bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a Colorimetric Urease Test Based on Au NPS Capped with Anthocyanin for the Rapid Detection of Helicobacter pylori through Multiple Readouts
Authors: Sezgin Gulten Can , Tekin Yakub Emre , Calim Beyza , Celik Cagla , Alrifai Wardishan , Temur Nimet , Ildiz Nilay , Ocsoy Ismail
Published: July 2023

In this work, we have reported use of anthocyanin capped gold nanoparticles (Ant@Au NPs)‐incorporated colorimetric urease test for rapid, sensitive and economic detection of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). This test containing Ant@Au NPs, urea, sodium phosphate buffer (PBS) and sodium azide (NaN3) was prepared at pH 5 with red solution owing to dispersity of Ant@Au NPs, urease enzyme secreted from H. pylori cause production of ammonia (NH3) via hydrolysis of urea, then which makes reaction environment alkaline (pH 8.2). The limit of detection for this Ant@Au NPs based urease test was determined to be to 102 CFU/mL with proportional to increasing incubation time. However, distinct color change was observed with 104 CFU/mL H. pylori suspensions in 15 min. The anthocyanin molecules existing on surface of Ant@Au NPs were easily deprotonated from hydroxyl groups in the alkaline condition, which caused various changes on Ant@Au NPs including quite much negative charges on the surface of Ant@Au NPs analyzed by Zeta potential, aggregation of Ant@Au NPs demonstrated by STEM, DLS and spectrophotometer, and turning the color of test solution to purple evaluated by a naked eye and digital process imaging system.
Sensitive Measurement of ALKBH3 Activity using a Dual DNA Amplifier by Coupling DNA Circuits with CRISPR/Cas12a
Authors: Lv Fan , Wang Rong , Xi Qiang , Liu Yanli , Wu Zhenkun , Long Ying
Published: July 2023

DNA repair enzyme ALKBH3 has shown great potential as diagnostic as well as therapeutic target for several cancers. However, methods for the sensitive measurement of ALKBH3 repair activity are highly desirable but challenging. Herein, we report a dual DNA amplifier by integrating catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) with CRISPR/Cas12a for highly sensitive monitoring of ALKBH3 activity. A 3MeC‐modified initiator DNA was designed as the substrate of ALKBH3. Upon ALKBH3‐mediated DNA repair to remove the lesion from initiator DNA, it effectively triggered CHA circuits to generate duplexes that could be recognized by CRISPR/Cas12a to activate the trans‐cleavage activity, resulting significant fluorescence increase. We showed that our method could sensitively detection ALKBH3 activity with a calculated detection limit of 30.5 pM. We also showed that it allowed efficient screening of enzyme inhibitors. Our method enabled specific and sensitive measurement of ALKBH3 activity, thus providing a useful tool for disease diagnostics and therapeutic evaluation.
Refinement of Spatio-Temporal Finite Element Spaces for Mean Sea Surface and Sea Level Anomaly Estimation
Authors: Borlinghaus Moritz , Neyers Christian , Brockmann Jan Martin
Published: July 2023

The mean sea surface (MSS) is an important reference surface for oceanographic or geodetic applications such as sea level studies or the geodetic determination of the steady-state ocean circulation. Models of the MSS are derived from averaged along-track radar altimetry which provides instantaneous measurements of the sea surface heights (SSH). SSH observations corrected for tides and other physical signals and can be modeled as the sum of the MSS and sea level anomalies (SLA) which describe the temporal variability of the ocean. The typical MSS products are defined as grids of heights at a specific reference epoch and result from spatial and temporal prediction and filtering of the along-track SSH observations, whereas SLA products are computed with respect to an MSS model and are also defined as e.g. daily or averaged monthly grids.

In this contribution a one-step least-squares approach is used to estimate a continuous spatio-temporal model of the MSS and filtered SLAs from along-track altimetric SSH measurements using
$$C^1$$

C

1

-smooth finite element spaces for the spatial representation. The finite elements are defined on triangulations with different edge lengths and, thus, different spatial resolutions for MSS and SLA modeling. To model the temporal ocean variability finite B-Splines base functions are combined with the spatial finite elements to construct a spatio-temporal model. This contribution presents a concept to adapt the triangulations to the spatial characteristics of the signal of the MSS and SLA in a study region south of Africa. Least-squares residuals are studied to detect areas which show unmodeled spatial signal. These serve as input for the refinement of the triangulation. The results show that the residuals are indeed a good indicator for unmodeled signal, but as they are significantly influenced by unmodeled temporal signals as well, the refinement has only a small local impact on the obtained MSS and SLA models.
Dual-attention Network for View-invariant Action Recognition
Authors: Kumie Gedamu Alemu , Habtie Maregu Assefa , Ayall Tewodros Alemu , Zhou Changjun , Liu Huawen , Seid Abegaz Mohammed , Erbad Aiman
Published: July 2023

View-invariant action recognition has been widely researched in various applications, such as visual surveillance and human–robot interaction. However, view-invariant human action recognition is challenging due to the action occlusions and information loss caused by view changes. Modeling spatiotemporal dynamics of body joints and minimizing representation discrepancy between different views could be a valuable solution for view-invariant human action recognition. Therefore, we propose a Dual-Attention Network (DANet) aims to learn robust video representation for view-invariant action recognition. The DANet is composed of relation-aware spatiotemporal self-attention and spatiotemporal cross-attention modules. The relation-aware spatiotemporal self-attention module learns representative and discriminative action features. This module captures local and global long-range dependencies, as well as pairwise relations among human body parts and joints in the spatial and temporal domains. The cross-attention module learns view-invariant attention maps and generates discriminative features for semantic representations of actions in different views. We exhaustively evaluate our proposed approach on the NTU-60, NTU-120, and UESTC large-scale challenging datasets with multi-type evaluation metrics including Cross-Subject, Cross-View, Cross-Set, and Arbitrary-view. The experimental results demonstrate that our proposed approach significantly outperforms state-of-the-art approaches in view-invariant action recognition.
Graph-based feature extraction on object-centric event logs
Authors: Berti Alessandro , Herforth Johannes , Qafari Mahnaz Sadat , van der Aalst Wil M. P.
Published: July 2023

Process mining techniques have proven crucial in identifying performance and compliance issues. Traditional process mining, however, is primarily case-centric and does not fully capture the complexity of real-life information systems, leading to a growing interest in object-centric process mining. This paper presents a novel graph-based approach for feature extraction from object-centric event logs. In contrast to established methods for feature extraction from traditional event logs, object-centric logs present a greater challenge due to the interconnected nature of events related to multiple objects. This paper addresses this gap by proposing techniques and tools for feature extraction specifically designed for object-centric event logs. In this work, we focus on features pertaining to the lifecycle of the objects and their interaction. These features enable a more comprehensive understanding of the process and its inherent complexities. We demonstrate the applicability of our approach through its implementation in two significant areas: anomaly detection and throughput time prediction for objects in the process. Our results, based on four problems in a Procure-to-Pay process, affirm the potential of our proposed features in enhancing the scope of process mining. By effectively transforming object-centric event logs into numeric vectors, we pave the way for the application of a broader range of machine learning techniques, such as classification, prediction, clustering, and anomaly detection, thereby extending the capabilities of process mining.
Subjective and objective sleep alterations in medication-naïve children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kim Heeyeon , Kim Jae Han , Kim Junghwan , Kim Jong Yeob , Cortese Samuele , Smith Lee , Koyanagi Ai , Radua Joaquim , Fusar-Poli Paolo , Carvalho Andre F. , Salazar de Pablo Gonzalo , Shin Jae Il , Cheon Keun-Ah , Solmi Marco
Published: July 2023

Aims

This study aimed to summarize the evidence on sleep alterations in medication-naïve children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed/Medline, Embase and Web of Science databases from inception through March 22, 2021. This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021243881). Any observational study was included that enrolled medication-naïve children and adolescents with ASD and compared objective (actigraphy and polysomnography) or subjective sleep parameters with typically developing (TD) counterparts. We extracted relevant data such as the study design and outcome measures. The methodological quality was assessed through the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). A meta-analysis was carried out using the random-effects model by pooling effect sizes as Hedges’ g. To assess publication bias, Egger’s test and p-curve analysis were done. A priori planned meta-regression and subgroup analysis were also performed to identify potential moderators.

Results

Out of 4277 retrieved references, 16 studies were eligible with 981 ASD patients and 1220 TD individuals. The analysis of objective measures showed that medication-naïve ASD patients had significantly longer sleep latency (Hedges’ g 0.59; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.26 to 0.92), reduced sleep efficiency (Hedges’ g −0.58; 95% CI −0.87 to −0.28), time in bed (Hedges’ g −0.64; 95% CI −1.02 to −0.26) and total sleep time (Hedges’ g −0.64; 95% CI −1.01 to −0.27). The analysis of subjective measures showed that they had more problems in daytime sleepiness (Hedges’ g 0.48; 95% CI 0.26 to 0.71), sleep latency (Hedges’ g 1.15; 95% CI 0.72 to 1.58), initiating and maintaining sleep (Hedges’ g 0.86; 95% CI 0.39 to 1.33) and sleep hyperhidrosis (Hedges’ g 0.48; 95% CI 0.29 to 0.66). Potential publication bias was detected for sleep latency, sleep period time and total sleep time measured by polysomnography. Some sleep alterations were moderated by age, sex and concurrent intellectual disability. The median NOS score was 8 (interquartile range 7.25–8.75).

Conclusion

We found that medication-naïve children and adolescents with ASD presented significantly more subjective and objective sleep alterations compared to TD and identified possible moderators of these differences. Future research requires an analysis of how these sleep alterations are linked to core symptom severity and comorbid behavioural problems, which would provide an integrated therapeutic intervention for ASD. However, our results should be interpreted in light of the potential publication bias.
On the Dynamics of Water Transportation and Magmatism in the Mid‐Mantle
Authors: Yang Jianfeng , Faccenda Manuele
Published: July 2023

The distribution of water within the Earth's mantle has significant implications for the Earth's dynamics and evolution. Recent mineral physics experiments indicate that dense hydrous magnesium silicates can contain large amounts of water stable up to 60 GPa or even beyond along slab geotherms. Here we perform petrological‐thermomechanical numerical simulations of water transportation by deep slab subduction and related magmatism in the mid‐mantle. Key parameters including those defining the slab thermal parameter and the water storage capacity in the oceanic lithosphere and surrounding mantle are explored. The results show two major dehydration events of ultramafic rocks at around 150 and 750 km by dehydration of serpentine at 600°C and superhydrous phase B in the entrained wet upper mantle, respectively. Large amounts of water, ∼1.5 wt% at least locally, are carried down to the mantle transition zone and lower mantle. We estimate an upper limit of slab water flux into the mid‐mantle of 0.1–0.28 × 1012 kg/yr, which is ∼13%–37% of the input water from the serpentinized mantle. Moreover, a substantial fraction of the water released by the slab is absorbed by the entrained mantle and overlying mid‐mantle portions, such that ∼30%–70% of the water injected at the trench could be delivered to the lower mantle. The deepest magmatism is observed at ∼1,500 km in case of phase H breakdown (MgO‐SiO2‐H2O system), coinciding with the depth of strong seismic attenuation. Overall, these simulations suggest that up to 0.2 ocean mass per billion years could be transported down to the mid‐mantle and beyond.
circRNF13, a novel N6-methyladenosine-modified circular RNA, enhances radioresistance in cervical cancer by increasing CXCL1 mRNA stability
Authors: Shi Junyu , Rui Xiaohui , Han Chunxiao , Wang Chaoping , Xu Lei , Jiang Xiping
Published: July 2023

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) have been shown to play an increasingly critical role in the development of different cancers. However, there is limited evidence on how circRNAs and m6A interact to affect the radiosensitivity of cervical cancer (CC). This study provides a mechanistic understanding of the novel m6A-regulated circRNF13 in enhancing radioresistance in CC.

Methods

Differentially expressed circRNAs were identified from radiosensitive and radioresistant CC tissues. Meanwhile, these circRNAs were subjected to methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (Me-RIP). Finally, the effects of these circRNAs on radiosensitivity were characterized.

Results

CircRNF13 was poorly expressed in CC patients that were sensitive to concurrent radiochemotherapy. Experiments conducted both in vitro and in vivo confirmed that the knockdown of circRNF13 potentiated the radiosensitivity of CC cells. Further mechanistic studies revealed that METTL3/YTHDF2 promoted the degradation of circRNF13 and subsequently affected the stability of CXC motif chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1), ultimately enhancing the radiosensitivity of CC cells.

Conclusion

This study identified circRNF13 as a novel m6A-modified circRNA and validated the METTL3/YTHDF2/circRNF13/CXCL1 axis as a potential target for CC radiotherapy.
Eye-brain axis in microgravity and its implications for Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome
Authors: Stern Claudia , Yücel Yeni H. , zu Eulenburg Peter , Pavy-Le Traon Anne , Petersen Lonnie Grove
Published: July 2023

Long-duration human spaceflight can lead to changes in both the eye and the brain, which have been referred to as Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS). These changes may manifest as a constellation of symptoms, which can include optic disc edema, optic nerve sheath distension, choroidal folds, globe flattening, hyperopic shift, and cotton wool spots. Although the underpinning mechanisms for SANS are not yet known, contributors may include intracranial interstitial fluid accumulation following microgravity induced headward fluid shift. Development and validation of SANS countermeasures contribute to our understanding of etiology and accelerate new technology including exercise modalities, Lower Body Negative Pressure suits, venous thigh cuffs, and Impedance Threshold Devices. However, significant knowledge gaps remain including biomarkers, a full set of countermeasures and/or treatment regimes, and finally reliable ground based analogs to accelerate the research. This review from the European Space Agency SANS expert group summarizes past research and current knowledge on SANS, potential countermeasures, and key knowledge gaps, to further our understanding, prevention, and treatment of SANS both during human spaceflight and future extraterrestrial surface exploration.
Kirigami fog nets: how strips improve water collection
Authors: Bintein Pierre-Brice , Cornu Axel , Weyer Floriane , De Coster Nicolas , Vandewalle Nicolas , Terwagne Denis
Published: July 2023

As scarcity of water is expected to intensify with global warming, unconventional water sources such as advective fogs may become essential. In numerous arid regions, nets are used to harvest such water droplets. However, many current fog nets are either not durable or expensive, and have poor performances for short time or low intensity fog events. With a dedicated test bench, we show here that a low-cost net with kirigami design offers a higher and faster fog collecting ability than the usual fibers nets. This kirigami fog net consists of a continuous network of strips where water quickly forms a stable film, accounting for its superior capture efficiency. We rationalize this mechanism with a simplified structure composed of disconnected strips whose optimization paves the way to the shaping of original fog nets such as the kirigami one.
Screening for chitin degrading bacteria in the environment of Saudi Arabia and characterization of the most potent chitinase from Streptomyces variabilis Am1
Authors: Kotb Essam , Alabdalall Amira H. , Alghamdi Azzah I. , Ababutain Ibtisam M. , Aldakeel Sumayh A. , Al-Zuwaid Safa K. , Algarudi Batool M. , Algarudi Sakina M. , Ahmed Asmaa A. , Albarrag Ahmed M.
Published: July 2023

Forty-six promising chitinolytic isolates were recovered during a screening for chitinolytic bacteria in the environment of Saudi Arabia. The top three isolates belonged to the genus Streptomyces. Streptomyces variabilis Am1 was able to excrete the highest amount of chitinases, reaching the maximum at 84 h with 0.5% yeast extract and nitrogen source and 2% galactose as a carbon source. Purification of chitinase by DEAE-Cellulose and Sephadex G75 improved the specific activity to 18.6-fold and the recovery to 23.8% and showed a mass at 56 kDa. The optimal catalysis of the purified chitinase was at 40 °C and pH 8 with high thermostability and pH stability as reflected by a midpoint temperature value of 66.6 °C and stability at pH 4–9. The protein reagents SDS, EDTA, and EGTA significantly inhibited the enzyme and the EDTA-chelated chitinase restored its activity after the addition of Fe2+ ions suggesting a metallo-chitinase type with ferric ions as cofactors. Chitinase exerted high antifungal activity against some phytopathogenic fungi. Interestingly, the tested Streptomyces were able to produce chitosan nanocubes along with chitosan from chitin degradation which may be an additional power in their antifungal activity in nature. This work also reveals the importance of unexplored environments as a pool of promising microorganisms with biotechnological applications.
A study on the effect of radiographic angles on clubfoot’s recurrence
Authors: Tahririan Mohammad Ali , Kheiri Sara , Jannesari Ladani Mohammadreza , Piri Ardakani Mohammadreza
Published: July 2023

Clubfoot is one of the common orthopaedic deformities. However, regardless of its’ treatment high success rate, recurrence of the deformity is a serious issue. The aim of this study is to evaluate if radiographic angles can be used for clubfoot recurrence prediction. This is a prospective study on 91 patients (134 feet) with mean age of 9.5 ± 2.3 days and male/female ratio of 2/1 on patients with congenital clubfoot admitted to our hospital. Pre and one-year post-tenotomy tibiocalcaneal (TIC-L), talocalcaneal (TC-L) and calcaneal-first metatarsal angles (C1M-L) in the lateral view of the patients' radiographs, and their recurrence status until three years were measured. Ten feet experienced relapse. The mean pre and one-year follow-up measurements of TC-L, C1M-L, and TIC-L angles were significantly different between patients who experienced relapse and others (P < .05). The cut-off points of 1.75 and 6.5 for one-year follow-up Pirani and Dimeglio scores for recurrence prediction were suggested respectively. Also, cut-off points of 26.5 and 79.5 for one-year follow-up TC-L and TIC-L angles for recurrence prediction were calculated, respectively. We demonstrated that the pre-tenotomy and one-year follow-up TIC-L, TC-L, and C1M-L angles are helpful in clubfoot recurrence prediction after Ponseti treatment.
Click’n lock: rapid exchange between unsymmetric tetrazines and thiols for reversible, chemoselective functionalisation of biomolecules with on-demand bioorthogonal locking
Authors: Gavriel Katerina , van Doeselaar Dustin C. A. , Geers Daniëlle W. T. , Neumann Kevin
Published: July 2023

Click’n lock describes a reaction system capable of switching on-demand from reversible to irreversible click reactions and is based on the chemoselective tetrazine–thiol exchange. Here, click’n lock is applied for dynamic modifications of peptides.
Nanostructured BiVO4 obtained by the vanadium calcination of Bi2O3 nanohelixes for enhanced photoelectrochemical water splitting
Authors: Ju Sucheol , Lee Noho , Sung Hansang , Son Soomin , Kim Nakhyun , Kim Jaerim , Kim Jong kyu , Lee Heon
Published: July 2023

In order to realize high-efficiency PEC performance, nanostructured BiVO4 was synthesized through oblique angle deposition and V calcination process. Nanostructured BiVO4 maximizes surface area and light absorption through light scattering effects.
Hemorrhage from Adrenal Vein Rupture during Adrenal Vein Sampling
Authors: Quencer Keith B. , Massouh Alan , Anand Keshav
Published: July 2023

We describe a case of right adrenal hemorrhage from adrenal vein sampling treated conservatively with overnight admission and pain control. We review the existing literature on rates of this complication, typical clinical outcomes, and practical tips to avoid its occurrence.
Corruption, anti-corruption, and economic development
Authors: Zhang Miao , Zhang Houli , Zhang Li , Peng Xu , Zhu Jiaxuan , Liu Duochenxi , You Shibing
Published: July 2023

Corruption and anti-corruption efforts are intertwined with political and economic concerns. From an economic and political perspective, as the government strives to enhance its governance capabilities, it becomes crucial to consider the costs of anti-corruption supervision and the losses incurred from corruption. This evaluation is essential for formulating a scientifically sound anti-corruption strategy that maximizes government benefits. To address this issue, the paper presents a model that incorporates levels of supervision and associated costs. The findings reveal that in the case of homogeneous officials, the optimal level of supervisory input, which maximizes government benefit, is nearly zero when per capita income is low due to budgetary constraints on anti-corruption control. However, as per capita income reaches a certain threshold, the optimal level of supervisory input suddenly rises to its maximum and decreases as per capita income increases. Alternatively, if the government adopts a zero-tolerance approach towards corruption and provides adequate remuneration to its employees, ensuring that all competent authorities can resist corruption, then corruption can be eliminated. Moreover, when officials exhibit heterogeneity in terms of their honesty levels, certain conditions give rise to a middle per capita income range, resulting in an optimal level of supervisory input that leads to a phenomenon known as “partial corruption.” During this phase, the wages paid by the government to its employees promote honesty, preventing them from engaging in corruption. However, they are unable to curb the corrupt activities of more dishonest officials. To some extent, this model also explains the challenges associated with eradicating corruption in several middle-income countries.
A comparison of physical image quality of two hologic digital mammography systems that utilise linear and 2D anti-scatter grids
Authors: Moore Craig S , Wood Tim J , Saunderson John R , Beavis Andrew W
Published: July 2023

Objective. Full-field digital mammography (FFDM) systems manufactured by Hologic that utilise either a 2D or linear anti-scatter grid have recently been installed in our clinic. The manufacturer advise that for matched dose, both grids deliver comparable image quality. The aim of this study was to test the manufacturer’s claim using advanced physical image quality metrics and to inform whether the different grids are indeed dose neutral. Approach. Effective detective quantum efficiency (eDQE), effective noise equivalent quanta (eNEQ) and effective dose efficiency (eDE) were measured on a Hologic Dimensions (2D grid) and a Hologic 3Dimensions (linear grid) FFDM system, both calibrated at installation to provide matched threshold contrast, according to the EUREF protocol. eDQE, eNEQ and eDE were calculated and compared using 2, 4, 6 and 7 cm thicknesses of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) to simulate a clinically appropriate range of breast thicknesses. The beam qualities (target/filter and kilovoltage) chosen were identical between the two systems. Main results. All image quality metrics investigated show that the 2D grid outperforms the linear grid across all spatial frequencies. Furthermore, mean glandular dose (MGD) must be increased by up to 38% on those units that utilise the linear grid if eNEQ is to be matched, although MGD to the standard breast remains within NHSBSP tolerance and below the UK diagnostic reference level. The gradient and shape of each curve was the same irrespective of which grid was used, suggesting that subtle lesions (low frequency information) and micro-calcifications (high frequency information) will be imaged just as efficiently with a linear or 2D grid. Significance. If image quality is to be matched between those units utilising 2D and linear grids, dose must be increased on the latter. This information will be useful to the medical physicist tasked with the optimisation and standardisation of Hologic FFDM units.
Analytical Unreliability of 25 Hydroxy Vitamin D Measurements in Pre-Term Neonates
Authors: Miller Jessica J , Augustin Roy , Sepiashvili Lusia , Singh Ravinder J , Bro Eric , Weishuhn Karen , Kotsopoulos Kirsten , Brennan Joan , Diambomba Yenge , Higgins Victoria , Nichols Matthew , Kulasingam Vathany , Beriault Daniel R , Yip Paul M , Taher Jennifer
Published: July 2023

Background

Vitamin D supplementation is common practice for neonates and infants due to limited stores of vitamin D at birth. Although not commonly encountered, vitamin D toxicity can occur due to over-supplementation. However, toxic concentrations are often not included in method validation experiments, and assays often are not validated in the neonatal population.

Methods

We compared serial 25 hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] measurements in pre-term neonates receiving 25(OH)D supplementation and identified 12 patients wherein concentrations of 25(OH)D were above 50 ng/mL (125 nM) that required additional investigations as the 25(OH)D results did not match the clinical picture. Available samples were compared across 4 immunoassay platforms (LIAISON XL, Roche Cobas e602, Abbott Alinity i, and Siemens Centaur XP) and LC–MS/MS.

Results

Concentrations of 25(OH)D observed on one individual immunoassay platform (LIAISON XL) fluctuated substantially between subsequent blood draws in select neonates with elevated concentrations. Serum samples from these patients showed variable agreement between LC–MS/MS and other immunoassay platforms. These fluctuations were not explained by the presence of 3-epimer-25(OH)D or 24,25(OH)2D.

Conclusions

Although we were unable to identify a cause for the variable elevated results, our findings suggest that neonatal 25(OH)D measurements alone should not be used for assessment of nutritional monitoring, and that clinical correlation and other laboratory parameters including ionized calcium should be considered.
Pharmacist’s knowledge about the safe use of TCS in atopic dermatitis: a pre–post-survey study evaluating the impact of TCS reading module
Authors: Chiew Ping Tan , Ariffin Ahmad Kamal , Jyh Jong Tang , Siddiqui Sania , Zainal Hadzliana
Published: July 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess pharmacists’ knowledge about the safe use of topical corticosteroids (TCS) in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) and to determine whether their knowledge and beliefs can be modified after reading the designed module on TCS use in AD.

Methods

A multicentre cross-sectional survey study was conducted among pharmacists working in the healthcare facilities of Malaysia between February 2018 and April 2019. A total of 310 pharmacists were participated and requested to complete the questionnaire before (pre-test) and 1 week after reading the designed TCS module (post-test).

Results

Pharmacist’s post-module score [median = 8 (interquartile range {IQR} 5–11)] was significantly higher than their pre-module score [median = 5 (IQR1–10; P < 0.001)]. After reading the TCS module, there was a significant increase in correct responses observed to the dispensing activities, application recommendations and side effects associated with the inappropriate use of TCS (P < 0.001). Pharmacists were found highly confident in the use of TCS after reading the designed module with a mean score of 8.0 (95% confidence interval 7.87–8.13) out of 10 measured on the Likert scale.

Conclusion

TCS module has been proven effective in enhancing pharmacists’ knowledge about the safe use of TCS in the treatment of AD.
Essential role of PLD2 in hypoxia-induced stemness and therapy resistance in ovarian tumors
Authors: Muñoz-Galván Sandra , Verdugo-Sivianes Eva M. , Santos-Pereira José M. , Estevez-García Purificación , Carnero Amancio
Published: July 2023

Hypoxia in solid tumors is a source of chemoresistance that determines poor patient prognosis and relies on the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Here we use ovarian cancer (OC) as a model and a combination of 2D and 3D cell cultures, xenograft models, patient samples, transcriptional databases, iPSCs and ATAC-seq, to address the mechanisms leading to hypoxia-induced CSC generation and chemoresistance. We show that hypoxia activates the expression of the PLD2 gene encoding phospholipase D2. PLD2 overexpression leads to increased CSC-like features, similar to hypoxia, while PLD2 depletion in hypoxia partially suppresses these effects, indicating a role of PLD2 in hypoxia-induced CSC generation in OC. Finally, PLD2 overexpression provokes chemoresistance that is suppressed by combination treatment with PLD2 inhibition. Altogether, our work highlights the HIF-1D-PLD2 axis in hypoxia-induced CSC generation and chemoresistance in OC and proposes an alternative treatment for patients with high PLD2 expression.

Statement of Significance

Hypoxia in solid tumors is a major source of chemoresistance and cancer stem cells. We show that hypoxia-induced stemness is mediated by phospholipase D2 in ovarian tumors, generating therapy resistance that is overcome by phospholipase D inhibition. Therefore, we propose an alternative treatment for patients with highPLD2expression.
The impact of physical environment on health-care workers’ well-being in Chinese hospitals during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Li Huan , Mahyuddin Norhayati
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Using a quantitative research method, health-care workers’ (HWs) well-being was taken as the dependent variable while the two independent variables were physical quality and service environment. This study aims to focus on the well-being of HWs in their physical environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a hybrid method that is a combination of literature review and questionnaire survey. This study used quantitative research design which is a systematic study of phenomenon by collecting quantifiable data and performing statistical, mathematical or computational techniques. This study is conducted among HWs, with doctors and nurses at four Chinese government hospitals in the southern city of Changzhou (near Shanghai) as participants.

Findings

A total of 222 responses were obtained from a random sample of HWs from four hospitals in Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province. Three-fifth of the participants (n = 133, 60%) are satisfied with hospital equipment and half (n = 111.50%) of them are satisfied with the modern technology in place. About one-third (n = 67, 30%) are satisfied with ventilation and only one-fifth (n = 44, 20%) are satisfied with hygiene. Most HWs think it was necessary to provide tests for frontline workers.

Originality/value

In the wake of COVID-19 in 2020, HWs are working long hours every day facing high risk of infection and stress. This research investigates the satisfaction level and the difficulties experienced by HWs based on the current physical environment setting during COVID-19 pandemic.
Fractal complexity alternations in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation patients with and without recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation
Authors: Liao Ting‐Wei Ernie , Li Cheng‐Hung , Lin Yenn‐Jiang , Chang Shih‐Lin , Hu Yu‐Feng , Chung Fa‐Po , Chao Tze‐Fan , Liao Jo‐Nan , Yang Hui‐Wen , Lo Men‐Tzung , Chen Shih‐Ann , Lo Li‐Wei
Published: July 2023

Background

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is a cornerstone therapy for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). The variations in nonlinear heart rate variability (HRV) between patients with and without recurrences remain unclear. We aimed to characterize the nonlinear HRV before and after PVI in patients with and without recurrence.

Methods

Twenty‐five drug‐refractory PAF patients (56.0 ± 9.1 years old, 20 males) who received PVI were enrolled. Holter electrocardiography were performed before, 1–3, and 6–12 months after PVI. After 8.2 ± 2.5 months of follow‐ups after PVI, patients were divided into two groups: the recurrence (n = 8) and non‐recurrence (n = 17) groups. Linear and nonlinear HRV variables were analyzed, including the Poincaré Plot analysis and the Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (DFA).

Results

The non‐recurrence group, but not the recurrence group, had decreased high‐frequency component (HF), the root mean square of successive RR interval differences (RMSSD), and the Poincaré Plot index SD1 1–3 months after PVI and increased DFAslope2 6–12 months after PVI. The non‐recurrence group's LF/HF ratio and DFAslope1 decreased significantly 1–3 and 6–12 months after PVI, respectively, whereas there was no significant change in the recurrence group after PVI.

Conclusions

Significantly reduced vagal tone 1–3 months after PVI, increased long‐term fractal complexity 6–12 months after PVI, and decreased sympathetic tone as well as short‐term fractal complexity 1–3 and 6–12 months after PVI led to a better AF‐free survival after PVI. These findings suggest that neuromodulation and heart rate dynamics play crucial roles in AF recurrence following PVI.
Portal vein pressure and flow modulation in pediatric liver transplantation
Authors: Sakamoto Seisuke , Shimizu Seiichi , Uchida Hajime , Fukuda Akinari , Kasahara Mureo
Published: July 2023

Liver transplantation (LT) has been indicated for smaller and more clinically severe patients in recent years. Small biliary atresia (BA) patients often show portal hypoplasia and sclerotic portal vein (PV), which may make PV reconstruction more difficult during the operation. Among PV complications, intraoperative PV thrombosis can be considered a disaster, and it is important to prevent this catastrophic event by the precise assessment of the PV structure and PVF using radiological imaging before and during LT. However, there are no objective parameters to indicate whether sufficient PVF can be obtained. PV pressure (PVP) and PV flow (PVF) have mainly been studied in adult living donor LT, for the purpose of preventing small‐for‐size syndrome, and PVP has been considered an objective parameter of graft inflow modulation (GIM). In the setting of pediatric LT, GIM is mainly performed to prevent hypoperfusion, and it must be performed before graft implantation. GIM to maximize the PVF of pediatric patients with potentially low PVF in LT consists of the interruption of collateral vessels, the assessment of the usability of the native PV, and technical modifications in PV reconstruction. Reliable objective parameters that represent sufficient PVF before graft implantation are desired. Our recent study proposed that a PVP of ≥25 mmHg before graft implantation can be considered an objective parameter to obtain sufficient PVF (cutoff value: 50 mL/min/100 g of graft weight). Further investigation is needed to determine the best strategy for successful PV reconstruction in pediatric LT.
Trace Elements in Sediment and Urban Water Samples: an Assessment of Metal Pollution
Authors: De Almeida Jéssika Aparecida Santos , Quinaia Sueli Pércio , Nunes Chalder Nogueira , Jansen Aline Bortolanza , De Oliveira Izabelly Izabelly Karol Poncio
Published: July 2023

In this study, trace elements (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn) concentrations were  determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) in environmental compartments (water and superficial sediments) near places of vehicle use and maintenance, aiming to investigate if in these places the trace elements had high concentrations. The content of trace elements found on the samples was compared to the maximum values recommended by resolutions of CONAMA (Conselho Nacional do Meio Ambiente) n. 357 from 2005 for water and n. 454 from 2012 for sediments. Points 11 and 13 were the most critical, with concentrations higher than the recommended for the elements Cu and Pb, either for water or sediment samples. Geoaccumulation index (Igeo) for Cd and Cr in the sediment samples indicated high to extreme contamination in points 5 and 13, while the other elements indicated moderated contamination.
DOD grantees could be subject to extensive public disclosures
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: July 2023

House defense bill would vastly expand requirements
Lost in translation
Authors: Ravindran Sandeep
Published: July 2023

Frustrated that AI tools rarely understand their native languages, thousands of African volunteers are taking action
“
Candidatus
Subterrananammoxibiaceae,” a New Anammox Bacterial Family in Globally Distributed Marine and Terrestrial Subsurfaces
Authors: Zhao Rui , Le Moine Bauer Sven , Babbin Andrew R.
Published: July 2023

Microorganisms called anammox bacteria are efficient in removing bioavailable nitrogen from many natural and human-made environments. They exist in almost every anoxic habitat where both ammonium and nitrate/nitrite are present.
Stats on the desats: alarm fatigue and the implications for patient safety
Authors: Anderson Hannah R , Borgen Alex C , Christnacht Rebecca , Ng Jenny , Weller Joel G , Davison Halley N , Noseworthy Peter A , Olson Rachel , O'Laughlin Danielle , Disrud Levi , Kashou Anthony H
Published: July 2023

Background

Physiological monitoring systems, like Masimo, used during inpatient hospitalisation, offer a non-invasive approach to capture critical vital signs data. These systems trigger alarms when measurements deviate from preset parameters. However, often non-urgent or potentially false alarms contribute to ‘alarm fatigue,’ a form of sensory overload that can have adverse effects on both patients and healthcare staff. The Joint Commission, in 2021, announced a target to mitigate alarm fatigue-related fatalities through improved alarm management. Yet, no established guidelines are presently available. This study aims to address alarm fatigue at the Mayo Clinic to safeguard patient safety, curb staff burnout and improve the sensitivity of oxygen saturation monitoring to promptly detect emergencies.

Methods

A quality improvement project was conducted to combat minimise the false alarm burden, with data collected 2 months prior to intervention commencement. The project’s goal was to decrease the total alarm value by 20% from 55%–85% to 35%–75% within 2 months, leveraging quality improvement methodologies.

Interventions

February to April 2021, we implemented a two-pronged intervention: (1) instituting a protocol to evaluate patients’ continuous monitoring needs and discontinuing it when appropriate, and (2) introducing educational signage for patients and Mayo Clinic staff on monitoring best practices.

Results

Baseline averages of red alarms (158.6), manual snoozes (37.8) and self-resolves (120.7); the first postintervention phase showed reductions in red alarms (125.5), manual snoozes (17.8) and self-resolves (107.8). Second postintervention phase recorded 138 red alarms, 13 manual snoozes and 125 self-resolves. Baseline comparison demonstrated an average of 16.92% reduction of alarms among both interventions (p value: 0.25).

Conclusion

Simple interventions like education and communication techniques proved instrumental in lessening the alarm burden for patients and staff. The findings underscore the practical use and efficacy of these methods in any healthcare setting, thus contributing to mitigating the prevalent issue of alarm fatigue.
Randomised study of bailout intracranial angioplasty following thrombectomy for acute large vessel occlusion (ANGEL-REBOOT): protocol of a multicentre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Gao Feng , Tong Xu , Jia Baixue , Yang Ming , Pan Yuesong , Ren Zeguang , Burgin William Scott , Liu Liping , Zhao Xingquan , Wang Yilong , Wang Yongjun , Miao Zhongrong
Published: July 2023

Rationale

Unsuccessful thrombectomy of acute large vessel occlusions (LVOs) has been associated with unfavourable outcomes. Multiple randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have reported a failure rate of 12%–41% for thrombectomy procedures. Various factors contribute to failed thrombectomy, including technical difficulties in accessing the occlusion, unsuccessful thrombus retrieval, thrombotic reocclusion and pre-existing intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis. Although some studies have explored balloon dilation or permanent stenting as rescue intracranial angioplasty for failed thrombectomy in individual cases, there is currently no evidence from RCTs on this specific topic.

Aim

To evaluate the potential superiority of bailout angioplasty over standard treatment in cases of unsuccessful recanalisation (eTICI 0 to 2a) or residual severe stenosis (>70%) after thrombectomy in acute LVO patients within 24 hours of stroke onset.

Design

This study is a multicentre, prospective, randomised, controlled clinical trial designed by investigators. It compares bailout angioplasty with standard therapy and follows an open-label treatment approach while maintaining a blinded outcome assessment (PROBE design). Our objective is to allocate 348 patients in a 1:1 ratio to either receive bailout angioplasty as an intervention or standard therapy as a control, following unsuccessful thrombectomy.

Outcome

The main measure of interest is the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) Score, which will be assessed in a blinded manner at 90 (±14) days following randomisation. The primary effect size will be determined using ordered logistic regression to calculate the common OR, representing the shift on the six-category mRS Scale at the 90-day mark. Additionally, the safety outcomes will be evaluated, including symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage within 18–36 hours, severe procedure-related complications and mortality within 90 (±14) days, among others.

Discussion

The ANGEL-REBOOT study aims to generate substantial evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of bailout intracranial angioplasty as a treatment option for patients with LVO who have experienced unsuccessful thrombectomy.

Trial registration number

NCT05122286.
Intrinsic and extrinsic CP violation in long-baseline neutrino experiments
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Randhawa Monika , Gupta Manmohan
Published: July 2023

The observation of CP violation in the long-baseline (LBL) neutrino experiments is complicated by the matter effects, wherein apart from the intrinsic/genuine CP violation the possibility of extrinsic/fake CP violation is also there. Using exact expressions of transition probabilities, we study the dependence of genuine and fake components of CP violation asymmetry on baseline length [Formula: see text] and neutrino energy [Formula: see text]. We examine the ongoing LBL experiments T2K, NO[Formula: see text]A and the next-generation experiment T2HK for their sensitivity towards genuine and fake components of CP violation and propose an experimental setup which not only has a very high CP discovery potential but also has well-separated sensitivities in matter and vacuum. In addition, the proposed setup facilitates the hierarchy and octant determination due to prominent matter effects.
Investigation of the confinement in massive QED3
Authors: Liu Yan-Hao , Li Jian-Feng
Published: July 2023

By the application of the Schwinger function, the deconfinement in massive quantum electrodynamics in [Formula: see text]-dimensional (QED3) is investigated. It is shown that oscillating behavior of the Schwinger function gradually disappears with fermion mass increasing based on coupled Dyson–Schwinger equations in massive QED3. On the other hand, we have shown that the confined fermion transfers gradually into the phase of deconfinement with the increasing boson mass, which is consistent with the result in the case of massless QED3. Finally, we emphasized that dynamical chiral symmetry breaking and confinement always appear simultaneously in massive QED3.
Covariant formalism and Noether symmetries on scalar-field cosmologies
Authors: Ribas M. O. , Bonato H. O. , Devecchi F. P. , Constantinidis C. P.
Published: July 2023

In this work, we investigate a cosmological model in the context of the covariant formalism proposed by Canuto et al. where the notion of atomic and gravitational units is invoked. We consider a minimally coupled scalar field as gravitational source, including a self-interacting potential. It is possible to determine the symmetries associated to the correspondent field theory using the Noether procedure, through the Lie derivative construction. This permits to determine the scale function [Formula: see text], present in the covariant formalism, that maps the physics between descriptions in atomic and gravitational units. In gravitational units it is verified that the Klein–Gordon field behaves as a dark constituent. On the other hand, in atomic units what emerges is an initially accelerated universe, with a later incursion into a decelerated one, mirroring the usual matter/radiation age.
Gender and Financial Activities for Middle-Aged and Older Adults
Authors: Li Yueh-Ping , Sun Wen-Chi , Dao Mai
Published: July 2023

This study examines the association between gender and financial activities among middle- and old-aged adults in Taiwan. We conduct a survey of 221 respondents who attended a seminar on financial activities of older adults held by the Trust Association of Taiwan and participated in subsequent surveys on the community during 2017 and 2018. We found that females are more likely to participate in a greater number of financial activities compared with their male counterparts. In particular, we found evidence to support the positive association between female adults and riskier financial activities, such as stocks and mutual funds. Our findings support the information process hypothesis in which gender is an important factor for determining an individual’s participation in financial activities.
Optimization of Design Parameters for X̄ Control Charts with Independent Multiple Assignable Causes Based on Continuous Flow Processes
Authors: Saadatmellia Aitin , Seif Asghar , Moghadam M. Bameni
Published: July 2023

The economic design of control charts depends on the process shock model distribution due to difficulties from both theoretical and practical aspects. This paper pursues to develop the economic design of [Formula: see text] control chart for monitoring continuous flow processes under Bur XII shock model. The Burr XII distribution is flexible and its hazard rate can take many forms like fixed, increasing, decreasing, single mode or even U-shaped. Continuous flow processes find applications in batch processes like filtration, chemical processing, and more. A sensitivity analysis is executed and numeric examples are given to illustrate the effects of changing the parameters of the shock model distribution on the optimum values of the economic design models as discussed in this paper.