bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Star formation history of ≤ z ≤ mass-selected galaxies in the ELAIS-N1 Field
Authors: Ocran E F , Vaccari M , Stil J M , Taylor A R , Ishwara-Chandra C H , Kim Jae-Woo
Published: July 2023

We measure the specific star formation rates (sSFRs) of K-band selected galaxies from the European Large Area ISO Survey North 1 by stacking Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope data at 610 MHz. We identify a sample of star-forming galaxies (SFGs), spanning ${0.1\le \, {z}\, \le \, 1.5}$ and $\rm {10^{8.5}\lt \, {{\mathit{ M}}_{\star }}/{{M}_{\odot }}\lt 10^{12.4}}$, using a combination of multiwavelength diagnostics obtained from the deep LOw Frequency ARray Two-metre Sky Survey multiwavelength catalogue. We measure the flux densities in the radio map and estimate the radio SFR in order to probe the nature of the galaxies below the noise and confusion limits. The massive galaxies in our sample have the lowest sSFRs, which is in agreement with previous studies. For the different populations, we show that the sSFR–mass relation steepens with redshift, with an average slope of $\rm {\langle \beta _{All} \rangle \, =\, -0.49\pm 0.01}$ for the whole sample, and $\rm {\langle \beta _{SFG} \rangle \, =\, -0.42\pm 0.02}$ for the SFGs. Our results indicate that galaxy populations undergo ’downsizing’, whereby most massive galaxies form their stars earlier and more rapidly than low-mass galaxies. Both populations show a strong decrease in their sSFR towards the present epoch. The sSFR evolution with redshift is best described by a power law ${(1\, +\, {z})^{n}}$, where $\rm {\langle {\mathit{ n}}_{ALL}\rangle \sim 4.94\pm 0.53}$ for all galaxies and $\rm {\langle {\mathit{ n}}_{SFG}\rangle \sim 3.51\pm 0.52}$ for SFGs. Comparing our measured sSFRs to results from literature, we find a general agreement in the sSFR–M⋆ plane.
Outcomes of Patients Transported in the Prone Position to a Regional Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Center: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zhang Timothy , Nikouline Anton , Riggs Jamie , Nolan Brodie , Pan Andy , Peddle Michael , Fan Eddy , Del Sorbo Lorenzo , Granton John
Published: July 2023

IMPORTANCE:

Prone positioning is associated with improved mortality in patients with moderate/severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and has been increasingly used throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. In patients with refractory hypoxemia, transfer to an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) center may improve outcome but may be challenging due to severely compromised gas exchange. Transport of these patients in prone position may be advantageous; however, there is a paucity of data on their outcomes.

OBJECTIVES:

The primary objective of this retrospective cohort study was to describe the early outcomes of ARDS patients transported in prone position for evaluation at a regional ECMO center. A secondary objective was to examine the safety of their transport in the prone position.

DESIGN:

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING:

This study used patient charts from Ornge and Toronto General Hospital in Ontario, Canada, between February 1, 2020, and November 31, 2021.

PARTICIPANTS:

Patient with ARDS transported in the prone position for ECMO evaluation to Toronto General Hospital.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES:

Descriptive analysis of patients transported in the prone position and their outcomes.

RESULTS:

One hundred fifteen patients were included. Seventy-two received ECMO (63%) and 51 died (44%) with ARDS and sepsis as the most common listed causes of death. Patients were transported primarily for COVID-related indications (93%). Few patients required additional analgesia (8%), vasopressors (4%), or experienced clinically relevant desaturation during transport (2%).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE:

This cohort of patients with severe ARDS transported in prone position had outcomes ranging from similar to better compared with existing literature. Prone transport was performed safely with few complications or escalation in treatments. Prone transport to an ECMO center should be regarded as safe and potentially beneficial for patients with ARDS and refractory hypoxemia.
Evaluation and management of drug-eluting stent in-stent restenosis
Authors: Parfrey Shane , Siu Vincent , Graham John J. , Vijayaraghavan Ram , Li Christopher , Pang Jeffrey , Kalra Sanjog , Džavík Vladimír , Wijeysundera Harindra C. , Bagai Akshay
Published: July 2023

Purpose of review

In-stent restenosis (ISR) is the most common cause of stent failure. Although the rate of ISR is significantly lower with contemporary drug-eluting stents (DES), it remains a challenging clinical entity to treat.

Recent findings

In this review, we focus on a practical approach to management of DES ISR with intravascular imaging at its core, as supported by several recently published articles. This facilitates assessment of the underlying mechanism(s) essential to the successful treatment of ISR allowing for a tailored selection of treatment modalities.

The successful treatment of DES ISR requires identification of the causative mechanism(s). Individualized treatment may include high-pressure balloon angioplasty alone, cutting or scoring balloons, intravascular lithotripsy, atheroablative therapies and a selection of either repeat DES implantation or drug-coated balloon treatment.
A study of the correlation between total lung volume and the percent of low attenuation volume and PFT indicators in patients with preoperative lung cancer
Authors: Peng Jing , Zhao Li , Wang Yasong , Yang Hanyan , Wang Han , Zhang Mingxiong , Wang Qiongchuan , Ye Lianhua , Wang Zhonghui
Published: July 2023

The objective was to explore the relationships between computed tomography (CT) lung volume parameters and pulmonary function test (PFT) indexes and develop predictive scores to predict PFT indexes in Chinese preoperative patients suspected with lung cancer. Preoperative patients suspected with lung cancer aged 18 years or more and examined by chest CT scan and PET were consecutively recruited from April to August 2020, at Yunnan Cancer Hospital. CT and PET data were selected from medical record. Pearson correlation was used to explore the relationships between CT parameters and PFT indexes. Predictive scores of PFT indexes were developed from unstandardized coefficients of linear regression models of using CT parameters as predictors. The assessments of predictive ability of scores were conducted by receiver operating characteristics curves. A total of 124 preoperative patients suspected with lung cancer participated in this study. Total lung volume significantly correlated with total lung capacity (r = 0.708), residual volume (r = 0.411), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1, r = 0.535), forced vital capacity (FVC, r = 0.687), and FEV1/FVC (r = −0.319). Percent of low attenuation volume significantly correlated with total lung capacity (r = 0.200), residual volume (r = 0.215), FEV1 percentage of predictive value (FEV1%, r = −0.204) and FEV1/FVC (r = −0.345). Four predictive scores for FEV1, FEV1%, FEV1/FVC and FVC% were developed. The area under the curve of receiver operating characteristics for FEV1 <2L, FEV1% <80%, FEV1/FVC <80% and FVC% <80% were 0.856, 0.667, 0.749 and 0.715, respectively. A prediction of poor lung function in preoperative patients suspected with lung cancer, using total lung volume and percent of low attenuation volume was possible. The predictive scores should be further evaluated for external validity.
Aortic propagation velocity in predicting coronary artery disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ghaderi Fereshteh , Niroomand Shabnam , Poorzand Hoorak , Alimi Hedieh , Bigdelu Laila , Fazlinezhad Afsoon , Keihanian Faeze
Published: July 2023

Introduction:

Coronary artery disease (CAD) and its outcome, myocardial infarction, is yet a significant etiology of mortality and morbidity nowadays. The aortic propagation velocity (APV) can be a simple, straightforward and novel echocardiographic index for the risk stratification in the evaluation of CAD. In this meta-analysis, we evaluated the predictive role of APV in CAD.

Material and methods:

Relevant electronic bibliographies (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, EMbase, the Cochrane library) were explored. Related reports were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Meta-analysis was performed using the Comprehensive Meta-analysis 2.0 software.

Results:

Eventually, 5 articles met the inclusion criteria and included in the meta-analysis. Five studies with 490 patients reported the APV mean in CAD and non-CAD groups. A random-effect model was used and the pooled findings demonstrated a significant higher APV in non-CAD group compared to CAD group (SMD: 2.39, 95% CI: 1.70–3.07, P < .001, I
2: 84%, Q: 19.03). The diagnostic value of APV in predicting CAD showed 86.3% sensitivity (95% CI: 74–91, P value < .001, I
2: 65%, Q: 8.53, P value: .03) and 83.8% specificity (95% CI: 69–94, P value < .001, I
2: 60%, Q: 9.89, P value: .01).

Conclusion:

There was a predictive role of APV in CAD with suitable specificity and sensitivity. Moreover, aortic distensibility and aortic strain were significantly different in CAD and non-CAD patients. APV could be used as a good noninvasive tool for screening CAD.
Multiple myeloma identified within the same site of the mandible with medication-related osteonecrosis of jaw: An unusual case report
Authors: Wu Xiao-Hong , Chen Shi-Wei
Published: July 2023

Rationale:

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant disease characterized by abnormal proliferation of plasma cells, which usually occurs in middle-aged and elderly male patients. Bisphosphonates (BP) are commonly used for the treatment of MM bone disease. Long-time use of BP may cause medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). MRONJ occurs in jaw exclusively, and Multiple myeloma can also invade the jaw. The 2 diseases have similar clinical manifestations and imaging findings. This report present a case of MM identified in surgical specimen at the site that had been previously pathologically diagnosed as MRONJ in a patient with MM.

Patient concerns:

A 57-years-old male patient visited our clinic on October 16, 2020 because of gingival swelling and pain in the right mandible for 1 month after extraction of the lower right premolar. The patient had a long-time illness history of multiple myeloma, and received intravenous zoledronic acid treatment.

Diagnoses:

Based on the clinical characteristics, imaging, and pathological findings of sequestrum formation and high inflammatory cell infiltration, the patient was diagnosed with MRONJ. After 1 year, a mandibular osteotomy was performed and pathological analysis showed the presence of necrotic bone and a large number of abnormal plasma cell infiltration, suggesting the presence of MM in the mandible.

Interventions:

The patient was treated with a series of conservative treatments including antibiotic treatment, saline irrigation and laser irradiation, as well as superficial sequestration was. One year later, a mandibular osteotomy was performed.

Outcomes:

For the patient, the symptoms of gingival swelling, pain and discharge disappeared after surgery.

Lessons:

These findings suggested MRONJ and MM could occur simultaneously at same site, so patients with MM presenting with symptoms of MRONJ should be screened for concurrent or disease relapse of multiple myeloma to prevent misdiagnosis or inadequate management. Meanwhile, this also suggests long-term inflammatory may lead to invasion of multiple myeloma.
Electroacupuncture with or without combined warm needling for tinnitus: Study protocol for a randomized, waitlist-controlled trial
Authors: Guo Yuanqi , Ho Lai Fun , Chen Liyi , Tsang Ping Him , Chen Min , Chan Kam Leung , Ng Bacon Fung-Leung , Lin Zhi Xiu
Published: July 2023

Background:

Tinnitus is a common auditory condition that can lead to serious problems. Clinically, acupuncture and moxibustion have been commonly applied to treat tinnitus in China, with potential therapeutic effects but with limitations in study methodology and high-quality evidence. Therefore, we designed a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of either electroacupuncture alone or combined with warm needling for reducing tinnitus loudness and improving quality of life.

Methods:

This study is a prospective, multicenter, assessor-blind, 3-arm, parallel-group, randomized, waitlist-controlled trial. In total, 90 patients will be randomly assigned to the electroacupuncture, electroacupuncture and warm needing, or waitlist control group in a 1:1:1 ratio. Patients in the 2 treatment groups will be treated twice a week for a total of 5 weeks. Patients in the control group will not receive treatment during the study period and will be informed that they can receive it for free after a 10-week waiting period. The duration of intervention for this study will be 5 weeks, followed by another 5 weeks for the posttreatment assessment. The primary outcome is the change in the visual analog scale score for tinnitus loudness from baseline until the end of treatment. The secondary outcome is the tinnitus discomfort assessment measured using the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory. Outcome parameters will be assessed at baseline and at weeks 5 and 10. Any adverse events will be observed and recorded for safety assessment. Linear mixed models for repeated measures will be applied in the analysis.

Discussion:

Acupuncture and moxibustion could be potentially effective treatment alternatives for tinnitus. The study results will provide evidence to determine the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture with or without warm needling for tinnitus.
The three-noes right-sided infective endocarditis: An unrecognized type of right-sided endocarditis
Authors: Cabezón Gonzalo , López Javier , Vilacosta Isidre , Habib Gilbert , Miró José María , Olmos Carmen , Sarriá Cristina , Hernandez-Meneses Marta , González-Juanatey Carlos , González-Juanatey José Ramón , Llopis Jaume , Cuervo Guillermo , Sáez Carmen , Gómez Itziar , San Román J. Alberto
Published: July 2023

The “3 noes right-sided infective endocarditis” (3no-RSIE: no left-sided, no drug users, no cardiac devices) was first described more than a decade ago. We describe the largest series to date to characterize its clinical, microbiological, echocardiographic and prognostic profile. Eight tertiary centers with surgical facilities participated in the study. Patients with right-sided endocarditis without left sided involvement, absence of drug use history and no intracardiac electronic devices were retrospectively included in a multipurpose database. A total of 53 variables were analyzed in every patient. We performed a univariate analysis of in-hospital mortality to determine variables associated with worse prognosis. the study was comprised of 100 patients (mean age 54.1 ± 20 years, 65% male) with definite 3no-RSIE were included (selected from a total of 598 patients with RSIE of all the series, which entails a 16.7% of 3no-RSIE). Most of the episodes were community-acquired (72%), congenital cardiopathies were frequent (32% of the group of patients with previous known predisposing heart disease) and fever was the main manifestation at admission (85%). The microbiological profile was led by Staphylococci spp (52%). Vegetations were detected in 94% of the patients. Global in-hospital mortality was 19% (5.7% in patients operated and 26% in patients who received only medical treatment, P < .001). Non-community acquired infection, diabetes mellitus, right heart failure, septic shock and acute renal failure were more common in patients who died. the clinical profile of 3no-RSIE is closer to other types of RSIE than to LSIE, but mortality is higher than that reported on for other types of RSIE. Surgery may play an important role in improving outcome.
Retrospective analysis of COVID-19 among 391 hospitalized patients in the Henan province of China
Authors: Dong Yang , Luo Suyan , Wang Yali , Shi Yujie
Published: July 2023

This study investigated the clinical characteristics and risk factors of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in patients in designated hospitals (Port Hospital) in the Henan province. A total of 391 COVID-19 patients with complete case information from August 6, 2021 to February 26, 2022 were selected. Logistic regression was used to analyze the differences between the clinical types, ages, and sex of the patients. Multivariate regression analysis of the severe group indicated that underlying diseases [odds ratio (OR):6.76, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.83–24.93], increased urea levels (OR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.04–1.91), old age (OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.00–1.10), and increased lactic dehydrogenase (OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01–1.03) levels and decreased hemoglobin (OR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.91–1.00) levels were predictors of illness severity. Multivariate regression analysis for those > 50 years of age showed that underlying diseases (OR: 7.06, 95% CI: 2.79–17.89) and increased urea (OR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.47–2.48), total bilirubin (OR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.08–1.21), total protein (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.00–1.17), and lactic dehydrogenase (OR: 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00–1.02) levels and decreased albumin (OR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.58–0.76) levels were characteristics of COVID-19. Multivariate regression analysis stratified by sex showed that the characteristics of COVID-19 patients were increased white blood cell count in males (OR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.55–0.78) as well as increased creatinine levels (OR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.87–0.91). This retrospective analysis provides useful information to support the clinical management of patients with COVID-19.
Research trends in complementary and alternative treatments for insomnia over the past decade: A bibliometrics analysis
Authors: Li Siyun , Xue Qian , Zhong Yue , Liao Pengfei , Ji Qiang , Yang Xiaoyan , Feng Xia , Zhou Li , Zhu Fengya
Published: July 2023

Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder, with persistent insomnia being associated with greater risk and leading to a range of functional consequences that place a heavy burden on patients and healthcare systems. A weight of evidence has shown that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) seems to have a positive effect on improving sleep. However, the research trends of CAM intervention for insomnia have not been studied systematically through bibliometrics. We searched the relevant literature over the past decade in the Web of Science Core Collection database on September 20, 2022 and used CiteSpace and gCLUTO to visually analyze and cluster countries, institutions, authors, journals and keywords. Through screening, 1655 papers were included. In the past decade, the number of articles published in this field shown an annual trend of growth, with explosive growth in 2020. The USA has the largest number of publications, the University of Hong Kong is the leading institution in this field, and the most cited journal is Sleep. Mental condition and quality of life in patients with insomnia, insomnia related to cancer, effect of mindfulness meditation, yoga and aromatherapy on insomnia and the psychiatric symptoms resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic are at the forefront of this field. In this study, bibliometrics and visualization analysis were performed on related studies on CAM intervention for insomnia. This will be the focus and development direction of insomnia treatment in the future to formulate structured treatment plans for traditional Chinese medicine-related CAM, validate large-scale clinical trials, solve cancer comorbidity insomnia and related psychiatric symptoms and deal with mental health-related insomnia after public health outbreaks.
A novel radiological index for the evaluation of cervical posterior subcutaneous fat tissue thickness and cervical spine degeneration: A retrospective study
Authors: Cao Jian , Sun Dong , Guo Lianzhi , Wang Rui , Liu Peng
Published: July 2023

Obesity is an important risk factor linked to the incidence of both neck pain (NP) and intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Subcutaneous fat tissue thickness (SFTT) has been proposed as a more effective biomarker than body mass index (BMI) when gauging body fat levels. This study was thus designed to explore the optimal SFTT cutoff value for differentiating between NP patients and asymptomatic individuals by using the subcutaneous fat index (SFI). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) records from NP patients and asymptomatic controls were compared to evaluate IVDD, the fatty infiltration of the paravertebral muscles, and Modic changes. Cervical SFTT was also assessed at multiple levels. SFTT at the C3 level was found to be significantly associated with NP, with respective optimal cutoff values of 9.64 mm and 8.21 mm for females and males. Females in this study cohort more frequently exhibited spine deterioration with an SFI > 9.64 mm as compared to males with an SFI > 8.21 mm. Cervical SFTT is strongly correlated with the degree of disc degeneration. IVDD, Modic changes, and fatty infiltration in the paravertebral muscles were all more prevalent among both males and females exhibiting SFTT at the C3 level that was above the defined cutoff value.
Clear vision: a step towards unravelling student recruitment in English universities?
Authors: Gandy Robert , Wolstencroft Peter , Geer Katherine , de Main Leanne
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The recruitment of undergraduate students within English universities is of vital importance to both the academic success and the financial stability of the organisation. Despite the primacy of the task, there has been a dearth of research looking at related performance and how to ensure that the process is optimised. The purpose of this study was to investigate the degree of variation both within a university and between different universities. The reliance that individual programmes and/or universities place on the Clearing process is key; given its uncertainty, resource demands and timing shortly before students take up their places.

Design/methodology/approach

The Nomogramma di Gandy diagrammatical approach utilises readily available data to analyse universities’ performance in recruiting students to different programmes, and the degree to which they each rely of the Clearing process. Inter-university performance was investigated on a whole-student intake basis for a sample of English universities, representative of type and region.

Findings

The study found that there were disparate patterns for the many programmes within the pilot university and also disparate patterns between different types of universities across England. Accordingly, universities should internally benchmark their programmes to inform both strategic and tactical decision-making. Similarly, Universities and Colleges Admissions Service benchmarking inter-university patterns could inform the overall sector.

Originality/value

The approach and findings provide lessons for analysing student recruitment which could be critical to universities’ academic and financial health, in an increasingly competitive environment.
Do firms manage earnings after a downgrade in their credit rating?
Authors: Koerniadi Hardjo
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine whether firms engage in earnings management immediately after experiencing a downgrade in their credit rating.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses fixed-effects regression models to examine real- and accrual-based earnings management after firms experience a downgrade in their credit rating.

Findings

Inconsistent with prior studies where firms are reported to opportunistically increase their earnings prior to a credit rating event, this paper finds that firms use income-decreasing earnings management after their ratings are downgraded. This paper also finds that firms downgraded to below the investment grade rating not only significantly reduce both abnormal cash flows and discretionary accruals but also report larger asset impairments, suggesting that these firms exploit the rating downgrade to employ a big bath accounting.

Practical implications

The results of this paper have practical implications for investors fixating on firm earnings after a credit rating downgrade, for shareholders of downgraded firms and regulators such as credit rating agencies.

Originality/value

The findings of this study contribute to the thin literature on earnings management after changes in credit rating by shedding lights on earnings management after a rating downgrade and complement the literature on the accounting choice of financially distressed firms. The empirical evidence documented in this study suggests that the occurrence of income-decreasing earnings management is not limited to only after a sovereign country rating downgrade as documented in a prior study but also occurs after a rating downgrade not associated with this event.
Competence in multiple foreign languages as cultural capital in family language policy: Parents’ perceptions
Authors: Xu Hao , Li Xia , Shan Zhibin
Published: July 2023

Family language policy for children's foreign language learning has emerged as an important topic for research on language education policy and second language learning in general. Whilst there is no shortage of studies that examine how parents engage in the formation and transformation of family foreign language education policies, little has been known as to how parents perceive the value of multilingual competence which influences their decisions about how their children's foreign language learning should be planned and resourced. Drawing on Bourdieu's concept of cultural capital, this multiple‐case study explored the perceptions of the parents from 16 middle‐class families with children aged 6–14 in Shanghai via interviews (with their children as well) and textual data. Data analysis reveals that parents perceived the language‐derived cultural capital as measured by its exchangeable social benefits at present or in the future. Their perceptions were thus divided as manifested in the three distinctive approaches they took to conceptualize their children's competence in multiple foreign languages as cultural capital, that is, the extra‐point view (language competence as advantage), immediate deficiency view (lack of such competence as immediate disadvantage), and prospective deficiency view (lack of competence as disadvantage in a future scenario).
Extending Finlay–Wilkinson regression with environmental covariates
Authors: Piepho Hans‐Peter , Blancon Justin
Published: July 2023

Finlay–Wilkinson regression is a popular method for analysing genotype–environment interaction in series of plant breeding and variety trials. It involves a regression on the environmental mean, indexing the productivity of an environment, which is driven by a wide array of environmental factors. Increasingly, it is becoming feasible to characterize environments explicitly using observable environmental covariates. Hence, there is mounting interest to replace the environmental index with an explicit regression on such observable environmental covariates. This paper reviews the development of such methods. The focus is on parsimonious models that allow replacing the environmental index by regression on synthetic environmental covariates formed as linear combinations of a larger number of observable environmental covariates. Two new methods are proposed for obtaining such synthetic covariates, which may be integrated into genotype‐specific regression models, that is, criss‐cross regression and a factor‐analytic approach. The main advantage of such explicit modelling is that predictions can be made also for new environments where trials have not been conducted. A published dataset is employed to illustrate the proposed methods.
Severity scoring system to guide transfusion management in pediatric non‐deletional HbH
Authors: Songdej Duantida , Tandhansakul Manunya , Wongwerawattanakoon Pakawan , Sirachainan Nongnuch , Charoenkwan Pimlak , Chuansumrit Ampaiwan
Published: July 2023

Background

Hemoglobin (Hb) H is generally recognized as mild thalassemia, despite its actual phenotypic diversity. A disease severity scoring system to guide initiation of regular transfusion among severely affected pediatric patients has not previously been reported.

Methods

Patients with HbH were classified into transfusion‐dependent thalassemia (TDT) and non‐transfusion‐dependent thalassemia (NTDT) as a surrogate for disease severity. Alpha‐globin genotypes and relevant clinical parameters associated with TDT were identified. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to yield the most suitable severity scoring system.

Results

From 246 patients with a median age of 14.3 (interquartile range 9.9–18.4) years initially enrolled into the study, the chance of having severe disease and developing TDT was remarkable only among patients with non‐deletional HbH, for whom the scoring system was developed. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses resulted in three retained parameters associated with TDT, β‐coefficients of which were used to develop the score. The final scoring system comprised age at diagnosis <2 years (score = 1), spleen size ≥3 cm (score = 1) and Hb at steady‐state <7 (score = 4) or 7–8 g/dL (score = 3). A cutoff score ≥4 was associated with severe disease likely requiring regular transfusion (sensitivity 89.3%, specificity 81.4%), given regular transfusion resulted in maintained growth. The scoring system was validated in the second cohort of 77 non‐deletional HbH, from which comparable sensitivity and specificity were obtained.

Conclusion

The newly developed scoring system was practical and helpful to highlight severely affected pediatric non‐deletional HbH patients with potential needs of regular transfusion. This can be used as a guide for optimal treatment and disease monitoring in the future.
Influence of tinnitus, lifetime noise exposure, and firearm use on hearing thresholds, distortion product otoacoustic emissions, and their relative metric
Authors: Bhatt Ishan Sunilkumar , Lichtenhan Jeffery , Tyler Richard , Goodman Shawn
Published: July 2023

Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) and hearing thresholds (HTs) are widely used to evaluate auditory physiology. DPOAEs are sensitive to cochlear amplification processes, while HTs are additionally dependent upon inner hair cells, synaptic junctions, and the auditory nervous system. These distinctions between DPOAEs and HTs might help differentially diagnose auditory dysfunctions. This study aims to differentially diagnose auditory dysfunctions underlying tinnitus, firearm use, and high lifetime noise exposure (LNE) using HTs, DPOAEs, and a derived metric comparing HTs and DPOAEs, in a sample containing overlapping subgroups of 133 normal-hearing young adults (56 with chronic tinnitus). A structured interview was used to evaluate LNE and firearm use. Linear regression was used to model the relationship between HTs and DPOAEs, and their regression residuals were used to quantify their relative agreement. Participants with chronic tinnitus showed significantly elevated HTs, yet DPOAEs remained comparable to those without tinnitus. In contrast, firearm users revealed elevated HTs and significantly lower DPOAEs than predicted from HTs. High LNE was associated with elevated HTs and a proportional decline in DPOAEs, as predicted from HTs. We present a theoretical model to interpret the findings, which suggest neural (or synaptic) dysfunction underlying tinnitus and disproportional mechanical dysfunction underlying firearm use.
A multilevel account of hippocampal function in spatial and concept learning: Bridging models of behavior and neural assemblies
Authors: Mok Robert M. , Love Bradley C.
Published: July 2023

A complete neuroscience requires multilevel theories that address phenomena ranging from higher-level cognitive behaviors to activities within a cell. We propose an extension to the level of mechanism approach where a computational model of cognition sits in between behavior and brain: It explains the higher-level behavior and can be decomposed into lower-level component mechanisms to provide a richer understanding of the system than any level alone. Toward this end, we decomposed a cognitive model into neuron-like units using a neural flocking approach that parallels recurrent hippocampal activity. Neural flocking coordinates units that collectively form higher-level mental constructs. The decomposed model suggested how brain-scale neural populations coordinate to form assemblies encoding concept and spatial representations and why so many neurons are needed for robust performance at the cognitive level. This multilevel explanation provides a way to understand how cognition and symbol-like representations are supported by coordinated neural populations (assemblies) formed through learning.
Caspase-mediated LPS sensing and pyroptosis signaling in
Hydra
Authors: Chen Shouwen , Li Shuxin , Chen Hao , Gong Yuxin , Yang Dahai , Zhang Yuanxing , Liu Qin
Published: July 2023

Inflammatory caspases sensing lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to drive gasdermin (GSDM)–mediated pyroptosis is an important immune response mechanism for anti-infection defense in mammals. In this work, we resolved an LPS-induced and GSDM-gated pyroptosis signaling cascade in Cnidarians. Initially, we identified a functional GSDM protein, HyGSDME, in
Hydra
, executing cytosolic LPS-induced pyroptosis in a caspase-dependent manner. Further, we identified a proinflammatory caspase, HyCaspA
,
capable of sensing cytosolic LPS by an uncharacterized N-terminal domain relying on its unique hydrophobic property, thereby triggering its oligomerization and self-activation. Subsequently, the LPS-activated HyCaspA cleaved an apoptotic caspase, HyCARD2, to trigger HyGSDME-gated pyroptosis. Last, HyGSDME exhibited an enriched distribution on the ectodermal layer of
Hydra
polyps, exerting a canonical immune defense function against surface-invading bacteria. Collectively, our work resolved an ancient pyroptosis signaling cascade in
Hydra
, suggesting that inflammatory caspases sensing cytosolic LPS to initiate GSDM-gated pyroptosis are a conserved immune defense mechanism from Cnidarians to mammals.
Pseudo-heterostructure and condensation of 1D moiré excitons in twisted phosphorene bilayers
Authors: Guo Hongli , Zhang Xu , Lu Gang
Published: July 2023

Heterostructures are not expected to form in a single homogeneous material. Here, we show that planar pseudo-heterostructures could emerge in a twisted bilayer of phosphorene (tbP), driving in-plane energy and charge transfer. The formation of moiré superlattices combined with electronic anisotropy in tbPs yields one-dimensional (1D) moiré excitons with long radiative and nonradiative lifetimes, large binding energies, and deep moiré potentials. Low-frequency moiré phonons and dynamic moiré potentials are revealed to be responsible for the in-plane energy/charge transfer and exciton dynamics. The 1D moiré excitons are predicted to exhibit Bose-Einstein condensation at high temperatures and may lead to exotic Tonks-Girardeau Bose gases.
Cotransfer of antigen and contextual information harmonizes peripheral and lymph node conventional dendritic cell activation
Authors: Pirillo Chiara , Al Khalidi Sarwah , Sims Anna , Devlin Ryan , Zhao Huailong , Pinto Rute , Jasim Seema , Shearer Patrick A. , Shergold Amy L. , Donnelly Hannah , Bravo-Blas Alberto , Loney Colin , Perona-Wright Georgia , Hutchinson Ed , Roberts Ed W.
Published: July 2023

T cell responses against infections and cancer are directed by conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) in lymph nodes distant from the site of challenge. Migratory cDCs, which travel from the tissue to the lymph node, not only drive initial T cell activation but also transfer antigen to lymph node–resident cDCs. These resident cells have essential roles defining the character of the resulting T cell response; however, it is unknown how they can appropriately process and present antigens to suitably direct responses given their spatial separation. Here, using a novel strain of influenza A and a modified melanoma model, we show that tissue and lymph node cDC activation is harmonized and that this is driven by cotransfer of contextual cues. In the tumor, incomplete cDC activation in the tumor microenvironment is mirrored by lymph node–resident cDCs, whereas during influenza infection, pathogen-associated molecular patterns cotransferred with antigen drive TLR signaling in resident cDCs and their subsequent robust activation. This cotransfer mechanism explains how individual antigens can be handled distinctly by resident cDCs and how signals driving poor tumoral cDC activation further impact the lymph node. Our findings clarify how tissue context dictates antigenic and, consequently, T cell fate in the lymph node.
Phase transition of the two Higgs doublets in early universe
Authors: Anh Nguyen Tuan , Tam Dinh Thanh
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we study the phase transition of the two Higgs-doublets model (2HDM) and consider a scenario of a electroweak phase transition at alignment limit. Using the Cornwall–Jackiw–Tomboulis formalism at finite temperature, we consider the phase transition of the aligned 2HDM in the two-loop double-bubble contribution. By requirement of Goldstone theorem, the effective potential is corrected and the results show that the system obeys a second-order phase transition. A possible thermal history of the early universe has been treated out: the universe undergoes a smooth crossover in the SM, a second-order phase transition in this model before going to a strong first-order transition in the new physics as in recent 2HDMs and supersymmetry (from the EW symmetric to the broken phase).
High expression of RPL27A predicts poor prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Xing Huiwu , Jiang Xiangqi , Yang Chenyu , Tan Bingqian , Hu Jiqiang , Zhang Mingman
Published: July 2023

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers in the digestive system with rapid progression and poor prognosis. Recent studies have shown that RPL27A could be used as a biomarker for a variety of cancers, but its role in HCC is not clear.

Method

We analyzed the expression of RPL27A in the pan-cancer analysis and analyzed the relationship between the expression of RPL27A and the clinical features and prognosis of patients with HCC. We evaluated the expression difference of RPL27A in HCC tissues and paired normal adjacent tissues using immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, we analyzed the co-expression genes of RPL27A and used them to explore the possible mechanism of RPL27A and screen hub genes effecting HCC. In addition, we studied the role of RPL27A in immune infiltration and mutation.

Results

We found that the expression level of RPL27A increased in a variety of cancers, including HCC. In HCC patients, the high expression of RPL27A was related to progression and poor prognosis as an independent predictor. We also constructed a protein interaction network through co-expression gene analysis of RPL27A and screened 9 hub genes. Enrichment analysis showed that co-expression genes were associated with ribosome pathway, viral replication, nuclear-transcribed mRNA catabolic process, and nonsense-mediated decay. We found that the expression level of RPL27A was closely related to TP53 mutation and immune infiltration in HCC.

Conclusion

RPL27A might become a biomarker in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients with HCC.
Neutrophil extracellular traps promote angiogenesis in gastric cancer
Authors: Yang Shifeng , Sun Boshi , Li Jiacheng , Li Nana , Zhang Ange , Zhang Xinyu , Yang Hao , Zou Xiaoming
Published: July 2023

Although antiangiogenic therapy has been used in gastric cancer, disease progression due to drug resistance remains common. Neutrophils play an important role in the occurrence and progression of cancer via neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). However, few studies have investigated angiogenic regulation in gastric cancer. We aimed to determine the role of NETs in promoting angiogenesis in gastric cancer. Multiple immunohistochemical staining was used to analyze the spatial distribution of NETs and microvessels in patient tissue samples. A mouse subcutaneous tumor model was established to determine the effect of NETs on tumor growth, and changes in microvessel density were observed via immunohistochemical staining. We screened differentially expressed proteins in HUVECs stimulated by NETs via proteomics. Cell Counting Kit-8, EdU labeling, and tubule formation assays were used to verify the effect of NETs on HUVEC proliferation, migration, and tubule formation. Blocking NETs, which was related to decreased microvessel density, significantly inhibited tumor growth in the murine subcutaneous tumor model. Compared with those of the control group, tumor volume and mass among mice in the inhibition group decreased by 61.3% and 77.9%, respectively. The NET-DNA receptor CCDC25 was expressed in HUVECs, providing a platform for NETs to promote HUVEC proliferation, migration, and tubulation. In an in vitro rat aortic explant model, NETs induced HUVEC proliferation, survival, and chemotaxis, which were not significantly different from those observed in the VEGF stimulation group. Our results confirm that NETs promote angiogenesis in gastric cancer, providing a theoretical basis for identifying new anti-vascular therapeutic targets.

Graphical Abstract
Sargassum sp. as a biofertilizer: is it really a key towards sustainable agriculture for The Bahamas?
Authors: Adderley Aaliyah , Wallace Shonnel , Stubbs Danica , Bowen-O’Connor Clare , Ferguson Joseph , Watson Carlton , Gustave Williamson
Published: July 2023

Background

Macroalgae blooms (Sargassum sp.) occur annually in The Bahamas due to the integration of various events related to human intercession with the roles of algae in biogeochemical cycles. These blooms are of great concern, as they are associated with many negative effects; thus, the primary aims of this study were to assess the quality of soils collected from South, Central, and North Long Island, and to determine whether Sargassum sp. can be used as a biofertilizer for soils on Long Island. A 60-day pot trial method was established to determine the efficacy of different concentrations (1%, 5%, and 10%) of Sargassum sp. as a biofertilizer on cherry tomato cultivation. Additionally, the soil quality before and after fertilizer amendment was evaluated.

Results

The results show that Sargassum sp. increased nutrient content of the soil, specifically nitrate nitrogen and phosphorus; however, plant growth performance parameters (plant height, leaf number, bud number, flower number, and root and shoot weights) were negatively affected.

Conclusions

Due to the obtained results, it is recommended that serious consideration be taken when utilizing Sargassum sp. as a biofertilizer because the pH and type of soil in Long Island, Bahamas, affects the bioavailability of the nutrients released from the algae.

Graphical abstract
TMEM41A overexpression correlates with poor prognosis and immune alterations in patients with endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Shi Ke , Liu Xiao-Li , Guo Qiang , Zhang Yun-Qiang , Fan Si-Tong , Dai Ling , Jiang Ni , Li Dan
Published: July 2023

Background

Expression levels of transmembrane protein 41A (TMEM41A) are related to the progression of malignant tumors. However, the association between TMEM41A expression and endometrial carcinoma (EC) remains unclear. This study aims to identify the roles of TMEM41A expression in the prognosis of patients with EC and its correlation with EC progression.

Methods

The TMEM41A expression and its correlation with the survival of patients with EC were assessed. Cox regression analysis was used to identify the prognostic factors, while nomograms were used to examine the association between the prognostic factors and the survival of patients with EC. Finally, the link between TMEM41A level and immune microenvironment and RNA modifications was investigated in EC.

Results

TMEM41A was overexpressed in EC. TMEM41A overexpression could diagnose the EC and evaluate the poor prognosis of patients. Overexpression of TMEM41A was associated with clinical stage, age, weight, histological subtype, tumor grade, and survival status of patients with EC. Clinical stage, age, tumor grade, radiotherapy, and TMEM41A overexpression were factors of poor prognosis in patients with EC. The nomograms revealed the correlation between the TMEM41A level and survival time of patients with EC at 1, 3, and 5 years. Furthermore, TMEM41A overexpression was significantly correlated with the level of the stromal score, immune score, estimate score, NK CD56 bright cells, iDC, NK cells, eosinophils, pDC, T cells, TReg, cytotoxic cells, mast cells, Th17 cells, neutrophils, aDC, NK CD56 dim cells, TFH, Th2 cells, CD8 T cells, macrophages, immune cell markers, and RNA modifications.

Conclusions

TMEM41A is overexpressed in EC tissues and is associated with the prognosis, immune microenvironment, and RNA modification. Our preliminary studies indicate that overexpression of TMEM41A can potentially serve as a biomarker for EC treatment.
L-lactic acid production from Lactobacillus casei by solid state fermentation using rice straw
Authors: Qi Benkun , Yao Risheng
Published: July 2023

In order to make full use of rice straw (RS) produced at large quantity in China and to reduce the production cost of L-lactic acid, attempts were made to utilize the hydrolysate of RS as sole carbon source and the lignocellulose as inert support for producing L-lactic acid using solid state fermentation (SSF). The pretreated rice straw was enzymatically hydro- lyzed by cellulase, and the hydrolyzate, containing reducing sugars supplemented with a minimum of (NH4)2SO4, MnSO4, and yeast extract, was used as moistening agent to impregnate 5g of RS, which was used as the inert support for SSF. Maximum L-lactic acid production of 3.467g per 5g of support was obtained at 37 oC, using Lactobacillus casei as inoculum, after 5 days of fermentation with optimized process parameters such as 72% moisture content, 4g per 5g support of reducing sugars, 2.5ml per 5g support of inoculum size, 3g per 5g support of CaCO3, and pH 6.5.
Pausing and the ‘Othello Error’
Authors: Jat Stephanie C. , McDougall Kirsty , Paver Alice
Published: July 2023

The idea of detecting deception from speech is very attractive from a law enforcement perspective, yet research considering the possibility has yielded conflicting results, due to the practical difficulties in investigating the topic. Scientific research is yet to provide forensic linguistics with a reliable means of discerning lies from truths. The present study explores the relationship between truthfulness and pausing behaviour. Various aspects of the acoustics of pausing behaviour were investigated for Standard Southern British English in 30 mock police interviews from the DyViS database (Nolan et al. 2009). A novel distinction was made between prescribed and unprescribed lies, to delineate a potential source of differences in the unscripted content of speakers’ untruthful responses. Among pause duration measures, statistically significant differences were found across all three response types (truth, prescribed lie, unprescribed lie) for response latency, between truths and lies for initial filled pauses, and between unprescribed lies and the other response types for silent pauses. For pause frequency measures, only internal filled pauses showed a statistically significant difference: truths differed from both types of lies, but prescribed lies did not differ from unprescribed lies. Theories of cognitive effort and attempted control are drawn on in accounting for these findings.