bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amplified Multimode Wave Mixing: from Chaos to Order
Authors: An Haechan , Owens Hal , Ather Hamza , Shakouri Ali , Hosseini Mahdi
Published: May 2022

The dynamics of optical nonlinearity in the presence of gain and feedback can be complex leading to chaos in certain regimes. Temporal, spectral, spatial, or polarization instability of optical fields can emerge from an optical χ (2) or χ (3) nonlinear medium placed between two cavity mirrors or before a single feedback mirror. The complex mode dynamics, high-order correlations, and transition to chaos in these systems are not well known. We consider a χ (3) medium with amplified four-wave mixing process and study noise and correlation between multiple optical modes. Although individual modes show chaotic behavior, we observe relative intensity noise reduction close to the standard quantum noise, limited by the camera speed. We observe a relative noise reduction of more than 20 dB and fourth-order intensity correlation between four spatial modes. More than 100 distinct correlated quadruple modes can be generated using this process.
Information needs of parents of children with congenital anomalies across Europe: a EUROlinkCAT survey
Authors: Marcus Elena , Latos-Bielenska Anna , Jamry-Dziurla Anna , Barišić Ingeborg , Cavero-Carbonell Clara , Hond Elly Den , Garne Ester , Genard Lucas , Santos Ana João , Lutke L Renée , Dias Carlos Matias , Pedersen Christina Neergaard , Neville Amanda J , Niemann Annika , Odak Ljubica , Pierini Anna , Rico Juan , Rissmann Anke , Rankin Judith , Morris Joan K
Published: May 2022

BackgroundParents of children who have a congenital anomaly can experience significant worry about their child’s health. Access to clear, helpful, and trustworthy information can provide a valuable source of support. In this study the information needs of parents/carers of children with congenital anomalies were explored across Europe.MethodA cross-sectional online survey was developed in nine languages to measure parents’ information needs, including: (1) the ‘helpfulness’/’trustworthiness’ of information received from eight relevant sources, and (2) overall satisfaction with information received. Parents/carers of children (0-10 years) with cleft lip, spina bifida, congenital heart defect [CHD] requiring surgery, and/or Down syndrome were recruited online via relevant organisations in 10 European countries from March-July 2021. Quantitative analyses using multivariable logistic regressions were performed. Results1,070 parents/carers of children with a cleft lip (n=247), spina bifida (n=118), CHD (n=366), Down syndrome (n=281), and Down syndrome with CHD (n=58) were recruited in Poland (n=476), the UK (n=120), Germany (n=97), the Netherlands/Belgium (n=74), Croatia (n=68), Italy (n=59), other European countries (n=92), and not specified/non-European countries (n=84). Most participants were mothers (92%) and aged 31-40 years (71%). Participants were most likely to rate support groups (63%), patient organisations (60%), specialist doctors/nurses (58%), and social media (57%) as ‘very helpful’ information sources. ‘Very trustworthy’ ratings remained high for specialist doctors/nurses (61%), however, they declined for support groups (47%), patient organisations (48%), and social media (35%). Germany had the highest proportion of participants who were ‘very satisfied’ (44%, 95% CI=34%-54%) with information, whereas this percentage was lowest in Croatia (11%, 95% CI=3%-19%) and Poland (15%, 95% CI=11%-18%). Parents of children with Down syndrome had significantly lower satisfaction ratings than parents of children with CHD; 13% (95% CI=8%-18%) reported being ‘very satisfied’ compared to 28% (95% CI=23%-33%) in the CHD group. ConclusionsFindings suggest that informal sources of information (e.g. support groups) are of value to parents, however, they are not deemed as trustworthy as specialist medical sources. Satisfaction ratings differed across countries and by anomaly, and were particularly low in Croatia and Poland, as well as for parents of children with Down syndrome, which warrants further investigation.
Effect of external mean flow on sound transmission loss of double-walled porous functionally graded magneto-electro-elastic sandwich plates
Authors: Sirimontree Sayan , Thongchom Chanachai , Saffari Peyman Roodgar , Saffari Pouyan Roodgar , Refahati Nima , Jearsiripongkul Thira , Keawsawasvong Suraparb
Published: May 2022

In the present study, the sound transmission loss through the air-filled rectangular double-walled sandwich smart magneto-electro-elastic (MEE) plates with porous functionally graded material (PFGM) core layer under initial external electric and magnetic potentials, and external mean airflow is studied using the third-order shear deformation theory (TSDT). Three states of uneven porosity distributions are considered for PFGM core layer which are supposed to vary along the in-plane and thickness directions based on the power-law model. The derivation of vibroacoustic equations in the form of coupled relations is realized by implementing Hamilton’s principle. An analytical approach, i.e. second velocity potential, is exploited to solve them in conjunction with double Fourier series, and the final result is the desired sound transmission loss (STL) equation. The developed solution is investigated in terms of its accuracy and precision via a comparison with other available data in existing research. Parameter studies reveal the impacts of the initial electric and magnetic potentials, porosity distributions, incident angles, acoustic cavity depth on STL through the double-walled sandwich smart MEE plates.
Functional inhibition of the StERF3 gene by dual targeting through CRISPR/Cas9 enhances resistance to the late blight disease in Solanum Tuberosum L.
Authors: Razzaq Hafiza Arooj , Ijaz Siddra , Haq Imran Ul , Khan Iqrar Ahmad
Published: May 2022

Background
The use of disease-resistant cultivars is the best solution to get their maximum yield potential and avoid fungicide application. There is no doubt about the contribution, and use of R genes (resistance genes) in resistance development in plants, while S genes (susceptibility genes) also hold a strong position in pathogenesis by resistance repression, and their loss of function contributes to enhanced resistance. Hence, we attempted to knock out the function of StERF3 in potatoes through CRISPR/Cas9 based genome editing and investigated the CRISPR/Cas9 approach as strategic control against late blight disease in potato plants.
Methods and results
The StERF3 gene was edited in late blight susceptible cv. Lady Rosetta. Full allelic edited plants were identified through DnpI and N1aIV mediated restriction digestion and then further analyzed through Indel Detection by Amplicon Analysis. Sequence analysis of targeted plants for indel identification showed full allelic editing. The detached leaf assay of full allelic edited plants demonstrated the role of the StERF3 gene in susceptibility to late blight in potatoes. In planta disease assay also showed reduced, slowed, and delayed disease progression in StERF3-loss-of-function mutants in comparison to wild-type (control) plants. Less fungal biomass was quantified in knockouts through Real-time qPCR that supported less susceptibility of edited plants to late blight. Besides, relatively high expression of pathogens-related genes, StPR1, and StNPR1 were also observed in StERF3-loss-of-function mutants compared to the corresponding control.
Conclusion
The results showed the functional inhibition of StERF3 genes using the CRISPR/Cas9 approach. The functional knockouts of StERF3 generated potato plants revealed enhanced resistance against Phytophthora infestans and thereby demonstrated as best strategic control for late blight disease in potato plants.
Olfactory swab sampling optimization for α-synuclein aggregates detection in patients with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Bongianni Matilde , Catalan Mauro , Perra Daniela , Fontana Elena , Janes Francesco , Bertolotti Claudio , Sacchetto Luca , Capaldi Stefano , Tagliapietra Matteo , Polverino Paola , Tommasini Valentina , Bellavita Giulia , Kachoie Elham Ataie , Baruca Roberto , Bernardini Andrea , Valente Mariarosaria , Fiorini Michele , Bronzato Erika , Tamburin Stefano , Bertolasi Laura , Brozzetti Lorenzo , Cecchini Maria Paola , Gigli Gianluigi , Monaco Salvatore , Manganotti Paolo , Zanusso Gianluigi
Published: May 2022

Background
In patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), Real-Time Quaking-Induced Conversion (RT-QuIC) detection of pathological α–synuclein (α-syn) in olfactory mucosa (OM) was not as accurate as in other α-synucleinopathies. It is unknown whether these variable results might be related to a different distribution of pathological α-syn in olfactory mucosa (OM). Thus, we investigated whether nasal swab (NS) performed in areas with a different coverage by olfactory neuroepithelium, such as agger nasi (AN) and middle turbinate (MT), might affect pathological α-syn detection.
Methods
NS was performed in 66 patients with PD and 29 non-PD between September 2018 and April 2021. In 43 patients CSF was also obtained and all samples were analyzed by RT-QuIC for α-syn.
Results
In a first round, 72 OM samples were collected by NS, from AN (NSAN) or from MT (NSMT), and 35 resulted RT-QuIC positive. Of these, 27/32 (84%) resulted from AN, 5/11 (45%) from MT and 3/29 (10%) belonged to non-PD patients. Furthermore, 23 additional PD patients underwent NS at both AN and MT. NSAN were positive in 18/23 (78%) while NSMTin 10/23 (44%). Immunocytochemistry on NS preparations showed a higher representation of olfactory neural cells in NSAN compared to NSMT. We also observed α-syn and phospho-α-syn deposits in NS from PD patients but not in controls. Finally, RT-QuIC was positive in 22/24 CSF samples from PD patients (92%) and in 1/19 non-PD.
Conclusion
In PD patients, RT-QuIC sensitivity is significantly increased (from 45–84%) when NS is performed at AN indicating that α-syn aggregates are preferentially detected in olfactory areas with higher concentration of olfactory neurons. Although RT-QuIC analysis of CSF showed a higher diagnostic accuracy compared to NS, due to the non-invasiveness NS might be considered an ancillary procedure for PD diagnosis.
Underweight is associated with a higher risk of acute pancreatitis in type 2 diabetes: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Choi Young Hoon , Han Kyung Do , Cho In Rae , Lee In Seok , Ryu Ji Kon , Kim Yong-Tae , Chung Kwang Hyun , Lee Sang Hyub
Published: May 2022

Background: Type 2 diabetes is known as a risk factor for acute pancreatitis, but the risk of acute pancreatitis according to glycemic status and body mass index (BMI) has remained unknown. Therefore, we aim to investigate the risk of acute pancreatitis according to BMI and glycemic status in patients with type 2 diabetes.Methods: We included 3,912,496 subjects from the Korean National Health Insurance System cohort who underwent the National Health Screening program in 2009. Each subject’s clinical course was examined through follow-ups until December 2018. BMI and glycemic status were each categorized into five groups. Hazard ratios (HRs) of acute pancreatitis according to BMI and glycemic status were calculated using the Cox proportional-hazards model with the adjustment of clinical factors.Results: The adjusted HRs of acute pancreatitis were the highest in the underweight group (BMI < 18.5) in all five glycemic status categories. The HR of acute pancreatitis in the underweight group increased as the glycemic status worsened, excluding the category of diabetes for more than five years (HR 1.381 for normal fasting glucose; 1.805 for impaired fasting glucose; 2.332 for new-onset diabetes; 4.51 for diabetes duration < 5 years; 4.135 for diabetes duration ≥ 5 years). Sustained underweight group also showed the highest HR in those with and without type 2 diabetes (HR 1.674 for non-diabetes and 1.311 for diabetes).Conclusions: We found that the risk of acute pancreatitis was further increased in the underweight group, depending on the status and duration of type 2 diabetes.
The Replacement of Medical Equipment through Economic Evaluation of Processes: A Strategic Planning Methodology
Authors: NP Navor-Galeana , Pineda Carlos , Sandoval Hugo , Gutierrez-Martinez Josefina
Published: May 2022

Background. - Decision-making about replacement of high-tech medical equipment (MEs) is a traditional hospital problem. Thus, it is crucial to consider timely planning for MEs replacement to overcome this issue and objectively determine when to retire MEs from any existing healthcare practice or procedure. The Health Technology Assessment (HTA) of MEs allows prioritizing its replacement in a hospital. In this sense, the investment cost of the equipment and other critical factors to evaluate the process; maintenance costs and productivity must be considered either. This paper proposes one strategic planning, HTA-based MEs replacement methodology, considering cost-effectiveness analysis, intermediate effectiveness, and Business Process Modeling (BPM). The validation of this methodology and its possible implications was carried out by evaluating the relevance and convenience of replacing the sterilizers/washers that are in the last stage of their lifecycle, operating in our Central Sterilization Units. Results. - The BPM allowed us to analyze the workflow where MEs are involved during the sterilization process. As a result, it is possible to identify not only the workflow but also the client (e.g., surgical nurse who demands the material), the activities, and makers, that is to say, the nurse (who carries out the sterilization procedure), and the supplier (who transports material). The economic evaluation is carried out based on the workflow and process management indexes, defined for a period of cost analysis. The best MEs alternative (new vs old) is identified through a decision-tree and the processes where the ME is used through time indexes, productivity and performance indicators. Conclusions. - The results show that the methodology presented in this paper has high potential to detect delays, measure efficiency, productivity and costs of processes and even supports the improvement of the processes where the MEs operate. The role of the clinical engineer is crucial for data collection and analysis. In addition, HTA-based MEs replacement methodology provides reliable, pertinent, relevant and useful information to support decision-making at the management level, and also, for the formulation of health policies.
Translation, cultural adaptation, and validation of Integrated Palliative Outcome Scale-renal (IPOS-r) to Czech
Authors: Křemenová Zuzana , Vlčková Karolína
Published: May 2022

Background: Patients with advanced kidney disease suffer from burdensome symptoms, which should be assessed by reliable and valid patient-reported outcome measures. This study aimed to provide translation, cultural adaptation, and validation of the Czech version of IPOS-r.Methods: The IPOS-r was translated and culturally adapted to Czech using cognitive interviews. Patients and staff in dialysis centers and outpatient renal clinics completed the IPOS-r. The reliability of Czech IPOS-r was tested with Cronbach alpha (for internal consistency), the intraclass correlation coefficient for total IPOS-r score, and weighted Kappa (for test-retest and inter-rater reliability of individual items). Convergent validity was tested with Spearman correlation analysis to Kidney Disease Quality of Life Survey-Short Form 1.2 (KDQOL-SF 1.2). We tested responsiveness to change using a distribution-based approach.Results: The sample included 88 patients (mean age 66 ±SD 13.8; 58% men), who were treated with hemodialysis (70.5%), home hemodialysis ( 5.5%), peritoneal dialysis (3%), and conservative management (21%).). The Cronbach alpha was 0.72; intraclass correlation was 0,84 for test-retest reliability and 0.73 for inter-rater reliability. Good convergent validity of IPOS-r correlated to KDQOL-SF 1.2 was proved with Spearman correlations between 0.4-0.8 for most of the IPOS-r items. Using IPOS-r is feasible and meantime to complete the questionnaire was 9 minutes. Patients who reported a change in health status after one month demonstrated a total IPOS-r score change of 8 points in both positive, and negative directions.Conclusions: The process of translation and cultural adaptation of IPOS-r was efficient and the Czech IPOS-r questionnaire is a reliable and valid tool. Our results recommend the use of Czech IPOS-r for the documentation of symptoms in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease.Trial registration GAUK[82121]
Insight into carbapenem-resistance and virulence of Acinetobacter baumannii from a children's medical center in the east China
Authors: Zhu Yunfen , Zhang Xin , Wang Yunzhong , Tao Yunzhen , Shao Xuejun , Li Yang , Li Wei
Published: May 2022

Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) appeared more and more frequently in children and caused a great threat to global public health. It is urgent to investigate the carbapenems-resistance and virulence of CRAB for clinicians to choose appropriate antibiotics. A retrospective study for 77 nonduplicated CRAB isolates was conducted. The carbapenems-resistance and virulence genes were characterized by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and gel electrophoresis. In present study, A. baumannii mainly came from intensive care unit, mostly isolated from sputum samples. The carbapenems-resistant rate of A. baumannii in 2018–2020 increased significantly compared with that in 2016–2017. All isolates had the carbapenems-resistant genes. They were highly resistant to a variety of antibiotics, but were relatively sensitive to fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines. The blaVIM and blaOXA-23 were detected in all isolates, whereas blaOXA-51, blaIMP and blaNDM were present in 98.70%, 67.53% and 31.17% of isolates. Notably, 1 isolate A. baumannii was identified as multidrug-resistant A. baumannii (MDR-AB), and 76 other extensivelydrug-resistance (XDR) isolates were also detected. Virulence genes were present in 100% of all isolates, including genes in iron acquisition system (basJ), secretion systems (ompA, plcD), quorum sensing system (abaI) and biofifilm formation (csuA). adeH, pgaA, ptk were present in 98.70%, 98.70% and 94.80% of isolates. CRAB prevalent in east China carried a large number of drug resistance and virulence genes. Fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines may be effective antibiotics for the treatment of CRAB infection in children. An in-depth understanding of the resistance and virulence of CRAB is conducive to timely guiding empirical drug use and controlling infection.
Supplementation of SDF1 during in vitro maturation reduces oxidative stress in pig oocytes and improves subsequent embryo development
Authors: Zhao Huaxing , Dong Yazheng , Zhang Yuxing , Wu Xiao , Zhang Xianjun , Liang Yalin , Li Yanan , Zeng Fang , Shi Junsong , Zhou Rong , Hong Linjun , Cai Gengyuan , Wu Zhenfang , Li Zicong
Published: May 2022

Background: The quality of in vitro matured oocytes (IVTMOs) is inferior to that of in vivo matured oocytes (IVVMOs), which translates to low developmental capacity of the IVTMOs-derived embryos. The developmental potential of IVTMOs is usually impaired due to oxidative stress. Stromal cell-derived factor-l (SDF1) can reduce oxidative stress and inhibit apoptosis. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of SDF1 supplementation during pig oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) on subsequent embryo development. ﻿Results: We found that SDF1 improved the maturation rate of pig oocytes, as well as the development of embryos generated by somatic cell nuclear transfer, in vitro fertilization and parthenogenesis. Supplementation of SDF1 during IVM decreased the ROS level, increased the mitochondrial membrane potential, and altered the expression of apoptosis-related genes in the pig oocytes. The transcriptomic data of the SDF1-treated IVTMOs showed that SDF1 enhanced oocyte quality by modulating the purine metabolism and TNF signaling pathways, and by upregulating YY1 and TET1, two critical factors for oocyte development. Conclusions: In conclusion, SDF1 supplementation enhances the ability of pig IVTMOs to support subsequent embryo development by inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis. Our findings provide a theoretical basis for improving the quality and developmental potential of pig IVTMOs.
Flight Behavioural Quantification of Mosquitoes using Mask RCNN
Authors: Javed Nouman , Paradkar Prasad N. , Bhatti Asim
Published: May 2022

Mosquito-borne diseases cause a huge burden on public health worldwide. The viruses that cause these diseases impact the behavioural traits of mosquitoes, including locomotion and feeding. Understanding these traits can help in improving existing epidemiological models and developing effective mosquito traps. However, it is difficult to understand the flight behaviour of mosquitoes due to their small sizes, complicated poses, and seemingly random moving patterns. Currently, no open-source tool is available that can detect and track resting or flying mosquitoes. Our work presented in this paper provides a detection and trajectory estimation method using the Mask RCNN algorithm and spline interpolation, which can efficiently detect mosquitoes and track their trajectories with higher accuracy. Considering the mosquito size, the proposed method's detection performance is validated using a tracker error and a custom metric that considers the mean distance between positions (estimated and ground truth), pooled standard deviation, and average accuracy. The results showed that the proposed method could successfully detect and track the flying (≈ 96% accuracy) as well as resting (100% accuracy) mosquitoes. Hence, this research serves as an efficient open-source tool to facilitate further examination of mosquito behavioural traits.
Theory of mind in adolescents with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Razjouyan Katayoon , Hosseinzadeh Mariam , Zahed Ghazal , Khademi Mojgan , Davari Rozita , Arabgol Fariba
Published: May 2022

Background: Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder which may be associated with impaired Theory of Mind (ToM) and social cognition. ToM is a domain in social cognition which refers to one's ability to attribute beliefs, intents, perspectives, and understandings to oneself or others and to understand other's mental state. Methods: We enrolled 52 ADHD adolescents and 41 healthy age-matched controls in this study. We applied The Reading the Mind in The Eyes Task, and Theory of Mind Assessment Scale (Th.o.m.a.s) for all participants. The results of these tasks were compared between the two study groups. Results: There were no significant differences between these two study groups in terms of ToM abilities using mean scores in Th.o.m.a.s inventory and the Reading the Mind in the Eyes test. Also, we did not find any association between the mean score in ToM (in both study groups) and our study parameters of gender, mean age, birth rank, family structure, and income.Conclusions: This study did not support the hypothesis that adolescents with ADHD perform worse on ToM tasks.
Branching patterns of the superficial fibular nerve: An anatomical study with meta-analysis
Authors: Correia Alisson Guilherme da Silva , Vieira João Gustavo Santos , Rodrigues Beatriz Cristina Machado , Fortes Luís Henrique Santos , Garção Diogo Costa
Published: May 2022

Purpose: To investigate variations in the branching patterns of the superficial fibular nerve (SFN) in regard to the deep fascia of the leg and to the ankle joint level.Methods: A broad literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Lilacs, and Web of Science databases on October 14th, 2021. PRISMA guidelines have been followed throughout this review. Articles with data on SFN variations prevalence were included. The data were extracted and pooled into a meta-analysis. The authors also dissected a total of 64 formalin-fixed Brazilian fetuses (n = 124 lower limbs).Results: Twenty-five studies (n = 1272 lower limbs) comprised this review. Concerning the SFN branching at the deep fascia, type 1 variation (the SFN pierces the fascia as a single nerve trunk) had a pooled prevalence of 86.4% (95% CI 84.5-88.2), while type 2 had a pooled prevalence of 13.6% (95% CI 11.8-15.5). At the ankle joint level, type 2 variation (the SFN splits in its terminal branches after cross the joint) was the most common pattern, with a pooled prevalence of 78.7% (95% CI 74.5-82.7).Conclusion: In the most prevalent anatomical pattern, the SFN branching between its exit site from the deep fascia and the level of the ankle joint. These variants have great clinical significance.
Nanocurcumin Restores Arsenic Induced Disturbances in Neuropharmacological Activity in Wistar Rats
Authors: Nithyashree N. , Prakash N , Waghe Prashantkumar , R Santhosh C. , H Pavithra B. , Rajashekaraiah Rashmi , L Sathyanarayana M. , Sunilchandra U. , R Anjan Kumar K. , S Manjunatha S. , Muralidhar Y , R Shivaprasad G.
Published: May 2022

The present study was carried out to examine the ameliorative potential of nanocurcumin against arsenic induced (sub-chronic) alterations in central nervous system in male Wistar rats. Nanocurcumin was synthesised and the hydrodynamic diameter, zeta potential and particle size were ~ 76.60 nm, (-) 30 mV and 95nm, respectively. Experimental rats sub-chronically exposed to sodium (meta) arsenite (As; 10 mg.kg− 1; 70 days; p.o) induced significant (p < 0.05) reduction in superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione and favoured free radical generation and induced lipid peroxidation in brain tissue. Further, sub-chronic arsenic exposure resulted in significant (p < 0.05) decrease in voluntary- and involuntary motor activities and enhanced anxiety levels. However, experimental rats receiving nanocurcumin (15 mg.kg− 1; p.o) showed significant (p < 0.05) recovery in enzymatic - and non-enzymatic antioxidant defence system and restoration of redox balance and overcome arsenic induced depression in motor activities and elevated anxiety levels. Further, Arsenic induced elevation in pro-inflammatory cytokines, cyclooxygenase-2 activity and prostaglandin-E2in brain and angiotensin-II levels (plasma) was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in experimental rats receiving nanocurcumin. Additionally, quantitative real -time polymerase chain reaction revealed a fivefold decrease in Nox2 expression in brain following nanocurcumin administration. Thus, the study concludes that nanocurcumin can serve as a potential therapeutic candidate to counter arsenic induced redox imbalance and neuropharmacological disturbances and there exists a vast scope to exploit its utility after appropriate clinical modelling.
Predicting the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors monotherapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a machine learning method based on multidimensional data
Authors: Liu Na , Liang Bilin , Lu Lu , Zhang Bingqian , Sun Jingjing , Yang Jiantao , Xu Jie , Song Zhengbo , Shi Lei
Published: May 2022

Background Immunotherapy has improved the prognosis of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but only a small subset of patients achieved clinical benefit. The purpose of our study was to integrate multidimensional data using a machine learning method to predict the therapeutic efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) monotherapy in patients with advanced NSCLC.Methods We retrospectively enrolled 112 patients with stage IIIB-IV NSCLC receiving ICIs monotherapy. The random forest (RF) algorithm was used to establish efficacy prediction models based on five different input datasets, including precontrast computed tomography (CT) radiomic data, postcontrast CT radiomic data, combination of the two CT radiomic data, clinical data, and combination of radiomic and clinical data. The 5-fold cross validation was used to train and test the random forest classifier. The performance of the models was assessed according to the area under the curve (AUC) in the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Survival analysis was performed to determine the difference in progression-free survival (PFS) between two groups with the prediction label generated by the combined model.Results The radiomic model based on the combination of precontrast and postcontrast CT radiomic features and the clinical model produced an AUC of 0.92 ± 0.04 and 0.89 ± 0.03, respectively. By integrating radiomic and clinical features together, the combined model had the best performance with an AUC of 0.94 ± 0.02. The survival analysis showed that the two groups had significantly different PFS time (P < 0.0001).Conclusion The baseline multidimensional data including CT radiomic and multiple clinical features were valuable in predicting the efficacy of ICIs monotherapy in patients with advanced NSCLC.
Evolution of breast cancer incidence in young women from 1990 to 2018: towards a change in screening strategy?
Authors: Yanis M. HASSAINE , Jacquet Emmanuelle , Seigneurin Arnaud
Published: May 2022

Background
The worldwide incidence of invasive breast cancer in women is increasing according to several studies. This increase in incidence seems to be higher in young women (< 40 years). However, the reasons for this trend are poorly understood. This article aims to provide the most recent estimates of this trend and assess whether there is indeed an increase in the incidence of breast cancer among young women to strengthen prevention campaigns.
Methods
We collected data from the Isère cancer registry of all invasive breast cancers from January 1990 to December 2018. The standardized incidence rate was calculated for four age groups (< 40 years, 40–49 years, 50–74 years, > 75 years) for this period. The 10 years relative survival was evaluated for each age group age for two periods (1990–1999 and 2000–2008). From 2011 to 2013, we analyzed the incidence and 5-year relative survival by tumor subtype (triple negative, luminal, HER2 amplified) for each age group.
Results
23703 cases were selected, including 1343 young women. The incidence of invasive breast cancer increased annually by 0,8% (95%CI: 0,7; 1) in all age groups combined from 1990 to 2018. The highest incidence increase is found among young women, by 2,1% annually (95%CI: 1,3; 2,8). Regarding tumor subtypes from 2011 to 2018, the incidence of triple negatives increases higher in young women (+ 1,4% by year, 95%CI: -8,2; 11) and those over 75 years (+ 4% by year, 95%CI: -5,1; 13,2) but the results are not statistically significant. 10-years relative survival in young women increased from 74,6% ((95% CI: 69,6 ; 78,9) to 78,3%(95% CI: 73,7 ; 82,1) between 1990–1999 and 2000–2008 respectively. 5-years relative survival is better in young women among triple-negative and HER2 amplified.
Conclusion
Our study confirms the current trend of increasing the incidence of breast cancer in young women, associated with improved survival. A better individualized risk-based screening strategy is needed for these patients. Additional studies will be needed to more accurately assess the risk of developing breast cancer and improve diagnostic performance.
A Backbone Seismic Ground Motion Model for Strike-slip Earthquakes in Southwest Iceland and its Implications for Near- And Far-field PSHA
Authors: Kowsari Milad , Ghasemi Saeid , Bayat Farnaz , Halldorsson Benedikt
Published: May 2022

The earthquake hazard and seismic risk in Iceland are the highest in the Southwest due to transform faulting in the South Iceland Seismic Zone (SISZ) and Reykjanes Peninsula Oblique Rift (RPOR). The reliable probabilistic seismic hazard assessment (PSHA) is therefore critical in this region which in turn requires two of the key elements for a reliable PSHA. Namely, the most appropriate and physically consistent ground motion models (GMMs) and the specification of seismic sources. In this study, we address this by employing a suite of new hybrid Bayesian empirical GMMs and a new physics-based finite-fault system model for the SISZ-RPOR system. By ranking the GMMs using the deviance information criterion against the Icelandic strong-motion dataset we propose backbone GMMs along with their \({\Delta }\)-factors that comprehensively capture the characteristics of Icelandic data. We then simulate suites of synthetic finite-fault earthquake catalogues that are consistent with the physics-based fault system. We then carry out a Monte-Carlo PSHA using the backbone approach for two representative near-fault and far-field sites in Southwest Iceland, but this approach provides a more realistic and robust treatment of the extent and effects of GMM’s epistemic uncertainty on the PSHA. We show that the backbone PSHA is consistent with point estimates using the classical PSHA approach, but importantly they reveal the “body” i.e., the range, of realistically expected hazard values that dwarf any differences between the results from the two approaches. Thus, the backbone models of this study along with their \({\Delta }\)-factors are the ideal candidates for use in future PSHA for Iceland.
Single irrigation at the four-leaf stage in the spring increases winter wheat yield and water use efficiency in the North China Plain
Authors: Bao Xiaoyuan , Liu Xuejing , Hou Xiaoyang , Yin Baozhong , Duan Weiwei , Wang Yandong , Ren Jianhong , Gu Limin , Zhen Wenchao
Published: May 2022

Water scarcity is a major limiting factor for crop production in North China Plain (NCP), which produces the majority of the country's winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The objective of this three-year field study was to see if and when irrigation one-time in spring improves grain yield and water use efficiency. Four sets of irrigation were established at the 3-leaf visible stage (L3) and the L4, L5, and L6 stages. The spike number, 1,000-grain weight, and water consumption increased progressively when irrigation time was delayed, whereas grain yield, grain number, dry matter, harvest, and WUE grew, then dropped, and peaked at L4. The increased grain number can be attributed to the L4's higher daily water consumption and water consumption percentage than the L3, L5, and L6 at the jointing-anthesis stages. L4 had a shorter cumulative period of soil drought stress (37 days), whereas L3, L5, and L6 had 40, 42, and 43 days, respectively. Furthermore, flag leaf senescence was postponed in L4 with a better post-anthesis leaf area index, photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll content, stronger superoxide dismutase activity, and reduced malondialdehyde concentration. As a result, single irrigation at the 4-leaf visible stage optimized water deficit and consumption before and after anthesis, resulting in higher yield and WUE in the NCP.
Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for specific and rapid detection of Dickeya fangzhongdai targeting a unique genomic region
Authors: DeLude Anuhea , Wells Riley , Boomla Sherine , Chuang Shu-Cheng , Urena Frank , Shipman Aaron , Rubas Noelle , Kuehu Donna Lee , Bickerton Buster , Peterson Taylor , Dobhal Shefali , Arizala Dario , Klair Diksha , Ochoa-Corona Francisco , Ali Md Emran , Odani Jenee , Bingham Jon-Paul , Jenkins Daniel , Fletcher Jacqueline , Stack James P. , Alvarez Anne M. , Arif Mohammad
Published: May 2022

Dickeya fangzhongdai, a bacterial pathogen of taro (Colocasia esculenta), onion (Allium sp.), and several species in the orchid family (Orchidaceae), causing soft rot and bleeding canker diseases. No field-deployable diagnostic tool is available for specific detection of this pathogen in different plant tissues. Therefore, we developed a field-deployable loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay using a unique genomic region, present exclusively in D. fangzhongdai. Multiple genomes of D. fangzhongdai, and other species of Dickeya, Pectobacterium and unrelated genera were used for comparative genomic analyses to identify an exclusive and conserved target sequence from the major facilitator superfamily (MFS) transporter gene region. This gene region had broad detection capability for D. fangzhongdai and thus was used to design primers for endpoint PCR and LAMP assays. In-silico validation showed high specificity with D. fangzhongdai genome sequences available in the NCBI GenBank genome database as well as the in-house sequenced genome. The specificity of the LAMP assay was determined with 96 strains that included all Dickeya species and Pectobacterium species as well as other closely related genera, and 5 hosts; no false positives or false negatives were detected. The detection limit of the assay was determined by performing four sensitivity assays with 10-fold serially diluted purified genomic DNA of D. fangzhongdai with and without the presence of crude host extract (taro, orchid, and onion). The detection limit for all sensitivity assays was 100 fg (18–20 genome copies) with no negative interference by host crude extracts. The assays were performed by five independent operators (blind test) and on three instruments (Rotor-Gene, thermocycler and dry bath); the assay results were concordant. The assay consistently detected the target pathogen from artificially inoculated and naturally infected host samples. The developed assay is highly specific for D. fangzhongdai and has applications in routine diagnostics, phytosanitary and seed certification programs, and epidemiological studies.
Replacement of biochar from waste for cement: mechanisms and eco-benefits
Authors: Zhenhong Wang , Chen Mouhui , Fang Hong , Peng Jianbing , Huang Qianbing , Li Pangen , He Xiaole , Yan Ting , Zhang Cong , Patil Amit , Estrela Antonio
Published: May 2022

Vastly municipal sludge and domestic garbage have caused seriously environmental problems. Effective methods to process the wastes have been developing but the expected results are not achieved. The biochar of straw, sawdust and livestock manure containing rich carbon can improve the mechanical properties of mortars and concretes, so is recommended to fractionally replace cement. However, it is unclear whether cement can be massively replaced by the low-carbon pyrolysis products from the sludge and garbage. Here, we found that the concentrations of SiO2, Al2O3 and Fe2O3 are higher in the pyrolysis products of the two wastes than cement and thus these oxides can react with the products, Ca(OH)2, of the secondary hydration of cement to generate the secondary ettringite and calcium-silicate-hydrat. This improves the mechanical properties of concrete and the concrete can still meet the request of construction engineering for the mechanical properties when 20% and 8% cement is replaced. Replacement at the ratios in the annually global preparation of concrete will innocuously treat all globally municipal sludge and 39% domestic garbage, decrease cement output by 1.148 billion tons, save 900 million tons standard coal, and sequestrate 1.98 Gt CO2 accounting for 5.5% global emission of CO2. The study clarifies scientific basis and eco-benefits for the pyrolysis products from two main wastes to globally replace cement.
Transit Closure costs from Sanctions or Sea Ice for the Northern Sea Route
Authors: Goldstein Michael , Lynch Amanda , Li Xueke , Norchi Charles
Published: May 2022

Decreased sea ice concentration due to climate change has dramatically increased shipping traffic on the Northern Sea Route (NSR). In recent years, NSR has become a shipping route of economic importance, with traffic equivalent to 1-2 days of traffic through the Suez Canal. Yet either sea ice or recent sanctions on Russia could close or shorten its use. Here we use results of 16 climate realizations and shipping routes to estimate the value of an NSR transit, and thus the cost when it is closed due to sea ice or sanctions on Russia. Either way, the closure of the NSR is expensive, with the costs borne by the global community through higher shipping costs, higher emissions, and loss of time. Using conservative estimates, costs throughout the system could be as high as $3.3 billion, with possible overall losses as high as $10 billion. Collectively, we show how the intersection of climate change and geopolitics causes heretofore unregistered effects. Ultimately, sanctions are as expensive as sea ice. These estimates can be used by future researchers to assess possible future cost savings as climate change continues to affect global transportation.
WITHDRAWN: Design and operation of continuous flow reactor systems with enhanced heat exchange for hydrogen production
Authors: Chen Junjie
Published: May 2022

Improvements in continuous flow steam reforming reactors would be highly beneficial to the production of hydrogen. The present study relates to a catalytic process of steam-methanol reforming for the production of hydrogen in a continuous flow heterogeneous reaction system. Computational fluid dynamics simulations are performed with respect to various factors pertaining to the continuous flow reactor system. The effects of the water to methanol mole ratio on reaction and transport processes are investigated in terms of efficiency and performance. Design recommendations are made to improve the overall hydrogen yield. The results indicated that the continuous flow reactor system provides sufficient residence time to provide the desired conversion, provide sufficient mass transfer rate of reactants and products on the surface of catalyst particles, and allow for conditions where heat is transferred effectively from all regions in the continuous flow reactor system. The water to methanol mole ratio is very important as it determines the methanol conversion, hydrogen yield, and comprehensive performance of the continuous flow reactor system. The performance of hydrogen production is controlled by mass transport and thermal transport through the reaction medium. Thermal uniformity is a primary concern. In addition to losses in selectivity and decreased product yield, poor thermal management can reduce the efficiency of the continuous flow reactor system.
Physiological DNA Damage Promotes Functional Polyploidization of Mammary Gland Alveolar Cells During Lactation
Authors: Molinuevo Rut , Menendez Julien , Ariqat Nabeela , Choy Marie Klaire , Lagousis Cayla , Thomas Gwen , Strietzel Catherine , Bubolz J. , Hinck Lindsay
Published: May 2022

Lactation insufficiency affects many women worldwide. During lactation, a large portion of mammary alveolar cells become polyploid, but how these cells couple the hyperproliferation occurring during normal lactogenesis with terminal differentiation is unknown. Here, we find DNA damage accumulates due to replication stress during pregnancy, activating the ATR-DNA damage response pathway. Modulation of DNA damage levels in vivo by intraductal injections of nucleosides or DNA damaging agents demonstrates that the degree of DNA damage accumulated during pregnancy governs endoreplication and milk production. We identify a mechanism involving early mitotic arrest through CDK1 inactivation, resulting in a heterogeneous alveolar population with regards to ploidy and nuclei number. The inactivation of CDK1 is mediated by the DNA damage response kinase WEE1 with heterozygous loss of Wee1 resulting in decreased endoreplication and milk production. Thus, we propose the DNA damage response to replication stress couples proliferation and endoreplication during mammary gland alveologenesis. Our study sheds light on mechanisms governing lactogenesis and provides non-hormonal means for increasing milk production.
Prognostic Significance of Tumor Budding in Patients with Pancreatic Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Who Received Neoadjuvant Therapy
Authors: Ibuki Emi , Kadota Kyuichi , Kimura Nachino , Ishikawa Ryou , Oshima Minoru , Okano Keiichi , Haba Reiji
Published: May 2022

Background/Objectives: Neoadjuvant therapy is commonly used for invasive pancreatic ductal carcinoma (PDAC). Tumor budding and high podoplanin expression in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are prognostic factors in patients with various carcinomas, including PDAC, who have not received neoadjuvant therapy. In this study, we investigated whether tumor budding and podoplanin-positive CAFs are associated with outcomes in Japanese PDAC patients with neoadjuvant therapy. Methods: Histopathological findings of surgically resected PDACs with neoadjuvant therapy were reviewed (2005–2018; n=97). In accordance with International Tumor Budding Consensus Conference recommendations, tumors were evaluated for budding at 20× magnification (/0.785 mm2), and at 40× magnification (/0.237 mm2; mean number of fields: 3) for podoplanin expression in CAFs (%). Disease-specific survival (DSS) and disease-free survival were analyzed using the log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards model. Results: After adjusting for T category, N category, resection margin, and adjuvant therapy, multivariate analysis showed tumor budding at 40× magnification was an independent prognostic factor for worse DSS (hazard ratio: 2.41, p=0.022). Tumor budding at 20× magnification and podoplanin-positive CAFs tended to be associated with worse DSS; however, these were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that tumor budding is an independent prognostic factor in PDAC patients with neoadjuvant therapy.
WITHDRAWN: Effect of inlet velocity on the combustion characteristics of a methane-air mixture in a millimeter-scale system with cavity flame stabilization
Authors: Chen Junjie
Published: May 2022

In conventional lean-premixed combustion, cavities would typically be used to stabilize a flame in the operation of a burner. However, the precise mechanism underlying the stabilizing effect of the cavity method remains unclear. This study relates to the combustion characteristics of a millimeter-scale system with cavity flame stabilization. Numerical simulations are conducted to gain insights into burner performance such as temperatures, reaction rates, species concentrations, and flames. The effect of inlet velocity on flame stability is investigated. The factors affecting combustion characteristics and flame stability are determined. Design recommendations are provided. The results indicate that the combustion is stabilized by recirculation of hot combustion products induced by the cavity structure. The inlet velocity of the mixture is a critical factor in assuring flame stability within the millimeter-scale combustion system. There is a narrow range of inlet velocities that permit sustained combustion within the millimeter-scale combustion system. Fast flows can cause blowout and slow flows can cause extinction. There exists an optimum inlet velocity for greatest flame stability. When a cavity is used, the flame is anchored because the swirler induces recirculation of hot combustion products within the millimeter-scale combustion system. The recirculating, hot combustion products continuously contact and ignite the incoming fuel-air mixture, thereby anchoring the flame in the vicinity of the recirculation region.