bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations of starchy and non-starchy vegetables with risk of metabolic syndrome: evidence from the NHANES 1999–2018
Authors: Li Yingrui , Xiong Bingquan , Zhu Min , Ren Yuqian , Lan Yi , Hu Tianyang , Wang Yufan , Yang Huiping , Liao Zhiyin , Xiao Kaihu , She Qiang
Published: August 2023

Background

Higher dietary quality, including increased vegetable consumption, was associated with a reduced risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, specific vegetable consumption in the development of MetS remains obscure. Our study aimed to investigate the correlation between starchy and non-starchy vegetables and MetS.

Methods

Secondary data analysis from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 1999–2018). MetS was defined by National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult treatment Panel III (NCEP ATPIII) and dietary consumption was assessed by trained staff using two 24-h diet recall methods. Weighted logistic regression analysis was carried out to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression were performed to further investigate specific vegetable subtypes and MetS.

Results

This research enrolled 24,646 individuals (11,725 females and 12,921 males), with an average age of 45.84 ± 0.23 years. Approximately 15,828(64.22%) participants were defined to be with non-MetS and 8818(35.78%) were with MetS. Both total starchy vegetables and potatoes were associated with increased MetS risk, with the corresponding OR per standard deviation (SD) (95%CI, p-trend) being 1.06(1.02–1.11, p-trend = 0.028) and 1.08(1.04–1.13, p-trend = 0.011), respectively. However, an inverse correlation was found between dark-green vegetables and MetS, and the OR per SD (95%CI, p-trend) was 0.93(0.90–0.97, p-trend = 0.010). Subgroup analyses showed that the positive associations of starchy vegetables and potatoes on MetS risk were stronger in non-Hispanic White participants (p for interaction < 0.050).

Conclusion

Total starchy vegetables and white potatoes were both associated with an increased risk of MetS, while consumption of dark-green vegetables was negatively associated with MetS risk. These findings might provide a promising and healthy dietary strategy for preventing MetS.
Factors influencing breastfeeding continuation and formula feeding beyond six months in rural and urban households in Indonesia: a qualitative investigation
Authors: Paramashanti Bunga Astria , Dibley Michael J , Huda Tanvir M , Prabandari Yayi Suryo , Alam Neeloy Ashraful
Published: August 2023

Background

Global and Indonesian guidelines suggest that breastfeeding should continue for at least the first two years of life. While many studies have focused on six-month exclusive breastfeeding practices, little is known about why mothers do not sustain breastfeeding beyond this period. This qualitative study aimed to explore factors influencing breastfeeding continuation and formula feeding beyond six months, regardless of any additional food consumed, focusing on Indonesia’s rural and urban areas.

Methods

We collected the data through 46 in-depth interviews in Pati District and Surakarta City, Central Java, Indonesia. Participants were mothers, grandmothers, health care practitioners, and village kader (frontline female health workers). We used thematic analysis combining deductive and inductive techniques for analysing the data.

Results

Rural mothers practised breastfeeding and intended to breastfeed for a longer duration than urban mothers. Maternal attitude towards breastfeeding, breastfeeding knowledge, previous experiences, and other breastfeeding strategies (e.g., enhancing maternal dietary quality) positively influenced breastfeeding sustainability. In the urban setting, mothers encountered several breastfeeding barriers, such as perceived breast milk insufficiency and child hunger and satiety, child biting, and breastfeeding refusal, causing them to provide formula milk as a breast milk substitute or supplement. In addition, families, communities, health practitioners, and employment influenced maternal decisions in breastfeeding continuation and formula-feeding practices.

Conclusions

Optimal breastfeeding practices up to two years of age are determined by the individual and setting (i.e., community, healthcare, employment) factors. Providing breastfeeding education covering practical breastfeeding guidance will encourage mothers to breastfeed for longer. Such interventions should involve families, communities, health workers, and the work environment as a breastfeeding support system. Policymakers should develop, enforce, and monitor the implementation of breastfeeding policies to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding in households, communities, health systems, and work settings.
Establishment of virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) system in Luffa acutangula using Phytoene desaturase (PDS) and tendril synthesis related gene (TEN)
Authors: Qi Xiaoyu , Mo Qiaoping , Li Jing , Zi Zhibo , Xu Mengyun , Yue Suju , Zhao Hongbo , Zhu Haisheng , Wang Guoping
Published: August 2023

Background

Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) is a reverse genetics technology that can efficiently and rapidly identify plant gene functions. Although a variety of VIGS vectors have been successfully used in plants, only a few reports on VIGS technology in Luffa exist.

Results

In the present study, a new cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV)-based VIGS vector, pV190, was applied to establish the CGMMV-VIGS to investigate the feasibility of the silencing system for Luffa. Phytoene desaturase (PDS) gene was initially selected as a VIGS marker gene to construct a recombinant vector. Plants infected with Agrobacterium harboring pV190-PDS successfully induced effective silencing in Luffa, and an effective gene silencing phenotype with obvious photobleaching was observed. To further validate the efficiency, we selected TEN for gene-silencing, which encodes a CYC/TB1-like transcription factor and is involved in tendril development. Luffa plants inoculated with the pV190-TEN exhibited shorter tendril length and nodal positions where tendrils appear are higher compared to those of non-inoculated plants. RT-qPCR showed that the expression levels of PDS and TEN were significantly reduced in the CGMMV-VIGS plants. Moreover, we evaluated the CGMMV-VIGS efficiency in three cucurbits, including cucumber, ridge gourd, and bottle gourd.

Conclusion

We successfully established a CGMMV-based VIGS system on ridge gourd and used marker genes to identify the feasibility of the silencing system in Luffa leaves and stems.
Zero-profile anchored spacer versus conventional plate-cage construct in bilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Yu , Ju Jidong , Wu Jinchun
Published: August 2023

Background

Zero-profile anchored spacers (ZAS) and plate-cage constructs (PCC) are currently employed when performing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Nevertheless, the efficacy and safety of both devices in bilevel ACDF remain controversial. The goal of our meta-analysis is to assess the overall long-term efficacy and security among ZAS and PCC in bilevel ACDF.

Methods

A search of four electronic databases was conducted to identify researches that compared ZAS with PCC for bilevel ACDF. Stata MP 17.0 software was used for this meta-analysis.

Results

Nine researches with a total of 580 patients were involved. In comparison to PCC, ZAS significantly reduced intraoperative bleeding and postoperative dysphagia rates. No significant differences were found concerning operation time, JOA score, NDI score, cervical Cobb angle, fusion rates, the incidence of adjacent segmental degeneration (ASD) and implant sinking rates at last follow-up.

Conclusion

Compared to PCC, ZAS achieved similar efficacy and security in bilevel ACDF with respect to operative time, JOA score, NDI score, cervical Cobb angle, fusion rates, implant sinking rates and ASD rates at final follow-up. It is worth noting that ZAS offered considerable benefits over conventional PCC for the reduction of intraoperative bleeding and postoperative dysphagia. Therefore, for patients requiring bilevel ACDF, ZAS seems superior to PCC. Given the limitations of our study, larger prospective randomised controlled trials are needed to establish reliable proof to consolidate our conclusions.
D-dimer-albumin ratio (DAR) as a new biomarker for predicting preoperative deep vein thrombosis after geriatric hip fracture patients
Authors: Yao Wei , Zhang Kaihua , Lv Qiaomei , Deng Ziyang , Ding Wenbo
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Hip fractures in the elderly are complicated by preoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The objective of this study is to determine the usefulness of blood-based biomarkers, particularly the D-dimer-albumin ratio (DAR), in predicting preoperative DVT.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was carried out on 1149 patients from a single hospital, and subsequently validated on an additional 626 patients from a separate hospital. The aim was to evaluate the prognostic and predictive value of 10 biomarkers, with a specific emphasis on DAR, in both cohorts. The primary measure of interest was the occurrence of preoperative DVT.

Results

The ratio of D-dimer to albumin demonstrated superior predictive capability for preoperative DVT in older patients with hip fractures compared to other biomarkers (AUC = 0.677). Using the optimal cutoff point of 0.24, high DAR was significantly associated with preoperative DVT (OR 3.45, 95% CI 2.00–5.95). Notably, all the DAR definitions detailed above were successfully validated in an external, independent cohort.

Conclusions

DAR may be a valuable biomarker for predicting preoperative DVT in elderly patients with hip fractures.
Patient and caregiver experiences with pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN): results from a patient community survey
Authors: Klopstock Thomas , Mercimek-Andrews Saadet , Jurecka Agnieszka , Wood Patricia , Cwyl Maciej , Klucken Angelika , López Antonio , Scalise Roberta , Valle Andrea , Mollet Fatemeh , Perez-Duenas Belen , Skowronska Marta , Chroscinska-Krawczyk Magdalena , Escolar Maria Luisa , Wade Anna , Rintell David
Published: August 2023

Background

Pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN) is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder of PANK2, which enables mitochondrial synthesis of coenzyme A. Its loss causes neurodegeneration with iron accumulation primarily in motor-related brain areas. Symptoms include dystonia, parkinsonism, and other disabilities. PKAN has been categorized as classic PKAN, with an age of onset ≤ 10 years, rapid progression, and early disability or death; and atypical PKAN, with later onset, slower progression, generally milder, and more diverse symptom manifestations. Available treatments are mostly palliative. Information on the lived experience of patients with PKAN and their caregivers or on community-level disease burden is limited. It is necessary to engage patients as partners to expand our understanding and improve clinical outcomes. This patient-oriented research study used multiple-choice and free-form question surveys distributed by patient organizations to collect information on the manifestations and disease burden of PKAN. It also assessed respondents’ experiences and preferences with clinical research to inform future clinical trials.

Results

The analysis included 166 surveys. Most respondents (87%) were parents of a patient with PKAN and 7% were patients, with 80% from Europe and North America. The study cohort included 85 patients with classic PKAN (mean ± SD age of onset 4.4 ± 2.79 years), 65 with atypical PKAN (13.8 ± 4.79 years), and 16 identified as “not sure”. Respondents reported gait disturbances and dystonia most often in both groups, with 44% unable to walk. The classic PKAN group reported more speech, swallowing, and visual difficulties and more severe motor problems than the atypical PKAN group. Dystonia and speech/swallowing difficulties were reported as the most challenging symptoms. Most respondents reported using multiple medications, primarily anticonvulsants and antiparkinsonian drugs, and about half had participated in a clinical research study. Study participants reported the most difficulties with the physical exertion associated with imaging assessments and travel to assessment sites.

Conclusions

The survey results support the dichotomy between classic and atypical PKAN that extends beyond the age of onset. Inclusion of patients as clinical research partners shows promise as a pathway to improving clinical trials and providing more efficacious PKAN therapies.
Effect of high-intensity laser therapy in patients with non-specific chronic neck pain: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: de la Barra Ortiz Hernán Andrés , Avila Mariana Arias , Miranda Luis Gómez , Liebano Richard Eloin
Published: August 2023

Background

Chronic non-specific neck pain (CNNP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder known for its significant disability and economic burden, ranking second only to low back pain in musculoskeletal conditions. Physical therapy offers effective interventions for CNNP, including low-level laser therapy (LLLT). High-intensity laser therapy (HILT) is a recent treatment for musculoskeletal pain, but studies that support its use in CNNP are limited. The objective of this study is to assess the effect of high-intensity laser therapy on pain intensity in patients with CNNP, given the existing evidence on LLLT for this condition.

Methods

This is a 2-arm, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with blinded evaluators. The research will be carried out in the laboratory of physical agents at the Andrés Bello University, Campus Casona de las Condes. Eligible participants include the entire internal and external community associated with Andrés Bello University suffering from chronic non-specific NP. Participants will be stratified by sex (4 subgroups) and randomized into 2 study groups: group 1 (HILT and stretching exercises) and group 2 (sham HILT and stretching exercises). Treatments will be performed twice a week for 4 weeks with 3 assessments: before treatment (T0), at the end of treatment (T1), and 12 weeks after treatment (follow-up) (T2). The main outcomes will be pain intensity at rest, pain intensity at movement (active cervical movements: flexion, extension, right and left side bending, and right and left rotation), and pain pressure threshold (average obtained for six evaluation points). Secondary outcome measures will include neck range of motion in the sagittal, coronal, and transverse planes and neck disability.

Discussion

In this study, HILT’s effects on patients with non-specific NP will be compared to those of a sham laser intervention. This RCT will offer new evidence regarding the potential benefits of HILT in terms of pain intensity, range of movement, and disability in people suffering with non-specific NP.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05689788. January 19, 2023.
Occurrence of putative Culicoides biting midge vectors (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) inside and outside barns in Germany and factors influencing their activity
Authors: Groschupp Sarah , Kampen Helge , Werner Doreen
Published: August 2023

Background

After several years without bluetongue disease, a ruminant illness caused by Culicoides-borne bluetongue virus (BTV), two new autochthonous cases were reported in 2018 in Germany. By contrast, Schmallenberg virus (SBV), another Culicoides-borne virus pathogenic to ruminants, has continuously circulated in Germany since its first emergence in 2011. The disease outbreaks have triggered numerous studies on the biology of the Culicoides vectors, but many ecological details are still obscure.

Methods

Culicoides biting midge species were collected with UV-light traps on 10 farms in Germany, with one trap inside and one trap outside barns on each of the farms. Traps were run once a week for 24 h from January to December 2019. Collected biting midges were morphologically identified, counted and statistically evaluated, with a focus on the Obsoletus Group and the Pulicaris Complex of the ceratopogonid genus Culicoides, which are believed to contain the major virus vectors. Temperature and relative humidity recorded at each trap were linked to the quantity of caught Culicoides. Correlations between relative Culicoides abundance and presence of livestock or type of husbandry were also investigated.

Results

A total of 38,886 Culicoides biting midges were trapped, with most of them belonging to the Obsoletus Group (51.0%) and the Pulicaris Complex (38.8%). The majority of captured specimens were collected in traps inside the barns. Obsoletus Group individuals were caught from late January to the last week of December while Pulicaris Complex individuals were captured from the end of March to early December. The lowest average temperatures at which members of the two groups were collected were 10.7 °C and 12.8 °C, respectively. While temperature had a statistically significant effect on the activity of both the Obsoletus Group and the Pulicaris Complex, relative humidity only significantly affected the activity of the latter. The presence of livestock significantly influenced the number of captured Obsoletus Group, but not of Pulicaris Complex specimens. Inside the barns, no statistical difference was found between numbers of caught Obsoletus Group and Pulicaris Complex specimens in livestock holdings with deep litter and manure scraper or slatted floor husbandry systems.

Conclusions

The almost year-round presence of Obsoletus Group biting midges and the demonstrated high relative abundance of other potential Culicoides vector species inside barns suggest a high risk of indoor virus transmission to ruminants should BTV or SBV circulate locally. Appropriate structural, organisational and vector control measures to reduce biting midge exposure should be implemented.

Graphical Abstract
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Collaborative communication and computational design for energy-efficient edge based learning network
Authors: Dong ErQiang , Guo Hengchuan
Published: August 2023

In this paper, the potential for conserving energy has been used inside the collaborative network. The purpose of this work is to examine a model of a collaborative mobile cloud with the objective of lowering the total energy consumption of network nodes. This model is made up of many different network nodes, all of which collaborate with one another to build the network. We performed a theoretical examination into the quantity of energy that is used by the nodes when they are functioning as part of the network. In addition, a user grouping and scheduling-based system was established in order to establish when and how users should participate in the creation of the network. This was done so that the system could identify when and how users should contribute to the construction of the network. The proposed methodology took into consideration both the user and the base station components, and it made an effort to strike a balance between reducing the amount of energy that was consumed and ensuring that everyone was treated in an equitable manner. Even with higher delay values, the collaborative method may minimise energy use. The suggested approach uses slower but more energy-efficient nodes by increasing the allowable latency, which reduces energy usage and benefits from the diversity of nodes. The results of the simulation are presented by our proposed method from the perspective of user fairness as well as presenting the advantages of conserving energy that are associated with employing the collaborative strategy.
Terminology and methods used to differentiate injury intent of hospital burn patients in South Asia: a systematic scoping review protocol
Authors: Bebbington Emily , Ramesh Parvathy , Kakola Mohan , McPhillips Rebecca , Bibi Fatima , Hanif Atiya , Morris Nia , Khan Murad , Poole Rob , Robinson Catherine
Published: August 2023

Background

The greatest proportion of burn injuries globally occur in South Asia, where there are also high numbers of intentional burns. Burn injury prevention efforts are hampered by poor surveillance data on injury intent. There is a plethora of local routinely collected data in the research literature from South Asia that could be used for epidemiological purposes, but it is not known whether the definitions and methods of differentiation of injury intent are sufficiently homogenous to allow valid study comparisons.

Methods

We will conduct a systematic scoping review to understand terminology and methods used to differentiate injury intent of hospital burn patients in South Asia. The objectives of the study are to: determine the breadth of terminology and common terms used for burn injury intent; to determine if definitions are comparable across studies where the same term is used; and to appraise the rigour of methods used to differentiate burn injury intent and suitability for comparison across studies. The databases Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and PakMediNet will be searched. Screening and data extraction will be completed independently by two reviewers. To be included, the article must be as follows: peer reviewed, primary research, study cutaneous burns, based on hospital patients from a country in South Asia, and use intent terminology or discuss a method of differentiation of injury intent. Results will be restricted to English language studies. No date restrictions will be applied. A plain language summary and terminology section are included for non-specialist readers.

Discussion

Results will be used to inform stakeholder work to develop standardised terminology and methods for burn injury intent in South Asia. They will be published open access in peer-reviewed journals wherever possible.

Systematic review registration

This review has been registered with the Open Science Framework (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/DCYNQ).
Seasonal variation in activity and nearshore habitat use of Lake Trout in a subarctic lake
Authors: Blanchfield Paul J. , McKee Graydon , Guzzo Matthew M. , Chapelsky Andrew J. , Cott Peter A.
Published: August 2023

Background

In lake ecosystems, predatory fish can move and forage across both nearshore and offshore habitats. This coupling of sub-habitats, which is important in stabilizing lake food webs, has largely been assessed from a dietary perspective and has not included movement data. As such, empirical estimates of the seasonal dynamics of these coupling movements by fish are rarely quantified, especially for northern lakes. Here we collect fine-scale fish movement data on Lake Trout (Salvelinus namaycush), a predatory cold-water fish known to link nearshore and offshore habitats, to test for seasonal drivers of activity, habitat use and diet in a subarctic lake.

Methods

We used an acoustic telemetry positioning array to track the depth and spatial movements of 43 Lake Trout in a subarctic lake over two years. From these data we estimated seasonal 50% home ranges, movements rates, tail beat activity, depth use, and nearshore habitat use. Additionally, we examined stomach contents to quantify seasonal diet. Data from water temperature and light loggers were used to monitor abiotic lake conditions and compare to telemetry data.

Results

Lake Trout showed repeatable seasonal patterns of nearshore habitat use that peaked each spring and fall, were lower throughout the long winter, and least in summer when this habitat was above preferred temperatures. Stomach content data showed that Lake Trout acquired the most nearshore prey during the brief spring season, followed by fall, and winter, supporting telemetry results. Activity rates were highest in spring when feeding on invertebrates and least in summer when foraging offshore, presumably on large-bodied prey fish. High rates of nearshore activity in fall were associated with spawning. Nearshore habitat use was widespread and not localized to specific regions of the lake, although there was high overlap of winter nearshore core areas between years.

Conclusions

We provide empirical demonstrations of the seasonal extent to which a mobile top predator links nearshore and offshore habitats in a subarctic lake. Our findings suggest that the nearshore is an important foraging area for Lake Trout for much of the year, and the role of this zone for feeding should be considered in addition to its traditional importance as spawning habitat.
Differences in the growth of microorganisms depends on the type of semi-solid enteral nutritional supplements
Authors: Omotani Sachiko , Murakami Kanaha , Naka Arisa , Hatsuda Yasutoshi , Myotoku Michiaki
Published: August 2023

Background

Enteral nutritional supplements are used in many medical facilities and home care, but require appropriate management because they are nutrient-rich products. Recently, infection control methods for Ready To Hang (RTH) preparations, which are widely used and are expected to reduce the risk of infection, have not been established in Japan and are dependent on caregivers. Therefore, we evaluated the difference in the growth of microorganisms depending on the type of enteral nutrients following contamination with microorganisms.

Methods

Nine types of enteral nutrition were used. Escherichia coli (E. coli) W3110, Serratia marcescens (S. marcescens) NBRC3046, and Candida albicans (C. albicans) IFM61197 were used as test bacteria. The bacterial solution was added to the enteral nutritional supplement, adjusted, and the number of bacteria was measured at 0, 4, 8, and 24 h after the addition of the bacterial solution at 25 °C and in the dark.

Results

E. coli and S. marcescens grew in RACOL®-NF SemiSolid for Enteral Use, Hine® Jerry AQUA, and Mermed Plus® over a 24-h period; however, a decrease was observed for other enteral nutrition products. In contrast, C. albicans grew in all enteral nutrition products.

Conclusion

Because the viscosity and calorie content vary among enteral nutrition preparations in which growth was observed, we found that pH had the greatest effect on the differences in bacterial growth. Nonetheless, C. albicans growth occurred in all nine types of enteral nutrients, indicating that unlike bacteria, its growth was independent of pH. If semi-solid enteral nutrients are contaminated with microorganisms for any reason, microorganisms will grow, so appropriate infection control is necessary to prevent infection.
State-of-health estimation of lithium-ion batteries based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy: a review
Authors: Liu Yanshuo , Wang Licheng , Li Dezhi , Wang Kai
Published: August 2023

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are crucial for the large-scale utilization of clean energy. However, because of the complexity and real-time nature of internal reactions, the mechanism of capacity decline in LIBs is still unclear. This has become a bottleneck restricting their promotion and application. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) contains rich electrochemical connotations and significant application prospects, and has attracted widespread attention and research on efficient energy storage systems. Compared to traditional voltage and current data, the state-of-health (SOH) estimation model based on EIS has higher accuracy. This paper categorizes EIS measurement methods based on different principles, introduces the relationship between LIBs aging mechanism and SOH, and compares the advantages of different SOH estimation methods. After a detailed analysis of the latest technologies, a review is given. The insights of this review can deepen the understanding of the relationship between EIS and the aging effect mechanism of LIBs, and promote the development of new energy storage devices and evaluation methods.
Disruption of EEG resting state functional connectivity in patients with focal epilepsy
Authors: Elkholy Mostafa M.
Published: August 2023

Background

Epilepsy is a network disease and EEG could be used to evaluate dynamic inter-regional connectivity. The aim of the current study is to explore disruption of resting state EEG functional connectivity in focal epilepsy using coherence and phase lag degree. This cross-sectional study included 30 patients with focal epilepsy and 30 matched healthy controls. One to two minutes of EEG segmented into 2-s epochs during awake eye-closed state were analyzed using fast Fourier transform to yield four frequency bands: delta, theta, alpha and beta. Coherence and phase lag degree were computed between each pair of 19 EEG electrodes and were assessed at the intra-hemispheric (frontal–parietal and frontal–temporal) and inter-hemispheric (frontal, temporal and parietal) levels. The frequency of interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) was calculated from a 60-min EEG recording session.

Results

Compared to healthy controls, patients had lower theta coherence at left frontal–parietal (P = 0.017), lower delta coherence at inter-frontal (P = 0.045), higher theta phase lag at right frontal–parietal (P = 0.01) and lower delta phase lag at inter-temporal (P = 0.046) levels. Patients with left-sided epilepsy had lower theta coherence at left frontal–parietal (P = 0.026), higher theta phase lag at right frontal–parietal (P < 0.001), higher delta phase lag at right frontal–temporal (P = 0.036) and higher theta phase lag at inter-parietal (P = 0.028) levels. The frequency of IEDs correlated with phase lag of delta (P = 0.036, r = 0.406) and theta (P = 0.005, r = 0.513).

Conclusions

Patients with focal epilepsy had significant interictal functional connectivity disruption detected by coherence and phase lag degree of delta and theta waves and correlated with frequency of IEDs.
Trends in cardiovascular death related to mechanical complications of cardiac electronic devices in the United States from 1999 to 2020
Authors: Tan Min Choon , Yeo Yong Hao , San Boon Jian , Tan Jian Liang
Published: August 2023

Background

While cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) are increasingly used, real-world data on the mortality rate due to mechanical complications of CIED is scarce.

Objective

This study aimed to determine longitudinal trends in mortality attributed to mechanical complications of CIED.

Methods

We queried the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research and performed serial cross-sectional analyses of national death certificate data for mechanical complications of CIED-related mortality among the United States population aged ≥ 35 years from 1999 to 2020. Cardiovascular disease (ICD-10: I00–I99) was listed as the underlying cause of death, and mechanical complication of the cardiac electronic device (ICD-10: T82.1) was stated as the contributing cause of death. We calculated age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 1,000,000 individuals. Linear regression was used to calculate for the significance of the annual percent of changes in AAMRs.

Results

1237 cardiovascular deaths related to mechanical complications of CIED were identified between 1999 and 2020. The AAMR dropped significantly from 0.45 per 1,000,000 individuals in 1999 to 0.21 per 1,000,000 individuals in 2020 (p < 0.01). Cumulative AAMRs were higher in males than females (0.39 per 1,000,000 individuals vs. 0.26 per 1,000,000 individuals, p < 0.01), higher in White populations than African American populations (0.32 per 1,000,000 individuals vs. 0.30 per 1,000,000 individuals, p < 0.01), and higher in the rural areas than in the urban areas (0.50 per 1,000,000 individuals vs. 0.27 per 1,000,000 individuals, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

While the cardiovascular deaths related to mechanical complications of CIED were decreasing over the past decades, disparities in the AAMRs across sex, races and geographical region still present.
Characterization of mating type, spore killing, and pathogenicity of Fusarium verticillioides populations from maize in China
Authors: Zhang Fengcheng , Tang Tingting , Li Fan , Guo Wei
Published: August 2023

Sexual reproduction in fungi promotes genetic diversity and helps the fungus to adapt to environmental stresses. Fusarium verticillioides is a heterothallic filamentous ascomycete that is a major cause of maize ear and stalk rot worldwide, while also posing a threat to human and animal health by producing various mycotoxins. Sexual reproduction in F. verticillioides is controlled by the MAT-1 and MAT-2 loci, which mandate that only strains of opposite mating types can mate to yield perithecia and ascospores. Nevertheless, there exists a phenomenon called ‘spore killing’, in which only four typical ascospores appear in the asci following a cross between a strain carrying the spore killer allele (SkK) and one with the spore killer sensitive allele (SkS). In this study, 31 isolates of F. verticillioides collected from eight provinces in China during the maize growing season from 2014 to 2020 were compared based on their mating type, spore killing genotype, and pathogenicity. To determine the mating types and spore killing genotypes of these isolates, partial sequences were amplified from the MAT loci and the SKC1 gene, respectively. The PCR results showed that out of the 31 isolates, 18 were MAT-1 and 13 were MAT-2, and that 25 had SkK genotypes and 6 had SkS genotypes. Genetic crosses between LNF15-11 (MAT-2) and 18 MAT-1 isolates produced normal perithecia with varying numbers. However, crosses between LNF15-11 and the 3 isolates (SDF18-36, HNF14-8, and GSF19-6) produced only four ascospores per ascus, while the remaining isolates except SDF18-28, yielded eight ascospores per ascus. These findings suggest that the SKC1 amplicon variation can be used to differentiate SkK and SkS genotypes in the field and that the 3 isolates are truly SkS genotypes with the MAT-1 allele. Altogether, this study contributes to our knowledge of the mating type and spore killing genotype of F. verticillioides in China and offers valuable strain resources for investigating heterothallic sexual reproduction.
British Society of Echocardiography guideline for the transthoracic echocardiographic assessment of cardiac amyloidosis
Authors: Moody William E. , Turvey-Haigh Lauren , Knight Daniel , Coats Caroline J. , Cooper Robert M. , Schofield Rebecca , Robinson Shaun , Harkness Allan , Oxborough David L. , Gillmore Julian D. , Whelan Carol , Augustine Daniel X. , Fontana Marianna , Steeds Richard P.
Published: August 2023

These guidelines form an update of the BSE guideline protocol for the assessment of restrictive cardiomyopathy (Knight et al. in Echo Res Prac, 2013). Since the original recommendations were conceived in 2013, there has been an exponential rise in the diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis fuelled by increased clinician awareness, improvements in cardiovascular imaging as well as the availability of new and effective disease modifying therapies. The initial diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis can be challenging and is often not clear-cut on the basis of echocardiography, which for most patients presenting with heart failure symptoms remains the first-line imaging test. The role of a specialist echocardiographer will be to raise the suspicion of cardiac amyloidosis when appropriate, but the formal diagnosis of amyloid sub-type invariably requires further downstream testing. This document seeks to provide a focused review of the literature on echocardiography in cardiac amyloidosis highlighting its important role in the diagnosis, prognosis and screening of at risk individuals, before concluding with a suggested minimum data set, for use as an aide memoire when reporting.
Stochastic inversion of geophysical data by a conditional variational autoencoder
Authors: McAliley Wallace Anderson , Li Yaoguo
Published: August 2023

Recovering geologically realistic physical property models by geophysical inversion is a long-standing challenge. Generative neural networks offer a promising path to meet this challenge because they can produce spatially complex models that exhibit the characteristics of a set of training models, even when those characteristics are difficult to quantify. In the context of geophysical inversion, these characteristics may include faults, layers, and sharp contacts between rock units. Here, we develop a framework for incorporating prior geologic knowledge into geophysical inversions using conditional variational autoencoders (CVAEs). We train a CVAE to reconstruct training density models while honoring relative gravity data. Once trained, the decoder network of the CVAE inverts gravity data. The inputs to the decoder are observed gravity data and a set of latent variables that are sampled from a standard normal distribution. The decoder maps from the observed data and latent variables to density models such that the resulting models are consistent with the training models and the input data. Consequently, the inversion fits the observed data and incorporates the information embedded in the training models. The decoder can produce many inverted models instantaneously, sampling an approximation to the posterior model distribution efficiently. We find that the latent variables correspond to independent interpretable ways in which the model can vary while still honoring the observed data. We draw a connection to linear inverse theory, positing that the latent variables are analogous to the principal components of the local posterior model covariance.
Evaluating the effects of velocity models and array configuration on induced seismic event locations in the Permian Basin
Authors: Fang Xinding , Chen Tianrun , Li Siwei , Brooks Nick , Knapo George , Huffman Alan R. , Lupo Tony , Storniolo Rachel
Published: August 2023

In the final months of 2022, two substantial earthquakes with magnitudes exceeding ML 5.0 hit West Texas, USA, causing widespread public concerns about the effect of industrial activities on human and environmental safety. The monitoring of earthquakes in this region is largely based on the data of the public regional seismic array, which consists of stations spaced typically tens of kilometers apart. Accurate hypocenter determination of these induced events is crucial as it provides insight into the triggering mechanism, enabling operators and regulators to develop effective mitigation strategies. However, there are debates regarding the accuracy of the publicly reported induced event data due to discrepancies between public reports of event hypocenters and those determined using local dense arrays operated by private companies. The primary objective of this study is to identify the underlying causes of the discrepancies between results obtained from the public regional array in West Texas and local dense arrays. Through modeling and analysis of field data collected by a local dense array in the Permian Basin, we determine that three critical factors influence the reliability of induced event results. First, the accuracy of the velocity model used for the event location is the most crucial factor. Second, the distance between a station and an event plays a crucial role in determining the sensitivity of the data to the hypocenter depth. Finally, consistency between the observed and modeled wave propagation behavior is crucial for ensuring the validity of the objective function in the inversion. Our findings indicate that it is challenging to obtain reliable hypocenters using a regional sparse array with station spacing on the order of tens of kilometers. The best practice for obtaining an accurate event hypocenter and magnitude is to monitor induced seismicity using a local dense array and process the data with a velocity model that fully characterizes the local basin’s geology.
Long-Term Outcomes in Patients With Localized Ewing Sarcoma Treated With Interval-Compressed Chemotherapy on Children's Oncology Group Study AEWS0031
Authors: Cash Thomas , Krailo Mark D. , Buxton Allen B. , Pawel Bruce R. , Healey John H. , Binitie Odion , Marcus Karen J. , Grier Holcombe E. , Grohar Patrick J. , Reed Damon R. , Weiss Aaron R. , Gorlick Richard , Janeway Katherine A. , DuBois Steven G. , Womer Richard B.
Published: August 2023

Clinical trials frequently include multiple end points that mature at different times. The initial report, typically based on the primary end point, may be published when key planned coprimary or secondary analyses are not yet available. Clinical trial updates provide an opportunity to disseminate additional results from studies, published in JCO or elsewhere, for which the primary end point has already been reported.

Long-term outcomes from Children's Oncology Group study AEWS0031 were assessed to determine whether the survival advantage of interval-compressed chemotherapy (ICC) was maintained over 10 years in patients with localized Ewing sarcoma (ES). AEWS0031 enrolled 568 eligible patients. Patients were randomly assigned to receive vincristine-doxorubicin-cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide-etoposide alternating once every 3 weeks (standard timing chemotherapy [STC]) versus once every 2 weeks (ICC). For this updated report, one patient was excluded because of uncertainty of original diagnosis. The 10-year event-free survival (EFS) was 70% with ICC compared with 61% with STC ( P = .03), and 10-year overall survival (OS) was 76% with ICC compared with 69% with STC ( P = .04). There was no difference in the 10-year cumulative incidence of second malignant neoplasms (SMNs; PC [see Data Supplement, online only] = .5). A test for interaction demonstrated that ICC provided greater risk reduction for patients with tumor volume ≥200 mL than for patients with tumors <200 mL, but no evidence for a significant interaction in other subgroups defined by age, primary site, and histologic response. With longer-term follow-up, ICC for localized ES is associated with superior EFS and OS without an increased risk for SMN compared with STC. ICC is associated with improved outcomes even in adverse-risk patient groups.
Pan-Cancer Analysis of Postdiagnosis Exercise and Mortality
Authors: Lavery Jessica A. , Boutros Paul C. , Scott Jessica M. , Tammela Tuomas , Moskowitz Chaya S. , Jones Lee W.
Published: August 2023

PURPOSE

The impact of postdiagnosis exercise on cause-specific mortality in cancer survivors and whether this differs on the basis of cancer site is unclear.

METHODS

We performed an analysis of 11,480 patients with cancer enrolled in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian cancer screening trial. Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of cancer completing a standardized survey quantifying exercise after diagnosis were included. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality (ACM); secondary end points were cancer mortality and mortality from other causes. Cox models were used to estimate the cause-specific hazard ratios (HRs) for ACM, cancer, and noncancer mortality as a function of meeting exercise guidelines versus not meeting guidelines with adjustment for important clinical covariates.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 16 years from diagnosis, 4,665 deaths were documented (1,940 due to cancer and 2,725 due to other causes). In multivariable analyses, exercise consistent with guidelines was associated with a 25% reduced risk of ACM compared with nonexercise (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.70 to 0.80). Compared with nonexercise, exercise consistent with guidelines was associated with a significant reduction in cancer mortality (HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.72 to 0.88) and mortality from other causes (HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.66 to 0.78). The inverse relationship between exercise and cause-specific mortality varied by exercise dose. Exercise consistent with guidelines was associated with a reduced hazard of ACM for multiple cancer sites. Reduction in cancer mortality for exercisers was only observed in head and neck and renal cancer.

CONCLUSION

In this pan-cancer sample of long-term cancer survivors, exercise consistent with guidelines was associated with substantial ACM benefit driven by both reductions in cancer and noncancer mortality. The cause-specific impact of exercise differed as a function of cancer site.
Tisotumab Vedotin in Combination With Carboplatin, Pembrolizumab, or Bevacizumab in Recurrent or Metastatic Cervical Cancer: Results From the innovaTV 205/GOG-3024/ENGOT-cx8 Study
Authors: Vergote Ignace , Van Nieuwenhuysen Els , O'Cearbhaill Roisin E. , Westermann Anneke , Lorusso Domenica , Ghamande Sharad , Collins Dearbhaile C. , Banerjee Susana , Mathews Cara A. , Gennigens Christine , Cibula David , Tewari Krishnansu S. , Madsen Kristine , Köse Fatih , Jackson Amanda L. , Boere Ingrid A. , Scambia Giovanni , Randall Leslie M. , Sadozye Azmat , Baurain Jean-François , Gort Eelke , Zikán Michal , Denys Hannelore G. , Ottevanger Nelleke , Forget Frédéric , Mondrup Andreassen Camilla , Eaton Lamar , Chisamore Michael J. , Viana Nicacio Leonardo , Soumaoro Ibrahima , Monk Bradley J.
Published: August 2023

PURPOSE

Tissue factor is highly expressed in cervical carcinoma and can be targeted by tisotumab vedotin (TV), an antibody-drug conjugate. This phase Ib/II study evaluated TV in combination with bevacizumab, pembrolizumab, or carboplatin for recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer (r/mCC).

METHODS

This open-label, multicenter study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03786081 ) included dose-escalation arms that assessed dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) and identified the recommended phase II dose (RP2D) of TV in combination with bevacizumab (arm A), pembrolizumab (arm B), or carboplatin (arm C). The dose-expansion arms evaluated TV antitumor activity and safety at RP2D in combination with carboplatin as first-line (1L) treatment (arm D) or with pembrolizumab as 1L (arm E) or second-/third-line (2L/3L) treatment (arm F). The primary end point of dose expansion was objective response rate (ORR).

RESULTS

A total of 142 patients were enrolled. In dose escalation (n = 41), no DLTs were observed; the RP2D was TV 2 mg/kg plus bevacizumab 15 mg/kg on day 1 once every 3 weeks, pembrolizumab 200 mg on day 1 once every 3 weeks, or carboplatin AUC 5 on day 1 once every 3 weeks. In dose expansion (n = 101), the ORR was 54.5% (n/N, 18/33; 95% CI, 36.4 to 71.9) with 1L TV + carboplatin (arm D), 40.6% (n/N, 13/32; 95% CI, 23.7 to 59.4) with 1L TV + pembrolizumab (arm E), and 35.3% (12/34; 19.7 to 53.5) with 2L/3L TV + pembrolizumab (arm F). The median duration of response was 8.6 months, not reached, and 14.1 months, in arms D, E, and F, respectively. Grade ≥3 adverse events (≥15%) were anemia, diarrhea, nausea, and thrombocytopenia in arm D and anemia in arm F (none ≥15%, arm E).

CONCLUSION

TV in combination with bevacizumab, carboplatin, or pembrolizumab demonstrated manageable safety and encouraging antitumor activity in treatment-naive and previously treated r/mCC.
Synthesis and In Vitro Anti-tumor Evaluation of Novel Glycoconjugated SN38 Derivatives
Authors: Wang Xin , Yang Chao , Liao Mengya , Xie Yongmei , Yang Jinliang
Published: August 2023

Five types of novel glycoconjugated 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin (SN38) derivatives were synthesized to evaluate their anti-tumor activity against HCT116 human colon cancer cells, and the results showed that all of them demonstrated potent anti-tumor activity. Notably, glucose and galactose conjugates exhibited the better anti-tumor activity, while the mannose and allose conjugates had slightly lower activity. Our findings suggested that the anti-tumor activity of glycoconjugated SN38 derivatives was affected by the type of modifying molecule used and the position of the modification. These findings could have implications for the development of novel anti-tumor agents targeting glucose transporters.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Solar Cell Applications of a Non-fused-ring Electron Acceptor Based on Vinylene-bridged Difluorobenzothiadiazole
Authors: Mori Hiroki , Hasegawa Natsuki , Yoshino Tomoki , Nishihara Yasushi
Published: August 2023

A new non-fused-ring electron acceptor (NREA), BE4T based on vinylene-bridged difluorobenzothiadiazole (FBTzE) has been synthesized and characterized. BE4T was found to be suitable for high-performance OPVs due to its strong absorption around 600–800 nm and low-lying HOMO/LUMO energy levels. However, BE4T-based cells showed a low PCE of 1.05% owing to the formation of highly ordered edge-on and large phase separation structure in the blended films.