bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lactate administration induces skeletal muscle synthesis by influencing Akt/mTOR and MuRF1 in non-trained mice but not in trained mice
Authors: Kyun Sunghwan , Kim Jisu , Hwang Deunsol , Jang Inkwon , Park Hun-Young , Lim Kiwon
Published: September 2022

Background: The perception regarding lactate has changed over the past decades, with some of its physiological roles having been revealed. However, the effects of exogenous lactate on skeletal muscle synthesis remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to confirm the effects of long-term and post-exercise lactate administration on skeletal muscle synthesis. Methods: 32 ICR mice were randomly assigned to non-trained + placebo (Non/Pla), non-trained + lactate (Non/Lac), tranied + placebo (Tr/Pla), or trained + lactate (Tr/Lac) groups. Lactate (3 g/kg) or same volume of saline was immediately administered after exercise training (70% VO2max). Lactate administration and/or exercise training was performed 5 days/week for 5 weeks. Results: After the experimental period, lactate administration tended to increase skeletal muscle weight and significantly enhanced the gastrocnemius muscle weight. Furthermore, lactate administration increased the mRNA levels of Akt (p = 0.000) and mTOR (p = 0.009), decreased protein expression of MuRF1 (p = 0.001), and reduced blood IGF1 levels (p = 0.039). However, lactate administration after exercise training had no additional effects on almost factors. Conclusions: These results suggest that long-term lactate administration have a potential to stimulate skeletal muscle synthesis, but lactate administration after exercise training may not be extra beneficial for increasing skeletal muscle because of the lactate administration timing.
Investigation of the characteristics of multileaf collimator position errors: dose distribution- based error classification
Authors: Sheen Heesoon , Shin Han-Back , Kim Hojae , Kim Changhwan , Kim Jihun , Kim Jin Sung , Hong Chae-Seon
Published: September 2022

Background The characteristics of the multileaf collimator (MLC) position error were investigated without clinical variability and other factors affecting the error analysis. An index indicating the attributes of MLC position error was found and used for MLC position error prediction model. The dose-volume histogram (DVH) was examined to investigate the clinical relationship.Methods: The dose distribution was investigated using the gamma index, structural similarity (SSIM) index, and dosiomics index. The cases from the American Association of Physicists in Medicine Task Group 119 were planned, and systematic and random MLC position errors were simulated. All error-free and error datasets were generated in the treatment plan system. The indices were obtained from distribution maps, and then statistically significant indices were selected. An MLC position error prediction model was developed using the selected indices and logistic regression method. The final model was determined when all values of the area under the curve (AUC), accuracy, precision, sensitivity, and specificity were higher than 0.8 (p<0.05). DVH relative percentage difference between the error-free and error datasets was examined to investigate clinical relations.Results: Statistically common significant indices were found, GLCM_Energy in Class-I and Class-III and GLRLM_LRHGE in Class-II. The final model was developed using indices that satisfied the statistical criteria. The number of finalized univariate predictive models was five in Class-I and Class-II and four in Class-III. Seven multivariate predictive models were finalized. The DVH relative percentage difference between the error-free and error dataset almost linearly increased as systematic error increased. In the case of random errors, the tendency of the DVH relative percentage difference was dependent on the structure’s location.Conclusion: Our study highlights three novel vital results. First, the common significant dosiomics indices (GLCM Energy and GLRLM_LRHGE) can characterize the MLC position error. Second, the finalized logistic regression model for MLC position error prediction showed excellent performance with AUC > 0.9. Third, the results of DVH were related to dosiomics analysis in that it reflects the characteristics of the MLC position error, and it was shown that dosiomics analysis could provide important information on localized dose distribution differences in addition to DVH information.
Profile of cardiovascular risk factors among child sexual abuse victims in Puerto Rico
Authors: Laras Linda Perez - , Laras Linda , Marzan-Rodríguez Melissa
Published: September 2022

Background

Exposure to childhood sexual abuse has a long-term impact on cardiovascular health. Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death among Hispanics. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in a group of child sexual abuse victims in Puerto Rico. It also intended to identify the possible impact that the offender's relationship with the victim and the number of victimizations may have on said risk factors.

Methods

The study consisted of a retrospective chart review at a victim-centered clinical forensic service in Puerto Rico. Medical records were used to identify cardiovascular risk factors and variables associated with child sexual abuse victimization. Means, standard deviation (SD), and frequencies were used to describe the risk factors and the victimization. The Mann–Whitney and Fisher’s exact tests were used to determine the differences between the type of victimization and the risk factors for cardiovascular health.

Results

Most of the victims were female (81%), with an average age of 10 (SD 3.8) years. According to the 31 reviewed charts, 55% of the children had been sexually assaulted, the offender was a family member (84%), and the assault had occurred more than once (81%). Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, and body mass index (BMI) was found to be at unhealthy levels (based on age and sex); when the victim reported having been sexually assaulted, the offender was a family member, and more than one assault occurred. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and fasting blood sugar were statistically significant among victims who reported being sexually assaulted and/or sexually molested when the offender was a family member, and the victimization occurred more than once.

Conclusion

This data shows that healthcare professionals who conduct interventions with victims of sexual abuse need to know the circumstances of their victimization to be responsive to their needs and prevent chronic health problems. The victims of child sexual abuse should be screened for cardiovascular risk factors.
Trial Registration: Not applicable.
Influence of allergic diseases on executive function development and ADHD symptoms: a longitudinal study in Korea
Authors: Shin Min-Gwan , Jeong Ji-Woon , Kim Ji-Hoon
Published: September 2022

Executive function (EF) encompasses a variety of cognitive domains that are deeply related to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which has a wide range of negative effects on life. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of allergic diseases on EF development, and the relationship between EF and ADHD. This study used data from the 8th-11th Panel Study on Korean Children in 2015-2018. The data were based on an annual follow-up survey of 1,156 children from the age of 7 to 10. The EF was composed of 3 sub-areas in this study: planning-organization, behavior control, and emotional control. History of allergic diseases was investigated in the 8th wave and included asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR), and allergic dermatitis (AD). Attention-deficit hyperactivity (ADH) problem was measured based on the Child Behavior Checklist/6-18. Children with a history of asthma or AR generally showed more EF difficulties, but there were differences according to the diseases and sub-areas of EF. Asthma and AR also increased the correlation between EF difficulties and the ADH problem scale. In addition, the development of emotional control showed a different trajectory according to a history of asthma. We suggested that the relationship between allergic diseases and EF could be explained by structural changes in EF with age. In addition, allergic diseases may have a stronger association with inattention symptoms of ADHD, rather than hyperactive-impulsivity symptoms. The problem of EF difficulties associated with allergic diseases may be the key to understanding the relationship between allergic diseases and ADHD.
Beta and gamma binaural beats enhance auditory sentence comprehension
Authors: Kim Hyun-Woong , Happe Jenna , Lee Yune Sang
Published: September 2022

Binaural beats — an auditory illusion produced when two pure tones of slightly different frequencies are dichotically presented — have been shown to modulate various cognitive and psychological states. Here, we investigated the effects of binaural beat stimulation on auditory sentence processing that required interpretation of syntactic relations (Experiment 1) or an analysis of syntactic well-formedness (Experiment 2) with a large cohort of healthy young adults (N = 200). In both experiments, participants performed a language task after listening to one of four sounds (i.e., between-subject design): theta (7 Hz), beta (18 Hz), and gamma (40 Hz) binaural beats embedded in music, or the music-only. In Experiment 1, 100 participants indicated the gender of a noun linked to a transitive action verb in spoken sentences containing either a subject- or object-relative center-embedded clause. We found that both beta and gamma binaural beats yielded better performance, compared to music-only, especially for syntactically more complex object-relative sentences. To explore if the binaural beat effect can be generalized to another type of language task, we conducted Experiment 2 in which another 100 participants indicated whether or not there was a grammatical error in spoken sentences embedded with a subject- or object-relative clause. However, none of the binaural beats yielded better performance for this task indicating that the benefit of beta and gamma binaural beats may be specific to the interpretation of syntactic relations. Together, we demonstrate, for the first time, the positive impact of binaural beats on auditory language comprehension. Both theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Evaluation of Peripheral Anterior Synechia Formation Following Gonioscopy Assisted Transluminal Trabeculotomy Surgery
Authors: Gunay Murat , Turk Adem , Ozturk Hilal , Bulanik Fatma Tugba , Uzlu Dilek
Published: September 2022

Purpose: To quantitatively assess the development of peripheral anterior synechia (PAS) formation rate and PAS locations on gonioscopic examination following gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) surgery and investigate the surgical outcomes.Methods: A total of 35 eyes from 31 patients with open angle glaucoma who underwent GATT or combined GATT and phacoemulsification surgery as an initial glaucoma procedure were analyzed. Presence of PAS was assessed on gonioscopy in nasal, temporal, superior and inferior quadrants at months 1, 3 and 6 following surgery. Surgical outcomes were also noted.Results: The mean age of the patients was 68.8±9.2 years. The mean IOP and mean number of antiglaucoma medications decreased from 31.5±7.2 mmHg and 3.6±0.6 at baseline to 13.8±3.1 mmHg and 1.6±1.3 at postoperative 6 months, respectively (p<0.001, for both). Overall surgical success rate was found as 95.6% which was 30.4% without antiglaucoma medication. Mild to moderate degrees of hyphema occurred in all cases postoperatively. PAS formation rates were observed to be higher in nasal quadrant compared to temporal, superior and inferior quadrants on gonioscopy at months 1 (38.3%), 3 (34.0%) and 6 (32.3%) postoperatively. The highest amount of PAS involvement was 3 clock hours in the study which was identified only in nasal and inferior quadrants.Conclusion: PAS frequency was higher in nasal angle following GATT surgery. Broader PAS involvement was seen in both nasal and inferior angle regions.
Chemical composition of subcortical tissues of Quercus suber, the diet of the flathead oak borer Coraebus undatus (Coleoptera, Buprestidae)
Authors: Muñoz-Adalia Emigdio Jordán , Haque Mohammed Masum Ul , Gemeno César
Published: September 2022

Quercus suber is severely affected by the larva of the pest beetle Coraebus undatus, which develops and forms galleries in phellogen (cork cambium) and surrounding tissues corresponding to new phellem or cork (in the outer bark) and phelloderm plus the outer phloem (inner inner bark). To better understand the nutritional requirements of C. undatus we describe twelve chemical parameters (water content, fiber, six carbohydrates, total proteins, organic matter, and lignin) of these tissues. Phelloderm plus phloem contained higher amounts of cellulose, organic matter, and sucrose than phellem, and this contained higher quantities of fiber, fructose, lignin, and moisture than phelloderm plus phloem. Samples from infected trees were richer in glucose and hemicellulose, and poorer in fiber, lignin, water, and myo-inositol than those of uninfected trees.
Quality of Life and Disease Coping Strategies in Patients with Rosacea
Authors: Azrumelashvili Sopiko , Kituashvili Tina
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory skin disorder that adversely affects patients' quality of life. The aim of the study was to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) and to find the connection between QoL and coping strategies in patients with rosacea. Design and methods: A total of 138 patients, aged from 22 to 80, took part in this study with the first-time confirmed diagnosis of rosacea. All patients completed the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire to evaluate the patients’ attitudes to the impact of rosacea on QoL and Coping Strategies Questionnaires (COPE). Results: The study has determined that Average DLQI in the case of rosacea equals 14.09+3.18. Mean Rosacea-Specific DLQI is: symptoms and feelings - 3.75+1.92, daily activities - 3.12+1.77; leisure - 2.52+1.81, work and/or school - 1.52+1.50, personal relationships - 2.42+1.90, treatment - 1.59+1.04. The usage of instrumental social support - 3.39 has the highest score factor in the COPE questionnaire. Conclusions: Rosacea has a strong impact on human life. QoL in rosacea patients is connected to age, gender, employment status, self-esteem and subtype of the disease. Correlation analysis shows connection between the quality of life and coping strategy. Based on the regression analysis formula, the large and extremely large effect of DLQI can be calculated according to the existing risk forecast. The results obtained in our study may be a starting point for the elaboration of complex support for patients with rosacea.
The Transdiagnostic Oncology Program (TOP), a combined lifestyle intervention for improving the quality of life of cancer survivors: a controlled before-and-after pilot study in the primary care setting
Authors: Booij Sanne H. , Pieper Amy , Wester Christianne D. , Bültmann Ute , Waarsenburg Elkana C. , Hoenders H. J. Rogier
Published: September 2022

Purpose
There is a need for interdisciplinary primary care-led aftercare programs for the common (transdiagnostic) problems cancer survivors experience to increase their quality of life. The aim of this controlled before-and-after pilot study was to examine the feasibility and effectiveness of a transdiagnostic, family doctor-led interdisciplinary program to increase quality of life in a heterogeneous group of cancer survivors.
Methods
The intervention group (N = 19) followed a 12-month interdisciplinary aftercare program in the primary care setting, consisting of: family doctor consultation, physical exercise, mind-body therapy, sleep hygiene, dietary recommendations, and optional psychological therapy. Eligible cancer survivors who declined participation, were included as controls (N = 16). The primary outcome was quality of life, as measured with the EORTC-QOL-C30, covering global health status, and various forms of functioning and symptoms. Secondary outcomes included assessments of fatigue, mental health, happiness, and work ability. Assessments took place at baseline (T0), and 6 months (T1) and 12 months post-baseline (T2). Intention-to-treat multilevel analyses were conducted.
Results
At baseline, the intervention group scored significantly worse on several indices of quality of life, and on secondary outcomes, compared to controls. The intervention group showed significantly larger increases at T2 in physical and social functioning, and decreases in fatigue and anxiety, compared to the control group.
Conclusion
TOP seems feasible and seems to increase the quality of life and related aspects in cancer survivors over 1 year. A randomized controlled trial is warranted.
Structure-based design of glycosylated oxytocin analogues with improved selectivity and antinociceptive activity
Authors: Goodman Hannah , Tanguturi Parthasadhireddy , Szabo Lajos , Sprober Sara , Liu Chenxi , Al-Obeidi Fahad , Kumirov Vlad , Heien M. , Streicher John , Polt Robin
Published: September 2022

Pain, both acute and chronic, is often treated with opioids despite severe negative side effects, such as physical dependence, respiratory depression and overdose. In the United States the misuse of opioid analgesics has given rise to the opioid crisis or opioid epidemic. As the frequency of overdoses increases, the need for alternative, non-addictive analgesics has become increasingly urgent. Oxytocin, a pituitary hormone, has shown robust evidence for analgesia and shows promise for treatment and prevention of opioid use disorder. Despite decades of research, clinical implementation is hindered by the poor pharmacokinetic profile of the native hormone oxytocin, which is cyclized by a labile disulfide bond. We addressed this by replacing the disulfide bond with a more stable lactam; additionally, we have glycosylated the cyclic peptides to yield brain penetrant oxytocin analogues. These analogues show exquisite selectivity for the oxytocin receptor and potent in vivo antinociception in mice following peripheral administration, suggesting further study toward clinical applications for pain treatment.
Three-dimensional chaoticons formed by multipole beams in liquid crystal
Authors: zhang lingling , ke lin
Published: September 2022

The propagation characteristics of odd and even Laguerre Gaussian beams in nonlocal nonlinear media are studied numerically. It is found that the Laguerre Gaussian beams of mode (0,1) can propagate stably long distances as soliton. The beams of other modes are unstable and break up rapidly during the propagation. Although the waveforms of other modes distort and the beams may evolve into chaotic state, the broken beams of some modes will form chaoticons. Espesially, the chaoticons which exhibit solitonlike properties can propagate longer distances. The positive maximal Lyapunov exponents and spatial decoherence illustrate the chaotic properties, while the invariance of beam width and beam profile proves that they are chaoticons.
Boundedness of differential transforms for Poisson semigroups generated by Bessel operators
Authors: Zhang Chao
Published: September 2022

Note: Please see manuscript pdf for full abstract with equations.
In this paper we analyze the convergence of the following type of series
\begin{equation*} T_N f(x)=\sum_{j=N_1}^{N_2} v_j\Big(\P_{a_{j+1}} f(x)-\P_{a_{j}} f(x)\Big),\quad x\in \mathbb R_+,\end{equation*}
where $\{\P_{t} \}_{t>0}$ is the Poisson semigroup of the Bessel operator $\displaystyle \Delta_\lambda:=-{d^2\over dx^2}-{2\lambda\over x}{d\over dx}$ with $\lambda$ being a positive constant, $N=(N_1, N_2)\in \mathbb Z^2$ with $N_1
Short‑to‑mid‑term follow‑up results of transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect in patients older than 60 years
Authors: Le Tuyen K. , Nguyen Minh N. , Hoang Truong H.
Published: September 2022

Background: Chronological benefits of percutaneous atrial septal defect (ASD) closure in elderly patients (≥60 years) are unclear with remaining residual pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in some patients. This study aims to assess short‑to‑mid‑term clinical and echocardiographic outcomes and identify factors associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in these patients.Methods: Retrospective single-center study of 51 consecutive patients [mean age 63,3 ± 3,2 years, 76% females] undergoing percutaneous ASD closure. Functional status, right ventricular (RV) remodeling and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) was assessed before and 24 hours after the procedure, at 6 months and 12 months. Logistic regression and Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were performed to identify factors associated with PAH.Results: The mean ASD size was 21.8 ± 4.4 mm. Compared to before procedure, at 24 hours a significant improvement of NYHA class [NYHA II-III 7 (13.7%) vs. 34 (66.7%) patients, p < 0.0001, respectively], RV size [26.9 ± 5.7 vs. 31,3 ± 5,7 mm, p < 0.0001, respectively] and PASP [26.9 ± 5.7 vs. 50,4 ± 14,2 mm Hg, p<0.001] was detected. At 1 year, RV size and PASP decreased to 22 ± 4.6 mm, p<0.0001 and 33.8 ± 10.8 mmHg, p<0.0001 respectively compared to before ASD closure, residual shunt remained in 9 (17.7%) patients. No deaths were recorded. Age, pre-intervention RV size, pre-intervention PASP and severe tricuspid regurgitation were associated with residual PAH at 1 year in univariate analysis. Pre-intervention PASP ≥ 57.5 mmHg was an independent predictor of residual PAH at 1 year (odds ratio 1.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.67, p=0.024; c-statistic 0.939, 95% CI 0.865-1.0, p<0.001, sensitivity 80%, specificity 92.6%). Conclusion: Percutaneous ASD closure can be performed safely in older patients and is associated with regression of RV size and PASP as well as symptomatic improvement in the short- and medium-term. Pre-intervention PASP was an independent predictor associated with residual PAH after one year.
Characterization of Online Support Group Resources for Patients with Dermatologic Conditions
Authors: Kaundinya Trisha , El-Behaedi Salma , Bilimoria Sara , Choi Jennifer N
Published: September 2022

Dermatologic conditions can have significant quality of life effects on patients. The internet is a first-line accessible resource for patients to seek support and community in managing dermatologic diagnoses. The accessibility and content of online support resources for patients with dermatologic conditions is unclear so we sought to characterize these resources. We conducted online searches utilizing incognito Google, Yahoo, and Bing search engines and identified a total of 36 support group resources. 9 links were for single dermatology support groups and 27 links were for databases of support groups for different dermatologic conditions. Analysis of resources indicated wide variability of material in terms of content, coverage, and readability. Furthermore, analysis of content showcased an imbalance in representation of resources for certain dermatologic conditions as opposed to others, further highlighting the strong need for the creation of easy-to-access support groups for patients across the spectrum of dermatological disease.
Systematic review of metabolomics approaches in identifying biomarkers of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity among breast cancer patients
Authors: Bakhtyar Maham , Jun Se-Ran , Boerma Marjan , Su L. Joseph , Makhoul Issam , Hsu Ping-Ching
Published: September 2022

Background.While anthracyclines are well known to cause cardiotoxicity, no validated biomarkers that can predict the early development of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity (AIC) currently exist. Therefore, early biomarkers of AIC are urgently needed. Metabolomics approaches have been used to elucidate this relationship. However, differences in pre-clinical model systems making it challenging to draw conclusions from the discoveries and translate into clinical development.Aim of Review.A systematic literature review on metabolomics studies of AIC in breast cancer was conducted with the goal to identify and compare study results reported using cell culture models, animal models, tumor-bearing animal models, and clinical patients. We further pooled metabolites identified from all studies to identify biologically meaningful patterns that are significantly enriched in the data. Lastly, pooled metabolites perturbed by AIC were mapped to metabolic pathways for potential pathological implications.Key Scientific Concepts of Review.Altogether, metabolomics studies suggest metabolic alterations in AIC, albeit little overlap between studies especially with breast cancer patients. Attempts at intercepting these pathways have shown that intervention in AIC may be possible. Optimal study design to accurately mimic the human breast cancer condition taking cancer metabolism into consideration will play key role to translate animal models to clinical studies to identify biomarkers in the early diagnosis of AIC and point to new targets for intervention.
Stress and recovery of American bullfrog after biometry management: biochemistry and erythrogram responses
Authors: Santos Nayara Netto , Alves Adriana Xavier , Reis Gean Paulo Andrade , Pawlowski Victor Ramos , Braga Núbia Gomes , Silva Jéssica Almeida da , Brabo Marcos Ferreira , Campelo Daniel Abreu Vasconcelos , Veras Galileu Crovatto
Published: September 2022

The aim was to evaluate the recovery of bullfrog homeostasis after biometry, a routine management. An experiment in a completely randomized design was conducted with six treatments and 10 repetitions: the bullfrog being the experimental unit. Five treatments consisted of evaluating the bullfrog recovery times after biometry (0 - immediately after biometry, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h) and a control (animals in homeostasis in the pen before biometry). Sixty bullfrogs (285.33 ± 10.00 g) were subjected to a 12-h fasting. Subsequently, 50 animals underwent biometry and 10 were used for blood collection before biometry (control). A significant increase was observed in all variables analyzed for animals subjected to density stress, except for total proteins, globulin, and hemoglobin. There was a significant increase in blood glucose and erythrocyte numbers in the subjects immediately after biometry. Total proteins and globulin had no significant difference in any of the groups that underwent biometry. Lactate, albumin, and triglycerides levels were significantly elevated in animals shortly after biometry and remained elevated until 12 h after management. The results showed that 24 h after biometry stress, all the analyzed variables were already at similar levels as to the levels of animals in homeostasis.
Near-real-time estimation of fossil fuel CO2 emissions from China based on atmospheric observations at Hateruma and Yonaguni Islands, Japan
Authors: Tohjima Yasunori , Niwa Yosuke , Patra Prabir K. , Mukai Hitoshi , Machida Toshinobu , Sasakawa Motoki , Tsuboi Kazuhiro , Saito Kazuyuki , Ito Akihiko
Published: September 2022

We developed a near-real-time estimation method for temporal changes in fossil fuel CO2 (FFCO2) emissions from China for three months (January, February, March, (JFM)) based on atmospheric CO2 and CH4 observations on Hateruma Island (HAT, 24.06°N, 123.81°E) and Yonaguni Island (YON, 24.47°N, 123.01°E), Japan. These two remote islands are in the downwind region of continental East Asia during winter because of the East Asian monsoon. Previous studies have revealed that monthly averages of synoptic-scale variability ratios of atmospheric CO2 and CH4 (ΔCO2/ΔCH4) observed at HAT and YON in JFM are sensitive to changes in continental emissions. From the analysis based on an atmospheric transport model with all components of CO2 and CH4 fluxes, we found that the ΔCO2/ΔCH4 ratio was linearly related to the FFCO2/CH4 emission ratio in China because calculating the variability ratio canceled out the transport influences. Using the simulated linear relationship, we converted the observed ΔCO2/ΔCH4 ratios into FFCO2/CH4 emission ratios in China. The change rates of the emission ratios were calculated relative to those for the preceding 9-year period (2011–2019), during which relatively stable ΔCO2/ΔCH4 ratios were observed. These changes in the emission ratios can be read as FFCO2 emission changes under the assumption of no interannual variations in CH4 emissions and biospheric CO2 fluxes for JFM. The resulting average changes in the FFCO2 emissions in January, February, and March 2020 were 17 ± 8%, − 36 ± 7%, and − 12 ± 8%, respectively, (− 10 ± 9% for JFM overall) relative to 2011–2019. These results were generally consistent with previous estimates. The emission changes for the two most recent JFM were 18 ± 8%, − 2 ± 10%, 29 ± 12%, respectively, in 2021 (15 ± 10% for JFM overall) and 20 ± 9%, − 3 ± 10%, − 10 ± 9%, respectively, in 2022 (2 ± 9% for JFM overall). These results suggest that the FFCO2 emissions from China rebounded to the normal level or set a new high in early 2021 after the COVID-19 lockdown. In addition, the estimated reduction in March 2022 might be attributed to the influence of a new wave of COVID-19 infections in Shanghai.
Small Family, Happy Family? Fertility Preferences and the Quantity-Quality Trade-off in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: HOYWEGHEN Kaat VAN , BEMELMANS Janne , FEYAERTS Hendrik , BROECK Goedele VAN DEN , MAERTENS Miet
Published: September 2022

To attenuate the adverse effects of high population growth in low-income countries and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, knowledge on rural fertility preferences and the existence of a quantity-quality trade-off between the number of children and child-raising quality is key. To tackle this, we implement a choice experiment in Senegal and Uganda. We include three quality and one quantity aspect of child-raising, and three socio-economic drivers of fertility, resulting in a comprehensive assessment. We show that rural households prefer to have many children, but women and non-poor respondents demonstrate a lower preference for many children than men and poor respondents. We find that the quantity-quality trade-off is a two-sided story. On the one hand, for most of the quality attributes, we confirm the existence of a trade-off. On the other hand, quantity and quality are complementary when all children in the household can attain a lower secondary school diploma. Our results imply that broadening the currently narrow focus on contraceptive uptake in family planning programs, and more specific targeting of such programs to people with low fertility preferences, could improve their effectiveness. JEL codes J10, J13, J19
Numerical Simulation and Stability Analysis Method of Sliding Failure in an Embankment Reinforced by piles in cement-improved soil
Authors: Shang Zhiheng , Zhang Dingwen , Du Guangyin , Xia Han , Wang Anhui
Published: September 2022

This paper proposed a stability analysis method suitable for embankments reinforced by piles in cement-improved soil through 3D finite element numerical simulation. First, the failure mode of piles in cement-improved soil in each part of the sliding range was explored. Then, based on the existing research on rigid pile calculations, the contribution of piles in cement-improved soil to resistance in different failure modes was determined appropriately through the plane analytical calculation method of the safety factor. Finally, the accuracy of the calculation method proposed in this paper was verified. The research shows that the sliding mode transitions from linear sliding in the slope to circular sliding in the foundation. The possible failure modes inside the ground are divided into two types according to location: pile bending failure inside the slope foot and soil sliding upward by overcoming the friction force at the pile‒soil interfaces, which results in excessive deformation outside. Increasing the thickness of the outer cement piles helps to delay the increase in the inner pile bending moment, which leads to tensile damage. Compared with the calculation methods that consider only a single failure mode, the safety factors calculated by the method presented in this paper are closer to those obtained via numerical simulation.
Predicting cascading extinctions and efficient restoration strategies in plant-pollinator networks via generalized positive feedback loops
Authors: Nasrollahi Fatemeh Sadat Fatemi , Campbell Colin , Albert Réka
Published: September 2022

The extinction of a species in a plant-pollinator mutualistic community can cause cascading effects and lead to major biodiversity loss. The ecologically important task of predicting the severity of the cascading effects is made challenging by the complex network of interactions among the species. In this work, we analyze an ensemble of models of communities of plant and pollinator species. These models describe the mutualistic inter-species interactions by Boolean threshold functions. We show that identifying generalized positive feedback loops can help pinpoint the species whose extinction leads to catastrophic and substantial damage to the whole community. We compare these results with the damage percentage caused by the loss of species identified as important by previously studied structural measures and show that positive feedback loops and the information gained from them can identify certain crucial species that the other measures fail to find. We also suggest mitigation measures for two specific purposes: 1. prevent the damage to the community by protecting a subset of the species, and 2. restore the community after the damage by restoring a subset of species. Our analyses indicate that the generalized positive feedback loops predict the most efficient strategies to achieve these purposes. The correct identification of species in each category has important implications for conservation efforts and developing community management strategies.
Trends in collaboration with patient organizations on cancer-related clinical trials: Collaborative relationship with existing stakeholders and the characteristics of their co-sponsored studies in the United States
Authors: Lee Yesup , Sengoku Shintaro
Published: September 2022

Background

In recent years, the importance of patient centricity in drug development has been recognized, affecting the stakeholders conducting clinical trials. In this context, end users, patients and patient organizations are becoming increasingly involved in the development process to address their unmet medical needs. However, there is a lack of research on environmental trends in which patient organizations collaborate with incumbent stakeholders in drug development. This study aimed to understand the current status of clinical trials regarding patient organization involvement as sponsors and collaboration with different types of sponsors in cancer-related clinical trials. This cross-sectional study also examined the characteristics of clinical trials involving patient organizations as new stakeholders by analyzing the environmental factors that promote collaboration with existing stakeholders.

Methods

A total of 14,830 interventional clinical trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2020, were categorized and analyzed by target cancer types and five different sponsor types: 1. patient organization co-sponsored (PO-co), 2. academia (ACD), 3. governmental (GOV), and 4. industry co-sponsored (IND-co) and 5. industry only (IND).

Results

PO-Co studies accounted for 2% (289 of 14,830) of the total studies, ACD 5%, IND-Co 21%, GOV and IND 36%. When the 289 PO-Co studies were analyzed by cancer type and eligible study population, we found that the proportion of pediatric studies was significantly higher for PO-Co studies (30% (88 of 289)) than for total studies (9% (1,378 of 14,830); P < .001), and we also found that collaboration with PO was more common for certain cancer types compared with the total study. Regarding collaboration with POs, more than half of the PO-GOV collaborative studies were conducted at the Nation cancer center comprehensive cancer centers, and even particular investigators actively engaged in collaboration with POs.

Conclusions

A cross-sectional analysis of cancer-related clinical trials revealed that the involvement of patient organizations as sponsors in clinical trials did not increase significantly over time. However, some organizations have become actively engaged in certain cancers and pediatric populations that are less prioritized by incumbent sponsors. We also found that governmental sponsors and selected principal investigators played an important role in collaborating with patient organizations. These findings provide a basis for understanding the current status of patient organizations and for considering further contributions.
Metabolomics Reveals Metabolic Alterations in Membranous Nephropathy and IgA nephropathy
Authors: Qu Yuchen , Wang Yueyuan , Hu Zhanhong , Su Cunjin , Qian Chenyue , Pan Jie , Zhu Ye , Shi Aiming
Published: September 2022

Background: Membranous nephropathy (MN) and IgA nephropathy (IgAN) are the most common primary glomerulopathies worldwide. The systemic metabolic changes in the progression of MN and IgAN are not fully understood.
Methods: 87 MN patients, 70 IgAN patients, and 30 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Untargeted metabolomics was performed to explore the differential metabolites and metabolic pathways in the early stage of MN and IgAN. ROC curve analyses were performed to judge the diagnostic ability of biomarkers.
Results: PCA and OPLS-DA analysis suggested that obvious separation trend was obversed in both MN and IgAN patients from the healthy controls. 155 and 148 metabolites were identified significantly altered in MN and IgAN groups. Of these, 70 metabolites were markedly altered in both disease groups and 6 metabolites showed the opposite tendency, including L-tryptophan, L-kynurenine, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), indoleacetaldehyde, 5-hydroxyindoleacetylglycine, and N-alpha-acetyllysine. The most affected metabolic pathways includes the amino acid metabolic pathways, citrate cycle, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, and hormone signaling pathways.
Conclusion: Great metabolic disorders had happened during the progression of MN and IgAN. L-tryptophan, L-kynurenine, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), indoleacetaldehyde, 5-hydroxyindoleacetylglycine, and N-alpha-acetyllysine may show potential as biomarkers for for identification of MN and IgAN.
Evaluating the generalizability of deep learning image classification algorithms to detect middle ear disease using otoscopy
Authors: Habib Al-Rahim , Xu Yixi , Bock Kris , Mohanty Shrestha , Sederholm Tina , Weeks William B. , Dodhia Rahul , Ferres Juan Lavista , Perry Chris , Sacks Raymond , Singh Narinder
Published: September 2022

Purpose
To evaluate the generalizability of artificial intelligence (AI)-otoscopy algorithms to identify middle ear disease using otoscopic images.
Methods
1842 otoscopic images were collected from 3 independent sources: a) Van, Turkey, b) Santiago, Chile, and c) Ohio, USA. Diagnostic categories consisted of (i) normal or (ii) abnormal. Deep and transfer learning-based methods were used to develop models to evaluate internal and external performance, using area under the curve (AUC) estimates. A pooled assessment was performed by combining all cohorts together with 5-fold cross validation.
Results
AI-otoscopy algorithms achieved high internal performance (mean AUC: 0.95, 95%CI: 0.80–1.00). However, performance was reduced when tested on external otoscopic images not used for training (mean AUC: 0.76, 95%CI: 0.61–0.91). Overall, external performance was significantly lower than internal performance (mean difference in AUC: -0.19, mean standard error: 0.02, p≤0.04). Combining cohorts achieved a substantial pooled performance (AUC: 0.96, standard error: 0.01).
Conclusion
Internally applied AI-otoscopy algorithms performed well in identifying middle ear disease from otoscopy images. However, external performance was reduced when applied to new test cohorts. Further efforts are required to explore data augmentation and pre-processing techniques that might improve external performance and develop a robust, generalizable algorithm for real-world clinical applications.
Outdoor fibre link between two telescopes and the lab of the CHARA array at 810 nm. Demonstration of the optical path servo control.
Authors: Magri Julie , Grossard Ludovic , Reynaud François , Fabert Marc , Delage Laurent , Krawczyk Rodolphe , Duigou Jean-Michel Le
Published: September 2022

In the framework of the ALOHA (Astronomical Light Optical Hybrid Analysis) project, dedicated to high resolution imaging in the L-band using optical fibre and nonlinear optics, we have implemented a servo controlled hectometric outdoor fibre link between two telescopes and the recombination beam facility of the CHARA telescope array. A two-stage servo system using optical fibre modulator, fibre delay line, and a metrology laser at 1064 nm allows to stabilise the optical path difference within 3 nm RMS over a 3000 s record. Using an internal source at 810 nm, the signal-to-noise ratio of the fringe modulation peak is enhanced by a factor better than two when the servo control is switched on. This study can be also considered as a seminal work towards very long base fibre linked telescope arrays and allows to scale the perturbative environment of an outdoor fibre link.
50 years and counting: Indian Wildlife Protection Act through the lens of marine fishers
Authors: Shalu Kannan , Ramvilas Ghosh , Arjun Charambilly Purushothaman , Raghavan Rajeev , Ranjeet Kutty
Published: September 2022

Fishers’ awareness and attitudes towards conservation policies may vary, but can serve as important pointers towards assessing their on-ground implementation and success. We conducted a questionnaire survey across six coastal states and two island territories of India, with an aim to critically evaluate the socio-demographic factors that influence knowledge, perception and conservation attitudes of fishers towards protected marine species. Using gorgonians, seahorses and pipefishes as proxies, we assessed the differences in the fishers’ awareness and conservation attitudes towards marine taxa protected through the Wildlife (Protection) Act (WLPA) 1972. Our observations revealed divergent perceptions among respondents (fishers) with greater awareness towards seahorses, followed by gorgonians and pipefishes, respectively. The low level of awareness on legal status of the focal taxa among the fishers is also a direct indication of how key stakeholders are largely misinformed on WLPA. Nevertheless, our results also showed that a better awareness on the focal taxa tends to influence the positive conservation attitudes of fishers. Based on fishers’ perceptions and conservation attitudes, we constructed a priority matrix to identify priority areas that could help strengthen the implementation and enforcement of existing conservation policies. Despite existing conservation and management strategies such as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and the WLPA, all locations along the coast of Tamil Nadu and Odisha were identified as priority areas. Thus, we contend on the importance of improving stakeholder awareness on management policies for better compliance and conservation engagement. Also, we advocate for holistic management strategies that should look beyond the currently-known legal framework (WLPA) that appears to be largely ineffective for several protected marine taxa in India.
Osteosarcoma Multi-omics Landscape and Subtypes
Authors: Tang Shan , Roberts Ryan , Cheng Lijun , Li Lang
Published: September 2022

Background
Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone malignancy exhibiting remarkable histologic diversity and genetic heterogeneity. The complex nature of osteosarcoma has confounded precise molecular categorization, prognosis and prediction for this disease. Despite intensive studies aimed at identifying genes or biomarkers involved in pathogeneses, linking clinical outcomes with omics profiles in osteosarcoma has far remained elusive.
Results
86 osteosarcoma tumors with matched profiles of somatic copy-number alteration, gene expression and methylation were categorized into three subgroups by similarity network fusion. The subgrouping criteria was validated on another cohort osteosarcoma tumors. Then the differences among these three subgroups were then investigated based on single-platform profiles.
Conclusions
The multiplatform analysis yields three molecularly distinct and clinically relevant subtypes for osteosarcoma. Previously unappreciated osteosarcoma-type-specific changes at genomic, transcriptomic and epigenetic level were revealed. Several novel factors, such as copy number in 17p13.1-17q11.2, expression of CDK6 or EGFR, and methylation status of Hippo signaling pathway, were found to be closely related to the diverse clinical outcomes in osteosarcoma patients. These findings provide a comprehensive genomic architecture for osteosarcoma and emphasize the need for data integration from different platforms.
Complete Genome Sequencing and Functional Property Analysis of Lactobacillus gasseri LM1065 for industrial application
Authors: Bae Won-Young , Lee Youngjin , Jung Woo-Hyun , Shin So Lim , Sohn Minn , Kim Tae-Rahk
Published: September 2022

Probiotics are defined as live organisms in the host that contribute to health benefits. Lactobacillus gasseri LM1065, isolated from human breast milk, was investigated for its probiotic properties based on its genome. Human breast milk was donated by a healthy woman. The isolated Lactobacillus strain was identified as L. gasseri and named LM1065. Complete genome sequencing and de novo assembly were performed using the PacBio RS II system and hierarchical genome assembly process (HGAP). Probiotic properties were determined by the resistance of the strain to gastric conditions, adherence ability, enzyme production, and safety assessment. The fungistatic effect and the ability to inhibit hyphae transition were studied using the cell-free supernatant (CFS) of L. gasseri LM1065. L. gasseri LM1065 showed high gastric pepsin tolerance and mild tolerance to bile salts. Auto-aggregation ability and hydrophobicity were measured to be 61.21% and 61.55%, respectively. These properties resulted in the adherence of the bacteria to the human intestinal epithelial cells (2.02%). In addition, antibiotic-resistance genes and putative virulence genes were not predicted in the complete genome sequence of L. gasseri LM1065, and antibiotic susceptibility was satisfied by the criteria of the European Food Safety Authority using a cut-off test. CFS showed a fungistatic effect and suppressed the tricarboxylic acid cycle in Candida albicans (29.02%). CFS also inhibited the transition to true hyphae and damaged the blastoconidia. This study demonstrates the essential properties of this novel probiotic, L. gasseri LM1065, and its potential to inhibit vaginal Candida albicans infection.