bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stop drinking alcohol: A pathway to abstinence from all drugs
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: May 2024

The problems caused by excessive alcohol consumption begin at a young age. So do, tragically, overdoses from drugs, and increasingly, drug addiction in general. In Japan, it's illegal to use drugs. But a recent study there has found that what really contributes to abstinence is residential treatment (something many parents wish they could afford for their children) and the cessation has resulted in increased abstinence rates from drugs in general.
Middle meningeal artery embolization for chronic subdural hematoma refractory to Burr hole surgery: A case report
Authors: Phuyal Subash , Paudel Sushanta , Chhetri Suchit Thapa , Sedain Gopal , Phuyal Prakash , Shrestha Oshan , Khanal Deepa
Published: May 2024

Key Clinical Message

Middle meningeal artery embolization is a valuable alternative for chronic subdural hematoma refractory to Burr hole surgery. In a 61‐year‐old patient, this endovascular intervention effectively resolved the hematoma alleviating associated symptoms.
POSTN knockdown suppresses IL‐1β‐induced inflammation and apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells via inhibiting the NF‐κB pathway and alleviates intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Wang Zhaoheng , Zhu Daxue , Yang Fengguang , Chen Haiwei , Kang Jihe , Liu Wenzhao , Lin Aixin , Kang Xuewen
Published: May 2024

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of POSTN on IL‐1β induced inflammation, apoptosis, NF‐κB pathway and intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) in Nucleus pulposus (NP) cells (NPCs). NP tissue samples with different Pfirrmann grades were collected from patients with different degrees of IVDD. Western blot and immunohistochemical staining were used to compare the expression of POSTN protein in NP tissues. Using the IL‐1β‐induced IVDD model, NPCs were transfected with lentivirus‐coated si‐POSTN to down‐regulate the expression of POSTN and treated with CU‐T12‐9 to evaluate the involvement of NF‐κB pathway. Western blot, immunofluorescence, and TUNEL staining were used to detect the expression changes of inflammation, apoptosis and NF‐κB pathway‐related proteins in NPCs. To investigate the role of POSTN in vivo, a rat IVDD model was established by needle puncture of the intervertebral disc. Rats were injected with lentivirus‐coated si‐POSTN, and H&E staining and immunohistochemical staining were performed. POSTN expression is positively correlated with the severity of IVDD in human. POSTN expression was significantly increased in the IL‐1β‐induced NPCs degeneration model. Downregulation of POSTN protects NPCs from IL‐1β‐induced inflammation and apoptosis. CU‐T12‐9 treatment reversed the protective effect of si‐POSTN on NPCs. Furthermore, lentivirus‐coated si‐POSTN injection partially reversed NP tissue damage in the IVDD model in vivo. POSTN knockdown reduces inflammation and apoptosis of NPCs by inhibiting NF‐κB pathway, and ultimately prevents IVDD. Therefore, POSTN may be an effective target for the treatment of IVDD.
Use cases of a digital twin bridge in operation
Authors: Nieborowski Sonja , Windmann Sarah , Bednorz Jennifer , Hindersmann Iris , Zinke Tim
Published: May 2024

The digital twin bridge makes an important contribution on the way to predictive life cycle management. The potentials are many, especially in the life cycle phase “operation.” There, the digital twin bridge can serve as an efficient tool in terms of analyses, predictions, control, and monitoring. The goal is optimized maintenance, the importance of which continues to grow in view of the current challenges for civil engineering structures. It is therefore particularly important that relevant stakeholders with their needs and requirements are involved in the conception of the digital twin bridge at an early stage. This approach is being pursued by the German Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt) in various research projects that already cover partial aspects of the digital twin and is also being continued in an ongoing project to develop an overall concept for the digital twin bridge. Possible use cases were collected and assigned to the topics of “operational processes,” “maintenance planning and implementation,” and “strategic life cycle management.” In a workshop, the use cases were discussed and initially ranked by and with stakeholders. The results form an important basis for the elaboration of the modular overall concept of the digital twin bridge and the way into practice.
Electrocatalytic Multicomponent Cascade Cross‐Coupling for the Synthesis of Chalcogenosulfonates
Authors: Zhao Zhiheng , Yan Hongyan , Zhou Yaqin , Xue Wei , Gu Lijun , Zhang Shengyong
Published: May 2024

Comprehensive Summary

An electrocatalytic multicomponent cascade cross‐coupling for the synthesis of chalcogenosulfonates has been established. This approach does not require the use of transition metals, acids, and external oxidants. The gentle conditions and tolerance to a wide variety of functional groups permit the derivatization of complex indoles.
A systematic review on performance characteristics of FNA of renal lesions: It is time for a standardized classification system
Authors: Katipoglu Kübra , Kilic Irem , Kurtulan Olcay , Akdas Yasemin , Barkan Güliz A.
Published: May 2024

Background

The incidence of renal tumors has steadily increased over the past decade. In this study, the authors performed a systematic review and analysis of the literature on renal fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) to determine its performance and explore whether a standardized classification system can be used for reporting renal FNA cytology.

Methods

A systematic search of published articles on renal FNA was conducted. The data on FNA and histologic diagnosis were extracted and categorized, and the risk of malignancy was calculated. Different scenarios were used to estimate FNA performance statistics.

Results

Of the 3766 potentially relevant studies, 23 met the inclusion criteria of the study. The 2231 FNA cases included were re‐categorized according to the classification system, rendering 142 (6.36%) nondiagnostic, 270 (12.1%) nonneoplastic, 271 (12.14%) benign neoplasm, 65 (2.91%) renal neoplasm with unknown malignant potential, oncocytic type, 25 (1.12%) atypia of undetermined significance, 60 (2.68%) suspicious for malignancy, and 1398 (62.66%) malignant FNA diagnoses. The risk of malignancy in these cases was 65.4%, 18.1%, 16.6%, 16.9%, 60%, 73.3%, and 96.9%, respectively. According to the classification system, the study indicated that the accuracy of renal FNA was between 91% and 95%, the sensitivity was 90.9%–96.7%, and the specificity was 82%–92% in different scenarios.

Conclusions

There is a need for a standardized reporting in renal cytology that will improve the sensitivity and accuracy of renal cytology, reduce the rate of indeterminate diagnoses, and alter the management strategies of renal lesions. Based on the available literature, a new reporting system is proposed, including categories with an associated risk of malignancy.
Statins as anti‐tumor agents: A paradigm for repurposed drugs
Authors: Tripathi Sneha , Gupta Ekta , Galande Sanjeev
Published: May 2024

Background

Statins, frequently prescribed medications, work by inhibiting the rate‐limiting enzyme HMG‐CoA reductase (HMGCR) in the mevalonate pathway to reduce cholesterol levels. Due to their multifaceted benefits, statins are being adapted for use as cost‐efficient, safe and effective anti‐cancer treatments. Several studies have shown that specific types of cancer are responsive to statin medications since they rely on the mevalonate pathway for their growth and survival.

Recent Findings

Statin are a class of drugs known for their potent inhibition of cholesterol production and are typically prescribed to treat high cholesterol levels. Nevertheless, there is growing interest in repurposing statins for the treatment of malignant neoplastic diseases, often in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The mechanism behind statin treatment includes targeting apoptosis through the BCL2 signaling pathway, regulating the cell cycle via the p53‐YAP axis, and imparting epigenetic modulations by altering methylation patterns on CpG islands and histone acetylation by downregulating DNMTs and HDACs respectively. Notably, some studies have suggested a potential chemo‐preventive effect, as decreased occurrence of tumor relapse and enhanced survival rate were reported in patients undergoing long‐term statin therapy. However, the definitive endorsement of statin usage in cancer therapy hinges on population based clinical studies with larger patient cohorts and extended follow‐up periods.

Conclusions

The potential of anti‐cancer properties of statins seems to reach beyond their influence on cholesterol production. Further investigations are necessary to uncover their effects on cancer promoting signaling pathways. Given their distinct attributes, statins might emerge as promising contenders in the fight against tumorigenesis, as they appear to enhance the efficacy and address the limitations of conventional cancer treatments.
Computational and Spectroscopic Studies on the Formation of Halogen‐Bonded Complexes Between Tertiary Amines and CBr4 and Application in the Light‐Mediated Amino Acid Coupling
Authors: Routsi E. Alexandros , Mantzourani Christiana , Rrapi Marie , Mountanea Olga G. , Kokotou Maroula G. , Tzeli Demeter , Kokotos Christoforos G. , Kokotos George
Published: May 2024

In recent years, halogen‐bonded complexes (XBCs), in solution, have played a pivotal role in inducing photochemical organic reactions. In this work, we explore the ability of various tertiary amines to act as XB acceptors in the presence of the XB donor CBr4 by computational and spectroscopic studies. DFT studies clearly showcase the formation of XBCs between the studied tertiary amines and CBr4. Simultaneously, computational and experimental UV‐Vis studies display intense red shifts that are consistent with charge transfer observed from tertiary amines to CBr4. A detailed NMR study revealed a clear chemical shift of the carbon carrying the bromine atoms upon mixing the XB acceptor with the donor, suggesting that this spectroscopic technique is indeed an experimental tool to identify the generation of XBCs. An application of the ability of such XBCs to activate a carboxylic acid under UVA irradiation or sunlight is presented for amino acid coupling. Among the various tertiary amines studied, the pair DABCO‐CBr4 was found to work well for the photochemical amide bond formation. Direct infusion‐HRMS studies allowed us to propose a general mechanism for the photochemical amino acid coupling in the presence of a tertiary amine and CBr4, initiated by the photoactivation of an XBC.
Solution Dynamics of Covalent Open‐[60]Fullerene Dimers
Authors: Okamoto Shu , Hashikawa Yoshifumi , Murata Yasujiro
Published: May 2024

The translational diffusivity of covalent open‐[60]fullerene dimers in an organic solvent was found to be well describable by a prolate ellipsoid model while a monomeric open‐[60]fullerene behaves like a sphere model. The water association dynamics were examined for two open‐[60]fullerene dimers, showing a higher water affinity for the sp3‐linked dimer relative to sp2‐linked dimer owing to an effective orbital–orbital overlap identified by π(fullerene)→σ*(H2O) interactions as suggested by theoretical calculations.
Fuzzy inference logic assisted rendezvous points based effective routing strategy in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Chakraborty Sujay , Raghuvanshi Ajay Singh
Published: May 2024

In this proposed strategy, an effective routing strategy is introduced for routing based on Rendezvous Points assisted fuzzy inference logics. First, sensor nodes in the cluster are created using the mean‐shift clustering mechanism (MS‐ClusT). A cluster head is selected for the clusters to gather aggregated data from the nodes of clusters. The cluster head selection is done using the Manta Ray optimization‐assisted modified network‐based fuzzy inference logic (MMFiL) approach. Rendezvous points are then selected for routing to minimize the delay and energy consumption for visiting all cluster heads. The rendezvous points are used to define the shortest route for routing. The shortest path from clusters to the base station by selecting rendezvous points is implemented using an integrated neural network with an Archer‐Fish optimization algorithm (InnAFo). In the end, the performance attained by the model is compared with the results of the classical strategy and returns a 0.976563 packet delivery rate and 0.029297 loss rate in 500 nodes. Furthermore, the throughput attained by the proposed model is 0.992874 Mbps, and the delay is 67.30 ms at 500 nodes. The analysis of the proposed model will result in less time needed for cluster head selection.
Impounded sediment and dam removal: Erosion rates and proximal downstream fate
Authors: Collins Mathias J. , Baker Matthew E. , Cashman Matthew J. , Miller Andrew , Van Ryswick Stephen
Published: May 2024

Sediment management is an important aspect of dam removal projects, often driving costs and influencing community acceptance. For dams storing uncontaminated sediments, downstream release is often the cheapest and most practical approach and can be ecologically beneficial to downstream areas deprived of sediment for years. To employ this option, project proponents must estimate the sediment quantity to be released and, if substantial, estimate how long it will take to erode, where it will go and how long it will stay there. We investigated these issues when the Bloede Dam was removed from the Patapsco River in Maryland, USA, in 2018. The dam was about 10 m high, and its impoundment was nearly filled with an estimated 186 600 m3 of sediment composed of 70% sand and 30% mud. After removal, using elevation surveys generated by traditional methods as well as structure‐from‐motion (SfM) photogrammetry at high temporal resolution, we documented rapid erosion of stored sediments in the first 6 months (~60%) followed by greatly reduced erosion rates for the next two and a half years. A stable channel developed in the impoundment during the rapid erosion phase. These results were predicted by a two‐phased erosion response model developed from observations at sand‐filled impoundments, thus expanding its applicability to include impoundments with a sand‐over‐mud stratigraphy. A similar two‐phase erosion response has been reported for sediment releases at other dam removals in the United States, France and Japan across a range of dam and watershed scales, indicating what practitioners and communities should expect in similar settings. Downstream, repeat surveys combined with discharge and sediment gaging showed rapid transport of eroded sediments through a 5‐km reach, especially during the first year when discharges were above normal, and little overbank storage.
Preliminary exploration of acceptance and emotional responses to the key floral volatile compounds of Pu'er crude tea
Authors: An Huimin , Ou Xingchang , Chen Jinhua , Li Juan , Li Shi , Liu Yang , Jiang Hongjian , Li Chongxing , Fang Linjiang , Liu Zhonghua , Huang Jianan
Published: May 2024

Pu'er crude tea (PCT), the initial raw material for making Pu'er tea, is favored because of unique flavor and health effects. Emotional response is helpful to explain consumers’ choice of different flavors of tea. This study aims to clarify the key floral volatiles of PCT and their emotional impact on people. Twenty‐nine compounds were identified as the key volatiles from 237 volatiles, which formed the flowery aroma of PCT. Linalool, geraniol, nonanal, and methyl salicylate were more abundant in the PCT, they evoked the top five emotions (mild, wild, aggressive, tame, bored). Methyl salicylate contributed most to the wild emotion in the two mixed samples (B10 and B14), and it may contribute positively to the health effects of tea, such as refreshing and anti‐inflammatory. This study provided a preliminary research idea for exploring the relationship between tea aroma and human emotions and its potential role in human health.
Effect of tea green leafhopper (Empoasca onukii Matsuda) sucking on the quality of Oriental Beauty
Authors: Zeng Lin , Liu Yu‐Yi , Wang Fang , Jin Shan , Chen Lian‐Shuang , Fu Yan‐Qing , Feng Zhi‐Hui , Yin Jun‐Feng , Sun Wei‐Jiang , Yu Xiao‐Min , Xu Yong‐Quan
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to investigate the effects of tea green leafhopper damage on the sensory quality and metabolite composition of Oriental Beauty by using tea leaves from different varieties of tea plants and processing factories. The results indicated that tea green leafhopper damage could reduce bitterness and increase the level of fruity aroma, which was related to the content changes of catechin components and alcohol substances. Furthermore, the tea green leafhopper salivary treatment experiment revealed that the decrease of catechin content and increase of theaflavin content were mainly influenced by the action of saliva and mechanical injury, and changes in volatile components such as linalool oxidation were responsible for the alteration in aroma. These findings provide a theoretical reference for the aroma formation and quality improvement of Oriental Beauty.
The Clean Energy Transition and the Regulatory Paradigm
Authors: DeCotis Paul A.
Published: May 2024

Being in regular contact with electric and natural gas industry professionals including regulators and policy makers, several critical concerns have been surfaced more prominently. The significance of these concerns center around the pace, scale, and cost of the clean energy transition. Collectively, we are at a point of reckoning—and conversations are now increasingly focused on these concerns.
Government subsidies and corporate environmental, social and governance performance: Evidence from companies of China
Authors: Peng Pei , Sun Mengzi
Published: May 2024

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance is crucial for companies to attain sustainable development, which is a key reference for assessing the value and growth potential of a company. Government subsidies can provide incentives for companies to prioritize environmental preservation, meet their social duties, and improve their governance performance. This paper empirically examines the effects and mechanisms of government subsidies on corporate ESG performance, using an Ologit multiple ordered regression model based on data from Chinese listed companies. We find that not only do total government subsidies significantly improve firms' ESG performance, but both environmental and non‐environmental subsidies also have the similar effect, albeit with different impact mechanisms. The analysis of the mechanism suggests that government subsidies can enhance corporate ESG performance by promoting green innovation, alleviating financing constraints, increasing charitable donations, and attracting social attention. This paper holds significant practical value as it presents empirical findings as a basis for reforming China's subsidy policies, showcasing the actual impact of diverse subsidy policies and the heterogeneity.
Neonatal immune stimulation results in sex‐specific changes in ultrasonic vocalizations but does not affect seizure susceptibility in neonatal mice
Authors: Santana‐Coelho Danielle , Pranske Zachary J. , Nolan Suzanne O. , Hodges Samantha L. , Binder Matthew S. , Womble Paige D. , Narvaiz David A. , Muhammad Ilyasah , Lugo Joaquin N.
Published: May 2024

Neuroinflammation during the neonatal period has been linked to disorders such as autism and epilepsy. In this study, we investigated the early life behavioral consequences of a single injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at postnatal day 10 (PD10) in mice. To assess deficits in communication, we performed the isolation‐induced ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) test at PD12. To determine if early life immune stimulus could alter seizure susceptibility, latency to flurothyl‐induced generalized seizures was measured at 4 hours (hrs), 2 days, or 5 days after LPS injections. LPS had a sex‐dependent effect on USV number. LPS‐treated male mice presented significantly fewer USVs than LPS‐treated female mice. However, the number of calls did not significantly differ between control and LPS for either sex. In male mice, we found that downward, short, and composite calls were significantly more prevalent in the LPS treatment group, while upward, chevron, and complex calls were less prevalent than in controls (p < 0.05). Female mice that received LPS presented a significantly higher proportion of short, frequency steps, two‐syllable, and composite calls in their repertoire when compared with female control mice (p < 0.05). Seizure latency was not altered by early‐life inflammation at any of the time points measured. Our findings suggest that early‐life immune stimulation at PD10 disrupts vocal development but does not alter the susceptibility to flurothyl‐induced seizures during the neonatal period. Additionally, the effect of inflammation in the disruption of vocalization is sex‐dependent.
Head‐to‐head comparison of relevant cell sources of small extracellular vesicles for cardiac repair: Superiority of embryonic stem cells
Authors: González‐King Hernán , Rodrigues Patricia G. , Albery Tamsin , Tangruksa Benyapa , Gurrapu Ramya , Silva Andreia M. , Musa Gentian , Kardasz Dominika , Liu Kai , Kull Bengt , Åvall Karin , Rydén‐Markinhuhta Katarina , Incitti Tania , Sharma Nitin , Graneli Cecilia , Valadi Hadi , Petkevicius Kasparas , Carracedo Miguel , Tejedor Sandra , Ivanova Alena , Heydarkhan‐Hagvall Sepideh , Menasché Phillipe , Synnergren Jane , Dekker Niek , Wang Qing‐Dong , Jennbacken Karin
Published: May 2024

Small extracellular vesicles (sEV) derived from various cell sources have been demonstrated to enhance cardiac function in preclinical models of myocardial infarction (MI). The aim of this study was to compare different sources of sEV for cardiac repair and determine the most effective one, which nowadays remains limited. We comprehensively assessed the efficacy of sEV obtained from human primary bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BM‐MSC), human immortalized MSC (hTERT‐MSC), human embryonic stem cells (ESC), ESC‐derived cardiac progenitor cells (CPC), human ESC‐derived cardiomyocytes (CM), and human primary ventricular cardiac fibroblasts (VCF), in in vitro models of cardiac repair. ESC‐derived sEV (ESC‐sEV) exhibited the best pro‐angiogenic and anti‐fibrotic effects in vitro. Then, we evaluated the functionality of the sEV with the most promising performances in vitro, in a murine model of MI‐reperfusion injury (IRI) and analysed their RNA and protein compositions. In vivo, ESC‐sEV provided the most favourable outcome after MI by reducing adverse cardiac remodelling through down‐regulating fibrosis and increasing angiogenesis. Furthermore, transcriptomic, and proteomic characterizations of sEV derived from hTERT‐MSC, ESC, and CPC revealed factors in ESC‐sEV that potentially drove the observed functions. In conclusion, ESC‐sEV holds great promise as a cell‐free treatment for promoting cardiac repair following MI.
Morphological variation of tail bone among two chicken breeds and their F1 progeny
Authors: Nyirimana Prudence , Kondoh Daisuke , Tomiyasu Jumpei , Watanabe Momoka , Okada Yume , Nishida Yuma , Goto Tatsuhiko
Published: May 2024

Fancy breeds of Japanese indigenous chicken display extensive morphological diversity, particularly in tail feathers. Although marked differences in tail and bone traits have been reported between Tosa‐jidori (wild type) and Minohikichabo (rich type) breeds, little is known about the pattern of genetic inheritance in cross experiments. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the strain and sex effects, and inheritance patterns, in the morphometric variation of pygostyle bones among Tosa‐jidori, Minohikichabo, and their F1 hybrids. Five morphological traits, angle of the apex of the pygostyle, pygostyle length, margo cranialis length, tail feather number, and body weight, were evaluated at the adult stage. A significant strain difference was detected in all traits, whereas significant sex differences were observed in only three traits, but not in the angle of the apex of the pygostyle and tail feather number. In F1 hybrids, the angle of the apex of the pygostyle was significantly different to that of Tosa‐jidori but not that of Minohikichabo, whereas the pygostyle length and tail number of F1 hybrids were significantly different from those of Minohikichabo but not those of Tosa‐jidori. A significant heterosis effect was found in the margo cranialis length and body weight. All five traits showed nonadditive inheritance patterns but varied in each trait between partial dominance (angle of the apex of pygostyle), full dominance (pygostyle length and tail feather number), and over‐dominance (margo cranialis length and body weight). Interestingly, different patterns of genetic inheritance in the F1 hybrid were observed at different locations, even within the same pygostyle bone. Using the Japanese indigenous chicken model, these results provide a substantial step toward understanding the genetic architecture of morphology in chickens.
The burden of infectious diseases throughout and after the COVID‐19 pandemic (2020–2023) and Russo‐Ukrainian war migration
Authors: Rzymski Piotr , Zarębska‐Michaluk Dorota , Parczewski Miłosz , Genowska Agnieszka , Poniedziałek Barbara , Strukcinskiene Birute , Moniuszko‐Malinowska Anna , Flisiak Robert
Published: May 2024

Understanding how the infectious disease burden was affected throughout the COVID‐19 pandemic is pivotal to identifying potential hot spots and guiding future mitigation measures. Therefore, our study aimed to analyze the changes in the rate of new cases of Poland's most frequent infectious diseases during the entire COVID‐19 pandemic and after the influx of war refugees from Ukraine. We performed a registry‐based population‐wide study in Poland to analyze the changes in the rate of 24 infectious disease cases from 2020 to 2023 and compared them to the prepandemic period (2016–2019). Data were collected from publicly archived datasets of the Epimeld database published by national epidemiological authority institutions. The rate of most of the studied diseases (66.6%) revealed significantly negative correlations with the rate of SARS‐CoV‐2 infections. For the majority of infectious diseases, it substantially decreased in 2020 (in case of 83%) and 2021 (63%), following which it mostly rebounded to the prepandemic levels and, in some cases, exceeded them in 2023 when the exceptionally high annual rates of new cases of scarlet fever, Streptococcus pneumoniae infections, HIV infections, syphilis, gonococcal infections, and tick‐borne encephalitis were noted. The rate of Clostridioides difficile enterocolitis was two‐fold higher than before the pandemic from 2021 onward. The rate of Legionnaires’ disease in 2023 also exceeded the prepandemic threshold, although this was due to a local outbreak unrelated to lifted COVID‐19 pandemic restrictions or migration of war refugees. The influx of war migrants from Ukraine could impact the epidemiology of sexually transmitted diseases. The present analysis indicates that continued efforts are needed to prevent COVID‐19 from overwhelming healthcare systems again and decreasing the control over the burden of other infectious diseases. It also identifies the potential tipping points that require additional mitigation measures, which are also discussed in the paper, to avoid escalation in the future.
Period prevalence of uveitis in human T‐lymphotropic virus 1 carriers versus noncarriers in a highly endemic area: The Nagasaki Islands Study
Authors: Miyata Jun , Yamanashi Hirotomo , Dake Yoshinori , Nobusue Kenichi , Doi Yusuke , Honda Yukiko , Nonaka Fumiaki , Arima Kazuhiko , Tamai Mami , Sasaki Daisuke , Shimizu Yuji , Hasegawa Hiroo , Kitaoka Takashi , Yanagihara Katsunori , Aoyagi Kiyoshi , Kawakami Atsushi , Maeda Takahiro
Published: May 2024

The magnitude of the effect of human T‐lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV‐1) infection on uveitis remains unclear. We conducted a cross‐sectional study in a highly endemic area of HTLV‐1 in Japan. The study included 4265 residents (men, 39.2%), mostly middle‐aged and older individuals with a mean age of 69.9 years, who participated in our surveys between April 2016 and September 2022. We identified HTLV‐1 carriers by screening using chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassays and confirmatory tests, and the proportion of carriers was 16.1%. Participants with uveitis were determined from the medical records of all hospitals and clinics where certified ophthalmologists practiced. We conducted logistic regression analyses in an age‐ and sex‐adjusted model to compute the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of uveitis according to HTLV‐1 infection status. Thirty‐two (0.8%) participants had uveitis. For HTLV‐1 carriers, the age‐ and sex‐adjusted OR (95% CI) of uveitis was 3.27 (1.57–6.72) compared with noncarriers. In conclusion, HTLV‐1 infection was associated with a higher risk of uveitis among mostly middle‐aged and older Japanese residents in a highly endemic HTLV‐1 area. Our findings suggest that physicians who treat HTLV‐1 carriers should assess ocular symptoms, and those who diagnose patients with uveitis should consider HTLV‐1 infection.
Meta‐analysis evaluating apixaban in patients with atrial fibrillation and end‐stage renal disease requiring dialysis
Authors: AlTurki Ahmed , Marafi Mariam , Dawas Ahmed , Joza Jacqueline , Proietti Riccardo , Russo Vincenzo , Mavrakanas Thomas , Trinh Emilie , Weber Catherine , Suri Rita , Essebag Vidal , Huynh Thao
Published: May 2024

Background

Warfarin is considered the primary oral anticoagulant for patients with atrial fibrillation and end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis. Although warfarin can offer significant stroke prevention in this population, the accompanying major bleeding risks make warfarin nearly prohibitive. Apixaban was shown to be superior to warfarin in preventing stroke or systemic embolism, with a lower risk of bleeding and mortality in a large, randomized trial of individuals with mostly normal renal function but none with ESRD.

Methods

We systematically reviewed evidence comparing apixaban versus warfarin for atrial fibrillation in this population, and evaluated outcomes of stroke or systemic embolism, and major bleeding using random‐effects models. The main safety outcome was major bleeding, and the main effectiveness outcome was stroke or systemic embolism.

Results

We found five observational studies of 10 036 patients (2638 receiving apixaban, and 7398 receiving warfarin) meeting inclusion criteria. Pooled analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in major bleeding with apixaban as compared to warfarin (odds ratio [OR] 0.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.42–0.61; p < .0001). Apixaban was also associated with a reduction in intracranial bleeding (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.37–0.92; p = .02) and in gastrointestinal bleeding (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.51–0.73; p < .0001). Furthermore, apixaban was associated with a reduction in stroke/systemic embolism (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.50–0.82; p < .0001).

Conclusion

Apixaban was associated with superior outcomes and reduced adverse events compared to warfarin in observational studies of patients with atrial fibrillation on dialysis. Randomized controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Wastewater monitoring of SARS‐CoV‐2 gene for COVID‐19 epidemiological surveillance in Tucumán, Argentina
Authors: D'Arpino María Cecilia , Sineli Pedro Eugenio , Goroso Gustavo , Watanabe William , Saavedra María Lucila , Hebert Elvira María , Martínez María Alejandra , Migliavacca Julieta , Gerstenfeld Silvina , Chahla Rossana Elena , Bellomio Augusto , Albarracín Virginia Helena
Published: May 2024

Wastewater‐based epidemiology provides temporal and spatial information about the health status of a population. The objective of this study was to analyze and report the epidemiological dynamics of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) in the province of Tucumán, Argentina during the second and third waves of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) between April 2021 and March 2022. The study aimed to quantify SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA in wastewater, correlating it with clinically reported COVID‐19 cases. Wastewater samples (n = 72) were collected from 16 sampling points located in three cities of Tucumán (San Miguel de Tucumán, Yerba Buena y Banda del Río Salí). Detection of viral nucleocapsid markers (N1 gene) was carried out using one‐step reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). Viral loads were determined for each positive sample using a standard curve. A positive correlation (p < 0.05) was observed between viral load (copies/mL) and the clinically confirmed COVID‐19 cases reported at specific sampling points in San Miguel de Tucumán (SP4, SP7, and SP8) in both months, May and June. Indeed, the high viral load concurred with the peaks of COVID‐19 cases. This method allowed us to follow the behavior of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection during epidemic outbreaks. Thus, wastewater monitoring is a valuable epidemiological indicator that enables the anticipation of increases in COVID‐19 cases and tracking the progress of the pandemic. SARS‐CoV‐2 genome‐based surveillance should be implemented as a routine practice to prepare for any future surge in infections.
Evaluation and projection of the summer precipitation recycling over the Tibetan plateau based on CMIP6 GCMs
Authors: Xu Ying , Han Zhenyu , Liu Yanju , Wu Jie
Published: May 2024

Based on ERA5 and 23 CMIP6 models under three Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs), we assess the performance of CMIP6 models in reproducing the summer precipitation, evaporation and precipitation recycling ratio (PRR) over the Tibetan plateau (TP) during 1981–2014. We also project future changes of the summer precipitation, evaporation, PRR and moisture transport over the TP during 2021–2100. CMIP6 models and their ensemble mean to reproduce the temporal and spatial characteristics of precipitation, evaporation, PRR and moisture transport over the TP. And the performance in simulating precipitation is better than that in simulating evaporation and PRR. The precipitation and evaporation under the three SSPs will increase, with the significant upward trends of 0.84%/decade ~2.79%/decade and 0.80%/decade ~2.14%/decade, respectively. However, the PRR will increase slightly (0.13%/decade) and then marginally reduce (−0.22%/decade). In the late 21st century, regional mean summer precipitation, evaporation and PRR over the TP in SSP5‐8.5 will change by about 20.13%, 17.14%, and −0.77%, respectively. From spatial distribution, precipitation will increase in most parts of the TP in the 21st century, especially in the western part of the plateau, reaching more than 50% in of the late 21st century, the area of PRR decreased gradually expanded, with the maximum reduction (15%–20%) of PRR in the western region. It indicates that more precipitation in the western of the plateau depends on the external moisture transport. The PRR in the southern part of the plateau will increase, with a maximum of more than 20%, which indicates the contribution of the external water vapour transport to the southern precipitation will decrease, and that of the internal cycle (local evaporation) to the local precipitation will increase. In conclusion, the increase of the regional mean precipitation over the TP in the near and mid‐21st century is mainly due to the local evaporation, while the increase of the summer precipitation in the late 21st century is due to both the local evaporation and the external water vapour advection, it shows that the precipitation generated by the inner circulation is becoming weaker and more dependent on the external water vapour transport.
Enhanced performance of CMIP6 climate models in simulating historical precipitation in the Florida Peninsula
Authors: Wang Hui , Asefa Tirusew
Published: May 2024

Assessing the performance of General Circulation Models (GCMs) in simulating historical regional precipitation is essential for climate assessments. This study analysed 18 GCMs from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) and 27 GCMs from Phase 6 (CMIP6) for the Florida Peninsula. Naïve combinations formed the CMIP5‐Ensemble and CMIP6‐Ensemble. The reference dataset consisted of global gridded precipitation data from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. GCM‐simulated precipitation data were compared to the reference dataset across multiple time scales between 1951 and 2005. Most CMIP5 and CMIP6 GCMs exhibited a negative bias at the daily time scale, with an absolute value ranging between 0 and 2 mm day−1 at the median level, except for INM‐CM4 and MRI‐CGCM3 (CMIP5) and CNRM‐ESM2‐1 (CMIP6). Two performance metrics, that is, Pearson correlation and mean absolute error (MAE), were used to evaluate the GCMs. A correlation value above 0.3 is statistically significant at the significance level (α = 0.05). For the Pearson correlation between simulated and observed monthly precipitation, only 15% of CMIP5 GCMs (3 out of 19) had a median value above 0.3, whilst this increased to approximately 39% (11 out of 28) for CMIP6 GCMs. For monthly climatological precipitation, only 21% (4 out of 21) of GCMs in CMIP5 showed a correlation with a median value of 0.8 or higher. This percentage rose to 50% (14 out of 28) for CMIP6. A notable difference was observed in the MAE between CMIP5 and CMIP6 climate models. Lastly, GCM raw outputs were evaluated based on rainy season characteristics (onset, demise and duration). Significant improvements from the CMIP5 to the CMIP6 models were observed in capturing the rainy season in the Florida Peninsula. This study thoroughly compares CMIP5 and CMIP6 climate models in simulating historical precipitation at various time scales for the study region. Although the results are specific to the study area, the methods can be applied more broadly.
Response of evapotranspiration to the 2022 unprecedented extreme drought in the Yangtze River Basin
Authors: Zhang Yu , Liu Xiaomang , Wang Kaiwen , Bai Peng
Published: May 2024

The response of evapotranspiration (ET) to drought is essential for understanding water availability under drought conditions, which has received increasing scientific attention but remains highly uncertain. An unprecedented extreme drought sweeping the whole Yangtze River Basin during the summer and autumn of 2022 provides a novel opportunity to explore the ET response to drought within large river basins. Here, we apply multiple ET products to investigate the spatiotemporal variation of ET during the 2022 extreme drought and analyse the response of ET to drought in the Yangtze River Basin. The results show that this drought, characterized by widespread substantial precipitation deficit and high level of atmospheric evaporative demand (AED), leads to evident abnormal ET. Over the whole basin, ET exhibits a notable increase in the initial 2 months of this drought, which can significantly reduce water availability. However, despite continued high AED, the increase in ET fails to remain in the following months due to limited moisture supply. This suggests that ET response to drought varies as drought progresses. Among other drought events from 2003 to 2022, the response of ET is similar to that in the 2022 extreme drought. Specifically, for most sub‐basins, ET typically shows positive anomalies in the early stage of drought, followed by negative anomalies in the late stage. Generally, our findings improve the understanding of the dynamic response of ET to drought at the basin scale, which is crucial for basin water security.
Substantial innovation or strategic innovation? The impact of government venture capital guidance funds on corporate innovation
Authors: Saci Fateh , Ahmad Mohamad
Published: May 2024

Based on a dual‐differential model of the number of patent applications issued by A‐share enterprises from 2014 to 2019, this article analyzes impact of Venture Capital (VC) guided by government on company's innovation and their internal mechanisms. The results show that the number of patent applications increases after enterprises are invested directly or indirectly by the government guiding fund, indicating that this kind of VC has a positive guidance on enterprise innovation. However, after further studying by subdividing patent types, it is found that enterprises pay less attention to invention patents, which hold higher technical requirements, and focus on “quantity” rather than “quality” in patent applications. This result also reflects that the investment of VC guided by government promotes the overall enterprise innovation, but the positive effect on the innovation quality is not significant. Our article not only affirms the positive influence of VC guided by government on enterprise innovation, but also puts forward some suggestions on the management of government guiding fund.
Assessing color capability with gamut ring intersection
Authors: Smith Euan Christopher
Published: May 2024

The gamut ring Intersection diagram extends the gamut ring diagram by representing how the color gamut of a test device covers a reference color gamut. The means of calculating and rendering a gamut ring intersection diagram will be provided and advantages demonstrated through analysis of synthetic and measured display gamuts.
Targeting lysosomal quality control as a therapeutic strategy against aging and diseases
Authors: He Yuchen , Fan Yishu , Ahmadpoor Xenab , Wang Yumin , Li Zhong Alan , Zhu Weihong , Lin Hang
Published: May 2024

Previously, lysosomes were primarily referred to as the digestive organelles and recycling centers within cells. Recent discoveries have expanded the lysosomal functional scope and revealed their critical roles in nutrient sensing, epigenetic regulation, plasma membrane repair, lipid transport, ion homeostasis, and cellular stress response. Lysosomal dysfunction is also found to be associated with aging and several diseases. Therefore, function of macroautophagy, a lysosome‐dependent intracellular degradation system, has been identified as one of the updated twelve hallmarks of aging. In this review, we begin by introducing the concept of lysosomal quality control (LQC), which is a cellular machinery that maintains the number, morphology, and function of lysosomes through different processes such as lysosomal biogenesis, reformation, fission, fusion, turnover, lysophagy, exocytosis, and membrane permeabilization and repair. Next, we summarize the results from studies reporting the association between LQC dysregulation and aging/various disorders. Subsequently, we explore the emerging therapeutic strategies that target distinct aspects of LQC for treating diseases and combatting aging. Lastly, we underscore the existing knowledge gap and propose potential avenues for future research.
Rapid multi‐catheter segmentation for magnetic resonance image‐guided catheter‐based interventions
Authors: Aleong Amanda M. , Berlin Alejandro , Borg Jette , Helou Joelle , Beiki‐Ardakani Akbar , Rink Alexandra , Raman Srinivas , Chung Peter , Weersink Robert A.
Published: May 2024

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard for delineating cancerous lesions in soft tissue. Catheter‐based interventions require the accurate placement of multiple long, flexible catheters at the target site. The manual segmentation of catheters in MR images is a challenging and time‐consuming task. There is a need for automated catheter segmentation to improve the efficiency of MR‐guided procedures.

Purpose

To develop and assess a machine learning algorithm for the detection of multiple catheters in magnetic resonance images used during catheter‐based interventions.

Methods

In this work, a 3D U‐Net was trained to retrospectively segment catheters in scans acquired during clinical MR‐guided high dose rate (HDR) prostate brachytherapy cases. To assess confidence in segmentation, multiple AI models were trained. On clinical test cases, average segmentation results were used to plan the brachytherapy delivery. Dosimetric parameters were compared to the original clinical plan. Data was obtained from 35 patients who underwent HDR prostate brachytherapy for focal disease with a total of 214 image volumes. 185 image volumes from 30 patients were used for training using a five‐fold cross validation split to divide the data for training and validation. To generate confidence measures of segmentation accuracy, five trained models were generated. The remaining five patients (29 volumes) were used to test the performance of the trained model by comparison to manual segmentations of three independent observers and assessment of dosimetric impact on the final clinical brachytherapy plans.

Results

The network successfully identified 95% of catheters in the test set at a rate of 0.89 s per volume. The multi‐model method identified the small number of cases where AI segmentation of individual catheters was poor, flagging the need for user input. AI‐based segmentation performed as well as segmentations by independent observers. Plan dosimetry using AI‐segmented catheters was comparable to the original plan.

Conclusion

The vast majority of catheters were accurately identified by AI segmentation, with minimal impact on plan outcomes. The use of multiple AI models provided confidence in the segmentation accuracy and identified catheter segmentations that required further manual assessment. Real‐time AI catheter segmentation can be used during MR‐guided insertions to assess deflections and for rapid planning of prostate brachytherapy.
R2* mapping and reduced field‐of‐view diffusion‐weighted imaging for preoperative assessment of nonenlarged lymph node metastasis in rectal cancer
Authors: Wang Jing , Hu Shan , Liang Ping , Hu Xuemei , Shen Yaqi , Peng Yang , Kamel Ihab , Li Zhen
Published: May 2024

The aim of the current study is to investigate the diagnostic value of R2* mapping versus reduced field‐of‐view diffusion‐weighted imaging (rDWI) of the primary lesion of rectal cancer for preoperative prediction of nonenlarged lymph node metastasis (NLNM). Eighty‐one patients with pathologically confirmed rectal cancer underwent preoperative R2* mapping and rDWI sequences before total mesorectal excisions and accompanying regional lymph node dissections. Two radiologists independently performed whole‐tumor measurements of R2* and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) parameters on primary lesions of rectal cancer. Patients were divided into positive (NLNM+) and negative (NLNM‐) groups based on their pathological analysis. The tumor location, maximum diameter of the tumor, and maximum short diameter of the lymph node were assessed. R2* and ADC, pT stage, tumor grade, status of mesorectal fascia, and extramural vascular invasion were also studied for their potential relationships with NLNM using multivariate logistic regression analysis. The NLNM+ group had significantly higher R2* (43.56 ± 8.43 vs. 33.87 ± 9.57, p < 0.001) and lower ADC (1.00 ± 0.13 vs. 1.06 ± 0.22, p = 0.036) than the NLNM‐ group. R2* and ADC were correlated to lymph node metastasis (r = 0.510, p < 0.001 for R2*; r = −0.235, p = 0.035 for ADC). R2* and ADC showed good and moderate diagnostic abilities in the assessment of NLNM status with corresponding area‐under‐the‐curve values of 0.795 and 0.636. R2* provided a significantly better diagnostic performance compared with ADC for the prediction of NLNM status (z = 1.962, p = 0.0498). The multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that R2* was a compelling factor of lymph node metastasis (odds ratio = 56.485, 95% confidence interval: 5.759–554.013; p = 0.001). R2* mapping had significantly higher diagnostic performance than rDWI from the primary tumor of rectal cancer in the prediction of NLNM status.