bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fatty liver disease, heart rate and cardiac remodelling: Evidence from the UK Biobank
Authors: Jamialahmadi Oveis , Tavaglione Federica , Rawshani Araz , Ljungman Charlotta , Romeo Stefano
Published: March 2023

Background and Aims

Growing evidence supports an association between fatty liver disease (FLD) and cardiac dysfunction and remodelling, leading to cardiovascular disease and heart failure. Herein, we investigated the independent contribution of FLD to cardiac dysfunction and remodelling in participants from the UK Biobank with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) data available.

Methods

A total of 18 848 Europeans without chronic viral hepatitis and valvular heart diseases, with liver magnetic resonance imaging and CMR data were included in the analyses. Clinical, laboratory and imaging data were collected using standardized procedures. Multivariable regression models were used to test the association between FLD and CMR endpoints, after adjusting for several cardiometabolic risk factors. Linear regression models with regularization (Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator [LASSO], Ridge and Elastic Net) were used to generate predictive models for heart‐related endpoints.

Results

FLD was independently associated with higher average heart rate, higher cardiac remodelling (higher eccentricity ratio and lower remodelling index), lower left and right ventricular volumes (end‐systolic, end‐diastolic and stroke volumes) as well as with lower left and right atrial maximal volumes (p < 0.001). FLD was the strongest positive predictor for average heart rate, followed by age, hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Male sex was the strongest positive predictor for eccentricity ratio followed by FLD, age, hypertension and BMI. For LV volumes, FLD was the strongest negative predictor along with age.

Conclusions

FLD is an independent predictor of higher heart rate and early cardiac remodelling associated with reduced ventricular volumes.
Does surround‐bidding corruption hurt procurers?
Authors: Lu Yuanzhu , Yin Xundong , Zhang Hu
Published: March 2023

We consider a model of corruption in the form of surround‐bidding in a first‐price procurement auction in which bidders' private cost follows uniform distribution. We find that the briber's high‐price bidding function is less aggressive than honest suppliers' while his low‐price one is more aggressive. As the bribery cost increases, both the briber's low‐price and high‐price bidding functions become less aggressive. The winning probability and expected profit of the briber increase, while the winning probability and expected profit of honest suppliers decrease. Surprisingly, although the briber's high‐price bid may be the winning bid, which is harmful to the procurer, the procurer's expected payment decreases, that is, the procurer benefits from surround‐bidding corruption, because the benefit due to more intense competition outweighs the harm caused by the briber's high‐price bid.
Attention‐guided multiscale neural network for defect detection in sewer pipelines
Authors: Li Yanfen , Wang Hanxiang , Dang L. Minh , Song Hyoung‐Kyu , Moon Hyeonjoon
Published: March 2023

Sanitary sewer systems are major infrastructures in every modern city, which are essential in protecting water pollution and preventing urban waterlogging. Since the conditions of sewer systems continuously deteriorate over time due to various defects and extrinsic factors, early intervention in the defects is necessary to prolong the service life of the pipelines. However, prior works for defect inspection are limited by accuracy, efficiency, and economic cost. In addition, the current loss functions in object detection approaches are unable to handle the imbalanced data well. To address the above drawbacks, this paper proposes an automatic defect detection framework that accurately identifies and localizes eight types of defects in closed‐circuit television videos based on a deep neural network. First, an effective attention module is introduced and used in the backbone of the detector for better feature extraction. Then, a novel feature fusion mechanism is presented in the neck to alleviate the problem of feature dilution. After that, an efficient loss function that can reasonably adjust the weight of training samples is proposed to tackle the imbalanced data problem. Also, a publicly available dataset is provided for defect detection tasks. The proposed detection framework is robust against the imbalanced data and achieves a state‐of‐the‐art mean average precision of 73.4%, which is potentially applied in realistic sewer defect inspections.
Development of smart spectacles to monitor and modify myopia‐related health behaviour in children
Authors: Ramamurthy Dharani , Samuel Paulraj Angeline Kirubha , Lakshmi Teja , Rajagopalan Tejashwini , Lavanya Reddy
Published: March 2023

Purpose

To develop a wearable, spectacle‐mounted, sensor‐based device to monitor and modify myopia risk factors in children, namely near‐working distance, light levels and spectral composition.

Methods

A wearable, spectacle‐mounted device has been developed, which consists of inbuilt sensors, namely: (i) light sensor to detect ambient light intensity; (ii) proximity sensor to measure near‐work distance; (iii) microspectrograph to measure spectral power for six visible channels, namely red, green, blue, yellow, orange and violet and (iv) a global positioning system tracker to track the location and the device. The sensors were programmed by Arduino Nano, and the circuit was fixed onto a printed circuit board fitted onto a spectacle frame for pilot testing. Laboratory testing of the prototype was performed using a mannequin. An alert will be set when exceeding the predetermined threshold to help control myopia risk factors.

Results

The indoor and outdoor light levels measured using the prototype were less than and greater than 1000 lux, respectively. The actual target distance and the corresponding distance measured by the prototype were highly correlated (R2 = 0.99). The mean distance measured by the prototype was within 1.5 cm of the actual target distance for distances between 30 and 95 cm. The spectral energy of the indoor location was highest for the orange channel at about 100–160 counts/μW/cm2, whereas it was highest for the blue channel in outdoor daylight (10,000–19,000 counts/μW/cm2).

Conclusion

A working prototype that can simultaneously measure the viewing distance, light intensity and spectral composition has been developed.
Exploring the experiences and responses of siblings living with a brother or sister with obsessive compulsive disorder
Authors: Brownings Stuart , Hale Lucy , Simonds Laura M. , Jassi Amita
Published: March 2023

Objectives

The impact of having a child with diagnosed obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) can reportedly cause significant disruption to caregiver routines and negatively affect their mental health. Less is known about the impact to other first‐degree relatives such as siblings due to limited research. It should not be assumed that findings in the caregiver literature can simply be applied to siblings. This study, therefore, aimed to explore the experiences and responses of cohabiting siblings of a brother or sister with an OCD diagnosis.

Method

Eight participant siblings were recruited from a UK specialist OCD NHS clinic and interviewed via telephone about their experiences co‐habiting with a brother or sister with OCD. Interviews were transcribed and subjected to interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA).

Results

Two superordinate themes of ‘OCD as a dangerous dictator’ and the ‘unifying/polarising influence of OCD on relationships’ were interpreted from the eight participant experiences. Siblings spoke to OCD creating a dictatorial environment characterised by sibling loss, helplessness and adjustment. This fragile domestic environment seemingly pushed non‐anxious siblings to the periphery of the family or conversely centralised their position through parentification.

Conclusions

Many of the sibling experiences of frustration, distress avoidance, helplessness and symptom accommodation are mirrored in the burgeoning caregiver literature. Longitudinal studies are required to track sibling experiences over the course of their siblings OCD journey and expand our knowledge in this area. Counselling services, sibling support groups and inclusion in family assessment, formulation and treatment are possible avenues of exploration for siblings of those with an OCD diagnosis.
Taiwan's National Health Insurance at the Emergency Department following the COVID‐19 outbreak
Authors: Lin Pei‐Ying , Kaplan Warren , Lin Chia‐Hung , Lee Yen‐Han
Published: March 2023

Taiwan's National Health Insurance (NHI) is a widely acclaimed universal healthcare system. In the past few years, particularly following the COVID‐19 outbreak, challenges related to maintaining the NHI system have surfaced. Since 2020, NHI has faced a series of challenges, including excessive patient visits to the hospital emergency department, a lack of an effective primary care and referral system, and a high turnover rate of healthcare workers. We review major problems related to Taiwan's NHI, emphasizing input from frontline healthcare workers. We provide recommendations for potential policies addressing the concerns around NHI, for example, strengthening the role of primary care services under the NHI administration, reducing the high turnover rate of healthcare workers, and increase the premium and copayments. We hope that this policy analysis may allow policymakers and scholars to understand both the merits and critical problems related to NHI from the clinical perspective.
Case–control study of exclusive breast feeding and severe bronchiolitis in the United States
Authors: Geller Ruth J. , Inhofe Nancy R. , Crifase Cassandra C. , Espinola Janice A. , Gallegos Catalina , Herrera Nicole , Mitri Elie , Qi Ying (Shelly) , Sullivan Ashley F. , Camargo Carlos A.
Published: March 2023

Background

Bronchiolitis is a major cause of infant illness, with few known modifiable risk factors. Breast feeding may reduce risk of severe bronchiolitis, but the association of exclusive vs. partial breast feeding with severe bronchiolitis is unclear.

Objective

To estimate the association of exclusive vs. partial breast feeding during ages 0–2.9 months with bronchiolitis hospitalisation during infancy.

Methods

We conducted a case–control study as a secondary analysis of two prospective US cohorts in the Multicenter Airway Research Collaboration. Cases were enrolled in a 17‐centre study of infants hospitalised for bronchiolitis during 2011–2014 (n = 921). Controls were enrolled in a five‐centre study of healthy infants during 2013–2014 and 2017 (n = 719). Breast feeding history during ages 0–2.9 months was collected by parent interview. Among breastfed infants, the association of exclusive vs. partial breast feeding with odds of bronchiolitis hospitalisation was estimated using a multivariable logistic regression model adjusted for demographic variables, parental asthma history, and early‐life exposures. As a secondary analysis, we estimated the associations of exclusive, predominant, and occasional breast feeding vs. no breast feeding with the odds of bronchiolitis hospitalisation.

Results

Among 1640 infants, the prevalence of exclusive breast feeding was 187/921 (20.3%) among cases and 275/719 (38.3%) among controls. Exclusive vs. partial breast feeding was associated with 48% reduced odds of bronchiolitis hospitalisation (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.39, 0.69). In the secondary analysis, exclusive vs. no breast feeding was associated with 58% reduced odds of bronchiolitis hospitalisation (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.23, 0.77), whereas predominant breast feeding (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.37, 1.57) and occasional breast feeding (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.57, 1.69) were not associated with meaningfully reduced odds of bronchiolitis hospitalisation.

Conclusion

Exclusive breast feeding had a strong protective association against bronchiolitis hospitalisation.
Low tariff on dirty goods—Environmental negligence or environmental concern?
Authors: Marjit Sugata , Mukherjee Arijit
Published: March 2023

Shapiro (Quarterly Journal of Economics, 2021) conducts an in‐depth empirical analysis to show that dirtier upstream goods face lower import tariffs than cleaner downstream goods. Inspired by that paper, we examine how the welfare maximizing tariffs on the final goods will differ depending on the dirtiness and the extent of cross border pollution. We show that countries concerned about controlling pollution but maximizing own welfare would be encouraged toward relatively unfettered import of dirtier final goods if pollution is mainly generated through domestic production. We discuss the implications of global welfare maximizing tariff protection, pollution taxes, and multiple tradable products.
Unravelling megaturbidite deposition: Evidence for turbidite stacking/amalgamation and seiche influence during the 1601 ce earthquake at Lake Lucerne, Switzerland
Authors: Vermassen Flor , Van Daele Maarten , Praet Nore , Cnudde Veerle , Kissel Catherine , Anselmetti Flavio S.
Published: March 2023

Megaturbidites are commonly used to reconstruct the seismic history (palaeoseismology) of areas where large earthquakes occur. However, the depositional mechanisms and sedimentary characteristics of these deposits are not yet fully understood. This study unravels the sequence of sediment deposition that occurred in Lake Lucerne (Vitznau Basin) following the 1601 ce earthquake in central Switzerland. During this event, slope failures were triggered, generating mass flows and turbidity currents that led to the formation of mass‐transport deposits and a megaturbidite. These deposits are sampled in 28 sediment cores, which are examined with X‐ray computed tomography scans (medical and μCT), grain‐size analysis and natural remanent magnetisation. This suite of analyses allows a detailed reconstruction of turbidite stacking and amalgamation in the centre of the basin, followed by settling of finer sediments influenced by a lake seiche. Initial deposition of mass‐transport deposits is followed by sandy turbidites reaching the depocentre. Some of these turbidite sands can be linked to their source areas, and evidence is found of some turbidites being overridden by mass flows in the peripheral parts of the megaturbidite deposit. Hereafter, sedimentation becomes controlled by seiche‐induced currents, which rework fine sediments upon deposition, leading to subtle grain‐size variations at the base of the seiche‐influenced sub‐unit and a ponded geometry of the megaturbidite. As the seiche movement dampens, a relatively muddy, homogeneous sub‐unit is deposited that drapes the basin plain. Overall, this study provides the first highly detailed sedimentological analysis of megaturbidite deposition in a lake, demonstrating the distinct sedimentological imprint of lake seiching and turbidite amalgamation/stacking. This will improve the recognition and interpretation of earthquake‐induced megaturbidites in other lake records or isolated basins, and demonstrates the value of using (μ)CT scans in combination with traditional sedimentological parameters to reconstruct the depositional processes of megaturbidites.
Regional geographies of climate change
Authors: Paasi Anssi
Published: March 2023

This essay is a commentary on Peter Taylor's article ‘The geographical ontology challenge in attending to anthropogenic climate change: regional geography revisited’. Taylor's article develops, in the context climate change, several themes that he has outlined during his long career. This commentary focuses particularly on the contested (discursive) regional, regional geographical and state‐centric frames critically examined in Taylor's paper. Despite the mushrooming literature on climate change, ontological issues related to regionality/spatialities explored by Taylor have been largely overlooked. He introduces a useful multi‐scalar and multi‐dimensional framework for problematizing the ontologies of the spatialities related to climate change emergency. This commentary focuses on this framework in the context of regional geography. Since regional/territorial, particularly state‐centric frames are frequently taken for granted, Taylor's proposal is very welcome and provides a valuable addition not only to the debate on climate change but also to the ongoing resurgence of regional geography and regional thinking.
Indian Himalayan natural Arabidopsis thaliana accessions with abolished miR158 levels exhibit robust miR173‐initiated trans‐acting cascade silencing
Authors: Tripathi Abhinandan Mani , Singh Rajneesh , Verma Ashwani Kumar , Singh Akanksha , Mishra Parneeta , Dwivedi Varun , Narayan Shiv , Gandhivel Vivek Hari Sundar , Shirke Pramod Arvind , Shivaprasad Padubidri V. , Roy Sribash
Published: March 2023

Small RNAs (sRNAs) such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are short 20–24‐nucleotide non‐coding RNAs. They are key regulators of gene expression in plants and other organisms. Several 22‐nucleotide miRNAs trigger biogenesis cascades of trans‐acting secondary siRNAs, which are involved in various developmental and stress responses. Here we show that Himalayan Arabidopsis thaliana accessions having natural mutations in the miR158 locus exhibit robust cascade silencing of the pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR)‐like locus. Furthermore, we show that these cascade sRNAs trigger tertiary silencing of a gene involved in transpiration and stomatal opening. The natural deletions or insertions in MIR158 led to improper processing of miR158 precursors, thereby blocking synthesis of mature miR158. Reduced miR158 levels led to increased levels of its target, a pseudo‐PPR gene that is targeted by tasiRNAs generated by the miR173 cascade in other accessions. Using sRNA datasets derived from Indian Himalayan accessions, as well as overexpression and knockout lines of miR158, we show that absence of miR158 led to buildup of pseudo‐PPR‐derived tertiary sRNAs. These tertiary sRNAs mediated robust silencing of a gene involved in stomatal closure in Himalayan accessions lacking miR158 expression. We functionally validated the tertiary phasiRNA that targets NHX2, which encodes a Na+‐K+/H+ antiporter protein, thereby regulating transpiration and stomatal conductance. Overall, we report the role of the miRNA–TAS–siRNA–pseudogene–tertiary phasiRNA–NHX2 pathway in plant adaptation.
Ultrasonographic anatomy of the palmar region of the carpus of the dog
Authors: González‐Rellán Sonia , Fdz‐de‐Trocóniz Patricia , Barreiro Andrés
Published: March 2023

The palmar region of the canine carpus may be injured by traumatic, inflammatory, infectious, neoplastic, and degenerative disorders. The normal ultrasonographic anatomic features of the dorsal region of the canine carpus have been published, however information regarding the palmar region is currently lacking. The aims of this prospective, descriptive, anatomic study were (1) to describe the normal ultrasonographic characteristics of the palmar carpal structures in medium to large‐breed dogs, and (2) to establish a standardized ultrasonographic protocol for evaluating them. As in the previously published study, the current study consisted of two phases: (1) identification phase, in which the palmar structures of the carpus were identified ultrasonographically in fifty‐four cadaveric specimens and an ultrasonographic protocol to examine them was developed; and (2) descriptive phase, in which the ultrasonographic characteristics of the main palmar structures in twenty‐five carpi of thirteen living healthy adult dogs were documented. The tendons of the flexor muscles of the carpus and digits, the superficial and deep parts of the retinaculum flexorum, the carpal canal and the median and ulnar neurovascular structures were ultrasonographically identified and described. Findings from the current study can serve as a reference for evaluating dogs with suspected injury involving the palmar carpal region using ultrasonography.
Policies Implementation to Address Harassment in Workplace
Authors: Lawrence Verus
Published: March 2023

Workplace harassment exists throughout all types of workplaces. This is also experienced in developed countries, developing countries and undeveloped countries all over the world. Harassment is a type of bullying and discrimination and considered as a social problem. It is important for all workers to understand workplace harassment so you can avoid a hostile work environment. A good workplace harassment policy must be implemented and regulated so that the necessary steps can be taken so ensure a safe working environment for all employees. Most basic types of harassment are verbal and psychological; there are also more serious forms, such as abuse, physical and sexual. All types of workplace harassment are considered illegal. They will not only affect an employee’s productivity, comfort and safety at work, but they can also expose an organization to legal liability if it does not handle the harassment properly. Sexual harassment is a widespread and global problem that affects both women and men. Women and girls however, more commonly experience it, across all levels of society around the world. The global movement that went viral in October 2017 started out as a social media hash tag, the movement has since massively grown, encouraging millions of women across the world to speak out about sexual harassment. The Malaysian pledge to uphold the success of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) on Gender Equality and Health and Well Being is also interconnected with the topic above, so implementing related laws/policies on work place and sexual Harassment with intervention from the Government is crucial to reduce and mitigate the social problem. This assignment will focus on government intervention to address such problems by implementing / establishing laws, policies, code of conduct practices and guidelines to protect women in the workplace. I will use case studies from South Korea, Malaysia and Cambodia to try to find similar programs that have been implemented to protect the rights of women in the workforce as equal humans. By then, researcher will be able to prove that through workplace harassment law/policies will make it way to reduce the harassment problem.
Use of Machine Learning Algorithms in the Classification of Forest Species
Authors: Loiola Táscilla Magalhães , Fantinel Roberta Aparecida , Dos Santos Fernanda Dias , De Bastos Franciele , Schuh Mateus Sabadi , Fernandes Pablo , Simões Bruna Andiele , Pereira Rudiney Soares
Published: March 2023

Optimization in the process of managing forest resources seeks alternatives that make data collection possible. One of them alternatives is spectroradiometry, which consists of measuring the spectral response, having as product the response of the target in relation to the incident radiation along the electromagnetic spectrum, and that, using machine learning, with pre-selected models, makes it possible to identify. Given the above, the study aimed to use machine learning algorithms to classify species by vegetation indices from reflectance data. The study was developed at the Federal University from Santa Maria, working with the species Ficus benjamina, Inga marginata, Handroanthus chrysotrichus, Psidium cattleianum, Salix humboldtiana, Corymbia citriodora and Myrcianthes pungens, and spectral readings of the leaves were taken using the FieldSpec®3 spectroradiometer connected to RTS-3ZC3 integrating  sphere. The reflectance values with wavelength ranged in amplitude from 350 ƞm to 2,500 ƞm and spectral resolution of 1 ƞm. Vegetation indices were calculated using the software R Studio, being: NDVI, SAVI, RVI, GNDVI, NDWI, NDWI2, GEMI, DVI, TVI, RVI, MSAVI, WDVI. The algorithms used to develop machine learning were: Random Forest (RF), k-Nearest Neighbors (K-NN), Naive Bayes (NB) and Support Vector Machine (SVM). RF proves to be the most appropriate for data validation, with 85% global accuracy, followed by SVM, with 71%, K-NN with 64% and NB with 35%. The indices with the best performance to point the species were NDWI and SAVI.
Brain injury accelerates the onset of a reversible age-related microglial phenotype associated with inflammatory neurodegeneration
Authors: Ritzel Rodney M. , Li Yun , Jiao Yun , Lei Zhuofan , Doran Sarah J. , He Junyun , Shahror Rami A. , Henry Rebecca J. , Khan Romeesa , Tan Chunfeng , Liu Shaolin , Stoica Bogdan A. , Faden Alan I. , Szeto Gregory , Loane David J. , Wu Junfang
Published: March 2023

Lipofuscin is an autofluorescent (AF) pigment formed by lipids and misfolded proteins, which accumulates in postmitotic cells with advanced age. Here, we immunophenotyped microglia in the brain of old C57BL/6 mice (>18 months old) and demonstrate that in comparison to young mice, one-third of old microglia are AF, characterized by profound changes in lipid and iron content, phagocytic activity, and oxidative stress. Pharmacological depletion of microglia in old mice eliminated the AF microglia following repopulation and reversed microglial dysfunction. Age-related neurological deficits and neurodegeneration after traumatic brain injury (TBI) were attenuated in old mice lacking AF microglia. Furthermore, increased phagocytic activity, lysosomal burden, and lipid accumulation in microglia persisted for up to 1 year after TBI, were modified by
APOE4
genotype, and chronically driven by phagocyte-mediated oxidative stress. Thus, AF may reflect a pathological state in aging microglia associated with increased phagocytosis of neurons and myelin and inflammatory neurodegeneration that can be further accelerated by TBI.
Dynamic bioinspired coculture model for probing ER
+
breast cancer dormancy in the bone marrow niche
Authors: Pradhan Lina , Moore DeVonte , Ovadia Elisa M. , Swedzinski Samantha L. , Cossette Travis , Sikes Robert A. , van Golen Kenneth , Kloxin April M.
Published: March 2023

Late recurrences of breast cancer are hypothesized to arise from disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) that reactivate after dormancy and occur most frequently with estrogen receptor–positive (ER
+
) breast cancer cells (BCCs) in bone marrow (BM). Interactions between the BM niche and BCCs are thought to play a pivotal role in recurrence, and relevant model systems are needed for mechanistic insights and improved treatments. We examined dormant DTCs in vivo and observed DTCs near bone lining cells and exhibiting autophagy. To study underlying cell-cell interactions, we established a well-defined, bioinspired dynamic indirect coculture model of ER
+
BCCs with BM niche cells, human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and fetal osteoblasts (hFOBs). hMSCs promoted BCC growth, whereas hFOBs promoted dormancy and autophagy, regulated in part by tumor necrosis factor–α and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 receptor signaling. This dormancy was reversible by dynamically changing the microenvironment or inhibiting autophagy, presenting further opportunities for mechanistic and targeting studies to prevent late recurrence.
Na, K-ATPase α1 cooperates with its endogenous ligand to reprogram immune microenvironment of lung carcinoma and promotes immune escape
Authors: Yang Kaiyong , Li Zijian , Chen Yan , Yin Fangzhou , Ji Xiaojun , Zhou Jiaqian , Li Xin , Zeng Tao , Fei Chenghao , Ren Chenchen , Wang Yulin , Fang Lei , Chen Lili , Zhang Pei , Mu Liyan , Qian Yuxuan , Chen Yan , Yin Wu
Published: March 2023

Dysregulated endocrine hormones (EHs) contribute to tumorigenesis, but how EHs affect the tumor immune microenvironment (TIM) and the immunotherapy of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is still unclear. Here, endogenous ouabain (EO), an adrenergic hormone, is elevated in patients with NSCLC and closely related to tumor pathological stage, metastasis, and survival. EO promotes the suppression of TIM in vivo by modulating the expression of immune checkpoint proteins, in which programmed cell death protein ligand 1 (PD-L1) plays a major role. EO increases PD-L1 transcription; however, the EO receptor Na- and K-dependent adenosine triphosphatase (Na, K-ATPase) α1 interacts with PD-L1 to trigger the endocytic degradation of PD-L1. This seemingly contradictory result led us to discover the mechanism whereby EO cooperates with Na, K-ATPase α1 to finely control PD-L1 expression and dampen tumoral immunity. In conclusion, the Na, K-ATPase α1/EO signaling facilitates immune escape in lung cancer, and manipulation of this signaling shows great promise in improving immunotherapy for lung adenocarcinoma.
Wirelessly powered deformable electronic stent for noninvasive electrical stimulation of lower esophageal sphincter
Authors: Zhang Chong , Pan Chengfeng , Chan Kai Fung , Gao Jinyang , Yang Zhengxin , Leung Kevin Kai Chung , Jin Dongdong , Wang Yuqiong , Xia Neng , Ning Zhipeng , Wang Xin , Jiang Shuai , Zhang Zifeng , Wang Qinglong , Hao Bo , Chiu Philip Wai Yan , Zhang Li
Published: March 2023

Electrical stimulation is a promising method to modulate gastrointestinal disorders. However, conventional stimulators need invasive implantation and removal surgeries associated with risks of infection and secondary injuries. Here, we report a battery-free and deformable electronic esophageal stent for wireless stimulation of the lower esophageal sphincter in a noninvasive fashion. The stent consists of an elastic receiver antenna infilled with liquid metal (eutectic gallium-indium), a superelastic nitinol stent skeleton, and a stretchable pulse generator that jointly enables 150% axial elongation and 50% radial compression for transoral delivery through the narrow esophagus. The compliant stent adaptive to the dynamic environment of the esophagus can wirelessly harvest energy through deep tissue. Continuous electrical stimulations delivered by the stent in vivo using pig models significantly increase the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter. The electronic stent provides a noninvasive platform for bioelectronic therapies in the gastrointestinal tract without the need for open surgery.
Ultralight plasmonic structural color paint
Authors: Cencillo-Abad Pablo , Franklin Daniel , Mastranzo-Ortega Pamela , Sanchez-Mondragon Javier , Chanda Debashis
Published: March 2023

All present commercial colors are based on pigments. While such traditional pigment-based colorants offer a commercial platform for large-volume and angle insensitiveness, they are limited by their instability in atmosphere, color fading, and severe environmental toxicity. Commercial exploitation of artificial structural coloration has fallen short due to the lack of design ideas and impractical nanofabrication techniques. Here, we present a self-assembled subwavelength plasmonic cavity that overcomes these challenges while offering a tailorable platform for rendering angle and polarization-independent vivid structural colors. Fabricated through large-scale techniques, we produce stand-alone paints ready to be used on any substrate. The platform offers full coloration with a single layer of pigment, surface density of 0.4 g/m
2
, making it the lightest paint in the world.
Continental drift shifts tropical rainfall by altering radiation and ocean heat transport
Authors: Han Jing , Nie Ji , Hu Yongyun , Boos William R. , Liu Yonggang , Yang Jun , Yuan Shuai , Li Xiang , Guo Jiaqi , Lan Jiawenjing , Lin Qifan , Bao Xiujuan , Wei Mengyu , Li Zhibo , Man Kai , Yin Zihan
Published: March 2023

Shifts in the position of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) have great importance for weather, climate, and society. The ITCZ shifts have been extensively studied in current and future warmer climate; however, little is known for its migration in the past on geological time scales. Using an ensemble of climate simulations over the past 540 million years, we show that ITCZ migrations are controlled primarily by continental configuration through two competing pathways: hemispheric radiation asymmetry and cross-equatorial ocean heat transport. The hemispheric asymmetry of absorbed solar radiation is produced mainly by land-ocean albedo contrast, which can be predicted using only the landmass distribution. The cross-equatorial ocean heat transport is strongly associated with the hemispheric asymmetry of surface wind stress, which is, in turn, controlled by the hemispheric asymmetry of ocean surface area. These results allow the influence of continental evolution on global ocean-atmosphere circulations to be understood through simple mechanisms that depend primarily on the latitudinal distribution of land.
Cell time: How cells control developmental timetables
Authors: Rayon Teresa
Published: March 2023

An overview on the molecular and metabolic mechanisms behind individual cell differences in developmental timing in the segmentation clock and the central nervous system.
Immature natural killer cells promote progression of triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Thacker Gatha , Henry Samantha , Nandi Ajeya , Debnath Rahul , Singh Snahlata , Nayak Anupma , Susnik Barbara , Boone Melinda M , Zhang Qing , Kesmodel Susan B , Gumber Sanjeev , Das Gokul M , Kambayashi Taku , Dos Santos Camila O. , Chakrabarti Rumela
Published: March 2023

Natural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic lymphocytes that accumulate within the tumor microenvironment and are generally considered to be antitumorigenic. Using single-cell RNA sequencing and functional analysis of multiple triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and basal tumor samples, we observed a unique subcluster of Socs3
high
CD11b
−
CD27
−
immature NK cells that were present only in TNBC samples. These tumor-infiltrating NK cells expressed a reduced cytotoxic granzyme signature and, in mice, were responsible for activating cancer stem cells through Wnt signaling. NK cell–mediated activation of these cancer stem cells subsequently enhanced tumor progression in mice, whereas depletion of NK cells or Wnt ligand secretion from NK cells by LGK-974 decreased tumor progression. In addition, NK cell depletion or inhibition of their function improved anti–programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibody or chemotherapy response in mice with TNBC. Furthermore, tumor samples from patients with TNBC and non-TNBC revealed that increased numbers of CD56
bright
NK cells were present in TNBC tumors and were correlated to poor overall survival in patients with TNBC. Together, our findings identify a population of protumorigenic NK cells that may be exploited for both diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to improve outcomes for patients with TNBC.
Cytoplasmic isoleucyl tRNA synthetase as an attractive multistage antimalarial drug target
Authors: Istvan Eva S. , Guerra Francisco , Abraham Matthew , Huang Kuo-Sen , Rocamora Frances , Zhao Haoshuang , Xu Lan , Pasaje Charisse , Kumpornsin Krittikorn , Luth Madeline R. , Cui Haissi , Yang Tuo , Palomo Diaz Sara , Gomez-Lorenzo Maria G. , Qahash Tarrick , Mittal Nimisha , Ottilie Sabine , Niles Jacquin , Lee Marcus C. S. , Llinas Manuel , Kato Nobutaka , Okombo John , Fidock David A. , Schimmel Paul , Gamo Francisco Javier , Goldberg Daniel E. , Winzeler Elizabeth A.
Published: March 2023

Development of antimalarial compounds into clinical candidates remains costly and arduous without detailed knowledge of the target. As resistance increases and treatment options at various stages of disease are limited, it is critical to identify multistage drug targets that are readily interrogated in biochemical assays. Whole-genome sequencing of 18 parasite clones evolved using thienopyrimidine compounds with submicromolar, rapid-killing, pan–life cycle antiparasitic activity showed that all had acquired mutations in the
P. falciparum
cytoplasmic isoleucyl tRNA synthetase (cIRS). Engineering two of the mutations into drug-naïve parasites recapitulated the resistance phenotype, and parasites with conditional knockdowns of cIRS became hypersensitive to two thienopyrimidines. Purified recombinant
P. vivax
cIRS inhibition, cross-resistance, and biochemical assays indicated a noncompetitive, allosteric binding site that is distinct from that of known cIRS inhibitors mupirocin and reveromycin A. Our data show that
Plasmodium
cIRS is an important chemically and genetically validated target for next-generation medicines for malaria.
Prolonged survival with first-line chemotherapy in advanced extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Chrystle Mascarenhas , Sanyo D'souza
Published: March 2023

Biliary tract cancer accounts for roughly 3% of adult malignancies of the gastrointestinal system. First-line treatment with gemcitabine–cisplatin chemotherapy is the standard for the management of metastatic biliary tract cancers. We present the case of a man who presented with abdominal pain, decreased appetite and weight loss for 6 months. Baseline evaluation revealed a liver hilar mass with ascites. Imaging, tumour markers, histopathology and immunohistochemistry revealed the diagnosis of metastatic extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. He was treated with gemcitabine–cisplatin chemotherapy followed by maintenance chemotherapy with gemcitabine and demonstrated an exceptionally good response and tolerance to chemotherapy with no long-term toxicity so far on maintenance therapy and progression-free survival exceeding 2.5 years after diagnosis. The rarity of this case is the exhibition of prolonged clinical response with maintenance chemotherapy for an aggressive cancer, thus needing further research into duration and outcomes of maintenance chemotherapy.
Artificial intelligence as a diagnostic aid in cross-sectional radiological imaging of surgical pathology in the abdominopelvic cavity: a systematic review
Authors: Fowler George E , Blencowe Natalie S , Hardacre Conor , Callaway Mark P , Smart Neil J , Macefield Rhiannon
Published: March 2023

Objectives

There is emerging use of artificial intelligence (AI) models to aid diagnostic imaging. This review examined and critically appraised the application of AI models to identify surgical pathology from radiological images of the abdominopelvic cavity, to identify current limitations and inform future research.

Design

Systematic review.

Data sources

Systematic database searches (Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) were performed. Date limitations (January 2012 to July 2021) were applied.

Eligibility criteria

Primary research studies were considered for eligibility using the PIRT (participants, index test(s), reference standard and target condition) framework. Only publications in the English language were eligible for inclusion in the review.

Data extraction and synthesis

Study characteristics, descriptions of AI models and outcomes assessing diagnostic performance were extracted by independent reviewers. A narrative synthesis was performed in accordance with the Synthesis Without Meta-analysis guidelines. Risk of bias was assessed (Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2)).

Results

Fifteen retrospective studies were included. Studies were diverse in surgical specialty, the intention of the AI applications and the models used. AI training and test sets comprised a median of 130 (range: 5–2440) and 37 (range: 10–1045) patients, respectively. Diagnostic performance of models varied (range: 70%–95% sensitivity, 53%–98% specificity). Only four studies compared the AI model with human performance. Reporting of studies was unstandardised and often lacking in detail. Most studies (n=14) were judged as having overall high risk of bias with concerns regarding applicability.

Conclusions

AI application in this field is diverse. Adherence to reporting guidelines is warranted. With finite healthcare resources, future endeavours may benefit from targeting areas where radiological expertise is in high demand to provide greater efficiency in clinical care. Translation to clinical practice and adoption of a multidisciplinary approach should be of high priority.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021237249.
Association between early life exposure to the great famine and possible sarcopenia in older Chinese adults: a national cross-sectional study
Authors: Wu Ting , Yan Xiaojin , Liu Yunfei , Ma Ning , Dang Jiajia , Zhong Panliang , Shi Di , Cai Shan , Cheng Hao , Song Yi , Lau Patrick W C
Published: March 2023

Objectives

We used data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) to investigate how an early life famine exposure affected possible sarcopenia (PS) and to explore the extent to which a sex difference exists in the association among older Chinese adults, as well as whether risk factors modify the association.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

28 provinces of China.

Participants

Considering that the Great Chinese Famine lasted from the spring of 1959 to the fall of 1961, 3557 participants were selected and categorised into four subgroups based on their date of birth: unexposed group (1 October 1962 to 30 September 1964), fetal exposed group (1 October 1959 to 30 September 1961), infant exposed group (1 January 1958 to 31 December 1958) and preschool exposed group (1 January 1956 to 31 December 1957).

Outcome measure

PS was defined as having low muscle strength or low physical performance.

Methods

We used multivariable logistic models to analyse the association between early life famine exposure and the risk of PS in elderly life.

Results

The prevalences of PS among individuals in the unexposed, fetal, infant and preschool exposed groups were 15.1%, 14.4%, 23.6% and 21.9%, respectively. Compared with the unexposed group, the infant (OR: 1.55; 95% CI 1.17 to 2.05) and preschool exposed (OR: 1.46; 95% CI 1.17 to 1.82) groups exhibited significantly higher risks of PS. In men, the infant (OR: 2.15; 95% CI 1.40 to 3.31) and preschool exposed (OR: 1.78; 95% CI 1.23 to 2.57) groups were more likely to have PS, but no significant increase was seen in women. In both sexes, prevalence of PS was unrelated to early life famine exposure in the urban, underweight and normal weight subgroups.

Conclusions

Early life exposure to the Great Chinese Famine was associated with a higher risk of PS in older adults. Keeping normal nutritional status in elderly life might help avoid the risk of PS, whatever the effect of early famine exposure.
Prevalence of spontaneous recanalisation of complete internal carotid occlusion: protocol for a systematic scoping review
Authors: Zhang Sarah Y , Dewar Brian , Fahed Robert , Shamy Michel , Shorr Risa , Dowlatshahi Dar
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Although previously thought to be a rare occurrence, spontaneous recanalisation is not uncommon, with a growing number of reports describing this phenomenon. However, the frequency, time course and mechanism of spontaneous recanalisation remain unknown. A better characterisation of these events is essential to ensuring adequate identification and proper future trial design for treatment.

Objective

To describe the current body of literature around spontaneous recanalisation following internal carotid occlusion.

Methods and analysis

With the assistance of an information specialist, we will search MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials and Web of Science for studies of adults with spontaneous recanalisation or transient occlusion of the internal carotid artery. Two reviewers will independently collect data on included studies pertaining to publication data, study population information, timepoints of initial presentation, recanalisation and subsequent follow-up.

Ethics and dissemination

Primary data will not be collected; therefore, formal ethics is not required. The findings of this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at academic conferences.
Linking population-based cohorts with cancer registries in LMIC: a case study and lessons learnt in India
Authors: Aggarwal Aastha , Rama Ranganathan , Dhillon Preet K , Deepa Mohan , Kondal Dimple , Kaushik Naveen , Bumb Dipika , Mehrotra Ravi , Kohler Betsy A , Mohan Viswanathan , Gillespie Theresa W , Patel Alpa V , Rajaraman Swaminathan , Prabhakaran Dorairaj , Ward Kevin C , Goodman Michael
Published: March 2023

Objectives

In resource-constrained settings, cancer epidemiology research typically relies on self-reported diagnoses. To test a more systematic alternative approach, we assessed the feasibility of linking a cohort with a cancer registry.

Setting

Data linkage was performed between a population-based cohort in Chennai, India, with a local population-based cancer registry.

Participants

Data set of Centre for Cardiometabolic Risk Reduction in South-Asia (CARRS) cohort participants (N=11 772) from Chennai was linked with the cancer registry data set for the period 1982–2015 (N=140 986).

Methods and outcome measures

Match*Pro, a probabilistic record linkage software, was used for computerised linkages followed by manual review of high scoring records. The variables used for linkage included participant name, gender, age, address, Postal Index Number and father’s and spouse’s name. Registry records between 2010 and 2015 and between 1982 and 2015, respectively, represented incident and all (both incident and prevalent) cases. The extent of agreement between self-reports and registry-based ascertainment was expressed as the proportion of cases found in both data sets among cases identified independently in each source.

Results

There were 52 self-reported cancer cases among 11 772 cohort participants, but 5 cases were misreported. Of the remaining 47 eligible self-reported cases (incident and prevalent), 37 (79%) were confirmed by registry linkage. Among 29 self-reported incident cancers, 25 (86%) were found in the registry. Registry linkage also identified 24 previously not reported cancers; 12 of those were incident cases. The likelihood of linkage was higher in more recent years (2014–2015).

Conclusions

Although linkage variables in this study had limited discriminatory power in the absence of a unique identifier, an appreciable proportion of self-reported cases were confirmed in the registry via linkages. More importantly, the linkages also identified many previously unreported cases. These findings offer new insights that can inform future cancer surveillance and research in low-income and middle-income countries.
Determinants of childhood vaccination among children aged 12–23 months in Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Sako Sewunet , Gilano Girma , Hailegebreal Samuel
Published: March 2023

Objective

Childhood vaccination is a cost-effective, essential service to reach a larger population globally. Due to unclear reasons, new emergence and resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases increase. Thus, the aim of this study is to identify prevalence and determinants of childhood vaccination in Ethiopia.

Design

Community-based cross-sectional study.

Setting

We used data from 2019 Ethiopia Mini Demographic and Health Survey. The survey included all the nine regional states and two city administrations of Ethiopia.

Participants

A weighted sample of 1008 children 12–23 months of age was included in the analysis.

Main outcome measures

A multilevel proportional odds model was fitted to identify determinants of childhood vaccination status. In the final model, variables with a p value of less than 5% and an adjusted OR (AOR) with a 95% CI were reported.

Result

The full childhood vaccination coverage of Ethiopia was 39.09% (95% CI: 36.06%–42.28%). Mothers who attended primary (AOR=2.16; 95% CI: 1.43–3.26), secondary (AOR=2.02; 95% CI: 1.07–3.79) and higher education (AOR=2.67; 95% CI: 1.25–5.71); being in union (AOR=2.21; 95% CI: 1.06–4.58); kept vaccination cards (AOR=26.18; 95% CI: 15.75–43.53); children receiving vitamin A1(AOR=4.14; 95% CI: 2.9–5.9); living in Afar (AOR=0.14; 95% CI: 0.04–0.45), Somali (AOR=0.19; 95% CI: 0.06–0.60), Gambela (AOR=0.22; 95% CI: 0.06–0.77), Harari (AOR=0.14; 95% CI: 0.04–0.52) and Dire Dawa (AOR=0.23; 95% CI: 0.06–0.79) regions; and rural residents (AOR=0.53; 95% CI: 0.30–0.93) were factors significantly associated with childhood vaccination.

Conclusion

The full childhood vaccination coverage in Ethiopia was low and remained unchanged since 2016. The study identified that both the individual-level and community-level factors affected the vaccination status. Accordingly, public health interventions targeted to these identified factors can increase childhood full vaccination status.