bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transfusion‐transmitted babesiosis in a patient with sickle cell disease undergoing chronic red cell exchange
Authors: Costa Victoria , Mercure‐Corriveau Nicolas , Gourneau Jeremy , Tobian Aaron A. R. , Jones Jennifer M. , Lauriello Ashley , Lanzkron Sophie , Crowe Elizabeth P. , Bloch Evan M.
Published: January 2023

Background

Prior to laboratory‐based blood donor screening for Babesia, transfusion‐transmitted babesiosis (TTB) was a leading infectious risk to the blood supply in the United States.

Case Report

A 30‐year‐old man with sickle cell disease (SCD) who had been on a chronic automated red cell exchange (RCE) regimen since childhood, presented approximately 2 months after an RCE, with fever, neck pain, and photophobia. Meningitis was excluded, and he was discharged. He presented again 2 days later with persistent fever, chills, headache, fatigue, and loss of appetite.

Results

On examination, the patient was febrile but hemodynamically stable. Intra‐erythrocytic inclusions were identified on a peripheral blood smear (<0.5%). B. microti IgM and IgG titers were >1:320 (Reference <1:20) >1:1024 (Reference <1:64), respectively. B. microti was confirmed by nucleic acid testing. The patient lived in a Babesia endemic state but had no risk factors for tick‐borne acquisition. Of the 65 units he received in the preceding 6 months, 58 had been screened for Babesia. One of the donors of the 7 untested units was B. microti seropositive (titer 1:128; Reference 1: 64). The donor was asymptomatic and resided in a state in which Babesia screening was not required. He reported traveling in the year before his donation.

Conclusion

Although rare, TTB is still possible despite regional screening, underscoring the need for provider vigilance and education, especially in non‐endemic areas. Patients with SCD are particularly vulnerable given their high frequency of transfusion and complex needs requiring blood procurement from states where Babesia screening is not mandatory.
Factors Affecting the Decision-Making Styles Adoption
Authors: Elsafty Ashraf , Mansour Muhamad
Published: January 2023

Decision making is a significant and rational process in any business organization that deploys so many resources to work on selecting the optimal alternative and build a heuristic framework. In the last decade, Tire sector in Egypt witnessed many changes due to market dynamics and economic challenges, that require being adaptive in the decision-making process. The purpose of this study first is to define the different decision-making styles adopted by the decision makers in our case. The population of the study focuses on decision makers of a local family business. Secondly, is to measure the correlation between the dominant decision-making styles and the age groups, Job stress and Leadership styles. The selected model is based on Simon's concept of "bounded rationality" which has provided the conceptual foundation for much behavioral decision research, (Einhorn & Hogarth, 1981). Using certain tools such as GDMS, Job stress and Multi-factor Leadership Questionnaires. Study applied quantitative online survey then analyzed using scale reliability, test-re-test reliability, Cronbach’s alpha, descriptive, chi-square, and normality tests using SPSS. Results revealed that Rational-dependent, and intuitive decision-making styles are affected by different levels of perceived job stress also, the three leadership styles Transformational, Transactional, and Laissez-faire.
A genetic variant of the Wnt receptor LRP6 accelerates synapse degeneration during aging and in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Jones Megan E. , Büchler Johanna , Dufor Tom , Palomer Ernest , Teo Samuel , Martin-Flores Nuria , Boroviak Katharina , Metzakopian Emmanouil , Gibb Alasdair , Salinas Patricia C.
Published: January 2023

Synapse loss strongly correlates with cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Deficient Wnt signaling contributes to synapse dysfunction and loss in AD. Consistently, a variant of the
LRP6
receptor, (
LRP6-Val
), with reduced Wnt signaling, is linked to late-onset AD. However, the impact of
LRP6-Val
on the healthy and AD brain has not been examined. Knock-in mice, generated by gene editing, carrying this
Lrp6
variant develop normally. However, neurons from
Lrp6-val
mice do not respond to Wnt7a, a ligand that promotes synaptic assembly through the Frizzled-5 receptor. Wnt7a stimulates the formation of the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6)–Frizzled-5 complex but not if LRP6-Val is present.
Lrp6-val
mice exhibit structural and functional synaptic defects that become pronounced with age.
Lrp6-val
mice present exacerbated synapse loss around plaques when crossed to the
NL-G-F
AD model. Our findings uncover a previously unidentified role for
Lrp6-val
in synapse vulnerability during aging and AD.
The role of altered lipid composition and distribution in liver fibrosis revealed by multimodal nonlinear optical microscopy
Authors: Jia Hao , Liu Juan , Fang Tinghe , Zhou Zhen , Li Ruihong , Yin Wenzhen , Qian Yao , Wang Qi , Zhou Wanhui , Liu Chang , Sun Dingcheng , Chen Xun , Ouyang Zheng , Dong Jiahong , Wang Yunfang , Yue Shuhua
Published: January 2023

Intracellular lipid accumulation is commonly seen in fibrotic livers, but its exact role in liver fibrosis remains elusive. Here, we established a multimodal nonlinear optical microscopy to quantitatively map distribution of biomolecules in fibrotic livers. Our data revealed that unsaturated triglycerides were predominantly accumulated in central vein area during liver fibrosis but not in portal vein area. Moreover, the lipid homeostasis was remarkably dysregulated in the late-stage compared to the early-stage fibrosis, including increased unsaturated triglycerides with decreased lipid unsaturation degree and decreased membrane fluidity. Such alterations were likely due to up-regulated lipogenesis, desaturation, and peroxidation, which consequently led to endoplasmic reticulum stress and cell death. Inspiringly, injured hepatocyte could be rescued by remodeling lipid homeostasis via either supply of unsaturated fatty acids or enhancement of membrane fluidity. Collectively, our study improves current understanding of the role of lipid homeostasis in fibrosis and open opportunities for treatment.
Electronic structure and correlations in planar trilayer nickelate Pr
4
Ni
3
O
8
Authors: Li Haoxiang , Hao Peipei , Zhang Junjie , Gordon Kyle , Linn A. Garrison , Chen Xinglong , Zheng Hong , Zhou Xiaoqing , Mitchell J. F. , Dessau D. S.
Published: January 2023

The discovery of superconductivity in planar nickelates raises the question of how the electronic structure and correlations of Ni
1+
compounds compare to those of the Cu
2+
cuprate superconductors. Here, we present an angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) study of the trilayer nickelate Pr
4
Ni
3
O
8
, revealing a Fermi surface resembling that of the hole-doped cuprates but with critical differences. Specifically, the main portions of the Fermi surface are extremely similar to that of the bilayer cuprates, with an additional piece that can accommodate additional hole doping. We find that the electronic correlations are about twice as strong in the nickelates and are almost
k
-independent, indicating that they originate from a local effect, likely the Mott interaction, whereas cuprate interactions are somewhat less local. Nevertheless, the nickelates still demonstrate the strange-metal behavior in the electron scattering rates. Understanding the similarities and differences between these two families of strongly correlated superconductors is an important challenge.
Toward naturalistic neuroscience: Mechanisms underlying the flattening of brain hierarchy in movie-watching compared to rest and task
Authors: Kringelbach Morten L. , Perl Yonatan Sanz , Tagliazucchi Enzo , Deco Gustavo
Published: January 2023

Identifying the functional specialization of the brain has moved from using cognitive tasks and resting state to using ecological relevant, naturalistic movies. We leveraged a large-scale neuroimaging dataset to directly investigate the hierarchical reorganization of functional brain activity when watching naturalistic films compared to performing seven cognitive tasks and resting. A thermodynamics-inspired whole-brain model paradigm revealed the generative underlying mechanisms for changing the balance in causal interactions between brain regions in different conditions. Paradoxically, the hierarchy is flatter for movie-watching, and the level of nonreversibility is significantly smaller in comparison to both rest and tasks, where the latter in turn have the highest levels of hierarchy and nonreversibility. The underlying mechanisms were revealed by the model-based generative effective connectivity (GEC). Naturalistic films could therefore provide a fast and convenient way to measure important changes in GEC (integrating functional and anatomical connectivity) found in, for example, neuropsychiatric disorders. Overall, this study demonstrates the benefits of moving toward a more naturalistic neuroscience.
Physics-guided co-designing flexible thermoelectrics with techno-economic sustainability for low-grade heat harvesting
Authors: Zhou Yi , Liu Xixi , Jia Baohai , Ding Tianpeng , Mao Dasha , Wang Tiancheng , Ho Ghim Wei , He Jiaqing
Published: January 2023

Flexible thermoelectric harvesting of omnipresent spatial thermodynamic energy, though promising in low-grade waste heat recovery (<100°C), is still far from industrialization because of its unequivocal cost-ineffectiveness caused by low thermoelectric efficiency and power-cost coupled device topology. Here, we demonstrate unconventional upcycling of low-grade heat via physics-guided rationalized flexible thermoelectrics, without increasing total heat input or tailoring material properties, into electricity with a power-cost ratio (W/US$) enhancement of 25.3% compared to conventional counterparts. The reduced material usage (44%) contributes to device power-cost “decoupling,” leading to geometry-dependent optimal electrical matching for output maximization. This offers an energy consumption reduction (19.3%), electricity savings (0.24 kWh W
−1
), and CO
2
emission reduction (0.17 kg W
−1
) for large-scale industrial production, fundamentally reshaping the R&D route of flexible thermoelectrics for techno-economic sustainable heat harvesting. Our findings highlight a facile yet cost-effective strategy not only for low-grade heat harvesting but also for electronic co-design in heat management/recovery frontiers.
Psychometric evaluation of the ‘Attitudes and Beliefs about Cardiovascular Disease (ABCD) Risk Questionnaire’ with validation of a previously untested ‘Intentions and Beliefs around Smoking’ subscale
Authors: Bowyer Mark , Hassen Hamid Yimam , Bastiaens Hilde , Gibson Linda
Published: January 2023

Objectives

To provide evidence of validity, reliability and generalisability of results obtained using the Attitudes and Beliefs about Cardiovascular Disease (ABCD) Risk Questionnaire with a sample of the English population surveyed within the ‘SPICES’ Horizon 2020 Project (Nottingham study site), and to specifically evaluate the psychometric and factor properties of an as-yet untested five-item subscale relating to smoking behaviours.

Design and setting

Community and workplace-based cross-sectional study in Nottingham, UK.

Participants

466 English adults fitting inclusion criteria (aged 18+ years, without known history of cardiovascular disease, not pregnant, able to provide informed consent) participated in the study.

Intervention

We revalidated the ABCD Questionnaire on a sample of the general population in Nottingham to confirm the psychometric properties. Furthermore, we introduced five items related to smoking, which were dropped in the original study due to inadequate valid samples.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Psychometric and factor performance of untested five-item ‘smoking behaviours’ subscale.

Psychometric and factorial properties in combination with the remaining 18 items across 3 subscales.

Results

Analyses of the data largely confirmed the validity, reliability and factor structure of the original ABCD Risk Questionnaire. Sufficient participants in our study provided data against additional five smoking-related items to confirm their validity as a subscale and to advocate for their inclusion in future applications of the scale. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis calculations support some minor changes to the remaining subscales, which may further improve psychometric performance and therefore generalisability of the instrument.

Conclusions

An amended version of the ABCD Risk Questionnaire would provide public health researchers and practitioners with a brief, easy-to-use, reliable and valid survey tool. The amended tool may assist public health practitioners and researchers to survey patient or public intentions and beliefs around three key areas of individually modifiable risk (physical activity, diet, smoking).

Trial registration number

ISRCTN Registry (ISRCTN68334579).
Prevalence of early postnatal care services usage and associated factors among postnatal women of Wolkite town, Gurage zone, Southern Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Yosef Yirgalem , Demissie Mebratu , Abeje Seblework , Walle Fantahun , Geze Shegaw , Beyene Aberash , Shifa Mariama
Published: January 2023

Objective

Early postnatal care service usage in developing countries is one of the healthcare service usage problems among postnatal women, which is related to extensive maternal and neonatal complications and mortality. Identification of the prevalence of early postnatal care services usage and associated factors among postnatal women is imperative to develop intervention measures to mitigate their complications and public health impact, which is not well known in Ethiopia, particularly in the selected study area. Thus, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of early postnatal care services usage and associated factors among postnatal women of Wolkite town, southeast Ethiopia.

Design

A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 301 postnatal women from 15 May to 15 June 2021.

Measurements

Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire. The collected data were cleaned and entered in EpiData V.3.1 and then exported to SPSS V.23 for analysis. Finally, a multivariate logistic regression model was fitted to identify the factors associated with early postnatal care services usage. The p value<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The finding showed that the prevalence of early postnatal care services usage was 23.3% (95% CI 18.9% to 27.9%). Wanted pregnancy (adjusted OR (AOR)=4.17, 95% CI 1.93 to 9.03), had over four histories of pregnancy (gravida >4) (AOR=2.90, 95% CI 1.18 to 7.11) and had spontaneous vertex delivery (AOR=2.18, 95% CI 1.07 to 9.39) were statistically significant factors of early postnatal care service usage.

Conclusion

This study has shown that the prevalence of early postnatal care services usage was slightly low when compared with other studies. Thus, community-based health promotion should be an important recommendation to increase early postnatal care service usage among postnatal mothers to improve the level of awareness of early postnatal check-up schedules; done by healthcare providers.
Does the use of prediction equations to correct self-reported height and weight improve obesity prevalence estimates? A pooled cross-sectional analysis of Health Survey for England data
Authors: Scholes Shaun , Ng Fat Linda , Moody Alison , Mindell Jennifer S
Published: January 2023

Objective

Adults typically overestimate height and underestimate weight compared with directly measured values, and such misreporting varies by sociodemographic and health-related factors. Using self-reported and interviewer-measured height and weight, collected from the same participants, we aimed to develop a set of prediction equations to correct bias in self-reported height and weight and assess whether this adjustment improved the accuracy of obesity prevalence estimates relative to those based only on self-report.

Design

Population-based cross-sectional study.

Participants

38 940 participants aged 16+ (Health Survey for England 2011–2016) with non-missing self-reported and interviewer-measured height and weight.

Main outcome measures

Comparisons between self-reported, interviewer-measured (gold standard) and corrected (based on prediction equations) body mass index (BMI: kg/m2) including (1) difference between means and obesity prevalence and (2) measures of agreement for BMI classification.

Results

On average, men overestimated height more than women (1.6 cm and 1.0 cm, respectively; p<0.001), while women underestimated weight more than men (2.1 kg and 1.5 kg, respectively; p<0.001). Underestimation of BMI was slightly larger for women than for men (1.1 kg/m2and 1.0 kg/m2, respectively; p<0.001). Obesity prevalence based on BMI from self-report was 6.8 and 6.0 percentage points (pp) lower than that estimated using measured BMI for men and women, respectively. Corrected BMI (based on models containing all significant predictors of misreporting of height and weight) lowered underestimation of obesity to 0.8pp in both sexes and improved the sensitivity of obesity over self-reported BMI by 15.0pp for men and 12.2pp for women. Results based on simpler models using age alone as a predictor of misreporting were similar.

Conclusions

Compared with self-reported data, applying prediction equations improved the accuracy of obesity prevalence estimates and increased sensitivity of being classified as obese. Including additional sociodemographic variables did not improve obesity classification enough to justify the added complexity of including them in prediction equations.
Comparative efficacy for different age groups of psychological or psychosocial treatments on post-traumatic stress disorder: protocol for systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression analysis
Authors: Li Jia , Gao Liru , Bao Ruiji , Ji Rui , He Qianyun , Tang Xinfeng , Zhang Weijun , Qu Zhiyong
Published: January 2023

Introduction

It remains unknown whether psychological or psychosocial treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have comparable effects across the life span. This study aims at comparing the effects of psychological/psychosocial treatments for PTSD between different age groups of youth, early-middle adults and late adults.

Methods and analysis

A systematic search will be conducted among thirteen electronic databases, including Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, ERIC, PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Published International Literature on Traumatic Stress, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, the Wanfang database, the Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP Database) and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, from inception to 15 May 2022. Electronic searches will be supplemented by a comprehensive grey literature search in Conference proceedings and trial registries. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing psychological or psychosocial treatments for PTSD with control conditions in all age groups will be included. The primary outcome is the between-treatments efficacy for PTSD that refers to the outcomes of the RCTs included in the meta-analysis. Effect sizes will be calculated for all comparisons and pooled with a fixed effects model or a random effects model. Differences in the efficacy of psychological/psychosocial therapies for PTSD across the age groups will be examined by stratified analyses and meta-regression analyses.

Ethics and dissemination

Data used in this study will be anonymised. These data will not be used for other purposes than research. Authors who supply the data will be acknowledged. The authors declare that no conflicts of interest exist. The findings of this study will be disseminated through briefing reports, publications and presentations.

Trial registration number

CRD42022334305.
Workplace violence against paramedic personnel: a protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Hokee Muhammad Yaaseen , Makkink Andrew William , Vincent-Lambert Craig
Published: January 2023

Introduction

There is evidence to suggest that violence against paramedic personnel is increasing. Several authors report adverse effects linked to exposure to workplace violence. There remain gaps in the knowledge related to specific aspects of workplace violence experienced by paramedics in the prehospital setting.

Methods and analysis

This scoping review will consider evidence relating to workplace violence against paramedic personnel. All types of evidence will be considered, including quantitative and qualitative studies, systematic reviews, opinion papers, grey literature, text and papers as well as unpublished materials. This scoping review will be designed and conducted in accordance with the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews will guide the reporting process. Sources will include ERIC, Scopus, PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Sabinet and the DOAJ as well as OpenGrey (https://opengrey.eu/). All sources published in English will be considered for inclusion and no date limit will be applied. The searching of the databases will begin 16 January 2023 and will be concluded by 30 January 2023. Three independent reviewers will conduct the study selection and data extraction process. In the event of disagreement related to a particular source, this will be resolved by discussion. The findings of the proposed review will be presented in a narrative style that uses diagrams and tables for reporting.

Ethics and dissemination

This scoping review will use published literature available in the public domain and will involve no participants, meaning that ethical approval is not required. The findings of the proposed review will be published in topic relevant peer-reviewed journals and will be presented at associated conferences.
Exercise in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Schuermans Art , Boerma Melissa , Sansoni Gabriela A , Van den Eynde Jef , Takkenberg Johanna J M , Helbing Willem A , Geva Tal , Moons Philip , Van De Bruaene Alexander , Budts Werner
Published: January 2023

Objective

Children and adults with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF) have an impaired exercise capacity, a less active lifestyle and an increased long-term risk of adverse outcomes compared with healthy peers. This study aimed to summarise the current evidence for the effectiveness and safety of exercise training interventions in patients with rTOF.

Methods

PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Web of Science, Scopus and reference lists of relevant articles were searched for prospective studies published by November 2021. Random-effects meta-analysis and descriptive synthesis were performed to assess the effectiveness and safety of exercise training in patients with rTOF.

Results

Of the 9677 citations identified, 12 articles were included that reported on 10 unique studies and covered 208 patients with rTOF (range of mean/median age: 7.4–43.3 years). All studies implemented 2 to 7 aerobic or respiratory training sessions per week with durations ranging from 6 to 26 weeks. Meta-analysis of the included randomised controlled trials showed that exercise training was associated with a significant improvement in peak VO2(pooled mean difference: +3.1 mL/min/kg; 95% CI: 0.76 to 5.36 mL/min/kg, p=0.019). Cardiac imaging studies revealed no subclinical adverse remodelling after the exercise interventions. No serious adverse events including arrhythmias were reported in these studies.

Conclusion

Current evidence suggests that exercise training can improve exercise capacity in patients with rTOF with a low risk for adverse events. Exercise prescription may be a safe and effective tool to help improving outcomes in patients with rTOF.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021292809.
Conus medullaris syndrome as a presenting feature of MOG-associated disease
Authors: Nasir Memoona , Obrocki Ruth , Krommyda Magdalini , Malek Naveed
Published: January 2023

We report a case of conus medullaris syndrome presenting with lower limb and bladder symptoms. MR imaging showed an abnormality in the lowest part of the spinal cord as a first presentation of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-associated disease. While such cord swelling can mimic a tumour, these patients respond well to corticosteroids, with good outcomes. MOG-associated disease is an immune-mediated syndrome distinct from aquaporin 4 antibody positive neuromyelitis optica syndrome and is now considered an independent entity. Although there can be overlapping phenotypes, there are also differences, and MOG-associated disease generally has a much better prognosis compared with aquaporin 4 antibody-positive neuromyelitis optica syndrome.
Human Brain Dynamics and Coordination Reflect the Task Difficulty of Optical Image Relational Reasoning
Authors: Chou Wen-Chi , She Hsiao-Ching , Jung Tzyy-Ping
Published: January 2023

Despite advances in neuroscience, the mechanisms by which human brain resolve optical image formation through relational reasoning remain unclear, particularly its relationships with task difficulty. Therefore, this study explores the underlying brain dynamics involved in optical image formation tasks at various difficulty levels, including those with a single convex lens and a single mirror. Compared to single convex lens relational reasoning with high task difficulty, the single mirror relational reasoning exhibited significantly higher response accuracy and shorter latency. As compared to single mirror tasks, single convex tasks exhibited greater frontal midline theta augmentation and right parietal alpha suppression during phase I and earlier phase II, and augmentation of frontal midline theta, right parietal-occipital alpha, and left mu alpha suppression during late phase II. Moreover, the frontal midline theta power in late phase II predicts the likelihood of solving single convex tasks the best, while the parietal alpha power in phase I is most predictive. In addition, frontal midline theta power exhibited stronger synchronization with right parietal alpha, right occipital alpha, and mu alpha power when solving single convex tasks than single mirror tasks. In summary, having stronger brain dynamics and coordination is vital for achieving optical image formation with greater difficulty.
Delay-Tolerant Distributed Algorithms for Decision-Making in Vehicular Networks
Authors: Chen Zhiwen , Hao Qiong , Huang Hong , Qiao Cheng
Published: January 2023

Learning a fast global model that describes the observed phenomenon well is a crucial goal in the inherently distributed Vehicular Networks. This global model is further used for decision-making, which is especially important for some safety-related applications (i.e., the altering of accident and warning of traffic jam). Most existing works have ignored the network overhead caused by synchronizing with neighbors, which inevitably delays the time for agents to stabilize. In this paper, we focus on developing an asynchronous distributed clustering algorithm to learn the global model, where cluster models, rather than raw data points, are shared and updated. Empirical experiments on a message delay simulator show the efficiency of our methods, with a reduced convergence time, declined network overhead and improved accuracy (relative to the standard solution). This algorithm is further improved by introducing a tolerant delay. Compared to the algorithm without delay, the performance is improved significantly in terms of convergence time (by as much as 47%) and network overhead (by around 53%) if the underlying network is geometric or regular.
Uncertainty in Study of Social Networks: Robust Optimization and Machine Learning
Authors: Gong Suning , Nong Qingqin , Xiao Han , Du Ding-Zhu
Published: January 2023

In the study of social networks, there exist many uncertainties which were ignored in earlier research efforts. However, they are now getting more and more attentions. Therefore, more and more robust optimization and machine learning approaches are getting involved. In this small survey, we would like to accumulate those uncertainties and related research works in robust optimization and machine learning.
A Novel Multilevel DC–DC Flyback Converter-Fed H-Bridge Inverter
Authors: Subramanian Vijayalakshmi , Marikannu Marimuthu , Senthilkumar B. , Reka J. , Rathe Devi P. , Ramadoss Venugopal
Published: January 2023

The objective is to produce a high-gain DC to DC flyback boost converter integrated with a multi-level converter for inverter applications. It has two stages: the first one is flyback multilevel converter, and another level comprises level controller and H-Bridge Inverter. The addition of voltage multiplier cells enhances the commercial flyback converter with multiple voltage outputs producing high voltage gain. These multiple outputs are fed to an H-bridge inverter for producing a multilevel output in an inverter. This DC-to-DC converter steps up the DC supply, but it also decreases the switches, diodes, and capacitors. This kind of converter not only reduces the switch count but also reduces the voltage stress, and total harmonic distortion. To increase the number of levels in the converter, the number of capacitors and diodes in the DC-to-DC converter without disturbing the main circuit must be increased to achieve the required output voltage. The number of power switches for the proposed topology is compared to comparable topologies in the current literature. The results of the simulation are communicated via the MATLAB/ Simulink domain, and the recommended converter’s functionality is demonstrated.
Regularized limit, analytic continuation and finite-part integration
Authors: Galapon Eric A.
Published: January 2023

Finite-part integration is a recent method of evaluating a convergent integral in terms of the finite-parts of divergent integrals deliberately induced from the convergent integral itself [E. A. Galapon, The problem of missing terms in term by term integration involving divergent integrals, Proc. R. Soc. A 473 (2017) 20160567]. Within the context of finite-part integration of the Stieltjes transform of functions with logarithmic growths at the origin, the relationship is established between the analytic continuation of the Mellin transform and the finite-part of the resulting divergent integral when the Mellin integral is extended beyond its strip of analyticity. It is settled that the analytic continuation and the finite-part integral coincide at the regular points of the analytic continuation. To establish the connection between the two at the isolated singularities of the analytic continuation, the concept of regularized limit is introduced to replace the usual concept of limit due to Cauchy when the later leads to a division by zero. It is then shown that the regularized limit of the analytic continuation at its isolated singularities equals the finite-part integrals at the singularities themselves. The treatment gives the exact evaluation of the Stieltjes transform in terms of finite-part integrals and yields the dominant asymptotic behavior of the transform for arbitrarily small values of the parameter in the presence of arbitrary logarithmic singularities at the origin.
Contribution of temperature measurements to the hydrogeological model in the Snowy 2.0 deep tunnels
Authors: Dematteis Antonio , Thüring Manfred , Alvarado Francisco , De Carli Gabriele
Published: January 2023

This paper refers to experiments developed on the deep tunnels design of the Snowy 2.0 pumped-storage hydroelectric project in NSW, Australia. The 27 km long waterway and the power station complex are about 800 m below ground, and are in a complex tectonic and lithological setting. Long-term temperature monitoring in boreholes has been used to infer an empirical thermal model along the deep tunnels, which is presented as an example of input data for the ventilation design during construction, and for durability design during operation. An innovative aspect of this paper is related to the graphical interpretative method of borehole temperature logs that is proposed to infer downward or upward groundwater flows and predict the hydrogeological behaviour of fractured and faulted zones that cross the tunnel alignment. A large campaign of thermal acquisition in boreholes, using an acoustic televiewer probe, identified local anomalies of the geothermal gradient, which were correlated to permeability and pressure data measured in the boreholes, to identify zones of greater permeability that intersect the tunnels. Furthermore, the application of thermal measurements during tunnel excavation is proposed as an additional tool for the prediction of water inflow or identification of zones to be pre-grouted and/or drained.

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the Leading to Innovative Engineering Geology Practices collection available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/topic/collections/leading-to-innovative-engineering-geology-practices
Improving the inclusion of transgender and nonbinary individuals in the planning, completion, and mobilization of cardiovascular research
Authors: Rytz Chantal L. , Beach Lauren B. , Saad Nathalie , Dumanski Sandra M. , Collister David , Newbert Amelia M. , Peace Lindsay , Lett Elle , Greene Dina , Connelly Paul , Veale Jaimie , Morillo Cris , Ahmed Sofia B.
Published: January 2023

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Transgender and nonbinary (TNB) individuals face unclear but potentially significant cardiovascular health inequities, yet no TNB-specific evidence-based interventions for cardiovascular risk reduction currently exist. To address this gap, we propose a road map to improve the inclusion of TNB individuals in the planning, completion, and mobilization of cardiovascular research. In doing so, the adoption of inclusive practices would optimize cardiovascular health surveillance and care for TNB communities.
Comparison between the Chemical Composition of Essential Oil from Commercial Products and Biocultivated Lavandula angustifolia Mill.
Authors: Todorova Velislava , Ivanov Kalin , Georgieva Yoana , Karcheva-Bahchevanska Diana , Ivanova Stanislava
Published: January 2023

The main aim of this study was to assess the differences in the chemical composition of essential oil from biocultivated Lavandula angustifolia in the Thracian Lowland floristic region, Bulgaria, and commercially available products from Bulgarian markets. Following the analytical results conducted with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, we have established some differences in the chemical composition of the tested samples. The essential oil of biocultivated lavender contained 35 compounds, which represent 94.13% of the total oil. Samples from commercial products contained 28–42 compounds that represent 93.03–98.69% of the total oil. All the examined samples were rich in monoterpene hydrocarbons (1.68–12.77%), oxygenated monoterpenes (70.42–87.96%), sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (4.03–13.78%), and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (0.14–0.76%). The dominant components in all examined samples were linalool (20.0–45.0%) and linalyl acetate (20.79–39.91%). All the examined commercial samples contained linalool and linalyl acetate as was described in the European Pharmacopoeia, but in one of the samples, the quality of linalyl acetate is lower than that recommended in the European Pharmacopoeia.
Micropattern Silk Fibroin Film Facilitates Tendon Repair In Vivo and Promotes Tenogenic Differentiation of Tendon Stem/Progenitor Cells through the α2β1/FAK/PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway In Vitro
Authors: Lu Kang , Tang Hong , Wang Yang , Wang Liyuan , Zhou Mei , He Gang , Lu Hao , Tang Chuyue , Chen Wan , Ma Xiaoqing , Tang Kanglai , Deng Zhongliang
Published: January 2023

Background. Tendon injuries are common clinical disorders. Due to the limited regeneration ability of tendons, tissue engineering technology is often used as an adjuvant treatment. This study explored the molecular pathways underlying micropattern SF film-regulated TSPC propensity and their repairing effects to highlight the application value of micropattern SF films. Methods. First, we characterized the physical properties of the micropattern SF films and explored their repairing effects on the injured tendons in vivo. Then, we seeded TSPCs on SF films in vitro and determined the micropattern SF film-induced gene expression and activation of signaling pathways in TSPCs through high-throughput RNA sequencing and proteomics assays. Results. The results of in vivo studies suggested that micropattern SF films can promote remodeling of the injured tendon. In addition, immunohistochemistry (IHC) results showed that tendon marker genes were significantly increased in the micropattern SF film repair group. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses demonstrated that micropattern SF film-induced genes and proteins in TSPCs were mainly enriched in the focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/actin and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathways. Western blot analysis showed that the expression of integrins α2β1, tenascin-C (TNC), and tenomodulin (TNMD) and the phosphorylation of AKT were significantly increased in the micropattern SF film group, which could be abrogated by applying PI3K/AKT inhibitors. Conclusion. Micropattern SF films modified by water annealing can promote remodeling of the injured tendon in vivo and regulate the tendon differentiation of TSPCs through the α2β1/FAK/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in vitro. Therefore, they have great medical value in tendon repair.
Neurologic and Thrombotic Complications in the Setting of Chronic Nitrous Oxide Abuse
Authors: Meier Erin , Malviya Monica , Kaur Sukhdeep , Ibrahim Jacklynn , Corrigan Andrew , Moawad Andrew , Bukkuri Sathya Alekhya , Trebach Joshua , Su Mark K. , Pillai Manju
Published: January 2023

Nitrous oxide is a commonly used inhaled anesthetic for medical procedures, as well as a drug of abuse throughout the world. Excessive nitrous oxide inhalation has been shown to cause a functional vitamin B12 deficiency and hyperhomocysteinemia, which can lead to peripheral neuropathy and hypercoagulability, respectively. While the development of neurologic toxicity from chronic nitrous oxide abuse (i.e., encephalopathy, myelopathy, and neuropathy) has been previously described, the thrombotic potential of chronic nitrous oxide abuse is less known. The authors report two cases of nitrous oxide abuse leading to both neurologic and thrombotic complications.
Positive Preemptive Analgesia Effectiveness of Pregabalin Combined with Celecoxib in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Controlled Randomized Study
Authors: Zhou Yi , Liu Xiaoyan , Ding Chuan , Xiang Bingyan , Yan Ling
Published: January 2023

Objective. The purpose of the present study (a randomized clinical trial) was to evaluate the preemptive analgesic effects of pregabalin combined with celecoxib in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods. From January 2019 to June 2021, we enrolled 149 patients who underwent TKA and divided them into four groups: the placebo group (n = 36), celecoxib group (n = 38), pregabalin group (n = 38), and combination group (n = 37). Each group was given the corresponding preemptive analgesia regimen at 12 and 2 hours before surgery. The pain score at rest and upon movement, cumulative dosage of sufentanil, knee range of motion (ROM), high-sensitivityC-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level, and adverse effects were evaluated after TKA to compare the effects of the preemptive analgesia regimens among the four groups. Results. The pain scores upon movement were significantly lower in the combination group than in the other three groups at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after surgery (

P
<
0.05

). The cumulative dose of sufentanil within 48 hours after surgery was lowest in the combined group among the four groups (

P
<
0.05

). Hs-CRP, ROM, and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) were within 72 hours after surgery significantly improved in the combination group compared with those of the three other groups (

P
<
0.05

). Conclusion. The preemptive analgesia regimen of pregabalin combined with celecoxib had positive effects on improving acute pain and reducing the cumulative dose of opioids after TKA. This trial is registered with ChiCTR2100041595.
Massive Haematochezia due to Splenic Artery Bleeding into the Colon: Unusual Manifestation of Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Sguinzi R. , Pugin F. , Bader C. , Meyer A. , Buhler L. , Widmer L. , Staudenmann D. , Egger B.
Published: January 2023

We describe a case of an uncommon early pancreatic cancer presentation in a patient in his 60s who had haemorrhagic shock from extensive haematochezia and required blood transfusions as well as surveillance in an intensive care unit. A splenic artery pseudoaneurysm that had been effectively embolized by angiography was seen to be actively bleeding into the colon lumen on a computerized tomography (CT) scan along with a necrotic mass of the pancreatic tail. A pancreatic mucinous adenocarcinoma was diagnosed by a transgastric biopsy. A pancreatico-colic fistula was discovered by CT scan after a colic contrast enema. A transabdominal drainage of the necrotic collection and targeted antibiotic treatment had been performed with a satisfying patient outcome. In order to assess a potential secondary surgical resection, systemic chemotherapy was planned. In conclusion, haematochezia with hemodynamic instability originated from a splenic artery pseudoaneurysm fistulising into the colon (arterio-colic fistula) and sepsis originating from a tumoral pancreatic abscess fistulising into the colon (tumoral pancreatico-colic fistula).
Environmental Pollutants PM2.5, PM10, Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), and Ozone (O3) Association with the Incidence of Monkeypox Cases in European Countries
Authors: Meo Sultan Ayoub , Alqahtani Sara A. , Meo Anusha Sultan , Alkhalifah Joud Mohammed , Al-Khlaiwi Thamir , Klonoff David C.
Published: January 2023

Background. Monkeypox, also known as monkeypox disease, is caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), which is a zoonotic infection. The swift spread of human monkeypox cases has caused an alarming situation worldwide. This novel study aimed to investigate the association of particulate matter air pollutants PM2.5, PM10, Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and Ozone (O3) on the incidence of monkeypox cases from May 1, 2022, to July 15, 2022. Methods. The data on air pollutants PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and O3 and monkeypox cases were recorded from the date of occurrence of the first case of monkeypox in the United Kingdom, Spain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Portugal from May 1, 2022, to July 15, 2022. The daily concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and O3 were recorded from the metrological website “Air Quality Index-AQI,” and daily human monkeypox cases were recorded from the official website of “Our World in Data.” The mean values along with simple, multiple, and Spearman Rho correlations were performed to investigate the relationship and strength of association between the concentrations of air pollutants and cases of monkeypox. Results. The environmental pollutants PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and O3 were positively associated with monkeypox cases in the United Kingdom, Spain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Portugal. The analysis further revealed that for each 10-unit increase in PM2.5, PM10, and NO2, levels, the number of monkeypox cases was significantly augmented by 29.6%, 9.7%, 13%, and 80.6%, respectively. Conclusions. Environmental pollutants PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and O3 have been positively linked to the number of daily monkeypox cases in European countries. Environmental pollution is a risk factor for the increasing incidence of monkeypox daily cases. The regional and international authorities must implement policies to curtail air pollution to combat the cases of monkeypox in European countries and worldwide.
KDM6A Loss Triggers an Epigenetic Switch That Disrupts Urothelial Differentiation and Drives Cell Proliferation in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Qiu Hong , Makarov Vladimir , Bolzenius Jennifer K. , Halstead Angela , Parker Yvonne , Wang Allen , Iyer Gopakumar V. , Wise Hannah , Kim Daniel , Thayaparan Varna , Lindner Daniel J. , Haber Georges-Pascal , Ting Angela H. , Ren Bing , Chan Timothy A. , Arora Vivek , Solit David B. , Lee Byron H.
Published: January 2023

Disruption of KDM6A, a histone lysine demethylase, is one of the most common somatic alternations in bladder cancer. Insights into how KDM6A mutations affect the epigenetic landscape to promote carcinogenesis could help reveal potential new treatment approaches. Here, we demonstrated that KDM6A loss triggers an epigenetic switch that disrupts urothelial differentiation and induces a neoplastic state characterized by increased cell proliferation. In bladder cancer cells with intact KDM6A, FOXA1 interacted with KDM6A to activate genes instructing urothelial differentiation. KDM6A-deficient cells displayed simultaneous loss of FOXA1 target binding and genome-wide redistribution of the bZIP transcription factor ATF3, which in turn repressed FOXA1-target genes and activated cell-cycle progression genes. Importantly, ATF3 depletion reversed the cell proliferation phenotype induced by KDM6A deficiency. These data establish that KDM6A loss engenders an epigenetic state that drives tumor growth in an ATF3-dependent manner, creating a potentially targetable molecular vulnerability.

Significance:

A gain-of-function epigenetic switch that disrupts differentiation is triggered by inactivating KDM6A mutations in bladder cancer and can serve as a potential target for novel therapies.
Nanoparticle STING Agonist Reprograms the Bone Marrow to an Antitumor Phenotype and Protects Against Bone Destruction
Authors: Florian David C. , Bennett Natalie E. , Odziomek Mateusz , Baljon Jessalyn J. , Wehbe Mohamed , Merkel Alyssa R. , Fischer Melissa A. , Savona Michael R. , Rhoades Julie A. , Guelcher Scott A. , Wilson John T.
Published: January 2023

When breast cancer metastasizes to bone, treatment options are limited. Failure to treat bone metastases is thought to be due to therapy-resistant features of the bone marrow microenvironment. Using a murine model of bone metastatic mammary carcinoma, we demonstrate that systemic delivery of polymer nanoparticles loaded with cyclic dinucleotide (CDN) agonists of stimulator of interferon genes (STING) inhibited tumor growth and bone destruction after 7 days of treatment. Each dose of STING-activating nanoparticles trafficked to the bone marrow compartment and was retained within the tumor microenvironment for over 24 hours, enhancing antitumor immunity through proinflammatory cytokine production and early T-cell activation. While acquired resistance mechanisms, including increased levels of immunosuppressive cytokines and the infiltration of regulatory T cells, ultimately limited antitumor efficacy after 2 weeks of treatment, bone protective effects remained. Overall, these studies demonstrate that STING pathway activation, here enabled using a nanomedicine approach to enhance CDN delivery to bone metastatic sites, can reprogram the immune contexture of the bone marrow to an antitumor phenotype that inhibits bone colonization of metastatic breast cancer cells and protects from tumor-mediated bone destruction.

Significance:

Bone metastases are difficult to treat due to the inaccessibility of the bone marrow compartment and the immunosuppressive microenvironment that protects resident stem cells. Packaging a STING agonist into a nanoparticle that enables systemic administration and drug accumulation at tumor sites overcomes both barriers to stymie metastatic breast cancer growth.