bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D Promotes Ferroptosis in Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells via SLC7A11 Downregulation
Authors: Guo Shuang , Zhao Wei , Zhang Weihao , Li Shuai , Teng Guoxin , Liu Lan
Published: February 2023

Colorectal cancer stem cells (CCSCs) play important roles in the prognosis, chemoresistance, and treatment failure of colorectal cancer (CRC). Ferroptosis is an effective treatment for CCSCs. Vitamin D (VD) reportedly inhibits colon cancer cell proliferation. However, information on the relationship between VD and ferroptosis in CCSCs is not well documented. In this study, we aimed to understand the effect of VD on ferroptosis in CCSCs. To this end, we treated CCSCs with different concentrations of VD and performed spheroid formation assay and transmission electron microscopy and determined cysteine (Cys), glutathione (GSH), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Furthermore, functional experiments, western blotting, and qRT-PCR were performed to explore the downstream molecular mechanisms of VD in vitro and in vivo. Results showed that VD treatment significantly inhibited the proliferation of CCSCs and reduced the number of tumour spheroids in vitro. Further evaluations showed that the VD-treated CCSCs exhibited significantly higher ROS levels and lower levels of Cys and GSH as well as thickened mitochondrial membranes. Furthermore, the mitochondria in CCSCs were narrowed and ruptured after VD treatment. These results indicated that VD treatment significantly induced ferroptosis in CCSCs. Further exploration showed that SLC7A11 overexpression significantly attenuated VD-induced ferroptosis in vitro and in vivo. Hence, we concluded that VD induces ferroptosis in CCSCs by downregulating SLC7A11 in vitro and in vivo. These results provide new evidence for the therapeutic use of VD in treating CRC and new insights into VD-induced ferroptosis in CCSCs.
Hearing Vocalizations during First Social Experience with Pups Increase Bdnf Transcription in Mouse Auditory Cortex
Authors: Moreno Amielle , Rajagopalan Swetha , Tucker Matthew J. , Lunsford Parker , Liu Robert C.
Published: February 2023

While infant cues are often assumed to innately motivate maternal response, recent research highlights how the neural coding of infant cues is altered through maternal care. Infant vocalizations are important social signals for caregivers, and evidence from mice suggests that experience caring for mouse pups induces inhibitory plasticity in the auditory cortex (AC), though the molecular mediators for such AC plasticity during the initial pup experience are not well delineated. Here, we used the maternal mouse communication model to explore whether transcription in AC of a specific, inhibition-linked, memory-associated gene, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) changes due to the very first pup caring experience hearing vocalizations, while controlling for the systemic influence of the hormone estrogen. Ovariectomized and estradiol or blank-implanted virgin female mice hearing pup calls with pups present had significantly higher AC exon IV Bdnf mRNA compared to females without pups present, suggesting that the social context of vocalizations induces immediate molecular changes at the site of auditory cortical processing. E2 influenced the rate of maternal behavior but did not significantly affect Bdnf mRNA transcription in the AC. To our knowledge, this is the first time Bdnf has been associated with processing social vocalizations in the AC, and our results suggest that it is a potential molecular component responsible for enhancing future recognition of infant cues by contributing to AC plasticity.
Ehrlichiosis-Associated Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis: A Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Hammoud Kassem , Fulmer Robert , Hamner Megan , El Atrouni Wissam
Published: February 2023

Background. Human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME) is a potentially life-threatening tick-borne illness. HME-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare entity with a paucity of published literature regarding treatment and outcome. We present the clinical features, treatment, and outcomes of 4 patients at our institutions with HME-associated HLH. This review also summarizes the current literature regarding the presentation, treatment, and outcome of this infection-related HLH. Methods. We searched the PubMed database for case reports and case series. All cases were diagnosed according to the HLH-04 criteria. Results. Four cases of HME-associated HLH were included from our institutions. The literature review yielded 30 additional cases. About 41% of the cases were in the pediatric population; 59% were female; and all patients had fever, cytopenia, and elevated ferritin. Most patients were immunocompetent; all but one patient with available data were treated with doxycycline, and eight of the patients with available data received the HLH-94 treatment protocol. The mortality rate was 17.6%. Conclusions. HME-associated HLH is a rare but serious syndrome with significant mortality. Early treatment with doxycycline is critical, but the role of immunosuppressive therapy is individualized.
Erosive Potential and Sugar Content of Popular Beverages: A Double Whammy for Dentition
Authors: Nik Mohd Rosdy Nik Mohd Mazuan , Mohd Amin Noor Aina Shuhada , Roslan Nurnabila
Published: February 2023

Objectives. This study aims to identify the pH level and subsequently the erosive potential of beverages including their sugar content. Materials and Methods. Beverages were purchased from a local convenience store, and some of the beverages were freshly prepared. The acidity of each beverage was identified using a calibrated pH meter. The pH was obtained in triplicate, and the results were expressed in average values with standard deviations. The pH values were then used to determine their erosive potential and the sugar content was obtained from the packaging and recorded. Results. A total of 167 beverages were purchased and categorized. The beverages were categorized into 15 groups: milk tea, hawker drinks, instant drinks, fresh fruit juices, milk, energy drinks, designer coffee, soda, canned drinks, cultured milk, vegetable juices, cordials, bottled fruit drinks, tea, and mineral water. The pH value ranges from 2.65 to 7.85. Seven beverages (4.2%) were classified as extremely erosive, 53 beverages (31.1%) were classified as erosive, and 36 beverages (21.6%) were classified as minimally erosive. In total, 57.5% of the beverages were potentially erosive, and most of the soda and energy drinks were erosive. The highest sugar content per 100 g was BOH Teh Tarik Original (71.8 g), whereas the highest sugar content per serving was Carabao energy drink (10.8 g). Conclusion. High sugar content and low acidic content of beverages could have a negative impact on the dentition. An intervention is required from a public health perspective to regulate the consumption of sweetened and flavored beverages.
Do Social Media, Good Governance, and Public Trust Increase Citizens’ e-Government Participation? Dual Approach of PLS-SEM and fsQCA
Authors: Hutahaean Marlan , Eunike Ixora Javanisa , Silalahi Andri Dayarana K.
Published: February 2023

Citizens’ participation in e-government is imperative for the government as it implies citizens’ participation in public policy. Furthermore, how government strategies allocate resources to increase participation in e-government is essential to investigate. Nevertheless, scant literature debates how e-government can facilitate citizen participation as part of the government’s deliberative policy-making process. To fill the gap, this study uses social media, good governance, and trust to predict e-government participation and testing the hypothesis using PLS-SEM and fsQCA on 455 Indonesian participants who have experience with e-government. The results from SEM confirmed that trust in e-government is the principal predictor of achieving citizens’ participation. To achieve citizens’ trust in e-government, the government must consider perceived ease of use and usefulness as critical factors while spreading e-government-related information on social media. At the same time, transparency from the good governance aspect enhances citizens’ trust. The results of fsQCA equip theoretical and practical insights for the government to determine whether citizens have high or low levels of e-government participation. In achieving high e-government participation, trust, information quality, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness are necessary. Besides, low participation occurs when information about e-government is absent on social media and do not care about good governance. These findings will assist the government in comprehensively improving public services through social media and good governance.
Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Generalized Pustular Psoriasis Flares
Authors: Choon Siew Eng , Lebwohl Mark G , Turki Hamida , Zheng Min , Burden A. David , Li Ling , Quaresma Manuel , Thoma Christian , Bachelez Hervé
Published: February 2023

Background: Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare, neutrophilic skin disease that can become life-threatening if flares are untreated. There are limited data describing the characteristics and clinical course of GPP disease flares with current treatment options. Objective: The aim of the study was to describe the characteristics and outcomes of GPP flares using historical medical information from patients enrolled in the Effisayil™ 1 trial. Methods: Investigators collected retrospective medical data characterizing patients’ GPP flares prior to clinical trial enrollment. Data on overall historical flares were collected, as well as information on patients’ typical, most severe, and longest past flares. This included data on systemic symptoms, flare duration, treatment, hospitalization, and time to clearance of skin lesions. Results: In this cohort (N = 53), patients with GPP experienced a mean of 3.4 flares per year. Flares were painful, associated with systemic symptoms, and often triggered by stress, infections, or treatment withdrawal. Resolution of flares was longer than 3 weeks in 57.1%, 71.0%, and 85.7% of documented (or identified) typical, most severe, and longest flares, respectively. GPP flares led to patient hospitalization in 35.1%, 74.2%, and 64.3% of patients for their typical, most severe, and longest flares, respectively. For the majority of patients, pustules took up to 2 weeks to clear for a typical flare and 3–8 weeks to clear for the most severe and longest flares. Conclusion: Our findings highlight that current treatment options are slow to control GPP flares and provide context for assessing the efficacy of new therapeutic strategies in patients with a GPP flare.
EVA1A (Eva-1 Homolog A) Promotes Endothelial Apoptosis and Inflammatory Activation Under Disturbed Flow Via Regulation of Autophagy
Authors: Canham Lindsay , Sendac Sam , Diagbouga Mannekomba R. , Wolodimeroff Elena , Pirri Daniela , Tardajos Ayllon Blanca , Feng Shuang , Souilhol Celine , Chico Timothy J.A. , Evans Paul C. , Serbanovic-Canic Jovana
Published: February 2023

Background:

Hemodynamic wall shear stress (WSS) exerted on the endothelium by flowing blood determines the spatial distribution of atherosclerotic lesions. Disturbed flow (DF) with a low WSS magnitude and reversing direction promotes atherosclerosis by regulating endothelial cell (EC) viability and function, whereas un-DF which is unidirectional and of high WSS magnitude is atheroprotective. Here, we study the role of EVA1A (eva-1 homolog A), a lysosome and endoplasmic reticulum-associated protein linked to autophagy and apoptosis, in WSS-regulated EC dysfunction.

Methods:

The effect of WSS on EVA1A expression was studied using porcine and mouse aortas and cultured human ECs exposed to flow. EVA1A was silenced in vitro in human ECs and in vivo in zebrafish using siRNA (small interfering RNA) and morpholinos, respectively.

Results:

EVA1A was induced by proatherogenic DF at both mRNA and protein levels.
EVA1A
silencing resulted in decreased EC apoptosis, permeability, and expression of inflammatory markers under DF. Assessment of autophagic flux using the autolysosome inhibitor, bafilomycin coupled to the autophagy markers LC3-II (microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3-II) and p62, revealed that
EVA1A
knockdown promotes autophagy when ECs are exposed to DF, but not un-DF . Blocking autophagic flux led to increased EC apoptosis in
EVA1A
-knockdown cells exposed to DF, suggesting that autophagy mediates the effects of DF on EC dysfunction. Mechanistically,
EVA1A
expression was regulated by flow direction via TWIST1 (twist basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor 1). In vivo, knockdown of
EVA1A
orthologue in zebrafish resulted in reduced EC apoptosis, confirming the proapoptotic role of EVA1A in the endothelium.

Conclusions:

We identified EVA1A as a novel flow-sensitive gene that mediates the effects of proatherogenic DF on EC dysfunction by regulating autophagy.
Capacity for LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) Retention Predicts the Course of Atherogenesis in the Murine Aortic Arch
Authors: Lewis Esmeralda A. , Muñiz-Anquela Rocío , Redondo-Angulo Ibon , González-Cintado Leticia , Labrador-Cantarero Verónica , Bentzon Jacob F.
Published: February 2023

Background:

To cause atherosclerosis, LDLs (low-density lipoproteins) must first pass through the endothelium and then become retained in the arterial matrix. Which of these two processes is rate-limiting and predicts the topography of plaque formation remains controversial. To investigate this issue, we performed high-resolution mapping of LDL entry and retention in murine aortic arches before and during atherosclerosis development.

Methods:

Maps of LDL entry and retention were created by injecting fluorescently labeled LDL followed by near-infrared scanning and whole-mount confocal microscopy after 1 hour (entry) and 18 hours (retention). By comparing arches between normal mice and mice with short-term hypercholesterolemia, we analyzed changes in LDL entry and retention during the LDL accumulation phase that precedes plaque formation. Experiments were designed to secure equal plasma clearance of labeled LDL in both conditions.

Results:

We found that LDL retention is the overall limiting factor for LDL accumulation but that the capacity for LDL retention varied substantially over surprisingly short distances. The inner curvature region, previously considered a homogenous atherosclerosis-prone region, consisted of dorsal and ventral zones with high capacity and a central zone with low capacity for continued LDL retention. These features predicted the temporal pattern of atherosclerosis, which first appeared in the border zones and later in the central zone. The limit to LDL retention in the central zone was intrinsic to the arterial wall, possibly caused by saturation of the binding mechanism, and was lost upon conversion to atherosclerotic lesions.

Conclusions:

Capacity for continued LDL retention varies over short distances and predicts where and when atherosclerosis develops in the mouse aortic arch.
Blood Vessel Organoids for Development and Disease
Authors: Salewskij Kirill , Penninger Josef M.
Published: February 2023

Despite enormous advances, cardiovascular disorders are still a major threat to global health and are responsible for one-third of deaths worldwide. Research for new therapeutics and the investigation of their effects on vascular parameters is often limited by species-specific pathways and a lack of high-throughput methods. The complex 3-dimensional environment of blood vessels, intricate cellular crosstalks, and organ-specific architectures further complicate the quest for a faithful human in vitro model. The development of novel organoid models of various tissues such as brain, gut, and kidney signified a leap for the field of personalized medicine and disease research. By utilizing either embryonic- or patient-derived stem cells, different developmental and pathological mechanisms can be modeled and investigated in a controlled in vitro environment. We have recently developed self-organizing human capillary blood vessel organoids that recapitulate key processes of vasculogenesis, angiogenesis, and diabetic vasculopathy. Since then, this organoid system has been utilized as a model for other disease processes, refined, and adapted for organ specificity. In this review, we will discuss novel and alternative approaches to blood vessel engineering and explore the cellular identity of engineered blood vessels in comparison to in vivo vasculature. Future perspectives and the therapeutic potential of blood vessel organoids will be discussed.
Latent Diversity in Human Concepts
Authors: Marti Louis , Wu Shengyi , Piantadosi Steven T. , Kidd Celeste
Published: February 2023

Many social and legal conflicts hinge on semantic disagreements. Understanding the origins and implications of these disagreements necessitates novel methods for identifying and quantifying variation in semantic cognition between individuals. We collected conceptual similarity ratings and feature judgements from a variety of words in two domains. We analyzed this data using a non-parametric clustering scheme, as well as an ecological statistical estimator, in order to infer the number of different variants of common concepts that exist in the population. Our results show at least ten to thirty quantifiably different variants of word meanings exist for even common nouns. Further, people are unaware of this variation, and exhibit a strong bias to erroneously believe that other people share their semantics. This points to one factor that likely interferes with productive political and social discourse.
Short-Term Load Forecasting Based on Wavelet Transform and Chaotic Bat Optimization Algorithm-Long Short-Term Memory Neural Network
Authors: Ding Bin , Wang Fan , Chen Zhenhua , Wang Shizhao
Published: February 2023

To achieve an accurate forecast of short-term load, a new method via wavelet transform (WT) and chaotic bat optimization algorithm (CBA) and long short-term memory neural network (LSTM) is proposed. Firstly, the actual load data is decomposed by WT, and multiple groups of modal function
components with different characteristics are obtained. Then the hidden neurons, initial learning rate, and iteration times in the LSTM regression model are optimized based on the CBA. Then the modal function components of each group are predicted respectively. Finally, the predicted modal
component functions are reconstructed to achieve power load prediction. The results show that the WT-CBA-LSTM achieves accurate load prediction, with an average absolute error of 29.68 MW, a root mean square error of 52.14 MW, and an average absolute percentage error of 0.59%. However, the
evaluation indicators of the traditional LSTM method, the WT-LSTM method and the CBA-LSTM method are greater than those of the WT-CBA-LSTM method, so the WT-CBA-LSTM has high accuracy in the process of load prediction.
Definition of E = mc2: Implicit Concepts of Physical Units
Authors: Na Han Gil , Jin Changhyun
Published: February 2023

Mass-energy equivalence (E = mc2) states that latent energy can be converted into an equivalent amount of mass and vice versa. However, the ulterior motives of each constituent have not yet been understood because the present definitions and analyses of E=mc2 are
mostly restricted to the phenomenological theory of results. The meaning of mass creation in space can be interpreted as the division of given space. In other words, the energy quantity differences in constant space can occur during, before, and after mass creation, satisfying the following
equality: space energy as a universal set = space energy as a complementary set + space energy transformed into mass as a complementary set. Accordingly, based on invariable space energy, our research shows and defines a series of energy-maximum, energy-quantity, and energy-level relationships
in E = mc2 via physical units such as electron, mass, and velocity.
A Secure Convergence of Data Transmission and Intelligent Authentication Using a Sensing Approach for the Internet of Thing
Authors: Irshad Reyazur Rashid , Ahmad Sultan , Alattab Ahmed Abdu , Alzupair Ahmed Abdallah Ahmed , Bin-Habtoor Abdulaziz Saleh Yeslem , Imran Mohammad , Abdallah Norain Khalid Ahmed
Published: February 2023

The IoT’s millions of sensor-equipped gadgets upload data to computers for management and use in smart grids, intelligent transportation networks, healthcare networks, and smart cities. Sensor data needs a safe server-sensor connection. Studying altered data could have catastrophic
consequences. Internet-of-Things sensors must authenticate with the reader and base station before sending data. IoT sensors can securely and effectively communicate data. Correction evidence in the suggested technique reveals that the required data is created at the receiver using the normal
Euclidean parameters of IoT sensors. The proposed approach is compatible with most assaults, making it a good security option. A framework for edge IoT devices can optimize latency, security, and other performance characteristics. Constraints Application Protocol (COAP) and The Stream Control
Transmission Protocol (AESCQTTP) combine cooperative resource management, machine learning, context-aware computing, and flexible infrastructure to handle communication and computing difficulties. To reduce end-to-end latency by (7.13–7.35)%, raise security by 98.99%, and increase efficient
pocket distribution to 98%. This study examined existing research issues and edge-computing technologies and proposed a novel strategy for optimizing edge-IoT system performance metrics. This arrangement could let future networks communicate securely.
Numerical Study of Surface Plasmon Resonance Biosensor Using Aluminium Oxide and Bismuth Telluride Nanomaterials for Skin Cancer Cell Detection
Authors: Umar Ahmad , Singh Sachin , Yadav Sapana , Mishra Adarsh Chandra , Chaudhary Vijay Shanker , Lohia Pooja , Dwivedi D. K. , Ibrahim Ahmed A. , Alhamami Mohsen A.
Published: February 2023

In the present article, a highly angular sensitive surface plasmon resonance sensor has been studied for early detection of skin cancer cell. The device’s basic design is based on the Kretschmann configuration, which uses an angular interrogation technique. The surface plasmon
resonance biosensor has a high potential for detecting skin cancer cells. The variation of refractive index has been taken 1.35–1.38 for basal cell cancer (skin cancer). The proposed device has been stacked with multilayers having silver metal, CaF2 prism, Al2O3,
and Bi2Te3 layers. In this article detection accuracy, angular sensitivity, the distribution of electric field intensity and figure of merit as performance parameters have been reported. The optimized value of angular sensitivity is 257.33°RIU−1.
Similarly, some other performance parameters like detection accuracy, penetration depth, quality factor and distribution of electric field intensity have also been evaluated and the values are 0.3143 deg−1, 80.8883 RIU−1, 4.82×105 V/m and
112 nm respectively. The numerical simulation has been evaluated by COMSOL multiphysics and MATLAB software. The proposed biosensor may have been used in biological and chemical sensor applications.
Study of Natural and Synthetic Yellow–Orange Sapphires Based on the CIE 1976 L*a*b* Uniform Colour Space
Authors: Yuan Bin , Guo Ying , Chen Jingwen , Liu Ziyuan
Published: February 2023

The natural and synthetic yellow–orange sapphires are researched in a new angle of gemstone chromaticity. The relationship between spectrum and composition and colour was studied by UV-Visible spectroscopy and Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (LA-ICP-MS)
testing. The results show that synthetic yellow–orange sapphires for this article are co-coloured by nickel and chromium, and differ from natural yellow–orange sapphires. The lightness L* of synthetic sapphires is mainly influenced by the chromium, and the hue angle h° is influenced
by nickel and chromium, in addition to the ratio of chromium to nickel content. In the UV-Visible spectroscopy, the hue angle of natural sapphire is influenced by the wavelength that corresponds to the trough in the blue–violet area, while the absorption band at 555 nm in the ultraviolet-visible
spectrum of synthetic sapphire influences the hue angle. The lightness of the sapphire is higher under A than under D65; the chroma decreases with the change of light source from D65 to A for the yellow sapphire and increases for the rest; the hue angle is generally higher under D65 than under
A, and as the red hue continues to increase, the hue angle is higher under A than under D65.
Thermoreflectance Study of GaAs and GaAs Passivated by the Method of Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Chen Yu-sa , Jin Sheng-xiao , Lin Guan-zhou , Kang Tian , Hu Sen-yong , Liu Yan , Zhai Yu-wei , Li Li-ye , Sun Hong-shun , Wu Wen-gang , Wu Ai-hua , Liang Fa-guo
Published: February 2023

Being the second-generation semiconductor material, GaAs is widely used in high-power devices. In this paper, a new method of multi-temperature points linear fitting for the light intensity values of the surface of GaAs collected at different temperatures, which range from 40 °C
to 100 °C and the temperature rise interval is 20 °C, was used in order to obtain the thermoreflectance property. Meanwhile, the thermoreflectance property of the passivated GaAs was analyzed because the surface of GaAs is very easy to be oxidized, which will affect the performance
and stability of GaAs devices. Finally, we obtained the thermoreflectance coefficient of GaAs and the passivated GaAs in visible spectrum and near-ultraviolet illumination wavelengths. The result shows that the optical response of GaAs was changed by the presence of the passivation layer significantly
because of the interference effects. The study solves the problem of selecting the appropriate illumination wavelength in the study of the thermoreflectance property of GaAs. Therefore, the research is of great significance for accurate temperature measurement of GaAs semiconductor power devices.
Investigating the Mechanical Properties of Aluminum Alloy Ultra-Fine Grained Metals by Fluid-Solid Coupling Method
Authors: Chen Li , Zhang Meijuan
Published: February 2023

This research examines the mechanical characteristics of metal materials using the FSC (Fluid-solid coupling) technique. It primarily investigates the formation of a regular FSC non-smooth surface by the 7A05 deformed aluminum alloy after laser treatment. The mechanical characteristics
of the manufactured aluminum alloy ultrafine grained metal materials are investigated by altering various laser settings, coupling patterns, and cell distribution modes. The findings demonstrate that the tensile strength of aluminum alloy increases by 37.21% and 44.14%, and the fracture strength
increases by 38.69% and 46.73%, respectively, when the chip thickness compression ratio is 1.2 and 2.2. According to the study, extruding aluminum alloy improves its Vickers hardness, tensile strength, friction, and wear qualities to varying degrees.
Integrating Surgical Palliative Care Into the Full Spectrum of Medical Education
Authors: Cook Mackenzie R. , Schultz Reed Kristen , Crannell William C. , Brasel Karen J. , Siegel Timothy R.
Published: February 2023

We describe our institutional approach to incorporating surgical palliative care education into the Undergraduate Medical Education, Graduate Medical Education and Continuing Medical Education spaces as a model to help guide similarly interested educators. We had a well-established Ethics and Professionalism Curriculum, but an educational needs assessment revealed that both the residents and faculty felt that additional training in palliative care principles was crucial. We describe our full spectrum palliative care curriculum, which begins with the medical students on their surgical clerkship and continues with a 4 week surgical palliative care rotation for categorical general surgery PGY-1 residents, as well as a Mastering Tough Conversations course over several months at the end of the first year. Surgical Critical Care rotations, Intensive Care Unit debriefs after major complications, deaths, and other high-stress events are described, as is the CME domain, which includes routine Department of Surgery Death Rounds and a focus on palliative care concepts in Departmental Morbidity and Mortality conference. The Peer Support program and Surgical Palliative Care Journal Club round out our current educational endeavor. We describe our plans to create a full spectrum surgical palliative care curriculum that is fully integrated with the 5 clinical years of surgical residency, and include our proposed educational goals and year-specific objectives. The development of a Surgical Palliative Care Service is also described.
Traumatic Brain Injury Under Triage Risk: A Rural Trauma System Experience
Authors: Rhodes Heather , Anderson Stephanie , Locklear Taylor , Pepe Antonio , Courtney Donald
Published: February 2023

Background

The process of interfacility transfer may cause a delay in the necessary medical treatment, which could lead to poor outcomes and increased mortality rates. The ACS-COT considers an acceptable under triage rate of <5%. The aim of this research was to identify the likelihood of under triage among transferred-in traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients.

Methods

This is a single-center study of Trauma Registry data, from July 1, 2016, to October 31, 2021. The inclusion criteria were based upon age (≥40 years), ICD10 diagnosis of TBI, and interfacility transfer. Under triage using the Cribari matrix method was the dependent variable. A logistic regression was performed to identify additional predictor variables on the likelihood that an adult TBI trauma patient experienced under triage.

Results

878 patients were included in the analysis; 168 (19%) experienced an under triage. The logistic regression model was statistically significant (N = 837, P < .01). In addition, several significant increases in odds for under triage were identified, which included increasing injury severity score (ISS; OR 1.40, P < .01), increasing AIS head region (OR 6.19, P < .01), and personality disorders (OR 3.61, P = .02). In addition, a reduction in odds in TBI adult trauma under triage is the comorbidity of anticoagulant therapy (OR .25, P < .01).

Conclusions

The likelihood of under triage in the adult TBI trauma population is associated with increasing AIS head injuries and increasing ISS and among those with mental health comorbidities. This evidence and additional protective factors, such as patients on anticoagulant therapy, may aid in education and outreach efforts to reduce under triage among the regional referring centers.
Control method for permanent magnet synchronous motor based on fractional active disturbance rejection
Authors: Wu Zhenben , Zhuang Jinlei , Liu Bingyou , Yang Pan
Published: February 2023

To improve the response speed and anti-interference ability of a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM), a PMSM control method based on fractional-order active disturbance rejection control (FOADRC) is proposed in this study. First, a fractional-order tracking differentiator (FOTD) and fractional-order extended state observer (FOESO) are designed using the fractional calculus. According to the response speed of the FOTD and the observation effect of the FOESO, a new fastest function and new nonlinear function are designed. Second, a fractional-order active disturbance rejection (FOADR) controller is built based on the new FOTD, new FOESO, and nonlinear feedback control law, and its stability is proven. Finally, the superiority and effectiveness of the proposed strategy are verified through a simulation and experiments.
Analysis of clinical characteristics of mirror and TV signs in Alzheimer's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: Chen Gang , Liu Shuai , Wu Hao , Gan Jinghuan , Wang Xiaodan , Ji Yong
Published: February 2023

Objective

This study explored the clinical features of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) and analyzed the differences in neurologic syndromes, including mirror and TV signs, between different groups.

Methods

Patients with AD and DLB (325 and 115, respectively) hospitalized in our institution were enrolled. We compared psychiatric symptoms and neurologic syndromes between the DLB and AD groups and within each subgroup, including the mild-moderate and severe subgroups.

Results

The prevalence rates of visual hallucination, parkinsonism, rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, depression, delusion, and the Pisa sign were significantly higher in the DLB group than in the AD group. Furthermore, within the mild-moderate subgroup, the mirror sign and Pisa sign prevalence rates were significantly higher in the DLB group than in the AD group. In the severe subgroup, no significant difference was found in any neurologic sign between the DLB and AD groups.

Conclusion

Mirror and TV signs are rare and often disregarded because they are not usually invoked during routine inpatient or outpatient interviews. According to our findings, the mirror sign is uncommon in early AD patients but common in early DLB patients and should receive increased attention.
“Everyone Saw Me Differently Like It Was My Fault or I Wanted It”: Acquaintance Stalking Victim Experiences of Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual Autonomy
Authors: Logan TK , Landhuis Jennifer
Published: February 2023

Although the stalking research literature has grown over time, there is more limited research focused on acquaintance stalking victim experiences and harms. The current study used online surveys with women stalked by acquaintances who had ( n = 193), and who had not ( n = 144), been sexually assaulted by the stalker to examine differences in stalking course of conduct (including jealousy and control, sexual harassment) and victim harms (resource losses, social identity perceptions, sexual autonomy, sexual difficulties, and safety efficacy). Results found that many of the acquaintance stalking victims in the current study experienced all three types of sexual harassment (verbal harassment, unwanted sexual advances, sexual coercion) and had negative social identity perceptions (e.g., how they felt about themselves, how they felt about their ability to be a good partner). More women who were sexually assaulted, compared to those who were not, experienced threats, jealous and controlling behavior, severe physical violence, stalking-related fear, sexual harassment, negative social identity perceptions, and lower sexual autonomy. Multivariate analysis found that sexual assault, more unwanted sexual attention, increased sexual coercion, lower safety efficacy, and more negative social identity perceptions were associated with sexual difficulties while sexual assault, higher safety efficacy, fewer resource losses, and fewer negative social identity perceptions were associated with increased sexual autonomy. Sexual assault, verbal sexual harassment, and resource losses were associated with more negative social identity perceptions. Understanding the full scope of stalking victimization and the negative impacts can inform the recovery journey and safety planning interventions.
Microwave application as an alternative method to increase the efficiency of PtC catalyst in PEMFCs
Authors: Şahin Ömer , Yilmaz Adem , Ekinci Arzu
Published: February 2023

This study aims to develop a high-performance Pt/C catalyst for the cathode and anode parts of a modified Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell in nitrogen and argon gases at different microwave radiation powers. The pure and modified forms of the synthesized Pt/C catalysts were characterised using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The XRD results revealed that the crystal structure of the modified Pt/C catalyst was perfect and that the particle size of the catalytic material grew significantly as a consequence of the modification. Furthermore, the durability of PEM fuel cell electrocatalysts was investigated using the cyclic voltammetry (CV) technique. The experimental results indicated that microwave radiation had a significant effect on the particle size of the Pt/C catalyst. Additionally, the modified Pt/C catalyst exhibited a decreased activation potential loss and increased the cathode and anode power density values by 34% and 47%, respectively, compared to the Pt/C catalyst.
The Re-enchantment of Food: An Introduction
Authors: Coveney John
Published: February 2023

To say that humans have a profound relationship with the food they produce and eat is a mere truism. What is new derives from the recognition that in Western cultures, over time, our deep relationship with food has been replaced by a scientistic version of what we eat, and what we should eat. In many ways, this has dis-enchanted our relationship with food, in that it has rendered food as the sum total of a calculus based on vitamins, minerals, and energy content. The movements that are now growing around food – ethical, plant based, provenance aware – speak to new understandings of food which acknowledge that food is actually more than its sum of parts. These new movements share a common goal and that is to seek a re-enchantment with food. This article, which speaks very much from an anglo-tradition, discusses this ways in which dis- and re-enchantment of food has developed.
Unpacking Multimodal Fact-Checking: Features and Engagement of Fact-Checking Videos on Chinese TikTok (Douyin)
Authors: Lu Yingdan , (Cindy) Shen Cuihua
Published: February 2023

As fact-checking videos increasingly circulate on video-sharing platforms, more research is needed to understand the prevalent features of such videos and how they are associated with audience engagement. Drawing from the literature on fact-checking, communication, marketing, and computer science, we identified eight audiovisual features as well as seven persuasive strategies that are most relevant to fact-checking videos. Using a hybrid video analysis framework combining both automated and manual content analysis, we examined 4,309 fact-checking videos on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok. We found that fact-checking videos on Douyin tended to have higher brightness, less cool color dominance, and faster tempo than non-fact-checking videos from the same accounts and Douyin Trending videos, and frequently used persuasive strategies like clickbait and humor. Through feature clustering, we established three types of fact-checking videos on Douyin—long storytelling cartoons, short stimulating videos, and short authoritative videos. We found that several audiovisual features and persuasive strategies were associated with audience engagement, such as likes, comments, and reshares. This study sheds light on the common practices of fact-checking videos in Chinese cyberspace, extends the current image-as-data paradigm to fact-checking videos, and helps fact-checkers make evidence-based decisions on content creation.
The French Compassionate Program of elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor in people with cystic fibrosis with advanced lung disease and no F508delCFTRvariant
Authors: Burgel Pierre-Régis , Sermet-Gaudelus Isabelle , Durieu Isabelle , Kanaan Reem , Macey Julie , Grenet Dominique , Porzio Michele , Coolen-Allou Nathalie , Chiron Raphael , Marguet Christophe , Douvry Benoit , Dufeu Nadine , Danner-Boucher Isabelle , Foucaud Pierre , Lemonnier Lydie , Girodon Emmanuelle , Da Silva Jennifer , Martin Clémence
Published: February 2023

Background

The European Medicines Agency has approved the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator combination elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor (ETI) for people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) carrying at least one F508del variant. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also approved ETI for pwCF carrying one of 177 rare variants.

Methods

An observational study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of ETI in pwCF with advanced lung disease that were not eligible to ETI in Europe. All patients with no F508del variant and advanced lung disease (defined as having a percent predicted forced expiratory volume (ppFEV1)<40 and/or being under evaluation for lung transplantation) and enrolled in the French Compassionate Program initiated ETI at recommended doses. Effectiveness was evaluated by a centralized adjudication committee at 4–6 weeks in terms of clinical manifestations, sweat chloride concentration and ppFEV1.

Results

Among the first 84 pwCF included in the program, ETI was effective in 45 (54%) and 39 (46%) were considered to be non-responders. Among the responders 22/45 (49%) carried aCFTRvariant that is not currently approved by FDA for ETI eligibility. Important clinical benefits, including suspending the indication for lung transplantation, a significant decrease in sweat chloride concentration by a median [IQR] −30 [-14;-43]mmol·l−1(n=42;p<0.0001) and an improvement in ppFEV1by+10.0 [6.0; 20.5] (n=44,p<0.0001), were observed in those for whom treatment was effective.

Conclusion

Clinical benefits were observed in a large subset of pwCF with advanced lung disease andCFTRvariants not currently approved for ETI.
Comparison of therapeutic efficacy and treatment costs of self-expandable metal stents and plastic stents for management of malignant biliary obstruction
Authors: Bor Renáta , Fábián Anna , Szűcs Mónika , Bálint Anita , Rutka Mariann , Tóth Tibor , Czakó László , Farkas Klaudia , Buzás Norbert , Milassin Ágnes , Molnár Tamás , Szepes Zoltán
Published: February 2023

Background

According to the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guidelines, self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) are preferable to plastic stents (PSs) in the management of pancreatic cancer, regardless of cancer stage. The aim of this study was to compare the therapeutic efficacy and treatment costs of SEMS and PS in the management of malignant biliary obstruction.

Methods

One hundred and thirty-five patients who underwent endoscopic stent placement were retrospectively enrolled and divided into PS (41 patients), primary SEMS (39 patients) and secondary SEMS (55 patients) groups. We determined the technical and functional success rate, stent patency, and cumulative treatment cost.

Results

A total of 111 SEMSs and 153 PSs were placed with similar technical (100% vs. 98.69%) and functional success rate (90.10% vs. 86.27%) but with different stent patency (10.28 vs. 22.16 weeks; p < 0.001). Multiple PS implantations and larger stent diameter increased the length of stent patency compared to 7-Fr PSs (10.88 vs. 10.55 vs. 7.63 weeks, respectively). The cumulative treatment cost of patients with different survival times did not differ significantly between groups, however, among patients surviving 2–4 months it was higher in PS group than primary SEMS and secondary SEMS groups (2888€ vs. 2258€ vs. 2144€, respectively, p = 0.3369) due to increased number of biliary reintervention (2.08 ± 1.04 vs. 1.20 ± 0.42 vs. 1.50 ± 0.53; p < 0.0274) and longer hospital stay (15.77 ± 10.14 vs. 8.70 ± 7.70 vs. 8.50 ± 6.17 days, p = 0.0527).

Conclusions

In view of treatment costs, the consequences of illness, and the processes of the health care system, SEMS implantation is recommended regardless of patients’ life expectancy.
Nurse practitioner/physician collaborative models of care: a scoping review protocol
Authors: McGilton Katherine S. , Haslam-Larmer Lynn , Wills Aria , Krassikova Alexandra , Babineau Jessica , Robert Ben , Heer Carrie , McAiney Carrie , Dobell Gail , Bethell Jennifer , Kay Kelly , Keatings Margaret , Kaasalainen Sharon , Feldman Sid , Sidani Souraya , Martin-Misener Ruth
Published: February 2023

Background

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, many long-term care (LTC) homes experienced difficulties in providing residents with access to primary care, typically delivered by community-based family physicians or nurse practitioners (NPs). During the pandemic, legislative changes in Ontario, Canada enabled NPs to act in the role of Medical Directors thereby empowering NPs to work to their full scope of practice. Emerging from this new context, it remains unclear how NPs and physicians will best work together as primary care providers. NP/physician collaborative models appear key to achieving optimal resident outcomes. This scoping review aims to map available evidence on existing collaborative models of care between NPs and physicians within LTC homes.

Methods

The review will be guided by the research question, “What are the structures, processes and outcomes of collaborative models of care involving NPs and Physicians in LTC homes?” This scoping review will be conducted according to the methods framework for scoping reviews outlined by Arksey and O’Malley and refined by Levac et al., Colquhoun et al., and Daudt et al., as well as the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) Statement. Electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase + Embase Classic, APA PsycInfo, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, AMED, CINAHL, Ageline, and Scopus), grey literature, and reference lists of included articles will be searched. English language studies that describe NP and physician collaborative models within the LTC setting will be included.

Discussion

This scoping review will consolidate what is known about existing NP/physician collaborative models of care in LTC homes. Results will be used to inform the development of a collaborative practice framework for long-term care clinical leadership.
The clinicopathological significance of thymic epithelial markers expression in thymoma and thymic carcinoma
Authors: Li Huiyang , Ren Bo , Yu Shili , Gao Hongwen , Sun Ping-Li
Published: February 2023

Background

The classification of thymomas is based on the morphology of epithelial tumor cells and the proportion of lymphocytes. Type A thymomas are composed of the spindle or oval tumor epithelial cells. Tumor cells of B thymomas are epithelioid-shaped with increasing atypia. Type AB thymomas have the features of epithelial tumor cells of A and B thymomas. The diagnosis can be difficult because of the complex morphology. Some novel thymic epithelial markers have been reported in several preclinical studies, but they have not been applied to clinical practice. Here, we investigated the expression of 3 cortical and 3 medullary markers, which are thymoproteasome-specific subunit β5t (β5t), thymus-specific serine protease 16 (PRSS16), cathepsin V, autoimmune regulator (AIRE), CD40 and claudin-4.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze 53 cases of thymomas and thymic squamous cell carcinomas (TSCC), aiming to explore the expression of cortical and medullary epithelial markers and their correlation with histological classification, Masaoka-Koga stage, and prognosis.

Results

Our results found that for cortical epithelial markers the expression of β5t, PRSS16, and cathepsin V was higher in type AB and B thymomas than in micronodular thymoma with lymphoid stroma (MNT), and we observed a dramatic increase of β5t and PRSS16 expression in type AB compared to type A thymomas. In medullary epithelial markers, the expression of AIRE was higher in type A than in B3 thymomas. CD40 and β5t expression were associated with the Masaoka-Koga stage. High cathepsin V expression was related to a good prognosis and a longer progression-free survival.

Conclusion

This is the first comprehensive analysis of the role of thymic cortical and medullary epithelial markers as biomarkers for differential diagnosis and prognosis in thymic tumors. Thymic medullary epithelial immunophenotype was found to exhibit in type A, MNT, and TSCC. Type B thymomas primarily exhibited a cortical epithelial immunophenotype. Type AB thymomas showed cortical, medullary, or mixed corticomedullary epithelial immunophenotype. Our results demonstrated that thymic cortical and medullary epithelial markers including β5t, PRSS16, cathepsin V, and AIRE could be used as ancillary markers in the diagnosis and prognosis of thymic epithelial tumors.