bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dose–response relationship between serum N-glycan markers and liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Zhang Chi , Liu Yiqi , Wang Lin , Liu Xueen , Chen Cuiying , Zhang Junli , Zhang Chao , Wang Guiqiang , Zhuang Hui , Zhao Hong ,   China HepB-Related Fibrosis Assessment Research Group, Cao Li-Hua , Zhang Zhan-Qing , Zhao Wei-Feng , Shang Qing-Hua , Zhang Da-Zhi , Ma An-Lin , Xie Qing , Gui Hong-Lian , Zhang Guo , Liu Ying-Xia , Shang Jia , Xie Shin-Bin , Li Jun , Zhang Xu-Qing , Zou Zhi-Qiang , Chen Yu-Ping , Zhang Zong , Zhang Ming-Xiang , Cheng Jun , Zhang Fu-Chun , Huang Li-Hua , Li Jia-Bin , Meng Qing-Hua , Yu Hai-Bin , Mi Yu-Qiang , Peng Yan-Zhong , Wang Zhi-Jin , Chen Li-Ming , Meng Fan-Ping , Ren Wan-Hua , Bai Lang , Zeng Yi-Lan , Fan Rong , Lou Xian-Zhi , Liang Wei-Feng
Published: July 2024

Background

Evaluation of liver fibrosis played a monumental role in the diagnosis and monitoring of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). We aimed to explore the value of serum N-glycan markers in liver fibrosis.

Methods

This multi-center (33 hospitals) study recruited 760 treatment-naïve CHB patients who underwent liver biopsy. Serum N-glycan markers were analyzed by DNA sequencer-assisted fluorophore-assisted with capillary electrophoresis (DSA-FACE) technology. First, we explore the relationship between 12 serum N-glycan markers and the fibrosis stage. Then, we developed a Px score for diagnosing significant fibrosis using the LASSO regression. Next, we compared the diagnostic performances between Px, LSM, APRI, and FIB-4. Finally, we explored the relationships between glycosyltransferase gene and liver fibrosis with RNA-transcriptome sequencing.

Results

We included 622 CHB participants: male-dominated (69.6%); median age 42.0 (IQR 34.0–50.0); 287 with normal ALT; 73.0% with significant fibrosis. P5(NA2), P8(NA3), and P10(NA4) were opposite to the degree of fibrosis, while other profiles (except for P0[NGA2]) increased with the degree of fibrosis. Seven profiles (P1[NGA2F], P2[NGA2FB], P3[NG1A2F], P4[NG1A2F], P7[NA2FB], P8[NA3], and P9[NA3Fb]) were selected into Px score. Px score was associated with an increased risk of significant fibrosis (for per Px score increase, the risk of significant fibrosis was increased by 3.54 times (OR = 4.54 [2.63–7.82]) in the fully-adjusted generalized linear model. p for trend was <0.001. The diagnostic performance of the Px score was superior to others. Glycosyltransferase genes were overexpressed in liver fibrosis, and glycosylation and glycosyltransferase-related pathways were significantly enriched.

Conclusions

Serum N-glycan markers were positively correlated with liver fibrosis. Px score had good performance in distinguishing significant fibrosis.
1H, 13C and 15N assignment of self-complemented MrkA protein antigen from Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Monaci Valentina , Gasperini Gianmarco , Banci Lucia , Micoli Francesca , Cantini Francesca
Published: July 2024

Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kp) poses an escalating threat to public health, particularly given its association with nosocomial infections and its emergence as a leading cause of neonatal sepsis, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Host cell adherence and biofilm formation of Kp is mediated by type 1 and type 3 fimbriae whose major fimbrial subunits are encoded by the fimA and mrkA genes, respectively. In this study, we focus on MrkA subunit, which is a 20 KDa protein whose 3D molecular structure remains elusive. We applied solution NMR to characterize a recombinant version of MrkA in which the donor strand segment situated at the protein’s N-terminus is relocated to the C-terminus, preceded by a hexaglycine linker. This construct yields a self-complemented variant of MrkA. Remarkably, the self-complemented MrkA monomer loses its capacity to interact with other monomers and to extend into fimbriae structures. Here, we report the nearly complete assignment of the 13C,15N labelled self-complemented MrkA monomer. Furthermore, an examination of its internal mobility unveiled that relaxation parameters are predominantly uniform across the polypeptide sequence, except for the glycine-rich region within loop 176–181. These data pave the way to a comprehensive structural elucidation of the MrkA monomer and to structurally map the molecular interaction regions between MrkA and antigen-induced antibodies.
Development Pathways and the Political Economy of Maladaptation: The Case of Bioenergy as a Climate Strategy in Brazil
Authors: Rodriguez Morales Jorge Ernesto
Published: July 2024

Although it is well known that large-scale bioenergy expansion erodes different environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainable development, in countries like Brazil, bioenergy is institutionalized as a flagship climate strategy aimed to cut down CO2 emissions in transport. These trade-offs have serious implications for climate change governance and sustainable development; however, conventional approaches have not yet properly explained this seeming paradox. This article addresses this gap from a critical development pathways approach to bioenergy as a maladaptive strategy in Brazil. I propose an analytical framework to observe how different ideas, interests, and institutions interplay in the historical institutionalization of bioenergy as a climate strategy. The analysis shows that bioenergy institutionalization has been driven by the endemic economic crisis in the sugar sector and governmental interests associated with security and developmental imperatives. The unsustainable co-evolution of development pathways and bioenergy, marked by deforestation, land colonization, and agricultural expansion, has narrowed the adaptation space in agriculture, gearing current climate policy towards path-dependent maladaptive strategies like bioenergy. Paradoxically, framing bioenergy as a climate strategy has been useful to justify more expansive policies in favor of the sugarcane industry, and to greenwash the Brazilian climate policy in the international arena of climate governance.
Connecting Mindfulness Practice to Generative Semiotic Activity—Self-Other Referent in Umwelt and Semiosphere
Authors: Morioka Masayoshi
Published: July 2024

In this comment paper on von Fircks (2023a), I would like to focus on four issues and offer some reflections on them: first, what is happening in the process of a new I arising through mindfulness meditation practice? I would like to supplement the dialogue between Buber and Rogers in 1957 on the dynamism of I and Me, which is the basis of Mead's theory of self formation, in which I and Me separate, discover and meet a new self. The second, is that meditation, which at first glance appears to be an internal meditation practice and a personal activity, leads to a semiotic mediated social process. The Tao and early Buddhist ideas that form the background to the experiential process of mindfulness meditation will be reviewed, and the significance of people experiencing the interdependence of non-human nature and the environment through the practice will be discussed. Third, connecting this to the idea of Umwelt (Uexküll) and the semiosphere (Lotman), an attempt is made to extend the otherness as a collating body of self formation to Umwelt. Fourth, mindfulness meditation focuses attention on the breath. In relation to Mead's focus on the environment under the skin, i.e. corporeality, I will supplement the psychological meaning of cultivating the body's sense of interoception through the sensing of repetitive movements of tension and relaxation. Through the above, what kind of semiotic mediating function does mindfulness meditation have in relation to the construction of the new I, and how does it lead to the creation of social meaning? We would like to discuss these points.

Clinical Trial Registration

The article does not contain any studies with clinical trial. This, clinical Trial registration is not applicable.
From self-criticism to self-compassion: exploring the mediating role of two emotion dysregulation variables in their relationship to depressive symptoms
Authors: Vidal Joana , Ciudad-Fernández Víctor , Navarrete Jaime , Soler Joaquim , Schmidt Carlos , Molinari Guadalupe , Cebolla Ausiàs
Published: July 2024

Self-criticism has been considered as a transdiagnostic dimension that contributes to the development of several mental health difficulties. Moreover, there is a significant association between self-criticism and emotion regulation difficulties. Of special interest are two variables, related to emotion dysregulation, that have garnered significant attention in recent years: emotional overproduction and the perseveration of negative emotions. By contrast, increased self-compassion has been proposed as a protective mechanism of mental health symptoms, specifically depression. The present study used Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to investigate the relationship between self-criticism, self-compassion, and depressive symptoms, while considering emotional overproduction and perseveration of negative emotions as mediating variables. A cross-sectional design was used. The sample consisted of 453 participants who completed measures of self-criticism, self-compassion, depressive symptoms, emotional overproduction, and perseveration of negative emotions. Results indicate that emotional overproduction mediates the relationship between self-criticism and depressive symptoms. Additionally, both emotional overproduction and the perseveration of negative emotions mediate the negative association between self-compassion and depressive symptoms. Therefore, developing self-compassion may diminish the negative impact of self-criticism on depressive symptoms through these two variables. In conclusion, this study deepens our understanding of the mechanism by which self-compassion can mitigate mental health problems such as depressive symptoms.
Prediction of Left Ventricle Pressure Indices Via a Machine Learning Approach Combining ECG, Pulse Oximetry, and Cardiac Sounds: a Preclinical Feasibility Study
Authors: Fassina Lorenzo , Muzio Francesco Paolo Lo , Berboth Leonhard , Ötvös Jens , Faragli Alessandro , Alogna Alessio
Published: July 2024

Heart failure (HF) is defined as the inability of the heart to meet body oxygen demand requiring an elevation in left ventricular filling pressures (LVP) to compensate. LVP increase can be assessed in the cardiac catheterization laboratory, but this procedure is invasive and time-consuming to the extent that physicians rather rely on non-invasive diagnostic tools. In this work, we assess the feasibility to develop a novel machine-learning (ML) approach to predict clinically relevant LVP indices. Synchronized invasive (pressure–volume tracings) and non-invasive signals (ECG, pulse oximetry, and cardiac sounds) were collected from anesthetized, closed-chest Göttingen minipigs. Animals were either healthy or had HF with reduced ejection fraction and circa 500 heartbeats were included in the analysis for each animal. The ML algorithm showed excellent prediction of LVP indices estimating, for instance, the end-diastolic pressure with a R2 of 0.955. This novel ML algorithm could assist clinicians in the care of HF patients.

Graphical Abstract
First case report of intestinal lymphangiectasia with refractory bleeding from the duodenum, successfully treated by intra-abdominal lymphaticovenous anastomosis with venous ligation
Authors: Miyakawa Yu , Ihara Sozaburo , Ishii Saaya , Rui Yang , Yajima Shoh , Hayakawa Yoku , Tsuji Yosuke , Okazaki Mutsumi , Seto Yasuyuki , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro
Published: July 2024

Intestinal lymphangiectasia (IL) is a protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) that occasionally leads to gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB). We encountered a 41-year-old female with a 9-year history of duodenal IL with PLE and GIB that progressively worsened. Despite a diet, supplemented with medium-chain triglycerides, antiplasmin therapy, oral corticosteroids, octreotides, sirolimus, and repeated endoscopic hemostasis, her symptoms remained uncontrolled, leading to blood transfusion dependence. Lymphangiography revealed significant leakage from abnormal abdominal lymph vessels into the duodenal lumen. The patient subsequently underwent an abdominal-level lymphaticovenous anastomosis combined with local venous ligation. This approach resulted in a dramatic improvement and sustained resolution of both the PLE and GIB. More than 6 months after surgery, the patient remained free of symptoms and blood transfusion dependence.
Association of residual ductal carcinoma in situ with breast cancer treatment outcomes after neoadjuvant chemotherapy according to hormone receptor status
Authors: Shin Eunju , Yoo Tae-Kyung , Kim Jisun , Chung Il Yong , Ko Beom Seok , Kim Hee Jeong , Lee Jong Won , Son Byung Ho , Lee Sae Byul
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This research aimed to clarify the impact of residual ductal carcinoma in situ(DCIS) in surgical specimens obtained after neoadjuvant chemotherapy(NAC) for breast cancer on the associated prognosis outcomes.

Methods

This retrospective study was performed on a cohort of 1,009 patients who achieved pCR following NAC for breast cancer and underwent subsequent breast surgery at a single institution between January 2008 and December 2019. Overall survival, local recurrence-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival, and disease-free survival of the residual and non-residual DCIS groups were the outcomes compared, with further subgroup analysis performed according to hormone receptor status.

Results

260 individuals (25.8%) presented with residual DCIS. Based on a median follow-up of 54.0 months, no significant differences in outcomes were observed between the two groups. Patients with residual DCIS and hormone receptor-negative (HR-) breast cancer demonstrated a significant decrease in distant metastasis-free survival (p = 0.030) compared to those without residual DCIS. In the HR + cohort, no significant difference was observed between the two groups. Multivariate analysis of the HR- cohort demonstrated a significant association between residual DCIS and an elevated risk for distant recurrence (hazard ratio = 2.3, 95% confidence interval = 1.01–5.20, p = 0.047).

Conclusions

Residual DCIS following NAC may impact breast cancer outcomes, particularly with respect to the occurrence of distant metastasis in HR- patients. Therefore, clinicians must vigilantly monitor patients with residual DCIS after NAC, and further research is needed to expand our understanding of the clinical implications of residual DCIS.
Social Processes of Public Sector Collaborations in Kenya: Unpacking Challenges of Realising Joint Actions in Public Administration
Authors: Onyango Gedion
Published: July 2024

Social processes behind the success or failure of collaborative implementation frameworks in African public administration contexts are under-researched. This paper addresses this gap by paying particular attention to trust attributes in collaborative implementation arrangements in Kenya. It shows how implementation challenges of policy programs and interventions may be linked to these interventions’ social characteristics in the public sector. The paper draws on a threefold approach of mutual trust and administrative data on public sector collaborative implementation arrangements for Kenyan anti-corruption policy like the Kenya Leadership Integrity Forum. Findings show that despite increased efforts to realise joint actions in public sector collaborative arrangements, they remain primarily symbolic and hierarchical and feature loose social cohesion among actors, producing challenges bordering on deficiencies in social processes of implementation. These include politicised aloofness or lack of commitment, unclear governance structures, coordination deficiencies, inter-agency conflicts, layered fragmentations, and overlapping competencies among different agencies. The paper recommends identifying and nurturing socially sensitive strategies embedded in mutual trust, like informal knowledge-sharing channels, to address primarily mandated public sector collaboration challenges in Kenya. Such efforts should consider systematic training and incentivising public managers to think outside inward-looking organisational cultures, allowing them to devise sustainable collaborative implementation approaches (promote open innovation) for policy programs, particularly anti-corruption policy.
Mechanistic in silico explorations of the immunogenic and synergistic effects of radiotherapy and immunotherapy: a critical review
Authors: Ng Allison M. , MacKinnon Kelly M. , Cook Alistair A. , D’Alonzo Rebecca A. , Rowshanfarzad Pejman , Nowak Anna K. , Gill Suki , Ebert Martin A.
Published: July 2024

Immunotherapy is a rapidly evolving field, with many models attempting to describe its impact on the immune system, especially when paired with radiotherapy. Tumor response to this combination involves a complex spatiotemporal dynamic which makes either clinical or pre-clinical in vivo investigation across the resulting extensive solution space extremely difficult. In this review, several in silico models of the interaction between radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and the patient’s immune system are examined. The study included only mathematical models published in English that investigated the effects of radiotherapy on the immune system, or the effect of immuno-radiotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors. The findings indicate that treatment efficacy was predicted to improve when both radiotherapy and immunotherapy were administered, compared to radiotherapy or immunotherapy alone. However, the models do not agree on the optimal schedule and fractionation of radiotherapy and immunotherapy. This corresponds to relevant clinical trials, which report an improved treatment efficacy with combination therapy, however, the optimal scheduling varies between clinical trials. This discrepancy between the models can be attributed to the variation in model approach and the specific cancer types modeled, making the determination of the optimum general treatment schedule and model challenging. Further research needs to be conducted with similar data sets to evaluate the best model and treatment schedule for a specific cancer type and stage.
Application of the artificial neural network and enhanced particle swarm optimization to model updating of structures
Authors: Kao Ching-Yun , Hung Shih-Lin , Xu Pei-Jia
Published: July 2024

An efficient and accurate two-stage approach, based on the artificial neural network (ANN) and an enhanced particle swarm optimization (EPSO) approach for model updating of structures using incomplete measurements, is proposed in this study. The first stage, preliminary model updating, employs the ANN to quickly learn the mapping relationship between the natural frequencies and stiffness of the structure using a few training, validation, and testing instances. The inputs and outputs of the ANN are the natural frequencies and stiffness of the structure, respectively. The ANN’s training, validation, and testing instances are extracted through Latin hypercube sampling. The ANN-predicted stiffness provides an excellent basis for determining and reducing the search space of the optimal stiffness in the second stage. The second stage, detailed model updating, searches for the optimal stiffness of the structure by using the EPSO approach. The EPSO approach improves particle swarm optimization (PSO) by employing an elite crossover strategy to avoid trapping in the local optimum and premature convergence. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed two-stage approach for stiffness updating of shear building structures using incomplete measurements are demonstrated by numerical and experimental examples. The results present that the proposed two-stage approach improves the computational efficiency and solution quality of the GA (Genetic Algorithm) and PSO for stiffness updating of shear building structures.
Exploring the biotechnological prospects of a recently discovered fungus isolated from marine mucilage
Authors: Bayazıt Gizem , Gül Ülküye Dudu , Taştan Burcu Ertit , Tozoğlu Fatih , Gurbanov Rafig
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to determine the usability of the identified fungus isolated from the marine-mucilage formation in the biotechnological processes. For this purpose, the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the extract obtained from the fungus were examined, and the fatty acid methyl ester composition was determined. The molecular identification of the pure fungal culture was made using LSU regions. In addition, fungal extracts were prepared using different solvents, and the antimicrobial activity of these extracts was investigated by disk diffusion and minimum inhibition concentration methods. At the same time, the antioxidant properties of these extracts were analyzed using the DPPH and ABTS free radical removal methods. Also, FAME analysis was performed to determine the fatty acid content of the fungal extract. According to the study results, the new isolate was identified as the fungus Rhizopus stolonifer. Although fungal extracts have no significant antimicrobial activity, it has been determined that they performed successful DPPH and ABTS scavenging activity without needing additional reactions. FAME results indicate that the mucilage-originated fungus R. stolonifer is a valuable provider of fatty acids that, when purified at large bioreactors, can be good and cheap sources of next-generation biologicals for wide-ranging biotechnological applications.
Investigating the influence of e-navigation and S-100 over the computation of the weather route
Authors: Palma Valentino , Giglio Davide , Tei Alessio
Published: July 2024

The weather route presents significant potential in identifying the most efficient route for vessels, enabling the optimisation of distance, time, or fuel consumption. Although there have been notable advancements in most technologies in recent years, weather routing has failed to keep pace with these developments. The purpose of this document is to determine whether a specific IMO’s concept called e-navigation may have an impact on vessel’s route optimisation. Today, mariners are required to integrate heterogeneous data types (hydrographic, weather, oceanographic, etc.) that are transmitted on board via various devices and in diverse formats in order to execute weather routing. When e-navigation becomes operational, relevant marine-related data will be accessible in a standardised format on a unified device. The objective of this work is to examine the potential of S-100 in the context of weather routing and route optimisation for the benefit of navigation. There are two methodologies discussed: manual and automated. A range of S-100-based products will be evaluated in relation to a variety of optimisation algorithms in order to predict whether e-navigation could be advantageous in addressing the weather routing problem. Constraints regarding the implementation of electronic navigation and the mariners’ duties are outlined in the final part of the paper.
Non-destructive characterization of resistance projection welded joints by ultrasonic and passive magnetic flux density testing
Authors: Mathiszik Christian , Koal Johannes , Zschetzsche Jörg , Füssel Uwe , Schmale Hans Christian
Published: July 2024

The weld of resistance projection welded joints is not visible from outside. Therefore, visual evaluation is restricted, and visual inspection is not possible at all. So far, the parameters of the welding process are monitored and controlled. In addition, the welds are periodically tested destructively to determine the quality of the welds. No industrial standard has yet been established in the field of non-destructive testing (NDT) for projection welded joints. This study focuses on NDT of projection welds using two different ultrasonic imaging inspection systems and the passive magnetic ux density testing (pMFT) method. The ultrasonic inspection systems commercially available and established in the field of NDT of spot welds. Both systems are originally designed for the NDT of spot welds and not for projection welds. Unlike the ultrasonic systems, the pMFT is still in laboratory status. The method has originally been developed to evaluate spot welds and is also used in this study to evaluate projection welds. The applicability of the investigated systems to projection welding is investigated in order to derive mandatory development steps to achieve reliable results. The pMFT method shows also good results for NDT of spot welds In this contribution, the measurement and evaluation concept of the three NDT systems for projection welded joints is presented. The NDT results are discussed in the context of the corresponding destructive results in terms of tensile forces and fracture areas. Advises for further development of all investigated systems are given.
Liquid Metal Grid Patterned Thin Film Devices Toward Absorption-Dominant and Strain-Tunable Electromagnetic Interference Shielding
Authors: Wei Yuwen , Bhuyan Priyanuj , Kwon Suk Jin , Kim Sihyun , Bae Yejin , Singh Mukesh , Thanh Tran Duy , Ha Minjeong , Jeong Kwang-Un , Ma Xing , Park Byeongjin , Park Sungjune
Published: July 2024

The demand of high-performance thin-film-shaped deformable electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding devices is increasing for the next generation of wearable and miniaturized soft electronics. Although highly reflective conductive materials can effectively shield EMI, they prevent deformation of the devices owing to rigidity and generate secondary electromagnetic pollution simultaneously. Herein, soft and stretchable EMI shielding thin film devices with absorption-dominant EMI shielding behavior is presented. The devices consist of liquid metal (LM) layer and LM grid-patterned layer separated by a thin elastomeric film, fabricated by leveraging superior adhesion of aerosol-deposited LM on elastomer. The devices demonstrate high electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (SE) (SET of up to 75 dB) with low reflectance (SER of 1.5 dB at the resonant frequency) owing to EMI absorption induced by multiple internal reflection generated in the LM grid architectures. Remarkably, the excellent stretchability of the LM-based devices facilitates tunable EMI shielding abilities through grid space adjustment upon strain (resonant frequency shift from 81.3 to 71.3 GHz @ 33% strain) and is also capable of retaining shielding effectiveness even after multiple strain cycles. This newly explored device presents an advanced paradigm for powerful EMI shielding performance for next-generation smart electronics.
The Brown–Halmos theorem for discrete Wiener–Hopf operators
Authors: Karlovych Oleksiy , Thampi Sandra Mary
Published: July 2024

We prove an analogue of the Brown–Halmos theorem for discrete Wiener–Hopf operators acting on separable rearrangement-invariant Banach sequence spaces.
Multispecialty resident physicians’ perceived preparedness for mass casualty events (MCEs) at an urban level I trauma center prior to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era
Authors: Voza Francesca A. , Gupta Aakansha , Rossen Noah , An Anjile , Easthausen Imaani , Christos Paul J. , Winchell Robert J. , Barie Philip S. , Narayan Mayur
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has underscored how ill-prepared healthcare systems are for mass casualty events (MCEs,) especially as MCEs increase worldwide. We hypothesized that resident physicians (RPs) across multiple specialties are underprepared for MCE.

Methods

Two similar surveys were conducted to assess awareness of disaster plans (DPs) and individual’s roles and responsibilities therein. Initially, we surveyed exclusively trainees who are trauma team members (TTMs,) including physician assistants (PAs), residents from emergency medicine (EMRs) and general surgery (GSRs.) Subsequently, we surveyed multi-specialty RPs, except GSRs and EMRs, and their program directors/associate program directors (PDs/APDs.) RPs’ awareness, knowledge of, and confidence in hospital MCE response plans were assessed, and barriers encountered were queried. Data were consolidated except with respect to PDs/APDs, who were queried only in the second survey. The Fisher exact test for multiple-group comparisons was used. Alpha = 0.05.

Results

For the first survey, the response rate was 74% (123/166), whereas 34% (129/380) responded to the second survey. Combined, the response rate was 46% (252/546.) Considering the RPs only for the two surveys combined, 103 (53%) respondents reported no awareness of institutional MCE response plans, 73% (n = 143) did not know/were unsure whether they were expected to contact someone, and 68% (n = 134) reported no formal MCE/disaster management (DM) training over the prior year. Additionally, the median response reported for level of knowledge of the MCE response plan among all RPs was “not at all,” with a significant difference observed between those aware of the plan and those who were not (p < 0.001). The median response reported for confidence level of RPs in MCE/DM training, excluding GSRs and EMRs (TTMs,) was “not at all,” with significant differences between surgical and non-surgical specialty RPs (p = 0.031), and between junior and senior RPs (p = 0.027). PDs/APDs (n = 12) reported “time” as the main barrier to implementation.

Conclusions

RPs across all surveyed specialties reported low levels of knowledge and minimal training regarding MCE/DM. Incorporation of MCE/DM preparedness into residency training in all specialties involving direct patient care is essential. Curricular restructuring will be required for meaningful participation of RPs in MCEs.
Tidal dynamic response to riverbed evolution in the Yangtze River Estuary
Authors: Han Yufang , Dai Bingke , Ding Hongwei
Published: July 2024

Since 1958, there have been significant changes in the Yangtze River estuary. Due to extensive reclamation and construction of ports and channels, the water area has drastically decreased, resulting in corresponding changes in hydrodynamics and riverbeds at the mouth of the river. According to the analysis of measured topographic data and Delft3D-FLOW model for seven typical historical periods since 1958 at the Yangtze River Estuary, this study investigates the characteristics of riverbed evolution and tidal flow dynamics. From 1958 to 2019, driven by strong human activities, the total area of the Yangtze River Estuary decreased from 2084 km2 to 1403 km2, with a decrease of 32.7%, while the total volume of the corresponding river channel changed slightly and remained stable. Compared with 1958, the volume of the Yangtze River Estuary in 2019 only increased by 345 million m3, with an increase of about 4.1%. The tidal dynamic change of the Yangtze Estuary is closely related to the riverbed evolution of each reach, which not only shapes the estuary landform, but also is affected by the riverbed evolution. Tidal level, tidal range and water area change are closely related. With the decrease of water area in the Yangtze River Estuary, tidal range tends to increase. Tidal prism change is closely related to channel volume. In the past 60 years, the tidal volume at the mouth of the Yangtze River has decreased by 8%. The research findings will provide technical support for enhancing flood control and tide resistance measures at the Yangtze River Estuary, as well as formulating comprehensive management plans for estuaries, contributing to the protection and sustainable development of the Yangtze River Estuary.
Health communication research in the Arab world: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Bardus Marco , Kabakian-Khasholian Tamar , Kanj Mayada
Published: July 2024

Introduction

A recent bibliometric analysis of health communication research in the Arab world identified 66 reports since 2004. However, it covered only PubMed and used “health communication” as a unique search phrase. This does not capture Gary Kreps’ five health communication research areas: health promotion, delivery of care, risk communication, eHealth, and healthcare management.

Aims and objectives

To generate a more comprehensive map of health communication research in the Arab world by searching three major bibliographic databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (WoS). To undertake a publication and citation analysis comparing countries, authors, institutions, research themes, and publication venues across the databases.

Methods

We developed a sensitive search strategy encompassing health communication-relevant keywords, Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), and a filter to identify the 22 countries of the League of Arab States. We conducted separate searches in PubMed, Scopus, and WoS. We compared search results and publication classifications across the databases. We used Scopus and WoS built-in analytical features to generate data inputted into VOSviewer to undertake citation, co-citation, and co-word analyses to map themes and research areas across databases.

Results

As of May 8, 2024, Searches yielded 518 records in PubMed, 559 in Scopus, 483 in WoS, and 905 unique records across databases. Most research has been conducted in the last 2 years in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, the UAE, and Lebanon. Health communication research is multidisciplinary, with a thematic structure representing the recent developments of telemedicine and eHealth during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusion

Health communication research in the Arab world has been much broader than depicted before and goes beyond communication sciences. This bibliometric analysis reveals the extensive and diverse landscape of health communication research in the Arab world, emphasising its multidisciplinary nature and laying the groundwork for future studies and policy directions.
Anticoagulation and compression therapy for proximal acute deep vein	thrombosis
Authors: Palareti Gualtiero , Santagata Davide , De Ponti Chiara , Ageno Walter , Prandoni Paolo
Published: July 2024

Summary: The treatment of proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the lower limbs includes an initial management phase, covering the first 1 to 3 weeks, a primary treatment phase, lasting a minimum of 3 months, and a secondary treatment phase for those patients requiring continuing anticoagulation beyond the first 3 to 6 months. During the initial phase most patients with DVT can be managed as outpatients. Exclusion criteria for home treatment include high risk of bleeding, limb threatening DVT or other conditions requiring hospitalisation. Anticoagulant drugs represent the mainstay of treatment and include parenteral drugs such as unfractionated heparin or low molecular weight heparin, and oral drugs such as the vitamin K antagonists and the direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). DOACs are currently recommended as the first line of treatment for proximal DVT of the lower limbs, with no preference for one DOAC over another. Factors to consider when choosing the anticoagulant strategy include, among others, renal and liver function, underlying diseases such as cancer or the antiphospholipid syndrome, and patient preferences. Indefinite duration of anticoagulation beyond the first 3 to 6 months is recommended for patients with unprovoked DVT and patients with permanent, chronic risk factors. Two DOACs, namely apixaban and rivaroxaban, can be administered at low doses for the secondary prevention of DVT. Elastic compression stockings (ECS) have been used for decades in patients with proximal DVT with the aim of counteracting the venous hypertension generated by the vascular disorder and reducing leg edema and to prevent the post-thrombotic syndrome.
PsyGeCo – Psychisch Gesund in Zeiten von Corona
Authors: Çelik Fatma , Schäfermeier Esther , Stelzmann Daniela , Arraf Samia , Matthies Eliane , Bremerich Laurin , Roggenkamp Stefan , Schneider Silvia , Schopf Kathrin
Published: July 2024

Zusammenfassung: Die Adoleszenz gilt aufgrund intensiver Veränderungsprozesse nicht nur als vulnerable Phase für Fehlanpassungen, sondern auch als sensible Phase für Interventionen. Neben normativen Herausforderungen hat die COVID-19-Pandemie als nicht normative Krise zu einer erhöhten Belastung in dieser Altersgruppe geführt. In der Bewältigung dieser Herausforderungen gilt die allgemeine Selbstwirksamkeit (SWE) als Schutzfaktor, die im Rahmen der vorgestellten ressourcenorientierten Maßnahme gestärkt werden sollte. Zur Prüfung der Akzeptanz und Wirksamkeit der manualisierten Maßnahme wurde eine Wirksamkeitsstudie mit Prä-Post-Design ( t0- t2) durchgeführt und evaluiert. An der Maßnahme haben N=192 Jugendliche (Range: 12 – 17 Jahre) teilgenommen. Es zeigte sich ein kurzfristiger, kleiner Effekt auf die SWE, welcher im Follow-up nicht mehr nachweisbar war. Die differentielle Wirksamkeit der Maßnahme wird vor dem Hintergrund von Faktoren wie der gesundheitsbezogenen Lebensqualität und dem sozioökonomischen Status diskutiert.
Thermal and Dynamo Evolution of the Lunar Core Based on the Transport Properties of Fe‐S‐P Alloys
Authors: Zhai Kuan , Yin Yuan , Zhai Shuangmeng
Published: July 2024

Paleomagnetic analyses have suggested that the lunar magnetic field underwent a significant change from 4.25 to 3.19 Ga, indicating the rapid transition of the lunar dynamo mechanism. We used the van der Pauw (vdP) method to measure the electrical resistivity of Fe‐S‐P alloys under conditions relevant to the lunar core and estimated the thermal conductivity of the Fe‐S‐P lunar core. These values were incorporated into thermal and dynamo models to investigate the evolution of the lunar core. Our model indicates that the inner core began to grow as early as 4.35 Ga, the solidification regime switched at 3.50 Ga, and the thermal dynamo ceased between 3.78 and 3.51 Ga. The cessation of the dynamo could be due to a low buoyancy flux and insufficient entropy dissipation. Thermal and compositional dynamos cannot sustain the ancient strength of the Moon's magnetic field, and require other energy sources.
Earth's Sea Ice Radiative Effect From 1980 to 2023
Authors: Duspayev A. , Flanner M. G. , Riihelä A.
Published: July 2024

Sea ice cools Earth by reducing its absorbed solar energy. We combine radiative transfer modeling with satellite‐derived surface albedo, sea ice, and cloud distributions to quantify the top‐of‐atmosphere sea ice radiative effect (SIRE). Averaged over 1980–2023, Arctic and Antarctic SIREs range from −0.64 to −0.86 W m−2 and −0.85 to −0.98 W m−2, respectively, with different cloud data sets and assumptions of climatological versus annually‐varying clouds. SIRE trends, however, are relatively insensitive to these assumptions. Arctic SIRE has weakened quasi‐linearly at a rate of 0.04–0.05 W m−2 decade−1, implying a 21%–27% reduction in the reflective power of Arctic sea ice since 1980. Antarctic sea ice exhibited a regime change in 2016, resulting in 2016–2023 Antarctic and global SIRE being 0.08–0.12 and 0.22–0.27 W m−2 weaker, respectively, relative to 1980–1988. Global sea ice has therefore lost 13%–15% of its planetary cooling effect since the early/mid 1980s, and the implied global sea ice albedo feedback is 0.24–0.38 W m−2 K−1.
Full Modeling and Practical Parameterization of Cosmogenic 10Be Transport for Cosmic‐Ray Studies: SOCOL‐AERv2‐BE Model
Authors: Golubenko K. , Rozanov E. , Kovaltsov G. , Baroni M. , Sukhodolov T. , Usoskin I.
Published: July 2024

A new full model of the atmospheric transport of cosmogenic 10Be is presented based on the specialized SOCOL‐AERv2‐BE chemistry‐climate model coupled with the CRAC:10Be isotope production model. The model includes all the relevant atmospheric processes and allows computing the isotope concentration at any given location and time. The full model is directly compared with 10Be isotope measurements in five Antarctic and Greenland ice cores for the period 1980–2007. The model reasonably well reproduces the average concentration and solar‐cycle dependency or the lack of it for most observational sites but does not perfectly catch the interannual variability at sites with complex orography likely due to the coarse model grid. This implies that the model correctly reproduces the large‐scale atmospheric dynamics but effectively averages out synoptic‐scale variability. It is found that the dominant source of 10Be is located in the middle stratosphere (25–40 km), in the tropical (<30° latitudes) and polar (>60°) regions, as produced by galactic cosmic rays and solar energetic particles, respectively. It is shown that >60% (90%) of 10Be produced in the atmosphere reaches the Earth's surface within one (two) years, respectively. For practical purposes, a simple parameterization of the full‐model results is presented which agrees with the full model within 20% in polar regions. This parameterization allows one to make a quick estimate of near‐ground 10Be concentrations based only on production rates without heavy calculations. This practical approach can be applied to studies of solar and geomagnetic variability using cosmogenic isotopes.
Bacterial persisters: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic development
Authors: Niu Hongxia , Gu Jiaying , Zhang Ying
Published: July 2024

Persisters refer to genetically drug susceptible quiescent (non-growing or slow growing) bacteria that survive in stress environments such as antibiotic exposure, acidic and starvation conditions. These cells can regrow after stress removal and remain susceptible to the same stress. Persisters are underlying the problems of treating chronic and persistent infections and relapse infections after treatment, drug resistance development, and biofilm infections, and pose significant challenges for effective treatments. Understanding the characteristics and the exact mechanisms of persister formation, especially the key molecules that affect the formation and survival of the persisters is critical to more effective treatment of chronic and persistent infections. Currently, genes related to persister formation and survival are being discovered and confirmed, but the mechanisms by which bacteria form persisters are very complex, and there are still many unanswered questions. This article comprehensively summarizes the historical background of bacterial persisters, details their complex characteristics and their relationship with antibiotic tolerant and resistant bacteria, systematically elucidates the interplay between various bacterial biological processes and the formation of persister cells, as well as consolidates the diverse anti-persister compounds and treatments. We hope to provide theoretical background for in-depth research on mechanisms of persisters and suggest new ideas for choosing strategies for more effective treatment of persistent infections.
TNKS1BP1 facilitates ubiquitination of CNOT4 by TRIM21 to promote hepatocellular carcinoma progression and immune evasion
Authors: Wang Yuan , Sandrine Ineza Karambizi , Ma Li , Chen Kailang , Chen Xinyi , Yu Yulong , Wang Sheng , Xiao Lingyan , Li Chunya , Liu Yuanhui , Liu Bo , Yuan Xianglin
Published: July 2024

Immune checkpoint inhibitors, particularly PD-1/PD-L1 blockades, have been approved for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, high resistance rates still limit their efficacy, highlighting the urgent need to understand the underlying mechanisms and develop strategies for overcoming the resistance. In this study, tankyrasel binding protein 1 (TNKS1BP1) was found to interact with tripartite motif containing 21 (TRIM21) and mediated the ubiquitination of CCR4-NOT transcription complex subunit 4 (CNOT4) at the K239 residue via K48 and K6 linkage, which was essential for its tumorigenesis function. Autophagy and lipid reprogramming were identified as two possible mechanisms underlying the pro-tumor effect of TNKS1BP1. Upregulated TNKS1BP1 inhibited autophagy while induced lipid accumulation by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 pathway upon the degradation of CNOT4 in HCC. Importantly, knocking down TNKS1BP1 synergized with anti-PD-L1 treatment by upregulating PD-L1 expression on tumor cells via the JAK2/STAT3 pathway, and remodeling the tumor microenvironment by increasing infiltration of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes as well as augmenting the effect of cytotoxic T lymphocytes. In conclusion, this study identified TNKS1BP1 as a predictive biomarker for patient prognosis and a promising therapeutic target to overcome anti-PD-L1 resistance in HCC.
Visualization and standardized quantification of surface charge density for triboelectric materials
Authors: Li Yi , Luo Yi , Xiao Song , Zhang Cheng , Pan Cheng , Zeng Fuping , Cui Zhaolun , Huang Bangdou , Tang Ju , Shao Tao , Zhang Xiaoxing , Xiong Jiaqing , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: July 2024

Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) operates on the principle of utilizing contact electrification and electrostatic induction. However, visualization and standardized quantification of surface charges for triboelectric materials remain challenging. Here, we report a surface charge visualization and standardized quantification method using electrostatic surface potential measured by Kevin probe and the iterative regularization strategy. Moreover, a tuning strategy on surface charge is demonstrated based on the corona discharge with a three-electrode design. The long-term stability and dissipation mechanisms of the injected negative or positive charges demonstrate high dependence on deep carrier traps in triboelectric materials. Typically, we achieved a 70-fold enhancement on the output voltage (~135.7 V) for the identical polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) based TENG (neg-PTFE/PTFE or posi-PTFE/PTFE triboelectric pair) with stable surface charge density (5% decay after 140 days). The charged PTFE was demonstrated as a robot e-skins for non-contact perception of object geometrics. This work provides valuable tools for surface charge visualization and quantification, giving a new strategy for a deeper understanding of contact electrification.
Host-derived protein profiles of human neonatal meconium across gestational ages
Authors: Shitara Yoshihiko , Konno Ryo , Yoshihara Masahito , Kashima Kohei , Ito Atsushi , Mukai Takeo , Kimoto Goh , Kakiuchi Satsuki , Ishikawa Masaki , Kakihara Tomo , Nagamatsu Takeshi , Takahashi Naoto , Fujishiro Jun , Kawakami Eiryo , Ohara Osamu , Kawashima Yusuke , Watanabe Eiichiro
Published: July 2024

Meconium, a non-invasive biomaterial reflecting prenatal substance accumulation, could provide valuable insights into neonatal health. However, the comprehensive protein profile of meconium across gestational ages remains unclear. Here, we conducted an extensive proteomic analysis of first meconium from 259 newborns across varied gestational ages to delineate protein composition and elucidate its relevance to neonatal diseases. The first meconium samples were collected, with the majority obtained before feeding, and the mean time for the first meconium passage from the anus was 11.9 ± 9.47 h. Our analysis revealed 5370 host-derived meconium proteins, which varied depending on sex and gestational age. Specifically, meconium from preterm infants exhibited elevated concentrations of proteins associated with the extracellular matrix. Additionally, the protein profiles of meconium also exhibited unique variations depending on both specific diseases, including gastrointestinal diseases, congenital heart diseases, and maternal conditions. Furthermore, we developed a machine learning model to predict gestational ages using meconium proteins. Our model suggests that newborns with gastrointestinal diseases and congenital heart diseases may have immature gastrointestinal systems. These findings highlight the intricate relationship between clinical parameters and meconium protein composition, offering potential for a novel approach to assess neonatal gastrointestinal health.