bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunological and senescence biomarker profiles in patients after spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C virus: gender implications for long-term health risk
Authors: Martín-Escolano Rubén , Vidal-Alcántara Erick Joan , Crespo Javier , Ryan Pablo , Real Luis Miguel , Lazo-Álvarez Juan Ignacio , Cabezas-González Joaquín , Macías Juan , Arias-Loste María Teresa , Cuevas Guillermo , Virseda-Berdices Ana , Briz Veronica , Resino Salvador , Jiménez-Sousa María Ángeles , Fernández-Rodríguez Amanda
Published: November 2023

Background

About 25% of patients with acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection show spontaneous clearance within the first six months of infection but may remain at risk of inflammaging, aging, and liver and non-liver disease complications. This study evaluated the differences in the plasma levels of immune checkpoints (ICs) and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) biomarkers between patients who had spontaneously eliminated HCV infection (SC group) and individuals without evidence of HCV infection (C group).

Methods

We performed a multicenter retrospective study of 56 individuals: 32 in the SC and 24 in the C groups. ICs and SASP proteins were analyzed using a Luminex 200TM analyzer. The statistical analysis used Generalized Linear Models with gamma distribution (log-link) adjusted by significant variables and sex.

Results

13 ICs (BTLA, CD137(4-1BB), CD27, CD28, CD80, GITR, HVEM, IDO, LAG-3, PD-1, PD-L1, PD-L2, and TIM-3) and 13 SASP proteins (EGF, Eotaxin, IL-1alpha, IL-1RA, IL-8, IL-13, IL-18, IP-10, SDF-1alpha, HGF, beta-NGF, PLGF-1, and SCF) were significantly higher in SC group after approximately more than two years of HCV clearance. After stratifying by sex, differences remained significant for males, which showed higher levels for 13 ICs and 4 SASP proteins in SC. While only PD-L2 was significantly higher in SC women, and no differences in SASP were found.

Conclusions

Higher plasma levels of different IC and SASP proteins were found in individuals after more than two years of HCV clearance, mainly in men. Alterations in these molecules might be associated with an increased risk of developing liver and non-hepatic diseases.
A simulation-based randomized trial of ABCDE style cognitive aid for emergency medical services CHecklist In Prehospital Settings: the CHIPS-study
Authors: Droege Helena , Trentzsch Heiko , Zech Alexandra , Prückner Stephan , Imach Sebastian
Published: November 2023

Background

Checklists are a powerful tool for reduction of mortality and morbidity. Checklists structure complex processes in a reproducible manner, optimize team interaction, and prevent errors related to human factors. Despite wide dissemination of the checklist, effects of checklist use in the prehospital emergency medicine are currently unclear. The aim of the study was to demonstrate that participants achieve higher adherence to guideline-recommended actions, manage the scenario more time-efficient, and thirdly demonstrate better adherence to the ABCDE-compliant workflow in a simulated ROSC situation.

Methods

CHIPS was a prospective randomized case–control study. Professional emergency medical service teams were asked to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation on an adult high-fidelity patient simulator achieving ROSC. The intervention group used a checklist which transferred the ERC guideline statements of ROSC into the structure of the ‘ABCDE’ mnemonic. Guideline adherence (performance score, PS), utilization of process time (items/minute) and workflow were measured by analyzing continuous A/V recordings of the simulation. Pre- and post-questionnaires addressing demographics and relevance of the checklist were recorded. Effect sizes were determined by calculating Cohen’s d. The level of significance was defined at p < 0.05.

Results

Twenty scenarios in the intervention group (INT) and twenty-one in the control group (CON) were evaluated. The average time of use of the checklist (CU) in the INT was 6.32 min (2.39–9.18 min; SD = 2.08 min). Mean PS of INT was significantly higher than CON, with a strong effect size (p = 0.001, d = 0.935). In the INT, significantly more items were completed per minute of scenario duration (INT, 1.48 items/min; CON, 1.15 items/min, difference: 0.33/min (25%), p = 0.001), showing a large effect size (d = 1.11). The workflow did not significantly differ between the groups (p = 0.079), although a medium effect size was shown (d = 0.563) with the tendency of the CON group deviating stronger from the ABCDE than the INT.

Conclusion

Checklists can have positive effects on outcome in the prehospital setting by significantly facilitates adherence to guidelines. Checklist use may be time-effective in the prehospital setting. Checklists based on the ‘ABCDE’ mnemonic can be used according to the ‘do verify’ approach. Team Time Outs are recommended to start and finish checklists.
Increased cerebral lactate levels in adults with autism spectrum disorders compared to non-autistic controls: a magnetic resonance spectroscopy study
Authors: Maier Simon , Nickel Kathrin , Lange Thomas , Oeltzschner Georg , Dacko Michael , Endres Dominique , Runge Kimon , Schumann Anke , Domschke Katharina , Rousos Michalis , Tebartz van Elst Ludger
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) encompasses a heterogeneous group with varied phenotypes and etiologies. Identifying pathogenic subgroups could facilitate targeted treatments. One promising avenue is investigating energy metabolism, as mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in a subgroup of ASD. Lactate, an indicator of energy metabolic anomalies, may serve as a potential biomarker for this subgroup. This study aimed to examine cerebral lactate (Lac+) levels in high-functioning adults with ASD, hypothesizing elevated mean Lac+ concentrations in contrast to neurotypical controls (NTCs).

Materials and methods

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was used to study cerebral Lac+ in 71 adults with ASD and NTC, focusing on the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC). After quality control, 64 ASD and 58 NTC participants remained. Lac+ levels two standard deviations above the mean of the control group were considered elevated.

Results

Mean PCC Lac+ levels were significantly higher in the ASD group than in the NTC group (p = 0.028; Cohen’s d = 0.404), and 9.4% of the ASD group had elevated levels as compared to 0% of the NTCs (p = 0.029). No significant correlation was found between blood serum lactate levels and MRS-derived Lac+ levels.

Limitations

A cautious interpretation of our results is warranted due to a p value of 0.028. In addition, a higher than anticipated proportion of data sets had to be excluded due to poor spectral quality.

Conclusion

This study confirms the presence of elevated cerebral Lac+ levels in a subgroup of adults with ASD, suggesting the potential of lactate as a biomarker for mitochondrial dysfunction in a subgroup of ASD. The lower-than-expected prevalence (20% was expected) and moderate increase require further investigation to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and relationships with mitochondrial function.
Multi-omics analysis reveals the molecular regulatory network underlying the prevention of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum against LPS-induced salpingitis in laying hens
Authors: Song Dan , Li Aike , Chen Bingxu , Feng Jia , Duan Tao , Cheng Junlin , Chen Lixian , Wang Weiwei , Min Yuna
Published: November 2023

Background

Salpingitis is one of the common diseases in laying hen production, which greatly decreases the economic outcome of laying hen farming. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum was effective in preventing local or systemic inflammation, however rare studies were reported on its prevention against salpingitis. This study aimed to investigate the preventive molecular regulatory network of microencapsulated Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (MLP) against salpingitis through multi-omics analysis, including microbiome, transcriptome and metabolome analyses.

Results

The results revealed that supplementation of MLP in diet significantly alleviated the inflammation and atrophy of uterus caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in hens (P < 0.05). The concentrations of plasma IL-2 and IL-10 in hens of MLP-LPS group were higher than those in hens of LPS-stimulation group (CN-LPS group) (P < 0.05). The expression levels of TLR2, MYD88, NF-κB, COX2, and TNF-α were significantly decreased in the hens fed diet supplemented with MLP and suffered with LPS stimulation (MLP-LPS group) compared with those in the hens of CN-LPS group (P < 0.05). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) induced by  MLP were involved in inflammation, reproduction, and calcium ion transport. At the genus level, the MLP supplementation significantly increased  the abundance of Phascolarctobacterium, whereas decreased the abundance of Candidatus_Saccharimonas in LPS challenged hens (P < 0.05). The metabolites altered by dietary supplementation with MLP were mainly involved in galactose, uronic acid, histidine, pyruvate and primary bile acid metabolism. Dietary supplementation with MLP inversely regulates LPS-induced differential metabolites such as LysoPA (24:0/0:0) (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

In summary, dietary supplementation with microencapsulated Lactiplantibacillus plantarum prevented salpingitis by modulating the abundances of Candidatus_Saccharimonas, Phascolarctobacterium, Ruminococcus_torques_group and Eubacterium_hallii_group while downregulating the levels of plasma metabolites, p-tolyl sulfate, o-cresol and N-acetylhistamine and upregulating S-lactoylglutathione, simultaneously increasing the expressions of CPNE4, CNTN3 and ACAN genes in the uterus, and ultimately inhibiting oviducal inflammation.
A validation study of the Arabic version of the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being scale among undergraduate students
Authors: Zayed Kashef , Omara Ehab , Al-Shamli Ali , Al-Rawahi Nasser , Haramlah Ahmed Al , Al-Attiyah Asma A. , Al-Haddabi Badriya , Al-Yarobi Ali , Al-Busafi Majid , Al-Jadidi Khalifa
Published: November 2023

Background

The main aim of this study was to assess the validity of the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) and the short version of the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (SWEMWBS) and to evaluate the metric properties of both versions by using a sample of undergraduate students from three Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia).

Methods

Six hundred ninety undergraduate students (340 M and 350 F; mean age = 21.16 ± 2.44) from Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia (NOM = 238, NQA = 215, NSA = 237), voluntarily participated in this cross-section study. All of them responded to the WEMWBS, Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction Frustration (BPNSFS), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II). The methodology involved utilizing descriptive statistics to understand the data’s characteristics, internal consistency analysis for reliability, correlation analysis for convergent validity, confirmatory factor analysis to validate the scales, and measurement invariance testing to ensure cross-group comparability. Model fit indices were employed to gauge the goodness of fit.

Results

The translated Arabic versions of the WEMWBS and SWEMWBS showed good reliability, with Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.867 and 0.772, respectively. The findings of confirmatory factor analysis asserted the one-factor solution to interpret the item variances of the 14-item WEMWBS and 7-item SWEMWBS. The WEMWBS and SWEMWBS also showed significant positive relationships with need satisfaction and negative relationship with need frustration, and depression. Moreover, the SWEMWBS showed partial scalar invariance across genders and countries, while the WEMWBS showed only partial metric invariance across the three countries and partial scalar invariance across genders.

Conclusions

Our study highlights the appropriateness of both versions of the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) in assessing the psychological well-being of Arab undergraduate students. The employment of these tools is strongly encouraged for the assessment of mental well-being within a comparable adult population.
Using audience segmentation to identify implementation strategies to improve PrEP uptake among at-risk cisgender women: a mixed-methods study protocol
Authors: Pellowski Jennifer A. , Price Devon M. , Desir Arielle , Golub Sarit , Operario Don , Purtle Jonathan
Published: November 2023

Background

In the USA, 19% of new HIV infections occur among cisgender women (cis women); however, only 10% of eligible cis women have been prescribed pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for the prevention of HIV infection (an evidence-based intervention). A fundamental challenge for expanding HIV prevention to cis women is ensuring implementation strategies are tailored to the various healthcare settings in which cis women seek care and the heterogeneous providers nested within these settings. This project’s specific aims are to (1) explore clinician-level characteristics and organizational climate factors that are related to variability in adoption of PrEP service delivery as an evidence-based intervention for cis women; (2) identify latent audience segments of women’s health providers as the related to PrEP acceptability, adoption, and maintenance and analyze demographic correlates of these segments; and (3) identify audience segment-specific implementation strategies to facilitate the adoption of PrEP as an evidence-based intervention among at-risk cis women.

Methods

Using the i-PARIHS framework, this mixed-methods study examines three domains for guiding audience segmentation to facilitate PrEP implementation for cis women: innovation (degree of fit with existing practices, usability), recipient beliefs and knowledge and context factors (organizational culture, readiness for change), needs to determine appropriate facilitation methods. To achieve aim 1, qualitative interviews will be conducted with PrEP-eligible cis women, women’s health providers, and other key stakeholders. Aim 2 will consist of a quantitative survey among 340 women’s health providers. Latent class analysis will be used to facilitate audience segmentation.

To achieve aim 3, a panel of 5–8 providers for each audience segment will meet and engage in iterative discussions guided by Fernandez’s implementation mapping to identify (1) implementation outcomes and performance objectives, determinants, and change objectives and (2) determine and refine of implementation strategies for each audience segment.

Discussion

This exploratory mixed methods study will provide an empirical foundation to inform the development implementations strategies aimed at increasing PrEP delivery to cis women among heterogenous groups of providers.
A structural equation model of CFIR inner and outer setting constructs, organization characteristics, and national DPP enrollment
Authors: Madrigal Lillian , Haardörfer Regine , Kegler Michelle C. , Piper Sarah , Blais Linelle M. , Weber Mary Beth , Escoffery Cam
Published: November 2023

Background

The National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) has made great strides in increasing accessibility to its year-long, evidence-based lifestyle change program, with around 3000 organizations having delivered the program. This large dissemination effort offers a unique opportunity to identify organization-level factors associated with program implementation and reach (enrollment) across diverse settings. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively examine the relationships among Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) Inner Setting and Outer Setting constructs and the implementation outcome of reach.

Methods

This study analyzed data from a 2021 cross-sectional online survey with 586 National DPP Staff (lifestyle coaches, master trainers, program coordinators) with information about their organization, implementation outcomes, and responses to quantitative CFIR Inner Setting and Outer Setting construct items. Structural equation modeling was used to test a hypothesized path model with Inner and Outer Setting variables to explore direct and indirect pathways to enrollment.

Results

The CFIR items had good internal consistency and indicated areas of implementation strength and weakness. Eight variables included as part of the CFIR structural characteristics and one organization characteristic variable had significant direct relationships with enrollment. The length of delivery, number of lifestyle coaches, number of full-time staff, large organization size, and organizations delivering in rural, suburban, and/or urban settings all had positive significant direct relationships with enrollment, while academic organizations and organizations with only non-White participants enrolled in their National DPP lifestyle change programs had a negative association with enrollment.

Conclusions

Participant reach is an important implementation outcome for the National DPP and vital to making population-level decreases in diabetes incidence in the USA. Our findings suggest that to facilitate enrollment, program implementers should focus on organizational structural characteristics such as staffing. Strengths of this study include the use of adapted and newly developed quantitative CFIR measures and structural equation modeling. Health prevention programs can use the methods and findings from this study to further understand and inform the impact of organization factors on implementation outcomes.
Robot-assisted right wedge-shaped sleeve lower bilobectomy with knotless suture anastomosis: a case report
Authors: Oyamatsu Hironori , Shimura Yusuke , Kiriyama Ryota , Okagawa Takehiko , Fujimura Takaki , Niimi Seijirou
Published: November 2023

Background

In bronchoplasty of wedge resections, it is necessary to transect the bronchus at a sharp angle and depth. As a result, anastomoses after wedge resections have the disadvantages of poor visibility and operability. Here, we report a case of right wedge-shaped sleeve bilobectomy that was successfully performed with continuous knotless suturing using robotic assistance.

Case presentation

An 81-year-old male patient was referred for the treatment of a tumor in the right lower lobe, which protruded into the bronchus intermedius. The tumor was diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma by transbronchial biopsy, cT1cN1M0 stage IIB carcinoma for which surgery was indicated. Because the pulmonary middle lobe artery was involved and a resection margin from the tumor protruding into the bronchial mucosal epithelium was necessary, a right wedge-shaped sleeve bilobectomy was performed. The bronchial anastomosis was performed with robotic assistance. After dissection of pulmonary vessels and interlobes, the upper lobe bronchial bifurcation was transected in a wedged shape, and a lower bilobectomy was performed. The bronchi were sutured continuously with knotless sutures. A continuous suture was performed from the ventral to the caudal side. After suturing to the dorsal side, another continuous suturing was performed from the cranial side. Continuous sutures were made until each thread passed through the other. Pericardial fat was wrapped around the anastomosis.

Conclusions

A better visual field could be obtained owing to robot-assisted surgery, and robotic arms enabled an accurate and safe operation. Furthermore, continuous suturing using a knotless suture made it easier for the sutures to be handled and enabled bronchial anastomosis without assistance.
SKYSCRAPER-02: Tiragolumab in Combination With Atezolizumab Plus Chemotherapy in Untreated Extensive-Stage Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Rudin Charles M. , Liu Stephen V. , Soo Ross A. , Lu Shun , Hong Min Hee , Lee Jong-Seok , Bryl Maciej , Dumoulin Daphne W. , Rittmeyer Achim , Chiu Chao-Hua , Ozyilkan Ozgur , Johnson Melissa , Navarro Alejandro , Novello Silvia , Ozawa Yuichi , Tam Sammi Hiu , Patil Namrata S. , Wen Xiaohui , Huang Meilin , Hoang Tien , Meng Raymond , Reck Martin
Published: November 2023

PURPOSE

The phase III SKYSCRAPER-02 study determined whether the benefits of atezolizumab plus carboplatin and etoposide (CE) could be enhanced by the addition of tiragolumab in untreated extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). We report final progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) analyses.

METHODS

Patients received tiragolumab 600 mg/placebo, plus atezolizumab 1,200 mg and CE (four cycles), then maintenance tiragolumab/placebo plus atezolizumab. Primary end points were investigator-assessed PFS and OS in patients without history/presence of brain metastases (primary analysis set [PAS]). Additional end points included PFS and OS in all patients regardless of brain metastases status (full analysis set [FAS]), response, and safety.

RESULTS

Four hundred ninety patients were randomly assigned (FAS): 243 to tiragolumab arm and 247 to control arm. At the cutoff date (February 6, 2022; median duration of follow-up, 14.3 months [PAS] and 13.9 months [FAS]), final analysis of PFS in the PAS (n = 397) did not reach statistical significance (stratified hazard ratio [HR], 1.11; P = .3504; median, 5.4 months tiragolumab v 5.6 months control). At the cutoff date (September 6, 2022; median duration of follow-up, 21.2 months [FAS]), median OS in the PAS at final OS analysis was 13.1 months in both arms (stratified HR, 1.14; P = .2859). Median PFS and OS in the FAS were consistent with the PAS. The proportion of patients with immune-mediated adverse events (AEs) in the tiragolumab and control arms was 54.4% and 49.2%, respectively (grade 3/4: 7.9% and 7.7%). AEs leading to treatment withdrawal occurred in 8.4% and 9.3% of tiragolumab- and control-treated patients, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Tiragolumab did not provide additional benefit over atezolizumab and CE in untreated ES-SCLC. The combination was well tolerated with no new safety signals.
Dynamic Nomogram for Predicting the Risk of Perioperative Neurocognitive Disorders in Adults
Authors: Song Ai-lin , Li Yu-jie , Liang Hao , Sun Yi-zhu , Shu Xin , Huang Jia-hao , Yang Zhi-yong , He Wen-quan , Zhao Lei , Zhu Tao , Zhong Kun-hua , Chen Yu-wen , Lu Kai-zhi , Yi Bin
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND:

Simple and rapid tools for screening high-risk patients for perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PNDs) are urgently needed to improve patient outcomes. We developed an online tool with machine-learning algorithms using routine variables based on multicenter data.

METHODS:

The entire dataset was composed of 49,768 surgical patients from 3 representative academic hospitals in China. Surgical patients older than 45 years, those undergoing general anesthesia, and those without a history of PND were enrolled. When the patient’s discharge diagnosis was PND, the patient was in the PND group. Patients in the non-PND group were randomly extracted from the big data platform according to the surgical type, age, and source of data in the PND group with a ratio of 3:1. After data preprocessing and feature selection, general linear model (GLM), artificial neural network (ANN), and naive Bayes (NB) were used for model development and evaluation. Model performance was evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROCAUC), the area under the precision-recall curve (PRAUC), the Brier score, the index of prediction accuracy (IPA), sensitivity, specificity, etc. The model was also externally validated on the multiparameter intelligent monitoring in intensive care (MIMIC) Ⅳ database. Afterward, we developed an online visualization tool to preoperatively predict patients’ risk of developing PND based on the models with the best performance.

RESULTS:

A total of 1051 patients (242 PND and 809 non-PND) and 2884 patients (6.2% patients with PND) were analyzed on multicenter data (model development, test [internal validation], external validation-1) and MIMIC Ⅳ dataset (external validation-2). The model performance based on GLM was much better than that based on ANN and NB. The best-performing GLM model on validation-1 dataset achieved ROCAUC (0.874; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.833–0.915), PRAUC (0.685; 95% CI, 0.584–0.786), sensitivity (72.6%; 95% CI, 61.4%–81.5%), specificity (84.4%; 95% CI, 79.3%–88.4%), Brier score (0.131), and IPA (44.7%), and of which the ROCAUC (0.761, 95% CI, 0.712–0.809), the PRAUC (0.475, 95% CI, 0.370–0.581), Brier score (0.053), and IPA (76.8%) on validation-2 dataset. Afterward, we developed an online tool (https://pnd-predictive-model-dynnom.shinyapps.io/ DynNomapp/) with 10 routine variables for preoperatively screening high-risk patients.

CONCLUSIONS:

We developed a simple and rapid online tool to preoperatively screen patients’ risk of PND using GLM based on multicenter data, which may help medical staff’s decision-making regarding perioperative management strategies to improve patient outcomes.
The Role of Stereotactic Radiosurgery in Patients With Brain Metastases From Colorectal Cancers
Authors: Taori Suchet , Wei Zhishuo , Deng Hansen , Lunsford L. Dade , Niranjan Ajay
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

The role of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in patients with brain metastases (BMs) from colorectal cancers (CRCs) has not been established. The authors present a single-institution experience of patients with CRC who underwent SRS with metastatic brain spread.

METHODS:

We retrospectively analyzed 111 patients with metastatic CRC (64 female, 57.7%), with 449 BMs treated with Gamma Knife SRS between 2000 and 2022. The median age during SRS was 63 years (range: 28-86), and the median Karnofsky Performance Scale was 80 (range: 60-100). The primary sites were colon (85 patients, 76.6%) and rectal (26 patients, 23.4%). Three patients underwent hypofractionated SRS (3 sessions) with a median margin dose of 27 Gy (range: 27-30). All other patients underwent single-session SRS with a median margin dose of 18 Gy (range: 13-20).

RESULTS:

The median patient survival after SRS was 7 months (range: 1-174). Ninety-eight (88.3%) patients expired at last follow-up and 15 patients (15.3%) died related to progressive intracranial disease. A Karnofsky Performance Scale of <80 at SRS presentation (P = .02, hazard ratio [HR]: 0.6, 95% CI: 0.4-0.9) and no previous surgical resection (P < .01, HR: 0.4, 95% CI: 0.3-0.7) were associated with inferior overall survival using multivariate analysis. Seventeen patients (15.3%) had documented local tumor progression after SRS, at a median time of 7 months (range: 3-34) between SRS and progression. Twenty-six patients (23.4%) developed new BMs at a median of 5 months (range: 2-26) between SRS and new tumor detection. Less than three BMs at SRS presentation (P = .02, HR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.2-5.6) were associated with better distant tumor control on multivariate analysis. The incidence of adverse radiation effects was 5.4%.

CONCLUSION:

SRS effectively controls BMs from CRC with low risk of treatment-related toxicity. During follow-up, the development of additional metastases can be safely treated by repeat SRS.
Viral interactions with host factors (TIM-1, TAM -receptors, Glut-1) are related to the disruption of glucose and ascorbate transport and homeostasis, causing the haemorrhagic manifestations of viral haemorrhagic fevers.
Authors: Chicano Wust Ivan
Published: November 2023

The haemorrhagic features of viral haemorrhagic fevers may be caused by common patterns of metabolic disturbances of the glucose and ascorbate homeostasis. Haemorrhages and vasculature disfunctions are a clinical feature not only of viral haemorrhagic fevers, but also in scurvy, diabetes and thrombotic microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia. Interestingly, the expression of glucose and ascorbate transporter Glut-1 on the erythrocyte membrane is associated with the inability to synthesize ascorbate and is restricted to that very species that are susceptible to filoviruses (primates, humans and fruit bats). Glut-1 may play a pivotal role in haemorrhagic fever pathogenesis. TIM-1 and TAM receptors have been recognized to enhance entry of Ebola, Lassa and Dengue viruses and viral interferences with TIM-1 could disturb its function, disturbing the expression of Glut-1.In those species not able to synthesize ascorbate and expressing Glut-1 on erythrocytes virus could interact with Glut-1 or other functionally related protein, and the influx of glucose into the cells would be severely impaired. As a consequence, transient hyperglycemia and a marked oxidative stress coupled with the high levels of glucose in plasma would be established, and then promote the activation of NF–κB transcription, exacerbating a pro-inflammatory response mediated by cytokines and chemokines: The inability to synthesize ascorbate is an Achilles Heel when trying to counteract the oxidative stress.
Data science training needs in sub-Saharan Africa: Implications for biomedical research and therapeutics capacity
Authors: Coker Modupe O. , Kotila Olayinka A. , Adigun Taiwo O. , Lawal Temitayo V. , Fagbamigbe Adeniyi F. , Makolo Angela U. , Salawu Mobolaji M. , Ajayi David T. , Oluniyi Paul E. , Oguzie Judith U. , Happi Anise N. , Hoen Anne G. , Babalola Chinedum P. , Ajayi IkeOluwapo O.
Published: November 2023

Data use is becoming increasingly valuable worldwide and has positively improved decision-making in various sectors. Data science has revolutionized the study of epidemiology and disease control. Despite the unlimited potential of data science, Africa lags in its innovation and technological advancements. Although sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has not taken full advantage of data science in healthcare delivery and biomedical research, attempts have been made to harness this opportunity. This article reviews the current level, potentials, and gaps in data science, genomics, and bioinformatics in SSA. We also identified needs associated with developing tools and building capacity in the region, while also acknowledging advances made in these areas to date. We identified opportunities in health data science in SSA, including benefits in combating diseases that burden this region. Applying data science has the potential to create comprehensive healthcare reports and convert them into relevant critical insights that can then be used to provide better care, reduce costs of treatment, predict outbreaks of epidemics, avoid preventable diseases, and improve quality of life in general. In order to achieve this, artificial intelligence and machine learning to build and apply models are some of the common mechanisms applied in all domains of medical research, alongside computational tools and models to simulate systems or expedite biomedical research like bioinformatics and computational biology. Data science, a body of knowledge that uses modern tools and techniques for data management and utilization of big data for innovative interventions and biomedical research is upcoming in Sub-Saharan Africa. Its importance in understanding epidemiology of diseases, public health, and surveillance as well as other domains in allied medical disciplines were highlighted in this review. The dearth in data science skills, expertise, and institutions engaged in training data science needs urgent intervention to optimize the potential uses to improve medicine and healthcare delivery in SSA.
Multi-Threaded Data Communication in Java for Advanced Computing Environments
Authors: Wang Jinying , Yang Jing
Published: November 2023

The performance of operating systems like computers requires the proper functioning of the computer language interpreter. This interpreter follows various types of programming languages that make the performing of computer programming easy and effective. The application of the programming language of Java helps in processing multiple tasks at once. This research analyzes the novelty of Java-based data communication models in advanced computing services. This performance makes the saving of the resources used for the development of the programming language. All these development includes the performing of the multiple threads communication data processing. These multiple threads help distribute the single processed input in the multi-channel language processing, thus helping the work competition in time. It also reduces the cost of maintaining the programming languages reduced. Thus, the implementing cost of resources required for programming performance is reduced. Therefore, this implementation impacts the programmer to become more indented to use the language transformation process of Java. Moreover, it creates a more effective representation of the audio or visual content represented by a multi-tasking operating system. In this process of development in the language transformation of the operating system, the ability of the operating system for data processing improves. The systematic process of this language transformation helps in systematically transforming multiple programs at once.
Clinical Indicator Analysis for Predicting Pathogenic Pneumonia Infection in Newborns with Distributed Sensor Networks Data Analytics
Authors: Zhang Ya , Dong Wenbin
Published: November 2023

Neonatal infections are prevalent as newborn children are prone to a range of infections because of their absence of immunity. Being susceptible to various diseases, the immune system of infants is not adequately developed to fight against protozoa bacteria, viruses and parasites. Pathogenic pneumonia is one of the most common infections identified within the neonatal group. It is a lung infection occurring in the neonates, which can start after a few hours of delivery or even after a week. The infection can even occur due to the normal flora found in the genital tract of the mother, and the respiratory distress caused by pathogenic pneumonia can even lead to the infant's death. The study examined the clinical indicator for assessing the occurrence of pathogenic pneumonia in infants. With the help of sensor networking in data analytics, the prediction of such a disorder has been assessed in-depth in the article.
Personalized Exercise Program Design with Machine Learning in Sensor Networks
Authors: Lu Yan
Published: November 2023

The use of wearable solutions and sensors has reached the point of modern machine learning (ML) techniques in recent years. It contains the different programs that help to develop personalized opportunities for the betterment of the individuals. The research shed light upon the functions of ML and distributed sensor networks (DSN) in promoting healthcare among users. It can be said that the functions of the ML help to develop good fitness among the users, which results in good health. This dissertation consists of different kinds of ML algorithms and the usage of DSNs for the development of physical exercise programs. It has been found that most individuals use the sensors for their benefit in developing good health. The use of machine learning techniques not only helps to record an individual's health data but also sends emergency information to the nearest medical center for the user's benefit. The use of ML helps to the identification of the location of an individual with the help of GPS measures of real-time distance and users' health activities.
A Deep Community Detection Approach in Real Time Networks
Authors: Choudhury Deepjyoti , Acharjee Tapodhir
Published: November 2023

Community detection in real time networks is one of the important aspect of social network analysis. Deep learning has been applied successfully in a variety of research fields in recent years. Proximity matrix is frequently used as the representation of the network structure. However, there are issues with the proximity matrix's insufficient spatial contiguity information. As a result, this research provides a deep learning applied community identification approach that combines the reorganization of the matrices, spatial attribute uprooting, and community identification. For obtaining a spatial proximity matrix, the primary proximity matrices in a real time graph is recreated using the highest weight and adjacent users. The dimensional proximity matrix can obtain a subdomain of the network, allowing the convolutional neural network (CNN) to draw out dimensional localization more easily and fast. Ten different real time datasets of social networks are used in tests to examine our proposed approach. Our results show that the proposed community identification approach has higher compatibility than existing deep learning-based strategies. As a result, the proposed deep community identification approach is capable of detecting the excellent clusters in real time networks.
User Sentiment Analysis Methods for Elderly Social Media Networks
Authors: Shen Shuaizhi
Published: November 2023

For the analysis of user sentiment in social media networks for the elderly population, emotional sentences are first extracted to classify movie reviews. Afterwards, social network data of the elderly population based on user search behavior is analyzed. The movie reviews of elderly social media users are analyzed for rating prediction. The research results indicate that the accuracy of sentiment classification results is in descending order of Dirichlet, maximum entropy, and support vector machine. The highest classification accuracy of the three algorithms is 87.1%, 86.9%, and 86.5%, respectively. The classification accuracy of the first level classifiers of Dirichlet, maximum entropy, and support vector machine are 90.7%, 88.7%, and 87.4%, respectively. The classification accuracy of the second level classifier is 86.7%, 83.7%, and 80.4%, respectively. The predictive analysis results of the research method are superior to those generated by using Slope One. The method proposed in the study can promote emotional analysis of film review texts, improving the analysis accuracy.
BIOMECHANICS OF FACET JOINTS: SYNCHRONIZED SPATIO-TEMPORAL AND MECHANICAL ANALYSIS
Authors: Warren James , Mengoni Marlène
Published: November 2023

Objectives

While spinal fusion is known to be associated with adjacent disc degeneration, little is known on the role of the facet joints in the process, and whether their altered biomechanics following fusion plays a role in further spinal degeneration. This work aimed to develop a model and method to sequentially measure the effects of spinal fusion on lumbar facet joints through synchronisation of both motion analysis, pressure mapping and mechanical analysis.

Methods

Parallel measurements of mature ovine lumbar facet joints (∼8yr old, n=3) were carried out using synchronised load and displacement measurements, motion capture during loading and pressure mapping of the joint spaces during loading. Functional units were prepared and cemented in PMMA endcaps. Displacement-controlled compression measurements were carried out using a materials testing machine (3365, Instron, USA) at 1 mm/min up to 950 N with the samples in a neutral position, while motion capture of the facet joints during compression was carried out using orthogonal HD webcams (Logitech, Switzerland) to measure the displacement of key facet joint features. The pressure mapping of load transfer during displacement was carried out using a flexible pressure sensor (6900 series, Tekscan, USA). Each sample was imaged at an isotropic resolution of 82 microns using a μCT scanner (XtremeCT, Scanco, Switzerland) to quantify the curvature within the facet joints.

Results

Relative facet joint displacement under load, in a neutral position, showed more displacement (2.36 ±1.68 mm) compared to the cross-head when under compression (2.06 ±1.19 mm). Motion capture indicated the relative displacement of the facet joints was more posterior with some lateral motion. For five of the six facet joints, pressure measurement was possible only on 24±7 % of the surface due to the large change in curvature. Partially measured loads through the facets was 10.5 ±1.1 N.

Conclusions

The relative displacement of the lumbar facet joints compared to the crosshead displacement was consistent with previous studies of cervical facet joints, despite the differences in anatomical geometry between cervical and lumbar joints. The difficulties in accurately measuring the load transfer through the facet joints was due to the age of the tissue and the degree of curvature of the facet joints. Synchronisation of the biomechanical data will provide a setup to assess the effect of interventions such as spinal fusion, with curvature-related issues unlikely to occur in human spines.

Declaration of Interest

(a) fully declare any financial or other potential conflict of interest
828 kHz retinal imaging with an 840 nm Fourier domain mode locked laser
Authors: Klufts Marie , Jiménez Alejandro Martínez , Lotz Simon , Bashir Muhammad Asim , Pfeiffer Tom , Mlynek Alexander , Wieser Wolfgang , Chamorovskiy Alexander , Bradu Adrian , Podoleanu Adrian , Huber Robert
Published: November 2023

This paper presents a Fourier domain mode locked (FDML) laser centered around 840 nm. It features a bidirectional sweep repetition rate of 828 kHz and a spectral bandwidth of 40 nm. An axial resolution of ∼9.9 µm in water and a 1.4 cm sensitivity roll-off are achieved. Utilizing a complex master-slave (CMS) recalibration method and due to a sufficiently high sensitivity of 84.6 dB, retinal layers of the human eye in-vivo can be resolved during optical coherence tomography (OCT) examination. The developed FDML laser enables acquisition rates of 3D-volumes with a size of 200 × 100 × 256 voxels in under 100 milliseconds. Detailed information on the FDML implementation, its challenging design tasks, and OCT images obtained with the laser are presented in this paper.
Near infrared luminescence properties and mechanism of high bismuth-doped SiO2-Al2O3-La2O3 glass
Authors: Huang Xincheng , Huang Xiangxin , Chen Zhenshi , Wang Chunxu , Chen Qingming
Published: November 2023

This research investigated the wideband near-infrared spectroscopy characteristics of 60SiO2-25Al2O3-10La2O3 glass doped with high levels of bismuth up to 5 mol%. The near-infrared radiation range was explored under excitation wavelengths of 488 nm, 532 nm, 808 nm, and 980 nm, resulting in near-infrared radiation spanning from 1000 nm to 1800nm with Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM) values of 313.0 nm, 336.3 nm, 296.2 nm, and 262.9 nm, respectively. Notably, the sample exhibited a lifetime of 1.473 ms when pumped at 808 nm, corresponding to a stimulated cross-section of σe=3.35 × 10−21 cm2. Through an in-depth investigation of the luminescence properties, the underlying physical mechanism behind the near-infrared luminescence was revealed. The emissions observed at approximately 1150 nm and 1300 nm were attributed to the aluminum-related bismuth active center (BAC-Al) and the silicon-related bismuth active center (BAC-Si), respectively. Furthermore, it is postulated that the emission at the 1150 nm band originates from the 3P1, 3P2 →3P0 transition of Bi+ and the 2D3/2 → 4S3/2 transition of Bi°, while the emission at the 1300 nm band may be linked to mixed valence states of Bi3+. This work will find potential applications in broadband near-infrared optical devices.
Low complexity MIMO equalization for long-haul SDM systems
Authors: Xue Yuling , Zheng Zhilong , Yuan Shuai , Wang Liuzhu , Yan Hui , Zhang Wendou , Hu Shaohua , Zhang Jing , Qiu Kun
Published: November 2023

Space-division multiplexing (SDM) has been expected to support the continuous growth of transmission capacity. However, it suffers from high computation complexity that limits its physical implementations. In this paper, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a low-complexity MIMO equalization method to leverage the sparsity of weights and reduce the complexity by L1&L2-regularization in long-haul space-division multiplexing (SDM) systems. The L1-regularization finds the sparse solution of equalizer filters and substitutes it for optimal solution, reducing the complexity with performance degradation. On the other hand, the L2-regularization tends to produce a smoother estimation than L1 regularization and is therefore more robust to large variance. We conduct a 39.87-GBaud QPSK coherent optical transmission experiment based on a 4-core coupled-core fiber with the transmission distance from 1206-km to 7236-km. Comparisons on the equalization performance and computational complexity show that the sparse equalizer using L1&L2-regularization achieves a 30% reduction in complexity at the similar system performance, compared with the traditional time-domain MIMO.
Redundant information model for Fourier ptychographic microscopy
Authors: Gao Huiqin , Pan An , Gao Yuting , Zhang Yu , Wan Quanzhen , Mu Tingkui , Yao Baoli
Published: November 2023

Fourier ptychographic microscopy (FPM) is a computational optical imaging technique that overcomes the traditional trade-off between resolution and field of view (FOV) by exploiting abundant redundant information in both spatial and frequency domains for high-quality image reconstruction. However, the redundant information in FPM remains ambiguous or abstract, which presents challenges to further enhance imaging capabilities and deepen our understanding of the FPM technique. Inspired by Shannon's information theory and extensive experimental experience in FPM, we defined the specimen complexity and reconstruction algorithm utilization rate and reported a model of redundant information for FPM to predict reconstruction results and guide the optimization of imaging parameters. The model has been validated through extensive simulations and experiments. In addition, it provides a useful tool to evaluate different algorithms, revealing a utilization rate of 24%±1% for the Gauss-Newton algorithm, LED Multiplexing, Wavelength Multiplexing, EPRY-FPM, and GS. In contrast, mPIE exhibits a lower utilization rate of 19%±1%.
Experimental hierarchy of the nonclassicality of single-qubit states via potentials for entanglement, steering, and Bell nonlocality
Authors: Kadlec Josef , Bartkiewicz Karol , Černoch Antonín , Lemr Karel , Miranowicz Adam
Published: November 2023

Entanglement potentials are a promising way to quantify the nonclassicality of single-mode states. They are defined by the amount of entanglement (expressed by, e.g., the Wootters concurrence) obtained after mixing the examined single-mode state with a purely classical state; such as the vacuum or a coherent state. We generalize the idea of entanglement potentials to other quantum correlations: the EPR steering and Bell nonlocality, thus enabling us to study mutual hierarchies of these nonclassicality potentials. Instead of the usual vacuum and one-photon superposition states, we experimentally test this concept using specially tailored polarization-encoded single-photon states. One polarization encodes a given nonclassical single-mode state, while the other serves as the vacuum place-holder. This technique proves to be experimentally more convenient in comparison to the vacuum and a one-photon superposition as it does not require the vacuum detection.