bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bisbenzimide compounds inhibit the replication of prototype and pandemic potential poxviruses
Authors: Samolej Jerzy , Mendonca Diogo Correa , Upfold Nicole , McElwee Marion , Landsberger Mariann , Yakimovich Artur , Patel Arvind H. , Strang Blair L. , Mercer Jason
Published: February 2024

We previously identified the bisbenzimide Hoechst 33342 (H42) as a potent multi-stage inhibitor of the prototypic poxvirus, the vaccinia virus (VACV), and several parapoxviruses. A recent report showed that novel bisbenzimide compounds similar in structure to H42 could prevent human cytomegalovirus replication. Here, we assessed whether these compounds could also serve as poxvirus inhibitors. Using virological assays, we show that these bisbenzimide compounds inhibit VACV spread, plaque formation, and the production of infectious progeny VACV with relatively low cell toxicity. Further analysis of the VACV lifecycle indicated that the effective bisbenzimide compounds had little impact on VACV early gene expression but inhibited VACV late gene expression and truncated the formation of VACV replication sites. Additionally, we found that bisbenzimide compounds, including H42, can inhibit both monkeypox and a VACV mutant resistant to the widely used anti-poxvirus drug TPOXX (Tecovirimat). Therefore, the tested bisbenzimide compounds were inhibitors of both prototypic and pandemic potential poxviruses and could be developed for use in situations where anti-poxvirus drug resistance may occur. Additionally, these data suggest that bisbenzimide compounds may serve as broad-activity antiviral compounds, targeting diverse DNA viruses such as poxviruses and betaherpesviruses.

IMPORTANCE

The 2022 mpox (monkeypox) outbreak served as a stark reminder that due to the cessation of smallpox vaccination over 40 years ago, most of the human population remains susceptible to poxvirus infection. With only two antivirals approved for the treatment of smallpox infection in humans, the need for additional anti-poxvirus compounds is evident. Having shown that the bisbenzimide H33342 is a potent inhibitor of poxvirus gene expression and DNA replication, here we extend these findings to include a set of novel bisbenzimide compounds that show anti-viral activity against mpox and a drug-resistant prototype poxvirus mutant. These results suggest that further development of bisbenzimides for the treatment of pandemic potential poxviruses is warranted.
High-fat diet disrupts the gut microbiome, leading to inflammation, damage to tight junctions, and apoptosis and necrosis in Nyctereutes procyonoides intestines
Authors: Wei Chengwei , Xu Tianchao , Geng Yuan , Yang Jie , Lv Hongli , Guo Meng-yao
Published: February 2024

Given the burgeoning Nyctereutes procyonoides breeding industry and its growing scale, it is imperative to investigate the impact of high-fat diets on the health of these animals. This study involved 30 male Nyctereutes procyonoides of comparable weights (3 kg ±0.5), randomly assigned to either a control group or a high-fat diet group (
n
= 15 each). The latter group was fed a mixture of lard and basal diet in a 2:5 ratio, establishing a high-fat diet model in Nyctereutes procyonoides. This diet induced diarrhea and histopathological changes in the Nyctereutes procyonoides. Analysis of the small intestine contents using 16S rRNA sequencing revealed a high-fat diet-induced disruption in the gut microbiota. Specifically,
Escherichia-Shigella
emerged as the biomarker in the high-fat diet group (
P
= 0.049), while
Vagococcus
was prevalent in the control group (
P
= 0.049), indicating a significant increase in harmful bacteria in the high-fat diet group. Furthermore, this disrupted gut flora correlated with inflammation and oxidative stress, as evidenced by marked increases in TNF-α (
P
< 0.01), IL-1β (
P
< 0.05), and IL-6 (
P
< 0.05) levels, measured
via
q-PCR, Western blot, and oxidative stress assays. In addition, q-PCR analysis revealed significant upregulation of apoptosis and necrosis markers, including Bax, Caspase3, Caspase9, Caspase12, RIPK3, and RIPK1 (
P
< 0.01 to
P
< 0.001), and a concurrent downregulation of the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 (
P
< 0.01) in the high-fat diet group, consistent with protein expression trends. These findings suggest that a high-fat diet alters the gut microbiome toward a more harmful bacterial composition, escalating inflammatory responses and intestinal tissue permeability, culminating in intestinal cell apoptosis and necrosis.

IMPORTANCE

This study examines the impact of high-fat diets on Nyctereutes procyonoides. Our research established a Nyctereutes procyonoides model on a high-fat diet, revealing significant health impacts, such as diarrhea, histological anomalies, and alterations in the gut microbiota. These findings emphasize the importance of preventing health issues and promoting sustainable industry growth. They highlight the significant impact of diet on gut microbiota and overall animal health.
Does workforce explain the relationship between funding and patient experience? A mediation analysis of primary care data in England
Authors: Salant Natasha , Massou Efthalia , Awan Hassan , Ford John Alexander
Published: February 2024

Objectives

To determine whether general practitioner (GP) workforce contributes to the link between practice funding and patient experience. Specifically, to determine whether increased practice funding is associated with better patient experience, and to what degree an increase in workforce accounts for this relationship.

Setting

Primary care practice level analysis of workforce, funding and patient experience of all NHS practices in England.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The link between NHS-provided funding to general practice (payments per patient) and patient experience, as per the General Practice Patient Survey, was evaluated. Subsequently, mediation analysis, adjusted for covariates, was used to scrutinise the extent to which GP workforce accounts for this relationship (measured as the number of GPs per 10 000 patients).

Participants

We included all general practices in England for which there was relevant data for each primary variable. Atypical practices were excluded, such as those with a patient list size of 0 or where the workforce variable was recorded as being more than 3 SD from the mean. After exclusion, 6139 practices were included in the final analysis.

Results

We found that workforce (GPs per 10 000 population) significantly (p<0.001) acts as a mediator in the effect of practice funding on overall patient experience even after adjusting for rurality, sex and age, and deprivation. On average, the mediated effect constitutes 30% of the total effect of practice funding on patient experience.

Conclusions

The increase in the number of doctors in primary care in England appears to be a mechanism through which augmented practice funding could positively impact patient experience. Policy initiatives targeting improved patient experience should prioritise considerations related to workforce and practice funding.
Barriers and enablers to blood culture sampling in Indonesia, Thailand and Viet Nam: a Theoretical Domains Framework-based survey
Authors: Suntornsut Pornpan , Asadinia Koe Stella , Limato Ralalicia , Tamara Alice , Rotty Linda W A , Bramanti Rendra , Nusantara Dwi U , Nelwan Erni J , Khusuwan Suwimon , Suphamongkholchaikul Watthanapong , Chamnan Parinya , Piyaphanee Watcharapong , Vu Huong Thi Lan , Nguyen Yen Hai , Nguyen Khanh Hong , Pham Thach Ngoc , Le Quang Minh , Vu Vinh Hai , Chau Duc Minh , Vo Dung Em Thi Hoang , Harriss Elinor K , van Doorn Hindrik Rogier , Hamers Raph Leonardus , Lorencatto Fabiana , Atkins Lou , Limmathurotsakul Direk
Published: February 2024

Objective

Blood culture (BC) sampling is recommended for all suspected sepsis patients prior to antibiotic administration. We examine barriers and enablers to BC sampling in three Southeast Asian countries.

Design

A Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF)-based survey, comprising a case scenario of a patient presenting with community-acquired sepsis and all 14 TDF domains of barriers/enablers to BC sampling.

Setting

Hospitals in Indonesia, Thailand and Viet Nam, December 2021 to 30 April 2022.

Participants

1070 medical doctors and 238 final-year medical students were participated in this study. Half of the respondents were women (n=680, 52%) and most worked in governmental hospitals (n=980, 75.4%).

Outcome measures

Barriers and enablers to BC sampling.

Results

The proportion of respondents who answered that they would definitely take BC in the case scenario was highest at 89.8% (273/304) in Thailand, followed by 50.5% (252/499) in Viet Nam and 31.3% (157/501) in Indonesia (p<0.001). Barriers/enablers in nine TDF domains were considered key in influencing BC sampling, including ‘priority of BC (TDF-goals)’, ‘perception about their role to order or initiate an order for BC (TDF-social professional role and identity)’, ‘perception that BC is helpful (TDF-beliefs about consequences)’, ‘intention to follow guidelines (TDF-intention)’, ‘awareness of guidelines (TDF-knowledge)’, ‘norms of BC sampling (TDF-social influence)’, ‘consequences that discourage BC sampling (TDF-reinforcement)’, ‘perceived cost-effectiveness of BC (TDF-environmental context and resources)’ and ‘regulation on cost reimbursement (TDF-behavioural regulation)’. There was substantial heterogeneity between the countries. In most domains, the lower (higher) proportion of Thai respondents experienced the barriers (enablers) compared with that of Indonesian and Vietnamese respondents. A range of suggested intervention types and policy options was identified.

Conclusions

Barriers and enablers to BC sampling are varied and heterogenous. Cost-related barriers are more common in more resource-limited countries, while many barriers are not directly related to cost. Context-specific multifaceted interventions at both hospital and policy levels are required to improve diagnostic stewardship practices.
Inhaled nitric oxide therapy for preterm infants after 7 days of age: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Minamitani Yohei , Kato Shin , Hosokawa Miku , Nakashima Toshinori , Iwatani Sota , Nakao Atsushi , Suzuki Daichi , Ota Erika , Nakanishi Hidehiko
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) use is recommended for persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn in term and late preterm infants. Recently, iNO therapy to prevent bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or rescue for hypoxic respiratory failure and pulmonary hypertension secondary to BPD has increasingly been used in preterm infants after 7 days of postnatal age (in the postacute phase), despite its off-label use. However, the initiation criteria of iNO therapy for preterm infants in the postacute phase are varied. The aim of this scoping review is to identify the clinical and/or echo findings at the initiation of iNO therapy in preterm infants in the postacute phase.

Methods and analysis

We will search PubMed, Embase and the Japanese database ‘Ichushi.’ The following studies will be included in the review: randomised controlled trials, prospective/retrospective cohort studies, case–control studies and case series on iNO therapy for preterm infants in the postacute phase; studies published between January 2003 and August 2023; studies conducted in developed countries and studies written in English or Japanese. We will independently screen, extract and chart data using the population–concept–context framework following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. We will summarise the characteristics and findings of the included studies.

Ethics and dissemination

Obtaining an institutional review board approval is not required because of the nature of this review. A final report of review findings will be published and disseminated through a peer-reviewed journal and presentation at relevant conferences.

Trial registration number

UMIN000051498.
Priority strategies to reduce socio-gendered inequities in access to person-centred osteoarthritis care: Delphi survey
Authors: Iziduh Sharon , Abbaticchio Angelina , Theodorlis Madeline , Ahluwalia Vandana , Battistella Marisa , Borkhoff Cornelia M , Hazlewood Glen Stewart , Lofters Aisha , MacKay Crystal , Marshall Deborah A , Gagliardi Anna R
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Osteoarthritis (OA) prevalence, severity and related comorbid conditions are greater among women compared with men, but women, particularly racialised women, are less likely than men to access OA care. We aimed to prioritise strategies needed to reduce inequities in OA management.

Design

Delphi survey of 28 strategies derived from primary research retained if at least 80% of respondents rated 6 or 7 on a 7-point Likert scale.

Setting

Online.

Participants

35 women of diverse ethno-cultural groups and 29 healthcare professionals of various specialties from across Canada.

Results

Of the 28 initial and 3 newly suggested strategies, 27 achieved consensus to retain: 20 in round 1 and 7 in round 2. Respondents retained 7 patient-level, 7 clinician-level and 13 system-level strategies. Women and professionals agreed on all but one patient-level strategy (eg, consider patients’ cultural needs and economic circumstances) and all clinician-level strategies (eg, inquire about OA management needs and preferences). Some discrepancies emerged for system-level strategies that were more highly rated by women (eg, implement OA-specific clinics). Comments revealed general support among professionals for system-level strategies provided that additional funding or expanded scope of practice was targeted to only formally trained professionals and did not reduce funding for professionals who already managed OA.

Conclusions

We identified multilevel strategies that could be implemented by healthcare professionals, organisations or systems to mitigate inequities and improve OA care for diverse women.
Protocol for a multicentre and prospective follow-up cohort study of early detection of atrial fibrillation, silent stroke and cognitive impairment in high-risk primary care patients: the PREFA-TE study
Authors: Hernández-Pinilla Alba , Clua-Espuny Jose-Luis , Satué-Gracia Eva María , Pallejà-Millán Meritxell , Martín-Luján Francisco M
Published: February 2024

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia. Future estimations suggest an increase in global burden of AF greater than 60% by 2050. Numerous studies provide growing evidence that AF is not only associated with stroke but also with cognitive impairment and dementia.

Aim

The main goal is to assess the impact of the combined use of cardiac rhythm monitoring devices, echocardiography, biomarkers and neuroimaging on the early diagnosis of AF, silent strokes and cognitive decline, in subjects at high risk of AF.

Methods and analysis

Two-year follow-up of a cohort of individuals aged 65–85 years at high risk for AF, with no prior diagnosis of either stroke or dementia. The study involves baseline echocardiography, biomarkers, and neuroimaging, yearly cardiac monitoring, and semiannual clinical assessments. Different parameters from these tests will be analysed as independent variables. Throughout the study period, primary outcomes: new diagnoses of AF, stroke and cognitive impairment, along with any clinical and therapeutic changes, will be registered. A first descriptive and bivariate statistical analysis, appropriate to the types of variables, will be done. The information obtained from the data analysis will encompass adjusted risk estimates along with 95% confidence intervals. Event risk predictions will rely on multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models. The predictive value of the model will be evaluated through the utilisation of receiver operating characteristic curves for area under the curve calculation. Additionally, time-to-event analysis will be performed using Kaplan-Meier curves.

Ethics and dissemination

This study protocol has been reviewed and approved by the Independent Ethics Committee of the Foundation University Institute for Primary Health Care Research-IDIAP Jordi Gol (expedient file 22/090-P). The authors plan to disseminate the study results to the general public through various scientific events. Publication in open-access journals and presentations at scientific congresses, seminars and meetings is also foreseen.

Trial registration number

NCT05772806.
Personalised virtual reality in palliative care: clinically meaningful symptom improvement for some
Authors: Altman Kaylin , Saredakis Dimitrios , Keage Hannah , Hutchinson Amanda , Corlis Megan , Smith Ross T , Crawford Gregory Brian , Loetscher Tobias
Published: February 2024

Objectives

This study examined the effects of virtual reality (VR) among palliative care patients at an acute ward. Objectives included evaluating VR therapy benefits across three sessions, assessing its differential impact on emotional versus physical symptoms and determining the proportion of patients experiencing clinically meaningful improvements after each session.

Methods

A mixed-methods design was employed. Sixteen palliative inpatients completed three personalised 20 min VR sessions. Symptom burden was assessed using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale-Revised and quality of life with the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT-Pal-14). Standardised criteria assessed clinically meaningful changes. Quantitative data were analysed using linear mixed models.

Results

Quality of life improved significantly pre-VR to post-VR with a large effect size (Cohen’s d: 0.98). Total symptom burden decreased after 20 min VR sessions (Cohen’s d: 0.75), with similar effect sizes for emotional (Cohen’s d: 0.67) and physical symptoms (Cohen’s d: 0.63). Over 50% of patients experienced clinically meaningful improvements per session, though substantial individual variability occurred.

Conclusions

This study reveals the nuanced efficacy of personalised VR therapy in palliative care, with over half of the patients experiencing meaningful benefits in emotional and physical symptoms. The marked variability in responses underscores the need for realistic expectations when implementing VR therapy.
Interactive effects of low-volume interval exercise and nutrition on glycemic control
Authors: Gillen Jenna B.
Published: February 2024

Low-volume interval training has been demonstrated to improve indices of 24 h glycemic control using continuous glucose monitoring in individuals with or at risk for metabolic diseases. Nonetheless, there are inconsistencies in the literature with respect to the effects of interval exercise on 24 h glycemia, which may partly result from different nutritional conditions and/or controls adopted across various studies. This current opinion aims to provide a concise overview of the effects of acute and chronic interval exercise on 24 h glycemic control, while also describing how nutrition can influence and modify these responses. Given the distinct impact of dietary intake on blood glucose regulation, the adoption of diverse dietary control strategies during measurement of 24 h glycemia—spanning from using the participant’s habitual diet to providing standardized meals customized to individual energy requirements—may contribute to varying conclusions across studies regarding the influence of interval exercise on 24 h glycemia. In addition, nutritional manipulations surrounding exercise, including whether interval exercise commences in the fasted or fed state, the macronutrient composition of post-exercise meals, and the presence of an energy and/or carbohydrate deficit among participants, offer important context when considering the effects of interval exercise on 24 h glycemia. Additional well-controlled studies are warranted to explore the interactive effects of interval exercise and nutrition on 24 h glycemia. These efforts will assist in refining exercise and nutrition recommendations aimed at improving glycemic control.
Superluminal propagation along the brane in space with extra dimensions
Authors: Dai De-Chang , Stojkovic Dejan
Published: February 2024

We demonstrate that a model with extra dimensions formulated in Csaki et al. (Phys Rev D 62:045015, 2000), which fatefully reproduces Friedmann–Robertson–Walker (FRW) equations on the brane, allows for an apparent superluminal propagation of massless signals. Namely, a massive brane curves the spacetime and affects the trajectory of a signal in a way that allows a signal sent from the brane through the bulk to arrive (upon returning) to a distant point on the brane faster than the light can propagate along the brane. In particular, the signal sent along the brane suffers a greater gravitational time delay than the bulk signal due to the presence of matter on the brane. While the bulk signal never moves with the speed greater than the speed of light in its own locality, this effect still enables one to send signals faster than light from the brane observer’s perspective. For example, this effect might be used to resolve the cosmological horizon problem. In addition, one of the striking observational signatures would be arrival of the same gravitational wave signal at two different times, where the first signals arrives before its electromagnetic counterpart. We used GW170104 gravitational wave event to impose a strong limit on the model with extra dimensions in question.
Charting mobility patterns in the scientific knowledge landscape
Authors: Singh Chakresh Kumar , Tupikina Liubov , Lécuyer Fabrice , Starnini Michele , Santolini Marc
Published: February 2024

From small steps to great leaps, metaphors of spatial mobility abound to describe discovery processes. Here, we ground these ideas in formal terms by systematically studying mobility patterns in the scientific knowledge landscape. We use low-dimensional embedding techniques to create a knowledge space made up of 1.5 million articles from the fields of physics, computer science, and mathematics. By analyzing the publication histories of individual researchers, we discover patterns of scientific mobility that closely resemble physical mobility. In aggregate, the trajectories form mobility flows that can be described by a gravity model, with jumps more likely to occur in areas of high density and less likely to occur over longer distances. We identify two types of researchers from their individual mobility patterns: interdisciplinary explorers who pioneer new fields, and exploiters who are more likely to stay within their specific areas of expertise. Our results suggest that spatial mobility analysis is a valuable tool for understanding the evolution of science.
Mechanosensitivity of phase separation in an elastic gel
Authors: Deviri Dan , Safran Samuel A.
Published: February 2024

Liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) in binary or multi-component solutions is a well-studied subject in soft matter with extensive applications in biological systems. In recent years, several experimental studies focused on LLPS of solutes in hydrated gels, where the formation of coexisting domains induces elastic deformations within the gel. While the experimental studies report unique physical characteristics of these systems, such as sensitivity to mechanical forces and stabilization of multiple, periodic phase-separated domains, the theoretical understanding of such systems and the role of long-range interactions have not emphasized the nonlinear nature of the equilibrium binodal for strong segregation of the solute. In this paper, we formulate a generic, mean-field theory of a hydrated gel in the presence of an additional solute which changes the elastic properties of the gel. We derive equations for the equilibrium binodal of the phase separation of the solvent and solute and show that the deformations induced by the solute can result in effective long-range interactions between phase-separating solutes that can either enhance or, in the case of externally applied pressure, suppress phase separation of the solute relative to the case where there is no gel. This causes the coexisting concentrations at the binodal to depend on the system-wide average concentration, in contrast to the situation for phase separation in the absence of the gel.

Graphical abstract
Room-scale Location Trace Tracking via Continuous Acoustic Waves
Authors: Lian Jie , Yuan Xu , Lou Jiadong , Chen Li , Wang Hao , Tzeng Nianfeng
Published: February 2024

The increasing prevalence of smart devices spurs the development of emerging indoor localization technologies for supporting diverse personalized applications at home. Given marked drawbacks of popular chirp signal-based approaches, we aim at developing a novel device-free localization system via the continuous wave of the inaudible frequency. To achieve this goal, solutions are developed for fine-grained analyses, able to precisely locate moving human traces in the room-scale environment. In particular, a smart speaker is controlled to emit continuous waves at inaudible
20kHz
, with a co-located microphone array to record their Doppler reflections for localization. We first develop solutions to remove potential noises and then propose a novel idea by slicing signals into a set of narrowband signals, each of which is likely to include at most one body segment’s reflection. Different from previous studies, which take original signals themselves as the baseband, our solutions employ the Doppler frequency of a narrowband signal to estimate the velocity first and apply it to get the accurate baseband frequency, which permits a precise phase measurement after I-Q (i.e., in-phase and quadrature) decomposition. A signal model is then developed, able to formulate the phase with body segment’s velocity, range, and angle. We next develop novel solutions to estimate the motion state in each narrowband signal, cluster the motion states for different body segments corresponding to the same person, and locate the moving traces while mitigating multi-path effects. Our system is implemented with commodity devices in room environments for performance evaluation. The experimental results exhibit that our system can conduct effective localization for up to three persons in a room, with the average errors of 7.49
cm
for a single person, with 24.06
cm
for two persons, with 51.15
cm
for three persons.
Can We Save the Public Internet?
Authors: Blumenthal Marjory , Govindan Ramesh , Katz-Bassett Ethan , Krishnamurthy Arvind , McCauley James , Merrill Nick , Narechania Tejas , Panda Aurojit , Shenker Scott
Published: February 2024

The goal of this short document is to explain why recent developments in the Internet's infrastructure are problematic. As context, we note that the Internet was originally designed to provide a simple universal service - global end-to-end packet delivery - on which a wide variety of end-user applications could be built. The early Internet supported this packet-delivery service via an interconnected collection of commercial Internet Service Providers (ISPs) that we will refer to collectively as the "public Internet." The Internet has fulfilled its packet-delivery mission far beyond all expectations and is now the dominant global communications infrastructure. By providing a level playing field on which new applications could be deployed, the Internet has enabled a degree of innovation that no one could have foreseen. To improve performance for some common applications, "enhancements" such as caching (as in content-delivery networks) have been gradually added to the Internet. The resulting performance improvements are so significant that such enhancements are now effectively necessary to meet current content delivery demands. Despite these tangible benefits, this document argues that the way these enhancements are currently deployed seriously undermines the sustainability of the public Internet and could lead to an Internet infrastructure that reaches fewer people and is largely concentrated among only a few large-scale providers. We wrote this document because we fear that these developments are now decidedly tipping the Internet's playing field towards those who can deploy these enhancements at massive scale, which in turn will limit the degree to which the future Internet can support unfettered innovation. This document begins by explaining our concerns but goes on to articulate how this unfortunate fate can be avoided. To provide more depth for those who seek it, we provide a separate addendum with further detail.
Performance of Electromagnetic Properties of Carbon Fiber Reinforced and AuNPs Functionalized MWCNTs Doped Hybride Composites
Authors: Özkan Vildan
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this article is to compare the electromagnetic absorption properties of carbon fiber layer composite materials produced separately using Au particles doped MWCNT added epoxy with pure MWCNT added epoxy resin. This new material, produced using MWCNT doped with Au particles, increases its radar absorption capability. And therefore the as-prepared electromagnetic absorber demonstrates enormous potential in future military and aviation applications. Multilayer composite materials, consisting of Au/MWCNT doped epoxy, MWCNT doped epoxy and pure epoxy, were produced by vacuum infusion method. Electromagnetic absorbing properties of the produced materials were determined with the Agilent brand 2-Port PNA-L Network Analyzer device by conducting transmission/reflection measurements in the frequency range of 3–18 GHz. The electromagnetic absorbing properties of the produced composite materials were taken in two different measurements, both with and without metal plate. Measurements were made using two horn antennas. Show that the produced MWCNT doped and Au/MWCNT doped carbon fiber laminated composite material has good absorption behavior when used with metallic sheets and is good for RADOM applications at many points at 3–18 GHz.
Investigation of Resistive Switching of Insulating Hafnium Nitride for Nonvolatile Memory Applications
Authors: Do Hoang Bao Chau , Chung Chin-Han , Mai Thi Thu , Prasad Om Kumar , Jagga Deepali
Published: February 2024

In this study, nitrogen-rich Hafnium Nitride (HfN) featuring insulating properties was investigated for achieving resistive switching, crucial for the functionality of resistive random-access memory (ReRAM) devices. Devices were fabricated with a 15-nm HfN resistive switching layer using a Radio Frequency (RF) sputtering system. The fabricated devices successfully exhibited a bipolar switching characteristic with a high On/Off ratio (up to 104). An interesting 2-step behavior was also observed during the formation of the conduction filament which was suspected to be tied to the migration of the nitrogen ions. This is the first attempt at using HfN as the resistive switching material for nonvolatile memory applications.
Lipid Horizons: Recent Advances and Future Prospects in LBDDS for Oral Administration of Antihypertensive Agents
Authors: Preeti  , Sambhakar Sharda , Malik Rohit , Bhatia Saurabh , Harrasi Ahmed Al , Saharan Renu , Aggarwal Geeta , Kumar Suresh , Sehrawat Renu , Rani Chanchal
Published: February 2024

The lipid-based drug delivery system (LBDDS) is a well-established technique that is anticipated to bring about comprehensive transformations in the pharmaceutical field, impacting the management and administration of drugs, as well as treatment and diagnosis. Various LBDDSs verified to be an efficacious mechanism for monitoring hypertension systems are SEDDS (self-nano emulsifying drug delivery), nanoemulsion, microemulsions, vesicular systems (transferosomes and liposomes), and solid lipid nanoparticles. LBDDSs overcome the shortcomings that are associated with antihypertensive agents because around fifty percent of the antihypertensive agents experience a few drawbacks including short half-life because of hepatic first-pass metabolism, poor aqueous solubility, low permeation rate, and undesirable side effects. This review emphasizes antihypertensive agents that were encapsulated into the lipid carrier to improve their poor oral bioavailability. Incorporating cutting-edge technologies such as nanotechnology and targeted drug delivery, LBDDS holds promise in addressing the multifactorial nature of hypertension. By fine-tuning drug release profiles and enhancing drug uptake at specific sites, LBDDS can potentially target renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system components, sympathetic nervous system pathways, and endothelial dysfunction, all of which play crucial roles in hypertension pathophysiology. The future of hypertension management using LBDDS is promising, with ongoing reviews focusing on precision medicine approaches, improved biocompatibility, and reduced toxicity. As we delve deeper into understanding the intricate mechanisms underlying hypertension, LBDDS offers a pathway to develop next-generation antihypertensive therapies that are safer, more effective, and tailored to individual patient needs.
Effects of Dietary Aflatoxin B1 on Hybrid Grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × Epinephelus lanceolatus ♂) Growth, Intestinal Health, and Muscle Quality
Authors: Liu Hao , Xie Ruitao , Huang Weibin , Yang Yuanzhi , Zhou Menglong , Lu Baiquan , Li Biao , Tan Beiping , Dong Xiaohui
Published: February 2024

This study investigated the effects of varying doses of dietary aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on the growth, intestinal health, and muscle quality of hybrid grouper. Four diets with varying AFB1 concentrations (0, 30, 445, and 2,230 μg kg−1) were used. Elevating AFB1 concentrations led to a decline in growth indexes, specifically the weight gain rate and the specific growth rate, although the survival rate remained unchanged. Morphological indicators showed a dose‐dependent decline with AFB1 exposure. Intestinal MDA content and hindgut reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels increased, while antioxidant indexes and digestive enzymes decreased with higher AFB1 levels. AFB1 negatively influenced hindgut tight junction protein and antioxidant‐related gene expression while promoting inflammation‐related gene expression. The presence of AFB1 in the experiment led to a decrease in beneficial intestinal bacteria, such as Prevotella, and an increase in harmful intestinal bacteria, such as Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group. Muscle lipid and unsaturated fatty acid content significantly decreased, while muscle protein and liver AFB1 content increased dramatically with higher AFB1 concentrations. AFB1 caused myofibrillar cleavage and myofilament damage, leading to increased spaces between muscle fibers. In conclusion, diets with AFB1 levels exceeding 30 μg kg−1 inhibited hybrid grouper growth, while levels surpassing 445 μg kg−1 resulted in hindgut ROS accumulation, inflammation, elevated intestinal permeability, reduced digestive enzyme activity, and compromised muscle quality.
Effect of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio on Post-TAVR Mortality and Periprocedural Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Gao Xin , Jiang Xiaoxiao , Wu Zonglei , Chen Na , Gong Minghui , Zhao Xu , Liu Yan , Guo Ran
Published: February 2024

Aims. To evaluate the impact of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) on periprocedural pulmonary hypertension (PH) and 3-month all-cause mortality in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and to develop a nomogram for predicting the mortality for these patients. Methods and Results. 124 patients undergoing TAVR were categorized into three groups according to systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP): Group I (no PH, n = 61) consisted of patients with no pre- and post-TAVR PH; Group II (improved PH, n = 35) consisted of patients with post-TAVR systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) decreased by more than 10 mmHg compared to pre-TAVR levels; and Group III (persistent PH, n = 28) consisted of patients with post-TAVR sPAP no decrease or less than 10 mmHg, or new-onset PH after the TAVR procedure. The risk of all-cause mortality within 3 months tended to be higher in Group II (11.4%) and Group III (14.3%) compared to Group I (3.3%) (P=0.057). The multinomial logistic regression analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between NLR and both improved PH (OR: 1.182, 95% CI: 1.036–1.350, P=0.013) and persistent PH (OR: 1.181, 95% CI: 1.032–1.352, P=0.016). Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed a significant association between higher NLR and increased 3-month all-cause mortality (16.1% vs. 3.1% in lower NLR group, P=0.021). The multivariable Cox regression analysis confirmed that NLR was an independent predictor for all-cause mortality within 3 months, even after adjusting for clinical confounders. A nomogram incorporating five factors (BNP, heart rate, serum total bilirubin, NLR, and comorbidity with coronary heart disease) was developed. ROC analysis was performed to discriminate the ability of the nomogram, and the AUC was 0.926 (95% CI: 0.850–1.000, P<0.001). Conclusions. Patients with higher baseline NLR were found to be at an increased risk of periprocedural PH and all-cause mortality within 3 months after TAVR.
Numerical Integration of Some Arbitrary Functions over an Ellipsoid by Discretizing into Hexahedral Elements for Biomaterial Studies
Authors: Mamatha T. M. , Venkatesh B. , Senthil Kumar P. , Mullai Venthan S. , Nisha M. S. , Rangasamy Gayathri
Published: February 2024

This study mathematically examines chemical and biomaterial models by employing the finite element method. Unshaped biomaterials’ complex structures have been numerically analyzed using Gaussian quadrature rules. It has been analyzed for commercial benefits of chemical engineering and biomaterials as well as biorefinery fields. For the computational work, the ellipsoid has been taken as a model, and it has been transformed by subdividing it into six tetrahedral elements with one curved face. Each curved tetrahedral element is considered a quadratic and cubic tetrahedral element and transformed into standard tetrahedral elements with straight faces. Each standard tetrahedral element is further decomposed into four hexahedral elements. Numerical tests are presented that verify the derived transformations and the quadrature rules. Convergence studies are performed for the integration of rational, weakly singular, and trigonometric test functions over an ellipsoid by using Gaussian quadrature rules and compared with the generalized Gaussian quadrature rules. The new transformations are derived to compute numerical integration over curved tetrahedral elements for all tests, and it has been observed that the integral outcomes converge to accurate values with lower computation duration.
A Two-Dimensional Planar Fracture Network Model for Broken Rock Mass Based on Packer Test and Fractal Dimension
Authors: Wen Lei , Guo Ping , Zhang Xin , Lu Wen-qiang , Liu Zhong Fang
Published: February 2024

Broken rock masses with the complexity and concealment widely exist in nature such as underground mine, collapse column, and zone. It is extremely difficult to model fracture networks and to simulate water diffusion for broken rock masses. To explore a reasonable fracture network model for broken rock masses, a new method for modeling a two-dimensional planar fracture network model is proposed in this paper. It includes packer test, empirical relationship, fractal width description, and symmetric expansion modeling. Then, the fluid-solid coupling is used to simulate the diffusion properties of water in the two-dimensional planar fracture network model. It is found that the diffusion velocities vmax and vmin do not appear in the fracture widths λmax and λmin. It indicates that the fracture widths λmax and

λ

min

in the fracture network model for broken rock mass have little impact on the diffusion velocity. Furthermore, the fracture distribution pattern in the fracture network model is an important factor affecting the diffusion velocities vmax and vmin. The simulation results of water diffusion in the currently proposed model are almost consistent with the actual process of the packer test. Also, the validity of the two-dimensional planar fracture network model is verified by comparing the simulation results with the existing research.
Landslide Susceptibility Mapping Using GIS and Bivariate Statistical Models in Chemoga Watershed, Ethiopia
Authors: Addis Abinet
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to map the landslide susceptibility in the Chemoga watershed, Ethiopia, using Geographic Information System (GIS) and bivariate statistical models. Based on Google earth imagery and field survey, about 169 landslide locations were identified and classified randomly into training datasets (70%) and test datasets (30%). Eleven landslides conditioning factors, including slope, elevation, aspect, curvature, topographic wetness index, normalized difference vegetation index, road, river, land use, rainfall, and lithology were integrated with training landslides to determine the weights of each factor and factor classes using both frequency ratio (FR) and information value (IV) models. The final landslide susceptibility map was classified into five classes: very low, low, moderate, high, and very high. The results of area under the curve (AUC) accuracy models showed that the success rates of the FR and IV models were 87.00% and 90.10%, while the prediction rates were 88.00% and 92.30%, respectively. This type of study will be very useful to the local government for future planning and decision on landslide mitigation plans.
Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy and Autoimmune Disorders: A Systematic Scoping Review of Published Cases
Authors: Farjoud Kouhanjani Mohsen , Hosseini Seyed Ali , Mousavi Seyedeh Maryam , Noroozi Zahra , Sadeghi Paniz , Jokar-Derisi Armita , Jamshidi Mouselou Mohammad Saleh , Ahmadi Meysam , Attar Armin
Published: February 2024

Introduction. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) features transient left ventricular apical dysfunction or ballooning. The underlying mechanism remains elusive; however, evidence suggests the role of different physical and psychological stressors. We systematically reviewed patients presenting with TCM and autoimmunity to explore the link between the two conditions. Methods. We applied the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) to report this review. Using keywords related to autoimmune/immune-mediated diseases and TCM, we searched PubMed, Scopus, and WOS in March 2022. The final results were added to a data extraction sheet. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 26.0. Results. Our search yielded 121 studies, including 155 patients. Females were considerably predominant. Most patients had a history of autoimmune disease, and almost a third had a history of cardiovascular disease. Dyspnea and chest pain were the most common chief complaints. More than 70% of patients had experienced physical stress. Myasthenia gravis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and multiple sclerosis were the most frequently reported autoimmune diseases. Conclusion. There were similarities in age and sex compared to classic TCM. TCM should be considered as a differential diagnosis for ACS, especially in patients with a positive background of autoimmunity. A precise reporting system is required for further studies.
Optimal Adaptive Fractional Order Integral Sliding Mode Controller‐Energy Management Strategy for Electric Vehicles Based on Bald Eagle Search Algorithm
Authors: Ghadbane Houssam Eddine , Barkat Said , Houari Azeddine , Djerioui Ali , Rezk Hegazy , Louzazni Mohamed
Published: February 2024

This research presents an optimal energy management system (EMS) for a lithium‐ion battery‐supercapacitor hybrid storage system used to power an electric vehicle. The storage systems are connected in parallel to the DC bus by bidirectional DC‐DC converters and feed a synchronous reluctance motor through an inverter. The proposed energy management strategy is built on the idea to take full benefits of two combined methods: the bald eagle search algorithm and fractional order integral sliding mode control. To evaluate the effectiveness of the suggested optimal energy management strategy, an urban dynamometer driving schedule (UDDS) driving cycle is considered. The obtained results are compared to a classical fractional order integral sliding mode control‐based energy management strategy in terms of voltage ripples, overshoots, and battery final state of charge. The ultimate results approve the ability of the proposed energy management system to enhance the power quality and enhance battery power consumption at the same time. Comprehensive processor‐in‐the‐loop (PIL) cosimulations were conducted on the electric vehicle using the C2000 launchxl‐f28379d digital signal processing (DSP) board to assess the practicability and effectiveness of the proposed EMS.
Developing a General Population Screening Programme for Paediatric Type 1 Diabetes: Evidence from a Qualitative Study of the Perspectives and Attitudes of Parents
Authors: Quinn Lauren M. , Narendran Parth , Bhavra Kirandeep , Boardman Felicity , Greenfield Sheila M. , Randell Matthew J. , Litchfield Ian
Published: February 2024

Introduction. With reliable tests and preventative treatments now available the United Kingdom has introduced a prototype population-based paediatric (ages 3–13) screening programme for type 1 diabetes (T1D). To aid its ethical and sustainable implementation this work explores parental views around the concept of this programme to determine how their involvement might be encouraged and supported. Research Design and Methods. Qualitative interviews were undertaken with 38 parents and the data were analysed using a purposely developed “Burden of Screening” framework, which presented the data within three domains describing the various elements of screening participation; pre-screening tasks designated to participants; factors influencing engagement with screening; and consequences of screening participation. Results. Regarding pre-screening tasks designated to participants, the importance of clear communication about the condition were apparent with parents expressing uncertainty of the benefits of screening against the potential anxiety engendered. In factors influencing their engagement with screening participants described their preference for less invasive testing techniques, the reassurance of structured support from healthcare professionals inherent within the programme, and the potential benefit of peer support. Regarding the consequences of screening participation parents described how a positive result might lead to overly protective behaviours, and anxiety from watching and waiting for the onset of symptomatic T1D. Conclusions. The benefits of T1D screening need to be clearly communicated to facilitate uptake. To this end the use of decision-support tools and better targeted educational materials should be explored. Post-testing, parents expressed preferences for peer support and access to psychological counselling.
Associations of Indoor Ventilation Frequency with Depression and Anxiety in Chinese Older Adults
Authors: Du Jing , Cui Yan , Yang Ling , Duan Ying , Qi Qi , Liu Huaqing
Published: February 2024

Depression and anxiety carry an important public health burden. Indoor air pollution is associated with depression and anxiety. Ventilation can reduce the concentration of indoor air pollution and improve indoor air quality. This study explored the relationship between indoor ventilation frequency and depression and anxiety in older adults using the data from the 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. Compared with older people with low indoor ventilation frequency, those with high indoor ventilation frequency had 51% lower odds of depression (OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.43 to 0.57) and 37% lower odds of anxiety (OR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.43 to 0.91), and those with intermediate indoor ventilation frequency had 35% lower odds of depression (OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.56 to 0.75) and 45% lower odds of anxiety (OR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.37 to 0.82). The results were similar across the seasons. However, there were sex, age, lifestyle, and cooking fuel use‐specific differences in these associations. The findings emphasize that high ventilation frequency may be conducive to improving mental health in older adults, especially women, the old elder, nonsmokers, nondrinkers, and those who do not exercise and cooked at home.