bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The “post-weanling’s conundrum”: exploring the impact of infant and child feeding practices on early mortality in the Bronze Age burial cave of Moro de Alins, north-eastern Iberia, through stable isotope analysis
Authors: Fernández-Crespo Teresa , Schulting Rick J. , Czermak Andrea , Ordoño Javier , Lorenzo José Ignacio , Rodanés José María
Published: September 2022

The relationship between infant and child feeding practices and early mortality is difficult to address in past societies. Here, stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope measurements of bulk bone and sequential dentine samples of deciduous second and/or permanent first molars of four younger children, one older child, one late adolescent, and two young adults (n = 8) from Moro de Alins cave, north-eastern Iberia, are used to explore the potential impact of early-life nutrition on mortality in the Bronze Age. Isotope results are compatible with generally short exclusive breastfeeding and standard weaning periods compared to other pre-modern populations. However, there are differences in exclusive breastfeeding mean δ13C values and in Δ13C trophic shifts between exclusive breastfeeding and immediate post-weaning isotope values for those individuals who survived into adolescence and adulthood and those who did not. While the former seem to be consistent with trophic distances published for modern mother–infant pairs, the latter are above most of them. This may suggest that individuals who consumed similar foods to their mothers or suffered from less physiological stress during or after weaning had greater chances of survival during early childhood and beyond. Post-weaning seems to have been a particularly stressful period of life, where a number of instances of patterns of opposing isotopic covariance compatible with catabolic changes, often preceding death among non-survivors, are detected. This outcome shows the key role of nutritional and/or physiological status in early-life morbidity and mortality among partially and especially fully weaned children from pre-antibiotic, pre-vaccination, and poor sanitation contexts and proposes that adult survival is rooted in early life experiences, in keeping with the developmental origins of health and disease.
Stories of change in nutrition: lessons from a new generation of studies from Africa, Asia and Europe
Authors: Nisbett Nicholas , Harris Jody , Headey Derek , van den Bold Mara , Gillespie Stuart , Aberman Noora-Lisa , Adeyemi Olutayo , Aryeetey Richmond , Avula Rasmi , Becquey Elodie , Drimie Scott , Iruhiriye Elyse , Salm Leah , Turowska Zuzanna
Published: September 2022

How does nutrition improve? We need to understand better what drives both positive and negative change in different contexts, and what more can be done to reduce malnutrition. Since 2015, the Stories of Change in Nutrition studies have analysed and documented experiences in many different African and Asian countries, to foster empirically-grounded experiential learning across contexts. This article provides an overview of findings from 14 studies undertaken in nine countries in South Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and Europe between 2017 and 2021. The studies used a combination of methods, including regression-decomposition analyses of national datasets to assess determinants of nutritional change; policy process and food environment analyses; and community-level research assessing attitudes to change. This article takes a narrative synthesis approach to identify key themes across the studies, paying particular attention to multisectoral determinants, changes in the food environment, the role of structural factors (including longstanding social inequities), and changes in political commitment, cross-sectoral coherence and capacity. Given the inherent multisectoral nature of nutrition, many countries are experimenting with different models of ensuring coherence across sectors that are captured in this body of work. The relative immaturity of the policy sector in dealing with issues such as obesity and overweight, and associated influences in the wider food environment, adds a further challenge. To address these interrelated issues, policy must simultaneously tackle nutrition’s upstream (social/economic/equity) and downstream (health and dietary) determinants. Studies synthesised here provide empirically-driven inspiration for action.
Scientometric analysis of global research output in robotic gynecologic surgery
Authors: Vidal Manuel S. , Tantengco Ourlad Alzeus G. , Gamo Nancy Marie S. , Lee Ka Yiu
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Study objective

There has been a surge in publications on robotic gynecologic surgery. This study determined the characteristics and trends of published articles in robotic gynecologic surgery using bibliometric analysis, and also identified socioeconomic indicators associated with scientific productivity in this field.

Methods

The Scopus database was used to retrieve articles related to robotic gynecologic surgery from 2001 until 2021. Analyses and network visualization were conducted using Bibliometrix package in R platform, VOSviewer software, and GraphPad Prism software.

Main results

A total of 642 articles spanning from 2001 to 2021 were published, with exponential increase starting in 2007. The most productive country in this field is the USA, while the most productive institution is the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. The Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology produced the most significant number of research articles, while Gynecologic Oncology received the highest total citations. The central themes of research from 2001 to 2009 include the keywords “radical hysterectomy” and “laparoscopy” while from 2010 to 2021, the keywords include “robotic surgery” and “cervical cancer”. Gross domestic product and the number of international collaborations had the highest correlation with scientific productivity in robotic gynecologic surgery.

Conclusion

This study showed the research landscape – the leading authors, institutions, and countries – in robotic gynecologic surgery. The top institutions and countries in this field were from developed countries. This study emphasizes more investment in research, support for researchers and physicians, and foster more collaborations with leading countries and institutions, all to improve clinical care for gynecologic patients globally.

Highlights
A Comparative Study of Socio-Legal Scenarios in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Focusing on Asian Responses
Authors: Yoshida Kunihiko
Published: September 2022

This article first distinguishes three governance scenarios that have been enacted in the COVID-19 pandemic, including identification and control; herd immunity without policy adjustments; and periodic lockdowns and hasty opening. In suggesting how different governments’ strategies were taxonomized into these categories, the paper examines major socio-legal challenges, including variations in social structures and government responsibilities; differences in public health cultures and legal policy options available to governments; unequal distribution of health and social welfare benefits; and public concerns of government overreach in relation to privacy of the infected and the preservation of individual liberty and freedom. Finally, the paper offers critical recommendations in the interest of ensuring a robust social-legal framework for providing adequate medical care to the infected; improving public health for vulnerable groups; ensuring that less privileged countries have access to vaccines; and designing post-disaster reconstruction by seeking global health objectives, rather than state-centric national justice.
Longstanding health risk across the life course: The influence of early-life experience on health status throughout the life span
Authors: Yuan Bocong , Li Jiannan , Li Kunmei , Chen Mengxin
Published: September 2022

This study tracked the longstanding effect of childhood adversities on health status over the course of a life. This study used the data from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study which was a nationally representative survey and documented the generation who had arrived in the middle- and old-age phase and experienced the difficult time in the early founding of PR China in their childhood. Results shown the significant associations between multiple forms of children adversities (economic distress, child neglect, child abuse, lack of friends, parental mental health problems) and health status in adolescence (from 0.068 to 0.102, p<0.01), and health status in mid and late adulthood, including self-rated general health problems (from 0.039 to 0.061, p<0.01), chronic conditions (from 0.014 to 0.120, p<0.01 except for lack of friends), body aches (from 0.016 to 0.062, p<0.01 except for child neglect), and depression (from 0.047 to 0.112, p<0.01). Meanwhile, results also shown an underlying pathway (i.e., health status in adolescence) linking childhood adversities and health status in mid and late adulthood. Results suggested that the experience of multiple forms of adversities in childhood represented a substantial source of health risk throughout life.
Associations between psychological therapy outcomes for depression and incidence of dementia
Authors: John Amber , Saunders Rob , Desai Roopal , Bell Georgia , Fearn Caroline , Buckman Joshua E. J. , Brown Barbara , Nurock Shirley , Michael Stewart , Ware Paul , Marchant Natalie L. , Aguirre Elisa , Rio Miguel , Cooper Claudia , Pilling Stephen , Richards Marcus , Stott Josh
Published: September 2022

Background

Depression is an important, potentially modifiable dementia risk factor. However, it is not known whether effective treatment of depression through psychological therapies is associated with reduced dementia incidence. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between reduction in depressive symptoms following psychological therapy and the subsequent incidence of dementia.

Methods

National psychological therapy data were linked with hospital records of dementia diagnosis for 119808 people aged 65+. Participants received a course of psychological therapy treatment in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services between 2012 and 2019. Cox proportional hazards models were run to test associations between improvement in depression following psychological therapy and incidence of dementia diagnosis up to eight years later.

Results

Improvements in depression following treatment were associated with reduced rates of dementia diagnosis up to 8 years later (HR = 0.88, 95% CI 0.83–0.94), after adjustment for key covariates. Strongest effects were observed for vascular dementia (HR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.77–0.97) compared with Alzheimer's disease (HR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.83–1.00).

Conclusions

Reliable improvement in depression across psychological therapy was associated with reduced incidence of future dementia. Results are consistent with at least two possibilities. Firstly, psychological interventions to improve symptoms of depression may have the potential to contribute to dementia risk reduction efforts. Secondly, psychological therapies may be less effective in people with underlying dementia pathology or they may be more likely to drop out of therapy (reverse causality). Tackling the under-representation of older people in psychological therapies and optimizing therapy outcomes is an important goal for future research.
Anchor management: a field experiment to encourage families to meet critical programme deadlines
Authors: Moore Ryan T. , Gan Katherine N. , Minnich Karissa , Yokum David
Published: September 2022

Many families, despite need and eligibility, struggle to meet programme deadlines to retain critical benefits. When families fail to complete programme recertification on time, they lose needed support. While scholars have tested behavioural theories like chunking, implementation intention, and loss framing to promote programme uptake, less is known about how well-designed communications can promote continuity through successful recertification, especially where recertification entails a significant administrative burden. Further, scant evidence guides how best to frame recertification deadlines. In a randomised trial with government partners (n = 3,539), we find that sending a reminder letter informed by these behavioural theories increased the number of families maintaining participation by 14 per cent. Further, anchoring people to a deadline month may suffice to thread the motivational needle: overcoming procrastination without lowering self-efficacy by anchoring them to a specific day. Adopting the most effective letter in Washington, DC, would lead 766 more families to participate uninterrupted each year.
SEQUENTIALLY ESTIMATING THE STRUCTURAL EQUATION BY POWER TRANSFORMATION
Authors: Choi Jaedo , Moon Hyungsik Roger , Cho Jin Seo
Published: September 2022

This study provides an econometric methodology to test a linear structural relationship among economic variables. We propose the so-called distance-difference (DD) test and show that it has omnibus power against arbitrary nonlinear structural relationships. If the DD-test rejects the linear model hypothesis, a sequential testing procedure assisted by the DD-test can consistently estimate the degree of a polynomial function that arbitrarily approximates the nonlinear structural equation. Using extensive Monte Carlo simulations, we confirm the DD-test’s finite sample properties and compare its performance with the sequential testing procedure assisted by the J-test and moment selection criteria. Finally, through investigation, we empirically illustrate the relationship between the value-added and its production factors using firm-level data from the United States. We demonstrate that the production function has exhibited a factor-biased technological change instead of Hicks-neutral technology presumed by the Cobb–Douglas production function.
Crystal structure of nequinate, C22H23NO4
Authors: Kaduk James A. , Gindhart Amy M. , Gates-Rector Stacy , Blanton Thomas N.
Published: September 2022

The crystal structure of nequinate has been solved and refined using synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction data and optimized using density functional techniques. Nequinate crystallizes in the space group P21/c (#14) with a = 18.35662(20), b = 11.68784(6), c = 9.06122(4) Å, β = 99.3314(5)°, V = 1918.352(13) Å3, and Z = 4. The crystal structure is dominated by the stacking of the approximately planar molecules. N–H⋯O hydrogen bonds link adjacent molecules into chains parallel to the b-axis. The powder pattern has been submitted to ICDD for inclusion in the Powder Diffraction File™ (PDF®).
THE BIRTH OF HOMO ŒCONOMICUS: THE METHODOLOGICAL DEBATE ON THE ECONOMIC AGENT FROM J. S. MILL TO V. PARETO
Authors: Bee Michele , Desmarais-Tremblay Maxime
Published: September 2022

This paper proposes a genealogy of the concept of homo œconomicus as it emerged from the methodological debate on the economic agent of political economy. If John Stuart Mill gave birth to the economic man in his 1836 essay “On the Definition of Political Economy,” he certainly did not baptize him. The expression was introduced by Francis A. Walker after Mill passed away in the 1870s. Economic man acquired its Latin name of homo œconomicus under the pen of French Catholic economist Claudio Jannet in 1878. Yet, only at the end of the century did Maffeo Pantaleoni (1889) proudly reclaim homo œconomicus as a building block of pure economics. In reaction to the evolutionary hedonism of Pantaleoni, Vilfredo Pareto then cleansed the concept of homo œconomicus and realized the Millian project of an abstract science based on an economic agent.
The Effects of Type III Traumatic Stressors of the Protracted Conflict and Prolonged COVID-19 on Syrians Internally Displaced
Authors: Kira Ibrahim , Aljakoub Jakoub , Al Ibraheem Boshra , Shuwiekh Hanaa
Published: September 2022

Abstract. This study aimed to validate the Type III continuous traumatic stress model assumptions and use it to assess the effect of intersected traumas of civil war and COVID-19 stressors on internally displaced Syrian people. We recruited 891 Syrians from camps (46.5% females, aged 18–90 years [ M = 30.81, SD = 12.04]). We measured COVID-19 stressors, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex PTSD (CPTSD), depression, anxiety, and executive functions to assess the variables related to peri-post Type III mental health syndrome. We measured Type I, II, and III traumas and Type III trauma subtypes. To explore the significance of differences between correlation sizes and the comparative severity of each trauma type, we calculated Fisher z scores. We performed path analysis with trauma Types III and II as correlated independent variables and COVID-19 stressors' impact on peri-post Type III trauma mental health syndrome to check their proliferation and impact. Of the sample, COVID-19 had infected 45.9%, 33.1% fit the diagnostic criteria for CPTSD, and 13.9% fit the diagnostic criteria for PTSD. All trauma types were associated with mental health, cognitive deficits, and COVID-19 severity, with a significantly higher association with trauma Type III. Type III-a subtype (intersected discrimination) had the highest associations with each variable. Type III was bidirectionally correlated with Type II and proliferated to Type I traumas (single past events) and COVID-19 stressors, with Type III having a larger effect size on peri-post Type III trauma mental health syndrome. The clinical and conceptual implications of the findings are discussed.
Investigating Language Factors in Aviation Accidents
Authors: Mathews Elizabeth , Carson Joan , Singleton Steven , Valdes Enrique “Rick” , Williams E. David
Published: September 2022

Abstract. Linguistic and operational experts reviewed accident investigation reports covering a 22-year period (1990–2012) revealing that language factors impact aviation safety in a variety of ways, in contexts extending beyond pilot and air traffic controller communications. The investigation of possible language factors is not accorded the same degree of systematic and expert analysis as is given to the investigation of other human performance and operational factors.
Future Land Use/Land Cover Change Has Nontrivial and Potentially Dominant Impact on Global Gross Primary Productivity
Authors: Hou Haiyan , Zhou Bing‐Bing , Pei Fengsong , Hu Guohua , Su Zhongbo , Zeng Yijian , Zhang Han , Gao Yukun , Luo Meng , Li Xia
Published: September 2022

Anthropogenic land use/land cover (LULC) change alters terrestrial gross primary productivity (GPP), the largest land‐atmosphere carbon exchanges. Identifying the impacts of LULC changes on future terrestrial GPP has been challenging due to the scarcity of standardized future LULC for ecosystem models. Here, we present eight scenario‐based projections of global spatially explicit LULC at 1‐km resolution over the period 2015–2100 with a Future Land Use Simulation model—consistent with the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways and Representative Concentration Pathways. Twenty computational experiments with different LULC patterns, climate forcing, and CO2 concentrations were conducted to quantify their contributions to future GPP dynamics. Results show that the global terrestrial GPP would decline in the 21st century in most LULC scenarios due to urbanization, agricultural expansion, and deforestation. Moreover, the contribution of LULC changes to global GPP dynamics ranges from 3.43% to 10.78% when CO2 fertilization effect (CFE) is not modeled during 2000–2100 (7%–9% of the terrestrial area is dominated by LULC change). However, this value may range from 10.92% to 16.16% during 2000–2050 and 1.41%–14.57% during 2050–2100. The contribution of LULC even reached 56.08% during 2050–2100 in Southeast Asia due to deforestation. Despite the relatively important role of LULC to GPP dynamics, it becomes trivial globally when incorporating CFE into the model (i.e., LULC accounts for 1.24%–2.51% during 2000–2100). Our findings emphasize the strategic role of CFE in enhancing global GPP and highlight the quantitatively nontrivial role of LULC at the regional scale.
Flow Resistance in Very Rough Channels
Authors: Deal E.
Published: September 2022

Flow resistance in open channels determines the average flow velocity in a river, with important implications for downstream and at‐a‐station hydraulic geometry and sediment transport in natural channels. However, flow resistance in steep mountain channels is challenging to understand and predict due to heterogeneous channel morphology and spatially variable flow. Using a double‐averaging approach appropriate for very rough channels, the width, reach, and double‐averaged variables for steady, uniform flow in an open channel are derived. Using an empirical model for the coefficient of form drag, a flow resistance model is derived that compares well to a large data set of flow velocity in natural channels. Several parameters that together describe bed morphology are observed to be relatively consistent in the data set used and compare well to previous estimates of their values. This implies a degree of self‐organization in bed morphology that may simplify the challenging problem of predicting flow resistance in steep mountain rivers.
The Importance of Ion Composition for Radiation Belt Modeling
Authors: Ross J. P. J. , Glauert S. A. , Horne R. B. , Meredith N. P.
Published: September 2022

The banded structure of electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) wave spectra and their resonant interactions with radiation belt electrons depend on the cold ion composition. However, there is a great deal of uncertainty in the composition in the inner magnetosphere due to difficulties in direct flux measurements. Here, we show that the hydrogen and helium band wave spectra are most consistent with a helium and oxygen composition of a few percent. Less than 10% of hydrogen band wave intensity is consistent with a high helium fraction of ∼20%. Similarly, only ∼20% helium band wave intensity is consistent with an oxygen torus ion composition. Furthermore, we find that the decay of the ultra‐relativistic electrons in the radiation belts by EMIC waves depends on the ion composition. The decay is most sensitive to the helium fraction, and the strongest agreement with Van Allen Probes data is found when the helium fraction is a few percent. We suggest that more observations of the cold ion composition would significantly help understand and set constraints on the decay of ultrarelativistic electrons in the radiation belts.
Climate Legacy Effects Shape Tallgrass Prairie Nitrogen Cycling
Authors: Broderick Caitlin M. , Freeman Kiona M. , Zeglin Lydia H. , Blair John M.
Published: September 2022

Climate change is expected to shift precipitation regimes in the North American Central Plains with likely impacts on ecosystem functioning. In tallgrass prairies, water and nitrogen (N) can co‐limit ecosystem processes, so changes in precipitation may have complex effects on carbon (C) and N cycling. Rates of N supply such as N mineralization and nitrification respond differently to short‐ and long‐term patterns in water availability, and previous climate patterns may exert legacy effects on current N cycling that could alter ecosystem sensitivity to current precipitation regimes. We used a long‐term precipitation manipulation at Konza Prairie (Kansas, USA) to assess how previous and current precipitation influence tallgrass prairie N cycling. Supplemental irrigation was applied across upland and lowland prairie for ∼25 years to reduce water deficits; in 2017, we reversed some of these treatments and added a reduced rainfall treatment across both historic rainfall regimes, allowing us to assess how previous climate and current rainfall patterns interact to shape N cycling. In lowland prairie, previous irrigation doubled N mineralization and nitrification rates the year following cessation of irrigation. Reduced microbial C:N ratio and lower relative investment in N‐acquiring enzymes in previously irrigated lowlands suggested that a wetter climate created a legacy of increased N availability for microbes. Internal plant N resorption increased under short‐term irrigation but recovered to ambient levels following previous irrigation. Together, these results suggest that a history of wetter conditions can create a legacy of accelerated N cycling, with consequences for both plant and microbial functioning.
LncRNA SEMA3B-AS1 inhibits breast cancer progression by targeting miR-3940/KLLN axis
Authors: Hu Jin , Huang Haohao , Xi Zihan , Ma Shenghui , Ming Jie , Dong Fang , Guo Hui , Zhang Huiqiong , Zhao Ende , Yao Guojie , Yang Liu , Zhang Feng , Zheng Wuping , Chen Hengyu , Huang Tao , Li Lei
Published: September 2022

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial regulatory roles in the progression of various cancers. However, the functional roles of lncRNAs in breast cancer remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the functional role of a novel long noncoding RNA SEMA3B-AS1 (lncRNA SEAS1) in breast cancer progression and the underlying mechanisms. SEAS1 was downregulated in the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) tissues compared with the para-carcinoma tissues, which was associated with poor prognosis of TNBC patients. We demonstrated that SEAS1 knockdown significantly increased the proliferation, migration, and invasion of TNBC cell lines, whereas SEAS1 overexpression reversed these effects. Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that microRNA (miR)-3940-3p was a potential target of SEAS1. Mechanistically, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and luciferase reporter assays confirmed that lncRNA SEMA3B-AS1 acted as sponge for miR-3940-3p, preventing the degradation of its target gene KLLN, which acts as a tumor-inhibiter in TNBC. Moreover, RNA pulldown, mass spectrometry, ChIP, and luciferase reporter assays confirmed that SMAD3 directly interacted with the promoter of SEAS1 and suppressed its transcription, thereby promoting TNBC progression. The clinical samples of TNBC confirmed SEAS1 was correlated inversely with lymphatic and distant metastasis. In conclusion, our findings reveal a novel pathway for TNBC progression via SMAD3/lncRNA SEAS1/miR-3940-3p/KLLN axis, and suggest that SEAS1 may serve as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for TNBC.
Clinically relevant pathogens on surfaces display differences in survival and transcriptomic response in relation to probiotic and traditional cleaning strategies
Authors: Hu Jinglin , Shuai Weitao , Sumner Jack T. , Moghadam Anahid A. , Hartmann Erica M.
Published: September 2022

Indoor surfaces are paradoxically presumed to be both colonized by pathogens, necessitating disinfection, and “microbial wastelands.” In these resource-poor, dry environments, competition and decay are thought to be important drivers of microbial community composition. However, the relative contributions of these two processes have not been specifically evaluated. To bridge this knowledge gap, we used microcosms to evaluate whether interspecies interactions occur on surfaces. We combined transcriptomics and traditional microbiology techniques to investigate whether competition occurred between two clinically important pathogens,Acinetobacter baumanniiandKlebsiella pneumoniae, and a probiotic cleaner containing a consortium ofBacillusspecies. Probiotic cleaning seeks to take advantage of ecological principles such as competitive exclusion, thus using benign microorganisms to inhibit viable pathogens, but there is limited evidence that competitive exclusion in fact occurs in environments of interest (i.e., indoor surfaces). Our results indicate that competition in this setting has a negligible impact on community composition but may influence the functions expressed by active organisms. AlthoughBacillusspp. remained viable on surfaces for an extended period of time after application, viable colony forming units (CFUs) ofA. baumanniirecovered following exposure to a chemical-based detergent with and withoutBacillusspp. showed no statistical difference. Similarly, forK. pneumoniae, there were small statistical differences in CFUs between cleaning scenarios with or withoutBacillusspp. in the chemical-based detergent. The transcriptome ofA. baumanniiwith and withoutBacillusspp. exposure shared a high degree of similarity in overall gene expression, but the transcriptome ofK. pneumoniaediffered in overall gene expression, including reduced response in genes related to antimicrobial resistance. Together, these results highlight the need to fully understand the underlying biological and ecological mechanisms for community assembly and function on indoor surfaces, as well as having practical implications for cleaning and disinfection strategies for infection prevention.
Patient-reported outcomes from a randomized trial of neoadjuvant atezolizumab-chemotherapy in early triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Barrios Carlos H. , Saji Shigehira , Harbeck Nadia , Zhang Hong , Jung Kyung H. , Patel Sheetal , Patel Shilpen , Duc Anh Nguyen , Liste-Hermoso Mario , Chui Stephen Y. , Mittendorf Elizabeth A.
Published: September 2022

Patient-reported outcomes data assessing patients’ experience of immunotherapy treatment burden in potentially curable early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) are lacking. These patient-reported data inform clinical benefit and decision-making for adding atezolizumab to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in early-stage TNBC. IMpassion031 (NCT03197935) randomly assigned patients with stage II/III TNBC (T2–T4d primary tumors) to 5 cycles (4 weeks/cycle) of every 2-week neoadjuvant atezolizumab 840 mg or placebo with weekly nab-paclitaxel (3 cycles) followed by every 2-week dose-dense doxorubicin+cyclophosphamide (2 cycles). After surgery, the atezolizumab-chemotherapy arm received atezolizumab 1200 mg every 3 weeks (11 cycles). The placebo-chemotherapy arm was observed under standard of care. To assess treatment burden from the patients’ perspective, which comprised measures of the treatment-related impact on patients’ functioning and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), as well as patients’ experience of treatment-related symptoms plus their associated bother, patients completed the EORTC QLQ-C30 and FACT-G single-item GP5. Predefined secondary endpoints included mean and mean change from baseline values in the QLQ-C30 function (role and physical) and global health status/quality of life scales. Exploratory endpoints included mean and mean change from baseline in treatment-related symptoms, and treatment side effect bother. Mean physical, role function, and HRQoL were similar between arms at baseline and throughout treatment. In the neoadjuvant period, both arms exhibited clinically meaningful declines of similar magnitude from baseline in physical, role function, and HRQoL, and reported similar treatment side effect to bother at each visit. Improved pathologic complete response from adding atezolizumab to neoadjuvant chemotherapy for early-stage TNBC occurred without imposing additional treatment burden on patients.
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration without exudative recurrence over 24 months after initial remission
Authors: Cho Han Joo , Jeon Young Joon , Yoon Wontae , Yoon Jihyun , Kim Jaemin , Kim Jong Woo
Published: September 2022

We investigated the characteristics of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which rarely recurs after initial remission. This study retrospectively analyzed 392 neovascular AMD patients treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). All patients received three monthly loading doses of anti-VEGF injections, followed by a pro re nata (as needed) regimen for 24 months. The baseline characteristics associated with the odds of having no recurrence within 24 months were evaluated using multivariate modeling. After the initial three loading injections over 24 months, 58 (14.8%) eyes showed no exudative recurrence and did not require additional anti-VEGF injections. These patients without exudative recurrence had significantly better best-corrected visual acuity (P = 0.003) and lower central subfoveal thickness (P = 0.035) at 24 months than those with exudative recurrence. Additionally, the incidence of macular atrophy was significantly lower in the former than in the latter (8.6% vs. 21.9%; P = 0.020). Multivariate analysis revealed that younger age (odds ratio [OR], 0.901; P = 0.033), smaller lesion size (OR, 0.589; P = 0.016), and absence of fibrovascular pigment epithelial detachment (PED) (OR, 1.349; P = 0.028) were associated with higher odds of no recurrence during follow-up. Approximately 15% of the neovascular AMD patients showed no exudative recurrence after initial remission during the 24-month follow-up. The infrequent recurrence after initial remission correlated with younger age, smaller lesion size, and absence of fibrovascular PED.
Thymol screening, phenolic contents, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Iranian populations of Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague (Apiaceae)
Authors: Modareskia Mahdieh , Fattahi Mohammad , Mirjalili Mohammad Hossein
Published: September 2022

The seeds of Trachyspermum ammi were gathered at the ripening stage from different regions of Iran and grouped into 14 populations (P1-P14) accordingly. The essential oil (EO) extraction yielded in the 3.16–5% range. EOs were analyzed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and 11 constituents were identified. Thymol (59.92–96.4%), p-cymene (0.55–21.15%), γ-terpinene (0.23–17.78%), and carvacrol (0.41–2.77%) were the major constituents. The highest contents of thymol and carvacrol were found in the Ghayen population (P2). Also, P2 and P8 (Estahban) had the highest value of total phenol (TPC) 43.2 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g DW, and total flavonoids (TFC) 8.03 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g DW, respectively. P1 (Kalat) had the highest total coumarin (TCC) value (0.26 mg coumarin equivalent CE/g DW). Based on EO constituents, principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis classified populations into two chemotypes of thymol/p-cymene/γ-terpinene and thymol/carvacrol. The highest positive correlation coefficient was between α-terpinene and limonene (0.96), while the highest negative correlation was between thymol and p-cymene (–0.984). The antioxidant activities of extracts and EOs were evaluated by phosphomolybdenum (total antioxidant capacity; TAC), diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH IC50), and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Also, the antimicrobial activity of EOs was studied against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. P8 with high thymol, EO content (%v/w), TFC, and antibacterial and antioxidant activities is recommended but further studies are needed to confirm the chemotype introduction.
Epidemiological model based periodic intervention policies for COVID-19 mitigation in the United Kingdom
Authors: Rinaldi Gianmario , Menon Prathyush P. , Ferrara Antonella , Strain W. David , Edwards Christopher
Published: September 2022

As the UK, together with numerous countries in the world, moves towards a new phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a need to be able to predict trends in sufficient time to limit the pressure faced by the National Health Service (NHS) and maintain low hospitalisation levels. In this study, we explore the use of an epidemiological compartmental model to devise a periodic adaptive suppression/intervention policy to alleviate the pressure on the NHS. The proposed model facilitates the understanding of the progression of the specific stages of COVID-19 in communities in the UK including: the susceptible population, the infected population, the hospitalised population, the recovered population, the deceased population, and the vaccinated population. We identify the parameters of the model by relying on past data within the period from 1 October 2020 to 1 June 2021. We use the total number of hospitalised patients and the fraction of those infected who are being admitted to hospital to develop adaptive policies: these modulate the recommended level of social restriction measures and realisable vaccination target adjustments. The analysis over the period 1 October 2020 to 1 June 2021 demonstrates our periodic adaptive policies have the potential to reduce the hospitalisation by 58% on average per month. In a further prospective analysis over the period August 2021 to May 2022, we analyse several future scenarios, characterised by the relaxation of restrictions, the vaccination ineffectiveness and the gradual decay of the vaccination-induced immunity within the population. In addition, we simulate the surge of plausible variants characterised by an higher transmission rate. In such scenarios, we show that our periodic intervention is effective and able to maintain the hospitalisation rate to a manageable level.
A 5-km-thick reservoir with > 380,000 km3 of magma within the ancient Earth's crust
Authors: Latypov Rais , Chistyakova Sofya , Hornsey Richard A. , Costin Gelu , van der Merwe Mauritz
Published: September 2022

Several recent studies have argued that large, long-lived and molten magma chambers may not occur in the shallow Earth’s crust. Here we present, however, field-based observations from the Bushveld Complex that provide evidence to the contrary. In the eastern part of the complex, the magmatic layering continuously drapes across a ~ 4-km-high sloping step in the chamber floor. Such deposition of magmatic layering implies that the resident melt column was thicker than the stepped relief of the chamber floor. Prolonged internal differentiation within this thick magma column is further supported by evolutionary trends in crystallization sequence and mineral compositions through the sequence. The resident melt column in the Bushveld chamber during this period is estimated at > 5-km in thickness and > 380,000 km3in volume. This volume of magma is three orders of magnitude larger than any known super-eruption in the Earth’s history and is only comparable to the extrusive volumes of some of Earth’s large igneous provinces. This suggests that super-large, entirely molten, and long-lived magma chambers occur, at least occasionally, in the geological history of our planet. Therefore, the classical view of magma chambers as ‘big magma tanks’ remains a viable research concept for some of Earth’s magmatic provinces.
Single nuclei transcriptomics of muscle reveals intra-muscular cell dynamics linked to dystrophin loss and rescue
Authors: Scripture-Adams Deirdre D. , Chesmore Kevin N. , Barthélémy Florian , Wang Richard T. , Nieves-Rodriguez Shirley , Wang Derek W. , Mokhonova Ekaterina I. , Douine Emilie D. , Wan Jijun , Little Isaiah , Rabichow Laura N. , Nelson Stanley F. , Miceli M. Carrie
Published: September 2022

In Duchenne muscular dystrophy, dystrophin loss leads to chronic muscle damage, dysregulation of repair, fibro-fatty replacement, and weakness. We develop methodology to efficiently isolate individual nuclei from minute quantities of frozen skeletal muscle, allowing single nuclei sequencing of irreplaceable archival samples and from very small samples. We apply this method to identify cell and gene expression dynamics within human DMD andmdxmouse muscle, characterizing effects of dystrophin rescue by exon skipping therapy at single nuclei resolution.DMDexon 23 skipping events are directly observed and increased in myonuclei from treated mice. We describe partial rescue of type IIa and IIx myofibers, expansion of an MDSC-like myeloid population, recovery of repair/remodeling M2-macrophage, and repression of inflammatory POSTN1 + fibroblasts in response to exon skipping and partial dystrophin restoration. Use of this method enables exploration of cellular and transcriptomic mechanisms of dystrophin loss and repair within an intact muscle environment. Our initial findings will scaffold our future work to more directly examine muscular dystrophies and putative recovery pathways.
Viscosity‐Independent Velocity of Neutrophils Rolling on P‐Selectin In Vitro or In Vivo
Authors: SMITH MICHAEL L. , SMITH McRAE J. , LAWRENCE MICHAEL B. , LEY KLAUS
Published: September 2022

Objective: To determine whether selectin‐mediated leukocyte‐rolling velocity in inflamed venules in vivo is determined by wall shear rate (WSR) or by wall shear stress (WSS).

Methods: WSS was manipulated independently of WSR by altering the viscosity of blood plasma in mice with an isovolemic exchange of blood for low‐ or high‐viscosity dextran solutions. Rolling of neutrophils or beads coated with P‐selectin glycoprotein ligand‐1 (PSGL‐1) was reconstituted on P‐selectin immobilized on the wall of a parallel plate flow chamber at two different viscosities of the perfusion medium.

Results: Leukocytes in vivo showed no increase in rolling velocity when shear stress was doubled by doubling viscosity. Neutrophils in the parallel‐plate flow chamber in vitro showed the same dependence on WSR as leukocytes in vivo, but bead‐rolling velocities correlated best with WSS. Rolling leukocytes, but not beads, deformed significantly in shear flow, and deformation correlated better with WSS.

Conclusion: These data suggest leukocyte deformation during rolling offsets increased bond breakage at higher shear stress. The stable rolling velocity allows sufficient surveillance of the endothelial surface, even in venules with high WSS.
Gemini lipid nanoparticle (GLNP)-mediated oral delivery of TNF-α siRNA mitigates gut inflammation via inhibiting the differentiation of CD4+ T cells
Authors: Verma Priyanka , Arora Amit , Rana Kajal , Mehta Devashish , Kar Raunak , Verma Vikas , Srikanth C. V. , Patil Veena S. , Bajaj Avinash
Published: September 2022

Gemini lipid nanoparticle (GLNP)-mediated oral delivery of TNF-α siRNA mitigates gut inflammation via inhibiting the differentiation of CD4+ T cells.
Carbon quantification in soils with different textures using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy: spectral interference correction and use of a 3D plane model
Authors: Stenio Kleydson , Xavier Alfredo Augusto Pereira , De Morais Carla Pereira , Milori Débora Marcondes Bastos Pereira
Published: September 2022

Soil carbon (C) determinations have been widely studied due to soil C sequestration that contributes to the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions and improves soil quality.
Formation of a core–shell droplet in a thermo-responsive ionic liquid/water mixture by using optical tweezers
Authors: Tanaka Maho , Tsuboi Yasuyuki , Yuyama Ken-ichi
Published: September 2022

Local phase separation of a thermo-responsive ionic liquid/water solution is induced by focusing a 1064 nm-laser beam. A core–shell microdroplet is formed due to an optical attractive force and the photothermal effect.
Dual signal magnification for ultrasensitive biosensing based on well-regulated SERS of AuNTs@AuHg and DSN-assisted amplification
Authors: Zhang Mengyang , Yao Mengfei , Gong Junzhe , Wang Zhaoyin , Tu Wenwen , Dai Zhihui
Published: September 2022

Combining DSN-assisted amplification with the well-regulated SERS properties of AuNTs@AuHg alloy, including wonderful activity and salt resistance, a dual signal amplification strategy for miRNA biosensing with excellent performance was designed.
Nanostructured 3C-SiC on Si by a network of (111) platelets: a fully textured film generated by intrinsic growth anisotropy
Authors: Vanacore G. M. , Chrastina D. , Scalise E. , Barbisan L. , Ballabio A. , Mauceri M. , La Via F. , Capitani G. , Crippa D. , Marzegalli A. , Bergamaschini R. , Miglio L.
Published: September 2022

Micron-wide, highly-oriented 3C-SiC platelets are obtained by stacking-fault-driven growth anisotropy.
31P spin–lattice and singlet order relaxation mechanisms in pyrophosphate studied by isotopic substitution, field shuttling NMR, and molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Korenchan David E. , Lu Jiaqi , Sabba Mohamed , Dagys Laurynas , Brown Lynda J. , Levitt Malcolm H. , Jerschow Alexej
Published: September 2022

31P NMR spectroscopy of unsymmetrically 18O labeled pyrophosphate and molecular dynamics simulations reveal a low-field limit to longitudinal and singlet order relaxation, arising from spin rotation of the phosphate moieties.
A simple fluorescent switch with four states based on benzothiazole-spiropyran for reversible multicolor displays and anti-counterfeiting
Authors: Liu Danyang
Published: September 2022

The multi-state fluorescent switched with significant visible and fluorescent color variations in solution and the solid state upon multi stimuli.
Self-assembly of micelles with pH/ROS dual-responsiveness and mitochondrial targeting for potential anti-tumor applications
Authors: Xu Huan , Yang Mingyue , Du Yijing , Gao Tian , Liu Yi , Xiong Liwei , Peng Na
Published: September 2022

A series of mitochondria-targeting and pH/ROS-responsive copolymer micelles was developed for the potential tumor-triggered targeted delivery of DOX.
Pd-catalyzed functionalization of benzo-2,1,3-thiadiazole at the C-5-position using 1-thiosugars
Authors: Santos Beatriz F. , Silva Beatriz A. L. , Domingues Nelson Luís C.
Published: September 2022

Structure modification of thioglycosides by cross-coupling reaction using aglycones with biological properties, such as AChE and angiotensin II inhibitors.
A recyclable ciprofloxacin polymer ligand for copper-catalyzed coupling of (hetero)aryl halide aminations
Authors: Song Dake , Qin Yi , Liu Ying , Wang Jifan , Yang Haijie , Zheng Zhonghui , Xu Feng , Bao Xuefei , Chen Guoliang
Published: September 2022

The drug ciprofloxacin hydrochloride is prepared into a recyclable and reusable ligand for accelerating the copper-catalyzed C–N coupling reaction.
Constructing a surface spinel layer to stabilize the oxygen frame of Li-rich layered oxides
Authors: Xie Xiaoyan , Cui Jiaxiang , Liu Zhenkun , Yao Zhuo , Ding Xiaokai , Liu Chenyu , Luo Dong
Published: September 2022

The spinel layer provides an oxygen frame, which protects the layered cathode from direct exposure to the electrolyte. After 200 cycles, the discharge capacity of the CA-LR sample is still as high as 202 mA h g−1 at 1 C.
Distributed non‐ideal leader estimation and formation control for multiple non‐holonomic mobile robots
Authors: Lu Peifen , Ren Zhigang , Wu Zongze , Li Zhipeng , Zhou Shichao
Published: September 2022

This paper studies a distributed formation problem for non‐holonomic mobile robots. Consideration of the leader dynamics of the robots as non‐ideal, that is, subject to disturbances/unmodelled variables, is the distinguishing feature of this work. The issue is resolved by a distributed combined disturbance‐and‐leader estimator, allowing for the distributed reconstruction of the leader's signals. The estimator needs to detect the leader's information and disturbance. In order to reject such disturbance and achieve the formation asymptotically, the control law incorporates the smooth estimator's estimate of the leader disturbance. Furthermore, the stability of the total distributed formation control algorithm is also examined using the Lyapunov technique. Finally, to show the viability of the proposed theoretical results, simulations and actual experiments are carried out.
Predictive deadbeat average model control for phase‐shifted full‐bridge DC/DC converter
Authors: Zhu Yingda , Xiao Muxuan , Ouyang Honglin , Liu Qisheng , Wang Liang
Published: September 2022

Digital current control method is the mainstream method for high‐power DC/DC converters. However, digital controllers require additional filters for noise suppression to ensure their proper operation in the complicated electromagnetic environment. The filtering processes coupled with the inherent time delays of digital systems significantly degrade dynamic performance. Thus, steady‐state performance is improved at cost of dynamic performance in conventional current control. To solve the problems, this paper establishes a deadbeat average control model based on application of the oversampling technique for phase‐shifted full‐bridge (PS‐FB) DC/DC converter and proposes a predictive deadbeat average model control method by incorporating predictive control into the proposed control model. Simulation and experimental results verify the effectiveness of the proposed control method in mitigating the contradiction between steady‐state performance and dynamic performance in the digital system.