bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of mortality in hospitalised patients with COVID-19: a 1-year case–control study
Authors: Camacho-Domínguez Laura , Rojas Manuel , Herrán María , Rodríguez Yhojan , Beltrán Santiago , Galindo Paola Saboya , Aguirre-Correal Nicolas , Espitia María , García Santiago , Bejarano Valeria , Morales-González Victoria , Covaleda-Vargas Jaime Enrique , Rodríguez-Jiménez Mónica , Zapata Elizabeth , Monsalve Diana M , Acosta-Ampudia Yeny , Anaya Juan-Manuel , Ramírez-Santana Carolina
Published: February 2024

Background

A paucity of predictive models assessing risk factors for COVID-19 mortality that extend beyond age and gender in Latino population is evident in the current academic literature.

Objectives

To determine the associated factors with mortality, in addition to age and sex during the first year of the pandemic.

Design

A case–control study with retrospective revision of clinical and paraclinical variables by systematic revision of clinical records was conducted. Multiple imputations by chained equation were implemented to account for missing variables. Classification and regression trees (CART) were estimated to evaluate the interaction of associated factors on admission and their role in predicting mortality during hospitalisation. No intervention was performed.

Setting

High-complexity centre above 2640 m above sea level (masl) in Colombia.

Participants

A population sample of 564 patients admitted to the hospital with confirmed COVID-19 by PCR. Deceased patients (n=282) and a control group (n=282), matched by age, sex and month of admission, were included.

Main outcome measure

Mortality during hospitalisation.

Main results

After the imputation of datasets, CART analysis estimated 11 clinical profiles based on respiratory distress, haemoglobin, lactate dehydrogenase, partial pressure of oxygen to inspired partial pressure of oxygen ratio, chronic kidney disease, ferritin, creatinine and leucocytes on admission. The accuracy model for prediction was 80.4% (95% CI 71.8% to 87.3%), with an area under the curve of 78.8% (95% CI 69.63% to 87.93%).

Conclusions

This study discloses new interactions between clinical and paraclinical features beyond age and sex influencing mortality in COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, the predictive model could offer new clues for the personalised management of this condition in clinical settings.
Efficacy of splinting the wrist and metacarpophalangeal joints for the treatment of Carpal tunnel syndrome: an assessor-blinded randomised controlled trial
Authors: Nadar Mohammed Sh , Alotaibi Naser , Manee Fahad
Published: February 2024

Objectives

To compare the efficacy of a traditional cock-up splint, which supports the wrist only, with a modified splint that supports the wrist and the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints of the medial four digits in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

Design

An assessor-blind randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Hospital-based hand therapy clinics.

Participants

Fifty-nine adults with mild-to-moderate CTS were randomly assigned to wear a wrist splint (control group) or an MCP splint (intervention group) for 6 weeks.

Outcome measures

The standardised outcome measures used included grip and pinch strength, the static two-point discrimination test, Phalen’s manoeuvre test, Tinel’s sign and the Boston CTS Questionnaire.

Results

Both groups improved significantly from splint use in some clinical features. The wrist splint and the MCP splint groups had significant improvements in lateral pinch strength (p=0.032 and p=0.002, respectively), two-point discrimination of the thumb (p=0.003 and p=0.041, respectively), two-point discrimination of the index (p=0.035 and p=0.023, respectively) and the Phalen’s manoeuvre symptoms (p=0.025 and p=0.002, respectively). The MCP splint group had additional improvements over the wrist splint group in tip pinch (p=0.012) and Palmar pinch (p=0.011) strength.

Conclusion

Splinting is a practical and effective intervention option for improving the symptoms of CTS. A wrist splint that incorporates the MCP joints is more effective than the traditional wrist-only splint, with long-lasting improvements that remained consistent after 6 months of the splint intervention. Using the more effective MCP splint may consequently reduce disability, facilitate return to work and lower the associated costs.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN13189602.
Effects of length of residency on the development of physical and mental illnesses in immigrant women in Taiwan: a retrospective cohort study using nationwide data
Authors: Lee Pei-Chen , Chen Yi-Lung , Yang Hao-Jan
Published: February 2024

Objectives

The majority of female immigrants who are married in Taiwan often face a variety of stresses, which may lead to physical or mental illness. Yet few studies have validated the impact of length of residency on physical and mental health using large-scale data. This study combined five nationwide databases and explored the impact of length of residency in Taiwan on the physical and mental health of female marriage immigrants.

Design

This is a retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Taiwan.

Participants

A total of 168 202 female immigrants, who were registered in the national health insurance database from 2001 to 2017, were enrolled for analysis.

Measure

The length of residency was taken as the period from their first appearance in the national health insurance database to the end of 2017. Hypertension and diabetes were chosen as indices of physical health and depression as an index of mental health. Diagnosis standards were based on the International Classification of Disease, ninth or 10th Revision.

Results

The physical and mental health of the immigrants deteriorated with increasing time of residence in Taiwan. Immigrants who had resided in Taiwan for 5–10 years or ≥10 years, respectively, had a 5.8-fold (95% CI: 3.46 to 9.74) or 6.29-fold (95% CI: 4.61 to 8.59) higher adjusted risk of developing hypertension; a 3.97-fold (95% CI: 2.54 to 6.21) or 9.18-fold (95% CI: 5.48 to 15.38) higher adjusted risk of developing diabetes; and a 5.01-fold (95% CI: 3.14 to 8.01) or 12.19-fold (95% CI: 8.65 to 17.18) higher adjusted risk of developing depression than their counterparts who had lived in Taiwan for ≤5 years.

Conclusion

These findings suggest the time elapsed since migration can be a factor in the deterioration of both physical and mental health among female marriage immigrants in Taiwan.
Evaluation of a novel, multicomponent anxiety management programme for people with intellectual disability: protocol for a mixed-methods, quasi-experimental feasibility study
Authors: Acton Daniel , Williams Jonathan , Woodrow Ceri , Talbot Grace , Jones Steven , Lane Steven , Jaydeokar Sujeet
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Studies have shown some benefits to single approaches to psychological therapies for the treatment of anxiety in people with intellectual disability such as modified cognitive–behavioural therapy and mindfulness. To our knowledge, no studies have used a multicomponent approach for the individual treatment of anxiety-related disorders in this population group. A co-production group of clinical experts and people with intellectual disability has created a novel multicomponent anxiety management programme (MCAMP-ID). The aims of this study are to investigate (1) the feasibility of this approach in reducing anxiety for people with a mild/moderate intellectual disability, (2) the feasibility of outcome measures and (3) the feasibility of completing a future randomised controlled trial of this programme. The data from this feasibility study will be used to inform trial design and to complete power calculation.

Methods and analysis

Sixty people with intellectual disability will be invited to participate in the study across four intellectual disability services within one mental health trust in Northwest England. The specialist services will deliver either treatment as usual (TAU) or the novel intervention (MCAMP-ID). MCAMP-ID comprises of 10 individual sessions delivered by a member of the clinical team once a week for between 10 and 12 weeks. TAU will be based on standard treatment currently delivered to meet the person’s specific needs. The outcomes of the study will be feasibility of recruitment, attrition, adherence to the programme and suitability of outcome measures. A mixed-methods approach will be used to assess outcomes.

Ethics and dissemination

The study received approval from the Research Ethics Committee and Health Research Authority (23/EM/0044) through the Integrated Research Application System (IRAS ID: 315557) in March 2023. Participants will provide informed consent before taking part. Study findings will be presented at conferences and published within a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN16062949.
Women’s perceptions and attitudes towards the use of AI in mammography in Sweden: a qualitative interview study
Authors: Viberg Johansson Jennifer , Dembrower Karin , Strand Fredrik , Grauman Åsa
Published: February 2024

Background

Understanding women’s perspectives can help to create an effective and acceptable artificial intelligence (AI) implementation for triaging mammograms, ensuring a high proportion of screening-detected cancer. This study aimed to explore Swedish women’s perceptions and attitudes towards the use of AI in mammography.

Method

Semistructured interviews were conducted with 16 women recruited in the spring of 2023 at Capio S:t Görans Hospital, Sweden, during an ongoing clinical trial of AI in screening (ScreenTrustCAD, NCT 04778670) with Philips equipment. The interview transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic content analysis.

Results

In general, women viewed AI as an excellent complementary tool to help radiologists in their decision-making, rather than a complete replacement of their expertise. To trust the AI, the women requested a thorough evaluation, transparency about AI usage in healthcare, and the involvement of a radiologist in the assessment. They would rather be more worried because of being called in more often for scans than risk having overlooked a sign of cancer. They expressed substantial trust in the healthcare system if the implementation of AI was to become a standard practice.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that the interviewed women, in general, hold a positive attitude towards the implementation of AI in mammography; nonetheless, they expect and demand more from an AI than a radiologist. Effective communication regarding the role and limitations of AI is crucial to ensure that patients understand the purpose and potential outcomes of AI-assisted healthcare.
Best Evidence Topic report: Antithrombotic therapy and endovascular intervention for blunt cerebrovascular injury
Authors: Cutts Luke , Gray Chris , Gill Navdeep , Horner Daniel
Published: February 2024

A short cut review of the literature was carried out to examine the evidence supporting antithrombotic treatment and/or endovascular therapy to reduce mortality and/or prevent future stroke following blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI). Five papers were identified as suitable for inclusion using the reported search strategy. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of the best papers are tabulated. It is concluded that in patients with BCVI confirmed by CT angiography, there is limited evidence to support screening for, or treating BCVI. In confirmed BCVI where the risk of stroke is felt to outweigh the risk of bleeding, antiplatelet therapy appears to be as effective as therapeutic anticoagulation.
Machine learning analysis of pathological images to predict 1-year progression-free survival of immunotherapy in patients with small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Shibaki Ryota , Fujimoto Daichi , Nozawa Tsukasa , Sano Akira , Kitamura Yuka , Fukuoka Junya , Sato Yuki , Kijima Takashi , Matsumoto Hirotaka , Yokoyama Toshihide , Miura Satoru , Hata Akito , Tamiya Motohiro , Taniguchi Yoshihiko , Sugisaka Jun , Furuya Naoki , Tanaka Hisashi , Yamamoto Nobuyuki , Koh Yasuhiro , Akamatsu Hiroaki
Published: February 2024

Background

In small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) could be a promising biomarker for immunotherapy, but objectively evaluating TIME remains challenging. Hence, we aimed to develop a predictive biomarker of immunotherapy efficacy through a machine learning analysis of the TIME.

Methods

We conducted a biomarker analysis in a prospective study of patients with extensive-stage SCLC who received chemoimmunotherapy as the first-line treatment. We trained a model to predict 1-year progression-free survival (PFS) using pathological images (H&E, programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), and double immunohistochemical assay (cluster of differentiation 8 (CD8) and forkhead box P3 (FoxP3)) and patient information. The primary outcome was the mean area under the curve (AUC) of machine learning models in predicting the 1-year PFS.

Results

We analyzed 100,544 patches of pathological images from 78 patients. The mean AUC values of patient information, pathological image, and combined models were 0.789 (range 0.571–0.982), 0.782 (range 0.750–0.911), and 0.868 (range 0.786–0.929), respectively. The PFS was longer in the high efficacy group than in the low efficacy group in all three models (patient information model, HR 0.468, 95% CI 0.287 to 0.762; pathological image model, HR 0.334, 95% CI 0.117 to 0.628; combined model, HR 0.353, 95% CI 0.195 to 0.637). The machine learning analysis of the TIME had better accuracy than the human count evaluations (AUC of human count, CD8-positive lymphocyte: 0.681, FoxP3-positive lymphocytes: 0.626, PD-L1 score: 0.567).

Conclusions

The spatial analysis of the TIME using machine learning predicted the immunotherapy efficacy in patients with SCLC, thus supporting its role as an immunotherapy biomarker.
Perioperative considerations for patients exposed to hallucinogens
Authors: Emerick Trent , Marshall Tetyana , Martin Thomas Jeff , Ririe Doug
Published: February 2024

Hallucinogen exposure in patients in the perioperative period presents challenges for anesthesiologists and other anesthesia providers. Acute and chronic exposure to these substances can cause physiological impacts that can affect the function of anesthetic and analgesic medications used during perioperative care. The objective of this narrative review is to educate readers on the wide array of hallucinogens and psychedelics that may influence the perioperative management of patients exposed to these substances. A narrative review of the literature surrounding hallucinogens and psychedelics was completed. Hallucinogens and psychedelics are quite varied in their mechanisms of action and therefore present a variety of perioperative implications and perioperative considerations. Many of these substances increase serotonin levels or act directly at serotonergic receptors. However, there are other relevant actions that may include varied mechanisms from N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonism to stimulation of muscarinic receptors. With hallucinogen exposure rates on the rise, understanding the effects of hallucinogens is important for optimizing management and reducing risks perioperatively for patients with acute or chronic exposure.
Prospective evaluation and follow-up of nutritional status of children hospitalized in secondary-care level hospitals: a multicentre study
Authors: Hulst Jessie M. , van de Vorst Kelly , Olieman Joanne F. , Hendriks Daniëlle M. , Oudshoorn Johanna H. , Plötz Frans B. , Roskam Mariëlle , van der Schoor Sophie R.D. , Tramper-Stranders Gerdien A. , Verhoeven Jennifer J. , van Wering Herbert M. , Winder Eefje , Joosten Koen F.M.
Published: February 2024

Although disease-associated undernutrition is still an important problem in hospitalized children that is often underrecognized, follow-up studies evaluating post-discharge nutritional status of children with undernutrition are lacking. The aim of this multicentre prospective observational cohort study was to assess the rate of acute undernutrition (AU) and/or having a high nutritional risk (HR) in children on admission to seven secondary-care level Dutch hospitals and to evaluate the nutritional course of AU/HR group during admission and post-discharge. STRONGkids was used to indicate HR, and AU was based on anthropometric data ( z-score < −2 for weight-for-age (WFA; <1 year) or weight-for-height (WFH; ≥1 year)). In total, 1985 patients were screened for AU/HR over a 12-month period. On admission, AU was present in 9.9% of screened children and 6.2% were classified as HR; 266 (13.4%) children comprised the AU/HR group (median age 2.4 years, median length of stay 3 days). In this group, further nutritional assessment by a dietitian during hospitalization occurred in 44% of children, whereas 38% received nutritional support. At follow-up 4–8 weeks post-discharge, 101 out of orginal 266 children in the AU/HR group (38%) had available paired anthropometric measurements to re-assess nutrition status. Significant improvement of WFA/WFH compared to admission (−2.48 vs. −1.51 SD; p < 0.001) and significant decline in AU rate from admission to outpatient follow-up (69.3% vs. 35.6%; p < 0.001) were shown. In conclusion, post-discharge nutritional status of children with undernutrition and/or high nutritional risk on admission to secondary-care level pediatric wards showed significant improvement, but about one-third remained undernourished. Findings warrant the need for a tailored post-discharge nutritional follow-up.
Laurentide Ice Sheet configuration in southern Ontario, Canada during the last glaciation (MIS 4 to 2) from stratigraphic drilling and LIDAR-based surficial mapping
Authors: Bukhari Syed , Eyles Nick , Mulligan Riley , Burt Abigail , Eyles Carolyn , Paulen Roger , Ross Martin , Putkinen Niko
Published: February 2024

Regional subsurface mapping of glacial depositional systems preserved in buried bedrock paleovalleys, and quantitative analysis of new LiDAR imagery of surface glacial landforms using machine learning techniques, when combined, are powerful tools for assessing the dynamics of the Laurentide Ice Sheet (LIS) during the last (Wisconsinan) glaciation in southern Ontario. While age dating of deposits preserved below Last Glacial Maximum tills (LGM: marine isotope stage (MIS) 2 < c.24 000 years B.P. (ybp)) is still sparse, newly available sedimentological data derived by cored drilling, combined with legacy outcrop data, identify thick (100 m+) successions of glaciolacustrine sediments and a lack of till(s), indicating that the ice sheet margin did not extend beyond the Niagara Escarpment at the western end of Lake Ontario, during the earliest phases of the glaciation (MIS 4) or the ensuing mid-Wisconsinan (MIS 3). Ice was able to extend into New York State blocking the Rome outlet to the Hudson Valley ponding deep proglacial lakes in the glacio-isostatically depressed Huron–Ontario–Erie basins recorded by thick glaciolacustrine sediments in paleovalleys. These were cannibalized by an expanding Late Wisconsinan ice sheet after ∼24 000 ybp recorded by extensive till sheets resting on a marked erosional unconformity, with drumlinized surfaces. Analysis and visualization of LiDAR data identifies discrete statistically validated flow sets of highly elongated streamlined bedforms (mega-scale glacial lineations (MSGLs)). These provide key evidence of a major reorganization of the ice sheet margin during deglaciation into lobate paleo ice streams shortly after 17 400 ybp. MSGLs are cut across earlier LGM drumlinized tills creating widespread “palimpsest” surfaces. At least two principal phases of fast ice flow can be identified, marked by large fluxes of sediment and the rapid building of large gravel and sand-dominated moraine complexes within interlobate depocentres, the largest glacial landforms in southern Ontario. Analysis of LiDAR data further reveals the common presence of DeGeer moraines where ice margins retreated in water, and iceberg scours. Future work using LiDAR mapping has the objective of fully documenting the number, extent, and timing of ice streams to enhance glaciological modelling when the ice sheet rapidly lost mass.
Líl̓wat oral traditions of Qw̓elqw̓elústen (Mount Meager): Indigenous records of volcanic eruption, outburst flood, and landscape change in southwest British Columbia
Authors: Wilson Michael C. , Angelbeck Bill , Jones / Yaqalatqa7 Johnny
Published: February 2024

Indigenous oral traditions of the Líl̓wat Nation recount observations of Qw̓elqw̓elústen (Mount Meager), a Garibaldi Volcanic Belt volcano in southwestern British Columbia, Canada; and associated eruptive activity, mass-wasting, and outburst flooding. We present Líl̓wat observations relating to Qw̓elqw̓elústen’s ∼2360 cal year B.P. eruption and its aftermath, a devastating outburst flood down the Lillooet valley. The Copper Canoe story correlates with the event sequence of pyroclastic damming of the Lillooet River and an outburst flood traveling far downstream, interrupting salmon runs and displacing people. Other stories suggest an eruptive plume and fumaroles. Recounted valley-floor changes, with proximal scouring and downstream filling of marshes allowing human resettlement, closely parallel and augment geological evidence, showing that oral traditions are equally important in holding landscape history. Oral traditions portray dramatic landscape changes, some by the Transformers, said to have traveled this land to make imperfect things right. Geologically documented debris-flow delta progradation and infill of the upper 50 km of Lillooet Lake since ∼12 000 cal B.P. underscore the land’s dynamism and the need for both sources to inform planning for future eruptive, mass-wasting, and flooding events. Traditional landscape knowledge, like Western science, is observational and evidence-based, though interpretations can differ given Indigenous belief in a sentient landscape, capable of acting with intention. Binding of stories to geographical locations has functioned as a powerful mnemonic device to preserve orally transmitted information across many generations.
The inverse problem within free Electrodynamics and the coisotropic embedding theorem
Authors: Schiavone L.
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we present the coisotropic embedding theorem as a tool to provide a solution for the inverse problem of the calculus of variations for a particular class of implicit differential equations, namely the equations of motion of free Electrodynamics.
Region-Focused Network for Dense Captioning
Authors: Huang Qingbao , Li Pijian , Huang Youji , Shuang Feng , Cai Yi
Published: February 2024

Dense captioning is a very critical but under-explored task, which aims to densely detect localized regions-of-interest (RoIs) and describe them with natural language in a given image. Although recent studies tried to fuse multi-scale features from different visual instances to generate more accurate descriptions, their methods still suffer from the lack of exploration of relation semantic information in images, leading to less informative descriptions. Furthermore, indiscriminately fusing all visual instance features will introduce redundant information, resulting in poor matching between descriptions and corresponding regions. In this work, we propose a Region-Focused Network (RFN) to address these issues. Specifically, to fully comprehend the images, we first extract the object-level features, and encode the interaction and position relations between objects to enhance the object representations. Then, to decrease the interference from redundant information about the target region, we extract the most relevant information to the region. Finally, a region-based Transformer is employed to compose and align the previous mined information and generate the corresponding descriptions. Extensive experiments on Visual Genome V1.0 and V1.2 datasets show that our RFN model outperforms the state-of-the-art methods, thus verifying its effectiveness. Our code is available at
https://github.com/VILAN-Lab/DesCap
.
Intelligent Wearable Systems: Opportunities and Challenges in Health and Sports
Authors: Yang Luyao , Amin Osama , Shihada Basem
Published: February 2024

Wearable devices, or wearables, designed to be attached to the human body, can gather personalized real-time data and continuously monitor an individual’s health status and physiological disposition in a non-invasive manner. Intelligent wearables integrate advanced machine learning algorithms to process complex data patterns and provide accurate insights. As a result, intelligent wearables have emerged as a ground-breaking innovation in the fields of sports and health, introducing a new paradigm in kinematic analysis and patient data evaluation. For example, virtual coaches offer feedback on athletes’ performance, whereas virtual physicians assist in customizing medication for patients. This article provides an overview of various types of intelligent wearables and their applications in health and sports, categorizes machine learning algorithms, and introduces the wireless body area sensor network (WBASN) used for communication in wearable sensors. Additionally, we discuss potential challenges and development directions that could shape the future of intelligent wearables and propose effective solutions for their continued enhancement. This article offers valuable insights into the exciting potential of intelligent wearables to transform healthcare and sports.
Lower dynamic cerebral autoregulation following acute bout of low-volume high-intensity interval exercise in chronic stroke compared to healthy adults
Authors: Whitaker Alicen A. , Aaron Stacey E. , Chertoff Mark , Brassard Patrice , Buchanan Jake , Nguyen Katherine , Vidoni Eric D. , Waghmare Saniya , Eickmeyer Sarah M. , Montgomery Robert N. , Billinger Sandra A.
Published: February 2024

This study provides novel insights into poststroke dynamic cerebral autoregulation (dCA) following an acute bout of high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE). In people after stroke, dCA appears attenuated during spontaneous fluctuations in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and middle cerebral artery blood velocity (MCAv) following HIIE. However, the dCA response during a single sit-to-stand transition after HIIE showed no significant difference from controls. These findings suggest that HIIE may temporarily challenge dCA after exercise in individuals with stroke.
ZnO/NiO Nanocomposite with Enhanced Photocatalytic H2 Production
Authors: Hashim Muhammad , Usman Muhammad , Ahmad Sohail , Shah Rasool , Ali Atizaz , Rahman Naveed Ur
Published: February 2024

Inorganic photocatalytic materials exhibiting a highly efficient response to ultraviolet-visible light spectrum have become a subject of widespread global interest. They offer a substantial prospect for generating green energy and mitigating water pollution. Zinc oxide (ZnO), among various semiconductors, proves advantageous for water-splitting applications due to its elevated reactivity, chemical stability, and nontoxic nature. However, its efficacy as a photocatalyst is hindered by limited light absorption capacity and swift charge carrier recombination. To improve charge separation and enhance responsiveness to ultraviolet-visible light photocatalysis, the formation of a heterojunction with another suitable semiconductor is beneficial. Thus, we employed hydrothermal route for the synthesis of the samples, which is a high-pressure method. The formations of ZnO/NiO heterostructures were revealed by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The nanocomposites were discovered to have a substantially higher photocatalytic activity for the generation of H2. The H2 production rates show that ZnO (i.e., 168.91 μmolg-1 h-1) exhibits good H2 production rates as compared to NiO (i.e., 135.74 μmolg-1 h-1). The best production rates were observed for ZN-30 (i.e., 247.56 μmolg-1 h-1) which is 1.46 times greater than ZnO and 1.82 times greater than NiO. This enhanced photocatalytic activity for ZN-30 is because of the good electron-hole pair separation due to the formation of depletion layer, suppression of fast charge recombination, and overcoming resistance corrosion.
A Quasi‐Experimental Study Investigating the Impact of a Lifestyle Redesign Program on the Well‐Being of Korean University Students
Authors: An Sun-Joung Leigh , Kim Gyu-Rin
Published: February 2024

Background. Korean university students (KUS) face numerous challenges that can jeopardize their well‐being, including academic stress, peer pressure, irregular sleep patterns, unhealthy eating habits, lack of physical exercise, and difficulties in time management, resulting in unhealthy habits and fluctuations in lifestyle. Consequently, there is a growing need for interventions tailored to this population. Aim. This study explored the effects of a Lifestyle Redesign (LR) intervention on Korean university students’ well‐being including occupational participation, satisfaction, perceived stress levels, and quality of life. Method. A quasi‐experimental study with 33 KUS (17 intervention, 16 control) assessed the effects of a 10‐week LR intervention on well‐being of the students. Pre‐ and postintervention changes were measured using Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), Stress Response Inventory (SRI), and World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale Abbreviated Version (WHOQOL‐BREF). The intervention, delivered by trained OTs, comprised of individual and group sessions. Results. Statistically significant improvement was observed in occupational performance. While statistical significance was not consistently achieved in the rest of other areas, the LR group displayed positive trends. The LR group exhibited higher COPM satisfaction scores, lower SRI scores (indicating reduced stress), and elevated WHOQOL‐BREF scores compared to the control group. Conclusion. This study contributes to the understanding of the importance of addressing lifestyle changes and habits in the well‐being of university students, especially in the context of academic stress and peer pressure. Future research with larger, more diverse samples and extended intervention periods may offer further insights into the benefits of LR programs in university settings.
Algorithmic Complexity and Bounds for Domination Subdivision Numbers of Graphs
Authors: Hu Fu-Tao , Zhang Chang-Xu , Yang Shu-Cheng
Published: February 2024

Let G=V,E be a simple graph. A subset D⊆V is a dominating set if every vertex not in D is adjacent to a vertex in D. The domination number of G, denoted by γG, is the smallest cardinality of a dominating set of G. The domination subdivision number sdγG of G is the minimum number of edges that must be subdivided (each edge can be subdivided at most once) in order to increase the domination number. In 2000, Haynes et al. showed that sdγG≤dGv+dGv−1 for any edge uv∈EG with dGu≥2 and dGv≥2 where G is a connected graph with order no less than 3. In this paper, we improve the above bound to sdγG≤dGu+dGv−NGu∩NGv−1, and furthermore, we show the decision problem for determining whether sdγG=1 is NP-hard. Moreover, we show some bounds or exact values for domination subdivision numbers of some graphs.
Estimating the Railway Network Capacity Utilization with Mixed Train Routes and Stopping Patterns: A Multiobjective Optimization Approach
Authors: Liao Zhengwen , Li Haiying , Miao Jianrui , Meng Lingyun
Published: February 2024

Railway capacity estimation problem is typically defined as estimating the maximum number of trains that can be operated in a railway section within a given time interval. However, trains with different speeds, routes, and stopping patterns in a railway network will likely compete for the limited capacity of network nodes and sections. As these trains may provide different services, it is ambiguous to simply indicate the network capacity by a scalar number of trains. To comprehensively estimate and interpret the railway capacity considering the capacity competition between heterogeneous trains, we propose a multiobjective perspective for the capacity estimation problem to enrich the capacity theory while handling the competition among trains with different routes and stopping patterns. Based on a time‐space network timetable saturation model, we extend the multiobjective capacity estimation approach to the detailed timetable level by optimizing the saturated timetable under capacity estimation objectives with respect to different routes and stopping patterns. With the ε‐constraint method, we can obtain the Pareto front of saturated timetables, i.e., a set of nondominated optimized timetables that no more candidate train can be additionally scheduled. The result is a more comprehensive capacity representation than a single absolute scalar number. A case study is conducted on a combined high‐speed and intercity network of Zhengzhou Railway group in China. An extensive set of Pareto‐optimal saturated timetables describing the effects on the capacity of the railway network is obtained. The results can help infrastructure managers select saturated timetables as the capacity utilization reference by considering the trade‐off between time indexes from passengers’ and operators’ perspectives.
Fault Feature Extraction Method of Rolling Bearing Based on IAFD and TKEO
Authors: Guo Kai , Ma Jun , Xiong Xin , Hu Yuming , Li Xiang
Published: February 2024

The study of bearing fault feature extraction using adaptive Fourier decomposition (AFD) holds significant practical importance. However, AFD is constrained by its reliance on prior knowledge for determining decomposition levels, which can result in either underdecomposition or overdecomposition based on a single indicator. Consequently, an improved adaptive Fourier decomposition (IAFD) is proposed. First, a combined weight index called SP is constructed, and the whale optimization algorithm is employed to optimize the SP weight parameter. Second, the IAFD decomposition levels can be adaptively determined using the optimized SP. Finally, a feature extraction method-based IAFD and Teager–Kaiser energy operator is applied in rolling bearing fault diagnosis. Case studies on the Case Western Reserve University and self-made KUST-SY datasets validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Parent Self-Efficacy and Its Relationship with Children’s Screen Viewing: A Scoping Review
Authors: Milford Stephanie C. , Vernon Lynette , Scott Joseph J. , Johnson Nicola F.
Published: February 2024

This scoping review examines the relationship between parent self-efficacy and children’s screen viewing, to provide context, identify gaps and limitations of the current body of literature, and provide recommendations for future research. We identified 111 studies from a search of four academic databases, of which sixteen were within scope and met inclusion criteria. This review found that parents who identified as more self-efficacious in task-specific areas related to screen time had children with less screen viewing time. This finding suggests that parents who identify as more self-efficacious in these areas may implement more mediation strategies, in line with current public health guidelines. Overall, it highlights the importance of consistent policies that support parents in mediating screen access, whilst maximizing the benefits of screen viewing for learning.
Stiffness Modeling of Tooth Interior Fatigue and Tooth Flank Fracture and Their Fault Characteristics in Electromechanical Coupling Systems
Authors: Han Lin , Wang Dianrui , Jan Muhammad Anwar , Yang Fuchun
Published: February 2024

Tooth flank fracture (TFF) and tooth interior fatigue fracture (TIFF) usually occur on case‐harden gears in electromechanical coupling systems, both starting from the core caused by metal fatigue. The cracks propagate rapidly compared with the total life of a gear, so that it is necessary to detect and identify the faults in time when they take place in order to avoid danger. In this paper, the time‐varying mesh stiffness model of two types of faults is established by the potential energy method and validating by the finite element method. Based on the stiffness model, the influence of faults on the electromechanical system and their fault characteristics are analyzed, which provides a theoretical basis for the health detection of electromechanical coupling systems. The results indicate that in the early stage of the three faults, i.e., tooth root fracture, tooth interior fatigue fracture, and tooth flank fracture, it is hard to discriminate the faults. But after the second stage, the faults can be distinguished by the vibration amplitude, frequency band components, and phase diagrams. The TFF can be discerned into different stages by frequency domains and phase diagrams. When the fracture occurs completely, three faults can be easily distinguished by the time domain and phase diagram. In the frequency domain, the TRF can also be distinguished from the other two faults by referring to the sideband component near the meshing frequency.
Mesothelin Secretion by Pancreatic Cancer Cells Co-opts Macrophages and Promotes Metastasis
Authors: Luckett Teifion , Abudula Maidinaimu , Ireland Lucy , Glenn Mark , Bellomo Gaia , Stafferton Ruth , Halloran Chris , Ghaneh Paula , Jones Rob , Schmid Michael C. , Mielgo Ainhoa
Published: February 2024

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly metastatic disease, yet effective treatments to inhibit PDAC metastasis are lacking. The rich PDAC tumor microenvironment plays a major role in disease progression. Macrophages are the most abundant immune cell population in PDAC tumors and can acquire a range of functions that either hinder or promote tumor growth and metastasis. Here, we identified that mesothelin secretion by pancreatic cancer cells co-opts macrophages to support tumor growth and metastasis of cancer cells to the lungs, liver, and lymph nodes. Mechanistically, secretion of high levels of mesothelin by metastatic cancer cells induced the expression of VEGF alpha (VEGFA) and S100A9 in macrophages. Macrophage-derived VEGFA fed back to cancer cells to support tumor growth, and S100A9 increased neutrophil lung infiltration and formation of neutrophil extracellular traps. These results reveal a role for mesothelin in regulating macrophage functions and interaction with neutrophils to support PDAC metastasis.

Significance:

Mesothelin secretion by cancer cells supports pancreatic cancer metastasis by inducing macrophage secretion of VEGFA and S100A9 to support cancer cell proliferation and survival, recruit neutrophils, and stimulate neutrophil extracellular trap formation.

See related commentary by Alewine, p. 513
Analysis of Tumor-Associated AXIN1 Missense Mutations Identifies Variants That Activate β-Catenin Signaling
Authors: Zhang Ruyi , Li Shanshan , Schippers Kelly , Li Yunlong , Eimers Boaz , Lavrijsen Marla , Wang Ling , Cui Guofei , Chen Xin , Peppelenbosch Maikel P. , Lebbink Joyce H.G. , Smits Ron
Published: February 2024

AXIN1 is a major component of the β-catenin destruction complex and is frequently mutated in various cancer types, particularly liver cancers. Truncating AXIN1 mutations are recognized to encode a defective protein that leads to β-catenin stabilization, but the functional consequences of missense mutations are not well characterized. Here, we first identified the GSK3β, β-catenin, and RGS/APC interaction domains of AXIN1 that are the most critical for proper β-catenin regulation. Analysis of 80 tumor-associated variants in these domains identified 18 that significantly affected β-catenin signaling. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments revealed that most of them lost binding to the binding partner corresponding to the mutated domain. A comprehensive protein structure analysis predicted the consequences of these mutations, which largely overlapped with the observed effects on β-catenin signaling in functional experiments. The structure analysis also predicted that loss-of-function mutations within the RGS/APC interaction domain either directly affected the interface for APC binding or were located within the hydrophobic core and destabilized the entire structure. In addition, truncated AXIN1 length inversely correlated with the β-catenin regulatory function, with longer proteins retaining more functionality. These analyses suggest that all AXIN1-truncating mutations at least partially affect β-catenin regulation, whereas this is only the case for a subset of missense mutations. Consistently, most colorectal and liver cancers carrying missense variants acquire mutations in other β-catenin regulatory genes such as APC and CTNNB1. These results will aid the functional annotation of AXIN1 mutations identified in large-scale sequencing efforts or in individual patients.

Significance:

Characterization of 80 tumor-associated missense variants of AXIN1 reveals a subset of 18 mutations that disrupt its β-catenin regulatory function, whereas the majority are passenger mutations.
Considering Functional Outcomes as Efficacy Endpoints in Pediatric Low-Grade Glioma Clinical Trials: An FDA Educational Symposium
Authors: Fangusaro Jason , Avery Robert A. , Fisher Michael J. , Packer Roger J. , Walsh Karin S. , Schouten-van Meeteren Antoinette , Karres Dominik , Bradford Diana , Bhatnagar Vishal , Singh Harpreet , Kluetz Paul G. , Donoghue Martha , Duke Elizabeth S.
Published: February 2024

In October 2022, the FDA Oncology Center of Excellence hosted an educational symposium entitled, “Considering Functional Outcomes as Efficacy Endpoints in Pediatric Low-Grade Glioma (pLGG) Clinical Trials.” The symposium brought together patient advocates, regulators from the FDA and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and an international group of academic thought leaders in the field of pediatric neuro-oncology to discuss the potential role of functional outcomes, including visual acuity, motor function, and neurocognitive performance, as endpoints in clinical trials enrolling patients with pLGG. The panel discussed challenges and opportunities regarding the selection, implementation, and evaluation of clinical outcome assessments in these functional domains and outlined key considerations for their inclusion in future clinical trial design and role in new drug development.
FIGURE 2 from Lingual Denervation Improves the Efficacy of Anti-PD-1 Immunotherapy in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas by Downregulating TGFβ Signaling
Authors: Tao Zhuo-Ying , Wang Leilei , Zhu Wang-Yong , Zhang Gao , Su Yu-Xiong
Published: February 2024

Coculturing with TG neurons promotes proliferation, migration and invasion of OSCC cells. A, Neuron-tumor cell coculture models and the control group. B, SCC-15 cell viability after treated with the coculture medium of different timepoints (24, 48, and 72 hours) from the coculture group 1 (*, P < 0.05 vs. DMEM/F12 group at each timepoint). C–G, Migration and invasion activity of SCC-15 cells detected by migration assay, invasion assay, and wound healing assay (quantitative data from three independent experiments are shown in the right, respectively, *,**,***, P < 0.05, 0.01, 0.001).
Inhibition of Aurora Kinase Induces Endogenous Retroelements to Induce a Type I/III IFN Response via RIG-I
Authors: Choy Lisa , Norris Stephen , Wu Xiumin , Kolumam Ganesh , Firestone Ari , Settleman Jeffrey , Stokoe David
Published: February 2024

Type I IFN signaling is a crucial component of antiviral immunity that has been linked to promoting the efficacy of some chemotherapeutic drugs. We developed a reporter system in HCT116 cells that detects activation of the endogenous IFI27 locus, an IFN target gene. We screened a library of annotated compounds in these cells and discovered Aurora kinase inhibitors (AURKi) as strong hits. Type I IFN signaling was found to be the most enriched gene signature after AURKi treatment in HCT116, and this signature was also strongly enriched in other colorectal cancer cell lines. The ability of AURKi to activate IFN in HCT116 was dependent on MAVS and RIG-I, but independent of STING, whose signaling is deficient in these cells. MAVS dependence was recapitulated in other colorectal cancer lines with STING pathway deficiency, whereas in cells with intact STING signaling, the STING pathway was required for IFN induction by AURKi. AURKis were found to induce expression of endogenous retroviruses (ERV). These ERVs were distinct from those induced by the DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTi), which can induce IFN signaling via ERV induction, suggesting a novel mechanism of action. The antitumor effect of alisertib in mice was accompanied by an induction of IFN expression in HCT116 or CT26 tumors. CT26 tumor growth inhibition by alisertib was absent in NSG mice versus wildtype (WT) mice, and tumors from WT mice with alisertib treatment showed increased in CD8+ T-cell infiltration, suggesting that antitumor efficacy of AURKi depends, at least in part, on an intact immune response.

Significance:

Some cancers deactivate STING signaling to avoid consequences of DNA damage from aberrant cell division. The surprising activation of MAVS/RIG-I signaling by AURKi might represent a vulnerability in STING signaling deficient cancers.
Helicobacter pylori-Negative Gastric Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma in a Girl
Authors: Pham Nhu Hiep , Phan Canh Duy , Dang An , Tran Kiem Hao , Chau Van Ha , Nguyen Thi Kim Hoa , Nguyen Thi My Linh , Dang Thi Tam , Nguyen Linh Giang
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Extranodal marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) arises in a number of epithelial tissues, including the stomach, salivary gland, lung, small bowel, thyroid, ocular adnexa, skin, and elsewhere. It has also been called low-grade B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT). MALT lymphoma predominantly occurs in adults and is rare in children. Case Presentation: We report a case of MALT lymphoma involving the stomach, which is the most common subtype, in a 12-year-old girl. Initially, the patient relapsed after antibiotic therapy but achieved successful treatment subsequently through irradiation. Conclusion: Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy should be given to all patients with gastric MZL, irrespective of stage. In patients who do not respond to antibiotic therapy, treatment options such as irradiation and systemic cancer therapies should be considered, depending on the disease stage.
miR-135a Mediates Mitochondrial Oxidative Respiratory Function through SIRT1 to Regulate Atrial Fibrosis
Authors: Ding Tianhang , Zeng Liyan , Xia Ying , Zhang Baojun , Cui Dongji
Published: February 2024

Introduction: This study aimed to explore the function of miR-135a in the progress of atrial fibrosis and the mechanism of miR-135a/SIRT1 (sirtuin 1) in human cardiac fibroblasts and mouse cardiac fibroblasts (MCFs) mediating the regulation of atrial fibrosis by mitochondrial oxidative respiration function. Methods: Using Ang II (angiotensin II) to induce fibrosis in HCFs (human corneal fibroblasts) and MCF (Michigan Cancer Foundation, MCF) cells in vitro, the miRNA-seq results of previous studies were validated. Proliferative and invasive ability of HCFs and MCFs was detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay (CCK-8) and scratch experiment after overexpressing miR-135a in HCFs and MCF cells. Protein and mRNA expression was tested using Western blot and qPCR. The target of miR-135a was verified as SIRT1 by a luciferase reporter assay and the activities of the mitochondrial respiratory enzyme complexes I, II, III, and IV were determined colorimetrically. The activities of malondialdehyde, reactive oxygen species, and superoxide dismutase in cells were detected with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: miR-135a expression was elevated in HCFs and MCFs cells in the Ang II group than control group. Overexpression of miR-135a could promote the proliferation, migration, oxidative stress, as well as fibrosis of cardiac fibroblasts and suppresses mitochondrial activity. In addition, we found SIRT1 was a target gene of miR-135a. What is more, the findings showed miR-135a promoted fibrosis in HCFs and MCFs cells acting through regulation of SIRT1. Conclusions: miR-135a mediates mitochondrial oxidative respiratory function through SIRT1 to regulate atrial fibrosis.