bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monocyte count and systemic immune-inflammation index score as predictors of delayed cerebral ischemia after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Lee Yeonhu , Song Jihye , Lim Yong Cheol
Published: April 2023

Objective
Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is a major cause of disability in patients who survive aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Systemic inflammatory markers, such as peripheral leukocyte count and systemic inflammatory index score, have been suggested as predictors of DCI in previous studies. Here, we investigated which systemic biomarkers are significant predictors of DCI.
Methods
This was a retrospective, cohort, single-center study of 170 patients with SAH admitted between May 2018 and March 2022. We analyzed the patients’ clinical and laboratory parameters within 1 h and 3–4 and 5–7 days after admission. The patients were divided into DCI and non-DCI groups, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify significant predictors of DCI.
Results
The univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that Hunt–Hess grade “4–5” at admission, modified Fisher scale grade “3–4” at admission, hydrocephalus, intraventricular hemorrhage, and infection were significantly associated with DCI (P < 0.05). Among the laboratory parameters,Lymphocyte and monocyte counts at admission, systemic inflammatory index scores and C-reactive protein levels on days 3–4, and leukocyte and neutrophil counts on days 5–7 were significantly associated with DCI (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified monocyte count at admission (odds ratio [OR] = 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04–2.65; P = 0.036) and systemic inflammatory index score on days 3–4 (OR = 1.55; 95% CI, 1.02–2.47; P = 0.049) as independent predictors of DCI.
Conclusions
Our findings indicate that monocyte count at admission and systemic inflammatory index score on 3–4 days after aSAH are independent predictors of DCI. These biomarkers could potentially be used to identify patients at high risk of developing DCI.Peripheral monocytosis may be the primer for the innate immune reaction, and the systemic inflammatory index score at days 3–4 can promptly represent the propagated systemic immune reaction toward DCI.
Hepatoblastoma – an institutional experience of this rare malignancy in children
Authors: Mehta Naimish N , Solanki Sanket , Kalra Manas , Das Sri Aurobindo Prasad , Sachdeva Anupam , Nundy Samiran
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Hepatoblastoma is a common malignant liver tumour in children with a peak incidence in the first two years. Its previous mortality was reported to be 24%, but refinements in risk stratification, advances in chemotherapy and application of protocol-based therapy including surgery have resulted in improving long-term outcomes.
Methods: We describe our experience of children with hepatoblastoma using the new treatment guidelines who underwent surgery between January 2013 and December 2020
Results: During the aforementioned period, 6 patients with hepatoblastoma (4 male and 2 female) were treated in our unit with median age at presentation being 15 (range 6 – 36) months. One patient was PRETEXT stage I, three were stage II and two were stage III. All of them had chemotherapy prior to surgical resection as per the SIOPEL-3 and SIOPEL-4 protocols varying between 2-4 cycles following which size reduction in the tumors was noted. right hepatectomy in three patients, non-anatomical hepatic resection in one, left lateral hepatectomy in one and left hepatectomy in one. The mean duration of surgery was 205 (range 115- 300) minutes and the mean blood loss was 50 (range 20-150) ml. There was no operative mortality following which all patients then had adjuvant chemotherapy and are alive with a median follow-up of 40.6 (18-104) months.
Conclusion: The management of hepatoblastoma has changed significantly following the incorporation of recent updates from international groups into clinical practice. With the use of risk stratification, preoperative and adjuvant chemotherapy, and surgical excision, the overall and event-free survival has improved, reiterating the value of a multidisciplinary approach towards the treatment of this disease.
Geometrically nonlinear inerter for vibration suppression
Authors: Song Yuyang , Chen Liqun , Yang Tianzhi
Published: April 2023

In this paper, a geometrically nonlinear inerter (NI) device consisting of two inerters with a designed configuration is presented. Such a device is integrated in an inertial nonlinear energy sink (INES), and we examine its vibration suppression performance using the Runge-Kutta (RK) method, which is verified by the harmonic balance method (HBM). The new isolator is compared to a traditional vibration isolator, and the results show a significant improvement in vibration suppression performance. To investigate the effects of different excitation amplitudes and initial conditions on the dynamics of the system, a series of transmissibility-frequency response analyses are performed by defining the displacement transmissibility. These analyses are carried out at frequencies near the natural frequency. The energy flow of the system is analyzed, and numerous calculations reveal a series of ideal values for the energy sink in the NI-INES system. This study provides new insights for the design of vibration isolators.
Molecular Diagnosis of Chagas Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Authors: Pascual-Vázquez Guillermo , Alonso-Sardón Montserrat , Rodríguez-Alonso Beatriz , Pardo-Lledías Javier , Romero-Alegría Ángela , Fernández-Soto Pedro , Muñoz-Bellido Juan Luis , Muro Antonio , Belhassen-Garcia Moncef
Published: April 2023

Background: There is no consensus regarding the most effective molecular protocol for the diagnosis of Chagas disease. The diagnostic tools for Chagas disease are controversial within the scientific community. Currently, serology is the reference standard technique; occasionally, results are inconclusive, and a different diagnostic technique is needed. Some guidelines recommend molecular testing. A systematic review and meta-analysis of available molecular tools/techniques for the diagnosis of Chagas disease was performed to measure their heterogeneity and efficacy in detecting Trypanosoma cruzi infection in blood samples.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted up to July 27, 2022, including studies published in international databases. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined to select eligible studies. Data were extracted and presented according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Study quality was assessed using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2). A random-effects model was used to calculate pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR). Forest plots and a summary of the receiving operating characteristics (SROC) curves displayed the outcomes. Heterogeneity was determined by I2 and Tau2 statistics and p values. Funnel plots and Deek's test were used to assess publication bias. A quantitative meta-analysis of the different outcomes in the two different clinical phases was performed.
Principal findings: We identified 858 records and selected 32 papers. Studies pertained to endemic countries and nonendemic areas with adult and paediatric populations. The sample sizes ranged from 17 to 708 patients. There were no concerns regarding the risk of bias and applicability of all included studies. This resulted in high heterogeneity between studies, with the master mix origin and guanidine addition representing significant sources.
Interpretation/Conclusions and relevance: Continuous analysis and optimization of the different molecular techniques is crucial to implement this efficient diagnosis in endemic areas.
Optimizing the roles of health workers to improve access to health services in Africa: an implementation framework for task shifting and sharing for policy and practice
Authors: Okoroafor Sunny C , Christmals Christmal Dela
Published: April 2023

Background: Globally, countries are taking actions to ensure that their population have improved access to people-centred and integrated health services. Attaining this requires improved access to health workers at all levels of health service delivery and equitably distributed by geographical location. Due to the persistent health worker shortages, countries have resorted to implementing task shifting and task sharing in various settings to optimally utilize existing health workers to improve access to health services. There are deliberations on the need for an implementation framework to guide the adoption and operationalization of task shifting and task sharing as a key strategy for optimally utilizing the existing health workforce towards the achievement of UHC. The objective of this study was to develop an implementation framework for task shifting and task sharing for policy and practice in Africa.
Methods: A sequential multimethod research design supported by scoping reviews, and qualitative descriptive study was employed in this study. The evidence generated was synthesized into an implementation framework that was evaluated for applicability in Africa by 36 subject matter experts.
Results: The implementation framework for task shifting and task sharing has three core components – context, implementation strategies and intended change. The implementation strategies comprise of iterative actions in the development, translation, and sustainment phases that to achieve an intended change. The implementation strategies in the framework include mapping and engagement of stakeholders, generating evidence, development, implementation and review of a road map (or action plan) and national and/or sub-national policies and strategies, education of health workers using manuals, job aids, curriculum and clinical guidelines, and monitoring, evaluation, reviews and learning.
Conclusion: The implementation framework for task shifting and task sharing in Africa serves as a guide on actions needed to achieve national, regional and global goals based on contextual evidence. The framework illustrates the rationale and the role of a combination of factors (enablers and barriers) in influencing the implementation of task shifting and task sharing in Africa.
Status and associations of transition shock among nursing students during clinical practice: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tang Yinying , Chen Xiuwen , Liao Yuying , Zheng Tingyu
Published: April 2023

Background

Transition shock experienced by nursing students during their clinical practicums is a relevant and worrying issue, which will affect their adaptability to work and future development. However, little is known about influencing factors of transition shock for nursing students.

Objectives

To investigate the status quo of transition shock among nursing students, and to discover its influencing factors in the transition process.

Design: A

cross-sectional descriptive survey.

Setting:

The survey was carried out at four tertiary A hospitals in Changsha, Hunan province, which is located in south-central China.

Participants:

In November 2022, a total of 620 full-time nursing students were investigated by convenient sampling, and 564 valid questionnaires were recovered in this study.

Methods

Sociodemographic information of students were collected. The Transition Shock Scale was used to evaluate students' transition shock level.

Results

The average of the overall score of the Transition Shock Scale was 46.67 ± 8.99. Attitude towards nursing has significant impact on influencing students' transition shock (p ＜ 0.05). Additionally, the number of night shift, whether chose nursing as first choice or not, whether being class leaders or not, education level, future plan, school scale, monthly household income also contributed to different dimensions of transition shock (p ＜ 0.05).

Conclusions

The transition shock of nursing students was at medium level. The transition shock influencing factor of them was their attitude towards nursing. Therefore, administrators in clinical practice should pay attention to the impact of the transition shock and take reasonable intervention measures to enhance the positive impact of the attitude towards nursing on transition and help nursing students successfully complete the transition.
Experimental study of underwater operation scene with target perception framework
Authors: GAO JUE , Ding Wei , YANG HAIPING
Published: April 2023

This paper proposes a target perception framework to explore information on underwater operation scene, for assisting the operation and ensuring the safety of the diver. The framework adopts a layered processing mechanism including water column imaging, constant false alarm rate detection (CFAR) detection and local feature analysis. To simulate the underwater operation scene of the diver, experiments under three fields of view are designed: fixed view of the down-looking, fixed view of the front-looking, and mobile view of the side-looking. The experimental results show that the target perception framework can accurately distinguish false targets, static targets, and dynamic targets in the underwater operation scene, and obtain the motion trajectory of dynamic targets. Moreover, the approximate stereoscopic contour of the diver and bubble groups can be drawn by 3D reconstruction of underwater scene data.
A niche-based theory of Island Biogeography
Authors: Beaugrand Gregory , Kléparski Loick , Luczak Christophe , Goberville Eric , Kirby Richard R
Published: April 2023

The Equilibrium Theory of Island Biogeography (ETIB) is a widely applied dynamic theory proposed in the 1960s to explain why islands have coherent differences in species richness. The development of the ETIB was temporarily challenged in the 1970s by the alternative static Theory of Ecological Impoverishment (TEI), which suggests that the number of species on an island is determined by its number of niches or habitats. With no clear evidence relating species richness to the number of niches however, the TEI has been almost dismissed as a theory in favour of the original ETIB. Here, we show that the number of climatic niches on islands is an important predictor of the species richness of plants, herpetofauna and land birds, and we therefore propose a model called the Niche-based Theory of Island Biogeography (NTIB) that successfully, merges the ETIB and TEI into a unifying concept. To account for greater species turnover at the beginning of colonisation, we include higher initial extinction rates. When we test our NTIB for resident land birds in Krakatau Islands it reveals a good correspondence with observed species richness, immigration and extinction rates. We estimate that current species richness at equilibrium is ~48 species (range between 47.76 and 51.36) provided the environmental regime remains unchanged.
3-year Follow-up of a Prospective, Multicenter Study of the Amplatzer Piccolo™ Occluder for Transcatheter Patent Ductus Arteriosus Closure in Children ≥700 grams
Authors: Morray Brian , Sathanandam Shyam , Forbes Thomas , Gillespie Matthew , Berman Darren , Armstrong Aimee , Shahanavaz Shabana , Jones Thomas , Rockefeller Toby , Justino Henri , Nykanen David , Weiler Courtney , Gutfinger Dan , Zahn Evan
Published: April 2023

Objective
This study describes 3-year follow-up of 200 infants weighing ≥700 grams who underwent transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure with the Amplatzer Piccolo™ Occluder.
Study Design
Between June 2017 and February 2019, 200 children were enrolled in this U.S. study (NCT03055858). Patients were evaluated for PDA closure, survival, and device- or procedure-related events for 3-years post-implant.
Results
The implant success rate was 95.5% (191/200). At 3 years, PDA closure was observed in 100% (33/33) of patients. Overall survival was >95% with 9 reported deaths. No deaths were adjudicated as device- or procedure-related. Notable events included aortic obstruction (2) requiring stent placement and increased tricuspid regurgitation (5). No intervention was required for tricuspid valve regurgitation.
Conclusions
This follow-up study demonstrates high rates of PDA closure, low complication rate, and survival >95% at 3 years. The Amplatzer Piccolo™ Occluder is a safe and effective therapy for PDA treatment in premature infants.
SLC39A4 induces EMT and promotes triple-negative breast cancer cell proliferation and migration by activating ERK signaling
Authors: Lian Weibin , Li Liangqiang , Yang Peidong , Chen Debo , Wang Chuan
Published: April 2023

Solute carrier family 39 member 4 (SLC39A4) has been reported as a proto-oncogene activated in various cancers. however, its role in breast cancer is unclear. Our study found that the expression of SLC39A4 is up-regulated in breast cancer, especially in basal-like subtype. High expression of SLC39A4 significantly correlated with a higher T stage, N stage, as well as shorter recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). Total intracellular zinc ion content in SLC39A4 over-expression group was significantly higher than that in the control group by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Knockdown of SLC39A4 significantly inhibited TNBC cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion. Mechanistically, the result of RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and KEGG enrichment analysis suggest that knockdown of SLC39A4 affect MAPK signaling pathways in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell. We further confirm that SLC39A4 promotes TNBC cell proliferation and migration by activating ERK phosphorylation. Interestingly, SLC39A4 induces the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and can be reversed by ERK inhibitor. In addition, SLC39A4 expression in basal-like breast cancer was negatively correlated with infiltrating levels of CD8 + T cell, Macrophages, Neutrophils and Dendritic Cells, and was also negatively associated with the expression of immune checkpoint PD1 and PDL1. In summary, SLC39A4 induces the EMT and promotes proliferation and migration via the ERK signaling pathway in TNBC cells. SLC39A4 can serve as a novel predictive biomarker for prognosis and immune infiltration in TNBC.
Treatment Strategy for Acute Myocarditis in Pediatric Patients Requiring Emergency Intervention
Authors: Murakoshi Yuka , Hoshino Kenji
Published: April 2023

Background: Patients with acute myocarditis present with a wide range of symptoms. Treatment strategies for pediatric patients with circulatory failure comprise extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), emergency temporary pacing, and pharmacotherapy. However, they remain controversial. ECMO is an effective treatment but gives rise to several complications; the goal is therefore to avoid excessive treatment as much as possible. We aimed to evaluate the importance of electrocardiogram findings in differentiating severity and establish an appropriate treatment strategy in pediatric patients with acute myocarditis who required emergency interventions.
Methods: This retrospective study enrolled pediatric patients admitted to and treated in our hospital for acute myocarditis between April 1983 and December 2021. Patients were retrospectively divided into whether circulatory failure occurred (ECMO or temporary pacing was needed; emergency intervention group) or not (pharmacotherapy alone).
Results: Of the 26 pediatric patients, 11 experienced circulatory failure while 15 did not. In the circulatory failure group, six patients were treated with ECMO (ECMO group) and five patients with temporary pacing (pacing group). In the pacing group, all patients were diagnosed with complete and/or advanced atrioventricular block (CAVB and/or advanced AVB) and narrow QRS. Furthermore, these patients improved only with temporary pacing and pharmacotherapy, without requiring ECMO. Wide QRS complexes (QRS ≥ 0.12 ms) with ST-segment changes were detected on admission in five of six patients in the ECMO group and none in the pacing group (P=0.015). Although all patients in the ECMO group experienced complications, none did in the pacing group (P<0.008).
Conclusions: Regarding emergency intervention for acute myocarditis, ECMO or temporary pacing could be determined based on electrocardiogram findings, particularly wide QRS complexes with ST-segment changes on admission. It is important to promptly introduce ECMO in patients with wide QRS complexes with ST-segment changes, however, patients with CAVB and/or advanced AVB and narrow QRS could improve without undergoing ECMO. Therefore, excessive treatment should be avoided by separating ECMO from temporary pacing based on electrocardiogram findings on admission.
Longitudinal assessment of the relationship between frailty and social relationships among Japanese older adults: a random intercept cross-lagged panel model
Authors: Cui Mingyu , Jiao Dandan , Liu Yang , Zhu Yantong , Li Xiang , Zhu Zhu , Zhang Jinrui , Alpona Afsari , Wang Yanlin , Qian Meiling , Sawada Yuko , Miura Kumi Watanabe , Watanabe Taeko , Tanaka Emiko , Anme Tokie
Published: April 2023

Objectives
This study aimed to explore the bidirectional association between frailty and social relationships in older adults while distinguishing between interpersonal and intrapersonal effects.
Methods
A prospective cohort study of community-dwelling older adults was conducted in Japan in three waves spanning six years with follow-ups in every three years. Random intercept cross-lagged panel model was used to explore temporal associations between frailty and social relationships.
Results
Data for 520 participants (mean age 73.02 [SD 6.38] years, 56.7% women) were analyzed. Across individuals, frailty was associated with social relationships (β = -0.514, p < 0.001). At the interpersonal level, frailty was cross-sectionally associated with social relationships (β = -0.389–-0.273, p < 0.01). Moreover, social relationships were associated with subsequent increases in symptoms of frailty in all measurement waves (β = -0.332, p < 0.001; β = -0.169, p < 0.01) and vice versa (β = -0.149, p < 0.05; β = -0.292, p < 0.001).
Conclusions
The results suggest a correlation between frailty and social relationships. Frailty improvement programs can be combined with interventions to enhance social relationships, which will be beneficial in preventing frailty. The results emphasize the importance of combining clinical treatments of frailty with interventions to improve social relationships.
Positive rate of wheat allergens in the Chinese allergic population: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Fengmei , Zhao Xinyi , Liu Wenfeng , Zhou Bo , Deng Lili , Chen Hongbing , Zhang Zhuo , Zhou Lin
Published: April 2023

Background
In recent years, the prevalence of allergic diseases has increased significantly, causing great concern, and wheat, as one of the top 8 food allergens, is a common allergy trigger. Nevertheless, re-liable estimates of the positivity rate of wheat allergens in the allergic population in China are still lacking. The systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the positive detection rate of wheat allergens in the Chinese allergic population and further provides a reference for the prevention of allergy.
Methods
CNKI, CQVIP, WAN-FANG DATA, Sino Med, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases were retrieved. Related research and case reports about the positive rate of wheat allergen in the Chinese population published until June 2022 were searched, and me-ta-analysis was performed using Stata software. The pooled positive rate of wheat allergens and 95% confidence interval were calculated by random effect models, and the publication bias was evaluated using Egger's test. A total of 14 articles that met the inclusion criteria were finally included for evaluation.
Results
Meta-analysis results of the single group rate showed that the wheat allergen positivity detection rate in Chinese allergic patients was 7.48% (95% CI: 5.85%- 9.11%). Subgroup analysis showed that the positivity rate of wheat allergens was influenced by region, but hardly by age and assessment method. The positive rates of wheat allergy in the population with allergic diseases were 2.67% (95% CI: 0.86%-4.49%) and 12.68% (95% CI: 8.27%-17.10%) in southern and northern China, re-spectively. In particular, the positive rates of wheat allergens were greater than 10% in Shaanxi, Henan and Nei Mongo, all of which belong to the northern region.
Conclusions
These results suggest that wheat allergens are an important cause of sensitization in Chinese allergic populations, mainly in the northern allergic population. Therefore, attention should be paid to the early screening and effective prevention and treatment of high-risk groups.
Effects of letrozole on serum estradiol and estrone in postmenopausal breast cancer patients and tolerability of treatment: a prospective trial using a highly sensitive LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry) method for estrogen measurement
Authors: Faltinova Maria , Vehmanen Leena , Lyytinen Heli , Haanpää Mikko , Hämäläinen Esa , Tiitinen Aila , Blomqvist Carl , Mattson Johanna
Published: April 2023

Purpose
To analyze serum estradiol (E2) and estrone (E1) during letrozole treatment and their association to Quality of life (QoL) and side-effects.
Methods
Postmenopausal breast cancer patients starting adjuvant letrozole were eligible. Serum samples were taken at baseline, three and 12 months. E2 and FSH were measured with routine chemiluminescent immunoassays. E2 and E1 were analyzed after trial completion with a highly sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method (LC-MS/MS) with lower limits of quantification (LLOQ) of 5 pmol/L. QoL was measured at baseline and 12 months with the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 and the Women`s Health questionnaires and menopause-related symptoms with the modified Kupperman Index.
Results
Of 100 screened patients 90 completed the trial. Baseline mean LC-MS/MS E2 and E1 were 12 pmol/L (range < 5–57) and 66 pmol/L (< 5–226), respectively. E2 levels measured by immunoassay and LC-MS/MS showed no correlation. E2 and E1 were completely suppressed by letrozole except for one occasion (E1 11 pmol/L at 3 months). Pain, side effects of systemic therapy, vasomotor symptoms, joint and muscle aches, and vaginal dryness increased during letrozole treatment. A high baseline E2 was significantly associated with increased aching joints and muscles, but not with the other side effects.
Conclusions
Letrozole supresses E2 and E1 completely below the LLOQ of the LC-MS/MS in postmenopausal women. High pre-treatment E2 levels were associated to more joint and muscle pain during letrozole. Automated immunoassays are unsuitable for E2 monitoring during letrozole therapy due to poor sensitivity.
Impact of the First Year of the COVID-19 on Unmet Healthcare Need Among New York City Adults: A Universal Healthcare Experiment
Authors: Carlson Madelyn , Romo Matthew L. , Kelvin Elizabeth A.
Published: April 2023

We examined the impact of the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic on unmet healthcare need among New Yorkers and potential differences by race/ethnicity and health insurance. Data from the Community Health Survey, collected in 2018, 2019, and 2020, were merged to compare unmet healthcare need within the past 12 months during the pandemic versus the two years before the pandemic. Simple and multivariable logistic regression models evaluated change in unmet healthcare need overall. We assessed whether race/ethnicity or health insurance status modified the association. Overall, 12% of New Yorkers (N = 27,660) experienced unmet healthcare during the three-year period. In univariate and multivariate models, the first year of the pandemic was not associated with change in unmet healthcare need (OR = 1.04, p = 0.548; OR = 1.03, p = 0.699, respectively). No interaction between the first year of the pandemic and race/ethnicity (p-values range: 0.081–0.893) but there was significant interaction with health insurance status (interaction P = 0.009). Stratifying on health insurance status, those uninsured had borderline significant lower odds of unmet healthcare need during 2020 compared to the two years prior (OR = 0.72, p = 0.051) while those with insurance had a slight increase that was not significant (OR = 1.12, p = 0.143). Unmet healthcare need among New Yorkers during the first year of the pandemic did not differ significantly from the two years prior. Federal pandemic relief funding, which offered no-cost COVID-19 testing and care to all, irrespective of health insurance or legal status, may have helped equalized access to healthcare.
Novel Polypeptide Composite Fibrous Scaffold with Internal Chemical Boundary
Authors: Yang Shao-Jiun , Yu Tzu-Yi , Yu Jia-Shing , Huang Yu-Ching , Lin Meng-Fang , Su Wei-Fang
Published: April 2023

Cell migration determines the complete development of mammalian tissue and other pathological phenomena. To investigate the effect of chemical stimuli on such behavior, cells are triggered to translate by the concentration gradient of different molecules on 2D substrates in vitro. But to date unfortunately the polymeric scaffolds for cell migration in 3D environment with chemical stimuli have not been proposed and developed yet. Herein, a novel 3D composite scaffold with an internal chemical boundary is fabricated by electrospinning and mask-assisted electrospray so that the deposition of PBG-N3 particles is confined at specific area initially. The chemical boundary is subsequently formed after selective surface modification of the particles via click reaction. Using a fluorescent alkyne, the boundary of modified regions is clearly observed by fluorescence microscope. This innovative bio-material has the potential to serve as a promising scaffold for investigating the effect of chemical stimuli on cell migration and growth in 3D environment and further on to the application in tissue engineering.
Regionality in vector control: effect of fluctuating temperature in the susceptibility of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) larvae to Pyriproxyfen
Authors: Moura¹ Lidia , Corbi Juliano José
Published: April 2023

Using Pyriproxyfen to control Aedes aegypti populations shows great potential considering its high competence in low dosages and environmental safety. As an endocrine disruptor, temperature can interfere in its efficiency, related to a decrease in larval emergence inhibition in hotter environments. However, previous studies have been performed at constant temperatures in the laboratory, which may not precisely reflect the environmental conditions in the field. This study aimed to assess the effect of the fluctuating temperatures in pyriproxyfen efficiency on controlling Aedes aegypti larvae. We selected maximum and minimum temperatures from the Brazilian Meteorological Institute database from September to April for cities grouped by five regions. Five fluctuating temperatures (17–26; 20–28.5; 23–32.5; 23–30.5; 19.5–31 ºC) were applied to bioassays assessing Pyriproxyfen efficiency in preventing adult emergence in Aedes aegypti larvae in five concentrations. The proportion of emergence inhibition was compared among treatments and within treatment. In thermal conditions with the lowest temperatures, Pyriproxyfen was efficient to prevent the emergence of twice the larvae than in the hottest temperatures with the lowest concentration applied (average ± SD: 0.61 ± 0.09 in coldest treatment; average ± SD: 0.65 ± 0.12 in the hottest treatment, p value = 0.00015). The concentration that inhibits the emergence of 50% of the population was lower than that preconized by the World Health Organization (0.01 mg/L) in all treatments, except for the hottest temperatures, for which we estimated 0.010 mg/L (SD ± 0.017). Applying fluctuating temperatures in laboratory bioassays provides a more realistic result for vector surveillance strategies. For a country with continental proportions such as Brazil, considering regionalities is crucial for a rational use of insecticides.
A modified BG Sentinel trap equipped with FTA-card as a novel tool for mosquito-borne disease surveillance: a field test for flavivirus detection
Authors: Manzi Sara , Nelli Luca , Fortuna Claudia , Severini Francesco , Toma Luciano , Luca Marco Di , Michelutti Alice , Bertola Michela , Gradoni Francesco , Toniolo Federica , Sgubin Sofia , Lista Florigio , Pazienza Michele , Montarsi Fabrizio , Pombi Marco
Published: April 2023

Early detection of pathogens in vectors is important in preventing the spread of arboviral diseases, providing a timely indicator of pathogen circulation before outbreaks occur. However, entomological surveillance may face logistical constraints, such as maintaining the cold chain, and resource limitations, such as the field and laboratory workload of mosquito processing. We propose an FTA card-based trapping system that aims to simplify both field and laboratory phases of arbovirus surveillance. We modified a BG-Sentinel trap to include a mosquito collection chamber and a sugar feeding source through an FTA card soaked in a long-lasting viscous solution of honey and hydroxy-cellulose hydrogel. The FTA card ensures environmental preservation of nucleic acids, allowing continuous collection and feeding activity of specimens for several days and reducing the effort required for viral detection. We tested the trap prototype during two field seasons (2019 and 2021) in North-eastern Italy and compared it to CDC-CO2 trapping applied in West Nile and Usutu virus regional surveillance. Collections by the BG-FTA approach detected high species diversity, including Culex pipiens, Aedes albopictus, Culex modestus, Anopheles maculipennis sensu lato and Ochlerotatus caspius. When used for two-days sampling, the BG-FTA trap performed equally to CDC also for the WNV-major vector Cx. pipiens. The FTA-cards detected both WNV and USUV, confirming the reliability of this novel approach to detect viral circulation in infectious mosquitoes. We recommend this surveillance approach as a particularly useful alternative in multi-target surveillance, for sampling in remote areas and in contexts characterized by high mosquito densities and diversity.
In vivo human lacrimal gland imaging using an ultrasound biomicroscope
Authors: Jee Donghyun , Kim Min Seon , Kim Won Joon , Shin Min Chul , Kim Eun Chul , Kim Hyun Seung , Hwang Hosik
Published: April 2023

Background: In the present study, we introduce human lacrimal gland imaging using an ultrasound biomicroscope (UBM) with a soft cover and show their findings
Methods: The representative UBM findings of palpebral lobes in seven subjects (4 with non-Sjögren dry eye syndrome, 1 with Sjögren syndrome, and 2 healthy subjects) were described in this study. To prolapse the palpebral lobe, the examiner pulled the temporal part of the upper eyelid in the superotemporal direction and directed the subject to look in the inferonasal direction. We scanned the palpebral lobes longitudinally and transversely using UBM. We used an Aviso UBM (Quantel Medical, Clermont-Ferrand, France) with a 50MHz linear probe and ClearScan.
Results: In UBM of two healthy subjects, the echogenicity of the lacrimal gland was lower than that of the sclera and homogeneous. But, the parenchyma of a patient with Sjögren dry eye syndrome was quite inhomogeneous compared to the healthy subjects. In two patients with dry eye syndrome, we were able to observe some lobules in the parenchyma. We could find excretory ducts running parallel at the surface of the longitudinal section in some subjects. In the longitudinal UBM scan of a subject, we observed a tubular structure at a depth of 1500 µm that was considered a blood vessel. It ran from the superonasal to the inferotemporal direction. In a subject, we observed a large cyst beneath the conjunctiva.
Conclusions: Lacrimal gland imaging using UBM has both advantages of OCT and sonography, and could be useful for evaluating dry eye syndrome.
Discriminating Orientation Information with Phase Consistency in Alpha and Beta Frequency Bands: An EEG Study
Authors: Chamazcoty Alireza Khadir , Ghamsari Shamim Sasani , Badri Samaneh , Beigzadeh Borhan
Published: April 2023

Recent studies suggest that noninvasive imaging methods (EEG, MEG) in the human brain scalp can decode the content of visual information in Visual-Working-Memory (VWM). Previous work demonstrated that with the sustained low-frequency Event-Related Potential (under 6 Hz) of scalp distributions, it is possible to decode the content of orientation information in the delay interval. However, it is unclear whether the orientation information is available in the phase values of the signal. In the present study, we suggest that the orientation information is also possibly accessible from the phase consistency of the occipital region in alpha band frequency. We show that the significant difference between orientations has occurred under 200 ms after stimulus offset in early visual sensory, while no effect is apparent in power and Event-related oscillation (ERO) in this region and periods. In addition, in later periods (400 – 500 ms after stimulus offset), a noticeable difference is evident in the phase consistency of the beta-band activity in the occipital area. Our results indicate that the phase consistency between trials of the orientation feature in the occipital alpha and beta-band can be a measurement to obtain orientation information in VWM.
Prevalence of BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB2 genomic alterations among 924 Taiwanese breast cancer assays with tumor-only targeted sequencing: extended data analysis from the VGH-TAYLOR study
Authors: Cheng Han-Fang , Tsai Yi-Fang , Liu Chun-Yu , Hsu Chih-Yi , Lien Pei-Ju , Lin Yen-Shu , Chao Ta-Chung , Lai Jiun-I , Feng Chin-Jung , Chen Yen-Jen , Chen Bo-Fang , Chiu Jen-Hwey , Tseng Ling-Ming , Huang Chi-Cheng
Published: April 2023

Background
The homologous recombination (HR) repair pathway for DNA damage, particularly the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, has become a target for cancer therapy, with poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors showing significant outcomes in treating germline BRCA1/2 (gBRCA1/2) mutated breast cancer. Recent studies suggest that some patients with somatic BRCA1/2 (sBRCA1/2) mutation or mutations in HR-related genes other than BRCA1/2 may benefit from PARP inhibitors as well, particularly those with PALB2 mutations. The current analysis aims to evaluate the prevalence of genetic alterations specific to BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB2 in a large cohort of Taiwanese breast cancer patients through tumor-targeted sequencing.
Methods
A total of 924 consecutive assays from 879 Taiwanese breast cancer patients underwent tumor-targeted sequencing (Thermo Fisher Oncomine Comprehensive Assay v3). We evaluated BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB2 mutational profiles, with variants annotated and curated by the ClinVAR, the Oncomine™ Knowledgebase Reporter, and the OncoKB™.
Results
Among the 879 patients analyzed (924 assays), 130 had positive mutations in BRCA1 (3.1%), BRCA2 (8.6%), and PALB2 (5.2%), with a total of 14.8% having genetic alterations. Co-occurrence was noted between BRCA1/BRCA2, BRCA1/PALB2, and BRCA2/PALB2 mutations. In BRCA1-mutated assays, only p.K654fs was observed in three patients, while other variants were observed no more than twice. For BRCA2, p.N372H was the most common (26 patients), followed by p.S2186fs, p.V2466A, and p.X159_splice (5 times each). For PALB2, p.I887fs was the most common mutation (30 patients). This study identified 176 amino acid changes; 60.2% (106) were not documented in either ClinVAR or the the Oncomine™ Knowledgebase Reporter. Using the OncoKB™ for annotation, 171 (97.2%) were found to have clinical implications.
Conclusion
Our study depicted the mutational patterns of BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB2 in Taiwanese breast cancer patients through tumor-only sequencing. This highlights the growing importance of BRCA1/2 and PALB2 alterations in breast cancer susceptibility risk and the treatment of index patients. We also emphasized the need to meticulously annotate variants in cancer-driver genes as well as actionable mutations across multiple databases.
Integrated analysis of hub genes and miRNA- transcription factor-hub gene interaction network in necrotizing enterocolitis
Authors: Su Yuqian , Wang Chen , Yang Yang , Huang Zhaorong , Luo Caiyun , Wu Kai , Yang Liucheng
Published: April 2023

Background
The aim of this study was to identify hub genes, related transcription factors (TFs) and miRNAs from the miRNA–TF–gene interaction network in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).
Methods
Three expression data sets from GEO database that compared NEC with surgical negative controls were used to calculate differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMis) and genes (DEGs). A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using DEGs and was used to determine hub genes. miRNAs related to hub genes were identified from the intersection between DEMis and predictions of hub gene-miRNA pairs using Starbase, TFs were predicted by hub genes, TF-miRNA pairs were predicted using miRNet. Finally, the miRNA–TF–hub gene interaction network was formed using these predicted pairs.
Results
A total of 14 DEMis and 123 DEGs were identified from the GEO datasets. One hundred and twenty DEGs were found in the PPI network. A pathogenic-associated interaction network was created by intersecting miRNAs, predicted TFs and hub genes. Article-published RNAs such as hsa-miR-7 or TLR4 were shown in this network, and novel RNAs and TFs (Hsa-miR-200a, GATA3, CXCL5) were shown in the network as important regulator.
Conclusions
This analysis displayed several important hub genes, TFs and miRNAs, some of which were not fully understood in previous studies of NEC. These results may play an important role in future studies on the etiology or treatment of NEC.
Prediction of Calcineurin inhibition using Phosphatase activity in immunosuppressing (Tacrolimus) oral drug dose regimen.
Authors: Reddy U.Swetha , D.M.Sruj
Published: April 2023

This is a pilot study conducted to validate the intensity of immunosuppression that an individual with kidney transplant develops post-surgical grafting of the organ. It also entails the plausible clinical and pharmacological factors that can contribute to the rejection of the organ on a broader scale. The immunosuppression drug under research is Tacrolimus (FK506), that is assayed for its inhibition of Calcineurin Phosphatase Activity (CPA/CaN Activity) resulting in acceptance and stabilization of the organ system as a whole after transplant. This study also attempts to prescribe a dose regimen by estimating the bioavailability of the oral dosage form. The subjects participating in this trial are an all-male group and are studied for a period of 3–6 months immediately after the surgical transplantation procedure. Therefore, the initial results obtained with the procedures followed are potential for a cohort study (of all genders and age groups).
Preform geometry determination for a connecting rod forging by CEL model in Abaqus™.
Authors: Ramírez Edgar Isaac , Ruiz Osvaldo , Reyes Carlos , Ortiz Armando
Published: April 2023

Forging is a widely used manufacturing processes and its design and modeling are important to reducing production costs, increasing die lifespan and improving the mechanical properties of the final product. In this study, the forging process of a connecting rod was modeled using 3D Coupled Eulerian Lagrangian (CEL) analysis by FEM. The methodology adopted achieved to determine a preform geometry that reduces final flash and forging load, while ensuring complete filling of the stamp. Starting from the final geometry, the final die was designed. After the first result for an approximately 27% of flash, it was adjusted the material distribution decreasing it at the regions where the flash was too large. After an iterative method was applied to determine better preform, a proposal was found that reduced forging force by approximately 42% and the percentage of flash volume by 64% in comparison with the first one. A final flash of about 10% is considered a good objective to reach. Lower values may cause many iterations, not a significant difference in forging loads, the risk of an unfilled die and complex preform geometries.
A Resilient Task Allocation Method for UAV Swarm Based on PSO-ILP Bilevel Nested Optimization
Authors: Zeng Yifan , Ren Kezhou , Sun Qin , Zhang Yingchao
Published: April 2023

Traditional task allocation methods are threatened by the complexity and adversarial nature of modern battlefields. This work focuses on the modeling, optimization, and simulation verification of UAV swarm multi-domain fighting under the constraint of task resilience in order to address the issues created by various ways of deliberate enemy attack. Initially, a novel idea of equivalent load is proposed, considering it as the fundamental unit of reconnaissance, assault, communication, and other activities, in order to construct the capability load matrix of our single UAV and the needed load matrix of attacking each fighting unit in each battle region. Then, by integrating the strike probability and task completion degree, the task resilience capability index was developed, which improved the current UAV swarm task resilience measurement process. Due to the difficulty of traditional task allocation optimization methods in dealing with dynamic changes of optimization indexes before and after attacks, a resilience compensation load relaxation variable was added to the traditional Integral Linear Programming (ILP) problem description model of a UAV swarm. On the basis of a bilevel nested structure, a task allocation optimization method is created. Before an assault, the lower layer's ILP optimizer uses the swarm load cost as the target. The uppermost layer is comprised of Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), which targets the comprehensive indices of UAV swarm load cost and task resilience after attack. It effectively resolves the multi-objective optimization problem of UAV swarms taking task difficulty into account. Ultimately, the test scenarios of three conflict domains, five basic battle units, and five load kinds were constructed, and the Ranchester battle model was used to simulate and validate the rationale and efficacy of the bilevel nested optimization method based on PSO-ILP.
Examining a hypothesized causal chain for the effects of the 2007 repeal of the permit-to-purchase licensing law in Missouri: homicide guns recovered in state and within a year of purchase.
Authors: Li Michelle , Small Dylan , Ye Ting , Lin Yuzhou
Published: April 2023

Firearm-related deaths are a leading cause of death in the United States. Webster et al. (2014) found an association between Missouri’s repeal of a permit-to-purchase handgun licensing law and an increase in firearm-related homicides. The evidence for causality of this association would be strengthened by finding that the increase occurred through the hypothesized mechanism of increasing the ease with which those with violent intent could obtain guns. This study examines two measures: 1) proportion of guns recovered and purchased in-state and 2) time between firearm purchase and recovery by police following criminal use. The repeal was associated from 2008-2019 with a 0.05 increase in the proportion own-state gun trace (p < 0.0001, 95% confidence interval: 0.08,0.13) and a 0.10 increase in the proportion of guns recovered prior to one year after purchase (p = 0.01, 95% confidence interval: 1.20,1.90). Our study provides supportive evidence for the repeal increasing firearm-related homicides.