bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated Metagenomic and Metabolomic Analyses of the Effects of Total Flavonoids of Rhizoma Drynariae on Reducing Ovariectomized-Induced Osteoporosis by Regulating Gut Microbiota and Related Metabolites
Authors: Li Qiuyue , Fang Shengjie , Chu Xuelei , Zhu Jia , Song Qinghui , Wei Xu , Wang Chaolu , Hou Chengzhi
Published: October 2022

Ethnopharmacological relevance:
Total flavonoids of Rhizoma Drynariae (TFRD), an important component extracted from the dried rhizome of Drynaria roosii Nakaike [Polypodiaceae]. TFRD has been widely used in China to treat osteoporosis (OP). However, the specific molecular mechanism of TFRD against OP has not been fully clarified.
Aim of the study:
The aim of this study was to further elucidate molecular mechanism of TFRD for treating OP based on metagenomic and metabolomic analyses.
Materials and methods:
In this study, hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, micro computed tomography (micro-CT) and bone mineral density (BMD) analysis were used to observe pharmacological effects of TFRD against ovariectomized (OVX)-induced OP. Subsequently, multiomics analysis including metagenomics, untargeted and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) metabolomics were carried out to identify whether the anti-osteoporosis mechanism of TFRD correlated with gut microbiota and related metabolites.
Results:
TFRD could improve the microstructure and density of trabecular bone in OVX rats. 17 differential species, which mainly from Akkermansia, Bacteroides, and Phascolarctobacteriumgenus, 14 related differential metabolites and acetic acid in SCFAs were significantly altered by OVX and reversed by TFRD. Furthermore, according to results of untargeted metabolomics analysis, it was found several metabolic pathways such as phenylalanine metabolism, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis and so on might play an important role in TFRD against OP. In order to further study the relationship between gut microbiota and related metabolites, spearman correlation analysis was used, and showed that gut microbiota such as Akkermansia muciniphila might be closely related to several metabolites and metabolic pathways.
Conclusions:
TFRD treatment could reduce the effects of OVX-induced OP by altering community composition and abundance of gut microbiota, regulating metabolites and SCFAs. It was speculated that the gut microbiota especially Akkermansia muciniphila and related metabolites might play an important role in TFRD against OP, and deserve further study by follow-up experiment. This conclusion provides new theoretical support for mechanism research of TFRD against OP.
Articular void sign on MRI in intra-articular distal radius fracture patients
Authors: Shibuya Ryoichi
Published: October 2022

Introduction: The purposes of this study are 1) to investigate whether MRI can detect ischemic changes in the subchondral bone and intra-articular fibrosis, 2) to investigate the relationship between MR imaging and wrist function, and 3) to investigate the compatibility of MR imaging and simple radiographic imaging in patients with intra-articular distal radius fracture treated using volar locking plate. Materials and methods: The plain radiographs, CT scans, and MRI findings of 27 patients were examined. The mean follow-up was 2 years (1 year − 3 years and 6 months). The range of motion of the wrist joint was evaluated as % arc, which is the ratio of the range of motion to that on the healthy side, expressed as a percentage. Results: In 27 patients, there were 6 type C1, 3 C2, and 18 C3 fractures. The mean step measured on plain radiographs was 0.4 ± 0.7 mm (range, 0 to 2 mm), and that on T1-weighted MR image was 0.6 ± 0.9 mm (range 0 to 3 mm). Comminuted central impaction fractures were observed in 9 patients on CT sections. The mean % arc was 88.1 ± 11.3% (range, 48.5 to 100%). Plain radiographs showed an area of sclerotic change in the subchondral bone in three patients. These three patients were consistent with those three patients whose % arc was smaller than the standard deviation. In two of the three patients, the area corresponding to this sclerotic area was a homogenic low intensity area on the T1-wegited MR images. Nevertheless this area consists of components with unspecified shape and intensity on T2-wegited MR images These areas were tentatively designated as “articular void”. Conclusions: This articular void was considered to include necrotic bone, fibrous tissue and suggested to be one of a cause of impairment of joint function.
Regression analysis and variable selection to determine the key subduction-zone parameters that determine the maximum earthquake magnitude
Authors: Nakao Atsushi , Kuwatani Tatsu , Ueki Kenta , Yoshida Kenta , Yutani Taku , Hino Hideitsu , Akaho Shotaro
Published: October 2022

Large variations in the maximum earthquake magnitude (Mmax) have been observed among the world’s subduction zones. There is still no universal relationship between Mmax and a given subduction-zone parameter, such as plate age, plate dip angle, or plate velocity, which suggests that multiple parameters control Mmax. Here we conduct exhaustive variable selections that are based on three evaluation criteria; leave-one-out cross-validation errors (LOOCVE), Akaike information criterion (AIC), and Bayesian information criterion (BIC) to determine the combination of subduction-zone parameters that best explains Mmax. Multiple linear regression analyses are applied using 18 subduction-zone parameters as potential candidates for the explanatory variables of Mmax. The minimum BIC is obtained when five variables (trench sediment thickness, existence of an accretionary prism, upper-plate crustal thickness, bending radius of the subducting oceanic plate, and trench depth) are selected as explanatory variables; each variable contributes positively to Mmax. Minimum LOOCVE and AIC values are obtained when eight variables (the five parameters for BIC, plus the along-strike plate convergence rate, age of the subducting plate, and maximum depth of the subducting plate) are selected. Our selection of the trench sediment thickness and plate bending radius contributing to Mmax is consistent with previous studies. The results show that increasing upper-plate crustal thickness results in a large Mmax. In addition to smoothing the subducting-plate interface via subducted sediments, along-dip extension of the crustal area along the convergent plate boundary would be important for generating a large earthquake.
Linkage and association mapping of ovule number per ovary (ON) in oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.)
Authors: Ali Ahmad , Li Wenhui , Zhang Hui , Wang Hao , Pengfei Wang , Jiao Yushun , Zhao Chenqi , Yang Guangsheng , Hong Dengfeng
Published: October 2022

Ovule number (ON) produced during flower development determines the maximum number of seeds per silique and thereby affects crop productivity; however, the genetic control of ON remains poorly understood in oilseed rape (Brassica napus). In this study, we genetically dissected the ON variations in a double haploid population (DH) and in diverse inbred accessions by linkage mapping and genome-wide association analysis. Phenotypic analysis in six environments showed that ON displayed normal distribution in both populations with the broad-sense heritability of 0.861 (DH population) and 0.930 (natural population). Linkage mapping identified 5 QTLs related to ON, including qON-A03, qON-A07, qON-A07-2, qON-A10, and qON-C06. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) revealed 214, 48 and 40 significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) by individually using the single-locus model GLM and the multiple-locus model MrMLM and FASTMrMLM. The phenotypic variation explained (PVE) by these QTLs and SNPs ranged from 2.00-17.40% and 5.03–7.33%, respectively. Integration of the results from both strategies identified four consensus genomic regions associated with ON from the Chr A03, A07, and A10. Our results preliminarily resolved the genetic basis of ON and provides useful molecular markers for plant yield improvement in B. napus.
Localized expression and role of full-length growth differentiation factor 15 in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Morita-Tanaka Satomi , Miyagawa-Hayashino Aya , Yamada Tadaaki , Matsui Yohei , Morimoto Kenji , Hiranuma Osamu , Masuzawa Naoko , Yoshimura Akihiro , Iwasaku Masahiro , Tokuda Shinsaku , Kaneko Yoshiko , Kim Young Hak , Konishi Eiichi , Takayama Koichi
Published: October 2022

Purpose
Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) is one of the key cachexia-inducible factors. Clinical trials on therapies targeting GDF-15 for cancer and cancer cachexia are underway. While the role of circulating GDF-15 in cachexia has been clarified, the effects of GDF-15 expression within cancer cells remain to be fully elucidated. Hence, the objective of this study was to investigate the expression of GDF-15 in advanced lung cancer tissues and to understand its role in cachexia.
Methods
We retrospectively examined the expression level of full-length GDF-15 in advanced non-small cell lung cancer tissues and analyzed the relationship between the staining intensity and clinical data in 53 samples.
Results
We found that 52.8% of the total samples were GDF-15 positive, and the GDF-15 expression significantly correlated with better nutrition and a low inflammation state. It did not correlate with the existence of cancer cachexia and overall survival. Patients with GDF-15-positive expression tended to have better survival than those with GDF-15-negative expression.
Conclusion
Thus, tumor GDF-15 and its family of cytokines are diverse. It is necessary to characterize their role in cancer cachexia and identify whether GDF-15 can be a predictive biomarker for cachexia in non-small cell lung cancer, which could lead to better therapeutic strategies targeting GDF-15.
Differential behavior of bone turnover markers in women with bone metastatic breast cancer or osteoporosis
Authors: Soares Ana Laura , Vieira José Gilberto Henrique , Moreira Linda Denise Fernandes , Simon Sérgio Daniel , Gebrim Luiz Henrique , Nazário Afonso Celso Pinto , Silva André Gonçalves da , Castro Marise Lazaretti
Published: October 2022

Background: This study was designed to describe bone turnover marker (BTM) profiles in women.
Patients and methods: In all, 197 patients (age 61 [36-90] years) comprising five groups were studied: osteoporosis with (OPBP+) or without (OPBP-) bisphosphonate use; bone metastatic breast cancer with (BMBP+) or without (BMBP-) BP use; and healthy controls without BP (CBP-) use. Procollagen type 1 amino-terminal propeptide (P1NP) and carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX) were analyzed.
Results: The medians [25%-75%; ng/mL] for P1NP were as follows: BMBP- (236.95 [165.0-328.0]) > CBP- (47.25 [33.5-63.7]) = OPBP- (50.9 [37.4-63.9]) > BMBP+(26.9 [11.8-46.3]) = OPBP+ (19.5 [12.6-27.3]).
The medians [25% -75%; ng/mL] for CTX were as follows: BMBP- (0.567 [0.457-0.803]) = OPBP- (0.360 [0.318-0.650]) > CBP- (0.297 [0.203-0.402]) > BMBP+(0.101 [0.052-0.202]) = OPBP+(0.141 [0.047-0.186]).
Conclusion: P1NP > 145 ng/mL completely differentiated those with BMs. CTX < 0.200 ng/mL differentiated those using BPs.
A Prognostic Model Based on Necroptosis-Related Genes for Prognosis and Therapy in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Wang Zeyi , Huang Zhengnan , Cao Xiangqian , Zhang Fang , Cai Jinming , Tang Pengfei , Yang Chenkai , Li Shengzhou , Yu Dong , Yan Yilin , Shen Bing
Published: October 2022

Bladder cancer, one of the most prevalent malignant cancers, has high rate of recurrence and metastasis. Owing to genomic instability and high-level heterogeneity of bladder cancer, chemotherapy and immunotherapy drugs sensitivity and lack of prognostic markers, the prognosis of bladder cancer is unclear. Necroptosis is a programmed modality of necrotic cell death in a caspase-independent form. Despite the fact that necroptosis plays a critical role in tumor growth, cancer metastasis, and cancer patient prognosis, necroptosis-related gene sets have rarely been studied in ladder cancer. As a result, the development of new necroptosis-related prognostic indicators for bladder cancer patients is critical. Herein, we assessed the necroptosis landscape of bladder cancer patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas database and classified them into two unique necroptosis-related patterns, using the consensus clustering. Then, using five prognosis-related genes, we constructed a prognostic model (risk score), which contained 5 genes (ANXA1, DOK7, FKBP10, MAP1B and SPOCD1). And a nomogram model was also developed to offer the clinic with a more useful prognostic indicator. We found that risk score was significantly associated with clinicopathological characteristics, TIME, and tumor mutation burden in patients with bladder cancer. Moreover, risk score was a valid guide for immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted drugs. In our study, DOK7 was chose to further verify our prognosis model, and functional assays indicated that knockdown the expression of DOK7 could prompt bladder cancer proliferation and migration. Our work demonstrated the potential role of prognostic model based on necroptosis genes in the prognosis, immune landscape and response efficacy of immunotherapy of bladder cancer.
Radiological evaluation of the prevalence of bone loss, tooth wear, periodontal ligament widening, and the prevalence of mandibular torus
Authors: Nirit Tagger-Green , Nemcovski Carlos , Berg Yarden Sagi , Fridenberg Naama , Kolerman Roni
Published: October 2022

Objective: The aim of the study was to quantify the relationship between excessive occlusal forces reflected by tooth wear, Periodontal ligament space widening (PDLw), TM presence, and radiographic loss of bone support. A secondary aim was to evaluate the correlation of screening specific teeth instead of the entire dentition.
Materials and Methods: 1950 Sets of full mouth radiographic surveys were retrospectively analyzed. Radiologic quantification of loss of bone support was performed using the "Schei's ruler" technique. Tooth wear evaluation was classified according to enamel wear in the incisal area, PDL widening was considered when over 0.2mm was measured, and the presence of mandibular torus was inspected.
Results: After collecting data from the first 400 radiographs, the correlation between specific teeth and the whole dentition was evaluated. Teeth 41 and 33 showed the best correlation scores to all examined teeth. Tooth wear and loss of bone support were significantly age-related (p<0.001). There was a statistically significant correlation between tooth wear and bone support loss (p<0.001). The odds ratio of having bone loss when tooth wear was present was 2.767. The odds ratio of having bone loss when PDLw was present was 2.585.
Conclusion: The present study found a statistically significant correlation between radiographic tooth wear, PDLw, and loss of bone support.
Clinical Relevance: The high correlation between tooth wear and radiographic bone loss helps the clinician better understand the etiology of periodontal disease. Prevention and treatment of the disease are multifactorial.
A 90-day subchronic oral toxicity assessment of cry11Ba protein expressed in genetically modified Chlamydomonas reinhardtii by using Han Wistar rats.
Authors: Khan Hamza , Khan Mohsin Ahmad , Ahmed Nadeem , Tawakkal Farah , Amjad Fareeha , Pervaiz Rabbia
Published: October 2022

Mosquito-borne diseases are a persistent risk to humanity all over the world. A genetically modified algae (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii) producing mosquito larvicidal cry11Ba protein was constructed in Biopharmaceutical Laboratories of CEMB, University of Punjab, Pakistan. The current study aims at the biosafety assessment of this transgenic algae in Han Wistar rats for a 90-days trial period. Thirty male Han Wistar rats were used in the experiment, divided into three groups which were given transgenic algae mixed water (at 1x105cell mL− 1 concentration), non-transgenic algae mixed water (at 1x105cell mL− 1 concentration), and simple water without algae respectively for 90-days. Han Wistar rats were regularly clinically observed for any mortality, allergenicity, moribundity, water consumption, feed consumption, body weight, hematology, serum chemistry (LFT, RFT, serum electrolytes), urine analysis, molecular analysis, necropsy analysis (organs morphology, organ weight, and histopathology of vital organs) and found no substantial difference among any of the groups. In conclusion, there was no adverse effect found on the overall health of male Han Wistar rat feeding on transgenic algae (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii) producing the cry11Ba protein.
The Benefits of Sacubitril/Valsartan Administration in Patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ge Rongguang , Gong Yuan , Huang Mingxuan , Lu Siyu , Xiu Lu , Li Linwei , Huang Wenqi , Chang Jie
Published: October 2022

Purpose This meta-analysis aimed to clarify the clinical effects and safety of Sacubitril/Valsartan (Sac/Val) administration in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods This analysis was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022364008). Researchers performed a systematic search of English and Chinese databases to identify available randomized controlled trials from inception to September 30, 2022. The experimental group was given Sac/Val, while the control group was given conventional angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). Study screening and data extraction were conducted by two independent researchers. Cochrane Handbook 6.3 was used for quality evaluation and bias assessment. Risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidential interval (95% CI) were adopted for enumeration data. Mean difference (MD) and 95% CI were adopted for measurement data. Results A total of 7 studies with 964 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The outcomes of clinical effects, including rehospitalization for heart failure (HF), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentration at 24 weeks, were respectively RR = 0.45 (95% CI: 0.35 to 0.66), MD = 3.44 (95% CI: 2.66 to 4.22), RR = 0.50 (95% CI: 0.40 to 0.62), and MD=-155.55 (95% CI: -226.35 to -84.75). Meanwhile, the outcomes of adverse side effects, including hypotension, hyperkalemia, cough, and worsening renal function, were respectively RR = 1.81 (95% CI: 1.09 to 3.02), RR = 0.58 (95% CI: 0.17 to 1.93), RR = 0.84 (95% CI: 0.26 to 2.72), and RR = 0.55 (95% CI: 0.23 to 1.33). Conclusions Compared with conventional ACEI/ARB, Sac/Val was found to improve cardiac function, decrease the risk of HF, and reduce MACEs incidence in patients after STEMI. However, in terms of adverse side effects, Sac/Val did not show a significant advantage over ACEI/ARB.
Identification and validation of two hub genes involved in membranous nephropathy based on machine learning
Authors: Pan Yu-Biao , Ye Hua-Mao , Jiang Zuan-Hong , Chen De-Jun , Teng Ya , Guan Chen-An
Published: October 2022

Background: Membranous nephropathy (MN) is an autoimmune disease. It is an important cause of end-stage renal disease in primary glomerulonephritis. Significant breakthroughs in its diagnosis have been made in previous studies, however, the pathogenesis of MN has still remained elusive. In recent years, bioinformatics has provided new research strategies to investigate the mechanisms of kidney disease. This study aimed to explore potential biomarkers of MN through bioinformatics analysis.
Methods: Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by performing a differential expression analysis with the "limma" R package, and then, the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was applied to obtain the most MN-related genes. After intersecting these genes, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and the support vector machine-recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE) algorithms were utilized to identify hub genes. To assess the diagnostic value of hub genes, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed. Finally, the relationship between hub genes and the immune microenvironment (IME) was analyzed.
Results: The differential expression analysis yielded 1,466 DEGs, and using the WGCNA, 442 genes, which were the most MN-related genes, were obtained. From the intersection of these genes, 130 genes were identified. Subsequently, two hub genes (ECM1 and ATP8B1) were detected by the LASSO and SVM-REF algorithms. It was found that they were associated with components of the IME (natural killer T cells, gamma delta T cells, macrophages, etc.).
Conclusion: Two hub genes (ECM1 and ATP8B1) were identified by machine learning, and their diagnostic value was evaluated. It was revealed that these two genes were associated with the components of the IME. Our findings may provide new ideas for developing new biomarkers for MN.
Feasibility of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging at 5T in comparison to 3T
Authors: Lan Lan , Hu Huijuan , Sun Wenbo , Sun Rongqing , Ling Gonghao , Du Tingyi , Li Xuan , Yuan Jianmin , Xing Yaowen , Song Xiaopeng , Xu Haibo
Published: October 2022

Purpose
Due to safety and technical issues, 7T MRI has not been approved by the FDA for cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), however, 5T has been proved to be safe for whole body imaging. In this study, we investigated the feasibility and performance of CMR at a 5T whole body system, which may face less technical challenges than 7T.
Methods
Seventeen healthy volunteers and three patients were recruited and underwent CMR scans on both 5T and 3T MR scanners. Cine images of short-axis views as well as three standard long-axis views were acquired at 3T using balanced steady state free precession sequence, and at 5T using fast gradient echo sequence respectively. Dark blood imaging was repeated in a slice of midventricular short-axis view at 5T and 3T as well. Image quality and artifact level were estimated on a 5-point scale and compared between different field strengths. Quantifications of functional parameters and mass of left ventricle (LV) were compared between the two field strengths.
Results
The overall image acquired at 5T was comparable to that obtained at 3T, achieving image quality scores of 4.61±0.39 and 4.59±0.56 for dark blood sequences, 4.60±0.50 for FGRE sequence. Artifact level scores for black blood sequences were 4.72±0.46 and4.65±0.54, while FGRE sequence achieved 4.65±0.49. Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated that functional parameters and mass of LV derived from 5T were in good agreement with the 3T counterparts.
Conclusion
This study confirmed the feasibility of CMR imaging at 5T MR system.
Behaviour change interventions based on automated and tailored communication systems to improve health outcomes in adult chronic patients: a systematic review
Authors: Martins Ana , Londral Ana , Lapão Luís Velez
Published: October 2022

Background: Behaviour change digital-assisted interventions can be a low-cost solution to enduring healthy behaviours. Understanding how to automate and tailor such interventions to patients’ needs can improve health outcomes. This study aims at reviewing the evidence of the use of such interventions in a clinical setting in adult chronic patients.
Methods: This study followed the PRISMA guidelines for comprehensive search, appraisal, and synthesis of research evidence. A literature search was performed to find studies published between 1 January 2017 and 26 March 2022 in peer-reviewed journals and written in English. Behaviour change interventions in adult chronic patients with automated and tailored communication systems were considered.
Results: Seven quantitative studies (6 RCT and a pilot RCT) with sample sizes from 54 to 506 participants and timeframes varying from 4 to 30 weeks met the eligibility criteria. Populations comprehended patients with cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, or osteoarthritis. Communication channels included SMS, email, and voice records. Rule-based models were used to automate content in all studies and bidirectional communication was used in four of them. Content and service delivery were tailored given the patient’s goals, needs, functional ability, activity, personal characteristics, and communication channel preferred. Most data management platforms used were developed in prior studies. Interventions were designed based on 9 different behaviour change models. There was no evidence of improvements in clinical outcomes after the intervention. Some studies showed improvements in self-efficacy (n=1), the use of dietary data info (n=1), physical activity (n=2), social support (n=1), and quality of life (n=1). The risk of bias analysis revealed that one study had moderate risk and the remaining had low risk.
Conclusion: This study supports researchers that are designing digital behaviour change interventions by putting in evidence the intervention’s features needed to be considered during this step. It revealed that the most efficient solutions were tailored to patients’ needs and disease stages and that further research on the mechanisms of change and content automation needs to be done.
A prospective comparative study of 68Ga-RM26 and 68Ga-PSMA-617 PET/CT imaging in suspicious prostate cancer
Authors: Gao Xiaomei , Tang Yongxiang , Chen Minfeng , Li Jian , Yin Hongling , Gan Yu , Zu Xiongbin , Cai Yi , Hu Shuo
Published: October 2022

Purpose Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) -based PET/CT imaging showed limitations in the diagnosis of prostate cancers (PCa). We recruited 207 participants with suspicious PCa to perform PET/CT imaging with radiolabeled gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) antagonist, 68Ga-RM26, and compare with 68Ga-PSMA-617 and histopathology.
Methods Participants with suspicious PCa were subjected to 68Ga-RM26 and 68Ga-PSMA-617 PET/CT. PET/CT imaging was compared using pathologic specimens as a reference standard.
Results Of the 207 participants analyzed, 125 had cancer, and 82 were diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The sensitivity and specificity of 68Ga-RM26 and 68Ga-PSMA-617 PET/CT imaging differed significantly for detecting clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.54 for 68Ga-RM26 PET/CT and 0.91 for 68Ga-PSMA-617 PET/CT detecting PCa. For csPCa imaging, the AUCs were 0.51 vs. 0.93, respectively. However, 68Ga-RM26 PET/CT imaging had higher sensitivity for PCa with Gleason Score (GS) =6 (p=0.03) than 68Ga-PSMA-617 PET/CT but poor specificity (20.73%). In the group with PSA <10 ng/mL, the sensitivity, specificity, and AUC of 68Ga-RM26 PET/CT were lower than 68Ga-PSMA-617 PET/CT (60.00% vs. 80.30%, p=0.12, 23.26% vs. 88.37%, p=0.000, and 0.524 vs. 0.822, p=0.000, respectively). 68Ga-RM26 PET/CT exhibited a significantly higher SUVmax in specimens with GS=6 (p=0.04) and in the low-risk group (p=0.01), and its uptake did not increase with the PSA level, GS, or clinical stage.
Conclusion This prospective study provided evidence for superior accuracy of 68Ga-PSMA-617 PET/CT over 68Ga-RM26 PET/CT in the detection of csPCa. And 68Ga-RM26 PET/CT showed an advantage for imaging of low-risk PCa.
Nutcracker syndrome: an uncommon cause of frank hematuria: a case report
Authors: Jelleli Nejmeddine , Jemaa Mohamed Ben , Sakly Aymen , Jelleli Bilel , Zakhama Walid , Chouaya Ines , Sidhom Wael , Chouaya Sabrine , Binous Mohamed Yassine
Published: October 2022

A 28-year-old young woman was referred to our urology consultation for hematuria associated with chronic left flank pain. The physical examination revealed tenderness on palpation of the left lumbar fossa (Visual analogue scale (VAS) = 5/10). Urinalysis confirmed the macroscopic hematuria. Abdomen computed tomography (CT) angiography revealed compressive trapping of the left renal vein (LRV) at the level of the aorto-mesenteric clamp. The diagnosis of nutcracker syndrome (NCS) in its anterior variant was made. The decision of our urology team in collaboration with the vascular surgeons was to opt for conservative treatment. During the last clinical follow-up dating back to18 months after the diagnosis, the patient had no macroscopic hematuria. She reported reduction in flank pain intensity (VAS= 2/10).
Phenanthroimidazole as Molecularly Engineered Switch for Efficient and Highly Long-lived Light-Emitting Electrochemical Cell.
Authors: Bideh Babak Nemati , Moghadam Majid , Sousaraei Ahmad , Arani Behnoosh Shahpoori
Published: October 2022

Although, light-emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) based on Ir(III) complexes owing to the superior advantages exhibit high potential for display and lighting applications, they still suffer from relatively low stability and sluggish response time. To mitigate this challenge, herein, a series of Ir(III) complexes based on phenanthroimidazole (PI) as ancillary ligand were functionalized to achieve efficient, highly stable yellow to orange LEC devices with fast response. These complexes exhibit appropriate electrochemical stability and significant suppression of concentration quenching in the thin films compare to archetype complex. Concerning, the fabricated LECs showed remarkable long device lifetime over 1400 and 2100 hours and EQE of 2 and 3% for yellow and orange-LECs, respectively, in which obtained t1/2 for yellow LEC is among the highest value for cationic iridium (III) complexes based yellow-LECs reported so far. Subsequently, incorporation of ionic tethered functional group on PI, improved the mobility of emissive layer, reducing the device turn-on time around 75–88%. This study represents facile functionalization and characterization of PI ligand and its potential application in optoelectronic devices (OLED).
A Probabilistic Model for Annual Maximum Peak Ground Motion Based on Shifted Lognormal Distribution
Authors: Ge Fang-Wen , Zhao Yan-Gang , Zhang Haizhong
Published: October 2022

Continuous seismic hazard curves can be used to flexibly determine earthquake intensity with an arbitrary annual exceedance probability for probabilistic structural seismic design. To obtain an explicit expression of the continuous curve based on several given earthquake intensities corresponding to different hazard levels from probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA), a model of the annual maximum peak ground motion based on the Fréchet distribution has been widely adopted over the past decades. However, recent studies showed that the mathematical limitations of statistic estimation and poor performance in the upper tail region of the Fréchet model are unfavorable for use in reliability-based studies, particularly for vital structures. In this study, a new probabilistic model for the annual maximum peak ground motion is proposed based on a shifted lognormal distribution. The performance of the proposed model was statistically validated by investigating the global fitting effect, accuracy of the upper tail region, and appropriateness of the estimated statistics based on a long-term Japanese earthquake catalogue. The application of the proposed model to generate continuous seismic hazard curves by fitting different types of the analytical PSHA data is illustrated using two numerical examples.
Phylourny: Efficiently Calculating Elimination Tournament Win Probabilities via Phylogenetic Methods
Authors: Bettisworth Ben , Jordan Alexander , Stamatakis Alexandros
Published: October 2022

The prediction of knockout tournaments represents an area of large public interest and active academic as well as industrial research. Here, we show how one can leverage the computational analogies between calculating the phylogenetic likelihood score used in the area of molecular evolution to efficiently calculate , instead of approximate via simulations, the exact per-team tournament win probabilities, given a pairwise win probability matrix between all teams. We implement and make available our method as open-source code and show that it is two orders of magnitude faster than simulations and two or more orders of magnitude faster than calculating the exact per-team win probabilities naïvely, without taking into account the substantial computational savings induced by the tournament tree structure. Furthermore, we showcase novel prediction approaches that now become feasible due to this order of magnitude improvement in calculating tournament win probabilities. We demonstrate how to quantify prediction uncertainty by calculating 100,000 distinct tournament win probabilities for a tournament with 16 teams under slight variations of a reasonable pairwise win probability matrix within one minute on a standard laptop. We also conduct an analogous analysis for a tournament with 64 teams.
Fast simultaneous estimation of nD transport coefficients and source function in perturbation experiments
Authors: Kampen Ricky van , de Vries Jelle , Weiland Siep , de Baar Marco , Berkel Matthijs van
Published: October 2022

In the calculation of transport coefficients from experimental data precise knowledge of the source is usually assumed, while the identification of the coefficients focuses on specific geometries and one spatial variable. This paper presents a method for the simultaneous estimation of both the distributions of transport coefficients as well as the source profile. A convex solution of the inverse problem is retained which makes the calculations highly computational efficient. Moreover, this allows for the estimation of multi-dimensional transport coefficients, source terms, and the analysis of the effect of regularization on experimental data and transport coefficient distributions.
Identification of FDA-approved drugs with triple targeting mode of action for the treatment of Monkeypox: a high throughput virtual screening study
Authors: Srivast Varshita , Naik Biswajit , Godara Priya , Prusty Dhaneswar
Published: October 2022

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, as of August 23, 94 countries had confirmed 42,954 Monkeypox Virus cases. As specific monkeypox drugs are not yet developed, the treatment depends on repurposed FDA-approved drugs. According to a recent study, the Monkeypox outbreak is caused by a strain with a unique mutation, raising the likelihood that the virus will develop resistance to current drugs by acquiring mutations in the targets of currently used drugs. The probability of multiple mutations in two or more drug targets at a time is always low than mutation in a single drug target. Therefore, we identified 15 triple-targeting FDA-approved drugs that can inhibit three viral targets, including topoisomerase1, p37, and thymidylate kinase, using high throughput virtual screening approach. Further, the molecular dynamics simulation analysis of the top hits such as Naldemedine and Saquinavir with their respective targets reveals the formation of stable conformational changes of the ligand-protein complexes inside the dynamic biological environment. We suggest further research on these triple-targeting molecules to develop an effective therapy for the currently spreading Monkeypox.
Biomechanical analysis of adjacent segments after spine fusion surgery using a novel geometrically-parametric patient-specific finite element model
Authors: Wang Yuming , Shen Qianyi , Liang Chang , Tang Xiangsheng , Yi Ping
Published: October 2022

OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to perform mechanical analysis of adjacent segments after spine fusion surgery using a novel geometrically-parametric patient-specific finite element model and to elucidate the mechanism of adjacent segments degeneration(ASD)thus providing theoretical evidence for early prevention.
METHODS
Fourteen parameters based on patient specific spinal geometry were extracted from the patient's preoperative computed tomography(CT), and the relative positions of each spinal segment were determined using image match method. A preoperative patient-specific model of spine was established by the above method. The postoperative model of L45 posterior lumbar interbody fusion(PLIF) surgery was constructed using the same method except for removing the lamina and the intervebral disc, and inserting a cage, 4 pedicle screws, and 2 connecting rods. Range of motion(ROM) and stress changes were compared between each anatomic structure of the preoperative and postoperative models.
RESULTS
The overall ROM of the lumbar spine decreased after fusion, while the ROM, stress at facet joint, and stress at the intervertebral disc of adjacent segments all increased. The stress distribution in the annulus fibrosus, nucleus pulposus, and facet joints also showed that not only the maximum stress in these tissues were elevated, but the areas of the moderate-to-high stress region were also expanded. During torsion, the stress at facet joint and annulus fibrosus of the proximal adjacent segment (L34) increased to a larger extent compared with the distal adjacent segment (L5S1).
Conclusion
While fusion surgery causes an overall restriction of motion at the lumbar spine, it also causes more loads sharing by the adjacent segments in order to compensate for the fused segment, thus increasing the risk of ASD. The proximal adjacent segment is more prone to degeneration than the distal adjacent segment after spinal fusion due to the significant increase in stress changes.
Novel Appraoch in Fracture Characterization of Soft Adhesive Materials Using Spiral Cracking Patterns
Authors: Behnia Behzad
Published: October 2022

A transformative and radically different approach for fracture characterization of soft adhesive materials through use of spiral cracking patterns is presented. This research particularly focuses on hydrocarbon polymeric materials such as asphalt binders. Five different asphalt materials were utilized in this study. An innovative integrated experimental-computational framework coupling Acoustic Emissions (AE) approach along with machine learning-based Digital Image Analysis (DIA) method is employed to determine the crack geometry and to accurately characterize fracture behavior of the material. Various image processing and machine learning techniques such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), skeletonization, segmentation, and regression were used in DIA to automatically analyze spiral patterns. A new parameter called the “Spiral Cracking Energy (ESpiral)” to assess fracture performance of soft adhesives is introduced in this work. This study also explores the relationship between ESpiral and fracture energy of the material.
High-frequency spin torque oscillation in orthogonal magnetization disks with strong biquadratic magnetic coupling
Authors: Liu Chuhan , Kurokawa Yuichiro , Hashimoto Naoki , Tanaka Terumitsu , Yuasa Hiromi
Published: October 2022

In this study, we numerically investigate the spin transfer torque oscillation (STO) in a magnetic orthogonal configuration by introducing a strong biquadratic magnetic coupling. The orthogonal configuration consists of top and bottom layers with in-plane and perpendicular magnetic anisotropy sandwiching a nonmagnetic spacer. The advantage of an orthogonal configuration is the high efficiency of spin transfer torque leading a high STO frequency; however, maintaining the STO in a wide range of electric current is challenging. By introducing biquadratic magnetic coupling into the orthogonal structure of FePt/spacer/Co90Fe10, Ni80Fe20 or Ni, we were able to expand the electric current region in which the stable STO is realized, resulting in a relatively high STO frequency. For example, approximately 50 GHz can be achieved in an Ni layer at a current density of 5.5 x 107 A/cm2. In addition, we investigated two types of initial magnetic state: out-of-plane and in-plane magnetic saturation; this leads to a vortex and an in-plane magnetic domain structure after relaxation, respectively. The transient time before the stable STO was reduced to between 0.5 ns and 1.8 ns by changing the initial state from out-of-plane to in-plane.
Point pattern analysis and classification on compact two–point homogeneous spaces evolving time
Authors: Frías M.P. , Torres-Signes A. , Ruiz-Medina M.D.
Published: October 2022

This paper introduces a new modeling framework for the statistical analysis of point patterns on a manifold M_d , defined by a connected and compact two–point homogeneous space, including the special case of the sphere. The presented approach is based on temporal Cox processes driven by a L2 (M_d)– valued log–intensity. Different aggregation schemes on the manifold of the spatiotemporal point–referenced data are implemented in terms of the time– varying discrete Jacobi polynomial transform of the log–risk process. The n–dimensional microscale point pattern evolution in time at different manifold spatial scales is then characterized from such a transform. The simulation study undertaken illustrates the construction of spherical point process models displaying aggregation at low Legendre polynomial transform frequencies (large scale), while regularity is observed at high frequencies (small scale). K–function analysis supports these results under temporal short–, intermediate– and long–range dependence of the log–risk process.
Shaken or stirred: the diffuse interstellar medium with exceptionally high SiO abundance
Authors: Stanimirovic Snezana , Rybarczyk Daniel , Gusdorf Antoine
Published: October 2022

Stellar feedback, in the form of interstellar shocks, shapes the structure of the interstellar medium (ISM) and is essential for the chemistry, structure, thermodynamics, and kinematics of interstellar gas. Stellar winds, young supernova explosions, and protostellar outflows drive
powerful, high-velocity shocks, while the origin of much-lower-velocity shocks (< 10 km/s) in the diffuse and translucent ISM is not understood. Direct observational evidence for interstellar shocks caused by mechanisms other than stellar winds and supernovae, as well as constraints for their importance in the diffuse ISM, have been lacking. The SiO molecule
is often considered an unambiguous way to trace interstellar shocks. We present the most sensitive survey to date of SiO in absorption, obtained with the Northern Extended Millimeter Array interferometer. We detect SiO in 5/8 directions probing diffuse and translucent environments without ongoing star formation. Our results demonstrate that SiO formation
in the diffuse ISM (i.e., in the absence of significant star formation and stellar feedback) is more widespread and effective than previously reported. The observed SiO linewidths are all <4 km/s, which can be formed via low-velocity shocks, i.e., not outflows, stellar winds, or supernovae. Yet, the SiO abundances we detect are typically 1 to 2 orders of magnitude
higher than previously reported in quiescent environments. The detection of SiO in diffuse and translucent environments where standard, UV-dominated chemical models have failed to account for high chemical abundances suggests that non-equilibrium effects are important
to diffuse interstellar chemistry and that low-velocity shocks are effective in stirring up diffuse gas and dust. Our results also emphasize the need for observational constrains on the
distribution of Si in the gas phase and grain mantles, which are crucial for understanding the physics of grain processing and diffuse interstellar chemistry.
Regulating photosalient behaviour in dynamic metal-organic crystals
Authors: Khan Samim , Dutta Basudeb , Naaz Sanobar , Choudhury Aditya , Cazade Pierre-André , Kiely Emma , Guerin Sarah , Medishetty Raghavender , Mir Mohammad Hedayetullah
Published: October 2022

Dynamic photoactuating crystals have become a sensation due to their potential applications in developing smart medical devices, molecular machines, artificial muscles, flexible electronics sensing and probes. Here we report the synthesis of two iso-structural metal-organic crystals, [Zn(4-ohbz)2(4-nvp)2] (1) and [Cd(4-ohbz)2(4-nvp)2] (2) {H4-ohbz = 4-hydroxy benzoic acid; 4-nvp = 4-(1-naphthylvinyl)pyridine} which undergo topochemical [2 + 2] cycloaddition under UV as well as sunlight to generate a dimerized product of discrete metal-complex[Zn(4-ohbz)2(rctt-4-pncb)] {rctt-4-pncb = 1,3-bis(4'-pyridyl)-2,4-bis(naphthyl)cyclobutane} (1') and one-dimensional coordination polymer (1D CP) [Cd(4-ohbz)2(rctt-4-pncb)] (2') respectively, in a single-crystal to single-crystal (SCSC) manner. The Zn-based compounds demonstrate photosalient behaviour, wherein crystals show jumping, splitting, rolling, and swelling upon UV irradiation. However, the Cd crystals do not show such behaviour maintaining the original unit cell. Thus the photomechanical behaviour can be induced by choosing a suitable metal ion. The above findings are well validated by quantitative density functional theory (DFT) calculations which show that the Zn-based crystal shifts towards an orthorhombic structure to resolve the anisotropic UV-induced mechanical strain.
No Excess Deaths Among Children in Europe 2021-2022
Authors: Karlinsky Ariel
Published: October 2022

There are claims of significant excess mortality among children (ages 0 to 14) in Europe during 2021 and 2022. Evaluation of raw data and excess mortality analysis show that children deaths in 2021-2022 are completely in-line with deaths from previous years in most European countries, and in many cases even lower. Across 35 European countries, among children ages 0 to 14 up to July 31st 2022 there are 330 less deaths than expected, with a confidence interval of [-770, 104].
Consumer digital trust: The main trends and research directions
Authors:   Graduate School of Business, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Rebiazina Vera A. , Tunkevichus Eduard О. ,   Graduate School of Business, National Research University Higher School of Economics
Published: October 2022

The objective of this paper is to systematize the research on the consumer digital trust from 2016 to 2022 and to determine existing and future research trends. The authors apply a combined systematic and bibliometric review methodology using Scopus metrics and natural language processing techniques using R. Through an analysis of 173 journal publications from the Scopus database, the authors systemize accumulated knowledge on the topic. As a result, the authors have developed a knowledge map based on keywords, identified and analyzed seminal papers on digital trust, identified the main research directions on this topic, and analyzed their development and perspectives. From a practical point, the results of the study demonstrate that companies not only need to pay attention to the development of consumer trust in service, but that the quality of technical equipment and the security of consumer data are also important. Also, research demonstrates, that while digital trust is generally important for online services, it plays an especially significant role in the sharing economy, e-commerce, and digital health services.
The Creation of MIR: how the national payment card system originated in Russia
Authors:   Graduate School of Management, St. Petersburg State University, Golubeva Anastasia A. , Okulov Vitaly L. ,   Graduate School of Management, St. Petersburg State University
Published: October 2022

The case materials allow to analyze the history and development prospects of the Mir national payment card system, to consider the decisions made at different stages of the implementation of this national-scale project and their impact on the results of the project, the achievement of its goals and indicators. The creation of the national payment card system and the Mir payment system is not just the most complex infrastructure project in the field of financial technologies, but also a strategic project that has significantly influenced the economic and social processes in Russia. Among the most significant goals of the project are ensuring the sovereignty and security of the Russian financial system, developing new opportunities for the targeted use of budgetary funds, and promoting modern digital technologies in people's daily lives.