bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RETRACTED ARTICLE: LncRNA SOX21-AS1 accelerates endometrial carcinoma progression through the miR-7-5p/RAF1 pathway
Authors: Sun Meng , Chen Dongxu , Chen Youguo , Wu Yibo
Published: July 2023

Background

Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is one of the world’s typical female reproductive tract malignancies, mostly occurring in postmenopausal women. Many reports have confirmed that long non-coding RNA SOX21 antisense RNA1 (lncRNA SOX21-AS1) is associated with the progressions of various cancer. However, the mechanism of SOX21-AS1 in EC remains unclear. Our study is intended to probe the mechanisms of SOX21-AS1 on EC progression.

Methods

The CCK-8 assay and colony formation detected cell proliferation. Cell migration and invasion were assessed by transwell analysis. Apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry assay. Bioinformatics software predicted target binding and confirmed using a luciferase reporter analysis.

Results

SOX21-AS1 expression was upregulated in EC tumor tissues and cells. High expression of SOX21-AS1 was associated with poor overall survival. Silencing of SOX21-AS1 restrained cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and increased apoptosis in HEC-1A and Ishikawa cells. Additionally, bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that SOX21-AS1 modulated RAF1 expression by competitively binding to miR-7-5p. Functionally, silencing of RAF1 reversed the functions of miR-7-5p inhibitor in the proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis of HEC-1A/sh-SOX21-AS1 and Ishikawa/sh-SOX21-AS1 cells.

Conclusions

SOX21-AS1 promoted the pathological development of EC by regulating the miR-7-5p/RAF1 pathway. This research may provide a novel target for EC therapy.
The early infection characterization of septic arthritis by Staphylococcus aureus after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in a novel rat model
Authors: Tong Kai , Wei Jian , Liu Zilin , Yang Xiaoming , Hu Yong
Published: July 2023

Background

The present study aimed to explore the time of maximum bacterial load and main colonization knee site in bacterial infection process based on a novel rat model of septic arthritis (SA) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

Methods

Ninety-five Wistar rats with unilateral ACLR, random enrolled into control surgery (CS) group; joint inject (JI) group; presoaking (PS) group, were injected with 30 μl sterile saline or 30 μl × 107 colony forming units/ml Staphylococcus aureus via the knee joint or graft with presoaked Staphylococcus aureus during ACLR, respectively. At 1, 4, 7, 11, and 14 days postoperatively, samples were harvested to evaluate progress of knee joint infection by postoperative body weight, body temperature, knee temperature, knee width, scales of tissue damage, serum inflammatory markers, microbiological counting, microcomputed tomography (Micro-CT), digital radiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Results

No systemic infection was observed in all rats. Comparing with serum inflammatory markers, tissue scores of inflammatory reactions, bacterial counts in the CS group, these data were significantly elevated in the JI group and PS group. The bone mass around the bone tunnel was lower and the soft tissue of knee showed more obvious swelling on MRI in the infection groups than that in the CS group at 7 and 14 days postoperatively. Staphylococcus aureus clusters on the surface of screw and graft were observed in the infection group. The whole colony forming units of Staphylococcus aureus maintained a continuous upward trend peaking 7 and 11 days followed by a balanced curve in the infection groups. Bone and soft tissue were found to have more bacterial counts than graft and screws.

Conclusion

This animal model effectively mimics the acute knee infection after ACLR. We found that the bacterial colonization exhibited the peak of acute infection between 7 and 11 days postoperatively, with the major bacteria loads found in the bone, soft tissue.
Standardized 3D-printed trabecular titanium augment and cup for acetabular bone defects in revision hip arthroplasty: a mid-term follow-up study
Authors: Hao Linjie , Zhang Yumin , Bian Weiguo , Song Wei , Li Kun , Wang Nengjun , Wen Pengfei , Ma Tao
Published: July 2023

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and outcomes of standardized three-dimensional (3D)-printed trabecular titanium (TT) cups and augments to reconstruct most acetabular defects.

Methods

We included 58 patients with Paprosky type II and III acetabular bone defects who underwent revision hip arthroplasty between 2015 and 2018. Patients who were revised without 3D-printed augments, and cases who were lost to follow-up and died during follow-up were excluded. Radiographic and clinical outcomes were evaluated. A Kaplan–Meier survivorship curve was generated. The mean follow-up was 64.5 (range 49–84) months.

Results

In total, 48 (82.8%) acetabular revisions were performed using standardized 3D-printed TT cups and augments, and a retrospective review was conducted on 43 revisions. The average position of the vertical center of rotation and leg length discrepancy were significantly decreased from 42.4 ± 9.1 mm and 38.4 ± 10.7 mm to 22.8 ± 3.4 mm and 4.1 ± 3.0 mm, respectively. Non-progressive radiolucent lines were observed in 3 (7.5%) acetabular components with no indications for revision. The mean Harris hip score, Oxford hip score and EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire score increased from 33.0 ± 10.7, 11.4 ± 3.4 and 0.29 ± 0.09 to 80.3 ± 8.8, 35.8 ± 2.4 and 0.71 ± 0.10, respectively. The revision-free survival rate of the acetabular component was 93.0% (40/43), with a rate of revision for aseptic loosening of 2.3% (1/43).

Conclusion

Standardized 3D‑printed TT augments and cups could be used to reconstruct the majority of Paprosky type II and III acetabular defects in revision hip arthroplasty and demonstrated encouraging results at mid-term follow-up.
Known-group validity of passive knee joint position sense: a comparison between individuals with unilateral anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and healthy controls
Authors: Jebreen Mustafa , Maffulli Nicola , Migliorini Filippo , Arumugam Ashokan
Published: July 2023

Background

Knee joint position sense (JPS) might be negatively affected after injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Recent systematic reviews suggest further investigation of psychometric properties, including validity, of knee JPS tests following ACL reconstruction (ACLR). This study investigated the known-group validity by comparing knee JPS errors between individuals who underwent unilateral ACLR and healthy controls.

Methods

This cross-sectional study involved 36 men, including 19 after ACLR (ACLR group) and 17 healthy controls (control group). In both groups, the absolute error (AE), constant error (CE) and variable error (VE) of passive knee JPS were calculated in the flexion and extension directions, for two target angles (30° and 60° flexion) per direction. Discriminative validity was evaluated by comparing JPS errors between the operated and non-operated knees in the ACLR group. Known-group validity was evaluated by comparing JPS errors between the operated knees in the ACLR group and the asymptomatic non-dominant knees of healthy controls.

Results

Mean AE, CE and VE for all tests were 4.1°, − 2.3° and 3.6° for the operated knees in the ACLR group, 5.5°, − 2.6° and 3.3° for the non-operated knees in the ACLR group and 4.6°, − 2.6° and 3.3° for the non-dominant knees in the control group, respectively, regardless of the test direction and target angle. The operated knees in the ACLR group did not show significantly greater JPS errors compared to the contralateral knees in the ACLR group and to the non-dominant knees in the control group (p ≥ 0.05). On the other hand, the non-operated knees showed significantly greater AE for the 0°–60° flexion test (p = 0.025) and CE for the 0°–30° flexion test (p = 0.024) than the operated knees in the ACLR group. JPS errors did not significantly differ in the operated knees in the ACLR group based on the direction of movement and the target angle. However, the errors were significantly higher when the knee was moved through a greater range compared to that of a lesser range between the starting and target angles.

Conclusion

The ACLR knees did not show greater passive JPS errors than the contralateral or control knees. The direction of movement and target angle did not influence the JPS acuity after ACLR. However, higher JPS errors were evident when the knee was moved through a greater range compared to a lesser range of motion. Further studies investigating the psychometric properties of standardized JPS tests following ACLR are warranted.
Risk assessment for sandwich vertebral fractures in the treatment of osteoporosis vertebral compression fractures using two methods of bone cement reinforcement
Authors: An Youzhi , Li Lili , Lin Xuelin , Zhang Zhen , Zheng Zhaoyun , Wang Chengjiang
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Bone cement augmentation surgery includes percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) and percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP). In this study, we aimed to investigate the risk of sandwich vertebral fractures in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures via PVP and PKP.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analytical study and included 61 patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures who underwent PVP and PKP at the Spinal Surgery Department of The Second Hospital of Liaocheng Affiliated with Shandong First Medical University from January 2019 to January 2022. These patients were divided into the following two groups by simple random sampling: group A (N = 30) underwent PVP treatment and group B (N = 31) underwent PKP treatment. The surgical time, fluoroscopy frequency, visual analog scale (VAS) score, amount of bone cement, the leakage rate of bone cement in intervertebral space, Cobb angle, and the incidence of fractures in both groups of sandwich vertebral were recorded after 1 year of follow-up.

Results

No statistically significant difference was found in terms of surgical time, fluoroscopy frequency, and VAS score between the two groups (P > 0.05). However, a statistically significant difference was found in terms of the amount of bone cement, the leakage rate of bone cement intervertebral space, Cobb angle, and the incidence of vertebral body fractures in both groups (P < 0.05). The amount of bone cement, the leakage rate of bone cement in intervertebral space, Cobb angle, and sandwich vertebral fractures were higher in Group A than in Group B.

Conclusions

When PVP and PKP were performed to treat osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures, the sandwich vertebral exhibited a risk of fracture. PVP exhibited a greater relative risk than PKP, which may be due to the relatively larger amount of bone cement, higher rate of bone cement leakage in the intervertebral space, and larger Cobb angle.
Comparison of mini-open reduction and autologous bone grafting with closed reduction and intramedullary device insertion for tibial shaft fractures: a retrospective study
Authors: Xu Danfeng , Xie Jianxin , Wu Bing , Zou Yubin , He Yong , Li Zhaosheng
Published: July 2023

Background

We compared the clinical efficacy of mini-open reduction and autologous bone grafting (GM) and closed reduction (GC) using intramedullary nailing for the treatment of tibial shaft fractures.

Methods

This retrospective study included 70 tibial shaft fractures treated with GM or GC between January 2018 and December 2021. The demographic characteristics and clinical outcomes were compared between the two treatment methods.

Results

This study included 70 patients who were followed-up for 12.4 months. In total, 31 and 39 patients were treated with GM and GC, respectively. The operative duration was significantly shorter for GM (95.2 ± 19.3 min) than for GC (105.5 ± 22.2 min, p = 0.0454). The number of radiation times was significantly lower for GM (14.7 ± 6.3) than for GC (22.2 ± 9.2, p < 0.005). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of the wound complication or infection rates. The malunion and nonunion rates were high after GC than after GM, but there are no significant differences between the groups.

Conclusions

Closed reduction and intramedullary nailing remains the first choice for tibial shaft fractures. GM is a safe and effective treatment worth considering. Future prospective randomized controlled trials are warranted.
Efficacy of a smartphone application for helping individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus manage their blood glucose: a protocol for factorial design trial
Authors: Tang Hongxia , Qin Hua , Zhang Mingjiao , Zhang Jihong , Tan Huiwen , Chen Mengjie , Kong Laixi , Guo Maoting , Hu Fenghui , Wang Qin , Wang Xiaoxia , Zhang Kun , Xiong Zhenzhen
Published: July 2023

Background

China has the largest number of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the world, and most lack knowledge about glycemic control and health management. This trial will examine whether a smartphone application can improve blood glucose management among individuals with T2DM.

Methods

This will be a 2-center, factorial design, equal proportional distribution, superiority trial conducted in outpatient endocrinology clinics at two tertiary hospitals in Chengdu, China. The trial will enroll smartphone-literature individuals at least 18 years old who have been diagnosed with T2DM based on glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of at least 7.0%. Individuals will be randomly assigned to receive routine care with standard education about T2DM and glycemic control (Control), routine care as well as weekly telephone reminders to self-monitor blood glucose (Reminder), routine care and a smartphone application providing information about glycemic control and health management with T2DM (App), or the combination of routine care, the smartphone application, and weekly telephone reminders (App + Reminder). After 6 months of these interventions, participants will be analyzed for the primary outcome of HbA1c as well as the secondary outcomes of blood glucose monitoring frequency, body mass index, blood pressure, knowledge about diabetes, health beliefs related to diabetes, diabetes self-management behavior, and satisfaction with the smartphone application.

Discussion

This trial will determine whether a smartphone application can improve glycemic management among Chinese with T2DM. The findings may help guide the development of effective applications in China and elsewhere.

Trial registration

Registration in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) under registration number ChiCTR2100042297:
https://www.chictr.org.cn/bin/userProject. 17 January 2021.
DNA barcoding of black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) in Indonesia
Authors: Hew Yan Xin , Ya’cob Zubaidah , Adler Peter H. , Chen Chee Dhang , Lau Koon Weng , Sofian-Azirun Mohd , Muhammad-Rasul Abdullah Halim , Putt Qi Yan , Izwan-Anas Noor , Hadi Upik Kesumawati , Suana I. Wayan , Takaoka Hiroyuki , Low Van Lun
Published: July 2023

Background

DNA barcoding is a valuable taxonomic tool for rapid and accurate species identification and cryptic species discovery in black flies. Indonesia has 143 nominal species of black flies, but information on their biological aspects, including vectorial capacity and biting habits, remains underreported, in part because of identification problems. The current study represents the first comprehensive DNA barcoding of Indonesian black flies using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequences.

Methods

Genomic DNA of Indonesian black fly samples were extracted and sequenced, producing 86 COI sequences in total. Two hundred four COI sequences, including 118 GenBank sequences, were analysed. Maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) trees were constructed and species delimitation analyses, including ASAP, GMYC and single PTP, were performed to determine whether the species of Indonesian black flies could be delineated. Intra- and interspecific genetic distances were also calculated and the efficacy of COI sequences for species identification was tested.

Results

The DNA barcodes successfully distinguished most morphologically distinct species (> 80% of sampled taxa). Nonetheless, high maximum intraspecific distances (3.32–13.94%) in 11 species suggested cryptic diversity. Notably, populations of the common taxa Simulium (Gomphostilbia) cheongi, S. (Gomphostilbia) sheilae, S. (Nevermannia) feuerborni and S. (Simulium) tani in the islands of Indonesia were genetically distinct from those on the Southeast Asian mainland (Malaysia and Thailand). Integrated morphological, cytogenetic and nuclear DNA studies are warranted to clarify the taxonomic status of these more complex taxa.

Conclusions

The findings showed that COI barcoding is a promising taxonomic tool for Indonesian black flies. The DNA barcodes will aid in correct identification and genetic study of Indonesian black flies, which will be helpful in the control and management of potential vector species.

Graphical abstract
Anti-Jo-1 autoantibodies: biomarkers of severity and evolution of the disease in antisynthetase syndrome
Authors: Arcani Robin , Rey Louise , Mazziotto Alice , Bertin Daniel , Kaplanski Gilles , Jarrot Pierre-André , Lafforgue Pierre , Venton Geoffroy , Heim Xavier , Villani Patrick , Mège Jean-Louis , Brodovitch Alexandre , Bardin Nathalie
Published: July 2023

Background

Anti-Jo-1 autoantibodies represent essential markers in the diagnosis of antisynthetase syndrome (ASS). In this retrospective study, we aimed to investigate whether their concentrations and fluctuations could both respectively reflect the severity and evolution of ASS.

Methods

Between 2015 and 2020, clinical and biological features of ASS patients with at least one positive measure of anti-Jo-1 autoantibody were collected. At each serum sampling, we assessed myositis activity by using the Myositis Intention to Treat Activities Index (MITAX) and compared anti-Jo-1 concentrations with ASS severity, anti-Jo-1 concentrations between patients with and without active disease, and changes in anti-Jo-1 concentrations with disease activity.

Results

Forty-eight patients with ASS had at least one positive determination of anti-Jo-1 concentration. Among them, twenty-nine patients had at least two determinations of anti-Jo-1 autoantibody in their follow-up. We showed that these autoantibody concentrations were significantly correlated with MITAX (r = 0.4, p = 0.03) and creatine kinase concentration (r = 0.34, p = 0.002) and that they were significantly higher in patients with active disease than in those with inactive disease (91.7 IU/L vs 44.4 IU/L, p = 0.016). During follow-up, we found a significant correlation between fluctuations of anti-Jo-1 autoantibody concentrations and MITAX score (r = 0.7, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that anti-Jo-1 autoantibody concentration could be a predictive marker of the severity and evolution of ASS and show that their quantification could represent a precious tool for disease monitoring and for improving the therapeutic management of ASS patients.
Circulating NPTX2 methylation as a non-invasive biomarker for prognosis and monitoring of metastatic pancreatic cancer
Authors: García-Ortiz María Victoria , Cano-Ramírez Pablo , Toledano-Fonseca Marta , Cano María Teresa , Inga-Saavedra Elizabeth , Rodríguez-Alonso Rosa María , Guil-Luna Silvia , Gómez-España María Auxiliadora , Rodríguez-Ariza Antonio , Aranda Enrique
Published: July 2023

Background

Pancreatic cancer is the most lethal cancer with a dismal prognosis mainly due to diagnosis at advanced stage and ineffective treatments. CA19-9 levels and computed tomography (CT) imaging are the main standard criteria for evaluating disease progression and treatment response. In this study we explored liquid biopsy-based epigenetic biomarkers for prognosis and monitoring disease in patients with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC).

Methods

Plasma samples were collected from 44 mPDAC patients at the time of diagnosis, and in 15 of them, additional samples were obtained during follow-up of the disease. After cell-free DNA (cfDNA), isolation circulating levels of methylated NPTX2, SPARC, BMP3, SFRP1 and TFPI2 genes were measured using digital droplet PCR (ddPCR). BEAMing technique was performed for quantitation of RAS mutations in cfDNA, and CA19-9 was measured using standard techniques.

Results

NPTX2 was the most highly and frequently methylated gene in cfDNA samples from mPDAC patients. Higher circulating NPTX2 methylation levels at diagnosis were associated with poor prognosis and efficiently stratified patients for prediction of overall survival (6.06% cut-off, p = 0.0067). Dynamics of circulating NPTX2 methylation levels correlated with disease progression and response to therapy and predicted better than CA19-9 the evolution of disease in mPDAC patients. Remarkably, in many cases the disease progression detected by CT scan was anticipated by an increase in circulating NPTX2 methylation levels.

Conclusions

Our study supports circulating NPTX2 methylation levels as a promising liquid biopsy-based clinical tool for non-invasive prognosis, monitoring disease evolution and response to treatment in mPDAC patients.
Expected and diagnosed rates of mild cognitive impairment and dementia in the U.S. Medicare population: observational analysis
Authors: Mattke Soeren , Jun Hankyung , Chen Emily , Liu Ying , Becker Andrew , Wallick Christopher
Published: July 2023

Background

With the emergence of disease-modifying Alzheimer’s treatments, timely detection of early-stage disease is more important than ever, as the treatment will not be indicated for later stages. Contemporary population-level data for detection rates of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), the stage at which treatment would ideally start, are lacking, and detection rates for dementia are only available for subsets of the Medicare population. We sought to compare documented diagnosis rates of MCI and dementia in the full Medicare population with expected rates based on a predictive model.

Methods

We performed an observational analysis of Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older with a near-continuous enrollment over a 3-year observation window or until death using 100% of the Medicare fee-for-service or Medicare Advantage Plans beneficiaries from 2015 to 2019. Actual diagnoses for MCI and dementia were derived from ICD-10 codes documented in those data. We used the 2000–2016 data of the Health and Retirement Study to develop a prediction model for expected diagnoses for the included population. The ratios between actually diagnosed cases of MCI and dementia over number of cases expected, the observed over expected ratio, reflects the detection rate.

Results

Although detection rates for MCI cases increased from 2015 to 2019 (0.062 to 0.079), the results mean that 7.4 of 8 million (92%) expected MCI cases remained undiagnosed. The detection rate for MCI was 0.039 and 0.048 in Black and Hispanic beneficiaries, respectively, compared with 0.098 in non-Hispanic White beneficiaries. Individuals dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid had lower estimated detection rates than their Medicare-only counterparts for MCI (0.056 vs 0.085). Dementia was diagnosed more frequently than expected (1.086 to 1.104) from 2015 to 2019, mostly in non-Hispanic White beneficiaries (1.367) compared with 0.696 in Black beneficiaries and 0.758 in Hispanic beneficiaries.

Conclusions

These results highlight the need to increase the overall detection rates of MCI and of dementia particularly in socioeconomically disadvantaged groups.
A novel deep learning automatic modulation classifier with fusion of multichannel information using GRU
Authors: Sun Siqi , Wang Yongyu
Published: July 2023

Automatic modulation classification (AMC) plays a vital role in modern communication systems, which can support wireless communication systems with limited spectrum resource. This paper proposes an AMC method, which integrates gated recurrent unit (GRU) and convolutional neural network (CNN) to utilize the complementary input features of received signals for spatiotemporal feature extraction and classification. Different from other state-of-the-art (SoA) frameworks, the proposed AMC classifier, named as fusion GRU deep learning neural network (FGDNN), aggregates firstly temporal features with GRUs and then extracts spatial features with CNNs. The GRUs can store temporal dynamic features, and facilitate to capture the characteristics of correlation and dependence among input features. The method is tested extensively with comparisons in order to verify its effectiveness. Experiment results show that the recognition rates of our method outperform other deep learning frameworks.
The potential roles of cigarette smoke-induced extracellular vesicles in oral leukoplakia
Authors: Peng Qiao , Duan Ning , Wang Xiang , Wang Wenmei
Published: July 2023

Background

The onset of oral leukoplakia (OLK), the most common oral lesion with a high risk of malignant transformation, is closely associated with the exposure of cigarette smoke. Cigarette smoke is a complicated mixture of more than 4500 different chemicals including various oxidants and free radical, which contributes to the onset of immune and inflammatory response or even carcinogenesis. Recent studies have proved that the exposure of cigarette smoke leads to the onset and aggravation of many diseases via significantly changed the production and components of extracellular vesicles. The extracellular vesicles are membrane-enclosed nanosized particles secreted by diverse cells and involved in cell–cell communication because of their ability to deliver a number of bioactive molecules including proteins, lipids, DNAs and RNAs. Getting insight into the mechanisms of extracellular vesicles in regulating OLK upon cigarette smoke stimulation contributes to unravel the pathophysiology of OLK in-depth. However, evidence done on the role of extracellular vesicles in cigarette smoke-induced OLK is still in its infancy.

Materials and methods

Relevant literatures on cigarette smoke, oral leukoplakia and extracellular vesicles were searched in PubMed database.

Conclusions

In this review, we summarize the recent findings about the function of extracellular vesicles in the pathogenesis of cigarette smoke-induced diseases, and to infer their potential utilizations as diagnostic biomarkers, prognostic evaluation, and therapeutic targets of OLK in the future.
Multi-omics analysis uncovers clinical, immunological, and pharmacogenomic implications of cuproptosis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Maoshu , Li Yongsheng , Wang Yun , Lin Pingli , Mi Jun , Zhong Weimin
Published: July 2023

Objective

The latest research proposed a novel copper-dependent programmed cell death named cuproptosis. We aimed to elucidate the influence of cuproptosis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) from a multi-omic perspective.

Methods

This study systematically assessed mRNA expression, methylation, and genetic alterations of cuproptosis genes in TCGA ccRCC samples. Through unsupervised clustering analysis, the samples were classified as different cuproptosis subtypes, which were verified through NTP method in the E-MTAB-1980 dataset. Next, the cuproptosis score (Cuscore) was computed based on cuproptosis-related genes via PCA. We also evaluated clinical and immunogenomic features, drug sensitivity, immunotherapeutic response, and post-transcriptional regulation.

Results

Cuproptosis genes presented multi-layer alterations in ccRCC, and were linked with patients’ survival and immune microenvironment. We defined three cuproptosis subtypes [C1 (moderate cuproptosis), C2 (low cuproptosis), and C3 (high cuproptosis)], and the robustness and reproducibility of this classification was further proven. Overall survival was best in C3, moderate in C1, and worst in C2. C1 had the highest sensitivity to pazopanib, and sorafenib, while C2 was most sensitive to sunitinib. Furthermore, C1 patients benefited more from anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. Patients with high Cuscore presented the notable survival advantage. Cuscore was highly linked with immunogenomic features, and post-transcriptional events that contributed to ccRCC development. Finally, several potential compounds and druggable targets (NMU, RARRES1) were selected for low Cuscore group.

Conclusion

Overall, our study revealed the non-negligible role of cuproptosis in ccRCC development. Evaluation of the cuproptosis subtypes improves our cognition of immunogenomic features and better guides personalized prognostication and precision therapy.
Diabetes distress and disordered eating behaviors in youth with type 1 diabetes: the mediating role of self-regulatory fatigue and the moderating role of resilience
Authors: Zhou Meijing , Wang Hong , Yu Jian , Luo Dan , Zhu Min , Zhang Mei , Xu Jingjing , Yang Tao
Published: July 2023

Background

Despite previous research on the association between diabetes distress and disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) among youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D), there is a lack of understanding regarding the underlying mechanisms. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between diabetes distress and DEBs, specifically examining whether self-regulatory fatigue mediated the relationship and whether resilience moderated this mediation.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed among youth with T1D recruited from two diabetes centers in Nanjing, China. Measurement instruments included the problem areas in the diabetes-5 scale, the diabetes strengths and resilience measure for adolescents, the self-regulatory fatigue scale, and the Chinese version of diabetes eating problem survey-revised. Mediation and moderated mediation analyses were conducted.

Results

A total of 185 youths with T1D were involved in the current study. The results indicated that diabetes distress positively predicted DEBs. Self-regulatory fatigue partially mediated the association between diabetes distress and DEBs, accounting for 50.88% of the overall effect. Additionally, the pathway from self-regulatory fatigue to DEBs was moderated by resilience.

Conclusion

The current study examined whether self-regulatory fatigue mediated the relationship between diabetes distress and DEBs and whether resilience moderated the connection between self-regulatory fatigue and DEBs. These findings add to the theoretical basis of how diabetes distress influences DEBs and help guide the incorporation of diabetes distress, self-regulatory fatigue, and resilience into DEBs reduction programs for youth with T1D.
The IBER study: a feasibility randomised controlled trial of imagery based emotion regulation for the treatment of anxiety in bipolar disorder
Authors: Steel Craig , Wright Kim , Goodwin Guy M. , Simon Judit , Morant Nicola , Taylor Rod S. , Brown Michael , Jennings Susie , Hales Susie A. , Regan Jemma , Sibsey Michaela , Thomas Zoe , Meredith Lynette , Holmes Emily A.
Published: July 2023

Background

Intrusive mental imagery is associated with anxiety and mood instability within bipolar disorder and therefore represents a novel treatment target. Imagery Based Emotion Regulation (IBER) is a brief structured psychological intervention developed to enable people to use the skills required to regulate the emotional impact of these images.

Methods

Participants aged 18 and over with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and at least a mild level of anxiety were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive IBER plus treatment as usual (IBER + TAU) or treatment as usual alone (TAU). IBER was delivered in up to 12 sessions overs 16 weeks. Clinical and health economic data were collected at baseline, end of treatment and 16-weeks follow-up. Objectives were to inform the recruitment process, timeline and sample size estimate for a definitive trial and to refine trial procedures. We also explored the impact on participant outcomes of anxiety, depression, mania, and mood stability at 16-weeks and 32-weeks follow-up.

Results

Fifty-seven (28: IBER + TAU, 27: TAU) participants from two sites were randomised, with 50 being recruited within the first 12 months. Forty-seven (82%) participants provided outcome data at 16 and 32-weeks follow-up. Thirty-five participants engaged in daily mood monitoring at the 32-week follow-up stage. Retention in IBER treatment was high with 27 (96%) attending ≥ 7 sessions. No study participants experienced a serious adverse event.

Discussion

The feasibility criteria of recruitment, outcome completion, and intervention retention were broadly achieved, indicating that imagery-focused interventions for bipolar disorder are worthy of further investigation.
Influence of extreme fracture flow channels on the thermal performance of open-loop geothermal systems at commercial scale
Authors: Rangel-Jurado Nicolás , Hawkins Adam J. , Fulton Patrick M.
Published: July 2023

Adequate stewardship of geothermal resources requires accurate forecasting of long-term thermal performance. In enhanced geothermal systems and other fracture-dominated reservoirs, predictive models commonly assume constant-aperture fractures, although spatial variations in aperture can greatly affect reservoir permeability, fluid flow distribution, and heat transport. Whereas previous authors have investigated the effects of theoretical random aperture distributions on thermal performance, here we further explore the influence of permeability heterogeneity considering field-constrained aperture distributions from a meso-scale field site in northern New York, USA. Using numerical models of coupled fluid flow and heat transport, we conduct thermal–hydraulic simulations for a hypothetical reservoir consisting of a relatively impervious porous matrix and a single, horizontal fracture. Our results indicate that in highly channelized fields, most well design configurations and operating conditions result in extreme rates of thermal drawdown (e.g., 50% drop in production well temperatures in under 2 years). However, some other scenarios that account for the risks of short-circuiting can potentially enhance heat extraction when mass flow rate is not excessively high, and the direction of geothermal extraction is not aligned with the most permeable features in the reservoir. Through a parametric approach, we illustrate that well separation distance and relative positioning play a major role in the long-term performance of highly channelized fields, and both can be used to help mitigate premature thermal breakthrough.
Municipal green waste as substrate for the microbial production of platform chemicals
Authors: Volkmar Marianne , Maus Anna-Lena , Weisbrodt Martin , Bohlender Jonathan , Langsdorf Alexander , Holtmann Dirk , Ulber Roland
Published: July 2023

In Germany alone, more than 5·106 tons of municipal green waste is produced each year. So far, this material is not used in an economically worthwhile way. In this work, grass clippings and tree pruning as examples of municipal green waste were utilized as feedstock for the microbial production of platform chemicals. A pretreatment procedure depending on the moisture and lignin content of the biomass was developed. The suitability of grass press juice and enzymatic hydrolysate of lignocellulosic biomass pretreated with an organosolv process as fermentation medium or medium supplement for the cultivation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis, Ustilago maydis, and Clostridium acetobutylicum was demonstrated. Product concentrations of 9.4 gethanol L−1, 16.9 glactic acid L−1, 20.0 gitaconic acid L−1, and 15.5 gsolvents L−1 were achieved in the different processes. Yields were in the same range as or higher than those of reference processes grown in established standard media. By reducing the waste arising in cities and using municipal green waste as feedstock to produce platform chemicals, this work contributes to the UN sustainability goals and supports the transition toward a circular bioeconomy.

Graphical Abstract
Sequential extraction of value-added bioproducts from three Chlorella strains using a drying-based combined disruption technique
Authors: Izanlou Zahra , Akhavan Mahdavi Mahmood , Gheshlaghi Reza , Karimian Arash
Published: July 2023

In this study, the sequential extraction of the three types of biochemicals from microalgae is employed, which is a more realistic and practical solution for large-scale extraction of bioproducts. The drying, grinding, organic solvent treatment, and ultra-sonication were combined to disrupt cells and sequentially extract bioproducts from three microalgae strains, Chlorella sorokiniana IG-W-96, Chlorella sp. PG-96, and Chlorella vulgaris IG-R-96. As the drying is the most energy-intensive step in cell disruption and sequential extraction, the effect of this step on sequential extraction deeply explored. The results show that total ash-plus contents of biochemicals in freeze-dried samples (95.4 ± 2.8%, 89.3 ± 3.9%, and 77.5 ± 4.2 respectively) are higher than those in oven-dried samples (91.0 ± 2.8%, 89.5 ± 3.0%, 71.4 ± 4.8%, respectively) showing the superiority of freeze drying over oven drying merely for Chlorella vulgaris IG-R-96 (p-value = 0.003) and non-significant variation for Chlorella sorokiniana IG-W-96 (p-value = 0.085) and Chlorella sp. PG-96 (p-value = 0.466). Variation among biochemical contents of strains is due to the difference in cell wall strength confirmed by TEM imaging. The freeze-dried samples achieved higher lipid yields than oven-dried samples. The total carbohydrate yields followed the same pattern. The extraction yields of total protein were higher in freeze-dried samples than in oven-dried. Total mass balance revealed that drying-based sequential extraction of value-added bioproducts could better demonstrate the economic potential of sustainable and renewable algal feedstock than independent assays for each biochemical.

Graphical Abstract
Microbiome specificity and fluxes between two distant plant taxa in Iberian forests
Authors: Saati-Santamaría Zaki , Vicentefranqueira Rocío , Kolařik Miroslav , Rivas Raúl , García-Fraile Paula
Published: July 2023

Background

Plant-associated microbial communities play important roles in host nutrition, development and defence. In particular, the microbes living within internal plant tissues can affect plant metabolism in a more intimate way. Understanding the factors that shape plant microbial composition and discovering enriched microbes within endophytic compartments would thus be valuable to gain knowledge on potential plant–microbial coevolutions. However, these interactions are usually studied through reductionist approaches (in vitro models or crop controlled systems). Here, we investigate these ecological factors in wild forest niches using proximally located plants from two distant taxa (blueberry and blackberry) as a model.

Results

Although the microbial communities were quite similar in both plants, we found that sampling site had a high influence on them; specifically, its impact on the rhizosphere communities was higher than that on the roots. Plant species and sample type (root vs. rhizosphere) affected the bacterial communities more than the fungal communities. For instance, Xanthobacteraceae and Helotiales taxa were more enriched in roots, while the abundance of Gemmatimonadetes was higher in rhizospheres. Acidobacteria abundance within the endosphere of blueberry was similar to that in soil. Several taxa were significantly associated with either blackberry or blueberry samples regardless of the sampling site. For instance, we found a significant endospheric enrichment of Nevskia in blueberry and of Sphingobium, Novosphingobium and Steroidobacter in blackberry.

Conclusions

There are selective enrichment and exclusion processes in the roots of plants that shapes a differential composition between plant species and sample types (root endosphere—rhizosphere). The special enrichment of some microbial taxa in each plant species might suggest the presence of ancient selection and/or speciation processes and might imply specific symbiosis. The selection of fungi by the host is more pronounced when considering the fungal trait rather than the taxonomy. This work helps to understand plant–microbial interactions in natural ecosystems and the microbiome features of plants.
Inhaler devices: Optimising use in children
Authors: Duncan Debbie
Published: July 2023

Inhaled medication is the standard treatment for respiratory disease and wheezing in childhood. Effective treatment is dependent on patients following the right technique, which varies according to the type of inhaler device, the characteristics of the inhaled medicine, and on patient-related characteristics (e.g. inspiratory flow). This article looks at effective inhalation and education, as well as common barriers.
The role of social media in children and young people's health information seeking
Authors: Garwood-Cross Lisa
Published: July 2023

As social media becomes more prevalent in the lives of children and young people, these digital spaces are increasingly becoming part of their health information seeking. This article is the first in a series of three investigating the role of social media, health mis/information and children. It provides an overview of social media and its prevalence among children and young people in the UK. Increasingly, young people are obtaining health information from social media and there are concerns about the possibility that children and young people could be vulnerable to health misinformation in these user-generated content platforms. However, it is also important to recognise the perceived benefits of these information sources for children and young people.
[The State of the Flag], and: [Asylum], and: [Body, Blue]
Authors: Weaver Sammy
Published: July 2023

Abstract: This poem explores the experience of men living on Death Row in the U.S. A. This poem explores the racialised inheritance of imprisonment in the aftermath of slavery. This poem examines state symbols and abuses of power through a post-colonial lens and in the aftermath of slavery.
Wunderkammer
Authors: Jenike Lesley
Published: July 2023

Abstract: The parents of young children will often find themselves spending inordinate amounts of time in museums—art museums, children’s museums, natural history museums, living history museums. We take our children to museums to enrich their learning, of course, but if we’re being honest, we’re also simply passing time. We’re passing time in spaces deemed (generally) open to caregivers and children and conducive to wandering and thinking apart from market-driven, work-a-day time, but museums are also repositories of past time and as such may reinforce painful reminders of cultural hegemonies and ecological disasters as surely as they also show us the kaleidoscopic beauty of our world. “Wunderkammer” questions the roles museums play in our educational lives and in the educational lives of our children.
Parlor
Authors: Dahal Mansi
Published: July 2023

Abstract: Parlor is a poem that captures the chaotic relationships of women that comes to light in the enclosed space of a beauty salon.
Need Her Badly
Authors: Villagra Analía
Published: July 2023

Abstract: A short story about a woman who becomes fixated on the neighbor she hears through their shared wall.
When the Moon Keeps Rising and She Is Still Dead, and: Ground Rules, and: Addiction Dynasty, and: I Drew a Circle around a Future Tattoo, and: Turnover
Authors: Thompson Gale Marie
Published: July 2023

Abstract: “When the Moon Keeps Rising and She is Still Dead” is a poem about grief for the speaker’s friend. “Turnover” is a poem about grief and naming absence. “Ground Rules” is a poem about the cyclical nature of the physical world. “I Drew a Circle Around a Future Tattoo” is a poem about the speaker reckoning with her past.
The “Unwilling or Unable” Doctrine and the Political Economy of the War on Terror
Authors: Tzouvala Ntina
Published: July 2023

Abstract: The 'unwilling or unable' doctrine is amongst the most contested in contemporary international law. However, this paper is not concerned with whether ‘unwilling or unable’ accurately reflects the international law of self-defense and force. Rather, drawing from critical security studies, especially those strands that study the relationship between the war on terror, and capitalist accumulation, and critical political economy this paper examines the forms of political economy and statehood implicit in the doctrine. The article argues two things: first, the doctrine envisages a gradated form of sovereignty dedicated to the reproduction of racial capitalism. Secondly, the doctrine incorporates the imperatives of financial capitalism insofar that it seeks to guarantee ongoing demand for military services and equipment into the future.
Sovereignty Beyond Decolonization: Post-Imperial British Policing and Colombian Criminal Justice, c. 1960–1975
Authors: Karl Robert A.
Published: July 2023

Abstract: This article examines the trajectories of British intelligence officer Eric T.D. Lambert and an incarcerated Afro-Colombian named Germán Angulo, whose intersecting stories reveal the post-imperial displacement of expertise in the 1960s, as well as the features of societies that imperial expertise misses: social/racial hierarchies and the nature of the politics that sustain them. The tension between British post-imperialism liberalism and Colombian ideologies of “racial democracy,” on the one hand, and the lived reality of race in carceral institutions on the other, demonstrates how decolonization’s redefinition of sovereignty, law, and belonging configured a global moment that reached even long-independent nation-states.
Decolonizing the Sky: Global Air Travel at the End of Empire
Authors: Pearson Jessica Lynne
Published: July 2023

Abstract: Drawing on a range of case studies from the French and British empires, this article argues that the expansion of global air travel in the second half of the twentieth century was intimately bound up with the decolonization process. These intersections crystallized mid-century as an increasingly diverse group of travelers took to the skies, forcing colonial authorities to reckon with ongoing segregation on the ground. After independence, air travel and tourism offered new states an opportunity to craft national identities and forge transnational solidarities. In certain instances, however, efforts to expand these industries reinforced economic dependence on their former colonizers. Racism, too, continued to shape the experiences of tourists from recently sovereign nations as they made their way through the world using transportation networks that remained deeply embedded in imperial structures.
Learning from Dar es Salaam: Harvard’s “Project Tanganyika” and a Nodal Perspective on Decolonization’s Itineraries
Authors: Ivaska Andrew
Published: July 2023

Abstract: This article traces the history of Harvard’s “Project Tanganyika” and its encounter with Dar es Salaam’s burgeoning community of Southern African political exiles. An unsung predecessor to Kennedy’s Peace Corps, Project Tanganyika began in 1961 amidst a Harvard campus reckoning with issues of race, civil rights and global decolonization. Sending groups of mostly white undergraduates to Dar es Salaam as volunteer teachers, the Project would become uncannily central to the city’s emerging fame as a haven for leftwing exiles and fellow-travelers. For many Project volunteers and liberation movement leaders, the initiative was mutually generative, even as it resonated in more ambivalent ways for rank-and-file cadres. In both its generative capacity and its limitations, Project Tanganyika’s trajectory provides a glimpse of the junction of African decolonization and US civil rights in a manner inflected by race, class, and mobility.