bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reclaiming the concept of professionalism in the digital context; a principle-based concept analysis
Authors: Guraya Shaista Salman , Guraya Salman Yousuf , Rashid-Doubell Fiza , Fredericks Salim , Harkin Denis W , Nor Mohd Zarawi Mat , Yousuff Muhamad Saiful Bahri
Published: April 2023

BackgroundThis concept analysis aims to present the best estimate of understanding and attitudes of medical and allied healthcare students and educators towards e-professionalism. This work also elucidates the probable truth about safeguarding the concept of medical professionalism in the digital context.MethodsThis concept analysis was adopted by the Penrod and Hupcey’s principle-based approach using the key term ‘e-professionalism’. On January 2023, PubMed and ISI web of Science were searched for English-language peer-reviewed articles specific to e-professionalism in the medical field. The finally selected research corpus contained 63 articles.ResultsA comprehensive analysis of the existing body of knowledge highlighted that e-professionalism is an epistemologically mature and distinct concept with a standard definition. However, inconsistencies in conceptual meanings were reported due to varied understandings despite digital literacy. The pragmatic utility showed a lack of sound methodological and philosophical paradigms. Perhaps the technological rapid advancements and manifestations have hampered the linguistic maturity. However, logically, e-professionalism is perceived as an extension of conventional professionalism but with a contextual hinging demanding a distinct framework with a set of attributes to be digitally relevant.ConclusionThis concept analysis provides insight into the scarcity of research regarding the collective perspective of essential stakeholders, highlighting the need to investigate further e-professionalism and its complex patterns emerging within the digital context. There is also a recognition of the need for a framework implementation to guide future healthcare professionals. Such framework may potentially yield a more profound understanding and remediation strategies to keep pace with the rapidly advancing medical field in the digital realm.
Key Genes and Biological Regulatory Mechanisms in Focal and Segmental Glomerulosclerosis: A Meta-Analysis and Validation of Expression Profiles
Authors: Roointan Amir , Ghaeidamini Maryam , Yavari Parvin , Naimi Azar , Gheisari Yousof , Gholaminejad Alieh
Published: April 2023

Background: Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) - a histologic pattern of injury in the glomerulus - is one of the leading glomerular causes of ESRD worldwide. Despite vigorous research, the underlying biological alterations causing FSGS remain to be understood. Studying the variations in gene expression profiles is one of the promising approaches to have a holistic view of the FSGS molecular pathogenicity and help to discover key elements as potential therapeutic targets. The present work is a meta-analysis study including all the microarray gene expression profiles coming from glomerular samples of FSGS patients. Reaching to a consensus list of differentially expressed genes in FSGS condition, understanding the disease pathogenicity, and identification of novel therapeutic targets were the main aims of this study.
Methods: After a vigorous search in GEO database and quality control assessments, seven gene expression datasets including GSE47183 (GPL14663), GSE47183 (GPL11670), GSE99340, GSE108109, GSE121233, GSE129973, and GSE104948 were selected for the meta-analysis. The random effect size method was applied and the identified meta-DEGs were considered for the construction of a regulatory network (STRING, MiRTarBase, and TRRUST), as well as performing different pathway enrichment analyses. The expression levels of several meta-DEGs (ADAMTS1, PF4, EGR1, and EGF) as angiogenesis regulators were analyzed using RT-qPCR method.
Results: The identified 2898 meta-DEGs including 665 downregulated and 669 upregulated DEGs were subjected to different analyses. A co-regulatory network including 2859 DEGs, 2688 miRNAs, and 374 TFs was constructed and top molecules in the network (based on degree centrality) were identified. A part of the pathway enrichment analysis revealed a significant distortion in the angiogenesis regulatory pathways in the FSGS kidney. The results of RT-qPCR showed the presence of an imbalance in angiogenetic pathways by confirming the differential expression levels of ADAMTS1and EGR1 as the two main angiogenesis regulators in the FSGS condition.
Conclusion: Despite providing a consensus list of differentially expressed genes in the FSGS condition, this meta-analysis revealed the existence of distortion in the angiogenesis-related pathways and factors in the FSGS kidney. Controlling such factors might be a possible way to hinder the progression of FSGS.
Dramatic improvements of terrestrial biodiversity in the Yangtze River Basin, China
Authors: Xu Haigen , Liu Wei , Yi Jianfeng , Mu Tong , Yu Dandan , Li Jiaqi , Ma Fangzhou , Chen Jing , Wilcove David
Published: April 2023

China has launched unprecedented investments in conservation and restoration programmes to prevent soil erosion, protect forest ecosystems and biodiversity, and improve carbon sequestration. However, the impacts of socio-economic developments and large-scale conservation and restoration programmes on biodiversity are still unclear. Here, we analyzed the spatial-temporal trends of the optimized Living Planet Index (LPI) based on bird monitoring from 2011 to 2020 in 536 sites in the Yangtze River Basin (YRB), the third largest river in the world. We found that the LPI of all birds in the upper and middle reaches of the YRB increased by 7.80% and 7.64%, respectively, and terrestrial bird diversity showed an increasing trend in the whole watershed, owing to the huge investments of terrestrial conservation and restoration programmes. Increasing functional diversity of birds in YRB is indicative of enhanced ecosystem functioning. Almost 75% of the rare and endangered birds in the Yangtze River basin are protected. However, waterbird diversity mostly declined, notably by 14.40% in the lower reaches, likely because of insufficient conservation measures for and huge human pressures to wetlands. The significant improvements in terrestrial bird diversity indicate the success of post-2020 global targets as well as huge investments in biodiversity conservation, while the decline of waterbird diversity highlights the urgent need for further biodiversity protection for the world’s third largest river.
Bio-based Phosphate-nitrogen Hybrid Cellulose Nanocrystal Flame Retardant: Design, Synthesis and Improving Epoxy Resin Fire Safety
Authors: Di Hang , Wang Chang , Ren Shuo , Wu Jianing , Sun Xuyang , Fang Lide , Kong Xiangjie , Xu Jianzhong , Meng Weihua
Published: April 2023

Bio-based flame retardants meet the requirements of environmentally friendly flame retardants. In this article, nitrogen and phosphorus-modified bio-based cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) composite (NPCNCs) was designed and added into epoxy resin (EP) to measure flame retardancy and mechanical property. NPCNCs was successfully synthesized using ice bath polymerization and it exhibited a fibrous appearance with a rough surface, in which N and P elements were connected through hydrogen bonding. When corresponding into EP, NPCNCs endowed EP composite with excellent flame retardancy and smoke suppression. For the EP/6NPCNCs, the LOI value was 27.6% which was higher than that of pure EP (23.5%). Compared with pure EP, the THR, PHRR, TSP and PSPR value of composites decreased by 27.27%, 43.34%,70.21% and 66.67%. This was attributed to catalysis-dehydration and carbonization, carbon support of CNCs, gas phase dilution. In addition, the mechanical property of the EP composites was analyzed, and the results showed that the mechanical properties were basically maintained compared with the pure EP. This article will provide a new way for the design bio-based P and N-modified flame retardants.
Prevalence and Clinical Outcomes of Cardiovascular Manifestations in Patients with COVID-19 in Qatar
Authors: Othman Fahmi , Abid Abdul Rehman , Nashwan Abdulqadir J. , AlIbrahim Mohammad , Manoher Gagan , AbdulKarim Sabir , Habib Hafiz Hamid
Published: April 2023

Background: Cardiac manifestations of COVID-19 are associated with a significant increase in morbidity and mortality.
Objective: To study outcome of patients having cardiovascular manifestations of COVID-19 infection.
Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at Hazem Mebaireek General Hospital, Qatar from March 8th to August 30th, 2020. 467 patients admitted with COVID-19 and cardiac manifestations were retrospectively studied. Patients of both genders, age >18 years with cardiac manifestations were studied. Data was collected by chart reviews on Cerner.
Results: Mean age of the study population was 55.12±14.87 years, 438(93.8%) males and 29(6.2%) females. Hypertension was observed in 251(53.7%) and diabetes mellitus in 238(51%) patients. Reason for cardiology consultation was raised Troponins in 77(16.5%), abnormal ECG in 75(16.1%) and chest pain in 66(14.1%) patients. Cardiac diagnosis was Myocardial injury in 108(23.1%) and Type II MI in 72(15.4%), STEMI in 51(10.9%), and NSTEMI in 51(10.9%) patients. Atrial fibrillation was observed in 76(16.3%). The mean hospital stay was 15.4±23.5 days. For STEMI primary PCI was performed in 28(54.9%), thrombolysis administered in 11(21.5%), and 12(23.5%) patients were treated medically. Overall mortality was 67(14.3%), with in-hospital mortality of 66(14.1%) and 1(0.2%) patient died post-discharge. CRP level was significantly higher in deceased patients, p-value <0.00001.
Conclusion: Abnormal ECG, chest pain, Myocardial injury, Type II MI, ST, and Non-ST elevation MI were common cardiovascular manifestations in COVID pneumonia. Raised CRP, Trop T, Urea, creatinine, and WBC counts were predictors of in-hospital death in COVID patients.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus testing and associated factors among pregnant women in Rwanda: a nationwide cross-sectional survey
Authors: Nuwabaine Lilian , Kawuki Joseph , Namulema Angella , Asiimwe John Baptist , Sserwanja Quraish , Gatasi Ghislaine , Donkor Elorm
Published: April 2023

BackgroundHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing during pregnancy is crucial for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, thus aiding in prompt treatment, care, and support. However, HIV testing among pregnant women in Rwanda has been barely explored. This study, therefore, aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of HIV testing among pregnant women in Rwanda.MethodsSecondary data from the 2020 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey comprising 870 pregnant women were used. Multistage stratified sampling was used to select participants. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to determine the factors associated with HIV testing, using SPSS (version 25).ResultsOf the 870 pregnant women, 94.0% (95% CI: 92.3–95.4) had tested for HIV during their current pregnancy. Younger age (AOR = 1.54, 95%CI: 1.54–4.42), not working (AOR = 4.29, 95%CI: 1.52–12.08), large household size (AOR = 2.96, 95%CI: 1.01–8.61), multiple sex partners (AOR = 4.16, 95%CI: 3.01–5.74), as well as secondary (AOR = 8.07, 95%CI: 2.15–11.43), primary (AOR = 5.53, 95%CI: 1.28–9.74) and no (AOR = 6.07, 95%CI: 1.21–10.44) education were positively associated with HIV testing. However, being unmarried (AOR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.19–0.86), belonging to the western region (AOR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.63–0.66), having not visited a health facility (AOR = 0.22, 95%CI: 0.10–0.48), and not having comprehensive HIV knowledge (AOR = 0.68, 95%CI: 0.30–0.55) were negatively associated with HIV testing.ConclusionsA high proportion of pregnant women had tested for HIV. However, there is a need for improved access to HIV education and testing facilities to address regional imbalances. The need for consideration of occupation, family and household dynamics in HIV testing promotion strategies is also highlighted.
Regional drivers of fish tissue mercury concentrations in the Great Plains, USA
Authors: Larréy Matthew , Manning David
Published: April 2023

Mercury, a highly toxic metal, is deposited onto land from the atmosphere through wet and dry deposition, and can be transported into waterways. In lakes and streams, mercury bioaccumulates and then biomagnifies in sediments and aquatic food webs. Thus, mercury from food web sources can be biomagnified in fish tissue, and humans can be exposed through consuming contaminated fishes. Several biological, chemical, and physical factors influence the concentration of mercury in fish tissues, such as species identity, and watershed land use. We accessed publicly available fish tissue mercury data for six states in the Great Plains, USA (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota), and linked them to watershed characteristics such as land use. We used mixed-effect regression analysis and model selection approaches to test the prediction that the presence of wetlands and agriculture in the watershed increases the mercury concentration found in fish tissue. Fish tissue mercury depended on species identity foremost and secondarily on spatial variables (e.g. land use/land cover, state). Presence of wetlands and mixed-forest habitat in the watershed increased fish tissue mercury concentration, but other land uses showed weaker relationships. Overall, our results emphasized the importance of species traits in predicting fish tissue mercury concentrations. Analysis of watershed land use and land cover variables also explained variation in fish contamination, highlighting the importance of watershed-scale parameters in evaluations of mercury exposure from wild-caught fish.
Efficacy and safety of iguratimod combined with celecoxib in active axial spondyloarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Chen Xiaochan , Wang Wenwen , Xue Jing
Published: April 2023

Background The current treatment options for axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) are limited. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of iguratimod in adult patients with active axSPA.Methods The cohort of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial comprised adult patients who fulfilled the 2009 Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS) criteria for axSpA or the 1984 New York criteria for ankylosing spondylitis. The trial lasted for 28 weeks. Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive iguratimod 25 mg twice daily or a placebo. All patients also took celecoxib 200 mg twice daily for the first 4 weeks and on demand from Weeks 4 to 28. The primary endpoint was the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) index in the two treatment groups. Other assessment variables included ASAS20, ASAS40, and ASAS5/6 response rates, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index and Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Scores, Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) scores, and adverse events.Results A total of 31 patients completed the study and were included for analyses. The NSAID index was 43.8 (34.9–51.8) in the iguratimod group, which is significantly lower than the 68.9 (42.5–86.4) in the placebo group (p = 0.025). ASAS response rates and changes in disease activity scores were all similar between the iguratimod and placebo groups. Patients in the iguratimod group had more improvement in SPARCC scores for sacroiliac joints than did those in the placebo group (73% [68–100%] vs. 40% [0–54%], p = 0.013). Iguratimod combined with celecoxib was not associated with a greater risk of adverse effects than was monotherapy with celecoxib. No severe adverse events occurred.Conclusions Iguratimod may be an effective and safe treatment for adult patients with active axSPA, helping to reduce the dose of NSAIDs and alleviate inflammation in sacroiliac joints. Iguratimod provides an additional treatment option for patients with active axSPA.
Hyperglycemia induces microglial pyroptosis via activation of NLRP3 inflammasome: implication in neurological impairment during ischemia stroke
Authors: Luo Ensi , Li Zhuo , Zhang Shiying , Wen Yin , Yang Zixi , Li Xusheng , Li Weifeng , Zeng Hongke , Ding Hongguang
Published: April 2023

Elevated levels of blood glucose in patients with ischemic stroke are associated with a worse prognosis. This study aimed to explore whether hyperglycemia promotes microglial pyroptosis via activating NLRP3 inflammasome in an acute ischemic stroke model. C57BL/6 mice that underwent middle cerebral artery occlusion were used for assessment of blood glucose level and neurological function. To investigate the significance of NLRP3 inflammasome, the NLRP3−/− mice were applied and the expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, GSDMS-D, IL-1β and IL-18 were evaluated. In addition, Z-YVAD-FMK, a caspase-1 inhibitor, was used to treat microglia to determine whether activation of NLRP3 inflammasome was required for the enhancing effect of hyperglycemia on pyroptosis. We revealed that hyperglycemia accelerated cerebral injury in the acute ischemic stroke model, evidenced by decreased latencies to falls and percentage of foot fault. Furthermore, hyperglycemia induced microglial pyroptosis, proved by the evidence of increased levels of caspase-1, GSDMS-N, IL-1β and IL-18. However, the knockout of NLRP3 attenuated these effects. Pharmacological inhibition of caspase-1 also reduced the expression levels of GSDMS-N, IL-1β and IL-18 in microglial cells. These results suggested that hyperglycemia stimulated NLRP3 inflammasome activation and caspase-1 expression up-regulation, thus leading to the aggravation of pyroptosis following ischemic stroke.
The Study of Catastrophic Health Expenditure (CHE) for Hospitalization in Urban Kerala
Authors: Philip Paul John , Panda Gyana Ranjan
Published: April 2023

Health financing in the post-Covid period is considered the primary policy tool for the government to fortify and reinforce public healthcare infrastructure, mitigating emergency susceptibilities and meeting societal health disparities. Kerala, the southernmost urbanised province of India, despite having the best human development index (HDI) in the country, now faces rising cases of healthcare breakdown. The rising household healthcare costs and expenses incurred during hospitalisation are now making demand-side financing models such as publicly-funded health insurance (PFHI) schemes crucial for accessing healthcare services. The presence of supply-side moral hazards in the roll-out of PFHI leads to unnecessary care, exacerbating the already existing inequities in the incidence of out-of-pocket expenses (OOPE). In this context, the study, through descriptive statistics, logistic regression, and the concentration index by looking at the unit-level data from the 75th round of the National Sample Survey, attempts to determine the determinants of and inequalities in the incidence of Catastrophic Health Expenditure (CHE). The study finds considerable deficiencies in financial risk protection and equity in hospitalisation expenditure. The paper looks at pre-existing inequalities and finds that multi-sectoral collaboration is imperative to attain Universal health coverage.
Reproducibility Evaluation of High-Resolution Downscaled Climate Data Using Automated Weather Station and Precise Temperature Monitoring Data.
Authors: Oh Chansung , Bastola Shiksha , Cho Jaepil , Choi Jaeyong
Published: April 2023

Forest-related disasters are recently increasing in terms of frequency and severity due to climate change. This study aims to produce and evaluate high-resolution gridded climate data for a better understanding and prediction of forest-related disasters in the context of climate change. Thus, ERA5 re-analysis data was collected, and high-resolution observation gridded data (100m interval) were produced using the Improved GIS-based Regression Model (IGISRM). The produced daily data is bias-corrected using the Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) data, and then a series of reproducibility evaluations have been performed using the Automated Weather Station (AWS) data and nine on-site monitored Precise Temperature (PT) data. The reproducibility evaluation results using AWS data show that the precipitation has a comparatively low reproducibility as it tends to underestimate the observed temporal fluctuation and rainfall amount. However, the produced high-resolution gridded climate data are found to have excellent estimation performance for the minimum and maximum temperatures. The evaluation using the monitored temperature data showed that the statistical efficiency of minimum temperature was somewhat lower than that of maximum temperature, but overall reproducibility was still high (NRMSE<0.5). In the measurement period (May 2021 ~ April 2022), the maximum temperature was slightly underestimated overall, while the minimum temperature showed overestimation, particularly in winter (after November) when the temperature drops sharply. Excluding one station, the statistical efficiency remained high, indicating that the ERA5 reanalysis data can be used along with the Improved GIS-based Regression Model (IGISRM) statistical downscaling technique for producing high-resolution downscaled observation data in mountainous/forest areas with insufficient observation data.
HBx Integration in Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma Inhibits Caspase-3-PARP Related Apoptosis
Authors: Wang Yanchun , Guan Xiaolin , Meng Xin , Tong Ying , Ma Xiaolu , Zheng Hui , Chen Cuncun , Xie Suhong , Zhang Heng , Lv Fangfang , Lu Renquan , Guo Lin
Published: April 2023

Purpose: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common pathological type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and is closely associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and hepatitis B X (HBx) gene integration. This project investigates the cellular biological effects and molecular mechanisms responsible for lymphomagenesis and the progression of HBx gene integration in DLBCL.
Methods: The integration of the HBx gene was monitored using sequencing technology, and variations in cell biological effects and related molecular mechanisms were investigated using exvivocell experiments, which were verified in experimental animals and clinical cases.
Results: The data shows that clinical DLBCL cells demonstrate HBx integration, and the sequencing analysis validated enabled successfully constructed HBx transfected cells. Compared with control cells, HBx transfected cells had a significantly reduced proportion of mitochondrial membrane potential, obviously reduced signals of chromosome DNA breaks, and proportion of apoptotic cells. Therefore, HBx integration was able to cause the biological outcome of apoptosis reduction. Further studies found that this decreased apoptosis level is associated with a significantly reduced downstream of cleaved Caspase-3 and poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) proteins, revealing the molecular mechanisms of HBx-associated apoptosis in DLBCL. The animal experiments also demonstrated that the protein expression of cleaved Caspase-3 and PARP was prominently reduced in HBx transfected cells from a subcutaneous tumor in nude mice. Overall, the clinically observed expression of cleaved PARP proteins in tissues of HBx-positive DLBCL patients is lower than in HBx-negative patients.
Conclusion: In DLBCL, HBx gene integration inhibits cell apoptosis through the Caspase-3-PARP pathway.
Csu pili dependent biofilm formation and virulence of Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Ahmad Irfan , Nadeem Aftab , Mushtaq Fizza , Zlatkov Nikola , Shahzad Muhammad , Zavialov Anton , Wai Sun Nyunt , Uhlin Bernt Eric
Published: April 2023

Acinetobacter baumanniihas emerged as one of the most common extensive drug resistant nosocomial bacterial pathogens that causes a diverse range of human infections. Not only can the bacteria survive in hospital settings for long periods, but they can also resist adverse conditions such as exposure to antimicrobial drugs and disinfectants and long-term desiccation. However, underlying regulatory mechanisms that allow A. baumannii to cope with these conditions and mediating its virulence are poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that bi-stable expression of the Csu pili, along with the production of poly N-acetyl glucosamine, regulates the formation of mountain-like biofilm-patches on glass surfaces to protect bacteria from the bactericidal effect of colistin. Csu pilus assembly is found to be an essential component of mature biofilms formed on glass surfaces and as pellicles. By using several microscopic techniques, we show that clinical isolates of A. baumannii carrying abundant Csu pili mediate adherence to epithelial cells. In addition, Csu pili suppressed surface-associated motility but enhanced colonization of bacteria into the lungs, spleen, and liver in a mouse model of systemic infection. The screening of c-di-GMP metabolizing protein mutants of A. baumannii 17978 for the capability to adhere to epithelial cells identified GGDEF/EAL protein AIS_2337, here denoted PdeB, as a major regulator of Csu pili-mediated virulence and biofilm formation. Moreover, PdeB was found to be involved in type IV pili regulated robustness of surface-associated motility. Our findings suggest that the Csu pilus is not only a functional component of mature A. baumannii biofilms but also a major virulence factor promoting the initiation of disease progression by mediating bacterial adherence to epithelial cells.
Comparative evaluation of heat-treated bone allograft combined with platelet rich plasma, recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 and zoledronic acid: An experimental study on the histopathological and histomorphometric aspects of bone healing
Authors: Saginova Dina , Tashmetov Elyarbek , Kamyshanskiy Yevgeniy , Tuleubaev Berik , Rimashevskiy Denis
Published: April 2023

Background The establishment of a reliable technique for promoting bone formation without resorting to autografts remains an unresolved challenge. Currently, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), and bisphosphonates are under intense scrutiny for their potential clinical utility in such instances. Despite their widespread investigation, the effect of these agents on bone formation is still a matter of debate, and the observed variations in their efficacy are influenced by multiple factors, including the biomaterials employed. The aim of this research was to assess the impact of bone allograft combined with platelet rich plasma, recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2), and zoledronic acid on bone formation in rabbit femur defects.Materials and methods A total of 96 rabbits were used, and femoral bone defects with a diameter of 5mm and depth of 10mm were created. The bone allografts used were prepared from femoral heads according to the Marburg system. The rabbits were divided into four groups: (1) bone allograft with PRP (AG + PRP), (2) bone allograft with rhBMP-2 5µg (AG + BMP-2), (3) bone allograft with zoledronic acid 5µg (AG + ZA), and (4) bone allograft only (AG) as the control group. Histopathological and histomorphometric analyses were performed to evaluate bone defect healing after 14, 30, and 60 days.Results The findings from the histomorphometric analysis showed that the new bone formation inside the bone allograft was significantly greater in the AG + PRP group compared to AG and AG + Zol groups after 14- and 30 days (p < 0.000). The use of bone allograft with rhBMP-2 induced higher bone formation compared to AG group on days 14 and 30 (p < 0,000), but excessive osteoclast activity was observed on day 60. The local co-administration of ZOL with heat-treated allograft inhibits allograft resorption as well as new bone formation in the bone defect at all periods.Conclusion In conclusion, the study demonstrated that PRP and rhBMP-2, combined with a Marburg bone allograft, can significantly promote bone formation in the early stage of bone defect healing.
Accurate evaluation of the progress of delivery with Transperineal ultrasound may increase vaginal delivery: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Enomoto Naosuke , Maki Shintaro , Takakura Sho , Yamaguchi Mizuki , Tamaishi Yuya , Nii Masafumi , Tanaka Kayo , Tanaka Hiroaki , Kondo Eiji , Katsuragi Shinji , Ikeda Tomoaki
Published: April 2023

Although evaluation by digital examination of the cervix is the standard method used worldwide for evaluating the progress of delivery, it has a problem because it is subjective. Transperineal ultrasound (TPU) is used as an adjunct to digital evaluation for accurate assessment of the fetal descent and rotation of the advanced part of the fetus. This study aimed to clarify the impact of the introduction of TPU on perinatal outcomes at Mie university hospital. This retrospective study analyzed single pregnant women who underwent delivery management at our hospital between April 2020 and March 2021. Perinatal outcomes were compared between patients who were used TPU (TPU+ group) and those who were not used TPU (TPU- group). The angle of progression and head direction were measured. The rate of vaginal delivery was significantly increased, and the second stage of labor was significantly prolonged in the TPU+ group. There was a significant difference between termination in the latent phase occurred in 3/8 (38%) cases in the TPU+ group and 20/25 (80%) cases in the TPU- group. The rate of vaginal delivery may be increased by accurate evaluation of the progress of delivery with TPU.
Refractive errors and vision impairment in students attending public primary schools: analysis in a large-scale children population in Mexico
Authors: Ramírez-Ortiz Marco Antonio , Amato-Almanza Mónica , Romero-Bautista Iván , Klunder-Klunder Miguel , Aguirre-Luna Oswaldo , Kuzhda Iryna , Resnikoff Serge , Eckert Kristen Allison , Lansingh Van Charles
Published: April 2023

A cross-sectional, retrospective study was conducted from October 2013 through July 2014 to determine the prevalence of refractive errors among students attending public primary schools in Mexico. Among 3,861,156 students at 14,566 public primary schools in all 32 states of Mexico, teachers identified possible refractive errors in 1,253,589 (32.5%) using visual acuity measurement. Optometrists confirmed 391,498 [31.2%, mean (SD) age: 8.8 (1.9) years; 204,110 girls (52.9%)] had refractive errors using visual acuity measurement and noncycloplegic static retinoscopy. Among 288,537 (72.4%) of children with previous eyeglasses usage data reported, 241,505 (83.7%) had uncorrected refractive errors. Before prescription eyeglasses were provided, 281,891 students (72%) had logMAR visual acuity 0.2 or worse; eyeglasses corrected vision loss in 85.6% (n = 241,352) of them. Simple myopic astigmatism was the most frequent refractive error (25.7%, n = 100,545). Astigmatism >-1.00 diopters was present in 54.6% of all students with ametropia. The anisometropia rate based on SE difference between right and left eye ≥ 1.50 diopters was 3.9% (n = 15,402). Uncorrected refractive errors are an important issue in primary school students in Mexico. An updated study is needed to analyze the evolving trends over the past decade.
Control Interfaces for Intention Detection in Active Transfemoral Prosthetics: A Systematic Review
Authors: yusof nur hidayah mohd , Yusof Nur Hidayah Mohd , Hamzaid Nur Azah , Wee Lai Khin , Jasni Farahiyah , Oddon Fanny
Published: April 2023

In this paper, a cutting-edge method for creating control interfaces for intention detection in active transfemoral prosthetic devices is presented. Given the current trend in the prosthetics industry, a review of the literature over the last two decades has found a number of control algorithms utilized for intention detection implementation. Scientific publications, books, and online resources were evaluated for published material on knee prosthesis. Based on the materials, three areas of scientific inquiry involving control interfaces for intention detection in active prosthetic legs have been identified. The studies were assessed using the Downs and Black checklist, and their control techniques as well as the performance assessment for these control interfaces are described. After screening, 211 studies were retrieved and examined, however only 39 publications were included and examined in this review. An active prosthetic leg's control strategy framework and goal output were examined in fifteen (15) papers. In two (2) papers, conventional control methods for transfemoral prosthetic legs were examined. Eight (8) further research looked at the potential implementation of intent detection in the transfemoral prosthetic leg, while fourteen (14) papers explored the active prosthetic leg's machine learning algorithm. As a result, our research showed that using a less complex sensory system to control an active transfemoral prosthetic limb is possible when paired with a creative approach and control algorithm that can translate the restricted sensor data into a larger set of relevant data. Therefore, an effective sensory system (practicality and quality of the sensory input) and intention detection algorithm were required for an active transfemoral prosthetic limb. It is considered a complex activity because of the connected biomechanics of human gait, which the brain governs unconsciously. No prosthetic device has been able to replace a human limb in the same way that the original one would operate due to the ongoing challenges in prosthetic technology. Even with something as simple as walking, there are several components to the difficulty that may be broken down into different study areas. No matter how little, this calls for input from many different domains of knowledge. Considerations for future development might be based on this current analysis of the intention-detecting control interface of active knee prosthetic devices and prosthetic technology. This evaluation of the literature includes not only a study of the viability of control interfaces that support intention detection for an active prosthetic limb, but it also suggests a framework for categorizing various works in the subject.
Reduced northern mid-latitude carbon sink estimates from atmospheric CO2 data
Authors: Liu Zhiqiang , Zeng Ning , Liu Yun , Wang Jun , Han Pengfei , Cai Qixiang
Published: April 2023

Terrestrial ecosystem in the Northern Hemisphere is characterized by a substantial carbon sink in recent decades1–3. However, the carbon sink inferred from atmospheric CO2 data is usually larger than process- and inventory-based estimates, resulting in carbon release or near-neutral carbon exchange in the tropics. The atmospheric approach is known to be uncertain due to systematic biases of coarse atmospheric transport model simulation. Compared to a coarse-resolution inversion estimate in the integrated region of N. America, E. Asia, and Europe from 2015 to 2018, the carbon sink estimate from a native high-resolution atmospheric inversion is significantly reduced from -3.0±0.08 gigatons of carbon per year (GtC yr-1) to -2.15±0.08 GtC yr-1 due to prominent more carbon release during the non-growing seasons. The major reductions concentrate in the mid-latitudes (20 °N~45 °N) where the mean land carbon sinks in China and USA are reduced from 0.64±0.03 and 0.35±0.02 GtC yr-1 to 0.14±0.03 and 0.15±0.02 GtC yr-1, respectively. The high-resolution transport reduces the annual flux bias mainly by better reproducing the vertical CO2 gradient of the strong and persistent fossil fuel emissions. These results suggest that high-resolution inversion with accurate vertical and meridional transport is urgently needed in targeting national carbon neutrality.
Prediction models combining zonulin, LPS, and LBP predict acute kidney injury and hepatorenal syndrome–acute kidney injury in cirrhotic patients
Authors: Lin Yi-Hsuan , Kuo Nai-Rong , Shen Hsiao-Chin , Chang Yun-Chien , Lin Roger , Liao Tsai-Ling , Yeh Hsiao-Yun , Yang Ying-Ying , Hou Ming-Chih , Lin Han-Chieh
Published: April 2023

The development of acute kidney injury (AKI) and hepatorenal syndrome-acute kidney injury (HRS-AKI) in cirrhosis has been associated with intestinal barrier dysfunction and gut-kidney crosstalk. We use the related markers such as zonulin, lipopolysaccharides (LPS), and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) to predict AKI and HRS-AKI in cirrhotic patients and evaluate their in vitro effects on intestinal (Caco-2) cells and renal tubular (HK-2) cells. From 2013 to 2020, we enrolled 70 cirrhotic patients and developed prediction models for AKI and HRS-AKI over a six-month period. There were 13 (18.6%) and 8 (11.4%) cirrhotic patients who developed AKI and HRS-AKI. The prediction models incorporated zonulin, LPS, LBP, C-reactive protein, age, and history of hepatitis B for AKI, and zonulin, LPS, LBP, total bilirubin, and Child-Pugh score for HRS-AKI. The area under curve (AUC) for the prediction of AKI and HRS-AKI was 0.94 and 0.95, respectively. Furthermore, the conditioned medium of LPS + hrLBP pre-treated Caco-2 cells induced apoptosis, necrosis, and zonulin release in HK-2 cells, demonstrating the communication between them. This study found that zonulin, LPS, and LBP are potential practical markers for predicting AKI and HRS-AKI in cirrhotic patients, which may serve as potential targets for renal outcomes in cirrhotic patients.
Permeability of Wood Impregnated with Polyethylene Wax Emulsion in Vacuum
Authors: Liu Jiamin , Kong Xiaohui , Wang Chaojie , Yang Xiaojun
Published: April 2023

Polyethylene wax (PEW) has emerged as a commonly used material for maintaining the quality of wood. The emulsification of solid PEW before being injected into wood can effectively overcome the shortcomings of the high-temperature melting and injection process of solid PEW. The PEW emulsion permeability of Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus saligna) and Mongolian Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris var. Mongolica) in vacuum environment was investigated using impregnation tests. Steaming pretreatment and microwave irradiation pretreatment were applied. The small particle size and low viscosity of the PEW emulsion facilitated its penetration into the wood capillary system. The weight percent gain (WPG) of Eucalyptus and Mongolian Scotch pine post impregnation in vacuum was positively correlated with both the vacuum-holding time and the impregnation temperature, but after 60 min of impregnation the WPG of both wood species decreased significantly. Both pretreatment methods could substantially improve the wood permeability and effectively promote the penetration of the PEW emulsion into the wood. For steaming, Eucalyptus steamed for 80 min and Mongolian Scotch pine steamed for 120 min gained the maximum WPG. For microwave irradiation, both species exhibited the highest WPG after water immersion for 60 min and microwave irradiation for 30 s. There was a significant variation in WPG between the two species with the same pretreatment method. The relatively lower density and better-developed capillary system of Mongolian Scotch pine allowed more efficient penetration of PEW emulsion. It is recommended that, considering the time cost and practical enhancement, microwave irradiation should be given priority to when pretreating wood.
Plug-flow hydrolysis with lignocellulosic residues: Effect of hydraulic retention time and thin-sludge recirculation
Authors: Menzel Theresa , Neubauer Peter , Junne Stefan
Published: April 2023

Two parallel plug-flow reactors were successfully applied as a hydrolysis stage for the anaerobic pre-digestion of maize silage and recalcitrant bedding straw (30 % and 66 % w/w) under variations of the hydraulic retention time (HRT) and thin-sludge recirculation.
The study proved that the hydrolysis rate profits from shorter HRTs while the hydrolysis yield remained similar and was limited by a low pH-value and reached values of 264 - 310 and 180 - 200 gO2 kgVS-1 for 30 % and 66 % of bedding straw correspondingly. Longer HRT led to metabolite accumulation, significantly increased gas production, a higher acid production rate and a 10 to 18 % higher acid yield of 78 gSCCA kgVS-1 for 66 % of straw. Thin-sludge recirculation increased the acid yield and stabilized the process, especially at a short HRT. Hydrolysis efficiency can thus be improved by shorter HRT, whereas the acidogenic process performance is increased by longer HRT and thin-sludge recirculation. Two main fermentation patterns of the acidogenic community were found: above a pH-value of 3.8, butyric and acetic acid were the main products, while below a pH-value of 3.5, lactic, acetic and succinic acid were mainly accumulating. During plug-flow digestion with recirculation, at low pH-values, butyric acid remained high compared to all other acids. Both fermentation patterns had virtually equal yields of hydrolysis and acidogenesis and showed good reproducibility among the parallel reactor operation.
The suitable combination of HRT and thin-sludge recirculation proved to be useful in a plug-flow hydrolysis as primary stage in biorefinery systems with the benefits of a wider feedstock spectrum including feedstock with cellulolytic components at an increased process robustness against changes in the feedstock composition.
Modifications of plant microclimate by plastic mulches reduces Drosophila suzukii infestation
Authors: McIntosh Hanna , Smith Michael Bartlett , Weissner Morgan , Atucha Amaya , Guédot Christelle
Published: April 2023

Spotted-wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), is one of the most detrimental pests of small fruit crops worldwide and its control relies heavily on pesticides, so there is a need to develop alternative management practices. Cultural practices that make the microclimate hotter, drier, and brighter than optimal conditions for the pest may be highly effective. In this two-year study, we evaluated how black, white, and metallic plastic mulches influence the raspberry plants’ microclimate to reduce D. suzukii larval infestation of fruit in the canopy and increase mortality of fallen larvae and pupae on the ground. All three plastic mulches reduced D. suzukii larval infestation of fruit by 40–72% and killed 80–100% of larvae and pupae placed on the mulch surface. The mechanisms at play are likely the compounded effects of increased ultraviolet (UV) light, hotter and drier conditions in the low canopy, and hot mulch surface temperature. UV light may be especially important since it reduced D. suzukii oviposition in the lab. Overall, plastic mulches can effectively modify the microclimate to make it less favorable for D. suzukii, reducing infestation in fruit and on the ground.
Treatment regimens, patient reported outcomes and health-related quality of life in children with moderate and severe haemophilia A in China: using real-world data
Authors: zhang peng , Zhang Luying , Chen Wen
Published: April 2023

Background Prophylaxis therapy for children with moderate and severe haemophilia A (HA) is the optimal treatment regimen. The real-world treatment regimens, patient reported outcomes and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children with moderate and severe HA in China are less known.Objective This study aimed to describe the real-world treatment regimens and evaluate the association oftreatment regimens with comprehensive patient reported outcomes including bleeds, chronic pain, target joints, disability and HRQoL in children under 18 years old with HA in China.Methods Real-world data of a nationwide online cross-sectional survey in 2021 and patients’ coagulation factor utilization data from self-management records from 2020 to 2021 were merged. 373 eligible children were included and categorized by treatment regimens according to the Chinese guideline: on-demand, short-term prophylaxis and long-term prophylaxis treatment.Results Currently, in China, 4.8% of children with HA are receiving full-dose long-term prophylaxis treatment. Prophylaxis treatment was a significant positive predictor of better patient reported outcomes and HRQoL. For children with prophylaxis treatment, there were significantly fewer annual bleeds (p < 0.001), lower frequency of chronic pain(p < 0.001), and higher health utility scores(p < 0.01) and EQ-VAS scores(p < 0.05) than children with on-demand treatment.Conclusion Accessible long-term prophylaxis treatment should be promoted for children with moderate and severe HA in China and regular monitoring of their outcomes and HRQoL should be carried out.
Melatonin Attenuates Scopolamine-induced Cognitive Dysfunction through SIRT1/IRE1α/XBP1 pathway
Authors: liu xiaoqi , Huang Shun , Wan Can , Hu Tian , Cai Ye-Feng , Wang Qi , Zhang Shi-Jie
Published: April 2023

The prevalence of dementia around the world is growing rapidly, and these patients are more likely to have cognitive impairments, mood and anxiety disorders (depression, anxiety, and panic disorder), and attention deficit disorders over their lifetime. Previous studies have proven that melatonin could improve memory loss, but its specific mechanism is still confused. In this study, we used in vivo and in vitro models to examine the neuroprotective effect of melatonin on scopolamine (SCOP)-induced cognitive dysfunction. The behavioral tests were performed. 18F-FDG PET imaging was used to access the metabolism of the brain. Protein expressions were determined through kit detection, western blot and immunofluorescence. Nissl staining was conducted to reflect the neurodegeneration. MTT assay and RNAi transfection were applied to perform the in vitro experiments. We found that melatonin could ameliorate SCOP-induced cognitive dysfunction, relieved anxious-like behaviors or HT22 cell damage. 18F-FDG PET-CT result showed that melatonin could improve cerebral glucose uptake in SCOP-treated mice. Melatonin restored the cholinergic function, increased the expressions of neurotrophic factors, and ameliorated oxidative stress in the brain of SCOP-treated mice. In addition, melatonin upregulated the expression of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1), which further relieved endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress by decreasing the expression of phosphorylate inositol-requiring enzyme (p-IRE1α) and its downstream, X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1). These results indicated that melatonin could ameliorate SCOP-induced cognitive dysfunction through SIRT1/IRE1α/XBP1 pathway. SIRT1 might be the key target of melatonin in the treatment of dementia.
Displacement type tunable frequency selective fabric and its electromagnetic response mechanism
Authors: Chen Jianying , Zhang Hengyu , Ji Hui , Wang Fumei , Xiao Hong
Published: April 2023

The development of tunable frequency selective surfaces that can respond to changing electromagnetic environments is a crucial area for the development of intelligent EM devices. In this research paper, a new displacement-type tunable frequency selective fabric (dTFSF) that can adjust its resonant frequency by external force is presented. The dTFSF is constructed by two identical plane frequency selective fabrics that contain periodic arranged cross-shaped conductive units. The resonance frequency of the dTFSF can be changed by displacing the two fabrics relative to each other, causing a change in the shape and size of the conductive units. The displacement is quantitatively related to the resonance frequency, allowing for precise control of the resonance frequency. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) and equivalent circuit analysis were used to obtain the equivalent EM parameters of the dTFSF. Overall, the dTFSF with lightweight and flexible nature making it an ideal candidate for integration into communication devices.