bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A surge in serum mucosal cytokines associated with seroconversion in children at risk for type 1 diabetes
Authors: Harrison Leonard C , Bandala‐Sanchez Esther , Oakey Helena , Colman Peter G , Watson Kelly , Kim Ki Wook , Wu Roy , Hamilton‐Williams Emma E , Stone Natalie L , Haynes Aveni , Thomson Rebecca L , Vuillermin Peter J , Soldatos Georgia , Rawlinson William D , McGorm Kelly J , Morahan Grant , Barry Simon C , Sinnott Richard O , Wentworth John M , Couper Jennifer J , Penno Megan AS ,   the ENDIA Study Group
Published: June 2023

Aims/Introduction

Autoantibodies to pancreatic islet antigens identify young children at high risk of type 1 diabetes. On a background of genetic susceptibility, islet autoimmunity is thought to be driven by environmental factors, of which enteric viruses are prime candidates. We sought evidence for enteric pathology in children genetically at‐risk for type 1 diabetes followed from birth who had developed islet autoantibodies (“seroconverted”), by measuring mucosa‐associated cytokines in their sera.

Materials and Methods

Sera were collected 3 monthly from birth from children with a first‐degree type 1 diabetes relative, in the Environmental Determinants of Islet Autoimmunity (ENDIA) study. Children who seroconverted were matched for sex, age, and sample availability with seronegative children. Luminex xMap technology was used to measure serum cytokines.

Results

Of eight children who seroconverted, for whom serum samples were available at least 6 months before and after seroconversion, the serum concentrations of mucosa‐associated cytokines IL‐21, IL‐22, IL‐25, and IL‐10, the Th17‐related cytokines IL‐17F and IL‐23, as well as IL‐33, IFN‐γ, and IL‐4, peaked from a low baseline in seven around the time of seroconversion and in one preceding seroconversion. These changes were not detected in eight sex‐ and age‐matched seronegative controls, or in a separate cohort of 11 unmatched seronegative children.

Conclusions

In a cohort of children at risk for type 1 diabetes followed from birth, a transient, systemic increase in mucosa‐associated cytokines around the time of seroconversion lends support to the view that mucosal infection, e.g., by an enteric virus, may drive the development of islet autoimmunity.
Functional principles of genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors for metabolism and their quantitative use
Authors: Koveal Dorothy
Published: June 2023

Genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors provide an attractive means of measuring chemical changes in single cells on fast timescales (milliseconds to seconds). While their most prominent application has been in tracking neural activity and neurotransmitter release, there has been growing interest in developing and deploying new versions of these tools to study brain metabolism. However, the careful use of these tools and the interpretation of the data they provide remain challenging. Many biosensors are subject to interferences that can alter sensor responses within a single cell or between cells, producing ambiguous results. This presents a challenge for quantitation and for our ability to accurately interpret sensor responses. This review describes current methods of sensor quantitation, with a focus on cellular interferences that commonly affect sensor performance, ways to avoid false inferences, and recent advances in sensor optimization to make them more robust.

image
Extracorporeal liver support and liver transplantation for acute‐on‐chronic liver failure
Authors: Ballester Maria Pilar , Elshabrawi Ahmed , Jalan Rajiv
Published: June 2023

Acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) is defined by acute decompensation, organ failure and a high risk of short‐term mortality. This condition is characterized by an overwhelming systemic inflammatory response. Despite treating the precipitating event, intensive monitoring and organ support, clinical deterioration can occur with very poor outcomes. During the last decades, several extracorporeal liver support systems have been developed to try to reduce ongoing liver injury and provide an improved environment for the liver to regenerate or as a bridging therapy until liver transplantation. Several clinical trials have been performed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of extracorporeal liver support systems, but no clear impact on survival has been proven. DIALIVE is a novel extracorporeal liver support device that has been built to specifically address the pathophysiological derangements responsible for the development of ACLF by replacing dysfunctional albumin and removing pathogen and damage‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs and DAMPs). In phase II clinical trial, DIALIVE appears to be safe, and it seems to be associated with a faster time to the resolution of ACLF compared with standard medical treatment. Even in patients with severe ACLF, liver transplantation saves lives and there is clear evidence of transplant benefit. Careful selection of patients is required to attain good results from liver transplantation, but many questions remain unanswered. In this review, we describe the current perspectives on the use of extracorporeal liver support and liver transplantation for ACLF patients.
Functional near‐infrared spectroscopy guided mapping of frontal cortex, a novel modality for assessing emergence delirium in children: A prospective observational study
Authors: Shanmugam Nirmal , Verma Rohit , Sarkar Soumya , Khanna Puneet , Sinha Renu , Kashyap Lokesh , Shende Dilip R. , Ray Bikash Ranjan , Anand Rahul Kumar , Maitra Souvik , Singh Akhil Kant , Lomi Niewete
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Despite an 18%–30% prevalence, there is no consensus regarding pathogenesis of emergence delirium after anesthesia in children. Functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is an optical neuroimaging modality that relies on blood oxygen level‐dependent response, translating to a mean increase in oxyhemoglobin and a decrease in deoxyhemoglobin. We aimed to correlate the emergence delirium in the postoperative period with the changes in the frontal cortex utilizing fNIRS reading primarily and also with blood glucose, serum electrolytes, and preoperative anxiety scores.

Methods

A total of 145 ASA I and II children aged 2–5 years, undergoing ocular examination under anesthesia, were recruited by recording the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Score after acquiring the Institute Ethics Committee approval and written informed parental consent. Induction and maintenance were done with O2, N2O, and Sevoflurane. The emergence delirium was assessed using the PAED score in the postoperative period. The frontal cortex fNIRS recordings were taken throughout anesthesia.

Results

A total of 59 children (40.7%) had emergence delirium. The ED+ group had a significant activation left superior frontal cortex (t = 2.26E+00; p = .02) and right middle frontal cortex (t = 2.27E+00; p = .02) during induction, significant depression in the left middle frontal (t = −2.22E+00; p = .02), left superior frontal and bilateral medial (t = −3.01E+00; p = .003), right superior frontal and bilateral medial (t = −2.44E+00; p = .015), bilateral medial and superior (t = −3.03E+00; p = .003), and right middle frontal cortex (t = −2.90E+00; p = .004) during the combined phase of maintenance, and significant activation in cortical activity in the left superior frontal cortex (t = 2.01E+00; p = .0047) during the emergence in comparison with the ED‐ group.

Conclusion

There is significant difference in the change in oxyhemoglobin concentration during induction, maintenance, and emergence in specific frontal brain regions between children with and without emergence delirium.
Combined aerobic and resistance exercise in maintenance hemodialysis patients: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Yixiu , Luo Xiju , Deng Siyan , Chen Jing , Zhang Lu , Huang Ying , Hu Huagang
Published: June 2023

Exercise brings many benefits to patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD), but the effect of combined aerobic and resistance exercise remains unclear. English and Chinese databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, VIP, Wan Fang, and CBM) were searched from inception to January 2023 to retrieve qualified randomized controlled trials. The literature selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment of included studies were conducted independently by two reviewers. Meta‐analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. A total of 23 studies with 1214 participants were included, and 17 of the interventions were conducted during dialysis. Results showed that combined aerobic and resistance exercise (CARE) improved the peak oxygen uptake, six‐minute walking test, 60 s sit‐to‐stand test (STS), 30 s STS, dialysis adequacy, five (out of eight) domains and physical component summary of health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) measured by the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form‐36, blood pressure, and hemoglobin for MHD patients compared with usual care. No significant changes were found in the mental component summary of HRQOL, C‐reactive protein, creatinine, potassium, sodium, calcium, and phosphate. Subgroup analysis showed that intradialytic CARE ameliorated more outcomes, except for handgrip strength and hemoglobin, than non‐intradialytic ones. CARE is an effective way to improve physical function, aerobic capacity, dialysis adequacy, and HRQOL for MHD patients. Strategies should be implemented by clinicians and policymakers to motivate patients to do more exercise. Well‐designed clinical trials are warranted to explore the effectiveness of non‐intradialytic CARE.
From policy to politics? Exploring feedback effects of social protection on state‐citizen relations in Ghana
Authors: Ibrahim Mohammed
Published: June 2023

This paper addresses two interrelated questions: Do social protection policies generate feedback effects on state‐citizen relations? If so, how do such policies change the perception and interaction of both citizens and the state? The paper is based on an in‐depth mixed methods study on Ghana's Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty cash transfer programme (LEAP) conducted in two implementation districts. I find emergent positive resource and interpretive/policy learning effects on state‐citizen perceptions and interactions. This is evidenced in increased state presence in service provision and changing citizen recognition of the state as a legitimate provider of their welfare, with these impacts being higher among beneficiaries with previously limited access to or negative perception about the state. Notwithstanding, these effects may be limited, unsustainable or undermined partly due to the way in which LEAP is promoted and delivered as a clientelist resource. The paper highlights the ideational and relational impact of social protection by arguing that when implemented well, social policies can generate political feedback effects beyond their poverty reduction and human development impacts by fostering policy learning opportunities for reconfiguring the perceptions of and interactions between the state and citizens.
Nitrogen fertilization and liming increased CO2 and N2O emissions from tropical ferralsols, but not from a vertisol
Authors: Ntinyari Winnie , Reichel Rüdiger , Gweyi‐Onyango Joseph P. , Giweta Mekonnen , Wissel Holger , Masso Cargele , Bol Roland , Brüggemann Nicolas
Published: June 2023

The application of nitrogen (N) fertilizers and liming (CaCO3) to improve soil quality and crop productivity are regarded as effective and important agricultural practices. However, they may increase greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. There is limited information on the GHG emissions of tropical soils, specifically when liming is combined with N fertilization. We therefore conducted a full factorial laboratory incubation experiment to investigate how N fertilizer (0 kg N ha−1, 12.5 kg N ha−1 and 50 kg N ha−1) and liming (target pH = 6.5) affect GHG emissions and soil N availability. We focussed on three common acidic soils (two ferralsols and one vertisol) from Lake Victoria (Kenya). After 8 weeks, the most significant increase in cumulative carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) fluxes compared with the unfertilized control was found for the two ferralsols in the N + lime treatment, with five to six times higher CO2 fluxes than the control. The δ13C signature of soil‐emitted CO2 revealed that for the ferralsols, liming (i.e. the addition of CaCO3) was the dominant source of CO2, followed by urea (N fertilization), whereas no significant effect of liming or of N fertilization on CO2 flux was found for the vertisol. In addition, the N2O fluxes were most significantly increased by the high N + lime treatment in the two ferralsols, with four times and 13 times greater N2O flux than that of the control. No treatment effects on N2O fluxes were observed for the vertisol. Liming in combination with N fertilization significantly increased the final nitrate content by 14.5%–39% compared with N fertilization alone in all treatment combinations and soils. We conclude that consideration should be given to the GHG budgets of agricultural ferralsols since liming is associated with high liming‐induced CO2 and N2O emissions. Therefore, nature‐based and sustainable sources should be explored as an alternative to liming in order to manage the pH and the associated fertility of acidic tropical soils.
The novel HLA‐B*51:381 allele, identified in a Chinese individual through Sanger dideoxy nucleotide sequencing
Authors: Lei Hang , Jiang Chuan‐He , Du Ke‐Ming , Zheng Zhong‐Zheng , Cai Xiao‐Hong
Published: June 2023

HLA‐B*51:381 differs from HLA‐B*51:01:01:01 by one nucleotide in exon 5.
Virtual Reality for Action Observation Does Not Enhance Motor Learning of a Complex Weightlifting Task
Authors: Weise Michael A. , Vicente Joshua A. , Ponce de Leon Belle P. , Savola Makena , Hernandez Kimberly , Flanagan Sean P. , Hinkel-Lipsker Jacob W.
Published: June 2023

Action observation, where a learner observes a model demonstrating a skill, has long been established in the literature as an effective means to acquire motor skills. Developments in virtual reality technology have made it possible for a 3D action observation viewing perspective, theoretically providing a viewing experience similar to observing a live performer. However, very little work has compared these two media and their effects on motor learning outcomes. In this current study, healthy novice participants to Olympic lifting (specifically the clean and jerk; n = 36) learned the exercise through observing a model demonstration in virtual reality (3D group) or on a computer screen (2D group). A third group (control) did not engage in action observation. Results indicate that following training, the 2D group more frequently used a three-step lifting pattern, and the 2D and 3D groups lifted with a significantly greater horizontal displacement compared with the control group. Also, the 2D group was more likely to use a proximal-to-distal joint coordination strategy during the second pull of the exercise. These results further the idea that only small parts of pertinent visual information are needed for action observation, and that virtual reality may provide too much information to novice learners.
Pyocyanin-dependent electrochemical inhibition of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
biofilms is synergistic with antibiotic treatment
Authors: Jiménez Otero Fernanda , Newman Dianne K. , Tender Leonard M.
Published: June 2023

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
biofilms are common in chronic wound infections and recalcitrant to treatment. Survival of cells within oxygen-limited regions in these biofilms is enabled by extracellular electron transfer (EET), whereby small redox active molecules act as electron shuttles to access distal oxidants. Here, we report that electrochemically controlling the redox state of these electron shuttles, specifically pyocyanin (PYO), can impact cell survival within anaerobic
P. aeruginosa
biofilms and can act synergistically with antibiotic treatment. Prior results demonstrated that under anoxic conditions, an electrode poised at sufficiently oxidizing potential (+100 mV vs Ag/AgCl) promotes EET within
P. aeruginosa
biofilms by re-oxidizing PYO for reuse by the cells. Here, when a reducing potential (−400 mV vs Ag/AgCl) was used to disrupt PYO redox cycling by maintaining PYO in the reduced state, we observed a 100-fold decrease in colony forming units within these biofilms compared with those exposed to electrodes poised at +100 mV vs Ag/AgCl. Phenazine-deficient Δ
phz
* biofilms were unaffected by the potential applied to the electrode but were re-sensitized by adding PYO. The effect at −400 mV was exacerbated when biofilms were treated with sub-MICs of a range of antibiotics. Most notably, addition of the aminoglycoside gentamicin in a reductive environment almost completely eradicated wild-type biofilms but had no effect on the survival of Δ
phz
* biofilms in the absence of phenazines. These data suggest that antibiotic treatment combined with the electrochemical disruption of PYO redox cycling, either through the toxicity of accumulated reduced PYO or the disruption of EET, or both, can lead to extensive killing.

IMPORTANCE

Biofilms provide a protective environment but also present challenges to the cells living within them, such as overcoming nutrient and oxygen diffusion limitations.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
overcomes oxygen limitation by secreting soluble redox active phenazines, which act as electron shuttles to distal oxygen. Here, we show that electrochemically blocking the re-oxidation of one of these electron shuttles, pyocyanin, decreases cell survival within biofilms and acts synergistically with gentamicin to kill cells. Our results highlight the importance of the role that the redox cycling of electron shuttles fulfills within
P. aeruginosa
biofilms.
High-sensitivity profiling of SARS-CoV-2 noncoding region–host protein interactome reveals the potential regulatory role of negative-sense viral RNA
Authors: Jiang Liuyiqi , Xiao Mu , Liao Qing-Qing , Zheng Luqian , Li Chunyan , Liu Yuemei , Yang Bing , Ren Aiming , Jiang Chao , Feng Xin-Hua
Published: June 2023

A deep understanding of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)–host interactions is crucial to developing effective therapeutics and addressing the threat of emerging coronaviruses. The role of noncoding regions of viral RNA (ncrRNAs) has yet to be systematically scrutinized. We developed a method using MS2 affinity purification coupled with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and designed a diverse set of bait ncrRNAs to systematically map the interactome of SARS-CoV-2 ncrRNA in Calu-3, Huh7, and HEK293T cells. Integration of the results defined the core ncrRNA–host protein interactomes among cell lines. The 5′ UTR interactome is enriched with proteins in the small nuclear ribonucleoproteins family and is a target for the regulation of viral replication and transcription. The 3′ UTR interactome is enriched with proteins involved in the stress granules and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins family. Intriguingly, compared with the positive-sense ncrRNAs, the negative-sense ncrRNAs, especially the negative-sense of 3′ UTR, interacted with a large array of host proteins across all cell lines. These proteins are involved in the regulation of the viral production process, host cell apoptosis, and immune response. Taken together, our study depicts the comprehensive landscape of the SARS-CoV-2 ncrRNA–host protein interactome and unveils the potential regulatory role of the negative-sense ncrRNAs, providing a new perspective on virus–host interactions and the design of future therapeutics. Given the highly conserved nature of UTRs in positive-strand viruses, the regulatory role of negative-sense ncrRNAs should not be exclusive to SARS-CoV-2.

IMPORTANCE

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19, a pandemic affecting millions of lives. During replication and transcription, noncoding regions of the viral RNA (ncrRNAs) may play an important role in the virus–host interactions. Understanding which and how these ncrRNAs interact with host proteins is crucial for understanding the mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis. We developed the MS2 affinity purification coupled with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method and designed a diverse set of ncrRNAs to identify the SARS-CoV-2 ncrRNA interactome comprehensively in different cell lines and found that the 5′ UTR binds to proteins involved in U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein, while the 3′ UTR interacts with proteins involved in stress granules and the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein family. Interestingly, negative-sense ncrRNAs showed interactions with a large number of diverse host proteins, indicating a crucial role in infection. The results demonstrate that ncrRNAs could serve diverse regulatory functions.
In their own words: recovery after emergency general surgery in the older patient
Authors: Ho Vanessa P , Roach Mary Joan , Berg Kristen A , Deverakonda Divya L , Kanuika Peter , Arko Brianna , Perzynski Adam T
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Emergency general surgery (EGS) conditions, such as perforated intestines or complicated hernias, can lead to significant postoperative morbidity and mortality. We sought to understand the recovery experience of older patients at least 1 year after EGS to identify key factors for a successful long-term recovery.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews to explore recovery experiences of patients and their caregivers after admission for an EGS procedure. We screened patients who were aged 65 years or older at the time of an EGS operation, admitted at least 7 days, and still alive and able to consent at least 1 year postoperatively. We interviewed the patients, their primary caregiver, or both. Interview guides were developed to explore medical decision making, patient goals and expectations surrounding recovery after EGS, and to identify barriers and facilitators of recovery. Interviews were recorded and transcribed, and we used an inductive thematic approach to analysis.

Results

We performed 15 interviews (11 patients and 4 caregivers). Patients wanted to return to their prior quality of life, or ‘get back to normal.’ Family was key in providing both instrumental support (eg, for daily tasks such as cooking, driving, wound care) and emotional support. Provision of temporary support was key to the recovery of many patients. Although most patients returned to their prior lifestyle, some also experienced depression, persistent abdominal effects, pain, or decreased stamina. When asked about medical decision making, patients expressed viewing the decision for having an operation not as a choice but, rather, the only rational option to treat a severe symptom or life-threating illness.

Conclusions

There is an opportunity in healthcare to provide better education for older patients and their caregivers around instrumental and emotional support to bolster successful recovery after emergency surgery.

Level of evidence

Qualitative study, level II.
Electron scattering on molecular nitrogen: common gas, uncommon cross sections
Authors: Song Mi-Young , Cho Hyuck , Karwasz Grzegorz P. , Kokoouline Viatcheslav , Tennyson Jonathan
Published: June 2023

We discuss peculiar features of electron scattering on the N2 molecule and the N2+ ion, that are important for modeling plasmas, Earth’s and other planets’ atmospheres. These features are, among others: the resonant enhancement of the vibrational excitation in the region of the shape resonance around 2.4 eV, the resonant character of some of electronic excitation channels (and high values of these cross sections, both for triplet and singlet states), high cross section for the dissociation into neutrals, high cross sections for elastic scattering (and electronic transitions) on metastable states. For the N2+ ion we discuss both dissociation and the dissociative ionization, leading to the formation of atoms in excited states, and dissociative recombination which depends strongly on the initial vibrational state of the ion. We conclude that the theory became an indispensable completion of experiments, predicting many of partial cross sections and their physical features. We hope that the data presented will serve to improve models of nitrogen plasmas and atmospheres.

Graphical abstract
The Laboratory Astrophysics Programme at Imperial College London
Authors: Concepcion Florence , Clear Christian P. , Ding Milan , Pickering Juliet C.
Published: June 2023

Advancements in ground- and space-based telescopes have resulted in an acute need for and improvement in the breadth and accuracy of the atomic data vital for the analysis of astronomical spectra. Many data, even for astrophysically important elements such as the iron group, have analyses dating back over 50 years, which are no longer suitable for the interpretation of modern, high-resolution astrophysical spectra. The Imperial College Spectroscopy group is addressing this need by measuring new atomic data and improving the accuracy of existing data using Fourier transform spectroscopy from the infrared to the vacuum ultraviolet. Analysis of these high-resolution spectra has led to new and improved atomic data for a wide range of astrophysically important elements. Reductions in uncertainties of transition wavelengths and energy levels are routinely over an order of magnitude and transition probabilities are measured to a few percent of uncertainty. Our work has increased both the quantity and quality of available atomic data. In this paper, we provide an update of our recent investigations and research plans. We also detail the improvements being made to our world-class laboratory to ensure we are able to meet the future data needs of the astrophysical community.

Graphical abstract
Impact of transmitter imbalances on the security of continuous variables quantum key distribution
Authors: Pereira Daniel , Almeida Margarida , Pinto Armando N. , Silva Nuno A.
Published: June 2023

Continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) provides a theoretical unconditionally secure solution to distribute symmetric keys among users in a communication network. However, the practical devices used to implement these systems are intrinsically imperfect, and, as a result, open the door to eavesdropper attacks. In this work, we study the impact of transmitter stage imperfections on the performance and security of a Discrete Modulated (DM) CV-QKD system using M-symbol Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (M-QAM) and Amplitude and Phase Shift Keying (M-APSK) coupled with Probabilistic Constellation Shaping (PCS). Assuming two different modulation stage topologies, we first deform the constellations and then evaluate the secure key rate achievable with the deformed constellation. The presented results show that, due to the erroneously estimated channel parameters, non-monitored imbalances greatly reduce the system’s performance, with situations where Bob and Alice estimate that no secure bits can be obtained while the real value of the key rate is still positive. Our results show the importance of monitoring these constellation imbalances and show that the optimal constellation may vary depending on the degree of device imperfection.
Controlled unidirectional reflectionlessness by coupling strength in a non-Hermitian waveguide quantum electrodynamics system
Authors: Qiu De-Xiu , Li Fude , Xue K. , Yi X. X.
Published: June 2023

Unidirectional reflectionlessness is investigated in a waveguide quantum electrodynamics system that consists of a cavity and a [Formula: see text]-type three-level quantum dot coupled to a one-dimensional plasmonic waveguide. Analytical expressions of transmission and reflection coefficients are derived and discussed for both resonant and off-resonant couplings. By appropriately modulating the coupling strength, phase shift and Rabi frequency, unidirectional reflectionlessness is observed at the exceptional points (EPs). And unidirectional coherent perfect absorption is exhibited at the vicinity of the EP. These results might find applications in designing quantum devices of photons, such as optical switches and single-photon transistors.
Stellar equilibrium on a physical vacuum soil
Authors: Arrechea Julio , Barceló Carlos
Published: June 2023

We show that the repulsive effects associated to the zero-point energies of quantum fields are capable of supporting ultracompact stars that overcome the compactness limits present in general relativity for any object in hydrostatic equilibrium. These objects are exact self-consistent solutions in semiclassical gravity that incorporate the backreaction of the renormalized stress-energy tensor (RSET) of quantum fields in vacuum. We arrive at stars of striking qualitative agreement through two independent modelings of the RSET, evidencing the generality and robustness of this result. The main physical properties of these novel black hole mimickers are reviewed.
A Species-based Particle Swarm Optimization with Adaptive Population Size and Deactivation of Species for Dynamic Optimization Problems
Authors: Yazdani Delaram , Yazdani Danial , Yazdani Donya , Omidvar Mohammad Nabi , Gandomi Amir H. , Yao Xin
Published: June 2023

Population clustering methods, which consider the position and fitness of individuals to form sub-populations in multi-population algorithms, have shown high efficiency in tracking the moving global optimum in dynamic optimization problems. However, most of these methods use a fixed population size, making them inflexible and inefficient when the number of promising regions is unknown. The lack of a functional relationship between the population size and the number of promising regions significantly degrades performance and limits an algorithm’s agility to respond to dynamic changes. To address this issue, we propose a new species-based particle swarm optimization with adaptive population size and number of sub-populations for solving dynamic optimization problems. The proposed algorithm also benefits from a novel systematic adaptive deactivation component that, unlike the previous deactivation components, adapts the computational resource allocation to the sub-populations by considering various characteristics of both the problem and the sub-populations. We evaluate the performance of our proposed algorithm for the Generalized Moving Peaks Benchmark and compare the results with several peer approaches. The results indicate the superiority of the proposed method.
Prediction of Grade Classification of Rock Burst Based on PCA-SSA-PNN Architecture
Authors: Wang Zhenyi , Wang Yalei , Jin Xiaoliang
Published: June 2023

The uncertainty and complexity of rock burst brings great difficulties to the prediction of rock burst grades. In order to estimate the risk grades of rock burst, an integrated method combining principal component analysis (PCA) and sparrow search algorithm (SSA) with probabilistic neural network (PNN) was proposed. Considering that the in situ stress of rock mass, the strength of rock, and the strength of rock mass are the key influencing factors of rock bursts, the maximum in situ stress

σ

max

, maximum tangential stress

σ

θ

, rock strength

σ

ci

, rock mass strength

σ

cm

, and three rock burst evaluation indexes (

σ

θ

/

σ

ci

,

σ

ci

/

σ

max

, and

σ

cm

/

σ

max

) were selected to constitute the rock burst grade evaluation index system. Forty-three groups of rock burst engineering data were gathered. After preprocessing the rock burst data using PCA, four of the new linearly independent indexes PCA1, PCA2, PCA3, and PCA4 were obtained for estimating rock burst grades. The SSA was utilized to optimize the smoothing factor in the PNN. Using PCA-SSA-PNN-based architecture, a new multi-index rock burst grade prediction method was proposed. The results from the new multi-index rock burst grade prediction method were compared with those from single- and multi-index prediction methods. It shows that the predictions from the multi-index rock burst prediction methods are closer to the actual rock burst grades than that from the single-index rock burst prediction methods; compared with other multi-index rock burst prediction methods, the prediction accuracy of PCA-SSA-PNN is greater (up to 90%) and more available in the prediction of rock burst grades. The results presented herein may provide reference for the rock burst warning.
Fracture Modeling of Deep Tight Sandstone Fault-Fracture Reservoir Based on Geological Model and Seismic Attributes: A Case Study on Xu 2 Member in Western Sichuan Depression, Sichuan Basin
Authors: Li Jitong , Liu Junlong , Chen Hongde , He Jianhua , Wang Ruyue , Shao Xupeng , Fang Xin
Published: June 2023

With significant geological reserves and high resource abundance, the Xujiahe Formation in the Western Sichuan Depression is considered a key target for natural gas exploration and development in continental clastic rocks within the Sichuan Basin. However, this formation remains underdeveloped. Critical to forming “sweet spots” of tight reservoir is the presence of fractures. Based on available data sources, including core samples, well logs, and outcrop data, we utilized a combination of geophysical and geological modeling techniques to clarify the characteristics of effective fractures in tight gas reservoirs. This allowed us to construct a geological model of a tight sandstone fault-fracture gas reservoir in the Xu 2 Member of the Xujiahe Formation located in the Xinchang area, which represents a fault-fracture reservoir formed by high-angle faulting-derived fractures and controlled by the S-N trending fault. With this model, a variety of seismic attributes, including likelihood and entropy, was used to predict the fault-fracture reservoir. Furthermore, geological information, well logs, and seismic attributes were integrated for characterizing the fractures of different scales. The cutoff on various attributes for characterizing the fault-fracture reservoir was defined, and the distribution of the fault-fracture reservoir was delineated. By using the geological modeling technique, the fracture model of the fault-fracture reservoir comprising natural fractures at different scales was built. This model provides further guidance for the exploration and development of the Xu 2 Member tight gas reservoirs in the Xinchang area and, as demonstrated by drilling results, has achieved remarkable effects in practice. This approach has shown good performance in characterizing fracture models. However, due to the complexity of fractures and the discrepancy between the scale of fractures and the scale that can be predicted by geophysical methods, there may still be some uncertainties associated with this method.
A Trans-Scale Study on the Influence of Water Content and Particle Size on Matric Suction
Authors: Pu Cheng , Liu Fengyin , Li Yuetao , Zeng Zhaolin
Published: June 2023

Exploring the water retention properties of unsaturated soil from the perspective of a liquid bridge has been a popular issue in recent years. This study first measures the soil–water characteristic curves (SWCCs) of granular specimens to determine the influence of particle size on matric suction from a macroscopic perspective. Then, the internal mechanism of the influence of particle size and volumetric water content on matric suction is analyzed from the mesoscopic perspective by using the Young–Laplace (Y–L) equation to calculate matric suction between two equal spheres. The macroscopic and mesoscopic experiments both show that matric suction decreases with an increase in particle radius. Moreover, identifying the internal mechanism of SWCC from the liquid bridge perspective is only applicable when the influence of gravity can be disregarded or is in the transitional stage. The influence of volumetric water content and sphere radius on matric suction is mostly caused by the variation in the outer radius of the liquid bridge (

r

1

) and the neck radius of the liquid bridge (

r

2

). With an increase in volumetric water content and sphere diameter, the increasing rate of

r

1

is much higher than

r

2

, and the macroscopical matric suction gradually decreases.
Burnout among Junior Nurses: The Roles of Demographic and Workplace Relationship Factors, Psychological Flexibility, and Perceived Stress
Authors: Zhao Yue , Zhang Xinyi , Zheng Ziling , Guo Xiujuan , Mou Dengfeng , Zhao Mi , Song Li , Huang Nuo , Meng Jingwen
Published: June 2023

Background. Burnout is a common psychological syndrome among nurses, especially in the first few years of working. However, limited studies have evaluated the factors related to burnout among junior nurses. Aims. To investigate the levels of psychological flexibility, stress, and burnout among junior nurses and examine the role of demographic and workplace relationship factors, psychological flexibility, and perceived stress on burnout among junior nurses. Materials and Methods. A convenience sample of 481 junior nurses was recruited from three tertiary hospitals in China from July 2021 to August 2022. Data were collected, including demographic data, workplace relationships, psychological flexibility (measured by experiential avoidance and cognitive fusion), perceived stress, and burnout. The Independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test, Kruskal–Wallis test, Spearman correlation, and hierarchical regression were used to analyze the data. Results. Junior nurses had a high level of burnout in different dimensions. Nurses with an undergraduate education, nurses working in the first year, and a lack of support from supervisors and poor colleague (nurse-nurse and nurse-doctor) relationships had the lowest level of psychological flexibility and the highest level of perceived stress and burnout. Spearman correlation indicated that experiential avoidance, cognitive fusion, perceived stress, and burnout were positively associated with each other. The regression model showed that psychological flexibility (especially cognitive fusion) and perceived stress influenced burnout in junior nurses. Conclusions. Higher psychological flexibility and lower perceived stress appear to improve burnout in junior nurses. Therefore, interventions targeting these two factors may provide a viable direction for the reduction of burnout among junior nurses. Implications for Nursing Management. Hospital authorities should create a harmonious working environment and provide some psychology training programs for junior nurses.
Rectal Melanoma: Rare Cancer with Grave Prognosis
Authors: Soufi Khadija , Abbasi Ferheen , Wei Dongguang , Verma Rashmi
Published: June 2023

Malignant melanoma of the rectum is an exceedingly rare type of cancer with an aggressive presentation, comprising up to 4% of all anorectal cancers. Presentation of this cancer tends to occur in individuals in their late 80s, with nonspecific symptoms such as anal pain or rectal bleeding. Diagnosing rectal melanoma, especially in early stages, is difficult due to its amelanotic presentation and lack of pigmentation, which results in poor remission rates and prognosis. Furthermore, surgical treatment is difficult as these types of malignant melanomas tend to spread along submucosal planes; thus, complete resections are impractical, especially if caught later. In this case report, we present the radiological and pathological features as seen in a 76-year-old man diagnosed with rectal melanoma. Based on his presentation of a heterogeneous bulky anorectal mass with extensive local invasion, initial impressions were colorectal carcinoma. However, surgical pathology found the mass to be a c-KIT+ melanoma, with positive SOX10, Melan-A, HMB-45, and CD117 biomarkers. While the patient was treated with imatinib, the melanoma was too widespread and aggressive, leading to progression and ultimately death.
The Autism Rating Scale for Schizophrenia – Revised English Version: An Instrument to Characterize Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders Phenotype
Authors: Ballerini Massimo , Galderisi Silvana , Bucci Paola , Mucci Armida , Lysaker Paul H. , Stanghellini Giovanni
Published: June 2023

Dis-sociality (DS) reflects the impairment of social experience in people with schizophrenia; it encompasses both negative features (disorder of attunement, inability to grasp the meaning of social contexts, the vanishing of social shared knowledge) and positive features (a peculiar set of values, ruminations not oriented to reality), reflecting the existential arrangement of people with schizophrenia. DS is grounded on the notion of schizophrenic autism as depicted by continental psychopathology. A rating scale has been developed, providing an experiential phenotype. Here we present the Autism Rating Scale for Schizophrenia – Revised English version (ARSS-Rev), developed on the Italian version of the scale. The scale is provided by a structured interview to facilitate the assessment of the phenomena investigated here. ARSS-Rev is composed of 16 distinctive items grouped into 6 categories: hypo-attunement, invasiveness, emotional flooding, algorithmic conception of sociality, antithetical attitude toward sociality, and idionomia. For each item and category, an accurate description is provided. Different intensities of phenomena are assessed through a Likert scale by rating each item according to its quantitative features (frequency, intensity, impairment, and need for coping). The ARSS-Rev has been able to discriminate patients with remitted schizophrenia from euthymic patients with psychotic bipolar disorder. This instrument may be useful in clinical/research settings to demarcate the boundaries of schizophrenia spectrum disorders from affective psychoses.
Clinical Significance of Serum Iron Metabolism-Related Markers in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Mei Jiaqi , Xiao Xue , Liang Naixu , Dong Liangzhe , Wei Songxiao , Mo Lifeng , Zhao Weilin , Cai Yonglin
Published: June 2023

Introduction: It is known that iron metabolism is dysregulated in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, a meaningful assessment of the iron metabolic status in cancer patient is still under debate. This study aims to evaluate the status of iron metabolism, as well as to explore the correlation between those related serum markers and clinicopathological features of patients with NPC. Methods: Peripheral blood was collected from 191 pretreatment NPC patients and 191 healthy controls. The red blood cell parameters, plasma Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA load, serum iron (SI), total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), transferrin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTFR), ferritin, and hepcidin were quantitatively detected. Results: The mean levels of hemoglobin and red blood cell count in the NPC group were significantly lower than those in the control group, while no statistical differences in mean MCV were found between the two groups. Median levels of SI, TIBC, transferrin, and hepcidin were significantly lower in the NPC group than in the control group. Compared to patients with the T1-T2 classification, patients with the T3-T4 classification exhibited significantly lower expression levels of SI and TIBC. Serum levels of ferritin and sTFR were significantly higher in patients with M1 classification than those with M0 classification. The EBV DNA load was associated with serum levels of sTFR and hepcidin. Conclusion: NPC patients had functional iron deficiency. The degree of iron deficiency was related to the tumor burden and metastasis of NPC. EBV might be involved in the regulation of iron metabolism in the host.
Outcomes of Cochlear Implantation Using FLEX26 Electrode: Audiological Results and Quality of Life after 12 Months
Authors: Skarzynski Piotr H. , Lorens Artur , Gos Elzbieta , Kolodziejak Aleksandra , Obrycka Anita , Skarżyńska Magdalena B. , Czajka Natalia , Porowski Marek , Skarzynski Henryk
Published: June 2023

Introduction: The electrode length is one of the many factors impacted on results of cochlear implantation. Among lateral wall flexible electrode arrays the latest one is FLEX26 (MED-EL GmbH, Innsbruck, Austria). The main aim of the study was to evaluate the preservation of residual hearing, the level of speech understanding, and quality of life after cochlear implantation with FLEX26 electrode array. Methods: The study was conducted in a tertiary referral centre. Fifty-two patients implanted unilaterally with FLEX26, including 10 EAS patients (electric acoustic stimulation) and 42 ES patients (electric stimulation). The intervention was minimally invasive cochlear implantation via the round window. Pure-tone audiometry (0.125–8 kHz) was performed preoperatively and at 1, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Twelve-month hearing preservation was established using HEARRING group formula. Quality of life was measured with AQoL-8D (Assessment of Quality of Life–8 Dimensions) pre- and postoperatively. Results: Residual hearing was preserved in 88.8% EAS patients. Quality of life was significantly better postoperatively in comparison to preoperative period (the effect size for overall quality of life was 0.49). Especially, it increased in relationships and senses dimensions (the effect sizes 0.47 and 0.44, respectively). Conclusion: Preservation of residual hearing can be achieved in the majority of patients implanted with FLEX26. Improvement of quality of life was also documented. FLEX26 seems to be an option for surgeons who seek an electrode providing sufficient cochlear coverage.
Comparison of Social Media Content on Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Wolinska Anna , Murray Gregg , Andrawis Madonna , Beatty Paula , Costa Blasco Marta , Doyle Claire , Mc Feely Orla , Murphy Lisa , Tobin Anne-Marie
Published: June 2023

Background: Research has shown that patients may turn to social media seeking information regarding diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed to analyze and compare content related to hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) using the “hashtag” tool across three of the most popular social media platforms to determine the information that patients are exposed to online. Methods: We identified hashtags across Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook for “#hidradenitissuppurativa.” The top 50 videos returned by the algorithm across each site were selected for analysis. Data extracted for comparison included content creator demographics, number of followers, type of content (educational vs. noneducational), and associated hashtags. Results: Sixty-seven percent of posts were created by females (n = 101/150), 10% by males (n = 16/150), and 22% other (n = 33/150). Distribution was similar across all platforms. User accounts on TikTok have a significantly higher number of followers (median = 38,700, range = 902–17,600,000 followers) compared to Facebook (median = 1,375, range = 58–777,000 followers) and Instagram (median = 2,818, range = 57–9,800 followers). Conclusion: This study suggests that there is a disproportionate number of patients creating content to raise awareness on HS on social media compared to patient support groups or medical professionals. We propose that social media is a useful platform that dermatologists and official institutional bodies can utilize as an alternative method of health promotion and patient education. Further research to explore social media trends across a range of dermatological conditions can help guide targeted education campaigns in the future.