bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome after COVID‐19 infection
Authors: Lin Wen‐Chun , Wu Meng‐Che , Wang Yu‐Hsun , Lin Che‐Hsuan , Wei James Cheng‐Chung
Published: January 2024

Obstructive sleep apnea is a well‐known risk factor regarding the severity of COVID‐19 infection. However, to date, relatively little research performed on the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea in COVID‐19 survivors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk of obstructive sleep apnea after COVID‐19 infection. This study was based on data collected from the US Collaborative Network in TriNetX. From January 1, 2020 to June 30, 2022, participants who underwent the SARS‐CoV‐2 test were included in the study. Based on their positive or negative results of the COVID‐19 test results (the polymerase chain reaction [PCR] test), we divided the study population into two groups. The duration of follow‐up began when the PCR test was administered and continued for 12 months. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for newly recorded COVID‐19 positive subjects for obstructive sleep apnea were calculated using the Cox proportional hazards model and compared to those without COVID‐19 infection. Subgroup analyses were performed for the age, sex, and race, groups. The COVID‐19 group was associated with an increased risk of obstructive sleep apnea, at both 3 months of follow‐up (HR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.48–1.54), and 1 year of follow‐up (HR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.55–1.60). Kaplan–Meier curves regarding the risk of obstructive sleep apnea revealed a significant difference of probability between the two cohorts in the follow‐up periods of 3 months and 1 year (Log‐Rank test, p < 0.001). The risks of obstructive sleep apnea among COVID‐19 patients were significant in the less than 65 year of age group (HR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.47–1.52), as well as in the group older than or equal to 65 years (HR:1.69, 95% CI: 1.64–1.73). Furthermore, the risks of obstructive sleep apnea were evident in both the male and female COVID‐19 groups. Compared to the control group, the risks of obstructive sleep apnea in the COVID‐19 participants increased in the subgroups of White (HR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.59–1.64), Blacks/African Americans (HR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.45–1.55), Asian (HR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.32–1.62) and American Indian/Alaska Native (HR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.07–1.74). In conclusion, the incidence of new diagnosis obstructive sleep apnea could be substantially higher after COVID‐19 infection than non‐COVID‐19 comparison group. Physicians should evaluate obstructive sleep apnea in patients after COVID‐19 infection to help prevent future long‐term adverse effects from occurring in the future, including cardiovascular and neurovascular disease.
Mucosal antibody response and SARS‐CoV‐2 shedding in patients with COVID‐19 related olfactory dysfunction
Authors: Sharma Shilpee , Thiriard Anaïs , Olislagers Véronique , Lechien Jerome R. , Jurion Marie‐Hélène , Delforge Marie‐Luce , Marchant Arnaud , Saussez Sven
Published: January 2024

Olfactory dysfunction (OD) was one of the most common symptom of infection with the Wuhan strain of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and could persist for several months after symptom onset. The pathogenesis of prolonged OD remains poorly understood but probably involves sustained viral replication associated with limited mucosal immune response to the virus. This prospective study was conducted to investigate the potential relationship between nasal SARS‐CoV‐2 viral load and antibody levels in patients with loss of smell. One hundred and five patients were recruited 2 weeks after presenting with confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 associated OD. Based on the identification sniffing test performed at enrollment, 52 patients were still anosmic or hyposmic and 53 were normosmic. SARS‐CoV‐2 was detectable in nasal wash of about 50% of anosmic and normosmic patients. Higher viral load was detected in anosmic patients with lower levels of SARS‐CoV‐2 specific nasal immunoglobulins (Ig) IgG and IgA. This association was not observed in normosmic patients. No relationship between nasal viral load and antibodies to endemic coronaviruses was observed. SARS‐CoV‐2 replication in the nasal cavity may be promoted by defective mucosal antibody responses in patients with OD. Boosting mucosal immunity may limit nasal SARS‐CoV‐2 replication and thereby help in the control of persistent OD.
Chemical ablation of the left ventricular endocardium reduces ventricular fibrillation inducibility in acute ischemic canine heart
Authors: Nitta Takashi , Asano Tetsuo , Yajima Toshimi , Otsuka Toshiaki , Ishii Yosuke
Published: January 2024

Objective

Ventricular fibrillation remains as the major cause of death in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Effects of trans‐atrial chemical ablation of the left ventricular (LV) endocardium with Lugol's solution on ventricular fibrillation inducibility and ventricular conduction were examined in canines with acute myocardial ischemia.

Materials and Methods

Chemical ablation of the LV endocardium with Lugol's solution or normal saline was preformed through a left atrial appendage in 14 canines 30 min after occlusion of the left anterior coronary artery.

Results

Ventricular fibrillation threshold decreased after the coronary artery occlusion and increased after endocardial chemical ablation. There was a significant difference in the ventricular fibrillation threshold after chemical ablation between with Lugol's solution and with normal saline (25.9 ± 9.2 mA vs. 11.3 ± 2.7 mA, p < .01). QRS width significantly increased from 88 ±  to 116 ±  (p < .01) after the chemical ablation with Lugol's solution, and the activation map of the ventricles demonstrated a left bundle branch block ventricular conduction pattern. Histological examination of the LV endocardium showed lymphocyte infiltration for a depth of 1 mm.

Conclusions

Chemical ablation of the LV endocardium with Lugol's solution injures endocardial conduction system and increases ventricular fibrillation threshold in the early phase of myocardial ischemia in canines. The procedure may be useful in suppressing intractable ventricular tachyarrhythmias in patients with acute myocardial ischemia.
An analytical overview of the composition and characteristics of China's food safety standards
Authors: Liu Chen , Wang Nan , Liu Ling‐Xiao , Zhang Ying‐Yuan , Liu Yun‐Guo
Published: January 2024

This paper discusses the framework of China's food safety standards and provides a brief overview of the problems and developmental characteristics of food safety in China. The composition and characteristics of China's food safety standards are revealed by an analysis of the changes in China's general food standards, an overview of the characteristics of the hygiene requirements in the production and operation process, and an introduction to food product and test method standards. In conclusion, Chinese food safety standards are still being improved, but they must also be effectively implemented and followed up in real time in order to continuously improve the quality of food and reduce food safety incidents. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
How physicochemical and nutritional traits of potatoes may vary under field conditions over long periods
Authors: Ierna Anita , Mauromicale Giovanni
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

Potato is the most important non‐grain crop worldwide, whose quality characteristics are always affected by temporal and spatial variability. Knowledge of the performance consistency of quality characteristics over long periods could prove very important to identify which quality traits are less variable over time, and therefore provide greater guarantees of stability. In this research, variations in physicochemical and nutritional traits of tubers over five consecutive growing seasons of two potato genotypes (Arizona and Vogue) were monitored in two locations.

RESULTS

Although qualitative performances of genotypes fluctuated across the seasons in both locations, two physicochemical traits (pH and dry matter content) and starch content showed less variability throughout the five seasons compared to total soluble solids and most of the nutritional traits (namely reducing sugars, citric acid, vitamin C, total phenolics and antioxidant capacity), which were considerably influenced by weather conditions.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that pH, dry matter content and starch content traits could be used advantageously in studies of temporal stability in potatoes. This approach could prove useful in providing scientific support for the setup of potato protected geographical identifications. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Prevalent elements of consumer wellbeing in wearable technology use: An interdisciplinary systematic review and future research agenda
Authors: Mwangi Virginia Nyambura , Millard Rachael , Histon Wendy
Published: January 2024

The impact of wearable technology (wearables) on user wellbeing requires closer examination given the growth in adoption across multiple domains including workplaces, leisure, and healthcare. This paper consolidates research on consumer wellbeing and wearables through an interdisciplinary systematic review of 23 empirical journal articles from psychology, information technology and business domains. Our analysis highlights the principal conceptualizations of wellbeing and offers insights into theories, methods, and key variables in these studies. The findings reveal an overemphasis on adoption and usage of wearables in the literature; a narrow definition of wellbeing; and a limited range of theoretical and methodological perspectives. We propose that future research should be holistic, drawing on mainstream wellbeing theories and examining micro, meso, and macro level conceptualizations of wellbeing. Employing diverse methodologies such as longitudinal, time sampling, cross‐sectional, qualitative, and quantitative approaches, and randomized control trials. We develop a framework outlining avenues for future research to extend current understanding in this research domain.
Design of planar metal stripline filter and diplexer with frequency‐dependent couplings
Authors: Song Jiaxing , Rong Chuicai , Zhu Ruilong , Cao Dan , Xue Kai , Zhang Wen , Zhang Yiping , Liao Yubo
Published: January 2024

In this letter, frequency‐dependent coupling (FDC) is introduced into the design of metal stripline filters and diplexers for the first time. FDC is a popular research method to introduce the finite‐position transmission zeros in the synthesis and design of filters in recent years. Finite transmission zeros are critical for filters to enhance the rejection ratios. To verify the realizability and effectiveness of FDC, a filter centered at 3.52 GHz and a diplexer operating at 2.55 and 2.65 GHz have been designed and fabricated. The planar filter and diplexer are compact in structure with multiple transmission zeros, whose resonators and cavity are integrated and formed, the cavity and cover plate are soldered together. We designed, assembled and tested the filter and diplexer, the synthesis results, the simulation results, and the tested results are well matched with each other. Compared with the dielectric waveguide filter, the planar stripline filter has better insertion loss, better harmonic suppression, and higher reliability, which is expected to be widely used in 5G base station filters.
NMR characterization of uniformly 13C‐ and/or 15N‐labeled, unsulfated chondroitins with high molecular weights
Authors: Ichikawa Megumi , Otsuka Yuya , Minamisawa Toshikazu , Manabe Noriyoshi , Yamaguchi Yoshiki
Published: January 2024

Solution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis of polysaccharides can provide valuable information not only on their primary structures but also on their conformation, dynamics, and interactions under physiological conditions. One of the main problems is that non‐anomeric 1H signals typically overlap, and this often hinders detailed NMR analysis. Isotope enrichment, such as with 13C and 15N, will add a new dimension to the NMR spectra of polysaccharides, and spectral analysis can be performed with enhanced sensitivity using isolated peaks. For this purpose, here we have prepared uniformly 13C‐ and/or 15N‐labeled chondroitin polysaccharides –4)‐β‐D‐glucuronopyranosyl‐(1–3)‐2‐acetamido‐2‐deoxy‐β‐D‐galactopyranosyl‐(1– with molecular weights in the range from 310 to 460 k by bacterial fermentation. The enrichment ratios for 13C and 15N were 98.9 and 99.8%, respectively, based on the mass spectrometric analysis of the constituent chondroitin disaccharides. 1H and 13C NMR signals were assigned mainly based on HSQC and 13C‐detection experiments including INADEQUATE, HETCOR, and HETCOR‐TOCSY. The carbonyl carbon signal of the N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐galactosamine residue was unambiguously distinguished from the C6 carbon of the β‐D‐glucuronic acid residue by the observation of 13C peak splitting due to 1JCN coupling in 13C‐ and 15N‐labeled chondroitin. The T2* and T1 were measured and indicate that both rigid and mobile sites are present in the long sequence of chondroitin. The conformation, dynamics, and interactions of chondroitin and its derivatives will be further analyzed based on the results obtained in this study.
Provider perspectives and recommendations on standardized sexual function screening intervention in adolescent/young adult oncology patients
Authors: Demedis Jenna , Reedy Julia , Chow Eric J. , Dorsey Holliman Brooke , Peterson Pamela N. , Studts Christina R.
Published: January 2024

Background

Sexual function (SF) concerns are common among adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors, are underrecognized and undertreated. This study sought AYA oncology provider input on the implementation of an SF screening tool to address this unmet need.

Procedure

Semi‐structured interviews were completed with oncology providers (n = 25) who care for AYAs at a single institution. Interviews sought to understand barriers to addressing SF, elicit perspectives on use of an established screening tool, and obtain recommendations for SF screening intervention development and implementation. Interviews were developed using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR); thematic analysis‐guided interpretation.

Results

AYA oncology providers were in favor of using an SF screening tool, but confirmed previously identified barriers and implementation considerations within multiple CFIR domains, including concerns about privacy, patient comfort, provider buy‐in, provider knowledge, resource needs, and workflow/capacity constraints. They identified numerous strategies to address barriers through screening intervention design and implementation approaches. For example, provider buy‐in could be optimized through education, availability of clinical resources, creation of a dedicated sexual healthcare team, provider engagement in intervention development, and leadership involvement.

Conclusions

Development and implementation of an effective SF screening intervention is necessary to improve diagnosis and treatment of sexual dysfunction, with the ultimate goal of improving sexual health‐related quality of life in AYA cancer survivors. AYA oncology providers identified numerous intervention and implementation design strategies for the development and implementation of an SF screening intervention, which must be integrated with patient recommendations.
Tackling critical cases of the difference operator stability occurring in applications described by 1D distributed parameters
Authors: Rasvan Vladimir
Published: January 2024

The article starts from the challenge of the critical cases in difference operator stability for neutral functional differential equations (NFDE). Such cases occur in the NFDE associated to hyperbolic partial differential equations (PDE) dynamics in mechanical and hydraulic engineering. For some of such applications it resulted that the aforementioned critical (nonasymptotic) stability is connected to the character and level of the energy losses. It is shown that suitable choice of the losses to be taken into account can remove the critical stability properties and give the difference operator the asymptotic stability thus ensuring asymptotic stability for the system's dynamics and also other asymptotic properties.
Sr‐induced Fermi Engineering of β‐FeOOH for Multifunctional Catalysis
Authors: Ahmad Waqar , Hou Yunpeng , Ahmad Nisar , Wang Kun , Zou Chenghao , Wan Zhengwei , Aftab Sumaira , Zhou Shaodong , Pan Zhao , Gao Huai‐Ling , Liang Chengdu , Yan Wenjun , Ling Min , Lu Zhihui
Published: January 2024

Designing a multifunctional electrocatalyst to produce H2 from water, urea, urine, and wastewater, is highly desirable yet challenging because it demands precise Fermi‐engineering to realize stronger π‐donation from O 2p to electron(e−)‐deficient metal (t2g) d‐orbitals. Here a Sr‐induced phase transformed β‐FeOOH/α‐Ni(OH)2 catalyst anchored on Ni‐foam (designated as pt‐NFS) is introduced, where Sr produces plenteous Fe4+ (Fe3+ → Fe4+) to modulate Fermi level and e−‐transfer from e–‐rich Ni3+(t2g)‐orbitals to e–‐deficient Fe4+(t2g)‐orbitals, via strong π‐donation from the π‐symmetry lone‐pair of O bridge. pt‐NFS utilizes Fe‐sites near the Sr‐atom to break the H─O─H bonds and weakens the adsorption of *O while strengthening that of *OOH, toward hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), respectively. Invaluably, Fe‐sites of pt‐NFS activate H2‐production from urea oxidation reaction (UOR) through a one‐stage pathway which, unlike conventional two‐stage pathways with two NH3‐molecules, involves only one NH3‐molecule. Owing to more suitable kinetic energetics, pt‐NFS requires 133 mV (negative potential shift), 193 mV, ≈1.352 V, and ≈1.375 V versus RHE for HER, OER, UOR, and human urine oxidation, respectively, to reach the benchmark 10 mA cm−2 and also demonstrates remarkable durability of over 25 h. This work opens a new corridor to design multifunctional electrocatalysts with precise Fermi engineering through d‐band modulation.
Restraining of glycoprotein VI- and integrin α2β1-dependent thrombus formation by platelet PECAM1
Authors: Jooss Natalie J. , Diender Marije G. , Fernández Delia I. , Huang Jingnan , Heubel-Moenen Floor C. J. , van der Veer Arian , Kuijpers Marijke J. E. , Poulter Natalie S. , Henskens Yvonne M. C. , te Loo Maroeska , Heemskerk Johan W. M.
Published: January 2024

The platelet receptors, glycoprotein VI (GPVI) and integrin α2β1 jointly control collagen-dependent thrombus formation via protein tyrosine kinases. It is unresolved to which extent the ITIM (immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif) receptor PECAM1 and its downstream acting protein tyrosine phosphatase PTPN11 interfere in this process. Here, we hypothesized that integrin α2β1 has a co-regulatory role in the PECAM1- and PTPN11-dependent restraint of thrombus formation. We investigated platelet activation under flow on collagens with a different GPVI dependency and using integrin α2β1 blockage. Blood was obtained from healthy subjects and from patients with Noonan syndrome with a gain-of-function mutation of PTPN11 and variable bleeding phenotype. On collagens with decreasing GPVI activity (types I, III, IV), the surface-dependent inhibition of PECAM1 did not alter thrombus parameters using control blood. Blockage of α2β1 generally reduced thrombus parameters, most effectively on collagen IV. Strikingly, simultaneous inhibition of PECAM1 and α2β1 led to a restoration of thrombus formation, indicating that the suppressing signaling effect of PECAM1 is masked by the platelet-adhesive receptor α2β1. Blood from 4 out of 6 Noonan patients showed subnormal thrombus formation on collagen IV. In these patients, effects of α2β1 blockage were counterbalanced by PECAM1 inhibition to a normal phenotype. In summary, we conclude that the suppression of GPVI-dependent thrombus formation by either PECAM1 or a gain-of-function of PTPN11 can be overruled by α2β1 engagement.
Impact of remission from type 2 diabetes on long-term health outcomes: findings from the Look AHEAD study
Authors: Gregg Edward W. , Chen Haiying , Bancks Michael P. , Manalac Raoul , Maruthur Nisa , Munshi Medha , Wing Rena ,   for the Look AHEAD Research Group
Published: January 2024

Aims/hypothesis

We examined the association of attainment of diabetes remission in the context of a 12 year intensive lifestyle intervention with subsequent incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and CVD.

Methods

The Look AHEAD study was a multi-centre RCT comparing the effect of a 12 year intensive lifestyle intervention with that of diabetes support and education on CVD and other long-term health conditions. We compared the incidence of CVD and CKD among 4402 and 4132 participants, respectively, based on achievement and duration of diabetes remission. Participants were 58% female, and had a mean age of 59 years, a duration of diabetes of 6 year and BMI of 35.8 kg/m2. We applied an epidemiological definition of remission: taking no diabetes medications and having HbA1c <48 mmol/mol (6.5%) at a single point in time. We defined high-risk or very high-risk CKD based on the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria, and CVD incidence as any occurrence of non-fatal acute myocardial infarction, stroke, admission for angina or CVD death.

Results

Participants with evidence of any remission during follow-up had a 33% lower rate of CKD (HR 0.67; 95% CI 0.52, 0.87) and a 40% lower rate of the composite CVD measure (HR 0.60; 95% CI 0.47, 0.79) in multivariate analyses adjusting for HbA1c, BP, lipid levels, CVD history, diabetes duration and intervention arm, compared with participants without remission. The magnitude of risk reduction was greatest for participants with evidence of longer-term remission.

Conclusions/interpretation

Participants with type 2 diabetes with evidence of remission had a substantially lower incidence of CKD and CVD, respectively, compared with participants who did not achieve remission. This association may be affected by post-baseline improvements in weight, fitness, HbA1c and LDL-cholesterol.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00017953

Data availability

https://repository.niddk.nih.gov/studies/look-ahead/

Graphical Abstract
The string topology coproduct on complex and quaternionic projective space
Authors: Stegemeyer Maximilian
Published: January 2024

On the free loop space of compact symmetric spaces Ziller introduced explicit cycles generating the homology of the free loop space. We use these explicit cycles to compute the string topology coproduct on complex and quaternionic projective space. The behavior of the Goresky-Hingston product for these spaces then follows directly.
Mass-growth of triangulated auto-equivalences
Authors: Woolf Jon
Published: January 2024

We relate the mass growth (with respect to a stability condition) of an exact auto-equivalence of a triangulated category to the dynamical behaviour of its action on the space of stability conditions. One consequence is that this action is free and proper whenever the mass growth is non-vanishing.
Steerable DROP-IN radioguidance during minimal-invasive non-robotic cervical and endometrial sentinel lymph node surgery
Authors: van Oosterom Matthias N. , Diaz-Feijóo Berta , Santisteban Maria Isabel , Sánchez-Izquierdo Núria , Perissinotti Andrés , Glickman Ariel , Marina Tiermes , Torné Aureli , van Leeuwen Fijs W. B. , Vidal-Sicart Sergi
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The recently introduced tethered DROP-IN gamma probe has revolutionized the way robotic radioguided surgery is performed, fully exploiting the nature of steerable robotic instruments. Given this success, the current first-in-human study investigates if the DROP-IN can also provide benefit in combination with steerable non-robotic instruments during conventional laparoscopic surgery, showing equivalence or even benefit over a traditional rigid gamma probe.

Methods

The evaluation was performed in ten patients during laparoscopic cervical (n = 4) and endometrial (n = 6) cancer sentinel lymph node (SLN) procedures. Surgical guidance was provided using the hybrid, or bi-modal, SLN tracer ICG-99mTc-nanocolloid. SLN detection was compared between the traditional rigid laparoscopic gamma probe, the combination of a DROP-IN gamma probe and a steerable laparoscopic instrument (LaproFlex), and fluorescence imaging.

Results

The gynecologists experienced an enlarged freedom of movement when using the DROP-IN + LaproFlex combination compared to the rigid laparoscopic probe, making it possible to better isolate the SLN signal from background signals. This did not translate into a change in the SLN find rate yet. In both cervical and endometrial cancer combined, the rigid probe and DROP-IN + LaproFlex combination provided an equivalent detection rate of 96%, while fluorescence provided 85%.

Conclusion

We have successfully demonstrated the in-human use of steerable DROP-IN radioguidance during laparoscopic cervical and endometrial cancer SLN procedures, expanding the utility beyond robotic procedures. Indicating an improved surgical experience, these findings encourage further investigation and consideration on a path towards routine clinical practice and improved patient outcome.

Trial registration

HCB/2021/0777 and NCT04492995; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04492995
Machine learning for differentiating between pancreatobiliary-type and intestinal-type periampullary carcinomas based on CT imaging and clinical findings
Authors: Chen Tao , Zhang Danbin , Chen Shaoqing , Lu Juan , Guo Qinger , Cai Shuyang , Yang Hong , Wang Ruixuan , Hu Ziyao , Chen Yang
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To develop a diagnostic model for distinguishing pancreatobiliary-type and intestinal-type periampullary adenocarcinomas using preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) findings combined with clinical characteristics.

Methods

This retrospective study included 140 patients with periampullary adenocarcinoma who underwent preoperative enhanced CT, including pancreaticobiliary (N = 100) and intestinal (N = 40) types. They were randomly assigned to the training or internal validation set in an 8:2 ratio. Additionally, an independent external cohort of 28 patients was enrolled. Various CT features of the periampullary region were evaluated and data from clinical and laboratory tests were collected. Five machine learning classifiers were developed to identify the histologic type of periampullary adenocarcinoma, including logistic regression, random forest, multi-layer perceptron, light gradient boosting, and eXtreme gradient boosting (XGBoost).

Results

All machine learning classifiers except multi-layer perceptron used achieved good performance in distinguishing pancreatobiliary-type and intestinal-type adenocarcinomas, with the area under the curve (AUC) ranging from 0.75 to 0.98. The AUC values of the XGBoost classifier in the training set, internal validation set and external validation set are 0.98, 0.89 and 0.84 respectively. The enhancement degree of tumor, the growth pattern of tumor, and carbohydrate antigen 19–9 were the most important factors in the model.

Conclusion

Machine learning models combining CT with clinical features can serve as a noninvasive tool to differentiate the histological subtypes of periampullary adenocarcinoma, in particular using the XGBoost classifier.
Protective effect of low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound on immune checkpoint inhibitor-related myocarditis via fine-tuning CD4+ T-cell differentiation
Authors: Fu Shuai , Guo Zihong , Xu Xiangli , Li Yifei , Choi Stephen , Zhao Peng , Shen Wenqian , Gao Fei , Wang Chao , Chen Shuang , Li You , Tian Jiawei , Sun Ping
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed traditional cancer treatments. Specifically, ICI-related myocarditis is an immune-related adverse event (irAE) with high mortality. ICIs activate CD4+ T-lymphocyte reprogramming, causing an imbalance between Th17 and Treg cell differentiation, ultimately leading to myocardial inflammatory damage. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) can limit inflammatory responses, with positive therapeutic effects across various cardiovascular inflammatory diseases; however, its role in the pathogenesis of ICI-related myocarditis and CD4+ T-cell dysfunction remains unclear. Accordingly, this study investigated whether LIPUS can alleviate ICI-related myocarditis inflammatory damage and, if so, aimed to elucidate the beneficial effects of LIPUS and its underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods

An in vivo model of ICI-related myocarditis was obtained by intraperitonially injecting male A/J mice with an InVivoPlus anti-mouse PD-1 inhibitor. LIPUS treatment was performed via an ultrasound-guided application to the heart via the chest wall. The echocardiographic parameters were observed and cardiac function was assessed using an in vivo imaging system. The expression of core components of the HIPPO pathway was analyzed via western blotting.

Results

LIPUS treatment reduced cardiac immune responses and inflammatory cardiac injury. Further, LIPUS treatment alleviated the inflammatory response in mice with ICI-related myocarditis. Mechanistically, in the HIPPO pathway, the activation of Mst1–TAZ axis improved autoimmune inflammation by altering the interaction between the transcription factors FOXP3 and RORγt and regulating the differentiation of Treg and Th17 cells.

Conclusion

LIPUS therapy was shown to reduce ICI-related myocarditis inflammatory damage and improve cardiac function, representing an exciting finding for irAEs treatment.
Enhanced impedance, electrical conductivity, dielectric properties for colloidal starch-g-poly (methyl methacrylate) supported with semiconductor cadmium sulfide
Authors: Torğut Gülben , Gürler Nedim
Published: January 2024

In this study, starch-graft-poly (methyl methacrylate) (starch-g-PMMA) composites doped with different amounts (5, 10, and 15 wt%) of cadmium sulfide (CdS) particles were fabricated for electrical measurements using in-situ polymerization technique. The structural characterization of the samples was studied. The dielectric and conductivity properties of the composites were investigated using impedance analyzer depending on the frequency (100 Hz–20 kHz) at room temperature. Spectroscopy revealed that the dielectric constant (ε′), dielectric loss (ε′′), and real (Z) components of impedance are found to decrease with increasing frequency for both starch-g-PMMA and starch-g-PMMA (5, 10, and 15 wt%) composites. On the contrary, the AC conductivity (σac) of samples increased with increasing frequency. In addition, ε′ and ε′′ values of starch-g-PMMA were lower than composites that added CdS. When the CdS content increased from 0 to 15%, ε′ increased from 5.62 to 15.10 at 100 Hz. AC conductivity was improved after adding the CdS particles. The maximum conductivity value for starch-g-PMMA15%CdS is found to be 3.07 × 10–7 at 100 Hz. When the dielectric properties of composites are evaluated, it is concluded that it is an exciting material for electronic applications in technology.
A predictive analytics framework for sensor data using time series and deep learning techniques
Authors: Selmy Hend A. , Mohamed Hoda K. , Medhat Walaa
Published: January 2024

IoT devices convert billions of objects into data-generating entities, enabling them to report status and interact with their surroundings. This data comes in various formats, like structured, semi-structured, or unstructured. In addition, it can be collected in batches or in real time. The problem now is how to benefit from all of this data gathered by sensing and monitoring changes like temperature, light, and position. In this paper, we propose a predictive analytics framework constructed on top of open-source technologies such as Apache Spark and Kafka. The framework focuses on forecasting temperature time series data using traditional and deep learning predictive analytics methods. The analysis and prediction tasks were performed using Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA), Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), and a novel hybrid model based on Convolution Neural Network (CNN) and LSTM. The purpose of this paper is to determine whether and how recently developed deep learning-based models outperform traditional algorithms in the prediction of time series data. The empirical studies conducted and reported in this paper demonstrate that deep learning-based models, specifically LSTM and CNN-LSTM, exhibit superior performance compared to traditional-based algorithms, ARIMA and SARIMA. More specifically, the average reduction in error rates obtained by LSTM and CNN-LSTM models were substantial when compared to other models indicating the superiority of deep learning. Moreover, the CNN-LSTM-based deep learning model exhibits a higher degree of closeness to the actual values when compared to the LSTM-based model.
Preoperative estimation of intracranial compliance in symptomatic children with Chiari malformation type 1: impact on outcome and risk of complications
Authors: Frič Radek , Bryne Eline , Warsza Bogna , Due-Tønnessen Bernt Johan , Eide Per Kristian
Published: January 2024

Background

The role of reduced intracranial compliance (ICC) in the outcome after foramen magnum decompression (FMD) was demonstrated in adults with Chiari malformation Type 1 (CMI). However, similar observations from children treated for CMI are missing.

Methods

We reviewed pediatric cases of CMI referred to FMD between 2006 and 2022. Children with clinical and/or radiological signs suggesting reduced ICC (Group A) underwent overnight measurements of the pulsatile intracranial pressure (ICP): mean ICP wave amplitude (MWA) served as a surrogate marker of ICC. Children with more typical symptoms of CMI (Group B) underwent FMD without preoperative ICC estimation. This study presents the clinical, radiological, and outcome differences between these groups.

Results

Sixty-four children (mean age 11.1 ± 4.3 years) underwent FMD: In Group A (n = 30), the finding of reduced ICC as estimated from preoperative ICP measurement resulted in CSF diversion (ventriculoperitoneal shunt) before FMD in 11 children. Two patients required shunt due to complications after FMD (total shunt rate 43%). In Group B (n = 34) treated with FMD without preoperative ICC estimation, five children (15%) required shunting due to complications. In Group A, we found a significantly higher frequency of headache, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness. The outcome assessed by the modified Chicago Chiari Outcome Scale (mean follow-up 83 ± 57 months) was comparable between the groups, but the complication rate after FMD was significantly lower in Group A (7% vs. 32%; p = 0.011). The number of procedures (ICP measurement, FMD, shunt, re-do FMD, shunt revisions) was significantly higher in Group A (2.6 ± 0.9 vs. 1.5 ± 1.1 per patient; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

In symptomatic children with CMI, the preoperative estimation of ICC from the overnight measurement of pulsatile ICP was more reliable for identifying those with reduced ICC than clinical and radiological assessment alone. When children with abnormally reduced ICC were identified and treated with CSF diversion before FMD, the complication rate was significantly reduced.
Availability and mobilization of forest resources in Sweden
Authors: Eriksson Andreas , Eggers Jeannette , Claesson Svante , Fridman Jonas , Nylander Martin , Olsson Patrik , Öhman Karin , Nordström Eva-Maria
Published: January 2024

The available amount of wood supply is essential for national strategic planning and evaluation of forestry in Sweden. Since Sweden holds a large part of the forests in the European Union and plays a significant role in the global trade of wood-based products, a precise estimate of the potential of the Swedish forest resource is also important in regional and global outlook studies. In this study, we analyse factors influencing the availability and mobilization of wood supply. By comparing data from the Swedish National Forest Inventory with the stand registers of the five largest forest owners in Sweden, we estimate the productive forest area not included in the forest owners' stand databases. Our results show that 0.4 million hectares, or 5% of these large-scale forest owners productive forest area, is outside their stand registers and therefore neither included in their long-term harvesting plans nor in their nature conservation plans. For small-scale forest owners, we analyse the final felling rate during 2004–2020 using satellite imagery to estimate the proportion of properties that abstain from final fellings and thereby could affect the potential mobilization of wood supply. During this period, 32% of the forest properties owned by small-scale forest owners have not done any final felling. These forest estates hold in total 1.1 million hectares of productive forest land or 9% of the area owned by small-scale forest owners. This implies a gap between the potential and realistic estimates for Forest Available for Wood Supply.
Destructive impact of successive high magnitude earthquakes occurred in Türkiye’s Kahramanmaraş on February 6, 2023
Authors: Demir Aydin , Celebi Erkan , Ozturk Hakan , Ozcan Zeki , Ozocak Askin , Bol Ertan , Sert Sedat , Sahin F. Zehra , Arslan Eylem , Dere Yaman Zeynep , Utkucu Murat , Mert Necati
Published: January 2024

Two successive earthquakes with moment magnitudes of Mw = 7.7 (focal depth = 8.6 km) and Mw = 7.6 (focal depth = 7 km) occurred approximately within 9 h on February 6, 2023, in Türkiye, respectively. The epicenters were the Pazarcık and Elbistan districts of Kahramanmaraş. Both earthquakes occurred in the East Anatolian Fault Zone, one of Türkiye’s two major active fault systems. Between these two severe earthquakes, there was one more big aftershock with a moment magnitude of 6.6, the epicenter of which was in the Nurdağı District of Gaziantep. Then, on February 20, 2023, another aftershock earthquake with a magnitude of Mw = 6.4 occurred in Yayladağı district of Hatay. As a result of the earthquakes, severe damage occurred in several provinces and districts with a population of around 15 million, and more than 50,000 people have lost their lives. This study presents on-site geotechnical and structural investigations by a team of researchers after the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes. It summarizes the performance of the building environments as a result of on-site assessments, taking into account observed structural damage, local site conditions, and strong ground motion data. The possible causes of the observed damage are addressed in detail. These earthquakes once again revealed the common deficiencies of existing reinforced concrete structures in Türkiye, such as poor material quality, poor workmanship, unsuitability of reinforcement detailing, and inadequate earthquake-resistant construction techniques. Precast concrete and masonry structures in the region were also severely damaged during the earthquakes due to insufficient engineering service, poor materials, deficiencies during construction, etc.
Molecular mechanisms and emerging therapies in wild-type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy
Authors: Wu Danni , Chen Wei
Published: January 2024

Wild-type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTRwt-CM) is an underrecognized cause of heart failure due to misfolded wild-type transthyretin (TTRwt) myocardial deposition. The development of wild-type TTR amyloid fibrils is a complex pathological process linked to the deterioration of homeostatic mechanisms owing to aging, plausibly implicating multiple molecular mechanisms. The components of amyloid transthyretin often include serum amyloid P, proteoglycans, and clusterin, which may play essential roles in the localization and elimination of amyloid fibrils. Oxidative stress, impaired mitochondrial function, and perturbation of intracellular calcium dynamics induced by TTR contribute to cardiac impairment. Recently, tafamidis has been the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of ATTRwt-CM. In addition, small interfering RNAs and antisense oligonucleotides for ATTR-CM are promising therapeutic approaches and are currently in phase III clinical trials. Newly emerging therapies, such as antibodies targeting amyloid, inhibitors of seed formation, and CRISPR‒Cas9 technology, are currently in the early stages of research. The development of novel therapies is based on progress in comprehending the molecular events behind amyloid cardiomyopathy. There is still a need to further advance innovative treatments, providing patients with access to alternative and effective therapies, especially for patients diagnosed at a late stage.
SMARCB1-Deficient Skull Base Chondrosarcoma with 12p Duplication Presenting as Somatic-Type Malignancy Arising from Metastatic Seminoma
Authors: Argyris Prokopios P. , Challa Bindu , Satturwar Swati , VanKoevering Kyle K. , Wakely Paul E.
Published: January 2024

Somatic-type malignancy (STM) can occur infrequently within a primary or metastatic testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) and is associated with dismal prognosis and survival. STM with chondrosarcomatous features is exceedingly rare and head and neck involvement has not been previously documented. A 39-year-old white man presented with nasal obstruction and epistaxis. Imaging disclosed a 6.9-cm expansile tumor involving the nasal cavity and skull base with intraorbital and intracranial extension. The histopathologic properties of the tumor were compatible with chondrosarcoma, grade II-III. Immunohistochemically, malignant cells were strongly and diffusely positive for S100 and epithelial markers, and showed loss of SMARCB1 expression. IDH1/2 mutations were not detected. Following whole-body PET scan, a 7.0-cm left testicular mass was discovered and diagnosed as seminoma with syncytiotrophoblastic cells, stage pT3NXM1b. Extensive retroperitoneal, mediastinal, and supraclavicular lymphadenopathy was also noticed. Histopathologic examination of the left supraclavicular lymph node revealed metastatic seminoma. By FISH, most metastatic nodal seminoma cells harbored 1 to 4 copies of isochromosome 12p, while the chondrosarcoma featured duplication of 12p. Presence of a malignant TGCT with disseminated supradiaphragmatic lymphadenopathy, the unique immunophenotypic properties of the skull-based chondrosarcoma and lack of IDH1/2 aberrations with gain of 12p strongly support the diagnosis of STM chondrosarcoma arising from metastatic TGCT. The patient did not respond to chemotherapy and succumbed three months after diagnosis. Although exceedingly uncommon, metastasis to the head and neck may occur in patients with TGCT. This case of STM chondrosarcoma demonstrated divergent immunophenotypic and molecular characteristics compared to “typical” examples of head and neck chondrosarcoma. High index of suspicion is advised regarding the diagnosis of lesions that present with otherwise typical histomorphology but unexpected immunohistochemical or molecular features.
Sponges and their prokaryotic communities sampled from a remote karst ecosystem
Authors: Cleary Daniel F. R. , Huang Yusheng M. , Polónia Ana R. M. , van der Plas Martin , Gomes Newton C. M. , de Voogd Nicole J.
Published: January 2024

Marine karst ecosystems exist at the land-sea interface and are characterised by underwater formations sculpted over time by the action of seawater. Submerged caves and crevices of these ecosystems host a rich array of marine life of which sponges are among the most abundant and diverse components. In the present study, we describe elements of the sponge fauna sampled from a unique karst ecosystem at a remote island, Orchid Island, off the southeastern coast of Taiwan. The present study includes several understudied sponge taxa, including sclerosponges (Acanthochaetetes wellsi, and Astrosclera willeyana) and several lithistid species from dark, shallow-water caves. Prokaryotic communities were obtained from a total of 22 demosponge species, of which 11 are potentially new to science. The tetracladinid, lithistids harboured prokaryotic communities, which clustered separately from all other sponge species, contrasting with the non-tetracladinid, lithistid Vetulina incrustans. The tetracladinid, lithistids, furthermore, formed two distinct clusters with species of the Spirophorina suborder clustering apart from those of the Astrophorina suborder. The sclerosponge A. wellsi also harboured a distinct prokaryotic community in terms of composition including five unique, abundant OTUs with relatively low sequence similarities to organisms in GenBank. All cave sponges were enriched with SAR202 members, a group of bacteria known for their role in the degradation of recalcitrant compounds. The highest relative abundance of SAR202 was found in A. wellsi. We propose that the cave sponges of Orchid Island may play an as-yet uncharted role in nutrient dynamics at the land-sea interface.
Mycotoxin occurrence in kernels and straws of wheat, barley, and tritordeum
Authors: Gozzi Marco , Blandino Massimo , Bruni Renato , Capo Luca , Righetti Laura , Dall’Asta Chiara
Published: January 2024

Thirty-two varieties of common and durum wheat, hordeum, barley, and tritordeum collected over two harvesting years (2020 and 2021) were investigated for the presence of multiple Fusarium-related mycotoxins in asymptomatic plants. DON, 3-AcDON, 15-AcDON, T-2, HT-2, and ZEN together with the emerging mycotoxin ENN B and the major modified form of DON, namely DON3Glc, were quantified by means of UHPLC-MS/MS. Overall, DON and ENN B were the most frequently detected mycotoxins, albeit large inter-year variability was observed and related to different climate and weather conditions. Straws had higher mycotoxin contents than kernels and regarding DON occurrence tritordeum was found to be the most contaminated group on average for both harvesting years, while barley was the less contaminated one. Emerging mycotoxin ENN B showed comparable contents in kernels compared to straw, with a ratio close to 1 for tritordeum and barley. Regarding the occurrence of the other evaluated mycotoxins, T-2 and HT-2 toxins have been spotted in a few tritordeum samples, while ZEN has been frequently found only in straw from the harvesting year 2020. The data collected confirms the occurrence of multiple Fusarium mycotoxins in straws also from asymptomatic plants, highlighting concerns related to feed safety and animal health. The susceptibility of Tritordeum, hereby reported for the first time, suggests that careful measures in terms of monitoring, breeding, and cultural choices should be applied when dealing with his emerging crop.