bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Germline Functional Variants Contribute to Somatic Mutation and Outcomes in Neuroblastoma
Authors: Seo Eun Seop , Lee Ji Won , Lim Jinyeong , Shin Sunghwan , Cho Hee Won , Ju Hee Young , Yoo Keon Hee , Sung Ki Woong , Park Woong-Yang
Published: June 2023

Germline genetic context may play a significant role in the development and evolution of cancer, particularly in childhood cancers such as neuroblastoma. We studied the role of putatively functional germline variants (pFGVs) in neuroblastoma, even if they do not directly increase disease risk. Our whole-exome sequencing analysis of 125 patients with neuroblastoma revealed a positive correlation between pFGV burden and somatic mutations. Moreover, patients with higher pFGV burdens exhibited worse outcomes. Similar findings were observed in the separate neuroblastoma cohort. However, contrasting results emerged in adult-onset cancer, emphasizing the importance of germline genetics in neuroblastoma. The enrichment of pFGVs in cancer predisposition genes was evident in neuroblastoma compared to that in healthy and adult-onset cancer populations, and their presence had prognostic significance in neuroblastoma. The combination of germline and clinical risk factors improves survival predictions. Our study highlights the importance of germline variants and their potential implications in pediatric cancer.
Comprehensive study on the occurrence of heavy metals and their environmental risks in PM2.5 of indoor dusts in Xi’an, China
Authors: Yang Naiwang , Wang Yiyu , Gao Pingqiang , Zhang Jiayin , Song Wenbin , Song Xuejuan , Liu Shiyun , SU Huijun
Published: June 2023

Occurrence, distribution, ecological risk and health risk of Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, As and Cd in PM2.5 of indoor dusts from Xi’an were determined. All the target elements were detected in the samples, and the maximum Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, As and Cd contents in PM2.5 of dusts were 458, 1005, 115, 604, 2845, 1778, 122.6, and 21.1 mg/kg, respectively. Human activities, industrial produce and traffic could be the main reason for the detection of heavy metals in PM2.5. Cd were exhibited significantly high potential ecological risk, which suggested that more attention should be paid to the ecological and environmental effects of Cd pollution. Health risk analysis shows that ingestion of dust particles is the route of exposure for metals in dust, followed by dermal adsorption and inhalation. For children, hazard indexes (HIs) for metals As and Pb were lager than 1, indicating the adverse non-carcinogenic risk for children. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on investigating the fate and effects of heavy metals in PM2.5 in indoor dusts.
Emergency Department Utilisation and Treatment for Trauma-Related Presentations of Adolescents aged 16-18: a retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Brockhus Lara , Hofmann Elias , Keitel Kristina , Bärtsch Martina , Müller Martin , Klukowska-Rötzler Jolanta
Published: June 2023

Background
A recent study conducted at our tertiary hospital emergency department (ED) reviewed ED consultations and found that adolescents aged 16–18 years present significantly more often for trauma and psychiatric problems than adults over 18 years. Accidental injuries are one of the greatest health risks for children and adolescents. In view of the increased vulnerability of the adolescent population, this study aimed to further analyse trauma-related presentations in adolescents.
Methods
We conducted a single-centre, retrospective, cross-sectional study of all adolescent trauma patients aged 16 to 18 years presenting to the adult ED at the University Hospital (Inselspital) in Bern, Switzerland, from January 2013 to July 2017. We analysed presentation data as well as inpatient treatment and cost-related data. Data between female and male patients were compared with univariable analysis. A comparison group was formed consisting of 200 randomly chosen patients aged 19–25 years old with the same presentation characteristics. Predictive factors for operative treatment were obtained by multivariable analysis.
Results
The study population included a total of 1,626 adolescent patients aged 16–18 years. The predominant cause for ED presentation (consistent within case and comparison groups for sex and age) were sports accidents, falls and violence. Male patients were more likely to need surgical treatment (OR 1.8 [95% CI: 1.2–2.5], p = 0.001) and consequently inpatient treatment (OR 1.5 [95% CI: 1.1–2.1], p = 0.01), associated with higher costs (median 792 Swissfrancs [IQR: 491-1,598]). Other independent risk factors for operative treatment were violence-related visits (OR 2.1 [95% CI: 1.3–3.5, p = 0.004]) and upper extremity trauma (OR 2.02 [95% CI: 1.5–2.8], p < 0.001). Night shift (OR 0.56 [95% CI: 0.37–0.86], 0.008) and walk-in consultations (OR 0.3 [95% CI: 0.2; 0.4, < 0.001] were preventive factors for operative treatment.
Conclusions
Male adolescents account for the majority of emergency visits and appear to be at higher risk for accidents as well as surgical treatment and/or inpatient admission due to sports accidents or injuries obtained through violence. We suggest the implementation of further preventive measures and recommendations with a focus on sport activities and violence related injuries.
Seismic bearing capacity of strip footing above cavities in rock masses
Authors: Xiao Yao , Cheng Zhouyang , Shu Bingjun , Cui Shixuan , He Jiaan , Zhang Rui
Published: June 2023

This paper presents a novel approach for investigating the seismic bearing capacity of strip footings overlying cavities in rock masses using adaptive finite element limit analysis (FELA) combined with nonlinear programming (NLP). The generalized Hoek-Brown failure criterion is employed to describe the strength of the rock mass, which is directly incorporated into the FELA program. The feasible arc interior point algorithm (FAIPA) is utilized to solve the optimization models, and to enhance the convergence speed of the NLP algorithm, a new imprecise step search algorithm is proposed. Based on the FELA method, the bearing capacity of strip footing on a rock mass without voids and the dimensionless reduction factor are determined. The computed results are presented in tables and charts, and the impacts of geometric parameters and material properties on the reduction factor are thoroughly investigated. Furthermore, failure modes associated with different parameters are discussed, and a design procedure is proposed for practical engineering applications.
Management of Mexican Bean Beetle, Zabrotes subfasciatus (Boheman) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) with Botanical powders and oils in Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Damena Kalkidan , Goftishu Muluken , Fite Tarekegn
Published: June 2023

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an essential crop for food security and nutrition mainly for Sub-Saharan African’s smallholder farmers. However, the production and productivity of common bean is mainly constrained by Mexican bean beetles, Zabrotes subfasciatus (Boheman). Thus, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of plant seed powders of neem, Hochst and wild marigold, leaf powders of sweet fennel and broad-leaved croton, plant essential oils of neem and Hochst and African cabbage edible oil at different rates against Z. subfasciatus. All parameters at all botanical seed and leaf powder rates showed a significant difference over the untreated control, except for seed damage at 5 g leaf powders of sweet fennel and broad-leaved croton. Neem, wild marigold, and Hochst at the rates of 5, 10, 15 g/ 150 g, and sweet fennel at 10 and 15 g/ 150 g and broad-leaved croton at 15 g/150 g resulted in 96–100% seed protection, reduced emergence of F1 progeny, seed damage, seed weight loss, and were statistically at par with primphos-methyl. All tested botanical powders recorded 87–100% germination. The botanical oils and mustard cooking oil at rates of 0.5, 1.5, and 3 mL per 150 g common bean produced adult beetle mortality in the range of 93–100% and seed protection of 99–100%. Thus, smallholder farmers can use any of the above indicated botanical powders or oils for post-harvest storage depending on their availability against Z. subfasciatus. Further research on the botanical powders and oils under farmer’s storage condition is important.
Physiological and biochemical study of the drought tolerance of 14 main olive cultivars in the Mediterranean Basin
Authors: Rico Elena Illana , Fuente Genoveva Carmen Martos , Morillas Ainhoa Ortega , Ocaña Ana Maria Fernández
Published: June 2023

A complete study of 14 olive cultivars of great economic importance was carried out. These cultivars are Arbequina, Arbosana, Chemlali, Cornicabra, Cornezuelo de Jaén, Empeltre, Frantoio, Hojiblanca, Koroneiki, Manzanilla de Sevilla, Martina, Picual, Sikitita1 and Sikitita 2. All of them are certified by the World Olive Germplasm Bank of Córdoba (Spain). They are predominant cultivars in the olive groves of different locations throughout the Mediterranean basin, and they were subjected to total water deficit for a minimum of 14 days and a maximum of 42 days in the present study. Data such as chlorophyll content, soil moisture and specific leaf area were gathered. Photosynthetic parameters measured at the respective saturation irradiance of each cultivar were also analysed: assimilation rate, transpiration, stomatal conductance, photosynthetic efficiency, photochemical and non-photochemical quenching, photonic flux density, electron transference ratio, efficient use of water and amount of proline and malondialdehyde as indicators of oxidative stress. In addition to the control, two different experimental conditions were analysed: moderate drought, after 14 days of lack of irrigation, and severe drought, after 28 to 42 days of total absence of irrigation, depending on the tolerance of each cultivar. Based on the results, the cultivars were characterised and divided into four groups according to their drought tolerance: tolerant, moderately tolerant, moderately sensitive and sensitive to drought. This work represents the first contribution of drought tolerance of a considerable number of olive cultivars, with all of them being subjected to the same criteria and experimental conditions for their classification.
Mapping mining waste and identification of acid mine drainage within the area of active mining through sub-pixel analysis on OLI ad Sentinel-2
Authors: Hosseinjanizadeh Mahdieh , Khorasanipour Mehdi , Honarmand Mehdi
Published: June 2023

The present research focuses on investigating the application of remote sensing for mapping mining waste and identifying areas prone to acid mine drainage within the area of active mining through sub-pixel analysis on Sentinel-2 and OLI sensor of Landsat-8. For this purpose, the Sarcheshmeh mine located in southeast of Iran was investigated. Mine wastes were initially identified using a partial sub-pixel matched filtering algorithm on OLI and Sentinel-2 data images. Areas having potential for AMD were subsequently determined and assessed by comparing field observations and samples analyses including pH of water samples, as well as mineralogical X-ray diffraction analyses, chemical and spectral analyses like visible near-infrared (VNIR) and shortwave infrared (SWIR) spectroscopy, and pH of rock and hardened precipitates samples. Drainage networks were extracted from the digital elevation model (DEM) of Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) data and overlain on the discriminated potential sources of AMD to determine if the hydrologic network intersected the areas of mine waste. Sub-pixel analyses of Sentinal-2 and OLI sensor data indicate that mineral mapping abundance accuracies for potential acid-generating minerals species were determined to be more than 79%. This result suggests that mineral mapping through these sensors is an effective tool for the characterization of mineral species comprising mine waste in areas prone to AMD. Overlaying the results also showed that it is possible to determine the impact of the wastes or polluted AMD on the region and design a plan for managing, controlling, and neutralizing contaminated areas.
Quantifying electronic structure and geometric effects on the activity of Pt/CeO2 catalysts for the water-gas shift reaction
Authors: Artiglia Luca , Li Xiansheng , Wang Xing , Beck Arik , Artsiusheuski Mikalai , Liu Qianyu , Liu Qiang , Krumeich Frank , Aschauer Ulrich , Bokhoven Jeroen A. van
Published: June 2023

The unique catalytic activity of small nanoparticles can be attributed to their distinctive electronic structure and/or their ability to expose sites with a unique geometry. Quantifying and distinguishing the contributions of these effects to catalytic performance presents a challenge, given the complexity arising from multiple influencing factors and the lack of a quantitative structure-activity relationship. Here, we show that the intrinsic activity of platinum atom at the perimeter corner sites is three orders of magnitude higher as a result of an electronic structure effect, with a threshold occurring at an average nanoparticle size of about 1.25 nm. The contributions to the activity of atomically dispersed platinum, large nanoparticles and sodium-induced support modification are minor. This comprehensive and quantitative structure-activity correlation was demonstrated on real-world Pt/CeO2 catalysts for the water-gas shift reaction by utilizing operando X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electron microscopy, theoretical modeling, and kinetic models.
Urban agglomeration and innovation in developing economies
Authors: Zhang Peng , Estrin Saul , Hu Yuan , Shapiro Daniel
Published: June 2023

Theory and evidence from developed economies suggests that innovation activities benefit from agglomeration economies associated with urban economic density. However, whether the same is true of developing countries has not been investigated by large-scale cross-country analysis, despite the fact that eighteen of the world’s top twenty cities are in developing countries. We propose that the development path followed by cities in developing countries creates agglomeration costs that largely limit innovation. We build a unique database to measure consistently both urban economic density and innovation across a large number of developing countries. We find that in developing countries, innovation eventually declines as urban economic density increases, with the decline being most prominent in the largest cities. That is, the largest cities in developing countries are not able to act as sustainable sources of innovation. Our results suggest the importance of addressing urban agglomeration costs as a means to facilitate innovative activity.
Complete genome sequence of a novel toti-like virus infecting the phytopathogenic fungus Rhizopus stolonifer
Authors: Wang Hao , Luo Jingxian , Dai Ruoyin , Shah Kaleem Ullah , Andika Ida Bagus , Sun Liying
Published: June 2023

In this study, we report the complete genome sequence of a novel toti-like virus, tentatively named Rhizopus stolonifer toti-like virus 1 (RsTV1), identified from a phytopathogenic fungal agent of apple fruit rot disease, Rhizopus stolonifer strain A2-1. RsTV1 had a double-stranded RNA genome. The complete RsTV1 genome was 5178 nucleotides (nt) in length and contained two open reading frames (ORFs) encoding a putative coat protein (CP) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). Phylogenetic analyses based on the RdRp and CP amino acid sequences revealed that RsTV1 was closely related to viruses of the unclassified totiviruses. In stress-inducing Vogel’s minimal and sodium dodecyl sulfate-containing media, the hyphal growth of A2-1 was suppressed, but the accumulation of RsTV1 RNA was increased, indicating that stresses promote RsTV1 replication. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a mycovirus found in R. stolonifer.
Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy with two-segment foraminoplasty in a single incision for the treatment of very-highly migrated lumbar disc herniation: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Yao , Song Jipeng , Lin Wancheng , Ding Lixiang
Published: June 2023

Background
Surgical treatment for very-highly migrated lumbar disc herniation ( (VHM-LDH)) is challenging. In this study we introduced the percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PtELD) with two-segment foraminoplasty technique and evaluated it’s clinical outcomes.
Materials and Methods
Between Jan 2017 to Dec 2020, patients who were diagnosed with VHM-LDH underwent PtELD with two-segment foraminoplasty technique were retrospectively studied. The cranial and caudal foraminoplasty of two adjacent vertebrae were performed under endoscopic view to fully expose and decompress the whole traversing course of the impinged nerve root and the axilla between dural sac and nerve root. The operation duration, blood loss, intra- and postoperative complications, and recurrences were recorded. Immediate postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography (CT) were performed for imageological evaluation. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and the modified MacNab criteria were used to evaluate clinical outcomes. Postoperative stability was evaluated both radiologically and clinically.
Results
A total of 33 patients with mean age of 56.87 ± 7.77 years were reviewed. The mean follow-up period was 20.95 ± 2.09 (18–24) months. The mean operation duration and blood loss was 56.17 ± 6.21 min and 10.57 ± 6.92 ml, respectively. All patients showed immediate relief of neurological symptom after surgery. No residual disc fragments and iatrogenic instability was observed on postoperative imageological image. The VAS and ODI score were significantly improved at the final follow-up (p < 0.05). The postoperative complications, recurrences, revision surgery and iatrogenic instability were not observed.
Conclusions
The PtLED with two-segment foraminoplasty technique is safe and effective in the management of VHM-LDH. The surgeon should master skillful endoscopic foraminoplasty technique to avoid inadvertent over-resection of SAP/pedicle, and iatrogenic neurological injury.
Clinical Pharmacokinetics and dose optimization of anti-infectives in critical care: A narrative review
Authors: Bhandari Ritika Kondel , Rohilla Rachna , Shafiq Nusrat , Malhotra Samir
Published: June 2023

Critically ill patients with infections present with considerable challenges in antimicrobial use due to multiple reasons such as pathophysiological alterations, comorbidities, supportive treatment and the pathogenicity of implicated organism. Fluid shifts, hyperdynamic state, altered renal clearance are the rapid changes which are often not considered while administering antimicrobials. Vital organ dysfunction with or without Multi–Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS) often necessitates use of supportive management in the form of Ventilatory Support or Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT) to Extracorpeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) to name a few. These supportive measures may have implication on PK-PD of administered antimicrobials. Certain patient parameters such as age, weight, comorbid illnesses like cystic fibrosis, burns or immunocompromised state can be important determinants of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PK-PD) of antimicrobials. Issues such as bioavailability of the antimicrobial at the primary focus of infection need to be taken into consideration while making choice of antimicrobial(s) and deciding a dose. The critical pharmacodynamic parameters that need to be taken into account consider are disease state, altered bacterial susceptibility, pathogenicity and localization of the organism and host immunity while making decisions about optimized antimicrobial treatment in a critically ill patient with infection. The current review delves on these nuances with a focus on PK-PD for optimized use of antimicrobials in a critically ill patient.
Underworld: Evolution of blind mole rats in Eastern Europe
Authors: Rusin Mikhail , Çetintaş Ortaç , Ghazali Maria , Sándor Attila D. , Yanchukov Alexey
Published: June 2023

Large-bodied mole rats (Spalax) are a specious genus among obligate subterranean rodents, with seven currently recognised species, ranging from the Carpathians to the North Caucasus and further into the Caspian basin. Several conflicting hypotheses were proposed to explain the phylogenetic relationship among these taxa, mostly based on the subjective interpretation of the importance of certain morphological characters in species delineation. We sequenced one mitochondrial (cyt b) and one nuclear (IRBP) gene in six Spalax species, representing the most complete molecular dataset up to date. Both resulting phylogenies placed (i) S. graecus, S. antiquus and S. giganteus at the base of the tree, while (ii) S. microphtalmus, S. zemni and S. arenarius appeared to have differentiated later in the evolutionary history of the genus. The reciprocal monophyly of the two latter species was resolved only in the cyt b gene sequence, but not in IRBP. We hypothesize that group (i) might represent the relics of an ancient Spalax population that used to have continuous distribution in the entire Ponto-Caspian steppe zone, while group (ii) experienced speciation and range expansion in more recent times. Geographical barriers, in particular large rivers, could have played a role in the speciation process, but to a varying degree.
Academic Exploration and Advanced Thinking: A Case Study of Ethnography in the Academic Growth of Sports Doctoral Students
Authors: Cheng Yuanlong
Published: June 2023

Backgroud
Doctoral students are quasi research-oriented scholars who should have a clear understanding of the entire process of scientific research and possess high-level academic achievements during their graduate studies. However, in reality, doctoral students still face many academic confusions, and the academic community rarely pays attention to their academic thinking development process from a thematic perspective, and there is a lack of research on the impact of academic exploration on thinking development.
Methods
Only by exploring the academic thinking training of sports doctoral students from the thematic perspective of anthropological case ethnography can we reveal the essence of academic inquiry of doctoral students and the impact of academic inquiry on the advancement of thinking.
Results
Research suggests that the academic exploration of sports doctoral students is a complex process of thinking advancement. From the initial stage of cultivation to independent academic exploration, there will be multiple stages such as confusion, starting, transformation, and deepening of thinking; The cultivation of academic thinking exhibits different characteristics with different stages of academic exploration.
Conclusion
In the initial stage of cultivation, academic writing is the focus, and academic exploration is equated with academic research; Gradually transitioning from academic writing to metacognition of academic thinking in the middle and later stages of training, focusing on the essence of academic research, crossing the limited thinking mode of academic writing, and nurturing professional issues; Throughout the entire training period, academic exploration and advanced academic thinking are not absolutely increasing, but gradually returning to the starting point of academic exploration and the ontological level of academic research, and ultimately forming the thinking ability to independently conduct academic research.
Clinical and cost-effectiveness of ‘Live Well with Parkinson’s’ self-management intervention versus treatment as usual for improving quality of life for people with Parkinson’s: Study protocol for a randomised-controlled trial
Authors: Walters Kate , Armstrong Megan , Gardner Benjamin , Ambler Gareth , Hunter Rachael , Maydon Bev , Davies Nathan , Atkinson Catherine , Brown Richard , Rookes Tasmin , Davis Daniel , Schrag Anette
Published: June 2023

Background: The Live Well with Parkinson’s Self-Management Toolkit is designed for use in the NHS to support people with Parkinson’s, their carers and health professionals in managing motor and non-motor symptoms and promoting well-being. The Toolkit was developed based on theory-based behaviour change and self-management techniques in consultation with people living with Parkinson’s and health and social care practitioners. There are digital (e-Toolkit) and paper (manual) versions.
Methods: Single-blind two-arm randomised-controlled trial RCT of clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the Toolkit, facilitated by up to six sessions with a trained non-specialist supporter, in improving quality of life. People with Parkinson’s will be assessed at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Assessors will be blind to treatment group. The primary outcome measure is the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39, Parkinson’s related quality of life) score at 12 months. Secondary outcome measures include the MDS Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (Part I, II, III, IV), EQ-5D, and a Client Service Receipt Inventory shortened, adapted for Parkinson’s. Carer outcomes include the Zarit Carer Burden Inventory and Carer Quality of Life Questionnaire for Parkinsonism. A total of 338 people with Parkinson’s, and their carers if appropriate, will be recruited from diverse settings across England. Those with advanced dementia, at end-of-life or with atypical Parkinsonism will be excluded. A parallel mixed methods process evaluation will explore the factors promoting or inhibiting implementation, uptake, use, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the Toolkit and sessions.
Discussion: If successful, the Live Well with Parkinson’s Toolkit could be used as a model for other complex long-term disorders, including dementia. This would bridge existing gaps in the NHS (as shown by the national Parkinson’s audit data), by enabling patients and carers to access personalised information, advice and support on symptom management and ‘living well’ with Parkinson’s.
Trial Registration number: ISRCTN92831552.
“A beacon of hope": a qualitative study on migrants' mental health needs and community-based organisations' responses during the COVID-19 pandemic in Antwerp, Belgium
Authors: Molenaar Jil , Robinson Hannah , Praag Lore Van
Published: June 2023

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for structurally informed mental health services that are sensitive to social inequalities and cultural differences. Community-level services and organisations are often referred to as having the potential to play a key role in providing such services to migrants, yet not many studies have documented how these types of services have been organised and experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of our case study in Antwerp’s districts of Borgerhout and Antwerpen-Noord (Belgium) was to explore how community-level responses to the mental health impact of the COVID-19 crisis were organised and experienced by first-generation migrants and members of community-level organisations.
Methods: Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with first-generation migrants in Borgerhout and Antwerpen-Noord (n=19) and with professionals in the local psycho-social care sector (n=13).
Results: Our findings highlight the complex drivers of migrants’ mental health and the unique value and indispensability of local-level services and organisations in providing mental-health related services, particularly in a crisis context like the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualities that emerged to be particularly important included organisations’ awareness of local needs; their flexible nature which allows them to address bottlenecks and fill gaps left by other services; their capacity to respond holistically to a broad spectrum of needs; their ability to offer culturally sensitive care and support; and their physical accessibility. However, our findings also demonstrate the fragility and fragmentation of these local-level services and initiatives. In the face of the COVID-19 crisis, this related to serious challenges to the necessary physical accessibility of organisations’ services; services and initiatives becoming overloaded; and widespread fragmentation and lack of oversight of the available services forming a real barrier for both service users and providers.
Conclusions: This study underlines the importance of prioritising physical accessibility of mental health services at the community level, improving cultural sensitivity through training and employing professionals with a shared background or language proficiency with migrants, and promoting stronger collaborations between community-level organizations and city governments. The findings are informative to guide mental health policy and future crisis responses in similar communities and neighbourhoods.
Time- and Cost-effective Production of Untagged Recombinant Mva by Flow Virometry and Direct Virus Sorting
Authors: Daniela Boselli , Panigada Maddalena , Terlizzi Simona Di , Romanò Monica , Canonico Emanuele , Villa Chiara , Minici Claudia , Anken Eelco van , Soprana Elisa , Siccardi Antonio
Published: June 2023

Background Recombinant MVAs (rMVAs) are widely used both in basic and clinical research. Our previously developed Red-to-Green Gene Swapping Method (RGGSM), a cytometry-based Cell-Sorting protocol, revolves around the transient expression of a green fluorescent cytoplasmic marker, to subsequently obtain purified untagged rMVA upon loss of that marker by site-specific recombination. The standard RGSSM is quite costly in terms of bench work, reagents, and Sorting Facility fees. Although faster than other methods to obtain recombinant MVAs, the standard RGSSM still is time-consuming, taking at least 25 days to yield the final product. Methods The direct sorting of fluorescent virions is made amenable by the marker HAG, a flu hemagglutinin/ EGFP fusion protein, integrated into the external envelope of extracellular enveloped virions (EEVs). Fluorescent EEVs-containing supernatants of infected cultures are used instead of purified virus. Direct Virus-Sorting was performed on BD FACSAria Fusion cell sorter equipped with 4 lasers and a 100-mm nozzle, with 20 psi pressure and a minimal flow rate, validated using Megamix beads. Results Upon infection of cells with recombinant EEVs, at the first sorting step virions that contain HAG are harvested and cloned, while the second sorting step yields EEVs that have lost HAG, allowing to clone untagged rMVA. Because only virion-containing supernatants are used, no virus purification steps and fewer sortings are necessary. Therefore, the final untagged rMVA product can be obtained in a mere 8 days. Conclusions Altogether, we report that the original RGSSM has been markedly improved in terms of time- and cost efficiency by substituting Cell-Sorting with direct Virus-Sorting from the supernatants of infected cells. The improved virometry-based RGGSM may find wide applicability, considering that rMVAs hold great promise to serve as personalized vaccines for therapeutic intervention against cancer and various types of infectious diseases.
Signal Trajectory Analysis Reveals the Spatiotemporal Manifold of Epileptic Networks
Authors: Zhao Guoguang , Yu Zhikai , Lu Di , Wang Changming , Zhang Huaqiang , Yang Yanfeng , Wang Jingjing , Wei Penghu
Published: June 2023

Objective: We aim to design a method framework for data analysis and visualization in order to reveal the spatiotemporal manifold of the epileptic networks and differentiate between the seizure-onset regions and the propagation regions.
Methods: We hypothesize that signal motion is the functional substrate of epileptic networks and that signal trajectories reflect the spatiotemporal manifold of epileptic networks. This spatiotemporal manifold is visualized using a series of quantitative and interpretable methodologies.
Results: A total of 454 aberrant nodes (109 seizure-onset nodes and 345 propagation nodes) were identified among the 1033 electrode nodes (606 SEEG electrodes and 427 ECoG electrodes) of 9 cases of intracranial EEG data.
Significance: The multidimensional joint analysis of signal amplitude describes the signal trajectories of various frequency bands, thereby disclosing the spatiotemporal manifold of the epileptic networks. This is useful for distinguishing the seizure-onset regions from the propagation regions in order to direct epilepsy treatment.
Cadmium (Cd) distribution and soil-plant relationship in cacao farms in Costa Rica
Authors: Montoya Kevin Carrillo , Arroyo Mariela Martínez , Cartín Laura Ramírez , Jácome David Argüello , Navarrete Eduardo Chávez
Published: June 2023

The current cadmium (Cd) regulations in chocolate threatens cacao supply chain in different Latin American countries. The factors involve in cadmium accumulation in cacao beans have been poorly studied in Central America. The objective of this research was to identify the geographical location of Cd hotspots as well as soil and management factors contributing to Cd concentration in cacao beans. A survey was carried out and soil, leaves and beans samples were taken in 150 producing farms in the three major cacao regions in Costa Rica. Total soil Cd concentration was found in a range of < 0.1 to 1.05 mg kg− 1 (mean 0.22 mg kg− 1), these concentrations are within the range of uncontaminated soils. Bean Cd concentration was found in a range of 0.12 to 3.23 average (0.56 mg kg− 1) and 22% of the samples exceeded a selected threshold of 0.8 mg kg− 1. These elevated Cd concentrations were distributed mostly in the Huetar Caribe and Huetar Norte regions. Variability in bean Cd concentration were better explained with total soil Cd and % of soil organic carbon (SOC) (R2 = 0.62, p < 0.05). In addition, bean Cd concentration was affected by leaf nutrient content and management practices. Leaf Zn and P were positively correlated to bean Cd while K and Mn were negatively correlated (p < 0,05). Likewise, altitude and orchard age were also negatively correlated. Overall, this study highlights that Cd contamination does not occur in the extend of other Latin American countries such as Ecuador, Colombia or Honduras. Nevertheless, research is needed in hotspot areas to assess the feasibility of mitigation strategies, particularly the use of mineral or organic amendments, which will allow better planning for existing development or expansion of new cacao-growing areas in the country.
Outcomes of Haploidentical Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation Following Myeloablative Conditioning using Thymoglobulin versus Grafalon: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis
Authors: Zhao Yanmin , Shi Zhuoyue , Gao Fei , Ding Dang , Wu Hengwei , Shi Jimin , Luo Yi , Yu Jian , Tan Yamin , Lai Xiaoyu , Liu Lizhen , Fu Huarui , Huang He
Published: June 2023

During hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), ATG depletes T cells in-vivo to improve engraftment and prevent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Here, we compared the clinical efficacy of two different types of ATGs: thymoglobulin and anti-human T-lymphocyte immunoglobulin (Grafalon). A total of 469 patients who received haploidentical transplantation were enrolled in this study. After a propensity score (PS)-matched analysis, 209 patients were assigned to each group. Primary outcome was overall survival (OS). There was no significant difference in OS between two groups. Within the first 180 days after HSCT, Grafalon was associated with lower incidences of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) viremia (31.6 vs 54.5%, P < 0.0001) and cytomegalovirus viremia (CMV) viremia (54.5 vs 67.9%, P = 0.005) compared to thymoglobulin. Patients receiving Grafalon had a higher rate of moderate/severe chronic GVHD (26.3 vs 18.2%, P = 0.046). However, the incidences of engraftment failure, grade II-IV acute GVHD, relapse, non-relapse mortality (NRM) and GVHD-free relapse-free survival (GRFS) did not differ greatly between groups. In the subgroup analysis, Grafalon improved the OS of lymphoid malignancies with young ages (< 40 years old) (HR, 0.55; P = 0.04) or with a high/very high disease risk index (HR, 0.36; P = 0.04). In conclusion, our results suggest the two types of ATG may differentially influence transplant outcomes.
The relationship between social capital and health from a configuration perspective: an evidence from China
Authors: Hao Chongqi , Guo Dan , Ren Hao , Wang Xuchun , Qiao Yuchao , Qiu Lixia
Published: June 2023

Background The debate on the relationship between social capital and health is still ongoing. In order to enhance previous research, this study uses data from China to analyze the situations under which social capital is related to good health and the various configurations that result in good health outcomes.
Methods Using CFPS data, conditions of age, gender, marriage, education, income, structural social capital and cognitive social capital were included to analyze sufficient necessary conditions for achieving good general health and their different configurations using the fsQCA method.
Results All of the conditions that were listed, both in their states of presence and absence, were not prerequisites for excellent general health. The sufficiency analysis produced 11 configurations with an average of 3–4 conditions per configuration, and no configurations in which the condition of social capital was present alone. Structured social capital or cognitive social capital showed a negative state in configurations 1 and 2. The most prevalent factor in all configurations was the condition of age.
Conclusions The relationship between social capital and health was both positive and negative, with cognitive social capital playing a larger role in the positive relationship than structural social capital. Social capital is neither a necessary nor sufficient condition for health, and it must be combined with a variety of other factors to promote health. There are a variety of methods to promote an individual's health, as different populations require different routes to good general health and a single route does not apply to all populations. In the Chinese population, an individual's age is a significant determinant in determining their health status.
The AHAWOMEN Project: Study Protocol of a Multi-Design Research for Exploring HAPA Predictors of Exercise in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Godoy-Izquierdo Débora , Lara-Moreno Raquel , Ogallar-Blanco Adelaida , González Juan , de Teresa Carlos , Mendoza Nicolás
Published: June 2023

Background
The postmenopausal period can represent an opportunity for women to improve their health and well-being. The Active and Healthy Ageing in Women during early postmenopause (AHAWOMEN) study aims to identify the key determinants of an active lifestyle among middle-aged women, with a focus on the stages and social-cognitive variables outlined in the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) model, a theoretical framework for understanding health behaviour change. We expected that HAPA factors and processes of intention creation (motivational phase) and action adoption (volitional phase) will be significant predictors of exercise initiation and maintenance, supporting both the HAPA tenets and the efficacy of HAPA-based interventions.
Methods/Design:
This study was approved by the authors’ Institutional Review Committee. Postmenopausal women aged between 45 and 65 years will voluntarily participate. The participants will be allocated to one of three groups: Intervention-Initiators (n = 100, random allocation), Control-Sedentary (n = 100, random allocation) or Control-Active (n = 100, non-random allocation). The intervention group will engage in a supervised exercise programme lasting at least 3 months, supplemented with an HAPA-based intervention for behaviour change. The sedentary control group will not receive any intervention to change their physical activity, while the active control group will consist of women who are already regularly adhering to an active lifestyle. Study variables will be measured at baseline and postintervention phases, as well as at 1, 3, 6 and 12-month follow-ups. The predictors of exercise behaviour in the different phases of the behavioural change process will be explored and compared within and between groups throughout the study. This analysis will help identify the factors that determine the adoption of a healthy active behaviour. Additionally, the effectiveness of the model and the intervention for changing active behaviour will be evaluated.
Discussion
This paper describes the rationale, development and methods used in the AHAWOMEN project. Supporting women who intend to become active can help them to translate their goals into sustainable action. Verifying that the HAPA predictions are applicable to postmenopausal women’s adoption of exercise would provide the basis for designing effective interventions for promoting healthy and active ageing that are also tailored to the experiences of middle-aged women.
Trial registration:
ISRCTN16251361. Registration date: 01/06/2023 (retrospectively registered).
Study on buckling performance of a new type of double-steering prestressed plate-column
Authors: Li Yanying , Li Bailong
Published: June 2023

This study proposes a new type of prestressed stayed column. The traditional prestressed stayed beam-column does not consider the end constraint, whereas the new double-steering prestressed plate column exploits the end constraint while accounting for the middle bending deformation. The sliding form is utilized in this study for the connection part to prevent the prestressed steel cable from breaking at the pole. The results indicated that adding the steering brace improves the core steel column's stable bearing capacity and stiffness. The bearing capacity of the double-steering prestressed plate column is 4.51 times that of the non-prestressed bearing column, 2.43 times that of the characteristic buckling load of the currently prevalent single-transverse prestressed beam-column, and 1.51 times that of the traditional three-transverse prestressed beam-column. The influence of prestress magnitude, effective length, buckling mode, and double-steering plate-column details are investigated. The research findings further enrich and enhance the theory and types of prestressed stayed columns and provide guidance for applying new double-steering prestressed plate-column in practical engineering.
Digital watermarks for videos based on a locality-sensitive hashing algorithm
Authors: Sun Yajuan , Srivast Gautam
Published: June 2023

Sensitive information in images is leaked during attacks, resulting in the malicious acquisition of personal privacy. To improve the robustness of attacking defence for video images, a digital watermarking algorithm based on locality-sensitive hashing (LSH) is designed. The video signal was decomposed using a one-dimensional wavelet transform. According to the Yeung Mintzer (Y-M) algorithm, a marker watermark W1 was embedded in the low-frequency subband to identify image tampering. The data string of hash function values and the exclusive OR (XOR) result of identification watermark W2 were embedded into the HH high-frequency subband, which was used to identify and counter the pseudo-authentication attacks such as collage and Vector Quantization(VQ). The singular value decomposition (SVD) algorithm was used to decompose the hash-mapped watermark and adaptively adjust the embedding strength of the watermark. The position-sensitive hash algorithm proposed has good invisibility for embedding digital watermarks into images, with an average accuracy of approximately 97% for feature matching of digital images. The PSNR value of the image embedded with the watermark is approximately 49 dB. At the 50th minute of the experiment, the regulatory factor value of the research method was 0.3. Under different attack modes, the correlation coefficient between the watermark extracted by this method and the original watermark image is greater than 0.85. Due to the low compression quality of JPGE, the correlation coefficient between the watermark and the initial watermark is greater than 0.6, and its error rate is less than 0.10bit.
What are the most common controversial clinical issues in fertility preservation? A content analysis of a collaborative professional online consultation group
Authors: Tsafrir Avi , BenHaroush Avi , Hyman Jordana , Karavani Gilad , Imbar Tal
Published: June 2023

Research Question
Clinicians involved in fertility preservation (FP) are often required to make prompt and consequential decisions despite the absence of evidence-based data. We established a collaborative professional online consultation group for fertility preservation issues. We sought to determine the main controversial clinical issues in FP as raised by participants of this group.
Design
Content analysis of a dedicated community of practice interacting via a messaging application (WhatsApp) and a survey of group participants.
Results
Between January 2019 and July 2022, group members posed 39 clinical questions which were discussed and debated by the group. Common themes included management of oncofertility cases (33%), potential gonadotoxicity of various therapies (23 %), fertility preservation in women and girls with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) (18%), and technical aspects of ovarian tissue cryopreservation (10%). All but one query received prompt response (mean time for first response for 95% of queries 7.1±9.0 minutes) from a mean of 5.4±3.2 members.
An anonymous online survey of group members was conducted during August 2022 (n=31, response rate 94%). The majority of respondents stated they gained knowledge and assistance in clinical decision making from participation in the discussion group (90% and 58% of respondents, respectively).
Conclusions
Management of clinical oncofertility cases, potential gonadotoxic effect of therapeutics and fertility preservation in women and girls with POI were the most common controversial issues in our fertility preservation community of practice. Intra-professional collaborative communication via a messaging application can aid in clinical management of fertility preservation and augment clinician’s knowledge.
Virtual Reality in Nonprofit Marketing: Boosting Inspiration and Encouraging Donations
Authors: Rodrigues Mariana Berga , Loureiro Sandra Maria Correia , Lopes Flávia de Sousa
Published: June 2023

Nonprofits often face the challenge of inspiring people to care about issues that are at distance, both geographically and emotionally. This study seeks to investigate how Virtual Reality (VR) can increase inspiration and encourage potential donors to give to nonprofits. Additionally, the study aims to analyze the moderating role of immersion level. A three-group between-subjects experiment with 142 participants was conducted to examine how immersiveness can influence presence, inspiration, and donation intention. The three different devices used (HMD, mobile HMDs, and computer desktop) to watch the documentary correspond to the different immersion levels (high, moderate, and low, respectively). Results reveal that perceived media richness enhances users’ spatial presence. Further, presence (spatial and social) positively effects customer inspiration. Lastly, findings suggest that customer inspiration increases donation intention. This study contributes to researchers and practitioners by identifying the role of customer inspiration on donation intention and by highlighting the impact of immersiveness.