bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WITHDRAWN: Lagging effects and prediction of pollutants and their interaction modifiers on influenza in northeastern China
Authors: Chen Ye , Hou Weiming , Hou Weiyu , Dong Jing
Published: July 2023

Background: Previous studies have typically explored the daily lagged relations between influenza and meteorology, but few have explored seasonally the monthly lagged relationship, interaction and multiple prediction between influenza and pollution. Our specific objectives are to evaluate the lagged and interaction effects of pollution factors and construct models for estimating influenza incidence in a hierarchical manner.
Methods: Our researchers collect influenza case data from 2005 to 2018 with meteorological and contaminative factors in Northeast China. We develop a generalized additive model with up to 6 months of maximum lag to analyze the impact of pollution factors on influenza cases and their interaction effects. We employ LASSO regression to identify the most significant environmental factors and conduct multiple complex regression analysis. In addition, quantile regression is taken to model the relation between influenza morbidity and specific percentiles (or quantiles) of meteorological factors.
Results: The influenza epidemic in Northeast China has shown an upward trend year by year. The excessive incidence of influenza in Northeast China may be attributed to the suspected primary air pollutant, NO2, which has been observed to have overall low levels during January, March, and June. The Age 15-24 group shows an increase in the relative risk of influenza with an increase in PM2.5 concentration, with a lag of 0-6 months (ERR 1.08, 95% CI 0.10-2.07). In the quantitative analysis of the interaction model, PM10 at the level of 100-120 μg/m3, PM2.5 at the level of 60-80 μg/m3, and NO2 at the level of 60 μg/m3 or more have the greatest effect on the onset of influenza. The GPR model behaves better among prediction models.
Conclusions: Exposure to the air pollutant NO2 is associated with an increased risk of influenza with a cumulative lag effect. Prioritizing winter and spring pollution monitoring and influenza prediction modeling should be our focus.
Keywords: Pollutants; Influenza; NO2; Generalized additive model; Time series analysis.
Application of VirCapSeq-VERT and BacCapSeq In the Diagnosis of Presumed and Definitive Neuroinfectious Diseases
Authors: Boruah Abhilasha P , Kroopnick Adam , Thakkar Riddhi , Wapniarski Annie E , Kim Carla , Dugue Rachelle , Harrigan Eileen , Lipkin W. Ian , Mishra Nischay , Thakur Kiran T
Published: July 2023

Background:
Unbiased high-throughput sequencing (HTS) has enabled new insights into the diversity of agents implicated in central nervous system (CNS) infections. The addition of positive selection capture methods to HTS has enhanced the sensitivity while reducing sequencing costs and complexity of bioinformatic analysis. Here we report the use of virus capture based sequencing for vertebrate viruses (VirCapSeq-VERT) and bacterial capture sequencing (BacCapSeq) in investigating CNS infections.
Design/Methods:
Thirty-four samples were categorized: (1) Patients with definitive CNS infection by routine testing; (2) Patients meeting clinically Brighton Criteria (BC) for meningoencephalitis (3) Patients with presumptive infectious etiology highest on the differential. RNA extracts from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were used for VirCapSeq-VERT and DNA extracts were used for BacCapSeq analysis.
Results:
Among 8 samples from known CNS infections in group 1, VirCapSeq and BacCapSeq confirmed 3 expected diagnoses (42.8%), were negative in 2 (25%), yielded an alternative result in 1 (11.1%), and did not detect 2 expected negative pathogens. The confirmed cases identified HHV-6, HSV-2, and VZV while the negative samples included JCV and HSV-2. In groups 2 and 3, 11/26 samples (42%) were positive for at least one pathogen, however 27% of the total samples (7/26) were positive for commensal organisms. No microbial nucleic acids were detected in negative control samples.
Conclusions:
HTS showed limited promise for pathogen identification in presumed CNS infectious diseases in our small sample. Before conducting larger-scale prospective studies to assess clinical value of this novel technique, clinicians should understand benefits and limitations of using this modality.
Spaced Out Data No More: Genomic Harmonization Meets Machine Learning in Murine Livers
Authors: Ilangovan Hari , Kothiyal Prachi , Hoadley Katherine , Elgart Shona , Eley Greg , Eslami Parastou
Published: July 2023

NASA has employed high-throughput molecular assays to identify sub-cellular changes impacting human physiology during spaceflight. Machine learning (ML) methods hold the promise to improve our ability to identify important signals within highly dimensional molecular data. However, the inherent limitation of study subject numbers within a spaceflight mission minimizes the utility of ML approaches. To overcome the sample power limitations, data from multiple spaceflight missions must be aggregated while appropriately addressing intra- and inter-study variabilities. Here we describe an approach to log transform, scale and normalize data from six heterogeneous, mouse liver derived transcriptomics datasets (ntotal=137) which enabled ML-methods to classify spaceflown vs. ground control animals (AUC ≥ 0.87) while mitigating the variability from mission-of-origin. Concordance was found between liver-specific biological processes identified from harmonized ML-based analysis and study-by-study classical omics analysis. This work demonstrates the feasibility of applying ML methods on integrated, heterogeneous datasets of small sample size.
Research on the Spatiotemporal Evolution and Driving Mechanism of Coupling Coordinating Between Green Transition of Urban Land Use and Urban Land Use Efficiency: A Case Study of the Yangtze River Delta Region in China
Authors: Ge Kun , Wang Yin , Ke Shangan , Lu Xinhai
Published: July 2023

Analyzing the spatiotemporal characteristics and driving mechanisms of the coupling coordination between the green transition of urban land use (GTULU) and urban land use efficiency (ULUE) can help explore the future development direction of sustainable land use in cities. In this paper, we construct a theoretical framework for the coupling coordination between GTULU and ULUE. We use several models, including the super-efficiency slack-based model (SBM), the coupling coordination degree model, the non-parametric kernel density estimation method, exploratory spatial data analysis, and the geographically and temporally weighted regression (GTWR) model to examine the real level of GTULU and ULUE in the Yangtze River Delta region (YRDR) from 2003 to 2020. Based on this, we investigate the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics and driving mechanisms of the two coupling coordination processes. The study found that: (1) from 2003 to 2020, the overall trend of the coupling coordination between GTULU and ULUE in the YRDR tended to be coordinated and developed, but still at a primary coordination level, with sufficient room for improvement in the future. (2) The coupling coordination level of each city in the YRDR from 2003 to 2020 showed obvious spatial non-equilibrium and correlation characteristics, initially exhibiting convergent growth and later showing polarization effects; the spatial pattern of high-value areas showed a regularity of prioritizing Shanghai and Zhejiang Province, gradually penetrating into Jiangsu Province and Anhui Province. (3) Economic and social factors positively impacted the coupling coordination degree. Natural factors had a mainly positive impact in the southern and northern regions and a mainly negative impact in the central and eastern regions. The impact of natural factors has undergone a transition from a mainly positive impact to a mainly negative impact. Research conclusions include establishing a regional collaborative development mechanism, utilizing the spatial spillover effect of leading cities; optimizing industrial structure, improving infrastructure, and increasing research investment further to expand the driving effects of economic and social factors; and optimizing the layout of urban and rural construction land, enhancing the connectivity and uniformity of land parcels, and suppressing the negative effects caused by natural factors.
Evaluating the impact of maternal non-communicable disease on adverse pregnancy outcomes and birthweight in Pakistan.
Authors: Wainwright Esther , Sheikh Irfan , Qureshi Rahat , Yousuf Sana , Khan Raheela , Elmes Matthew
Published: July 2023

Background
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for 74% of all global deaths and disproportionately affect lower to middle-income countries (LMICs) like Pakistan. NCDs increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes including preterm birth (PTB), caesarean section (CS) and low birthweight that negatively affect the mother, her offspring and future population health in an intergenerational cycle, resulting from adverse pregnancy outcomes significantly increasing development of NCDs in the adult offspring.
Methods
This study used multinomial logistic regression and generalised linear models to investigate the impact of common NCDs (type 1 and 2 diabetes, hypertension, asthma and thyroid disorders) on adverse pregnancy outcomes and birthweight in Pakistan. Retrospective data from 817 pregnant Pakistani women with pre-existing NCDs were adjusted for confounding factors to calculate odds ratios and means.
Results
Type 2 diabetes increased the risk of preterm birth (aOR 2.05, P = 0.044), elective CS (aOR 3.5, P = 0.036) and labour induction (aOR 3.29, P = 0.056). Elective CS risk was also increased significantly in mothers exhibiting hypertension (aOR 3.22, P = 0.033) or asthma (aOR 3.9, P = 0.011). Interestingly, preterm birth was significantly halved in pregnant mothers with asthma (aOR 0.4, P < 0.047). The only NCD disease to have a significant impact on birthweight was type 1 diabetes, where it was increased with a birthweight of 3253g compared to 2832g (P < 0.001). Operative deliveries were identified to be very high, with elective CS being the most common, increasingly significantly in 3 out of the 5 NCDs investigated. High operative deliveries may result from Pakistan’s privatised health care system and a lack of public awareness on the associated risks.
Conclusions
In conclusion, NCDs increase the risk of some adverse pregnancy outcomes. With the surprising finding that asthma halves PTB, further research to determine potential mechanisms and drug therapies to manage or prevent PTB are justified.
Association between Mitochondrial DNA Levels and Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Wenhui , Zhu Lingqun , Chen Yi , Zhuo Yudi , Wan Shurun , Guo Rongjuan
Published: July 2023

Background
Disturbances in energy metabolism due to mitochondrial dysfunction have emerged as one of the important cause in the pathogenesis of depression. Many studies have found that mitochondrial DNA(mtDNA) content changes in the peripheral blood or cerebrospinal fluid of patients with depression. Some investigators ask whether it has a clear association between mtDNA and depression. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to comprehensively assess the evidence for mtDNA's effect on depression.
Methods
PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, the Web of Science, Wanfang Database, SINOMED, China Science and Technology Journal Databaseand China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched up to 13 March 2023. RevMan (version 5.4) and Stata (version 16.0) software were used for meta-analysis. Besides, publication bias was assessed with funnel plots, Begg’s test and Egger’s test.
Results
A total of 1372 patients were included in this study, including 686 patients with depression and 686 healthy controls. A meta-analysis including eleven studies showed significantly higher mtDNA level in depression compared with healthy controls [standardised mean difference(SMD) = 0.42, 95% confidence intervals(CI): 0.16, 0.69].
Conclusions
Our study demonstrates significantly higher mtDNA leveles in depression comparison to healthy controls.
Registration number: PROSPERO CRD42023414285.
Performance of monolayer Black Phosphorus DG-JLFET: An ab initio study
Authors: SANDA PANKAJ KUMAR , Dey Anup , Dhar Rudra Sankar
Published: July 2023

Two-dimensional materials are very promising for ultra-short channel future devices. This paper investigates, for the first time, the viability of the junction less transistors based on 2-D materials for future state-of-the-art technology nodes. Specifically, we investigate the performance of a Junction less monolayer black phosphorus (BP) FET (JLFET) with 12nm gate length using ab initio quantum transport simulations. The electrostatic control mechanism of the device and various intrinsic static and dynamic characteristics of the device are studied. The results reveal that BP JLFET performance can fulfill the benchmark requirement of International Roadmap for Devices and Systems (IRDS 2021) for 2028 in terms of HP and HD applications. Therefore, JLFET based on 2D materials can be a promising alternative for nano scale future device applications.
Nomogram to predict pathological axillary lymph node status after neoadjuvant therapy in triple negative or HER2 positive breast cancer
Authors: Chen Shujie , Zhang Qinyu , Ji Min , Yang Li , Wang Jie
Published: July 2023

Purpose: Axillary lymph node (ALN) pathologic complete remission (pCR) rate after neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) is high in triple negative (TN) or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer patients. We aimed to identify factors associated with pathological ALN status after NAT in these patients, and establish a nomogram model to avoid unnecessary ALND.
Methods: TN or HER2+ breast cancer patients receiving NAT in the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Breast Cancer Database (SJTU-BCDB) were retrospectively included in training cohort and internal validation cohort. Patients at the International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital (IPMCH) of China Welfare Institute were retrospectively collected for external validation. Based on univariate and multivariate logistic regression, a nomogram model was constructed to predict the probability of pathologically node-positive disease after NAT (ypN+) in TN or HER2+ patients.
Results: 1,686 patients were assigned to the training set, and 723 patients in the validation set. Five independent factors including clinical nodal (cN) stage (P < 0.001), molecular subtype (P < 0.001), Ki67 expression (P = 0.003), tumor grade (P < 0.001), and clinical complete response (P < 0.001) together with clinical tumor (cT) stage were selected to construct the nomogram. The nomogram indicated the areas under ROC curve (AUCs) were 0.782, 0.753 and 0.783 in training cohort, internal validation cohort and external validation cohort, respectively.
Conclusion: We developed a nomogram model for predicting the risk of ypN+ in TN or HER2+ breast cancer patients, which may guide the de-escalating ALN surgery after NAT.
Where do people with hypertension or type 2 diabetes seek care when ill? A cross-sectional study on sociodemographic correlates of utilization of healthcare facilities in rural Kenya
Authors: Schwarz MacKenna , Gyawali Bishal , Khamati Sylvia , Nkonge-Ngumba Dorothy Mwari , Ngure Miriam , Dræbel Tania Aase
Published: July 2023

Background
Hypertension and type 2 diabetes are among the most common non-communicable diseases that contribute to a large number of adult morbidity and mortality in Kenya. The impact of these conditions may pose the greatest challenge in rural areas with limited access to care. The objective of the study was to assess utilization of healthcare facilities (Primary, Secondary and Tertiary levels) and associated sociodemographic factors among people with hypertension or type 2 diabetes and/or at risk of having these conditions in rural Kenya.
Methods
This study used data from the 2019 Baseline Assessment of the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Disease Project in Imenti South, Meru County conducted by the Kenya Red Cross Society. A community-based study using a cross-sectional design was conducted among four hundred and thirty-five participants in Imenti South Sub Country, Meru County in Kenya in November 2019. Chi-square test and logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore sociodemographic factors associated with utilization of healthcare facilities. Unadjusted and adjusted Odds Ratios with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) were reported.
Results
The mean age of the participants was 49.1 years (standard deviation [SD] = 17.6 years). Of the 435 participants, 51.30% (n = 223), 36.30% (n = 158), and 42.50% (n = 185) utilized primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities respectively. Factors significantly associated with the utilization of a primary healthcare facility were participants living in Mitunguu region (adjusted OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.65–4.60), and College or University education (adjusted OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.04–0.60). Factors significantly associated with the utilization of a tertiary healthcare facility included age group > 40 years (adjusted OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.45-4.00), living in Igoji region (adjusted OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.22–3.11), and Mitunguu region (adjusted OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.15–0.48), College or University education (adjusted OR 8.53, 95% CI 1.97–36.87) and average monthly income (adjusted OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.28–4.08).
Conclusions
The utilization of the primary healthcare facility was associated with ward and educational level, and the utilization of the tertiary healthcare facility was associated with age, ward, educational level, and average monthly income among rural Kenyans who had hypertension or type 2 diabetes and/or were at risk of having these conditions. These results provide insights regarding the sociodemographic factors associated with the utilization of healthcare facilities in rural Kenya that could contribute to evidence-based health policymaking. Additionally, the results highlight the relevance of taking sociodemographic factors into account when designing interventions for people with non-communicable diseases living in rural Kenya.
Characteristics and Risk Factors of Axillary Lymph Node Metastasis of Microinvasive Breast Cancer
Authors: Lee Soo-Young , Lee Sae Byul , Yoo Tae-Kyung , Kim Jisun , Chung Il Yong , Ko Beom Seok , Kim Hee Jeong , Lee Jong Won , Son Byung Ho
Published: July 2023

Purpose
We aimed to select patients who would benefit most from sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) by investigating the characteristics and risk factors of axillary lymph node metastasis (ALNM) of microinvasive breast cancer (MIBC).
Methods
This retrospective study included 1,688 patients with MIBC who underwent breast surgery with axillary staging at the Asan Medical Center from 1995 to 2020.
Results
Most patients underwent SLNB alone (83.5%). Seventy (4.1%) patients were node-positive, and the majority had positive lymph nodes < 10 mm, with micrometastasis occurring most frequently (n = 37, 55%). Node-positive patients were more likely to have undergone total mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) compared to node-negative patients (p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, independent predictors of ALNM included young age (OR = 0.960; 95% CI: 0.927–0.995; p = 0.023), ALND (OR = 5.285; 95% CI: 2.576–10.842; p < 0.001), more number of harvested lymph nodes (OR = 1.194; 95% CI: 1.119–1.274; p < 0.001), lymphovascular invasion (OR = 8.058; 95% CI: 2.750–23.354; p < 0.001), multiple foci of microinvasion (OR = 2.953; 95% CI: 1.444–6.041; p = 0.003), and hormone receptor positivity (OR = 2.628; 95% CI: 1.293–5.342; p = 0.008).
Conclusion
A low ALNM rate of 4.1% suggested that routine SLNB for patients with MIBC is unnecessary; however, it can be valuable for selecting patients with specific risk factors. Alongside ongoing trials omitting SLNB in early breast cancer, further sub-analyses focusing on this rare population with MIBC are necessary.
Voxelated Opto-Physically Unclonable Functions via Irreplicable Wrinkles
Authors: Na Jun-Hee , Kim Kitae , Choi Moon-Young , Saeed Mohsin , Kim Se-Um , Kim Youngmin
Published: July 2023

The increasing prevalence of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the integration of digital technology into our daily lives have heightened security risks, necessitating more robust security measures. Physical unclonable functions (PUFs) have emerged as a promising solution, and PUFs offer a highly secure method to generate unpredictable and unique random digital values by leveraging inherent physical characteristics. However, traditional PUF implementations often involve complex hardware and circuitry, which can increase system costs and complexity. We propose an innovative approach utilizing a random wrinkles PUF (rw-PUF) based on a unique optical anisotropy and facile procedure. The rw-PUF consists of liquid crystal molecules with random orientations, resulting in a two-dimensional retardation map corresponding to a complex birefringence pattern. Moreover, our proposed technique allows for customization based on specific requirements using a spatial light modulator, enabling fast fabrication. One notable advantage of the rw-PUF is its ability to store multiple data sets within a single PUF without needing physical alterations. Additionally, we introduce the concept of "polyhedron authentication", which utilizes three-dimensional information storage in a voxelated rw-PUF. This approach demonstrates the feasibility of implementing high-level security technology by leveraging the unique properties of the rw-PUF.
Publicly Funded Health Insurance & the Extent of Out-of-pocket Expenditure among the Elderly in India
Authors: Bose Montu
Published: July 2023

The paper attempts to study the effectiveness of publicly funded health insurance (PFHI) schemes in increasing the utilization of hospitalization care service and to reduce the extent of out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) among the elderly in India. Using nationally representative data for 2014 and 2017-18 and applying log-linear model, binary logistic regression and propensity score matching techniques the study demonstrates that utilization has increased among the elderly and corresponding OOPE has also decreased. Additionally, elderly with PFHI facilities is paying significantly lower OOPE during hospitalization compared to those elderly who are not covered in the schemes. Analysis also indicates that cost of providing the service is substantially lower in the public facilities compared to the private hospitals. Therefore, strengthening public facilities are suggested to improve in access to healthcare services and to achieve the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals of the country.
Deubiquitylating enzyme OTUB1 facilitates neuronal survival after intracerebral hemorrhage via inhibiting NF-κB-triggered apoptotic cascades
Authors: Shen Jiabing , Xue Xiaoli , Yuan Huimin , Song Yan , Wang Jinglei , Cui Ronghui , Ke Kaifu
Published: July 2023

The deubiquitylase OTU domain-containing ubiquitin aldehyde-binding protein 1 (OTUB1) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various human diseases. However, the molecular mechanism by which OTUB1 participates in the pathogenesis of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) remains elusive. In the present study, we established an autologous whole blood fusion-induced ICH model in C57BL/6J mice. We showed that the upregulation of OTUB1 contributes to the attenuation of Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling and its downstream apoptotic signaling after ICH. OTUB1 directly associates with NF-κB precursors p105 and p100 after ICH, leading to attenuated polyubiquitylation of p105 and p100. Moreover, we revealed that NF-κB signaling was modestly activated both in ICH tissues and hemin-exposed HT-22 neuronal cells, accompanied with the activation of NF-κB downstream pro-apoptotic signaling. Notably, overexpression of OTUB1 strongly inhibited hemin-induced NF-κB activation, whereas interference of OTUB1 led to the opposite effect. Finally, we revealed that lentiviral transduction of OTUB1 markedly ameliorated hemin-induced apoptotic signaling and HT-22 neuronal death. Collectively, these findings suggest that the upregulation of OTUB1 serves as a neuroprotective mechanism in antagonizing neuroinflammation-induced NF-κB signaling and neuronal death, shed new light on manipulating intracellular deubiquitylating pathways as novel interventive approaches against ICH-induced secondary neuronal damage and death.
SF3B4 Regulated Alternative Splicing that Produced an Oncogenic Isoform of HOXA11-AS to Promote Glycolytic Reprogramming and ESCC Progression
Authors: li xiaoya , Dai Suli , Wei Sisi , Zhang Cong , Shan Changliang , Liu Yueping , Lv Huilai , Shan Baoen , Zhao Lianmei
Published: July 2023

Background
Dysregulated splicing factors (SFs) and aberrant alternative splicing (AS) events are involved in tumor progression. However, the AS landscape underlying SFs dysregulation and the further signal transduction network were unraveled in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). This study revealed the biological function of splicing factor 3b subunit 4 (SF3B4) in non-coding RNA AS and glycolytic reprogramming, and proposed a novel diagnostic pannel and therapeutic targets for ESCC.
Methords
The expression, diagnostic efficiency and prognostic value of SF3B4 were investigated by bioinformatics, real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry assays. The biological functions of SF3B4 in ESCC were analyzed in vivo and in vitro by loss-of-function studies. RNA sequencing, minigene reporter, RNA immunoprecipitation and correlation analysis were performed to elucidate SF3B4-regulated AS isoforms and SF3B4-interaction motif. Seahorse metabolism assays and high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis were conducted to explore the potential molecular mechanism of SF3B4 and downstream AS isoforms in driving ESCC development.
Results
SF3B4 was significantly up-regulated in ESCC and facilitated cell proliferation, survival, cycle progression and cisplatin resistance. Mechanically, SF3B4 increased proportion of the tumorigenic splicing isoform (HOX-L) of long noncoding RNA homeobox A11 antisense (HOXA11-AS), which resulted in enhanced glycolysis and elevated transcription of glycolytic enzyme PKM2, ENO1, HK2, GLUT1, LDHA and PGK1, through promoting phosphorylation of β-catenin at serine 675 and activation of Wnt pathway. Remarkably, inhibition of glycolysis reversed the malignant phenotype induced by the SF3B4-HOX-L axis. Moreover, the RNA levels of SF3B4 and HOX-L were positively correlated with ESCC tumor volume, and high SF3B4 expression demonstrated significant poor survival for ESCC patients. Additionally, the combination of SF3B4 and HOXA11-AS expression also showed good diagnostic performance.
Conclusions
These findings highlighted the oncogenic role of the SF3B4-HOX-L- Wnt-β-catenin-glycolytic enzyme axis in ESCC development, and proposed SF3B4 and HOX-L splicing isoform as novel therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers for ESCC.
Morphology Analysis of Descending Tracts in the Mouse Spinal Cord Using Tissue Clearing, Tissue Expansion and Tiling Light Sheet Microscopy Techniques
Authors: Xie Jiongfang , Feng Ruili , Chen Yanlu , Gao Liang
Published: July 2023

Descending tracts are the pathways to send motor signals from the brain to spinal cord playing an important role in movement coordination. However, there are rare reports to show the full view of the tracts with a long span projection and variety axon morphologies from 3D perspective. Herein, five less-studied descending tracts in the mouse spinal cord were analyzed that originate from midbrain, cerebellum or brainstem individually by the tissue clearing method in combination with tiling light sheet microscopy. By tracing dozens of axons in spinal cord, we reported several novel findings of the different tracts: the collateral “sister” branches occurred only in the axons originating from the cerebellospinal tracts among these five tracts; the axons from superior colliculus terminated only at upper cervical but with abundant branches in the brainstem; the SP5 (spinal trigeminal nucleus) axons crossed the midline of spinal cord to contralateral while the MdV (medullary reticular formation, ventral part) axons had plenty of branches in both cervical and lumbar segments. The characteristics of these branch features in different tracts hinted the function of specific descending pathway. Furthermore, we preliminarily investigated the synaptic connection between the tracts and motor neurons in the spinal cord through hydrogel-based tissue expansion and found several synaptic connections between MdV axons and motor neurons. The present study, for the first time, described the full-view of the projection patterns and axon morphologies of five descending tracts in the mouse spinal cord under 3D view, which was essential for better understanding the function of these descending tracts. Meanwhile, we developed a new method for future study of descending tracts by three-dimensional imaging.
Future Land Use Land Cover Scenario Simulation Using Open-Source GISFor The Saroor Nagar Watershed, Telangana, India
Authors: Vaddiraju Shiva Chandra , Talari Reshma , K Bhavana , S Apsana
Published: July 2023

The dynamics of land use and land cover are profoundly affected by the growth, mobility, and demand of people. Thematic maps of land use and land cover (LULC) help planners account for conservation, concurrent uses, and land-use compressions by providing a reference for analysis, resource management, and prediction. The purpose of this research is to identify the transition of land-use changes in the Saroor Nagar Watershed between 2008 and 2014 using the MOLUSCE plugin (MLP-ANN) model and to forecast and establish potential land-use changes for the years 2020 and 2026. To predict how these factors affected LULC from 2008 to 2014, MLP-ANN was trained with maps of DEM, slope, distance from the road, and distance to a waterbody. The projected and accurate LULC maps for 2020 have a Kappa value of 0.70 and a correctness percentage of 81.8%, indicating a high degree of accuracy. Changes in LULC are then predicted for the year 2026 using MLP-ANN, which shows a 17.4% increase in built-up area at the expense of vegetation and barren land. The results contribute to the development of sustainable plans for land use and resource management.
Sphingosine d18:1 Promotes Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis by Inhibiting Macrophage HIF-2α
Authors: Jiang Changtao , Xia Jialin , Chen Hong , Wang Xiaoxiao , Chen Weixuan , Lin Jun , Xu Feng , Nie Qixing , Ye Chuan , Zhong Bitao , Zhao Min , Yun Chuyu , Zeng Guangyi , Yan Sen , Wang Xuemei , Sun Lulu , Liu Feng , Rao Huiying , Pang Yanli
Published: July 2023

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a severe type of the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NASH is a growing global health concern due to its increasing morbidity, lack of well-defined biomarkers and lack of clinically effective treatments. Using metabolomic analysis, the most significantly changed active lipid sphingosine d18:1 [So(d18:1)] was selected from NASH patients. So(d18:1) inhibits macrophage HIF-2α as a direct inhibitor and promotes the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. Macrophage-specific HIF-2α knockout and overexpression mice verified the effect of HIF-2α on NASH progression. Importantly, the HIF-2α stabilizer FG-4592 alleviated liver inflammation and fibrosis in NASH, which indicated that macrophage HIF-2α was a potential drug target for NASH treatment. Overall, this study confirms that So(d18:1) promotes NASH and clarifies that So(d18:1) inhibits the transcriptional activity of HIF-2α in liver macrophages by suppressing the interaction of HIF-2α with ARNT, suggesting that macrophage HIF-2α may be a new target for the treatment of NASH.
Interaction-driven spontaneous broken-symmetry insulator and metals in ABCA tetralayer graphene
Authors: Chen Guorui , Liu Kai , Zheng Jian , Sha Yating , Lyu Bosai , Li Fengping , Park Youngju , Ren Yulu , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Jia Jinfeng , Luo Weidong , Shi Zhiwen , Jung Jeil
Published: July 2023

Interactions among charge carriers in graphene can lead to the spontaneous breaking of multiple degeneracies. When increasing the number of graphene layers following rhombohedral stacking, the dominant role of Coulomb interactions becomes pronounced due to the significant reduction in kinetic energy. In this study, we employ phonon-polariton assisted near-field infrared imaging to determine the stacking orders of tetralayer graphene devices. Through quantum transport measurements, we observe a range of spontaneous broken-symmetry states and their transitions, which can be finely tuned by carrier density n and electric displacement field D. Specifically, we observe a layer antiferromagnetic insulator at n = D = 0 with a gap of approximately 15 meV. Increasing D allows for a continuous phase transition from a layer antiferromagnetic insulator to a layer polarized insulator. By simultaneously tuning nand D, we observe isospin polarized metals, including spin-valley-polarized and spin-polarized metals. These transitions are associated with changes in Fermi surface topology and are consistent with the Stoner criteria. Our findings highlight the efficient fabrication of specially stacked multilayer graphene devices and demonstrate that crystalline multilayer graphene is an ideal platform for investigating a wide range of broken symmetries driven by Coulomb interactions.
Study protocol for a prospective observational study to evaluate the efficacy of fosnetupitant for long-delayed chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in patients receiving platinum- based chemotherapy (LODEC-N)
Authors: Iimura Yohei , Iihara Hirotoshi , Aoyama Takeshi , Ishibashi Masaaki , Sasuga Chieko , Furukawa Naoki , Anzai Eri , Ijichi Yuki , Takahashi Sayuri , Tabata Mariko , Niimi Fusako , Kaneko Jun , Izukuri Kazuyoshi , Baba Keisuke , Boku Narikazu , Kuroda Seiichiro
Published: July 2023

Background
The efficacy of fosnetupitant (FosNTP) in combination with palonosetron and dexamethasone for preventing highly emetogenic chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) was demonstrated in a phase III study (CONSOLE study). Although the exploratory analysis of the CONSOLE study suggested the efficacy of triplet antiemetic therapy, including FosNTP, in the extended overall phase (0–168 h), its efficacy in the long-delayed phase (> 168 h) has not been evaluated. Additionally, the efficacy of FosNTPs in moderately emetogenic chemotherapy has not yet been elucidated. Therefore, this study aims to prospectively assess the efficacy of FosNTP for CINV in the long-delayed phase (> 168 h) in patients receiving platinum-based chemotherapy (cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin).
Methods
This is a single-center, single-arm, prospective observational study. Patients scheduled to receive platinum-based chemotherapy will be enrolled. Clinical pharmacists and attending physicians will evaluate all adverse events. The primary endpoint is a long-delayed (120–336 h) complete control (CC) rate, defined as the proportion of patients experiencing no emetic episodes and no moderate or severe nausea without rescue medication. The main secondary endpoints include a long-delayed complete response (CR) rate, defined as the proportion of patients experiencing no emesis without rescue medication, and an overall (0–336 h) CC, CR, and total control rates, defined as the proportion of patients experiencing no vomiting and nausea without rescue medication in the extended overall phase (0–336 h). A subset analysis is planned according to the CINV risk of chemotherapy for each endpoint and time-to-treatment failure for each agent.
Discussion
This study aims to elucidate the efficacy of triplet antiemetic therapy, including FosNTP, and identify risk factors for CINV in the long-delayed phase in patients receiving platinum-based chemotherapy.
Trial Registration:
This trial was registered in the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCT) as jRCT1030230130.
Protocol version
V.1.0, March 19, 2023.
Landslide Hazard Mapping in Son La Province, Vietnam Under Climate Change Scenarios for 2025 & 2050
Authors: Tuan Le Canh , Khanh Nguyen Quoc , Giang Nguyen Khac Hoang
Published: July 2023

In recent years, landslides in mountainous provinces are increasing. Whenever the rainy season comes, landslides occur, causing casualties to people and damages to the infrastructure. Son La, a mountainous province in the North of Vietnam, has suffered significant damage from landslides.
Therefore, the purpose of this research is to introduce an application of the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method with the integration of representative concentration pathways (RCP) scenario 4.5 to study landslides in Son La province, Vietnam. With the integration of the digital elevation model (DEM) and collected data into ArcGIS software, we obtained different factor maps: Slope map, Aspect map, Cleavage density map, River density map, Rainfall map, Lithology map, Fault density map, Vegetation cover map, Distance to roads. These were the important input parameters for the AHP method. The data collected from 2009 to the present and the research documents of the authors based on the field investigations in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 were the basis for us to complete this article. The landslide risk maps with the integration of maximum daily rainfall from the climate change scenario for 2025 and 2050 were produced. The results revealed that the landslide risk in Son La province increases with time. The results from this research will assist local authorities in land use planning, disaster control, and achieving sustainable development goals.
Conserved transcriptomic signatures and protein markers in cellular senescence models
Authors: Skea Dionysia , Fotis Christos , Tsolakos Nikos , Pliaka Vicky , Verrou Kleio-Maria , Alexopoulos Leonidas G.
Published: July 2023

Cellular senescence is described as an irreversible cell cycle arrest induced in response to various stresses. Senescent cells are characterised by heterogeneous signalling alterations, complex secretory phenotype, known as senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), and diverse transcriptomic profile. With the aim to investigate senescence heterogeneity and identify conserved transctiptomic alterations and senescence markers, we performed RNA-seq and multiplex proteomic analysis in proteasome inhibition-induced and stress-induced premature senescence models of HFL1 and BJ human fibroblasts. Our data revealed diverse transcriptomic signatures, but also, 231 common differentially expressed genes related to cell division and ECM remodelling, and enriched pathways that remained conserved among the different models with senescence onset. Moreover, we identified a subset of conserved protein senescence markers and validated them in replicative senescent models. These proteins are involved in cell cycle arrest and promote a pro-inflammatory environment in premature and replicative senescence models. We suggest that the simultaneous analysis of p21, p-c-JUN, BCL-xL and survivin in cellular lysates, and IL-8, GM-CSF, GDF-15 and GROa in culture supernatants can provide a powerful tool for the identification and monitoring of senescent cells and can support the assessment of the efficacy of potential senotherapeutic approaches.
Reducing the rate of central line-associated bloodstream infections; a quality improvement project
Authors: Odada David , Munyi Hellen , Gatuiku Japhet , Thuku Ruth , Nyandigisi Jared , Wangui Anne , Ashihundu Emilie , Nyakiringa Beatrice , Kimeu Jemimah , Musumbi Martin , Adam Rodney
Published: July 2023

Background
The burden of central line-associated bloodstream infections is significant and has negative implications for healthcare, increasing morbidity and mortality risks, increasing inpatient hospital stays, and increasing the cost of hospitalization. Efforts to reduce the incidence of central line-associated bloodstream infections have utilized quality improvement projects that implement, measure, and monitor outcomes. However, variations in location, healthcare organization, patient risks, and practice gaps are key to the success of interventions and approaches. This study aims to evaluate interventions of a quality improvement project on the reduction of central line-associated bloodstream infection rates at a university teaching hospital.
Methods
This was a retrospective review of a quality improvement project that was implemented using the Plan-Do-Study-Act quality improvement cycle. Active surveillance of processes and outcomes was performed in the critical care areas; compliance to central line care bundles, and central line-associated bloodstream infections. Interrupted time series was used to analyze trends pre and post-intervention and regression modeling to estimate data segments preceding and succeeding the interventions.
Results
There were 350 central line insertions, 3912 catheter days, and 20 central line-associated bloodstream infection events during the intervention period. Compliance with central line care bundles was at 94%. There was a trend in the reduction of central line-associated bloodstream infections by 18% that did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.252).
Conclusions
Improvement projects to reduce central line-associated bloodstream infections face challenges and complexities associated with implementing interventions in real-world healthcare settings. There is a great need to continuously monitor, evaluate, readjust, and adapt interventions to achieve desired results, sustain improvements in patient outcomes, and investigate reasons for non-adherence as keys to achieving desired outcomes.
Empirical Ground-Motion Relations of peak ground acceleration in the region of the Gulf of California
Authors: Villalobos-Escobar Gina Paola , Castro Raúl R. , Peña-Alonso Tomás A.
Published: July 2023

We present a Ground Motion Prediction Equation (GMPE) of peak ground acceleration (PGA) for the Gulf of California (GoC), Mexico derived from PGA values of 720 earthquakes recorded between 2015 and 2018 by the Red Sismológica de Banda Ancha del Golfo de California (RESBAN), operated by the Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, Baja California (CICESE).
We evaluated and adjusted two different parametric forms of GMPE developed for transcurrent tectonic regimes that resemble the tectonic setting in the GoC, along with an additional parametric form developed for central Mexico that incorporates the focal depth as an independent variable. All three adjustments exhibit appropriate behavior in terms of residual analysis and variables stability, with the parametrical form of Joyner and Boore (1981) providing the best overall performance.
The proposed GMPE is:
[[EQUATION]]
Where PGA is peak horizontal acceleration in cm/s2, M is magnitude and d is epicentral distance. [[EQUATION]]A = 0.18 and [[EQUATION]]E = 0.4 correspond to the intra-event and inter-event standard deviations respectively.
While the inclusion of focal depth as an independent variable has improved the adjustments in regions with different tectonic regimes, its incorporation did not provide any specific advantage in this case. The depth of the events was considered by incorporating a fixed value representing the average focal depth into the distance definition (11.86 km). This approach proved effective in capturing the seismic characteristics of the studied region, highlighting the importance of considering regional-specific factors when developing and refining GMPEs.
Outcomes and complications of prophylactic incisional gastropexy in 766 dogs (2009-2019)
Authors: Vega Miranda de la , Ralphs S. Christopher
Published: July 2023

Objective To report the outcomes and complications associated with prophylactic incisional gastropexy performed in dog breeds at risk for GDV. Results Seven hundred and sixty-six dogs underwent prophylactic incisional gastropexy of which 61 were electively performed at the time of castration or spay and 705 were adjunctively performed at the time of emergency abdominal surgery. All dogs had short-term follow-up, and 446 dogs (58.2%) had additional follow-up with a median long-term follow-up time of 876 days (range 58-4450). Only 3 dogs (0.4%) had a direct complication associated with the gastropexy site including hemorrhage causing hemoabdomen (2) and infection with partial dehiscence (1). No dogs with long-term follow-up experienced gastric dilatation (GD), gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), or persistent GI signs following gastropexy. Results of this study found that complications directly associated with prophylactic gastropexy were rare and limited to hemorrhage causing hemoabdomen and infection with partial dehiscence. Transient postoperative GI signs may occur. Gastropexy malpositioning and bowel entrapment were not encountered. There was no occurrence of GD or GDV.
A novel primary antibiotic cement-coated locking plate as a temporary fixation for the treatment of open tibial fracture
Authors: Kang Yongqiang , Wu Yongwei , Ma Yunhong , Jia Xueyuan , Zhang Mingyu , Zhou Ming , Lin Fang , Rui Yongjun
Published: July 2023

Despite advances in Masquelet techniques of bone transfer, complex lower extremity trauma reconstruction remains a challenge. Herein, we present the use of a modified version of the Acute Masquelet technique to treat Grade III open fractures of the lower extremity. This modification can reduce the treatment period and complications of external fixation. We aimed to assess the outcomes of this technique for open fractures with bone and soft tissue defects. Between January 2018 and March 2021, 20 patients with Gustilo grade IIIB/C open fractures were treated with an antibiotic cement-coated locking plate as a temporary internal fixator during the initial surgery stage. Thorough debridement was performed in the emergency department, and temporary internal fixation was performed with a 3.5-mm system antibiotic cement-coated locking plate. Ten patients required free bone fragment removal, followed by bone cement packing. The final stage involved internal fixation and wound repair with a free anterolateral thigh flap. Clinical and imaging results were retrospectively analysed. The repair time ranged from 1 to 7 days. All flaps survived. Two patients experienced wound infection, and one developed severe bone infection 3 months after three-stage bone graft surgery. Autologous cancellous bone grafting was performed on ten patients with bone defects 6 weeks after surgery. Bone union was universally achieved after 1 year. This method proved to be safe and effective, with the repair of Grade III open fractures of the lower extremity achieved 1 to 7 days after treatment.