bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Precision measurement of the specific activity of $$^{39}$$Ar in atmospheric argon with the DEAP-3600 detector
Authors: Adhikari P. , Ajaj R. , Alpízar-Venegas M. , Amaudruz P.-A. , Anstey J. , Araujo G. R. , Auty D. J. , Baldwin M. , Batygov M. , Beltran B. , Benmansour H. , Bina C. E. , Bonatt J. , Bonivento W. , Boulay M. G. , Broerman B. , Bueno J. F. , Burghardt P. M. , Butcher A. , Cadeddu M. , Cai B. , Cárdenas-Montes M. , Cavuoti S. , Chen M. , Chen Y. , Choudhary S. , Cleveland B. T. , Corning J. M. , Crampton R. , Cranshaw D. , Daugherty S. , DelGobbo P. , Dering K. , Stefano P. Di , DiGioseffo J. , Dolganov G. , Doria L. , Duncan F. A. , Dunford M. , Ellingwood E. , Erlandson A. , Farahani S. S. , Fatemighomi N. , Fiorillo G. , Florian S. , Flower A. , Ford R. J. , Gagnon R. , Gallacher D. , Abia P. García , Garg S. , Giampa P. , Giménez-Alcázar A. , Goeldi D. , Golovko V. V. , Gorel P. , Graham K. , Grant D. R. , Grobov A. , Hallin A. L. , Hamstra M. , Harvey P. J. , Haskins S. , Hearns C. , Hu J. , Hucker J. , Hugues T. , Ilyasov A. , Jigmeddorj B. , Jillings C. J. , Joy A. , Kamaev O. , Kaur G. , Kemp A. , Kuźniak M. , Zia F. La , Lai M. , Langrock S. , Lehnert B. , Leonhardt A. , LePage-Bourbonnais J. , Levashko N. , Lidgard J. , Lindner T. , Lissia M. , Lock J. , Luzzi L. , Machulin I. , Majewski P. , Maru A. , Mason J. , McDonald A. B. , McElroy T. , McGinn T. , McLaughlin J. B. , Mehdiyev R. , Mielnichuk C. , Mirasola L. , Monroe J. , Nadeau P. , Nantais C. , Ng C. , Noble A. J. , O’Dwyer E. , Oliviéro G. , Ouellet C. , Pal S. , Papi D. , Pasuthip P. , Peeters S. J. M. , Perry M. , Pesudo V. , Picciau E. , Piro M.-C. , Pollmann T. R. , Rad F. , Rand E. T. , Rethmeier C. , Retière F. , Rodríguez García I. , Roszkowski L. , Ruhland J. B. , Santorelli R. , Schuckman II F. G. , Seeburn N. , Seth S. , Shalamova V. , Singhrao K. , Skensved P. , Smith N. J. T. , Smith B. , Sobotkiewich K. , Sonley T. , Sosiak J. , Soukup J. , Stainforth R. , Stone C. , Strickland V. , Stringer M. , Sur B. , Tang J. , Vázquez-Jáuregui E. , Veloce L. , Viel S. , Vyas B. , Walczak M. , Walding J. , Ward M. , Westerdale S. , Willis J. , Zuñiga-Reyes A. ,   DEAP Collaboration
Published: July 2023

The specific activity of the $$\beta $$
β
decay of $$^{39}$$

39

Ar in atmospheric argon is measured using the DEAP-3600 detector. DEAP-3600, located 2 km underground at SNOLAB, uses a total of (3269 ± 24) kg of liquid argon distilled from the atmosphere to search for dark matter. This detector is well-suited to measure the decay of $$^{39}$$

39

Ar owing to its very low background levels. This is achieved in two ways: it uses low background construction materials; and it uses pulse-shape discrimination to differentiate between nuclear recoils and electron recoils. With 167 live-days of data, the measured specific activity at the time of atmospheric extraction is (0.964 ± 0.001$$_\textrm{stat}$$

stat

± 0.024$$_\textrm{sys}$$

sys

) Bq/kg$$_\textrm{atmAr}$$

atmAr

, which is consistent with results from other experiments. A cross-check analysis using different event selection criteria and a different statistical method confirms the result.
Shape transition around 222Ra based on finite-temperature covariant density functional theory
Authors: Zhang Wei , Huang Jin-Ke , Niu Yi-Fei
Published: July 2023

The shape evolution and potential energy surfaces of even–even [Formula: see text]Ra are investigated in the [Formula: see text] plane by the covariant density functional theory. For octupole-deformed [Formula: see text]Ra, the free energy surfaces, the deformations, the pairing gaps, the excitation energy as well as the specific heat with increasing temperature are analyzed. Based on the specific heat, [Formula: see text]Ra exhibits three distinct discontinuities as the temperature rises. The first pairing transition occurs at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]MeV, while the second one happens at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]MeV when octupole deformation disappears, and the third one takes place at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]MeV as quadrupole deformation approaches zero. The gaps at [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in the single-particle levels are responsible for the octupole global minima. The shape transitions not only occur between even–even [Formula: see text]Ra, but also occur with increasing temperature for [Formula: see text]Ra.
The difference between charge polarizations of fission fragments deduced by the static theoretical model and in the current data library
Authors: Ebata Shuichiro , Okumura Shin , Ishizuka Chikako , Chiba Satoshi
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we propose a theoretical method to deduce the charge polarization (CP) and most probable charge for fission fragments for the selected range of mass numbers based on a quantum many-body framework, namely, a constrained Skyrme Hartree–Fock+BCS model. We investigate the CP on the low energy neutron-induced fission of [Formula: see text]U as a representative reaction. We have found that the calculated CP has a noticeable dip that is clearly affected by the spherical shell structure around [Formula: see text]Sn and deformed one around [Formula: see text]144 and a peak for their counterparts, which are common features to those of widely-used Wahl’s systematics, but otherwise, our CP values converge to zero. Especially, we could not see a deep valley and a big hump in the region of symmetric fission at [Formula: see text]112 and 124 present in Wahl’s systematics. The gradient of our CP near the symmetric fission is negative concerning the mass number of fission fragments, which is consistent with other previous theoretical studies; however, that is the opposite of the gradient in Wahl’s systematics. This paper shows the difference between the charge distribution of fission fragments, which has been used practically so far, in comparison with the calculation by microscopic nuclear theory.
Semi-quantum key distribution using qudit systems and security proof
Authors: Hu WenWen , Zhou Ri-Gui , Jiang She-Xiang
Published: July 2023

Most prior semi-quantum key distribution (SQKD) protocols are designed in the context of qubits. In this paper, we proposed an SQKD protocol using ([Formula: see text]+1) quantum states in two mutually unbiased bases in the context of qudits without invoking the classical party’s measurement capability. It not only decreases the quantum states sent by quantum party by half, but also improves the efficiency of key rate than qubits do. To prove the security of present protocol, we first illustrate that the present protocol is completely robust, and then prove its unconditional security from information theoretical perspective by computing its key rate and noise tolerance against cloning-based individual attack. The unconditional security proof demonstrates that the higher dimension of quantum system is, the higher key rate can be obtained and the higher noise tolerance is allowed in depolarization channel.
Surface family with a common Mannheim B-pair asymptotic curve
Authors: Ayvacı Kebire Hilal , Atalay Gülnur Şaffak
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we construct a surface family possessing a Mannheim B-pair of a given curve as an asymptotic curve. Using the Bishop frame of the given Mannheim B curves, we present the surface as a linear combination of this frame and analyze the necessary and sufficient condition for a given curve such that its Mannheim B-pairs are both isoparametric and asymptotic on a parametric surface. The extension to ruled surfaces is also outlined. In addition, necessary and sufficient conditions have been given for the development of this ruled surface family. Finally, we present some interesting examples to show the validity of this study.
Diagnostic Value of OPNI in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Jing , Yang Daofeng
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world. The overall prognosis of patients with HCC is not very ideal. Early detection of HCC has become one of the important means to reduce mortality. More and more studies have pointed out that inflammatory markers based on hematology, such as Onodera’s prognostic nutritional index (OPNI), have important clinical significance. However, there is a lack of relevant research on the diagnosis of HCC by inflammatory markers. Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 633 patients and prospectively recruited 121 consecutive patients, to explore the correlation between inflammatory markers and diagnosis of HCC. Based on the prognostic indicators, different diagnostic models were constructed and the diagnostic performance of different models was further compared. Results: The best cutoff value of OPNI in the diagnosis of HCC is 43.925. Area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) of gender + age + AFP + OPNI diagnosis of HCC is 0.837 (95% CI: 0.702–0.868) in the retrospective cohort. Compared with gender + age + AFP, the Nagelkerke R2 of gender + age + AFP + OPNI increased from 0.234 to 0.426, and AUC increased by 0.0973 (95% CI: 0.0659–0.1290). DeLong test, net reclassification improvement (NRI) test, and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) test are all statistically significant. In the prospective cohort, AUC of gender + age + AFP + OPNI diagnosis of HCC is 0.782 (95% CI: 0.696–0.869). Compared with gender + age + AFP, NRI test is statistically significant (categorical 0.0909 [95% CI: 0.0060–0.1759], p = 0.0359). Conclusion: In the process of monitoring the occurrence of HCC in patients with risk factors, OPNI can be included as appropriate to improve the accuracy of HCC diagnosis.
Casual Serum Triglyceride Concentrations and New-Onset Chronic Kidney Disease in the General Japanese Population: The Iki City Epidemiological Study of Atherosclerosis and Chronic Kidney Disease Study
Authors: Takahashi Koji , Nishida Yoshihiro , Yokota Soichiro , Tada Kazuhiro , Hiyamuta Hiroto , Ito Kenji , Yasuno Tetsuhiko , Maeda Tosihki , Arima Hisatomi , Masutani Kosuke
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Non-fasting triglyceride (TG) concentrations are useful for predicting various diseases, but most epidemiological studies investigated the association between fasting TG concentrations and chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aimed to examine the association between casual (fasting or non-fasting) serum TG concentrations and new-onset CKD in the general Japanese population. Methods: We conducted a population-based, retrospective cohort study using annual health checkup data of residents of Iki City, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. Between 2008 and 2019, participants without CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and/or proteinuria) at baseline were included. Casual serum TG concentrations were classified by sex as tertile 1 (men: <0.95 mmol/L; women: <0.86 mmol/L), tertile 2 (0.95–1.49 mmol/L; 0.86–1.25 mmol/L), and tertile 3 (≥1.50 mmol/L; ≥1.26 mmol/L). The outcome was incident CKD. Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using the Cox proportional hazards model. Results: 4,946 participants (2,236 [45%] men and 2,710 [55%] women; 3,666 [74%] fasting and 1,182 [24%] non-fasting) were included in the present analysis. During an average follow-up of 5.2 years, 934 participants (434 men and 509 women) developed CKD. In men, the incidence rate (per 1,000 person-years) of CKD increased with an elevation in TG concentrations (tertile 1: 29.4, tertile 2: 42.2, and tertile 3: 43.3). This association was significant, even after adjustment for other risk factors of age, current smoking habits, current alcohol intake, exercise habits, obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyper-low-density-lipoprotein cholesterolemia, and use of lipid-lowering therapy (p = 0.003 for trend). In contrast, in women, TG concentrations were not associated with incident CKD (p = 0.547 for trend). Conclusion: Casual serum TG concentrations are significantly associated with new-onset CKD in Japanese men in the general population.
Current Status of Endoscopic Full-Thickness Resection for Gastric Subepithelial Tumors: A Literature Review Over Two Decades
Authors: Tada Naoya , Kobara Hideki , Nishiyama Noriko , Fujihara Shintaro , Masaki Tsutomu , Uedo Noriya
Published: July 2023

Background: With the development of endoscopic technology and devices, endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) has been challengingly introduced for gastric subepithelial tumors (SETs). The resection and closure strategies are under investigation. This systematic review was performed to assess the current status and limitations of EFTR for gastric SETs. Summary: MEDLINE was searched using the keywords “endoscopic full-thickness resection” or “gastric endoscopic full-thickness closure” AND “gastric” or “stomach” from January 2001 to July 2022. The outcome variables were the complete resection rate, major adverse event (AE) rate including delayed bleeding and delayed perforation, and closure-associated outcomes. Among 288 studies, 27 eligible studies involving 1,234 patients were included in this review. The complete resection rate was 99.7% (1,231/1,234). The major AE rate was 1.13% (14/1,234), with delayed bleeding in two (0.16%) patients, delayed perforation in one (0.08%), panperitonitis or abdominal abscess in three (0.24%), and other AEs in eight (0.64%). Surgical interventions were required intraoperatively or postoperatively in 7 patients (0.56%). Three patients underwent intraoperative conversion to surgery, due to intraoperative massive bleeding, technical difficulty of closure, and retrieval of falling tumor in the peritoneal cavity. Postoperative surgical rescues for AEs were required in four (0.32%). Subgroup analysis of AE outcomes showed no significant differences among closure techniques consisting of endoclips, purse-string suturing, and over-the-scope clips. Key Messages: This systematic review demonstrated acceptable outcomes of EFTR and closure for gastric SETs, indicating that EFTR is a promising forthcoming procedure.
High Frequency of Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Nested Case-Control Study
Authors: Neri Benedetto , Russo Consuelo , Mossa Michelangela , Martire Francesco Giuseppe , Selntigia Aikaterini , Mancone Roberto , Calabrese Emma , Rizzo Giuseppe , Exacoustos Caterina , Biancone Livia
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and endometriosis are chronic inflammatory diseases occurring in young women, sharing some clinical manifestations. In a multidisciplinary approach, we aimed to investigate symptoms, type, and site of pelvic endometriosis in IBD patients versus non-IBD controls with endometriosis. Methods: In a prospective nested case-control study, all female premenopausal IBD patients showing symptoms compatible with endometriosis were enrolled. Patients were referred to dedicated gynecologists for assessing pelvic endometriosis by transvaginal sonography (TVS). Each IBD patient with endometriosis (cases) was retrospectively matched for age (±5 years) and body mass index (±1) with 4 patients with endometriosis at TVS but no-IBD (controls). Data were expressed as median [range]; the Mann-Whitney or Student t and χ2 tests were used for comparisons. Results: Endometriosis was diagnosed in 25 (71%) out of 35 IBD patients with compatible symptoms including 12 (52.6%) Crohn’s disease and 13 (47.4%) ulcerative colitis patients. Dyspareunia and dyschezia were significantly more frequent in cases versus controls (25 [73.7%] vs. 26 [45.6%]; p = 0.03). At TVS, deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) and posterior adenomyosis were significantly more frequently observed in cases versus controls (25 [100%] vs. 80 [80%]; p = 0.03 and 19 [76%] vs. 48 [48%]; p = 0.02). Conclusions: Endometriosis was detected in two-thirds of IBD patients with compatible symptoms. The frequency of DIE and posterior adenomyosis was higher in IBD than in controls. A diagnosis of endometriosis, often mimicking IBD activity, should be considered in subgroups of female patients with IBD.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Patients Utilizing Complementary Medicine at a Tertiary Referral Hospital in Eastern Switzerland
Authors: Schlegel Tiffany , Haegele-Link Stefan , Bertotto Corrado , Rieger Urte , Wittchow Sophia , Schlaeppi Marc , Templeton Arnoud J
Published: July 2023

Background: In 2012, the Cantonal Hospital of St. Gallen, a tertiary referral hospital in Eastern Switzerland, opened its Center for Integrative Medicine (ZIM). This study aims to characterize disease and treatment characteristics of adult patients treated at the ZIM. Patients and Methods: For all new patients, physicians at the ZIM completed questionnaires on patients’ diagnoses and treatments. Descriptive statistics for categorical variables were reported as percentages. Univariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the data. The analysis was performed with the statistical software package SPSS (IBM). Results: From 2015 to 2020, 4,592 new patients were seen at the ZIM. The most common diagnosis in the supergroups was cancer (48%), followed by pain diagnoses (33%). Chronic pain as a subgroup was represented the most in patients (29%). Anthroposophical medication was the most commonly prescribed therapy, in 74% of patients with cancer and 73% with pain diagnosis. The latter was associated with the prescription of eurythmy therapy (OR: 3.80, p < 0.001), traditional Chinese medicine (OR: 3.34, p < 0.001), or art therapy (OR: 5.15, p < 0.001), whereas mistletoe therapy was the preferred treatment option (OR: 59.0, p < 0.001) for a cancer diagnosis. Conclusion and Outlook: The results will help adapt CM services to patients’ needs and provide a good basis for the planning of future services in CM in major hospitals. Further research should be conducted focusing on specific health outcomes.
Electronic Nicotine Dispensing Systems Compared to Traditional Cigarettes in Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Patient and Dermatologist Perceptions
Authors: Poondru Sneha , Scott Kourtney , Riley Julia M
Published: July 2023

Background: Smoking cigarettes can have deleterious effects on hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) disease severity, but little is known about the relationship between vaping electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and HS severity. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the rate of ENDS use in those with HS and the perceptions of HS participants and dermatologists on the relationship between vaping and HS. Methods: Two separate cross-sectional, anonymous, multiple-choice questionnaires were administered. One questionnaire was distributed to those with HS recruited via online HS-related forums. Inclusion criteria were diagnosis of HS, age 18 and over, and residence in USA. The other questionnaire was distributed to currently practicing, board-certified dermatologists recruited via an email listserv. Results: Overall, 302 participants with HS completed the questionnaire. Fifty-six participants (18.5%) smoke cigarettes and 41 participants (13.6%) vape ENDS. One-third of ENDS users (14/41) switched from cigarettes to ENDS after learning of their HS diagnosis, of which 78.6% (11/14) believed that the switch decreased the severity and/or frequency of their HS flares. Fifty dermatologists completed the questionnaire, of whom over half (54%, 27/50) were unsure about the relationship between vaping and HS severity. Conclusions: As cigarette smoking and HS are closely linked, the use of ENDS in HS warrants further study.
Illness Denial in Medical Disorders: A Systematic Review
Authors: Patierno Chiara , Fava Giovanni A. , Carrozzino Danilo
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Illness denial pertains to medical patients who do not acknowledge the presence or severity of their disease or the need of treatment. Objective: This systematic review was performed to clarify the clinical role and manifestations of illness denial, its impact on health attitudes and behavior, as well as on short- and long-term outcomes in patients with medical disorders. Methods: The systematic search according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Results: The initial search yielded a total of 14,098 articles; 176 studies met the criteria for inclusion. Illness denial appeared to be a relatively common condition affecting a wide spectrum of health attitudes and behavior. In some cases, it may help a person cope with various stages of illness and treatment. In other situations, it may determine delay in seeking treatment, impaired adherence, and reduced self-management, leading to adverse outcomes. The Diagnostic Criteria for Psychosomatic Research (DCPR) were found to set a useful severity threshold for the condition. An important clinical distinction can also be made based on the DCPR for illness denial, which require the assessment of whether the patient has been provided with an adequate appraisal of the medical situation. Conclusions: This systematic review indicates that patients with medical disorders experience and express illness denial in many forms and with varying degrees of severity. The findings suggest the need for a multidimensional assessment and provide challenging insights into the management of medical disorders.
Response Prediction Model of Atezolizumab plus Bevacizumab in Patients with Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Ueno Masaki , Kosaka Hisashi , Iida Hiroya , Ida Yoshiyuki , Aoi Kazunori , Mori Haruki , Miyamoto Atsushi , Nishida Yuko , Hayami Shinya , Kawai Manabu , Kaibori Masaki
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (ATZ+BV) treatment has become the first-line regimen for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (u-HCC). Prediction of response to it might be clinically beneficial. Using peripheral blood parameters, we aimed to construct a prediction model for ATZ+BV treatment. Methods: Clinical records of 119 patients with u-HCC treated by ATZ+BV were retrospectively analyzed. The primary outcome measurement was defined as any-size reduction at the initial image evaluation. Using baseline values of peripheral blood parameters, a prediction model was constructed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Validation was performed internally by bootstrap method. Results: The primary outcome was achieved in 46 patients. Univariate analysis showed that C-reactive protein (CRP), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were possible predictors. CRP and DCP, and NLR and PLR had correlation (correlation coefficient >0.3), so we used CRP and NLR as representative factors, respectively. Multivariate analysis constructed the following prediction model: Logit = 1.62–0.61×[CRP] −0.38×[Log10AFP] −0.37×[NLR]. Bootstrapped median (95% confidence interval) of coefficients of CRP, Log10AFP, NLR were −0.64 (−1.46 ∼ −0.11), −0.40 (−0.82 ∼ −0.03), and −0.38 (−0.74 ∼ −0.05), respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (95% confidence interval) was 0.73 (0.60–0.80). Median overall survival of the favorably and unfavorably predicted groups were 17.0 and 11.0 months (p = 0.03), respectively. Discussion: In patients with u-HCC treated by ATZ+BEV, a prediction model constructed using baseline values of CRP, AFP, and NLR had impact on any-size reduction at the initial image evaluation and on prognosis.
Sex Differences and Positive Dose-Response Relationships between Serum Osteocalcin Levels and Low Muscle Strength
Authors: Chen Pei-Yun , Lee Yi-Hsuan , Chiang Chien-Hsieh , Chang Hao-Hsiang , Lu Chia-Wen , Huang Kuo-Chin
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Impaired handgrip strength is an indication for sarcopenia and frailty screening, and is associated with increased osteoporotic risks and all-cause mortality. Osteocalcin, secreted by osteoblasts, is a versatile factor that participates in bone turnover and muscle adaptation. The role of osteocalcin in muscle strength has mainly been discussed in animal models and requires more human data. The study aimed to investigate the association between the serum osteocalcin level and handgrip strength in middle-aged individuals and older adults with diabetes. Methods: Adult participants (aged 40 and above, N = 237) with diabetes were enrolled in a medical center in northern Taiwan. Subjects were divided into normal, low muscle mass without dynapenia, dynapenia without low muscle mass, and groups of low muscle mass with dynapenia according to their handgrip strength and muscle mass measurements. Physical performance, including handgrip strength, repeated sit-to-stand tests, walking speed, and short physical performance batteries, was documented. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Results: The median serum osteocalcin level was highest in the dynapenic group without low muscle mass (median [Q1, Q3], 14.1 [11.2, 16.3] ng/mL). Multivariate logistic regression showed that a higher serum osteocalcin level was associated with worse handgrip strength (OR: 3.89, 95% CI: 1.66–9.10) after adjusting for body mass index (adiposity), skeletal muscle mass index (muscle), and medication with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor. Further sex stratification revealed a more significant association between serum osteocalcin level and impaired handgrip strength in women but not in men. The female groups showed increases in the risk of impaired handgrip strength: 4.84-fold in the osteocalcin T2 group (11.4 ≤ osteocalcin <15.0 ng/mL) and 4.54-fold in the osteocalcin T3 group (osteocalcin ≥15.0 ng/mL). Moreover, after adjusting for various confounders, 8.41-fold and 8.03-fold increases in the risk of impaired handgrip strength were observed in the osteocalcin T2 group (11.4≤ osteocalcin <15.0 ng/mL) and osteocalcin T3 group (osteocalcin ≥14.5 ng/mL), respectively. Conclusion: Higher serum osteocalcin is associated with increased risks of impaired handgrip strength and impaired physical performance. Dose-dependent associations were found especially in postmenopausal women but not in men.
COPD: Pulmonale Rehabilitation auch bei älteren Patienten über 80 sinnvoll
Authors: Praxenthaler Julia , Koczulla Andreas Rembert
Published: July 2023

Background: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) improves physical and mental performance as well as quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, data on outcomes in very old patients are insufficient. We analyzed whether the elderly with COPD benefit in a similar way to younger patients from participation in an inpatient PR according to the assessments usually collected. Methods: Data from 3173 patients with COPD were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were referred to PR at the Zurich RehaZentren, Switzerland, between January 2013 and December 2019. PR was performed 6 days per week with an average duration of 18.85 days. Functional Independence Measurement (FIM), Feeling Thermometer (FT), and 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) were recorded on admission and discharge. Results: In all age groups, the 6MWT and FT improved significantly. FIM results also showed a significant increase. The results of the different age groups showed no significant differences in percentage improvements according to the assessments that were considered.
Plant Polyphenols as Inhibitors of Hydrolases are Regulators of Digestion
Authors: Melzig Matthias F.
Published: July 2023

Background: There are numerous reports on the use of polyphenol-containing foods and various medicinal plant preparations for the prophylaxis and therapy of metabolic diseases, such as metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus, respectively. One unifying aspect to the effect of these natural compounds is their ability to inhibit digestive enzymes, which is the focus of this review. Summary: Polyphenols inhibit nonspecifically hydrolytic enzymes included in the digestion process, e.g., amylases, proteases, lipases. By that, the digestion process is protracted with different consequences as result of the incomplete absorption of monosaccharides, fatty acids, and amino acids as well as for the enhanced availability of substrates for the microbiome in ileum and colon. The resulting postprandial blood concentration of monosaccharides, fatty, and amino acids is lowered and by that different metabolic pathways proceed more slowly. As another positive result, polyphenols can also modulate the intestinal microbiome and thus mediate additional beneficial health effects. Key Messages: Many medicinal plants possess a broad spectrum of different polyphenols, thereby mediating the nonspecific inhibition of all hydrolytic enzyme activities in the gastrointestinal digestive process. As a consequence of the slowing down of digestive processes, risk factors for the development of metabolic disorders are reduced and the health of the patients with metabolic syndrome improves.
Danicamtiv Increases Myosin Recruitment and Alters Cross-Bridge Cycling in Cardiac Muscle
Authors: Kooiker Kristina B. , Mohran Saffie , Turner Kyrah L. , Ma Weikang , Martinson Amy , Flint Galina , Qi Lin , Gao Chengqian , Zheng Yahan , McMillen Timothy S. , Mandrycky Christian , Mahoney-Schaefer Max , Freeman Jeremy C. , Costales Arenas Elijah Gabriela , Tu An-Yu , Irving Thomas C. , Geeves Michael A. , Tanner Bertrand C.W. , Regnier Michael , Davis Jennifer , Moussavi-Harami Farid
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND:

Modulating myosin function is a novel therapeutic approach in patients with cardiomyopathy. Danicamtiv is a novel myosin activator with promising preclinical data that is currently in clinical trials. While it is known that danicamtiv increases force and cardiomyocyte contractility without affecting calcium levels, detailed mechanistic studies regarding its mode of action are lacking.

METHODS:

Permeabilized porcine cardiac tissue and myofibrils were used for X-ray diffraction and mechanical measurements. A mouse model of genetic dilated cardiomyopathy was used to evaluate the ability of danicamtiv to correct the contractile deficit.

RESULTS:

Danicamtiv increased force and calcium sensitivity via increasing the number of myosins in the ON state and slowing cross-bridge turnover. Our detailed analysis showed that inhibition of ADP release results in decreased cross-bridge turnover with cross bridges staying attached longer and prolonging myofibril relaxation. Danicamtiv corrected decreased calcium sensitivity in demembranated tissue, abnormal twitch magnitude and kinetics in intact cardiac tissue, and reduced ejection fraction in the whole organ.

CONCLUSIONS:

As demonstrated by the detailed studies of Danicamtiv, increasing myosin recruitment and altering cross-bridge cycling are 2 mechanisms to increase force and calcium sensitivity in cardiac muscle. Myosin activators such as Danicamtiv can treat the causative hypocontractile phenotype in genetic dilated cardiomyopathy.
Hypertensive Adults Exhibit Lower Myelin Content: A Multicomponent Relaxometry and Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Authors: Laporte John P. , Faulkner Mary E. , Gong Zhaoyuan , Akhonda Mohammad A.B.S. , Ferrucci Luigi , Egan Josephine M. , Bouhrara Mustapha
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND:

It is unknown whether hypertension plays any role in cerebral myelination. To fill this knowledge gap, we studied 90 cognitively unimpaired adults, age range 40 to 94 years, who are participants in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging and the Genetic and Epigenetic Signatures of Translational Aging Laboratory Testing to look for potential associations between hypertension and cerebral myelin content across 14 white matter brain regions.

METHODS:

Myelin content was probed using our advanced multicomponent magnetic resonance relaxometry method of myelin water fraction, a direct and specific magnetic resonance imaging measure of myelin content, and longitudinal and transverse relaxation rates (
R

1

and
R

2

), 2 highly sensitive magnetic resonance imaging metrics of myelin content. We also applied diffusion tensor imaging magnetic resonance imaging to measure fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, radial diffusivity, and axial diffusivity values, which are metrics of cerebral microstructural tissue integrity, to provide context with previous magnetic resonance imaging findings.

RESULTS:

After adjustment of age, sex, systolic blood pressure, smoking status, diabetes status, and cholesterol level, our results indicated that participants with hypertension exhibited lower myelin water fraction, fractional anisotropy,
R

1

and
R

2

values and higher mean diffusivity, radial diffusivity, and axial diffusivity values, indicating lower myelin content and higher impairment to the brain microstructure. These associations were significant across several white matter regions, particularly in the corpus callosum, fronto-occipital fasciculus, temporal lobes, internal capsules, and corona radiata.

CONCLUSIONS:

These original findings suggest a direct association between myelin content and hypertension and form the basis for further investigations including longitudinal assessments of this relationship.
Addressing the Ocean-Climate Nexus in the BBNJ Agreement: Strategic Environmental Assessments, Human Rights and Equity in Ocean Science
Authors: Morgera Elisa , McQuaid Kirsty , La Bianca Giulia , Niner Holly , Shannon Lynne , Strand Mia , Rees Sian , Howell Kerry , Snow Bernadette , Lancaster Alana Malinde SN , Sauer Warwick
Published: July 2023

The Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) opens a new path in international law towards addressing issues at the ocean-climate nexus, as well as considering implications for the protection of human rights and achieving equity among States in the context of ocean knowledge production and environmental management. Based on an interdisciplinary reflection, the new international obligations on strategic environmental assessments (SEAs), and new institutional arrangements, are identified as crucial avenues to addressing climate change mitigation and ensuring fair research partnerships, mutual capacity-building and technology co-development between the Global North and South. SEAs can also support integrated implementation of other parts of the BBNJ Agreement and contribute to the broader effectiveness of the general provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the protection of the marine environment, within and beyond national jurisdiction.
The influence of the Noh play Tamura on Akira Kurosawa's Throne of Blood
Authors: Kuwayama Tomonari
Published: July 2023

This paper analyses the impact of the traditional Japanese Noh play Tamura on Akira Kurosawa's film adaptation of Macbeth, Throne of Blood. It examines the presence of Noh elements in the banquet scene, where a solo dance from Tamura is performed, and explores the connection between Tamura's conclusion and the film's final scene, in which the protagonist Washizu is bombarded with arrows. By identifying the banquet scene's dancer with the rebel leader and examining its implications, this study provides a nuanced analysis of the film's ending.
The theatre of the confused: Tokyo
Authors: Dabbs Thomas
Published: July 2023

This article focuses on a production in July 2021 entitled Waiting for Will, written and directed by Shoichiro Kawai. This play, in Japanese, is presented in the spirit of Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot and features two aging Shakespearean actors trying to recover their memory of Shakespearean lines and scenes they once acted, while they wait for ‘Will’, a pun on William Shakespeare as well as on one's last will and testament. Waiting for Will is part of a genealogy of alternative theatre in Japan. Though the production echoes Western forms, it is still distinctly Japanese in nature.
Educator understanding of self-regulation and implications for classroom facilitation: A mixed methods study
Authors: Burgess Casey C
Published: July 2023

There is growing concern about the mental health and resilience of today’s children and difficulties with self-regulation are implicated in educational outcomes, cognitive problems, internalizing problems such as depression and anxiety, externalizing problems such as aggression, and physical health problems. Self-regulation is a growing topic of interest in a variety of disciplines and there are 447 different interpretations of what self-regulation means in the literature, which makes it difficult for educators to interpret and apply it in their classrooms. Due to advances in neuroscience, the Ontario Ministry of Education shifted toward a neurophysiological framework for the Self-Regulation and Well-Being Frame of the Kindergarten Program. The current study examined which frameworks Ontario kindergarten educators were using by analyzing the ways they described and facilitated self-regulation in the classroom through surveys, interviews, report cards, and classroom observations. Findings revealed that educators: have little experience and training with resources aligned with the Kindergarten Program’s approach to self-regulation, describe self-regulation as self-control, and facilitate self-regulation using a learning strategies approach. Educators were observed using fewer than a third of ministry self-regulation recommendations in the classroom. Implications and recommendations for aligning educator practices with the Kindergarten Program’s framework are discussed.
Conversational Silencing of Racism in Psychological Science: Toward Decolonization in Practice
Authors: Durrheim Kevin
Published: July 2023

This article addresses a paradox between self-perceptions of psychology as a liberal, progressive, antiracist discipline and profession and the persistent criticisms of racism and calls for decolonization. It builds on the criticisms of epistemic exclusion and White centering, arguing that White supremacy is maintained by “conversational silencing” in which the focus on doing good psychology systematically draws attention away from the realities of racism and the operation of power. The process is illustrated by investigations of disciplinary discourse around non-Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic psychology and on stereotyping, racism, and prejudice reduction, which constitute the vanguard of liberal scholarship in the discipline. This progressive scholarship nurtures “White ignorance,” an absence of belief about systemic racism that psychology plays a part in upholding.
Telemedicine in the primary care of older adults: a systematic mixed studies review
Authors: Ilali Marwa , Le Berre Mélanie , Vedel Isabelle , Khanassov Vladimir
Published: July 2023

Background

Family physicians had to deliver care remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their efforts highlighted the importance of developing a primary care telemedicine (TM) model. TM has the potential to provide a high-quality option for primary care delivery. However, it poses unique challenges for older adults. Our aim was therefore to explore the effects of TM and the determinants of its use in primary care for older adults.

Methods

In this systematic mixed studies review, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, CINHAL, AgeLine, DARE, Cochrane Library, and clinical trials research registers were searched for articles in English, French or Russian. Two reviewers performed study selection, data extraction and assessment of study quality. TM’s effects were reported through the tabulation of key variables. TM use determinants were interpreted using thematic analysis based on Chang’s framework. All data were integrated using a joint display matrix.

Results

From 3,328 references identified, 20 studies were included. They used either phone (n = 8), videoconference (n = 9) or both (n = 3). Among studies reporting positive outcomes in TM experience, ‘user habit or preferences’ was the most cited barrier and ‘location and travel time’ was the most cited facilitator. Only one study reported negative outcomes in TM experience and reported ‘comfort with patient communication’ and ‘user interface, intended use or usability’ as barriers, and ‘technology skills and knowledge’ and ‘location and travel time’ as facilitators.

Among studies reporting positive outcomes in service use and usability, no barrier or facilitator was cited more than once. Only one study reported a positive outcome in health-related and behavioural outcomes.

Conclusions

TM in older adults’ primary care generally led to positive experiences, high satisfaction and generated an interest towards alternative healthcare delivery model. Future research should explore its efficacy on clinical, health-related and healthcare services use.
The structural characterization and bioactivity assessment of nonspecific lipid transfer protein 1 (nsLTP1) from caraway (Carum carvi) seeds
Authors: Aldakhil Taibah , Alshammari Saud O. , Siraj Bushra , El-Aarag Bishoy , Zarina Shamshad , Salehi David , Ahmed Aftab
Published: July 2023

Background

Carum carvi (caraway) of the Apiaceae family has been used in many cultures as a cooking spice and part of the folk medicine. Previous reports primarily focus on the medicinal properties of caraway seed essential oil and the whole seeds extract. However, no effort has been made to study caraway proteins and their potential pharmacological properties, including nonspecific lipid transfer protein (nsLTP), necessitating further research. The current study aimed to characterize nonspecific lipid transfer protein 1 (nsLTP1) from caraway seed, determine its three-dimensional structure, and analyze protein–ligand complex interactions through docking studies. We also evaluated nsLTP1 in vitro cytotoxic effect and antioxidant capacity. Additionally, nsLTP1 thermal- and pH- stability were investigated.

Methods

Caraway nsLTP1 was purified using two-dimensional chromatography. The complete amino acid sequence of nsLTP1 was achieved by intact protein sequence for the first 20 residues and the overlapping digested peptides. The three-dimensional structure was predicted using MODELLER. Autodock Vina software was employed for docking fatty acids against caraway nsLTP1. Assessment of nsLTP1 cytotoxic activity was achieved by MTS assay, and the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TAC) was determined. Thermal and pH stability of the nsLTP1 was examined by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy.

Results

Caraway nsLTP1 is composed of 91 residues and weighs 9652 Da. The three-dimensional structure of caraway nsLTP1 sequence was constructed based on searching known structures in the PDB. We chose nsLTP of Solanum melongena (PDB ID: 5TVI) as the modeling template with the highest identity among all other homologous proteins. Docking linolenic acid with caraway protein showed a maximum binding score of -3.6 kcal/mol. A preliminary screening of caraway nsLTP1 suppressed the proliferation of human breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 in a dose‑dependent manner with an IC50 value of 52.93 and 44.76 μM, respectively. Also, nsLTP1 (41.4 μM) showed TAC up to 750.4 μM Trolox equivalent. Assessment of nsLTP1 demonstrated high thermal/pH stability.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study carried out on nsLTP1 from caraway seeds. We hereby report the sequence of nsLTP1 from caraway seeds and its possible interaction with respective fatty acids using in silico approach. Our data indicated that the protein had anticancer and antioxidant activities and was thermally stable.
GAS6-based CAR-T cells exhibit potent antitumor activity against pancreatic cancer
Authors: Fan Jiawei , Yu Ye , Yan Lanzhen , Yuan Yuncang , Sun Bin , Yang Dong , Liu Nan , Guo Jing , Zhang Jie , Zhao Xudong
Published: July 2023

Background

The receptor tyrosine kinases TAM family (TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK) are highly expressed in multiple forms of cancer cells and tumor-associated macrophages and promote the development of cancers including pancreatic tumor. Targeting TAM receptors could be a promising therapeutic option.

Methods

We designed a novel CAR based on the extracellular domain of growth arrest-specific protein 6 (GAS6), a natural ligand for all TAM members. The ability of CAR-T to kill pancreatic cancer cells is tested in vitro and in vivo, and the safety is evaluated in mice and nonhuman primate.

Results

GAS6-CAR-T cells efficiently kill TAM-positive pancreatic cancer cell lines, gemcitabine-resistant cancer cells, and cancer stem-like cells in vitro. GAS6-CAR-T cells also significantly suppressed the growth of PANC1 xenografts and patient-derived xenografts in mice. Furthermore, these CAR-T cells did not induce obvious side effects in nonhuman primate or mice although the CAR was demonstrated to recognize mouse TAM.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that GAS6-CAR-T-cell therapy may be effective for pancreatic cancers with low toxicity.
A comprehensive integrated dataset on Brazilian health facilities: from 2005 to 2021
Authors: Salles Rebecca , de Paula Dornellas Ribeiro Victor , Gritz Raquel , Cardoso Carlos Leonardo Souza , Paixão Balthazar , Carraro Lucas , de Borba Cruz Sérgio Ricardo , Kreischer Vinicius , Bonifácio Carmen Lúcia Corrêa , de Freitas Saldanha Raphael , Souto Gabriel , Miloski Matheus , Zirondi Leandro , Alencar Gizelton Pereira , Alves Ariane Camilo Pinheiro , Neto Nelson Niero , da Costa Lima Jefferson , Pedroso Marcel , Alves Ronaldo Fernandes Santos , de Moraes Mello Boccolini Patricia , Boccolini Cristiano Siqueira
Published: July 2023

Objectives

The National Registry of Healthcare Facilities is a system with the registry of every healthcare facility in Brazil with information on the capacity building and healthcare workforce regarding its public or private nature. Despite being publicly available, it can only be accessed in separated disjoint tables, with different primary units of analysis. The objective is to offer an interoperable dataset containing monthly data from 2005 to 2021 with information on healthcare facilities, including their physical and human resources, services and teams, enriched with municipal information.

Data description

Database with historical data and geographic information for each health facility in Brazil. It is composed by 5 distinct tables, organized according to combinations of time, space, and types of resources, services and teams. This database opens up a range of possibilities for research topics, from case studies in a single health facility and period, analysis of a group of health facilities with characteristics of interest, to a broader study using the entire dataset and aggregated data by municipality. Furthermore, the fact that there is a row for each health facility/month/year facilitates the integration with other datasets from the Brazilian healthcare system. In addition to being a potential object of study in the health area, the dataset is also convenient in data science, especially for studies focused on time series.