bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Framing the Tanjung Piai By-Election in Multilingual Malaysian Newspapers
Authors: Fernandez Prasana Rosaline , Fong Yang Lai , Rajaratnam Usha Devi
Published: January 2023

This chapter analyses how multilingual mainstream Malaysian newspapers reported the Tanjung Piai by-election of November 2019. The Tanjung Piai parliamentary seat became vacant after the death of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) Member of Parliament. Barisan Nasional (BN) held the seat previously but lost it to PH in the 2018 general elections. This by-election was important because it indicated the people’s confidence in PH and the Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamad. This chapter uses framing theory to explain how the media structure their delivery of news, promoting interpretations of events by selecting certain facts. Frames appearing in the media are important when they resonate with the audience’s strongly held perceptions. Articles in Harian Metro, Malaysiakini, The Star and Sin Chew Daily are analysed to determine the intensity of coverage, the predominant sources, the frames and the valence of the articles towards PH and Mahathir Mohamad. The analysis reveals that BN’s resounding victory is a strong indication of the people’s disappointment with the government and their efforts at reforms. The voters protested PH with an intention to ‘teach it a lesson’ by voting for BN’s candidate.
Wearable and flexible electrochemical sensors for sweat analysis: a review
Authors: Gao Fupeng , Liu Chunxiu , Zhang Lichao , Liu Tiezhu , Wang Zheng , Song Zixuan , Cai Haoyuan , Fang Zhen , Chen Jiamin , Wang Junbo , Han Mengdi , Wang Jun , Lin Kai , Wang Ruoyong , Li Mingxiao , Mei Qian , Ma Xibo , Liang Shuli , Gou Guangyang , Xue Ning
Published: January 2023

Flexible wearable sweat sensors allow continuous, real-time, noninvasive detection of sweat analytes, provide insight into human physiology at the molecular level, and have received significant attention for their promising applications in personalized health monitoring. Electrochemical sensors are the best choice for wearable sweat sensors due to their high performance, low cost, miniaturization, and wide applicability. Recent developments in soft microfluidics, multiplexed biosensing, energy harvesting devices, and materials have advanced the compatibility of wearable electrochemical sweat-sensing platforms. In this review, we summarize the potential of sweat for medical detection and methods for sweat stimulation and collection. This paper provides an overview of the components of wearable sweat sensors and recent developments in materials and power supply technologies and highlights some typical sensing platforms for different types of analytes. Finally, the paper ends with a discussion of the challenges and a view of the prospective development of this exciting field.
Parameter estimation based on novel enhanced self‐learning particle swarm optimization algorithm with Levy flight for PMSG
Authors: Feng Wan , Li Mengdi , Zhang Wenjuan , Zhang Haixia
Published: January 2023

A novel parameter estimation method is proposed for the permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG), which is implemented by an enhanced self‐learning particle swarm optimization algorithm with Levy flight (SLPSO), and the problem of lower parameter estimation precision of standard PSO is obviated. This method injects currents of different intensities into the d‐axis in a time‐sharing manner to solve the problem of equation under‐ranking, and the mathematical model for full‐rank parameter estimation is developed. The speed term of PSO is simplified to expedite the convergence of PSO, and a strategy with chaotic decline for the inertia weight of PSO is adopted to strengthen its ability to jump out of the local optimum. Moreover, the self‐learning dense fleeing strategy (SLDF) is proposed where particles perform diffusion learning based on population density information and Levy flight, the evolutionary unitary problem and human intervention in the evolutionary process is averted. Furthermore, the memory tempering annealing algorithm (MTA) and greedy algorithm (GA) is integrated into the algorithm, MTA can facilitate the exploration of potentially better regions, and GA for local optimization enhances the convergence speed and accuracy in late stage of the algorithm. Comparing the proposed method with several existing PSO algorithms through simulation and experiments, the experimental data show that the proposed method can effectively track variable parameters under different working conditions and has better robustness.
Normal Fetal Growth Profile at 10–41 Weeks of Gestation – An Update Based on 10225 Normal Singleton Pregnancies and Measurement of the Fetal Parameters Using 3D Ultrasound
Authors: Merz Eberhard , Pashaj Sonila , Wellek Stefan
Published: January 2023

Objective To construct new growth charts and tables for the following fetal growth parameters: biparietal diameter (BPD), occipitofrontal diameter (OFD), head circumference (HC), abdominal transverse diameter (ATD), abdominal sagittal diameter (ASD), abdominal circumference (AC), femur length (Fe), tibia length (Ti), fibula length (Fi), humerus length (Hu), radius length (Ra), and ulna length (Ul).

Patients and Methods This prospective study was conducted at a level III ultrasound center as a population-based cross-sectional study on 10 225 normal singleton pregnancies with a gestational age between 10 and 41 completed weeks. Gestational age was confirmed in all cases by an ultrasound examination with crown-rump measurement before 10 weeks of gestation. All examinations were performed with 3 D probes. BPD, OFD, ATD, and ASD were measured as outer-to-outer measurements (skin-to-skin) after identifying the exact biometric planes by 3 D multiplanar display. HC was computed using the formula

. For AC the approximate elliptical formula AC = (ATD+ASD)/2 × 3.142 was used. Measurements of the limb bones included the entire ossified shaft.

Results Based on a nonlinear regression model for the age-specific mean values, distribution-free reference ranges were calculated for the parameters BPD, OFD, HC, ATD, ASD, AC, Fe, Ti, Fi, Hu, Ra and Ul. The new reference ranges were compared with our reference ranges published in 1996 as well as with different reference charts published by other authors.

Conclusion 3 D ultrasound allows a controlled demonstration of all fetal planes required for exact biometric measurements. The fetal growth profile including the 12 biometric parameters gives a precise overview of normal or abnormal fetal growth.
On the occurrence of sandbars
Authors: Moteki D. , Seki S. , Muramatsu S. , Hayasaka K. , Yasuda H.
Published: January 2023

In channelized alluvial rivers, alternating sandbars are formed by alternating scouring and sedimentation in the downstream direction. The conditions for the occurrence of sandbars are obtained in the stability analysis when the ratio of channel width to depth, β, exceeds a critical value due to innate instability of bottom. However, neither the mechanism nor the conditions for the occurrence of sandbars are well understood because it is difficult to quantify bars before or early in the occurrence of that using conventional measurement methods. We conducted experiments in a laboratory flume with slope as a variable to obtain dense data on the geometry of the water surface, bottom surface, and flow depth. We then performed a wavenumber analysis of the measured data to verify the validity of the results estimated by the stability analysis. We calculated the temporal variation of the correlation coefficients between the depth–water surface rwl and depth–bottom surface rbl along the development stage of the sandbar since flow state could be estimated from the relationship between the flow depth and the water surface/bottom surface. The temporal variation of the correlation suggests that the development process of sandbars can be divided into three phases, and the flow state is different for each phase. We also found that the occurrence time of sandbars would be defined based on the intersection of the temporal variation of rwl and rbl. Furthermore, we show that the formation process of the sandbar is independent of Fr.
Literalizing emotions in Disney and Pixar
Authors: Deys Kellie
Published: January 2023

Frozen and Inside Out warn of the dangers of suppressing emotions. As the films literalize emotions into physical entities to emphasize that emotions exist and that we must address them, they challenge the ideas that emotions solely reside within us. Moreover, as they respond to the combined binaries of reason/emotion and male/female, which taken together label females as inferiorly emotional, the films dismantle the cultural delineation of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ girls, seen in many earlier Disney films. This chapter contrasts Disney’s portrayal of female emotions in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Cinderella with the depictions of young female characters’ emotional lives in Frozen and Inside Out. The latter films encourage their audiences to address and express their own emotional states, importantly legitimizing girls’ pain, and given the role that Disney and its films play in our culture, potentially impacting broader understanding and acceptance of culturally denigrated emotions.
Grammaticalization of the periphrasis tenir + participle in Old Catalan (13th–16th centuries)
Authors: Antolí Martínez Jordi M.
Published: January 2023

This study deals with the grammaticalization process of the aspectual periphrasis tenir + participle in Old Catalan. Our point of departure is the dyachronic study (13th–16th centuries) of the semantic reanalysis of tenir + participle. In order to do so, we have embarked in corpora analysis and have adopted a theoretical framework taken from the Cognitive Linguistics. The change started in contexts in which the participle had a predicative function oriented to a direct object selected by tenir, with a durative-resultative value. As the result of gradual subjectification caused by contextually invited inferences, the construction will assume more subjective values between the 15th and 16th centuries. From these meanings, we observe the emergence – in the mid-15th century – of pragmatic uses of an intersubjective nature.
The vectorial analysis model and modal-temporal multi-functionality in the Spanish verb system
Authors: Veiga Alexandre
Published: January 2023

Temporal contents expressed by verbal forms can be represented, not only in Spanish, through a “vectorial” analysis – as sets of orientations directly or indirectly focused from a deictic center of temporal relations. Moreover, the systematic study of the correspondences between the grammatical uses that many authors have presented as the “main” ones and those that certain forms admit by simultaneously varying their temporal and modal values from the former claims the taking into account a certain degree of complexity in the functioning of verbal mode, as well as the identification of multifunctionality facts understood as the possible common expression of two or more combinations of doubly opposable modal + temporal contents with functional value in the structure of the system.
Plus ça change…?
Authors: McNulty Stephen Joseph
Published: January 2023

The positioning of French as the official, explicit cornerstone of French Republican values has arguably remained unchanged since the Revolution. France’s relationship with the other linguistic varieties native to its territory, however, has been somewhat more volatile, culminating in the decimation of its so-called langues régionales. Such processes have been described concurrently within the academic literature from two opposing perspectives: “linguicide” and “linguistic suicide”. This chapter begins by examining the implications of each, before – drawing on the notion of “image planning” (Ager, 2005) – arguing that they must be seen as necessarily interconnected. Following this, the evolution of France’s ideological portrayal of its indigenous minority languages throughout history, through implicit and explicit language policies, is examined, and their impact upon speakers’ usage of, and attitudes towards, these languages considered. Finally, recent developments in macro policy are discussed, including their potential for reversing the effects of historical, institutionally reinforced, negative images.
¿Com justifica la Secció Filològica l’absència d’obres institucionals durant dècades?
Authors: Saragossà Abelard
Published: January 2023

After separating science and ideology, the article justifies the whole work (which will try to deduce if an ideology predominates in the Secció Filològica). The cause is in the divergences that writers and language technicians have had with the institution since the 50s. After 1913–1917 (spelling), the Secció Filològica has been slow to publish works (dictionary, 1995; grammar, 2016). The absence would derive from the height of Fabra. But the article indicates that there were objective reasons for making works in the 50s and 60s, and that we had means. The pertinent fact would be the divergence between Coromines-Sanchis Guarner-Moll – who wanted the linguistic coordination of three peoples – and Aramon-Artells – who had a centralist ideology, based on Fabra 1918-DGLC. For centralism, which would prevail, it was preferable not to produce works. After relating the mythical explanation – the height of Fabra – and ideologies, the article shows factors of the 70s that make think about the maintenance of the centralist ideology.
Generational changes in VOT in Qatari Arabic
Authors: Kulikov Vladimir , Al-Hajri Najlla , Al-Kuwari Buthaina
Published: January 2023

The current study investigates variation in production of VOT in voiceless stops in Qatari Arabic. In line with Labov’s Cascade model, longer VOT in this dialect might be viewed as a new variable developing in the metropolitan area of Doha, Qatar. The results of the acoustic study of VOT in initial voiceless stops produced by 40 female native speakers reveal that variation in VOT can be explained by speakers’ age and social affiliation. VOT was 10 ms longer in younger speakers than in older speakers, and 10 ms longer in Hadar speakers than in Bedouin speakers. The results suggest that young urban females in Qatar produce long-lag VOT (M = 69 ms) comparable with VOT in aspirating languages like English.
Equative degree quantification in Damascene Arabic
Authors: Hallman Peter
Published: January 2023

In this paper, I document a degree-equative construction in contemporary Syrian Arabic. This construction is headed by the noun ʔadd meaning ‘size’ or ‘extent’, but I demonstrate extensive parallels in distribution between ʔadd and the comparative phrase aktar min ‘more than’. These parallels suggest that like the comparative, ʔadd functions as a degree quantifier, an operator that binds a degree variable in its scope. But it stands in the same asymmetric entailment relation to aktar min that English as much as does to more, indicating that ʔadd is an equative counterpart of aktar min parallel to English as much as.
Design and platform testing of the compact torus central fueling device for the EAST tokamak
Authors: KONG Defeng , ZHUANG Ge , LAN Tao , ZHANG Shoubiao , YE Yang , DONG Qilong , CHEN Chen , WU Jie , ZHANG Sen , ZHAO Zhihao , MENG Fanwei , ZHANG Xiaohui , HUANG Yanqing , WEN Fei , ZI Pengfei , LI Lei , HU Guanghai , SONG Yuntao
Published: January 2023

Compact torus (CT) injection is a highly promising technique for the central fueling of future reactor-grade fusion devices since it features extremely high injection velocity and relatively high plasma mass. Recently, a CT injector for the EAST tokamak, EAST-CTI, was developed and platform-tested. In the first round of experiments conducted with low parameter settings, the maximum velocity and mass of the CT plasma were 150 km·s−1 and 90 μg, respectively. However, the parameters obtained by EAST-CTI were still very low and were far from the requirements of a device such as EAST that has a strong magnetic field. In future, we plan to solve the spark problem that EAST-CTI currently encounters (that mainly hinders the further development of experiments) through engineering methods, and use greater power to obtain a more stable and suitable CT plasma for EAST.
Performance of Human Papillomavirus Attribution Algorithms to Predict Causative Genotypes in Anal High-Grade Lesions
Authors: Phillips Samuel , Cornall Alyssa M , Molano Monica , Jin Fengyi , Roberts Jennifer M , Farnsworth Annabelle , Hillman Richard J , Templeton David J , Poynten I Mary , Garland Suzanne M , Fairley Christopher K , Murray Gerald L , Tabrizi Sepehr N , Grulich Andrew E , Machalek Dorothy A
Published: January 2023

Background

Gay and bisexual men (GBM) are at increased risk of human papillomavirus (HPV)–associated anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs). Understanding the fractions of HSILs attributable to HPV genotypes is important to inform potential impacts of screening and vaccination strategies. However, multiple infections are common, making attribution of causative types difficult. Algorithms developed for predicting HSIL-causative genotype fractions have never been compared with a reference standard in GBM.

Method

Samples were from the Study of the Prevention of Anal Cancer. Baseline HPV genotypes detected in anal swab samples (160 participants) were compared with HPV genotypes in anal HSILs (222 lesions) determined by laser capture microdissection (LCM). Five algorithms were compared: proportional, hierarchical, maximum, minimum, and maximum likelihood estimation.

Results

All algorithms predicted HPV-16 as the most common HSIL-causative genotype, and proportions differed from LCM detection (37.8%) by algorithm (with differences of −6.1%, +20.9%, −20.4%, +2.9%, and +2.2% respectively). Fractions predicted using the proportional method showed a strong positive correlation with LCM, overall (R = 0.73 and P = .002), and by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status (HIV positive, R = 0.74 and P = .001; HIV-negative, R = 0.68 and P = .005).

Conclusions

Algorithms produced a range of inaccurate estimates of HSIL attribution, with the proportional algorithm performing best. The high occurrence of multiple HPV infections means that these algorithms may be of limited use in GBM.
Screening of marine lactic acid bacteria forVibrio parahaemolyticusinhibition and application to depuration in Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas)
Authors: Sorée Marion , Kolypczuk Laetitia , Hadjiev Emilie , Lozach Solen , Verrez-Bagnis Véronique , Delbarre-Ladrat Christine , Heath Dominique Hervio , Passerini Delphine
Published: January 2023

Aims

This study aims to assess the use of marine lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to reduce Vibrio parahaemolyticus levels during oyster depuration process.

Methods and results

The inhibitory effect of 30 marine LAB strains against V. parahaemolyticus strains was evaluated by in vitro assays. A total of three positive strains (Latilactobacillus sakei SF1583, Lactococcus lactis SF1945, and Vagococcus fluvialis CD264) were selected for V. parahaemolyticus levels reduction during oyster depuration. Pacific oysters Crassostrea gigas were artificially and independently contaminated by four GFP-labelled V. parahaemolyticus strains (IFVp201, IFVp69, IFVp195, and LMG2850T) at 105 CFU ml−1 and then exposed by balneation to 106 CFU ml−1 of each LAB strains during 24 h, at 19°C. Quantification of V. parahaemolyticus in haemolymph by flow cytometry revealed variations in natural depuration of the different V. parahaemolyticus strains alone. Furthermore, the addition of LABs improved up to 1-log bacteria ml−1 the reduction of IFVp201 concentration in comparison to the control condition.

Conclusions

Although further optimizations of procedure are needed, addition of marine LABs during oyster depuration may be an interesting strategy to reduce V. parahaemolyticus levels in Crassostrea gigas.
Inactivation of Escherichia coli O157: H7 in foods by emerging technologies: a review
Authors: Kim Han-Jung , Song Won-Jae
Published: January 2023

Escherichia coli O157: H7 is a representative foodborne pathogen that causes haemorrhagic colitis, bloody diarrhea, and fatal haemolytic uraemic syndrome. Previously, only conventional heat treatment was used to pasteurised food; however, this method decreases food quality, including colour change, denatures proteins, and causes lipid oxidation. Therefore, emerging technologies to inactivate pathogens in food that affect food quality minimally have been researched and developed. This review aims to compile research since 2018 and briefly describe the inactivation mechanisms of emerging technologies such as microwave, radio frequency, ohmic heating, superheated steam, ionising radiation (gamma irradiation, electron beam, and X-rays), high pressure, ultraviolet light, pulsed light, ultrasound, gas treatment, plasma, and combination treatments. Pulsed electric field and electrolysed water were excluded because few research papers were published after 2018. In addition, the shortcomings of emerging technologies in the control of E. coli O157: H7 and the directions for emerging technology research are presented. Taking advantage of emerging technologies with many benefits will significantly improve food safety.
Decontamination of high-touch environmental surfaces (HITES) by wiping: quantitative assessment of a carrier platform simulating pathogen removal, inactivation and transfer in the field
Authors: Zargar Bahram , Sattar Syed A
Published: January 2023

We report here a carrier platform (Teflon; 30.0 × 60.0 × 0.9 cm) and a carrier retrieval device to assess pathogen decontamination of high-touch environmental surfaces (HITES) by wiping. Each one of the nine metallic disks (1 cm diameter and 0.7 mm thick) received 10 μL of the microbial suspension in a soil load, the inocula dried and the platform then wiped with a piece of fabric presoaked in a control or disinfectant fluid; the used wipe was immediately applied on a second platform with sterile disks to assess microbial transfer. Each test and control disk from a given platform was separately and simultaneously retrieved into 10 mL of an eluent/neutralizer for assays at the end of the contact time (total of 5 min, starting from the beginning of the wiping). Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii were used as representative HITES-borne pathogens. The wipes tested separately contained 0.26% of a quaternary ammonium compound (Product A), and 250 ppm sodium hypochlorite at neutral pH (Product B). The control fabric (Product C) was dampened with a buffer containing a detergent. Product A achieved a >4 log10 (>99.99%) reduction in the viability of the bacteria on wiping with a barely detectable level of transfer of CFUs to clean disks. Product B achieved a >2 log10 (>99.00%) reduction in the viability of the test microbes while transferring a higher level of CFUs as compared to Product A. With Product C, there was a <1 log10 (<86.2%) reduction in the viability of the test microbes while transferring >1% of the contamination.
Inhibition of Candida albicans and Staphylococcus epidermidis mixed biofilm formation in a catheter disk model system treated with EtOH–EDTA solution
Authors: Lagudas Mary Farah G , Bureros Kenneth Joseph C
Published: January 2023

Microbial colonization and the formation of biofilms on catheter surfaces pose a great risk for medical-related infections. We aimed (a) to evaluate polymicrobial biofilm formation of Candida albicans and Staphylococcus epidermidis and (b) to investigate the inhibition and effects of ethanol (EtOH) and EtOH–EDTA solutions on biofilms. Catheter disks were made and used as a substrate for biofilm formation. Varying concentrations of EtOH and EtOH–EDTA solutions were compared in deterring biofilm formation. The EtOH–EDTA solutions were further tested to remove mature and preformed biofilms. Compared to their monospecies counterparts, biofilm concentration significantly increases when C. albicans is co-cultured with S. epidermidis. Moreover, all treatments with EtOH–EDTA solution significantly lowered biofilm formation compared to EtOH alone (P ≤ 0.05). Lastly, biofilm was dramatically reduced when treated with 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% EtOH–EDTA solutions (P ≤ 0.05). Our findings suggest that biofilms become more resilient to treatment when formed by multiple organisms. Nonetheless, treatment with EtOH–EDTA is effective against these polymicrobial biofilms.
Prophylactic platelet transfusion and risk of bleeding associated with ultrasound‐guided central venous access in patients with severe thrombocytopenia
Authors: Zarama Virginia , Revelo‐Noguera Jorge , Quintero Jaime A. , Manzano Ramiro , Uribe‐Buriticá Francisco L. , Carvajal Daniel F. , Ochoa Laura M. , Valencia‐Orozco Andrea , Sánchez Álvaro I. , Ospina‐Tascón Gustavo A.
Published: January 2023

Background

Reported risk of bleeding complications after central catheter access in patients with thrombocytopenia is highly variable. Current guidelines recommend routine prophylactic platelet (PLT) transfusion before central venous catheter placement in patients with severe thrombocytopenia. Nevertheless, the strength of such recommendations is weak and supported by observational studies including few patients with very low PLT counts (<20 × 109/L). This study aims to assess the risk of bleeding complications related to using or not using prophylactic PLT transfusion before ultrasound‐guided central venous access in patients with very low PLT counts.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with very low PLT counts (<20 × 109/L) subjected to ultrasound‐guided central venous catheterization between January 2011 and November 2019 in a university hospital. Bleeding complications were graded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. A multivariate logistic regression was conducted to assess the risk of major and minor bleeding complications comparing patients who did or did not receive prophylactic PLT transfusion for the procedure. Multiple imputation by chained equations was used to handle missing data. A two‐tailed p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Among 221 patients with very low PLT counts, 72 received prophylactic PLT transfusions while 149 did not. Baseline characteristics were similar between transfused and nontransfused patients. No major bleeding events were identified, while minor bleeding events were recognized in 35.7% of patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed no significant differences in bleeding complications between patients who received prophylactic PLT transfusions and those who did not (odds ratio 0.83, 95% confidence interval 0.45–1.55, p = 0.567). Additional complete case and sensitivity analyses yielded results similar to those of the main analysis.

Conclusions

In this single‐center retrospective cohort study of ultrasound‐guided central venous access in patients with very low PLT counts, no major bleeding was identified, and prophylactic PLT transfusions did not significantly decrease minor bleeding events.
What the Solitaire illusion tells us about perception of numerosity
Authors: Bertamini Marco , Guest Martin , Contemori Giulio , Zito Michele
Published: January 2023

In four experiments we investigated the Solitaire illusion. In this illusion, most observers see as more numerous a set of dots that forms a single central group, compared to dots on the outside of that group. We confirmed and extended the effect to configurations with much higher numerosity than the original and of various colours. Contrary to prediction, separating the two groups, so that they are presented side by side, reduced but did not abolish or reverse the illusion. In this illusion, therefore, neither total size of the region (area), not average distance of the elements has the expected effect. In Experiments 3 and 4 we eliminated the regularity of the pattern, by sampling 50% (Exp 3) or only a 10% (Exp 4) of the elements. These produces quasi‐random configurations. For these configurations the bias for the inner groups was still present, and it was only eliminated when the groups were shown as separate. However, the effect never reversed (no bias for the outer group, despite its larger area). We conclude that the Solitaire illusion is evidence of a strong bias in favour of centrally located elements, a bias that can overcome other factors.
Risk factors for lymph node metastasis in patients with pT2 colon cancer in Denmark from 2016 to 2019—A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Hartwig Morten , Rosen Andreas , Vogelsang Rasmus , Fiehn Anne‐Marie , Gögenur Ismail
Published: January 2023

Aim

The majority of patients with pT2 colon cancer have no lymph node metastasis (LNM). Knowledge of risk factors for LNM in pT2 colon cancer could identify patients at low risk and thereby potential candidates for local tumour excision. The aim of this work was to identify risk factors for LNM in pT2 colon cancer and describe a subgroup of low‐risk patients.

Method

This is a retrospective cohort study of patients with pT2 colon cancer from a nationwide Danish colorectal cancer database. Age, tumour size, location, histological type, mismatch repair protein status and venous, lymphatic and perineural invasion were included as potential risk factors in multivariate analysis. The primary outcome was LNM.

Results

We identified 1306 patients with pT2 colon cancer. LNM was present in 244 (19%). Demographic data were comparable in patients with and without LNM, and 864 patients who had complete histological data were included for multivariate analysis. Lymphatic (OR = 3.60, 95% CI 2.14–5.9), venous (OR = 1.70, 95% CI 1.03–2.74) and perineural (OR = 4.61, 95% CI 1.60–13.5) invasion were independent risk factors for LNM. Patients with deficient mismatch repair protein tumours had a decreased risk of LNM (OR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.31–0.95). Patients with clinical Stage I colon cancer and without risk factors had a 10.5% (47/443) risk of LNM. For patients with tumours with deficient mismatch repair protein status and no risk factors, the risk was 7.9%.

Conclusion

Lymphatic, venous and perineural invasion are significant risk factors for LNM, and we identified a subgroup of patients with a low risk of LNM.
European Society for the Study of Tourette Syndrome 2022 criteria for clinical diagnosis of functional tic‐like behaviours: International consensus from experts in tic disorders
Authors: Pringsheim Tamara , Ganos Christos , Nilles Christelle , Cavanna Andrea E. , Gilbert Donald L. , Greenberg Erica , Hartmann Andreas , Hedderly Tammy , Heyman Isobel , Liang Holan , Malaty Irene , Malik Osman , Debes Nanette Mol , Vahl Kirsten Muller , Munchau Alexander , Murphy Tara , Nagy Peter , Owen Tamsin , Rizzo Renata , Skov Liselotte , Stern Jeremy , Szejko Natalia , Worbe Yulia , Martino Davide
Published: January 2023

Background and purpose

In 2020, health professionals witnessed a dramatic increase in referrals of young people with rapid onset of severe tic‐like behaviours. We assembled a working group to develop criteria for the clinical diagnosis of functional tic‐like behaviours (FTLBs) to help neurologists, pediatricians, psychiatrists, and psychologists recognize and diagnose this condition.

Methods

We used a formal consensus development process, using a multiround, web‐based Delphi survey. The survey was based on an in‐person discussion at the European Society for the Study of Tourette Syndrome (ESSTS) meeting in Lausanne in June 2022. Members of an invited group with extensive clinical experience working with patients with Tourette syndrome and FTLBs discussed potential clinical criteria for diagnosis of FTLBs. An initial set of criteria were developed based on common clinical experiences and review of the literature on FTLBs and revised through iterative discussions, resulting in the survey items for voting.

Results

In total, 24 members of the working group were invited to participate in the Delphi process. We propose that there are three major criteria and two minor criteria to support the clinical diagnosis of FTLBs. A clinically definite diagnosis of FTLBs can be confirmed by the presence of all three major criteria. A clinically probable diagnosis of FTLBs can be confirmed by the presence of two major criteria and one minor criterion.

Conclusions

Distinguishing FTLBs from primary tics is important due to the distinct treatment paths required for these two conditions. A limitation of the ESSTS 2022 criteria is that they lack prospective testing of their sensitivity and specificity.
Characterization and analysis of high‐entropy boride ceramics sintered at low temperature
Authors: Zou Qin , Gu Haotian , Li Yanguo , Li Zhang , Liang Pengjie , Luo Yongan
Published: January 2023

Multicomponent transition metal boride composite–sintered bodies were prepared by spark plasma sintering, and the composite sintered bodies prepared at different sintering temperatures (1500–1900°C) were characterized. The experimental results showed that several other compounds diffused into the TiBx phase at lower sintering temperatures under the combined effect of temperature and pressure due to the nonstoichiometric ratio of TiB1.5 vacancies. When the temperature reached 1900°C, only the hexagonal phase remained. With the continuous increase of sintering temperature, the Vickers hardness and fracture toughness of the sintered bodies had a trend of increasing first and then decreasing, due to the continuous reduction of the porosity of the cross section of the sintered bodies and the growth of the grain size. The Vickers hardness and fracture toughness of sintered body obtained at 1800°C are the best, which are 24.4 ± 1.8 GPa and 5.9 ± 0.2 MPa m1/2. At 1900°C, the sintered body was a single‐phase hexagonal high‐entropy diboride. Its Vickers hardness and fracture toughness were 21.9 ± 1.5 GPa and 5.4 ± 0.2 MPa m1/2, respectively; it showed a clear downward trend.
Screening rare‐earth aluminates as promising thermal barrier coatings by high‐throughput first‐principles calculations
Authors: Chu Kaili , Zhang Yanning , Zhao Juanli , Liu Yuchen , Li Yiran , Li Wenxian , Liu Bin
Published: January 2023

Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) play an important role in gas turbines to protect the turbine blades from the high‐temperature airflow damage. In this work, we use first‐principles calculations to investigate a specific class of rare‐earth (RE) aluminates, including cubic‐REAlO3(c‐REAlO3), orthorhombic‐REAlO3(o‐REAlO3),RE3Al5O12, andRE4Al2O9, to predict their structural stability, bonding characteristics, and mechanical and thermal properties. The polyhedron structures formed by the Al–O bonds are stronger and exhibit rigid characteristics, whereas the polyhedra formed by theRE–O bonds are relatively weak and soft. The alternating stacking of AlO4tetrahedra, AlO6octahedra, andRE–O polyhedra, as well as the selection ofREelements, shows intensive influences on the expected mechanical and thermal properties. TheB,G, andEof these four types of aluminates decrease in the order of c‐REAlO3 > o‐REAlO3 > RE3Al5O12 > RE4Al2O9.REAlO3andRE4Al2O9are brittle and quasi‐ductile ceramics, respectively, whereasRE3Al5O12is tailorable. The minimum thermal conductivity is in the range of 1.4–1.5 W m−1 K−1for c‐REAlO3, 1.3–1.4 W m−1 K−1for o‐REAlO3, 1.25–1.35 W m−1 K−1forRE3Al5O12, and 0.8–0.9 W m−1 K−1forRE4Al2O9.RE4Al2O9with low thermal conductivity and damage tolerance is predicted to be the potential candidates for next‐generation TBC materials.
A LcDOF5.6–LcRbohD regulatory module controls the reactive oxygen species‐mediated fruitlet abscission in litchi
Authors: Ma Xingshuai , Xie Xianlin , He Zidi , Wang Fei , Fan Ruixin , Chen Qingxin , Zhang Hang , Huang Zhiqiang , Wu Hong , Zhao Minglei , Li Jianguo
Published: January 2023

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been emerging as a key regulator in plant organ abscission. However, the mechanism underlying the regulation of ROS homeostasis in the abscission zone (AZ) is not completely established. Here, we report that a DOF (DNA binding with one finger) transcription factor LcDOF5.6 can suppress the litchi fruitlet abscission through repressing the ROS accumulation in fruitlet AZ (FAZ). The expression of LcRbohD, a homolog of the Arabidopsis RBOHs that are critical for ROS production, was significantly increased during the litchi fruitlet abscission, in parallel with an increased accumulation of ROS in FAZ. In contrast, silencing of LcRbohD reduced the ROS accumulation in FAZ and decreased the fruitlet abscission in litchi. Using in vitro and in vivo assays, we revealed that LcDOF5.6 was shown to inhibit the expression of LcRbohD via direct binding to its promoter. Consistently, silencing of LcDOF5.6 increased the expression of LcRbohD, concurrently with higher ROS accumulation in FAZ and increased fruitlet abscission. Furthermore, the expression of key genes (LcIDL1, LcHSL2, LcACO2, LcACS1, and LcEIL3) in INFLORESCENCE DEFICIENT IN ABSCISSION signaling and ethylene pathways were altered in LcRbohD‐silenced and LcDOF5.6‐silenced FAZ cells. Taken together, our results demonstrate an important role of the LcDOF5.6–LcRbohD module during litchi fruitlet abscission. Our findings provide new insights into the molecular regulatory network of organ abscission.
Development of dual‐visible reporter assays to determine the DNA–protein interaction
Authors: Sun Huayu , Wang Sining , Yang Kebin , Zhu Chenglei , Liu Yan , Gao Zhimin
Published: January 2023

The application of DNA–protein interaction reporter assays for relational or ratiometric measurements within an experimental system is popular in biological research. However, the existing reporter‐based interaction assays always require special equipment, expensive chemicals, and a complicated operation. Here, we developed a DNA–protein interaction technology integrating two visible reporters, RUBY and UV‐visible GFP (eYGFPuv), which allows the expression of the cassette reporter contained cis‐acting DNA element (DE) fused upstream of TATA box and RUBY, and a constitutive promoter regulating eYGFPuv in the same construct. The interaction of transcription factor (TF) and the DE can be detected by co‐expressed the cassette reporter and TF in tobacco leaves where the cassette reporter alone serves as a control. We also revealed that eight function‐unknown bamboo AP2/ERFs interacted with the DE of ANT‐AP2R1R2 (ABE), DRE (DBE), GCC‐box (EBE), and RAV1 binding element (RBE), respectively, which are consistent with the results by dual‐luciferase reporter assays. Thus, the dual‐visible reporters offer a convenient, visible, and cost‐saving alternative to other existing techniques for DNA–protein interaction in plants.
Identification of Oxidative Stress-Related Biomarkers in Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Ma Xiaoju , Zhang Xiaobo , Leng Tian , Ma Jingru , Yuan Zhongzhu , Gu Yalin , Hu Tingting , Liu Qiuyan , Shen Tao
Published: January 2023

Background. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a leading cause of end-stage renal disease throughout the world. In kidney disease, oxidative stress has been linked to both antioxidant depletions and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Thus, the objective of this study was to identify biomarkers related to oxidative stress in DKD. Methods. The gene expression profile of the DKD was extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The identification of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was performed using the “limma” R package, and weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to find the gene modules that were most related to DKD. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis was performed using “Org.Hs.eg.db” R package. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING database. The hub genes were identified by the Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) plug-in of Cytoscape software. The diagnostic capacity of hub genes was verified using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Correlations between diagnostic genes were analyzed using the “corrplot” package. In addition, the miRNA gene transcription factor (TF) network was used to explain the regulatory mechanism of hub genes in DKD. Results. DEGs analysis and WGCNA-identified 160 key genes were identified in DKD patients. Among them, nine oxidative stress-related genes were identified as candidate hub genes for DKD. Using the PPI network, five hub genes, NR4A2, DUSP1, FOS, JUN, and PTGS2, were subsequently identified. All the hub genes were downregulated in DKD and had a high diagnostic value of DKD. The regulatory mechanism of hub genes was analyzed from the miRNA gene-TF network. Conclusion. Our study identified NR4A2, DUSP1, FOS, JUN, and PTGS2 as hub genes of DKD. These genes may serve as potential therapeutic targets for DKD patients.
Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli Causing Urinary Tract Infections among Controlled and Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetic Patients at Laquintinie Hospital in Douala, Cameroon
Authors: Sonkoue Lambou Josiane Claire , Noubom Michel , Djoumsie Gomseu Boris Emmanuel , Takougoum Marbou Wiliane Jean , Tamokou Jean-De-Dieu , Gatsing Donatien
Published: January 2023

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in patients with diabetes are a major public health problem worldwide, particularly in developing countries. This study assessed the resistance profile of Escherichia coli and biochemical abnormalities in controlled and uncontrolled type 2 diabetic patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Douala Laquintinie Hospital from January, 2020, to July, 2021, on the diabetic and nondiabetic participants. The clinical symptoms and biochemical parameters of patient having UTIs were measured using standard methods. E. coli was isolated from urine and an antibiotic susceptibility test was performed using the Kirby-Bauer Agar diffusion method. A total of 851 participants were included with a mean age of 48.54 years. Three hundred and forty-six (40.67%) were nondiabetic, 226 (26.56%) were diabetic patients with balanced blood sugar levels (i.e., glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) is normal), and 279 (32.78%) were diabetic patients with unbalanced blood sugar levels (i.e., patients having an abnormal HbA1c). The prevalence of UTI caused by E. coli was significantly (

p
<
0.001

) higher in diabetics with unbalanced blood sugar levels (15.41%) and diabetics with balanced blood sugar levels (9.73%) compared to nondiabetics (0.87%). Significant (

p
<
0.001

) high frequencies of polyuria (48.39%), proteinuria (29.75%), leukocyturia (27.96%), and polyphagia (8.24%) were observed in diabetic participants with unbalanced blood sugar levels. Significantly (

p
<
0.001

) high average values of aspartate transaminase (25.34; 27.07; 29.93), alanine transaminase (26.08; 27.38; 28.20), creatininemia (8.15; 9.67; 11.31), total cholesterol (1.57; 1.83; 2.63), and atherogenic index (3.81; 6.56; 11.73) were noted in nondiabetics, balanced, and unbalanced blood glucose diabetics, respectively. E. coli showed a high level of resistance to ciprofloxacin (30%), amoxicillin (10.8%), and ofloxacin (9.3%) in diabetic participants with unbalanced blood sugar levels. The antibiotic resistance patterns of the E. coli to triple, quadruple, and quintuple antibiotics were higher when participants had diabetes and even more when diabetes was not controlled. The present findings underline an increased susceptibility of diabetic patients with unbalanced blood sugar levels to multidrug resistant E. coli. Further studies should be conducted to determine the causal association between uncontrolled diabetes and bacterial multidrug resistance.
Optimal Evaluation of the Rheological Parameters for STF Dampers in Semi‐Rigid Joints of Steel Structures Using Response Surface Method
Authors: Freya Ruby , Senthil R.
Published: January 2023

This work deals with the multiobjective optimization of rheolohical parameters on a novel designed flexible joints using shear thickening fluid dampers (STFD) on steel structures. The proposed damper consists of the shear thickening fluid (STF) with the combination of nano‐silica and PEG (400) sonicated to achieve colloidal dispersion of nanoparticles. Series of cyclic loading were imposed on the frames equipped with STF dampers to assess their impacts on T‐steel frames. The stiffener end plate is bolted over the corner of the joints that are subjected to bending moment. The multi‐objective optimization using the response surface method of the rheological parameters for STF dampers was studied in order to reduce the dynamic forces and moments produced in a semi‐rigid joint of the steel structures. Results from the analysis were used to obtain correlations between the response variables and the input factors (effective stiffness of 449.89 N/mm, complex viscosity of 98.69 Pa.s, and damping constant of 446.99 N.s/mm) for the proposed STF damped semi‐rigid joints.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Therapeutic Algorithm for Localized and Advanced Disease
Authors: Jose Anju , Bavetta Maria Grazia , Martinelli Erika , Bronte Fabrizio , Giunta Emilio Francesco , Manu Kanjoormana Aryan
Published: January 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer in patients with liver cirrhosis of various etiologies. In recent years, there has been an advance in the knowledge of molecular mechanisms and a better staging definition of patients which has allowed the development of new therapies that have entered the therapeutic workup of these patients. Deep information on molecular drivers of HCC contributed to the development of targeted therapies with remarkable benefits. The novel strategies of targeting immune evasion using immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T and TCR-T therapeutics have also shown promising results. For advanced diseases, the therapeutic algorithm has been recently updated, thanks to the efficacy of combining immunotherapy and antiangiogenic therapy in the first-line setting, and new drugs, both as single-agents or combinations, are currently under investigation.
The Role of Diet in Influencing the Diversity of Gut Microbiome Related to Lupus Disease Activities: A Systematic Review
Authors: Putri Prisly Z. , Hamijoyo Laniyati , Sahiratmadja Edhyana
Published: January 2023

Gut microbiome dysbiosis can affect the host immune system. The balance and activity of the gut microbiome, which are influenced by daily diet, might be associated with disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Therefore, we conducted a systematic review based on the PRISMA guideline to explore the role and types of diet that affects the gut microbiome related to changes in SLE disease activity. All original and full-text English articles in the last ten years were included using predefined keywords according to PEO (population, exposure, and outcome) design in PubMed. The study subjects were carefully analyzed, including lupus-susceptible mice and humans with SLE on various diets. Children and pregnant women populations were excluded. Of 134 studies found, only seven full-text articles had met the inclusion criteria of which only one study conducted in human. This human study showed that dietary polyphenol as dihydrochalcones and flavanones affected the gut microbiome and ameliorated lupus disease activity. On the contrary, dietary flavones increased Blautia (family: Lachnospiraceae), and that often found in active lupus diseases. Furthermore, six studies in lupus-prone mice models showed that resistant starch (RS), retinoic acid (RA) or all-trans retinoic acid (tRA), and acidic water (AW) had influenced the gut microbiome, leading to an improved lupus development. Conversely, the 2018 commercial rodent diet, vitamin A-retinoic acid (VARA), neutral water (NW), and high tryptophan diet had impacted various microbiomes, resulting in increased lupus activity. Interestingly, several diets have the effect of either increasing or decreasing lupus disease activity depending on the microbiome they affect, such as AW associated with Turicibacter spp., which is frequently found in active lupus disease, and tRA in Bacteroidetes associated with renal pathology. To conclude, diet can influence the gut microbiome, which is related to the disease activity process of SLE.