bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining young people’s views and understanding of traffic light and physical activity calorie equivalent (PACE) food labels
Authors: Iris Natalia , Munir Fehmidah , Daley Amanda J.
Published: June 2023

Background

Childhood obesity is a public health challenge in many countries. Food labelling may help children make healthier food choices. Food is typically labelled using the traffic light label system but this is complex to understand. Physical activity calorie equivalent (PACE) labelling may be easier for children to understand and more appealing because it contextualises the energy content of food/drinks.

Methods

A cross-sectional online questionnaire was completed by 808 adolescents aged 12–18 years in England. The questionnaire investigated participants’ views and understanding of traffic light and PACE labels. Participants were also asked about their understanding of the meaning of calories. The questionnaire explored participants’ views about the potential frequency of use of PACE labels and their perceived usefulness in influencing purchasing and consumption decisions. Questions that explored participants’ views about the possible implementation of PACE labelling, preferences for food settings and types of food/drinks they may like such labelling implemented, and whether PACE labels would encourage physical activity were included. Descriptive statistics were explored. Analyses assessed associations between variables and tested differences in the proportions of views about the labels.

Results

More participants reported PACE labels as easier to understand than traffic light labels (69% vs 31%). Of participants who had seen traffic light labels, 19% looked at them often/always. Forty-two percent of participants would look at PACE labels often/always. The most common reason why participants never/would never look at food labels is because they are not interested in making healthy choices. Fifty-two percent of participants said PACE labels would make it easier for them to choose healthy food and drinks. Fifty percent of participants reported PACE labels would encourage them to be physically active. It was perceived that PACE labels could be useful in a range of food settings and on a range of food/drinks.

Conclusions

PACE labelling may be easier for young people to understand and more appealing/useful to them than traffic light labelling. PACE labelling may help young people choose healthier food/drinks and reduce excess energy consumption. Research is now needed to understand the impact of PACE labelling on food choice among adolescents in real eating settings.
Safety and utility of Endoscopic Ultrasound with Bronchoscope-guided Fine Needle Aspiration (EUS-B-FNA) in suspected lung cancer patients with poor respiratory or general conditions: a prospective three-center observational study
Authors: Nakashima Koki , Umeda Yukihiro , Demura Yoshiki , Takeda Toshihiro , Tada Toshihiko , Sato Masayuki , Jikuya Norihiro , Kurokawa Kosuke , Sonoda Tomoaki , Yamaguchi Makiko , Mitsui Miho , Oi Masahiro , Chikazawa Ryo , Waseda Yuko , Anzai Masaki , Akai Masaya , Ishizuka Tamotsu
Published: June 2023

Background

Although transbronchial diagnostic procedures are sometimes difficult to perform because of the patient’s respiratory or general conditions, endoscopic ultrasound with bronchoscope-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-B-FNA), a known transesophageal diagnostic procedure, might be useful for such cases. We conducted this prospective three-center observational study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of EUS-B-FNA in suspected lung cancer patients with poor respiratory or general conditions.

Methods

Patients with suspected lung cancer with respiratory failure, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 2 or higher, or severe respiratory symptoms, were enrolled. The primary endpoints were the diagnostic yield of lung cancer and its safety, and the secondary endpoints were the success rate of molecular and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) analyses, and the 6-month survival rate in patients with lung cancer.

Results

We enrolled 30 patients, of which 29 were included in the analysis. Among them, 26 were eventually diagnosed with lung cancer. The diagnostic yield for lung cancer was 100% (26/26). There were no adverse events associated with EUS-B-FNA requiring procedure discontinuation. The success rates of molecular analysis for EGFR, ALK, ROS-1, and BRAF were 100% (14/14), 100% (11/11), 100% (9/9), and 75% (6/8), respectively. The success rate of the PD-L1 analysis was 100% (15/15). The 6-month survival rate in patients with lung cancer was 53.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 33.4–76.4), and the median overall survival (OS) was 196 days (95% CI: 142–446).

Conclusions

EUS-B-FNA is a safe and effective diagnostic method, even in patients with suspected lung cancer with poor respiratory or general conditions.

Trial registration

This clinical trial was registered at https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm (UMIN000041235, approved on 28/07/2020).
Implementing a cirrhosis order set in a tertiary healthcare system: a theory-informed formative evaluation
Authors: Hyde A. M. , Johnson E. , Luig T. , Schroeder D. , Carbonneau M. , Campbell-Scherer D. , Tandon P.
Published: June 2023

Background

Standardized order sets are a means of increasing adherence to clinical practice guidelines and improving the quality of patient care. Implementation of novel quality improvement initiatives like order sets can be challenging. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, we conducted a formative evaluation to understand healthcare providers’ perspectives on implementing clinical changes and the individual, collective and organizational contextual factors that might impact implementation at eight hospital sites in Alberta, Canada.

Methods

We utilized concepts from the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and Normalisation Process Theory (NPT) to understand the context, past implementation experiences, and perceptions of the cirrhosis order set. Eight focus groups were held with healthcare professionals caring for patients with cirrhosis. Data were coded deductively using relevant constructs of NPT and CFIR. A total of 54 healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, social workers and pharmacists and a physiotherapist, participated in the focus groups.

Results

Key findings revealed that participants recognized the value of the cirrhosis order set and its potential to improve the quality of care. Participants highlighted potential implementation challenges, including multiple competing quality improvement initiatives, feelings of burnout, lack of communication between healthcare provider groups, and a lack of dedicated resources to support implementation.

Conclusions

Implementing a complex improvement initiative across clinician groups and acute care sites presents challenges. This work yielded insights into the significant influence of past implementation of similar interventions and highlighted the importance of communication between clinician groups and resources to support implementation. However, by using multiple theoretical lenses to illuminate what and how contextual and social processes will influence uptake, we can better anticipate challenges during the implementation process.
Signature construction and molecular subtype identification based on immune-related genes for better prediction of prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Sun Liang , Wu Zhengyi , Dong Cairong , Yu Shian , Huang He , Chen Zhendong , Wu Zhipeng , Yin Xiangbao
Published: June 2023

Objective

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) immunotherapy is a focus of current research. We established a model that can effectively predict the prognosis and efficacy of HCC immunotherapy by analyzing the immune genes of HCC.

Methods

Through the data mining of hepatocellular carcinoma in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), the immune genes with differences in tumor and normal tissues are screened, and then the univariate regression analysis is carried out to screen the immune genes with differences related to prognosis. The prognosis model of immune related genes is constructed by using the minimum absolute contraction and selection operator (lasso) Cox regression model in the TCGA training set data, The risk score of each sample was calculated, and the survival was compared with the Kaplan Meier curve and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to evaluate the predictive ability. Data sets from ICGC and TCGA were used to verify the reliability of signatures. The correlation between clinicopathological features, immune infiltration, immune escape and risk score was analyzed.

Results

Seven immune genes were finally determined as the prognostic model of liver cancer. According to these 7 genes, the samples were divided into the high and low risk groups, and the results suggested that the high-risk group had a poorer prognosis, lower risk of immune escape, and better immunotherapy effect. In addition, the expression of TP53 and MSI was positively correlated in the high-risk group. Consensus clustering was performed to identify two main molecular subtypes (named clusters 1 and 2) based on the signature. It was found that compared with cluster 1, better survival outcome was observed in cluster 2.

Conclusion

Signature construction and molecular subtype identification of immune-related genes could be used to predict the prognosis of HCC, which may provide a specific reference for the development of novel biomarkers for HCC immunotherapy.
Neutralizing antibodies targeting a novel epitope on envelope protein exhibited broad protection against flavivirus without risk of disease enhancement
Authors: Yen Li-Chen , Chen Hsin-Wei , Ho Chia-Lo , Lin Chang-Chi , Lin Yi-Ling , Yang Qiao-Wen , Chiu Kuo-Chou , Lien Shu-Pei , Lin Ren-Jye , Liao Ching-Len
Published: June 2023

Background

Flavivirus causes many serious public health problems worldwide. However, licensed DENV vaccine has restrictions on its use, and there is currently no approved ZIKV vaccine. Development of a potent and safe flavivirus vaccine is urgently needed. As a previous study revealed the epitope, RCPTQGE, located on the bc loop in the E protein domain II of DENV, in this study, we rationally designed and synthesized a series of peptides based on the sequence of JEV epitope RCPTTGE and DENV/ZIKV epitope RCPTQGE.

Methods

Immune sera were generated by immunization with the peptides which were synthesized by using five copies of RCPTTGE or RCPTQGE and named as JEV-NTE and DV/ZV-NTE. Immunogenicity and neutralizing abilities of JEV-NTE or DV/ZV-NTE-immune sera against flavivirus were evaluated by ELISA and neutralization tests, respectively. Protective efficacy in vivo were determined by passive transfer the immune sera into JEV-infected ICR or DENV- and ZIKV-challenged AG129 mice. In vitro and in vivo ADE assays were used to examine whether JEV-NTE or DV/ZV-NTE-immune sera would induce ADE.

Results

Passive immunization with JEV-NTE-immunized sera or DV/ZV-NTE-immunized sera could increase the survival rate or prolong the survival time in JEV-challenged ICR mice and reduce the viremia levels significantly in DENV- or ZIKV-infected AG129 mice. Furthermore, neither JEV -NTE- nor DV/ZV-NTE-immune sera induced antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) as compared with the control mAb 4G2 both in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions

We showed for the first time that novel bc loop epitope RCPTQGE located on the amino acids 73 to 79 of DENV/ZIKV E protein could elicit cross-neutralizing antibodies and reduced the viremia level in DENV- and ZIKV-challenged AG129 mice. Our results highlighted that the bc loop epitope could be a promising target for flavivirus vaccine development.
Machine learning-based models to predict one-year mortality among Chinese older patients with coronary artery disease combined with impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes mellitus
Authors: Li Yan , Guan Lixun , Ning Chaoxue , Zhang Pei , Zhao Yali , Liu Qiong , Ping Ping , Fu Shihui
Published: June 2023

Purpose

An accurate prediction of survival prognosis is beneficial to guide clinical decision-making. This prospective study aimed to develop a model to predict one-year mortality among older patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) combined with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or diabetes mellitus (DM) using machine learning techniques.

Methods

A total of 451 patients with CAD combined with IGT and DM were finally enrolled, and those patients randomly split 70:30 into training cohort (n = 308) and validation cohort (n = 143).

Results

The one-year mortality was 26.83%. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method and ten-fold cross-validation identified that seven characteristics were significantly associated with one-year mortality with creatine, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and chronic heart failure being risk factors and hemoglobin, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, albumin, and statins being protective factors. The gradient boosting machine model outperformed other models in terms of Brier score (0.114) and area under the curve (0.836). The gradient boosting machine model also showed favorable calibration and clinical usefulness based on calibration curve and clinical decision curve. The Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) found that the top three features associated with one-year mortality were NT-proBNP, albumin, and statins. The web-based application could be available at https://starxueshu-online-application1-year-mortality-main-49cye8.streamlitapp.com/.

Conclusions

This study proposes an accurate model to stratify patients with a high risk of one-year mortality. The gradient boosting machine model demonstrates promising prediction performance. Some interventions to affect NT-proBNP and albumin levels, and statins, are beneficial to improve survival outcome among patients with CAD combined with IGT or DM.
5-Methylcytosine-related lncRNAs: predicting prognosis and identifying hot and cold tumor subtypes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Huang Juntao , Xu Ziqian , Zhou Chongchang , Cheng Lixin , Zeng Hong , Shen Yi
Published: June 2023

Background

5-Methylcytosine (m5C) methylation is recognized as an mRNA modification that participates in biological progression by regulating related lncRNAs. In this research, we explored the relationship between m5C-related lncRNAs (mrlncRNAs) and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) to establish a predictive model.

Methods

RNA sequencing and related information were obtained from the TCGA database, and patients were divided into two sets to establish and verify the risk model while identifying prognostic mrlncRNAs. Areas under the ROC curves were assessed to evaluate the predictive effectiveness, and a predictive nomogram was constructed for further prediction. Subsequently, the tumor mutation burden (TMB), stemness, functional enrichment analysis, tumor microenvironment, and immunotherapeutic and chemotherapeutic responses were also assessed based on this novel risk model. Moreover, patients were regrouped into subtypes according to the expression of model mrlncRNAs.

Results

Assessed by the predictive risk model, patients were distinguished into the low-MLRS and high-MLRS groups, showing satisfactory predictive effects with AUCs of 0.673, 0.712, and 0.681 for the ROCs, respectively. Patients in the low-MLRS groups exhibited better survival status, lower mutated frequency, and lower stemness but were more sensitive to immunotherapeutic response, whereas the high-MLRS group appeared to have higher sensitivity to chemotherapy. Subsequently, patients were regrouped into two clusters: cluster 1 displayed immunosuppressive status, but cluster 2 behaved as a hot tumor with a better immunotherapeutic response.

Conclusions

Referring to the above results, we established a m5C-related lncRNA model to evaluate the prognosis, TME, TMB, and clinical treatments for HNSCC patients. This novel assessment system is able to precisely predict the patients’ prognosis and identify hot and cold tumor subtypes clearly for HNSCC patients, providing ideas for clinical treatment.
It is the time for quorum sensing inhibition as alternative strategy of antimicrobial therapy
Authors: Naga Nourhan G. , El-Badan Dalia E. , Ghanem Khaled M. , Shaaban Mona I.
Published: June 2023

Multiple drug resistance poses a significant threat to public health worldwide, with a substantial increase in morbidity and mortality rates. Consequently, searching for novel strategies to control microbial pathogenicity is necessary. With the aid of auto-inducers (AIs), quorum sensing (QS) regulates bacterial virulence factors through cell-to-cell signaling networks. AIs are small signaling molecules produced during the stationary phase. When bacterial cultures reach a certain level of growth, these molecules regulate the expression of the bound genes by acting as mirrors that reflect the inoculum density.

Gram-positive bacteria use the peptide derivatives of these signaling molecules, whereas Gram-negative bacteria use the fatty acid derivatives, and the majority of bacteria can use both types to modulate the expression of the target gene. Numerous natural and synthetic QS inhibitors (QSIs) have been developed to reduce microbial pathogenesis. Applications of QSI are vital to human health, as well as fisheries and aquaculture, agriculture, and water treatment.
Effect of fortification on the osmolality of human milk
Authors: Elia Serena , Ciarcià Martina , Cini Nicoletta , Luceri Francesca , Mattei Mauro Leucio , Miselli Francesca , Perugi Silvia , Fanelli Alessandra , Dani Carlo
Published: June 2023

Background

It is known that human milk fortifiers (HMF) increases osmolality of human milk (HM) but some aspects of fortification have not been deeply investigated. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of fortification on the osmolality of donor human milk (DHM) and mother’s own milk (MOM) over 72 h of storage using two commercial fortifiers and medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) supplementation.

Methods

Pasteurized DHM and unpasteurized preterm MOM were fortified with 4% PreNAN FM85, 4% PreNAN FM85 plus 2% MCT, or 4% Aptamil BMF. Osmolality was measured in unfortified DHM and MOM and, moreover, just after fortification (T0), and after 6 (T6), 24 (T24) and 72 h (T72) to determine the effect of mixing and storage.

Results

Unfortified DHM and MOM did not show changes of osmolality. Fortification increased osmolality of DHM and MOM without changes during the study period, except for Aptamil BMF which increased osmolality of MOM. The addition of MCT to fortified human milk (FHM) did not affect its osmolality.

Conclusions

Changes of osmolality in the 72 h following fortification of both DHM and MOM did not exceed the safety values supporting the theoretically possibility of preparing 72 h volumes of FHM. Supplementation with MCT of FHM does not change osmolality suggesting that increasing energy intake in preterm infants via this approach is safe.
Non-BRCA1/BRCA2 high-risk familial breast cancers are not associated with a high prevalence of BRCAness
Authors: Andersen Lars v. B. , Larsen Martin J. , Davies Helen , Degasperi Andrea , Nielsen Henriette Roed , Jensen Louise A. , Kroeldrup Lone , Gerdes Anne-Marie , Lænkholm Anne-Vibeke , Kruse Torben A. , Nik-Zainal Serena , Thomassen Mads
Published: June 2023

Background

Familial breast cancer is in most cases unexplained due to the lack of identifiable pathogenic variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. The somatic mutational landscape and in particular the extent of BRCA-like tumour features (BRCAness) in these familial breast cancers where germline BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations have not been identified is to a large extent unknown.

Methods

We performed whole-genome sequencing on matched tumour and normal samples from high-risk non-BRCA1/BRCA2 breast cancer families to understand the germline and somatic mutational landscape and mutational signatures. We measured BRCAness using HRDetect. As a comparator, we also analysed samples from BRCA1 and BRCA2 germline mutation carriers.

Results

We noted for non-BRCA1/BRCA2 tumours, only a small proportion displayed high HRDetect scores and were characterized by concomitant promoter hypermethylation or in one case a RAD51D splice variant previously reported as having unknown significance to potentially explain their BRCAness. Another small proportion showed no features of BRCAness but had mutationally active tumours. The remaining tumours lacked features of BRCAness and were mutationally quiescent.

Conclusions

A limited fraction of high-risk familial non-BRCA1/BRCA2 breast cancer patients is expected to benefit from treatment strategies against homologue repair deficient cancer cells.
Var∣Decrypt: a novel and user-friendly tool to explore and prioritize variants in whole-exome sequencing data
Authors: Salma Mohammad , Alaterre Elina , Moreaux Jérôme , Soler Eric
Published: June 2023

Background

High-throughput sequencing (HTS) offers unprecedented opportunities for the discovery of causative gene variants in multiple human disorders including cancers, and has revolutionized clinical diagnostics. However, despite more than a decade of use of HTS-based assays, extracting relevant functional information from whole-exome sequencing (WES) data remains challenging, especially for non-specialists lacking in-depth bioinformatic skills.

Results

To address this limitation, we developed Var∣Decrypt, a web-based tool designed to greatly facilitate WES data browsing and analysis. Var∣Decrypt offers a wide range of gene and variant filtering possibilities, clustering and enrichment tools, providing an efficient way to derive patient-specific functional information and to prioritize gene variants for functional analyses. We applied Var∣Decrypt on WES datasets of 10 acute erythroid leukemia patients, a rare and aggressive form of leukemia, and recovered known disease oncogenes in addition to novel putative drivers. We additionally validated the performance of Var∣Decrypt using an independent dataset of ~ 90 multiple myeloma WES, recapitulating the identified deregulated genes and pathways, showing the general applicability and versatility of Var∣Decrypt for WES analysis.

Conclusion

Despite years of use of WES in human health for diagnosis and discovery of disease drivers, WES data analysis still remains a complex task requiring advanced bioinformatic skills. In that context, there is a need for user-friendly all-in-one dedicated tools for data analysis, to allow biologists and clinicians to extract relevant biological information from patient datasets. Here, we provide Var∣Decrypt (trial version accessible here: https://vardecrypt.com/app/vardecrypt), a simple and intuitive Rshiny application created to fill this gap. Source code and detailed user tutorial are available at https://gitlab.com/mohammadsalma/vardecrypt.
Applications of long-read sequencing to Mendelian genetics
Authors: Mastrorosa Francesco Kumara , Miller Danny E. , Eichler Evan E.
Published: June 2023

Advances in clinical genetic testing, including the introduction of exome sequencing, have uncovered the molecular etiology for many rare and previously unsolved genetic disorders, yet more than half of individuals with a suspected genetic disorder remain unsolved after complete clinical evaluation. A precise genetic diagnosis may guide clinical treatment plans, allow families to make informed care decisions, and permit individuals to participate in N-of-1 trials; thus, there is high interest in developing new tools and techniques to increase the solve rate. Long-read sequencing (LRS) is a promising technology for both increasing the solve rate and decreasing the amount of time required to make a precise genetic diagnosis. Here, we summarize current LRS technologies, give examples of how they have been used to evaluate complex genetic variation and identify missing variants, and discuss future clinical applications of LRS. As costs continue to decrease, LRS will find additional utility in the clinical space fundamentally changing how pathological variants are discovered and eventually acting as a single-data source that can be interrogated multiple times for clinical service.
Radiomics analysis of contrast-enhanced computed tomography in predicting the International Neuroblastoma Pathology Classification in neuroblastoma
Authors: Wang Haoru , Xie Mingye , Chen Xin , Zhu Jin , Zhang Li , Ding Hao , Pan Zhengxia , He Ling
Published: June 2023

Purpose

To predict the International Neuroblastoma Pathology Classification (INPC) in neuroblastoma using a computed tomography (CT)-based radiomics approach.

Methods

We enrolled 297 patients with neuroblastoma retrospectively and divided them into a training group (n = 208) and a testing group (n = 89). To balance the classes in the training group, a Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique was applied. A logistic regression radiomics model based on the radiomics features after dimensionality reduction was then constructed and validated in both the training and testing groups. To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the radiomics model, the receiver operating characteristic curve and calibration curve were utilized. Moreover, the decision curve analysis to assess the net benefits of the radiomics model at different high-risk thresholds was employed.

Results

Seventeen radiomics features were used to construct radiomics model. In the training group, radiomics model achieved an area under the curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 0.851 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.805–0.897), 0.770, 0.694, and 0.847, respectively. In the testing group, radiomics model achieved an AUC, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 0.816 (95% CI 0.725–0.906), 0.787, 0.793, and 0.778, respectively. The calibration curve indicated that the radiomics model was well fitted in both the training and testing groups (p > 0.05). Decision curve analysis further confirmed that the radiomics model performed well at different high-risk thresholds.

Conclusion

Radiomics analysis of contrast-enhanced CT demonstrates favorable diagnostic capabilities in distinguishing the INPC subgroups of neuroblastoma.

Graphical Abstract

Critical relevance statement

Radiomics features of contrast-enhanced CT images correlate with the International Neuroblastoma Pathology Classification (INPC) of neuroblastoma.
Design and Development of a Novel 3-D Printed External Fixation Device for Fracture Stabilization
Authors: Skelley Nathan Wm.
Published: June 2023

Background

An external fixator is an orthopaedic device used to stabilize long bone fractures after high energy trauma. These devices are external to the body and fixed to metal pins going into non-injured areas of bone. They serve a mechanical function to maintain length, prevent bending, and resist torque forces about the fracture area. The purpose of this manuscript is to describe a design and prototyping process creating a low-cost entirely 3-D printed external fixator for fracture stabilization of extremity fractures. The secondary objective of this manuscript is to facilitate future advancements, modifications, and innovations in this area of 3-D printing in medicine.

Methods

This manuscript describes the computer aided design process using desktop fused deposition modeling to create a 3-D printed external fixator system designed for fracture stabilization. The device was created using the orthopaedic goals for fracture stabilization with external fixation. However, special modifications and considerations had to be accounted for given the limitations of desktop fused deposition modeling and 3-D printing with plastic polymers.

Results

The presented device accomplishes the goals of creating a construct that can be attached to 5.0 mm metal pins, allows for modularity in placement orientations, and facilitates adjustable lengths for fracture care. Furthermore, the device provides length stability, prevention of bending, and resists torque forces. The device can be printed on a desktop 3-D printer using standard low-cost polylactic acid filament. The print time is less than two days and can be completed on one print bed platform.

Conclusions

The presented device is a potential alternative for fracture stabilization. The concept of a desktop 3-D printed external fixator design and method of production allows for numerous diverse applications. This includes assisting areas with remote or limited access to advanced medical care and large-scale natural disasters or global conflicts where large volumes of fractures exceed the local medical supply chain capabilities. The presented device creates a foundation for future devices and innovations in this fracture care space. Further research is needed on mechanical testing and clinical outcomes with this design and initiative in fracture care before clinical application.
Mycorrhizal inoculation under water stress conditions and its influence on the benefit of host microbe symbiosis of Terminalia arjuna species
Authors: Bhardwaj Atul Kumar , Chandra K. K. , Kumar Rajesh
Published: June 2023

Background

Entisol is a very poor, compact, and low-water-holding capacity soil. They are obstacles to the plant's root system's penetration and the availability of water, particularly in dry months. However, Arbuscular mycorrhizae fungi (AMF) is used for seedling growth and reduces water stress in the plant.

Results

In this experiment, the growth parameters and the physiological activities of the plant were changed for the well watering (WW), fractionated watering (FW), and stopped/no watering conditions of the T. arjunaseedling. This experiment demonstrated higher mycorrhizal dependency (24.90%) under the FW condition than that of the WW condition (18.58%). Also the root colonization was higher (67%) under FW plants compared to WW plants (53%) associated with AMF+ in T. arjuna seedling. Photosynthesis was found 24.27% more with FW than the WW condition. Experiment' shows posivitivecorrelation between the photosynthesis and interval of no watering for AMF− plants (r2 = 0.873 for AMF− (control) and comparatively very weak for plants with AMF+ (r2 = 0.259 for AMF+ plants).

Conclusions

The findings confirms the use of AMF in entisol soil to improve plant growth and biomass by reducing edaphic stress.
IVUS-guided versus OCT-guided PCI among patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Abdelmonaem Mostafa , Abushouk Abdelrahman , Reda Ahmed , Arafa Sherif , Aboul- Enein Hisham , Bendary Ahmed
Published: June 2023

Background

Intravascular imaging modalities such as intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and, more recently, optical coherence tomography (OCT) improved the visualization of coronary anatomy and plaque pathology. We aimed to compare the procedural and short-term outcomes between IVUS-guided and OCT-guided percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Methods

In the present retrospective study, we reviewed the data of 50 patients who had IVUS-guided PCI and 50 patients who had OCT-guided PCI for ACS between January 2020 and June 2021. Intravascular imaging was done before and after stenting. Both groups were compared in terms of minimal luminal area (MLA), stent dimensions, final minimal stent area (MSA) and stent expansion as well as negative angiographic outcomes. Patients were followed for six months to record major adverse cardiac events (MACE).

Results

The patients’ mean age was 57 ± 13 years with male predominance (78%). The radiation time and dose were significantly higher among IVUS group. Pre-stenting MLA was significantly higher in IVUS group (2.63 mm vs. 2.22 mm in OCT, P = 0.013). Stent expansion was significantly higher among OCT group (97% vs. 93% in IVUS group, P = 0.001) with no significant difference between both groups regarding MSA [mm2] (8.88 ± 2.87 in IVUS vs. 8.1 ± 2.76 in OCT, P = 0.169). No significant difference between both groups was noted regarding contrast volume, edge dissection, tissue prolapse, and no reflow. The rates of six-month MACE were significantly higher in the IVUS group.

Conclusions

OCT-guided PCI in ACS is safe and is associated with similar MSA to that of IVUS-guided PCI. Future randomized trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Graphical Abstract
Bridging the gap between clinical and critical sociological perspectives in dementia
Authors: Collins Noel , Fletcher James Rupert
Published: June 2023

There is a widening gap between the medical model of dementia and critical sociological perspectives of the condition. Given the relative failure of reductionism in dementia and its rising prevalence, consideration of the utility of these critical viewpoints is warranted. This article considers how these ideas, which challenge some prevailing assumptions about dementia, can be meaningfully applied in conjunction, rather than in competition, with conventional clinical ideas. To illustrate this, current perspectives on selfhood, biopolitics, citizenship and post-humanism are discussed. This article may also help to articulate sociologically oriented approaches already used by some clinicians and legitimise the time and attention needed to explore and deliver these. We support the view that dementia is an episteme in the making and that different traditions and dispositions can fruitfully collide to enliven interdisciplinary conversations about dementia and dementia care.
Consensus Statements on Precision Oncology in the China Greater Bay Area
Authors: Lam Tai-Chung , Cho William Chi-Shing , Au Joseph Siu-Kie , Ma Edmond Shiu-Kwan , Lam Stephen Tak-Sum , Loong Herbert Ho-Fung , Wong Jason Wing Hon , Wong S.N. Michael , Lee Victor Ho-Fun , Leung Roland Ching-Yu , Lau Johnny Kin-Sang , Kam Michael Tsz-Yeung , Mok Florence Siu-Ting , Lim Fiona Mei-Ying , Nyaw Jonathan Shi-Feng , Tin Winnie Wing-Yan , Cheung Ka-Man , Chan Oscar Siu-Hong , Kwong Philip Wai-Kay , Cheung Foon-Yiu , Poon Darren M.C. , Chik Jeannie Yin-Kwan , Lam Martin Ho-Ching , Chan Lawrence Wing-Chi , Wong Sze-Chuen Cesar , Cao Ya-Bing , Hui Cheng-Vai , Chen Jack Zhi-Jian , Chang Jian-Hua , Kong Spring Feng-Ming , El Helali Aya ,   on behalf of the Precision Oncology Working Group (POWG)
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND

Next-generation sequencing comprehensive genomic panels (NGS CGPs) have enabled the delivery of tailor-made therapeutic approaches to improve survival outcomes in patients with cancer. Within the China Greater Bay Area (GBA), territorial differences in clinical practices and health care systems and strengthening collaboration warrant a regional consensus to consolidate the development and integration of precision oncology (PO). Therefore, the Precision Oncology Working Group (POWG) formulated standardized principles for the clinical application of molecular profiling, interpretation of genomic alterations, and alignment of actionable mutations with sequence-directed therapy to deliver clinical services of excellence and evidence-based care to patients with cancer in the China GBA.

METHODS

Thirty experts used a modified Delphi method. The evidence extracted to support the statements was graded according to the GRADE system and reported according to the Revised Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence guidelines, version 2.0.

RESULTS

The POWG reached consensus in six key statements: harmonization of reporting and quality assurance of NGS; molecular tumor board and clinical decision support systems for PO; education and training; research and real-world data collection, patient engagement, regulations, and financial reimbursement of PO treatment strategies; and clinical recommendations and implementation of PO in clinical practice.

CONCLUSION

POWG consensus statements standardize the clinical application of NGS CGPs, streamline the interpretation of clinically significant genomic alterations, and align actionable mutations with sequence-directed therapies. The POWG consensus statements may harmonize the utility and delivery of PO in China's GBA.
Standard operating procedure for the analysis of major ions in hydrothermal fluids by ion chromatography
Authors: Correggia Monica , Di Iorio Luciano , Bastianoni Alessia Benedicta , Yucel Mustafa , Cordone Angelina , Giovannelli Donato
Published: June 2023

This standard operating procedure (SOP) describes an ion chromatography (IC) procedure for the major cations and anions in hydrothermal fluids. Hydrothermal fluids are aqueous solutions with a wide range of temperature, salinity, pH and ion species that can be used by microbial metabolism as electron donors and electron acceptors. Due to the high variability of the environmental physical-chemical parameters in these samples, we have developed this protocol taking into account the special features of the matrices analyzed. An Eco IC Metrohm system equipped with a conductivity detector was used. Calibration curves are linear in the 0.1 to 10 mg/L concentration range for cations Ca2+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, NH4+ and anions Cl-, Br-, NO3-, NO2-, SO42- , HPO42- .
The genome sequence of the Common Emerald, Hemithea aestivaria (Hübner, 1789)
Authors: Boyes Douglas , Holland Peter W.H. ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: June 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Hemithea aestivaria (the Common Emerald; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Geometridae). The genome sequence is 501.7 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 17.05 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 18,477 protein coding genes.
The genome sequence of the Fan-foot, Herminia tarsipennalis (Treitschke, 1835)
Authors: Boyes Douglas , Holland Peter W.H. ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: June 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Herminia tarsipennalis (the Fan-foot; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Erebidae). The genome sequence is 788.4 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 30 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 17.12 kilobases in length.
Technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and their reflection in general education courses of computer science and technology
Authors: Beshenkov Sergey , Shutikova M. , Filippov Vladimir
Published: June 2023

The article discusses the main technologies of the 4th industrial revolution: the Internet of things, robotics, 3D printing, big data, etc. These technologies play an important and growing role in modern professional activity. In the context of technologies of the 4-industrial revolution, a key role is given to information and cognitive technologies as a necessary condition for the development and use of "smart technologies". The general educational aspects of these technologies must necessarily be included in the content of general educational subjects. The main subjects in this case are the subjects of computer science and technology.
Peripartum cardiomyopathy: current theories about etiopathogenesis, potential biomarkers and treatment - a literature review
Authors: Zielonka Bartłomiej , Kowalczyk Ilona , Stawikowski Cezary , Wolanin Marta , Wolanin Izabela , Stachyra Bartłomiej , Krawiec Paulina , Madej Karolina , Osińska Aleksandra , Dengler Barbara
Published: June 2023

Background: Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a form of an idiopathic systolic heart failure, which occurs the most often in the last weeks of pregnancy or in the early postpartum period. Symptoms of this disease include exertional dyspnea, orthopnoea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea and edema. They are typical for a heart failure, but also can be attributed to late pregnancy or the effects of labor, which is a cause of common misdiagnosis or its delay and significantly affects the worsening of the prognosis and the high mortality rate. In more severe cases, cardiogenic shock, arrhythmias, thromboembolic complications may occur, leading to death.
Aim of the study: The study aim is to summarize the current state of knowledge and the recent scientific reports on the potential etiopathogenesis, diagnostics including new biomarkers, and treatment of the peripartum cardiomyopathy.
Material and methods: The study is based on the scientific literature available in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases, using the following keywords: „peripartum cardiomyopathy”, „pregnancy-associated cardiomyopathy” and “16-kDa prolactin”.
Results and conclusions: The diagnosis of peripartum cardiomyopathy should be considered in every pregnant or postnatal woman with symptoms of heart failure. Despite great advances made in understanding and diagnosing PPCM over the last few years, the pathogenesis and complex interactions of genetics and the vascular and hormonal balance of late pregnancy are still unclear. Further research is needed to determine the benefits and risks of bromocriptine treatment and the use of new markers in the diagnostics of PPCM.
Risk and Reliability Improvement Analysis of Boiler System Using the Failure Mode Effect Analysis & Critical Analysis (FMECA) Method
Authors: Hatala Muhammad Hudzaly , Sukarsono Bambang Purwanggono , Nukertamanda Denny
Published: June 2023

Electrical energy is a vital source of energy for human life. Currently, various power plants can provide electrical energy, one of which is the Steam Power Plant (PLTU). A PLTU must carry out operational tasks repeatedly and continuously to meet electricity needs. Based on historical data for PT. PJB Service Kendari for the last three years, there has been an increasing trend of downtime and derating at PLTU Nii Tanasa Kendari in the 2019–2021 timeframe. The boiler system is one of the systems that often experiences disturbances. FMECA is required to carry out a risk analysis to find out in detail the causes, effects, impacts, and ways of mitigating risks, as well as sorting and labeling risks for critical components based on the RPN value. The boiler itself is the main component and is supported by other components in the steam-water process. The reliability value is determined after the critical component with a high level of risk is marked “Not Accepted”. The findings of the risk and reliability analysis will be used to mitigate risks and increase the value of the reliability of critical components. The results of reliability calculations based on MTTF found that 9 out of 13 critical components had a reliability value below 50%; increasing reliability values could be achieved using preventive maintenance (Rm(t)), and maintaining reliability values above 60% could be achieved using periodic component replacement (R(t-nT)) based on the MTTR data of each critical component.
Terahertz-driven positron acceleration assisted by ultra-intense lasers
Authors: Zhao Jie , Li Qian-Ni , Hu Yan-Ting , Zhang Hao , Cao Yue , Sha Rong , Shao Fu-Qiu , Yu Tong-Pu
Published: June 2023

Generation and acceleration of energetic positrons based on laser plasma have attracted intense attention due to their potential applications in medical physics, high energy physics, astrophysics and nuclear physics. However, such compact positron sources face a series of challenges including the beam dispersion, dephasing and unstability. Here, we propose a scheme that couples the all-optical generation of electron-positron pairs and rapid acceleration of copious positrons in the terahertz (THz) field. In the scheme, nanocoulomb-scale electrons are first captured in the wakefield and accelerated to 2.5 GeV. Then these energetic electrons emit strong THz radiation when they go through an aluminum foil. Subsequently, abundant γ photons and positrons are generated during the collision of GeV electron beam and the scattering laser. Due to the strong longitudinal acceleration field and the transvers confining field of the emitted THz wave, the positrons can be efficiently accelerated to 800 MeV, with the peak beam brilliance of 2.26 × 1012 s−1 mm−2 mrad−2 eV−1. This can arouse potential research interests from PW-class laser facilities together with a GeV electron beamline.
Creation of galaxy-shaped vortex relief structures in azo-polymers with petal-like beams
Authors: Tomita Arata , Vallés Adam , Miyamoto Katsuhiko , Omatsu Takashige
Published: June 2023

We demonstrate the formation of surface relief structures in azo-polymers which exhibit multiple spiral arms, through irradiation of a rotating petal-like beam formed by the coherent superposition of Laguerre-Gaussian modes with opposite handedness. Intriguingly, the fabricated relief structures reflect full geometric parameters of the irradiated petal beam, such as handedness, topological charge, initial azimuthal phase and even ellipticity, corresponding to azimuthal and polar angles along equator and meridian planes of an orbital Poincaré sphere. The handedness, or direction of rotation, of the fabricated structures with multiple spiral arms could be controlled via the rotation and polarization directions of the irradiating laser field. This effect highlights an exotic coupling between the optical intensity gradient induced mass transport of the irradiated material and the spin angular momentum characteristics of the irradiating optical field. The azimuthal orientation of the surface relief structures could also be tuned by altering the initial relative phase between the coherently superposed Laguerre-Gaussian modes with opposite handedness, constituting the irradiating petal laser field. This work offers new insights into fundamental interactions which occur between light and matter, and we believe, will pave the way towards advanced technologies, such as ultrahigh density optical data storage.
Improving fast auto-focus with event polarity
Authors: Bao Yuhan , Sun Lei , Ma Yuqin , Gu Diyang , Wang Kaiwei
Published: June 2023

Fast and accurate auto-focus in adverse conditions remains an arduous task. The emergence of event cameras has opened up new possibilities for addressing the challenge. This paper presents a new high-speed and accurate event-based focusing algorithm. Specifically, the symmetrical relationship between the event polarities in focusing is investigated, and the event-based focus evaluation function is proposed based on the principles of the event cameras and the imaging model in the focusing process. Comprehensive experiments on the public event-based autofocus dataset (EAD) show the robustness of the model. Furthermore, precise focus with less than one depth of focus is achieved within 0.004 seconds on our self-built high-speed focusing platform. The dataset and code will be made publicly available.
Multi-target two-photon dual-comb LiDAR
Authors: Wright Hollie , Nelmes Alexander J. M. , Weston Nick J. , Reid Derryck T.
Published: June 2023

By substituting two-photon cross-correlation in a wide-bandgap photodiode for the coherent gating conventionally used in dual-comb ranging, two-photon dual-comb LiDAR exchanges data-intensive interferometric acquisition for a single time-stamp from which an absolute distance can be inferred. Here, we report the application of two-photon dual-comb LiDAR to obtain real-time ranging to three independent targets with only a single silicon-photodiode detector. We show precisions of 197–255 nm (2 seconds averaging time) for static targets, and real-time simultaneous ranging to three dynamic targets driven by independent sinusoidal, saw-tooth and square waveforms. Finally, we demonstrate multi-target ranging to three points on a rigid body to provide simultaneous pitch and yaw angular measurements with precisions of 27.1 arcsec (130 µrad) on a 25 mm baseline.