bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the Inter-observer Variability of the Radiomic Tools: BRODERS (Benign vs aggressive nODule Evaluation using Radiomic Stratification) and SILA (Score Indicative of Lung cancer Aggression) to Classify Lung Nodules
Authors: Al-Ghoula Faysal , Patel Khushbu , Falde Samuel , Rajagopalan Srinivasan , Maldonado Fabien , Peikert Tobias , Bartholmai Brian
Published: May 2023

Introduction: While CT lung cancer screening reduces lung cancer-specific mortality, there are remaining challenges. Radiomic tools promiss to address these challenges, however, they are subject to interobserver variability if semi-automated segmentation techniques are used. Herein we report interobserver variability for two validated radiomic tools, BRODERS (Benign versus aggRessive nODule Evaluation using Radiomic Stratification) and CANARY (Computer-Aided Nodule Assessment and Risk Yield). Methods We retrospectively analyzed the CT images of 95 malignant lung nodules of the adenocarcinoma spectrum using BRODERS and CANARY. Cases were identified at Mayo Clinic (n = 45) and Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Nashville/Veteran Administration Tennessee Valley Health Care System (n = 50). Three observers with different training levels (medical student, internal medicine resident and thoracic radiology fellow) each performed lung nodule segmentation. All methods were carried out in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations Results Interclass correlation coefficients (ICC) of 0.77, 0.98 and 0.97 for the average nodule volume, BRODERS cancer probability and Score Indicative of Lesion Aggression (SILA) which summarizes the distribution of the CANARY exemplars indicated good to excellent reliability, respectively. The dice similarity coefficient was 0.79 and 0.81 for the data sets from the two institutions. Conclusion: BRODERS and CANARY are robust radiomics tools with excellent interobserver variability. These tools are simple and reliable regardless the observer/operator’s level of training.
HSP90 inhibition attenuated isoflurane-induced neurotoxicity in mouse and human neuroglioma cells
Authors: Zhang Chunlu , Chen Xi , Liu Ruizhu , Zhao Guoqing
Published: May 2023

Isoflurane is one of the most popular inhalation anesthetics in the clinical practice but presenting an increased risk of neuronal injury. Hsp90 has been indicated to present an important role for maintaining neuronal homeostasis under the stress. However, the effect of hsp90 during isoflurane exposure is poorly understood. Here in this study, we aimed to observe the protect effect of hsp90 inhibition, and investigate the potential regulatory mechanism after isoflurane exposure. We found that hsp90 inhibitor, 17AAG, showed a great protective effect in maintaining isoflurane-induced ferroptosis of mice hippocampus and cultured neuronal cells. We focus on the crucial protein GPX4 activity in ferroptosis, and found that the 17 AAG contributed its protect effect to preserve physiological level of GPX4 activity under isoflurane exposure, although 17AAG could restored the protein level of GPX4. Further, we observed CMA pathway was activated and then mediated GPX4 degradation under isoflurane exposure. And 17AAG could interfere the complex between hsp90 and lamp2a to inhibit CMA activity, followed by blocking GPX4 degradation, which further affected the isoflurane-induced ferroptosis. Based on these findings, we proposed that hsp90 inhibition as a protective mechanism against isoflurane-induced ferroptosis in neurons.
Design and Rationale for a Real-World Observational Cohort of Patients Living with Progressive Neurological Disease and their care partners: TARGET-NEURO Study
Authors: Fowler Nicole R. , Boustani Malaz A. , Meadows Eric S. , Morris Heather L. , Crawford Julie M. , Fried Michael W.
Published: May 2023

BackgroundProgressive neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis, are leading causes of disability and mortality. Chronic neurological diseases typically develop and progress over many years. Safety and effectiveness data, from long-term real-world sources are needed to guide therapeutic decision making and effectively measure pragmatic trials, and what matters most to patients and their care partners. The increasing availability of data from electronic health records is further enhanced by the growing sophistication of epidemiologic and statistical methods, such as causal inference.MethodsA longitudinal, observational study, TARGET-NEURO, will characterize the natural history of chronic neurological diseases in real world populations, observe practice patterns, directly evaluate patient and care partner experiences and understand the effectiveness and long-term safety of treatments. TARGET-NEURO is a cooperative consortium of centers treating patients with chronic neurological diseases, enrolling over one million participants across three cohorts: 1) Engaged, 2) Disease, and 3) Age. Selection for the Disease cohort is based upon diagnosis codes. Those who consent to completing patient-reported outcomes with optional consent for biospecimen collection, will be enrolled into the Engaged cohort. Care partners are also eligible to participate in surveys. The Age cohort includes adults at least 60 years old, regardless of diagnoses.ConclusionsTARGET-NEURO establishes a large, robust database from participants in both academic medical centers and community practice settings to address important clinical questions. The outcomes can support improved understanding of how different patients progress in their disease and how trajectories vary based on sociodemographic factors, co-morbidities and risk factors. The results can support novel prevention and screening strategies, earlier and more precise diagnoses, and appropriate and equitable use of therapies.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov identification number: NCT05796037
Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) induces the formation of shelter structures in cotton plants
Authors: Vale Willian Santos do , Neto Benicio de Melo Santos , Araújo Lilian Rocha , Santana Henrique Juan Cardoso , Silva Thainara Ferreira Germano da , Bastos Cristina Schetino , Silva Carlos Alberto Domingues da , Zanuncio José Cola , Leite Suzany Aguiar , Castellani Maria Aparecida
Published: May 2023

Background
Herbivorous arthropods induce their hosts to form plant structures where they shelter during unfavorable periods. The boll weevil Anthonomus grandis grandis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) can spend the off-season inside cotton plant structures, known as dry boll, protected from pesticides, natural enemies, and the heat and desiccation of the soil surface, increasing its survival and preserving its reproductive capacity. However, the relationship between the boll weevil and dry boll formation requires further study. The formation and external and internal characteristics of dry boll in cotton plants infested by boll weevils and the emergence and survival of this insect in these structures during infestation were evaluated.
Results
Plants infested by boll weevil formed almost twice as many dry bolls, which were 2.3 times heavier and with a diameter 1.7 times larger than those formed by non-infested plants.
Conclusion
Weevils induce the formation of structures in cotton plants to increase their survival during the crop off-season.
Biomonitoring of Heavy Metals Pollution in the University of Lagos, Akoka Campus Environment using the Moss Mnium Hornum Hedw
Authors: Igbari Aramide Dolapo , Amusa Oluwafemi Daniel , Orisejobor Divine Favour , Ogundipe Oluwatoyin Temitayo
Published: May 2023

This study investigated the deposition of heavy metals pollution in the University of Lagos, Akoka campus using the moss (Mnium hornum Hedw.) as a bioindicator. Samples of M. hornum. were collected in 2019 from four different locations within the University of Lagos campus: Faculty of Engineering (FE), Lagoon Front (LF), Main Library (ML) and Akintunde Ojo Library (AKT). A control sampling was done at First Estate, Amuwo-Odofin LGA (CL). The concentrations of Cadmium (Cd), Cobalt (Co), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), Lead (Pb), and Zinc (Zn) were determined using the Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. Results confirmed the presence of heavy metals in this order Fe>Zn>Mn>Cu>Pb>Ni>Co>Cr>Cd. The concentrations of the examined heavy metals across the locations were lowest in CL except Ni which was lowest in FE and LF (0.03mg/kg). While there was no significant difference in the concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, and Pb among locations, both Fe (66.00mg/kg) and Zn (64.33mg/kg) were significantly higher in ATK than in the other locations. The contamination factor suggests that ML (C2), FE (C3) and LF (C3) were moderately contaminated while AKT (C5) was seriously contaminated. The index of geo-accumulation revealed that FE (Igeo4) and ML (Igeo4) are moderate to severely polluted, LF (Igeo5) was severely polluted and AKT (Igeo7) was extremely polluted with the assayed metals. The difference in the occurrence of anthropogenic activities was seen to be the major factor responsible for the variations in the concentration of heavy metals accumulated by the mosses.
Oroxin A from Oroxylum indicum improves disordered lipid metabolism by inhibiting SREBPs in oleic acid-induced HepG2 cells and high-fat diet-fed noninsulin-resistant rats
Authors: Cai Tianqi , Xu Xiaoxue , Dong Ling , Liang Shufei , Xin Meiling , Wang Tianqi , Li Tianxing , Wang Xudong , Zheng Weilong , Wang Chao , Xu Zhengbao , Wang Meng , Song Xinhua , Li Lingru , Li Jingda , Wenlong Sun
Published: May 2023

Background
Lipid metabolism disorders have become a major global public health issue. Due to the complexity of these diseases, much more research and many more drugs are needed to address them. Oroxin A, the major component of Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz (Bignoniaceae), can improve the lipid profiles of diabetic and insulin-resistant (IR) rats. Since insulin resistance is highly correlated with lipid metabolism, improving insulin resistance may also be an effective way to improve lipid metabolism. Thus, more research on the efficacy and mechanism of oroxin A under non-IR conditions is needed.
Method
In this research, we established lipid metabolism disorder rats by high-fat diet feeding and fatty HepG2 cell lines by oleic acid induction and evaluated the therapeutic effect and mechanism of oroxin A in vitro and in vivo by biochemical indicators, pathological staining, immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence staining.
Results
Oroxin A improved disordered lipid metabolism under non-IR conditions, improved plasma and hepatic lipid profiles, and enhanced the lipid-lowering action of atorvastatin. Additionally, oroxin A reduced the total triglyceride (TG) level by inhibiting SREBP1 expression and reducing the expression of ACC and FASN in vivo and in vitro. Oroxin A also reduced the total cholesterol (TC) level by inhibiting SREBP2 expression and reducing HMGCR expression in vivo and in vitro. In addition, oroxin A bound LDLR and increased AMPK phosphorylation.
Conclusion
Our results suggested that oroxin A may modulate the nuclear transcriptional activity of SREBPs by binding to LDLR proteins and increasing AMPK phosphorylation, thereby reducing lipid synthesis for lipid metabolism disorder treatment and prevention.
Terrain influence landscape patterns of burn severity in subtropical forests of southern China
Authors: Guo Lingling , Wu Zhiwei , Parsons Russell A. , Li Shun , Xie Gu'ai
Published: May 2023

Context Understanding the landscape patterns of burn severity is vital for managing fire-prone ecosystems. Relatively limited research has been done about fire and burn severity patterns in subtropical forests.Methods Using Landsat 8 OLI remote sensing imagery, this paper spatially mapped the burn severity of 27 forest fires in the subtropical broadleaved evergreen forest in Southern China from 2017–2021. The landscape pattern of patches with different burn severity was quantified using landscape indices. In addition, factors influencing the patterns of burn severity across the landscape were determined using the Geodetector model.Results Burn severity of patches varied significantly. High burn severity was common in forest patches with low fragmentation, low patch density, and regular shape. In contrast, moderate and low burn severity was prevalent in patches with smaller patch size, high patch density, and complex shapes. Extensively burned forest patches were located at higher elevations, while more fragmented patches were located in gently sloping areas. Topographic factors were the most significant factors influencing variances in burn severity across the forest patches, followed by climatic conditions. A detailed understanding of burn severity patterns and driving factors in a landscape can help develop sustainable forest management and restoration strategies after severe forest fire disturbances.
Implementing a digital solution for patients with migraine - developing a methodology for comparing digitally delivered treatment to conventional treatment: A study protocol
Authors: Niiberg-Pikksööt Triinu , Laas Kariina , Aluoja Anu , Braschinsky Mark
Published: May 2023

Background Migraine is one of the most frequent and expensive neurological disease in the world. Non-pharmacological and digitally administered treatment options have long been used in the treatment of chronic pain and mental illness. Digital solutions increase the patients’ possibilities of receiving evidence-based treatment even when conventional treatment options are limited. The main goal of the study is to assess the efficacy of interdisciplinary digital interventions compared to conventional treatment.Methods The maximum number of participants in this multi-centre, open-label, prospective, randomised study is 600, divided into eight different treatment groups. The participants take part in either a conventional or a digital intervention, performing various tests and interdisciplinary tasks. The primary outcome is a reduction in the number of headache days. We also measure various other headache-related burdens as a secondary outcome.Discussion Based on preliminary data from the pilot study, digitally mediated treatment reduces a specialist’s time spent on a single patient by more than tenfold. The sample size; digital interventions not conducted via video calls; a lack of human connection; limited intervention programmes and conducting studies only in digitally sophisticated countries are all significant limitations. However, we believe that digitally mediated treatment options are at least as effective as traditional treatment options while also allowing for a significantly higher patient throughput. The future of chronic disease treatment is remote monitoring and high-quality digitally mediated interventions.Registration: The study is approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Tartu for Human Research (permission no 315T-17, 10.08.2020) and is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NTC05458817 (14.07.2022)
Rehabilitation in Primary Health Care for the ageing population: A secondary analysis from a scoping review of rehabilitation models for the ageing population
Authors: Seijas Vanessa , Roxanne Maritz , Mishra Satish , Bernard Renaldo M , Fernandes Patricia , Lorenz Viola , Machado Barbara , Posada Ana María , Lugo Luz Helena , Bickenbach Jerome , Sabariego Carla
Published: May 2023

Background: The world population is ageing rapidly. Rehabilitation is one of the most effective health strategies for improving the health and functioning of older persons. An understanding of the current provision of rehabilitation services in primary health care (PHC) is needed to optimise access to rehabilitation for the ageing population. The objectives of this scoping review are a) to describe how rehabilitation services are currently offered in PHC to the ageing population, and b) to explore age-related differences in the type of rehabilitation services provided.
Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of a scoping review examining rehabilitation models for older persons, with a focus on PHC. Medline and Embase (2015-2022) were searched to identify studies published in English on rehabilitation services for people aged 50+. Two authors independently screened records and extracted data using the World Health Organization (WHO)'s operational framework, the PHC systems (PRIMASYS) approach and the WHO paper on rehabilitation in PHC. Data synthesis included quantitative and qualitative analysis.
Results: We synthesised data from 96 studies with 31,956 participants and identified five models for rehabilitation in PHC for the ageing population: community, home, telerehabilitation, outpatient and eldercare. Nurses, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists were the most common providers, with task-shifting reported in 15.6% of studies. The most common interventions were assessment of functioning, rehabilitation coordination, therapeutic exercise, psychological interventions, and self-management education. Environmental adaptations and assistive technology were rarely reported.
Conclusions: By understanding models of rehabilitation service delivery in PHC, stakeholders can work towards developing more comprehensive and accessible services that meet the diverse needs of the ageing population, considering multimorbidity, evidence of heterogeneity in the ageing process, and the importance of using limitations in functioning as a starting point. Our findings, highlight rehabilitation's role in healthy ageing and are a valuable resource for informing policy, practice, and future research in the context of the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing. They can also inform WHO's ongoing efforts to strengthen PHC for the provision of rehabilitation, as recommended by the Rehab2030 initiative and reaffirmed by the recently adopted World Health Assembly (WHA) resolution on strengthening rehabilitation in health systems.
Modeling the adsorption mechanism of 3-tertiary-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole (3BHA) on polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics.
Authors: Monteiro Norberto , Machado Richele
Published: May 2023

The Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) microplastics (MPs), can act as carriers of the molecule 3-tertiary-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole (3BHA), which propose harmful impacts to aqueous ecosystems. Meanwhile, 3BHA has already been detected in several environments and human urine and serum samples. 3BHA is an antioxidant in foods, food packaging, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. However, it raised concerns about its possible endocrine-disrupting effect in recent years. The interaction between two MPs and 3BHA could start in farmland and be maintained during transportation to the ocean. Herein, the adsorption behavior and mechanism of 3BHA by PE and PP MPs were investigated via molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, density functional theory (DFT), non-covalent interactions (NCI), the density of states (DOS) and frontier molecular orbital (FMO). Furthermore, the stability of 3BHA adsorbed complexes was investigated by adsorption-free energies (ΔGads), showing that the 3BHA has a significant interaction with the MPs studied, mainly with PP MP. Intermolecular van der Waals forces were one of the primary adsorption mechanisms of 3BHA by MPs, as evidenced by NCI calculations. It was demonstrated that the adsorption of the 3BHA in MPs decreases the energy gap of the HOMO and LUMO orbitals, as well as a slight shift in the HOMO and LUMO states in the TDOS analysis. In conclusion, this study about the mechanism of adsorption of the 3BHA in PE and PP MPs can provide new evidence and enhance our understanding of the environmental behavior of 3BHA in the environment.
The accuracy of navigated imageless total hip arthroplasty compared to conventional total hip arthroplasty in respect of leg length and hip off-set restoration
Authors: Laggner Roberta , Oktarina Anastasia , Windhager Reinhard , Bostrom Mathias P. G.
Published: May 2023

Background
While previous studies on navigated total hip replacement (nTHA) focused on acetabular component positioning, we compared the results of nTHA with conventional total hip replacement (cTHA) in respect to leg length and hip offset restoration.
Methods
In a single-center study results radiographic parameters of patients with unilateral THA were included. Data were prospectively collected and then retrospectively analyzed from computer navigation data and radiographs. Analysis concentrated on the discrepancy in leg length (LLD) and hip offset (OSD) between the affected and unaffected hip. The restoration effect was defined as the difference between postoperative and preoperative LLD and OSD values in each group.
Results
2332 patients were analyzed. Both nTHA and cTHA were effective in restoring LLD and OSD by reducing the preoperative value significantly (p < 0.001). Regarding LLD restoration, no statistical difference between nTHA and cTHA could be found.OSD restoration nTHA was a slightly more effective than cTHA (-2.06 + 6.00 mm vs.-1.50 + 5.35 mm; p < 0.05).
Conclusion
Both navigated and conventional THA were successful in restoration of leg length and hip offset, while postoperative offset discrepancy was significantly lower in the navigated group at the cost of longer operation times. If these results are clinically relevant further investigation is needed.
Level of evidence:
III: retrospective case series study, therapeutic investigation of a treatment.
Association between patterns of nutrient intake and circulating vitamin D with sleep duration and sleep quality among Iranian adults
Authors: Rouhani Parisa , Lotfi Keyhan , Hajhashemi Zahra , Mokhtari Elahe , Heidari Zahra , Saneei Parvane
Published: May 2023

Background
The association between dietary nutrient patterns and sleep habits has not been investigated in adults. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between dietary nutrient patterns and circulating 25(OH)D concentrations with sleep duration and sleep quality among Iranian adults.
Methods
We used a multistage cluster random sampling method to enroll 535 adults in this cross-sectional investigation. A validated food frequency questionnaire was applied to evaluate typical dietary intakes. Fasting blood samples were obtained to determine levels of circulating 25(OH)D. Sleep characteristics were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).
Results
Participants had a mean age of 42.57 years and 51.2% of them had insufficient or deficient levels of serum vitamin D. Three NPs were identified: "high animal protein", "high vegetable" and "high carbohydrate". After adjustments for potential confounders, no significant associations were observed between "high animal protein" pattern and short sleeping or sleep quality. Greater adherence to "high vegetable" NP was associated with lower odds of short sleeping (OR = 0.24; 95%CI: 0.10, 0.54) and poor sleep quality (OR = 0.45; 95%CI: 0.20, 1.05). Stratified analysis revealed that these associations were stronger in normal-weight participants. Greater adherence to "high carbohydrate" NP, on the other hand, was connected to higher odds of short sleeping (OR = 2.83; 95%CI: 1.20, 6.72). Low adherence to "high vegetable" pattern and vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency were jointly associated with increased odds of short sleeping (OR = 3.42, 95%CI: 1.42, 6.64).
Conclusion
Adults with higher adherence to the "high vegetable" NP had considerably a lower chance of being short sleepers and having poor sleep quality; these relations were stronger in normal-weight subjects. Low adherence to the "high vegetable" pattern and insufficient/deficient vitamin D levels were synergistically associated with greater likelihood of being short sleepers. Greater adherence to "high carbohydrate" NP was associated with higher odds of short sleeping.
A novel and sensitive fluorescence immunoassay on the basis of the inner-filter effects of quantum dots for the determination of norfloxacin in animal-origin foods
Authors: Hu Gaoshuang , Su Dan , Yu Qingxiu , Zhao Tao , Gao Shan , Hao Jianxiong
Published: May 2023

A highly sensitive and reliable fluorescence immunoassay based on the inner-filter effects (IFE) of quantum dots (QDs) was developed for the sensitive detection of norfloxacin (NOR) in animal-origin foods. Briefly, the enzymatic formation of horseradish peroxidase in conventional ELISA effectively quenched the fluorescence of QDs through IFE, and then the absorption signal of conventional ELISA was transformed to fluorescent signals, resulting in a higher sensitivity for NOR detection in animal-origin foods.The detection limit of NOR in this developed method was 0.20 µg L− 1 in standard solution, which was 12-fold more sensitive than conventional ELISA (2.50 µg L− 1). The results of specificity analysis revealed that the proposed method could not only be used for the detection of NOR, but also for the other 9 structural analogues. The recovery rates of NOR-spiked animal-origin foods ranged from 88.11–108.16%, with CV values of 1.95%-18.03%. In addition, the established method had good consistency with the commercial ELISA kits and HPLC, indicating the accuracy of the developed method for the detection of NOR in real samples. In conclusion, the established fluorescence immunoassay was sensitive and facile, and could be alternatively used for the determination of NOR residues in animal-origin foods.
A Blended Root-Finding Algorithm for Solving Transcendental Equations
Authors: Thota Srinivasarao
Published: May 2023

This paper focus on a new blended root-finding algorithm to solve the given transcendental equations. This algorithm is based on the classical methods, namely Newton-Raphson method and trisection method. One of the advantages of the proposed algorithm is not only fast converging but also guarantee the root. The proposed algorithm is easy to understand and one can implement this algorithm in any mathematical software tools. Several numerical examples are presented to illustrate the algorithm and comparisons are made to show the efficiency of the proposed algorithm.
2010 AMS classifications: 65N30
Depiction of Chlorophyll in Nanofiber of Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)
Authors: Jassim Zainab , Akraa Mohammed
Published: May 2023

The widespread application of poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) attracted the exerting efforts here to investigate the ability of production Nano fibers of this polymer material enhanced by natural chlorophyll pigment. The work aimed to construct a general visualization about the allowed bound of the addition of the natural chlorophyll pigment to PMMA nanofiber by presenting a general statistical model. Different chlorophyll concentrations were added to the matrix material throughout preparing the specimens. Production of nanofibers has been concocted by using the electrospinning technique. The reliable assessment norm in this paper is the extent of compatibility of the additive concentration in the used polymer. The results of viscosity of the variant solutions, images of Scanning electronic microscope SEM, Analysis of Fourier Transformation Infrared Radiation FT-IR, demonstrated their subordination to the Gaussian distribution versus the chlorophyll concentration. The distinctive allocation revealed two asymmetric plateaus. The smaller first one represented the manner properties of the homogenous Nano fibers. However, the great plateau symbolized the behavior of the heterogeneous specimens. The gained regions determined the allowed limits of the homogeneity and heterogeneity of the Nano fibers depending on the additive chlorophyll concentration.
Cardiac AAV9:PKP2 Gene Therapy Reduces Ventricular Arrhythmias, Reverses Adverse Remodeling, and Reduces Mortality in a Mouse Model of ARVC
Authors: Wu Iris , Greer-Short Amara , Aycinena Alex , Tefera Anley , Shenwai Reva , Farshidfar Farshad , Pell Melissa Van , Xu Emma , Reid Chris , Getuiza Neshel , Lim Beatriz , Chung Tae Won , Butler Renee , Steltzer Stephanie , Ho Jaclyn , Green Kristina , Ivey Kathryn , Hoey Timothy , Yang Jin , Zeng Aliya , Yang Zhihong
Published: May 2023

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a familial cardiac disease associated with ventricular arrhythmias and an increased risk of sudden cardiac death. Currently, there are no approved treatments that address the underlying genetic cause of this disease. Mutations in desmosome gene Plakophilin-2 (PKP2) account for 45% of ARVC cases and result in reduced gene expression. Our goal is to examine the feasibility and the efficacy of adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9)-mediated restoration of PKP2 expression in a cardiac specific knock-out mouse model of Pkp2. We demonstrated that a single-dose cardiac AAV9:PKP2 gene delivery effectively prevented disease development before overt cardiomyopathy and attenuated disease progression after overt cardiomyopathy. Restoration of PKP2 expression leads to highly coordinated and durable correction of PKP2-associated transcriptional networks beyond desmosomes, revealing a broad spectrum of biological perturbances behind ARVC disease etiology. These results indicate that cardiac AAV9:PKP2 gene therapy may be a promising therapeutic approach to treat ARVC patients with PKP2 mutations.
The Causal Association Between Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Arthritis: A Bidirectional Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Analysis
Authors: Zhao Yiwei , Zhang Jiewen , Duan Xudong , Cao Ruomu , Kong Ning , Li Yiyang , Xing Fangze , Guan Huanshuai , Li Heng , Lei Yutian , Tian Run , Wang Kunzheng , Yang Pei
Published: May 2023

Background
The long-term complications of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) may be associated with the development of arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). However, the possible relationship between these two conditions remains unclear, hindering our understanding of both diseases. We conducted a novel study using bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization to explore the potential causal bidirectional relationship between GDM and arthritis.
Methods
In this study, we extracted single nucleotide polymorphisms closely associated with GDM and arthritis (RA, OA) from published genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data in open databases as instrumental variables (IVs). We employed inverse variance-weighted as the main evaluation criterion, the weighted median method as a possible alternative criterion, and multiple methods as supplements to assess causal relationships. Results were presented as odds ratios (ORs). Additionally, leave-one-out sensitivity analysis, horizontal pleiotropy, and heterogeneity tests were used to verify the reliability and stability of the results.
Result
Our results indicate a causal association between GDM and an increased risk of arthritis (RA: OR = 4.34, 95% CI = 3.49–5.41, P = 1.96 × 10–39, OA: OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.02–1.07, P = 5.27 × 10− 05). In reverse MR analysis, our findings supported the promoting effect of RA on the development of GDM (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.11–1.20, P = 4.44 × 10–14), while the evidence is insufficient to support the conclusion that OA affects the development of GDM (P = 0.757). The heterogeneity test, horizontal pleiotropy test, and leave-one-out sensitivity analysis demonstrated the reliability and stability of our study's results.
Conclusion
Our study suggests that genetically predisposed GDM increases the risk of developing arthritis (OA, RA). Additionally, genetically predisposed RA is causally associated with an increased risk of GDM. However, we did not find evidence for a causal association between genetically predisposed OA and GDM. These results contribute to a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of GDM and arthritis. Furthermore, our study has significant potential to guide clinical management and the prevention of complications in patients with GDM and arthritis.
Selenium supplements and Polycystic Ovary syndrome and its key risk factors: a Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Shen Jiayan , Xu Li , Ding Yang , Wu Xiaoyun
Published: May 2023

Background
Observational investigations recommend that mineral supplements was associated with a higher risk of Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its risk factors(insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, and obesity), but the relationship with risk of PCOS, hyperandrogenism, obesity and insulin resistance was less clear. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential causal impact of genetically predicted levels of magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and Omega-3 (ω-3) on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its associated risk factors.
Methods
A two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis was conducted. The genetic variations obtained from GWAS of individuals with European ancestry were found to be associated with the levels of Ca, Mg, Zn, Se, Fe, or ω-3. The data obtained from the FinnGen Consortium and MAGIC were utilized for the outcome of GWAS. The primary approach employed in the study was the Inverse-Variance Weighted (IVW) MR analysis, which was complemented by additional sensitivity analyses such as the MR-Egger and Weighted Median methods.
Results
The study found that there was a correlation between Se and a reduced risk of insulin resistance, with a decrease of 2.2% according to random-effect IVW (OR 0.978, 95% CI 0.960–0.996, p = 0.015). The association between mineral supplement levels and PCOS was found to be limited, with an odds ratio (OR) ranging from 0.875(95% CI: 0.637–1.202, p-value = 0.411) for Ca. Correspondingly, Limited scientific proof was found for the efficacy of other mineral supplements on hyperandrogenism, obesity, and insulin resistance.
Conclusions
These findings suggested a causal relationship between the decreased Se with the risk of insulin resistance. Nonetheless, there is limited evidence supporting a causal association between various mineral supplements and the risk factors associated with PCOS.
CLPB: Chaotic Learner Performance based Behaviour
Authors: Franci Dona A. , Rashid Tarik A.
Published: May 2023

Learner Performance-based Behavior (LPB) is a recent metaheuristic algorithm that is inspired by the process of accepting students who have recently graduated from high schools into various departments at university according to the student’s GPA (Grade Point Average). Two versions of the algorithm are available; single and multi-objective versions. The exploitation phase, convergence speed, and processing time (PT) of the LPB are not according to the required level.This paper aims to improve the performance of a single objective LPB through modification which helps in reducing its PT, getting closer to the global optima, and bypassing the local optima with the best convergence speed. For that, ten chaos theory maps are used within LPB to propose Chaotic LPB (CLPB) to consider which of the ten maps works well in case of performance. Another modification that has been made to LPB is that the best individuals of a sub-population are forced into the interior crossover to improve the quality of solutions. CLPB is evaluated against multiple well-known test functions such as classical (TF1_TF19) and (CEC_C06 2019). Additionally, the results have been compared to the standard LPB and several well-known metaheuristic algorithms such as DA, GA, and PSO. Finally, the numerical results show that CLPB has been improved with chaotic maps. Furthermore, it is verified that CLPB has a great ability in dealing with large optimization problems compared to LPB, GA, DA, and PSO. Overall, Gauss and Tent maps both have a great impact on improving CLPB.
Highly expressed HOXD-AS2 promotes the proliferation of cancer cell and leads to poor prognosis of colorectal cancer via TGF-β signaling pathway.
Authors: Li Bin , Ge Ning , Pan Zhongping , Hou Chaofeng , Xie Kun , Wang Dongfang , Liu Junwei , Wan Jie , Deng Feihong , Li Mengyi , luo Shuping
Published: May 2023

As important regulatory molecules, LncRNAs play an important role in regulating the pathological progress of malignant tumor. However, the effect of LncRNA-HOXD-AS2 on the prognosis of colorectal cancer and its regulatory mechanism has not been confirmed. Therefore, this study obtained the transcriptome data and clinicopathological characteristics of colorectal cancer from TCGA database to predict the impact of HOXD-AS2 on the prognosis of patients and its regulatory mechanism. It was found that the high expression of HOXD-AS2 had a positive relationship with the expression of pathological T and tumor stages and can significantly reduce the overall survival of patients and have diagnostic value for prognosis. Subsequent, GSEA prediction found that HOXD-AS2 could promote the activation of TGF-β signaling pathway. MTT assay and Ki67 staining assay confirmed that HOXD-AS2 knockdown could significantly inhibit the proliferation ability of the SW480 and SW620 cells of colorectal cancer. Transwell assay and wound healing assay demonstrated that knockdown of HOXD-AS2 could significantly inhibit the invasion and migration of SW480 and SW620 cells. Finally, Western blotting showed that the knockdown of HOXD-AS2 could significantly reduce the expression level of key proteins of TGF-β signaling pathway. Collectively, this study revealed the regulatory effect of HOXD-AS2 on the pathological mechanism of colorectal cancer for the first time, and broadened the molecular function of HOXD-AS2. The increased expression of HOXD-AS2 in colorectal cancer can be used as a biological target for the biological treatment of colorectal cancer.
Online assembly inspection integrating lightweight hybrid neural network with positioning box matching
Authors: Zhao Shiwen , Wang Junfeng , Li Wang , Lu Longfei
Published: May 2023

Assembly inspection methods have been widely used in the process of mechanical product assembly for quality issues. However, some challenges remain to be solved, such as low detection efficiency, poor accuracy and sensitive to camera view. This paper proposes an online assembly inspection scheme based on lightweight hybrid neural network and positioning box matching. A lightweight hybrid neural network is proposed to simultaneously detect key points and parts with high accuracy and strong robustness. Utilizing the key points detection results, the transformation relationships between the in-site assembly images and the standard templates are solved. According to the results of assembly parts detection, the detected 2D positioning bounding boxes are matched with those in the standard assembly templates, so as to evaluate whether the current step has quality problems. In addition, the proposed method is tested on an assembly dataset constructed in this paper. For key points detection, the average error is less than1 pixel. For parts detection, the mean average precision is 97.66%. The missing and wrong assembly inspection results show that the average F1score reaches 93.96%. This inspection method can be employed to detect the missing and wrong assembly errors of each assembly step online, improving the assembly quality of products.
Optical Coherence Tomography versus Ultrasound Biomicroscopy Imaging of the Anterior Segment in Diagnosing Acute Keratoconus: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Zhao Yun , Guo Jinxi , Wang Mengmeng , Xu Jianfeng , Wei Wei , Xie Ming , Liu Chunxiao , Wang Ke
Published: May 2023

Objective
To compare and analyze the differences between anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) in imaging acute keratoconus.
Method
The features of AS-OCT and UBM images of acute keratoconus patients in Hebei Eye Hospital were analyzed retrospectively.
Result
From May 2016 to September 2021, 43 patients (43 eyes) with acute keratoconus were treated at Hebei Eye Hospital. Both AS-OCT and UBM images showed a ruptured Descemet’s membrane, edema, thickening of the stromal layer, and fissures forming in it to connect to the anterior chamber. AS-OCT images showed an intact corneal epithelium, with 29 cases presenting with epithelial edema formation. UBM images showed Descemet’s membrane detachment with a break in 28 cases. Pearson correlation analysis showed a significant correlation between the Descemet’s membrane rupture size and rupture height (r = 0.763, P < 0.001) but no correlation between rupture size and rupture with delamination of collagen lamellae (r = 0.090, P > 0.05). No corneal perforation was found in the 43 eyes. In the healing stage after deep lamellar keratoplasty, there was significant stromal scarring with a pan-stromal scar, significant stromal thickening, and cornea flattening.
Conclusion
AS-OCT and UBM can complement each other in providing accurate corneal images and parameter measurements for predicting and evaluating disease progression.
Relation between increasing attachment security and weight gain: A clinical study of adolescents and their parents at an outpatient ward
Authors: Gezelius Christina , Wahlund Björn , Wiberg Britt
Published: May 2023

Purpose We wanted to evaluate the impact of a relational focus in the treatment of adolescent ED-patients and their parents at an intensive outpatient ward, based on attachment theory, combined with a family approach and psychodynamic principles. Our aim was to investigate the distribution of different attachment styles among the adolescent ED-patients and their parents, and to find out if they could change by the treatment.
Methods Swedish adolescents (n=33; 3 boys, 30 girls,) and their parents (n=60; 34 mothers, 26 fathers) participated. Measures: Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ), Body Mass Index(BMI) and Children’s Global Assessment Scale (CGAS) before and after treatment.
Results The adolescents were high on Need for Approval (ASQ4) of the Insecure/Anxious scale before treatment (in contrast to the parents). The patients had a significant decrease in ASQ4 after treatment, which correlated inversely to the increase in BMI but not to CGAS. The mothers showed features of the Secure/Confident style, fathers of the Insecure/Avoidant with elevated Relationships as Secondary (ASQ2).
Conclusions Treatment with a relational and a family focus has impact on attachment insecurity in adolescent ED-patients and outcomes in terms of BMI. It is important to engage the parents, who need to help the adolescents to separate at that developmental stage. A secure therapeutic context, which enables mentalizations and allows new relational experiences, is essential. The ASQ-instrument is useful for indicating progress in treatment of ED-adolescents.
Level of evidence Level IV: Evidence obtained from multiple time series with the intervention.
Using RegGAN to generate Synthetic CT from CBCT acquired with different Linear accelerators
Authors: li zhenkai , zhang qingxian , kong lingke , li haodong , liang benzhe , chen mingming , qin xiaohang , wang huadong , yin yong , li zhenjiang
Published: May 2023

Background To investigate the feasibility of the RegGAN model in image conversion for adaptive radiation therapy of the head and neck, and its stability under different models of CBCT.Methods 100 CBCT images and CT images of patients with head and neck tumors were used for training, and 40 patients were used for testing, Which the test set patients come from four different. linear accelerator The RegGAN model was used for training and testing. The image quality of the generated sCT (Synthetic-CT) was compared with that of pCT (Plan CT) using MAE (mean absolute error), PSNR (peak signal-to-noise ratio), and SSIM (structural similarity). Then, the same radiation therapy plan was used to perform PTV dose statistics on sCT and pCT, and the dose difference rate was calculated to further verify the accuracy of the model.Results The generated sCT had good image quality, and there was no significant difference among different CBCT mode. The conversion effect on Synergy was the best, and the MAE decreased from 231.3 ± 55.48 to 45.63 ± 10.78; PSNR increased from 19.40 ± 1.46 to 26.75 ± 1.32; SSIM increased from 0.82 ± 0.02 to 0.85 ± 0.04. The quality improvement effect of sCT image synthesis based on RegGAN is obvious, and there is no significant difference in sCT synthesis among different accelerators.Conclusion The sCT generated by the RegGAN model has high image quality, and the RegGAN model has high generalization ability among different accelerators, which can be used as a reference image for adaptive radiation therapy of the head and neck。
The Effectiveness of Irrigation Systems in Managing Fecal Soiling in Children. A Single Center Experience
Authors: Nafesa A. Al , Maary J. Al , Alenazi A.
Published: May 2023

Purpose
To evaluate saline enema success and the effectiveness of irrigation system in managing fecal soiling in pediatric patients with colorectal condition.
Methods
A retrospective cohort chart review of pediatric patients attending a bowel management clinic in a tertiary center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia over 15months period (January 2022- March 2023). We included all pediatric patients (age 3–18 years) enrolled in bowel management program at our center, who are on saline enema protocol using the available irrigation system. Antegrade colonic enema or retrograde enema were used in managing fecal soiling. Patients with colorectal conditions having true fecal incontinence or constipation with pseudo incontinence were enrolled. Idiopathic constipation, spina bifida, neurogenic disorder and cloaca exstrophy were excluded.
Results
Forty-one patients who attended the clinic over one year were included. Thirty- five (85.4%) had true fecal incontinence, and 6 (14.6%) had constipation (overflow pseudo-incontinence). The majority were boys 30 (73.2%). Underlying disorders were anorectal malformation 27 (65.9%), cloaca anomaly 8 (19.5%), and Hirschsprung’s disease 6 (14.6%). Methods used in irrigation/saline enema administration varied, 31 (12.7%) were on trans-anal (regular Foley catheter, balloon tip catheter, cone tip catheter), 8 (19.5%) were on antegrade irrigation (Malone, neo-Malone and cecostomy) using (Nelton/feeding tube catheter), and 2 (4.9%) were on trans-stoma (cone tip catheter). Thirty-five (85.4%) succeeded and remained completely clean in the underwear for 24 hours till the next enema, 3 (7.3%) failed and were not clean between enema, 2 lost follow up, and 1on hold. The reasons for failure were either compliance or short colon or damaged internal canal. The utilization of different irrigation systems improved the noncompliance rate in 7 patients (2.9%).
Conclusion
Bowel management program has proved successful in many countries since its implementation. The underlying conditions remain the main determinant of success as well as a significant factor in the failure of any program. However, considering the compliance in pediatric age group, few are still facing some degree of social embarrassment with accidents. When it comes to compliance, utilizing different available irrigation systems is helpful.