bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical potential of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC): a rapidly evolving strategy
Authors: Jahangir Mohammadsaleh , Yazdani Omid , Kahrizi Mohammad Saeed , Soltanzadeh Sara , Javididashtbayaz Hamidreza , Mivefroshan Azam , Ilkhani Saba , Esbati Romina
Published: December 2022

Programmed death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) blockade therapy has become a game-changing therapeutic approach revolutionizing the treatment setting of human malignancies, such as renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Despite the remarkable clinical activity of anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies, only a small portion of patients exhibit a positive response to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy, and the primary or acquired resistance might ultimately favor cancer development in patients with clinical responses. In light of this, recent reports have signified that the addition of other therapeutic modalities to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy might improve clinical responses in advanced RCC patients. Until, combination therapy with PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy plus cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) inhibitor (ipilimumab) or various vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs) inhibitors axitinib, such as axitinib and cabozantinib, has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as first-line treatment for metastatic RCC. In the present review, we have focused on the therapeutic benefits of the PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy as a single agent or in combination with other conventional or innovative targeted therapies in RCC patients. We also offer a glimpse into the well-determined prognostic factor associated with the clinical response of RCC patients to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy.
MiR-145 is upregulated in the retarded preimplantation embryos and modulates cholesterol levels in mice preimplantation embryos through targeting Abca1
Authors: Jian Ou , MengXia Ni , Shiyu Xing , QingXia Meng , QinYan Zou , Jie Ding , Wei Wang , Jiaojiao Wan , Hong Li , Yining Huang
Published: December 2022

Background

Preimplantation embryonic lethality is a driver of female infertility. Certain microRNAs (miRNAs) have previously been demonstrated to play important roles in the regulation of embryogenesis.

Methods

Normally developing blastocysts and arrested embryos were collected from patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and the expression of specific miRNAs therein was evaluated by qPCR. The overexpression of target molecule miR-145 in early mice embryos was achieved via oocyte microinjection, enabling the subsequent monitoring of how such overexpression impacted embryonic development. Bioinformatics approaches were utilized to identify putative miR-145 target mRNAs, and luciferase reporter assessments were implemented to confirm the ability of miR-145 to regulate Abca1 in HEK293T cells. The functional relationship between miR-145 and Abca1 in the mice’s embryonic development was then confirmed through rescue assays.

Results

Abnormally increased miR-145 expression was observed in patients’ arrested embryos, and the exogenous overexpression of this miRNA significantly suppressed mural blastocyst formation. Mechanistically, miR-145 was found to bind to the 3′-untranslated area of the Abca1 mRNA in HK293T cells, thus suppressing its expression and increasing embryonic cholesterol levels. In line with the importance of these cholesterol levels to embryogenesis, the upregulation of Abca1 was sufficient to rescue the observed change in cholesterol levels and the associated retardation of mice embryonic development that occurred in response to the overexpression of miR-145.

Conclusion

The regulatory dynamics of the miR-145/Abca1 axis play an important role in shaping normal embryonic development.
Upregulated complement receptors correlate with Fc gamma receptor 3A-positive natural killer and natural killer-T cells in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
Authors: Nishiyama Shuhei , Wright Amy E. , Lotan Itay , Mikami Takahisa , Paul Friedemann , Aoki Masashi , Levy Michael
Published: December 2022

Background and objectives

Inhibition of terminal complement in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) using eculizumab helps prevent relapses, but the exact mechanism of action of the drug remains unclear. Similarly, genetic variants in the Fc Gamma receptor 3A (FCGR3A), also known as CD16, are correlated with outcomes in NMOSD, but the immune cells expressing those CD16 are unknown. We compared CD16 expression on immune cells modulated by complement activity in natural killer (NK) cells and natural killer-T (NKT) cells in NMOSD to disease and normal-healthy controls.

Methods

Peripheral blood cell (PBMC) samples from 45 patients with NMOSD with aquaporin 4 (AQP4)-IgG, 18 disease controls, and 19 normal controls were analyzed for CD16 expression and complement receptors in vitro.

Results

At baseline, the number of NKT cells was increased in NMOSD (p < 0.001), but the proportion that was CD16 positive was lower compared to normal and disease controls (p = 0.0012). NK cell count was normal, but the ratio that was CD16 positive was also significantly lower (p < 0.001). In both NK cells and NKT cells from NMOSD, C5 complement receptor expression was much higher than normal and disease controls (p < 0.001 for both). We also evaluated activation markers CD69 and CD83, which were also significantly higher in NK and NKT cells from NMOSD patients. FCGR3A p158 V/V genotype group in NMOSD patients showed decreased NK cell proportion with activation, and fewer CD16-expressing NKT cells than the F/F genotype group.

Discussion

Our results support an immunopathogenesis model in which complement pathway activation in NK/NKT cells upregulates CD16 expression that binds to antibody/antigen complexes. In the context of NMOSD, these complement-sensitive cells may be responsible for the escalating autoimmune activity.
Clinical effects of wasabi extract containing 6-MSITC on myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: an open-label trial
Authors: Oka Takakazu , Yamada Yu , Lkhagvasuren Battuvshin , Nakao Mutsuhiro , Nakajima Ryota , Kanou Masanobu , Hiramatsu Ryuji , Nabeshima Yo-ichi
Published: December 2022

Background

Wasabi (Eutrema japonicum) is a common pungent spice used in Japan. 6-Methylsulfinylhexyl isothiocyanate (6-MSITC) found in the rhizome of wasabi has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, as well as improve neuroinflammation and memory. Therefore, we hypothesized that these effects would be beneficial for treating myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The present study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of wasabi extract containing 6-MSITC on ME/CFS in an open-label trial.

Methods

Fifteen patients (3 males, 12 females, 20–58 years old) were orally administered wasabi extract (9.6 mg of 6-MSITC/day) for 12 weeks. The following parameters and test results were compared pre- and post-treatment: performance status (PS), self-rating questionnaires, pressure pain threshold (PPT) on the occiput, Trail Making test-A (TMT-A), and hemodynamic patterns determined by an active standing test.

Results

After treatment with 6-MSITC, PS improved significantly (p = 0.001). Although the scores on the 11-item Chalder Fatigue scale (CFS-11) and numerical rating scale (NRS) of fatigue did not show significant changes, subjective symptoms improved significantly, including headache frequency (4.1 to 3.0 times/week, p = 0.001) and myalgia (4.1 to 2.4 times/week, p = 0.019), NRS brain fog scores (5.7 to 4.5, p = 0.011), difficulty finding appropriate words (4.8 to 3.7, p = 0.015), photophobia (4.8 to 3.5, p = 0.008), and the Profile of Mood Status vigor score (46.9 to 50.0, p = 0.045). The PPT of the right occiput (17.3 to 21.3 kPa, p = 0.01) and TMT-A scores (53.0 to 38.1 s, p = 0.007) also changed, suggesting reduced pain sensitivity, and improved cognitive function, respectively. Orthostatic patterns determined by a standing test did not show remarkable changes. There were no serious adverse reactions.

Conclusion

This study suggests that 6-MSITC improves PS as well as subjective symptoms such as pain and cognitive dysfunction, and psychological vitality of patients with ME/CFS. It also improved cognitive performance and increased pain thresholds in these patients. 6-MSITC may be a promising therapeutic option especially for improving cognitive dysfunction associated with ME/CFS.
A Mental Wealth perspective: crossing disciplines to understand the value of collective mental and social assets in the post-COVID-19 era
Authors: Tran Kristen , Buchanan John , Song Yun Ju Christine , Rosenberg Sebastian , Occhipinti Jo-An , Hickie Ian B.
Published: December 2022

Background

A reconceptualised global strategy is key as nations begin to shift from crisis management to medium- and long-term planning to rebuild and strengthen their economic, social and public health systems. Efforts towards measuring, modelling, and forecasting Mental Wealth could serve as the catalyst for this reconceptualization. The Mental Wealth approach builds systemic resilience through investments which promote collective cognitive and emotional wellbeing. This paper presents the theoretical foundations for Mental Wealth. It presents, for the first time, literature across the disciplines of health and social sciences, economics, business, and humanities to underpin the development of an operational metric of Mental Wealth.

Discussion

An approach which embeds social and psychological dimensions of prosperity, alongside the economic, is needed to inform the effective allocation of investments in the post-pandemic world. The authors advocate for a transdisciplinary framework of Mental Wealth to be applied in innovating population-level policy interventions to address the growing challenges brought on by COVID-19. Mental Wealth highlights the value generated by the deployment of collective mental assets and supporting social infrastructure. In order to inform this position, a review of the literature on the concepts underpinning Mental Wealth is presented, limitations of current measurement tools of mental and social resources are evaluated, and a framework for development of a Mental Wealth metric is proposed.

Conclusion

There are challenges in developing an operational Mental Wealth metric. The breadth of conceptual foundations to be considered is extensive, and there may be a lack of agreement on the appropriate tools for its measurement. While variability across current measurement approaches in social resources, wellbeing and mental assets contributes to the difficulty creating a holistic and generic metric, these variations are now clearer. The operationalisation of the Mental Wealth metric will require comprehensive mapping of the elements to be included against the data available.
Engineering isoprenoids production in metabolically versatile microbial host Pseudomonas putida
Authors: Wang Xi , Baidoo Edward E. K. , Kakumanu Ramu , Xie Silvia , Mukhopadhyay Aindrila , Lee Taek Soon
Published: December 2022

With the increasing need for microbial bioproduction to replace petrochemicals, it is critical to develop a new industrial microbial workhorse that improves the conversion of lignocellulosic carbon to biofuels and bioproducts in an economically feasible manner. Pseudomonas putida KT2440 is a promising microbial host due to its capability to grow on a broad range of carbon sources and its high tolerance to xenobiotics. In this study, we engineered P. putida KT2440 to produce isoprenoids, a vast category of compounds that provide routes to many petrochemical replacements. A heterologous mevalonate (MVA) pathway was engineered to produce potential biofuels isoprenol (C5) and epi-isozizaene (C15) for the first time in P. putida. We compared the difference between three different isoprenoid pathways in P. putida on isoprenol production and achieved 104 mg/L of isoprenol production in a batch flask experiment through optimization of the strain. As P. putida can natively consume isoprenol, we investigated how to prevent this self-consumption. We discovered that supplementing l-glutamate in the medium can effectively prevent isoprenol consumption in P. putida and metabolomics analysis showed an insufficient energy availability and an imbalanced redox status during isoprenol degradation. We also showed that the engineered P. putida strain can produce isoprenol using aromatic substrates such as p-coumarate as the sole carbon source, and this result demonstrates that P. putida is a valuable microbial chassis for isoprenoids to achieve sustainable biofuel production from lignocellulosic biomass.

Graphical Abstract
Coinfection of Clonorchis sinensis and hepatitis B virus: clinical liver indices and interaction in hepatic cell models
Authors: Dong Huimin , Zhao Lu , Sun Hengchang , Shang Mei , Lv Gang , Yu Xinbing , Hu Bo , Huang Yan
Published: December 2022

Background

In China, people infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) are commonly found in areas with a high prevalence of Clonorchis sinensis, a trematode worm. Published studies have reported that the progression of hepatitis B is affected by coinfection C. sinensis.

Methods

Clinical data from a total of 72 patients with C. sinensis and HBV (as sole infection or with coinfections) and 29 healthy individuals were analysed. We also incubated the hepatic stellate cell line LX-2 with total proteins from C. sinensis adult worms (CsTPs) and HBV-positive sera. In addition, the human hepatoblastoma cell line HepG2.2.15 was treated with the antiviral drug entecavir (ETV), CsTPs and the anti-C. sinensis drug praziquantel (PZQ).

Results

Our clinical data indicated that the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TB) and hyaluronic acid (HA) were significantly higher in patients with coinfection than in those infected with HBV only. In cell models, compared with the model in which LX-2 cells were incubated with HBV-positive sera (HBV group), transcripts of alpha-smooth muscle actin and types I and III collagen were significantly elevated in the models of LX-2 cells treated with CsTPs and HBV-positive sera (CsTP+HBV group), while the messenger RNA levels of tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 in the CsTP+HBV group were clearly lower. The HBV surface antigen and hepatitis B e-antigen levels were higher in the HepG2.2.15 cells treated with ETV and CsTPs than in those in the ETV group and in the cells administered a mixture of ETV, CsTPs and PZQ.

Conclusions

These results confirmed that C. sinensis and HBV coinfection could aggravate the progression of liver fibrosis. CsTPs might promote chronic inflammation of the liver in individuals with HBV infection, resulting in the development of hepatic fibrosis.

Graphic abstract
Molecular pathways, resistance mechanisms and targeted interventions in non-small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Wang Zixi , Xing Yurou , Li Bingjie , Li Xiaoyu , Liu Bin , Wang Yongsheng
Published: December 2022

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The discovery of tyrosine kinase inhibitors effectively targeting EGFR mutations in lung cancer patients in 2004 represented the beginning of the precision medicine era for this refractory disease. This great progress benefits from the identification of driver gene mutations, and after that, conventional and new technologies such as NGS further illustrated part of the complex molecular pathways of NSCLC. More targetable driver gene mutation identification in NSCLC patients greatly promoted the development of targeted therapy and provided great help for patient outcomes including significantly improved survival time and quality of life. Herein, we review the literature and ongoing clinical trials of NSCLC targeted therapy to address the molecular pathways and targeted intervention progress in NSCLC. In addition, the mutations in EGFR gene, ALK rearrangements, and KRAS mutations in the main sections, and the less common molecular alterations in MET, HER2, BRAF, ROS1, RET, and NTRK are discussed. The main resistance mechanisms of each targeted oncogene are highlighted to demonstrate the current dilemma of targeted therapy in NSCLC. Moreover, we discuss potential therapies to overcome the challenges of drug resistance. In this review, we manage to display the current landscape of targetable therapeutic patterns in NSCLC in this era of precision medicine.
Study on mechanism and influential factors of progressive collapse resistance of base-isolated structure
Authors: Bao Chao , Zhang Yuhang , Lv Dahai , Wang Huxiang , Ma Xiaotong , Cao Jixing , Lim Kar Sing
Published: December 2022

The progressive collapse of the structure caused by the partial failure of the structure will cause severe consequences and massive losses, and structural progressive collapse resistance has always been a hot topic of current research. In order to study the progressive collapse mechanism of base-isolated structures, the test study and numerical simulation of the base-isolated structures were carried out based on the vertical Pushover method and analysis of the variation rule of the capacity of the remaining structure and influence mechanism. The isolation bearing failure position, the size of the beam of the seismic isolation layer, the type of the isolation bearing, and the horizontal stiffness of the seismic isolation layer on the capacity of the remaining structure were compared and analyzed. The results show that the non-uniformity of the beams and the concentrated loading at the nodes were easy to form a linear catenary mechanism, resulting in more severe beam end damage than mid-span damage. In the case of side isolation bearing failure, due to the lack of sufficient lateral restraint, the capacity was significantly lower than other conditions, which were more likely to cause partly collapse. Therefore, setting more transfer paths to improve the structure’s resistance to progressive collapses was necessary. Increasing the size of the beam of the seismic isolation layer could improve the capacity of the remaining structure of the alternate load path in the base-isolated structure. The changes in the horizontal stiffness of the seismic isolation layer and the type of the isolation bearing have little effect on the progressive collapse resistance capacity of the remaining structure.
Association of domain-specific physical activity with depressive symptoms: A population-based study
Authors: He Fan , Li Yi , Hu Zixin , Zhang Hui
Published: December 2022

Background

It remains unclear whether all physical activity (PA) domains (e.g., occupation-related PA [OPA], transportation-related PA [TPA], and leisure-time PA [LTPA]) have equivalent beneficial relationships. We aimed to investigate the associations of OPA, TPA, and LTPA with depressive symptoms in adults.

Methods

We included and analyzed 31,221 participants (aged ≥18 years) from the cross-sectional 2007–2018 U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The PA domains were assessed by a self-report questionnaire and categorized based on the PA guidelines. Depressive symptoms were measured by the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire.

Results

Participants achieving PA guidelines (≥150 min/week) were 26% (odds ratio [OR] 0.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.68–0.80) and 43% (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.51–0.62) less likely to have depressive symptoms depending on total PA and LTPA, respectively, while OPA or TPA did not demonstrate lower risks of depressive symptoms. LTPA at levels of 1–149, 150–299, and ≥300 min/week was associated with 31% (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.60–0.78), 43% (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.49–0.67), and 51% (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.43–0.55) lower odds of depressive symptoms, respectively.

Conclusion

LTPA, but not OPA or TPA, was associated with a lower risk of depressive symptoms at any amount, suggesting that significant mental health would benefit from increased PA, even at levels below the recommendation.
Integrating Breast Cancer Early Detection Into a Resource-Constrained Primary Health Care System: Health Care Workers' Experiences in Rwanda
Authors: Uwimana Aimable , Dessalegn Sosina , Vianney Dusengimana Jean-Marie , Stauber Catherine , Fata Amanda , Hagenimana Marc , Uwinkindi Francois , Balinda Jean Paul , Shulman Lawrence N. , Revette Anna , Rwamuza Enock , Pace Lydia E.
Published: December 2022

PURPOSE

There is limited evidence to guide incorporation of breast cancer early detection into resource-constrained health systems where mammography screening is not yet available. To inform such strategies, we sought to understand health care workers' perspectives on a breast cancer early detection initiative integrated into community, primary, and secondary levels of care in Rwanda.

METHODS

We conducted a qualitative study using semistructured interviews with 33 community health workers, clinicians, and administrators at health facilities participating in the Women's Cancer Early Detection Program (WCEDP), through which women received clinical breast examination if they were receiving cervical cancer screening, or had breast concerns. Through thematic analysis, we identified dynamics and patterns associated with successes and challenges of the program's breast health services.

RESULTS

Successes and challenges identified by participants corresponded with the community- and primary care–based steps of cancer early diagnosis identified by the WHO. Regarding step 1 (community awareness/access), participants noted increases in awareness and care-seeking. Challenges included difficulty overcoming stigma and engaging older women. Regarding step 2 (clinical evaluation), all participants described increased breast health knowledge, skills, and confidence. Integrating the WCEDP with other services was challenging because of inadequate staffing; offering WCEDP services on a designated day/week had advantages and disadvantages. Although participants appreciated WCEDP referral mechanisms, they desired more communication from referral facilities. Patients' poverty was the most consistently identified impediment to referral completion.

CONCLUSION

Rwandan health care workers identified real-world successes and challenges of implementing principles of early cancer diagnosis for breast cancer early detection. Future interventions should focus on engagement of older women, community awareness, patient socioeconomic support, and optimizing integration into primary care.
Genome-Wide Association Study Identifies ROBO2 as a Novel Susceptibility Gene for Anthracycline-Related Cardiomyopathy in Childhood Cancer Survivors
Authors: Wang Xuexia , Singh Purnima , Zhou Liting , Sharafeldin Noha , Landier Wendy , Hageman Lindsey , Burridge Paul , Yasui Yutaka , Sapkota Yadav , Blanco Javier G. , Oeffinger Kevin C. , Hudson Melissa M. , Chow Eric J. , Armenian Saro H. , Neglia Joseph P. , Ritchey A. Kim , Hawkins Douglas S. , Ginsberg Jill P. , Robison Leslie L. , Armstrong Gregory T. , Bhatia Smita
Published: December 2022

PURPOSE

Interindividual variability in the dose-dependent association between anthracyclines and cardiomyopathy suggests a modifying role of genetic susceptibility. Few previous studies have examined gene-anthracycline interactions. We addressed this gap using the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (discovery) and the Children's Oncology Group (COG) study COG-ALTE03N1 (replication).

METHODS

A genome-wide association study (Illumina HumanOmni5Exome Array) in 1,866 anthracycline-exposed Childhood Cancer Survivor Study participants (126 with heart failure) was used to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with either main or gene-environment interaction effect on anthracycline-related cardiomyopathy that surpassed a prespecified genome-wide threshold for statistical significance. We attempted replication in a matched case-control set of anthracycline-exposed childhood cancer survivors with (n = 105) and without (n = 160) cardiomyopathy from COG-ALTE03N1.

RESULTS

Two SNPs (rs17736312 [ ROBO2]) and rs113230990 (near a CCCTC-binding factor insulator [< 750 base pair]) passed the significance cutoff for gene-anthracycline dose interaction in discovery. SNP rs17736312 was successfully replicated. Compared with the GG/AG genotypes on rs17736312 and anthracyclines ≤ 250 mg/m2, the AA genotype and anthracyclines > 250 mg/m2 conferred a 2.2-fold (95% CI, 1.2 to 4.0) higher risk of heart failure in discovery and an 8.2-fold (95% CI, 2.0 to 34.4) higher risk in replication. ROBO2 encodes transmembrane Robo receptors that bind Slit ligands (SLIT). Slit-Robo signaling pathway promotes cardiac fibrosis by interfering with the transforming growth factor-β1/small mothers against decapentaplegic (Smad) pathway, resulting in disordered remodeling of the extracellular matrix and potentiating heart failure. We found significant gene-level associations with heart failure: main effect ( TGF-β1, P = .007); gene*anthracycline interaction ( ROBO2*anthracycline, P = .0003); and gene*gene*anthracycline interaction ( SLIT2* TGF-β1*anthracycline, P = .009).

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that high-dose anthracyclines combined with genetic variants involved in the profibrotic Slit-Robo signaling pathway promote cardiac fibrosis via the transforming growth factor-β1/Smad pathway, providing credence to the biologic plausibility of the association between SNP rs17736312 ( ROBO2) and anthracycline-related cardiomyopathy.
Broadband ultrasonic focusing based on circular Airy-like beam
Authors: Zhu Xing-Feng , Wu Da-Jian , Yao Jie , Wei Qi , Liu Xiao-Jun
Published: December 2022

Convergence of ultrasonic energy is of great importance in the medical and engineering fields. In this work, ultrasonic focusing based on circular Airy-like beam (CALB) is numerically and experimentally demonstrated. The CALB focusing can be achieved simply using a planar resin ring lens immersed in water. At 2 MHz, the acoustic intensity at the focus can reach 257 times that for the incident wave. Arising from the self-healing feature of Airy beams, the CALB focusing can be well maintained even if there exists an obstacle in the acoustic path. Meanwhile, the focusing behaviour is well performed in a broad frequency range of 1.5 MHz to 3.1 MHz due to the simple and non-resonant design. By adjusting the frequency of the incident waves, the focal length can be modified without changing the lens structure. The CALB focusing and the corresponding planar lens may promote wide applications in ultrasound imaging, non-destructive testing, acoustic tweezing and medical diagnostic techniques.
Potential impedance reduction by REBCO-coated conductors as beam screen coating for the Future Circular Hadron Collider
Authors: Krkotić P. , Tagdulang N. D. , Calatroni S. , O'Callaghan J. M. , Pont M.
Published: December 2022

The Future Circular Collider study creates a conceptual design for a post-LHC particle accelerator using 16 T superconducting dipoles to achieve collision energies of up to 100 TeV in a 90 km circumference ring. A copper-coated beam screen, similar to that used in the LHC, is planned. However, the undertaken research indicates that copper at the high working temperature of 50 K has a strong influence on the accelerator's performance, particularly at injection energy. In this work, we relate the experimentally determined properties of REBCO-coated conductors with their potential performance in the FCC-hh beam screen. Specifically, we use a round pipe approximation to demonstrate that a beam screen coated with a combination of REBCO and copper can have a much lower resistive wall impedance than one using only copper. The reduction is substantial (several orders of magnitude), and is observed in both the longitudinal and transverse wall impedance. Such a reduction has important effects on beam stability, operating costs, potential reduction in beam screen size, and lowering the stringent specifications of the 16 T magnets required for the Future Circular Hadron Collider.
The “In-Parallel” Technique for Awake, Bilateral Simultaneous Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion and Multilevel Lumbar Decompression
Authors: Chan Andrew K. , Gnaedinger Anika , Ayoub Chakib , Gupta Dhanesh K. , Abd-El-Barr Muhammad M.
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND:

Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS TLIF) and MIS lumbar decompression have been successfully undertaken in the absence of general anesthesia in well-selected patients. By leveraging spinal anesthesia, surgeons may safely conduct surgeries on one- or two-level lumbar pathology. However, surgeries on more extensive pathology have not yet been described, because of concerns about the duration of efficacy of spinal anesthetic in the awake patient.

OBJECTIVE:

To report the use of a novel awake technique for “in parallel,” simultaneous lumbar spinal surgery on three-segment pathology.

METHODS:

We describe concurrent performance of a dual microscopic, navigated MIS TLIF and MIS two-level decompression, using a combination of liposomal bupivacaine erector spinae block in conjunction with a spinal anesthetic.

RESULTS:

We show that a left-sided, two-level MIS tubular microscopic decompression combined with a concurrent right-sided, transfacet MIS TLIF via a tubular microscopic approach was well tolerated in an 87-year-old patient with multilevel lumbar stenosis with a mobile spondylolisthesis.

CONCLUSION:

We provide the first description of a dual-surgeon approach for minimally invasive spine surgery. This “in-parallel” technique—reliant on 2, independent spine surgeons—may aid in the performance of surgeries previously considered too extensive, given the time constraints of regional anesthesia and can be successfully applied to patients who otherwise may not be candidates for general anesthesia.
Forearm Flexor Tendon Injury in Adolescent Athletes: Risk Factors, Treatment, and Prevention
Authors: Elhage Kareem Giovanni , Yedulla Nikhil Reddy , Cross Austin George , Mehta Nabil , Guo Eric W. , Bernstein David N. , Makhni Eric
Published: December 2022

Injury to the flexor pronator mass is a common condition that is especially prevalent in overhead throwing athletes. The increasing incidence of these injuries has promoted considerable efforts in research to better understand the pathology, risk factors, and potential mechanisms to prevent injury in these athletes. While there are numerous intrinsic and extrinsic factors associated with injury, a common theme involves chronic overuse and microtrauma with inadequate resting intervals between performances. The purpose of this review is to discuss medial elbow injuries in young athletes with a particular focus on the flexor pronator mass.
Assessing Performing Artists in Medical and Health Practice — The Dancers, Instrumentalists, Vocalists, and Actors Screening Protocol
Authors: Ackermann Bronwen J. , Guptill Christine , Miller Clay , Dick Randall , McCrary J. Matt
Published: December 2022

Training in the performing arts exposes individuals to often extreme physical and psychological demands, which are linked to high occupational injury rates. The intense demands of performing artists have been likened to those of sport athletes. However, distinct differences in these demands necessitate specialized approaches to the health care of performing artists. Through the Athletes and the Arts collaboration, the American College of Sports Medicine and Performing Arts Medicine Association identified that the creation of a specialized preparticipation screening tool for performing artists would likely enhance health care for performing artists significantly. Based on a thorough review of established assessments and an extensive consultation process with domain experts, a consensus best-practice screening tool was developed: the Dancer, Instrumentalist, Vocalist, Actor (DIVA) Preparticipation Screening. This screening tool is modeled on the athletic preparticipation examination (PPE) in its structure and 30-min target duration. However, DIVA diverges considerably from the PPE in its content to address the specific risks and needs of performing artists. In particular, screening questions and physical examination procedures focus strongly on musculoskeletal injuries and mental health conditions, in response to the preponderance and interactions of these conditions appearing in performing artists. The DIVA tool presented is intended as a “living tool,” which can be modified in the future to include new effective assessment techniques as appropriate. Training in the DIVA preparticipation physical examination is included as a core component of the essentials of performing arts medicine continuing education course described in detail in a companion manuscript in this issue.
Contributions to the Diatom Flora of the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea from the Turkish Coasts with Remarks on Rare Taxa
Authors: KALELI AYDIN
Published: December 2022

This study reports on newly recorded and several rare marine benthic diatoms from the Turkish coasts of the Aegean Sea. Altogether 510 species were observed from 6 locations throughout the Aegean Sea, and taxonomic and biogeographic remarks concerning thirty-four new recorded species are presented. Amongst the represented taxa, Amicula, Auricula, Cyclophora, Minidiscus, Oestrupia and Ralfsiella were observed for the first time in Turkish coastal waters. Biddulphia seychellensis, Cyclophora tabellariformis, Grammatophora maxima, G. gibberula, Amphicocconeis mascarenica, Cocconeis maxima, Amicula specululum, Caloneis egena, Diploneis dalmatica, D. droopii, Mastogloia affinis, M. linearis, M. mauritana and Oestrupia powelii var. vidovichii, which were rarely recorded from the coasts of the oceans and the Mediterranean Sea, were examined by light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Also, the findings revealed that the geographic range of A. mascarenica, B. seychellensis, C. tabellariformis and Psammodictyon corpulentum, which were distributed in warmer marine waters, has expanded to the temperate waters of the Aegean Sea. Additionally, the recently described species Hyalosira septata, from the loggerhead sea turtle carapace and the Turkish Mediterranean Sea coast was observed in the Aegean Sea. This study contributes to the diatom knowledge of marine waters from the understudied Aegean Sea coasts of Türkiye, enhancing the biogeography of some rare and well-established taxa.
Escape of hake (Merluccius merluccius), horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) and blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou) in codends with shortened lastridge ropes
Authors: CUENDE ELSA , SISTIAGA MANU , HERRMANN BENT , BASTERRETXEA MIKEL , ARREGI LUIS
Published: December 2022

Diamond meshes in trawl codends have limited openness, which reduces escape opportunities for roundfish. Shortening the lastridge ropes (LR) attached to codend selvedges can increase the availability of open meshes resulting in higher chances of escape. However, this availability does not imply optimal mesh openness, nor does it guarantee use. We estimate the escape probability of hake, horse mackerel and blue whiting through a 20% shortened LR codend and a standard codend, and quantify the contribution of different mesh opening angles (OAs) to their size selectivity. The results confirm that high OAs increase escape opportunities for all species. However, shortened LR only improved size selectivity significantly for horse mackerel and blue whiting. This difference between species may be related to behavioural differences. The mesh openness achieved with 20% shortened LR was below that necessary to obtain optimal escape opportunities for these species. The study highlights the relevance of considering fish morphology and behaviour to optimally exploit size selectivity when designing shortened LR codends.
The conditional effect of family resilience on family quality of life during the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Setiawan Tery , Wardani Ria , Theresia Ellen
Published: December 2022

Introduction: The Covid-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges, both economically and psychologically, to most families across the world. Yet, little study has been done on this topic in Indonesia, even after the second year of the pandemic. This study examines how the Covid-19 economic impact and parental stress are related to the family quality of life (FQOL) and how the relation is moderated by family resilience.

Methods: To this end, we employed previously tested measures to assess the level of parental stress, family resilience and FQOL. Especially for the latter, we modified the measure, developed by Beach Center on Disability, by including only four domains (i.e., family interaction, parenting, emotional well-being, and material well-being) to adjust to our research context.

Results: Based on 169 participants, our CFA displays that all employed measures in the study are valid and reliable. Our regression analysis shows that there are significant direct relations of parental stress & family resilience with family quality of life. However, we find that family resilience only positively moderates the relation between the Covid-19 economic impact and family quality of life.

Discussion: This study presents a view on how the Covid-19 pandemic affects the way families live and hence, their quality of life. In addition, the findings suggest the importance of family relationship and support in times of crisis, not limited to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Development of new towns in Poland. A case study of local labor markets.
Authors: Cudo Mateusz
Published: December 2022

The article attempts to assess the effect that obtaining urban status has on changes in the local labor markets of new towns. The analysis concerned those towns that were granted urban status for the first time between 1990 (the beginning of the transition to a market economy) and 2020. The analysis and research results did not show any significant correlation between the obtaining of urban status and improving labor market conditions. Despite the increase in entrepreneurship and the greater mobility of incoming employees, the localities did not become more attractive locations for medium-sized and large enterprises. Work-related population flows did not undergo major transformations and the range of influence of local labor markets was still mainly limited to the new towns’ own gminas, which together with the directly neighboring gminas formed functional urban areas that nonetheless rarely exceeded the boundaries of the poviat.
Políticas públicas para un territorio menos desigual. Desafíos para la Argentina a la luz de experiencias en países de América Latina
Authors: Schweitzer Mariana , Arancio Mariel Alejandra
Published: December 2022

La desigualdad territorial asociada a la localización de población y actividades, al acceso a infraestructuras y servicios, al empleo y a las condiciones materiales de vida, es una realidad histórica en América Latina. Este fenómeno acompañó las demandas de los sucesivos modelos de desarrollo y desde mediados del siglo xx se comenzó a reconocer en su total complejidad a la par de la instalación de gobiernos desarrollistas. Consecuentemente, se adoptaron diversas políticas públicas que no lograron incidir significativamente sobre esas desigualdades ni aten­der a sus consecuencias sociales. Ante la necesidad de reformular enfoques, optimizar recur­sos y sortear obstáculos en la concreción de las políticas públicas, este trabajo busca analizar críticamente las políticas en agenda de gobierno en Argentina a partir del cambio de gestión concretado a fines de 2019, identificando las limitaciones, logros y potencialidades de las po­líticas propuestas en Argentina, Brasil y México y sus efectos sobre la desigualdad territorial.
Planificación territorial ambiental en territorios indígenas: un análisis desde Colombia
Authors: Jiménez-Montoya Diana Alejandra
Published: December 2022

Los territorios indígenas en Colombia con títulos colectivos, o resguardos, constituyen áreas donde las instituciones indígenas pueden ejercer su autonomía territorial. En este contexto, los pueblos indígenas realizan la planificación territorial ambiental de sus resguardos, sobre la cual se ha investigado poco. Con el fin de entender la planificación territorial ambiental indígena, en esta investigación se tomó el resguardo El Duya del pueblo Salia como caso de estudio. La recolección de información se hizo a través de análisis documental, entrevistas semiestructuradas y observación participante. La investigación muestra que el pueblo Salia planifica a diferentes niveles y mediante estrategias territoriales de tipo estructural y dinámico; no obstante, la extracción de hidrocarburos dentro y fuera del resguardo, aprobada por autoridades no indígenas, no solo obstaculiza la toma de decisiones por parte del pueblo Salia sino que genera impactos ambientales que no pueden ser resueltos desde la planificación indígena.
Phase-sensitive distributed Rayleigh fiber sensing enabling the real-time monitoring of the refractive index with a sub-cm resolution by all-optical coherent pulse compression
Authors: Alliot de Borggraef Louis , Guillet de Chatellus Hugues
Published: December 2022

We have developed a novel architecture enabling distributed acoustic sensing in a commercial single-mode fiber with a sub-cm spatial resolution and an interrogation rate of 20 kHz. More precisely, we report the capability of real-time and space-resolved monitoring of the distributed phase and of the refractive index variations along the sensing fiber. The system reported here is optimal in many aspects. While the use of broadband light waveforms enables a sub-cm spatial resolution, the waveforms are quasi CW, delaying the occurrence of non-linear effects. Coherent detection ensures direct access to the distributed phase and to the local variations of the refractive index. Moreover, an all-optical pulse compression feature enables to lower the detection bandwidth down to 10 MSa/s. Based on a bi-directional frequency shifting loop, the architecture makes use of a single CW laser, commercial telecom components, and low frequency electronics. It is expected to open new avenues in distributed acoustic sensing applications, where high spatial resolution and high interrogation rates are required.
Experimental characterization of a commercial wire grid polarizer as a polarizing beam splitter at 1.55 µm wavelength
Authors: Lang Kenneth A. , Baker Jordan L. , Dickensheets David L. , Nakagawa Wataru
Published: December 2022

A commercially available wire grid plate polarizer (Meadowlark IR VersaLight) is experimentally characterized for use as a polarizing beam splitter with variable incidence angles up to ± 50°. Five elements of this type are tested, and found to have an average pass-state transmittance of approximately 94% ± 2% for incidence angles up to ±30° and a block-state reflectance of approximately 92% ± 2% for all measured incidence angles. Polarizer orientation (with compensating adjustment of input linear polarization state) and propagation direction through the device were each found to cause no more than a 2% difference of transmission/reflection efficiency for incidence angles up to ±30°. Overall, this device was found to demonstrate high efficiency in both pass state transmittance and block state reflectance over a range of incidence angles and polarizer orientations, confirming its usability as a versatile polarizing beam splitter.
Correlation of TcII discrete typing units with severe chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy in patients from various Brazilian geographic regions
Authors: Tavares de Oliveira Maykon , Fuzo Carlos Alessandro , da Silva Maria Cláudia , Donadi Eduardo Antônio , da Silva João Santana , Moreira Henrique Turin , Schmidt André , Marin-Neto José Antônio
Published: December 2022

Background

Chagas disease (ChD) is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. The genetic structure of the species is divided into seven distinct genetic groups, TcI to TcVI, and Tcbat, which have shown differences in terms of geographic distribution, biological properties, and susceptibility to drugs. However, the association between genetic variability and clinical forms of ChD has not yet been fully elucidated. The predominance of TcII and TcVI discrete typing units (DTUs) (genetic groups) is known to occur in several Brazilian regions and is associated with both the domestic and the wild cycles of ChD. Thus, this study aimed to verify the genotypes of the parasites present in 330 patients with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC) from different Brazilian states attended at the Clinical Hospital of the Ribeirão Preto Medical School and to assess the existence of a correlation between the clinical forms with the main cardiovascular risk factors and the genetics of the parasite.

Methodology Principal findings

All patients with CCC were clinically evaluated through anamnesis, physical examination, biochemical tests, 12-lead electrocardiogram, echocardiogram and chest X-ray. Peripheral blood (5 mL) was collected in guanidine/ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid from each patient for DNA extraction and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Chagas disease and genotyping of the parasite in the 7 DTUs. Parasite genotyping was performed using conventional multilocus PCR. Samples of only 175 patients were positive after amplification of the specific genes contained in the T. cruzi genotyping criteria. TcII (64/175), TcVI (9/175), and TcI (3/175) DTUs were predominant, followed by TcII/TcV/TcVI (74/175), and TcII/TcVI (23/175). The TcIII and TcIV DTU´s was detected in only one sample of CCC patients.

Conclusions/Significance

Our data corroborate previous findings, indicating the predominance of the TcII genotype in patients with CCC of Brazilian origin. Moreover, this study pioneered disclosing a direct correlation between the TcII DTU and severe CCC.
Development of a recombinase polymerase amplification assay with lateral flow dipstick (RPA-LFD) for rapid detection of Shigella spp. and enteroinvasive Escherichia coli
Authors: Bian Zheng , Liu Wenbo , Jin Junhua , Hao Yanling , Jiang Linshu , Xie Yuanhong , Zhang Hongxing
Published: December 2022

Shigella spp. and enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC) are widely distributed and can cause serious food-borne diseases for humans such as dysentery. Therefore, an efficient detection platform is needed to detect Shigella and EIEC quickly and sensitively. In this study, a method called recombinase polymerase amplification combined with lateral flow dipstick (RPA-LFD) was developed for rapid detection of Shigella and EIEC. RPA primers and LFD detection probes were designed for their shared virulence gene ipaH. Primers and probes were screened, and the primer concentration, and reaction time and temperature were optimized. According to the optimization results, the RPA reaction should be performed at 39°C, and when combined with LFD, it takes less than 25 min for detection with the naked eye. The developed RPA-LFD method specifically targets gene ipaH and has no cross-reactivity with other common food-borne pathogens. In addition, the minimum detection limit of RPA-LFD is 1.29×102 copies/μL. The detection of food sample showed that the RPA-LFD method was also verified for the detection of actual samples.
Desafiando imaginários
Authors: Amaral Inês , Flores Ana Marta , Antunes Eduardo
Published: December 2022

Considerando o grupo específico de jovens adultos(as) em Portugal, o artigo visa perceber se e de que forma as aplicações móveis interferem com as identidades de género e as práticas sexuais. A abordagem metodológica adotada é quantitativa, operacionalizada através de um inquérito por questionário a uma amostra representativa (N=1500) de jovens (18-30 anos). Os resultados indicam que a orientação sexual influencia os comportamentos relacionados com a intimidade e os imaginários das identidades sexuais e de género. Atendendo à forma como as  aplicações móveis são incorporadas no quotidiano, constata-se a relevância do género com 66,2% dos(as) participantes a designar o género nas aplicações e 37,9% a afirmar que este é a representação da sua identidade. Os resultados mostram ainda que 19,2% dos(as) inquiridos(as) menciona que não há opção para o género com que se identifica, pelo que é possível inferir que as interfaces digitais podem limitar ou impor imaginários normativos.