bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role Of Ovarian Metastases In Colorectal Cancer (ROMIC): a Dutch study protocol to evaluate the effect of prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy in postmenopausal women
Authors: Van der Meer R. , de Hingh I. H. J. T. , Bloemen J. G. , Janssen L. , Roumen R. M. H.
Published: November 2022

Background

The mean incidence of ovarian metastases (OM) in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) is 3.4%. The 5-year survival of these patients, even when operated with curative intent, is remarkably low. The lifetime risk of ovarian cancer is approximately 1.3%. Prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy (PSO, or surgical removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes) could reduce the number of CRC patients that develop OM after removal of the primary tumor, as well as preventing the occurrence of primary ovarian cancer. Recently, the care pathway for CRC has been changed in several hospitals in line with the updated Dutch guideline. The possibility of PSO is now discussed with postmenopausal CRC patients in these hospitals. The aims of the current study are firstly to estimate the incidence of OM and primary ovarian cancer in postmenopausal patients with CRC, and secondly to evaluate the effect of PSO in these patients.

Methods

An information bulletin and decision guide on this topic was implemented in several Dutch hospitals in 2020. Post-decision outcomes will be collected prospectively. The study population consists of postmenopausal (≥ 60 years of age) patients that are operated with curative intent for CRC. Based on their own preference, patients will be divided into two groups: those who choose to undergo PSO and those who do not. The main study parameters are the reduction in incidence of ovarian malignancies (metastatic or primary) following PSO, and the number needed to treat (NNT) by PSO to prevent one case of ovarian malignancy.

Discussion

This will be the first study to evaluate the effect of PSO in postmenopausal CRC patients that is facilitated by an altered CRC care pathway. The results of this study are expected to provide relevant information on whether PSO adds significant value to postmenopausal patients with CRC.

Trial registration

International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, NL7870. Registered on 2019 July 12. URL of trial registry record: https://trialsearch.who.int/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=NL7870.

Protocol version: 1.0, date 2021 June 8.
A psycho-educational intervention programme for parents with SGA foetuses supported by an adaptive mHealth system: design, proof of concept and usability assessment
Authors: Balderas-Díaz Sara , Rodríguez-Fórtiz María José , Garrido José Luis , Bellido-González Mercedes , Guerrero-Contreras Gabriel
Published: November 2022

Background

Technology-based approaches during pregnancy can facilitate the self-reporting of emotional health issues and improve well-being. There is evidence to suggest that stress during pregnancy can affect the foetus and result in restricted growth and preterm birth. Although a number of mobile health (mHealth) approaches are designed to monitor pregnancy and provide information about a specific aspect, no proposal specifically addresses the interventions in parents at risk of having small-for-gestational-age (SGA) or premature babies. Very few studies, however, follow any design and usability guidelines which aim to ensure end-user satisfaction when using these systems.

Results

We have developed an interactive, adaptable mHealth system to support a psycho-educational intervention programme for parents with SGA foetuses. The relevant results include a metamodel to support the task of modelling current or new intervention programmes, an mHealth system model with runtime adaptation to changes in the programme, the design of a usable app (called VivEmbarazo) and an architectural design and prototype implementation. The developed mHealth system has also enabled us to conduct a proof of concept based on the use of the mHealth systems and this includes data analysis and assesses usability and acceptance.

Conclusions

The proof of concept confirms that parents are satisfied and that they are enthusiastic about the mHealth-supported intervention programme. It helps to technically validate the results obtained in the other stages relating to the development of the solution. The data analysis resulting from the proof of concept confirms that the stress experienced by parents who followed the mHealth-supported intervention programme was significantly lower than among those who did not follow it. This implies an improvement in the emotional health not only of the parents but also of their child. In fact, the babies of couples who followed the mHealth-supported programme weigh more than the babies of couples under traditional care. In terms of user acceptance and usability, the analysis confirms that mothers place greater value on the app design, usefulness and ease of use and are generally more satisfied than their partners. Although these results are promising in comparison with more traditional and other more recent technology-based approaches.
The impact of cardiovascular health and frailty on mortality for males and females across the life course
Authors: Quach Jack , Theou Olga , Godin Judith , Rockwood Kenneth , Kehler Dustin Scott
Published: November 2022

Background

The effect of frailty and poor cardiovascular health on mortality for males and females is not fully elucidated. We investigated whether the combined burden of frailty and poor cardiovascular health is associated with all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality by sex and age.

Methods

We analyzed data of 35,207 non-institutionalized US residents aged 20–85 years old (mean age [standard deviation]: 46.6 [16.7 years], 51.4% female, 70.8% White, 10.3% Black, 13.2% Hispanic) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2015). Cardiovascular health was measured with the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7 score (LS7). A 33-item frailty index (FI) was constructed to exclude cardiovascular health deficits. We grouped the FI into 0.1 increments (non-frail: FI < 0.10, very mildly frail: 0.1 ≤ FI < 0.20, mildly frail: 0.20 ≤ FI < 0.30, and moderately/severely frail: FI ≥ 0.30) and LS7 into tertiles (T1[poor] = 0–7, T2[intermediate] = 8-9, T3[ideal] = 10–14). All-cause and CVD mortality data were analyzed up to 16 years. All regression models were stratified by sex.

Results

The average FI was 0.09 (SD 0.10); 29.6% were at least very mildly frail, and the average LS7 was 7.9 (2.3). Mortality from all-causes and CVD were 8.5% (4228/35,207) and 6.1% (2917/35,207), respectively. The median length of follow-up was 8.1 years. The combined burden of frailty and poor cardiovascular health on mortality risk varied according to age in males (FI*age interaction p = 0.01; LS7*age interaction p < 0.001) but not in females. In females, poor FI and LS7 combined to predict all-cause and CVD mortality in a dose-response manner. All-cause and CVD mortality risk was greater for older males (60 and 70 years old) who were at least mildly frail and had intermediate cardiovascular health or worse (hazard ratio [lower/higher confidence interval ranges] range: all-cause mortality = 2.02–5.30 [1.20–4.04, 3.15–6.94]; CVD-related mortality = 2.22–7.16 [1.03–4.46, 4.49–11.50]) but not for younger males (30, 40, and 50 years old).

Conclusions

The combined burden of frailty and LS7 on mortality is similar across all ages in females. In males, this burden is greater among older people. Adding frailty to assessments of overall cardiovascular health may identify more individuals at risk for mortality and better inform decisions to implement preventative or treatment approaches.
A fully automated deep learning pipeline for micro-CT-imaging-based densitometry of lung fibrosis murine models
Authors: Vincenzi Elena , Fantazzini Alice , Basso Curzio , Barla Annalisa , Odone Francesca , Leo Ludovica , Mecozzi Laura , Mambrini Martina , Ferrini Erica , Sverzellati Nicola , Stellari Franco Fabio
Published: November 2022

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, the archetype of pulmonary fibrosis (PF), is a chronic lung disease of a poor prognosis, characterized by progressively worsening of lung function. Although histology is still the gold standard for PF assessment in preclinical practice, histological data typically involve less than 1% of total lung volume and are not amenable to longitudinal studies. A miniaturized version of computed tomography (µCT) has been introduced to radiologically examine lung in preclinical murine models of PF. The linear relationship between X-ray attenuation and tissue density allows lung densitometry on total lung volume. However, the huge density changes caused by PF usually require manual segmentation by trained operators, limiting µCT deployment in preclinical routine. Deep learning approaches have achieved state-of-the-art performance in medical image segmentation. In this work, we propose a fully automated deep learning approach to segment right and left lung on µCT imaging and subsequently derive lung densitometry. Our pipeline first employs a convolutional network (CNN) for pre-processing at low-resolution and then a 2.5D CNN for higher-resolution segmentation, combining computational advantage of 2D and ability to address 3D spatial coherence without compromising accuracy. Finally, lungs are divided into compartments based on air content assessed by density. We validated this pipeline on 72 mice with different grades of PF, achieving a Dice score of 0.967 on test set. Our tests demonstrate that this automated tool allows for rapid and comprehensive analysis of µCT scans of PF murine models, thus laying the ground for its wider exploitation in preclinical settings.
Integrated analysis to identify the AC005154.6/hsa-miR-29c-3p/CCNL2 axis as a novel prognostic biomarker associated with immune infiltration in prostate cancer
Authors: Li Qinyu , Chen Bingliang , Song Guoda , Zeng Kai , Chen Xin , Miao Jianping , Yuan Xianglin , Liu Jihong , Wang Zhihua , Liu Bo
Published: November 2022

Background

Prostate cancer (PCa) is currently the major malignancy in men. It is becoming increasingly clear that competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulation networks are important in a wide variety of cancers. Nevertheless, there is still much to learn about the biological functions of the ceRNA network in prostate cancer.

Methods

The ceRNA network was constructed using the "GDCRNATools" package. Based on survival analysis, we obtained AC005154.6/hsa-miR-29c-3p/CCNL2 for further analysis. The prognostic model based on this ceRNA network was constructed by univariate and multivariate Cox regression methods. Furthermore, functional enrichment analysis, mutation landscape analysis, immune infiltration analysis, drug sensitivity analysis, methylation analysis, pan-cancer analysis, and molecular experiments of CCNL2 were carried out to investigate the role of CCNL2 in tumorigenesis.

Results

We identified the AC005154.6/CCNL2 axis as a risk factor that can promote the progression of prostate cancer by bioinformatics analysis and molecular experiments. Immune infiltration analysis suggested that CCNL2 may act as a novel biomarker for treatment decisions. The methylation level of CCNL2 was significantly decreased in tumor samples, possibly contributing to the upregulation of CCNL2 in prostate cancer. Moreover, CCNL2 is differentially expressed in multiple cancers and is tightly correlated with immune infiltration.

Conclusion

The current study constructed a ceRNA network, AC005154.6/hsa-miR-29c-3p/CCNL2. Potentially, this biomarker can be used for early diagnosis and decision-making about prostate cancer treatment.
Combination of polythyleneimine regulating autophagy prodrug and Mdr1 siRNA for tumor multidrug resistance
Authors: Wang Changduo , Li Zhipeng , Xu Ping , Xu Lisa , Han Shangcong , Sun Yong
Published: November 2022

Multidrug resistance (MDR) has been restricting the efficacy of chemotherapy, which mainly include pump resistance and non-pump resistance. In order to fight overall MDR, a novel targeted gene/drug co-deliver nano system is developed, which can suppress the drug efflux pumps and modulate autophagy to overcoming both pump and non-pump resistance. Here, small interfere RNA (siRNA) is incorporated into polymer-drug conjugates (PEI-PTX, PP) which are composed of polyethyleneimine (PEI) and paclitaxel (PTX) via covalent bonds, and hyaluronic acid (HA) is coated on the surface of PP/siRNA to achieve long blood cycle and CD44-targeted delivery. The RNA interference to mdr1 gene is combined with autophagy inhibition by PP, which efficiently facilitate apoptosis of Taxol-resistant lung cancer cells (A549/T). Further study indicates that PEI in PP may play a significant role to block the autophagosome–lysosome fusion process by means of alkalizing lysosomes. Both in vitro and in vivo studies confirm that the nanoassemblies can successfully deliver PTX and siRNA into tumor cells and significantly inhibited A549/T tumor growth. In summary, the polymeric nanoassemblies provide a potential strategy for combating both pump and non-pump resistance via the synergism of RNAi and autophagy modulation.
Integrated next-generation sequencing and comparative transcriptomic analysis of leaves provides novel insights into the ethylene pathway of Chrysanthemum morifolium in response to a Chinese isolate of chrysanthemum virus B
Authors: Zhong Xueting , Yang Lianlian , Li Jiapeng , Tang Zhaoyang , Wu Choufei , Zhang Liqin , Zhou Xueping , Wang Yaqin , Wang Zhanqi
Published: November 2022

Background

Chrysanthemum virus B (CVB), a key member of the genus Carlavirus, family Betaflexiviridae, causes severe viral diseases in chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) plants worldwide. However, information on the mechanisms underlying the response of chrysanthemum plants to CVB is scant.

Methods

Here, an integrated next-generation sequencing and comparative transcriptomic analysis of chrysanthemum leaves was conducted to explore the molecular response mechanisms of plants to a Chinese isolate of CVB (CVB-CN) at the molecular level.

Results

In total, 4934 significant differentially expressed genes (SDEGs) were identified to respond to CVB-CN, of which 4097 were upregulated and 837 were downregulated. Gene ontology and functional classification showed that the majority of upregulated SDEGs were categorized into gene cohorts involved in plant hormone signal transduction, phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthesis, and ribosome metabolism. Enrichment analysis demonstrated that ethylene pathway-related genes were significantly upregulated following CVB-CN infection, indicating a strong promotion of ethylene biosynthesis and signaling. Furthermore, disruption of the ethylene pathway in Nicotiana benthamiana, a model plant, using virus-induced gene silencing technology rendered them more susceptible to cysteine-rich protein of CVB-CN induced hypersensitive response, suggesting a crucial role of this pathway in response to CVB-CN infection.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that ethylene pathway has an essential role of plant in response to CVB and offers valuable insights into the defense mechanisms of chrysanthemum against Carlavirus.
Return to sport after conservative versus surgical treatment for pubalgia in athletes: a systematic review
Authors: Serafim Thiago Teixeira , Oliveira Eliton Stanley , Migliorini Filippo , Maffulli Nicola , Okubo Rodrigo
Published: November 2022

Background

To assess the time required to return to sport (RTS) after conservative versus surgical treatment in athletes for pubalgia.

Methods

The PRISMA guidelines were followed. Pubmed, SportDiscus and Web of Science were last accessed on September 2022. All the studies investigating the time to RTS after conservative versus surgical treatment in athletes for pubalgia.

Results

In total, 33 studies were selected for full text assessment, and 10 studies were included in the qualitative analysis. Seven studies reported data on conservative management, two on surgical management and one compared both. A total of 468 subjects were included for analysis. 58.7% (275 of 468) were soccer players, 5.9% (28 of 468) runners, and 3.8% (18 of 468) hockey players. Two studies did not specify the type of sport. The quality of the studies detailing the results of conservative management was higher than surgical procedures.

Conclusion

This review highlights that individuals undergoing surgery for pubalgia may return to sport earlier than those receiving conservative treatment. However, conservative management should be considered before surgical treatment is indicated.
Novel method for bronchial stump coverage for prevents postpneumonectomy bronchopleural fistula: pedicled thymopericardial fat flap
Authors: Ceylan Kenan Can , Batıhan Güntuğ , Kaya Şeyda Örs
Published: November 2022

Background

Bronchopleural fistula (BPF) is a serious complication with high mortality and morbidity that can be seen after lung resections. Although several methods have been described to prevent postoperative BPF it is still unclear which method is the best. In this study, we have used tymopericardial fat flap (TPFF) to cover the bronchial stump in patients after pneumonectomy and aim to show its feasibility and efficacy to prevent BPF.

Methods

Between January 2013 and June 2021, 187 patients with lung cancer underwent pneumonectomy at our institution. Among them, 53 patients underwent bronchial stump coverage with TPFF. In other 134 patients there wasn’t used any coverage method. Patient characteristics, preoperative status, surgical procedures, perioperative course, pathological findings, and long-term prognoses were evaluated retrospectively.

Results

Postoperative BPF was observed in 16 (%8.5) patients. It was observed that TPFF was applied in only 1 of the patients who developed BPF. A statistically significant difference was detected between TPFF-coverage with non-coverage groups in terms of postoperative BPF rates (p = 0.044). Other factors associated with the development of postoperative BPF in univariate analysis were right sided pneumonectomy, and re-operation.

Conclusion

Bronchial stump coverage with TPFF is a feasible and effective method to prevent postpneumonectomy BPF.
Dynamics and stationary distribution of a stochastic SIRS epidemic model with a general incidence and immunity
Authors: Chen Tao , Li Zhiming
Published: November 2022

Infected individuals often obtain or lose immunity after recovery in medical studies. To solve the problem, this paper proposes a stochastic SIRS epidemic model with a general incidence rate and partial immunity. Through an appropriate Lyapunov function, we obtain the existence and uniqueness of a unique globally positive solution. The disease will be extinct under the threshold criterion. We analyze the asymptotic behavior around the disease-free equilibrium of a deterministic SIRS model. By using the Khasminskii method, we prove the existence of a unique stationary distribution. Further, solutions of the stochastic model fluctuate around endemic equilibrium under certain conditions. Some numerical examples illustrate the theoretical results.
Influence of public health and infection control interventions during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic on the in-hospital epidemiology of pathogens: in hospital versus community circulating pathogens
Authors: Dapper Laura , Dick Aline , Nonnenmacher-Winter Claudia , Günther Frank
Published: November 2022

Background

The first detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Germany was reported in early February 2020. In addition, extensive control measures on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have been placed in Germany since March 2020. These include contact and travel restrictions, distance rules, mandatory wearing of face masks and respirators, cancellation of mass events, closures of day-care centers, schools, restaurants and shops, isolation measures, and intensified infection control measures in medical and long-term care facilities. Changes in demand or access to health care services and intensified control measures can lead to changes in transmission dynamics and imply effects on the overall occurrence of infectious diseases in hospitals.

Methods

To analyze the impact of infection control measures implemented in public on infectious diseases in hospitals, surveillance data from Marburg University Hospital were analyzed retrospectively. The analysis was conducted from January 2019 to June 2021, referred to hospital occupancy and mobility data in the county of Marburg-Biedenkopf, and correlated to control measures in hospitals and the general population.

Results

The COVID-19 pandemic and associated measures immediately impacted the occurrence of infectious diseases at the Marburg University Hospital. Significant changes were detected for virus-associated respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases. The massive drop in norovirus infections was significantly affected by the onset of the pandemic (P = 0.028). Similar effects were observed for rotavirus (up to − 89%), respiratory syncytial virus (up to − 98%), and adenovirus infections (up to − 90%). The decrease in gastrointestinal and respiratory virus detection rates was significantly affected by the decline in mobility (P < 0.05). Of note, since April 2020, there have been no detected influenza cases. Furthermore, Clostridioides difficile-related infections declined after late 2020 (− 44%). In contrast, no significant changes were detected in the prevalence of susceptible and drug-resistant bacterial pathogens. In particular, the detection rates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates or multidrug resistant (MDR) and extended drug resistant (XDR) bacteria remained constant, although the consumption of hand disinfectants and protective equipment increased.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health measures had a significant impact on infectious diseases and the detection of pathogens at the Marburg University Hospital. Significant changes were observed for community transmissible infections, while no such effects on pathogens primarily associated with nosocomial transmission could be detected.
Placing human gene families into their evolutionary context
Authors: Dornburg Alex , Mallik Rittika , Wang Zheng , Bernal Moisés A. , Thompson Brian , Bruford Elspeth A. , Nebert Daniel W. , Vasiliou Vasilis , Yohe Laurel R. , Yoder Jeffrey A. , Townsend Jeffrey P.
Published: November 2022

Following the draft sequence of the first human genome over 20 years ago, we have achieved unprecedented insights into the rules governing its evolution, often with direct translational relevance to specific diseases. However, staggering sequence complexity has also challenged the development of a more comprehensive understanding of human genome biology. In this context, interspecific genomic studies between humans and other animals have played a critical role in our efforts to decode human gene families. In this review, we focus on how the rapid surge of genome sequencing of both model and non-model organisms now provides a broader comparative framework poised to empower novel discoveries. We begin with a general overview of how comparative approaches are essential for understanding gene family evolution in the human genome, followed by a discussion of analyses of gene expression. We show how homology can provide insights into the genes and gene families associated with immune response, cancer biology, vision, chemosensation, and metabolism, by revealing similarity in processes among distant species. We then explain methodological tools that provide critical advances and show the limitations of common approaches. We conclude with a discussion of how these investigations position us to gain fundamental insights into the evolution of gene families among living organisms in general. We hope that our review catalyzes additional excitement and research on the emerging field of comparative genomics, while aiding the placement of the human genome into its existentially evolutionary context.
Withstanding psychological distress among internally displaced Yazidis in Iraq: 6 years after attack by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant
Authors: Rasheed Omar S. , López-Rodríguez Lucía , Navas Marisol
Published: November 2022

Background

Insurgents of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant created a crisis that has had immediate and long-term consequences for the population in Iraq. Yazidis are among the most affected ethnoreligious groups in the region. The current study focuses on investigating the level of psychological distress and its association with subjective resilience among the Yazidi minority 6 years after the attack by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

Methods

The present study recruited four hundred and twenty-two Yazidi individuals (50.8% female) residing in two camps in the Iraqi Kurdistan region. In face-to-face interviews, each participant replied to different scales to measure psychological distress (i.e., depression, anxiety, and stress), perceived stress, and subjective resilience. In addition, they were asked questions about mental health and psychosocial service acquisition.

Results

The results indicate that levels of psychological distress were high among the target population; around 65% of respondents reported having some level of psychological distress. Moreover, women showed not only higher level of psychological distress but also revealed slightly lower subjective resilience as compared to male participants. Hierarchical regressions showed that subjective resilience significantly contributed to the predictive model of distress beyond demographics and having received or not mental health and psychosocial support. Subjective resilience was significantly associated to less anxiety (R2adj = .157, ΔR2 = .022, p = .010) and stress (R2adj = .083, ΔR2 = .026, p = .008) in Mam-Rashan camp; and to less depression (R2adj = .184, ΔR2 = .095, p < .001), anxiety (R2adj = .140, ΔR2 = .024, p = .034), stress (R2adj = .046, ΔR2 = .047, p = .005), and perceived stress (R2adj = .024, ΔR2 = .032, p = .022) in Shekhan camp.

Conclusions

Conflict and displacement contribute to high level of psychological distress. Resilience, however, seem to have a negative association with psychological distress. Additionally, living conditions and sex also played an important role in both psychological distress and resilience. Consequently, Yazidi community residing in camps are in need of further support to alleviate the consequences of displacement. We critically discuss the differences in the results among participants per camp and by sex, and its implications.
Does school SES matter less for high-performing students than for their lower-performing peers? A quantile regression analysis of PISA 2018 Australia
Authors: Perry Laura B. , Saatcioglu Argun , Mickelson Roslyn Arlin
Published: November 2022

Background

While the relationship between school socioeconomic composition and student academic outcomes is well established, knowledge about differential effects is not extensive. In particular, little is known whether the relationship differs for students with varying levels of academic performance. We examined whether the school socioeconomic composition effect on academic achievement is stronger or weaker for high-performing students than for average- and low-performing students. Australia is a theoretically interesting case study as it has high levels of school socioeconomic segregation compared to other economically developed countries.

Methods

We conducted quantile regression analysis using data from the Australia PISA 2018 sample (N = 14,273 15-year-old students). We examined the effect of school socioeconomic status (school SES) on student performance in reading, mathematical and scientific literacy.

Results

We found that the school socioeconomic composition effect is substantial and is similar for all students, regardless of their level of academic performance. The findings also show that school SES is a stronger predictor than student SES for all student performance quintiles, and the size of the school SES effect relative to the size of student SES effect is larger in lower performance quintiles.

Conclusions

These results indicate no differential effect of school SES on reading, mathematical or scientific literacy for students of varying levels of academic performance. The relationship is similarly strong and positive for high-performing students as it is for their lower performing peers. As school SES is a strong predictor for all students regardless of their level of academic performance, we argue that equity of educational outcomes can be best achieved by policies and structures that promote socioeconomically mixed rather than segregated schools. We also call for more research that seeks to identify and understand possible differential effects of school socioeconomic composition on a range of academic and non-cognitive student outcomes.
Distribution feature and development characteristics of geohazards in Wudu district, Gansu province, Northwest China
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Sun Ping , Li Ran , Zhang Yanlin , Ren Jian
Published: November 2022

Background

The study area located at southeast Gansu, China, has long been afflicted by the intense occurrence of geohazards. The study area is characterized by interleaving terrain of precipitous mountains and valley basins, abundant precipitation, and complicated geological setting. In this work, 1144 geohazards including 759 landslides, 281 debris flows, and 104 collapse were presented and their types were categorized in detail. Then, the distribution of geohazards were analyzed and the controlling role of hazard-inducing environment and triggering factors on geohazards were preliminary presented.

Results

In this work, correlation analysis between geohazards and geological, topographical, and geomorphological context was conducted. Concave slopes with height smaller than 200 m and slope gradient between 21° and 40° is the favorable topographic feature for landslide occurrence and the predominant slope aspects of landslides are southwest, south, west, and southeast. Collapse generally occurs in slope with gradient larger than 45°. Valleys with valley gradient less than 400‰, valley height between 100 and 500 m, and watershed area of 1–10 km2 register the largest percentage and the most favorable slope gradient for the supply of solid source at the debris flow source area is 25°–45°. The preferable strata for geohazards (landslide, collapse and debris flow) are Middle and upper Pleistocene loess, Holocene diluvium, Silurian phyllite and slate, Neogene mudstone, and Devonian schist and gneiss, and most geohazards occurred in tectonic erosional middle altitude mountain, tectonic erosional high-middle altitude mountain, tectonic erosional-diluvial planation surface. In addition, the controlling role of triggering factors, i.e., precipitation, earthquake, and human engineering activity was discussed and described in this work.

Conclusion

Geohazards in the study area are synthetically controlled by the hazard-inducing environment and triggering factors. The complicated sliding-prone strata and steep topography resulted from strong tectonic movement provides a favorable basis for the development and formation of geohazards. Heavy rainfall, strong seismic motion, and human engineering activity are the main triggering factors for geohazard occurrence.
Multi-stage expansion planning of energy storage integrated soft open points considering tie-line reconstruction
Authors: Li Peng , Ji Jie , Chen Sirui , Ji Haoran , Xu Jing , Song Guanyu , Zhao Jinli , Wu Jianzhong , Wang Chengshan
Published: November 2022

With the rapid development of flexible interconnection technology in active distribution networks (ADNs), many power electronic devices have been employed to improve system operational performance. As a novel fully-controlled power electronic device, energy storage integrated soft open point (ESOP) is gradually replacing traditional switches. This can significantly enhance the controllability of ADNs. To facilitate the utilization of ESOP, device locations and capacities should be configured optimally. Thus, this paper proposes a multi-stage expansion planning method of ESOP with the consideration of tie-line reconstruction. First, based on multi-terminal modular design characteristics, the ESOP planning model is established. A multi-stage planning framework of ESOP is then presented, in which the evolutionary relationship among different planning schemes is analyzed. Based on this framework, a multi-stage planning method of ESOP with consideration of tie-line reconstruction is subsequently proposed. Finally, case studies are conducted on a modified practical distribution network, and the cost–benefit analysis of device and multiple impact factors are given to prove the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Advanced application of collagen-based biomaterials in tissue repair and restoration
Authors: Zhu Jiayi , Li Zhulian , Zou Yaping , Lu Gonggong , Ronca Alfredo , D’Amora Ugo , Liang Jie , Fan Yujiang , Zhang Xingdong , Sun Yong
Published: November 2022

In tissue engineering, bioactive materials play an important role, providing structural support, cell regulation and establishing a suitable microenvironment to promote tissue regeneration. As the main component of extracellular matrix, collagen is an important natural bioactive material and it has been widely used in scientific research and clinical applications. Collagen is available from a wide range of animal origin, it can be produced by synthesis or through recombinant protein production systems. The use of pure collagen has inherent disadvantages in terms of physico-chemical properties. For this reason, a processed collagen in different ways can better match the specific requirements as biomaterial for tissue repair. Here, collagen may be used in bone/cartilage regeneration, skin regeneration, cardiovascular repair and other fields, by following different processing methods, including cross-linked collagen, complex, structured collagen, mineralized collagen, carrier and other forms, promoting the development of tissue engineering. This review summarizes a wide range of applications of collagen-based biomaterials and their recent progress in several tissue regeneration fields. Furthermore, the application prospect of bioactive materials based on collagen was outlooked, aiming at inspiring more new progress and advancements in tissue engineering research.

Graphical Abstract
Who Is Afraid of Techno-Fiction? The Emergence of Online Science Fiction in the Age of Informatization
Authors: Kim Dahye
Published: November 2022

An important and distinctive characteristic of the emergence of South Korean science fiction for an adult readership is its flourishing in digital space, predominantly written by the new generation of middle-class, techno-savvy youth beginning in the late 1980s. This article, which terms these science fiction texts from the late 1980s through the 1990s “techno-fiction,” begins by examining how contemporary literary critics viewed both science fiction and the practice of digital writing as concerning symptoms of “postmodernity” that threatened older aesthetic axioms of the literary field. For these critics, techno-fiction signified the empirical facts not only that increasing numbers of texts were being produced via the mediation of computer technology but, even more concerning, that the larger, politico-economic transformation of informatization was radically restructuring the cultural landscape and everyday cultural practices. Building on these critics’ calls to pay attention to the rising middle-class habitus and related cultural techniques to better understand the state of literature and culture in the age of information, and set against the backdrop of state-initiated and neoliberal processes of informatization, this article closely examines how these middle-class youth grew up to become key players in the production and consumption of techno-fiction.
H-E-L-L-O in Five Notes
Authors: Kincaid Megan , Sloane-Britt Summer
Published: November 2022

This article is an expanded version of a catalogue essay written for the 2021 exhibition Cauleen Smith, H-E-L-L-O: To Do All At Once, Great Hall Exhibition, Institute of Fine Arts, New York University. The event was the first online exhibition of the series, due to COVID-19 restrictions, and featured the multimedia artist’s 2014 film H-E-L-L-O, commissioned for the multi-year curatorial project En Mas’: Carnival and Performance Art of the Caribbean. H-E-L-L-O. Set in post-Katrina New Orleans, Smith performs a deconstructed ceremonial procession through the city, activated by individual bass-clef musicians who together form a dispersed orchestra. Filmed in significant locations across New Orleans, Smith’s slow lurch sutures spaces that typically unyoke body from environment, architecture, or understanding by uniting her panoramic exploration with a five-note score drawn from Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), which similarly fostered connection between distant and foreign bodies. This article explores the work’s confrontation of New Orleans as a historic space recovering from the traumatic devastation of the built environment and communal systems, a distorted signifier of “authentic” diasporic art forms like jazz and carnival for touristic economies, and a futurological imaginary that can reclaim both physical and psychic autonomy through reengagement with the city’s population on its own visual and sonic terms.
T’waunii Sinclair and the Ongoing Cultural Life of the Machete
Authors: Chambers Eddie
Published: November 2022

This article concerns itself with a new body of work by Jamaican artist T’waunii Sinclair. The work utilizes the machete, in some respects a common, everyday implement but one which is imbued with all manner of associations, some challenging (for example, the British media’s reference to machetes as code for Black criminality). Other associations, ones that Sinclair is keen to advance in his work, relate to the African diaspora, Caribbean history (particularly that of Haiti), and the machete as a symbol of enslavement and a tool in insurrections against slavery. The article places Sinclair’s work into several machete-related contexts and considerations. While a machete is not an expansive surface on which to execute a figurative painting, Sinclair achieves a copious amount of expression in these works, creating images that range from cartographic depictions of Hispaniola to an insurrection in progress to sets of eyes expressing horror, terror, or surprise. Through these images, the cultural life of the lowly implement is given the most dramatic range of fillips.
Mourning Methods
Authors: Wallace Amanda Russhell
Published: November 2022

There is no encapsulated decisive moment in mourning. Rather, it manifests as time based and time oriented collaging amalgamated from broad notions of the archive. Particularly, the author’s practice of historical collaging interlaces the past and present with a hopeful thread of futures reliant upon her performing as an artist-magician aspiring to break the mourning. Optical undoing is the point of departure that the author’s art practice often takes while running back and forth with the dead and dying. For this issue, the author discusses what could be methods of visual critical fabulation (to borrow Saidiya Hartman’s term) via the metaphorical weaving, burning, excision, and preservation as mourning methods that span her predominantly lens-based work.
Case Report: Two-year consequences of barium sulfate aspiration
Authors: Tansuwannarat Phantakan , Pongkaew Chaiwat , Tongpoo Achara , Sriapha Charuwan , Wananukul Winai , Srisuma Sahaphume
Published: November 2022

Aspiration of barium contrast is a rare, but well-known, event occurring during examinations of the upper gastrointestinal system using contrast media. We present a case of large-volume high-concentration barium sulfate aspiration in an 88-year-old male diagnosed with dysphagia, during the swallowing study. He rapidly developed difficulty in breathing, hypoxemia and chemical pneumonitis. The chest radiograph showed the infiltration of barium contrast at both sides with left lower lung predominance. His lowest oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry was 91%. His condition improved with supportive care including oxygen therapy. The patient was finally discharged a few days later with normal oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry. The follow-up chest radiograph at 2 years after the aspiration showed considerable interval clearing of the aspirated contrast material. The plasma and urine barium concentrations at 2 years after the aspiration were <0.5 μg/L and 13.6 μg/L, respectively. Currently, there is no reference urine barium level in the Thai population. These finding may be partially explained by our patient’s exposure of barium from food or water or might be gradually absorbed systemically from the residual barium in lungs.
Assessing the potential relevance of CEACAM6 as a blood transcriptional biomarker
Authors: Rinchai Darawan , Chaussabel Damien
Published: November 2022

Background

Changes in blood transcript abundance levels have been associated with pathogenesis in a wide range of diseases. While next generation sequencing technology can measure transcript abundance on a genome-wide scale, downstream clinical applications often require small sets of genes to be selected for inclusion in targeted panels. Here we set out to gather information from the literature and transcriptome datasets that would help researchers determine whether to include the gene CEACAM6 in such panels.

Methods

We employed a workflow to systematically retrieve, structure, and aggregate information derived from both the literature and public transcriptome datasets. It consisted of profiling the CEACAM6 literature to identify major diseases associated with this candidate gene and establish its relevance as a biomarker. Accessing blood transcriptome datasets identified additional instances where CEACAM6 transcript levels differ in cases vs controls. Finally, the information retrieved throughout this process was captured in a structured format and aggregated in interactive circle packing plots.

Results

Although it is not routinely used clinically, the relevance of CEACAM6 as a biomarker has already been well-established in the cancer field, where it has invariably been found to be associated with poor prognosis. Focusing on the blood transcriptome literature, we found studies reporting elevated levels of CEACAM6 abundance across a wide range of pathologies, especially diseases where inflammation plays a dominant role, such as asthma, psoriasis, or Parkinson’s disease. The screening of public blood transcriptome datasets completed this picture, showing higher abundance levels in patients with infectious diseases caused by viral and bacterial pathogens.

Conclusions

Targeted assays measuring CEACAM6 transcript abundance in blood may be of potential utility for the management of patients with diseases presenting with systemic inflammation and for the management of patients with cancer, where the assay could potentially be run both on blood and tumor tissues.
Psychosomatics in ophthalmology - review of the literature
Authors: Hyjek Michał , Marczak Aleksandra , Hordejuk Michalina , Szymkiewicz Karolina
Published: November 2022

Objective:This study aimed to demonstrate the potential influence of psychiatric disorders on the development andcourse of ophthalmic diseases.Methods:A literature search was performed in the PubMed medical publication database using the followingkeywords: ophthalmology; glaucoma; psychiatrists; psychology; acute anterior uveitis; psychosomatics;health.Results:Stress and psychiatric disorders are underestimated risk factors in the course of ophthalmic diseases.Understanding the relationship between them is crucial to ensuring proper patient care. This is becausevision loss has serious consequences for the patient, ranging from difficulties in everyday life todisability, loss of livelihood and dependence on others. The stress reaction is associated with long-termpersistence of high cortisol levels, stimulation of the autonomic system and, consequently, vasculardysregulation and neuropathy. The result is a progression of visual disturbances, which causes furtherstress and anxiety.Conclusions:Effective psychiatric intervention, the correct physician approach, or relaxation techniques can speed uprecovery or reduce the risk of recurrence.
Developing and testing an educational app on bowel preparation
Authors: Wonggom Parichat , Theeranut Ampornpan , Krongyut Sirinya , Tangworapongchai Kawin
Published: November 2022

Background:

Colonoscopy is the top investigation tool for colorectal cancer screening. The role of nurses in educating and advising on bowel preparation is essential to prepare patients for colonoscopy. Evidence supports that an interactive patient education smartphone and tablet application (app) leads to better health outcomes.

Aims:

To develop and evaluate the use of a bowel preparation app in providing knowledge and teaching bowel preparation to improve colonoscopy preparation.

Methods:

Analyse data from consumer participation and pre-post test methods.

Findings:

The effectiveness of the app was assessed in four categories: disease-specific content and patient-centred; flexible learning environments and accessibility; elder-friendliness; and usefulness. Overall, 10 people completed the app's feasibility testing and demonstrated a significant improvement in their bowel preparation knowledge (P=0.004) and behaviours (P=0.005). The mean BBPS scores was 7.8 (SD=0.6) and satisfaction with learning using the app was very high (90%).

Conclusion:

The collaboration with the multidisciplinary team led to the creation of an innovative app with a high level of satisfaction. Thus, interactive app technology in patient education is a feasible alternative method to deliver health information.
Management of diabetic ulcers of the dorsum of the foot and distal leg ulcers
Authors: Ahmed Mohamed Elmakki , Mohammad Khalid Musa Khider , Mahadi Seifeldin Ibrahim , Widyatalla Abubakr Hassan
Published: November 2022

Objective:

Diabetic foot ulceration of toes, forefoot and heel have been extensively studied; however, the dorsum of the foot and the distal leg have rarely been addressed. The objective of this study was to assess diabetic ulcers of the dorsum of the foot and of the distal leg (DUDFDLs) as primary sites, or extended lesions from other foot locations, with regard to possible causes, management and outcomes.

Method:

This was a retrospective study conducted in Jabir Abu Eliz Diabetic Centre (JADC) in Khartoum from January 2018 to August 2019. All patients with a primary DUDFDL, or one extending from a plantar or heel ulcer, were included.

Results:

A cohort of 102 patients with DUDFDLs were studied; 74 (72.5%) were male and 28 (27.5%) were female, with a male-to-female ratio of 2.6:1, and a mean age of 57±12 years. The ulcer was a primary DUDFDL in 38 patients and a secondary ulcer in 64 patients. The outcome in 38 patients with primary DUDFDL was healing without amputation in 26 cases (68.4%), amputation of toes in 12 cases (31.6%), and no major amputation or death. Of the 64 patients presenting with secondary DUDFDL extending from the plantar surface, there was extension to the dorsum of the foot through the forefoot ulcer in 54 patients and through the ankle joint to the distal leg in 10 patients. For the plantar ulcers extending to the dorsum, five cases healed without amputation (9.3%), minor amputation was necessary in 29 cases (53.7%), major amputation in 14 cases (25.9%) and six patients died (11.1%). For the distal leg ulcers with extension through the ankle joint, five healed without amputation and five required minor amputation.

Conclusion:

Primary DUDFDLs had a favourable outcome. Dorsum extension of diabetic foot ulcer from the plantar aspect of the foot carries a high risk for major limb amputation and death.