bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Cell-Free DNA from Blood Serum of Mice with Metastatic Melanoma on Enhancement of Oncogenic Properties of Melanoma Cells
Authors: Filatova Alina A. , Alekseeva Ludmila A. , Savin Innokenty A. , Sen’kova Aleksandra V. , Zenkova Marina A. , Mironova Nadezhda L.
Published: July 2023

Currently, a significant increase in the levels of circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in the blood of patients is considered as a generally recognized marker of the development of oncological diseases. Although the tumor-associated cfDNA has been well studied, its biological functions remain unclear. In this work, we investigated the effect of cfDNA isolated from the blood serum of the mice with B16-F10 metastatic melanoma on the properties of the B16-F10 melanoma cells in vitro. It was found that the profile of cfDNA isolated from the blood serum of mice with melanoma differs significantly from the cfDNA isolated from the blood serum of healthy mice, and is similar to the genomic DNA of B16 cells with regards to abundance of oncogenes and mobile genetic elements (MGE). It was shown that the cfDNA of mice with melanoma penetrated into B16 cells, resulting in the increase in abundance of oncogenes and MGE fragments, and caused 5-fold increase of the mRNA level of the secreted DNase Dnase1l3 and a slight increase of the mRNA level of the Jun, Fos, Ras, and Myc oncogenes. cfDNA of the healthy mice caused increase of the mRNA level of intracellular regulatory DNase EndoG and 4-fold increase of the mRNA level of Fos and Ras oncogenes, which are well-known triggers of a large number of signal cascades, from apoptosis inhibition to increased tumor cell proliferation. Thus, it is obvious that the circulating cfDNA of tumor origin is able to penetrate into the cells and, despite the fact that no changes were found in the level of viability and migration activity of the tumor cells, cfDNA, even with a single exposure, can cause changes at the cellular level that increase oncogenicity of the recipient cells.
Implementation of a Quantum Memory Protocol Based on the Revival of Silenced Echo in Orthogonal Geometry at the Telecommunication Wavelength
Authors: Minnegaliev M. M. , Gerasimov K. I. , Moiseev S. A.
Published: July 2023

An optical quantum memory protocol has been implemented on the basis of the revival of silenced echo at the telecommunication wavelength for signal light fields with a small number of photons. To this end, a long-lived (>1 s) absorption line has been initialized and the orthogonal geometry of the propagation of the signal and rephasing fields has been chosen. An efficiency of revival of (17 ± 1)% has been reached for the orthogonal polarization components of a signal pulse at a storage time of 60 μs. The input pulse contains ~38 photons on average, the revived echo signal includes ~6 photons, and the signal-to-noise ratio is 1.3.
Inverse Faraday Effect in Superconductors with a Finite Gap in the Excitation Spectrum
Authors: Putilov A. V. , Mironov S. V. , Mel’nikov A. S. , Bespalov A. A.
Published: July 2023

The inverse Faraday effect (generation of a time-independent magnetic moment under the action of a circularly polarized electromagnetic wave) in mesoscopic superconducting samples with a finite gap in the excitation spectrum is analytically described. Within the modified time-dependent Ginzburg–Landau theory (Kramer–Watts-Tobin equations) for thin superconducting disks, it is shown that the temperature dependence of the optically induced magnetic moment is nonmonotonic in a wide range of parameters and contains a maximum. This maximum is due to the dephasing between the spatial oscillations of the magnitude and the phase of the order parameter, which arises with a decrease in the temperature and, correspondingly, in the characteristic relaxation time of perturbations in the superconducting condensate.
Intrahepatic portosystemic shunts, from prenatal diagnosis to postnatal outcome: a retrospective study
Authors: Steg Saban Or , Weissbach Tal , Achiron Reuven , Pekar Zlotin Marina , Haberman Yael , Anis Heusler Adi , Kassif Eran , Weiss Batia
Published: July 2023

Objective

Congenital intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (IHPSS) are rare vascular malformations resulting in blood bypassing the liver to the systemic circulation. Previous studies included symptomatic patients diagnosed postnatally, but the outcome of IHPSS diagnosed prenatally is rarely reported. We present a cohort of children prenatally diagnosed with IHPSS and report their natural course and outcome.

Methods and design

This was a retrospective study of all fetal cases diagnosed by ultrasound with IHPSS between 2006 and 2019 at a single tertiary centre which were prospectively followed up at the paediatric gastroenterology unit. The postnatal outcome was compared between patients with a single versus multiple intrahepatic shunts.

Results

Twenty-six patients (70.3% boys) were included in the study, of them, eight (30.8%) patients had multiple intrahepatic shunts. The median gestational age at diagnosis was 29.5 weeks. Growth restriction affected 77% of the cohort. Postnatally, spontaneous shunt closure occurred in 96% of patients at a median age of 7.5 months (IQR 2.2–20 months). Failure to thrive (FTT) and mild developmental delay were observed in eight (30.8%) and seven (26.9%) patients, respectively. FTT was significantly more prevalent in patients with multiple shunts compared with patients with a single shunt (62.5% vs 16.7%, p=0.02); however, the rate of shunt closure and age at time of closure were similar between these groups. All patients survived with limited to no sequelae.

Conclusions

IHPSS usually close spontaneously by 2 years of age. Children with prenatally detected IHPSS may develop FTT and mild developmental delay. Close surveillance at a paediatric gastroenterology unit may be beneficial.
Optimal allocation model of forest fire detection towers in protected areas based on fire occurrence risk: Where and how to act?
Authors: Ramalho Antonio Henrique Cordeiro , Fiedler Nilton Cesar , dos Santos Alexandre Rosa , Juvanhol Ronie Silva , Pelúzio Telma Machado de Oliveira , Dias Henrique Machado , Pereira Reginaldo Sérgio , Maffioletti Fernanda Dalfior , Araújo Jâmille Silva , Aragão Mariana de Aquino , Guanaes Gabriel Madeira da Silva , Biazatti Leonardo Duarte , Lucas Fernanda Moura Fonseca
Published: July 2023

Forest fire detection towers are crucial in supporting rapid firefighting actions in conservation units and thus reducing environmental, social, and economic damages. Thus, the aim was to evaluate scenarios for optimal allocation of forest fire detection towers, according to the risk of occurrence, in the Caparaó National Park, Brazil. Thus, by geotechnological analysis, the areas most susceptible to forest fires and the optimal locations for installation of detection and monitoring for these events were delimited. To run the proposed models, biological, physical, socioeconomic, and meteorological variables were used. From the application of the methodologies, it was observed that 76.70% of the study area was covered by low, moderate, and shallow fire risk classes, while high and very high-risk classes were concentrated in the buffer zone. The scenario with 45 towers was considered the most advantageous, given that they presented viewing levels above 70% and a lower cost per hectare viewed than the scenario with 48 towers. Results showed no critical risks of fire occurrence within the conservation unit, but preventive measures are still needed to avoid fire spread, particularly near the buffer zone. The study's methodologies can be applied in other areas to improve forest fire prevention and control efforts.
A Novel Robotic Path Planning Method in Grid Map Context Based on D* Lite Algorithm and Deep Learning
Authors: Lin Zhen , Lu Liming , Yuan Yu , Zhao Hong
Published: July 2023

Mobile robot path planning has received more and more attention as an important technology in robotics. Based on the D* Lite algorithm, this paper constructs a robot path planning model in a grid map environment, and proposes a deep learning fusion algorithm for path planning under complex large maps. The D* Lite algorithm with excellent performance adopts the enhanced neural network algorithm with environment self-learning ability for local parts. The model introduces the gentle update method of the Q value in the D* Lite algorithm into the optimization target calculation, calculates the loss function and updates the network parameters, thereby solving the overestimation problem of deep reinforcement learning in the application of mobile robot path planning. In the simulation process, the idea of averaging is introduced into the e-greedy strategy, and the value function output by the previous generation parameter network is used to obtain the average result to determine the next action direction of the mobile robot. The experimental results show that in the simple environment and the complex environment, the planned path lengths in the environment are 44.21, 43.63 and 43.61[Formula: see text]m, respectively, reducing the number of collisions with obstacles during the training process of the mobile robot, and improving the superiority and effectiveness of the algorithm.
Octupole deformation and Ra puzzle with covariant density functional theory in three-dimensional lattice space
Authors: Zhang D. D.
Published: July 2023

The anomaly of the residual proton–neutron interaction [Formula: see text] for Ra isotopes around [Formula: see text] deviating from the general trend, the so-called Ra puzzle, is investigated within the framework of covariant density functional theory in three-dimensional lattice space. The potential energy surfaces in [Formula: see text] plane for Ra isotopes are given by the constrained calculations. The average values of proton–neutron interaction [Formula: see text] extracted from the binding energies of Ra and Rn isotopes with axial, triaxial and reflection asymmetric calculations are compared with the data from AME2020 atomic mass evaluation. It is found that the octupole deformation provides a reasonable interpretation of the Ra puzzle.
Enhanced quantum yield at high exciton density in monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides
Authors: Liu Jing , Zhong Fan , Wang Shi-Xuan , Fu Qiang , Zhang Qi
Published: July 2023

Monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides are a class of atomically thin semiconductors that have a direct bandgap, making them promising candidates for optoelectronic and photonic devices. However, the low quantum yield at high charge injection levels significantly limits their applicability in optoelectronic devices that function under high current densities, such as light-emitting diodes and lasers. To address this issue, we demonstrate the use of hexagonal boron nitride encapsulation as a means of tuning the photoluminescence properties in monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides. Our results show a several-fold enhancement in the photoluminescence quantum yield at high exciton densities. This improvement is attributed to the suppressed exciton–exciton annihilation, which is supported by experimental time-resolved photoluminescence spectra and theoretical analysis. Our findings provide a simple and effective method for achieving highly efficient optoelectronic devices based on monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides.
Valued fields with a total residue map
Authors: Kartas Konstantinos
Published: July 2023

When k is a finite field, [J. Becker, J. Denef and L. Lipshitz, Further remarks on the elementary theory of formal power series rings, in Model Theory of Algebra and Arithmetic, Proceedings Karpacz, Poland, Lecture Notes in Mathematics, Vol. 834 (Springer, Berlin, 1979)] observed that the total residue map [Formula: see text], which picks out the constant term of the Laurent series, is definable in the language of rings with a parameter for t. Driven by this observation, we study the theory [Formula: see text] of valued fields equipped with a linear form [Formula: see text] which restricts to the residue map on the valuation ring. We prove that [Formula: see text] does not admit a model companion. In addition, we show that [Formula: see text] is undecidable whenever k is an infinite field. As a consequence, we get that [Formula: see text] is undecidable, where [Formula: see text] maps f to its complex residue at 0.
Bridge Damage Identification Using Rotation Influence Line Under Random Vehicle Loads
Authors: Liu Chengyin , Zhu Yipeng , Zeng Qing , Pan Chengyuan , Duan Zhongdong
Published: July 2023

As a critical characteristic curve of bridge structures, the influence line (IL) is effective in evaluating the bridge damage and bearing capacity. Contrary to conventional methods using static loading to obtain IL, this study proposes a methodology to determine the rotation influence line (RIL) based on the vehicle–bridge interaction (VBI) under random traffic loads. A key feature is the employment of the machine learning algorithm to determine the RIL from the upper and lower bridge response data induced by traffic flow, which is simulated using the cellular automata (CA) approach. Subsequently, by establishing a relationship between the RIL difference and the structural damage coefficient, this study identifies the bridge damage location and degree effectively. The numerical example results validate the accuracy in identifying both single- and multi-damage cases. The parameter analysis indicates that larger vehicle speed induces higher errors in identifying the RIL and the bridge damage.
CLINICAL TREATMENT METHOD FOR PRESSURE INJURY IN OLDER ADULT PATIENTS WITH BONE INJURY
Authors: TANG DONGMEI , CHANG JIHUI , ZHOU XIAOHUA , CAO DONGLAN , JIN YUPING , ZHU JINLIAN , LEI DAN , GUO DEHONG , ZHANG SHUANG
Published: July 2023

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of Suile ointment wound dressing on wound healing in patients with pressure injury (PI). Methods: Patients with stage II and III PI who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into two groups of 20 patients each, according to the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel’s staging table. After debridement, the patients’ wounds in the control group were covered with petrolatum gauze and sterile dressing in the outer layer. Suile ointment wound dressing was applied externally to those in the experimental group, and the outer layer was covered with a sterile dressing. The experimental group included 20 patients with 27 wounds, and the control group included 20 patients with 30 wounds. The white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and hypersensitive C-reactive protein levels were measured to control wound infection. Results: The overall response rates in the experimental group and the control group were 96.3% and 47%, respectively, and the results were statistically significant. Conclusion: Suile ointment wound dressing (wound care ointment) effectively removes dead tissue, promotes tissue regeneration and local vascular expansion, effectively controls wound infection, and relieves pain in patients with stage II and III PI.
An Ex-ante Evaluation Model of Urban Renewal Projects for the Sustainability Potential towards TOD and AUD based on a FDEMATEL-GIS-FI Approach
Authors: Zhao Lai-Chun , Zheng Yu-Yi , Lin Jing-Yang , Shen Kang , Li Run-Ting , Xiong Lei , Zhu Bo-Wei , Tzeng Gwo-Hshiung
Published: July 2023

The transit-oriented development (TOD) and arts and culture-led urban development (AUD) have been evolved as two of primary strategies for sustainable urban revitalization. Ex-ante sustainability evaluation has emerged as a crucial procedure in the field of urban renewal to prevent non-sustainable redevelopment projects. However, in the ex-ante evaluation of urban renewal projects, TOD and AUD have ambiguous indicators, imprecise weights, and undetermined evaluation methodologies. To fill these gaps, this work combines GIS, fuzzy theory, and decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) to build an ex-ante evaluation model for evaluating the sustainability potential of urban renewal projects. Three areas in Guangzhou that are undergoing reconstruction and development are used as empirical instances in this study. This study provides a hierarchical structure of the evaluation framework which contains three dimensions, five criteria, and twenty-seven indicators, and also obtains the influential relationships among five criteria. In the empirical scenario, the Guangzhou Steel New Town area (GSNT) is reflected in the large potential benefits in both directions (i.e., TOD and AUD). In contrast, the existing urban renewal development plan does not adequately utilize the potential of the Shiqiao (SQ) area. This study, therefore, proposes that to increase land-use efficiency and subsequently economic development, the SQ area should either start from the current conditions or adapt its current strategy to renewal. With the help of this study, local decision-makers may examine the viability of urban renewal initiatives and gauge the possibility for three crucial Guangzhou urban renewal areas to flourish sustainably. This study also offers a decision-base for prospective future improvement in response to the evaluation outcomes.
Anti-PD1 antibody and not anti-LAG-3 antibody improves the antitumor effect of photodynamic therapy for treating metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Long Shan , Zhao Yibing , Xu Yuanyuan , Wang Bo , Qiu Haixia , Zhao Hongyou , Zeng Jing , Chen Defu , Li Hui , Shao Jiakang , Li Xiaosong , Gu Ying
Published: July 2023

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has limited effects in treating metastatic breast cancer. Immune checkpoints can deplete the function of immune cells; however, the expression of immune checkpoints after PDT is unclear. This study investigates whether the limited efficacy of PDT is due to upregulated immune checkpoints and tries to combine the PDT and immune checkpoint inhibitor to observe the efficacy. A metastatic breast cancer model was treated by PDT mediated by hematoporphyrin derivatives (HpD-PDT). The anti-tumor effect of HpD-PDT was observed, as well as CD4[Formula: see text]T, CD8[Formula: see text]T and calreticulin (CRT) by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Immune checkpoints on T cells were analyzed by flow cytometry after HpD-PDT. When combining PDT with immune checkpoint inhibitors, the antitumor effect and immune effect were assessed. For HpD-PDT at 100[Formula: see text]mW/cm2 and 40, 60 and 80[Formula: see text]J/cm2, primary tumors were suppressed and CD4[Formula: see text]T, CD8[Formula: see text]T and CRT were elevated; however, distant tumors couldn’t be inhibited and survival could not be prolonged. Immune checkpoints on T cells, especially PD1 and LAG-3 after HpD-PDT, were upregulated, which may explain the reason for the limited HpD-PDT effect. After PDT combined with anti-PD1 antibody, but not with anti-LAG-3 antibody, both the primary and distant tumors were significantly inhibited and the survival time was prolonged, additionally, CD4[Formula: see text]T, CD8[Formula: see text]T, IFN-[Formula: see text]CD4[Formula: see text]T and TNF-[Formula: see text]CD4[Formula: see text]T cells were significantly increased compared with HpD-PDT. HpD-PDT could not combat metastatic breast cancer. PD1 and LAG-3 were upregulated after HpD-PDT. Anti-PD1 antibody, but not anti-LAG-3 antibody, could augment the antitumor effect of HpD-PDT for treating metastatic breast cancer.
IL-6 mediates the hepatic acute phase response after prerenal azotemia in a clinically defined murine model
Authors: Okamura Kayo , Lu Sizhao , He Zhibin , Altmann Chris , Montford John R. , Li Amy S. , Lucia M. Scott , Orlicky David J. , Weiser-Evans Mary , Faubel Sarah
Published: July 2023

Prerenal azotemia (PRA) accounts for a third of acute kidney injury (AKI) cases yet is rarely studied in preclinical models. We developed a clinically defined murine model of prerenal azotemia characterized by a 75% decrease in measured glomerular filtration rate (GFR), return of measured glomerular filtration rate to baseline with resuscitation, and absent tubular injury. Numerous systemic effects were observed, such as increased plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) and upregulation of the hepatic acute phase response.
Association of MMP3 gene polymorphism and sex on recovery of muscle strength after eccentric exercise
Authors: Deguchi Minoru , Homma Hiroki , de Almeida Kathleen Y. , Kozuma Ayumu , Saito Mika , Tsuchiya Yosuke , Kouzaki Karina , Ochi Eisuke , Okamoto Takanobu , Nakazato Koichi , Kikuchi Naoki
Published: July 2023

Sex differences were identified in the AUC of creatin kinase (CK) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) after eccentric exercise, both of which were greater in men. A genotype-sex interaction was identified in recovery of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). The G allele showed a significantly lower recovery of MVC than AA genotype in men. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report the interaction between MMP3 gene rs522616 polymorphism and sex difference on recovery of muscle strength after eccentric exercise.
Learning-Based Longitudinal Prediction Models for Mortality Risk in Very-Low-Birth-Weight Infants: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Na Jae Yoon , Jung Donggoo , Cha Jong Ho , Kim Daehyun , Son Joonhyuk , Hwang Jae Kyoon , Kim Tae Hyun , Park Hyun-Kyung
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Prediction models assessing the mortality of very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants were confined to models using only pre- and perinatal variables. We aimed to construct a prediction model comprising multifactorial clinical events with data obtainable at various time points. Methods: We included 15,790 (including 2,045 in-hospital deaths) VLBW infants born between 2013 and 2020 who were enrolled in the Korean Neonatal Network, a nationwide registry. In total, 53 prenatal and postnatal variables were sequentially added into the three discrete models stratified by hospital days: (1) within 24 h (TL-1d), (2) from day 2 to day 7 after birth (TL-7d), (3) from day 8 after birth to discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit (TL-dc). Each model predicted the mortality of VLBW infants within the affected period. Multilayer perception (MLP)-based network analysis was used for modeling, and ensemble analysis with traditional machine learning (ML) analysis was additionally applied. The performance of models was compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) values. The Shapley method was applied to reveal the contribution of each variable. Results: Overall, the in-hospital mortality was 13.0% (1.2% in TL-1d, 4.1% in TL-7d, and 7.7% in TL-dc). Our MLP-based mortality prediction model combined with ML ensemble analysis had AUROC values of 0.932 (TL-1d), 0.973 (TL-7d), and 0.950 (TL-dc), respectively, outperforming traditional ML analysis in each timeline. Birth weight and gestational age were constant and significant risk factors, whereas the impact of the other variables varied. Conclusion: The findings of the study suggest that our MLP-based models could be applied in predicting in-hospital mortality for high-risk VLBW infants. We highlight that mortality prediction should be customized according to the timing of occurrence.
Allergic Diseases as a Clinical Phenotype Marker in Patients with Common Variable Immunodeficiency
Authors: Yıldız Eray , Çölkesen Fatih , Arslan Sevket , Evcen Recep , Sadi Aykan Filiz , Kılınç Mehmet
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) have been shown to be more predisposed to develop allergic diseases because of mucosal immune defects and immune dysregulation. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, and clinical and laboratory characteristics of various allergic diseases in patients with CVID. Methods: The study included patients aged ≥18 years who were followed up for a diagnosis of CVID. Patients were separated into 5 groups according to the clinical phenotypic characteristics of lymphoproliferation, autoimmunity, gastrointestinal diseases, allergic diseases, and malignancy. Atopic dermatitis (AD), drug hypersensitivity reaction (DHR), allergic rhinitis (AR), and asthma were accepted as allergic diseases. Results: The most commonly seen clinical phenotypes were lymphoproliferation in 41 (48.8%) patients and allergic diseases in 31 (37%). AD was determined in 2 (2.4%) patient, DHR in 5 (6%), AR in 7 (8.3%), and asthma in 21 (25%). The delay in diagnosis of patients with allergic disease was determined to be shorter compared to those without allergic disease (p = 0.042). Serum total immunoglobulin E level, CD19+ B cell, switched memory B cell, and natural killer cell counts were determined to be higher in the CVID patients with allergic disease compared to those without (p = 0.007, p = 0.022, p = 0.023, p = 0.017, respectively). Conclusion: Allergic diseases should be considered as a marker of clinical phenotype in CVID because of the clinical and immunological differences. Early diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases in patients with CVID can improve quality of life.
Radiologic Patterns Determine the Outcomes of Initial and Subsequent Transarterial Chemoembolization in Intermediate-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Hung Ya-Wen , Lee I-Cheng , Chi Chen-Ta , Lee Rheun-Chuan , Liu Chien-An , Chiu Nai-Chi , Hwang Hsuen-En , Chao Yee , Hou Ming-Chih , Huang Yi-Hsiang
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Outcomes of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are diverse because of the heterogeneity of tumor burden. Radiologic pattern is one criterion for determining whether TACE is unsuitable. However, additional evidence is required. This study determined the influence of radiologic morphology on the outcomes of initial and subsequent TACE. Methods: From January 2007 to September 2021, 633 treatment-naive patients with HCC with intermediate-stage HCC undergoing TACE were retrospectively enrolled. Of these patients, 386 patients received repeated TACE. The radiological features of HCC were evaluated by two radiologists and classified into encapsulated nodular type, simple nodular type with extranodular growth, confluent multinodular type, and infiltrative type. The objective response rate (ORR) and survival rate after initial and subsequent TACE among various radiologic morphologies were compared. Results: After initial TACE, encapsulated nodular type HCC had the highest ORR (58%), followed by extranodular type (45.8%), confluent multinodular type (29%), and infiltrative type (19.5%). Notably, radiologic pattern was highly associated with tumor burden. Tumor burden and radiologic morphology were significantly associated with ORR and overall survival (OS) in the multivariate analysis. In 386 patients with subsequent TACE, encapsulated nodular type HCC had the highest ORR (48.7%), followed by extranodular type (37.3%), confluent multinodular type (26.2%), and infiltrative type (10%). In the multivariate analysis, radiologic features were significant independent predictors of ORR and OS after receiving subsequent TACE. Conclusion: Radiologic patterns determine the outcomes of initial and subsequent TACE. Systemic therapy should be considered for patients with intermediate-stage HCC with unfavorable radiologic patterns.
Evaluation of Nozzle Tip Damage in Intraocular Lens Injectors with V-Shaped Notch
Authors: Zhang Lu , Auffarth Gerd , Schickhardt Sonja , Merz Patrick , Tandogan Tamer
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Damage to the nozzle tips of intraocular lens (IOL) injectors has been associated with various adverse events and even IOL surface abnormalities after IOL implantation. In this study, nozzle tip damage of three different injector models with v-notched nozzle tips was systematically evaluated using our self-developed system – the Heidelberg Score for IOL injector damage. Methods: Nozzle tip damage was categorized into 6 grades: no damage (grade 0), slight scratches (1), deep scratches (2), extensions (3), cracks (4), and bursts (5). Each grade was assigned to a score of 0–5. In each IOL injector group, all IOLs were divided into 2 subgroups based on IOL power: +15 to +21D group and +21 to +26D group. The total scores for each group were the sum of scores for all injectors in this group. Further analysis was performed on the nozzle tip configuration and parameters in each injector model. Results: The median (Q1–Q3) for each injector group in group +15 to +21D was 1.5 (1–2) for Avansee, 4 (3–4) for iSert, and 4 (3–4) for multiSert. A statistically significant difference was found between Avansee and iSert (p < 0.001) as well as between Avansee and multiSert (p < 0.01) in terms of median scores. The median (Q1–Q3) for each injector group in group +21 to +26D was 1.5 (1–2) for Avansee, 4 (4–4) for iSert, and 3 (3–3.75) for multiSert. A statistically significant difference was found between Avansee and iSert in terms of median scores (p < 0.001). The outer cross-sectional diameters were 1.80 and 1.78 mm for Avansee, 1.70 and 1.69 mm for iSert, and 1.69 and 1.68 mm for multiSert. The radii of each notch-based circle were 0.21 mm (Avansee), 0.09 (iSert), and 0.06 (multiSert), respectively. The tip angles for three injector models were 48° (Avansee), 46° (iSert), and 37° (multiSert). Conclusions: Avansee showed the least nozzle tip damage of all three groups. Compared with our earlier study using preloaded injectors with intact endpieces, all the injector groups with v-notched nozzle tips had more damage to the nozzle tip. It was found that the closer the notch of the nozzle tip was to the letter “V,” the more damaged the nozzle tip was after IOL implantation.
There Goes My Hero: The Role of Exemplars in Identity Formation
Authors: Klimstra Theo A. , Archer Alfred , Reitz Anne K. , Chung Joanne M. , Engelen Bart
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we argue that who one is and wants to become is closely related to whom one admires. Although the links between identity formation and exemplars have been largely neglected, we claim that integrating both literature studies provides interesting new insights. First, exemplars can play an important role in and constitute a powerful tool for people’s identity construction. Second, insights into identity formation processes can help better understand how people select, evaluate, and replace their exemplars. Third, we explore the ways in which external factors such as possible selves, social relationships, and emotions affect both exemplars and identity formation. Finally, we discuss how stigma, marginalization, and do-gooder derogation can prevent exemplars from playing a positive role in identity formation. By integrating existing perspectives on identity formation and exemplars, we explain how people obtain their personal commitments and what exactly can inspire their attempts to change or maintain their identity.
Paper-Based Vertical Flow Immunoassay for the Point-of-Care Multiplex Detection of Radiation Dosimetry Genes
Authors: Lacombe Jerome , Summers Alexander J , Khanishayan Ashkan , Khorsandian Yasaman , Hacey Isabella , Blackson Wyatt , Zenhausern Frederic
Published: July 2023

In a nuclear or radiological incident, first responders must quickly and accurately measure radiation exposure among civilians as medical countermeasures are radiation dose-dependent and time-sensitive. Although several approaches have been explored to measure absorbed radiation dose, there is an important need to develop point-of-care (POC) bioassay devices that can be used immediately to triage thousands of individuals potentially exposed to radiation. Here we present a proof-of-concept study showing the use of a paper-based vertical flow immunoassay (VFI) to detect radiation dosimetry genes. Using labeled primers during amplification and a multiplex membrane, our results showed that the nucleic acid VFI can simultaneously detect two biodosimetry genes, CDKN1A and DDB2, as well as one housekeeping gene MRPS5. The assay demonstrated good linearity and precision with an inter- and intra-assay coefficient of variance <20% and <10%, respectively. Moreover, the assay showed its ability to discriminate non-irradiated controls (0 Gy) from irradiated samples (1 + 2 Gy) with an overall sensitivity of 62.5% and specificity of 100% (AUC = 0.8672, 95% CI: 0.723–1.000; p = 0.004). Interestingly, the gene combination also showed a dose-dependent response for 0, 1, and 2 Gy, similar to data obtained by real-time PCR benchmark. These preliminary results suggest that a VFI platform can be used to detect simultaneously multiple genes that can be then quantified, thus offering a new approach for a POC biodosimetry assay that could be rapidly deployed on-site to test a large population and help triage and medical management after radiological event.
Diagnosing Tropical Cyclone Intensity Variations from the Surface Wind Field Evolution
Authors: Vinour Léo , Jullien Swen , Mouche Alexis
Published: July 2023

Tropical cyclone (TC) intensity fluctuations remain a challenge for TC forecasters. Occurring through a wide range of processes, such as vortex contraction, eyewall replacements, or emission of vortex Rossby waves, they are inherently multiscale, transient, and asymmetric. In a recent study, estimates of surface wind field inner-core properties from high-resolution satellite observations were spotted as valuable for the improvement of intensity variations statistical predictability. The present study evaluates how the temporal evolution of the vortex structure, at scales ranging from O(1) km to vortexwide, further provides insights on the modulation of intensity. The study is based on a set of seven realistic TC simulations with 1-km grid spacing. The surface wind field structure is studied through an original set of descriptors that characterize the radial profile, the azimuthal asymmetries, and their spectral distribution. While radial gradients evolve concurrently with intensity, the azimuthal variability of the inner core shows a stronger connection with shorter-scale intensity modulation. The increase of high-wavenumber asymmetries distributed around the ring of maximum winds is shown to precede phases of rapid (re)intensification by 5–6 h, while the concentration of asymmetry in wavenumbers 1 and 2 leads to intensity weakening. A machine learning classification finally highlights that the classification of intensification phases (i.e., intensification or weakening) can be improved by at least 11% (thus reaching ∼75%) when accounting for the evolution of the radial wind gradient and the variance distribution among scales in the ring of maximum wind, relative to the sole use of vortex-averaged parameters.

Significance Statement

The purpose of this study is to relate changes in the surface wind field structure of tropical cyclones to their intensity variations. We design an original set of parameters to characterize the inner- and near-core contraction and asymmetry, and evaluate their connection with TC intensity modulations in a set of realistic high-resolution numerical simulations. The main outcome of our study is that opposite trends in high- and low-wavenumber variance tend to occur prior to intensity changes on short time scales, with more widespread and local-scale asymmetry corresponding to intensification, and vortex-scale polarized asymmetry corresponding to weakening. These diagnoses are shown to improve the classification of intensification and weakening phases. These results advocate for enhancing real-time high-resolution observations of surface wind fields under TCs, and using asymmetry distribution as predictors in statistical forecast models.
Tom Greening: Psychologist, Poet, and Peacemaker
Authors: Robbins Brent Dean
Published: July 2023

In honor of Tom Greening, who recently passed from this world, this reflection explores Greening’s poetry and activism for peace in light of his theory of existential psychology. Greening faithfully served as an Editor of Journal of Humanistic Psychology for many years, but perhaps his most public face was the poems he often shared on the Society for Humanistic Psychology’s email listserv, many of which were also published. His often humorous, irreverent, and ironic poetry is interpreted as a means by which Greening navigated the existential dilemmas that he held to be intrinsic to human existence. Greening’s use of poetry to escape the either/or dichotomies of literal prose and the logic of the excluded middle allowed him, also, to embrace nonviolence as an authentic confrontation with the paradoxes of human existence, including strength in weakness, affirmation of life in the face of death, finding meaning in response to life’s absurdities, discovering freedom within life’s determinisms, and seeking hope for community despite one’s existential aloneness.
A pipeline for the retrieval and extraction of domain-specific information with application to COVID-19 immune signatures
Authors: Newton Adam J. H. , Chartash David , Kleinstein Steven H. , McDougal Robert A.
Published: July 2023

Background

The accelerating pace of biomedical publication has made it impractical to manually, systematically identify papers containing specific information and extract this information. This is especially challenging when the information itself resides beyond titles or abstracts. For emerging science, with a limited set of known papers of interest and an incomplete information model, this is of pressing concern. A timely example in retrospect is the identification of immune signatures (coherent sets of biomarkers) driving differential SARS-CoV-2 infection outcomes.

Implementation

We built a classifier to identify papers containing domain-specific information from the document embeddings of the title and abstract. To train this classifier with limited data, we developed an iterative process leveraging pre-trained SPECTER document embeddings, SVM classifiers and web-enabled expert review to iteratively augment the training set. This training set was then used to create a classifier to identify papers containing domain-specific information. Finally, information was extracted from these papers through a semi-automated system that directly solicited the paper authors to respond via a web-based form.

Results

We demonstrate a classifier that retrieves papers with human COVID-19 immune signatures with a positive predictive value of 86%. The type of immune signature (e.g., gene expression vs. other types of profiling) was also identified with a positive predictive value of 74%. Semi-automated queries to the corresponding authors of these publications requesting signature information achieved a 31% response rate.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate the efficacy of using a SVM classifier with document embeddings of the title and abstract, to retrieve papers with domain-specific information, even when that information is rarely present in the abstract. Targeted author engagement based on classifier predictions offers a promising pathway to build a semi-structured representation of such information. Through this approach, partially automated literature mining can help rapidly create semi-structured knowledge repositories for automatic analysis of emerging health threats.
Transcriptomic regulations of heat stress response in the liver of lactating dairy cows
Authors: Li Guangsheng , Yu Xingtan , Portela Fontoura Ananda B. , Javaid Awais , de la Maza-Escolà Víctor Sáinz , Salandy Nia S. , Fubini Susan L. , Grilli Ester , McFadden Joseph. W. , Duan Jingyue Ellie
Published: July 2023

Background

The global dairy industry is currently facing the challenge of heat stress (HS). Despite the implementation of various measures to mitigate the negative impact of HS on milk production, the cellular response of dairy cows to HS is still not well understood. Our study aims to analyze transcriptomic dynamics and functional changes in the liver of cows subjected to heat stress (HS). To achieve this, a total of 9 Holstein dairy cows were randomly selected from three environmental conditions - heat stress (HS), pair-fed (PF), and thermoneutral (TN) groups - and liver biopsies were obtained for transcriptome analysis.

Results

Both the dry matter intake (DMI) and milk yield of cows in the HS group exhibited significant reduction compared to the TN group. Through liver transcriptomic analysis, 483 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified among three experimental groups. Especially, we found all the protein coding genes in mitochondria were significantly downregulated under HS and 6 heat shock proteins were significant upregulated after HS exposure, indicating HS may affect mitochondria integrity and jeopardize the metabolic homeostasis in liver. Furthermore, Gene ontology (GO) enrichment of DEGs revealed that the protein folding pathway was upregulated while oxidative phosphorylation was downregulated in the HS group, corresponding to impaired energy production caused by mitochondria dysfunction.

Conclusions

The liver transcriptome analysis generated a comprehensive gene expression regulation network upon HS in lactating dairy cows. Overall, this study provides novel insights into molecular and metabolic changes of cows conditioned under HS. The key genes and pathways identified in this study provided further understanding of transcriptome regulation of HS response and could serve as vital references to mitigate the HS effects on dairy cow health and productivity.
Relationship between depressive symptoms and sleep quality and cognitive inhibition ability in prenatal pregnant women
Authors: Bao Ciqing , Wang Yali , Le Tao , Xu Ling , Tang Weina , Zou Wanyun , Bao Yin , Xu Dongwu , Zhao Ke
Published: July 2023

Background

Sleep problems and cognitive changes are typical in pregnant women with depressive symptoms. However, the relationship between sleep quality and executive dysfunction remains unclear. This study aims to explore the differences in sleep quality and cognitive inhibition between pregnant women with and without depressive symptoms in the third trimester of pregnancy and investigate the correlations between sleep quality, cognitive inhibition and depressive symptoms.

Methods

In the third trimester, 169 women without depressive symptoms and 88 women with depressive symptoms participated in the study. Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Questionnaire (EPDS) was used to assess depressive symptoms, and Pittsburgh Standard Sleep Quality Index Questionnaire (PSQI) was used to investigate sleep quality. The color-word Stroop task is used to evaluate cognitive inhibition.

Results

Compared with women without depressive symptoms, pregnant women with depressive symptoms showed worse sleep quality and Stroop task performances (response speed and accuracy). In addition, the speed of cognitive inhibition plays a mediating role in the relationship between sleep quality and prenatal depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

This research emphasizes the importance of sleep quality screening and cognitive training for depression during pregnancy and childbirth in ensuring women’s mental health during pregnancy and childbirth.
A coupled experimental and statistical approach for an assessment of SARS-CoV-2 infection risk at indoor event locations
Authors: Siebler Lukas , Rathje Torben , Calandri Maurizio , Stergiaropoulos Konstantinos , Donker Tjibbe , Richter Bernhard , Spahn Claudia , Nusseck Manfred
Published: July 2023

Indoor event locations are particularly affected by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. At large venues, only incomplete risk assessments exist, whereby no suitable measures can be derived. In this study, a physical and data-driven statistical model for a comprehensive infection risk assessment has been developed. At venues displacement ventilation concepts are often implemented. Here simplified theoretical assumptions fail for the prediction of relevant airflows for airborne transmission processes. Thus, with locally resolving trace gas measurements infection risks are computed more detailed. Coupled with epidemiological data such as incidences, vaccination rates, test sensitivities, and audience characteristics such as masks and age distribution, predictions of new infections (mean), situational R-values (mean), and individual risks on- and off-seat can be achieved for the first time. Using the Stuttgart State Opera as an example, the functioning of the model and its plausibility are tested and a sensitivity analysis is performed with regard to masks and tests. Besides a reference scenario on 2022-11-29, a maximum safety scenario with an obligation of FFP2 masks and rapid antigen tests as well as a minimum safety scenario without masks and tests are investigated. For these scenarios the new infections (mean) are 10.6, 0.25 and 13.0, respectively. The situational R-values (mean) – number of new infections caused by a single infectious person in a certain situation – are 2.75, 0.32 and 3.39, respectively. Besides these results a clustered consideration divided by age, masks and whether infections occur on-seat or off-seat are presented. In conclusion this provides an instrument that can enable policymakers and operators to take appropriate measures to control pandemics despite ongoing mass gathering events.
Temporal trend analysis of the HIV/AIDS burden before and after the implementation of antiretroviral therapy at the population level from 1990 to 2020 in Ghana
Authors: Boah Michael , Yeboah Daudi , Kpordoxah Mary Rachael , Issah Abdul-Nasir , Adokiya Martin Nyaaba
Published: July 2023

Background

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has helped reduce the burden of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in the majority of countries. Its contribution to the HIV/AIDS burden in Ghana is still understudied. This study examined HIV/AIDS trends in Ghana before (1990–2004) and after (2004–2020) the implementation and expansion of ART.

Methods

We obtained HIV/AIDS epidemiology and treatment data for the years 1990–2020 from the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS. We investigated the impact of the ART rollout on HIV/AIDS in Ghana using Joinpoint regression models.

Results

The HIV incidence, prevalence, and AIDS-related deaths decreased significantly after 2004, as ART coverage increased from 1% to 2004 to 60% in 2020. The HIV incidence decreased by approximately 3% (AAPC = -2.6%; 95% CI: -3.2, -1.9) per year from 1990 to 2004 and approximately 5% (AAPC = -4.5%; 95% CI: -4.9, -4.2) per year from 2004 to 2020. Between 1990 and 2004, the HIV prevalence increased by approximately 5% (AAPC = 4.7%; 95% CI: 3.6, 5.8) per year but decreased by 2% (AAPC = -1.9%; 95% CI: -2.1, -1.6) per year between 2004 and 2020. Between 1990 and 2004, the annual increase in AIDS-related mortality was 14% (AAPC = 13.8%; 95% CI: 12.6, 15.0), but between 2004 and 2020, it decreased at nearly a 4% (AAPC= -3.6%; 95% CI: -4.7, -2.5) annual rate.

Conclusions

We found trends indicating progress in Ghana’s fight against HIV/AIDS. However, the most significant declines occurred after the introduction of ART, suggesting that the scale-up of ART may have contributed to the decline in HIV/AIDS in Ghana. We advocate for the rapid expansion of ART in Ghana.