bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Space Diplomacy and the ‘Overview Effect’
Authors: White Frank
Published: April 2023

Astronauts looking at Earth from orbital or lunar missions often say they cannot see borders and boundaries that mean so much to surface dwellers, an essential feature of the ‘Overview Effect’, a term the author coined to describe the identity shift that takes place for many space travellers. What does this portend for the future? Should we simply forget borders, since they are merely products of our minds? What about diplomacy, which is all about borders and boundaries insofar as it is about inter-national relations. Will the art of diplomacy change as nation-states send more residents to explore the rest of the solar ecosystem? This question seems more relevant than ever, while war rages, largely over borders and boundaries, in the heart of Europe. We consider how the ‘Overview Effect’ influences communication, persuasion, and bargaining among state and non-state actors active in determining the shape of our future spacefaring civilisation.
Elaphomyces readii (Elaphomycetaceae, Eurotiomycetes), a new medicinal species of hypogeous fungus with biocultural importance from Mexico
Authors: DE LA FUENTE JAVIER ISAAC , PÉREZ-MORENO JESÚS , MARTÍNEZ-REYES MAGDALENA , AYALA-VÁSQUEZ OLIVIA , MARTÍNEZ-GONZÁLEZ CÉSAR RAMIRO , AGUIRRE-ACOSTA CELIA ELVIRA
Published: April 2023

Elaphomyces readii is presented as a new species to science based on morphological and molecular evidence. The new species is characterized mainly by the pale brown rugose ascomata, yellowish to reddish brown hues in the proximity to the gleba, dark purple gleba and ascospores 20–57 µm in diameter. Elaphomyces readii is morphologically similar to E. papillatus and E. muricatus but differs in the ascospore size and phylogenetical location. Further, E. readii is sold in traditional markets in the state of Oaxaca, southeastern Mexico as a medicinal fungus consumed to heal wounds, internal bleeding, and external injuries. Morphological descriptions, SEM ornamentation spores and nrITS-based phylogenetic analysis using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood method and Bayesian inference support the proposal of this new species.
Scolecohyalosporium thailandense sp. nov. (Parabambusicolaceae, Pleosporales) collected on Imperata sp. (Poaceae) in northern Thailand
Authors: PHOOKAMSAK RUNGTIWA , HONGSANAN SINANG , BHAT DARBHE JAYARAMA , XU JIANCHU , MORTIMER PETER E. , SUWANNARACH NAKARIN , KUMLA JATURONG , DAWOUD TURKI M. , LUMYONG SAISAMORN
Published: April 2023

In the present study, a new species, Scolecohyalosporium thailandense, is introduced based on morphological and molecular approaches. The species was found as a saprobe occurring on Imperata sp. (Poaceae) in terrestrial habitats in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand. This species is characterized by solitary, semi-immersed to erumpent, subglobose to ampulliform, papillate ascomata, dark brown pseudoparenchymatous peridium, fissitunicate, cylindrical to subcylindrical asci embedded in a hyaline, filamentous to cellular pseudoparaphysate hamathecium, and filiform, yellowish, septate ascospores. Phylogenetic analyses based on a concatenated ITS, LSU, SSU, and TEF1-α sequence matrix demonstrated that S. thailandense formed a well-resolved clade with S. submersum (the type species of this genus) and Scolecohyalosporium sp. within the Parabambusicolaceae. Therefore, S. thailandense is introduced herein as the second species of the genus Scolecohyalosporium. Morphological characteristics, illustrations, and updated phylogenetic analyses are provided, and notes on species distinctiveness with closely related taxa are discussed.
Hymenagaricus pakistanicus (Agaricaceae, Agaricales), a new species from Pakistan based on morphological and molecular evidence
Authors: FARID SYED MAHRUKH , SABA MALKA , MUKHTAR CHATTHA SERATT , HOSEN MD. IQBAL
Published: April 2023

Hymenagaricus pakistanicus, a new taxon of the family Agaricaceae from District Karak, is described based on morphology and molecular phylogeny. It is characterized macroscopically by a broad flat pileus with squamules located in the center along with some minute scattered squamules towards the margin, and microscopically by yellowish brown basidiospores. Additionally, the striate margin and absence of an annulus distinguish H. pakistanicus from other known taxa of Hymenagaricus. The new species forms a separate independent clade within Hymenagaricus in the phylogenetic analysis further supporting its uniqueness. We present the new species with illustrated morphological description and comparison with closely related taxa. Previously, only one species of this genus, H. alphitochrous, had been reported from Pakistan.
Taxonomy and bioacoustics of some katydids of the tribes Meconematini and Phisidini (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae, Meconematinae) from eastern Sabah
Authors: TAN MING KAI , JIN XINGBAO , WANG HANQIANG , JAPIR RAZY , CHUNG ARTHUR Y.C.
Published: April 2023

A new species of Meconematini is described from Tabin Wildlife Reserve in eastern Sabah: Cercoteratura repens sp. nov. This is the first report of the genus Cercoteratura in Sabah. Two species of Phisidini, Carliphisis acutipennis (Carl, 1908) and Neophisis (Indophisis) longipennis Jin, 1992, are reported in eastern Sabah for the first time. The calling song of Neophisis (Indophisis) longipennis with a near-complete ultrasonic spectrum is also described.
Microstructure and Wettability of Glass Solder on Al2O3 Ceramic and Its Joints Properties
Authors: Shao Haicheng , Lu Haojie , Hussain Shahid , Akhter Naseem , Qiao Guanjun , Zhang Xiangzhao , Liu Guiwu , Fouad Hassan , Akhtar Mohammad Shaheer
Published: April 2023

The borate glass 35B2O3–25SiO2–25Na2O-10ZnO3–5BaO (in wt.%) formed the basis for the glass system employed in this study. In air at various pressures and temperatures, 96 wt.% pure alumina ceramics (96 Al2O3)
were brazed together using glass solder. At the same time, the wettability of the glass on the Al2O3 ceramics is researched at different temperatures and pressures. The results demonstrated that the contact angle of glass on Al2O3 ceramics was decreased
with the temperature increasing, and attached 18 degrees as temperature was 580 °C with holding 120 mins. It was also concluded that the bubbles in the glass solder were changed from round to oval and the quantity was decreased with the pressure increasing. Furthermore, the thickness of
the glass solder was decreased with the pressure and temperature. When the pressure was changed from 5 kPa to 20 kPa at 560 °C welding temperature, thickness of glass solder is decreased from 22.3 μm to 8.5 μm. Upon increasing the temperature at 10 Kpa, the thickness
of glass solder was from 23.74 μm to 6.2 μm. The EDS analysis for Al2O3/glass/Al2O3 joints boned at 560 °C under 20 kPa and 580 °C under 10 kPa, respectively. The elements Si and O were observed in joint domain that penetrated
into alumina ceramic layer forming the interface layer with ceramic substrate thoroughly.
Application Value of Antibiotic-Loaded Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) Microspheres on Skin Soft Tissue Necrosis and Repair
Authors: Zhou Daguo , Ji Gunangrong , wei Guojun , Li Zongguang , Yu Naichun , Chen Yongjie , Zhang Linlin , Yin Yue
Published: April 2023

Skin soft tissue necrosis has always been a common problem in trauma surgery, with long treatment cycles and many complications for patients. Therefore, the development of new treatment modalities is an urgent issue. In this study, PLGA microspheres loaded with antibiotic were prepared
by emulsification-solvent evaporation method, with high sphericity and size mainly concentrated in 2.56–5.4 μm. The PLGA/antibiotic microspheres have high drug loading and encapsulation rates, and they could achieve long-term release in vitro. Real-time RT-PCR results
showed that the PLGA/antibiotic microspheres have an activating effect on the VEGF signaling pathway in skin soft tissue. In addition, they reduced the amounts of inflammatory factors released into the tissue exudate, thus expected to be used as a drug carrier material for skin soft tissue
repair.
Numerical Investigation of Integral Abutment Bridges Using Finite Element Approach with Consideration of Live Load and Temperature of the Materials
Authors: Alqaed Saeed , Mustafa Jawed , Husain Shahid , Jamil Basharat
Published: April 2023

The structural research is very important area of civil engineering. There is a need of research as a cumulative analysis for thermal impact on civil structures like bridges. There are numerous materials elements of civil engineering research for the Advance material, as chemical composition
research to improve strength of concrete materials, contamination studies of steel material used in many huge structures, thermal loading studies etc. Hence, this paper analyzes and presents the possible causes for failure of material of Integral Abutment Bridges and substructures. Paper further
presents the numerical analysis as well as finite element analysis to gain insight into the interactions between integral abutments, approach fills, foundation piles and foundation soils. The finite element analyses indicate appreciable rotations occur in integral abutments, resulting in the
shear and moment reductions in the piles. Further, various elements of material are discussed which may impact the sustainability of bridges along with a numerical analysis to avoid structural failures. This study can help for researchers to identify the maintenance paradigms for bridge structures
to avoid sudden failure incidences.
Preparation and Properties of MAX Phase High-Temperature Antioxidant Coatings on C/C Composite Surfaces by Ultra-High Speed Laser Cladding
Authors: Cheng Zhou , Shao Haicheng , Hussain Shahid , Fouad Hassan , Akhtar M. S. , Qiao Guanjun
Published: April 2023

Prefabricated MAX (Ti3SiC2, Ti3AlC2) phase coating materials with coefficient of thermal expansion Si and SiC as transition layers and excellent high-temperature antioxidant properties were used for ultra-high-speed laser melting on the surface
of carbon/carbon composites, so that the produced coatings have good interfacial bonding and high-temperature antioxidant properties. In this study, we characterised and analysed the microscopic morphology and composition of the sample coatings using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron
microscopy, investigated their interfacial bonding properties by scratch tests and studied the high temperature oxidation resistance of the samples at 1773 K for 1 h. The results show that the bonding strength between the coating and the substrate is good, the surface is flat without flaking,
the coating thickness can be controlled below 60 μm, the microstructure is dense, and there is no obvious deformation or failure of the substrate, and the dense coating formed by laser melting has strong oxidation resistance, so that the substrate carbon/carbon composite is well
protected at high temperature.
Influence of fabric permeability on breathing phenomenon of supersonic parachute
Authors: Nie Shunchen , Yu Li , Li Yanjun , Sun Zhihong , Qiu Bowen
Published: April 2023

In order to investigate the dynamics and vortex shedding of flexible supersonic canopies, a compressible permeability model combined with fabric structure parameters is proposed, and the periodic oscillation of the supersonic parachute which is referred to as breathing phenomenon is simulated based on the Arbitrary Langrangian Eulerian (ALE) method. The calculated results by new permeability model are consistent with the experimental results. The underlying mechanism of canopy breathing motion is then investigated. Moreover, the influence of canopy permeability on breathing phenomenon of supersonic parachute is analyzed. The results indicate that the periodic growth and shedding of the canopy vortex causes the variation of the pressure differential, which finally lead to the periodic oscillation of the canopy. With the increase of fabric permeability, the vortex rolled up from the canopy skirt move backward and become more slender. The influence of vortex shedding on canopy breathing motion weakened. Those lead to the decrease of the average value of canopy projected area and parachute dynamic load. So are the oscillation amplitude and frequency. The parachute deceleration performance decreases while the parachute swing angle decreases as the canopy permeability increases.
Tourniquets can further reduce perioperative blood loss in patients on dexamethasone and tranexamic acid during cemented total knee arthritis: a single-center, double-blind, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jiang Wenyu , Wang Xing , Xu Hong , Liu Menghan , Xie Jinwei , Huang Qiang , Zhou Ronghua , Zhou Zongke , Pei Fuxing
Published: April 2023

Background

Multiple doses of dexamethasone and tranexamic acid can inhibit postoperative inflammation and reduce fibrinolysis and perioperative blood loss in total knee arthroplasty. In this single-center, double-blind, randomized clinical trial, the aim was to investigate whether applying a tourniquet to patients on dexamethasone and tranexamic acid could further reduce perioperative blood loss.

Materials and methods

Patients who underwent cemented total knee arthroplasty at our hospital were randomized to receive a tourniquet (n = 71) or not (n = 70) during the procedure. All patients received multiple doses of dexamethasone and tranexamic acid perioperatively. The primary outcome was perioperative blood loss, while secondary outcomes were surgery duration, postoperative laboratory indices of inflammation and fibrinolysis, range of knee motion, VAS pain score, knee circumference, knee swelling rate, homologous transfusion, albumin use, and complications.

Results

Using a tourniquet was associated with significantly lower intraoperative blood loss (P < 0.001) and total blood loss (P = 0.007) as well as significantly shorter surgery duration (P < 0.001). In contrast, the tourniquet did not significantly affect hidden blood loss, postoperative inflammation or fibrinolysis, range of knee motion, VAS pain score, knee circumference, knee swelling rate, homologous transfusion, albumin use, or complications.

Conclusions

The results of this randomized clinical trial demonstrate that applying a tourniquet during cemented total knee arthroplasty to patients receiving multiple doses of dexamethasone and tranexamic acid can further reduce perioperative blood loss without increasing the risk of inflammation, fibrinolysis, or other complications. Thus, it is advised to use tourniquets combined with dexamethasone and tranexamic acid to reduce perioperative blood loss and avoid tourniquet-related adverse events.

Level of evidence: Therapeutic Level I.

Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trail Registry, ChiCTR2200060567. Registered 5 June 2022—retrospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=171291.
Genetic diversity, population structure, and genome-wide association study for the flowering trait in a diverse panel of 428 moth bean (Vigna aconitifolia) accessions using genotyping by sequencing
Authors: Yadav Arvind Kumar , Singh Chandan Kumar , Kalia Rajwant K. , Mittal Shikha , Wankhede Dhammaprakash P. , Kakani Rajesh K. , Ujjainwal Shraddha , Aakash  , Saroha Ankit , Nathawat N. S. , Rani Reena , Panchariya Pooja , Choudhary Manoj , Solanki Kantilal , Chaturvedi K. K. , Archak Sunil , Singh Kuldeep , Singh Gyanendra Pratap , Singh Amit Kumar
Published: April 2023

Background

Moth bean (Vigna aconitifolia) is an underutilized, protein-rich legume that is grown in arid and semi-arid areas of south Asia and is highly resistant to abiotic stresses such as heat and drought. Despite its economic importance, the crop remains unexplored at the genomic level for genetic diversity and trait mapping studies. To date, there is no report of SNP marker discovery and association mapping of any trait in this crop. Therefore, this study aimed to dissect the genetic diversity, population structure and marker-trait association for the flowering trait in a diversity panel of 428 moth bean accessions using genotyping by sequencing (GBS) approach.

Results

A total of 9078 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were discovered by genotyping of 428 moth bean accessions. Model-based structure analysis and PCA grouped the moth bean accessions into two subpopulations. Cluster analysis revealed accessions belonging to the Northwestern region of India had higher variability than accessions from the other regions suggesting that this region represents its center of diversity. AMOVA revealed more variations within individuals (74%) and among the individuals (24%) than among the populations (2%). Marker-trait association analysis using seven multi-locus models including mrMLM, FASTmrEMMA FASTmrEMMA, ISIS EM-BLASSO, MLMM, BLINK and FarmCPU revealed 29 potential genomic regions for the trait days to 50% flowering, which were consistently detected in three or more models. Analysis of the allelic effect of the major genomic regions explaining phenotypic variance of more than 10% and those detected in at least 2 environments showed 4 genomic regions with significant phenotypic effect on this trait. Further, we also analyzed genetic relationships among the Vigna species using SNP markers. The genomic localization of moth bean SNPs on genomes of closely related Vigna species demonstrated that maximum numbers of SNPs were getting localized on Vigna mungo. This suggested that the moth bean is most closely related to V. mungo.

Conclusion

Our study shows that the north-western regions of India represent the center of diversity of the moth bean. Further, the study revealed flowering-related genomic regions/candidate genes which can be potentially exploited in breeding programs to develop early-maturity moth bean varieties.
Retraction Note: p300 promotes proliferation, migration, and invasion via inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition in non-small cell lung cancer cells
Authors: Hou Xue , Gong Run , Zhan Jianhua , Zhou Ting , Ma Yuxiang , Zhao Yuanyuan , Zhang Yaxiong , Chen Gang , Zhang Zhonghan , Ma Shuxiang , Chen Xi , Gao Fangfang , Hong Shaodong , Luo Fan , Fang Wenfeng , Yang Yunpeng , Huang Yan , Chen Likun , Yang Haoxian , Zhang Li
Published: April 2023

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-018-4559-3.
High and low value care recommended and undertaken prior to knee or hip arthroplasty: a survey study
Authors: Mills Kathryn , Brewster Anne-Marie , Hackett Danella , Cheung Chris , Solomon Michael , Naylor Justine
Published: April 2023

Introduction

National and international clinical practice guidelines have stratified the value of osteoarthritis (OA) interventions. Interventions with strong evidence supporting effectiveness and benefit are ‘high value care’. Appointment attendance, audits and practitioner surveys are widely used to determine frequency of recommendations and adherence to high value care. Greater patient reported data is needed in this evidence base.

Objective

To describe the frequency of high and low value care being recommended and undertaken by individuals awaiting OA-related lower limb arthroplasty. To examine sociodemographic or disease-related variables associated with being recommended different levels of care.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey of 339 individuals was conducted in metropolitan and regional hospitals and surgeon consultation rooms across New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Individuals attending pre-arthroplasty clinics/appointments for primary arthroplasty of the hip and/or knee were invited to participate. Respondents were asked what intervention(s) they were recommended by healthcare practitioners, or other sources of information, and what they had undertaken within two years prior to hip or knee arthroplasty. Interventions were classified as core, recommended, and low value care aligned with the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) guidelines. We considered core and recommended interventions high value. The proportion of recommended and undertaken interventions were calculated. We used backwards stepwise multivariate multinomial regression to address aim three.

Results

Simple analgesics were most frequently recommended (68% [95% CI 62.9 to 73.1]). 24.8% [20.2 to 29.7] of respondents were recommended high value care only. 75.2% [70.2 to 79.7] of respondents were recommended at least one low value intervention. More than 75% of recommended interventions were undertaken. Respondents awaiting hip arthroplasty, living outside a major city and without private health insurance had greater odds of recommended rather than core interventions being advised.

Conclusion

While high value interventions are being recommended to individuals living with OA, in most cases they are combined with recommendations for low value care. This is concerning given the high rates of uptake for recommended interventions. Based on patient reported data, disease-related and sociodemographic variables influence the level of care recommended.
Efficacy of ultrasound guided caudal epidural steroid injection with or without ozone in patients with lumbosacral canal stenosis; a randomized clinical controlled trial
Authors: Rayegani Seyed Mansoor , Soltani Vahid , Cheraghi Mohsen , Omid Zohor Mohammad Reza , Babaei-Ghazani Arash , Raeissadat Seyed Ahmad
Published: April 2023

Background

Lumbosacral canal stenosis is known as the most common cause of back surgery with several complications. Selecting a minimally invasive treatment with high efficacy in such patients is necessary. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of ozone therapy in combination with caudal epidural steroid in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.

Methods

A double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on 50 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis allocated into two study groups. Under ultrasound guidance, the first group received 80 mg of triamcinolone hexavalent with 4 mL of Marcaine 0.5% and 6 mL of distilled water to the caudal epidural space. The second group received an injection similar to the first group, combined with 10 mL of ozone (O2-O3) gas at a concentration of 10 µg/cc. The patients were followed at baseline, one, and six months after injection with clinical outcomes measures using Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Walking Distance (WD) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).

Results

The mean age of subjects, 30 males (60%) and 20 females (40%), was reported as 64.51 ± 7.19 years old. Reduction of pain intensity based on VAS score was statistically significant in both groups at follow-up periods (P < 0.001). The VAS changes in the first month and sixth months showed no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.28 and P = 0.33, respectively). The improvement in disability index (ODI) in both types of treatment during follow-up was significant (P < 0.0001), and there was no difference between the two treatment groups in one month and six months (P = 0.48 and P = 0.88, respectively). As for walking distance, the improvement process with both types of treatment during follow-up periods was significant (P < 0.001). However, after one and six months of treatment, the rate of improvement in patients’ walking distance in the caudal epidural steroid injection plus ozone group was significantly higher than in the epidural steroid group (p = 0.026 and p = 0.017, respectively).

Conclusions

In this study, the results of VAS and ODI outcomes showed that caudal epidural steroid injection combined with ozone has no advantage over caudal epidural steroid injection alone. Interestingly, our results demonstrated that the group receiving caudal epidural steroid injection plus ozone scored significantly higher on the walking distance index than the group receiving caudal epidural steroid alone.

Trial Registration

IRCT IRCT20090704002117N2 (registration date: 07/08/2019).
Imaging the metabolic reprograming of fatty acid synthesis pathway enables new diagnostic and therapeutic opportunity for breast cancer
Authors: Wang Fukai , Ma Shuangshuang , Chen Panpan , Han Yuhao , Liu Zhaoyun , Wang Xinzhao , Sun Chenglong , Yu Zhiyong
Published: April 2023

Background

Reprogrammed metabolic network is a key hallmark of cancer. Profiling cancer metabolic alterations with spatial signatures not only provides clues for understanding cancer biochemical heterogeneity, but also helps to decipher the possible roles of metabolic reprogramming in cancer development.

Methods

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) technique was used to characterize the expressions of fatty acids in breast cancer tissues. Specific immunofluorescence staining was further carried out to investigate the expressions of fatty acid synthesis-related enzymes.

Results

The distributions of 23 fatty acids in breast cancer tissues have been mapped, and the levels of most fatty acids in cancer tissues are significantly higher than those in adjacent normal tissues. Two metabolic enzymes, fatty acid synthase (FASN) and acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC), which being involved in the de novo synthesis of fatty acid were found to be up-regulated in breast cancer. Targeting the up-regulation of FASN and ACC is an effective approach to limiting the growth, proliferation, and metastasis of breast cancer cells.

Conclusions

These spatially resolved findings enhance our understanding of cancer metabolic reprogramming and give an insight into the exploration of metabolic vulnerabilities for better cancer treatment.
Review on two-dimensional material-based field-effect transistor biosensors: accomplishments, mechanisms, and perspectives
Authors: Chen Shuo , Sun Yang , Fan Xiangyu , Xu Yazhe , Chen Shanshan , Zhang Xinhao , Man Baoyuan , Yang Cheng , Du Jun
Published: April 2023

Field-effect transistor (FET) is regarded as the most promising candidate for the next-generation biosensor, benefiting from the advantages of label-free, easy operation, low cost, easy integration, and direct detection of biomarkers in liquid environments. With the burgeoning advances in nanotechnology and biotechnology, researchers are trying to improve the sensitivity of FET biosensors and broaden their application scenarios from multiple strategies. In order to enable researchers to understand and apply FET biosensors deeply, focusing on the multidisciplinary technical details, the iteration and evolution of FET biosensors are reviewed from exploring the sensing mechanism in detecting biomolecules (research direction 1), the response signal type (research direction 2), the sensing performance optimization (research direction 3), and the integration strategy (research direction 4). Aiming at each research direction, forward perspectives and dialectical evaluations are summarized to enlighten rewarding investigations.
Dual mode imaging guided multi-functional bio-targeted oxygen production probes for tumor therapy
Authors: Wang Yaotai , Zhang Zhong , Ren Li , Luo Yong , Wang Qi , Zou Jianzhong
Published: April 2023

Focused ultrasound ablation surgery (FUAS) is a novel therapy with a wide range of potential applications. However, synergists are crucial to the therapy process due to the ultrasonic energy's attenuation properties. As a result of the complex hypoxic environment in the tumor area and many factors, the existing synergists have limitations such as weak targeting, single imaging mode, and easy tumor recurrence after treatment. Because of the above deficiencies, this study intends to construct bio-targeted oxygen production probes consisting ofBifidobacteriumthat naturally target the hypoxia region of the tumor and multi-functional oxygen-producing nanoparticles equipped with IR780, perfluorohexane (PFH), CBP (carboplatin), and oxygen. The probes are expected to achieve targeted and synergistic FUAS therapy and dual-mode imaging to mediate tumor diagnosis and treatment. The oxygen and drugs carried in it are accurately released after FUAS stimulation, which is expected to alleviate tumor hypoxia, avoid tumor drug resistance, improve the effect of chemotherapy, and realize FUAS combined with chemotherapy antitumor therapy. This strategy is expected to make up for the deficiencies of existing synergists, improve the effectiveness and safety of treatment, and provide the foundation for future tumor therapy progress.

Graphical Abstract
A prediction model for left ventricular thrombus persistence/recurrence: based on a prospective study and a retrospective study
Authors: Yang Qing , Quan Xin , Wang Chuangshi , Yu Litian , Yang Yanmin , Zhu Jun , Liang Yan
Published: April 2023

Background

It remains unknown whether anticoagulation for persistent left ventricular (LV) thrombus should be continued indefinitely. Identifying patients with a high risk of thrombus unresolved may be helpful to determine the optimum anticoagulation duration. This study aimed to develop a prediction model to forecast thrombus persistence or recurrence in patients with LV thrombus.

Methods

We enrolled patients prospectively from 2020 to 2022 and retrospectively from 2013 to 2019 at the National Center of Cardiovascular Diseases of China. The two cohorts were then combined to derive predictive models of thrombus persistence/recurrence. The primary study comprised patients who received systemic oral anticoagulants and had imaging records available at the end of a 3-month follow-up period. The Lasso regression algorithm and the logistic regression were performed to select independent predictors. The calibration curve was generated and a nomogram risk prediction model was applied as a risk stratification tool.

Results

A total of 172 (64 in the prospective cohort and 108 in the retrospective cohort) patients were included, with 124 patients in a training set and 48 patients in a validation set. Six predictors were incorporated into the multivariate logistic regression prediction model. The area under the receiving operating characteristic was 0.852 in the training set and 0.631 in the validation set. Patients with protuberant thrombus and higher baseline D-dimer levels had a reduced risk of persistence/recurrence (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.03–0.69, P = 0.025; OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.43–0.91, P = 0.030, separately), whereas thicker thrombus was linked to an increased rate of persistent thrombus (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.05–1.20, P = 0.002). Additionally, patients with diverse diagnoses or receiving different antiplatelet treatments had different rates of LV thrombus persistence/recurrence at 3 months.

Conclusions

This prediction model provides tools to forecast the occurrence of persistent/recurrent thrombus and allows the identification of characteristics associated with unresolved thrombus. To validate the model and determine the duration of anticoagulation in patients with persistent thrombus, prospective randomized trials are necessary.
Systematic review of economic evaluations for paediatric pulmonary diseases
Authors: Chitando Mutsawashe , Cleary Susan , Cunnama Lucy
Published: April 2023

Background

Paediatric pulmonary diseases are the leading causes of mortality amongst children under five globally. Economic evaluations (EEs) seek to guide decision-makers on which health care interventions to adopt to reduce the paediatric pulmonary disease burden. This study aims to systematically review economic evaluations on different aspects of the inpatient management of paediatric pulmonary diseases globally.

Methods

We systematically reviewed EEs published between 2010 and 2020, with a subsequent search conducted for 2020–2022. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, Paediatric Economic Database Evaluation (PEDE) and the Cochrane library. We extracted data items guided by the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) checklist. We collected qualitative and quantitative data which we analysed in Microsoft Excel and R software.

Results

Twenty-two articles met the inclusion criteria. Six of the articles were cost-effectiveness analyses, six cost-utility analyses, two cost-minimisation analyses and eight cost analyses. Twelve articles were from high-income countries (HICs) and ten were from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Eight articles focused on asthma, eleven on pneumonia, two on asthma and pneumonia, and one on tuberculosis.

Conclusion

Conducting more EEs for paediatric pulmonary diseases in LMICs could allow for more evidence-based decision-making to improve paediatric health outcomes.
Strengths and limitations of new artificial intelligence tool for rare disease epidemiology
Authors: Lapidus David
Published: April 2023

The recent paper by Kariampuzha et al. describes an exciting application of artificial intelligence to rare disease epidemiology. The authors’ AI model appears to offer a major leap over Orphanet, the resource which is often a “first stop” for basic epidemiological data on rare diseases. To ensure appropriate use of this exciting tool, it is important to consider its strengths and weaknesses in context. The tool currently incorporates only PubMed abstracts, so key information located in the full text of articles is absent. Such missing information may include incidence and prevalence values, as well as important elements of study design and context. Additionally, results from the public version of the tool differ from those described in the original article, including obsolete values for prevalence and the use of non-prevalence studies in place of those listed in the article. At present, it would be appropriate to utilize the AI tool much like Orphanet: a helpful “first stop” which should be manually checked for completeness and accuracy. Users should understand the benefits of this exciting technology, and that it is not yet a panacea for the challenges of analyzing rare disease epidemiology.
OSMR deficiency aggravates pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy by modulating macrophages and OSM/LIFR/STAT3 signalling
Authors: Feng Yizhou , Yuan Yuan , Xia Hongxia , Wang Zhaopeng , Che Yan , Hu Zhefu , Deng Jiangyang , Li Fangfang , Wu Qingqing , Bian Zhouyan , Zhou Heng , Shen Difei , Tang Qizhu
Published: April 2023

Background

Oncostatin M (OSM) is a secreted cytokine of the interleukin (IL)-6 family that induces biological effects by activating functional receptor complexes of the common signal transducing component glycoprotein 130 (gp130) and OSM receptor β (OSMR) or leukaemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR), which are mainly involved in chronic inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases. The effect and underlying mechanism of OSM/OSMR/LIFR on the development of cardiac hypertrophy remains unclear.

Methods and results

OSMR-knockout (OSMR-KO) mice were subjected to aortic banding (AB) surgery to establish a model of pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Echocardiographic, histological, biochemical and immunological analyses of the myocardium and the adoptive transfer of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were conducted for in vivo studies. BMDMs were isolated and stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for the in vitro study. OSMR deficiency aggravated cardiac hypertrophy, fibrotic remodelling and cardiac dysfunction after AB surgery in mice. Mechanistically, the loss of OSMR activated OSM/LIFR/STAT3 signalling and promoted a proresolving macrophage phenotype that exacerbated inflammation and impaired cardiac repair during remodelling. In addition, adoptive transfer of OSMR-KO BMDMs to WT mice after AB surgery resulted in a consistent hypertrophic phenotype. Moreover, knockdown of LIFR in myocardial tissue with Ad-shLIFR ameliorated the effects of OSMR deletion on the phenotype and STAT3 activation.

Conclusions

OSMR deficiency aggravated pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy by modulating macrophages and OSM/LIFR/STAT3 signalling, which provided evidence that OSMR might be an attractive target for treating pathological cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure.
French guidelines for the etiological workup of eosinophilia and the management of hypereosinophilic syndromes
Authors: Groh Matthieu , Rohmer Julien , Etienne Nicolas , Abou Chahla Wadih , Baudet Antoine , Chan Hew Wai Aurélie , Chenivesse Cécile , Clisson Rusek Irena , Cottin Vincent , Decamp Matthieu , De Groote Pascal , Delahousse Fanny , Duployez Nicolas , Faguer Stanislas , Gottrand Frédéric , Huang Florent , Leblanc Thierry , Magnan Antoine , Martin Thierry , Mortuaire Geoffrey , Néel Antoine , Paris Luc , Petit Arnaud , Rossignol Julien , Schleinitz Nicolas , Soret-Dulphy Juliette , Staumont-Salle Delphine , Terrier Benjamin , Terriou Louis , Viallard Jean-François , Lefèvre Guillaume , Kahn Jean-Emmanuel
Published: April 2023

Eosinophilic-related clinical manifestations are protean and the underlying conditions underpinning eosinophilia are highly diverse. The etiological workup of unexplained eosinophilia/hypereosinophilia can be challenging, and can lead sometimes to extensive, inappropriate, costly and/or invasive investigations. To date, guidelines for the etiological workup and management of eosinophilia are mainly issued by hematologists, and thus mostly cover the scope of clonal hypereosinophilic syndromes (HES). Here, thanks to an extensive literature review, and thanks to the joint work of a large panel of experts involving physicians from both adult and pediatric medicine and from various subspecialties (as well as a representative of a patients’ association representative), we provide recommendations for both the step-by step diagnostic workup of eosinophilia (whether unexplained or within specific contexts) as well as the management and follow-up of the full spectrum of eosinophilic disorders (including clonal, reactive, lymphocytic and idiopathic HES, as well as single-organ diseases). Didactic prescription summaries intended to facilitate the prescription of eosinophil-targeted drugs are also provided, as are practical diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms. Lastly, this set of recommendations also includes a summary intended for general practitioners, as well as an overview of the therapeutic patient education program set up by the French reference center for HES. Further updates will be mandatory as new validated information emerges.
Anastomotic leakage after resection of the rectosigmoid colon in primary ovarian cancer
Authors: Kim Ji Hyun , Han Won Ho , Lee Dong-Eun , Kim Sun Young , You Kiho , Park Sung Sil , Lee Dong Woon , Seo Sang-Soo , Kang Sokbom , Park Sang-Yoon , Lim Myong Cheol
Published: April 2023

Background

The aim of the study is to evaluate the risk factors of anastomotic leakage (AL) and develop a nomogram to predict the risk of AL in surgical management of primary ovarian cancer.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 770 patients with primary ovarian cancer who underwent surgical resection of the rectosigmoid colon as part of cytoreductive surgery between January 2000 to December 2020. AL was defined based on radiologic studies or sigmoidoscopy with relevant clinical findings. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the risk factor of AL, and a nomogram was developed based on the multivariable analysis. The bootstrapped-concordance index was used for internal validation of the nomogram, and calibration plots were constructed.

Results

The incidence of AL after resection of the rectosigmoid colon was 4.2% (32/770). Diabetes (OR 3.79; 95% CI, 1.31–12.69; p = 0.031), co-operation with distal pancreatectomy (OR, 4.8150; 95% CI, 1.35–17.10; p = 0.015), macroscopic residual tumor (OR, 7.43; 95% CI, 3.24–17.07; p = 0<001) and anastomotic level from the anal verge shorter than 10 cm (OR, 6.28; 95% CI, 2.29–21.43; p = 0.001) were significant prognostic factors for AL on multivariable analysis. Using four variables, the nomogram has been developed to predict anastomotic leakage: https://ALnomogram.github.io/.

Conclusion

Four risk factors for AL after resection of the rectosigmoid colon are identified from the largest ovarian cancer study cohort. The nomogram from this information provides a numerical risk probability of AL, which could be used in preoperative counseling with patients and intraoperative decision for accompanying surgical procedures and prophylactic use of ileostomy or colostomy to minimize the risk of postoperative leakage.

Trial registration

Retrospectively registered.
Developing four cuproptosis-related lncRNAs signature to predict prognosis and immune activity in ovarian cancer
Authors: Liu Li , Wang Qing , Zhou Jia-Yun , Zhang Bei
Published: April 2023

Background

There has been a recent discovery of a new type of cell death produced by copper-iron ions, called Cuproptosis (copper death). The purpose of this study was to identify LncRNA signatures associated with Cuproptosis in ovarian cancer that could be used as prognostic indicators.

Methods

RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) profiles with clinicopathological data from TCGA database were used to select prognostic CRLs and then constructed prognostic risk model using multivariate regression analysis and LASSO algorithms. An independent dataset from GEO database was used to validate the prognostic performance. Combined with clinical factors, we further constructed a prognostic nomogram. In addition, tumor immune microenvironment, somatic mutation and drug sensitivity were analyzed using ssGSEA, GSVA, ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT algorithms.

Result

A total of 129 CRLs were selected whose expression levels were significantly related to expression levels of 10 cuproptosis-related genes. The univariate Cox regression analysis showed that 12 CRLs were associated with overall survival (OS). Using LASSO algorithms and multivariate regression analysis, we constructed a four-CRLs prognostic signature in the training dataset. Patients in the training dataset could be classified into high- or low-risk subgroups with significantly different OS (log-rankp < 0.001). The prognostic performance was confirmed in TCGA-OC cohort (log-rankp < 0.001) and an independent GEO cohort (log-rankp = 0.023). Multivariate cox regression analysis proved the four-CRLs signature was an independent prognostic factor for OC. Additionally, different risk subtypes showed significantly different levels of immune cells, signal pathways, and drug response.

Conclusion

We established a prognostic signature based on cuproptosis-related lncRNAs for OC patients, which will be of great value in predicting the prognosis patients and may provide a new perspective for research and individualized treatment.
Inversion polymorphism in a complete human genome assembly
Authors: Porubsky David , Harvey William T. , Rozanski Allison N. , Ebler Jana , Höps Wolfram , Ashraf Hufsah , Hasenfeld Patrick ,   Human Pangenome Reference Consortium (HPRC),   Human Genome Structural Variation Consortium (HGSVC), Paten Benedict , Sanders Ashley D. , Marschall Tobias , Korbel Jan O. , Eichler Evan E.
Published: April 2023

The telomere-to-telomere (T2T) complete human reference has significantly improved our ability to characterize genome structural variation. To understand its impact on inversion polymorphisms, we remapped data from 41 genomes against the T2T reference genome and compared it to the GRCh38 reference. We find a ~ 21% increase in sensitivity improving mapping of 63 inversions on the T2T reference. We identify 26 misorientations within GRCh38 and show that the T2T reference is three times more likely to represent the correct orientation of the major human allele. Analysis of 10 additional samples reveals novel rare inversions at chromosomes 15q25.2, 16p11.2, 16q22.1–23.1, and 22q11.21.
Caloric restriction remodels the hepatic chromatin landscape and bile acid metabolism by modulating the gut microbiota
Authors: Fan Yun , Qian Hong , Zhang Meijia , Tao Chengzhe , Li Zhi , Yan Wenkai , Huang Yuna , Zhang Yan , Xu Qiaoqiao , Wang Xinru , Wade Paul A. , Xia Yankai , Qin Yufeng , Lu Chuncheng
Published: April 2023

Background

Caloric restriction (CR) has been known to promote health by reprogramming metabolism, yet little is known about how the epigenome and microbiome respond during metabolic adaptation to CR.

Results

We investigate chromatin modifications, gene expression, as well as alterations in microbiota in a CR mouse model. Collectively, short-term CR leads to altered gut microbial diversity and bile acid metabolism, improving energy expenditure. CR remodels the hepatic enhancer landscape at genomic loci that are enriched for binding sites for signal-responsive transcription factors, including HNF4α. These alterations reflect a dramatic reprogramming of the liver transcriptional network, including genes involved in bile acid metabolism. Transferring CR gut microbiota into mice fed with an obesogenic diet recapitulates the features of CR-related bile acid metabolism along with attenuated fatty liver.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that CR-induced microbiota shapes the hepatic epigenome followed by altered expression of genes responsible for bile acid metabolism.
Dual-energy CT virtual non-calcium: an accurate method for detection of knee osteoarthritis-related edema-like marrow signal intensity
Authors: Zhao Heng , Li Hui , Xie Xia , Tang Hai-yan , Liu Xiao-xin , Wen Yi , Xiao Xin , Ye Lu , Tang You-wei , Dai Gao-yue , He Jia-ni , Chen Li , Wang Qian , Tang De-qiu , Pan Shi-nong
Published: April 2023

Objectives

To evaluate the performance of a dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) virtual non-calcium (VNCa) technique in the detection of edema-like marrow signal intensity (ELMSI) in patients with knee joint osteoarthritis (OA) compared to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

The study received local ethics board approval, and written informed consent was obtained. DECT and MRI were used to examine 28 knees in 24 patients with OA. VNCa images were generated by dual-energy subtraction of calcium. The knee joint was divided into 15 regions for ELMSI grading, performed independently by two musculoskeletal radiologists, with MRI as the reference standard. We also analyzed CT numbers through receiver operating characteristics and calculated cut-off values.

Results

For the qualitative analysis, we obtained CT sensitivity (Readers 1, 2 = 83.7%, 89.8%), specificity (Readers 1, 2 = 99.5%, 99.5%), positive predictive value (Readers 1, 2 = 95.3%, 95.7%), and negative predictive value (Readers 1, 2 = 97.9%, 98.7%) for ELMSI. The interobserver agreement was excellent (κ = 0.92). The area under the curve for Reader 1 and Reader 2 was 0.961 (95% CI 0.93, 0.99) and 0.992 (95% CI 0.98, 1.00), respectively. CT numbers obtained from the VNCa images were significantly different between regions with and without ELMSI (p < .001).

Conclusions

VNCa images have good diagnostic performance for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of knee osteoarthritis-related ELMSI.