bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A multi-fidelity model management framework for multi-objective aerospace design optimisation
Authors: Parsonage Ben , Maddock Christie
Published: February 2023

This paper presents a multi-fidelity meta-modelling and model management framework designed to efficiently incorporate increased levels of simulation fidelity from multiple, competing sources into early-stage multidisciplinary design optimisation scenarios. Phase specific/invariant low-fidelity physics-based subsystem models are adaptively corrected via iterative sampling of high(er)-fidelity simulators. The correction process is decomposed into several distinct parametric/non-parametric stages, each leveraging alternate aspects of the available model responses. Globally approximating surrogates are constructed at each degree of fidelity (low, mid, and high) via an automated hyper-parameter selection and training procedure. The resulting hierarchy drives the optimisation process, with local refinement managed according to a confidence-based multi-response adaptive sampling procedure, with bias given to global parameter sensitivities. An application of this approach is demonstrated via the aerodynamic response prediction of a parametrized re-entry vehicle, subjected to a static/dynamic parameter optimisation for three separate single-objective problems. It is found that the proposed data correction process facilitates increased efficiency in attaining a desired approximation accuracy relative to a single-fidelity equivalent model. When applied within the proposed multi-fidelity management framework, clear convergence to the objective optimum is observed for each examined design optimisation scenario, outperforming an equivalent single-fidelity approach in terms of computational efficiency and solution variability.
Formulation development of lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles of doxorubicin and its in-vitro, in-vivo and computational evaluation
Authors: Shafique Muhammad , Ur Rehman Maqsood , Kamal Zul , Alzhrani Rami M. , Alshehri Sameer , Alamri Ali H. , Bakkari Mohammed Ali , Sabei Fahad Y. , Safhi Awaji Y. , Mohammed Ahmed M. , Hamd Mohamed A. El , Almawash Saud
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this study was to assess the parameters of doxorubicin (DOX) loaded lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNs) formulation development, and then the bioavailability of DOX were determined in the rabbit model, in order to evaluate the intrinsic outcome of dosage form improvement after the oral administration. LPHNs were prepared by combine approach, using both magnetic stirring and probe sonication followed by its characterization in terms of size-distribution (Zeta Size), entrapment efficiency (EE), loading capacity, and the kinetics of DOX. LPHNPs were further characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), powder X-Ray diffractometry (P-XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), in vitro and in vivo studies. The molecular modeling was determined through the density functional theory (DFT) simulations and interactions. DOX loaded and unloaded LPHNs were administered orally to the rabbits for bioavailability and pharmacokinetic parameters determinations. The plasma concentration of DOX was determined through high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The average size of DOX-loaded LPHNs was 121.90 ± 3.0 nm. The drug loading of DOX was 0.391% ± 0.01 of aqueous dispersion, where its encapsulation efficiency was 95.5% ± 1.39. After oral administration of the DOX-LPHNs, the area under the plasma drug concentration-time curve (AUC) improved about 2-folds comparatively (p < 0.05). DFT simulations were used to understand the interactions of polymers with different sites of DOX molecule. The larger negative binding energies (−9.33 to −18.53 kcal/mol) of the different complexes evince that the polymers have stronger affinity to bind with the DOX molecule while the negative values shows that the process is spontaneous, and the synthesis of DOX-LPHNs is energetically favorable. It was concluded that DOX-LPHNs provides a promising new formulation that can enhance the oral bioavailability, which have optimized compatibilities and improve the pharmacokinetic of DOX after oral administration.
Sex and gender differences in the use of oral anticoagulants for non-valvular atrial fibrillation: A population-based cohort study in primary health care in catalonia
Authors: Giner-Soriano Maria , Prat-Vallverdú Oriol , Ouchi Dan , Vilaplana-Carnerero Carles , Morros Rosa
Published: February 2023

Objectives: To describe the sex and gender differences in the treatment initiation and in the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of all patients initiating an oral anticoagulant (OAC), and the sex and gender differences in prescribed doses and adherence and persistence to the treatment of those receiving direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC).

Material and methods: Cohort study including patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) who initiated OAC in 2011–2020. Data proceed from SIDIAP, Information System for Research in Primary Care, in Catalonia, Spain.

Results: 123,250 people initiated OAC, 46.9% women and 53.1% men. Women were older and the clinical characteristics differed between genders. Women had higher risk of stroke than men at baseline, were more frequently underdosed with DOAC and discontinued the DOAC less frequently than men.

Conclusion: We described the dose adequacy of patients receiving DOAC, finding a high frequency of underdosing, and significantly higher in women in comparison with men. Adherence was generally high, only with higher levels in women for rivaroxaban. Persistence during the first year of treatment was also high in general, being significantly more persistent women than men in the case of dabigatran and edoxaban. Dose inadequacy, lack of adherence and of persistence can result in less effective and safe treatments. It is necessary to conduct studies analysing sex and gender differences in health and disease.
Exponential arcs in manifolds of quantum states
Authors: Naudts Jan
Published: February 2023

The manifold under consideration consists of the faithful normal states on a sigma-finite von Neumann algebra in standard form. Tangent planes and approximate tangent planes are discussed. A relative entropy/divergence function is assumed to be given. It is used to generalize the notion of an exponential arc connecting one state to another. The generator of the exponential arc is shown to be unique up to an additive constant. In the case of Araki’s relative entropy, every self-adjoint element of the von Neumann algebra generates an exponential arc. The generators of the composed exponential arcs are shown to add up. The metric derived from Araki’s relative entropy is shown to reproduce the Kubo–Mori metric. The latter is the metric used in linear response theory. The e- and m-connections describe a dual pair of geometries. Any finite number of linearly independent generators determines a submanifold of states connected to a given reference state by an exponential arc. Such a submanifold is a quantum generalization of a dually flat statistical manifold.
In vivo measurement of attenuation coefficient of blood in a dorsal hand vein in a frequency range of 10–45 MHz: A preliminary study
Authors: Arakawa Mototaka , Higashiyama Kyohei , Mori Shohei , Yashiro Satoshi , Ishigaki Yasushi , Kanai Hiroshi
Published: February 2023

In this study, the attenuation coefficient of blood was measured in vivo in the frequency range of 10–45 MHz. A procedure to correct the distribution of sound pressure in the measurements was discussed. Further, in vivo measurements were applied on the dorsal hand vein of four healthy subjects at rest and during avascularization. As a preliminary result, less variation of the measured attenuation coefficients was achieved by the proposed method. The comparable results of the inclination of the attenuation coefficients were obtained at rest and during avascularization. Furthermore, the attenuation coefficients during avascularization were markedly higher than those at rest, reflecting the degree of red blood cell aggregation promoted by avascularization. This method may aid in the non-invasive evaluation of blood properties reflecting the degree of red blood cell aggregation.
Rational solitons for non-local Hirota equations: Robustness and cascading instability
Authors: Pan Q. , Yin H. M. , Chow K. W.
Published: February 2023

The Hirota equation is a higher-order non-linear Schrödinger equation by incorporating third-order dispersion. Two pairs of non-local Hirota equations are studied. One is a parity transformed conjugate pair, and the other is a conjugate PT-symmetric pair. For the first pair, rational solitons are derived by the Darboux transformation, and are shown computationally to exhibit robust propagation properties. These rational solitons can exhibit both elastic and inelastic interactions. One particular case of an elastic collision between dark and “anti-dark” solitons is demonstrated. For the second pair, a “cascading mechanism” illustrating the growth of higher-order sidebands is elucidated explicitly for these non-local, conjugate PT-symmetric equations. These mechanisms provide a theoretical confirmation of the initial amplification phase of the growth-and-decay cycles of breathers. Such repeated patterns will serve as a manifestation of the classical Fermi-Pasta-Ulam-Tsingou recurrence.
Functional characterization of SGLT1 using SSM-based electrophysiology: Kinetics of sugar binding and translocation
Authors: Bazzone Andre , Zerlotti Rocco , Barthmes Maria , Fertig Niels
Published: February 2023

Beside the ongoing efforts to determine structural information, detailed functional studies on transporters are essential to entirely understand the underlying transport mechanisms. We recently found that solid supported membrane-based electrophysiology (SSME) enables the measurement of both sugar binding and transport in the Na+/sugar cotransporter SGLT1 (Bazzone et al, 2022a). Here, we continued with a detailed kinetic characterization of SGLT1 using SSME, determining KM and KDapp for different sugars, kobs values for sugar-induced conformational transitions and the effects of Na+, Li+, H+ and Cl− on sugar binding and transport. We found that the sugar-induced pre-steady-state (PSS) charge translocation varies with the bound ion (Na+, Li+, H+ or Cl−), but not with the sugar species, indicating that the conformational state upon sugar binding depends on the ion. Rate constants for the sugar-induced conformational transitions upon binding to the Na+-bound carrier range from 208 s−1 for D-glucose to 95 s−1 for 3-OMG. In the absence of Na+, rate constants are decreased, but all sugars bind to the empty carrier. From the steady-state transport current, we found a sequence for sugar specificity (Vmax/KM): D-glucose > MDG > D-galactose > 3-OMG > D-xylose. While KM differs 160-fold across tested substrates and plays a major role in substrate specificity, Vmax only varies by a factor of 1.9. Interestingly, D-glucose has the lowest Vmax across all tested substrates, indicating a rate limiting step in the sugar translocation pathway following the fast sugar-induced electrogenic conformational transition. SGLT1 specificity for D-glucose is achieved by optimizing two ratios: the sugar affinity of the empty carrier for D-glucose is similarly low as for all tested sugars (KD,Kapp = 210 mM). Affinity for D-glucose increases 14-fold (KD,Naapp = 15 mM) in the presence of sodium as a result of cooperativity. Apparent affinity for D-glucose during transport increases 8-fold (KM = 1.9 mM) compared to KD,Naapp due to optimized kinetics. In contrast, KM and KDapp values for 3-OMG and D-xylose are of similar magnitude. Based on our findings we propose an 11-state kinetic model, introducing a random binding order and intermediate states corresponding to the electrogenic transitions detected via SSME upon substrate binding.
AtSWEET1 negatively regulates plant susceptibility to root-knot nematode disease
Authors: Zhou Yuan , Zhao Dan , Duan Yuxi , Chen Lijie , Fan Haiyan , Wang Yuanyuan , Liu Xiaoyu , Chen Li-Qing , Xuan Yuanhu , Zhu Xiaofeng
Published: February 2023

The root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita is a pathogenic pest that causes severe economic loss to agricultural production by forming a parasitic relationship with its hosts. During the development of M. incognita in the host plant roots, giant cells are formed as a nutrient sink. However, the roles of sugar transporters during the giant cells gain sugar from the plant cells are needed to improve. Meanwhile, the eventual function of sugars will eventually be exported transporters (SWEETs) in nematode-plant interactions remains unclear. In this study, the expression patterns of Arabidopsis thaliana SWEETs were examined by inoculation with M. incognita at 3 days post inoculation (dpi) (penetration stage) and 18 dpi (developing stage). We found that few AtSWEETs responded sensitively to M. incognita inoculation, with the highest induction of AtSWEET1 (AT1G21460), a glucose transporter gene. Histological analyses indicated that the β-glucuronidase (GUS) and green fluorescent protein (GFP) signals were observed specifically in the galls of AtSWEET1-GUS and AtSWEET1-GFP transgenic plant roots, suggesting that AtSWEET1 was induced specifically in the galls. Genetic studies have shown that parasitism of M. incognita was significantly affected in atsweet1 compared to wild-type and complementation plants. In addition, parasitism of M. incognita was significantly affected in atsweet10 but not in atsweet13 and atsweet14, expression of which was induced by inoculation with M. incognita. Taken together, these data prove that SWEETs play important roles in plant and nematode interactions.
The rubber tree kinome: Genome-wide characterization and insights into coexpression patterns associated with abiotic stress responses
Authors: Santos Lucas Borges dos , Aono Alexandre Hild , Francisco Felipe Roberto , da Silva Carla Cristina , Souza Livia Moura , Souza Anete Pereira de
Published: February 2023

The protein kinase (PK) superfamily constitutes one of the largest and most conserved protein families in eukaryotic genomes, comprising core components of signaling pathways in cell regulation. Despite its remarkable relevance, only a few kinase families have been studied inHevea brasiliensis. A comprehensive characterization and global expression analysis of the PK superfamily, however, is currently lacking. In this study, with the aim of providing novel inferences about the mechanisms associated with the stress response developed by PKs and retained throughout evolution, we identified and characterized the entire set of PKs, also known as the kinome, present in the Hevea genome. Different RNA-sequencing datasets were employed to identify tissue-specific expression patterns and potential correspondences between different rubber tree genotypes. In addition, coexpression networks under several abiotic stress conditions, such as cold, drought and latex overexploitation, were employed to elucidate associations between families and tissues/stresses. A total of 1,809 PK genes were identified using the current reference genome assembly at the scaffold level, and 1,379 PK genes were identified using the latest chromosome-level assembly and combined into a single set of 2,842 PKs. These proteins were further classified into 20 different groups and 122 families, exhibiting high compositional similarities among family members and with two phylogenetically close speciesManihot esculentaandRicinus communis. Through the joint investigation of tandemly duplicated kinases, transposable elements, gene expression patterns, and coexpression events, we provided insights into the understanding of the cell regulation mechanisms in response to several conditions, which can often lead to a significant reduction in rubber yield.
Wheat Selenium-binding protein TaSBP-A enhances cadmium tolerance by decreasing free Cd2+ and alleviating the oxidative damage and photosynthesis impairment
Authors: Luo Fei , Zhu Dong , Sun Haocheng , Zou Rong , Duan Wenjing , Liu Junxian , Yan Yueming
Published: February 2023

Cadmium, one of the toxic heavy metals, robustly impact crop growth and development and food safety. In this study, the mechanisms of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) selenium-binding protein-A (TaSBP-A) involved in response to Cd stress was fully investigated by overexpression in Arabidopsis and wheat. As a cytoplasm protein, TaSBP-A showed a high expression in plant roots and its expression levels were highly induced by Cd treatment. The overexpression of TaSBP-A enhanced Cd-toleration in yeast, Arabidopsis and wheat. Meanwhile, transgenic Arabidopsis under Cd stress showed a lower H2O2 and malondialdehyde content and a higher photochemical efficiency in the leaf and a reduction of free Cd2+ in the root. Transgenic wheat seedlings of TaSBP exhibited an increment of Cd content in the root, and a reduction Cd content in the leaf under Cd2+ stress. Cd2+ binding assay combined with a thermodynamics survey and secondary structure analysis indicated that the unique CXXC motif in TaSBP was a major Cd-binding site participating in the Cd detoxification. These results suggested that TaSBP-A can enhance the sequestration of free Cd2+ in root and inhibit the Cd transfer from root to leaf, ultimately conferring plant Cd-tolerance via alleviating the oxidative stress and photosynthesis impairment triggered by Cd stress.
Cultivars identification of oat (Avena sativa L.) seed via multispectral imaging analysis
Authors: Fu Xiuzhen , Bai Mengjie , Xu Yawen , Wang Tao , Hui Zhenning , Hu Xiaowen
Published: February 2023

Cultivar identification plays an important role in ensuring the quality of oat production and the interests of producers. However, the traditional methods for discrimination of oat cultivars are generally destructive, time-consuming and complex. In this study, the feasibility of a rapid and nondestructive determination of cultivars of oat seeds was examined by using multispectral imaging combined with multivariate analysis. The principal component analysis (PCA), linear discrimination analysis (LDA) and support vector machines (SVM) were applied to classify seeds of 16 oat cultivars according to their morphological features, spectral traits or a combination thereof. The results demonstrate that clear differences among cultivars of oat seeds could be easily visualized using the multispectral imaging technique and an excellent discrimination could be achieved by combining data of the morphological and spectral features. The average classification accuracy of the testing sets was 89.69% for LDA, and 92.71% for SVM model. Therefore, the potential of a new method for rapid and nondestructive identification of oat cultivars was provided by multispectral imaging combined with multivariate analysis.
Independent control of organ number and distribution pattern in rice panicle
Authors: Yamamoto Eiji , Yabe Shiori , Inari-Ikeda Mayuko , Yoshida Hideki , Morinaka Yoichi , Matsuoka Makoto , Kitano Hidemi
Published: February 2023

As the determinants of yield products, rice panicle traits are important targets for breeding. Despite their importance in grain filling and subsequent yield productivity, knowledge on the organ distribution pattern in rice panicles is limited owing to the lack of objective evaluation methods. In this study, we developed a method for quantifying rice panicle organ distribution patterns. To validate our method for practical application in biology, we integrated this method into a quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis and identified QTLs for panicle organ distribution patterns in rice. Interestingly, Grain number 1 (Gn1), a major QTL of organ number, was not identified as a QTL for distribution pattern, indicating that the number and distribution of panicle organs are independently controlled. This study provides insight into rice panicle organ distribution patterns that will help improve breeding targeting rice panicle architecture.
Candidate gene discovery of Botrytis cinerea resistance in grapevine based on QTL mapping and RNA-seq
Authors: Su Kai , Zhao Wei , Lin Hong , Jiang Changyue , Zhao Yuhui , Guo Yinshan
Published: February 2023

Grape gray mold disease (Botrytis cinerea) is widespread during grape production especially in Vitis vinifera and causes enormous losses to the grape industry. In nature, the grapevine cultivar ‘Beta ‘ (Vitis riparia × Vitis labrusca) showed high resistance to grape gray mold. Until now, the candidate genes and their mechanism of gray mold resistance were poorly understood. In this study, we firstly conducted quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping for grape gray mold resistance based on two hybrid offspring populations that showed wide separation in gray mold resistance. Notably, two stable QTL related to gray mold resistance were detected and located on linkage groups LG2 and LG7. The phenotypic variance ranged from 6.86% to 13.70% on LG2 and 4.40% to 11.40% on LG7. Combined with RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), one structural gene VlEDR2 (Vitvi02g00982) and three transcription factors VlERF039 (Vitvi00g00859), VlNAC047 (Vitvi08g01843), and VlWRKY51 (Vitvi07g01847) that may be involved in VlEDR2 expression and grape gray mold resistance were selected. This discovery of candidate gray mold resistance genes will provide an important theoretical reference for grape gray mold resistance mechanisms, research, and gray mold-resistant grape cultivar breeding in the future.
Improving abiotic stress tolerance of forage grasses – prospects of using genome editing
Authors: Sustek-Sánchez Ferenz , Rognli Odd Arne , Rostoks Nils , Sõmera Merike , Jaškūnė Kristina , Kovi Mallikarjuna Rao , Statkevičiūtė Gražina , Sarmiento Cecilia
Published: February 2023

Due to an increase in the consumption of food, feed, and fuel and to meet global food security needs for the rapidly growing human population, there is a necessity to obtain high-yielding crops that can adapt to future climate changes. Currently, the main feed source used for ruminant livestock production is forage grasses. In temperate climate zones, perennial grasses grown for feed are widely distributed and tend to suffer under unfavorable environmental conditions. Genome editing has been shown to be an effective tool for the development of abiotic stress-resistant plants. The highly versatile CRISPR-Cas system enables increasingly complex modifications in genomes while maintaining precision and low off-target frequency mutations. In this review, we provide an overview of forage grass species that have been subjected to genome editing. We offer a perspective view on the generation of plants resilient to abiotic stresses. Due to the broad factors contributing to these stresses the review focuses on drought, salt, heat, and cold stresses. The application of new genomic techniques (e.g., CRISPR-Cas) allows addressing several challenges caused by climate change and abiotic stresses for developing forage grass cultivars with improved adaptation to the future climatic conditions. Genome editing will contribute towards developing safe and sustainable food systems.
Tourism destinations and tourist behavior based on community interaction models of film-enabled tourism destinations
Authors: Lao Yongshi , Zhu Jianfei , Liu Jinlin
Published: February 2023

The importance of media-induced tourism has increased in the latest decade. The integration and collaboration of film elements is an especially effective pathway for the innovative development and upgrading of the experience of the cultural tourism industry. Existing studies on the mechanism of tourism destinations and cultural tourism development, mainly from the perspective of tourism destinations and tourist experience, have rarely explored the cultural tourism development mechanism from the perspective of interest-related community interaction in the film-enabling context. In this study, we conducted high-frequency word analysis and element category analysis of the online text data of the Japanese animation film Your Name from the angle of interest-related community interaction through utilizing online text analysis and Grounded Theory analysis. Based on the interest-related community interaction, we analyzed the elements of interest-related community interaction in cultural tourism triggered by the film, including tourist hotspots, tourism resources, the tourist experience, sightseeing expectations, tourism evaluation and information dissemination, and formulated the orientation pathway of film-enabling cultural tourism. In this study, we aimed to enrich cultural tourism research and provide a reference point and theoretical support for film-enabling cultural tourism in the Internet era by introducing the concept of interest-related community innovation to the scene of film-enabling cultural tourism.
The blind men and the elephant: The case for a transdiagnostic approach to initiation
Authors: Buckle Karen Leneh , Poliakoff Ellen , Gowen Emma
Published: February 2023

Difficulty initiating voluntary action is an under-recognized and often invisible impairment in various psychiatric, neurodevelopmental, and neurological conditions. Understanding the commonalities of volition impairments across diagnoses is limited by a lack of consistent terminology, arbitrary distinctions between conditions, the habit of looking only to the prevailing definitions and theories to explain observed traits, and the covert nature of initiation. The siloed approach to research in this area evokes the parable of the blind men and the elephant, where understanding the whole picture is impeded by a limited view. There has been little effort to consider how differing terms overlap or to use objective methods to differentiate phenomena along meaningful lines. We propose a triad of interacting elements, all of which are needed for successful initiation of voluntary action: (i) executive function, (ii) volition, and (iii) movement. Failure to initiate a response may be due to impairments in any of these, which often co-occur. This paper calls for the following considerations to improve research in this area: (i) put aside preconceptions about conditions and their mechanisms to adopt a flexible transdiagnostic approach; (ii) consider executive function, movement, and volition as possible dimensional variations with related underlying mechanisms; (iii) carefully differentiate components of complex functions; (iv) look to first-hand reports for covert and previously unrecognized traits. These approaches have the potential to elucidate the cognitive and biological mechanisms underpinning voluntary action and create a foundation to develop more appropriate and informed interventions.
Changing role of the amygdala in affective and cognitive traits between early and late adulthood
Authors: Doucet Gaelle E. , Kruse Jordanna A. , Hamlin Noah , Oleson Jacob J. , White Stuart F.
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Healthy aging is typically associated with cognitive decline and lower negative affect. Previous studies have reported a significant and opposite role of the amygdala in relation to cognitive and affective processing in early adulthood. However, it remains unclear how aging impacts such relationships.

Methods

Seventy-seven healthy participants including 40 young (mean age = 26.1 years) and 37 older (mean age = 61.8 years) adults completed a functional MRI Affective Stroop (AS) paradigm, a cognitive battery, and the state-trait anxiety inventory. The AS fMRI paradigm included “task trials,” where participants saw a positively, negatively or neutrally valenced distractor image, followed by a numerical display, followed by another distractor image. We extracted signal in both amygdalas during the AS Task and compared it across all conditions and age group. We further conducted moderation analyses to investigate the impact of aging on the relationship between amygdala activation and anxiety or cognitive variables, respectively.

Results

At the behavioral level, older participants showed lower trait anxiety than the younger adults (p = 0.002). While overall slower during the AS task, older adults achieved comparable accuracy during the AS task, relative to the younger adults. At the brain level, we revealed a significant interaction between age group and trial types in amygdala activation (F = 4.9, p = 0.03), with the older group showing stronger activation during the most complex trials compared to the passive view trials. We further found that age significantly modulated the relationship between anxiety and the left amygdala activation during negative stimuli, where the younger adults showed a positive association while the older adults showed a negative association. Age also significantly modulated the relationship between verbal fluency and left amygdala activation during incongruent versus view trials, with the younger adults showing a negative association and the older adults showing a positive association.

Discussion

The current study suggests that the role of the amygdala on both emotional processing and cognitive traits changes between early and late adulthood.
A retrospective study of psychotropic drug treatments in bipolar disorder at acute and maintenance episodes
Authors: Jing Pan , Su Jianjun , Zheng Chengying , Mei Xi , Zhang Xiaobin
Published: February 2023

Background

Bipolar disorder (BD) is predominantly treated with psychotropic drugs, but BD is a complex medical condition and the contribution of psychotropic drugs is not clear. The objectives of this study are: (1) to present psychotropic drugs used in patients with BD; (2) to access changes of psychotropic drug treatments in acute and maintenance episodes.

Methods

The study retrospectively evaluated the medical records of inpatients in the Ningbo Kangning Hospital from January 2019 to December 2019. The medical history of each subject was collected completely, including sociodemographic (gender, age, marital status, and so on) and clinical characteristics at baseline and within 12 months of admission.

Results

The study ultimately included 204 patients with BD. After 12 months, 73.0% of the patients still took drugs. Mood stabilizers (72–90%) and antipsychotics (77–95%) were still the most important drugs in patients with BD. Antidepressants (34–40%) and benzodiazepines (20–34%) were the other frequently used drug classes. For mood stabilizers, 40–56% of patients were prescribed lithium. For antipsychotic, 54–65% of patients were prescribed quetiapine. Sertraline (6–9%) and fluoxetine (5–9%) were the antidepressant that most frequently prescribed. Lorazepam (10–18%) was the most commonly used benzodiazepine. In psychotropic polypharmacy, the most frequently taken was mood stabilizer plus antipsychotic co-treatment, about 36–44% of all patients. A total of 35–48% of patients treated by two psychotropic drugs and 24–36% received three.

Conclusion

The first 6 months after treatment is very important to medication adherence. Mood stabilizers and antipsychotic remained the primary treatment for BD. Antipsychotic is on the rise in the treatment of BD.
Translation and linguistic validation of the Swedish recovering quality of life (ReQoL) – A brief research report
Authors: Granholm Valmari Elin , Melander Marianne , Hariz Gun-Marie , Naesström Matilda , Lindström Maria
Published: February 2023

In research and among clinicians, the focus has shifted from mainly symptom reduction and increasing functionality to a more recovery-oriented focus. Although there are instruments measuring recovery, there has been a lack of instruments sensitive enough to measure the quality of life for people with severe mental health disorders. Therefore, this study aimed to obtain a Swedish version of the Recovering Quality of Life (ReQoL) questionnaire adhering to best practice guidelines using various steps of translation, linguistic validation, and cognitive debriefing. The cognitive debriefing was conducted with seven participants, and all felt the items in the questionnaire were relevant to their health, apprehensible, and easy to complete. However, some issues were raised regarding wording and the concepts behind certain items. All feedback was considered, and some items were revised in response to criticism after continuous discussions. A Swedish version of ReQoL now exists, and although there is a need for ReQoL in different clinical research settings in Sweden, further research is required to psychometrically test the construct validity as well as reliability of the Swedish version in Sweden.
Genomic regulatory sequences in the pathogenesis of bipolar disorder
Authors: Levchenko Anastasia , Plotnikova Maria
Published: February 2023

The lifetime prevalence of bipolar disorder is estimated to be about 2%. Epigenetics defines regulatory mechanisms that determine relatively stable patterns of gene expression by controlling all key steps, from DNA to messenger RNA to protein. This Mini Review highlights recent discoveries of modified epigenetic control resulting from genetic variants associated with bipolar disorder in genome-wide association studies. The revealed epigenetic abnormalities implicate gene transcription and post-transcriptional regulation. In the light of these discoveries, the Mini Review focuses on the genes PACS1, MCHR1, DCLK3, HAPLN4, LMAN2L, TMEM258, GNL3, LRRC57, CACNA1C, CACNA1D, and NOVA2 and their potential biological role in the pathogenesis of bipolar disorder. Molecular mechanisms under control of these genes do not translate into a unified picture and substantially more research is needed to fill the gaps in knowledge and to solve current limitations in prognosis and treatment of bipolar disorder. In conclusion, the genetic and functional studies confirm the complex nature of bipolar disorder and indicate future research directions to explore possible targeted treatment options, eventually working toward a personalized approach.
What motivated residents of Saudi Arabia to receive the COVID-19 vaccine?
Authors: Gray Jenny , AlAnazi Ahmed AlHumaidi , AlSumait Fahad , Abu-Shaheen Amani , Bashir Muhammad Salman , Al Sheef Mohammed
Published: February 2023

Background

Acceptance of vaccination is a multifactorial issue. The unprecedented speed at which the COVID-19 disease spread globally has meant that people have had to face the idea of receiving novel vaccines for a novel disease.

Purpose

Studies conducted earlier in the pandemic had shown high vaccine hesitancy in Saudi Arabia, therefore we wanted to understand the motivating factors for people living in Saudi Arabia with regards to accepting the COVID-19 vaccine, our survey was conducted when the government had already mandated vaccination to enter public spaces. Saudi society is not particularly outspoken and therefore it was of special importance to the authors to explore the motivation behind COVID-19 vaccines.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional survey of 802 participants living in Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire was distributed to staff, visitors, and patients in a hospital in Saudi Arabia and via electronic means to the general population.

Results

A total of 521 (65%) of the respondents were women, and 281 (35%) were men. A total of 710 (88.5%) were Saudi, and 55 (6.9%) were non-Saudi. The majority of participants (496, 65.7%) stated that they registered for the vaccine as soon as it was available, with 185 (24.5%) stating that they registered when they were mandated to do so and 74 (9.8%) registered only when they felt cases were increasing. Most participants (316, 41%) stated that the main reason for taking the vaccine was one of a self-protective nature, followed by indirect vaccination (240, 31.1%), paternalistic reasons (157, 20.4%) and altruistic reasons (58, 7.5%).

Conclusions

With the increased burden on healthcare that is being faced by COVID-19, other resources need to be carefully allocated. This paper may aid the Saudi government in understanding the motivation for the population to take the vaccine and therefore facilitate any future vaccination campaigns to ensure the best utilization of resources.
Learning private equity recommitment strategies for institutional investors
Authors: Kieffer Emmanuel , Meyer Thomas , Gloukoviezoff Georges , Lucius Hakan , Bouvry Pascal
Published: February 2023

Keeping strategic allocations at target level to maintain high exposure to private equity is a complex but essential task for investors who need to balance against the risk of default. Illiquidity and cashflow uncertainty are critical challenges especially when commitments are irrevocable. In this work, we propose to use a trustworthy and explainable A.I. approach to design recommitment strategies. Using intensive portfolios simulations and evolutionary computing, we show that efficient and dynamic recommitment strategies can be brought forth automatically.
Assessment of using spaceborne LiDAR to monitor the particulate backscatter coefficient on large, freshwater lakes: A test using CALIPSO on Lake Michigan
Authors: Watkins Ray H. , Sayers Michael J. , Shuchman Robert A. , Bosse Karl R.
Published: February 2023

The Cloud-Aerosol LiDAR and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) satellite was launched in 2006 with the primary goal of measuring the properties of clouds and aerosols in Earth’s atmosphere using LiDAR. Since then, numerous studies have shown the viability of using CALIPSO to observe day/night differences in subsurface optical properties of oceans and large seas from space. To date no studies have been done on using CALIPSO to monitor the subsurface optical properties of large, freshwater-lakes. This is likely due to the limited spatial resolution of CALIPSO, which makes the mapping of subsurface properties of regions smaller than large seas impractical. Still, CALIPSO does pass over some of the world’s largest, freshwater-lakes, yielding important information about the water. Here we use the entire CALIPSO data record (approximately 15 years) to measure the particulate backscatter coefficient (bbp, m−1) across Lake Michigan. We then compare the LiDAR derived values of bbp to optical imagery values obtained from MODIS and to in situ measurements. Critically, we find that the LiDAR derived bbp aligns better in non-summer months with in situ values when compared to the optically imagery. However, due to both high cloud coverage and high wind speeds on Lake Michigan, this comes with the caveat that the CALIPSO product is limited in its usability. We close by speculating on the roll that spaceborne LiDAR, including CALIPSO and other satitlites, have on the future of monitoring the Great Lakes and other large bodies of fresh water.
Incidence and risk factors for postoperative nosocomial pneumonia in elderly patients with hip fractures: A single-center study
Authors: Tong Xiao , Ci Caizhe , Chen Jia , Sun Minghong , Zhao Hongbo , Wei Haiqiang , Yu Tieqiang , Wang Hui , Yang Weixin
Published: February 2023

Objective

Postoperative nosocomial pneumonia is a terrible complication, especially for elderly patients. This study attempts to investigate the incidence and risk factors for postoperative nosocomial pneumonia and its influence on hospitalization stay in elderly patients with hip fractures.

Methods

This study retrospectively retrieved hospitalization records of patients who presented a hip fracture and underwent surgeries in our institution between January 2014 and December 2021. Postoperative new-onset pneumonia was determined in accordance with discharge diagnosis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the associated risk factors with pneumonia, and its influence on total hospitalization stay or postoperative hospitalization stay was investigated by multivariate linear regression analyses.

Results

Totally, 808 patients were included, among whom 54 developed a pneumonia representing the incidence rate of 6.7% (95% CI, 5.0%–8.4%). Six factors were identified as independently associated with pneumonia, including advanced age (OR, 1.50 for each 10-year increment), history of chronic respiratory disease (OR, 4.61), preoperative DVT (OR, 3.51), preoperative delay to operation (OR, 1.07 for each day), surgical duration ≥120 min (OR, 4.03) and arthroplasty procedure (OR, 4,39). When adjusted for above confounders, pneumonia was significantly positively associated with total hospitalization stay (standardized coefficient, 0.110; p < 0.001) and postoperative hospitalization stay (standardized coefficient, 0.139; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

This study identified multiple factors associated with postoperative pneumonia and its influence on prolonging hospitalization stay, which would facilitate preventive targeted intervention into implementation for individuals with different risk profiles.
Case report: Xenotransfusion of canine lyophilized platelets for hemostasis in a feline patient with post-operative abdominal hemorrhage
Authors: Mannucci Elizabeth , Blong April , Zorn Chelsea , Walton Rebecca
Published: February 2023

Objective

To describe the management of post-operative abdominal hemorrhage with a xenotransfusion of canine lyophilized platelets in a feline patient.

Case summary

A 9-year-old male castrated domestic shorthair presented for a spontaneous hemoabdomen secondary to hepatic amyloidosis. Clinically significant hemorrhage occurred in the perioperative and post-operative period and the patient received a massive transfusion and anti-fibrinolytic therapy in combination with a xenotransfusion of canine lyophilized platelets at 0.9 × 109 particles/kg and recombinant human factor VIIa (rhFVIIa). The combination of these interventions decreased transfusion requirements in this patient and the xenotransfusion was well tolerated with no acute or immediate transfusion reactions noted.

New or unique information provided

This case report describes the xenotransfusion of canine lyophilized platelets in a feline patient with severe, non-compressible abdominal hemorrhage.
Galacto-oligosaccharides fed during gestation increase Rotavirus A specific antibodies in sow colostrum, modulate the microbiome, and reduce infectivity in neonatal piglets in a commercial farm setting
Authors: Lee Adam , Liang Lu , Connerton Phillippa L. , Connerton Ian F. , Mellits Kenneth H.
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Rotavirus A is a major cause of acute dehydrating diarrhea in neonatal pigs resulting in significant mortality, morbidity, reduced performance and economic loss. Commercially available prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharides are similar to those of mammalian milk and stimulate the development of the microbiota and immune system in neonates. Little is known about the effects of supplementing sows' diets with galacto-oligosaccharides during gestation. This study aimed to determine if dietary galacto-oligosaccharide supplementation during gestation could improve immunity, reduce rotavirus infection and modulate the microbiota in sows and neonates in a commercial farm setting with confirmed natural endemic rotavirus challenge.

Methods

In a randomized controlled trial, control sows received lactation diet with no galacto-oligosaccharide supplementation and test sows received lactation diet with 30 g/day galacto-oligosaccharide top-dressed into feed daily, seven days before farrowing. Colostrum was collected from sows 24 hours post-partum and tested for rotavirus specific antibodies. Fecal samples were collected from sows and piglets three days post-partum, tested for rotavirus A by qPCR and the microbiome composition assessed by 16s rRNA gene sequencing.

Results

Supplementation with galacto-oligosaccharides during gestation significantly increased rotavirus-specific IgG and IgA in sow colostrum and reduced the number of rotavirus positive piglet fecal samples. Abundance of potential pathogens Treponema and Clostridiales were higher in fecal samples from non-galacto-oligosaccharide fed sows, their piglets and rotavirus positive samples.

Discussion

This study demonstrates that galacto-oligosaccharide supplementation during gestation significantly increases rotavirus specific IgG and IgA in sow colostrum thereby reducing neonatal rotavirus infection and suppresses potential pathogenic bacteria in nursing sows and neonatal piglets.
Cohort size required for prognostic genes analysis of stage II/III esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kong Linghong , Yang Ming , Wan Zhiyi , Wang Lining
Published: February 2023

Background: Few overlaps between prognostic biomarkers are observed among different independently performed genomic studies of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). One of the reasons for this is the insufficient cohort size. How many cases are needed to prognostic genes analysis in ESCC?

Methods: Here, based on 387 stage II/III ESCC cases analyzed by whole-genome sequencing from one single center, effects of cohort size on prognostic genes analysis were investigated. Prognostic genes analysis was performed in 100 replicates at each cohort size level using a random resampling method.

Results: The number of prognostic genes followed a power-law increase with cohort size in ESCC patients with stage II and stage III, with exponents of 2.27 and 2.25, respectively. Power-law curves with increasing events number were also observed in stage II and III ESCC, respectively, and they almost overlapped. The probability of obtaining statistically significant prognostic genes shows a logistic cumulative distribution function with respect to cohort size. To achieve a 100% probability of obtaining statistically significant prognostic genes, the minimum cohort sizes required in stage II and III ESCC were approximately 95 and 60, respectively, corresponding to a number of outcome events of 33 and 36, respectively.

Conclusion: In summary, the number of prognostic genes follows a power-law growth with the cohort size or events number in ESCC. The minimum events number required to achieve a 100% probability of obtaining a statistically significant prognostic gene is approximately 35.
Healthy and Happy Citizens: The Opportunities and Challenges of Co-Producing Citizens’ Health and Well-Being in Vulnerable Neighborhoods
Authors: Van Eijk Carola , Van der Vlegel-Brouwer Wilma , Bussemaker Jet
Published: February 2023

This explorative study aims to contribute to the debate about citizen involvement in (complex) medical and social issues. Our research goals are: (1) to explore the main opportunities, threats and challenges to co-producing healthcare in vulnerable communities from the perspective of professionals, co-producers (i.e., citizens with a volunteering role) and service users (i.e., patients); (2) to distil lessons for public managers concerning the main issues involved in designing co-production initiatives. We studied co-production initiatives in the Dutch city, The Hague. These initiatives were part of a broader, unique movement named ‘Healthy and Happy The Hague’, which aims to change the way healthcare/social services are provided. Two intertwined research projects combine insights from interviews, focus group meetings and observations. The first project analyzed a variety of existing co-production initiatives in several neighborhoods; the second project involved longitudinal participatory action research on what stakeholders require to engage in co-production. The two research projects showed similarities and differences in the observed opportunities/treats/challenges. The study found that empowering citizens in their role as co-producers requires major changes in the professionals’ outlook and supporting role in the communities. It illustrates the potential of synergizing insights from healthcare governance and public administration co-production literature to benefit co-production practice.