bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extracellular and cytoplasmic regions of LRIG1 play a negative role in EGFR activity: Findings of a radioligand-binding assay ⁎
Authors: Zhu Xiqun , Yi Wei
Published: June 2023

Objective

Leucine-rich repeats and immunoglobulin-like domains 1 (LRIG1) is a newly identified human gene that inhibits the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which on combining with a ligand, can drive tumor growth. This study investigated the interaction between human LRIG1 and EGFR and attempted to delineate the functions of as well as the mechanisms used by the extracellular (ECD) and cytoplasmic (CPD) domains of the human LRIG1 protein to downregulate human EGFR signaling activity.

Methods

Two constructed chimeric eukaryotic expression vectors, pIRES2-EGFP-3XFLAG-LRIG1-ET and p3FLAG-LRIG1-TC, encoding the extracellular and transmembrane regions (LRIG1-ET) and the transmembrane and cytoplasmic regions (LRIG1-TC), respectively, and the plasmid p3XFLAG-CMV-9-LRIG1 encoding full-length LRIG1 (LRIG1-FL) were transfected into the human glioma cell line U251 or primary astrocytoma cells by using liposomes. The number and affinity of cell surface EGFR on transfected cells was determined by 125I-EGF binding assay.

Results

The dissociation constant (KD) values for EGFR were higher, and the maximum increase was observed in the cells transfected into LRIG1-ET (1.36 folds). The number of maximal binding sites (Bmax) of the receptors was decreased in all transfected cells; the maximum decrease was noted in the cells transfected into LRIG1-FL (40.05%).

Conclusion

Both the ECD and CPD of LRIG1 are important to negate EGFR signaling. The ECD may interfere with the binding between EGFR and its ligand and facilitate the functions of CPD. The CPD may, when brought in proximity to EGFR, enhance receptor degradation. These two mechanisms can contribute to the downregulation of EGFR-mediated signaling by LRIG1.
Quantitative differential diagnosis of breast tumors using shear wave velocity and different probe orientations ⁎
Authors: Huang Yuan , Deng Youbin , Wang Liping , Cui Xinwu
Published: June 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the additional benefit of the difference of maximum and minimum shear wave velocity (SWV) values obtained at different probe orientations (D-value) for the differential diagnosis of breast tumors.

Methods

SWV (m/s) was measured in 123 breast tumors (92 benign, 31 malignant) in 76 female patients with the probe placed on the transverse, longitudinal, and 45° planes. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curves were compared with respect to the maximum SWV, minimum SWV, D-value, maximum SWV combined with the D-value, and minimum SWV combined with the D-value.

Results

There was a significant difference among the values of the maximum SWV, minimum SWV, and D-value for the 3 planes (P < 0.001). The AUROC curves for the maximum SWV, minimum SWV, and D-values of the 3 planes were 0.751 (P = 0.379), 0.486 (P = 0.863), and 0.603 (P = 0.204), respectively. The cutoff value for the maximum SWV for differentiating benign tumors from malignant tumors was 2.51 m/s (sensitivity 67%, specificity 50%). The cutoff value for the minimum SWV was 1.61 m/s (sensitivity 53%, specificity 50%). Adding the D-value increased the AUROC curve for the maximum SWV from 0.571 to 0.733 and the minimum SWV from 0.486 to 0.504 (P = 0.964), respectively.

Conclusion

SWV differs in different planes of breast tumors. The D-value can provide a reference for the differential diagnosis of breast tumors.
The expression of estrogen receptors in thyroid cancer and its significance
Authors: Che Yuxuan , Qin Huamin , Ding Xiaolei , Sun Xiuhua , Wang Lifen
Published: June 2023

Objective

The study aimed to detect the expression of estrogen receptors (ERs) in thyroid cancer and investigate the correlation between their expression and clinical features and different pathological types.

Methods

The expression of ERs in 56 samples of thyroid cancer tissues was detected by an immunochemical approach. The expression of ERs in thyroid cancer tissues and different pathological types were analyzed using the χ2 test.

Results

The number of cases with positive expression of ER in thyroid cancer tissues was 36. The number of papillary thyroid cancers (PTCs) was 48, with positive expression of ERs in 32 cases. The number of follicular thyroid cancers was 4, with positive expression of ERs in 2 cases. The number of medullary thyroid cancers was 4, with negative expression of ERs in all cases. The difference between the expression and different pathological types showed statistical significance. The expression of ERs showed no correlation with sex, age, or TNM stage, with no statistical significance. However, the expression of ERs was correlated with metastasis of lymph nodes, which had statistical significance. The expression of ERs was negatively correlated with pathological types and metastasis of lymph nodes. The correlated coefficient index was -0.313 and -0.334, respectively.

Conclusion

The expression of ERs showed no correlation with sex, age, or TNM stage, but was negatively correlated with pathological types and metastasis of lymph nodes.
Comparison of the effects of two types of multileaf collimators on tumor control probability in radiotherapy for breast cancer after conservative surgery based on the EUD model ⁎
Authors: Zhang Fuli , Wang Yadi , Xu Weidong , Jiang Huayong , Gao Junmao , Liu Qingzhi , Lu Na , Chen Diandian , Yao Bo , Hou Jun , He Heliang , Chen Jianping
Published: June 2023

Objective

To compute and compare the tumor control probability (TCP) of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for breast cancer after conservative surgery based on two types of multileaf collimator (MLC) through a retrospective planning study.

Methods

For a group of 9 patients diagnosed with left breast cancer, VMAT plan based on Agility MLC and beam modulator (BM) MLC were designed. The prescription dose was 50 Gy covering at least 95% of the planning target volume, 2 Gy per fraction. TCPs were calculated according to dose-volume histogram (DVH) analysis.

Results

The TCP of the BM VMAT plan was slightly higher than that of the Agility VMAT plan (94.61% vs 94.23%) but was inferior with respect to delivery efficiency; the delivery time was reduced for Agility VMAT plan by 35% compared to BM VMAT plan.

Conclusion

For breast cancer radiation therapy after conservative surgery, BM VMAT plans provide slightly higher TCP while the delivery of Agility VMAT plans is significantly faster than the BM VMAT plans.
Clinical predictive values of biomarker levels in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Wei Wenqing
Published: June 2023

Objective

To evaluate the predictive value of serum levels of PD-1, IL-17, and IL-21 in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

Methods

Serum levels of PD-1, IL-17, and IL-21 were analyzed by ELISA in 45 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and 30 healthy individuals.

Results

Serum PD-1, IL-17, and IL-21 levels were significantly different between preoperative patients with NSCLC and the control group (P < 0.01), while there was no significant differences between the postoperative patients and the control group (P > 0.05). Comparison of serum PD-1, IL-17, and IL-21 levels of patients with NSCLC before and after the operation revealed a decrease in PD-1 and IL-17 levels and an increase in IL-21 levels. The serum levels of PD-1 and IL-17 were higher in patients with advanced staged disease than in those with early stage cancer (P < 0.05), while IL-21 levels were lower at the advanced stages (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

In patients with NSCLC, serum levels of PD-1, IL-17, and IL-21 changed considering the surgical operation and the course of the disease. Screening these biomarker levels might provide a helpful index for treatment and prognosis
Accuracy of preoperative serum CA19-9 levels in predicting the resectability of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Ying , Yang Xiaojuan , Zhang Zhanzhan , Kang Xiaoning , Liu Shanglong
Published: June 2023

Objective

To assess the accuracy of preoperative serum CA19-9 levels in predicting the resectability of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Methods

Patients with biopsy-proven pancreatic adenocarcinoma who had preoperative serum CA19-9 level data were enrolled in the present retrospective analysis. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the optimal cut-off value of CA19-9. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated at this cut-off point.

Results

Seventy-six patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma that was considered potentially resectable according to radiological imaging were included. Of all 76 patients, 44 received complete resection of the pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The preoperative serum CA19-9 level was significantly higher in the unresectable tumor group than in the resectable tumor group (P = 0.0036). The area under the ROC curve was 0.749 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.637-0.842). When the cut-off value of CA19-9 was set to 359.1 U/mL, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were 71.9% (95% CI: 53.3%-86.3%), 70.5% (95% CI: 54.8%-83.2%), 63.9% (95% CI: 46.0%-79.4%), and 77.5% (95% CI: 61.5%-89.2%), respectively.

Conclusion

The preoperative serum CA19-9 level is useful for predicting the resectability of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
Recurrent ascites due to spontaneous intraperitoneal bladder rupture after pelvic radiation therapy for cervical cancer
Authors: Shen Qian , Yin Yuping , Zhang Lihong , Liu Dongbo , Yu Shiying , Xiong Huihua , Yuan Xianglin , Jiang Yongsheng
Published: June 2023

Radiation cystitis is one of the major complications after radiotherapy in cervical cancer patients. However, spontaneous intraperitoneal bladder rupture resulting from radiation cystitis after radiotherapy for cervical cancer is extremely rare. We report a 52-year-old patient who received radiation therapy for cervical cancer 15 years ago. Since the last 8 years, the patient frequently presented with recurrent abdominal distension, oliguria, and ascites. Ascitic fluid drainage and supportive treatment provided symptomatic relief. However, every few months, the symptoms recurred. The patient was subjected to exploratory laparotomy twice. The first exploratory laparotomy in July 2015 revealed no significant abnormalities. During the second exploratory laparotomy in November 2016, intraperitoneal bladder rupture was observed, and the patient underwent surgical repair. After the surgery, ascites was completely cured. The occurrence of spontaneous intraperitoneal bladder rupture after radiation therapy in cervical cancer patients is rare. The prognosis for the condition is good if it is promptly diagnosed and treated.
EDGE non-invasive radiosurgery for gastric neuroendocrine hepatic portal lymph node metastases: a case report
Authors: Yu Qianqian , Tang Yang , Zhuang Liang , Yuan Xianglin
Published: June 2023

Treating metastatic gastric neuroendocrine neoplasms (gNENs) is challenging, especially for those with progressive disease during somatostatin analog processing. In this report, we present a case of a well-differentiated grade 2, type 3 gNEN with metastatic hepatic portal lymph nodes. EDGE non-invasive radiosurgery (800 cGy × 5 F) was performed to radiate the metastatic hepatic portal lymph nodes. Three months after the hyperfractionated radiotherapy, no signs of metastatic hepatic portal lymph nodes were observed using 8Ga-dotatate positron emission tomography-computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Therefore, EDGE non-invasive radiosurgery could be a potential option for treating local metastatic nodes.
Immunohistochemical panel of glypican-3, hepatocyte paraffin antigen-1, arginase-1, cytokeratin-19, and human epithelial membrane antigen for the differential diagnosis of liver tumors*
Authors: Zhu Dongling , Kuang Dong , Zou Sijuan , Chen Lixing , Zhu Yuanli , Zhu Xiaohua
Published: June 2023

Objective

Clinical immunohistochemistry plays an increasingly important role in pathologic diagnosis. We investigated the usefulness of an immunohistochemical panel of glypican-3 (GPC3), hepatocyte paraffin antigen-1 (HepPar-1), arginase-1 (Arg-1), cytokeratin-19 (CK19), and human epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) for the differential diagnosis of liver tumors.

Methods

Two hundred and thirty-five immunohistochemical sections of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; 120 cases), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC; 50 cases), combined hepatocellular and cholangiocarcinoma (CHC; 17 cases), metastatic adenocarcinoma (20 cases), and benign liver lesions (28 cases) were obtained from the Department of Pathology at Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China. The sensitivity and specificity of the combined biomarkers GPC3/HepPar-1/Arg-1/CK19/EMA for the differential diagnosis of HCC, ICC, and CHC were calculated and analyzed retrospectively.

Results

The combined biomarkers GPC3+/CK19- had the highest specificity (98.3%) for diagnosing HCC, with a sensitivity of 60.0%. The specificity of GPC3-/HepPar-1-/Arg-1-/CK19+/EMA+ for diagnosing ICC was 93.0%, with a sensitivity of 76.0%. The specificity of GPC3+/HepPar-1+/Arg-1+/CK19+/EMA+ for diagnosing CHC was 95.9%, with a sensitivity of 52.9%.

Conclusion

The combined biomarkers GPC3/HepPar-1/Arg-1/CK19/EMA greatly improved the specificity of liver tumor diagnosis. We believe that clinical pathological work could improve the original determination of liver nodules.
Glioblastoma multiforme with metastasis to lung, bone, and chest wall: a case report
Authors: Du Guobo , Zhou Qian , He Xinyao , Cheng Long , Zhou Jing
Published: June 2023

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a common brain tumor that rarely metastasizes extra-cranially. We present the case of a 40-year-old male with left temporal GBM who underwent craniotomy followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Postoperative MRI scans at different time intervals demonstrated a good response. Eleven months after the initial diagnosis, there were no clinical or radiological signs suggesting recurrence. However, the tumor showed metastasis simultaneously to the chest wall, lungs, and bone, despite 2 cycles of chemotherapy. The patient developed paraplegia 14 months after the initial diagnosis and died due to systemic failure 19 months after diagnosis. Extracranial metastasis of GBM is extremely rare. We present the unusual case of a patient with GBM who showed simultaneous metastasis to the lungs, bone, and chest wall. The prognosis of patients with extracranial metastasis of glioblastomas is very poor, regardless of chemoradiotherapy. Newer approaches, such as immunotherapy and anti-angiogenic therapy, need to be further studied.
Study protocol: glycaemic outcomes in people with type 2 diabetes initiating continuous glucose monitoring: the 2GO-CGM study
Authors: Lever Claire S. , Williman Jonathan A. , Boucsein Alisa , Watson Antony , Sampson Rachael S. , Sergel-Stringer Oscar T. , Keesing Celeste , Chepulis Lynne , Wheeler Benjamin J. , de Bock Martin I. , Paul Ryan G.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Improving glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes (T2D) is essential to reducing social and health-economic burden of diabetes-related complications. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has been established as beneficial in improving glycaemic control and reducing hypoglycaemia in people with type 1 diabetes, however data in T2D is limited. This study has been designed to assess the effect of initiating real-time CGM (rtCGM) on glycaemic control in a high-risk population of adults with T2D. Secondary objectives are to assess the cost-effectiveness and safety of rtCGM, and the effects of rtCGM on diet/lifestyle and the burden of diabetic complications, including cardiovascular risk.

Methods

This multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted at three sites in New Zealand (Waikato, Christchurch and Dunedin). Eighty adults with T2D on insulin with suboptimal glycaemic control (HbA1c > 8.0% or 64 mmol/mol) will be randomised 1:1 to rtCGM or routine care with self-monitoring of blood glucose levels (SMBG) for three months. This intervention phase will be followed by a three-month continuation phase where SMBG group crossover to use rtCGM. Participants will then be invited to join the extension phase with continued use of rtCGM for a further 12 months. During the extension phase, both groups will independently titrate their insulin under the remote supervision of prescribing diabetes nurse specialists following an insulin titration algorithm. The primary outcome of the study is time in target glucose range (3.9–10 mmol/L or 70–180 mg/dL; TIR). Secondary outcomes include CGM metrics as per consensus statement recommendations, and HbA1c. Additional planned analyses include cardiovascular risk profile, incremental cost-effectiveness analyses, dietary patterns, and qualitative analyses.

Trial registration number

The trial was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12621000889853) on 8 July 2021 and the World Health Organisation International Clinical Trial Registry Platform (Universal Trial Number U1111–1264-5822).
On-Campus vs Distance Tutorials in Preparatory Courses for Mathematics Student Teachers – Performance Gains and Influencing Factors
Authors: Kirsten Katharina , Greefrath Gilbert
Published: June 2023

Due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, new instructional designs for mathematics courses have recently been developed. Unlike traditional e-learning courses, distance learning via videoconferencing contains more synchronous elements and is therefore more closely related to classroom instruction. Since theories of person-environment fit suggest that course modality may have an impact on learning processes, this study compares the effectiveness of on-campus (in-person) and synchronous distance tutorials as essential components of a mathematics preparatory course. Using a within-between-subject design, we examined performance gains of first-year student teachers (primary and lower secondary level) during a two-week preparatory course in relation to (1) tutorial variation, (2) students’ prior knowledge, and (3) general and specific affective factors. Overall, our results indicate that preparatory courses with on-campus and distance tutorials can be similarly effective. However, considering students’ prior knowledge as measured by an entrance test, the course variant proved to be a decisive factor for students with higher test scores: While students with lower scores showed comparable performance gains in both on-campus and distance tutorials, students with higher scores increased their mathematics performance only in on-campus tutorials. Furthermore, the results indicate that the impact of affective factors on course performance differs in the two tutorial variants. While students’ self-efficacy and engagement predict learning outcomes in on-campus tutorials, mathematics performance in distance tutorials is positively influenced by self-efficacy and satisfaction and negatively influenced by procrastination and social relatedness. Thus, the results shed light on how instructors can design on-campus and distance tutorials to promote effective learning.
Innovative hydrogeophysical approach for detecting the spatial distribution of hydraulic conductivity in Bahri city, Sudan: A comparative study of Csókás and Heigold methods
Authors: Mohammed Musaab A. A. , Abdelrahman Moataz M. G. , Szabó Norbert P. , Szűcs Péter
Published: June 2023

Hydraulic conductivity is one of the crucial parameters used to identify the potentiality and productivity of groundwater aquifers. This research employs an integrated approach using geophysical well logging, exploratory factor analysis and surface electrical resistivity methods to detect the vertical and horizontal variation of hydraulic conductivity in Bahri city, Sudan. Based on the geophysical well logs of Spontaneous potential (SP), natural gamma ray (GR), and electrical resistivity (RS), Csókás method is used to determine the continuous variation of hydraulic conductivity along the aquifer. Csókás method is an experimentally modified version of the Kozeny–Carman equation and is based on the formation factor of the groundwater aquifer and the effective grain size. This approach is performed in three groundwater boreholes, and the obtained hydraulic conductivities showed a close agreement with that of the pumping test analysis. Furthermore, the hydraulic conductivity is measured using multivariate statistical factor analysis. This statistical approach relies on the correlation between the extracted factors and petrophysical and hydrogeological parameters. In this research, a strong negative linear correlation between the first factor and hydraulic conductivity is indicated. Consequently, a site-specific equation is suggested for continuous estimation of hydraulic conductivity along the aquifer. In the last stage, the results obtained from the Csókás method are interpolated with vertical electrical sounding (VES) measurements using to detect the horizontal variation of hydraulic conductivity throughout the studied area. This was achieved by combining the hydraulic conductivities of geophysical well logging and vertical electrical soundings to obtain a consistent estimation. As a result, the variation of hydraulic conductivity is obtained, and the average was 1.9 m/day which shows a close agreement with the average of the previous investigations (1.5 m/day). This approach is highly recommended since it can enhance data coverage, cutting down the expense of hydrogeological investigations and lowering the uncertainty of the hydrogeological models.
Die Transvaginalsonographie ist entscheidend bei Diagnose und Bedrohung durch die ektope Schwangerschaft
Authors: Pape Janna , Bajka Michael
Published: June 2023

Die ektope Schwangerschaft („ectopic pregnancy“ [ECP]) ist weltweit immer noch die wichtigste mütterliche Todesursache im ersten Trimenon. Eine zuverlässige Diagnose vor Eintreten lebensbedrohlicher Umstände ist essenziell. Die Transvaginalsonographie (TVS) bietet hierfür ausgezeichnete Möglichkeiten: Die Suche nach den fünf sonomorphologischen Typen („blob sign“, „bagel sign“, Dottersack, Embryo ohne Herzschlag, Embryo mit Herzschlag) zeigte in einer grossen Kohortenstudie mit 321 Patientinnen einen sehr hohen positiven prädiktiven Wert (PPV 99,1 %, 95 %-KI 97,2–99,7 %). Dabei überwogen das „blob sign“ und das „bagel sign“ (75 % aller Fälle); der Embryo mit Herzschlag (11 %) war eher die Ausnahme. Das wohl wichtigste, weil auch häufigste Piktogramm in der Diagnostik der ECP ist die Suche nach einem „blob sign“ oder „bagel sign“ neben dem Ovar. Nur in einem Bruchteil der Fälle (3 %) war keine sonographische Diagnose möglich. Dies aufgrund grosser ovarieller Zysten, multipler Myome, eines ausgedehnten Hämatoperitoneums oder starker Schmerzen. Bei der Beurteilung der Dringlichkeit stimmte die sonographische Einschätzung von freier Flüssigkeit mit der intraoperativen Blutmenge gut überein. Durch die alleinige Bestimmung von freier Flüssigkeit in der TVS ist mit Abstand die beste Voraussage einer Niedrigrisikosituation (freies Blut < 100 ml) oder einer Hochrisikosituation (freies Blut ≥ 300 ml) möglich. Die genauen Grenzwerte sind noch in prospektiven Studien festzulegen. Bis dahin sollte ein mit freier Flüssigkeit gefüllter Douglas-Raum (hoch bis zur Funduskante) als rund 300 ml freies Blut im Bauch betrachtet werden, was in der Regel eine hohe Gefährdung bedeutet und eine dringende Intervention erfordert.
The K-functional and saturated linear approximation processes
Authors: Trebels Walter
Published: June 2023

It is shown that already the knowledge of the saturation class $$\, {{\mathfrak {F}}}(J_t, L^p) $$

F
(

J
t

,

L
p

)

of a saturated convolution approximation process $$\, \{J_t\}$$

{

J
t

}

on $$\, L^p({{\mathbb {R}}}^n),\, 1\le p< \infty ,$$

L
p

(

R

n

)

,

1
≤
p
<
∞
,

completely determines its norm approximation behavior. This is achieved by using the $$\, K$$

K

-functional $$\, K(t,f;L^p,{{\mathfrak {F}}}(J_t, L^p)) $$

K
(
t
,
f
;

L
p

,
F

(

J
t

,

L
p

)

)

as a comparison scale, which relates on the one hand the approximation process and on the other appropriate moduli of smoothness. This implies that simultaneously one gets the so-called direct and inverse theorems. There are open problems if the saturation order is slightly perturbed, e.g., by a $$\, |\log t|^\lambda $$

|
log
t
|

λ

-factor, $$\, \lambda >0.$$

λ
>
0
.

Proofs are mainly based on the Fourier transformation.
Continuity of essential health services amidst COVID-19 pandemic in Tanzania: a pre and post implementation support assessment
Authors: Hokororo Joseph , Katembo Anna-Grace , Kinyenje Eric , Amani Davis , Ndjovu Anthony , Eliakimu Eliudi , Mutayoba Rita , Kiremeji Michael
Published: June 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has potentially caused disruptions in provision of routine, regular essential health services in different ways; through overwhelming the health system in responding to COVID-19; some of the intervention used to slow transmission of COVID-19 may inhibit access to essential services; and through supplies of medicine being interrupted.. In Tanzania, unlike many other countries, which did not follow strict lockdown measures, disruption of access to and utilization of EHS due to anxiety and fear of contact with the infection while seeking medical care was observed.

Method

This was a cross-section study conducted in October 2022 to evaluate trends of utilizing essential health services before and after implantation of continued essential services (CES) project among 297 Amref supported facilities from Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. It involved the use of secondary data from the district health information system 2 (DHIS2), and extracted variable included; facility type and name, number of individuals using the antenatal, post-natal, immunization and delivery services. Through using STATA version 14, the data was cleaned, and quarterly and yearly average number of clients using either of the services was computed for the period between 2019 and 2021. Findings were presented in form of graphs, and comparison were made for the period before and after the implementation of the project.

Results

It was found that all key indicators that were assessed were maintained following the implementation of the project interventions that aimed at maintaining EHS during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusion

The study found that project interventions have remained relevant to the needs of communities as demonstrated by the maintenance of the essential MNCH services, as seen in a number of the key EHS indicators which were tracked. This calls for joint efforts between the government and partners on resource mobilization for scale-up so that the EHS is maintained and the country is prepared for these pandemics.
Sensitivity of ICD coding for sepsis in children—a population-based study
Authors: Endrich Olga , Triep Karen , Schlapbach Luregn J. , Posfay-Barbe Klara M. , Heininger Ulrich , Giannoni Eric , Stocker Martin , Niederer-Loher Anita , Kahlert Christian R. , Natalucci Giancarlo , Relly Christa , Riedel Thomas , Aebi Christoph , Berger Christoph , Agyeman Philipp K. A. ,   on behalf of the Swiss Pediatric Sepsis Study, Bär Walter , Bernhard-Stirnemann Sara , Hasters Paul , Konetzny Gabriel , Leone Antonio
Published: June 2023

Background

International Classification of Diseases 10th edition (ICD-10) is widely used to describe the burden of disease.

Aim

To describe how well ICD-10 coding captures sepsis in children admitted to the hospital with blood culture-proven bacterial or fungal infection and systemic inflammatory response syndrome.

Methods

Secondary analysis of a population-based, multicenter, prospective cohort study on children with blood culture-proven sepsis of nine tertiary pediatric hospitals in Switzerland. We compared the agreement of validated study data on sepsis criteria with ICD-10 coding abstraction obtained at the participating hospitals.

Results

We analyzed 998 hospital admissions of children with blood culture-proven sepsis. The sensitivity of ICD-10 coding abstraction was 60% (95%-CI 57–63) for sepsis; 35% (95%-CI 31–39) for sepsis with organ dysfunction, using an explicit abstraction strategy; and 65% (95%-CI 61–69) using an implicit abstraction strategy. For septic shock, the sensitivity of ICD-10 coding abstraction was 43% (95%-CI 37–50). Agreement of ICD-10 coding abstraction with validated study data varied by the underlying infection type and disease severity (p < 0.05). The estimated national incidence of sepsis, inferred from ICD-10 coding abstraction, was 12.5 per 100,000 children (95%-CI 11.7–13.5) and 21.0 per 100,000 children (95%-CI 19.8–22.2) using validated study data.

Conclusions

In this population-based study, we found a poor representation of sepsis and sepsis with organ dysfunction by ICD-10 coding abstraction in children with blood culture-proven sepsis when compared against a prospective validated research dataset. Sepsis estimates in children based on ICD-10 coding may thus severely underestimate the true prevalence of the disease.
The Precedent set by Unprecedented Rainfall: Lessons to be Learnt From Disastrous Flooding in Pakistan
Authors: Fatimi Asad S. , Anwar Eman , Shaikh Taha
Published: June 2023

Pakistan has suffered heavy losses due to the torrential monsoon rains of 2022. With obliterated infrastructure and rising disease burden, the nation is still reeling from the dismal aftermath. It is critical to understand that such catastrophes are not a 1-time calamity but are likely to become more frequent with growing severity of the climate crisis. These losses point to a more systemic problem that is a lack of preparedness, and without sustainable long-term measures in place, the nation remains just as vulnerable to the next ‘unpredictable’ weather contingency. Prior planning and effective allocation of resources can help develop a proactive response to future disasters of this magnitude.
Stone masonry design automation via reinforcement learning
Authors: Kang SungKu , Dy Jennifer G. , Kane Michael B.
Published: June 2023

The use of local natural and recycled feedstock is promising for sustainable construction. However, unlike versatile engineered bricks, natural and recycled feedstock involves design challenges due to their stochastic, sequential, and heterogeneous nature. For example, the practical use of stone masonry is limited, as it still relies on human experts with holistic domain knowledge to determine the sequential organization of natural stones with different sizes/shapes. Reinforcement learning (RL) is expected to address such design challenges, as it allows artificial intelligence (AI) agents to autonomously learn design policy, that is, identifying the best design decision at each time step. As a proof-of-concept RL framework for design automation involving heterogeneous feedstock, a stone masonry design framework is presented. The proposed framework is founded upon a virtual design environment, MasonTris, inspired by the analogy between stone masonry and Tetris. MasonTris provides a Tetris-like virtual environment combined with a finite element analysis (FEA), where AI agents learn effective design policies without human intervention. Also, a new data collection policy, almost-greedy policy, is designed to address the sparsity of feasible designs for faster/stable learning. As computation bottleneck occurs when parallel agents evaluate designs with different complexities, a modification of the RL framework is proposed that FEA is held until training data are retrieved for training. The feasibility and adaptability of the proposed framework are demonstrated by continuously improving stone masonry design policy in simplified design problems. The framework can be generalizable to different natural and recycled feedstock by incorporating more realistic assumptions, opening opportunities in design automation for sustainability.
A low-power ankle-foot prosthesis for push-off enhancement
Authors: Mazzarini Alessandro , Fantozzi Matteo , Papapicco Vito , Fagioli Ilaria , Lanotte Francesco , Baldoni Andrea , Dell’Agnello Filippo , Ferrara Paolo , Ciapetti Tommaso , Molino Lova Raffaele , Gruppioni Emanuele , Trigili Emilio , Crea Simona , Vitiello Nicola
Published: June 2023

Passive ankle-foot prostheses are light-weighted and reliable, but they cannot generate net positive power, which is essential in restoring the natural gait pattern of amputees. Recent robotic prostheses addressed the problem by actively controlling the storage and release of energy generated during the stance phase through the mechanical deformation of elastic elements housed in the device. This study proposes an innovative low-power active prosthetic module that fits on off-the-shelf passive ankle-foot energy-storage-and-release (ESAR) prostheses. The module is placed parallel to the ESAR foot, actively augmenting the energy stored in the foot and controlling the energy return for an enhanced push-off. The parallel elastic actuation takes advantage of the amputee’s natural loading action on the foot’s elastic structure, retaining its deformation. The actuation unit is designed to additionally deform the foot and command the return of the total stored energy. The control strategy of the prosthesis adapts to changes in the user’s cadence and loading conditions to return the energy at a desired stride phase. An early verification on two transtibial amputees during treadmill walking showed that the proposed mechanism could increase the subjects’ dorsiflexion peak of 15.2% and 41.6% for subjects 1 and 2, respectively, and the cadence of about 2%. Moreover, an increase of 26% and 45% was observed in the energy return for subjects 1 and 2, respectively.
Focusing Effects of Teleseismic Wavefields by the Subducting Plate Beneath Cascadia
Authors: Pang Guanning , Abers Geoffrey A. , van Keken Peter E.
Published: June 2023

Seismic wave amplitudes have tremendous sensitivity to subduction structure; however, they are affected by attenuation, scattering and focusing, and have therefore been sparsely used compared with traveltimes. We measure and model teleseismic body wave amplitudes recorded at a dense broadband array in the Washington Cascades. These data show anomalous amplitude variations with complex azimuthal dependence at frequencies as low as 0.05 Hz, accompanied by significant multipathing. We demonstrate using spectral‐element numerical simulations that focusing of the teleseismic wavefield by the Juan de Fuca slab is responsible for some of the amplitude anomalies. The focusing effects can contaminate the apparent differential attenuation measurements and produce at least 20% of the inferred attenuation signal. Our results indicate that the amplitudes are sensitive to the subducting slab geometry and subduction structure, and can be used to refine seismic images. Ubiquitous and consistent amplitude anomalies are observed along the arc, suggesting that the Juan de Fuca slab may be continuous from Canada to northern California.
CRYOWRF—Model Evaluation and the Effect of Blowing Snow on the Antarctic Surface Mass Balance
Authors: Gerber Franziska , Sharma Varun , Lehning Michael
Published: June 2023

The surface mass balance (SMB) of large polar ice sheets and of snow and ice surfaces in general are incompletely understood because of the complexity of processes involved. One such process, drifting and blowing snow, has only been considered in a very simplified way in current meteorological and climatological models. To address this problem, the CRYOWRF model has been developed, a coupled model between the meteorological Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF) and the snow model SNOWPACK, augmented by a detailed treatment of drifting and blowing snow. Applying CRYOWRF to the SMB of Antarctica, we find that the model reproduces measurements of SMB with similar errors than current models. Drifting and blowing snow and its sublimation play a particularly important role, especially in regions of strong katabatic winds. The CRYOWRF simulations are also in line with satellite estimates of blowing snow frequency. There is a need to further consolidate results by simulations with a higher grid resolution and by including more measurements of SMB contributions from snow fall to transport and sublimation.
In Situ Estimation of Erosion Model Parameters Using an Advection‐Diffusion Model and Bayesian Inversion
Authors: Edge W. C. , Rayson M. D. , Jones N. L. , Ivey G. N.
Published: June 2023

We describe a framework for the simultaneous estimation of model parameters in a partial differential equation using sparse observations. Markov Chain Monte Carlo sampling is used in a Bayesian framework to estimate posterior probability distributions for each parameter. We describe the necessary components of this approach and its broad potential for application in models of unsteady processes. The framework is applied to three case studies, of increasing complexity, from the field of cohesive sediment transport. We demonstrate that the framework can be used to recover posterior distributions for all parameters of interest and the results agree well with independent estimates (where available). We also demonstrate how the framework can be used to compare different model parameterizations and provide information on the covariance between model parameters.
Drift of Earth's Pole Confirms Groundwater Depletion as a Significant Contributor to Global Sea Level Rise 1993–2010
Authors: Seo Ki‐Weon , Ryu Dongryeol , Eom Jooyoung , Jeon Taewhan , Kim Jae‐Seung , Youm Kookhyoun , Chen Jianli , Wilson Clark R.
Published: June 2023

Climate model estimates show significant groundwater depletion during the 20th century, consistent with global mean sea level (GMSL) budget analysis. However, prior to the Argo float era, in the early 2000’s, there is little information about steric sea level contributions to GMSL, making the role of groundwater depletion in this period less certain. We show that a useful constraint is found in observed polar motion (PM). In the period 1993–2010, we find that predicted PM excitation trends estimated from various sources of surface mass loads and the estimated glacial isostatic adjustment agree very well with the observed. Among many contributors to the PM excitation trend, groundwater storage changes are estimated to be the second largest (4.36 cm/yr) toward 64.16°E. Neglecting groundwater effects, the predicted trend differs significantly from the observed. PM observations may also provide a tool for studying historical continental scale water storage variations.
A Mosaic of the Inner Heliosphere: Three Carrington Rotations During the Whole Heliosphere and Planetary Interactions Interval
Authors: Allen Robert C. , Gibson Sarah E. , Hewins Ian , Vines Sarah K. , Qian Liying , de Toma Giuliana , Thompson Barbara J. , Hudson Mary , Lee Christina O. , Filwett Rachael J. , Mostafavi Parisa , Mo Wenli , Hill Matt E.
Published: June 2023

The Whole Heliosphere and Planetary Interactions initiative was established to leverage relatively quiet intervals during solar minimum to better understand the interconnectedness of the various domains in the heliosphere. This study provides an expansive mosaic of observations spanning from the Sun, through interplanetary space, to the magnetospheric response and subsequent effects on the ionosphere‐thermosphere‐mesosphere (ITM) system. To accomplish this, a diverse set of observational datasets are utilized from 2019 July 26 to October 16 (i.e., over three Carrington rotations, CR2220, CR2221, and CR2222) with connections of these observations to the more focused studies submitted to this special issue. Particularly, this study focuses on two long‐lived coronal holes and their varying impact in sculpting the heliosphere and driving of the magnetospheric system. As a result, the evolution of coronal holes, impacts on the inner heliosphere solar wind, glimpses at mesoscale solar wind variability, magnetospheric response to these evolving solar wind drivers, and resulting ITM phenomena are captured to reveal the interconnectedness of this system‐of‐systems.
Unlocking complex soil systems as carbon sinks: multi-pool management as the key
Authors: Angst Gerrit , Mueller Kevin E. , Castellano Michael J. , Vogel Cordula , Wiesmeier Martin , Mueller Carsten W.
Published: June 2023

Much research focuses on increasing carbon storage in mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM), in which carbon may persist for centuries to millennia. However, MAOM-targeted management is insufficient because the formation pathways of persistent soil organic matter are diverse and vary with environmental conditions. Effective management must also consider particulate organic matter (POM). In many soils, there is potential for enlarging POM pools, POM can persist over long time scales, and POM can be a direct precursor of MAOM. We present a framework for context-dependent management strategies that recognizes soils as complex systems in which environmental conditions constrain POM and MAOM formation.
Diminishing storage returns of reservoir construction
Authors: Li Yao , Zhao Gang , Allen George H. , Gao Huilin
Published: June 2023

Surface water reservoirs are increasingly being relied upon to meet rising demands in the context of growing population and changing climate. However, the amount of water available in reservoirs (and the corresponding trends) have not been well quantified at the global scale. Here we use satellite observations to estimate the storage variations of 7245 global reservoirs from 1999 to 2018. Total global reservoir storage has increased at a rate of 27.82 ± 0.08 km3/yr, which is mainly attributed to the construction of new dams. However, the normalized reservoir storage (NS)—the ratio of the actual storage to the storage capacity—has declined by 0.82 ± 0.01%. The decline of NS values is especially pronounced in the global south, while the global north mainly exhibits an NS increase. With predicted decreasing runoff and increasing water demand, these observed diminishing storage returns of reservoir construction will likely persist into the future.
Temperature-triggered in situ forming lipid mesophase gel for local treatment of ulcerative colitis
Authors: Carone Marianna , Spalinger Marianne R. , Gaultney Robert A. , Mezzenga Raffaele , Hlavačková Kristýna , Mookhoek Aart , Krebs Philippe , Rogler Gerhard , Luciani Paola , Aleandri Simone
Published: June 2023

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that strongly affects patient quality of life. Side effects of current therapies necessitate new treatment strategies that maximise the drug concentration at the site of inflammation, while minimizing systemic exposure. Capitalizing on the biocompatible and biodegradable structure of lipid mesophases, we present a temperature-triggered in situ forming lipid gel for topical treatment of colitis. We show that the gel is versatile and can host and release drugs of different polarities, including tofacitinib and tacrolimus, in a sustained manner. Further, we demonstrate its adherence to the colonic wall for at least 6 h, thus preventing leakage and improving drug bioavailability. Importantly, we find that loading known colitis treatment drugs into the temperature-triggered gel improves animal health in two mouse models of acute colitis. Overall, our temperature-triggered gel may prove beneficial in ameliorating colitis and decreasing adverse effects associated with systemic application of immunosuppressive treatments.
Reverse oxygen spillover triggered by CO adsorption on Sn-doped Pt/TiO2 for low-temperature CO oxidation
Authors: Chen Jianjun , Xiong Shangchao , Liu Haiyan , Shi Jianqiang , Mi Jinxing , Liu Hao , Gong Zhengjun , Oliviero Laetitia , Maugé Françoise , Li Junhua
Published: June 2023

The spillover of oxygen species is fundamentally important in redox reactions, but the spillover mechanism has been less understood compared to that of hydrogen spillover. Herein Sn is doped into TiO2 to activate low-temperature (<100 °C) reverse oxygen spillover in Pt/TiO2 catalyst, leading to CO oxidation activity much higher than that of most oxide-supported Pt catalysts. A combination of near-ambient-pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, in situ Raman/Infrared spectroscopies, and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the reverse oxygen spillover is triggered by CO adsorption at Pt2+ sites, followed by bond cleavage of Ti-O-Sn moieties nearby and the appearance of Pt4+ species. The O in the catalytically indispensable Pt-O species is energetically more favourable to be originated from Ti-O-Sn. This work clearly depicts the interfacial chemistry of reverse oxygen spillover that is triggered by CO adsorption, and the understanding is helpful for the design of platinum/titania catalysts suitable for reactions of various reactants.
The intersection of undernutrition, microbiome, and child development in the first years of life
Authors: Fontaine Fanette , Turjeman Sondra , Callens Karel , Koren Omry
Published: June 2023

Undernutrition affects about one out of five children worldwide. It is associated with impaired growth, neurodevelopment deficits, and increased infectious morbidity and mortality. Undernutrition, however, cannot be solely attributed to a lack of food or nutrient deficiency but rather results from a complex mix of biological and environmental factors. Recent research has shown that the gut microbiome is intimately involved in the metabolism of dietary components, in growth, in the training of the immune system, and in healthy development. In this review, we look at these features in the first three years of life, which is a critical window for both microbiome establishment and maturation and child development. We also discuss the potential of the microbiome in undernutrition interventions, which could increase efficacy and improve child health outcomes.
Biomedical knowledge graph learning for drug repurposing by extending guilt-by-association to multiple layers
Authors: Bang Dongmin , Lim Sangsoo , Lee Sangseon , Kim Sun
Published: June 2023

Computational drug repurposing aims to identify new indications for existing drugs by utilizing high-throughput data, often in the form of biomedical knowledge graphs. However, learning on biomedical knowledge graphs can be challenging due to the dominance of genes and a small number of drug and disease entities, resulting in less effective representations. To overcome this challenge, we propose a “semantic multi-layer guilt-by-association" approach that leverages the principle of guilt-by-association - “similar genes share similar functions", at the drug-gene-disease level. Using this approach, our model DREAMwalk: Drug Repurposing through Exploring Associations using Multi-layer random walk uses our semantic information-guided random walk to generate drug and disease-populated node sequences, allowing for effective mapping of both drugs and diseases in a unified embedding space. Compared to state-of-the-art link prediction models, our approach improves drug-disease association prediction accuracy by up to 16.8%. Moreover, exploration of the embedding space reveals a well-aligned harmony between biological and semantic contexts. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach through repurposing case studies for breast carcinoma and Alzheimer’s disease, highlighting the potential of multi-layer guilt-by-association perspective for drug repurposing on biomedical knowledge graphs.