bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thrombocytopenia and clinical outcomes among patients with COVID‐19 disease: A cohort study
Authors: Alkhalifa Hussain , Alsalman Zaenb , Alfaraj Aman , Algaraash Mohammed , Alsalman Mortadah
Published: February 2023

Background and Aims

Thrombocytopenia is increasingly recognized among patients with critical illness and plays a role in several diseases affecting different organ systems. Therefore, we studied the prevalence of thrombocytopenia among hospitalized COVID‐19 patients and its correlation with disease severity and clinical outcomes.

Methods

This was an observational retrospective cohort study conducted on 256 hospitalized COVID‐19 patients. Thrombocytopenia is defined as a platelet count below 150,000/μL. Disease severity was classified based on the five‐point CXR scoring tool.

Results

Thrombocytopenia was found in 66 (25.78%) patients. In outcomes, 41 (16%) patients were admitted to intensive care unit, 51 (19.9%) died, and 50 (19.5%) had acute kidney injury (AKI). Of the total patients with thrombocytopenia, 58 (87.9%) had early thrombocytopenia, while 8 (12.1%) had late thrombocytopenia. Notably, mean survival time was markedly decreased in late‐onset thrombocytopenia cases (p < 0.0001). Patients with thrombocytopenia showed a significant increase in creatinine compared to those with normal platelet counts (p < 0.05). Moreover, thrombocytopenia was more prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease compared to other comorbidities (p < 0.05). In addition, hemoglobin was significantly lower in the thrombocytopenia group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Thrombocytopenia is a common finding among COVID‐19 patients, with a predilection toward a specific group of patients, though the exact reasons are unclear. It predicts poor clinical outcomes and is closely linked to mortality, AKI, and the need for mechanical ventilation. These findings suggest that more research is required to study the mechanism of thrombocytopenia and the possibility of thrombotic microangiopathy in COVID‐19 patients.
Prognostic artificial intelligence model to predict 5 year survival at 1 year after gastric cancer surgery based on nutrition and body morphometry
Authors: Chung Heewon , Ko Yousun , Lee In‐Seob , Hur Hoon , Huh Jimi , Han Sang‐Uk , Kim Kyung Won , Lee Jinseok
Published: February 2023

Background

Personalized survival prediction is important in gastric cancer patients after gastrectomy based on large datasets with many variables including time‐varying factors in nutrition and body morphometry. One year after gastrectomy might be the optimal timing to predict long‐term survival because most patients experience significant nutritional change, muscle loss, and postoperative changes in the first year after gastrectomy. We aimed to develop a personalized prognostic artificial intelligence (AI) model to predict 5 year survival at 1 year after gastrectomy.

Methods

From a prospectively built gastric surgery registry from a tertiary hospital, 4025 gastric cancer patients (mean age 56.1 ± 10.9, 36.2% females) treated gastrectomy and survived more than a year were selected. Eighty‐nine variables including clinical and derived time‐varying variables were used as input variables. We proposed a multi‐tree extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) algorithm, an ensemble AI algorithm based on 100 datasets derived from repeated five‐fold cross‐validation. Internal validation was performed in split datasets (n = 1121) by comparing our proposed model and six other AI algorithms. External validation was performed in 590 patients from other hospitals (mean age 55.9 ± 11.2, 37.3% females). We performed a sensitivity analysis to analyse the effect of the nutritional and fat/muscle indices using a leave‐one‐out method.

Results

In the internal validation, our proposed model showed AUROC of 0.8237, which outperformed the other AI algorithms (0.7988–0.8165), 80.00% sensitivity, 72.34% specificity, and 76.17% balanced accuracy. In the external validation, our model showed AUROC of 0.8903, 86.96% sensitivity, 74.60% specificity, and 80.78% balanced accuracy. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the nutritional and fat/muscle indices influenced the balanced accuracy by 0.31% and 6.29% in the internal and external validation set, respectively. Our developed AI model was published on a website for personalized survival prediction.

Conclusions

Our proposed AI model provides substantially good performance in predicting 5 year survival at 1 year after gastric cancer surgery. The nutritional and fat/muscle indices contributed to increase the prediction performance of our AI model.
Sarcopenia is associated with a greater risk of polypharmacy and number of medications: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Prokopidis Konstantinos , Giannos Panagiotis , Reginster Jean Yves , Bruyere Olivier , Petrovic Mirko , Cherubini Antonio , Triantafyllidis Konstantinos K. , Kechagias Konstantinos S. , Dionyssiotis Yannis , Cesari Matteo , Ibrahim Kinda , Scott David , Barbagallo Mario , Veronese Nicola ,   Special interest group in Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses and the Task Force on Pharmaceutical Strategy of the European Geriatric Medicine Society (EuGMS)
Published: February 2023

Polypharmacy in older adults is associated with multiple negative consequences that may affect muscular function, independently from the presence of medical conditions. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to investigate the association of sarcopenia with polypharmacy and higher number of medications. A systematic literature search of observational studies using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane Library databases was conducted from inception until June 2022. To determine if sarcopenia is associated with a higher risk of polypharmacy and increased number of medications, a meta‐analysis using a random‐effects model was used to calculate the pooled effects (CRD42022337539). Twenty‐nine studies were included in the systematic review and meta‐analysis. Sarcopenia was associated with a higher prevalence of polypharmacy (odds ratio [OR]: 1.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.23, 2.20], I2 = 84%, P < 0.01) and higher number of medications (mean difference: 1.39, 95% CI [0.59, 2.19], I2 = 95%, P < 0.01) compared with individuals without sarcopenia. Using meta‐regression, a high variance was observed due to different populations (i.e., community‐dwelling, nursing home residents, inpatients, outpatients) for both outcomes of polypharmacy (r = −0.338, SE = 0.1669, 95% CI [−0.67, −0.01], z = −2.03, P = 0.04) and number of medications (r = 0.589, SE = 0.2615, 95% CI [0.08, 1.10], z = 2.25, P = 0.02). This systematic review and meta‐analysis reported a significantly increased risk of polypharmacy and higher number of medications in people with sarcopenia compared with individuals without this condition. Future research should clarify whether the specificity and number of medications is a direct contributor in accelerating the progression of muscle wasting and dysfunction contributing to sarcopenia in older adults.
Current attitudes toward carrier screening for spinal muscular atrophy among pregnant women in Eastern China
Authors: Li Yerong , Wang Lulu , Tan Jianxin , Huang Mingtao , Wang Yuguo , Shao Binbin , Lv Juan , Zhang Jingjing
Published: February 2023

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive and often fatal neurological disease. However, very little is known about the attitudes toward SMA carrier screening among Chinese pregnant people. In this study, pregnant women in Eastern China who were undergoing routine chromosomal screening programs were invited to view an educational video about SMA and complete a 26‐item survey regarding their attitudes toward SMA screening by scanning a specific quick response code. A total of 1673 questionnaires were collected, and 81.1% of respondents were willing to undergo self‐funded screening. If the screening program were included in the medical insurance, 97.8% of respondents were willing to accept screening. The important reasons for supporting SMA screening were a belief that it could help them make better reproductive decisions and avoid having a child with SMA. The key reason for declining SMA screening was not having a family history of genetic diseases. A higher score for SMA genetics knowledge was associated with a greater willingness to undergo SMA screening. We concluded that pregnant women in Eastern China had positive attitudes toward SMA carrier screening. Improving genetic knowledge and including the screening program in medical insurance would support the widespread implementation of SMA carrier screening. Steps should be taken to offer SMA carrier screening along with pre‐ and posttest education and genetic counseling to raise awareness and reduce misconceptions regarding SMA.
Oxidative stress—A key determinant of complications and negative outcome in hepatitis E virus infected pregnancies: A comprehensive account involving cases from northeast India
Authors: Kashyap Natasha , Islam Mafidul , Kaur Harpreet , Tiwari Diptika , Begum Anjuma , Bose Moumita , Das Chandana Ray , Saikia Anjan Kumar , Kalita Pankaj , Bose Purabi Deka , Bose Sujoy
Published: February 2023

Regulated oxidative stress (OS) is important during pregnancy. Sporadic studies suggest the significance of deregulated OS in hepatitis E virus (HEV) infected pregnancy, but with limited reactive oxygen species (ROS) or antioxidant markers. The present novel study, therefore, aimed to evaluate the significance of ROS‐antioxidant imbalance and resulting altered OS in HEV infected pregnancy complications like preterm delivery (PTD) and outcome. Difference in serum levels of ROS and antioxidant panel of markers were evaluated by ELISA for HEV immunoglobulin M RNA positive genotype 1 cases (including acute [acute viral hepatitis, AVH] and fulminant [fulminant hepatic failure, FHF] cases) and healthy term delivery subjects, and analyzed statistically. Direct ROS marker H2O2 levels and indirect OS marker for DNA damage 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine was significantly increased in HEV‐cases compared to controls, and was associated and prognostic factor for PTD and fetal death in HEV cases. A comparatively lower total serum antioxidant capacity was observed in the FHF cases compared to the control subjects and the AVH cases. Glutathione (GSH) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were significantly associated with PTD in the FHF sub‐cohorts (p = 0.017) and AVH sub‐cohorts (p < 0.001), respectively, and was associated with poor prognosis in HEV cases. The serum H2O2 levels were found to be negatively correlated with SOD activity (p = 0.016) and GSH levels (p = 0.001) in the HEV‐AVH cases; and positively correlated with the viral load in HEV cases (p = 0.023). The ROS‐antioxidant imbalance resulting OS plays a detrimental associative role in HEV infected pregnancy complications like PTD and adverse pregnancy outcomes; and holds therapeutic significance.
Tunable Mid‐Infrared Detail‐Enhanced Imaging With Micron‐Level Spatial Resolution and Photon‐Number Resolving Sensitivity
Authors: Zeng Xuanke , Wang Congying , Wang Hongyu , Lin Qinggang , Chen Zhenkuan , Lu Xiaowei , Zheng Maijie , Liang Jinyang , Cai Yi , Xu Shixiang , Li Jingzhen
Published: February 2023

The underdevelopment of mid‐infrared (MIR) components and detectors greatly limits the spatial resolution and sensitivity of MIR imaging. To overcome these limitations, MIR detail‐enhanced imaging is enhanced via non‐degenerate optical parametric amplification (OPA) pumped by a femtosecond vortex pulse. This design renders MIR illumination into a visible image by nonlinear wavelength‐conversion, together with a high OPA gain, large spatial bandwidth, and remarkable sensitivity. These experiments show that the design can realize MIR imaging with a spatial resolution of up to 114 line pairs per millimeter and a 2D spatial bandwidth product of up to 62 900, over a spectral region tunable from 2.0 to 3.0 µm. Equally important, this setup simultaneously achieves excellent imaging sensitivity of 25 photons at room temperature. It is thought that this work provides a powerful way to realize effective real‐time MIR imaging with an excellent spatial resolution even in very weak illumination environments, which can benefit many applications from semiconductor material characterization and biomedical imaging to security.
The effects of government support on enterprises' digital transformation: Evidence from China
Authors: Wang Siwei , Li Xin , Li Zibiao , Ye Yongwei
Published: February 2023

Digital transformation has become a general trend for enterprises, and it is necessary to investigate the impact of government support on enterprises' digital transformation from the perspective of policy instruments. But so far, there is less empirical evidence on their relationship. Based on Chinese firm‐level data, we investigate the effects of government subsidies and tax incentives on enterprises' digital transformation. The results show that two forms of government support both positively promote enterprises' digital transformation. Moreover, we analyze which factors mediate the observed effects. We demonstrate that easing financial constraints, increasing Research and Development (R&D) investment, and improving risk‐taking ability are underlying mechanisms. Heterogeneity analysis indicates that enterprises that are non‐state‐owned, with higher technology level and higher absorptive capacity, have higher digital transformation. The higher the level of digital finance development and network infrastructure construction in a region, the greater the positive effect of government support on enterprises' digital transformation. The results provide clearer guidance for governments to provide government support so as to stimulate enterprises' digital transformation.
A Review of Factors Affecting the Susceptibility of Juvenile Salmonids to Avian Predation
Authors: Hostetter Nathan J. , Evans Allen F. , Payton Quinn , Roby Daniel D. , Lyons Donald E. , Collis Ken
Published: February 2023

We reviewed studies of piscivorous colonial waterbird predation on juvenile salmonids to synthesize current knowledge of factors affecting fish susceptibility to avian predators. Specifically, we examined peer-reviewed publications and reports from academic, governmental, and nongovernmental agencies to identify commonalities and differences in susceptibility of salmonids to avian predation, with a focus on mark–recovery studies in the Columbia River basin. Factors hypothesized to influence salmonid susceptibility to avian predation were grouped into four general categories: (1) salmonid species and populations, (2) environmental factors, (3) prey density, predator density, and migration timing, and (4) prey characteristics. Our review focused on predation by Caspian terns Hydroprogne caspia, double-crested cormorants Nannopterum auritum, and gull species Larus spp. as these are the most well-studied avian predators of salmonids. Results indicated that predator–prey interactions varied across salmonid species and populations and species of avian predator. Inferences across studies supported multiple hypotheses regarding predator–prey dynamics, including environmental factors that influence prey exposure to predators (e.g., river flows, turbidity, alternative prey), variation in predator and prey abundances, predator characteristics (e.g., foraging behavior, colony location), and prey characteristics (e.g., fish length, condition). Mark–recovery studies of avian predation on fish populations have greatly improved our understanding of the factors affecting fish susceptibility to avian predation, the relative contributions of abiotic and biotic factors to predation susceptibility, and the extent to which avian predation affects fish survival and the viability of prey populations. Future studies that jointly model predation and survival and the factors affecting those processes will further broaden our understanding of predator–prey dynamics and directly evaluate the effects of predation on prey population dynamics.
Systemic juvenile xanthogranuloma: A systematic review
Authors: Zou Tong , Wei Ang , Ma Honghao , Lian Hongyun , Liu Yali , Wang Dong , Zhao Yunze , Cui Lei , Li Zhigang , Zhang Rui , Wang Tianyou
Published: February 2023

Objective

To perform a systematic review to investigate the available literature regarding systemic juvenile xanthogranuloma (SJXG) and report the population characteristics, clinical manifestation, therapy, and outcome.

Review methods

A search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library for all articles published between 1981 and 2022 was performed with variations and combinations of the following search terms: extracutaneous, visceral, systemic, and juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG). Data extracted included demographics, organ involvement, treatment, outcome, and permanent sequelae.

Results

A total of 103 articles encompassing 159 patients met the inclusion criteria. The median onset age was 9 months, with a male predominance (61%). The distribution of major involved organs varied by age, and younger onset age was associated with more organ involvement. The most commonly involved site was the central nervous system (CNS) (40.9%), followed by the liver (31.4%), the lung (18.9%), and the eye (18.2%). At the termination of follow‐up, 93 patients (58.5%) were alive with no disease, 56 (35.2%) were alive with disease, and 10 (6.3%) were dead of disease. There was a significant difference in outcome between patients with and without spleen involvement (p = .0003), and patients with spleen involvement suffered a higher risk of death. Permanent sequelae mainly comprised CNS symptoms and ocular manifestations.

Conclusions

SJXG can involve varying numbers and combinations of extracutaneous sites. There is no standard therapy for SJXG and clinicians should choose individualized therapy modalities.
PrePCI: A structure‐ and chemical similarity‐informed database of predicted protein compound interactions
Authors: Trudeau Stephen J. , Hwang Howook , Mathur Deepika , Begum Kamrun , Petrey Donald , Murray Diana , Honig Barry
Published: February 2023

We describe the Predicting Protein–Compound Interactions (PrePCI) database which comprises over 5 billion predicted interactions between 6.8 million chemical compounds and 19,797 human proteins. PrePCI relies on a proteome‐wide database of structural models based on both traditional modeling techniques and the AlphaFold Protein Structure Database. Sequence‐ and structural similarity‐based metrics are established between template proteins, T, in the Protein Data Bank that bind compounds, C, and query proteins in the model database, Q. When the metrics exceed threshold values, it is assumed that C also binds to Q with a likelihood ratio (LR) derived from machine learning. If the relationship is based on structural similarity, the LR is based on a scoring function that measures the extent to which C is compatible with the binding site of Q as described in the LT‐scanner algorithm. For every predicted complex derived in this way, chemical similarity based on the Tanimoto coefficient identifies other small molecules that may bind to Q. An overall LR for the binding of C to Q is obtained from Naive Bayesian statistics. The PrePCI database can be queried by entering a UniProt ID or gene name for a protein to obtain a list of compounds predicted to bind to it along with associated LRs. Alternatively, entering an identifier for the compound outputs a list of proteins it is predicted to bind. Specific applications of the database to lead discovery, elucidation of drug mechanism of action, and biological function annotation are described.
Simulation of DNA damage using Geant4‐DNA: an overview of the “molecularDNA” example application
Authors: Chatzipapas Konstantinos P. , Tran Ngoc Hoang , Dordevic Milos , Zivkovic Sara , Zein Sara , Shin Wook‐Geun , Sakata Dousatsu , Lampe Nathanael , Brown Jeremy M. C. , Ristic‐Fira Aleksandra , Petrovic Ivan , Kyriakou Ioanna , Emfietzoglou Dimitris , Guatelli Susanna , Incerti Sébastien
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The scientific community shows great interest in the study of DNA damage induction, DNA damage repair, and the biological effects on cells and cellular systems after exposure to ionizing radiation. Several in silico methods have been proposed so far to study these mechanisms using Monte Carlo simulations. This study outlines a Geant4‐DNA example application, named “molecularDNA”, publicly released in the 11.1 version of Geant4 (December 2022).

Methods

It was developed for novice Geant4 users and requires only a basic understanding of scripting languages to get started. The example includes two different DNA‐scale geometries of biological targets, namely “cylinders” and “human cell”. This public version is based on a previous prototype and includes new features, such as: the adoption of a new approach for the modeling of the chemical stage, the use of the standard DNA damage format to describe radiation‐induced DNA damage, and upgraded computational tools to estimate DNA damage response.

Results

Simulation data in terms of single‐strand break and double‐strand break yields were produced using each of the available geometries. The results were compared with the literature, to validate the example, producing less than 5% difference in all cases. Conclusion: “molecularDNA” is a prototype tool that can be applied in a wide variety of radiobiology studies, providing the scientific community with an open‐access base for DNA damage quantification calculations. New DNA and cell geometries for the “molecularDNA” example will be included in future versions of Geant4‐DNA.
Protein structure prediction using the evolutionary algorithm USPEX
Authors: Rachitskii Pavel , Kruglov Ivan , Finkelstein Alexei V. , Oganov Artem R.
Published: February 2023

Protein structure prediction is one of major problems of modern biophysics: current attempts to predict the tertiary protein structure from amino acid sequence are successful mostly when the use of big data and machine learning allows one to reduce the “prediction problem” to the “problem of recognition”. Compared with recent successes of deep learning, classical predictive methods lag behind in their accuracy for the prediction of stable conformations. Therefore, in this work we extended the evolutionary algorithm USPEX to predict protein structure based on global optimization starting with the amino acid sequence. Moreover, we compared frequently used force fields for the task of protein structure prediction. Protein structure relaxation and energy calculations were performed using Tinker (with several different force fields) and Rosetta (with REF2015 force field) codes. To create new protein structure models in the USPEX algorithm, we developed novel variation operators. The test of the new method on seven proteins having (for simplicity) no cis‐proline (with ω ≈ 0°) residues, and a length of up to 100 residues, revealed that our algorithm predicts tertiary structures of proteins with high accuracy. The comparison of the final potential energies of the predicted protein structures obtained using the USPEX and the Rosetta Abinitio approach showed that in most cases the developed algorithm found structures with close or even lower energy (Amber/Charmm/Oplsaal) and scoring function (REF2015). While USPEX has clearly demonstrated its ability to find very deep energy minima, our study showed that the existing force fields are not sufficiently accurate for accurate blind prediction of protein structures without further experimental verification.
Exploring the scaling limitations of the variational quantum eigensolver with the bond dissociation of hydride diatomic molecules
Authors: Clary Jacob M. , Jones Eric B. , Vigil‐Fowler Derek , Chang Christopher , Graf Peter
Published: February 2023

Materials simulations involving strongly correlated electrons pose fundamental challenges to state‐of‐the‐art electronic structure methods but are hypothesized to be the ideal use case for quantum computing algorithms. To date, no quantum computer has simulated a molecule of a size and complexity relevant to real‐world applications, despite the fact that the variational quantum eigensolver (VQE) algorithm can predict chemically accurate total energies. Nevertheless, because of the many applications of moderately sized, strongly correlated systems, such as molecular catalysts, the successful use of the VQE stands as an important waypoint in the advancement toward useful chemical modeling on near‐term quantum processors. In this paper, we take a significant step in this direction. We lay out the steps, write, and run parallel code for an (emulated) quantum computer to compute the bond dissociation curves of the TiH, LiH, NaH, and KH diatomic hydride molecules using the VQE. TiH was chosen as a relatively simple chemical system that incorporates d orbitals and strong electron correlation. Because current VQE implementations on existing quantum hardware are limited by qubit error rates, the number of qubits available, and the allowable gate depth, recent studies using it have focused on chemical systems involving s and p block elements. Through VQE + UCCSD calculations of TiH, we evaluate the near‐term feasibility of modeling a molecule with d‐orbitals on real quantum hardware. We demonstrate that the inclusion of d‐orbitals and the use of the UCCSD ansatz, which are both necessary to capture the correct TiH physics, dramatically increase the cost of this problem. We estimate the approximate error rates necessary to model TiH on current quantum computing hardware using VQE + UCCSD and show them to likely be prohibitive until significant improvements in hardware and error correction algorithms are available.
Geolocator‐tracking seabird migration and moult reveal large‐scale, temperature‐driven isoscapes in the NE Atlantic
Authors: Atkins Kelly , Bearhop Stuart , Bodey Thomas W. , Grecian W. James , Hamer Keith , Pereira Jorge M. , Meinertzhagen Hannah , Mitchell Chris , Morgan Greg , Morgan Lisa , Newton Jason , Sherley Richard B. , Votier Stephen C.
Published: February 2023

Rationale

By combining precision satellite‐tracking with blood sampling, seabirds can be used to validate marine carbon and nitrogen isoscapes, but it is unclear whether a comparable approach using low‐precision light‐level geolocators (GLS) and feather sampling can be similarly effective.

Methods

Here we used GLS to identify wintering areas of northern gannets (Morus bassanus) and sampled winter grown feathers (confirmed from image analysis of non‐breeding birds) to test for spatial gradients in δ13C and δ15N in the NE Atlantic.

Results

By matching winter‐grown feathers with the non‐breeding location of tracked birds we found latitudinal gradients in δ13C and δ15N in neritic waters. Moreover, isotopic patterns were best explained by sea surface temperature. Similar isotope gradients were found in fish muscle sampled at local ports.

Conclusions

Our study reveals the potential of using seabird GLS and feathers to reconstruct large‐scale isotopic patterns.
Recapitulating Antioxidant and Antibacterial Compounds into a Package for Tissue Regeneration: Dual Function Materials with Synergistic Effect
Authors: Shao Minmin , Bigham Ashkan , Yousefiasl Satar , Yiu Cynthia K. Y. , Girish Yarabahally R. , Ghomi Matineh , Sharifi Esmaeel , Sezen Serap , Nazarzadeh Zare Ehsan , Zarrabi Ali , Rabiee Navid , Paiva‐Santos Ana Cláudia , Del Turco Serena , Guo Baolin , Wang Xiangdong , Mattoli Virgilio , Wu Aimin
Published: February 2023

Oxidative damage and infection can prevent or delay tissue repair. Moreover, infection reinforces reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, which makes the wound's condition even worse. Therefore, the need for antioxidant and antibacterial agents is felt for tissue regeneration. There are emerging up‐and‐coming biomaterials that recapitulate both properties into a package, offering an effective solution to turn the wound back into a healing state. In this article, the principles of antioxidant and antibacterial activity are summarized. The review starts with biological aspects, getting the readers to familiarize themselves with tissue barriers against infection. This is followed by the chemistry and mechanism of action of antioxidant and antibacterial materials (dual function). Eventually, the outlook and challenges are underlined to provide where the dual‐function biomaterials are and where they are going in the future. It is expected that the present article inspires the designing of dual‐function biomaterials to more advanced levels by providing the fundamentals and comparative points of view and paving the clinical way for these materials.
Tissue adhesives for wound closure
Authors: Kong Bin , Qi Cheng , Wang Huan , Kong Tiantian , Liu Zhou
Published: February 2023

Tissue adhesives have raised much attention from scientists in recent years. They have been extensively utilized in various medical fields, such as wound closure, due to the advantages of being simple, time‐saving, and avoiding the problems and complications associated with surgical sutures. Besides, the tissue adhesives can absorb wound exudates and promote tissue repair. The rapid evolution in the field of tissue adhesives has resulted in the development of various adhesives with excellent mechanical properties and superior functions. However, many challenges still restrict their use in numerous clinical applications. In this paper, we present an up‐to‐date review of tissue adhesives for wound closure. We mainly discussed the fundamental design requirements for the adhesives, the fabrication of tissue adhesives, and the application of tissue adhesives on skin healing, corneal patch, and gastrointestinal tissues. We then highlighted the current challenges and unmet needs and delineated potential new clinical development directions for future adhesives. The progress in tissue adhesives will provide novel approaches for wound management and has the potential to supply effective treatments for a variety of medical applications.
Enhanced oxidative stress is associated with tissue neutrophilia and poor steroid response in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
Authors: Hu Xian‐Ting , Chen Bai‐Wen , Cao Yu‐Jie , Zhou Chun , Li Hua‐Bin , Wang De‐Hui
Published: February 2023

Objective

To analyze the oxidative stress status and its association with tissue neutrophilia and oral steroid response in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) patients.

Methods

The levels of total oxidant status (TOS) were detected in the sinonasal tissues by using specific assay kits. Tissue neutrophil was examined by immunohistochemical staining, and oxidant status index (OSI) was evaluated in polyps tissues, and the messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1A1), and microsomal glutathione S‐transferase 1 (MGST1) were examined using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction in the sinonasal tissues. The receiver operating characteristics (ROCs) curve of ALDH1A1, MGST1, and SOD2 mRNA levels were evaluated to determine the steroid response of CRSwNP patients.

Results

The levels of TOS and OSI were significantly higher in CRSwNP and CRSsNP than in normal controls, and OSI in polyps tissues was positively associated with tissue neutrophilia and poor steroid response. The ALDH1A1, MGST1, and SOD2 mRNA levels showed comparable accuracy as predictors of poor steroid response indicated by the area under the curve.

Conclusion

These findings provided evidence that the increased level of oxidative stress contributes to enhanced tissue neutrophilia and poor steroid response in CRSwNP patients.
Introduction: The Elephant of Causation and the Blind Sages
Authors: Damonte Alessia , Negri Fedra
Published: February 2023

What does a policy outcome hinge on? The response is vital to policy-making and calls for the best of our knowledge from a variety of disciplines—from economics to sociology and from political science to public administration and management. The response entails a stance about causation, however, and almost every discipline has its own. Researchers are like the blind sages who had never come across the elephant of causation before and who develop their idea of the elephant by “touching” a different part of it. Which part of the elephant will you happen to touch? Will you be able to listen to and understand what the other sages will tell you?
Causation in the Social Realm
Authors: Little Daniel
Published: February 2023

Explanation is at the center of scientific research, and explanation almost always involves the discovery of causal relations among factors, conditions, or events. This is true in the social sciences no less than in the natural sciences. But social causes look quite a bit different from causes of natural phenomena. They result from the choices and actions of numerous individuals rather than fixed natural laws, and the causal pathways that link antecedents to consequents are less exact than those linking gas leaks to explosions. It is, therefore, a crucial challenge for the philosophy of social science to give a compelling account of causal reasoning about social phenomena that does justice to the research problems faced by social scientists.
Measurement of the KS → πeν branching fraction with the KLOE experiment
Authors:   The KLOE-2 collaboration, Babusci D. , Berlowski M. , Bloise C. , Bossi F. , Branchini P. , Cao B. , Ceradini F. , Ciambrone P. , Curciarello F. , Czerwiński E. , D’Agostini G. , D’Amico R. , Danè E. , De Leo V. , De Lucia E. , De Santis A. , De Simone P. , Di Cicco A. , Di Domenico A. , Diociaiuti E. , Domenici D. , D’Uffizi A. , Fantini G. , Gajos A. , Gamrat S. , Gauzzi P. , Giovannella S. , Graziani E. , Kang X. , Kupsc A. , Mandaglio G. , Martini M. , Miscetti S. , Moskal P. , Passeri A. , Perez del Rio E. , Schioppa M. , Selce A. , Silarski M. , Sirghi F. , Solodov E. P. , Wiślicki W. , Wolke M.
Published: February 2023

Abstract

The ratio $$ \mathcal{R} $$
R
= Γ(KS→ πeν)/Γ(KS→ π+π−) has been measured with a sample of 300 million KS mesons produced in ϕ → KLKS decays recorded by the KLOE experiment at the DAΦNE e+e− collider. KS→ πeν events are selected by a boosted decision tree built with kinematic variables and time-of-flight measurements. Data control samples of KL→ πeν decays are used to evaluate signal selection efficiencies. With 49647±316 signal events we measure $$ \mathcal{R} $$
R
= (1.0421 ± 0.0066stat± 0.0075syst) × 10−3. The combination with our previous measurement gives $$ \mathcal{R} $$
R
= (1.0338 ± 0.0054stat± 0.0064syst) × 10−3. From this value we derive the branching fraction $$ \mathcal{B} $$
B
(KS→ πeν) = (7.153 ± 0.037stat± 0.044syst) × 10−4 and f+(0)|Vus| = 0.2170 ± 0.009.
The ultrarelativistic limit of Kerr
Authors: Adamo Tim , Cristofoli Andrea , Tourkine Piotr
Published: February 2023

Abstract

The massless (or ultrarelativistic) limit of a Schwarzschild black hole with fixed energy was determined long ago in the form of the Aichelburg-Sexl shockwave, but the status of the same limit for a Kerr black hole is less clear. In this paper, we explore the ultrarelativistic limit of Kerr in the class of Kerr-Schild impulsive pp-waves by exploiting a relation between the metric profile and the eikonal phase associated with scattering between a scalar and the source of the metric. This gives a map between candidate metrics and tree-level, 4-point scattering amplitudes. At large distances from the source, we find that all candidates for the massless limit of Kerr in this class do not have spin effects. This includes the metric corresponding to the massless limit of the amplitude for gravitational scattering between a scalar and a massive particle of infinite spin. One metric, discovered by Balasin and Nachbagauer, does have spin and finite size effects at short distances, leading to a remarkably compact scattering amplitude with many interesting properties. We also discuss the classical single copy of the ultrarelativistic limit of Kerr in electromagnetism.
Prospective randomized multicenter noninferiority clinical trial evaluating the use of TFN-advancedTM proximal femoral nailing system (TFNA) for the treatment of proximal femur fracture in a Chinese population
Authors: Zhang Lidan , Pan Zhijun , Zheng Xiaohui , Wang Qiugen , Tang Peifu , Zhou Fang , Liu Fan , Yu Bin , Leung Frankie K. L. , Wu Alex , Hughson Suzanne , Chen Zhuo , Blauth Michael , Rosner Anthony , Sparks Charisse , Wang Manyi
Published: February 2023

Purpose

To evaluate whether the 24-weeks postoperative fracture union rate for the investigational TFNA intramedullary nail was non-inferior compared to the control product PFNA-II.

Methods

The study was a prospective, randomized, single-blind, noninferiority dual-arm study drawing from 9 trauma centers across China, between November 2018 and September 2020, with follow-up measurements at 24 weeks after internal fixation. The full analysis data set (FAS [Intent-to-Treat]) was analyzed and is summarized here. The primary outcome was fracture union rate, a composite score combining clinical and radiographic assessment. Secondary endpoints comprised (a) clinical outcomes including (1) SF-12, (2) Harris Hip, and (3) EQ-5D Scores, (b) radiographic incidence of complications such as loosening or cut-out requiring revision, (c) revision rates, (d) reoperation rates, and (e) adverse events, including 24-weeks revision and reoperation rates.

Results

Both TFNA and PFNA-II group fracture healing rates were 100% at 24 weeks; TFNA was therefore shown to be non-inferior to PFNA-II. With baseline data matched in all parameters except age in both the TFNA and PFNA-II groups, comparisons of union rates, SF-12, Harris Hip, and EQ-5D Scores yielded p values > 0.05 indicating no significant difference between the two groups, further supporting the noninferiority of TFNA. In both groups, revision and re-operation rates were 0, and the incidences of serious adverse events were 19.4% and 17.4%, respectively.

Conclusion

In terms of fracture union rate at 24 weeks, the DePuy Synthes Trochanteric Fixation Nail Advanced (TFNA) was not inferior to the marketed Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation (PFNA-II) device produced by the same manufacturer. Secondary and safety outcomes showed no significant differences between the two groups.

Registration

Registration was completed at ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03635320.
Global inhibition in head-direction neural circuits: a systematic comparison between connectome-based spiking neural circuit models
Authors: Chang Ning , Huang Hsuan-Pei , Lo Chung-Chuan
Published: February 2023

The recent discovery of the head-direction (HD) system in fruit flies has provided unprecedented insights into the neural mechanisms of spatial orientation. Despite the progress, the neural substance of global inhibition, an essential component of the HD circuits, remains controversial. Some studies suggested that the ring neurons provide global inhibition, while others suggested the Δ7 neurons. In the present study, we provide evaluations from the theoretical perspective by performing systematic analyses on the computational models based on the ring-neuron (R models) and Δ7-neurons (Delta models) hypotheses with modifications according to the latest connectomic data. We conducted four tests: robustness, persistency, speed, and dynamical characteristics. We discovered that the two models led to a comparable performance in general, but each excelled in different tests. The R Models were more robust, while the Delta models were better in the persistency test. We also tested a hybrid model that combines both inhibitory mechanisms. While the performances of the R and Delta models in each test are highly parameter-dependent, the Hybrid model performed well in all tests with the same set of parameters. Our results suggest the possibility of combined inhibitory mechanisms in the HD circuits of fruit flies.
Association between maternal employment and the child´s mental health: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Kopp Marie , Lindauer Marina , Garthus-Niegel Susan
Published: February 2023

The recent rise in maternal workforce participation has led to more research regarding the role of maternal employment for (early) childhood mental health. This systematic review with meta-analysis covers new evidence on the association of both variables. A systematic literature search was conducted. Studies had to compare children 0–7 years of age on the basis of their mothers’ employment status, working amount, employment duration, i.e., how long the mother had been back at work after birth, or timing of return to work. Child mental health was operationalized as behavior problems and prosocial behavior. Narrative and meta-analytic syntheses of evidence were conducted. Maternal employment was associated with more conduct problems but less internalizing behavior problems and anxious/depressed behavior in children; full-time employment was linked to more externalizing behavior problems and more hyperactivity/inattention. Longer employment duration was related to less (internalizing) behavior problems and more prosocial behavior but also more externalizing behavior problems. Narrative syntheses indicated early maternal return to work to be associated with more child externalizing behavior problems and less prosocial behavior. Whether maternal employment is associated with child mental health strongly depends on both variables’ operationalization. Especially part-time employment, longer employment duration, and return to work only after the first year postpartum may be beneficial for child mental health. Practical implications pertain to an expanded offer of family leave and the endorsement of maternal employment after the first year postpartum. Here, factors that may buffer the negative associations with full-time employment warrant consideration.
The Evolving Nature of Semi-passive Mine Water Treatment
Authors: Kleinmann R. , Sobolewski A. , Skousen J.
Published: February 2023

Passive mine water treatment technologies were originally developed to treat small flows of water with low to moderate acidity and metal loadings. Gradually, semi-passive adaptations and refinements, such as occasionally adding amendments to enhance treatment processes, have allowed passive systems to be used at a greater range of mine sites. This paper addresses the largely unwritten history of semi-passive water treatment and its potential future.
Geometry of polarised varieties
Authors: Birkar Caucher
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we investigate the geometry of projective varieties polarised by ample and more generally nef and big Weil divisors. First we study birational boundedness of linear systems. We show that if $X$
X
is a projective variety of dimension $d$
d
with $\epsilon $
ϵ
-lc singularities for $\epsilon >0$
ϵ
>
0
, and if $N$
N
is a nef and big Weil divisor on $X$
X
such that $N-K_{X}$
N
−

K
X

is pseudo-effective, then the linear system $|mN|$
|
m
N
|
defines a birational map for some natural number $m$
m
depending only on $d,\epsilon $
d
,
ϵ
. This is key to proving various other results. For example, it implies that if $N$
N
is a big Weil divisor (not necessarily nef) on a klt Calabi-Yau variety of dimension $d$
d
, then the linear system $|mN|$
|
m
N
|
defines a birational map for some natural number $m$
m
depending only on $d$
d
. It also gives new proofs of some known results, for example, if $X$
X
is an $\epsilon $
ϵ
-lc Fano variety of dimension $d$
d
then taking $N=-K_{X}$
N
=
−

K
X

we recover birationality of $|-mK_{X}|$
|
−
m

K
X

|
for bounded $m$
m
.

We prove similar birational boundedness results for nef and big Weil divisors $N$
N
on projective klt varieties $X$
X
when both $K_{X}$

K
X

and $N-K_{X}$
N
−

K
X

are pseudo-effective (here $X$
X
is not assumed $\epsilon $
ϵ
-lc).

Using the above, we show boundedness of polarised varieties under some natural conditions. We extend these to boundedness of semi-log canonical Calabi-Yau pairs polarised by effective ample Weil divisors not containing lc centres. We will briefly discuss applications to existence of projective coarse moduli spaces of such polarised Calabi-Yau pairs.
Partial Exchange of Mineral N Fertilizer for Common Bean Plants by Organic N Fertilizer in the Presence of Salicylic Acid as Foliar Application
Authors: Mohamed Ahmed S. , Mohamed Mostafa H. M. , Halawa Samar S. , Saleh Said A.
Published: February 2023

Common beans are very significant for poor countries, because they provide high nutritional value, especially in terms of protein, calories, and trace nutrients, to people who cannot afford more expensive forms of nourishment. The current experiment was performed to investigate the influence of four different levels of organic fertilizer (compost) in the presence of mineral N fertilizer, i.e., T1: 25% M‑RDN +75% O‑RDN; T2: 50% M‑RDN +50% O‑RDN; T3: 75% M‑RDN +25% O‑RDN; and T4 (control): 100% M‑RDN (O-RDN, M‑RDN = recommended dose of N in organic and mineral forms, respectively; RDN: 60 kg N/fed.) and foliar spray with salicylic acid (SA) at 0, 50, 100, and 150 ppm, as well as of their interaction, on vegetative growth, productivity, and seed quality of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cv. Nebraska. Obtained results showed that the tallest plants, the highest number of branches per plant, and the heaviest leaf fresh and dry weight per plant were scored using the combined treatment comprising T4 (100% M‑RDN) and SA at 150 ppm in the two seasons. T4-fertilized and 150 ppm SA-sprayed plants induced the highest values of leaf N, P, K, and total carbohydrates (%). The highest seed yield per plant and hectare as well as the highest average weight of 100 seeds were achieved by plants fertilized with T4 or T3 treatments (75% of M‑RDN +25% O‑RDN) and sprayed with 150 ppm SA in the two seasons. The combined treatment of T4 and SA at 150 ppm caused the statistically highest values of seed N%, P%, total protein (%), K%, and total carbohydrate (%). In addition, the lowest values of seed nitrate content were achieved by plants fertilized with the T1 treatment (25% M‑RDN +75% O‑RDN) and receiving 150 ppm SA foliar spray. In conclusion, for enhanced growth, productivity, and quality of common bean plants, it could be safe to fertilize with 75% M‑RDN +25% M‑RDN and spray these plants with SA at 150 ppm.