bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neurological involvement in hospitalized children with SARS-CoV-2 infection: a multinational study
Authors: Yea Carmen , Barton Michelle , Bitnun Ari , Morris Shaun K. , El Tal Tala , Ulloa-Gutierrez Rolando , Brenes-Chacon Helena , Yock-Corrales Adriana , Ivankovich-Escoto Gabriela , Soriano-Fallas Alejandra , Hernandez-de Mezerville Marcela , Gill Peter , Nateghian Alireza , Aski Behzad Haghighi , Manafi Ali Anari , Dwilow Rachel , Bullard Jared , Papenburg Jesse , Scuccimarri Rosie , Lefebvre Marie-Astrid , Cooke Suzette , Dewan Tammie , Restivo Lea , Lopez Alison , Sadarangani Manish , Roberts Ashley , Wong Jacqueline , Saux Nicole Le , Bowes Jennifer , Purewal Rupeena , Lautermilch Janell , Foo Cheryl , Merckx Joanna , Robinson Joan , Yeh E. Ann
Published: January 2023

Background and Objectives:

Neurological involvement associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection is increasingly recognized. However, the specific characteristics and prevalence in pediatric patients remain unclear. The objective of this study was to describe the neurological involvement in a multinational cohort of hospitalized pediatric patients with SARS-CoV-2.

Methods:

This was a multicenter observational study of children <18 years of age with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection or multisystemic inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) and laboratory evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children, admitted to 15 tertiary hospitals/healthcare centers in Canada, Costa Rica, and Iran February 2020–May 2021. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed and logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with neurological involvement.

Results:

One-hundred forty-seven (21%) of 697 hospitalized children with SARS-CoV-2 infection had neurological signs/symptoms. Headache (n = 103), encephalopathy (n = 28), and seizures (n = 30) were the most reported. Neurological signs/symptoms were significantly associated with ICU admission (OR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.15–2.55; p = 0.008), satisfaction of MIS-C criteria (OR: 3.71, 95% CI: 2.46–5.59; p < 0.001), fever during hospitalization (OR: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.46–3.15; p < 0.001), and gastrointestinal involvement (OR: 2.31, 95% CI: 1.58–3.40; p < 0.001). Non-headache neurological manifestations were significantly associated with ICU admission (OR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.08–3.42; p = 0.026), underlying neurological disorders (OR: 2.98, 95% CI: 1.49–5.97, p = 0.002), and a history of fever prior to hospital admission (OR: 2.76, 95% CI: 1.58–4.82; p < 0.001).

Discussion:

In this study, approximately 21% of hospitalized children with SARS-CoV-2 infection had neurological signs/symptoms. Future studies should focus on pathogenesis and long-term outcomes in these children.
Precision medicine for long QT syndrome: patient-specific iPSCs take the lead
Authors: Yu Yang , Deschenes Isabelle , Zhao Ming-Tao
Published: January 2023

Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a detrimental arrhythmia syndrome mainly caused by dysregulated expression or aberrant function of ion channels. The major clinical symptoms of ventricular arrhythmia, palpitations and syncope vary among LQTS subtypes. Susceptibility to malignant arrhythmia is a result of delayed repolarisation of the cardiomyocyte action potential (AP). There are 17 distinct subtypes of LQTS linked to 15 autosomal dominant genes with monogenic mutations. However, due to the presence of modifier genes, the identical mutation may result in completely different clinical manifestations in different carriers. In this review, we describe the roles of various ion channels in orchestrating APs and discuss molecular aetiologies of various types of LQTS. We highlight the usage of patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models in characterising fundamental mechanisms associated with LQTS. To mitigate the outcomes of LQTS, treatment strategies are initially focused on small molecules targeting ion channel activities. Next-generation treatments will reap the benefits from development of LQTS patient-specific iPSC platform, which is bolstered by the state-of-the-art technologies including whole-genome sequencing, CRISPR genome editing and machine learning. Deep phenotyping and high-throughput drug testing using LQTS patient-specific cardiomyocytes herald the upcoming precision medicine in LQTS.
Culture in contemporary Milan: shedding tears on a glorious past, or surfing on global opportunities?
Authors: Goldstein Andrea
Published: January 2023

In 1881, Giovanni Verga defined Milan as ‘la città più città d'Italia’ (‘Italy's most urban city’). A statement of some significance, as at that time Rome and Turin could each legitimately claim to have much greater political if not economic clout. Almost one and a half centuries later, the role of the capitale morale as the pulsing heart of a country incessantly searching for both a modern national identity and a city-centred narrative remains unchallenged, as proved by two books straddling cultural history, personal memoir and current affairs.
A discussion on Nel cantiere della memoria. Fascismo, Resistenza, Shoah, Foibe, by Filippo Focardi, Rome, Viella, 2020. With Valeria Galimi, Philip Cooke and Filippo Focardi
Authors: Mammone Andrea
Published: January 2023

The centenary of the March on Rome has prompted Modern Italy's Contexts and Debates section to focus on the public uses of history in reference to interwar Fascism. We are looking into the ‘Past, Present, and Future of the Italian Memory of Fascism’, to borrow the title of Guido Bartolini's interviews that were published in our issue 27 (4), 2022. While commemorations and anniversaries shouldn't inherently influence academic research agendas, a broader understanding of public memory can help us to understand the current political mood in Italy. For example, it can explain why the centennial and other comparable ‘fascist’ anniversaries now have little meaning for most of the Italian public and are scarcely addressed by politicians. Indeed, most Italians seems to suffer from political amnesia. The condition is so serious that not even a dramatic occurrence such as the victory of the proudly post-fascist Fratelli d'Italia party at the election of September 2022 has proved able to cure it. Happening just a few days before the centenary of the March on Rome, the electoral results were surely expected to elicit a strong reaction by left-wing politicians and intellectuals – perhaps a mass demonstration, like the one that took place in Milan on 25 April 1994, in the aftermath of the first victory of Silvio Berlusconi's right-wing coalition, when another post-fascist party, Alleanza Nazionale, took power. Yet nothing of that sort has happened in 2022. Why?
Association of meal timing of energy, macronutrients and foods with hypercholesterolaemia in the US adults
Authors: Li Xiangning , Han Tianshu , Sun Xinyi , Chen Yunyan , Xu Jiaxu , Ma Yifan , Hou Wanying , Sun Changhao
Published: January 2023

Few studies examined the association of energy, macronutrients and food consumption at dinner v. breakfast with hypercholesterolaemia. A total of 27 911 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2003–2016) were included in the cross-sectional study. Energy, macronutrients and food consumption at breakfast, dinner and the difference at dinner v. breakfast (Δratio) were calculated. Multiple logistic regression models and substitution effects of foods at dinner with breakfast were also performed. After adjustment for potential covariates, compared with the lowest quintile, participants in the highest quintile of Δratio in terms of energy had a higher risk of prevalent hypercholesterolaemia (ORΔratio of energy 1·16, 95 % CI (1·01, 1·33)) mainly due to Δratio of low-quality carbohydrates and plant protein (ORΔratio of low-quality carbohydrates 1·19; 95 % CI (1·05, 1·35)); ORΔratio of plant protein 1·13; 95 % CI (1·01, 1·28)). ΔAdded sugars and Δnuts were associated with hypercholesterolaemia (ORΔadded sugars 1·01; 95 % CI (1·00, 1·02)); ORΔnuts 1·08; 95 % CI (1·01, 1·16)). Furthermore, the substitution of added sugars, nuts and processed meat at dinner with breakfast could reduce the OR of hypercholesterolaemia. This study indicated that among US adults, overconsumption of energy, macronutrients including low-quality carbohydrates and plant protein at dinner than breakfast was significantly associated with a higher risk of prevalent hypercholesterolaemia. The replacing of added sugar, nuts and processed meat at dinner with breakfast reduced the risk of prevalent hypercholesterolaemia. This study emphasised the importance of meal timing in the prevention of hypercholesterolaemia.
The role of substance use disorders in the transition from suicide attempt to suicide death: a record linkage study of a Swedish cohort
Authors: Edwards Alexis C. , Ohlsson Henrik , Sundquist Jan , Crump Casey , Mościcki Eve , Sundquist Kristina , Kendler Kenneth S.
Published: January 2023

Background

Suicidal behavior and substance use disorders (SUDs) are important public health concerns. Prior suicide attempts and SUDs are two of the most consistent predictors of suicide death, and clarifying the role of SUDs in the transition from suicide attempt to suicide death could inform prevention efforts.

Methods

We used national Swedish registry data to identify individuals born 1960–1985, with an index suicide attempt in 1997–2017 (N = 74 873; 46.7% female). We assessed risk of suicide death as a function of registration for a range of individual SUDs. We further examined whether the impact of SUDs varied as a function of (i) aggregate genetic liability to suicidal behavior, or (ii) age at index suicide attempt.

Results

In univariate models, risk of suicide death was higher among individuals with any SUD registration [hazard ratios (HRs) = 2.68–3.86]. In multivariate models, effects of specific SUDs were attenuated, but remained elevated for AUD (HR = 1.86 95% confidence intervals 1.68–2.05), opiates [HR = 1.58 (1.37–1.82)], sedatives [HR = 1.93 (1.70–2.18)], and multiple substances [HR = 2.09 (1.86–2.35)]. In secondary analyses, the effects of most, but not all, SUD were exacerbated by higher levels of genetic liability to suicide death, and among individuals who were younger at their index suicide attempt.

Conclusions

In the presence of a strong predictor of suicide death – a prior attempt – substantial predictive power is still attributable to SUDs. Individuals with SUDs may warrant additional suicide screening and prevention efforts, particularly in the context of a family history of suicidal behavior or early onset of suicide attempt.
Associations between reported post-COVID-19 symptoms and subjective well-being, Israel, July 2021 – April 2022
Authors: Gorelik Yanay , Dror Amiel , Zayyad Hiba , Wertheim Ofir , Abu Jabal Kamal , Nazzal Saleh , Otiku Paul , Elsinga Jelte , Glikman Daniel , Edelstein Michael
Published: January 2023

The impact of individual symptoms reported post-COVID-19 on subjective well-being (SWB) is unknown. We described associations between SWB and selected reported symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection. We analysed reported symptoms and subjective well being from 2295 participants (of which 576 reporting previous infection) in an ongoing longitudinal cohort study taking place in Israel. We estimated changes in SWB associated with reported selected symptoms at three follow-up time points (3–6, 6–12 and 12–18 months post infection) among participants reporting previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, adjusted for key demographic variables, using linear regression. Our results suggest that the biggest and most sustained changes in SWB stems from non-specific symptoms (fatigue −7.7 percentage points (pp), confusion/ lack of concentration −10.7 pp, and sleep disorders −11.5pp, P < 0.005), whereas the effect of system-specific symptoms, such as musculoskeletal symptoms (weakness in muscles and muscle pain) on SWB, are less profound and more transient. Taking a similar approach for other symptoms and following individuals over time to describe trends in SWB changes attributable to specific symptoms will help understand the post-acute phase of COVID-19 and how it should be defined and better managed. Post-acute COVID19 symptoms were associated with a significant decrease in subjective well being up to 18 months after initial infection
Captured with malicious intent? The opportunities and limits of debt imprisonment in late medieval Bruges
Authors: Fieremans Niels
Published: January 2023

Debt imprisonment was one of the tools a creditor had to enforce a debt. When creditors believed that their debtors were defaulting, they could imprison debtors to ensure they would not disappear and debts would be settled. As a practice, debt imprisonment was never fundamentally challenged in the Middle Ages though the way it was executed did come under scrutiny. In the city of Bruges, the city magistrate regulated the practice. As debt imprisonment was an essential part of the commercial framework in Bruges, the city tried to avoid princely interference. However, merchants could also complain to princely courts about their imprisonment. If the city hesitated to address unjust practices in the existing framework, it risked losing these cases to princely courts. As princely institutions increased their control over debt imprisonment, the city government kept the mechanism of debt imprisonment while, for example, Antwerp sought alternative tools for creditors. The adaptations that did happen in Bruges were not the result of the requests of merchants, but a means of rather safeguarding its own jurisdictions from princely courts.
Funktionelle Herzbeschwerden
Authors: Wyss Christophe Alain
Published: January 2023

Zusammenfassung. Funktionelle Beschwerden manifestieren sich häufig als kardiale Symptome (Palpitationen, thorakale Beschwerden, Leistungsminderung, Dyspnoe). Durch gezielte Abklärung müssen prognostisch relevante Krankheitsbilder identifiziert oder ausgeschlossen werden. Ohne Vorliegen von prognostisch relevanten Erkrankungen besteht nur Handlungsbedarf bei subjektivem Leidensdruck, der massgeblich durch die emotionale Erlebnisverarbeitung der kranken Person beeinflusst wird. Verschiedene Therapieoptionen können zur Behandlung von funktionellen Herzbeschwerden eingesetzt werden (nichts machen/Symptome ignorieren, optimale Behandlung allfälliger Grundkrankheiten, Phytotherapie, Antiarrhythmika, interventionelle Therapie, körperliches Training, psychokardiologische Behandlung, Resilienzstärkung u.a.).
Genetic factors associated with serum amylase in a Japanese population: combined analysis of copy-number and single-nucleotide variants
Authors: Nayema Zannatun , Sato Takehiro , Kannon Takayuki , Tsujiguchi Hiromasa , Hosomichi Kazuyoshi , Nakamura Hiroyuki , Tajima Atsushi
Published: January 2023

Amylase activity and levels in humans are heritable quantitative traits. Although many studies exist on the effects of copy-number variants (CNVs) in amylase genes (AMY) on human phenotypes, such as body mass index (BMI), the genetic factors controlling interindividual variation in amylase levels remain poorly understood. Here, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of serum amylase levels (SAL) in 814 Japanese individuals to identify associated single-nucleotide variants (SNVs), after adjusting for non-genetic factors. Diploid copy numbers (CN) of AMY (AMY1, AMY2A, and AMY2B) were measured using droplet digital PCR to examine the association between each diploid CN and SAL. We further assessed the relative contribution of the GWAS-lead SNV and AMY CNVs to SAL. GWAS identified 14 significant SNVs (p < 5 × 10−8) within a linkage disequilibrium block near the AMY cluster on chromosome 1. The association analyses of AMY CNVs and SAL showed a significant association between AMY1 diploid CN and SAL (p = 1.89 × 10−19), while no significant association with SAL was found for AMY2A CN (p = 0.54) or AMY2B CN (p = 0.15). In a joint association analysis with SAL using the GWAS-lead SNV and AMY1 diploid CN, AMY1 CN remained significant (p = 5.4 ×10−13), while the association of the lead SNV was marginal (p = 0.08). We also found no association between AMY1 diploid CN and BMI (p = 0.14). Our results indicate that AMY1 CNV is the major genetic factor for Japanese SAL, with no significant association with BMI.
Predictors of pesticide levels in carpet dust collected from child care centers in Northern California, USA
Authors: Hazard Kimberly , Alkon Abbey , Gunier Robert B. , Castorina Rosemary , Camann David , Quarderer Shraddha , Bradman Asa
Published: January 2023

Background

Young children may be exposed to pesticides in child care centers, but little is known about determinants of pesticide contamination in these environments.

Objective

Characterize pesticide contamination in early care and education (ECE) centers and identify predictors of pesticide concentrations and loading in dust collected from classroom carpets.

Methods

Carpet dust samples were collected from 51 licensed child care centers in Northern California and analyzed for 14 structural and agricultural pesticides. Program characteristics were collected through administration of director interviews and observational surveys, including an integrated pest management (IPM) inspection. Pesticide use information for the prior year was obtained from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation to characterize structural applications and nearby agricultural pesticide use.

Results

The most frequently detected pesticides were cis-permethrin (98%), trans-permethrin (98%), bifenthrin (94%), fipronil (94%), and chlorpyrifos (88%). Higher bifenthrin levels were correlated with agricultural applications within 3 kilometers, and higher fipronil levels were correlated with professional pesticide applications in the prior year. In multivariable models, higher IPM Checklist scores were associated with lower loading of chlorpyrifos and permethrin. Placement of the sampled area carpet was also a predictor of chlorpyrifos loading. The strongest predictor of higher pesticide loading for the most frequently detected pesticides was location in California’s San Joaquin Valley.

Significance

Our findings contribute to the growing understanding that pesticides are ubiquitous in children’s environments. Pesticide levels in carpet dust were associated with some factors that ECE directors may have control over, such as IPM practices, and others that are beyond their control, such as geographic location. IPM is an important tool that has the potential to reduce pesticide exposures in ECE environments, even for pesticides no longer in use.

Impact

One million children in California under six years old attend child care programs where they may spend up to 40 h per week. Children are uniquely vulnerable to environmental contaminants; however early care settings are under researched in environmental health studies. Little is known about predictors of pesticide levels found in environmental samples from child care facilities. This study aims to identify behavioral and environmental determinants of pesticide contamination in California child care centers. Findings can empower child care providers and consumers and inform decision makers to reduce children’s exposures to pesticides and promote lifelong health.
Real-world use of blinatumomab in adult patients with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in clinical practice: results from the NEUF study
Authors: Boissel Nicolas , Chiaretti Sabina , Papayannidis Cristina , Ribera Josep-Maria , Bassan Renato , Sokolov Andrey N. , Alam Naufil , Brescianini Alessandra , Pezzani Isabella , Kreuzbauer Georg , Zugmaier Gerhard , Foà Robin , Rambaldi Alessandro
Published: January 2023

This retrospective observational study (NEUF) included adult patients with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-cell ALL) who had received blinatumomab for the treatment of minimal residual disease-positive (MRD+) or relapsed/refractory (R/R) B-cell ALL via an expanded access program (EAP). Patients were eligible if blinatumomab was initiated via the EAP between January 2014 and June 2017. Patients were followed from blinatumomab initiation until death, entry into a clinical trial, the end of follow-up, or the end of the study period (December 31, 2017), whichever occurred first. Of the 249 adult patients included, 109 were MRD+ (83 Philadelphia chromosome-negative [Ph−] and 26 Philadelphia chromosome-positive [Ph+]) and 140 had a diagnosis of R/R B-cell ALL (106 Ph− and 34 Ph+). In the MRD+ group, within the first cycle of blinatumomab treatment, 93% (n = 49/53) of Ph− and 64% (n = 7/11) of Ph+ patients with evaluable MRD achieved an MRD response (MRD <0.01%). Median overall survival (OS) was not reached over a median follow-up time of 18.5 months (Ph−, 18.8 [range: 5.1–34.8] months; Ph+, 16.5 [range: 1.8–31.6] months). In the R/R group, within two cycles of blinatumomab, 51% of Ph− and 41% of Ph+ patients achieved complete hematologic remission (CR/CRh/CRi), and 83% of Ph− and 67% of Ph+ MRD-evaluable patients in CR/CRh/CRi achieved an MRD response. Median (95% confidence interval) OS was 12.2 (7.3–24.2) months in the R/R Ph− subgroup and 16.3 (5.3–not estimated) months in the R/R Ph+ subgroup. This large, real-world data set of adults with B-cell ALL treated with blinatumomab confirms efficacy outcomes from published studies.
Lymphoid clonal hematopoiesis: implications for malignancy, immunity, and treatment
Authors: von Beck Kelly , von Beck Troy , Ferrell P. Brent , Bick Alexander G. , Kishtagari Ashwin
Published: January 2023

Clonal hematopoiesis (CH) is the age-related expansion of hematopoietic stem cell clones caused by the acquisition of somatic point mutations or mosaic chromosomal alterations (mCAs). Clonal hematopoiesis caused by somatic mutations has primarily been associated with increased risk of myeloid malignancies, while mCAs have been associated with increased risk of lymphoid malignancies. A recent study by Niroula et al. challenged this paradigm by finding a distinct subset of somatic mutations and mCAs that are associated with increased risk of lymphoid malignancy. CH driven by these mutations is termed lymphoid clonal hematopoiesis (L-CH). Unlike myeloid clonal hematopoiesis (M-CH), L-CH has the potential to originate at both stem cells and partially or fully differentiated progeny stages of maturation. In this review, we explore the definition of L-CH in the context of lymphocyte maturation and lymphoid malignancy precursor disorders, the evidence for L-CH in late-onset autoimmunity and immunodeficiency, and the development of therapy-related L-CH following chemotherapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Cerebro-cerebellar networks facilitate learning through feedback decoupling
Authors: Boven Ellen , Pemberton Joseph , Chadderton Paul , Apps Richard , Costa Rui Ponte
Published: January 2023

Behavioural feedback is critical for learning in the cerebral cortex. However, such feedback is often not readily available. How the cerebral cortex learns efficiently despite the sparse nature of feedback remains unclear. Inspired by recent deep learning algorithms, we introduce a systems-level computational model of cerebro-cerebellar interactions. In this model a cerebral recurrent network receives feedback predictions from a cerebellar network, thereby decoupling learning in cerebral networks from future feedback. When trained in a simple sensorimotor task the model shows faster learning and reduced dysmetria-like behaviours, in line with the widely observed functional impact of the cerebellum. Next, we demonstrate that these results generalise to more complex motor and cognitive tasks. Finally, the model makes several experimentally testable predictions regarding cerebro-cerebellar task-specific representations over learning, task-specific benefits of cerebellar predictions and the differential impact of cerebellar and inferior olive lesions. Overall, our work offers a theoretical framework of cerebro-cerebellar networks as feedback decoupling machines.
HIV silencing and cell survival signatures in infected T cell reservoirs
Authors: Clark Iain C. , Mudvari Prakriti , Thaploo Shravan , Smith Samuel , Abu-Laban Mohammad , Hamouda Mehdi , Theberge Marc , Shah Sakshi , Ko Sung Hee , Pérez Liliana , Bunis Daniel G. , Lee James S. , Kilam Divya , Zakaria Saami , Choi Sally , Darko Samuel , Henry Amy R. , Wheeler Michael A. , Hoh Rebecca , Butrus Salwan , Deeks Steven G. , Quintana Francisco J. , Douek Daniel C. , Abate Adam R. , Boritz Eli A.
Published: January 2023

Rare CD4 T cells that contain HIV under antiretroviral therapy represent an important barrier to HIV cure1–3, but the infeasibility of isolating and characterizing these cells in their natural state has led to uncertainty about whether they possess distinctive attributes that HIV cure-directed therapies might exploit. Here we address this challenge using a microfluidic technology that isolates the transcriptomes of HIV-infected cells based solely on the detection of HIV DNA. HIV-DNA+ memory CD4 T cells in the blood from people receiving antiretroviral therapy showed inhibition of six transcriptomic pathways, including death receptor signalling, necroptosis signalling and antiproliferative Gα12/13 signalling. Moreover, two groups of genes identified by network co-expression analysis were significantly associated with HIV-DNA+ cells. These genes (n = 145) accounted for just 0.81% of the measured transcriptome and included negative regulators of HIV transcription that were higher in HIV-DNA+ cells, positive regulators of HIV transcription that were lower in HIV-DNA+ cells, and other genes involved in RNA processing, negative regulation of mRNA translation, and regulation of cell state and fate. These findings reveal that HIV-infected memory CD4 T cells under antiretroviral therapy are a distinctive population with host gene expression patterns that favour HIV silencing, cell survival and cell proliferation, with important implications for the development of HIV cure strategies.
An efficient annotation method for image recognition of dental instruments
Authors: Oka Shintaro , Nozaki Kazunori , Hayashi Mikako
Published: January 2023

To prevent needlestick injury and leftover instruments, and to perform efficient dental treatment, it is important to know the instruments required during dental treatment. Therefore, we will obtain a dataset for image recognition of dental treatment instruments, develop a system for detecting dental treatment instruments during treatment by image recognition, and evaluate the performance of the system to establish a method for detecting instruments during treatment. We created an image recognition dataset using 23 types of instruments commonly used in the Department of Restorative Dentistry and Endodontology at Osaka University Dental Hospital and a surgeon’s hands as detection targets. Two types of datasets were created: one annotated with only the characteristic parts of the instruments, and the other annotated with the entire parts of instruments. YOLOv4 and YOLOv7 were used as the image recognition system. The performance of the system was evaluated in terms of two metrics: detection accuracy (DA), which indicates the probability of correctly detecting the number of target instruments in an image, and the average precision (AP). When using YOLOv4, the mean DA and AP were 89.3% and 70.9%, respectively, when the characteristic parts of the instruments were annotated and 85.3% and 59.9%, respectively, when the entire parts of the instruments were annotated. When using YOLOv7, the mean DA and AP were 89.7% and 80.8%, respectively, when the characteristic parts of the instruments were annotated and 84.4% and 63.5%, respectively, when the entire parts of the instruments were annotated. The detection of dental instruments can be performed efficiently by targeting the parts characterizing them.
The effects of low-level laser therapy on muscle strength and functional outcomes in individuals with knee osteoarthritis: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jankaew Amornthep , You Yu-Lin , Yang Tai-Hua , Chang Yu-Wei , Lin Cheng-Feng
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this study was to compare the therapeutic effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) with 808 and 660 nm wavelength on muscle strength and functional outcomes in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA). A total of 47 participants were randomly assigned to the 808 nm, 660 nm, and sham control groups. Two LLLT groups received continuous LLLT with a mean power of 300 mW in different wavelengths at the knee joint 15 min a session three days per week for eight weeks, while the control group received the sham LED treatment. The knee strength and functional performance involving 30-s sit-to-stand, 40 m fast-paced walk, stair climbing, and the TUG test were measured at the baseline and one week after the interventions were completed. The results showed that knee extensor strength was more improved in the 808 nm group as compared to the 660 nm group (p < 0.001, d = 0.57) and the sham control (p < 0.001, d = 0.40), while increased flexor strength was demonstrated in the 808 nm (p = 0.009, d = 0.67) and sham control groups (p < 0.001, d = 0.97). The number of 30-s sit-to-stand was increased only in the 660 nm group (p = 0.006, d = 0.49). All three groups exhibited improvements in the other three functional performance-based tests after the interventions with no statistically significant differences among the groups. In conclusion, both intervention groups improved muscle strength and functional performance as compared to the control group. The 808 nm wavelength group showed better results in knee extensor strength. Therefore, laser therapy is suggested to be integrated into rehabilitation programs to improve muscle strength and functional performance in the population with knee OA.
Aedes albopictus host odor preference does not drive observed variation in feeding patterns across field populations
Authors: Fikrig Kara , Rose Noah , Burkett-Cadena Nathan , Kamgang Basile , Leisnham Paul T. , Mangan Jamie , Ponlawat Alongkot , Rothman Sarah E. , Stenn Tanise , McBride Carolyn S. , Harrington Laura C.
Published: January 2023

Laboratory and field-based studies of the invasive mosquito Aedes albopictus demonstrate its competency to transmit over twenty different pathogens linked to a broad range of vertebrate hosts. The vectorial capacity of Ae. albopictus to transmit these pathogens remains unclear, partly due to knowledge gaps regarding its feeding behavior. Blood meal analyses from field-captured specimens have shown vastly different feeding patterns, with a wide range of anthropophagy (human feeding) and host diversity. To address this knowledge gap, we asked whether differences in innate host preference may drive observed variation in Ae. albopictus feeding patterns in nature. Low generation colonies (F2–F4) were established with field-collected mosquitoes from three populations with high reported anthropophagy (Thailand, Cameroon, and Florida, USA) and three populations in the United States with low reported anthropophagy (New York, Maryland, and Virginia). The preference of these Ae. albopictus colonies for human versus non-human animal odor was assessed in a dual-port olfactometer along with control Ae. aegypti colonies already known to show divergent behavior in this assay. All Ae. albopictus colonies were less likely (p < 0.05) to choose the human-baited port than the anthropophilic Ae. aegypti control, instead behaving similarly to zoophilic Ae. aegypti. Our results suggest that variation in reported Ae. albopictus feeding patterns are not driven by differences in innate host preference, but may result from differences in host availability. This work is the first to compare Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti host preference directly and provides insight into differential vectorial capacity and human feeding risk.
Evaluation of the extraction of methodological study characteristics with JATSdecoder
Authors: Böschen Ingmar
Published: January 2023

This paper introduces and evaluates the study.character module from the JATSdecoder package which extracts several key methodological study characteristics from NISO-JATS coded scientific articles. study.character splits the text into sections and applies its heuristic-driven extraction procedures to the text of the method and result section/s. When used individually, study.character’s functions can also be applied to any textual input. An externally coded data set of 288 PDF articles serves as an indicator of study.character’s capabilities in extracting the number of sub-studies reported per article, the statistical methods applied and software solutions used. Its precision of extraction of the reported $$\alpha $$
α
-level, power, correction procedures for multiple testing, use of interactions, definition of outlier, and mentions of statistical assumptions are evaluated by a comparison to a manually curated data set of the same collection of articles. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy measures are reported for each of the evaluated functions. study.character reliably extracts the methodological study characteristics targeted here from psychological research articles. Most extractions have very low false positive rates and high accuracy ($$\ge 0.9$$

≥
0.9

). Most non-detections are due to PDF-specific conversion errors and complex text structures, that are not yet manageable. study.character can be applied to large text resources in order to examine methodological trends over time, by journal and/or by topic. It also enables a new way of identifying study sets for meta-analyzes and systematic reviews.
Learning-based physical models of room-temperature semiconductor detectors with reduced data
Authors: Banerjee Srutarshi , Rodrigues Miesher , Ballester Manuel , Vija Alexander Hans , Katsaggelos Aggelos K.
Published: January 2023

Room-temperature semiconductor radiation detectors (RTSD) have broad applications in medical imaging, homeland security, astrophysics and others. RTSDs such as CdZnTe, CdTe are often pixelated, and characterization of these detectors at micron level can benefit 3-D event reconstruction at sub-pixel level. Material defects alongwith electron and hole charge transport properties need to be characterized which requires several experimental setups and is labor intensive. The current state-of-art approaches characterize each detector pixel, considering the detector in bulk. In this article, we propose a new microscopic learning-based physical models of RTSD based on limited data compared to what is dictated by the physical equations. Our learning models uses a physical charge transport considering trapping centers. Our models learn these material properties in an indirect manner from the measurable signals at the electrodes and/or free and/or trapped charges distributed in the RTSD for electron–hole charge pair injections in the material. Based on the amount of data used during training our physical model, our algorithm characterizes the detector for charge drifts, trapping, detrapping and recombination coefficients considering multiple trapping centers or as a single equivalent trapping center. The RTSD is segmented into voxels spatially, and in each voxel, the material properties are modeled as learnable parameters. Depending on the amount of data, our models can characterize the RTSD either completely or in an equivalent manner.
E-liquid exposure induces bladder cancer cells to release extracellular vesicles that promote non-malignant urothelial cell transformation
Authors: Molony Ryan D. , Wu Chia-Hao , Lee Yi-Fen
Published: January 2023

The vaping of electronic cigarettes (E-cigarettes) has recently emerged as a popular alternative to traditional cigarette smoking, but its association with bladder cancer (BC) risk remains to be established. BC patients exhibit high rates of recurrent disease, possibly as a consequence of the field cancerization effect. We have shown that BC-derived extracellular vesicles (BCEVs) can permanently alter recipient urothelial cells in predisposed fields such that they become fully transformed malignant cells. To model the role that BCEVs may play in this potentially oncogenic setting, we treated TCCSUP BC cells with cigarette smoke extract, unflavored E-liquid, or menthol flavored E-liquid. Those treated BCEVs were then tested for their tumorigenic potential. We found that these smoking- and E-cigarette-related BCEVs were able to promote oxidative stress, inflammatory signaling, and DNA damage in recipient SV-HUC urothelial cells. Strikingly, menthol E-liquid-induced BCEVs significantly increased rates of malignant urothelial cell transformation. While further in vivo validation of the simultaneous effects of E-liquid and E-liquid-induced BCEVs on field cancerization is needed, these data highlight the possibility that E-cigarettes may compound user risk in a manner that can contribute to higher rates of BC incidence or recurrence.
Comparison of DNA extraction methods on CITES-listed timber species and application in species authentication of commercial products using DNA barcoding
Authors: But Grace Wing-Chiu , Wu Hoi-Yan , Siu Tin-Yan , Chan Kwun-Tin , Wong Kwan-Ho , Lau David Tai-Wai , Shaw Pang-Chui
Published: January 2023

Quality and quantity of DNA extracted from wood is important for molecular identification of wood species, which can serve for conservation of wood species and law enforcement to combat illegal wood trading. Rosewood (Dalbergia and Pterocarpus) and agarwood (Aquilaria) are the most commonly found hardwood in timber seizure incidents. To monitor international trade of timber and commercial wood products and to protect these endangered wood species from further population decline, in this study, we have compared three extraction protocols for DNA extraction from 12 samples of rosewood and agarwood timber logs, and later applied the best DNA extraction protocol on 10 commercial wood products claimed to be rosewood and agarwood. We also demonstrated the applicability of DNA mini-barcoding with multi-loci combination with reference library for identifying the species of timber and commercial wood products. We found that a silica column-based method with guanidine thiocyanate-containing binding buffer served the best in DNA extraction from different parts of wood in all three genera with good quality and quantity. Single barcode region ITS2 or multi-loci combinations including ITS2 barcode region generally provide better discriminatory power for species identification for both rosewood and agarwood. All 10 products were identified to species-level using multi-loci combination. In terms of accuracy in labelling, 80% of them were labelled correctly. Our work has shown the feasibility of extracting good quality of DNA from authentic wood samples and processed wood products and identifying them to species level based on DNA barcoding technology.
Experimental measurement and modeling of asphaltene adsorption onto iron oxide and lime nanoparticles in the presence and absence of water
Authors: Ansari Sajjad , Mohammadi Mohammad-Reza , Bahmaninia Hamid , Hemmati-Sarapardeh Abdolhossein , Schaffie Mahin , Norouzi-Apourvari Saeid , Ranjbar Mohammad
Published: January 2023

Asphaltene precipitation and its adsorption on different surfaces are challenging topics in the upstream and downstream of the oil industries and the environment. In this research, the phenomenon of asphaltenes adsorption in the presence and absence of water on the surface of magnetite, hematite, calcite, and dolomite nanoparticles (NPs) was investigated. Five asphaltenes of different origins, four NPs as adsorbents and Persian Gulf water were used for three-phase (asphaltene/toluene solution + NPs + water) experiments. Characterization of asphaltenes and NPs was performed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), elemental analysis, and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Adsorption experiments were performed in two- (asphaltene/toluene solution + NPs) and three-phase systems. The results showed that the most effective parameters for asphaltene adsorption onto these NPs are the asphaltene composition, namely nitrogen content, and the aromaticity of asphaltenes. The significant effects of these parameters were also confirmed by the relevancy factor function as a sensitivity analysis. In the competition of asphaltene adsorption capacity by NPs, iron oxide NPs had the highest adsorption (Magnetite NPs > Hematite NPs > Calcite NPs > Dolomite NPs). From the results of the experiments in the presence of water phase, it could be pointed out that the asphaltenes adsorption onto the NPs was accompanied by a decrease compared to the experiments in the absence of water. The modeling also showed that physical adsorption has a significant contribution to the asphaltenes adsorption on the surface of iron oxides and lime NPs. The results of this research can assist in a better understanding of the asphaltene adsorption phenomenon and the role of iron oxide and lime NPs in solving this problem.
Dual-resonant scanning multiphoton microscope with ultrasound lens and resonant mirror for rapid volumetric imaging
Authors: Hsu Chia-Wei , Lin Chun-Yu , Hu Yvonne Yuling , Chen Shean-Jen
Published: January 2023

A dual-resonant scanning multiphoton (DRSM) microscope incorporating a tunable acoustic gradient index of refraction lens with a resonant mirror is developed for high-speed volumetric imaging. In the proposed microscope, the pulse train signal of a femtosecond laser is used to trigger an embedded field programmable gate array to sample the multiphoton excited fluorescence signal at the rate of one pixel per laser pulse. It is shown that a frame rate of around 8000 Hz can be obtained in the x–z plane for an image region with a size of 256 × 80 pixels. Moreover, a volumetric imaging rate of over 30 Hz can be obtained for a large image volume of 343 × 343 × 120 μm3 with an image size of 256 × 256 × 80 voxels. Moreover, a volumetric imaging rate of over 30 Hz can be obtained for a large image volume of 256 × 256 × 80 voxels, which represents 343 × 343 × 120 μm3 in field-of-view. The rapid volumetric imaging rate eliminates the aliasing effect for observed temporal frequencies lower than 15 Hz. The practical feasibility of the DRSM microscope is demonstrated by observing the mushroom bodies of a drosophila brain and performing 3D dynamic observations of moving 10-μm fluorescent beads.
Prognostic value of reactive hyperemia index using peripheral artery tonometry in patients with heart failure
Authors: Kim Hack-Lyoung , Lim Woo-Hyun , Seo Jae-Bin , Chung Woo-Young
Published: January 2023

Given the high prevalence and poor prognosis of heart failure (HF), finding prognostic factors for patients with HF is crucial. This study investigated the prognostic value of reactive hyperemia index (RHI), a measure of endothelial function, in HF. A total of 90 HF patients (mean age, 63.7 ± 13.2 years; female, 25.6%) with a history of hospitalization for HF treatment were prospectively enrolled. RHI was measured using digital arterial tonometry in a stable condition. Clinical events, including all-cause death and HF admission, were assessed. During the median follow-up of 3.66 years (interquartile range, 0.91–4.94 years), 26 clinical events (28.9%) occurred. Although there were no significant differences in risk factors and laboratory findings according to the occurrence of clinical events, the RHI value was significantly lower in patients with clinical events than in those without (1.21 ± 0.34 vs. 1.68 ± 0.48; P < 0.001). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that a lower RHI value (< 1.48) was associated with a significantly higher incidence rate of clinical events (log-rank P < 0.001). In multivariable cox regression analysis, a low RHI value (< 1.48) was associated with an increased risk of clinical events (hazard ratio, 14.09; 95% confidence interval, 3.61–54.99; P < 0.001) even after controlling for potential confounders. Our study showed that reduced RHI was associated with an increased risk of adverse clinical outcomes in HF. This suggests that endothelial dysfunction may be an important prognostic marker in patients with HF.
A sequential explanatory mixed-methods study on costs incurred by patients with tuberculosis comorbid with diabetes in Bhavnagar, western India
Authors: Rupani Mihir P. , Vyas Sheetal
Published: January 2023

Diabetes is one of the commonest morbidity among patients with tuberculosis (TB). We conducted this study to estimate the costs incurred by patients with TB comorbid with diabetes and to explore the perspectives of program managers as well as patients on the reasons and solutions for the costs incurred due to TB-diabetes. We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study to estimate costs among 304 patients with TB-diabetes comorbidity registered in the public health system during 2017–2020 in the Bhavnagar region of western India, which was followed by in-depth interviews among program functionaries and patients to explore solutions for reducing the costs. Costs, when exceeded 20% of annual household income, were defined as catastrophic as this cut-off was most significantly related to adverse TB outcomes. Among the 304 patients with TB-diabetes comorbidity, 72% were male and the median (interquartile IQR) monthly family income was Indian rupees (INR) 9000 (8000–11,000) [~ US$ 132 (118–162)]. The median (IQR) total costs due to combined TB-diabetes were INR 1314 (788–3170) [~ US$ 19 (12–47)], while that due to TB were INR 618 (378–1933) [~ US$ 9 (6–28)]. Catastrophic costs due to TB were 4%, which increased to 5% on adding the costs due to diabetes. Health system strengthening, an increase in cash assistance, and other benefits such as a nutritious food kit were suggested for reducing the costs incurred. We conclude that, in addition to a marginal increase in the percentage of catastrophic costs, co-existent diabetes nearly doubled the median total costs incurred among patients with TB. Strengthening the TB-diabetes bi-directional activities, tailoring the cash transfer scheme for comorbid patients, and making the common two-drug combination diabetes tablets available at government drug stores would help TB-diabetes comorbid patients cope with the costs of care.
Volatile metabolites differentiate air–liquid interface cultures after infection with Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Ahmed Waqar , Bardin Emmanuelle , Davis Michael D. , Sermet-Gaudelus Isabelle , Grassin Delyle Stanislas , Fowler Stephen J.
Published: January 2023

Thin film microextraction to sample VOCs from the apical side of an air–liquid interface culture model. After S. aureus infection, infected and uninfected cultures were distinguished using an untargeted metabolomics approach.
Photocatalytic aerobic oxidation of benzylic alcohols and concomitant hydrogen peroxide production
Authors: Bhattacharjee Avik , LaVigne Aireth R. , Frazee Serena M. , Herrera Tyler L. , McCormick Theresa M.
Published: January 2023

N-Hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI) catalyzed low-temperature photochemical aerobic oxidation of benzylic alcohols with no metal co-catalysts allow both the oxidized products and H2O2 to be isolated.
Operandocharacterization of continuous flow CO2electrolyzers: current status and future prospects
Authors: Hursán Dorottya , Janáky Csaba
Published: January 2023

Operandocharacterization methods will help to understand processes occurring in high performance CO2electrolyzers.
Structure, stability, and electronic and optical properties of TMDC–coinage metal composites: vertical atomically thin self-assembly of Au clusters
Authors: Sangolkar Akanksha Ashok , Pooja  , Pawar Ravinder
Published: January 2023

The structure and stability of coinage M6clusters supported on MoS2and WS2layers is scrutinized and a promising surface that promotes the stability of 2D M6is revealed. Further, the electronic and optical properties of the composites are explored.
Theoretically proposed stable polymorph of two-dimensional pentagonal β-PdPSe
Authors: Dabsamut Klichchupong , Chatratin Intuon , Thanasarnsurapong Thanasee , Maluangnont Tosapol , Boonchun Adisak
Published: January 2023

The structure of experimentally synthesized α-PdPSe (left) and the theoretically proposed β-PdPSe (right) which is thermodynamically, dynamically, mechanically, and thermally stable.