bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Levels Are Associated With Genetically Predicted Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Fan Hong , Liu Zhenqiu , Zhang Xin , Wu Sheng , Shi Tingting , Zhang Pengyan , Xu Yiyun , Chen Xingdong , Zhang Tiejun 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Context
Findings from observational studies indicate an association of thyroid hormone levels with the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); however, conflicting results remain and reverse causality may be a possibility.

Objective
This study aimed to evaluate the associations between NAFLD and both plasma thyroxine (T4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) at the phenotypic and genetic levels.

Methods
We included 14 797 participants, aged 20 to 74 years who had undergone abdominal ultrasonography during the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to examine the observational associations of TSH and T4 with NAFLD. Mediation analyses were performed to study whether the relationship between NAFLD and TSH levels was mediated via potential confounders. A bidirectional, two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was used to determine the potential causal relationship.

Results
Multivariable logistic regression model suggested a “dose-response” relationship between TSH (Q4 vs Q1: OR = 1.29; 95% CI, 1.10-1.52; Ptrend = 0.001) and NAFLD. BMI and ALT partially mediated the association between TSH and NAFLD, while the proportion of the mediation effects of BMI and ALT were 39.1% and 22.3%, respectively. In MR analyses, the inverse-variance weighted method was selected as primary method and suggested a putative causal effect of NAFLD on serum TSH levels (OR = 1.022; 95% CI, 1.002-1.043). The result was further validated in the sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion
Circulating TSH levels were associated with the risk of NAFLD. MR analysis suggested a putative causal effect of NAFLD on TSH levels.
Effect of Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator on Cholesterol Efflux Capacity, Size, and Subspecies of HDL Particles
Authors: Guo Wen , Pencina Karol M , Furtado Jeremy D , Sacks Frank M , Vaisar Tomas , Cheng Ming , Sniderman Allan D , Page Stephanie T , Bhasin Shalender 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Context
Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs), because of their preferential muscle vs prostate selectivity, are being developed for muscle-wasting conditions. Oral SARMs suppress high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) but their effects on functional capacity and atherogenic potential of HDL particles are unknown.

Objective
To determine the effects of an oral SARM (OPK-88004) on cholesterol efflux capacity, HDL particle number and size, apolipoprotein particle number and size and HDL subspecies

Methods
We measured cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC); HDL particle number and size; APOB; APOA1; and protein-defined HDL subspecies associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) risk in men, who had undergone prostatectomy for low-grade prostate cancer during 12-week treatment with placebo or 1, 5, or 15 mg of an oral SARM (OPK-88004).

Results
SARM significantly suppressed HDL-C (P &lt; .001) but HDL particle size did not change significantly. SARM had minimal effect on CEC of HDL particles (change + 0.016, –0.036, +0.070, and –0.048%/µmol-HDL/L–1 at 0, 1, 5, and 15 mg SARM, P = .045). SARM treatment suppressed APOAI (P &lt; .001) but not APOB (P = .077), and reduced APOA1 in HDL subspecies associated with increased (subspecies containing α2-macroglobulin, complement C3, or plasminogen) as well as decreased (subspecies containing APOC1 or APOE) CHD risk; relative proportions of APOA1 in these HDL subspecies did not change. SARM increased hepatic triacylglycerol lipase (HTGL) (P &lt; .001).

Conclusion
SARM treatment suppressed HDL-C but had minimal effect on its size or cholesterol efflux function. SARM reduced APOA1 in HDL subspecies associated with increased as well as decreased CHD risk. SARM-induced increase in HTGL could contribute to HDL-C suppression. These data do not support the simplistic notion that SARM-associated suppression of HDL-C is necessarily proatherogenic; randomized trials are needed to determine SARM’s effects on cardiovascular events.
Decapod egg membranes: powerful barriers or regulatory structures?
Authors: Bas Claudia C. , Ituarte Romina B. , Kittlein Marcelo J. 
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT
Osmoregulatory abilities and mechanisms of adults and larvae of decapod crustaceans have been extensively investigated. However, how embryos carried by their mothers can deal with changing or extreme salinities is less understood. The egg membranes are believed to isolate embryos from a challenging environment, although osmoregulatory ability has been demonstrated in early developing embryos (naupliar stage) of two crabs. To establish whether embryos are isolated by their membranes and/or are able to osmoregulate, we measured the survival and volume change over 48 h of oocytes and embryos in different stages of three carideans (Betaeus lilianae, Palaemon macrodactylus and P. argentinus) and the brachyuran Neohelice granulata, subjected to different salinities. In addition, we recorded osmolality changes in homogenates of the same stages in P. argentinus and N. granulata after 2 h of exposure and mapped the presence of putative sites of ions exchange in the membrane of all species. High mortality, when it occurred, was associated with low salinity and mortality variation with the stage of development depended on the species. All species precipitated silver salts in or under the egg envelope, with a different pattern between carideans and the brachyuran. Changes in osmolality and egg volume after hypo- or hyper-osmotic salinity challenges indicate that eggs are not fully isolated by their membranes, and that some osmoregulatory mechanisms are in play to maintain developmental homeostasis. We suggest that egg membranes can participate in osmoregulation by selectively transporting ions to an intramembrane space, with differences between carideans and brachyurans.
Characterization of fungus ball CT-hyperdensities within maxillary and sphenoid sinuses
Authors: Alharbi Ahmed , Reville Nicolas , Molinier Sandrine , Bastier Pierre-Louis , de Gabory Ludovic 
Published: June 2022

Objectives: CT-scan hyperdensities (HD) are described in more than 60% of all paranasal sinus fungus ball (FB) cases. Two types can be distinguished according to their density: calcium and metal types. We aimed to establish the prevalence and density of the HD observed in sphenoid and maxillary sinus FB and their relation to dental factors. Methods: This retrospective study included 64 patients operated in a tertiary referral center for unilateral maxillary or sphenoid FB diagnosed by histology or mycology. Pre-operative CT scans were analyzed by three independent observers (two ENT and one radiologist). Results: There were 45 maxillary FB and 19 sphenoid FB. 63 FB showed HD. Metal-type HD were observed in 28 maxillary FB but not in sphenoid sinuses. Among maxillary FB, the prevalence of endodontic treatment was significantly more significant on the FB side than on the healthy side (p = 0.02). The prevalence of endodontic treatment on the pathological side was more significant in the metal-type group than in the group without metal-type HD (p = 0.01). Isolated calcium-type HD were evidenced in 17 maxillary FB and 18 sphenoid FB (p = 0.019). Conclusion: This study highlights the existence of two different types of HD in FBs of the paranasal sinuses with an association between metal-type HD and endodontic treatments.
Reflection of mentors and mentees at initiation of Faculty Mentorship Program at Aga Khan University: A perspective
Authors: Rehman Rehana , Khan Fauzia , Kayani Naila , Ali Tazeen Saeed 
Published: June 2022

Objectives: To explore perception of mentors and mentees about ‘Mentorship Program at Aga Khan University Medical College (AKU-MC) from a structured feedback form
Methods: A retrospective study was conducted for evaluation of mentorship program at AKU-MC during the period from Jan 2019 to March, 2021. Responses on validated “Pre-intervention Probe Forms”, from forty-seven mentors and fourteen mentees inducted in the program were reviewed. Confidentiality and anonymity of data were deliberated. All replies to each question were entered in a separate worksheet to determine the frequency and percentage of answers. Responses conveying same message, but worded differently were then grouped.
Results: All the mentees (n=14) responded positively to the question on the “understanding of the mentoring program. The mentees (n=12, 86%) recognized the potential of the program to transfer knowledge and skills, (n=11, 79%) supported its role for achievement of goals, (n=7, 50%), acknowledged its role in faculty relationships. The mentors expressed their enthusiasm to help the mentee’s in their professional development. They (n=20, 43%) offered support to set career goals, (n=29, 62%) proposed transfer of knowledge, skills, and experiences to achieve goals, (n=15, 32%) decided to be “role models”. Some (n=10, 21%) forecasted improved communication skills, (n=14, 30%) boosted leadership capabilities, (n=13, 28%) expected improved work performance, (n=15, 32%) opinioned that networking and leadership qualities will impact the growth of the mentee to meet the university’s expectations.
Conclusion: Both mentors and mentees recognized the importance of the faculty mentorship program at AKU-MC for professional guidance, development and improvement in work performance.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.6.5454
How to cite this:Rehman R, Khan F, Kayani N, Ali TS. Reflection of mentors and mentees at initiation of Faculty Mentorship Program at Aga Khan University: A perspective . Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(6):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.6.5454
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
The 12 Ds of geriatric medical-psychiatry: A new format for geriatric case presentation
Authors: Shulman Richard , Arora Reenu , Ali Amna , Versloot Judith 
Published: June 2022

Background: We present a new format for geriatric case presentation called the 12 Ds of Geriatric Medical-Psychiatry that facilitates an integrated discussion of both the physical and mental health issues that pertain to any geriatric patient. The format can be used to replace or to complement traditional medical model case presentation and can also be used as a teaching aid to provide the parameters for a holistic view of the geriatric patient. Methods: We developed the 12 Ds of Geriatric Medical-Psychiatry for case presentation by modifying the SBAR (situation, background, assessment, recommendations) with 12 clinical considerations that apply to any geriatric patient. Following implementation of the 12 Ds of Geriatric Medical-Psychiatry case presentation in our integrated team of geriatric medicine and psychiatry healthcare providers, we successfully used the 12 Ds model to present more than 180 patients and found the model easy to use and well received by learners and colleagues. Conclusion: The 12 Ds of Geriatric Medical-Psychiatry provides a comprehensive format to discuss the pertinent issues facing geriatric patients. When used in an SBAR format, it appears to be an efficient means for integrated case presentation and/or can be used as a tool for teaching and understanding a holistic view of complex geriatric cases.
Model-Free Bounds for Multi-Asset Options Using Option-Implied Information and Their Exact Computation
Authors: Neufeld Ariel , Papapantoleon Antonis , Xiang Qikun 
Published: June 2022

We consider derivatives written on multiple underlyings in a one-period financial market, and we are interested in the computation of model-free upper and lower bounds for their arbitrage-free prices. We work in a completely realistic setting, in that we only assume the knowledge of traded prices for other single- and multi-asset derivatives and even allow for the presence of bid–ask spread in these prices. We provide a fundamental theorem of asset pricing for this market model, as well as a superhedging duality result, that allows to transform the abstract maximization problem over probability measures into a more tractable minimization problem over vectors, subject to certain constraints. Then, we recast this problem into a linear semi-infinite optimization problem and provide two algorithms for its solution. These algorithms provide upper and lower bounds for the prices that are ε-optimal, as well as a characterization of the optimal pricing measures. These algorithms are efficient and allow the computation of bounds in high-dimensional scenarios (e.g., when d = 60). Moreover, these algorithms can be used to detect arbitrage opportunities and identify the corresponding arbitrage strategies. Numerical experiments using both synthetic and real market data showcase the efficiency of these algorithms, and they also allow understanding of the reduction of model risk by including additional information in the form of known derivative prices. This paper was accepted by Chung Piaw Teo, optimization. Funding: This work was supported by the Nanyang Technological University [NAP Grant] and the Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation [Grant HFRI-FM17-2152]. Supplemental Material: The data files and online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4456 .
Evaluation: Trial of two bandaging systems for chronic venous leg ulcers
Authors: Wilkinson E. , Buttfield S. , Cooper S. , Young E. 
Published: June 2022

A four-layer bandaging system developed at Charing Cross Hospital has been found to be effective in healing chronic venous ulcers but is not available on the Drug Tariff. An alternative system was devised from bandages avai lable on the Drug Tariff and a community-based randomised controlled trial was undertaken to compare the two systems. Twenty-nine patients with a total of 35 ulcerated legs were recruited. Equal numbers of ulcerated legs healed using the two compression systems. Nineteen ulcerated legs did not heal, of which six were withdrawn from the trial - two in the trial system and four in the Charing Cross system. Of the 13 remaining ulcerated legs, for which treatment was completed, the mean reduction in ulcer area was 34% with the trial system and 39% with the Charing Cross system. The change in ulcer area was not statistically significant. However, a much larger trial is required in order to demonstrate definitively that the two bandaging systems are equivalent.
What practice nurses need to know about acute kidney injury
Authors: Ellis Peter 
Published: June 2022

Acute kidney injury is commonly seen in the community. Peter Ellis looks at the issues practice nurses might want to consider in its management in the community and when referral is necessary The true prevalence of acute kidney injury (AKI) is uncertain, but the incidence is on the increase. The signs and symptoms of AKI vary according to the exact cause of the injury, but in the community the presenting signs will usually include the patient complaining of a reduced urine output. The signs and symptoms of AKI, including oliguria, tend to have a rapid onset. There are a large number of potential causes of AKI. An understanding of the cause and classification of a particular presentation of AKI will provide the practice nurse with useful clues as to its management. The key to management of AKI in the primary care setting is the removal, or reversal, of its cause, if possible. There is a degree of clinical interpretation that needs to be applied to the referral criteria, which will be informed by the patient's age and comorbidities and the nurse's experience of their care needs and the clinical support available in the general practice. People who recover from AKI require life-long monitoring for complications.
Enhancing the sensing behavior of a reduced graphene magnetite-based plasmonic optical fiber sensor
Authors: Alwahib Ali Abdulkhaleq , Saleh Mohammed A. , Abdulrazzaq Mohammed Jalal 
Published: June 2022

The D-shaped optical fiber is a base for the magnetite-based graphene nanocomposite (rGO/Fe3O4) for a Pb heavy metal sensing layer. The designed sensor was studied under the effects of rapid annealing, water circulation, and plasmonic tuning. Various annealing temperatures (100°C, 200°C, 300°C, and 400°C) were investigated. The effect of rapid thermal annealing (RTA) temperature on the transmission results were found at a short wavelength of 300 nm and a minimum point of∼380nm. The bandgap energy was verified between 2.3 and 3.17 eV for 100°C and 400°C, respectively. The sensor results show modification toward a short wavelength by increasing the rapid annealing temperature. Compared with furnace methods, the transmittance shift of the plasmonic effect showed the best performance under the influence of RTA. RTA at 300°C and 400°C offered an acceptable degree of stability at the beginning (1–50 min). The best performance of the proposed sensor was improved by introducing a circulating liquid chamber into the initial design. The resonance shifts due to Pb ion concentration (5, 10, and 15 ppm) were studied for transmission and wavelength shifts. The sensor shift was enhanced by using a free space polarizer controller attached to the second design. The results give detection and sensing potential in the visible range at a possible remarkable response time. The figure of merit was 62.5 a.u., and the maximum sensitivity was 1 a.u./ppm by using a polarizer controller. This article presents the optical characterizations of plasmonic sensor-basedrGO/Fe3O4for detecting Pb ions and enhancing the resonance shift. RTA for composite material and water circulation associated with D-shaped optical fiber enhances response time and stability designed using a polarizer controller.
Nickel-vanadium layered double hydroxide for a mid-infrared 2  µm Tm:YAG ceramic ultrafast laser
Authors: Cai Enlin , Kong Xiangzheng , Zhang Shuaiyi , Xu Jianyi , Liu Yan , Guo Guanghai 
Published: June 2022

In this study, a nickel-vanadium layered double hydroxide (NiV-LDH) nanosheet was prepared as a saturable absorber (SA) by liquid phase exfoliation and a drop-coating method. The microstructure and optical transmission properties of the obtained NiV-LDH nanosheet were then systematically studied. An “X”-type fold cavity was designed to evaluate the ultrafast laser modulation performance of the NiV-LDH nanosheet with a Tm:YAG ceramic gain medium. A stable passively

Q

-switched mode-locked (QML) pulse centered at 2011.6 nm has successfully been realized, with a repetition frequency of 145 MHz and a pulse duration of 320 ps. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that the LDH has been used as an SA in a mid-infrared range ultrafast laser.
Experimental real-time GbE MIMO FSO under fog conditions with software defined GNU Radio platform-based adaptive switching
Authors: Htay Zun , Guerra-Yánez Carlos , Ghassemlooy Zabih , Zvanovec Stanislav , Abadi Mojtaba Mansour , Burton Andrew 
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we demonstrate the first, to our knowledge, experimental implementation of a gigabit Ethernet multiple input single output free space optical (FSO) communications link using adaptive switching implemented in the software defined open-source software, GNU Radio, and analyze its performance. A fully functional FSO link with a feedback path is implemented using cost effective off-the-shelf components, i.e., media converters and small form-factor pluggable modules. We propose a switching mechanism at the transmitter to improve the link performance under different fog conditions and provide results for the proposed FSO system compared with a single FSO link. The real-time channel estimation is demonstrated and, based on the channel state information, adaptive switching is carried out in GNU Radio. We show that the proposed system under the heavy fog condition offers almost the same packet error rate under the clear channel but with a reduced data rate by about 100 Mbps (i.e., 600 Mbps).
Plasmonically enhanced composite vortex beam generation using ultra-thin dielectric fork gratings
Authors: Kumar Nirjhar , Arora Ankit , Krishnan Ananth 
Published: June 2022

We experimentally demonstrate a simple method for the generation of composite vortex beams using resonant ultra-thin dielectric fork gratings (UFGs) of thicknesses an order of magnitude less than the incident wavelength. The degradation in the diffraction efficiency of these gratings at reduced dielectric thicknesses was computationally shown to be compensated for by introducing a thin continuous gold layer (Au, 30 nm) between the grating and the substrate. At the resonance wavelength, the diffraction efficiency of UFGs with Au was

∼

4

times higher when compared to that of UFGs without Au, which was attributed to plasmon-induced transmission enhancement. UFGs were fabricated with optimized geometric parameters using electron beam lithography. These gratings showed lattice-plasmon resonance at the wavelength corresponding to the grating vector, resulting in vortex beams with a specific wavelength and polarization selectivity. Further, hybrid UFGs were designed by replacing a central concentric circular region of a UFG with another UFG of a different topological charge. These hybrid UFGs resulted in the formation of composite vortex beams, indicating that the relative spatial phase imparted to the lattice plasmon by hybrid gratings was preserved in the leaked radiation. These results can help in designing integrated, ultra-thin, low aspect ratio optical-phase-singularity structures for enhanced optical sources, detectors, and sensing applications.
Single-/fused-band dual-mode mid-infrared imaging with colloidal quantum-dot triple-junctions
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Mu Ge , Cao Jie , Luo Yuning , Hao Qun , Chen Menglu , Tan Yimei , Zhao Pengfei , Tang Xin 
Published: June 2022

Image data acquired with fused multispectral information can be used for effective identification and navigation owing to additional information beyond human vision, including thermal distribution, night vision, and molecular composition. However, the construction of photodetectors with such capabilities is hindered by the structural complexity arising from the integration of multiple semiconductor junctions with distinct energy gaps and lattice constants. In this work, we develop a colloidal quantum-dot dual-mode detector capable of detecting, separating, and fusing photons from various wavelength ranges. Using three vertically stacked colloidal quantum-dot homojunctions with alternating polarity, single-band short-wave infrared imaging and fused-band imaging (short-wave and mid-wave infrared) can be achieved with the same detector by controlling bias polarity and magnitude. The dual-mode detectors show detectivity up to

8
×

10

10

Jones at the fused-band mode and

3.1
×

10

11

Jones at the single-band mode, respectively. Without image post-processing algorithms, the dual-mode detectors could provide both night vision and thermal information-enhanced night vision imaging capability. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first colloidal quantum-dot detector that can achieve such functionality. The operation mode can be changed at a high frequency up to 1.7 MHz, making it possible to achieve simultaneously dual-mode imaging and remote temperature sensing.