bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable and coordinated development: Green transition as a new driving force of regional economy
Authors: Xu Shengxia , Liu Qiang , Yang Jiahui
Published: August 2023

A high‐quality green transition is essential to achieving sustainable and coordinated global development. In this paper, a new method of two‐step geometric average is proposed to measure green transition, and a comprehensive framework on the relationship between sustainability and coordination via the propelling force of green transition is constructed at both the national and provincial levels. In addition, the mediating effect model and the threshold model are employed to empirically verify the mechanisms and influences. According to the results, green transition can contribute to regional economic growth at national level and to the coordinated development of regional economies at provincial level in China. Meanwhile, the non‐linear ‘U‐shaped’ relationships between green transition and regional economy are demonstrated in Asia and the eastern region of China, and spillover effect of technological innovation can indirectly promote regional development. In addition, the heterogeneity effect of green transition fully releases the dividend of economic quality and environmental governance capacity, promoting the coordinated development of regional economies. In the meantime, the driving force of green transition on regional economy is dependent on the external environment, particularly before and after the outbreak of COVID‐19, when its impact has altered substantially. Therefore, it is necessary to promote green transition via greater technological innovation efficiency, and then to restore the vitality of regional economic development; which could provide policy makers and professionals in the regional economy with information for enhancing sustainable and coordinated development.
Semiparametric probit regression model with misclassified current status data
Authors: Fang Lijun , Li Shuwei , Sun Liuquan , Song Xinyuan
Published: August 2023

Current status data arise when each subject under study is examined only once at an observation time, and one only knows the failure status of the event of interest at the observation time rather than the exact failure time. Moreover, the obtained failure status is frequently subject to misclassification due to imperfect tests, yielding misclassified current status data. This article conducts regression analysis of such data with the semiparametric probit model, which serves as an important alternative to existing semiparametric models and has recently received considerable attention in failure time data analysis. We consider the nonparametric maximum likelihood estimation and develop an expectation‐maximization (EM) algorithm by incorporating the generalized pool‐adjacent‐violators (PAV) algorithm to maximize the intractable likelihood function. The resulting estimators of regression parameters are shown to be consistent, asymptotically normal, and semiparametrically efficient. Furthermore, the numerical results in simulation studies indicate that the proposed method performs satisfactorily in finite samples and outperforms the naive method that ignores misclassification. We then apply the proposed method to a real dataset on chlamydia infection.
Economical, Simple‐to‐Prepare, and Salt‐Resistant Evaporator Based on Porous Activated Carbon for Sustainable Solar Evaporation
Authors: Pan Yingjie , Xu Linqiong , Sun Mengyang , Shao Yaoxin , Chao Jiabao , Lv Bizhi , Zhao Yongqing
Published: August 2023

Interfacial solar vapor evaporation is expected to be an emerging technology to solve the scarcity of freshwater due to its sustainability and high efficiency. However, the present application of evaporators is mainly limited by the complex preparation process, expensive cost of raw material, and poor structure. Herein, based on coconut shell activated carbon (CSC) and ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), a cost‐effective and robust CSC/UHMWPE (CSC/PE) evaporator is prepared through sintering in a mold. Benefiting from high light absorptance (≈90%) and excellent thermal localization, the CSC/PE evaporator exhibits an evaporation rate of 1.340 kg m−2 h−1 and an evaporation efficiency of 80.57% in 3.5 wt% brine under 1 sun irradiation. Moreover, by regulating the component ratios, the CSC/PE evaporator achieves superhydrophilicity and proper water transportation rate, and shows long‐term stability with an average evaporation rate of 1.309 kg m−2 h−1 in natural seawater for 10 h. Specifically, the high porosity CSC/PE facilitates the salt resistance in high salinity brine (15 wt%). Importantly, the cost‐effectiveness of CSC/PE is 53.43 g h−1 $−1, which is economical compared to other reported evaporators. Therefore, the economical, simple‐to‐prepare, and durable CSC/PE evaporator has enormous potential in interfacial solar vapor evaporation for freshwater production.
Score‐based test in high‐dimensional quantile regression for longitudinal data with application to a glomerular filtration rate data
Authors: Wang Yinfeng , Wang Huixia Judy , Tang Yanlin
Published: August 2023

Motivated by a genome‐wide association study on the glomerular filtration rate, we develop a new robust test for longitudinal data to detect the effects of biomarkers in high‐dimensional quantile regression, in the presence of prespecified control variables. The test is based on the sum of score‐type statistics deduced from conditional quantile regression. The test statistic is constructed in a working‐independent manner, but the calibration reflects the intrinsic within‐subject correlation. Therefore, the test takes advantage of the feature of longitudinal data and provides more information than those based on only one measurement for each subject. Asymptotic properties of the proposed test statistic are established under both the null and local alternative hypotheses. Simulation studies show that the proposed test can control the family‐wise error rate well, while providing competitive power. The proposed method is applied to the motivating glomerular filtration rate data to test the overall significance of a large number of candidate single‐nucleotide polymorphisms that are possibly associated with the Type 1 diabetes, conditioning on the patients' demographics.
Whole Unripe Plantain Flour as Unconventional Carbohydrate Source to Prepare Gluten‐Free Pasta with High Dietary Fiber Content and Reduced Starch Hydrolysis
Authors: Bello‐Pérez Luis A. , Pineda‐Tapia Francisco J. , Pacheco‐Vargas Glenda , Carmona‐Garcia Roselis , Tovar Juscelino
Published: August 2023

The effect of non‐starch polysaccharides of whole unripe plantain flour (WUPF) on the starch hydrolysis rate provides information on the potential glycemic impact of the use of this flour to produce gluten‐free foods. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of the non‐starch polysaccharides (dietary fiber (DF)) present in the peel of unripe plantain flour on starch digestion, texture, and DF content of laminated pasta. The unripe plantain pulp flour (UPF) is used as a reference. Pasta based on these flours is prepared by sheeting. Proximate composition, cooking quality, texture, polyphenol content, antioxidant activity, and starch hydrolysis rate of the pasta are evaluated. An appreciable higher DF content is recorded in the cooked WUPF pasta which is associated with the non‐starch polysaccharides of the peel. In general, the cooking quality and texture of both pastas are similar, falling within the range considered for good quality pasta. The resistant starch content is higher in the pasta of WUPF. The presence of polyphenols in the cooked WUPF pasta may also contribute to reducing the starch digestion rate. The WUPF can be an alternative to preparing gluten‐free pasta with reduced starch hydrolysis and high DF content.
The importance of the dyad: Participant perspectives on sharing biomarker results in Alzheimer's disease research
Authors: Ketchum Fred B. , Chin Nathaniel A. , Erickson Claire , Lambrou Nickolas H. , Basche Kristin , Gleason Carey E. , Clark Lindsay
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

In the asymptomatic “preclinical” phase of Alzheimer's disease (AD), abnormal biomarkers indicate risk for developing cognitive impairment. Biomarker information is increasingly being disclosed to participants in research settings, and biomarker testing and results disclosure will be implemented in clinical settings in the future. Biomarker disclosure has potential psychosocial benefits and harms, impacting affected individuals and their support person(s). Limited data are available about with whom research participants share their results, information that will be necessary to develop disclosure protocols and post‐disclosure resources. Additionally, existing research has been conducted in largely White cohorts, limiting applicability to future clinical populations.

METHODS

We enrolled a diverse cohort of 329 adults (184 non‐Hispanic White and 145 Black/African American individuals) who previously participated in AD research. After reviewing a vignette describing a hypothetical biomarker research study, participants indicated their anticipated willingness to share biomarker results with loved ones, and what reactions they anticipated from others. Using mixed‐methods analysis, we identified responses related to willingness to share results.

RESULTS

A majority (78.7%) were willing to share their results with support persons. Many (59.6%) felt it would not be difficult to share, and most (90.6%) believed their loved ones would be supportive. The most common reasons for sharing were to prepare for possible future AD (41.0% of respondents), while the most common reason for not sharing was to avoid worrying loved ones (4.8% of respondents). A total of 7.3% of respondents related reasons regarding being unsure about sharing.

DISCUSSION

Participants’ interest in sharing results supports integrating support persons into AD biomarker research, and may help maximize potential benefits for participants. Communicating with this "dyad" of research participant and support person(s) may improve involvement in research, and help prepare for implementation of clinical biomarker testing by clarifying communication preferences and the influence of support persons on psychosocial outcomes.
Crafting Data-Driven Strategies to Disentangle Socioeconomic Disparities from Disease Spread
Authors: Paul Ayan
Published: August 2023

As a disease whose spread is correlated with mobility patterns of the susceptible, understanding how COVID-19 affects a population is by no means a univariate problem. Akin to other communicable diseases caused by viruses like HIV, SARS, MERS, Ebola, etc., the nuances of the socioeconomic strata of the vulnerable population are important predictors and precursors of how certain components of the society will be differentially affected by the spread of the disease. In this work, we shall delineate the use of multivariate analyses in the form of interpretable machine learning to understand the causal connection between socioeconomic disparities and the initial spread of COVID-19. We will show why this is still a concern in a developed nation like the USA with a world leading healthcare system. We will then emphasize why data quality is important for such methodologies and what a developing nation like India can do to build a framework for data-driven methods for policy building in the event of a natural crisis like the ongoing pandemic. We hope that realistic implementations of this work can lead to more insightful policies and directives based on real world statistics rather than subjective modeling of disease spread.
Kaluza-Klein five-point functions from AdS5×S5 supergravity
Authors: Gonçalves Vasco , Meneghelli Carlo , Pereira Raul , Boas Joao Vilas , Zhou Xinan
Published: August 2023

Abstract

We continue to explore the bootstrap approach to five-point correlation functions for IIB supergravity on AdS5 × S5. Building on the result of [1], we develop an improved algorithm that allows us to more efficiently compute correlators of higher Kaluza-Klein modes. The new method uses only factorization and a superconformal twist, and is entirely within Mellin space where the analytic structure of holographic correlators is simpler. Using this method, we obtain in a closed form all five-point functions of the form 〈pp222〉, extending the earlier result for p = 2. As a byproduct of our analysis, we also obtain explicit results for spinning four-point functions of higher Kaluza-Klein modes.
Association between functional constipation and vaginal wind in women at 6 weeks postpartum
Authors: Xiao Li , Xiao Huilian , Zhong Yanbiao , Luo Yun , Luo Huachao , Wang Maoyuan
Published: August 2023

Introduction and hypothesis

The pathogenesis of vaginal wind remains unclear. This study was aimed at assessing the association between functional constipation and vaginal wind in women at 6 weeks postpartum.

Methods

This is a multicenter cross-sectional study. We collected data, such as baseline demographic, clinical characteristics, pelvic organ prolapse quantification score. and surface electromyography parameters of pelvic floor muscles, of women at 6 weeks postpartum who visited the postpartum rehabilitation clinic between May 2022 and September 2022. The cohort data were from women who visited the postpartum rehabilitation clinic of the First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University and the Women and Children's Health Care Hospital of Yudu County. Follow-up for the control and study cohorts was conducted until 6 weeks postpartum.

Results

Among the 377 women, 101 (26.79%) reported vaginal wind. Multivariate regression analysis showed that postpartum women with functional constipation were at a higher risk for vaginal wind than women without functional constipation (odds ratio [OR], 2.41). The results remained stable across the propensity score analyses (OR, 1.86–2.30). In addition, we found age, body mass index, mode of delivery, changes in the anatomical location of Bp points, urinary incontinence, pelvic floor muscle strength, and birth weight of the neonate were not associated with increased odds of vaginal wind in women at 6 weeks postpartum.

Conclusions

Vaginal wind is common among women at 6 weeks postpartum and is associated with functional constipation. Functional constipation may serve as a reference for the pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment of vaginal wind.
The Influence of HIV Status on Acute Appendicitis: A Retrospective Study from South Africa
Authors: Laäs Reza , Clarke Damian L. , Dufourq Nicholas , Smith Michelle T. D. , Bruce John L. , Naidoo Mergan
Published: August 2023

Background

Despite the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) being the most common comorbidity in South African surgical patients, its impact on appendicitis has not been well‐described. We aimed to determine HIV status’ influence on patients’ presentation, assessment, management and outcomes with acute appendicitis.

Methods

The retrospective chart review included all patients aged 12 years and older who were HIV‐positive or HIV‐negative and presented with acute appendicitis between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2019. The primary outcome measure was survival to discharge. Secondary outcomes included analysis of the presentation (vital signs), assessment (biochemical, inflammatory markers) and management (intraoperative anatomical severity grading, length of hospital stay).

Results

Of the 1096 patients with appendicitis, 196 (17.9%) were HIV‐positive, and CD4 counts were available for 159. The median age was 23 years, with the HIV‐positive patients being older and HIV‐negative group having more males (58.7%). While the HIV‐positive patients had a longer median length of hospital stay, there was no statistically significant difference in the two groups’ incidence of high‐grade appendicitis (p = 0.670). The HIV‐positive patients had a higher median shock index (OR 7.65; 95% [CI 2.042–28.64]) than their HIV‐negative counterparts. HIV‐positivity had a significant association with mortality (OR 9.56; 95% CI [1.68–179.39]), and of the seven HIV‐positive patients who died, 66.7% (n = 4) had a CD4 < 200 cells/mm3 (OR 8.6; 95% CI [1.6–63.9]).

Conclusion

HIV‐positive patients, those with CD4 < 200 cells/mm3 or not on ART, have increased mortality risk and may benefit from increased perioperative surveillance. Patients with an unknown HIV status in a high‐prevalence population should be offered HIV testing to risk stratify more accurately.
Six-Month Outcomes of Mechanical Thrombectomy for Treating Deep Vein Thrombosis: Analysis from the 500-Patient CLOUT Registry
Authors: Shaikh Abdullah , Zybulewski Adam , Paulisin Joseph , Bisharat Mohannad , Mouawad Nicolas J. , Raskin Adam , Ichinose Eugene , Abramowitz Steven , Lindquist Jonathan , Azene Ezana , Shah Neil , Nguyen James , Cockrell Josh , Khalsa Bhavraj , Khetarpaul Vipul , Murrey Douglas A. , Veerina Kalyan , Skripochnik Edvard , Maldonado Thomas S. , Bunte Matthew C. , Annambhotla Suman , Schor Jonathan , Kado Herman , Mojibian Hamid , Dexter David ,   the CLOUT Investigators
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Mechanical thrombectomy for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is being increasingly utilized to reduce symptoms and prevent postthrombotic syndrome (PTS), but more data on clinical outcomes are needed. Mechanical thrombectomy was studied in the ClotTriever Outcomes (CLOUT) registry with 6-month full analysis outcomes reported herein.

Materials and Methods

The CLOUT registry is a prospective, all-comer study that enrolled 500 lower extremity DVT patients across 43 US sites treated with mechanical thrombectomy using the ClotTriever System. Core-lab assessed Marder scores and physician-assessed venous patency by duplex ultrasound, PTS assessment using Villalta score, venous symptom severity, pain, and quality of life scores through 6 months were analyzed. Adverse events were identified and independently adjudicated.

Results

All-cause mortality at 30 days was 0.9%, and 8.6% of subjects experienced a serious adverse event (SAE) within the first 30 days, 1 of which (0.2%) was device related. SAE rethrombosis/residual thrombus incidence was 4.8% at 30 days and 8.0% at 6 months. Between baseline and 6 months, venous flow increased from 27.2% to 92.5% of limbs (P < 0.0001), and venous compressibility improved from 28.0% to 91.8% (P < 0.0001), while median Villalta scores improved from 9.0 at baseline to 1.0 at 6 months (P < 0.0001). Significant improvements in venous symptom severity, pain, and quality of life were also demonstrated. Outcomes from iliofemoral and isolated femoral-popliteal segments showed similar improvements.

Conclusion

Outcomes from the CLOUT study, a large prospective registry for DVT, indicate that mechanical thrombectomy is safe and demonstrates significant improvement in symptoms and health status through 6 months.

Level of Evidence 3: Non-randomized controlled cohort/follow-up study.
Robust watermark based on Schur decomposition and dynamic weighting factors
Authors: Nasser Reem , Abouelseoud Yasmine , Mikhail Mervat
Published: August 2023

Since multimedia data are now more widely distributed in digital form and easier to copy and change, copyright protection has become an essential need. One of the most common copyright protection techniques is watermarking. Invisibility and robustness are crucial aspects of watermarking; however, many of the currently used techniques simply focus more on invisibility than how robust they are. Moreover, the trade-off between invisibility and robustness is challenging. To this end, this paper proposes a novel watermark technique that efficiently overcomes the idea of a trade-off between robustness and invisibility, thereby increasing both under most attacks. Schur decomposition and a dynamic weighting factors matrix are added to the embedding process to improve the robustness of the proposed technique. Besides that, the embedding function is improved to simultaneously maximize imperceptibility and robustness. Another key contribution of the proposed approach is its use of a trajectory-based optimization algorithm rather than the more prevalent population-based algorithms to determine the optimal scaling factors. Consequently, the proposed technique rapidly identifies the best scaling factors for the embedding function. Statistical analysis is performed using the Friedman test. Experimental results show that the proposed technique outperforms other existing techniques for different sizes, shapes, and types of watermarks.
Hyperspectral imaging as a new diagnostic tool for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
Authors: Schimunek Lukas , Schöpp Katharina , Wagner Michael , Brucker Sara Y. , Andress Jürgen , Weiss Martin
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Cervical cancer screening by visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) during colposcopy can be challenging and is highly dependent on the clinical experience of the examiner. Health-care systems lack qualified physicians able to perform the examination in both industrialized and low- and middle-income countries. Previous work has shown the general potential of hyperspectral imaging (HSI) to discriminate CIN from normal tissue, but clinical translation has been limited due to the lack of medically approved HSI systems.

Methods

In this study, we evaluate the feasibility of a commercially available HSI system for CIN detection in a prospective monocentric clinical trial.

Results

By obtaining spectral fingerprints of 41 patients with CIN 1–3 we show that HSI-based differentiation between CIN and normal tissue is possible with high statistical significance. Major spectral differences were seen in the 555–585 wavelength area.

Conclusion

HSI advances tissue differentiation by associating each pixel with high-dimensional spectra and thereby obtains morphological and biochemical information of the observed tissue. Currently available and medically approved HSI systems may represent a contact- and marker-free examiner-independent method for the diagnosis of CIN.
Ocular manifestations of the genetic causes of focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis
Authors: Zhu Victor , Huang Tess , Wang David , Colville Deb , Mack Heather , Savige Judy
Published: August 2023

Genetic forms of focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) often have extra-renal manifestations. This study examined FSGS-associated genes from the Genomics England Renal proteinuria panel for reported and likely ocular features. Thirty-two of the 55 genes (58%) were associated with ocular abnormalities in human disease, and a further 12 (22%) were expressed in the retina or had an eye phenotype in mouse models. The commonest genes affected in congenital nephrotic syndrome (NPHS1, NPHS2, WT1, LAMB2, PAX2 but not PLCE1) may have ocular manifestations . Many genes affected in childhood–adolescent onset FSGS (NPHS1, NPHS2, WT1, LAMB2, SMARCAL1, NUP107 but not TRPC6 or PLCE1) have ocular features. The commonest genes affected in adult-onset FSGS (COL4A3–COL4A5,GLA ) have ocular abnormalities but not the other frequently affected genes (ACTN4, CD2AP, INF2, TRPC6). Common ocular associations of genetic FSGS include cataract, myopia, strabismus, ptosis and retinal atrophy. Mitochondrial forms of FSGS (MELAS, MIDD, Kearn’s Sayre disease) are associated with retinal atrophy and inherited retinal degeneration. Some genetic kidney diseases (CAKUT, ciliopathies, tubulopathies) that result in secondary forms of FSGS also have ocular features. Ocular manifestations suggest a genetic basis for FSGS, often help identify the affected gene, and prompt genetic testing. In general, ocular abnormalities require early evaluation by an ophthalmologist, and sometimes, monitoring or treatment to improve vision or prevent visual loss from complications. In addition, the patient should be examined for other syndromic features and first degree family members assessed.
Medium-chain and long-chain fatty acids are associated with diarrheal predominant irritable bowel syndrome revealed by DESI-MSI
Authors: Zhang Yanli , Zhu Huiting , Du Shiyu , Wang Huifen , Li Hui , Wang Miao , Shao Bing
Published: August 2023

Background

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common functional bowel disorders, but its pathogenesis remains unknown. Its development may be linked to intestinal dysmetabolism, directly and indirectly. The present study aimed to screen the differentially expressed small molecular substances in the mucosa of the colon between IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D) patients and healthy subjects and explore the pathogenesis of IBS-D.

Methods

In this pilot study, the metabolites of colonic mucosa in ten patients with IBS-D and six healthy controls (HC) were analyzed by DESI-MSI. We also mapped the spatial distribution of the screened differential metabolites from samples of the IBS-D group and HC group.

Results

The results showed that 20 metabolites in the colonic mucosa of IBS-D were significantly more abundant, while the other 77 substances were significantly reduced. Enrichment analysis of 97 differential metabolites and KEGG pathway analysis revealed that six medium-chain and long-chain fatty acids were determined to be most overrepresented in the IBS-D group compared to the HC group. Four of these six fatty acids are all PUFAs. The DESI–MSI results suggested that these fatty acids were localized in the colonic mucosa and confirmed the differences in these fatty acids between IBS-D and HC.

Conclusions

Medium-chain and long-chain fatty acids localized in the colonic mucosa are likely to be potential indicators for the differentiation of IBS-D from healthy subjects which may have implications in the mechanisms and possible preventive measures against IBS.

Clinical trial registry registration number

ChiCTR2200060224.
Flash drought evaluation using evaporative stress and evaporative demand drought indices: a case study from Awash River Basin (ARB), Ethiopia
Authors: Getahun Yitea Seneshaw , Li Ming-Hsu
Published: August 2023

Drought is one of the most devastating phenomena that affect the livelihood of most communities in Ethiopia as they have low adaptive capacity. Recent advancements in remote sensing and drought investigations have made it possible to identify a new type of flash drought that has rapid intensification with a short duration (i.e., less than 1 month unlike conventional droughts). This study intends to identify flash drought in the Awash River Basin (ARB) based on Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data of actual evapotranspiration and potential evapotranspiration using Evaporative Demand Drought Index (EDDI) and Evaporative Stress Index (ESI) indices. The flash drought result exhibited that agricultural lands, grasslands, vegetation areas, and irrigational croplands along the river were vulnerable to flash drought in the ARB. Using ESI, the area of ARB that experienced flash drought in 2002, 2008, 2009, 2012, and 2015 were 23%, 40%, 20%, 40%, and 24%, respectively. These intense flash drought areas can be used as drought monitoring sites. The flash drought extent of EDDI is more compared to ESI because of ESI’s dependency on vegetation coverages and soil moisture. The lowland downstream part of the ARB is highly prone to flash drought, particularly in the major rainy season (MRS) and the last two months of the minor rainy season (mRS). EDDI can discern the onset of flash drought better compared to ESI, but both can be used as a drought early warning mechanisms to minimize agricultural losses and drought-associated risks in the basin.
The burden of entheseal involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus: a comparative ultrasonograghic study
Authors: Emerah Ahmed , Mostafa Shaimaa , Kotb Lobna , Amer Yomna , Ismail Basma , Sarhan Shymaa A.
Published: August 2023

Background

Imaging is crucial for identifying and diagnosis of the musculoskeletal (MSK) symptoms, which are one of the most typical manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). For the joints, tendons, and entheseal sites, ultrasonography has shown to be sensitive and accurate for the diagnosis of both inflammation and structural damage.

Aim

The goal of the current investigation is to determine the prevalence and the distribution of entheseal abnormalities in SLE patients, using musculoskeletal ultrasonography (MSUS) and to assess the relationship between entheseal sonographic changes and the SLE disease activity.

Patients and methods

One hundred sixty-eight subjects were studied (56 SLE patients, 56 psoriatic arthritis (PSA) patients, and 56 normal cases). To compare the frequency and the distribution of entheseal involvement, high-resolution MSUS was conducted to assess the entheseal sites of all patients in accordance with the Madrid Sonographic Enthesitis Index (MASEI).

Results

Clinical enthesitis was detected in 39.3% of the SLE patients using the Leeds Enthesitis Index compared to 71% detected via US examination, indicating a high proportion of subclinical enthesitis in our SLE patients. The most frequently affected enthesis was the distal insertion of the patellar tendon at the tibial tuberosity which was detected in 41% of SLE patients. Enthesitis was significantly more frequent in PSA patients (100%) compared to SLE patients (71.4%) (p < 0.05) and more significantly frequent in SLE patients compared to the healthy controls (19.6%). There was a significant correlation between MASI and SLEDAI scores (r = 0.250*, p = 0.048) and the total protein in 24 h (r = 0.289*, p = 0.031). In addition, there was an inverse significant correlation between MASEI and serum albumin (r =  − 0.324*, p = 0.015).

Conclusion

In SLE patients, enthesitis is frequently clinical and ultrasound-verified. The most impacted enthesis is at the insertion of the quadriceps tendon. Enthesitis presence and the rise in the MASI score can serve as indicators of the severity of the SLE disease.

Key Points• The most impacted entheseal site lies at the insertion of the quadriceps tendon.• The presence and the rise in MASEI score can serve as indicators of the severity of the SLE disease.
Prognostic value of post-operative serum procalcitonin in gastric adenocarcinoma patients undergoing radical gastrectomy: propensity score matching analysis of extended cohort from a prospective bi-center study
Authors: Xiao Hua , Huang Yongzhou , Zhang Peng , Zhou Huijun , Liu Dian , Luo Jia
Published: August 2023

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive value of procalcitonin (PCT) on post-operative day (POD) 3 and 5 for the prognosis of gastric adenocarcinoma (GA) patients who underwent radical gastrectomy surgery in extended cohort from a prospective bi-center study.

Methods

Consecutive GA patients who received surgery in the Hunan Cancer Hospital were enrolled as the training cohort, and those from Wuhan Union Hospital were included as external validation cohort. The optimal cutoff concentration of PCT for overall survival (OS) in the training cohort was determined by X-tile. The independent predictive factors for OS were identified using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Furthermore, the predictive value of elevated PCT was clarified in the validation cohort and propensity score matched cohort, respectively.

Results

The optimal cutoff concentrations of PCT for OS were 0.67 ng/mL at POD 3 and 0.39 ng/mL at POD 5 in the training cohort (n = 906). Patients with higher PCT concentrations (≥ 0.39 ng/mL) at POD 5 had a significantly worse prognosis whether developing post-operative infections or not. Moreover, a synergistic influence was confirmed in those with elevated PCT concentration and infections. Multivariate analyses confirmed that PCT concentration ≥ 0.39 ng/mL at POD 5 was significantly associated with poorer survival in training cohort (HR: 1.422, 95% CI 1.041–1.943, P = 0.027), validation cohort (n = 297, HR: 2.136, 95% CI 1.073–4.252, P = 0.031) and matched cohort (n = 901, HR: 1.454, 95% CI 1.104–1.914, P = 0.008), separately.

Conclusions

PCT concentration ≥ 0.39 ng/mL at POD 5 was a reliable predictor for poorer prognosis in GA patients undergoing radical gastrectomy.
A Deep Learning Image Reconstruction Algorithm for Improving Image Quality and Hepatic Lesion Detectability in Abdominal Dual-Energy Computed Tomography: Preliminary Results
Authors: Chu Bingqian , Gan Lu , Shen Yi , Song Jian , Liu Ling , Li Jianying , Liu Bin
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to compare the performance of deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) and adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction-Veo (ASIR-V) in improving image quality and diagnostic performance using virtual monochromatic spectral images in abdominal dual-energy computed tomography (DECT). Sixty-two patients [mean age ± standard deviation (SD): 56 years ± 13; 30 men] who underwent abdominal DECT were prospectively included in this study. The 70-keV DECT images in the portal phase were reconstructed at 5-mm and 1.25-mm slice thicknesses with 40% ASIR-V (ASIR-V40%) and at 1.25-mm slice with deep learning image reconstruction at medium (DLIR-M) and high (DLIR-H) levels and then compared. Computed tomography (CT) attenuation, SD values, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were measured in the liver, spleen, erector spinae, and intramuscular fat. The lesions in each reconstruction group at 1.25-mm slice thickness were counted. The image quality and diagnostic confidence were subjectively evaluated by two radiologists using a 5-point scale. For the 1.25-mm images, DLIR-M and DLIR-H had lower SD, higher SNR and CNR, and better subjective image quality compared with ASIR-V40%; DLIR-H performed the best (allPvalues < 0.001). Furthermore, the 1.25-mm DLIR-H images had similar SD, SNR, and CNR values as the 5-mm ASIR-V40% images (allP > 0.05). Three image groups had similar lesion detection rates, but DLIR groups exhibited higher confidence in diagnosing lesions. Compared with ASIR-V40% at 70 keV, 70-keV DECT with DLIR-H further reduced image noise and improved image quality. Additionally, it improved diagnostic confidence while ensuring a consistent lesion detection rate of liver lesions.
Airborne hydrophilic microplastics in cloud water at high altitudes and their role in cloud formation
Authors: Wang Yize , Okochi Hiroshi , Tani Yuto , Hayami Hiroshi , Minami Yukiya , Katsumi Naoya , Takeuchi Masaki , Sorimachi Atsuyuki , Fujii Yusuke , Kajino Mizuo , Adachi Kouji , Ishihara Yasuhiro , Iwamoto Yoko , Niida Yasuhiro
Published: August 2023

Microplastic pollution is occurring in most ecosystem, yet their presence in high altitude clouds and their influence on cloud formation and climate change are poorly known. Here we analyzed microplastics in cloud water sampled at the summits of Japan mountains at 1300–3776 m altitude by attenuated total reflection imaging and micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. We observed nine microplastics including polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyamide 6, polycarbonate, ethylene–propylene copolymer or polyethylene–polypropylene alloy, polyurethane, and epoxy resin. Microplastic were fragmented, with mean concentrations ranging from 6.7 to 13.9 pieces per liter, and with Feret diameters ranging from 7.1 to 94.6 μm. Microplastics bearing hydrophilic groups such as carbonyl and/or hydroxyl groups were abundant, suggesting that they might have acted as condensation nuclei of cloud ice and water. Overall, our finding suggest that high-altitude microplastics cloud influence cloud formation and, in turn, might modify the climate.
Optimal bi-planar gradient coil configurations for diamond nitrogen-vacancy based diffusion-weighted NMR experiments
Authors: Amrein Philipp , Bruckmaier Fleming , Jia Feng , Bucher Dominik B. , Zaitsev Maxim , Littin Sebastian
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Diffusion weighting in optically detected magnetic resonance experiments involving diamond nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers can provide valuable microstructural information. Bi-planar gradient coils employed for diffusion weighting afford excellent spatial access, essential for integrating the NV-NMR components. Nevertheless, owing to the polar tilt of roughly $$55^{\circ }$$

55
∘

of the diamond NV center, the primary magnetic field direction must be taken into account accordingly.

Methods

To determine the most effective bi-planar gradient coil configurations, we conducted an investigation into the impact of various factors, including the square side length, surface separation, and surface orientation. This was accomplished by generating over 500 bi-planar surface configurations using automated methods.

Results

We successfully generated and evaluated coil layouts in terms of sensitivity and field accuracy. Interestingly, inclined bi-planar orientations close to the NV–NMR setup’s requirement, showed higher sensitivity for the transverse gradient channels than horizontal or vertical orientations. We fabricated a suitable solution as a three-channel bi-planar double-layered PCB system and experimentally validated the sensitivities at $$28.7 \mathrm mT/m/A$$

28.7
m
T
/
m
/
A

and $$26.8 \mathrm mT/m/A$$

26.8
m
T
/
m
/
A

for the transverse $$G_{x}$$

G
x

and $$G_{y}$$

G
y

gradients, and $$26 \mathrm mT/m/A$$

26
m
T
/
m
/
A

for the $$G_{z}$$

G
z

gradient.

Discussion

We found that the chosen relative bi-planar tilt of $$35^{\circ }$$

35
∘

represents a reasonable compromise in terms of overall performance and allows for easier coil implementation with a straight, horizontal alignment within the overall experimental setup.
A coarse-graining account of individuality: how the emergence of individuals represents a summary of lower-level evolutionary processes
Authors: Bourrat Pierrick
Published: August 2023

Explaining the emergence of individuality in the process of evolution remains a challenge; it faces the difficulty of characterizing adequately what ‘emergence’ amounts to. Here, I present a pragmatic account of individuality in which I take up this challenge. Following this account, individuals that emerge from an evolutionary transition in individuality are coarse-grained entities: entities that are summaries of lower-level evolutionary processes. Although this account may prima facie appear to ultimately rely on epistemic considerations, I show that it can be used to vindicate the emergence of individuals in a quasi-ontological sense. To this end, I discuss a recent account of evolutionary transitions in individuality proposed by Godfrey-Smith and Kerr (Brit J Philos Sci 64(1):205–222, 2013) where a transition occurs through several stages, each with an accompanying model. I focus on the final stage where higher-level entities are ascribed a separate fitness parameter, while they were not in the previous stages. In light of my account, I provide some justification for why such a change in parameters is necessary and cannot be dismissed as merely epistemic.
Metallothionein expression in the central nervous system in response to chronic heavy metal exposure: possible neuroprotective mechanism
Authors: Navarro-Sempere A. , Martínez-Peinado P. , Rodrigues A. S. , Garcia P. V. , Camarinho R. , Grindlay G. , Gras L. , García M. , Segovia Y.
Published: August 2023

It has been reported that volcanoes release several tonnes of mercury per year among other heavy metals through eruptions, fumaroles, or diffuse soil degassing. Since a high percentage of the world's population lives in the vicinity of an active volcano, the aim of this study is to evaluate the accumulation of these metals in the central nervous system and the presence of cellular mechanisms of heavy metal detoxification such as metallothioneins. To carry out this study, wild mice (Mus musculus) chronically exposed to an active volcanic environment were captured in Furnas village (Azores, Portugal) and compared with those trapped in a reference area (Rabo de Peixe, Azores, Portugal). On the one hand, the heavy metal load has been evaluated by analyzing brain and cerebellum using ICP-MS and a mercury analyzer and on the other hand, the presence of metallothionein 2A has been studied by immunofluorescence assays. Our results show a higher load of metals such as mercury, cadmium and lead in the central nervous system of exposed mice compared to non-exposed individuals and, in addition, a higher immunoreactivity for metallothionein 2A in different areas of the cerebrum and cerebellum indicating a possible neuroprotection process.
Explaining the Surge of the Populist Radical Right: A Time-Series Analysis of the Effects of Immigration and the Economy in Norway
Authors: Haugsgjerd Atle , Bergh Johannes
Published: August 2023

Populist radical right parties have become major forces in most Western democracies. Previous research has provided conflicting evidence on whether their electoral support can be explained by two structural developments: economic decline and increased immigration. Using time-series regression and almost 30 years of aggregated monthly polling data, we perform a novel test of the effects of economic decline and immigration on aggregate support for the Norwegian Progress Party. We find that the most beneficial time-periods for this party seem to be those of rising immigration and a booming economy. However, our findings also suggest that the effect of rising immigration is halted when the party holds government office. Thus, voter mobilization based on anti-immigration messages may represent a challenge for the Norwegian Progress Party and potentially other such parties going forward as they may become victims of their own success.
Healing Schools: A Framework for Joining Trauma-Informed Care, Restorative Justice, and Multicultural Education for Whole School Reform
Authors: Parameswaran Uma Dorn , Molloy Jennifer , Kuttner Paul
Published: August 2023

Trauma-informed Care (TIC), Restorative Justice (RJ), and Multicultural Education (MCE) are three approaches to school reform widely being discussed and promoted within schools. The authors of this paper, representing the fields of psychology, social work, and education, present an integrated framework that acknowledges the commonalities these three models share, as well as the ways that they complement one another by focusing our attention on different aspects of urban education. We argue that the concept of healing offers a powerful heuristic for systemic school reform — a guide for rethinking how we address pedagogical, disciplinary, curricular, and policy decisions. We are calling for the creation of “healing schools,” arguing that, 1) Schools can play a valuable role in promoting healing and well-being among the students and families with whom they engage and 2) Many of our urban schools themselves need healing because they have become systems of toxic environments for adults and youth alike. To address the need for healing in schools, we present a framework promoting four key values: relationships, safety, belonging, and agency. These values are embedded within an ecological perspective, exploring how they manifest at the internal, student, school, and community/society levels.
Quantifying the impacts of an invasive weed on habitat quality and prey availability for tiger snakes (Notechis scutatus) in urban wetlands
Authors: Cornelis Jari , von Takach Brenton , Cooper Christine E. , Vos Jordan , Bateman Philip W. , Lettoof Damian C.
Published: August 2023

Invasive plants are a threat to natural ecosystems worldwide, with urban wetlands being some of the most susceptible and highly modified environments of all. The tiger snake (Notechis scutatus) is a top predator that persists in urban wetlands of south-western Australia, many of which have been degraded by introduced kikuyu grass (Cenchrus clandestinus). To evaluate the potential impact of kikuyu grass on habitat quality for tiger snakes we quantified the structural features of habitats within wetlands degraded by kikuyu grass and compared them to wetlands with native vegetation. We also examined tiger snake prey availability, assessed predation risk for juvenile snakes using clay models, and measured the thermal quality of the vegetation. Proliferation of kikuyu grass has reduced habitat structural heterogeneity by reducing available bare ground and increasing vegetation density. This homogenisation of habitat structure had little effect on the predation risk for juveniles or the thermal properties of tiger snake shelter sites; however, one key prey species, the motorbike frog, had significantly lower abundance in the most impacted habitat. Habitat types with more structural complexity also offered tiger snakes more stable thermal regimes and lower predation risk. These findings indicate that the current extent of kikuyu grass invasion offers overall similar habitat quality for tiger snakes to native vegetation and may contribute to their persistence in urban wetlands; however, both tiger snakes and their anuran prey may benefit from increased habitat structural complexity.
Typology of Mental Health Peer Support Work Components: Systematised Review and Expert Consultation
Authors: Kotera Yasuhiro , Newby Christopher , Charles Ashleigh , Ng Fiona , Watson Emma , Davidson Larry , Nixdorf Rebecca , Bradstreet Simon , Brophy Lisa , Brasier Catherine , Simpson Alan , Gillard Steve , Puschner Bernd , Kidd Sean A. , Mahlke Candelaria , Sutton Alex J. , Gray Laura J. , Smith Ellesha A. , Ashmore Alison , Pomberth Scott , Slade Mike
Published: August 2023

The employment of mental health peer support (PS) is recommended in national and international mental health policy, and widely implemented across many countries. The key components of PS remain to be identified. This study aimed to develop a typology of components involved in one-to-one PS for adults in mental health services. A systematised review was performed to establish a preliminary long list of candidate components, followed by expert consultation (n = 21) to refine the list. Forty-two publications were full-text reviewed, comprising 26 trial reports, nine training manuals, and seven change model papers. Two hundred forty-two candidate components were identified, which were thematically synthesised to 16 components and eight sub-components, categorised into four themes: recruitment, preparation, practice, and PS worker wellbeing. Our typology can inform reflection and planning of PS practice, and allow more rigorous and synthesised studies, such as component network meta-analyses, to characterise the impact of each component and their interactions.