bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between body mass index and cognitive impairment in Chinese older adults
Authors: Dong Wenshuo , Kan Lichao , Zhang Xinyue , Li Mengli , Wang Meijuan , Cao Yingjuan
Published: October 2023

Background

The association between body mass index (BMI) and the risk of cognitive impairment remains uncertain. Relatively few studies have analyzed the dose–response relationship between BMI and cognitive impairment. This article utilized nationally representative longitudinal data to assess the association between BMI and cognitive impairment in Chinese older adults.

Objective

The present study aimed to analyze the association between BMI and cognitive impairment in Chinese older people, including an investigation of gender differences and the dose–response relationship.

Methods

Data were obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study database in 2015 and 2018. The present study used logistic regression to analyze the relationship between baseline BMI and cognitive impairment, and adopted a restricted cubic spline model to plot dose–response curves for baseline BMI and prevalence of risk of cognitive impairment.

Results

The mean BMI of the survey population was 23.48 ± 3.66 kg/m2, and the detection rate of cognitive impairment was 34.2%. Compared to the normal weight group (18.5 ≤ BMI < 23.9 kg/m2), the odds ratio (OR) for cognitive impairment was 1.473 (95% CI: 1.189–1.823) in the underweight group (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2), whereas the corresponding OR was 0.874 (95% CI: 0.776–0.985) for the overweight or obese group (BMI ≥ 24.0 kg/m2) after adjusting for confounders. Gender subgroup analysis showed that overweight or obese older women were less likely to develop cognitive impairment (OR = 0.843; 95% CI: 0.720–0.987). The results of the restricted cubic spline analysis revealed a curvilinear L-shaped relationship between BMI and the risk of cognitive impairment (P non-linearity <0.05). In particular, the risk of cognitive impairment was higher at a lower baseline BMI. In contrast, BMI in the range of 23.2–27.8 kg/m2 was associated with a decreased risk of cognitive impairment.

Conclusion

BMI is a dose-dependent related factor for cognitive impairment in Chinese older adults. Being underweight is a risk factor for the development of cognitive impairment, while being overweight or obese is less likely to have cognitive impairment, particularly in female older people. Keeping BMI ranging from 23.2–27.8 kg/m2 in older adults can help maintain cognitive function.
Nonbiological factors affecting outcomes in adolescents and young adults with lymphoma
Authors: Dhir Aditi , Epperla Narendranath , Costa Luciano J. , Xavier Ana C.
Published: October 2023

The impact of nonbiological factors (NBF) on survival was investigated in a large cohort of adolescents and young adults (AYA) with lymphoma in the United States (US). We found that uninsured and Medicaid AYA beneficiaries with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) are at significantly increased risk of death when compared with their insured counterpart even after adjustment for other factors affecting survival. Increased risk of death was also noted for Non-Hispanic Black (NHB) patients with cHL and NHL when compared to Non-Hispanic White (NHW) patients, however, only Hispanic patients with NHL were found to have a significantly increased mortality risk while those with cHL were not. NHL AYA patients residing in lower-income counties are at increased risk of death. The strong association of NBF with survival indicates opportunities to improve the survival of AYA lymphoma patients by improving access/quality of care in the US.
Demand and influencing factors of “Internet + Traditional Chinese Medicine” home nursing service for older adult patients with chronic diseases: a mixed research perspective
Authors: Wang Xinghuan , Chen Jinyan , Feng Meiqin , Zhuang Miaoqing , Wang Jiayi , Zhang Luyu , Liu Yue , Chen Hongfang
Published: October 2023

Background

In the context of global aging, the characteristics of chronic diseases seriously affect the quality of life of older adults. It is urgent to carry out continuous nursing basis for older adult patients with chronic diseases. In view of the remarkable efficacy of Chinese medicine in the treatment of chronic diseases, this study may help to understand the demand for “Internet + Chinese medicine” home care service and its influencing factors of older adult chronic disease patients, and to provide a reference basis for improving the quality of life of the older adult chronic disease population.

Methods

This is a mixed study. The quantitative study adopted the convenience sampling method, and a total of 308 patients in a third-grade hospital in Shaanxi Province were investigated by general data questionnaire, traditional Chinese medicine service demand questionnaire, traditional Chinese medicine knowledge questionnaire, older adult Chinese medicine attitude questionnaire, and home care demand questionnaire from March to April 2022. In the qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were adopted, and patients were interviewed until the content was saturated. Colaizzi analysis method was used to analyze and summarize the topic of the interview data.

Results

308 valid questionnaires were collected, and the patients scored (58.42 ± 17.16) on the demand for TCM nursing services, (59.86 ± 11.54) on the knowledge of TCM, (73.03 ± 9.11) on the attitude toward TCM, and (136.84 ± 46.39) on the demand for home care. The results of multiple linear regression showed that learning about the nursing service pathway, knowledge of general knowledge of Chinese medicine, and attitude toward Chinese medicine among the older adult and home care demand were the influencing factors of the demand for Chinese medicine nursing services for older adult patients with chronic diseases (p < 0.05). The results of the in-depth interviews were summarized into three themes: facilitating factor, hindering factor, and the “Internet + Chinese medicine” multiple needs of home care.

Conclusion

Older adult patients with chronic diseases have a high intention of home care demand and they are affected by multiple factors. Consequently, the actual demand situation of older adult patients with chronic diseases should be used as a guide to provide directed and diversified Chinese medicine home care services to meet the individualized needs of the older adult.
Exploring transfer learning in chest radiographic images within the interplay between COVID-19 and diabetes
Authors: Shoaib Muhammad , Sayed Nasir , Shah Babar , Hussain Tariq , AlZubi Ahmad Ali , AlZubi Sufian Ahmad , Ali Farman
Published: October 2023

The intricate relationship between COVID-19 and diabetes has garnered increasing attention within the medical community. Emerging evidence suggests that individuals with diabetes may experience heightened vulnerability to COVID-19 and, in some cases, develop diabetes as a post-complication following the viral infection. Additionally, it has been observed that patients taking cough medicine containing steroids may face an elevated risk of developing diabetes, further underscoring the complex interplay between these health factors. Based on previous research, we implemented deep-learning models to diagnose the infection via chest x-ray images in coronavirus patients. Three Thousand (3000) x-rays of the chest are collected through freely available resources. A council-certified radiologist discovered images demonstrating the presence of COVID-19 disease. Inception-v3, ShuffleNet, Inception-ResNet-v2, and NASNet-Large, four standard convoluted neural networks, were trained by applying transfer learning on 2,440 chest x-rays from the dataset for examining COVID-19 disease in the pulmonary radiographic images examined. The results depicted a sensitivity rate of 98 % (98%) and a specificity rate of almost nightly percent (90%) while testing those models with the remaining 2080 images. In addition to the ratios of model sensitivity and specificity, in the receptor operating characteristics (ROC) graph, we have visually shown the precision vs. recall curve, the confusion metrics of each classification model, and a detailed quantitative analysis for COVID-19 detection. An automatic approach is also implemented to reconstruct the thermal maps and overlay them on the lung areas that might be affected by COVID-19. The same was proven true when interpreted by our accredited radiologist. Although the findings are encouraging, more research on a broader range of COVID-19 images must be carried out to achieve higher accuracy values. The data collection, concept implementations (in MATLAB 2021a), and assessments are accessible to the testing group.
Analyzing the dynamics of social media texts using coherency network analysis: a case study of the tweets with the co-hashtags of #BlackLivesMatter and #StopAsianHate
Authors: Jiang Ke , Xu Qian
Published: October 2023

Introduction

This study examines the associations between time series, termed “coherency,” using spectral analysis. Coherence squared, analogous to the squared correlation coefficient, serves as a metric to quantify the degree of interdependence and co-evolution of individual nodes.

Methods

We utilized spectral analysis to compute coherence squared, unveiling relationships and co-evolution patterns among individual nodes. The resultant matrix of these relationships was subjected to network analysis.

Results

By conducting a case study analyzing tweets associated with the co-hashtags #StopAsianHate and #BlackLivesMatter, we present a novel approach utilizing coherency network analysis to investigate the dynamics of social media text. Frequency domain analysis aided in calculating coherence squared, effectively illustrating the relationships and co-evolution of individual nodes. Furthermore, an analysis of the phase spectrum's slope facilitated the determination of time lag and potential causality direction between highly co-evolved node pairs.

Discussion

Our findings underline the potential of coherency network analysis in comprehending the intricate dynamics of social media text. This approach offers valuable insights into how topics, sentiments, or movements manifest and evolve within the digital realm. Future research should explore diverse datasets and domains to broaden our understanding of this novel analytical technique.
Agroecology and resilience of smallholder food security: a systematic review
Authors: Dagunga Gilbert , Ayamga Michael , Laube Wolfram , Ansah Isaac Gershon Kodwo , Kornher Lukas , Kotu Bekele Hundie
Published: October 2023

Multiple covariate shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia–Ukraine conflict, and pre-existing climate shocks pose serious threats to smallholder livelihoods. The cascading effects of these multiple shocks, including rising prices of fertilizers and food imports, have rekindled interest in the call for a policy shift toward agroecology. Agroecology in this study is defined as a set of practices based on ecological principles of diversity, synergy, and nutrient cycling of agroecosystems, which are capable of enhancing the resilience of smallholder food security while providing ecosystem services. Proponents of the agroecology paradigm argue that it is more sustainable and resilience-enhancing. Yet, the nexus among agroecology, resilience, and food security is less understood in the literature. Therefore, this study aimed to review the existing literature to examine how agroecology could enhance the resilience and food security of smallholders. A systematic literature search was performed on Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed based on three keywords, viz. agroecology, resilience, and food security. Following the 2020 preferred reporting items on systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines for systematic literature review, 47 articles were retained for the final review. The results provide empirical evidence that supports the potential of agroecological practices in enhancing the resilience and food security of smallholders. This study proposes a framework that links agroecology, resilience, and food security, showing the interplay among all three dimensions of agroecology—the science, policy, and practices—relevant for successful agroecological transitioning or transformation while identifying gaps for further research.
Risk factors for distal junctional kyphosis after posterior spinal surgery in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a meta-analysis
Authors: Jia Ruili , Long Yubin
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Distal junctional kyphosis (DJK) is a serious complication after posterior spinal surgery in managing adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Our study aims to investigate the predictors of DJK in AIS patients.

Methods

We searched the English databases of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for clinical research studies on AIS. To identify the risk factors for DJK, we collected demographic data, such as age, gender, and body mass index (BMI), and sagittal parameters, including preoperative pelvic tilt (PT), sagittal vertical axis (SVA), lumbar lordosis (LL), thoracic kyphosis (TK), thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK), distal junctional angle (DJA), lowest instrumented vertebrae (LIV) relative to sagittal stable vertebrae (SSV), and postoperative DJA. Data were analyzed by RevMan (5.3 version) and STATA (12.0 version).

Results

Finally, six included articles (1,240 patients) showed 9% (98 of 1,240 patients) of patients suffering from DJK. Our findings indicated that preoperative TK [p = 0.007, OR = 0.35, 95% CI (0.10, 0.61)], TLK [p < 0.0001, OR = 5.99, 95% CI (3.33, 8.65)], and postoperative DJA [p = 0.002, OR = 0.56, 95% CI (0.21, 0.91)] in the DJK group were markedly higher than those in the non-DJK group. Moreover, patients with LIV above SSV [p < 0.0001, OR = 7.95, 95% CI (4.16, 15.22)] were more likely to develop DJK. No discernible difference was found in age, sex, BMI, preoperative PT, SVA, LL, or DJA between the two groups.

Conclusions

Regarding the AIS patients, factors such as higher preoperative TK and TLK, higher postoperative DJA, and LIV above the SSV were related to an increased rate of DJK.
Modeling of diesel particulate filter temperature dynamics during exotherm using neural networks
Authors: Legala Adithya , LakkiReddy Venkata , Weber Phillip , Li Xianguo
Published: October 2023

Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) in the diesel engine exhaust stream needs frequent regeneration (exotherm) to remove captured particulate matter (PM, or soot) without damaging to the porous DPF structure by controlling the peak temperatures and temperature gradients across the DPF. In this study, temperature distribution in a DPF is measured at 42 strategic locations in the test DPF under various regeneration conditions of exhaust flow rates, regeneration temperatures and soot loads. Then a data-based model with feed-forward neural network architecture is designed to model the thermal gradients and temperature dynamics of the DPF during the regeneration process. The neural network feature vector selection, network architecture, hyperparameter calibration process, measured data preprocessing, and experimental data acquisition procedure are evaluated. Over 7,400 experimental data points at various regeneration temperatures, flow rates and soot loads are used in training and validating the neural network model. It is found that the neural network model can accurately predict the 42 DPF bed temperatures simultaneously at different locations, and the time series analysis of both model-predicted and experimentally measured temperatures shows a good correlation. This indicates that the currently developed neural network model can provide spatial distribution of temperature in the DPF, and comprehend the nonlinearity of the temperature dynamics due to DPF soot load at exothermic conditions. These results demonstrate that the data-based model has capability in predicting thermal gradients within a DPF, aiding in determining a safer DPF regeneration strategy, onboard diagnostics and DPF development.
Development of a multivalent adjuvanted inactivated vaccine against variant arthrotropic avian reoviruses
Authors: Ayalew Lisanework E. , Popowich Shelly , Chow-Lockerbie Betty , Gautam Hemlata , Subhasinghe Iresha , Ahmed Khawaja Ashfaque , Tikoo Suresh K. , Ojkic Davor , Gomis Susantha
Published: October 2023

Variant avian reoviruses (ARVs) are economically important emerging pathogens of poultry, which mainly affect young broiler chickens and cause significant production losses. Currently, there are no effective commercial vaccines available for control and prevention of emerging variant ARVs. In this study, monovalent inactivated adjuvated (20% Emulsigen D) broiler breeder vaccines containing antigens from ARV genotype cluster (C) group -2, -4, -5, or -6, and a multivalent vaccine containing antigens from all the four indicated genotypic cluster groups were developed and evaluated for their efficacy in protecting broiler progenies against homologous or heterologous ARV challenge. The use of monovalent or multivalent inactivated vaccines in a prime-boost immunization strategy induced the production of ARV specific antibodies in broiler breeders. The maternal antibodies were effectively transferred to broiler progenies. Broiler progenies obtained from immunized breeders demonstrated milder clinical symptoms and reduced gross and histopathological lesions after homologous ARV challenge. More severe gross and histological lesions were observed in challenged progenies from unvaccinated broiler breeders. However, cross protection was not observed when either of the monovalent-vaccine groups were challenged with a heterologous virus. In addition, the progenies from the unvaccinated ARV challenged control or heterologous ARV challenged vaccinated groups had significantly reduced body weight gain (p < 0.01) than the unchallenged-control, challenged-multivalent, or homologous ARV-challenged monovalent vaccine groups. However, homologous ARV challenged progenies in the multivalent or monovalent vaccine groups had similar body weight gain as the control unchallenged group with significantly reduced viral load (p < 0.01) in the gastrocnemius tendon tissue. This study indicates that broad-spectrum protection of broiler progenies from variant ARV infections is feasible through the development of multivalent vaccines after proper characterization, selection and incorporation of multiple antigens based on circulating ARV genotypes in targeted regions.
Advances in organoid technology for veterinary disease modeling
Authors: Chen Bo , Slocombe Ronald Francis , Georgy Smitha Rose
Published: October 2023

Organoids are in vitro organ-like structures that faithfully recapitulate many characteristics of a specific organ. During the past decades, major progress has been accomplished in establishing three-dimensional (3D) culture systems toward stem cell-derived organoids. As a significant technological breakthrough, these amazing 3D organoid constructs bridge the conventional 2D in vitro models and in vivo animal models and provide an unprecedented opportunity to investigate the complexities of veterinary diseases ranging from their pathogenesis to the prevention, therapy, or even future organ replacement strategies. In this review, we briefly discuss several definitions used in organoid research and highlight the currently known achievements in modeling veterinary diseases, including infectious and inflammatory diseases, cancers, and metabolic diseases. The applications of organoid technology in veterinary disease modeling are still in their infancy stage but the future is promising.
Adaptive Neural Network-Based Sliding Mode Backstepping Control for Near-Space Morphing Vehicle
Authors: Huang Shutong , Jiang Ju , Li Ouxun
Published: October 2023

In order to obtain good flight performance in the near-space morphing vehicle (NMV) cruise phase, this paper proposes an adaptive sliding mode backstepping control scheme based on a neural network, aiming at the reduction of elevator control efficiency and issues of uncertainties. Firstly, this paper analyzes the aerodynamic parameters of NMV in the states of winglet stretching and retracting during the cruise phase. Based on the above, the flight efficiency of NMV can be improved by retracting winglets in the level flight mode and stretching winglets in the altitude climbing mode. Secondly, an enhanced triple power reaching law (ETPRL) is proposed to ensure that the sliding mode control system can converge quickly and reduce chattering. Then, the sliding mode control based on ETPRL and backstepping control are combined to ensure the stability of the system, and adaptive control laws are developed to estimate and compensate for uncertainties. In addition, in face of the problem of reduced elevator control efficiency, the adaptive neural network is used to estimate and compensate for interference on the control channel to improve tracking accuracy and robustness of NMV. Finally, three sets of simulations verified the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Analysis of Measurement, Regional Differences, Convergence and Dynamic Evolutionary Trends of the Green Production Level in Chinese Agriculture
Authors: Yan Jiale , Tang Zhengyuan , Guan Yinuo , Xie Mingjian , Huang Yongjian
Published: October 2023

The development of green agriculture is conducive to accelerating the agricultural modernization process, making a significance for the sustainable development of agriculture and the environment in China. This paper constructs a comprehensive evaluation model by selecting 17 representative indicators from the perspective of sustainability. Then, this paper uses the entropy value method to measure the level of green agricultural production in 31 provinces from 2011 to 2021. We use Dagum’s Gini coefficient and decomposition method, the kernel density estimation method and spatial Markov chain analysis method to explore the main sources of spatial differences and dynamic evolution trends. The results show that: (1) The overall level of green production in Chinese agriculture is low, and the level in the central region is higher than that in eastern and western regions; (2) There are significant regional differences in the level of green production in China’s agriculture, and this is likely to widen. The interaction of inter- and intra-regional differences is the main reason for overall differences; (3) The trend of polarization in the level of green agricultural production is more obvious in the eastern part of China, while it is weaker in central and western regions; (4) There is a spatial spillover effect in the dynamic evolution of China’s agricultural green production level. And the longer the overall time, the more obvious the spillover effect is. This paper analyzes the past development of green agriculture in China, makes predictions and provides constructive suggestions for the improvement and development of green agricultural production in China in the future.
Study on Effects of Different Concentration Adjuvants on the Properties of Prochloraz Emulsion in Water Solution Droplets and Deposition
Authors: Zhang Songchao , Huang Meng , Zhou Qingqing , Jiao Yuxuan , Sun Hua , Cheng Xiaohui , Xue Xinyu
Published: October 2023

Adjuvants are frequently incorporated into crop protection operations to modulate the droplet characteristics by diminishing the surface tension (ST) and contact angle (CA), thereby positively influencing the wetting and spreading behavior of the droplets. However, there are no quantitative conclusions on the extent to which the amount of adjuvant added affects droplet properties. Therefore, the decision to add spraying adjuvants in actual pesticide spraying operations relies on the operator’s experience. In this study, we investigated the effect of a surfactant additive (KAO A-200) on the droplet properties and deposition of prochloraz emulsion in water (PEW) solution for crop protection in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) aerial spraying. Three KAO A-200 additive concentrations of 0.42%, 0.83% and 1.67% and four solution concentrations of 2.5%, 3.33%, 4.17% and 5% of PEW were set to evaluate the droplet properties of PEW solution with ST and CA as assessment indicators. The results show that the average STs of adjuvant solution droplets tended to decrease as the concentration of KAO A-200 increased. According to the optimal concentration, the KAO A-200 addition concentration of 0.83% was therefore determined to be the most appropriate dosage. With the appropriate KAO A-200 dosage condition, the results show that the average STs increased as PEW solution concentration increased, while the average CAs of PEW solution droplets showed a first decreasing and then increasing trend. The “4.17% concentration PEW (22.5 g a.i./1.2 L) + 0.83% concentration KAO A-200” condition was selected as the optimized combination for crop protection UAV field aerial spraying tests. The test showed that the coverage rate of PEW solution droplets on the upper and lower layers of oilseed rape canopy increased by 71.47% and 41.55%, the deposition density increased by 71.91% and 98.45%, and the coefficient of variation in droplet deposition decreased by 44.41% and 48.13%, respectively. These results are significantly better than those obtained without the adjuvant addition.
Projection of Future Climate Change and Its Influence on Surface Runoff of the Upper Yangtze River Basin, China
Authors: Wan Hanli
Published: October 2023

Global climate change will modify precipitation and temperatures’ temporal and spatial distribution, trigger more extreme weather events, and impact hydrological processes. The Yangtze River basin is one of the world’s largest basins, and understanding future climate changes is vital for water resource management and supply. Research on predicting future climate change in the upper Yangtze River basin (UYRB) and introducing machine learning algorithms to analyze the impact of climate factors, including extreme weather indicators, on surface runoff is urgently needed. In this study, a statistical downscaling model (SDSM) was used to forecast the future climate in the UYRB, and the Mann–Kendall (MK) or modified Mann–Kendall (MMK) trend test at a 5% level of significance was applied to analyze temporal trends. The Spearman rank correlation (SRC) test at a 5% level of significance and random forest regression (RFR) model were employed to identify the key climatic factors affecting surface runoff from annual precipitation, annual temperature, maximum 5-day precipitation (R×5Day), number of tropical nights (TR), and consecutive dry days (CDD), and the RFR model was also used to predict future runoff. Based on the results, we found that, compared to the selected historical period (1985–2014), the mean annual precipitation (temperature) during the mid-term (2036–2065) increased by 18.93% (12.77%), 17.78% (14.68%), 20.03% (17.03%), and 19.67% (19.29%) under SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5, respectively, and during the long term (2071–2100), increased by 19.44% (12.95%), 22.01% (21.37%), 30.31% (30.32%), and 34.48% (37.97%), respectively. The warming and humidification characteristics of the northwestern UYRB were more pronounced. The key climatic factors influencing surface runoff were annual precipitation, maximum 5-day precipitation (R×5day), and annual temperature. Because of warming and humidification, surface runoff in the UYRB is expected to increase relative to the historical period. The surface runoff during the mid-term (long term) increased by 12.09% (12.58%), 8.15% (6.84%), 8.86% (8.87%), and 5.77% (6.21%) under SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5, respectively. The implementation of sustainable development pathways under the low radiative forcing scenario can be effective in mitigating climate change, but at the same time, it may increase the risk of floods in the UYRB.
K-Edge Structure in Shock-Compressed Chlorinated Parylene
Authors: Bailie David , White Steven , Irwin Rachael , Hyland Cormac , Warwick Richard , Kettle Brendan , Breslin Nicole , Bland Simon N. , Chapman David J. , Mangles Stuart P. D. , Baggot Rory A. , Tubman Eleanor R. , Riley David
Published: October 2023

We have carried out a series of experiments to measure the Cl K-absorption edge for shock-compressed samples of chlorinated parylene. Colliding shocks allowed us to compress samples up to four times the initial density with temperatures up to 10 eV. Red shifts in the edge of about 10 eV have been measured. We have compared the measured shifts to analytical modelling using the Stewart–Pyatt model and adaptions of it, combined with estimates of density and temperature based on hydrodynamic modelling. Modelling of the edge position using density functional theory molecular dynamics (DFT-MD) was also used and it was found that good agreement was only achieved when the DFT simulations assumed conditions of lower temperature and slightly higher density than indicated by hydrodynamic simulations using a tabular equation of state.
Predictors of Changes in Pelvic Rotation after Surgery with or without Femoral Derotational Osteotomy in Ambulatory Children with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Hara Reiko , Rethlefsen Susan A. , Wren Tishya A. L. , Kay Robert M.
Published: October 2023

Asymmetry of pelvic rotation affects function. However, predicting the post-operative changes in pelvic rotation is difficult as the root causes are complex and likely multifactorial. This retrospective study explored potential predictors of the changes in pelvic rotation after surgery with or without femoral derotational osteotomy (FDRO) in ambulatory children with cerebral palsy (CP). The change in the mean pelvic rotation angle during the gait cycle, pre- to post-operatively, was examined based on the type of surgery (with or without FDRO) and CP distribution (unilateral or bilateral involvement). In unilaterally involved patients, pelvic rotation changed towards normal with FDRO (p = 0.04), whereas patients who did not undergo FDRO showed a significant worsening of pelvic asymmetry (p = 0.02). In bilaterally involved patients, the changes in pelvic rotation did not differ based on FDRO (p = 0.84). Pelvic rotation corrected more with a greater pre-operative asymmetry (β = −0.21, SE = 0.10, p = 0.03). Sex, age at surgery, GMFCS level, and follow-up time did not impact the change in pelvic rotation. For children with hemiplegia, internal hip rotation might cause compensatory deviation in pelvic rotation, which could be improved with surgical correction of the hip. The predicted changes in pelvic rotation should be considered when planning surgery for children with CP.
Neoantigens: The Novel Precision Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Zhang Tiantian , Kurban Esaw , Wang Zhe
Published: October 2023

The past few decades have witnessed the remarkable progress of cancer immunotherapy. Neoantigens, also known as tumor-specific antigens, are novel antigens originating from tumor-specific alterations such as genomic mutations, dysregulated RNA splicing, and post-translational modifications. Neoantigens, recognized as non-self entities, trigger immune responses that evade central and peripheral tolerance mechanisms. With the notable strides in cancer genomics facilitated by next-generation sequencing technologies, neoantigens have emerged as a promising avenue for tumor-specific immunotherapy grounded in genomic profiling-based precision medicine. Furthermore, a growing number of preclinical and clinical investigations are harnessing the potential synergies between neoantigens and other immunotherapies such as adoptive cell therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this review, we will provide a comprehensive perspective encompassing the trajectory of neoantigens, neoantigen design strategies, and the diverse array of clinical applications inherent in immunotherapy strategies centered around neoantigens. Moreover, we delve into the inherent prospects and challenges that accompany the clinical adoption of neoantigen-based immunotherapies while also putting forth potential solutions to address these challenges.
Population Pharmacokinetic Model of Adalimumab Based on Prior Information Using Real World Data
Authors: Marquez-Megias Silvia , Nalda-Molina Ricardo , Más-Serrano Patricio , Ramon-Lopez Amelia
Published: October 2023

Adalimumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody used for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Due to its considerably variable pharmacokinetics and the risk of developing antibodies against adalimumab, it is highly recommended to use a model-informed precision dosing approach. The aim of this study is to develop a population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) model of adalimumab for patients with IBD based on a literature model (reference model) to be used in the clinical setting. A retrospective observational study with 54 IBD patients was used to develop two different PopPK models based on the reference model. One of the developed models estimated the pharmacokinetic population parameters (estimated model), and the other model incorporated informative priors (prior model). The models were evaluated with bias and imprecision. Clinical impact was also assessed, evaluating the differences in dose interventions. The developed models included the albumin as a continuous covariate on apparent clearance. The prior model was superior to the estimated model in terms of bias, imprecision and clinical impact on the target population. In conclusion, the prior model adequately characterized adalimumab PK in the studied population and was better than the reference model in terms of predictive performance and clinical impact.
The NLRP3 Inflammasome in Neurodegenerative Disorders: Insights from Epileptic Models
Authors: Palumbo Laura , Carinci Marianna , Guarino Annunziata , Asth Laila , Zucchini Silvia , Missiroli Sonia , Rimessi Alessandro , Pinton Paolo , Giorgi Carlotta
Published: October 2023

Neuroinflammation represents a dynamic process of defense and protection against the harmful action of infectious agents or other detrimental stimuli in the central nervous system (CNS). However, the uncontrolled regulation of this physiological process is strongly associated with serious dysfunctional neuronal issues linked to the progression of CNS disorders. Moreover, it has been widely demonstrated that neuroinflammation is linked to epilepsy, one of the most prevalent and serious brain disorders worldwide. Indeed, NLRP3, one of the most well-studied inflammasomes, is involved in the generation of epileptic seizures, events that characterize this pathological condition. In this context, several pieces of evidence have shown that the NLRP3 inflammasome plays a central role in the pathophysiology of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE). Based on an extensive review of the literature on the role of NLRP3-dependent inflammation in epilepsy, in this review we discuss our current understanding of the connection between NLRP3 inflammasome activation and progressive neurodegeneration in epilepsy. The goal of the review is to cover as many of the various known epilepsy models as possible, providing a broad overview of the current literature. Lastly, we also propose some of the present therapeutic strategies targeting NLRP3, aiming to provide potential insights for future studies.
Neuroprotection Is in the Air—Inhaled Gases on Their Way to the Neurons
Authors: Scheid Stefanie , Goebel Ulrich , Ulbrich Felix
Published: October 2023

Cerebral injury is a leading cause of long-term disability and mortality. Common causes include major cardiovascular events, such as cardiac arrest, ischemic stroke, and subarachnoid hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative as well as neuroinflammatory disorders. Despite improvements in pharmacological and interventional treatment options, due to the brain’s limited regeneration potential, survival is often associated with the impairment of crucial functions that lead to occupational inability and enormous economic burden. For decades, researchers have therefore been investigating adjuvant therapeutic options to alleviate neuronal cell death. Although promising in preclinical studies, a huge variety of drugs thought to provide neuroprotective effects failed in clinical trials. However, utilizing medical gases, noble gases, and gaseous molecules as supportive treatment options may offer new perspectives for patients suffering neuronal damage. This review provides an overview of current research, potentials and mechanisms of these substances as a promising therapeutic alternative for the treatment of cerebral injury.
Sleep Stage Transitions and Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation in Children with Narcolepsy–Cataplexy
Authors: Gagnon Katia , Rey Amandine E. , Guignard-Perret Anne , Guyon Aurore , Reynaud Eve , Herbillon Vania , Lina Jean-Marc , Carrier Julie , Franco Patricia , Mazza Stéphanie
Published: October 2023

Electroencephalographic sleep stage transitions and altered first REM sleep period transitions have been identified as biomarkers of type 1 narcolepsy in adults, but not in children. Studies on memory complaints in narcolepsy have not yet investigated sleep-dependent memory consolidation. We aimed to explore stage transitions; more specifically altered REM sleep transition and its relationship with sleep-dependent memory consolidation in children with narcolepsy. Twenty-one children with narcolepsy–cataplexy and twenty-three healthy control children completed overnight polysomnography and sleep-dependent memory consolidation tests. Overnight transition rates (number of transitions per hour), global relative transition frequencies (number of transitions between a stage and all other stages/total number of transitions × 100), overnight transitions to REM sleep (transition from a given stage to REM/total REM transitions × 100), and altered first REM sleep period transitions (transitions from wake or N1 to the first REM period) were computed. Narcoleptic children had a significantly higher overnight transition rate with a higher global relative transition frequencies to wake. A lower sleep-dependent memory consolidation score found in children with narcolepsy was associated with a higher overnight transition frequency. As observed in narcoleptic adults, 90.48% of narcoleptic children exhibited an altered first REM sleep transition. As in adults, the altered sleep stage transition is also present in children with narcolepsy–cataplexy, and a higher transition rate could have an impact on sleep-dependent memory consolidation. These potential biomarkers could help diagnose type 1 narcolepsy in children more quickly; however, further studies with larger cohorts, including of those with type 2 narcolepsy and hypersomnia, are needed.
Large Transfer of Nitrogen, Silicon and Titanium through Various Thin Mo–Ti/Si and Ti–Mo/Si Bilayer Films Processed in Expanding Microwave Plasma: Formation of Nitrides and Silicides
Authors: Jauberteau Isabelle , Mayet Richard , Cornette Julie , Carles Pierre , Mangin Denis , Bessaudou Annie , Jauberteau Jean Louis , Passelergue Armand
Published: October 2023

Silicides and nitrides of transition metals are expected to play a great role in various applications. They can be both considered as metals and ceramics. Their low resistivity and high melting point make them especially promising for super capacitors technology. Thin bilayer films of Mo and Ti are evaporated on Si substrates with various thicknesses and location with respect to the Si substrate. They are exposed to expanding plasma using (Ar-31%N2-6%H2) gas mixtures, which promotes the chemical reactions on the surface of the bilayer films. Because of the intensive diffusion of elements such as Si and Ti, which compete with the diffusion of nitrogen into the surface layers, various thin films of nitrides and silicides form, depending on the location of Mo and Ti films relative to Si substrates. Results are analyzed in light of thermodynamic and kinetic considerations and especially the strong reactivity of Ti towards oxygen and silicium compared with Mo. The large diffusion of Si through Mo–Ti/Si bilayer films prevents the formation of nitrides, whereas a film of Mo, only 50 nm thick, prevents the formation of silicides in Ti–Mo/Si bilayer films, which promotes the formation of TiN from TiO2 and nitrogen due to the reducing and nitriding effect of plasma.
Skin Anti-Aging Effect of Oral Vitamin A Supplementation in Combination with Topical Retinoic Acid Treatment in Comparison with Topical Treatment Alone: A Randomized, Prospective, Assessor-Blinded, Parallel Trial
Authors: Milani Massimo , Colombo Francesca
Published: October 2023

Topical retinoid treatment is considered a standard therapeutic approach for chrono and photo skin aging. Retinol (vitamin A) is the precursor of endogenous retinoids. A prospective, 12-week, randomized, parallel-group trial comparing the combination of vitamins’ oral supplementation (one capsule daily, 50.000 UI vitamin A and 50 mg vitamin E) and a 0.02% retinoic acid topical gel formulation (RG) applied in the evening (Group B) in comparison with the topical RG treatment alone (Group A) was conducted. A total of 60 subjects (men and women, aged >50 years, mean age 60 ± 8 years) with moderate-severe facial skin aging (Glogau score > 2) were enrolled after their written informed consent. Thirty participants were randomly assigned to Group A and 30 to Group B. The primary endpoint was the clinical evaluation of a Skin Aging Global Score (SAGS), at baseline, and after 6 and 12 weeks. A VISIA® (Canfield Scientific, Parsippany, NJ, USA)face sculptor analysis was performed in a subgroup of 20 subjects. Skin tolerability was evaluated in both groups at weeks 6 and 12. In comparison with the baseline, SAGS scores in both groups were reduced by 13% (Group A) and by 14% (Group B) after 6 weeks and by 22% (Group A) and by 27% (Group B) at week 12. At the end of the study, SAGS score absolute reduction in Group B was significantly greater (p < 0.01) in comparison with the absolute reduction in Group A. Both treatment regimens were well tolerated. The combination of medium-high doses of oral retinol supplementation (Vitamin A) and topical retinoic acid gel showed superior efficacy in terms of clinical improvement in comparison with the topical treatment alone in subjects with moderate/severe skin aging.
Lipoprotein(a) and Low-Molecular-Weight Apo(a) Phenotype as Determinants of New Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Premature Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Afanasieva Olga I. , Tyurina Alexandra V. , Ezhov Marat V. , Razova Oxana A. , Klesareva Elena A. , Pokrovsky Sergei N.
Published: October 2023

Background. Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is a genetic risk factor of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVDs). Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is related to vascular inflammation and detected in atherosclerotic plaques. A temporary increase in the circulating concentration of PCSK9 and Lp(a) was shown in patients with myocardial infarction (MI). The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of the apo(a) phenotype and the Lp(a) concentration as well as its complex with PCSK9 in the development of cardiac events and MI in patients with a premature manifestation of coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods. In a prospective study with retrospective data collection, we included 116 patients with premature CHD who were followed for a median of 14 years. The medical history and information on cardiovascular events after an initial exam as well as data on the levels of lipids, Lp(a), PCSK9, PCSK9-Lp(a) complex, and apo(a) phenotype were obtained. Results. The patients were divided into two groups depending on the presence of a low- (LMW, n = 52) or high-molecular weight (HMW, n = 64) apo(a) phenotype. LMW apo(a) phenotype (odds ratio 2.3 (1.1 to 4.8), p = 0.03), but not elevated Lp(a) (1.9 (0.8–4.6), p = 0.13), was an independent predictor for the development of MI after adjustment for sex, age of CHD debut, initial lipids levels, and lipid-lowering treatment. The apo(a) phenotype also determined the relationship between Lp(a) and PCSK9 concentrations. The level of the PCSK9-Lp(a) complex was higher in LMW apo(a) patients. Conclusion. The LMW apo(a) phenotype is a risk factor for non-fatal MI in a long-term prospective follow-up of patients with premature CHD, and this link could be mediated via PCSK9.
Looking into the Market Behaviors through the Lens of Correlations and Eigenvalues: An Investigation on the Chinese and US Markets Using RMT
Authors: Tang Yong , Xiong Jason , Cheng Zhitao , Zhuang Yan , Li Kunqi , Xie Jingcong , Zhang Yicheng
Published: October 2023

This research systematically analyzes the behaviors of correlations among stock prices and the eigenvalues for correlation matrices by utilizing random matrix theory (RMT) for Chinese and US stock markets. Results suggest that most eigenvalues of both markets fall within the predicted distribution intervals by RMT, whereas some larger eigenvalues fall beyond the noises and carry market information. The largest eigenvalue represents the market and is a good indicator for averaged correlations. Further, the average largest eigenvalue shows similar movement with the index for both markets. The analysis demonstrates the fraction of eigenvalues falling beyond the predicted interval, pinpointing major market switching points. It has identified that the average of eigenvector components corresponds to the largest eigenvalue switch with the market itself. The investigation on the second largest eigenvalue and its eigenvector suggests that the Chinese market is dominated by four industries whereas the US market contains three leading industries. The study later investigates how it changes before and after a market crash, revealing that the two markets behave differently, and a major market structure change is observed in the Chinese market but not in the US market. The results shed new light on mining hidden information from stock market data.
A Comprehensive Framework for Data-Driven Building End-Use Assessment Utilizing Monitored Operational Parameters
Authors: Sharifi Mohsen , Kouti Amin , Lambie Evi , Ma Yixiao , Boneta Maria Fernandez , Shamsi Mohammad Haris
Published: October 2023

The availability of building operational data such as energy use and indoor temperature provides opportunities to enhance the traditional building energy performance calculation. Disaggregated building energy use facilitates informed decision-making to identify cost-saving measures efficiently at the individual building and building stock levels. The existing energy performance analysis techniques with measured input data in the literature are fragmented. Moreover, they frequently approach this issue with varying degrees of complexity depending on the available input data, expertise, and time. The procedure of choosing an appropriate method is often cumbersome with limited indication of the usefulness of the outcomes. This study proposes a data-driven framework for end-use load disaggregation through techniques that exploit various kinds of building consumption data. The results demonstrate the use of different techniques for varied applications. Calibrated theoretical calculation, data-driven heat loss coefficient (HLC), and energy signature curve (ESC) are among the proposed methods in the framework that facilitate individual, and urban scale energy decomposition. It is observed that different methods yield unalike outcomes, while their performance is predictable. While the HLC methods are flexible but also highly sensitive to the input parameters, the ESC needs high-frequency time series but provides stable energy decomposition. The ESC is efficient for large-scale analysis and the HLC method for detailed case-specific applications. Calibrated theoretical energy decomposition has a simple workflow and can supplement the current energy performance assessment method, although it entails sufficient input data.