bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A stretchable breathable washable all-textile smart wearable keyboard
Authors: Zhang Youzhi , Wang Haojie , Yu Ping , Chen Jinmiao , Li Hangze , Wu Jinming , Chen Xizhang
Published: February 2024

The development of comfortable and lightweight wearable devices is an emerging technological goal in human-computer interaction. Conductive textiles attract a great deal of interest as versatile materials for wearable devices. It can naturally integrate into our daily clothing, making wearable devices more comfortable and convenient. However, developing all-textile wearable devices remains an important challenge. And the wiring of wearable devices in practical applications is also a thorny issue. In this study, a novel wearable smart keyboard is proposed. Benefit from the ingenious structural design of double-faced effect functional textiles and 3D spacer textiles, the smart keyboard achieves all-textile structure and the wires can also be hidden inside the 3D spacer textile. The smart keyboard is stretchable, breathable, washable and can be integrated with daily clothing by sewing. In addition to the functions of traditional keyboards, smart keyboards also have the ability to detect tapping force which lays the foundation for future intelligent applications, such as tracking the tapping force of typewriting to enhance security.The application examples of integrating the smart keyboard into lab-coat for typewriting are demonstrated. This study shows that the novel smart keyboard has great potential in the fields of wearable devices and human-computer interface.
Optimizing the five magnetic abrasive finishing factors on surface quality using Taguchi-based grey relational analysis
Authors: Mohammed S Ahmed Athraa , Shather Saad Kariem
Published: February 2024

The effectiveness of the magnetic abrasive finishing (MAF) process relies on several factors, including the brush’s flexibility that varies across tools. This study aimed to optimize the results of five key parameters (voltage, finishing time, gap distance, rotating speed, and particle size) on surface roughness (SR) and microhardness (HV) using the grey relational analysis (GRA) method. Experimental work employed the Taguchi design with L27 trials in Minitab 17, involving five variables with three levels for each. The impact of these parameters on microhardness and surface roughness for stainless steel SUS420 bubble cups was assessed using Taguchi and regression analyses. The best roughness improvement and the most substantial enhancement in microhardness were individually obtained with the GRA method. This method assigned the best results for both surface roughness and microhardness. According to Taguchi analysis, the voltage parameter has the main or maximum parameter effect on grade, followed by gap distance, time, spindle speed, and particle size. It was found that the optimal parameters were the same as the input parameters.
Mobility restrictions in response to local epidemic outbreaks in rock-paper-scissors models
Authors: Menezes J
Published: February 2024

We study a three-species cyclic model whose organisms are vulnerable to contamination with an infectious disease which propagates person-to-person. We consider that individuals of one species perform a self-preservation strategy by reducing the mobility rate to minimise infection risk whenever an epidemic outbreak reaches the neighbourhood. Running stochastic simulations, we quantify the changes in spatial patterns induced by unevenness in the cyclic game introduced by the mobility restriction strategy of organisms of one out of the species. Our findings show that variations in disease virulence impact the benefits of dispersal limitation reaction, with the relative reduction of the organisms’ infection risk accentuating in surges of less contagious or deadlier diseases. The effectiveness of the mobility restriction tactic depends on the deceleration level and the fraction of infected neighbours which is considered too dangerous, thus triggering the defensive strategy. If each organism promptly reacts to the arrival of the first viral vectors in its surroundings with strict mobility reduction, contamination risk decreases significantly. Our conclusions may help biologists understand the impact of defensive strategies in ecosystems during an epidemic.
Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus restores spatial reversal learning in patients with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Schneider Isabel , Schönfeld Robby , Hanert Annika , Philippen Sarah , Tödt Inken , Granert Oliver , Mehdorn Maximilian , Becktepe Jos , Deuschl Günther , Berg Daniela , Paschen Steffen , Bartsch Thorsten
Published: February 2024

Spatial learning and navigation are supported by distinct memory systems in the human brain such as the hippocampus-based navigational system and the striatum-cortex-based system involved in motor sequence, habit and reversal learning. Here, we studied the role of subthalamic circuits in hippocampus-associated spatial memory and striatal-associated spatial reversal learning formation in patients with Parkinson’s disease, who underwent a deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus. Deep brain stimulation patients (Parkinson’s disease-subthalamic nucleus: n = 26) and healthy subjects (n = 15) were tested in a novel experimental spatial memory task based on the Morris water maze that assesses both hippocampal place memory as well as spatial reversal learning. All subjects were trained to navigate to a distinct spatial location hidden within the virtual environment during 16 learning trials in a subthalamic nucleus Stim-On condition. Patients were then randomized into two groups with either a deep brain stimulation On or Off condition. Four hours later, subjects were retested in a delayed recall and reversal learning condition. The reversal learning was realized with a new hidden location that should be memorized during six consecutive trials. The performance was measured by means of an index indicating the improvement during the reversal learning. In the delayed recall condition, neither patients, healthy subjects nor the deep brain stimulation On- versus Off groups showed a difference in place memory performance of the former trained location. In the reversal learning condition, healthy subjects (reversal index 2.0) and patients in the deep brain stimulation On condition (reversal index 1.6) showed a significant improvement. However, patients in the deep brain stimulation Off condition (reversal index 1.1) performed significantly worse and did not improve. There were no differences between all groups in a final visual guided navigation task with a visible target. These results suggest that deep brain stimulation of subthalamic nucleus restores spatial reversal learning in a virtual navigation task in patients with Parkinson’s disease and gives insight into the neuromodulation effects on cognition of subthalamic circuits in Parkinson’s disease.
Long noncoding RNA XIST: a novel independent prognostic biomarker for patients with ABC-DLBCL receiving R-CHOP treatment
Authors: Li Han-Bing , Wang Di , Zhang Yue , Shen Di , Che Yi-Qun
Published: February 2024

Approximately one-third of activated B-cell-like diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (ABC-DLBCL) cases were unresponsive to standard first-line therapy; thus, identifying biomarkers to evaluate therapeutic efficacy and assessing the emergence of drug resistance is crucial. Through early-stage screening, long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) X-inactive specific transcript (XIST) was found to be correlated with the R-CHOP treatment response. This study aimed to clarify the characteristics of XIST in ABC-DLBCL. The expression level of XIST in 161 patients with ABC-DLBCL receiving R-CHOP therapy was examined via RNA in situ hybridization, and the association between XIST expression and clinicopathological features, treatment response and prognosis was analyzed in the study cohort and validated in the Gene Expression Omnibus cohort. Cell biological experiments and bioinformatics analyses were conducted to reveal aberrant signaling. The proportion of complete response in patients with high XIST expression was lower than that in patients with low XIST expression (53.8% versus 77.1%) (P = 0.002). High XIST expression was remarkably associated with the characteristics of tumor progression and was an independent prognostic element for overall survival (P = 0.039) and progression-free survival (P = 0.027) in ABC-DLBCL. XIST was proven to be involved in m6A-related methylation and ATF6-associated autophagy. XIST knockdown repressed ABC-DLBCL cellular proliferation by regulating Raf/MEK/ERK signaling. High XIST expression was associated with ABC-DLBCL tumorigenesis and development and contributed to R-CHOP treatment resistance. XIST may be a promising signal to predict ABC-DLBCL prognosis.
Cyclophosphamide induces the loss of taste bud innervation in mice
Authors: Wood Ryan M , Vasquez Erin L , Goyins Krystal A , Gutierrez Kuri Eduardo , Connelly Kevin , Humayun Saima , Macpherson Lindsey J
Published: February 2024

Many common chemotherapeutics produce disruptions in the sense of taste which can lead to loss of appetite, nutritional imbalance, and reduced quality of life, especially if taste loss persists after treatment ends. Cyclophosphamide (CYP), an alkylating chemotherapeutic agent, affects taste sensitivity through its cytotoxic effects on mature taste receptor cells (TRCs) and on taste progenitor cell populations, retarding the capacity to replace TRCs. Mechanistic studies have focused primarily on taste cells, however, taste signaling requires communication between TRCs and the gustatory nerve fibers that innervate them. Here, we evaluate cyclophosphamide’s effects on the peripheral gustatory nerve fibers that innervate the taste buds. Following histological analysis of tongue tissues, we find that CYP reduces innervation within the fungiform and circumvallates taste buds within 4 days after administration. To better understand the dynamics of the denervation process, we used 2-photon intravital imaging to visualize the peripheral gustatory nerve fibers within individual fungiform taste buds up to 20 days after CYP treatment. We find that gustatory fibers retract from the taste bud properly but are maintained within the central papilla core. These data indicate that in addition to TRCs, gustatory nerve fibers are also affected by CYP treatment. Because the connectivity between TRCs and gustatory neurons must be re-established for proper function, gustatory fibers should continue to be included in future studies to understand the mechanisms leading to chemotherapy-induced persistent taste loss.
Forum Non Conveniens in China: From Judicial Practice to Law
Authors: Zhao Liang
Published: February 2024

Chinese courts have applied the doctrine of forum non conveniens since the 1990s. The Chinese Supreme Court has confirmed the judicial practice in its judicial interpretations. However, the doctrine that has actually been engaged in the Chinese courts is based on the inconvenience approach to avoid inconvenience to Chinese courts. Recently, the newly amended Chinese Civil Procedure Law formally enacted this doctrine in a different way. The new doctrine of forum non conveniens considers the factor of inconvenience to the parties, removes the condition of involvement of Chinese parties’ interests, and provides procedural remedies after dismissing actions. This new doctrine of forum non conveniens in Chinese law comes close to the doctrine of forum non conveniens in common law, which is based on an approach for the interests of all parties. This article reviews the development of the Chinese doctrine of forum non conveniens and assesses the conditions under the doctrine in Chinese law. It is suggested that the new Chinese doctrine of forum non conveniens can be improved further by removing the inconvenience to the Chinese courts and clarifying the consideration of the interests of all parties.
Kibble diet is associated with higher faecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations in zoo-managed red wolves (Canis rufus)
Authors: Bragg Morgan , Muletz-Wolz Carly R , Songsasen Nucharin , Freeman Elizabeth W
Published: February 2024

The red wolf (Canis rufus) is a critically endangered canid that exists solely because of the establishment of the ex situ population in the late 1980s. Yet, the population under human care suffers from gastrointestinal (GI) disease in captivity. While the cause of GI disease is unknown, it is speculated that environmental factors can influence GI health of zoo-managed red wolves. The goal of the present study was to investigate the relationship between faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) concentrations, a biomarker for stress, and environmental factors for zoo-managed red wolves. Faecal samples were collected from 14 adult wolves three times a week for 5 to 12 months. Using a single-antibody cortisol enzyme immunoassay, FGM concentrations were quantified. Environmental factors were collected for each participating wolf on dietary type, sex, type of public access to enclosure, density (enclosure size [ft2]/number of wolves living in enclosure) and a monthly average status of GI health. Red wolves that ate a commercial kibble diet had both higher FGM concentrations over time and higher baseline FGM concentrations compared to individuals that received commercial kibble mixed with commercial meat. Density, public access or GI health were not related to FGM concentration; however, males had higher baseline FGM concentrations compared to female red wolves. Our findings suggest that management conditions, particularly diet, can strongly influence FGM concentration in the zoo-managed red wolf population. Findings from this study highlight the importance of management choices on individual welfare. Maintaining a healthy captive population of red wolves is imperative for the persistence of the species, including successful future reintroductions.
Outbreeding management offers the promise of genetic rescue for an endangered lizard
Authors: Wen Guannan , Xie Hongxin , Luo Shuyi , Yang Chunsheng , Tang Xianwu , Hu Yibo , Du Weiguo
Published: February 2024

Inbreeding and loss of genetic diversity increase the extinction risk of small isolated populations. Genetic rescue by augmenting gene flow is a powerful means for the restoration of lost genetic variation. In this study, we used multigenerational pedigrees and neutral genetic markers to assess the consequences of outbreeding management in the Chinese and Vietnamese populations of the endangered crocodile lizard, Shinisaurus crocodilurus. Compared with the purebred Chinese population, the outbreeding population exhibited greater molecular genetic variation and a 3-fold larger population size. Moreover, the first-generation hybrids had a longer lifespan than purebreds, suggesting that outbreeding depression did not occur, but the long-term fitness effect of outbreeding needs to be further evaluated. Our study provides valuable insights into the potential for genetic rescue in the endangered crocodile lizard, emphasizing the importance of an evidence-based genetic management approach to address the risks of inbreeding and outbreeding depression in threatened populations.
Inadvertent septal perforation during conduction system pacing device implant: a case report
Authors: Shtembari Jurgen , Shrestha Dhan Bahadur , Tung Roderick , Upadhyay Gaurav A
Published: February 2024

Background

There has been recent growing interest in the use of conduction system pacing (CSP) for both bradycardia and heart failure indications. There remains a paucity of data, however, regarding complications related to the intraventricular septum associated with CSP implant and the management of these events.

Case summary

We present a case of a patient with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy presenting for cardiac resynchronization therapy in whom left bundle branch area pacing was complicated with interventricular septal perforation and managed intra-procedurally with repositioning of the lead to provide His bundle pacing (HBP) for QRS correction of underlying left bundle branch block. Post-procedure echocardiography did not show persistent ventricular septal defect. Left ventricular ejection fraction improved from 13% four months before implant to 30% at 32 months post-implant. Corrective HBP pacing thresholds showed a rise at 3-year follow-up.

Discussion

Interventricular septal perforation during CSP is a possible complication during lead fixation. Pre-operative septal assessment with imaging can be helpful to provide important septal anatomical features. Septal perforation can be managed appropriately with lead repositioning intra-procedurally and close follow-up.
Pathogenic truncating filamin C mutations presenting as acute myocarditis: a case series with insights from cardiac magnetic resonance and histological analysis
Authors: Vrettos Apostolos , Demetriades Polyvios , Ortiz Martín , Domínguez Fernando , García-Pavía Pablo , Suárez-Mier M Paz , Gossios Thomas , Savvatis Konstantinos
Published: February 2024

Background

The exact mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of myocarditis are not always understood, but there is emerging evidence to suggest that genetic factors may play a significant role.

Case summary

Herein, we present six cases in which clinical, biochemical, and cardiovascular magnetic resonance data were consistent with myocarditis, and genetic testing subsequently revealed pathogenic filamin C (FLNC) mutations. Three patients presented with ventricular arrhythmias, two with severe biventricular dysfunction, and two suffered sudden cardiac arrest. Three received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, and one underwent heart transplantation. Cascade testing was useful in identifying other relatives with FLNC mutation. We also present relevant histology results of myocardial specimens showing the presence of lymphocytic infiltration and inflammation, further supporting the potential association between FLNC mutations and a myocarditis phenotype.

Discussion

Genetic testing of affected individuals for FLNC mutations and cascade screening in the setting of acute myocarditis may be considered in selected clinical context, such as in acute myocarditis accompanied by severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction, biventricular failure, significant ventricular arrhythmias, or right ventricular involvement.
Artificial intelligence-based classification of echocardiographic views
Authors: Naser Jwan A , Lee Eunjung , Pislaru Sorin V , Tsaban Gal , Malins Jeffrey G , Jackson John I , Anisuzzaman D M , Rostami Behrouz , Lopez-Jimenez Francisco , Friedman Paul A , Kane Garvan C , Pellikka Patricia A , Attia Zachi I
Published: February 2024

Aims

Augmenting echocardiography with artificial intelligence would allow for automated assessment of routine parameters and identification of disease patterns not easily recognized otherwise. View classification is an essential first step before deep learning can be applied to the echocardiogram.

Methods and results

We trained two- and three-dimensional convolutional neural networks (CNNs) using transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) studies obtained from 909 patients to classify nine view categories (10 269 videos). Transthoracic echocardiographic studies from 229 patients were used in internal validation (2582 videos). Convolutional neural networks were tested on 100 patients with comprehensive TTE studies (where the two examples chosen by CNNs as most likely to represent a view were evaluated) and 408 patients with five view categories obtained via point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS). The overall accuracy of the two-dimensional CNN was 96.8%, and the averaged area under the curve (AUC) was 0.997 on the comprehensive TTE testing set; these numbers were 98.4% and 0.998, respectively, on the POCUS set. For the three-dimensional CNN, the accuracy and AUC were 96.3% and 0.998 for full TTE studies and 95.0% and 0.996 on POCUS videos, respectively. The positive predictive value, which defined correctly identified predicted views, was higher with two-dimensional rather than three-dimensional networks, exceeding 93% in apical, short-axis aortic valve, and parasternal long-axis left ventricle views.

Conclusion

An automated view classifier utilizing CNNs was able to classify cardiac views obtained using TTE and POCUS with high accuracy. The view classifier will facilitate the application of deep learning to echocardiography.
Procedural performance and outcome after pulsed field ablation for pulmonary vein isolation: comparison with a reference radiofrequency database
Authors: De Becker Benjamin , El Haddad Milad , De Smet Maarten , François Clara , Tavernier Rene , le Polain de Waroux Jean-Benoit , Knecht Sébastien , Duytschaever Mattias
Published: February 2024

Aims

Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a promising ablation technique for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) with appealing advantages over radiofrequency (RF) including speed, tissue selectivity, and the promise of enhanced durability. In this study, we determine the procedural performance, efficacy, safety, and durability of PFA and compare its performance with a dataset of optimized RF ablation.

Methods and results

After propensity score matching, we compared 161 patients who received optimized RF-guided PVI in the PowerPlus study (CLOSE protocol) with 161 patients undergoing PFA-guided PVI for paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation (AF; pentaspline basket catheter). The median age was 65 years with 78% paroxysmal AF in the PFA group (comparable characteristics in the RF group). Pulsed field ablation–guided PVI was obtained in all patients with a procedure time of 47 min (vs. 71 min in RF, P < 0.0001) and a fluoroscopy time of 15 min (vs. 11 min in RF, P < 0.0001). One serious adverse event [transient ischaemic attack] occurred in a patient with thrombocytosis (0.6 vs. 0% in RF). During the 6-month follow-up, 24 and 27 patients experienced a recurrence with 20 and 11 repeat procedures in the PFA and the RF groups, respectively (P = 0.6 and 0.09). High-density mapping revealed a status of 4 isolated veins in 7/20 patients in the PFA group and in 2/11 patients in the RF group (35 vs. 18%, P = 0.3).

Conclusion

Pulsed field ablation fulfils the promise of offering a short and safe PVI procedure, even when compared with optimized RF in experienced hands. Pulmonary vein reconnection is the dominant cause of recurrence and tempers the expectation of a high durability rate with PFA.
The feasibility of population screening for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation using hand-held electrocardiogram devices
Authors: Mant Jonathan , Modi Rakesh N , Charlton Peter , Dymond Andrew , Massou Efthalia , Brimicombe James , Freedman Ben , Griffin Simon J , Hobbs F D Richard , Lip Gregory Y H , McManus Richard J , Williams Kate
Published: February 2024

Aims

There are few data on the feasibility of population screening for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) using hand-held electrocardiogram (ECG) devices outside a specialist setting or in people over the age of 75. We investigated the feasibility of screening when conducted without face-to-face contact (‘remote’) or via in-person appointments in primary care and explored impact of age on screening outcomes.

Methods and results

People aged ≥65 years from 13 general practices in England participated in screening during 2019–20. This involved attending a practice nurse appointment (10 practices) or receiving an ECG device by post (three practices). Participants were asked to use a hand-held ECG for 1–4 weeks. Screening outcomes included uptake, quality of ECGs, AF detection rates, and uptake of anticoagulation if AF was detected. Screening was carried out by 2141 (87.5%) of people invited to practice nurse-led screening and by 288 (90.0%) invited to remote screening. At least 56 interpretable ECGs were provided by 98.0% of participants who participated for 3 weeks, with no significant differences by setting or age, except people aged 85 or over (91.1%). Overall, 2.6% (64/2429) screened participants had AF, with detection rising with age (9.2% in people aged 85 or over). A total of 53/64 (82.8%) people with AF commenced anticoagulation. Uptake of anticoagulation did not vary by age.

Conclusion

Population screening for paroxysmal AF is feasible in general practice and without face-to-face contact for all ages over 64 years, including people aged 85 and over.
Relatedness coefficients and their applications for triplets and quartets of genetic markers
Authors: Ritland Kermit
Published: February 2024

Relatedness coefficients which seek the identity-by-descent of genetic markers are described. The markers are in groups of two, three or four, and if four, can consist of two pairs. It is essential to use cumulants (not moments) for four-marker-gene probabilities, as the covariance of homozygosity, used in four-marker applications, can only be described with cumulants. A covariance of homozygosity between pairs of markers arises when populations follow a mixture distribution. Also, the probability of four markers all identical-by-descent equals the normalized fourth cumulant. In this article, a “genetic marker” generally represents either a gene locus or an allele at a locus. Applications of three marker coefficients mainly involve conditional regression, and applications of four marker coefficients can involve identity disequilibrium. Estimation of relatedness using genetic marker data is discussed. However, three- and four-marker estimators suffer from statistical and numerical problems, including higher statistical variance, complexity of estimation formula, and singularity at some intermediate allele frequencies.
Linkage mapping of root shape traits in two carrot populations
Authors: Vega Andrey , Brainard Scott H , Goldman Irwin L
Published: February 2024

This study investigated the genetic basis of carrot root shape traits using composite interval mapping in two biparental populations (n = 119 and n = 128). The roots of carrot F2:3 progenies were grown over 2 years and analyzed using a digital imaging pipeline to extract root phenotypes that compose market class. Broad-sense heritability on an entry-mean basis ranged from 0.46 to 0.80 for root traits. Reproducible quantitative trait loci (QTL) were identified on chromosomes 2 and 6 on both populations. Colocalization of QTLs for phenotypically correlated root traits was also observed and coincided with previously identified QTLs in published association and linkage mapping studies. Individual QTLs explained between 14 and 27% of total phenotypic variance across traits, while four QTLs for length-to-width ratio collectively accounted for up to 73% of variation. Predicted genes associated with the OFP-TRM (OVATE Family Proteins—TONNEAU1 Recruiting Motif) and IQD (IQ67 domain) pathway were identified within QTL support intervals. This observation raises the possibility of extending the current regulon model of fruit shape to include carrot storage roots. Nevertheless, the precise molecular mechanisms through which this pathway operates in roots characterized by secondary growth originating from cambium layers remain unknown.
Prediction of immunocyte infiltration and prognosis in postoperative hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma patients using magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Song Chenyu , Huang Mengqi , Zhou Xiaoqi , Chen Yuying , Li Zhoulei , Tang Mimi , Chen Meicheng , Peng Zhenpeng , Feng Shiting
Published: February 2024

Background

The immune microenvironment (IME) is closely associated with prognosis and therapeutic response of hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-HCC). Multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enables non-invasive assessment of IME and predicts prognosis in HBV-HCC. We aimed to construct an MRI prediction model of the immunocyte-infiltration subtypes and explore its prognostic significance.

Methods

HBV-HCC patients at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University (Guangzhou, China) with radical surgery (between 1 October and 30 December 2021) were prospectively enrolled. Patients with pathologically proven HCC (between 1 December 2013 and 30 October 2019) were retrospectively enrolled. Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between the immunocyte-infiltration counts and MRI parameters. An MRI prediction model of immunocyte-infiltration subtypes was constructed in prospective cohort. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to analyse its prognostic significance in the retrospective cohort.

Results

Twenty-four patients were prospectively enrolled to construct the MRI prediction model. Eighty-nine patients were retrospectively enrolled to determine its prognostic significance. MRI parameters (relative enhancement, ratio of the apparent diffusion coefficient value of tumoral region to peritumoral region [rADC], T1 value) correlated significantly with the immunocyte-infiltration counts (leukocytes, T help cells, PD1+Tc cells, B lymphocytes). rADC differed significantly between high and low immunocyte-infiltration groups (1.47 ± 0.36 vs 1.09 ± 0.25, P = 0.009). The area under the curve of the MRI model was 0.787 (95% confidence interval 0.587–0.987). Based on the MRI model, the recurrence-free time was longer in the high immunocyte-infiltration group than in the low immunocyte-infiltration group (P = 0.026).

Conclusions

MRI is a non-invasive method for assessing the IME and immunocyte-infiltration subtypes, and predicting prognosis in post-operative HBV-HCC patients.
Surprise billing in intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalizations
Authors: Kannan Sneha , Song Zirui
Published: February 2024

Intensive care unit (ICU) care is expensive for patients and providers, and utilization and spending on ICU resources have increased. The No Surprises Act, passed in 2022, specifically prohibits balance billing by ICU specialists (intensivists) for emergency and most non-emergency care. The potential economic impact of this remains unclear, given few data exist on the magnitude of balance billing in the ICU. Using the MarketScan Commercial (IBM) database, we studied hospitalizations in which ICU care was provided (“ICU hospitalizations”) between 2010 and 2019. Hospitalizations were characterized as fully in-network, fully out-of-network, or “mixed” (contained both in- and out-of-network services). The share of “mixed” hospitalizations among all ICU hospitalizations rose from 26% to 33% over the study period. Over half of these mixed hospitalizations contained out-of-network services specifically delivered within the ICU. Total hospitalization spending averaged $81 047, with ICU spending averaging $15 799. On average, 11% of ICU spending within these hospitalizations was out-of-network. Patients were plausibly balance-billed in approximately one-third of ICU hospitalizations, for thousands of dollars per hospitalization. Given that the No Surprises Act prevents this type of balance billing, the portended revenue loss may lead to changes in provider negotiations with insurers concerning network status and prices, which could affect the care patients receive.
Association of licensure and relationship requirement waivers with out-of-state tele-mental health care, 2019–2021
Authors: Koumpias Antonios M , Fleming Owen , Lin Lewei Allison
Published: February 2024

During the COVID-19 public health emergency, states waived in-state licensure and pre-existing patient–physician relationship requirements to increase access to care. We exploit this state telehealth policy variation to estimate the association of in-state licensure requirement waivers and pre-existing patient–physician relationship requirement waivers with out-of-state tele-mental health care utilization of patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Using claims from January 2019 until December 2021 of 2 037 977 commercially insured individuals in 3 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) straddling Midwestern state borders, we found increased out-of-state telehealth utilization as a share of out-of-state mental health care by 0.1411 and 0.0575 visits per month or 1679.76% and 467.48% after licensure and relationship waivers, respectively. Within-MSA analyses illustrate an urban–rural digital divide in out-of-state utilization as a share of total or telehealth mental health care. Our findings indicate waivers primarily enhance access to care of established patients by enabling the transition of in-person out-of-state health care online. Interstate medical licensure compact participation may provide broader access to out-of-state tele-mental health care than emergency waivers.
Sea-ice melt determines seasonal phytoplankton dynamics and delimits the habitat of temperate Atlantic taxa as the Arctic Ocean atlantifies
Authors: Oldenburg Ellen , Popa Ovidiu , Wietz Matthias , von Appen Wilken-Jon , Torres-Valdes Sinhue , Bienhold Christina , Ebenhöh Oliver , Metfies Katja
Published: February 2024

The Arctic Ocean is one of the regions where anthropogenic environmental change is progressing most rapidly and drastically. The impact of rising temperatures and decreasing sea ice on Arctic marine microbial communities is yet not well understood. Microbes form the basis of food webs in the Arctic Ocean, providing energy for larger organisms. Previous studies have shown that Atlantic taxa associated with low light are robust to more polar conditions. We compared to which extent sea ice melt influences light-associated phytoplankton dynamics and biodiversity over two years at two mooring locations in the Fram Strait. One mooring is deployed in pure Atlantic water, and the second in the intermittently ice-covered Marginal Ice Zone. Time-series analysis of amplicon sequence variants abundance over a 2-year period, allowed us to identify communities of co-occurring taxa that exhibit similar patterns throughout the annual cycle. We then examined how alterations in environmental conditions affect the prevalence of species. During high abundance periods of diatoms, polar phytoplankton populations dominated, while temperate taxa were weakly represented. Furthermore, we found that polar pelagic and ice-associated taxa, such as Fragilariopsis cylindrus and Melosira arctica, were more common in Atlantic conditions, while temperate taxa, such as Odontella aurita and Proboscia alata, were less abundant under polar conditions. This suggests that sea ice melt may act as a barrier to the northward expansion of temperate phytoplankton, preventing their dominance in regions still strongly influenced by polar conditions. Our findings highlight the complex interactions between sea ice melt, phytoplankton dynamics, and biodiversity in the Arctic.
A polyphasic molecular approach to characterize a collection of grapevine endophytic bacteria with bioprotective potential
Authors: Bertazzoli Giulia , Nerva Luca , Chitarra Walter , Fracchetti Fabio , Campedelli Ilenia , Moffa Loredana , Sandrini Marco , Nardi Tiziana
Published: February 2024

Aims

The work presented here was conducted to characterize the biodiversity of a collection of bacterial isolates, mainly wood endophytes, as part of a research project focused on exploring their bioprotective potential for postharvest biological control of fruits.

Methods and results

This work was the basis for the development of a tailored method combining 16S rDNA sequencing and Rep-PCR to differentiate the isolates and identify them to genus level or below. More than one hundred isolates obtained from wood and roots of different grapevine genotypes were cultured on appropriate growth media and then subjected to the specified multistep molecular identification.

Conclusions

We have obtained good dereplication for grapevine-endophytic bacteria, together with reliable genetic identification. Both are essential prerequisites to properly characterize a biome bank and, at the same time, beneficial prerequisites to subsequently perform a correct bioprotection assessment.
Early prediction of end-stage kidney disease using electronic health record data: a machine learning approach with a 2-year horizon
Authors: Petousis Panayiotis , Wilson James M , Gelvezon Alex V , Alam Shafiul , Jain Ankur , Prichard Laura , Elashoff David A , Raja Naveen , Bui Alex A T
Published: February 2024

Objectives

In the United States, end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is responsible for high mortality and significant healthcare costs, with the number of cases sharply increasing in the past 2 decades. In this study, we aimed to reduce these impacts by developing an ESKD model for predicting its occurrence in a 2-year period.

Materials and Methods

We developed a machine learning (ML) pipeline to test different models for the prediction of ESKD. The electronic health record was used to capture several kidney disease-related variables. Various imputation methods, feature selection, and sampling approaches were tested. We compared the performance of multiple ML models using area under the ROC curve (AUCROC), area under the Precision-Recall curve (PR-AUC), and Brier scores for discrimination, precision, and calibration, respectively. Explainability methods were applied to the final model.

Results

Our best model was a gradient-boosting machine with feature selection and imputation methods as additional components. The model exhibited an AUCROC of 0.97, a PR-AUC of 0.33, and a Brier score of 0.002 on a holdout test set. A chart review analysis by expert physicians indicated clinical utility.

Discussion and Conclusion

An ESKD prediction model can identify individuals at risk for ESKD and has been successfully deployed within our health system.
Statute of limitations rules in patent infringement litigation in China
Authors: Song Defeng
Published: February 2024

This article examines the statute of limitations applicable to patent infringement actions in China, highlighting open questions that will require legislative and judicial clarification over the coming years. In 2020, the fourth amendment to the Chinese Patent Law introduced a 3-year limitation period, resolving the pre-existing discrepancy with the Civil Code. However, several issues remain open to interpretation and in need of further clarification. These include the commencement of the limitation period, proof of actual or constructive knowledge of the infringement and of the identity of the infringer(s) and the applicable statute of limitations for acts of infringement occurred before the 2020 amendment.
Retroperitoneal sarcoma: a 10-year follow-up analysis using hospital-based cancer registry data in Japan
Authors: Nitta Satoshi , Kandori Shuya , Takahashi Reo , Suzuki Shuhei , Hamada Kazuki , Tanuma Kozaburo , Shiga Masanobu , Kojo Kosuke , Sakka Shotaro , Nagumo Yoshiyuki , Hoshi Akio , Mathis Bryan J , Negoro Hiromitsu , Okuyama Ayako , Higashi Takahiro , Nishiyama Hiroyuki
Published: February 2024

Objectives

We sought clinical characteristics, survival outcomes, and prognostic factors for overall survival of retroperitoneal sarcoma in Japan.

Methods

A Japanese hospital-based cancer registry database with a pivotal 10-year follow-up was used to identify and enroll patients, registered from 106 institutions, diagnosed with retroperitoneal sarcoma in 2008–2009. Treating hospitals were divided by hospital care volume; high-volume hospitals and low-volume hospitals were defined as ≥ 4 and < 4 cases/year, respectively.

Results

A total of 91 men and 97 women were included, with a median age of 64 years. The most common histological type was liposarcoma in 101 patients, followed by leiomyosarcoma in 38 patients. The 5-year and 10-year overall survival rates were 44.1 and 28.3%. The majority of patients (n = 152, 80.9%) were treated at low-volume hospitals. High-volume hospital patients had higher 10-year overall survival rates than low-volume hospital patients (51.2% vs 23.2%, P = 0.026). Multivariate analysis revealed age over 60 years, treatment in low-volume hospitals and chemotherapy were independent predictors of unfavorable survival while treatment with surgery was an independent predictor of favorable survival.

Conclusions

The possibility of surgical removal was suggested to be the most important prognostic factor for retroperitoneal sarcoma. Better survival was shown in patients treated at high-volume hospitals in our series.
Development of an integrated high-voltage electron microscope–gas chromatograph–quadrupole mass spectrometer system for the operando analysis of catalytic gas reactions
Authors: Tang Longshu , Higuchi Tetsuo , Arai Shigeo , Tanaka Hiromochi , Muto Shunsuke
Published: February 2024

This paper describes the development of a gas chromatography–quadrupole mass spectrometry system attached to a differential-pumping-type environmental cell of the reaction science high-voltage electron microscopy instrument at Nagoya University to distinguish unambiguously between different gas species with the same mass-to-charge ratio. Several model experiments were used to verify the efficacy of the newly proposed system, confirming its ability to analyse the atomic-level structural changes during heterogeneous catalysts and the associated gas-reaction kinetics simultaneously, providing new insights into operando measurements in the field of environmental transmission electron microscopy.

Graphical Abstract
Assessing racial, ethnic, and nativity disparities in US cancer mortality using a new integrated platform
Authors: Yu Mandi , Liu Lihua , Gibson James (Todd) , Campbell Dave , Liu Qinran , Scoppa Steve , Feuer Eric J , Pinheiro Paulo S
Published: February 2024

Background

Foreign-born populations in the United States have markedly increased, yet cancer trends remain unexplored. Survey-based Population-Adjusted Rate Calculator (SPARC) is a new tool for evaluating nativity differences in cancer mortality.

Methods

Using SPARC, we calculated 3-year (2016-2018) age-adjusted mortality rates and rate ratios for common cancers by sex, age group, race and ethnicity, and nativity. Trends by nativity were examined for the first time for 2006-2018. Traditional cancer statistics draw populations from decennial censuses. However, nativity-stratified populations are from the American Community Surveys, thus involve sampling errors. To rectify this, SPARC employed bias-corrected estimators. Death counts came from the National Vital Statistics System.

Results

Age-adjusted mortality rates were higher among US-born populations across nearly all cancer types, with the largest US-born, foreign-born difference observed in lung cancer among Black women (rate ratio = 3.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.37 to 4.00). The well-documented White–Black differences in breast cancer mortality existed mainly among US-born women. For all cancers combined, descending trends were more accelerated for US-born compared with foreign-born individuals in all race and ethnicity groups with changes ranging from –2.6% per year in US-born Black men to stable (statistically nonsignificant) among foreign-born Black women. Pancreas and liver cancers were exceptions with increasing, stable, or decreasing trends depending on nativity and race and ethnicity. Notably, foreign-born Black men and foreign-born Hispanic men did not show a favorable decline in colorectal cancer mortality.

Conclusions

Although all groups show beneficial cancer mortality trends, those with higher rates in 2006 have experienced sharper declines. Persistent disparities between US-born and foreign-born individuals, especially among Black people, necessitate further investigation.
Protocol for a systematic review of the management and outcomes in patients with gallbladder agenesis
Authors: Young Erin N , Dongho Ghyslaine B D , Ngo Ngo Valery , Asahngwa Constantine , Jasmin Hilary M , Nelson John S , Zalamea Nia N , Gobina Ronald M , Foretia Denis A
Published: February 2024

Gallbladder agenesis (GA) is a congenital anomaly of the biliary system, with characteristic absence of the gallbladder and cystic duct often with variable clinical presentation. Despite major advances in imaging technology many patients undergo unnecessary operative interventions during which the diagnosis is made. Very little is known on the management and outcomes in this patient population. Therefore, the main objective of this study protocol is to guide a comprehensive review of published cases of GA to evaluate and synthesize research findings on its presentation, management and clinical outcomes. This systematic review will be conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols guidelines. MEDLINE, via PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS and Google Scholar will be searched for articles on GA in humans (case report and case series) published before 1 October 2022 in English, French and Spanish. Two independent investigators will review each article, determine if it meets inclusion criteria, extract data and assess the study quality. A third investigator will arbitrate studies where there are conflicts between the first two investigators. Short and long-term outcomes will be compared between cases that underwent non-operative versus open versus laparoscopic surgery. Estimates will be made of odds ratios for dichotomous outcomes.
Evidence for dual targeting control of Arabidopsis 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase isoforms by N-terminal phosphorylation
Authors: Doering Lennart Nico , Gerling Niklas , Linnenbrügger Loreen , Lansing Hannes , Baune Marie-Christin , Fischer Kerstin , von Schaewen Antje
Published: February 2024

The oxidative pentose-phosphate pathway (OPPP) retrieves NADPH from glucose-6-phosphate, which is important in chloroplasts at night and in plastids of heterotrophic tissues. We previously studied how OPPP enzymes may transiently locate to peroxisomes, but how this is achieved for the third enzyme remained unclear. By extending our genetic approach, we demonstrated that Arabidopsis isoform 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase 2 (PGD2) is indispensable in peroxisomes during fertilization, and investigated why all PGD–reporter fusions show a mostly cytosolic pattern. A previously published interaction of a plant PGD with thioredoxin m was confirmed using Trxm2 for yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) and bimolecular fluorescent complementation (BiFC) assays, and medial reporter fusions (with both ends accessible) proved to be beneficial for studying peroxisomal targeting of PGD2. Of special importance were phosphomimetic changes at Thr6, resulting in a clear targeting switch to peroxisomes, while a similar change at position Ser7 in PGD1 conferred plastid import. Apparently, efficient subcellular localization can be achieved by activating an unknown kinase, either early after or during translation. N-terminal phosphorylation of PGD2 interfered with dimerization in the cytosol, thus allowing accessibility of the C-terminal peroxisomal targeting signal (PTS1). Notably, we identified amino acid positions that are conserved among plant PGD homologues, with PTS1 motifs first appearing in ferns, suggesting a functional link to fertilization during the evolution of seed plants.
Biomaterial design for regenerating aged bone: materiobiological advances and paradigmatic shifts
Authors: Dai Kai , Geng Zhen , Zhang Wenchao , Wei Xue , Wang Jing , Nie Guangjun , Liu Changsheng
Published: February 2024

China's aging demographic poses a challenge for treating prevalent bone diseases impacting life quality. As bone regeneration capacity diminishes with age due to cellular dysfunction and inflammation, advanced biomaterials-based approaches offer hope for aged bone regeneration. This review synthesizes materiobiology principles, focusing on biomaterials that target specific biological functions to restore tissue integrity. It covers strategies for stem cell manipulation, regulation of the inflammatory microenvironment, blood vessel regeneration, intervention in bone anabolism and catabolism, and nerve regulation. The review also explores molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying aged bone regeneration and proposes a database-driven design process for future biomaterial development. These insights may also guide therapies for other age-related conditions, contributing to the pursuit of ‘healthy aging’.