bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modulation of the northward penetration of Antarctica intermediate waters into the eastern equatorial Indian Ocean under glacial and interglacial conditions
Authors: Houedec Sandrine Le , Tremblin Maxime , Champion Amaury , Samankassou Elias
Published: June 2023

The Indo-Pacific warm pool is the warmest and most dynamic ocean-atmosphere-climate system on Earth and was subject to significant climate changes during the Pleistocene glacial-interglacial transitions. This has been shown to have had significant effects on the strength of surface waters that redistribute heat from the tropics to the southern part of the Indian Ocean. Here we investigate the response of the oceanic circulation at intermediate depth (1200 m) of the eastern equatorial Indian Ocean (EEIO) with neodymium (Nd) isotopes in the context of the climatic oscillation of the last 500 ka. The most striking feature of our new dataset is the seesaw Nd record that mimics glacial-interglacial cycles. While the interglacial periods are characterized by a higher contribution of the less radiogenic neodymium (~ -7εNd) Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW), the glacial periods are characterized by more radiogenic water mass of Pacific origin (~ -5εNd). To explain the increase in the εNd signature toward a more radiogenic signature as the Indo-Pacific connection is reduced under the low sea level of the glacial periods, we show that under global cooling the AAIW advances northward into the tropics, which is a consequence of the general slowdown of the thermohaline circulation. Therefore, oceanic mixing at intermediate depth in the eastern tropical Indian intermediate water is modulated by the production rate of the AAIW in the Southern Ocean. Our study provides new evidence for the role that changes in the deep oceanic conditions play in amplifying externally forced climate changes that ultimately lead to drier/moister atmospheric conditions and weaker/stronger monsoons during glacial/interglacial periods over eastern tropical Indian.
Switchable Photothermal Conversion Efficiency for Reprogrammable Actuation
Authors: He Yongcheng , Liu Haojun , Luo Jiajia , Li Nuo , Li Lihua , Xiong Puxian , Yang Zhongmin , Gan Jiulin
Published: June 2023

Reprogrammable soft matter brings flexibility to soft robots so that they can display various motions, which is flourishing in soft robotics. However, the reprogramming of photoresponsive materials used in soft robots is time-consuming using existing methods. In this study, we promote a novel strategy for rapid reprogramming via switchable photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE). The liquid crystalline elastomers doped with semiconductor bismuth compounds (Bi-LCE) used in this work exhibited large photothermal actuation with over 35% shrinkage in 5 seconds at high PCE state, which demonstrated little deformation at low PCE state. Furthermore, the material was capable of being reprogrammed for up to 10 times, with only 20 minutes required for one PCE reversible switch. Based on this switchable PCE effect, the same Bi-LCE film displayed various shape changes through different programmable pattern. Additionally, a reprogrammable hollow tube made of PCE reprogrammable materials could tune the diameter, cross section configuration, and surface morphology, which was crucial for microfluidics field. Reprogrammable materials provide endless possibilities for reusability and sustainability in robotics.
Mid- to Long-term Outcome of Laparoscopic Ultrasound-guided Radiofrequency Ablation for Malignant Hepatic Tumors
Authors: Chern Ming-chih , Lin Chung-Wei , Tsai Tzu-Jung
Published: June 2023

Surgical resection remains the gold standard for the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver metastases (LM), especially those from colorectal cancers. However, the majority of patients are not candidates for surgical resection due to unresectable disease, the presence of extrahepatic disease, or concurrent medical conditions. Several authors have reported the long-term outcome of fully percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for HCC and colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRCLM). However, there are only a few studies on long-term outcomes, including local recurrence and survival, of fully laparoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (LURFA) for patients with malignant hepatic tumors. This study is to evaluate the long-term outcomes of LURFA in malignant hepatic tumors that are difficult to be curatively treated with the percutaneous approach or laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) according to IWATE Criteria and the results show that full LURFA for malignant hepatic tumors is associated with low morbidity, low LR, and feasible outcomes even after long-term follow-up. It requires advanced skills for clearly identifying the target tumor, precise needle placement and constant real-time intraoperative ultrasound monitoring to achieve complete ablation and an effective oncological outcome.
A Multimodal Stacked Ensemble Model for Cardiac Output Prediction Utilizing Cardiorespiratory Interactions during General Anesthesia
Authors: Dervishi Albion
Published: June 2023

Background:
This study aimed to examine the possibility of estimating cardiac output (CO) using a multimodal stacking model that utilizes cardiopulmonary interactions during general anesthesia.
Materials and methods:
This study included 469 adult patients who underwent normal pulmonary function tests under general anesthesia. We used the publicly available VitalDB, a multiparameter biosignal prospectively collected database containing the data of non-cardiac surgical patients from Seoul National University Hospital.
The hemodynamic data in this study included non-invasive blood pressure, plethysmographic heart rate, and SpO2. CO was recorded using the pulse contour technique devices Vigileo and EV1000. Respiratory data included mechanical ventilation parameters and end-tidal CO2 levels.
A generalized linear regression model was used as the base learner for the multimodal stacking ensemble method. Random forest, generalized linear regression, gradient boosting machine, and XGBoost are meta-learners that use base learner predictions. Multimodal stacking ensembles combine predictions from two modalities, hemodynamic and respiratory numerical data obtained from multimodal intraoperative monitoring.
Results:
A Bland–Altman plot revealed that a multimodal stacked ensemble model for CO prediction from 327 patients had a bias of −0.001 L/min (±1.96 SD, 0.611 L/min, and −0.614 L/min) and −0.271% (±1.96 SD, 12.94%; SD, −13.488%) when calculating the percentage of difference using the EV1000 device.
Agreement of model CO prediction and measured Vigileo CO in 142 patients reported a bias of −0.01 (±1.96 SD, 0.464 L/min, and −0.477 L/min) and −0.333% (±1.96 SD, 9.924%, and −10.59%).
Conclusions:
This study demonstrated that our model predicts CO compared to data obtained by the pulse contour technique cardiac output monitors with good agreement.
Priorities for enhancing nurses' and social workers’ competence and confidence in helping families support dependent children through parental death. A classic-Delphi survey
Authors: Franklin Penny , Arber Anne , Ream Emma
Published: June 2023

Background: Annually, approximately five per cent of dependent children — aged under eighteen years — in the United Kingdom (UK), experience parental death. Nurses and social workers caring for parents with life-limiting illnesses, including cancer, help families support their children. However, these professionals have been found to lack confidence and competence in fulfilling this role.
Methods We conducted three rounds of a classic-Delphi survey to identify and measure topic expert consensus on the priorities and issues for nurses and social workers when supporting families and children through parental death, The Delphi survey was conducted with UK topic experts (n=43) including lead health and social care professionals (n=30), parents bereaved of a partner whilst parenting dependent children (n=6), academics (n=4) and bereaved young adults(n=3).
Results: Ninety percent (n=18/20) of the issues for nurses and social workers and 100% (7/7) of the priorities rated and ordered in the survey achieved consensus. Key priorities were 1) training in opening conversations with families about dependent children, 2) training and support for nurses and social workers to manage theirs and others’ emotions arising from conversations with parents about children’s needs regarding parental death, and 3) increasing nurses’ and social workers’ knowledge of sources of information to support families before the death of a parent.
Conclusion: We identified priorities for UK nurses and social workers. Further research is needed to identify which of these nurses and social workers would benefit most from support, and how any resultant interventions could enhance confidence and competence in helping families to support children through parental death.
Identifying behaviour change techniques in 287 randomized controlled trials of audit and feedback interventions targeting practice change among healthcare professionals
Authors: Crawshaw Jacob , Meyer Carly , Antonopoulou Vivi , Antony Jesmin , Grimshaw Jeremy , Ivers Noah , Konnyu Kristin , Lacroix Meagan , Presseau Justin , Simeoni Michelle , Yogasingam Sharlini , Lorencatto Fabiana
Published: June 2023

Background: Audit and feedback (A&F) is among the most widely used implementation strategies, providing healthcare professionals with summaries of their practice performance to prompt behaviour change and optimize care. Wide variability in effectiveness of A&F has spurred efforts to explore why some A&F interventions are more effective than others. Unpacking the variability of the content of A&F interventions in terms of their component behaviours change techniques (BCTs) may help advance our understanding of how A&F works best. This study aimed to systematically specify BCTs in A&F interventions targeting healthcare professional practice change.
Methods: We conducted a directed content analysis of intervention descriptions in 287 randomized trials included in an ongoing Cochrane systematic review update of A&F interventions (searched up to June 2020). Three trained researchers identified and categorized BCTs in all trial arms (treatment & control/comparator) using the 93-item BCT Taxonomy version 1. The original BCT definitions and examples in the taxonomy were adapted to include A&F-specific decision rules and examples. Two additional BCTs (‘Education (unspecified)’ and ‘Feedback (unspecified)’) were added, such that 95 BCTs were considered for coding.
Results: In total, 48/95 BCTs (50%) were identified across 360 treatment arms at least once (mean=5.2, SD=2.8, range=1-29 per treatment arm). The most common BCTs were ‘Feedback on behaviour’ (present 89% of the time; e.g., feedback on drug prescribing), ‘Instruction on how to perform the behaviour’ (71%; e.g., issuing a clinical guideline), ‘Social comparison’ (52%; e.g., feedback on performance of peers), ‘Credible source’ (41%; e.g., endorsements from respected professional body), and ‘Education (unspecified)’ (31%; e.g., giving a lecture to staff). The 287 control/comparator arms contained on average 3.0 BCTs (SD=2.4, range=1-15), of which the most common were identical to those identified in treatment arms.
Conclusions: A&F interventions to improve healthcare professional practice include a moderate range of BCTs, focusing predominantly on providing behavioural feedback, sharing guidelines, peer comparison data, education, and leveraging credible sources. We encourage the use of our A&F-specific list of BCTs to improve knowledge of what is being delivered in A&F interventions. Our study provides a basis for exploring which BCTs are associated with intervention effectiveness.
Trial registrations: N/A
Scale-free characteristics of the global marine food web
Authors: Jordán Ferenc , Zhou Mingliang , Huo Xumeng , Cai Yanpeng , Sun Jun , Xu Yan
Published: June 2023

The scale-free characteristics of marine food webs reflect the network structural interrelationship, which is ecologically important. Nevertheless, the existence of scale-free networks in marine ecosystems has not been thoroughly discussed. Here, we identify the spatial-temporal pattern of scale-free characteristics and explore the correlation between relevant food web parameters at different scale-free levels. Marine food webs around the globe do not strictly exhibit scale-free characteristics in most regions, and only below 5% of the food webs enter the "strongest fit" level of the scale-free network. We also find food webs in the polar regions indicate relatively high goodness of fit to scale-free networks and state a high latitude dominance hypothesis. The upwelling ecosystem related to ocean currents is prone to form a scale-free web, which exhibits periodic scale-free characteristics. The correlation analysis show that intensified human activities and ocean warming both hinder the formation of food webs with scale-free structures.
Role of DCLK1/Hippo Pathway in Type II Alveolar Epithelial Cells Differentiation in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Chen Xiao-Yue , Kao Ching , Chang Jer-Hwa , Lee Yueh-Lun , Laiman Vincent , Chung Kian Fan , Bhavsar Pankaj K. , Heriyanto Didik Setyo , Chuang Kai-Jen , Chuang Hsiao-Chi
Published: June 2023

Background
Delay in type II alveolar epithelial cell (AECII) regeneration has been linked to higher mortality in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, the interaction between Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) and the Hippo signaling pathway in ARDS-associated AECII differentiation remains unclear. Therefore, the objective of this study was to understand the role of the DCLK1/Hippo pathway in mediating AECII differentiation in ARDS.
Materials and methods
AECII MLE-12 cells were exposed to 0, 0.1, or 1 µg/mL of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 6 and 12 hours. In the mouse model, C57BL/6JNarl mice were intratracheally (i.t.) injected with 0 (control) or 7.5 mg/kg LPS and were euthanized for lung collection on days 3 and 7.
Results
We found that LPS induced AECII differentiation by reducing surfactant protein C (SPC) and p53 while increasing T1α (podoplanin) and E-cadherin at 12 hours (p < 0.05). Concurrently, dynamic YAP/TAZ regulation was observed in LPS-exposed AECII over the 12-hour period. Inhibition of YAP consistently decreased cell levels of SPC, claudin 4 (CLDN-4), galectin 3 (LGALS-3), and p53 (p < 0.05) while increasing transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) at 6 hours. Furthermore, DCLK1 expression was reduced in isolated human AECII of ARDS, consistent with the results in LPS-exposed AECII at 6 hours and mouse SPC-positive (SPC+) cells after 3-day LPS exposure (p < 0.05). We confirmed that DCLK1 dephosphorylated YAP by downregulating (p < 0.05) or overexpressing DCLK1 in AECII.
Conclusions
We conclude that DCLK1 activated Hippo signaling components of YAP/TAZ that modulate AECII-to-AECI differentiation in an LPS-induced ARDS model.
Spatial working memory in a disappearing object task is impaired in female but not male dogs with chronic osteoarthritis
Authors: Smith Melissa , Murrell Joanna C. , Mendl Michael
Published: June 2023

Chronic pain in humans is associated with impaired working memory but it is not known whether this is the case in long-lived companion animals, such as dogs, who are especially vulnerable to developing age-related chronic pain conditions. Pain-related impairment of cognitive function could have detrimental effects on an animal’s ability to engage with its owners and environment or to respond to training or novel situations, which may in turn affect its quality of life. This study compared the performance of 20 dogs with chronic pain from osteoarthritis and 21 healthy control dogs in a disappearing object task of spatial working memory. Female neutered osteoarthritic dogs, but not male neutered osteoarthritic dogs, were found to have lower predicted probabilities of successfully performing the task compared to control dogs of the same sex. This shows that chronic pain from osteoarthritis may be associated with impaired working memory in dogs, a result which parallels findings from studies of human chronic pain disorders. That female dogs may be particularly prone to these effects warrants further investigation.
A Novel Three-dimensional Multilayer Electroencephalography Paradigm
Authors: Ekpar Frank
Published: June 2023

Contemporary electroencephalography systems operate on a two-dimensional single-layer paradigm where signals from multiple layers of neuronal populations under an electrode are aggregated and recorded by that single electrode, leading to noisy signals and a lack of insight into neurological processes and keeping brain-to-brain communication, practical brain-computer interfaces and a host of applications in domains ranging from medicine to computing out of reach. Here, we introduce a novel three-dimensional multilayer electroencephalography (3D Multilayer EEG) paradigm – unlike the contemporary single-layer or two-dimensional (2D Single-layer EEG) paradigm – that leverages a nature-inspired conceptual framework in which approximations to carefully selected features of the source of the bio-signals are harnessed for characterization and manipulation of the underlying biological system. Effected through the simultaneous capture of distinct signal streams from multiple layers of neurons, this novel multilayer EEG paradigm could lead to effective computer-mediated brain-to-brain communication systems, a clearer understanding of neurological processes both in normal functioning and in disease as well as several orders of magnitude improvements in the information transfer rate in brain-computer interface systems – making these systems practical – as well as enabling a broad range of novel applications in domains ranging from medicine to social interactions, human factors including workplace optimization, economics, generic computing and human-machine interactions. Recent work demonstrating the direct imaging of signals propagating through myelinated axons and direct evidence that scalp EEG recordings can detect subcortical electrophysiological activity confirms the correctness of the principles underpinning our framework. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our novel 3D Multilayer EEG paradigm by formulating the null and alternative hypotheses for simultaneous multilayer EEG signal capture and relying on the results of analysis of a set of carefully designed experimental measurements to falsify the null hypothesis and validate the alternative hypothesis.
A novel fluorescent sensor for rifampicin based on the bio-inspired molecularly imprinted polymer-AgInS 2 /ZnS quantum dots
Authors: Rasoulzadeh Farzaneh , Amjadi Mohammad
Published: June 2023

A fluorescent sensing material based on the ternary core-shell quantum dots with outstanding optical properties and a bio-inspired molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) as a recognition element has been prepared for selective detection of rifampicin (RFP). Firstly, AgInS2/ZnS core/shell quantum dots (ZAIS QDs) were synthesized by a hydrothermal process. Then, the fluorescent sensor was prepared by coating these QDs by a dopamine-based MIP layer. The fluorescence of MIP@ZAIS QDs was quenched by RFP as a result of the photoinduced electron transfer process. The quenching constant was much higher for MIP@ZAIS QDs than the non-imprinted polymer@QDs, indicating that MIP@ZAIS QDs could selectively recognize RFP. Under the optimized conditions, the sensor had a good linear relationship at the RFP concentration range of 5.0 to 300 nM and the limit of detection was 1.25 nM. It also showed good recoveries ranging from 98–101%, for analysis of human plasma samples. The method is simple and effective for the detection of RFP and offers a practical application for the rapid investigation of human plasma samples.
Male histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) knockout mice have enhanced ventilatory responses to hypoxic challenge
Authors: Getsy Paulina M. , Coffee Gregory A. , Kelley Thomas J. , Lewis Stephen J.
Published: June 2023

Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) is a class II histone deacetylase that is predominantly localized in the cytoplasm of cells. HDAC6 associates with microtubules, regulating acetylation of tubulin and other proteins. The possibility that HDAC6 participates in hypoxic signaling is supported by evidence that (1) hypoxic gas challenges cause microtubule depolymerization, (2) expression of hypoxia inducible factor alpha (HIF)-1α is regulated by microtubule alterations in response to hypoxia, and (3) inhibition of HDAC6 prevents HIF-1α expression and protects tissue from hypoxic/ischemic insults. The aim of this study was to address whether the absence of HDAC6 alters ventilatory responses during and/or after hypoxic gas challenges (10% O2, 90% N2 for 15 min) in adult male wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 mice and HDAC6 knock-out (KO) mice. Key findings were that (1) baseline values for frequency of breathing, tidal volume, inspiratory and expiratory times and end expiratory pause were different between KO mice and WT mice, (2) ventilatory responses during hypoxic challenge were more robust in KO mice than WT mice for parameters including frequency of breathing, minute ventilation, inspiratory and expiratory durations, peak inspiratory and expiratory flows, inspiratory and expiratory drives, and (3) responses upon return to room-air were markedly different in KO mice than WT mice for frequency of breathing, minute ventilation, inspiratory and expiratory durations, end expiratory (but not end inspiratory) pauses, peak inspiratory and expiratory flows, and inspiratory or expiratory drives. These data suggest that HDAC6 may have a fundamentally important role in regulating the neural responses to hypoxia.
Autonomic nervous system modulation during self-induced non-ordinary states of consciousness
Authors: Oswald Victor , Vanhaudenhuyse Audrey , Annen Jitka , Martial Charlotte , Bicego Aminata , Rousseaux Floriane , Sombrun Corine , Harel Yan , Faymonville Marie-Elisabeth , Laureys Steven , Jerbi Karim , Gosseries Olivia
Published: June 2023

Self-induced cognitive trance (SICT) is a voluntary non-ordinary consciousness (NOC) characterized by a lucid yet narrowed awareness of the external surroundings. It involves a hyper-focused immersive experience of flow, expanded inner imagery, modified somatosensory processing, and an altered perception of self and time. SICT is gaining attention due to its potential clinical applications. Similar states of NOC, such as meditation, hypnosis, and psychedelic experiences, have been reported to induce changes in the autonomic nervous system (ANS). However, the functioning of the ANS during SICT remains poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of SICT on the cardiac and respiratory signals of 25 expert participants proficient in SICT. To accomplish this, we measured various metrics of heart rate variability (HRV) and respiration rate variability (RRV) in three different conditions: resting state, SICT, and a mental imagery task. Subsequently, we employed a machine learning framework utilizing a linear discriminant analysis classifier and a cross-validation scheme to identify the features that exhibited the best discrimination between these three conditions. The results revealed that during SICT, participants experienced an increased heart rate and a decreased level of high-frequency (HF) HRV compared to the resting state and control conditions. Additionally, specific increases in respiratory amplitude, phase ratio, and RRV were observed during SICT in comparison to the other conditions. These findings suggest that SICT is associated with a reduction in parasympathetic activity, indicative of a hyperarousal state of the ANS during SICT.
New method of fixturing the low rigidity parts by adhesive clamping
Authors: Panc Nicolae Alin , Bocaneț Vlad , Vilău Cristian , Chezan Horea , Popan Alexandru , Conțiu Glad
Published: June 2023

The problem of clamping complex or low stiffness parts in technically and economically advantageous conditions is of interest for many manufacturing companies. An emerging method for this type of parts is fixing with adhesive. This paper proposes a new adhesive fixing method for low rigidity parts, using adhesive tape. The use of adhesive tape minimizes the vibrations induced by the tool in the workpiece and minimizes chatter. This method, although simple and cheap, has not been considered before. The validation of this fixing method was done after a series of tests to determine the holding capacity and stability of the fixed part during the machining process. Therefore, a fixture was designed and manufactured to determine the tensile and shear load capacity of adhesive tapes. Two types of parts from different materials and shapes were machined to determine the stability of the fixed part during machining. After determining the dimensional, shape and positional accuracy, the method was found to be valid. The method has a high potential for clamping parts with low rigidity for machining.
Group comparison based on genetic information reveals lineage-specific therapeutic vulnerabilities in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Nakahara Jakushin , Yamamoto Keita , Yabushita Tomohiro , Chinen Takumi , Ito Kei , Takeda Yutaka , Kitagawa Daiju , Goyama Susumu
Published: June 2023

Cancer is a genetic disease with specific mutations or fusions. Therapies targeting cancer cell-specific essential genes are expected to have efficient anticancer effects with fewer side effects. To explore such cancer cell-specific vulnerabilities, we established a two-group comparison system to predict essential genes in each cancer subtype using the data from the Cancer Dependency Map (DepMap). We applied this analytical method to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and identified PCYT1A and BCL2L1 as a specific vulnerability in MLL-rearranged AML and TP53-mutated AML, respectively. Interestingly, further investigation revealed that PCYT1A is in fact a critical regulator in monocytic AML including those with MLL-rearrangements, and BCL2L1 is essential in acute erythroid leukemia in which TP53 is frequently mutated. These results highlighted the importance of cell of origin, rather than the genetic aberrations alone, to identify subtype-specific vulnerabilities in AML. The DepMap-based two-group comparison approach could accelerate the discovery of subtype-specific therapeutic targets in diverse cancers.
WITHDRAWN: STAPLE: A land use/-cover change model concerning spatiotemporal dependency and properties related to landscape evolution
Authors: Geng Jiachen , Cheng Changxiu , Shen Shi , Dai Kaixuan , Zhang Tianyuan
Published: June 2023

Cellular automata (CA) based models are among the practical tools to simulate the spatiotemporal evolution of landscape induced by the land use/-cover change (LUCC). Existing models have been struggling to comprehensively handle the intricate spatiotemporal driving relationships amid the nonlinear LUCC process, inevitably leaving obstacles to promote the simulation accuracy. Besides, the landscape patterns, which are both the causes and consequences of various ecological processes, are not considered in most models, making them struggled to support the decision making on regional development strategies. Aiming at overcoming these obstacles, a novel land use/-cover change model concerning spatiotemporal dependency and properties related to landscape evolution (STAPLE) is proposed in this paper. A potential generating module establishing the nonlinear spatiotemporal driving relationship and a spatial allocating module employing a landscape-based CA are integrated for a more realistic LUCC simulation. As a case study, the proposed model is applied in Zhengzhou, China to assess its performance. It is indicated that the STAPLE model achieved a higher simulation accuracy compared with the degraded models. Moreover, the landscape properties, i.e., the compactness and proximity of the patches, are effectively manipulated, which is verified by calculating the corresponding landscape indices. Furthermore, the STAPLE model is applied to explore a low-ecological-risk landscape under different future scenarios in 2035 and 2050. An infilling and remote development strategy is beneficial for Zhengzhou to control the landscape ecological risk induced by urban expansion. The STAPLE model provides a reproducible tool for policy-makers to support decision-making and achieve sustainable development.
Enhanced Medullary and Extramedullary Granulopoiesis Sustain the Inflammatory Response in Lupus Nephritis
Authors: Zervopoulou Eleni , Grigoriou Maria , Doumas Stavros A , Yiannakou Danae , Pavlidis Pavlos , Gasparoni Gilles , Walter Jörn , Filia Anastasia , Gakiopoulou Harikleia , Banos Aggelos , Mitroulis Ioannis , Boumpas Dimitrios T
Published: June 2023

In order to meet the increased demand for effector cells in the periphery, systemic inflammation promotes medullary and extramedullary myelopoiesis. Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) is emerging as a key player for tissue injury in systemic autoimmune disorders. In Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), deregulation of hematopoiesis is characterized by myeloid skewing and trained immunity with priming of proinflammatory ‘immune trained’-hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). Here, by the use of the NZBW/F1 lupus-prone model we demonstrate that in diseased mice, splenic EMH is enhanced and skewed towards myeloid cell production correlating with lupus nephritis (LN) activity. Transcriptomic analysis shows that splenic HSPC carry a higher inflammatory potential compared to their bone marrow (BM) counterparts. Further induction of trained immunity, through β-glucan administration, exacerbates splenic EMH, accentuates myeloid skewing and worsenes LN. Methylomic analysis of BM-derived HSPCs demonstrates myeloid skewing which in part is driven by epigenetic tinkering. Importantly, transcriptomic analysis of human SLE BM-derived HSPCs demonstrates similar findings to those observed in diseased mice. Our results suggest that both EMH and trained immunity contribute to SLE by sustaining the systemic inflammatory response and increasing the risk for flare.
An Improved Real-Time Detection Algorithm based on Frequency Interpolation
Authors: Shi Heping , Yang Zikai , Shi Jin
Published: June 2023

Real-time monitoring of heart rate (HR), i.e., extraction of heart rate variability (HRV), plays an important role in diagnosis and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Compared with traditional contact monitoring devices, the use of continuous wave (CW) Doppler radar to monitor HRV does not require contact and is not sensitive to light and temperature, which makes it more and more popular. To monitor the HRV based on CW Doppler radar, the time window must be shortened to less than 5 seconds, which will lead to the spectrum leakage and degrade the measurement accuracy of HRV. To solve this problem, a custom CW Doppler radar has been developed in an integrated fashion on a single PCB, whose transmitting frequency and power of the radar are 24 GHz and 3 dBm, respectively. Furthermore, four frequency interpolation algorithms are introduced to compare their extraction accuracy. Experiments are performed on three subjects and results show that the Quinn algorithm can obtain best HRV extraction results compared with other algorithms. Specially, the average HRV extraction error is 3.61% using the Quinn algorithm.
Mental health impact of cuts to local government spending on Cultural, Environmental and Planning services in England: a longitudinal ecological study
Authors: Fahy Katie , Alexiou Alex , Daras Kostas , Mason Kate , Bennett Davara , Taylor-Robinson David , Barr Ben
Published: June 2023

Background
Over the past decade, there have been significant and unequal cuts to local authority (LA) budgets, across England. Cultural, environmental and planning (CEP) budgets have been cut by 17% between 2011 and 2019. This funding supports services such as parks, leisure centres, community development and libraries, all of which have potential to influence population mental health. We therefore investigated whether cuts to CEP services have affected mental health outcomes and the extent to which they have contributed to mental health inequalities between areas.
Methods
Using fixed effects regression applied to longitudinal LA-level data in England, we assessed whether trends in CEP spend were associated with trends in mental health outcomes, between 2011 and 2019. The exposure was CEP spend and the primary outcome was the LA-average Small Area Mental Health Index (SAMHI). Additionally, we considered subcategories of CEP spend as secondary exposures, and antidepressant prescription rate and self-reported anxiety levels as secondary outcomes, both aggregated to LA-level. We adjusted all models for confounders and conducted subgroup analysis to examine differential mental health effects of spending cuts based on the level of area deprivation.
Results
The average decrease in CEP spend of 15% over the period was associated with a 0.036 (95% CI: 0.005, 0.067) increase in SAMHI score, indicating worsening mental health. Amongst subcategories of CEP spending, cuts to planning and development services impacted mental health trends the most, with a 15% reduction in spend associated with a 0.018 (95% CI: 0.005, 0.031) increase in the SAMHI score. The association between cuts in CEP and deteriorating mental health was greater in more affluent areas.
Conclusion
Cuts to spending on cultural, environmental, planning and development services were associated with worsening population mental health in England. Impacts were driven by cuts to planning and development services in particular. Reinvesting in these services may contribute to improved public mental health.
Mycorrhizal associations drive the tradeoff between plant biomass and soil carbon accumulations in forest ecosystems under N deposition and warming
Authors: Yang Kai , Zhang Qian , Wang Qiqi , Gao Tian , Wang Geoff , Zhu Jiaojun
Published: June 2023

Forest ecosystems store ca. 80% of the carbon (C) in terrestrial ecosystems1–2, but their long-term C sequestration partly depends on how plant biomass and soil C stocks will respond to global changes. Although the stimulation of plant growth by global change drivers such as nitrogen (N) deposition, elevated CO2, and warming has been widely observed3–5, the response of soil C stock to global changes remains uncertain. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis on 3050 pairwise observations of plant and soil C-related data from 372 experiments worldwide. We found that plant biomass and soil C stock increased more under elevated CO2 than under N deposition and warming. Under N deposition and warming, soil C stock depended on mycorrhizal associations, decreasing in forests dominated by arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) tree species while increasing in forests dominated by ectomycorrhizal (ECM) tree species. These results suggest a mycorrhizae-mediated tradeoff between plant biomass and soil C sequestration in forest ecosystems under N deposition and warming conditions.
Relationship between regular cervical cancer screening and social background in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Mitoma Tomohiro , Maki Jota , Ooba Hikaru , Ogawa Chikako , Masuyama Hisashi , Tabuchi Takahiro
Published: June 2023

Background: Among Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries, Japan has one of the lowest cervical cancer screening rates. The cancer screening rate has reportedly worsened with the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study investigated the COVID-19 history and socioeconomic background of people who did not undergo on-time cervical cancer screening (CCS) during the two years of COVID-19-related restrictions in Japan.
Methods: We used data from the Japan COVID-19 and Society Internet Survey, a nationwide, internet-based, self-report, cohort observational study conducted in 2022. The outcome variable was identified by asking whether the respondent had undergone on-time CCS within the last two years. This study used multivariate log-binomial regression models to evaluate inequalities during regular checkups for CCS. Adjusted prevalence ratios (APRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated to incorporate socioeconomic background variables.
Results: Of 12,066 respondents, 6469 (53.6%) had yet to undergo CCS within two years. The prevalence ratio (PR) of on-time CCS was 0.70 (95% CI: 0.63–0.79) for those in their 20s and 0.78 (95%CI:0.70-0.87) for those in their 60s, compared to their 40s. Moreover, socioeconomic inequities were found in the following groups: unemployed/student, unmarried, high school graduate or lower, and household income below 4 million yen. PR of on-time CCS with a history of COVID-19, unvaccinated status, or fear of COVID-19 was not significantly different from that of respondents who underwent CCS. However, the PR of those who had not undergone on-time CCS was significantly lower than that of respondents who had undergone breast cancer screening (PR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.28–0.31).
Conclusion: the relationship between socioeconomic inequalities and CCS hesitancy was prevalent among the younger respondents. Our findings will help policymakers identify problems and strategies to improve CCS screening rates in Japan.
Outcomes Post Ozaki Procedure Among Children With Aortic Valve Disease at Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania: a Retrospective Descriptive Study
Authors: Kalezi Zawadi Edward , Simbila Alphonce Nsabi , Mongella Stella , Nkya Deogratias , Sharau Godwin , Shonyela Felix , Mlawi Vivienne , Majani Naizihijwa
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND
Aortic valve reconstruction using glutaraldehyde-treated autologous pericardium, also called Ozaki procedure, is a surgical procedure for patients with aortic valve disease. Gratifying results have been reported in adult patients, however, limited published data is available in paediatric population. This study looked at clinical characteristics and outcomes of children who underwent Ozaki procedure at our Institute.
METHODS
This was a retrospective descriptive study conducted on children who underwent aortic valve reconstruction at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) from January 2019 through December 2022. Medical records of these children were reviewed to extract data on demographics, clinical characteristics, redo surgical interventions and survival.
RESULTS
A total of 10 children underwent Ozaki procedure during the study period. Eight children had severe aortic regurgitation while 2 had severe aortic stenosis preoperatively. All children had either none or trivial aortic regurgitation immediately after surgery. None of them had redone operations throughout the follow-up period. There was no in-hospital mortality, however, one child died one year after surgery. The mean follow-up period was 1.6 years with the longest follow-up time of 4 years.
CONCLUSION
Ozaki procedure showed encouraging results among children with aortic valve disease who underwent surgical repair by this technique. Future studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow up periods to evaluate long-term results in this population are recommended.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Bovine pooled milk and Close human contacts from Northwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Yesigat Haregua , Belete Mequanint Addisu , Bizuayehu Fanuel , Bayu Azeb , Demlie Tiliksew Bialfew , Tarekegn Habtamu Tassew
Published: June 2023

Staphylococcus aureus is a common pathogen responsible for causing various human and animal infections, and it is well known for its ability to develop resistance to multiple antibiotics. This study evaluated the occurrence of methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus in dairy farms in northwestern Ethiopia. We collected 50 pooled milk samples from 50 dairy farms and 50 nasal swabs from 50 humans in close contact with animals. The cefoxitin disk diffusion test and PCR-based assays were used to identify methicillin-resistant S. aureus isolates. In addition, cefoxitin-resistant isolates were tested for susceptibility to other antibiotics using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. MRSA was detected in 8 out of the 100 individual samples tested. Out of 8 MRSA isolates, 6 were obtained from pooled milk samples, and two were from personal hand swabs. On the other hand, MSSA isolates were detected in six of the specimens. All eight MRSA isolates exhibited high percentages of resistance to cefoxitin (100%), penicillin (100%), and tetracycline (75%). Moreover, 72% of isolates showed resistance to three or more antibiotic agents. This study was the first to document the presence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and multidrug-resistant MRSA in raw milk and farm workers in northwestern Ethiopia.
Short-term outcomes associated with the use of a new powered circular stapler for rectal reconstructions: A retrospective study comparing it to manual circular staplers using inverse probability of treatment weight analysis
Authors: Matsuhashi Nobuhisa , Tajima Jesse Yu , Yokoi Ryoma , Kiyama Shigeru , Endo Masahide , Sato Yuta , Kuno Masashi , Hayashi Hirokatsu , Asai Ryuichi , Fukada Masahiro , Yasufuku Itaru , Tanaka Yoshihiro , Okumura Naoki , Murase Katsutoshi , Ishihara Takuma , Takahashi Takao
Published: June 2023

Background
The most common postoperative complication in malignant rectal surgery is anastomotic leakage (AL). AL after anterior or low anterior resection in rectal tumors is a fatal postoperative complication. Recently, the first automated suture circular stapler, which is expected to reduce the incidence of AL, (J&J), the first automated suture stapler that is expected to reduce the incidence of AL.
Materials and methods
This study included a total of 248 rectal cancer patients who underwent double stapler technique anastomotic procedures in the department of gastroenterological surgery /pediatric surgery at Gifu University School of Medicine from January 2017 to December 2021. The experience of a single institution utilizing the The Echelon circular™ stapler (ECP stapler :Manual VS Automatic) in rectal surgery cases was evaluated retrospectively from maintained database.
Result
139 patients (58.4%) were performed by manual circular stapling, 99 patients (41.6%) by powerd circular stapling. Diverting stoma was performed in 45 cases (32.4%) by manual circular stapling, 99 patients (42.4%) by powerd circular stapling Postoperative complications were occurred clavien-dindo grade II or higher in 57 cases (23.9%) and grade III or higher in 20 cases (8.4%). Anastomotic leakage occurred in 14 patients (5.9%) within all grades. After inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW), the variables of patient characteristics was standardized mean difference ≤ 0.2, and there was a significant difference in anastomotic leakage (Odds Ratio (OR), 0.57; 95% Confidence Interval(CI), 0.34–0.98; p = 0.041). In addition, there was no significant difference in postoperative complications of grade II or higher (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.65–1.19; p = 0.417), and complications of grade III or higher (OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.29–0.74; p = 0.001) were significantly and remarkably lower in the powered circular stapling group.
Conclusion
In this IPTW comparison of patients undergoing rectal reconstructions, the ECP trial cohort had lower risks of several surgical complications AL and statistically signifcant lower rates of ileus/bowel obstruction, infection, and bleeding as Clavien-Dindo ≥ grade II and III as compared with for whom manual circular staplers were used.
Structural studies of local environments in high-symmetry quasicrystals
Authors: Sosa Alan Rodrigo Mendoza , Kraemer Atahualpa S. , Oğuz Erdal C. , Schmiedeberg Michael
Published: June 2023

The statistics of how the local environment of a particle looks like, e.g., given by the distribution of nearest neighbor distances or the sizes of Voronoi cells, is important as a starting point for the calculation of many material properties like electronic or photonic band structures. Here we study local environments that occur in quasicrystals with large rotational symmetry. Both with analytical considerations based on geometric arguments and with an analysis of a large number of numerically created patches of high-symmetry quasicrystals we find that the Voronoi area's distribution reaches a bimodal curve and that in the limit of large rotational symmetries the distribution of nearest neighbor distance converges against a universal curve, where 27.7% of the vertices have their nearest neighbor at a normalized distance equal to 1, while for the other 72.3% the nearest neighbor is at a distance less than 1. Therefore, the statistics of local environments is non-trivial but independent of the specific rotational symmetry. Thus properties that only depend on local environments are expected to be universal for all high-symmetry quasicrystals.
Surgical management practice of pelvic organ prolapse among Ethiopian Gynecologists, 2021: a descriptive study
Authors: Ayichew Zelalem , Ayana Birhanu , Terefe Kiros , Berhe Solomon , Ayanaw Belayneh
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Pelvic Organ Prolapse is the descent of one or more of the anterior vaginal wall, posterior vaginal wall, the uterus (cervix), or the apex of the vagina (vaginal vault or cuff scar after hysterectomy). Surgery improves both anatomic problems and the symptoms related to them. Prolapse surgery has been changing constantly over years. There are growing evidences supporting or against the existing options of surgical treatment as well as new emerging trends. Surgical management of pelvic organ prolapse in Ethiopia had evolved from abdominal hysterectomy to vaginal hysterectomy 30 years ago and was later supplemented with McCall’s culdoplasty. Related to the opening of Urogynecology centers in some institutions in the country, the surgical management of pelvic organ prolapse and the training level of gynecologists are not uniform nationally. This study is expected to identify the current practice of Ethiopian gynecologists in the surgical management of pelvic organ prolapse.
Objectives: This study was done to assess the surgical management practice of Ethiopian gynecologists on pelvic organ prolapse.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among all Gynecologists in Ethiopia from January to June 2021. Data was collected using online Google forms using structured questionnaires prepared in English. Data were checked, coded, and entered into Epi info 7 and exported to SPSS version 22 software for analysis. Descriptive statistics was done.
Results: 280 Ethiopian gynecologists have responded to the study. Anterior colporrhaphy(98.6%), vaginal hysterectomy with McCall’s culdoplasty (51.8%), and Posterior colporrhaphy(97.5%) were the commonest surgical procedures performed for anterior vaginal wall prolapse, apical prolapse (uterine/cervical), and posterior vaginal wall prolapse respectively. Abdominal and vaginal paravaginal repair for anterior vaginal wall prolapse were performed only by 3.2% and 0.7% of the gynecologists respectively. Sacrospinous ligament fixation and sacrocolpopexy for apical prolapse were performed only by 32.9% and 9.3% of the gynecologists respectively. Site-specific posterior repair for posterior vaginal wall prolapse was performed only by 23.9% of the gynecologists. The reasons mentioned not to perform paravaginal repair, sacrocolpopexy, sacrospinous ligament fixation, and site-specific posterior repair were lack of skill and lack of appropriate materials.
Conclusion and Recommendation: Most Ethiopian gynecologists are still sticking to vaginal hysterectomy and colporrhaphy procedures for treatment of pelvic organ prolapse due to lack of skill and appropriate materials to perform the other procedures. Short term training on contemporary surgical treatment options and provision of appropriate materials could improve the standard of care of women with pelvic organ prolapse.