bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of focal high-dose-rate brachytherapy in the treatment of patients diagnosed with low or favourable intermediate-risk prostate cancer—a protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Jonušas Justinas , Patasius Ausvydas , Trakymas Mantas , Venius Jonas , Janulionis Ernestas , Smailyte Giedre , Kincius Marius
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Prostate cancer (PCa) is men’s second most predominant cancer worldwide. Because the prostate-specific antigen test is used in diagnostics, PCa is more often diagnosed in the early stages, making radical treatment of the disease possible. However, it is estimated that over a million men worldwide suffer from radical treatment-related complications. Thus, focal treatment has been proposed as a solution, which aims to destroy the predominant lesson that determines the progression of the disease. The main objective of our study is to compare the quality of life and efficacy of patients diagnosed with PCa before and after the treatment with focal high-dose-rate brachytherapy and to compare results with focal low-dose-rate brachytherapy and active surveillance.

Methods and analysis

150 patients diagnosed with low-risk or favourable intermediate-risk PCa who meet the inclusion criteria will be enrolled in the study. Patients are going to be randomly assigned to the study groups: focal high-dose-rate brachytherapy (group 1), focal low-dose-rate brachytherapy (group 2) and active surveillance (group 3). The study’s primary outcomes are quality of life after the procedure and time without biochemical disease recurrence. The secondary outcomes are early and late genitourinary and gastrointestinal reactions after the focal high-dose and low-dose-rate brachytherapies and evaluation of the importance and significance of in vivo dosimetry used for high-dose-rate brachytherapy.

Ethics and dissemination

Bioethics committee approval was obtained before this study. The trial results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and at conferences.

Trial registration number

Vilnius regional bioethics committee; approval ID 2022/6-1438-911.
Efficacy and safety of carbon dioxide insufflation for brain protection for patients undergoing planned left-sided open heart valve surgery: protocol for a multicentre, placebo-controlled, blinded, randomised controlled trial (the CO2 Study)
Authors: Todd Rachel , Rogers Chris A , Pufulete Maria , Culliford Lucy , Pretorius Pieter , Voets Natalie , Akowuah Enoch , Sayeed Rana , Lazaroo Michelle , Kaur Surinder , Angelini Gianni D , Gibbison Ben
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Brain injury is common following open heart valve surgery. Carbon dioxide insufflation (CDI) has been proposed to reduce the incidence of brain injury by reducing the number of air microemboli entering the bloodstream in surgery. The CO2 Study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of CDI in patients undergoing planned left-sided open heart valve surgery.

Methods and analysis

The CO2 Study is a multicentre, blinded, placebo-controlled, randomised controlled trial. Seven-hundred and four patients aged 50 years and over undergoing planned left-sided heart valve surgery will be recruited to the study, from at least eight UK National Health Service hospitals, and randomised in a 1:1 ratio to receive CDI or medical air insufflation (placebo) in addition to standard de-airing. Insufflation will be delivered at a flow rate of 5 L/min from before the initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass until 10 min after cardiopulmonary bypass weaning. Participants will be followed up until 3 months post-surgery. The primary outcome is acute ischaemic brain injury within 10 days post-surgery based on new brain lesions identified with diffusion-weighted MRI or clinical evidence of permanent brain injury according to the current definition of stroke.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the East Midlands–Nottingham 2 Research Ethics Committee in June 2020 and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency in May 2020. All participants will provide written informed consent prior to undertaking any study assessments. Consent will be obtained by the principal investigator or a delegated member of the research team who has been trained in the study and undergone Good Clinical Practice training. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national and international meetings. Study participants will be informed of results through study notifications and patient organisations.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN30671536.
Prevalence and predictors of tuberculosis infection among people living with HIV in a high tuberculosis burden context
Authors: Njagi Lilian Nkirote , Nduba Videlis , Mureithi Marianne Wanjiru , Mecha Jared Ongechi
Published: May 2023

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) disease is the leading cause of mortality among people living with HIV (PLHIV). Interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) are approved for TB infection ascertainment. However, current IGRA data on the prevalence of TB infection in the context of near-universal access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and TB preventive therapy (TPT) are lacking. We estimated the prevalence and determinants of TB infection among PLHIV within a high TB and HIV burden context.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included data from adult PLHIV age ≥18 years in whom QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) assay, an IGRA, was performed. TB infection was defined as a positive or indeterminate QFT-Plus test. Participants with TB and those who had previously used TPT were excluded. Regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of TB infection.

Results

Of 121 PLHIV with QFT-Plus test results, females were 74.4% (90/121), and the mean age was 38.4 (SD 10.8) years. Overall, 47.9% (58/121) were classified as TB infection (QFT-Plus test positive and indeterminate results were 39.7% (48/121) and 8.3% (10/121), respectively). Being obese/overweight (body mass index ≥25 kg/m2; p=0.013, adjusted OR (aOR) 2.90, 95% CI 1.25 to 6.74) and ART usage for >3 years (p=0.013, aOR 3.99, 95% CI 1.55 to 10.28) were independently associated with TB infection.

Conclusion

There was a high TB infection prevalence among PLHIV. A longer period of ART and obesity were independently associated with TB infection. The relationship between obesity/overweight and TB infection may be related to ART use and immune reconstitution and requires further investigation. Given the known benefit of test-directed TPT among PLHIV never exposed to TPT, its clinical and cost implications for low and middle-income countries should be explored further.
EradicatingHelicobacter pylorivia13C-urea breath screening to prevent gastric cancer in indigenous communities: a population-based study and development of a family index-case method
Authors: Lei Wei-Yi , Lee Jian-Yu , Chuang Shu-Ling , Bair Ming-Jong , Chen Chien-Lin , Wu Jeng-Yih , Wu Deng-Chyang , Tien O’Donnell Felice , Tien Hui-Wen , Chen Yi-Ru , Chiang Tsung-Hsien , Hsu Yu-Hsin , Hsu Tsui-Hsia , Hsieh Pei-Chun , Lin Li-Ju , Chia Shu-Li , Wu Chao-Chun , Subeq Yi-Maun , Wen Shu-Hui , Chang Hsiu-Chun , Lin Yu-Wen , Sun Kuo-Ping , Chu Chia-Hsiang , Wu Ming-Shiang , Graham David Y , Chen Hsiu-Hsi , Lee Yi-Chia
Published: May 2023

Objective

Screening and eradication ofHelicobacter pylorihelp reduce disparities in the incidence of gastric cancer. We aimed to evaluate its acceptability and feasibility in the indigenous communities and develop a family index-case method to roll out this programme.

Design

We enrolled residents aged 20–60 years from Taiwanese indigenous communities to receive a course of test, treat, retest and re-treat initial treatment failures with the13C-urea breath tests and four-drug antibiotic treatments. We also invited the family members of a participant (constituting an index case) to join the programme and evaluated whether the infection rate would be higher in the positive index cases.

Results

Between 24 September 2018 and 31 December 2021, 15 057 participants (8852 indigenous and 6205 non-indigenous) were enrolled, with a participation rate of 80.0% (15 057 of 18 821 invitees). The positivity rate was 44.1% (95% CI 43.3% to 44.9%). In the proof-of-concept study with 72 indigenous families (258 participants), family members of a positive index case had 1.98 times (95% CI 1.03 to 3.80) higher prevalence ofH. pylorithan those of a negative index case. The results were replicated in the mass screening setting (1.95 times, 95% CI 1.61 to 2.36) when 1115 indigenous and 555 non-indigenous families were included (4157 participants). Of the 6643 testing positive, 5493 (82.6%) received treatment. According to intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses, the eradication rates were 91.7% (89.1% to 94.3%) and 92.1% (89.2% to 95.0%), respectively, after one to two courses of treatment. The rate of adverse effects leading to treatment discontinuation was low at 1.2% (0.9% to 1.5%).

Conclusion

A high participation rate, a high eradication rate ofH. pyloriand an efficient rollout method indicate that a primary prevention strategy is acceptable and feasible in indigenous communities.

Trial registration number

NCT03900910.
Technical performance and diagnostic yield of motorised spiral enteroscopy compared with single-balloon enteroscopy in suspected Crohn’s disease: a randomised controlled, open-label study (the MOTOR-CD trial)
Authors: Pal Partha , Ramchandani Mohan , Banerjee Rupa , Viswakarma Piyush , Singh Aniruddha Pratap , Reddy Manohar , Rughwani Hardik , Patel Rajendra , Sekaran Anuradha , Kanaganti Swathi , Darisetty Santosh , Nabi Zaheer , Singh Jagadish , Gupta Rajesh , Lakhtakia Sundeep , Pradeep Rebala , Venkat Rao G , Tandan Manu , Reddy D Nageshwar
Published: May 2023

Objective

Recent studies have shown that motorised spiral enteroscopy (MSE) enables deeper and total small bowel evaluation compared with single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE) in suspected Crohn’s disease (CD) when analysed per procedure. However, no randomised controlled study has compared bidirectional MSE with bidirectional SBE in suspected CD.

Design

Patients with suspected CD requiring small bowel enteroscopy were randomly assigned to either SBE or MSE between May 2022 and September 2022 in a high volume tertiary centre. Bidirectional enteroscopy was done if intended lesion could not be reached on unidirectional study. Comparison was made with regard to technical success (ability to reach lesion), diagnostic yield, depth of maximal insertion (DMI), procedure time and total enteroscopy rates. Depth:time ratio was calculated to avoid confounding for the location of lesion.

Results

Among 125 suspected patients with CD (28% female, 18–65 years, median 41 years), 62 and 63 underwent MSE and SBE, respectively. The overall technical success (98.4 %: MSE, 90.5 %: SBE; p=0.11), diagnostic yield (95.2%: MSE; 87.3%: SBE, p=0.2) and procedure time were not significantly different. However, MSE appeared to have higher technical success (96.8% vs 80.7%, p=0.08) in deeper small bowel (distal jejunum/proximal ileum) with higher DMI, higher depth:time ratio and total enteroscopy rates when attempted (77.8% vs 11.1%, p=0.0007). Both the modalities were safe although minor adverse events were more common with MSE.

Conclusion

MSE and SBE have comparable technical success and diagnostic yield for small bowel evaluation in suspected CD. MSE scores over SBE with regard to deeper small bowel evaluation with complete small bowel coverage and higher depth of insertion in a shorter time.

Trial registration number

NCT05363930.
Impact of mental disorders during education on work participation: a register-based longitudinal study on young adults with 10 years follow-up
Authors: Porru Fabio , Schuring Merel , Hoogendijk Witte J G , Burdorf Alex , Robroek Suzan J W
Published: May 2023

Background

Mental disorders are a leading cause of disability and a major threat to work participation in young adults. This register-based longitudinal study aims to investigate the influence of mental disorders on entering and exiting paid employment among young graduates and to explore differences across socioeconomic groups.

Methods

Register information on sociodemographics (age, sex, migration background) and employment status of 2 346 393 young adults who graduated from secondary vocational (n=1 004 395) and higher vocational education or university (n=1 341 998) in the period 2010–2019 was provided by Statistics Netherlands. This information was enriched with register information on the prescription of nervous system medication for mental disorders in the year before graduation as a proxy for having a mental disorder. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the influence of mental disorders on (A) entering paid employment among all graduates and (B) exiting from paid employment among graduates who had entered paid employment.

Results

Individuals with mental disorders were less likely to enter (HR 0.69–0.70) and more likely to exit paid employment (HR 1.41–1.42). Individuals using antipsychotics were the least likely to enter (HR 0.44) and the most likely to exit paid employment (HR 1.82–1.91), followed by those using hypnotics and sedatives. The association between mental disorders and work participation was found across socioeconomic subgroups (ie, educational level, sex and migration background).

Discussion

Young adults with mental disorders are less likely to enter and maintain paid employment. These results ask for prevention of mental disorders and for a more inclusive labour market.
Craniofacial features of POLR3-related leukodystrophy caused by biallelic variants inPOLR3A,POLR3BandPOLR1C
Authors: Mirchi Amytice , Guay Simon-Pierre , Tran Luan T , Wolf Nicole I , Vanderver Adeline , Brais Bernard , Sylvain Michel , Pohl Daniela , Rossignol Elsa , Saito Michael , Moutton Sebastien , González-Gutiérrez-Solana Luis , Thiffault Isabelle , Kruer Michael C , Moron Dolores Gonzales , Kauffman Marcelo , Goizet Cyril , Sztriha László , Glamuzina Emma , Melançon Serge B , Naidu Sakkubai , Retrouvey Jean-Marc , Lacombe Suzanne , Bernardino-Cuesta Beatriz , De Bie Isabelle , Bernard Geneviève
Published: May 2023

Background

RNA polymerase III-related or 4H leukodystrophy (POLR3-HLD) is an autosomal recessive hypomyelinating leukodystrophy characterized by neurological dysfunction, hypodontia and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. The disease is caused by biallelic pathogenic variants inPOLR3A,POLR3B,POLR1CorPOLR3K. Craniofacial abnormalities reminiscent of Treacher Collins syndrome have been originally described in patients with POLR3-HLD caused by biallelic pathogenic variants inPOLR1C. To date, no published studies have appraised in detail the craniofacial features of patients with POLR3-HLD. In this work, the specific craniofacial characteristics of patients with POLR3-HLD associated with biallelic pathogenic variants inPOLR3A,POLR3BandPOLR1Care described.

Methods

The craniofacial features of 31 patients with POLR3-HLD were evaluated, and potential genotype–phenotype associations were evaluated.

Results

Various craniofacial abnormalities were recognized in this patient cohort, with each individual presenting at least one craniofacial abnormality. The most frequently identified features included a flat midface (61.3%), a smooth philtrum (58.0%) and a pointed chin (51.6%). In patients withPOLR3Bbiallelic variants, a thin upper lip was frequent. Craniofacial anomalies involving the forehead were most commonly associated with biallelic variants inPOLR3AandPOLR3Bwhile a higher proportion of patients withPOLR1Cbiallelic variants demonstrated bitemporal narrowing.

Conclusion

Through this study, we demonstrated that craniofacial abnormalities are common in patients with POLR3-HLD. This report describes in detail the dysmorphic features of POLR3-HLD associated with biallelic variants inPOLR3A,POLR3BandPOLR1C.
Diffusion-weighted imaging lesions after intracranial aneurysm treatment with Pipeline Flex and Pipeline Flex with Shield technology: a retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: Cortez Gustavo M , Benalia Victor H C , Sauvageau Eric , Aghaebrahim Amin , Pederson John Michael , Hanel Ricardo A
Published: May 2023

Background

The Pipeline Flex embolization device with Shield technology (PED Shield) is the first flow diverter for brain aneurysm treatment approved in the United States using surface-modified technology. The effect of PED Shield on decreasing perioperative diffusion-weighted imaging positive (DWI+) hits, as a marker for in-human decrease thrombogenicity, is unclear.

Objective

To determine if the number of periprocedural DWI+ lesions differs between patients with an aneurysm treated with PED Flex and PED Shield.

Methods

This retrospective study compares the outcomes of consecutive patients with an aneurysm treated with PED Flex and PED Shield. The primary outcome of interest was the occurrence of DWI+ lesions. We also assessed potential predictors of DWI+ lesions and compared the outcomes between on-label and off-label treatment indications.

Results

89 patients were included, 48 (54%) treated with PED Flex and 41 (46%) with PED Shield. After matching, the incidence of DWI+ lesions was 61% and 62% for the PED Flex and PED Shield groups, respectively. Results were consistent across each model with no significant differences in DWI+ lesions between treatment groups, and effect sizes ranging from OR=1.08 (95% CI 0.41 to 2.89) after propensity score matching to OR=1.84 (95% CI 0.65 to 5.47) after multivariable regression. Multivariable models demonstrated reduced DWI+ lesions with balloon-assisted therapies and posterior circulation treatment, while a significant linear relationship was encountered with fluoroscopy time.

Conclusion

There was no significant difference in the incidence of perioperative DWI+ lesions between patients with an aneurysm treated with PED Flex and PED Shield. Larger cohorts are likely needed to demonstrate differences between the devices.
Early venous filling after mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion in anterior circulation
Authors: Li Yi , Cao Wenbo , Xu Xin , Li Tianhua , Chen Yanfei , Wang Yabing , Chen Jian , Gao Peng , Yang Bin , Dmytriw Adam A , Regenhardt Robert W , Chen Fei , Ma Qingfeng , Lu Jie , Liu Yuqi , Wang Chunliang , Bai Xuesong , Jiao Liqun
Published: May 2023

Background

The significance of early venous filling (EVF) after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is not fully understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of EVF after MT.

Methods

From January 2019 to May 2022, AIS patients with successful recanalization (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score (mTICI) ≥2b) after MT were retrospectively reviewed. EVF was evaluated on final digital subtraction angiography runs after successful recanalization and was categorized into phase subgroups (arterial phase and capillary phase) and pathway subgroups (cortical veins subgroup and thalamostriate veins subgroup), respectively. The impact of EVF subgroups on functional outcomes after successful recanalization were both investigated.

Results

A total of 349 patients achieving successful recanalization after MT were included, including 45 patients in the EVF group and 304 patients in the non-EVF group. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed the EVF group had a higher rate of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH; 66.7% vs 22%, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 6.805, 95% CI 3.389 to 13.662, P<0.001), symptomatic ICH (sICH; 28.9% vs 4.9%, aOR 6.011, 95% CI 2.493 to 14.494, P<0.001) and malignant cerebral edema (MCE; 20% vs 6.9%, aOR 2.682, 95% CI 1.086 to 6.624, P=0.032) than the non-EVF group. Furthermore, the cortical veins subgroup of EVF had a higher rate of mortality than the thalamostriate veins subgroup (37.5% vs 10.3%, P=0.029).

Conclusions

EVF is independently associated with ICH, sICH and MCE after successful recanalization of MT, but not with favorable outcome and mortality.
Preliminary experience with diffuse correlation spectroscopy in acute ischemic stroke neurointerventional procedures
Authors: Mokin Maxim , Thanki Shail , Mohammad Penaz Parveen Sultana , Sheehy Steve , Jade Kassandra M , Peto Ivo , Guerrero Waldo R , Vakharia Kunal , Burgin W Scott , Parthasarathy Ashwin B
Published: May 2023

Background

Diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS) is a non-invasive optical technique that enables continuous blood flow measurements in various organs, including the brain. DCS quantitatively measures blood flow from temporal fluctuations in the intensity of diffusely reflected light caused by the dynamic scattering of light from moving red blood cells within the tissue.

Methods

We performed bilateral cerebral blood flow (CBF) measurements using a custom DCS device in patients undergoing neuroendovascular interventions for acute ischemic stroke. Experimental, clinical, and imaging data were collected in a prospective manner.

Results

The device was successfully applied in nine subjects. There were no safety concerns or interference with the standard angiography suite or intensive care unit workflow. Six cases were selected for final analysis and interpretation. DCS measurements with photon count rates greater than 30 KHz had sufficient signal-to-noise to resolve blood flow pulsatility. We found an association between angiographic changes in cerebral reperfusion (partial or complete reperfusion established in stroke thrombectomy cases; temporary flow arrest during carotid artery stenting) and those observed intraprocedurally with CBF measurements via DCS. Limitations of the current technology included sensitivity to the interrogated tissue volume under the probe and the effect of local changes in tissue optical properties on the accuracy of CBF estimates.

Conclusion

Our initial experience with DCS in neurointerventional procedures showed the feasibility of this non-invasive approach in providing continuous measurement of regional CBF brain tissue properties.
What types of e-liquid products were more likely to offer price promotions?
Authors: Yang Qian , Ma Shaoying , He Yanyun , Qiu Zefeng , Chen Jian , Shang Ce
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The present study empirically examined the association between price discounts and product attributes of e-liquids sold by online retailers.

Methods

We analysed 14 000 e-liquid products from five major online e-cigarette retailers between April and May 2021 to determine the association between price discounts and product attributes such as nicotine level and form, flavour and vegetable glycerine/propylene glycol ratio. A fixed-effects model was used in the analysis and discounts were calculated in US cents/mL of e-liquid volume.

Results

Out of 14 407 e-liquid products, 92.5% were offered at a discounted price. On average, the price discount for the 13 324 products that had discounts was 16.84 cents/mL across the five stores. Among the three forms of nicotine (salt, freebase and nicotine free), salt e-liquids had the highest average price discount.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that e-liquids with salt nicotine have a higher average price discount when sold online, which may influence consumer purchasing behaviour. Further research is needed to assess the potential impact of these discounts on youth and adult tobacco use. Policymakers may consider implementing measures to limit online price discounts for e-liquids as a means of reducing sales among young people.
Epileptic EEG Classification via Graph Transformer Network
Authors: Lian Jian , Xu Fangzhou
Published: May 2023

Deep learning-based epileptic seizure recognition via electroencephalogram signals has shown considerable potential for clinical practice. Although deep learning algorithms can enhance epilepsy identification accuracy compared with classical machine learning techniques, classifying epileptic activities based on the association between multichannel signals in electroencephalogram recordings is still challenging in automated seizure classification from electroencephalogram signals. Furthermore, the performance of generalization is hardly maintained by the fact that existing deep learning models were constructed using just one architecture. This study focuses on addressing this challenge using a hybrid framework. Alternatively put, a hybrid deep learning model, which is based on the ground-breaking graph neural network and transformer architectures, was proposed. The proposed deep architecture consists of a graph model to discover the inner relationship between multichannel signals and a transformer to reveal the heterogeneous associations between the channels. To evaluate the performance of the proposed approach, the comparison experiments were conducted on a publicly available dataset between the state-of-the-art algorithms and ours. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method is a potentially valuable instrument for epoch-based epileptic EEG classification.
The Magneto–Thermo–Elastic Primary Resonance of Rotating Ferromagnetic Functional Gradient Cylindrical Shell in a Transverse Magnetic Field
Authors: Yang Tao , Hu Yuda
Published: May 2023

The primary resonance behavior of a rotating ferromagnetic functional gradient cylindrical shell in a magnetic field, temperature field, and excitation force is investigated. Based on the physical neutral surface deformation theory and the Donnell theory, considering the effect of geometric nonlinearity, expressions of strain energy and kinetic energy of the shell and the work of forces are given, respectively. Applying the Hamilton principle, the magneto–thermo–elastic equation of a functional gradient cylindrical shell is derived by considering the magnetization effect of ferromagnetic metal. The question is discretized by Galerkin method and solved by the multi-scale method to obtain the amplitude–frequency response equation. The stability of the solution is discriminated by using the Lyapunov theory. Through numerical examples, the response curves of the system under different parameters are plotted, and the parameter ranges corresponding to multi-valued solution regions and single-valued solution regions are determined. The effects of parameter changes on the dynamic response and stability of system are analyzed. The results show that a coupling mechanism between temperature field, magnetic field, and excitation force affects the response and stability of the system, and the change of parameters have a significant effect on the vibration characteristics and stability. The dynamics model established in this paper is a theoretical reference for investigation on the multi-physics field coupling dynamic behaviors of structures.
COMPUTATION OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL BLOOD FLOW DEVELOPMENT IN A 180∘ CURVED TUBE GEOMETRY
Authors: CHIANG CHENG-HSIEN , KAO RUI-HUNG , HUNG TIN-KAN , BÉG O. ANWAR
Published: May 2023

Computational blood flow studies are providing an increasingly important complement to clinical experiments in 21st century biomedical engineering. Motivated by probing deeper into this topic, a theoretical and numerical study is presented of the flow induced by an impulsive acceleration to steady state hemodynamics in a curved tube which is investigated as a boundary layer developing with time from the curved entrance to a straight tube (blood vessel). The transient processes are simulated with a finite volume method solution of the Navier–Stokes equations. The rapid growth of the boundary layer with the core flow is captured in the curved entrance, along the tube to an axisymmetric flow in the downstream. Secondary flow patterns, centrifugal pressures and total head contours are correlated with longitudinal velocity distributions across various sections. It is observed that the entrance zone is controlled by uniform inlet velocity and centrifugal forces. The high pressure drop in the onset flow is associated with strong acceleration which is comparable to generating systolic pressures. The simulations further indicate that a sustained increment in volumetric flow rate is necessary to maintain the pressure wave in the aorta. Furthermore, the velocity distributions are shown to approach Hagen–Poiseuille flow in the downstream zone. The complex hemodynamic characteristics are visualized effectively with computational simulations and the study demonstrates the excellent ability of this approach in elaborating critical flow details in aortic hemodynamics.
Effect of sintering temperature on phase transformation and energy storage properties of 0.95NaNbO3-0.05Bi(Zn0.5Zr0.5)O3 ceramics
Authors: Ge Ying , Liu Dong , Zhang Haifeng , Yan Shuhao , Shi Bo , Hao Junjie
Published: May 2023

Dielectric materials with excellent energy storage performance are crucial to the development of renewable energy. In this work, we prepared 0.95NaNbO3–0.05Bi(Zn[Formula: see text]Zr[Formula: see text])O3 (0.95NN–0.05BZZ) ceramics using solid state sintering and investigated the effect of sintering temperature on phase structure. We find that the phase transformation of ceramics occurs with the change of sintering temperature. The cubic phase (Pm-3[Formula: see text]) and the antiferroelectric phase (Pbma) coexist at 1150[Formula: see text]C, the ferroelectric phase ([Formula: see text]21ma) appears at 1200[Formula: see text]C and its phase proportion decreases with the sintering temperature increasing from 1200[Formula: see text]C to 1280[Formula: see text]C. Finally, we achieve the high recoverable energy storage density ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]) 0.74 J/cm3and efficiency ([Formula: see text]) 71% (at 140 kV/cm) at 1150[Formula: see text]C.
From Humble Beginnings to a Global Economic Powerhouse: A Comprehensive Study of India’s Economic Development Through the Lens of Selected Macroeconomic Indicators (1990–2020)
Authors: Jaiswal Rachana
Published: May 2023

Amidst the tumultuous COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia–Ukraine conflict, India has defied the odds and exhibited remarkable consistency in its macroeconomic performance, surpassing other top 10 global economies. This laudable progress was made even in the aftermath of significant prior disruptions. Therefore, the objective of this research paper is to meticulously scrutinize the macroeconomic determinants that impacted India’s economic growth from 1990 to 2020. The data utilized was sourced from the Reserve Bank of India, and a time series econometric technique was employed to identify stationary and its co-integration using an auto-regressive distributed lag (ARDL) model. This study exhaustively investigates the impact of five macroeconomic indicators, exports, imports, gross capital formation, gross savings, and gross inflow, which propel economic growth. Our findings unequivocally demonstrate that exports, gross capital formation, gross savings, and gross inflows have an indisputably positive and significant effect on India’s economic growth in the short and long run. However, imports negatively impact both the short and long runs. Other macroeconomic variables could not be comprehensively covered due to the absence of relevant data. Nevertheless, this study confers novel insights to policymakers and researchers alike by examining both the short-run and long-run dynamics and employing the Wald test to provide a profound understanding of the macroeconomic determinants indispensable for realizing sustainable economic growth. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study constitutes a pioneering and original endeavor that undertakes a comprehensive and nuanced examination of economic growth by analyzing multiple macroeconomic indicators simultaneously, thereby providing a holistic and multifaceted understanding of the complex phenomenon of economic growth.
Increasing road network resilience to the impacts of ground movement due to climate change: a case study from Lincolnshire, UK
Authors: Harrison Anna May , Heaton Mark , Entwisle David C.
Published: May 2023

The UK road network is deteriorating due to ageing infrastructure, climate change and increasing traffic. Due to community and economic reliance on a functioning road system, there is an urgent requirement to build resilience. The roads of south Lincolnshire have high susceptibility to ground movement due to the underlying geology. Deposits such as peat, tidal flat deposits and alluvium have a high susceptibility to compress, particularly when loaded or through loss of water content driven by climate change or lowering of water in drainage channels. The shallow foundations of Lincolnshire's rural evolved roads, originating from old mud tracks, are poorly constructed, increasing their vulnerability to movement. Types of damage include longitudinal cracking, edge failure and uneven long-section profiles. Through knowledge exchange, data sharing and collaboration between the British Geological Survey and Lincolnshire County Council, a direct relationship between road condition and geohazard susceptibility has been demonstrated; showing compressible ground has a greater correlation with road damage than originally considered. This suggests improved understanding of the relationships between the geological, climatic and anthropogenic driving forces on ground movement and road damage enables more informed repair prioritization, decision support and improved bespoke road repair practices, increasing future resilience of road networks.

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the Climate change and resilience in Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology collection available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/topic/collections/climate-change-and-resilience-in-engineering-geology-and-hydrogeology
Challenges and Progress in Designing Broad-Spectrum Vaccines Against Rapidly Mutating Viruses
Authors: Bedi Rishi , Bayless Nicholas L. , Glanville Jacob
Published: May 2023

Viruses evolve to evade prior immunity, causing significant disease burden. Vaccine effectiveness deteriorates as pathogens mutate, requiring redesign. This is a problem that has grown worse due to population increase, global travel, and farming practices. Thus, there is significant interest in developing broad-spectrum vaccines that mitigate disease severity and ideally inhibit disease transmission without requiring frequent updates. Even in cases where vaccines against rapidly mutating pathogens have been somewhat effective, such as seasonal influenza and SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), designing vaccines that provide broad-spectrum immunity against routinely observed viral variation remains a desirable but not yet achieved goal. This review highlights the key theoretical advances in understanding the interplay between polymorphism and vaccine efficacy, challenges in designing broad-spectrum vaccines, and technology advances and possible avenues forward. We also discuss data-driven approaches for monitoring vaccine efficacy and predicting viral escape from vaccine-induced protection. In each case, we consider illustrative examples in vaccine development from influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)—three examples of highly prevalent rapidly mutating viruses with distinct phylogenetics and unique histories of vaccine technology development.
Refeudalization and Law: From the Rule of Law to Ties of Allegiance
Authors: van Krieken Robert
Published: May 2023

A significant body of social science research is now working with the concept of refeudalization—as well as related terms such as neo-feudalism and neo-medievalism—to analyze a variety of contemporary developments. The social science scholars who use these terms challenge an oversimplified modernization model that regards power relations such as serfdom, vassalage, suzerainty, and fiefdom as merely historical relics. The refeudalization process has significant legal dimensions, which this review outlines to draw out the central implications of the concept of refeudalization for an adequate understanding of current developments in law, society, and politics. Topics covered include the changing relationship between public and private law; the privatization of public authority and responsibilities; the territorial unbundling of sovereignty and the tendency toward multiple, overlapping authorities and jurisdictions; the contractualization of groups and political units as well as individuals; and the changing relationship between sovereignty and political representation.
An Expanding Role for Nonvisual Opsins in Extraocular Light Sensing Physiology
Authors: Andrabi Mutahar , Upton Brian A. , Lang Richard A. , Vemaraju Shruti
Published: May 2023

We live on a planet that is bathed in daily and seasonal sunlight cycles. In this context, terrestrial life forms have evolved mechanisms that directly harness light energy (plants) or decode light information for adaptive advantage. In animals, the main light sensors are a family of G protein–coupled receptors called opsins. Opsin function is best described for the visual sense. However, most animals also use opsins for extraocular light sensing for seasonal behavior and camouflage. While it has long been believed that mammals do not have an extraocular light sensing capacity, recent evidence suggests otherwise. Notably, encephalopsin (OPN3) and neuropsin (OPN5) are both known to mediate extraocular light sensing in mice. Examples of this mediation include photoentrainment of circadian clocks in skin (by OPN5) and acute light-dependent regulation of metabolic pathways (by OPN3 and OPN5). This review summarizes current findings in the expanding field of extraocular photoreception and their relevance for human physiology.
The Analysis of Oral and Fecal Virome Detects Multiple Novel Emerging Viruses in Snakes
Authors: Liu Aijing , Tian Zhige , Yin Chuanming , Zou Jie , Wu Shan , Luo Yi , Chen Xin , Dai Yi , Yang Siyi , Li Yanxi , Li Tongyu , Guo Peng , Hu Xiaoliang
Published: May 2023

Wild animals are considered reservoirs for emerging and reemerging viruses, such as the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Previous studies have reported that bats and ticks harbored variable important pathogenic viruses, some of which could cause potential diseases in humans and livestock, while viruses carried by reptiles were rarely reported. Our study first conducted snakes’ virome analysis to establish effective surveillance of potential transboundary emerging diseases. Consequently, Adenoviridae, Circoviridae, Retroviridae, and Parvoviridae were identified in oral samples from Protobothrops mucrosquamatus, Elaphe dione, and Gloydius angusticeps based on sequence similarity to existing viruses. Picornaviridae and Adenoviridae were also identified in fecal samples of Protobothrops mucrosquamatus. Notably, the iflavirus and foamy virus were first reported in Protobothrops mucrosquamatus, enriching the transboundary viral diversity in snakes. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis revealed that both the novel-identified viruses showed low genetic similarity with previously reported viruses. This study provided a basis for our understanding of microbiome diversity and the surveillance and prevention of emerging and unknown viruses in snakes.
Hybrid Low-Rank Tensor CP and Tucker Decomposition with Total Variation Regularization for HSI Noise Removal
Authors: Xuegang Luo , Junrui Lv , Bo Wang , Juan Wang
Published: May 2023

The acquired hyperspectral images (HSIs) are affected by a mixture of several types of noise, which often suffer from information missing. Corrupted HSIs limit the precision of the subsequent processing. In this paper, the weighted Total Variation-regularized Hybrid Model of CP and Tucker (WTV-HMCT) is proposed to accurately identify the intrinsic structures of the clean HSIs. By jointly minimizing CP rank and Tucker rank in the low-rank tensor approximation, WTV-HMCT fully exploits the high-dimensional structure correlations of HSI. To ensure the piecewise smoothness of the recovered image, the hybrid low-rank tensor decomposition approach integrates the weighted spatial spectral total variation regularization for the separation of the noise-free HSI and mixed noise. By the Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers (ADMM), the optimization model is transformed into two subproblems. Finally, an efficient proximal alternating minimization algorithm is developed to optimize the proposed hybrid low-rank tensor decomposition efficiently. The experimental results show that the proposed model effectively handles Gauss noise, striping noise, and mixed noise and that it outperforms the most advanced methods in terms of evaluation metrics and visual evaluation.
Data from ONC201 in combination with paxalisib for the treatment of H3K27-altered diffuse midline glioma
Authors: Jackson Evangeline R. , Duchatel Ryan J. , Staudt Dilana E. , Persson Mika L. , Mannan Abdul , Yadavilli Sridevi , Parackal Sarah , Game Shaye , Chong Wai Chin , Jayasekara W. Samantha Nilanthi. , Le Grand Marion , Kearney Padraic S. , Douglas Alicia M. , Findlay Izac J. , Germon Zacary P. , McEwen Holly P. , Beitaki Tyrone S. , Patabendige Adjanie , Skerrett-Byrne David A. , Nixon Brett , Smith Nathan D. , Day Bryan , Manoharan Neevika , Nagabushan Sumanth , Hansford Jordan R. , Govender Dinisha , McCowage Geoffrey B. , Firestein Ron , Howlett Meegan , Endersby Raelene , Gottardo Nicholas G. , Alvaro Frank , Waszak Sebastian M. , Larsen Martin R. , Colino-Sanguino Yolanda , Valdés-Mora Fatima , Rakotomalala Andria , Meignan Samuel , Pasquier Eddy , Andre Nicolas , Hulleman Esther , Eisenstat David D. , Vitanza Nicholas A. , Nazarian Javad , Koschmann Carl , Mueller Sabine , Cain Jason E. , Dun Matthew D.
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Diffuse midline gliomas (DMG), including diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs), are the most lethal of childhood cancers. Palliative radiotherapy is the only established treatment, with median patient survival of 9-11 months. ONC201 is a DRD2 antagonist and ClpP agonist that has shown preclinical and emerging clinical efficacy in DMG. However, further work is needed to identify the mechanisms of response of DIPGs to ONC201 treatment and to determine whether recurring genomic features influence response. Using a systems-biological approach, we showed that ONC201 elicits potent agonism of the mitochondrial protease ClpP to drive proteolysis of electron transport chain and tricarboxylic acid cycle proteins. DIPGs harboring PIK3CA-mutations showed increased sensitivity to ONC201, while those harboring TP53-mutations were more resistant. Metabolic adaptation and reduced sensitivity to ONC201 was promoted by redox-activated PI3K/Akt signaling, which could be counteracted using the brain penetrant PI3K/Akt inhibitor, paxalisib. Together, these discoveries coupled with the powerful anti-DIPG/DMG pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of ONC201 and paxalisib have provided the rationale for the ongoing DIPG/DMG phase II combination clinical trial NCT05009992.
Data from Updated Review of Major Cancer Risk Factors and Screening Test Use in the United States, with a Focus on Changes During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Star Jessica , Bandi Priti , Nargis Nigar , Islami Farhad , Yabroff K Robin , Minihan Adair K. , Smith Robert A. , Jemal Ahmedin
Published: May 2023

Abstract
We present national and state representative prevalence estimates of modifiable cancer risk factors, preventive behaviors and services, and screening, with a focus on changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Between 2019 and 2021, current smoking, physical inactivity, and heavy alcohol consumption declined, and human papillomavirus vaccination and stool testing for colorectal cancer screening uptake increased. In contrast, obesity prevalence increased, while fruit consumption and cervical cancer screening declined during the same timeframe. Favorable and unfavorable trends were evident during the 2nd year of the COVID-19 pandemic that must be monitored as more years of consistent data are collected. Yet disparities by racial/ethnic and socioeconomic status persisted, highlighting the continued need for interventions to address suboptimal levels among these population subgroups.
A preservação de restos arqueobotânicos e o processo de análise por microtomografia de raios X
Authors: Calo Cristina Marilin , Rizzutto Marcia A.
Published: May 2023

O uso de microtomografias de raios X para o estudo de restos macroscópicos de plantas recuperadas em sítios arqueológicos é uma prática relativamente recente em Arqueologia. No entanto, a técnica possui amplo espectro de aplicações em áreas de pesquisa muito diversas. Os diferentes trabalhos relacionados com a aplicação apontam a não destrutividade dos procedimentos microtomográficos como um de seus atributos relevantes, juntamente com a alta qualidade de discriminação das imagens tridimensionais geradas no processo. Este trabalho explora a importância dessa característica da microtomografia em relação a diferentes aspectos do estudo e da preservação dos macrorrestos arqueobotânicos. Ao preservar a integridade e habilitar a reanálise dos objetos examinados, a microtomografia de raios X permite otimizar a qualidade dos resultados e expandir a gama de técnicas analíticas aplicadas em seu estudo. Essa vantagem manifesta-se tanto na pesquisa em curso como naquelas que podem ser desenvolvidas no futuro sobre os mesmos objetos, usando técnicas e abordagens novas ou melhoradas. Além da preservação do objeto físico, a microtomografia providencia réplicas virtuais tridimensionais que podem ser utilizadas com finalidade analítica ou como respaldo da informação gerada. Aliás, esses modelos digitais apresentam grande adaptabilidade aos mecanismos de compartilhamento e disponibilização de dados de pesquisa, assim como podem ter efeitos notáveis na ênfase do valor visual dos materiais arqueobotânicos.
The Brazilian archaeological program in Egypt: the first six years on TT123: assembling the puzzle
Authors: Pellini José Roberto , Lemos Caroline Murta
Published: May 2023

Created in 2015, the Brazilian Archaeological Program in Egypt (BAPE) develops transversal and participatory research on Egyptian soil. Since 2016, BAPE has been developing, together with the Egyptian government, an excavation project for Theban Tomb 123, located in Sheikh Abdel Qurna, Luxor, known as the Amenemhet Project. Tomb 123 served as a burial ground during the Pharaonic period and is currently a modern residence for Qurnawi families. This paper presents the first results of the research conducted at the site, offering a first interpretation based on the data collected so far, from an archaeological, historical and ethnographic perspective.
The genus Metamysidopsis W. M. Tattersall, 1951 (Peracarida, Mysida, Mysidae) in the eastern Pacific with the description of a new species from western Mexico and notes on some diagnostic characters used in the genus
Authors: Hendrickx Michel E. , Hernández-Payán José C.
Published: May 2023

The genus Metamysidopsis W. M. Tattersall is currently represented by two species in the eastern Pacific: M. elongata (Holmes, 1910) in California, U.S.A., and M. pacifica (Zimmer, 1918) in Peru and Panama. The distribution and some morphological details of both species are presented and discussed and a new species is described from the southern Gulf of California, western Mexico. Commonly used diagnostic characters for the species of Metamysidopsis are analysed based on data available in the literature. A diagnosis is provided for the three species occurring in the eastern Pacific and a key to the 10 currently known species of the genus is provided.