bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Voltage waveform tailoring for high aspect ratio plasma etching of SiO2 using Ar/CF4/O2 mixtures: Consequences of ion and electron distributions on etch profiles
Authors: Krüger Florian , Lee Hyunjae , Nam Sang Ki , Kushner Mark J.
Published: December 2022

The quality of high aspect ratio (HAR) features etched into dielectrics for microelectronics fabrication using halogen containing low temperature plasmas strongly depends on the energy and angular distribution of the incident ions (IEAD) onto the wafer, as well as potentially that of the electrons (EEAD). Positive ions, accelerated to high energies by the sheath electric field, have narrow angular spreads and can penetrate deeply into HAR features. Electrons typically arrive at the wafer with nearly thermal energy and isotropic angular distributions and so do not directly penetrate deeply into features. These differences can lead to positive charging of the insides of the features that can slow etching rates and produce geometric defects such as twisting. In this work, we computationally investigated the plasma etching of HAR features into SiO2 using tailored voltage waveforms in a geometrically asymmetric capacitively coupled plasma sustained in an Ar/CF4/O2 mixture at 40 mTorr. The tailored waveform consisted of a sinusoidal wave and its higher harmonics with a fundamental frequency of 1 MHz. We found that some degree of control of the IEADs and EEADs is possible by adjusting the phase of higher harmonics φ through the resulting generation of electrical asymmetry and electric field reversal. However, the IEADs and EEADs cannot easily be separately controlled. The control of IEADs and EEADs is inherently linked. The highest quality feature was obtained with a phase angle φ = 0° as this value generated the largest (most negative) DC self-bias and largest electric field reversal for accelerating electrons into the feature. That said, the consequences of voltage waveform tailoring (VWT) on etched features are dominated by the change in the IEADs. Although VWT does produce EEADs with higher energy and narrower angular spread, the effect of these electrons on the feature compared to thermal electrons is not large. This smaller impact of VWT produced EEADs is attributed to thermal electrons being accelerated into the feature by electric fields produced by the positive in-feature charging.
Anaesthesiology perspective on a multidisciplinary approach to optimal perioperative management of a patient with giant peptic ulcer perforation caused by the physiological stress of a thyroid storm necessitating emergent laparotomy
Authors: Wijeratne Sujani , Chong Claudia , Kirthinanda Dinoo Suran
Published: December 2022

Thyroid storm is a rare, fatal complication of thyrotoxicosis that necessitates aggressive medical treatment. We present a case of a patient who developed duodenal ulcer perforation as a result of a thyroid storm caused by Graves’ thyrotoxicosis. In addition to life-threatening intra-abdominal sepsis complicated by high anion-gap metabolic acidosis, he was found to have severely deranged thyroid hormone levels and clinical features compatible with thyroid storm based on the Burch-Wartofsky Score. Diagnosis and management of such patients with compromised gastrointestinal (GI) tract present a remarkable clinical challenge to the anaesthetist and the intensivists. Multidisciplinary care with rapid preoperative optimisation, careful intraoperative anaesthetic techniques and postoperative care resulted in excellent outcomes. This case report sheds light on how to tailor general anaesthesia to minimise physiological derangement associated with thyroid storm and re-establish homeostasis in patients presenting for emergent surgery, particularly those with GI dysfunction.
Intramural duodenal haematoma in a child post-endoscopic biopsy
Authors: Rahamtalla Dafalla , Al Rawahi Yusriya , Al Abri Hamda , Wali Yasser
Published: December 2022

Intramural duodenal haematoma is a rare complication of endoscopic biopsy. Though other causes such as blunt abdominal trauma are more common, it remains a rare problem in paediatric population. In this article, we report a patient who developed intramural duodenal haematoma following an endoscopic biopsy that was performed to look for evidence of gut graft versus host disease.
Cystic adventitial disease masquerading as ganglion disease: a rare cause of intermittent claudication
Authors: Calderwood Alyssa Claire , Palan Ranesh , Ponosh Stefan
Published: December 2022

Cystic adventitial disease (CAD) is a rare cause of claudication in which a mucinous cyst forms within the adventitial layer of a blood vessel, most commonly the popliteal artery, resulting in luminal narrowing. This paper presents a case of a man in his mid-50s with unilateral lower limb popliteal artery CAD, which was not initially identified on either duplex ultrasonography or CT angiography. He was successfully treated with surgical resection of the affected segment of the popliteal artery and autologous vein grafting.
Kikuchi-Fujimoto-like lymphadenopathy following COVID-19 vaccine: diagnosis and management
Authors: Betancur Veronica , Net Jose , Chapman Jennifer , Yepes Monica
Published: December 2022

A woman in her mid 40s presented for breast imaging after 1 week of painful and enlarged right axillary lymphadenopathy. She denied history of fever, weight loss, night sweats fatigue, cat scratch or other trauma. She received the second dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine 3 months previously on the contralateral arm. A mammogram demonstrated a single, asymmetric, large and dense right axillary lymph node. Ultrasound confirmed a 2.5 cm lymph node with cortical thickening of 0.6 cm. Ultrasound-guided core biopsy showed necrotising lymphadenitis with associated aggregates of histiocytes and plasmacytoid dendritic cells. Potential causes of necrotising adenitis includingBartonella, tuberculosis, Epstein-Barr Virus, herpes simplex virus, systemic lupus erythematosus and lymphoma were excluded. In the absence of any identifiable infectious or autoimmune causes, and given the temporal relatedness with vaccine administration, it was determined that the Kikuchi-Fujimoto-like necrotising lymphadenitis was likely secondary to the COVID-19 vaccine. To date, there has been no casual association made between the COVID-19 vaccine and KFD necrotising lymphadenitis.
Effect of vibrostimulatory wearable technology on stereotyped behaviour in a child with autism and intellectual disability
Authors: Santamarina-Siurana Cristina , Cloquell-Ballester Vicente , Berenguer-Forner Carmen , Fuentes-Albero Milagros
Published: December 2022

The aim of the work has been to report on the effects of vibrostimulation, administered through wearable technology, on stereotyped behaviour of a child in middle childhood, with autism, intellectual disability and severe behaviour in the ‘stereotypic behaviour’ subscale of the Restricted and Repetitive Behaviour Revised Scale. He received vibrostimulation (210 Hz, 2.8 µm), with a continuous pattern of vibration: three vibrations of 700 ms, each separated by a rest period of 500 ms and a pause of 8000 ms. Vibration was delivered bilaterally by two devices, repeating the vibration pattern for 3 min. The measures were repeated four times alternately, with the device turned off and on. The outcome measure was frequency of stereotyed behaviour, which was evaluated for 3 min with and without vibrostimulation. The results and observations, over 3 min of stimulation, showed the disappearance of stereotyped movements during vibrostimulation and better precision in intentional hand movements. Subjectively, the child enjoyed vibrostimulation.
Effectiveness of a PENG catheter and the implications and a complication of tunnelling
Authors: Rengaraj Preya , Vishnampettai Vaidyanathan Subramanian
Published: December 2022

Pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block is a recently developed technique for analgesia for hip surgeries. We chose to use a PENG catheter for effective analgesia perioperatively. In this case report, we performed PENG catheter for a patient posted for hip hemiarthroplasty. During the process of tunnelling after securing the catheter, we accidentally sheared the catheter and had to redo the procedure. The patient was comfortable during their stay with minimal pain. This case report emphasises the importance of securing a catheter in providing prolonged analgesia and also the importance of dealing with complications due to the procedure itself.
Treatment patterns and satisfaction in patients with type 2 diabetes newly initiating oral monotherapy with antidiabetic drugs in Japan: results from the prospective Real-world Observational Study on Patient Outcomes in Diabetes (RESPOND)
Authors: Tajima Atsushi , Tobe Keisuke , Eiki Jun-ichi , Origasa Hideki , Watada Hirotaka , Shimomura Iichiro , Tokita Shigeru , Kadowaki Takashi
Published: December 2022

Introduction

To present longitudinal data from the Real-world Observational Study on Patient Outcomes in Diabetes (RESPOND) in Japan.

Research design and methods

In this multicenter, prospective, observational cohort study, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) newly initiated on monotherapy were followed up for 2 years. Primary outcomes included changes in treatment pattern over time, target hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) attainment and treatment satisfaction per Oral Hypoglycaemic Agent Questionnaire (OHA-Q).

Results

Among 1474 enrolled patients (male, 62.1%; mean age, 59.7 years; HbA1c, 8.08%), the oral antidiabetic drug (OAD) monotherapy prescription rate decreased to 47.2% and that of 2 and ≥3 OADs increased to 14.8% and 5.4% at 24 months, respectively. Switch/add-on OAD was associated with higher HbA1c and body mass index (BMI), baseline OAD being non-dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP-4i)/non-sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT2i), diabetes complications, no comorbidities and consulting a diabetes specialist. The mean (SD) HbA1c (%) was 6.73 (0.85) at 24 months. Higher HbA1c, diabetes complications, cardiovascular disease, being employed, no hypertension and younger treating physician were associated with ≥2 OAD classes prescription or target HbA1c non-attainment at 24 months. OHA-Q subscale scores were significantly higher in patients achieving (vs not achieving) target HbA1c and in those continuing monotherapy (vs combination therapy). Baseline age (<65 years), sex (female), HbA1c, alcohol use, use of non–‍DPP-4i OADs or non-T2DM drugs, diabetes complications and cardiovascular disease had a significant negative impact, while EuroQol five-dimensional five-level and Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities-specific diet scores, BMI and unemployment had a significant positive impact on OHA-Q scores at 24 months.

Conclusions

Primary outcomes show real-world treatment patterns and glycemic control over 2 years in patients with T2DM newly initiated on OAD monotherapy in Japan. Key factors associated with durability of initial monotherapy, target achievement or treatment satisfaction included baseline HbA1c, comorbidity and initial OAD choice.
The Effect of high temperature on the stability of basal insulin in a pen: a randomized controlled, crossover, equivalence trial
Authors: Kongmalai Tanawan , Orarachin Patima , Dechates Bothamai , Chanphibun Pornnapa , Junnu Sarawut , Srisawat Chatchawan , Sriwijitkamol Apiradee
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Insulin is an essential medicine in the management of diabetes. When stored at high temperatures(HTs), its efficacy could rapidly decline. Therefore, appropriate storage of in-use insulin is necessary to achieve its maximum therapeutic effects. However, the ambient temperature in tropical countries is normally relatively high. This study aimed to compare the efficacies of basal insulin in a pen previously kept at 37°C for 21 days and basal insulin in a refrigerated pen (2°C–8°C). Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) was used to evaluate daily mean glucose levels (MGLs).

Research design and methods

This randomized controlled, crossover, equivalence trial recruited adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and glycated hemoglobin levels <8% who had used insulin glargine for >3 months. Subjects were randomized for sequential use of refrigerated basal insulin followed by basal insulin kept at HT, with a 2-week washout between phases. The HT insulin pens were stored in a 37°C incubator for 21 days before use, while the refrigerated insulin pens were stored at 2°C–8°C. Study patients received 7-day CGM. The primary outcome was the difference in the groups’ MGLs. The secondary outcome parameters were glucose variability represented by the standard deviation (SD), mean amplitude of glycemic excursion (MAGE), and percentage of time in range (TIR). The remaining quantity of insulin was evaluated by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) assay.

Results

Forty patients completed the study. The MGLwas 158.7±30.5 mg/dL and 157.0±40.9 mg/dL in the HT and refrigerated insulin pen groups, respectively (p=0.72). The groups had no significant differences in MAGE7day, SD, percentage of TIR, carryover period, or treatment effects (all p>0.05). There was also no significant difference in the remaining quantity of insulin evaluated by UHPLC (p=0.97).

Conclusions

HT basal insulin pens retain their potency and have biological activity comparable to that of refrigerated pens.

Trial registration numberTCTR20210611002.
Child Health, Agriculture and Integrated Nutrition (CHAIN): protocol for a randomised controlled trial of improved infant and young child feeding in rural Zimbabwe
Authors: Smith Laura E , Chagwena Dexter. T , Bourke Claire , Robertson Ruairi , Fernando Shamiso , Tavengwa Naume V , Cairns Jill , Ndhlela Thokozile , Matumbu Exhibit , Brown Tim , Datta Kavita , Mutasa Batsirai , Tengende Alice , Chidhanguro Dzivaidzo , Langhaug Lisa , Makanza Maggie , Chasekwa Bernard , Mutasa Kuda , Swann Jonathan , Kelly Paul , Ntozini Robert , Prendergast Andrew
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Over one-quarter of children in sub-Saharan Africa are stunted; however, commercial supplements only partially meet child nutrient requirements, cannot be sustainably produced, and do not resolve physiological barriers to adequate nutrition (eg, inflammation, microbiome dysbiosis and metabolic dysfunction). Redesigning current infant and young child feeding (IYCF) interventions using locally available foods to improve intake, uptake and utilisation of nutrients could ameliorate underlying pathogenic pathways and improve infant growth during the critical period of complementary feeding, to reduce the global burden of stunting.

Methods and analysis

Child Health Agriculture Integrated Nutrition is an open-label, individual household randomised trial comparing the effects of IYCF versus ‘IYCF-plus’ on nutrient intake during infancy. The IYCF intervention comprises behaviour change modules to promote infant nutrition delivered by community health workers, plus small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements from 6 to 12 months of age which previously reduced stunting at 18 months of age by ~20% in rural Zimbabwe. The ‘IYCF-plus’ intervention provides these components plus powdered NUA-45 biofortified sugar beans, whole egg powder, moringa leaf powder and provitamin A maize. The trial will enrol 192 infants between 5 and 6 months of age in Shurugwi district, Zimbabwe. Research nurses will collect data plus blood, urine and stool samples at baseline (5–6 months of age) and endline (9–11 months of age). The primary outcome is energy intake, measured by multipass 24-hour dietary recall at 9–11 months of age. Secondary outcomes include nutrient intake, anthropometry and haemoglobin concentration. Nested laboratory substudies will evaluate the gut microbiome, environmental enteric dysfunction, metabolic phenotypes and innate immune function. Qualitative substudies will explore the acceptability and feasibility of the IYCF-plus intervention among participants and community stakeholders, and the effects of migration on food production and consumption.

Ethics and dissemination

This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04874688) and was approved by the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe (MRCZ/A/2679) with the final version 1.4 approved on 20 August 2021, following additional amendments. Dissemination of trial results will be conducted through the Community Engagement Advisory Board in the study district and through national-level platforms.

Trial registration number

NCT04874688.
Acupuncture combined with cognitive–behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) in patients with insomnia: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Pei Wenya , He Te , Yang Pei , Lv Xiaozhou , Jiao Boyu , Meng Fanqi , Yan Yingshuo , Cui Liqian , He Guanheng , Zhou Xin , Wen Guihua , Ruan Jingwen , Lu Liming
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Insomnia affects physical and mental health due to the lack of continuous and complete sleep architecture. Polysomnograms (PSGs) are used to record electrical information to perform sleep architecture using deep learning. Although acupuncture combined with cognitive–behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) could not only improve sleep quality, solve anxiety, depression but also ameliorate poor sleep habits and detrimental cognition. Therefore, this study will focus on the effects of electroacupuncture combined with CBT-I on sleep architecture with deep learning.

Methods and analysis

This randomised controlled trial will evaluate the efficacy and effectiveness of electroacupuncture combined with CBT-I in patients with insomnia. Participants will be randomised to receive either electroacupuncture combined with CBT-I or sham acupuncture combined with CBT-I and followed up for 4 weeks. The primary outcome is sleep quality, which is evaluated by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The secondary outcome measures include a measurement of depression severity, anxiety, maladaptive cognitions associated with sleep and adverse events. Sleep architecture will be assessed using deep learning on PSGs.

Ethics and dissemination

This trial has been approved by the institutional review boards and ethics committees of the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sun University (2021763). The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals. The results of this trial will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference abstracts or posters.

Trial registration number

CTR2100052502.
Exploration of the health needs of patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes using a user-centred co-production approach in the area of mHealth: an exploratory sequential mixed-method protocol
Authors: Xie Qinqin , Hu Xiling , Wang Yarui , Peng Junsheng , Cheng Li
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Research on the needs and preferences of patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with mobile health (mHealth) service is limited. With the principles of co-production, this study aims to address this research gap by exploring the health needs of Chinese patients with poorly controlled T2DM.

Methods and analysis

This study uses a three-phase, exploratory sequential mixed-method design. Phase 1 aims to assess the health needs of patients with poorly controlled T2DM by conducting semi-structured interviews with patients, doctors and nurses. Participants will be recruited by purposive sampling with maximum variation. Content analysis will be employed. Phase 2 will form item generation and develop the mHealth need scale. The scale will be subject to pilot testing and psychometric evaluation, including content validity, construct validity, discriminant validity, internal validity and test–retest reliability. Phase 3 will explore the priority of health needs perceived by patients with poorly controlled T2DM through a cross-sectional study. The measurement tools include an mHealth needs scale, the Summary of Diabetes Self-care Activities Questionnaire, the Diabetes Empowerment Scale-Short Form, the Diabetes Health Literacy Scale and the eHealth Literacy Scale. Multiple regression techniques with a hierarchical block design will be used for the model building to identify the factors contributing to the heterogeneity of the perceived mHealth needs. The findings of phase 1 and phase 3 will be integrated using data correlation, comparison and consolidation.

Ethics and dissemination

The Ethics Committee of the School of Nursing, Sun Yat-sen University, has approved this study (No. 2021ZSLYEC). The results of this study will be disseminated through conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications.
Burn-out, emotional labour and psychological resilience among gastroenterology nurses during COVID-19: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Lin Huayan , Li Zhangjie , Yan Mengting
Published: December 2022

Objectives

To investigate the relationship between burn-out, emotional labour and psychological resilience of gastroenterology nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic and explore the factors associated with these specific variables.

Design

A multicentre cross-sectional study with anonymous self-reporting was conducted from 24 November 2021 to 26 December 2021.

Setting

The study was conducted in Fujian Province, China.

Participants

The participants were 345 gastroenterology nurses from 7 tertiary hospitals.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Burn-out, emotional labour and psychological resilience were the primary outcome measures. Using a convenience sampling method, the data were collected using Questionnaire Star (a tool for questionnaire surveys) via WeChat. The Chinese version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the Chinese version of the Emotional Labour Scale and the Chinese version of the Psychological Resilience Scale were used to evaluate burn-out, emotional labour and psychological resilience, respectively.

Results

The total scores for burn-out, emotional labour and psychological resilience in gastroenterology nurses were 53.07±19.63, 38.79±12.22 and 69.97±22.38, respectively, with less use of deep acting and more use of surface acting. Pearson correlation analysis showed that burn-out was positively correlated with two dimensions of emotional labour; surface acting and emotional expression, and negatively correlated with deep acting. There was a negative correlation between emotional labour and all three dimensions of psychological resilience.

Conclusions

Greater adoption of deep acting by nurses can be promoted by improving their psychological resilience during events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which can help improve emotional labour, thereby reducing burn-out and decreasing turnover rates. Senior management in hospitals must pay attention to nurses’ psychological status. Further interventional studies could be conducted in the future to explore relevant measures.
Digital delivery of behavioural activation therapy to overcome depression and facilitate social and economic transitions of adolescents in South Africa (the DoBAt study): protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Moffett Bianca D , Pozuelo Julia R , van Heerden Alastair , O'Mahen Heather A , Craske Michelle , Sodi Tholene , Lund Crick , Orkin Kate , Kilford Emma J , Blakemore Sarah-Jayne , Mahmud Mahreen , Musenge Eustasius , Davis Meghan , Makhanya Zamakhanya , Baloyi Tlangelani , Mahlangu Daniel , Chierchia Gabriele , Fielmann Sophie L , Gómez-Olivé F Xavier , Valodia Imraan , Tollman Stephen , Kahn Kathleen , Stein Alan
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Scalable psychological treatments to address depression among adolescents are urgently needed. This is particularly relevant to low-income and middle-income countries where 90% of the world’s adolescents live. While digital delivery of behavioural activation (BA) presents a promising solution, its feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness among adolescents in an African context remain to be shown.

Methods and analysis

This study is a two-arm single-blind individual-level randomised controlled pilot trial to assess the feasibility, acceptability and initial efficacy of digitally delivered BA therapy among adolescents with depression. The intervention has been coproduced with adolescents at the study site. The study is based in the rural northeast of South Africa in the Bushbuckridge subdistrict of Mpumalanga province. A total of 200 adolescents with symptoms of mild to moderately severe depression on the Patient Health Questionnaire Adolescent Version will be recruited (1:1 allocation ratio). The treatment group will receive BA therapy via a smartphone application (the Kuamsha app) supported by trained peer mentors. The control group will receive an enhanced standard of care. The feasibility and acceptability of the intervention will be evaluated using a mixed methods design, and signals of the initial efficacy of the intervention in reducing symptoms of depression will be determined on an intention-to-treat basis. Secondary objectives are to pilot a range of cognitive, mental health, risky behaviour and socioeconomic measures; and to collect descriptive data on the feasibility of trial procedures to inform the development of a further larger trial.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the University of the Witwatersrand Human Research Ethics Committee (MED20-05-011) and the Oxford Tropical Research Ethics Committee (OxTREC 34-20). Study findings will be published in scientific open access peer-reviewed journals, presented at scientific conferences and communicated to participants, their caregivers, public sector officials and other relevant stakeholders.

Trial registration numbers

This trial was registered on 19 November 2020 with the South African National Clinical Trials Registry (DOH-27-112020-5741) and the Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR202206574814636).
Genetic and genomic nursing competency among nurses in tertiary general hospitals and cancer hospitals in mainland China: a nationwide survey
Authors: Zhao Xiaomin , LI Xuying , Liu Yi , Calzone Kathleen , Xu Juan , Xiao Xueling , Wang Honghong
Published: December 2022

Objectives

To explore genetic/genomic nursing competency and associated factors among nurses from tertiary general and specialist cancer hospitals in mainland China and compare the competencies of nurses from the two types of hospitals.

Design and setting

A cross-sectional survey was conducted from November 2019 to January 2020, wherein 2118 nurses were recruited from 8 tertiary general hospitals and 4 cancer hospitals in mainland China. We distributed electronic questionnaires to collect data on nurses’ demographics, work-related variables and genomic nursing competency.

Participants

2118 nurses were recruited via a three-stage stratified cluster sampling method.

Results

More than half (59.1%, 1252/2118) of the participants reported that their curriculum included genetics/genomics content. The mean nurses’ genomic knowledge score was 8.30/12 (95% CI=8.21 to 8.39). Only 5.4% had always collected a complete family history in the past 3 months. Compared with general hospital nurses, slightly more cancer hospital nurses (75.6% vs 70.6%, p=0.010) recognised the importance of genomics, while there was no significant difference in the knowledge scores (8.38 vs 8.21, p>0.05). Gender (β=0.06, p=0.005), years of clinical nursing (β=−0.07, p=0.002), initial level of nursing education (β=0.10, p<0.001), membership of the Chinese Nursing Association (β=0.06, p=0.004), whether their curriculum included genetics/genomics content (β=0.08, p=0.001) and attitude towards becoming more educated in genetics/genomics (β=0.25, p<0.001) were significantly associated with the nurses’ genomic knowledge score.

Conclusion

The levels of genomic knowledge among mainland Chinese nurses in tertiary hospitals were moderate. The overall genomic competency of cancer hospital nurses was comparable to that of general hospital nurses. Further genomic training is needed for nurses in China to increase their genomic competency and accelerate the integration of genomics into nursing practice.
Cohort Profile:The Danish National Cohort Study of Effectiveness and Safety of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines (ENFORCE)
Authors: Stærke Nina Breinholt , Reekie Joanne , Johansen Isik S , Nielsen Henrik , Benfield Thomas , Wiese Lothar , Søgaard Ole S , Tolstrup Martin , Iversen Kasper Karmark , Tarp Britta , Larsen Fredrikke Dam , Larsen Lykke , Lindvig Susan Olaf , Holden Inge Kristine , Iversen Mette Brouw , Knudsen Lene Surland , Fogh Kamille , Jakobsen Marie Louise , Traytel Anna Katrin , Ostergaard Lars , Lundgren Jens
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The ENFORCE cohort is a national Danish prospective cohort of adults who received a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine as part of the Danish National SARS-CoV-2 vaccination programme. It was designed to investigate the long-term effectiveness, safety and durability of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines used in Denmark.

Participants

A total of 6943 adults scheduled to receive a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in the Danish COVID-19 vaccination programme were enrolled in the study prior to their first vaccination. Participants will be followed for a total of 2 years with five predetermined follow-up visits and additional visits in relation to any booster vaccination. Serology measurements are performed after each study visit. T-cell immunity is evaluated at each study visit for a subgroup of 699 participants. Safety information is collected from participants at visits following each vaccination. Data on hospital admissions, diagnoses, deaths and SARS-CoV-2 PCR results are collected from national registries throughout the study period. The median age of participants was 64 years (IQR 53–75), 56.6% were women and 23% were individuals with an increased risk of a serious course of COVID-19. A total of 340 (4.9%) participants tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 spike IgG at baseline.

Findings to date

Results have been published on risk factors for humoral hyporesponsiveness and non-durable response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, the risk of breakthrough infections at different levels of SARS-CoV-2 spike IgG by viral variant and on the antibody neutralising capacity against different SARS-CoV-2 variants following primary and booster vaccinations.

Future plans

The ENFORCE cohort will continuously generate studies investigating immunological response, effectiveness, safety and durability of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.

Trial registration number

NCT04760132.
Incisional hernia prevention: risk–benefit from a patient perspective (INVITE) – protocol for a single-centre, mixed-methods, cross-sectional study aiming to determine if using prophylactic mesh in incisional hernia prevention is acceptable to patients
Authors: Smith Laurie , Meggy Alun , Watts Tessa , Knight Laura , Torkington Jared , Cornish Julie
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Incisional hernia (IH) is a common complication of abdominal surgery affecting between 10% and 20% of patients and is associated with significant morbidity along with cost to the National Health Service. With high recurrence rates following repair, focus must be on prevention of IH rather than cure. There is an increasing evidence that patients at high risk of developing IH may benefit from prophylactic mesh placement during their index operation. With recent controversy surrounding the use of mesh in the UK, however, there is little understanding of whether this intervention would be acceptable to patients.

Methods and analysis

INVITE is a mixed-methods, cross-sectional study to explore patient perceptions of the use of mesh as prophylaxis to prevent IH. Patients with and without IH who have undergone colorectal surgery between 2017 and 2020 in a single UK health-board will be approached to participate. 120 participants will be asked to complete a questionnaire and a subgroup of 24 participants will be invited to semistructured interviews. The primary outcome is to assess the acceptability of prophylactic mesh to patients. Secondary outcomes include understanding patients’ knowledge of IH, and factors that may influence or alter the acceptability of mesh. Questionnaires have been developed using a 5-point Likert scale to allow quantitative analysis. Qualitative analysis of interviews will be conducted using NVivo software and thematic analysis. Data will be presented using the Journal Article Reporting Standards for mixed-methods research.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been granted by REC Wales (22/PR/0678), and the study is currently in setup. All participants will be required to provide informed consent prior to their participation in the study. We plan to report the results of the study in peer-reviewed scientific and medical journals and via presentations at scientific meetings. Results from this study will aid the design of interventional trials using prophylactic mesh.

Trial registration number

NCT05384600.
Advanced heart failure: parenteral diuretics for breathlessness and peripheral oedema – systematic review
Authors: Hughes Alex , Oluyase Adejoke O , Below Natalie , Bajwah Sabrina
Published: December 2022

Background

Advanced heart failure patients suffer with breathlessness and peripheral oedema, which are frequently treated with parenteral diuretics despite limited evidence.

Aim

To analyse the effectiveness of parenteral diuretics on breathlessness and peripheral oedema in advanced heart failure patients.

Methods

We searched Embase, MEDLINE(R), PsycINFO, CINAHL and CENTRAL from their respective inceptions to 2021, and performed handsearching, citation searching and grey literature search; limited to English publications. Selection criteria included parenteral (intravenous/subcutaneous) diuretic administration in advanced heart failure patients (New York Heart Association class III–IV). Two authors independently assessed articles for inclusion; one author extracted data. Data were synthesised through narrative synthesis or meta-analysed as appropriate.

Results

4646 records were screened; 6 trials (384 participants) were included. All were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing intravenous continuous furosemide infusion (CFI) versus intravenous bolus furosemide infusion (BFI). Improvement in breathlessness and peripheral oedema (two studies, n=161, OR 2.80, 95% CI 1.45 to 5.40; I2=0%), and increase in urine output (four studies, n=234, mean difference, MD 344.76, 95% CI 132.87 to 556.64; I2=44%), were statistically significant in favour of CFI. Significantly lower serum potassium was found in BFI compared with CFI (three studies, n=194, MD −0.20, 95% CI −0.38 to −0.01; I2=0%). There was no difference between CFI and BFI on reduction in weight, renal function or length of hospital stay.

Conclusions

CFI appears to improve congestion in advanced heart failure patients in the short term. Available data came from small trials. Larger, prospective RCTs are recommended to address the evidence gap.
Synchronous multicast-based quantum teleportation scheme via a six-qubit entangled state
Authors: Wang Min-Rui , Ren Peng , Xiang Zheng
Published: December 2022

With the deepening of research on quantum information transmission, multicast-based quantum teleportation (QT) has attracted considerable attention. In this paper, utilizing the six-qubit cluster state entanglement feature, a synchronous multicast-based QT scheme is presented, which fulfills multicast-based QT among four participants. This means that a controller is not needed, the sender Alice can realize quantum multicast communication successfully and efficiently, which makes the receivers Bob, Charlie and David gain the desired states synchronously with only knowing the measurement outcomes of Alice. Our scheme realizes the synchronous transmission of different coded information. In addition, we analyze the impact of four distinct noises and calculate the fidelities of the output states.
Glutaraldehyde‐Polymerized Hemerythrin: Evaluation of Performance as an Oxygen Carrier in Hemorrhage Models
Authors: Stoica Anca D. , Toma Vlad-Al. , Roman Ioana , Sevastre Bogdan , Scurtu Florina , Silaghi-Dumitrescu Radu
Published: December 2022

Hemoglobin‐based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) have been proposed and tested for several decades for the treatment of hemorrhage. We have previously proposed replacing hemoglobin (Hb) in HBOC with the oxygen‐carrying protein hemerythrin (Hr), from marine worms, showing that Hr‐based derivatives can perform at least as well or even better than Hb‐based HBOC in a range of in vitro assays involving oxidative and nitrosative stress as well as in top‐up animal models, where small amounts of Hr‐ or Hb‐HBOC were injected into rats. Here, these experiments are extended to a hemorrhage experiment, in which Hr polymerized with glutaraldehyde, alone or conjugated with human serum albumin, is administered after a loss of 20–30% blood volume. The performance of these preparations is compared with that of Hb‐based HBOC measured under the same conditions. Polymerized Hr is found to decrease the survival rate and can hence cannot be used as an oxygen carrier in transfusions. On the other hand, an Hr‐albumin copolymer restores survival rates to 100% and generally yields biochemical and histological parameters similar to those of glutaraldehyde‐polymerized bovine hemoglobin, with the exception of an acid‐base imbalance. The latter may be solved by employing an allogeneic albumin as opposed to the human albumin employed in the present study.
Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and Molecular Dynamic-Based Investigation on the Mechanism of Compound Chrysanthemum in the Treatment of Asthenopia
Authors: Qiu Junjie , Zheng Biying , Zhou Hengpu , Ye Chengcong , Shi Menglin , Shi Senlin , Wu Suxiang
Published: December 2022

As a clinical empirical prescription for ophthalmology, compound chrysanthemum has been used gradually and has a good effect on eye fatigue. However, the detailed mechanisms of antiasthenopia have not been studied. In order to clarify the mechanisms of the compound chrysanthemum in the treatment of asthenopia, network pharmacology was combined with experimental study in this paper. A total of 593 genes and 39 active chemicals were identified, and both were considered to be essential to the advancement of asthenopia research. The results of the molecular docking analysis demonstrated a certain affinity between PRKACA, PRKCA, PRKCB, and their related compounds; molecular dynamic simulations assessed the stability of these receptors and ligands. The effects of compound chrysanthemum extract on ciliary muscle were studied in vitro and in vivo. By using the MTT assay, compound chrysanthemum extracts (50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 g·mL-1) showed no effect on the proliferation of rCSMCs for 24 and 48 hours. It raised nitric oxide and decreased Ca2+ in ciliary muscle cells isolated from the eyeballs of rats. Besides, compound chrysanthemum extract had a direct relaxing effect on the isolated gastric smooth muscle of rats by reducing the contractile tension. Furthermore, in vivo experiment results showed that, compared to the incandescent lamp-irradiated rats (model group), SD rats treated with compound chrysanthemum extracts (660 mg·kg-1 and 1320 mg·kg-1, orally) displayed considerably retracted pupils and increased NO content. It is also found that compound chrysanthemum extract can downregulate the mRNA expression of PKA and PKC in the calcium signaling pathway. Overall, our results suggested that compound chrysanthemum extract may lessen visual fatigue through multiple components, multiple targets, and multiple pathways.
Style Characteristics Investigation of Quan-Xing Baijiu by Comparing Other Strong-Aroma Baijiu Brands in China
Authors: Han XingLin , Yin Xuan , Jiang Wei , Xue XinXin
Published: December 2022

Quan-xing Baijiu, a famous brand with different style characteristics from traditional strong-aroma Baijiu, is considered superior due to its “jiao-xiang” (caramel) flavor and the “he-run” (soft, moistening, and harmonious) style. In this study, gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O) was used to analyze the special flavors of Quan-xing Baijiu. The flavor fingerprints of six traditional strong-aroma Baijiu were determined using fragrance, taste, and entirety style in order to establish the individual style of Quan-xing Baijiu. The results indicated that 3-methyl butanol, ethyl butyrate, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl acetate, and ethyl caprylate were the main important aroma compound, which contributed to the he-run style in Quan-xing Baijiu. A standard of Quan-xing Baijiu’s typical style was established by flavor fingerprint. Together with the concordance rate evaluation method, this standard can help determine the characteristics of Baijiu samples for quality control. A rate above 81% represents a typical product staleness and good stability, while a rate below 73% represents a nontypical Quan-xing Baijiu product.
Detection of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica via Quenching of Unincorporated Amplification Signal Reporters in Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification
Authors: Halcon Ma. Hanna S. C. , Santos Joy Ann P. , Lantican Nacita B.
Published: December 2022

Salmonella enterica is a major cause of diarrheal diseases in developing countries where timely surveillance and proper clinical management are inadequate. In this study, a rapid and cheap method of detecting S. enterica DNA was developed by employing the Quenching of Unincorporated Amplification Signal Reporters in Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (QUASR LAMP) platform. QUASR LAMP provides a closed-tube, target-specific endpoint detection of pathogens, wherein results can be analyzed visually through an LED transilluminator and verified through agarose gel electrophoresis. Based on the chromosomal SopD gene, primers and probes were first designed, then screened. The assay was subsequently optimized so that the presence of S. enterica is determined by incubating the extracted DNA at 65°C for only 60 minutes. The assay was repeatable and can be performed by simply using a thermal cycler or even a dry bath incubator. S. enterica positives appear bright yellow green when viewed through a yellow filter excited with blue LED. The developed assay had an in silico and in vitro specificity towards Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovars with a limit of detection of 104 copies per microliter. The Salmonella QUASR LAMP assay has the potential for food and environmental applications. Chiefly, as an alternative to traditional microbiology and PCR, this QUASR LAMP assay can be used for point-of-care salmonellosis testing of clinical specimens in low-resource settings.
Parameter Estimation of Solar PV Using Ali Baba and Forty Thieves Optimization Technique
Authors: Sharma Pankaj , Thangavel Saravanakumar , Raju Saravanakumar , Prusty B. Rajanarayan
Published: December 2022

The modeling of a solar PV system is challenging due to its nonlinear current vs. voltage characteristics. Although various optimization techniques have been applied for the parameter estimation of the solar PV system, there is still a scope to attain the best-optimized results. This paper uses a new meta-heuristic optimization algorithm and a classical technique named Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves (AFT) with Newton Rapson (NR) method to estimate solar PV system parameters. The well-known story of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves has inspired the AFT. Besides, the inappropriate objective function used in earlier research to extract parameters from solar PV models is recognized. The experimental findings demonstrate that the suggested approach performs better when compared to state-of-the-art algorithms. Between the measured data and the computed data for AFT, the root mean square error values for the five PV models, such as single diode model (SDM), double diode model (DDM), Photowatt-PWP201, STM6-40/36, and STP6-120/36, are respectively 7.72 × 10−04 ± 6.121 × 10−16, 7.412 × 10−04 ± 9.52 × 10−06, 2.052 × 10−03 ± 3.05 × 10−17, 0.001721922 ± 2.19 × 10−17, and 0.014450817 ± 3.42 × 10−16. In terms of accuracy, the obtained results indicate that the proposed AFT algorithm is more efficient than the other optimization techniques available in the literature. The excellent correlation between the estimated parameters from characteristic curves and observed data for SDM, DDM, Photowatt-PWP201, STM6-40/36, and STP6-120/36 demonstrates that the proposed AFT is a potential option among the techniques available in the literature. The Friedman and Wilcoxon tests have been used to assess the statistical validity of the proposed algorithms.
Fully and Partially Replicated Experimental Designs for Evaluating Intravarietal Variability in Grapevine
Authors: Gonçalves Elsa , Carrasquinho Isabel , Martins Antero
Published: December 2022

Background and Aims. In ancient grapevine varieties, the experimental design of field trials is crucial to providing a reliable evaluation of quantitative traits. The main purposes of this study are to demonstrate the benefits of the resolvable row-column design (RCD) for quantifying intravarietal variability and performing polyclonal selection and to compare the efficiency of fully and partially replicated designs for quantifying intravarietal variability to implement the latter designs for a preliminary analysis of that variability. Methods and Results. Linear mixed models were fitted to yield data obtained in field trials with fully and partially replicated designs. The results pointed out the importance of the RCD in controlling the spatial variability present in large field trials. Although less precise, a partially replicated design proved to be useful in evaluating intravarietal variability when the average of years was used. Conclusions. The results reinforced the importance of the RCD in increasing the efficiency of intravarietal variability quantification and polyclonal selection. The partially replicated design proved to be useful when the only objective was to perform a preliminary analysis of intravarietal variability. Significance of the Study. Understanding the role of experimental design in grapevine selection field trials will help grapevine breeders enhance their knowledge about variability within ancient varieties and implement more successful polyclonal selection.
OGG1 in the Kidney: Beyond Base Excision Repair
Authors: Zhao Fan , Zhu Jiefu , Shi Lang , Wu Xiongfei
Published: December 2022

8-Oxoguanine DNA glycosylase (OGG1) is a repair protein for 8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG) in eukaryotic atopic DNA. Through the initial base excision repair (BER) pathway, 8-oxoG is recognized and excised, and subsequently, other proteins are recruited to complete the repair. OGG1 is primarily located in the cytoplasm and can enter the nucleus and mitochondria to repair damaged DNA or to exert epigenetic regulation of gene transcription. OGG1 is involved in a wide range of physiological processes, such as DNA repair, oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, and autophagy. In recent years, studies have found that OGG1 plays an important role in the progression of kidney diseases through repairing DNA, inducing inflammation, regulating autophagy and other transcriptional regulation, and governing protein interactions and functions during disease and injury. In particular, the epigenetic effects of OGG1 in kidney disease have gradually attracted widespread attention. This study reviews the structure and biological functions of OGG1 and the regulatory mechanism of OGG1 in kidney disease. In addition, the possibility of OGG1 as a potential therapeutic target in kidney disease is discussed.