bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment Opportunities for Colorectal Liver Metastases
Authors: Lund Tormod
Published: February 2023

Colorectal liver metastases (CLM) are the most common hepatic malignancy and are caused by disseminated tumour cells (DTCs) seeded early in the tumourigenesis of colorectal cancer. Despite optimal treatment, CLM are associated with high mortality rates. This review provides an overview of three promising strategies to extend survival in CLM: treatment of DTCs, immunotherapy, and new surgical resection techniques.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: Review of Current Indications, Approaches, Future Insights, and Alternatives
Authors: Čanádyová Júlia , Mokráček Aleš , Kurfirst Vojtěch , Pešl Ladislav
Published: February 2023

The use of transcatheter aortic valve implantation is increasing worldwide, with rapid development of new generations of valves and the search for alternative access for implantation. The aim of this review is to summarise current approaches and indications, and to discuss some of the controversies surrounding this procedure.
Nasal Volumetric Remodelling with the Aid of a New, Stabilised Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Filler
Authors: Torres Sebastian
Published: February 2023

Dermal fillers around the nose have become particularly popular among patients due to the minimally invasive aspect of these corrections. Nevertheless, the area of interest is particularly vascularised and prone to potentially devastating ischaemic complications. Therefore, technical details are crucial for achieving good aesthetic outcomes in safety. The author presents his experience with the use of a new, stabilised hyaluronic acid dermal filler (Decoria Essence, Bohus BioTech AB, Strömstad, Sweden), as well as the highlights and tips of his technique.
Occult HBV Infection Reactivation in Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: An Update on Prevalence and Management
Authors: Rosato Valerio , Masarone Mario , Claar Ernesto , Persico Marcello
Published: February 2023

Occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI) is characterised by the persistence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genome in the liver, without any evidence of overt infection: without HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV DNA detectable in the serum, or fugacious spots of very low levels of viraemia. OBI, a possible phase in the natural history of chronic hepatitis B, is mainly due to the strong suppression of viral replication by host’s immunity. Although every condition inducing a strong immunosuppression may cause an OBI reactivation, onco-haematological patients, particularly those affected by non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), are at the highest risk of this occurrence. This is mostly due to the primary involvement of the immune system that characterises these diseases, and the strong immunosuppressive treatments used for their cure. OBI reactivation represents a life-threatening risk, because of the possible development of an overt acute hepatitis that may lead to hepatic failure. Prophylaxis with lamivudine can prevent OBI reactivation and, when it occurs, the prompt administration of an antiviral therapy with nucleos(t)ide analogues can stop it. Currently, no valid serological tests for occult HBV detection are available, in this way every HBsAg-negative patient undergoing treatment for NHL is to be considered at risk of a ‘probable OBI reactivation’. The estimation of the real extent of this occurrence in a NHL setting is a difficult challenge, mostly due to the difficulty of obtaining a definitive diagnosis (which involves the availability of a liver biopsy performed before its development) and the high variability of the literature reports on this issue. In fact, the data concerning this prevalence range from 2.3-27.7% among the different papers, according to different study designs, different diagnostic criteria, different study populations, and different geographical areas of origin of the patients. The aim of this review is to browse the available knowledge about occult HBV infection amongst NHL patients, focusing on the prevalence of OBI reactivations, their identification, and their management.
Incorporating PARP Inhibition in Cancer Therapy: Key Questions, Expert Answers
Authors: Grenon Stoddert Trudy
Published: February 2023

This engaging symposium focussed on the rationale and current evidence supporting the role for poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibition in patients with cancer. The meeting opened with an overview of DNA repair and the biological basis for targeting this process in oncology, delivered by Prof Calvert. This was followed by a discussion from Prof Pujade-Lauraine that focussed on patient selection for PARP inhibition and the role for these agents in BRCA -mutated and BRCA -like cancers. Next, Prof Colombo presented a clinical scenario of BRCA -associated ovarian cancer and examined optimal treatment options in the first-line setting and for progressive disease. She also highlighted current clinical data and ongoing trials evaluating PARP inhibition in advanced ovarian cancer. Prof Tutt then discussed the potential role for PARP inhibitors in patients with breast cancer, focussing on a clinical scenario of triple-negative disease and emphasising current and investigational treatment options. Lastly, Prof Van Cutsem described emerging data and ongoing clinical studies evaluating PARP inhibition in the treatment of patients with pancreatic and gastric cancers, and how this could impact future clinical practice. The programme also included a PARP quiz, in which participants were polled at the beginning and conclusion of the symposium to examine their knowledge and practice patterns regarding the use of PARP inhibitors in oncology. The key highlights from these presentations and the PARP quiz are summarised herein.
CRYSTAL STRUCTURE OF THE NEW GERMANIDE Pr3Co2Ge7.36
Authors: Belan Bohdana , Dzevenko Mariya , Stępień-Damm Julia , Gladyshevskii Roman
Published: February 2023

The structure of Pr3Co2Ge7.36 (Cmmm, a = 4.236 (1), b = 25.994(5), c = 4.272(1) Å, Z = 2) can be considered as a partly disordered derivative of the La3Co2Sn7 type. The Ge positions in the Pr4Ge8 cuboctahedra of the AuCu3-type slabs are conveniently described by two partly occupied sites, one of which is split. The Co and Ge atoms are characterized by square-antiprismatic, cubooctahedral, and trigonal-prismatic coordination.
STUDY OF MAGNETIC FIELD GENERATION IN CHIRAL COPPER NANOTUBESS
Authors:   Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia, Moscow, Russian Federation, KRASNOV DMITRY , KOLTSOVA ELEONORA
Published: February 2023

The magnetic fields generated by chiral copper nanotubes are calculated. The number of ballistic transport channels, low-temperature electron currents, and magnetic fields in nanosolenoids based on copper nanotubes of various structures are determined. The results indicate that chiral nanotubes can be used to create nanosolenoids with desired characteristics.
CONSIDERATION OF MULTIPATH IN MODELING THE FIELD OF SECONDARY ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION ON INFORMATIZATION OBJECTS
Authors:   National Research University of Electronic Technology, Moscow, Russian Federation, BOBROVSKIKH ALEKSEY , GUREEV ALEXANDER ,   Institute of Microdevices and Control Systems named after L.N. Presnukhina of the National Research University of Electronic Technology, Moscow, Russian Federation, LOS VLADIMIR ,   MIREA - Russian Technological University, Moscow, Russian Federation, MARKOV ALEKSEY ,   Bauman Moscow State Technical University (National Research University), Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: February 2023

The paper considers the features of the formation of the resulting field of spurious electromagnetic radiation at informatization objects, taking into account the multipath propagation of radio waves, evaluates the achievable error values for determining the attenuation coefficient using known methods for determining the attenuation of the field of spurious electromagnetic radiation based on a deterministic model of radio wave propagation inside the building. The need for a significant refinement of the method for determining the attenuation coefficient is shown, since, in a known form, it is suitable only for measurements in free space and gives very significant errors in urban conditions and inside buildings, or the use of adaptive reception methods when receiving signals (for example, diversity reception), which allows to significantly reduce the level of interference dips in the resulting electromotive force.
MODELING OF THE ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF A SOLAR CELL WITH MANY NANO-HETERO JUNCTIONS
Authors:   Tashkent University of Information Technologies named after Muhammad al-Khwarizmi (TUIT) of the Ministry for Development of Information Technologies and Communications of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Republic of Uzbekistan, IMAMOV ERKIN , MUMINOV RAMIZULLA ,   Physical-Technical Institute of the SPA “Physics-Sun” of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Republic of Uzbekistan, RAKHIMOV RUSTAM ,   Institute of Materials Science of the SPA “Physics-Sun” of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Republic of Uzbekistan, KARIMOV KHASAN , ASKAROV MARDON ,   Karakalpak State University named after Berdakh of the Ministry of Higher and Secondary Specialized Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Nukus, Republic Karakalpakstan, Republic of Uzbekistan
Published: February 2023

The growth parameters, optimal electro physical and optical properties that ensure sufficiently high rates of conversion of solar radiation into electricity and a predictable and controlled nature of the efficiency value are determined by computer modeling of a semi-phenomenological model of a heterocontact structure and its volt-ampere characteristics.
The Relationship of Spirituality with Coping Mechanism in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Sukabumi Regency, Indonesia
Authors: Dewi Rosliana , Hidayat Ryan Taufik , Waluya Ady , Budhiana Johan , Fatmala Syiva Dwi
Published: February 2023

Aim: Apart from the obvious health consequences, diabetes mellitus leads in unfavorable psychological responses that can lead to emotional problems. Individual coping techniques for lowering stress and making treatment decisions in which spirituality plays a significant role. The study aimed was to determine the relationship between spirituality and the coping mechanisms of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.
Methods: This is correlational study with cross-sectional approach. Total sampling was used to collect data from 54 people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The spirituality instrument uses the Daily Spiritual Experience Scale (DSES) and the coping mechanism uses The Brief Cope. Statistical analysis using chi-square.
Results: The results showed that most respondents had moderate spirituality (59,3%) and adaptive coping mechanisms (55.6%). The chi-square test results obtained a P-value of 0.008,  so there is a relationship between spirituality and coping mechanisms in type 2 DM patients.
Conclusion: The results showed that most of the respondents had moderate spirituality and adaptive coping mechanisms. Spirituality and adaptive coping skills are predicted to be enhanced by nurses, particularly in populations at risk for chronic disease.
Microbiota shaping and bioburden monitoring of indoor antimicrobial surfaces
Authors: Mäki Anita , Salonen Noora , Kivisaari Meija , Ahonen Merja , Latva Martti
Published: February 2023

Indoor residents are constantly exposed to dynamic microbiota that have significant health effects. In addition to hand hygiene, cleaning, and disinfection, antimicrobial coatings (AMCs) can prevent the spread of infectious diseases in public areas. The sustainable use of antimicrobial-coated products requires an assessment of their pros and cons for human health and the environment. The toxicity and resistance risks of AMCs have been considered, but large-scale genetic studies on the microbial community compositions and resistomes of AMCs are scarce. The use of an AMC can reduce the total number of microbes on a surface but poses the risk of dysbiosis, microbial imbalance, such as the polarized growth of metallophilic, metal- and antimicrobial-resistant, and other survivor bacteria, and the overall reduction of microbial diversity. Loss of diversity may lead to the enrichment of harmful bacteria and an increased risk of communicable or immunological non-communicable inflammatory diseases (NCDs). In public buildings, such as kindergartens and nursing homes for the elderly, the use of AMCs is likely to increase due to epidemics and pandemics in recent years. Therefore, comprehensive metagenomic research is needed to monitor the effects of AMCs on indoor microbial community compositions and functions. Although the determination of good indoor microbiota and homeostasis is difficult, microbial communities that have health-protective or harmful effects can and should be identified using a metagenomic sequencing approach before the large-scale implementation of AMCs.
A passage-dependent network for estimating the in vitro senescence of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells using microarray, bulk and single cell RNA sequencing
Authors: Yang Yong , Zhang Wencheng , Wang Xicheng , Yang Jingxian , Cui Yangyang , Song Haimeng , Li Weiping , Li Wei , Wu Le , Du Yao , He Zhiying , Shi Jun , Zhang Jiangnan
Published: February 2023

Long-term in vitro culture of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) leads to cell lifespan shortening and growth stagnation due to cell senescence. Here, using sequencing data generated in the public domain, we have established a specific regulatory network of “transcription factor (TF)-microRNA (miRNA)-Target” to provide key molecules for evaluating the passage-dependent replicative senescence of mesenchymal stem cells for the quality control and status evaluation of mesenchymal stem cells prepared by different procedures. Short time-series expression miner (STEM) analysis was performed on the RNA-seq and miRNA-seq databases of mesenchymal stem cells from various passages to reveal the dynamic passage-related changes of miRNAs and mRNAs. Potential miRNA targets were predicted using seven miRNA target prediction databases, including TargetScan, miRTarBase, miRDB, miRWalk, RNA22, RNAinter, and TargetMiner. Then use the TransmiR v2.0 database to obtain experimental-supported transcription factor for regulating the selected miRNA. More than ten sequencing data related to mesenchymal stem cells or mesenchymal stem cells reprogramming were used to validate key miRNAs and mRNAs. And gene set variation analysis (GSVA) was performed to calculate the passage-dependent signature. The results showed that during the passage of mesenchymal stem cells, a total of 29 miRNAs were gradually downregulated and 210 mRNA were gradually upregulated. Enrichment analysis showed that the 29 miRNAs acted as multipotent regulatory factors of stem cells and participated in a variety of signaling pathways, including TGF-beta, HIPPO and oxygen related pathways. 210 mRNAs were involved in cell senescence. According to the target prediction results, the targets of these key miRNAs and mRNAs intersect to form a regulatory network of “TF-miRNA-Target” related to replicative senescence of cultured mesenchymal stem cells, across 35 transcription factor, 7 miRNAs (has-mir-454-3p, has-mir-196b-5p, has-mir-130b-5p, has-mir-1271-5p, has-let-7i-5p, has-let-7a-5p, and has-let-7b-5p) and 7 predicted targets (PRUNE2, DIO2, CPA4, PRKAA2, DMD, DDAH1, and GATA6). This network was further validated by analyzing datasets from a variety of mesenchymal stem cells subculture and lineage reprogramming studies, as well as qPCR analysis of early passages mesenchymal stem cells versus mesenchymal stem cells with senescence morphologies (SA-β-Gal+). The “TF-miRNA-Target” regulatory network constructed in this study reveals the functional mechanism of miRNAs in promoting the senescence of MSCs during in vitro expansion and provides indicators for monitoring the quality of functional mesenchymal stem cells during the preparation and clinical application.
Assessment of the calendar aging of lithium-ion batteries for a long-term—Space missions
Authors: Ali Hayder , Beltran Hector , Lindsey Nancy J. , Pecht Michael
Published: February 2023

Energy availability is a critical challenge for space missions, especially for those missions designed to last many decades. Space satellites have depended on various combinations of radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RGTs), solar arrays, and batteries for power. For deep space missions lasting as long as 50 + years, batteries will also be needed for applications when there is no sunlight and RTGs cannot support peak power demand due to their insufficient specific power. This paper addresses the potential use of lithium-ion batteries for long-term space missions. Using data collected from the literature and internal experiments, a calendar aging model is developed to assess the capacity fade as a function of temperature, state-of-charge and time. The results for various LIB chemistries are used to identify the best candidate chemistries and determine the conditions, with a focus on low temperatures, that can best enable deep space missions.
Flexible dielectric polymer nanocomposites with improved thermal energy management for energy-power applications
Authors: Uyor U. O. , Popoola A. P. I. , Popoola O. M.
Published: February 2023

Most polymer materials are thermal and electrical insulators, which have wide potential in advanced energy-power applications including energy conversion. However, polymers get softened when in contact with heat, which causes their molecular chains to flow as the temperature increases. Although polymer dielectrics exhibit high power density, they face challenges of low energy density which is due to the low dielectric permittivity associated with them. Therefore, this study tried to address the poor thermal energy management and low energy density of poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) while maintaining its flexible property using low content of hybrid carbon nanotubes (CNTs–0.05wt%, 0.1wt%) and boron nitride (BN–5wt%, 10wt%) nano-reinforcements. The nanocomposites were developed through solvent mixing and hot compression processes. The dielectric constant increased from 9.1 for the pure PVDF to 42.8 with a low loss of about 0.1 at 100 Hz for PVDF-0.1wt%CNTs-10wt%BN. The thermal stability of the nanocomposites was enhanced by 55°C compared to the pure PVDF. The nanocomposites also showed improved melting and crystallization temperatures. The developed PVDF-CNTs-BN nanocomposites showed significant enhancements in thermal energy management, stability, and dielectric properties. The significantly improved properties are credited to the synergetic effects between CNTs and BN in the PVDF matrix in promoting homogeneous dispersion, thermal barrier, interfacial polarization/bonding, insulative and conductive properties. Therefore, the developed nanomaterials in this study can find advanced applications in the energy-power sector owing to their enhanced performances.
Scale-dependent effects of roadways on the movement behavior of a large-bodied pit viper (Crotalus horridus)
Authors: Tipton Anna F. , Vázquez-Diosdado Jorge A. , DeSantis Dominic L.
Published: February 2023

Roadways are among the most widespread and disruptive anthropogenic land use features that influence the behavior and movement of wildlife. Negative impacts of roadways have been well documented, but the behavioral impact of roadways on smaller, cryptic species has yet to be thoroughly examined. Using a novel integration of radio telemetry and tri-axial accelerometry, we evaluated the effects of roadways on the movement behavior of 26 adult Timber Rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus) at coarse and fine time scales in central Georgia between June 2020 and November 2021. To interpret the effect of roads at a coarse time scale, we modeled the effect of mean annual distance to roadways (DTR) on annual measures of movement and space use byC. horridususing both radio telemetry and accelerometry derived metrics (RT and ACT metrics). To explore the fine-scale impact of roadways, we quantified RT and ACT metrics during confirmed road interactions (i.e., instances when individual snakes crossed a road or encountered a road but did not cross) and compared these instances to the RT and ACT metrics calculated across the remainder of the active season within this subset of snakes. Relating the annual RT and ACT metrics to DTR revealed no significant associations at a coarse time scale. However, the evaluation ofC. horridusmovement behavior during punctuated road encounters revealed that snakes increased RT and ACT metrics during the road interactions compared to metrics calculated across the remainder of the active season. This might indicate that the abundance of contiguous habitat adjacent to roadways at our study site is serving as an adequate buffer to any long-term shifts in movement behavior, but the potential hidden cost of increasing movement when snakes encounter roads could have negative implications for populations that encounter roads more frequently, even in the absence of significant direct road mortality. Overall, integrating radio telemetry and accelerometry and adopting a scale-dependent approach to quantifying movement allowed for a more detailed evaluation of the response ofC. horridusto roadways. This approach holds promise for detecting and interpreting previously overlooked short-term alterations in snake movement behavior with potentially significant fitness consequences.
Propagation strategies of Deyeuxia angustifolia in heterogeneous habitats
Authors: Dong Haipeng , Xie Lihong , Cao Hongjie , Zhang Yu , Liu Yingnan , Xing Junhui , Fu Xiaoling , Wang Jianbo , Han Dayong , Zhong Haixiu , Luo Chunyu , Qu Yi , Ni Hongwei , Wang Jifeng
Published: February 2023

Plants utilize different strategies in different environments to maximize population expansion. Understanding plant reproductive strategies in heterogeneous habitats is therefore important for explaining plant ecological adaptability, and for effectively managing and conserving ecosystems. We wanted to explore the reproductive strategy transformation of D. angustifolia in heterogeneous habitats, as well as the environmental factors driving and affecting its reproductive characteristics. To do this we measured the reproductive characteristics of D. angustifolia, as well as the soil physical and chemical properties of these heterogeneous habitats. The density, biomass per unit area, and proportion of aboveground biomass in swampy meadows were significantly higher compared to other habitats. The proportion of rhizome node buds gradually increased from swampy to typical to miscellaneous grass meadows, while the proportion of tillering node buds decreased. The allocation of sexual reproduction within D. angustifolia populations was significantly and positively correlated with plant rhizome biomass and negatively correlated with the number of tillering node buds. The propagation strategies of D. angustifolia in heterogeneous habitats were consistent with CSR theory (Competitor, Stress-tolerator, and Ruderal). The proportions of inflorescence (2.07 ± 0.52%; 1.01 ± 0.15%) and root (23.8 ± 1.5%; 19.6 ± 1.4%) biomass in miscellaneous and typical meadows were high, which tended toward the “Ruderal” adaptation strategy. In swampy meadow, D. angustifolia invested mostly in vegetative growth to produce tiller node buds (14426.67 buds/m2; 46%) and ramets (1327.11 ± 102.10 plants/m2), which is characteristic of the “Competitor” strategy. Swamp D. angustifolia resisted flooding by maintaining a resource balance in its body, and was therefore biased toward the “Stress-tolerator” strategy. Environmental factors accounted for 74.63% of reproductive characteristic variation, in which the interpretative proportions of soil water content, dissolved organic carbon, ammonia nitrogen, and nitrate nitrogen were significant (p < 0.01). When soil water content, dissolved organic carbon, and nitrate nitrogen increased, D. angustifolia tended toward the C strategy; in contrast, when soil water content decreased, amine nitrogen and available phosphorus increased, and D. angustifolia tended toward the R strategy. In a stressful environment, the escape mechanism constitutes an increased rhizome and sexual reproduction investment. In contrast, for suitable habitats, tillering node buds increased in order to expand the population via new plant production, which was the propagation strategy of D. angustifolia in heterogeneous habitats.
An investigation of the association between focal damage and global network properties in cognitively impaired and cognitively preserved patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Wenger A. L. , Barakovic Muhamed , Bosticardo Sara , Schaedelin Sabine , Daducci Alessandro , Schiavi Simona , Weigel Matthias , Rahmanzadeh Reza , Lu Po-Jui , Cagol Alessandro , Kappos Ludwig , Kuhle Jens , Calabrese Pasquale , Granziera Cristina
Published: February 2023

Introduction

The presence of focal cortical and white matter damage in patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) might lead to specific alterations in brain networks that are associated with cognitive impairment. We applied microstructure-weighted connectomes to investigate (i) the relationship between global network metrics and information processing speed in pwMS, and (ii) whether the disruption provoked by focal lesions on global network metrics is associated to patients’ information processing speed.

Materials and methods

Sixty-eight pwMS and 92 healthy controls (HC) underwent neuropsychological examination and 3T brain MRI including multishell diffusion (dMRI), 3D FLAIR, and MP2RAGE. Whole-brain deterministic tractography and connectometry were performed on dMRI. Connectomes were obtained using the Spherical Mean Technique and were weighted for the intracellular fraction. We identified white matter lesions and cortical lesions on 3D FLAIR and MP2RAGE images, respectively. PwMS were subdivided into cognitively preserved (CPMS) and cognitively impaired (CIMS) using the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) z-score at cut-off value of −1.5 standard deviations. Statistical analyses were performed using robust linear models with age, gender, and years of education as covariates, followed by correction for multiple testing.

Results

Out of 68 pwMS, 18 were CIMS and 50 were CPMS. We found significant changes in all global network metrics in pwMS vs HC (p < 0.05), except for modularity. All global network metrics were positively correlated with SDMT, except for modularity which showed an inverse correlation. Cortical, leukocortical, and periventricular lesion volumes significantly influenced the relationship between (i) network density and information processing speed and (ii) modularity and information processing speed in pwMS. Interestingly, this was not the case, when an exploratory analysis was performed in the subgroup of CIMS patients.

Discussion

Our study showed that cortical (especially leukocortical) and periventricular lesions affect the relationship between global network metrics and information processing speed in pwMS. Our data also suggest that in CIMS patients increased focal cortical and periventricular damage does not linearly affect the relationship between network properties and SDMT, suggesting that other mechanisms (e.g. disruption of local networks, loss of compensatory processes) might be responsible for the development of processing speed deficits.
The interference of tinnitus on sound localization was related to the type of stimulus
Authors: Long Yue , Wang Wei , Liu Jiao , Liu Ke , Gong Shusheng
Published: February 2023

Spatial processing is a major cognitive function of hearing. Sound source localization is an intuitive evaluation of spatial hearing. Current evidence of the effect of tinnitus on sound source localization remains limited. The present study aimed to investigate whether tinnitus affects the ability to localize sound in participants with normal hearing and whether the effect is related to the type of stimulus. Overall, 40 participants with tinnitus and another 40 control participants without tinnitus were evaluated. The sound source discrimination tasks were performed on the horizontal plane. Pure tone (PT, with single frequency) and monosyllable (MS, with spectrum information) were used as stimuli. The root-mean-square error (RMSE) score was calculated as the mean target response difference. When the stimuli were PTs, the RMSE scores of the control and tinnitus group were 11.77 ± 2.57° and 13.97 ± 4.18°, respectively. The control group performed significantly better than did the tinnitus group (t = 2.841, p = 0.006). When the stimuli were MS, the RMSE scores of the control and tinnitus groups were 7.12 ± 2.29° and 7.90 ± 2.33°, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups (t = 1.501, p = 0.137). Neither the effect of unilateral or bilateral tinnitus (PT: t = 0.763, p = 0.450; MS: t = 1.760, p = 0.086) nor the effect of tinnitus side (left/right, PT: t = 0.389, p = 0.703; MS: t = 1.407, p = 0.179) on sound localization ability were determined. The sound source localization ability gradually deteriorated with an increase in age (PT: r2 = 0.153, p < 0.001; MS: r2 = 0.516, p = 0.043). In conclusion, tinnitus interfered with the ability to localize PTs, but the ability to localize MS was not affected. Therefore, the interference of tinnitus in localizing sound sources is related to the type of stimulus.
Sellar B lymphoblastic lymphoma mimics pituitary apoplexy with newly discovered gene mutations in TP53 and PAX5: A case report
Authors: Wang Yi , Yang Yajun , Wang Qiuxia , Wang Ce , Xu Xinjuan , Wang Dongao , Bai Feirong , Li Panpan , Huang Xintao
Published: February 2023

Lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL) is a rare tumor that accounts for approximately 2-4% of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas, and less than 20% of LBLs are derived from B cells. B- Lymphoblastic lymphoma (B-LBL) often presents as bone marrow and peripheral blood lesions, and is very rare to present as a seller mass. We report a case of sellar B lymphoblastic lymphoma mimicking pituitary apoplexy, and review its diagnosis and treatment process, combined with the literature to deepen the understanding of sellar tumors.
Gastric cancer clinical characteristics and their altered trends in South China: An epidemiological study with 2,800 cases spanning 26 years
Authors: Wei Hongfa , Zhan Xiao-Yong , Liao Xianying , Li Wenchao , Chen Hui , Deng Cuncan , Jin Xinghan , Huang Zhangsen , Yang Mo , Zhang Changhua , He Yulong
Published: February 2023

Background

Gastric cancer (GC) is a serious threat to human health. The clinical GC characteristics in China may be impacted by changes in people’s lifestyles and the promotion of early GC (EGC) screening. The present study aims to evaluate the recent trends of GC characteristics in South China and search for hazardous factors limiting the survival time of GC patients.

Methods

Data on GC patients that were hospitalized in the Department of Digestive Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, from 1994 to 2019 were collected and divided into two categories according to the time when the EGC screening began in China: the PRE group (previous 13 years, 1994–2006) and the PAS group (past 13 years, 2007–2019).

Results

We found that, although the 5-year survival rate increased in the PAS group compared with the PRE group (P < 0.0001), patients with age ≥60 years or Borrmann type IV still had a worse prognosis. In the PAS group, the larger percentages of elderly patients and patients with Borrmann type IV in the lymphatic metastases (N1) group (41.0% vs. 51.1%, P = 0.0014) and stage IV subgroup (20.7% vs. 32.2%, P = 0.016), respectively, when compared with the PRE group, may have contributed to the poor outcome of GC. By comparing the odds ratio (OR) of 5-year overall survival (OS) in the two 13-year periods, female sex and T2 turned into risk factors because of a greater proportion of Borrmann type IV or elderly patients in the PAS group (OR = 0.983, 95% CI = 0.723–1.336 vs. OR = 1.277, 95% CI = 1.028–1.586 and OR = 1.545, 95% CI = 0.499–4.775 vs. OR = 2.227, 95% CI = 1.124–4.271, respectively).

Conclusions

Despite the GC epidemiology changes, the overall prognosis of GC patients has improved in South China. However, old age and Borrmann type IV are still the major restrictions affecting the survival of GC patients, a situation which calls for additional attention.
Characterization, evolution and risk factors of diabetes and prediabetes in a pediatric cohort of renal and liver transplant recipients
Authors: Welsch Sophie , Mailleux Virginie , le Hardy de Beaulieu Priscilla , Ranguelov Nadejda , Godefroid Nathalie , Robert Annie , Stephenne Xavier , Scheers Isabelle , Reding Raymond , Sokal Etienne M. , Lysy Philippe A.
Published: February 2023

Background

Hyperglycemia (HG) and prediabetes are rarely sought in pediatric liver (LT) and renal (RT) transplantation, yet their presence indicates a high risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The objectives of our DIABGRAFT study were to retrospectively (rDIABGRAFT) and longitudinally (pDIABGRAFT) characterize HG and (pre)diabetes in a cohort of children with LT or/and RT.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed risk factors of HG from 195 children with LT from 2012 to 2019 and twenty children with RT from 2005 to 2019 at Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc. In addition, we prospectively followed four LT and four RT children to evaluate the evolution of their glucose metabolism.

Results

Our rDIABGRAFT study showed that 25% and 35% of LT and RT children respectively presented transient HG and 20% of RT developed diabetes. The occurrence of HG was associated with the use of glucocorticoids and with acute events as graft rejection and infection. In our pDIABGRAFT cohort, biological markers of diabetes were in the normal range for HbA1C, fasting glucose and insulin levels. However, oral glucose tolerance test and glucose sensors showed insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance and HG in the post-prandial afternoon period.

Conclusion

Our study shows that children with LT and RT were more at risk of developing HG when glucocorticoids were required and that HbA1C and fasting glucose lack sensitivity for early detection of glucose intolerance. Also, measurement of glycemia immediately after the transplantation and in postprandial period is key to detect dysglycemia since insulin resistance prevailed in our cohort.

ClinicalTrials.gov ID

NCT05464043.
Enhanced DQE and sub-pixel resolution by single-event processing in counting hybrid pixel electron detectors: A simulation study
Authors: Zambon P.
Published: February 2023

Detective quantum efficiency (DQE) is a prominent figure of merit for imaging detectors, and its optimization is of fundamental importance for the efficient use of the experimental apparatus. In this work, I study the potential improvement offered by data processing on a single-event basis in a counting hybrid pixel electron detector (HPD). In particular, I introduce a simple and robust method of single-event processing based on the substitution of the original cluster of pixels with an isotropic Gaussian function. Key features are a better filtering of the noise power spectrum (NPS) and readily allowing for sub-pixel resolution. The performance of the proposed method is compared to other standard techniques such as centroiding and event normalization, in the simulated realistic scenario of 100 keV electrons impinging on a 450 μm-thick silicon sensor with a pixel size of 75 μm, yielding the best results. The DQE can potentially be enhanced over the entire spatial frequency range, increasing from 0.86 to nearly 1 at zero frequency and extending up to 1.40 times the physical Nyquist frequency of the system thanks to the sub-pixel resolution capability.
Can suitability indices predict plant growth in the invaded range? The case of Acacias species
Authors: Silva Carmen P. , López Daniela N. , Naulin Paulette I. , Estay Sergio A.
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Forestry in many parts of the world depends on exotic species, making this industry a source of invasions in some countries. Among others, plantations of the genus Pinus, Eucalyptus, Acacia, Populus, and Pseudotsuga underpin the forestry industry and are a vital component of many countries economies. Among woody plants, the cosmopolitan genus Acacia includes some of the most commonly planted trees worldwide. In order to prevent, manage and control invasive plant species, one of the most used tools is species distribution models. The output of these models can also be used to obtain information about population characteristics, such as spatial abundance patterns or species performance. Although ecological theory suggests a direct link between fitness and suitability, this link is often absent. The reasons behind the lack of this relationship are multiple. Chile is one of the countries where Acacia species, in particular, A. dealbata and A. melanoxylon, have become invaders.

Methods

Here, we used climatic and edaphic variables to predict thepotentially suitable habitats for A. dealbata and A. melanoxylon in continental Chile and evaluate if the suitability indices obtained from these models are associated with the observed performance of the trees along the country.

Results

Our models show that variable importance showed significant similarities between the variables that characterize each species’ niche. However, despite the high accuracy of our models, we did not observe an association between suitability and tree growth.

Discussion

This disconnection between suitability and performance can result from multiple causes, from structural limitations, like the lack of biotic interactions in the models, to methodological issues, like the usefulness of the performance metric used. Whatever the scenario, our results suggest that plans to control invasive species should be cautious in assuming this relationship in their design and consider other indicators such as species establishment success.
Childhood family risks and mental health of older adults in China: The moderating effect of age
Authors: Xinzhu Wang
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Childhood family risks (CFRs) are believed to have long-arm effects on people's mental health. However, it is unclear whether age can alleviate these long-arm effects.

Aim

This study aimed to explore the relationship between CFRs and the mental health of older adults (mean [M] = 62.10, standard deviation [SD] = 8.02) in China and investigate whether age could moderate this relationship.

Methods

This cross-sectional, survey-based study used data from the Chinese General Social Survey conducted in 2015, and the data of 4,237 respondents were included in the final analysis. Mental health was measured by two items, namely negative and positive emotions. The step-by-step regression procedure and moderation analysis technique were used.

Results

For older adults in China, CFRs were significantly negatively associated with their mental health (β = −0.046, t = −2.690, p < 0.01), age was positively correlated with their mental health (β = 0.115, t = 7.157, p < 0.01), and age significantly moderated the relationship between CFRs and mental health (β = 0.277, t = 2.172, p < 0.05). As age increases, the correlation between CFRs and mental health decreases, and when age is one SD above the M, CFRs are no longer significantly associated with the mental health level (bsimple = −0.01, t = −0.077, p > 0.05).

Conclusion

This study showed that CFRs were negatively associated with the mental health level of older Chinese adults, and age could significantly moderate the association. Therefore, it is essential to take preventive measures in advance to protect people's mental health and teach older adults to use emotion-regulation techniques to weaken the association between CFRs and mental health.
Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E virus in children and adolescents living in urban Bogotá: An explorative cross-sectional study
Authors: Fernández Villalobos Nathalie Verónica , Kessel Barbora , Torres Páez Johanna Carolina , Strömpl Julia , Kerrinnes Tobias , de la Hoz Restrepo Fernando Pio , Strengert Monika , Krause Gérard
Published: February 2023

The majority of Hepatitis E Virus (HEV)-related studies are carried out in adults whereas information about HEV seroprevalence, clinical disease manifestation, molecular epidemiology, and transmission patterns in children is limited. To estimate HEV seroprevalence among scholar children living in an urban setting and to analyze risk factors for an infection, we invited children aged 5–18 years from Bogotá (Colombia) for a cross-sectional survey. We collected self-reported data on demographics, social, clinical, and exposure variables in a structured interview. Venous blood samples were analyzed with two commercially available ELISAs for HEV-specific IgG antibodies. Among the 263 participants, we found three HEV IgG-reactive samples (1.1%) using both assays. We additionally characterized the samples for HEV IgM using a commercially available IgM ELISA and for HEV RNA. Here, we found one IgM-reactive sample, which was also reactive for IgG. In contrast, none of the IgM- and IgG-reactive sera samples showed detectable RNA levels indicating HEV exposure had not been recently. All participants reported access to drinking water and sanitary systems in their households and frequent hand washing routines (76–88%). Eighty percent of children reported no direct contact with pigs, but occasional pork consumption was common (90%). In contrast to the majority of studies performed in Colombian adults, we found a low unadjusted HEV seroprevalence of 1.1% (95% CI: 0.3–3.6%) for both HEV IgG ELISAs in our study population. While the majority of participants reported pork consumption, we speculate in the absence of viral RNA for genotyping in the affected individuals, that existing access to drinking water and sanitary systems within our study group contribute to the low HEV seroprevalence.
Promoting transparency in forensic science by integrating categorical and evaluative reporting through decision theory
Authors: Sigman Michael E. , Williams Mary R.
Published: February 2023

Forensic science standards often require the analyst to report in categorical terms. Categorical reporting without reference to the strength of the evidence, or the strength threshold that must be met to sustain or justify the decision, obscures the decision-making process, and allows for inconsistency and bias. Standards that promote reporting in probabilistic terms require the analyst to report the strength of the evidence without offering a conclusive interpretation of the evidence. Probabilistic reporting is often based on a likelihood ratio which depends on calibrated probabilities. While probabilistic reporting may be more objective and less open to bias than categorical reporting, the report can be difficult for a lay jury to interpret. These reporting methods may appear disparate, but the relationship between the two is easily understood and visualized by a simple decision theory construct known as the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Implementing ROC-facilitated reporting through an expanded proficiency testing regime may provide transparency in categorical reporting and potentially obviate some of the lay jury interpretation issues associated with probabilistic reporting.
Switchable MPC-based multi-objective regenerative brake control via flow regulation for electric vehicles
Authors: Mei Mingming , Cheng Shuo , Mu Hongyuan , Pei Yuxuan , Li Bo
Published: February 2023

Recent investigations of the electric braking booster (E-Booster) focus on its potential to enhance brake energy regeneration. A vehicle’s hydraulic system is composed of the E-Booster and electric stability control to control the master cylinder and wheel cylinders. This paper aims to address the independent closed-loop control of the position and pressure as well as the maintenance of the pedal feel. To track both the reference signals related to piston displacement and the wheel cylinder pressure, an explicit model predictive control (MPC) is developed. First, the new flow model is introduced as the foundation for controller design and simulation. Next, in accordance with the operational conditions, the entire system is divided into three switchable subsystems. The three distributed MPCs are constructed based on the linearized subsystems, and a state machine is used to perform the state jump across the controllers. A linear piecewise affine control law can then be obtained by solving the quadratic program (QP) of explicit MPC. Afterwards, the non-linear extended Kalman filter including the recorded time-variant process noise is used to estimate all the state variables. The effectiveness of the explicit MPC is evidenced by the simulations compared with a single MPC in regenerative and dead-zone conditions. The proposed controller decreases the latency significantly by 85 milliseconds, which also helps to improve accuracy by 22.6%. Furthermore, the pedal feel remains consistent, even when factoring in the number of vibrations caused by the inherent hydraulic characteristic of pressure versus volume.
Revisiting fruit and vegetable determinants: Evidence from Latin America
Authors: Silva Andres , Astorga Andrés , Durán-Agüero Samuel , Domper Alejandra
Published: February 2023

Introduction

In the past decade, the public health discussion regarding fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption has been dominated by economic and physical accessibility.

Methods

Using an online survey in four Latin American countries, we applied a set of tobit models to compare the determinants of desirable and current consumption of FV levels for satisfied and unsatisfied respondents.

Results

We found that, even when consuming less than five FV portions a day, most of the respondents were satisfied with their current FV consumption level. Satisfied respondents consumed significantly more FV than unsatisfied ones. In general, the desirable and current consumption of FV levels were associated with different sets of determinants, while years of education were relevant in both cases. Finally, in a hypothetical case where unsatisfied respondents would not face any physical or economic access restrictions, unsatisfied respondents would not reach the goal of five FV portions a day.

Discussion

Assuming that physical and economic access improved, this would automatically increase FV to reach the five-a-day recommendation may be inaccurate in some cases. We also need to take mental access into account. We may ask how to improve the desirable level of FVs and then how to close the gap between the current and desirable FV levels.
The effects of subsidies on foods in Iran: A narrative review
Authors: Saeediankia Afsaneh , Majdzadeh Reza , Haghighian-Roudsari Arezoo , Pouraram Hamed
Published: February 2023

Background

Subsidy payments are used to support low-income groups and may improve income distribution and increase social welfare. The food subsidy programs and their long-term effects have been considered as major developmental issues in many developing countries. This review study aimed to examine the effects of subsidies on the food and nutritional status of Iranian people.

Methods

English and Persian language databases were searched using related keywords to discover studies on the effects of subsidies on food and nutritional status in Iran. A manual search was also conducted encompassing national and local research projects in Iran. In total, 12 articles were finally included out of an initial total of 70 studies.

Results

Subsidy payment affects many socio-economic variables. In Iran, subsidies are often paid for the basic goods and commodities that are a main part of the consumption patterns of most Iranian people. So, if the basic needs of the people are not well-understood, changes in economic structures may lead to a change in consumption patterns. In addition, physical payments for food may lead to an increase in the consumption of different groups, but cash payments do not necessarily lead to an increase in food intake.

Conclusion

The method of payment should be chosen correctly to improve the protection of vulnerable populations. The distribution of targeted subsidies for food security is inevitable due to limited resources available to support vulnerable populations.