bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cumulative effects of dams on migratory fishes across the conterminous United States: Regional patterns in fish responses to river network fragmentation
Authors: Dean E. M. , Infante Dana M. , Yu Hao , Cooper Arthur , Wang Lizhu , Ross Jared
Published: June 2023

Globally, dams fragment river networks, threatening migratory fishes which require access to distinct habitats to complete their life cycles. Efforts to understand how cumulative effects of multiple dams affect migratory fishes across large regions, such as a country or continent, could help to identify locations for connectivity‐enhancing actions to conserve migratory fishes. To address this, we evaluated cumulative effects of dams on migratory fishes in rivers across nine ecoregions of the conterminous USA. First, using fish data from thousands of sites (N = 45,989), we summarized ecoregional patterns in assemblages, quantifying the number of migratory species comprising assemblages, showing the prominence of potamodromous species across the large region as well as differences in migratory life history traits among ecoregions. Next, we compared the importance of a set of river network fragmentation metrics that captured influences of multiple dams in networks versus other anthropogenic landscape stressors and natural landscape factors that impact migratory fishes by ecoregion. We found that migratory fishes were more sensitive to cumulative dam effects than other stressors including urbanization and agriculture in the eastern USA. To further identify specific effects of environmental variables on potamodromous fishes, we conducted Boosted Regression Trees analysis in the eastern ecoregions. Our results suggested that the key natural influences on river fishes included catchment area as well as river baseflow and air temperature, suggesting that migratory fishes may be affected by changing climate. Additionally, we found that downstream dams were more influential than other human stressors to potamodromous fishes, underscoring the importance of enhancing connectivity within river networks to conserve migratory fishes. Collectively, our results provide new insights in identifying threats to migratory fish species across the USA, providing information that can aid in conserving this vulnerable but ecologically and socioeconomically important group of fishes.
Is renewable energy a path towards sustainable development?
Authors: Liu Fangying , Su Chi Wei , Qin Meng , Umar Muhammad
Published: June 2023

In the process of global environmental governance, renewable energy (RE) has been the focus of government attention as an effective avenue to enhance environmental sustainability. Hence, this paper utilises the rolling‐window Granger causality test to probe the connection between RE and sustainable development (SD) and further probe whether RE can be a solution to reduce air pollution and boost ecological sustainability. The results reveal that RE has both positive and negative impacts on SD, which means that RE can effectively mitigate the ecological burden and progress toward SD in a certain period. This favourable impact supports the conclusions of the energy‐environment model, which indicates that the increasing share of RE is beneficial to improving environmental benefits. Conversely, the rise in SD drives more sustainable investment in clean energy projects and further contributes to RE generation growth. However, economic and government policy changes will affect sustainable investment in the renewable sector and transmit negative shocks to RE development. In the context of the increasingly severe environmental situation, the government should take some proactive measures favouring RE development and ecological sustainability to mitigate ecological deterioration and boost environmental quality.
Disease mapping for spatially semi‐continuous data by estimating equations with application to dengue control
Authors: Lin Pei‐Sheng , Yu Yih‐Jeng , Zhu Jun
Published: June 2023

Disease mapping is a research field to estimate spatial pattern of disease risks so that areas with elevated risk levels can be identified. The motivation of this article is from a study of dengue fever infection, which causes seasonal epidemics in almost every summer in Taiwan. For analysis of zero‐inflated data with spatial correlation and covariates, current methods would either cause a computational burden or miss associations between zero and non‐zero responses. In this article, we develop estimating equations for a mixture regression model that accommodates spatial dependence and zero inflation for study of disease propagation. Asymptotic properties for the proposed estimates are established. A simulation study is conducted to evaluate performance of the mixture estimating equations; and a dengue dataset from southern Taiwan is used to illustrate the proposed method.
Effects of Puerarin‐Loaded Tetrahedral Framework Nucleic Acids on Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head
Authors: Zhao Yuxuan , Li Songhang , Feng Maogeng , Zhang Mei , Liu Zhiqiang , Yao Yangxue , Zhang Tianxu , Jiang Yueying , Lin Yunfeng , Cai Xiaoxiao
Published: June 2023

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is recognized as a common refractory orthopedic disease that causes severe pain and poor quality of life in patients. Puerarin (Pue), a natural isoflavone glycoside, can promote osteogenesis and inhibit apoptosis of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), demonstrating its great potential in the treatment of osteonecrosis. However, its low aqueous solubility, fast degradation in vivo, and inadequate bioavailability, limit its clinical application and therapeutic efficacy. Tetrahedral framework nucleic acids (tFNAs) are promising novel DNA nanomaterials in drug delivery. In this study, tFNAs as Pue carriers is used and synthesized a tFNA/Pue complex (TPC) that exhibited better stability, biocompatibility, and tissue utilization than free Pue. A dexamethasone (DEX)‐treated BMSC model in vitro and a methylprednisolone (MPS)‐induced ONFH model in vivo is also established, to explore the regulatory effects of TPC on osteogenesis and apoptosis of BMSCs. This findings showed that TPC can restore osteogenesis dysfunction and attenuated BMSC apoptosis induced by high‐dose glucocorticoids (GCs) through the hedgehog and Akt/Bcl‐2 pathways, contributing to the prevention of GC‐induced ONFH in rats. Thus, TPC is a promising drug for the treatment of ONFH and other osteogenesis‐related diseases.
Understanding Intracellular Biology to Improve mRNA Delivery by Lipid Nanoparticles
Authors: Hunter Morag Rose , Cui Lili , Porebski Benjamin Thomas , Pereira Sara , Sonzini Silvia , Odunze Uchechukwu , Iyer Preeti , Engkvist Ola , Lloyd Rebecca Louise , Peel Samantha , Sabirsh Alan , Ross‐Thriepland Douglas , Jones Arwyn Tomos , Desai Arpan Shailesh
Published: June 2023

Poor understanding of intracellular delivery and targeting hinders development of nucleic acid‐based therapeutics transported by nanoparticles. Utilizing a siRNA‐targeting and small molecule profiling approach with advanced imaging and machine learning biological insights is generated into the mechanism of lipid nanoparticle (MC3‐LNP) delivery of mRNA. This workflow is termed Advanced Cellular and Endocytic profiling for Intracellular Delivery (ACE‐ID). A cell‐based imaging assay and perturbation of 178 targets relevant to intracellular trafficking is used to identify corresponding effects on functional mRNA delivery. Targets improving delivery are analyzed by extracting data‐rich phenotypic fingerprints from images using advanced image analysis algorithms. Machine learning is used to determine key features correlating with enhanced delivery, identifying fluid‐phase endocytosis as a productive cellular entry route. With this new knowledge, MC3‐LNP is re‐engineered to target macropinocytosis, and this significantly improves mRNA delivery in vitro and in vivo. The ACE‐ID approach can be broadly applicable for optimizing nanomedicine‐based intracellular delivery systems and has the potential to accelerate the development of delivery systems for nucleic acid‐based therapeutics.
Effectiveness and implementation challenges of a livestock asset transfer intervention for smallholders in community‐protected areas in Cambodia
Authors: Huy Sokchea , Pheng Buntha , Khieu Borin , Chhay Ty , Philp Joshua N. M. , Hidano Arata
Published: June 2023

Background

Limited opportunities to generate income in community‐protected areas (CPAs) often lead to the illegal harvesting of wildlife and natural resources, undermining the aim of protected areas. Sustained livestock production can be an alternative income source.

Objectives

To understand the effectiveness and feasibility of livestock production in CPAs.

Methods

We conducted a livestock asset transfer intervention in 25 CPAs across three agroecological zones in Cambodia. We monitored livestock mortality, consumption and sales of livestock over 2 years. Participant observations and structured questionnaires were conducted to elicit information about constraints for livestock production perceived by the participants. A total of 756 households were recruited and 320, 184 and 252 households received chicken, pigs and cattle, respectively. All participants received technical training in livestock production and biosecurity management practices.

Results

After the intervention, the number of chickens, pigs and cattle increased on average by 5.9 (range: 0.3–26.3), 0.5 (−1 to 2.7) and 0.12 (0–0.35) per 1 input animal, respectively. The extent of increase was significantly different between zones only for chickens (Kruskal–Wallis test p = 0.004). The number of chickens and pigs sold per household was significantly different among zones. We observed that training was ineffective to alter livestock management practices in some CPAs, which partially explains their suboptimal performance of livestock production.

Conclusions

Understanding contextual factors required for successful livestock production in CPAs is crucial for improving livelihoods and preventing biodiversity loss in Cambodia.
Introduction: The Re-Presentation of Research in Popularization Discourse
Authors: Sterk Florentine Marnel , van Goch Merel M.
Published: June 2023

In this chapter, we introduce our book,Re-presenting Research. In this book, the focus is firmly on textual popularization discourse as a form of communication to re-present academic insights to a larger, non-expert audience in an understandable and engaging manner. Our own research into science journalism writing skills in undergraduate university students serves as a starting point for the exploration of popularization discourse as a genre. The book gives an exposition of current theories, employed methodologies, and existing frameworks and rubrics that cover popularization discourse. We focus on the conceptual and textual features of popularization discourse, which are called ‘strategies’ in this book. In this introduction, we establish the need for this book and introduce what it is about, the topics it will cover, and the example analyses that are provided.
Revisiting Vh(→ $$ b\overline{b} $$) at the LHC and FCC-hh
Authors: Bishara Fady , Englert Philipp , Grojean Christophe , Panico Giuliano , Rossia Alejo N.
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Diboson production processes provide good targets for precision measurements at present and future hadron colliders. We consider Vh production, focusing on the h → $$ b\overline{b} $$
b

b
¯

decay channel, whose sizeable cross section makes it accessible at the LHC. We perform an improved analysis by combining the 0-, 1- and 2-lepton channels with a scale-invariant b-tagging algorithm that allows us to exploit events with either a boosted Higgs via mass-drop tagging or resolved b-jets. This strategy gives sensitivity to 4 dimension-6 SMEFT operators that modify the W and Z couplings to quarks and is competitive with the bounds obtained from global fits. The benefit of the h → $$ b\overline{b} $$
b

b
¯

decay channel is the fact that it is the only Vh channel accessible at the LHC Run 3 and HL-LHC, while at FCC-hh it is competitive with the effectively background-free h → γγ channel assuming ≲ 5% systematic uncertainty. Combining the boosted and resolved categories yields a 17% improvement on the most strongly bounded Wilson coefficient at the LHC Run 3 with respect to the boosted category alone (and a 7% improvement at FCC-hh). We also show that, at FCC-hh, a binning in the rapidity of the Vh system can significantly reduce correlations between some EFT operators. The bounds we obtain translate to a lower bound on the new physics scale of 5, 8, and 20 TeV at the LHC Run 3, HL-LHC, and FCC-hh respectively, assuming new-physics couplings of order unity. Finally, we assess the impact of the Vh production channel on anomalous triple gauge coupling measurements, comparing with their determination at lepton colliders.
Mental Health im Kindesalter: der Einfluss von Mediennutzung, Erziehungsverhalten und elterlichem Stresserleben – eine Sekundärdatenanalyse von KiGGS- und BELLA-Daten
Authors: Jörren Hannah Lea , Schmidt Hannah , Kaman Anne , Ravens-Sieberer Ulrike , Rumpf Hans-Jürgen , Pawils Silke
Published: June 2023

Hintergrund

Studien zeigen einen Zusammenhang zwischen hoher Mediennutzung und psychischen Auffälligkeiten im Kindesalter. Unklar ist jedoch die Rolle von möglichen weiteren Faktoren, die diesen Zusammenhang beeinflussen. Das Ziel der Studie war die Prüfung von Zusammenhängen zwischen psychischen Auffälligkeiten, hoher Mediennutzung, elterlichem Stresserleben sowie inkonsistentem und positivem Erziehungsverhalten.

Methoden

Auf Basis des KiGGS- und BELLA-Datensatzes wurde der Zusammenhang zwischen psychischen Auffälligkeiten und einer hohen Mediennutzung bei Vorschulkindern (Alter: 3–5 Jahre, n = 417) und Schulkindern (Alter: 7–13 Jahre, n = 239) mittels logistischer Regressionen quer- und längsschnittlich untersucht. Kontrollvariablen waren sozioökonomischer Status, Geschlecht des Kindes und der Eltern, elterliches Stresserleben sowie inkonsistentes und positives Erziehungsverhalten.

Ergebnisse

Im Querschnitt zeigten sich bei Vorschulkindern Zusammenhänge zwischen psychischen Auffälligkeiten mit einer hohen Mediennutzung (OR = 3,02; p = 0,003), elterlichem Stresserleben (OR = 17,00; p < 0,001) und positivem Erziehungsverhalten (OR = 0,24; p < 0,001). Im Längsschnitt zeigte sich bei Schulkindern ein Zusammenhang zwischen psychischen Auffälligkeiten mit elterlichem Stresserleben (OR = 4,04; p < 0,001). Sozioökonomischer Status, Geschlecht des Kindes und Geschlecht der Eltern standen nicht im Zusammenhang mit psychischen Auffälligkeiten.

Diskussion

Neben den Wirkmechanismen der digitalen Medien scheinen elterliche Variablen entscheidend für die psychische Gesundheit im Kindesalter zu sein. Sie sollten bei einer ganzheitlichen Betrachtung kindlicher psychischer Gesundheit im Sinne einer Stärkung der elterlichen Kompetenzen Berücksichtigung finden.
Offshore construction using gravity-base foundations indicates no long-term impacts on dolphins and harbour porpoise
Authors: Potlock Kelsey M. , Temple Andrew J. , Berggren Per
Published: June 2023

There are concerns about the short- and long-term effects on cetaceans from offshore construction using pile-driving. Gravity-base foundations and anchored floating turbines are alternative installation methods that may have less impact on cetaceans. In this study, we investigated the response of dolphins (Tursiops truncatus and Lagenorhynchus albirostris) and harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) to the construction of wind turbines using gravity-base foundations off Blyth, Northumberland, United Kingdom using cetacean echolocation recorders (C-PODs). Data were collected at nine sites across 3 years (2016–2018) before, during and after construction. Generalised additive mixed models were used to investigate temporal, environmental, and anthropogenic drivers of dolphin and porpoise occurrence from 143,215 h (5967 days) of C-POD data. The models explained 27% and 30% of the deviance in dolphin and porpoise occurrence, respectively. Overall, the results showed no long-term effect on the dolphin occurrence from the construction of the gravity-base wind turbine array. In contrast, porpoise occurrence increased by 32% and 75%, respectively, in the years during and after construction, compared to the before-construction year. Other predictors of dolphin and porpoise occurrence included month, hour of day, tidal currents and vessel sonar activity. Our findings indicate that wind turbine installation using gravity-base foundations had no long-term effects on the occurrence of dolphins or porpoise and may represent an offshore construction methodology that is less impactful to dolphins and harbour porpoise than impact pile-driven turbine installation methods. These results are important for future offshore energy developments; however, further studies are recommended to investigate potential species and location variations.
“It is becoming increasingly difficult to find reviewers”—myths and facts about peer review
Authors: Zupanc Günther K. H.
Published: June 2023

A frequent complaint of editors of scientific journals is that it has become increasingly difficult to find reviewers for evaluating submitted manuscripts. Such claims are, most commonly, based on anecdotal evidence. To gain more insight grounded on empirical evidence, editorial data of manuscripts submitted for publication to the Journal of Comparative Physiology A between 2014 and 2021 were analyzed. No evidence was found that more invitations were necessary over time to get manuscripts reviewed; that the reviewer’s response time after invitation increased; that the number of reviewers who completed their reports, relative to the number of reviewers who had agreed to review a manuscript, decreased; and that the recommendation behavior of reviewers changed. The only significant trend observed was among reviewers who completed their reports later than agreed. The average number of days that these reviewers submitted their evaluations roughly doubled over the period analyzed. By contrast, neither the proportion of late vs. early reviews, nor the time for completing the reviews among the punctual reviewers, changed. Comparison with editorial data from other journals suggests that journals that serve a smaller community of readers and authors, and whose editors themselves contact potential reviewers, perform better in terms of reviewer recruitment and performance than journals that receive large numbers of submissions and use editorial assistants for sending invitations to potential reviewers.
Time-dependent changes in P2Y12 reaction unit values for predicting the different types of cardiovascular events in patients with ischemic heart disease
Authors: Aizawa Takatoku , Inoue Yasunori , Ito Satoshi , Morimoto Satoshi , Ogawa Kazuo , Nagoshi Tomohisa , Minai Kosuke , Ogawa Takayuki , Kawai Makoto , Yoshimura Michihiro
Published: June 2023

Several studies have investigated the association between P2Y12 reaction unit (PRU) value and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in patients with ischemic heart disease, but there is no well-established consensus on the utility of PRU value. Furthermore, the optimal PRU cut-off value varied with studies. One reason may be that the endpoints and observation periods differed, depending on the study. This study aimed to investigate the optimal cut-off and predictive ability of the PRU value for predicting cardiovascular events, while considering different endpoints and observation periods. We surveyed a total of 338 patients receiving P2Y12 inhibitors and measured PRU during cardiac catheterization. Using time-dependent receiver operating characteristic analysis, we evaluated the cut-off and area under curve (AUC) of the PRU value for two MACEs (MACE ①: composite of death, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, and cerebral infarction; MACE ②: composite of MACE ① and target vessel revascularization) at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months after cardiac catheterization. MACE ① occurred in 18 cases and MACE ② in 32 cases. The PRU cut-off values at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months were 257, 238, 217, and 216, respectively, for MACE ① and 250, 238, 209, and 204, respectively, for MACE ②. The AUCs at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months were 0.753, 0.832, 0.718, and 0.717, respectively, for MACE ① and 0.724, 0.722, 0.664, and 0.682, respectively, for MACE ②. The optimal cut-off and predictive ability of PRU values for cardiovascular events varied depending on different endpoints and duration of the observation periods. A relatively high PRU value is effective for short-term event suppression, but a low value is required for long-term event suppression.
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids improve intestinal barrier integrity—albeit to a lesser degree than short-chain fatty acids: an exploratory analysis of the randomized controlled LIBRE trial
Authors: Seethaler Benjamin , Lehnert Katja , Yahiaoui-Doktor Maryam , Basrai Maryam , Vetter Walter , Kiechle Marion , Bischoff Stephan C.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with beneficial health effects, including gastrointestinal disorders. Preclinical studies suggest that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), found in Mediterranean foods like nuts and fish, improve intestinal barrier integrity. Here, we assessed possible effects of n-3 PUFAs on barrier integrity in a randomized controlled trial.

Methods

We studied 68 women from the open-label LIBRE trial (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02087592) who followed either a Mediterranean diet (intervention group, IG) or a standard diet (control group, CG). Study visits comprised baseline, month 3, and month 12. Barrier integrity was assessed by plasma lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) and fecal zonulin; fatty acids by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. Median and interquartile ranges are shown.

Results

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet increased the proportion of the n-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (IG + 1.5% [0.9;2.5, p < 0.001]/ + 0.3% [− 0.1;0.9, p < 0.050] after 3/12 months; CG + 0.9% [0.5;1.6, p < 0.001]/ ± 0%) and decreased plasma LBP (IG − 0.3 µg/ml [− 0.6;0.1, p < 0.010]/ − 0.3 µg/ml [− 1.1; − 0.1, p < 0.001]; CG − 0.2 µg/ml [− 0.8; − 0.1, p < 0.001]/ ± 0 µg/ml) and fecal zonulin levels (IG − 76 ng/mg [− 164; − 12, p < 0.010]/ − 74 ng/mg [− 197;15, p < 0.001]; CG − 59 ng/mg [− 186;15, p < 0.050]/ + 10 ng/mg [− 117;24, p > 0.050]). Plasma DHA and LBP (R2: 0.14–0.42; all p < 0.070), as well as plasma DHA and fecal zonulin (R2: 0.18–0.48; all p < 0.050) were found to be inversely associated in bi- and multivariate analyses. Further multivariate analyses showed that the effect of DHA on barrier integrity was less pronounced than the effect of fecal short-chain fatty acids on barrier integrity.

Conclusions

Our data show that n-3 PUFAs can improve intestinal barrier integrity.

Trial registration number: The trial was registered prospectively at ClinicalTrials.gov (reference: NCT02087592).
Jugend forscht: Wie beeinflussen chirurgische und FFP2-Masken die physiologischen Parameter bei Kindern und Jugendlichen?
Authors: Happernegg Ramona , Kerbl Reinhold
Published: June 2023

In den letzten Jahren beschäftigte SARS-CoV-2 die gesamte Bevölkerung weltweit. Vor allem die Jüngsten traf die Pandemie mit voller Härte, besonders, weil sie die Geschehnisse noch nicht richtig einordnen können. Die Maskenpflicht stellte dabei keine Ausnahme dar, da auch Schulkinder davon nicht ausgeschlossen waren. Durch diese Forschungsarbeit sollte zumindest die Frage, ob sich eine Maskenpflicht negativ auf physiologische Vorgänge in Kindern und Jugendlichen auswirkt, betrachtet und geklärt werden. Unsere Ergebnisse zeigten beim Tragen einer FFP2- oder chirurgischen Maske eine signifikante Erhöhung der inspiratorischen und exspiratorischen CO2-Werte. Alle anderen gemessenen Parameter zeigten sich weitgehend unbeeinflusst. Aufgrund dieser Ergebnisse sind wir zu dem Schluss gekommen, dass das Tragen einer FFP2- oder chirurgischen Maske keinen gesundheitlichen Nachteil für die Kinder und Jugendlichen aufweist.
Measuring instantaneous angular speed using a gear wheel as material measure to detect pitting damage during an endurance test
Authors: Koch Yanik , Hirschmann Julian , Kirchner Eckhard
Published: June 2023

Gearbox condition monitoring is mostly carried out using accelerometers at the housing. The long transfer path interferes with the information on damaged gears. Therefore, new technologies such as measuring the instantaneous angular speed (IAS) are gaining interest. But these require constructive changes in the power-transmitting elements. Therefore, this contribution uses magnetoresistive (MR) sensors and a minimally invasive integration approach to measure IAS. Three sensor classes are integrated: accelerometers at the gearbox housing, MR sensors, which use a gear wheel as a material measure and MR sensors, which use an encoder magnet at the end of the shaft. These sensor concepts are introduced by Koch et al. 2022 [1] and applied to a 3-stage bevel helical gearbox in this contribution. The first results are on artificial tooth flank damage. Therefore, this contribution focuses on real fatigue pitting damage.

A back-to-back test stand is set up for the endurance test. The tests are carried out with an overload load at a constant speed to generate fatigue pitting damage. The results are evaluated in the frequency domain by exploring the gear mesh frequency (GMF) and sidebands modulated with the shaft frequency of the damaged pinion. Results show that with all sensor concepts, the damages can be detected. Influences when using a gear wheel as a material measure are described for one measurement concept. A feature to compare the damage-specific information over the endurance test is introduced and the influence of the transfer path is evaluated through analysis of the relative rise of damage-specific amplitudes.
A preconditioned iterative interior point approach to the conic bundle subproblem
Authors: Helmberg Christoph
Published: June 2023

The conic bundle implementation of the spectral bundle method for large scale semidefinite programming solves in each iteration a semidefinite quadratic subproblem by an interior point approach. For larger cutting model sizes the limiting operation is collecting and factorizing a Schur complement of the primal-dual KKT system. We explore possibilities to improve on this by an iterative approach that exploits structural low rank properties. Two preconditioning approaches are proposed and analyzed. Both might be of interest for rank structured positive definite systems in general. The first employs projections onto random subspaces, the second projects onto a subspace that is chosen deterministically based on structural interior point properties. For both approaches theoretic bounds are derived for the associated condition number. In the instances tested the deterministic preconditioner provides surprisingly efficient control on the actual condition number. The results suggest that for large scale instances the iterative solver is usually the better choice if precision requirements are moderate or if the size of the Schur complemented system clearly exceeds the active dimension within the subspace giving rise to the cutting model of the bundle method.
A Multiple Interactive Continua Model (MINC) to Simulate Reactive Mass Transport in a Post-Mining Coal Zone: A Case Study of the Ibbenbüren Westfield
Authors: Bedoya-Gonzalez Diego , Kessler Timo , Rinder Thomas , Hilberg Sylke , Szabó-Krausz Zsuzsanna , Schafmeister Maria-Theresia
Published: June 2023

We tested the suitability of the multiple interactive continua approach (MINC) to simulate reactive mass transport in a disturbed post-mining coal zone. To the authors’ knowledge, this approach has not been employed in such mining settings despite its relative success in other environmental fields. To this end, TOUGHREACT software was used to set up a MINC model of the unsaturated overburden of the Ibbenbüren Westfield. With it, we examined and evaluated water–rock interactions in both the fractured and porous continua as the main driver of elevated hydrogen, iron, sulfate, and chloride concentrations in the coal mine groundwater. Long and seasonal geochemical signatures were obtained by formulating and applying a five-stage modelling process that depicts the mining history of the area. The simulation results agree well with the concentrations and discharge trends measured in the mine drainage. Oxygen and meteoric water flow through the fractured continuum, leading to a high and steady release of hydrogen, iron, and sulfate ions derived from pyrite oxidation in the matrix continua closest to the fractures. Likewise, high chloride concentrations resulted from the mixing and gradual release of relatively immobile solutes in the matrix as they interacted with percolating water in the fracture. In both cases, the use of a multiple continua approach was essential to resolve sharp gradients for advection and faster kinetic reactions, while reducing the model’s dependence on block size for diffusive transport at the fracture–matrix interface. The model further allows for the calculation and analysis of solute exchange and transport in the unsaturated overburden resulting from rebound and imbibition processes, something pioneering when compared to other models in the field.
Lessons Learned in Change Management in Deploying Novel Informatics Solutions: Experience Implementing a Point-of-Care Patient Photography System with Radiography
Authors: Wick Carson A. , Tridandapani Srini , Heilbrun Marta E. , Hanna Tarek , Safdar Nabile , Bhatti Pamela
Published: June 2023

We describe implementation of a point-of-care system for simultaneous acquisition of patient photographs along with portable radiographs at a large academic hospital. During the implementation process, we observed several technical challenges in the areas of (1) hardware—automatic triggering for photograph acquisition, camera hardware enclosure, networking, and system server hardware and (2) software—post-processing of photographs. Additionally, we also faced cultural challenges involving workflow issues, communication with technologists and users, and system maintenance. We describe our solutions to address these challenges. We anticipate that these experiences will provide useful insights into deploying and iterating new technologies in imaging informatics.
Role of the STAT3/survivin signaling pathway in the EML4-ALK-positive lung adenocarcinoma cell line H2228 before and after crizotinib-induced resistance ⁎
Authors: Peng Haiyan , Zhao Wenhua , Su Cuiyun , Song Xiangqun , Zeng Aiping , Wang Huilin , Ning Ruiling , Zhou Shaozhang
Published: June 2023

Objective

This study investigated the role of the STAT3/survivin signaling pathway in the EML4-ALKpositive lung adenocarcinoma cell line H2228 before and after crizotinib-induced resistance. The mechanism of resistance was studied.

Methods

Cell viability was determined using the MTT assay. Crizotinib-induced apoptosis in H2228 and H2228 crizotinib-resistant cells treated with the indicated doses of crizotinib was measured at different times (24 h, 48 h, 72 h) using flow cytometry. The levels of p-ALK, ALK, p-STAT3, STAT3, and survivin after treatment of cells with 0, 0.3, and 1 μM crizotinib for 72 h were determined using Western blot analysis. DNA sequencing was used to identify mutations in H2228 crizotinib-resistant cells. Results The crizotinib IC50 values in H2228 and H2228 crizotinib-resistant cells at 72 h were 334.5 nM and 3418 nM, respectively. The resistance index of H2228 crizotinib-resistant cells was 10.20. Crizotinib induced apoptosis in H2228 cells and reduced the levels of p-ALK, p-STAT3, and survivin. In contrast, no changes in the levels of p-ALK, p-STAT3, and survivin were observed in H2228 crizotinib-resistant cells. The mutations 2067G→A and 2182G→C in EML4-ALK were present in the H2228 crizotinib-resistant cells.

Conclusion

Crizotinib decreased the viability of H2228 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In the STAT3/survivin pathway, downregulation of p-ALK, p-STAT3, and survivin might contribute to crizotinib-induced apoptosis in H2228 cells. However, the STAT3/survivin pathway in H2228 crizotinib-resistant

cells was unaffected by crizotinib treatment. Acquired resistance in H2228 cells might be related to ALK mutations.
Anti-angiogenesis therapy for lung cancer: the shore and the other shore ⁎
Authors: Zhang Shuang , Liu Jingjing , Li Hui , Cheng Ying
Published: June 2023

Angiogenesis is known to be an important event in tumor growth. In preclinical and clinical researches, anti-angiogenesis therapy has made great progress, but there are still many problems for future anti-angiogenesis therapy. Here, we review recently completed clinical trials of emerging antiangiogenic agents in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and discuss the challenges of anti-angiogenic therapy.
Dosimetric analysis of tomotherapy-based intensity-modulated radiotherapy with and without bone marrow sparing for the treatment of cervical cancer ⁎
Authors: Zhang Fuli , Xu Weidong , Jiang Huayong , Wang Yadi , Gao Junmao , Liu Qingzhi , Lu Na , Chen Diandian , Yao Bo , Chen Jianping , He Heliang
Published: June 2023

Objective

The aim of the study was to compare tomotherapy-based bone marrow-sparing intensity-modulated radiotherapy (BMS-IMRT) with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) without entering the pelvic bone marrow as a planning constraint in the treatment of cervical cancer after hysterectomy.

Methods

BMS-IMRT and IMRT plans were designed for a cohort of nine patients. The prescribed dose was 45 Gy in 1.8 Gy daily fractions, and 95% of the planned target volume received this dose. The doses were computed using a commercially available treatment planning system with the convolution/superposition algorithm. Plans were compared according to dose-volume histogram analysis in terms of planning target volume homogeneity and conformity indices (HI and CI) as well as organ at risk dose and volume parameters.

Results

BMS-IMRT had advantages over IMRT in terms of CI, but was equivalent to the latter in HI. V5, V10, V20, V30, and V40 of pelvic bone marrow in BMS-IMRT decreased by 0.06%, 17.33%, 22.19%, 13.85%, and 16.46%, respectively, compared with IMRT. Except for V30 of the small bowel and V30 and V40 of the bladder, no statistically significant differences were found between BMS-IMRT and IMRT in the small bowel, bladder, and rectum.

Conclusion

For cervical cancer patients receiving tomotherapy-based radiotherapy after hysterectomy, BMS-IMRT reduced pelvic bone marrow volume receiving low-dose radiation, and it may be conducive to preventing acute hematologic toxicity.
Advances in the management of acquired resistance to EGFR-TKI in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhou Fei , Zhou Caicun
Published: June 2023

Drugs that specifically target the tyrosine kinase domain of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), such as erlotinib or gefitinib, have exhibited striking efficacy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients harboring activating EGFR mutations. However, acquired resistance inevitably develops and remains a serious barrier for the successful management of patients with this disease. Multiple mechanisms are reportedly involved in the process of acquired resistance, which provide new insights into the management of EGFRtyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) resistance. Here, we provide an overview of the emerging treatment approaches for patients with EGFR-TKI resistance.
Influence of tumor response on the survival of patients with extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer treated with the etoposide plus cisplatin chemotherapy regimen ⁎
Authors: Zhang Guojing , Liu Yongye , Lin Chao , Guo Jianfei , Xu Long , Liu Junling , Piao Ying , Zhang Guanzhong , Liu Yuhui , Han Yaling , Xie Xiaodong
Published: June 2023

Objective

In this study, we evaluated the difference of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) between extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) patients who acquired partial response (PR) or complete remission (CR) after two cycles of first-line chemotherapy with the etoposide plus cisplatin (EP) regimen and those who acquired PR or CR after four or six cycles.

Methods

A total of 106 eligible patients treated with the EP chemotherapy regimen for two to six cycles, at The General Hospital of Shenyang Military Region (China) between November 2004 and May 2011, were enrolled in this study. RECIST version 1.1 was used for the evaluation of chemotherapy efficiency. We followed up all eligible patients every 4 weeks. All statistical data were analyzed by using SPSS 21.0 statistical package for Windows. Results After a median follow-up of 293 days (range, 62-1531 days), all patients had died by the cutoff date. Fifty-one patients acquired PR or CR after two cycles of chemotherapy; the median PFS reached 6.0 months (95% CI, 5.1-6.9), and the median OS was 10.5 months (95% CI, 8.6-12.4). Twenty-eight patients acquired PR or CR after four or six cycles; the median PFS was 4.8 months (95% CI, 4.4-5.2), and the median OS was 7.5 months (95% CI, 6.8-8.2). Both PFS and OS showed a statistical difference between the two groups.

Conclusion

ES-SCLC patients who acquired PR or CR after two cycles of the EP regimen as first-line therapy had longer PFS and OS than those who acquired PR or CR after four or six cycles.
Analysis of the effect of medical insurance on cancer inpatients: A 10-year retrospective study on a large hospital in Northeast China ⁎
Authors: Zheng Zhendong , Wang Lu , Fu Quanwei , Han Tao , Xie Xiaodong
Published: June 2023

Objective

The aim of the study was to analyze hospital costs for cancer inpatients availing different methods of payment and the influencing factors, to provide inputs to improve the medical insurance payment policy.

Methods

We analyzed the information related to length of hospital stay, hospitalization cost, and self-pay cost, collected from one large-scale, Grade A, Class Three hospital in Shenyang, China, during 2004-2013.

Results

The number of cancer inpatients with different payment types (medical insurance group and non-medical insurance group) presented a rising trend. Further, the ratio of medical insurance inpatients increased rapidly (from 22.2% to 48.7%); however, this group was still a minority. The length of hospital stay became shorter (21 d vs. 17 d; P = 0.000) while the gap got narrower; the hospitalized expense showed an upward trend and the difference was remarkable (¥24048.6 ± ¥4376.28 vs. ¥20544.36 ± ¥4057.01; P = 0.000).

Conclusion

Along with normalization of cancer therapy, the influence of payment on treatment has been getting weak, the policy has impact on controlling hospitalization cost, lightening burden of cancer patient, as well as allocating medical resources in a reasonable way, becoming an important defray pattern of hospitalization cost.
Human papillomavirus-associated diseases and cancers ⁎
Authors: Yang Lan , Zhu Jianbo , Song Xiaoyue , Qi Yan , Cui Xiaobin , Li Feng
Published: June 2023

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) have been detected in cervical cancer cells and skin papilloma cells, which have a variety of types, including low-risk and high-risk types. HPV genome replication requires the host cell’s DNA synthesis machinery, and HPVs encode proteins that maintain differentiated epithelial cells in a replication-competent state. HPV types are tissue-specific and generally produce different types of lesions, either benign or malignant. This review examines different HPV types and their associated diseases and presents therapeutic options for the treatment of HPV-positive diseases.
Epidermal growth factor enhances chemosensitivity of colon cancer by inducing cancer stem cells to enter the cell cycle
Authors: Zou You , Li Xiaolan , Tao Deding , Hu Junbo , Gong Jianping
Published: June 2023

Objective

The aim of the study was to investigate whether colon cancer stem cells induced by epidermal growth factor (EGF) to enter the cell cycle enhanced the chemosensitivity of colon cancer.

Methods

In vitro, EGF was used to stimulate the entry of human colon cancer HCT116 cells into the cell cycle. Before and after treatment with EGF, CD133+ HCT116 cells were collected and flow cytometry was conducted to determine the apoptosis rate based on the 5-Fu and Ki-67 expression rates. The cell cycle distribution of the two groups was also determined. In vivo, a subcutaneous xenograft model of HCT116 human colon cancer cell lines in nude mice was established. The nude mice were divided into two groups and treated with EGF and 5-Fu, respectively. Differences in the growth of implanted tumors revealed the efficiency of cycle-induction combined chemotherapy.

Results

(1) After EGF stimulation, the S-G2/M proportion of CD133+ HCT116 cells and Ki67 expression were increased, indicating that more cancer stem cells entered the cell cycle and promoted proliferation; (2) After EGF stimulation, CD133+ HCT116 cells showed a higher apoptosis rate induced by 5-Fu. (3) Animal experiments showed that the group subjected to combined treatment with EGF and 5-Fu had smaller tumor sizes compared to the group treated with 5-Fu alone.

Conclusion

EGF enhanced tumor sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs, likely by promoting tumor stem cells to enter the cell cycle.
Advanced duodenal carcinoma: Chemotherapy efficacy and analysis of prognostic factors
Authors: Liu Junbao , Cui Chengxu , Yuan Lifang , Wang Jinwan , Shi Shuping , Shao Zhujun , Tang Haijian , Yang Tingting , Gao Chunhui , Wang Nan , Liu Wei
Published: June 2023

Objective

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of chemotherapy and to identify potential chemotherapy agents to treat advanced primary duodenal carcinoma (PDC).

Methods

Seventy-three patients with advanced PDC were included in the study. Response rate (RR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and prognosis were compared among patients using the Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

The overall RR and DCR of 52 patients were 21.15% and 69.23%, respectively. The median PFS and OS times were 4.51 and 11.47 months, respectively. Palliative chemotherapy improved the OS of patients with advanced PDC compared with patients who did not receive chemotherapy (14.28 months vs. 5.20 months, HR = 0.205, 95% CI: 0.077 to 0.547, P = 0.0016). Multivariate analysis indicated mucinous histology and liver metastasis as factors predictive of poor prognosis in patients with advanced PDC.

Conclusion

Palliative chemotherapy may improve the OS of patients with advanced PDC. Mucinous histology and liver metastasis were the main prognostic factors in patients with advanced PDC.
Pathological characteristics and immunophenotype analysis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
Authors: Li Yingying , Wang Sunan , Wang Yangkun , Zeng Xingzhen
Published: June 2023

Objective

To explore the clinical pathological features and immunophenotypes of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).

Methods

The protein expression of p16, p53, Bcl-2, and c-erbB-2 in 59 cases of CIN, 20 cases of cervical squamous cell carcinoma, and 20 cases of normal cervical tissues were tested using immunohistochemistry staining.

Results

The expression rates of p16, p53, Bcl-2, and c-erbB-2 in CIN tissues were 76.3% (45/59), 28.85 (17/59), 61.0% (36/59), and 40.0% (23/59), respectively. The expression rates of p16, p53, Bcl-2, and c-erbB-2 in cervical squamous cell carcinoma tissues were 60.0% (12/20), 60.0% (12/20), 75.0% (15/20), and 65.0% (13/20), respectively. The expression rates of p16, p53, Bcl-2, and c-erbB-2 in normal cervical tissues were 0.0% (0/20), 0.0% (0/20), 35.0% (7/20), 0.0% (0/20), respectively. In comparison to normal tissues, the differential expressions of p16, p53, and Bcl-2 in squamous cell carcinoma and CIN were statistically significant (P <0.001), whereas the difference between the squamous cell carcinoma and CIN was not significant (P >0.05). In comparison to normal tissues, the differential expressions of c-erbB-2 and p53 in squamous cell carcinoma and CIN were statistically significant (P >0.05). The differential expressions of Bcl-2, c-erbB-2, and p53 in CIN 3 were statistically significant in comparison to CIN 1 and CIN 2 (P <0.05).

Conclusion

Overexpression of Bcl-2 occurs early in the development of cervical cancer, whereas p16 and c-erbB-2 overexpression are markers for cell malignancy. The expression of p53 is correlated with the development of cervical cancer.
Prognostic factors for the survival of 66 cases with extensive stage-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Cao Heng , Hong Yonggui , Zhao Shouran , Wang Nengchao , Zhou Fuyou , Xie Xiaodong
Published: June 2023

Objective

The objective of this retrospective study was to investigate the prognostic factors associated with survival among patients with extensive stage-small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC).

Methods

Clinical data from 66 patients with ES-SCLC diagnosed via histopathology or cytology between July 2005 and July 2009 at Anyang Tumor Hospital (China) were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate Kaplan-Meier, log-rank, and Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were conducted.

Results

The 12-, 24-, and 36-month survival rates among patients with ES-SCLC were 40.9%, 13.6%, and 6.1%, respectively. The median survival time (MST) was 10 months. Univariate analyses indicated that weight loss, efficacy of first-line chemotherapy, total number of chemotherapy cycles, treatment method, and serum sodium levels significantly influenced survival among patients with ES-SCLC. Multivariate analyses suggested that the efficacy of first-line chemotherapy, total number of chemotherapy cycles, and serum sodium levels were independent prognostic factors associated with survival.

Conclusion

The efficacy of first-line chemotherapy, total number of chemotherapy cycles, and serum sodium levels are important prognostic factors for patients with ES-SCLC.
Acquired renal arteriovenous malformation: the diagnostic value of three-dimensional multidetector-row computed tomography ⁎
Authors: Wang Qiuxia , Chen Liang , Hu Xuemei , Hu Yao , Hu Daoyu , Li Zhen
Published: June 2023

Objective

To evaluate the diagnostic value of three-dimensional multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) in detecting acquired renal arteriovenous malformation (RAVM) and to compare its performance with that of ultrasonography and digital subtraction angiography (DSA).

Methods

The institutional review board approved this retrospective study and written informed consent was obtained from all patients before examination. All 14 patients with acquired RAVM underwent MDCT, including cortical and medullary phase enhancement angiography and three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction. Five and nine patients were further examined and their diagnoses confirmed by DSA and surgery, respectively. The MDCT images, including 3D reconstructions, were analyzed for RAVM independently and in consensus by two observers using a workstation.

Results

Among the 14 patients with acquired RAVM, 12 with maximum lesion diameter ≥ 10 mm, and one with a maximum lesion diameter between 5 and 10 mm, were correctly diagnosed with MDCT angiography. Among these patients, four diagnoses were confirmed by DSA. One patient with a lesion 5-10 mm in diameter was misdiagnosed with a renal aneurysm by MDCT angiography. The other one with the maximum diameter of the lesion between 5 mm and 10 mm was misdiagnosed as renal aneurysm with MDCT angiography, which was diagnosed as renal arteriovenous malformation with DSA. Among 14 lesions in 14 patients, eight and six originated in the left and right kidney, respectively.

Conclusion

MDCT angiography can accurately diagnose RAVM and improve our understanding of the disease, which will allow clinicians to provide better care.