bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of a contaminated mine soil: Effect of soil water content on antimony and arsenic immobilisation by iron‐based amendments and biochar composites
Authors: Zarzsevszkij Szimona , Vítková Martina , Zelená Pospíšková Kristýna , Kolařík Jan , Böserle Hudcová Barbora , Jurkovič Ľubomír
Published: August 2023

Alteration of wet and dry periods affects soil geochemical properties that drive contaminant availability and mobility. Consequently, the efficiency of soil remediation may vary, and thus soil management needs to consider these variations. This study reveals the effect of soil moisture manipulation on the behaviour of the toxic metalloids antimony (Sb) and arsenic (As) and the immobilisation efficiency of nanoscale zero‐valent iron (nZVI), biochar (BC) and BC modified by iron or iron/ferrous sulphide (nZVI‐BC and Fe/FeS‐BC). Soil samples from an abandoned Sb mining site were tested under laboratory conditions. Two distinct (organic and mineral) soil layers were incubated with each of the amendments (2% w/w application rate) at 50% and 100% water holding capacity (WHC) of the soils for 10 weeks, and subsequently extracted with demineralised water and rainwater. The immobilisation efficiency of the tested amendments was significantly influenced by the different soil moisture regimes and type of contaminant. Sorption onto secondary Fe minerals was the dominant Sb/As immobilizing mechanism. The iron‐based amendments showed up to 97% efficiency for Sb and up to 96% for As. However, Sb/As release was generally higher at 100% WHC and in the rainwater extracts compared to the other conditions, indicating that heavy rainfall and flooding of soils in‐situ may increase contaminant availability and mobility. In the organic layer, enhanced formation and leaching of metalloid‐DOC complexes and sorption competition of the negatively charged Sb/As species and DOC can be expected. Also, reductive dissolution of Sb or As‐bearing metal oxides could lead to the observed higher Sb/As release under flooded conditions, resulting in exacerbated environmental and health risks. Therefore, it is crucial to (1) improve the sorption characteristics of the tested amendments and/or develop other effective amendments for Sb/As immobilisation in different water regimes in soil; (2) test the amendments under real field conditions to evaluate the long term wet/dry exposure; and (3) develop proper risk assessment and soil remediation strategy for the study area and similar sites.
Mitigating diagnostic performance bias in a skin‐tone balanced dermatology curriculum
Authors: Hardin Jori , Mourad Ahmed , Desy Janeve , Paget Mike , Ma Irene , Traboulsi Danya , Johnson Nicole A. , Ali Asma Amir , Parsons Laurie , Harvey Adrian , Weeks Sarah , McLaughlin Kevin
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Individuals with skin of colour (SoC) have delayed diagnosis and poorer outcomes when presenting with some dermatologic conditions when compared to individuals with light skin (LS). The objective of this study was to determine if diagnostic performance bias can be mitigated by a skin‐tone balanced dermatology curriculum.

Methodology

A prospective randomised intervention study occurred over 2 weeks in 2020 at a Canadian medical school. A convenience sample of all first‐year medical students (n = 167) was chosen. In week 1, all participants had access to dermatology podcasts and were randomly allocated to receive non‐analytic training (NAT; online patient ‘cards’) on either SoC cases or LS cases. In week 2, all participants received combined training (CT; NAT and analytic training through workshops on how to apply dermatology diagnostic rules for all skin tones). Participating students completed two formative assessments after weeks 1 and 2.

Results

Ninety‐two students participated in the study. After week 1, both groups had a lower diagnostic performance on SoC (p = 0.0002 and p = 0.002 for students who trained on LS ‘cards’ and SoC ‘cards’, respectively). There was a significant decrease in mean skin tone difference in both groups after week 2 (initial training on SoC: 5.8% (SD 12.2) pre, −1.4% (14.7) post, p = 0.007; initial training on LS: 7.8% (15.4) pre, −4.0% (11.8%) post, p = 0.0001). Five students participated in a post‐study survey in 2023, and all found the curriculum enhanced their diagnostic skills in SoC.

Conclusions

SoC performance biases of medical students disappeared after CT in a skin tone‐balanced dermatology curriculum.
Validation of the Fatty Liver Index for identifying non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in a Kenyan population
Authors: Lajeunesse‐Trempe Fannie , Boit Michael K. , Kaduka Lydia U. , De Lucia‐Rolfe Emanuella , Baass Alexis , Paquette Martine , Piché Marie‐Eve , Tchernof André , Christensen Dirk L.
Published: August 2023

Background and Aim

Fatty Liver Index (FLI) is a simple clinical scoring system estimating non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It is validated in European‐descent and Asian populations, but not in sub‐Saharan Africans. The aim of this study is to evaluate the validity of the FLI for predicting NAFLD in a population from Kenya.

Methods

Participants were recruited from a community‐based study conducted in Kenya. NAFLD was diagnosed using hepatic ultrasonography. Clinical, anthropometrical, biochemical and lifestyle data were obtained. The accuracy and cut‐off point of the FLI to detect NAFLD were evaluated by area under the receiver operator characteristic curve and the maximum Youden index analysis.

Results

A total of 640 participants (94 with NAFLD) were included. Mean age was 37.4 ± 0.4 years and 58.7% were women. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 22.3 ± 0.2 kg/m2 and waist circumference (WC) 79.1 ± 0.4 cm. A total of 15 (2.3%) participants were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and 65 (10.2%) with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2). AUROC of FLI for predicting NAFLD was 0.80 (95% CI 0.74–0.85), which was significantly higher compared to individual components gamma‐glutamyl transferase and triglycerides (p < 0.05), but not compared to anthropometric parameters BMI (AUROC of 0.83, 95% CI 0.79–0.88) and WC (AUROC of 0.81, 95% CI 0.76–0.87).

Conclusions

FLI is a simple valid scoring system to use in rural and urban Kenyan adults. However, this index might not be superior to BMI or WC to predict NAFLD, and those measurements might therefore be more appropriate in limited settings.
Kinematic Modeling and Optimization of a Clustered Tensegrity Mobile Robot
Authors: Yang Qi , Liu Xinyu , Yu Ze , Lian Binbin , Sun Tao
Published: August 2023

Clustered tensegrity mechanisms have elicited extensive attention in recent research due to their easy control system and high stiffness-to-mass ratio. However, modeling and analyzing these mechanisms are still challenging due to the clustering of cables and redundant structural parameters. This article proposes an energy-based kinematic modeling method for a modular clustered tensegrity mobile robot. The design of the clustered tensegrity robot is inspired by the biomechanics of worms, allowing it to achieve two locomotion modes resembling earthworm-like and inchworm-like movements using two motors. Moreover, the clustered and modular structure enables the robot to increase the number of modules as needed without increasing the number of actuators. This feature enhances the robot's terrain adaptability without adding complexity to the control system. The article establishes kinematic models using the energy method and clarifies the motion law of nodes on the sliding cables of the robot, considering multiple structural parameters for both locomotion modes. Based on these models, the article reveals the mapping relationships among various structural parameters (i.e., cable-hole gap, cable-hole friction, stiffness and original length of elastic cables, and ground–robot friction) and locomotion performance (i.e., morphology, displacement, and velocity) of the robot. Furthermore, structural parameter optimization is performed to enhance the kinematic performance of the robot in both locomotion modes simultaneously. To validate the proposed kinematic modeling method, a prototype with two modules is developed, and experiments are conducted to assess the robot's locomotion performance. These experiments demonstrate the effectiveness and rationality of the proposed method.
Loading Rate Effect on the Pullout Capacity of OMNI-Max Anchors in Clay Coupled With Multiple Factors
Authors: Liu Haixiao , Yang Yancheng , Xu Heng
Published: August 2023

As the latest development of gravity installed anchors (GIAs), the OMNI-Max anchor has drawn much attention from worldwide due to its unique behavior in the seabed. The pullout capacity of OMNI-Max anchors is a key index in engineering. However, most of the relevant studies were carried out under a quasi-static condition, which do not actually meet the installation and operation requirements. In practice, the anchor may be subjected to both long-term and short-term sharp loading during mooring. As an important environmental variable, it is essential to evaluate the effect of loading rate on the pullout capacity. Since the bearing capacity of OMNI-Max anchors is affected by many factors, it is also essential to explore systematically the coupling effects of the loading rate and other factors, including the anchor embedment depth, the anchor orientation, the bearing area, the loading angle, and the soil strength. Based on the coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian (CEL) technique, numerous analytical cases are designed and calculated by the large deformation finite element (LDFE) method. The loading rates span four orders of magnitude from the quasi-static velocity to 10 m/s (about one anchor length per second), covering a wider range in pulling out of GIAs. The end-bearing capacity factor changes remarkably with the pullout velocity for OMNI-Max anchors, and the increase can even reach more than twice of that in a quasi-static condition. As a result, a succinct explicit expression is constructed in terms of the loading rate and multiple factors, which can be effectively utilized to calculate the end-bearing capacity factor of OMNI-Max anchors in clay under complex conditions.
TERT accelerates BRAF mutant–induced thyroid cancer dedifferentiation and progression by regulating ribosome biogenesis
Authors: Yu Pengcheng , Qu Ning , Zhu Rui , Hu Jiaqian , Han Peizhen , Wu Jiahao , Tan Licheng , Gan Hualei , He Cong , Fang Chuantao , Lei Yubin , Li Jian , He Chenxi , Lan Fei , Shi Xiao , Wei Wenjun , Wang Yu , Ji Qinghai , Yu Fa-Xing , Wang Yu-Long
Published: August 2023

TERT reactivation occurs frequently in human malignancies, especially advanced cancers. However, in vivo functions of TERT reactivation in cancer progression and the underlying mechanism are not fully understood. In this study, we expressed TERT and/or active BRAF (
BRAF
V600E) specifically in mouse thyroid epithelium. While
BRAF
V600E alone induced papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), coexpression of
BRAF
V600E and TERT resulted in poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC). Spatial transcriptome analysis revealed that tumors from mice coexpressing
BRAF
V600E and TERT were highly heterogeneous, and cell dedifferentiation was positively correlated with ribosomal biogenesis. Mechanistically, TERT boosted ribosomal RNA (rRNA) expression and protein synthesis by interacting with multiple proteins involved in ribosomal biogenesis. Furthermore, we found that CX-5461, an rRNA transcription inhibitor, effectively blocked proliferation and induced redifferentiation of thyroid cancer. Thus, TERT promotes thyroid cancer progression by inducing cancer cell dedifferentiation, and ribosome inhibition represents a potential strategy to treat TERT-reactivated cancers.
Optimal sparsity allows reliable system-aware restoration of fluorescence microscopy images
Authors: Mandracchia Biagio , Liu Wenhao , Hua Xuanwen , Forghani Parvin , Lee Soojung , Hou Jessica , Nie Shuyi , Xu Chunhui , Jia Shu
Published: August 2023

Fluorescence microscopy is one of the most indispensable and informative driving forces for biological research, but the extent of observable biological phenomena is essentially determined by the content and quality of the acquired images. To address the different noise sources that can degrade these images, we introduce an algorithm for multiscale image restoration through optimally sparse representation (MIRO). MIRO is a deterministic framework that models the acquisition process and uses pixelwise noise correction to improve image quality. Our study demonstrates that this approach yields a remarkable restoration of the fluorescence signal for a wide range of microscopy systems, regardless of the detector used (e.g., electron-multiplying charge-coupled device, scientific complementary metal-oxide semiconductor, or photomultiplier tube). MIRO improves current imaging capabilities, enabling fast, low-light optical microscopy, accurate image analysis, and robust machine intelligence when integrated with deep neural networks. This expands the range of biological knowledge that can be obtained from fluorescence microscopy.
Ring-opening polymerization of cyclic oligosiloxanes without producing cyclic oligomers
Authors: Shi Limiao , Boulègue-Mondière Aurélie , Blanc Delphine , Baceiredo Antoine , Branchadell Vicenç , Kato Tsuyoshi
Published: August 2023

A long-standing problem associated with silicone synthesis is contamination of the polymer products with 10 to 15% cyclic oligosiloxanes that results from backbiting reactions at the polymer chain ends. This process, in competition with chain propagation through ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of cyclic monomers, was thought to be unavoidable and routinely leads to a thermodynamically controlled reaction mixture (polymer/cyclic oligosiloxanes = 85/15). Here, we report that simple alcohol coordination to the anionic chain ends prevents the backbiting process and that a well-designed phosphonium cation acts as a self-quenching system in response to loss of coordinating alcohols to stop the reaction before the backbiting process begins. The combination of both effects allows a thermodynamically controlled ROP of the eight-membered siloxane ring D
4
without producing undesirable cyclic oligosiloxanes.
Soft robot–mediated autonomous adaptation to fibrotic capsule formation for improved drug delivery
Authors: Beatty Rachel , Mendez Keegan L. , Schreiber Lucien H. J. , Tarpey Ruth , Whyte William , Fan Yiling , Robinson Scott T. , O’Dwyer Joanne , Simpkin Andrew J. , Tannian Joseph , Dockery Peter , Dolan Eimear B. , Roche Ellen T. , Duffy Garry P.
Published: August 2023

The foreign body response impedes the function and longevity of implantable drug delivery devices. As a dense fibrotic capsule forms, integration of the device with the host tissue becomes compromised, ultimately resulting in device seclusion and treatment failure. We present FibroSensing Dynamic Soft Reservoir (FSDSR), an implantable drug delivery device capable of monitoring fibrotic capsule formation and overcoming its effects via soft robotic actuations. Occlusion of the FSDSR porous membrane was monitored over 7 days in a rodent model using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The electrical resistance of the fibrotic capsule correlated to its increase in thickness and volume. Our FibroSensing membrane showed great sensitivity in detecting changes at the abiotic/biotic interface, such as collagen deposition and myofibroblast proliferation. The potential of the FSDSR to overcome fibrotic capsule formation and maintain constant drug dosing over time was demonstrated in silico and in vitro. Controlled closed loop release of methylene blue into agarose gels (with a comparable fold change in permeability relating to 7 and 28 days in vivo) was achieved by adjusting the magnitude and frequency of pneumatic actuations after impedance measurements by the FibroSensing membrane. By sensing fibrotic capsule formation in vivo, the FSDSR will be capable of probing and adapting to the foreign body response through dynamic actuation changes. Informed by real-time sensor signals, this device offers the potential for long-term efficacy and sustained drug dosing, even in the setting of fibrotic capsule formation.
Epitope base editing CD45 in hematopoietic cells enables universal blood cancer immune therapy
Authors: Wellhausen Nils , O’Connell Ryan P. , Lesch Stefanie , Engel Nils W. , Rennels Austin K. , Gonzales Donna , Herbst Friederike , Young Regina M. , Garcia K. Christopher , Weiner David , June Carl H. , Gill Saar I.
Published: August 2023

In the absence of cell surface cancer-specific antigens, immunotherapies such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, monoclonal antibodies, or bispecific T cell engagers typically target lineage antigens. Currently, such immunotherapies are individually designed and tested for each disease. This approach is inefficient and limited to a few lineage antigens for which the on-target/off-tumor toxicities are clinically tolerated. Here, we sought to develop a universal CAR T cell therapy for blood cancers directed against the pan-leukocyte marker CD45. To protect healthy hematopoietic cells, including CAR T cells, from CD45-directed on-target/off-tumor toxicity while preserving the essential functions of CD45, we mapped the epitope on CD45 that is targeted by the CAR and used CRISPR adenine base editing to install a function-preserving mutation sufficient to evade CAR T cell recognition. Epitope-edited CD45 CAR T cells were fratricide resistant and effective against patient-derived acute myeloid leukemia, B cell lymphoma, and acute T cell leukemia. Epitope-edited hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) were protected from CAR T cells and, unlike CD45 knockout cells, could engraft, persist, and differentiate in vivo. Ex vivo epitope editing in HSCs and T cells enables the safe and effective use of CD45-directed CAR T cells and bispecific T cell engagers for the universal treatment of hematologic malignancies and might be exploited for other diseases requiring intensive hematopoietic ablation.
Human OTUD6B positively regulates type I IFN antiviral innate immune responses by deubiquitinating and stabilizing IRF3
Authors: Wang Jian , Zheng Hui , Dong Chunsheng , Xiong Sidong
Published: August 2023

Elaborate regulation of innate immunity is necessary for the host to effectively respond to invading pathogens. As an important component of antiviral immunity transcription factors, the stability and activity of interferon (IFN) regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) are tightly controlled via multiple post-translational modifications. Here, we identified a human ovarian tumor domain-containing deubiquitinase OTUD6B as a positive regulator of IRF3 that facilitates type I IFN innate antiviral immune signaling. Mechanically, we found that OTUD6B interacts with IRF3 and directly hydrolyzes both the lysine 11 (K11)- and the lysine 33 (K33)-linked polyubiquitin chain, but only K33-linked polyubiquitin at Lys315 of IRF3 is responsible for IRF3 proteasome degradation. Notably, OTUD6B enhanced cellular antiviral responses
in vivo
, as evidenced by mice that overexpressed human OTUD6B were more resistant to RNA virus infection and had reduced viral load and morbidity. These findings revealed a previously unknown role for OTUD6B in the regulation of innate antiviral immunity and may provide a potential target for enhancing host antiviral defense.

IMPORTANCE

Interferon (IFN) regulatory factor (IRF3) is one of the key factors for type I IFN transcription. To sophisticatedly regulate type I IFN antiviral immune response, IRF3 activity is closely controlled by a variety of post-translational modifications. However, the regulatory mechanisms are still not fully elucidated. In the present study, we found that human deubiquitinase OTUD6B positively regulates IRF3-mediated antiviral immune response. OTUD6B can stabilize the IRF3 protein level via hydrolyzing (Lys33)-linked polyubiquitin at Lys315. More importantly, mice with OTUD6B overexpression exhibited more resistance to RNA virus infection. Thus, unlike the previous report that zebrafish OTUD6B negatively regulates the antiviral response by suppressing K63-linked ubiquitination of IRF3 and IRF7, we demonstrate that human OTUD6B actually enhances type I IFN response and has the potential for antiviral therapy.
Poorly differentiated orbital neuroendocrine carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Yi Stephanie , Jiro Marycon , Pekmezci Melike , Winn Bryan
Published: August 2023

A man in his 70s presented with painless bilateral eyelid oedema and vertical diplopia. Evaluation showed a restrictive pattern of extraocular motility testing with MRI demonstrating significant enlargement of the right superior rectus and left superior oblique muscles along with right orbital fat stranding. Subsequent right orbital biopsy revealed poorly differentiated high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma without a systemic primary site on further diagnostic workup. The patient was treated with carboplatin and etoposide and passed away from an infection a month after diagnosis. This case along with a review of other published cases highlights the varied presentation of orbital neuroendocrine carcinomas that may mimic a broad differential of orbital processes, thus requiring careful diagnostic workup. Subsequently, additional considerations in metastatic evaluation should be based on tumour histological features.
Biomechanics and situational patterns associated with anterior cruciate ligament injuries in the National Basketball Association (NBA)
Authors: Gill Vikram S , Tummala Sailesh V , Boddu Sayi P , Brinkman Joseph C , McQuivey Kade S , Chhabra Anikar
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Perform a comprehensive video analysis of all anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in National Basketball Association (NBA) athletes from 2006 to 2022 to determine the associated biomechanics, injury mechanism and game situation.

Methods

NBA players diagnosed with an ACL tear from 2006 to 2022 were identified and videos of each injury evaluated by two reviewers. Visual evaluation included assessment of joint kinematics at three time points: initial contact of the injured leg with the ground (IC), 33 milliseconds later (IC+33) and 66 milliseconds later (IC+66). Game situation was assessed qualitatively.

Results

Videos of 38 out of 47 (80.9%) ACL tears were obtained. 9 injuries were non-contact, while 29 involved indirect contact. Between IC and IC+33, average knee valgus increased from 5.1° to 12.0° and knee flexion increased from 12.6° to 32.6°. At all time points, the majority of injuries involved trunk tilt and rotation towards the injured leg, hip abduction and neutral foot rotation. The most common game situations for injury included the first step when attacking the basket following picking up the ball (n=13), landing following contact in the air (n=11) and jump stop (n=5).

Conclusion

Three major mechanisms predominate ACL tears in NBA players: the first step following picking up the ball when attacking, landing and jump stops. None of the injuries reviewed demonstrated direct contact to the knee, emphasising the importance of body kinematics in this injury pattern. The increase in knee valgus and knee flexion between IC and IC+33 should be noted as a possible precipitant to injury.
Growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm and low birth weight infants in rural Kenya: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Martin-Herz Susanne P , Otieno Phelgona , Laanoi Grace M , Moshi Vincent , Olieng’o Okoth Geofrey , Santos Nicole , Walker Dilys
Published: August 2023

Objective

Data on long-term outcomes of preterm (PT) and low birth weight (LBW) infants in countries with high rates of neonatal mortality and childhood stunting are limited, especially from community settings. The current study sought to explore growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes of PT/LBW infants from a rural community-based setting of Kenya up to 18 months adjusted age.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Migori County, Kenya.

Participants

Three hundred and eighty-two PT/LBW infants (50.2% of those identified as eligible) from a cluster randomised control trial evaluating a package of facility-based intrapartum quality of care interventions for newborn survival consented for follow-up.

Outcome measures

Caregiver interviews and infant health, growth and neurodevelopmental assessments were completed at 6, 12 or 18 months±2 weeks. Data included sociodemographic information, medical history, growth measurements and neurodevelopmental assessment using the Ten Questions Questionnaire, Malawi Developmental Assessment Tool and Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination. Analyses were descriptive and univariate regression models. No alterations were made to planned data collection.

Results

The final sample included 362 PT/LBW infants, of which 56.6% were moderate to late PT infants and 64.4% were LBW. Fewer than 2% of parents identified their child as currently malnourished, but direct measurement revealed higher proportions of stunting and underweight than in national demographic and health survey reports. Overall, 22.7% of caregivers expressed concern about their child’s neurodevelopmental status. Neurodevelopmental delays were identified in 8.6% of infants based on one or more standardised tools, and 1.9% showed neurological findings indicative of cerebral palsy.

Conclusions

Malnutrition and neurodevelopmental delays are common among PT/LBW infants in this setting. Close monitoring and access to early intervention programmes are needed to help these vulnerable infants thrive.

Trial registration number

NCT03112018.
Mental health of health professionals and their perspectives on mental health services in a conflict-affected setting: a qualitative study in health centres in the Gaza Strip during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Tamming Teisi , Otake Yuko , Aburahma Safa'a , Tan Mengxin , Shishtawi Anas , El-Daour Yahya , Hamad Khalil , Seita Akihiro
Published: August 2023

Objectives

To explore how primary care health professionals perceive their own mental health in a conflict-affected setting during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic and to explore their perspectives on mental health services.

Methods

The Gaza Strip faces a chronic humanitarian crisis and is suffering from the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic; United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) health centres were used to recruit participants for this study. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 29 health professionals in UNRWA health centres who were sampled using maximum variation sampling. Transcripts were translated, double checked and analysed via thematic analysis.

Results

From the analysis, a thematic map was developed showing how health professionals perceive their mental health impacts. This included difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the socioeconomic processes stemming from the on-going conflict.

Another thematic map was developed showing the perceived strengths and challenges of the health services. The strengths included positive impact of the services to the service users and health professionals. In terms of challenges, health professionals identified socioeconomic processes and aspects of remote service provision during COVID-19.

Conclusions

Based on the findings, we suggest that an improved signposting mechanism should be developed to address many of the challenges that emergencies bring about; in particular, this could support the health professionals’ mental health, as well as improve the response to patients’ socioeconomic challenges. We further suggest recommendations for improving mental health services when delivered remotely to increase their resiliency during various emergencies.
Testing the validity of a new scale designed to assess beliefs and perceptions about colorectal cancer and colorectal cancer screening in Malaysia: a principal component analysis
Authors: Su Tin Tin , Adekunjo Felix Oluyemi , Schliemann Desiree , Cardwell Christopher R , Htay Mila Nu Nu , Dahlui Maznah , Loh Siew Yim , Champion Victoria L , Donnelly Michael
Published: August 2023

Objective

To conduct a cultural adaptation and validation of the Champion Health Belief Model Scale (CHBMS) for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening (CHBMS-CRC-M) in order to assess and investigate perceptions and beliefs about CRC screening in Malaysia.

Designs and participants

The results from an evidence synthesis and the outcomes from an expert panel discussion were used to shape CHBMS scale content into an assessment of beliefs about CRC screening (CHBMS-CRC). This questionnaire assessment was translated into the official language of Malaysia. An initial study tested the face validity of the new scale or questionnaire with 30 men and women from various ethnic groups. Factorial or structural validity was investigated in a community sample of 954 multiethnic Malaysians.

Setting

Selangor state, Malaysia.

Results

The new scale was culturally acceptable to the three main ethnic groups in Malaysia and achieved good face validity. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranged from 0.66 to 0.93, indicating moderate to good internal consistency. Items relating to perceived susceptibility to CRC ‘loaded’ on Factor 1 (with loadings scoring above 0.90); perceived benefits of CRC screening items loaded on factor 2 and were correlated strongly (loadings ranged between 0.63 and 0.83) and perceived barriers (PBA) to CRC screening (PBA) items loaded on factor 3 (range 0.30–0.72).

Conclusion

The newly developed CHBMS-CRC-M fills an important gap by providing a robust scale with which to investigate and assess CRC screening beliefs and contribute to efforts to enhance CRC screening uptake and early detection of CRC in Malaysia and in other Malay-speaking communities in the region.
Recruiting historically under-represented individuals into Project ECHO Diabetes: using barrier analysis to understand disparities in clinical research in the USA
Authors: Addala Ananta , Hechavarria Melanie , Figg Lauren , Roque Xanadu , Filipp Stephanie L , Anez-Zabala Claudia , Lal Rayhan , Gurka Matthew J , Haller Michael J , Maahs David M , Walker Ashby F
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Individuals under-recruited in diabetes research studies include those not seen at endocrinology centres and those from rural, low socioeconomic and/or under-represented racial/ethnic groups. The purpose of this descriptive analysis is to detail recruitment and retention efforts of Project ECHO Diabetes clinical sites affiliated with Stanford University and University of Florida.

Design

Prospective collection of participant engagement and qualitative analysis of barriers and facilitators of research engagement within Project ECHO Diabetes, a virtual tele-education programme for healthcare providers in the management of individuals with insulin-requiring diabetes.

Setting

Data were collected at the patient level, provider level and clinic level between 1 May 2021 and 31 July 2022.

Participants

Participants and study personnel were recruited from 33 Project ECHO Diabetes sites in California and Florida.

Outcomes

We report study completion rates for participants recruited into 33 Project ECHO Diabetes sites. Using barrier analysis, a methodology designed for the real-time assessment of interventions and system processes to identify barriers and facilitators, study personnel identified significant barriers to recruitment and retention and mapped them to actionable solutions.

Results

In total, 872 participants (California n=495, Florida n=377) were recruited with differing recruitment rates by site (California=52.7%, Florida=21.5%). Barrier analysis identified lack of trust, unreliable contact information, communication issues and institutional review board (IRB) requirements as key recruitment barriers. Culturally congruent staff, community health centre (CHC) support, adequate funding and consent process flexibility were solutions to address recruitment challenges. Barriers to retention were inconsistent postal access, haemoglobin A1c kit collection challenges, COVID-19 pandemic and broadband/connectivity issues. Additional funding supporting research staff and analogue communication methods were identified as solutions address barriers to retention.

Conclusions

Funded partnerships with CHCs, trusted by their local communities, were key in our recruitment and retention strategies. IRB consent process flexibility reduced barriers to recruitment. Recruiting historically under-represented populations is feasible with funding aimed to address structural barriers to research participation.
Assessing disparity in the distribution of HIV and sexually transmitted infections in Australia: a retrospective cross-sectional study using Gini coefficients
Authors: Latt Phyu Mon , Soe Nyi Nyi , Xu Xianglong , Rahman Rashidur , Chow Eric P F , Ong Jason J , Fairley Christopher , Zhang Lei
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The risk of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) varies substantially across population groups in Australia. We examined this disparity in HIV/STI distribution using Gini coefficients, where scores closer to one indicate greater disparity.

Methods

We used demographic and sexual behaviour data from the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, between 2015 and 2018. We examined 88 642 HIV consultations, 92 291 syphilis consultations, 97 473 gonorrhoea consultations and 115 845 chlamydia consultations. We applied a machine learning-based risk assessment tool, MySTIRisk, to determine the risk scores. Based on individuals’ risk scores and HIV/STIs diagnoses, we calculated the Gini coefficients for these infections for different subgroups.

Results

Overall, Gini coefficients were highest for syphilis (0.60, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.64) followed by HIV (0.57, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.62), gonorrhoea (0.38, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.42) and chlamydia (0.31, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.35). Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) had lower Gini coefficients compared with heterosexual men or women; HIV (0.54 vs 0.94 vs 0.96), syphilis (0.50 vs 0.86 vs 0.93), gonorrhoea (0.24 vs 0.57 vs 0.57) and chlamydia (0.23 vs 0.42 vs 0.40), respectively. The Gini coefficient was lower among 25–34 years than in other age groups for HIV (0.66 vs 0.83–0.90) and gonorrhoea (0.38 vs 0.43–0.47). For syphilis, the oldest age group (≥45 years) had a lower Gini coefficient than 18–24 years (0.61 vs 0.70).

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that HIV/STIs are more evenly distributed among GBMSM, suggesting widely disseminated interventions for GBMSM communities. In contrast, interventions for heterosexual men and women should be more targeted at individuals with higher risk scores.
Vinblastine resets tumor-associated macrophages toward M1 phenotype and promotes antitumor immune response
Authors: Wang Yi-Na , Wang Yuan-Yuan , Wang Jin , Bai Wen-Juan , Miao Nai-Jun , Wang Jing
Published: August 2023

Background

Massive tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) infiltration is observed in many tumors, which usually display the immune-suppressive M2-like phenotype but can also be converted to an M1-like antitumor phenotype due to their high degree of plasticity. The macrophage polarization state is associated with changes in cell shape, macrophage morphology is associated with activation status. M1 macrophages appeared large and rounded, while M2 macrophages were stretched and elongated cells. Manipulating cell morphology has been shown to affect the polarization state of macrophages. The shape of the cell is largely dependent on cytoskeletal proteins, especially, microtubules. As a microtubule-targetting drug, vinblastine (VBL) has been used in chemotherapy. However, no study to date has explored the effect of VBL on TAM shape changes and its role in tumor immune response.

Method

We used fluorescent staining of the cytoskeleton and quantitative analysis to reveal the morphological differences between M0, M1, M2, TAM and VBL-treated TAM. Flow cytometry was used to confirm the polarization states of these macrophages using a cell surface marker-based classification. In vivo antibody depletion experiments in tumor mouse models were performed to test whether macrophages and CD8+T cell populations were required for the antitumor effect of VBL. VBL and anti-PD-1 combination therapy was then investigated in comparison with monotherapy. RNA-seq of TAM of treated and untreated with VBL was performed to explore the changes in pathway activities. siRNA mediated knockdown experiments were performed to verify the target pathway that was affected by VBL treatment.

Results

Here, we showed that VBL, an antineoplastic agent that destabilizes microtubule, drove macrophage polarization into the M1-like phenotype both in vitro and in tumor models. The antitumor effect of VBL was attenuated in the absence of macrophages or CD8+T cells. Mechanistically, VBL induces the activation of NF-κB and Cyba-dependent reactive oxygen species generation, thus polarizing TAMs to the M1 phenotype. In parallel, VBL promotes the nuclear translocation of transcription factor EB, inducing lysosome biogenesis and a dramatic increase in phagocytic activity in macrophages.

Conclusions

This study explored whether manipulating cellular morphology affects macrophage polarization and consequently induces an antitumor response. Our data reveal a previously unrecognized antitumor mechanism of VBL and suggest a drug repurposing strategy combining VBL with immune checkpoint inhibitors to improve malignant tumor immunotherapy.
Impact on collateral flow of devices used for endovascular treatment of stroke: an in-vitro flow model
Authors: Requena Manuel , Li Jiahui , Tiberi Riccardo , Canals Pere , Olive Gadea Marta , de Dios Lascuevas Marta , Jabłońska Magda , Cendrero Judith , Garcia-Tornel Alvaro , Tomasello Alejandro , Ribo Marc
Published: August 2023

Background

Collateral blood supply of distal vessels has been linked to clinical outcome, infarct volume and recanalization rates in patients with large vessel occlusion. Our study aimed to explore the effects of catheterization during mechanical thrombectomy in collaterals.

Methods

We quantified the flow diversion effect secondary to arterial occlusions in an in vitro model which was connected in a flow-loop setup with a saline reservoir and a pump supplying pulsatile flow. Clot analogs were embolized to the middle cerebral artery (MCA) M1 or M2 segments. We used the same model with a clamped anterior communicating artery (AComA) to simulate its absence. An ultrasound flow sensor was placed at the vessel of interest. Flow rates and pressures were evaluated according to the following catheter locations: baseline (1) before and (2) after the occlusion; (3) 8F guiding catheter at the internal carotid artery (ICA) bulb; (4) at the cavernous segment; (5) at the cavernous segment a 0.071” distal access catheter at proximal M1; (6) 8F balloon guide catheter inflated.

Results

Collateral blood flow measured at distal anterior cerebral artery (ACA) (M1-MCA occlusion) and M2-MCA (M2-MCA occlusion) was progressively reduced as catheters were advanced through the ICA and MCA. In the lacking AComA model, the flow was further diminished as compared with the model with a patent AComA.

Conclusion

Our in vitro study showed a progressive reduction of collateral blood flow due to the advance of catheters during mechanical thrombectomy.
Ancestral diversity in lipoprotein(a) studies helps address evidence gaps
Authors: Lee Moa P , Dimos Sofia F , Raffield Laura M , Wang Zhe , Ballou Anna F , Downie Carolina G , Arehart Christopher H , Correa Adolfo , de Vries Paul S , Du Zhaohui , Gignoux Christopher R , Gordon-Larsen Penny , Guo Xiuqing , Haessler Jeffrey , Howard Annie Green , Hu Yao , Kassahun Helina , Kent Shia T , Lopez J Antonio G , Monda Keri L , North Kari E , Peters Ulrike , Preuss Michael H , Rich Stephen S , Rhodes Shannon L , Yao Jie , Yarosh Rina , Tsai Michael Y , Rotter Jerome I , Kooperberg Charles L , Loos Ruth J F , Ballantyne Christie , Avery Christy L , Graff Mariaelisa
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The independent and causal cardiovascular disease risk factor lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is elevated in >1.5 billion individuals worldwide, but studies have prioritised European populations.

Methods

Here, we examined how ancestrally diverse studies could clarify Lp(a)’s genetic architecture, inform efforts examining application of Lp(a) polygenic risk scores (PRS), enable causal inference and identify unexpected Lp(a) phenotypic effects using data from African (n=25 208), East Asian (n=2895), European (n=362 558), South Asian (n=8192) and Hispanic/Latino (n=8946) populations.

Results

Fourteen genome-wide significant loci with numerous population specific signals of large effect were identified that enabled construction of Lp(a) PRS of moderate (R2=15% in East Asians) to high (R2=50% in Europeans) accuracy. For all populations, PRS showed promise as a ‘rule out’ for elevated Lp(a) because certainty of assignment to the low-risk threshold was high (88.0%–99.9%) across PRS thresholds (80th–99th percentile). Causal effects of increased Lp(a) with increased glycated haemoglobin were estimated for Europeans (p value =1.4×10−6), although inverse effects in Africans and East Asians suggested the potential for heterogeneous causal effects. Finally, Hispanic/Latinos were the only population in which known associations with coronary atherosclerosis and ischaemic heart disease were identified in external testing of Lp(a) PRS phenotypic effects.

Conclusions

Our results emphasise the merits of prioritising ancestral diversity when addressing Lp(a) evidence gaps.
Receipt and use of prohibited free samples of tobacco products among US adults who use cigarettes, cigars and smokeless tobacco, 2020
Authors: Inyang Naa A , Loomis Brett R , Nagler Caryn F , Coats Ellen M , Saba Christine , Saunders McKinley , Liu Sherry T
Published: August 2023

Objectives

In the USA, tobacco product free samples (FS) are prohibited, except for smokeless tobacco samples distributed under certain conditions in qualified adult-only facilities. We examined prevalence and frequency of FS receipt among adults who use tobacco, channels of FS distribution and the potential effect of FS use on subsequent product purchase.

Methods

From 15 April through 12 July 2020, a total of 1989 adult participants in the National Panel of Tobacco Consumer Studies completed a mixed-mode survey on receipt and use of FS of cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, e-cigarettes and hookah tobacco. We estimated weighted proportions, population totals and 95% CIs. We used χ2tests to assess differences between FS recipients and non-recipients.

Results

An estimated 11.0% of US adults who use tobacco received an FS in 2020. Similar proportions received FS of cigarettes (3.8%), cigars (3.3%), smokeless tobacco (3.2%) and e-cigarettes (2.7%). Approximately 60.0% of FS recipients used it, and 68.1% of those who used FS said they were likely to purchase the product. More than half (54.2%) received FS on two or more occasions in the past 12 months, most commonly at retail outlets and tobacco specialty stores.

Conclusions

While prevalence of adults who use tobacco receiving FS is relatively low, findings indicate that FS distribution continues to occur for cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco and e-cigarettes, though in-person FS of smokeless tobacco may be legally distributed under certain conditions in qualified adult-only facilities. Findings suggest that FS are often used by recipients, which can affect future purchase decisions.
Inflation using a triplet of antisymmetric tensor fields
Authors: Ajith Abhijith , Panda Sukanta
Published: August 2023

We study an inflation model driven by a triplet of antisymmetric tensor fields, with minimal and nonminimal couplings to gravity. First, we show that the presence of a triplet of antisymmetric tensor fields can provide inherent background isotropy in the stress–energy tensor contrary to the past studies using an antisymmetric tensor field. Inflation is supported in the presence of non-minimal couplings with gravity. We perform the slow roll analysis and also analyse perturbations to the antisymmetric tensor field as well as the tensor modes of perturbed metric. The speed of gravitational waves manifested from the tensor perturbations is tuned to c. We also study the evolution of the gravitational waves, calculate their power spectrum and tensor spectral index.
Charmoniumlike tetraquarks in a chiral quark model
Authors: Yang Gang , Ping Jialun , Segovia Jorge
Published: August 2023

The lowest-lying charmonium-like tetraquarks$$c{\bar{c}}q{\bar{q}}$$cc¯qq¯$$(q=u,\,d)$$(q=u,d)and$$c{\bar{c}}s{\bar{s}}$$cc¯ss¯, with spin-parity$$J^P=0^+$$JP=0+,$$1^+$$1+and$$2^+$$2+, and isospin$$I=0$$I=0and 1, are systematically investigated within the theoretical framework of complex-scaling range for a chiral quark model that has already been successfully applied in former studies of various tetra- and penta-quark systems. A four-bodyS-wave configuration which includes meson–meson, diquark–antidiquark and K-type arrangements of quarks, along with all possible color wave functions, is comprehensively considered. Several narrow resonances are obtained in each tetraquark channel when a fully coupled-channel computation is performed. We tentatively assign theoretical states to experimentally reported charmonium-like signals such asX(3872),$$Z_c(3900)$$Zc(3900),X(3960),X(4350),X(4685) andX(4700). They can be well identified as hadronic molecules; however, other exotic components which involve, for instance, hidden-color channels or diquark–antidiquark structures play a considerable role. Meanwhile, two resonances are obtained at 4.04 GeV and 4.14 GeV which may be compatible with experimental data in the energy interval 4.0–4.2 GeV. Furthermore, theX(3940) andX(4630) may be identified as color compact tetraquark resonances. Finally, we also find few resonance states in the energy interval from 4.5 to 5.0 GeV, which would be awaiting for discovery in future experiments.
Significance of Darcy porous and hydro-magnetic dynamical flow with heat transfer of Oldroyd-8 fluid with deferment of nanoparticles in wire coating process
Authors: Satish Rekha , Raju B. T. , Raju C. S. K. , Alshehri Mansoor , Ali Shah Nehad , Mustafa Ayesha
Published: August 2023

The wire coating method is an engineering development to cover a wire for wadding, motorized forte and ecological protection. In wire coating analysis, moreover, the polymer extruded on the wire is hauled into interior of a die occupied with melted polymer. By considering this significance, the magneto-hydrodynamic flow and heat transmission of Oldroyd-8 constant fluid with suspension of nanoparticles in the wire coating development had been investigated. The fluid with fixed viscosity is considered in porous medium. The flow is conducted with uniform magnetic field. The arising physical governing system is modelled mathematically. The mathematical model is executed by incorporation of thermal radiation and nanoparticles (Embedded in [Formula: see text] nanoparticles). The wire coating is scrutinized mathematically with four cases ([Formula: see text] with constant viscosity and also included in the Reynolds model for constant viscosity. The subsequent flow and heat transmission system were elucidated via the Runge–Kutta technique and the possessions of appropriate governing factors are presented in graphically. The outcome of the current investigation was equated with the previous available outcomes as a specific situation. The results were executed with nanofluid and without nanofluid as well as with positive and negative pressure gradients [Formula: see text]. It is seen that the temperature circulation is augmented due to the upsurge in magnetic parameter M. It is interesting to note that the positive pressure gradient with nanofluid has less momentum distribution compared to rest of the cases. It is also noted that the with negative pressure gradient, the distribution is more compared to positive pressure gradient case.