bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Statistical analysis plan for a cluster randomised controlled trial to compare screening, feedback and intervention for child anxiety problems to usual school practice: Identifying Child Anxiety Through Schools – identification to intervention (iCATS-i2i)
Authors: Ball Susan , Reardon Tessa , Creswell Cathy , Taylor Lucy , Brown Paul , Ford Tamsin , Gray Alastair , Hill Claire , Jasper Bec , Larkin Michael , Macdonald Ian , Morgan Fran , Pollard Jack , Sancho Michelle , Sniehotta Falko F , Spence Susan H , Stainer Jason , Stallard Paul , Violato Mara , Ukoumunne Obioha C
Published: November 2023

Background: The Identifying Child Anxiety Through Schools – identification to intervention (iCATS-i2i) trial is being conducted to establish whether ‘screening and intervention’, consisting of usual school practice plus a pathway comprising screening, feedback and a brief parent-led online intervention (OSI: Online Support and Intervention for child anxiety), brings clinical and health economic benefits compared to usual school practice and assessment only – ‘usual school practice’, for children aged 8-9 years in (1) the ‘target population’, who initially screen positive for anxiety problems according to a 2-item parent-report child anxiety questionnaire – iCATS-2 and (2) the ‘total population’, comprising all children in participating classes. This article describes the detailed statistical analysis plan for the trial.
Methods and design:iCATS-i2i is a definitive, superiority, pragmatic, school-based cluster randomised controlled trial (with internal pilot), with two parallel groups. Schools are randomised 1:1 to receive either screening and intervention or usual school practice. This article describes: trial objectives and outcomes; statistical analysis principles, including detailed estimand information necessary for aligning trial objectives, conduct, analyses, and interpretation when there are different analysis populations and outcome measures to be considered; planned main analyses, sensitivity and additional analyses.
Trial registration: ISRCTN registry ISRCTN76119074. Registered on 4 January 2022.
Antagomir-21 improve post-MI heart failure by inhibiting myocardial fibrosis and myocardial apoptosis
Authors: Tao Luyuan , Liu Ronghua , Lv Xiao , He Hualing , Song Dongyan , Chen Yanru , Zheng Cheng , Lin Yifan , Xu Que , He Ruilin , Lin Jiafeng
Published: November 2023

Background: Despite a significant improvement in the acute survival rate of myocardial infarction in recent decades, postischemic heart failure (HF) remains a common outcome (around 50%) and is a major cause of hospitalization and death. This study aimed to investigate whether antagomir-21 could ameliorate postischemic heart failure following persistent myocardial infarction, and to explore the underlying mechanism
Methods ：mice were randomly divided into 3 groups: sham group, MI group, MI+antagomir-21 group. At four weeks post-myocardial infarction, we evaluated whether antagomir-21 could improve cardiac function by inhibiting myocardial fibrosis and apoptosis with experimental methods including cardiac ultrasound, Massone staining, WB, and TUNEL staining.
Results: Results indicated that antagomir-21 decreased the expression of p-ERK1/2, caspase-3, caspase-8, TGF-β, Collagen I and Collagen III, thereby inhibiting excessive fibrosis and myocardial apoptosis in mice following persistent myocardial infarction.In mice experiments, antagomir-21 improved cardiac function, as evidenced by an increased ejection fraction and a reduced left ventricular end-diastolic diameter in the MI+antagomir-21 group compared to the MI group.
Conclusions: Taken together, our findings suggest that antagomir-21 could alleviate postischemic heart failure by suppressing excessive fibrosis and myocardial apoptosis.
Exploration of the influence of GOLGA8B on prostate cancer progression and resistance of castration-resistant prostate cancer to cabazitaxel
Authors: Li haopeng , Wang Xin’an , Xu Chengdang , Chen Xi
Published: November 2023

Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is the final stage of prostate cancer (PCa). Cabazitaxel is a taxane chemotherapy drug used in treating CRPC. However, patients with CRPC will eventually develop resistance to cabazitaxel, but the mechanism remains unclear. Here, we aimed to investigate potential genetic alterations that may play a role in CRPC resistance to cabazitaxel. Using RNA-sequence data from GSE158494 dataset, we identified ten critical genes (CXCL8, ITGB8, CLIP4, MAP1B, WIPI1, MMP13, CXCL1, C1S, GOLGA8B, CXCL6) associated with CRPC cell resistance to cabazitaxel. The potential function of these key genes in PCa progression was analyzed using different databases such as Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and Chinese Prostate Cancer Genome and Epigenome Atlas (CPGEA). We found that these genes showed altered expression upon the occurrence of PCa and CRPC. Furthermore, CXCL1and GOLGA8B were found to affect the disease-free survival (DFS) status of patients with PCa. GOLGA8B was also found to affect prognosis in patients with PCa. Additionally, GOLGA8B expression was associated with many types of immune cells infiltration in PCa and was upregulated in clinical PCa and CRPC samples. Using CCK-8 assays, we found that GOLGA8B could also influence the sensitivity of CRPC cells to cabazitaxel and docetaxel. In conclusion, we found that GOLGA8B is an important gene that influences PCa progression and CRPC resistance to cabazitaxel.
Structure of the native γ-Tubulin Ring Complex capping
spindle microtubules
Authors: Barford David , Dendooven Tom , Yatskevich Stanislau , Burt Alister , Bellini Dom , Kilmartin John
Published: November 2023

Microtubules (MTs) are fundamental to cellular architecture, function and organismal development1. MT filaments assemble the mitotic spindle apparatus responsible for chromosome segregation, whereas the MT-based cytoskeletal network mediates dynein and kinesin-based intracellular transport. MTs are formed by the dynamic oligomerization and depolymerization of α/β-tubulin dimers in a head-to-tail fashion, with α-tubulin exposed at the ‘minus’ end of MTs and β-tubulin capping the more dynamic MT ‘plus’ end2. In cells, the large and evolutionary conserved γ-Tubulin Ring Complex (γTuRC) templates efficient MT nucleation from their ‘minus’ end at MT-organizing centres (MTOCs)3–6. Because all known γTuRC structures are devoid of MTs and exhibit an ‘open’, inactive conformation, the molecular mechanism of γTuRC-mediated MT nucleation remains unknown. Here, we used cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) to determine the structure of the native γTuRC capping the minus end of a MT in the context of enriched yeast mitotic spindles. In our structure, γTuRC adopts an active closed conformation to function as a perfect geometric helical template presenting a ring of g-tubulin subunits to seed nucleation of exclusively 13-protofilament microtubules. Our cryo-ET reconstruction also revealed that a novel coiled-coil protein staples the first row of α/β-tubulin molecules directly to alternating positions along the γ-tubulin ring. This positioning of α/β-tubulin onto γTuRC reveals a role for the coiled-coil protein in augmenting γTuRC-mediated microtubule nucleation. Based on our results we describe a molecular model for γTuRC activation and MT nucleation.
Structural characterization of protein transport by the Type 9 Secretion System
Authors: Berks Ben , Lauber Frédéric , Deme Justin , Liu Xiaolong , Kjær Andreas , Miller Helen , Alcock Felicity , Lea Susan
Published: November 2023

Secretion Systems are protein export machines that enable bacteria to exploit their environment through the release of protein effectors. The Type 9 Secretion System (T9SS) is an essential virulence determinant in the oral pathogens responsible for periodontitis and immune dysfunction. We have trapped and structurally characterised the Type 9 translocon in the process of substrate transport. The active translocon is augmented by a large periplasmic structure incorporating a homologue of the canonical periplasmic chaperone Skp. Substrate proteins bind to a carrier protein within the translocon pore and energy is required to release this substrate-carrier protein complex from the translocon. We infer a unique protein transport mechanism in which a carrier protein is used to pull substrate proteins through the translocon using energy from a trans-envelope power chain.
Very-Large-Scale Integrated High-Q Nanoantenna Pixels (VINPix)
Authors: Dolia Varun , Balch Halleh , Dagli Sahil , Abdollahramezani Sajjad , Delgado Hamish Carr , Moradifar Parivash , Chang Kai , Stiber Ariel , Safir Fareeha , Lawrence Mark , Hu Jack , Dionne Jennifer
Published: November 2023

Metasurfaces provide a versatile and compact approach to free-space optical manipulation and wavefront shaping. Comprised of arrays of judiciously-arranged dipolar resonators, metasurfaces precisely control the amplitude, polarization, and phase of light, with applications spanning imaging, sensing, modulation, and computing. Three crucial performance metrics of metasurfaces and their constituent resonators are the quality factor (Q-factor), mode-volume (Vm), and the ability to control far-field radiation. Often, resonators face a trade-off between these parameters: a reduction in Vm leads to an equivalent reduction in Q, albeit with more control over radiation. Here, we demonstrate that this perceived compromise is not inevitable − high-Q, subwavelength Vm, and controlled dipole-like radiation can be achieved, simultaneously. We design high-Q, very-large-scale integrated silicon nanoantenna pixels − VINPix − that combine guided mode resonance waveguides with photonic crystal cavities. With optimized nanoantennas, we achieve Q-factors exceeding 1500 with Vm less than 0.1 (λ/nair)3. Each nanoantenna is individually addressable by free-space light, and exhibits dipole-like scattering to the far-field. Resonator densities exceeding a million nanoantennas per cm2 can be achieved. As a proof-of-concept application, we demonstrate spectrometer-free, spatially localized, refractive-index sensing utilizing VINPix metasurfaces. Our platform provides a foundation for compact, densely multiplexed devices such as spatial light modulators, computational spectrometers, and in-situ environmental sensors.
Peripheral Neuropathy and Nerve Electrophysiological Changes with Enfortumab Vedotin in Patients with Advanced Urothelial Carcinoma: A Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Taoka Rikiya , Kamada Masaki , Izumi Kazuyoshi , Tanimoto Ryuta , Daizumoto Kei , Hayashida Yushi , Uematsu Katsutoshi , Arai Hironobu , Sano Takeshi , Saito Ryoichi , Hirama Hiromi , Kobayashi Toshihiro , Honda Tomoko , Osaki Yu , Abe Yohei , Naito Hirohito , Tohi Yoichiro , Matsuoka yuki , Kato takuma , Okazoe Homare , Ueda Nobufumi , Sugimoto Mikio
Published: November 2023

Background
Enfortumab vedotin is a novel antibody-drug conjugate used as a third-line therapy in the treatment of urothelial cancer. We aimed to elucidate the effect of enfortumab vedotin-related peripheral neuropathy on its efficacy and whether enfortumab vedotin-induced early electrophysiological changes are associated with the onset of peripheral neuropathy.
Methods
Our prospective multicenter cohort study enrolled 34 patients with prior platinum-containing chemotherapy and programmed cell death protein 1/ligand 1 inhibitor-resistant advanced urothelial carcinoma and received enfortumab vedotin. The best overall response, progression-free survival, overall survival, and safety were analyzed. Nerve conduction studies were also performed for 11 patients.
Results
The confirmed overall response rate and disease control rate were 52.9 and 73.5%, respectively, and the median overall progression-free survival and overall survival were 6.9 and 13.5 months during a median follow-up of 8.6 months. Patients with disease control had significantly longer treatment continuation and overall survival than those with uncontrolled disease. Peripheral neuropathy occurred in 12.5% of patients, and the overall response and disease control rates were 83.3 and 100%, respectively, which were higher than those in patients without peripheral neuropathy (p = 0.028 and p = 0.029, respectively). Nerve conduction studies indicated that enfortumab vedotin reduced nerve conduction velocity more markedly in sensory nerves than in motor nerves and the lower limbs than in the upper limbs, with the sural nerve being most affected in patients who developed peripheral neuropathy (p = 0.011).
Conclusion
Our results suggest the importance of focusing on enfortumab vedotin-induced neuropathy of the sural nerve to maximize efficacy and improve safety.
Combining whole plastome and targeted loci data to resolve phylogenetic relationships of Baolia and Corispermoideae (Amaranthaceae s.l.) and exploring morphoanatomical character evolution
Authors: Shuai Liu , Veranso-Libalah Marie Claire , Sukhorukov Alexander P. , Xuegang Sun , Nilova Maya V. , Kushunina Maria , Jannathan Mamut , Zhibin Wen
Published: November 2023

Background
Baolia H.W.Kung & G.L.Chu is a monotypic genus only known in Diebu County, Gansu Province, China. Its systematic position is contradictory, and its morphoanatomical characters deviate from all other Chenopodiaceae. We therefore sequenced and compared the chloroplast genomes of this species, and resolved its phylogenetic position based on both chloroplast genomes and marker sequences.
Results
We sequenced 18 chloroplast genomes of 16 samples from two populations of Baolia bracteata and two Corispermumspecies. These genomes of Baoliaranged in size from 152,499 to 152,508 bp. We also identified between 85 and 87 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) in the chloroplast genomes of B. bracteata. These SSRs were primarily located in the LSC region, and most of them consisted of single-nucleotide A/T repeat sequences. Notably, there were differences in the types and numbers of SSRs between the two populations of B. bracteata. Our phylogenetic analysis, based on both complete chloroplast genomes from 33 species and a combination of three markers (ITS, rbcL, and matK) from 91 species, revealed that Baolia and Corispermoideae (Agriophyllum, Anthochlamys, and Corispermum) form a well-supported clade. This clade was found to be a sister group to Acroglochin. According to our molecular dating results, a major divergence event between Acroglochin, Baolia, and Corispermeae occurred during the Middle Eocene, approximately 46.29–42.12 mya.
Conclusions
Comparing the chloroplast genomes of B. bracteata with those of eleven typical Chenopodioideae and Corispermoideae species, we observed a high overall similarity and a one notable case of inversion of approximately 6,000 bp of DNA segments. We suggest that Corispermoideae should be considered in a broader sense, it includes Corispermeae (core Corispermoideae: Agriophyllum, Anthochlamys, and Corispermum), as well as two new monotypic tribes, Acroglochineae (Acroglochin) and Baolieae (Baolia). In this new circumscription, these three tribes are distantly related morphologically, but Baolieae and Corispermeae do share certain carpological traits.
Evaluation of Diagnostic Apps and Prediction Models for Myocardial Infarction and Other Causes of Chest Pain: Informing Patient Use
Authors: Raman Sasha , Bacher Ian , Fraser Hamish
Published: November 2023

Background: Symptom checker (SC) applications output possible diagnoses based on user’s symptoms. They may influence patients’ care seeking behavior but remain understudied, especially for high-risk diseases including acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
Objective: This study used risk factor and symptom data reported by patients presenting with chest pain to an ED to evaluate the accuracy of Ada, WebMD, and Isabel SCs in diagnosing high-risk, cardiac, and low risk, noncardiac causes of chest pain. We hypothesized (1) SCs would miss cases of AMI, (2)
SCs would over-diagnose AMI in noncardiac, low risk cases.
Methods: From a dataset of 1872 cases of patients with chest pain, fifty high-risk cases (S1) were randomly sampled. 29 cases (S2) were selected as low risk, noncardiac, and included additional noncardiac symptoms and diagnoses. Samples were entered into the SCs, and matches were identified with top 5 app suggestions (M1-M5). SC performance was compared with a logistic regression (LR) model previously trained on the original dataset to predict AMI.
Results:
WebMD: (S1) Acute coronary syndrome (UA and AMI)- 100% sensitive, 13.3% specific, PPV-43.5%, NPV-100%. Identified 100% of AMIs, 100% of UAs. (S2) Identified 24.1% of S2 low risk, noncardiac diagnoses. Suggested AMI first for 34.5% of cases and only nonurgent diagnoses (true negatives) for 3.4% of cases.
Isabel: (S1) ACS - 75% sensitive, 83.3% specific, PPV-75%, NPV-83.3%. Identified 100% AMIs, 44.4% UAs. (S2) Identified 24.1% of S2 noncardiac diagnoses, suggested AMI first for 17.2%, true negatives 0%.
Ada: (S1) ACS - 95% sensitive, 56.7% specific PPV-59.4%, NPV-94.4%. Identified 100% of AMIs, 88.9% of UAs. (S2) Identified 48.3% of S2 noncardiac diagnoses, suggested AMI first for 34.5%, true negatives 17.2%.
LR model: (S1) ACS – 100% sensitive. Suggested ACS for 59% S2 cases. True negative rate (41%) was significantly higher than WMD (3.4%) or Isabel (0%), (P =.001).
Conclusions: All 3 SC apps identified 100% of AMIs in their top 5 suggestions and were highly sensitive to ACS. However, SCs were risk averse and limited in their identification of noncardiac diagnoses in low-risk patients. The LR model had significantly better discrimination with low-risk patients and potential to decrease excess care.
Disentangling the role of social media in the online parrots trade in Algeria
Authors: Nazim Ameziane Idir , Imane Razkallah , Rabah Zebsa , Zinette Bensakhri , Soufyane Bensouilah , Zihad Bouslama , Vincent Nijman , Moussa Houhamdi , Atoussi Sadek
Published: November 2023

The increased use of social media and classified advertisement websites has made wildlife trade more accessible, and the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown may have exacerbated this trend. The purpose of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of wildlife trade in a data-deficient region, where social media platforms are popular ways of exchanging different goods and products. Focussing on Algeria, for one year (January to December 2020), we tracked the pet parrot trade in 12 Facebook groups specialising in the pet bird trade. There were 1143 advertisements for 29 parrot species in total. Six of the identified species were listed on CITES Appendix I and 19 on CITES Appendix II. Our findings indicate that 1460 specimens of the African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus and P. timneh) have been traded during this period. According to average prices calculated when possible, this trade generates at least USD 318163 annually.
Stress-strain curve and elastic behavior of the fibrotic lung with usual interstitial pneumonia pattern during protective mechanical ventilation
Authors: Tonelli Roberto , Rizzoni Raffaella , Grasso Salvatore , Cortegiani Andrea , Ball Lorenzo , Samarelli Anna Valeria , Fantini Riccardo , Bruzzi Giulia , Tabbì Luca , Cerri Stefania , Manicardi Linda , Andrisani Dario , Gozzi Filippo , Castaniere Ivana , Smit Marry R. , Paulus Frederique , Bos Lieuwe D.J. , Clini Enrico , Marchioni Alessandro
Published: November 2023

Background Patients with acute exacerbation of lung fibrosis with usual interstitial pneumonia (AE-ILD-UIP) pattern are at increased risk for ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) and mortality when exposed to mechanical ventilation (MV). Yet, lack of a mechanical model describing UIP-lung deformation during MV represents a research gap. Aim of this study was to develop a constitutive mathematical model for UIP-lung deformation during lung protective MV based on the stress-strain behavior and the specific elastance of patients with AE-ILD-UIP as compared to that of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and healthy lung.Methods Partitioned lung and chest wall mechanics were assessed for patients with AE-ILD-UIP and primary ARDS (1:1 matched based on BMI and PaO2/FiO2 ratio) during a PEEP trial performed within 24 h from intubation. Patient’s stress-strain curve and the lung specific elastance were computed and compared with those of healthy lungs, derived from literature. Respiratory mechanics were used to fit a novel mathematical model of the lung describing mechanical-inflation-induced lung parenchyma deformation, differentiating the contributions of elastin and collagen, the main components of lung extracellular matrix (ECM).Results Five patients with AE-ILD-UIP and 5 matched with primary ARDS were included and analyzed. Global strain was not different at low PEEP between the groups. Specific elastance was significantly higher in AE-ILD-UIP as compared to ARDS (28.9 [24.8–33.2] cmH2O/l versus 11.4 [11.1–14.5] cmH2O/l, respectively). Compared to ARDS and healthy lung, the stress/strain curve of AE-ILD-UIP showed a steeper increase, crossing the VILI threshold risk for strain values greater than 0.55. The contribution of elastin was prevalent at lower strains, while the contribution of collagen was prevalent at large strains. The stress/strain curve for collagen showed an upward shift passing from ARDS and healthy lungs to AE-ILD-UIP lungs.Conclusions During MV, patients with AE-ILD-UIP showed different respiratory mechanics, stress-strain curve and specific elastance as compared to ARDS patients and healthy subjects and may experience VILI even when protective MV is applied. According to our mathematical model of lung deformation during mechanical inflation, the elastic response of UIP-lung is peculiar and different from ARDS. Our data suggest that patients with AE-ILD-UIP experience VILI with ventilatory setting that are lung-protective for patients with ARDS.
Experimental Study of 3D-TableTrix Microcarriers Loaded with Low-dose Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells for the Treatment of Early Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head
Authors: Guo Minzheng , Qi Baochuang , Pei Zijie , Ni Haonan , Ren Junxiao , Luo Huan , Shi Hongxin , Meng Chen , Rao Yu , Tang Zhifang , Pu Luqiao , Xue Qingyun , Xu Yongqing , Li Chuan
Published: November 2023

Background
Early treatment of ONFH (osteonecrosis of the femoral head) has posed a significant challenge for clinicians. Recent attention has been directed towards stem cell therapy, with BMSCs (bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells) emerging as a potential solution for early-stage ONFH due to their unique capabilities. However, traditional cell injection methods have been associated with unsatisfactory results attributed to issues such as mechanical damage during injection, low cell survival rates, limited cell matrix accumulation, and absence of cellular interactions. To address these concerns, this study utilized a novel cell carrier material called 3D-TableTrix Microcarriers capable of loading BMSCs.
Methods
Through imaging, serological, and histological analyses, low-dose BMSC-loaded Microcarriers were intravenously injected into a rat model of early-stage hormone-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Repair outcomes were compared to those obtained from high-dose BMSC injections to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this improved strategy. Additionally, a co-culture system study was conducted, in which human primary osteoblasts were seeded in the lower layer, while 3D-TableTrix Microcarrier-loaded human BMSCs or monolayer-cultured human BMSCs were seeded in the upper layer. Phenotypic analysis of the co-cultured human osteoblasts focused on comparing the effects of different BMSC cultivation methods.
Results
The Microcarriers containing low-dose BMSCs demonstrated comparable repair outcomes to high-dose BMSC injections in the rat model of early-stage hormone-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head, while minimizing the associated risks of high-dose stem cell administration. Furthermore, the co-culture system revealed that the osteoblasts in the 3D group exhibited a superior phenotype compared to the monolayer-cultured group. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis provided insights into the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of 3D Microcarriers loaded with BMSCs in early-stage hormone-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head.
Conclusions
This study confirms that 3D-TableTrix Microcarriers loaded with BMSCs offer a promising cellular therapy for early-stage hormone-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head, potentially achieving efficient treatment outcomes with minimal cell dosages. The improved strategy addresses challenges associated with traditional cell injection methods and highlights the potential of BMSC-loaded Microcarriers to improve the management of early-stage ONFH.
Drivers of regional Australian marine heatwaves on sub-seasonal to seasonal timescales
Authors: Gregory Catherine Hannah , Holbrook Neil J. , Marshall Andrew G , Spillman Claire M
Published: November 2023

As marine heatwaves (MHWs) become more intense and longer lasting due to global warming, understanding the drivers and impacts of these events is crucial for effective marine resource management. This study investigates the influence of El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), Southern Annular Mode (SAM), Sub-Tropical Ridge High (STRH), and Madden Julian Oscillation (MJO) on sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies and MHWs around Australia. The aim of this research is to improve our understanding of the drivers of MHWs on sub-seasonal to seasonal (S2S) timescales, which bridges the gap between short-term weather and interannual to long-term climate variability. By analysing SST anomalies and MHWs characteristics during specific driver phases, a simple MHW hazard index is developed. Our findings support previous research indicating that La Niña plays a role in driving MHWs off the coast of Western Australia and reveals a previously unrecognised connection between ocean warming off Queensland and Tasman Sea low-pressure systems associated with the negative phase of the STRH. Our research emphasizes the importance of considering multiple drivers and their compounding effects on MHWs by showing significant changes to typical La Niña MHW patterns with the additional influence of the MJO. By considering drivers acting in the S2S timescale, forecasts can more accurately capture the timing, intensity, and spatial extent of MHW events within a season. These improved forecasts can enhance the ability of marine managers to adapt and allocate resources based on evolving climate conditions, enabling effective implementation of harm minimisation strategies.
An unusual diarrheal outbreak in the community in Eastern Thailand caused by Norovirus GII.3[P25]
Authors: Udompat Patpong , Srimu Krongkan , Doung-Ngern Pawinee , Thippamom Nattakarn , Petcharat Sininat , Rattanatumhi Khwankamon , Khiewbanyang Sirorat , Taweewigyakarn Pantila , Kripattanapong Somkid , Ninwattana Sasiprapa , Supataragul Ananporn , Sterling Spencer L. , Klungthong Chonticha , Joonlasak Khajohn , Manasatienkij Wudtichai , Cotrone Thomas S , Fernandez Stefan , Wacharapluesadee Supaporn , Putcharoen Opass
Published: November 2023

Background
Sentinel laboratory surveillance for diarrheal disease determined norovirus to be the most common cause of non-bacterial gastroenteritis in people during the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand. An increase in patients presenting with diarrhea and vomiting in hospitals across Chanthaburi province between December 2021 and January 2022 led to the need for the identification of viral pathogens that may be responsible for the outbreak.
Methods
Feces samples (rectal swabs or stool) from 93 patients, of which 65 patients were collected during the December 2021 to January 2022 outbreak, were collected and screened for viral infection by real-time RT-PCR. Positive samples for norovirus GII were then genotyped by targeted amplification and sequencing of partial polymerase and capsid genes. Whole genome sequencing was performed from the predominant strain, GII.3[P25].
Results
Norovirus was the most common virus detected in human fecal samples in this study. 39 of 65 outbreak samples (60%) and 3 of 28 (10%) non-outbreak samples were positive for norovirus genogroup II. One was positive for rotavirus, and one indicated co-infection with rotavirus and norovirus genogroups I and II. Nucleotide sequences of VP1 and RdRp gene were successfully obtained from 28 of 39 positive norovirus GII and used for dual-typing; 25/28 (89.3%) were GII.3, and 24/28 (85.7) were GII.P25, respectively. Norovirus GII.3[P25] was the predominant strain responsible for this outbreak. The whole genome sequence of norovirus GII.3[P25] from our study is the first reported in Thailand and has 98.62% and 98.57% similarity to norovirus found in China in 2021 and USA in 2022, respectively. We further demonstrate the presence of multiple co-circulating norovirus genotypes, including GII.21[P21], GII.17[P17], and unassignable RdRp in GII.3 and GII.4 in our study.
Conclusions
An unusual diarrhea outbreak was found in December 2021 in eastern Thailand. Norovirus strain GII.3[P25] was the cause of the outbreak and was first detected in Thailand. The positive rate during GII.3[P25] outbreak was six times higher than sporadic cases (GII.4), and, atypically, adults were the primary infected population rather than children.
Spinal Muscle Characteristics During Three Different Types of Locomotion Activities among College Students with Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: WANG Xiangbin , GOU Yanyun , TAO Jing , HUANG Jia , HOU Meijin , SUN Yifan , CHEN Xiang
Published: November 2023

Background context:
Physical activities such as walking and climbing stairs are pervasive in human daily life. Individuals with scoliosis frequently encounter dysfunction in their muscle recruitment. Multiple studies have corroborated the presence of muscle dysfunction in individuals diagnosed with scoliosis. However, there is currently a noteworthy research gap regarding the exploration of changes in muscle characteristics and disparities from those observed in individuals without scoliosis during everyday activities, specifically stair climbing.
Purpose
This study aims to examine the unique patterns of muscle activity during daily life in individuals with scoliosis and distinguish the specific differences between scoliosis patients and the healthy controls. The findings of this study are significantly important for the future accurate assessment of scoliosis and the development of rehabilitation treatment plans.
Study design:
Case-control study
Sample size:
28 IS and 28 controls
Outcome measures:
Root Mean Square(RMS), Maximum Voluntary Isometric Contraction(MVIC)%, RMS ratio(RMS convex / RMS concave)
Methods
The surface electromyography (sEMG) device utilized in this study was the Delsys Trigno, which is manufactured in the USA. It has a sampling frequency of 1500Hz. It recorded the activation level, peak contraction, and average activation level of the erector spinae (at T6, T10, and L3 levels), gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, external oblique, and rectus abdominis muscles during three different types of locomotion for both the 28 individuals with IS and the 28 control participants.
Results
The movement patterns of the IS patient significantly differ from those of the normal population during level walking and ascending or descending stairs. In level walking, there is an asymmetry in the activation levels of the T6 and L3 erector spinae muscles, with lower activation on the convex side compared to the concave side. Similarly, during stair ascent, the activation of the T6 and T10 erector spinae muscles is asymmetric, with higher activation on the convex side than the concave side. Moreover, during stair descent, the activation of the T6 erector spinae muscle is asymmetric, with higher activation on the convex side than the concave side.
Conclusions
During level walking and stair activities, IS patients exhibit pronounced abnormal movement patterns that significantly differ from those of the control group. Under different activity conditions such as level walking, ascending and descending stairs, IS patients demonstrate abnormal muscle activation in different segments of the spine. It is crucial for clinicians to prioritize the symmetry of muscle activation in the spinal region of IS patients and consider incorporating symmetry training for these muscles.
Dynamical phase-field model of cavity electromagnonic systems
Authors: Hu Jia-Mian , Zhuang Shihao , Zhong Changchun , Jiang Liang , Zhang Xufeng
Published: November 2023

Cavity electromagnonic system, which simultaneously consists of cavities for microwave photons, magnons (quanta of spin waves), and acoustic phonons, provides an exciting platform to achieve coherent energy transduction among different physical systems down to single quantum level. Here we report a dynamical phase-field model that allows simulating the coupled dynamics of the electromagnetic waves, magnetization, and strain in 3D electromagnonic systems which have previously not been considered together. As examples of application, we computationally demonstrate the excitation of hybrid magnon-photon modes (magnon polaritons), Floquet-induced magnonic Aulter-Townes splitting, dynamical energy exchange (Rabi oscillation) and relative phase control (Ramsey interference) between the two magnon polariton modes. The simulation results are well consistent with analytical calculations based on Floquet Hamiltonian theory. With the capability to predict coupling strength, dissipation rates, and temporal evolution of photon/magnon/phonon mode profiles using only fundamental materials parameters as inputs, the present dynamical phase-field model represents a critically needed computational tool to guide and accelerate the fabrication of the cavity electromagnonic system and the design of operating conditions for applications in quantum sensing, transduction, and communication.
Aggregation of partial T-indistinguishability operators: An application for the image recognition
Authors: Güner Elif
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we first define the concept of residual domination which is more strong than the notion of domination. Then, we investigate how to combine a collection of partial indistinguishability operators into a single one by means of residual domination. Then, we give an application of the proposed aggregation technique to the detection of an image by the robots.
EGFR and MMP7 are important targets for gastric cancer metastasis
Authors: Ding Biran , Wan Yiqiu , Wu Yao , Zhang Zhan , Ma Ying , Wang Zuo , Jiang Runqiu
Published: November 2023

The invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer pose frequent clinical challenges following standard treatment. Investigating the molecular mechanisms underpinning gastric cancer invasion and metastasis constitutes a critical research area. This study aims to pinpoint potential target molecules involved in gastric cancer metastasis. After analyzing the TCGA database, we identified overexpression of EGFR and MMP7 in gastric adenocarcinoma, which correlates with unfavorable patient outcomes. Notably, MMP7 expression is closely linked to gastric adenocarcinoma metastasis. Immunohistochemical analysis of clinical gastric adenocarcinoma tissue samples confirmed the association of both EGFR and MMP7 with metastasis, aligning with the findings from bioinformatics analysis. Moreover, our immunohistochemical results revealed a positive correlation between EGFR and MMP7 expression, providing a foundational basis for future endeavors in searching for drug targets to prevent and treat gastric cancer invasion and metastasis.
Domestic Violence Among Women Attending Primary Health Care Centers: Effect on Their Mental and Physical Well-Being, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Wali Razaz , Allhybi Abdulaziz K , Alqerafi Ahmed , Sagim Renad A , Hawsawi Tahani , Malibari Waleed
Published: November 2023

Background
Domestic violence (DV) is a global public health issue and a violation of human rights, affecting one-third of women worldwide. DV survivors often face long-term physical, mental, and psychological health consequences but struggle to disclose such incidents for cultural, personal, or institutional reasons. This study aimed to assess the impact of DV on the well-being of Saudi women attending National Guard Primary Health Care centers.
Methods
A cross-sectional study in the National Guard Primary Health Care Clinics in the western region of Saudi Arabia was conducted from 2022 to 2023. A convenient sampling method was used. The study employed the Norvold Domestic Abuse Questionnaire (NorAQ) to measure the extent of physical, psychological, and sexual abuse among women. In total, 1813 female participants between the ages of 14 and 65 years who met the inclusion criteria were included, and they completed the questionnaire. SPSS (Statistical Package Social Sciences) version 24.0 was used to analyze the data.
Results
The study included 1813 Saudi women with a mean age of 32.2 years. A significant association (p < 0.05) was found between different types of abuse and poor overall health. Women who reported psychological abuse were 56% less likely to report good health than those who did not experience psychological abuse. Similarly, physically abused women were 52% less likely to have good health, while sexually abused women were 41% less likely to report good health. The study also showed a significant association between psychological abuse and depression, insomnia, and feelings of carelessness, with odds ratios of 4.34, 3.22, and 3.37, respectively. Additionally, physical abuse was significantly linked to increased hospital visits, the need for psychological help, depression, and insomnia, with odds ratios of 1.31, 2.78, 3.32, and 2.61, respectively. Furthermore, the study identified a significant association between sexual abuse and the need for psychological help, depression, insomnia, and feelings of carelessness, with odds ratios of 1.82, 2.42, 1.73, and 2.69, respectively.
Conclusion
Raising public awareness about the adverse effects of abuse on women's physical and mental well-being is crucial. Additionally, it is essential to provide primary care physicians with adequate training to identify and address cases of abuse effectively.
Error estimation in current noisy quantum computers
Authors: Aseguinolaza Unai , Sobrino Nahual , Sobrino Gabriel , Jornet-Somoza Joaquim , Borge Juan
Published: November 2023

One of the main important features of the noisy intermediate-scale quantum(NISQ) era is the correct evaluation and consideration of errors. In this paper, we analyze the main sources of errors in current (IBM) quantum computers and we present a useful tool (TED-qc) designed to facilitate the total error probability expected for any quantum circuit. We propose this total error probability as the best way to estimate a lower bound for the fidelity in the NISQ era, avoiding the necessity of comparing the quantum calculations with any classical one. In order to contrast the robustness of our tool we compute the total error probability that may occur in three different quantum models: 1) the Ising model, 2) the Quantum-Phase Estimation (QPE), and 3) the Grover’s algorithm. For each model, the main quantities of interest are computed and benchmarked against the reference simulator’s results as a function of the error probability for a representative and statistically significant sample size. The analysis is satisfactory in more than the 99% of the cases. In addition, we study how error mitigation techniques are able to eliminate the noise induced during the measurement. These results have been calculated for the IBM quantum computers, but both the tool and the analysis can be easily extended to any other quantum computer.
Genotyping of VP6 and NSP4 genes and molecular characterization of NSP4 gene of unusual Rotavirus group A isolated from children with acute gastroenteritis
Authors: Dellis Charilaos , Tatsi Elizabeth-Barbara , Koukou Dimitra-Maria , Filippatos Filippos , Vetouli Evangelia-Eirini , Michos Athanasios , syriopouou Vasiliki
Published: November 2023

Group A Rotavirus (RVA), which causes acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in children worldwide, is categorized mainly based on VP7 (genotype G) and VP4 (genotype P) genes. Genotypes that circulate at < 1% are considered unusual. Important genes are also VP6 (genotype I) and NSP4 (genotype E). VP6 establishes the group and affects immunogenicity, while NSP4, as enterotoxin, is responsible for the clinical symptoms. Aim of this study was to genotype the VP6 and NSP4 genes and molecularly characterize the NSP4 gene of unusual RVA. Unusual RVA strains extracted from fecal samples of children ≤ 16 years with AGE, were genotyped in VP6 and NSP4 genes with Sanger sequencing. Phylogenetics was performed using MEGA 11. In a 15-year period (2007–2021), 54.8% (34/62) of unusual RVA were successfully I and E genotyped. Three different I and E genotypes were identified; I2 (73.5%, 25/34) and E2 (35.3%, 12/34) were the commonest. E3 genotype was detected from 2017 onwards. The uncommon combination of I2-E3 was found in 26.5%(9/34) of the strains and G3-P[9]-I2-E3 was the most frequent G-P-I-E combination (20.6%,7/34). Statistical analysis showed that children infected with E2 strains had a higher relative frequency of dehydration(50%) compared to those with E3 genotype(p = 0.019). Multiple substitutions were detected in NSP4, but their functional effect remains unknown. The results indicate the genetic diversity of RVA strains. Continuous surveillance of the RVA based on the whole genome will provide a better knowledge of its evolution.
Estimated Tsunami Arrival Times for the Ambon Bay Area, Indonesia: Linking Tsunami Hazards Information to the City’s Evacuation Readiness
Authors: Puturuhu Ferad , Syamsidik Syamsidik , Oktari Rina Suryani , Al’ala Musa , Renaldi Teuku Andri , Khalqillah Aulia , Pakoksung Kwanchai , Suppasri Anawat
Published: November 2023

The Ambon Bay Area, with the current population of around 350,000 in Ambon City located along the Bay, has a central function from the perspectives of geography and economic activities in Eastern Indonesia, but also the Bay is surrounded by a number of tectonic and non-tectonic tsunami sources, with insufficient information that could be integrated into a city-wide evacuation procedure for Ambon City. This study is aimed at estimating tsunami arrival times based on deterministic tsunami modeling, assessing tsunami evacuation readiness of the communities and inland facilities for city-wide evacuation. Two main methods are applied in this research, first by simulating a numerically deterministic model of a tsunami, and second by assessing the community’s perceptions on their readiness to evacuate should any tsunami happen. Tsunami simulations were performed using the Cornell Multi-Grid Coupled Tsunami Model (COMCOT). Bathymetry data were taken from GEBCO and Admiralty charts published by PUSHIDROSAL (Hydro-Oceanographic Center, Indonesian Navy). The simulations took four historical tsunamis sources, namely from Tanimbar trough (two events), Weber Sea, and from Banda Detachment. The results show that the shortest arrival time was around 37 minutes and it was indicated at the eastern part of the bay. Meanwhile, at some major populated areas around the bay, the shortest arrival times were between 42 and 56 minutes. However, tsunami evacuation routes in the city have not been fully identified. Only one siren tower is available and it is not enough to reach the whole city area, and only around 20% of the research respondents have participated in tsunami evacuation drills. Most of the respondents were obtained for the tsunami awareness information from places of worship. Essentially, concerns are over the absence of emergency traffic management facilities and insufficient tsunami early warning facilities (such as sirens).
Theoretical study and microcontroller implementation of a non-smooth electromechanical system actuated by a Rayleigh-Duffing oscillator
Authors: Foguem Prosper Kounchie , Nkengne Steve Tchassem , Kingni Sifeu Takougang , Woafo Paul
Published: November 2023

This paper deals with the theoretical and experimental studies of non-smooth electromechanical system (EMS) actuated by Rayleigh-Duffing oscillator (RDO). The RDO exhibits sinusoidal and triangular signals depending on its nonlinear coefficient. The rate-equations of EMS under study are derived thanks to the Kirchhoff and Newton second laws. Based on the Routh-Hurwitz criterion, the stability of the two equilibrium points found are reported where one is unconditionally unstable and other one is stable or unstable based on systems parameters. The influence of the variation of the system parameters on the dynamics of the EMS is numerically studied by using the amplitude curves of the current and displacement of the EMS. Numerical results show that when the RDO excites the EMS with a sinusoidal signal, the movement of the EMS is either periodic oscillations or chaotic oscillations depending on the value of the elasticity coefficient. When the RDO excites the EMS with triangular signal, relaxation oscillations, periodic bursting oscillations or chaotic bursting oscillations are observed in the EMS depending on the value of the elasticity coefficient. The numerical analysis results are confirmed by the microcontroller implementation of EMS actuated by RDO.
An integrated and flexible ultrasonic device for continuous bladder volume monitoring
Authors: Beker Levent , Toymus Alp , Yener Umut , Bardakçı Emine , Temel Özgür Deniz , Köseoğlu Ersin , Akçören Dinçay , Eminoğlu Burak , Ali Mohsin , Tarcan Tufan
Published: November 2023

Bladder volume measurement is critical for early detection and management of lower urinary tract dysfunctions. Current gold standard is invasive, and alternative technologies either require trained personnel or do not offer medical grade information. Here, we report an integrated wearable ultrasonic bladder volume monitoring (UBVM) device for accurate and autonomous continuous monitoring of the bladder volume. The device incorporates flexible and air-backed ultrasonic transducers and miniaturized control electronics with wireless data transmission capability. We demonstrated the real-life application of the device on healthy volunteers with various bladder shapes and sizes with high accuracy. Apart from the lower urinary tract dysfunctions, the proposed technology could also be adapted for various wearable ultrasonic applications.
A systematic analysis of supply chain risk management literature: 2012-2021
Authors: Zhu Xiaoxin , Wen Zhimin , Regan David , Zhu Jiahui
Published: November 2023

Supply chain risk management (SCRM) has come into focus in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw severe disruption in supply chains (SC) across the globe. So as to secure SCs, insulate them as much as possible from certain risks, and mitigate the severity of the consequences of disruptions, such as those that occur during pandemics, researchers and policy makers need to be abreast of developments in the field of SCRM. This study selected hot and frequently cited papers of WoS from the last 10 years for analysis, performing quantitative visualization analysis so as to establish what the current trends are within the field. Additionally, further attention was paid to those studies that specifically focused on the impact of COVID-19 on SCs. This study used a keyword timeline and clustering analysis map to establish what the main research directions in SCRM were between the years 2012 to 2018, as well as the perspectives from which SC optimization was studied from 2018 to 2021. The key journals and research institutions for SCRM are established, as well as the key categories that the published literature falls under. Cluster analysis shows which areas in the published literature have the most references. Further, the study establishes the direction of current trends within SCRM research, such as those concerning the integration of blockchain technology, and SC designs with low ‘certainty’ requirements, and suggests developing an innovative perspective with regards to SC disruption management. Finally, the study finds that understudied areas of SCRM include the correlations between supply chain resilience and sustainability, the environmental and social dimensions of designing sustainable SC networks, and the lack of focus on the supply chains of low-demand items and SMEs (small and medium-size enterprises).