bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nivolumab Plus Ipilimumab Versus EXTREME Regimen as First-Line Treatment for Recurrent/Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: The Final Results of CheckMate 651
Authors: Haddad Robert I. , Harrington Kevin , Tahara Makoto , Ferris Robert L. , Gillison Maura , Fayette Jerome , Daste Amaury , Koralewski Piotr , Zurawski Bogdan , Taberna Miren , Saba Nabil F. , Mak Milena , Kawecki Andrzej , Girotto Gustavo , Alvarez Avitia Miguel Angel , Even Caroline , Toledo Joaquin Gabriel Reinoso , Guminski Alexander , Müller-Richter Urs , Kiyota Naomi , Roberts Mustimbo , Khan Tariq Aziz , Miller-Moslin Karen , Wei Li , Argiris Athanassios
Published: December 2022

PURPOSE

CheckMate 651 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02741570 ) evaluated first-line nivolumab plus ipilimumab versus EXTREME (cetuximab plus cisplatin/carboplatin plus fluorouracil ≤ six cycles, then cetuximab maintenance) in recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (R/M SCCHN).

METHODS

Patients without prior systemic therapy for R/M SCCHN were randomly assigned 1:1 to nivolumab plus ipilimumab or EXTREME. Primary end points were overall survival (OS) in the all randomly assigned and programmed death-ligand 1 combined positive score (CPS) ≥ 20 populations. Secondary end points included OS in the programmed death-ligand 1 CPS ≥ 1 population, and progression-free survival, objective response rate, and duration of response in the all randomly assigned and CPS ≥ 20 populations.

RESULTS

Among 947 patients randomly assigned, 38.3% had CPS ≥ 20. There were no statistically significant differences in OS with nivolumab plus ipilimumab versus EXTREME in the all randomly assigned (median: 13.9 v 13.5 months; hazard ratio [HR], 0.95; 97.9% CI, 0.80 to 1.13; P = .4951) and CPS ≥ 20 (median: 17.6 v 14.6 months; HR, 0.78; 97.51% CI, 0.59 to 1.03; P = .0469) populations. In patients with CPS ≥ 1, the median OS was 15.7 versus 13.2 months (HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.69 to 0.97). Among patients with CPS ≥ 20, the median progression-free survival was 5.4 months (nivolumab plus ipilimumab) versus 7.0 months (EXTREME), objective response rate was 34.1% versus 36.0%, and median duration of response was 32.6 versus 7.0 months. Grade 3/4 treatment-related adverse events occurred in 28.2% of patients treated with nivolumab plus ipilimumab versus 70.7% treated with EXTREME.

CONCLUSION

CheckMate 651 did not meet its primary end points of OS in the all randomly assigned or CPS ≥ 20 populations. Nivolumab plus ipilimumab showed a favorable safety profile compared with EXTREME. There continues to be a need for new therapies in patients with R/M SCCHN.
Cross-Sectional Analysis of Clinical Trial Availability and North Carolina Neighborhood Social Vulnerability
Authors: Grant Shakira J. , Jansen Matthew , Kuo Tzy-Mey , Rubinstein Samuel M. , Wildes Tanya M. , Tuchman Sascha A. , Muss Hyman B. , Lichtman Eben I. , Charlot Marjory
Published: December 2022

PURPOSE:

Residents of communities facing social vulnerability (eg, poverty) have limited access to clinical trials, leaving them susceptible to experiencing poor health outcomes. We examined the association between North Carolina county-level social vulnerability and available multiple myeloma (MM) trials.

METHODS:

Using a novel data linkage between ClinicalTrials.gov, the 2019 American Community Survey, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Social Vulnerability Index, we investigated at the county level (1) availability of MM trial sites and (2) the relationship between Social Vulnerability Index and MM trial site availability using logistic regression.

RESULTS:

Between 2002 and 2021, 229 trials were registered across 462 nonunique trial sites in 34 counties. Nearly 50% of trial sites were in academic medical centers, 80% (n = 372) of all trials were industry-sponsored, 60% (n = 274) were early-phase, and 50% (n = 232) were for patients with relapsed or refractory MM. Counties with low as opposed to high poverty rates had six times greater odds of having ≥ 1 MM trial sites (odds ratio [OR], 5.60; 95% CI, 1.85 to 19.64; P = .004). Counties with the lowest percentage of Black Indigenous Persons of Color and non-native English speakers had 77% lower odds (OR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.07 to 0.69; P = .011) of having ≥ 1 trial sites. The effect remained significant after accounting for the presence of five academic medical centers (n = 95; OR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.05 to 0.6; P = .008) and adjustment for metropolitan, suburban, or rural status (OR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.07 to 0.81; P = .025).

CONCLUSION:

Counties with the lowest poverty rates had more MM trial sites, whereas those with the lowest percentage of Black Indigenous Persons of Color populations had fewer MM trial sites. Multilevel efforts are needed to improve the availability and access to trials for socially vulnerable populations.
Personalized dental medicine, artificial intelligence, and their relevance for dentomaxillofacial imaging
Authors: Hung Kuo Feng , Yeung Andy Wai Kan , Bornstein Michael M. , Schwendicke Falk
Published: December 2022

Personalized medicine refers to the tailoring of diagnostics and therapeutics to individuals based on one’s biological, social, and behavioral characteristics. While personalized dental medicine is still far from being a reality, advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies with improved data analytic approaches are expected to integrate diverse data from the individual, setting, and system levels, which may facilitate a deeper understanding of the interaction of these multilevel data and therefore bring us closer to more personalized, predictive, preventive, and participatory dentistry, also known as P4 dentistry. In the field of dentomaxillofacial imaging, a wide range of AI applications, including several commercially available software options, have been proposed to assist dentists in the diagnosis and treatment planning of various dentomaxillofacial diseases, with performance similar or even superior to that of specialists. Notably, the impact of these dental AI applications on treatment decision, clinical and patient-reported outcomes, and cost-effectiveness has so far been assessed sparsely. Such information should be further investigated in future studies to provide patients, providers, and healthcare organizers a clearer picture of the true usefulness of AI in daily dental practice.
Analysis of Albania's diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union during the years 1948-1959
Authors: Xhaferri Manjola , tase mirela
Published: December 2022

Background: This paper aims to shed light on a very intense period of relations between Albania and the Soviet Union (USSR), focusing on the period from 1948 with the intensification of Albania's relations with the USSR until the termination of diplomatic relations in 1959. The main objective of this paper is to know the truth of the relations of the USSR and its behavior with Albania.

Methods: The paper focuses on analyzing this period as a case study, selecting three levels (context-actors-outcomes). Evaluation of the period (1948-1959) is done through the identification of key indicators and the implications of the relationship in domestic and international contexts. The sources used include documents, interviews, films, newspapers, and books. We requested permission to use the Archival resources of the Albanian Central State Archives (AQSH), where they made some accessible non-state secret resources workable only within the archive available to us.

Results: The facts show that the relations between Albania and the USSR benefitted Albania more. particularly with a lot of economic support from the USSR, which helped Albania emerge from crisis and build the so-called ‘socialist state’. Through these relations and contributions, Albania took its place in the international arena. We find that this may be because of the geographical position of Albania, as the construction of the Pashaliman naval base and the bay of Vlora indicates.

Conclusions: This study tries to demystify this relationship that has had a lot of ambiguity cast over it. Documents of the AQSH do not provide an unbiased overview, as they were compiled with an ideologically charged spirit, making it difficult for researchers to reach conclusions without ideological input from both sides. We hope that we will have the opportunity to access restricted documents to provide a clearer picture of the relations between Albania and the USSR.
Case Report: The first reported case of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis with myasthenia gravis in a 27-year-old patient
Authors: Ben Hmida Lenda , Mejri Islam , Kacem Maroua , Msalmani Mariem , Blibech Hana , Snène Houda , Ayadi Aida , Zaouali Jamel , Moatemri Zied
Published: December 2022

Background: Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis is a very rare diffuse lung disease characterized by the accumulation of amorphous and periodic acid Schiff-positive lipoproteinaceous material in the alveolar spaces due to impaired surfactant clearance by alveolar macrophages. Three main types were identified: Autoimmune, secondary and congenital. Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis has been previously reported to be associated with several systemic auto-immune diseases. Accordingly, we present the first case report of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis associated with myasthenia gravis.

Case: A 27-year-old female patient, ex-smoker, developed a dyspnea on exertion in 2020. The chest X-ray detected diffuse symmetric alveolar opacities. Pulmonary infection was ruled out, particularly COVID-19 infection. The chest scan revealed the “crazy paving” pattern. The bronchoalveolar lavage showed a rosy liquid with granular acellular eosinophilic material Periodic acid-Schiff positive. According to the lung biopsy results, she was diagnosed with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. The granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor autoantibodies were negative. Nine months later, she was diagnosed with bulbar seronegative myasthenia gravis, confirmed with the electroneuromyography with repetitive nerve stimulation showing significant amplitude decrement of the trapezius and spinal muscles. She was treated with pyridostigmine, oral corticosteroids and azathioprine. Given the worsening respiratory condition of the patient, a bilateral whole lung lavage was performed with a partial resolution of symptoms. Thus, this previously unreported association was treated successfully with rituximab, including improvement of dyspnea, diplopia and muscle fatigability at six months of follow-up.

Conclusions: This case emphasizes on the possible association of auto-immune disease to PAP, which could worsen the disease course, as the specific treatment does not exist yet. Hence, further studies are needed to establish clear-cut guidelines for PAP management, particularly when associated to auto-immune diseases.
A rapid review of the prevalence and onset of urticaria triggered by COVID-19 vaccine
Authors: Oktarina Dyah Ayu Mira , Fadhal Irsyad , Febriana Sri Awalia , Kusuma Arditya Damar
Published: December 2022

Background: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine is essential to reduce the spread of this disease virus and is very effective at preventing patients with severe symptoms of the disease from dying. As of February 2022, more than 10 billion doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered worldwide, and at least 60% of the world's population have received the first dose of the vaccine. The increasing number of populations receiving the COVID-19 vaccine has increased reports of post-immunization follow-up events, one of which is urticaria. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and onset of urticaria due to the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Methods: This study used a rapid review method based on previous research on the prevalence and onset of urticaria due to the COVID-19 vaccine. The articles were obtained from the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. The inclusion criteria were articles containing data on the prevalence and onset of urticaria due to the COVID-19 vaccine, published from December 2020 – January 2022.

Results: From the search results and article selection, 20 articles were included in this study. There are 7 articles containing prevalence data, 11 articles containing onset data, and 2 articles containing prevalence and onset data. Research in these articles was conducted in several different countries. There were seven types of vaccine used with doses of 1 or 2. The sample age ranged from 16 to 76 years. In all of the articles, the sample and the incidence of urticaria were mostly female. There were a history of allergies and atopic history in the sample studied.

Conclusion: The prevalence rate of urticaria in the population given the COVID-19 vaccine ranged from 0.035% to 3.2%. The time of onset of urticaria in the population given the COVID-19 vaccine ranged from 5 minutes to 10 days.
A timeline of freedom of movement in the European Economic Area
Authors: Barker Emily
Published: December 2022

The European Economic Area (EEA) provides a common market for goods, labour, services, and capital. Promoting integration between countries through the free movement of labour, or more generally persons, pre-dates the previous forms of the EEA. However, during the Southern and Eastern Expansions of the European Union, there have been transition agreements on persons, designed to restrict immigration. Opening up labour markets to the new member states with significantly lower GDP per capita than existing states, has been contentious. This is why the use of transition agreements have permitted periods which existing members can limit immigration. Not all existing member states impose restrictions, and during the Eastern Enlargements, the restrictions were imposed for varying lengths of time by different existing members up to a maximum of seven years. During the transition agreement, the economies of new members and existing members can converge, which is ultimately designed to limit the pull factor of migration. In this note, we provide a concise resource of the timeline of the expansion of full free movement of persons for countries in the EEA and Switzerland.
New generation free trade agreements as a driver of institutional change: A case of Vietnam
Authors: Boguszewski Mariusz
Published: December 2022

According to new institutional economics, institutional change is a precondition to economic change and is caused by multiple forces. In addition to path dependence, and strategic policy direction of the country, there are external forces which might have a path-breaking effect. This paper investigates the role of new generation free trade agreements (NGFTAs) in the process of institutional change using the case of Vietnam. It focuses on the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) as the most advanced trade agreements ever concluded between developed and developing economies. The findings are based on selected new generation provisions of the CPTPP and EVFTA that confirmed limited success in formal institutional change, no visible impact on the informal part of the institutional setting, and a lack of enforcement incentives. However, institutional change might be achieved by market shifts that activate businesses. These entities, for example, enforce intellectual property rights, modern corporate governance standards or labor rights protection that might cause the spill-over effect into a broader spectrum of economic actors. Thus, they might cause a shift in informal norms triggering incremental changes leading to successful institutional change. NGFTAs might be considered indirect facilitators of this process because they promote a friendly business environment and increase Vietnam‘s investment attractiveness.
Diversidade de besouros aquáticos (Insecta: Coleoptera) em um trecho do Rio Marambaia, Mangaratiba, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
Authors: Souza Rachel Amaro de , Clarkson Bruno , Moreira Felipe Ferraz Figueiredo , Avelino-Capistrano Fernanda
Published: December 2022

Coleoptera é a ordem de insetos mais diversa, incluindo mais de 400 mil espécies popularmente conhecidas como besouros. Pelo menos 13 mil espécies de 37 famílias são consideradas aquáticas, das quais 16 famílias são registradas no Brasil. O presente estudo teve como objetivo realizar o levantamento dos besouros aquáticos ocorrentes em um trecho do Rio Marambaia, Mangaratiba, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Um total de 456 espécimes foi obtido na área de estudo, representando os seguintes 12 gêneros e seis famílias: Copelatus, Cybister, Desmopachria, Hydaticus e Rhantus (Dytiscidae); Heterelmis (Elmidae); Gyretes (Gyrinidae); Derallus, Chasmogenus e Tropisternus (Hydrophilidae); Pheneps (Psephenidae); e Iapir (Torridincolidae). Dentre eles, os gêneros Copelatus e Cybister, e as espécies de Hydrophilidae, Chasmogenus fluminensis Clarkson & Ferreira-Jr; Derallus angustus Sharp; Tropisternus apicipalpis Chevrolat; e Tropisternus variolosus Hansen, são aqui registrados pela primeira vez no município de Mangaratiba- RJ. Os registros de Cybister e T. apicipalpis também são os primeiros no Estado do Rio de Janeiro.
Prevalence of stress disorders in frontline healthcare students
Authors: Apps Kirsty
Published: December 2022

Emerging evidence indicates that some healthcare students are developing stress disorders, due to factors relating to their chosen field of study. If accurate, this could have a major impact not only on those students, but also on the professions into which they are entering. To understand the extent of the problem, a literature review was conducted to identify the overall prevalence of stress disorders in healthcare students who are exposed to occupational stress/trauma, and/or course-related stress. Two databases were searched to include studies reporting on the presence of primary or secondary stress disorders in healthcare students. Six studies were reviewed, which included primary outcomes of depression, anxiety and stress. The pooled prevalence of primary outcomes was 41.4%. Pooled prevalence of depression was 49.58%, anxiety 54.55% and stress 20.2%. High prevalence figures suggest the need for adequate provision of mental health resources.
The Pedagogical Manifestations: A Driver of Teachers’ Practices in Teaching Algebraic Equations
Authors: Salani End , Jojo Zingiswa
Published: December 2022

Mathematics teachers’ instructional strategies lack in-depth knowledge of algebraic systems and hold misconceptions about solving two algebraic equations simultaneously. This study aimed to gain an in-depth analysis of teachers’ knowledge and perceptions about the promotion of conceptual learning and effective teaching of algebraic equations. The main question was, ‘How do junior secondary school mathematics teachers manifest their pedagogical practices when teaching algebraic equations? This article reports on a qualitative, underpinned by the knowledge quartet model study, that sought to explore how junior secondary school teachers’ pedagogical practices manifested in the teaching of algebraic equations. Data were collected from observations, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis of two mathematics teachers purposely selected from two schools. The collected data were analysed using a statistical analysis software called Atlas-ti. (Version 8) and triangulated through thematic analysis. The study revealed that teachers’ choices of representations, examples, and tasks used did not expose learners to hands-on activities that promote understanding and making connections from the underlying algebraic equation concepts. The study proposed Penta-Knowledge Collaborative Planning and Reflective Teaching and Learning Models to enable teachers to collaborate with their peers from the planning stage to lesson delivery reflecting on good practices and strategies for teaching algebraic equations.
Workforce Stability: Motivation Factors Impacting Satisfaction in the IDD Field
Authors: Velardo Elisa F. , Cymbala Patricia , Rodriguez Anthony M. , Thoma Colleen A. , Palmer Susan B.
Published: December 2022

For decades, individuals who are direct support professionals working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have been under strain. The current study looked at the prevalent themes that impact workforce stability among providers, advocates, policymakers, and researchers in the field of IDD. The researchers applied Herzberg's two-factor theory of motivation and hygiene factors to data gathered through focus group interviews on workforce challenges and opportunities. Findings revealed that motivational factors relating to employee satisfaction, including organizational culture, retention, and credentialing, were identified as critical to workforce stability.
Distributed receiving system with local digitization and combination for SNR enhancement
Authors: Wang Kai , Wei Wei , Wang Danyang , Wang Pengyu , Xie Weilin , Dong Yi
Published: December 2022

We demonstrate an X-band distributed receiving system with 4 remote ends for signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) enhancement. The X-band analog signal received by 4 remote ends is first transmitted to the local end through optical fiber links and is then down-converted with a photonic method for digitization and further coherent combination. Finally, a combined signal with a higher SNR can be obtained. In the proposed system, a frequency-tunable single-tone signal is stably transmitted to the remote end for both down-converting the received signal and for generating a dithered sample clock to eliminate the transmission delay jitter with an unlimited compensation range. Experimentally, X-band binary phase shift keying signals are used for system performance evaluation. After 20 to 25 km transmission, the relative timing drifts between different links are at the order of picoseconds, and a near-theoretical SNR enhancement is achieved. The proposed scheme has a simple remote structure with no need for time synchronization, increasing its signal combining precision, flexibility, and scalability, making it an ideal candidate for long-distance weak signal detection.
Design and fabrication of a focus-tunable liquid cylindrical lens based on electrowetting
Authors: Wang Danyang , Hu Degang , Zhou Yanwu , Sun Licun
Published: December 2022

In this study, a focus-tunable liquid cylindrical lens based on electrowetting was designed and fabricated. The cylindrical cavity usually used in common electrowetting zoom spherical lenses was replaced by a 20 mm × 10 mm × 8 mm cuboid cavity, in which the interface of two liquids formed a toroid owing to the electrowetting effect. The proposed liquid cylindrical lens can serve as either a converging or diverging lens with the response time under 110 ms by changing the supplied voltage. The zoom lens we fabricated worked stably under 0–110 V voltage for a long time, guaranteeing that the focal length of the liquid cylindrical lens can range within (–∞, –148.36 mm) ∪ (697.21 mm, +∞). By combining the liquid lens that we designed with a simple fixed cylindrical lens, a cylindrical lens system with an arbitrary focal length suitable for various tasks in beam manipulation can be realized.
Probing ultra-fast dephasing via entangled photon pairs
Authors: Liu Xinghua , Li Tian , Wang Jiaxuan , Kamble Mrunal R. , Zheltikov Aleksei M. , Agarwal Girish S.
Published: December 2022

We demonstrate how the Hong-Ou-Mandel (HOM) interference with polarization-entangled photons can be used to probe ultrafast dephasing. We can infer the optical properties like the real and imaginary parts of the complex susceptibility of the medium from changes in the position and the shape of the HOM dip. From the shift of the HOM dip, we are able to measure 22 fs dephasing time using a continuous-wave (CW) laser even with optical loss > 97 %, while the HOM dip visibility is maintained at 92.3 % (which can be as high as 96.7 %). The experimental observations, which are explained in terms of a rigorous theoretical model, demonstrate the utility of HOM interference in probing ultrafast dephasing.
Perovskite single-detector visible-light spectrometer
Authors: Wang Jia , Hao Xiaojian , Pan Baowu , Huang Xiaodong , Sun Haoliang , Pei Pan
Published: December 2022

We demonstrate a perovskite single-phototransistor visible-light spectrometer based on a deep-learning method. The size of the spectrometer is set to the scale of the phototransistor. A photoresponsivity matrix for the deep-learning system is learned from the characteristic parameters of the visible-light wavelength, gate voltage, and power densities of a commercial standard blackbody source. Unknown spectra are reconstructed using the corresponding photocurrent vectors. As a confirmatory experiment, a 532-nm laser and multipeak broadband spectrum are successfully reconstructed using our perovskite single-phototransistor spectrometer. The resolution is improved to 1 nm by increasing the number of sampling points from 80 to 400. In addition, a way to further improve the resolution is provided by increasing the number of sampling points, characteristic parameters, and training datasets. Furthermore, artificial intelligence technology may open pathways for on-chip visible-light spectroscopy.
Characterization of electro-optic coefficients r13, r23 and r33 in single crystalline BaTiO3 thin films
Authors: Cao Yu , Meselmene Nour Al , Dogheche Elhadj , Yang Ping , Moitra Parikshit , Li Shi Qiang , Venkatesan Thirumalai , Danner Aaron
Published: December 2022

We report experimental characterization of DC electro-optic coefficients r13, r23 and r33 in thin film single crystalline BaTiO3 on DyScO3. The epitaxial BaTiO3 thin film is sandwiched between a SrRuO3 bottom electrode and an indium tin oxide (ITO) top electrode. We characterize the DC electro-optic coefficients r13, r23, and r33 by the prism coupling method at 636.6 nm for the BaTiO3 thin film. The results show the DC coefficients r13 = 4.2 pm/V, r23 = 4.6 pm/V and r33 = 9.0 pm/V.
Impact of laser chirp on the polarization of terahertz from two-color plasma
Authors: Mou Sen , Tomarchio Luca , D’Arco Annalisa , Di Fabrizio Marta , Macis Salvatore , Curcio Alessandro , Palumbo Luigi , Lupi Stefano , Petrarca Massimo
Published: December 2022

Two-color plasma, induced by two lasers of different colors, can radiate ultra-broadband and intense terahertz (THz) pulses, which is desirable in many technological and scientific applications. It was found that the polarization of the emitted THz depends on the phase difference between the fundamental laser wave and its second harmonic. Recent investigation suggests that chirp-induced change of pulse overlap plays an important role in the THz yield from two-color plasma. However, the effect of laser chirp on THz polarization remains unexplored. Hereby, we investigate the impact of laser chirp on THz polarization. It is unveiled that the chirp-induced phase difference affects THz polarization. Besides, positive and negative chirps have opposite effects on the variation of the THz polarization versus the phase difference. The polarization of THz generated by a positively chirped pump laser rotates clockwise with an increasing phase difference, while it rotates anticlockwise when generated by a negatively chirped pump laser.
Virtual metasurfaces: reshaping electromagnetic waves in distance
Authors: Zhu Ruichao , Wang Jiafu , Han Yajuan , Jia Yuxiang , Liu Tonghao , Qiu Tianshuo , Sui Sai , Li Yongfeng , Yan Mingbao , Qu Shaobo , Qiu Cheng-Wei
Published: December 2022

Metasurface has provided unprecedented freedoms in manipulating electromagnetic (EM) waves, exhibiting fascinating functions. Conventionally, these functions are implemented right on metasurfaces, where spatial modulations on EM wave amplitudes or phases are achieved by meta-atoms. This study proposes the concept of virtual metasurface (VM), which is formed by arrays of foci away from the entity metasurface. Unlike conventional metasurfaces, spatial modulations on the amplitudes or phases of EM waves occur in the air, with a focal length distance from the entity metasurface. As a proof of concept, we demonstrated a transmissive VM. The entity metasurface consists of transmissive focusing metasurface tiles (TFMTs) with the same focal length. Two TFMTs were designed with phase difference

π

to enable the most typical checkerboard configuration. The TFMTs were assembled to form the entity metasurface, whereas their foci formed the VM. Due to the

π

phase difference among adjacent foci, EM propagation along the normal direction was cancelled, leading to four tilted far-field beams. The concept of VM can be readily extended to higher frequencies from terahertz to optical regimes and may find wide applications in communication, camouflage, and other fields.
Machine learning for the prediction of minor amputation in University of Texas grade 3 diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: Wang Shiqi , Wang Jinwan , Zhu Mark Xuefang , Tan Qian
Published: December 2022

Minor amputations are performed in a large proportion of patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) and early identification of the outcome of minor amputations facilitates medical decision-making and ultimately reduces major amputations and deaths. However, there are currently no clinical predictive tools for minor amputations in patients with DFU. We aim to establish a predictive model based on machine learning to quickly identify patients requiring minor amputation among newly admitted patients with DFU. Overall, 362 cases with University of Texas grade (UT) 3 DFU were screened from tertiary care hospitals in East China. We utilized the synthetic minority oversampling strategy to compensate for the disparity in the initial dataset. A univariable analysis revealed nine variables to be included in the model: random blood glucose, years with diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, peripheral arterial diseases, DFU history, smoking history, albumin, creatinine, and C-reactive protein. Then, risk prediction models based on five machine learning algorithms: decision tree, random forest, logistic regression, support vector machine, and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) were independently developed with these variables. After evaluation, XGBoost earned the highest score (accuracy 0.814, precision 0.846, recall 0.767, F1-score 0.805, and AUC 0.881). For convenience, a web-based calculator based on our data and the XGBoost algorithm was established (https://dfuprediction.azurewebsites.net/). These findings imply that XGBoost can be used to develop a reliable prediction model for minor amputations in patients with UT3 DFU, and that our online calculator will make it easier for clinicians to assess the risk of minor amputations and make proactive decisions.
Dihydroxyacetone suppresses mTOR nutrient signaling and induces mitochondrial stress in liver cells
Authors: Hernandez Arlet , Sonavane Manoj , Smith Kelly R. , Seiger Jensyn , Migaud Marie E. , Gassman Natalie R.
Published: December 2022

Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is the active ingredient in sunless tanning products and a combustion product from e-juices in electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). DHA is rapidly absorbed in cells and tissues and incorporated into several metabolic pathways through its conversion to dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP). Previous studies have shown DHA induces cell cycle arrest, reactive oxygen species, and mitochondrial dysfunction, though the extent of these effects is highly cell-type specific. Here, we investigate DHA exposure effects in the metabolically active, HepG3 (C3A) cell line. Metabolic and mitochondrial changes were evaluated by characterizing the effects of DHA in metabolic pathways and nutrient-sensing mechanisms through mTOR-specific signaling. We also examined cytotoxicity and investigated the cell death mechanism induced by DHA exposure in HepG3 cells. Millimolar doses of DHA were cytotoxic and suppressed glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation pathways. Nutrient sensing through mTOR was altered at both short and long time points. Increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial-specific injury induced cell cycle arrest and cell death through a non-classical apoptotic mechanism. Despite its carbohydrate nature, millimolar doses of DHA are toxic to liver cells and may pose a significant health risk when higher concentrations are absorbed through e-cigarettes or spray tanning.
Body image disturbance and associated eating disorder and body dysmorphic disorder pathology in gay and heterosexual men: A systematic analyses of cognitive, affective, behavioral und perceptual aspects
Authors: Schmidt Michaela , Taube Christoph O. , Heinrich Thomas , Vocks Silja , Hartmann Andrea S.
Published: December 2022

Objective

This study contributes to the quantitatively large, yet narrow in scope research on body image in gay men by assessing whether gay and heterosexual men systematically differ on various dimensions of body image disturbance and associated pathology, i.e., eating disorder and body dysmorphic disorder symptoms. Moreover, we examined the influence of general everyday discrimination experiences and involvement with the gay community on body image.

Method

N= 216 men (n= 112 gay men,n= 104 heterosexual men) participated in an online survey measuring the discrepancy between self-rated current and ideal body fat/ muscularity; drive for leanness, muscularity, and thinness; body satisfaction; body-related avoidance and checking; appearance fixing; overall body image disturbance; eating disorder and body dysmorphic disorder pathology; general everyday discrimination experiences; and involvement with the gay community.

Results

Gay men showed a greater discrepancy between self-rated current and ideal body fat; higher drive for thinness, body-related avoidance, appearance fixing, overall body image disturbance, eating disorder and body dysmorphic disorder pathology; and lower body appreciation than heterosexual men (allp≤ .05). Contrary to expectation, everyday discrimination experiences were more strongly associated with body image disturbance and eating disorder/ body dysmorphic disorder pathology in heterosexual men than in gay men (allp≤ .05). Gay community involvement was not associated with any body image disturbance-, ED-, or BDD aspect in gay men (allp≥ .20).

Discussion

The results suggest greater body image disturbance in gay men than in heterosexual men regarding cognitions, emotions, behaviors, and perception as well as higher eating disorder and body dysmorphic disorder pathology. The results also suggest the dilemma of a thin, yet muscular body ideal in gay men. Surprisingly, discrimination experiences and involvement with the gay community did not explain differences in body image disturbance. Gay men may have become resilient to discrimination over time, and body ideals might differ across gay sub-communities.
Identification of a rickettsial endosymbiont in a soft tick Ornithodoros turicata americanus
Authors: Liu Lichao , Sonenshine Daniel E. , Sultana Hameeda , Neelakanta Girish
Published: December 2022

Bacterial endosymbionts are abundantly found in both hard and soft ticks. Occidentia massiliensis, a rickettsial endosymbiont, was first identified in the soft tick Ornithodoros sonrai collected from Senegal and later was identified in a hard tick Africaniella transversale. In this study, we noted the presence of Occidentia species, designated as Occidentia-like species, in a soft tick O. turicata americanus. Sequencing and phylogenetic analyses of the two genetic markers, 16S rRNA and groEL confirmed the presence of Occidentia-like species in O. turicata americanus ticks. The Occidentia-like species was noted to be present in all developmental stages of O. turicata americanus and in different tick tissues including ovaries, synganglion, guts and salivary gland. The levels of Occidentia-like species 16S rRNA transcripts were noted to be significantly higher in ovaries than in a gut tissue. In addition, Occidentia-like species groEL expression was noted to be significantly higher in tick synganglion than in ovaries and gut tissues. Furthermore, levels of Occidentia-like species 16S rRNA transcripts increased significantly upon O. turicata americanus blood feeding. Taken together, our study not only shows that Occidentia-like species is present in O. turicata americanus but also suggests that this bacterium may play a role in tick-bacteria interactions.
Native annual forbs decline in California coastal prairies over 15 years despite grazing
Authors: Lesage Josephine C. , Hayes Grey F. , Holl Karen D.
Published: December 2022

Livestock grazing is often used as a land management tool to maximize vegetation diversity in grassland ecosystems worldwide. Prior research has shown that cattle grazing benefits native annual forb species in California’s coastal prairies, but drought and increasing aridity may alter this relationship. In 2016 and 2017, we resurveyed the vegetation structure, native annual forb cover, and native annual forb richness in ten grazed and ungrazed prairies that were originally measured in 2000 and 2001 along a 200-km gradient from Monterey to Sonoma counties in California. We found that grazed prairies continued to have significantly lower vegetation height and thatch depth than ungrazed prairies, and that shrub encroachment over the 15-year period was significantly greater in ungrazed prairies. Furthermore, grazed prairies continued to have greater native annual forb richness (4.9 species per site) than ungrazed sites (3.0 species per site), but native annual forb richness declined by 2.8 species per site in grazed prairies and 0.1 species per site in ungrazed prairies between survey periods. We suggest that severe drought and increasing aridity may be driving declines in native annual forb richness in grazed prairies. The species we recorded only in earlier surveys were disproportionately wetland-associated and had higher average specific leaf area than species that remained through the second survey period. Finally, the cover of native annual species increased regardless of whether prairies were grazed, suggesting that the high precipitation in 2017 may have benefitted the native annual forb species that persisted at sites between surveys. Our study shows that weather conditions affect the outcomes of land management strategies.
Acute postoperative pain and dorsal root ganglia transcriptomic signatures following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in rats: An experimental study
Authors: Komatsu David E. , Uddin Sardar M. Z. , Gordon Chris , Kanjiya Martha P. , Bogdan Diane , Achonu Justice , DiBua Adriana , Iftikhar Hira , Ackermann Amanda , Shah Rohan J. , Shieh Jason , Bialkowska Agnieszka B. , Kaczocha Martin
Published: December 2022

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is the final treatment option for patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis (OA). Unfortunately, TKA surgery is accompanied by acute postoperative pain that is more severe than arthroplasty performed in other joints. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms specific to post-TKA pain necessitates an animal model that replicates clinical TKA procedures, induces acute postoperative pain, and leads to complete functional recovery. Here, we present a new preclinical TKA model in rats and report on functional and behavioral outcomes indicative of pain, analgesic efficacy, serum cytokine levels, and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) transcriptomes during the acute postoperative period. Following TKA, rats exhibited marked deficits in weight bearing that persisted for 28 days. Home cage locomotion, rearing, and gait were similarly impacted and recovered by day 14. Cytokine levels were elevated on postoperative days one and/or two. Treatment with morphine, ketorolac, or their combination improved weight bearing while gabapentin lacked efficacy. When TKA was performed in rats with OA, similar functional deficits and comparable recovery time courses were observed. Analysis of DRG transcriptomes revealed upregulation of transcripts linked to multiple molecular pathways including inflammation, MAPK signaling, and cytokine signaling and production. In summary, we developed a clinically relevant rat TKA model characterized by resolution of pain and functional recovery within five weeks and with pain-associated behavioral deficits that are partially alleviated by clinically administered analgesics, mirroring the postoperative experience of TKA patients.
Effect of whole-body vibration on neuromuscular activation and explosive power of lower limb: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Zhen , Wei Zhen , Li Xiangming , Lai Zhangqi , Wang Lin
Published: December 2022

Objective

The review aimed to investigate the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) on neuromuscular activation and explosive power.

Methods

Keywords related to whole-body vibration, neuromuscular activation and explosive power were used to search four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar and EBSCO-MEDLINE) for relevant studies published between January 2000 and August 2021. The methodology of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses was used. The eligibility criteria for the meta-analysis were based on PICOST principles. Methodological assessment used the Cochrane scale. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed by I2 index and funnel plots, respectively. The WBV training cycle is a random effect model. Publication bias was also assessed based on funnel plots. This study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021279439).

Results

A total of 156 participants data in 18 studies met the criteria and were included in the meta-analysis for quantitative synthesis. Results of the meta-analysis showed significant improvements in lower limb neuromuscular activation immediately after WBV compared with the baseline (SMD = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.26, 0.76; p<0.001), and no significant heterogeneity was observed (I2 = 38%, p = 0.07). In addition, the highest increase in lower limb explosive power was observed (SMD = 0.32; 95% CI: 0.11, 0.52; p = 0.002), and no significant heterogeneity (I2 = 0%, p = 0.80) was noted.

Conclusions

WBV training could improve neuromuscular activation and explosive power of the lower limb. However, due to different vibration conditions, further research should be conducted to determine standardized protocols targeting performance improvement in athletes and healthy personnel experienced in training.
Ternary regulation mechanism of Rhizoma drynariae total flavonoids on induced membrane formation and bone remodeling in Masquelet technique
Authors: Li Ding , Zhao Dun , Zeng Zhikui , Huang Feng , Jiang Ziwei , Xiong Hao , Guan Tianan , Fang Bin , Li Yue
Published: December 2022

Context

Rhizoma drynariae total flavonoids (RDTF) are used to treat fractures. CD31hiEmcnhi vessels induced by PDGF-BB secreted by osteoclast precursors, together with osteoblasts and osteoclasts, constitute the ternary regulatory mechanism of bone tissue reconstruction.

Objective

This study aimed to determine whether RDTF can promote bone tissue remodeling and induce membrane growth in the rat Masquelet model and to explore its molecular mechanism based on the ternary regulation theory.

Methods

Thirty-six SD rats were randomized to three groups: blank, induced membrane, and RDTF treatment (n = 12/group). The gross morphological characteristics of the new bone tissue were observed after 6 weeks. Sixty SD rats were also randomized to five groups: blank, induction membrane, low-dose RDTF, medium-dose RDTF, and high-dose RDTF (n = 12/group). After 4 weeks, immunohistochemistry and western blot were used to detect the expression of membrane tissue-related proteins. The mRNA expression of key factors of ternary regulation was analyzed by qRT-PCR.

Results

RDTF positively affected angiogenesis and bone tissue reconstruction in the bone defect area. RDTF could upregulate the expression of key factors (PDGF-BB, CD31, and endomucin), VEGF, and HMGB1 mRNA and proteins in the ternary regulation pathway.

Discussion and conclusion

Although the expected CD31hiEmcnhi vessels in the induction membrane were not observed, this study confirmed that RDTF could promote the secretion of angiogenic factors in the induced membrane. The specific mechanisms still need to be further studied.
Assessment of sediment porewater toxicity in Biscayne National Park with sea urchin (Lytechinus variegatus) embryos
Authors: May Lisa A. , McDonald Elizabeth Murphy , Kothera Ronald T. , Toline Catherine Anna , McDonough Vanessa , Moffitt Zachary J. , Miller Carl V. , Woodley Cheryl M.
Published: December 2022

The sea urchin embryo development toxicity test was used to investigate toxicity of the benthic substrate in Biscayne National Park (BISC). Twenty-five sites were selected based upon a high potential for anthropogenic stressor input (e. g., hydrocarbons, personal care products, nutrients, etc.) or proximity to coral reef habitats. We found that sediment interstitial water (porewater) was toxic to urchin embryos at 22 of 25 sites. Healthy sites included two coral reefs (Anniversary Reef and Marker 14 Reef) and Turkey Point Channel. Discrete areas of BISC have highly toxic sediments and the presence of sediment contaminants could negatively impact reproduction, growth and population density of benthic invertebrates, such as corals. Results of the sea urchin embryo development toxicity test can be used as a baseline assessment for monitoring improvements or degradation in ecosystem health and could be a valuable tool to investigate the suitability of degraded habitats for future reef restoration. Since the last comprehensive environmental assessment of BISC was performed in 1999, further investigation into the sources of toxicity at BISC is needed.
Cytokine Profiling in COVID-19 Patients in a Tertiary Hospital in Saudi Arabia; the Pre-Storm Phase
Authors: Alabdely Mayyadah , Conca Walter , AlKaff Morad , Alonaizie Aziza , Almohanna Futwan , Almohanna Futwan , Conca Walter , Conca Walter , Conca Walter
Published: December 2022

Background
As COVID-19 immunomodulation has been a part of interest for studies, it has been found that severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with hyper-inflammatory response and increased levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-10 (IL-10). This can progress to cytokine storm syndrome and eventually development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) is a protein that is a member of the interleukin 1 cytokine family. Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP1) is a small cytokine that belongs to the CC chemokine family. Interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (IP-10) is a protein secreted by several cell types in response to Interferon-Gamma (IFN-γ). All of these have roles in the immune response and eventually development of a cytokine storm.

Methods
Serum levels of IL-1RA, MCP-1 and IP-10 were measured in a cohort of 21 patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on admission to a tertiary care hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as well as in an approximately age-sex matched group of 4 uninfected controls. The study population was classified into severe, moderate, mild and controls.

Results
Serum levels of IL-1RA, MCP-1 and IP-10 were found to be elevated before the clinical deterioration.

Conclusion
These cytokines may play a role in early detection of disease severity especially in the pre-storm phase. Medications that target cytokines may prevent the development of an overt cytokine storm.