bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low L3 skeletal muscle index associated with the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of ovarian cancer: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Jin Yue , Ma Xiaowei , Yang Zhiyou , Zhang Nan
Published: February 2023

Sarcopenia is a syndrome characterized by progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength and function, which is one of the most important clinical features of cancer malnutrition, representing a poor prognostic indicator in oncology. Sarcopenia is commonly assessed by measuring the skeletal muscle index (SMI) of the third lumbar spine (L3) using computed tomography (CT). The primary aim of this meta‐analysis was to study the association between low SMI and comprehensive clinicopathological characteristics as well as prognosis in patients with ovarian cancer. Data were searched in PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases from inception to 10 June 2022. Studies evaluating the prognostic effect of SMI on ovarian cancer survival or chemotherapy‐related side effects were included. The risk of bias and study quality were assessed via the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS). The search strategy yielded 1286 hits in all three databases combined. Thirteen studies were included for qualitative and quantitative analysis, comprising 1814 patients. Our meta‐analysis revealed the significant association between low SMI and progression‐free survival (PFS) [P = 0.02; hazard ratio (HR): 1.40, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06–1.85], as well as 5‐year overall survival (OS) [P = 0.02; odds ratio (OR): 1.35, 95% CI: 1.05–1.74]. Low SMI was also obviously associated with body mass index (BMI) < 25 (P < 0.00001; OR: 5.08, 95% CI: 3.54–7.30), FIGO stage (P = 0.02; OR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.06–2.45) and R0 cytoreduction (P = 0.04;OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.01–1.79). There was no correlation between low SMI and histological types, pathological grades and chemotherapy‐related toxicity. The quality of the evidence was relatively high according to NOS. Our meta‐analysis indicated that sarcopenia assessed by SMI was associated with poor clinical characteristics and adverse prognosis in patients with ovarian cancer. Consensus should be reached on standardized cut‐off values for defining sarcopenia in patients with ovarian cancer.
Mass spectrometry molecular fingerprinting of mineral and synthetic lubricant oils
Authors: de Carvalho Caroline P. , da Silva Adriano J. R. , Lima Rosineide C. , Eberlin Marcos N.
Published: February 2023

The molecular composition of lubricating oils has a strong impact on how automotive engines function, but the techniques used to monitor the quality parameters of these oils only inspect their gross physical–chemical properties such as viscosity, color, and bulk spectroscopy profiles; hence, bad‐quality, adulterated, or counterfeit oils are hard to detect. Herein, we investigated the ability of direct infusion electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) to provide simple, rapid but characteristic fingerprint profiles for such oils of the mineral and synthetic types. After a simple aqueous extraction, ESI‐MS analyses, particularly in the positive ion mode, did indeed show characteristic molecular markers with unique profiles, which were confirmed and more clearly visualized by partial least squares‐discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA). Nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared‐attenuated total reflection spectroscopy were also tested for the bulk samples but showed nearly identical spectra, thus failing to reveal their distinct molecular composition and to differentiate the oil samples. To simulate adulteration, mixtures of mineral and synthetic oils were also analyzed by ESI(+)‐MS, and additions as low as 1% of mineral oil to synthetic oil could be detected. The technique therefore offers a simple and fast but powerful tool to monitor the molecular composition of lubricant oils, particularly vias their more polar constituents.
Compressive stress induces spinal vertebral growth plate chondrocytes apoptosis via Piezo1
Authors: Chen Fei , Sun Mingtong , Peng Fushuai , Lai Yudong , Jiang Zhensong , Zhang Wen , Li Tao , Jing Xingzhi
Published: February 2023

Many clinical studies have indicated an association between biomechanical factors and the incidence and pathological progression of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). However, at present, the research on AIS is mainly focused on the etiology, and there are few studies reporting the causes of progressive aggravation of AIS. In the present study, we aim to investigate the role of Piezo1 in compressive stress‐induced mouse spinal vertebral growth plate chondrocytes apoptosis. First, a scoliosis mouse model was established, and the expression of Piezo1 as well as the degree of apoptosis were investigated. We found that the expression of Piezo1 and the degree of apoptosis were significantly higher on the concave sides than that on the convex sides of the vertebral growth plate in mice with scoliosis. Spinal vertebral growth plate chondrocytes were further isolated and treated with Yoda1 to mimic Piezo1 overload. Excess Piezo1 significantly promoted apoptosis of spinal vertebral growth plate chondrocytes. Moreover, static gas compressive stress was used to simulate the increased concave compressive stress in the process of scoliosis with or without GsMTx4, a Piezo inhibitor. It was observed that with the increase of static compressive stress, the expression of Piezo1 increased, and the chondrocytes of vertebral growth plate treated with Piezo1 inhibitor GsMTx4 weakened the above phenomena. In conclusion, our results indicated that compressive stress is strongly associated with the different degrees of apoptosis on both sides on the convex and concave sides of the vertebral growth plate in scoliosis via inducing different expressions of Piezo1. Reducing the expression of Piezo1 in the concave side of the vertebral growth plate and inhibiting the apoptosis of chondrocytes in the bilateral vertebral growth plate caused by asymmetric stress on both sides of the concave vertebral body may be a promising treatment strategy for AIS.
Effects of sheep whey protein combined with Fu brick tea polysaccharides and stachyose on immune function and intestinal metabolites of cyclophosphamide‐treated mice
Authors: Wang Nan , Ren Daoyuan , Zhang Li , Han Ning , Zhao Yan , Yang Xingbin
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

Sheep whey protein (SWP), Fu brick tea polysaccharides (FBTP) and stachyose (STA) have been shown to improve immunity, but little is known about the regulatory effect of SWP, FBTP, STA and their combined formula (CF) on immune function and intestinal metabolism of immunosuppressed mice induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX).

RESULTS

Administration of SWP, FBTP, STA or CF restored the levels of body weight, immune organ index, immune organ morphology, cytokines and immunoglobulins in CTX immunosuppressed mice. Interestingly, CF improved all the mentioned parameters more effective than administration of SWP, FBTP or STA alone. In addition, CF was more effective to increase the levels of intestinal immune‐related gene expression than FBTP, SWP or STA alone in immunosuppressed mice, suggesting that CF exhibited excellent intestinal immune regulation function. CF also significantly improved cecal concentrations of short‐chain fatty acids of CTX‐treated mice. Furthermore, metabolomics analysis demonstrated that CF recovered the levels of 28 metabolites associated with the CTX treatment to the levels of normal mice.

CONCLUSION

Conclusively, these findings suggested that CF as a functional food combination of SWP, FBTP and STA could promote the immune function against human diseases, which providing theoretical support for the co‐ingestion of SWP and functional sugars as a feasible strategy for improving the body immunity in the future. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
A geoheritage valuation to prevent environmental degradation of a new volcanic landscape in the Canary Islands
Authors: Ferrer Nicolás , Vegas Juana , Galindo Inés , Lozano Gonzalo
Published: February 2023

On 19 September 2021, a new monogenetic volcano (Tajogaite) erupted on the Island of La Palma (Canary Islands, Spain). After 85 days of Strombolian style eruption, with emissions of volcanic material, a pyroclastic cone 200 m high and 800 m in its basal diameter was formed. Successive lava flows descended the western slopes and reached the Atlantic Ocean on 29 September. On descending the coastal cliffs and entering the sea, the lava flows formed two lava deltas on the submarine island shelf, backed by fossilized coastal cliffs. This geological event has raised a new challenge: the environmental conservation of new volcanic landscapes in island territories with high anthropogenic pressure on land uses. This work uses comparative and numerical methods in geoheritage to support their conservation from a scientific basis. In a first phase, a cartographic inventory was made of all the volcanic formations similar to the new volcano in the geological framework of the Canary Islands. In a second phase, their representativeness (A), rarity (R), diversity (D), integrity (I), and observability (O) were quantitatively measured by means of dimensional estimators. The results obtained show that the new volcano presents a geological value of the first order in the context of the Canary Islands, which is one of the most prominent oceanic archipelago worldwide. Its value is based above all on its high conservation state with respect to the similar volcanoes in the Canary Islands. The high mismatch found between the intrinsic geological value and the environmental protection of this area, justifies the development and application of urgent basic guidelines for its protection, as well as the promotion of geotourism as opposed to alternative land uses.
Research Progress of Resonance Optical Fiber Sensors Modified by Low‐Dimensional Materials
Authors: Wang Qi , Yin Xiangyu , Yin Peng , Ge Yanqi , Wang Lei , Zhao Yong , Zhang Han , Zhu Aisong , Yan Xin , Qiu Fengmei , Zhang Keke , Jiang YiCheng
Published: February 2023

Resonance optical fiber sensors are widely studied for their high sensitivity, small size, and anti‐electromagnetic interference. However, traditional resonance optical fiber sensors have encountered bottlenecks in the trace detection due to limited localized field intensity and low molecules affinity. With the development of materials technology, low‐dimensional materials such as quantum dots, graphene, and transition metal sulfides have excellent properties such as high carrier mobility, large specific surface area, and flexible structure controllable artificial technologies that can also be used to synthesize new materials with desired characteristics, which can enhance the performance of sensors fundamentally. The introduction of low‐dimensional materials can not only achieve the performance optimization of sensors, but also make sensors functional to realize the diversification of detection objects. This paper reviews the research progress of resonance optical fiber sensors based on low‐dimensional materials. The detection principle and performance indexes related to resonance optical fiber sensing are elaborated, and resonance optical fiber sensors modified by low‐dimensional materials are introduced. Furthermore, the role of low‐dimensional materials in resonance fiber sensing is summarized, the direction of performance optimization in the production process of resonance fiber sensors is analyzed, and the future prospect of new resonance optical fiber sensors is given.
GB‐score: Minimally designed machine learning scoring function based on distance‐weighted interatomic contact features
Authors: Rayka Milad , Firouzi Rohoullah
Published: February 2023

In recent years, thanks to advances in computer hardware and dataset availability, data‐driven approaches (like machine learning) have become one of the essential parts of the drug design framework to accelerate drug discovery procedures. Constructing a new scoring function, a function that can predict the binding score for a generated protein‐ligand pose during docking procedure or a crystal complex, based on machine and deep learning has become an active research area in computer‐aided drug design. GB‐Score is a state‐of‐the‐art machine learning‐based scoring function that utilizes distance‐weighted interatomic contact features, PDBbind‐v2019 general set, and Gradient Boosting Trees algorithm to the binding affinity prediction. The distance‐weighted interatomic contact featurization method used the distance between different ligand and protein atom types for numerical representation of the protein‐ligand complex. GB‐Score attains Pearson's correlation 0.862 andRMSE1.190 on the CASF‐2016 benchmark test in the scoring power metric. GB‐Score's codes are freely available on the web athttps://github.com/miladrayka/GB_Score.
Fixed‐time stabilization for a class of nonlinear time‐delay systems
Authors: Wang Xuhuan , Peng Youhua , Xie Yuande
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we investigate the problem of fixed‐time stabilization (FTS) for a class of second‐order nonlinear time‐delay systems. Using the fixed‐time stability theory and Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional, a design scheme of fixed‐time stability for time‐delay systems is proposed. This scheme effectively solves the adverse impact of time‐delay on the system, and and ensure that the corresponding closed‐loop system is stable for a fixed time. The main benefit of the proposed control methods is that the influences of time‐delay state and nonlinear uncertainties can be effectively attenuated with the help of feedback method. Finally, the simulation is given to show the effectiveness of the design scheme.
A comparative study of two automated solutions for cross‐sectional skeletal muscle measurement from abdominal computed tomography images
Authors: Charrière Katia , Boulouard Quentin , Artemova Svetlana , Vilotitch Antoine , Ferretti Gilbert R. , Bosson Jean‐Luc , Moreau‐Gaudry Alexandre , Giai Joris , Fontaine Eric , Bétry Cécile
Published: February 2023

Background

Measurement of cross‐sectional muscle area (CSMA) at the mid third lumbar vertebra (L3) level from computed tomography (CT) images is becoming one of the reference methods for sarcopenia diagnosis. However, manual skeletal muscle segmentation is tedious and is thus restricted to research. Automated solutions are required for use in clinical practice.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare the reliability of two automated solutions for the measurement of CSMA.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of CT images in our hospital database. We included consecutive individuals hospitalized at the Grenoble University Hospital in France between January and May 2018 with abdominal CT images and sagittal reconstruction. We used two types of software to automatically segment skeletal muscle: ABACS, a module of the SliceOmatic software solution “ABACS‐SliceOmatic,” and a deep learning‐based solution called “AutoMATiCA.” Manual segmentation was performed by a medical expert to generate reference data using “SliceOmatic.” The Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) was used to measure overlap between the results of the manual and the automated segmentations. The DSC value for each method was compared with the Mann–Whitney U test.

Results

A total of 676 hospitalized individuals was retrospectively included (365 males [53.8%] and 312 females [46.2%]). The median DSC for SliceOmatic vs AutoMATiCA (0.969 [5th percentile: 0.909]) was greater than the median DSC for SliceOmatic vs. ABACS‐SliceOmatic (0.949 [5th percentile: 0.836]) (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

AutoMATiCA, which used artificial intelligence, was more reliable than ABACS‐SliceOmatic for skeletal muscle segmentation at the L3 level in a cohort of hospitalized individuals. The next step is to develop and validate a neural network that can identify L3 slices, which is currently a fastidious process.
Complete Low‐Temperature Transformation and Dissolution of the Three Main Components in Corn Straw
Authors: Qin Diyan , Liu Yancheng , Yang Ruofeng , Li Jianmei , Hu Changwei
Published: February 2023

The conversion of biomass faces the challenge of mass and heat transfer, as well as the exertion of heterogeneous catalyst, because raw biomass exists usually in solid state. In this work, the simultaneous transformation and dissolution of the three main components (hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin) in corn straw were achieved in ethanol/ valerolactone (GVL)/H2O (10 : 10 : 40, v/v/v) co‐solvent system. With the assistance of AlCl3 ⋅ 6H2O, the conversion of hemicellulose, lignin and cellulose was >96 % at 170 °C. The conversion of solid biomass into fluid, overcoming the mass transfer restrictions between solid biomass and solid catalysts, provides new raw materials to further upgrading. H2O could penetrate inside the crystalline cellulose to swell even dissolve it, while ethanol and GVL acted as media to dissolve especially the G unit in lignin. The H+ derived from AlCl3 ⋅ 6H2O hydrolysis could break the linkages of lignin‐hemicellulose and glycosidic bond in saccharides, and aluminum chloride promoted the next degradation of polysaccharides to small molecules. Consequently, as high as 33.2 % yield of levulinic acid and 42.2 % yield of furfural were obtained. The cleavage of β‐O‐4 and Cβ−Cγ bonds in lignin produced large amounts of lignin‐derived dimers and trimers. The total yield of monomeric phenols is up to 8 %.
Curcumin‐piperine co‐supplementation and human health: A comprehensive review of preclinical and clinical studies
Authors: Heidari Hajar , Bagherniya Mohammad , Majeed Muhammed , Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Jamialahmadi Tannaz , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: February 2023

Curcumin is extracted from the rhizomes Curcuma longa L. It is known for its anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidant activities. Despite its safety and potential for use against various diseases, curcumin's utility is restricted due to its low oral bioavailability. Co‐administration of curcumin along with piperine could potentially improve the bioavailability of curcumin. The present review aimed to provide an overview of the efficacy and safety of curcumin‐piperine co‐supplementation in human health. The findings of this comprehensive review show the beneficial effects of curcumin‐piperine in improving glycemic indices, lipid profile and antioxidant status in diabetes, improving the inflammatory status caused by obesity and metabolic syndrome, reducing oxidative stress and depression in chronic stress and neurological disorders, also improving chronic respiratory diseases, asthma and COVID‐19. Further high‐quality clinical trial studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of the curcumin‐piperine supplement.
The accuracy of statistical shape models in predicting bone shape: A systematic review
Authors: Patil Amogh , Kulkarni Krishan , Xie Shuqiao , Bull Anthony M. J. , Jones Gareth G.
Published: February 2023

Background

This systematic review aims to ascertain how accurately 3D models can be predicted from two‐dimensional (2D) imaging utilising statistical shape modelling.

Methods

A systematic search of published literature was conducted in September 2022. All papers which assessed the accuracy of 3D models predicted from 2D imaging utilising statistical shape models and which validated the models against the ground truth were eligible.

Results

2127 papers were screened and a total of 34 studies were included for final data extraction. The best overall achievable accuracy was 0.45 mm (root mean square error) and 0.16 mm (average error).

Conclusion

Statistical shape modelling can predict detailed 3D anatomical models from minimal 2D imaging. Future studies should report the intended application domain of the model, the level of accuracy required, the underlying demographics of subjects, and the method in which accuracy was calculated, with root mean square error recommended if appropriate.
Mainstreaming the framework of ecosystem services to enhance China's policy implementation for sponge city development
Authors: Ma Yongchi , Jiang Yong
Published: February 2023

China introduced sponge city development (SCD) as a policy initiative to address the complex, interlinked water challenges, such as urban pluvial flooding and water pollution, faced by urban development under climatic change and rapid urbanization. The initiative relies on low‐impact development (LID) techniques to integrate ecosystem conservation and urban development, with the aim to maintain or restore natural landscapes and their water regulating capacity as a way to mitigate urban flooding and associated pollution while augmenting water supply. While the country prepares for SCD demonstration and upscaling after pilot implementation since 2014, the initiative is subject to a design deficit in policy implementation that has received little consideration in both the literature and the policy arena but that negatively affects the effectiveness of SCD and its long run impact as intended by the policy. In this paper, we examine the design deficit by mapping and analyzing the policy implementation for SCD in the framework of theory of change (TOC). We present key conditions for individual components in SCD implementation to deliver causal pathways from program inputs to long‐term impacts, with identified issues characterizing the design deficit. We provide an overview of the literature on SCD to shed some light on current research while identifying knowledge gaps. The paper proposes and justifies the framework of ecosystem services as an innovative design tool to deliver a systematic approach needed to address the design deficit, paving the pathways for SCD from inputs to impacts fully developing the policy potential for green urban transition with resilience and sustainability.
Multistate models as a framework for estimand specification in clinical trials of complex processes
Authors: Bühler Alexandra , Cook Richard J. , Lawless Jerald F.
Published: February 2023

Intensity‐based multistate models provide a useful framework for characterizing disease processes, the introduction of interventions, loss to followup, and other complications arising in the conduct of randomized trials studying complex life history processes. Within this framework we discuss the issues involved in the specification of estimands and show the limiting values of common estimators of marginal process features based on cumulative incidence function regression models. When intercurrent events arise we stress the need to carefully define the target estimand and the importance of avoiding targets of inference that are not interpretable in the real world. This has implications for analyses, but also the design of clinical trials where protocols may help in the interpretation of estimands based on marginal features.
Microfluidic‐Assisted CTC Isolation and In Situ Monitoring Using Smart Magnetic Microgels
Authors: Seyfoori Amir , Seyyed Ebrahimi Seyyed Ali , Samandari Mohamadmahdi , Samiei Ehsan , Stefanek Evan , Garnis Cathie , Akbari Mohsen
Published: February 2023

Capturing rare disease‐associated biomarkers from body fluids can offer an early‐stage diagnosis of different cancers. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are one of the major cancer biomarkers that provide insightful information about the cancer metastasis prognosis and disease progression. The most common clinical solutions for quantifying CTCs rely on the immunomagnetic separation of cells in whole blood. Microfluidic systems that perform magnetic particle separation have reported promising outcomes in this context, however, most of them suffer from limited efficiency due to the low magnetic force generated which is insufficient to trap cells in a defined position within microchannels. In this work, a novel method for making soft micromagnet patterns with optimized geometry and magnetic material is introduced. This technology is integrated into a bilayer microfluidic chip to localize an external magnetic field, consequently enhancing the capture efficiency (CE) of cancer cells labeled with the magnetic nano/hybrid microgels that are developed in the previous work. A combined numerical‐experimental strategy is implemented to design the microfluidic device and optimize the capturing efficiency and to maximize the throughput. The proposed design enables high CE and purity of target cells and real‐time time on‐chip monitoring of their behavior. The strategy introduced in this paper offers a simple and low‐cost yet robust opportunity for early‐stage diagnosis and monitoring of cancer‐associated biomarkers.
Critical whiteness studies and racial justice activism with white student affairs professionals
Authors: Ashlee Kyle C. , Young Natasha , Wilkinson Peter
Published: February 2023

Using Critical Whiteness Studies (CWS), two student affairs professionals share their personal narratives about their professional practice. Each reflect on how they challenge white supremacy both personally and professionally. We provide recommendations for using CWS as a framework to inform racial justice activism and support with white student affairs professionals.
Black womyn have always been leaders: Understanding the experiences of black womyn leaders and activism on college campuses
Authors: Lee‐Johnson Jamila L. , Ray Khadejah , Hardaway Ayana T. , Cooper Ashton R.
Published: February 2023

Black womyn have always been at the forefront of social justice activism and are overlooked due to patriarchal understandings of leadership. Using a case‐study approach and Black Feminist Theory, we contextualize the leadership practices of Black womyn student leaders. Furthermore, we provide recommendations for supporting and affirming Black womyn leaders.
The role of advocacy organizations in student activism: Black lives matter and stop anti‐Asian hate
Authors: Byon Anna Hyunah , Preston DeShawn C. , Assalone Amanda E. , Elliott Kayla C.
Published: February 2023

Advocacy organizations work in partnership with students, scholars, institutions, organizers, and policymakers to help advance racial justice in higher education. They amplify student activism through strategies such as coalition building, lobbying, and research. We provide recommendations for institutional leaders to work with advocacy organizations to support students as change agents.
Adverse outcome following selective termination of presenting twin vs non‐presenting twin
Authors: Miremberg H. , Rosen H. , Weisz B. , Tirosh D. , Hershkovitz R. , Stern S. , Porat S. , Beloshevski B. , Melcer Y. , Goldberg Y. , Boms Yonai N. , Awawdeh M. , Leibovitz Z. , Shalev J. , Gindes L.
Published: February 2023

Objective

Data are lacking on the impact on pregnancy outcome of the position of the abnormal fetus in a discordant twin pregnancy undergoing selective termination (ST). Tissue maceration post ST of the presenting twin may lead to early rupture of membranes, amnionitis and preterm labor. The aim of this study was to evaluate pregnancy complications and outcome following ST of the presenting vs non‐presenting twin.

Methods

This was a multicenter retrospective cohort study of dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies that underwent ST due to a discordant fetal anomaly (structural or genetic) between 2007 and 2021. The study population was divided into two groups according to the position of the reduced twin (presenting or non‐presenting) and outcomes were studied accordingly. The primary outcome was a composite of early complications following ST, including infection, preterm prelabor rupture of membranes and pregnancy loss.

Results

A total of 190 dichorionic twin pregnancies were included, of which 73 underwent ST of the presenting twin and 117 of the non‐presenting twin. The groups did not differ in either baseline demographic characteristics or mean gestational age at the time of the procedure. ST of the presenting twin resulted in a significantly higher rate of early complications compared with the non‐presenting twin (19.2% vs 7.7%; P = 0.018). Moreover, the rates of preterm delivery (75.3% vs 37.6%; P < 0.001) and neonatal intensive care unit admission (45.3% vs 17.1%; P < 0.001) were higher, and birth weight was lower (P < 0.001), in those pregnancies in which the presenting twin was reduced.

Conclusions

ST of the presenting twin resulted in a higher rate of adverse pregnancy outcome compared with that of the non‐presenting twin. These findings should be acknowledged during patient counseling and, if legislation permits, taken into consideration when planning ST. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Biliary parascarosis in a foal
Authors: Sazmand Alireza , Yavari Morteza , Babaei Mohammad , Nourian Alireza , Otranto Domenico
Published: February 2023

Migration of Ascaris lumbricoides through the papilla of Vater in humans, and entry into the biliary tree, is well‐recognised. Ascaris suum and Toxocara vitulorum have been recovered from the liver of swine and buffalo. We necropsied a Persian Kurdish filly at age 6 months, weighing ∼100 kg. Death evidently was caused by oleander (Nerium oleander) intoxication. An 8‐cm adult male Parascaris was found at the lobar‐left hepatic bile duct junction. We suggest that the nematode entered anteriorly into the hepatic tree, via the duodenum, major duodenal papilla, bile duct, left hepatic duct and finally the lobar duct. Considering the brief 4‐h elapsed time between death and necropsy, and the 18‐cm distance from the major duodenal papilla to the location of the parasite, we conclude that entry into the biliary tree likely occurred ante‐mortem. We advise consideration of Parascaris infection in differential diagnosis of equine hepatic and pancreatic dysfunction.
Quantitative analysis of high‐throughput biological data
Authors: Juan Hsueh‐Fen , Huang Hsuan‐Cheng
Published: February 2023

The study of multiple “omes,” such as the genome, transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome has become widespread in biomedical research. High‐throughput techniques enable the rapid generation of high‐dimensional multiomics data. This multiomics approach provides a more complete perspective to study biological systems compared with traditional methods. However, the quantitative analysis and integration of distinct types of high‐dimensional omics data remain a challenge. Here, we provide an up‐to‐date and comprehensive review of the methods used for omics data quantification and integration. We first review the quantitative analysis of not only bulk but also single‐cell transcriptomics data, as well as proteomics data. Current methods for reducing batch effects and integrating heterogeneous high‐dimensional data are then introduced. Network analysis on large‐scale biomedical data can capture the global properties of drugs, targets, and disease relationships, thus enabling a better understanding of biological systems. Current trends in the applications and methods used to extend quantitative omics data analysis to biological networks are also discussed.

This article is categorized under:

Data Science > Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning
Plantation Colonialism in Late Nineteenth-Century Hawai‘i: The Case of Chinese Sugar Planters
Authors: Miller Nicholas B.
Published: February 2023

This chapter defines the force of planter sovereignty in the circa 30-year period in which Hawai‘i witnessed the demographic, topographical, and political ramifications associated with the formation of a migrant labor-based plantation complex. Complementing recent research on indigenous sovereignty in the islands, it applies the analytical prisms of plantation polity and racialization to interrogate planter-ruling elite mediation in the contingent transition from a native- to migrant-dominated plantation labor force. Drawing on close engagement with the institutional, discursive, and operational archives of planters in Hawai‘i in the decades preceding US annexation, including Kingdom government records, an emergent Hawai‘i-based planter press, and planter correspondence, this chapter emphasizes how the plantation and planter networking figured in the contested and variegated state formation processes of late nineteenth-century Hawai‘i.
Simulating University Application Data for Fair Matchings
Authors: Segal Meirav , George Anne-Marie , Dimitrakakis Christos
Published: February 2023

This paper describes the design of a simulator (work in progress), that is based on Norwegian university admissions and exam data. It generates a realistic population of applicants to university programs, their preferences and study outcomes if they were admitted to the different study programs. This simulator is a versatile tool and can be used to analyse the current admission policy for Norwegian universities in terms of many fairness criteria that, e.g., take into account student preferences, gender balance, university preferences and study outcomes. More generally, it creates a benchmark for testing matching algorithms and fairness notions without revealing sensitive data.
BCF anomaly and higher-group structure in the low energy effective theories of mesons
Authors: Nakajima Tatsuki , Sakai Tadakatsu , Yokokura Ryo
Published: February 2023

Abstract

We discuss the BCF anomaly of massless QCD-like theories, first obtained by Anber and Poppitz, from the viewpoint of the low energy effective theories. We assume that the QCD-like theories exhibit spontaneous chiral symmetry breaking due to a quark bilinear condensate. Using the ’t Hooft anomaly matching condition for the BCF anomaly, we find that the low energy effective action is composed of a chiral Lagrangian and a Wess-Zumino-Witten term together with an interaction term of the η′ meson with the background gauge field for a discrete one-form symmetry. It is shown that the low energy effective action cancels the quantum inconsistencies associated with η′ due to an ambiguity of how to uplift the action to a five-dimensional spacetime with a boundary. The η′ term plays a substantial role in exploring the emergent higher-group structure at low energies.
Incidence, predictors and vascular sequelae of distal limb ischemia in minimally invasive cardiac surgery with femoral artery cannulation: an observational cohort study
Authors: Ceulemans Angelique , Derwael Ruben , Vandenbrande Jeroen , Buyck Katelijne , Gruyters Ine , Van Tornout Michiel , Murkin John M. , Starinieri Pascal , Yilmaz Alaaddin , Stessel Björn
Published: February 2023

Literature regarding monitoring and consequences of distal limb ischemia due to femoral artery cannulation for Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS) remains limited. The primary objective was to determine its incidence, defined as a ≥ 15% difference in regional Oxygen Saturation (rSO2) lasting ≥ four consecutive minutes between the cannulated and non-cannulated limb. The secondary objectives included: determination of distal limb ischemia, defined as a Tissue Oxygenation Index (TOI) < 50% in the cannulated limb, identification of predictors for distal limb ischemia, determination of a possible association of NIRS-diagnosed ischemia with acute kidney injury, and the need for vascular surgery up to six months after cardiac surgery. A prospective, observational cohort study with blinded rSO2-measurements to prevent intraoperative clinical decision-making. A single-center, community-hospital, clinical study. All consecutive patients ≥ 18 years old, and scheduled for predefined MICS. Patients underwent MICS with bilateral calf muscle rSO2-measurements conducted by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS). In total 75/280 patients (26.79%) experienced distal limb ischemia according to the primary objective, while 18/280 patients (6.42%) experienced distal limb ischemia according to the secondary objective. Multivariate logistic regression showed younger age to be an independent predictor for distal limb ischemia (p = 0.003). None of the patients who suffered intraoperative ischemia required vascular surgery within the follow-up period. The incidence of NIRS-diagnosed ischemia varied from 6.4% to 26.8% depending on the used criteria. Short and long-term vascular sequelae, however, are limited and not intraoperative ischemia related. The added value of intraoperative distal limb NIRS monitoring for vascular reasons seems limited. Future research on femoral artery cannulation in MICS should shift focus to other outcome parameters such as acute kidney injury, postoperative pain or paresthesias.
Comparing models of information transfer in the structural brain network and their relationship to functional connectivity: diffusion versus shortest path routing
Authors: Neudorf Josh , Kress Shaylyn , Borowsky Ron
Published: February 2023

The relationship between structural and functional connectivity in the human brain is a core question in network neuroscience, and a topic of paramount importance to our ability to meaningfully describe and predict functional outcomes. Graph theory has been used to produce measures based on the structural connectivity network that are related to functional connectivity. These measures are commonly based on either the shortest path routing model or the diffusion model, which carry distinct assumptions about how information is transferred through the network. Unlike shortest path routing, which assumes the most efficient path is always known, the diffusion model makes no such assumption, and lets information diffuse in parallel based on the number of connections to other regions. Past research has also developed hybrid measures that use concepts from both models, which have better predicted functional connectivity from structural connectivity than the shortest path length alone. We examined the extent to which each of these models can account for the structure–function relationship of interest using graph theory measures that are exclusively based on each model. This analysis was performed on multiple parcellations of the Human Connectome Project using multiple approaches, which all converged on the same finding. We found that the diffusion model accounts for much more variance in functional connectivity than the shortest path routing model, suggesting that the diffusion model is better suited to describing the structure–function relationship in the human brain at the macroscale.
Association between adjuvant therapy and survival in colorectal cancer patients according to metabolic Warburg-subtypes
Authors: Offermans Kelly , Jenniskens Josien C. A. , Simons Colinda C. J. M. , Samarska Iryna , Fazzi Gregorio E. , Smits Kim M. , Schouten Leo J. , Weijenberg Matty P. , Grabsch Heike I. , van den Brandt Piet A.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Tumor location and tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage guide treatment decisions in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. However, patients with the same disease stage do not benefit equally from adjuvant therapy. Hence, there remains an urgent clinical need to identify prognostic and/or predictive biomarker(s) to personalize treatment decisions. In this exploratory study, we investigated whether our previously defined metabolic Warburg-subtypes can predict which CRC patients might derive survival benefit from adjuvant therapy.

Methods

Information regarding treatment (surgery only: n = 1451; adjuvant radiotherapy: n = 82; or adjuvant chemotherapy: n = 260) and Warburg-subtype (Warburg-low: n = 485, -moderate: n = 641, or –high: n = 667) was available for 1793 CRC patients from the Netherlands Cohort Study (NLCS). Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression models were used to investigate survival benefit from adjuvant therapy compared to surgery-only for the different Warburg-subtypes.

Results

Patients with Warburg-moderate CRC (HRCRC-specific 0.64; 95% CI 0.47–0.86, HRoverall 0.61; 95% CI 0.47–0.80), and possibly Warburg-high CRC (HRCRC-specific 0.86; 95% CI 0.65–1.14, HRoverall 0.82; 95% CI 0.64–1.05), had survival benefit from adjuvant therapy. No survival benefit was observed for patients with Warburg-low CRC (HRCRC-specific 1.07; 95% CI 0.76–1.52, HRoverall 0.95; 95% CI 0.70–1.30). There was a significant interaction between Warburg-subtype and adjuvant therapy for CRC-specific survival (p = 0.049) and overall survival (p = 0.035).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that Warburg-subtypes may predict survival benefit from adjuvant therapy in CRC patients. A survival benefit from adjuvant therapy was observed for patients with Warburg-moderate and possibly Warburg-high CRC, but not for patients with Warburg-low CRC. Future prospective studies are necessary to validate our findings.
Oral health-related quality of life and patient-reported outcome measures after 10 years of supportive periodontal care
Authors: Vogt Luca , Pretzl Bernadette , Eickholz Peter , Ramich Tatjana , Nickles Katrin , Petsos Hari
Published: February 2023

Objective

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the oral health-related quality of life (oHRQoL) and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) after 10 years of supportive periodontal care (SPC).

Material and methods

Patients were re-examined 120±12 months after active periodontal therapy. Dental and periodontal status and oHRQoL by completing Oral Health Impact Profile-G49 (OHIP-G49) and PROMs by marking a visual analogue scale (VAS) for self-perceived esthetics (VASe), chewing function (VASc), and hygiene ability (VASh) were assessed. Patient- and tooth-related factors (age, insurance status, number of SPC, compliance, change of therapist, smoking, tooth loss, need for surgery or antibiotic intake, bleeding on probing (BOP), periodontal inflamed surface area) influencing oHRQoL and PROMs were evaluated.

Results

One hundred eight periodontally compromised patients (59 female, mean age 65.4±10.7 years) lost 135 teeth during 10 years of SPC. At re-examination, 1.8% of all sites showed PPD ≥6mm. The mean OHIP-G49 sum score was 17.6±18.5, and VAS resulted in 76.0±22.5 (VASe), 86.3±16.3 (VASc), and 79.8±15.8 (VASh). Linear regression analyses identified a positive correlation with oHRQoL and/or PROMs for private insurance status (OHIP-G49, p=0.015, R2=0.204; VASc, p=0.005, R2=0.084; VASh, p=0.012, R2=0.222) and compliance to SPC (VASe, p=0.032; R2=0.204), as well as a negative correlation for active smoking (VASc, p=0.012, R2=0.084), increased BOP (VASh, p=0.029, R2=0.222) at the start of SPC, and number of lost molars (VASh, p=0.008, R2=0.222).

Conclusion

It is realistic to obtain satisfactory oHRQoL and PROM values in most of the patients after 10 years of SPC. The identified factors may help to predict patient satisfaction in the long-term course of therapy.

Clinical relevance

Systematic therapy of periodontally compromised patients provides values for oHRQoL and PROMs in a favorable range 10 years after therapy. This should encourage dentists to implement SPC in their daily routine.

Clinical trial number

NCT03048045
Preservation of long-term memory in older adults using a spaced learning paradigm
Authors: Caffrey Michelle , Commins Sean
Published: February 2023

How much information we retain depends on type/schedule of training. It has been widely acknowledged that spaced learning is advantageous compared to massed learning for cognitively healthy young adults and should be considered an educational standard. Literature would suggest that the spacing effect is preserved with age, though it is unclear whether this effect translates to more ecologically valid concepts such as face-name associations, which are particularly susceptible to deterioration with age. Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of spacing across recent/remote retention intervals, and the effect of age on spacing in cognitively healthy older adults using the Face-Name Pairs task. Experiment 1 results suggest that the beneficial memory effects of spacing are particularly observed with long-term memory. Experiment 2 results suggest that older adults are impaired at learning compared to younger adults, that the spacing effect influences both older and younger adults at longer intervals, and that spaced-trained participants display similar forgetting patterns at longer intervals, irrespective of age. These results may have some implications regarding improving the conditions under which optimum retention occurs (namely, whether spacing is beneficial when learning ecologically valid concepts at longer intervals outside of laboratory settings), and may provide insight into the effect of age on our ability to learn and remember face-name associations.
Accurate Confidence and Bayesian Interval Estimation for Non-centrality Parameters and Effect Size Indices
Authors: Kang Kaidi , Jones Megan T. , Armstrong Kristan , Avery Suzanne , McHugo Maureen , Heckers Stephan , Vandekar Simon
Published: February 2023

Reporting effect size index estimates with their confidence intervals (CIs) can be an excellent way to simultaneously communicate the strength and precision of the observed evidence. We recently proposed a robust effect size index (RESI) that is advantageous over common indices because it’s widely applicable to different types of data. Here, we use statistical theory and simulations to develop and evaluate RESI estimators and confidence/credible intervals that rely on different covariance estimators. Our results show (1) counter to intuition, the randomness of covariates reduces coverage for Chi-squared and F CIs; (2) when the variance of the estimators is estimated, the non-central Chi-squared and F CIs using the parametric and robust RESI estimators fail to cover the true effect size at the nominal level. Using the robust estimator along with the proposed nonparametric bootstrap or Bayesian (credible) intervals provides valid inference for the RESI, even when model assumptions may be violated. This work forms a unified effect size reporting procedure, such that effect sizes with confidence/credible intervals can be easily reported in an analysis of variance (ANOVA) table format.
Effects of Economic Capital, Cultural Capital and Social Capital on the Educational Expectation of Chinese Migrant Children
Authors: Ding Qifan , Wu Qiaobing
Published: February 2023

The barrier for Chinese migrant children to receive compulsory education in megacities has been gradually solved in recent years. The demand for senior high school education is now the bottom line for most of migrant children. Unlike compulsory education, high school education in China is a prerequisite for students to enter university and can profoundly affect their future decisions. This study aims to identify how various dimensions of economic, cultural and social capital embedded in the family, school and peer contexts influence the educational expectation of Chinese migrant children. The study results showed that all dimensions of capital significantly influenced the educational expectation of migrant children except family social capital. The effect of objectified cultural capital appeared to be the most predominant factor. Surprisingly, against the original hypothesis, economic capital and embodied cultural capital negatively influenced educational expectations.