bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of novel canonical and cryptic HCMV-specific T-cell epitopes for HLA-A∗03 and HLA-B∗15 via peptide-PRISM
Authors: Rein Alice Felicitas , Lauruschkat Chris David , Muchsin Ihsan , Köchel Carolin , Tischer-Zimmermann Sabine , Bauersfeld Liane , Nelde Annika , Lübke Maren , Prusty Bhupesh Kumar , Schlosser Andreas , Halenius Anne , Eiz-Vesper Britta , Dölken Lars , Grigoleit Götz Ulrich , Einsele Hermann , Erhard Florian , Kraus Sabrina
Published: December 2023

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) reactivation poses a substantial risk to patients receiving tranplants. Effective risk stratification and vaccine development is hampered by a lack of HCMV-derived immunogenic peptides in patients with common HLA-A∗03:01 and HLA-B∗15:01 haplotypes. This study aimed to discover novel HCMV immunogenic peptides for these haplotypes by combining ribosome sequencing (Ribo-seq) and mass spectrometry with state-of-the-art computational tools, Peptide-PRISM and Probabilistic Inference of Codon Activities by an EM Algorithm. Furthermore, using machine learning, an algorithm was developed to predict immunogenicity based on translational activity, binding affinity, and peptide localization within small open reading frames to identify the most promising peptides for in vitro validation. Immunogenicity of these peptides was subsequently tested by analyzing peptide-specific T-cell responses of HCMV-seropositive and -seronegative healthy donors as well as patients with transplants. This resulted in the direct identification of 3 canonical and 1 cryptic HLA-A∗03–restricted immunogenic peptides as well as 5 canonical and 1 cryptic HLA-B∗15–restricted immunogenic peptide, with a specific interferon gamma–positive (IFN-γ+)/CD8+ T-cell response of ≥0.02%. High T-cell responses were detected against 2 HLA-A∗03–restricted and 3 HLA-B∗15–restricted canonical peptides with frequencies of up to 8.77% IFN-γ+/CD8+ T cells in patients after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Therefore, our comprehensive strategy establishes a framework for efficient identification of novel immunogenic peptides from both existing and novel Ribo-seq data sets.
Utility of FDG-PET in predicting the histology of relapsed or refractory lymphoma
Authors: Wai Shin Hnin , Lee Sze Ting , Cliff Edward R. Scheffer , Bei Michael , Lee Jiwoo , Hawkes Eliza A. , Chong Geoffrey
Published: December 2023

18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) is a valuable prognostic tool in modern lymphoma care. In this study, we explored the use of quantitative FDG-PET parameters in predicting the histology of suspected relapsed or refractory (R/R) lymphoma. We retrospectively analyzed 290 FDG-PET scans performed for suspected R/R lymphoma. FDG-PET parameters measured were maximum and mean standardized uptake value (SUVMax and SUVMean), total metabolic tumor volume, and total lesion glycolysis (TLG). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to obtain the optimal thresholds that best discriminate (1) benign vs R/R lymphoma, (2) indolent vs aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), and (3) aggressive transformation of indolent NHL. We found that although all 4 FDG-PET parameters discriminated R/R lymphoma from benign histology, TLG was the best performing parameter (optimal cut-off ≥245, sensitivity 63%, specificity 86%, positive predictive value [PPV] 97%, negative predictive value [NPV] 30%, area under the curve [AUC] 0.798, and P < .001). SUVMax discriminated aggressive from indolent NHL with modest accuracy (optimal threshold ≥15, sensitivity 46%, specificity 79%, PPV 82%, NPV 38%, AUC 0.638, and P < .001). In patients with a prior diagnosis of indolent NHL, SUVMax was a modest predictor of transformation (optimal cut-off ≥12, sensitivity 71%, specificity 61%, PPV 50%, NPV 78%, AUC 0.676, and P .006). Additionally, SUVMax ≥25 and an increase in SUVMax (ΔSUVMax) from baseline ≥150% were highly specific (96% and 94%, respectively). These FDG-PET thresholds can aid in identification of suspected R/R lymphoma cases with higher likelihood of R/R disease and aggressive transformation of indolent NHL, guiding the necessity and urgency of biopsy.
Endothelial to mesenchymal transition is an active process in smokers and patients with early COPD contributing to pulmonary arterial pathology
Authors: Bhattarai Prem , Lu Wenying , Hardikar Ashutosh , Dey Surajit , Gaikwad Archana Vijay , Shahzad Affan Mahmood , Chia Collin , Williams Andrew , Singhera Gurpreet Kaur , Hackett Tillie-Louise , Eapen Mathew Suji , Sohal Sukhwinder Singh
Published: December 2023

Background

We have previously reported pulmonary arterial remodelling in smokers and patients with early COPD, which can be attributed to endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT). In this study, we aimed to evaluate if EndMT is an active mechanism in smokers and COPD.

Methods

Immunohistochemical staining for the EndMT biomarkers CD31, N-cadherin, vimentin and S100A4 was done on lung resection tissue from 49 subjects. These comprised 15 nonsmoker controls (NC), six normal lung function smokers (NLFS), nine patients with small airway disease (SAD), nine current smokers with mild-moderate COPD (COPD-CS) and 10 ex-smokers with COPD (COPD-ES). Pulmonary arteries were analysed using Image ProPlus software v7.0.

Results

We noted reduced junctional CD31+endothelial cells (p<0.05) in the intimal layer of all smoking groups compared to NC. We also observed increased abundance of the mesenchymal markers N-cadherin (p<0.05) and vimentin (p<0.001) in all smoking groups and across all arterial sizesversusNC, except for N-cadherin in large arteries in COPD-CS. The abundance of S100A4 correlated with arterial thickness (small: r=0.29, p=0.05; medium: r=0.33, p=0.03; large: r=0.35, p=0.02). Vimentin in the small arterial wall negatively correlated with forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity (r= −0.35, p=0.02) and forced expiratory flow rate at 25–75% of forced vital capacity (r= −0.34, p=0.03), while increased cytoplasmic CD31 abundance in the intimal layer of medium and large arteries negatively correlated with predicted diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (medium: r= −0.35, p=0.04; large: r= −0.39, p=0.03).

Conclusion

This is the first study showing the acquisition of mesenchymal traits by pulmonary endothelial cells from NLFS, SAD and mild-moderate COPD patients through EndMT. This informs on the potential early origins of pulmonary hypertension in smokers and patients with early COPD.
Embryological observations on seed abortion in Hibiscus syriacus L. and physiological studies on nutrients, enzyme activity and endogenous hormones
Authors: Wang Xiaohong , Chen Jiajia , Hu Lingxuan , Zhang Jingwen , Xiao Fen , Zhang Shengqian , Shao Fengxia , Huang Liqun
Published: December 2023

Under natural conditions, most Hibiscus syriacus L. individuals form very few mature seeds or the mature seeds that do form are of poor quality. As a result, seed yield is poor and seeds have low natural germinability. These phenomena strongly hinder utilization of the excellent germplasm resources of H. syriacus. The study has shown that pollen activity and stigma receptivity were high on the day of anthesis, and the pistils and stamens were fertile. Pollen release and stigma receptivity were synchronous. But in styles following self and cross-pollination, pollen tube abnormalities (distortion and twisting of the pollen tubes) and callose deposition were observed. Cross-pollinated pollen tubes elongated faster and fewer pollen tube abnormalities were observed compared with self-pollinated pollen tubes. And during embryo development, abnormalities during the heart-shaped embryo stage led to embryo abortion. Imbalance in antioxidant enzyme activities and low contents of auxin and cytokinin during early stages of embryo development may affect embryo development. Therefore, a low frequency of outcrossing and mid-development embryo abortion may be important developmental causes of H. syriacus seed abortion. Nutrient deficiencies, imbalance in antioxidant enzyme activities, and a high content of abscisic acid at advanced stages of seed development may be physiological causes of seed abortion.
Strain ultrasonic elastography imaging features of locally advanced breast cancer: association with response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and recurrence-free survival
Authors: Wan Caifeng , Zhou Liheng , Jin Ye , Li Fenghua , Wang Lin , Yin Wenjin , Wang Yaohui , Li Hongli , Jiang Lixin , Lu Jinsong
Published: December 2023

Background

Due to the highly heterogeneity of the breast cancer, it would be desirable to obtain a non-invasive method to early predict the treatment response and survival outcome of the locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). This study aimed at investigating whether strain elastography (SE) can early predict the pathologic complete response (pCR) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in LABC patients receiving NAC.

Methods

In this single-center retrospective study, 122 consecutive women with LABC who underwent SE examination pre-NAC and after one and two cycles of NAC enrolled in the SHPD001(NCT02199418) and SHPD002 (NCT02221999) trials between January 2014 and August 2017 were included. The SE parameters (Elasticity score, ES; Strain ratio, SR; Hardness percentage, HP, and Area ratio, AR) before and during NAC were assessed. The relative changes in SE parameters after one and two cycles of NAC were describe as ΔA1 and ΔA2, respectively. Logistic regression analysis and Cox proportional hazards model were used to identify independent variables associated with pCR and RFS.

Results

Forty-nine (40.2%) of the 122 patients experienced pCR. After 2 cycles of NAC, SR2 (odds ratio [OR], 1.502; P = 0.003) and ΔSR2 (OR, 0.013; P = 0.015) were independently associated with pCR, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the combination of them to predict pCR was 0.855 (95%CI: 0.779, 0.912). Eighteen (14.8%) recurrences developed at a median follow-up of 60.7 months. A higher clinical T stage (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.165; P = 0.005.), a higher SR (HR = 1.114; P = 0.002.) and AR (HR = 1.064; P <  0.001.) values at pre-NAC SE imaging were independently associated with poorer RFS.

Conclusion

SE imaging features have the potential to early predict pCR and RFS in LABC patients undergoing NAC, and then may offer valuable predictive information to guide personalized treatment.
MYO5A overexpression promotes invasion and correlates with low lymphocyte infiltration in head and neck squamous carcinoma
Authors: Xing Juanli , Gu Yanan , Song Yichen , Liu Qi , Chen Qian , Han Peng , Shen Zhen , Li Huajing , Zhang Shaoqiang , Bai Yanxia , Ma Junchi , Sui Fang
Published: December 2023

Head and neck squamous carcinoma (HNSC) poses a significant public health challenge due to its substantial morbidity. Nevertheless, despite advances in current treatments, the prognosis for HNSC remains unsatisfactory. To address this, single-cell RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and bulk RNA-seq data combined with in vitro studies were conducted to examine the role of MYO5A (Myosin VA) in HNSC. Our investigation revealed an overexpression of MYO5A in HNSC that promotes HNSC migration in vitro. Remarkably, knockdown of MYO5A suppressed vimentin expression. Furthermore, analyzing the TCGA database evidenced that MYO5A is a risk factor for human papillomavirus positive (HPV+) HNSC (HR = 0.81, P < 0.001). In high MYO5A expression HNSC, there was a low count of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), including activated CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and B cells. Of note, CD4+ T cells and B cells were positively associated with improved HPV+ HNSC outcomes. Correlation analysis demonstrated a decreased level of immunostimulators in high MYO5A-expressing HNSC. Collectively, these findings suggest that MYO5A may promote HNSC migration through vimentin and involve itself in the process of immune infiltration in HNSC, advancing the understanding of the mechanisms and treatment of HNSC.
Preliminary evidence for endoscopic surgery combined with postoperative anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in advanced recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Xu Haoyuan , Li Wanpeng , Zhang Huankang , Wang Huan , Hu Li , Gu Yurong , Wang Dehui
Published: December 2023

Backgroud

Endoscopic surgery can be used as the main treatment for advanced recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (rNPC). However, there is a huge clinical controversy about the need for consolidated immunotherapy after surgery.

Methods

We performed a retrospective propensity score-matched analysis (1:2) of patients with locally advanced rNPC who underwent endoscopic nasopharyngectomy (ENPG) combined with anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) monotherapy or ENPG alone. The survival rate was analyzed by Kaplan–Meier method. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). The secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR). Potential surgical-related complications and immune-related adverse events (AEs) were also assessed.

Results

We recruited 10 patients receiving ENPG plus anti-PD-1 monotherapy and 20 receiving ENPG alone. During the mean follow-up of 23.8 months, a significant improvement in the 2-year PFS was detected in the consolidation immunotherapy group compared to the ENPG alone group (80.0% vs. 40.0%; HR = 0.258; 95% CI: 0.09–0.72; p = 0.04), while the 2-year OS in the consolidation immunotherapy group was not significantly longer than that in the ENPG alone group (90.0% vs. 75.0%; HR = 0.482; 95% CI: 0.08–3.00; p = 0.50). The incidence of surgical-related complications in the consolidation immunotherapy group and ENPG alone group was 70.0 and 60.0%, respectively. Immune-related AEs were similar between the toripalimab arm (75.0%) and the camrelizumab arm (66.7%). Surgical-related complications depend on symptomatic treatments. Immune-related AEs were mild and tolerable.

Conclusions

Consolidation immunotherapy regimen for patients with advanced rNPC after ENPG compared to ENPG alone provides a superior PFS rate with a manageable safety profile.
Significantly reduced incidence and improved survival from prostate cancer over 25 years
Authors: Serdà-Ferrer Bernat Carles , Sanvisens Arantza , Fuentes-Raspall Rafael , Puigdemont Montse , Farré Xavier , Vidal-Vila Anna , Rispau-Pagès Martí , Baltasar-Bagué Alicia , Marcos-Gragera Rafael
Published: December 2023

Background

Prostate cancer (PCa) was the second most frequent cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer death among men in 2020. The aim of this study was to analyze trends in the incidence, mortality and survival of PCa in Girona, Spain, over 25 years.

Methods

Population-based study of PCa collected in the Girona Cancer Registry, 1994–2018. Age-adjusted incidence and mortality rates were calculated per 100,000 men-year. Joinpoint regression models were used for trends, calculating the annual percentage changes (APC). Observed and net survival were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier and Pohar-Perme estimations, respectively.

Results

A total of 9,846 cases of PCa were registered between 1994–2018. The age-adjusted incidence and mortality rates were 154.7 (95%CI: 151.7 157.8) and 38.9 (95%CI: 37.3 –40.6), respectively. An increased incidence of 6.2% was observed from 1994 to 2003 (95%CI: 4.4 –8.1), and a decrease of -2.7% (95%CI: -3.5 –;-1.9) between 2003 and 2018. Mortality APC was -2.6% (95%CI: -3.3 –-2.0). Five-year observed and net survival were 72.8% (95%CI: 71.8 – 73.7) and 87.2% (95%CI: 85.9 – 88.4), respectively. Five-year net survival increased over time from 72.9% (1994–1998) to 91.3% (2014–2018).

Conclusions

The analyses show a clear reduction in PCa incidence rates from 2003 on, along with an increase in overall survival when comparing the earlier period with more recent years.
Mendelian randomization analysis suggests no causal influence of gastroesophageal reflux disease on the susceptibility and prognosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Sun Di , Ye Qiao
Published: December 2023

Background

The relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and the susceptibility as well as the prognosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) has been previously suggested, with the potential confounding factor of smoking not adequately addressed. In light of this, we conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) study to investigate the causal effects of GERD on the susceptibility and prognosis of IPF while excluding smoking.

Methods

We chose GERD as the exposure variable and employed genome-wide association data to examine its association with susceptibility, forced vital capacity (FVC), diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLco), and transplant-free survival (TFS) in patients with IPF as the outcome variables. MR analyses were performed using the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method, and sensitivity analyses were conducted using the MR-PRESSO outlier test, Cochran’s Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, and leave-one-out sensitivity analysis. Additionally, to mitigate the potential effects of smoking on our MR estimates, we conducted a multivariable MR (MVMR) analysis by adjusting for smoking.

Results

The univariable MR analysis demonstrated no causal effect of GERD on FVC (βIVW = 26.63, SE = 48.23, P = 0.581), DLco (βIVW = 0.12, SE = 0.12, P = 0.319), and TFS (HRIVW = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.56 to 1.35, P = 0.533) in patients with IPF. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis revealed no evidence of heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy, or outlier single nucleotide polymorphisms. The MVMR analysis showed no causal effect of GERD on susceptibility to IPF after adjusting for smoking (ORIVW = 1.30, 95% CI = 0.93 to 1.68, P = 0.071). These findings were consistent in the replication cohort.

Conclusions

The link between GERD and its potential impact on susceptibility to IPF may not be of a direct causal nature and could be influenced by factors such as smoking. Our findings did not reveal any evidence of a causal relationship between GERD and the FVC, DLco, and TFS of patients with IPF.
Exosome-based engineering strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of oral and maxillofacial diseases
Authors: Ren Jianing , Jing Xuan , Liu Yingyu , Liu Jinrong , Ning Xiao , Zong Mingrui , Zhang Ran , Cheng Huaiyi , Cui Jiayu , Li Bing , Wu Xiuping
Published: December 2023

Oral and maxillofacial diseases are one of the most prevalent diseases in the world, which not only seriously affect the health of patients’ oral and maxillofacial tissues, but also bring serious economic and psychological burdens to patients. Therefore, oral and maxillofacial diseases require effective treatment. Traditional treatments have limited effects. In recent years, nature exosomes have attracted increasing attention due to their ability to diagnose and treat diseases. However, the application of nature exosomes is limited due to low yield, high impurities, lack of targeting, and high cost. Engineered exosomes can be endowed with better comprehensive therapeutic properties by modifying exosomes of parent cells or directly modifying exosomes, and biomaterial loading exosomes. Compared with natural exosomes, these engineered exosomes can achieve more effective diagnosis and treatment of oral and maxillary system diseases, and provide reference and guidance for clinical application. This paper reviews the engineering modification methods of exosomes and the application of engineered exosomes in oral and maxillofacial diseases and looks forward to future research directions.

Graphical Abstract
Randomized controlled trial of vitamin d supplementation on toll-like receptor-2 (tlr-2) and toll-like receptor-4 (tlr-4) in tuberculosis spondylitis patients
Authors: Arifin Jainal , Massi Muhammad Nasrum , Biakto Karya Triko , Bukhari Agussalim , Noor Zairin , Johan Muhammad Phetrus
Published: December 2023

Background

Tuberculosis spondylitis accounts for approximately 50% of all cases of skeletal tuberculosis. Vitamin D plays a role in the immune system. Vitamin D helps in the activation of TLR-2 and TLR-4, which play a role in the process of tuberculosis infection. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of oral supplementation with vitamin D on TLR-2 and TLR-4 levels in tuberculosis spondylitis patients.

Methods

The true Experiment Design Pretest–Posttest with Control Group (Pretest–Posttest with Control Group) was used for this research. TLR-2 and TLR-4 were measured by ELISA. Repeated ANOVA, ANOVA tests, and Kolmogorov–Smirnov normality tests on the SPSS program were used to statistically analyze the results.

Result

In the dose groups of 10,000 IU and 5000 IU, significant increases in the levels of vitamin D, TLR-2, and TLR-4 were observed at weeks 4 and 8 (p < 0.05). In the control group, there was no significant increase.

Conclusions

Vitamin D supplements can significantly increase TLR-2 and TLR-4 levels. Supplementation with vitamin D 10,000 IU/day for 8 weeks can increase vitamin D levels > 50 ng/dl to optimally act as an immunomodulator.
Acute cardiac tamponade during atrial flutter ablation: improved hemodynamics after positive pressure ventilation: a case report
Authors: Royster Roger L. , Coleman Scott R. , Goenaga-Díaz Eduardo J. , Richardson Karl M. , Whalen S. Patrick
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Acute cardiac tamponade is a rare event during any type of interventional or surgical procedure. It can occur during electrophysiology procedures due to radiofrequency ablation, lead or catheter manipulation, transseptal puncture, laser lead extractions, or left atrial appendage occlusion device positioning. Cardiac tamponade is difficult to study in a prospective manner, and case reports and case series are important contributions to understanding the best options for patient care.

Case summary

An 87-year-old Caucasian male patient breathing spontaneously developed acute tamponade during an atrial flutter ablation. Pericardial drain insertion was difficult, and hypotension failed to respond to epinephrine boluses. The patient became hypoxemic and hypercarbic, requiring intubation. Unexpectedly, the blood pressure markedly increased postintubation and remained in a normal range until the pericardium was drained.

Conclusion

Spontaneous ventilation is considered important to maintain venous return to the right heart during cardiac tamponade. However, spontaneous ventilation reduces venous return to the left heart and worsens the paradoxical pulse in tamponade. Intravenous vasopressors are thought to be ineffective during cardiac tamponade. Our patient maintained pulmonary blood flow as indicated by end-tidal carbon dioxide measurements but had no measurable systemic blood pressure during spontaneous ventilation. Our case demonstrates that tracheal intubation and positive pressure ventilation can transiently improve left heart venous return, systemic perfusion, and drug delivery to the systemic circulation.
Applying atomistic neural networks to bias conformer ensembles towards bioactive-like conformations
Authors: Baillif Benoit , Cole Jason , Giangreco Ilenia , McCabe Patrick , Bender Andreas
Published: December 2023

Identifying bioactive conformations of small molecules is an essential process for virtual screening applications relying on three-dimensional structure such as molecular docking. For most small molecules, conformer generators retrieve at least one bioactive-like conformation, with an atomic root-mean-square deviation (ARMSD) lower than 1 Å, among the set of low-energy conformers generated. However, there is currently no general method to prioritise these likely target-bound conformations in the ensemble. In this work, we trained atomistic neural networks (AtNNs) on 3D information of generated conformers of a curated subset of PDBbind ligands to predict the ARMSD to their closest bioactive conformation, and evaluated the early enrichment of bioactive-like conformations when ranking conformers by AtNN prediction. AtNN ranking was compared with bioactivity-unaware baselines such as ascending Sage force field energy ranking, and a slower bioactivity-based baseline ranking by ascending Torsion Fingerprint Deviation to the Maximum Common Substructure to the most similar molecule in the training set (TFD2SimRefMCS). On test sets from random ligand splits of PDBbind, ranking conformers using ComENet, the AtNN encoding the most 3D information, leads to early enrichment of bioactive-like conformations with a median BEDROC of 0.29 ± 0.02, outperforming the best bioactivity-unaware Sage energy ranking baseline (median BEDROC of 0.18 ± 0.02), and performing on a par with the bioactivity-based TFD2SimRefMCS baseline (median BEDROC of 0.31 ± 0.02). The improved performance of the AtNN and TFD2SimRefMCS baseline is mostly observed on test set ligands that bind proteins similar to proteins observed in the training set. On a more challenging subset of flexible molecules, the bioactivity-unaware baselines showed median BEDROCs up to 0.02, while AtNNs and TFD2SimRefMCS showed median BEDROCs between 0.09 and 0.13. When performing rigid ligand re-docking of PDBbind ligands with GOLD using the 1% top-ranked conformers, ComENet ranked conformers showed a higher successful docking rate than bioactivity-unaware baselines, with a rate of 0.48 ± 0.02 compared to CSD probability baseline with a rate of 0.39 ± 0.02. Similarly, on a pharmacophore searching experiment, selecting the 20% top-ranked conformers ranked by ComENet showed higher hit rate compared to baselines. Hence, the approach presented here uses AtNNs successfully to focus conformer ensembles towards bioactive-like conformations, representing an opportunity to reduce computational expense in virtual screening applications on known targets that require input conformations.
Impact of energy affordability on the decision-making of rural households in ecologically fragile areas of Northwest China regarding clean energy use
Authors: Li Lingyan , Song Huihui , Duan Mimi , Zhu Yongchao , Luo Xi
Published: December 2023

Background

Highly carbonized energy use in ecologically fragile areas of Northwest China seriously endangers the health of residents and the ecological environment. However, poor energy affordability remains a major obstacle to the promotion of clean energy use in rural households in this region.

Methods

Based on survey data of 1118 households in ecologically fragile areas of Northwest China, this study constructed a household-level database of energy use, measured energy affordability in two dimensions: endogenous income (annual per capita household income) and external inputs (government energy subsidies). It uses logistic and threshold regression to empirically test the impact, threshold, and heterogeneity of energy affordability on the decision-making of rural households regarding clean energy use for cooking, heating, and heating water.

Results

(1) The energy use structures of rural households in different ecologically fragile areas differ because of different household characteristics. (2) Energy affordability affects cooking significantly more than it affects heating and subsidy growth is a stronger incentive than income growth. Moreover, for both cooking and heating, energy affordability has a greater impact on electricity use than on gas use. (3) The thresholds for energy transformation for heating are greater than those for cooking and heating water. When the subsidy increases by 2400 yuan/year, heating can catch up to other types of use, whereas, based on the current level of income growth, it requires more than 5 years. (4) This effect is higher in high-income, purely agricultural, highly educated, young, and middle-aged households.

Conclusions

Promoting the use of clean energy in rural households only by increasing income will be a slow process. Subsidies should be used to accelerate this process by improving the energy affordability of rural households and a compensation policy should be implemented considering the energy types and periods. Taking into account the differences in the basic characteristics of rural households in different ecologically fragile areas, clean energy policies should be adopted from various perspectives to better leverage the enhancement effect of energy affordability.
Spatiotemporal slip distribution associated with the 2012–2016 Tokai long-term slow slip event inverted from GNSS data
Authors: Seshimo Yukinari , Kawabata Hiroki , Yoshioka Shoichi , Ortega-Culaciati Francisco
Published: December 2023

We used Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) time series data to estimate the spatiotemporal slip distribution for a long-term slow slip event (L-SSE) that occurred in the Tokai region, central Japan, from 2012 to 2016. Since all the used GNSS data were affected by the postseismic deformation associated with the 2011 Mw9.0 Tohoku-Oki earthquake, we removed such postseismic signal from the time series of three components at each of the stations. The minimal time window for an inversion analysis was set to 0.5 years (6 months), taking into account the signal-to-noise ratio of displacements for each time window. In the horizontal displacement fields, displacements were observed in the south‒southeast and southeast directions on the west and east sides of Lake Hamana, respectively, with temporal changes in their amounts and directions. In the vertical displacement fields, uplift was observed on the east side of Lake Hamana. From these data, we estimated the L-SSE initiated in approximately 2012.5 and ended by 2017.0, indicating the duration time is 4.5 years and the duration was much longer than that obtained in a previous study. Using these data, we performed the inversion analysis, in which three a priori information were assumed, i.e., the spatial distribution of slip is smooth, slip mainly occurs in the direction of plate convergence, and the temporal variation in the slip is smooth, to obtain the spatiotemporal slip distribution on a plate boundary with 3-D geometry. As a result, we identified that the L-SSE consisted of two subevents. The first subevent initiated on the southwest side of Lake Hamana and expanded during the period from 2013.0 to 2014.5. The maximum slip velocity during the period from 2012.5 to 2017.0 was estimated to be approximately 3.5 cm/year there for 2013.5–2014.0. The second subevent took place on the west side of Lake Hamana gradually from 2015.0 to 2015.5, continued, and expanded from 2015.5 to 2016.5. From the cumulative slip distribution, we found that its shape spread in the dip direction and obtained a maximum slip of approximately 10.6 cm, a moment release of 2.7 × 1019 Nm, and an equivalent moment magnitude of 6.9. Comparing our results with the L-SSE that occurred in the Tokai region between 2000 and 2005, we found that the slip initiation location was almost the same, but the subsequent slip location was more southerly for the 2012–2016 Tokai L-SSE. Additionally, the maximum slip velocity and moment magnitude were smaller for the 2012–2016 L-SSE.
Whether and when did bitcoin sentiment matter for investors? Before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Aysan Ahmet Faruk , Muğaloğlu Erhan , Polat Ali Yavuz , Tekin Hasan
Published: December 2023

Using a wavelet coherence approach, this study investigates the relationship between Bitcoin return and Bitcoin-specific sentiment from January 1, 2016 to June 30, 2021, covering the COVID-19 pandemic period. The results reveal that before the pandemic, sentiment positively drove prices, especially for relatively higher frequencies (2–18 weeks). During the pandemic, the relationship was still positive, but interestingly, the lead-lag relationship disappeared. Employing partial wavelet tools, we factor out the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths and the Equity Market Volatility Infectious Disease Tracker index to observe the direct relationship between a change in sentiment and return. Our results robustly reveal that, before the pandemic, sentiment had a positive effect on return. Although positive coherence still existed during the pandemic, the lead-lag relationship disappeared again. Thus, the causal relationship that states that sentiment leads to return can only be integrated into short-term trading strategies (up to six weeks frequency).
Exploring the effect of transcranial magnetic stimulation on quality of sleep in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Shaheen Hala A. , Gomaa Mohammed , Maarouf Mohammed M. , Daker Lamiaa I.
Published: December 2023

Background

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a noninvasive therapeutic approach that targets particular brain regions that had been used and displayed significant impact in various neurological disorders. This study aimed to explore if high-frequency (HF) rTMS over the parietal cortex could influence sleep quality in Parkinson's disease (PD).

Methods

This was a prospective sham-controlled study conducted on 40 individuals with PD. The enrolled patients were examined with Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS-III) and Modified Hoehn and Yahr Staging Scale (H&Y staging) for motor disability evaluation and staging. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used for sleep quality and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) for excessive daytime sleepiness and Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) for depression. Patients were classified into 2 groups: patients who underwent real-rTMS positioned over their bilateral parietal cortex. 100% of the motor threshold. Patients had a total of 12 sessions, one every other day. Another group received sham rTMS.

Results

The patients receiving active rTMS showed significant improvement in UPDRS-III, PSQI, ESS, and BDI-II immediately after the sessions and 1 month later. The follow-up PSQI had a significant positive correlation with the baseline BDI-II (r = 0.88, P = 0.001), H&Y staging (r = 0.78, P = 0.001), and UPDRS-III (r = 0.78, p = 0.001). Multivariate linear regression analysis exhibited that the age of the patients was a significant predictor of sleep quality.

Conclusion

HF rTMS over the parietal cortex had shown a significant impact on sleep quality by the modulation of affected brain areas and by improving concomitant motor and mood manifestations.
Research in mental health in the Arab speaking world 1920 to 2018
Authors: Karam Elie G. , Okasha Ahmed , Trojanovic Natalija , Al Barathie Josleen , Saab Dahlia , Hakim Natasha , Abbas Nada
Published: December 2023

Background

The progressive improvement in the educational level of the Arab world has been accompanied by a surge of scientific productivity. Mental health research, especially in the last four decades, is one such endeavor. Mental health research output over almost a century, from 1920 to 2018, is reviewed.

Method

A literature review was conducted using PubMed, PsychInfo, Cochrane, and the IDRAAC search engine to identify mental health publications over the past 100 years. Trends of mental health research were explored over time with reference to country population and gross domestic product (GDP).

Results

A total of 3373 articles were retrieved. The three countries with the highest number of mental health publications in the past century are Egypt, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and Lebanon, representing together 41.5% of the productivity of all 22 Arab countries. The top producers also had the highest collaboration rates with other Arab countries (20%) as well as non-Arab countries. The top three publishers per capita are Lebanon, Kuwait, and Bahrain. When GDP was factored in, the top three countries are Lebanon, Palestine, and Tunisia. Most publications over the last decade (80%) were in international non-local journals. The leading subjects of research were epidemiology, mood disorders, obsessive compulsive behavior, and mental health services.

Conclusion

Arab speaking countries have been increasing their mental health productivity over the past 100 years; however, only a handful of those countries were relatively active. Those leaders also had the highest level of Arab and international collaboration. Investing in regional and international collaborations is a solid recommendation of this review.
Estimation of mechanical properties of the modified high-performance concrete by novel regression models
Authors: Jingtao Li , Jing Wang , Suyuan Yin
Published: December 2023

Using support vector regression (SVR) analytics, a novel method for evaluating the high-performance concrete (HPC) compressive strength (CS) containing fly ash (FA) and blast furnace slag (BFS) has been developed. Both Salp swarm optimization (SSA) and Grasshoppers optimization algorithm (GOA) were used in this research to look for critical SVR method variables that may be tweaked for better performance. The suggested approaches were created using 1030 trials, eight inputs (the primary component of admixtures, mix designs, curing age, and aggregates), and the CS as the forecasting goal. After that, the findings were compared to those found elsewhere in the literature. Combined SSA-SVR and GOA-SVR analysis could work exceptionally well when it comes to estimating, according to the estimation findings. The root means square error (RMSE) value for the GOA-SVR faces a remarkable increment in comparison with the SSA-SVR. The comparison resulted that the GOA-SVR delivered a higher rate of accuracy than any previous published research. At the outset, the developed GOA-SVR model might be considered a practical predictive system for the CS prediction of HPC admixed with FA and BFS.
Evaluating the difficulties and potential responses to implement Industry 4.0 in Bangladesh’s steel sector
Authors: Shabur Md. Abdus , Rahman Kazi Afzalur , Siddiki Md. Raihan
Published: December 2023

With the promise of great benefits for industry and new possibilities for a wide range of applications, Industry 4.0 is quickly rising to prominence as one of the most important and widely discussed topics in academia and in practice. In this study, we look at the steel production business and identify the current state of affairs as well as the barriers to implementing Industry 4.0 there. Initially, the current state of Industry 4.0 was uncovered by visiting and surveying four prominent steel companies in Bangladesh. Less than fifty percent of Industry 4.0 components are now implemented in these plants. To determine the reasons for this unfavorable situation, research was conducted to identify the obstacles impeding the implementation of Industry 4.0. On the basis of the preferences of 9 experts (4 from industry and 5 from academia), 9 of the 12 proposed challenges have been selected as significant obstacles. The ranking of these nine difficulties was then assessed utilizing the popular best–worst method (BWM), a multi-criteria decision-making approach. It was determined that “high capital investment” was the most significant barrier, while “lack of government support” was the least significant. In addition, a sensitivity analysis was conducted, which improved the ranking’s quality. Then, several viable techniques for overcoming these challenges are discussed.
Interpretation and mapping of geologic structure in the Bali Basin based on integrated gravity, magnetic, and seismic data analysis
Authors: Kusnida Dida , Mirnanda Eddy , Nainggolan Tumpal Bernhard , Subagio  , Albab Ali
Published: December 2023

The Bali Basin is located in the Sunda-Banda back-arc from subduction along the Sunda Arc to continental collision along the Banda Arc. Still, its geologic structural patterns have yet to be mapped and discussed in detail as the transition zone. An integrated approach involving magnetic, gravity, and seismic data analysis was undertaken to discover these structures that potentially impact the surrounding area. The magnetic anomalies indicate that the thrust fault structure beneath the north coast of the islands of Bali and Lombok vertically displaces the basement on the seabed. The interpretation, verified with gravity and seismic reflection profiles, indicates a significant, tight, and well-developed expression of blind thrust faulting. Gravity data delineate the basin bedrock surface 6 km beneath the south Bali Basin, where seismic sections show five Cenozoic sedimentary sequences more than 2000 m thick, filling a highly deformed and faulted Cretaceous bedrock sequence. The seismic-gravity model shows sedimentation-related subsidence from basin filling followed by tectonics inversion.
Radiation Oncology Health Disparities in Pakistan
Authors: Fareed Muhammad Mohsin , Hameed Muhammad Yahya , Samuel Eileen
Published: December 2023

This article discusses problems and potential solutions for improving radiation oncology care in Pakistan.
Use of Peripheral Intravenous Access in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy for Testicular Cancer
Authors: Wiesen Brett , Atwell Michael , Leavitt Colton , Clark Nathan , Kessler Elizabeth , Lam Elaine , Flaig Thomas , Kukreja Janet , Kim Simon , Maroni Paul , Cost Nicholas G.
Published: December 2023

PURPOSE

Systemic chemotherapy, depending on the regimen, can be administered through peripheral intravenous (pIV) access or through central venous access devices (CVADs). There is no current best practice regarding optimal access for chemotherapy for patients with testicular cancer (TC). We retrospectively evaluated patients undergoing systemic chemotherapy for TC and compared baseline characteristics and complications of patients using pIV versus CVADs.

METHODS

We included patients with TC who underwent first-line systemic chemotherapy at the University of Colorado Hospitals from 2005 to 2020. Data were collected on demographics, cancer characteristics, type, duration of chemotherapy, pIV or CVAD use, and associated complication rates. We then performed univariate and multivariate regression analyses to compare complication rates and risk factors for each group.

RESULTS

One hundred fifty-four patients met inclusion criteria. Ninety-two (60%) patients used CVADs, and 62 patients (40%) used pIV for their initial treatment. Only six (9.7%) of 62 patients transitioned from pIV to CVADs during therapy. Similarly, 10 of 92 (10.9%) patients with initial CVAD needed to transition to a different type of CVAD or to pIV ( P = .81). There were a greater number of venous access–related complications (48 of 92 patients, 52.2%) and overall thrombotic events (33 of 92 patients, 35.9%) for the CVAD group ( P > .001) when compared with the pIV group. We observed an association between the following factors and venous access–related complications during chemotherapy: higher stage TC, increased total chemotherapy cycles, and delayed therapy.

CONCLUSION

Peripheral IV use for first-line nonvesicant chemotherapy in patients with TC appears to be well tolerated with high rates of therapy completion and lower rates of complications when compared with CVADs. These data support our preferred treatment approach and provide evidence that pIV access is a safe and effective way to deliver chemotherapy for patients with TC.
Impact of Time-to-Antibiotic Delivery in Pediatric Patients With Cancer Presenting With Febrile Neutropenia
Authors: De Castro George C. , Slatnick Leonora R. , Shannon Morgan , Zhao Zhiguo , Jackson Kasey , Smith Christine M. , Whitehurst Daniel , Elliott Claire , Clark Chelsea C. , Scott Halden F. , Friedman Debra L. , Demedis Jenna , Esbenshade Adam J.
Published: December 2023

PURPOSE

Febrile neutropenia (FN) in pediatric patients with cancer can cause severe infections, and prompt antibiotics are warranted. Extrapolated from other populations, a time-to-antibiotic (TTA) metric of <60 minutes after medical center presentation was established, with compliance data factoring into pediatric oncology program national rankings.

METHODS

All FN episodes occurring at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital (2007-February 2022) and a sample of episodes from Colorado Children's Hospital (2012-2019) were abstracted, capturing TTA and clinical outcomes including major complications (intensive care unit [ICU] admission, vasopressors, intubation, or infection-related mortality). Odds ratios (ORs) were adjusted for age, treatment center, absolute neutrophil count, hypotension presence, stem-cell transplant status, and central line type.

RESULTS

A total of 2,349 episodes were identified from Vanderbilt (1,920) and Colorado (429). Only 0.6% (n = 14) episodes required immediate ICU management, with a median TTA of 28 minutes (IQR, 20-37). For the remaining patients, the median TTA was 56 minutes (IQR, 37-90), and 54.3% received antibiotics in <60 minutes. There were no significant associations between TTA (<60 or ≥60 minutes) and major complications (adjusted OR, 0.99 [95% CI, 0.62 to 1.59]; P = .98), and a TTA ≥60 minutes was not associated with any type of complication. Similarly, TTA, when evaluated as a continuous variable, was not associated with a major (OR, 0.99 [95% CI, 0.94 to 1.04]; P = .69) nor any other complication in adjusted analysis.

CONCLUSION

There is no clear evidence that a reduced TTA improves clinical outcomes in pediatric oncology FN and thus it should not be used as a primary quality measure.
Ecological studies on Paecilomyces lilacinus strain 251 and their importance for biocontrol of plant-parasitic nematodes and environmental risk assessment
Authors: Ρούμπος Χρίστος
Published: December 2023

Στο πλαίσιο της διδακτορικής μου διατριβής μελετήθηκαν οι παράγοντες που επηρεάζουν τη συμπεριφορά του νηματωδοφάγου μύκητα Paecilomyces lilacinus στέλεχος 251 (PL251) μετά την εφαρμογή του στο έδαφος, οι αλληλεπιδράσεις του βιολογικού αυτού παράγοντα με τα φυτά, τους νηματώδεις και άλλα συστατικά του εδαφικού οικοσυστήματος καθώς και η σημασία αυτών για την βιολογική καταπολέμηση των φυτοπαρασιτικών νηματωδών. Η μελέτη υπολειμματικότητας φανέρωσε την χαμηλή υπολειμματικότητα του μύκητα σε διάφορα εδαφικά υποστρώματα. Η συγκέντρωση του μύκητα στο έδαφος συνεχώς μειωνόταν με το χρόνο, κάνοντας απαραίτητες τις πολλαπλές εφαρμογές σε μια καλλιεργητική περίοδο προκειμένου να υπάρξει ικανοποιητικός έλεγχος των φυτοπαρασιτικών νηματωδών. Η επιβίωση του μύκητα στο έδαφος επηρεάστηκε από την θερμοκρασία και τον τύπο του εδάφους, ενώ δεν επηρεάστηκε από τον δόση εφαρμογής και την παρουσία των νηματωδών και του φυτού στο έδαφος. Ο μύκητας P. lilacinus βρέθηκε να αποικεί ενδοφυτικά τις ρίζες αρκετών φυτικών ειδών από αυτά που εξετάστηκαν. Επιπρόσθετα, σε στήλες εδάφους μελετήθηκε η κάθετη κίνηση των σπορίων του μύκητα σε διαφορετικά εδαφικά υποστρώματα. Η κάθετη κίνηση του μύκητα ήταν περιορισμένη, με την πλειονότητα των σπορίων να παραμένουν στα πρώτα 10 εκατοστά του υποστρώματος. Δεν εντοπίστηκε κάποια αρνητική επίδραση του μύκητα στους εντομοπαθογόνους νηματώδεις και στις μυκόρριζες, μετά από ταυτόχρονη εφαρμογή τους στο έδαφος. Τέλος, επιχειρήθηκε ο γενετικός μετασχηματισμός του βιολογικού αυτού παράγοντα με το gfp-(green fluorescent protein) γονίδιο, που κωδικοποιεί την πράσινη φθορίζουσα πρωτεΐνη με τη μέθοδο του Αγροβακτηρίου (Agrobacterium-mediated transformation).
Η αρχαία Πίστυρος και η οχύρωση της
Authors: Παπαδόπουλος Στρατής , Οικονομίδης Χαράλαμπος
Published: December 2023

Since antiquity, attack and defense were frequent phenomena in human lives and the urban complexes. For this reason, the discovery of a defensive solution against any kind of attack was of an imperative necessity. In order to ensure the feeling of safety, people constructed fortifications, which protected their lives and their properties as well. Using as a reference point a small town, which was established near Nestos river (north Aegean), the preserved remains of a severe fortification that ringed this town will be examined. Initially, a brief mention to the town itself is presented in an attempt to clear out the historical context of it, the matter of its naming, the determination of its metropolis and many other topics concerning this town. The small town, which was possibly an emporion, stands today near Pontolivado village, in Kavala prefecture, at the northeast of Greece. This site is related to an archaeologically promising area, since the interesting findings from that place are constantly unveiling the past of the town that had been covered by the oblivion of the time.