bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contraction of human brain vascular pericytes in response to islet amyloid polypeptide is reversed by pramlintide
Authors: Nuñez-Diaz Cristina , Pocevičiūtė Dovilė , Schultz Nina ,   The Netherlands Brain Bank, Welinder Charlotte , Swärd Karl , Wennström Malin
Published: February 2023

The islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP), a pancreas-produced peptide, has beneficial functions in its monomeric form. However, IAPP aggregates, related to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), are toxic not only for the pancreas, but also for the brain. In the latter, IAPP is often found in vessels, where it is highly toxic for pericytes, mural cells that have contractile properties and regulate capillary blood flow. In the current study, we use a microvasculature model, where human brain vascular pericytes (HBVP) are co-cultured together with human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells, to demonstrate that IAPP oligomers (oIAPP) alter the morphology and contractility of HBVP. Contraction and relaxation of HBVP was verified using the vasoconstrictor sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and vasodilator Y27632, where the former increased, and the latter decreased, the number of HBVP with round morphology. Increased number of round HBVP was also seen after oIAPP stimulation, and the effect was reverted by the IAPP analogue pramlintide, Y27632, and the myosin inhibitor blebbistatin. Inhibition of the IAPP receptor with the antagonist AC187 only reverted IAPP effects partially. Finally, we demonstrate by immunostaining of human brain tissue against laminin that individuals with high amount of brain IAPP levels show significantly lower capillary diameter and altered mural cell morphology compared to individuals with low brain IAPP levels. These results indicate that HBVP, in an in vitro model of microvasculature, respond morphologically to vasoconstrictors, dilators, and myosin inhibitors. They also suggest that oIAPP induces contraction of these mural cells and that pramlintide can reverse such contraction.
FixItFelix: improving genomic analysis by fixing reference errors
Authors: Behera Sairam , LeFaive Jonathon , Orchard Peter , Mahmoud Medhat , Paulin Luis F. , Farek Jesse , Soto Daniela C. , Parker Stephen C. J. , Smith Albert V. , Dennis Megan Y. , Zook Justin M. , Sedlazeck Fritz J.
Published: February 2023

The current version of the human reference genome, GRCh38, contains a number of errors including 1.2 Mbp of falsely duplicated and 8.04 Mbp of collapsed regions. These errors impact the variant calling of 33 protein-coding genes, including 12 with medical relevance. Here, we present FixItFelix, an efficient remapping approach, together with a modified version of the GRCh38 reference genome that improves the subsequent analysis across these genes within minutes for an existing alignment file while maintaining the same coordinates. We showcase these improvements over multi-ethnic control samples, demonstrating improvements for population variant calling as well as eQTL studies.
Effects of N-acetylcysteine on systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity and its associated complications: a randomized double-blind clinical trial study
Authors: Abbasifard Mitra , Khorramdelazad Hossein , Rostamian Abdolrahman , Rezaian Mohsen , Askari Pooya Saeed , Sharifi Gholamhosein Taghipur Khajeh , Parizi Moein Kardoust , Sharifi Mobina Taghipour Khajeh , Najafizadeh Seyed Reza
Published: February 2023

Backgrounds

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has broadly been used as an anti-oxidant agent in various types of diseases. This study aimed to assess the effect of NAC on the systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease activity and outcome.

Methods

In this randomized, double-blind clinical trial study, 80 SLE patients were recruited that were classified into two groups: 40 patients received NAC (1800 mg/day; 3 times per day with 8-h intervals) for 3 months and 40 patients as the control group received normal therapies. Laboratory measurements and disease activity based on the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) and SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) were determined before the initiation of treatment and after the study time period.

Results

A statistically significant decrease in BILAG (P= 0.023) and SLEDAI (P= 0.034) scores after receiving NAC for a 3-month period was observed. BILAG (P= 0.021) and SLEDAI (P= 0.030) scores were significantly lower in NAC-receiving patients compared to the control group after 3 months. The disease activity in each organ based on BILAG score after treatment indicated a significant decrease in the NAC group compared to the baseline level in general (P=0.018), mucocutaneous (P=0.003), neurological (P=0.015), musculoskeletal (P=0.048), cardiorespiratory (P=0.047), renal (P=0.025), and vascular (P=0.048) complications. Analysis indicated a significant increase in CH50 level in the NAC group after treatment compared to the baseline level (P=0.049). No adverse event was reported by the study subjects.

Conclusions

It appears that the administration of 1800 mg/day NAC to SLE patients can decrease the SLE disease activity and its complications.
Analysis of computer-aided diagnostics in the preoperative diagnosis of ovarian cancer: a systematic review
Authors: Koch Anna H. , Jeelof Lara S. , Muntinga Caroline L. P. , Gootzen T. A. , van de Kruis Nienke M. A. , Nederend Joost , Boers Tim , van der Sommen Fons , Piek Jurgen M. J.
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Different noninvasive imaging methods to predict the chance of malignancy of ovarian tumors are available. However, their predictive value is limited due to subjectivity of the reviewer. Therefore, more objective prediction models are needed. Computer-aided diagnostics (CAD) could be such a model, since it lacks bias that comes with currently used models. In this study, we evaluated the available data on CAD in predicting the chance of malignancy of ovarian tumors.

Methods

We searched for all published studies investigating diagnostic accuracy of CAD based on ultrasound, CT and MRI in pre-surgical patients with an ovarian tumor compared to reference standards.

Results

In thirty-one included studies, extracted features from three different imaging techniques were used in different mathematical models. All studies assessed CAD based on machine learning on ultrasound, CT scan and MRI scan images. Per imaging method, subsequently ultrasound, CT and MRI, sensitivities ranged from 40.3 to 100%; 84.6–100% and 66.7–100% and specificities ranged from 76.3–100%; 69–100% and 77.8–100%. Results could not be pooled, due to broad heterogeneity. Although the majority of studies report high performances, they are at considerable risk of overfitting due to the absence of an independent test set.

Conclusion

Based on this literature review, different CAD for ultrasound, CT scans and MRI scans seem promising to aid physicians in assessing ovarian tumors through their objective and potentially cost-effective character. However, performance should be evaluated per imaging technique. Prospective and larger datasets with external validation are desired to make their results generalizable.
3D whole-heart noncontrast coronary MR angiography based on compressed SENSE technology: a comparative study of conventional SENSE sequence and coronary computed tomography angiography
Authors: Zhang Yang , Zhang Xinna , Jiang Yuqi , Yang Panpan , Hu Xiankuo , Peng Bin , Yue Xiuzheng , Li Yuanyuan , Ma Peiqi , Yuan Yushan , Yu Yongqiang , Liu Bin , Li Xiaohu
Published: February 2023

Objective

The relatively long scan time has hampered the clinical use of whole-heart noncontrast coronary magnetic resonance angiography (NCMRA). The compressed sensitivity encoding (SENSE) technique, also known as the CS technique, has been found to improve scan times. This study aimed to identify the optimal CS acceleration factor for NCMRA.

Methods

Thirty-six participants underwent four NCMRA sequences: three sequences using the CS technique with acceleration factors of 4, 5, and 6, and one sequence using the conventional SENSE technique with the acceleration factor of 2. Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) was considered as a reference sequence. The acquisition times of the four NCMRA sequences were assessed. The correlation and agreement between the visible vessel lengths obtained via CCTA and NCMRA were also assessed. The image quality scores and contrast ratio (CR) of eight coronary artery segments from the four NCMRA sequences were quantitatively evaluated.

Results

The mean acquisition time of the conventional SENSE was 343 s, while that of CS4, CS5, and CS6 was 269, 215, and 190 s, respectively. The visible vessel length from the CS4 sequence showed good correlation and agreement with CCTA. The image quality score and CR from the CS4 sequence were not statistically significantly different from those in the other groups (p > 0.05). Moreover, the image score and CR showed a decreasing trend with the increase in the CS factor.

Conclusions

The CS technique could significantly shorten the acquisition time of NCMRA. The CS sequence with an acceleration factor of 4 was generally acceptable for NCMRA in clinical settings to balance the image quality and acquisition time.
A West Nile Virus infection expressed as unilateral limb paralysis and complicated by Parsonage–Turner syndrome: a case report
Authors: Scarciglia Antonella , Roncucci Luca , Benatti Piero
Published: February 2023

Background

West Nile Virus is a single-stranded Ribonucleic Acid arbovirus of the Flaviviridae family that is transmitted to humans by Culex species mosquitoes. West Nile Virus infection is asymptomatic in the majority of affected people. Of those who develop symptoms, the usual manifestation is a febrile syndrome, while only 1% develop neurological symptoms due to a neuroinvasive form of infection, including encephalitis, meningitis, asymmetrical flaccid paralysis, or a combination of all these features. Parsonage–Turner syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by sudden painful symptoms and subsequent paralysis, involving a shoulder or one of the upper limbs due to post-infective brachial plexopathy. The etiology is unknown, although it can be considered a multifactorial process: a predisposing factor, such as viral infection or strenuous upper-extremity exercise, can trigger an immune-mediated process localized in the brachial plexus.

Clinical presentation

In late summer, a 79-year-old male Italian patient was admitted to the emergency department for acute right upper limb weakness and high fever, without any mental status impairment, pain, sensory alterations, or signs of meningeal irritation. Laboratory tests confirmed acute West Nile Virus infection, expressed as a unilateral upper limb flaccid paralysis. After a few days, the patient reported an acute pain in the right upper limb scarcely responsive to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy and a subsequent wider distribution of flaccid paralysis. After multiple examinations, Parsonage–Turner syndrome could be suspected. Patient was treated with steroids and reported an improvement of clinical condition after 2 months, with complete pain remission but partial strength recovery in the affected limb.

Conclusions

West Nile Virus disease has a broad spectrum of neurological manifestations, among which the most common are signs of meningeal irritation or cognitive impairment. We report an unusual presentation of neuroinvasive West Nile Virus infection with arm weakness as expression of unilateral viral neuritis, followed by a post-infective brachial plexopathy consistent with Parsonage–Turner syndrome diagnosis. We diagnosed Parsonage–Turner syndrome after excluding the most common causes of atraumatic acute upper limb pain, through a challenging differential diagnosis in a patient with several comorbidities.
The intangible costs of overweight and obesity in Germany
Authors: Meng Fan , Nie Peng , Sousa-Poza Alfonso
Published: February 2023

Background

Previous literature documents the direct and indirect economic costs of obesity, yet none has attempted to quantify the intangible costs of obesity. This study focuses on quantifying the intangible costs of one unit body mass index (BMI) increase and being overweight and obese in Germany.

Methods

By applying a life satisfaction-based compensation value analysis to 2002–2018 German Socio-Economic Panel Survey data for adults aged 18–65, the intangible costs of overweight and obesity are estimated. We apply individual income as a reference for estimating the value of the loss of subjective well-being due to overweight and obesity.

Results

The intangible costs of overweight and obesity in 2018 amount to 42,450 and 13,853 euros, respectively. A one unit increase in BMI induced a 2553 euros annual well-being loss in the overweight and obese relative to those of normal weight. When extrapolated to the entire country, this figure represents approximately 4.3 billion euros, an intangible cost of obesity similar in magnitude to the direct and indirect costs documented in other studies for Germany. These losses, our analysis reveals, have remained remarkably stable since 2002.

Conclusions

Our results underscore how existing research into obesity’s economic toll may underestimate its true costs, and they strongly imply that if obesity interventions took the intangible costs of obesity into account, the economic benefits would be considerably larger.
RBX1 regulates PKM alternative splicing to facilitate anaplastic thyroid carcinoma metastasis and aerobic glycolysis by destroying the SMAR1/HDAC6 complex
Authors: Xu Debin , Yu Jichun , Yang Yuting , Du Yunyan , Lu Hongcheng , Zhang Shouhua , Feng Qian , Yu Yi , Hao Liang , Shao Jun , Chen Leifeng
Published: February 2023

Background

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is one of the most aggressive malignancies, frequently accompanied by metastasis and aerobic glycolysis. Cancer cells adjust their metabolism by modulating the PKM alternative splicing and facilitating PKM2 isoform expression. Therefore, identifying factors and mechanisms that control PKM alternative splicing is significant for overcoming the current challenges in ATC treatment.

Results

In this study, the expression of RBX1 was largely enhanced in the ATC tissues. Our clinical tests suggested that high RBX1 expression was significantly related to poor survival. The functional analysis indicated that RBX1 facilitated the metastasis of ATC cells by enhancing the Warburg effect, and PKM2 played a key role in RBX1-mediated aerobic glycolysis. Furthermore, we confirmed that RBX1 regulates PKM alternative splicing and promotes the PKM2-mediated Warburg effect in ATC cells. Moreover, ATC cell migration and aerobic glycolysis induced by RBX1-mediated PKM alternative splicing are dependent on the destruction of the SMAR1/HDAC6 complex. RBX1, as an E3 ubiquitin ligase, degrades SMAR1 in ATC through the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway.

Conclusion

Overall, our study identified the mechanism underlying the regulation of PKM alternative splicing in ATC cells for the first time and provides evidence about the effect of RBX1 on cellular adaptation to metabolic stress.
Protocol for a systematic review of reporting standards of lower limb endovascular interventions in peripheral arterial disease
Authors: Zywicka Ewa M. , Elliott Lucy , Twine Christopher P. , Mouton Ronelle , Hinchliffe Robert J.
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Techniques and devices for the endovascular treatment of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) are continuously evolving. High-quality clinical trials limit the variation in how endovascular interventions are described, performed and reported.

The aim of this systematic review is to assess the quality of reporting standards in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of endovascular lower limb interventions against the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials for Non-Pharmacologic Treatments (CONSORT-NPT) and template for intervention description and replication (TIDieR) framework.

Methods

Randomised trials including participants with peripheral arterial disease undergoing any infra-inguinal lower limb endovascular arterial intervention, searched from Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library databases from inception to December 2021, will be included. All study data, including details of the procedure investigated, will be extracted in keeping with the CONSORT-NPT and TIDieR checklist. Descriptive statistics will be used to summarise general study details and reporting standards of the trials.

Discussion

The results will be used to inform the design of future RCTs in this area by optimising the way the interventions are described, standardised, and monitored. The systematic review will be disseminated via peer-reviewed manuscripts and presentations at relevant conferences.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42022288214
Some new refinements of the Young, Hölder, and Minkowski inequalities
Authors: Nikolova Ludmila , Persson Lars-Erik , Varošanec Sanja
Published: February 2023

We prove and discuss some new refined Hölder inequalities for any $p>1$
p
>
1
and also a reversed version for $0< p<1$
0
<
p
<
1
. The key is to use the concepts of superquadraticity, strong convexity, and to first prove the corresponding refinements of the Young and reversed Young inequalities. Refinements of the Minkowski and reversed Minkowski inequalities are also given.
Relationship between low birth weight and infant mortality: evidence from National Family Health Survey 2019-21, India
Authors: Jana Arup , Saha Unnati Rani , Reshmi R. S. , Muhammad T.
Published: February 2023

Background

Low birth weight (LBW) predisposes physical and mental growth failure and premature death among infants. Studies report that LBW predominately explains infant mortality. However, existing studies rarely demonstrate the phenomenon of both observed and unobserved factors, which may influence the likelihood of birth and mortality outcomes simultaneously. In this study, we identified the spatial clustering of the prevalence of LBW along with its determinants. Further, the relationship between of LBW and infant mortality, considering the unobserved factors, has been explored in the study.

Methods

Data for this study have been extracted from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) round 5, 2019-21. We used the directed acyclic graph model to identify the potential predictors of LBW and infant mortality. Moran’s I statistics have been used to identify the high-risk areas of LBW. We applied conditional mixed process modelling in Stata software to account for the simultaneous nature of occurrences of the outcomes. The final model has been performed after imputing the missing data of LBW.

Results

Overall, in India, 53% of the mothers reported their babies’ birth weight by seeing health card, 36% reported by recall, and about 10% of the LBW information was observed as missing. The state/union territory of Punjab and Delhi were observed to have the highest levels of LBW (about 22%) which is much higher than the national level (18%). The effect of LBW was more than four times larger compared to the effect in the analysis which does not account for the simultaneous occurrence of LBW and infant mortality (marginal effect; from 12 to 53%). Also, in a separate analysis, the imputation technique has been used to address the missing data. Covariates’ effects showed that female children, higher order births, births that occur in Muslim and non-poor families and literate mothers were negatively associated with infant mortality. However, a significant difference was observed in the impact of LBW before and after imputing the missing values.

Conclusions

The current findings showed the significant association of LBW with infant deaths, highlighting the importance of prioritising policies that help improve the birth weight of new-born children that may significantly reduce the infant mortality in India.
Rapid qualitative analysis approach to stakeholder and client interviews to inform mobile-based HIV testing in the U.S. Deep South
Authors: Pratt Madeline C. , Isehunwa Oluwaseyi O. , Bassett Ingrid V. , Kempf Mirjam-Colette , Gordon Bretia , Matthews Lynn T.
Published: February 2023

Background

The severity of the HIV epidemic in the United States’ rural South highlights geographic, socioeconomic, and racial disparities that disproportionately affect poor Black Americans. Approximately 16% of Alabamians living with HIV remain undiagnosed and just 37% of rural Alabamians have ever been tested for HIV.

Methods

We conducted in-depth interviews with 22 key stakeholders involved in HIV prevention, testing, treatment, or community health initiatives, and 10 adults living in rural communities across Alabama to explore HIV testing challenges and opportunities. We utilized a rapid qualitative analysis approach and engaged community partners for feedback and discussion. This analysis will inform the implementation of a mobile HIV testing service in rural Alabama.

Results

The following themes were identified: (1) Cultural norms, racism, poverty, and rurality impair access to healthcare. (2) Lack of sex education, low knowledge of HIV and perception of risk reinforce stigmas. (3) Messaging about “Undetectable = Untransmissible” (U = U) is not well understood in communities. (4) Community involvement may promote communication and trust between communities and testing advocates. (5) Novel testing strategies are acceptable and may diminish barriers.

Conclusions

Working with community “gatekeepers” may be a key strategy to understand and promote acceptability of interventions new to rural Alabama and ameliorate stigma within communities. The implementation of new HIV testing strategies requires building and maintaining relationships with advocates, especially faith-based leaders, who engage people across many demographics.
Regulon active landscape reveals cell development and functional state changes of human primary osteoblasts in vivo
Authors: Wang Shengran , Gong Yun , Wang Zun , Meng Xianghe , Luo Zhe , Papasian Christopher J. , Greenbaum Jonathan , Li Yisu , Liang Qilan , Chen Yiping , Li Xiaohua , Xiang Qiu , Zhang Hiuxi , Liu Ying , Cheng Liang , Hu Yihe , Tan Lijun , Shen Hui , Xiao Hongmei , Deng Hongwen
Published: February 2023

Background

While transcription factor (TF) regulation is known to play an important role in osteoblast development, differentiation, and bone metabolism, the molecular features of TFs in human osteoblasts at the single-cell resolution level have not yet been characterized. Here, we identified modules (regulons) of co-regulated genes by applying single-cell regulatory network inference and clustering to the single-cell RNA sequencing profiles of human osteoblasts. We also performed cell-specific network (CSN) analysis, reconstructed regulon activity-based osteoblast development trajectories, and validated the functions of important regulons both in vivo and in vitro.

Results

We identified four cell clusters: preosteoblast-S1, preosteoblast-S2, intermediate osteoblasts, and mature osteoblasts. CSN analysis results and regulon activity-based osteoblast development trajectories revealed cell development and functional state changes of osteoblasts. CREM and FOSL2 regulons were mainly active in preosteoblast-S1, FOXC2 regulons were mainly active in intermediate osteoblast, and RUNX2 and CREB3L1 regulons were most active in mature osteoblasts.

Conclusions

This is the first study to describe the unique features of human osteoblasts in vivo based on cellular regulon active landscapes. Functional state changes of CREM, FOSL2, FOXC2, RUNX2, and CREB3L1 regulons regarding immunity, cell proliferation, and differentiation identified the important cell stages or subtypes that may be predominantly affected by bone metabolism disorders. These findings may lead to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying bone metabolism and associated diseases.
The impact of traumatic childhood experiences on interoception: disregarding one’s own body
Authors: Schmitz Marius , Back Sarah N. , Seitz Katja I. , Harbrecht Nele K. , Streckert Lena , Schulz André , Herpertz Sabine C. , Bertsch Katja
Published: February 2023

Background

Deficient interoception, the processing and perception of internal bodily signals, has been discussed as a mechanism underlying various mental disorders. First results indicate a mediating role of interoception in the interplay of traumatic childhood experiences and adult mental disorders. Traumatic childhood experiences may hinder the adequate processing, integration, and trust in bodily signals that are important in order to understand and regulate own needs and emotions, thereby increasing the vulnerability for mental disorders. However, an overarching study investigating alterations in different interoceptive measures and trauma-related disorders as well as their mediating role between early trauma and emotion dysregulation is still missing.

Methods

One hundred thirty-six individuals with varying levels of traumatic childhood experiences who either had a current diagnosis of major depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, or somatic symptom disorder, or no mental disorder, took part in a multidimensional assessment of interoceptive processes, including interoceptive accuracy, sensibility, and awareness. Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to compare groups regarding interoceptive processes and associations with traumatic childhood experiences and emotion dysregulation were analyzed with Spearman correlations. Furthermore, mediation analyses were computed to examine and compare interoceptive processes as potential mediators between traumatic childhood experiences and emotion dysregulation.

Results

Only body dissociation, a measure for interoceptive sensibility, was significantly reduced in individuals with a current mental disorder. Body dissociation was also the only interoceptive measure significantly associated with traumatic childhood experiences and emotion dysregulation and the only significant mediator in the relationship between traumatic childhood experiences and emotion dysregulation across groups.

Conclusion

Results suggest body dissociation, but not other interoceptive measures, as an important feature linking traumatic childhood experiences to current emotion dysregulation, an important transdiagnostic feature. As body dissociation refers to a habitual non-attendance or disregard of interoceptive signals, integrative therapeutic interventions could help affected individuals to overcome difficulties in emotion perception and regulation.

Trial registration

The general study design was preregistered; see the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS-ID: DRKS00015182). This study’s analysis plan was not preregistered.
Multicollinearity applied stepwise stochastic imputation: a large dataset imputation through correlation-based regression
Authors: Leiby Benjamin D. , Ahner Darryl K.
Published: February 2023

This paper presents a stochastic imputation approach for large datasets using a correlation selection methodology when preferred commercial packages struggle to iterate due to numerical problems. A variable range-based guard rail modification is proposed that benefits the convergence rate of data elements while simultaneously providing increased confidence in the plausibility of the imputations. A large country conflict dataset motivates the search to impute missing values well over a common threshold of 20% missingness. The Multicollinearity Applied Stepwise Stochastic imputation methodology (MASS-impute) capitalizes on correlation between variables within the dataset and uses model residuals to estimate unknown values. Examination of the methodology provides insight toward choosing linear or nonlinear modeling terms. Tailorable tolerances exploit residual information to fit each data element. The methodology evaluation includes observing computation time, model fit, and the comparison of known values to replaced values created through imputation. Overall, the methodology provides useable and defendable results in imputing missing elements of a country conflict dataset.
Effect of a STEM approach on students’ cognitive structures about electrical circuits
Authors: Baptista Mónica , Martins Iva
Published: February 2023

Background

Electricity is a central concept in science curricula at all levels of education. Nevertheless, its invisible nature makes the concepts associated with it very difficult for students. Moreover, students have many alternative conceptions about concepts related to electrical circuits. This study aims to know the effect of a STEM (Science–Technology–Engineering–Mathematics) approach on students' cognitive structures about the topic of electrical circuits, as revealed through a Word Association Test (WAT). A study following a time series quasi-experimental research design was made to collect information about changes in students’ cognitive structures before and after a learning sequence about electrical circuits. A nonequivalent control group approach was used, and two matching groups of students were used: a control group (N = 317) and an experimental group (N = 321). Students were attending the 9th grade (14–15 years old). Data analysis was made by construction of frequency tables, maps of the cognitive structures, and examination of the sentences written by students.

Results

The results are indicative that, before the STEM approach, students’ conceptions regarding electrical circuits are mainly related to students’ daily experiences. However, after a STEM approach, the map of students’ cognitive structures from the experimental group is more complex. Furthermore, the quality of the response words is different for each group. In the control group, most of the associations that students made were situated at a phenomenological level. However, in the experimental group, students made many associations related to the curricular contents.

Conclusions

The STEM approach had a more noticeable effect on the development of students’ cognitive structures on the topic of electrical circuits: based on the results, it can be concluded that this approach allowed students from the experimental group to achieve the learning goals, while students from the control group still retained many ideas that do not meet learning goals. Additionally, WAT has proven to be a suitable diagnostic method, as well as an instrument that can be used to evaluate the accomplishment of students’ learning objectives.
Preparation of extracellular matrix of fish swim bladders by decellularization with supercritical carbon dioxide
Authors: Han Yuqing , Zhang Bingyan , Li Jinjin , Cen Lian , Zhao Ling , Xi Zhenhao
Published: February 2023

Fish swim bladders used to be considered as byproducts or waste in fishery; however, they are potential materials for biological medicine with abundant collagen. In this work, an efficient noncytotoxic decellularization process using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) ternary system assisted with supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) as the green extraction fluid and ethanol (ET) as the cosolvent has been developed to harvest acellular fish swim bladders (AFSBs). The experimental results show that the tissue treated by SDS assisted with scCO2 and ethanol at 37 °C and 25 MPa can be decellularized thoroughly and maintains intact fibers and uniform pore distribution, which resulting in a tensile strength of 5.61 MPa and satisfactory biocompatibility. Meanwhile, the residual SDS content in scCO2/SDS/ET ternary system is 0.0122% which is significantly lower than it in scCO2/SDS system due to the enhanced mass transfer rate of SDS in tissues by scCO2 with ethanol. The synergy between SDS and ethanol can enhance the diffusion coefficient and the solubility of SDS in scCO2, which reduced the contact time between SDS and tissues. Meaningfully, the results obtained in this work can not only provide a novel strategy to produce acellular matrix with superior properties, but also offer a further understanding of the decellularization through scCO2 extraction processing with the synergy of suitable detergent/cosolvent.

Graphical Abstract
Sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma: MRI features and their association with survival
Authors: Cheng Monica , Duzgol Cihan , Kim Tae-Hyung , Ghafoor Soleen , Becker Anton S. , Causa Andrieu Pamela I. , Gangai Natalie , Jiang Hui , Hakimi Abraham A. , Vargas Hebert A. , Woo Sungmin
Published: February 2023

Objective

To evaluate MRI features of sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and their association with survival.

Methods

This retrospective single-center study included 59 patients with sarcomatoid RCC who underwent MRI before nephrectomy during July 2003–December 2019. Three radiologists reviewed MRI findings of tumor size, non-enhancing areas, lymphadenopathy, and volume (and percentage) of T2 low signal intensity areas (T2LIA). Clinicopathological factors of age, gender, ethnicity, baseline metastatic status, pathological details (subtype and extent of sarcomatoid differentiation), treatment type, and follow-up were extracted. Survival was estimated using Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional-hazards regression model was used to identify factors associated with survival.

Results

Forty-one males and eighteen females (median age 62 years; interquartile range 51–68) were included. T2LIAs were present in 43 (72.9%) patients. At univariate analysis, clinicopathological factors associated with shorter survival were: greater tumor size (> 10 cm; HR [hazard ratio] = 2.44, 95% CI 1.15–5.21; p = 0.02), metastatic lymph nodes (present; HR = 2.10, 95% CI 1.01–4.37; p = 0.04), extent of sarcomatoid differentiation (non-focal; HR = 3.30, 95% CI 1.55–7.01; p < 0.01), subtypes other than clear cell, papillary, or chromophobe (HR = 3.25, 95% CI 1.28–8.20; p = 0.01), and metastasis at baseline (HR = 5.04, 95% CI 2.40–10.59; p < 0.01). MRI features associated with shorter survival were: lymphadenopathy (HR = 2.24, 95% CI 1.16–4.71; p = 0.01) and volume of T2LIA (> 3.2 mL, HR = 4.22, 95% CI 1.92–9.29); p < 0.01). At multivariate analysis, metastatic disease (HR = 6.89, 95% CI 2.79–16.97; p < 0.01), other subtypes (HR = 9.50, 95% CI 2.81–32.13; p < 0.01), and greater volume of T2LIA (HR = 2.51, 95% CI 1.04–6.05; p = 0.04) remained independently associated with worse survival.

Conclusion

T2LIAs were present in approximately two thirds of sarcomatoid RCCs. Volume of T2LIA along with clinicopathological factors were associated with survival.
Synoptic meteorological conditions of gamma-ray glows in winter thunderstorms
Authors: Wada Yuuki , Tsurumi Miwa , Hayashi Syugo , Michimoto Koichiro
Published: February 2023

The Gamma-ray Observation of Winter Thunderclouds collaboration has detected 70 gamma-ray glows, a high-energy phenomenon associated with thunderstorms, from October 2016 to March 2020 in Kanazawa and Komatsu, Ishikawa Prefecture, a central part of Japan facing the Sea of Japan. Based on surface and 500 hPa analyses, numerical prediction models, and surface and satellite observations, we classify their synoptic meteorological conditions into mainly three types. Most of the glow-detection cases were in west or west-southwest winds around the detection sites. Over half of the cases took place when a convex structure of surface pressure, often associated with a trough at 500 hPa, was formed along the coast of the Sea of Japan. Besides, we extract non-detection cases during winter thunderstorms in Kanazawa to compare with the glow-detection cases. While some of the non-detection cases have similar meteorological conditions as the glow-detection cases, most of the non-detection cases exhibited higher temperatures at the surface and 850 hPa, and higher − 10 $$^{\circ }$$

∘

C altitudes, which indicates that electrification occurs at higher altitudes than the glow-detection cases. Therefore, gamma rays might have been produced but were attenuated before reaching the ground and undetectable at sea level.
Development of a novel moisture-suppression bag for the preservation of hygroscopic medications
Authors: Matsuo Taisuke , Yoshida Takayuki , Ushijima Kiyotaka , Doi Takashi , Sadzuka Yasuyuki , Tomita Takashi
Published: February 2023

Background

One-dose packaging is frequently used in Japan for elderly patients who are prescribed several medications. It is useful for easy administration and the prevention of misuse or missed medications. Hygroscopic medications are not suitable for one-dose packaging because moisture absorption may alter their properties. Plastic bags with desiccating agents are sometimes used to store hygroscopic medicines in one-dose packaging. However, the relationship between the quantity of desiccating agents and their safety in the storage of hygroscopic medications is poorly understood. Furthermore, older adults might accidentally consume desiccating agents used in food preservation. In this study, we developed a bag that suppresses the moisture absorption of hygroscopic medications without the use of desiccating agents.

Methods

The bag was manufactured using polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, and aluminum film on the outside, and unified with a desiccating film on the inside.

Results

The relative humidity (RH) in the bag was maintained at approximately 30–40% when the bag was stored at 75% RH and 35 °C. The manufactured bag’s moisture suppressing effect was better than that of plastic bags with desiccating agents when the hygroscopic medications, potassium aspartate and sodium valproate tablets, were stored at 75% RH and 35 °C for 4 weeks.

Conclusions

The moisture-suppression bag effectively stored and preserved hygroscopic medications and was more effective in inhibiting moisture absorption than plastic bags with desiccating agents under high temperature and humidity conditions. The moisture-suppression bags are expected to be useful for elderly patients who are prescribed several medications in one-dose packaging.
Dedifferentiated liposarcoma primary to the chest wall with spontaneous shrinking: report of a case
Authors: Itagaki Yuki , Fukunaga Akira , Takano Hironobu , Yamamoto Kazuyuki , Nishigami Kohei , Ichimura Tatsunosuke , Manase Hiroto , Obata Masahiko , Kato Tatsuya , Hirano Satoshi
Published: February 2023

An 80-year-old man presented to our emergency department complaining of a mass on the right side of his chest and pain in the right flank of his back. A chest computed tomography (CT) scan showed a relatively heterogenous oval-shaped tumor measuring 7.5 × 6.0 cm eroded to the 8th rib, with slightly dense fluid accumulation inside and calcification of the tumor wall. A 1-month follow-up CT scan showed spontaneous shrinkage of the tumor. The tumor was completely excised from the thoracic wall and the wall was reconstructed with a polytetrafluoroethylene mesh. Pathological examination showed coagulation necrosis in the chest wall tumor, but immunohistochemical staining revealed murine double minute 2- and Cyclin-dependent kinase 4-positive cells with irregular nuclear size and bizarre morphology. Therefore, dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLPS) was the final pathological diagnosis. Remarkable infiltration of CD8+ lymphocytes into the tumor was observed, along with a 90% positive ratio for programmed cell death-ligand 1. The patient has been followed-up for 1 year without any recurrence, despite not receiving any additional treatment. Liposarcoma is one of the most common types of soft tissue sarcomas; however, spontaneous regression of primary DDLPS arising from the chest wall is extremely rare. Herein, we report a case of DDLPS primary to the chest wall with spontaneous regression, probably due to a spontaneously induced T cell response.
Design models for small run-of-river hydropower plants: a review
Authors: Tsuanyo David , Amougou Boris , Aziz Abdoul , Nka Nnomo Bernadette , Fioriti Davide , Kenfack Joseph
Published: February 2023

Hydropower plants are among the most efficient and reliable renewable energy systems in the world as far as electricity production is concerned. Run-of-river hydropower plants seem more attractive than conventional hydroelectric plants since they can be a cheaper and environmentally friendly alternative. However, their expected energy production pattern heavily depends on several construction variables that need an appropriate design using specific models. This paper analyzes several existing models used for the calculation of the diameter and thickness of a penstock, the optimal selection and implantation (admissible suction head) of a turbine, to estimate the energy produced and expected cost of small hydropower projects for grid-connected and off-grid/micro-grid applications. This review particularly brings out the specificities of each of the models to suggest the most appropriate model according to the context of study and proposes methods to use them more efficiently. This review can be used as a guide in the design and simulation of run-of-river hydropower plants, thus helping in the assessment of the economic feasibility of projects that usually requires a high level of experience and expertise.
Fok I and Bsm I gene polymorphism of vitamin D receptor and essential hypertension: a mechanistic link
Authors: Awasthi Richa , Manger Priyanka Thapa , Khare Rajesh Kumar
Published: February 2023

The vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene serves as a good candidate gene for susceptibility to essential hypertension. The gene regulates the renin angiotensin system by influencing blood pressure regulation. Around 3% of the human genome is regulated by the vitamin D endocrine system. Several studies have reported mixed results with respect to relationship of VDR gene and hypertension. Observational evidence supports the concept that vitamin D plays a role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease and arterial hypertension which is further supported by meta-analysis and case control studies reporting how VDR polymorphism leads to the onset and development of hypertension. In this review, we summarize the existing literature on the link between VDR and hypertension, including mechanistic studies, observational data, and clinical trials showing relationship of vitamin D level and hypertension with a focus on recent findings related to genetic studies that showed the relationship of VDR gene polymorphism with vitamin D level in hypertensive and normotensive groups. As a result, determining the association of VDR polymorphisms with essential hypertension is expected to aid in the risk assessment for the condition.
Challenges of CSR in Sub-Saharan Africa: clarifying the gaps between the regulations and human rights issues
Authors: Ndong Ntoutoume Achille Gildas
Published: February 2023

This paper discusses the practice of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and its challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa. The main purpose is to highlight and clarify the gaps between CSR regulations and human rights abuses caused by business organizations.

From a historical perspective, natural resources have been recognized as a common reason for pushing the CSR agenda in Sub-Saharan Africa, especially with the presence of big businesses in the outcome of globalization. However, despite a development-oriented CSR agenda and therefore on African local needs such as hospitals, housing, and roads, big businesses that have embarked on CSR activities are often involved in human rights violations. This is despite the insertion of human rights in some African state regulations, the UN Global Compact, and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights in which those businesses are signatories. This is the case in Gabon, Nigeria, and South Africa whose regulations were established by the respective states indicate business’ broader societal priorities directed towards stakeholders (local communities in particular) but in terms of corporate obligations, ‘Human Rights appear to be a blind spot in CSR’.

The reasons for that are indicated in the findings of this qualitative inquiry, which reveals deep problems of corporate governance and little understanding of corporate human rights in domestic legislation. According to international law, human rights fulfillment focuses on nation-states as sole bearers. This means other non-state actors have indirect human rights responsibilities. Therefore, the challenge remains to extend and interpret existing domestic and international frameworks to include CSR alongside traditional state obligations. This could make corporate human rights more ‘applicable’ to businesses.

Previous research by Visser and Amodu has focused on proposing models to respond to the challenges of CSR in Africa. This paper clarifies the challenges of CSR with human rights issues and suggests an extension of the current legislative framework covering CSR. The article is qualitative and has used a Desk Research study approach that includes published academic papers, government documents some secondary data such as case studies, interviews, and discussions.
Validity and reliability of the Chinese version of Threats of Artificial Intelligence Scale (TAI) in Chinese adults
Authors: Cai Jie , Xu Zixuan , Sun Xiaoning , Guo Xiaojun , Fu Xurong
Published: February 2023

With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, artificial intelligence (AI) has been widely used in fields such as medical treatment, while the threat of artificial intelligence has also received extensive attention. However, this topic has been only limitedly explored in China. To provide a measurement tool for AI threat research in China, this study aimed to examine the validity and reliability of the Threats of Artificial Intelligence Scale (TAI) in two Chinese samples of adults (N1 = 654, N2 = 1483). Results of exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) suggested that the one-factor model of TAI as the best fitting model. Furthermore, the Chinese TAI was significantly related to Positive and Negative Affect Scale and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, proving good criterion-related validity of the Chinese TAI. In sum, this study suggested the Chinese version of the TAI as a reliable and effective tool in assessing AI threat in the Chinese context. Limitations and future directions are discussed.
Epilepsy-associated open-lip schizencephaly with arachnoid cyst: a rare case report
Authors: Hapsari Patricia , Celia  , Nagpal Chand , Andre  , Ronny  , Shen Robert
Published: February 2023

Background

Schizencephaly is a rare congenital cerebral malformation characterized by clefts in the cerebral cortex. The traction effect and splitting of leptomeninges caused by schizencephaly potentially formed an arachnoid cyst.

Case presentation

We present a case of an 18-year-old male with history of several episodes of complex partial seizure over the last 2 months, with an electroencephalogram signified an epileptic form in the right temporal lobe. Brain magnetic-resonance imaging revealed an arachnoid cyst in the right temporal fossa and a grey matter-lined right temporal cleft consistent with open-lip schizencephaly. To the best of authors’ knowledge, only two previous similar cases have been reported in 1997. Our patient underwent cystoperitoneal shunt and was given double anti-epileptic agents, which successfully resolved and prevented the seizure episode during further follow-up.

Conclusion

New onset of seizure-associated schizencephaly in adult are very rare. In this case, space-occupying lesions effects from the enlarged arachnoid cysts caused seizure, which resolved after the cystoperitoneal shunt and double anti-epileptic agents.