bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On fractional order multiple integral transforms technique to handle three dimensional heat equation
Authors: Khan Tahir , Ahmad Saeed , Zaman Gul , Alzabut Jehad , Ullah Rahman
Published: April 2022

In this article, we extend the notion of double Laplace transformation to triple and fourth order. We first develop theory for the extended Laplace transformations and then exploit it for analytical solution of fractional order partial differential equations (FOPDEs) in three dimensions. The fractional derivatives have been taken in the Caputo sense. As a particular example, we consider a fractional order three dimensional homogeneous heat equation and apply the extended notion for its analytical solution. We then perform numerical simulations to support and verify our analytical calculations. We use Fox-function theory to present the derived solution in compact form.
A priori error analysis of virtual element method for contact problem
Authors: Wang Fei , Reddy B. Daya
Published: April 2022

As an extension of the finite element method, the virtual element method (VEM) can handle very general polygonal meshes, making it very suitable for non-matching meshes. In (Wriggers et al. in Comput. Mech. 58:1039–1050, 2016), the lowest-order virtual element method was applied to solve the contact problem of two elastic bodies on non-matching meshes. The numerical experiments showed the robustness and accuracy of the virtual element scheme. In this paper, we establish a priori error estimate of the virtual element method for the contact problem and prove that the lowest-order VEM achieves linear convergence order, which is optimal.
Surveillance of Enterobacter cloacae complex colonization and comparative analysis of different typing methods on a neonatal intensive care unit in Germany
Authors: Wendel Andreas F. , Peter Daniel , Mattner Frauke , Weiss Michael , Hoppenz Marc , Wolf Sophia , Bader Baris , Peter Silke , Liese Jan
Published: April 2022

Background

Enterobacter cloacae complex is a group of common opportunistic pathogens on neonatal intensive care units. Active microbiological screening to guide empirical antimicrobial treatment or to detect transmission events is recommended in high-risk preterm neonates. A rise in colonization with E. cloacae complex was observed in a German perinatal centre. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of different typing techniques using whole genome sequencing (WGS) as a reference.

Methods

Enterobacter cloacae complex isolates from clinical and screening specimens with an epidemiological link to the neonatal intensive care units were further assessed. Identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed by a combination of VITEK2 (bioMérieux) and MALDI-TOF (Bruker Daltonics), followed by RAPD/rep-PCR and PFGE (XbaI). Retrospectively, all isolates were analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy (IR Biotyper, Bruker Daltonics). Whole genome sequencing with SNP-based clustering was used as the reference method. Furthermore, resistome analysis, sequence type and species identification were derived from the WGS data. Transmission analysis was based on epidemiological and typing data.

Results

Between September 2017 and March 2018 32 mostly preterm neonates were found to be colonized with E. cloacae complex and 32 isolates from 24 patients were available for further typing. RAPD/rep-PCR and PFGE showed good concordance with WGS whereas FTIR displayed mediocre results [adjusted rand index (ARI) = 0.436]. A polyclonal increase and two dominant and overlapping clonal clusters of two different E. hormaechei subspecies were detected. Overall, four different species were identified. Genotyping confirmed third-generation cephalosporin resistance development in isolates of the same patient. During the six-month period several infection prevention interventions were performed and no E. cloacae complex isolates were observed during the following months.

Conclusions

Interpretation of the microbiological results alone to detect transmission events is often challenging and bacterial typing is of utmost importance to implement targeted infection control measures in an epidemic occurrence of E. cloacae complex. WGS is the most discriminatory method. However, traditional methods such as PFGE or RAPD/rep-PCR can provide reliable and quicker results in many settings. Furthermore, research is needed to quickly identify E. cloacae complex to the species level in the microbiological laboratory.
18F-FDG-PET/CT can be used to predict distant metastasis in hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Suzuki Shinsuke , Toyoma Satoshi , Abe Tomoe , Endo Tentaro , Kouga Teppei , Kaswasaki Yohei , Yamada Takechiyo
Published: April 2022

Background

Hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPSCC) has a high rate of distant metastasis, resulting in poor prognosis. The role of the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), which was assessed via pretreatment 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET), and computed tomography (CT) was examined, for predicting distant metastasis and survival.

Methods

This study included 121 patients who underwent pretreatment FDG-PET/CT scanning and subsequent treatment for HPSCC. The SUVmax was measured via FDG-PET/CT. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine whether the SUVmax was a predictor of distant metastasis and to select the best cutoff value. Univariate and multivariate Cox hazard regression analyses were used in identifying associations between the SUVmax and other clinicopathological factors with distant metastasis-free survival.

Results

Distant metastases were identified in 33 patients during the median follow-up of 24 months after treatment. The ROC curve analysis determined that SUVmax was predictive of distant metastasis and identified a SUVmax of 13.9 as the best potential cutoff value. The univariate analysis showed that T and N classification, clinical stage, and SUVmax were significantly related to distant metastasis. However, in multivariate analysis, an SUVmax ≥ 13.9 was the only independent predictor of distant metastasis. Patients with high SUVmax values displayed significantly shorter distant metastasis-free survival and overall survival.

Conclusions

SUVmax determined via pretreatment FDG-PET/CT is useful for predicting distant metastasis, distant metastasis-free survival, and overall survival in patients with HPSCC.

Graphical Abstract
Redistribution of critical drugs in shortage during the first wave of COVID-19 in France: from operating theaters to intensive care units
Authors: Chapuis Claire , Collomp Rémy , Albaladejo Laura , Terrisse Hugo , Honoré Stéphane , Bosson Jean-Luc , Bedouch Pierrick , Albaladejo Pierre
Published: April 2022

Background

Tension in the supply of highly consumed drugs for patients with COVID-19 (propofol, midazolam, curares) led the French government to set up a centralized supply of hospitals with distribution based on the number of resuscitation beds in March 2020. The French Societies of Clinical Pharmacy and of Anesthesia and Critical Care aimed to evaluate the changes in total needs and the distribution between anesthesia and critical care activities (CCU), to prepare resumed surgical activity.

Methods

National declarative survey among pharmacists, via an online form (SurveyMonkey®), was conducted in April and May 2020. The analysis focused on quantities dispensed during the whole year 2019, and March and April of year 2019 and 2020 for the drugs subject to quota, and on their distribution in CCU and operating theaters.

Results

For the 358 establishments (47% public, 53% private), dispensations in CCU in March 2020 compared to March 2019 increased, respectively: propofol (+81%), midazolam (+125%), cisatracurium (+311%), atracurium (+138%), rocuronium (+119%); and decreased for anaesthesia: propofol (−27%), midazolam (-10%), cisatracurium (−19%), atracurium (−27%), rocuronium (+16%).

Conclusions

Variation of dispensations between CCU and others was directly related to the increase of COVID patients in CCU and the decrease in surgical activity. Each establishment could receive up to five or six different presentations and concentrations, leading to a major risk of medication error. This collaborative national survey provided accurate data on the drugs’ usual consumption. This work emphasized the need for a strong collaboration between pharmacists and anesthesiologists and intensive care physicians. It was further used by the Health Ministry to adjust the drug distribution.
Extending mixed embeddedness to a multi-dimensional concept of transnational entrepreneurship
Authors: Yamamura Sakura , Lassalle Paul
Published: April 2022

Migrant entrepreneurship in times of transnational migration go beyond locally serving markets and increasingly operate transnationally. The mixed embeddedness by Kloosterman and Rath has become the main concept to analyze such migrants’ entrepreneurship as it accounts for the multiple embeddedness of entrepreneurs in the variety of social and institutional contexts at multiple levels. This concept, however, does not yet accommodate the transnational dimensions of migrant entrepreneurship, which is still rather nascent in entrepreneurship research. Transnationalism is multi-dimensional in its nature as pointed out by migration researchers as Vertovec, and transnational migrants’ embeddedness appears to go beyond the notion of being simply dually embedded in two locations but rather should be conceived as being in one larger transnational field—though such aspects are not conceptually accounted in the mixed embeddedness approach. Taking this as a starting point, we propose to analyze the conditions that allow migrant entrepreneurs to engage in transnational activities. Our proposed framework bases on empirical research with 36 Polish entrepreneurs in the EU labor market, by drawing their opportunities from different levels and contexts of transnationalism. Following the research question on which levels and dimensions of embeddedness in the transnational field contribute to transnational entrepreneurship, we develop a novel refined framework of mixed embeddedness to analyze transnational entrepreneurship. It clarifies the entrepreneurial context by analytically and systematically subdividing components across dimensions (political, social and economic), and rearranging institutional elements and structures in each dimension according to respective levels (macro, meso, and micro). Emphasizing the role of conditions at the meso-level, the novel analytical framework better incorporates the multi-dimensionality and multi-levelling of transnational entrepreneurial activities of migrants. This model can be used as a tool for future comparative analyses of migrant entrepreneurship in different transnational contexts, it also contributes to the concretization of the transnational nature of transnational migrant entrepreneurship.
A novel simple traumatic brain injury mouse model
Authors: Chen Chen , Hou Jiawei , Lu Junfeng , Zhu Zeyu , Yang Yang , Peng Weijia , Pi Rongbiao
Published: April 2022

Background

Traumatic brain injury, one of the leading causes of death in adults under 40 years of age in the world, is frequently caused by mechanical shock, resulting in diffuse neuronal damage and long-term cognitive dysfunction. Many existing TBI animal models revival with expensive equipment or special room are needed or the processes of operations are complex and not easy to be widely used. Therefore, a simpler TBI model needs to be designed.

Methods

Our TBI model is an innovation of the modeling method through air guns shutting rubber bullets. A core facet is the application of our designed rubber bullet impact device. It could focus the hitting power to the fixed site of the brain, thus triggering a mild closed head injury. Moreover, the degree of damage can be adjusted by the times of shots.

Results

Our model induced blood-brain barrier leakage and diffused neuronal damage. Besides, it led to an increased level of Tau phosphorylation and resulted in cognitive dysfunction within several weeks post-injury.

Conclusion

Our TBI model is not only simple and time-saving but also can simulate mild brain injuries in clinical. It is suitable for exploring pathobiological mechanisms as well as a screening of potential therapies for TBI.
Advances in targeting central sensitization and brain plasticity in chronic pain
Authors: Bazzari Amjad H. , Bazzari Firas H.
Published: April 2022

Maladaptation in sensory neural plasticity of nociceptive pathways is associated with various types of chronic pain through central sensitization and remodeling of brain connectivity. Within this context, extensive research has been conducted to evaluate the mechanisms and efficacy of certain non-pharmacological pain treatment modalities. These include neurostimulation, virtual reality, cognitive therapy and rehabilitation. Here, we summarize the involved mechanisms and review novel findings in relation to nociceptive desensitization and modulation of plasticity for the management of intractable chronic pain and prevention of acute-to-chronic pain transition.
Safety and efficacy of posterior vertebral column resection in complex pediatric deformities
Authors: Sorour Islam , Elhabashy Abdelrahman Magdy , Fayed Ahmed Abdelaziz
Published: April 2022

Background

Vertebral column resection (VCR) is a well-known technique used for correction of complex spinal deformities. VCR could be done through a posterior only approach (Pvcr), or a combined anteroposterior approach, with almost comparable results. Early studies of Pvcr have reported high rates of complications, while subsequent studies have reported a reasonable complication rate. In this study, the authors represent and evaluate the initial results of using the Pvcr technique to correct complex pediatric deformities.

Objective

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of performing Pvcr to correct complex pediatric deformities.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of data was collected from the database of pediatric deformity patients who were operated for correction of their deformities using posterior instrumentation and Pvcr at a single institution from 2015 to 2019.

Results

Twenty-one pediatric patients with a mean age 15.2 ± 3.5 years were enrolled in this study. The mean follow-up period was 26.3 ± 3.1 months. The mean Cobb angle has been decreased significantly from 82.9 ± 23.9 degrees to 28.8 ± 14.2 immediately after correction (correction rate 66.9 ± 10.8%, p < 0.001) with slight increase to 30.2 ± 14.9 after 24 months of follow-up (correction loss 4.3 ± 3.1%). The mean kyphotic angle has decreased significantly from 74.1 ± 15.9 to 25.4 ± 4.5 immediately after correction (correction rate 65.4 ± 2.9%, p < 0.001) with slight increase to 26.7 ± 5.2 after 24 months of follow-up (correction loss 4.8 ± 3.5%). The mean estimated blood loss was 2816.7 ± 1441.5 ml. The mean operative time was 339 ± 84.3 min. Self-image domain (part of SRS-22 questionnaire) has significantly improved from a mean preoperative of 2.3 ± 0.5 to a mean postoperative of 3.9 ± 0.4 after 24 months of correction (p < 0.001). As regards complications, chest tubes were inserted in 17 cases (81%), one case (4.8%) had suffered from deep wound infection and temporary respiratory failure, while 3 cases (14.3%) had neurological deficits.

Conclusion

Posterior vertebral column resection is considered a highly effective release procedure that aids in the correction of almost any type of complex pediatric deformities with a correction rate reaching 66.9 ± 10.8%. However, Pvcr is a challenging procedure with high estimated blood loss and risk of neurological deficits, so it must be done only by experienced spine surgeons in the presence of good anesthesia and neuromonitoring teams.
Fourier transform infrared spectral features of plant biomass components during cotton organ development and their biological implications
Authors: HE Zhongqi , LIU Yongliang , KIM Hee Jin , TEWOLDE Haile , ZHANG Hailin
Published: April 2022

Background

The majority of attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR FT-IR) investigations of cotton are focused on the fiber tissue for biological mechanisms and understanding of fiber development and maturity, but rarely on other cotton biomass components. This work examined in detail the ATR FT-IR spectral features of various cotton tissues/organs at reproductive and maturation stages, analyzed and discussed their biological implications.

Results

The ATR FT-IR spectra of these tissues/organs were analyzed and compared with the focus on the lower wavenumber fingerprinting range. Six outstanding FT-IR bands at 1 730, 1 620, 1 525, 1 235, 1 050 and 895 cm−1represented the major C=O stretching, protein Amide I, Amide II, the O–H/N–H deformation, the total C–O–C stretching and the β-glycosidic linkage in celluloses, respectively, and impacted differently between these organs with the two growth stages. Furthermore, the band intensity at 1 620, 1 525, 1 235, and 1 050 cm−1were exclusively and significantly correlated to the levels of protein (Amide I bond), protein (Amide II bond), cellulose, and hemicellulose, respectively, whereas the band at 1 730 cm−1was negatively correlated with ash content.

Conclusions

The resulting observations indicated the capability of ATR FT-IR spectroscopy for monitoring changes, transportation, and accumulation of the major chemical components in these tissues over the cotton growth period. In other words, this spectral technology could be an effective tool for physiological, biochemical, and morphological research related to cotton biology and development.
Sudden cardiac death in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: an updated review
Authors: Wu Shang-Ju , Hsieh Yu-Cheng
Published: April 2022

Despite the advances in medical and device therapies for heart failure (HF), sudden cardiac death (SCD) remains a tremendous global burden in patients with HF. Among the risk factors for SCD, HF has the greatest impact. Previous studies focusing on patients with systolic dysfunction have found several predictive factors associated with SCD, leading to the subsequent development of strategies of primary prevention, like placement of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) in high-risk patients. Although patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) were less prone to SCD compared to patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), patients with HFpEF did account for a significant proportion of all HF patients who encountered SCD. The cutoff value of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) to define the subset of HF did not reach consensus until 2016 when the European Society of Cardiology proposed a new classification system by LVEF. There is a great unmet need in the field of SCD in HFpEF regarding risk stratification and appropriate device therapy with ICD implantation. In this article, we will approach SCD in HFpEF from HFrEF subsets. We also aim at clarifying the mechanisms, risk factors, and prevention of SCD in HFpEF.
Microwave pyrolysis of sludge: a review
Authors: Li Shaobai , Li Caixia , Shao Zhiguo
Published: April 2022

As an environmentally friendly energy recovery technology, microwave pyrolysis has huge development potential in sludge resource treatment. This paper comprehensively reviews the progress of microwave pyrolysis of sludge, focusing on the mechanisms and development status of microwave pyrolysis equipment. The effects of pyrolysis temperature, heating rate, microwave absorbers, sludge properties and catalysts on microwave pyrolysis efficiency and its products are also discussed. Finally, the differentiation compared with conventional pyrolysis is summarized. It is suggested that target products can be controlled directionally by changing the pyrolysis conditions and exploring the harmful products produced in the microwave pyrolysis process. Future research directions are proposed to help the subsequent extensive application of microwave pyrolysis technology in sludge treatment.
The challenges of the management of the incisional hernia in children and infants: a retrospective experience of a tertiary hospital
Authors: Khirallah Mohammad Gharieb , Elkhadrawy Osama Helmy , Eldessouki Nagi Ebrahim , Elgendy Ahmed
Published: April 2022

Background

Incisional hernia in children and infants represents a major complication following exploration. The condition is associated with prolonged hospital stay, readmission, and the need for another operation to treat the resulting incisional hernia. The incidence is variable worldwide. The leading causes are still indeterminate as well as the management strategy. We aimed at studying incisional hernia in children and infants at a tertiary level hospital as regards presenting symptoms, methods of management, and its impact on the quality of life of patients.

Results

A retrospective study included all infants and children presented with incisional hernia. Patients were categorized in to two groups according to the age of presentation, group A patients younger than 2 years of age and group B patients older than 2 years. All data related to the first operation in addition to data related to repair of the incisional hernia were collected in special charts. The study included 67 patients. the median age in group A was 6.5 months vs 10.5 years in group B. Urgent presentation was found in 35.4% of cases in group A vs 19.44% of cases in group B. Tissue repair was used as the definitive management in 64.5% of cases in group A and in 52.7% of cases in group B.

Conclusion

Incisional hernia in infants and children is a major complication. The management is associated with prolonged hospital stay, financial burden, and deep impact on the quality of life. It is to some extent difficult to predict its onset.
Use of acetylsalicylic acid and agronomic performance of potatoes in Lima region
Authors: Contreras-Liza Sergio , Vargas-Luna Luis
Published: April 2022

Background

Salicylic acid participates in the regulation of the plant's response to a series of environmental stresses such as extreme temperatures, salinity, and oxidative condition of potato growth, so it is necessary to determine a safe application dosage for potato in field conditions.

Methods

The purpose of the research was to evaluate the effect of increasing doses of acetylsalicylic acid on the agronomic traits of two potato cultivars in Lima, Peru. In a field experiment, an RCBD with 3 replications was used under a split-plot arrangement in which five doses (0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 mM) of acetylsalicylic acid plus control with Biol (biostimulant) were assigned to plots, and two potato cultivars ('Perricholi' and 'Unica') were assigned to subplots. The average temperatures were between 15 and 21º C, the air relative humidity was between 61 and 73% and the soil was loam textural class, free of salts.

Results

No statistical differences were found for the number and weight of tubers and biomass due to the effect of the application of the treatments. The effects of doses of acetylsalicylic acid showed statistical differences for sprouting, vegetative vigor, and percentage of flowering; likewise, significant interactions (p < 0.05) were shown between potato cultivars and dose of acetylsalicylic acid for the number of stems per plant and percentage of flowering, which indicated a specific effect for the dose of acetylsalicylic acid in each potato cultivar. Statistical differences (p < 0.05) were found between the two potato cultivars for most of the characters studied.

Conclusion

No dose of the product significantly affected the potato yield in two potato cultivars however, the effect of the dosage of acetylsalicylic acid improved the performance of the crop in terms of sprouting in the field, vegetative vigor, a greater number of stems per plant as well as stimulation of flowering, with respect to control.
President's Page: Resources and geophysical opportunities in South America
Authors: Curcio Ana
Published: April 2022

The southern region of the American continent, or South America, is home to significant oil and gas, mineral, and renewable energy resources (Figure 1). Additionally, most South American countries provide a modern legal framework and incentives for investment in clean energy.
Diffraction imaging: A valuable complement to reflection imaging for sand injectite interpretation in the Norwegian North Sea
Authors: Pedersen Ørjan , Marcy Fanny
Published: April 2022

Interpretation of sand injectite reservoirs from conventional reflection seismic data is a complicated exercise. The complex geometries of injectites are challenging to detect and resolve by using conventional seismic processing due to their lateral and vertical variability in thickness and dip. Steeply dipping injection dikes tend to appear blurred or distorted on reflection images, and interpretation of their positioning and thickness carries an important level of uncertainty. Structural attributes derived from reflection images are used to support interpretation, but they suffer from a lack of spatial resolution and vertical continuity. We introduce a novel interpretation workflow that includes a diffraction image in addition to the conventional reflection image to improve the detectability and resolution of steep injection dikes and small-scale features. The diffraction image is generated in a migrated dip-angle domain where diffracted and reflected energy can be separated. A case study from a large injection complex in the Norwegian North Sea illustrates the superiority of the diffraction image over conventional structural attributes to support the interpretation and characterization of thin and steeply dipping injectites. The complementarity of the reflection and diffraction images is exploited by visualization techniques (e.g., corendering) or by combining interpretations from separate images, providing a complete picture of the injection complex geometries. Diffraction imaging proved to be a valuable tool to improve the level of detail and confidence in the interpreted injectites, both for modeling and well-planning purposes.
Seismic Soundoff: Breaking down the life cycle of a well
Authors: Geary Andrew
Published: April 2022

In this episode, Sue Carr and Patrick Meroney discuss the importance of a shared definition of a well, the most important well component for geophysicists, the five life cycles of a well, and why well logs are key to successful drilling. Hear the full episode at https://seg.org/podcast/post/13689 .
Suicidal vulnerability in older adults and the elderly: study based on risk variables
Authors: Sánchez-Teruel David , Robles-Bello María Auxiliadora , Sarhani-Robles Aziz
Published: April 2022

Background

Predicting suicidal vulnerability based on previous risk factors remains a challenge for mental health professionals, especially in specific subpopulations.

Aims

This study aimed to use structural equation modelling to assess which sociodemographic and clinical variables are most predictive and modulating of repeated self-injury or reattempts at suicide in older adults and the elderly with previous attempts.

Method

We obtained digital data for 619 people (N= 342; 55.3% women), aged 50–96 years (mean 71.2 years, s.d. 3.65), who presented to the emergency department with a repeated self-injury or suicide attempt. Data were collected from several public and private hospitals in southern Spain.

Results

There were different sociodemographic and clinical profiles between people who repeat self-injury and those who reattempt suicide. In addition, we show that outcome variables may directly or indirectly modulate these behaviours.

Conclusions

The study findings provide only a limited insight into suicidal vulnerability in older people, and there is an urgent need for specific care protocols for the prevention of repeated self-injury or reattempts at suicide that are adapted to the psychosocial characteristics of this age group. There is also a need to improve social and health alert actions for older adults and the elderly who present with suicide risk profiles, and the presence of mental health professionals in hospital emergency departments should be improved.
Cost-Savings Analysis of an Individualized Exercise Oncology Program in Early-Stage Breast Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Clinical Control Trial
Authors: Wonders Karen Y. , Schmitz Kathryn , Wise Robert , Hale Ronald
Published: April 2022

PURPOSE:

In an attempt to promote the integration of exercise oncology as a standard part of clinical practice, economic evaluations are warranted. Thus, the purpose of this study was to prospectively analyze cost savings of an individualized exercise oncology program when patients were randomly assigned.

METHODS:

For this open-label, randomized, prospective, comparative clinical trial, patients with early-stage breast cancer (stage I-II) were randomly assigned into two groups: the control group (CG, n = 120) and the exercise training group (EX, n = 123). Patients in the exercise intervention group completed 12 weeks of prescribed, individualized exercise that aligned with ACSM exercise guidelines for cancer survivors. The CG received the current standard of care, which includes a resource guide with various options available to the cancer survivor.

RESULTS:

In the EX group, all physical fitness measures significantly improved compared with baseline ( P < .001), while remaining unchanged for the CG ( P > .05). Patients in the CG had the highest total mean health care utilization across all measures (CG: $8,598 US dollars, compared with EX: $6,356 US dollars) for emergency visits, outpatient visits, and office-base visits that were not a part of their treatment plan. At baseline, the mean Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) scores did not significantly differ ( P > .05); however, at follow-up, a larger proportion of the EX group had ECOG scores of 0 or 1, compared with the CG ( P < .05). Finally, patient-reported outcomes were significantly higher in the exercise group, compared with the CG at the 12-week follow-up ( P < .001).

CONCLUSION:

A supervised, individualized 12-week exercise intervention led to significant improvements in fitness parameters and ECOG scores, as well as a decrease in unplanned health care utilization among early-stage breast cancer survivors.
Serum Uric Acid Levels and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A 2-Sample Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Li Shiwei , Fu Yuhong , Liu Yue , Zhang Xinxin , Li Haijun , Tian Lei , Zhuo Lin , Liu Ming , Cui Jingqiu
Published: April 2022

Background

Observational studies have shown that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is highly correlated with serum uric acid (SUA). However, these studies have an inherent risk of bias due to reverse causality. Here, we perform a Mendelian randomization (MR) study to investigate causality between SUA and NAFLD.

Methods

We performed a 2-sample bidirectional MR analysis using summary-level data from genome-wide association studies of SUA (with up to 110 347 individuals) and NAFLD (1483 cases and 17781 controls) in European populations. First, 13 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with SUA were selected as instruments to estimate the causal effect of elevated SUA levels on the risk of NAFLD using the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method. Then we performed MR with 3 SNPs as genetic instruments for NAFLD. To test the reliability, further sensitivity analyses were also conducted.

Results

Our MR analyses demonstrated that NAFLD was associated with SUA levels (β = 0.032, P = 0.003). Similar results were obtained using other MR methods and in sensitivity analyses. Genetic predisposition to elevated SUA levels was not associated with NAFLD (IVW MR, odds ratio = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.90-1.15, P = 0.775). Similar results were obtained using other 4 pleiotropy robust MR methods and in sensitivity analyses, excluding 9 SNPs associated with potential confounders.

Conclusions

Our study supports the causal increased SUA levels by NAFLD, while our study does not confirm a causal association for SUA levels on risk of NAFLD. Further study is needed to interpret the potential mechanisms.
Genetic Risk Score for Plasma Uric Acid Levels Is Associated With Early Rapid Kidney Function Decline in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Gurung Resham Lal , Yiamunaa M , Liu Jian-Jun , Dorajoo Rajkumar , Wang Jiexun , Wang Ling , Liu Sylvia , Chan Clara , Ang Keven , Shao Yi-Ming , Subramaniam Tavintharan , Tang Wern E , Fang Sum Chee , Liu Jian-Jun , Lim Su Chi
Published: April 2022

Context

Observational studies have shown that elevated uric acid (UA) is associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, whether the relationship is causal remains unclear.

Objective

To determine the association of plasma UA and incident CKD and the causal relationship between plasma UA and rapid decline in kidney function (RDKF) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

Multivariable Cox regression was conducted to evaluate the hazard ratio (HR) between plasma UA and incident CKD among 1300 normoalbuminuric patients in 2 T2D study cohorts (DN, n = 402; SMART2D, n = 898). A weighted genetic risk score (wGRS) was calculated based on 10 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) identified in genome-wide association studies of UA in East Asians. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed among 1146 Chinese T2D patients without CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] > 60 mL/min/1.73m2) at baseline (DN, 478; SMART2D, 668). The wGRS and individual SNPs were used as genetic instruments and RDKF was defined as eGFR decline of 5 mL/min/1.73m2/year or greater.

Results

During mean follow-up of 5.2 and 5.4 years, 81 (9%) and 46 (11%) participants in SMART2D and DN developed CKD, respectively. A 1-SD increment in plasma UA conferred higher risk of incident CKD (DN, adjusted-HR = 1.40 [95% CI, 1.02-1.91], P = 0.036; SMART2D, adjusted-HR = 1.31 [95% CI, 1.04-1.64], P = 0.018). Higher wGRS was associated with increased odds for RDKF (meta-adjusted odds ratio = 1.12 [95% CI, 1.01-1.24], P = 0.030, Phet = 0.606).

Conclusion

Elevated plasma UA is an independent risk factor for incident CKD. Furthermore, plasma UA potentially has a causal role in early eGFR loss in T2D patients.
Kidney Stone Events Following Parathyroidectomy vs Nonoperative Management for Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Seib Carolyn D , Ganesan Calyani , Arnow Katherine D , Pao Alan C , Leppert John T , Barreto Nicolas B , Kebebew Electron , Kurella Tamura Manjula
Published: April 2022

Context

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is associated with an increased risk of kidney stones. Few studies account for PHPT severity or stone risk when comparing stone events after parathyroidectomy vs nonoperative management.

Objective

Compare the incidence of kidney stone events in PHPT patients treated with parathyroidectomy vs nonoperative management.

Design

Longitudinal cohort study with propensity score inverse probability weighting and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression.

Setting

Veterans Health Administration integrated health care system.

Patients

A total of 44 978 patients with > 2 years follow-up after PHPT diagnosis (2000-2018); 5244 patients (11.7%) were treated with parathyroidectomy.

Main outcomes measure

Clinically significant kidney stone event.

Results

The cohort had a mean age of 66.0 years, was 87.8% male, and 66.4% White. Patients treated with parathyroidectomy had higher mean serum calcium (11.2 vs 10.8mg/dL) and were more likely to have a history of kidney stone events. Among patients with baseline history of kidney stones, the unadjusted incidence of ≥ 1 kidney stone event was 30.5% in patients managed with parathyroidectomy (mean follow-up, 5.6 years) compared with 18.0% in those managed nonoperatively (mean follow-up, 5.0 years). Patients treated with parathyroidectomy had a higher adjusted hazard of recurrent kidney stone events (hazard ratio [HR], 1.98; 95% CI, 1.56-2.51); however, this association declined over time (parathyroidectomy × time: HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.73-0.87).

Conclusion

In this predominantly male cohort with PHPT, patients treated with parathyroidectomy continued to be at higher risk of kidney stone events in the immediate years after treatment than patients managed nonoperatively, although the adjusted risk of stone events declined with time, suggesting a benefit to surgical treatment.
“Inner Plantation”: Caribbean Studies, Black Studies, and a Black Theory of Freedom
Authors: Walcott Rinaldo
Published: April 2022

This essay suggests that Caribbean studies and Black studies might be constituted as twins, arguing that Blackness and Black people are the foundational instituted terms of both studies. This argument is based in the author’s reading of the anglophone Caribbean and draws on Kamau Brathwaite’s insights of how a psycho-poetics of thought shapes Caribbeanness.
Centrosome maturation requires phosphorylation-mediated sequential domain interactions of SPD-5
Authors: Nakajo Momoe , Kano Hikaru , Tsuyama Kenji , Haruta Nami , Sugimoto Asako
Published: April 2022

Centrosomes consist of two centrioles and the surrounding pericentriolar material (PCM). The PCM expands during mitosis in a process called centrosome maturation, in which PCM scaffold proteins play pivotal roles to recruit other centrosomal proteins. In Caenorhabditis elegans, the scaffold protein SPD-5 forms a PCM scaffold in a polo-like kinase 1 (PLK-1) phosphorylation-dependent manner. However, how phosphorylation of SPD-5 promotes PCM scaffold assembly is unclear. Here, we identified three functional domains of SPD-5 through in vivo domain analyses, and propose that sequential domain interactions of SPD-5 are required for mitotic PCM scaffold assembly. Firstly, SPD-5 is targeted to centrioles through a direct interaction between its centriole localization (CL) domain and the centriolar protein PCMD-1. Then, intramolecular and intermolecular interactions between the SPD-5 phospho-regulated multimerization (PReM) domain and the PReM association (PA) domain are enhanced by phosphorylation by PLK-1, which leads to PCM scaffold expansion. Our findings suggest that the sequential domain interactions of scaffold proteins mediated by PLK-1 phosphorylation is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism of PCM scaffold assembly.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Body Mass Index-Adjusted Weight Loss Grading System and Cancer-Related Fatigue in Survivors 1 Year After Esophageal Cancer Surgery
Authors: Cheng Zhao , Anandavadivelan Poorna , Nilsson Magnus , Johar Asif , Lagergren Pernilla
Published: April 2022

Background

The association between pre- and postoperative weight loss and cancer-related fatigue after esophageal cancer surgery is unclear. This nationwide, prospective, longitudinal cohort study aimed to assess the influence of weight loss on cancer-related fatigue among esophageal cancer survivors.

Methods

Patients who underwent esophagectomy for cancer between 2013 and 2019 in Sweden were enrolled in this study. Exposure was measured by the body mass index-adjusted weight loss grading system (WLGS). Cancer-related fatigue was assessed using the fatigue scale of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and the EORTC QLQ-Fatigue 12 (QLQ-FA12) questionnaire measuring overall fatigue and physical, emotional, and cognitive fatigue. Growth mixture models were used to identify unobserved trajectories of cancer-related fatigue. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were fitted to assess the associations between WLGS and cancer-related fatigue, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

Three trajectories were identified—low, moderate, and severe persistent fatigue. Cancer-related fatigue remained stable in each trajectory between 1 and 3 years after esophagectomy. Among the 356 enrolled patients, 4.5–22.6% were categorized into the severe persistent fatigue trajectory in terms of QLQ-C30 (19.9%), FA12 overall (10.5%), physical (22.6%), emotional (15.9%), and cognitive fatigue (4.5%). No association between pre- or postoperative WLGS and cancer-related fatigue was found between 1 and 3 years after esophageal cancer surgery.

Conclusions

Weight loss did not seem to influence cancer-related fatigue after esophageal cancer surgery.
Income Differences, Productivity, and Input-Output Networks
Authors: Fadinger Harald , Ghiglino Christian , Teteryatnikova Mariya
Published: April 2022

We study the importance of input-output (IO) linkages and sectoral productivity (TFP) in determining cross-country income differences. We find that while highly connected sectors are more productive than the typical sector in poor countries, the opposite is true in rich ones. To assess the quantitative role of linkages and sectoral TFP differences in cross-country income differences, we decompose cross-country income variation using a multisector general equilibrium model. We find that IO linkages substantially amplify fundamental sectoral TFP variation, but this amplification is significantly weaker than the one suggested by a simple IO model with an aggregate intermediate good. (JEL D57, E16, E23, O11, O47)
Skewed Idiosyncratic Income Risk over the Business Cycle: Sources and Insurance
Authors: Busch Christopher , Domeij David , Guvenen Fatih , Madera Rocio
Published: April 2022

We provide new evidence on business cycle fluctuations in skewed labor income risk in the United States, Germany, Sweden, and France. We document four results. First, in all countries, the skewness of individual income growth is strongly procyclical, whereas its variance is flat and acyclical. Second, this result also holds for continuously employed, full-time workers, indicating that the hours margin is not the main driver; additional analyses of hours and wages confirm that both margins are important. Third, within-household smoothing does not seem effective at mitigating skewness fluctuations. Fourth, tax-and-transfer policies blunt some of the largest declines in incomes, reducing procyclical fluctuations in skewness. (JEL E23, E24, E32, H24, I38, J22, J31)
What energy infrastructure will be needed by 2050 in the EU to support 1.5°C scenarios?
Authors: Arduin Igor , Andrey Christopher , Bossmann Tobias
Published: April 2022

Background: The European Commission has settled ambitious objectives in order to reach climate neutrality by 2050. This will imply the shift from fossil fuel to low carbon energy supply and an adaptation of the energy system according to it. Electrification and production of green hydrogen are seen as structural pillars. The objective of the study is to quantify energy infrastructure needs required in various climate neutral scenarios at the 2050 time horizon.

Methods: The work was based on Artelys Crystal Super Grid, a tool developed at Artelys for modelling and simulating energy markets on a continental or national scale. In this study, we apply a multi-energy (i.e., power, hydrogen, methane) capacity expansion and dispatch optimisation methodology, featuring hourly and national granularity, covering the European Union plus major neighbouring countries. Several investments options are considered: storage assets, electrolysers, cross-border electricity, hydrogen and CH4 interconnections (including repurposing of CH4 infrastructures), and gas-to-power capacities.

Results: Important needs for cross-border electricity infrastructure appear in all the considered scenarios. Cross-border hydrogen infrastructure needs strongly depend on the geographic allocation of renewable energy sources across Europe. Security of supply in Europe can be maintained without investing in additional cross-border methane pipelines. Existing methane pipelines will be repurposed or characterized by low utilisation rates at the 2050 horizon.

Conclusions: The multi-energy optimization approach developed is well suited to assess electricity, methane and hydrogen infrastructure projects and their interdependencies considering various scenarios. While electricity and methane infrastructure needs are quite robust across several sensitivities on a climate neutral scenario, hydrogen infrastructure needs are more uncertain and depend on various factors such as the level of hydrogen demand, its competition with biomethane and the level of colocation between RES generation and hydrogen demand.
Stacked deep analytic model for human activity recognition on a UCI HAR database
Authors: Pang Ying Han , Ping Liew Yee , Ling Goh Fan , Yin Ooi Shih , How Khoh Wee
Published: April 2022

Background

Owing to low cost and ubiquity, human activity recognition using smartphones is emerging as a trendy mobile application in diverse appliances such as assisted living, healthcare monitoring, etc. Analysing this one-dimensional time-series signal is rather challenging due to its spatial and temporal variances. Numerous deep neural networks (DNNs) are conducted to unveil deep features of complex real-world data. However, the drawback of DNNs is the un-interpretation of the network's internal logic to achieve the output. Furthermore, a huge training sample size (i.e. millions of samples) is required to ensure great performance.

Methods

In this work, a simpler yet effective stacked deep network, known as Stacked Discriminant Feature Learning (SDFL), is proposed to analyse inertial motion data for activity recognition. Contrary to DNNs, this deep model extracts rich features without the prerequisite of a gigantic training sample set and tenuous hyper-parameter tuning. SDFL is a stacking deep network with multiple learning modules, appearing in a serialized layout for multi-level feature learning from shallow to deeper features. In each learning module, Rayleigh coefficient optimized learning is accomplished to extort discriminant features. A subject-independent protocol is implemented where the system model (trained by data from a group of users) is used to recognize data from another group of users.

Results

Empirical results demonstrate that SDFL surpasses state-of-the-art methods, including DNNs like Convolutional Neural Network, Deep Belief Network, etc., with ~97% accuracy from the UCI HAR database with thousands of training samples. Additionally, the model training time of SDFL is merely a few minutes, compared with DNNs, which require hours for model training.

Conclusions

The supremacy of SDFL is corroborated in analysing motion data for human activity recognition requiring no GPU but only a CPU with a fast- learning rate.