bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of daughters in relation to their mother’s cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment in Guatemala: a descriptive study
Authors: Dau Hallie , Gottschlich Anna , Metz Lynn , Pineda Natalia , Pineda Andres , Alvarez Christian S. , Bevliacqua Kristin , Mendoza-Montano Carlos , Ogilvie Gina , Rivera-Andrade Alvaro , Gharzouzi Eduardo , Meza Rafael
Published: January 2023

PURPOSE
There is currently no information on how caregivers for women diagnosed with cervical cancer in Guatemala, particularly daughters, are affected by their supportive role. This study’s objective was to describe the support role of caregivers in the country, with a focus on daughters with a mother diagnosed with cervical cancer.
METHODS
This analysis utilizes data from a cross-sectional study which aimed to understand pathways to cervical cancer care. Women seeking cervical cancer treatment at the Instituto de Cancerologia (INCAN) in Guatemala City, Guatemala and their companions were surveyed. Descriptive statistics were calculated.
RESULTS
145 women seeking treatment and 71 companions participated in the study. Patient's daughters were most frequently reported as the person who provided the most support (51%) and as the most likely to have encouraged the patient to seek care. Furthermore, daughters were noted as the person most likely to fulfill the major household and livelihood roles of the patient while they were seeking or receiving treatment (38.0%). Most daughters reported that they were missing housework (77%), childcare (63%), and income-earning activities (60%) to attend the appointment with their mothers.
CONCLUSION
This study is the first to describe the support role of daughters of mothers receiving treatment for cervical cancer in Guatemala. The results suggests that daughters have a significant role in their mother’s cancer diagnosis and are often unable to participate in primary labor activities while providing support to the patient. This highlights an additional unexplored burden that cervical cancer has on women in Latin America.
Performance assessment of the integration of semitransparent solar cells with different geometry of greenhouses under different climate regions
Authors: Moshari Amirhosein , Aslani Alireza , Entezari Ashkan , Ghanbari Kasra
Published: January 2023

Limited resources and suitable farming lands, climate changes, and fast population growth are among the main concerns of the societies that bring security challenges to the governments. One solution to overcome these challenges is creating controlled areas for cultivation, growing plants, and farming, such as a greenhouse. greenhouses significantly improve the efficiency of land use in agriculture, both increasing the crop yield and the number of harvesting throughout the year, which has long proved their effectiveness. Although the history of greenhouses for farming is from Roman times, however, there are different barriers to their applications. Energy supply to control the cultivation conditions of the plants for greenhouses, in particular for heating and cooling for hot and cold climate areas, are an example. On the other hand, based on the global energy trend, decentralized energy production based on solar energy is highly regarded. Greenhouses also like households have significant potential to harvest solar energy but since greenhouses need sunlight to cultivate plants, reducing sunlight by using common solar panels is not a logical action. However, by implementing semitransparent solar cells in these greenhouses, the issue of reduced sunlight could be addressed and a further improvement in efficiency by mitigating energy demand in these greenhouses could be achieved. This research is to investigate the integration of the energy supply system with consumption in greenhouses. First, we assess different conventional types of greenhouses in terms of energy demand. Then, we investigate the energy demand with OPV integration for each type. Finally, the best design of the greenhouse for OPV integration is recommended. Results show that Flat-arch geometry is the best choice for dry and cold climates while Sawtooth geometry showed better improvements in tropical climates. In both temperate/mesothermal and continental/microthermal climates, A-frame geometry showed superiority in energy-saving. Simulations revealed an annual electricity generation of 6.9 MWh to 9.9 MWh for the optimum structural geometries that decrease the energy consumption of greenhouses.
An implementation of the matrix method using Chebyshev grid
Authors: Shen Shui-Fa , Qian Wei-Liang , Guo Hong , Zhang Shao-Jun , Li Jin
Published: January 2023

In this work, we explore the properties of the matrix method for black hole quasinormal modes on the nonuniform grid.In particular, the method is implemented to be adapted to the Chebyshev grid, aimed at effectively suppressing Runge's phenomenon.It is found that while such an implementation is favorable from a mathematical point of view, in practice, the increase in precision does not necessarily compensate for the penalty in computational time.On the other hand, the original matrix method, though subject to Runge's phenomenon, is shown to be reasonably robust and suffices for most applications with a moderate grid number.In terms of computational time and obtained significant figures, we carried out an analysis regarding the trade-off between the two aspects.The implications of the present study are also addressed.
COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnancy: The Impact of Multimorbidity and Smoking Status on Vaccine Hesitancy, a Cohort Study of 25,111 Women in Wales, UK
Authors: Mhereeg Mohamed , Jones Hope , Kennedy Jonathan , Seaborne Mike , Parker Michael , Kennedy Natasha , Akbari Ashley , Zuccolo Luisa , Azcoaga-Lorenzo Amaya , Davies Alisha , Nirantharakumar Krishnarajah , Brophy Sinead
Published: January 2023

Background
Multimorbidity and pregnancy are two risk factors for more severe outcomes after a SARS-CoV-2 infection, thus vaccination uptake is important for pregnant women living with multimorbidity. This study aimed to examine the impact of multimorbidity, smoking status, and demographics (age, ethnic group, area of deprivation) on vaccine hesitancy among pregnant women in Wales using electronic health records (EHR) linkage.
Methods
This cohort study utilised routinely collected, individual-level, anonymised population-scale linked data within the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage (SAIL) Databank. Pregnant women were identified from 13th April 2021 to 31st December 2021. Survival analysis was utilised to examine and compare the length of time to vaccination uptake in pregnancy by multimorbidity and smoking status, as well as depression, diabetes, asthma, and cardiovascular conditions independently. Variation in uptake by; multimorbidity, smoking status, and demographics was examined jointly and separately for the independent conditions using hazard ratios (HR) from the Cox regression model.
Results
Within the population cohort, 8,203 (32.7%) received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy, with 8,572 (34.1%) remaining unvaccinated throughout the follow-up period, and 8,336 (33.2%) receiving the vaccine postpartum. Women aged 30 years or older were more likely to have the vaccine in pregnancy. Those who had depression were slightly but significantly more likely to have the vaccine compared to those without depression (HR = 1.08, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.14, p = 0.02). Women living with multimorbidity were 1.12 times more likely to have the vaccine compared to those living without multimorbidity (HR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.19, p = 0.001). Vaccine uptakes were significantly lower among both current smokers and former smokers compared to never smokers (HR = 0.87, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.94, p < 0.001 and HR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.98, p = 0.015 respectively). Uptake was also lower among those living in the most deprived areas compared to those living in the most affluent areas (HR = 0.89, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.96, p = 0.002).
Conclusion
Younger women, living without multimorbidity, current and former smokers, and those living in the more deprived areas are less likely to have the vaccine, thus, a targeted approach to vaccinations may be required for these groups. Women living with multimorbidity are slightly but significantly less likely to be hesitant about COVID-19 vaccination when pregnant.
Long-term efficacy and stability of Miniscrew-assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion in mid to late adolescents and adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zeng Weiqian , Yan Shuyun , Yi Yating , Chen Hao , Sun Tongke , Zhang Yimeng , Zhang Jun
Published: January 2023

Background: The purpose of this study is to investigate the long-term efficacy and stability of Miniscrew-assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE), including its primary outcomes, namely the nasomaxillary complex transverse skeletal and dental expansion, and related secondary outcomes.
Methods: Electronic databases and manual literature searches, up to October 31, 2022, were performed. The eligibility criteria were the following: studies on patients with transverse maxillary deficiency treated with MARPE in adults and adolescents over 13.5 years of age.
Results: Ultimately, twelve articles were included in the analysis, one prospective and eleven retrospective observational studies. Five studies showed a moderate risk of bias, while the remaining seven studies were at a serious risk of bias. The GRADE quality of evidence was very low. MARPE is an effective treatment modality for transverse maxillary deficiency (mean success rate: 93.87%). Patients showed increased mean in the skeletal and dental transverse expansion. The basal bone composition, mean alveolar bone and mean dental expansion accounted for 50.67, 7.52, and 43.62% of the total expansion, respectively. There was a certain degree of skeletal and dental relapse over time. MARPE could also cause dental, alveolar, and periodontal side effects, and have an impact on other craniofacial bones, upper airway, and facial soft tissue.
Conclusions: MARPE is an effective treatment for transverse maxillary deficiency, with a high success rate and a certain degree of skeletal and dental relapse over time.
Impact of gas humidification and nebulizer position under invasive ventilation: preclinical comparative study of regional aerosol deposition.
Authors: MONTIGAUD Yoann , GEORGES Quentin , LECLERC Lara , CLOTAGATIDE Anthony , LOUF-DURIER Aurore , POURCHEZ Jérémie , PREVOT Nathalie , PERINEL-RAGEY Sophie
Published: January 2023

Background
Successful aerosol therapy in mechanically ventilated patients depends on multiple factors. Among these, position of nebulizer in ventilator circuit and humidification of inhaled gases can strongly influence the amount of drug deposited in airways. Indeed, the main objective was to preclinically evaluate impact of gas humidification and nebulizer position during invasive mechanical ventilation on whole lung and regional aerosol deposition and losses.
Methods
Ex vivo porcine respiratory tracts were ventilated in controlled volumetric mode. Two conditions of relative humidity and temperature of inhaled gases were investigated. For each condition, four different positions of vibrating mesh nebulizer were studied: (i) next to the ventilator, (ii) right before humidifier, (iii) 15 centimeters to the Y-piece adapter and (iv) right after the Y-piece. Aerosol size distribution were calculated using cascade impactor. Nebulized dose, lung regional deposition and losses were assessed by scintigraphy using 99mtechnetium-labeled diethylene-triamine-penta-acetic acid.
Results
Mean nebulized dose was 95% ± 6%. For dry conditions, the mean respiratory tract deposited fractions reached 18% (± 4%) next to ventilator and 53% (± 4%) for proximal position. For humidified conditions, it reached 25% (± 3%) prior humidifier, 57% (± 8%) before Y-piece and 43% (± 11%) after this latter.
Conclusions
Optimal nebulizer position is proximal before the Y-piece adapter showing a more than two-fold higher lung dose than positions next to the ventilator. Dry conditions tend to more peripheral lung deposition of aerosol. But gas humidification appears hard to interrupt efficiently and safely in clinical use. Considering the impact of optimized positioning, this study argues to maintain humidification.
Artificial intelligence to estimate the tear film breakup time and diagnose dry eye disease
Authors: Shimizu Eisuke , Ishikawa Toshiki , Tanji Makoto , Agata Naomichi , Nakayama Shintaro , Nakahara Yo , Yokoiwa Ryota , Sato Shinri , Hanyuda Akiko , Ogawa Yoko , Hirayama Masatoshi , Tsubota Kazuo , Sato Yasunori , Shimazaki Jun , Negishi Kazuno
Published: January 2023

Background: The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the diagnosis of dry eye disease (DED) remains limited due to the lack of standardized image formats and analysis models. To overcome this issue, we used the Smart Eye Camera (SEC), a video-recordable slit-lamp device, and collected videos of the anterior segment of the eye. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the AI algorithm in estimating the tear film breakup time and apply this model for the diagnosis of DED according to the Asia Dry Eye Society (ADES) DED diagnostic criteria.
Methods: Using the retrospectively corrected DED videos of 158 eyes from 79 patients, 22,172 frames were annotated by the DED specialist to label whether or not the frame had breakup. The AI algorithm was developed using the training dataset and machine learning. The DED criteria of the ADES was used to determine the diagnostic performance.
Results: The accuracy of tear film breakup time estimation was 0·789 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0·769–0·809), and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of this AI model was 0·877 (95% CI: 0·861–0·893). The sensitivity and specificity of this AI model for the diagnosis of DED was 0·778 (95% CI: 0·572–0·912) and 0·857 (95% CI: 0·564–0·866), respectively.
Conclusions: We successfully developed a novel AI-based diagnostic model for DED. Our diagnostic model has the potential to enable ophthalmology examination outside hospitals and clinics.
Status, sources and human health risk assessment of DDT pesticide residues in river sediments in a highly developed agricultural region in the upper Yangtze River in China
Authors: Zhu Yutong , Chai Yongzhen , Xu Chengbin , Guo Fei
Published: January 2023

The concentrations of DDT and its metabolites in 19 sediments samples from a highly developed agricultural region in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River were measured. Non-cancer hazard quotient for different age groups was evaluated using reference doses given by the USEPA, and the excess lifetime cancer risk due to eating fish was assessed based on the local eating habits. The results showed that this region has a high level of residual DDT (12.84 ± 8.97 ng/g), which mainly came from the historically used technical DDT in agriculture. The non-carcinogenic risk is just acceptable in the region, but 11 of the 19 sites had an unacceptable risk of carcinogenesis. Although DDT has been banned for decades, there is still notable health risks, especially for children. Special attention should be paid to human health risks in historical developed agricultural regions.
AXL up-regulates PD-L1 inducing gefitinib resistance in EGFR mutated NSCLC
Authors: Wu Mingsheng , Xiong Ran , Wang Gaoxiang , Chen Xiao , Wu Xianning , Sun Xiaohui , Xu Guangwen , Xu Meiqing , Xie Mingran
Published: January 2023

Targeted therapy for lung cancer research has advanced quickly in recent years, particularly EGFR-TKIs in the grouping of EGFR-mutant lung cancer, however clinical treatment has encountered difficulties with acquired drug resistance. Due to their great specificity, few adverse reactions, and prolonged tumor control duration, immune checkpoint inhibitors PD-1 and PD-L1 antibodies have emerged as a new therapy approach for NSCLC with the advancement of tumor biology. AXL, a gene that codes for receptor tyrosine kinases, has been linked to the growth, treatment resistance, and immunological imbalance of cancer cells. Its protein has been found to be abnormally expressed in NSCLC cancer tissues. Our study shows a positive regulatory link between AXL and PD-L1 expression, and AXL can upregulate PD-L1 to facilitate the development of acquired drug resistance in EGFR-mutant lung cancer treated with gefitinib. We offer additional understandings for AXL to overcome the gefitinib resistance mechanism in NSCLC, while also providing ideas for addressing targeted therapy resistance.
A Way Forward with Intersectionality: An Integrative Review of Women’s Experiences with Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Mackey April , Petrucka Pammla
Published: January 2023

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is uniquely posited as both a public health challenge and an affront to human rights that spares no social group. Women, as victims, constitute two thirds of all instances of IPV worldwide (United Nations, 2013), though it is likely that this number is much higher as it speaks nothing of the women who are at risk of violence due to circumstances beyond their control. Intimate partner violence is a complex, ‘wicked’ problem that requires a proactive and upstream approach to address with an intersectional and gender equity lens. Such opportunities must be innovative, universally accessible, and demonstrate awareness of the multitude of intersections experienced by women (I.e., race, education, social status). This study examines the application of intersectionality as a framework to women’s experiences of intimate partner violence.
Methods: The authors’ conducted an integrative review using the Whittemore and Knafl (2005) methodology. The search identified primary research papers from five databases, including Scopus, Soc Index, Criminal Justice Web of Science, and Public Health during March and April 2022. A total of 1686 articles were distilled into a final four articles that were that werereviewed and analysed extensively by two reviewers.
Results: The major themes that emerged from the review included: (a) intersectionality as a critical social framework can inform holistic IPV interventions across disciplines and sectors; (b) intersectionality provides a unique lens through which to address the inherent power imbalance of IPV; and (c) interventions framed within an intersectional framework can be used to promote women’s agency and reclamation of self.
Conclusions: The need for an intersectional approach to IPV is agreed upon and, given the urgency of this issue, the findings establish a way forward for intersectional research and presents connections between intersectionality and IPV. It is in these connections where interventions, policies, and programs can be developed to provide a holistic and comprehensive approach for survivors.
Measurement of work-related psychological injury with depressive symptoms
Authors: Tanaka Mari , Hirano Yoshiyuki , Takanashi Rieko , Numata Noriko , Sutoh Chihiro , Yoshikawa Tomohiro , Shimizu Eiji
Published: January 2023

Objective
This study aimed to measure the level of psychological injury caused by work-related stress as well as the severity of depression among workers.
Method
Firstly, we conducted an online survey and recruited 500 workers diagnosed with depression or adjustment disorder to investigate what type of stress they experienced within six months before onset. Secondly, we conducted another online survey and recruited 767 participants who experienced some form of work-related stress. All the participants were classified into four groups by whether or not they were diagnosed with depression and whether or not they quit their jobs due to work-related stress. We used the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) to measure psychological injury caused by work-related stressful events and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 to assess the severity of depression.
Results
In study 1, 62.4% of workers diagnosed with depression or adjustment disorder experienced work-related stress within six months before onset. In study 2, the IES-R mean scores were 40.7 (SD = 23.1) for Group A (workers with depression and quit their jobs) and 36.67 (SD = 23.4) for Group B (workers with depression but stayed at their jobs), with both exceeding the cut-off point (24/25) of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), while the mean score of Group C (workers who did not have depression but quit their jobs because of work-related stress) was 20.74 (SD = 21.2), and it was 13.89 (SD = 17.4) for Group D (workers who had work-related stress but stayed at their jobs), with both of them below the cut-off point of PTSD. The total scores of Group A and Group B were significantly higher than those of Group C and Group D(p < 0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between the scores of IES-R and PHQ-9 for all four groups (r = 0.708).
Conclusions
This study suggests that it is necessary to measure not only depressive symptoms but also the level of psychological injury resulting from stressful events in the workplace to assess workers with depression.
Relationship of stunting with water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices among children under the age of five: A cross-sectional study in southern Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Batool Munazza , Saleem Javeria , Zakar Rubeena , Butt Muhammad Salman , Iqbal Sanaullah , Haider Shahroz , Fischer Florian
Published: January 2023

Background
Undernutrition can be caused by food insufficiency, impaired child care, limited access to healthcare, and maternal lack of health literacy. Similarly, there are various environmental factors, such as drinking water quality, poor sanitation, and hygienic practices that can lead to poor nutritional status in children. The present study aimed to compare household-associated risk factors, including water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices of mothers, with children’s stunting under the age of five.
Methods
A face-to-face cross-sectional survey was conducted with mothers of children under the age of five in the Dera Ghazi Khan district in southern Punjab, Pakistan. World Health Organization criteria for stunting were used to identify the participants. A sociodemographic questionnaire was used to collect information from consented parents/guardians on children’s age, feeding, and WASH practices. Pearson’s chi-square, simple regression, and hierarchical regression models were applied for data analysis.
Results
A total of 204 mothers of children of both genders participated in this study. The children’s mean (SD) age was 15.67 (± 10.2) months, their weight was 5.44 (± 1.45) kg, their height was 67.69 (± 10.05), and their mid-upper arm circumference was 9.75 (± 1.30) cm. Children’s stunting was mild (z-score > -2) at 17.6%, moderate (z-score − 2 to -3) at 16.7%, and severe (z-score < -3) at 65.7% of participants. A simple regression model showed a strong association, r2 = 0.062, p = 0.013, with age as the most significant sociodemographic factor. The hierarchical regression model showed a combined value of r2 = 0.0128, p = 0.027, with hand pump and tank water as the significant source of drinking water that was related to stunting among children.
Conclusion
Stunting can be associated with several risk factors, including WASH parameters. This study concluded that children aged under five years are susceptible to stunting in southern Punjab, Pakistan. The contamination of hand pumps and tank water resources was found to be the major contributing factor to stunting.
Meta-Analysis Evaluating Risk of Hyperkalemia Stratified by Baseline MRA Usage in Patients with Heart Failure Receiving SGLT2 Inhibitors
Authors: Ahmed Aymen , Ahmed Warda , Arshad Muhammad Sameer , Suri Azeema , Amin Emaan , Shahid Izza , Memon Muhammad Mustafa
Published: January 2023

Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) are guideline-recommended medications for patients with heart failure (HF) that reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization, and improve survival. Evidence from recent clinical trials has indicated that the use of SGLT2is reduces the risk of HF hospitalization in HF patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The clinical benefit of these two drugs is based on highest level of clinical trial evidence. However, the risk of hyperkalemia limits the usage of MRAs (1). Considering this risk, both the current European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and American Heart Association/ American College of Cardiology (AHA/ACC) guidelines practice caution and recommend halving the dose and cessation of MRA therapy at serum potassium levels of >5.5 mmol/L and >6.0 mmol/L, respectively (2 – 4). SGLT2is exert diuretic effects and initially impair kidney function in patients. The combination of these two drugs is therefore expected to cause severe exacerbation in hyperkalemia. However, evidence from recent clinical trials has demonstrated that the use of SGLT2i may potentially reduce the rate of hyperkalemia when added to MRA therapy, and thus, can be used to optimize guideline-recommended MRA usage among patients with HF (5 – 7). Data regarding whether the concomitant use of both therapies reduces the risk of precipitating hyperkalemia among patients with HF is unclear. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of baseline MRA therapy on the incidence of hyperkalemia in patients taking SGLT2is.
Development and validation of a nomogram for predicting overall survival in patients with early-onset endometrial cancer
Authors: Zhang Meng , Li Ruiping , Zhang Jiaxi , Wang Yunyun , Wang Yunlu , Guo Yuzhen
Published: January 2023

Background
The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in the clinicopathological characteristics of younger and older endometrial cancer (EC)patients, and further assess the prognosis of early-onset EC in terms of overall survival by developing a nomogram.
Methods
Patients with EC diagnosed from surveillance, epidemiology and end results (SEER) between 2004 and 2015 were selected. Clinicopathological characteristics were compared between younger and older patients, and survival analysis was performed in both groups. Prognostic factors affecting overall survival in young EC patients were identified by Cox regression, a nomogram was created and internal validation was performed by consistency index, decision curve analysis, receiver operating characteristic curves and calibration curves. Data from 70 early-onset EC patients for external validation. Finally, Kaplan-Meier curves were plotted to compare survival outcomes across risk subgroups.
Results
A total of 5037 young patients and 60612 older patients were included in this study. Younger patients were divided into a training cohort (3526) and a validation cohort (1511) in a 7:3 ratio. Cox analysis yielded age, marital status, race, SEER stage and T stage as independent risk factors for overall survival, and a nomogram was constructed based on these factors. Internal and external validation demonstrated the good predictive power of the nomogram. In particular, the C-index for the overall survival nomogram was 0.839 [95% confidence interval (0.814–0.864)] in the training cohort and 0.826 (0.785–0.867) in the internal validation cohort. The differences in Kaplan-Meier curves between the different risk subgroups were statistically significant.
Conclusions
In this study, the nomogram predicting overall survival of early-onset endometrial cancer patients based on the SEER database was developed to help assess the prognosis of patients and guide clinical treatment.
A method to evaluate the difficulty of atlantoaxial dislocation reduction based on CT quantitative analysis
Authors: Wang Jianhua , Yang Haozhi , Zhang Shuang , Xie Ningling , Liu Guoqiang , Qiao Guoqing
Published: January 2023

Background
To evaluate the difficulty of reduction of atlantoaxial dislocation based on CT quantitative analysis, and to provide guidance for surgical decision-making.
Methods
From March 2018 to December 2019, the CT features of 88 patients with atlantoaxial dislocation were analyzed retrospectively. Quantitative scores were defined according to imaging features, including: 0 point, flat and horizontal lateral mass joints; 1 point, slightly sloped lateral mass joints; 1.5 points, more severe sloped lateral mass joints; 2 points, osteophyte in atlantoaxial joint; 3 points, ball-and-socket deformity, interlocking, callus in atlantoaxial joint, and atlanto-odontoid bony fusion or blocking. The total scores of lateral mass joints and atlanto-odontoid joints on both sides were calculated separately. Grades were as follows according to the sum of points of the atlanto-odontoid joint and lateral mass joints: Grade I, 0–1 points; Grade Ⅱ, 2–3 points; Grade Ⅲ, 4–6 points; and Grade IV, 7–9 points. After one week of bidirectional cervical traction, CT scans were peformed and atlantodens interval (ADI) and vertical distance from dens to Chamberlain line (VDDC) were measured before and after traction. The vertical reduction rate, horizontal reduction rate and overall reduction rate of atlantoaxial dislocation were calculated. The difference in reduction rate of each grade was compared and the value of CT quantitative score in judging the degree of reduction were analyzed.
Results
Of the 88 patients, the pre- and after- traction ADI values showed 15 cases of grade I ( 7.3 ± 3.4 mm vs 1.5 ± 1.5 mm, p < 0.05), 23 cases of grade II ( 8.1 ± 3.7 mm vs 2.0 ± 1.0 mm, p < 0.05), 38 cases of grade III ( 8.8 ± 4.1 mm vs 5.7 ± 1.7 mm, p < 0.05) and 12 cases of grade IV ( 8.9 ± 3.9 mm vs 6.8 ± 3.6 mm, p > 0.05). The pre-traction VDDC values were improved than that of after-traction, including grade I (11.9 ± 3.9 mm vs 0.8 ± 0.5 mm, p < 0.05), grade II (12.2 ± 3.6 mm vs 3.1 ± 1.1 mm, p < 0.05), grade III (13.6 ± 3.8 mm vs 5.9 ± 1.5 mm, p < 0.05) and grade IV (12.3 ± 3.2 mm vs 8.2 ± 2.0 mm, p < 0.05). The overall reduction rates were respectively 86.4 ± 12.0%, 67.6 ± 8.0%, 45.9 ± 9.0% and 28.4 ± 13.0% after one week of bi-directional traction of the skull, and the statistical differences between groups were significant (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
The CT quantitative scores can help judge the difficulty of atlantoaxial reduction and provide a reference for surgical decision-making. It is an effective non-invasive preoperative evaluation for the difficulty of reduction of atlantoaxial dislocation.
2S albumin from crambe (Crambe abyssinica) against Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Araujo J. S. , S Galossi F. , Carvalho L. P. , Melo E. J.T. , Machado O. L.T.
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Seed storage proteins provide a store of amino acids for use during germination and seedling growth but can also play a defensive role in their insecticidal and antimicrobial properties. We determined the potential toxic activity of a 2S albumin, isolated, from crambe seeds, on the growth of Trypanosoma cruzi,a protozoan that causes Chagas disease. Human Chagas disease is a tropical illness that affects 6-8 million people worldwide, causing approximately 8000 deaths in 2015.
Methods: Crambe seed proteins were extracted in phosphate buffer and chromatographically partitioned. The fractions were submitted to a growth-inhibition assay against T. cruzi epimastigotes and amastigotes in LLC-MK2 host cells. The cells were examined by light and transmission electron microscopy.
Results: The 2S albumin protein was not toxic to LLC-MK2 cells at 500 µg/mL but eliminated 70% of the epimastigotes after 48 h and reduced the number of amastigotes infected cells. Amastigotes are the protozoa form found in the bloodstream or within host cells. Morphological and ultrastructural analyses demonstrated the parasite's deformation and organelles, including membrane damage and fragmentation of intracellular amastigotes.
Conclusions: 2S albumin from crambe exhibits activity against both amastigote and epimastigote T. cruzi forms and may be sources of new compounds clinically active against T. cruzi.
How to quantify between-study heterogeneity in single-group evidence synthesis? - It depends!
Authors: Iaquinto Stefania , Feldmann Maria , Latal Bea , Held Ulrike
Published: January 2023

Background: Random-effects meta-analysis models account for between-study heterogeneity by estimating and incorporating the heterogeneity variance parameter tau2. Numerous estimators for tau2 have been proposed, but no widely accepted guidance exists on when to best use which meta-analysis method. Especially in the context of observational studies, systematic evaluations and comparisons of the various meta-analysis methods are lacking. Since between-study heterogeneity is of crucial importance, particularly in meta-analysis of observational studies, where control groups typically do not exist, considerable attention should be paid to its estimation. This study aims to investigate the advantages of different meta-analysis methods for typical situations through comprehensive simulations in a neutral comparison study and with an empirical application.
Methods: We compared seven methods for random-effects meta-analysis. The methods were selected with a focus on methodological diversity and availability and were evaluated both empirically and in a simulation study. We simulated typical meta-analysis scenarios for continuous and binary outcomes in a single-group meta-analysis setting.
Results: Specific study characteristics, such as the number of studies included in a meta-analysis, the amount of heterogeneity in the data and binary outcome data with rare events, strongly affected the performance of the heterogeneity variance estimator. Moreover, we discovered that most heterogeneity variance estimators produce zero heterogeneity estimates under all simulated conditions, even though heterogeneity was present. The estimated overall effect was found to be relatively robust regarding different methods in the empirical application and in our simulation study.
Conclusions: Although different meta-analysis methods produce substantially different heterogeneity variance estimates, too little attention is paid to selecting a suitable meta-analysis method in research applications. Based on our literature review, we conclude that the awareness about different heterogeneity variance estimators and their properties needs to be strengthened in practice. Our simulation study showed that all evaluated heterogeneity estimators were imprecise and often failed to estimate the true amount of heterogeneity. The estimation is particularly imprecise in situations where the meta-analysis contained few studies or when the binary outcomes included rare events. As it is rarely appropriate to rely on a single heterogeneity variance estimator, therefore we suggest careful consideration and evaluation of a wider range of plausible estimators in a sensitivity analysis before drawing a final conclusion about the meta-analysis results.
Investigating the shared genetic architecture between schizophrenia and obesity
Authors: Lu Yingli , Yu Yuefeng , Fu Yanqi , Yu Yuetian , Tang Mengjun , Sun Ying , Wang Yuying , Zhang Kun , Li Huixia , Guo Hui , Wang Bin , Wang Ningjian
Published: January 2023

Evidence for reciprocal comorbidity of schizophrenia (SCZ) and obesity (OB) has grown in recent years. However, little is known regarding the shared genetic architecture or causality underlying the phenotypic association between SCZ and OB. Leveraging summary statistics from the hitherto largest genome-wide association study (GWAS) on each trait, we investigated the genetic overlap and causal associations of SCZ with OB. Our study demonstrated a genetic correlation between SCZ and OB, and the correlation was more evident in local genomic regions. The cross-trait meta-analysis identified 27 significant SNPs shared between SCZ and OB, most of which had the same direction of influence on both diseases. Mendelian randomization analysis showed a causal association of SCZ with OB, but not vice versa. Combining the gene expression information, we found that the genetic correlation between SCZ and OB is enriched in six regions of brain, led by the brain frontal cortex, and within these regions 34 functional genes were found to have an impact on both SCZ and OB. Taken together, our comprehensive genome-wide cross-trait analysis suggests a shared genetic basis including pleiotropic loci, tissue enrichment, and shared function genes between SCZ and OB. This work provides novel insights into the intrinsic genetic overlap of SCZ and OB, and highlights new opportunities and avenues for future investigation.
Exploring the pathogenesis of diabetic encephalopathy based on the ceRNA regulatory network of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA
Authors: Fu Chuanjun , dong Shuai , Tao Jiasheng , Liu Lini , Li Xian-hui
Published: January 2023

Diabetes is a chronic systemic metabolic disease. Diabetic encephalopathy is one of many complications. Its pathogenesis is related to abnormal transcriptional regulation. Competitive endogenous RNA regulatory networks are of great significance in diabetic complications. However, comprehensive However, few studies have been reported to analyze the ceRNA network of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA on the pathogenesis of diabetic encephalopathy.Firstly, GK rats and Wistar rats were screened by behavior, electrophysiology and morphology to confirm the occurrence of diabetic encephalopathy, and then high-throughput sequencing of hippocampus was performed to construct gene expression matrix, and compared with diabetic patients and normal rats obtained from GEO database The human pancreatic islet tissue gene expression matrix was differentially analyzed to construct an interactive regulatory network. Finally, the expression of lncRNA-NONRATT007456.2, lncRNA-NONRATT020546.2, miR-5132-5p and MRC1 in the network was verified by real-time quantitative PCR. Western Blot further confirmed MRC1 protein expression.The results of novel object recognition behavioral experiments, electrophysiological experiments and Golgi staining showed that the diabetic encephalopathy model based on GK-/- diabetic rats was successful. Differential analysis of pancreatic islet tissue of people with diabetes mellitus, obtained the intersection of the two, obtained 20 mRNAs and 188 lncRNAs that were significantly differentially expressed, and constructed a regulatory network consisting of 327 nodes and 488 relational pairs, which are located in the core nodes of the regulatory network. Further analysis of one of the mannose receptor C1 (MRC1) revealed that NONRATT007456.2 and NONRATT020546.2 target the regulation of MRC1 expression by competitively binding to miR-5132-5p.lncRNA-NONRATT007456.2,lncRNA-NONRATT020546.2 can target MRC1 by competitively binding to miR-5132-5p and participate in the regulation of DE, which provides a new idea for the search for new clinical diagnosis and treatment biomarkers for DE.
Association of cutaneous melanoma with subsequent non-cutaneous malignancies - Who is at the Greatest Risk?
Authors: Zhou Qian , Meng Yu , Zeng Furong , Sun Huiyan , Deng Guangtong
Published: January 2023

Background
The risks of non-cutaneous malignancies following melanoma remain unclear. Our study aimed to investigate site-specific risks of subsequent non-cutaneous malignancies in melanoma survivors.
Methods
PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for articles reported on risks of subsequent non-cutaneous malignancies in melanoma survivors. Pooled proportions and standardized incidence ratios (SIR) were measured using both fix- and random-effects models.
Results
A total of 26 studies were eventually included. Pooled data demonstrated that Prostate cancer (21.58‰) and breast cancer (18.98‰) were the most common second non-cutaneous malignancies after a primary melanoma, followed by colorectal cancer (7.78‰), lung cancer (5.95‰) and colon cancer (5.72‰). Moreover, the pooled SIRs were 1.23 (95% CI, 1.13–1.34) for prostate cancer, 1.16 (95% CI, 1.07–1.26) for breast cancer, 1.82 (95% CI, 1.60–2.07) for thyroid gland cancer, 1.67 (95% CI, 1.28–2.18) for lymphoid leukaemia, and 0.87 (95% CI, 0.79–0.95) for lung cancer. These findings were consistent after trim-and-fill analyses and restricting analyses to studies with two months lag periods.
Conclusions
Melanoma survivors are at increased risk for prostate cancer, breast cancer, thyroid gland cancer and lymphoid leukaemia, and at decreased risk for lung cancer. Our findings will provide the reference for patients counseling, second prevention and guidelines-making.
Accuracy of quantitative analysis of eDNA in seawater: comparison of filter pore size and real-time PCR methods
Authors: Yun Kun-woo , Son Hwa-seong , Seong Min-jun , Kim Mu-chan
Published: January 2023

Background
A comparative analysis of environmental DNA (eDNA) quantification methods requires the specific detection of a single species and the eDNA yield from the filter must be high. Studies have collected eDNA using a relatively small (> 1.0 µm) filter, which compromises eDNA accuracy due to clogging of the filter in a large space, such as the ocean or water with high turbidity. Therefore, here we established an eDNA sampling method using a large-pore filter to minimize clogging.
Methods and Results
SYBR Green qPCR has been used to analyze Pseudo-nitzschia spp. However, we observed that there may be an overestimation due to a false-positive signal. Thus, a new specific TaqMan primer–probe set was developed and used in this study. The morphological detection method under conventional microscopy and the two eDNA qPCR methods (TaqMan, SYBR Green) were then compared to determine the correlation between cell abundance and Ct values. We observed that the eDNA yield was higher as the pore size increased, and the correlation between the abundance of morphologically identified Pseudo-nitzschia spp. Compared with the SYBR Green qPCR data, the TaqMan qPCR Ct values were more specifically correlated with the Pseudo-nitzschia spp. cell abundance determined by the conventional method.
Conclusion
These results suggest that treatment with large amounts of seawater using large hole filters can yield high DNA yields, and existing morphological identification and eDNA method relative comparisons have access to quantitative evaluation.
Optimized Wake-Superposition Approach for Multiturbine Wind Farms
Authors: Li Deshun , Chang Jixiang , Ma Gaosheng , Huo Chunyu , Li Rennian
Published: January 2023

Optimizing the wind farm layout requires accurately quantifying the wind-turbine wake distribution to minimize interference between wakes. Thus, the accuracy of wind turbine wake superposition models is critical. The sum of squares (SS) model is currently touted as the most accurate, but its application in engineering is hampered by its overestimation of the velocity deficit of the mixed wake. Therefore, previous work relied on approximate power calculations for performing optimization. The physical meaning of the SS model is unclear, which makes optimization difficult. In this study, a univariate linear correction idea is proposed based on the linear increase phenomenon of the SS method error. The unknown coefficients are obtained by fitting experimental data. The results demonstrate that the proposed method can accurately quantify the full-wake two-dimensional distribution of the mixed wake.
Qβ, Qc, Qi and Qs of the Gargano Promontory (Southern Italy)
Authors: Lucente Salvatore , Ninivaggi Teresa , Lorenzo Salvatore , Pezzo Edorado Del , Filippucci Marilena , Prosser Giacomo , Tallarico Andrea
Published: January 2023

We have provided the first estimate of scattering and intrinsic attenuation for the Gargano Promontory (Southern Italy) analyzing 190 local earthquakes with ML ranging from 1.0 to 2.8. To separate the intrinsic \({Q}_{i}\) and scattering \({Q}_{s}\) quality factors with the Wennerberg approach (1993), we have measured the direct S waves and coda quality factors (\({Q}_{\beta }\), \({Q}_{c}\)) in the same volume of crust. \({Q}_{\beta }\) parameter is derived with the coda normalization method (Aki, 1980) and \({Q}_{c}\) factor is derived with the coda envelope decay method (Sato, 1977). We selected the coda envelope by performing an automatic picking procedure from \({T}_{start}=1.5{T}_{S}\) up to 30 s after origin time (lapse time \({T}_{L}\)). All the obtained quality factors clearly increase with frequency. The \({Q}_{c}\) values correspond to those recently obtained for the area. The estimated \({Q}_{i}\) are comparable to the \({Q}_{c}\) at all frequencies and range between 100 and 1000. The \({Q}_{s}\) parameter shows higher values than \({Q}_{i}\), except for 8 Hz, where the two estimates are closer. This implies a predominance of intrinsic attenuation over the scattering attenuation. Furthermore, the similarity between \({Q}_{i}\) and \({Q}_{c}\) allows us to interpret the high \({Q}_{c}\) anomaly previously found in the northern Gargano Promontory up to a depth of 24 km, as a volume of crust characterized by very low seismic dumping produced by conversion of seismic energy into heat. Moreover, most of the earthquake foci fall in high \({Q}_{i}\) areas, indicating lower level of anelastic dumping and a brittle behavior of rocks.
Deep learning-aided redesign of a hydrolase for near 100% PET depolymerization under industrially relevant conditions
Authors: Wu Bian , Cui Yinglu , Chen Yanchun , Sun Jinyuan , Zhu Tong , Pang Hua , Li Chunli , Geng Wenchao
Published: January 2023

Biotechnological plastic depolymerization and recycling have emerged as suitable options for addressing the plastic-waste pollution crisis in a circular plastic economy. Enzymatic degradation of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), as the most typical representative, has evolved over the past two decades, with a major breakthrough achieved by using the LCC variant that permitted 90% conversion of PET on an industrial scale. Despite the achievements, the last 10% residual PET becomes nonbiodegradable due to physical aging, which has hampered its application in real industrial scenarios. In the present study, we addressed current challenges by employing a computational strategy that incorporates a protein language model and force-field-based algorithms to engineer a hydrolase from the bacterium HR29. The redesigned variant, TurboPETase, outperformed all the PET hydrolases reported thus far with regard to industrial application, enabling nearly 100% depolymerization of untreated PET containers, pretreated postconsumer PET bottles and their lower-grade products. The full degradation of pretreated PET at high industrially relevant scales (up to 300 g L-1) can be accomplished in as little as 10 h, with a maximum production rate of 77.3 gTPAeq L 1 h-1, demonstrating great potential for enzymatic PET recycling. Kinetic parameters derived from the inverse Michaelis‒Menten model and structural analysis suggest that the improved depolymerization performance may be attributed to a more flexible PET-binding groove that facilitates the targeting of more specific attack sites. Collectively, our results constitute a significant advance in the understanding and engineering of effective industrially applicable polyester hydrolases and provide guidance for further efforts on other mass-produced polymer types in this intriguing research field.
Experimental evaluation of flow friction resistance of CO2 foam fracturing fluid and numerical simulation of fracture extension
Authors: Wang Mingwei , Wu Wen , Chen Shuyang , Li Song , Li Tao , Ni Gensheng , Fu Yu , Zhou Wen
Published: January 2023

The main area of shale gas exploratory development is in the Sichuan basin. It requires a huge water source for shale gas hydraulic fracturing, but the well sites are mainly located in the hills, which limits the industrialization of shale gas development. The CO2 foaming fluid can meet the requirements of the fracturing fluid in fracking and relieve pressure on water resources. The friction calculation of the CO2 foaming hydro-fracturing fluid in the conduit flow is key to the reliability of the overall fracture engineering, which affects the formation stimulation effect. The friction properties of CO₂ foaming hydro-fracturing fluids were investigated by conducting flow experiments in HTHP conditions, and the influence of pressure, temperature, foam mass, and flow rate on the friction properties was obtained. Mathematical models of frictional drag coefficients have been developed to predict the frictional force of CO2 foaming gel hydro-fracturing fluids in turbulent flows, which can be useful in evaluating the rating of CO2 foaming hydro-fracturing designs at well sites.