bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ground movements induced by shield tunnelling in sand layers, Ho Chi Minh City mass rapid transit Line 1
Authors: Giao Pham Huy , Hieu Nguyen Trung , Phien‐Wej Noppadol
Published: June 2023

The EPB shield tunnelling for mass rapid transit (MRT) Line 1 of Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is the first tunnel excavation in Vietnam to use a tunnel boring machine (TBM). A comprehensive instrumentation programme was developed for safety control and to obtain a better understanding of the characteristics of induced ground movement and the forecasts. The observed ground surface settlement is summarized and interpreted with respect to the tunnelling operation parameters. The settlement trough is compared with the forecast data by applying the empirical Gaussian function and numerical 2D finite‐element analysis (FEA). The trough width parameter in the city's sandy subsoil is determined. The relation between the volume loss of the ground surface and that of the tunnel (contraction ratio) is identified. The result of the investigation is useful for future shield tunnel projects in HCMC and elsewhere in Vietnam.
Solving problem of encountering a huge cavern in a TBM drive for water diversion tunnel project in Northern Thailand
Authors: Harnpattanapanich Thanu , Phienwej Noppadol , Rodploy Jitaphol , Monthanopparat Nantapol , Tanomtin Chawalit , Kongdang Koson
Published: June 2023

A huge cavern in a zone of thrusted and sheared clastic sedimentary rocks was encountered during drill and blast (D&B) and tunnel boring machine (TBM) excavation of water transfer tunnel in Thailand. The cavern floor made of thick and loose pile of fallen rock blocks hampered the advance of the TBM through it. Because the size of the cavern was large (50 m × 40 m) and the extent of the thickness of the pile of rock blocks could not be precisely determined, the adopted ramification was to solidify a zone of loose rock fragments around the tunnel alignment. This measure is to allow a safe TBM excavation passing the cavern and ensure the long‐term function of the segmented concrete‐lined tunnel to convey water without problem of loss from subsidence damage. The scheme of the solidification consisted of staged grouting that began with polyurethane (PU) foam grouting to form a bottom barrier of the intended cement grout zone. It was followed large void filling by flowable concrete and then cement injection for the remaining smaller voids. The work that took 8 months to complete started with the excavation of a bypass adit to the front of TBM cutterhead as an access to the cavern and the installation of dewatering and ventilation systems to the cavern so that the grouting work could be made.
Challenges in design and construction of Bangkok MRT Orange Line project
Authors: Kitiyodom Pastsakorn , Wiriyatharakij Woraphon , Asanprakit Auttakit , Yamchoo Anucha
Published: June 2023

The MRT Orange Line construction works in Bangkok are more complicated than works in earlier projects. As the tunnel alignment passes through the congested urban areas in the city, it either clashes with or passes beneath several existing structures. Underpinning works are then required. Assessment of movement of ground and structure plays an important role in the project. The rebound of piezometric pressure in sand layers that is being developed poses a major point of difficulty in the excavation and underground structure design and construction. Groundwater control measures become a crucial issue in MRT Orange Line project that leads to difficulties in deep MRT station excavations. To control base instability, various methods (e.g., cut‐off wall, staged excavation) are introduced and presented in this article.
Too smart to work hard? Investigating why overqualified employees engage in time theft behaviors
Authors: Zhao Sijia , Ma Chao
Published: June 2023

Integrating the theory of workplace deviance with person–environment fit theory, we propose a two‐pathway model to explain why and how employees who feel overqualified engage in time theft behavior. Specifically, we anticipate that feeling overqualified will negatively influence focal employees' experienced authority fairness and erode their work meaningfulness, which in turn will lead to increased time theft behavior. Further, we argue that voice endorsement serves as a key boundary condition mitigating the negative effects of perceived overqualification. We conducted two multi‐waved and multi‐sourced field studies to test our proposed hypotheses. Study 1 (247 employees and 47 supervisors) revealed that perceived overqualification is associated with time theft behavior through the mediators of experienced authority fairness and meaningfulness. Study 2 (405 employees and 73 supervisors) replicated the findings of Study 1 and tested our full model. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our findings.
Variation in prescribing for the prevention of postoperative nausea, vomiting, and pain following abdominal surgery: A retrospective study
Authors: Kelly Sarah M. , Quenby Miranda , Corcoran Tomás B , Webb Steven , Cohen Paul A.
Published: June 2023

Background and Aims

Adequate postoperative analgesia and prevention of post‐op nausea and vomiting (PONV) are core components of modern day anaesthesia and peri‐operative care. As well as contributing to overall morbidity, postoperative pain and PONV are frequently cited as one of the most unpleasant and distressing aspects of surgery for patients. Variation in healthcare delivery is known to exist but has often been poorly described. A first step to understanding the consequences of variation is to describe the extent of variation. We aimed to assess variation in pharmacological strategies to prevent postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing elective major abdominal surgery at a tertiary hospital in Perth, Western Australia, over a three‐month period.

Methods

Retrospective cross‐sectional study.

Results

We observed considerable variation in prescribing of postoperative analgesia and PONV prophylaxis and suggest that despite adequate evidence based guidelines, they are often overlooked in practice.

Conclusion

Measurement of the consequences of variation requires randomised clinical trials that evaluate differences in outcome and cost, associated with the strategies that exist within the spectrum of variation.
Heat and mass transfer effects on fluid past an exponentially accelerated vertical plate due to time‐fractional MHD‐free convection
Authors: Vanav Kumar A. , Jino L. , Jacob Ashwin , Doley Swapnali , Pegu Jhandesh
Published: June 2023

This article focuses on the study of heat and mass transfer (HMT) fluid flow over an exponentially accelerated vertical plate, which is subjected to an applied magnetic field and viscous dissipation. The research has applications in various manufacturing processes such as wire/fiber drawing, hot rolling, continuous casting, and hot extrusion, where heat transfer to the ambient medium and the hot moving material are of utmost importance. The findings could also be relevant to aerospace engineering applications. The study investigates the time‐fractional natural convection phenomenon and utilizes conservation laws to derive the flow guiding equations, which are then made nondimensional. Finite difference discretization is utilized to solve the dimensionless equations implicitly. Then the flow simulation results such as concentration, temperature, and velocity profiles are discussed based on the variation in parameters such as Prandtl number (), thermal/mass Grashof number (), Eckert number (), magnetic parameter (), time‐fractional order (), and Schmidt number . Also, the HMT rate is depicted using the Nusselt number and skin friction plots. It is noted that HMT increases when increases and decreases. The change in time‐fractional order affects the velocity profiles adjacent to the wall and is more significant in the case of lower values of the Prandtl number.
Cord blood antibodies following BBIBP‐CorV (Sinopharm) vaccination during pregnancy
Authors: Hantoushzadeh Sedigheh , Eshraghi Nasim , Younesi Sarang , Salehi Mohammadreza , Rezaei Nima , Hasheminejad Mohammad Mehdi , Rashidian Pegah , Shirdel Saeedeh , Asadi Fatemeh , Ghaemi Marjan
Published: June 2023

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the maternal and umbilical cord blood antibody levels, after COVID vaccination during pregnancy.

Method

The women who received the COVID‐19 vaccine (Sinopharm) during pregnancy were included. Maternal and cord blood samples were tested to detect the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 receptor binding domain (RBD) specific antibodies. In addition, obstetric information and side effects after vaccination were gathered.

Result

A total of 23 women were included. Eleven pregnant women took two doses and 12 cases received a single dose of the vaccine. No IgM antibody was detected in any maternal blood or cord blood samples. The RBD‐specific Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody was positive in mothers receiving 2 doses of the vaccine and their infants. But the antibody titers were under the positive cut‐off threshold for the other 12 women who were vaccinated with a single dose. Women who received both doses of vaccine had significantly higher IgG levels than a single dose of Sinopharm (p = .025). The same result was demonstrated in infants born to these mothers (p = .019).

Conclusion

There was a significant correlation between maternal and neonatal IgG concentrations. Although, receiving both doses of the BBIBP‐CorV vaccine (not 1 dose) during pregnancy is highly beneficial for increasing humoral immunity for the mother and fetus.
Case report: Successful treatment of anti‐MDA5‐positive to negative dermatomyositis‐associated interstitial lung disease with the JAK inhibitor tofacitinib
Authors: Jiang Zong , Yao Xiaoling , Tang Fang , Ma Wukai
Published: June 2023

Objective

Anti‐MDA5 antibody‐positive dermatomyositis (DM) is a rare clinical autoimmune disease, and anti‐MDA5‐positive DM with interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the most important cause of death in DM patients. We reported the efficacy of the JAK1/3 inhibitor tofacitinib as an anti‐MDA5‐negative treatment option for patients with anti‐MDA5‐positive DM‐ILD.

Method and process

Here we report a 51‐year‐old female patient with cough, sputum, shortness of breath for 5 months, rash for 3 months, and muscle pain in the extremities for 1 month. After conventional immunosuppressive therapy plus hormone therapy, the remission was slow. Methylprednisolone was successfully reduced after we administered tofacitinib and tacrolimus. After 132 weeks of follow‐up, anti‐MDA5 antibody turned negative, clinical symptoms were relieved, and lung Imaging tests were successfully reversed.

Results and Conclusion

There is currently no report of tofacitinib supplement therapy for anti‐MDA5 positive to negative DM. With this case report, tofacitinib is an option for the treatment of anti‐MDA5‐positive DM‐ILD, which deserves attention.
Acceptance, availability, and feasibility of RTS, S/AS01 malaria vaccine: A review
Authors: Mumtaz Hassan , Nadeem Abdullah , Bilal Wajeeha , Ansar Farrukh , Saleem Saira , Khan Qaisar Ali , Tango Tamara , Farkouh Christopher , Belay Naod F. , Verma Ravina , Farkouh Matthew , Saqib Muhammad
Published: June 2023

Introduction

In malaria‐stricken regions, malaria continues to be one of the primary causes of mortality for children. The number of malaria‐related fatalities has drastically decreased because of artemisinin‐based pharmacological regimens.

Methods

Two independent researchers did a comprehensive literature search using PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar from its inception to September 2022.

Results

After evaluating RTS, S/AS01 for its safety, effectiveness, and feasibility, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) issued a favorable conclusion. It was suggested that the RTS, S malaria vaccine be used extensively by the World Health Organization on October 6, 2021. The successful pilot program testing the malaria vaccine in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi served as the basis for this proposal.

Conclusion

Several challenges need to be addressed to ensure the success of vaccination programs. From the acceptability perspective, issues such as inadequate community engagement, concerns about side effects, and issues with the delivery and quality of healthcare services can affect the acceptance of the vaccine. From the feasibility standpoint, factors such as lack of transportation or long distances to healthcare facilities and the perception of completion of the vaccination calendar can affect the feasibility of the vaccine. Lastly, the availability of the vaccine is also a major concern as it may not be readily available to meet the demands.
Epimedium sagittatum Maxim ameliorates adriamycin‐induced nephropathy by restraining inflammation and apoptosis via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Ru , Zeng Mengnan , Zhang Beibei , Zhang Qinqin , Xie Shuangshuang , Hu Yingbo , Fan Ruyi , Wang Mengya , Yu Xiao , Zhang Yuhan , Zheng Xiaoke , Feng Weisheng
Published: June 2023

Background

Modern pharmacological studies show that Epimedium sagittatum Maxim (EPI) has antioxidant, antiapoptotic, anti‐inflammatory effects. However, the effects of EPI on adriamycin‐induced nephropathy are unclear.

Aim

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of EPI on adriamycin‐induced nephropathy in rats.

Methods

The chemical composition of EPI was detected by high performance liquid chromatography. Network pharmacology was used to collect the effects of EPI on adriamycin nephropathy; renal histological changes, podocyte injury, inflammatory factors, oxidative stress levels, apoptosis levels, and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway were examined. Moreover, analyze the effects of icariin (the representative component of EPI) on adriamycin‐induced apoptosis and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway of NRK‐52e cells.

Results

Network pharmacological results suggested that EPI may ameliorate adriamycin‐induced nephropathy by inhibiting inflammatory response and regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. The experimental results showed that EPI could improve pathological injury, renal function, podocyte injury, and inhibit inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis in adriamycin‐induced nephropathy rats through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Furthermore, icariin inhibited adriamycin‐induced mitochondrial apoptosis in NRK‐52e cells.

Conclusion

This study suggested that EPI ameliorates adriamycin‐induced nephropathy by reducing inflammation and apoptosis through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, icariin may be the pharmacodynamic substance basis for this effect.
Long noncoding RNA00324 is involved in the inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis by targeting miR‐10a‐5p via the NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Xie Binbin , Lin Faquan , Bao Wei , Zhang Yangyang , Liu Yi , Li Xiaohui , Hou Wei , Zeng Qiyan
Published: June 2023

Background

Altered expressions of genes in immune cells and synovial tissues are involved in the pathology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Long noncoding RNAs act as competing endogenous RNAs and can cause immune disorders. The goal of this study was to reveal the association between noncoding RNA linc00324 and RA, and a plausible action mechanism was proposed.

Methods

RT‐qPCR was used to evaluate the expression of linc00324 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from 50 RA patients and 50 healthy controls, and the correlations between linc00324 level and the clinical indicators were analyzed. Flow cytometry was used to characterize CD4+ T cells. The effects of linc00324 on cytokine production and cell proliferation of CD4+ T cells were evaluated by ELISA assay and Western blot. The interaction between linc00324 and miR‐10a‐5p was investigated by RNA immunoprecipitation and dual‐luciferase assays.

Results

The linc00324 expression was significantly enhanced in RA patients, and linc00324 expression was positively correlated with rheumatoid factor and CD4+ T cells. Overexpression of linc00324 promoted CD4+ T cells proliferation, and enhanced chemokine MIP‐1α secretion and NF‐κB phosphorylation level, whereas knockout of linc00324 blocked CD4+ T cell proliferation and NF‐κB phosphorylation. Overexpression of miR‐10a‐5p led to the decrease of CD4+ T cells proliferation and NF‐κB phosphorylation, and reversed the effects of linc00324 on cell proliferation and NF‐κB activity.

Conclusion

Linc00324 was upregulated in RA and may exaggerate inflammation by targeting miR‐10a‐5p through NF‐κB signaling pathway.
The effect of oral probiotics on CD4 count in patients with HIV infection undergoing treatment with ART who have had an immunological failure
Authors: Mortezazadeh Masoud , Kalantari Saeed , Abolghasemi Nooshin , Ranjbar Mitra , Ebrahimi Saeedeh , Mofidi Abbas , Pezeshkpour Babak , Mansouri Ensieh Sadat , Tabatabaei Seyed Zia , Kashani Mehdi
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in appropriate colonies, can delay the destruction of the immune system and contribute to the maintenance of immunity in HIV patients. Probiotics play an important role in stimulating natural killer T cells, strengthening the functional gut barrier, and reducing systemic inflammation.

Methods

This study was a randomized double‐blind clinical trial involving 30 patients treated with antiretroviral therapy who had experienced immunological failure despite HIV viral suppression. Patients were divided into two equal groups of 15, group (B) received two probiotic capsules daily with a colony count of 10⁹ CFU per capsule containing seven strains, after 3 months they were examined for CD4+ counts by flow cytometry, and after a 1‐month washout period the participants who had received probiotics were switched to placebo, and the participants who had received placebo were given probiotics for 3 months, and they were examined for CD4+ counts 7 months after the start of the study.

Results

In the first group (A), administration of the placebo resulted in a decrease in CD4 count in the first 3 months (from 202.21 to 181.79, p value < .001), which may be due to the natural history of the disease. After probiotics administration, CD4 count increased significantly (from 181.79 to 243.86, p value < .001). Overall, after 7 months of study, there was a significant increase in the mean CD count from 202.21 to 243.86 (p value < .001). In the second group (B), the administration of probiotics in the first 3 months of the study resulted in a significant increase in the mean CD4 count (from 126.45 to 175.73, p value < .001). Termination of treatment with probiotics resulted in a significant decrease (from 175.73 to 138.9, p value < .001) but overall the CD4 count at the end of the study was significantly higher than at baseline (p value < .001).
Prevalence and complication of COVID‐19 in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and its relationship with TNF‐a inhibitors
Authors: Movassaghi Shafieh , SeyedAlinaghi SeyedAhmad , Rostamian Abdolrahman , Najafizadeh Seyed Reza , Nezhadseifi Elham
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a condition that is treated with nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and biological drugs such as anti tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α). This study examined the prevalence of COVID‐19 among individuals with AS and compare it between those receiving and not receiving TNF‐α inhibitors.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted at the rheumatology clinic of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran, Iran. The study included patients with AS who sought treatment at the clinic. Demographic information, laboratory and radiographic findings, and disease activity were recorded through interviews and examinations using a questionnaire.

Results

A total of 40 patients were studied over the course of 1 year. Among them, 31 patients were administered anti‐TNF‐α drugs, with 15 patients (48.3%) receiving subcutaneous Altebrel (Etanercept), 3 patients (9.6%) receiving intravenous Infliximab, and 13 patients (41.9%) receiving subcutaneous Cinnora (Adalimumab). Of the total, 7 patients (17.5%) tested positive for COVID‐19, 1 of whom was confirmed through both CT scan and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, while the remaining 6 patients were confirmed only through PCR testing. All patients tested positive for COVID‐19 were male, and 6 of them had received Altebrel. Among the 9 AS patients who did not receive TNF inhibitors, 1 patient contracted SARS‐CoV‐2. The clinical symptoms experienced by these patients were mild, and hospitalization was not required. However, 1 patient who had insulin‐dependent type 1 diabetes and was receiving Infliximab required hospitalization. This patient exhibited more severe COVID‐19 symptoms, including high fever, pulmonary involvement, dyspnea, and decreased oxygen saturation. No cases of COVID‐19 were reported in the Cinnora treatment group. The use of any of the drugs did not demonstrate a significant relationship with the occurrence of COVID‐19 in patients.

Conclusions

The use of the TNF‐α inhibitors in patients with AS, may be associated with reduced hospitalization and death rate in COVID‐19 cases.
The trichotomy of HER2 expression confers new insights into the understanding and managing for breast cancer stratified by HER2 status
Authors: Jiang Mingxia , Liu Jiaxuan , Li Qiao , Xu Binghe
Published: June 2023

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a tyrosine kinase receptor that plays a carcinogenic role in breast cancer (BC) through gene amplification, mutation, or overexpression. Traditional methods of HER2 detection were divided into positive (immunohistochemistry (IHC) 3+/fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) amplification) and negative (IHC 2+/FISH−, IHC 1+, IHC 0) according to the dichotomy method. Anti‐HER2‐targeted therapies, such as trastuzumab and pertuzumab, have significantly improved the prognosis of HER2‐positive patients. However, up to 75% to 85% of patients remain HER2‐negative. In recent years, with the rapid development of molecular biology, gene detection technology, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, researchers have actively explored the clinicopathological characteristics, molecular biological characteristics, treatment methods, and HER2 detection methods of HER2‐low/zero breast cancer. With the clinical efficacy of new anti‐HER2 targeted drugs, accurate classification of breast cancer is very important for the treatment choice. Therefore, the following review summarizes the necessity of developing HER2 detection methods, and the clinicopathological and drug treatment characteristics of patients with HER2‐low/zero, to light the dawn of the treatment of breast cancer patients with HER2‐low/zero expression.
Time moving or ego moving? How time metaphors influence perceived temporal distance
Authors: Xu Xiaobing , Jia Miaolei , Chen Rong
Published: June 2023

Consumers often use spatial metaphors to describe time. Through six studies, the present research demonstrates that time metaphors influence consumers' perceptions of the temporal distance to future events. Specifically, an ego‐moving metaphor, which characterizes the movement of the self across a timeline from present to future, leads consumers to perceive a target event as more temporally distant than a time‐moving metaphor that illustrates the movement of the event from future to present. This time metaphor distance effect arises because the ego‐moving (vs. time‐moving) metaphor hinders psychological arousal and thus makes the events seem more temporally distant. We also demonstrate a downstream consequence of this effect: by lengthening the perceived temporal distance, the ego‐moving (vs. time‐moving) metaphor leads to greater consumer impatience in a waiting context.
Association between family caregivers' primary care experience when they report as patients and their stress related to caregiving: A pilot cross‐sectional study
Authors: Nakayama Gen , Masumoto Shoichi , Haruta Junji , Maeno Tetsuhiro
Published: June 2023

Background

Few studies have examined whether family caregivers' own primary care providers can affect caregiving‐specific well‐being, such as caregiver stress. In this pilot study, we explored whether primary care experiences when family caregivers report as patients were associated with the stress of caregiving.

Methods

We used cross‐sectional data from a survey conducted in Japan between November and December 2020. We recruited family caregivers aged 40–74 years who were caring for community‐dwelling adults with chronic conditions. We assessed primary care experience using the Japanese version of the Primary Care Assessment Tool Short Form (JPCAT‐SF) and caregiver stress using the Japanese short version of the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview.

Results

In total, 406 family caregivers were included in the analysis. The mean JPCAT‐SF total score was 42.1 out of 100 points. The proportion of caregivers who had higher caregiver stress was 48.8%. After adjusting for possible confounders, the JPCAT‐SF score was found to be significantly associated with caregiver stress (lower stress = 0 vs. higher stress = 1; adjusted prevalence ratio per 1 SD increase in JPCAT‐SF score = 0.89; 95% CI 0.80–0.98). Among the subscales of the JPCAT‐SF, longitudinality, and comprehensiveness (services available) were associated with caregiver stress.

Conclusions

Better primary care experiences when family caregivers reported as patients were associated with lower caregiver stress. Longitudinality, which includes focusing attention on the individual as a whole person, and comprehensiveness in the context of building provider‐patient relationships that make consultation easier when needed, were associated with lower stress.
Transcranial direct current stimulation alleviates nociceptive behavior in male rats with neuropathic pain by regulating oxidative stress and reducing neuroinflammation
Authors: Akcay Guven , Nemutlu Samur Dilara , Derin Narin
Published: June 2023

Transcranial direct curent stimulation (tDCS) and trans‐spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) are promising therapies for pain that can alter the excitability of neuronal activity in cerebral cortex. The aim of the study is to investigate the therapeutic effects of direct current stimulation (DCS) over the spinal cord and cerebral cortex on oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in rats with chronic constriction injury (CCI). Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four experimental groups: Sham, CCI, CCI + tDCS and CCI + tsDCS. The neuropathic pain model was induced by using the CCI model. Rats with neuropathy were treated with cathodal tDCS and tsDCS stimulations consisting of 0.5 mA for 30 min a day for 7 days from day 8 onwards. Locomotor activity was measured by open‐field test and nociceptive behavior was assessed by hot‐plate, tail‐flick and Randall–Selitto tests. Following the behavioral experiments, total oxidant capacity (TOC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and proinflammatory cytokine levels were evaluated in spinal cord and cerebral cortex tissues. The CCI model induced significant mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia. Nociceptive behaviors in rats with CCI were reversed by DCS treatment. Higher TOC and lower TAC levels were detected in the spinal cord and cerebral cortex tissues of the CCI rats compared to the control. tsDCS treatment amended oxidant/antioxidant status. Moreover, tsDCS modulated the central levels of Tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin 1‐beta (IL‐1β), IL‐6 and IL‐18. tsDCS stimulation showed better therapeutic effect on neuropathic pain by regulating oxidant/antioxidant levels and reducing neuroinflammation. DCS, especially at spinal level, may be a promising therapeutic strategy that can be used alone or in combination with other effective treatments for alleviating neuropathic pain.
Efficacy of intra‐articular injections of hyaluronic acid in patients with glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Familiari Filippo , Ammendolia Antonio , Rupp Marco‐Christopher , Russo Raffaella , Pujia Arturo , Montalcini Tiziana , Marotta Nicola , Mercurio Michele , Galasso Olimpio , Millett Peter J. , Gasparini Giorgio , de Sire Alessandro
Published: June 2023

Symptomatic primary glenohumeral (GH) joint osteoarthritis (OA) can be challenging to treat. Hyaluronic acid (HA) has emerged as a promising treatment for the nonsurgical management of GH‐OA. In this systematic review with meta‐analysis, we aimed to evaluate the current evidence regarding the efficacy of intra‐articular HA on pain relief in patients suffering from GH‐OA. A total of 15 studies (only randomized controlled trials providing data at the end of the intervention) were included. The relevant studies were selected based on the following PICO model: P: patients with diagnosis of shoulder OA; I: HA infiltrations as therapeutic intervention administered; C: no restriction for comparators assessed; O: pain, in terms of visual analog scale (VAS) or numeric rating scale. The risk of bias among the included studies was estimated using the PEDro scale. A total of 1023 subjects were analyzed. Comparing HA injections combined with physical therapy (PT) compared to PT alone resulted in superior scores, showing an overall effect size (ES) of 4.43 (p = 0.00006). Moreover, pooled analysis of VAS pain scores demonstrated a significant improvement in the ES of the HA in comparison with corticosteroid injections (p = 0.002). On average, we reported a PEDro score of 7.2. A total of 46.7% of studies showed probable signs of a randomization bias. The findings of this systematic review and meta‐analysis showed that IA injections of HA might be effective on pain relief with significant improvements compared to baseline and compared to corticosteroid injections in patients affected by GH‐OA.
Association between GLIM‐defined malnutrition and hospitalizations in kidney transplant candidates: A post hoc analysis of a cohort study
Authors: Dávalos‐Yerovi Vanesa , Pérez‐Sáez Maria José , Faura‐Vendrell Anna , Muns‐Cornellas Maria Dolors , Duran Xavier , Sánchez‐Rodríguez Dolores , Pascual Julio , Marco Ester ,   the FRAILMar Study Group
Published: June 2023

Background

Malnutrition is frequent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and has a negative impact on morbidity, mortality, and quality of life. The objective of this study was to assess the value of the Global Leadership Initiative for Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria to predict hospitalizations and mortality in candidates to kidney transplant during their first year on the waiting list.

Methods

This was a post hoc analysis of 368 patients with advanced CKD. The main study variables were malnutrition, according to the GLIM criteria; number of hospital admissions during the first year on the waiting list; and mortality at the end of follow‐up. Kaplan‐Meier survival curves and binary logistic regression were performed, adjusting for age, frailty status, handgrip strength, and Charlson Index as potential confounders.

Results

The prevalence of malnutrition was 32.6%. Malnutrition was associated with increased risk of hospitalizations during the first year on the waiting list (odds ratio [OR] = 3.33 [95% CI = 1.34–8.26]), which persisted after adjustment for age and frailty status (adjusted OR = 3.61 [95% CI = 1.38–10.7]), age and handgrip strength (adjusted OR = 3.39 [95% CI = 1.3–8.85]), and age and Charlson Index (adjusted OR = 3.25 [95% CI = 1.29–8.13]).

Conclusion

Malnutrition according to the GLIM criteria was highly prevalent in patients with CKD and was associated with a threefold increased risk of hospitalizations during the first year on the waiting list; these associations remained significant after adjusting for age, frailty status, handgrip strength, and comorbidities.
Optimization of caseinolytic and coagulating activities of Solanum tuberosum rennets for cheese making
Authors: Tito Florencia R , Pepe Alfonso , Tonón Claudia V , Daleo Gustavo R , Guevara María G
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND

In recent years, the rising global demand for cheese, the high cost and limited supply of calf rennet, and consumer choices have increased research into new alternatives to animal or recombinant chymosins for cheese making. Plant proteases with caseinolytic activity (CA) and milk‐clotting activity (MCA) have been proposed as alternatives for milk clotting to obtain artisanal cheeses with new organoleptic properties. They have been named vegetable rennets (vrennets). The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of two Solanum tuberosum aspartic proteases (StAP1 and StAP3) as vrennets for cheese making and to obtain a statistical model that could predict and optimize their enzymatic activity.

RESULTS

To optimize the CA and MCA activities, a response surface methodology was used. Maximum values of CA and MCA for both enzymes were found at pH 5.0 and 30–35 °C. Analysis of the degradation of casein subunits showed that it is possible to tune the specificity of both enzymes by changing the pH. At pH 6.5, the αS‐ and β‐ subunit degradation is reduced while conserving a significant MCA.

CONCLUSION

The statistical models obtained in this work showed that StAP1 and StAP3 exert CA and MCA under pH and temperature conditions compatible with those used for cheese making. The casein subunit degradation percentages obtained also allowed us to select the best conditions for the degradation of the κ‐casein subunit by StAPs. These results suggest that StAP1 and StAP3 are good candidates as vrennets for artisan cheese making. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Trainees Associated with Improved Wait Times and Patient Satisfaction in a Multidisciplinary Clinic
Authors: Yousef Andrew , Lauthen David , Ramsey Celia , Zhang Xinlian , Athas Jayna , Jenusaitis Matthew , Califano Joseph
Published: June 2023

Objective

To determine variables associated with longer wait times and decreased patient satisfaction. To determine the association of trainees with clinic wait times and patient satisfaction scores in an academic center.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

We recruited 266 study participants from an interdisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer outpatient clinic setting. Trained observers recorded observations related to wait times, time with individual health care practitioners, and total time spent in clinic. An 11‐question survey was given to patients at the end of their visit assessing each patient's satisfaction with their visit, subjective wait time, and their likelihood to recommend the health care provider.

Results

Increased objective wait times were associated with new patients (p = 0.006) and based on the physician they saw (p < 0.001). Patients who saw a trainee spent less time waiting to see a physician (p = 0.023), more total time with a physician (p = 0.001), and reported higher wait time satisfaction scores (p = 0.001). There was no difference in total visit time if patients saw a trainee (p = 0.42). Patient satisfaction with wait time was correlated with all other aspects of patient satisfaction (p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, the subjective wait time was associated with the likelihood to recommend (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Prolonged objective wait times in a multidisciplinary oncology outpatient setting were associated with several factors including specific physicians and new patient status. Trainee interaction with patients led to shorter wait times and improved patient satisfaction scores with wait times. Satisfaction with wait time was positively correlated with all aspects of patient satisfaction and ‘likelihood to recommend' scores.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 134:178–184, 2024
Moss establishment in restoration: The role of moss production method and short‐term benefits of abscisic acid
Authors: Bowker Matthew A. , Doherty Kyle D. , Grover Henry S. , Antoninka Anita J. , Durham Rebecca A. , Ramsey Philip
Published: June 2023

Mosses may be useful in ecological restoration activities but are excluded from most native plant materials programs. Recent efforts have attempted to propagate mosses in controlled environments for deployment to boost the recovery of degraded field sites. Field re‐entry and establishment have proven challenging, possibly because the moss materials are not field‐ready. We compared the field establishment rates of mosses of the same species propagated using three methodologies carried out either in greenhouses or outdoors. In an attempt to chemically boost field‐readiness, we amended each with either sucrose, an osmoprotectant, or abscisic acid, a stress response phytohormone, or neither. Mosses grown outdoors with only one initial fall irrigation event lost at least 30% less cover than outdoor‐grown moss that was irrigated in spring and moss tissue grown in a fog chamber inside of a greenhouse. The addition of abscisic acid also induced a subtle difference, leading to about 10% less cover loss compared to controls. Ultimately, all treatments declined to only trace level moss cover at most after 3 years. From these results, we put forward the working hypothesis that growing methodologies more similar to field conditions and exposing mosses to environmental fluctuations are more likely to produce field‐ready moss materials. Abscisic acid addition is promising as a way to delay the mortality of mosses introduced into a desiccating environment. To translate short‐term relative differences to long‐term success, these practices may need to be combined with techniques that reduce the stress experienced in the field.
Prolific nitrite reoxidation across the Eastern Tropical North Pacific Ocean
Authors: Evans Natalya , Tichota Juliana , Moffett James W. , Devol Allan H.
Published: June 2023

Nitrite is a key intermediate during fixed nitrogen loss in the ocean, and it accumulates within marine Oxygen Deficient Zones (ODZ). ODZs are vast subsurface regions where nitrate is the dominant electron acceptor, and these regions host approximately 50% of the fixed nitrogen loss in the world's oceans. Nitrite accumulates in these waters, and recent research has discovered substantial reoxidation of nitrite back to nitrate, a significant process in the global nitrogen cycle. Partitioning between reduction and oxidation determines if marine fixed nitrogen is lost or recycled. Investigations into nitrite oxidation typically rely on results from incubations, which limits the spatiotemporal sampling coverage. Using basin‐scale data, we analyzed the ratios of nutrient regeneration within the three water masses that feed the Eastern Tropical North Pacific (ETNP) ODZ. Deviations in the ratios of nutrient regeneration from Redfield stoichiometry indicated prolific nitrite reoxidation across this region. We estimate that 79 ± 7% of the nitrite produced in the ODZ between the 26.2 and 26.4 kg m−3 isopycnals is reoxidized, whereas 54 ± 2% of the nitrite produced between the 26.7 and 26.9 kg m−3 isopycnals is reoxidized. Our analysis also illustrates discrete “metabolic switching points” from primarily aerobic to primary anaerobic processes, which occur in each water mass. We applied water mass analysis to repeat cruises on the WOCE P18 line from Baja California to 10°N, which revealed high spatiotemporal variability in nitrite reoxidation. These results confirm previous measurements of significant fixed nitrogen recycling across the ETNP; however, our analysis enables high‐resolution estimates of this process.
Photoluminescence Enhancement of InSe by Coupling with Circular Bragg Grating
Authors: Liu Yong , Zhong Qianqian , Liang Delang , Jiang Qi , Shuai Qin , Yang Xin , Yi Xiao , Sun Xingxia , Sun Ronghuan , Zhong Yangguang , Ge Cuihuan , Tan Qin , Luo Ziyu , Chen Shula , Pan Anlian
Published: June 2023

Indium selenide (InSe) has attracted tremendous research interest due to its excellent optical and electronic properties. The direct bandgap of bulk InSe promises efficient carrier recombination in the near‐infrared (NIR) spectral range, holding great potential for NIR‐based optoelectronic device applications. However, the lowest energy transition in InSe involves out‐of‐plane optical dipoles, with resulting photoluminescence (PL) transmitted mainly along the layer plane. This limits both optical excitation and detection efficiency along the surface normal for practical device operation. To circumvent this issue, here, bulk InSe flake is coupled with circular Bragg grating (CBG) fabricated on silicon substrate by focused ion beam milling. A maximal 60‐fold PL enhancement is achieved, with Purcell effect‐facilitated carrier recombination and improved light out‐coupling via CBG contributing jointly. The same device architecture is further demonstrated to boost the second harmonic generation by a factor of 34. The results provide an effective way to enhance the optical performance of III–VI layered nanomaterials for both linear and nonlinear optoelectronic device applications.
Investigation of structural, electrical and tribological properties of duplex surface treated and aged Cu−Cr−Zr alloy
Authors: Celik I. , Yuksel O.
Published: June 2023

In this study, Cu−Cr−Zr alloy specimens were first subjected to aging heat treatment at 500 °C for two different durations (2 hours and 4 hours). Three different coating processes (silver, silver/copper duplex, and copper/silver duplex) were applied to the aged specimens using the physical vapor deposition method. Tensile test, microhardness measurement, wear test, electrical conductivity measurement and structural analysis (x‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope) were applied to the specimens. After the aging processes, the highest hardness and strength values of the Cu−Cr−Zr alloy were obtained in the specimens that were aged at 500 °C for 4 hours. When the wear resistance and electrical conductivity of the coated specimens were examined, it was determined that the specimens with duplex surface treatment performed better.
USP9X deubiquitinates and stabilizes CDC123 to promote breast carcinogenesis through regulating cell cycle
Authors: Song Nan , Deng Ling , Zeng Lijie , He Li , Liu Chunyan , Liu Ling , Fu Rong
Published: June 2023

Cell division cycle 123 (CDC123) has been implicated in a variety of human diseases. However, it remains unclear whether CDC123 plays a role in tumorigenesis and how its abundance is regulated. In this study, we found that CDC123 was highly expressed in breast cancer cells, and its high expression was positively correlated with a poor prognosis. Knowndown of CDC123 impaired the proliferation of breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, we identified a deubiquitinase, ubiquitin‐specific peptidase 9, X‐linked (USP9X), that could physically interact with and deubiquitinate K48‐linked ubiquitinated CDC123 at the K308 site. Therefore, the expression of CDC123 was positively correlated with USP9X in breast cancer cells. In addition, we found that deletion of either USP9X or CDC123 led to altered expression of cell cycle‐related genes and resulted in the accumulation of cells population in the G0/G1 phase, thereby suppressing cell proliferation. Treatment with the deubiquitinase inhibitor of USP9X, WP1130 (Degrasyn, a small molecule compound that USP9X deubiquitinase inhibitor), also led to the accumulation of breast cancer cells in the G0/G1 phase, but this effect could be rescued by overexpression of CDC123. Furthermore, our study revealed that the USP9X/CDC123 axis promotes the occurrence and development of breast cancer through regulating the cell cycle, and suggests that it may be a potential target for breast cancer intervention. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that USP9X is a key regulator of CDC123, providing a novel pathway for the maintenance of CDC123 abundance in cells, and supports USP9X/CDC123 as a potential target for breast cancer intervention through regulating the cell cycle.
Diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction using a combination of circulating circular RNA cZNF292 and clinical information based on machine learning
Authors: Zhou Qiulian , Boeckel Jes‐Niels , Yao Jianhua , Zhao Juan , Bai Yuzheng , Lv Yicheng , Hu Meiyu , Meng Danni , Xie Yuan , Yu Pujiao , Xi Peng , Xu Jiahong , Zhang Yi , Dimmeler Stefanie , Xiao Junjie
Published: June 2023

Circulating circular RNAs (circRNAs) are emerging as novel biomarkers for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Machine learning can provide optimal predictions on the diagnosis of diseases. Here we performed a proof‐of‐concept study to determine if combining circRNAs with an artificial intelligence approach works in diagnosing CVD. We used acute myocardial infarction (AMI) as a model setup to prove the claim. We determined the expression level of five hypoxia‐induced circRNAs, including cZNF292, cAFF1, cDENND4C, cTHSD1, and cSRSF4, in the whole blood of coronary angiography positive AMI and negative non‐AMI patients. Based on feature selection by using lasso with 10‐fold cross validation, prediction model by logistic regression, and ROC curve analysis, we found that cZNF292 combined with clinical information (CM), including age, gender, body mass index, heart rate, and diastolic blood pressure, can predict AMI effectively. In a validation cohort, CM + cZNF292 can separate AMI and non‐AMI patients, unstable angina and AMI patients, acute coronary syndromes (ACS), and non‐ACS patients. RNA stability study demonstrated that cZNF292 was stable. Knockdown of cZNF292 in endothelial cells or cardiomyocytes showed anti‐apoptosis effects in oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation. Thus, we identify circulating cZNF292 as a potential biomarker for AMI and construct a prediction model “CM + cZNF292.”
Generating deliverable DICOM RT treatment plans for prostate VMAT by predicting MLC motion sequences with an encoder‐decoder network
Authors: Heilemann Gerd , Zimmermann Lukas , Schotola Raphael , Lechner Wolfgang , Peer Marco , Widder Joachim , Goldner Gregor , Georg Dietmar , Kuess Peter
Published: June 2023

Background

Deep learning‐based auto‐planning is an active research field; however, for some tasks a treatment planning system (TPS) is still required.

Purpose

To introduce a deep learning‐based model generating deliverable DICOM RT treatment plans that can be directly irradiated by a linear accelerator (LINAC). The model was based on an encoder‐decoder network and can predict multileaf collimator (MLC) motion sequences for prostate VMAT radiotherapy.

Methods

A total of 619 treatment plans from 460 patients treated for prostate cancer with single‐arc VMAT were included in this study. An encoder‐decoder network was trained using 465 clinical treatment plans and validated on 77 plans. The performance was analyzed on a separate test set of 77 treatment plans. Separate L1 losses were computed for the leaf and jaw positions as well as the monitor units, with the leaf loss being weighted by a factor of 100 before being added to the other losses. The generated treatment plans were recalculated in a treatment planning system and the dose‐volume metrics and gamma passing rates were compared to the original dose.

Results

All generated treatment plans showed good agreement with the original data, with an average gamma passing rate (3%/3 mm) of 91.9 ± 7.1%. However, the coverage of the PTVs. was slightly lower for the generated plans (D98% = 92.9 ± 2.6%) in comparison to the original plans (D98% = 95.7 ± 2.2%). There was no significant difference in mean dose to the bladder between the predicted and original plan (Dmean of 28.0 ± 13.5 vs. 28.1 ± 13.3% of prescribed dose) or rectum (Dmean of 42.3 ± 7.4 vs. 42.6 ± 7.5%). The maximum dose to bladder was only slightly higher in the predicted plans (D2% of 100.7 ± 5.3 vs. 99.8 ± 4.0%) and for the rectum it was even lower (D2% of 100.5 ± 3.7 vs. 100.1 ± 4.3).

Conclusions

The deep learning‐based model could predict MLC motion sequences in prostate VMAT plans, eliminating the need for sequencing inside a TPS, thus revolutionizing autonomous treatment planning workflows. This research completes the loop in deep learning‐based treatment planning processes, enabling more efficient workflows for real‐time or online adaptive radiotherapy.