bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The persistence of anti-Spike antibodies following two SARS-CoV-2 vaccine doses in patients on immunosuppressive therapy compared to healthy controls—a prospective cohort study
Authors: Christensen Ingrid Egeland , Jyssum Ingrid , Tveter Anne Therese , Sexton Joseph , Tran Trung T. , Mjaaland Siri , Kro Grete Birkeland , Kvien Tore K. , Warren David John , Jahnsen Jørgen , Munthe Ludvig A. , Haavardsholm Espen A. , Vaage John Torgils , Grødeland Gunnveig , Lund-Johansen Fridtjof , Jørgensen Kristin Kaasen , Syversen Silje Watterdal , Goll Guro Løvik , Provan Sella Aarrestad
Published: October 2022

Background

The durability of vaccine-induced humoral immunity against SARS-CoV-2 in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) on immunosuppressive therapy is not known. The aim of this study was to compare the persistence of anti-Spike antibodies following two-dose SARS-CoV-2 vaccination between IMID patients and healthy controls and to identify factors associated with antibody decline.

Methods

IMID patients on immunosuppressive medication enrolled in the prospective observational Nor-vaC study were included. Participants received two-dose SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Serum collected at two time points following vaccination (first assessment within 6–48 days, second within 49–123 days) were analyzed for antibodies binding the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein. Multivariable regression models estimated percent reduction in anti-RBD over 30 days and factors associated with reduction.

Results

A total of 1108 patients (403 rheumatoid arthritis, 195 psoriatic arthritis, 195 spondyloarthritis, 124 ulcerative colitis, 191 Crohn’s disease) and 134 controls provided blood samples within the defined intervals (median 19 days [IQR 15–24] and 97 days [87–105] after second vaccine dose). Antibody levels were lower in patients compared to controls at both time points, with median anti-RBD 2806 BAU/ml [IQR 1018–6068] in patients and 6187 BAU/ml [4105–7496] in controls (p<0.001) at first assessment, and 608 BAU/ml [IQR 58–1053] in patients and 1520 BAU/ml [979–3766] in controls (p<0.001) at second assessment. At second assessment, low anti-RBD antibody levels (defined as <200 BAU/ml) were found in 449 (41%) patients, and 6 (5%) controls (p<0.001). The change was − 83% in patients and − 66% in controls (p<0.001). Patients had a greater estimated 30 days percent reduction in anti-RBD levels compared to controls − 4.9 (95% CI − 7.4 to − 2.4), (p<0.05). Among therapies, mono- or combination treatment with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors was associated with the greatest decline.

Conclusions

Within 4 months after vaccination, antibody levels declined considerably in both IMID patients and controls. Patients had lower initial antibody levels and a more pronounced decline compared to healthy controls and were therefore more likely to decline to low antibody levels. These results support that IMID patients need additional vaccine doses at an earlier stage than healthy individuals.
Recombinant vaccines in 2022: a perspective from the cell factory
Authors: de Pinho Favaro Marianna Teixeira , Atienza-Garriga Jan , Martínez-Torró Carlos , Parladé Eloi , Vázquez Esther , Corchero José Luis , Ferrer-Miralles Neus , Villaverde Antonio
Published: October 2022

The last big outbreaks of Ebola fever in Africa, the thousands of avian influenza outbreaks across Europe, Asia, North America and Africa, the emergence of monkeypox virus in Europe and specially the COVID-19 pandemics have globally stressed the need for efficient, cost-effective vaccines against infectious diseases. Ideally, they should be based on transversal technologies of wide applicability. In this context, and pushed by the above-mentioned epidemiological needs, new and highly sophisticated DNA-or RNA-based vaccination strategies have been recently developed and applied at large-scale. Being very promising and effective, they still need to be assessed regarding the level of conferred long-term protection. Despite these fast-developing approaches, subunit vaccines, based on recombinant proteins obtained by conventional genetic engineering, still show a wide spectrum of interesting potentialities and an important margin for further development. In the 80’s, the first vaccination attempts with recombinant vaccines consisted in single structural proteins from viral pathogens, administered as soluble plain versions. In contrast, more complex formulations of recombinant antigens with particular geometries are progressively generated and explored in an attempt to mimic the multifaceted set of stimuli offered to the immune system by replicating pathogens. The diversity of recombinant antimicrobial vaccines and vaccine prototypes is revised here considering the cell factory types, through relevant examples of prototypes under development as well as already approved products.
Circular RNA circPVT1 promotes nasopharyngeal carcinoma metastasis via the β-TrCP/c-Myc/SRSF1 positive feedback loop
Authors: Mo Yongzhen , Wang Yumin , Wang Yian , Deng Xiangying , Yan Qijia , Fan Chunmei , Zhang Shuai , Zhang Shanshan , Gong Zhaojian , Shi Lei , Liao Qianjin , Guo Can , Li Yong , Li Guiyuan , Zeng Zhaoyang , Jiang Weihong , Xiong Wei , Xiang Bo
Published: October 2022

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) act as gene expression regulators and are involved in cancer progression. However, their functions have not been sufficiently investigated in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Methods

The expression profiles of circRNAs in NPC cells within different metastatic potential were reanalyzed. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR and in situ hybridization were used to detect the expression level ofcircPVT1in NPC cells and tissue samples. The association of expression level ofcircPVT1with clinical properties of NPC patients was evaluated. Then, the effects ofcircPVT1expression on NPC metastasis were investigated by in vitro and in vivo functional experiments. RNA immunoprecipitation, pull-down assay and western blotting were performed to confirm the interaction betweencircPVT1and β-TrCP in NPC cells. Co-immunoprecipitation and western blotting were performed to confirm the interaction between β-TrCP and c-Myc in NPC cells.

Results

We find thatcircPVT1, a circular RNA, is significantly upregulated in NPC cells and tissue specimens. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed thatcircPVT1promotes the invasion and metastasis of NPC cells. Mechanistically,circPVT1inhibits proteasomal degradation of c-Myc by binding to β-TrCP, an E3 ubiquiting ligase. Stablization of c-Myc bycircPVT1alters the cytoskeleton remodeling and cell adhesion in NPC, which ultimately promotes the invasion and metastasis of NPC cells. Furthermore, c-Myc transcriptionally upregulates the expression of SRSF1, an RNA splicing factor, and recruits SRSF1 to enhance the biosynthesis ofcircPVT1through coupling transcription with splicing, which forms a positive feedback forcircPVT1production.

Conclusions

Our results revealed the important role ofcircPVT1in the progression of NPC through the β-TrCP/c-Myc/SRSF1 positive feedback loop, andcircPVT1may serve as a prognostic biomarker or therapeutic target in patients with NPC.
Increased cognitive load in immersive virtual reality during visuomotor adaptation is associated with decreased long-term retention and context transfer
Authors: Juliano Julia M. , Schweighofer Nicolas , Liew Sook-Lei
Published: October 2022

Background

Complex motor tasks in immersive virtual reality using a head-mounted display (HMD-VR) have been shown to increase cognitive load and decrease motor performance compared to conventional computer screens (CS). Separately, visuomotor adaptation in HMD-VR has been shown to recruit more explicit, cognitive strategies, resulting in decreased implicit mechanisms thought to contribute to motor memory formation. However, it is unclear whether visuomotor adaptation in HMD-VR increases cognitive load and whether cognitive load is related to explicit mechanisms and long-term motor memory formation.

Methods

We randomized 36 healthy participants into three equal groups. All groups completed an established visuomotor adaptation task measuring explicit and implicit mechanisms, combined with a dual-task probe measuring cognitive load. Then, all groups returned after 24-h to measure retention of the overall adaptation. One group completed both training and retention tasks in CS (measuring long-term retention in a CS environment), one group completed both training and retention tasks in HMD-VR (measuring long-term retention in an HMD-VR environment), and one group completed the training task in HMD-VR and the retention task in CS (measuring context transfer from an HMD-VR environment). A Generalized Linear Mixed-Effect Model (GLMM) was used to compare cognitive load between CS and HMD-VR during visuomotor adaptation, t-tests were used to compare overall adaptation and explicit and implicit mechanisms between CS and HMD-VR training environments, and ANOVAs were used to compare group differences in long-term retention and context transfer.

Results

Cognitive load was found to be greater in HMD-VR than in CS. This increased cognitive load was related to decreased use of explicit, cognitive mechanisms early in adaptation. Moreover, increased cognitive load was also related to decreased long-term motor memory formation. Finally, training in HMD-VR resulted in decreased long-term retention and context transfer.

Conclusions

Our findings show that cognitive load increases in HMD-VR and relates to explicit learning and long-term motor memory formation during motor learning. Future studies should examine what factors cause increased cognitive load in HMD-VR motor learning and whether this impacts HMD-VR training and long-term retention in clinical populations.
Diagnostic challenge in mixed phenotype acute leukemia with T/megakaryocyte or T/myeloid lineages accompanied by t(3;3)
Authors: Jia Yannan , Lin Dong , Wang Zhe , Li Chengwen , Wang Huijun , Wang Jianxiang , Mi Yingchang
Published: October 2022

Background

The diagnosis of mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL) with T/megakaryocyte or T/myeloid lineages accompanied by t(3;3) is always a challenge. Therefore, multiple experimental methods are usually required to avoid misdiagnosis. In this report, we presented a rare case of MPAL with T/myeloid lineages accompanied by t(3;3) and discussed the experience of differential diagnosis and our appreciation of the MPAL with T/megakaryocyte and T/myeloid lineages accompanied by t(3;3).

Case presentation:

A 31-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital due to recurrent fever for 20 days. Two distinct blast populations were detected by flow cytometry analysis: one population fulfills the immunophenotypic criteria for T-lymphoblastic leukemia, while the other population is highly suggestive of megakaryoblasts. These immunophenotypic features support the diagnosis of MPAL (T/megakaryocyte), which is rarely reported​. Interestingly, a complex karyotype was detected afterward by cytogenetics with t(3;3)(q21;q26.2), indicating a diagnosis of AML with t(3;3), a subset of which is also characterized by megakaryocytic markers such as CD41 and CD61. It seems that the second blast population detected by flow cytometry could not be classified into either diagnosis based on the morphology, immunophenotyping, and even cytogenetic findings, posing a real diagnostic problem because of the lack of clear-cut cytogenetic morphological defined criteria to distinguish between acute megakaryocytic leukemia and AML with t(3;3). Combining all of the examination data, this case was ultimately diagnosed as MPAL (T + My)-NOS with t(3;3) through differential diagnosis. Before the cytogenetic results were available, the patient received an acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) regimen for MPAL treatment, but the effect was unsatisfactory. After the diagnosis was clear, she received an AML-like regimen with azacitidine for 7 days and venetoclax for 14 days, and achieved complete morphological remission.

Conclusion

MPAL with either T/megakaryocyte or T/myeloid lineages accompanied by t(3;3) is rare, and it is difficult to make a clear diagnosis. Thus, comprehensive examinations, including bone marrow cell morphology, flow cytometry analysis, cytogenetics, and molecular analysis are recommended to avoid misdiagnosis. AML-like regimen including azacitidine and venetoclax may be effective for treating MPAL (T + My)-NOS with t(3;3).
Ex vivo γH2AX assay for tumor radiosensitivity in primary prostate cancer patients and correlation with clinical parameters
Authors: Marinescu Ioana M. , Rogg Manuel , Spohn Simon , von Büren Moritz , Kamps Marius , Jilg Cordula A. , Fountzila Elena , Papadopoulou Kyriaki , Ceci Lara , Bettermann Alisa , Ruf Juri , Benndorf Matthias , Adebahr Sonja , Zips Daniel , Grosu Anca L. , Schell Christoph , Zamboglou Constantinos
Published: October 2022

Backround

Accurate surrogate parameters for radio resistance are warranted for individualized radiotherapy (RT) concepts in prostate cancer (PCa). The purpose of this study was to assess intertumoral heterogeneity in terms of radio resistance using an ex-vivo γH2AX assay after irradiation of prostate biopsy cores and to investigate its correlation with clinical features of respective patients as well as imaging and genomic features of tumor areas.

Methods

Twenty one patients with histologically-proven PCa and pre-therapeutic multiparametric resonance imaging and prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography were included in the study. Biopsy cores were collected from 26 PCa foci. Residual γH2AX foci were counted 24 h after ex-vivo irradiation (with 0 and 4 Gy) of biopsy specimen and served as a surrogate for radio resistance. Clinical, genomic (next generation sequencing) and imaging features were collected and their association with the radio resistance was studied.

Results

In total 18 PCa lesions from 16 patients were included in the final analysis. The median γH2AX foci value per PCa lesion was 3.12. According to this, the patients were divided into two groups (radio sensitive vs. radio resistant) with significant differences in foci number (p < 0.0001). The patients in the radio sensitive group had significantly higher prostate specific antigen serum concentration (p = 0.015), tumor areas in the radio sensitive group had higher SUV (standardized uptake values in PSMA PET)-max and -mean values (p = 0.0037, p = 0.028) and lower ADC (apparent diffusion coefficient-mean values, p = 0.049). All later parameters had significant (p < 0.05) correlations in Pearson’s test. One patient in the radio sensitive group displayed a previously not reported loss of function frameshift mutation in the NBN gene (c.654_658delAAAAC) that introduces a premature termination codon and results in a truncated protein.

Conclusion

In this pilot study, significant differences in intertumoral radio resistance were observed and clinical as well as imaging parameters may be applied for their prediction. After further prospective validation in larger patient cohorts these finding may lead to individual RT dose prescription for PCa patients in the future.
Right vertical axillary incision for atrial septal defect: a propensity score matched study
Authors: Yang Xiaohui , Hu Yuan , Dong Jie , Huang Peng , Luo Jinwen , Yang Guangxian , Deng Xicheng
Published: October 2022

Background

Atrial septal defect is one of the most common types of congenital heart disease. This study aims to explore the surgical and cosmetic effects of open-heart surgery with right vertical axillary incision for simple congenital heart disease in infants.

Methods

From June 2018 to October 2021, children who underwent direct surgery of atrial septal defect in our department were selected for a propensity score matched study. Those with direct surgery through the right vertical axillary incision were included in the right vertical axillary incision group. According to age and weight, propensity score matching method was employed to match children from the right vertical axillary incision group with those undergoing direct surgery through median sternotomy (median sternotomy group) at a 1:2 ratio. Surgery outcomes between two groups were compared to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of right vertical axillary incision group.

Results

The median incision length (median, [interquartile range]) in right vertical axillary incision group (4.8 cm, [4.0–5.0]) was shorter than that in median sternotomy group (p < 0.001). The median drainage volume of drainage tube of the right vertical axillary incision group (117.5 ml, [92.8,152.8]) was smaller than that of median sternotomy group (p = 0.021). While no residual bubbles cases in the left and right ventricles and outflow tract were present in the right vertical axillary incision group, 44% of residual air bubble rate in right ventricular outflow tract was detected in median sternotomy group (p = 0.001). Additional sedation and analgesia (p = 0.003), wound infection or poor healing (p = 0.047), thoracic deformity healing (p = 0.029) and appearance satisfaction questionnaire (p = 0.018) in the right vertical axillary incision group were better than those in the median sternotomy group.

Conclusion

Right axillary vertical incision can effectively reduce surgical trauma, accelerate postoperative rehabilitation. This surgical approach also provides better cosmetic effect, which is easily accepted by children’s families and worthy of further clinical application.
Flavokawain A is a natural inhibitor of PRMT5 in bladder cancer
Authors: Liu Shuangjie , Liu Zhuonan , Piao Chiyuan , Zhang Zhe , Kong Chuize , Yin Lei , Liu Xi
Published: October 2022

Background

Protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) regulate protein biological activity by modulating arginine methylation in cancer and are increasingly recognized as potential drug targets. Inhibitors targeting PRMTs are currently in the early phases of clinical trials and more candidate drugs are needed. Flavokawain A (FKA), extracted from kava plant, has been recognized as a potential chemotherapy drug in bladder cancer (BC), but its action mechanism remains unclear.

Methods

We first determined the role of a type II PRMT, PRMT5, in BC tissue samples and performed cytological experiments. We then utilized bioinformatics tools, including computational simulation, virtual screening, molecular docking, and energy analysis, to identify the potential use of PRMT5 inhibitors for BC treatment. In vitro and in vivo co-IP and mutation assays were performed to elucidate the molecular mechanism of PRMT5 inhibitor. Pharmacology experiments like bio-layer interferometry, CETSA, and pull-down assays were further used to provide direct evidence of the complex binding process.

Results

Among PRMTs, PRMT5 was identified as a therapeutic target for BC. PRMT5 expression in BC was correlated with poor prognosis and manipulating its expression could affect cancer cell growth. Through screening and extensive experimental validation, we recognized that a natural product, FKA, was a small new inhibitor molecule for PRMT5. We noticed that the product could inhibit the action of BC, in vitro and in vivo, by inhibiting PRMT5. We further demonstrated that FKA blocks the symmetric arginine dimethylation of histone H2A and H4 by binding to Y304 and F580 of PRMT5.

Conclusions

In summary, our research strongly suggests that PRMT5 is a potential epigenetic therapeutic target in bladder cancer, and that FKA can be used as a targeted inhibitor of PRMT5 for the treatment of bladder cancer.
Investigating the association between cancer and dementia risk: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Zhang Dan-Dan , Ou Ya-Nan , Yang Liu , Ma Ya-Hui , Tan Lan , Feng Jian-Feng , Cheng Wei , Yu Jin-Tai
Published: October 2022

Background

Previous studies found that cancer survivors had a reduced risk of dementia compared with the general population. However, these findings were uncertain because of survivor bias and a lack of stratification by cancer types. This current cohort study used data from the UK Biobank to explore these associations.

Methods

Multivariable Cox regression analyses were used to examine the association of cancer status and the risk of dementia with its subtypes after adjusting for age and sex. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated as a measure of relative risk by comparing observed dementia incidence among cancer patients.

Results

We included 263,151 participants in the observational analysis. During a median follow-up of 9.18 years, dementia was diagnosed in 472 individuals with cancer and 3685 individuals without cancer, respectively. Cancer patients had lower risks of dementia (hazard ratio: 0.89, confidence interval: 0.81–0.98) and its subtypes (Alzheimer’s disease [AD]: 0.85 [0.74–0.98]; vascular dementia [VD]: 0.81 [0.66–0.99]) in the Cox regression adjusted for age and sex. Individuals with cancers in the male genital system had substantially reduced risks of dementia (0.66 [0.46–0.93]) and AD (0.53 [0.29–0.97]) than those with cancers in other systems. Moreover, non-melanoma skin cancer and prostate cancer were associated with a reduced risk of dementia (0.79 [0.62–0.99]; 0.69 [0.49–0.97]), but not with AD or VD (P>0.05).

Conclusions

The current study supported a negative association between cancer and dementia risk, and encourages further exploration of the mechanistic basis of this inverse relationship to improve understanding.
Painful lower limb nodules as first symptom of resectable pancreatic acinar cell cancer: a case report
Authors: Haenen S. M. , Tol J. A. M. G. , van Steen S. C. J. , Busch O. R. , Sarasqueta A. Farine , Roshani S. , Wolkerstorfer A. , van der Linden M. M. D. , Wilmink J. W. , Post H. C. , Besselink M. G.
Published: October 2022

Background

Pancreatic panniculitis is characterized by subcutaneous fat necrosis and is a rare presentation of an underlying pancreatic disease, appearing in approximately 2–3% of all patients with a pancreatic disease. The nodules usually involve the lower extremities. Pancreatic panniculitis is commonly associated with acute or chronic pancreatitis, and occasionally with pancreatic cancer, especially acinar cell carcinoma.

Case presentation

A 77-year-old Caucasian woman with no significant medical history was referred to our center with multiple painful, itchy, and warm red/blue cutaneous nodules on the left lower leg. These skin lesions were consistent with the clinical diagnosis of panniculitis. The skin biopsy obtained showed a predominantly lobular panniculitis with fat necrosis of which the aspect was highly suspicious for pancreatic panniculitis. Further analysis revealed high lipase serum of > 3000 U/L (normal range < 60 U/L), and on computed tomography scan a mass located between the stomach and the left pancreas was seen. Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine-needle biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of acinar cell carcinoma. After discussing the patient in the pancreatobiliary multidisciplinary team meeting, laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy including splenectomy and en bloc wedge resection of the stomach due to tumor in-growth was performed. The cutaneous nodules on both legs disappeared 1–2 days after surgery. No long-term complications were reported during follow-up. One year after surgery, the patient presented with similar symptoms as preoperatively. Computed tomography scan showed local recurrence and distal metastases, which were subsequently confirmed by biopsy. She started with palliative folinic acid–fluorouracil–irinotecan–oxaliplatin chemotherapy but stopped after two cycles because of disease progression. The patient died 2 months later, 13 months after surgical resection.

Conclusion

This case illustrates the importance of clinically recognizing cutaneous nodules and pathological recognizing the specific microscopic changes as sign of a (malignant) pancreatic disease.
Estimating interactions in individual participant data meta-analysis: a comparison of methods in practice
Authors: Walker Ruth , Stewart Lesley , Simmonds Mark
Published: October 2022

Medical interventions may be more effective in some types of individuals than others and identifying characteristics that modify the effectiveness of an intervention is a cornerstone of precision or stratified medicine. The opportunity for detailed examination of treatment-covariate interactions can be an important driver for undertaking an individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis, rather than a meta-analysis using aggregate data. A number of recent modelling approaches are available. We apply these methods to the Perinatal Antiplatelet Review of International Studies (PARIS) Collaboration IPD dataset and compare estimates between them. We discuss the practical implications of applying these methods, which may be of interest to aid meta-analysists in the use of these, often complex models.

Models compared included the two-stage meta-analysis of interaction terms and one-stage models which fit multiple random effects and separate within and between trial information. Models were fitted for nine covariates and five binary outcomes and results compared.

Interaction terms produced by the methods were generally consistent. We show that where data are sparse and there is low heterogeneity in the covariate distributions across trials, the meta-analysis of interactions may produce unstable estimates and have issues with convergence. In this IPD dataset, varying assumptions by using multiple random effects in one-stage models or using only within trial information made little difference to the estimates of treatment-covariate interaction. Method choice will depend on datasets characteristics and individual preference.
Almost sure exponential stability of nonlinear stochastic delay hybrid systems driven by G-Brownian motion
Authors: Wei Chao
Published: October 2022

G-Brownian motion has potential applications in uncertainty problems and risk measures, which has attracted the attention of many scholars. This study investigates the almost sure exponential stability of nonlinear stochastic delay hybrid systems driven by G-Brownian motion. Due to the non-linearity of G-expectation and distribution uncertainty of G-Brownian motion, it is difficult to study this issue. Firstly, the existence of the global unique solution is derived under the linear growth condition and local Lipschitz condition. Secondly, the almost sure exponential stability of the system is analyzed by applying the G-Lyapunov function and G-Itô formula. Finally, an example is introduced to illustrate the stability. The conclusions of this paper can be applied to the stability and risk management of uncertain financial markets.
Fog computing application of cyber-physical models of IoT devices with symbolic approximation algorithms
Authors: Choi Deok-Kee
Published: October 2022

Smart manufacturing systems based on cloud computing deal with large amounts of data for various IoT devices, resulting in several challenges, including high latency and high bandwidth usage. Since fog computing physically close to IoT devices can alleviate these issues, much attention has recently been focused on this area. Fans are nearly ubiquitous in manufacturing sites for cooling and ventilation purposes. Thereby, we built a fan system with an accelerometer installed and monitored the operating state of the fan. We analyzed time-series data transmitted from the accelerometer. We applied machine learning under streaming data analytics at the fog computing level to create a fan’s cyber-physical model (CPM). This work employed the symbolic approximation algorithm to approximate the time series data as symbols of arbitrary length. We compared the performance of CPMs made with five time-series classification (TSC) algorithms to monitor the state of the fan for anomalies in real time. The CPM made with the BOSS VS algorithm, a symbol approximation algorithm, accurately determined the current state of the fan within a fog computing environment, achieving approximately 98% accuracy at a 95% confidence level. Furthermore, we conducted a posthoc analysis, running statistical rigor tests on experimental data and simulation results. The workflow proposed in this work would be expected to be utilized for various IoT devices in smart manufacturing systems.
The CIVISANO protocol: a mixed-method study about the role of objective and perceived environmental factors on physical activity and eating behavior among socioeconomically disadvantaged adults
Authors: D’Hooghe Suzannah , Inaç Yasemin , De Clercq Eva , Deforche Benedicte , Dury Sarah , Vandevijvere Stefanie , Van de Weghe Nico , Van Dyck Delfien , De Ridder Karin
Published: October 2022

Background

Overweight and obesity have a strong socioeconomic profile. Unhealthy behaviors like insufficient physical activity and an unbalanced diet, which are causal factors of overweight and obesity, tend to be more pronounced in socioeconomically disadvantaged groups in high income countries. The CIVISANO project aims to identify objective and perceived environmental factors among different socioeconomic population groups that impede or facilitate physical activity and healthy eating behavior in the local context of two peri-urban Flemish municipalities in Belgium. We also aim to identify and discuss possible local interventions and evaluate the participatory processes of the project.

Methods

This study (2020–2023) will use community-based participatory tools, involving collaborative partnerships with civic and stakeholder members of the community and regular exchanges among all partners to bridge knowledge development and health promotion for socioeconomically disadvantaged citizens. Furthermore, a mixed-methods approach will be used. A population survey and geographic analysis will explore potential associations between the physical activity and eating behaviors of socioeconomically disadvantaged adults (25–65 years old) and both their perceived and objective physical, food and social environments. Profound perceptive context information will be gathered from socioeconomically disadvantaged adults by using participatory methods like photovoice, walk-along, individual map creation and group model building. An evaluation of the participatory process will be conducted simultaneously.

Discussion

The CIVISANO project will identify factors in the local environment that might provoke inequities in adopting a healthy lifestyle. The combination of perceived and objective measures using validated strategies will provide a robust assessment of the municipality environment. Through this analysis, the project will investigate to what extent community engagement can be a useful strategy to reduce health inequities. The strong knowledge exchange and capacity-building in a local setting is expected to contribute to our understanding of how to maximize research impact in this field and generate evidence about potential linkages between a health enhancing lifestyle among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups and their physical, food and social environments.
Forensic investigation of microtraces on an item of Dutch eighteenth century clothing in the Rijksmuseum collection
Authors: Goedhart Yoram Ray , Keune Katrien , Meijer Suzan , van Asten Arian
Published: October 2022

Most garments in museum collections have belonged to people of high societal status. Clothing of the common people, however, has rarely been preserved. Because of this, the conservation of such rare items is of special importance. The current study focuses on such an object from the Rijksmuseum collection; a pair of eighteenth century breeches that were retrieved from an anonymous grave on Spitsbergen. As these breeches contain several unidentified materials, it is unclear how best to conduct the conservation of the object. The identification of trace material plays a key role within criminal law and therefore, it is hypothesized that a forensic approach could provide a suitable framework within this case of cultural heritage as well. After forensic examination, trace material was analyzed using a microscopy-based approach and was found to be mainly of biological origin. Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) and Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy indicated the presence of human skin remains. It was concluded that a modern forensic approach can successfully be applied to a historical object within cultural heritage and can assist decision-making regarding possible future conservation of the object. The systematic application of the forensic methodology was found to be appropriate with little to no modification to classify and identify trace materials, but further improvements could be made. The current work should be seen as a starting point that allows for more questions regarding museum objects to be answered in a forensic manner, including aspects such as authenticity, the chain of custody, the context, original use and object conservation.
Health supply chain system in Uganda: assessment of status and of performance of health facilities
Authors: Lugada Eric , Ochola Irene , Kirunda Anthony , Sembatya Moses , Mwebaze Sheila , Olowo Martin , Ladwar Denis Okidi , Komakech Henry
Published: October 2022

Background

Health supply chain systems are essential for effective and efficient healthcare system by ensuring availability of quality essential medicines and health supplies. While several interventions have been made to ensure the availability of quality essential medicines and health supplies, health facilities continue to report stockouts in Uganda.

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the status and performance of the supply chain system across all levels of care in health facilities in Uganda.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 128 public and private-not-for-profit health facilities across 48 districts in Uganda. These facilities included all levels of care from Health Centres II, III, IV, general and referral hospitals, and national referral hospitals. Data were collected using desk reviews, health facility surveys, and key informant interviews with key personnel. Stock registers were reviewed to assess the availability of a basket of essential medicines based on the essential medicines list of the Ministry of Health.

Results

Less than half (42%) of health facilities had computer hardware. Most (84%) of health facilities were using a form of Logistics Management Information System with only (6%) were using the Electronic Logistics Management Information System. Just under a third (33%) of health information officers and (51%) of public health officers’ positions were filled in the health facilities. Nearly (66%) of health facilities used supply chain data to support decision-making. Most (84%) of health facilities reported stockouts of Essential Medicines and Health Supplies in the past 6 months. The main reasons for stockouts were (59%) a sudden increase in demand (40%) delivery gaps/delayed deliveries and (35%) discrepancies in orders and deliveries. Health facilities responded to stockouts through various means including (75%) redistribution (43%) purchased from a distributor, and (30%) placing emergency orders.

Conclusions

The findings from this study show that the performance of health facilities in different supply chain processes and functions was defective. To improve the supply chain performance of health facilities, it is important to invest in infrastructure development, provide computer hardware and internet connection and strengthen  the capacity key personnel. This is key for ensuring full functionality of the supply chain and availability of quality medicines and health supplies to the end-user.
Impact of Pt grain size on ferroelectric properties of zirconium hafnium oxide by chemical solution deposition
Authors: Nguyen An Hoang-Thuy , Nguyen Manh-Cuong , Nguyen Anh-Duy , Yim Ji-Yong , Kim Jeong-Han , Park No-Hwal , Jeon Seung-Joon , Kwon Daewoong , Choi Rino
Published: October 2022

The effects of the grain size of Pt bottom electrodes on the ferroelectricity of hafnium zirconium oxide (HZO) were studied in terms of the orthorhombic phase transformation. HZO thin films were deposited by chemical solution deposition on the Pt bottom electrodes with various grain sizes which had been deposited by direct current sputtering. All the samples were crystallized by rapid thermal annealing at 700 °C to allow a phase transformation. The crystallographic phases were determined by grazing incidence X-ray diffraction, which showed that the bottom electrode with smaller Pt grains resulted in a larger orthorhombic phase composition in the HZO film. As a result, capacitors with smaller Pt grains for the bottom electrode showed greater ferroelectric polarization. The smaller grains produced larger in-plane stress which led to more orthorhombic phase transformation and higher ferroelectric polarization.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Mutagenesis combined with fermentation optimization to enhance gibberellic acid GA3 yield in Fusarium fujikuroi
Authors: Li Ya-Wen , Yang Cai-Ling , Peng Hui , Nie Zhi-Kui , Shi Tian-Qiong , Huang He
Published: October 2022

Gibberellic acid (GA3) is a plant growth hormone that plays an important role in the production of crops, fruits, and vegetables with a wide market share. Due to intrinsic advantages, liquid fermentation of Fusarium fujikuroi has become the sole method for industrial GA3 production, but the broader application of GA3 is hindered by low titer. In this study, we combined atmospheric and room-temperature plasma (ARTP) with ketoconazole-based screening to obtain the mutant strain 3-6-1 with high yield of GA3. Subsequently, the medium composition and fermentation parameters were systematically optimized to increase the titer of GA3, resulting in a 2.5-fold increase compared with the titer obtained under the initial conditions. Finally, considering that the strain is prone to substrate inhibition and glucose repression, a new strategy of fed-batch fermentation was adopted to increase the titer of GA3 to 575.13 mg/L, which was 13.86% higher than the control. The strategy of random mutagenesis combined with selection and fermentation optimization developed in this study provides a basis for subsequent research on the industrial production of GA3.

Graphical Abstract
Rethinking language policy and planning in the Greater Bay Area of China: insights from translanguaging theory
Authors: Wen Zhisheng , Han Lili , Hu Guangwei , Teng Mark Feng
Published: October 2022

This special issue sets out to revisit major bilingual and multilingual education policy and planning issues in key cities across the dynamic Greater Bay Area (GBA) of China (including Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau), as informed by the emerging insights from translanguaging theory (Li in Appl Linguist 39(1):9–30, 2018). Specifically, contributions are invited from the GBA and beyond to trace the milestone developments of relevant language policy and planning (LPP) initiatives featuring governmental policies on the language of instruction (e.g., English as Medium of Instruction, Chinese as Medium of Instruction) and the daily use of multiple linguistic resources or repertoires (e.g., language learner's L1 or mother tongue) in foreign/second language classrooms and/or in content-based classroom instruction. As such, major papers in the special issue not only set out to provide historical and analytical reviews of these related LPP issues across Hong Kong, Macau, and Guangdong Province but also reflect upon the language use and behaviors of the residents, showcasing their identity and attitudes and ideological stance toward the multiple languages that are being taught or used in daily life. Toward the end, we outline our research agendas for future endeavors in broader domains in the GBA and beyond through the translanguaging analytical tools. Overall, our position is that the GBA presents itself as an evolving, complex, and superdiverse zone of “Translanguaging Spaces” within which key LPP issues may need to be reconceptualized and implemented in such a way so as to fully reflect the dynamic and fluid multilingual, multicultural, and multisemiotic lived reality of the residents in this megapolis region.
Between cosmopolitanism and parochialism: return migration of early-career Israeli academics
Authors: Israel Emil , Cohen Nir
Published: October 2022

Mobile academics have traditionally been conceived as cosmopolitan subjects who favor cultural diversity and search for new professional opportunities abroad. Their return to the homeland could therefore be interpreted as a sign of parochialism, which narrows down their professional opportunities and limits their exposure to global resources. In this article, we compare returning and non-returning academics with respect to their parochial and/or cosmopolitan tendencies. Drawing on a sample of 223 Israeli Early-Career Researchers (ECRs), we examine their cosmopolitan—or otherwise parochial—propensities and assess the effect they have on their return decisions. We use statistical tests to analyze the effects of cultural orientation, attachment to the homeland-based national community, and patriotic feelings on their propensity to return. Our findings suggest that in comparison with their co-nationals who opted to remain abroad, returning ECRs exhibit higher levels of parochialism, reflected throughinter aliastronger communal dispositions and patriotic attachment as well as geographically limited job search.
Reduction of normal-moveout stretch using nonstationary scaling transformation in time-frequency domain
Authors: Khoshnavaz M. Javad , Roshandel Kahoo Amin , Soleimani Monfared Mehrdad , Siahkoohi Hamid Reza
Published: October 2022

The normal-moveout (NMO) stretch causes decrease in the dominant frequency of seismic wavelet after conventional NMO correction and severely damages the quality of the stacked data for shallower reflectors at far offsets. Muting, which is commonly used to handle this problem, reduces seismic fold and negatively affects results of the amplitude-variation-with-offset analysis within the stretched area. We found a novel approach to reduce the stretching phenomenon through compensating the lost frequencies by increasing the dominant frequency of the seismic wavelet before applying the NMO correction. The added so-called compensated frequencies are defined according to the difference between the dominant frequency of the original seismic wavelet and the assumed stretched wavelet after the NMO correction. The corresponding procedure considers frequency content of each time sample along each trace in the time-frequency domain using the Gabor transform. As such, the dominant frequency of the seismic wavelets is increased in a nonstationary manner. Performance of our method is evaluated by applying it on the synthetic and field data examples. The obtained results suggest that this approach provides common-midpoint (CMP) gathers with reduced stretching effect, with the potential to be considered as another alternative for nonstretch NMO correction. However, it should be noted that the presented method resolves neither the problem of intersecting events nor the multiples in the CMP gather. This method also cannot handle highly contaminated noise data and does not contribute in removing multiples during the frequency compensation process.
Uncertainty quantification of geologic model parameters in 3D gravity inversion by Hessian-informed Markov chain Monte Carlo
Authors: Liang Zhouji , Wellmann Florian , Ghattas Omar
Published: October 2022

Geologic modeling has been widely adopted to investigate underground structures. However, modeling processes inevitably have uncertainties due to scarcity of data, measurement errors, and simplification of the modeling method. Recent developments in geomodeling methods have introduced a Bayesian framework to constrain the model uncertainties by considering the additional geophysical data in the modeling procedure. Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods are normally used as tools to solve the Bayesian inference problem. To achieve a more efficient posterior exploration, advances in MCMC methods use derivative information. Hence, we introduce an approach to efficiently evaluate second-order derivatives in geologic modeling and adopt a Hessian-informed MCMC method, the generalized preconditioned Crank-Nicolson (gpCN), as a tool to solve the 3D model-based gravity Bayesian inversion problem. The result is compared with two other widely applied MCMC methods, random-walk Metropolis–Hastings and Hamiltonian Monte Carlo, on a synthetic geologic model and a realistic structural model of the Kevitsa deposit. Our experiment demonstrates that superior performance is achieved by the gpCN compared with the other two state-of-the-art sampling methods. This indicates the potential of the proposed method to be generalized to more complex models.
Calculation of the stable Poynting vector using the first-order temporal derivative of the seismic wavefield
Authors: Li Zhiyuan , Wang Jiquan , Ma Xiaona , Wang Runjie
Published: October 2022

The Poynting vector is a powerful tool for calculating the propagation directions of a seismic wavefield, and it has a wide range of applications in reverse time migration. However, an instability issue commonly arises while calculating the Poynting vector. The Poynting vector is a product of the temporal and spatial derivatives of the wavefield. The two derivatives are equal to zero at the local extrema of the seismic wavefield, so the Poynting vector cannot provide the propagation directions at these points. Stabilizing techniques, such as smoothing, optical flow (OF) methods, and time-shifting methods, can be applied to address this issue. However, each of these three types of methods comes with trade-offs. Smoothing is easy to implement but has a low angular resolution, whereas the OF and time-shift techniques have high angular resolutions but are computationally inefficient. We have developed a new method that achieves high resolution and high computational efficiency. Based on the fact that a seismic wavefield and its first-order temporal derivative have the same direction of propagation, and that the unstable points of their Poynting vectors are at different locations, we use the first-order temporal derivative of the seismic wavefield to stabilize its Poynting vector calculation. Our method is nearly as accurate as the OF and time-shift techniques and is more computationally efficient than the smoothing technique. Finally, we use numerical simulations to verify the effectiveness of our method.
Hierarchical wave-mode separation in the poroelastic medium using eigenform analysis
Authors: Tian Yiwei , Yang Jidong , Li Zhenchun , Huang Jianping , Qin Shanyuan
Published: October 2022

In the elastic medium, the scalar and vector P- and S-waves decomposition has been extensively studied and some strategies can be extended to the poroelastic medium to extract P- and S-wavefields. However, there are three propagation modes in the poroelastic medium in Biot’s theory, namely, a fast P wave, a slow P wave, and an S wave. Because the propagation characteristic of a slow P wave is different from that of a fast P wave and S wave, the wavefield separation methods in the elastic medium cannot be directly applied to the poroelastic medium to produce a complete wave-mode separation. Based on the eigenform analysis, we have developed a hierarchical wavefield decomposition method to completely separate S waves and fast and slow P waves in the poroelastic medium. Using the Helmholtz decomposition, we first compute scalar and vector potential wavefields to separate P and S waves. Then, a cross-product operator is proposed to decompose fast and slow P waves based on their different polarization directions. To produce correct amplitudes and phases, we apply another cross-product operator and an amplitude correction term to the separated wavefields. Three numerical examples demonstrate that our method can produce accurate fast P-wave, slow P-wave, and S-wave separation results, and the decomposed fast and slow P waves have the same phases and amplitudes as the P-wave potential wavefields.