bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new method of ventilation inhomogeneity assessment based on a simulation study using clinical data on congenital diaphragmatic hernia cases
Authors: Stankiewicz Barbara , Mierzewska-Schmidt Magdalena , Pałko Krzysztof Jakub , Baranowski Artur , Darowski Marek , Kozarski Maciej
Published: December 2022

Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) is a diaphragm defect associated with lung hypoplasia and ventilation inhomogeneity (VI). The affected neonates are usually born with respiratory failure and require mechanical ventilation after birth. However, significant interindividual VI differences make ventilation difficult. So far, there are no clinical methods of VI assessment that could be applied to optimize ventilation at the bedside. A new VI index is a ratio of time constants T1/T2 of gas flows in both lungs. Pressure-controlled ventilation simulations were conducted using an infant hybrid (numerical-physical) respiratory simulator connected to a ventilator. The parameters of the respiratory system model and ventilator settings were based on retrospective clinical data taken from three neonates (2, 2.6, 3.6 kg) treated in the Paediatric Teaching Clinical Hospital of the Medical University of Warsaw. We searched for relationships between respiratory system impedance (Z) and ventilation parameters: work of breathing (WOB), peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), and mean airway pressure (MAP). The study showed the increased VI described by the T1/T2 index value highly correlated with elevated Z, WOB, PIP and MAP (0.8–0.9, the Spearman correlation coefficients were significant at P < 0.001). It indicates that the T1/T2 index may help to improve the ventilation therapy of CDH neonates.
Single-cell resolved ploidy and chromosomal aberrations in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-(NASH) induced hepatocellular carcinoma and its precursor lesions
Authors: Friemel Juliane , Torres Irianna , Brauneis Elizabeth , Thörner Tim , Schäffer Alejandro A. , Gertz E. Michael , Grob Tobias , Seidl Kati , Weber Achim , Ried Thomas , Heselmeyer-Haddad Kerstin
Published: December 2022

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its precursor, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are an unmet health issue due to widespread obesity. We assessed copy number changes of genes associated with hepatocarcinogenesis and oxidative pathways at a single-cell level. Eleven patients with NASH-HCC and 11 patients with NAFLD were included. Eight probes were analyzed using multiplex interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (miFISH), single-cell imaging and phylogenetic tree modelling: Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), C-Myc (MYC), hepatocyte growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase (MET), tumor protein 53 (TP53), cyclin D1 (CCND1), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), the fragile histidine triad gene (FHIT) and FRA16D oxidoreductase (WWOX). Each NASH-HCC tumor had up to 14 distinct clonal signal patterns indicating multiclonality, which correlated with high tumor grade. Changes frequently observed were TP53 losses, 45%; MYC gains, 36%; WWOX losses, 36%; and HER2 gains, 18%. Whole-genome duplications were frequent (82%) with aberrant tetraploid cells evolving from diploid ancestors. Non-tumorous NAFLD/NASH biopsies did not harbor clonal copy number changes. Fine mapping of NASH-HCC using single-cell multiplex FISH shows that branched tumor evolution involves genome duplication and that multiclonality increases with tumor grade. The loss of oxidoreductase WWOX and HER2 gains could be potentially associated with NASH-induced hepatocellular carcinoma.
Deep learning-derived cardiovascular age shares a genetic basis with other cardiac phenotypes
Authors: Libiseller-Egger Julian , Phelan Jody E. , Attia Zachi I. , Benavente Ernest Diez , Campino Susana , Friedman Paul A. , Lopez-Jimenez Francisco , Leon David A. , Clark Taane G.
Published: December 2022

Artificial intelligence (AI)-based approaches can now use electrocardiograms (ECGs) to provide expert-level performance in detecting heart abnormalities and diagnosing disease. Additionally, patient age predicted from ECGs by AI models has shown great potential as a biomarker for cardiovascular age, where recent work has found its deviation from chronological age (“delta age”) to be associated with mortality and co-morbidities. However, despite being crucial for understanding underlying individual risk, the genetic underpinning of delta age is unknown. In this work we performed a genome-wide association study using UK Biobank data (n=34,432) and identified eight loci associated with delta age ($$p\le 5 \times 10^{-8}$$

p
≤
5
×

10

-
8

), including genes linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) (e.g. SCN5A) and (heart) muscle development (e.g. TTN). Our results indicate that the genetic basis of cardiovascular ageing is predominantly determined by genes directly involved with the cardiovascular system rather than those connected to more general mechanisms of ageing. Our insights inform the epidemiology of CVD, with implications for preventative and precision medicine.
The severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on bullying victimization, mental health indicators and quality of life
Authors: Forsberg June T. , Thorvaldsen Steinar
Published: December 2022

Children and adolescents have been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of traditional and digital bullying and mental health problems a year into the pandemic. Further, how anxiety level, loneliness, and self-perceived school functioning have influenced the quality of life. A comprehensive questionnaire was administered (N = 1239) in the city of Tromsø and compared to a similar data collection (N = 972) conducted in the same schools in 2017. The main findings were increased prevalence in bullying, more mental health problems and significantly reduced quality of life compared to before the pandemic. Implications and the importance of implementing anti-bullying and psychosocial measures after the pandemic are discussed.
Emergency collision avoidance strategy for autonomous vehicles based on steering and differential braking
Authors: Li Haiqing , Zheng Taixiong , Xia Fuhao , Gao Lina , Ye Qing , Guo Zonghuan
Published: December 2022

This paper develops a novel integrated collision avoidance strategy for autonomous vehicles in an emergency based on steering and braking. Specifically, the framework of the collision avoidance strategy is composed of two parts: an up-level decision-making layer and a low-level controller layer. The purpose of the up-level is to select the appropriate control strategy based on the vehicle information, and the low-level is to drive the vehicle according to the instructions generated by the up-level. More concretely, a novel control strategy is proposed by integrating four-wheel steering, active rear steering, and differential braking with guaranteed path-tracking accuracy and driving stability by adaptive model predictive control (AMPC). Finally, extensive co-simulations in MATLAB/Simulink and CarSim are conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed collision avoidance strategy in terms of tracking error, yaw rate, and roll angle.
The prognosis predictive score around primary debulking surgery (PPSP) improves diagnostic efficacy in predicting the prognosis of ovarian cancer
Authors: Kawahara Naoki , Kawaguchi Ryuji , Waki Keita , Maehana Tomoka , Yamanaka Shoichiro , Yamada Yuki , Kimura Fuminori
Published: December 2022

In recent years, the pretreatment inflammatory responses have proven to predict the prognosis, but no report exists analyzing the combined inflammatory response of the pre- and postsurgical treatment. The current study aims to extract the factors predicting the recurrence and create novel predictive scoring. This retrospective study was conducted at our institution between November 2006 and December 2020, with follow-up until September 2022. Demographic and clinicopathological data were collected from women who underwent primary debulking surgery. We created the scoring system named the prognosis predictive score around primary debulking surgery(PPSP) for progression-free survival(PFS). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess its efficacy in predicting PFS and overall survival(OS). Cox regression analyses were used to assess its time-dependent efficacy. Kaplan–Meier and the log-rank test were used to compare the survival rate. A total of 235 patients were included in the current study. The cut-off value of the scoring system was six. Multivariate analyses revealed that an advanced International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics(FIGO) stage (p < 0.001 for PFS; p = 0.038 for OS), the decreased white blood cell count difference (p = 0.026 for PFS) and the high-PPSP (p = 0.004 for PFS; p = 0.002 for OS) were the independent prognostic factors. Cox regression analysis also supported the above results. The PPSP showed good prognostic efficacy not only in predicting the PFS but also OS of ovarian cancer patients comparable to FIGO staging.
Raman spectroscopy as a promising diagnostic method for rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Cao Lulu , Zheng Xi , Han Peng , Ren Limin , Jing Wang  , Hu Fanlei , Li Zhanguo
Published: December 2022

Raman spectra integrated multiple potential biomarkers into one spectroscopic signature for the diagnosis of RA. In the recognition of ACPA-negative RA, the sensitivity and specificity also reached 95.6% and 92.8%, respectively.
A double-helical S,C-bridged tetraphenyl-para-phenylenediamine and its persistent radical cation
Authors: Harada Kaho , Hasegawa Chika , Matsumoto Taisuke , Sugishita Hiroki , Kitamura Chitoshi , Higashibayashi Shuhei , Hasegawa Masashi , Suzuki Shuichi , Kato Shin-ichiro
Published: December 2022

The title compound has a sufficiently persistent radical cationic state and enough chiral stability for optical resolution.
Catalytic asymmetric synthesis of α-tertiary aminoketones from sulfoxonium ylides bearing two aryl groups
Authors: Zhou Ying , Yue Xin , Jiang Feng , Sun Jianwei , Guo Wengang
Published: December 2022

Disclosed herein is an efficient organocatalytic formal N–H insertion reaction of arylamines with α-keto sulfoxonium ylides bearing two aryl groups, delivering α-tertiary aminoketones with good to excellent yields and enantioselectivities.
Electrochemical determination of hydrogen peroxide by high proportion of pyridinic nitrogen doped carbon loaded nano-copper sheets
Authors: Wu Fubin , Zhou Jie , Hu Guangzhi , Zhao Zongshan
Published: December 2022

Due to the wide usage of H2O2 in daily products and its adverse effects on organisms, developing effective, simple and sensitive approaches for detecting H2O2 in multiple real cases has always been of concern.
Energy efficiency of full‐duplex communication system assisted by reconfigurable intelligent surface
Authors: Wang Yiru , Guan Pengxin , Yu Hongkang , Zhao Yuping
Published: December 2022

The sixth generation advocates green communications, thus energy efficiency (EE) has become an important metric. In this study, a method to increase the EE of a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) aided point‐to‐point communication system is proposed, where both sources are equipped with multi‐antenna and operate in the full‐duplex (FD) mode. The extra power consumption for self‐interference cancellation in the FD mode is considered and modelled as a linear function of the transmission power. The EE maximisation problem is divided into an active beamforming subproblem for the two multi‐antenna sources and a passive beamforming subproblem for RIS, and an alternative optimisation framework is adopted to solve them iteratively. Dinkelbach's method is used to address the fractional objective function in the active beamforming optimisation problem. The penalty method and successive convex approximation are exploited for passive beamforming design. Simulation results show that the scheme can greatly boost the EE performance compared with the half‐duplex mode and is superior to the sum‐rate‐maximisation scheme in larger transmission power settings. The proposed method can be used to extend the lifetime of communication devices without deteriorating communication performance.
Parallel primal‐dual interior point method for the solution of dynamic optimal power flow
Authors: Sundermann Rylee , Abhyankar Shrirang G. , Zhang Hong , Kimn Jung‐Han , Hansen Timothy M.
Published: December 2022

This work presents a novel solution for accelerating the dynamic optimal power flow using a distributed‐memory parallelization approach. Unlike other two‐stage relaxation‐based approaches (such as ADMM), the proposed approach constructs the entire dynamic optimal power flow problem in parallel and solves it using a parallel primal‐dual interior point method with an iterative Krylov subspace linear solver with a block‐Jacobi preconditioning scheme. The parallel primal‐dual interior point method has been implemented in the open‐source portable, extensible toolkit for scientific computation (PETSc) library. The formulation, implementation, and numerical results on multicore computers to demonstrate the performance of the proposed approach on medium‐ to large‐scale networks with varying time horizons are presented. The results show that a significant speedup is achieved by using a block‐Jacobi preconditioner with an iterative Krylov subspace method for solving the dynamic optimal power flow problems.
Fault identification of high voltage circuit breaker trip mechanism based on PSR and SVM
Authors: Ruan Jiangjun , Wang Xuezong , Zhou Taotao , Peng Xuelin , Deng Yongqing , Yang Qiuyu
Published: December 2022

The trip mechanism is a weakness in circuit breakers. Traditional fault identification based on the coil current is difficult to report early mechanical defects such as coil‐plunger jam. Here, the vibration signal during the trip process was extracted. Based on the coil current signal and vibration signal, the characteristics of the trip mechanism are analyzed. The phase space reconstruction (PSR) method is used to extract features from the vibration signal. Combined with the features from the coil current waveform, the feature set representing the health condition of the trip mechanism is proposed. The fault simulation tests are carried out and the variation of current vibration characteristics under fault conditions is studied. The fault identification model based on a support vector machine (SVM) is proposed and compared with the identification results when features are extracted from a single signal. When the power supply voltage is dispersed, the prediction accuracy of fault identification is 83.3% considering only the features of the current waveform or vibration signal. And the identification accuracy rises to 96.7% while using the feature set of current and vibration signals. On basis of the current signal, the method further combines the vibration signal so that the robustness of defect identification improves.
A survey on end‐to‐end point cloud learning
Authors: Tang Xikai , Huang Fangzheng , Li Chao , Ban Dayan
Published: December 2022

Point cloud is an important expression form of three‐dimensional (3D) data. It has enjoyed continuous development and attracted increasing attention due to its wide applications in many areas, such as artificial intelligence, deep learning, autonomous driving and tracking. Recently, there is a large number of end‐to‐end point cloud‐based deep learning methods being proposed which are successful in the 3D domain. In order to better use point cloud data for analysis and to explore future research directions, this paper presents a comprehensive review of existing methods and publicly available datasets, with a focus on the methods and research status of using point cloud data as direct input. The background of point cloud is first introduced, including data acquisition methods, basic concepts, and challenges. Following that, the deep learning methods based on point cloud data are investigated and analysed according to classification, detection and tracking, and segmentation. Furthermore, the existing public datasets and evaluation metrics are introduced. Finally, promising research directions are proposed in conjunction with existing methods.
Robust image compression‐encryption via scrambled block bernoulli sampling with diffusion noise
Authors: Chen Zan , Ma Chaocheng , Wang Tao , Feng Yuanjing , Hou Xingsong , Qian Xueming
Published: December 2022

This paper proposed an image compression‐encryption scheme based on compressive sensing theory, which achieves high security, strong robustness, and high rate‐distortion performance. First, the denoising preprocessing strategy is applied at the encoder side, which can enhance the rate‐distortion performance without sacrificing security and robustness. Second, the preprocessed image is randomly down‐sampled using scrambled block Bernoulli sampling with diffusion noise (SBBS‐DN), which is generated by combining a hyper‐chaotic system and SHA256 hash of the plain image. Third, a deep‐learned plug‐and‐play is embedded prior for plain image reconstruction at the decoder side. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme has desirable security performance (being resistant to different attacks), high R‐D performance (PSNR gains over 1.3 dB than JPEG at 0.50 bpp compression ratio), and high error resilience (reconstructed 29.92 dB at 0.50 bpp compression ratio even with 50% bit loss).
Clinical Outcome of Pedicle-Sparing Transfacet Diskectomy and Fusion with Segmental Instrumentation for Thoracic Disc Herniation
Authors: Eghbal Keyvan , Zafarshamspour Saber , Sookhaklari Mohammadamin , Saffarian Arash , Taheri Reza
Published: December 2022

Background Thoracic disk herniations (TDHs) are relatively rare compared with their cervical and lumbar counterparts. Posterior approaches allow for a simpler and less invasive surgery than anterior and lateral approaches. A pedicle-sparing transfacet approach was initially described in 1995, and modified in 2010. A few clinical series have reported the outcome of this procedure in patients with TDH. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes and complications of pedicle-sparing transfacet diskectomy with interbody fusion and segmental instrumentation in patients with TDH.

Methods Twenty-one consecutive patients with symptomatic TDH referred to our tertiary care center were included in this retrospective study. All patients underwent a pedicle-sparing transfacet diskectomy with polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cage interbody fusion and short segmental instrumentation. Distribution of TDH, operative duration, blood loss, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores, Nurick grades, modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scores, and fusion rate were assessed.

Results All patients had single-level herniations. The most common location was T12–L1 (38.1%), followed by T11–T12 (33.3%). All patients were successfully operated on with no cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks or wrong-level surgery. The VAS scores significantly diminished from 4.9 (preoperatively) to 2 (18 months after surgery). The average mJOA score increased from 4.6 to 8.5, and the average Nurick grade decreased from 3.1 to 1.6. All patients reported significant improvement in quality of life relative to their preoperative status.

Conclusion A modified pedicle-sparing transfacet diskectomy combined with PEEK cage interbody fusion and segmental instrumentation offers a safe and less invasive approach for the treatment of TDHs.
Evidence-Based Medicine for Nonsurgical Facial Rejuvenation
Authors: Hari-Raj Amrita , Spataro Emily A.
Published: December 2022

Options for nonsurgical facial rejuvenation treatment have increased significantly in both availability and popularity over the past two decades. However, there remains a paucity of clinical practice guidelines and evidence-based recommendations for these procedures. The purpose of this article is to assess the presence of current high-level research for various methods of nonsurgical facial rejuvenation using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. Botulinum toxin injections remain the best-studied method, with several randomized controlled trials guiding recommendations for safety and efficacy. Several studies on injectable fillers document complications and recommendations to avoid these, but sample sizes are small and many are noncomparative. Deoxycholic acid has been well examined and Food and Drug Administration approved to address submental fat but has not been studied in other areas of the face. Although chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing, energy-based facial rejuvenation, microneedling, and platelet-rich plasma have a variety of facial rejuvenation applications with minimal side effect profiles, there is significant variability with treatment protocols, outcomes measures, and randomized controlled trials with extended follow-up to develop clinical practice guidelines.
Hepatic Splenosis: A Rare Entity and Great Mimicker
Authors: KB Shruthi , PK Hanan
Published: December 2022

Splenosis is a benign and rare condition that is usually caused by trauma or splenectomy or other procedures involving splenic tissue. The patient is usually asymptomatic and often diagnosed incidentally especially when presents as intrahepatic lesion, can be misdiagnosed as neoplasm. Here, we present case report of a 56-year-old male patient, who was incidentally detected to have focal liver lesion on routine ultrasound check up. He was further evaluated with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the lesion was indistinguishable from neoplastic lesions and misdiagnosed to be hepatic adenoma. Retrospectively analyzing, the patient had history of splenectomy following road traffic accident 10 years before the present presentation. Following laparotomy, the liver lesion was resected and histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of hepatic splenosis. In this case report and review, we present the diagnostic features and the criteria that help in the diagnosis of splenosis which is a great mimicker.
Evaluation of single-cell RNAseq labelling algorithms using cancer datasets
Authors: Christensen Erik , Luo Ping , Turinsky Andrei , Husić Mia , Mahalanabis Alaina , Naidas Alaine , Diaz-Mejia Juan Javier , Brudno Michael , Pugh Trevor , Ramani Arun , Shooshtari Parisa
Published: December 2022

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) clustering and labelling methods are used to determine precise cellular composition of tissue samples. Automated labelling methods rely on either unsupervised, cluster-based approaches or supervised, cell-based approaches to identify cell types. The high complexity of cancer poses a unique challenge, as tumor microenvironments are often composed of diverse cell subpopulations with unique functional effects that may lead to disease progression, metastasis and treatment resistance. Here, we assess 17 cell-based and 9 cluster-based scRNA-seq labelling algorithms using 8 cancer datasets, providing a comprehensive large-scale assessment of such methods in a cancer-specific context. Using several performance metrics, we show that cell-based methods generally achieved higher performance and were faster compared to cluster-based methods. Cluster-based methods more successfully labelled non-malignant cell types, likely because of a lack of gene signatures for relevant malignant cell subpopulations. Larger cell numbers present in some cell types in training data positively impacted prediction scores for cell-based methods. Finally, we examined which methods performed favorably when trained and tested on separate patient cohorts in scenarios similar to clinical applications, and which were able to accurately label particularly small or under-represented cell populations in the given datasets. We conclude that scPred and SVM show the best overall performances with cancer-specific data and provide further suggestions for algorithm selection. Our analysis pipeline for assessing the performance of cell type labelling algorithms is available in https://github.com/shooshtarilab/scRNAseq-Automated-Cell-Type-Labelling.
Association of TwoBactericeraSpecies (Hemiptera: Triozidae) With NativeLyciumspp. (Solanales: Solanaceae) in the Potato Growing Regions of the Rio Grande Valley of Texas
Authors: Cooper W Rodney , Esparza-Diaz Gabriela , Wildung Mark R , Horton David R , Badillo-Vargas Ismael E , Halbert Susan E
Published: December 2022

Bactericera cockerelli (Šulc) (Hemiptera: Triozidae) is a vector of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ (Lso), the pathogen that causes potato zebra chip. Zebra chip incidence varies regionally, perhaps because of geographic differences in species of noncrop hosts available to the vector and in susceptibility of those hosts to Lso. Native and introduced species of Lycium (Solanales: Solanaceae) are important noncrop hosts of B. cockerelli in some regions of North America. Susceptibility of native Lycium species to Lso is uncertain. We investigated the use of two native species of Lycium by B. cockerelli in South Texas and tested whether they are susceptible to Lso. Bactericera cockerelli adults and nymphs were collected frequently from L. berlandieri Dunal and L. carolinianum Walter. Greenhouse assays confirmed that B. cockerelli develops on both species and showed that Lso infects L. carolinianum. Molecular gut content analysis provided evidence that B. cockerelli adults disperse between potato and Lycium. These results demonstrate that L. berlandieri and L. carolinianum are likely noncrop sources of potato-colonizing B. cockerelli in South Texas and that L. carolinianum is a potential source of Lso-infected psyllids. We also routinely collected the congeneric psyllid, Bactericera dorsalis (Crawford), from both Lycium species. These records are the first for this psyllid in Texas. Bactericera dorsalis completed development on both native Lycium species, albeit with high rates of mortality on L. berlandieri. B. dorsalis acquired and transmitted Lso on L. carolinianum under greenhouse conditions but did not transmit Lso to potato. These results document a previously unknown vector of Lso.
Primary resistance to integrase inhibitors in Shenzhen
Authors: Zhu Yue , Huang Yuanmei , Zheng Chenli , Tang Jie , Zeng Guang , Xie Wei , Wang Hui , Zhang Lukun , Liu Shaochu , Zhang Yan , Tan Wei , Tan Jingguang , Jiang Lijuan , He Yun , Xu Liumei , Yang Zhengrong , Zhao Jin
Published: December 2022

Objectives

In recent years, integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI)-containing regimens have been increasingly adopted in treatment for HIV/AIDS and promoted as non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis in China. This study aims to describe the prevalence of resistance to integrase and drug resistance mutations (DRMs) among ART-naive patients in Shenzhen, China.

Methods

Serum samples and demographic information were collected from newly reported ART-naive patients in Shenzhen in 2020. The study sequenced the coding sequence of the HIV-1 integrase gene and determined the DRMs.​

Results

In this study, 1682 newly reported cases were included and 1071 of them were successfully sequenced finally. The prevalence of primary drug resistance was 1.77%, with 19 samples showing varying degrees of resistance to INSTIs. The study detected six major DRMs in 16 individuals and eight accessory DRMs in 24 individuals. The prevalence of transmitted drug resistance (TDR) mutations was 1.21%, with five transmitted mutations detected in 13 individuals. The prevalence of drug resistance to raltegravir and elvitegravir was statistically higher than to bictegravir, cabotegravir and dolutegravir.

Conclusions

The prevalence of INSTI resistance in Shenzhen in 2020 was relatively high. ​Continued surveillance for resistance to INSTIs is recommended and treatment regimens should be adopted based on the pattern of resistance to INSTIs. ​Dolutegravir or bictegravir is first recommended when considering INSTIs as treatment regimens.
Understanding the relationship between weather variables and intake in beef steers
Authors: Yusuf Mustapha , Swanson Kendall C , Hulsman Hanna Lauren L , Bauer Marc L
Published: December 2022

The relationship between weather variables and dry matter intake (DMI) in beef steers was examined using daily intake data from 790 beef steers collected through a computer-controlled feeding system in nonsummer months. Daily data were condensed into weekly averages (N = 13,895 steer-weeks). The variables considered to predict DMI (2.50 to 23.60 kg/d) were body weight (197 to 796 kg), dietary net energy for maintenance (NEm; 0.79 to 2.97 Mcal/kg), ambient temperature (−23.73 °C to 21.40 °C), range of temperature (2.79 °C to 19.43 °C), dew point (−27.84 °C to 14.34 °C), wind speed (2.08 to 6.49 m/s), solar radiation (30.8 to 297.1 W/m2), and 2-wk lag (average of previous 2 wk’s values) and monthly lag (average of previous 4 wk’s values) of each weather variable. Toeplitz variance-covariance structure for repeated measures was used to determine the model to predict DMI, while accounting for the effects of body weight, dietary NEm, and other variables in the model. Two-week lag of ambient temperature interacted (P ≤ 0.005) with 2-wk lag of range of temperature, monthly lag of wind speed, 2-wk lag of solar radiation, and dew point to predict DMI. Interactions (P = 0.0001) between 2-wk lag of range of temperature vs. dew point and monthly lag of wind speed vs. 2-wk lag of solar radiation were also detected. This study reports important weather variables associated with differences in DMI of growing and finishing steers and will help improve the accuracy of DMI prediction equations for beef cattle. Improvements in the accuracy of predicting DMI should give producers better tools to plan and execute efficient feeding management programs. The R2 of the overall model was 0.8891.
Characterization of sow milk N-linked glycoproteome over the course of lactation
Authors: Rajput Prabha , Aryal Uma K , Bhide Ketaki , Minor Radiah C , Krishnamurthy Sairam , Casey Theresa M
Published: December 2022

Milk proteins serve as nutrition and affect neonate development and immunity through their bioactivity. Post-translational modifications of proteins affect their bioactivity. Glycosylation is the attachment of sugar moieties to proteins, with attachment of glycans to asparagine indicated as N-linked glycosylation. Our objective was to characterize N-linked glycosylated proteins in homogenate swine milk samples collected from sows (n = 5/6) during farrowing to represent colostrum and on days 3 and 14 post-farrowing to represent transitional and mature milk, respectively. Glycopeptides were isolated with lectin-based extraction and treated with Peptide N-glycosidase F (PNGase F) to identify N-linked glycosylation sites. Purified glycopeptides were analyzed by label-free liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). MaxQuant software was used to align spectra to Sus scrofa Uniport database to identify proteins and measure their relative abundances. Analysis of variance and Welch’s t-test analysis identified glycoproteins differentially abundant between colostrum, transitional, and mature milk (false discovery rate <0.05). Shotgun proteome analysis identified 545 N-linked and glutamine, Q, -linked, glycosylation (P > 0.75 for deamidation) sites on 220 glycoproteins in sow milk. Glycoproteins were found across all three phases of swine milk production and varied by number of glycosylation sites (1–14) and in abundance and distribution between colostrum, transitional, and mature milk. Polymeric immunoglobulin receptor was the most glycosylated protein with 14 sites identified. Also highly glycosylated were casein and mucin proteins. These data are described and the relevance of glycosylated milk proteins in neonate development, such as protection against pathogens, is discussed.
The Japanese health care system-based cost-effectiveness of photodynamic diagnosis-assisted transurethral resection of bladder tumor for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Nishimura Nobutaka , Miyake Makito , Miyamoto Tatsuki , Tomizawa Mitsuru , Shimizu Takuto , Morizawa Yosuke , Hori Shunta , Gotoh Daisuke , Nakai Yasushi , Torimoto Kazumasa , Tanaka Nobumichi , Fujimoto Kiyohide
Published: December 2022

Background

Photodynamic diagnosis-assisted transurethral resection of bladder tumor reduces the risk of intravesical recurrence compared with conventional white light-transurethral resection of bladder tumor. However, the patient burden of costs for photodynamic diagnosis-transurethral resection of bladder tumor is higher than that for white light-transurethral resection of bladder tumor per installment, and the impact of the medical economics of photodynamic diagnosis-transurethral resection of bladder tumor is unclear. Therefore, we evaluated the Japanese health care system-based cost-effectiveness of photodynamic diagnosis-transurethral resection of bladder tumor compared with that of white light-transurethral resection of bladder tumor.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of 100 patients who underwent initial white light- or photodynamic diagnosis-transurethral resection of bladder tumor for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer from February 2012 to August 2019. Cumulative intravesical recurrences during 1000 post-operative days after the initial transurethral resection of bladder tumor were counted. Furthermore, the cumulative costs were calculated using the Diagnostic Procedure Combination and Per-Diem Payment System unique to Japan. The costs/year/person calculated using the person-year method was compared between the white light- and photodynamic diagnosis-transurethral resection of bladder tumor.

Results

Among the 100 patients, 40 (40%) and 60 (60%) underwent the initial white light- and photodynamic diagnosis-transurethral resection of bladder tumor, respectively. The cumulative incidence of bladder recurrence requiring hospitalization and transurethral resection of bladder tumor was 20 and 5% for the white light-transurethral resection of bladder tumor and photodynamic diagnosis-transurethral resection of bladder tumor, respectively. The costs for hospitalization and surgical procedures per white light- or photodynamic diagnosis-transurethral resection of bladder tumor were 348 228 and 481 820 Japanese yen, respectively. The cost/year/person by the person-year method was 8073 and 8557 Japanese yen for the white light- and photodynamic diagnosis-transurethral resection of bladder tumor, respectively.

Conclusions

The cost/year/person for hospitalization and surgical procedures was slightly different between the white light- and photodynamic diagnosis-transurethral resection of bladder tumor. Furthermore, photodynamic diagnosis-transurethral resection of bladder tumor can reduce intravesical recurrence and is more cost-effective than white light-transurethral resection of bladder tumor.
A case of fibroadenoma with lobular carcinoma in situ and microinvasion in a young woman
Authors: Wang Mingjia , Leong May Ying , Tan Qing Ting
Published: December 2022

Fibroadenomas are benign breast tumors with a rare incidence of malignant transformation. Carcinoma arising within fibroadenomas typically occurs in women above the age of 40. We present a case of a young patient with microinvasive carcinoma arising within a biopsy-proven fibroadenoma, highlighting the possibility of carcinoma arising within fibroadenomas in young patients and the importance of vigilant surveillance even after a benign biopsy. In younger patients, new suspicious changes in benign lesions should be investigated. If prior core needle biopsy was performed, excision biopsy should be considered as the malignancy may be small and may be missed on needle biopsy.
The nuclear effector ArPEC25 from the necrotrophic fungus Ascochyta rabiei targets the chickpea transcription factor CaβLIM1a and negatively modulates lignin biosynthesis, increasing host susceptibility
Authors: Singh Shreenivas Kumar , Shree Ankita , Verma Sandhya , Singh Kunal , Kumar Kamal , Srivastava Vikas , Singh Ritu , Saxena Samiksha , Singh Agam Prasad , Pandey Ashutosh , Verma Praveen Kumar
Published: December 2022

Fungal pathogens deploy a barrage of secreted effectors to subvert host immunity, often by evading, disrupting, or altering key components of transcription, defense signaling, and metabolic pathways. However, the underlying mechanisms of effectors and their host targets are largely unexplored in necrotrophic fungal pathogens. Here, we describe the effector protein Ascochyta rabiei PEXEL-like Effector Candidate 25 (ArPEC25), which is secreted by the necrotroph A. rabiei, the causal agent of Ascochyta blight disease in chickpea (Cicer arietinum), and is indispensable for virulence. After entering host cells, ArPEC25 localizes to the nucleus and targets the host LIM transcription factor CaβLIM1a. CaβLIM1a is a transcriptional regulator of CaPAL1, which encodes phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), the regulatory, gatekeeping enzyme of the phenylpropanoid pathway. ArPEC25 inhibits the transactivation of CaβLIM1a by interfering with its DNA-binding ability, resulting in negative regulation of the phenylpropanoid pathway and decreased levels of intermediates of lignin biosynthesis, thereby suppressing lignin production. Our findings illustrate the role of fungal effectors in enhancing virulence by targeting a key defense pathway that leads to the biosynthesis of various secondary metabolites and antifungal compounds. This study provides a template for the study of less explored necrotrophic effectors and their host target functions.
Elevated CO2 counteracts effects of water stress on woody rangeland-encroaching species
Authors: O’Connor Rory C , Blumenthal Dana M , Ocheltree Troy W , Nippert Jesse B
Published: December 2022

The ubiquity of woody plant expansion across many rangelands globally has led to the hypothesis that the global rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2]) is a global driver facilitating C3 woody plant expansion. Increasing [CO2] also influences precipitation patterns seasonally and across the landscape, which often results in the prevalence of drought in rangelands. To test the potential for [CO2] to facilitate woody plant growth, we conducted a greenhouse study for 150 days to measure CO2 effects on juveniles from four woody species (Cornus drummondii C.A. Mey., Rhus glabra L., Gleditsia triacanthos L., Juniperus osteosperma Torr.) that are actively expanding into rangelands of North America. We assessed chronic water-stress (nested within CO2 treatments) and its interaction with elevated [CO2] (800 p.p.m.) on plant growth physiology for 84 days. We measured leaf-level gas exchange, tissue-specific starch concentrations and biomass. We found that elevated [CO2] increased photosynthetic rates, intrinsic water-use efficiencies and leaf starch concentrations in all woody species but at different rates and concentrations. Elevated [CO2] increased leaf starch levels for C. drummondii, G. triacanthos, J. osteosperma and R. glabra by 90, 39, 68 and 41%, respectively. We also observed that elevated [CO2] ameliorated the physiological effects of chronic water stress for all our juvenile woody species within this study. Elevated [CO2] diminished the impact of water stress on the juvenile plants, potentially alleviating an abiotic limitation to woody plant establishment in rangelands, thus facilitating the expansion of woody plants in the future.
Mpox detection in the wastewater and the number of hospitalized patients in Poznan, Poland
Authors: Gazecka Monika , Sniezek Jakub , Maciolek Krzysztof , Kowala-Piaskowska Arleta , Zmora Pawel
Published: December 2022

We monitored for mpox in the Poznan wastewater system from July to December 2022 and compared its occurrence with the number of hospitalizations. Our results suggest that the scale of the epidemic is underestimated, and many mpox-infected individuals are not identified by the public health authority.

Article summary line

Wastewater-based epidemiology can determine the scale of an epidemic and estimate the number of infected individuals not under public health authorities.
COVID-19 in Cambodia, January 2020–June 2022: a success story
Authors: Chhim Srean , Ku Grace Marie , Mao Sovathiro , van de Put Willem , Van Damme Wim , Ir Por , Chhorvann Chhea , Or Vandine
Published: December 2022

As a member state of the International Health Regulation 2005, Cambodia has been continuously strengthening its capacity to respond to health emergencies and prevent the international spread of diseases. Despite this, Cambodia’s capacity to prevent, detect, and rapidly respond to public health threats remained limited at the onset of the pandemic. This paper describes epidemiological phases, response phases, strategy, and lessons learned in Cambodia between 27 January 2020 and 30 June 2022. We classified epidemiological phases in Cambodia into three phases, in which Cambodia responded using eight measures:(1) detect, isolate/quarantine; (2) face coverings, hand hygiene, and physical distancing measures; (3) risk communication and community engagement; (4) school closures; (5) border closures; (6) public event and gathering cancellation; (7) vaccination;and(8) lockdown. The measures corresponded to six strategies:(1) setting up and managing a new response system, (2) containing the spread with early response, (3) strengthening the identification of cases and contacts, (4) strengthening care for COVID-19 patients, (5) boosting vaccination coverage, and(6) supporting disadvantaged groups. Finally, ten lessons were learned for future health emergency responses. Findings suggest that Cambodia successfully contained the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the first year and quickly attained high vaccine coverage by the second year of the response. The core of this success was the strong political will and high level of cooperation from the public. However, Cambodia needs to further improve its infrastructure for quarantining and isolating cases and close contacts and laboratory capacity for future health emergencies.

SUMMARY BOX

COVID-19 spread globally, but how the pandemic played out in each country depended on various factors, including government responses and the general public’s adherence to COVID-19 measures.

Early response—Early detection, Early isolation, Early tracing, Early treatment, and Early education—is the core of successful SARS-CoV-2 containment.

Achieving high vaccination coverage quickly leads to a decline in the number of deaths and to eventual full re-opening of the country.

Responding to the pandemic requires decisive leadership and good governance, that refers to decisions being made quickly, in a timely manner, and without delay.

High level of cooperation from the public is a fundamental factor for success in containing the spread in the early phase, and the massively successful vaccination campaign in the later stage.
Geographic distribution of conversion therapy prevalence in Canada
Authors: Tiwana Amrit , Salway Travis , Schillaci-Ventura Julia , Watt Sarah
Published: December 2022

Conversion therapy practices (CTPs) are discredited efforts that target lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, Two-Spirit, or other (LGBTQ2S+) people and seek to change, deny, or discourage their sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of CTPs across Canadian provinces and territories and identify whether CTP bans are associated with decreasing prevalence. We analyzed 119 CTPs reported from 31 adults (18+) in Canada who have direct experience with CTPs, know people who have gone to CTPs, or know of conversion therapy practitioners by using a 2020 anonymous online survey. Mapping analysis was conducted using ArcGIS Online. CTP prevalence was compared between provinces/territories with and without bans using chi-square tests. We found 3 provinces and 11 municipalities had CTP bans. The prevalence of CTPs in provinces/territories with a ban is 2.34 per 1,000,000 population (95% CI 1.65, 3.31). The prevalence of CTPs in provinces/territories without a ban is 4.13 per 1,000,000 population (95% CI 3.32, 5.14). Accounting for the underlying population, provinces/territories with the highest prevalence of CTPs are New Brunswick (6.69), Nova Scotia (6.50), and Saskatchewan (6.37). Findings suggest only 55% of Canadians are protected under CTP bans. The prevalence of CTPs in provinces/territories without a ban is 1.76 times greater than in provinces/territories with a ban. CTPs are occurring in most provinces/territories, with higher prevalence in the west and the Atlantic. Findings will help inform policymakers and legislators as they are increasingly acknowledging CTPs as a threat to the health and well-being of LGBTQ2S+ people.
Molecular & Translational Biology of the Blood-Based VeriStrat® Proteomic Test Used in Cancer Immunotherapy Treatment Guidance
Authors: Koc Matthew A , Wiles Timothy Aaron , Weinhold Daniel C , Rightmyer Steven , Roder Joanna , Asmellash Senait , Roder Heinrich , Georgantas Robert W
Published: December 2022

INTRODUCTION

The blood-based VeriStrat®proteomic test (VS) predicts patient response to therapy based on the intensities of eight different features in a mass spectrum obtained from MALDI-TOF analysis of human serum/plasma specimens. An interim analysis of the INSIGHT clinical trial (NCT03289780) demonstrated that VS labels, VS Good and VS Poor, predict patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who are likely sensitive or resistant to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy [1]. While VS measures intensities of eight spectral features by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry from patient serum/plasma samples, the individual proteoforms underlying these features have not been rigorously and comprehensively identified.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to identify the proteoforms measured by VS.

METHODS

Mass spectra for VS are acquired using a standard low-resolution MALDI-TOF procedure that generates broad, composite features. DeepMALDI [2] analysis of serum samples was used to resolve these features into finer peaks. Top-down proteomics analysis of human serum, combining reversed-phase fractionation and liquid chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), was then used to identify the key proteoform constituents of these peaks.

RESULTS

It was determined that proteoforms of serum amyloid A1, serum amyloid A2, serum amyloid A4, C-reactive protein, and beta-2 microglobulin are primary constituents of the VS spectral features.

CONCLUSION

Proteoforms of several proteins related to host immunity were identified as major constituents of these features. This information advances our understanding of how VS can predict patient response to therapy and opens the way for further translational studies.

Highlights

The combination of top-down proteomics and DeepMALDI®spectrometry enables the identification of proteoforms measured by the VeriStrat Proteomic test.

Proteoforms of serum amyloid A1 (SAA1), SAA2, SAA4, beta-2 microglobulin, and C-reactive protein are the primary constituents of the spectral features measured in the VeriStrat proteomic test.

The proteins assayed by the VeriStrat proteomic test have individual prognostic value for oncology and immuno-oncology outcomes.

The proteins assessed by the VeriStrat proteomic test have been shown to have direct effects on patient immune activity.