bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case report: Multiple biventricular aneurysms in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Lin Jiadong , Lu Zhijuang , Lin Mingqin , Wan Ying , Li Jianfeng , Huang Xinsheng
Published: January 2023

Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is a genetic disease characterized by fibro-fatty myocardial replacement and is clinically associated with malignant ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. It presents a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due to its complex clinical presentation and multiparametric diagnostic scoring system that includes structural, histological, and electrocardiographic data. A 57-year-old man with a history of palpitation and premature ventricular contractions (PVC) experienced syncope and sustained ventricular tachycardia at a rate of 213 bpm, which was successfully rescued by synchronized cardioversion. Multiple ventricular aneurysms were found in the right ventricular free wall and the left ventricular apical regions, as well as mild biventricular systolic dysfunction, according to echocardiography and high-frequency ultrasound. The genetic analysis revealed the following desmoplakin genes, chr6-7585274-7585275, NM_004415, exon24, and c.7780delT (p.S2594Pfs*9), a heterozygous and likely pathogenic mutation, as the mutation sites in the patient and his 24-year-old daughter. During the 21-month follow-up, the patient did not experience syncope or pre-syncope symptoms while on β-blocker (bisoprolol) therapy. Among the multimodality imaging techniques of the ACM, late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is accepted as a more objective indicator of myocardial fibrosis. Left ventricular systolic dysfunction, fibrosis on CMR, and frequent PVC are the primary and most sensitive clinical signs of desmoplakin cardiomyopathy. However, echocardiography continues to be the most commonly used imaging modality for assessing focal ventricular movement and structural abnormalities. The pathological characteristics of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy of the right ventricular anterior free wall and apical regions near the transducer can be better shown using high-frequency linear ultrasound with a higher resolution.
Influence of CYP2C19 genetic variants and smoking on dual antiplatelet efficacy in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Cheng Yujing , Sun Yan , Zhang Dai , Ma Xiaoteng , Liu Chi , Hu Chengping , Sun Tienan , Zhao Ziwei , Liu Xiaoli , Zhou Yujie
Published: January 2023

Introduction

This study aimed to investigate the effects of smoking and CYP2C19 gene polymorphism on antiplatelet therapy to specify the most optimized and accurate antiplatelet therapy for different populations.

Methods

This study included 6,353 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). In total, 2,256 (35.5%) were smokers and 4,097 (64.5%) were non-smokers. Patients carrying a CYP2C19*2 or *3 allele were considered loss-of-function (LOF) allele carriers. The medical history of patients who had undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at Beijing Anzhen Hospital was recorded. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events (MACCE) during the 6-month follow-up period. A Cox regression model was used to assess the interactions between antiplatelet efficacy and CYP2C19 LOF allele carrier status, stratified by smoking status.

Results

Compared to clopidogrel plus aspirin, ticagrelor plus aspirin reduced the MACCE recurrence risk in non-smokers (carrier: 6.0 vs. 2.0%, hazard ratio 0.298, 95% confidence interval 0.204–0.635, P < 0.0001; non-carrier: 5.8 vs. 2.1%, hazard ratio 0.358, 95% confidence interval 0.189–0.678, P = 0.002), and not in smokers. Similar results were discovered regarding the recurrence rate for hospitalization for ischemic cardiac events in non-smokers. No apparent difference was discovered in the bleeding events in either group. There were no significant associations between antiplatelet medication and CYP2C19 LOF allele carrier status for the MACCE recurrence risk among smokers (P = 0.943, respectively) or non-smokers (P = 0.774, respectively).

Conclusion

In patients with CAD after PCI, ticagrelor plus aspirin lowered the MACCE recurrence risk in CYP2C19 LOF allele carriers and non-carriers compared with clopidogrel plus aspirin alone among non-smokers. The efficacy of antiplatelet therapy varies between CYP2C19 LOF allele carrier status. No significant interaction between CYP2C19 LOF allele carrier status and antiplatelet effectiveness was observed. However, caution should be used to interpret our results considering the many limitations of our investigation.
Longer physical exercise duration prevents abnormal fasting plasma glucose occurrences in the third trimester: Findings from a cohort of women with gestational diabetes mellitus in Shanghai
Authors: Zhang Rui , Gao Xiangjin , Sun Ting , Li Huan , Yang Qing , Li Bin , Zhu Dongshan , Wang Ruiping
Published: January 2023

Objective

This study aims to investigate the relationship between daily physical exercise (PE) duration and frequency of abnormal plasma glucose (PG) times both during fasting and 2 h after a standard diet in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods

We established a cohort involving 878 GDM women. GDM was confirmed by a diagnostic 75-g oral glucose tolerance test. Information was extracted from the delivery records and antenatal checkup forms. Physical exercise information was collected through a questionnaire.

Results

Over 80% of GDM women were under 35 years old. An abnormal fasting PG with ≥1 occurrence presented in 742/878 (84.51%), and the abnormal PG 2 h after standard diet with ≥1 occurrence presented in 634/878 (72.21%). Compared to GDM women with ≥4 occurrences of abnormal fasting PG, GDM women with 0 occurrences (odds ratio (OR) = 2.56), one occurrence (OR = 1.94), two occurrences (OR = 2.29), and three occurrences (OR = 2.16) had a higher proportion of PE duration being in the 45–60-min/day group than those in the <45-min/day group, and GDM women also had a higher proportion of PE during being in the 61–90- and >90-min/day group than those in the <45-min/day group. However, the duration of PE was not associated to the number of abnormal PG occurrences 2-h after the standard diet.

Conclusion

Moderate-intensity PE duration in GDM women was negatively associated with the number of abnormal fasting PG occurrences but not with the number of PG occurrences 2 h after the standard diet.
Using a well-to-well interplay during the CO2 huff-n-puff process for enhanced oil recovery in an inclined oil reservoir: Experiments, simulations, and pilot tests
Authors: Hao Hongda , Hou Jirui , Qu Ming , Guo Wenmin , Deng Song , Liu Huaizhu
Published: January 2023

A well-to-well interplay of CO2 huff-n-puff is proposed as a novel gas injection strategy for displacing interwell-remaining oil in a well pair in an inclined oil reservoir. The well-to-well interplay mechanisms for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) are first studied in the laboratory using a three-dimensional (3D) physical model. Different CO2 injection schemes are designed according to different well locations, and the production performance including oil, water, and gas rates is used for the EOR evaluation. A sensitivity analysis of the well-to-well interplay is then studied using a numerical model, and geological, developmental and fluidic factors are considered in the simulations. The experimental results show that, when CO2 is injected into a lower well, a higher well always benefits with an oil increment. Under the effects of gravity segregation and edge-water driving, the injected CO2 at the lower position can move upward to a higher position, where a large proportion of crude oil remains between wells after natural edge-water flooding. Oil recovery from the well-to-well interplay is 2.30% higher than conventional CO2 huff-n-puff in the laboratory. Numerical results show that CO2 injection mass, stratigraphic dip, horizontal permeability, and interwell spacing are the factors that most influence the well-to-well interplay; an application criterion for the well-to-well interplay is then proposed based on the simulations. Pilot tests using the well-to-well interplay of CO2 huff-n-puff have been widely applied in C2-1 Block, Jidong Oilfield, China, since 2010. A total of 2.27 × 104 m3 crude oil was recovered to the end of 2018, and the oil/CO2 exchange ratio was as high as 3.92. The well-to-well interplay not only effectively extracted the interwell-remaining oil but also achieved higher CO2 utilization efficiency. The findings of this study can lead to a better understanding of the EOR mechanisms used in the well-to-well interplay during the CO2 huff-n-puff process in an inclined oil reservoir.
A review on machine learning-based models for lane-changing behavior prediction and recognition
Authors: David Ruth , Söffker Dirk
Published: January 2023

A major aspect in the development of advanced driving assistance systems (ADASs) is the research in developing human driving behavior prediction and recognition models. Recent contributions focus on developing these models for estimating different driving behaviors like lane or speed change. Thus, the models are incorporated into the ADAS to generate warnings and hints for safe maneuvers. Driving behavior recognition and prediction models are generally developed based on machine learning (ML) algorithms and are proven to generate accurate estimations. Previous review research contributions tend to focus on ML-based models for the prediction and recognition of speed change, trajectory change, and even driving styles. Due to high number of driving errors occurring during a lane change, a state-of-art review of different ML-based models for lane-changing behavior prediction and recognition is helpful to present a comparison between different models in terms of structure, influencing input variables, and performance. This enables the integration of the most efficient model for the development of ADASs to avoid accidents during a lane change. First, definitions and terms related to the model’s task and evaluation metrics used to evaluate the model’s performance are described to improve the readability. Then, the different input variables of the models affecting the lane-changing behaviors are presented. Next, a review of the models developed based on well-known approaches, such as artificial neural network (ANN), hidden Markov model (HMM), and support vector machine (SVM), using different input variables is given. Three lane-changing behaviors are focused on here: left/right lane change and lane keeping. The advantages and disadvantages of the different ML models with a comparison are summarized as well. Finally, the improvements required in the future are discussed.
Incidence and predictors of puerperal sepsis among postpartum women at Debre Markos comprehensive specialized hospital, northwest Ethiopia: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Bishaw Keralem Anteneh , Sharew Yewbmirt , Beka Endihnew , Aynalem Bewket Yeserah , Zeleke Liknaw Bewket , Desta Melaku , Kassie Bekalu , Amha Haile , Eshete Tewodros , Tamir Workineh , Bantigen Kerebih , Mulugeta Henok , Ferede Addisu Andualem , Bitewa Yibelu Bazezew
Published: January 2023

Background

Puerperal sepsis is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality, particularly in low and middle-income countries where most maternal deaths occur. Women with puerperal sepsis are prone to long-term disabilities, such as chronic pelvic pain, blocked fallopian tubes, and secondary infertility. Besides this, puerperal sepsis has received less attention. For this reason, this study aimed to determine the incidence of puerperal sepsis and its predictors among postpartum women at Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted among 330 postpartum women from September 2020 to 2021. A pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire with a data extraction checklist was used to collect the data. Data were entered into Epi data 4.2 and analyzed using STATA 14.0. The incidence rate of puerperal sepsis was calculated, and a Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to estimate the survival probability of developing puerperal sepsis. The cox-proportional hazards regression model was fitted to identify predictors of puerperal sepsis.

Results

The study participants were followed for a total of 1685.3 person-week observations. The incidence rate of puerperal sepsis was 14.24 per 1,000 person-weeks. However, the overall incidence of puerperal sepsis was 7.27%. Not attending formal education [AHR: 3.55, 95% CI: (1.09–11.58)], a cesarean delivery [AHR: 4.50; 95% CI: (1.79–11.30)], premature rupture of the membranes [AHR: 3.25; 95% CI: (1.08–9.79)], complicated pregnancy [AHR: 4.80; 95% CI: (1.85–12.43)], being referred [AHR: 2.90; 95% CI: (1.10–7.65)], and not having birth preparedness and complication readiness plan [AHR: 2.95; 95% CI: (1.08–10.50)] were statistically significant predictors of puerperal sepsis.

Conclusion

The incidence of puerperal sepsis was 7.27%. Not attending formal education, cesarean delivery, premature rupture of membranes, complicated pregnancy, referral status, and absence of birth preparedness and complication readiness plan were predictors associated with the incidence of puerperal sepsis.
PADs and NETs in digestive system: From physiology to pathology
Authors: Song Yi-Hang , Wang Zhi-Jie , Kang Le , He Zi-Xuan , Zhao Sheng-Bing , Fang Xue , Li Zhao-Shen , Wang Shu-Ling , Bai Yu
Published: January 2023

Peptidylarginine deiminases (PADs) are the only enzyme class known to deiminate arginine residues into citrulline in proteins, a process known as citrullination. This is an important post-translational modification that functions in several physiological and pathological processes. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are generated by NETosis, a novel cell death in neutrophils and a double-edged sword in inflammation. Excessive activation of PADs and NETs is critically implicated in their transformation from a physiological to a pathological state. Herein, we review the physiological and pathological functions of PADs and NETs, in particular, the involvement of PAD2 and PAD4 in the digestive system, from inflammatory to oncological diseases, along with related therapeutic prospects.
Impacts of organic materials amendment on the soil antibiotic resistome in subtropical paddy fields
Authors: Li Zongming , Shen Jupei , Wang Fangfang , Wang Meihui , Shen Jianlin , Li Yong , Zhu Qihong , Wu Jinshui
Published: January 2023

The organic material amendment has been proven to change the soil antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) profile, which may threaten human health through the food chain, but the effects and mechanisms of different organic materials on ARGs in paddy soils are less explored. In this study, a field experiment was set up with the treatments of conventional chemical fertilization (NPK) and common organic material amendment [rice straw (RS), swine manure (SM), and biochar (BC)] to explore the effects and mechanisms. In total, 84 unique ARGs were found across the soil samples with different organic material amendments, and they conferred resistance to the major antibiotic classes. Compared with NPK, SM significantly increased the detected number and relative abundance of ARGs. A higher detected number of ARGs than NPK was observed in BC, whereas BC had a lower relative abundance of ARGs than NPK. Compared with NPK, a detected number decrease was observed in RS, although abundance showed no significant differences. Compared with other treatments, a higher detected number and relative abundance of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) were observed in BC, indicating a higher potential for horizontal gene transfer. There were significantly positive relationships between the relative abundances of total ARGs and MGEs and the bacterial abundance. The network analysis suggested the important role of MGEs and bacterial communities in shaping the ARGs profile. Mantel test and redundancy analysis (RDA) suggested that soil carbon, nitrogen, and C/N were the major chemical drivers of the ARGs profile. The risk of ARGs spreading to the food chain should be considered when applying SM and biochar, which shifted the ARGs and MGEs profiles, respectively. Pre-treatment measures need to be studied to reduce the dissemination of ARGs in paddy fields.
Role of artificial intelligence in risk prediction, prognostication, and therapy response assessment in colorectal cancer: current state and future directions
Authors: Mansur Arian , Saleem Zain , Elhakim Tarig , Daye Dania
Published: January 2023

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science that utilizes optimization, probabilistic and statistical approaches to analyze and make predictions based on a vast amount of data. In recent years, AI has revolutionized the field of oncology and spearheaded novel approaches in the management of various cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Notably, the applications of AI to diagnose, prognosticate, and predict response to therapy in CRC, is gaining traction and proving to be promising. There have also been several advancements in AI technologies to help predict metastases in CRC and in Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) Systems to improve miss rates for colorectal neoplasia. This article provides a comprehensive review of the role of AI in predicting risk, prognosis, and response to therapies among patients with CRC.
Analysis of living habit risk factors for esophageal cancer in central China: A bi-center case-control study
Authors: Yuan Lingzhi , Shen Peijun , Zheng Shaopeng , Wu Dongwen , Li Xinmeng , Cai Ting , Yao Yao , Song Yunhe , Wang Fen
Published: January 2023

Background

Esophageal cancer remains a public health problem in many countries, especially developing countries. The early lifestyle preventive measures mentioned in the treatment guidelines for esophageal cancer are very limited. We aimed to evaluate the risk factors for esophageal cancer in a high-incidence area in China and to provide evidence for clinical intervention in esophageal cancer prevention.

Methods

Symptom and lifestyle/habit questionnaires including 19 items were designed. The correlation between the occurrence of esophageal cancer and living habits was analyzed retrospectively through questionnaire survey. A total of 708 subjects (365 esophageal cancer, 343 non-esophageal cancer) enrolled from two hospitals in central China (Linzhou Esophageal Cancer Hospital and The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University) completed symptom and lifestyle/habit questionnaires. We used conditional logistic regression to estimate the odds ratio (OR) with consideration of 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

The composition ratio analysis showed that the top five lifestyle factors related to esophageal cancer were eating too fast, drinking, hot drinks, smoking and overeating. Univariate analysis showed that 15 factors, including male sex, smoking, drinking, eating too fast, overeating, hot drinks, greasy food, acidic food, hard food, strong tea, coffee, bedtime immediately after meals, eating food before bedtime, difficult defecation, and an overtight belt, were associated with esophageal cancer (all P <0.05). Logistic multivariate regression analysis showed, drinking (OR 3.609, 95%CI 2.223-5.859; P=0.000); hot drinks (OR 2.672, 95%CI 1.786-3.997; P=0.000); overeating (OR 2.110, 95%CI 1.411-3.154; P=0.000); eating too fast (OR 1.879, 95%CI 1.274-2.772; P=0.001); strong tea (OR 1.882, 95%CI 1.171~3.023; P=0.009); hard food (OR 1.723, 95%CI 1.113-2.667; P=0.015); smoking (OR 1.686, 95%CI 1.045-2.720; P=0.032), which were significantly associated with the development of esophageal cancer.

Conclusion

The unhealthy lifestyles of patients in high-incidence areas of esophageal cancer in central China are significantly associated with the incidence of esophageal cancer. Lifestyle changes that address these factors, especially overeating and eating too fast, which are rarely studied or discussed despite being common, may improve esophageal cancer management and treatment outcomes. The present results may be used as a reference for preventive education and treatment.
Yin and yang roles of B lymphocytes in solid tumors: Balance between antitumor immunity and immune tolerance/immunosuppression in tumor-draining lymph nodes
Authors: Katakai Tomoya
Published: January 2023

The role of B cells in antitumor immunity has been reported to be either promotive or suppressive, but the specific mechanism remains to be comprehensively understood. However, this complicated situation likely depends on the temporal and spatial relationship between the developing tumor and B cells that recognize tumor antigens. Unlike responses against microbial or pathogenic infections, tumor cells are derived from autologous cells that have mutated and become aberrant; thus, elimination by the adaptive immune system is essentially inefficient. If tumor cells can evade immune attack at an early stage, non-destructive responses, such as tolerance and immunosuppression, are established over time. In tumor-draining lymph nodes (TDLNs), tumor antigen-reactive B cells potentially acquire immunoregulatory phenotypes and contribute to an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Therefore, triggering and enhancing antitumor responses by immunotherapies require selective control of these regulatory B cell subsets in TDLNs. In contrast, B cell infiltration and formation of tertiary lymphoid structures in tumors are positively correlated with therapeutic prognosis, suggesting that tumor antigen-specific activation of B cells and antibody production are advantageous for antitumor immunity in mid- to late-stage tumors. Given that the presence of B cells in tumor tissues may reflect the ongoing antitumor response in TDLNs, therapeutic induction and enhancement of these lymphocytes are expected to increase the overall effectiveness of immunotherapy. Therefore, B cells are promising targets, but the spatiotemporal balance of the subsets that exhibit opposite characteristics, that is, the protumor or antitumor state in TDLNs, should be understood, and strategies to separately control their functions should be developed to maximize the clinical outcome.
Advanced intestinal regulation improves bowel preparation quality in patients with constipation: A systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Ding Liang , Duan JinNan , Yang Tao , Jin ChaoQiong , Luo Jun , Ma Ahuo
Published: January 2023

Background: Inadequate bowel preparation (IBP) has a critical influence on the colonoscopy procedure and is associated with significantly lower rates of detection of colorectal lesions. Constipation is an important risk factor of IBP, and some studies have attempted to address the bowel cleansing for constipated patients. However, there is still lack of consensus to guide the clinical work of bowel preparation (BP) for patients with constipation. Therefore, we aimed to perform a network meta-analysis to compare the overall efficacy of various regimens for BP in constipated patients.

Methods: We performed a comprehensive search of PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Web of science to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of bowel preparation regimens in constipated patients, update to January 2021. Two investigators independently evaluated articles and extracted data. The odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to combine dichotomous data of the primary outcome which was defined as adequate bowel preparation (ABP). Rank probability was used to exhibit the outcome of the network meta-analysis.

Results: Eleven studies that included 1891 constipated patients were identified as suitable for inclusion. The proportion of ABP was associated with the administration of intensive regimen (OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.16–4.17, p = .02, I2 = 84%). Moreover, an intensive regimen had a significant efficacy and light heterogeneity when the same basic laxative program was used (OR 4.06, 95% CI 3.04–5.43, p < .0001, I2 = 0%). In the network meta-analysis, the protocol of a normal regimen + A (normal regimen plus advanced intestinal regulation) had a significant effect for bowel preparation compared with a normal regimen + IR (normal regimen plus irritating laxative regimen) (OR 5.21, 95% CI 1.18–24.55), H PEG (4L- polyethylene glycol) (OR 8.70, 95% CI 1.75–52.56), and normal regimen (NR) (OR 7.37, 95% CI 2.33–26.39). In the remaining protocols, no significant difference was observed in any comparison. No significant severe adverse events (AEs) associated with bowel preparation were reported in included studies.

Conclusion: Intensive regimens could improve bowel cleansing quality for patients with constipation, and advanced intestinal regulation regimens may be superior to others.
Short-term cold-water immersion does not alter neuromuscular fatigue development during high-intensity intermittent exercise
Authors: Faricier Robin , Haeberlé Olivier , Lemire Marcel
Published: January 2023

Aims: Pre-exercise cold-water immersion affects physical performance under ambient environment, however the mechanisms leading to this decrease remains to be elucidated. The purpose was to determine whether short-term lower-body immersion in cold water could induce acute changes in the development of neuromuscular fatigue after high-intensity exercise. Methods: Ten participants performed on two separate visits a fatigue task (60 intermittent isometric maximal voluntary contractions maintained over 3 s and spaced by 2 s of recovery) once after lower-body cold-water immersion (Pre-Cooling, 6 min at 8.9°C ± 1.6°C) and another time without prior immersion (Control). Before and after the fatigue task, neuromuscular function was assessed during voluntary or evoked contractions (electrical stimulation performed on the femoral nerve) on contracted and relaxed on knee extensor muscles. Results: No differences in neuromuscular fatigue were measured between Pre-Cooling and Control conditions, despite maximal voluntary contraction reductions (−49 and −48%, respectively, both p < 0.05), peripheral contractile capacities (both -28%, p < 0.05). Additionally, rate of perceived exhaustion increases over time for both conditions (both p < 0.05) with differences in the time course. Discussion: Lower body immersion in extreme cold water for a short period of time was not a sufficient stimulus to induce a significant disruption of human body homeostasis: neuromuscular function was not significantly altered during a maximum intensity fatigue task.
Gait strategies for individuals with knee osteoarthritis when transitioning between floor and stair walking
Authors: Chai Yatai , Chen Jian , Hou Meijin , Zheng Jiaqi , Liu Lu , Chen Yongkang , Fu Shengxing , Ma Ye , Hong Tiansheng , Wang Xiangbin
Published: January 2023

Objective: Individuals with knee osteoarthritis are at higher risk for falls during transitions between floor and stair walking due to their reduced lower extremity function. However, the adjust gait characteristics of knee osteoarthritis subjects for dealing with stair transitions have not been explored. We aimed to investigate gait strategies in individuals with knee osteoarthritis compared to age-matched individuals without knee OA during the transition between walking on floor and stairs.

Method: Gait of 30 individuals with knee osteoarthritis and 30 individuals without knee osteoarthritis during floor-to-stair and stair-to-floor walking transitions were accessed using a 3D motion capture system. Foot-tread clearance, and angles of lower extremity joints and trunk at Foot-tread clearance timepoint were analyzed by using biomechanical software (Visual 3D).

Results: Compared with asymptomatic control group, the knee osteoarthritis group demonstrated no difference in vertical Foot-tread clearance and horizontal Foot-tread clearance during stair transitions. However, ankle dorsiflexion (p = 0.01) decreased, hip flexion (p = 0.02) and trunk lateral tilt (p = 0.02) increased in knee osteoarthritis group during the stair ascent transition. Moreover, trunk lateral tilt to the support side (p = 0.003) and pelvic rotation (p = 0.03) increased, while hip abduction of the swing leg (p = 0.03) decreased during the stair descent transition in individuals with knee osteoarthritis.

Conclusion: Increased trunk lateral tilt and altered angle of hip may be a strategy utilized by individuals with knee OA to increase the foot clearance ability and compensate for the disease-related loss of lower extremity strength, range of motion, and balance. However, compensatory manifestations, such as the increased lateral tilt of the trunk and movement of the gravity center may enhance the risk of falls and result in more abnormal knee joint loading.
HPLC-based metabolomics of Dendrobium officinale revealing its antioxidant ability
Authors: Luo Zhengfei , Liu Lian , Nie Qiong , Huang Mingjin , Luo Chunlii , Sun Yedong , Ma Yongyan , Yu Jianxin , Du Fuqiang
Published: January 2023

Dendrobium officinale is an orchid with medicinal and nutritional properties that has received increasing attention because of its health benefits; however, there is limited information about the metabolic basis of these properties. In this report, secondary metabolites and the antioxidant activity of D. officinale stem samples from three provenances were analyzed, using a UHPLC-QqQ-MS/MS-based metabolomics approach. In total, 411 metabolites were identified including 8 categories such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, 136 of which were differential metabolites. These differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were mainly enriched in secondary metabolic pathways such as flavone, flavonol, tropane, piperidine, pyridine, isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis and tyrosine metabolism. The metabolomic profiling suggested that the quantity and content of flavonoid compounds accounted for the highest proportion of total metabolites. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) showed that the marker metabolites of D. officinale from the three provenances were mainly flavonoids, alkaloids and phenolic acids. Correlation analysis identified that 48 differential metabolites showed a significant positive correlation with antioxidant capacity (r ³ 0.8 and p < 0.0092), and flavonoids were the main factors affecting the different antioxidant activities. It is worth noting that quercetin-3-O-sophoroside-7-O-rhamnoside and dihydropinosylvin methyl ether might be the main compounds causing the differences in antioxidant capacity of Yunnan provenance (YN), Zhejiang provenance (ZJ), and Guizhou provenance (GZ). These finding provides valuable information for screening varieties, quality control and product development of D. officinale.
Loneliness and disability: A systematic review of loneliness conceptualization and intervention strategies
Authors: Gómez-Zúñiga Beni , Pousada Modesta , Armayones Manuel
Published: January 2023

Introduction

People with disabilities experience loneliness to a greater extent than people without disabilities. To better understand this problem, we have conducted a systematic review of studies that involved disability and loneliness. The aims are to research what loneliness is and to conceptualize and define it in the context of disability, and the intervention strategies that have been developed.

Methods

The research protocol is based on the PRISMA guidelines. Two hundred and eighty-one papers were screened and 75 reports were assessed for eligibility.

Results

We have not found whether loneliness in disability is a single construct or a collection of various subtypes. We have found that there are protective factors against loneliness in disabled people, such as having a job or living in an environment without physical barriers.

Discussion

In terms of the interventions for people with disabilities, the same strategies have been adopted as for the non-disabled: social skills training, enhanced social support, opportunities for interactions, and cognitive training.
Aberrant neural correlates of multisensory processing of audiovisual social cues related to social anxiety: An electrophysiological study
Authors: Gan Shuzhen , Li Weijun
Published: January 2023

Background

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is characterized by abnormal fear to social cues. Although unisensory processing to social stimuli associated with social anxiety (SA) has been well described, how multisensory processing relates to SA is still open to clarification. Using electroencephalography (EEG) measurement, we investigated the neural correlates of multisensory processing and related temporal dynamics in social anxiety disorder (SAD).

Methods

Twenty-five SAD participants and 23 healthy control (HC) participants were presented with angry and neutral faces, voices and their combinations with congruent emotions and they completed an emotional categorization task.

Results

We found that face-voice combinations facilitated auditory processing in multiple stages indicated by the acceleration of auditory N1 latency, attenuation of auditory N1 and P250 amplitudes, and decrease of theta power. In addition, bimodal inputs elicited cross-modal integrative activity which is indicated by the enhancement of visual P1, N170, and P3/LPP amplitudes and superadditive response of P1 and P3/LPP. More importantly, excessively greater integrative activity (at P3/LPP amplitude) was found in SAD participants, and this abnormal integrative activity in both early and late temporal stages was related to the larger interpretation bias of miscategorizing neutral face-voice combinations as angry.

Conclusion

The study revealed that neural correlates of multisensory processing was aberrant in SAD and it was related to the interpretation bias to multimodal social cues in multiple processing stages. Our findings suggest that deficit in multisensory processing might be an important factor in the psychopathology of SA.
Trends in EEG signal feature extraction applications
Authors: Singh Anupreet Kaur , Krishnan Sridhar
Published: January 2023

This paper will focus on electroencephalogram (EEG) signal analysis with an emphasis on common feature extraction techniques mentioned in the research literature, as well as a variety of applications that this can be applied to. In this review, we cover single and multi-dimensional EEG signal processing and feature extraction techniques in the time domain, frequency domain, decomposition domain, time-frequency domain, and spatial domain. We also provide pseudocode for the methods discussed so that they can be replicated by practitioners and researchers in their specific areas of biomedical work. Furthermore, we discuss artificial intelligence applications such as assistive technology, neurological disease classification, brain-computer interface systems, as well as their machine learning integration counterparts, to complete the overall pipeline design for EEG signal analysis. Finally, we discuss future work that can be innovated in the feature extraction domain for EEG signal analysis.
Bordering seafarers at sea and onshore
Authors: Wemyss Georgie
Published: January 2023

This study uses a historically informed lens of coloniality, bordering, and intersectionality to analyze maritime bordering discourses and practices that target seafarers recruited from the Global South who embody the border in their everyday lives. In seeking to explain the current context exemplified by the sacking of P&O Ferry workers and the recruitment of “foreign agency” crews in March 2022, the study foregrounds 19th- and 20th-century maritime bordering legislation on ships and onshore, focusing on public-/private-bordering partnerships between governments, shipping companies, and unions. Archival research on British Indian seafarers employed by P&O a century ago and analysis of contemporary media and political discourses relating to “foreign agency crews” are drawn on to consider the implications of earlier bordering discourses and practices for 21st-century British citizenship and belonging. Attending to imperial bordering regulations that created the racialized and class-defined labor category of lascars explains the “common sense” designations of seafarers recruited in the Global South and their families as potential “illegal migrants,” and in doing so, it constitutes the long history of the public/private partnerships that constitute the UK's “hostile environment” immigration policies.
Exploitation of a shared genetic signature between obesity and endometrioid endometrial cancer
Authors: Duan Junyi , Yi Jiahong , Wang Yun
Published: January 2023

Aims

The findings in epidemiological studies suggest that endometrioid endometrial cancer (EEC) is associated with obesity. However, evidence from gene expression data for the relationship between the two is still lacking. The purpose of this study was to explore the merits of establishing an obesity-related genes (ORGs) signature in the treatment and the prognostic assessment of EEC.

Methods

Microarray data from GSE112307 were utilized to identify ORGs by using weighted gene co-expression network analysis. Based on the sequencing data from TCGA, we established the prognostic ORGs signature, confirmed its value as an independent risk factor, and constructed a nomogram. We further investigated the association between grouping based on ORGs signature and clinicopathological characteristics, immune infiltration, tumor mutation burden and drug sensitivity.

Results

A total of 10 ORGs were identified as key genes for the construction of the signature. According to the ORGs score computed from the signature, EEC patients were divided into high and low-scoring groups. Overall survival (OS) was shorter in EEC patients in the high-scoring group compared with the low-scoring group (P < 0.001). The results of the Cox regression analysis showed that ORGs score was an independent risk factor for OS in EEC patients (HR = 1.017, 95% confidence interval = 1.011–1.023; P < 0.001). We further revealed significant disparities between scoring groups in terms of clinical characteristics, tumor immune cell infiltration, and tumor mutation burden. Patients in the low-scoring group may be potential beneficiaries of immunotherapy and targeted therapies.

Conclusions

The ORGs signature established in this study has promising prognostic predictive power and may be a useful tool for the selection of EEC patients who benefit from immunotherapy and targeted therapies.
Withdrawal of sodium monensin when associated with virginiamycin during adaptation and finishing periods on feedlot performance, feeding behavior, carcass, rumen, and cecum morphometrics characteristics of Nellore cattle
Authors: Rigueiro André L. N. , Pereira Murilo C. S. , Silvestre Antonio M. , Pinto Ana Carolina J. , Felizari Luana D. , Dias Evandro F. F. , Demartini Breno L. , Estevam Daniela D. , Dellaqua João V. T. , Souza Katia L. R. , Silva Leandro A. F. , Nunes Ana B. P. C. , Souza Johnny M. , Millen Danilo D.
Published: January 2023

Feed additives such as monensin (MON) and virginiamycin (VM) are widely used in feedlots diets to maximize rumen fermentation. However, the knowledge about the effects of MON and VM combinations in specifics feedlot periods and the benefits of this association are still unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of withdrawal of MON when associated with VM during the adaptation and finishing periods on feedlot performance of Nellore cattle. The experiment was designed as a completely randomized block replicated six times (four animals/pen) in which 120 Nellore bulls (378.4 ± 24.4 kg) were allocated in 30 pens and fed for 112 days according to the following treatments: (T1) MON during the entire feeding period; (T2) VM during the entire feeding period; (T3) MON+VM during the adaptation period and only VM during the finishing period 1 and 2; (T4) MON+VM during the entire feeding period; (T5) MON+VM during the adaptation and finishing period 1 and only VM during the finishing period 2. After 112 days on feed, no treatment effect was observed for DMI (P ≥ 0.12). However, bulls fed T5 had greater (P = 0.05) final BW and ADG when compared to T1, T2, and T4. Cattle from T3 and T5 groups presented heavier HCW (P = 0.05) than that fed T1, T2, and T4. Nellore bulls fed T1 and T5 had lower (P < 0.01) DMI variation than those receiving T2. The withdrawal of MON when associated with VM during the final third of the feedlot period improved overall final BW, ADG, and HCW when compared to bulls fed either MON or VM, but did not positively impact feedlot performance when compared to cattle that had MON withdrawn at the end of the adaptation period.
Low HDL-Cholesterol Concentrations in Lung Transplant Candidates are Strongly Associated With One-Year Mortality After Lung Transplantation
Authors: Tanaka Sébastien , Tymowski Christian De , Tran-Dinh Alexy , Meilhac Olivier , Lortat-Jacob Brice , Zappella Nathalie , Jean-Baptiste Sylvain , Robert Tiphaine , Goletto Tiphaine , Godet Cendrine , Castier Yves , Mal Hervé , Mordant Pierre , Atchade Enora , Messika Jonathan , Montravers Philippe ,   the Bichat Lung Transplant Group
Published: January 2023

High-density lipoproteins (HDLs), whose main role is the reverse transport of cholesterol, also have pleiotropic anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic and anti-infectious properties. During sepsis, HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration is low, HDL particle functionality is altered, and these modifications are correlated with poor outcomes. Based on the protective effects of HDL, we hypothesized that HDL-C levels could be associated with lung transplantation (LT) outcome. We thus looked for an association between basal HDL-C concentration and one-year mortality after LT. In this single-center prospective study including consecutive LTs from 2015 to 2020, 215 patients were included, essentially pulmonary fibrosis (47%) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (38%) patients. Mortality rate at one-year was 23%. Basal HDL-C concentration stratified nonsurvivors to survivors at one-year (HDL-C = 1.26 [1.12–1.62] mmol/L vs. HDL-C = 1.55 [1.22–1.97] mmol/L, p = 0.006). Multivariate analysis confirmed that HDL-C concentration during the pretransplant assessment period was the only variable inversely associated with mortality. Moreover, mortality at one-year in patients with HDL-C concentrations ≤1.45 mmol/L was significantly higher (log-rank test, p = 0.00085). In conclusion, low basal HDL-C concentrations in candidates for LT are strongly associated with mortality after LT. To better understand this association, further studies in this field are essential and, in particular, a better characterization of HDL particles seems necessary.
Potential Role of Quercetin Glycosides as Anti-Atherosclerotic Food-Derived Factors for Human Health
Authors: Terao Junji
Published: January 2023

Quercetin is a monomeric polyphenol of plant origin that belongs to the flavonol-type flavonoid subclass. Extensive studies using cultured cells and experimental model animals have demonstrated the anti-atherosclerotic effects of dietary quercetin in relation to the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD). As quercetin is exclusively present in plant-based foods in the form of glycosides, this review focuses on the bioavailability and bioefficacy of quercetin glycosides in relation to vascular health effects. Some glucose-bound glycosides are absorbed from the small intestine after glucuronide/sulfate conjugation. Both conjugated metabolites and deconjugated quercetin aglycones formed by plasma β-glucuronidase activity act as food-derived anti-atherogenic factors by exerting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol-lowering effects. However, most quercetin glycosides reach the large intestine, where they are subject to gut microbiota-dependent catabolism resulting in deglycosylated aglycone and chain-scission products. These catabolites also affect vascular health after transfer into the circulation. Furthermore, quercetin glycosides may improve gut microbiota profiles. A variety of human cohort studies and intervention studies support the idea that the intake of quercetin glycoside-rich plant foods such as onion helps to prevent CVD. Thus, quercetin glycoside-rich foods offer potential benefits in terms of cardiovascular health and possible clinical applications.
A Study on the Material Composition and Traceability of the Wellhead Blockage in the Process of Oil and Gas Exploitation—A Case of the DH231 Well in the Tarim Basin, China
Authors: Lu Zhongdeng , Chen Zulin , Xie Wei
Published: January 2023

The formation of wellhead blockage increases operating costs and seriously affects the safe production of oil wells. It is crucial to correctly analyze the blockage composition and determine the reasons for wellhead blockage to improve the production efficiency of oil wells. In this study, the material composition and origin of the wellhead blockage in Well DH231 are systematically investigated by means of a thin-section observation, scanning electron microscope, energy spectrum analysis, and molecular geochemical characterization of organic matter. The results show that the wellhead blockage in Well DH231 consists of organic and inorganic materials. The inorganic material was mainly composed of dolomite, fine sand, and unknown black minerals. Four elements, Fe, O, Na, and Cl, could account for 95% of the total elemental content in the unknown minerals. It is speculated that they may have come from rust on the metal parts of the inner wall of the wellbore while being influenced by groundwater during the formation process. The organic matter in the blockage was an oil stain from the geological body. The coexistence of n-alkanes and 25-norhopanes in the oil stain was obvious. It indicated that the oldest crude oil in Well DH231 experienced severe biodegradation, followed by the secondary injection of hydrocarbons. The distribution characteristics of hopanes and steranes in oil stains in Well DH231 were comparable to those of the carboniferous crude oil in neighboring Wells DH4 and DH5. The oil stains in the wellhead blockage may be the product of oil and gas migration in Wells DH4 and DH5.
Effect of Y2O3 on the Electrical Contact Behavior of Al2O3-Cu/MoTa Composites
Authors: Li Yunzhang , Zhou Meng , Zhang Yi , Zhu Hanjing , Zheng Xianhua , Liang Shengli , Tang Shunlong , Tian Baohong , Liu Yong , Li Xu , Volinsky Alex A. , Zheng Chenglin
Published: January 2023

With the massive penetration of electronics into human life, higher demands are placed on electrical contacts. Among them, the lifetime of electrical contacts and safety are the most concerning. In this research, Al2O3-Cu/25Mo5Ta and 0.5Y2O3/Al2O3-Cu/25Mo5Ta composites were prepared by using ball milling and powder metallurgy methods. The two composites were subjected to 10,000 contact opening and closing electrical contact experiments and the arc duration and arc energy were analyzed. The results show that the addition of Y2O3 has a slight effect on the mechanical properties of the Al2O3-Cu/25Mo5Ta composites but has a significant effect on the electrical contact performance. Y2O3 can reduce the mass loss of the electrical contacts during the electrical contact process, which prolongs their service life. The addition of Y2O3 decreased the average arc duration and arc energy of the electrical contact material by 21.53% and 18.02%, respectively, under the experimental conditions of DC 30 V, 10 A. TEM results showed that nanoscale YTaO4 with excellent thermal stability was generated during the sintering process, which has a positive effect on the electrical contact performance of the composites.