bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Symptom-driven inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting beta-agonist therapy for adult patients with asthma who are non-adherent to daily maintenance inhalers: a study protocol for a pragmatic randomized-controlled trial
Authors: Krings James , Wojcik Kaitlyn M. , Chen Vanessa , Sekhar Tejas C. , Harris Kelly , Zulich Abigail , Sumino Kaharu , Brownson Ross , Lenze Eric , Castro Mario
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUNDWhile inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are considered the essential foundation of most asthma therapy, ICS inhaler nonadherence is a notoriously common problem and a significant cause of asthma-related morbidity. Partially acknowledging the problem of nonadherence, international organizations recently made paradigm-shifting recommendations that all patients with mild-to-moderate persistent asthma be considered for symptom-driven ICScontaining inhalers rather than relying on adherence to traditional maintenance ICS inhalers and symptom-driven short-acting beta-agonists (SABA). With this new approach, asthma patients are at least exposed to the important anti-inflammatory effects of ICS-containing inhalers when their symptom reliever inhaler is deployed due to acute symptoms. METHODSThis study will ( Part 1 ) complete a pragmatic randomized-controlled trial to evaluate if an inhaler strategy that utilizes symptom-driven ICS inhalers is particularly beneficial in maintenance ICS inhaler non-adherent asthma patients, and ( Part 2 ) use a dissemination and implementation (D&I) science conceptual framework to better understand patients’ and providers’ views of inhaler nonadherence. This study, which will have an option of taking place entirely remotely, will use a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved electronic sensor (Hailie® sensor) to monitor inhaler adherence and includes semi-structured interviews guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). DISCUSSIONThis study is assessing the problem of nonadherence using a D&I implementation science research lens while testing a new inhaler approach to potentially ameliorate the detrimental consequences of maintenance inhaler nonadherence. We hypothesize that the use of a symptom-driven ICS/LABA management strategy, as compared to traditional maintenance ICS treatment and symptom-driven SABA, will lead to improved adherence to an asthma treatment strategy, decreased asthma-related morbidity, less cumulative ICS exposure, and greater patient satisfaction with an inhaler approach. TRIAL REGISTRATIONThe study was registered via ClinicalTrials.gov on November 8, 2021. The registration number is NCT05111262.
Interference Patterns Within a Circular Boundary
Authors: Korula Aswan
Published: August 2022

In this paper we conduct a simple experiment wherein we create a wave within a circular container and analyse the interference patterns generated by the reflections from the boundary. In doing so we observe constructive interference in positions where our current wave theory predicts noise. This peculiar result demonstrates that in the particular situation presented here, the velocities of a wave before and after reflection from a solid boundary, are unequal.
Efficacy of computer- and/or internet-based cognitive-behavioral guided self-management for depression in adults and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Mamukashvili-Delau Megi , Koburger Nicole , Dietrich Sandra , Rummel-Kluge Christine
Published: August 2022

Background
Depression is a worldwide disease. Studies show that the rate of depression during the COVID-19 breakout seems to have considerably increased. CBT-based self-help treatment allows patients with mild to moderate depression symptoms to improve their depression or to bridge the waiting- or pandemic period until they receive further clinical treatment.
Objective
This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to explore the efficacy and acceptability of computer-delivered and/or internet-based CBT self-help interventions with minimal guidance (up to 10 minutes) for depression. In addition, comparing the effectiveness of treatment by the type of minimal guidance: (1) by e-mail, (2) by telephone calls, (3) by e-mail and telephone together, or (4) face-to-face in reducing depression symptoms at post-treatment was the second aim.
Methods
The Cochrane depression, anxiety, and neurosis review group’s specialized register electronic searches, grey literature, reference lists and correspondence were used to search for published and unpublished RCTs that reported efficacy of computer- and/or internet-based CBT self-help treatments for depression with minimal guidance up to 10 minutes per week. Methodological quality of included studies was evaluated with Cochrane Collaboration tools for assessing risk of bias. The meta-analysis was accomplished using the RevMen software.
Results
In total, 2620 study abstracts were checked for eligibility. Out of these, 17 studies (18 samples) with a total of 3134 participants were included. The results showed that concerning efficacy, the treatment group is superior to the control group with a medium to large effect size of 0.60. Also, treatment groups with combined guidance by e-mail and telephone calls together had greater effects (SMD − 0.74) than groups with other types of minimal guidance (guided by e-mail SMD − 0.63; guided face to-face SMD – 0.66; guided by telephone calls SMD − 0.33). Moreover, there were higher drop-out rates in the treatment condition (RR 1.35) than in the control groups.
Conclusions
The results of this meta-analysis support the efficacy of computer- and/or internet-based CBT self-help programs with minimal weekly guidance for improving depression symptoms at post-treatment for adults and adolescents.
Treatment Resistance to Melanoma Therapeutics on a Single Cell Level
Authors: Yao Lijun , Krasnick Bradley , Bi Ye , Sethuraman Sunantha , Weerasinghe Amila , Wetzel Chris , Gao Qingsong , Jacqueline Mudd , Wyczalkowski Matthew , Wendl Michael , Goedegebuure Simon , Ding Li , Fields Ryan
Published: August 2022

Therapy targeting the BRAF-MEK cascade created a treatment revolution for patients with BRAF mutant advanced melanoma. Unfortunately, 80% patients treated will progress by 5 years follow-up. Thus, it is imperative we study mechanisms of melanoma progression and therapeutic resistance. We created a scRNA (single cell RNA) atlas of 128,230 cells from 18 tumors across the treatment spectrum, discovering melanoma cells clustered strongly by transcriptome profiles of patients of origins. Our cell-level investigation revealed gains of 1q and 7q as likely early clonal events in metastatic melanomas. By comparing patient tumors and their derivative cell lines, we observed that PD1 responsive tumor fraction disappears when cells are propagated in vitro. We further established three anti-BRAF-MEK treatment resistant cell lines using three BRAF mutant tumors. ALDOA and PGK1 were found to be highly expressed in treatment resistant cell populations and metformin was effective in targeting the resistant cells. Our study suggests that the investigation of patient tumors and their derivative lines is essential for understanding disease progression, treatment response and resistance.
Prefrontal engrams of long-term fear memory perpetuate pain perception
Authors: Stegemann Alina , Liu Sheng , Romero Oscar Retana , Oswald Manfred , Han Yechao , Beretta Carlo , Tan Linette , Wisden William , Gräff Johannes , Kuner Rohini
Published: August 2022

A painful episode can lead to life-long increase in an individual’s experience of pain; however, mechanisms for such long-lasting modulation are not well understood. Fearful anticipation of imminent pain has been suggested to play a role1, 2, but the neurobiological underpinnings are unclear, since fear can paradoxically both suppress and enhance pain2,3. Here, we show in mice that in contrast to acute or innate fear, chronic fear memory encoded and stored in neuronal engrams in the prefrontal cortex is both necessary and sufficient to define whether a painful episode profoundly shapes the experience of ongoing pain at a later point in life. Furthermore, in conditions of inflammatory and neuropathic pain, prefrontal engrams for fear memory expand to encompass neurons representing nociception and tactile sensation, leading to pronounced changes in prefrontal connectivity to key brain areas. In contrast, silencing prefrontal fear memory engrams reverses chronically established hyperalgesia and allodynia. These results reveal that a discrete subset of prefrontal cortical neurons can account for the debilitating comorbidity of long-term fear and chronic pain and show that attenuating the fear memory of pain can alleviate chronic pain itself.
Psychological measures of stress and associated biomarkers in breast cancer survivors on aromatase inhibitors
Authors: Nair Chandini , Blaes Anne H. , Everson-Rose Susan , Jewett Patricia , Wolf Jack , Zordoky Beshay
Published: August 2022

The use of aromatase inhibitors (AIs) is associated with higher rates of cardiovascular events and lower endothelial function in breast cancer survivors. Psychosocial stress is associated with higher levels of inflammatory and aging markers, and lower endothelial function in otherwise healthy subjects. Given these associations among breast cancers survivors on AIs are not well defined, a cross-sectional study of 31 breast cancer survivors on AIs was performed to assess the associations between scores of psychosocial stress (PHQ-9, PSS, and GAD-7 questionnaires) and markers of inflammation, aging, and endothelial function. Endothelial function was assessed using the EndoPAT2000 system. Breast cancer patients on AIs demonstrate a positive correlation between psychosocial stress scores and inflammatory markers C reactive protein, IL-6, and ICAM-1. There was no significant association between psychosocial stress cores and either endothelial function or gene expression of the aging biomarker p16INK4a. Psychosocial stress is associated with higher inflammatory markers in breast cancer survivors on AIs. The lack of association between psychosocial stress and either endothelial function or aging biomarkers may be due to the already low endothelial function and accelerated aging in our cohort of breast cancer survivors on AIs. Further work is needed to understand this association.
Degree of apoptosis in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid correspond to the severity of brain injury
Authors: Siwicka-Gieroba Dorota , Terpilowska Sylwia , Robba Chiara , Kotfis Katarzyna , Wojcik-Zaluska Alicja , Bielacz Magdalena , Dabrowski Wojciech
Published: August 2022

Objectives: The mechanism of acute brain injury initiates a cascade of consequences which can directly cause lung damage, and this can contribute to poor neurological outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate activation of different apoptotic pathways in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in patients after severe brain injury and to correlate them with selected clinical variables and mortality.Methods: Patients with brain injury undergoing BALF were included in the study. BALF samples were collected within the first 6-8 hours after traumatic brain injury (A) and at days 3 (B) and 7 (C) after admission to the ICU. Changes in the BALF nuclear-encoded protein (Bax), apoptotic regulatory protein (Bcl-2), pro-apoptotic protein (p53) and its upregulated modulator (PUMA), apoptotic protease factor 1 (APAF-1), Bcl-2 associated agonist of cell death (BAD) and caspase-activated DNase (CAD) were analysed to assess the degree of apoptosis. These values were correlated with the Rotterdam computed tomography (CT) score, the Glasgow Coma Score and 28-day mortality. Results: We found a significant increase in the concentration of selected apoptotic factors at admission (A), at days 3 (B) and 7 (C) after brain injury compared to baseline level A (p<0.001 respectively). That activation of selected apoptotic factors was significantly correlated with the severity of the injury and mortality.Conclusions: Activation of different apoptotic pathways seems to be an important process occurring in the lungs of patients in the early phases after severe brain trauma. Activation of apoptosis in the lungs correlates with the severity of brain injury.
Novel Hypocrealean Fungi from Rhizophoraceae, Neocosmospora mangrovei sp. nov. and Neocosmospora ceriopis sp. nov., and their Antifungal Activity against Anthracnose Pathogen Colletotrichum spp.
Authors: Brooks Siraprapa , Klomchit Anthikan , Calabon Mark Seasat , Chomnunti Putarak , Worabandit Sompradtana
Published: August 2022

Neocosmospora is a fungus genus that contains saprobes, endophytes, and pathogens in the family Nectriaceae. Prior to this study, 113 morphological species belonging to this genus have been described and published. In this study, we reported two new species of fungus, Neocosmospora mangrovei (MFLUCC 17–0253; MFLUCC 17–0257) and N. ceriopis (MFLUCC 17–0259) that were isolated from the mangrove habitats in the Southern part of Thailand. Phylogenetic analyses of the combined ITS, EF-1α, RPB2, and LSU regions showed that the new species clustered within the Neocosmospora clade with strong statistical support. Detailed descriptions and illustrations, pairwise homoplasy index (PHI) test, and a phylogenetic tree showing the position of both new species are provided. In addition, both new species showed the potential to be used as biocontrol agents against Colletotrichum spp. The N. mangrovei, MFLUCC 17–0253 exhibited strong antifungal activity against C. truncatum, MFLUCC CG-0064 e.g., 100% of mycelium growth inhibition, 90.83% inhibition of spore germination, and 100% reduction hyphae expansion. The N. ceriopis MFLUCC 17–0259 exhibited antifungal activity against C. acutatum, MFLUCC CC-0036 e.g., 69.39% of mycelium growth inhibition, 79.39% inhibition of spore germination, and 96.42% reduction hyphae expansion. Overall, these findings suggested novel species of Neocosmospora that had the capacity to produce various classes of biometabolites including 2,3-hydro-5-hydroxy-8-methoxy-2,4-dimethylnapthol-[1,2-b]-furan-6,9-dione, 2-methoxy-6-methyl-7-acetonyl-8-hydroxy-1,4-maphthalenedione, 5,8-dihydroxy-7-acetonyl-1,4-naphthalenedione, anhydrojavanicin, and fusarnaphthoquinones that can provide an antimicrobial activity that could have the potential in playing a big role in treating anthracnose disease.
Concentration, distribution and biomagnification of novel brominated flame retardant in grassland food chain and sheep from Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: chen Wenming , Bu Te , Li Tianwei , Bao Junsong , Wang Ying , Hu Jicheng , Jin Jun
Published: August 2022

Novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) are of great concern in the past few years due to their ubiquitousness in the environment and potential bioconcentration characteristics. This study takes Xilingol grassland in Inner Mongolia as the research area to analyze the pollution characteristics of NBFRs (pTBX, HBB, PBT, PBBz and PBEB) in grassland food chain. pTBX was more likely to be biomagnified in the food chain of amphibians, reptiles and birds, while PBT and HBB were more likely to be biomagnified in the food chain of mammals. This may be because these animals have the different diet and metabolic patterns. According to the concentration distribution of NBFRs in sheep organs and tissues, PBT, HBB and PBBz were easy to be bioaccumulated in sheep. The biomagnification effect of sheep adipose tissue and internal organs on NBFRs was inconsistent, so the biomagnification of chemicals in organisms cannot be determined only by the biomagnification of adipose tissue.
Risk and prognostic nomograms for colorectal adenocarcinoma with liver metastasis: a population-based study
Authors: WU ICHING , Huang Sai hong , Ouyang Peng , CHEN BING YI , Yiu Wingkeung , Bao Zhen , Gong Jin , Li Dengsheng
Published: August 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to investigate the prevalence, risk, and prognostic factors associated with liver metastasis (LM) in colorectal adenocarcinoma and to develop a nomogram for predicting LM incidence and prognosis.Methods: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was used to collect data from patients diagnosed with colorectal adenocarcinoma with liver metastases between 2010 and 2015. We used univariate and LASSO-multivariate logistic regression analyses to identify independent risk factors for LM in colorectal adenocarcinoma patients, and we used univariate and LASSO-multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses to identify independent prognostic factors for colorectal adenocarcinoma with LM. We then made two new nomograms, and the results were checked out by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision curves (DCA).Result: There were 38,941 patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma included in the study, and 4,866 individuals were diagnosed with LM. The age, T, N, tumor size, chemotherapy, radiation, perineural invasion, surgery, and CEA level are all independent risk factors for LM in patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma. The age, grade, tumor size, chemotherapy, T stage, CEA level, marital status, and surgery are all independent prognostic variables for colorectal adenocarcinoma patients with LM. ROC curves, calibration, DCA, and Kaplan–Meier (K-M) survival curves in the training, validation, and expanded testing sets indicated that two nomograms may accurately predict the incidence and prognosis of LM in patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma.Conclusion: LM is quite common in people with colorectal adenocarcinoma. A nomogram based on risk and prognostic indicators for LM was shown to be effective at estimating the probability of LM incidence and prognosis.
Optimization of the Photocatalytic Oxidation Process in Toluene Removal from Air
Authors: Khoshpasand Fatemeh , Nikpay Ahmad , keshavarz Mehrdad
Published: August 2022

The present study examines using photocatalytic reaction system along with TiO 2 particles coated on stainless steel webnet to study direct conversion of toluene using a new design. The study was carried out using UV radiation in a dynamic concentrator system. SEM and XRD analyses were performed to characterize prepared catalysts. Here, the aim was to employ photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) to optimize removal efficiency and elimination capacity using response surface methodology (RSM). To this end, initial concentration and flow rate were selected as independent variables. High removal efficiency and elimination capacity were realized using optimal settings. The findings indicated that PCO process with a new design other than RSM was an option to treat air pollution containing volatile organic compounds.
Factors associated with liver injury after intravenous gamma globulin treatment in children with Kawasaki disease
Authors: ZhiPeng Xu , Ren Yue , Yu Huan , Hang Biyao , Xia Yuhan , Li Jie , Wang Jianjie , Zhang Qihao , Zhao Xiaoshan , Chu Maoping
Published: August 2022

Background: The etiology of liver injury in children with Kawasaki disease(KD) is not yet clear.It is common for children who are responded to intravenous gamma globulin (IVIG) therapy to develop liver injury after IVIG treatment. This research is to explore related factors of liver injury after IVIG treatment in children with KD who responded retrospectively to IVIG.Methods: A total of 806 children with KD were included in this analysis. The clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, and drug use before IVIG were collected. Difference analysis, ROC curve analysis and logistic regression analysis were performed to obtain possible risk factors for liver injury after IVIG treatment.Results: Among the clinical symptoms of the two groups of children, children with lymphadenopathy had a lower risk of developing liver injury after IVIG treatment(p=0.040),while there were no significant differences in other symptoms. Among laboratory indicators, the liver injury group had higher levels of platelet(PLT),eosinophil(EO) and brain natriuretic peptide(BNP) levels and lower hemoglobin(HB),erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR) and prothrombin time(PT) levels before IVIG treatment (p<0.05).There were no significant difference in c-reactive protein(CRP) and Procalcitonin(PCT)(p>0.05).The use of antibiotics, dipyridamole and aspirin doses between two groups had statistically significant differences(p>0.05).Further ROC curve analysis of aspirin dose found the optimal cut-off point of aspirin was 34.7 mg/(k*d)(the 95% CI: 0.504-0.601,p=0.026).The logistic regression analysis showed high-dose aspirin (≥34.7mg/(kg*d))was a risk factor for liver damage after IVIG treatment in KD children. Further multivariate regression analysis prompted that the use of antibiotics and higher doses of aspirin(≥34.7mg/(kg*d))in the acute phase were independent risk factors for liver injury after IVIG treatment in children with KD(Antibiotic use: OR=2.195,95%CI:1.206-3.994,p=0.01;Aspirin use: OR=1.526,95%CI:1.083-2.151,p=0.016).Conclusions: For KD children with normal liver function in the acute phase, the younger the age of KD onset, the smaller the weight, the absence of lymphadenopathy, and more elevated PLT,EO, BNP, reduced HB,ESR and PT in acute stage, the more likely to develop liver injury after treatment. There was no significant correlation between the degree of systemic inflammation(levels of CRP and PCT)in the acute phase and liver damage after IVIG treatment. The use of antibiotics and high-dose aspirin in the acute phase may be the risk factors for liver function damage after IVIG treatment in KD children.
On the Singular Lowering Operator Du and Application to Connection Formulas
Authors: Sfaxi Ridha , Chefai Soumaya
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we establish an intertwining relation between the two singular lowering operators on polynomials Du and D−kδ, for every linear functional on polynomials u with canonical moment (u)0 = −k, for some integer k ≥ 1, (δ is the Dirac delta at point zero). We also build a Du-Appell polynomial sequence and we obtain the connection coefficients betweena Du-Appell polynomial sequence and the canonical basis. As application, we prove that the singular Laguerre-Hahn polynomial sequence with class zero of Hermite type is Du-Appell with (u)0 = −1. Finally, a new connection formulas between the Hermite polynomials and the singular Laguerre-Hahn polynomial sequence with class zero of Hermite type is obtained.
Regulation of CD8+ T cells infiltration and immunotherapy by circMGA/HNRNPL complex in bladder cancer
Authors: Zhang Xiaoping , Sun Jiayin , Zhang Hui , Wei Wenjie , Xiao Xingyuan , Huang Chao , Wang Liang , Zhong He , Jiang Yangkai , Zheng Fuxin , Yang Hongmei , Jiang Guosong
Published: August 2022

The limited success of immunotherapies targeting immune checkpoint inhibitors is largely ascribed to the lack of infiltrating CD8+ T lymphocytes. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a novel type of prevalent noncoding RNA that have been implicated in tumorigenesis and progression, while their roles in modulating CD8+ T cells infiltration and immunotherapy in bladder cancer have not yet been investigated. Herein, we uncover circMGA as a tumor-suppressing circRNA triggering CD8+ T cells chemoattraction and boosting the immunotherapy efficacy. Mechanistically, circMGA functions to stabilize CCL5 mRNA by interacting with HNRNPL. In turn, HNRNPL increases the stability of circMGA, forming a feedback loop that enhances the function of circMGA/HNRNPL complex. Intriguingly, therapeutic synergy between circMGA and anti-PD-1 could significantly suppress xenograft bladder cancer growth. Taken together, the results demonstrate that circMGA/HNRNPL complex may be targetable for cancer immunotherapy and the study advances our understanding of the physiological roles of circRNAs in antitumor immunity.
Effects of transfusing older red blood cells on patient outcomes in critical illness: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Obonyo Nchafatso G. , Sela Declan P. , White Nicole , Tunbridge Matthew , Sim Beatrice , Hoe Louise E. See , Bassi Gianluigi Li , Fanning Jonathon P. , Tung John-Paul , Suen Jacky Y. , Fraser John F.
Published: August 2022

Randomised controlled trials have demonstrated critically ill patients do not benefit from receiving fresh (<7 days old) packed red blood cells (pRBCs), however there is limited evidence regarding transfusion with pRBCs nearing expiry (35-42 days). In this retrospective observational study, we analysed data obtained from 7-years of centralised electronic medical records (2007–2013), sourced from hospitals in the Australian state of Queensland, to investigate whether transfusion with pRBCs nearing expiry contributed to increased morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. 10,350 critically ill adults (>12 years) patients transfused ≥1 unit of non-irradiated pRBCs (64,594 pRBCs units transfused) were included in this study. Receiving at least 1-unit pRBCs ≥35 days old was associated with increased mortality (OR 1.21 [95% CI 1.06–1.38]; p=0.005), decreased discharge to usual residence (OR 0.81 [95% CI 0.73–0.89]; p<0.0001) and increased hospital LOS (Estimate 2.55 [95% CI 1.60–3.49]; p<0.0001). There was also association with increased sepsis (OR 1.27 [95% CI 1.13–1.42]; p<0.0001) and delirium (OR 1.25 [95% CI 1.06–1.49]; p=0.01).Transfusion of ≥1-unit pRBCs ≥35 days old was associated with evidence of increased mortality and morbidity in critically ill patients. Further prospective studies are required to validate findings and overcome limitations of retrospective analysis.
Macroeconomic Factors and the Prospects of Economic Prosperity in a Developing Economy: Evidence from Dynamic ARDL Simulations and KRLS Techniques
Authors: Aladejare Samson Adeniyi
Published: August 2022

Policymakers have continued to be fascinated with the combinations of macroeconomic indicators that can drive long-term wealth in different countries. Consequently, this study investigated the effects of inflation and exchange rates, deficit financing, foreign investment, and financial development on economic prosperity measured by GDP per capita for Nigeria from 1970 to 2020. Empirical inferences were derived by applying the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL), dynamic ARDL (DYNARDL), and the Kernel-based regularised least squares (KRLS) models. It was observed that inflation rate and deficit financing adversely impacted economic wealth in the short and long term. At the same time, the exchange rate and financial development only benefited economic prosperity in the long term. In contrast, foreign investment was reported to be prosperity-decelerating in the long term. Applying the DYNARDL and KRLS techniques enabled the response of economic prosperity to future counterfactual shocks to the inflation and exchange rate variables. While inflationary shocks may have long-term beneficial effects on economic prosperity, shocks to the exchange rate will slightly erode these benefits. The study proposed several policy measures.
Resistin promotes nasopharyngeal carcinoma metastasis through TLR4-mediated activation of p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Zongmeng , Du Jinlin , Xu Qihua , Li Yuyu , Zhou Sujin , Zhao Zhenggang , Mu Yunping , Zhao Allan Zijian , Cao Sumei , Li Fanghong
Published: August 2022

Background
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant tumor with a high risk of local invasion and early distant metastasis. Resistin is an inflammatory cytokine predominantly produced from the immunocytes in humans. Accumulating evidence suggested clinical association of circulating resistin with the risk of tumorigenesis, the relationship between blood resistin levels and the risk of cancer metastasis. In this study, we explored the blood levels and the role of resistin in NPC.
Methods
A hospital-based case control study was used to assess the association of circulating resistin level with the risk of NPC and clinicopathological characteristics. Wound-healing and Transwell assays were applied to confirm the effects of resistin on NPC cell invasion and migration. A mouse model for lung metastasis was used to explore the role of resistin in NPC tumor metastasis. We also investigated the underlying signaling mechanisms with various specific pharmacological inhibitors and biochemistry analysis.
Results
High resistin levels in NPC patients positively association with lymph node metastasis, and resistin promoted the migration and invasion of NPC cells in vitro. These findings were also replicated in the mouse model of NPC tumor metastasis. We further showed that activation of p38 MAPK pathway was critical for resistin-induced migration and invasion through interaction with TLR4 with NF-κB as the primary mediator of resistin induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in NPC cells.
Conclusion
Taken together, our results suggests that resistin promotes NPC metastasis through activating the TLR4/p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway.
Simultaneous space and phase resolved X-ray
polarimetry of the Crab Pulsar and Nebula
Authors: Bucciantini Niccolò
Published: August 2022

The Crab pulsar and its nebula are among the most studied astrophysical systems, and constitute one of the most promising environments where high energy processes and particle acceleration can be investigated. They are the only objects for which previous X-ray polarisation has been reported. We present here the first Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) observation of the Crab pulsar and nebula. The total pulsar pulsed emission in the [2–8] keV energy range is unpolarised. Significant polarisation up to 15% is detected only in the core of the main peak. The nebula has a total space integrated polarised degree of 20% and polarisation angle of 145◦. The polarised maps show a large level of asymmetry, and regions with polarised degree up to 45-50%. The polarisation pattern suggests a predominantly toroidal magnetic field.
Forced Social Isolation and Lockdown during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Depression, Anxiety, and Trauma-distress in a Greek sample
Authors: LIOZIDOU ATHANASIA , VARELA VASILIKI , VLASTOS DIMITRIOS , GIOGKARAKI ERASMIA , ALZUETA ELIZABET , PERRIN PAUL , RAMOS-USUGA DANIELA , ARANGO-LASPRILLA JUAN CARLOS
Published: August 2022

Purpose
The COVID-19 outbreak escalated into a global pandemic, forcing governments around the world to impose measures affecting all aspects of life. Like other countries, Greece adopted social restriction, lockdowns, and quarantines to reduce transmission from person-to-person. This cross-sectional study investigated the impact of social restriction measures on mental health in a Greek adult sample.
Method
An online questionnaire collected data during the second national lockdown (February to May 2021). A total of 650 participants (M age: 33.13, 71.5% female) comprised the final sample.
Results
21.3% of respondents reported moderate-to-extremely severe anxiety, 33% moderate-to-extremely severe depression, 31.8% moderate-to-severe stress, and 38% clinically significant trauma-related distress. Hierarchical linear regression analyses revealed that the strongest contributors to adverse mental health outcomes were being female, younger age, experiencing increases in verbal arguments at home, being separated from family and close friends, and being unable to afford enough or healthy food. Lastly, participants moved away from social support and into more individual strength and resilience-based coping strategies to cope with challenges.
Conclusion
These findings suggest that in addition to the detrimental effects on physical health, COVID-19 also imposed a heavy psychological burden on the population via forced social isolation, which, by design, increased not only physical distancing but also psychological distancing between people.
Evaluation of On-Board Sensor-Based NOx emissions from the heavy-duty vehicles in an inspection and Maintenance program
Authors: Li Chengguo , Ma Tianyi , Karavalakis Georgios , Johnson Kent C , Durbin Thomas D
Published: August 2022

Heavy-duty diesel vehicles (HDDVs) are important sources of urban nitrogen oxides (NOx) in an actual application for environmental compliance. The remote on-board sensing (OBS) is a cost-effective emission reduction approach for HDDVs. NOx emissions from fifty-four sediment hauling trucks were evaluated in a construction area and this information was utilized to make changes to the hauling trucks being used on the project. Approximately1/3 of the trucks had emissions that were comparable to or below 0.2 g/bhp-hr level. The fleet average NOx emissions were 0.38 g/bhp-hr for non-credit engines and 0.77 g/bhp-hr for credit engines, with 2013 and newer credit engines averaging 0.29 g/bhp-hr. The overall NOx conversion efficiencies of the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system on many vehicles were in the 80–90%, and SCR efficiencies for some high emitter vehicles were down to approximately 60%. This is due to high engine operation fractions at the lowest SCR inlet temperature zone (> 200 ℃). This study also found that the NOx emissions for non-2010-2012 Family Emission Limit (FEL) trucks were well below the California Clean Idle certification of 30 g/hour. Recommendation was provided to efficiently maintain the emission levels in the reservoir.
Flexural Performance of Reinforced Concrete (RC) Beam Strengthened by UHPC Layer
Authors: Mirdan Dhafer , Saleh Abdul Ridah
Published: August 2022

Reinforced concrete (RC) structures may be subjected to an increase in load, severe environmental attack, and other factors that may lead to deterioration. Strengthening/repair techniques are typically used to upgrade the strength or enhance the durability which extends the service life of the structures. In the current study, the behavior of reinforced concrete beam strengthening by the UHPC layer with/without construction joints was investigated. The effect of the steel/GFRP bars across the construction joints was also performed and the results were compared with control specimens. The results indicate that the inclusion of UHPC layers at the tensile side of the RC beams significantly increased their stiffness and delayed the crack initiation. Meanwhile, the presence of the construction joint in the UHPC overlay decreased the efficiency of the strengthening method. Furthermore, utilizing steel /GFRP bar in UHPC overlay across the construction joints showed a significant increase in loading carrying capacity and had a significant effect on the modes of failure. The results also demonstrated that the UHPC overlay experienced a sufficient bond to concrete as no separation was observed.
Early life histories of Great Moravian children – carbon and nitrogen isotopic analysis of dentine serial sections from the Early Medieval population of Mikulčice (9th-10th centuries AD, Czechia)
Authors: Kaupová Sylva Drtikolová , Brůžek Jaroslav , Hadrava Jiří , Mikšík Ivan , Morvan Marine , Poláček Lumír , Půtová Lenka , Velemínský Petr
Published: August 2022

In order to compare the early life experiences of different population subgroups from the Early Medieval centre of Mikulčice, carbon and nitrogen isotopic values were measured in dentine serial sections from the first permanent molar of 78 individuals. Age-at-death, sex (estimated in subadults with the help of proteomics) and socio-economic status were considered as explicative variables. Average values of both nitrogen and carbon maximal isotopic offset within the isotopic profile were higher than the recommended range for weaning under healthy circumstances: 3.1 ± 0.8‰ for Δ15Nmax and 1.6 ± 0.8‰ for Δ13Cmax. Individuals who died during the first decade of life showed earlier ages at the final smoothing of the nitrogen isotopic curve (suggesting complete weaning) than older individuals. Most individuals (n = 43) showed positive covariance between δ15N and δ13C values during the period of breastfeeding. The average δ15N values from the post-weaning period were similar to those of bone, while post-weaning δ13C values were significantly higher. Though an increased Δ15Nmax suggests a common presence of physiological stress, the intra-population comparison of early life experiences does not suggest that individuals who died during their first decade experienced greater levels of environmental stress during infancy. The predominance of positive covariance between carbon and nitrogen isotopic values during the breastfeeding period, together with an increased Δ13Cmax and increased post-weaning δ13C, suggest that millet was either a part of a special diet preferred during lactation or was introduced as a first dietary supplement.
Sequential Correction Using Satellite Rod for the Treatment of Severe Rigid Spinal Deformity: A Retrospective Study of 19 Cases
Authors: Yin Huipeng , Wang Kun , Li Shuai , Song Yu , Feng Xiaobo , Hua Wenbin , Wu Xinghuo , Zhang Yukun , Yang Cao
Published: August 2022

Objective: The aim of this study was to access the efficacy of sequential correction using satellite rod in patients with severe rigid spinal deformity undergoing posterior-only PVCR.Methods: 19 patients with severe rigid spinal deformity who underwent PVCR at our center from January 2014 to December 2019 were reviewed. Radiographic measurements, including major coronal Cobb angle, kyphotic curve angle, coronal and sagittal balance were measured. Clinical outcomes, including Oswestry Disability Index score, SRS-22 questionnaire, and complications were recorded.Results: Total 19 patients were followed at least 2 years. The mean coronal Cobb angle was decreased from 122.7° ± 13.17° to 57.89° ± 8.65° postoperatively, and to 58.42° ± 8.98° at final follow-up. Correction rate is 52.8%. The kyphotic curve angle improved from 102.2° ± 17.05° preoperatively to 39.68° ± 13.67° postoperatively, and to 37.74° ± 12.14° at final follow-up. Correction rate is 61.2%. The apex vertebral translation, ODI and SRS-22 scores were improved significantly at the final follow-up compared with preoperative.Conclusions: Sequential correction with auxiliary satellite rod can effectively reduce the surgical difficulty and achieve a well deformity correction rate for patients with severe rigid spinal deformity.
Antibody response to variants during Omicron outbreak after BNT162b2 booster in Korean healthcare workers
Authors: Lim Sung Hee , Kim Han Jo , Kim Se Hyung , Choi Seong Hyeok , Kim Bora , Kim Ji Youn , Ji Young Sok , Kim Tark , Choo Eun Ju , Jung Jung Chan , Kim Chan Kyu , Park Seong Kyu , Yun Jina
Published: August 2022

In South Korea, the booster shot for COVID-19 was carried out amid concerns about the effectiveness of the existing vaccine. The virus neutralization test (sVNT) inhibition (%) score for the wild-type and delta variant significantly and uniformly increased (97%, 98%; p < 0.001) but it was decreased for the omicron after the BNT162b2 booster dose (75%; p < 0.001). In 41 HCWs (39.0%), infected with the omicron, no difference in immunogenicity, adverse events, and effectiveness between homogeneous and heterogeneous boosters were observed. In cohort 2, 58 HCWs included, at the fourth month of the booster dose, sVNT inhibition to omicron was significantly increased in the omicron-infected group (95.13%) compared to the non-omicron-infected (mean of 48.44%; p < 0.001). It is difficult to respond to the current vaccines to the Omicron variant adequately. Developing a variant-response vaccine should be prioritized, especially for the additional vaccination for HCW or previously infected persons.
Diagnostic and prognostic nomograms for Distal Metastasis in Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: A SEER-Based Study
Authors: Nie Guole , Yan Jun , Zhang Honglong , Zhu Xingwang , Li Xun
Published: August 2022

Background and objectives: Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a malignant tumor originating from the bile duct epithelium above the confluence of the left and right hepatic ducts, in which distant metastases (DM) continue to result in a worse prognosis. This study systematically extracted the clinical-pathological data for ICC patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, aiming to detect prognostic and predictive factors for DM in ICC patients and to generate two nomograms to assess the DM risk and prognosis in patients with ICC.Methods: From 2010 to 2015, the SEER database was used to extract clinical and treatment information of individuals with a pathological diagnosis of ICC. Multivariate and univariate logistic analyses were assessed to detect the risk factors related to the occurrence of DM in patients with ICC. Multivariate and univariate analyses of Cox regression were assessed to detect prognostic risk factors for DM in ICC patients, and two nomograms were formed.Results: This study included 2089 participants with ICC. Stage T, stage N, and gender were all risk factors that are related to the development of DM in ICC patients. Age, gender, stage T, surgery, and chemotherapy were found to be related prognostic factors in individuals with ICC who had DM. Among the training group, the area under the curve (AUC) for the diagnostic nomogram was 0.705, and the AUC was 0.670 in the testing group. At 6, 9, and 12 months, the AUCs for the prognostic nomogram were 0.778, 0.759, and 0.721 in the training group, and 0.792, 0.755, and 0.730 in the testing group, respectively. The calibration curves and decision curve analysis (DCA) showed that the two nomograms have good calibrate performance and clinic clinical application values. Finally, the Kaplan-Meier (K-M) curves showed a significant difference in prognostic survival between patients in the high-risk and low-risk groups.Conclusion: Based on the SEER database we successfully constructed two nomograms for assessing the risk of DM in ICC patients and the prognosis of ICC patients with DM, which will assist clinicians in decision-making and personalized clinical care.
Exceptionally robust magnetism and structure of SrFeO2 above 100 GPa
Authors: Balédent Victor , Nataf Lucie , Rueff Jean-Pascal
Published: August 2022

We report the exceptional structural and magnetic stability of SrFeO2 under pressure by X-Ray Magnetic Circular Dichroism (XMCD) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) up to the Mbar range. The XMCD data confirms the onset of ferromagnetism above 30 GPa and its stability up to 102 GPa while XRD shows that SrFeO2 structure remains unchanged from 30 GPa up to 111 GPa without any sign of structural transition. Our results demonstrate the robustness of Fe properties under extreme conditions in the square planar environment.
Current Utilization of Interosseous Access in Pediatrics: A Population-Based Analysis using an EHR database, TriNetX
Authors: Hoskins Meloria , Sefick Samantha , Zurca Adrian D. , Walter Vonn , Thomas Neal J. , Krawiec Conrad
Published: August 2022

Background: Interosseous (IO) usage in the pediatric population has been mostly studied in the setting of cardiac arrest. Population-based studies identifying the indications and complications associated with age, however, are sparse. Results: This was a retrospective observational cohort study utilizing the TriNetX ® electronic health record data. Thirty-seven hospitals were included in the data set with 1012 patients where an IO procedure code was reported in the emergency department or inpatient setting. The cohort was split into two groups, pediatric subjects < 1 year of age and those ≥ 1 year of age. A total incidence of IO line placement of 18 per 100,000 pediatric encounters was reported. Total mortality was 31.8%, with a higher rate of mortality seen in subjects < 1 year of age (39.2% vs 29.0%; p = 0.0028). A diagnosis of cardiac arrest was more frequent in subjects < 1 year of age (51.5% vs 38.0%; p = 0.002), and a diagnosis of convulsions was more frequent in those ≥ 1 of age (28.0% vs 13.8%; p <0.01). Overall, 29 (2.9%) subjects had at least one complication. Conclusions: More IOs were placed in subjects ≥ 1 year of age, and a higher rate of mortality was seen in subjects < 1 year of age. Lower frequencies of non-cardiac diagnoses at the time of IO placement were found in both groups, highlighting IO may be underutilized in non-cardiac settings such as convulsions, shock, and respiratory failure. Given the low rate of complications seen in both groups of our study, IO use should be considered early on for urgent vascular access, especially for children less than 1 year of age.
An external validation study of the Score for Emergency Risk Prediction (SERP), an interpretable machine learning-based triage score for the emergency department
Authors: Yu Jae Yong , Feng Xie , Liu Nan , Yoon Sun Young , Ong Marcus Eng Hock , Ng Yih Yng , Cha Won Chul
Published: August 2022

Emergency departments (EDs) are experiencing complex demands. An ED triage tool, the Score for Emergency Risk Prediction (SERP), was previously developed using an interpretable machine learning framework. It achieved a good performance in the Singapore population. We aimed to externally validate the SERP in a Korean cohort for all ED patients and compare its performance with Korean triage acuity scale (KTAS). This retrospective cohort study included all adult ED patients of Samsung Medical Center from 2016 to 2020. The outcomes were 30-day and in-hospital mortality after the patients’ ED visit. We used the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) to assess the performance of the SERP and other conventional scores, including KTAS. The study population included 285,523 ED visits, of which 53,541 were after the COVID-19 outbreak (2020). The whole cohort, in-hospital, and 30 days mortality rates were 1.60%, and 3.80%. The SERP achieved an AUROC of 0.821 and 0.803, outperforming KTAS of 0.679 and 0.729 for in-hospital and 30-day mortality, respectively. SERP was superior to other scores for in-hospital and 30-day mortality prediction in an external validation cohort. SERP is a generic, intuitive, and effective triage tool to stratify general patients who present to the emergency department
Comparison of treatment with insulin Detemir and NPH in women with gestational diabetes mellitus: glycemic control and pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Kazakou Paraskevi , Paschou Stavroula , Mitropoulou Marina , Vasileiou Vasiliki , Sarantopoulou Vasiliki , Anastasiou Eleni
Published: August 2022

Purpose.
The objective of this retrospective study was to compare glycemic control, pregnancy outcome, as well as fetal/neonatal outcomes, between women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) treated with (a) insulin detemir and (b) insulin neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH).
Methods.
A total of 192 women with GDM were included. 98 women received detemir, while 94 women received NPH. Data regarding medical history, glycemic control, time and mode of delivery, as well as neonatal outcomes were recorded.
Results.
Baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups. There were no differences with respect to the week of insulin initiation, total insulin dose, duration of insulin therapy, daily insulin dose/weight in early and late pregnancy, as well as the number of insulin injections per day. Maternal overall weight gain during pregnancy, and weight gain per week did not differ either. The detemir group had slightly lower HbA1c level at the end of gestation [median: Det 5.2% (33 mmol/mol) vs NPH 5.4% (36 mmol/mol), p = 0.035). There were no hypoglycemias or allergic reactions in both groups. There were also no differences regarding neonatal outcomes
Conclusion.
The use of insulin detemir for glucose control was found to be equally effective and safe compared with NPH.