bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Car-borne Survey and Dose Assessment from External Radiation Exposure in Bangka Island
Authors: Pradana Radhia , Nugraha Eka Djatnika , Wahyudi Wahyudi , Untara Untara , Wiyono Muji , Devriany Ade , Shilfa Sharah Nataz , Sasaki Michiya , Prasetio Heru , Winarni Ilma Dwi , Ekaranti Egnes , Nuraeni Nunung , Kranrod Chutima , Iskandar Dadong , Suhariyono Gatot , Surniyantoro Harry Nugroho Eko , Makhsun Makhsun , Widodo Susilo , Omori Yasutaka , Hiswara Eri , Hosoda Masahiro , Yoshinaga Shinji , Tokonami Shinji
Published: May 2023

Bangka Island with a history of more than 200 years of tin mining, has brought along the byproduct of heavy minerals which contain radionuclide elements. There are some concerns about this byproduct material contributing to natural radiation in the environment. In this study, a car-borne survey was conducted, to give an accurate assessment of natural background radiation in Bangka Island. The measurement of indoor and outdoor ambient dose rates in 146 houses was also conducted for the assessment of radiation dose from external exposure received by the public. The soil samples were collected and measured by a gamma spectroscopy system to find specific radionuclide contributions to external terrestrial exposure. From 3790 measurement points during the car-borne survey, the highest ambient dose equivalent rate was measured at 596 nSv h−1 found in Muntok area, while the mean value was 101 nSv h−1 and the median value was 95 nSv.h−1. The ambient dose equivalent rate distribution map shows a relatively higher value in the northern coastal area of the island, where the Pemali tin deposit was located. The annual effective doses received from external radiation in 146 houses of Bangka ranged from 0.44 mSv y−1 to 1.30 mSv y−1, with a median value of 0.66 mSv y−1. The soil contains a relatively higher amount of thorium (232Th) which contributes 75% to external radiation exposure in Bangka Island.
Influence of chemical nature of citric and malic acids on reaction time of the crosslinking of polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels
Authors: de Castro Dione Pereira , Kieffer Vanessa Zimmer , Santana Ruth Marlene Campomanes
Published: May 2023

This work studied the incorporation of organic acids as crosslinking agents and reaction time on the crosslinked properties of poly(alcohol vinyl) (PVOH) hydrogels. PVOH hydrogels crosslinked with citric and L-malic acids were prepared, and the effects of heat-treatment time, and temperature on their swelling and hygroscopic performances were investigated by kinetics of water uptake, gel fraction, thermal analysis and FTIR. Both the swelling and rate of water uptake of hydrogels decreased with increasing heat-treatment time. While the swelling decreased with heat-treatment time, the chemical crosslinking shown in FTIR increased. DSC results indicated adsorbed water in the uncrosslinked PVOH and hydrogels, and the absorbed water changed the melting point and glass transition temperature. TGA analysis showed that the incorporation of organic acids caused more thermal stability. Analysis revealed that the heat treatment time and the initial crosslinking time increased the concentration of ester groups with a corresponding decrease in hydroxyl groups.
Vaginal bacteria elicit acute inflammatory response in fallopian tube organoids: a model for pelvic inflammatory disease
Authors: Yu Bo , McCartney Stephen , Strenk Susan , Valint Daniel J. , Liu Congzhou , Haggerty Catherine , Fredricks David
Published: May 2023

Objective: To facilitate in vitro mechanistic studies in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and subsequent tubal factor infertility, as well as ovarian carcinogenesis, we sought to establish patient tissue derived fallopian tube (FT) organoids and to study their inflammatory response to acute vaginal bacterial infection.
Design: Experimental study.
Setting: Academic medical and researchcenter.
Patients: FT tissues were obtained from four patients after salpingectomy for benign gynecological diseases.
Interventions: We introduced acute infection in the FT organoid culture system by inoculating the organoid culture media with two common vaginal bacterial species, Lactobacillus crispatus and Fannyhesseavaginae.
Main Outcome Measures: The inflammatory response elicited in the organoids after acute bacterial infection was analyzed by the expression profile of 249 inflammatory genes.
Results: Compared to the negative controls that were not cultured with any bacteria, the organoids cultured with either bacterial species showed multiple differentially expressed inflammatory genes. Marked differences were noted between the Lactobacillus crispatus infected organoids and those infected by Fannyhessea vaginae. Genes from the C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL) family were highly upregulated in F. vaginae infected organoids. Flow cytometry showed that immune cells quickly disappeared during the organoid culture, indicating the inflammatory response observed with bacterial culture was generated by the epithelial cells in the organoids.
Conclusion: Patient tissue derived FT organoids respond to acute bacterial infection with upregulation of inflammatory genes specific to different vaginal bacterial species. FT organoids is a useful model system to study the host-pathogen interaction during bacterial infection which may facilitate mechanistic investigations in PID and its contribution to tubal factor infertility and ovarian carcinogenesis.
Rates of textbook outcome achieved in patients undergoing liver and pancreatic surgery
Authors: Villodre Celia , Alcázar-López Cándido , Melgar Paola , Carbonell-Morote Silvia , Franco-Campello Mariano , Rubio-García Juan Jesús , Rodríguez-Laiz Gonzalo , Ramia José Manuel
Published: May 2023

Textbook outcome (TO) is a composite measure that reflects the most desirable surgical results as a single indicator. The aim of this study was to assess the achievement of TO at a hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgery unit in a Spanish tertiary hospital.
Methods:
Retrospective observational study of all consecutive patients who underwent HPB surgery over a 4-year period. Morbidity (defined according to the Clavien-Dindo classification) and mortality at 30 days, hospital stay, risk of morbidity and mortality according to the POSSUM scale and readmissions at 90 days were recorded. TO was considered when a patient presented no major complications (³IIIA), no mortality, no readmission, and not prolonged length of stay (LOS: £ 75th percentile of the sample).
Results:
A total of 283 patients were included (median age: 65 years, 65.4% men). Morbidity >IIIA was reported in 21.6%, and 5.7% died; median postoperative stay was 4 days. TO was achieved in 56.2% of patients. Comparing patients that presented TO with those that did not, significant differences were recorded for the type of procedure and the expected risk of morbidity and mortality calculated according to the POSSUM scale. There were significant differences between patients with major resections (TO rates of 46.3% in major hepatectomy and 52.5% in major pancreatectomy) and those with minor resections (rates of 67.7% in minor hepatectomy and 40.7% in minor pancreatectomy).
Conclusion:
The rate of TO in our series (56.2%) was like those published internationally. TO is a very useful management tool for assessing postoperative results.
Assessing the relationship between the annual average temperature and the indexes of annual average maximum , minimum temperature and wind speed in China based on the use of weighted empirical likelihood for semi-parametric varying coefficient partially linear models with heteroscedastic error
Authors: Wu Lin , Wang Xiang , Xie Ai Fang
Published: May 2023

The change of annual mean temperature generally has profound impact on our environment and decision-makers. Based on meterological data used for analysis in the past 63 years from 1951 to 2013, the weighted empirical likelihood for varying coefficient partially linear models with heteroscedastic errors is used to obtain the relationship between the index of the annual minimum climate temperature , the annual maximum climate temperature , the wind speed and annual climate temperature . Furthermore, we conclude that some meaningful characteristics for the relationship between the studied climate indices are obtained. Assisted by some statistical indexes of R 2 , we conclude that we get the goodness of the fit of the regression relationship based on the given data set with the method of weighted empirical likelihood for semi-parametric varying coefficient partially linear models with heteroscedastic error . At the same time, we have obtained that for the case of heteroscedastic data, the estimator of parametric with the empirical likelihood method with heteroscedastic data has the shorter confidence than the empirical likelihood method neglecting heteroscedastic factor.
Serum metabolomic analysis in positive-TgAb or positive-TPOAb in female Hashimoto's thyroiditis patients
Authors: Jiang Xiao , Zhao Xinyu , Luo Tao , Li Pengqian , Gu Xiaotong , Wan Chuchu , He Mengfan , Bian Xiaolong , Liu Haixia
Published: May 2023

Background
TgAb and TPOAb are effective and sensitive diagnose index for HT which is a common AID.TgAb and TPOAb present varying degrees correlatuion with different metabolites in different gender. However, the morbidity in female are higher than male in HT. The research in exploring the correction between metabolic and positive-TgAb or positive-TPOAb in female HT patients is still absent.
Methods
14 healthy, 14 TPOAb(+), 4 TgAb(+) patients serum sample were included. Metabolites were detected using the LC-MS. Sstatistical analysis were performed by SPSS. PLS-DA and OPLS-DA were carried by SIMCA. VIP > 1.5 metabolites by OPLS-DA were assessed for statistical significance by t-test or non-parametric test. Enrichment analysis and heatmap of metabolite were conducted by MetaboAnalyst. Correlation analysis was performed by Origin 2021. The ROC curve was established by SPSS. Metabolite point plotting was drawn by Graph prism 9.0.
Results
Based on VIP > 1.5 and P < 0.05 as selection criteria, 36 metabolites were derived. 13 metabolites were selected from the control vs the TPOAb (+) group, 23 metabolites were identified from the control vs the TgAb (+) group. TgAb and Phenylacetyl-L-glutamine / TPOAb and LPC 16:0 sn-1 performed strong correlation the TPOAb (+) group. Furthermore, TPOAb and LPE 16:1 was presented correlation the TgAb (+) group. Enrichment analysis of metabolic pathways showed that Glycine, serine and threonine metabolism was significant in TPOAb (+), while Galactose metabolism in TgAb (+) group.
Conclusion
The level of serum metabolites in TPOAb(+) TgAb(-) female patients and TPOAb(-) TgAb(+) female patients are different.
Source reconstruction of clinical resting-state EEG reveals differences in power and functional connectivity in children with developmental dyslexia
Authors: Garnica-Agudelo David , Smith Stuart D.W. , de Velden Daniel van , Stier Christina , Brockmann Knut , Schroeder Sascha , Neef Nicole E. , Focke Niels K.
Published: May 2023

Background: Developmental dyslexia is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by significant difficulties in reading and spelling. Despite lacking routine neuroimaging markers for dyslexia, recent resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) studies have detected atypical functional connectivity in children with dyslexia compared to controls. These methods are based on measures of EEG data at a sensor-level, but it remains unclear if routine clinical resting-state EEG can be used to detect source-level differences in power or functional connectivity (FC) between children with dyslexia and controls. It is also unknown if differences in these EEG metrics correlate with difficulties in reading and spelling.
Methods: Using retrospective data, we investigated the source-reconstructed power and FC of 70 children with recently diagnosed dyslexia and 50 typically developing controls. We analyzed 50 seconds of awake resting-state routine clinical EEG in five frequency bands (1-29 Hz) using power, imaginary part of coherency (ImCoh), and weighted phase lag index (wPLI). Additionally, we calculated correlations between power or FC and IQ, reading, and spelling performance.
Results: Children with dyslexia had a decrease in theta FC in left temporo-parieto-occipital regions and an increase in alpha FC in left fronto-temporo-parietal regions. A decrease of theta FC was observed for right parieto-occipital regions and an increase of alpha FC in right inferior fronto-temporal regions. Furthermore, children with dyslexia demonstrated lower power in delta and theta within the left parieto-occipital regions. An age-stratified sub-analysis indicated that children with dyslexia in 5th-8th school grades exhibit greater alpha FC mainly in left fronto-temporo-parietal regions. Finally, lower scores in spelling showed a positive and significant association to theta power within left parieto-occipital regions in dyslexia.
Conclusions: Significant group differences in power and FC in the theta-alpha range in left cortical language and visual regions, as well as in multiple resting-state networks (RSNs), suggest abnormal oscillations as a pathophysiological sign of dyslexia reading and spelling deficits. These findings demonstrate the potential of source-reconstructed clinical routine EEG data to inform clinicians about brain network alterations in neurodevelopmental disorders such as dyslexia.
A joint profile of cytokines and immune cell populations may identify HNSCC patients who benefit from nivolumab treatment. The Gruppo Oncologico Nord-Ovest (GONO) study Nivactor T-2
Authors: Merlano Marco Carlo , Paccagnella Matteo , Denaro Nerina , Abbona Andrea , Galizia Danilo , Sangiolo Dario , Gammaitoni Loretta , Fiorino Erika , Minei Silvia , Bossi Paolo , Licitra Lisa , Garrone Ornella
Published: May 2023

Background: Immunotherapy of head and neck cancer induces a limited but reproducible rate of long-term survivors, at the cost of treating a large number of patients exposed to toxicity without benefit, regardless of PD-L1 expression. Therefore, identification of better markers for response is an unmet need.Materials and methods: 18 cytokines and 24 subpopulations of immune cells, selected on their prevalent Th1 or Th2 effect, were collected from peripheral blood. Samples were gathered at baseline (T0) and after 3 courses of nivolumab (T1) in 22 head and neck cancer patients, refractory to platinum containing therapy or in second line treatment for relapsed/metastatic disease. Data extracted at each time point have been linked to overall survival. A threshold value able to discriminate between good or poor survival, have been identified by ROC analysis. The relative value of the most promising cytokines/immune cells was determined by PCA.Results:at T0, 4 cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TGF-β) and 2 immune cells (CD3+CD8+LAG3+, CD3+CD11+HLA-DRlowCD14-) were able to discriminate between good and poor survival and allowed the identification of two clusters of patients.Conclusion:with the limitation of an exploratory analysis, this report suggests that a mixed profile of cytokine and immune cells determined at baseline, is potentially able to discriminate between patients who will benefit from nivolumab treatment and those who will do not.
Prognostic and Predictive Value of Endothelial Dysfunction Biomarkers in Sepsis-Associated Acute Kidney Injury: Risk Stratified Analysis from a Prospective Observational Cohort of Pediatric Septic Shock
Authors: Atreya Mihir R. , Cvijanovich Natalie Z. , Fitzgerald Julie C. , Weiss Scott L. , Bigham Michael T. , Jain Parag N. , Schwarz Adam J. , Lutfi Riad , Nowak Jeffrey , Allen Geoffrey L. , Thomas Neal J. , Grunwell Jocelyn R. , Baines Torrey , Quasney Michael , Haileselassie Bereketeab , Alder Matthew N. , Goldstein Stuart L. , Stanski Natalja L.
Published: May 2023

Background
Sepsis Associated Acute Kidney Injury (SA-AKI) is associated with high morbidity, with no current therapies available beyond continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction are key drivers of SA-AKI. We sought to measure differences between endothelial dysfunction markers among children with and without SA-AKI, test whether this association varied across inflammatory biomarker-based mortality risk strata and develop prediction models to identify those at highest risk of SA-AKI.
Methods
Secondary analyses of prospective observational cohort of pediatric septic shock. Primary outcome of interest was presence ≥ Stage II KDIGO SA-AKI on day 3 (D3 SA-AKI). Biomarkers including those prospectively validated to predict pediatric sepsis mortality (PERSEVERE-II) were measured in Day 1 (D1) serum. Multivariable regression was used to test the independent association between endothelial markers and D3 SA-AKI. We conducted risk-stratified analyses and developed prediction models using Classification and Regression Tree (CART), to estimate risk of D3 SA-AKI and prespecified subgroups based on PERSEVERE-II risk.
Results
414 patients were included in the derivation cohort. Patients with D3 SA-AKI had worse clinical outcomes including 28-day mortality and need for CRRT. Serum soluble thrombomodulin (sTM), Angiopoietin-2 (Angpt-2), and Tie-2 were independently associated with D3 SA-AKI. Further, Tie-2 and Angpt-2/Tie-2 ratios were influenced by the interaction between D3 SA-AKI and mortality risk strata. Logistic regression demonstrated models predictive of D3 SA-AKI risk performed optimally among patients with high- or intermediate- PERSEVERE-II mortality risk strata. A 6 terminal node CART model restricted to this subgroup of patients had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) 0.90 and 0.77 upon 10-fold cross-validation in the derivation cohort to distinguish those with and without D3 SA-AKI and high specificity. The newly derived model performed well in a unique set of patients (n = 224), 84 of whom were deemed high- or intermediate- PERSEVERE-II risk, to distinguish those patients with high vs. low risk of D3 SA-AKI.
Conclusions
Endothelial dysfunction biomarkers are independently associated with risk of severe SA-AKI. Pending validation, incorporation of endothelial biomarkers may facilitate prognostic and predictive enrichment for selection of therapeutics in future clinical trials among critically ill children.
G-quadruplex structural dynamics at MAPK12 promoter dictates transcriptional switch to determine stemness in breast cancer.
Authors: Sengupta Pallabi , Dutta Anindya , Suseelaa Yelisetty Venkata , Roychowdhury Tanaya , Banerjee Nilanjan , Dutta Ananya , Halder Satyajit , Jana Kuladip , Mukherjee Gopeswar , Chattopadhyay Samit , Govindaraju Thimmaiah , chatterjee subhrangsu
Published: May 2023

p38γ (MAPK12) is predominantly expressed in triple negative breast cancer cells (TNBC) and induces stem cell (CSC) expansion resulting in decreased survival of the patients due to metastasis. Abundance of G-rich sequences at MAPK12 promoter implied the functional probability to reverse tumorigenesis, though the formation of G4 structures at MAPK12 promoter is elusive. Here, we identified two evolutionary consensus adjacent G-Quadruplex (G4) motifs upstream MAPK12 promoter, forming parallel G4 structures. They exist in competitive binding equilibria between G4 and duplex, regulated by the binding turnover of Sp1 and Nucleolin, binding to different non-contiguous sites at G4 motifs and sequestering either’s occupancy at these motifs to poise MAPK12 transcriptional homeostasis. To under-score the gene-regulatory functions of G4 motifs, we employed CRISPR-Cas9 system to eliminate G4s from TNBC cells and synthesized a naphthalene diimide (NDI) derivative (TGS24) which shows high-affinity binding to MAPK12-G4 and inhibits MAPK12 transcription. Deletion of G4 motifs and NDI compound interfere with the recruitment of the transcription factors, inhibiting MAPK12 expression in cancer cells. The molecular basis of NDI-induced G4 transcriptional regulation was analyzed by RNA-seq analyses, which revealed that MAPK12-G4 inhibits oncogenic RAS transformation and trans-activation of NANOG. MAPK12-G4 also reduces CD44+/CD24- population in TNBC cells and downregulates internal stem cell markers, arresting the stemness properties of cancer cells.
False Springs in The Netherlands: Climate Change Impact Assessment with the False Spring Damage Indicator Model
Authors: Bosdijk Joep Jesse , de Feiter Vincent Simon , Gaiser Annika , Smink Thijs Andreas Gerardus , Thorkelsdottir Gudrun , Vliet Arnold J.H. van , Luedeling Eike
Published: May 2023

Strong night frosts in spring have the potential to cause severe damage to fruit trees, causing up to €3.3 billion of damage in Europe in 2017. If temperatures drop below -2.2°C after the growing season starts, this phenomenon is referred to as a False Spring. For The Netherlands, the risk of false spring damage increased during the past 70 years, due to the dates of the last strong night frost and the start of blooming moving closer together. This raises the question whether this trend will continue under future influences of climate change. To analyse the development of false spring damage risks, we developed the False Spring Damage Indicator (FSDI) model. Applying this model to the Dutch KNMI'14 climate change scenarios for 2050 and 2085 showed a decrease in false spring damage risk. The historical risk for 60% bud damage was reduced to around 40% for the moderate scenario in 2050, and to less than 15% for the severe scenario in 2050 and all scenarios in 2080. False spring damage varied spatially throughout The Netherlands. Currently, in the east more severe damage can be expected, while coastal regions in the north and west are less prone to false spring damage. In the future, this is expected to become more uniform over The Netherlands, as the risk in the east is predicted to decrease strongly, becoming similar to the low damage risk in the coastal regions.
Nurse-led virtual prostate cancer clinic for survivorship care: Qualitative study of patient experiences and needs
Authors: Xiong Ting , Young Karen , Pfisterer Kaylen , Ng Denise , Lohani Raima , Jiao Tina , Nunn Caitlin , Bryant-Lukosius Denise , Rendon Ricardo , Berlin Alejandro , Bender Jacqueline , Brown Ian , Feifer Andrew , Gotto Geoffrey , Cafazzo Joseph , Pham Quynh
Published: May 2023

Background: Prostate cancer survivors (PCa) can experience a range of unmet needs over a long horizon of survivorship. Thin healthcare services and specialist-led follow-up care models may not adequately address these needs. Digitally mediated nurse-led virtual care models may help support PCa survivors who have unmet survivorship needs in current healthcare systems.
Methods: This qualitative descriptive study explores 10 patients’ experiences with follow-up and virtual care, informing the design of a nurse-led virtual clinic (the “Ned Nurse” Clinic) to provide integrated healthcare services.
Results: Patient follow-up care experiences included uncertainty regarding care gaps despite new telemedicine modalities and the need for personalized wellbeing support. Patient recommendations for virtual care related to improving integration of existing care connections, supporting patient self-management, and addressing accessibility. Patients anticipate nurse-led PCa virtual care will: (1) clarify patient and provider roles and responsibilities; (2) improve care ease and access to care; (3) enhance mental wellbeing, and (4) reinforce continuity of care. Conclusion: Patients are keen to benefit from the flexibility and increased resources that digital health may provide, but remain concerned about digital literacy and service changes to support these innovations. Future work should evaluate the efficacy of digitally mediated nurse-led virtual care models to support PCa survivorship.
Botulinum toxin type A alleviates androgenetic alopecia by inhibiting apoptosis of dermal papilla cells via targeting circ_0135062/miR-506-3p/Bax axis
Authors: Wei Wuhan , Zhang Jingyu , Guo Yanping , Wei Hanxiao , Shen Caiqi , Zhao Bingkun , Ji Zhe , Li Qiang , Jin Peisheng
Published: May 2023

Botulinum toxin type A (BTXA) has been shown to be effective in androgenetic alopecia (AGA), but its effect on dermal papillary cell (DPC) apoptosis is not yet clear. Non-coding RNA plays pivotal roles in the development of AGA. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism of BTXA in dihydrotestosterone(DHT)-induced apoptosis of DPCs. The expressions of circ_0135062, miR-506-3p and Bax were detected by qRT-PCR. RNA pulldown and dual luciferase assays were used to analyze binding evidence. Cell viability was validated using the cell counting kit-8 assay, and cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry, TUNEL assay, and Western blot. Our results revealed that BTXA inhibited apoptosis of DPCs treated with DHT and that overexpression of circ_0135062 antagonized the protection of BTXA in DHT-treated DPCs. The miR-506-3p interacted with Bax, and miR-506-3p inhibited apoptosis of DPCs against DHT-mediated damage by silencing Bax. Additionally, circ_0135062 served as a miR-506-3p sponge and inhibited miR-506-3p targeting Bax expression. In conclusion, BTXA exerted an antiapoptotic effect on DHT-induced DPC injury via the circ_0135062/miR-506-3p/Bax axis.
Precision Prognostics for Cardiovascular Disease in Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Ahmad Abrar , Lim Lee-Ling , Morieri Mario , Tam Claudia , Cheng Feifei , Chikowore Tinashe , Dudenhöffer-Pfeifer Monika , Fitipaldi Hugo , Huang Chuiguo , Kanbour Sarah , Sarkar Sudipa , Koivula Robert , Motala Ayesha , Tye Sok , Yu Gechang , Zhang Yingchai , Provenzano Michele , Sherifali Diana , de Souza Russell , Tobias Deirdre , Gomez Maria , Ma Ronald , PMDI ADA/EASD , Mathioudakis Nestoras
Published: May 2023

Background:
Precision medicine has the potential to improve cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D).
Methods:
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies to identify potentially novel prognostic factors that may improve CVD risk prediction in T2D. Out of 9380 studies identified, 416 studies met inclusion criteria. Outcomes were reported for 321 biomarker studies, 48 genetic marker studies, and 47 risk score/model studies.
Results:
Out of all evaluated biomarkers, only 13 showed improvement in prediction performance. Results of pooled meta-analyses, non-pooled analyses, and assessments of improvement in prediction performance and risk of bias, yielded the highest predictive utility for N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) (high-evidence), troponin-T (TnT) (moderate-evidence), triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index (moderate-evidence), Genetic Risk Score for Coronary Heart Disease (GRS-CHD) (moderate-evidence); moderate predictive utility for coronary computed tomography angiography (low-evidence), single-photon emission computed tomography (low-evidence), pulse wave velocity (moderate-evidence); and low predictive utility for C-reactive protein (moderate-evidence), coronary artery calcium score (low-evidence), galectin-3 (low-evidence), troponin-I (low-evidence), carotid plaque (low-evidence), and growth differentiation factor-15 (low-evidence). Risk scores showed modest discrimination on internal validation, with lower performance on external validation.
Conclusions:
Despite high interest in this topic, very few studies conducted rigorous analyses to demonstrate incremental predictive utility beyond established CVD risk factors for T2D. The most promising markers identified were NT-proBNP, TnT, TyG and GRS-CHD, with the highest strength of evidence for NT-proBNP. Further research is needed to determine their clinical utility in risk stratification and management of CVD in T2D.
Significance of micro-EGFR T790M mutations on EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor efficacy in non-small cell lung cancer: The WJOG 13119L study
Authors: Masuda Takeshi , Miura Satoru , Sato Yuki , Tachihara Motoko , Bessho Akihiro , Nakamura Atsushi , Miyawaki Taichi , Yoshimine Kohei , Mori Masahide , Shiraishi Hideaki , Hamai Kosuke , Haratani Koji , Maeda Sumiko , Tabata Eriko , Kitagawa Chiyoe , Tanizaki Junko , Imai Takumi , Nogami Shouhei , Yamamoto Nobuyuki , Nakagawa Kazuhiko , Hattori Noboru
Published: May 2023

Small amounts of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) T790M mutation (micro-T790M), which is detected using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) but not conventional PCR, in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples have been investigated as a predictive factor for the efficacy of EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). However, the predictive value of micro-T790M remains controversial, possibly owing to the failure to examine artificial T790M in FFPE specimens. Therefore, we examined the predictive value of micro-T790M in first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), and third-generation (3G) EGFR-TKI efficacy using a new method to exclude FFPE-derived artificial mutations in our retrospective cohort. The primary objective was time to treatment failure (TTF) of 1G, 2G, and 3G EGFR-TKIs according to micro-T790M status. In total, 315 patients with EGFR-positive NSCLC treated with 1G, 2G, and 3G EGFR-TKIs were included in this study. The proportion of micro-T790M-positive patients in the 1G, 2G, and 3G EGFR-TKI groups was 48.2%, 47.1%, and 47.6%, respectively. In the micro-T790M-positive group, the TTF was significantly longer in the 2G and 3G EGFR-TKI groups than in the 1G TKI group. No differences in the micro-T790M-negative group were observed. Micro-T790M status detected using ddPCR, eliminating false positives, may be a valuable predictor of EGFR-TKI efficacy.
Appraisal of skeletal maturity indicators with respect to non invasive biomarkers
Authors: Kumar Snigdha , Kumar Swatantra , Singh Prof (Dr.) Gyan Prakash , Saxena Prof (Dr.) Shailendra K , Shastri Prof. (Dr.) Dipti , Singh Prof (Dr.) Gulshan Kumar
Published: May 2023

Background
An orthodontist aims to begin treatment during pubertal growth spurt which is a promising time in terms of treatment outcomes. Salivary non-invasive biomarkers are being studied as they could be a help in predicting skeletal age assessment. This study is conducted to assess the correlation amongst salivary Insulin-Like Growth factor-1, salivary Alkaline Phosphatase, cervical vertebrae maturation stages and chronological age in the assessment of skeletal age during the growth period. This study also aims on finding associations with mandibular base length and maxillary base length.
Methods
A number of 80 suitable subjects from 7 to 21 years of age were selected and divided into two groups based on the sex (41 males, 39 females). They were further sub-grouped on the basis of six cervical vertebrae maturation stages from the lateral cephalogram. For every subject chronological age was reported, maxillary base length and mandibular base length was calculated from tracing on lateral cephalogram. Saliva specimens were retrieved from each subject to evaluate the salivary IGF-1and ALP levels by using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The retrieved data was subjected to statistical analysis in SPSS software (20.0).
Results
The mean salivary IGF-1 activity were found to be at peak in CVMI stage 3 and highest mean salivary ALP levels were found to be in CVMI stage 3 in males and CVMI stage 4 in females.
Conclusions
The mean salivary ALP and salivary IGF-1 levels are well correlated with CVMI stages. Salivary ALP levels show correlation with chronological age and could also be used as a diagnostic model to predict cervical stage.
Functional improvement of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty compared with total knee arthroplasty for subchondral insufficiency fracture of the knee
Authors: Suh Dae Keun , Suh Dong Won , Park Jun-Gu , Han Seong-Beom , Kim Jaejoong
Published: May 2023

Background
Subchondral insufficiency fracture of the knee (SIFK) causes acute knee pain in adults and often requires surgical management. Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are the two most common surgical treatments for SIFK. While both UKA and TKA have their advantages, there is no consensus for SIFK localized on the medial compartment. We hypothesized that patients with SIFK treated with UKA would show superior patient-reported outcomes compared to those who underwent TKA.
Methods
A total of 90 patients with SIFK were included in the TKA (n = 45) and UKA (n = 45) groups, respectively. SIFK lesions were measured on MR images. Hip knee ankle (HKA) angle was obtained preoperatively and at the final follow-up. Patient-reported outcomes in the form of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Hospital Special Surgery (HSS) scores, and Knee Society Scores (KSS) were assessed preoperatively, post-operative 6, 12 months, and at the final follow-up.
Results
The UKA group had better range of motion of the knee preoperatively and postoperatively than the TKA group (p<.01 and p<.01). At 6 months, WOMAC score was better in the UKA group than the TKA group (p<.01). Both groups had a significant improvement in WOMAC, HSS, and KSS scores at the final follow-up compared to preoperative scores. There were no surgical complications in the TKA group, but the UKA group had 3 revision cases due to a bearing failure.
Conclusion
Unicompartmental arthroplasty and total joint arthroplasty can produce successful outcomes in patients with SIFK with proper patient selection, regardless of the size of SIFK lesion.
A Nomogram Model Based on the Risk of Lymph Node Metastasis to Evaluate the Prognosis of Gastric Cancer
Authors: 覃 语思 , Xia Yiju , Liu Li , Chen Yao , Xiao Bin , Feng Xiaofeng , Wu Hongbo , Ran Fan , Dai Jianhua , Peng Guiyong
Published: May 2023

Background: Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignancies that pose a serious risk to human health worldwide. Lymph node metastasis may serve as an important prognostic factor for gastric cancer. However, the use of lymph nodes as a prognostic indicator for gastric cancer may lead to stage migration. The aim of this study is to establish a nomogram model to increase the prognostic accuracy of gastric cancer by validating the prognostic role of lymph node metastatic risk.
Methods: A total of 3716 patients with gastric cancer were included in this study based on information from the SEER database. The risk factors for lymph node metastasis were analyzed correlatively. Prognostic factors were analyzed by COX regression, on which nomograms were constructed. The model was validated with ROC and C-indices, and Kaplan-Meier curves were evaluated and analyzed for each prognostic factor.
Results: Age, sex, T-stage, N-stage, M-stage, tumor size and lymph node ratios all served as independent prognostic factors for gastric cancer. lymph node metastasis ratio is a prognostic factor in gastric cancer that is superior to lymph node number. The nomogram model has 3- and 5-year AUC values of 0.797 and 0.817 respectively, with a C-index of 0.730.
Conclusion: As a prognostic factor of gastric cancer, lymph node metastasis ratio can reduce stage migration, and its inclusion in the nomogram model is superior to the TNM staging system to evaluate the prognosis of gastric cancer. The nomogram model we have developed has high reliability and accuracy and thus can inform personalized clinical treatment for gastric cancer patients.
Neural Network-Based Soil Parameters Predictive Coordination Algorithm for Energy Efficient Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Sharma Dinesh , Tomar Geetam Singh
Published: May 2023

Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) is the best implementation of Information Technology in the agricultural sector. With interest blooming in them, and evolving technology, sensor networks are not only capable of giving the real-time nutrient index of the soil, but could also help to regulate all agricultural processes. However, WSN comes with a major limitation, i.e., energy. Based on experimental data collected from various soil forms, and analyzed using advanced data analytics, the Nutrient Index is somehow linked and doesn’t show frequent change with time. Therefore, by using predictive neural network techniques, one can easily get detailed info with primary inputs received from WSN. There is no need to make the WSN run for the entire day. Instead, for making an energy-efficient WSN, NR-MDEC protocol is used along with a coordination algorithm which enhances the efficiency dramatically.
lesSDRF Is More: Maximizing The Value Of Proteomics Data Through Streamlined Metadata Annotation
Authors: Claeys Tine , Bossche Tim Van Den , Perez-Riverol Yasset , Gevaert Kris , Vizcaino Juan Antonio , Martens Lennart
Published: May 2023

Sharing data and resources has revolutionized life sciences, particularly in proteomics, where public data has enabled researchers to reanalyze and reinterpret data in novel ways. However, the lack of comprehensive metadata remains a significant challenge to unlocking the full potential of publicly shared data. In response, the Sample and Data Relationship Format (SDRF) Proteomics was developed, However, its complexity presents several challenges. This study investigated metadata annotations in proteomics data sets from the PRIDE database and the corresponding publications, and identified major gaps in metadata provision. To bridge this gap, we created a user-friendly, ontology-based Streamlit application, named lesSDRF, that guides users through the annotation process using SDRF. lesSDRF aims to encourage researchers to provide more detailed metadata annotations, leading to greater insights and scientific advances in proteomics. By addressing this issue, we can facilitate more collaborative efforts and enhance our understanding of biological processes. LesSDRF is available via https://compomics-lessdrf-home-2rdf84.streamlit.app/.
High peritoneal incision approach in endoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal patch plasty (TAPP) for inguinal hernia after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Yamamoto Tetsu , Hyakudomi Ryoji , Takai Kiyoe , Uchida Yuki , Ishitobi Kazunari , Hirahara Noriyuki , Tajima Yoshitsugu
Published: May 2023

Background: Inguinal hernia develops as one of the common complications after robotic or laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RP). TAPP for an inguinal hernia after RP is far from easy to perform due to postoperative severe adhesions in the preperitoneal cavity. We recently devised a high peritoneal incision approach (HPIA) in TAPP for inguinal hernia patients in whom peritoneal dissection is difficult due to severe adhesions after RP. We evaluate the safety and efficacy of TAPP with a high peritoneal incision approach for patients with an inguinal hernia after Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.
Methods Patients characteristics and surgical outcome were evaluated by a retrospective analysis.
Result: From January 2014 to December 2017, 21 consecutive patients underwent TAPP for an inguinal hernia after RARP. Twenty-four lesions were the Type 3b and 3 were Type 3a according to the Nyhus classification. A conventional TAPP was performed for 10 hernia lesions in 8 patients and TAPP with HPIA was utilized for 17 lesions in 13 patients. The mean operation time for the unilateral hernia in the HPIA (137.8±20.7 min) was significantly shorter than that (182.2±42.0 min) in the conventional TAPP (p =0.038). The HPIA was complete in all patients, while the conventional TAPP was converted to IPOM in 5 patients (55.6%, p=0.008) due to dense adhesions with difficult dissection. No recurrent was observed after follow-up period of 24months in both groups.
Conclusions: The TAPP with HPIA is feasible and a safe and reliable treatment of choice in patients with an inguinal hernia after RARP.
Sense of place and post-traumatic growth in the post-COVID era: A moderated mediation model of psychological resilience and social-emotional competence
Authors: Zhang Jianzhen , Chen Yifei , Yu Hongmei , An Zhenni , Antwi Collins Opoku , Ge Jiahao
Published: May 2023

Background In the post-COVID era, identifying ways to promote post-traumatic growth among the general public is a pressing concern. However, few studies have explored the potential positive impact of people’s relationship with place on post-traumatic growth. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between sense of place) and post-traumatic growth, as well as the mediating role of psychological resilience and moderating effect of social-emotional competence. Methods We conducted a survey with 1203 high school students in eastern China to assess their levels of sense of place, post-traumatic growth, psychological resilience, and social-emotional competence. Moderated mediation models were tested using SPSS, AMOS, and PROCESS. Results The results indicated a significant positive impact of sense of place on post-traumatic growth (β = 0.111, p < 0.001), with psychological resilience serving as a mediator (β = 0.401, p < 0.001). Moreover, social-emotional competence moderated the relationship between sense of place and psychological resilience in this pathway (β = 0.073, p < 0.001). Conclusions The results indicated that sense of place may have both direct and indirect impacts through psychological resilience on post-traumatic growth. In addition, individuals with higher social-emotional competence tend to experience more post-traumatic growth, even when their sense of place is similar to individuals with lower social-emotional competence. These findings have significant implications for promoting post-traumatic growth among adolescents in the post-COVID era.
Identifying the causes of the high incidence of cholelithiasis and a health economics evaluation of two types of cholecystectomies in Qinghai province
Authors: Xia Yonghong , Jing# Xiaofeng , Ma# Ying , Li# Defu , Zhang Tiecheng , Xiang Haiqi , Xu Fan
Published: May 2023

Background:Qinghai province has a high incidence of cholelithiasis. However, the risk factors for cholelithiasis in a high-altitude area remain unclear. It is urgent to formulate and promote the diagnosis and treatment norms of this disease.Objective:We explored the causes of the high incidence of cholelithiasis in a high-altitude area to assess the clinical and economical differences between open cholecystectomy (OC) and laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), two surgical approached to treat cholelithiasis, and to establish a risk prediction model.Methods:In this retrospective study, we enrolled 8,596 patients to explore the spatiotemporal distribution of the disease. We ultimately selected 3,914 treated with cholecystectomy: 64 received OC and 3,850 received LC. We evaluated differences in clinical factors and health economics between the groups by using Student’s t-test and the chi-square test. We used multivariate analysis of variance and step regression to identify the risk factors of cholelithiasis.Results:There were significantly fewer cases in spring than in winter (p= 0.001). There were significant differences in age, surgical expenses, total expenses, and length of stay between the OC and LC groups (p= 0.001). The step regression model revealed that the risk factors for cholelithiasis are the surgical approach, age, sex and the outcome after hospital discharge.Conclusion:In Qinghai province, the incidence of cholelithiasis was higher in winter. Compared with OC, LC showed better performance from both the clinical and economical points of views. Besides, the prediction model demonstrated that the surgical approach, sex, age and the outcome after discharge affect the prognosis for patients with cholelithiasis.
The Impact of Eosinophil Cationic Protein on Nasal Epithelial Cells: An Investigation of Cellular Responses
Authors: Hou Jing , zhang luo
Published: May 2023

Introduction
The impact of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) on nasal epithelial cells remains unclear. Our study investigated whether ECP could activate nasal epithelial cells to secrete interleukin 8 (IL-8).
Materials and Methods
The airway epithelial cells, NCI-H292, were cultured separately and exposed to varying concentrations of ECP for 2, 4, 6, 16, or 24 hours. The supernatant was collected and IL-8 was tected using ELISA.
Results
The results showed a significant increase in IL-8 levels in the ECP group compared to the control group at 24 hours (50.92ug/ml±20.06% versus 1.95ug/ml).
Conclusion
The study concludes that ECP stimulates H292 cells to secrete high levels of IL-8, causing damage to epithelial cells. The increase in ECP in allergic disease can aggravate inflammation of the airway mucosa.
Minor effects of no-till treatment on GHG emissions of boreal cultivated peat soil
Authors: Honkanen Henri , Kekkonen Hanna , Heikkinen Jaakko , Lång Kristiina
Published: May 2023

Greenhouse gas emissions of a spring cereal monoculture under conventional tillage and no-till treatments were measured in a peatland in Southwestern Finland for three years in 2018–2021. Nitrous oxide (N2O), carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) fluxes were measured with an opaque chamber technique approximately biweekly throughout the years. During the growing season, canopy net ecosystem exchange (NEE) was measured with a transparent chamber technique and hourly ecosystem respiration (ER) and gross photosynthesis (GP) were modelled with empiric models. On average, the annual emissions were 6.4 ± 2.4 Mg CO2-C ha − 1 yr− 1, 7.6 ± 3.5 kg N2O -N ha− 1 yr− 1, and − 0.35 ± 0.42 kg CH4-C ha− 1 yr− 1 for NEE, N2O and CH4, respectively. The effect of no-till management on the GHG balance was non-consistent through years and thus generally of minor significance. No-till reduced the annual CO2 emissions by 24% in 2019 and N2O emissions by 33% in 2020 compared to conventional tillage while there were no differences between the treatments in other years. Measured differences in ER occurred mostly during the winter periods, especially after ploughing. The results indicated that no-till may reduce CO2 and N2O emissions from cultivated peat soil, but it does not lead to large consistent reductions during the first years of NT management.
Whole-field density measurements by Digital Image Correlation
Authors: Oers Alexander M. van , de Kat Roeland , Maas Leo R.M.
Published: May 2023

A new optical method is applied for the quantitative measurement of the density field of two-dimensional, stratified or homogeneous, transparent fluids in a laboratory set-up. A crucial new step is the angle at which we place a camera to view the experimental set-up. This step is motivated by a fallacy observed when applying our method in a classical configuration, in which the camera's optical axis is perpendicular to the flat surface of a fluid container. Application of this method is illustrated by the optical determination of static density fields of linearly and nonlinearly stratified fluids, as well as of multi-layered fluids. The method is validated by comparing with density profiles obtained from probe measurements of conductivity and temperature. Our method yields similar density and buoyancy profiles as the probe while also providing a whole field measurement, without disturbing the fluid and allowing the determination of dynamical density fields.