bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mid-Term Outcomes of an Alternative Remodelling Technique for Aortic Root Replacement Without Coronary Ostial Mobilisation or Reimplantation
Authors: Acharya Metesh , Dominici Carmelo , Biancari Fausto , Raheel Furqan , Ahmed Aamer , Hadjinikolaou Leonidas , Mariscalco Giovanni
Published: June 2022

Background: We compare the early and late outcomes of a modified aortic root remodelling (ARR) technique for aortic root replacement without mobilisation or reimplantation of the coronary ostia, with those of the modified Bentall procedure.Methods: A retrospective observational study was performed comprising 181 consecutive patients who underwent aortic root replacement with a Bentall procedure (104 patients) or ARR (77 patients) between January 2013 and December 2019. Primary endpoints included hospital mortality and late survival. Secondary endpoints included incidence of post-operative complications and freedom from late re-operation. Results: ARR procedures were performed with shorter cross-clamp times and comparable cardiopulmonary bypass times to Bentall procedures. The incidence of early post-complications was comparable between groups. 30-day mortality was numerically lower with ARR than Bentall procedure. Over 7-year follow-up, 4 patients (3.8%) required repeat aortic surgery after Bentall procedure, and none after ARR. Long-term mortality after ARR and after Bentall procedures was 17.1% and 22.7%, respectively. The cumulative incidence of reintervention on the aortic root/valve was 3.2% after a Bentall procedure and 0% after ARR. When adjusted for other independent risk factors, late mortality was not influenced by the procedure performed, although competing risk adjusted for age showed that Bentall procedure was associated with an increased risk of aortic root/aortic valve re-operation.Conclusions: The modified ARR technique is associated with reduced myocardial ischaemia time, lower post-operative mortality and aortic re-intervention rates compared to a Bentall procedure. It may be considered a safe and feasible procedure for aortic root/ascending aortic replacement offering good long-term outcomes.
LKB1 is the gatekeeper of carotid body chemo-sensing and the hypoxic ventilatory response: deficiency precipitates Cheyne Stokes breathing
Authors: MacMillan Sandy , Holmes Andrew , Dallas Mark , Mahmoud Amira , Shipston Michael , Peers Chris , Hardie David , Kumar Prem , Evans A.
Published: June 2022

The hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) is critical to breathing and thus oxygen supply to the body and is primarily mediated by the carotid bodies. Here we reveal that carotid body afferent discharge during hypoxia and hypercapnia is determined by the expression of Liver Kinase B1 (LKB1), the principal kinase that mediates AMPK activation during metabolic stresses. Conversely, conditional deletion in catecholaminergic cells of AMPK, the principal downstream target of LKB1, had no effect on carotid body responses to hypoxia or hypercapnia. By contrast, the HVR was attenuated by LKB1 and AMPK deletion. However, in LKB1 knockouts hypoxia evoked hypoventilation, apnoea and Cheyne Stokes like breathing, while only hypoventilation and apnoea were observed after AMPK deletion. We therefore identify LKB1 as a novel and essential regulator of carotid body chemo-sensing and uncover a divergence in dependency on LKB1 and AMPK between the carotid body on one hand and the HVR on the other.
An analysis on the machinability aspects of the turning process using WEDM for profile generation
Authors: Roy Biplab Kumar , Tiwari Saransh , MANDAL AMITAVA
Published: June 2022

Wire Electrical Discharge Turning (WEDT) is a unique adaption of the Wire Electrical Discharge Machining (WEDM) process and enables one to generate precise 3-D axis-symmetric profiles on electrically conductive materials irrespective of their hardness. In the present study, profile geometries like spherical, cylindrical, and taper are generated on the same workpiece to create a combined-shape structure. The effect of parametric settings on Volumetric Error (VE), Roundness (Ront), Average Surface Roughness (Ra), and Volumetric Material Removal Rate (VMRR) is investigated for the above-said geometries based on Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Experimental results show that the volumetric or geometric error is maximum for spherical and minimum for cylindrical turned surfaces. The roughness of the cylindrical part is better as compared to the spherical and tapered surfaces. A minimum roundness value of 28.19 µm for the spherical, 11.80 µm for the cylindrical, and 26.25 µm for the taper-turned surfaces has been observed. The VMRR of the cylindrical part was found to be higher than that of spherical and tapered parts. FESEM has been utilized to study the surface integrity of the geometries machined by WEDT, and a recast layer was observed in all three cases.
Partial nephrectomy versus radical nephrectomy for T1bN0M0 clear cell renal cell carcinomas: A population-based propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Li Chengwen , Liu Chang , Ma Chunlei , Tian Ding
Published: June 2022

Purpose: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (cc-RCC) comprises 70% of RCC and the majority of cancer-related deaths. The oncological comparison between partial nephrectomy (PN) and radical nephrectomy (RN) is undefined and previous studies have not indicated any significant benefit from PN compared with RN, for T1b renal tumors in terms of overall survival (OS). We retrieved T1bN0M0 cc-RCC patients and performed propensity score matching (PSM) to compare the oncological OS between PN and RN.Method: All cc-RCC cases were divided into two groups according to different surgical approaches, namely, PN and RN. Log-rank tests were used to assess the differences in OS, and subgroup analysis was performed in terms of age and tumor size. PSM was performed between the PN and RN groups.Results:11,966 T1bN0M0 cc-RCC patients were collected. After PSM, the log-rank test indicated that PN patients had better prognoses than those with RN. Age subgroup analysis indicated that PN was better than RN in all age subgroups. Cox analysis revealed that younger, larger tumor size, Black, and RN were associated with worse survival.Conclusion: PN had significantly better oncological prognoses than RN for T1bN0M0 cc-RCC patients, and age, race, tumor size, and surgical approach were effective prognostic factors.
Protective mechanism of gold nanoparticles on human neural stem cells injured by β-amyloid protein through miR-21-5p/SOCS6 pathway
Authors: Wang Guoqing , Shen Xiangpeng , Song Xiangkong , Wang Ningfen , Wo Xuewen , Gao Yonglei
Published: June 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with progressive memory loss in dementia. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were reported beneficial for human neural stem cells (hNSCs) treated with Amyloid-beta (Aβ), but the neuroprotective mechanisms still are unknown. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) was performed to detect hNSCs viability. The content of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) assay. Immunocytochemistry was carried out to determinate Tuj-1 and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). The reactive oxygen species (ROS) and JC-1 assay kits were performed to detect ROS generation and mitochondrial membrane potential. miRNA array was used to systematically detect the differential miRNAs. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was applied to verify the targeting relationship between miR-21-5p and the suppressor of cytokine signalling 6(SOCS6). Quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Western blot assessments were also used to detect related gene expression intracellularly or in the supernatant. The pro-inflammation IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly decreased in the AuNPs co-treatment group. AuNPs could ameliorate neural stem cell differentiation inhibition due to Aβ accumulation. AuNPs co-treatment repressed the high expression of total tau (T-tau), phosphorylated tau (P-tau), and Aβ protein caused by the Aβ treatment. The apoptosis rate of hNSCs induced by Aβ was inhibited by AuNPs co-treatment and the expression of proteins associated with apoptosis was also reduced in AuNPs co-treatment group. Aβ-induced decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondria in the hNSCs were damaged, while AuNPs co-treatment showed a protective effect on mitochondrial membrane potential. Co-treatment with AuNPs significantly increased dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1), nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) mRNA levels. AuNPs may improve mitochondrial function impairment due to Aβ by elevating mitochondrial membrane potential, upregulating regulators of mitochondrial biogenesis, and inhibiting ROS production. hNSCs transfected with miR-21-5p inhibitor reversed AuNPs mediated cytoprotection induced by Aβ. miR-21-5p was involved in AuNPs protecting against Aβ-induced cell toxicity by reduced mitochondrial function. Overexpression of miR-21-5p contributes to enhancing the effect of cytoprotection of AuNPs. MiR-21-5p direct targeting SOCS6 and overexpression SOCS6 exerted opposite effects on hNSCs compared with miR-21-5p mimic. AuNPs can protect hNSCs from Aβ injury and decrease mitochondrial damage by regulating the miR-21-5p/SOCS6 pathway.
Viral reactivation in the lungs of patients with severe pneumonia is associated with increased mortality, a multicenter, retrospective study
Authors: Huang Lingtong , Pang Lisha , Sheng Peng , Wang Yanqiu , Yang Fan , Yu Huili , Zhang Ning , cai Hongliu , Tang Lingling , Fang Xueling
Published: June 2022

Purpose: This study aims to assess the clinical features of virome in the early onset of severe pneumonia in ICU patients.Methods: A total of 97 patients’ clinical data was collected retrospectively from intensive care units of five teaching hospitals in China from June 2018 to July 2021 followed by metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) at the onset of severe pneumonia.Results: Cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) were the most common reactivated viruses in the lower respiratory tract of patients with severe pneumonia. After adjusting for the risk of confounding and competition, viral reactivation resulted in an overall increase of 2.052 folds of 28-day all-cause mortality (95% CI: 1.004-4.194). Conclusion: This study showed that CMV, HSV-1, and EBV were the most common reactivated viruses in the lungs of patients in the ICU at the onset of severe pneumonia. Viral reactivation is common and associated with an increased risk of mortality.
Intravaginal lactic acid gel versus oral metronidazole for treating women with recurrent bacterial vaginosis: the VITA randomised controlled trial
Authors: ROSS Jonathan D. C. , BRITTAIN Clare , Watkins Jocelyn Anstey , KAI Joe , DAVID Miruna , OZOLINS Mara , JACKSON Louise , ABDALI Zainab , Hepburn Trish , GRIFFITHS Frances , Montgomery Alan , DANIELS Jane , MANLEY Alice , DEAN Gillian , ARMSTRONG-BUISSERET Lindsay K.
Published: June 2022

Background: Bacterial vaginosis is a common and distressing condition for women. Short-term antibiotic treatment is usually clinically effective, but recurrence is common. We assessed the effectiveness of intravaginal lactic acid gel versus oral metronidazole for treating recurrent bacterial vaginosis.Methods: We undertook an open-label, multicentre, parallel group, randomised controlled trial in nineteen UK sexual health clinics and a university health centre. Women aged ≥16 years, with current bacterial vaginosis symptoms and a preceding history of bacterial vaginosis, were randomised in a 1:1 ratio using a web-based minimisation algorithm, to 400mg twice daily oral metronidazole tablets or 5ml once daily intravaginal lactic acid gel, for 7 days. Masking of participants was not possible. The primary outcome was participant-reported resolution of symptoms within 2 weeks. Secondary outcomes included time to first recurrence of symptoms, number of recurrences and repeat treatments over 6 months and side effects.Results: 518 participants were randomised before the trial was advised to stop recruiting by the Data Monitoring Committee. Primary outcome data were available for 79% (204/259) allocated to metronidazole and 79% (205/259) allocated to lactic acid gel. Resolution of bacterial vaginosis symptoms within 2 weeks was reported in 70% (143/204) receiving metronidazole versus 47% (97/205) receiving lactic acid gel (adjusted risk difference -23·2%; 95% confidence interval -32.3 to -14·0%). In those participants who had initial resolution and for whom 6 month data were available, 51 of 72 (71%) women in the metronidazole group and 32 of 46 women (70%) in the lactic acid gel group had recurrence of symptoms, with median times to first recurrence of 92 and 126 days, respectively. Reported side effects were more common following metronidazole than lactic acid gel (nausea 32% vs. 8%; taste changes 18% vs. 1%; diarrhoea 20% vs. 6%, respectively). Conclusions: Metronidazole was more effective than lactic acid gel for short-term resolution of bacterial vaginosis symptoms, but recurrence is common following both treatments. Lactic acid gel was associated with fewer reported side effects.Trial registration: ISRCTN14161293, prospectively registered on 18th September 2017. https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN14161293.
The risk factors of neuropathic pain in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: a retrospective case-cohort study
Authors: Li Xiaojun , Xu Haoyou , Zheng Zequan , Ouyang Huiying , Chen Guixian , Lou Zhenzhen , Chen Haoxuan , Zhang Jiahui , Zhan Yibo , Mao Hui , Zhang Changlin , Zhao Min , Zhao Yuanqi
Published: June 2022

BackgroundNeuropathic pain is a common complication in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), which seriously affects the quality of life of NMOSD patients, with no satisfactory treatment. And risk factors of neuropathic pain are still uncertain.ObjectiveTo investigate the risk factors of neuropathic pain in a NMOSD cohort. Materials and MethodsOur study was a retrospective case-cohort study, the patients diagnosed with NMOSD in the Department of Neurology from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from January 2011 to October 2021 were screened. Inclusion criteria were (1) patients diagnosed as NMOSD according to the International Panel for NMO Diagnosis (IPND) criteria. (2) the aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G antibodies (AQP4-IgG) test was performed. Patients without AQP4-IgG antibody were excluded. Clinical data, including sex, age of the first onset, symptoms of the first episode including neuropathic pain and attack types, localization of lesions of the first episode on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and APQ4-IgG status were collected from the hospital system database. Neuropathic pain was defined according to the International Association for the Study of Pain criteria and was described as “pain arising as a direct consequence of a lesion or disease affecting the somatosensory system”. Results119 patients were screened and finally 86 patients fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled in our study. The prevalence of neuropathic pain in patients with NMOSD was 43.0%. Univariate analysis showed that the factors associated with neuropathic pain were the age at the onset, the attack type of optic neuritis, the attack type of myelitis, length of spinal cord involvement, localization of thoracic lesion, optic lesion, upper thoracic lesions, lower thoracic lesions, extended spinal cord lesions and extended thoracic lesions. Multivariate regression analysis showed that extended thoracic lesions (OR 23.24 [1.97-274.59], P=0.013) and gender (OR 13.97 [1.3-150.59], P=0.03) were independently associated with neuropathic pain among NMOSD patients.ConclusionExtended thoracic lesions and gender were independent risk factors of neuropathic pain among patients with NMOSD.
Retrospective study of more than 5 million emergency hospital admissions: epidemiology and outcomes for people with dementia
Authors: Reeves David , Holland Fiona , Morbey Hazel , Hann Mark , Ahmed Faraz , Davies Linda , Keady John , Leroi Iracema , Reilly Siobhan T
Published: June 2022

BackgroundPeople with dementia (PwD) as emergency acute hospital admissions may be at higher risk of inappropriate care and poorer outcomes including longer hospitalisations and higher risk of emergency re-admission or death. Since 2009, numerous national and local initiatives in England have sought to improve hospital care for PwD. We compared outcomes of emergency admissions for patients aged 65+ with and without dementia across three points in time.MethodsWe analysed emergency admissions (EAs) from the Hospital Episodes Statistics datasets for England 2010/11, 2012/13 and 2016/17. Dementia upon admission was based on a diagnosis in the patient’s hospital records within the last five years. Outcomes were length of hospital stays (LoS), long stays (>=15 days), emergency re-admissions (ERAs) and deaths within 30 days of discharge. Covariates included patient demographics, pre-existing health and reasons for admission. Hospital indices of dementia care relating to staff training, hospital governance and patient-focus were derived from National Audit of Dementia survey returns. Hierarchical multivariate regression analysis was used - separately for males and females – to evaluate patient group differences on each outcome adjusted for covariates and to examine associations with the dementia care indices.ResultsWe included 178 acute hospitals with a total of 2,569,007 EAs for male patients and 3,011,099 for female patients, of which 356,992 (13.9%) were male PwD and 561,349 (18.6%) female PwD. Covariate-adjusted differences in LoS changed little over time and in 2016/17 were 17% (95%CI 15%-18%) and 12% (10%-14%) longer for male and female PwD respectively. Adjusted excess risk of an ERA for PwD reduced over time to 17% (15%-18%) for males and 17% (16%-19%) for females. Adjusted mortality for PwD was around 30% higher throughout. No associations were found between outcomes and hospital indices of dementia care.ConclusionsOver the six-year period, covariate-adjusted hospital LoS, ERA and mortality rates for PwD showed little beneficial change relative to similar patients without dementia, despite many national and local efforts to improve hospital care for this patient group. Group differences after adjustment were mostly small and may reflect factors beyond hospital control. Greater emphasis is needed on avoiding unnecessary hospitalisations for PwD.
Microbial diversity and metabolic inference of diclofenac removal in heterotrophic denitrifying conditions
Authors: Pirete Luciana de Melo , Camargo Franciele Pereira , Grosseli Guilherme Martins , Sakamoto Isabel K. , Fadini Pedro S. , Silva Edson Luiz , Varesche Maria Bernadete Amâncio
Published: June 2022

Diclofenac (DCF) is an anti-inflammatory and organochlorine micropollutant whose degradation is poorly known, mainly in anoxic systems with organic cosubstrate. Using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Rotational Central Composite Design (RCCD), this study evaluated the removal of DCF under denitrifying conditions, with ethanol as cosubstrate, in batch reactors. It considered the individual and multiple effects of the variables: nitrate (130–230 mg NO3− L− 1), DCF (60–100 µg DCF L− 1) and ethanol (130–230 mg EtOH L− 1). The highest drug removal efficiency (17.5%) and total nitrate removal were obtained at 176.6 ± 4.3 mg NO3− L− 1, 76.8 ± 3.7 µg DCF L− 1, and 180.0 ± 2.5 mg EtOH L− 1. Under such conditions, the addition of ethanol and nitrate was significant for the additional removal of diclofenac (p < 0.05). The prevalence of Rhodanobacter, Haliangium and Terrimonas in the inoculum biomass (activated sludge systems) was identified through the 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The potential of these genera to remove nitrate and degrade diclofenac was inferred. The main enzymes potentially involved in this process were α-methylacyl-CoA racemase, long-chain fatty acid-CoA ligase, catalases and pseudoperoxidases.
IL-15 receptor alpha reduces the toxicity of IL-15 during CAR-T immunotherapy
Authors: ZHANG YING , ZHUANG QINGHUI , WANG FANG , ZHANG CAN , XU CHANG , TONG SHUAI , AN ZHIJING , YU ZHEN , GU AIQIN , HU YI , ZHONG XIAOSONG
Published: June 2022

Background:Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy is a powerful adoptive immunotherapy against both B cell malignancies and some types of solid tumors. Interleukin (IL) -15 is an important immune stimulator that may offer ideal long-term persistent CAR-T cells. However, higher base line or peak serum IL-15 levels also relate to severe toxicity, such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS), graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and neurotoxicity.Methods:We successfully constructed CD19 specific armored CAR-T cells overexpressing IL-I5 and IL-15 receptor alpha (IL-15Ra). In vitro cell differentiation and viability were monitored by flow cytometry, and an in vivo xenograft mouse models was used to evaluate the anti-tumor efficiency and toxicity of CAR-T cells. Results:CAR-T cells overexpressing just IL-15 demonstrated enhanced viability, retarded exhaustion in vitro and superior tumor inhibitory effects in vivo. However, these tumor-cured mice had lower survival rate, because of, to some extent, toxicity. Nevertheless, CAR-IL-15 T cells transduced with IL-15Ra had reduced CD132 expression and released less cytokines (IFNγ, IL-2 and IL-15) in vitro, and improved mouse survival compared to CAR-IL-15 T cells.Conclusion:These results indicated that the importance of IL-15 in enhancing T cells persistence and IL-15Ra in reducing the adverse events of IL-15, with superior tumor retardation during CAR-T therapy, which paves the way for the rapid exploitation of IL-15 in adoptive cell therapy.
Obese dogs exhibit different fecal microbiome and specific microbial networks compared with normal weight dogs
Authors: Kim Hanbeen , Seo Jakyeom , Park Tansol , Seo Kangmin , Cho Hyunwoo , Chun Julan , Kim Kihyun
Published: June 2022

Background
Canine obesity is a major health concern that predisposes dogs to various disorders. The fecal microbiome has been attracting attention because of their impact on energy efficiency and metabolic disorders of host. However, little is known about specific microbial interactions, and how these may be affected by obesity in dogs. The objective of this study was to investigate the differences in fecal microbiome and specific microbial networks between obese and normal dogs. A total of 20 beagle dogs (males = 12, body weight [BW]: 10.5 ± 1.08 kg; females = 8, BW: 11.3 ± 1.71 kg; all 2-year-old) were fed to meet the maintenance energy requirements for 18 weeks. Then, 12 beagle dogs were selected based on body condition score (BCS) and divided into two groups: high BCS group (HBCS; BCS range: 7–9, males = 4, females = 2) and normal BCS group (NBCS; BCS range: 4–6, males = 4, females = 2). In the final week of the experiment, fecal samples were collected directly from the rectum, before breakfast, for analyzing the fecal microbiome using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing.
Results
The HBCS group had a significantly higher final BW than the NBCS group (P < 0.01). The relative abundances of Faecalibacterium, Phascolarctobacterium, Megamonas, Bacteroides, Mucispirillum, and an unclassified genus within Ruminococcaceae were significantly higher in the HBCS group than those in the NBCS group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, some Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) modules related to amino acid biosynthesis and B vitamins biosynthesis were enriched in the HBCS group (P < 0.10), whereas those related to carbohydrate metabolism were enriched in the NBCS group (P < 0.10). Microbial network analysis revealed distinct co-occurrence and mutually exclusive interactions between the HBCS and NBCS groups.
Conclusions
In conclusion, several genera related to short-chain fatty acid production were enriched in the HBCS group. The enriched KEGG modules in the HBCS group enhanced energy efficiency through cross-feeding between auxotrophs and prototrophs. However, further studies are needed to investigate how specific networks can be interpreted in the context of fermentation characteristics in the lower gut and obesity in dogs.
Building a trustworthy AI differential diagnosis application for Crohn’s disease and intestinal tuberculosis
Authors: Lu Keming , Tong Yuanren , Yu Si , Lin Yucong , Yang Yingyun , Xu Hui , Li Yue , Yu Sheng
Published: June 2022

Background
Differentiating between Crohn’s disease (CD) and intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) with endoscopy is challenging. We aim to perform more accurate endoscopic diagnosis between CD and ITB by building a trustworthy AI differential diagnosis application.
Methods
A total of 1271 electronic health record (EHR) patients who had undergone colonoscopies at Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) and were clinically diagnosed with CD (n = 875) or ITB (n = 396) were used in this study. We build a workflow to make diagnoses with EHRs and mine differential diagnosis features; this involves finetuning the pretrained language models, distilling them into a light and efficient TextCNN model, interpreting the neural network and selecting differential attribution features, and then adopting manual feature checking and carrying out debias training.
Results
The accuracy of debiased TextCNN on differential diagnosis between CD and ITB is 0.83 (CR F1: 0.87, ITB F1: 0.77), which is the best among the baselines. On the noisy validation set, its accuracy was 0.70 (CR F1: 0.87, ITB: 0.69), which was significantly higher than that of models without debias. We also find that the debiased model more easily mines the diagnostically significant features. The debiased TextCNN unearthed 39 diagnostic features in the form of phrases, 17 of which were key diagnostic features recognized by the guidelines.
Conclusion
We build a trustworthy AI differential diagnosis application for differentiating between CD and ITB focusing on accuracy, interpretability and robustness. The classifiers perform well, and the features which had statistical significance were in agreement with clinical guidelines.
High-throughput first-principle prediction of collinear magnetic topological materials
Authors: Li Gang , Su YunLong , Hu Jiayu , Cai Xiaochan , Shi Wujun , Xia Yunyouyou , Xu Yuanfeng , Xu Xuguang , Chen Yulin
Published: June 2022

The success of topological band theory and symmetry-based topological classification significantly advances our understanding of the Berry phase. Based on the critical concept of topological obstruction, efficient theoretical frameworks, including topological quantum chemistry and symmetry indicator theory, were developed, making a massive characterization of real materials possible. However, the classification of magnetic materials often involves the complexity of their unknown magnetic structures, which are often hard to know from experiments, thus, hindering the topological classification. In this paper, we design a high-throughput workflow to classify magnetic topological materials by automating the search for collinear magnetic structures and the characterization of their topological natures. We computed 1049 chosen transition metal compounds (TMCs) without oxygen and identified 64 topological insulators and 53 semimetals, which become 73 and 26 when U correction is further considered. Due to the lack of magnetic structure information from experiments, our high-throughput predictions provide insightful reference results and make the first step towards a complete diagnosis of magnetic topological materials.
Research on chemical resistance characteristics of water-soaked coal with different metamorphic degrees
Authors: Zhang Xun , Zhao Mengfan , Yang Jing , Lu Bing , Wang Gang , Dai Fengwei
Published: June 2022

In order to reduce the risk of spontaneous combustion of coal left after long-term flooding in the goaf of the mine, in this paper, the inhibitory properties of different inhibitors on two kinds of water-leached coals with different metamorphic degrees were studied in depth. The experiment selected Ping Zhuang lignite and Sha qu coking coal as research objects. The raw coal and water-soaked coal samples were compared and analyzed by thermogravimetric experiment method and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy experiment method. research shows, the activation temperature of soaked lignite and coking coal decreased by 7.91 and 2.25°C, respectively. The activation energy decreased by 43.18 kJ·mol− 1 and 20.58 kJ·mol− 1, respectively, the natural tendency of coal is enhanced after being soaked in water, and water soaking has a greater impact on low-metamorphic lignite. Then four kinds of inhibitors, MgCl2, TEMPO, TPPI and PA, were added to the two water-soaked coals respectively. It was found that TPPI can significantly reduce the heat release rate of water-immersed lignite, the reduction value is 10.49 W/mg, Dry cracking temperature of water-immersed lignite increased by 11.75 ℃, PA greatly increased the combustion activation energy of water-leached coking coal by 25.77 kJ/mol. Meanwhile, it was found from the microscopic active groups that TTPI increased the content of water-immersed lignite ether bonds by 4.84%. The absorption peak intensity of oxygen-containing functional groups such as C = O is significantly weakened. Similarly, PA caused water leaching of coking coal to produce large amounts of stable ethers, which increased by 5.21%, The largest reduction in hydroxyl content. After heating, TPPI decomposes into phosphoric acid, which can inhibit the increase of active groups such as a large number of oxygen-containing functional groups in water-immersed lignite, thereby reducing the risk of spontaneous combustion. As a metal chelator, PA can reduce the catalytic effect of metal ions in water-leached coking coal with fewer active groups, it inhibits coal spontaneous combustion by generating stable metal complexes to increase activation energy. This indicates that TTPI has the best inhibitory effect on water-leached lignite, while PA is more suitable for water-leached coking coal.
Use of a Simulated Patient Case and Structured Debrief to Explore Trainee Responses to a “Non-Compliant Patient”
Authors: Sous Waseem , Frank Kay , Cronkright Peter , Germain Lauren J.
Published: June 2022

Background: Labeling a patient “non-compliant” is a form of dehumanization that can deprive the patient of positive human qualities and/or agency in the mind of a physician. The term “non-compliant” is frequently used in medical record documentation and has been shown to compromise care, particularly for marginalized communities. There is limited literature on the impact of the label on medical trainees. We aimed to explore how internal medicine residents and fellows (trainees) perceive the term “non-compliant patient” and its impact on their practice after interacting with a simulated refugee patient who has not followed a physician’s recommendations. Methods: Kolb’s experiential learning cycle guided the design of the educational session which was part of a required communication skills curriculum for trainees. A scenario was created to simulate a refugee patient who had not adhered to their treatment plan and could potentially be labeled as “non-compliant.” Trainees participated in the 3-hour session consisting of a remote simulated patient encounter immediately followed by a virtual structured debrief session that was recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis of debrief transcripts was conducted starting with the use of provisional codes from the literature on the doctor-patient relationship and de/humanization. Results: In group debrief sessions, trainees reflected upon the standardized patient case and chose to also discuss similar cases they had experienced in clinical practice. Trainees indicated that the term “non-compliant patient” served as a biasing function and described how this bias negatively impacted the doctor-patient relationship. Trainees described how marginalized communities might be more susceptible to the negative connotation associated with the term “non-compliant patient.” For some trainees, the term triggered further investigation of underlying barriers to care and exploration of the social determinants of health. Conclusions: The use of the phrase “non-compliant patient,” though common in medical practice, may lead to patient dehumanization among trainees. A simulated refugee patient encounter followed by a facilitated group debrief allowed participants to verbalize and reflect on the meaning and possible impact of the label.
Comparison of tropospheric delay correction methods of InSAR analysis using a meso-scale meteorological model: Case study from Japan
Authors: Sailellah Sardila Nurulhikmah , Fukushima Yo
Published: June 2022

A major source of errors in interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR), used for mapping ground deformation, is the delay caused by changes in the propagation velocity of radar microwaves in the troposphere. It is common to correct this tropospheric delay noise using numerical weather models because of their widespread global availability. A variety of correction methods and tools exist and selecting the most appropriate one by considering weather models, delay models, and delay calculation algorithms is essential for specific applications. We compared the performance of two tropospheric delay correction methods applied to Advanced Land Observing Satellite-2 (ALOS-2) data acquired over Japan, where the atmospheric field is complex with significant seasonal variation. In particular, we tested 1) a method of delay integration along the slant radar line-of-sight (LOS) path using the mesoscale model (MSM) provided by the Japan Meteorological Agency and 2) the Generic Atmospheric Correction Online Service (GACOS) for InSAR, which estimates delay using the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) ERA5 reanalysis products along with an iterative decomposition approach. Results showed that tropospheric delay correction using the slant delay integration approach with MSM, which has a finer temporal and spatial resolution, performed slightly better than GACOS, which used ECMWF data. We further found that the differences in these tropospheric delay models would have limited significance, suggesting that the difference in performance mainly originates from differences in the numerical weather models being used. This study highlights the importance of using the best-available numerical weather model data for tropospheric delay calculations.
Machine learning approach for ball milling of alumina ceramics
Authors: Yu Jungwon , Kati Raju , Jin So-Hyun , Lee Youngjae , Lee Hyun Kwuon
Published: June 2022

In this work, machine learning (ML) approach based on polynomial regression was explored to analyze the optimal processing parameters and predict the target particle sizes for ball milling of alumina ceramics. Data points were experimentally obtained by measuring the particle sizes. Prediction interval (PI)-based optimization methods using polynomial regression analysis are proposed. As a first step, functional relations between the inputs and the responses are derived by applying the regression analysis. Later, based on these relations, objective functions to be maximized are defined by desirability approach. Finally, the proposed PI-based methods optimize both parameter points and intervals of the target mill for accomplishing user-specified target responses. The optimization results show that the PI-based point optimization methods can select and recommend statistically reliable optimized parameter points even though unique solutions for the objective functions do not exist. From the results of confirmation experiments, it is established that the optimized parameter points can produce desired particle sizes with quality responses quite similar to the target responses.
Effectiveness of the Chronic Care Model for Adults with Type 2 Diabetes in Primary Care: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Goh Lay Hoon , Siah Chiew Jiat Rosalind , Tam Wilson Wai San , Tai E Shyong , Young Doris Yee Ling
Published: June 2022

Background Mixed evidence exists regarding the effectiveness of Chronic Care Model (CCM) with patient outcomes. Aim of this review is to examine effectiveness of CCM interventions on improving hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), LDL cholesterol and BMI among primary care adults with type 2 diabetes.Methods MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials, Scopus and Web of Science were searched from January 1990 to June 2021 for RCTs comparing CCM interventions against usual care among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus in primary care with HbA1c, SBP, DBP, LDL cholesterol and BMI as outcomes. An abbreviated search was performed from 2021 to April 2022. This study followed PRISMA guideline for data extractions and Cochrane risk of bias assessment. Two reviewers independently extracted data. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager software. Heterogeneity was evaluated using c2 and I2 test statistics. Overall effects were evaluated using Z statistic.Results A total of 17 studies involving 16485 patients with type 2 diabetes were identified. Most studies had low risks of bias. Meta-analysis of all 17 studies revealed that CCM interventions significantly decreased HbA1c levels compared to usual care with mean difference (MD) -0.21%, 95% CI, -0.30 to -0.13; Z = 5.07, p<0.00001. Larger effects were experienced amongst higher baseline HbA1c ³8% adults (MD -0.36%, 95% CI -0.51 to -0.21; Z = 5.05, p<0.00001) and when 4 or more CCM elements were used in the interventions (MD -0.25%, 95% CI -0.35 to -0.15; Z = 4.85, p<0.00001). Interventions with CCM also decreased SBP (MD -2.93 mmHg, 95% CI -4.46 to -1.40, Z = 3.75, p=0.0002) and DBP (MD -1.35 mmHg, 95% CI -2.05 to -0.65, Z = 3.79, p=0.0002) compared to usual care. However, CCM had no impact on LDL-cholesterol levels and BMI.Conclusions CCM interventions as compared to usual care improve glycemic control among adults with type 2 diabetes in primary care, especially in those with poorly controlled glycemia with greater reductions when mean baseline HbA1c is ³8% and with interventions with 4 or more CCM elements.PROSPERO registration: Registration no. CRD42021273959.
Spin-orbit torque mediated coupling of terahertz light with nanometer-wavelength magnon modes
Authors: Salikhov Ruslan , Ilyakov Igor , Körber Lukas , Kakay Attila , Gallardo Rodolfo , Ponomaryov Alexey , Deinert Jan-Christoph , Oliveira Thales , Lenz Kilian , Fassbender Jürgen , Bonetti Stefano , Hellwig Olav , Lindner Jürgen , Kovalev Sergey
Published: June 2022

Nonvolatile and energy-efficient spin-based technologies call for new prospects for realization of logic devices able to operate at terahertz (THz) frequencies. For instance, magnonic elements require an efficient generation of high-energy exchange spin waves at nanometer wavelengths. For this to happen, a substantial coupling of the electro-magnetic stimulus, such as coherent THz field pulses, to the magnon modes is needed. However, the efficient excitation of non-uniform spin waves using THz light is elusive, due to the large momentum mismatch between the millimeter-wave radiation and the exchange-dominated, nanometer-sized, spin waves. Here, we overcome this fundamental problem of light-matter interaction via thin film engineering, exploiting relativistic spin-orbit torques confined to the interfaces of heavy-metal/ferromagnet heterostructures. Using single-cycle broadband THz radiation, we are able to excite spin-wave modes with a frequency of up to 0.6 THz and a wavelength as short as 6 nm. Numerical simulations demonstrate that the coupling of THz light with the exchange-dominated magnons originates solely from interfacial spin-orbit torques. Our results are of general applicability to other magnetic multilayered structures, and offer the prospective of nanoscale control of high-frequency signals.
SARS-CoV-2 Nsp6 causes cardiac defects through MGA/MAX complex-mediated increased glycolysis
Authors: Zhu Jun-yi , Wang Guanglei , Huang Xiaohu , Lee Hangnoh , Lee Jin-Gu , Yang Penghua , de Leemput Joyce van , Huang Weiliang , Kane Maureen , Yang Peixin , Han Zhe
Published: June 2022

SARS-CoV-2 infection causes COVID-19, a severe acute respiratory disease associated with cardiovascular complications including long-term outcomes. The presence of virus in cardiac tissue of patients with COVID-19 suggests this is a direct, rather than secondary, effect of infection. By expressing individual SARS-CoV-2 proteins in the Drosophila heart we demonstrated interaction of virus Nsp6 with host proteins of the MGA/MAX complex (MGA, PCGF6 and TFDP1). Complementing transcriptomic data from the fly heart revealed that this interaction blocks the antagonistic MGA/MAX complex, which shifts the balance towards MYC/MAX and activates glycolysis—with similar findings in mouse cardiomyocytes. Further, the Nsp6-induced glycolysis disrupted cardiac mitochondrial function, known to increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) in heart failure; this could explain COVID-19-associated cardiac pathology. Furthermore, inhibiting the glycolysis pathway by 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) treatment attenuated the Nsp6-induced cardiac phenotype in fly and mice; thus, suggesting glycolysis as a potential pharmacological target for treating COVID-19-associated heart failure.
Roots and associated mycorrhizal fungi are important determinants of leaf litter decomposition and home-field advantage in subtropical forests
Authors: Wang Zhenyu , Wan Xiaohua , Liang Yifan , Huang Zhiqun
Published: June 2022

Aims The ‘home-field advantage (HFA) hypothesis’ predicts that litter decomposes faster in its original environment (“home”) than in the foreign environment (“guest”). The vast majority of tree species are primarily symbiotic with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) or ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi. To date, how different roots and associated mycorrhizae affect litter decay rates and HFA effects is not well known. Methods To fill this gap, we conducted a litter transplant and mycorrhizal-cut experiment in one arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM)- and one ectomycorrhizal (ECM)- associated tree species plantation in subtropical China, and tested whether roots and their associated mycorrhizal fungi affect the litter decomposition rate and HFA effect. Results Over a period of 720 days, we found that AM litter rots faster in the presence of fine roots and mycorrhizae at home, while the ECM litter decomposition rate did not change significantly with and without roots and mycorrhizae. AM litter showed no HFA effect regardless of the presence or absence of roots and associated mycorrhizae, while ECM litter showed a negative HFA effect only in the presence of roots and mycorrhizae. The negative HFA effect of ECM litter was attributed to the higher saprophytic fungal abundance and P-acquiring enzyme activities in the guest than in the home environment. Conclusions Our results indicated that variation in the interaction between mycorrhizal and saprotrophic fungi is a key factor in determining litter decomposition rates and the HFA effect through modification of saprophytic fungal abundance and P-acquiring enzyme activities.
Management and Outcomes of Pediatric, Adolescent and Young Adult Sarcoma Patients: Results from the French Nationwide Database NETSARC
Authors: Kubicek Pierre , Cesne Axel Le , Lervat Cyril , Toulmonde Maud , Chevreau Christine , Duffaud Florence , Nail Louis-Romée Le , Morelle Magali , Gaspar Nathalie , Vérité Cécile , Castex Marie-Pierre , Penel Nicolas , Saada Esma , Causeret Sylvain , Bertucci François , Perrin Christophe , Bompas Emmanuelle , Orbach Daniel , Laurence Valérie , Piperno-Neumann Sophie , Anract Philippe , Rios Maria , Gentet Jean-Claude , Mascard Éric , Pannier Stéphanie , Blouin Pascale , Carrère Sébastien , Chaigneau Loïc , Soibinet-Oudot Pauline , Corradini Nadège , Boudou-Rouquette Pascaline , Ruzic Jean-Christophe , Lebrun-Ly Valérie , Dubray-Longeras Pascale , Varatharajah Sharmini , Lebbe Céleste , Ropars Mickaël , Kurtz Jean-Emmanuel , Guillemet Cécile , Lotz Jean-Pierre , Berchoud Juliane , Cherrier Grégory , Ducimetière Françoise , Chemin Claire , Italiano Antoine , Honoré Charles , Desandes Emmanuel , Blay Jean-Yves , Gouin François , Marec-Bérard Perrine
Published: June 2022

Background. The initial management of patients with sarcoma is critical. We used the French National Cancer Institute-funded nationwide sarcoma database NETSARC to report the management and oncologic outcomes in children, adolescents and young adults (AYAs) patients with sarcoma at the national level. Patients and methods. Data from patients with sarcoma are collected, regularly monitored and updated using NETSARC. NETSARC was searched for pediatric (<15 years) and AYA (15-30 years) patients with sarcoma, diagnosed from 2010 to 2017. We report the management, locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRFS), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) in children and AYA treated in French reference sarcoma centers (RSC) and outside RSC (non-RSC), and conducted multivariate analyses adjusted for classical prognostic factors to explore survival.Results. We collected data from 3,972 pediatric and AYA patients with sarcoma diagnosed between 2010 and 2017, including 714 children, 1,290 AYAs treated in RSC, and 937 AYAs in non-RSC. Significant differences in compliance to guidelines were observed regarding pre-treatment biopsy (Children: 83.5%; AYA in RSC: 85.9%; AYA in non-RSC 48.1%), pre-treatment imaging (Children: 81.2%; AYA in RSC: 86.8%; AYA in non-RSC: 56.5%) and R0 margins (Children: 52%; AYA in RSC 57.6%; AYA in non-RSC: 20.2%) (p<0.001). 3y-OS rates were 81.6% (95%CI 77.9-84.7) in children, 81.1% (95%CI 78.3-83.6) in AYA in RSC and 82.7% (95%CI 79.4-85.5) in AYA in non-RSC, respectively. LRFS and PFS were improved in AYAs treated in RSC compared to AYAs treated in non-RSC (Hazard Ratios HR: 0.64 and 0.85 with statistical significance at 1% and 10%, respectively). Multivariate regression analysis identified no significant differences in OS in AYAs treated in RSC and in non-RSC (p=0.272).Conclusions. This study highlights the importance for AYA patients with sarcoma to be managed in national sarcoma reference centers involving multidisciplinary medical teams with paediatric and adult oncologists.
Sport and self-esteem in people living with HIV: a cross-sectional study
Authors: PEREZ Lucia GRANDIERE , ALLAVENA Clotilde , SÉCHER Solène , Sylvain DURAND , GRÉGOIRE Antoine , VANDAMME Yves-Marie , Hitoto Hikombo , LEAUTEZ-NAINVILLE Sophie , Michau Christophe , Billaud Eric
Published: June 2022

Background: In the general population, sport activity is associated with better health and better self-esteem. Among people living with HIV (PLHIV), sport activity could be associated with better self-esteem. The main objective of our study was to assess the association between sport activity and self-esteem among people living with HIV. The secondary objectives were to evaluate the association between sport and fatigue, sport and pain.Methods: We performed a cross-sectional observational study among PLHIV in our region. Each adult seen in routine HIV care was proposed to participate to the study. Participants had to fulfill self-questionnaires about sport activity, self-esteem, strength, and pain.Results: Among the 1160 people included in the study, 47% performed sport activity. The self-esteem score was better in the sporting group compared with the non sporting group (Rosenberg mean scale 32.7/40 versus 31.9 ; p=0.01). The FACIT-F total score showed a better strength in the sporting group than in the non sporting group (125 vs 118 p<0.0001). The sporting group had a lower mean pain score (1,1) than the non sporting group (1.4; p=0,004). Conclusions: Among PLHIV in our region, sport activity was associated with better self-esteem, better strength and lower pain. Sport activity should be included in patient care for people living with HIV.