bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy—a novel strategy for primary pulmonary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma
Authors: Chen Jiawei , Fan Lei , Deng Hongsheng , Mo Zhongqiao , Wang Zhufeng , Li Liang , Li Shuben
Published: September 2023

Objective:
The objective of this study was to determine whether neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy impacted the subsequent surgical or pathological outcomes of patients with pulmonary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (PLELC). Thisstudy was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy in PLELC patients.
Methods:
A retrospective study was conducted on patients who received neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy in combination with chemotherapy followed by surgery between 2019 and 2022. The clinical records of the patients were analyzed.
Results:
Out of the 31 patients with PLELC who underwent neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgery, 18 patients (58.0%) experienced downstaging of the tumor. Nineteen patients (61.5%) achieved a partial response, 2 patients (6.4%) achieved a complete response,and 2 (6.4%) had progressive disease. Pathological evaluation of resected specimens revealed that 10 (32.3%) patients achieved major pathological response (MPR), including 2 (6.4%) who achieved complete response (CR). The mean disease-free survival (DFS) was 17.4 months, which was not significantly different from the value in LUSQ patients (15.1 months).
Conclusion:
Neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy resulted in downstaging of the tumor, thereby rendering it resectable, and did not significantly affect the safety and feasibility of surgery in this patient cohort.
Changes in blood lipid levels during different stages of pregnancy with normal BMI and its impact on the incidence of larger-than-gestational-age infants
Authors: Bo Di , Yin Chunnan , Wei Jianxia , Cheng Dongmei , Shen Nan
Published: September 2023

Background
To study the impact of changes in blood lipids during pregnancy on the delivery of larger-than-gestational-age infants in pregnant women with normal BMI and reasonable blood glucose control during pregnancy.
Methods
This study selected 2283 pregnant women with gestational hyperglycemia who were delivered to our hospital from 2019 to 2022. The general information and clinical characteristics of pregnant women were collected through case review. Blood samples were collected at each pregnancy period to calculate total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein. The positive outcome was delivery over gestational age, and the impact of other influencing factors on delivery over gestational age was observed.
Results
There was a significant correlation between late pregnancy weight gain and delivery greater than gestational age infants (p < 0.05). This difference persisted in subsequent LOGIST regression after adjusting for factors such as gestational age, weight, age BMI, and changes in blood lipids, with p = 0.03, indicating that late pregnancy weight gain was an independent influencing factor for delivery greater than gestational age infants. In contrast, blood lipids did not affect each stage.
Conclusion
Pregnant women with normal BMI and reasonable control during pregnancy have high blood glucose levels. The change in blood lipids during pregnancy does not affect delivery greater than gestational age. If BMI is controlled usually before pregnancy and weight control is ideal during pregnancy, the increase in blood lipids does not increase the likelihood of delivery greater than gestational age.
Tocilizumab and dexamethasone as treatments for severe COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tame-Elorduy Andres , Laresgoiti-Servitje Estibalitz , Graaff Andres Torreblanca-Van Der
Published: September 2023

Background: The global pandemic caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 triggered an urgent need for effective therapeutics to treat severe COVID-19. Various treatments have been studied, including synthetic glucocorticoids and monoclonal antibodies against IL-6.
Methods: A systematic search was conducted to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the efficacy of these drugs against the standard of care. Data were pooled from a total of 5849 patients, with 4607 patients in the dexamethasone group and 1242 patients in the tocilizumab group. Meta-analyses compared the effectiveness of two widely used treatments, tocilizumab and dexamethasone, in managing COVID-19 while considering the concomitant use of corticosteroids in tocilizumab patients.
Results: Our findings demonstrated a reduction in the odds of unfavourable clinical outcomes with dexamethasone compared to the standard of care, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.83 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.74, 0.93] for death at 28 days. In contrast, tocilizumab was not related to a decrease in mortality compared to the standard of care, with an OR of 1.04 [95% CI 0.73, 1.47]. Notably, most patients in the tocilizumab group also received simultaneous corticosteroid treatment.
Conclusions: This meta-analysis provides evidence that dexamethasone is more effective than tocilizumab for treating COVID-19, with lower odds ratios for unfavourable clinical outcomes. The concomitant use of corticosteroids in the tocilizumab group may have influenced these findings. These results are essential for optimizing treatment strategies and informing clinical decision-making for patients with severe COVID-19. Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific mechanisms underlying these therapeutic agents' differential efficacy and explore potential synergistic effects in combination therapy.
Association of Improvement and Deterioration of Depressive Symptoms with Arthritis
Authors: Liu Ruxi , Shao Yining , Wu Bo , Liu Yan
Published: September 2023

Background:
The longitudinal association between changes in depressive symptoms (improvement/deterioration) and arthritis is unclear.
Methods:
This longitudinal, nationwide, prospective study used data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). The 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10) was used to examine participant depressive symptoms and data on self-reported history of arthritis were collected. Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the effects of changes (improvement or deterioration) in depressive symptoms on arthritis.
Results:
A total of 8556 CHARLS participants free of arthritis were included from baseline assessment (2011) to 2018. After adjustment for confounders, depressive symptoms were associated with a 54% increased risk of developing arthritis. Each 1-point increase in CES-D-10 score was associated with a 4% higher risk of arthritis. Participants with depressive symptoms at baseline but improved symptoms at follow-up had a 25% lower rate of arthritis than those who experienced no improvement, and a 1-point reduction in CES-D-10 score during 8 years of follow-up was associated with a 5% lower risk of developing arthritis. Participants with no depressive symptoms at baseline but depression at follow-up had a 66% higher rate of arthritis than those with no depression, and a 1-point increase in CES-D-10 score during 8 years of follow-up was associated with a 5% higher risk of arthritis.
Conclusions:
Improvement in depressive symptoms was associated with lower risk of arthritis and worsening of depression was associated with higher risk of arthritis. These findings suggest that the relationship between depression and arthritis is complex.
A photonic von-Neumann-like quantum processor and its application in studying quantum signature of chaos
Authors: Li Chuan-Feng
Published: September 2023

Photonic quantum computation plays an important role and offers unique advantages. Two decades after the milestone work of Knill-Laflamme-Milburn, various architectures of photonic processors have been proposed, and quantum advantage over classical computers has also been demonstrated. It is now the opportune time to apply this technology to real-world applications. However, at current technology level, this aim is restricted by either programmability in bulk optics or loss in integrated optics for the existing architectures of processors, for which the resource cost is also a problem. Here we present a von-Neumann-like architecture based on temporal-mode encoding and looped structure on table, which is capable of multimode-universal programmability, resource-efficiency, phase-stability and software-scalability. In order to illustrate these merits, we execute two different programs with varying resource requirements on the same processor, to investigate quantum signature of chaos from two aspects: the signature behaviors exhibited in phase space (13 modes), and the Fermi golden rule which has not been experimentally studied in quantitative way before (26 modes). The maximal program contains an optical interferometer network with 1694 freely-adjustable phases. Considering current state-of-the-art, our architecture stands as the most promising candidate for real-world applications.
Tribological Performance of Functionalized Surfaces by Hydroxyapatite Powder Mixed Electrical Discharge Machining
Authors: Ekmekci Nihal , Yaşar Hamidullah
Published: September 2023

Wear-resistant Hydroxyapatite (HA)-involving biocompatible surfaces are needed in medical applications. In this context, the surface of biomaterial Ti6Al4V alloy were functionised by Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) with and without HA powder addition. Nano and micro HA fine powders were used as additives in Deionized Water (DW) dielectric. As electrical parameters, 7 and 22 A pulse current (Ip), 100 and 1600 µs pulse on duration (ton) were employed to meet the highest HA migration rate to the EDM-modified surface. The surface properties were investigated by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy-Dispersive Spectroscope (EDS), and X-ray diffractometer (XRD). It was confirmed that HA powder additives alter the machined surface properties significantly under specific electrical parameters. Tribological investigations were conducted concerning the wear rate and coefficient of friction (CoF). The tribological performance of HA powder mixed EDM’ed surfaces were compared to the performance of EDM’ed and reference sample surfaces. Finally, surfaces modified by nano HA additives are found to be more resistant to wear than other cases. This study reveals that HA powder mixed EDM is a promising alternative machining method to provide wear-resistant as well as HA rich surfaces for biomedical industry.
Transcriptomic changes in the microsporidia proliferation and host responses in congenitally infected embryos and larvae
Authors: Shen Zigang , Ke Zhuojun , Yang Qiong , Ghebremichael Samson Teweldeberhan , Li Tangxin , Li Tian , Chen Jie , Meng Xianzhi , Xiang Heng , Li Chunfeng , Zhou Zeyang , Chen Ping , Pan Guoqing
Published: September 2023

Congenital infection caused by vertical transmission of microsporidia N. bombycis can result in severe economic losses in the silkworm-feeding industry. Whole-transcriptome analysis have revealed non-coding RNAs and their regulatory networks in N. bombycis infected embryos and larvae. However, transcriptomic changes in the microsporidia proliferation and host responses in congenitally infected embryos and larvae remain not well understood. Here, we simultaneously compared he transcriptomes of N. bombycis and its host B. mori embryos of 5-day and larvae of 1-, 5- and 10-day during congenital infection. For the transcriptome of N. bombycis, comparison of parasite expression pattern between congenital-infected embryo and larva showed most genes related to parasite central carbon metabolism were down-regulated in larvae during infection, whereas the majority of genes involved in parasite proliferation and growth were upregulated. Additionally, a large number of distinct or shared differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were revealed by the Venn diagram and heap map, many of them were connected to infection related factors such as Ricin B lectin, spore wall protein, polar tube protein, and polysaccharide deacetylase. For the transcriptome of B. mori infected with N. bombycis, beyond numerous DEGs related to DNA replication and repair, mRNA surveillance pathway, RNA transport, protein biosynthesis and proteolysis, with the progression of infection, a large number of DEGs related to immune and infection pathways, including phagocytosis, apoptosis, TNF, Toll-like receptor, NF-kappa B, Fc epsilon RI and some diseases, were successively identified; whereas most genes associated with insulin signaling pathway, 2-oxacarboxylic acid metabolism, amino acid biosynthesis, lipid metabolisms were upregulated in larvae compared to those in embryos. Furthermore, dozens of distinct and three shared DEGs that were involved in the epigenetic regulations, such as polycomb, histone-lysine-specific demethylases and histone-lysine-N-methyltransferases, were identified via the Venn diagram and heap maps. Notably, many DEGs of host and parasite associated with lipid-related metabolisms were verified by qRT-PCR. Taken together, simultaneous transcriptomic analyses of both host and parasite genes leads to a better understanding of changes in the microsporidia proliferation and host responses in embryos and larvae in N. bombycis congenitally infection.
The prevalence of stress and depression and their correlation with quality of life among breast cancer patients
Authors: Ahmad Adil , Chen Changying
Published: September 2023

Background: Pakistan has the greatest rate of breast cancer in Asia, majority of the people are underprivileged to afford expensive lab investigations, which lead to late diagnoses and delayed treatment; therefore, one of nine is at risk of breast cancer. Aim: The study was conducted with the aim of determining the quality of life and psychological well-being and their associations with each other.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study design was used from April to July 2023 in the two tertiary care hospitals in Khyber Pukhtankhwa, Pakistan, with a sample size of 108 and purposive sampling technique. Three valid and reliable questionnaires were used for data collection, i.e. the EORTC QLQ-C45 for quality of life, the major depressive inventory for depression, and the perceived stress inventory for stress. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANNOVA, and the chi-square test.
Results: The overall QOL was average, while the majority of the patients suffer from high depression (83%), and moderate stress (62%). The age group 51 and above and being married quality of life was better, while the majority of the patient sexual satisfaction was a little bit. The age group 20–30 years (27.2%), stage 3 and 4 (44.4%), and being married (61.1%) levels of depression were high; on the other hand, the age group 20–30 years (21.2%), stage 1 and 2 (35.1%), and being married (46.2%) levels of stress were moderate.
Conclusion: The study establishes that domains of quality of life are affected by depression but not by stress and correlated mildly positively with age and marital status and moderately with stages of cancer. Therefore, the health care provider should assess patients for psychological issues to find useful measures for early management that will improve quality of life.
LncRNA 220, a newly discovered long non-conding RNA mediating apoptosis and autophagy in Kupffer cells in LPS-induced endotoxemic mice through the XBP1u-PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway.
Authors: Yong Jiang , Ying Yang , Tian Tian , Zhenqi Wang , Shan Li , Nanhong Li , Haihua Luo
Published: September 2023

Sepsis, recognized as an acute systemic inflammatory syndrome, possesses the capacity to induce damage to multiple organs, potentially leading to organ failure. Acute liver injury (ALI) is an inflammatory results of immune response disorder associated-with sepsis. Multiple studies have demonstrated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) exert regulatory influence over the advancement of various diseases, although their specific regulatory mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, a novel lncRNA, designated as 220, was identified through high-throughput sequencing, with extremely differential expression in the livers of LPS-induced endotoxemic mice during the period of 8 h. Moreover, in LPS-treated Kupffer cells, 220 participated in the down-regulation on the apoptotic and the autophagic processes through the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway by stabilizing X-box protein 1 u (Xbp1u) mRNA and mediating its translation in endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), thus ultimately modulate the process of LPS-associated ALI. Furthermore, the verification of our discoveries through clinical databases further indicated that both 220 and XBP1 were integral components in the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures of advanced sepsis. Our study establishes 220 as a novel regulator participating in autophagic and apoptotic mechanisms within LPS-treated Kupffer cells. Moreover, 220 could be regarded as a possible molecular objective with clinical importance in severe septic conditions.
Cavity-Agnostic Acoustofluidic Functions Enabled by Guided Flexural Waves on a Membrane Acoustic Waveguide Actuator
Authors: Vachon Philippe , Merugu Srinivas , Sharma Jaibir , Lal Amit , Ng Eldwin , Koh Yul , Lee Joshua , Lee Chengkuo
Published: September 2023

This article presents an in-depth exploration of the acoustofluidic capabilities of guided flexural waves (GFWs) generated by a membrane acoustic waveguide actuator (MAWA). By harnessing the potential of GFWs, cavity-agnostic advanced particle manipulation functions are achieved, unlocking new avenues for microfluidic systems and lab-on-a-chip development. The localized acoustofluidic effects of GFWs arising from the evanescent nature of the acoustic fields they induce inside a liquid medium are numerically investigated to highlight their unique and promising characteristics. Unlike traditional acoustofluidic technologies, the GFWs propagating on the MAWA’s membrane waveguide allow for cavity-agnostic particle manipulation, irrespective of the resonant properties of the fluidic chamber. Moreover, the acoustofluidic functions enabled by the device depend on the flexural mode populating the active region of the membrane waveguide. Experimental demonstrations using two types of particles include in-sessile-droplet particle transport, mixing, and spatial separation based on particle diameter, along with streaming-induced counter-flow virtual channel generation in microfluidic PDMS channels. These experiments emphasize the versatility and potential applications of the MAWA as a microfluidic platform targeted at lab-on-a-chip development and showcase the MAWA’s compatibility with existing microfluidics systems.
Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome: comparison with scrub t yphus first clinical features and blood and physiological and biochemical indices
Authors: Liu Songhui , Chu Na , Gong Lei , Liu Zhirong , Guo Qian , Chen Xiuzhi , Li Ming , Chu Xiujie , Wu Jiabing , Song Dandan
Published: September 2023

Background
To explore differences in epidemiology, initial clinical characteristics, routine blood and physiological and biochemical indices between Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) and scrub typhus(ST) patients with the aim of providing evidence for early diagnosis and treatment.
Methods
Between February and November 2022, a total of 122 cases of SFTS and 22 cases of ST were confirmed in the laboratory of hospitals in the provinces of Hefei, Anqing and Liuan, Anhui.
Results
The early clinical features showed that headache, generalized pain, cutaneous petechiae and ecchymosis, loss of appetite, skin rash, and specific crusts and ulcers were more pronounced in ST patients compared with SFTS patients, and only diarrhoea was more pronounced in SFTS patients compared to ST patients and the difference was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05). Blood regular indexes showed that the WBC, LYMPH, MONO, NEUT, and PLT counts were significantly reduced in SFTS patients as compared to the ST patients, and all were below the normal range in the SFTS group, while ST all fell within normal ranges, and the differences were all found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05). However,WBC, LYMPH and P-LCR were within normal values. Physiologic and biochemical results showed that SFTS patients had lower TBIL, IBIL, ALT, Ga+, BUN, CREA, CRP, PCT, TT, PT, and TNR counts than ST patients. CK, CK-MB, LDH, UA and AG were significantly higher in SFTS patients compared to ST patients and the differences were found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05). However, TBIL, IBIL, CK-MB, Ca2+ counts were in the normal range in both groups.
Conclusion
Diarrhea was more pronounced and myocardial injury was more severe in SFTS patients, while scab or ulcer disease, impaired liver and kidney function, and inflammatory response were more pronounced in ST patients.
A mediator between childhood trauma and clinical symptoms in females with bipolar disorder: social support
Authors: Yang Min , Li Jiaxin , Fu Yaqian , Wang Guotao , Liu Minghui , Chen Jindong , Liu Jieyu
Published: September 2023

Background
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severer mental disorder with gender differences. Both childhood trauma and social support play important roles in the BD course, especially in female patients. In this study, the relationship between childhood trauma and clinical symptoms of BD was investigated in female patients and the mediation effect of social support on this relationship.
Methods
This study included 57 females with BD and 53 age-matched healthy controls. The measurement of childhood trauma, social support, and clinical symptoms were measured using self-report questionnaires and clinical scales.
Results
Compared with healthy controls, females with BD showed higher levels of childhood trauma and lower levels of social support. In the BD group, high levels of childhood trauma were positively correlated with clinical symptoms. In addition, social support mediated the relationship between childhood trauma and clinical symptoms of BD, except for manic symptoms.
Conclusions
Studies should focus on the role of childhood trauma and social support in females with bipolar disorder. This study provides initial evidence that social support partially explains the relationship between childhood trauma and clinical symptoms of BD. Interventions providing social support may be beneficial for females with BD exposed to childhood trauma.
Antenatal Exposure to Magnesium Sulphate and Neonatal Outcomes in Very Low Birth Weight Infants: a multicenter study.
Authors: Ferreira Maria Vaz , Caro Jose , Villarroel Luis , Muñoz Sergio , Alvarez Patricia , Flores Gerardo , Herrera Tamara , Toso Alberto , Toso Paulina , Tapia Jose
Published: September 2023

Objective To explore the association between antenatal magnesium sulphate ( MgSO4 ), mortality and incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.Study design Retrospective, cohort study of infants < 32 weeks’ GA born at centers of NEOCOSUR Network between January 2015 and December 2020. Subjects were categorized as exposed vs non-exposed to antenatal MgSO4. Primary outcomes were death, incidence of severe IVH (Grade III-IV) and severe IVH/death. Secondary outcomes included relevant morbidities.Results 7418 VLBW infants were eligible. Antenatal MgSO4 was associated with a significantly decreased death rate after admission (aOR 0.59 [95% CI, 0.46–0.74]) and severe IVH/ death (aOR 0.63 [95% CI, 0.49–0.83]). No significant reduction in severe IVH was observed (aOR 0.89 [95% CI, 0.63–1.25]). No differences between groups were observed in rates of morbidities.Conclusion Antenatal MgSO4 was associated with a decreased death rate after admission and in severe IVH/ death.
A Risk Prediction Model for Efficient Intubation in the Emergency Department: A Five-Year Single-Center Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Ding Hongbo , Feng Xue , Yang Qi , Yang Yichang , Zhu Siyi , Ji Xiaozhen , Kang Yangbo , Shen Jiashen , Zhao Mei , Xu ShanXiang , Ning Gangmin , Xu Yongan
Published: September 2023

Background
To analyze the risk factors associated with intubated critically ill patients in the emergency department (ED) and develop a prediction model by machine learning (ML) algorithms.
Methods
This study was conducted in an academic tertiary hospital in Hangzhou, China. Critical ill patients admitted to the ED were retrospectively analyzed from May 2018 to July 2022. The demographic characteristics, distribution of organ dysfunction, parameters for different organs’ examination, and status of mechanical ventilation were recorded. These patients were assigned to the positive and negative groups according to ventilation support. We used the eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm to develop the prediction model and compared it with other algorithms, such as logistic regression (LR), artificial neural network (ANN), and random forest (RF). SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) was used to analyze the risk factors of intubated critically ill patients in the ED. Then, the best performance of the predictive model was used for auxiliary diagnosis.
Results
Of 14,589 critically ill patients, 10212 comprised the training group and 4377 comprised the test group; 2289 intubated patients were obtained from the electronic medical records. The mean age, the mean scores of vital signs, the parameters of different organs, and blood oxygen examination results differed significantly between the two groups (p < 0.05). The white blood cell count, international normalized ratio, respiratory rate, and pH are the top four risk factors for intubation in critically ill patients. Based on the risk factors in different predictive models, the XGBoost model showed the highest AUROC (0.8353) for predicting ED intubation.
Conclusions
For critically ill patients in the ED, the proposed model can predict potential intubation based on the risk factors in the clinically predictive model.
Supercharged NK cells, unlike primary activated NK cells, effectively target ovarian cancer cells irrespective of MHC-class I expression
Authors: Jewett Anahid , Huerta-Yepez Sara , Chen Po-Chun , Kaur Kawaljit , Jain Yash , Singh Tanya , Esedebe Favour , Liao Yi Jou , DiBernardo Gabriella , Moatamed Neda A. , Mei Ao , Malarkannan Subramaniam , Graeber Thomas , Memarzadeh Sanaz
Published: September 2023

Ovarian cancers are the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death among women in the United States. Significant decreases in the numbers and function of NK-cells in patients, as shown in this paper may significantly contribute to the survival and expansion of aggressive poorly-differentiated-cancer-stem-like-cells (PDCSCs) with no/low expression of MHC-class I. Indeed, when gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed based on differentially expressed genes, decreased differentiation- and immune-related genes, and increased genes for cell cycle analysis were observed in recurrent tumors when compared to chemonaive ovarian tumors. We have previously identified and characterized a unique population of NK cells coined as supercharged NK cells (sNK) for their significant tumor killing capabilities. We demonstrate in this paper the increased gene expression as well as secretion of IFN-γ and TNF-α and increased avidity in binding to tumor cells by sNK cells. Unlike primary IL-2 activated NK cells, sNK cells greatly lysed OVCAR8 ovarian PDCSCs and well differentiated OVCAR4 tumors when assessed in a long-term killing assay using esight. Patient-derived ovarian cancer cells or patient derived xerografts (PDXs) with lower MHC class I expression, were highly susceptible to sNK cells, whereas well differentiated tumors with high expression of MHC class I were only susceptible to sNK cells when compared to primary IL-2 activated NK cells. Thus, the use of sNK cells in immunotherapy emerges as a potentially effective strategy to target and eliminate all clones of ovarian tumors, thereby preventing recurrences.
Your Health Kiosk: A Pilot Study to Enhance Healthcare Access and Health Promotion among Spanish-Speaking Hispanics
Authors: Ge Derek , Akat Elif , Sarilla Ganesh , Soherwardy Nabeeha , Ahmad Hanzla , Fernandez-Rodriguez Elvia , Shu Carol , Andrews Tracy , Hussain Sabiha
Published: September 2023

Importance: Cancer screening remains a pivotal step in early detection and treatment, yet disparities persist in healthcare access, particularly among racial-ethnic minorities and low-income residents. Digital platforms offer innovative avenues to bridge these gaps.
Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a digital platform named Your Health Kiosk (YHK), which pairs a text-based intervention with patient navigators (PN), to promote cancer screening and assess social risk factors (SRF) among Spanish-speaking Hispanics.
Design, Setting, and Participants: This pilot study, conducted six months following the official launch, involved 220 participants recruited in Middlesex County, New Jersey. Demographic and SRF were gathered through surveys sent by YHK.
Results: Most participants were female (168, 76%), Hispanic (158, 72%), and Spanish speaking (142, 65%). The majority (183, 83%) were flagged for cancer screening. Out of 183 flagged, 26 (14%) were subsequently contacted by our PN, with a vast majority (25, 96%), accepting a referral for cancer screening. Additionally, four individuals not flagged for cancer screening opted in to receive a referral. In total, 29 participants were provided with a referral, and of these, nearly two-thirds (19, 66%), either scheduled or underwent cancer screening. Furthermore, five participants (17%) who expressed SRF were appropriately directed to relevant social services.
Conclusion: YHK has demonstrated promise in reaching underserved communities, successfully providing referrals to cancer screening, and addressing barriers to care.
Ocean cavity regime shift reversed West Antarctic grounding line retreat in the late Holocene
Authors: Lowry Daniel , Han Holly Kyeore , Golledge Nicholas , Gomez Natalya , Johnson Katelyn , McKay Robert
Published: September 2023

Holocene climate variations were relatively modest compared to the preceding deglaciation and anthropogenic climate change. Yet recent geologic evidence suggests that the grounding line of the Siple Coast of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) retreated hundreds of kilometers beyond its present position during the middle to late Holocene (7.5 to 2.0 ka) and readvanced within the past 2.0 ka. The extent to which these substantial ice sheet changes were driven by climatic or non-climatic processes is debated. The inferred retreat and readvance have been attributed to both changing rates of isostatic rebound and regional climate change. We test these two hypotheses using a proxy-informed ensemble of ice sheet model simulations with varying ocean thermal forcing, global glacioisostatic adjustment (GIA) model simulations, and coupled ice sheet-GIA simulations that consider the interactions between these two processes. Our results indicate that a regime shift from a warm to cold ocean cavity due to increased polynya efficiency in the Late Holocene is the most likely cause of this past grounding line migration. This implies that the Siple Coast grounding line is sensitive to future changes in the Ross Sea polynya and sub-ice shelf ocean circulation.
Alerta Cannabis: A Tailored-Computer Web-Based Program for the Prevention of Cannabis Use in Adolescents: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol
Authors: Lima-Serrano Marta , Barrera-Villalba Carmen , Mac-Fadden Isotta , De Vries Hein , Mesters Ilse
Published: September 2023

Background
The growing use of cannabis in adolescence is a public health problem that must be addressed through prevention. In Spain, the average age of initiation of cannabis use in the adolescent population is 14.8 years. At 14 years, the lifetime prevalence of cannabis use is 11.7%, which increases to 51.,5% at the age of 18; the prevalence of cannabis use in the population aged 14 to 18 years is 28.6%, a figure that must be tried to reduce, that is why this school prevention program is proposed: Alerta Cannabis.
Methods
The Alerta Cannabis research project consists of design, implementation, and evaluation. In the first phase, a computer-tailored eHealth program (Alerta Cannabis) is developed based on the I-Change Model, an integrated model based on three main behavioral change processes: awareness, motivation, and action. This program consists of four 30-minute sessions that will provide culturally adapted and personalized advice to motivate students not to use cannabis through text feedback, animations, and gamification techniques. This phase will also include usability testing. In the implementation phase, secondary school students from Western Andalusia, Spain (Seville, Cádiz, Huelva, and Córdoba) and Eastern Andalusia (Jaén, Málaga, and Granada) will be randomized to an experimental condition (EC) or a control condition (CC) for a cluster randomized clinical trial (CRCT). Each condition will have 35 classes within 8 schools. GI will receive the online intervention Alerta Cannabis. EC and CC will have to fill out a questionnaire at baseline, six months, and twelve months of follow-up. In the last phase, the effect of Alerta Cannabis is been evaluated. The primary outcomes are the lifetime prevalence of cannabis use and its use in the last 30 days and at 6 months. At 12 months of follow-up, the prevalence in the last 12 months will also be assessed. The secondary outcome is the intention to use cannabis.
Discussion
The study test the effect of the innovative program specifically aimed to reduce the use of cannabis in the adolescent population through eHealth in Spain. The findings aim to develop and implement evidence-based cannabis prevention interventions, which could support school prevention, for instance, the assistance of school nurses. If the program proves to be effective, it could be useful to prevent cannabis use on a national and international scale.
Trial registration
NCT05849636. Date of registration: March 16, 2023.
Cascaded terahertz parametric generation under noncollinear phase matching condition
Authors: Mine Sota , Kawase Kodo , Murate Kosuke
Published: September 2023

In our study, we directly observed terahertz (THz) waves generated through a cascade process utilizing a noncollinear phase matching condition in a THz parametric generator. Although there has been extensive research into cascade processes using collinear phase matching, studies focusing on cascade processes with noncollinear phase matching, such as our injection-seeded THz parametric generator (is-TPG), have been less common. However, understanding the cascade process in is-TPG is not only crucial for the development of THz-wave sources but also holds significance for THz parametric detection and amplification, and there has been a demand for its direct observation. In this research, using a high-power seed beam, we efficiently induced the cascade process, and by tilting the crystal, we were able to detect higher-order THz-waves near the end face that had not been observed before. To the best of our knowledge, no previous studies have observed THz-waves generated by a cascade process under noncollinear phase matching conditions. Our findings provide vital empirical data for the theoretical examination of THz parametric generation. We anticipate that this study will pave the way for future research aimed at enhancing the output power of THz sources.
Detection of dynamic lung hyperinflation using cardiopulmonary exercise testing and respiratory function in patients with stable cardiac disease: a multicenter cross-sectional study
Authors: Kominami Kazuyuki , Noda Kazuki , Minagawa Nanaho , Yonezawa Kazuya , Ueda Masanori , Kobayashi Yasuyuki , Murata Makoto , Akino Masatoshi
Published: September 2023

Background
Many patients with heart disease potentially have comorbid COPD, however there are not enough opportunities for screening and the qualitative differentiation of shortness of breath (SOB) has not been well established. We investigated the detection rate of SOB based on a visual and qualitative dynamic lung hyperinflation (DLH) detection index during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and whether there was a difference in respiratory function between the two groups.
Methods
We recruited 534 patients with heart disease and to scrutinize physical functions (369 males, 67.0 ± 12.9 years) who underwent CPET and spirometry simultaneously. The difference between inspiratory and expiratory tidal volume was calculated (TV E-I) from the breath-by-breath data. A TV E-I decrease after the start of exercise comprised the convex group, and a TV E-I that remained unchanged or increased comprised the non-convex group.
Results
129 patients (24.2%) were in the convex; there was no difference in clinical characteristics between groups. The Borg scale scores at the end of the CPET showed no difference. VE/VCO2 slope, its Y-intercept and minimum VE/VCO2 showed no significant difference. In the convex group, FEV1.0% was significantly lower (69.4 ± 13.1 vs. 75.0 ± 9.0%), and FEV1.0% and Y-intercept and the difference between minimum VE/VCO2 and VE/VCO2 slope were significantly correlated (r=-0.343 and r=-0.478).
Conclusions
The convex group showed decreased respiratory function, suggesting potential airway obstruction during exercise. A combined assessment of the TV E-I and Y-intercept of the VE/VCO2 slope or the difference between the minimum VE/VCO2 and VE/VCO2 slopes could potentially detect COPD or airway obstruction.
Climatology of severe hail potential in Europe based on a convection-permitting simulation
Authors: Kahraman Abdullah , Kendon Elizabeth J. , Fowler Hayley J.
Published: September 2023

We present a new approach to identify severe hailstorms in a convection-permitting climate model, and build a climatology of severe hail potential in Europe using an ingredients-based approach based on a 20-year long hindcast simulation. Severe hail in Europe occurs mostly in southern regions (up to 40 times a year per 10,000 km2 around Northern Italy), and from May to August. It peaks from afternoon to evening hours on land, whilst sea areas are prone to hail at any time of the day. The Mediterranean Sea experiences severe hailstorms mostly in autumn: the central Mediterranean has the highest frequency among all regions studied, and may be considered as an unknown alley for hailstorms in Europe. Results derived from the high-resolution model are in very good agreement with existing hail climatologies from observations, including the fine scale spatial variation. We conclude that our approach provides a reliable proxy for studying changes in severe hail in future convection-permitting simulations.
Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio is a Better Tool than Monocyte to HDL-C Ratio and Neutrophil to HDL-C Ratio in Type 2 Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Han Rongfeng , Li Junfeng , Liu Ying , Wang Wei
Published: September 2023

Background
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients are likely to develop kidney disease. Early diagnosis, finding predictors and controlling risk factors are of great significance for T2DM patients. Chronic inflammation plays an important role in the occurrence and development of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). This study investigated the relationship among the new inflammatory markers, namely, the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR) and neutrophil to high-density lipoprotein ratio (NHR), and type 2 diabetic kidney disease (T2DKD) and evaluated which is more valuable in the inflammatory process of DKD.
Methods
A total of 1142 adult T2DM patients were enrolled in the current study. Patients were stratified into three groups according to their albumin excretion rate (AER). Spearman correlation was used to analyze the correlations between the AER, eGFR and clinical variables. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the associations among the three new inflammatory markers and DKD in patients with T2DM. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) were then used to assess the ability of the NLR, MHR, and NHR to discriminate DKD, macroalbuminuria and kidney impairment in T2DM patients.
Results
The AER was significantly positively correlated with the NLR, MHR and NHR, while eGFR was significantly negatively correlated with the NLR, MHR and NHR (P < 0.05 for all). The NLR, MHR and NHR all demonstrated strong positive associations with DKD risk in T2DM patients in the crude model and after adjusting for confounding factors (P < 0.05 for all). The NLR had the highest AUC among the three indicators for DKD, macroalbuminuria and kidney impairment in T2DM patients. The NLR, MHR and NHR all had significant discriminative ability for macroalbuminuria in patients with T2DM.
Conclusions
The NLR, MHR and NHR were all risk factors for type 2 diabetes nephropathy. The NLR was a better predictor of DKD, macroalbuminuria and kidney impairment (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) than the MHR and NHR.
Tracking SARS-CoV-2 Variants During the 2023 Flu Season and Beyond in Lebanon
Authors: Kodsi^ Ibrahim Al , Rayes^ Douaa El , Koweyes Jad , Khoury Charbel Al , Rahy Kelven , Thoumi Sergio , Chamoun Mark , Haddad Hoda , Mokhbat Jacques , Tokajian Sima
Published: September 2023

Background Early SARS-CoV-2 variant detection relies on testing and genomic surveillance. The Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) has quickly become the dominant type among the previous circulating variants worldwide. Several subvariants have emerged exhibiting greater infectivity and immune evasion. In this study we aimed at studying the prevalence of the Omicron subvariants during the flu season and beyond in Lebanon through genomic screening and at determining the overall standing and trajectory of the pandemic in the country.Methods A total of 155 SARS-CoV-2 RNA samples were sequenced, using the nanopore sequencing technology.Results Among the sequenced samples, 39 Omicron variants were detected. XBB.1.5 (23.29%) was the most common, followed by XBB.1.9.1 (10.96%) and XBB.1.42 (7.5%). The first batch collected between September and November 2022, included the BA.2.75.2, BA.5.2, BA.5.2.20, BA.5.2.25 and BQ.1.1.5 lineages. Between December 2022 and January 2023, those lineages were replaced by BA.2.75.5, BN.1, BN.1.4, BQ.1, BQ.1.1, BQ.1.1.23, CH.1.1, CM.4 and XBK. Starting February 2023, we observed a gradual emergence and dominance of the recombinant XBB and its sub-lineages (XBB.1, XBB.1.5, XBB.1.5.2, XBB.1.5.3, XBB.1.9, XBB.1.9.1, XBB.1.9.2, XBB.1.16, XBB.1.22 and XBB.1.42).Conclusions The timely detection and characterization of SARS-CoV-2 variants is important to reduce transmission through established disease control measures and to avoid introductions into animal populations that could lead to serious public health implications.
Reconstruction of the network of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA based on ceRNA mechanism to reveal functional miRNAs and lncRNAs in Burns and Keloids
Authors: Wang Yueru , Pan Jiaojiao , Wang Zhichao , Wang He , Lei Ziwen , Liu Jing , Zou Junbo , Luan Fei
Published: September 2023

Backgrounds:
Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) exert its pharmacological action by sponging related miRNA to regulate gene expression. However, it remains unclear of regulatory roles of lncRNA-mediated competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) mechanism in the crosstalk of burns and keloids.
Objective
To construct the ceRNA regulating network of burns based on network pharmacology and bioinformatics analysis.
Results
3576 DELs, 1427 DEMis, and 2555 DEMs were identified as differentially expressed genes. A ceRNA network composed of DELs-DEMis-DEMs in burns and keloids was constructed with an aberrant one composed of 23 DELs, 330 DEMs and 8 DEMis. Further, clusterProfiler package in R platform was employed to execute Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analysis. The sub-network in the ceRNA network was extracted in which 3 lncRNAs, including lnc-WRB, lnc-SCNN1G and LINC00271 and 3 miRNAs, including has-miR-21, has-miR-34a and has-miR-155 were verified as key genes.
Conclusion
All the nodes in the sub-ceRNA network affect the pathological process of burns and keloids post-burns directly or indirectly. A new cognitive understanding of the DELs-DEMis-DEMs ceRNA network was provided to expound ceRNA regulatory mechanisms in the pathogenesis of burns and keloids. However, systematic and rigorous experiments are needed to certify our findings.
Valence-isomer selective cycloaddition reaction to synthesize functionalized carbocycles
Authors: Nemoto Tetsuhiro , Harada Shingo , Takenaka Hiroki , Ito Tsubasa , Kanda Haruki
Published: September 2023

The rapid and precise creation of complex molecules while controlling multiple selectivities is the principal objective in synthetic chemistry. Combining data science and organic synthesis to achieve this goal is an emerging trend, but few examples of successful reaction designs are reported. We developed an artificial neural network regression model using bond orbital data to predict chemical reactivities. Actual experimental verification confirmed cycloheptatriene-selective (6 + 2)-cycloaddition utilizing nitroso compounds and norcaradiene-selective (4 + 2)-cycloaddition reactions employing benzynes. Additionally, a one-pot asymmetric synthesis was achieved by telescoping the enantioselective dearomatization of non-activated benzenes and cycloadditions. Computational studies provide a rational explanation for the seemingly anomalous occurrence of thermally prohibited (6 + 2)-cycloaddition without photoirradiation.
Assessment of a small island’s groundwater resilience under the pressure of anthropogenic and natural stresses on Tunda Island, Indonesia
Authors: Solihuddin Tubagus , Prihantono Joko , Daulat August , Bramawanto Rikha , Risandi Johan , Kepel Terry Louise , Heriati Aida , Mustikasari Eva
Published: September 2023

Groundwater resilience on small islands, especially low-lying carbonate islands like Tunda, is vulnerable to an expanding population, demand exceeding supply, contamination from human and animal waste, and climate change-related impacts. This study aims to evaluate the resilience of groundwater resources on Tunda Island, Banten, Indonesia, in response to anthropogenic activities and climate change-induced consequences. The data were compiled and collected from the official Indonesian government websites and direct field observations. Analysis of climate data reveals that January has the highest average monthly precipitation, with 292.32 mm, while August has the lowest, with 48.26 mm. This is proportional to monthly meteorological water storage, with amounts of 299,547 m3 in January and only 50,001 m3 in August. Typically, the groundwater levels on Tunda Island are higher than the mean sea level, ranging from 1.07 to 8.71 meters with flow direction from the inland (recharge) to the coast (discharge). Population growth from the last decade (2012–2022) and ten drought events caused by El Nino and positive IOD from 1979 to 2022 have not yet had a significant impact on Tunda Island's groundwater resilience. Similarly, the increase in the number of visitors between 2019 and 2021 has had no effect on the island's water security. However, these anthropogenic and natural stresses will inevitably deplete the island's water supply in the future. Hence, water management and planning, including the determination of regional water balances, were required to maintain the water supply and its sustainability.