bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exposure to air pollution concentrations of various intensities in early life and allergic sensitisation later in childhood
Authors: Ziou Myriam , Gao Caroline X. , Wheeler Amanda J. , Zosky Graeme R. , Stephens Nicola , Knibbs Luke D. , Williamson Grant J. , Dalton Marita F. , Dharmage Shyamali C. , Johnston Fay H.
Published: December 2023

Background

Evidence on the relationship between air pollution and allergic sensitisation in childhood is inconsistent, and this relationship has not been investigated in the context of smoke events that are predicted to increase with climate change. Thus, we aimed to evaluate associations between exposure in two early life periods to severe levels of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter < 2.5 μm (PM2.5) from a mine fire, background PM2.5, and allergic sensitisation later in childhood.

Methods

We measured specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels for seven common aeroallergens as well as total IgE levels in a cohort of children who had been exposed to the Hazelwood coal mine fire, either in utero or during their first two years of life, in a regional area of Australia where ambient levels of PM2.5 are generally low. We estimated personal exposure to fire-specific emissions of PM2.5 based on a high-resolution meteorological and pollutant dispersion model and detailed reported movements of pregnant mothers and young children during the fire. We also estimated the usual background exposure to PM2.5 at the residential address at birth using a national satellite-based land-use regression model. Associations between both sources of PM2.5 and sensitisation to dust, cat, fungi, and grass seven years after the fire were estimated with logistic regression, while associations with total IgE levels were estimated with linear regression.

Results

No association was found between the levels of exposure at either developmental stage to fire-related PM2.5 and allergic sensitisation seven years after the event. However, levels of background exposure were positively associated with sensitisation to dust (OR = 1.90, 95%CI = 1.12,3.21 per 1 μg/m3).

Conclusions

Chronic but low exposure to PM2.5 in early life could be more strongly associated with allergic sensitisation in childhood than time-limited high exposure levels, such as the ones experienced during landscape fires.
Career coach preferences of medical students: coaching specialist or specialistic coach?
Authors: Fris Daan A. H. , van Vianen Annelies E. M. , van Hooft Edwin A. J. , de Hoog Matthijs , de Pagter Anne P. J.
Published: December 2023

Background

Medical students’ demand for career coaching is growing. However, little is known about what type of career coach they prefer. Using the Warmth-Competence Framework, we investigated if and why medical students prefer physician coaches compared to career psychologist coaches. We also examined whether students’ coach choice related to coaches’ amount of experience with medical students.

Methods

In a two-by-two between participants vignette study (n = 147), we manipulated coach occupational background (physician vs. psychologist) and experience with coaching medical students (limited vs. considerable). Participants read one coach description, rated the likelihood that they would choose the coach, and rated the coach on dimensions of warmth and competence.

Results

Students who evaluated a physician career coach were more likely to choose the coach than students who evaluated a psychologist career coach. Students expected that a physician career coach would better understand their situation and be better able to provide career information, while they expected a psychologist career coach to have better conversation skills, all of which were relevant to choosing a coach. Coaches’ experience with coaching medical students was unrelated to students’ coach choice and their assessment of the coach’s warmth and competence.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the relevance of coaches’ occupational background and have implications for the implementation of career coach interventions. Medical schools could help students choose a career coach by providing information about the coach qualities that students value. Future studies could investigate whether career coaches with different occupational backgrounds differ in coach behaviors and coaching effectiveness.
Harm reduction in undergraduate and graduate medical education: a systematic scoping review
Authors: Smith Kelsey R. , Shah Nina K. , Adamczyk Abby L. , Weinstein Lara C. , Kelly Erin L.
Published: December 2023

Background

Substance use increasingly contributes to early morbidity and mortality, which necessitates greater preparation of the healthcare workforce to mitigate its harm. The purpose of this systematic scoping review is to: 1) review published curricula on harm reduction for substance use implemented by undergraduate (UME) and graduate medical education (GME) in the United States and Canada, 2) develop a framework to describe a comprehensive approach to harm reduction medical education, and 3) propose additional content topics for future consideration.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, ERIC: Education Resources Information Center (Ovid), and MedEdPORTAL were searched. Studies included any English language curricula about harm reduction within UME or GME in the United States or Canada from 1993 until Nov 22, 2021. Two authors independently reviewed and screened records for data extraction. Data were analyzed on trainee population, curricula objectives, format, content, and evaluation.

Results

Twenty-three articles describing 19 distinct educational programs across the United States were included in the final sample, most of which created their own curricula (n = 17). Data on educational content were categorized by content and approach. Most programs (85%) focused on introductory substance use knowledge and skills without an understanding of harm reduction principles. Based on our synthesis of the educational content in these curricula, we iteratively developed a Harm Reduction Educational Spectrum (HRES) framework to describe curricula and identified 17 discrete content topics grouped into 6 themes based on their reliance on harm reduction principles.

Conclusions

Harm reduction is under-represented in published medical curricula. Because the drug supply market changes rapidly, the content of medical curricula may be quickly outmoded thus curricula that include foundational knowledge of harm reduction principles may be more enduring. Students should be grounded in harm reduction principles to develop the advanced skills necessary to reduce the physical harm associated with drugs while still simultaneously recognizing the possibility of patients’ ongoing substance use. We present the Harm Reduction Educational Spectrum as a new framework to guide future healthcare workforce development and to ultimately provide the highest-quality care for patients who use drugs.
Carbon dot nanozymes as free radicals scavengers for the management of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury by regulating the liver inflammatory network and inhibiting apoptosis
Authors: Geng Haoge , Chen Jiayu , Tu Kangsheng , Tuo Hang , Wu Qingsong , Guo Jinhui , Zhu Qingwei , Zhang Zhe , Zhang Yujie , Huang Dongsheng , Zhang Mingzhen , Xu Qiuran
Published: December 2023

Background

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI) is a pathophysiological process during liver transplantation, characterized by insufficient oxygen supply and subsequent restoration of blood flow leading to an overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which in turn activates the inflammatory response and leads to cellular damage. Therefore, reducing excess ROS production in the hepatic microenvironment would provide an effective way to mitigate oxidative stress injury and apoptosis during HIRI. Nanozymes with outstanding free radical scavenging activities have aroused great interest and enthusiasm in oxidative stress treatment.

Results

We previously demonstrated that carbon-dots (C-dots) nanozymes with SOD-like activity could serve as free radicals scavengers. Herein, we proposed that C-dots could protect the liver from ROS-mediated inflammatory responses and apoptosis in HIRI, thereby improving the therapeutic effect. We demonstrated that C-dots with anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory properties improved the survival of L-02 cells under H2O2 and LPS-treated conditions. In the animal model, Our results showed that the impregnation of C-dots could effectively scavenge ROS and reduce the expression of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, and TNF-α, resulting in a profound therapeutic effect in the HIRI. To reveal the potential therapeutic mechanism, transcriptome sequencing was performed and the relevant genes were validated, showing that the C-dots exert hepatoprotective effects by modulating the hepatic inflammatory network and inhibiting apoptosis.

Conclusions

With negligible systemic toxicity, our findings substantiate the potential of C-dots as a therapeutic approach for HIRI, thereby offering a promising intervention strategy for clinical implementation.
Synergistic anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of ceria/resatorvid co-decorated nanoparticles for acute lung injury therapy
Authors: Wu Yue , Zhang Yawen , Tang Xuanyu , Ye Shuhui , Shao Jingjing , Tu Linglan , Pan Junzhi , Chen Lingfeng , Liang Guang , Yin Lina
Published: December 2023

Background

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a critical inflammatory response syndrome that rapidly develops into acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Currently, no effective therapeutic modalities are available for patients with ALI/ARDS. According to recent studies, inhibiting both the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as early as possible may be a promising therapy for ALI.

Results

In this study, a ROS-responsive nano-delivery system based on oxidation-sensitive chitosan (Ox-CS) was fabricated for the simultaneous delivery of Ce NPs and RT. The in vitro experiments have shown that the Ox-CS/Ceria-Resatorvid nanoparticles (Ox-CS/CeRT NPs) were rapidly and efficiently internalised by inflammatory endothelial cells. Biological evaluations validated the significant attenuation of ROS-induced oxidative stress and cell apoptosis by Ox-CS/CeRT NPs, while maintaining mitochondrial function. Additionally, Ox-CS/CeRT NPs effectively inhibited the release of pro-inflammatory factors. After intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration, Ox-CS/CeRT NPs passively targeted the lungs of LPS-induced inflamed mice and released the drug activated by the high ROS levels in inflammatory tissues. Finally, Ox-CS/CeRT NPs significantly alleviated LPS-induced lung injury through inhibiting both oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression.

Conclusions

The created Ox-CS/CeRT NPs could act as a prospective nano-delivery system for a combination of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant therapy of ALI.

Graphical Abstract
Bruton’s tyrosine kinase-bearing B cells and microglia in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
Authors: Liu Ye , Huang Zhenning , Zhang Tian-Xiang , Han Bin , Yang Guili , Jia Dongmei , Yang Li , Liu Qiang , Lau Alexander Y. L. , Paul Friedemann , Verkhratsky Alexei , Shi Fu-Dong , Zhang Chao
Published: December 2023

Background

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that involves B-cell receptor signaling as well as astrocyte–microglia interaction, which both contribute to evolution of NMOSD lesions.

Main body

Through transcriptomic and flow cytometry analyses, we found that Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK), a crucial protein of B-cell receptor was upregulated both in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid of NMOSD patients. Blockade of BTK with zanubrutinib, a highly specific BTK inhibitor, mitigated the activation and maturation of B cells and reduced production of causal aquaporin-4 (AQP4) autoantibodies. In a mouse model of NMO, we found that both BTK and pBTK expression were significantly increased in microglia. Transmission electron microscope scan demonstrated that BTK inhibitor ameliorated demyelination, edema, and axonal injury in NMO mice. In the same mice colocalization of GFAP and Iba-1 immunofluorescence indicated a noticeable increase of astrocytes–microglia interaction, which was alleviated by zanubrutinib. The smart-seq analysis demonstrated that treatment with BTK inhibitor instigated microglial transcriptome changes including downregulation of chemokine-related genes and genes involved in the top 5 biological processes related to cell adhesion and migration, which are likely responsible for the reduced crosstalk of microglia and astrocytes.

Conclusions

Our results show that BTK activity is enhanced both in B cells and microglia and BTK inhibition contributes to the amelioration of NMOSD pathology. These data collectively reveal the mechanism of action of BTK inhibition and corroborate BTK as a viable therapeutic target.
Biomechanical analysis of the door-shaped titanium plate in single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion
Authors: Li Senli , Yan Peng , Fan Yanwei , Wang Ruibo , Zhang Changjiang
Published: December 2023

Background

Analyse and discuss the immediate stability of the cervical spine after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion using a door-shaped titanium plate and compare it with the traditional titanium plate, to provide biomechanical evidence for the rationality and effectiveness of the door-shaped titanium plate in clinical applications.

Methods

Ten adult goat C4/5 vertebral bodies were obtained, and models were prepared using denture base resin. Biomechanical experiments were performed on the specimens before internal fixation. MTS was used to conduct non-destructive biomechanical loading tests in six directions, including flexion, extension, left–right bending, and left–right torsion, recording the range of motion (ROM) and neutral zone (NZ) of each specimen. The specimens were then randomly divided into two groups: the study group was fixed with a door-shaped titanium plate, and the control group was fixed with a traditional titanium plate. ROM and NZ in each direction were measured again. After measurements, both groups were subjected to 0.5 Hz torsion loading with a torque of 2 N m for a total of 3000 cycles, followed by measuring ROM and NZ in six directions once more.

Results

Compared to before fixation, ROM and NZ in both groups significantly decreased in all six directions after fixation, with statistical significance (P < 0.05); after fixation, the study group showed slightly lower values for various mechanical reference parameters compared to the control group, with no statistical significance (P > 0.05); after 3000 torsional loads, both internal fixation groups showed increased ROM and NZ compared to after fixation but to a lower extent, and no screw or titanium plate loosening was observed. Compared to before fixation, the differences were still statistically significant (P < 0.05), with the study group having slightly lower ROM and NZ values in all directions compared to the control group, with no statistical significance (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The door-shaped titanium plate exhibits mechanical properties similar to the traditional titanium plate in all directions, and its smaller size and simpler surgical operation can be used for anterior cervical endoscopic surgery, reducing surgical trauma. It is clinically feasible and deserves further research and promotion.
Experience of life quality from patients with aplastic anemia: a descriptive qualitative study
Authors: Liu Ting , Pan Yue , Ye Menghua , Sun Qiuhua , Ding Xinghong , Xu Min
Published: December 2023

Background

Despite the increasing incidence of aplastic anemia in China, few studies have explored its effect on the patients’ quality of life from the perspective of these patients. In fact, patients with aplastic disorder live with the disease for a long time, and need to face a variety of difficult realities, including multiple disease symptoms and drug side effects, heavy burden of medical costs, difficulties in social reintegration, and negative emotional distress. Therefore, this study used descriptive qualitative research to explore the direct and rich quality-of-life experiences of patients with aplastic anemia.

Methods

A total of 19 patients with aplastic anemia were recruited in this study using purposive sampling combined with maximum variation strategy. 5 of the patients with AA were from northern China, and the others were from southern China. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the conventional content analysis method.

Results

This study yielded important information about the experiences of patients with aplastic anemia in China. The content analysis method finally identified 3 themes and 9 sub-themes, including: physical symptoms (declining physical capacity, treatment-related symptoms, changes in body image), psychological symptoms (mood changes related to the stage of the disease, change in self-image, growth resulting from the disease experience), social burden (decline in career development, perceived burden to the family, social stigma). Patients with AA from different regions didn’t show much difference in quality of life.

Conclusions

Aplastic anemia affects the physical, psychological, and social aspects of patients’ lives. Therefore, health care providers need to consider the patients’ physical response and psychological feelings to provide relevant medical guidance and multi-channel social support that would improve their confidence and quality of life.

Clinical trial registration

Name: Development and preliminary application of Quality of Life Scale for Patients with Aplastic Anemia. Number: ChiCTR2100047575. URL:http://www.chictr.org.cn/login.aspx?referurl=%2flistbycreater.aspx.
3D printed zirconia used as dental materials: a critical review
Authors: Su Guanyu , Zhang Yushi , Jin Chunyu , Zhang Qiyue , Lu Jiarui , Liu Zengqian , Wang Qiang , Zhang Xue , Ma Jia
Published: December 2023

In view of its high mechanical performance, outstanding aesthetic qualities, and biological stability, zirconia has been widely used in the fields of dentistry. Due to its potential to produce suitable advanced configurations and structures for a number of medical applications, especially personalized created devices, ceramic additive manufacturing (AM) has been attracting a great deal of attention in recent years. AM zirconia hews out infinite possibilities that are otherwise barely possible with traditional processes thanks to its freedom and efficiency. In the review, AM zirconia’s physical and adhesive characteristics, accuracy, biocompatibility, as well as their clinical applications have been reviewed. Here, we highlight the accuracy and biocompatibility of 3D printed zirconia. Also, current obstacles and a forecast of AM zirconia for its development and improvement have been covered. In summary, this review offers a description of the basic characteristics of AM zirconia materials intended for oral medicine. Furthermore, it provides a generally novel and fundamental basis for the utilization of 3D printed zirconia in dentistry.
Pareto vectors of continuous linear operators
Authors: García-Pacheco Francisco Javier
Published: December 2023

The intersection of all zero-neighborhoods in a topological module over a topological ring is a bounded and closed submodule whose inherited topology is the trivial topology. In this manuscript, we prove that this is the smallest closed submodule and thus replaces the null submodule in the Hausdorff setting. This fact motivates to introduce a new notion in operator theory called topological kernel. Another new concept is also defined that of Pareto optimal element for a family of continuous linear operators between topological modules. It is then proved that topological kernels have a strong influence on the existence of Pareto optimal elements. This work is strongly motivated by the ongoing search for a consistent operator theory on topological modules over general topological rings.
Deep transfer learning for visual analysis and attribution of paintings by Raphael
Authors: Ugail Hassan , Stork David G. , Edwards Howell , Seward Steven C. , Brooke Christopher
Published: December 2023

Visual analysis and authentication of artworks are challenging tasks central to art history and criticism. This preliminary study presents a computational tool for scholars examining and authenticating a restricted class of paintings, with a specific focus on the paintings of Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino, more popularly known as Raphael. We applied transfer learning to the ResNet50 deep neural network for feature extraction and used a support vector machine (SVM) binary classifier in support of authentication. Edge detection and analysis algorithms, considered to be crucial for capturing the essence of Raphael’s artistic style, including the brushwork signatures, were also integrated and are used as an authentication tool. The machine learning approach we have developed demonstrates an accuracy of 98% in image-based classification tasks during validation using a test set of well known and authentic paintings by Raphael. Of course, a full authentication protocol relies on provenance, history, material studies, iconography, studies of a work’s condition, and more. Our work, then, contributes to just a portion of a full authentication protocol. Our findings suggest that machine learning methods, properly employed by experts aware of context, may enhance and expand traditional visual analysis for problems in art authentication.
A novel intelligent approach for flight delay prediction
Authors: Mamdouh Maged , Ezzat Mostafa , A.Hefny Hesham
Published: December 2023

Flight delay prediction is one of the most significant components of intelligent aviation systems that may spread throughout the whole aviation network and cause multi-billion-dollar losses faced by airlines and airports, it is quickly becoming an important research issue to improve airport and airline performance. Thus this paper proposed an effective algorithm called Flight Delay Path Previous-based Machine Learning (FDPP-ML) capable of improved prediction of individual flight delay minutes using regression models to an up level of accuracy. As aviation system connectivity presents complex spatial–temporal correlations, machine learning approaches have addressed flight delay prediction by using complex flight or weather features, or private information for specific airports and airlines that are hard to obtain, In contrast, the proposed FDPP-ML improved prediction based only on basic flight schedule features even with wide flight networks. The FDPP-ML consists of a novel algorithm with a supervised learning model, which works on reshaping datasets and creates two new features the main feature is previous flight delay (PFD) for flight paths, there is a strong relationship between departure and arrival delay, and vice versa for the same flight path, which increases the strength of the training model based on historical data. For target future flights, the algorithm works on inheriting the predicted flight delay to the next flight on the same flight path and repeats this process to end the prediction forecast horizon. The proving of approach effectiveness by using a wide network of US flight arrival and departure flights containing 366 airports and 10 airlines with various metrics accuracies of regression, and explanatory the impacts on various forecast horizons 2, 6, and 12 h for future flights. The FDPP-ML outperforms traditional training models by using machine and deep learning models and improving model accuracy in 10 models with an average of up to 39% in MAE, and 42% in MSE in a forecast horizon of 2 h. Finally, providing airport and airline analysis further reveals that can improve prediction than traditional training models for the individual busiest airports "Core 30" with an average of 35% in MAE and 42% in MSE respectively, and for the busiest 10 airlines with an average of 36% in MAE and 47% in MSE respectively. The findings of this study may offer informative recommendations to airport regulators and aviation authorities for developing successful air traffic control systems for enhanced flight delay prediction to flight operational effectiveness, not only over the US flight network but with wide worldwide flight networks if a dataset of flights existed.
Selection process of photovoltaic standalone pumping systems
Authors: Syam Fathy A. , Arafa Osama M.
Published: December 2023

The application of a standalone photovoltaic (PV) system for water pumping has increased nowadays in remote areas of developing countries due to proven economic feasibility compared to other traditional alternatives. Pump–motor set manufacturers always give the pump characteristic at the motor's nominal speed. The traditional selection process of pumps depends simply on selecting a pump with the highest peak efficiency that can satisfy the desired duty point with its peak efficiency occurring at that duty point. However, this simple selection process could lead to selecting a pump that is not the best selection from among a given set of candidate pumps for the targeted service.

In this paper, this fact is revealed by comparing two pumps each having the same peak efficiency and each of them can operate at the desired duty point with one critical difference between the two pumps. One of the two pumps has its peak efficiency occurring at the right of the duty point and the other has its peak efficiency occurring at the left of the desired duty point. The methodology of this research is based on calculating the daily efficiency of each pump by calculating the hydraulic power produced with the electrical power of the solar system. The efficiency calculation has been calculated over two working days, one with low radiation (3 kW/m2/day) and the other with high radiation (7.3 kW/m2/day). The search for the all-day efficiency for low radiation levels revealed that the pump with left-shifted peak efficiency gives 42.5% while for high radiation level gives 40.3%. In two cases the pump with left-shifted peak efficiency constitutes the best choice.
Early user perspectives on using computer-aided detection software for interpreting chest X-ray images to enhance access and quality of care for persons with tuberculosis
Authors: Creswell Jacob , Vo Luan Nguyen Quang , Qin Zhi Zhen , Muyoyeta Monde , Tovar Marco , Wong Emily Beth , Ahmed Shahriar , Vijayan Shibu , John Stephen , Maniar Rabia , Rahman Toufiq , MacPherson Peter , Banu Sayera , Codlin Andrew James
Published: December 2023

Despite 30 years as a public health emergency, tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the world’s deadliest diseases. Most deaths are among persons with TB who are not reached with diagnosis and treatment. Thus, timely screening and accurate detection of TB, particularly using sensitive tools such as chest radiography, is crucial for reducing the global burden of this disease. However, lack of qualified human resources represents a common limiting factor in many high TB-burden countries. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful complement in many facets of life, including for the interpretation of chest X-ray images. However, while AI may serve as a viable alternative to human radiographers and radiologists, there is a high likelihood that those suffering from TB will not reap the benefits of this technological advance without appropriate, clinically effective use and cost-conscious deployment. The World Health Organization recommended the use of AI for TB screening in 2021, and early adopters of the technology have been using the technology in many ways. In this manuscript, we present a compilation of early user experiences from nine high TB-burden countries focused on practical considerations and best practices related to deployment, threshold and use case selection, and scale-up. While we offer technical and operational guidance on the use of AI for interpreting chest X-ray images for TB detection, our aim remains to maximize the benefit that programs, implementers, and ultimately TB-affected individuals can derive from this innovative technology.
Interpretation of low-frequency distributed acoustic sensing data based on geomechanical models
Authors: Ortega Perez Ana Karen , van der Baan Mirko
Published: December 2023

Distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) is a technology that enables continuous, real-time measurements along the entire length of a fiber-optic cable. The low-frequency band of DAS can be used to analyze hydraulic fracture geometry and growth. In this study, the low-frequency strain waterfall plots with their corresponding pumping curves were analyzed to obtain information on fracture azimuth, propagation speed, number of fractures created in each stage, and restimulation of preexisting fractures. We also use a simple geomechanical model to predict fracture growth rates while accounting for changes in treatment parameters. As expected, the hydraulic fractures principally propagate perpendicular to the treated well, that is, parallel to the direction of maximum horizontal stress. During many stages, multiple frac hits are visible, indicating that multiple parallel fractures are created and/or reopened. Secondary fractures deviate toward the heel of the well, likely due to the cumulative stress shadow caused by previous and current stages. The presence of heart-shaped tips reveals that some stress and/or material barrier is overcome by the hydraulic fracture. The lobes of the heart are best explained by the shear stresses at 45° angles from the fracture tip instead of the tensile stresses directly ahead of the tip. Antennas ahead of the fracture hits indicate the reopening of preexisting fractures. Tails in the waterfall plots provide information on the continued opening, closing, and interaction of the hydraulic fractures within the fracture domain and stage domain corridors. The analysis of the low-frequency DAS plots thus provides in-depth insights into the rock deformation and rock-fluid interaction processes occurring close to the observation well.
Physical property characterization of rocks in the Bayan Obo REE-Nb-Fe deposit, China
Authors: Zhang Lili , Fan Hongrui , Wang Jian , Zhao Liang , Yang Kuifeng , Xu Ya , Zhao Yonggang , Xu Xingwang , Hao Meizhen , Yang Zhanfeng , Li Xianhua
Published: December 2023

Bayan Obo ore deposit is the world’s largest rare-earth element (REE) resource, the second largest niobium (Nb) resource, and also a significant iron (Fe) resource in China. Evaluating resource potential for the deposit has become a focus of global interest. Rock-physical properties bridge geophysical exploration and geologic modeling; variation in these parameters is necessary for successful geophysical application. REE, Nb, iron, and potassium are mainly hosted in dolomite and slate of the Bayan Obo Group, and REE mineralization is genetically associated with carbonatite. Three physical properties (resistivity, polarizability, and magnetic susceptibility [MS]) of iron ore, slate, dolomite, and carbonatite dike outcrop samples at Bayan Obo are measured and statistically analyzed using 3D reconstruction, 1D/2D/3D kernel density estimation, scatterplot matrix, 3D histogram, and Pearson- and maximum information coefficient-based correlation analysis. It is evident that iron ore, iron-mineralized fine-grained dolomite, and iron-mineralized slate are mainly of low resistivity, and iron ore and iron-mineralized fine-grained dolomite have high MS. MS favorably distinguishes iron ore from slate; MS and resistivity distinguish between iron-mineralized fine-grained dolomite and carbonatite dikes. The physical properties and whole-rock geochemistry (major and trace elements) jointly demonstrate that MS of iron ore, slate, and dolomite is positively correlated with TFe2O3 content, polarizability is correlated with TFe2O3, SiO2 content is correlated with K2O, and resistivity is correlated with MS and polarizability, respectively. Resistivity of iron ore and dolomite is negatively correlated with TFe2O3 content. Resistivity of iron ore is negatively correlated with TFe2O3, total REE ([Formula: see text]), and Nb, respectively, and correlated with thorium. The methods used have intuitive visual expression and reflect the characteristics of the physical properties and their correlation with the mineralogical composition. The results will be beneficial for determining the geometry of ore-hosting rock masses and providing crucial evidence for the resource evaluation.
Trends in Lung Cancer Incidence and Mortality (1990-2019) in the United States: A Comprehensive Analysis of Gender and State-Level Disparities
Authors: Jani Chinmay T. , Singh Harpreet , Abdallah Nour , Mouchati Christian , Arora Shreya , Kareff Samuel , Salciccioli Justin , Thomson Carey C. , Velcheti Vamsidhar
Published: December 2023

PURPOSE

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. This study aims to analyze lung cancer incidence, mortality, and related statistics from 1990 to 2019, focusing on national- and state-level trends and exploring potential disparities between sexes.

METHODS

The Global Burden of Disease database was used to extract tracheal, bronchus, and lung cancer mortality data from 1990 to 2019 for both males and females and across all states of the United States. Age-standardized incidence rates, age-standardized mortality rates, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and mortality-to-incidence indices (MIIs) were studied to assess for gender-based, geographic, and temporal disparities. Joinpoint regression analysis was performed to further evaluate trends.

RESULTS

The incidence of these cancers in the United States decreased between 1990 and 2019 by 23.35%, with a more significant decline in males (37.73%) than females (1.41%). Similarly, for mortality, a decrease was observed for both sexes combined (26.83%), but much more significantly for males (40.23%) than females (6.01%). The MIIs decreased overall, but there were variations across states. DALYs decreased for both sexes combined, with males experiencing a larger reduction, but an increase was noted in some states for females.

CONCLUSION

This analysis reveals diverse trends pertaining to the incidence, mortality, and disability burden associated with lung cancer by sex and states in the United States, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to reduce disparities. These findings contribute to our understanding of the current landscape of lung cancer and can inform future strategies for prevention, early detection, and management.
Increased Thyroid DPP4 Expression Is Associated With Inflammatory Process in Patients With Hashimoto Thyroiditis
Authors: Wen Xiaohui , Chang Xiaona , He Xueqing , Cai Qingyun , Wang Guang , Liu Jia
Published: December 2023

Context

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) is originally described as a surface protein in lymphocytes. Lymphocyte infiltration and subsequent destruction of thyroid tissue have been considered as the central pathological mechanism in Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT).

Objective

The present study aimed to investigate DPP4 expression in peripheral blood and thyroid tissue in HT patients, and explore the role of DPP4 in the pathophysiological process of HT.

Methods

This case-control study recruited 40 drug-naive HT patients and 81 control individuals. Peripheral blood and thyroid specimens were collected for assessing the expression and activity of DPP4. Moreover, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis of 6 “para-tumor tissues” samples from scRNA-seq data set GSE184362 and in vitro cell experiments were also conducted.

Results

The HT patients had similar DPP4 serum concentration and activity as the controls. However, the expression and activity of DPP4 was significantly increased in the thyroid of the HT group than in the control group. The scRNA-seq analysis showed that DPP4 expression was significantly increased in the HT group, and mainly expressed in T cells. Further in vitro studies showed that inhibition of lymphocyte DPP4 activity with sitagliptin downregulated the production of inflammatory factors in co-cultured thyroid cells.

Conclusion

DPP4 expression was significantly increased in the thyroid of the HT group compared with the control group, and was mainly localized in the lymphocytes. Inhibition of lymphocyte DPP4 activity reduced the production of inflammatory factors in co-cultured thyroid cells. Therefore, inhibition of DPP4 may have a beneficial effect by alleviating inflammatory reactions in HT patients.
Wnt16Promotes Vascular Smooth Muscle Contractile Phenotype and Function via Taz (Wwtr1) Activation in MaleLDLR−/−Mice
Authors: Behrmann Abraham , Zhong Dalian , Li Li , Xie Shangkui , Mead Megan , Sabaeifard Parastoo , Goodarzi Mohammad , Lemoff Andrew , Kozlitina Julia , Towler Dwight A
Published: December 2023

Wnt16 is expressed in bone and arteries, and maintains bone mass in mice and humans, but its role in cardiovascular physiology is unknown. We show that Wnt16 protein accumulates in murine and human vascular smooth muscle (VSM). WNT16 genotypes that convey risk for bone frailty also convey risk for cardiovascular events in the Dallas Heart Study. Murine Wnt16 deficiency, which causes postnatal bone loss, also reduced systolic blood pressure. Electron microscopy demonstrated abnormal VSM mitochondrial morphology in Wnt16-null mice, with reductions in mitochondrial respiration. Following angiotensin-II (AngII) infusion, thoracic ascending aorta (TAA) dilatation was greater in Wnt16−/− vs Wnt16+/+ mice (LDLR−/− background). Acta2 (vascular smooth muscle alpha actin) deficiency has been shown to impair contractile phenotype and worsen TAA aneurysm with concomitant reductions in blood pressure. Wnt16 deficiency reduced expression of Acta2, SM22 (transgelin), and other contractile genes, and reduced VSM contraction induced by TGFβ. Acta2 and SM22 proteins were reduced in Wnt16−/− VSM as was Ankrd1, a prototypic contractile target of Yap1 and Taz activation via TEA domain (TEAD)-directed transcription. Wnt16−/− VSM exhibited reduced nuclear Taz and Yap1 protein accumulation. SiRNA targeting Wnt16 or Taz, but not Yap1, phenocopied Wnt16 deficiency, and Taz siRNA inhibited contractile gene upregulation by Wnt16. Wnt16 incubation stimulated mitochondrial respiration and contraction (reversed by verteporfin, a Yap/Taz inhibitor). SiRNA targeting Taz inhibitors Ccm2 and Lats1/2 mimicked Wnt16 treatment. Wnt16 stimulated Taz binding to Acta2 chromatin and H3K4me3 methylation. TEAD cognates in the Acta2 promoter conveyed transcriptional responses to Wnt16 and Taz. Wnt16 regulates cardiovascular physiology and VSM contractile phenotype, mediated via Taz signaling.
The Molecular Biology of Midgut Neuroendocrine Neoplasms
Authors: Webster Amy P , Thirlwell Chrissie
Published: December 2023

Midgut neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are one of the most common subtypes of NEN, and their incidence is rising globally. Despite being the most frequently diagnosed malignancy of the small intestine, little is known about their underlying molecular biology. Their unusually low mutational burden compared to other solid tumors and the unexplained occurrence of multifocal tumors makes the molecular biology of midgut NENs a particularly fascinating field of research. This review provides an overview of recent advances in the understanding of the interplay of the genetic, epigenetic, and transcriptomic landscape in the development of midgut NENs, a topic that is critical to understanding their biology and improving treatment options and outcomes for patients.
Biopsychosocial Late Effects After Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Peritoneal Metastases from Colorectal and Appendiceal Cancer: A National Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Balachandran Rogini , Thaysen Henriette Vind , Christensen Peter , Zachariae Robert , Iversen Lene Hjerrild
Published: December 2023

Background

Colorectal cancer with peritoneal metastases can be treated with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Treatment may result in biopsychosocial late effects (LEs). We explored the frequency and severity of the following biopsychosocial LEs: anxiety, depression, fear of cancer recurrence (FCR), insomnia, fatigue, cognitive impairment, and pain, and evaluated their impact on quality of life (QoL).

Method

This was a national prospective cohort study screening for LEs during the period January 2021–May 2023. Patients completed the following questionnaires: General Anxiety Disorder-7, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, FCR Inventory-Short Form, Insomnia Severity Index, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue, cognitive impairment (six items from the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Item Library), and the Rectal Cancer Pain Score. Preregistration was completed at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04956107).

Result

In total, 99 patients were included. The mean age was 61 years and 57% were women. At 3 months after surgery, the frequent LEs were fatigue (72%), FCR (58%), and pain (48%), and at 12 months after surgery, the frequent LEs were FCR (65%), fatigue (40%), and insomnia (33%). More than half of the patients (54%) reported at least two LEs after 12 months. Patients with moderate-to-severe LEs reported a lower QoL than patients with no/mild LEs. Patients with no/mild LEs had a similar QoL as the Danish norm population.

Conclusion

Biopsychosocial LEs were prevalent. The QoL of patients reporting LEs in the worst severity categories was negatively impacted. Screening and treatment for these LEs should be a focus in cancer survivor follow-up.
LA LEX ARTIS Y LA RESPONSABILIDAD SANITARIA EN ESPAÑA COMO GARANTÍA DE DEFENSA DEL DERECHO FUNDAMENTAL A LA INTEGRIDAD FÍSICA Y MORAL
Authors: Cristobal Daniel Martinez
Published: December 2023

Objetivos: La pérdida de oportunidad es un término utilizado por la jurisprudencia española en el ámbito sanitario, y que a pesar de ser una doctrina muy difundida presenta aspectos dudosos en los requisitos para conceder la indemnización y la configuración del daño, en concreto, en las reclamaciones de responsabilidad civil médico-sanitaria.
Metodología: El presente estudio analiza el origen y las perspectivas que tratan la pérdida de oportunidad con el fin de solucionar el problema que constituye la relación causal entre la actividad de un sujeto y el daño producido. Se revisarán distintos casos en los que se aplica esta teoría para conocer su importancia y evolución.
Resultados: Esta teoría surge para unir la incertidumbre y la certeza como elementos contrapuestos y que coexisten en este tipo de situaciones, por no saber qué habría ocurrido si el paciente hubiera sido tratado adecuadamente en el momento correspondiente, y la certeza de la pérdida de expectativas por no haber recibido el tratamiento oportuno en el momento adecuado.
Conclusiones: Enfatiza el difícil tratamiento para la aplicación de la técnica de pérdida de oportunidad, requiriendo para su aplicación la incertidumbre causal junto con la preexistencia de una situación ideal para obtener un beneficio o ventaja que no se ha producido. La conexión entre ambos posibilitará la aplicación de la pérdida de oportunidad o de expectativas, determinando el cálculo de la indemnización de forma motivada por los Tribunales en función de la probabilidad de la pérdida de oportunidad.
Το ενεργειακό τρίλημμα της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης στην εποχή των πολυκρίσεων
Authors: Ανδρέου Γιώργος
Published: December 2023

Κατά την περίοδο που προηγήθηκε της ρωσικής εισβολής στην Ουκρανία έλαβε χώρα μια αλλαγή παραδείγματος στο ενεργειακό «τρίλημμα» της ΕΕ - δηλαδή στην ανάγκη η ενέργεια να παράγεται και να διατίθεται με ασφαλή, οικονομικά προσιτό και περιβαλλοντικά βιώσιμο τρόπο -, με την αειφορία να αναδεικνύεται ως ο κορυφαίος στρατηγικός στόχος της Ένωσης. Ο πόλεμος στην Ουκρανία επανάφερε στο προσκήνιο τον στόχο της ασφάλειας του εφοδιασμού και ώθησε την ΕΕ να αναζητήσει ένα διαφορετικό μείγμα πολιτικών προκειμένου να πετύχει ταυτόχρονα τους στόχους της πράσινης μετάβασης και της απεξάρτησης από το ρωσικό αέριο. Το παρόν άρθρο μελετά την εξέλιξη των Ευρωπαϊκών πολιτικών για την ενέργεια και το κλίμα κατά την τελευταία δεκαπενταετία κι επιχειρεί μια συνολική αποτίμηση των επιλογών της Ένωσης και των μελών της ως προς τις τρεις διαστάσεις του ενεργειακού τριλήμματος.
ISSUES OF DIVISION OF POWERS BETWEEN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION AND ITS SUBJECTS IN THE FIELD OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORTS
Authors: Zelepukin Roman V. , Lipuntsova Anna V.
Published: December 2023

Purpose. The purpose of the article is to study the establishment of the level and degree of regulatory support for the delimitation of powers between the Russian Federation and its subjects in the sphere of physical culture and sport, which is due to a number of prerequisites that characterize the relevance of the stated topic. Among them there are changes in the conditions for the development of physical culture and sport, as well as the restructuring of executive bodies in the regions in the context of the reform of public authority. The subject of the research is regulatory legal acts that establish and disclose the powers of authorities and other subjects in the context of the analyzed relations at the federal level and at the level of subjects of the Russian Federation, as well as the activities of authorized public authorities in this sphere.

Methodology. The research is based on general scientific methods (analysis, synthesis, deduction, induction, comparison, modeling) in combination with special legal and sociological methods (private legal methods – formal legal and comparative methods, method of state and legal modeling, method of interpretation of law; methods of sociological analysis – sociological observation and survey).

Results. The results of the research consist in the established prospects for the permissibility of revision and conditions for the distribution of powers of public authorities between the federal center and the regions in the analyzed sphere.

Practical implications. The results of the study can be applied in the field of public administration on the issues of organization of activities in the sphere of physical culture and sport.
MEANINGFULNESS OF LIFE AND SELF-EFFICACY OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Authors: Kholodkova Olga G. , Parfenova Galina L.
Published: December 2023

Introduction. The article is devoted to an urgent problem in modern reality: the state of self-efficacy and life-meaning orientations among high school students as factors of life achievements, well-being and success in the chosen field.

Purpose: to summarize the empirical results of the study of the relationship between self-efficacy and high school students, which will allow psychologists to take into account the revealed facts in working with students aimed at developing their self-efficacy in the personal and activity sphere, based on a real assessment of the meaning of life, life plans and values.

The scientific novelty of the presented data is in confirming the fact of the relationship between the types and components of self-efficacy, on the one hand, and the meaning-of-life orientations of the individual, on the other.

Methodology and methods. The research was carried out on the basis of subject-activity and humanistic approaches with the implementation of psychodiagnostic and theoretical methods (analysis, comparison, generalization), methods of structural and genetic data analysis.

Results. The relevance of identifying and taking into account the relationship of self-efficacy and life-meaning orientations in the context of effective maturation and personality formation of high school students is substantiated; empirical data and their author’s analysis are presented using three methods.

The scope of the results: education, development, psychological counseling, psychocorrection, psychoprophylaxis, socio-psychological design.

Conclusion. The presented results confirmed that there is a direct relationship between the components of the CSR and the self-efficacy of the individual: the higher the life-sense orientations are developed, the higher the level of self-efficacy in general, self-efficacy in the subject and interpersonal spheres; the higher the self-efficacy of the individual, the more mature the life-sense orientations are.