bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Causal associations between gut Bifidobacteriaceae and transplantation failure: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Yan Han , Lan Gongbin , Zhang Wei , Wang Ying , Li Xi
Published: March 2023

Background
Transplant rejection and failure are the primary causes of short life in transplant patients, and the mechanism is yet unknown. A number of recent research findings point to a possible association between the gut microbiome and transplantation failure. However, it is unclear if part of the gut microbiota is the cause of transplantation failure.
Methods
A Mendelian randomization study was carried out to test the potential causal relationship between gut microbiota and transplantation failure. Three GWAS results were used, one for the gut microbiome, one for transplantation failure, and one for transplantation status. As instrumental variables, SNPs with a strong correlation to the abundance of gut microbiota were chosen.
Results
The abundance of Bifidobacteriaceae was discovered to be a causal factor for transplantation failure, with a protective effect (IVW p = 0.049, OR = 0.658, 95% CI: 0.433–0.998) after Mendelian randomization analysis. Furthermore, there was no relationship between Bifidobacteriaceae and transplantation status. Gene enrichment analysis revealed that the genes containing the instrumental variables of Bifidobacteriaceae were primarily enriched in synapse and membrane related terms.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that a decrease in the abundance of Bifidobacteriaceae in the gut may increase the risk of transplantation failure. This work contribute novel insights for further explaining the process of transplantation failure, and it is important in intervening and avoiding transplantation failure.
Clinical Study to Evaluate the Possible Efficacy and Safety of Antibodies Combination (casirivimab and imdevimab) versus standard antiviral therapy as antiviral agent against Corona virus 2 infection in hospitalized COVID-19 patients
Authors: Hassan Ahmed H. , Hegazy Sahar K. , Radwan Samar T.
Published: March 2023

Introduction:
Corona Virus-induced disease – 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic stimulates research works to find a solution to this crisis from starting 2020 year up to now. With ending of the 2021 year, various advances in pharmacotherapy against COVID-19 have emerged.
Regarding antiviral therapy, Casirivimab and imdevimab antibody combination is a type of new immunotherapy against COVID-19. Standard antiviral therapy against COVID-19 includes Remdesivir and Favipravir.
Aim of Study:
To compare the efficacy and safety of antibodies cocktail (casirivimab and imdevimab), Remdesivir, and Favipravir in the COVID-19 patients
Patients and Population:
265 hospitalized COVID-19 patients were used to represent the COVID-19 population and were assigned into three groups in a ratio of (1:2:2) respectively, Group (A) received REGN3048-3051(Antibodies cocktail (casirivimab and imdevimab), group (B) received remdesivir, and group (C) received favipravir.
Methods:
The study design is a single-blind non-Randomized Controlled Trial (non-RCT). The drugs of the study are owned by Mansoura University Hospital (MUH) and prescribed by chest diseases lectures of the faculty of medicine-Mansoura University. The duration of the study is about 6 months after ethical approval.
Results and discussion:
Casirivimab and imdevimab achieve less 28-day mortality rate, less mortality at hospital discharge, more negative swab cases, less need for O2 therapy and IMV, less duration of this need, less hospital and ICU stay, less case progression as presented by lower World Health Organization (WHO) scale and better multi-organ functions as presented by lower Sequential Organ Function Assessment (SOFA) score than Remdesivir and Favipravir.
Conclusion:
From all of these results, it is concluded that Group A (Casirivimab & imdevimab) has more favorable clinical outcomes than B (remdesivir) & C (favipravir) intervention groups.
Clinical Trial Registration: NCT05502081, 16/08/2022, Clinicaltrials.gov, retrospectively registered
Clinical effectiveness of distal metatarsophalangeal mini-invasive osteotomy on hallux valgus
Authors: Bai Zixing , Cao Xuhan , Xiong Binglang , Dong Yongli , Sun Xudong , Sun Weidong
Published: March 2023

Background Minimally invasive treatment of hallux valgus is one of the better surgical methods,which still has the shortcomings of insufficient correction of deformities and poor correction of hallux rotation. Therefore, we have improved the surgical method to further improve the clinical efficacy. Methods 186 patients(328 feet) who were diagnosed as hallux valgus from January 2019 to January 2020 and underwent DMMO were included in this retrospective study. The preoperative and postoperative hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA) and distal articular set angle (DASA) of the patients were collected and compared to evaluate the correction of deformity. To explore the safety and effectiveness of DMMO in improving the function of hallux valgus based on American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) and visual analogue score (VAS). Results The preoperative HVA, IMA and DASA of the subjects were (33.63°±8.74°,12.95°±2.42°,9.46°±1.88°), postoperative HVA, IMA and DASA were (11.18°±2.04°,7.61°±1.46°,3.25°±1.15°); The preoperative AOFAS and VAS were (49.65 ± 9.32,5.61 ± 2.12), and the postoperative were (90.21 ± 7.65,1.65 ± 0.48).The postoperative(12 months) of HVA, IMA, DASA, AOFAS and VAS were better than those before operation (P < 0.05). No postoperative complications were found in all cases. Conclusion Distal metatarsophalangeal mini-invasive osteotomy in the treatment of hallux valgus is safety, scientific and effective. It is worthy of clinical application promotion.Level of Evidence:Level III
Rational design of alcoholic fermentation targeting extracellular carbon
Authors: Watanabe Daisuke , Kawashima Mikiya , Yoshioka Naoya , Sugimoto Yukiko , Takagi Hiroshi
Published: March 2023

Breeding yeast strains for industrial alcoholic fermentation requires laborious screening due to the lack of in vivo modification strategies. Here we show that quiescence-specific cell wall thickening via synthesis of a major component, 1,3-β-glucan, critically antagonizes cellular fermentation ability by sequestering the available cytoplasmic carbon sources. This study provides novel insights into glycolytic control and reports an effective and reliable rational fermentation design.
An Optimization of Synthesis Technique for Na-X Zeolite from Coal-Fly Ash Using Taguchi Experimental Design
Authors: Tirva Divya , Palkar Ritesh Ramesh , Agheda Kaushal
Published: March 2023

The coal fly ash (Class-F) from a thermal power plant in the Gujarat state of India was used to synthesize Na-X Zeolite. The objective of this study is to maximize Na-X zeolite crystallisation by the use of alkaline fusion hydrothermal treatment. The authors have also optimized the process variables using the L9 orthogonal Taguchi method. The operating parameters investigated are fusion temperature, fusion time, liquid/solid (L/S) ratio, and alkaline solution concentration. The XRF analysis of coal fly ash reveals that quartz (SiO2), mullite (Al2O3.SiO4), and a small fraction of hematite and magnetite are the major minerals. The highly crystalline zeolite (ZT-5) was synthesized in 0.3 M NaOH solution at fusion temperature of 550 °C for 12 hours with 1.3 L/S ratio. Contrary to the CFA graph, the zeolite (ZT-5) XRD pattern displays prominent peaks between 20° and 40°. The SEM images illustrate the transition from a smooth spherical texture to a highly crystalline lattice structure in the morphology of zeolite. A sharp stretch around 440 cm-1 and 460 cm-1 and weak bend around 660 cm-1 and 694 cm-1 shows the relative O-T-O deformation and the change in shape of the Al-O-H bonds, as measured by FT-IR absorption.
Satellite observations of the Alfvénic Transition from Weak to Strong Magnetohydrodynamic Turbulence
Authors: Zhao Siqi , Yan Huirong , Liu Terry , Yuen Ka Ho , Wang Huizi
Published: March 2023

Plasma turbulence is a ubiquitous dynamical process that transfers energy across many spatial and temporal scales in astrophysical and space plasma systems1-8. Although the theory of anisotropic magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence has successfully described phenomena in nature, its core prediction of an Alfvénic transition from weak to strong MHD turbulence when energy cascades from large to small scales has not been observationally confirmed9-10. Here we report the first observational evidence for the Alfvénic weak-to-strong transition in MHD turbulence in the terrestrial magnetosheath using the four Cluster spacecraft. The observed transition indicates the universal existence of strong turbulence regardless of the initial level of MHD fluctuations. Moreover, the observations demonstrate that the nonlinear interactions of MHD turbulence play a crucial role in the energy cascade, widening the directions of the energy cascade and broadening the fluctuating frequencies. Our work takes a critical step toward understanding the complete picture of turbulence cascade, connecting the weak and strong MHD turbulence systems. It will have broad implications in star formation, energetic particle transport, turbulent dynamo, and solar corona or solar wind heating.
Improvement of functioning in patients with schizophrenia: Real-world effectiveness of aripiprazole once-monthly (REACT study)
Authors: Oluboka Oloruntoba , Clerzius Guerline , Janetzky Wolfgang , Schöttle Daniel , Therrien François , Wiedemann Klaus , Roy Marc-André
Published: March 2023

Background: Functional impairment affects many patients with schizophrenia. Treatment with the long-acting injectable antipsychotic aripiprazole once-monthly (AOM) may help improve functioning.
Methods: Here we report functional outcomes in the form of Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scores in a pooled analysis of data from two non-interventional studies from Canada and Germany. Data from 396 patients were analyzed.
Results: At baseline, the mean GAF score was 47.7 (SD 13.4). During six months of treatment with AOM, the mean GAF score increased to 59.4 (SD 15.8). Subgroups stratified by patient age (≤35 years/>35 years), gender, disease duration (≤5 years/>5 years) and disease severity at baseline had all significantly improved their GAF at month 6. 51.5% of the patients showed a GAF score increase of at least 10 points, which was regarded as clinically meaningful, and were considered responders.
Conclusions: These data show that treatment with AOM may help improve patient functioning in a routine treatment setting.
Canadian Non-Interventional Trial Registration 06/05/2014 (NCT02131415).
Germany Non-Interventional Trial Registration 02/07/2014 (15960N).
Aeolus impact on Volcanic Ash early warning systems for Aviation
Authors: Amiridis Vassilis , Kampouri Anna , Gkikas Antonis , Misios Stergios , Gialitaki Anna , Marinou Eleni , Rennie Michael , Benedetti Angela , Solomos Stavros , Zanis Prodromos , Vasardani Olympia , Eleftheratos Konstantinos , Paschou Peristera , Georgiou Thanasis , Scollo Simona , Mona Lucia , Papagiannopoulos Nikolaos , Retscher Christian , Parrinello Tommaso , Straume Anne Grete
Published: March 2023

Forecasting volcanic ash atmospheric pathways is of utmost importance for aviation. Volcanic ash can interfere with aircraft navigational instruments and can damage engine parts. Early warning systems, activated after volcanic eruptions can alleviate the impacts on aviation by providing forecasts of the volcanic ash plume dispersion. The quality of these short-term forecasts is subject to the accuracy of the meteorological wind fields used for the initialization of regional models. Here, we use wind profiling data from the first High Spectral Resolution Lidar in Space, Aeolus, to examine the impact of measured wind fields on regional NWP and subsequent volcanic ash dispersion forecasts, focusing on the case of Etna’s eruption on March 2021. The results from this case study demonstrate a significant improvement of the volcanic ash simulation when using Aeolus-assimilated meteorological fields, with differences in wind speed reaching up to 8 m/s when compared to the control run. When comparing the volcanic ash forecast profiles with downwind surface-based aerosol lidar observations, the modeled field is consistent with the measurements only when Aeolus winds are assimilated. This result clearly illustrates the potential and importance of wind profiling from space for volcanic ash forecasting and hence aviation safety.
Orthodontic Treatment under Endodontic Consideration Based on Orthodontic Root Resorption: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Danning , Xue Kun , Meng Jiayuan , Hu Meijing , Bi Fei , Tan Xuelian
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The purpose of this systematic review was to research the difference between root-filled teeth (RFT) and vital pulp teeth (VPT) in orthodontic root resorption (ORR) situations and to offer suggestions for clinicians on therapeutic sequence and timing when considering combined treatment of endodontic and orthodontic.

Materials and methods

An electronic search of published studies was conducted before November 2022 in PubMed, Web of Science and other databases. Eligibility criteria were based on the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Study design (PICOS) framework. RevMan 5.3 software was used for statistical analysis. Single-factor meta-regression analysis was used to explore the sources of literature heterogeneity, and a random effects model was used for analysis.

Results

This meta-analysis contained eight studies and ten sets of data. A random effects model was used due to significant heterogeneity among the studies. The funnel plot of the random effects model exhibited a symmetrical distribution, which indicates no publication bias of the included studies. The ORR rate of RFT was significantly lower than that of VPT.

Conclusions

Endodontic treatment should be carried out first when both endodontic and orthodontic treatments are needed. The timing of orthodontic tooth movement after root canal therapy should be determined by the healing degree of periapical lesions and the severity of trauma if the teeth were injured.
Clinical Implications of Circulating Follistatin-like Protein-1 in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Kim Dae Kyu , Kang Seok Hui , Kim Jin Sug , Kim Yang Gyun , Lee Yu Ho , Lee Dong-Young , Ahn Shin Young , Moon Ju Young , Lee Sang Ho , Jeong Kyung Hwan , Hwang Hyeon Seok
Published: March 2023

Follistatin-like protein-1 (FSTL-1) is secreted glycoprotein, which regulates cardiovascular, immune and skeletal system. However, the clinical significance of circulating FSTL-1 levels remains unclear in hemodialysis patients. A total 376 hemodialysis patients were prospectively enrolled from June 2016 to March 2020. Plasma FSTL-1 level, inflammatory biomarkers, physical performance, and echocardiographic findings at baseline were examined. The primary endpoint was defined as a composite of incident CV events and death. Plasma FSTL-1 levels were positively correlated with TNF-α and MCP-1. Handgrip strength showed weak positive correlation in male patients only. In multivariate linear regression analysis, FSTL-1 level was negatively associated with left ventricular ejection fraction (β = −0.36; p = 0.011). Both cumulative event rate of the composite of CV event and death, and cumulative event rate of CV events were significantly greater in FSTL-1 tertile 3. In Cox regression analysis, FSTL-1 tertile 3 was associated with a 1.80-fold risk for the composite of CV events and death(95% confidence interval (CI), 1.06–3.08), and a 2.29-fold risk for CV events (95% CI, 1.15–4.54) after adjustment for multiple variables. In conclusion, high circulating FSTL-1 levels independently predict the composite of CV events and death, and FSTL-1 level was independently associated with left ventricular systolic dysfunction.
Persistence of anti-Schistosoma IgG indicated a poor clinical outcome in patients with chronic schistosomiasis japonica
Authors: Xie Shudong , Zhang Yu , Li Junhui , Zhou Jie , Li Jun , Zhang Pengpeng , Liu Yang , Luo Yulin , Ming Yingzi
Published: March 2023

Schistosomiasis is a chronic parasitic disease, which affects the quality of daily life of patients and imposes a huge burden on society. Hepatic fibrosis in response to continuous insult of eggs to the liver is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. However, the mechanisms of hepatic fibrosis in schistosomiasis are largely undefined. The purpose of our study is to detect the indicator to hepatic fibrosis in schistosomiasis. A total of 488 patients with chronic schistosomiasis japonica were enrolled in our study. The patients were divided into two groups according to liver ultrasound examination, which could indicate liver fibrosis of schistosomiasis with unique reticular changes. Logistic regression analysis showed that globulin, albumin/globulin, GGT levels and anti-Schistosoma IgG were independently associated with liver fibrosis in patients with schistosomiasis and IgG was the largest association of liver fibrosis (OR = 2.039, 95% CI = 1.293-3.213). We further compared IgG+ patients with IgG-patients. IgG+ patients (ALT 25 U/L, GGT 31 U/L) slightly higher than IgG-patients (ALT 22 U/L, GGT 26 U/L) in ALT and GGT. However, the fibrosis of liver in IgG+ patients (Grade Ⅱ(19.7%), Grade Ⅲ(7.3%)) were more severe than that in IgG-patients(Grade Ⅱ(12.5%), Grade Ⅲ(2.9%)) according to the grade of liver ultrasonography. Our results showed anti-Schistosoma IgG was independently associated with liver fibrosis in patients with chronic schistosomiasis japonica and patients with persistent anti-Schistosoma IgG might have more liver fibrosis than negative patients despite no obvious clinical signs or symptoms.
Influences of Various Parameters on Shear Stiffness of Bolted Joint Subjected to Shear Load
Authors: Murai Ayaka , Watanabe Tadatoshi , Fukuda Masahiro , Hashimura Shinji
Published: March 2023

Multi-material structures have been required to reduce weight of vehicles in order to improve fuel efficiencies. To realize multi-material structures effectively, we have to select not only the optimum material for each structure but also the optimum joining techniques for each joint. Bolted joints are one of the most popular methods to join dissimilar materials. Various characteristics for the bolted joints had been revealed in the literatures. Especially self-loosening characteristics of bolted joints subjected to shear cyclic load have been still investigated. However it has not been sufficiently investigated which parameters effect on shear stiffness of bolted joints which is subjected to shear load. When two plates are joined by a bolt and a nut, it is important for functionally designing machines to know if the shear stiffness of the joining point is the same as the plate stiffness or not and if the stiffness changes or not. In this study, we have revealed experimentally and analytically the shear stiffness characteristics of bolted joints and which parameters determine the shear stiffness. Washers with different contact areas to the clamped plates were used in the experiments. The results showed that the shear stiffness of bolted joints increases with an increase in the contact area size between washers and clamped parts. The result indicates that the shear stiffness of bolted joint is mainly determined by the bending stiffness that is an easiness of bolted joints to rotate due to shear tensile force rather than the clamping force. But if the slippage occurs between the clamped plates, the shear stiffness of bolted joint markedly decreases. The results also showed that the tensile force with which the clamped plates begin to slip between them depends on the clamp force of bolted joints and the contact area size between the clamped plate and the washers.
Mapping Enzyme Activity in Living Systems by Real-Time Mid-Infrared Photothermal Imaging of Nitrile Chameleons
Authors: Cheng Ji-Xin , He Hongjian , Yin Jiaze , Li Mingsheng , Teng Xinyan , Zhang Meng , Li Yueming , Du Zhiyi , Xu Bing
Published: March 2023

Enzymes are vital components in a variety of physiological and biochemical processes. Participation of various enzyme species are required for many biological events and signaling networks. Thus, spatially mapping the activity of multiple enzymes in a living system is significant for elucidating enzymatic functions in health and connections to diseases. Here, we report the development of nitrile (C≡N)-tagged enzyme activity reporters, named nitrile chameleons for the shifted peak between substrate and product. By real-time mid-infrared photothermal imaging of the enzymatic substrates and products at 300 nm resolution, our approach can map the activity distribution of different enzymes and quantitate the relative catalytic efficiency in living cancer cells, C. elegans, and brain tissues. An important finding is the direct visualization of caspase-phosphatase cooperation during apoptosis. Our method is generally applicable to a broad category of enzymes and will advance the discovery of potential targets for diagnosis and drug development.
The safe zone of long screw fixation for Ogawa type I coracoid process fracture—Using quadrant method for 3D simulation operation and 2D fluoroscopy verification
Authors: Wang Xiao , Wang Yang , Yan Junwei , Ge Dawei , Yin Zhaowei , Zhao Xin , Shi Chen , Pan Shaowei , Liang Bin
Published: March 2023

Purpose This study aimed to find the safe zone of two-dimensional (2D) fluoroscopy images in open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with long screws for Ogawa type I coracoid process fractures through three-dimensional (3D) simulation operations performed. Preliminary verification was carried out in cadaveric bone and clinical operations. Methods Shoulder computed tomography data of 100 adult participants were collected and reconstructed into 3D models. Virtual screws were created and placed to simulate long screw fixation. 3D models were adjusted to the Y-view of the scapula to be observed for 2D fluoroscopy, and quadrants were established with the centre of the glenoid of the shoulder as the origin. The positions of the screw tips were recorded, and the screw lengths (L1 and L2) and angles (α1, α2, β1, and β2) were measured. A scatter diagram was used to record the position of the screw tips and screw positions. Then the scatter diagram was switched to a thermal diagram to find the safe zone. Verification was carried out in both cadaveric bone and clinical operation. Results A fan-liked arc was obtained in the Y-view of the scapula of the 3D simulation. Most of the screw tips were located in the inferior posterior quadrant. According to the density of screw tips in the quadrant, the safe zone for screw placement was obtained. The screw lengths L1 and L2 were 53.44 ± 5.37 mm and 40.74 ± 6.02 mm, and the angles α1, α2, β1 and β2 were 30.43°±8.04°, 42.43°±6.44°, 65.14°±14.07° and − 1.7°±26.41°, respectively. Sex-dependent differences were found in L1, L2, and β1, P < 0.05. There was no statistical difference between the sexes in α1, α2, and β2, P > 0.05. Excellent results were obtained both in cadaveric bone and clinical operation based on this safe zone. Conclusions In this study, the safety zone of long screws in Ogawa type I coracoid process fracture was obtained, helps reduce iatrogenic injuries caused by screw penetration. For the best placement of screws, personalised simulated placement of screws was recommended before surgery.
The effect of sexual intercourse during pregnancy on preterm birth; prospective single-centre cohort study in Japan
Authors: Yo Yoshie , Kawasaki Kaoru , Shiro Reona , Moriuchi Kaori , Shimaoka Masao , Matsumura Noriomi
Published: March 2023

Several studies in Europe and the United States have shown that sexual intercourse (SI) during pregnancy is not associated with preterm birth. However, it is unclear whether these findings apply to Japanese pregnant women. The aim of this prospective cohort study was to elucidate the influence of SI during pregnancy on preterm birth in Japan. A total of 182 women who underwent antenatal care and delivery were included in this study. The frequency of SI was assessed using a questionnaire, and its association with preterm birth was analysed. The results showed that SI during pregnancy was associated with a significantly higher cumulative preterm birth rate (p=0.018), which was more pronounced for SI more than once a week (p<0.0001). Multivariate analysis showed that SI, bacterial vaginosis in the second trimester, previous preterm birth and smoking during pregnancy were independent risk factors for preterm birth. The combination of SI and second trimester bacterial vaginosis was associated with a 60% preterm birth rate, whereas either alone was associated with a lower rate, suggesting a synergistic effect (p<0.0001). Future studies are needed to investigate the effect of prohibiting SI in pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis on preterm birth.
Fibrinogen; a predictor of injury severity and mortality among patients with traumatic brain injury in Sub-Saharan Africa: a prospective study.
Authors: Ssenyondwa John Baptist , Kiryabwire Joel , Kaddumukasa Martin , Michael Devereaux , Kamabu Larrey Kasereka , Galukande Moses , Kaddumukasa Mark , Sajatovic Martha , Makumbi Timothy Kabanda
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Fibrinogen levels drop quicker than any other factors in severe trauma such as Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Contemporaneous studies show that fibrinogen concentrations < 2 g/L are strongly related to mortality. However, little is known regarding fibrinogen levels and TBI severity as well as mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. We therefore set out to determine whether fibrinogen levels are associated with TBI severity and seven days outcomes.

Objectives

To determine the sensitivity and specificity of fibrinogen levels and the association with severity and mortality among TBI patients at Mulago Hospital.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 213 patients with TBI aged between 13 and 60 years of age and presenting within 24hrs of injury. Patients with pre-existing coagulopathy, concurrent use of anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents, pre-existing hepatic insufficiency, diabetes mellitus and who were pregnant were excluded. Fibrinogen levels were determined using the Clauss fibrinogen assay.

Results

Majority of the patients were male (88.7%) and nearly half were aged 30 or less (48.8%). Fibrinogen levels less than 2g/L were observed in 74 (35.1%) of the patients while levels above 4.5 g/L were observed in 30(14.2%) of the patients. The average time spent in the study was 3.7 ± 2.4 days. The sensitivity and specificity using fibrinogen < 2g/L was 56.5% and 72.9% respectively. Fibrinogen levels predict TBI severity with an AUC = 0.656 (95% CI 0.58–0.73: p = 0.000) Fibrinogen levels < 2g/L (hypofibrinogenemia) were independently associated with severe TBI. (AOR 2.87 CI,1.34–6.14: p = 0.007). Levels above 4.5g/L were also independently associated with injury severity (AOR 2.89, CI 1.12–7.48: p < 0.05) Fibrinogen levels more than 4.5g/L were independently associated with mortality (OR 4.5, CI;1.47–13.61, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The fibrinogen level is a useful tool in predicting severity including mortality of TBI in our settings. We recommend the routine use of fibrinogen levels in TBI patient evaluations as levels below 2g/L and levels above 4.5g/L are associated with severe injuries and mortality
Adaptation of a trauma-informed intervention for youth involved in the legal system
Authors: Razuri Erin Becker , Yang Yang , Tinius Elaine , Knight Danica Kalling
Published: March 2023

Background: Youth in the legal system (YILS) have high rates of trauma exposure, which are associated with increased risk of behavioral health needs (e.g., substance-use problems) and recidivism. Research suggests that a trauma-focused therapeutic approach can improve outcomes for YILS, but few evidence-based interventions (EBIs) are designed with justice-involved youth in mind. Consequently, implementing trauma-informed EBIs within juvenile justice (JJ) systems is challenging. The current paper describes the systematic adaptation of Trust-based Relational Intervention (TBRI) as a substance use prevention intervention for YILS and their caregivers.
Methods: The current study utilized a methodology based on the ADAPT-ITT framework to adapt TBRI Caregiver Training, an evidence-based, trauma-informed intervention program. Phases of adaptation included (1) Assessment, (2) Decision, (3) Prototype Development, and (4) Testing and Integration. The adaptation process explored contextual factors (e.g., systems, facilities, and staff) and the needs of the new target population (i.e., YILS and their caregivers). Adaptations were made to both content (e.g., terminology and activities) and structure (e.g., session duration and delivery setting) in an iterative process with input from participants from the target population, key stakeholders, and content experts.
Results: The systematic adaptation of the intervention model resulted in a two-phase, four-component intervention package that can be implemented in juvenile justice settings as part of youth reentry services. The primary intervention, delivered while youth are in residential facilities, includes the TBRI Caregiver Curriculum, TBRI Youth & Young Adult Curriculum, and TBRI Nurture Groups. The secondary intervention, delivered after youth transition home, includes the TBRI Family Coaching Curriculum.
Conclusions: Utilizing an implementation science framework to guide adaptation has implications for developing accessible, culturally relevant, and contextually-appropriate interventions. Accounting for contextual factors and population needs can improve the fit of EBIs in juvenile justice, facilitating uptake and ultimately improving outcomes for youth.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04678960
Modulation of the link between the Hadley circulation and the meridional structure of tropical SSTs by the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation
Authors: An Ran , Li Jianping , Feng Juan
Published: March 2023

This paper investigates the effects of the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO) on the relationship between the Hadley circulation (HC) and the differing meridional structures of the tropical sea surface temperature (SST). The response of the HC to SSTs shows inconsistent variations between the warm and cold phases of the AMO. The response of the HC to SSTs during the cold phase of the AMO is similar to that seen in the long-term and seasonal cycles, as reported previously. However, during the warm AMO phase, the magnitude of this response is significantly reduced. This significant difference in the response is caused mainly by the weakened regression coefficient of the equatorially asymmetric HC and SST. The potential mechanisms associated with this suppression are also investigated, and they relate primarily to differences in the SST meridional anomalies within the Indo-Pacific warm pool (IPWP). During the AMO warm phase, the cooling amplitude of SST in the southern IPWP is larger than that in the northern IPWP, which enhances the equatorially asymmetric component of the tropical SST and then contributes to the weakening of the response ratio. The amplitudes of the insignificant negative SST anomalies in the northern and southern IPWP are similar during the cold AMO phase, and this alters the response ratio such that it becomes similar to the seasonal cycles. Other atmospheric reanalysis data were used to further confirm these results.
Chiral superconductivity in UTe2 probed by anisotropic low-energy excitations
Authors: Ishihara Kota , Roppongi Masaki , Kobayashi Masayuki , Imamura Kumpei , Mizukami Yuta , Sakai Hironori , Opletal Petr , Tokiwa Yoshifumi , Haga Yoshinori , Hashimoto Kenichiro , Shibauchi Takasada
Published: March 2023

Chiral spin-triplet superconductivity is a topologically nontrivial pairing state with broken time-reversal symmetry, which can host Majorana quasiparticles. The heavy-fermion superconductor UTe2 exhibits peculiar properties of spin-triplet pairing, and the possible chiral state has been actively discussed. However, the symmetry and nodal structure of its order parameter in the bulk, which determine the Majorana surface states, remains controversial. Here we focus on the number and positions of superconducting gap nodes in the ground state of UTe2. Our magnetic penetration depth measurements for three field orientations in three crystals all show the power-law temperature dependence with exponents close to 2, which excludes single-component spin-triplet states. The anisotropy of low-energy quasiparticle excitations indicates multiple point nodes near the ky- and kz-axes in momentum space. These results can be consistently explained by a chiral B3u+iAu non-unitary state, providing fundamentals of the topological properties in UTe2.
Evolution of antimicrobial cysteine-rich peptides in plants
Authors: Ma Huizhen , Feng Yong , Cao Qianqian , Jia Jing , Ali Muhammad , Shah Dilip , Meyers Blake C. , He Hai , Zhang Yu
Published: March 2023

To defend against diverse groups of pathogens, plants produce cysteine-rich peptides (CRPs) with long-lasting broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. We analyzed 240 plant genomes ranging from algae to eudicots and our comparative genomics results revealed that CRPs are widely distributed in plants. Further, we found that CRP genes have been amplified through both whole genome and local tandem duplication. Their copy number varied significantly across lineages and was associated with the plant ecotype, which may be the result of resistance to changing pathogenic environments. The conserved and lineage-specific CRP families contribute to diverse antimicrobial activities. Moreover, we investigated the unique bi-domain CRPs that result from unequal crossover events. Our findings provide a unique evolutionary perspective on CRPs and provide insights into their antimicrobial and symbiosis characteristics.
Predictors of galcanezumab response in a real-world study of Korean patients with migraine
Authors: Kim Seung Ae , Jang Hyemin , Lee Mi Ji
Published: March 2023

Objective: To assess factors associated with galcanezumab response in a real-world study of Korean patients with migraine.
Background: Predictors of the efficacy of monoclonal antibodies targeting calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) or its receptor (anti-CGRP(-R) mAb) have been rarely investigated in Asians.
Methods: We prospectively recruited and followed up patients with migraine who received monthly galcanezumab treatment in a single university hospital from June 2020 to October 2021. We defined the treatment response with ≥ 50% reduction in moderate/severe headache days in the 3rd month of treatment compared to baseline. Responders and non-responders were compared in terms of demographics, disease characteristics and severity, and previous response to migraine prophylactic treatments. Potential predictors of anti-CGRP(-R) mAb response were tested by using the univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses.
Results: Among 104 patients (81.7% female; mean age 42.0 ± 13.02; 76.9% chronic migraine; and 45.5% medication overuse headache) included, 58 (55.7%) were responders. Non-responders had more chronic migraine, medication overuse headache, monthly headache days, days with acute medication, and daily persistent headaches. The multivariable logistic analysis showed chronic migraine (OR 0.05 [95% CI 0.00–0.82], p=0.036) and the number of previously failed preventive medication classes (OR 0.55 [95% CI 0.33–0.92], p=0.024] were independently associated with treatment response.
Conclusion: Chronic migraine and multiple failures from preventive medication are associated with poor galcanezumab response. Further studies are needed to investigate if earlier treatment before disease chronification or multiple failures may lead to a greater therapeutic gain from anti-CGRP(-R) mAb treatment.
RBM17 expression is associated with the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor monotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer with low PD-L1 expression
Authors: Nagamine Hiroaki , Yashiro Masakazu , Yoshimoto Naoki , Izumi Motohiro , Sugimoto Akira , Nakahama Kenji , Ogawa Koichi , Matsumoto Yoshiya , Sawa Kenji , Tani Yoko , Kaneda Hiroyasu , Mitsuoka Shigeki , Yamada Kazuhiro , Watanabe Tetsuya , Aasai Kazuhisa , Fukumura Kazuhiro , Mayeda Akila , Kawaguchi Tomoya
Published: March 2023

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are currently a standard treatment tool for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). RNA-binding motif protein 17 (RBM17), a splicing factor,is frequently overexpressed in NSCLC, but little is known about the role of RBM17 in the efficacy of ICIs for NSCLC. Thus, we investigated the correlations between RBM17 expression and ICI efficacy in NSCLC. We collected biopsy or surgical specimens from patients with advanced or recurrent NSCLC who received ICI monotherapy or chemo-immunotherapy in a first-line setting. RBM17 expression was examined by immunohistochemistry. We evaluated the correlation between the efficacy of ICI monotherapy or chemo-immunotherapy and RBM17 expression. Among the 218 cases, 115 (52.8%) cases were positive for RBM17 expression. RBM17 expression was not associated with the objective response rate (ORR) or progression-free survival (PFS) in either of the ICI monotherapy or chemo-immunotherapy groups. However, among those with a low PD-L1 expression level (PD-L1 < 50%; n = 86), RBM17 expression was significantly associated with a better ORR (p = 0.045) and a better PFS (p < 0.001) in the ICI monotherapy group, and was significantly associated with a poor ORR in the chemo-immunotherapy group (p = 0.041). In conclusion, RBM17 might be a useful predictive marker for a higher efficacy of ICI monotherapy in NSCLC patients with a low PD-L1 expression level.
Reduction of non-tidal oceanographic fluctuations in ocean bottom pressure records of DONET using principal component analysis to enhance tectonic transient detectability
Authors: Otsuka Hideto , Ohta Yusaku , Hino Ryota , Kubota Tatsuya , Inazu Daisuke , Inoue Tomohiro , Takahashi Narumi
Published: March 2023

Ocean bottom pressure-gauge (OBP) records play an essential role in seafloor geodesy. Oceanographic fluctuations in OBP data, however, pose as a significant noise source in seafloor transient crustal deformation observations, including slow slip events (SSEs), making it crucial to evaluate them quantitatively. To extract the significant fluctuation phenomena common to multiple observation networks, including oceanographic fluctuations and tectonic signals, we applied principal component analysis (PCA) to the 3-year Dense Oceanfloor Network System for Earthquakes and Tsunamis (DONET) OBP time series for 40 stations during 2016–2019. PCA could separate several oceanographic signals based on the characteristics of their spatial distributions, although evident transient tectonic signals could not be confirmed from the observed pressure records during this observed period. The spatial distribution of the first four principal components (PCs) reflected the common component, inclined component along sea depth, longitude component, and parabola-like pattern, respectively. By subtracting each PC (in particular, PC2 and PC4) from time series, we were able to significantly reduce the sea depth dependence of OBP records, which has been pointed out in several previous studies and is also evident in this region. We interpreted PC2–4 as the reflection of the strength and meandering of ocean geostrophic currents based on a comparison with the PCs’ spatial distribution of the numerical oceanographic models. In addition, to evaluate the ability of PCA to separate transient tectonic signal from OBP time series, including oceanographic fluctuations, we conducted a synthetic ramp assuming an SSE by rectangular fault and then applied PCA. The assumed synthetic tectonic signal could be separated from the oceanographic signals and included in the principal component independently depending on its amplitude; meaning, the spatial distribution of each PC would change if the amplitude of the synthetic signal was enough to large. We propose a transient event-detection method based on the spatial distribution difference of a specific PC with or without a tectonic signal. We used the normalized inner product (NIP) between these PCs as the indicator of their similarities. This method can detect transient tectonic signals more significantly than the moment-magnitude scale of 5.9 from OBP records.
Enoxaparin for VTE thromboprophylaxis for inpatient rehabilitation care: assessment of the standard fixed dosing regimen
Authors: Haim Amir , Avnery Orli , Asher Dvora , Amir Hagay , Hashem Kaifa , Zvi Harel Ben , Ratmansky Motti
Published: March 2023

Background. We aimed to examine the efficiency of fixed daily dose enoxaparin (40 mg) thromboprophylaxis strategy for patients undergoing inpatient rehabilitation.
Methods. This was an observational, prospective, cohort study that included 63 hospitalized patients undergoing rehabilitative treatment following sub-acute ischemic stroke (SAIS) or spinal cord injury (SCI), with an indication for thromboprophylaxis. Anti-Xa level measured three hours post-drug administration (following three consecutive days of enoxaparin treatment or more) was utilised to assess in vivo enoxaparin activity. An anti-Xa level between 0.2–0.5 U/ml was considered evidence of effective antithrombotic activity.
Results. We found sub-prophylactic levels of anti-Xa (< 0.2 U/ml) in 19% (12/63). Results were within the recommended prophylactic range (0.2–0.5 U/ml) in 73% (46/63) and were supra-prophylactic (> 0.5 U/ml) in 7.9% (5/63) of patients. Anti-Xa levels were found to inversely correlate with patients’ weight and renal function as defined by creatinine clearance (CrCl) (p < 0.05).
Conclusions. Our study confirmed that a one-size-fits-all approach for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis may be inadequate for rehabilitation patient populations. The efficacy of fixed-dose enoxaparin prophylaxis is limited and may be influenced by renal function and weight. This study suggests that anti-Xa studies and prophylactic enoxaparin dose adjustments should be considered in certain patients, such as those who are underweight, overweight and or have suboptimal renal function.
Trial Registration. No. NCT103593291, registered August 2018.
Prediction and experimental evidence of different growth phases of the Podospora anserina hyphal network
Authors: Ledoux Clara , Florence Chapeland-Leclerc , Gwenaël Ruprich-Robert , Bobée Cécilia , Lalanne Christophe , Herbert Éric , David Pascal
Published: March 2023

The growth of the mycelial network of a filamentous fungus is monotonous, showing an ever increasing complexity with time. The components of the network growth are very simple and based on two mechanisms: the elongation of each hypha, and their multiplication by successive branching. These two mechanisms are sufficient to produce a complex network, and could be localized only at the tips of hyphae. However, branching can be of two types, apical or lateral, depending on its location on the hyphae, therefore imposing the redistribution of the necessary material in the whole mycelium. From an evolutionary point of view, maintaining different branching processes, with its associated cost, is intriguing. We propose in this work to discuss the advantages of each branching type using a new observable for the network growth allowing us to compare growth configurations. For this purpose, we build on experimental observations of the {\it Podospora anserina} thallus growth, enabling us to feed and constrain a lattice-free modeling of this network based on a binary tree. First, we report the set of statistics related to the branches of {\it P. anserina} that we have implemented into the model. Then, we build the density observable, allowing us to discuss the succession of growth phases. We predict that the evolution of the density is not monotonic but presents a marked stationary phase, clearly separating an anterior phase from a posterior one. The time of appearance of this stable region appears to be driven solely by the growth rate. Finally, we show that the density is a good observable to differentiate growth stress.
Face Mask Recognition System using Adapted Capsule Neural Networks for Medical Institutions
Authors: El-Magd Lobna M.Abou , Goda Essam , Darwish Ashraf , Hassnien Aboul Ella
Published: March 2023

Masks are essential, especially in medical institutions, due to the global spread of illnesses and epidemics. This paper presents an unprecedented neural network called the capsule network for face mask recognition. The capsule network has proven to be most suitable for real-life image recognition, as it relies on the spatial relationship features of the image. This paper presents an adapted capsule network by adding a block for deep feature extraction. The proposed system has two phases; the first phase usesVGG16 and VGG19 as a pre-training module for the feature extractions, while the second phase is based on the Capsule network for the face mask recognition phase. Two benchmark datasets are used to test the proposed approach; Real-World Masked Face Dataset (RMFD) and Simulated Masked Face Recognition Dataset (SMFRD).The accuracy of the testing system based on RMFD data sets of CapsNet, VGG16, and VGG19 is 99.87%, 99.90%, and 99.94%, respectively. In contrast, the accuracy of CapsNet with VGG19 reaches 99.94% on the SMFD data. Comprehensive experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the presented face mask recognition system.
OLFWA: A Novel Fireworks Algorithm with New Explosion Operator and Two Stages Information Utilization
Authors: Fan Mingjie , Zhou Yupeng , Han Mingzhang , Zhao Xinchao , Tan Ying
Published: March 2023

The Fireworks Algorithm (FWA) is a relatively new algorithm which has shown to be competitive with other intelligent optimization algorithms. In most of FWA variants, a simple random explosion is used to generate sparks, together with the guiding operator to study the promising search direction. However, this mechanism is inefficient to exploit the local landscape and to explore the promising search direction. In this paper, we firstly propose a novel explosion method based on orthogonal design (OD), which applies the orthogonal array to control the distribution of sparks and enables the sparks' information to be efficiently analysed. Then, a two-stage information utilization mechanism is designed. In the first stage, the orthogonal learning (OL) prediction operator is proposed to exploit the local optima based on the factor analysis of both objective function value and the ranking feature information. In the second stage, an enhanced guiding method is employed to determine the promising search direction. The new guiding operator not only uses an extra archive to collect the valuable information in the searching history, but also guides the guided point to a more reasonable position. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm (OLFWA) achieves better performance than the state-of-the-art FWA variants, several famous OD-based algorithms and other promising algorithms. Furthermore, the effectiveness of each proposed strategy and the interactions among them are deeply analysed. Finally, it is proven that the proposed information utilization mechanism can be easily transplanted on other OD-based algorithms, bringing them a better optimization performance.