bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Combining Different Sampling Tools on the Performance of Electromagnetic Navigational Bronchoscopy for the Evaluation of Peripheral Lung Lesions and Factors Associated with its Diagnostic Yield
Authors: Flandes Javier , Martinez-Muñiz Francisco B. , Cruz-Rueda Juan José , Soto Francisco J. , Majid Adnan , Tuta-Quintero Eduardo , Giraldo-Cadavid Luis F
Published: August 2023

Background: We assessed the performance of Electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy (ENB) as a standalone diagnostic technique and the performance of different sampling tools used during the procedure.
Methods: We recruited 160 consecutive patients who underwent ENB for peripheral lung lesions (PLL) at a tertiary care centre. The diagnostic performance of ENB and sampling tools was assessed using a logistic regression model and a ROC-curve in which the dependent variable was diagnostic success. A multivariate model was built to predict diagnostic success before performing ENB to select the best candidates for the procedure.
Results: Most patients with PLLs in the study were male (65%), with a mean age of 67.9 years. The yield was 66% when the most common techniques were used together as suction catheter + transbronchial biopsy forceps (TBBx) + bronchoalveolar lavage + bronchial washing (p <0.001) and increased to 69% when transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) and cytology brush were added (p <0.001). Adding diagnostic techniques such as TBBx and TBNA resulted in an increase in diagnostic performance, with a statistically significant trend (p = 0.002). The logistic model area-under the ROC-curve for diagnostic success during ENB was 0.83 (95% CI:0.75–0.90; p <0.001), and a logit value > 0.12 was associated with > 50% probability of diagnostic success.
Conclusions: ENB, as a stand-alone diagnostic tool for the evaluation of PLLs when performed by experienced operators using a multi-modality technique, has a good diagnostic yield. The probability of having a diagnostic ENB could be assessed using the proposed model.
Associations between Physical Activity, Screen Time, and Mental Health in Youth Hockey Parents
Authors: McFadden Taylor , Bean Corliss , Fortier Michelle
Published: August 2023

Early sport specialization is becoming increasingly popular among youth. While the negative consequences of early specialization on the physical and psychological health of youth athletes have been well documented in the literature, less is known about the influence of youth sport participation on their parents. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between physical activity, screen time and mental health in youth hockey parents, while considering the role of their child’s level of specialization. Youth hockey parents (N= 91; parents of early specializers n = 81; parents of late specializers n = 10), responded to an online survey. Results of independent samples t-tests indicated that parents of early specializers had poorer emotional well-being (p <.001) and engaged in more screen time (p = .006) compared to parents of late specializers. There were no significant differences in physical activity levels between groups; however, results showed that all parents were insufficiently active. This is concerning as hierarchal multiple regression revealed that physical activity positively predicted mental health (b = .26, p = .02), and specialization played a role (b = .24, p = .03). Findings suggest that early specialization has negative consequences on the health behaviours and mental health of youth hockey parents.
SPOP Expression Is Associated with Immune Function in Pan-Cancer and Cervical Cancer Cell Proliferation
Authors: Xu Yong-Feng , Yang Xiao-Juan , Zhu Qing
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND: Speckle Type POZ Protein (SPOP), despite its tumor type-dependent role in tumorigenesis, primarily as a tumor suppressor gene is associated with a variety of different cancers. However, the clinicopathological and immune functional mechanism significance of SPOP among pan-cancer have not been studied. In addition, its function in cervical cancer remains unclear.
METHODS: Here, we aimed to investigate the function of SPOP in 23 types of tumors by using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx), The Tumor Immune Estimation Resource 2.0 (TIMER2.0) database, cBioportal, and various bioinformatic databases. CCK8 assay and colony-formation were used to analysis the effect of SPOP on cervical cancer cell proliferation.
RESULTS: As part of our study, we assessed that SPOP was anomalously expressed in kinds of cancers, related to clinical stage, and associated with clinical outcomes. Meanwhile, SPOP also played a crucial role in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and immune function.
CONCLUSIONS:Our study recovered the potential prognostic and immunological role of SPOPin multi-type cancers, and SPOP may be a tumor suppressor in cervical cancer.
Attitudes, practices, and barriers towards Medical Electronic Education During COVID-19 Pandemic among medical students in Syrian private university (SPU)- a cross-sectional Study.
Authors: Safiah Mhd homam , Alchallah Mhd Obai , ElHomsi Muhammad Omar , Ashabi Khaled Kalalib AL , Ataya Sham , Alolabi Homam , Mohsen Fatema , Nahas Louei Darjazini
Published: August 2023

Background
COVID-19 pandemic promptly and severely affected all facets of life. Education is one of the most significant areas that has been affected, what urgently needs remedies to make up for the educational loss. E- learning is one of the most common replacement methods for traditional education during the lockdown. This study aims to assess the attitudes, practices, and barriers of E- learning among medical students.
Methods
A cross-sectional study using convenience sampling was conducted at the faculty of medicine, at the Syrian Private University (SPU) in Damascus, Syria on (6/20/2021), after the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaire.
Results
Of 519 students, 233 (44.9%) showed a positive attitude toward E-learning in general, while the most showed negative attitude 286 (55.1%). Regarding socio-demographics, on analysis, Academic year (p = 0.006), Housing (p = 0.001), and having financial problems (p = 0.014) were significantly associated with attitude. Most good e- learning practices correlated with positive attitude. Difficulty adjusting learning style, lack of technical skills, Poor communication with educators, no device or limited access, and limited space conductive for studying have statistically significant associated with having a positive attitude
Conclusion
our results indicate an acceptable positive attitude toward E-learning among medical students. However, E-learning still faces several challenges, particularly in developing nations with poor incomes. Some challenges, including social isolation, could be challenging to overcome. Despite this, developing non-traditional educational options is crucial in situations of crisis.
Changes of immune microenvironment in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in 3D-4-culture compared to 2D-4-culture
Authors: Xiao Jian , Song Yexun , Gao Ru , You Mingyang , Deng Changxin , Tan Guolin , Li Wei
Published: August 2023

Background
The immune system plays a crucial role in initiating, progressing, and disseminating HNSCC. This study aims to investigate the differences in immune microenvironments between 2D-4-culture and 3D-4-culture models of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells (FaDu), human fibroblasts (HF), human monocytes (THP-1), and human endothelial cells (HUVEC).
Methods
For the 3D-4-culture model, FaDu:HF: THP-1 (2:1:1) was inoculated in an ultra-low attachment culture plate, while HUVEC was placed in a transwell chamber. The ordinary culture plate was used for the 2D-4-culture model. Tumor-associated macrophage markers (CD163), tumor-associated fibroblast markers (FAP), and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were detected by western blot. Inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-2, CXCL 10, IL-1 β, TNF-α, CCL 2, IL-17 A, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ, IL-12 p 70, CXCL 8, TGFβ1) in the supernatant were measured by flow cytometry. HUVEC migration was observed under a microscope. The 3D spheres were stained and observed with a confocal microscope. CCK8 assay was used to detect the resistance of mixed cells to cisplatin in both 2D-4-culture and 3D-4-culture.
Results
After three days of co-culture, the 3D-4-culture model showed increased expression levels of CD163 and FAP proteins (both P < 0.001), increased expression of E-cadherin protein and N-cadherin protein expression (P < 0.001), decreased expression of vimentin (P < 0.01) and Twist protein (P < 0.001). HUVEC migration significantly increased (P < 0.001), as did the concentrations of IP-10, MCP-1, IL-6, and IL-10 (all P < 0.001). Confocal microscopy showed that 3D-4 co-culture formed loose cell clusters on day 1, which gradually became a dense sphere surrounded by FaDu cells invading the inside. After co-culturing for 24h, 48h, and 72h, the resistance of mix cells to cisplatin in 3D-4-culture was significantly higher than in 2D-4-culture (P < 0.01 for all).
Conclusion
Compared to 2D-4-culture, 3D-4-culture better simulates the in vivo immune microenvironment of HNSCC by promoting fibroblast transformation into tumor-associated fibroblasts, monocyte transformation into tumor-associated macrophages, enhancing endothelial cell migration ability, partial EMT formation in HNSCC cells, and is more suitable for studying the immunosuppressive microenvironment of HNSCC.
Genome-wide identification and characteristic analysis of ETS gene family in blood clam Tegillarca granosa
Authors: Jin Hongyu , Zhang Weiwei , Liu Hongxing , Bao Yongbo
Published: August 2023

Background
ETS transcription factors, known as the E26 transformation-specific factors, assume a critical role in the regulation of various vital biological processes in animals, including cell differentiation, the cell cycle, and cell apoptosis. However, their characterization in mollusks is currently lacking.
Results
The current study focused on a comprehensive analysis of the ETS genes in blood clam Tegillarca granosa and other mollusk genomes. Our phylogenetic analysis revealed the absence of the SPI and ETV subfamilies in mollusks compared to humans. Additionally, several ETS genes in mollusks were found to lack the PNT domain, potentially resulting in a diminished ability of ETS proteins to bind target genes. Interestingly, the bivalve ETS1 genes exhibited significantly high expression levels during the multicellular proliferation stage and gill tissues. Furthermore, qRT-PCR results showed that Tg-ETS-14 (ETS1) is significant upregulation in the high total hemocyte counts (THC) population of T. granosa, suggesting it assumes a significant function in stimulating hemocyte proliferation.
Conclusion
Our study significantly contributes to the comprehension of the evolutionary aspects concerning the ETS gene family, while also providing valuable insights into its role in fostering hemocyte proliferation across mollusks.
Adaptation and Study Protocol for Harvest for Health Together Arizona: a Mentored Community Garden Intervention for Survivors of Cancer
Authors: Skiba Meghan B , Miller Dylan , Stratton Delaney B , Hall Caitlyn A. , Filer Parker , McKenna Sharon , Blair Cindy K. , Demark-Wahnefried Wendy
Published: August 2023

Background
Current health behavior recommendations for skin cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship are the same for survivors of other cancers; they include eating a healthy diet, being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, and minimizing ultraviolet (U.V.) exposure. Harvest for Health is a home-based mentored gardening intervention for cancer survivors and was successful in Alabama and New Mexico. We adapted Harvest for Health for implementation in Arizona as a community-based intervention and will pilot test for feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness.
Methods
Harvest for Health Together Arizona (H4H2-AZ) is a six-month single-arm intervention of mentored community-based vegetable gardening. H4H2-AZ will be piloted among 30 skin cancer survivors. Participant cohorts are aligned with the start of growing seasons (e.g., Spring, Monsoon, Fall). Primary outcomes will be feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of the intervention. Secondary outcomes are to explore the effects on cancer preventive health behaviors (dietary quality, physical activity, sedentary time, U.V. exposure, and sun protective habits) and health-related quality of life (HR-QOL). Stakeholder-informed adaptations for Arizona included updating intervention materials to be relevant to the arid desert environment, emphasizing the importance of sun safety in cancer survivorship, and shifting from a home-based to a community-based delivery model. Participants were matched to an individual 30 square foot community garden plot and Master Gardener Mentor. Original intervention components retained are: 1) Master Gardeners deliver the intervention providing one-to-one mentorship and 2) gardening materials and supplies provided.
Discussion
This pilot single-arm intervention will determine feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of an evidence-based adapted mentored community gardening intervention for survivors of skin cancer. If successful, the intervention could be widely implemented throughout existing Master Gardener programs and community garden networks for survivors of other cancers.
Trial registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05648604. Trial registered on December 13, 2022.
The Dynamic Impact of Digital Finance on Green Technology Innovation: Evidence Enterprise-level Empirical Data in China
Authors: Wang Jie , Wang Jun
Published: August 2023

The Digital finance generated by technology empowerment profoundly affects the innovative behavior of micro-enterprises. To estimate how digital finance influences the quantity and quality of green technological innovation, this paper introduces digital finance into endogenous economic growth model, further conducts correlation analysis with the combination of fixed effects model (FE) and panel threshold model (PTM). Moreover, this paper investigates the action mechanism from the perspective of financial constraint and financial cost. The empirical results indicate that digital finance improves the quantity and quality of green technological innovation significantly. Compared with the coverage of digital finance and digital services, the impact of usage depth on green innovation accumulates dynamically superimposed in the long term. The digital finance contributes to correct the mismatch of financial resources, further induces inclusive green innovation in the dimension of ownership, growth cycle and enterprise scale. Mechanism analysis shows that the relief of financial constraint and the reduction of financial cost are the main paths for digital finance to drive green technology innovation. With the different thresholds, The dynamic evolution process of green innovation driven by digital finance is characterized by "first quantitative change and then qualitative change". This paper suggests that, the integration of technological innovation and digital financial services needs to build an inclusive digital financial service system, cultivate diversified financial formats and improve the market environment of digital financial services.
JEL classification: G2; Q32
ICAM2 as a novel prospective tumor suppressor induced by ERG promotes ubiquitination-mediated RDX degradation to inhibit gastric cancer tumorigenicity and metastasis
Authors: Tang xiaocheng , Huang jintuan , Jiang yingming , Qiu jun , Li tuoyang , Li weiyao , Chen zijian , Huang zhenze , Yu xihu , Yang tao , Ji xiang , Tan rongchang , Lv li , Yang Zuli , Chen hao
Published: August 2023

Background
Gastric cancer (GC) is a fatal cancer with unclear pathogenesis. In this study, we explored the function and potential mechanisms of intercellular adhesion molecule 2 (ICAM2) in the development and advancement of GC.
Methods
Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting were performed to quantify ICAM2 expression in harvested GC tissues and cultured cell lines. Immunohistochemical analyses were conducted on a GC tissue microarray to quantify ICAM2 expression and explore its implication on the prognosis of GC patients. In vitro experiments were carried out to reveal the biological functions of ICAM2 in GC cell lines. Further, in vivo experiments were conducted using xenograft models to assess the impact of ICAM2 on GC development and metastasis. Western blot, immunofluorescence, immunoprecipitation, luciferase assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and ubiquitination analysis were employed to investigate the underlying mechanisms.
Results
ICAM2 expression was downregulated in GC, positively correlating with advanced T stage, distant metastasis, advanced clinical stage, vessel invasion, and shorter patient survival time. ICAM2 overexpression suppressed the proliferation, migration, invasion, metastasis of GC cells as well as their ability to form tumors, whereas ICAM2 knockdown yielded opposite results. Erythroblast transformation-specific-related gene (ERG) as a transcription factor promoted the transcription of ICAM2 by binding to the crucial response element localized within its promoter region. Further analysis revealed that ICAM2 reduced radixin (RDX) protein stability and expression. In these cells, ICAM2 bound to the RDX protein to promote the ubiquitination and degradation of RDX via NEDD4 Like E3 Ubiquitin Protein Ligase (NEDD4L), and this post-translational modification resulted in the inhibition of GC.
Conclusions
In summary, this study demonstrates that ICAM2, which is induced by ERG, suppresses GC progression by enhancing the ubiquitination and degradation of RDX in a NEDD4L-dependent manner. Therefore, these results suggest that ICAM2 is a potential prognostic marker and a therapeutic target for GC.
Measuring mood: A comparison of the I-PANAS-SF and Affective Well-Being scales
Authors: Yount Garret , Balan-Artley Ema , Delorme Arnaud , Radin Dean , Carpenter Loren , Wahbeh Helané
Published: August 2023

Objective: Two well-being scales were administered to participants attending personal transformational workshops; the International Positive and Negative Affect Schedule Short-form (I-PANAS-SF) and the Affective Well-Being Scale. Data were collected before and after workshops occurring between March 17, 2018, and November 4, 2020, during which 1,175 unique records were collected. A previous publication reports on changes in I-PANAS-SF results, comparing before and after the workshops. This study compares the I-PANAS-SF results with those of the Affective Well-Being Scale obtained from these same study participants.
Results: The two well-being scales yielded similar results. While the I-PANAS-SF scale produced more nuanced results, the additional time required must be balanced against the value of the additional information gained.
Chemical constituents and anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antioxidant activities of Salvia melissiflora Benth. aerial parts
Authors: Oliveira Cristhian Santos , Barbosa Felipe Lukacievicz , Ehrenfried Carlos Augusto , Rodrigues Tayná Eloyane Barreto , Salvador Marcos José , Zampronio Aleksander Roberto , Stefanello Maria Élida Alves
Published: August 2023

Chromatographic fractionation of dichloromethane (EDSM) and ethanol (EESM) extracts of Salvia melissiflora Benth. aerial parts led to the identification of five known compounds through analyses of NMR data (1D and 2D), and comparison with literature data: oleanolic acid (1), ursolic acid (2), ent-(5R,9R)-15,16-epoxy-10S-hydroxycerodan-3,13(16),14-triene-17,12S;18,19-diolide (melissiflorine, 3), 7-epi-salvianduline A (4) and rosmarinic acid (5). The anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity of EESM and EDSM were evaluated in mice. The oral administration of EESM reduced the second phase of formalin-induced nociception, the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced hyperalgesia and the carrageenan-induced edema in mice. The oral administration of EDSM also reduced LPS-induced hyperalgesia without altering motor performance of the animals. The anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects are probably related to the presence of compounds 5 and 1, and 2, respectively. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated using the ORAC method. The EESM extract showed activity (TE relative: 2845.2 µmol TE g− 1), which can be attributed to the major presence, in this extract, of compound 5, which showed an antioxidant capacity comparable to that of caffeic acid.
Factors associated with the development of venous thromboembolic disease due to failed thromboprophylaxis.
Authors: Perez Santiago Grillo , Talero Paula Andrea Ruiz , Velandia Oscar Mauricio Munoz
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Available evidence to identify factors independently associated with failed thromboprophylaxis (FT) in medical patients is insufficient. The present study seeks to evaluate in hospitalized patients, which clinical factors are associated for the development of FT.
Materials and methods: A case-control study nested to a historical cohort, comparing patients who developed failed thromboprophylaxis (cases) with those who did not (controls). Univariate and multivariate regression analysis was performed to define the factors associated with FT.
Results: We collected 204 cases and 408 controls (52.4% men, median age 63 years). Seventy-eight point four percent had indication for medical hospitalization. The most frequent thromboprophylaxis scheme was enoxaparin. In the failed thromboprophylaxis group, most of the embolic events corresponded to pulmonary thromboembolism (53.4%). Among cases, BMI was higher (26.3 vs 25 kg/m2, p<0.001), as was the proportion of patients with leukocytosis >13,000 (27% vs 18.9%, p:0.22), and the proportion who required intensive care management (48% vs 24.8%,p<0.001). Factors independently associated with FT were BMI (OR1.04;95%CI 1.00-1.09, p:0.39), active cancer (OR:1.63;95%IC 1.03-2.57,p:0.04), leukocytosis (OR:1.64;95%CI 1.05 - 2.57, p0.03) and ICU requirement (OR:3.67;95%CI 2.31-5.83,p<0.001).
Conclusion: Our study suggests that the development of failed thromboprophylaxis is associated with elevated BMI, active cancer, leukocytosis and ICU requirement. Future studies should evaluate whether there is benefit in adjusting the thromboprophylaxis schedule in medical patients with one or more of these factors.
Home-based self-management for sedentary individuals with mild walking disability after stroke: protocol for a randomized pilot study
Authors: Alvarenga Maria Tereza Mota , Ada Louise , Preston Elisabeth , Caetano Lívia Cristina Guimarães , Teixeira-Salmela Luci Fuscaldi , Scianni Aline Alvim
Published: August 2023

Background
A Phase I study showed that is feasible to implement a home-based self-management program aimed at increasing physical activity in individuals after stroke with mild impairments in Brazil. The next step is to test this program against a control group in order to provide a power analysis for a fully-powered Phase III clinical trial.
Methods
A Phase II pilot randomized clinical trial with concealed allocation, blinded measurement, and intention-to-treat analyses will be carried out. The inclusion criteria will be: individuals who had suffered a stroke, in the acute or subacute phase, with mild impairments, sedentary, and with no significant language impairment. The individuals will be randomly allocated to the experimental or control group. The experimental group will receive 6 sessions of a home-based self-management program, based on behaviour change techniques, over 11 weeks. The control group will receive education about stroke, orientation regarding the importance of practicing physical activity after a stroke and usual care. A total of 24 participants will be recruited. The primary outcome will be physical activity, measured through steps taken per day by an activity monitor (Actigraph wGT3X-BT, Pensacola, FL, USA). Secondary outcomes will be cardiovascular risk (body mass index, waist circumference, and blood pressure), depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale), walking ability (6-Minute Walk Test and 10-Meter Walk Test), exercise self-efficacy (Self-Efficacy for Exercise scale), social participation (Stroke Impact Scale) and quality of life (EuroQual-5D). All outcomes will be measured at baseline (Week 0), post-intervention (Week 12), and follow-up (Week 24). This pilot clinical trial was registered online at Clinical Trials under number NCT05461976 in 4th April, 2022.
Discussion
If beneficial, this Phase II pilot randomized trial will provide data to plan a fully powered future Phase III clinical trial aimed at verifying the efficacy of this program to promote physical activity after stroke.
Trial registration:
Clinical Trials NCT05461976.
Study on the fault slip rule and the rockburst mechanism induced by mining the panel through fault
Authors: Kong Peng , Wang Changxiang , Xing Luyi , Liang Min , He Jin
Published: August 2023

When mining operations are conducted near faults can cause the fault to slip and release energy, resulting in a rock burst and posing a significant safety risk to coal mine production. This paper proposes a numerical simulation method, based on FLAC3D numerical simulation, for calculating the dynamic forces of fault slippage below the impact of mining. The release patterns of energy from fault slip are compared and analyzed between mining across the fault from the hanging wall and mining across the fault from the footwall. The dynamic response characteristics of the mining area under the disturbance of fault slip-induced loading are revealed. This research suggests that the fault slip seismic second (M0) of the panel mined via the fault from the footwall is substantially higher thru from striking wall. Moreover, the disturbance of the footwall mining face across the fault leads to a more severe disturbance of the surrounding rock mass, resulting in a higher risk of dynamic pressure. Plastic failure of the rock surrounded in the mining area under the strong dynamic loading of fault slip leads to a significant reduction in peak abutment stress, releasing tremendous energy. When the disturbance caused by fault slip-induced loading is relatively small, the maximum abutment tension increases, and the dynamic load increases the energy storage of stope surrounding rock. Based on energy theory, an energy criterion for the occurrence of fault slip-type rockburst has been proposed. The results suggest that strong fault slip dynamic load has an obvious inducing effect on rock burst, and the stronger the dynamic load and greater static load of the rock surrounding the stope, the more the manifestation of rockburst.
Radiomics Based on Contrast-enhanced CT for Recognizing c-Met-Positive Hepatocellular Carcinoma: a Noninvasive Approach to Predict the Outcome of Sorafenib Resistance
Authors: gu jingxiao , bao shanlei , Akemuhan Reaoxian , jia zhongzheng , zhang yu , huang chen
Published: August 2023

Objectives
The purpose of our project was to investigate the effectiveness of radiomic features based on contrast-enhanced CT that can detect the expression of c-Met in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to validate its efficacy in predicting the outcome of sorafenib resistance.
Materials and Methods
In total, 130 patients (median age, 60 years) with pathologically confirmed HCC who underwent contrast material–enhanced CT from October 2012 to July 2020 were randomly divided into a training set (n = 91) and a test set (n = 39). Radiomic features were extracted from arterial phase (AP), portal venous phase (VP) and delayed phase (DP) images of every participant’s enhanced CT images.
Results
The entire group comprised 39 Met-positive and 91 Met-negative patients. The combined model, which included the clinical factors and the radiomic features, performed well in the training (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.878) and validation (AUC = 0.851) cohorts. The nomogram, which relied on the combined model, fit well in the calibration curves. Decision curve analysis (DCA) further confirmed that the clinical valuation of the nomogram achieved comparable accuracy in c-Met prediction. Among another 20 patients with HCC who had received sorafenib, the predicted high-risk group had shorter overall survival (OS) than the predicted low-risk group (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
A multivariate model acquired from three phases (AP, VP and DP) of enhanced CT, HBV-DNA, and GGT-II could be considered a satisfactory preoperative marker of the expression of c-Met in patients with HCC. This approach may help in overcoming sorafenib resistance in advanced HCC.
Efficacy and safety of gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel combination chemotherapy in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer refractory to gemcitabine monotherapy
Authors: Nishioka Mariko , Okano Naohiro , Wakabayashi Masashi , Ikeno Takashi , Hayashi Masato , Mizutani Tomonori , Nagashima Fumio , Furuse Junji
Published: August 2023

Background: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of gemcitabine (GEM) plus nab-paclitaxel (nab-PTX): (GnP), which remain unknown, in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer (PC) who showed good tolerance to GEM monotherapy prior to being refractory to it.
Methods:We retrospectively analyzed the data ofpatients with locally advanced or metastatic PC who received GEM followed by GnP between December 2014 and March 2019, regardless of the treatment line.
Results:A total of 14 patients who received GnP after becoming refractory to GEM were included in this study. Eight patients were included in the nab-PTX naïve group: seven of whom were treated with GEM monotherapy as first-line chemotherapy and one was refractory to GEM monotherapy after modified FOLFIRINOX treatment. The other six patients were included in the nab-PTX reintroduction group. In this group, all patients received GnP followed by GEM maintenance therapy to prevent adverse events, such as peripheral neuropathy and fatigue. The nab-PTX naïve and reintroduction groups showed partial response in 2 and 0 patients, with a median progression-free survival of 7.6 and 1.4 months and median overall survival of 9.4 and 6.2 months, respectively. In the safety analysis, grade 3 peripheral neuropathy was observed in one patient in the nab-PTX reintroduction group, while other observed adverse events were grade 1 or 2.
Conclusion: This study suggests that GnP is safe and effective even after GEM-refractory PC, and GEM treatment followed by GnP may be a potentially effective treatment option for patients with nab-PTX-naïve PC.
Prognostic effect of the intensity of follow-up cystoscopy in patients with high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Miyake Makito , Nishimura Nobutaka , Nishioka Yuichi , Fujii Tomomi , Oda Yuki , Miyamoto Tatsuki , Tomizawa Mitsuru , Shimizu Takuto , Owari Takuya , Ohnishi Kenta , Hori Shunta , Morizawa Yosuke , Gotoh Daisuke , Nakai Yasushi , Torimoto Kazumasa , Tanaka Nobumichi , Imamura Tomoaki , Fujimoto Kiyohide
Published: August 2023

Background There is a significant lack of evidence regarding the effect of non-adherence to recommended protocols in the follow-up of high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) or the impact of delayed detection of recurrent lesions. Here, we investigated the optimal frequency of follow-up cystoscopy for high-risk NMIBC concerning oncological safety in a real-world Japanese clinical practice. Methods This retrospective, single-center study included 206 patients with high-risk primary NMIBC. The intensity (%) of follow-up cystoscopy was calculated based on actual cystoscopy visits and the recommended frequency in the first 24-month follow-up period. The inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis was used to reduce the risk of bias between the groups. We performed restricted cubic spline analysis with knots at the intensity of follow-up cystoscopy ≤ in the 100% group to examine the possible association between progression risk and the intensity of follow-up as a continuous exposure. Results The median intensity was 87.5% (interquartile range, 75%−100%). The adjusted multivariate analysis of MIBC-free and progression-free survival demonstrated no significant differences between the adjusted ≤75% and > 75% intensity groups. Restricted cubic spline analysis suggested no significant effect of follow-up intensity on progression risk, and the hazard ratios of patients with < 100% intensity were equivalent to those of patients with 100% intensity. Conclusion Our findings suggest that decreased intensity of follow-up cystoscopy does not affect oncological outcomes in patients with high-risk NMIBC. Further prospective trials directly aimed at investigating optimized follow-up schedules for NMIBC are mandatory before substantial changes to the existing clinical guidelines are made.
Push-pull cropping system soil legacy alter maize metabolism and fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) resistance through tritrophic interactions”
Authors: Mutyambai Daniel Munyao , Mutua Johnstone Mutiso , Kessler André , Jalloh Abdul A. , Njru Basilio Ngari , Chidawanyika Frank , Dubois Thomas , Khan Zeyaur , Mohamed Samira , Niassy Saliou , Subramanian Sevgan
Published: August 2023

Background and aims
Crop cultivation practices and soil legacies are intrinsically linked and are hypothesized to influence plant direct and indirect defence against phytophagous insects. In this study, we tested how soils conditioned by push-pull (maize (Zea mays)- Desmodiumspp.- Brachiaria spp. intercrop) or maize monoculture (non-push-pull) affect maize (Zea mays) phytochemistry and subsequent resistance to fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda Smith, Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).
Methods
Maize was grown in soils collected from push-pull and maize monoculture smallholder farmer fields. We compared maize growth, herbivore larval feeding, production of volatile and non-volatile defense secondary metabolites on maize grown in soils conditioned by push-pull and non-push-pull cropping. As a proxy for indirect defence effects, we also measured behavioural responses of egg-larval parasitoid Chelonus bifoveolatus Szpligeti (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) to maize volatiles from plants planted in soils conditioned by each cropping system.
Results
Maize plants grown in maize-Desmodium-Brachiariacompanion cropping conditioned soil had a better maize growth, higher and qualitatively different volatile and non-volatiles metabolites in plants in maize-Desmodium-Brachiaria companion cropping conditioned soil in comparison to plants grown in maize monoculture conditioned soil. Behavioural assays showed that S. frugiperda neonate fed more leaf tissue from maize plants planted in maize monoculture conditioned soil than those planted in maize-Desmodium-Brachiaria companion cropping conditioned soil. Parasitoid wasps were highly attracted to volatiles from maize planted in push-pull-conditioned soils than those planted in non-push-pull soils.
Conclusion
Our results indicate that conditioning soil with polyculture push-pull enhances maize growth, alters phytochemistry and subsequent direct and indirect resistance to S. frugiperda.
Neuroimaging characteristics of pruritus induced by eczema: An fMRI study
Authors: Wei Xiang-yu , Tao Larissa , Kim Tae-eun , Shen Wei-dong
Published: August 2023

Objective: To explore the neuroimaging characteristics of eczema-induced pruritus with resting-state functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (rs-fMRI).
Methods: 42 patients with eczema were recruited in the PE group, and 42 healthy participants were included in the HC group. The Visual Analogue Score (VAS), 12-Item Pruritus Severity Scale (12-PSS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) were recorded in the PE group. The different values of fraction Amplitude of Low Frequency Fluctuation (fALFF) and functional connectivity(FC) were compared after rs-fMRI scanning.
Results: Compared with the HC group, the fALFF values of the left precentral gyrus, left postcentral gyrus, left supplementary motor area (SMA) and left midcingulate cortex in the PE group were increased. The FC values between the left precentral gyrus and bilateral superior temporal gyrus, bilateral hippocampus, left inferior occipital gyrus in the PE group were decreased. The FC values between left SMA and bilateral superior temporal gyrus in the PE group were decreased. The 12-PSS score was positively correlated with fALFF value of the left precentral gyrus and left postcentral gyrus.
Conclusion: Pruritus caused increased spontaneous activity in given cerebral regions, involving the perception of itch, control of scratching movements, and expression of itch-related emotions. Simultaneously, the aberrant fALFF values result in corresponding alterations in networks, primarily characterized by a bilateral decrease in the symmetry of FC values such as the superior temporal gyrus and the hippocampus. Meanwhile, there is a correlation between fALFF values of given cerebral regions and clinical scales, which provided potential neurobiological markers for the future study of pruritus.
Jets in Planetary Magnetosheath
Authors: Zhou Yufei , Raptis Savvas , Wang Shan , Shen Chao , Ren Nian , Ma Lan
Published: August 2023

The study of jets in the Earth's magnetosheath has been a subject of extensive investigation for over a decade due to their profound impact on the geomagnetic environment and their close connection with shock dynamics. While the variability of the solar wind and its interaction with Earth's magnetosphere provide valuable insights into jets across a range of parameters, a broader parameter space can be explored by examining the magnetosheath of other planets. Here we report the existence of anti-sunward and sunward jets in the Jovian and Kronian magnetosheath and show their close association to magnetic discontinuities. The anti-sunward jets are possibly generated by a shock—discontinuity interaction. Finally, through a comparative analysis of jets observed at Earth, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, we show that the size of jets scales with the size of bow shock.
Urinary lumirubin excretion in jaundiced preterm neonates during phototherapy with blue light-emitting diode vs. green fluorescent lamp
Authors: Uchida Yumiko , Takahashi Yukihiro , Kurata Chikara , Morimoto Yukihiro , Ohtani Eishin , Tosaki Asako , Kumagai Akiko , Greimel Peter , Nishikubo Toshiya , Miyawaki Atsushi
Published: August 2023

Phototherapy converts lipophilic unconjugated bilirubin to hydrophilic bilirubin photoisomers, such as lumirubin. We comparatively used a blue light-emitting diode (LED) and a green fluorescent lamp (FL) as light sources for phototherapy of hyperbilirubinemic preterm neonates with the aim of examining potential differences in urinary lumirubin excretion between these two wavelengths. Urinary lumirubin levels were measured using a fluorescence assay with blue light exposure in the presence of the unconjugated bilirubin-inducible fluorescent protein UnaG, and denoted as urinary UnaG-bound bilirubin (UUB)/creatinine (Cr) (µg/mg Cr). Preterm neonates born at ≤ 33 weeks gestational age and treated with phototherapy were subjected to this study. The maximum UUB/Cr level during phototherapy per device intensity was compared between neonates treated with the blue LED and the green FL. A total of 61 neonates were examined to determine the maximum UUB/Cr levels. The median of maximum UUB/Cr excretion per light intensity of each device (µg/mg Cr/µW/cm2/nm) was 0.21 for the blue LED and 0.32 for the green FL (p = 0.01). Green light was found to be more effective than blue one for bilirubin excretion via urinary lumirubin excretion. This is the first spectroscopic study to compare the efficacy of phototherapy at different wavelengths using fluorescence assay.
Quorum-Signaling Molecule Detection Based on Composite Sensors: Metal Oxides/Conducting Polymer
Authors: Gado Walaa , Al-Gamal Abdalrahman , Badawy Mona , Labena Ahmed , Zakaria Khaled , Kabel Khalid
Published: August 2023

N-hexanoyl-l-homoserine lactone (C6-HSL) is a distinctive signal produced by Gram-negative bacterial strains. The signal is used to cell-to-cell communication. Oil and gas companies are suffering from Microbiologically-influenced corrosion (MIC) induced Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB. SRB induce severe pitting corrosion on the metal surface especially when attached and form biofilms. Nowadays, scientists are looking for an applicable method to detect SRB-biofilms. Metal oxides (MOx) intercalated into a polymers matrix, specifically conducting polymers (CPs), to sense different biological molecules effectively such as C6-HSL due to its ability to form a coordination bond and its high selectivity. Therefore, this work was directed to provide a novel quorum-signaling molecule, C6-HSL, sensing technique to distinguish invisible SRB-biofilms attached to a metal surface. Hence, two different MOx/Polyaniline-Dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid (PANI-DBSA) composites (ZnO/PANI-DBSA and Fe2O3/PANI-DBSA) were synthesized and structurally characterized. Afterwards, the composites were applied with carbon paste 1% by weight over a carbon working electrode (WE) to detect the C6-HSL qualitatively and quantitatively via an electrochemical analysis. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) verified the ability of the obtained composites to monitor the C6-HSL produced by SRB-biofilm compared to the standard material. The monitoring composites achieved the intended results where the observation swapped from 50 to 1000 ppm of the C6-HSL concentrations. The limit of detection (LOD) of the ZnO/PANI-DBSA and Fe2O3/PANI-DBSA was 624 and 441 ppm, respectively. Furthermore, the SRB-biofilm was confirmed by a calorimetric measurement in addition to EIS, where the outcomes were compatible.
Photovoltaic and Battery sourced Multiport Converter fed Dual Active Bridge DC/DC converter with Multimode operation for Off-grid Electric Vehicle Charging Application
Authors: CHILAKALAPUDI GANESH , Das Saikat , Kumar Amritesh , N Phanindra A V V
Published: August 2023

In this paper, a multiport converter (MPC) fed bi-directional dual active bridge (DAB) DC-DC for charging an electric vehicle (EV) in an off-grid application is proposed. The MPC is with hybrid sources namely photo voltaic (PV) and battery. Further, these sources operate in different modes i.e., single input single output (SISO), single input dual output (SIDO), and dual input single output (DISO). In the SISO mode, two sub-operating modes are available. In the first sub-operating mode of SISO, the photovoltaic (PV) array alone supplies the load when the battery state of charge (SOC) is more than 95$\%$ during the daytime. In the second sub-operating of SISO, the battery is also able to serve the load during night-time when solar PV is not available. In the SIDO mode, the power output from the PV array is capable of meeting the load requirements and simultaneously supplying surplus energy to the battery for its charging purpose. In the DISO mode, the load is supported by both the solar PV and the battery concurrently. A centralized controller is developed to operate the MPC in all modes. The output of the MPC is fed to a bi-directional DAB DC-DC converter. In the present work, an optimized dual phase-shift (DPS) control scheme is aimed at reducing reactive power in the system and extending the ZVS range of operation. To validate the proposed MPC with different modes of operation and DAB DC-DC converter control scheme, a comprehensive simulation study is conducted using MATLAB/Simulink. The simulation setup involves a 3.8 kW system and considers different charging rates for an Electric Vehicle (EV).
Relationship between corneal astigmatism and the distribution of corneal thickness along different principal meridians
Authors: Zhu Liting , Yuan Zheng , Liang Shuangfeng , Zhao Dian , Zhou Chunyang
Published: August 2023

Aim: To analyze the relationship between corneal astigmatism (CA) and the distribution of corneal thickness along different principal meridians.
Methods: A total of 362 patients with 684 eyes who underwent preoperative examination for refractive surgery at Ineye Hospital of Chengdu University of TCM from April 2021 to August 2022 were included in the study. The automatic refractor was used to measure the degree and axis of CA. The Sim-K values and the mean corneal thickness of the principal meridian of maximum refractive power and the mean corneal thickness of the principal meridian of minimum refractive power were obtained using Sirius for the 3mm, 4.5mm, and 6mm range. The correlation between the difference in mean corneal thickness (dct) of the two principal meridians and CA measured by a computer refractometer was analyzed. Then, the participants were divided into three groups based on the degree of CA: low CA group: -1.00D~0.00D (210 eyes), moderate CA group: -2.00D~-1.25D (229 eyes), high CA group: ≤-2.25D (245 eyes). The range of dct values was analyzed for different degrees of CA.
Results: There was a negative correlation between dct and CA in the 3mm, 4.5mm, and 6mm ranges (r=-0.220, P<0.001; r=-0.214, P<0.001; r=-0.199, P<0.001). There was no difference in dct between the low and moderate astigmatism groups within a 3mm range (P>0.05). However, there were significant differences in dct between the low and high, moderate and high astigmatism groups within a 3mm range, as well as among the low, moderate, and high astigmatism groups within a 4.5mm and 6mm range (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The average corneal thickness of the principal meridian with maximum refractive power is thicker than that of the principal meridian with minimum refractive power. Additionally, as the degree of CA increases, the dct also increases. Corneal astigmatism is closely related to the distribution of corneal thickness in different principal meridians. In order to improve the accuracy of corneal astigmatism measurement, the factors of corneal thickness distribution in different principal meridians should be considered.
Associations between Adverse Childhood Experience Patterns and Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms among Chinese College Students
Authors: Li Xinxuan , Zhang Jian , Zhou Hong
Published: August 2023

Purpose With depression and anxiety becoming one of the major public health problems in China, more evidence shows the long-lasting negative effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on mental health. This study aimed to explore the ACE exposure patterns in Chinese college students and their associations with mental health problems in adulthood.Methods In this cross-sectional study, data were collected from the Chinese college students aged 18 years old and above. Depressive symptoms and anxiety were measured using the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). ACEs were measured with the International Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire (ACE-IQ), and the ACE patterns were identified using latent class analysis (LCA). Then, logit regression models were employed to analyze the association between ACE exposure patterns and anxiety and depressive symptoms.Results A total of 536 Chinese college students were recruited in this study. Nearly 68.7% had at least one ACE and 17.2% were exposed to at least four types of ACEs. Three specific ACE patterns were identified, including “low ACEs” (63.1%), “family dysfunction but low childhood abuse” (20.1%), and “high domestic violence and childhood abuse” (16.8%). Compared with the “low ACEs” class, both the “high domestic violence and childhood abuse” class and the “family dysfunction but low childhood abuse” class showed significantly higher risks of depression and anxiety (P < 0.05).Conclusions The co-occurrence of ACEs was positively associated with higher risks of anxiety and depressive symptoms among Chinese college students and different patterns of ACE exposure may lead to diverse mental health outcomes.