bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison Study between Adipsin Levels in Sera of Iraqi Patients with Diabetes and Neuropathy
Authors: Farhan Layla Othman , Abed Baydaa Ahmed , Dawood AshganSlman
Published: November 2022

الهدف من الدراسة هو تحديد مستويات الادبسين ،  FBG و الكولسترول  و Homa IR والانسولين و HbA1c و T.Gو HDL و LDL في أمصال مرضى السكري والاعتلال العصبي في العراق . شملت الدراسة الحالية   مشاركة تسعين فردًا ، تم تقسيم المرضى إلى مجموعتين: المجموعة الأولى (30 من الذكور المصابين باعتلال الاعصاب  والسكري) والمجموعة الثانية (30 من الذكور المصابين بالسكري) وتم مقارنة النتائج بمجموعة ثالثة (30 من الرجال  الاصحاء ). أظهرت النتائج انخفاضًا ملحوظًا في مستويات Adipsin (p> 0.05) عند مقارنة مجموعة (Neuropathy، T2DM) مع مجموعة التحكم ، ولكن لم تحدث تغيرات كبيرة بين مجموعات المرضى (Neuropathy ، T2DM) عند المقارنة بشكل فردي ، وانخفض مستوى الأنسولين في الدم بشكل ملحوظ عند مقارنة مجموعة (Neuropathy، T2DM) مع مجموعة التحكم ، وأظهرت النتائج فرقًا كبيرًا بين مجموعات المرضى (Neuropathy ، T2DM) عند مقارنتها بشكل فردي. كانت قيمة    cut off  للادبسين (4510.813 ، 3967.08) عند حسابه في Neuropathy ، T2DM على التوالي ز خلصت الدراسة إلى أن Adipsin هو عامل تشخيصي لـ T2DM مع اعتلال الأعصاب.
Role of IL-37 and Dectin-1 during Toxoplasmosis
Authors: Ahmed Zahra’a A. , Idan Ekhlas M. , Ardalan Naksheen M.
Published: November 2022

يعد داء المقوسات من الأمراض الطفيلية التي تحفز الخلايا المناعية لانتاج الحركيات الخلوية والوسائط الالتهابية المسؤولة عن حدوث الاستجابة المناعية الغير الطبيعية أو المجهضة. سلطت هذه الدراسة الضوء على تقييم مستقبلات Dectin-1 و والإنترلوكين -37 (IL-37)  في مصل 80 إمراة مصابة بداء المقوسات أجهضن خلال الأشهر الثلاثة الاولى، فضلاً عن 40 إمرأة حامل في الاشهر الثلاثة الاولى وغير مصابات  واستمر الحمل لديهن بنجاح (المجموعة الضابطة). في البدء تم اجراء مسح لمصل المريضات لغرض الكشف عن طبيعة الأجسام المضادة IgM  و IgG  للإصابة بطفيلي المقوسة الكونودية بوساطة  اختبار الاليزا، ثم تم تحديد مستويات المصل لكل من IL-37  و  Dectin-1.  و أظهرت النتائج أن مستوى المصل من Dectin-1 قد زاد بشكل ملحوظ في جميع المرضى المصابين بداء المقوسات و الحاملين للأجسام المضادة  IgM و  IgG362.382 ± 45.937 و 361.916 ± 71.993 نانوغرام / لتر على التوالي، مقارنة بالمجموعة الضابطة 155.702 ± 26.356 نانوغرام / لتر. بينما كان مستوى المصل من IL-37  متقاربًا في جميع المرضى المصابين بداء المقوسات و الحاملين للاجسام المضادة IgM و  IgG و كذلك مجموعة السيطرة 52.666 ± 4.272 ، 66.808 ± 9.132  و 51.984 ± 3.619 نانوغرام / لتر على التوالي ، مع عدم وجود فروق معنوية. لذلك قد يكون مستقبل Dectin-1  دورًا في فقدان الحمل خصوصاً عند الإصابة بطفيلي المقوسة الكوندية.
A gap-based dichotomization technique for outlier detection and its application to wildlife GPS data
Authors: Hirakawa Hirofumi , Muramatsu Daisuke , Gordo Marcelo , Takii Akiko , Izumiyama Shigeyuki
Published: November 2022

Outliers in datasets are a concern for analysts as disturbances or signals of interest. Many techniques have been proposed for outlier detection. Some techniques label outliers as output, but others do not. The latter methods quantify data points to expose outliers but leaves their dichotomization as a task for analysts. We developed a technique to help analysts perform this task. Our technique uses value gaps between adjacent data pairs in a univariate dataset, where the data are sorted in ascending order of value. Its core process is to find the largest gap in the upper range of the dataset and remove the data above the gap as outliers; its supplementary process is to repeat the core process with the same dataset after removal. The analysts must decide when to stop this iteration. However, this iterative process leaves analysts with only a few reasonable options for the decision. We can apply this method to any dataset, such as a time series or multivariate dataset, if its data points are quantified to expose outliers in a ratio scale univariate dataset. We demonstrate how to implement this technique using wildlife GPS data and discuss the uniqueness and usefulness of the approach.
What can we do to prevent knee osteoarthritis? Evidence from a genetically informed perspective
Authors: Xu Jiawen , Li Shuai , Zeng Yi , Si Haibo , Wu Yuangang , Zhang Shaoyun , Shen Bin
Published: November 2022

Background:Current knowledge of the nature and treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) have shown that an effective prevention strategy and treatment to identify and avoid risk factors in the early stage of KOA are required. Therefore, we hope to be able to determine some modifiable risk factors for KOA through MR analysis from a genetically informed perspective to achieve early prevention to reduce the prevalence of KOA in the population.
Methods:In our research, we used a series of quality control steps to identify eligible instrumental SNPs that were strongly related to exposure. We used numerous dependable analytical methods (Inverse-variance weighting, MR-PRESSO method, weighted median, MR–Egger regression, and MR. RAPS method) that consist of two MR extrapolation hypotheses to make our conclusions more robust and credible. The MR–Egger intercept test, Cochran’s Q test, and “leave-one-out” sensitivity analysis were performed to evaluate the horizontal pleiotropy, heterogeneities, and stability of these genetic variants on KOA. Outlier variants identified by the MR-PRESSO outlier test were removed step-by-step to reduce heterogeneity and the effect of horizontal pleiotropy.
Results:Through double sample MR analysis, we found that there was a causal relationship between obesity and KOA, and obesity was positively correlated with the incidence of KOA (IVW: beta (95% CI), 0.144 (0.089, 0.199); OR (95% CI) 1.155 (1.093, 1.221); p =3.09e-7). The genetic predisposition to smoking was associated with a decreased risk of KOA (IVW: beta (95% CI), 0.178 (0.045, 0.311); OR (95% CI), 1.195 (1.046, 1.365); p =0.008). Based on the IVW model, there was a causal relationship between alcohol consumption and KOA (IVW: beta (95% CI), 0.347 (0.003, 0.692); OR (95% CI) 1.416 (1.003, 1.998); p =0.047).
Conclusion: Our two-sample MR analysis confirmed that some controllable risk factors (smoking, drinking and obesity) can lead to KOA from a genetic point of view, which provides an important clue for the prevention and treatment of KOA.
Integrating meta-analysis and visual analysis to evaluate the validity of different therapies for patients with schizophrenia
Authors: bai tingting , Ling Ling , Sono Tamaki , Hisanaga Fumie , Zhang Jinlian
Published: November 2022

Background
Meta-analysis and visual analysis were applied to evaluate the effectiveness of different therapies on the improvement of symptoms in patients with schizophrenia.
Methods
PubMed, China Knowledge Network, Wan-fang, and the Cochrane Library were searched for articles published till June 2022. Relevant randomized trials were collected using search terms. Basic characteristics of patients, intervention protocols, and outcome indicators were extracted from the literature, and change values were calculated by extracting information on intervention endpoints and follow-up endpoints. Two investigators performed independent screening of the literature, followed by data extraction and risk of bias evaluation of included studies, after which the data were systematically evaluated and analyzed to determine the quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system. Finally, 22 studies comprising 1709 participants compared with control conditions were selected.
Results
The meta-analysis demonstrated that combining multiple treatments significantly improved total symptoms (standardized mean difference (SMD) = − 0.45, 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.56 to − 0.34), negative symptoms (SMD = − 0.32, 95% CI: −0.42 to − 0.22), positive symptoms (SMD = − 0.40, 95% CI: −0.55 to − 0.25), and general psychopathology symptoms (SMD = − 0.54, 95% CI: −0.08 to − 0.28) among patients with schizophrenia compared with the control group. Furthermore, the meta-analysis revealed that there was no obvious publication bias for total, negative, positive, and general psychopathology symptoms. Results suggested that the outcomes were reliable.
Increasing Referrals to School Counselors by Integrating an Evidence-based Program for Educators Identifying Adolescents at Risk for Suicide in a Rural High School
Authors: Holloway Wendy , Mikel Stacy
Published: November 2022

Background: Addressing suicide in America's youth is imperative. Teachers play an essential role in identifying and intervening with adolescents experiencing psychological distress leading to suicide. Unfortunately, teachers and staff lack professional development in addressing the identification of students in psychological distress.
Purpose:This project aimed to increase referrals to school counselors by integrating an evidence-based program for educators identifying adolescents at risk for suicide in a rural high school.
Design Method: This quantitative quality improvement project with a pre-/post-test design was implemented with referrals to the school guidance counselors before and after the program's completion were analyzed.
Conclusion: There was a significant increase in teachers and staff members' confidence in their ability to recognize when a student was exhibiting signs of psychological distress and their ability to talk to a student in psychological distress and help those students connect with the school guidance counselors.
Implications for Nursing: This project showed that implementing an evidence-based professional development program helped build teachers' and staff's skills that support early identification and intervention with students experiencing psychological distress, leading to suicide.
Policy portfolios can reduce GHG emissions in urban transport in 120 cities by 20% while improving welfare
Authors: Liotta Charlotte , Viguié Vincent , Creutzig Felix
Published: November 2022

City-level policies are increasingly recognized as key components of strategies to reduce transport greenhouse gas emissions. However, at a global scale, their total efficiencies, costs, and practical feasibility remain unclear. Here, we use a spatially-explicit urban economic model, systematically calibrated on 120 cities worldwide, to analyze the impact of four representative policies aiming at mitigating transportation GHG emissions, also accounting for their economic welfare impacts and health co-benefits. Applying these policies in all cities, we find that total transportation GHG emissions can be reduced by 28% in 15 years, compared with the baseline scenario. However, the consequences of the same policies vary widely between cities, with specific effects depending on the policy considered, income level, population growth rate, spatial organization, and existing public transport supply. Impacts on transport emissions span from high to almost zero, and consequences in terms of welfare can either be positive or negative. Applying only welfare-increasing policies captures most of the emission reductions: overall, they reduce emissions by 20% in 15 years. Our results highlight that there is no one-size-fits-all optimal policy to mitigate urban transport emissions but that cities can match their specific situation with a selection of mitigation policies: hence, we call for global climate mitigation models to better represent heterogeneity across cities.
Highly selective adsorption of Hg (Ⅱ) from aqueous solution by three-dimensional porous N-doped starch-based carbon
Authors: Gneg Chao , Lin Ruikang , Yang Peilin , Liu Pengfei , Guo Li , Cui Bo , fang yishan
Published: November 2022

Herein, a new 3D porous layered skeleton of N-doped starch-based carbon (3D-NC) was fabricated by one-step co-pyrolysis of natural corn starch and melamine using metal catalyst (Ni (Ⅱ) and Mn (Ⅱ)) and applied in effective removal of mercury (Ⅱ) (Hg (Ⅱ)). The 3D-NC possessed a heterogeneously meso-macroporous surface with a hierarchical connected sheet structure insider. Batch adsorption experiments suggested that Hg (Ⅱ) adsorption by the 3D-NC could be completed within 90 min and had maximum adsorption capacities as high as 403.24 mg/g at 293 K, pH = 5. The adsorption mechanism for Hg (Ⅱ) was carefully evaluated and followed the physical adsorption, electrostatic attraction, covalent coordination and chelation. Besides, thermodynamic study demonstrated that the Hg (Ⅱ) adsorption procedure was spontaneous, endothermic, and randomness. More importantly, the 3D-NC could be regenerated and recovered well after adsorption-desorption cycles, showing a promising prospect in the remediation of Hg (Ⅱ)-contaminated wastewater.
Inflammation in the peripheral blood system of Crohn's Disease
Authors: Li Dan , Gu Wenyong , Xu Han , Zhang Zhiru , Zhao Chenhao , He Chunyan , Zhu Xueming , Li Yang
Published: November 2022

Background
Crohn's disease (CD) is an inflammatory bowel disease that is characterized by chronic inflammation of digestive system and has a nickname “green cancer” because of its sustained alternation of periods of flares and remissions. Here, we investigated the inflammation changes in peripheral blood system of CD patients, which are less reported in China.
Methods
Peripheral blood samples of 167 CD patients and 30 healthy people, as well as their clinical information, were collected at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University. Flow cytometry was performed to analyze the ratio of CD4 T cells to CD8 T cells. Cytometric Bead Array kit was used to detect the cytokines in peripheral blood in CD patients. Moreover, the expression of inflammasomes was also detected by RT-PCR.
Results
The percentage and cell number of lymphocytes in CD patients’ peripheral blood system decreased significantly, while monocytes increased remarkably. Interestingly, there was an inversion of the CD4 T cells/CD8 T cells ratio in peripheral blood of CD patients. The levels of IL-6 and TNF-α increased significantly in CD patients’ peripheral blood, and LPS stimulation aggravate inflammatory response. In addition, the expression of NLRP1 and NLRP3 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of CD patients increased significantly after LPS stimulation.
Conclusions
The inflammation in peripheral blood of CD patients had significant changes, including PBMC, cytokines and inflammasomes. These results are helpful to get a deeper understanding of CD and improve the efficiency of diagnosis and treatment in China.
Information use and literacy of healthcare staff at a large teaching hospital in the UK.
Authors: Lagojda Lukasz , O'Connell Bridget , Brown Anna , Dekker Natasha S. den
Published: November 2022

Background: Healthcare staff need evidence-based information to support their decisions. As library services play pivotal roles in the retrieval of scattered information and in providing information literacy training, it is important to understand how clinicians acquire information and the barriers they face during information seeking.
Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the use of evidence-based information at a busy teaching hospital, the aspects of information seeking behaviours employed by clinicians, and the barriers faced by individual clinical professions in accessing evidence-based information.
Methods: Online staff survey.
Results: Data showed that evidence-based information is mainly used to support patient care and education. Information-seeking behaviours seeking behaviours varied based on how often this information was needed. The barriers varied between clinical professions, but ‘time’ was the most consistent factor. The belief of information use in practice being not part of the job role was the overwhelming factor for not using evidence-based information.
Discussion: The findings are consistent with current literature and outline distinct patterns of information use and barriers to evidence-based information.
Conclusion: There is a potential need for clinical libraries to provide information literacy training to healthcare assistants and support workers, nurses, and midwives, and those needs should be investigated periodically.
Enhanced Sestrin expression through Tanshinone 2A treatment improves PI3K-dependent inhibition of glioma growth
Authors: Williams Robin , Schaf Judith , Shinhmar Sonia , Zeng Qingyu , Pardo Olivier , Beesley Philip , Syed Nelofer
Published: November 2022

Glioblastomas are a highly aggressive cancer type which respond poorly to current pharmaceutical treatments, thus novel therapeutic approaches need to be investigated. One such approach involves the use of the bioactive natural product tanshinone IIA (T2A) derived from the Chinese herb Danshen, where mechanistic insight for this anti-cancer agent is needed to validate its use. Here, we employ a tractable model system, Dictyostelium discoideum, to provide this insight. T2A potently inhibits cellular proliferation of Dictyostelium, suggesting molecular targets in this model. We show that T2A rapidly reduces phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (PKB) activity, but surprisingly, the downstream complex mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is only inhibited following chronic treatment. Investigating regulators of mTORC1, including PKB, tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), suggests these enzymes were not responsible for this effect, implicating an additional molecular mechanism of T2A. We identify this mechanism as the increased expression of sestrin, a negative regulator of mTORC1. We further show that combinatory treatment using a PI3K inhibitor and T2A gives rise to a synergistic inhibition of cell proliferation. We then translate our findings to human and mouse-derived glioblastoma cell lines, where both a PI3K inhibitor (Paxalisib) and T2A reduces glioblastoma proliferation in monolayer cultures and in spheroid expansion, with combinatory treatment significantly enhancing this effect. Thus, we propose a new approach for cancer treatment, including glioblastomas, through combinatory treatment with PI3K inhibitors and T2A.
Dynamic Response of Electrical Contact Resistance (ECR) under Structural Vibration
Authors: Talukder Sujoy , Dankesreiter Benjamin T. , Yeo Chang-Dong , Kuether Robert J.
Published: November 2022

Many types of electrical connectors are used in traditional and emerging technology sectors such as electric vehicles, traditional automobiles, and aircraft, in which they need to maintain a stable and low electrical contact resistance (ECR). However, external shock and vibration can cause a sudden increase in ECR, which can lead to system failures due to electrical discontinuities or power transfer loss. In this study, the impact of structural dynamics on the ECR response is investigated using an analytical modeling and simulation. A structural vibration of 100 Hz with a surface displacement amplitude of 3 nm is applied to an electrical connector system, and the dynamic ECR response is analyzed with respect to the structural stiffness and damping ratio. At the onset of structural vibration, the system shows a high frequency ECR response with large amplitude variation, which decays over the elapsed time. From the parametric simulations and statistical data analysis, it is observed that the magnitude of ECR fluctuation decreases with the structural stiffness and damping ratio. Within the tested range of structural properties, the ECR fluctuation is more sensitive to the stiffness than the damping ratio.
Analysis of Fecal Microbiota Diversity in Hospitalized Elderly Patients with Antibiotic- associated Diarrhea
Authors: Rong Xingyu , Wang Yuezhi , Wu Yonglin , Pan MiaoMiao , Xia Xinyuan , Wang Hong , Yang Hao , Qu Yifan , Xiao Zhenming , Chen Xiejiu , Wang Tongyao , Zhang Yu , Zhao chao
Published: November 2022

Background: Although a lot of research has confirmed that antibiotics caused microbiota disturbance, the correlation between microbiota and antibiotic treatments in hospitalized elderly patients has not been well studied. Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) is a common and important ailment in elderly patients, and therefore there is a need for clues to guide antibiotic usage in hospitalized elderly patients.
Methods: Thirty-eight elderly patients who were admitted to a medium-sized ward in Huashan hospital affiliated to Fudan University, were divided into various subgroups according to the length of hospitalization and occurrence of AAD. For the identification of microbes, microbial genomic DNA was extracted from fecal samples and subjected to 16S rDNA amplicon pyrosequencing followed by microbial analysis.
Results: The antibiotic regimen significantly altered the composition of fecal microbiota, irrespective of the length of hospitalization. In general, lower microbial alpha-diversity, involving decreased abundance of Bifidobacteriumand increased abundance of Enterococcus, was found in all antibiotic-treated patients. Interestingly, the composition of microbiota was significantly different between patients with or without AAD even under similar antibiotic regimens. The supplementation of probiotics benefited AAD patients by protecting against Enterococcus colonization.
Conclusions: The fecal microbiota of hospitalized elderly patients was significantly affected by antibiotic usage. Under similar antibiotic regimens, altered microbiota composition was closely related to the occurrence of AAD. The results revealed the importance of microbiota analysis and appropriate interventions during intensive antibiotic usage among hospitalized elderly patients.
The transcription factor ZNF148 promotes the malignant transformation of dendritic cells after cross-talk with glioma stem cells by upregulating PTX3
Authors: Cheng Shan , Liu Liang , Wang DeLin , Li Yongdong , Li Suwen , Yuan Jiaqi , Huang Shilu , Dong Jun
Published: November 2022

The recent development of dendritic cell (DC)-based immunotherapy has resulted in advances in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) treatment. However, the cell fate of DCs in the GBM microenvironment, especially in microenvironments in which glioma stem cell (GSC)-mediated remodeling has resulted in highly immuno-suppressive conditions, has not yet been fully investigated. The current study observed direct and active mutual interactions between GSCs and primary cultured DCs in a dual-color tracing model. Highly proliferative DCs could be monoclonal and continuously passaged, and these cells exhibited acquired tumorigenicity in vivo, indicating their malignant transformation. Transformed DCs (t-DCs) still expressed DC-specific surface markers, namely, CD80 and CD11c, and immune-related costimulatory molecules, namely, CD80, CD86, CD40, and ICAM-1. However, the expression levels of these molecules in t-DCs decreased moderately compared to those in naive DCs. Mechanistic studies revealed the upregulation of the proliferation-related gene pentraxin 3 (PTX3) in t-DCs. Stable overexpression of PTX3 further promoted the proliferation and migration of t-DCs in vitro, decreased the expression of costimulatory molecules, and increased the tumorigenicity of t-DCs in vivo. Bioinformatics prediction, qRT‒PCR verification, and luciferase reporter gene analysis indicated that the transcription factor zinc finger protein 148 (ZNF148) directly bound to the PTX3 promoter region and enhanced PTX3 expression. Downregulation of ZNF148 significantly decreased PTX3 expression and reduced the proliferation and migration of t-DCs. Overexpression of ZNF148 significantly increased PTX3 expression and promoted the proliferation and migration of t-DCs, achieving the same biological effects as PTX3 overexpression in t-DCs. Simultaneously, downregulation of ZNF148 partially reversed the effect of PTX3 overexpression in t-DCs. In conclusion, the ZNF148/PTX3 axis played an important role in regulating the malignant transformation of DCs after cross-talk with GSCs, and this axis may serve as a new target for sensitizing GBM to DC-based immunotherapy.
Ultrafine ZnSe/CoSe Nanodots Encapsulated in Core-shell MOFs-Derived Hierarchically Porous N-doped Carbon Nanotubes for Superior Lithium/Sodium Storage
Authors: Zhang Chuan-Ling , Zhang Qiang , Chen Meng-Li , Zhu Xi-Xi , Zhao Chen-Fan , Cao Fu-Hu , Li Hao , Cong Huai-Ping
Published: November 2022

Rational design and development of hierarchical composite structures are of great significance for high-performance lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. In this work, core-shell ZIF-8@ZIF-67 nanotubes and polydopamine-derived hierarchically porous N-doped carbon composite with uniformly encapsulated ZnSe/CoSe nanodots (ZnSe@CoSe@CN) were constructed for enhanced lithium/sodium storage. Benefiting from the heterogeneous phase interface of ultrafine ZnSe/CoSe nanodots that can enhance the Li+/Na+ diffusion and storage, and the assembled hierarchically porous structured N-doped carbon nanotubes with high electronic conductivity and structural integrity, the bifunctional ZnSe@CoSe@CN anode delivers improved pseudo-capacitive contribution for both lithium and sodium storage, providing excellent rate capabilities (650.8 and 331 mAh g-1 at 5 A g-1 for lithium and sodium storage, respectively) and long-term cycling stability (a high reversible capacity of 1500 and 622.3 mAh g-1 after 100 cycles at 100 mA g-1, and 600 and 397.3 mAh g-1 after 1000 cycles at 5 A g-1 for lithium and sodium storage, respectively). This work provides an efficient design perspective to construct high-performance electrodes for energy storage devices.
Involvement of superior mesenteric vein and superior mesenteric artery is adverse prognostic factors in patients with localized pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma before and after chemoradiotherapy comparing T category between American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) and Japan Pancreas Society (JPS)
Authors: Hayasaki Aoi , Mizuno Shugo , Nagata Motonori , Kaluba Benson , Maeda Koki , Shinkai Toru , Ito Takahiro , Gyoten Kazuyuki , Fujii Takehiro , Iizawa Yusuke , Tanemura Akihiro , Murata Yasuhiro , Kuriyama Naohisa , Isaji Shuji , Kishiwada Masashi
Published: November 2022

Background: T category for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in the Classification of Pancreatic Cancer by the Japan Pancreas Society (JPS) is quite different from that in the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC). The aim is to compare prognosis in PDAC patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy (CRT) based on T categories of JPS and AJCC, focusing on extrapancreatic extension.
Methods: This study involved 344 PDAC patients who underwent CRT from 2005 to 2019. T-category variables were re-evaluated on computed tomography (CT) images before and after CRT. Disease-specific survival (DSS) was compared based on T categories of JPS and AJCC. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify prognostic factors.
Results: Based on T categories of the AJCC on CT-scan images before and after CRT, 5-year DSS of T3 (57.1% and 50%) were better than that of T2 (37.4% and 34.6%). This reversed phenomenon was not observed based on the JPS. The involvement of superior mesenteric vein (PVsm1) and superior mesenteric artery (Asm1) were significant prognostic factors before and after CRT. Our new T classification, which introduced PVsm1 and Asm1, reflected well the prognosis of patients undergoing CRT.
Conclusions: The PVsm1 and Asm1 may be practical for T category in PDAC patients undergoing CRT.
Synthetic lethality between CCNE1 hyperactivity and PARG inhibition in breast cancer
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Sourav , Hu Hsien-Ming , Jacobo Mauricio
Published: November 2022

Poly(ADP-Ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors have shown wide utility in targeting cancers with defects in homologous recombination. Poly(ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase (PARG), reverses the action of PARP enzymes and may also be an anti-cancer target. Genetic mapping of cellular factors dictating response to a PARG inhibitor by siRNA and CRISPR screens revealed chemical synthetic lethality with loss of base excision repair (BER) machinery also reflected in synergies with therapeutics that induce BER-dependent DNA damage. In a pharmacogenomic screen, Cyclin E1 (CCNE1) expression predicted PARG inhibitor efficacy across a panel of breast cancer cell lines and genetic induction of CCNE1 leads to drug sensitivity. PARG inhibitors cause excessive PAR formation, resulting in loss of cellular NAD + leading to necrosis. Hence, PARG inhibitors selectively kill cells with elevated PAR turnover, by impinging on the BER pathway or CCNE1-induced replication stress, and stalling PAR recycling may lead to runaway PAR accumulation and energy dependent cell death.
Wearable device and smartphone data can track ALS disease progression and may serve as novel clinical trial outcome measures
Authors: Johnson Stephen , Karas Marta , Burke Katherine , Straczkiewicz Marcin , Scheier Zoe , Clark Alison , Iwasaki Satoshi , Lahav Amir , Iyer Amrita , Onnela Jukka-Pekka , Berry James
Published: November 2022

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) therapeutic development has largely relied on staff-administered functional rating scales to determine treatment efficacy. We sought to determine if mobile applications (apps) and wearable devices can be used to quantify ALS disease progression through active (surveys) and passive (sensors) data collection. Forty ambulatory adults with ALS were followed for 6-months. The Beiwe app was used to administer self-entry ALS functional rating scale-revised (ALSFRS-RSE) and the Rasch Overall ALS Disability Scale (ROADS) surveys every 2-4 weeks. A wrist-worn activity monitor (ActiGraph's Insight Watch) or an ankle-worn activity monitor (Modus' StepWatch) was used continuously by each participant. Wearable device wear and app survey compliance were adequate. ALSFRS-R highly correlated with ALSFRS-RSE. Several wearable data daily physical activity measures demonstrated statistically significant change over time and associations with ALSFRS-RSE and ROADS. Active and passive digital data collection hold promise for novel ALS trial outcomes development.
Survival of adult female worms of Onchocerca change in gerbils and hamsters: implications for the development of an in vivo macrofilaricide screening model
Authors: Ayiseh Rene Bilingwe , Mbah Glory Enjong , Manfo Faustin Pascal Tsague , Kulu Tessy-Koko , Njotu Fabrice Ngoh , Monya Elvis , Ndi Emmanuel Menang , Tumanjong Irene Memeh , Mainsah Evans Ngandung , Sakanari Judy , Lustigman Sara , Cho-Ngwa Fidelis
Published: November 2022

Onchocerciasis, the second leading infectious cause of blindness, afflicts approximately 21 million people globally. Its control is limited to the use of the microfilaricidal drugs, ivermectin and moxidectin. Both drugs are unable to kill the adult worms which can survive for up to 15 years in patients, justifying the urgent need for potent and novel macrofilaricides that kill adult worms. The development of such drugs has been mired by the lack of an appropriate small laboratory animal model to evaluate potential drug candidates in vivo. This study assessed the survival of O. change female worms and their embryos over time in two laboratory rodents: gerbils and hamsters and tested using ‘proof-of-concept’ studies, whether known macrofilaricidal drugs can kill these worms. Animals were surgically implanted with mechanical or enzyme-liberated O. change female worms, and sacrificed at various time points to test for survival. Recovered worms were assessed for viability by biochemical analysis (MTT/formazan assay) or fecundity (embryogram). Flubendazole (FBZ) administered at 20 mg/kg body weight was used to validate both rodent models. By day 26 post-implantation, 58.6 ± 7.5% female worms were recovered from hamsters, and 20 ± 3.5% from gerbils. Those recovered from gerbils were mostly disintegrated or fragmented, with significantly higher fragmentation observed with enzymatically-liberated worms. FBZ had no significant effect on the number worms recovered, but enhanced embryo degradation in gerbils and reduced worm viability in hamsters. This exploratory study has revealed the gerbil and hamster as permissible rodents to adult female worms of O. change. The hamsters appeared to maintain the worms longer, compared to gerbils.
The abnormality of retinal function in early type 2 diabetes patients without retinopathy
Authors: Li Rong-Rong , Li Huan , Cai Yi , Yuan Li-Fei , Miao Hui , Shao Chang-Liang , Wang Yun-Chang
Published: November 2022

Objective
To study the changes of retinal function in early type 2 diabetes patients without obvious macroscopic retinopathy via multifocal electroretinogram.
Methods
Thirty-six subjects (72 eyes) without visible diabetes retinopathy were selected as the experimental group, and 35 healthy subjects (70 eyes) were selected as the control group. All subjects were underwent multifocal electroretinogram (mf-ERG).
Results
Compared with the control group, the implicit time delay of the P1 wave in the first ring, third ring, fourth ring, and fifth ring of the experimental group was significant (t = -3.154, p = 0.004, t = -8.21, p = 0.000, t = -3.067, p = 0.004, t = -4.443, p = 0.000, respectively). The implicit time of the N1 wave in the fourth- and fifth-ring were also significantly delayed compared with the control group (t = -3.549, p = 0.001, t = 2.961, and p = 0.005, respectively). The implicit time of the P1 wave and N1 wave in the temporal region was later than that in the nasal region (t = -2.148, p = 0.037, t = -2.834, p = 0.007, respectively). There was no difference in the implicit time and amplitude density of the N1 and P1 waves in the nasal region between the experimental group and the control group. The multifocal electroretinogram complex parameters showed better specificity and sensitivity in the diagnosis of diabetes retinopathy.
Conclusion
The multifocal electroretinogram can detect abnormal changes in the retina of early type 2 diabetes patients without visible diabetic retinopathy. The multifocal electroretinogram complex parameter is a potential indicator for the early diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy.
Community Engagement in Social Innovation Research: A Global Sequential Mixed Methods Analysis
Authors: Ahumuza Emmanuel , Moscibrodzki Patricia , Tucker Joseph D , Awor Phyllis
Published: November 2022

Background

Social innovation in health provides innovative solutions to address healthcare delivery gaps and it relies on engaging community. However, little is known about factors that influence community engagement in health research. The study sought an in-depth understanding of elements of community engagement in social innovations identified by the global social innovation in health initiative network.

Methods

The study employed a sequential mixed methods study approach, which involved a series of semi-structured interviews with 27 social innovators followed by an online survey among social innovation researchers. Semi-structured interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed using NVivo 11. Themes identified from the qualitative study informed the development of a survey instrument on community engagement. The survey data were analyzed using STATA version-14 and descriptive statistics were presented.

Results

Community engagement in social innovation was mostly utilized during during delivery of interventions (213; 79.2%), intervention identification and design (179; 66.5%), and problem identification (167; 62.1%). About half of the social innovations (135; 52.1%) had collaborate or shared leadership level of community engagement. We noted differential participation of community stakeholders at different stages of community engagement in social innovations. Social innovations built capacity of community stakeholders to offer health services to communities. Community engagement in social innovations resulted into intervention acceptance, and improved sustainability and community ownership of interventions.

Conclusion

The study shows moderate community engagement in social innovations in health. Creating strong governance structures as well as co-creating interventions with communities are vital towards achieving high community engagement in social innovation in health.
Experimental study on characteristic of ultrathin sapphire wafer polishing with Layer Stacked Clamping (LSC) method
Authors: Chen Zhixiang , Han Shunkai , Feng Ming , Chen Hongyu , Zhang Xianglei
Published: November 2022

Ultrathin sapphire wafer is of great significance in the semiconductor field. In order to explore the effective clamping method of ultrathin sapphire wafer in double-side polishing, this paper studied the characteristic of Layer stacked clamping (LSC) method on polishing ultrathin sapphire wafer with double-side polishing machine. A self-made friction force test platform was built for learning the friction force between sapphire wafer and baseplate with different baseplate (stainless steel, cast iron, aluminum alloy) and different baseplate surface roughness (Ra 3.6 nm, 68.2 nm, 210.1 nm, 517.9 nm). Single factor polishing experiments were carried out on baseplate with different flatness (PV value 5.3 µm, 9.8 µm, 19.9 µm, 29.7 µm) and different thicknesses (0.082 mm, 0.104 mm, 0.119 mm). The double-side polishing experiments were carried out to compare the polishing performance on the ultrathin sapphire polishing between LSC method and traditional paraffin bonding method. The results show that the friction force of stainless steel and iron increase under the adsorption of droplets. Stainless steel performs higher friction force and is more suitable for making the baseplate. The inner fringe of limiter was cut off by the edge of the sapphire wafer and a slope was thereby formed. According to polishing results, LSC method has higher processing efficiency per unit time. The surface roughness, flatness and material removal rate are better than paraffin bonding. Finally, a smooth surface with surface roughness (Ra) 1.3 nm and flatness (PV) 0.988 µm was obtained with LSC method.
Women’s Aesthetic Perceptions of the Genitalia and Their Association with Anatomical Measurements
Authors: DEREBASİNLİOGLU HANDAN , Karaca Sanem Nemmezi , Yıldız Çağlar
Published: November 2022

Background: The purpose of this study to determined women’s perceptions of the vulva with the criteria defined in the literature for the ideal vulva and determine their relationship with anatomical measurements in order to determine the extent to which women’s perceptions of normal align with our aesthetic standards of normality.
Methods: First of all, a questionnaire was applied to all participants. The items of the data collection form were included personal information, obstetric and gynecological information, their perceptions of their external genitalia and any physical, sexual, psychological, and hygiene problems they experience. Then examination and measurements of the external genitalia were performed.
Results: The majority of participants considered their genitalia normal (n=101, 89.4%), while 12 participants (10.6%) considered them abnormal. Statistical analyses showed that women’s perception of their genitalia as normal in appearance and size was associated with labia minora asymmetry (p=0.023 and p=0.006, respectively) and hyperpigmentation (p=0.010 and p=0.047, respectively) but not with labia minora measurements or protrusion (p>0.05)
Conclusions : Although there is a tendency in the field of aesthetic surgery to define ideals and aesthetic standards for all parts of the body, our definitions of normality do not always coincide with those of the individual. The appearance of the genitalia is as personal as the face, and an individual’s self-perception is more important than our ideal.
Level IV: Evidence obtained from multiple time series with or without the intervention, such as case studies. Dramatic results in uncontrolled trials might also be regarded as this type of evidence.
Construction of hollow copper selenide boxes and S-doping for enhanced electromagnetic wave absorption
Authors: Huang Wei , Wang Xuan , Wang Yuansheng , Yan Liuliu , Li Yongqing , Wang Bo , Wang Yujiang , Wei Shicheng
Published: November 2022

With the proliferation of the use of wireless communication technologies, lightweight, easily fabricated electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbers are in great demand for commercial and stealth applicationS In this paper, well-defined Cu2O microcubes were successfully converted into S-doped Cu2 − xSe micro-cubic boxes at room temperature by a template-directed in situ selenization/sulfidation reactioN the Cu2 − xSe boxes were obtained under the combined effect of Kirkendall effect and Ostwald ripening, and the composite products with paraffins exhibited good EMW low-frequency absorption properties at 40 wt%, with RL(min) exceeding − 20 dB from 2.6 mm-5.0 mM In addition, the sulfidation process optimized the morphology, composition, interface, defects, and conductivity, which further enhanced the EMW absorption performance of the materiaL The optimized RL(min) of S-doped Cu2 − xSe reaches − 44.5 dB at 1.9 mm with an EAB of 4.3 GHZ
Gender-related association of osteoporosis and bone mineral density with body fat distribution in the general US population: a case control study
Authors: ma jinlong , Li Xiang , Chen Yunzhen
Published: November 2022

Background: There have been few population-based studies investigated the association between fat distribution and osteoporosis and the bone mineral density (BMD).
Methods: Our survey was based on the data from 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). A total body dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan was conducted to assess the body composition. Participants were asked whether they had previously received a physician diagnosis of osteoporosis through the survey. To assess the effects of body mass index (BMI) and android: gynoid ratio (AGR) on osteoporosis in male and female, we performed the multivariate logistic regression analysis.
Results: A total of 336 male and 329 female subjects participated in the study. In male, BMI was positively correlated with BMD of lumbar spine and lower limbs. And there was no significant interaction between AGR and BMD. There were positive correlations between both BMI and AGR and the BMD of lower limbs in female. And only BMI was positively correlated with lumbar spine BMD.
Conclusions: BMI was negatively associated with the risk of osteoporosis in male. For female, such protect was caused by AGR.
Disentangling rural-urban modern contraceptive utilization disparity among sexually active women of reproductive age in Sierra Leone: A Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition analysis
Authors: Luwedde Mary , Katantazi Nehemiah , Sserwanja Quraish , Mukunya David , Kamara Kassim
Published: November 2022

Background
Sierra Leone has one of the world's highest rates of maternal mortality. Preventing unintended pregnancies reduces the burden of maternal mortality. Unfortunately, 25% of reproductive-age women do not have access to modern contraceptives, and the proportion of demand met for modern contraception remains low at 46% in Sierra Leone. Rural Sierra Leonean women use modern contraception less frequently than urban women. This study aimed to quantify the rural-urban disparity in modern contraceptive use among Sierra Leonean women of reproductive age and to identify factors that explain it.
Method
Data from the 2019 Sierra Leone demographic health survey was used. Participants were sexually active women aged 15 to 49 (n = 13,975). Modern contraceptive use was the outcome variable while the selected explanatory variables were grouped into materialistic, behavioral/cultural, and psychosocial theoretical perspectives. Descriptive statistics, intermediary analysis, and Oaxaca decomposition analysis were used to summarize and identify the factors that explain inequalities in modern contraceptive use between rural and urban women. Data were analyzed using Stata version 14.0.
Results
There was a rural-urban disparity in modern contraceptive use of 18 percentage points favoring urban women and the exposure variables explained 68% of this disparity. Education made the biggest (76%) contribution to the explanation of the modern contraceptive use disparity between urban and rural women. Other important contributors were marital status (39%), hearing about family planning on the radio (16%), age of respondent (13%), problems with distance to a healthcare facility (12%), and problems getting permission to seek treatment (9%).
Conclusions
There was a large rural-urban disparity in modern contraceptive use that favored urban dwellers. Material, behavior/cultural, psychosocial, and demographic explanatory factors jointly explained 68% of the difference in modern contraceptive utilization between rural and urban dwellers. To close the rural-urban disparity in modern contraceptive use, policymakers must address inequities in education, mass media (radio) access, and healthcare access. Rural women should be empowered so that they can have the autonomy to access healthcare. Involving men in modern contraceptive programs can increase rural women's ability to get permission to seek services hence increasing modern contraceptive utilization and consequently bridging the rural-urban gap.
Reconstructing protein interactions at enhancer-promoter regions in prostate cancer
Authors: Armaos Alexandros , Serra François , Núñez-Carpintero Iker , Seo Ji-Heui , Baca Sylvan , Gustincich Stefano , Valencia Alfonso , Freedman Matthew , Cirillo Davide , Giambartolomei Claudia , Tartaglia Gian Gaetano
Published: November 2022

DNA-binding proteins (DBPs) and in particular transcription factors interact with enhancers and their target genes through enhancer-promoter (E-P) interactions. Technological advancements such as chromosome conformation capture allow to identify E-P interactions, but the protein networks involved have not yet been characterized. Most importantly, the role of nuclear protein networks in human diseases has been so far poorly investigated. Prostate cancer (PrCa) heritability is associated with variations in enhancers that affect specific gene expression. Here, we introduce a novel approach, called Promoter-ENhancer-GUided Interaction Networks (PENGUIN), to identify protein-protein interactions (PPI) in E-P interactions and apply it to our PrCa dataset. PENGUIN integrates chromatin interactions between a promoter and its enhancers defined by high-coverage H3K27ac-HiChIP data, with a tissue-specific PPI network inferred from DNA-binding motifs and refined with gene expression. Among a total of 4,314 E-P networks, PENGUIN performed unsupervised clustering. We functionally validated this clustering procedure by searching for enrichments of specific biological features. We confirmed PENGUIN structural classification of E-P networks by showing a clear differential enrichment of the architectural protein CTCF. Next, and directly related to our PrCa case study, we observed that one of our 8 main clusters, containing 273 promoters, is particularly enriched for PrCA associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and oncogenes. Our approach proposes a mechanistic explanation for 208 PrCa SNPs falling either inside the binding sites of DNA-binding proteins (DBPs) or within genes encoding for intermediate proteins bridging E-P contacts. PENGUIN not only confirmed the relevance of key regulators in PrCa, but also identified new candidates for intervention, opening up new directions to identify molecular targets for disease treatment.
Effect of oxygen content in local shielding atmosphere on cladding quality of Ti6Al4V during annular laser metal deposition
Authors: Zhang Jinchao , wang heng , Cao Yupeng , Su Boyong , Hua Guoran , Shi Tuo , Shi Jianjun
Published: November 2022

In annular laser metal deposition (ALMD), Ti6Al4V alloy is sensitive to oxygen. In this research, a coaxial double-layer shielding gas nozzle was used to provide a local inert gas atmosphere. The influence of the oxygen concentration in local shield on the cladding quality was evaluated regarding the appearance, chemical composition, microhardness, microstructure and phase constituent. The results show that the surface discoloration of cladding layer is related to oxygen contamination level. When the oxygen level in the local atmosphere is below about 1000 ppm, a shiny silver surface of the clad can be achieved, and the concentration of oxygen and nitrogen in the deposited material is below those allowable for ASTM Grade 5. In addition, as the oxygen concentration decreases, the microhardness of the samples decreases gradually, and microstructural characteristics experiences a change from the blocky plate α' martensite within the coarse prior β-grain boundary to the acicular α' martensite within the fine β-grain boundary.