bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Udviklingszoner i dansk scenekunst
Authors: Christensen Anette Asp
Published: November 2022

Hvis scenekunsten skal forny sig, så er der behov for at få lovfæstede rammer for de decentrale, frie scenekunstnetværk. Det kræver politisk nytænkning og inversteringer i entreprenørerne indenfor dansk scenekunst.
Baldwin Boxed in at Virginia State Symposium
Authors: Boyd Herb
Published: November 2022

This review of the James Baldwin symposium at Virginia State University weighs
the insights presented by a number of Black and white scholars, only a few of
whom might be considered deeply informed about his life and legacy. Even so, the
emerging thinkers provide a wealth of new and interesting perspectives on
Baldwin, and the event was highlighted by Molefi Kete Asante’s critical
lecture. His comments are a veritable call to arms, an invitation to Baldwin
devotees to contend with his conclusions, a process which this article will
begin.
Mechanisms governing target search and binding dynamics of hypoxia-inducible factors
Authors: Chen Yu , Cattoglio Claudia , Dailey Gina M , Zhu Qiulin , Tjian Robert , Darzacq Xavier
Published: November 2022

Transcription factors (TFs) are classically attributed a modular construction, containing well-structured sequence-specific DNA-binding domains (DBDs) paired with disordered activation domains (ADs) responsible for protein-protein interactions targeting co-factors or the core transcription initiation machinery. However, this simple division of labor model struggles to explain why TFs with identical DNA-binding sequence specificity determined in vitro exhibit distinct binding profiles in vivo. The family of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) offer a stark example: aberrantly expressed in several cancer types, HIF-1α and HIF-2α subunit isoforms recognize the same DNA motif in vitro – the hypoxia response element (HRE) – but only share a subset of their target genes in vivo, while eliciting contrasting effects on cancer development and progression under certain circumstances. To probe the mechanisms mediating isoform-specific gene regulation, we used live-cell single particle tracking (SPT) to investigate HIF nuclear dynamics and how they change upon genetic perturbation or drug treatment. We found that HIF-α subunits and their dimerization partner HIF-1β exhibit distinct diffusion and binding characteristics that are exquisitely sensitive to concentration and subunit stoichiometry. Using domain-swap variants, mutations, and a HIF-2α specific inhibitor, we found that although the DBD and dimerization domains are important, another main determinant of chromatin binding and diffusion behavior is the AD-containing intrinsically disordered region (IDR). Using Cut&Run and RNA-seq as orthogonal genomic approaches, we also confirmed IDR-dependent binding and activation of a specific subset of HIF target genes. These findings reveal a previously unappreciated role of IDRs in regulating the TF search and binding process that contribute to functional target site selectivity on chromatin.
Visual experience has opposing influences on the quality of stimulus representation in adult primary visual cortex
Authors: Jeon Brian B , Fuchs Thomas , Chase Steven M , Kuhlman Sandra J
Published: November 2022

Transient dark exposure, typically 7–10 days in duration, followed by light reintroduction is an emerging treatment for improving the restoration of vision in amblyopic subjects whose occlusion is removed in adulthood. Dark exposure initiates homeostatic mechanisms that together with light-induced changes in cellular signaling pathways result in the re-engagement of juvenile-like plasticity in the adult such that previously deprived inputs can gain cortical territory. It is possible that dark exposure itself degrades visual responses, and this could place constraints on the optimal duration of dark exposure treatment. To determine whether eight days of dark exposure has a lasting negative impact on responses to classic grating stimuli, neural activity was recorded before and after dark exposure in awake head-fixed mice using two-photon calcium imaging. Neural discriminability, assessed using classifiers, was transiently reduced following dark exposure; a decrease in response reliability across a broad range of spatial frequencies likely contributed to the disruption. Both discriminability and reliability recovered. Fixed classifiers were used to demonstrate that stimulus representation rebounded to the original, pre-deprivation state, thus dark exposure did not appear to have a lasting negative impact on visual processing. Unexpectedly, we found that dark exposure significantly stabilized orientation preference and signal correlation. Our results reveal that natural vision exerts a disrupting influence on the stability of stimulus preference for classic grating stimuli and, at the same time, improves neural discriminability for both low and high-spatial frequency stimuli.
Exploring richness in design spaces as a multi-level defined construct
Authors: Kersten Wouter , Diehl Jan Carel , Van Engelen Jo M.L.
Published: November 2022

It seems relevant that designers who are dealing with complex societal issues need to be able to assess whether the complexity of the design task has been captured sufficiently. We put forward that assessing the “richness” of intermediate results of a design process can be used for this. We explore the introduction of richness as a multi-level defined construct to create a shared language for this assessment. We created a three-part definition and tested its workability and value for designers. The results demonstrate the workability of considering richness as a multi-level defined construct, and value of using it to assess the richness of an intermediate result of a design process, to inform the decision whether to continue the design process. This exploration can be built upon in various ways.
Hydrogen production by photocatalysis using new composites based on SiO2 coated by TiO2
Authors: Machado Antonio Eduardo da H. , Alves Machado Werick
Published: November 2022

In this study new TiO2 photocatalysts core@shell type were synthesized using SiO2 as structural support. The coating was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. Adsorption isotherms revealed that the surface area of such composites is about 26% higher than pure oxide (W50). X-ray diffractograms combined with Raman spectroscopy revealed that the synthesized TiO2 presents a structure based on the coexistence of anatase and brookite. The composite W50S50 presented the best photocatalytic performance of H2 production, with 13.5 mmol in 5 h, corresponding to a specific rate of 32.5 mmol h−1g−1. In the reuse assays, this composite presented a good stability in the production of H2. However, its performance presented a reduction of 23% over the reuse cycles. Considering the H2 production in a solar simulator, W50S50 produced about 25.0 μmols, which is equivalent to 48.0 μmols h−1g−1, suggesting the good performance of this material for photocatalytic hydrogen production.
Elasmobranch-associated microbiota: a scientometric literature review
Authors: Correia Costa Ivana , Amorim de Oliveira Mariene , Wosnick Natascha , Ann Hauser-Davis Rachel , Siciliano Salvatore , Nunes Jorge Luiz Silva
Published: November 2022

Elasmobranchs provide greatly relevant ecosystem services for the balance of the environments in which they are inserted. In recent decades, sharp population declines have been reported for many species in different regions worldwide, making this taxonomic group currently one of the most threatened with extinction. This scenario is almost entirely due to excessive fishing pressure, but any contributing factor that may cause additional mortality to populations must be mapped and monitored. In a fast-changing world, emerging marine pollution associated with climate change display the potential to increase the spread of infectious agents. These can, in turn, lead to mortality events, both directly and indirectly, by reducing immune responses and the physical and nutritional condition of affected individuals. In this context, the present study aimed to analyze data concerning elasmobranch-associated microbiota, identifying study trends and knowledge gaps in order to direct future studies on this topic of growing relevance for the health of wild populations, as well as individuals maintained in captivity, considering the zoonotic potential of these microorganisms.
Changing Trends of Maternal Mortality in a Rural Medical College in Eastern India: A 23-Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Deb Debjani , Das Anindya Kumar , Kameswari BC , Sarkar Aditya Prasad
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Maternal mortality in a region is a measure of reproductive health of women in that area. The direct causes of maternal deaths are largely preventable. A new era of more comprehensive, international development agenda-the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3.1) was launched by the United Nations General Assembly 2015, New York for ending preventable maternal deaths. Aim: To determine the causes and changing trends of maternal mortality in this rural centre. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Bankura Sammilani Medical College in West Bengal in Eastern India. Individual hospital records of all the maternal deaths, from January 1998 to December 2020 were collected. Data regarding demographic profile and reproductive parameters like gravida, parity, antenatal care and cause of death were collected. The records were divided into two four yearly periods, to compare the changing trends (1998-2001) vs (2017-2020) and three five yearly (2002-2006), (2007-2011), (2012-2016) periods. The first term (1998-2001) was taken as the reference period. Results: Comparison between first (1998-2001) and last term (2017-2020) shows significant declining trend of Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) (364 vs 148)/100000 live birth (p-value <0.00001). Majority of deaths occurred in primigravida (57.5% vs 60.6%). Direct obstetric causes accounted for majority of the deaths, but with a declining trend (74.7% vs 66.7%). Eclampsia remained the leading direct cause (35.5% vs 32.2%) followed by haemorrhage (20.4% vs 18.8%) and sepsis (18.8% vs 15.7%) in the first term (1998-2001) vs last term (2017-2020). Jaundice 6.45% vs 10.3%, heart disease 2.15% vs 7.1%, embolism 4.3% vs 0.8%, anaemia 6.45% vs 1.6% and other diseases 5.91% vs 13.4% in the first vs last term were the indirect causes of maternal mortality. Conclusion: There is a declining trend of maternal mortality since 1998, which can be attributed to improvement at all levels of healthcare. Eclampsia/preeclampsia and its complications remain the leading cause of maternal mortality. Majority of these maternal deaths can be prevented by regular screening of highrisk cases, integrated antenatal and postnatal care, institutional deliveries, timely referral, and proper implementation of national health programmes.
FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF FOOT CREAM FROM FICUS RACEMOSA
Authors: Bhat Vishnu , Naik Nisha Ullas , R Kushal , Shetty Sinchana A , Shetty Vijeth , Devadiga Surekha , Nayak Ravikumar
Published: November 2022

Feet are our body’s substructure, so keeping them healthy is indispensable to our overall health. From ancient time variety of herbs have been used to treat different foot diseases. In this study, the main aim is the preparation of foot cream using Ficus racemosa (cluster fig) plant extract. Its biological active ingredients, such as Gluconal acetate, β-sitosterol, lupeol and lupeol acetate produces wound healing, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal activity over skin surface. The main objective of this research work includes the complete qualification of wound healing or screening, and it is useful to obtain good foot cream for topical application. Preparation of foot cream using Ficus racemosa was done and its evaluation was carried out on various parameters. The used product is compatible with other ingredients present in the formulation.
VALIDATION OF SCREENING MODELS OF EPILEPSY: A REVIEW
Authors: Tripathi Ankita , Srivastava Shubham , Bhardwaj Khushboo , Raj Sristi , . Nitin
Published: November 2022

Epilepsy is a severe neurological illness characterized by abnormal, recurring, and synchronized brain discharges. Long-term recurring seizure attacks can cause substantial brain function loss, as seen in people with temporal lobe epilepsy. Controlling seizure events is critical for epilepsy therapy and prognosis. The disease is more common in developing countries than in developed countries. The causes of epilepsy include chemical imbalances such as low blood sugar or sodium, head injuries, drug abuse or withdrawal, alcohol withdrawal, stroke tumor affecting the blood vessels (vascular system) in the brain, hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) in the brain, brain tumours, and brain infections such as meningitis or encephalitis. Given the prevalence of epilepsy and the challenges associated with currently available antiepileptic medicines, such as side effects, resistance, safety concerns, and high cost, screening models are utilized in epilepsy analysis. Screening models for seizures and epilepsy have been critical in expanding our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms underlying ictogenesis and epileptogenesis, as well as in the discovery and preclinical development of novel antiepileptic medicines (AEDs). Diverse screening models of epilepsy have been developed in recent years to imitate various seizure forms, with no clear advantages or disadvantages. In this study, we will cover the numerous screening models for epilepsy, which will aid in gaining a better understanding of the disease.
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ANCIENT ANESTHESIA WITH MODERN ANESTHESIA: A REVIEW
Authors: Desale Ajaykumar R. , Reddy K.Vasudeva
Published: November 2022

The usefulness of anesthesia was noticed by surgeons since earliest age and they were prepare to attain this painfree condition. The oldest and first ever reference of herbal anesthetic drug was noted in Sushruta Samhita - only book which deals with the knowledge of practical surgery. Sushruta was the first person to make use of opium, alcohol to sedate the patient to cut nose in 200 BC. Sushruta has mentioned Karmas for operative procedure in which Sangyaharana comes under Poorvakarma. Sushruta has described Dravyas like Madya. Charaka has defined Tikshna Sura need be given to the patient earlier to surgery. Alongside few Ayurvedic drugs like Vacha, Bramhi and Parasikayavani were defined by several investigators to apply post operatively to lower pain, swelling but major herbal anesthetic agent is still expected. In present paper comparison has been made between ancient and modern anesthesia to explore fundamental principles of Sangyaharana.
Integrated Effect of Vermicompost and Inorganic Fertilizer Rates on Yield and Yield Components of Finger Millet [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.] in Gobu-Sayo District
Authors: Feyanbule Mamo Mekonnen , Ashagre Habtamu , Abraham Thomas
Published: November 2022

Finger millet is an important food and beverage crop in the highlands and mid lands of Ethiopia, however marginal cultivation and suboptimal fertilizer application have caused soil nutrient depletion and yield decline of the crop. With this in view, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the integrated effect of vermicompost and inorganic fertilizer blended NPSB with urea on yield and yield components of finger millet. The treatments consisted of combination of four levels of vermicompost (25, 50, 75, and 100%) and three levels of recommended NPSB and urea (25, 50 and 75%) rates; control (non-treated), recommended vermicompost alone (4.64 t ha-1), and inorganic fertilizer alone (100kg NPSB ha-1 and 90kg urea ha-1). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design in fifteen treatments with three replications. Significantly (P<0.05) higher value in number of days to 50% flowering (99.6 days) and days to 90%  to maturity (149.33 days) of finger millet were obtained with the application of 50:75% vermicompost and recommended NPSB with urea, the longest (70 cm) plant height was obtained with the application of inorganic fertilizer alone. Moreover, the highest number of tillers per plant (6.4) and productive tillers per head (3.96) was obtained with the application of 100:75% vermicompost and  recommended NPSB with urea, while the maximum (10730.4kg ha-1) dry biomass weight and straw yield (88235kg ha-1) was obtained with the application of 100 : 25% vermicompost and  recommended NPSB with urea. The highest net benefit ETB 56475.9 ha-1 with a marginal rate of return of 93.63% was recorded from application of 25:50% vermicompost (1.16 tons ha-1) and blended NPSB with urea, (50kg NPSB ha-1 and 45kg urea ha-1), fertilizer. Therefore, farmers in the study area are advised to use 25:50% vermicompost (1.16 tons ha-1), and blended NPSB with urea, (50kg NPSB ha-1 and 45kg urea ha-1), fertilizer to increase finger millet productivity. However, the experiment has to be repeated across locations and seasons to provide a reliable recommendation for sustainable finger millet production for similar agroecology.
Mentoring Practices and Employee Performance in Local Government Authority, Tanzania
Authors: Mnasi Haji M. , Matoka Chacha , Raphael Gwahula
Published: November 2022

Aims: The purpose of this paper was to determine the effects of mentorship practices on employees’ performance of local government authority in Tanzania. The specific objectives conceptualized from the study include; to evaluate the influence of Role model, to find out the effect of Acceptance, to determine the effect of Close relationship and delegation practices, to examine delegation influence on employee performance in Local Government Authorities.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was used and structured questionnaires were administered to the sample size of 368 employees for primary data collection. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to test the set hypotheses and construct the model of interest.

Results: The result indicated that mentoring practices such as acceptance, sponsorship, delegation and relationship had positive and economic contribution in the model on employee performance in local government authorities at 95% confidence interval. However, the findings revealed that role model and companionship had insignificant impact on employee performance at the same confidence interval. 

Contribution to Theory: Practice and Policy: This study adds the insight in literature on knowledge transfer practices for employee performance. It confirms that Knowledge Transfer Practice variables integrated with mentoring are as suitable model to enlighten the intention on employee performance. Moreover, the obtained findings would guide interest to stakeholders like; regulators, policy makers, planners, administrators and public at large to establish the knowledge transfer practice policy for integration in all Local Government Authorities.Thus, it is recommended that the government and even the private sector organizations invest extensively in employee mentoring practice.
Evaluation of Agronomic Performance of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) Hybrids under Agro-climatic Conditions of Prayagraj, (U.P), India
Authors: Kumar Chittipeddi Hemanth , Singh Vikram , George Shruti Grace , Kumar Sujit
Published: November 2022

Field experiments were carried out at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P) during Rabi 2021. The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.1), low in organic carbon (0.36%), available N (171.48 kg/ha), available P (15.2 kg/ha) and available K (232.5 kg/ha). The hybrids were sown. The research was laid out in Randomized Block Design with ten treatments each replicated three times. In that study the experiment recorded significant effect in M8 for Plant height (173.97), Plant dry weight (38.97), Number of secondary branches /plant (18.87), Number of siliqua/plant (475.27), Number of seeds/siliqua (13.64), Seed Yield (2507.54), Stover Yield (3686.24), Test weight (5.80), Seed size (2.75). However, Number of primary branches/plant (8.1) in M5, length of siliqua /plant (5.65 cm) in M6. Crop Growth Rate (22.08) in M7, Relative Growth Rate (0.17) in M-7, Days taken for 50% flowering in M2 (32.78) and Harvest Index (42.17) in M9 were observed.

At the same time higher gross returns (Rs162990.1/ha), net return (Rs113677.1/ha) and benefit cost ratio (2.305) was obtained in M8 hybrid.
Strengthening Prevention and Management of Omicron Infection in Children
Authors: Iwański Mateusz , Tabarkiewicz Jacek , Jiao Fuyong , Wang Chen
Published: November 2022

Omicron is a newly discovered new variant virus, which spreads rapidly around the world and has a great impact. It is designated as a variant of concern (VOC) by the World Health Organization. Its characteristic of epidemiology, distribution, pathogenic and clinical diagnosis, treatment and prevention are still being observed and summarized, especially there are few reports on the diagnosis and treatment of children with infected. This article introduces its influence on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of children, in order to improve the understanding and attention to the disease.
Trends of Demographic and Clinical Features of Alopecia Areata in Benghazi-Libya
Authors: Salem Majda , Alsdae Ghait , Enaairi Tarik , Duweb Gamal
Published: November 2022

Alopecica areata (AA) is thought to be a T-cell mediated autoimmune disease directed against an unknown hair follicle autoantigen. The aim of this study was to determine demographic and clinical features of alopecia areata in Benghazi-Libya.

Patients and Methods: In a cross-sectional observational study of one hundred seventy-one patients with clinically diagnosed alopecia areata who attended the hair clinic and dermatology outpatient department at Jomhoria hospital, Benghazi-Libya over a period of 2 years, all patients were subjected to a detailed disease history and a complete dermatological examination by dermatologists. To confirm the clinical diagnosis, determine the sites and clinical type, and ascertain the severity of the disease. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (version 18.0), and descriptive statistics were calculated using a chi-square test.

Results: In a study of 171 patients of AA, 63.2% were females, with a male to female ratio of 1:1.7. The patients' mean age was 25.5 years, and the mean age at onset was 22.6 years. The majority of patients were aged ≤30 years (66.4%) and showed limited AA.

A positive family history of AA was elicited in 20.5%. The duration of the disease < 1 year was recorded in 52.6% of patients.

The commonest clinical type was patchy AA with a single patch (52%). Limited (mild) AA (less than 50% involvement) was seen more in males (39.4%) and the severe type was seen more in females (73%). Precipitating factors were reported in 50.3% of patients, and stress constituted 49.1% A personal history of atopy was recorded in 24.6% and vitiligo was seen in 4.1% of patients. Out of total patients, 42.1% had nail changes, 38% of 137 mild AA had nail changes, and 58.8% of severe AA had nail involvement, indicating a significant correlation between nail changes and severity (P=0.027).

Conclusion: Alopecia areata is considered an important health problem in our community.          Stress is a common precipitating factor, and family history and nail changes are significantly reported.
Added Value of Multi-slice CT Scan (320 Slice) in Evaluation of Cardiac Complications Post COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Ragaie Somia Tarak , Khodair Sameh Ahmed , El-Sokkary Hatem Mohamed , Mubarak Amr Ahmed , Reda Alaa Mohamed
Published: November 2022

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic had affected population health throughout the world. Few studies had focused on post-COVID19 complications detection using multi-slice CT scans. Our trial aimed to assess the value of cardiac CT utility during the COVID-19 pandemic for the detection of cardiac complications and correlation with the severity scoring system for chest manifestations. Since the beginning of COVID-19 outbreak, cardiac computed tomography (CT) had a sudden increased value and use with a huge reduction in face-to-face patient care and elective diagnostic testing. This study started from May 2021 to April 2022 in a single cardiac CT centre. This prospective cohort trial was conducted on 40 patients proved to have COVID-19 infection by positive RT-PCR test for COVID-19 and/or CT chest manifestations. CT results were reviewed and compared to echocardiography and/or catheterization data.

Results: In the CT severity score, the more severe score for COVID-19 infection was noted in cases with coronary artery occlusion and pulmonary embolic diseases. Meanwhile, the mild and moderate severity score groups developed myocarditis, pericarditis, and dilated cardiomyopathy, respectively, with statically significant differences with p-value= 0.007 for coronary artery disease (CAD) and 0.026 for pulmonary embolism. The significance of echocardiography examination was noted in cases with pericarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy, with p-value= 0.018 for pericarditis and 0.01 for dilated cardiomyopathy.

Conclusions: MSCT is a very useful technique to for patients presenting with suspected post-COVID cardiac complications, in addition to severity scoring of chest involvement, also providing its correlation with the occurrence of cardiac complications.
Dreamwork
Authors: Bowater Margaret
Published: November 2022

Using two vivid examples of nightmares from a 13-year-old boy and a 38- year-old woman, a process of interpretation by which the dreamers gained significant insight and healing of major life-issues is demonstrated. In each case, it becomes dear that there is a holistic process at work in the dream, referred to as the inner spirit, seeking to highlight a conflict between different elements of the psyche; referred to as ego and shadow, and offering a potential resolution through re-integration. Thus, healing is shown to emerge from within the psyche by means of a dream.
The use of metaphor in psychotherapy
Authors: Bassi Jerri
Published: November 2022

A metaphor that comes into a therapist's mind is a product of two minds, therapist and client, who are both unconsciously working together. The therapeutic metaphor is thus a co-creation, emerging from the therapist's perception of co-unconscious communication. This paper describes the use of psychodramatic techniques to illustrate the therapeutic use of metaphor.
Shame
Authors: Ferrell Irvine A.
Published: November 2022

In therapy both the therapist and the client must be able to "see" and experience the person of the client. Next in degree to shock and related dissociation, shame seriously inhibits feelings, needs and even the cues of the client, to a degree that makes it imperative for the therapist to understand how shame develops and operates in people. In the grip of shame, it is as difficult for the client to be seen as it is for the therapist to see the client. The primary purpose of this paper is to discuss shame and raise some ideas that may challenge the therapeutic community. It is the result of years of my own personal work with shame issues, as well as 20 years of working with addiction and abuse recovery.
Evaluation of Clinical and Safety Outcomes of Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy Combined With Chemotherapy for Patients With Resectable Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Ge Fan , Huo Zhenyu , Cai Xiuyu , Hu Qiyuan , Chen Wenhao , Lin Guo , Zhong Ran , You Zhending , Wang Rui , Lu Yi , Wang Runchen , Huang Qinhong , Zhang Haotian , Song Aiqi , Li Caichen , Wen Yaokai , Jiang Yu , Liang Hengrui , He Jianxing , Liang Wenhua , Liu Jun
Published: November 2022

Importance

A considerable number of clinical trials of neoadjuvant immunotherapy for patients with resectable esophageal cancer are emerging. However, systematic evaluations of these studies are lacking.

Objective

To provide state-of-the-art evidence and normative theoretical support for neoadjuvant immunotherapy for locally advanced resectable esophageal cancer.

Data Sources

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched for relevant original articles and conference proceedings that were published in English through April 1, 2022.

Study Selection

Published phase 2 or 3 clinical trials that included patients with resectable stage I to IV esophageal cancer who received immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) before surgery as monotherapy or in combination with other therapies.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses and the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines for meta-analysis were followed to extract data. A random-effects model was adopted if the heterogeneity was significant (I2 statistic >50%); otherwise, the common-effects model was used. Data analyses were conducted from April 2 to 8, 2022.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Pathological complete response (pCR) rate and major pathological response (MPR) rate were considered to be the primary outcomes calculated for the clinical outcomes of neoadjuvant immunotherapy. Incidence of treatment-related severe adverse events was set as the major measure for the safety outcome. The rate of R0 surgical resection was summarized. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to histologic subtype and ICI types.

Results

A total of 27 clinical trials with 815 patients were included. Pooled rates were 31.4% (95% CI, 27.6%-35.3%) for pCR and 48.9% (95% CI, 42.0-55.9%) for MCR in patients with esophageal cancer. In terms of safety, the pooled incidence of treatment-related severe adverse events was 26.9% (95% CI, 16.7%-38.3%). Most patients achieved R0 surgical resection (98.6%; 95% CI, 97.1%-99.6%). Regarding histologic subtypes, the pooled pCR rates were 32.4% (95% CI, 28.2%-36.8%) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and 25.2% (95% CI, 16.3%-35.1%) in esophageal adenocarcinoma. The pooled MPR rate was 49.4% (95% CI, 42.1%-56.7%) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study found that neoadjuvant immunotherapy with chemotherapy had promising clinical and safety outcomes for patients with resectable esophageal cancer. Randomized clinical trials with long-term follow-up are warranted to validate the findings and benefits of ICIs.
Further characterization of NFIB‐associated phenotypes: Report of two new individuals
Authors: Marinella Gemma , Conti Eugenia , Buchignani Bianca , Sgherri Giada , Pasquariello Rosa , Giordano Flavio , Cristofani Paola , Battini Roberta , Battaglia Agatino
Published: November 2022

Nuclear Factor I B (NFIB) haploinsufficiency has recently been identified as a cause of intellectual disability (ID) and macrocephaly. Here we report on two new individuals carrying a microdeletion in the chromosomal region 9p23‐p22.3 containing NFIB. The first is a 7‐year 9‐month old boy with developmental delays, ID, definite facial anomalies, and brain and spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging findings including periventricular nodular heterotopia, hypoplasia of the corpus callosum, arachnoid cyst in the left middle cranial fossa, syringomyelia in the thoracic spinal cord and distal tract of the conus medullaris, and a stretched appearance of the filum terminale. The second is a 32‐year‐old lady (the proband' mother) with dysmorphic features, and a history of learning disability, hypothyroidism, poor growth, left inguinal hernia, and panic attacks. Her brain magnetic resonance imaging findings include a dysmorphic corpus callosum, and a small cyst in the left choroidal fissure that marks the hippocampal head. Array‐based comparative genomic hybridization identified, in both, a 232 Kb interstitial deletion at 9p23p22.3 including several exons of NFIB and no other known genes. Our two individuals add to the knowledge of this rare disorder through the addition of new brain and spinal cord MRI findings and dysmorphic features. We propose that NFIB haploinsufficiency causes a clinically recognizable malformation‐ID syndrome.
Association of spermidine plasma levels with brain aging in a population‐based study
Authors: Wortha Silke M. , Frenzel Stefan , Bahls Martin , Habes Mohamad , Wittfeld Katharina , Van der Auwera Sandra , Bülow Robin , Zylla Stephanie , Friedrich Nele , Nauck Matthias , Völzke Henry , Grabe Hans J. , Schwarz Claudia , Flöel Agnes
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Supplementation with spermidine may support healthy aging, but elevated spermidine tissue levels were shown to be an indicator of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

Data from 659 participants (age range: 21–81 years) of the population‐based Study of Health in Pomerania TREND were included. We investigated the association between spermidine plasma levels and markers of brain aging (hippocampal volume, AD score, global cortical thickness [CT], and white matter hyperintensities [WMH]).

Results

Higher spermidine levels were significantly associated with lower hippocampal volume (ß = −0.076; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.13 to −0.02;q= 0.026), higher AD score (ß = 0.118; 95% CI: 0.05 to 0.19;q= 0.006), lower global CT (ß = −0.104; 95% CI: −0.17 to −0.04;q= 0.014), but not WMH volume. Sensitivity analysis revealed no substantial changes after excluding participants with cancer, depression, or hemolysis.

Discussion

Elevated spermidine plasma levels are associated with advanced brain aging and might serve as potential early biomarker for AD and vascular brain pathology.
Diagnostic accuracy of angiography‐based vessel fractional flow reserve after chronic coronary total occlusion recanalization
Authors: Scoccia Alessandra , Scarparo Paola , Neleman Tara , Kakar Hala , Wilschut Jeroen , Den Dekker Wijnand K. , Zijlstra Felix , Van Mieghem Nicolas M. , Daemen Joost , Diletti Roberto
Published: November 2022

Background

Angiography‐based vessel fractional flow reserve (vFFR) demonstrated a strong correlation with invasive fractional flow reserve (FFR) in both a pre‐ and post‐percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) setting. However, the role of vFFR and its correlation with post‐PCI FFR in chronic coronary occlusions (CTO) has not been evaluated yet. We sought to investigate the diagnostic performance of post‐PCI vFFR with post‐PCI FFR as a reference in patients undergoing successful CTO PCI.

Methods

Between March 2016 and April 2020, a total of 80 patients from the FFR‐SEARCH (prospective registry) and FFR REACT (randomized controlled trial) studies underwent successful CTO recanalization with post‐PCI FFR measurements.

Results

A total of 50 patients (median age 66 (interquartile range [IQR]: 56−74) years, 76% were male) were eligible for the analysis. Median post‐PCI FFR was 0.89 (IQR: 0.84−0.94), while median post‐PCI vFFR was 0.91 (IQR: 0.85−0.94) (p 0.10). Suboptimal physiological results, defined as FFR and vFFR <0.90, were identified in 26 (52%) and in 21 (42%) patients, respectively. A strong correlation (r = 0.82) was found between vFFR and FFR with a mean bias of 0.013 ± 0.051. Receiver‐operating characteristics curve analysis revealed an excellent accuracy of vFFR in predicting FFR <0.90 (area under the curve: 0.97; 95% confidence interval: 0.93−1.00).

Conclusion

Post‐PCI vFFR shows a good correlation with post‐PCI FFR and a high diagnostic accuracy for post‐PCI FFR ≤0.90 in patients undergoing successful PCI of a CTO lesion.
Coronary angiography of the ex‐situ beating donor heart in a portable organ care system
Authors: Meredith Thomas , Scheuer Sarah , Hoffman Michael , Joshi Yashutosh , Kathir Krishna , Gunalingam Brendan , Roy David , Wilson Stephanie , Jansz Paul , Macdonald Peter , Muller David
Published: November 2022

Objectives

To determine safety and feasibility of ex‐situ coronary angiography.

Background

To cater for the perpetually growing demand for heart donors, interest in donation following circulatory death (DCD) has been rekindled. Further pursuit of donor pool expansion has led to eligibility extension to “marginal” donors who are at higher risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). Excluding CAD in potentially eligible DCD donors, for whom ante‐mortem angiography is commonly not permitted, is therefore challenging. Ex‐situ coronary angiography serves as an ethical and feasible diagnostic tool to assess for preclusive CAD.

Methods

We undertook a systematic review of the published literature and institutional retrospective review of case experience with ex‐situ coronary angiography of donor hearts, supported by a portable organ care system.

Results

Combined literature and institutional case review yielded nine total cases of ex‐situ coronary angiography of donor human hearts plus one experimental porcine model. Of the eight cases of ex‐situ coronary angiography performed at our institute, all were conducted without complication or injury to the allograft. Two thirds of reported human cases have proceeded to successful transplantation.

Conclusions

Diagnostic coronary angiography of the ex‐situ beating donor heart is safe, feasible, and demonstrates novel clinical utility in mitigating subsequent transplantation of unsuitable allografts. In the setting of suspected coronary atherosclerosis of the donor heart, which may preclude favorable transplantation outcomes, ex‐situ coronary angiography should be considered at eligible transplant centers.
Photoinduced RAFT Step‐Growth Polymerization toward Degradable Living Polymer Networks
Authors: Li Zhuang , Li Jiajia , Zhao Bowen , Pan Xiaofeng , Pan Xiangqiang , Zhu Jian
Published: November 2022

Comprehensive Summary

The application of reversible degenerative radical polymerization (RDRP) in the construction of polymer networks (PNs) provides a facile and convenient way to fabricate 3D objects with the ability to be posttransformed. However, the polymerization mechanism mainly relies on chain‐growth polymerization, which limits its wide application for various polymeric materials with different functionalities. Here, we present a method toward PNs by utilizing a photoinduced RAFT step‐growth polymerization, which is based on a RAFT single unit monomer insertion (SUMI) reaction between a xanthate and an alkyl vinyl group. Benefiting from this reaction, a pendant RAFT agent can be generated in each repeat unit of the backbone during the polymerization. These reactivatable dormant species can be further used for the postfunctionalization of PNs prepared by step‐growth polymerization of multifunctional monomers. Moreover, the prepared PNs are degradable owing to the introduction of ester groups, providing an avenue toward degradable and stimuli‐responsive materials.
Variability of Airborne Dust Fallout and Associated Trace Metals around Industrial Sites in Esfahan, Iran
Authors: Moradi Anahita , Honarjoo Naser , Besalatpour Ali Asghar
Published: November 2022

The seasonal and spatial variability of airborne dust deposits and associated trace metals such as Pb, Co, Ni, Cd, Mn in 15 sites surrounding a heavily industrialized region in south Esfahan (central Iran) are investigated. Total deposit rates (TDR) of dusts and trace metals are analyzed, contamination factor (CF) and pollution load index (PLI) are also calculated. Furthermore, correlation and cluster analysis are performed to identify the source of the pollution. The highest dust‐TDR (15.97 g m−2 per season), the highest concentration of trace metals, CF and PLI are recorded in summer because of the lack of precipitation, high temperature, and drought conditions in this season. Pb and Cd show the highest CF values. In the towns near the two major steel mills in the region (i.e., Esfahan Steel Company and Mobarekeh Steel Complex), the CF values for Pb and Cd are about 13 and 12, respectively (i.e., 13 and 12 times higher than the pre‐industrial values, respectively). The spatial distribution maps of the dust deposit rate, dust‐borne trace metals, and the obtained PLI of the trace metals in the study area reveal that the two major industries in the region are the main sources of dust and trace metal distribution.
Incidence of cancer and related deaths in hemoglobinopathies: A follow‐up of 4631 patients between 1970 and 2021
Authors: Origa Raffaella , Gianesin Barbara , Longo Filomena , Di Maggio Rosario , Cassinerio Elena , Gamberini Maria Rita , Pinto Valeria Maria , Quarta Antonella , Casale Maddalena , La Nasa Giorgio , Caocci Giovanni , Piroddi Antonio , Piolatto Andrea , Di Mauro Alessandra , Romano Claudia , Gigante Antonia , Barella Susanna , Maggio Aurelio , Graziadei Giovanna , Perrotta Silverio , Forni Gian Luca
Published: November 2022

Background

The correlation between thalassemia and malignancies other than hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the possible relationship between other hemoglobinopathies and tumor risk have been poorly evaluated.

Methods

Eight Italian specialized centers evaluated the incidence of malignant neoplasms in hemoglobinopathies as well as their sites and features. The study cohort included 4631 patients followed between 1970 and 2021 (transfusion‐dependent β‐thalassemia, 55.6%; non–transfusion‐dependent thalassemia, 17.7%; sickle cell disease, 17.6%; hemoglobin H disease, 8.3%).

Results

A total of 197 diagnoses of cancer were reported (incidence rate, 442 cases per 100,000 person‐years). The liver was the most frequent site of tumors in both sexes, with a higher incidence (190 cases per 100,000 person‐years) in comparison with the general population found in all types of hemoglobinopathies (except hemoglobin H disease). In recent years, tumors have become the second cause of death in patients with transfusion‐dependent thalassemia. A lower risk of breast and prostate cancer was observed in the whole group of patients with hemoglobinopathies. The first cancer diagnoses dated back to the 1980s, and the incidence rate sharply increased after the 2000s. However, although the incidence rate of cancers of all sites but the liver continued to show an increasing trend, the incidence of HCC showed stability.

Conclusions

These findings provide novel insights into the relationship between cancer and hemoglobinopathies and suggest that the overall risk is not increased in these patients. HCC has been confirmed as the most frequent tumor, but advances in chelation and the drugs that have led to the eradication of hepatitis C may explain the recent steadiness in the number of diagnoses that is reported here.
A face mask detection system: An approach to fight with COVID‐19 scenario
Authors: Jayaswal Ruchi , Dixit Manish
Published: November 2022

A new coronavirus has caused a pandemic crisis around the globe. According to the WHO, this is an infectious illness that spreads from person to person. Therefore, the only way to avoid this infection is to take precautions. Wearing a mask is the most critical COVID‐19 protection method because it prevents the virus from spreading from an infected person to a healthy one. This study reflects a deep learning method to create a system for detecting Face Masks. The paper proposes a unique FMDRT (Face Mask Dataset in Real‐Time) dataset to determine whether a person is wearing a mask or not. The RFMD and Face Mask datasets are also taken from the internet to evaluate the performance of the proposed method. The CLAHE preprocessing method is employed to enhance the image quality, then resizing and Image augmentation techniques are used to convert it into a standard format and increase the size of the dataset, respectively. The pretrained Caffe face detector model is used to detect the faces, and then the lightweight transfer learning‐based Xception model is applied for the feature extraction process. This paper recommended a novel model that is, CL‐SSDXcept to distinguish the Face Mask or no mask images. However, accession with the MobileNetV2, VGG16, VGG19, and InceptionV3 models with different hyperparameter settings has been tested on the FMDRT dataset. We have also compared the results of the synthesized dataset FMDRT to the existing Face Mask datasets. The experimental results attained 98% test accuracy on the suggested dataset ‘FMDRT’ using the CL‐SSDXcept method. The empirical findings have been reported at 50 iterations with tuned hyperparameter values with an average accuracy 98% and a loss of 0.05.
The Mannose in the Mirror: A Reflection on the Pharmacokinetic Impact of High Mannose Glycans of Monoclonal Antibodies in Biosimilar Development
Authors: Welch Joel , Ausin Cristina , Brahme Nina , Lacana Emanuela , Ricci Stacey , Schultz‐DePalo Marlene
Published: November 2022

Biosimilar development has a well‐documented foundation of product quality and extensive comparative analytics providing the bulk of the “totality of the evidence” that a proposed product is biosimilar to its reference product. This work provides a retrospective evaluation of a single critical quality attribute—high mannose glycans for monoclonal antibody biosimilars. Given the well‐established conclusion that high mannose glycans can impact pharmacokinetic (PK) profile, we performed a retrospective evaluation of 21 monoclonal antibody biosimilar programs (those licensed before April 2022), their levels of glycans, and the methods used to study them. We provide herein a summary of the methods used and their relative performance. We also present a subset analysis for seven biosimilar products with levels of high mannose that differ from the corresponding reference product (and where other differences in quality attributes between the two that may influence PK profile were not observed or considered minor) and compared the PK profiles. Critically, this analysis has demonstrated that the measurement of glycan profiles is highly precise, reproducible within and across programs, and can detect differences in mannose levels, even those that do not impact PK. These results provide support that analytics rather than pharmacokinetic data may be sufficient to predict whether differences within a certain magnitude of this attribute are likely to impact PK. This work enhances the Agency's understanding of this issue allowing for better understanding of challenges faced by the biotechnology industry developing biosimilars.