bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The application of knowledge stylised facts in West Africa Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU)
Authors: Amanzou Nogbou Andetchi Aubin , Ballo Zie , Troupa Sery Guy Flavien
Published: September 2022

Sub-Saharan Africa has one of the dynamic economies in the world. Unfortunately, the performance achieve has not led to a reduction of social issues. So, the government are making massive investment to overcome social issues. This massive public investment highlights the exogenous nature of the current economic growth. So, a change of the strategy in the economic management of sub-Saharan Africa is required. One solution remains the change of economic paradigm: the transition from exogenous economic with decreased return to endogenous economic with increased return. The theoretical explanation of such arguments are supported by New Growth Theory. However, the implementation of the new theory required compliance to a set of indicators known as stylized facts. In 2009, Romer and Jones have developed a list of stylized corresponding to the need of New Growth Theory. The stylized facts of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) have been compared to the standard facts of Romer and Jones in order to apply the recommendations of New Growth Theory in this area. To reach that aim, the stylized facts have been described and analysed with econometric panel model. As result, we find that the description of the stylized facts in WAEMU fitted perfectly with that of Romer and Jones for the same period. Unfortunately, when using data, institution don’t work as expected by Romer and Jones. This study strengthens the argument for the implementation of economic policy based on the valorisation of knowledge economic in WAEMU.
Reduction of early surgical site and other care related infections in 3553 hip fracture patients: lessons learned from the 5-year Safe Hands project
Authors: Erichsen Andersson Annette , Gillespie Brigid M. , Karlsson Magnus , Malchau Henrik , Nellgård Bengt , Wikström Ewa , Rogmark Cecilia , Tillander Jonatan
Published: September 2022

Background

Surgical site infection (SSI) after acute hip fracture surgery is a devastating complication associated with increased suffering and mortality. The aim of the study was to investigate early SSI, sepsis, pneumonia and urinary tract infections over five years, before and after the implementation of the Safe Hands project.

Methods

This was a single-centre observational study with a 5-year longitudinal design, investigating the effects of an infection-prevention intervention targeting the clinical care pathway of individuals with acute hip fracture. Statistical analyses were based on routinely collected patient outcome data comprising 3553 patients. The study conforms to the criteria of the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE).

Results

The incidence of early SSIs decreased from 2.5% in years 1–2 to 1.1% in years 4–5. Similar results were observed for sepsis (2.7% to 1.3%) and urinary tract infections (14.2% to 4.2%). The multivariable regression results suggest that, for every observed year, the odds of early SSIs decreased. Male gender, procedure time, sepsis and preoperative skin damage increased the odds significantly.

Conclusions

Our preventive bundle, based on partnership between researchers, managers and clinicians and a strong commitment to change from the involved professions, appear to be effective in reducing the frequency of potentially devastating SSIs and other hospital acquired infections after hip fracture surgery. The use of external and internal facilitators was crucial to enable individual and organisational learning and overcoming barriers to improvements.

Trial registration: Clinical Trials.gov ID: NCT02983136 Registered 6 December 2016—Retrospectively registered.
Importance of multidisciplinary collaboration for smooth kidney transplantation in HIV-infected patients with chronic kidney disease: a case report
Authors: Abe Tetsuya , Ishii Daisuke , Imura Yuki , Noguchi Ayano , Kitajima Kazuki , Takeuchi Yasuo , Wada Tatsuhiko , Yoshida Kazunari
Published: September 2022

Background

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has reduced mortality caused by AIDS resulting from HIV infection. Meanwhile, the prevalence of chronic kidney disease, a chronic HIV complication, is increasing. Antiretroviral therapy has improved the life expectancy of HIV-infected kidney transplant recipients. In Japan, discrimination and prejudice against HIV persist, and few kidney transplants are performed. We report three cases in which kidney transplantation was smoothly performed with multidisciplinary collaboration.

Case presentation

The first case involved a 29-year-old male urgently hospitalized due to severe kidney dysfunction, diagnosed with HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN), and placed on maintenance dialysis. The patient was administered oral lamivudine, abacavir, and raltegravir as ART and underwent blood group-matched living donor kidney transplantation at age 32. The second case involved a 49-year-old male diagnosed as HIV-positive at age 33 and placed on maintenance dialysis for HIVAN at age 47. Darunavir, ritonavir, and dolutegravir (DTG) were initially administered. However, the ART was switched to rilpivirine (RPV) and DTG prior to kidney transplantation because of potential ART interactions with calcineurin inhibitors. The patient underwent blood group-matched living donor kidney transplantation. The third case involved a 41-year-old male diagnosed as HIV-positive at 23 years old and treated with RPV and DTG. Due to autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), his kidney function gradually worsened, and he was started on hemodialysis. He underwent hemodialysis, followed by blood type-matched living donor kidney transplantation. In all cases, transplant physicians, nephrologists, infectious disease physicians, hepatologists, nurses, pharmacists, nutritionists, and clinical psychologists collaborated to discuss and share medical problems and sociopsychological backgrounds of the patients. There was no rejection, CD4+ lymphocyte counts were maintained, and there was no increase in viral load post-surgery. Information sharing among various departments has continued post-surgery, kidney function has improved, and no increase in viral load has been identified on follow-up.

Conclusions

Kidney transplantation is the kidney replacement therapy of choice for HIV-infected patients with CKD. Specialized support is required for kidney transplantation, including coordinating immunosuppressive therapy to avoid rejection, learning about drug interactions, and providing sociopsychological support. Multidisciplinary collaboration is important to ensure safe and smooth kidney transplantation care for HIV-infected patients.
Continuous renal replacement therapy using a cellulose triacetate hemofilter for severe coronavirus disease
Authors: Takahashi Kanako , Inoue Hiroyuki , Kishimoto Masumi , Nakayama Ryuichi , Kasai Takehiko , Bunya Naofumi , Harada Keisuke , Uemura Shuji , Narimatsu Eichi
Published: September 2022

Background

In patients with severe coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the use of acrylonitrile hemofilters can reduce cytokine concentrations. However, acrylonitrile hemofilters can easily coagulate, and the effect of hemofilters on improvement in patient prognosis remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the changes in serum cytokine concentrations, alleviation of organ damage, and improvement in patient prognosis with continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) using a cellulose triacetate (CTA) filter with excellent anticoagulation property in patients with severe COVID-19.

Methods

This was a retrospective, single-center study conducted by the Advanced Critical Care Center in Sapporo Medical University Hospital, Japan. Seven patients with severe COVID-19 between March 01 and June 30, 2020, were included. The patients were under mechanical ventilation and received continuous blood purification therapy with a CTA filter. We summarized the CRRT status and patient prognosis and measured their serum cytokine (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interferon-γ) and serum marker levels, before and after CRRT. In addition, we evaluated the changes in their respiratory status, hemodynamics, and organ dysfunction scores. The average age of the patients was 61.5 years, and five patients were male. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was used in five patients. The treatment outcome included three deaths.

Results

The median CRRT duration was 7 days. The hemofilter was replaced once a day. After CRRT, the IL-6 concentration decreased from 393 to 85 pg/mL (p = 0.016), the Krebs von den Lungen-6 concentration decreased from 554 to 350 U/mL, and the PaO2/FiO2 ratio increased significantly from 90 to 248, and therefore, oxygenation improved. In addition, the norepinephrine dose and lactate level decreased, and the circulation tended to improve; however, the renal function and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score did not change.

Conclusions

The serum IL-6 level decreased, and the respiratory status improved upon CRRT using a CTA filter in patients with severe COVID-19.
Infodemic and the fear of monkeypox: call for action
Authors: Farahat Ramadan Abdelmoez , Head Michael G. , Tharwat Samar , Alabdallat Yasmeen , Essar Mohammad Yasir , Abdelazeem Basel , Ould Setti Mounir
Published: September 2022

Monkeypox (MPX) was declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization (WHO), as of July 23rd, 2022. Fake news spread on social media has already surfaced and contributed to worsening of this concerning situation, making it difficult for the health care experts’ voices to be heard. Therefore, we recommend some solutions to overcome this situation, including raising public awareness and preventing stigma through sharing engagement with civil society organizations, and better cooperation between policymakers, the medical community, and social media platforms regarding providing accurate official news about MPX. WHO-one health approach should be established and prioritized.
Helicobacter pylori infection in the stomach induces neuroinflammation: the potential roles of bacterial outer membrane vesicles in an animal model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Park Ah-Mee , Tsunoda Ikuo
Published: September 2022

Helicobacter pylori (HP) is a Gram-negative bacterium that colonizes the human stomach chronically. Colonization of HP in the gastric mucosa not only causes gastrointestinal diseases, but also is associated with extra-gastric diseases, such as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and neurological diseases. Among neurological diseases, epidemiological studies have shown that HP infection increases the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Since HP does not invade the central nervous system (CNS), it has been considered that systemic immunological changes induced by HP infection may play pathogenic roles in AD and PD. Here, we investigated the effects of HP infection on the CNS in vivo and in vitro. In the CNS, chronically HP-infected mice had microglial activation without HP colonization, although systemic immunological changes were not observed. This led us to explore the possibility that HP-derived outer membrane vesicles (HP-OMVs) could cause neuroinflammation. OMVs are small, spherical bilayer vesicles (20–500 nm) released into the extracellular space from the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria; OMVs contain lipopolysaccharide, proteins, peptidoglycan, DNA, and RNA. OMVs have also been shown to activate both innate and acquired immune cells in vitro, and to disrupt the tight junctions of the gastric epithelium (“leaky gut”) as well as cross the blood-brain barrier in vivo. Thus, in theory, OMVs can activate immune responses in the remote organs, including the lymphoid organs and CNS, if only OMVs enter the systemic circulation. From the exosome fraction of sera from HP-infected mice, we detected HP-specific DNA, suggesting the presence of HP-OMVs. We also found that microglia incubated with HP-OMVs in vitro increased the cell proliferation, inflammatory cytokine production, and migration. On the other hand, HP-OMVs suppressed the cell proliferation of neuroblastoma in vitro. Lastly, we found that AD model mice infected with HP had amyloid plaques adjacent to activated microglia and astrocytes in vivo. Based on the literature review and our experimental data, we propose our working hypothesis that OMVs produced in chronic HP infection in the gut induce neuroinflammation in the CNS, explaining the higher prevalence of AD in HP-infected people.
How do face masks impact communication amongst deaf/HoH people?
Authors: Gutierrez-Sigut Eva , Lamarche Veronica M. , Rowley Katherine , Lago Emilio Ferreiro , Pardo-Guijarro María Jesús , Saenz Ixone , Frigola Berta , Frigola Santiago , Aliaga Delfina , Goldberg Laura
Published: September 2022

Face coverings have been key in reducing the spread of COVID-19. At the same time, they have hindered interpersonal communication, particularly for those who rely on speechreading to aid communication. The available research indicated that deaf/hard of hearing (HoH) people experienced great difficulty communicating with people wearing masks and negative effects on wellbeing. Here we extended these findings by exploring which factors predict deaf/HoH people’s communication difficulties, loss of information, and wellbeing. We also explored the factors predicting perceived usefulness of transparent face coverings and alternative ways of communicating. We report the findings from an accessible survey study, released in two written and three signed languages. Responses from 395 deaf/HoH UK and Spanish residents were collected online at a time when masks were mandatory. We investigated whether onset and level of deafness, knowledge of sign language, speechreading fluency, and country of residence predicted communication difficulties, wellbeing, and degree to which transparent face coverings were considered useful. Overall, deaf/HoH people and their relatives used masks most of the time despite greater communication difficulties. Late-onset deaf people were the group that experienced more difficulties in communication, and also reported lower wellbeing. However, both early- and late-onset deaf people reported missing more information and feeling more disconnected from society than HoH people. Finally, signers valued transparent face shields more positively than non-signers. The latter suggests that, while seeing the lips is positive to everyone, signers appreciate seeing the whole facial expression. Importantly, our data also revealed the importance of visual communication other than speechreading to facilitate face-to-face interactions.
Appraisal and patient-reported outcomes following total hip arthroplasty: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Schwartz Carolyn E. , Rapkin Bruce D. , Sniderman Jhase , Finkelstein Joel A.
Published: September 2022

Background

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a successful procedure that provides pain relief, restores function, and improves quality of life (QOL) for patients with advanced arthritis in their hip joint. To date, little research has examined the role of cognitive appraisal processes in THA outcomes. This study examined the role of cognitive appraisal processes in THA outcomes in the first year post-surgery.

Methods

This longitudinal cohort study collected data at pre-surgery, 6 weeks post-surgery, 3 months post-surgery, and 12 months post-surgery. Adults (n = 189) with a primary diagnosis of osteoarthritis were consecutively recruited from an active THA practice at a Canadian academic teaching hospital. Measures included the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), the Mental Component Score (MCS) of the Rand-36, and the Brief Appraisal Inventory (BAI). Analysis of Variance examined the association between BAI items and the HOOS or MCS scores. Random effects models investigated appraisal main effects and appraisal-by-time interactions for selected BAI items.

Results

HOOS showed great improvement over the first 12 months after THA, and was mitigated by three appraisal processes in particular: focusing on problems with healthcare or living situation, and preparing one’s family for health changes. MCS was stable and low over time, and the following appraisal processes were implicated by very large effect sizes: not comparing themselves to healthier people, focusing on money problems, preparing their family for their health changes, or trying to shed responsibilities.

Conclusions

Appraisal processes are relevant to health outcomes after THA, with different processes coming into play at different points in the recovery trajectory.
Brain tumor related epilepsy: pathophysiological approaches and rational management of antiseizure medication
Authors: Seidel Sabine , Wehner Tim , Miller Dorothea , Wellmer Jörg , Schlegel Uwe , Grönheit Wenke
Published: September 2022

Background

Brain tumor related epilepsy (BTRE) is a common complication of cerebral tumors and its incidence is highly dependent on the type of tumor, ranging from 10–15% in brain metastases to > 80% in low grade gliomas. Clinical management is challenging and has to take into account aspects beyond the treatment of non-tumoral epilepsy.

Main body

Increasing knowledge about the pathophysiology of BTRE, particularly on glutamatergic mechanisms of oncogenesis and epileptogenesis, might influence management of anti-tumor and BTRE treatment in the future. The first seizure implies the diagnosis of epilepsy in patients with brain tumors. Due to the lack of prospective randomized trials in BTRE, general recommendations for focal epilepsies currently apply concerning the initiation of antiseizure medication (ASM). Non-enzyme inducing ASM is preferable. Prospective trials are needed to evaluate, if AMPA inhibitors like perampanel possess anti-tumor effects. ASM withdrawal has to be weighed very carefully against the risk of seizure recurrence, but can be achievable in selected patients. Permission to drive is possible for some patients with BTRE under well-defined conditions, but requires thorough neurological, radiological, ophthalmological and neuropsychological examination.

Conclusion

An evolving knowledge on pathophysiology of BTRE might influence future therapy. Randomized trials on ASM in BTRE with reliable endpoints are needed. Management of withdrawal of ASMs and permission to drive demands thorough diagnostic as well as neurooncological and epileptological expertise.
Performance improvement of 5G positioning utilizing multi-antenna angle measurements
Authors: Guo Wenfei , Deng Yue , Guo Chi , Qi Shufeng , Wang Jingrong
Published: September 2022

Time delay-based the 5th Generation Mobile Communication Technology (5G) positioning is a main method to perform high-precision positioning in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) denied areas. However, in practical applications, the occlusion of signals in a complex environment results in few observable base stations, which affects the reliability and accuracy of positioning. The aim of this study is to improve the performance of the 5G positioning in complex environments with an insufficient number of observable base stations. First, the Angle of Departure (AOD) capability of multi-antennas is integrated into Multi-Round-Trip-Time (Multi-RTT) positioning, establishing a novel 5G RTT/AOD positioning model. Then, the influencing factors of positioning performance, including the Dilution of Precision (DOP) and the accuracy of the AOD measurements, is analyzed. The relationship between DOP and RTT/AOD positioning accuracy is deduced. Afterwards, simulation experiments are performed on 5G positioning with the Multi-RTT and RTT/AOD methods in two scenarios with good and complex environments. The theoretical analysis and experimental results show that 5G positioning with the RTT/AOD method increases the horizontal and vertical accuracies by approximately 25 and 65%, respectively, compared with the Multi-RTT method. The positioning reliability is also greatly improved. The proposed model can well solve the inefficiency of 5G positioning with the RTT method in scenarios where the number of base stations is less than three.
Effect of bisphosphonates on bone giant cell tumor recurrence: a meta-analysis
Authors: Mohsen Marwa , Osama Hasnaa , Nicola Mina , Saeed Haitham , Abdelrahim Mohamed E. A.
Published: September 2022

Background

We examined the impact of bisphosphonates as adjuvant therapy on the recurrence of giant cell bone tumors and the impact of various tumor stages and surgical techniques on this effect. Following a thorough examination of the literature up to January 2022, 10 studies including 601 adults with giant cell tumors of the bone were reported; 295 of these subjects received bisphosphonates as adjuvant therapy following surgery, and 306 served as the control group. To examine the possibility of lowering the recurrence of giant cell bone tumors, a comparison between bisphosphonates and a control group was made. In order to evaluate the impact of bisphosphonates as adjuvant therapy on the recurrence of the giant cell bone tumor, odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined. Additionally, the dichotomous technique with a random or fixed-effect model was used to examine the effects of various tumor stages and pertinent surgical procedures.

Results

Patients with giant cell tumors of the bone who received bisphosphonates as adjuvant therapy had significantly lower postoperative recurrence rates outcomes in all subjects with giant cell tumor of bone (OR 0.19; 95% CI 0.12–0.31, p = 0.001), patients with stage I–II giant cell tumors of the bone (OR 0.29; 95% CI 0.11–0.76, p = 0.01), patients with stage III giant cell tumors of the bone (OR 0.17; 95% CI 0.07–0.42, p < 0.001); and post-intralesional curettage (OR 0.18; 95% CI 0.06–0.49, p < 0.001) compared to control. Bisphosphonates were used in participants with giant cell tumors of the bone after broad excision, but there was no discernible difference between the two groups in terms of postoperative recurrence outcomes (OR 0.66; 95% CI 0.11–3.91, p = 0.65).

Conclusions

In patients with giant cell tumors of the bone after intralesional curettage, the use of bisphosphonates as adjuvant therapy may lower the incidence of postoperative recurrence outcomes, but no appreciable difference was identified after extensive resection. According to the observed relationship, using bisphosphonates is advised to lower the likelihood of postoperative recurrence that can happen in patients with giant cell tumors of the bone.
Synthesis, stability, and emission analysis of magnetite nanoparticle-based biofuels
Authors: Rao M. Srinivasa , Rao Ch. Srinivasa , Kumari A. Swarna
Published: September 2022

In recent years, the application of nanoadditives in biofuels is gaining much attention due to their increase in thermophysical properties such as high surface area, thermal conductivity, and mass diffusivity. However, lack of stability, high additive cost, and difficult recovery from engine exhaust are the high-priority and demanding characteristics, which may be chosen by many researchers. In this regard, the most promising nanoadditives are magnetite nanoparticles, having a high-specific area, strong magnetic response, control over the particle size and, most importantly, easy and rapid separation from exhaust gas by applying external magnetic bars. Moreover, it can be easily diluted into biodiesel, and thus, it can collect the advantages of biodiesel in water emulsion. From the literature survey, it is found that there is a lacuna in the synthesis and performance of magnetite nanofuels for internal combustion engine applications. Thus, the present study aims to epitomize the research findings related to the synthesis, characterization, stability, and properties of biodiesel/diesel-based fuels blended with magnetite nanoparticles and the influence of the magnetite nanofuels on engine performance. The study shows that the addition of nanoparticles to biodiesel has positive effects in reducing harmful emissions such as carbon black, smoke opacity and NOX, with improved thermal efficiency and fuel consumption.
Aspirin Mediates Its Antitumoral Effect Through Inhibiting PTTG1 in Pituitary Adenoma
Authors: Szabó Borbála , Németh Kinga , Mészáros Katalin , Krokker Lilla , Likó István , Saskői Éva , Németh Krisztina , Szabó Pál Tamás , Szücs Nikolette , Czirják Sándor , Szalóki Gábor , Patócs Attila , Butz Henriett
Published: September 2022

Context

DNA demethylation and inhibitory effects of aspirin on pituitary cell proliferation have been demonstrated.

Objective

Our aim was to clarify the molecular mechanisms behind the aspirin-related effects in pituitary cells.

Methods

DNA methylome and whole transcriptome profile were investigated in RC-4B/C and GH3 pituitary cell lines upon aspirin treatment. Effects of aspirin and a demethylation agent, decitabine, were further tested in vitro. PTTG1 expression in 41 human PitNET samples and whole genome gene and protein expression data of 76 PitNET and 34 control samples (available in Gene Expression Omnibus) were evaluated.

Results

Aspirin induced global DNA demethylation and consequential transcriptome changes. Overexpression of Tet enzymes and their cofactor Uhrf2 were identified behind the increase of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC). Besides cell cycle, proliferation, and migration effects that were validated by functional experiments, aspirin increased Tp53 activity through p53 acetylation and decreased E2f1 activity. Among the p53 controlled genes, Pttg1 and its interacting partners were downregulated upon aspirin treatment by inhibiting Pttg1 promoter activity. 5hmC positively correlated with Tet1-3 and Tp53 expression, and negatively correlated with Pttg1 expression, which was reinforced by the effect of decitabine. Additionally, high overlap (20.15%) was found between aspirin-regulated genes and dysregulated genes in PitNET tissue samples.

Conclusion

A novel regulatory network has been revealed, in which aspirin regulated global demethylation, Tp53 activity, and Pttg1 expression along with decreased cell proliferation and migration. 5hmC, a novel tissue biomarker in PitNET, indicated aspirin antitumoral effect in vitro as well. Our findings suggest the potential beneficial effect of aspirin in PitNET.
Calcium, Its Regulatory Hormones, and Their Causal Role on Blood Pressure: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Giontella Alice , Lotta Luca A , Baras Aris , Minuz Pietro , Gill Dipender , Melander Olle , Fava Cristiano
Published: September 2022

Context

Vitamin D (Vit-D), parathyroid hormone (PTH), and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) are the major calciotropic hormones involved in the regulation of blood calcium levels from the intestine, kidney, and bone through a tight endocrine feedback loop system. Altered levels of calcium itself or through the effect of its regulatory hormones could affect blood pressure (BP), but the exact mechanisms remain unclear.

Objective

To evaluate whether a causal relationship exists between serum calcium level and/or the regulatory hormones involved in its homeostasis with BP, we performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study.

Methods

From 4 large genome-wide association studies (GWAS) we obtained independent (r2 < 0.001) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with serum calcium (119 SNPs), Vit-D (78 SNPs), PTH (5 SNPs), and FGF23 (5 SNPs), to investigate through MR their association with systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) in a Swedish urban-based study, the Malmö Diet and Cancer study (n = 29 298). Causality was evaluated by the inverse variance weighted method (IVW) and weighted median, while MR Egger and MR-PRESSO were used as sensitivity analyses.

Results

Genetically predicted serum calcium level was found to be associated with DBP (IVW: beta = 0.10, SE = 0.04, P = 0.007) and SBP (IVW: beta = 0.07, SE = 0.04, P = 0.04). Genetically predicted Vit-D and PTH showed no association with the traits, while FGF23 was inversely associated with SBP (IVW: beta = −0.11, SE = 0.04, P = 0.01), although this association lost statistical significance in sensitivity analysis.

Conclusion

Our study shows a direct association between genetically predicted calcium level and DBP, and a weaker association with SBP. No such clear association was found for genetically predicted calciotropic hormone levels. It is of interest to detect which target genes involved in calcium homeostasis mediate the effect of calcium on BP, particularly for improving personalized intervention strategies.
The Human Glucocorticoid Receptor Beta: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Implications
Authors: Nicolaides Nicolas C
Published: September 2022

Glucocorticoids play a fundamental role in a plethora of cellular processes and physiologic functions through binding on a ubiquitously expressed receptor, the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), which functions as a ligand-activated transcription factor influencing the transcription rate of numerous genes in a positive or negative fashion. For many years, we believed that the pleiotropic actions of glucocorticoids were mediated by a single GR protein expressed by the NR3C1 gene. Nowadays, we know that the NR3C1 gene encodes 2 main receptor isoforms, the GRα and the GRβ, through alternative splicing of the last exons. Furthermore, the alternative initiation of GR mRNA translation generates 8 distinct GRα and possibly 8 different GRβ receptor isoforms. The tremendous progress of cellular, molecular, and structural biology in association with the data explosion provided by bioinformatics have enabled a deeper understanding of the role of GRβ in cellular homeostasis. In this review article, I will provide an update on the cellular properties and functions of hGRβ and summarize the current knowledge about the evolving role of the beta isoform of glucocorticoid receptor in endocrine physiology, pathophysiology, and beyond.
Changes in the Microbial Distribution of Buyeo Royal Tombs: Tomb No. 1
Authors: Lee Hyun Ju , Chung Yong Jae
Published: September 2022

Built in the 6th and 7th centuries during the Baekje period, the Buyeo Royal Tombs consist of seven tombs, including Tomb No. 1, which contains murals. To preserve Tomb No. 1 from damage caused by microorganisms, periodic microbial-distribution investigations are conducted. Following such investigations in August 2016, June 2018, and November 2019, the microbes were classified according to the investigation period, location of collection, and space. This study compares and analyzes the results. The concentration of airborne microorganisms in Tomb No. 1 and the number of microbial genera identified in each space of the tomb decreased as proximity to the main room with murals diminished. During the investigation period, the genera Bacillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Streptomyces were commonly identified on Tomb No. 1. The microorganisms collected f rom the main room walls were mostly isolated from the east and west walls where the genera Bacillus, Cupriavidus, Paenibacillus, Pseudomonas, and Streptomyces were commonly identified in three or more walls. In particular, the genus Streptomyces is a dangerous strain capable of damaging murals by penetrating into and discoloring the pigments on them. The data generated from this study may be useful for future research on microbial distribution in other domestic mural tombs and those located in North Korea and abroad.
Application of Finite Element Analysis for Structural Stability Evaluation of Modern and Contemporary Sculptures: ‘Eve 58-1’ by Man Lin Choi
Authors: Kwon Hee Hong , Shin Jeong Ah , Cho Nam Chul
Published: September 2022

‘Eve 58-1’, the subject of this study is a statue made of plaster and its structural stability was evaluated by utilizing the CAE program in order to prevent the risk of damage arising from impact and vibration that are generated during the packaging and transportation process given its material characteristics. CAE is an abbreviation for Computer Applied Engineering for realization by predicting changes at the time of application of virtual physical energy. It is applied by reflecting the physical property conditions and each boundary condition of plaster, and the digital images of the internal and external structure of the work were acquired through 3D scanning and CT analysis for interpretation by executing finite element modeling. When acceleration is applied to the work in the direction of its own weight, the left-right side and the front-rear side, it was possible to confirm a maximum displacement value of 15.24 mm in the head section of the front-rear side direction that has been tilted by approximately 27° from the Y-axis and the largest stress value of 12.46 MPa was at the left ankle section. The corresponding results confirmed that the left ankle section is the most vulnerable area and the section for which precautions need to be exercised and supplemented at the time of transporting the work by means of objective values.
A Characteristic Analysis on Clay Pigments of Mural Paintings in Sri Lanka
Authors: Yoo Seon-Young , Seneviratne Buddakoralelage Janani Namal , Kim Gyu-Ho
Published: September 2022

Sri Lanka has four types of mural painting styles; Classic, Late Classic, Kandyan, and Southern styles, but there is little research on scientific analysis for mural paintings. In this study, we analyze white, yellow, and red clay pigments which were collected from ancient producing sites. Analyzing pigment samples shows that samples are containing aluminum oxide(Al2O3) and silicon dioxide(SiO2) which are connected to the soil. And a degree of iron oxidation determines yellow or red colors. To understand the characteristics of clay pigment samples, we go over previous pigment analyses of mural paintings in Sri Lanka. Kaolin is identified after the 17th century, yellow and red ochre are applied in early periods, Classic and Late Classic styles. The change in raw materials of pigments occurred in the 17th century.
Effects of tree diversity and stand structure on above-ground carbon storage in evergreen broad-leaved and deciduous forests in Southeast Vietnam
Authors: Tuan Nguyen Thanh , Rodríguez-Hernández Diego I. , Tuan Vu Cong , Quy Nguyen Van , Obiakara Maxwell C. , Hufton Joshua
Published: September 2022

Understanding the relationship between tree species diversity and above-ground carbon (AGC) storage in tropical forests is essential for a sustainable flow of ecosystem goods and services. Although tropical forests of Vietnam are of particular interest due to their high biodiversity and carbon density, few studies have evaluated the relative importance of species composition, tree species diversity and forest structure on AGC storage by forest vegetation type. In this study, we tested for the influence of taxonomic diversity, forest structure and species composition on AGC storage in evergreen broad-leaved and deciduous forests of Southeast Vietnam. Data was collected within 137 rectangular plots (25 m × 20 m), randomly selected across a deciduous forest (DF) and four evergreen broad-leaved forest (EB) categories, with different stand­ing volumes levels: very poor (EBG), poor (EBP), medium (EBM) and rich (EBR). In total, we identified 3687 individuals from 110 tree species belonging to 46 families in 6.85 hectares of sampled area. AGC stor­age significantly differed among forest categories, ranging from 14.81 Mg ha−1 in EBG to 146.74 Mg ha−1 in EBR. There was higher AGC in the medium diameter class (20-40 cm), except for EBR where there was higher AGC within individuals of 40-60 cm in diameter. Taxonomic diversity was weakly correlated with AGC while stand structure (stem density and maximum diameter) were strongly correlated. Our results suggest that maintaining the abundance distributions of remnant tree species, particularly that of large trees, is one important method to enhance AGC storage in the tropical ecosytems of southern Vietnam.
Strengthening respectful communication with patients and colleagues in neonatal units — developing and evaluating a communication and emotional competence training for nurse managers in Kenya
Authors: Musitia Peris , Boga Mwanamvua , Oluoch Dorothy , Haaland Ane , Nzinga Jacinta , English Mike , Molyneux Sassy
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Effective communication is essential to delivering compassionate, high-quality nursing  care. The intensive, stressful and technical environment of a new-born unit (NBU) in a low-resource setting presents communication-related challenges for nurses, with negative implications for nurse well-being, team relationships and patient care. We adapted a pre-existing communication and emotional competence course with NBU nurse managers working in Kenya, explored its’ value to participants and developed a theory of change to evaluate its’ potential impact.

Methods: 18 neonatal nurse managers from 14 county referral hospitals helped adapt and participated in a nine-month participatory training process. Training involved guided ‘on the job’ self-observation and reflection to build self-awareness, and two face-to-face skills-building workshops. The course and potential for future scale up was assessed using written responses from participant nurses (baseline questionnaires, reflective assignments, pre and post workshop questionnaires), workshop observation notes, two group discussions and nine individual in-depth interviews.

Results: Participants were extremely positive about the course, with many emphasizing its direct relevance and applicability to their daily work. Increased self-awareness and ability to recognize their own, colleagues’ and patients’ emotional triggers, together with new knowledge and practical skills, reportedly inspired nurses to change; in turn influencing their ability to provide respectful care, improving their confidence and relationships and giving them a stronger sense of professional identity. 

Conclusion: Providing respectful care is a major challenge in low-resource, high-pressure clinical settings but there are few strategies to address this problem. The participatory training process examined addresses this challenge and has potential for positive impacts for families, individual workers and teams, including worker well-being. We present an initial theory of change to support future evaluations aimed at exploring if and how positive gains can be sustained and spread within the wider system.
The forms of third person and demonstrative pronouns in spoken Livonian recordings
Authors: Tomingas Marili
Published: September 2022

This article studies the inflectional forms of Livonian third person and demonstrative pronouns as used in spoken language recordings. In Standard Livonian, these words have the nominative singular forms tämā/ta ‘he/she; this’, se ‘this’, tūo ‘that’, and the nominative plural forms nämād ‘they’ (for tämā), ne ‘they; these’ (for both ta and se), and tuoist ‘those’ (for tūo). The current empirical study describes their use based on Livonian fieldwork recordings from the Archives of Estonian Dialects and Kindred Languages (AEDKL). In the present article, the inflectional forms and the main functional tendencies of Livonian third person and demonstrative pronouns are described, comparing them also to the forms mentioned in earlier Livonian grammars and dictionaries to see if there is any change in their use.

Kokkuvõte. Marili Tomingas: Kolmanda isiku ja demonstratiivpronoomenite vormid suulises liivi keeles. Artikkel uurib liivi keele kolmanda isiku ja demonstratiivpronoomenite käändevorme suulise liivi keele salvestistes. Andmestikuna kasutati 13 salvestist viie liivi keele kõnelejaga. Kuna liivi keeles võib kolmanda isiku ja demonstratiivpronoomenitel olla nii pikki kui ka lühikesi vorme, oli eesmärk teada saada, millisel kujul need suulises keeles esinevad ja kas kasutatakse rohkem pikki või lühikesi vorme. Samuti uuriti, kas demonstratiivpronoomen tūo on suulises keeles veel kasutuses. Tulemusi võrreldi ka varasemate liivi grammatikate andmetega. Ilmnes, et suulises keeles kasutatakse lisaks kirjakeele vormidele ka kolmanda isiku ainsuse nominatiivi vormi tä ja mitmuse vorme nēd, nad ja nät, lisaks kolmanda isiku ainsuse daativi lühikest vormi täm ning demonstratiivpronoomeni se puhul kasutatakse instrumentaalis ja sisekohakäänetes veidi enam lühikesi vorme.

Kubbõvõttõks. Marili Tomingas. Kuolmõnd pärsōn ja nägțijizt azūmsõnād morfolōgij sūlizõs līvõ kīels. Kēra tuņšlõb līvõ kīel kuolmõnd pärsōn ja nägtijizt azūmsõnād morfolōgliži formidi sūlizõs līvõ kīels. Dattõd ātõ perīņ vīd līvõ kīel rõkāndijizt kīelst. Kēra merk vȯļ seļțõ, mingizt azūmsõnād sūlizõs kīelsõ ātõ kȭlbatõd pitkād ja lītizt formõdõks, ja mingizt formõd sōbõd kȭlbatõbõd jemīņ. Sai ka tuņšõltõd, või azūmsõnā tūo vel sōb kȭlbatõd sūlizõs kīels. Tuņšlimizõs um nǟdõb ka rezultātõd ītlimi jedmilizt gramatikādõks ja sõnārōntõdõks. Um nǟdõb, ku sūlizõs kīels kērakīel formõd kūoral sōbõd mūndakõrd kȭlbatõd ka nominatīv formõd tä, nēd, nad ja nät, nei īž ka kuolmõnd pärsōn datīv līti form täm. Instrumentāls ja sizāližis kūožnõtkīs sūlizõs kīelsõ nägțijiz azūmsõnā se lītizt formõd saitõ kȭlbatõd rōz emīņ äbku pitkād.
Reoperation and revision rates at ten years after 1,312 cemented Thompson’s hemiarthroplasties
Authors: Khan Sameer K. , Tyas Ben , Shenfine Amy , Jameson Simon S. , Inman Dominic S. , Muller Scott D. , Reed Mike R.
Published: September 2022

Aims

Despite multiple trials and case series on hip hemiarthroplasty designs, guidance is still lacking on which implant to use. One particularly deficient area is long-term outcomes. We present over 1,000 consecutive cemented Thompson’s hemiarthroplasties over a ten-year period, recording all accessible patient and implant outcomes.

Methods

Patient identifiers for a consecutive cohort treated between 1 January 2003 and 31 December 2011 were linked to radiographs, surgical notes, clinic letters, and mortality data from a national dataset. This allowed charting of their postoperative course, complications, readmissions, returns to theatre, revisions, and deaths. We also identified all postoperative attendances at the Emergency and Outpatient Departments, and recorded any subsequent skeletal injuries.

Results

In total, 1,312 Thompson’s hemiarthroplasties were analyzed (mean age at surgery 82.8 years); 125 complications were recorded, necessitating 82 returns to theatre. These included 14 patients undergoing aspiration or manipulation under anaesthesia, 68 reoperations (5.2%) for debridement and implant retention (n = 12), haematoma evacuation (n = 2), open reduction for dislocation (n = 1), fixation of periprosthetic fracture (n = 5), and 48 revised stems (3.7%), for infection (n = 13), dislocation (n = 12), aseptic loosening (n = 9), persistent pain (n = 6), periprosthetic fracture (n = 4), acetabular erosion (n = 3), and metastatic bone disease (n = 1). Their status at ten years is summarized as follows: 1,180 (89.9%) dead without revision, 34 (2.6%) dead having had revision, 84 (6.6%) alive with the stem unrevised, and 14 (1.1%) alive having had revision. Cumulative implant survivorship was 90.3% at ten years; patient survivorship was 7.4%.

Conclusion

The Thompson’s stem demonstrates very low rates of complications requiring reoperation and revision, up to ten years after the index procedure. Fewer than one in ten patients live for ten years after fracture. This study supports the use of a cemented Thompson’s implant as a cost-effective option for frail hip fracture patients. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(9):710–715.
Automatic quantification of cone photoreceptors in adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscope images using multi-task learning
Authors: Li Kaiwen , Yin Qi , Ren Ji , Song Hongxin , Zhang Jie
Published: September 2022

Adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscope (AO-SLO) can directly image the cone photoreceptor mosaic in the living human retina, which offers a potentially great tool to detect cone-related ocular pathologies by quantifying the changes in the cone mosaic. However, manual quantification is very time-consuming and automation is highly desirable. In this paper, we developed a fully automatic method based on multi-task learning to identify and quantify cone photoreceptors. By including cone edges in the labels as the third dimension of the classification, our method provided more accurate and reliable results than the two previously reported methods. We trained and validated our network in an open data set consisting of over 200,000 cones, and achieved a 99.20% true positive rate, 0.71% false positive rate, and 99.24% Dice’s coefficient on the test set consisting of 44,634 cones. All are better than the reported methods. In addition, the reproducibility of all three methods was also tested and compared, and the result showed the performance of our method was generally closer to the gold standard. Bland-Altman plots show that our method was more stable and accurate than the other two methods. Then ablation experiment was further done, and the result shows that multi-task learning is essential to achieving accurate quantifications. Finally, our method was also extended to segment the cones to extract the size information. Overall, the method proposed here demonstrated great performance in terms of accuracy and reliability, which can be used to efficiently quantify the subtle changes associated with the progression of many diseases affecting cones.
Optical non-orthogonal multiple access based on amino acids and extended zigzag
Authors: Song Xiumin , Liu Bo , Zhang Hongxin , Ren Janxin , Mao Yaya , Chen Shuaidong , Wan Yibin , Wu Xiangyu , Wang Xishuo , Bai Yu , Wang Heng , Xin Xiangjun
Published: September 2022

We propose a novel security-enhanced power division multiplexing (SPDM) optical non-orthogonal multiple access scheme in conjunction with seven-core optical fiber in this paper. This scheme could improve the security of data transmission at the physical layer and the split ratio of the access network, ensuring more users can be served at the same time. Additionally, multiple signals can be superimposed in the digital domain, leading to a significant improvement in spectral efficiency. We have further experimentally demonstrated the transmission of 47.25 Gb/s SPDM orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signals in a 2 km seven-core fiber system. The experimental results confirm that our scheme can increase the number of access users by 14 times without influencing the privacy of different users. It is worth mentioning the signal encryption method based on amino acids combine with extended zigzag is proposed for the first time as we know. Meanwhile, the key space reaches 10182, indicating that the data transmission process can be effectively protected from the attack of stealers. The proposed security-enhanced power division multiplexing space division multiplexing passive optical network (SPDM-SDM-PON) support multi-threading and multi-functions, showing a great potential to be applied in the future telecommunication systems.
Miniaturised gap sensor using fibre optic Fabry-Pérot interferometry for structural health monitoring
Authors: Cosgun Tamer Y. , Dzipalski Adrian , Ross Calum A. , Thomson Robert R. , Kingston Matthew , Brooks Simon , MacPherson William N.
Published: September 2022

A miniaturised structural health monitoring device has been developed capable of measuring the absolute distance between close parallel surfaces using Fabry-Pérot interferometry with nm-scale sensitivity. This is achieved by fabricating turning mirrors on two opposite cores of a multi-core fibre to produce a probe with dimensions limited only be the fibre diameter. Two fabrication processes have been investigated: Focused ion beam milling, which has resulted in a sensor measurement accuracy, sensitivity and range of ±0.056 µm, ±0.006 µm and ∼16000  µm respectively; and ultrafast laser assisted etching of the cleaved fibre end, where a sensor measurement accuracy, sensitivity and range of ±0.065 µm, ±0.006 µm and ∼7500 µm have been demonstrated.