis, we conducted metabolic research on ciwujianoside B ascribed to the same sugar chains and a distinct aglycone and compared it with hederasaponin B. Specifically, we collected feces, urine, and plasma of rats after gavage with ciwujianoside B and identified 42 metabolites by UPLC-Fusion Lumos Orbitrap mass spectrometry. Finally, ciwujianoside B metabolism and hederasaponin B metabolism were compared, reaching the following conclusions: (i) more than 40 metabolites were identified in both, with the majority of metabolites identified in feces; (ii) the corresponding metabolic pathways in vivo were basically similar, including deglycosylation, acetylation, hydroxylation, glucuronidation, oxidation, and glycosylation; and (iii) deglycosylation was considered the main metabolic reaction, and its metabolites accounted for approximately 50% of all metabolites. Overall, this study provides a foundation for further research on the metabolism of triterpenoid saponins.
Electricity Cogeneration Potential in Minas Gerais Cement Industry with Thermodynamic Cycles
Authors: de Assis Gomes Nathália , de Assis Thais Martins Bernarde , Arrieta Felipe Raul Ponce
Published: May 2024

To assess the electricity cogeneration potential in the Minas Gerais cement industry with thermodynamic cycles is the main purpose of this study. The potential was estimated based on Minas Gerais cement sector data. The Kalina cycle, the organic Rankine cycle, and the conventional Rankine cycle were technically and economically assessed. The technical evaluation considered the thermodynamic modeling with optimization including the mass, energy, entropy, and exergy balances and the heat transfer calculations for heat exchangers. The economic evaluation considered the economic modeling including the calculation of electric power generated specific cost, the total investment, cash flow, and payback. The result shows that the greatest irreversibilities are concentrated in the turbines and evaporators. The Kalina cycle confirmed more generated power and exergetic efficiency, but in terms of thermal efficiency, the values were very similar between the cycles. The three cycles can cover more than 35% of the energy demand, which means a considerable reduction in cement manufacturing costs. All cycles reveal a payback value lower than 3 years, a considerable value of cash flow, and high competitiveness in the current tariff scenario. The electricity cogeneration potential in the Minas Gerais cement industry is near 100 MW, and it is in the south‐central region of Minas Gerais, where there is a greater population and energy demand concentration. This potential could save emissions of around 282,913 tCO2/year.
Solid-State Fermentation of Ganoderma lucidum on the Soluble Sugar Metabolism of Three Summer–Autumn Black Tea Varieties
Authors: Dai Yuqiao , Liu Yabing , LI Yuanlin , Li Qin , Liu Zhongying , Zhang Tuo , Yang Ting , Fang Shimao , Zhang Beibei , Pan Ke
Published: May 2024

Soluble sugar is one of the important characteristic metabolites contributing to the flavor quality of tea. However, little is known about the changes and metabolic pathways of sugar in summer–autumn black tea varieties during the solid-state fermentation of Ganoderma lucidum. Therefore, this study is aimed at investigating the effects of the solid-state fermentation of Ganoderma lucidum on soluble sugar metabolism in three summer–autumn black tea varieties. In this study, we combined targeted metabolomics technology, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and multivariate statistical analysis to reveal the metabolic rules of 13 different sugars in three varieties of summer–autumn black tea under the action of Ganoderma lucidum. Using multivariate statistical analysis, 8 common key sugar differential metabolites were selected from the three groups of samples: D-fructose, trehalose, lactose, maltose, D-galactose, glucose, L-rhamnose, and xylitol. The eight different sugars contributed to the quality difference between Ganoderma lucidum tea and black tea in this study. To better explore the patterns of sugar changes, the metabolic pathways of 13 different sugars were screened and analyzed. The result revealed that the solid-state fermentation of Ganoderma lucidum increased the sweet characteristics and decreased the bitter characteristics of the three summer–autumn black tea varieties. In addition, these results showed that the solid-state fermentation of Ganoderma lucidum could produce lactose in tea, reduce glucose and fructose contents, and increase xylitol content. The solid-state fermentation of Ganoderma lucidum can regulate soluble sugar metabolism in three summer–autumn black tea varieties, leading to an improvement in their quality. This study has potential practical significance for regulating the flavor quality of summer–autumn tea.
Nonstationary Changes in Annual Rainfall over Indonesia’s Maritime Continent
Authors: Sudarman Gian Gardian , Hadi Tri Wahyu , Ningsih Nining Sari , Sopaheluwakan Ardhasena , Syahputra Muhammad Ridho , Marpaung Fiolenta
Published: May 2024

The investigation into changing rainfall patterns in the Indonesian Maritime Continent (IMC) involved testing for trends, step changes, and variance nonstationarity using the Mann–Kendall, Pettitt, and White tests, respectively. The analysis covered data from 106 meteorological stations over the period from 1981 to 2021, with all tests conducted at annual time scales to understand the evolving precipitation dynamics in the region. According to the findings of this study, the average annual rainfall in IMC is nonstationary. Rainfall has increased dramatically by 12.72 mm with a significant shift point in 1994. However, this characteristic is likely to vary if the analysis period is extended, reduced, or conducted in different time frames. The spatial analysis indicates that 35.8% of meteorological stations observed a notable increase in rainfall, while 28.3% experienced a significant shift, and 16% displayed considerable variation. Consequently, the study only partially identified the nonstationary nature of rainfall in the IMC. Moreover, the research highlights a substantial rise in rainfall in the central to eastern IMC region, whereas the central to western region predominantly shows a decrease. This nonstationary test helps avoid errors in climatic conditions and analytical methods, presenting recommendations for hydrological projects. Consequently, employing this nonstationary test helps prevent inaccuracies in understanding climatic conditions and analytical techniques, thereby offering valuable suggestions for hydrological projects.
Effects of Clinical Covariates on Serum miRNA Expression among Women without Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Wollborn Laura , Webber James W. , Alimena Stephanie , Mishra Sudhanshu , Sussman Chad B. , Comrie Cameron E. , Packard Daniel G. , Williams Marta , Russell Trinity , Fendler Wojciech , Chowdhury Dipanjan , Elias Kevin M.
Published: May 2024

Background:

Serum miRNAs are potential biomarkers for ovarian cancer; however, many factors may influence miRNA expression. To understand potential confounders in miRNA analysis, we examined how sociodemographic factors and comorbidities, including known ovarian cancer risk factors, influence serum miRNA levels in women without ovarian cancer.

Methods:

Data from 1,576 women from the Mass General Brigham Biobank collected between 2012 and 2019, excluding subjects previously or subsequently diagnosed with ovarian cancer, were examined. Using a focused panel of 179 miRNA probes optimized for serum profiling, miRNA expression was measured by flow cytometry using the Abcam FirePlex assay and correlated with subjects’ electronic medical records.

Results:

The study population broadly reflected the New England population. The median age of subjects was 49 years, 34% were current or prior smokers, 33% were obese (body mass index > 30 kg/m2), 49% were postmenopausal, and 11% had undergone prior bilateral oophorectomy. Significant differences in miRNA expression were observed among ovarian risk factors such as age, obesity, menopause, BRCA1 or BRCA2 germline mutations, or existence of breast cancer in family history. Additionally, miRNA expression was significantly altered by prior bilateral oophorectomy, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia. Other variables, such as smoking; parity; age at menarche; hormonal replacement therapy; oral contraception; breast, endometrial, or colon cancer; and diabetes, were not associated with significant changes in the panel when corrected for multiple testing.

Conclusions:

Serum miRNA expression patterns are significantly affected by patient demographics, exposure history, and medical comorbidities.

Impact:

Understanding confounders in serum miRNA expression is important for refining clinical assays for cancer screening.
Association of Urinary Biomarkers of Tobacco Exposure with Lung Cancer Risk in African American and White Cigarette Smokers in the Southern Community Cohort Study
Authors: Murphy Sharon E. , Guillermo Cherie , Thomson Nicole M. , Carmella Steven G. , Wittmann Milo , Aldrich Melinda C. , Cai Qiuyin , Sullivan Shannon M. , Stram Daniel O. , Le Marchand Loïc , Hecht Stephen S. , Blot William J. , Park S. Lani
Published: May 2024

Background:

After accounting for smoking history, lung cancer incidence is greater in African Americans than Whites. In the multiethnic cohort, total nicotine equivalents (TNE) are higher in African Americans than Whites at similar reported cigarettes per day. Greater toxicant uptake per cigarette may contribute to the greater lung cancer risk of African Americans.

Methods:

In a nested case–control lung cancer study within the Southern Community Cohort, smoking-related biomarkers were measured in 259 cases and 503 controls (40% White; 56% African American). TNE, the trans-3-hydroxycotinine/cotinine ratio, 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1–3-(pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL), mercapturic acid metabolites of volatile organic compounds, phenanthrene metabolites, cadmium (Cd), and (Z)-7-(1R,2R,3R,5S)-3,5-dihydroxy-2-[(E,3S)-3-hydroxyoct-1-enyl]cyclopenyl]hept-5-enoic acid were quantified in urine. Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate the ORs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for each biomarker and lung cancer risk.

Results:

TNE, NNAL, and Cd were higher in cases than controls (adjusted for age, race, sex, body mass index, and cigarettes per day). Among cases, these levels were higher in African Americans compared with Whites. After accounting for age, sex, body mass index, and pack-years, a one-SD increase in log-TNE (OR = 1.30; 95% CI, 1.10–1.54) and log-NNAL (OR = 1.27; 95% CI, 1.03–1.58 with TNE adjustment) was associated with lung cancer risk. In this study, in which NNAL concentration is relatively high, the association for log-TNE was attenuated after adjustment for log-NNAL.

Conclusions:

Smoking-related biomarkers provide additional information for lung cancer risk in smokers beyond smoking pack-years.

Impact:

Urinary NNAL, TNE, and Cd concentrations in current smokers, particularly African American smokers, may be useful for predicting lung cancer risk.