bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green's function in general relativity
Authors: Kurihara Yoshimasa
Published: January 2023

This report provides Green's functions (classical propagators) of gravitational fields of vierbein and spin-connection fields in general relativity.
The existence of Green's function of the Laplace operator in curved space with an indefinite metric is ensured owing to the Hodge harmonic analysis.
The analyticity of Green's function is naturally determined intrinsically, keeping a causality.
This report proposed a novel definition of the momentum space in curved space-time and the linearisation of the Einstein equation as a free field consistent with that for the Yang-Mills gauge field.
The proposed linearisation does not utilize the weak-field approximation; thus, the method is applicable for highly caved space-time.
We gave two examples of Green's function of gravitational fields, the plane wave solution and the Schwarzschild solution.
Identification of a novel prognostic gene signature in high-grade lung neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Wang Guige , Guo Chao , Li Shanqing
Published: January 2023

Background
The prognosis of high-grade LNETs patients was poor. Although previous studies have tried to explore molecular markers to stratify LNETs and to seek the therapeutic targets, there was little improvement in the treatment strategy and overall survival of high-grade LNET patients.
Materials and Methods
In our study, gene expression data and clinical features of LNETs patients were extracted from GSE30219 dataset, which was further divided into training cohort and validation cohort. Univariate cox regression analysis and LASSO method were used to construct a prognostic risk model. The predictive value of prognostic gene signature was evaluated by ROC curve analysis.
Results
An eight-gene signature predicting survival was constructed in training cohort and was further validated in validation cohort. This gene signature performed well in both early-stage and advanced-stage high-grade LNET patients. Moreover, multivariate cox regression analysis revealed that this gene signature was the only independent risk factor in high-grade LNET patients, while age, gender, pathological stage, T stage, N stage and M stage were not. GO analysis and KEGG pathway analysis of DEGs and GSEA analysis based on subgroups stratified by gene signature in high-grade LNET patients revealed the high activity of tumor cell division, proliferation and metabolization.
Conclusion
We identified a novel and reliable gene signature risk model for predicting prognosis in high-grade LNET patients, which could stratify high-risk LNETs patients and might provide new targets.
Low dose blood BTEX are associated with pulmonary function through changes in inflammatory markers among US adults: NHANES 2007-2012
Authors: He Yansu , Lin Yong , Qiu Hong , Wu Linying , Ho Kin Fai
Published: January 2023

The effects of blood benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) on lung function among general adults remain unknown. We enrolled 5,519 adults with measured blood BTEX concentrations and lung function from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2012. Weighted linear models were fitted to assess the associations of BTEX with lung function and inflammation parameters (white blood cell five-part differential count and C-reactive protein). The mediating effect of inflammation between BTEX and lung function was also examined. Blood BTEX concentrations decreased yearly from 1999 and were extremely low from 2007–2012. Benzene and toluene exerted the greatest influence on lung function in terms of forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), calculated FEV1:FVC ratio, peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), and forced mid expiratory flow (FEF25%–75%). Both ethylbenzene and all xylene isomers had no effects on FVC but reduced FEV1, FEV1:FVC ratio, PEFR, and FEF25–75%. Weighted quantile analyses demonstrated that BTEX mixture was associated with decreases in FVC, FEV1, FEV1:FVC ratio, PEFR, and FEF25–75%, with benzene weighted most heavily for all lung function parameters. BTEX also increased the levels of inflammation indicated by white blood cell five-part differential count and C-reactive protein, and increased levels of inflammation also reduced lung function. From multiple mediation analysis, inflammation mediated the effects of benzene on FEV1 and PEFR, the effects of toluene on FEV1, and the effects of ethylbenzene on FEV1 and PEFR. Low-dose exposure to BTEX was associated with reduced pulmonary function both in large and small airways. Inflammation could be involved in this pathogenesis.
Extratropical intraseasonal signals along the subtropical westerly jet as a window of opportunity for subseasonal prediction over East Asia in boreal summer
Authors: Yang Jing , Zhu Tao , Vitart Frédéric
Published: January 2023

Previous studies suggest that boreal summer intraseasonal variations along the subtropical westerly jet (SJ), featuring quasi-biweekly periodicity, frequently modulate downstream subseasonal variations over East Asia (EA). Based on subseasonal hindcasts from six dynamical models, this study first discovered that the leading two–three-week prediction skills for surface air temperature (SAT) are improved significantly in summer with the strengthened intraseasonal oscillation along the SJ, which are best demonstrated over the eastern Tibetan Plateau, Southwest Basin, and North China. The reasons are that the enhanced quasi-biweekly wave and its energy dispersion along the SJ cause more regular quasi-biweekly periodic variations of downstream SAT, which potentially increase regional predictability. This study suggests that the strengthened intraseasonal periodic signals along the SJ would enhance the subseasonal predictability in downstream regions, which could provide a window of opportunity for achieving better subseasonal prediction.
Patterns of rockpool molluscs in differing shore exposures
Authors: Gonçalves Inês , Vinagre Catarina , Silva Ana
Published: January 2023

Rockpools are understudied systems of extreme importance due to their proven vulnerability to climate change. Rockpool molluscs play essential ecological roles therein, directly by acting both as prey and predator and, indirectly by influencing the topography via grazing. However, the environmental factors driving their rockpool occupation remain largely unknown. Our study is one of the few to focus on rockpool molluscs community patterns, particularly at a large scale between shores of differing exposure to wave action, being the first focused assessment of rockpool molluscs in Portugal. Overall, 32 intertidal rock pools on four rocky shores were studied during the summer spring tide of 2015. We used multivariate analysis to evaluate the potential impact of sheltered versus exposed wave action, physical pool structure (length, width, and depth), and relationships within the pool community on the abundance and diversity of molluscs. Wave exposure significantly influenced mollusc abundance and diversity. Among the 37 different taxa identified, there was a greater abundance of grazing gastropods (62.2%), followed by bivalves (27.0%) and chitons (10.8%). We suggest that mollusc taxa may have preferences for particular rock pool habitats depending on the type of algae present rather than pool size. We also suggest that species-specific mollusc presence in rockpool can be related to their shell size, aperture, and foot size due to corresponding variation in musculature needed to hold the snail to the substrate in hydrodynamic conditions. Further investigation would benefit from disentangling the potential role of algal pool coverage as a predator refuge for molluscs.
Risk assessment of assisted reproductive technology and parental ages at childbirth for the development of uniparental disomy-mediated imprinting disorders caused by aneuploid gametes
Authors: Hara-Isono Kaori , Matsubara Keiko , Nakamura Akie , Sano Shinichiro , Inoue Takanobu , Kawashima Sayaka , Fuke Tomoko , Yamazawa Kazuki , Fukami Maki , Ogata Tsutomu , Kagami Masayo
Published: January 2023

Background: Our previous study suggested that assisted reproductive technology (ART) may be a possible risk factor for the development of epimutation-mediated imprinting disorders (epi-IDs) for mothers aged ≥ 30 years. However, whether ART or advanced parental age facilitates the development of uniparental disomy-mediated IDs (UPD-IDs) has not yet been investigated.
Results: We enrolled 130 patients with aneuploid UPD-IDs including various IDs confirmed by molecular studies and obtained ART data of the general population and patients with epi-IDs from a robust nationwide database and our previous report, respectively. We compared the proportion of ART-conceived livebirths and maternal childbearing ages between patients with UPD-IDs and the general population or patients with epi-IDs. The proportion of ART-conceived livebirths in patients with aneuploid UPD-IDs was consistent with that in the general population of maternal age ≥ 30 years and was lower than that in the patients with epi-IDs, although there was no significant difference. The maternal childbearing ages of patients with aneuploid UPD-IDs were skewed to the increased ages with several cases exceeding the 97.5th percentile of maternal childbearing ages of the general population, and significantly higher than that of patients with epi-IDs (P < 0.001). In addition, we compared the proportion of ART-conceived livebirths and parental ages at childbirth between patients with UPD-IDs caused by aneuploid oocytes (oUPD-IDs) and that by aneuploid sperms (sUPD-IDs). Almost all ART-conceived livebirths were identified in patients with oUPD-IDs, and both maternal and paternal ages at childbirth were significantly higher in patients with oUPD-IDs than in patients with sUPD-IDs. Because maternal and paternal ages were strongly correlated (r = 0.637, P < 0.001), higher paternal ages in oUPD-IDs were due to the higher maternal ages in this group.
Conclusions: Different from the case of epi-IDs, ART itself is not likely to facilitate the development of aneuploid UPD-IDs. We demonstrated that advanced maternal age can be a risk factor for the development of aneuploid UPD-IDs, particularly oUPD-IDs.
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Interaction between rhizobacterial community assembly and host responses determines poplar salt tolerance
Authors: Liao Yangwenke , Cao Chaoyang , Zhang Qingyue , Zhang Peiyao , Li Xiaogang
Published: January 2023

Background and aims Rhizosphere microbes play important roles in plant toleranceto abiotic stresses. Plants of different genetic backgrounds acquire stress resistance by assembling specific rhizosphere microbial communitiesor typical beneficial microbiota. However, the molecular mechanism by whichplants recruit microbiota in response to environmental stresses is unclear.
MethodsHere, we investigated transcript regulation in three poplar genotypes, namely, Populus davidiana × P. bolleana Loucne (SXY), P. deltoides × P. euramericana'Nanlin 895' (NL895) and P. alba × P. glandulosa '84K' (84K), and their effect on the rhizosphere microbial community in response to salinization.
ResultsThe results showed that SXY exhibited salt tolerance characterized by the best photosynthesis and antioxidant system performance upon salt stress, while salt stress severely damaged the growth and membrane system of 84K. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed the lowest rhizobacterial community diversity associated with SXY compared to 84K and NL895, implying strong enrichment of certain bacterial taxa by the salt tolerant cultivar. Specifically, SXY recruited higher abundances of Hydrogenophaga and Pseudomonas. Furthermore, RNA-seq analysis of roots combined with weighted gene co-expressionnetwork analysis (WGCNA) identified module eigengene (ME)yellow, a module positively related to the SXY-enriched OTUs. KEGG analysis revealedsignificant enrichment of lipid metabolism and amino acid biosynthesis in MEyellow. Twenty-four genes selected from the pathways enriched in MEyellow showed the highest expression levels in SXY.
ConclusionsOur results suggest a “gene expression-rhizosphere-microbiota-salt tolerance” regulatory process in the poplar response to salinization and provide new insights into the mechanisms by which plants reshape the soil microbiome to improve salt tolerance.
WWC1/2 regulate spinogenesis and cognition in mice by stabilizing AMOT
Authors: Cao Runyi , Zhu Rui , Sha Zhao , Qi Sixian , Lei Yubin , Tan Yanfeng , Zhu Yuwen , Wang Yu , Wang Yi , Yu Faxing
Published: January 2023

WWC1 regulates episodic learning and memory, and genetic nucleotide polymorphism ofWWC1is associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. However, the molecular mechanism through which WWC1 regulates neuronal function remains unclear. Here, we show that WWC1 and its paralogs (WWC2/3) bind directly to angiomotin (AMOT) family proteins (Motins), and recruit USP9X to deubiquitinate and stabilize Motins. Deletion of WWC in different cell types, including neurons, leads to reduced protein levels of Motins. In mice, neuron-specific deletion ofWwc1andWwc2results in lower density of the dendritic spine and impairment of cognitive functions. Interestingly, ectopic expression of AMOT partially rescues the neuronal phenotypes associated withWwc1/2deletion. Thus, WWC proteins modulate spinogenesis and cognition in part by regulating protein stability of Motins.
Health care use and costs among women experiencing interpersonal violence: A retrospective chart review
Authors: Siltala Heli Pauliina , Kuusinen-Laukkala Anneli , Holma Juha Matti
Published: January 2023

This study explored health care use and costs among 184 Finnish women identified as having experienced family violence, sexual violence, or other interpersonal violence in emergency care. Their medical records were analysed two years before and after their identification. The health care costs generated by the family violence victims were 33% higher before identification and 83% higher thereafter than those among the general population. Health care visits were found to increase towards the identification date with a strong linear correlation among victims of family (r = .68, p < .001), sexual (r = .50, p < .001) and other violence (r = .68, p < .001). The health care costs of the family violence victims surpassed the population mean approximately 20 months before their identification date. The health care use among victims of family (r = − .68, p < .001) and sexual violence (r = − .61, p < .001) decreased significantly for two years after identification. For other victims, the health care use declined for the first year after identification (r = − .63, p < .001) but started to increase again after that (r = .41, p = .003). With the steady decline, the health care costs of the family violence victims reached the mean level of the general population at the very end of the two-year follow-up. The results suggest that earlier identification of victims of family violence could significantly decrease the adverse health effects resulting from violence and create notable savings in the health care sector.
Two-Fingers digital rectal examination for anal diseases: protocol of a prospective, diagnostic study
Authors: Zhi Congcong , Guo Hongxin , Li Xin , Shi Yuying , Cheng Yicheng , Liu Ningyuan , Huang Zichen , Zheng Lihua
Published: January 2023

Purpose Anal fistula is an anorectal infectious disease caused by perianal abscess or perianal disease. Surgery is the main treatment method for anal fistula. Accurate anorectal examination is of great significance to reduce the missed diagnosis rate of anal fistula, especially the misdiagnosis of anal fistula with no clear external opening. Two-Fingers digital rectal examination (TF-DRE) is a method improved by Professor Zheng Lihua on the basis of traditional digital anus examination. It has been used since 2012 and has accumulated a lot of clinical experience. However, there is a lack of comprehensive research on the value of TF-DRE for the diagnosis of anal fistula. The main purpose of this study is to compare the difference in the diagnostic value of TF-DRE, traditional digital rectal examination, and anorectal ultrasonography in the diagnosis of anal fistula. Methods For patients who met the inclusion criteria, TF-DRE was performed to explore the number and location of the external orifice, internal orifice, the number of fistula and the relationship with the perianal sphincter, as well as the data recorded by digital rectal examination and anorectal ultrasonography To make a comparison, the final diagnosis results from clinicians during the operation was taken as the gold standard, the diagnostic accuracy of TF-DRE for anal fistula is calculated, and the significance of TF-DRE in the preoperative diagnosis of anal fistula is studied and analyzed. All statistical results were analyzed using SPSS22.0, and P < 0.05 indicated that the difference was statistically significant. Conclusion The research protocol details the advantages of TF-DRE compared with digital rectal examination and anorectal ultrasonography in the diagnosis of anal fistula, and provides clinical evidence for the diagnostic value of TF-DRE in anal fistula. As an innovative anorectal examination method, there is still a lack of high-quality research using scientific methods in the current literature. This study will provide rigorously designed clinical evidence for TF-DRE.
Aggressive behaviour in moray eels versus species identity: Do I oust you, or do I eat you?
Authors: Lim Jia-Yi , Guan Kang-Long , Schönberg Christine Hanna Lydia
Published: January 2023

Observing a fight between two snowflake eels in southern Taiwan, we had difficulties locating scientific information on eel-eel aggressive behaviour and looked further afield. We collected and scored 34 videos posted on social media, to provide more insight into this behaviour. The videos showed 12 different species of moray to fight, with the genus Gymnothorax contributing ~ 71% of the films, Echidna to 24%. 82% of the retrieved videos showed same-species encounters. Fights involved “knotting”, when opponents curl around each other and shove with their bodies, and some biting. Overall, incidence of injury and death of losers, as well as injury of winners, was higher in smaller opponents. Conspecificity created the largest difference in behaviour. Available same-species encounters were interpreted as rivalry, as in our video. This normally included a visible resource the opponents fought over (a den, a food item, a mate). Same-species fights started after gaping mouths at each other, with individuals being roughly equal in size. Conspecific opponents were often injured, but never killed. Available videos with fights between different species showed predator attacks and defence in reaction. Except for one case, different-species encounters ended with one eel being killed and eaten, the winner always a fish-eating Gymnothorax species. Pre-fight, the killer was seen displaying food searching behaviour by checking holes. Both, same- and different-species fights frequently incurred deep, V-shaped wounds that were not apparently life threatening. Old V-shaped scars occurred on the bodies of some eels. Such scars could be used in research studying moray aggressive behaviour.
Cyclic distribution and ordering of occurrence of prime and composite numbers
Authors: Berezowski Marek
Published: January 2023

This paper presents a simple analytical method for identifying prime numbers and determining composite numbers. It has been shown that the primes are ordered and all are placed on 96 half-lines. One linear equation and 8 numbers are enough for all calculations. In addition, the astonishing cyclical nature of the occurrence of composite numbers has been demonstrated.
Rupture processes of the 2021 and 2022 Fukushima-oki earthquakes: Adjacent events on the complex fault system in the subducting slab
Authors: Kobayashi Hiroaki , Watanabe Tetsushi , Koketsu Kazuki
Published: January 2023

The 2021 Mw 7.1 and 2022 Mw 7.4 Fukushima-oki earthquakes ruptured adjacent regions in the subducting slab, which gave us a good opportunity to better understand the rupture process of an intraslab earthquake and the fault system in a subducting slab hosting such large earthquakes. We developed source models of the two earthquakes by constructing fault models based on the distributions of relocated aftershocks and performing joint source inversion using strong motion, teleseismic and geodetic data. The results showed that the 2021 earthquake was initiated by the west-northwest dipping fault and that it then ruptured the east-southeast dipping fault. The rupture propagated to the southwest and up-dip directions. For the 2022 earthquake, the rupture primarily propagated to the north-northeast and up-dip directions on the east-southeast dipping fault, but a delayed rupture occurred around the hypocenter approximately 12 s after the rupture initiation. This was probably due to the complex fault system around the hypocenter. Our source models accurately reproduced observed data for both earthquakes. We found that the source faults of these earthquakes had similarities to faults in the outer-rise region, which suggests that the 2021 and 2022 earthquakes occurred on faults that originally formed in the outer-rise region and reactivated in the subducting slab.
On Transformed Graphs
Authors: Sarkar Ishita , Nanjappa Manjunath , Gutman Ivan
Published: January 2023

The network systems and graphical analysis through the study ofstructural characteristics is a vast field of growing importance inresearch. Topological indices have a significant and crucial role inthe study of structure–property relationships. In this paper, weexamine constructional transformed networks constructed by unique vertex-edge incidence and mutual adjacency associations. Expres-sions for the first and second hyper Zagreb indices and co-indices of these transformed networks and their complements are obtained.
MSC Classification: 05C09 , 05C90 , 05C92
No major difference in perceived quality of care in patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis assessed in a physical therapy-led triage compared with standard care: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gustavsson Linnéa , Beischer Susanne , Samsson Karin , Ardebili Maziar Mohaddes
Published: January 2023

Background: Physical therapy-led orthopedic triage is a care model used to optimize pathways for patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis. However, scientific evidence of the effectiveness of this model of care is still limited and only a few studies report patients’ perception of it. The aim of this study was to compare patients’ perceived quality of care after physical therapy-led triage with standard practice in a secondary care setting for patients with primary hip or knee osteoarthritis.
Methods: In this randomized study, patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis referred for an orthopedic consultation received either physical therapy-led triage (n=344) or a standard care assessment by an orthopedic surgeon (n=294). To evaluate the patients’ perceived quality of care, a short version of the Quality from the Patient’s Perspective questionnaire was sent to the patients within a week after their assessment. The primary outcome was the statement “I received the best examination and treatment”.
Results: A total of 348 patients (70%, Physical therapy-led triage: n=249, Standard care: n=199) answered the questionnaire. No significant difference was found in the primary outcome between the groups (p=0.6). Participants in the triage group perceived themselves to have received significantly better information about how to take care of their osteoarthritis (p=0.017) compared with the standard care group. The standard care group reported that they participated in the decision-making process (p=0.005) to a greater extent, that their expectations were met (p=0.013) to a greater degree and that their care depended more on their need for care rather than the caregivers’ routines.
Conclusion: Both groups report high perceived quality of care. Significant differences were found in four of 14 questions, one in favor of the physical therapist and three in favor of the standard care group. The results in the present study suggest that physical therapy-led triage can be implemented for patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis at a secondary care unit.
Trial registration: Clinical Trials NCT04665908, registered 14/12/2020
Inactivation of TRPM7 kinase targets AKT signaling and cyclooxygenase-2 expression in human CML cells
Authors: Hoeger Birgit , Nadolni Wiebke , Hampe Sarah , Hoelting Kilian , Fraticelli Marco , Zaborsky Nadja , Madlmayr Anna , Sperrer Viktoria , Fraticelli Laura , Addington Lynda , Steinritz Dirk , Chubanov Vladimir , Geisberger Roland , Greil Richard , Breit Andreas , Boekhoff Ingrid , Gudermann Thomas , Zierler Susanna
Published: January 2023

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is a key regulator of inflammation. High constitutive COX-2 expression enhances survival and proliferation of tumor cells, whereas it adversely impacts anti-tumor immunity. We recently identified the melastatin-like transient-receptor-potential-7 (TRPM7) protein as modulator of immune homeostasis. TRPM7 is essential for leukocyte proliferation and differentiation, and upregulated in several cancer tissues. It combines a cation channel with an α-kinase, which is linked to inflammatory cell responses, and associated with hallmarks of tumor progression. A role in leukemia is not established. Here, we show that inhibiting TRPM7 in CML patient cells results in reduced constitutive COX-2 expression and cell proliferation. Using the CML-derived cell line HAP1 harboring CRISPR/Cas9-mediated TRPM7 knockout or a point mutation inactivating TRPM7 kinase, we could link this defect to reduced AKT activation. Pharmacologic blockade of TRPM7 in wildtype HAP1 cells confirmed the effect on COX-2 via altered AKT signaling. Addition of an AKT activator on TRPM7 kinase-dead cells reconstituted the phenotype. Inhibition of TRPM7 resulted in reduced COX-2 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells derived from CML patients, and diminished patient-derived CD34+ cell proliferation. We highlight a role of TRPM7 kinase in AKT-driven COX-2 expression, and suggest a beneficial potential of TRPM7 blockade in COX-2-directed chemotherapy.
Imaging and histologic evaluation of the long head of the biceps tendon in a rotator cuff tear rat model
Authors: Kajiwara Daisuke , Ochiai Nobuyasu , Hashimoto Eiko , Hirosawa Naoya , Akimoto Koji , Nojima Daisuke , Shimada Yohei , Ise Shohei , Ohtori Seiji
Published: January 2023

Background: A comparison of changes in the long head of the biceps tendon for different types of rotator cuff tears has not been previously performed. Furthermore, the correlation between the thickening and degeneration of the long head of the biceps tendon and the cause of these changes have not been fully clarified. We evaluated the relationship between degenerative changes in the long head of the biceps tendon and rotator cuff tears in a rat model using imaging and histology.
Methods: Ninety-six 12-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into anterior (subscapularis tear), anterosuperior (subscapularis, supraspinatus, and infraspinatus tears), superior (supraspinatus and infraspinatus tears), and control groups. The long head of the biceps tendon was harvested at 4 or 12 weeks postoperatively. The cross-sectional areas of the intra- and extra-capsular components of the tendon were measured using micro-computed tomography, and the affected/normal ratio of the cross-sectional area was calculated. Masson’s trichrome staining and Alcian blue staining were performed for histologic analysis, with degenerative changes described using the modified Bonar scale. The correlation between the affected/normal ratio and Bonar scores was evaluated.
Results: The affected/normal ratio was higher for the anterior and anterosuperior groups than for the control group at 4 and 12 weeks. The ratio increased for the intra-articular portion in the superior group and for both the intra- and extra-articular portions in the anterior and anterosuperior groups. Degeneration considerably progressed in the anterior and anterosuperior groups compared with the control group from weeks 4 to 12 and was greater in the intra- than in the extra-articular portion. The ratio correlated with extracellular matrix score.
Conclusions: Subscapularis tears were associated with progressive thickening and degeneration of the long head of the biceps tendon at 4 and 12 weeks postoperatively, which was more significant in the intra- than in the extra-articular portion. Histologic evaluation indicated that the extracellular matrix likely caused these degenerative changes.
Does resection after neoadjuvant chemotherapy of Docetaxel, oxaliplatin, and S-1 (DOS regimen) benefit for gastric cancer patients with single non-curable factor? A multicenter, prospective cohort study (Neo-REGATTA)
Authors: Cui Yuehong , Yu Yiyi , Zheng Song , Ying Jie’er , Du Yi’an , Wang Yan , Wang Xuefei , Shen Zhenbin , Liu Fenglin , Lv Minzhi , Sun Yihong , Liu Tianshu
Published: January 2023

Background
The Neo-REGATTA study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of Docetaxel, oxaliplatin, and S-1 (DOS regimen) followed by radical resection vs. chemotherapy in advanced gastric adenocarcinoma patients with single non-curable factor.
Methods
This cohort study prospectively enrolled advanced gastric adenocarcinoma patients with single non-curable factor between November 2017 and June 2021. Patients without progression after four cycles of DOS were divided into resection group and chemotherapy group. The outcomes included overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and safety. Effectiveness analysis was also performed by propensity score matching (PSM).
Results
A total of 73 patients were enrolled and 13 patients were withdrawn due to disease progression after 4 cycles of DOS. Afterwards, 35 and 25 participants were in the resection and chemotherapy groups, respectively. After a median follow-up time of 19.5 months (5–48 months), the median PFS and OS were 9.0 months, and 18.0 months for the chemotherapy group, but not reached in the resection group. After PSM, 19 matched participants were in each group. The OS was longer in resection group than that in chemotherapy group (HR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.05–0.70, P = 0.013). The PFS was longer in resection group than that in chemotherapy group (HR = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.07–0.68, P = 0.009). The most common grade 3 or 4 adverse events in both groups were neutropenia (5.7%, 8.0%) and leukopenia (5.7%, 8.0%), respectively.
Conclusions
Radical resection might provide survival benefit compared with continuous chemotherapy alone in advanced gastric adenocarcinoma patients who had a disease control after DOS, with a good safety profile.
Trial registration:
The study protocol was registered on ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT03001726, 23/12/2016).
Multifunctional solar water harvester with high transport selectivity and fouling rejection capacity
Authors: Hao Xuanzhang , Yao Houze , Zhang Panpan , Liao Qihua , Zhu Kaixuan , Jian Chang , Cheng Huhu , Yuan Jiayin , Qu Liangti
Published: January 2023

Shortage of clean water continues to grow around the world, and the recent solar-powered interfacial system has emerged as a sustainable, efficient and CO2-neutral strategy to produce clean water. However, complex contaminants in surface water in accompany with environment pollution set huge obstacles for harvesting clean water via using sunlight as the energy input. Inspired by the surface structure of fish-scale, we herein develop a solar-powered graphene/alginate hydrogel (GAH)-based clean water extractor of super resistance to the transport of complex contaminants and ultra-antifouling capacity. This GAH features a high selectivity in water transport by rejecting > 99.5% of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), > 99.3% of ions (Na+, Mg2+, K+, Ca2+), 100% of non-volatile organic compounds (NOCs) and bacteria; meanwhile GAH is capable of rejecting oil adhesion by forming large contact angle >140o under water, deactivating nearly 100% bacteria on surface and preventing salt crystallization. Given such promising adaptability to a wide environment, this GAH can directly convert surface water of complex components into safe water that meets drinking standards.
Incidence of cleft lip and palate, and epidemiology of perinatal deaths related to cleft lip and palate in Hunan Province, China, 2016-2020
Authors: Zhou Xu , Fang Junqun , Wang Hua , Xie Donghua , Kuang Haiyan , Li Ting , Liu Qing , He Jian
Published: January 2023

Background
This study aimed to analyze the incidence of cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) and the epidemiology of perinatal death related to CL/P.
Methods
We used data from the Birth Defects Surveillance System of Hunan Province, China, from 2016 to 2020. The surveillance data of perinatal infants (for stillbirth, dead fetus, or live birth between 28 weeks of gestation and seven days after birth) were analyzed. We computed the incidences of CL/P and 95% confidence intervals (CI) by Poisson regression. Furthermore, we analyzed the epidemiology of perinatal deaths related to CL/P.
Results
A total of 847755 perinatal infants were registered between 2016–2020. 14459 birth defects were identified, including 685 (4.74%) CL/P. The incidence of CL/P was 0.81‰ (0.75–0.87‰) (per 1000 perinatal infants). And the incidences of the cleft lip only (CL) was 0.20‰ (0.17–0.23‰) (169 cases), of cleft palate only (CP) was 0.30‰ (0.26–0.33‰) (252 cases), and of cleft lip with palate (CLP) was 0.31‰ (0.27–0.35‰) (264 cases). The incidence of CL was higher in males than females (OR = 1.62, 95%CI: 1.18–2.22). The incidence of CP was higher in urban than rural (OR = 1.43, 95%CI: 1.12–1.83) and lower in males than females (OR = 0.59, 95%CI: 0.46–0.75). The incidence of CLP was higher in urban than in rural (OR = 1.36, 95%CI: 1.06–1.74). Compared to maternal aged 25–29 years, maternal aged < 20 years was a risk factor for CLP (OR = 3.62, 95%CI: 2.07–6.33) and CL/P (OR = 1.80, 95%CI: 1.13–2.86), and maternal aged ≥ 35 years was risk factor for CLP (OR = 1.43, 95%CI: 1.01–2.02). CL/P related perinatal deaths accounted for 24.96% (171/685) of all CL/P, of which 90.64% (155/171) were aborted. Rural residents, low income, low maternal age, and early prenatal diagnosis are risk factors for perinatal death.
Conclusion
This study contributes to a better understanding of the incidence and risk factors of CL/P in Hunan Province, China, which is important for public health decision-making and further research.
Implementation of Evidence-Based Multiple Focus Integrated Intensified TB Screening to End TB (EXIT-TB) package in East Africa: A Qualitative study
Authors: Isangula Kahabi , Philbert Doreen , Ngari Florence , Ajeme Tigest , Kimaro Godfather , Yimer Getnet , Mnyambwa Nicholaus P , Muttamba Winters , Najjingo Irene , Wilfred Aman , Mshiu Johnson , Kirenga Bruce , Wandiga Steve , Mmbaga Blandina Theophil , Donard Francis , Okelloh Douglas , Mtesha Benson , Mohammed Hussen , Semvua Hadija , Ngocho James , Mfinanga Sayoki , Ngadaya Esther
Published: January 2023

INTRODUCTION Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. We qualitatively evaluated the implementation of an Evidence-Based Multiple Focus Integrated Intensified TB Screening package (EXIT-TB) in the East African region, aimed at increasing TB case detection and number of patients receiving care. OBJECTIVE We present the accounts of participants from Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia regarding the implementation of EXIT-TB, and suggestions for scaling up. METHODS A qualitative descriptive design was used to gather insights from purposefully selected healthcare workers, community health workers, and other stakeholders. A total of 27, 13, 14, and 19 in-depth interviews were conducted in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia respectively. Data were transcribed and translated simultaneously and then thematically analysed. RESULTS The EXIT-TB project was described to contribute to increased TB case detection, improved detection of Multidrug-resistant TB patients, reduced delays and waiting time for diagnosis, raised the index of TB suspicion, and improved decision-making among HCWs. The attributes of TB case detection were: (i) free X-ray screening services; (ii) integrating TB case-finding activities in other clinics such as Reproductive and Child Health clinics (RCH), and diabetic clinics; (iii), engagement of CHWs, policymakers, and ministry level program managers; (iv) enhanced community awareness and linkage of clients; (v) cooperation between HCWs and CHWs, (vi) improved screening infrastructure, (vii) the adoption of the new simplified screening criteria and (viii) training of implementers. The supply-side challenges encountered ranged from disorganized care, limited space, the COVID-19 pandemic, inadequate human resources, inadequate knowledge and expertise, stock out of supplies, delayed maintenance of equipment, to absence of X-ray and GeneXpert machines in some facilities. The demand side challenges ranged from delayed care seeking, inadequate awareness, negative beliefs, fears towards screening, to financial challenges. Suggestions for scaling up ranged from improving service delivery, access to diagnostic equipment and supplies, and infrastructure, to addressing client fears and stigma. CONCLUSION The EXIT-TB package appears to have contributed towards increasing TB case detection and reducing delays in TB treatment in the study settings. Addressing the challenges identified is needed to maximize the impact of the EXIT-TB intervention.
The mediatory role of sense of coherence for mindfulness and stress response among nursing students in Japan: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Ando Yukako , Ohara Ryoko , Yamauchi Kanako , MacIntyre Richard , Kobayashi Toshio
Published: January 2023

Background
Nursing students experience high levels of stress. Previous studies on nursing students have explored the relationship between mindfulness and stress response, sense of coherence (SOC) and stress response, and mindfulness and SOC. However, whether SOC affects the relationship between mindfulness and stress response is yet to be explored. This study aimed to clarify how SOC affects the relationship between mindfulness and stress response in Japanese nursing students. The results of this study will be useful in considering appropriate mental health interventions for nursing students in the future.
Methods
An anonymous self-administered questionnaire survey using the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, SOC Scale, and Perceived Stress Scale was conducted, which yielded 130 (74.7%) valid responses. Subsequently, a mediation analysis was performed with stress response as the dependent variable, mindfulness as the independent variable, and SOC as the mediator.
Results
Spearman’s correlation analysis was used to analyze the data and revealed a statistically significant correlation between mindfulness and SOC, mindfulness and stress response, and SOC and stress response. Mediation analysis showed that: the direct effect of mindfulness on stress responses was significant (β = − .40; p < .001). However, the direct effect of mindfulness on stress responses was not significant when SOC was included as a mediator. The bootstrap method was conducted, and the results revealed that the indirect effect of mindfulness on SOC-mediated stress responses was significant (β = − .38; 95% CI = − .47 to − .29, p = .01).
Conclusions
SOC mediated the relationship between mindfulness and stress responses. Improving SOC is necessary to reduce stress responses in nursing students. Additionally, mindfulness should be increased to improve SOC. Future studies should explore enhancing the nursing curricula with mindfulness and SOC training.
Clinical implications of choroidal vascular brightness using ultra-widefield indocyanine green angiography in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy
Authors: Jeong Areum , Yao Xue , Lee Kyungmin , Park Sang Hyun , Sagong Min
Published: January 2023

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) is characterized by choroidal vascular abnormalities including polypoidal lesion and branching vascular networks. Not only choroidal structural changes, but also choroidal hyperpermeability and congestion are also thought to be involved in pathogenesis of PCV. We investigated choroidal vascular brightness intensity (CVB) using ultra-widefield indocyanine green angiography (UWF-ICGA) images and analyzed its association with clinical features in patients with PCV. In this study, 33 eyes with PCV and 27 eyes of age-matched controls were included. CVB was measured by extracting the enhanced pixels of choroidal vessels after the reference brightness across the images was adjusted to be uniform. Associations between choroidal vascular features and the clinical features of PCV were also determined. The mean CVB was higher in PCV than control eyes, regardless of the segmented region (all p < 0.001). CVB was also higher at the posterior pole than at the periphery, and the inferior quadrants were brighter than the superior quadrants in both the PCV and control group (all p < 0.05). In affected eyes, CVB was higher than in unaffected fellow eyes at the posterior pole, whereas there was no difference at the periphery. Posterior pole CVB correlated significantly with subfoveal choroidal thickness (r = 0.502, p = 0.005), polyp number (r = 0.366 p = 0.030), and the greatest linear dimension (r = 0.680, p = 0.040). Greatest linear dimension was positively correlated with CVB at posterior pole (p = 0.040), whereas SFCT or CVD in all regions didn't show the significant correlation. The UWF ICGA results showed an increase in CVB at the inferior quadrants and posterior pole, suggesting venous outflow congestion in PCV eyes. CVB might provide more substantial information on the phenotype than other choroidal vascular features.
AsOBP1 is required for host seeking in the malaria vector mosquito, Anopheles sinensis
Authors: Zhang Jiajun , Zhang Yongjie , Qiao Liang , He Shulin , He Xingfei , He Chengying , Chen Bin , Cao Yueqing , He Zheng-Bo
Published: January 2023

Female adult anautogenous mosquitoes rely heavily on diverse chemical stimuli to locate and discriminate hosts for feeding through their olfactory system. Odorant binding proteins are believed to be the first proteins to interact with semiochemicals in the olfactory sensory system, but their functions in host seeking have not been extensively explored. Here, we used transposon-based transgenesis and CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing to localize and functionally characterize the odorant binding protein AsOBP1 in the malaria mosquito Anopheles sinensis and uncovered its roles in host-seeking behavior of female mosquitoes. AsOBP1 is specifically expressed in the cuticle and sensilla trichodea of antennae of adult mosquitoes. Although AsOBP1−/− mutant females alighted on and probed blood hosts, the AsOBP1 mutation severely impaired host-seeking behavior. The in vitro competition assay identified nine of 83 human odorants, among which 1-tetradecanol and heptanal enhanced the attraction of mice and human hands to An. sinensis mosquitoes. The olfactory sensitivity of AsOBP1 mutants to these two compounds was reduced. Our study reveals that AsOBP1 is required for the host seeking of An. sinensis through detecting human odor, such as 1-tetradecanol and heptanal, and provides a potential target for malaria control.
A Machine Learning based model for a Dose Point Kernel calculation
Authors: Scarinci Ignacio Emanuel , Valente Mauro , Pérez Pedro
Published: January 2023

Purpose:
Absorbed dose calculation by kernel convolution requires the prior determination of dose point kernels (DPK). This study shows applications of machine learning to generate the DPKs for monoenergetic sources and a model to obtain DPKs for beta emitters.
Methods:
DPK for monoenergetic electron sources were calculated using the FLUKA Monte Carlo (MC) code for many materials of clinical interest and initial energies ranging from 10 to 3000 keV. Three machine learning (ML) algorithms were trained using the MC DPKs. Electron monoenergetic scaled DPKs (sDPKs) were used to assess the corresponding sDPKs for beta emitters typically used in nuclear medicine, which were compared against reference published data. Finally, the ML sDPK approach was applied to a patient-specific case calculating the dose voxel kernels (DVK) for a hepatic radioembolization treatment with \(^{90}\)Y.
Results:
The three trained machine learning models demonstrated a promising capacity to predict the sDPK for both monoenergetic emissions and beta emitters of clinical interest attaining differences lower than \(10%\) in the mean average percentage error (MAPE) as compared with previous studies. Furthermore, differences lower than \(7 %\) were obtained for the absorbed dose in patient-specific dosimetry comparing against full stochastic MC calculations.
Conclusion:
An ML model was developed to assess dosimetry calculations in nuclear medicine. The implemented approach has shown the capacity to accurately predict the sDPK for monoenergetic beta sources in a wide range of energy in different materials. The ML model to calculate the sDPK for beta-emitting radionuclides allowed to obtain VDK useful to achieve reliable patient-specific absorbed dose distributions required remarkable short computation times.
Diagnostic value of bronchial cast sign and string of beads sign in peripheral small cell lung cancer
Authors: Yu Hong , Xiao Yongxin , Zhu Lin , Lu Qingyun , Chen Lei , Chen Zhongbo , Wang Dong , Zhao Dianhui , Yang Guoying , Liu Jing
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the significance of the bronchial cast sign (BCS) and the string of beads sign (SBS) in the differential diagnosis among peripheral small cell lung cancer (pSCLC), peripheral lung adenocarcinoma (pLUA) and peripheral lung squamous cell carcinoma (pLSCC), and to discuss the formation mechanism of the two signs in pSCLC.

Methods and materials

Pathologically confirmed 78 cases of pSCLC, 69 cases of pLUA and 33 cases of pLSCC were included in this study. The positive rates of BCS, SBS, mediastinal lymph node metastasis and mediastinal lymph nodes larger than primary lung lesions are calculated and analyzed in pSCLC group, pLUA group and pLSCC, respectively.

Results

The positive rate of BCS, SBS, mediastinal lymph node metastasis and mediastinal lymph nodes larger than primary lung lesions were 23.1%, 12.8%, 80.8% and 53.8% in the 78 pSCLC patients, respectively. Mediastinal lymph nodes were all larger than primary lung lesions in the pSCLC with SBS. There were no BCS or SBS observed in the 69 cases of pLUA, in which 25 cases (36.2%) had mediastinal lymph node metastasis and 2 cases (2.9%) shown the mediastinal lymph nodes were larger than the original lung lesions. The positive rates of BCS, SBS, mediastinal lymph node metastasis and mediastinal lymph nodes larger than primary lung lesions were 6.1%, 2.8%, 39.4% and 16.7% of the total 33 cases with pLSCC, respectively.

Conclusion

SBS and BCS in CT images reflect the biologic characters of pSCLC at a certain level and show noteworthy clinical value in differential diagnosis of pSCLC, pLUA and pLSCC. However, the two signs should be combined with other CT signs of pSCLC and mediastinal lymph node size.