bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two‐sample inference procedures under nonproportional hazards
Authors: Tai Yi‐Cheng , Wang Weijing , Wells Martin T.
Published: July 2023

We introduce a new two‐sample inference procedure to assess the relative performance of two groups over time. Our model‐free method does not assume proportional hazards, making it suitable for scenarios where nonproportional hazards may exist. Our procedure includes a diagnostic tau plot to identify changes in hazard timing and a formal inference procedure. The tau‐based measures we develop are clinically meaningful and provide interpretable estimands to summarize the treatment effect over time. Our proposed statistic is a U‐statistic and exhibits a martingale structure, allowing us to construct confidence intervals and perform hypothesis testing. Our approach is robust with respect to the censoring distribution. We also demonstrate how our method can be applied for sensitivity analysis in scenarios with missing tail information due to insufficient follow‐up. Without censoring, Kendall's tau estimator we propose reduces to the Wilcoxon‐Mann–Whitney statistic. We evaluate our method using simulations to compare its performance with the restricted mean survival time and log‐rank statistics. We also apply our approach to data from several published oncology clinical trials where nonproportional hazards may exist.
A case of tracheobronchopathia ostochondorplastica
Authors: Mehta Asmita A. , Ashok Aditya , Haridas Nithya , Kunoor Akhilesh , Yesodharan Jyotsana
Published: July 2023

Key message

Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica (TO) is a disorder caused by the accumulation of calcium phosphate in the submucosa of large airways. Benign proliferation of bone and cartilage lead to the narrowing of airways. Bronchoscopy is the diagnostic test for TO. It shows characteristic smooth nodules emerging from tracheal rings that never involves the posterior membranous wall.
Multidimensional assessment of regional inequality toward sustainable development
Authors: Yang Zhenshan , Fu Runde , Zhu Jiang , Sun Dongqi
Published: July 2023

Considering various challenges and complexity in sustainable development, there is a need to enhance our understanding of the multidimensionality of spatial inequality (SI). This study proposed a multidimensional equality development index and empirically examined this using a case study of China. The dominant mode of SI has gradually changed from coastal–inland inequality to core–marginal inequality. The five dimensions of SI—economic vitality, innovation capacity, green growth capacity, social amenities, and inclusion and natural amenity—are correlated, and inequality in innovation capacity and economic vitality are major contributors to overall SI in China. A catching‐up effect in development exists across cities. The multidimensional inequalities are rooted in a geographical context and related to size, leading to differentiated evolutionary paths and trends. The proposed multidimensional assessment framework can be applied to other countries to reveal the complexity of inequality and enable the identification and management of barriers.
The Lupus Band Test: A Review of the Sensitivity and Specificity in the Diagnosis of Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Ní Maolcatha Sarah , Nic Dhonncha Ellis , O’Connor Cathal , Dinneen Sinead , Heffron Cynthia C. B. B.
Published: July 2023

Background

The lupus band test (LBT) is a direct immunofluorescence (DIF) technique which shows a band of localised immunoglobulins at the dermo-epidermal junction in lesional, non-sun-exposed skin of patients with both systemic and cutaneous lupus erythematosus (LE), and in perilesional skin of patients with systemic LE. However, low sensitivity and poor concordance between histological and clinical diagnoses warrant a review of the application of the LBT in the diagnosis of LE.

Objectives

To assess the sensitivity and specificity of the LBT in diagnosing LE following clinico-pathological correlation (CPC).

Methods

All cases sent to our pathology department between 2011 and 2018 for DIF with a clinical query of LE were reviewed. Data collection included demographic details, pathology requests, histology and DIF reports, clinical reports and diagnoses, and serology.

Results

Of 256 histology requests, 9% (n = 23) had a positive LBT. This was discordant with the prevalence of LE diagnosis, as 46.3% were diagnosed with LE following CPC. The sensitivity and specificity of the LBT for LE was 17.6% and 98.8% respectively, with a positive predictive value of 92.9% and negative predictive value of 58.2%.

Conclusion

The LBT is not a sensitive diagnostic test for LE, but is highly specific, and should be considered as a supportive diagnostic tool for LE. This is the largest reported case series evaluating the efficacy of the LBT in the diagnosis of LE.
A New Antioxidant with Higher Activity at Elevated Temperature Based on Multiple Intramolecular Synergisms
Authors: Yu Shasha
Published: July 2023

A new type of multifunctional antioxidant RSSPD was designed through combining four different antioxidant fragments. Pressure differential scanning calorimetry (PDSC) tests show that RSSPD has outstanding antioxidative activity especially at high temperature compared with both the traditional antioxidants and our reported antioxidant SSPD. From the comparison with different related formulations and the density functional theory (DFT) calculations, a complicated intramolecular synergism mechanism is proposed. The intramolecular synergism between different primary antioxidants and the intramolecular synergism between primary antioxidants and secondary antioxidants can be considered as the main reasons for the high antioxidative activity of RSSPD.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Dyes Present in Industrial Effluents: A Review
Authors: Islam Merajul , Kumar Sanjive , Saxena Neha , Nafees Amina
Published: July 2023

Photocatalytic degradation has recently emerged as an environmentally friendly and cost‐effective strategy for treating dye‐contaminated water existing in the environment that has detrimental effects on the natural ecosystem and also affects human health. In this review article, the authors aim to provide an overview of the latest developments in photocatalysis processes for the purpose of dye degradation in industrial effluents. For this purpose, the photocatalyst materials are mainly classified into three generations: the first generation (1G), the second generation (2G), and the third generation (3G). The phenomena such as mass transfer, efficiency of the photo‐Fenton process, minimizing electron‐hole recombination, reducing pollution that is supplementary to byproducts, preventing inactivation due to poisoning, etc. are analyzed in depth to get efficient photocatalytic degradation of dye‐contaminated wastewater. A brief discussion on photocatalytic fuel cell technology and the simultaneous production of sustainable and renewable energy is emphasized. A more realistic approach for assessing the efficacy of various generations of photocatalysts in the process of dye degradation has been highlighted. This review article aims to examine the challenges and uncertainties associated with dye degradation in the photocatalytic process as well as provide a conceptual framework for the widespread implementation of this technology.
Si/Organic Integrated Narrowband Near‐Infrared Photodetector
Authors: Xu Zhuhua , Sun Chuying , Min Siyi , Ye Zilong , Zhao Cong , Li Jingzhou , Liu Zhenghao , Liu Youdi , Li Wen‐Di , Tang Man‐Chung , Song Qinghua , Fu H.Y. , Kang Feiyu , Li Jiangyu , Shen Yang , Yu Cunjiang , Wei Guodan
Published: July 2023

Spectrally selective narrowband photodetection is critical for near‐infrared (NIR) imaging applications, such as for communicationand night‐vision utilities. It is a long‐standing challenge for detectors based on silicon, to achieve narrowband photodetection without integrating any optical filters. Here, this work demonstrates a NIR nanograting Si/organic (PBDBT‐DTBT:BTP‐4F) heterojunction photodetector (PD), which for the first time obtains the full‐width‐at‐half‐maximum (FWHM) of only 26 nm and fast response of 74 µs at 895 nm. The response peak can be successfully tailored from 895 to 977 nm. The sharp and narrow response NIR peak is inherently attributed to the coherent overlapping between the NIR transmission spectrum of organic layer and diffraction enhanced absorption peak of patterned nanograting Si substrates. The finite difference time domain (FDTD) physics calculation confirms the resonant enhancement peaks, which is well consistent with the experiment results. Meanwhile, the relative characterization indicates that the introduction of the organic film can promote carrier transfer and charge collection, facilitating efficient photocurrent generation. This new device design strategy opens up a new window in developing low‐cost sensitive NIR narrowband detection.
Texas hunters' attitudes toward wild pigs (Sus scrofa) and their management: an applied approach for wildlife managers
Authors: Jaebker Lauren M. , Bright Alan D. , Ellis Hailey E. , Tomeček John M. , Frank Maureen G. , Connally Rachael L. , Shwiff Stephanie A. , Carlisle Keith M.
Published: July 2023

Choosing and executing a wild pig management strategy is often a considerable challenge for wildlife managers due to the wide variety of potential strategies and stakeholder preferences. Our research aims to understand management preferences for and tolerance of wild pigs among Texas resident hunters within 8 managerial districts of Texas. We applied the Potential for Conflict Index (PCI2) to estimate potential management preference conflicts within each district. From 24,201 questionnaires completed in 2019, we found that, on average, 74% of respondents across all management actions in each district were found to be acceptable. Resident respondents were overall intolerant of wild pigs and were least tolerant in the San Angelo district. Study findings are useful in informing socially acceptable and contextually appropriate wild pig management plans. Our research serves as an approach that matches the units of analysis with the units of management for decision‐making.
Vectorlike leptons and long-lived bosons at the LHC
Authors: Bernreuther Elias , Dobrescu Bogdan A.
Published: July 2023

Abstract

We study a renormalizable theory that includes a heavy weak-singlet vectorlike lepton, τ′, that decays into a pseudoscalar boson and a tau lepton. We show that this can be the dominant decay mode of τ′ provided the pseudoscalar couplings deviate from the case of a Nambu-Goldstone boson. For a range of parameters, the pseudoscalar is long-lived, and mainly decays into a photon pair at one loop, or into a tau pair at tree level. Electroweak production of τ′+τ′− leads to a rich phenomenology at colliders, including signals with many taus or photons. We analyze in detail the LHC signal involving two prompt taus and two displaced photon pairs. Particularly interesting is the case where the pseudoscalar has a decay length of a few meters and thus would typically deposit energy in the muon chambers of the CMS or ATLAS detectors.
Gluing AdS/CFT
Authors: Kawamoto Taishi , Ruan Shan-Ming , Takayanagi Tadashi
Published: July 2023

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate gluing together two Anti-de Sitter (AdS) geometries along a timelike brane, which corresponds to coupling two brane field theories (BFTs) through gravitational interactions in the dual holographic perspective. By exploring the general conditions for this gluing process, we show that the energy stress tensors of the BFTs backreact on the dynamical metric in a manner reminiscent of the TTbar deformation. In particular, we present explicit solutions for the three-dimensional case with chiral excitations and further construct perturbative solutions with non-chiral excitations.
Counting operators in N = 1 supersymmetric gauge theories
Authors: Delgado Antonio , Martin Adam , Wang Runqing
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Following a recent publication, in this paper we count the number of independent operators at arbitrary mass dimension in N = 1 supersymmetric gauge theories and derive their field and derivative content. This work uses Hilbert series machinery and extends a technique from our previous work on handling integration by parts redundancies to vector superfields. The method proposed here can be applied to both abelian and non-abelian gauge theories and for any set of (chiral/antichiral) matter fields. We work through detailed steps for the abelian case with single flavor chiral superfield at mass dimension eight, and provide other examples in the appendices.
T1,1 truncation on the spindle
Authors: Amariti Antonio , Petri Nicolò , Segati Alessia
Published: July 2023

Abstract

We study the compactification of the 𝒩 = 2 AdS5 consistent truncation of the conifold, in presence of a Betti vector multiplet, on the spindle. We derive the BPS equations and solve them at the poles, computing the central charge for both the twist and the anti-twist class, turning on the magnetic charge associated to the baryonic symmetry. Then, in the anti-twist class, where there are choices of the quantized flux that give origin to a positive central charge, we numerically solve the BPS equations interpolating between the poles of the spindle. We conclude by comparing our results with the one obtained from the analysis of the dual field theory, finding an exact agreement.
The association of sociodemographic characteristics with work disability trajectories during and following long-term psychotherapy: a longitudinal register study
Authors: Selinheimo Sanna , Gluschkoff Kia , Kausto Johanna , Turunen Jarno , Koskinen Aki , Väänänen Ari
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This register-based study examined the trajectories of depression or anxiety disorder-related work disability during and following long-term psychotherapy and identified sociodemographic factors that indicate membership in different trajectory groups.

Methods

Data were drawn from national registers (Statistics Finland, Social Insurance Institution of Finland). Participants included a random sample of Finnish working-age individuals (18–55 years) who started psychotherapy treatment between 2011 and 2014 and were followed for 5 years: 1 year before and 4 years after the onset of psychotherapy (N = 3 605 individuals; 18 025 person-observations across five time points). Group-based trajectory modeling was applied to assign individuals to work disability trajectories by the number of annual mental health-related work disability months. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine the associations between trajectory group membership and baseline sociodemographic factors of age, gender, occupational status, and geographical area of residence.

Results

Four mental health-related work disability trajectories were identified: stable very low (72%), decrease (11%), persistent low (9%) and persistent high (7%). Those with older age, female gender, lower occupational status, and living in sparsely populated geographical areas were more likely to belong to the most unfavorable trajectory group of persistent high work disability. The presence of multiple risk characteristics substantially increased the probability of belonging to the most adverse trajectory group.

Conclusions

Sociodemographic factors were associated with the course of mental health-related work disability in association with psychotherapy. Rehabilitative psychotherapy does not function as an equal support resource for work ability in all parts of the population.
Development and experimental verification of the new WHA sinters intended for kinetic energy projectiles
Authors: Goroch Olgierd , Gulbinowicz Zbigniew , Magier Mariusz , Bednarczyk Ewa , Skoczylas Paweł , Pankowski Zygmunt , Sweklej Pawel , Zochowski Pawel , Jedrzejewski Wieslaw
Published: July 2023

Depleted uranium (DU) and tungsten heavy alloys (WHA) are commonly used as kinetic energy projectiles penetrators due to their excellent properties such as remarkably high density and strength which significantly affect their armor penetration capabilities. This article presents the results of laboratory and field tests of the new WHA sinter which summarize the results of a development project intended to increase the strength of the above-mentioned sinters used in the production of kinetic ammunition. The alloy with the composition W91–6Ni–3Co was used for the tests. The obtained alloy was subjected to cold swaging deformation with reduction of 25%. The parameters of individual technological processes were determined based on previous research. These studies concerned the impact of the degree of cold swaging deformation on the mechanical properties of the 91W–6Ni–3Co alloy. The above-mentioned work presents the results of UTS test, Charpy impact strength measurement, hardness and microhardness measurement, and the results of WHA microscopic observations in two states: after heat treatment and the final state after cold swaging deformation with reduction of: 25%. The next purpose of the research was to check the strength and functioning of the new WHA rods used in 120 mm sub-caliber projectiles. This examination was crucial for the completion of this research project, and its results enabled a synthesis of laboratory results and experimental tests.
On the summability and convergence of formal solutions of linear q-difference-differential equations with constant coefficients
Authors: Ichinobe Kunio , Michalik Sławomir
Published: July 2023

We consider the Cauchy problem for homogeneous linear q-difference-differential equations with constant coefficients. We characterise convergent, k-summable and multisummable formal power series solutions in terms of analytic continuation properties and growth estimates of the Cauchy data. We also introduce and characterise sequences preserving summability, which make a very useful tool, especially in the context of moment differential equations.
New insights into the diversity and ecology of benthic hydroids (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa) from the Ross Sea (Antarctica)
Authors: Peña Cantero Álvaro L.
Published: July 2023

Hydrozoans are recognized as one of the main and most characteristic zoological groups of the Antarctic benthos, despite the fact that there are still large Antarctic areas where the hydrozoan fauna is completely unknown or poorly known (e.g., the Admunsen Sea and Mary Byrd Land, in West Antarctica, and Queen Maud Land and Enderby Land, in East Antarctica). The present study contributes to a better understanding of the Ross Sea benthic hydroid fauna by studying material collected through several New Zealand expeditions mostly with RV Tangaroa. The Ross Sea includes the world’s largest marine-protected area (MPA) and is of considerable biological value and importance for scientific research. Although some parts of the Ross Sea shelf have been intensively sampled, others have not, including deeper parts of the continental shelf and the slope. Forty species were found, belonging to 15 families and 19 genera. Six species, including Eudendrium megaloarmatus sp. nov., Nemertesia gelida sp. nov., Schizotricha frigida sp. nov., Symplectoscyphus pseudofrondosus sp. nov. and Symplectoscyphus tortuosus sp. nov., represent new records, bringing the number of known species in the Ross Sea to 84. Leptothecata is dominant, with 35 species, while Anthoathecata is represented by five species. Symplectoscyphidae is the most diversified family with 12 species (30%), and Symplectoscyphus is the most speciose genus with nine species (23%). Three main hydroid assemblages have been found in the studied area, two with a wide bathymetric range and relatively high species diversity, and a third with a narrow and deep bathymetric range and remarkably low hydroid diversity. The hydroid fauna is dominated by species with a wide bathymetric distribution and virtually all species are restricted to Antarctic or Antarctic/sub-Antarctic waters, with 70% endemic to the Antarctic region.
A test of adaptive strategy theory using fifteen years of change in coral abundance
Authors: Kuo Chao-Yang , Pratchett Morgan S. , Madin Joshua S. , Baird Andrew H.
Published: July 2023

Universal Adaptive Strategy Theory aims to predict how taxa and assemblages respond to disturbances on the basis of adaptive strategy group (ASG) membership. Here, we test such predictions using the adaptive strategy scheme for reef-building corals developed by Darling et al. (Ecol Lett 15:1378–1386, 2012) and a long-term dataset of coral assemblage structure from inshore reefs on the central Great Barrier Reef. Several disturbances including mass bleaching and tropical storms were recorded in this 15-year interval from 1998 to 2013. ASG membership did not predict how a given taxon responded to disturbance. In fact, all ASGs were on average equally affected by bleaching and a period of multiple disturbances. Furthermore, there were no consistent winners at these sites in response to the 1998 bleaching in contrast to previous work suggesting clear hierarchies in susceptibility to bleaching. In conclusion, while further efforts to re-evaluate the utility of ASGs for reef corals should be encouraged our results and a re-examination of the literature suggests that direct trait-based approaches might prove more useful when exploring how corals respond to disturbance.
Evaluating the oncological safety of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced colon carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials and propensity-matched studies
Authors: Davey Matthew G. , Amir Amira H. , Ryan Odhrán K. , Donnelly Mark , Donlon Noel E. , Regan Mark , Meshkat Babak , Nugent Emmeline , Joyce Myles , Hogan Aisling M.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for locally advanced colon cancer (LACC) remains controversial. An integrated analysis of data from high-quality studies may inform the long-term safety of NAC for this cohort. Our aim was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials (RCTs) and propensity-matched studies to assess the oncological safety of NAC in patients with LACC.

Methods

A systematic review was performed as per preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Survival was expressed as hazard ratios using time-to-effect generic inverse variance methodology, while surgical outcomes were expressed as odds ratios (ORs) using the Mantel-Haenszel method. Data analysis was performed using Review Manager version 5.4.

Results

Eight studies (4 RCTs and 4 retrospective studies) including 31,047 patients with LACC were included. Mean age was 61.0 years (range: 19–93 years) and mean follow-up was 47.6 months (range: 2–133 months). Of those receiving NAC, 4.6% achieved a pathological complete response and 90.6% achieved R0 resection (versus 85.9%, P < 0.001). At 3 years, patients receiving NAC had improved disease-free survival (DFS) (OR: 1.28, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02–1.60, P = 0.030) and overall survival (OS) (OR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.10–2.81, P = 0.020). When using time-to-effect modelling, a non-significant difference was observed for DFS (HR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.57–1.09, P = 0.150) while a significant difference in favour of NAC was observed for OS (HR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.58–0.98, P = 0.030).

Conclusion

This study highlights the oncological safety of NAC for patients being treated with curative intent for LACC using RCT and propensity-matched studies only. These results refute current management guidelines which do not advocate for NAC to improve surgical and oncological outcomes in patients with LACC.

Trial registration

International
Prospective Register of Systematic Review (PROSPERO) registration: CRD4202341723.
Clinicopathological features and management of biliary cystic tumors of the liver: a single-center experience
Authors: El-Magd El-Sayed Abou , El-Shobari Mohamed , Abdelsalam Ramy A. , Abbas Amr , Elmahdy Youssif , Hamed Hosam
Published: July 2023

Background

Biliary cystic neoplasms (BCNs) of the liver are rare pathologies encountered in hepatobiliary surgeries. Till now, there is a lack of definitive criteria used to differentiate biliary cystadenoma (BCA) from biliary cystadenocarcinoma (BCAC).

Methods

In the period between 2005 and 2018, the data of consecutive patients diagnosed with BCA and BCAC were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

A total of 62 patients underwent surgical management for BCNs. BCA was diagnosed in 50 patients while 12 patients had BCAC. Old age, male gender, smoking, and abdominal pain were strongly associated with BCAC. Left lobe location, small size, with the presence of mural nodule, and solid component were significantly noticed with BCAC. A novel pre-operative score was developed to predict the susceptibility for BCAC and help us to identify the optimal surgical strategy. Blood loss, operative time, and complications were comparable between the two study groups.

Conclusion

Mural nodules or solid components are suggestive of BCAC. Complete surgical resection of cystic tumors of the liver is mandatory due to malignant potential of the lesion and for prolonged survival.
Long-read sequencing reveals the complex structure of extra dic(21;21) chromosome and its biological effects
Authors: Yoshida-Tanaka Kugui , Ikemoto Ko , Kuribayashi Ryoji , Unoki Motoko , Takano Takako , Fujimoto Akihiro
Published: July 2023

Complex congenital chromosome abnormalities are rare but often cause severe symptoms. However, the structures and biological impacts of such abnormalities have seldomly been analyzed at the molecular level. Previously, we reported a Japanese female patient with severe developmental defects. The patient had an extra dicentric chromosome 21 (chr21) consisting of two partial chr21 copies fused together within their long arms along with two centromeres and many copy number changes. In this study, we performed whole-genome, transcriptional, and DNA methylation analyses, coupled with novel bioinformatic approaches, to reveal the complex structure of the extra chromosome and its transcriptional and epigenetic changes. Long-read sequencing accurately identified the structures of junctions related to the copy number changes in extra chr21 and suggested the mechanism of the structural changes. Our transcriptome analysis showed the overexpression of genes in extra chr21. Additionally, an allele-specific DNA methylation analysis of the long-read sequencing data suggested that the centromeric region of extra chr21 was hypermethylated, a property associated with the inactivation of one centromere in the extra chromosome. Our comprehensive analysis provides insights into the molecular mechanism underlying the generation of the extra chromosome and its pathogenic roles.
Healing of bark wounds in Norway spruce seedlings can be negatively affected by treatment with methyl jasmonate
Authors: Chen Yayuan , Björkman Christer , Bylund Helena , Björklund Niklas , Högberg Karl-Anders , Puentes Adriana
Published: July 2023

Key message

Treatment with methyl jasmonate can slow down the healing of stem bark wounds in Norway spruce seedlings.

In woody plants, healing of bark wounds is a tolerance trait involved in recovery from stem damage. Yet, little is known on how wound healing may be affected by plant protection treatments such as methyl jasmonate application (MeJA, a plant hormone triggering increased resistance to pests). Here, we examined if MeJA can affect healing of an existing and a subsequently inflicted stem wound on Norway spruce (Picea abies) seedlings, the effect of treatment on plant growth, and potential trade-offs between healing and resistance to insect damage. Seedlings from 18 full-sib families were mechanically wounded (or not) on the lower stem and treated with MeJA (or water) one week after. Two months later, another wound was inflicted and wound area was measured during six months. Growth of non-wounded and wounded seedlings were compared, and correlations between family estimates of healing rates and field insect damage were examined. We found that MeJA slowed down wound healing. For the first and second wound, respectively, MeJA-treated seedlings experienced 15% and 9% slower healing rates, and wounds remained 58% and 69% larger in size compared to water-treated seedlings. Stem wounding and MeJA together were more detrimental to seedling diameter than height growth, relative to each treatment alone. Finally, resistance to field insect damage and wound healing rates were not significantly correlated. We conclude that MeJA-mediated seedling protection may trade-off with bark wound healing, which may be negative for seedling vigor. However, further studies are needed to evaluate if such effects outweigh the benefits that MeJA provides.
MOIMPA: multi-objective improved marine predators algorithm for solving multi-objective optimization problems
Authors: Hassan Mohamed H. , Daqaq Fatima , Selim Ali , Domínguez-García José Luis , Kamel Salah
Published: July 2023

This paper introduces a multi-objective variant of the marine predators algorithm (MPA) called the multi-objective improved marine predators algorithm (MOIMPA), which incorporates concepts from Quantum theory. By leveraging Quantum theory, the MOIMPA aims to enhance the MPA’s ability to balance between exploration and exploitation and find optimal solutions. The algorithm utilizes a concept inspired by the Schrödinger wave function to determine the position of particles in the search space. This modification improves both exploration and exploitation, resulting in enhanced performance. Additionally, the proposed MOIMPA incorporates the Pareto dominance mechanism. It stores non-dominated Pareto optimal solutions in a repository and employs a roulette wheel strategy to select solutions from the repository, considering their coverage. To evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of MOIMPA, tests are conducted on various benchmark functions, including ZDT and DTLZ, as well as using the evolutionary computation 2009 (CEC’09) test suite. The algorithm is also evaluated on engineering design problems. A comparison is made between the proposed multi-objective approach and other well-known evolutionary optimization methods, such as MOMPA, multi-objective ant lion optimizer, and multi-objective multi-verse optimization. The statistical results demonstrate the robustness of the MOIMPA approach, as measured by metrics like inverted generational distance, generalized distance, spacing, and delta. Furthermore, qualitative experimental results confirm that MOIMPA provides highly accurate approximations of the true Pareto fronts.
Living with metastatic breast cancer (LIMBER): experiences, quality of life, gaps in information, care and support of patients in the UK
Authors: Fallowfield L. , Starkings R. , Palmieri C. , Tait A. , Stephen L. , May S. , Habibi R. , Russ S. , Shilling V. , Jenkins V.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To determine the experiences, information, support needs and quality of life of women in the UK living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) to provide content for educational materials.

Methods

An online survey, hosted for 3 months on a UK MBC charity website, comprised sections covering issues such as communication about MBC treatment and management, helpful and less helpful things that healthcare professionals, family and friends did or said and completion of the Patient Roles and Responsibilities Scale (PRRS).

Results

A total of 143 patients participated; 48/143(33%) presented de novo; 54/143(38%) had been living with MBC > 2 years. PRRS analysis revealed that MBC imposed a serious impact upon most respondents’ own caring abilities and social lives. A majority 98/139 (71%) wished they had known more about MBC before their diagnosis; 63/134(47%) indicated that they still did not fully understand their illness; merely 78/139(56%) had access to a specialist nurse and only 69/135(51%) had been offered any additional support. Respondents reported little consideration given to their lifestyle/culture during consultations and inconsistent information, support services, continuity of care or access to clinical trials. They commented upon things health care professionals/friends and family did or said that were useful and cited other behaviours that were especially unhelpful.

Conclusions

MBC exerted a deleterious impact upon patients’ activities of daily living which were exacerbated in part by significant gaps in support, communication and information.

Implications for cancer survivors

LIMBER results are informing the content of educational materials currently being developed for patients’ formal and informal carers.
Dual FGFR and VEGFR inhibition synergistically restrain hexokinase 2-dependent lymphangiogenesis and immune escape in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Peng Min , Li Hui , Cao Huan , Huang Yamei , Yu Weiping , Shen Chuanlai , Gu Jinyang
Published: July 2023

Background

Therapies for cholangiocarcinoma are largely limited and ineffective. Herein, we examined the role of the FGF and VEGF pathways in regulating lymphangiogenesis and PD-L1 expression in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA).

Methods

The lymphangiogenic functions of FGF and VEGF were evaluated in lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) and iCCA xenograft mouse models. The relationship between VEGF and hexokinase 2 (HK2) was validated in LECs by western blot, immunofluorescence, ChIP and luciferase reporter assays. The efficacy of the combination therapy was assessed in LECs and xenograft models. Microarray analysis was used to evaluate the pathological relationships of FGFR1 and VEGFR3 with HK2 in human lymphatic vessels.

Results

FGF promoted lymphangiogenesis through c-MYC-dependent modulation of HK2 expression. VEGFC also upregulated HK2 expression. Mechanistically, VEGFC phosphorylated components of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR axis to upregulate HIF-1α expression at the translational level, and HIF-1α then bound to the HK2 promoter region to activate its transcription. More importantly, dual FGFR and VEGFR inhibition with infigratinib and SAR131675 almost completely inhibited lymphangiogenesis, and significantly suppressed iCCA tumor growth and progression by reducing PD-L1 expression in LECs.

Conclusions

Dual FGFR and VEGFR inhibition inhibits lymphangiogenesis through suppression of c-MYC-dependent and HIF-1α-mediated HK2 expression, respectively. HK2 downregulation decreased glycolytic activity and further attenuated PD-L1 expression. Our findings suggest that dual FGFR and VEGFR blockade is an effective novel combination strategy to inhibit lymphangiogenesis and improve immunocompetence in iCCA.
Structural characterisation and pH-dependent preference of pyrrole cross-link isoforms from reactions of oxoenal with cysteine and lysine side chains as model systems
Authors: Muńko Malwina , Ciesielska Karolina , Hoffmann Marcin , Pluskota-Karwatka Donata
Published: July 2023

In this study, we subjected 5,5-diethoxy-4-oxopent-2-enal (DOPE), a model amino acids cross-linking reagent, to reactions with N-acetylcysteine (Ac-Cys) and Nα-acetyllysine (Ac-Lys), and identified three pyrrole cross-links. The compounds were isolated and their structures were rigorously determined by spectrometric and spectroscopic methods, including 2D NMR experiments. The use of 2D NMR spectroscopy was crucial to determine the position of the substituents in the pyrrole rings. The products were identified as 2,4-, 2,3-, and 2,5-substituted pyrroles. The data obtained from their structural characterisation can help similar studies on amino acids modifications induced by analogous bifunctional carbonyl compounds. Our results show that the study of pathways in which model electrophiles modify amino acids may be helpful for similar studies dealing with identification of structural changes in cysteine- and lysine-containing proteins associated with oxidative stress.
Are comorbidities associated with the cytokine/chemokine profile of persistent apical periodontitis?
Authors: Agger Anne Eriksson , Reseland Janne Elin , Hjelkrem Erik , Lian Aina-Mari , Hals Else K. Breivik , Zandi Homan , Sunde Pia Titterud
Published: July 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to identify disease-related markers in persistent apical periodontitis (PAP) biopsies and examine whether these were associated with comorbidities like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD).

Materials and method

The levels of the cytokines/chemokines GM-CSF, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-6, IL-9, IL-10, IL-13, IL-15, IL-17E/IL-25, IL-21, IL-23, IL-27, IL-28A/IFN -λ2, IL-33, MIP-3α/CCL20, and TNF-α were determined in lesions from patients with PAP (n = 20) and compared to healthy bone samples (n = 20).

Results

We identified eleven cytokines to be differently expressed, and among them, IL-2, IL-6, IL-17E, IL-21, and IL-27 appeared to drive the discrepancy between the disease and healthy groups. The levels of T follicular helper (Tfh) cell promoting cytokines (IL-21, IL-6, IL-27) were enhanced while T helper (Th) 1 cell promoting cytokine (IL-2), Th2 cell promoting cytokine (IL-13), and Th17 cell promoting cytokine (IL-17E) were reduced in the PAP group. The data also indicate that Tfh cell differentiation (IL-21), along with Th1 (GM-CSF, IFNγ), Th2 (IL-13), and Th17 (GM-CSF) cell differentiation, might be increased in the subpopulation of patients suffering from RA, whereas no differences were found in patients with CVD.

Conclusions

Levels of cytokines/chemokines in PAP were identified, and cluster analyzes indicated that these markers may be associated with the differentiation of different T cell populations. Patients with PAP and RA comorbidities showed elevated levels of markers reinforcing this association.

Clinical relevance

Molecular analyses of PAP may result in identification of prognostic markers.
Short-term effects of an elimination diet and healthy diet in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a randomized-controlled trial
Authors: Huberts-Bosch Annick , Bierens Margreet , Ly Verena , van der Velde Jessica , de Boer Heleen , van Beek Gerry , Appelman Danielle , Visser Sacha , Bos Lisa H. P. , Reijmers Lisa , van der Meer Jolanda , Kamphuis Niki , Draaisma Jos M. T. , Donders Rogier , van de Loo-Neus Gigi H. H. , Hoekstra Pieter J. , Bottelier Marco , Arias-Vasquez Alejandro , Klip Helen , Buitelaar Jan K. , van den Berg Saskia W. , Rommelse Nanda N.
Published: July 2023

An Elimination Diet (ED) may be effective in reducing symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), but has never been compared to an active control condition [i.e., Healthy Diet (HD)]. In a two-armed RCT, a total of N = 165 children (5–12 years) with ADHD were randomized by means of minimization (1:1) to either an ED (N = 84) or HD (N = 81) within two Dutch child and adolescent psychiatry centers. The design included a non-randomized comparator arm including N = 58 children being treated with Care as Usual (CAU). Treatment allocation was unblinded. The primary outcome was a 5-point ordinal measure of respondership based on a combination of parent and teacher ratings on ADHD and emotion regulation, determined after 5 weeks of treatment. Ordinal regression analyses were done on an intention-to-treat basis. Fewer ED (35%) than HD (51%) participants showed a partial to full response, despite overall good-to-excellent treatment adherence (> 88%) and comparable high parental prior believes. A younger age and higher problem severity predicted a better respondership. CAU-preferring participants responded more often favorably (56%) compared to ED—but not HD—participants. Small-to-medium improvements in physical health (blood pressure, heart rate, and somatic complaints) were found in response to ED/HD versus decrements in response to CAU (74% received psychostimulants). The lack of superiority of the ED versus HD suggests that for the majority of children, dietary treatment response is not rooted in food-allergies/-sensitivities. The comparable results for treatment with HD and CAU are remarkable given that CAU participants were probably ‘easier to treat’ than HD (and ED) participants with proportionally fewer with a (suboptimal/non-response to) prior treatment with medication (4% versus 20%). Further assessment of long-term effects is needed to evaluate the potential place of dietary treatment within clinical guidelines. The trial is closed and registered in the Dutch trial registry, number NL5324 (https://www.onderzoekmetmensen.nl/en/trial/25997).
Comparing behavioural outcomes in children born extremely preterm between 2006 and 1995: the EPICure studies
Authors: Larsen Jennifer , Kochhar Puja , Wolke Dieter , Draper Elizabeth S. , Marlow Neil , Johnson Samantha
Published: July 2023

Background

Children born extremely preterm (EP) are at increased risk of neurocognitive and behavioural morbidity. Here, we investigate whether behavioural outcomes have changed over time concomitant with increasing survival following EP birth.

Methods

Comparison of outcomes at 11 years of age for two prospective national cohorts of children born EP in 1995 (EPICure) and 2006 (EPICure2), assessed alongside term-born children. Behavioural outcomes were assessed using the parent-completed Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), DuPaul Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale (ADHD-RS), and Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ).

Results

In EPICure, 176 EP and 153 term-born children were assessed (mean age: 10.9 years); in EPICure2, 112 EP and 143 term-born children were assessed (mean age: 11.8 years). In both cohorts, EP children had higher mean scores and more clinically significant difficulties than term-born children on almost all measures. Comparing outcomes for EP children in the two cohorts, there were no significant differences in mean scores or in the proportion of children with clinically significant difficulties after adjustment for confounders. Using term-born children as reference, EP children in EPICure2 had significantly higher SDQ total difficulties and ADHD-RS hyperactivity impulsivity z-scores than EP children in EPICure.

Conclusions

Behavioural outcomes have not improved for EP children born in 2006 compared with those born in 1995. Relative to term-born peers, EP children born in 2006 had worse outcomes than those born in 1995. There is an ongoing need for long-term clinical follow-up and psychological support for children born EP.
Prevalence, in-hospital mortality, and factors related to neurogenic pulmonary edema after spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Guo Lei , Yang Xu , Yang Bo , Tang Guo , Li Chunling
Published: July 2023

Neurogenic pulmonary edema (NPE) is a life-threatening and severe complication in patients with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The prevalence of NPE varies significantly across studies due to differences in case definitions, study populations, and methodologies. Therefore, a precise estimation of the prevalence and risk factors related to NPE in patients with spontaneous SAH is important for clinical decision-makers, policy providers, and researchers. We conducted a systematic search of the PubMed/Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases from their inception to January 2023. Thirteen studies were included in the meta-analysis, with a total of 3,429 SAH patients. The pooled global prevalence of NPE was estimated to be 13%. Out of the eight studies (n = 1095, 56%) that reported the number of in-hospital mortalities of NPE among patients with SAH, the pooled proportion of in-hospital deaths was 47%. Risk factors associated with NPE after spontaneous SAH included female gender, WFNS class, APACHE II score ≥ 20, IL-6 > 40 pg/mL, Hunt and Hess grade ≥ 3, elevated troponin I, elevated white blood cell count, and electrocardiographic abnormalities. Multiple studies showed a strong positive correlation between the WFNS class and NPE. In conclusion, NPE has a moderate prevalence but a high in-hospital mortality rate in patients with SAH. We identified multiple risk factors that can help identify high-risk groups of NPE in individuals with SAH. Early prediction of the onset of NPE is crucial for timely prevention and early intervention.
Factors affecting spatial occupancy and local abundance of the Forest Thrush, Turdus lherminieri, in Guadeloupe forests
Authors: Jean-Pierre Aurélie , Loranger-Merciris G. , Saint-Louis L. J. , Cézilly F.
Published: July 2023

The Forest Thrush (FT), Turdus lherminieri, is a secretive, ground-dwelling forest bird species of conservation concern, endemic to only four Caribbean islands. Factors influencing habitat selection and abundance by FT have been seldom documented so far. We assessed variation in the presence and abundance of FT in various forested habitats in Guadeloupe. To that end, we deployed 5-camera-trap arrays over 14 days on 24 different survey stations resulting in 1680 trap days. We observed FT more frequently at camera trap stations where rainforest dominated, with local abundance declining with increasing canopy openness. Furthermore, temperature was the most important factor affecting the presence of FT at our study sites. FT was essentially diurnal, with some activity at dawn and dusk. We document for the first-time spatial co-occurrence between FT and potential mammal predators. FT co-occurred positively with rats and negatively with cats. Although FT is globally listed as near threatened by IUCN, the species the species appeared to be relatively abundant in Guadeloupe, possibly as a consequence of the suspension of hunting since 2014 and/or the almost total protection of the Guadeloupe tropical rainforest. We recommend the use of camera traps to improve knowledge for the conservation status of the species in other part of its area of distribution and to provide additional information on the potential impact of exotic predatory mammals.
Yoneda Lemma for Simplicial Spaces
Authors: Rasekh Nima
Published: July 2023

We study the Yoneda lemma for arbitrary simplicial spaces. We do that by introducingleft fibrationsof simplicial spaces and studying their associated model structure, thecovariant model structure. In particular, we prove arecognition principlefor covariant equivalences over an arbitrary simplicial space andinvarianceof the covariant model structure with respect to complete Segal space equivalences.
Regional and ethnic inequalities in Malaysian poverty dynamics
Authors: Rongen Gerton , Ahmad Zainab Ali , Lanjouw Peter , Simler Kenneth
Published: July 2023

This study employs a synthetic panel approach based on nationally-representative micro-level data to track poverty and income mobility in Malaysia in the period 2004–2016. On aggregate we observe large reductions in chronic poverty and increases in persistent economic security, but note that those who remain poor in 2016 are increasingly likely to be poor in a structural sense. Further, we find that poverty and income dynamics differ notably across geographic dimensions. Such disparities are most striking when we contrast affluent urban Peninsular Malaysia with poorer rural East Malaysia. Although there are important differences in welfare levels between the main ethnic groups in Malaysia, we observe that mobility trends generally point in the same direction. While our findings show that there is still scope for poverty reduction through the reduction of inter-ethnic inequalities, we underscore the importance of taking regional inequalities into greater account when it comes to ensuring a fairer distribution of socioeconomic opportunities for poor and vulnerable Malaysians. Hence, addressing chronic poverty is likely to require additional attention to less developed geographic areas, as a complement to the largely ethnicity-based policies that have historically played a dominant role.