bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and assessment of a novel gold immunochromatographic assay for the diagnosis of schistosomiasis japonica
Authors: Mu Yi , McManus Donald P. , Gordon Catherine A. , You Hong , Ross Allen G. , Olveda Remigio M. , Cai Pengfei
Published: April 2023

Background

The neglected zoonosis, schistosomiasis japonica, remains a major public health problem in the Philippines. The current study aims to develop a novel gold immunochromatographic assay (GICA) and evaluate its performance in the detection of Schistosoma japonicum infection.

Methods

A GICA strip incorporating a S. japonicum saposin protein, SjSAP4 was developed. For each GICA strip test, diluted serum sample (50 µl) was loaded and strips were scanned after 10 min to convert the results into images. ImageJ was used to calculate an R value, which was defined as the signal intensity of the test line divided by the signal intensity of the control line within the cassette. After determination of optimal serum dilution and diluent, the GICA assay was evaluated with sera collected from non-endemic controls (n = 20) and individuals living in schistosomiasis-endemic areas of the Philippines (n = 60), including 40 Kato Katz (KK)-positive participants and 20 subjects confirmed as KK-negative and faecal droplet digital PCR assay (F_ddPCR)-negative at a dilution of 1:20. An ELISA assay evaluating IgG levels against SjSAP4 was also performed on the same panel of sera.

Results

Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and 0.9% NaCl were determined as optimal dilution buffer for the GICA assay. The strips tested with serial dilutions of a pooled serum sample from KK-positive individuals (n = 3) suggested that a relatively wide range of dilutions (from 1:10 to 1:320) can be applied for the test. Using the non-endemic donors as controls, the GICA strip showed a sensitivity of 95.0% and absolute specificity; while using the KK-negative and F_ddPCR-negative subjects as controls, the immunochromatographic assay had a sensitivity of 85.0% and a specificity of 80.0%. The SjSAP4-incorperated GICA displayed a high concordance with the SjSAP4-ELISA assay.

Conclusions

The developed GICA assay exhibited a similar diagnostic performance with that of the SjSAP4-ELISA assay, yet the former can be performed by local personnel with minimal training with no requirement for specialised equipment. The GICA assay established here represents a rapid, easy-to-use, accurate and field-friendly diagnostic tool for the on-site surveillance/screening of S. japonicum infection.
3D printed thermo-responsive electroconductive hydrogel and its application for motion sensor
Authors: Li Yangyang , Zheng Wenhui , Zhang Jichi , Xu Lijuan , Li Bing , Dong Jidong , Gao Guo-Lin , Jiang Zaixing
Published: April 2023

Stimulus-responsive hydrogels with excellent conductivity have been widely used in electrical, electrochemical, biomedical, and other fields. It is still a challenge to prepare gels with high conductivity. In this paper, poly (N-isopropyl acrylamide) is 3D printed by changing the rheological properties of the printing solution with clay. By forming phytic acid cross-linked polyaniline conductive polymer network in situ on the poly (N-isopropyl acrylamide) matrix, 3D printing of thermally responsive conductive hybrid hydrogels was realized. The interpenetrating polymer network structure provides an electron transport path for hydrogels. The hydrogels have high porosity, strong interaction, high electrical conductivity, high thermal response sensitivity, and significant mechanical enhancement. The results show that the swelling and mechanical properties of the gel are influenced by soaking in different concentrations. The application scenario of the hydrogel was confirmed by a temperature-sensitive switch and finger motion detection.
Comparative analysis of macroalgae supplementation on the rumen microbial community: Asparagopsis taxiformis inhibits major ruminal methanogenic, fibrolytic, and volatile fatty acid-producing microbes in vitro
Authors: O’Hara Eóin , Terry Stephanie A. , Moote Paul , Beauchemin Karen A. , McAllister Tim A. , Abbott D. Wade , Gruninger Robert J.
Published: April 2023

Seaweeds have received a great deal of attention recently for their potential as methane-suppressing feed additives in ruminants. To date, Asparagopsis taxiformis has proven a potent enteric methane inhibitor, but it is a priority to identify local seaweed varieties that hold similar properties. It is essential that any methane inhibitor does not compromise the function of the rumen microbiome. In this study, we conducted an in vitro experiment using the RUSITEC system to evaluate the impact of three red seaweeds, A. taxiformis, Palmaria mollis, and Mazzaella japonica, on rumen prokaryotic communities. 16S rRNA sequencing showed that A. taxiformis had a profound effect on the microbiome, particularly on methanogens. Weighted Unifrac distances showed significant separation of A. taxiformis samples from the control and other seaweeds (p < 0.05). Neither P. mollis nor M. japonica had a substantial effect on the microbiome (p > 0.05). A. taxiformis reduced the abundance of all major archaeal species (p < 0.05), leading to an almost total disappearance of the methanogens. Prominent fiber-degrading and volatile fatty acid (VFA)-producing bacteria including Fibrobacter and Ruminococcus were also inhibited by A. taxiformis (p < 0.05), as were other genera involved in propionate production. The relative abundance of several other bacteria including Prevotella, Bifidobacterium, Succinivibrio, Ruminobacter, and unclassified Lachnospiraceae were increased by A. taxiformis suggesting that the rumen microbiome adapted to an initial perturbation. Our study provides baseline knowledge of microbial dynamics in response to seaweed feeding over an extended period and suggests that feeding A. taxiformis to cattle to reduce methane may directly, or indirectly, inhibit important fiber-degrading and VFA-producing bacteria.
Development of a new cellular immunological detection method for tuberculosis based on HupB protein induced IL-6 release test
Authors: Yu Xiaoli , Jiang Shengsheng , Li Yang , Zhou Huaiheng , Wei Yutong , Li Xuefang , Zhang Ye , Hu Peng , Wu Haoming , Wang Hualin , Wu Shimin , Zhang Shulin
Published: April 2023

Objective

As a virulence factor, HupB plays important roles in the survival of MTB after infection and modulates the host immune response. In the current study, we aim to explore a new cellular immunological detection method for tuberculosis infection detection based on HupB protein.

Methods

HupB was used to stimulate PBMCs extracted from pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients, and secreted cytokines was examined. Then, we constructed a single center and a multi-center clinical trials to collect PBMCs from PTB patients, nPTB patients, or healthy volunteers to verify our findings.

Results

Cytokine’s screening illustrated that IL-6 was the only cytokine released after HupB stimulation. Single-center and multi-center clinical trials showed that HupB stimulation significantly increased the level of IL-6 in the supernatant of PBMCs from PTB patients. Then we compared the specificity and sensitivity of HupB induced IL-6 release assay with ESAT-6 and CFP10 induced interferon γ release assay (IGRA), and found in smear positive PTB patients, the specificity and sensitivity of HupB induced IL-6 release assay was better than IGRA, and in smear negative PTB patients, the sensitivity was better. Combination of both assays provided an improved specificity and sensitivity for tuberculosis diagnosis.

Conclusion

This study explored an immunological detection method for tuberculosis infection cells based on HupB protein-induced IL-6 release test, which can be used to enhance the diagnosis diagnostic accuracy of TB.
Selective breeding for physical inactivity produces cognitive deficits via altered hippocampal mitochondrial and synaptic function
Authors: Kerr Nathan R. , Kelty Taylor J. , Mao Xuansong , Childs Thomas E. , Kline David D. , Rector R. Scott , Booth Frank W.
Published: April 2023

Physical inactivity is the 4th leading cause of death globally and has been shown to significantly increase the risk for developing Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Recent work has demonstrated that exercise prior to breeding produces heritable benefits to the brains of offspring, suggesting that the physical activity status of previous generations could play an important role in one’s brain health and their subsequent risk for neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, our study aimed to test the hypothesis that selective breeding for physical inactivity, or for high physical activity, preference produces heritable deficits and enhancements to brain health, respectively. To evaluate this hypothesis, male and female sedentary Low Voluntary Runners (LVR), wild type (WT), and High Voluntary Runner (HVR) rats underwent cognitive behavioral testing, analysis of hippocampal neurogenesis and mitochondrial respiration, and molecular analysis of the dentate gyrus. These analyses revealed that selecting for physical inactivity preference has produced major detriments to cognition, brain mitochondrial respiration, and neurogenesis in female LVR while female HVR display enhancements in brain glucose metabolism and hippocampal size. On the contrary, male LVR and HVR showed very few differences in these parameters relative to WT. Overall, we provide evidence that selective breeding for physical inactivity has a heritable and detrimental effect on brain health and that the female brain appears to be more susceptible to these effects. This emphasizes the importance of remaining physically active as chronic intergenerational physical inactivity likely increases susceptibility to neurodegenerative diseases for both the inactive individual and their offspring.
Effects of traditional Chinese mind–body exercises on older adults with cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yao Ke-ru , Luo Qin , Tang Xi , Wang Zhi-han , Li Lu , Zhao Lu , Zhou Li , Li Ling , Huang Li , Yin Xin-hong
Published: April 2023

Objective

To determine the effectiveness of traditional Chinese mind–body exercises in improving cognition, memory, and executive function in older adults with cognitive impairment.

Data sources

Relevant English and Chinese language studies published until September 14th, 2022 were retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, WAN FANG DATA, VIP Information, CNKI, and SinoMed databases.

Review methods

Randomized controlled trials assessing traditional Chinese mind–body exercises (Tai Chi, Baduanjin, Qigong, Mind–Body Therapies, and Yijinjing) in older adults with cognitive impairment were included. Two researchers independently identified eligible studies and extracted data. A risk-of-bias assessment was performed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool.

Results

This study included 15 randomized controlled trials (1,127 participants) from China, Thailand and American. Most studies had a high risk of bias in the blinding of participants and researchers, one study had a high risk of bias in the random sequence generation and two studies had a high risk of bias in the incomplete outcome data. Compared with conventional therapy alone, traditional Chinese mind–body exercises significantly improved global cognitive function (p < 0.00001), and Baduanjin could improve the global cognitive function (p < 0.00001), memory function (p < 0.0001), and executive function (p < 0.0001) outcomes after treatment, and significantly improved some dimensional scores on the auditory verbal learning test after treatment (p = 0.04).

Conclusion

Compared with conventional therapy, traditional Chinese mind–body exercises (Tai Chi, Baduanjin, and Qigong) significantly improved global cognitive function, and Baduanjin could improve global cognitive function, memory function, and executive function in older adults with cognitive impairment.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#searchadvanced, CRD42022327563.
Case report: TMEM106B haplotype alters penetrance of GRN mutation in frontotemporal dementia family
Authors: Perneel Jolien , Manoochehri Masood , Huey Edward D. , Rademakers Rosa , Goldman Jill
Published: April 2023

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is the second-most common young-onset dementia. Variants in the TMEM106B gene have been proposed as modifiers of FTD disease risk, especially in progranulin (GRN) mutation carriers. A patient in their 50s presented to our clinic with behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD). Genetic testing revealed the disease-causing variant c.349 + 1G > C in GRN. Family testing revealed that the mutation was inherited from an asymptomatic parent in their 80s and that the sibling also carries the mutation. Genetic analyses showed that the asymptomatic parent and sibling carry two copies of the protective TMEM106B haplotype (defined as c.554C > G, p.Thr185Ser), whereas the patient is heterozygous. This case report illustrates that combining TMEM106B genotyping with GRN mutation screening may provide more appropriate genetic counseling on disease risk in GRN families. Both the parent and sibling were counseled to have a significantly reduced risk for symptomatic disease. Implementing TMEM106B genotyping may also promote the collection of biosamples for research studies to improve our understanding of the risk-and disease-modifying effect of this important modifier gene.
Peak width of skeletonized mean diffusivity and cognitive performance in cerebral amyloid angiopathy
Authors: Horn Mitchell J. , Gokcal Elif , Becker J. Alex , Das Alvin S. , Schwab Kristin , Zanon Zotin Maria Clara , Goldstein Joshua N. , Rosand Jonathan , Viswanathan Anand , Polimeni Jonathan R. , Duering Marco , Greenberg Steven M. , Gurol M. Edip
Published: April 2023

Background

Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy (CAA) is a cerebral small vessel disease that can lead to microstructural disruption of white matter (WM), which can be measured by the Peak Width of Skeletonized Mean Diffusivity (PSMD). We hypothesized that PSMD measures would be increased in patients with CAA compared to healthy controls (HC), and increased PSMD is associated with lower cognitive scores in patients with CAA.

Methods

Eighty-one probable CAA patients without cognitive impairment who were diagnosed with Boston criteria and 23 HCs were included. All subjects underwent an advanced brain MRI with high-resolution diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). PSMD scores were quantified from a probabilistic skeleton of the WM tracts in the mean diffusivity (MD) image using a combination of fractional anisotropy (FA) and the FSL Tract-Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS) algorithm (www.psmd-marker.com). Within CAA cohort, standardized z-scores of processing speed, executive functioning and memory were obtained.

Results

The mean of age and sex were similar between CAA patients (69.6 ± 7.3, 59.3% male) and HCs (70.6 ± 8.5, 56.5% male) (p = 0.581 and p = 0.814). PSMD was higher in the CAA group [(4.13 ± 0.94) × 10–4 mm2/s] compared to HCs [(3.28 ± 0.51) × 10–4 mm2/s] (p < 0.001). In a linear regression model corrected for relevant variables, diagnosis of CAA was independently associated with increased PSMD compared to HCs (ß = 0.45, 95% CI 0.13–0.76, p = 0.006). Within CAA cohort, higher PSMD was associated with lower scores in processing speed (p < 0.001), executive functioning (p = 0.004), and memory (0.047). Finally, PSMD outperformed all other MRI markers of CAA by explaining most of the variance in models predicting lower scores in each cognitive domain.

Discussion

Peak Width of Skeletonized Mean Diffusivity is increased in CAA, and it is associated with worse cognitive scores supporting the view that disruption of white matter has a significant role in cognitive impairment in CAA. As a robust marker, PSMD can be used in clinical trials or practice.
Concurrent IDH1 and IDH2 mutations in glioblastoma: A case report
Authors: Haider Ali S. , Ene Chibawanye I. , Palmisciano Paolo , Haider Maryam , Rao Ganesh , Ballester Leomar Y. , Fuller Gregory N.
Published: April 2023

Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutations are cornerstone diagnostic features in glioma classification. IDH mutations are typically characterized by mutually exclusive amino acid substitutions in the genes encoding for the IDH1 and the IDH2 enzyme isoforms. We report our institutional case of a diffuse astrocytoma with progression to secondary glioblastoma and concurrent IDH1/IDH2 mutations. A 49-year-old male underwent a subtotal resection of a lobular lesion within the right insula in 2013, revealing a WHO grade 3 anaplastic oligoastrocytoma, IDH1 mutated, 1p19q intact. Symptomatic tumor progression was suspected in 2018, leading to a surgical tumor biopsy that demonstrated WHO grade 4 IDH1 and IDH2 mutant diffuse astrocytoma. The patient subsequently underwent surgical resection followed by medical management and finally died in 2021. Although concurrent IDH1/IDH2 mutations have been rarely reported in the current literature, further study is required to better define their impact on patients’ prognoses and their response to targeted therapies.
Real-life data of abiraterone acetate and enzalutamide treatment in post-chemotherapy metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer in Poland
Authors: Sigorski Dawid , Wilk Michał , Gawlik-Urban Angelika , Sałek-Zań Agata , Kiszka Joanna , Malik Mateusz , Czerko Katarzyna , Kuć Kamil , Szczylik Cezary , Kubiatowski Tomasz , Cybulska-Stopa Bożena , Filipczyk-Cisarż Emilia , Bodnar Lubomir , Skoneczna Iwona
Published: April 2023

Background

Abiraterone acetate (ABI) and Enzalutamide (ENZA) are second-generation hormone drugs that show breakthrough activity in post-chemotherapy, metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). The leading oncological and urological guidelines indicate both drugs with the same strong recommendation. There is a lack of randomized trials which compare the efficacy of ABI and ENZA. The current study aimed to compare the effectiveness of the drugs with an analysis of prognostic factors related to those drugs.

Patients and methods

The study included 420 patients with docetaxel (DXL) pretreated mCRPC from seven Polish cancer centers. Patients were treated according to inclusion and exclusion criteria in the Polish national drug program (1000 mg ABI and 10 mg prednisone, n=76.2%; ENZA, 160 mg; n=23.8%). The study retrospectively analyzed the overall survival (OS), time to treatment failure (TTF), PSA 50% decline rate (PSA 50%) and selected clinic-pathological data.

Results

In the study group, the median OS was 17 months (95% CI: 15.6-18.3). The median OS (26.1 vs. 15.7 mo.; p<0.001), TTF (14.2 vs. 7.6 mo.; p<0.001) and PSA 50% (87.5 vs. 56%; p<0.001) were higher in ENZA than in ABI treatment. Multivariate analysis shows that ENZA treatment and PSA nadir <17.35 ng/mL during or after DXL treatment were related to longer TTF. ENZA treatment, DXL dose ≥750 mg, PSA nadir <17.35 ng/mL during or after DXL treatment was related to longer OS.

Conclusions

ENZA treatment may be related to more favorable oncological outcomes than ABI treatment in the studied Polish population of patients. A 50% decline in PSA is an indicator of longer TTF and OS. Due to the non-randomized and retrospective nature of the analysis, the current results require prospective validation.
Identification of a prognostic biomarker predicting biochemical recurrence and construction of a novel nomogram for prostate cancer
Authors: Yu Zhaojun , Chao Haichao , Xu Fanghua , Deng Huanhuan , Deng Leihong , Song Zhen , Zeng Tao
Published: April 2023

Background

Biochemical recurrence (BCR) is common in prostate cancer (PCa), but its prediction is based predominantly on clinicopathological characteristics with low accuracy. We intend to identify a potential prognostic biomarker related to the BCR and construct a nomogram for improving the risk stratification of PCa patients.

Methods

The transcriptome and clinical data of PCa patients were obtained from TCGA and GEO databases. Differential expression analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were used to screen out differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to the BCR of PCa. Cox regression analysis was further applied to screen out DEGs related to BCR-free survival (BFS). Time-dependent receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis and Kaplan–Meier (K-M) survival analysis were conducted to assess the prognostic value. Then, a prognostic nomogram was established and evaluated. The clinicopathological correlation analysis, GSEA analysis, and immune analysis were used to explore the biological and clinical significance of the biomarker. Finally, the qRT-PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were conducted to validate the expression of the biomarker.

Results

BIRC5 was identified to be the potential prognostic biomarker. The clinical correlation analysis and K-M survival analysis found that the BIRC5 mRNA expression was positively associated with disease progression and negatively associated with the BFS rate. Time-dependent ROC curves verified its accurate prediction performance. The GSEA and immune analysis suggested that the BIRC5 was related to immunity. A nomogram with an accurate prediction for BFS of PCa patients was constructed. qRT-PCR, western blotting, and IHC results validated the expression level of BIRC5 in PCa cells and tissues.

Conclusion

Our study identified BIRC5 as a potential prognostic biomarker related to BCR of PCa and constructed an efficacy nomogram for predicting BFS to assist clinical decision-making.
Synthetic oleanane triterpenoids suppress MYB oncogene activity and sensitize T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells to chemotherapy
Authors: Tejera Nevado Paloma , Tešan Tomić Tajana , Atefyekta Ali , Fehr André , Stenman Göran , Andersson Mattias K.
Published: April 2023

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive hematologic malignancy with poor prognosis. The MYB oncogene encodes a master transcription factor that is activated in the majority of human T-ALLs. In the present study, we have performed a large-scale screening with small-molecule drugs to find clinically useful inhibitors of MYB gene expression in T-ALL. We identified several pharmacological agents that potentially could be used to treat MYB-driven malignancies. In particular, treatment with the synthetic oleanane triterpenoids (OTs) bardoxolone methyl and omaveloxolone decreased MYB gene activity and expression of MYB downstream target genes in T-ALL cells with constitutive MYB gene activation. Notably, treatment with bardoxolone methyl and omaveloxolone led to a dose-dependent reduction in cell viability and induction of apoptosis at low nanomolar concentrations. In contrast, normal bone marrow-derived cells were unaffected at these concentrations. Bardoxolone methyl and omaveloxolone treatment downregulated the expression of DNA repair genes and sensitized T-ALL cells to doxorubicin, a drug that is part of the standard therapy of T-ALL. OT treatment may thus potentiate DNA-damaging chemotherapy through attenuation of DNA repair. Taken together, our results indicate that synthetic OTs may be useful in the treatment of T-ALL and potentially also in other MYB-driven malignancies.
Can lymphocytes serve as a predictor of response to preoperative chemoradiation therapy for locally advanced rectal cancer?
Authors: Lutsyk Myroslav , Taha Tarek , Billan Salem
Published: April 2023

Introduction

The aim of this study is to identify factors that may predict the response of locally advanced rectal cancer tumors (LARC) to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and to evaluate the effect of circulating lymphocytes on pathological tumor response.

Methods

This retrospective study included neoadjuvant CRT-treated, LARC-diagnosed patients at the Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa, Israel. CHAID analysis, t-test, χ2 test, and ROC curve analyses were performed to explore the association between pathological complete response (pCR) and several factors including patient demographics, tumor characteristics, type of treatment, and levels of circulating lymphocytes measured on a weekly basis.

Results

Out of 198 patients enrolled in the study, pCR was achieved in 50 patients (25%). ROC curve and CHAID analyses showed that absolute lymphopenia was significantly associated with lower pCR rates (p=0.046 and p=0.001, respectively). Other factors that were found to have a significant impact were radiation therapy type (p=0.033) and tumor distance from the anal verge (p= 0.041).

Conclusion

An absolute decrease in the level of circulating lymphocytes during preoperative CRT to LARC is associated with poorer tumor response to treatment and thus may serve as a predictive biomarker for treatment resistance.
Can knowledge based treatment planning of VMAT for post-mastectomy locoregional radiotherapy involving internal mammary chain and supraclavicular fossa improve performance efficiency?
Authors: Phurailatpam Reena , Sah Muktar kumar , Wadasadawala Tabassum , Khan Asfiya , Palottukandy Jithin , Gayake Umesh , Jain Jeevanshu , Sarin Rajiv , Pathak Rima , Krishnamurthy Revathy , Joshi Kishore , Swamidas Jamema
Published: April 2023

Introduction

To validate and evaluate the performance of knowledge-based treatment planning for Volumetric Modulated Arc Radiotherapy for post-mastectomy loco-regional radiotherapy.

Material and methods

Two knowledge-based planning (KBP) models for different dose prescriptions were built using the Eclipse RapidPlanTM v 16.1 (Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, USA) utilising the plans of previously treated patients with left-sided breast cancer who had undergone irradiation of the left chest wall, internal mammary nodal (IMN) region and supra-clavicular fossa (SCF). Plans of 60 and 73 patients were used to generate the KBP models for the prescriptions of 40 Gy in 15 fractions and 26 Gy in 5 fractions, respectively. A blinded review of all the clinical plans (CLI) and KBPs was done by two experienced radiation oncology consultants. Statistical analysis of the two groups was also done using the standard two-tailed paired t-test or Wilcoxon signed rank test, and p<0.05 was considered significant.

Results

A total of 20 metrics were compared. The KBPs were found to be either better (6/20) or comparable (10/20) to the CLIs for both the regimens. Dose to heart, contralateral breast,contralateral lung were either better or comparable in the KBP plans except of ipsilateral lung. Mean dose (Gy) for the ipsilateral lung are significantly (p˂0.001) higher in KBP though the values were acceptable clinically. Plans were of similar quality as per the result of the blinded review which was conducted by slice-by-slice evaluation of dose distribution for target coverage, overdose volume and dose to the OARs. However, it was also observed that treatment times in terms of monitoring units (MUs) and complexity indices are more in CLIs as compared with KBPs (p<0.001).

Discussion

KBP models for left-sided post-mastectomy loco-regional radiotherapy were developed and validated for clinical use. These models improved the efficiency of treatment delivery as well as work flow for VMAT planning involving both moderately hypo fractionated and ultra-hypo fractionated radiotherapy regimens.
High-resolution electric field and temperature distributions in positive streamers
Authors: Dijcks Siebe , Kusýn Lukáš , Janssen Jesper , Bílek Petr , Nijdam Sander , Hoder Tomáš
Published: April 2023

In this work, we aim to take a detailed experimental picture of the positive streamer. We apply optical emission spectroscopy to the first negative system (FNS, B2Σu+→X2Σg+) of N2+ and the second positive system (SPS, C3Πu → B3Πg) of N2. Large, centimeter wide, and highly reproducible streamers are created in pure nitrogen and synthetic air, at pressures ranging from 33 to 266 mbar. Direct time resolved spectral imaging of the space charge layer resulted in spatiotemporal maps of the calculated reduced electric field strength (E/N) and rovibrational temperature in sub-nanosecond and sub-millimetre resolution. The E/N peaks at approximately 540 and 480  Td, directly in front of the space charge layer, for synthetic air and pure nitrogen respectively, as determined by using the intensity ratio method of FNS and SPS. A global model for pure nitrogen in PLASIMO uses the experimentally determined E/N distribution to draw a picture of the gas kinetics around the space charge layer passage. In addition, the results of the global model serve as a reference to interpret the rotational and vibrational temperatures obtained from experimental FNS and SPS emissions.
Genome-wide association study for grain zinc concentration in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Ma Jianhui , Ye Miaomiao , Liu Qianqian , Yuan Meng , Zhang Daijing , Li Chunxi , Zeng Qingdong , Wu Jianhui , Han Dejun , Jiang Lina
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Zinc (Zn) deficiency causes serious diseases in people who rely on cereals as their main food source. However, the grain zinc concentration (GZnC) in wheat is low. Biofortification is a sustainable strategy for reducing human Zn deficiency.

Methods

In this study, we constructed a population of 382 wheat accessions and determined their GZnC in three field environments. Phenotype data was used for a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using a 660K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array, and haplotype analysis identified an important candidate gene for GZnC.

Results

We found that GZnC of the wheat accessions showed an increasing trend with their released years, indicating that the dominant allele of GZnC was not lost during the breeding process. Nine stable quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for GZnC were identified on chromosomes 3A, 4A, 5B, 6D, and 7A. And an important candidate gene for GZnC, namely, TraesCS6D01G234600, and GZnC between the haplotypes of this gene showed, significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) in three environments.

Discussion

A novel QTL was first identified on chromosome 6D, this finding enriches our understanding of the genetic basis of GZnC in wheat. This study provides new insights into valuable markers and candidate genes for wheat biofortification to improve GZnC.
The heuristics-and-biases inventory: An open-source tool to explore individual differences in rationality
Authors: Berthet Vincent , de Gardelle Vincent
Published: April 2023

Over the last two decades, there has been a growing interest in the study of individual differences in how people’s judgments and decisions deviate from normative standards. We conducted a systematic review of heuristics-and-biases tasks for which individual differences and their reliability were measured, which resulted in 41 biases measured over 108 studies, and suggested that reliable measures are still needed for some biases described in the literature. To encourage and facilitate future studies on heuristics and biases, we centralized the task materials in an online resource: The Heuristics-and-Biases Inventory (HBI; https://sites.google.com/view/hbiproject). We discuss how this inventory might help research progress on major issues such as the structure of rationality (single vs. multiple factors) and how biases relate to cognitive ability, personality, and real-world outcomes. We also consider how future research should improve and expand the HBI.
Does method matter? Assessing the validity and clinical utility of structured diagnostic interviews among a clinical sample of first-admitted patients with psychosis: A replication study
Authors: Kvig Erling Inge , Nilssen Steinar
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Increasingly, diagnostic assessments in clinical practice are made using structured diagnostic interviews or self-rating scales imported into clinical practice from research studies and big-scale surveys. Although structured diagnostic interviews have been shown to be highly reliable in research, the use of such method in clinical contexts are more questionable. In fact the validity and clinical utility of such methods in naturalistic contexts have rarely been evaluated. In this study we report on a replication study of Nordgaard et al (22) Assessing the diagnostic validity of a structured psychiatric interview in a first-admission hospital sample. World Psychiatry, 11 (3): 181–185.

Methods

The study sample comprises 55 first-admitted inpatients to a treatment facility specializing in the assessment and treatment of patients with psychotic disorders.

Results

We found poor agreement between diagnoses generated by Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV and Best-estimate consensus diagnoses (κ value 0.21).

Discussion

We identified over-reliance on self-report, vulnerability to response set in dissimulating patients, and a strong diagnosis and comorbidity focus, as possible reasons for misdiagnosis with the SCID. We conclude that structured diagnostic interviews performed by mental health professionals without solid psychopathological knowledge and experience are not recommendable for clinical practice.
Exploring Black and South Asian women’s experiences of help-seeking and engagement in perinatal mental health services in the UK
Authors: Conneely Maev , Packer Katy C. , Bicknell Sarah , Janković Jelena , Sihre Harpreet Kaur , McCabe Rosemarie , Copello Alex , Bains Kiren , Priebe Stefan , Spruce Amy , Jovanović Nikolina
Published: April 2023

Background and aims

In the United Kingdom (UK), Black and South Asian women are less likely than White British women to access support from perinatal mental health services, despite experiencing similar, or higher, levels of distress. This inequality needs to be understood and remedied. The aim of this study was to answer two questions: how do Black and South Asian women experience (1) access to perinatal mental health services and (2) care received from perinatal mental health services?

Method

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with Black and South Asian women (n = 37), including four women who were interviewed with an interpreter. Interviews were recorded and transcribed line-by-line. Data were analyzed using framework analysis, by an ethnically diverse multidisciplinary team of clinicians, researchers and people with lived experience of perinatal mental illness.

Results

Participants described a complex interplay of factors that impacted on seeking, and receiving help, and benefiting from services. Four themes emerged that captured the highly varied experiences of individuals: (1) Self-identity, social expectations and different attributions of distress deter help-seeking; (2) Hidden and disorganized services impede getting support; (3) The role of curiosity, kindness and flexibility in making women feel heard, accepted and supported by clinicians; (4) A shared cultural background may support or hinder trust and rapport.

Conclusion

Women described a wide range of experiences and a complex interplay of factors impacting access to, and experience of, services. Women described services as giving them strength and also leaving them disappointed and confused about where to get help. The main barriers to access were attributions related to mental distress, stigma, mistrust and lack of visibility of services, and organizational gaps in the referral process. These findings describe that many women feel heard, and supported by services, reporting that services provide a high quality of care that was inclusive of diverse experiences and understandings of mental health problems. Transparency around what PMHS are, and what support is available would improve the accessibility of PMHS.
The contribution of transdiagnostic vulnerability factors in patients with chronic insomnia
Authors: Habibi Asgarabad Mojtaba , Doos Ali Vand Hoda , Salehi Yegaei Pardis , Hooman Farzaneh , Ahmadi Reza , Baglioni Chiara , Moradi Shahram
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Various transdiagnostic factors have been associated with insomnia severity. The current study aimed to predict insomnia severity based on a group of transdiagnostic factors including neuroticism, emotion regulation, perfectionism, psychological inflexibility, anxiety sensitivity, and repetitive negative thinking after controlling for depression/anxiety symptoms and demographic characteristics.

Methods

Two hundred patients with chronic insomnia disorder were recruited from a sleep disorder clinic. Participants completed the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Clinical Perfectionism Questionnaire (CPQ), Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II), Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 (ASI-3), Repetitive Thinking Questionnaire (RTQ-10), Big Five Inventory (BFI-10), Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21).

Results

After controlling for the confounding variables (depression/anxiety symptoms and demographic characteristics), hierarchical multiple linear regression suggested the significant association of neuroticism (BFI), cognitive reappraisal (ERQ), personal standards (CPQ), evaluative concerns (CPQ), physical concerns (ASI), cognitive concerns (ASI), and repetitive negative thinking (RTQ) with insomnia severity.

Discussion

The findings support the role of transdiagnostic factors, especially physical concerns, repetitive negative thinking, and neuroticism in chronic insomnia. Future research using longitudinal designs is required to verify the causal status of transdiagnostic variables.
Agile collaboration: Citizen science as a transdisciplinary approach to heliophysics
Authors: Ledvina Vincent , Brandt Laura , MacDonald Elizabeth , Frissell Nathaniel , Anderson Justin , Chen Thomas Y. , French Ryan J. , Di Mare Francesca , Grover Andrea , Battams Karl , Sigsbee Kristine , Gallardo-Lacourt Bea , Lach Donna , Shaw Joseph A. , Hunnekuhl Michael , Kosar Burcu , Barkhouse Wayne , Young Tim , Kedhambadi Chandresh , Ozturk Dogacan S. , Claudepierre Seth G. , Dong Chuanfei , Witteman Andy , Kuzub Jeremy , Sinha Gunjan
Published: April 2023

Citizen science connects scientists with the public to enable discovery, engaging broad audiences across the world. There are many attributes that make citizen science an asset to the field of heliophysics, including agile collaboration. Agility is the extent to which a person, group of people, technology, or project can work efficiently, pivot, and adapt to adversity. Citizen scientists are agile; they are adaptable and responsive. Citizen science projects and their underlying technology platforms are also agile in the software development sense, by utilizing beta testing and short timeframes to pivot in response to community needs. As they capture scientifically valuable data, citizen scientists can bring expertise from other fields to scientific teams. The impact of citizen science projects and communities means citizen scientists are a bridge between scientists and the public, facilitating the exchange of information. These attributes of citizen scientists form the framework of agile collaboration. In this paper, we contextualize agile collaboration primarily for aurora chasers, a group of citizen scientists actively engaged in projects and independent data gathering. Nevertheless, these insights scale across other domains and projects. Citizen science is an emerging yet proven way of enhancing the current research landscape. To tackle the next-generation’s biggest research problems, agile collaboration with citizen scientists will become necessary.
Small bowel neuroendocrine tumors: An analysis of clinical presentation, diagnostic workup and surgical approach—A single center retrospective study
Authors: Kroepfl Veronika , Bellotti Ruben , Gasser Elisabeth , Esswein Katharina , Esser Hannah , Kafka-Ritsch Reinhold , Öfner Dietmar , Perathoner Alexander
Published: April 2023

Background

Neurocrine neoplasms (NEN) of the small bowel (SBNEN) are a rare entity and mostly asymptomatic. The aim of this study was to explore trends in the clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, surgical approach and oncological outcome in patients with SBNEN at our surgical department.

Materials and methods

All patients who underwent surgical resection for SBNEN from 2004 to 2020 at our department were enrolled in this single center retrospective study.

Results

A total of 32 patients were included in this study. In most cases, the diagnosis was based on incidental findings during endoscopy or radiographic imaging (n = 23; 72%). Twenty cases had a G1 tumor and 12 cases a G2 tumor. The 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) were 96%, 86% and 81%, respectively. Patients with a tumor more than 30 mm had a significantly lower OS (p = 0.01). For G1 tumors, the estimated disease-free survival (DFS) was 109 months. Again, the DFS was significantly lower when the tumor had more than 30 mm in diameter (p = 0.013).

Conclusion

Due to the mostly asymptomatic presentation, the diagnostic workup can be difficult. An aggressive approach and a strict follow-up seem to be important for the oncological outcome.
Situational analysis on fluoroquinolones use and characterization of high-level ciprofloxacin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis by integrated broiler operations in South Korea
Authors: Lee Yu Jin , Jung Hye-Ri , Yoon Sunghyun , Lim Suk-Kyung , Lee Young Ju
Published: April 2023

Fluoroquinolones are classified as “critically important antimicrobials for human medicine”; however, their extensive use in livestock poses a significant health risk to humans as it leads to the rapid spread of antimicrobial resistance. This study confirmed that 40.0%−71.4% of the farms in three of the five integrated broiler operations were administered ciprofloxacin (CIP). Moreover, preventive purposes (60.9%), veterinarian prescriptions (82.6%), drinking water route (100%), and 1 to 3 days (82.6%) of age were significantly highest (P < 0.05). 194 high-level ciprofloxacin-resistant (HLCR) Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) were found in 65 of 74 farms, and of which, the prevalence of qnrA (63.9%), tetM (60.3%), ermB (64.9%), blaz (38.7%), and catA (34.0%) was significantly highest (P < 0.05). 154 (79.4%) isolates showed MDR, and the distribution of MDR was significantly differences among the operations (P < 0.05). All HLCR E. faecalis possessed double mutations in gyrA and parC, and S83I/S80I (90.7%) mutations were most commonly identified. Interestingly, the distribution of isolates with MICs ≥ 512 for both CIP and moxifloxacin was significantly higher in CIP–administered farms (56.5%) than in non-CIP–administered farms (41.4%) (P < 0.05). Also, the prevalence of strong or moderate biofilm formers in HLCR E. faecalis was significantly higher than that of weak and no biofilm formers (P < 0.05). HLCR E. faecalis were heavily distributed in the broiler farms in Korea; therefore, it is necessary to minimize the prevalence of resistant bacteria via structural management regulations such as cleaning and disinfection of farm environments.
Failure Initiation Analysis of a PRSEUS BWB Wing Subjected to Structural Damage
Authors: Ettoumi Samya , Zhang Yongjie , Cui Bo , Zhou Jingpiao
Published: April 2023

In this study, a finite element approach was used to analyze the PRSEUS-based undamaged wing structure of a civil aircraft with a blended-wing-body configuration. The displacement, stress, and strain distribution of the PRSEUS wing structure were studied under an aerodynamic load with three different values of the factor of safety. This was used as a reference to study the response of the same wing configuration, first with a single stringer, where failure was initiated at the fourth loading value, while the second loading condition was sufficient to initiate failure in the triple-stringer damage wing. In addition, damage to rib components was investigated, and it was shown that damage to a single rib and double rib did not impose significant risks to the structural integrity of the wing structure, and the results have shown that the values of displacement, stress, and strain do not differ much from those of the undamaged wing, even as the length of the rib damage is increased.
Thrust-Based Stabilization and Guidance for Airships without Thrust-Vectoring
Authors: Riboldi Carlo E.D. , Rolando Alberto
Published: April 2023

The concept of thrust-based control without the employment of thrust-vectoring (TVC), already introduced in a previous work by the authors, is further developed in conjunction with an appropriate control suite, tasked with both artificial stabilization and beam-tracking navigation functions. In the paper, the fully non-linear mathematical model employed for testing the controllers in a virtual environment is outlined. Then a comparative approach is adopted in the analysis, where a standard tail-back airship with deflectable aerodynamic surfaces is employed as a baseline, and the performance of a four-thrusters layout with a thrust-based control and no TVC is assessed with respect to it. Featured test cases in forward flight include short climbs, abrupt turns, and multi-checkpoint navigation. The research supports the feasibility and adequate performance of the proposed thrust-based airship layout and control, and presents a critical analysis of the pros and cons with respect to the considered baseline airship configuration featuring standard aerodynamic control.
Hyperspectral Non-Imaging Measurements and Perceptron Neural Network for Pre-Harvesting Assessment of Damage Degree Caused by Septoria/Stagonospora Blotch Diseases of Wheat
Authors: Zhelezova Sofia V. , Pakholkova Elena V. , Veller Vladislav E. , Voronov Mikhail A. , Stepanova Eugenia V. , Zhelezova Alena D. , Sonyushkin Anton V. , Zhuk Timur S. , Glinushkin Alexey P.
Published: April 2023

The detection and identification of plant diseases is a fundamental task for sustainable crop production. Septoria tritici and Stagonospora nodorum blotch (STB and SNB) are two of the most common diseases of cereal crops that cause significant economic damage. Both pathogens are difficult to identify at early stages of infection. Determining the degree of the disease at a late infection stage is useful for assessing cereal crops before harvesting, as it allows the assessment of potential yield losses. Hyperspectral sensing could allow for automatic recognition of Septoria harmfulness on wheat in field conditions. In this research, we aimed to collect information on the hyperspectral data on wheat plants with different lesion degrees of STB&SNB and to create and train a neural network for the detection of lesions on leaves and ears caused by STB&SNB infection at the late stage of disease development. Spring wheat was artificially infected twice with Septoria pathogens in the stem elongation stage and in the heading stage. Hyperspectral reflections and brightness measurements were collected in the field on wheat leaves and ears on the 37th day after STB and the 30th day after SNB pathogen inoculation using an Ocean Insight “Flame” VIS-NIR hyperspectrometer. Obtained non-imaging data were pre-treated, and the perceptron model neural network (PNN) was created and trained based on a pairwise comparison of datasets for healthy and diseased plants. Both statistical and neural network approaches showed the high quality of the differentiation between healthy and damaged wheat plants by the hyperspectral signature. A comparison of the results of visual recognition and automatic STB&SNB estimation showed that the neural network was equally effective in the quality of the disease definition. The PNN, based on a neuron model of hyperspectral signature with a spectral step of 6 nm and 2000–4000 value datasets, showed a high quality of detection of the STB&SNB severity. There were 0.99 accuracy, 0.94 precision, 0.89 recall and 0.91 F-score metrics of the PNN model after 10,000 learning epochs. The estimation accuracy of diseased/healthy leaves ranged from 88.1 to 97.7% for different datasets. The accuracy of detection of a light and medium degree of disease was lower (38–66%). This method of non-imaging hyperspectral signature classification could be useful for the identification of the STB and SNB lesion degree identification in field conditions for pre-harvesting crop estimation.