bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An exercise and patient education intervention to reduce pain and physical limitations in individuals with developmental dysplasia of the hip: study protocol for a process evaluation integrated within a randomised controlled trial (the MovetheHip trial)
Authors: Jacobsen Julie , Evans Rhiannon , Morgan Kelly , Thorborg Kristian , Oestergaard Lisa Gregersen , Sørensen Dorthe
Published: October 2023

Background
The Movethehip trial investigates the effectiveness of an exercise and patient education intervention for adults with developmental dysplasia of the hip. The intervention involves eight tailored one-to-one sessions with trained providers who employ supportive feedback tools. This protocol reports a planned process evaluation, which aims to determine how the intervention functions by examining mechanisms of change, implementation of the intervention (process, dose and reach), its acceptability and the influence of contextual factors.
Methods
Two hundred trial participants aged 18–50 years will be recruited from a University Hospital in Denmark and randomised to the intervention or control group. Approximately ten providers will deliver the intervention. The process evaluation adopts a concurrent mixed-methods design. The mechanisms of change will be explored through semi-structured one-to-one interviews (at baseline and six-month follow-up) with 15–20 purposefully sampled participants and by measuring changes in health outcomes (self-reported pain, physical functioning and quality of life completed at baseline and at three- and six-month follow-up). The implementation will be assessed using self-report questionnaires (at baseline and six-month follow-up), training records and semi-structured focus group interviews with intervention providers (n = 10) and healthcare managers (n = 4–6). Additionally, change will be measured through an explorative examination of associations between dose and change in health outcomes, applying simple linear regression models. The acceptability of the intervention and the influence of contextual factors will be explored through one-to-one participant interviews and focus group interviews with 4–6 healthcare managers. The interviews will focus on expectations, experiences, events, personal understandings and interaction with interpersonal and organisational aspects. Interview data will be analysed using theoretical thematic analyses, and findings will be merged with quantitative data and reported jointly on a theme-by-theme basis.
Discussion
The process evaluation conducted as part of the MovetheHip trial will illuminate how the intervention works, and if the intervention is proven effective, the findings of the evaluation will contribute to pinpoint how the intervention may be optimised to facilitate future up-scaling and implementation.
Trial registration
The MovetheHip protocol was approved by the Committee on Health Research Ethics in the Central Denmark Region. ClinicalTrials, NCT04795843, 20 March 2021, https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04795843.
In vivo quantification of programmed death-ligand-1 expression heterogeneity in tumors using fluorescence lifetime imaging
Authors: Kumar Anand , Pal Rahul , Krishnamoorthy Murali , Matsui Aya , Kang Homan , Morita Satoru , Taniguchi Hajime , Kobayashi Tatsuya , Morita Atsuyo , Choi Hak Soo , Duda Dan
Published: October 2023

Cancer patient selection for immunotherapy is often based on programmed death-ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression as a biomarker. PD-L1 expression is currently quantified using immunohistochemistry, which can only provide snapshots of PD-L1 expression status in microscopic regions of ex vivo specimens. In vivo imaging using targeted agents can capture dynamic variations of PD-L1 expression in entire tumors within and across multiple subjects. Towards this goal, several PD-L1 targeted molecular imaging probes have been evaluated in murine models and humans. However, clinical translation of these probes has been limited due to a significant non-specific accumulation of the imaging probes and the inability of conventional imaging modalities to provide quantitative readouts that can be compared across multiple subjects. Here we report that in vivo time-domain (TD) fluorescence imaging can provide quantitative estimates of baseline tumor PD-L1 heterogeneity across untreated mice and variations in PD-L1 expression across mice undergoing clinically relevant anti-PD1 treatment. This approach relies on a significantly longer fluorescence lifetime (FLT) of PD-L1 specific anti-PD-L1 antibody tagged to IRDye 800CW (αPDL1-800) compared to nonspecific αPDL1-800. Leveraging this unique FLT contrast, we show that PD-L1 expression can be quantified across mice both in superficial breast tumors using planar FLT imaging, and in deep-seated liver tumors (> 5 mm depth) using the asymptotic TD algorithm for fluorescence tomography. Our results suggest that FLT contrast can accelerate the preclinical investigation and clinical translation of novel molecular imaging probes by providing robust quantitative readouts of receptor expression that can be readily compared across subjects.
Short-term temporal variability in offshore benthic biodiversity across hydrographic regions at a Sub Antarctic archipelago
Authors: Puccinelli Eleonora , Logston Renae , Russo Cristina S. , Ansorge Isabelle J. , Meden Charles E. O. von der
Published: October 2023

Community composition is one of the main factors influencing the ecological functioning of any given ecosystem, with a more diverse community providing a larger set of services. Benthic community composition can vary at spatial and temporal scales, with the dynamics of primary production and benthic food availability being key determinants of community structure of a given system. Studies have indicated shifts in benthic community composition at Sub Antarctic Islands over a period of 30 years, linked to variability in food availability driven by climate change. Here we aim to evaluate possible short-term variability in benthic community composition at the Sub Antarctic archipelago Prince Edward Islands (PEIs), sampling stations across three hydrographically dynamic regions over two consecutive years, 2016–2017. The results indicated significantly higher species richness and abundance in 2017 than in 2016, with some taxa also showing variation among regions around the PEIs. Such effects can be linked to different substratum type or hydrographic regime. This study further contributes to understanding variability and changes in benthic communities in the near future, an essential information to develop efficient management strategies for this vulnerable marine system.
Comparison of Fetomaternal Outcome in Women With Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes on Expectant Management Versus Delivery at 34 Weeks
Authors: JHA SHAILJA KUMARI , BACHANI SUMITRA , SALUJA SUMITA , CHELLANI HARISH K , BHARTI REKHA , MUKHERJEE BIJOYA , SURI JYOTSNA
Published: October 2023

Purpose
To study feto-maternal outcomes in women with preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PTPROM) on expectant management versus delivery at 34weeks of gestation and correlate period of latency and inflammatory markers with delivery outcomes. We have chosen this research topic as there is paucity of specific guidelines regarding the optimal period of gestation for delivering women with PTPROM.
Methods
Prospective observational study conducted on 262 women with PTPROM from 28–33 + 6weeks of gestation. Women were monitored till 37weeks with biweekly total leukocyte count (TLC) and weekly C reactive protein (CRP), urine routine microscopy (URM), urine culture, high vaginal culture (HVS) sensitivity and ultrasound. Women were monitored expectantly till 37 weeks however intervention was done at any time during feto-maternal compromise. Feto-maternal outcomes were documented.
Result
Amongst the study group 238 (90.8%) women were managed expectantly while 24 (9.1%) required intervention. A latency of 3-4weeks was observed in 131(50%) women. Chorioamnionitis developed in 13(4.9%) and 5.7% neonates developed sepsis however both had no correlation with the latency period. Neonates who developed sepsis (5.7%) were comparable in both the groups (p = 1.000). Early neonatal death (END) occurred in 10 (3.8%) amongst which seven died because of Low birth weight (LBW), two due to sepsis and one due to respiratory distress. LBW was significantly associated with END(p < 0.001).
Conclusion
Expectant management beyond 34 weeks with close monitoring can improve the neonatal outcomes without increasing maternal morbidity in women with PTPROM.
Induced Superconductivity in Hybrid Au/YBa2Cu3O7-x Electrodes on Vicinal Substrates
Authors: Gundareva Irina , Martinez-Castro Jose , Tautz Frank , Grützmacher Detlev , Schäpers Thomas , Lyatti Matvey
Published: October 2023

Superconducting electrodes are an integral part of hybrid Josephson junctions used in many applications including quantum technologies. We report on the fabrication and characterization of superconducting hybrid Au/YBa2Cu3O7 − x (YBCO) electrodes on vicinal substrates. In these structures, superconducting CuO2-planes face the gold film, resulting in a higher value and smaller variation of the induced energy gap compared to the conventional Au/YBCO electrodes based on films with the c-axis normal to the substrate surface. Using scanning tunneling microscopy, we observe an energy gap of about 10–17 meV at the surface of the 15- nm-thick gold layer deposited in situ atop the YBCO film. To study the origin of this gap, we fabricate nanoconstrictions from the Au/YBCO heterostructure and measure their electrical transport characteristics. The conductance of the nanoconstrictions shows a series of dips due to multiple Andreev reflections in YBCO and gold providing clear evidence of the superconducting nature of the gap in gold. We consider the Au/YBCO electrodes to be a versatile platform for hybrid Josephson devices with a high operating temperature.
Quantitative prediction of rate constants and its application to organic emitters
Authors: Kaji Hironori , Shizu Katsuyuki
Published: October 2023

Many phenomena in nature consist of multiple elementary processes. If we can predict all the rate constants of each process quantitatively, we can comprehensively predict and understand various phenomena in nature. Here, we report that it is possible to quantitatively predict all related rate constants and quantum yields without conducting experiments, using multiple-resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence (MR–TADF) as an example. MR–TADF is desirable for practical application in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) because of their narrow emission spectra, high luminescence efficiency, and chemical stability. However, MR–TADF emitters have one drawback: slow reverse intersystem crossing (RISC), leading to efficiency roll-off and reduced device lifetime. We first showed a quantum chemical calculation method for quantitatively reproducing all experimentally obtained rate constants and quantum yields for previously synthesized MR–TADF emitters. Next, this method was applied to presently unsynthesised molecules. This study reveals a strategy to improve RISC without compromising other important factors: rate constant of radiative decay, photoluminescence quantum yields, and emission linewidth. Our method is robust and can be applied in a wide range of research fields—not only for quantitative prediction of rate constants and quantum yields but also for a comprehensive understanding of the mechanism including the time evolution of excitons.
Supra-inguinal fascia iliaca compartment block versus Pericapsular nerve group block-lateral femoral cutaneous nerve block combination after hip arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tian Yuan , Yuan Yuxin , Hu Zhouting , Li Wangyu , Li Kai
Published: October 2023

Background: Total hip arthroplasty can cause moderate and severe pain that can have a profound impact during postoperative rehabilitation. Regional nerve block is recommended for anesthesia and analgesia during hip surgery. In particular, the iliac fascia space block of the inguinal ligament is a widely used technique in clinical practice that can block the femoral nerve trunk, obturator nerve trunk, and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve simultaneously. This study aimed to compare the effect of supra-inguinal fascia iliaca compartment block (S-FICB) to a combination of pericapsular nerve group block (PNGB) and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve block (LFCNB) on block range and analgesia as well as motor function of patients with total hip arthroplasty.
Methods: Sixty patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty through posterolateral approach were randomly divided into two groups with 30 patients each. After complete awakening from general anesthesia, patients received ultrasound-guided S-FICB with 40 mL 0.4% ropivacaine (group S) or 20 mL 0.4% ropivacaine PNGB combined with 3 mL 0.4% ropivacaine LFCNB (PL group). We used the Numerical Rating Scale and cumulative dosage of sufentanil to grade pain during the first 48 h. Quadriceps femoris muscle and adductor muscle strength, range of sensory block, length of stay, and complications were also recorded.
Results: No significant differences were found in analgesic indicators of both groups (P＞0.05). The Numerical Rating Scale scores of resting pain at each time point after the blockage were significantly lower than those before the blockage (P＜0.05). However, the PL group had significantly less incidence of analgesia sensation in the anterior and medial side of the thigh (P<0.05), and less incidence of quadriceps and adductor weakness (P＜0.05) at 1 h and 6 h after the blockage compared to that in group S.
Conclusions: Compared to S-FICB, the combination of PNGB and LFCNB provided equivalent analgesic effect and significantly lowered the risk of numbness and muscle weakness of the thigh. This combination can be used as a new option in multimodal analgesia after total hip arthroplasty.
Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (no. ChiCTR2200055963, date of registration: 29/01/2022)
Parental obesity, health determinants, and cardiometabolic risk according to sleep duration in schoolchildren: analysis through structural equations
Authors: Brand Caroline , Lemes Vanilson Batista , Sehn Ana Paula , Agostinis-Sobrinho Cesar , Henriquez-Maquehue Fernanda , Saldía Emilio Jofré , Ibacache-Saavedra Paulina , Farias-Valenzuela Claudio , Villa-González Emilio , Reuter Cézane Priscila
Published: October 2023

Background: the independent association between parental obesity, sleep and lifestyle habits with cardiometabolic risk factors in children and adolescents have been widely explored in the literature. Our study represents a novel approach to comprehensively investigate a complex model encompassing various aspects associated with cardiometabolic risk in youth. Thus, the aim of the present study was to verify the relationship between parental obesity and cardiometabolic risk in children and adolescents, considering the mediator role of health indicators according to sleep time.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 3,973 children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years, attending public and private schools in a city located in Southern Brazil. Sleep duration, lifestyle, physical activity, natural food consumption, and parental obesity were evaluated through self-reported questionnaires. Physical fitness was evaluated according to the protocols of Projeto Esporte Brasil. The body fat percentage was evaluated through the measures of tricipital and subscapular folds, and body mass index was calculated. The clustered metabolic risk score (cMetS) considered the summing z-scores of waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, and fasting glucose, divided by five. A structural equation model was applied for statistical analysis.
Results: The relationship between parental obesity and cardiometabolic risk was observed in children and adolescents with adequate sleep, being significant (p<0.05) mediated by physical activity, natural food, physical fitness, and lifestyle. This was also observed when parental education was included in the inadequate sleep cluster model.
Conclusion: Present findings underscore the importance of sufficient sleep duration as a critical factor in understanding the complex interplay between parental obesity and cardiometabolic risk in children and adolescents.
Novel allelic variations in Tannin1 and Tannin2 contribute to tannin absence in sorghum
Authors: Zhang Wenbin , Benke Ryan , Zhang Xiao , Zhang Huawen , Zhao Cunyuan , Zhao Yu , Xu Ying , Wang Hailian , Liu Shubing , Li Xianran , Wu Yuye
Published: October 2023

Sorghum is an important food crop commonly used for brewing, feed, and bioenergy. Certain genotypes of sorghum contain high concentration of condensed tannins in seeds, which are beneficial such as protecting grains from herbivore bird pests but also impair grain quality and digestibility. Previously, we identified Tannin1 and Tannin2, each with three recessive causal alleles, regulate tannin absence in sorghum. In this study, via characterizing 421 sorghum accessions, we further identified three novel recessive alleles from these two genes. The tan1-d allele contains a 12-bp deletion at position 659 and the tan1-eallele contains a 10-bp deletion at position 771 in Tannin1. The tan2-dallele contains a C-to-T transition, which results in a premature stop codon before the bHLH domain in Tannin2, was predominantly selected in China. We further developedKASP assays targeted these identified recessive alleles to efficiently genotype large population. These study provided new insights in sorghum domestication and convenient tool for breeding program.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation improves cognitive impairment via the regulation of SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis in rats with ischemic stroke
Authors: Li Qian , Luo Can , Deng Yuguo , Tang Xiangyu , Shao Haoyue , Saeed Azzam , Han Xiaohua , Huang Xiaolin , Guo Feng
Published: October 2023

Post-stroke cognitive impairment(PSCI) is a common functional disorder after stroke, but effective therapies are limited. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a non-invasive neuromodulatory technique, has been increasingly applied to aid recovery of cognitive function. Despite the wide application of rTMS in clinical researches, the underlying mechanisms remain largely undetermined. This study hypothesized that rTMS improves PSCI by regulating the expressions of SDF-1α/CXCR-4, which of vital significance in cerebral ischemia. An ischemic stroke rat model was established by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO). The infarct volume was assessed by T2WI. DTI was conducted to evaluate white matter damage. Behavior tests including modified neurological severity scores(mNSS) and morris water maze(MWM) were performed. Western blotting and Real-Time PCR were performed to measure the expressions of the SDF-1α/CXCR4 in the ipsilateral brain. AMD3100 was used to confirm the effects of SDF-1α/CXCR4 signalling. The results showed that 10 Hz rTMS reduced cerebral infarct volumes and attenuated white matter lesion. Besides, 10 Hz rTMS improved the neurological recovery and cognitive deficits in rats with MCAO. In addition, 10Hz rTMS augmented the expression levels of the SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis after ischemic stroke. Furthermore, rTMS-induced functional improvements were abolished by the CXCR4 inhibitor AMD3100. Our research provides further evidence that 10 Hz rTMS could relieve structural impairments in the ipsilateral brain and alleviate PSCI after ischemic stroke, which was mightly associated with activating of SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis.
Challenges to the operation of brazilian LTCIs and changes in oversight
Authors: Oliveira Letycia Parreira , Silva Henrique Salmazo
Published: October 2023

Background Despite 18 years since health surveillance regulations were promulgated in Brazil to govern Long-Term Care Institutions for the Elderly (LTCIs), many institutions fail to comply with the Differentiated Regime for Public Procurement (Resolution No. 502/2021) due to structural and operational conditions.
This study aimed to investigate Brazilian LTCI managers' understanding of challenges that significantly impact institutional operation and gather suggestions for enhancing RDC No. 502/21.
Methods A cross-sectional, exploratory, and qualitative study was conducted, involving 90 managers or technical supervisors from Brazilian LTCIs. Data were collected using a self-administered Google Forms instrument and analyzed through Thematic Analysis based on the Organizing for Quality (OQ) framework.
Results The most impactful challenges for LTCIs were healthcare, financing, human resources, relationship with oversight bodies, and family members. Proposed improvements for RDC No. 502/21 included enhanced professional training, infrastructure revision, increased financial support from the state, realistic oversight/regulations, and tailored monitoring approaches.
Conclusions LTCIs in Brazil face numerous challenges, and the suggested improvements aim to adapt regulations to institutional realities. However, considering the regulations' variability and purposes, further investigation is warranted.
RETRACTED: Role of Climate-smart Agriculture Adoption in Multidimensional Poverty Reduction among Coastal Farmers
Authors: Islam Md. Karimul , Farjana Fariha
Published: October 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Bacterial pathogens in Ixodes ricinus collected from lizards Lacerta agilis and Zootoca vivipara in urban areas of Wrocław, SW Poland – preliminary study
Authors: Dyczko Dagmara , Krysmann Alicja , Kolanek Aleksandra , Borczyk Bartosz , Kiewra Dorota
Published: October 2023

The aim of this study was to determine the level of infection of Ixodes ricinus ticks with pathogens (Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp., and Anaplasma spp.) collected from Lacerta agilis and Zootoca vivipara lizards in the urban areas of Wrocław (SW Poland). The study was carried out in July-August 2020. Lizards were caught by a noose attached to a pole or by bare hands, identified by species, and examined for the presence of ticks. Each lizard was then released at the site of capture. Ticks were removed with tweezers, identified by species using keys, and molecular tests were performed for the presence of pathogens.
From 28 lizards (17 specimens of Z. vivipara and 11 specimens of L. agilis) a total of 445 ticks, including 321 larvae and 124 nymphs, identified as I. ricinus were collected. A larger number of ticks were obtained from L. agiliscompared to Z. vivipara. Molecular tests for the presence of pathogens were performed on 445 specimens of I. ricinus. The nested PCR method for the fla gene allowed the detection of Borrelia spp. in 9.4% of ticks, and it was higher in ticks from L. agilis (12.0%) than from Z. vivipara (1.0%). The RFLP method showed the presence of three species, including two belonging to the B. burgdorferi s.l. complex (B. lusitaniae and B. afzelii), and B. miyamotoi. The overall level of infection of Rickettsia spp. was 19.3%, including 27.2% in ticks collected from Z. vivipara and 17.0% from L. agilis. Sequencing of randomly selected samples confirmed the presence of R. helvetica. DNA of Anaplasma spp. was detected only in one pool of larvae collected from L. agilis, and sample sequencing confirmed the presence of A. phagocytophilum.
The research results indicate the important role of lizards as hosts of ticks and their role in maintaining pathogens in the environment including urban aglomeration as evidenced by the first recorded presence of B. miyamotoi and A. phagocytophilum in I. ricinus ticks collected from L. agilis. However, confirmation of the role of sand lizards in maintaining B. miyamotoi and A. phagocytophilum requires more studies and sampling of lizard tissue.
Feasibility Assessment of Polyvinyl Alcohol-Based Bioresorbable Cardiovascular Stents Manufactured via Solvent-Cast Direct Writing Extrusion
Authors: Casanova-Batlle Enric , Montero-Coedo Samuel , Bosch Aniol , Guerra Antonio , Ciurana Joaquim
Published: October 2023

Background: Bioresorbable stents have emerged as promising alternatives to drug-eluting stents in the field of cardiovascular interventions. In addition, additive manufacturing technologies have been explored for the fabrication of cardiovascular stents, thus offering features such as customization and versatility. One of the techniques used for the manufacture of the stents has been the deposition of inks, since it allows a wide range of biocompatible materials. This study explores the potential of solvent-cast direct writing 3D printing to fabricate cardiovascular stents using user and environmentally friendly solvents.
Methodology: Polyvinyl alcohol, a biocompatible synthetic polymer that dissolves in water, was investigated as a suitable material for stent fabrication. The polymer was deposited on a rotating mandrel and subsequently crosslinked to establish a pseudostable state. Test specimens and stents were fabricated for characterization of both the material and stent dynamics.
Results:This outcome is potentially suitable for deployment in the human body environment and adaptable to various biomedical applications, such as drug delivery patches or implants. The research optimized the fabrication of various stent geometries using polyvinyl alcohol and evaluated the kinetics of the working environment of these stents. Specifically, the 8-cell diamond stent showed remarkable characteristics, such as a high overexpansion of more than 0.5 mm, a compression force of 0.02 N and an elastic recovery of 88.85%, with a strut thickness of 50.25 microns. Additionally, the study discusses the possibility of sterilizing polyvinyl alcohol with different methods, ethanol and autoclave were selected.
Conclusions: The results indicate that autoclaving leads to an increase in crystallinity. This yields a decrease in water absorption and an increase in mechanical properties. These results suggest that polyvinyl alcohol-based stents fabricated by solvent-cast direct writing are potential candidates for bioresorbable stent design.
Response of the rhizosphere soil fungal community to root rot infection of Plukenetia volubilis L
Authors: Uwaremwe Constantine , Wenjie Bao , Daoura Bachir Goudia , Mishra Sandhya , Xianxian Zhang , Lingjie Shen , Shangwen Xia , Yang Xiaodong
Published: October 2023

Background
Root rot disease caused by soilborne pathogens is a threat to agriculture, affecting plant survival and leading to yield losses. The soil in which plants grow is inhabited by beneficial microbiome playing essential roles in various aspects of host functionality and fitness. However, this microbiome composition may change based on plant health status.
Methods
In the current study, we tested the pathogenicity of pathogenic fungi isolated from root rot infected P. volubilis plant tissues by inoculating them into healthy P. volubilis seedlings. Metagenomic sequencing was used to assess fungal community shifts in the rhizosphere of P. volubilis after root rot infection.
Results
Four Fusarium isolates and two Rhizopus isolates were found to be root rot causative agents in P. volubilis as they induced typical root rot symptoms in healthy seedlings. The metagenomic sequencing data showed that root rot infection altered the rhizosphere fungal community. In root rot infected soil, the richness and diversity indices increased or decreased depending on pathogens. The four most abundant phyla across all samples were Ascomycota, Glomeromycota, Basidiomycota, and Mortierellomycota. In infected soil, the relative abundance of each phylum increased or decreased depending on pathogen and functional taxonomic classification.
Conclusions
Based on our results, we concluded that Fusarium spp. and Rhizopus spp. cause root rot infection of P. volubilis. In root rot infected P. volubilis, the response of the rhizosphere fungal community was pathogen dependent. These findings may serve as a key point for a future study on biocontrol of root rot in P. volubilis.
Relationship Between Initial Volumetric 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT Parameters, and Clinical and Histopathological Data in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Prostate Cancer
Authors: MÜTEVELİZADE GÖZDE , Arıkbası Ceren Sezgin , Parlak Yasemin , Gumuser Gul , Sayit Elvan
Published: October 2023

Purpose: To evaluate the relationships between volumetric 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT parameters, Gleason Score (GS), Gleason Grade (GG), PSA levels, histopathological data, and metastatic status in newly diagnosed prostate cancer (PCa) patients.
Methods: A total of 78 newly diagnosed PCa patients who had 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT scan were included in this study. Clinical parameters, histopathological data, and metastatic status were documented, volumetric parameters were measured. All obtained data were compared statistically.
Results: Gleason Score, GG, and SUVmax had a significant relationship with serum PSA levels (p<0.05). PSA levels and SUVmax values ​​of patients with lymph node metastases were found to be significantly higher than those without. GG and the sum of GS were found to be statistically significantly increased in metastatic patients. PSMA-TV and TL-PSMA of the primary lesion, have a significant relationship with PSA value, GS, and regional lymph node metastases. When the relationships between histopathological data with PSA level, GG, SUVmax, PSMA-TV, and TL-PSMA were compared; A significant correlation was observed between all except PNI and TL-PSMA. ROC analysis was performed in patients with metastatic and localized disease, and the cutoff value for SUVmax was found to be 10.85.
Conclusion: Correlations between PSA values ​​and GG, lymph node metastasis, SUVmax, and histopathological data support the crucial role of 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT in the initial evaluation of PCa patients. In our study, we concluded that 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT is an effective tool and the effects of clinical, histopathological, and imaging-based parameters in prostate cancer patients should be well known.
Janus icosahedral particles: amorphization driven by three-dimensional atomic misfit and edge dislocation compensation
Authors: Zhou Jihan , Sun Zhen , Zhang Yao , Li Zezhou , Du Xuanxuan , Xie Zhiheng , Dai Yiheng , Ophus Colin
Published: October 2023

Icosahedral nanoparticles composed of fivefold twinned tetrahedra have broad applications. The strain relief mechanism and angular deficiency in icosahedral multiply twinned particlesare poorly understood in three dimensions. Here, we resolved the three-dimensional atomic structures of Janus icosahedral nanoparticles using atomic resolution electron tomography. A geometrically fivefold face consistently corresponds to a less ordered face like two hemispheres. We quantify rich structural variety of icosahedra including bond orientation order, bond length, strain tensor; and packing efficiency, atom number, solid angle of each tetrahedron. These structural characteristics exhibit two-sided distribution. Edge dislocations near the axial atoms and small disordered domains fill the angular deficiency. Our findings provide new insights how the fivefold symmetry can be compensated and the geometrically-necessary internal strains relived in multiply twinned particles.
Unveiling the Effect of Composition on Nuclear Waste Immobilization Glasses’ Durability by Non-Parametric Machine Learning
Authors: Bauchy Mathieu , Song Yu , Lu Xiaonan , Wang Kaixin , Ryan Joseph , Smedskjaer Morten , Vienna John
Published: October 2023

Ensuring the long-term chemical durability of glasses is critical for nuclear waste immobilization operations. Durable glasses usually undergo qualification for disposal based on their response to standardized tests such as the product consistency test or the vapor hydration test (VHT). The VHT uses elevated temperature and water vapor to accelerate glass alteration and the formation of secondary phases. Understanding the relationship between glass composition and VHT response is of fundamental and practical interest. However, this relationship is complex, non-linear, and sometimes fairly variable, posing challenges in identifying the distinct effect of individual oxides on VHT response. Here, we leverage a dataset comprising 654 Hanford low-activity waste (LAW) glasses across a wide compositional envelope and employ various machine learning techniques to explore this relationship. We find that Gaussian process regression (GPR), a non-parametric regression method, yields the highest predictive accuracy. By utilizing the trained model, we discern the influence of each oxide on the glasses' VHT response. Moreover, we discuss the trade-off between underfitting and overfitting for extrapolating the material performance in the context of sparse and heterogeneous datasets.
Rapid visual detection of Spiroplasma eriocheiris by loop-mediated isothermal amplification with hydroxynaphthol blue dye
Authors: Zhou Shun , Yang Zongrui , Guo Baoshan , Yi Jingyuan , Pang Yunfei , Feng Ruixin , Song Jiaxue , Xiu Yunji
Published: October 2023

In recent years, a new type of Spiroplasma has been found, which can cause “tremor disease” of Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis. The outbreak of epidemic “tremor disease” has caused a serious setback in the Chinese mitten crab farming industry, with an incidence rate of more than 30% and a mortality rate of 80% − 100%. Therefore, finding a sensitive method to detect tremor disease of E. sinensis has become the current research focus. In this research, a loop-mediated isothermal amplification detection method coupled with hydroxynaphthol blue dye (LAMP-HNB) was developed and used to rapidly detect Spiroplasma eriocheiris. Firstly, we designed and synthesized the specific outer primers, inner primers and loop primers based on the 16S ribosomal RNA gene of S. eriocheiris. Secondly, LAMP-HNB detection method of S. eriocheiris was successfully established by screening primers, adjusting the temperature and time of the reaction, and optimizing the concentration of Mg2+ and dNTP. In the specific tests, only samples infected with S. eriocheiris showed a positive result, and other infections caused by bacteria and parasites were tested negative, thus proving that the test has high specificity. The detection limit is 2.5 × 10− 6 ng/µL, indicating high sensitivity. The method for detecting S. eriocheiris is a high-speed visual inspection method based on LAMP-HNB detection. It is a simple, fast, sensitive, and inexpensive method that can be applied to a wide range of field investigations.
An inclusive multivariate approach to neural localization of language components
Authors: Graves William W. , Levinson Hillary J. , Staples Ryan , Boukrina Olga , Rothlein David , Purcell Jeremy
Published: October 2023

When attempting to determine how language is implemented in the brain, it is important to know what brain areas are and are not primarily responding to language. Existing protocols for localizing language are typically univariate, treating each small unit of brain volume as independent. One prominent example that focuses on the overall language network in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) uses a contrast between neural responses to sentences and sets of pseudowords (pronounceable nonwords). This approach reliably activates peri-sylvian language areas, but is less sensitive to extra-sylvian areas that are also known to support aspects of language such as word meanings (semantics). Here we test for areas where a multivariate, pattern-based approach shows high reproducibility across multiple measurements within participants, defining such areas as multivariate regions of interest (mROI). We then perform a representational similarity analysis (RSA) of an fMRI dataset where participants make familiarity judgments on written words. We also compare those results to univariate regions of interest (uROI) taken from previous sentences > pseudowords contrasts. RSA with word stimuli defined in terms of their semantic distance showed greater correspondence with neural patterns in mROI than uROI. This was confirmed in two independent datasets, one involving single-word recognition, and the other focused on the meaning of noun-noun phrases by contrasting meaningful phrases > pseudowords. In all cases, areas of spatial overlap between mROI and uROI showed the greatest neural association. This suggests that ROIs defined in terms of multivariate reproducibility can be used to localize components of language such as semantics. The multivariate approach can also be extended to focus on other aspects of language such as phonology, and can be used along with the univariate approach for inclusively mapping language cortex.
Immobilization of Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase in a novel polysaccharide-based hydrogel by a two-step crosslinking method and its use in the lauroylation of α-arbutin
Authors: Chen Ming , She Wei na , Zhao Xin , Chen Cheng , Zhu Ben wei , Sun Yun , Yao Zhong
Published: October 2023

The Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase (TLLs) was successfully immobilized within a novel hydrogel matrix through a two-step crosslinking method. TLLs was initially crosslinked through the Schiff-base reaction by oxidized carboxymethyl cellulose (OCMC). The water-soluble OCMC@TLLs complex was subsequently crosslinked by carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCSH) in a microfluidic apparatus to form the CMCHS/OCMC@TLLs microspheres. The CD (Circular Dichroism, CD) and FTIR (Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy, FTIR) spectra demonstrated that the crosslinking of TLLs with OCMC resulted in a less significant impact on their structure compared to that with glutaraldehyde. CMCHS/OCMC@TLLs showed decreased catalytic performance due to the mass transfer resistance, while its thermal stability was greatly improved. The CMCHS/OCMC@TLLs were used to catalyze the lauroylation of arbutinin tetrahydrofuran. After 12 h of reaction under optimal conditions, the yield of 6′-O-laurylarbutin reached an impressive 92.12%. The prepared 6′-O-laurylarbutin has high lipophilicity and exhibits similar tyrosinase inhibitory activity and higher antioxidant activity compared to its parent compound.
DNA methylation profiles of ovarian cysts resemble ovarian tissues, but not endometrial tissues
Authors: Zhang Xiaohui , Zhao Xiaojing , Wang Jiapo , Yifang Zhang , Chen Jinhong , Chen Jinzhong
Published: October 2023

Despite the high prevalence of ovarian cyst, its origin is still under debate. Prevailing retrograde menstruation model predicts that ectopic endometrial cells migrate and develop into ovarian cysts. However, other models were also proposed. Because DNA methylation states exhibit a tissue specific pattern, we profiled the DNA methylation for ovarian cysts and paired eutopic endometrial and ovarian tissues from four patients. Surprisingly, DNA methylation profiles showed the ovarian cysts were closely grouped with normal ovarian but not endometrial tissues. These results suggested alterative origin of ovarian cysts or strong epigenetic reprogramming of infiltrating endometrial cells after seeding the ovarian tissue.
Integrated multi-omics approach to reveal the molecular networks underlying the seed germination of Polygonatum cyrtonema
Authors: Xu Huilong , Wang Yongsheng , Chen Zhiming , Huang Rongyu , Yang Nan , Pan Mengting , Fan Shiming , Chen Lianghua , Hong Yuyan , Xu Wei , Chen Fangyu
Published: October 2023

Background
Polygonatum cyrtonema (P. cyrtonema), a famous traditional medicinal resource for over two thousand years in China, is in high demand with the vigorous development of the health industry. The rhizome propagation could easily lead to germplasm degradation, severe pests, diseases, etc., and thus, the seed propagation method is a superior alternative to artificially cultivating seedlings on a large scale. However, the seeds of P. cyrtonema need at least two years dormancy period under natural circumstances to undergo morphological and physiological maturation, and germination of seeds has not been fully understood. To reveal the mechanisms of hormone crosstalk and metabolic process regulating germination, transcriptomic, proteomic and plant hormonomics analyses of P. cyrtonema seeds in three different germinating stages (the fresh mature seed, named S1, the emergence of radicle, named S2 and the phase between primary rhizome and cotyledon emergence, named S3) were performed.
Results
Transcriptome analysis revealed that 11,565 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between S1 and S2, 10,196 between S1 and S3, 7,696 between S2 and S3. Proteome analysis revealed 647 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between S1 and S2, 1720 between S1 and S3, and 1475 between S1 and S3. Comprehensive transcriptomic and proteomic analysis indicated that metabolism and plant hormone signal transduction might be the main pathways involved in seed germination of P. cyrtonema. In addition, several proteins, including abscisic acid receptor PYL4 (PYL4) and protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C) bind ABA to form PYL-ABA-PP2C complex, associated with ABA signaling, were down-regulated between S1 and S3. And the sucrose synthase (SUS), involving in the antagonism between ABA and GA, decreased between S1 and S3. While, these proteins such as beta-fructofuranosidase (INV), alpha-xylosidase (α-Xyl), beta-D-xylosidase (β-D-Xyl) and beta-glucosidase (bglX), related to starch and sucrose metabolism, were up-regulated between S1 and S3. Hormone content detection showed that ABA, GAs, IAA, JA and SA decreased significantly, while, the ratio of GAs/ABA increased distinctly from S1 to S3, suggesting that transduction in plant hormones, especially ABA-GA antagonism might regulate seed germination.
Conclusion
The current study showed a possible schematic and a novel insight to explain the dynamic seed germination mechanism of P. cyrtonema, and emphasized that phytohormone cross-talk, ABA signaling and shydrolysis of starch to glucose might play an important role in regulating seed germination.
Enhancing English Comprehension: A UbD Mind Walker Intervention for Remote Upper-Grade Elementary Students
Authors: Yen Ai Chun
Published: October 2023

This preliminary study examines the efficacy of the Mind Walker Reading Programme in improving word knowledge and reading comprehension skills in three upper-grade elementary students situated in a remote environment. The programme is based on the Understanding by Design (UbD) Model developed by Wiggins and McTighe (2011 & 2012). The research entails defining desired reading comprehension outcomes and establishing appropriate indicators for assessing reading comprehension abilities. To assess the program's impact and the retention of acquired skills, pre- and post-tests were administered, with a delayed post-test conducted over an 11-week period. Analysis of the test results, collected from the city government's test pool, reveals a significant enhancement in reading comprehension accuracy among participants who utilized the UbD Mind Walker reading tool. This study underscores the effectiveness of the UbD Mind Walker programme in improving English language proficiency and supporting sustainable learning for elementary school students, particularly in remote areas with limited educational resources.
Landscape analysis of available European data sources amenable for machine learning and recommendations on usability for rare diseases screening
Authors: Raycheva Ralitsa , Kostadinov Kostadin , Mitova Elena , Iskrov Georgi , Stefanov Georgi , Vakevainen Merja , Elomaa Kaisa , Man Yuen-Sum , Gross Edith , Zschüntzsch Jana , Röttger Richard , Stefanov Rumen
Published: October 2023

Background
Patient registries and databases are essential tools for advancing clinical research in the area of rare diseases, as well as for enhancing patient care and healthcare planning. They are the only means of data pooling that can result in an adequate sample size for epidemiological and/or clinical research. They are crucial to determine the feasibility of clinical trials, and to promote the enrollment of patients. The primary aim of this study is a landscape analysis of available European data sources amenable to ML and their usability for Rare Diseases screening, in terms of FAIR, legal, and business considerations. Second, recommendations will be proposed to provide a better understanding of the health data ecosystem.
Results
In total, 330 unique replies were processed and analyzed, reflecting the same number of distinct databases (no duplicates included). In terms of geographical scope, we observed 24.2% (n = 80) national, 10.0% (n = 33) regional, 8.8% (n = 29) European, and 5.5% (n = 18) international registries coordinated in Europe. Over 80.0% (n = 269) of the databases were still active, with approximately 60.0% (n = 191) established after the year 2000 and 71.0% last collected new data in 2022. Regarding their geographical scope, European registries were associated with the highest overall FAIR adherence, while registries with regional and “other” geographical scope were ranked at the bottom of the list with the lowest proportion. Responders’ willingness to share data as a contribution to the goals of the Screen4Care project was evaluated at the end of the survey. This question was completed by 108 respondents; however, only 18 of them (16.7%) expressed a direct willingness to contribute to the project by sharing their databases. Among them, an equal split between pro-bono and paid services was observed.
Conclusions
The most important results of our study demonstrate not enough sufficient FAIR principles adherence and low willingness of the EU health databases to share patient information, combined with some legislation incapacities, resulting in barriers to the secondary use of data. The new EU governing structures, some already in action, are expecting to build trust in data providers and stimulate data sharing to promote accessibility and support ethical and sustainable innovation in healthcare.
A plethora of laboratory protocols for vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene variants detection: a systematic review of associations with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
Authors: Ibrahim Yakubu , Basri Nurul Iftida , Jamil Amilia Afzan Mohd , Nordin Norshariza
Published: October 2023

Introduction:
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy constitute the major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Genetic variation involving VDR gene variants was thought to play a significant role in aetiopathogenesis of HDP. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms are thought to be implicated in the development of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). However, the association of the variants with HDP is inconsistently reported. The study aims to review the laboratory protocols of VDR variant detection and association with HDP.
Methods
This study involved one or more of the major VDR gene variants (FokI, BsmI, ApaI, and TaqI) in HDP. The Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE and CINAHL databases were searched for articles. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) was used. The study was registered in the PROSPERO database (registration number CRD42022362561).
Results
Our analysis of VDR variant detection protocols revealed that approximately 6 (67%) studies used polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), of which 3 (33%) reported a significant association with the FokI variant. Two (22%) of the studies used TaqMan PCR and found an association with the FokI variant. Only 1 (11%) study utilized allele-specific PCR (AS-PCR) to genotype the ApaI variant. Based on the analysis of the variants with populations, 4 studies (44%) reported an association with the FokI variant in Asians. Two studies (22%) reported that the BsmI variant is common among Caucasians.
Conclusions
The detection protocols evaluated were found to be sensitive in detecting some variants in certain populations but not in others, however, the variants were found to be population-specific. Our findings could potentially be useful in stimulating the discovery of distinct biomarkers specific to various populations and could as well prompt the personalised management of hypertension in pregnancy.