bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sublethal Heat Treatment facilitates the progression of Glioma by inducing the P300-recruted β-catenin through activating the NF-κB pathway
Authors: Fu Huangde , Zeng Yile , Lai Jinqing , Lin Weibin , Chen Junyan , Xu Chaoyang , chen xiangrong , Tu Xiankun
Published: November 2022

Glioma is a neural malignant tumor that resistant to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, for which surgery is a challenge due to the unclear boundary between glioma tissues and normal brain tissues. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a substitute technology of surgery widely applied in the treatment of solid malignant tumors. However, recently researches indicate that the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma can be facilitated RFA. The present study aims to check whether the progression of glioma can be facilitated by RFA and investigate the underlying mechanism. The sublethal heat, which is regularly detected in the marginal zones of RFA treatments, was utilized to mimic the effects of RFA on glioma cells. Firstly, we found that the 50℃ was the optimized condition in U251 cells and SNB19 cells, which was verified by increased MTT absorbance, promoted invaded cells, accelerated cell cycle, increased clone formation, and faster growth rate in xenograft animals. Subsequently, P300 was found dramatically upregulated in 50℃ treated glioma cells, the progression of which was abolished by the knockdown of P300. Survival analysis revealed that longer survival was observed in P300 knockdown glioma cells. Furthermore, the expression level of β-catenin and its several target genes were positively correlated with P300. TGF-β promoter could be precipitated by the antibody of both P300 and β-catenin in P300-overexpressed glioma cells. Additionally, NF-κB p65 level in the nucleus was positively correlated with P300 and p-IκB was significantly upregulated under the stimulation of the sublethal heat treatment, while the effects of sublethal heat treatment on glioma cells were abolished by the mutation of IκB. P300 was identified to be regulated by NF-κB in a transcriptional level. Lastly, we found that P300 was upregulated in RFA treated patients and RFA induced a shorten overall survival. Collectively, our data implied that sublethal heat treatment facilitated the progression of glioma by recruiting the β-catenin pathway through regulating the NF-κB/P300 axis.
Plasmodium falciparum has evolved multiple mechanisms to hijack human immunoglobulin M
Authors: Xiao Junyu , Ji Chenggong , Shen Hao , Su Chen , Li Yaxin , Chen Shihua , Sharp Thomas
Published: November 2022

Plasmodium falciparum causes the most severe malaria in humans. Immunoglobulin M (IgM) serves as the first line of humoral defense against infection and potently activates the complement pathway to facilitate P. falciparum clearance. A number of P. falciparum proteins hijack IgM, leading to immune evasion and severe disease. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Here, using high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy, we delineate how P. falciparum proteins VAR2CSA, TM284VAR1, DBLMSP, and DBLMSP2 target IgM. Each protein binds IgM in a different manner, and together they present a variety of Duffy-binding-like domain-IgM interaction modes. We further show that these proteins interfere directly with IgM-mediated complement activation, with VAR2CSA exhibiting the most potent inhibitory effect. Structural analyses suggest that VAR2CSA occludes the congregation of the complement C1 complex on IgM. These results underscore the importance of IgM for human adaptation of P. falciparum and provide critical insights into its immune evasion mechanism.
The effect and safety of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to local anesthetics in erector spinae plane block: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Yu Liang , Shen Xiaojuan , Liu He
Published: November 2022

Background:Dexmedetomidine (DEX) has been thought to be an effective adjuvant to local anesthetics (LAs) in erector spinae plane block (ESPB), however, this method of use is not recorded in the drug instructions. Hence, our meta-analysis will evaluate its efficacy and safety for the first time.Methods:A systematic search of published articles was conducted in the PubMed, Embase, Web of science, and Cochrane Library databases up to July 17, 2022, using specific keywords related to our aims. The time first to request rescue analgesia, number of patient controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) presses, rate of rescue analgesia use, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), arrhythmia, and hypotension were calculated by using random-effect models. This systematic review and meta-analysis was registered with PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42022345488).Results:Numerous electronic databases were searched and finally 8 studies with a total of 570 patients, 303 in the DEX arm, 267 in the control arm were included. As an adjuvant to LAs, DEX significantly increased the time to first request of rescue analgesia (mean difference [MD] = 8.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.70-12.10,P< 0.00001), reduced the number of PCIA presses (MD = -4.12, 95% CI = -7.79 to -0.45,P= 0.03) and the rate of rescue analgesia (odds ratio [OR] = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.17-0.65,P= 0.002). Moreover, the combination reduced the risk of PONV (OR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.36-0.91,P= 0.02). In addition, there was no difference in the incidence of hypotension (OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.37-2.74,P= 0.99) and arrhythmia (OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.19-3.07,P= 0.70).Conclusion:DEX can reduce analgesic requirements after various surgical procedures when used as an adjuvant to LAs for ESPB. Although, these non-significant differences in the safety profile (arrhythmia, hypotension) between the two groups.
Integrated quantitative bibliometric and in-depth qualitative content analysis of global biodegradable liquid mulching film research: Progress, hotspots and prospect
Authors: Zhang Jun-Ping , Yang Zhe , Hou Jia-Qi , Xi Bei-Dou , Li Mingxiao , Wei Yu-Fang , Chen Wang-Mi , Yang Tian-Xue
Published: November 2022

Biodegradable liquid mulching film (LMF) as a new alternative to alleviate the agricultural plastic pollution has attracted increasing attentions for sustainable development of agriculture, especially in China. However, the global research status and knowledge gaps of LMF are still unclear despite expanding academic literatures, hindering its promotion. Here, a data-driven analysis integrating the advantages of bibliometric visualization technology and content analysis was firstly conducted to present an objective and comprehensive overview of LMF at global level. A total of 467 English and Chinese literatures were analyzed to elucidate its global development history, research hotspots, and future research directions. The studies on LMF have increased over time but are still nascent, and Italy and China are the most productive and influential countries with the most influential institutions and authors. The research hotspots have shifted from exploitation of LMF using natural and waste bio-based polymers and synthetic polymers (1998–2005) to plant cultivation effectiveness evaluation (2006–2021) and impact assessment of soil ecosystem (2016–2021). However, studies on the standards establishment, performance improvement, response of soil microbial to LMF mulching, degradation mechanisms, and its long-term effects on agroecosystem are still insufficient and of great significance for the future study. This study offers critical information and guidance to promote the development and application of LMF.
The important role of the interaction between manganese minerals and metals in environmental remediation: A review
Authors: Chen Meiqing , Wu Jiayan , Qiu Xiaoshan , Jiang Lu , Wu Pingxiao
Published: November 2022

With illegal discharge of wastewater containing inorganic and organic pollutants, combined pollution is common and need urgent attention. Understanding the migration and transformation laws of pollutants in the environment has important guiding significance for environmental remediation. Due to the characteristics of adsorption, oxidation and catalysis, manganese minerals play important role in the environment fate of pollutants. This review summarizes the forms of interaction between manganese minerals and metals, the environmental importance of the interaction between manganese minerals and metals, and the contribution of this interaction in improving performance of Mn-based composite for environmental remediation. The literatures have indicated that the interactions between manganese minerals and metals involve in surface adsorption, lattice replacement and formation of association minerals. The synergistic or antagonistic effect resulted from the interaction influence the purification of heavy metal and organism pollutant. The synergistic effect benefited from the coordination of adsorption and oxidation, convenient electron transfer, abundant oxygen vacancies and fast migration of lattice oxygen. Based on the synergy, Mn-based composites have been widely used for environmental remediation. This review is helpful to fully understand the migration and transformation process of pollutants in the environment, expand the resource utilization of manganese minerals for environmental remediation.
Cytosolic DNA sensing combined with differentiation therapy induces irreversible differentiation and cell growth arrest in myeloid leukemia cells
Authors: Baba Tomohisa , Tomaru Utano , Hirao Atsushi , Mukaida Naofumi , Johmura Yoshikazu
Published: November 2022

Accumulating evidence indicates that various oncogenic mutations interfere with normal myeloid differentiation of leukemogenic cells during the early process of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) development. Differentiation therapy is an ideal therapeutic strategy capable of terminating leukemic expansion by reactivating the differentiation potential; however, the plasticity and instability of leukemia cells counteract the establishment of curative treatment for AML. Thus, the viable strategy for irreversible differentiation is urgently required. Based on our previous observation that autophagy inhibitor treatment induces the accumulation of cytosolic DNA and activation of cytosolic DNA-sensor signaling selectively in leukemia cells, we herein examined the synergistic effect of cytosolic DNA-sensor signaling activation with conventional differentiation therapy on AML. The combined treatment with autophagy inhibitors and conventional differentiation therapy succeeded in inducing irreversible differentiation in AML cells. Mechanistically, cytosolic DNA was sensed by absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2), a cytosolic DNA sensor. Activation of the AIM2 inflammasome resulted in the accumulation of p21 through the inhibition of its proteasomal degradation, thereby facilitating the myeloid differentiation. Moreover, p21 shRNA treatment abrogated the combined treatment-induced irreversible differentiation of leukemia cells. Importantly, short-term treatment with the combined therapy was sufficient to induce irreversible differentiation and dramatically reduced the total leukemia cell counts and proportion of blast cells in the spleens of AML mice. Collectively, these findings indicate that the activation of cytosolic DNA-sensor signaling in combination with conventional differentiation therapy can be an effective approach to drive the irreversible differentiation of leukemia cells.
Time trends and geographical clusters in suicide among Greenland Inuit
Authors: Seidler Ivalu Katajavaara , Tolstrup Janne Schurmann , Bjerregaard Peter , Crawford Allison , Larsen Christina Viskum Lytken
Published: November 2022

Background Between 1980 and 2018 Greenland has had one of the highest suicide rates in the world with an average rate of 96 suicides per 100.000 person-years. The aim of this study is to investigate suicide rates in Greenland according to age, birth cohort, period, sex, place of residence and suicide method from 1970 until 2018. Methods Suicide rates were examined using register and census data from 1970-2018 among Greenland Inuit. Rates were calculated by Poisson regression in Stata and by use of Excel. In analyses of the period trends, rates were standardized according to the World Standard Population 2000-2025. Results The suicide rate has been declining since a peak at 120 suicides per 100,000 person-years in the 1980s but remained high at a rate of 81.3 suicides per 100,000 person-years from 2015-2018. Descriptive analyses point to the decrease in male suicides as the primary factor for the overall decreasing rates while the rate among women has been increasing. Simultaneously, the proportion of women who used a violent suicide method increased from 60% in 1970-1979 to 90% in 2010-2018. The highest rates are seen among young people, especially young men aged 20-24 years and youth suicide rates increased with later birth cohorts. When the rates started to increase in the 1908s both the capital Nuuk and East Greenland had the highest rates. Since then, the rate in Nuuk has declined while the rate in East Greenland was three times the national rate from 2015-2018. Conclusions Across a 50-year period the suicide rate has increased drastically in Greenland mirroring a rapid societal transition in the post-colonial period. The rate has slowly declined from the peak in the 1980s but remains at a very high level. Young people in general are at risk, but the steady increase in the rate among women is worrying. Research points to the importance of adverse childhood experiences in relation to suicide risk and the high prevalences of these adversities among women may contribute to the explanation of the decreasing gender gap, however there is a need to investigate this further.
Bio-augmentation of S2- oxidation for a heavily polluted river by a mixed culture microbial consortium
Authors: Song Chen , Shi Yajun , Gao Hongjie , Liu Ping , Liu Xiaoling
Published: November 2022

The balance of inorganic sulfur redox in heavily polluted rivers could be disrupted, making sulfur reduction a major metabolic pathway regulated by sulfate reducing bacterium (SRB), leading to massive accumulation of S2- and blackening of water bodies. In order to promote S2- oxidation, mixed culture with Citrobacter sp., Ochrobactrum sp. and Stenotrophomonas sp. was used to active native sulfur oxidizing bacterium (SOB) to augment S2- oxidizing process. The results demonstrated that mixed culture microbial consortium had significant sulfur oxidation effect, with 98% of S2- removal efficiency within 50 h. The sulfur chemical forms varied greatly with mixed culture bio-augmentation, and all the sulfides’ species were finally oxidized to SO42-. The mechanism involved was revealed using high throughput sequencing analysis. The microbial diversity indicated that mixed culture could stimulate and simplify the community structure, enabling native microorganisms cope with the sulfides change. Some microorganisms (family level) including Flavobacteriaceae, Enterococcaceae, Sphingomonadaceae, Cryomorphaceae, Rhodobacteraceae, Campylobacteraceae, Burkholderiaceae, Comamonadaceae, Alcaligenaceae, Methylophilaceae, Bacteriovoracaceae and Caulobacteraceae were thought to be associated with sulfides metabolism and their abundance appeared significant difference in two treatments. Further pearson correlation analysis was performed to determine the role played by different strains at different times. This work demonstrated that the mixed culture might have the potential to be used to promote S2- oxidation and clarify water in the heavily polluted rivers.
Prediction of whole body composition utilizing cross-sectional abdominal imaging in pediatrics
Authors: Deyell Rebecca , Desai Sunil , Gallivan Andrea , Lim Alecia , Sawyer Michael , Heymsfield Steven , Shen Wei , Baracos Vicky
Published: November 2022

Background:Although body composition is an important determinant of pediatric health outcomes, we lack tools to routinely assess it in clinical practice. We define models to predict whole body skeletal muscle and fat composition, as measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) or whole body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in pediatric oncology and healthy pediatric cohorts, respectively.Methods:Pediatric oncology patients (≥5 to ≤18 years) undergoing an abdominal CT were prospectively recruited for a concurrent study DXA scan. Cross-sectional areas of skeletal muscle and total adipose tissue at each lumbar vertebral level (L1-L5) were quantified and optimal linear regression models were defined. Whole body and cross-sectional MRI data from a previously recruited cohort of healthy children (≥5 to ≤18 years) was analyzed separately.Results:Eighty pediatric oncology patients (57% male; age range 5.1-18.4y) were included. Cross-sectional areas of skeletal muscle and total adipose tissue at lumbar vertebral levels (L1-L5) were correlated with whole body lean soft tissue mass (LSTM) (R2=0.896-0.940) and fat mass (FM) (R2=0.874-0.936) (p<0.001). Linear regression models were improved by the addition of height for prediction of LSTM (adjustedR2=0.946-0.971; p<0.001) and by the addition of height and sex (adjustedR2=0.930-0.953) (p<0.001)) for prediction of whole body FM. High correlation between lumbar cross-sectional tissue areas and whole body volumes of skeletal muscle and fat, as measured by whole body MRI, was confirmed in an independent cohort of 73 healthy children.Conclusion:Regression models can predict whole body skeletal muscle and fat in pediatric patients utilizing cross-sectional abdominal images.
Retention of absorbed fog by Pinus thunbergii saplings under different soil drought conditions
Authors: Imada Shogo , Kakiuchi Hideki , Nagai Masaru
Published: November 2022

Aim Efficient fog water utilization under soil drought conditions is important for improving the water status and growth of forest trees. However, the importance of fog water retention in tree species during drought is yet to be completely examined. The aim of this study was to examine changes in fog water retention in different organs of Japanese black pine (Pinus thunbergii) saplings in different drought conditions.
Methods P. thunbergii saplings were grown under different watering conditions in a glasshouse for 19 days and exposed to 2H-enriched water vapor under a high relative humidity (~ 95%) for 1 h in a growth chamber with lighting. The exposed trees were harvested 48 h after the fog exposure experiment and the 2H concentration of water in current needles, old needles, current branches, old branches, roots, and soil was determined.
Results Absorbed fog water was observed in the needles, branches, and roots 48 h after exposure to fog. The amount of water in the current needles, old needles, and current branches contributed by fog water was significantly higher in drought-stressed trees than in well-irrigated trees. Small amount of absorbed fog water was redistributed to the soil in well-irrigated and drought-stressed trees.
Conclusion The findings of the study indicated that more absorbed fog water is retained in drought-stressed trees than that in well-watered trees, which may improve plant water status under drought. Our results also suggest that hydraulic redistribution from the roots to the soil may occur irrespective of soil drought conditions.
Adapted and novel interventions are more effective than adopted interventions: a meta-analytic replication of controlled social intervention research across prevention level and setting
Authors: Olsson Tina , Schwarz Ulrica von Thiele , Hasson Henna , Vira Emily G , Sundell Knut
Published: November 2022

Background.Several approaches to the implementation of evidence-based interventions (EBIs) are currently in use. EBIs may be adapted or adopted from previous settings or novel interventions may be developed to achieve public health goals. Within the intervention and implementation literature, a major unsolved dilemma relates to the management of adaptation versus fidelity when EBIs are transferred between settings. An initial attempt to empirically understand this dilemma was made in 2015 which explored meta-analytically the origins of interventions and compared their effect sizes. It was found that adapted interventions produced the highest effect sizes followed by novel and adopted interventions. The current study attempts to replicate these findings using a larger data set.Methods.We used meta-analytic techniques to compare effect sizes across a population of Swedish efficacy and effectiveness studies. Interventions investigated were categorized into adapted, adopted, and novel interventions. Nine subcategories were explored. In addition, we explored differences in effect sizes between settings as well as the impact of study characteristics on effect size.Results.Of the 523 studies included, 22% described adapted interventions, 33% adopted interventions, and 45% novel interventions. The largest effect size was found for adapted interventions followed by novel and adopted interventions. Standard mean effects were significantly different from zero across categories. Study characteristics did not have a large impact on effect size, but interventions provided in the mental health setting showed the highest standard mean difference, followed by somatic healthcare and social services.Conclusions.The results reported here are in line with a growing body of evidence suggesting that there is a need to take the fit between the EBI and the context into account when implementing interventions.
Conservatively transmitted alleles of key agronomic genes provide insights into the genetic basis of founder parents in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Li Chang , Zhuang Lei , Li Tian , Hou Jian , Liu Hongxia , Jian Chao , Li Huifang , Zhao Jing , Liu Yunchuan , Xi Wei , Hao Pingan , Liu Shujuan , Si Xuemei , Wang Xiaolu , Zhang Xueyong , Hao Chenyang
Published: November 2022

Background: Founder parents play extremely important roles in wheat breeding. Studies into the genetic basis of founder parents and the transmission rules of favorable alleles are of great significance in improving agronomically important traits in wheat.
Results: Here, a total of 366 founder parents, widely grown cultivars, and derivatives of four representative founder parents were genotyped based on efficient kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) markers in 87 agronomically important genes controlling yield, quality, adaptability, and stress resistance. Genetic composition analysis of founder parents and widely grown cultivars showed a consistently high frequency of favorable alleles for yield-related genes. This analysis further showed that other alleles favorable for resistance, strong gluten, dwarf size, and early heading date were also subject to selective pressure over time. By comparing the transmission of alleles from four representative founder parents to their derivatives during different breeding periods, it was found that the genetic composition of the representative founder parents was optimized as breeding progressed over time, with the number and types of favorable alleles carried gradually increasing and becoming enriched. There are still a large number of favorable alleles in wheat founder parents that have not been fully utilized in breeding selection. Eighty-seven agronomically important genes were used to construct an enrichment map that shows favorable alleles of four founder parents, providing an important theoretical foundation for future identification of candidate wheat founder parents.
Conclusions: These results reveal the genetic basis of founder parents and allele transmission for 87 agronomically important genes and shed light on breeding strategies for the next generation of elite founder parents in wheat.
Perceptions and experiences on community work improvement teams: the case of community health units in Kasarani sub-county, Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Ambalu Rachel , Atwa Saul , Otira Mariam , Ndolo Lucia , Ojakaa David , Macharia Judy
Published: November 2022

Background: In Kenya, guidelines have been developed and activities undertaken aimed at improving the quality of health services in health facilities and communities. These efforts could help in contributing to the country’s goal of the highest standards of health for citizens. Current research on the subject is limited to whether the novel idea is understood and its benefits. This study takes a deep emic dive to understand the dynamics of work improvement teams (WITs) in the case of five community units within Kasarani sub-county of Nairobi City County, Kenya.
Methods: Focus group discussions and key informant interviews were conducted with members of WIT. Interviews were recorded and transcribed, after which analysis conducted using NVIVO software was based on inductive coding.
Results: Participants vividly recollect core WIT training and implementation aspects in particular the power of teamwork, the mentoring role of community health assistants (CHAs), and community innovations. Appreciation of WIT training and implementation finds expression in warmer reception accorded mothers referred by community health volunteers (CHVs); more open sharing of health concerns due to the social nearness of CHVs to community members; community own-resource contributions. Members of work improvement teams share a sense of empowerment post-training and feel triumphant after winning in WIT competitions. Experiences of WIT members include championing roles such as the CHV as the health educator, the CHA as the captain, and the chief personifying Government’s effective presence in the community. Similarly, the experience of disconnections between the community and the formal health systems is evident in respondent narratives, as are gapping (identifying health problems in the community), and discussion steps during work improvement. Enabling factors for quality improvement through community work improvement teams include passion, commitment, and self-motivation as well as team household visits. Nevertheless, hurdles within and external to mother, CHV, and facility levels persist.
Conclusion: Respondents present fresh recalls, appreciations, and experiences on WIT training and implementation in Kasarani sub-county. These imply WIT efforts as inflection events propelling performance of community health units. The intervention should be scaled to other community health units and regions, considering enablers and challenges.
scifAI: Explainable machine learning for profiling the immunological synapse and functional characterization of therapeutic antibodies
Authors: Boushehri Sayedali Shetab , Essig Katharina , Chlis Nikolaos Kosmas , Herter Sylvia , Bacac Marina , Theis Fabian , Glasmacher Elke , Marr Carsten , Schmich Fabian
Published: November 2022

Therapeutic antibodies are widely used to treat severe diseases. Most of them alter immune cells and act within the immunological synapse; an essential cell-to-cell interaction to direct the humoral immune response. Although many antibody designs are generated and evaluated, a high-throughput tool for systematic antibody characterization and prediction of function is lacking. Here, we introduce the first comprehensive open-source framework, scifAI (single-cell imaging flow cytometry AI), for preprocessing, feature engineering and explainable, predictive machine learning on imaging flow cytometry (IFC) data. Additionally, we generate the largest publicly available IFC data set of the human immunological synapse containing over 2.8 million images. Using scifAI, we analyze class frequency- and morphological changes under different immune stimulation. T cell cytokine production across multiple donors and therapeutic antibodies is quantitatively predicted in vitro, linking morphological features with function and demonstrating the potential to significantly impact antibody design. scifAI is universally applicable to IFC data, and, given its modular architecture, straightforward to incorporate into existing workflows and analysis pipelines, e.g., for rapid antibody screening and functional characterization.
Measured and perceived effects of audit and feedback on nursing performance: A mixed methods systematic review
Authors: Dufour Emilie , Bolduc Jolianne , Duhoux Arnaud
Published: November 2022

Background: The use of audit and feedback in health care has been shown to have generally positive effects with medical teams, but little is known about its effects on nursing care. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the evidence of measured and perceived effects of such interventions on nursing performance.
Methods: We used a mixed-methods systematic review design with thematic and narrative synthesis. Studies reporting quantitative and qualitative data on the effects of feedback interventions specific to nursing care were considered for inclusion. Studies were appraised for quality using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Quantitative and qualitative data were summarized in narrative and tabular form and were synthetized using the Joanna Briggs Institute segregated methodologies approach.
Results: Thirty-one studies published between 1995 and 2021 were included. Thirteen quantitative studies provided evidence on measured effects and 18 qualitative studies provided evidence on perceived effects. The quantitative studies, the majority of which had low to moderate methodological quality, reported highly variable effects of audit and feedback. The characteristics of most of the audit and feedback interventions were poorly aligned with the recommendations developed by the experts and were not theoretically supported. Overall, the qualitative data demonstrated that nurses perceived several negative aspects in the way audit and feedback interventions were conducted, while recognizing the relevance of secondary use of the data to support improved care.
Conclusions: Considering the practical benefits of using this type of intervention, we see in these results an important opportunity for action to improve the design and implementation of audit and feedback with nurses.
Registration: PROSPERO CRD42018104973
Correlation of Left Atrial Strain with Invasively Measured Left Ventricular End-Diastolic Pressure; determining LA strain cut-off value
Authors: Toufan Mehrnoush , Khezerlouy-aghdam Naser , Pakdel Sanaz , Separham Ahmad , Aslanabdi Naser , Sadeghi Mohamadreza Taban , Shahverdi Morad , Sakha Hanieh , Mashyekhi Sina , Mousavi Sanaz
Published: November 2022

Purpose
Left atrium (LA) longitudinal strain with speckle tracking has been proposed as a non-invasive method for the assessment of left ventricular filling pressure and diastolic dysfunction. This study aimed to investigate left atrial strain (LAS) compared to invasively measured left ventricular filling pressure.
Methods
All Patients candidates for coronary angiography were consecutively recruited. Longitudinal LA strain measured by Transthoracic echocardiography. Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) pressure was invasively measured. Current echocardiographic modalities for diastolic function evaluated.
Results
A total of 125 people were included. 45 patients had preserved ejection fraction (EF ≥ 50%) and 85 patients had reduced EF (EF < 50%) and compared two groups. LVEDP was significantly higher in reduced EF compared to preserved EF (P-value<0.001). LA-reservoir and LA-booster strains were significantly lower in patients with reduced EF compared to preserved EF (P-value=0.008, mean Reservoir=16.4%±6.4, mean Reservoir=19.5%±5.6, respectively) and (P-value=0.009, mean Booster =9.09%±4.0, mean Booster =11. 9%±4.3, respectively). LA 4ch-reservoir<14.4%, and LA 2ch-reservoir<14.1% was related to LVEDP≥20 mmHg (sensitivity 63.5% and specificity 75%) (sensitivity 77.9% and specificity of 60%) respectively.
conclusion
LAS is significantly lower in patients with elevated LVEDP (≥ 20mmHg). LAS is significantly lower in patients with reduced EF (< 50%). Both LA-reservoir and LA-booster had a significant relation to predicting LVFP but LA-reservoir is more accurate at both 4-chamber and 2-chamber views. The amount of mean LA-reservoir LAS less than 12.4% and the 4 Ch-reservoir LAS less than 14.4% are associated with LVEDP≥20mmHg.

Keywords: left atrium, strain imaging echocardiography, ventricular end-diastolic pressure
A Quality Optimization Framework Combining Physics and Machine Learning Models: Case Study in a Friction Stir Welding Process
Authors: Kim Yongmin , Lee Seung-Joon , Kang Jihoon
Published: November 2022

In modern manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and several data analysis techniques are frequently used and developed in various fields. These quantitative approaches, however, are somewhat focused on the assumption that sensor data properly expresses the physical phenomenon. Another issue is that the data can be obtained through experiments, but due to the constraints of time and cost of experiments, obtaining a large amount of data that may be able to fully explain diverse natural occurrences is impossible. In the present study, we propose a hybrid method that combines scientific knowledge and machine learning methods via an optimization framework containing Lagrange multiplier concept. Experiments with real manufacturing data from the Friction Stir Welding (FSW) process demonstrate the scientific consistency and effectiveness of the proposed idea.
Cost efficiency of Tunisian water Utility: Heteroskedastic Stochastic Frontier Approach
Authors: Amor Tawfik Ben , Mellah Thouraya
Published: November 2022

We examine the operating cost inefficiencies and economies of scale of Tunisian drinking water utilities. Different stochastic models that incorporate heterogeneity have been investigated. We have examined the stochastic frontier model and the fixed effects model. The results show that these models produce different results. Therefore we estimate a specific fixed-effects model where the inefficiency term remains in the model and the fixed effect is intended only to capture the firm-specific heterogeneity. This model performs better results and it allows differentiating between non-heterogeneity and inefficiency. The results indicate that significant cost inefficiencies are present in the utilities and the economies of scale are found in small-sized utilities, while large utilities exhibit diseconomies of scale. Jel Classification : C16; C23; D24; L95, L51.
WITHDRAWN: Integrative single-cell ATAC-seq and RNA-seq analysis of the fusion of mammalian upper lip and primary palate
Authors: Cai Sini , yin ningbei
Published: November 2022

Background:Fusion of upper lip and primary palate requires precisely coordination of transcription, a process executed from embryonic days 10.5 to 12.5 and across multiple cell types. The cellular heterogeneity and temporally-sensitive fate decisions associated make it extremely difficult to elucidate the changes of gene regulatory network throughout the fusion of upper lip and primary palate.Methods:Here we applied single-cell ATAC sequencing (scATAC-seq) and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to lambdoidal junction tissue (formed by the maxillary, the lateral nasal and the medial nasal) cells from embryonic days 10.5, 11.5 and 12.5 C57BL/6J mouse embryos.Results:We identified distinct heterogeneous subgroups of three major cell types involved in the fusion of upper lip and primary palate：mesenchyme cells, ectoderm cells and endothelial cells. We inferred the differentiation trajectory of subsets of major cell types and characterized a wealth of switch genes along the pseudo-time. We described the transcriptional regulators of each cell subgroups and constructed a dynamical intercellular communication network throughout the fusion of upper lip and primary palate. Last, we profiled the cell-type specific chromatin accessibility of key genes and predicted upstream motifs of pivotal genes of canonical signaling pathways involved in the formation of upper lip and primary palate, and cleft lip/palate (CL/P).Conclusions:Overall, our results reveal the remarkable alterations of the transcriptome and chromatin openness during the fusion of upper lip and primary palate. Our study provides a useful resource for future investigation of facial development and clefting, and may facilitate the mechanistic discoveries of the prevalent human birth defect, CL/P.
A Data-Driven Approach for Modelling Karst Spring Discharge Using Transfer Function Noise Models
Authors: Rudolph Max Gustav , Collenteur Raoul Alexander , Kavousi Alireza , Giese Markus , Wöhling Thomas , Birk Steffen , Hartmann Andreas , Reimann Thomas
Published: November 2022

Karst aquifers are important sources of fresh water on a global scale. The hydrological modelling of karst spring discharge, however, still poses a challenge. In this study we apply a transfer function noise (TFN) model in combination with a bucket-type recharge model to simulate and predict karst spring discharge. The application of the noise model for the residual series has the advantage that it is more consistent with assumptions for optimization such as homoscedasticity and independence. In an earlier hydrological modeling study, named Karst Modeling Challenge (KMC; Jeannin et al (2021)), several modelling approaches were compared for the Milandre Karst System in Switzerland. This serves as a benchmark and we apply the TFN model to KMC data, subsequently comparing the results to other models. Using different data-model combinations, the most promising data-model combination is identified in a three-step least-squares calibration. To quantify uncertainty, the Bayesian approach of Markov-chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling is subsequently used with uniform priors for the previously identified best data-model combination. The MCMC maximum likelihood solution is used to predict spring discharge for the evaluation period, indicating a superior performance compared to all other models in the KMC. It is found that the model gives a physically feasible representation of the system, which is supported by field measurements. While the TFN model simulated rising limbs and flood recession especially well, medium and baseflow conditions were not represented as accurately. The TFN approach poses a well-performing data-driven grey-box alternative to other approaches that should be considered in future studies.
Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection previously treated with NS5A direct-acting antivirals: a real-world multicenter cohort in Taiwan
Authors: Liu Chen-Hua , Peng Cheng-Yuan , Liu Chun-Jen , Chen Chi-Yi , Lo Ching-Chu , Tseng Kuo-Chih , Su Pei-Yuan , Kao Wei-Yu , Tsai Ming-Chang , Tung Hung-Da , Cheng Hao-Tsai , Lee Fu-Jen , Huang Chia-Sheng , Huang Ke-Jhang , Shih Yu-Lueng , Yang Sheng-Shun , Wu Jo-Hsuan , Lai Hsueh-Chou , Fang Yu-Jen , Chen Po-Yueh , Hwang Jow-Jyh , Tseng Chi-Wei , Su Wei-Wen , Chang Chun-Chao , Lee Pei-Lun , Chen Jyh-Jou , Chang Chi-Yang , Hsieh Tsai‐Yuan , Chang Chung-Hsin , Huang Yi-Jie , Kao Jia-Horng
Published: November 2022

Background
Real-world data are scarce about the effectiveness and safety of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir (SOF/VEL/VOX) for retreating East Asian patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection who previously received NS5A direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). We conducted a multicenter study to assess the performance of SOF/VEL/VOX in patients who were not responsive to prior NS5A inhibitors in Taiwan.
Methods
Between September 2021 and May 2022, 107 patients who failed NS5A inhibitor-containing DAAs with SOF/VEL/VOX salvage therapy for 12 weeks were included at 16 academic centers. The sustained virologic response at off-treatment week 12 (SVR12) was assessed in the evaluable (EP) and per-protocol (PP) populations. The safety profiles were also reported.
Results
All patients completed 12 weeks of treatment and achieved an end-of-treatment virologic response. The SVR12 rates were 97.2% (95% confidence interval (CI): 92.1%-99.0%) and 100% (95% CI: 96.4%-100%) in EP and PP populations. Three (2.8%) patients were lost to off-treatment follow-up and did not meet SVR12 in the EP population. No baseline factors predicted SVR12. Two (1.9%) not-fatal serious adverse events (AE) occurred, but unrelated to SOF/VEL/VOX. Sixteen (15.0%) had grade 2 total bilirubin elevation, and three (2.8%) had grade 2 alanine transaminase (ALT) elevation. Thirteen (81.3%) of the 16 patients with grade 2 total bilirubin elevation had unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. The estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) were comparable between baseline and SVR12, regardless of baseline renal reserve.
Conclusions
SOF/VEL/VOX is highly efficacious and well-tolerated for East Asian HCV patients previously treated with NS5A inhibitor-containing DAAs.
An intervention for family members of people with suicidal behaviours
Authors: Guillén Verónica , Fonseca-Baeza Sara , Pérez Sandra , García-Alandete Joaquín , Grau Antoni , Marco José Heliodoro
Published: November 2022

Background: Suicide is a serious health problem, affecting not only the persons who experience it, but also their family members. Although there are few empirically supported interventions to help family members. The programme for relatives of people with Borderline personality disorder and dysregulation that has received the most empirical support is Family Connections. This is a cross-disciplinary skills training programme and contains 12 two-hour sessions held once a week. The specific objectives of the present study were: a) to adapt Family Connections program for relatives of patients with suicidal behaviour and test the efficacy of the intervention for relativesin a pilot study; b) to analyze the feasibility and acceptance of the intervention in the relatives; c) to analyze whether the changes produced in the psychological variables in the relatives after the intervention are related to changes in the psychological variables of the patients.
Method: The study sample contained 10 relatives and nine patients. The relatives were assessed before and after the intervention. The evaluation protocol consisted of the BAS, DASS-21, FES, scale of expectations and opinions about the treatment, and a critical incidents log, as well as a focus group. Regarding the data analysis, Student's t-test for related samples was conducted to examine whether there were differences between before and after the intervention, and Cohen's d was calculated as an effect size measure.
Results: Improvements were observed in most of the constructs assessed in the relatives, such as burden, concern, guilt, and depression. The relatives’ level of acceptance and satisfaction with the programme was high. In addition, patients decreased their suicidal behaviour, self-harm, visits to the emergency room, or number of verbal or physical arguments.
Conclusions: The results show the usefulness of the intervention in relatives of people with suicidal behaviour and also confirm its good acceptance by family members. Its efficacy is confirmed, also in patients. This is a population that, has few empirically validated interventions, and none that also analyse the effect of the intervention on patients. Therefore, it is possible to argue that this is a good programme to prevent suicidal behaviour in the family environment.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05157607. Registered 15 December 2021. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05157607?recrs=ab&cntry=ES&draw=2&rank=8
Fourth ventricle stent placement for treatment of type I Chiari malformation in children
Authors: Sun Peng , Zhou Mading , Liu Yutong , Du Jianxin , Zeng Gao
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Type I Chiari malformation (CM-I) is a common congenital malformation, often accompanied by syringomyelia. Obstruction of CSF circulation in the foramen magnum is the reason for the formation of the syringomyelia. A fourth ventricle stent (FVS) could ensure the CSF flow from the fourth ventricle, which might represent an effective approach to achieve syringomyelia relief.
Methods: We have reviewed four cases of CM-I children who received FVS implantation from November 2021 to July 2022. Each of the patients underwent FMD. The ventricular catheter of an Ommaya reservoir (Medtronic, Inc.) was used as a stent. Duraplasty was performed with autologous fascia. Cervical MRI rechecks were routinely done three months later, and the clinical symptoms were followed up.
Results: Four children received FVS, including one boy and three girls, aged from 12 months to 10 years, with a mean age of 6.8 years. No major complication occurred. The syringomyelia or hydrocephalus in each patient were all attenuated, as observed on the reexamination MRI images. During the follow-up time with a mean of 10.8 months, no patient had new symptoms.
Conclusion: FVS is an effective and safe method for operation of CM-1 in children. The indications of FVS include redo-FMD, with obstructive hydrocephalus and difficulties to ensure post-FMD CSF circulation patency at the foramen magnum.
Shearer Reliability Prediction Using Support Vector Machine Based on Chaotic Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Xu Zhipeng , Zhang Xing
Published: November 2022

Shearer reliability is considered as one of the most important indexes in longwall mining production. However, the traditional reliability methods are based on the specific distribution of the failure parameters, which are incongruent in the actual practice. Therefore, a novle shearer reliability prediction method based on support vector machine (SVM) with chaotic particle swarm optimization (CPSO) is proposed. It combines the advantages of the high accuracy of SVM and the fast convergence of CPSO, where the chaos idea is introduced to particle swarm optimization for the particle initialization, inertia weight coefficient optimizing and premature convergence treatment. Then this CPSO is used to select and optimize the important parameters of SVM. Ultimately, the optimized parameters are used to obtain a superior CPSO-SVM method for reliability prediction. To show the effectiveness of the proposed method, two numerical comparisons are designed respectively using the literature data and the actual shearer data from the coal mine enterprise. The research results reveal the prediction accuracy and validity of the proposed method.