bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STUDIES ON CORROSION BEHAVIOR OF POLISHED NICKEL SURFACE WITH RESIN WETTED BY DEEP EUTECTIC SOLVENT
Authors: LIU YAFEI , WANG LISHI , LV ZHIGANG , BU ZHIXIANG , HU XINBIN
Published: March 2023

As a material widely used in aerospace and energy development, the surface quality of nickel and its alloy will need to be improved urgently. Electrochemical polishing, as a surface treatment method, can smoothen the metal surface and improve its corrosion resistance. Strict environmental regulations have given rise to new electrochemical polishing techniques. In this paper, the electrochemical polishing of nickel was carried out using resin particles wetted by deep eutectic solvent (DES) as polishing medium. The surface morphology and roughness of polished nickel were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical profilometer. In addition, electrochemical polarization curve and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to test the corrosion behavior of polished specimens in 3.5[Formula: see text]wt.% NaCl solution. The results show that the surface morphology of polished nickel shows grain boundary characteristics. The surface roughness Ra can be reduced from 0.612[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m to 0.0913[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m (under 30[Formula: see text]V voltage polishing 1[Formula: see text]h), and the corrosion current density can be reduced from 27.30[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]A[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text] to 12.15[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]A[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text]. Pitting potential in the polarization curve indicates that the pits at the grain boundaries are corroded due to the influx of corrosive chloride ions. This polishing method combines the resin with DES which can reduce the production of polishing liquid waste while avoiding the use of harmful acid-base electrolytes and effectively reduce the surface geometry uneven degree, improving the surface corrosion resistance.
A DROPLET-BASED HIGH-THROUGHPUT APPROACH FOR SCREENING CORROSION INHIBITORS: A PROOF OF CONCEPT STUDY ON ALUMINIUM ALLOY 5083
Authors: GAMALELDIN K. , WHITE P. A. , TOH R. J. , CHEN X.-B. , KEIL P. , COLE I. S.
Published: March 2023

In this paper, a high-throughput droplet method is presented for screening corrosion inhibitors, particularly for those metals that are subjected to pitting. To this objective, AA5083 was used as a case study as it is subject to pitting corrosion in saline solution containing different corrosion inhibitors. This paper outlines how critical parameters are measured and calculated (average pit depth and maximum pit depth) and the errors and consistency of the method, and the definition of corrosion inhibition via the method. The results from this method were then compared to the results of inhibition efficiency derived from potentiodynamic polarization scans for inhibitors with a range of performance. The method was conducted at temperature [Formula: see text]C inside a humidity chamber, and concentration 10[Formula: see text] M of seven chemical compounds that have similarities in their structures. The discrepancies were profound for the cases where the inhibitor was of low efficiency, which is ascribed to the fact that these pits’ growth is dominated by that of a few large pits.
Unprecedented formation of bis-calix[5]phyrins centrally linked with pyrene subunits
Authors: Ipe Ruth Mariam , Nambiar Anjana P. , Nag Probal , Vennapusa Sivaranjana Reddy , Gokulnath Sabapathi
Published: March 2023

A [3+2] acid-catalyzed condensation of a tetra-functionalized pyrene fluorophore (4) with dipyrromethane dicarbinol (5) resulted in the unprecedented formation of two bis-calix[5]phyrins (bis-calix[5]-1 and bis-calix[5]-2). The solution state structure of both bis-calix[5]phyrins was found to be similar with slight variations as confirmed by NMR spectral studies. Interestingly, two different linkages between the pyrene subunits with dipyrromethane dicarbinols led to two different calix[5]phyrin systems. Although the optical features seem to be similar, the single crystal X-ray structure obtained for bis-calix[5]-1 provided the structural proof showing a non-planar, half-chair conformation with two meso-sp3 carbons. DFT studies were carried out to compare the HOMO-LUMO energy levels of both bis-calix[5]phyrins with the targetted conjugated bis-macrocycle (bis-N[Formula: see text]. Further, both the calix[5]-phyrins showed high Stokes shift (5404 cm[Formula: see text] and fluorescence quantum yield efficiency of around 90%.
A Finite Element Formulation to Three-Dimensionally Resolve Space-Charge Layers in Solid Electrolytes
Authors: Sinzig Stephan , Hollweck Thomas , Schmidt Christoph P. , Wall Wolfgang A.
Published: March 2023

All-solid-state batteries are seen as promising candidates to replace conventional batteries with liquid electrolytes in many applications. However, they are not yet feasible for many relevant applications. One particular question of interest is the identification of physical effects inside all-solid-state batteries and their quantitative influence on the performance of the entire battery cell. Simulation models can contribute to answering the aforementioned question by systematical studies, e.g. enabling or disabling certain physical effects. Especially the influence of space-charge layers (SCLs) is heavily discussed in the scientific community. So far, the different length scales of SCLs and the microstructure of a battery cell made a spatial discretization of realistic microstructures with resolved SCLs infeasible. However, thermodynamically consistent continuum models which are applied to simplified geometries are already established in the literature. In this work, we propose a model that enables the prediction of the spatial development of SCLs within geometrically resolved microstructures by exploiting that effects in SCLs are predominantly one-dimensional. With the proposed approach it is possible to quantify the geometric influence of realistic microstructures on the formation process of SCLs. SCLs in realistic microstructures remarkably differ from SCLs computed with simplified one-dimensional models which are already established in the literature.
A Micro-Reference Electrode for Electrode-Resolved Impedance and Potential Measurements in All-Solid-State Battery Pouch Cells and Its Application to the Study of Indium-Lithium Anodes
Authors: Sedlmeier Christian , Schuster Robin , Schramm Carina , Gasteiger Hubert A.
Published: March 2023

Impedance measurements are a powerful tool to investigate interfaces in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In order to deconvolute the anode and cathode contributions to the cell impedance, a reference electrode (RE) is required. However, there are only very few reports on the use of a three-electrode setup with an RE for all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs), which is due to the complexity of integrating an RE with a suitable geometry into the typical ASSB test cells that are based on a compressed electrolyte pellet. In this study, we present a straightforward approach to implement a micro-reference electrode (μ-RE) for electrode-resolved impedance and potential measurements into ASSB pouch cells. The μ-RE consists of an insulated ∼64 μm diameter gold wire that is sandwiched between two Li6PS5Cl/polymer separator sheets and activated by in situ electrochemical lithiation. Using this μ-RE, we investigate the electrode potential and the accessibility of cyclable lithium at the separator interface of indium-lithium anodes, which are prepared by stacking lithium and indium foils with a molar excess of indium. We compare two different cell assembly configurations, with the separator faced by either (i) the formerly In-side or (ii) the formerly Li-side, showing that only the latter case provides a reservoir of cyclable lithium.
Prostate Cancer, Radical Prostatectomy, Recovery, and Survivorship: A Narrative Study of How Men Make Sense of a Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Corbally Melissa , McGarvey Catherine , Kestell Barry
Published: March 2023

Prostate cancer invariably impacts men’s health and well-being and remains the most common male cancer. This study explored how men with prostate cancer who were scheduled for radical prostatectomy made sense of their cancer diagnosis. A narrative analysis was performed of 18 men’s life stories at three different time points: preoperatively (n = 13), three months postoperatively (n = 10), and six to nine months postoperatively (n = 11). In total, 34 interviews were undertaken in Ireland to examine how men talked over time. Riessman’s narrative analytic technique and structural and thematic analysis were used as the analytic framework. The following four themes emerged which reflected how men made sense of their prostate cancer diagnosis: seeking coherence, connecting through collective masculinity, rejecting a survivorship identity, and positioning prostate cancer. Seeking coherence was evident in the preoperative phase whilst the other three themes emerged in both postoperative time points. Whilst the experience of prostate cancer was an individualised one, masculine identity and narrative positioning underpinned every aspect of men’s accounts. Subscription to and expression of a masculine identity underpinned all aspects of the men’s narratives. In conclusion, it is recommended that care interventions targeted towards meeting the unmet needs of this group account for this highly masculinised experience. Appropriately sequenced information and support which is gender sensitive to individualised and collective identity expression is crucial. Acknowledgment of masculinised language is also recommended for men’s individual and collective recovery from this life-altering experience.
A Method Based on Random Demodulator and Waveform Matching Dictionary to Estimate LFM Signal Parameter
Authors: Meng Shuo , Meng Chen , Wang Cheng , Yin Xiang
Published: March 2023

The compressed sampling theory provides a good idea for sampling broadband linear frequency‐modulated (LFM) signal, but the signal reconstruction after sampling should be considered when using the compressed sampling system to sample the signal. For the problem of estimating the parameters of the LFM signal under the condition of nonreconstruction, a method combining random demodulation (RD) and waveform matching (WM) dictionary is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the RD system is used to collect the compressed sampling data of LFM signal. In order to ensure the validity of the compressed sampling data, the value of the compressed sampling rate R in the RD system is discussed. Then, the feasibility of using compressed sampling data to estimate LFM signal parameters is theoretically demonstrated. According to the construction principle of waveform matching dictionary, the corresponding relationship between sparse representation coefficients, dictionary atoms, and signal parameters can be determined. Using this theory, the LFM signal parameters can be estimated. Finally, simulation and real signal experiments verify that the proposed method can realize the estimation of initial frequency and chirp rate of LFM signal when some prior information is known.
Functionalization of a Volume-Stable Collagen Matrix Using Liquid Platelet-Rich Fibrin: A Case Report Presenting a New Approach for Root Coverage
Authors: Michels Roberta , Magrin Gabriel Leonardo , Cruz ACC , Magini RS , Benfatti Cesar Augusto Magalhães
Published: March 2023

This case report presents a novel approach for root coverage of multiple gingival recessions with a volume-stable collagen matrix functionalized with injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF). A patient with multiple gingival recessions in the anterior maxilla was submitted to root coverage by coronally advanced flap with split–full–split incisions. Blood collection was performed before surgery and i-PRF was obtained after centrifugation (relative centrifugal force (RCF) 400 g, 2700 rpm, 3 minutes). A volume-stable collagen matrix was soaked with i-PRF and applied as a substitute for autogenous connective tissue graft. A mean root coverage of 83% was observed after a 12-month follow-up period, and only slight modifications were detected in a 30-month follow-up consultation. The association of a volume-stable collagen matrix with i-PRF successfully treated multiple gingival recessions with reduced morbidity since a connective tissue collection was avoided.
Application of Improved Image Processing Technology in New Media Short Video Quality Improvement in Film and Television Postproduction
Authors: Wang Yi
Published: March 2023

With the development of film and television industry and the rise of new media short video, film and television postproduction process has higher and higher requirements for image quality. In film and television postproduction, optimizing the image quality can enhance the resolution and make the image more vivid and detailed. High-quality image can fully embody the value of film and television, as well as promote the development of new media short videos. This paper optimizes image quality by improving image processing technology, thus improving the quality and value of film and television and new media short videos. In this paper, a convolutional neural network combined with a nonlinear activation function is used to establish an improved image processing technology model to efficiently extract image features. This technology can enhance the ability to extract image features, improve the accuracy of image feature extraction, and then improve the image resolution and details, thus improving the image quality in the process of film and television postproduction. The results show that the average value of PSNR is 30.29. The average value of PSNR of the proposed algorithm is higher than that of other algorithms, indicating that the error between the image processed by the proposed algorithm and the original image is small. The average SSIM of the algorithm in this paper is 0.903, which is closer to 1. Compared with other algorithms, the structure processed by the algorithm in this paper is more similar to the original structure, resulting in a better graph. The algorithm in this paper has the best performance on both the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and the structural similarity (SSIM). The improved image processing technology proposed in this paper can effectively improve the accuracy of image feature extraction, making film and television or new media short video images of higher quality.
A Novel Collocation Method for Numerical Solution of Hypersingular Integral Equation with Singular Right-Hand Function
Authors: Elahi M. R. , Mahmoudi Y. , Salimi Shamloo A. , Jahangiri Rad M.
Published: March 2023

In this study, the Fredholm hypersingular integral equation of the first kind with a singular right-hand function on the interval

−
1
,
1

is solved. The discontinuous solution on the domain

−
1
,
1

is approximated by a piecewise polynomial, and a collocation method is introduced to evaluate the unknown coefficients. This method, which can be applied to both linear and nonlinear integral equations, is very simple and straightforward. The presented illustrations relate that the results are very accurate compared to the other methods in the literature.
Dental Caries in Permanent First Molar and Its Association with Carious Primary Second Molar among 6–11-Year-Old School Children in Sunsari, Nepal
Authors: Agrawal Santosh Kumari , Bhagat Tarakant , Shrestha Ashish
Published: March 2023

The permanent first molar (PFM) plays an essential role in maintaining the dental and overall health of an individual. It is the most susceptible tooth to dental caries due to its early eruption and location near the primary second molar in the oral cavity. We assessed the clinical status of the PFM and its association with carious primary second molars among 6–11-year-old children in Sunsari, Nepal, from January 2019 to December 2021. We recorded DMFT/DMFS and dft/dfs indices of the first permanent molar and secondary primary molar. Chi-square, logistic regression, and Spearman rank correlation (rs) were used to explore the association between carious molar lesions. Of the 655 children, only 612 had all first permanent molars. The prevalence of caries was higher in the second primary molar (70.9%) than in the PFM (38.6%). In both molars, the occlusal surface was the most commonly affected surface by dental caries. A significant association (

p
<
0.01

) was found between the decayed primary second molar and the decayed PFM. A moderate but statistically significant correlation (

p
<
0.01

) was found between the occurrence of dental caries in both the molars.
Cell-Autonomous Cxcl1 Sustains Tolerogenic Circuitries and Stromal Inflammation via Neutrophil-Derived TNF in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Bianchi Anna , De Castro Silva Iago , Deshpande Nilesh U. , Singh Samara , Mehra Siddharth , Garrido Vanessa T. , Guo Xinyu , Nivelo Luis A. , Kolonias Despina S. , Saigh Shannon J. , Wieder Eric , Rafie Christine I. , Dosch Austin R. , Zhou Zhiqun , Umland Oliver , Amirian Haleh , Ogobuiro Ifeanyichukwu C. , Zhang Jian , Ban Yuguang , Shiau Carina , Nagathihalli Nagaraj S. , Montgomery Elizabeth A. , Hwang William L. , Brambilla Roberta , Komanduri Krishna , Villarino Alejandro V. , Toska Eneda , Stanger Ben Z. , Gabrilovich Dmitry I. , Merchant Nipun B. , Datta Jashodeep
Published: March 2023

We have shown that KRAS–TP53 genomic coalteration is associated with immune-excluded microenvironments, chemoresistance, and poor survival in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients. By treating KRAS–TP53 cooperativity as a model for high-risk biology, we now identify cell-autonomous Cxcl1 as a key mediator of spatial T-cell restriction via interactions with CXCR2+ neutrophilic myeloid-derived suppressor cells in human PDAC using imaging mass cytometry. Silencing of cell-intrinsic Cxcl1 in LSL-KrasG12D/+;Trp53R172H/+;Pdx-1Cre/+(KPC) cells reprograms the trafficking and functional dynamics of neutrophils to overcome T-cell exclusion and controls tumor growth in a T cell–dependent manner. Mechanistically, neutrophil-derived TNF is a central regulator of this immunologic rewiring, instigating feed-forward Cxcl1 overproduction from tumor cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), T-cell dysfunction, and inflammatory CAF polarization via transmembrane TNF–TNFR2 interactions. TNFR2 inhibition disrupts this circuitry and improves sensitivity to chemotherapy in vivo. Our results uncover cancer cell–neutrophil cross-talk in which context-dependent TNF signaling amplifies stromal inflammation and immune tolerance to promote therapeutic resistance in PDAC.

Significance:

By decoding connections between high-risk tumor genotypes, cell-autonomous inflammatory programs, and myeloid-enriched/T cell–excluded contexts, we identify a novel role for neutrophil-derived TNF in sustaining immunosuppression and stromal inflammation in pancreatic tumor microenvironments. This work offers a conceptual framework by which targeting context-dependent TNF signaling may overcome hallmarks of chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1275
Risk of Psychiatric Disorders in Patients with Psoriasis Prescribed Acitretin versus Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs: A Nationwide Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Lin Teng-Li , Kuo Ching-Min , Chang Yi-Ling , Ho Hsiu J. , Chen Yi-Ju , Wu Chun-Ying
Published: March 2023

Background: Acitretin has been linked to the development of psychiatric disturbance. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the psychiatric hazards in patients with psoriasis prescribed acitretin compared with those prescribed disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Methods: This is a nationwide matched cohort study. From Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database, adult patients with psoriasis between 1997 and 2013 were screened. Patients prescribed acitretin for at least 30 days per year on average (acitretin cohort) were matched 1:2 with those prescribed DMARDs for at least 30 days per year on average (reference cohort), by means of age, gender, and psoriasis duration. Patients prescribed medication of the corresponding cohort for more than 7 days during the observation period were excluded. Cumulative incidences of psychiatric disorders in both cohorts were plotted with the Kaplan-Meier method. The modified Cox regression models were constructed to estimate hazard ratios (HRs). Results: In total, 1,152 and 2,304 patients in the acitretin and the reference cohorts, respectively, were included. The 4-year cumulative incidence of overall psychiatric disorders (19.62% vs. 12.06%; p < 0.001), mood disorders (12.81% vs. 7.67%; p < 0.001), and psychosis (7.21% vs. 4.63%; p < 0.001) in the acitretin cohort was significantly higher than that in the reference cohort. Acitretin was independently associated with psychiatric disorders (HR 1.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23–1.85). The risk is more accentuated in the subgroups of comorbid chronic liver disease (HR 2.60, 95% CI: 1.56–4.33) or psoriatic arthritis (HR 3.23, 95% CI: 1.75–5.97). Other independent risk factors included insomnia, acute coronary syndrome, females, and age. Conclusions: Compared with DMARDs, acitretin was associated with higher hazards of psychiatric disorders among psoriasis patients.
Risk Factors of Dementia in Patients with Cerebral Vascular Diseases Based on Taiwan National Health Insurance Data
Authors: Zhou Bin , Lin Cheng-Li , Kojima Shinsuke , Fukushima Masanori , Hsu Chung Y
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Vascular factors have been shown to be associated with increased risk of dementia. However, clinical trials have so far been unsuccessful, suggesting new approaches are needed. The aim of this study was to use population-based real-world data to investigate risk factors and preventive factors for dementia, including the effects of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study using LHID2000, a dataset randomly selected from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database. Subjects with occlusion and stenosis of precerebral and cerebral arteries, cerebral atherosclerosis without mention of cerebral infarction, and transient cerebral ischemia were included. Subjects with dementia at baseline were excluded. The primary endpoint was dementia. Data for demographic and clinical comorbid status and treatments administered at baseline in 2000 and at the end of follow-up in 2013 were included. Results: A total of 4,207 subjects with cerebral vascular disease and no cognitive impairment were included, of whom 392 converted to dementia during an average 5.15-year (SD: 3.79) follow-up. Depression (adjusted HR: 1.54, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13–2.09), osteoporosis (adjusted HR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.04–1.74), and the use of enalapril (adjusted HR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.09–1.73) were risk factors for dementia, while nitroglycerin (adjusted HR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.53–0.85) was a protecting factor, in subjects with cerebrovascular diseases without mention of cerebral infarction. In total, statins were shown to be associated with decreased risk of dementia (HR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.59–0.91); however, no one statin subtype or TCM had such an effect. Conclusion: Depression, osteoporosis, and the use of enalapril were associated with a higher risk of dementia, while nitroglycerin might be a protecting factor for dementia, in subjects with cerebrovascular diseases without mention of cerebral infarction.
miRNA-383 and miRNA-384 Suppress Proopiomelanocortin Gene Expression in the Hypothalamus: Effects of Early Life Ethanol Exposure
Authors: Gangisetty Omkaram , Chaudhary Shaista , Tarale Prashant , Cabrera Miguel A , Sarkar Dipak K
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Early life ethanol exposure is known to program hypothalamic proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons to express a reduced level of POMC and its control of stress axis functions throughout the life span. In this study, we tested whether miRNAs contribute to the ethanol-induced suppression of Pomc gene expression during the developmental period. Methods: In in vivo studies, POMC-EGFP male mice were fed with 2.5 g/kg ethanol using milk formula (AF), pair-fed isocaloric milk formula, or left in the litter during postnatal days (PNDs) 2–6. In in vitro studies, mHypoA-POMC/GFP cells were treated with ethanol (50 mM) for a 24-h period. Hypothalamic tissues or cell extracts were used for measurement of miRNAs and POMC mRNA. Results: Determination of genome-wide microRNA expression profile identified 40 miRNAs significantly altered in hypothalamic tissues of AF mice. In silico analysis further identified miRNA-383, -384, and -488 have putative binding sites at the POMC 3′UTR. However, only miR-383 and miR-384 are identified to be responsive to ethanol. Administration of miR-383 or -384 inhibitor oligos suppressed ethanol-stimulated miR-383 or -384 expression and restored Pomc mRNA and protein expression in AF mice. mHypoA-POMC/GFP cells when treated with ethanol showed elevated levels of miR-383 and miR-384 and reduced level of Pomc mRNA. Treatment with miR-383 or -384 mimic oligos reduced the level of Pomc mRNA, while treatment with miR-383 or -384 inhibitor oligos increased the level of Pomc mRNA. Reporter assay further confirms the binding specificity of miR-383 and miR-384 to Pomc 3’UTR. Conclusion: These data suggest that miR-383 and miR-384 suppress Pomc gene expression and may contribute to the ethanol-induced alteration of the stress axis functions.
A formulation of volumetric growth as a mechanical problem subjected to non-holonomic and rheonomic constraint
Authors: Grillo Alfio , Di Stefano Salvatore
Published: March 2023

Starting from a reformulation of the mass balance law based on the Bilby–Kröner–Lee (BKL) decomposition of the deformation gradient tensor, we study some peculiar mechanical aspects of growth in a monophasic continuum by regarding the reformulated mass balance equation as a non-holonomic and rheonomic constraint. Such constraint restricts the admissible rates of the growth tensor, i.e., one of the two factors of the BKL decomposition, to comply with a growth law provided phenomenologically. For our purposes, we put the constraint in Pfaffian form, and treat time as a fictitious, additional Lagrangian parameter, subjected to the condition that its rate must be unitary. Then, by taking some suggestions from the literature, we assume the existence of generalized forces conjugated with the virtual variations of the growth tensor, and we write a constrained version of the Principle of Virtual Work (PVW) that leads to a mixed boundary value problem whose unknowns are the motion, the growth tensor, and the Lagrange multipliers of the considered theory. This allows to extrapolate a physical interpretation of the role that the growth-conjugated forces play on the components of the growth tensor, especially on the distortional ones, i.e., those that are not directly related to the variation of mass of the body. The core message of our work is conceptual: we show that the growth laws usually encountered in the literature, which are prescribed phenomenologically, but may be difficult to justify theoretically, can be put in the framework of the PVW by regarding them as constraints. Moreover, we retrieve more particularized frameworks of growth available in the literature, while being able to switch to a theory of growth of grade one, such as a Cahn–Hilliard model of growth.
Vector-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is associated with improved T-cell responses in hematological neoplasia
Authors: Engelmann Robby , Jaekel Nadja , Jotschke Sabrina , Ludwig-Kraus Beatrice , Kraus Frank Bernhard , Kumari Neha , Schulze Susann , Hecker Michael , Zahn Christina , Al-Ali Haifa Kathrin , Junghanss Christian , Böttcher Sebastian
Published: March 2023

In order to elucidate mechanisms for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 vaccination success in hematological neoplasia, we, herein, provide a comprehensive characterization of the spike-specific T-cell and serological immunity induced in 130 patients in comparison with 91 healthy controls. We studied 121 distinct T-cell subpopulations and the vaccination schemes as putative response predictors. In patients with lymphoid malignancies an insufficient immunoglobulin G (IgG) response was accompanied by a healthy CD4+ T-cell function. Compared with controls, a spike-specific CD4+ response was detectable in fewer patients with myeloid neoplasia whereas the seroconversion rate was normal. Vaccination-induced CD4+ responses were associated to CD8+ and IgG responses. Vector-based AZD1222 vaccine induced more frequently detectable specific CD4+ responses in study participants across all cohorts (96%; 27 of 28), whereas fully messenger RNA-based vaccination schemes resulted in measurable CD4+ cells in only 102 of 168 participants (61%; P < .0001). A similar benefit of vector-based vaccination was observed for the induction of spike-specific CD8+ T cells. Multivariable models confirmed vaccination schemes that incorporated at least 1 vector-based vaccination as key feature to mount both a spike-specific CD4+ response (odds ratio, 10.67) and CD8+ response (odds ratio, 6.56). Multivariable analyses identified a specific CD4+ response but not the vector-based immunization as beneficial for a strong, specific IgG titer. Our study reveals factors associated with a T-cell response in patients with hematological neoplasia and might pave the way toward tailored vaccination schemes for vaccinees with these diseases. The study was registered at the German Clinical Trials Register as #DRKS00027372.
Application of cardiovascular interventions to decrease blood loss during hepatectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ye Hui , Wu Hanghang , Li Bin , Zuo Pengfei , Chen Chaobo
Published: March 2023

Background

Perioperative bleeding and allogeneic blood transfusion are generally thought to affect the outcomes of patients. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the benefits and risks of several cardiovascular interventions in patients undergoing hepatectomy.

Methods

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were searched in the Cochrane Library, Medline, Embase, and Web of Science to February 02, 2023. RCTs focused on cardiovascular interventions aimed at reducing blood loss or blood transfusion requirements during hepatectomy were included. The primary outcomes were perioperative blood loss amount, number of patients requiring allogeneic blood transfusion and overall occurrence of postoperative complications. The secondary outcomes were operating time, perioperative mortality rate, postoperative liver and kidney function and length of hospital stay.

Results

Seventeen RCTs were included in the analysis. A total of 841 patients who underwent hepatectomy in 10 trials were included in the comparative analysis between low central venous pressure (CVP) and control groups. The forest plots showed a low operative bleeding volume [(mean difference (MD): -409.75 mL, 95% confidence intervals (CI) -616.56 to -202.94, P < 0.001], reduced blood transfusion rate [risk ratio (RR): 0.47, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.65, P < 0.001], shortened operating time (MD: -13.42 min, 95% CI -22.59 to -4.26, P = 0.004), and fewer postoperative complications (RR: 0.76, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.99, P = 0.04) in the low CVP group than in the control group. Five and two trials compared the following interventions, respectively: ‘acute normovolaemic haemodilution (ANH) vs control’ and ‘autologous blood donation vs control’. ANH and autologous blood donation could not reduce the blood loss amount but greatly decreased the number of patients requiring allogeneic blood transfusion. No benefits were found in the rate of mortality and length of postoperative hospital stay in any of the comparisons.

Conclusion

Lowering the CVP seems to be effective and safe in adult patients undergoing hepatectomy. ANH and autologous blood donation should be used as a part of blood management for suitable patients in certain circumstances.

Trial registration

PROSPERO, CRD42022314061.
Assessment of myocardial bridging and the pericoronary fat attenuation index on coronary computed tomography angiography: predicting coronary artery disease risk
Authors: Lu Yang , Liu Haifeng , Zhu Zuhui , Wang Siqi , Liu Qi , Qiu Jianguo , Xing Wei
Published: March 2023

Background

The fat attenuation index (FAI) is a radiological parameter that represents pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT) inflammation, along with myocardial bridging (MB), which leads to pathological shear stress in the coronary vessels; both are associated with coronary atherosclerosis. In the present study, we assessed the predictive value of FAI values and MB parameters through coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) for predicting the risk of coronary atherosclerosis and vulnerable plaque in patients with MB.

Methods

We included 428 patients who underwent CCTA and were diagnosed with MB. FAI values, MB parameters, and high-risk coronary plaque (HRP) characteristics were recorded. The subjects were classified into two groups (A and B) according to the absence or presence of coronary plaque in the segment proximal to the MB. Group B was further divided into Groups B1 (HRP-positive) and B2 (HRP-negative) according to the HRP characteristic classification method. The differences among the groups were analysed. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent correlation between FAI values and MB parameters and coronary atherosclerosis and vulnerable plaque risk.

Results

Compared to the subjects in Group A, those in Group B presented greater MB lengths, MB depths and muscle index values, more severe MB systolic stenosis and higher FAIlesion values (all P < 0.05). In multivariate logistic analysis, age (OR 1.076, P < 0.001), MB systolic stenosis (OR 1.102, P < 0.001) and FAIlesion values (OR 1.502, P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for the occurrence of coronary atherosclerosis. Compared to subjects in Group B2, those in Group B1 presented greater MB lengths and higher FAI values (both P < 0.05). However, only the FAIlesion value was an independent factor for predicting HRP (OR 1.641, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

In patients with MB, MB systolic stenosis was associated with coronary plaque occurrence in the segment proximal to the MB. The FAI value was not only closely related to coronary atherosclerosis occurrence but also associated with plaque vulnerability. FAI values may provide more significant value in the prediction of coronary atherosclerosis than MB parameters in CCTA.
Comparisons of lymphocytes profiles and inflammatory cytokines levels in blood of patients with differed severity of infection by human adenovirus type 7
Authors: Sun Junping , Ma Xidong , Zhang Mingyue , Xie Mei , Zhang Xingang , Han Xinjie , Li Xinfu , Zhou Enlu , Wang Junyu , Wang Jianxin
Published: March 2023

Background

Human adenovirus (HAdV) infection outbreak causes community-acquired pneumonia. Cellular immune dysfunction and hypercytokinemia play important roles in the pathogenesis of adenovirus respiratory infection. Some soluble factors in peripheral blood can assist in judging the virus-induced disease severity. The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines differ among patients with different disease severity. However, whether and how HAdV-7 infection influences the composition of blood immune cells and serum cytokine levels in patients at different disease stages, as well as the diagnosis values of these parameters, have rarely been intensively studied. We aimed to investigate lymphocytes profiles and cytokines levels in blood of patients at different disease stages upon human adenovirus type 7 (HAdV-7) infections, and explored the diagnosis values of the investigated parameters.

Methods

Patients from two outbreaks of HAdV-7 in military of China were categorized into upper respiratory infection (URI) group, common pneumonia (CP) group and severe pneumonia (SP) group according to disease severity. Peripheral blood samples were subjected to routine laboratory tests, while flow cytometry and ELISA were used to measure the lymphocyte subsets and cytokines in blood, respectively. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were performed to examine the diagnostic of these blood parameters.

Results

Signs of imbalanced lymphocytes composition and hypercytokinemia were observed in HAdV-7-infected patients. The percentages of CD3+ T cells and NK cells were significantly decreased along with the aggravation of the disease, particularly for NK cells and CD4+ T cells. The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) increased significantly in patients with more severe disease. In addition, the levels of serum CXCL10, IL-2 and TNF-α were positively correlated with disease severity, while reduced levels of IFN-γ and IL-10 were found in SP patients. Furthermore, analysis of ROC showed that multiple parameters including the percentage of blood CD3+ cells and serum CXCL10 level could predict the progression of HAdV-7 infection.

Conclusion

Imbalance of immune state with hypercytokinemia occurred during HAdV-7 infection. The percentages of blood immune cells such as CD3+ T cells and the levels of serum cytokines such as CXCL10 showed potential diagnosis values in HAdV-7 infection.
Identification of ZBTB4 as an immunological biomarker that can inhibit the proliferation and invasion of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Yang Zhe , Chen Feiran , Wang Feng , Chen Xiubing , Zheng Biaolin , Liao Xiaomin , Deng Zhejun , Ruan Xianxian , Ning Jing , Li Qing , Jiang Haixing , Qin Shanyu
Published: March 2023

Background

Zinc finger and BTB domain-containing protein 4 (ZBTB4) belongs to the zinc finger protein family, which has a role in regulating epigenetic inheritance and is associated with cell differentiation and proliferation. Previous studies have identified aberrant ZBTB4 expression in cancer and its ability to modulate disease progression, but studies on the immune microenvironment, immunotherapy and its role in cancer are still lacking.

Methods

Human pan-cancer and normal tissue transcriptome data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas. The pan-cancer genomic alteration landscape of ZBTB4 was investigated with the online tool. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to evaluate the prognostic significance of ZBTB4 in pancreatic cancer. In parallel, ZBTB4 interacting molecules and potential functions were analyzed by co-expression and the correlation between ZBTB4 and immune cell infiltration, immune modulatory cells and efficacy of immune checkpoint therapy was explored. Next, we retrieved the Gene Expression Omnibus database expression datasets of ZBTB4 and investigated ZBTB4 expression and clinical significance in pancreatic cancer by immunohistochemical staining experiments. Finally, cell experiments were performed to investigate changes in pancreatic cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion following overexpression and knockdown of ZBTB4.

Findings

ZBTB4 showed loss of expression in the majority of tumors and possessed the ability to predict cancer prognosis. ZBTB4 was closely related to the tumor immune microenvironment, immune cell infiltration and immunotherapy efficacy. ZBTB4 had good diagnostic performance for pancreatic cancer in the clinic, and ZBTB4 protein expression was lost in pancreatic cancer tumor tissues. Cell experiments revealed that overexpression of ZBTB4 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells, while silencing ZBTB4 showed the opposite effect.

Conclusions

According to our results, ZBTB4 is present in pancreatic cancer with aberrant expression and is associated with an altered immune microenvironment. We show that ZBTB4 is a promising marker for cancer immunotherapy and cancer prognosis and has the potential to influence pancreatic cancer progression.
Online Arabic Beverage Frequency Questionnaire (ABFQ): evaluation of validity and reliability
Authors: Aldhirgham Tahrir M. , Almutairi Lulu A. , Alraqea Atheer S. , Alqahtani Amani S.
Published: March 2023

Background

Obesity and chronic diseases are significant public health issues in the Middle East and North Africa region. A robust body of evidence demonstrated the association between beverage consumption, obesity, and chronic diseases. Therefore, the assessment of beverage consumption is gaining more interest in health policy development, food industry partnerships, research expansion and community involvement. Although beverage-consumption assessment tools have been developed for various populations, none were developed for the Arabic population. In this study, we developed and validated an online Arabic Beverage Frequency Questionnaire (ABFQ) to assess the total beverage intake among Arabic speaking population.

Methods

A cross-sectional validation study was conducted among healthy adults aged between 18 and 55 years. Participants (n = 49) completed a 24-item ABFQ on two occasions and provided one 24-h urine sample. For validity, total beverage consumption (ABFQ1) was assessed against a 24-h urine sample using an osmolality test and correlation analysis. Reliability was assessed by comparing the participants’ consumption in total and for every 24 individual items from ABFQ1 with the total and individual items in ABFQ2 using correlation and paired sample t-test.

Results

The average daily consumption of beverages was 1504 ml/day, while the average urine osmolality/kg was 614. The validity assessment between ABFQ and urine osmolality indicates a negative correlation. However, the correlation was week and not statistically significant (rs = -0.2,p = 0.12). In reliability test, correlation analysis was positive and acceptable in all beverage categories (rs = 0.4 − 0.9; allp < 0.05) except flavored milk (rs = 0.2;p < 0.181) and sweetened coffee (rs = 0.3;p < 0.022). Furthermore, no significant differences were found between the means of total consumption in both ABFQ1 and ABFQ2.

Conclusions

The finding of this study suggest that the ABFQ is a reliable reproducible tool for assessing beverage consumption among Arabic-speaking consumers. However, the survey could not be validated using 24-h urine osmolality only and other methods such as multi dietary records may use in future re-assessment.
Sources of variation in estimates of Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy prevalence in the United States
Authors: Whitehead Nedra , Erickson Stephen W. , Cai Bo , McDermott Suzanne , Peay Holly , Howard James F. , Ouyang Lijing ,   the Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance, Tracking and Research Network
Published: March 2023

Background

Direct estimates of rare disease prevalence from public health surveillance may only be available in a few catchment areas. Understanding variation among observed prevalence can inform estimates of prevalence in other locations. The Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance, Tracking, and Research Network (MD STARnet) conducts population-based surveillance of major muscular dystrophies in selected areas of the United States. We identified sources of variation in prevalence estimates of Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy (DBMD) within MD STARnet from published literature and a survey of MD STARnet investigators, then developed a logic model of the relationships between the sources of variation and estimated prevalence.

Results

The 17 identified sources of variability fell into four categories: (1) inherent in surveillance systems, (2) particular to rare diseases, (3) particular to medical-records-based surveillance, and (4) resulting from extrapolation. For the sources of uncertainty measured by MD STARnet, we estimated each source’s contribution to the total variance in DBMD prevalence. Based on the logic model we fit a multivariable Poisson regression model to 96 age–site–race/ethnicity strata. Age accounted for 74% of the variation between strata, surveillance site for 6%, race/ethnicity for 3%, and 17% remained unexplained.

Conclusion

Variation in estimates derived from a non-random sample of states or counties may not be explained by demographic differences alone. Applying these estimates to other populations requires caution.
A retrospective analysis of conditional power assumptions in clinical trials with continuous or binary endpoints
Authors: Edwards Julia M. , Walters Stephen J. , Julious Steven A.
Published: March 2023

Background

Adaptive clinical trials may use conditional power (CP) to make decisions at interim analyses, requiring assumptions about the treatment effect for remaining patients. It is critical that these assumptions are understood by those using CP in decision-making, as well as timings of these decisions.

Methods

Data for 21 outcomes from 14 published clinical trials were made available for re-analysis. CP curves for accruing outcome information were calculated using and compared with a pre-specified objective criteria for original and transformed versions of the trial data using four future treatment effect assumptions: (i) observed current trend, (ii) hypothesised effect, (iii) 80% optimistic confidence limit, (iv) 90% optimistic confidence limit.

Results

The hypothesised effect assumption met objective criteria when the true effect was close to that planned, but not when smaller than planned. The opposite was seen using the current trend assumption. Optimistic confidence limit assumptions appeared to offer a compromise between the two, performing well against objective criteria when the end observed effect was as planned or smaller.

Conclusion

The current trend assumption could be the preferable assumption when there is a wish to stop early for futility. Interim analyses could be undertaken as early as 30% of patients have data available. Optimistic confidence limit assumptions should be considered when using CP to make trial decisions, although later interim timings should be considered where logistically feasible.