bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in mitochondrial function parallel life history transitions between flight and reproduction in wing polymorphic field crickets
Authors: Treidel Lisa A. , Goswami Priyanka , Williams Caroline M.
Published: April 2023

Mitochondria serve as critical producers of both cellular energy and metabolic precursors for biosynthesis required for organismal growth, activity, somatic maintenance, and reproduction. Consequently, variation in mitochondrial function is commonly associated with variation in life histories both within and across species. For instance, flight-capable, long-winged crickets have mitochondria with larger bioenergetic capacities than flightless, short-winged crickets investing in early lifetime fecundity instead of flight. However, we do not know whether differences in mitochondrial function associated with life history are fixed or result from flexible changes in metabolism throughout the life cycle. We measured mitochondrial function of fat body tissue across early adulthood of long-winged and short-winged crickets from two species of wing-polymorphic field crickets ( Gryllus firmus and Gryllus lineaticeps). Fat body is a multifunctional organ that supports both flight and reproduction in insects. Consistent with flexibility in mitochondrial function specific for alternative life histories, the capacity for oxidative phosphorylation increases in mitochondria throughout early adulthood in the fat body of long-winged but not short-winged crickets. Furthermore, fat body mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation capacities declined rapidly when long-wing crickets degraded their flight muscles and initiated large-scale oogenesis. This finding suggests that shifts in tissue function require a concurrent shift in mitochondrial function and that tissue-specific functional constraints may underpin the flight-oogenesis trade-off. In conclusion, changes in mitochondrial bioenergetics form a component of alternative life histories, indicating that mitochondrial function is dynamic and set to a level that matches current and future energy demands and biosynthetic requirements of life history.
Domestic Abuse in the Context of Life-Limiting Illness: A Systematic Scoping Review
Authors: Myall Michelle , Taylor Sophia , Wheelwright Sally , Lund Susi
Published: April 2023

Domestic abuse is a worldwide public health and social issue which impacts the health and wellbeing of those experiencing abuse and their families. People living with a life-limiting illness are at increased risk of domestic abuse because they are often frail, isolated, and dependent on others. Little is known about domestic abuse and the coexistence of life-limiting illness and existing support for those experiencing or at risk of abuse. A scoping review was conducted to identify factors that shape and characterise experiences of adults with a life-limiting illness affected by domestic abuse and the health and social care practitioners and other organisations that support them. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and checklist for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses-Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) were applied. Five databases were systematically searched from 2000 to 2021: MEDLINE; CINAHL; PsycINFO; Social Sciences Citation Index (Web of Science); and ProQuest Dissertations and Global. Twenty-one papers met the inclusion criteria. Most studies were conducted in North America, with female participants living with cancer, and conducted in health and community settings. There were no studies involving third sector organisations. A range of abusive behaviours was reported resulting in missed medical appointments, delays in screening leading to late diagnosis, and palliative rather than curable treatment. Abuse also impacted on the physical, emotional, and psychological wellbeing of the person experiencing the abuse, which increased stress levels and could have a detrimental effect on their health. Identifying domestic abuse within the context of life-limiting illness was reported to be challenging for health and social care professionals, as was responding to and managing a disclosure. Further research is needed to address existing knowledge in order to inform policy and practice to identify and manage domestic abuse where it coexists with life-limiting illness.
The Impact of the Extraction Method on Allanblackia floribunda Butter’s Physicochemical Properties as a Possible Pharmaceutical Excipient
Authors: Konadu Mary , Johnson Raphael , Osei Yaa Asantewaa , Korang James , Owusu Frederick William Akuffo
Published: April 2023

The extraction method of edible Allanblackia floribunda seed butter is crucial for preserving its constituents. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects the extraction methods have on the physicochemical properties of A. floribunda butter regarding its potential use as a pharmaceutical excipient. Butter obtained from different extraction methods (including solvent/hexane, cold press, and traditional/hot water) was analyzed for its physicochemical properties such as yield, melting point, relative density, refractive index, moisture content, pH, acid value, saponification value, percentage of free fatty acids, and iodine value as well as beneficial elements and pathogenic microorganisms. All physicochemical parameters were within the standard limits for edible and industrial oils/butter (Codex Stan 210-1999) and were free from pathogenic microorganisms. However, the pH value of all extracts was higher than that of olive oil. The moisture content was higher in the water and hexane extracts compared to the cold-pressed ones. The hexane extract had higher mineral content (calcium, sodium, magnesium, potassium, and iron) than the cold press and hot water extracts. Extraction with hexane gave the highest yield. The identified fatty acids in all extracts are palmitic and stearic (saturated fatty acids), oleic, linoleic, and linolenic (polyunsaturated fatty acids) acids. Based on the physicochemical analysis, A. floribunda seed butter is edible and has the potential as a pharmaceutical excipient in drug delivery.
Endoscopic Management Using Novel Haemostatic Agents for Immediate Bleeding during Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography
Authors: Lesmana Cosmas Rinaldi Adithya , Sandra Sharon , Paramitha Maria Satya , Gani Rino Alvani , Lesmana Laurentius A.
Published: April 2023

Bleeding after endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) remains as a major challenge during ERCP procedure. Standard endoscopic haemostatic procedures have demonstrated good performance for bleeding control. Novel endoscopic haemostatic agents have also been widely used in gastrointestinal bleeding management. Regardless, there is still a paucity of high-quality evidence evaluating the practicality of these agents in ERCP. This case series study was performed on the patients who underwent ERCP procedure in a tertiary referral private hospital within 2 years period. Post-ES immediate bleeding is defined as the onset of bleeding at the time of sphincterotomy. Treatment groups for post-ES bleeding are divided into (1) standard haemostatic methods and (2) novel haemostatic agents. There were 40 patients who received standard haemostatic treatment and 60 patients who received novel haemostatic agents. Initial haemostasis was achieved in all patients. Two patients who received standard haemostatic treatment had rebleeding. Meanwhile, no patients in novel haemostatic treatment group had rebleeding. In conclusion, novel haemostatic agent can be considered as an easy and practical method in daily practice, especially when an ERCP procedure is performed. Further studies with larger sample size which, if possible, can also include a cost-effectiveness analysis are still required to implement these agents as a standard procedure in clinical practice. (This abstract has been presented at the American College of Gastroenterology meeting October 2021).
AdipoRon Engages Microglia to Antinociception through the AdipoR1/AMPK Pathway in SNI Mice
Authors: Fang Qian , Li Jie , Wang Yaping , Liu Xinli , Shi Yu , Chen Jiali , Zhan Hongrui , Zeng Yanyan , Wu Wen
Published: April 2023

Background. Microglia-associated neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in the initiation and development of neuropathic pain (NeuP). AdipoRon is an analog of adiponectin that exerts an anti-inflammatory effect in various diseases through the adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1) signaling mechanism. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a downstream target of AdipoR1, and the AdipoR1/AMPK pathway is involved in the regulation of inflammation. This study is aimed at investigating whether AdipoRon could alleviate NeuP by inhibiting the expression of microglia-derived tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) through the AdipoR1/AMPK pathway. Methods. In vivo, the NeuP model was established in mice through the spared nerve injury. The von Frey test was used to detect the effect of AdipoRon on the mechanical paw withdrawal threshold. Western Blot was performed to detect the effects of AdipoRon on the expression of TNF-α, AdipoR1, AMPK, and p-AMPK. Immunofluorescence was performed to observe the effects of AdipoRon on spinal microglia. In vitro, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to induce inflammatory responses in BV2 cells. The effect of AdipoRon on cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8. qPCR was used to examine the effects of AdipoRon on the expression of TNF-α and polarization markers. And the effect of AdipoRon on the AdipoR1/AMPK pathway was confirmed by Western Blot. Results. Intraperitoneal injection of AdipoRon alleviated mechanical nociception in SNI mice, and the application of AdipoRon reduced the expression of TNF-α and the number of microglia in the ipsilateral spinal cord. Additionally, AdipoRon decreased the protein level of AdipoR1 and increased the protein level of p-AMPK in the ipsilateral spinal cord. In vitro, AdipoRon inhibited BV2 cell proliferation and reversed LPS-induced TNF-α expression and polarization imbalance. Furthermore, AdipoRon reversed the LPS-induced increase in AdipoR1 expression and decrease in p-AMPK expression in BV2 cells. Conclusions. AdipoRon may alleviate NeuP by reducing microglia-derived TNF-α through the AdipoR1/AMPK pathway.
Higher Education Multimedia Teaching System Based on the Artificial Intelligence Model and Its Improvement
Authors: Yang Xiaoyu
Published: April 2023

In order to improve the quality of multimedia teaching in higher education, this article analyzes the problems existing in multimedia education in higher education, improves the multimedia teaching system, and proposes a three-dimensional multimedia image surface extraction method based on crease. Moreover, this article uses the level set method to segment the Gaussian smoothed multimedia data to obtain the preliminarily divided target fault area and then extracts the fault surface as the feature of the target area. The analysis demonstrates that the multimedia teaching system of higher education based on the artificial intelligence model can effectively enhance the multimedia teaching mode and promote its further development.
Effect of Administration of an Equal Dose of Selected Dietary Chemicals on Nrf2 Nuclear Translocation in the Mouse Liver
Authors: Alrawaiq Nadia Salem , Atia Ahmed , Abdullah Azman
Published: April 2023

Certain dietary chemicals influenced the expression of chemopreventive genes through the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway. However, the difference in Nrf2 activation potency of these chemicals is not well studied. This study is aimed at determining the difference in the potency of liver Nrf2 nuclear translocation induced by the administration of equal doses of selected dietary chemicals in mice. Male ICR white mice were administered 50 mg/kg of sulforaphane, quercetin, curcumin, butylated hydroxyanisole, and indole-3-carbinol for 14 days. On day 15, the animals were sacrificed, and their livers were isolated. Liver nuclear extracts were prepared, and Nrf2 nuclear translocation was detected through Western blotting. To determine the implication of the Nrf2 nuclear translocation on the expression levels of several Nrf2-regulated genes, liver RNA was extracted for qPCR assay. Equal doses of sulforaphane, quercetin, curcumin, butylated hydroxyanisole, and indole-3-carbinol significantly induced the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 with different intensities and subsequently increased the expression of Nrf2-regulated genes with an almost similar pattern as the Nrf2 nuclear translocation intensities (sulforaphane > butylated hydroxyanisole = indole-3-carbinol > curcumin > quercetin). In conclusion, sulforaphane is the most potent dietary chemical that induces the Nrf2 translocation into the nuclear fraction in the mouse liver.
Analysis of Single-Pilot Intention Modeling in Commercial Aviation
Authors: Dong Lei , Chen Hongbing , Zhao Changxiao , Wang Peng
Published: April 2023

With the continual enhancement of the onboard avionics, the minimum flight crew has been downsized from five to two-person crew mode, and reduced crew operation has drawn extensive attention from aviation experts. Single-pilot operation (SPO) mode warrants careful account and research. This study investigated the intention modeling of commercial aviation single pilot based on the bidirectional long short-term memory (BiLSTM), mining the intention tendency of pilots’ behavior through artificial intelligence technology. This was done to avoid safety hazards caused by different intents and inconsistent operations of the single pilot and the cockpit automation system. The classification task of a single pilot’s behavior is the core of intention recognition. Various operation items contribute differently to the classification. To construct the interaction dataset and encode it into time series features, a single-pilot experiment is specifically performed, wherein the experience of an expert is summarized into single-pilot intent labels. The deep information in the feature vector of a single-pilot operation item is captured by the BiLSTM network, and the neural weight is adaptively assigned by the training mechanism. The operation sequence with the feature data is finally loaded into the softmax layer for intention classification. The proposed method is evaluated against long short-term memory (LSTM), term frequency-inverse document frequency (TF-IDF), convolutional neural network (CNN), Naive Bayesian (NB), and distributed representation’s intention modeling techniques. Because the proposed methods have higher F1 scores, the model can effectively share real-time information about the single-pilot intention with the cockpit automation system.
Figure S1 from HER3 Is an Actionable Target in Advanced Prostate Cancer
Authors: Gil Veronica , Miranda Susana , Riisnaes Ruth , Gurel Bora , D’Ambrosio Mariantonietta , Vasciaveo Alessandro , Crespo Mateus , Ferreira Ana , Brina Daniela , Troiani Martina , Sharp Adam , Sheehan Beshara , Christova Rossitza , Seed George , Figueiredo Ines , Lambros Maryou , Dolling David , Rekowski Jan , Alajati Abdullah , Clarke Matthew , Pereira Rita , Flohr Penny , Fowler Gemma , Boysen Gunther , Sumanasuriya Semini , Bianchini Diletta , Rescigno Pasquale , Aversa Caterina , Tunariu Nina , Guo Christina , Paschalis Alec , Bertan Claudia , Buroni Lorenzo , Ning Jian , Carreira Suzanne , Workman Paul , Swain Amanda , Califano Andrea , Shen Michael M. , Alimonti Andrea , Neeb Antje , Welti Jonathan , Yuan Wei , de Bono Johann
Published: April 2023

Supplementary Figure S1
Data from HER3 Is an Actionable Target in Advanced Prostate Cancer
Authors: Gil Veronica , Miranda Susana , Riisnaes Ruth , Gurel Bora , D’Ambrosio Mariantonietta , Vasciaveo Alessandro , Crespo Mateus , Ferreira Ana , Brina Daniela , Troiani Martina , Sharp Adam , Sheehan Beshara , Christova Rossitza , Seed George , Figueiredo Ines , Lambros Maryou , Dolling David , Rekowski Jan , Alajati Abdullah , Clarke Matthew , Pereira Rita , Flohr Penny , Fowler Gemma , Boysen Gunther , Sumanasuriya Semini , Bianchini Diletta , Rescigno Pasquale , Aversa Caterina , Tunariu Nina , Guo Christina , Paschalis Alec , Bertan Claudia , Buroni Lorenzo , Ning Jian , Carreira Suzanne , Workman Paul , Swain Amanda , Califano Andrea , Shen Michael M. , Alimonti Andrea , Neeb Antje , Welti Jonathan , Yuan Wei , de Bono Johann
Published: April 2023

Abstract
It has been recognized for decades that ERBB signaling is important in prostate cancer, but targeting ERBB receptors as a therapeutic strategy for prostate cancer has been ineffective clinically. However, we show here that membranous HER3 protein is commonly highly expressed in lethal prostate cancer, associating with reduced time to castration resistance (CR) and survival. Multiplex immunofluorescence indicated that the HER3 ligand NRG1 is detectable primarily in tumor-infiltrating myelomonocytic cells in human prostate cancer; this observation was confirmed using single-cell RNA sequencing of human prostate cancer biopsies and murine transgenic prostate cancer models. In castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) patient-derived xenograft organoids with high HER3 expression as well as mouse prostate cancer organoids, recombinant NRG1 enhanced proliferation and survival. Supernatant from murine bone marrow–derived macrophages and myeloid-derived suppressor cells promoted murine prostate cancer organoid growth in vitro, which could be reversed by a neutralizing anti-NRG1 antibody and ERBB inhibition. Targeting HER3, especially with the HER3-directed antibody–drug conjugate U3-1402, exhibited antitumor activity against HER3-expressing prostate cancer. Overall, these data indicate that HER3 is commonly overexpressed in lethal prostate cancer and can be activated by NRG1 secreted by myelomonocytic cells in the tumor microenvironment, supporting HER3-targeted therapeutic strategies for treating HER3-expressing advanced CRPC.
Significance:
HER3 is an actionable target in prostate cancer, especially with anti-HER3 immunoconjugates, and targeting HER3 warrants clinical evaluation in prospective trials.
Data from Super Enhancer-Mediated Upregulation of HJURP Promotes Growth and Survival of t(4;14)-Positive Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Jia Yunlu , Zhou Jianbiao , Tan Tze King , Chung Tae-Hoon , Chen Yongxia , Chooi Jing-Yuan , Sanda Takaomi , Fullwood Melissa J. , Xiong Sinan , Toh Sabrina H.M. , Balan Kalpnaa , Wong Regina W.J. , Lim Julia S.L. , Zhang Enfan , Cai Zhen , Shen Peng , Chng Wee Joo
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Multiple myeloma is an incurable malignancy with marked clinical and genetic heterogeneity. The cytogenetic abnormality t(4;14) (p16.3;q32.3) confers aggressive behavior in multiple myeloma. Recently, essential oncogenic drivers in a wide range of cancers have been shown to be controlled by super-enhancers (SE). We used chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing of the active enhancer marker histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac) to profile unique SEs in t(4;14)-translocated multiple myeloma. The histone chaperone HJURP was aberrantly overexpressed in t(4;14)-positive multiple myeloma due to transcriptional activation by a distal SE induced by the histone lysine methyltransferase NSD2. Silencing of HJURP with short hairpin RNA or CRISPR interference of SE function impaired cell viability and led to apoptosis. Conversely, HJURP overexpression promoted cell proliferation and abrogated apoptosis. Mechanistically, the NSD2/BRD4 complex positively coregulated HJURP transcription by binding the promoter and active elements of its SE. In summary, this study introduces SE profiling as an efficient approach to identify new targets and understand molecular pathogenesis in specific subtypes of cancer. Moreover, HJURP could be a valuable therapeutic target in patients with t(4;14)-positive myeloma.
Significance:
A super-enhancer screen in t(4;14) multiple myeloma serves to identify genes that promote growth and survival of myeloma cells, which may be evaluated in future studies as therapeutic targets.
PI3K Inhibition Restores and Amplifies Response to Ruxolitinib in Patients with Myelofibrosis
Authors: Moyo Tamara K. , Kishtagari Ashwin , Villaume Matthew T. , McMahon Brandon , Mohan Sanjay R. , Stopczynski Tess , Chen Sheau-Chiann , Fan Run , Huo Yuankai , Moon Hyeonsoo , Tang Yucheng , Bejan Cosmin A. , Childress Merrida , Anderson Ingrid , Rawling Kyle , Simons Rhea M. , Moncrief Ashley , Caza Rebekah , Dugger Laura , Collins Aunshka , Dudley Channing V. , Ferrell P. Brent , Byrne Michael , Strickland Stephen A. , Ayers Gregory D. , Landman Bennett A. , Mason Emily F. , Mesa Ruben A. , Palmer Jeanne M. , Michaelis Laura C. , Savona Michael R.
Published: April 2023

Purpose:

Treatment options are limited beyond JAK inhibitors for patients with primary myelofibrosis (MF) or secondary MF. Preclinical studies have revealed that PI3Kδ inhibition cooperates with ruxolitinib, a JAK1/2 inhibitor, to reduce proliferation and induce apoptosis of JAK2V617F-mutant cell lines.

Patients and Methods:

In a phase I dose-escalation and -expansion study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of a selective PI3Kδ inhibitor, umbralisib, in combination with ruxolitinib in patients with MF who had a suboptimal response or lost response to ruxolitinib. Enrolled subjects were required to be on a stable dose of ruxolitinib for ≥8 weeks and continue that MTD at study enrollment. The recommended dose of umbralisib in combination with ruxolitinib was determined using a modified 3+3 dose-escalation design. Safety, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy outcomes were evaluated, and spleen size was measured with a novel automated digital atlas.

Results:

Thirty-seven patients with MF (median age, 67 years) with prior exposure to ruxolitinib were enrolled. A total of 2 patients treated with 800 mg umbralisib experienced reversible grade 3 asymptomatic pancreatic enzyme elevation, but no dose-limiting toxicities were seen at lower umbralisib doses. Two patients (5%) achieved a durable complete response, and 12 patients (32%) met the International Working Group-Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Research and Treatment response criteria of clinical improvement. With a median follow-up of 50.3 months for censored patients, overall survival was greater than 70% after 3 years of follow-up.

Conclusions:

Adding umbralisib to ruxolitinib in patients was well tolerated and may resensitize patients with MF to ruxolitinib without unacceptable rates of adverse events seen with earlier generation PI3Kδ inhibitors. Randomized trials testing umbralisib in the treatment of MF should be pursued.
Primary Subretinal Seeding in Retinoblastoma: Clinical Presentation and Treatment Outcomes
Authors: Bakal Komal , Raval Vishal R , Gattu Sai Krishna , Palkonda Vijay Anand Reddy , Kaliki Swathi
Published: April 2023

Introduction: The aim of this study was to describe the clinical features and treatment outcomes of primary subretinal seeding (SRS) in patients with intraocular retinoblastoma (RB). Methods: Descriptive analysis of primary SRS in 47 patients (50 eyes) with RB was performed. Results: Mean age was 19 months (range, 2–72 months), and 55% (n = 26) of the subjects were male. At presentation, the SRS involved two or more quadrants in 88% of eyes. Most seeds appeared yellowish gray (66%) and round to oval in shape (48%). Two-thirds of SRS were seen posterior to the equator and within 5 mm from the main tumor. Associated features included subretinal fluid in 50 eyes (100%), total retinal detachment in 28 eyes (56%), and vitreous seeds in 20 eyes (40%). Treatment included intravenous chemotherapy (IVC) (n = 47; 94%), enucleation (n = 2; 4%), and intra-arterial chemotherapy (n = 1; 2%). SRS treatment included adjunct use of focal transpupillary thermotherapy and/or cryotherapy (n = 20; 40%). Retinal tumor control was achieved in 36 eyes (76%) with 32 eyes (78%) showing a type 3 regression pattern, while SRS completely regressed in 24 (48%) eyes, partially in 15 (30%) and worsened in 2 (4%) eyes. Over a mean follow-up of 30 months (range, 3–68 months), SRS recurrence was noted in 12 eyes (29%), globe salvage was achieved in 39 eyes (78%), and 1 (4%) patient died of presumed metastasis. Conclusion: Primary SRS pose a therapeutic challenge during RB treatment. The SRS responds moderately to systemic IVC, with one-third cases showing SRS recurrence and one-fifth ultimately requiring enucleation.
Quincke versus Diamond-Tip Needles for Entry in Placental Laser Surgery for Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome
Authors: De Zoysa Madushka Y , Brock Clifton O , Bergh Eric P. , Johnson Anthony , Hernandez-Andrade Edgar , Nobles Anthony , Papanna Ramesha M.
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Chorioamniotic membrane separation (CAS), preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM), and preterm delivery (PTD) remain as major complications of fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (FLP) for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). We sought to examine whether use of Quincke-tip needles for initial entry during FLP reduces the risk of these complications. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of prospectively collected data from patients that had FLP for TTTS at a single tertiary care center (2011–2021). We excluded patients for whom direct trocar entry was used. Patients for whom a Quincke-tip needle was used were compared to those for whom a diamond-tip needle was used during Seldinger entry. Demographics, ultrasound findings and operative characteristics were compared between groups. Postoperative outcomes and complications (including CAS, PPROM, and PTD) were also compared. Multivariate logistic regression models were fit to assess independent risk factors for complications. Results: 386 patients met inclusion criteria; Quincke-tip needles were used in 81 (21.0%) cases, while diamond-tip needles were used in 305 (79.0%). Rates of CAS (11.1 vs. 9.5%, p = 0.67) and PPROM (44.4 vs. 41.0%, p = 0.57) were similar between groups. Patients in the Quincke-tip group delivered 1.5 weeks earlier than those in the diamond-tip group (30.5 vs. 32.0 weeks, p = 0.01). However, these patients were more likely to be delivered for maternal (35.9 vs. 19.0%) and fetal (23.1 vs. 15.3%) indications (p < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, needle type was not identified as an independent risk factor for PPROM. However, Quincke-tip needle use was associated with PTD less than 32 weeks (aOR 1.74, 95% CI: 1.02–2.97, p = 0.043). Conclusion: Membrane complications following FLP were not associated with the needle type used for entry. Earlier delivery in the Quincke-tip group was likely attributable to higher rates of delivery for maternal and fetal indications, and not membrane complications. The needle chosen for entry is likely best determined by operator preference.
Current State and Future of Polygenic Risk Scores in Cardiometabolic Disease: A Scoping Review
Authors: Phulka Jobanjit S. , Ashraf Mishal , Bajwa Beenu K. , Pare Guillaume , Laksman Zachary
Published: April 2023

A polygenic risk score (PRS) is derived from a genome-wide association study and represents an aggregate of thousands of single-nucleotide polymorphisms that provide a baseline estimate of an individual’s genetic risk for a specific disease or trait at birth. However, it remains unclear how PRSs can be used in clinical practice. We provide an overview of the PRSs related to cardiometabolic disease and discuss the evidence supporting their clinical applications and limitations. The Preferred Reporting Items For Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews protocol was used to conduct a scoping review of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases. Across the 4863 studies screened, 82 articles met the inclusion criteria. The most common PRS related to coronary artery disease, followed by hypertension and cerebrovascular disease. Limited ancestral diversity was observed in the study sample populations. Most studies included only individuals of European ancestry. The predictive performance of most PRSs was similar to or superior to traditional risk factors. More than half of the included studies reported an integrated risk model combining a derived PRS and clinical risk tools such as the Framingham Risk Score and Pooled Cohort Equations. The inclusion of a PRS into a clinical risk model tended to improve predictive accuracy consistently. This scoping review is the first of its kind and reports strong evidence for the clinical utility of PRSs in coronary artery disease, hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, and atrial fibrillation. However, most PRSs are generated in cohorts of European ancestry, which likely contributes to a lack of PRS transferability across different ancestral groups. Future prospective studies should focus on further establishing the clinical utility of PRSs and ensuring diversity is incorporated into genome-wide association study cohorts.
Corrigendum
Authors: Lubis Sandro W. , Hassanzadeh Pedram
Published: April 2023

This corrigendum corrects a typo in Eq. (10) of Lubis and Hassanzadeh (2021) for calculating the cross-EOF feedbacks.
New Signal Processing Techniques for Phased-Array Oceanographic Radars: Self-Calibration, Antenna Grouping, and Denoising
Authors: Dumas Dylan , Guérin Charles-Antoine
Published: April 2023

Original techniques are proposed for the improvement of surface current mapping with phased-array oceanographic high-frequency radars. The first idea, which works only in bistatic configuration, is to take advantage of a remote transmitter to perform an automatic correction of the receiving antennas based on the signal received in the direct path, an adjustment that is designated as “self-calibration.” The second idea, which applies to both mono- and bistatic systems, consists in applying a direction finding (DF) technique (instead of traditional beamforming), not only to the full antenna array but also to subarrays made of a smaller number of sequential antennas, a method that is referred to as “antenna grouping.” In doing this, the number of sources can also be varied, leading to an increased number of DF maps that can be averaged, an operation that is designated as “source stacking.” The combination of self-calibration, antenna grouping, and source stacking makes it possible to obtain high-resolution maps with increased coverage and is found robust to damaged antennas. The third improvement concerns the mitigation of noise in the antenna signal. These methods are illustrated with the multistatic high-frequency radar network in Toulon and their performances are assessed with drifters. The improved DF technique is found to significantly increase the accuracy of radar-based surface current when compared to the conventional beamforming technique.
Three-Dimensional Fujiwhara Effect for Binary Tropical Cyclones in the Western North Pacific
Authors: Ito Kosuke , Hirano Soichiro , Lee Jae-Deok , Chan Johnny C. L.
Published: April 2023

Recent idealized simulations have shown that a system of binary tropical cyclones (TCs) induces vertical wind shear (VWS) in each TC, which can subsequently modify the tracks of these TCs through asymmetric diabatic heating. This study investigates these three-dimensional effects in the western North Pacific using the best track and ERA5 reanalysis data. The TC motion was found to deviate systematically from the steering flow. The direction of deviation is clockwise and repelling with respect to the midpoint of the binary TCs with a separation distance of more than 1000 km. The large-scale upper-level anticyclonic and lower-level cyclonic circulations serve as the VWS for each TC in a manner consistent with the idealized simulations. The VWS of a TC tends to be directed to the rear-left quadrant from the direction of the counterpart TC, where the maxima of rainfall and diabatic heating are observed. The potential vorticity budget analysis shows that the actual TC motion is modulated by the diabatic heating asymmetry that offsets the counterclockwise and approaching motion owing to horizontal advection when the separation distance of the binary TCs is 1000–2000 km. With a small separation distance (<1000 km), horizontal advection becomes significant, but the impact of diabatic heating asymmetry is not negligible. The abovementioned features are robust, while there are some dependencies on the TC intensities, size, circulation, duration, and geographical location. This research sheds light on the motion of binary TCs that has not been previously explained by a two-dimensional barotropic framework.
Prevalence and correlates of addictive eating behaviours in a large cohort of Australian adolescents
Authors: Smout Scarlett , Gardner Lauren A , Champion Katrina E , Osman Bridie , Kihas Ivana , Thornton Louise , Teesson Maree , Newton Nicola C , Burrows Tracy
Published: April 2023

Objective:

Research shows highly palatable foods can elicit addictive eating behaviours or ‘food addiction’. Early adolescence is theorised to be a vulnerable period for the onset of addictive eating behaviours, yet minimal research has examined this. This study explored the prevalence and correlates of addictive eating behaviours in a large early adolescent sample.

Methods:

6640 Australian adolescents (Mage = 12.7 ± 0.5, 49%F) completed an online survey. Addictive eating was measured with the Child Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS-C). Negative-binomial generalised linear models examined associations between addictive eating symptoms and high psychological distress, energy drink consumption, sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption, alcohol use, and cigarette use.

Results:

Mean YFAS-C symptom criteria count was 1.36 ± 1.47 (of 7). 18.3% of participants met 3+ symptoms, 7.5% endorsed impairment and 5.3% met the diagnostic threshold for food addiction. All examined behavioural and mental health variables were significantly associated with addictive eating symptoms. Effects were largest for high psychological distress and cigarette use; with those exhibiting high psychological distress meeting 0.65 more criteria (95%CI = 0.58–0.72, p < 0.001) and those who smoked a cigarette meeting 0.51 more criteria (95%CI = 0.26–0.76, p < 0.001). High psychological distress and consumption of SSB and energy drinks remained significant when modelling all predictors together.

Conclusion:

In this large adolescent study, addictive eating symptoms were common. Further research should establish directionality and causal mechanisms behind the association between mental ill-health, alcohol and tobacco use, and addictive eating behaviours. Cross-disciplinary prevention initiatives that address shared underlying risk factors for addictive eating and mental ill-health may offer efficient yet substantial public health benefits.
Health-related quality of life in children, adolescents and young adults with self-harm or suicidality: A systematic review
Authors: Le Ngoc , Belay Yared Belete , Le Long Khanh-Dao , Pirkis Jane , Mihalopoulos Cathrine
Published: April 2023

Objective:

Self-harm and suicidality are associated with substantial social and economic burden, especially among children, adolescents and young adults. The aim of this review was to systematically synthesize the literature on the association between health-related quality of life and self-harm/suicidality in children, adolescents and young adults.

Methods:

Searches were conducted via MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, EconLit and EMBASE. Search terms were the combination of the following blocks: (1) self-harm/suicidality, (2) health-related quality of life/well-being/life satisfaction and (3) children/adolescents/young adults. The quality of studies was assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project tool.

Results:

We identified 23 relevant studies. Findings showed that participants who reported self-harm had lower well-being, life satisfaction or overall health-related quality of life compared to those without self-harm. There was also evidence supporting the association between health-related quality of life and suicidal attempt. However, the results for the association with suicidal ideation remained inconsistent. Additionally, mental health, emotional well-being, physical health, oral health, existential well-being and family quality of life were found to be significant domains associated with self-harm or suicidality. Regarding the quality of included studies, 35% ( n = 8), 39% ( n = 9) and 26% ( n = 6) of studies were scored as ‘Strong’, ‘Moderate’ and ‘Weak’, respectively.

Conclusion:

Findings from the review showed that health-related quality of life varied according to the severity of suicidality (from ideation to attempt). There was also no evidence to infer the direction of causality between health-related quality of life and self-harm/suicidality. The findings suggest a need for further research, in particular longitudinal studies to fill identified gaps in the literature.
Experiences of care-seeking by schizophrenia patients with delayed diagnosis and treatment in rural China: A qualitative study
Authors: Wang Xiao-qing , Wang Yu , Yu Kai , Ma Rui , Zhang Jia-yuan , Zhou Yu-qiu
Published: April 2023

Background:

Patients with schizophrenia in rural areas of China face severe delays in getting appropriate treatment due to poverty, transportation, and limited availability of mental healthcare services. However, the experiences of care-seeking among patients with delayed diagnosis and treatment in rural areas remain poorly understood, and it remains unclear how these experiences influence patients’ medical mistrust or expectations of care. This study aims to fill that void.

Methods:

We applied a qualitative phenomenological method. Patients were recruited through purposive sampling at a psychiatric hospital in Harbin, China. Semi-structured, one-to-one interviews were conducted, guided by an interview outline. Thematic analysis was performed using Colaizzi’s seven-step method.

Results:

Data saturation was achieved after interviewing 13 participants aged 21 to 53 years. Three themes with eight subthemes were identified: (i) Barriers to seeking care, (ii) Feelings for psychiatric treatment, and (iii) Demand for mental healthcare. Several factors that may impede the timely diagnosis and treatment were identified, including patients, physicians, and institutions. The participants described their feelings of adverse treatment experiences, as well as expectations arising from this process. It predominantly covers awareness of the disease, supportive access to care, and geographic accessibility of services.

Conclusion:

Patients with delayed diagnosis and treatment in rural areas often have negative experiences and various needs for mental health services in the pursuit of effective treatments. Policymakers and health planners should seriously consider the current challenges in rural mental healthcare to develop comprehensive strategies for improving prehospital delays and medical experience for this group of patients.
A 2-Stage Root Analog Implant with Compact Structure, Uniform Roughness, and High Accuracy
Authors: Yu X. , Feng B. , Lan Y. , Li J. , Ye G. , Li Q. , Zhao F. , Gu Y. , You D. , Zhu Y. , Yu M. , Wang H. , Yang H.
Published: April 2023

Immediate implant placement has the advantages of shortening the operation time, reducing the treatment cycle and cost. At present, this technology has been used widely, but the indications of immediate implantation are still limited. Here, a novel type of root analog implant (RAI) was manufactured by selective laser melting technology to address the limitation. Under optimized condition, RAIs were printed with the internal density of 99.73% and the uniform surface roughness of 11 μm (Sa). Besides, the deviation between RAI specimen and design models is controlled within 0.15 mm after optimizing scanning parameters. The substrate printed could promote human bone marrow stromal cell proliferation, spreading, and osteogenic differentiation. The bone–implant contact (BIC, 75% ± 7%) and bone volume/total volume (BV/TV, 74% ± 7%) of RAIs were significantly higher than that of conventional implants (BIC, 66% ± 5%; BV/TV, 62% ± 5%) in in vivo experiments. Further, customized abutments were designed for the RAIs, improving the masticatory ability of the beagle dogs after crown restoration. This study aims to design a personalized 2-stage RAI with compact structure and uniform roughness, in order to achieve better fracture resistance, initial osseointegration efficiency, and dispersed stress in immediate implantation. It provides a certain guiding value for standardizing the manufacture and clinical application of RAI in immediate implantation.
Bladder exstrophy-epispadias complex related litigation: A legal database review
Authors: Morrill Christian C , Haffar Ahmad , Ditton Thomas , DiCarlo Heather N , Gearhart John P , Crigger Chad
Published: April 2023

Objective

To review the nature and extent of bladder exstrophy-epispadias related malpractice litigation in the United States.

Methods

Two legal databases (Nexis Uni, WestLaw) were reviewed for state and federal cases using the terms “bladder exstrophy”, “cloacal exstrophy”, “epispadias”, in combination with “medical malpractice”, or “negligence”, or “medical error”, or “complication”, or “malpractice”, or “tort”. Databases were queried from 1948 to 2022 and reviewed for medical and legal details.

Results

Our search yielded 16 unique legal cases with 6 fitting established criteria for analysis. Urology and paediatric urologists were named in 50% of cases as were community medical systems. Cause for lawsuit included negligence in surgical performance (50%), primary closure of exstrophy (33%), and post-operative care (50%). Settlement agreement was reached in one case (17%). Outcomes favoured the physician in 60% of trials. Lawsuits alleging negligent surgical performance and/or post-operative care exclusively named urologists with outcomes favouring the surgeon in 66% of cases. The settlement payment (n = 1) was $500,000 and monetary damages (n = 1) equated to $1.3 million.

Conclusions

Malpractice litigation related to BEEC treatment is rare. Trial outcomes favour the medical provider. Cases that resulted in financial liability successfully alleged avoidable negligence resulting in irreversible physical damage. The authors recommend families with BEEC seek board-certified paediatric urologists experienced in treating this complex and/or Bladder Exstrophy Centers of Excellence. Further, we recommend surgeons treating BEEC properly educate patients and families on the severity of this major birth defect including its lifelong implications and need for surgical revisions.
Accuracy of Predicted Intraset Repetitions in Reserve (RIR) in Single- and Multi-Joint Resistance Exercises Among Trained and Untrained Men and Women
Authors: Remmert Jacob F. , Laurson Kelly R. , Zourdos Michael C.
Published: April 2023

We assessed the accuracy of intraset repetitions in reserve (RIR) predictions on single-joint machine-based movements of trained and untrained men and women. Participants were 27 men ( M age = 22, SE = 0.6 years; M weight = 90.8, SE = 4.0 kg; M height = 182.3, SE = 1.4 cm; M training experience = 66, SE = 9 months) and 31 women ( M age = 20, SE = 0.4 years; M weight = 67.8, SE = 2.3 kg; M height = 167.6, SE = 1.1 cm; M training experience = 22, SE = 4 months). In one session, participants performed a five-repetition maximum (5RM) test on biceps curl, triceps pushdown, and seated row exercises; we then estimated one repetition maximum (1RM). Participants then performed four sets of each exercise, in a randomized order, to the point of momentary muscular failure at 72.5% of 1RM. During each set, participants indicated when they first perceived 5RIR and then predicted RIR on every repetition thereafter until failure. The difference between actual repetitions performed and predicted repetitions at each intraset prediction was determined to be the RIR difference (RIRDIFF). A 3-way repeated measures ANCOVA found that a 3-way interaction was not statistically significant ( p = 0.435) and no covariates of sex ( p = 0.917), training experience ( p = 0.462) nor experience rating RIR significantly affected RIRDIFF ( p = 0.462–0.917). There were significant main effects for the proximity to failure of the prediction and the set number ( p < 0.01) but not for exercise ( p = 0.688). Thus, intraset RIR predictions were more accurate when closer to failure and in later sets, but sex, training experience, and experience rating RIR did not significantly influence RIR prediction accuracy on machine-based single-joint exercises.
The Importance of Crowd Support and Team Quality to Home Advantage in Brazilian Soccer League First Division
Authors: Dellagrana Rodolfo A. , Nunes Renan F. H. , Silva Rodrigo L. P.
Published: April 2023

Our aims in the present study were to analyze home advantage (HA) and number of goals scored in consideration of the presence or absence of crowd support and the influence of team quality during the last 11 seasons of the Brazilian Soccer League first division. We analyzed data from 4162 matches played in the Brazilian Soccer League in seasons 2012–2022 (3563 matches with an audience and 599 matches without an audience). We calculated HA by comparing the number of points won at home as a percentage of the total number of points gained, and we also recorded the number of goals scored by home and away teams. For analyses, we divided the teams based on home and away matches, with and without crowds, and we classified teams into three ability groups, based on the points scoring percentage of the team at the end of the season. There was a HA in all seasons analyzed (i.e., home teams won more than 50% of the total points won at home); but in matches in empty stadiums, the HA was reduced significantly, compared to matches with crowd support (66.6% with crowd vs. 57.2% without crowd, p < 0.05). The number of goals in all seasons was higher for home teams than for away teams; however, away teams scored more goals in empty stadiums than in stadiums with crowd support ( p < 0.05). The HA was greater in matches with crowd support than in matches without crowd support ( p < 0.01), independent of the team’s ability level; but, top teams scored more goals than weaker teams ( p < 0.01). In conclusion, in the Brazilian Soccer League, the HA and number of goals scored were affected by the presence or absent of an audience in the stadiums. While top teams scored more goals than weaker teams, the HA was lower without than with crowds, independent of team quality.
Frontline Bureaucratic Attitude toward Administrative Integration: Does Organizational Configuration Matter?
Authors: Ding Fangda , Wen Bo , Shon Jongmin
Published: April 2023

The attitudes of frontline bureaucrats play a crucial role in the implementation of administrative restructuring. Administrative integration is a type of administrative reform that can fundamentally change the structure of a local administrative system and may face opposition from local public bureaucracies. Successful administrative integration requires reformers to comprehensively grasp the factors that influence frontline bureaucrats’ attitudes toward this distinctive form of administrative restructuring. This study empirically examines how organizational configurations shape bureaucratic attitudes toward administrative integration. The findings have both theoretical and practical implications for research on bureaucratic attitudes, organizational configurations, and administrative integration.
Making an Example: The Rhetorical Usefulness of Timothy in 1 Timothy
Authors: Sanchez Jonathan M.
Published: April 2023

Scholars of pseudepigraphal letters have recognized that pseudepigraphy troubles the identification of the alleged addressee with the historical addressee. This means that the rhetorical addressee is a matter of choice. Building on Benjamin Fiore’s work on exemplarity, I argue that Timothy as addressee of 1 Timothy helps the Pastor articulate specific aspects of his program. Timothy, like Paul, is an example and serves as a link between Paul’s exemplarity and this letter’s readers. Through Timothy’s exemplarity, the Pastor legitimates young leadership, addressing a second-century controversy in the Jesus movement. Finally, the Pastor reframes Timothy’s reputation, distancing him from Jewish law.