bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Use of Artificial Intelligence in New Normal Era Against Pandemic COVID-19 in the Field of Health Services
Authors: Agustin Wahjuningrum Dian , Setiawan Fery , Setyabudi  , Puspitasari Heni , Yudianto Ahmad , Sosiawan Agung , Rahman Nurdianto Arif , Patro Swadheena
Published: November 2022

Background: Indonesia is currently experiencing Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic which affects all sectors of life, therefore Indonesia is starting to prepare for New Normal era, including in health care sector. COVID-19 was previously known as novel Coronavirus Disease-19 (nCoV-19), where World Health Organization (WHO) declared it as a global pandemic in March 2020. New Normal era is an era of coexistence with COVID-19, resulting in new habits that were rarely or never practiced before. One practice that can be applied in health care sector is to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to treat COVID-19 patients to prevent casualties for health workers. Health care providers are prone to contract aerosol and droplet transmission while treating patients, resulting in cytokine storm, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and acute lung injury (ALI), which leads to death. Purpose: This mini review study used to explain the using of artificial intelligence in the new normal era against pandemic COVID-19 in the field of health services. Reviews: This pandemic COVID-19 restricts all of the communication between person to person. It also challenged the health service sector because the health service sector is the first line to combat the COVID-19. It is now popular to use artificial intelligence. This using can be used to help the health service sector in combating the COVID-19 pandemic especially in this new normal era. Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic affects all aspects of life, especially health care sector, therefore AI use is important to prevent the deaths of health workers because of this pandemic.
Effects of Fatty Acids, Fructose and Glucose on the Accumulation of Lipid in Liver Cells: A Comparison of Primary Human Hepatocytes and Hepatoma Cell Lines
Authors: Salter Andrew Michael , Huggett Zoe J , Smith Alison , De Vivo Nicola , Gomez Dhanny , Jethwa Preeti , Brameld John M , Bennett Andrew
Published: November 2022

Abstract: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) begins with lipid accumulation within hepatocytes, but the relative contributions of different macronutrients is still unclear. We inves-tigated the impact of fatty acids, glucose and fructose on lipid accumulation in primary human hepatocytes (PHH) and three different hepatoma cell lines: HepG2, Huh7 and McA-RH7777 (McA). Cells were treated for 48 hours with fatty acids (0 or 200μM), glucose (5mM or 11mM) and fructose (0mM, 2mM or 8mM). Lipid accumulation was measured via Nile Red staining. All cell types accumulated lipid in response to fatty acids (P<0.001). PHH and McA, but not HepG2 or Huh7 cells, accumulated more lipid with 11mM glucose plus fatty acids (P=0.004, fatty acid x glucose interaction, for both), but only PHH increased lipid accumulation in response to fructose (P<0.001). Considerable variation was observed between PHH cells from different individuals. Lipid accumulation in PHH was increased by insulin (P=0.003) with inter-individual variability. Similarly, insulin increased lipid accumulation in both HepG2 and McA cells, with a bigger response in McA in the presence of fatty acids (P<0.001 for fatty acid x insulin). McA were more insulin sensitive than either HepG2 or Huh7 cells in terms of AKT phosphorylation (P<0.001 insulin x cell type interaction). Hence glucose and fructose can contribute to the accumulation of lipid in PHH with considerable inter-individual variation, but hepatoma cell lines are not good models of PHH.
An Inclusive Model for the Urban Search and Rescue Teams (USAR)
Authors: Lee Amaly Fong , Saenz Adan Vega ,   International Maritime University of Panama Panama City, Panama,   National Research System (SNI), Panama City, Panama,   Zoartech Consulting, Panama City, Panama
Published: November 2022

The work performed by the urban search and rescue (USAR) teams is, from every standpoint, difficult to exactly define, since their main mission, which is to save lives, is joined by a series of tasks typical of disaster risk management, which makes them one of the most complex professions and therefore, with the strictest training requirements. Within these requirements, the fact is that USAR teams must be trained to serve a wide population diversity, which also involves the skills to manage critical situations where an inclusive approach is vital. To face this challenge, it is necessary to develop inclusive strategies according to the reality of these teams. In this article, the authors perform a deep analysis to the existing literature and by means of an exhaustive evaluation get to propose an inclusive model for the USAR teams. This model allows to define not only the reach of the inclusion term in these teams, but also helps to establish strategies to reformulate the training plans and programs of recruiting and retention of new members.
The Impact of Problem-Based Student Worksheets on Improving Problem-Solving Skills in terms of Learning Outcomes
Authors: Halim A. , Melawati Oka , Evendi Evendi , Yusrizal Yusrizal , Irwandi Irwandi
Published: November 2022

The purpose of the study was to determine the impact of using a problem-based Student Worksheet (SWS) on improving problem-solving skills (PSS) in terms of student Learning Outcomes (LO). The research used a quantitative approach, quasi-experimental method, and the One Group Pretest-Posttest design research. The research sample also involved 31 high school students for the experimental class and 31 for the control class. The research has three variables: problem-based SWS, problem-solving skills (PSS), and Student Learning Outcomes (LO). The problem-solving skill instrument uses five essay questions, and the LO uses 20 multiple choice questions, both of which were developed by the researcher. Data analysis used the N-Gain formula to obtain information on the increase in PSS and LO. Based on the results of data analysis, it was found that the effect of implementing SWS was very significant on students’ PSS and LO. In addition, the application of SWS also affects students’ LO, and some students with high or low LO scores also have high PSS scores or vice versa. Inference from this study, it is hoped that teachers as educators will try to direct students to get used to solving physics problems using a five-stage problem-solving model.
Effects of circle-the-sage strategy on secondary schools students' numerical ability in physics in Nigeria
Authors: Ukoh Edidiong Enyeneokpon , Aladejana Alaba Lawrence
Published: November 2022

The study examined effect of circle the sage instructional strategy on studentsâ€™ numerical ability in Physics in senior secondary schools in Ikere local government of area of Ekiti state. A sample of sixty (60) students was selected for the study. A self-structured Physics Numerical Ability Test was used for data collection. A pre-test post-test quasi experimental research design was employed for the study. Two secondary schools in Ekiti state were chosen for the study. A test-retest method was employed to ascertain the reliability of the instrument, using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC).  Three (3) hypotheses were formulated for the study. Self constructed twenty items multiple choice questions was used to collect the date and the data collected were analysed using ANCOVA. The findings of the study revealed that there was no significant effect of treatment on numerical ability of students in Physics, there was no significant effect of gender on numerical ability of students in Physics and there was no significant interaction effect of treatment and gender on numerical ability of students in Physics. Therefore, the study recommended that, though there was no effect of  circle the sage strategiy on studentsâ€™ numerical ability but cicle the sage with other strategies should be used to teach Physics at all level and be incorporated into the teaching of Physics at the secondary school level.
Calidad de vida en pacientes con artritis reumatoide en un centro médico privado en Lima, Perú
Authors:   , Vargas Matos Ivan
Published: November 2022

La artritis reumatoide (AR) consiste en una enfermedad inflamatoria crónica autoinmune de etiología multifactorial que compromete las articulaciones a nivel de cartílagos, sinovia y huesos hasta progresar con discapacidad en un nivel importante1. Esta enfermedad puede, además, presentar manifestaciones extra-articulares, suscitando compromiso pulmonar, cardiaco, ocular, entre otros órganos del organismo1-3. Se conoce que entre el 0.5% y 1% de la población a nivel mundial padece de AR, siendo las mujeres las mayormente afectadas, con una relación de 3:1 con respecto a los hombres1, 4, 5. En Latinoamérica, se han encontrado prevalencias similares, las cuales oscilan entre 0.2% a 2.4% de acuerdo a distintos estudios5-9. En Perú, se conoce que el 0.5% de la población sufre de AR, por lo que sigue siendo considerada un problema de salud pública mayor9. La AR puede repercutir significativamente en los estilos de vida de aquellos afectados5,9-13. La sintomatología es amplia, caracterizada por dolor, rigidez, fatiga y limitación funcional articular, por lo que el compromiso en la realización de actividades cotidianas resulta importante1, 2, 5, 9-13. Estudios muestran que alrededor de un tercio de pacientes deja de trabajar debido a la enfermedad luego de dos años de ser diagnosticados10, 11, 13. Asimismo, otros estudios destacan la afectación de las relaciones interpersonales en asociación a un incremento en la probabilidad de desarrollar depresión, comprometiendo la calidad de vida (CV)10-15. A pesar de la importancia de los componentes genéticos y endógenos, otros factores se han visto asociados tanto al desarrollo de la enfermedad, como al pronóstico de la misma, dentro de los cuales destacan los sociodemográficos, grado de actividad de enfermedad, depresión, y los relacionados a la calidad de vida5, 10, 13, 15, 16…
Nivel de conocimiento sobre bioseguridad en el área de endodoncia en alumnos de pregrado de una Universidad pública y una privada
Authors:   , Manyari Manzaneda Cesia Jimena
Published: November 2022

La pandemia generada por el virus Sars-Cov2, puso en alerta al personal de salud y en mayor grado al Cirujano Dentista; por ello, este, debe seguir un correcto protocolo de bioseguridad para protegerse así mismo, su equipo de trabajo, al paciente y su entorno. Asimismo, durante una endodoncia se debe seguir dicho protocolo antes, durante y después del tratamiento, ya que es preciso que los alumnos conozcan las normas de bioseguridad para poder realizar una correcta endodoncia y evitar contaminación cruzada. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el nivel de conocimientos sobre bioseguridad en el área de Endodoncia en alumnos de pregrado de una universidad pública y una privada. Métodos: La población de estudio estuvo conformada por alumnos de pregrado y la muestra por 59 de una universidad pública y 59 de una universidad privada. Se envió el consentimiento informado y cuestionario y los resultados se estudiaron en el programa estadístico SPSS v.25. Para determinar el nivel de conocimientos de cada universidad se utilizó la prueba estadística Chi Cuadrado (x2). Resultados: Se obtuvo que el nivel de conocimiento regular fue el más prevalente con un 72.9% en la UNFV y un 74.6% en la UCSUR. Conclusión: Se concluyó que el nivel de conocimientos sobre bioseguridad en el área de endodoncia en alumnos de pregrado no depende del tipo de universidad, ya que no se encontró diferencias significativas entre los resultados de ambas universidades.
A systems biology approach reveals the endocrine disrupting potential of Aflatoxin B1.
Authors: Verga Jacopo U. , Padovano Costanzo , Silveira Willian A. da , Hazard E. Starr , Nugent Anne P. , Elliott Christopher T. , Carnevali Oliana , Galeazzi Roberta , Hardiman Gary
Published: November 2022

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) a mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus is a potent carcinogen and causative agent of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It is a food contaminant which presents a major risk to human health. AFB1 contamination poses a significant economic burden, as 25% of the world's food crops need to be destroyed annually. The mechanism of action (MOA) of aflatoxins remains to be fully elucidated. An integrative systems biology approach was therefore undertaken to decipher the estrogenic component of the AFB1 MOA. Molecular Docking and molecular dynamics simulations were performed to examine the binding affinity of AFB1 and its metabolite aflatoxin Q1 (AFQ1) with the Estrogen Receptors (ERs). Differential gene expression (DGE), gene ontology (GO) and pathway analyses were carried out on hepatic transcriptomic data following in vivo AFB1 exposures. In parallel exposures to the synthetic estrogen ethinylestradiol (EE2) were examined for overlapping effects. Finally, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis assessed the involvement of estrogen responsive targets (ERTs) associated with aflatoxin exposure. The free energies of binding affinity and estimated equilibrium dissociation constants (KD) demonstrated that AFB1 and AFQ1 both interact with ERα and ERβ. DGE and GO analyses highlighted overlap in the responses between AFB1 and EE2 treatments. PPI network analyses following AFBI exposure revealed a dynamic response to AFB1 treatments with solid involvement of ERTs in regulatory networks. This study revealed molecular interactions between aflatoxins (AFB1, AFQ1) and ERs in addition to overlap in DGE and biological processes following AFB1 and EE2 exposures. The estrogenic components at the core of the PPI networks suggest that ER-mediated signaling pathways are a major component in the MOA of aflatoxins.
Comparative evaluation of the fractional flow reserve derived from coronary computed tomography angiography (CT-FFR) and fat attenuation index (FAI) in predicting revascularization
Authors: Yang Fengfeng , Zhu Chentao , Shi Ke , Zhao Yang , Zhang Tong
Published: November 2022

Purpose
This study aimed to evaluate the clinical value of the fractional flow reserve derived from coronary computed tomography angiography (CT-FFR) and fat attenuation index (FAI) in predicting coronary revascularization.
Methods
Patients with known or suspected CAD who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and subsequent invasive coronary angiography were screened. All CCTA data were calculated by a cloud workstation in standard Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine format. Lesion-specific CT-FFR, distal-tip CT-FFR, and FAI were analyzed by core laboratories blinded to patient management.
Results
A total of 94 patients who received CCTA followed by invasive coronary angiography were identified and analyzed; 282 vessels were included for analysis. Overall, 54 (57.4%) patients with 72(25.5%) vessels demonstrated revascularization. In the multivariate model, FAI (odds ratio [OR]: 1.19; p < 0.001), lesion-specific CT-FFR (OR: 3.80; p = 0.009), and distal-tip CT-FFR (OR: 4.20; p = 0.008) values were identified as independent negative predictors. All receiver operating characteristic curves were above the reference line. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for lesion-specific CT-FFR, distal-tip CT-FFR, and FAI were 0.798, 0.767, and 0.802, respectively. When the optimal threshold value of FAI was − 86 HU, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and overall accuracy for predicting revascularization were 88.9%, 59.0%, 42.7%, 93.2%, and 0.66, respectively. The corresponding values for the lesion-specific CT-FFR were 73.6%, 81.0%, 56.3%, 88.2%, and 0.78, respectively.
Conclusions
In patients with documented CAD on CCTA, adjunctive noninvasive functional testing based on the CT-FFR and FAI yielded similar overall accuracy for prediction of coronary revascularization. However, a significant difference was observed in diagnostic sensitivity of the FAI; the lesion-specific CT-FFR demonstrated the highest specificity. In conclusion, CT-FFR and FAI derived from quantitative CCTA improved the prediction of future revascularization. These parameters can potentially identify patients likely to require revascularization on referral for cardiac catheterization.
Hypoxic potentiation of cytoskeleton prevents oncogene-induced senescence
Authors: Park Hyunsung , Moon Ramhee , Chang Soojung , Chae Sehyun , Park Chansang , Hwang Daehee
Published: November 2022

Expression of oncogenes in human primary cells triggers oncogene-induced senescence (OIS). Distinct from other types of senescence, OIS induces dramatic changes in nuclear shape, cytoskeleton, and heterochromatin distribution. We found that ectopic expression of theΔB-Rafoncogene in IMR90 human fibroblasts induced rearrangement of heterochromatin accompanied by weakening of the cytoskeleton and nuclear lamia, all of which hypoxic condition prevented. RNA-seq analyses revealed that genes involved in cytoskeleton organization were repressed during OIS but much less so under hypoxic condition, whereas genes involved with nuclear lamina remained unchanged. By contrast, the protein levels of nuclear lamina constituting proteins, Lamin A, Emerin and Sun1 diminished during OIS but not under hypoxia. We found that maintaining the cytoskeleton is important for hypoxia to protect nuclear integrity and prevent senescence. This study found that treatment with RhoA/ROCK inhibitors such as Y-27632 destabilized not only cytoskeleton but also the nuclear envelope to induce OIS even under hypoxic condition. These findings show that cytoskeletal organization can be a therapeutic target for blocking hypoxic anti-senescence effects.
Development of a 3D printed in vitro integrated oro-pharyngeal air-liquid interface cellular throat model for drug transport
Authors: Sheikh Zara , Granata Antonella , Zhang Ye , Mahvizani Hanieh Mohammad Gholizadeh , Silva Dina , Young Paul M , Casettari Luca , Ong Hui Xin , Traini Daniela
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT
To simulate the deposition of drugs in the oro-pharynx region, several in vitro models are available such as the United States Pharmacopeia-Induction Port (USP-IP) throat and the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) models. However, currently, there is no such in vitro model that incorporates a biological barrier to elucidate drug transport across the pharyngeal cells. Cellular models such as in vitro air-liquid interface (ALI) models of human respiratory epithelial cell lines are extensively used to study drug transport. To date, no studies have yet been performed to optimise the ALI culture conditions of the human pharyngeal cell line Detroit 562 and determine whether it could be used for drug transport. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a novel 3-D printed throat model integrated with an ALI cellular model of Detroit 562 cells and optimise the culture conditions to investigate whether the combined model could be used to study drug transport, using Lidocaine as a model drug. Differentiating characteristics specific to airway epithelia were assessed using 3 seeding densities (30,000, 60,000, and 80,000 cells/well (c/w), respectively) over 21 days. The results showed that Detroit 562 cells completely differentiates on day 18 of ALI for both 60,000 and 80,000 c/w with significant mucus production, showing response to bacterial and viral stimuli and development of functional tight junctions and Lidocaine transport with no significant differences observed between the ALI models with the 2 cell seeding densities. Results showed the suitability of the Low density (60,000 c/w or 1.8 × 105 cells/cm2) ALI model to study drug transport. Importantly, the developed novel 3-D printed throat model integrated with our optimised in vitro Detroit 562 ALI model showed transport of Lidocaine throat spray. Overall, the study highlights the potential of the novel 3-D printed bio-throat integrated model as a promising in vitro system to investigate the transport of inhalable drug therapies targeted at the oro-pharyngeal region.
Developing maize silage and ryegrass blends based fattening ration for the low-input small-and medium scale fattening farmers in Pakistan
Authors: Farooq Khalid , Tahir Muhammad , Khan Nazir Ahmad , kHAN Kamran
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to explore the effects of developing maize silage and ryegrass forage blend based fattening rations on intakes of dry matter (DM), nutrients and metabolizable energy (ME), digestibility of DM and nutrients, body weight (BW) gain and body condition score (BCS). Five diets containing maize silage and ryegrass in the ratios of 30:70; 40:60; 50:50; 60:40 and 70:30 on DM basis in the forage mixture were evaluated in comparison to control/traditional diet. A total of 18 calves were allocated to the six experimental diets. The intake of all nutrients improved (P < 0.05) with the incorporation of blends of maize silage and ryegrass in the diet. Moreover, the intake of DM, organic matter (OM), and ME consistently increased (P < 0.05) with increasing maize silage inclusion levels (30 to 70%) in the forage blends, and the highest (P < 0.05) intake was recorded for diet containing 70% maize silage. The inclusion of forage blends in the diets increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and BCS as compared to the control diet. The minimum (P < 0.05) values of ADG (478 g/day) and BCS (3.00) were recorded for the control diet, and the maximum (P < 0.05) values of ADG (663 g/day) and BCS (5.75) were recorded for diet containing 70% maize silage. In conclusion, maize silage-based forage blends increased ADG of the calves by an average of 100 g/day as compared to the control diet, and the highest increase in ADG of 150 g/day was recorded for a blend containing highest proportion (70%) of maize silage.
Prediction of China's Industrial Carbon Peak: Based on GDIM-MC Model and LSTM-NN Model
Authors: Li Wen-kai , Wen Hong-xing , Nie Pu-yan
Published: November 2022

The industrial sector is the key area for China to achieve the carbon peaking goals, as it accounts for more than 65% and 70% of the national total energy consumption and carbon emissions. However, the discussion on the time and route of carbon peak in China in the existing literature is still quite different. In this study, we establish three scenarios and comprehensively used Monte Carlo simulation and LSTM Neural Network model to predict the evolution trends of China's industrial carbon emissions during 2020–2030. Firstly, the decomposition results of the Generalized Divisia Index Method shows that fixed assets investment is the most important factor for promoting and carbon intensity of investment is the key for reducing carbon emissions. Then, basing on the Monte Carlo dynamic simulation, we could draw the three kinds of carbon emissions route that it will peak in 2031 in the Baseline scenario, in the Green Development scenario (environmental policy improvement) and Technological Breakthrough scenario (green technology progress) will peak in 2027 and 2025, and under the LSTM Neural Network model, peak time will occur in 2028. Comparing the results of above predictions, China's industrial carbon emissions could peak by 2030(in GD scenario, 2027; TB scenario, 2025). Finally, we discuss the path of China's industrial carbon emissions reduction and provide a reference for the rational formulation of low-carbon regulatory policies in the future and the realization of sustainable development.
Predicting the speciation of ionizable antibiotic ciprofloxacin by biochars with varying carbonization degrees
Authors: Shi Guowei , Li Yasong , Liu Yaci , Wu Lin
Published: November 2022

Sorption mechanisms of ionizable organic pollutants by biochars and approaches for the prediction of sorption are still unclear. In this study, batch experiments were conducted to explore the sorption mechanisms of woodchip-derived biochars prepared at 200–700 ˚C (referred as WC200-WC700) for cationic, zwitterionic and anionic species of ciprofloxacin (referred as CIP+, CIP± and CIP−, respectively). The results revealed that the sorption affinity of WC200 for different CIP species was in the order of CIP± > CIP+ > CIP−, while that of WC300-WC700 remained the order of CIP+ > CIP± > CIP−. WC200 exhibited a strong sorption ability, which could be attributed to hydrogen bonding and electrostatic attraction with CIP+, electrostatic attraction with CIP±, and charge-assisted hydrogen bonding with CIP−. Pore filling and π-π interactions contributed to the sorption of WC300-WC700 for CIP+, CIP± and CIP−. Rising temperature facilitated CIP sorption to WC400 as verified by site energy distribution analysis. Proposed models including the proportion of three CIP species and sorbent aromaticity index (H/C) can quantitatively predict CIP sorption to biochars with varying carbonization degrees. These findings are vital to elucidating the sorption behaviors of ionizable antibiotics to biochars and exploring potential sorbents for environmental remediation.
The impact of information disclosure on consumer acceptance of genome-edited foods in Japan
Authors: Shigi Ryoma , Seo Yuna
Published: November 2022

Genome editing promises the acceleration of genetic progress by replacing the germ cell lineage of commercial breeding animals with cells derived from genetically elite lines for efficient food production and food waste reduction. However, Japanese consumers are not familiar with such foods. This study investigates consumer acceptance of genome-edited (GE) foods and how information disclosure impacts it. We constructed a GE food acceptance model and investigated consumer willingness to pay (WTP) for different information disclosure levels. This model illustrated that information credibility and perceived usefulness are significantly related to consumer acceptance, especially the former. We found that WTP was 76 JPY (approximately 0.69 USD) for functional information, 11 JPY (approximately 0.1 USD) for GE food labels, and 38 JPY (approximately 0.345 USD) for genome editing technology descriptions. As this is an early study of such a model, we believe that there is scope for various discussions in the future.
Spatial–Temporal Distribution Prediction Method of Urban Population Density through Behaviour–Environment Agent Model（BEM）
Authors: YANG JUNYAN , SHI YI , ZHENG YI , ZHANG ZHONGHU
Published: November 2022

Based on the interrelationship between the built environment and spatial–temporal distribution of population density, this paper proposes a method to predict the spatial–temporal distribution of urban population density using the depth residual network model (ResNet) of neural network. This study used the time-sharing data of mobile phone users provided by the China Mobile Communications Corporation to predict the time–space sequence of the steady-state distribution of population density. Firstly, 40 prediction databases were constructed according to the characteristics of built environment and the spatial–temporal distribution of population density. Thereafter, the depth residual model ResNet was used as the basic framework to construct the behaviour–environment agent model (BEM) for model training and prediction. Finally, the average percentage error index was used to evaluate the prediction results. The results revealed that the accuracy rate of prediction results reached 76.92% in the central urban area of the verification case. The proposed method can be applied to prevent urban public safety incidents and alleviate pandemics. Moreover, this method can be practically applied to enable the construction of a “smart city” for improving the efficient allocation of urban resources and traffic mobility.
Effectiveness of an evidence-based care pathway to improve mobility and participation in older patients with vertigo and balance disorders in primary care (MobilE-PHY2): Study protocol for a multicentre cluster-randomised controlled trial
Authors: Horstmannshoff Caren , Skudlik Stefanie , Petermann Jenny , Kiesel Theresia , Döringer Tobias , Crispin Alexander , Hermsdörfer Joachim , Köberlein-Neu Juliane , Jahn Klaus , Schädler Stefan , Bauer Petra , Voigt Karen , Müller Martin
Published: November 2022

Background

Vertigo, dizziness or balance disorders (VDB) are common leading symptoms in older people, which can have a negative impact on their mobility and participation in daily live, yet, diagnosis is challenging and specific treatment is often insufficient. An evidence-based, multidisciplinary care pathway (CPW) in primary care was developed and pilot tested in a previous study. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the CPW in terms of improving mobility and participation in community-dwelling older people with VDB in primary care.

Methods

For this multicentre cluster randomised controlled clinic trial, general practitioners (GP) will be recruited in two regions of Germany. A total of 120 patients over 60 years old with VDB will be included. The intervention is an algorithmized CPW. GPs receive a checklist for standardise clinical decision making regarding diagnostic screening and treatment of VDB. Physiotherapists (PT) receive a decision tree for evidence-based physiotherapeutic clinical reasoning and treatment of VDB. Implementation strategies comprises educational trainings as well as a workshop to give a platform for exchange for the GPs and PTs, an information meeting and a pocket card for home care nurses and informal caregivers and telephone peer counselling to give all participants the capability, opportunity and the motivation to apply the intervention. In order to ensure an optimised usual care in the control group, GPs get an information meeting addressing the national guideline. The primary outcome is the impact of VDB on participation and mobility of patients after six month follow-up, assessed using the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) questionnaire. Secondary outcomes are physical activity, static and dynamic balance, falls and fear of falling as well as quality of life. We will also evaluate safety and health economic aspects of the intervention. Behavioural changes of the participants as well as barriers, facilitating factors and mechanisms of impact of the implementation will be investigated with a comprehensive process evaluation in a mixed-methods design.

Discussion

With our results we aim to improve evidence-based health care of community-dwelling older people with VDB in primary care.

Trial registration

DRKS, DRKS00028524 retrospectively registered on March 24, 2022, https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00028524
The VertiGO! Trial: study protocol for evaluating efficacy and safety of prolonged daily stimulation with a multichannel vestibulocochlear implant prototype
Authors: Vermorken Bernd , Volpe B. , Boxel S.C.J. van , Stultiens J.J.A. , Hoof M. van , Loos E. , Soest A. van , Guinand N. , Fornos A. Pérez , Rompaey V. van , Devocht E. , de Berg R. van
Published: November 2022

Background: A combined vestibular (VI) and cochlear implant (CI) device, also known as the vestibulocochlear implant (VCI), was previously developed to restore both vestibular and auditory function. A new refined prototype is currently being investigated. This prototype allows for concurrent multichannel vestibular and cochlear stimulation. Although recent studies showed that VCI stimulation enables compensatory eye, body and neck movements, the constraints in these acute study designs prevent them from creating more general statements over time. Moreover, the clinical relevance of potential VI and CI interactions is not yet studied. The VertiGO! Trial aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of prolonged daily motion modulated stimulation with a multichannel VCI prototype.
Methods: A single-center clinical trial will be carried out to evaluate prolonged VCI stimulation, assess general safety and explore interactions between the CI and VI. A single-blind randomized controlled cross-over design will be implemented to evaluate the efficacy of three types of stimulation (i.e. two types of motion-modulated stimulation versus unmodulated baseline stimulation). Furthermore, this study will provide a proof-of-concept for a VI rehabilitation program. A total of minimum eight, with a maximum of 13, participants suffering from bilateral vestibulopathy and severe sensorineural hearing loss in the ear to implant will be included and followed over a five-year period. A VCI will be implanted into all three semicircular canals via the intralabyrinthine approach, and into the cochlea. After CI-rehabilitation, the VI will be fitted and one day of baseline testing will be planned before three periods of prolonged VI stimulation take place. Efficacy will be evaluated by collecting functional (i.e. image stabilization) and more fundamental (i.e. vestibulo-ocular reflexes, self-motion perception) outcomes. Hearing performance with a VCI and patient-reported outcomes will be included as well.
Discussion: The proposed schedule of fitting, stimulation and outcome testing allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the feasibility and long-term safety of a multichannel VCI prototype. This design will give insights into vestibular and hearing performance during VCI stimulation. Results will also provide insights into the expected daily benefit of prolonged VCI stimulation, paving the way for cost-effectiveness analyses and a more comprehensive clinical implementation of electrical vestibulocochlear stimulation in the future.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04918745. Registered 28 April 2021
Combined Wide-Field Imaging in Grading Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Menean Matteo , Sacconi Riccardo , Tombolini Beatrice , Federico Fantaguzzi , Bandello Francesco , Querques Giuseppe
Published: November 2022

Objectives: To detect retinal neovascularization elsewhere (NVE), of the optic disc (NVD) and intraretinal microvascular abnormalities (IRMA) in treatment naïve diabetic retinopathy (DR) and compare these findings by using 90° Wide-Field Color Fundus Photography (WF CFP), Wide-Field Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) and the combination of WF CFP and OCTA through overlay software.
Methods: Patients with treatment naïve severe non-proliferative DR or proliferative DR were prospectively enrolled. All patients underwent WF-CFP and OCTA in the same day. Two readers independently analysed WF-CFP, SD-OCTA and the overlay of the two techniques. The degree of agreement between the two raters and between different techniques (WF CFP, OCTA, WF CFP combined to OCTA) were measured with Cohen’s Kappa coefficient.
Results: Thirty-one eyes from 21 patients (10 males, mean age 63 ± 15 years) were included. Inter-rater agreement by using WF-CFP in detection of NVE, NVD and IRMA was respectively 0.62, 0.22 and 0.55. OCTA scored values of inter-rater agreement of 0.86, 0.87 and 0.92 in detection of NVE, NVD and IRMA, respectively. By combining WF-CFP and SD-OCTA, inter-rater agreement in detection of NVE, NVD and IRMA was 0.93, 0.94 and 0.89, respectively.
Conclusion: Inter-rater agreement in detection of NVE, NVD and IRMA was substantial, fair and moderate, respectively. OCTA provided almost perfect values of inter-rater agreement in NVE, NVD and IRMA detection. Combining WF-CFP and OCTA further empowered concordance values in detection of NVE and NVD. Combining OCTA and WF-CFP is the best performance to detect NVE and NVD.
Effect of brief verbal intervention (BVI) on the quality of optometry service by using unannounced standardized patient (USP) with refractive error: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial (RCT)
Authors: Liang Huijuan , Li Jiaqi , Chen Xiaoshan , Luo Huanyuan , He Wenjun , Liu Siyuan , Zhang Nan , Zhang Ruotong , Zhang Lanping , Liu Yujie , Zhao Qing , Lv Sensen , Li Chunping , Xie Yunyun , Xu Dong (Roman)
Published: November 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Zinc oxide nanoparticles in combination with biochar alleviates arsenic accumulation in field grown rice crop
Authors: SHUKLA KAVITA , Khanam Rubina , Biswas Jayanta kumar , Srivast Sudhakar
Published: November 2022

Plants require zinc (Zn) as an essential micronutrient since Zn plays important roles in metabolism. Arsenic (As) is a toxic metalloid whose accumulation in plants hampers growth of plants. Rice crops are grown under flooded conditions that make them vulnerable to double jeopardy of Zn deficiency andAs stress. The goal of this study was to observe the effect of ZnO nanoparticle (NPs) and ZnO-NPs + biochar on As and Zn accumulation in and growth of rice plants grown under flooded conditions. The study area was Chausa block in Buxar district, Bihar, India. Rice crops were treated with 80 mg L-1 of ZnO-NPs and biochar was added to soil at rate of 10 t ha-1. ZnO-NPs were sprayed at heading and jointing stage of crop development. The results showed a significant increase in plant biomass and total chlorophyll content in ZnO-NPs and ZnO-NPs + biochar with respect to control. The decline in electrolytic leakage and malondialdihyde (MDA) content was observed to be 48-62% and 14-55%, respectively in treated plants as compared to control. Further, As accumulation was reduced in rice tissues and grains while Zn accumulation was increased. The enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), and catalase (CAT) showed higher activity in treated crop plants than in control plants. The findings confirm that ZnO-NPs and their combined use with biochar in flooded regions can help to improve growth, yield and reduced As accumulation in rice plant.
K+/π+ horn: appropriate statistics for dynamical nonequilibrium nonextensive particle production
Authors: Tawfik Abdel Nasser , Yassin Hayam , Elyazeed Eman Abo
Published: November 2022

We suggest that the incapability of the thermal models in reproducing the horn-like structure of the Kaon-to-pion ratios measured at AGS, SPS, and RHIC energies and then confirmed in the Beam Energy Scan programs is likely emerged from an ad hoc utilization of inappropriate types of statistics, either extensive additive Boltzmann-Gibbs (BG) or the Tsallis-type of nonextensivity. In this regard, we emphasize that any suggested statistical approach for the dynamical and likely nonequilibrium nonextensive particle production, for example, Kaon and pion yields, should not necessarily remain valid over the whole range of the collision energies. We claim that generic (non)extensive statistics with two equivalence classes (c,d) is the most suitable statistical approach to replace all those assumptions and conjectures. Accordingly, the statistical ensemble itself becomes autonomously capable to determine its degree of extensivity or nonextensivity, where these are not necessarily limited to BG orTsallis. The generic approach covers the entire (c,d)-space, in which both extensive BG and nonextensive Tsallis statistics
are characterized by distinct equivalence classes, (1,1) and (0,q), respectively. The energy dependence of the light-, γq, and strange-quark occupation factor, γs, indicates that the produced particles are best described as a nonequilibrium ensemble, where the remarkable nonmonotonic behavior associating the horn-structure of K+/π+ ratio is qualitatively reproduced. On other hand, the resulting equivalence classes (c,d) refer to a generic nonextensivity associated with an extended exponential and a Lambert-W0 exponentially generating distribution function, which obviously emerge from free, short- and long-range correlations over the wide range of the collision energies. With this generic statistical approach, the hadron resonance gas model, ideal thermal model, excellently reproduces the K+/π+ ratio, including its nonmonotonic horn-like structure. Therefore, we conclude that the utilization of any specific type of extensive or nonextensive statistics must be strictly aligned to the statistical nature of the underlying ensemble, otherwise, the price to be paid becomes unexpectedly huge. Such a universal
conclusion apparently goes beyond the reproduction of the horn-like structure of K+/π+ ratio or particle physics to all possible statistical implications either on stock markets or economy or sociology or biological evolution or weather prediction, etc. This brings about the great deal of the present paper.
Research on regional differences, distribution dynamics and convergence of carbon emission levels of rural residents' living consumption in China
Authors: Hu Chiqun , Ma Xiaoyu
Published: November 2022

Climate change is an epochal problem that all countries in the world need to face and solve together. Actively exploring the path of carbon emission reduction is an inevitable choice to deal with climate change. Based on measuring the carbon emissions of China's rural residents' living consumption from 2000 to 2019, this study further adopts the Dagum Gini coefficient, Kernel density estimation, Markov chain, σ Convergence, and β Convergence Conduct empirical analysis on the measurement results. It is found that the differences in carbon emissions of rural residents' living consumption in the whole country, low, middle-low and middle-high level regions are all significantly decreasing, and the regional differences are the main source of the overall differences. There are no very high or very low carbon emissions of rural residents' living consumption in the middle-low level areas, while there is obvious two-stage differentiation in the middle-high level areas. There is instability in the carbon emissions of rural residents' living consumption, which can be transferred downward toward the ideal state, and there is also the risk of increasing carbon emissions and transferring upward; The whole country and the four regions showed typical σ Convergence and β Convergence characteristics. On this basis, the paper puts forward policy recommendations to reduce the spatial imbalance of carbon emissions from rural residents' living consumption. It provides a factual basis for reducing the carbon emissions of rural residents' living consumption at the current and future stages and provides a new scheme for sustainable development based on the concept of a community of shared future for mankind.
Hierarchical porous Mo-doped Co3O4 nanosheets for aqueous rechargeable zinc ion batteries with ultralong life
Authors: Lai Changwei , Qu Xiaoxiao , Guo Yao , Li Miaomiao , Song Haixiang , Lee Kwan
Published: November 2022

The aqueous rechargeable zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) have attracted many attentions because of their remarkable energy density, good reliability, and high safety as promising next-generation energy storage devices. However, the ZIBs also suffer from the restricted capacity and limited cycle life for the potential energy storage-conversion applications. In this work, the advanced Mo ions dopant in Co3O4-CNTc composites (as Mo-Co3O4-CNTc) with hierarchical porous ultrathin nanosheets have been prepared via the sol-gel method in the emulsion system as industrial manufacturing technologies and investigated as the promising cathode materials for aqueous rechargeable ZIBs. Owing to experimental electrochemical data and density-functional first-principles calculations, the as-prepared Mo-Co3O4-CNTc composites represent superior electrochemical performance than pure Co3O4 and Mo-Co3O4 electrode materials. Furthermore, the as-prepared MoCo-Zn batteries with zinc metal foil anode and Mo-Co3O4-CNTc cathode exhibited specific capacity of 195.7 mAh g–1 at 0.5 A g–1, energy density of 237.6 Wh kg–1 at 1692.4 W kg–1, and remarkably ultralong cycling life over 10000 cycles with 85.1% capacity retention according to the hierarchical porous structures with opened space as “ion-buffering reservoirs”. The MoCo-Zn batteries were systematically further investigated in the zinc ions storage mechanism via the ex-situ XRD patterns, Raman spectra, and XPS measurements. Hence, this work may promote the further development of innovative strategy to synthesize the carbon modification composites with hierarchical porous nanosheets as cathode materials for the ultra-long cycle-life aqueous rechargeable ZIBs towards potential applications.
Secondary conformation of MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 Spike Proteins revealed by Infrared Vibrational Spectroscopy
Authors: D'Arco Annalisa , Fabrizio Marta Di , Mancini Tiziana , Mosetti Rosanna , Macis Salvatore , Tranfo Giovanna , Ventura Giancarlo Della , Marcelli Augusto , Petrarca Massimo , Lupi Stefano
Published: November 2022

All coronaviruses are characterized by spike glycoproteins whose S1 subunit contains the receptor binding domain anchoring the virus to the host cellular membrane and regulating virus transmissibility and infectious process. Although the protein/receptor interaction depends on the spike secondary-conformation, in particular to its S1 unit, few is known about the secondary-structure of different coronaviruses. In this paper the S1 conformation is investigated for MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 in serological condition, by measuring their Amide I infrared vibrational absorption bands. The SARS-CoV-2 secondary structure reveals a strong difference in comparison to MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV ones, with a higher amount of intermolecular β-sheet content. Moreover, the conformation of SARS-CoV-2 S1 shows a significant change by moving from serological pH and mild acidic to alkaline pH conditions close to the bat ecological niche. Both results suggest a huge capability of SARS-CoV-2 S1 glycoprotein to adapt its secondary structure to different environments.
The Low Expression Of ALDOB Is Associated With Poor Prognosis In Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Cai Zhenxin , Bai Peide , Huang Haichao , Chen Bowen , Zhang Wenzhao , Luo Yu , Miao Chaohao , Hong Yongqiang , Lai Longhui , Zhu Kai , Zeng Yankai , Yang Yufeng , Xing Jinchun , Zhuang Xuan , Wang Tao
Published: November 2022

Objective: Fructose bisphosphate aldolase (ALDOB) is a glycolytic metabolic enzyme, which is considered to be a therapeutic target for many cancers. However, ALDOB expression level and its regulatory mechanism in renal clear cell carcinoma is not clear. To explore ALDOB expression level and its regulatory mechanism in renal clear cell carcinoma we downloaded gene expression data sets and analyzed them by bioinformatics.
Methods: The gene expression data sets of GSE53757, GSE40435 and GSE105261 about human renal clear cell carcinoma were downloaded from the GEO database and analyzed by using the Venn diagram. We analyzed and screened out the relationship network of the interested target genes through GeneMANIA and STRING online software. These 6 target genes obtained were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier curve. GO enrichment analysis of the target gene ALDOB was performed by DAVID, and the relationship between the expression of ALDOB and immune infiltration in clear cell renal cell carcinoma was analyzed by means of TIMER and TISIDB databases. Finally, a prognostic nomogram was constructed to predict the individual’s 3-year and 5-year survival probabilities.
Results: ALDOB gene is positively correlated to the survival and prognosis of patients with renal clear cell carcinoma. Furthermore, the overexpression of ALDOB can prolong the survival time of ccRCC patients. In addition, ALDOB can affect the ratio of CD4+T/CD8+T cells to influence renal clear cell carcinoma. Finally, the main mechanism of its overexpression prolonging the survival time of renal clear cell carcinoma may be involved in glycolysis.
Conclusions: These data showed that ALDOB gene could be a biomarker and therapeutic target for renal clear cell carcinoma