bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A scoping review of autoantibodies as biomarkers for canine autoimmune disease
Authors: Treeful Amy E. , Coffey Emily L. , Friedenberg Steven G.
Published: February 2022

Background

Autoantibody biomarkers are valuable tools used to diagnose and manage autoimmune diseases in dogs. However, prior publications have raised concerns over a lack of standardization and sufficient validation for the use of biomarkers in veterinary medicine.

Objectives

Systematically compile primary research on autoantibody biomarkers for autoimmune disease in dogs, summarize their methodological features, and evaluate their quality; synthesize data supporting their use into a resource for veterinarians and researchers.

Animals

Not used.

Methods

Five indices were searched to identify studies for evaluation: PubMed, CAB Abstracts, Web of Science, Agricola, and SCOPUS. Two independent reviewers (AET and ELC) screened titles and abstracts for exclusion criteria followed by full‐text review of remaining articles. Relevant studies were classified based on study objectives (biomarker, epitope, technique). Data on study characteristics and outcomes were synthesized in independent data tables for each classification.

Results

Ninety‐two studies qualified for final analysis (n = 49 biomarker, n = 9 epitope, and n = 34 technique studies). A high degree of heterogeneity in study characteristics and outcomes reporting was observed. Opportunities to strengthen future studies could include: (1) routine use of negative controls, (2) power analyses to inform sample sizes, (3) statistical analyses when appropriate, and (4) multiple detection techniques to confirm results.

Conclusions

These findings provide a resource that will allow veterinary clinicians to efficiently evaluate the evidence supporting the use of autoantibody biomarkers, along with the varied methodological approaches used in their development.
Molecular landscape of IDH‐wild‐type, H3‐wild‐type glioblastomas of adolescents and young adults
Authors: Shi Zhi‐Feng , Li Kay Ka‐Wai , Huang Queenie Jun‐Qi , Wang Wei‐Wei , Kwan Johnny Sheung‐Him , Chen Hong , Liu Xiang‐Zhi , Li Wen‐Cai , Chan Danny Tat‐Ming , Zhang Zhen‐Yu , Mao Ying , Ng Ho‐Keung
Published: February 2022

Objective

We aimed to characterise glioblastomas of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) that were isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) wild type (wt) and H3wt.

Materials and Methods

Fifty such patients (aged 16–32) were studied by methylation profiling, targeted sequencing and targeted RNA‐seq.

Results

Tumours predominantly clustered into three methylation classes according to the terminology of Capper et al. (2018): (anaplastic) pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) (21 cases), GBM_midline (15 cases) and glioblastoma RTK/mesenchymal (seven cases). Two cases clustered with ANA_PA, four cases with LGG classes and one with GBM_MYCN. Only fifteen cases reached a calibrated score >0.84 when the cases were uploaded to DKFZ Classifier. GBM_midline‐clustered tumours had a poorer overall survival (OS) compared with the PXA‐clustered tumours (p = 0.030). LGG‐clustered cases had a significantly better survival than GBM_midline‐clustered tumours and glioblastoma RTK/mesenchymal‐clustered tumours. Only 13/21 (62%) of PXA‐clustered cases were BRAF V600E mutated. Most GBM_midline‐clustered cases were not located in the midline. GBM_midline‐clustered cases were characterised by PDGFRA amplification/mutation (73.3%), mutations of mismatch repair genes (40.0%), and all showed H3K27me3 and EZH1P loss, and an unmethylated MGMT promoter. Across the whole cohort, MGMT promoter methylation and wt TERT promoter were favourable prognosticators. Mismatch repair gene mutations were poor prognosticators and together with methylation class and MGMT methylation, maintained their significance in multivariate analyses. BRAF mutation was a good prognosticator in the PXA‐clustered tumours.

Conclusion

Methylation profiling is a useful tool in the diagnosis and prognostication of AYA glioblastomas, and the methylation classes have distinct molecular characteristics. The usual molecular diagnostic criteria for adult IDHwt glioblastoma should be applied with caution within the AYA age group.
Social relationship influence on self‐care and health among older people living with long term conditions: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: LeBlanc Raeann G. , Chiodo Lisa , Jacelon Cynthia S.
Published: February 2022

Background

Social relationships influence health, yet less is known on how social relationships influence self‐care among older people living with multiple long‐term conditions.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to determine how social networks influence therapeutic self‐care behaviours and health among community dwelling older people living with multiple long‐term conditions.

Design

Explanatory sequential mixed‐methods.

Setting/Sample

Community dwelling older people living in the Northeast United States.

Methods

A cross‐sectional sample of eighty‐nine people aged sixty‐five and older participated in telephone surveys. A nested sample of twelve participants completed a follow‐up open‐ended interview. Descriptive statistics, bivariate correlations and regression statistics were used to examine the associations between social network features and functions with the dependent variables of therapeutic self‐care behaviours and health. Qualities that emphasised the contexts of the relationships were integrated in the data analysis.

Results

The strength of the social network and level of social support influenced the outcomes of therapeutic self‐care and mental health. Thematic analysis expanded this explanation of self‐care in relation to social network size, psycho‐social support, activation of support, interaction frequency and type.

Conclusion

In supporting older people living with multiple long‐term conditions, this nursing research offers new ways to understand close social relationships influence on self‐care in developing systems of care at the community level.

Implications for practice

Designing care systems that include small trusted formal and informal caregivers that integrate social network members could improve health outcomes and improve access to supportive resources.
The association between environmental greenness and the risk of food allergy: A population‐based study in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Peters Rachel L. , Sutherland David , Dharmage Shyamali C. , Lowe Adrian J. , Perrett Kirsten P. , Tang Mimi L. K. , Lycett Kate , Knibbs Luke D. , Koplin Jennifer J. , Mavoa Suzanne
Published: February 2022

Background

While exposure to environmental greenness in childhood has shown mixed associations with the development of allergic disease, the relationship with food allergy has not been explored. We investigated the association between exposure to environmental greenness and challenge‐confirmed food allergy in a large population‐based cohort.

Methods

The HealthNuts study recruited 5276 12‐month‐old infants in Melbourne, Australia, who underwent skin prick testing to peanut, egg, and sesame; infants with a detectable wheal underwent food challenges to determine food allergy status. Environmental greenness was estimated using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) for five buffer zones around the infant's home address: at the home, 100 m, 500 m, 800 m, and 1600 m radial distances. Environmental greenness was categorized into 3 tertiles and mixed effects logistic regression models quantified the association between greenness and the risk of food allergy, adjusting for confounding and accounting for clustering at the neighborhood level.

Results

NDVI data were available for n = 5097. For most buffer zones, medium and high greenness, compared to low greenness, was associated with an increased risk of peanut allergy (eg, 100 m tertile 2 aOR 1.89 95% CI 1.22–2.95, tertile 3 aOR 1.78 95% CI 1.13–2.82). For egg allergy, the effect sizes were smaller (100 m tertile 2 aOR 1.52 95% CI 1.16–1.97, tertile 3 aOR 1.38 95% CI 1.05–1.82). Socioeconomic status (SES) modified the association between greenness and peanut allergy, but not egg allergy; associations were apparent in the low SES group but not in the high SES group (p for interaction 0.08 at 100 m). Air pollution (PM2.5) also modified the associations between environmental greenness and food allergy, with associations present in high air pollution areas but not low (p for interaction at 100 m 0.05 for peanut and 0.06 for egg allergy.)

Conclusion

Increased exposure to environmental greenness in the first year of life was associated with an increased risk of food allergy. Increased greenness may correlate with higher pollen levels which may trigger innate immune responses skewing the immune system to the Th2‐dependent allergic phenotype; additionally, some pollen and food allergens are cross‐reactive. Given the mixed data on greenness and other allergies, the relationship appears complex and may also be influenced by confounding variables outside those that were measured in this study.
Identification of a novel variant of FOXP3 resulting in severe immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X‐linked syndrome highlights potential pitfalls of molecular testing
Authors: Kirchner Allison , Sanchez Isabelle M. , Zalan Alice , Bhat Gifty , Bain Michelle
Published: February 2022

Immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X‐linked (IPEX) syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that typically presents in the first year of life with severe diarrhea, autoimmune endocrine disorder, and inflammatory dermatitis, most commonly an eczematous dermatitis. IPEX syndrome is caused by variants in the FOXP3 gene leading to dysregulation of T‐regulatory (Treg) cells and an aberrant immune response. Here, we present a case of severe IPEX syndrome diagnosed following whole genome sequencing (WGS) in a 2‐week‐old boy with bloody mucoid diarrhea, failure to thrive, and a diffuse eczematous dermatitis. As multiple variants of interest were identified with WGS, this case highlights the importance of relating the clinical symptoms to the genetic results.
Enhanced Accumulation of Biologically Active Coumarin and Furanocoumarins in Callus Culture and Field‐grown Plants of Ruta chalepensis Through LED Light‐treatment
Authors: Juneja Kriti , Beuerle Till , Sircar Debabrata
Published: February 2022

Ruta chalepensis, a medicinal plant, produces biologically active coumarins (CRs) and furanocoumarins (FCRs). However, their yield is quite low in cultivated plants. In this work, the influence of light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) was investigated on the accumulation of CRs and FCRs in the callus cultures and field‐grown plants of R. chalepensis. Among the various tested wavelengths of LED lights, maximum accumulation of CR and FCRs was recorded under blue LED treatment in both the callus cultures as well as field‐grown plants when compared with respective controls treated with white LED. Metabolite analyses of LED‐treated field‐grown plants showed that highest concentrations of CR (umbelliferone, 2.8‐fold), and FCRs (psoralen, 2.3‐fold; xanthotoxin, 3.8‐fold and bergapten, 1.16‐fold) were accumulated upon blue LED‐treatment for 6 days. CR and FCRs contents were also analyzed in the blue LED‐ and red LED‐treated in vitro callus tissue. Upon blue LED‐treatment, callus accumulated significantly high levels of umbelliferone (48.6 ± 1.2 µg g−1 DW), psoralen (370.12 ± 10.6 µg g−1 DW) and xanthotoxin (10.16 ± 0.48 µg g−1 DW). These findings imply that blue LED‐treatment is a viable option as a noninvasive and low‐cost elicitation technology for the enhanced production of biologically active CR and FCRs in field‐grown plants and callus cultures of R. chalepensis.
Morphological and phenological strategies for flooding tolerance in Cerrado and Pantanal trees: implications for restoration under new legislation
Authors: Bogarín Marcia R. A. , Reis Letícia K. , Laura Valdemir A. , Pott Arnildo , Szabo Judit K. , Garcia Letícia C.
Published: February 2022

In 2012, the Native Vegetation Protection Law 12,651 decreased the extent of Areas of Permanent Preservation in Brazil. While previously the distance from water was measured during the rainy season, the new version only considered the extent of the regular watercourse. This change affects conservation and restoration sites, and restoration programs need to be modified based on the new legislation. For instance, more flood‐tolerant species need to be planted, given the higher probability that restoration efforts will be lost during flooding. To identify species suitable for the restoration of such areas, we tested if plants that develop morphological structures to tolerate waterlogging stress are more resistant to hypoxia caused by flooding and can recover better afterwards. We experimentally evaluated survival and morphological or phenological strategies (root dry mass, height, basal diameter, adventitious roots, lenticels, and leaf renewal) of 13 tree species from the Cerrado and Pantanal biomes of Brazil. After 56 days of simulated inundation and 56 days of post‐inundation recovery, we found that all study species were able to survive on waterlogged soil and to recover after the flood, and they can be used to restore periodically flooded riparian forests within the new legal zone. Our study is particularly relevant, as climate change is expected to increase flooding. As environmental laws change and new areas get restored including those in artificially flooded areas, such as on banks of hydroelectric dams, the experimental approach introduced in this study should be replicated with other species from various phytogeographic domains worldwide.
Differential equations for the recurrence coefficients of semiclassical orthogonal polynomials and their relation to the Painlevé equations via the geometric approach
Authors: Dzhamay Anton , Filipuk Galina , Stokes Alexander
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we present a general scheme for how to relate differential equations for the recurrence coefficients of semiclassical orthogonal polynomials to the Painlevé equations using the geometric framework of the Okamoto Space of Initial Conditions. We demonstrate this procedure in two examples. For semiclassical Laguerre polynomials appearing in Ref. 1, we show how the recurrence coefficients are connected to the fourth Painlevé equation. For discrete orthogonal polynomials associated with the hypergeometric weight appearing in Ref. 2, we discuss the relation of the recurrence coefficients to the sixth Painlevé equation, extending the results of Ref. 3, where a similar approach was used for a discrete system for the same recurrence coefficients. Though the discrete and differential systems here share the same geometry, the construction of the space of initial conditions from the differential system is different and reveals extra considerations that must be made. We also discuss a number of related topics in the context of the geometric approach, such as Hamiltonian forms of the differential equations for the recurrence coefficients, Riccati solutions for special parameter values, and associated discrete Painlevé equations.
Parental affective personality and children's self‐reported internalising and externalising behaviour
Authors: Thaw Amanda , Herba Catherine M. , Orri Massimiliano , Paquin Stéphane , Séguin Jean R. , Berthoz Sylvie , Kim‐Cohen Julia , Tremblay Richard E. , Côté Sylvana
Published: February 2022

Past research has demonstrated associations between parental personality traits and children's behaviour. However, fathers have been largely excluded from this research, and mothers often rate both their own personality and their child's behaviour, contributing to shared method variance. This study contributes to the literature by examining associations between parental biologically based affective personality traits, analysed separately for mothers and fathers, and seven‐ and eight‐year‐old children's self‐reported internalising and externalising behaviours. Data were analysed for 272 mother‐child dyads and 208 father‐child dyads. A series of multiple linear regressions was utilised to test associations between mothers’ and fathers’ traits of ANGER, SADNESS, FEAR, PLAY, SEEKING and CARE, assessed using the Affective Neuroscience Personality Scales (ANPS), and children's self‐reported internalising and externalising behaviours, assessed using the Berkeley Puppet Interview. Results revealed that higher ANPS ANGER scores amongst mothers were associated with more externalising behaviours in boys. Mothers with higher scores on SEEKING had sons with lower scores on externalising behaviours, while mothers with higher PLAY scores had sons with lower scores on internalising behaviours. Fathers with higher ANPS SADNESS scores had children with greater internalising behaviours, while fathers with greater FEAR traits had children with lower internalising behaviours. Indirect associations through harsh or positive parenting were not significant. Findings demonstrated that ANPS traits of ANGER, PLAY and SEEKING for mothers and FEAR and SADNESS for fathers are associated with children's self‐reported externalising and internalising behaviours. This study adds to the literature on biologically based parental affective personality and children's internalising and externalising behaviours.
Impact of the intrauterine environment on future reproductive and metabolic health
Authors: Dunkerton Suzanna , Aiken Catherine
Published: February 2022

Key content

As survival of babies born following high‐risk pregnancies continues to increase globally, understanding the long‐term impacts of suboptimal intrauterine environments on future health becomes increasingly important.

The intrauterine environment is a key influence on later metabolic health, particularly the tendency to later‐life obesity and dyslipidaemia.

Recent evidence shows that female reproductive function is also highly sensitive to the influence of the early life environment.

Various suboptimal intrauterine environments are linked to adverse reproductive and metabolic outcomes, including maternal obesity, low‐protein diets and chronic fetal hypoxia.

Learning objectives

To know that the prevalence of high‐risk intrauterine environments is increasing in maternity populations because of, for example, increasing rates of maternal obesity.

To be aware of the later‐life health implications for the fetus when caring for women with high‐risk pregnancies.

To understand that children who are survivors of high‐risk pregnancies are at increased risk of adverse metabolic health outcomes and more work is required to determine optimal follow‐up.
Gibberellins regulate ovule number through a DELLA–CUC2 complex in Arabidopsis
Authors: Barro‐Trastoy Daniela , Gomez Maria D. , Blanco‐Touriñán Noel , Tornero Pablo , Perez‐Amador Miguel A.
Published: February 2022

Ovule development is a key process for plant reproduction, helping to ensure correct seed production. Several molecular factors and plant hormones such as gibberellins are involved in ovule initiation and development. Gibberellins control ovule development by the destabilization of DELLA proteins, whereas DELLA activity has been shown to act as a positive factor for ovule primordia emergence. But the molecular mechanism by which DELLA acts in ovule primordia initiation remained unknown. In this study we report that DELLA proteins participate in ovule initiation by the formation of a protein complex with the CUC2 transcription factor. The DELLA protein GAI requires CUC2 to promote ovule primordia formation, through the direct GAI–CUC2 interaction in placental cells that would determine the boundary regions between ovules during pistil development. Analysis of GAI–CUC2 interaction and co‐localization in the placenta supports this hypothesis. Moreover, molecular analysis identified a subset of the loci for which the GAI protein may act as a transcriptional co‐regulator in a CUC2‐dependent manner. The DELLA–CUC2 complex is a component of the gene regulatory network controlling ovule primordia initiation in Arabidopsis.
Comparative antimicrobial efficacy of 4 surgical hand‐preparation procedures prior to application of an alcohol‐based hand rub in veterinary students
Authors: Viljoen Hermien , Schoeman Johan P. , Fosgate Geoffrey T. , Boucher Charles
Published: February 2022

Objective

To determine the influence of skin preparations before application of an alcohol‐based hand rub (ABHR) on bacterial counts before and after elective surgery.

Study design

Clinical prospective study.

Sample population

Veterinary students (n = 103) performing ovariohysterectomies on 140 dogs.

Methods

Participants were randomly assigned to 1 initial surgical preparation on the day of surgery: A – hand preparation with medicated solution (4% w/v chlorhexidine bigluconate followed by an ABHR; B – application of a medication solution (benzalkonium chloride 0.1%‐1% and polymeric biguanide hydrochloride 0.01%‐0.1%) followed by an ABHR; C – nonmedicated pH‐neutral soap hand wash followed by ABHR, and D – direct application of an ABHR. Samples were taken by pressing the distal finger tips to an agar plate before the hand preparation, after the hand preparation (n = 3), after ABHR application, and 120 minutes later. Colony‐forming units (CFUs) for samples were determined. Total log CFU and CFU log10 reduction were calculated and used for comparison with P < .05.

Results

Two hours after surgery commenced, the participants of groups that performed a hand preparation had lower total CFUs than those that did not perform a hand preparation (P = .001). In particular, the number of CFUs was lower when ABHR was performed after application of pHN compared to direct ABHR (P = .001).

Conclusion

In this population, performing a hand preparation with pHN prior to applying an ABHR had better antimicrobial effect for the duration of surgery than not performing a hand preparation.

Clinical significance

Surgeons should wash their hands prior to ABHR before starting their first surgery of the day, even when hands appear clean.
Applicability of Blockchain Technology to The Normal Accounting Cycle
Authors: Peprah Williams Kwasi , P. Abas Reynaldo , Ampofo Akwasi
Published: February 2022

Blockchain technologyis a distributed, unchangeable ledger that makes recording transactions and managing assets in a business network much easier and nowa type of accountingsoftwareconcernedwith the transfer of assetownership and the maintenanceof anaccuratefinancial ledger. Despitethenumerousbenefits ofblockchaintechnology,there is no study on theapplicability of blockchain technologytothenormalaccountingcycle in emerging economies in Africa.Thus,thispaperprovidesgeneralinsightsonhowblockchaintechnologymaybeusedinthenormalaccountingcycle in West Africa.Thestudyadoptedaqualitativeresearchmethodandcontentanalysisresearchdesigntounderstand the extent to which business leaders in West Africa are aware, understand, and utilize blockchain technology in the processing of accounting transactions to the preparation of financial statements.Results indicatethat West African business leaders are well aware, understand and applyblockchaintechnologyapplicationsinthenormalaccountingcycle,anditprovidescostsavings,digitalidentity,andsecurity.Thestudyrecommendsfurtherinvestigationsintohowtoaddressscalabilitywhen dealingwith recurrent and large transactions.
Comparison of the effective parameters of single-tip tungsten emitter using Fowler–Nordheim and Murphy–Good plots
Authors: Popov Eugeni O. , Filippov Sergey V. , Kolosko Anatoly G. , Knápek Alexandr
Published: February 2022

A study of single-tip tungsten emitters with the construction of current–voltage dependences in quadratic Fowler–Nordheim coordinates and modified coordinates (Murphy–Good plot that depend on the value of the work function) in real-time has been carried out. The statistical data on the value of the emission area and the field enhancement factor were accumulated. The statistical data on the voltage power in the pre-exponential factor were obtained by plotting the dependence of the notional emission area on the dimensionless field at the tip apex in the coordinates ln(Im/Jk) versus ln(f). An empirical formula is proposed that uses a correction for the power of voltage, taking into account the shape of the tip.
Tunable alignment of liquid crystals between anisotropic polyacrylamide thin layer
Authors: Lee Dong-Wook , Kim Dong-Hyun , Oh Jin-Young , Seo Dae-Shik
Published: February 2022

We report uniform liquid crystal (LC) alignment on a polyacrylamide (PAM) film via ion beam (IB) treatment. The IB incidence angle is adjusted from 15° to 75°. Physicochemical modifications caused by the IB process are investigated by atomic force microscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Low IB incidence results in biased and bumpy surfaces, whereas high IB incidence forms isotropic and smooth surfaces; both of these are unsuitable for uniform LC alignment. The 45° IB incidence induces anisotropic surface chemical reformations, and these modifications induce van der Waals forces between the LCs and modified PAM, thereby leading to uniform LC alignment. The LC alignment state is verified by polarized optical microscopy and pretilt angle. The electro-optical characteristic of the modified PAM showed excellent switching performance in twisted-nematic LC system. Thus, the IB-treated PAM film is a good candidate for LC alignment layers and suitable for LC device applications.
An experimental investigation of aerodynamic and aeroacoustic performance of a wind turbine airfoil with trailing edge serrations
Authors: Cao Huijing , Zhou Teng , Zhang Yinan , Zhang Mingming
Published: February 2022

Trailing edge (TE) serrations are widely used as an effective passive control method to reduce the turbulent TE noise from wind turbine blades. Other than the acoustic effects, the aerodynamic performance of serrations is also an important issue that should be considered, since it determines the power output of the blade. To this end, the far-field sound pressure level, flow field, and aerodynamic force of the serrated airfoil were measured in an anechoic wind tunnel, and the lift increase and noise reduction effects of the TE serrations were comprehensively evaluated. The result showed that the presence of TE serrations could achieve noise reduction by about 2 dB at the low-to-moderate frequency range at small angles of attack, and meanwhile it could suppress the fluctuation of aerodynamic forces. In addition, the proper orthogonal decomposition method was deployed to decompose the wake flow into various vortex structures with different portions of turbulent kinetic energy so as to reveal the noise reduction mechanism of the serrated TE. The result suggested that TE serrations could effectively inhibit large-scale vortex structures that shed from the boundary layer on the suction side, thereby achieving noise reduction around the vortex shedding frequency.
Quiet zone generation in an acoustic free field using multiple parametric array loudspeakers
Authors: Zhong Jiaxin , Zhuang Tao , Kirby Ray , Karimi Mahmoud , Zou Haishan , Qiu Xiaojun
Published: February 2022

This paper investigates the feasibility of remotely generating a quiet zone in an acoustic free field using multiple parametric array loudspeakers (PALs). A primary sound field is simulated using point monopoles located randomly in a two-dimensional plane, or three-dimensional (3D) space, whereas the secondary sound field is generated by multiple PALs uniformly distributed around the circumference of a circle sitting on the same plane as the primary sources, or on the surface of a sphere for 3D space. A quiet zone size is defined as the diameter of the maximal circular zone within which the noise reduction is greater than 10 dB. The size of this quiet zone is found to be proportional to 0.19λN for N secondary sources with a wavelength λ when the primary and secondary sources are in the same plane, whereas it is found to be 0.55λN1/2 for the 3D case. The size of the quiet zones generated by PALs is similar to that observed with traditional omnidirectional loudspeakers; however, the effects of using PALs on the sound field outside the target zone is much smaller due to their sharp radiation directivity and slow decay rate along the propagation distance. Experimental results are also presented to validate these numerical simulations.
Acoustic digital twin for passive structural health monitoring
Authors: Sternini Simone , Bottero Alexis , Kuperman W. A.
Published: February 2022

This study presents simulation results on passive structural health monitoring of a vibrating elastic structure for defect localization. The object considered in this study consists of a shell equipped with vibration sensors surrounding a vibrating structure such that they are coupled at a finite number of points. An acoustic digital twin (ADT) is used to model the non-defective state of the external shell. A combination of the concept of an ADT together with an adjoint-based high-resolution array-processing approach was used to detect and locate a defect on the structure under inspection.
What Are the Acute Effects of Reactive Neuromuscular Training on Frontal Plane Knee Kinematics During Squatting Movements? A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: Zimmerman Josh , Brewer Ian , Fyock-Martin Marcie , Cortes Nelson , Martin Joel
Published: February 2022

Clinical Question: What are the acute effects of reactive neuromuscular training on frontal plane knee kinematics during squatting movements? Clinical Bottom Line: There is Grade B evidence suggesting that there are no significant improvements in measures of frontal plane knee kinematics when reactive neuromuscular training is performed via looped band resistance applied to the distal thighs during squatting movements. However, current literature has only investigated a one-time exposure to reactive neuromuscular training during squatting movements, and little is known of the training effect over time or when the band is removed.
Injuries in Masters Field Hockey Players Competing in the 2018 World Cup: Comparisons of Prevalence, Location, and Type by Age, Sex, and Field Hockey Experience
Authors: Croteau Karen , Eduljee Nina B. , Murphy Laurie , Rosene John
Published: February 2022

This study examined prevalence, body location, and type of injuries reported by Masters Field Hockey players competing in the 2018 Masters and Grand Masters Field Hockey World Cups. There were 465 participants (284 females and 181 males) from 21 countries, ranging in age from 35 to 76 years. Participants completed The Health and Well-being of Masters Field Hockey Athletes Survey, which included injury type and location. The lower leg was the most common injury location and muscle strain the most common type of injury. Significant differences were found between females and males in upper extremity injuries and contusions.
Comparison of the activPAL CREA and VANE Algorithms for Characterization of Posture and Activity in Free-Living Adults
Authors: Montoye Alexander H.K. , Vondrasek Joseph D. , Neph Sylvia E. , Basu Neil , Paul Lorna , Bachmair Eva-Maria , Stefanov Kristian , Gray Stuart R.
Published: February 2022

Background:The activPAL accelerometer is used widely for assessment of free-living activity and postural data. Two algorithms, VANE (traditional) and CREA (new), are available to analyze activPAL data, but the comparability of metrics derived from these algorithms is unknown.Purpose:To determine the comparability of physical activity and sedentary behavior metrics from activPAL’s VANE and CREA algorithms.Methods:Individuals enrolled in the LIFT trial (n = 354) wore an activPAL accelerometer on the right thigh continuously for 7 days on four occasions, resulting in 5,851 valid days of data for analysis. Daily data were downloaded in the PALbatch software using the VANE and CREA algorithms. Correlations, mean absolute percentage error, effect sizes (ES), and equivalence (within 3%) were calculated to evaluate comparability of the algorithms.Results:Steps, activity score, stepping time, bouts of stepping, and upright time metrics were statistically equivalent, highly correlated (r ≥ .98), and had small mean absolute percentage errors (≤2.5%) and trivial ES (ES < 0.07) between algorithms. Stepping bouts also had good comparability. Conversely, sedentary-upright and upright-sedentary transitions and bouts of sitting were not equivalent, with large mean absolute percentage differences (17.4%–141.3%) and small to very large ES (ES = 0.45–3.80) between algorithms.Conclusions:Stepping and upright metrics are highly comparable between activPAL’s VANE and CREA algorithms, but sitting metrics had large differences as the VANE algorithm does not capture nonwear or differentiate between sitting and lying down. Researchers using the activPAL should explicitly describe the analytic algorithms used in their work to facilitate data pooling and comparability across studies.
Arenaviral infection causes bleeding in mice due to reduced serotonin release from platelets
Authors: Aiolfi Roberto , Sitia Giovanni , Iannacone Matteo , Brunetta Ivan , Guidotti Luca G. , Ruggeri Zaverio M.
Published: February 2022

Bleeding correlates with disease severity in viral hemorrhagic fevers. We found that the increase in type I interferon (IFN-I) in mice caused by infection with the Armstrong strain of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV; an arenavirus) reduced the megakaryocytic expression of genes encoding enzymes involved in lipid biosynthesis (
cyclooxygenase 1
and
thromboxane A synthase 1
) and a thrombopoietic transcription factor (
Nf-e2
). The decreased expression of these genes was associated with reduced numbers of circulating platelets and defects in the arachidonic acid synthetic pathway, thereby suppressing serotonin release from δ-granules in platelets. Bleeding resulted when severe thrombocytopenia and altered platelet function reduced the amount of platelet-derived serotonin below a critical threshold. Bleeding was facilitated by the absence of the activity of the kinase Lyn or the administration of aspirin, an inhibitor of arachidonic acid synthesis. Mouse platelets were not directly affected by IFN-I because they lack the receptor for the cytokine (IFNAR1), suggesting that transfusion of normal platelets into LCMV-infected mice could increase the amount of platelet-released serotonin and help to control hemorrhage.
Enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
Enterotoxins Regulate Epithelial to Immune Relay of IL-33 and IL-1Ra Cytokines
Authors: Motyka Natalya I. , Stewart Sydney R. , Porretta Constance P. , Hollifield Ian E. , Bauer David L. , Bitoun Jacob P.
Published: February 2022

Enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
(ETEC) remain a major cause of diarrheal mortality and morbidity in children in low-resource settings. Few studies have explored the consequences of simultaneous intoxication with heat-stable enterotoxins (STs) and heat-labile enterotoxins (LTs) despite the increased prevalence of wild ETEC isolates expressing both toxins.
Developing patient-orientated Barrett’s oesophagus services: the role of dedicated services
Authors: Ratcliffe Elizabeth , Britton James , Hamdy Shaheen , McLaughlin John , Ang Yeng
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Barrett’s oesophagus (BO) is common and is a precursor to oesophageal adenocarcinoma with a 0.33% per annum risk of progression. Surveillance and follow-up services for BO have been shown to be lacking, with studies showing inadequate adherence to guidelines and patients reporting a need for greater disease-specific knowledge. This review explores the emerging role of dedicated services for patients with BO.

Methods

A literature search of PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, HMIC, BNI, CiNAHL, AMED and PsycINFO in regard to dedicated BO care pathways was undertaken.

Results

Prospective multicentre and randomised trials were lacking. Published cohort data are encouraging with improvements in guideline adherence with dedicated services, with one published study showing significant improvements in dysplasia detection rates. Accuracy of allocation to surveillance endoscopy has been shown to hold cost savings, and a study of a dedicated clinic showed increased discharges from unnecessary surveillance. Training modalities for BO surveillance and dysplasia detection exist, which could be used to educate a BO workforce. Qualitative and quantitative studies have shown patients report high levels of cancer worry and poor disease-specific knowledge, but few studies have explored follow-up care models despite being a patient and clinician priority for research.

Conclusions

Cost–benefit analysis for dedicated services, considering both financial and environmental impacts, and more robust clinical data must be obtained to support this model of care in the wider health service. Greater understanding is needed of the root causes for poor guideline adherence, and disease-specific models of care should be designed around clinical and patient-reported outcomes to address the unmet needs of patients with BO.
Non-pharmaceutical interventions and COVID-19 vaccination strategies in Senegal: a modelling study
Authors: Diarra Maryam , Kebir Amira , Talla Cheikh , Barry Aliou , Faye Joseph , Louati Dorra , Opatowski Lulla , Diop Mamadou ,   REPAIR consortium, White Lisa J , Loucoubar Cheikh , Miled Slimane Ben
Published: February 2022

Background

When vaccines against the novel COVID-19 were available in Senegal, many questions were raised. How long should non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) be maintained during vaccination roll-out? What are the best vaccination strategies?

Methods

In this study, we used an age-structured dynamic mathematical model. This model uses parameters based on SARS-CoV-2 virus, information on different types of NPIs, epidemiological and demographic data, some parameters relating to hospitalisations and vaccination in Senegal.

Results

In all scenarios explored, the model predicts a larger third epidemic wave of COVID-19 in terms of new cases and deaths than the previous waves. In a context of limited vaccine supply, vaccination alone will not be sufficient to control the epidemic, and the continuation of NPIs is necessary to flatten the epidemic curve. Assuming 20% of the population have been vaccinated, the optimal period to relax NPIs would be a few days from the last peak. Regarding the prioritisation of age groups to be vaccinated, the model shows that it is better to vaccinate individuals aged 5–60 years and not just the elderly (over 60 years) and those in high-risk groups. This strategy could be more cost-effective for the government, as it would reduce the high costs associated with hospitalisation. In terms of vaccine distribution, the optimal strategy would be to allocate full dose to the elderly. If vaccine doses are limited, half dose followed by full dose would be sufficient for people under 40 years because whether they receive half or full dose, the reduction in hospitalisations would be similar and their death-to-case ratio is very low.

Conclusions

This study could be presented as a decision support tool to help devise strategies to control the COVID-19 pandemic and help the Ministry of Health to better manage and allocate the available vaccine doses.
Preparing for snow-sport events at the Paralympic Games in Beijing in 2022: recommendations and remaining questions
Authors: Fagher K , Baumgart J K , Solli G S , Holmberg H C , Lexell J , Sandbakk Ø
Published: February 2022

During the 2022 Winter Paralympic Games in Beijing, the Para snow-sport events will be held at high altitudes and in possibly cold conditions while also requiring adjustment to several time zones. Furthermore, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic may lead to suboptimal preparations. Another concern is the high rate of injuries that have been reported in the Para alpine and snowboard events. In addition to these challenges, Para athletes various impairments may affect both sports-specific demands and athlete health. However, the group of Para snow-sport athletes is an understudied population. Accordingly, this perspective paper summarises current knowledge to consider when preparing for the Paralympic Games in Beijing and point out important unanswered questions. We here focus specifically on how sport-specific demands and impairment-related considerations are influenced by altitude acclimatisation, cold conditions, travel fatigue and jetlag, complications due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and injury prevention and sports safety considerations. As Para athletes with spinal cord injury, limb deficiency, cerebral palsy and visual impairment account for the majority of the Para snow-sport athletes, the focus is mainly on these impairment groups. In brief, we highlight the extra caution required to ensure athlete health, performance and sports safety among Para athletes participating in the snow-sport events in the 2022 Beijing Paralympic Games. Although there is an urgent need for more high-quality research focusing on Para winter athletes, we hope these non-consensus recommendations will help prepare for the 2022 Beijing Paralympic Winter Games.
ISA101 and nivolumab for HPV-16+cancer: updated clinical efficacy and immune correlates of response
Authors: Sousa Luana Guimaraes de , Rajapakshe Kimal , Rodriguez Canales Jaime , Chin Renee L , Feng Lei , Wang Qi , Barrese Tomas Z , Massarelli Erminia , William William , Johnson Faye M , Ferrarotto Renata , Wistuba Ignacio , Coarfa Cristian , Lee Jack , Wang Jing , Melief Cornelis J M , Curran Michael A , Glisson Bonnie S
Published: February 2022

Background

The combination of ISA101, a human papilloma virus (HPV) 16 peptide vaccine, and nivolumab showed a promising response rate of 33% in patients with incurable HPV-16+cancer. Here we report long-term clinical outcomes and immune correlates of response.

Methods

Patients with advanced HPV-16+cancer and less than two prior regimens for recurrence were enrolled to receive ISA101 (100 µg/peptide) on days 1, 22, and 50 and nivolumab 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks beginning day 8 for up to 1 year. Baseline tumor samples were stained with multiplex immunofluorescence for programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), CD3, CD8, CD68, and pan-cytokeratin in a single panel and scanned with the Vectra 3.0 multispectral microscope. Whole transcriptome analysis of baseline tumors was performed with Affymetrix Clariom D arrays. Differential gene expression analysis was performed on responders versus non-responders.

Results

Twenty-four patients were followed for a median of 46.5 months (95% CI, 46.0 months to not reached (NR)). The median duration of response was 11.2 months (95% CI, 8.51 months to NR); three out of eight (38%) patients with objective response were without progression at 3 years. The median and 3-year overall survival were 15.3 months (95% CI, 10.6 months to 27.2 months) and 12.5% (95% CI, 4.3% to 36%), respectively. The scores for activated T cells ((CD3+PD-1+)+(CD3+CD8+PD-1+)), activated cytotoxic T cells (CD3+CD8+PD-1+), and total macrophage ((CD68+PD-L1−)+(CD68+PD-L1+)) in tumor were directly correlated with clinical response (p<0.05) and depth of response with the two complete response patients having the highest degree of CD8+T cells. Gene expression analysis revealed differential regulation of 357 genes (≥1.25 fold) in non-responders versus responders (p<0.05). Higher expression of immune response, inflammatory response and interferon-signaling pathway genes were correlated with clinical response (p<0.05).

Conclusions

Efficacy of ISA101 and nivolumab remains promising in long-term follow-up. Increased infiltration by PD-1+T cells and macrophages was predictive of response. Enrichment in gene sets associated with interferon-γ response and immune infiltration strongly predicted response to therapy. A randomized trial is ongoing to test this strategy and to further explore correlates of immune response with combined nivolumab and ISA101, versus nivolumab alone.

Trial registration number

NCT02426892.
Recommendations for effective documentation in regional anesthesia: an expert panel Delphi consensus project
Authors: Ahmed Hassan M , Atterton Benjamin P , Crowe Gillian G , Barratta Jaime L , Johnson Mark , Viscusi Eugene , Adhikary Sanjib , Albrecht Eric , Boretsky Karen , Boublik Jan , Breslin Dara S , Byrne Kelly , Ch'ng Alan , Chuan Alwin , Conroy Patrick , Daniel Craig , Daszkiewicz Andrzej , Delbos Alain , Dirzu Dan Sebastian , Dmytriiev Dmytro , Fennessy Paul , Fischer H Barrie J , Frizelle Henry , Gadsden Jeff , Gautier Philippe , Gupta Rajnish K , Gürkan Yavuz , Hardman Harold David , Harrop-Griffiths William , Hebbard Peter , Hernandez Nadia , Hlasny Jakub , Iohom Gabriella , Ip Vivian H Y , Jeng Christina L , Johnson Rebecca L , Kalagara Hari , Kinirons Brian , Lansdown Andrew Kenneth , Leng Jody C , Lim Yean Chin , Lobo Clara , Ludwin Danielle B , Macfarlane Alan James Robert , Machi Anthony T , Mahon Padraig , Mannion Stephen , McLeod David H , Merjavy Peter , Miscuks Aleksejs , Mitchell Christopher H , Moka Eleni , Moran Peter , Ngui Ann , Nin Olga C , O'Donnell Brian D , Pawa Amit , Perlas Anahi , Porter Steven , Pozek John-Paul , Rebelo Humberto C , Roqués Vicente , Schroeder Kristopher M , Schwartz Gary , Schwenk Eric S , Sermeus Luc , Shorten George , Srinivasan Karthikeyan , Stevens Markus F , Theodoraki Kassiani , Turbitt Lloyd R , Valdés-Vilches Luis Fernando , Volk Thomas , Webster Katrina , Wiesmann T , Wilson Sylvia H , Wolmarans Morné , Woodworth Glenn , Worek Andrew K , Moran E M Louise
Published: February 2022

Background and objectives

Documentation is important for quality improvement, education, and research. There is currently a lack of recommendations regarding key aspects of documentation in regional anesthesia. The aim of this study was to establish recommendations for documentation in regional anesthesia.

Methods

Following the formation of the executive committee and a directed literature review, a long list of potential documentation components was created. A modified Delphi process was then employed to achieve consensus amongst a group of international experts in regional anesthesia. This consisted of 2 rounds of anonymous electronic voting and a final virtual round table discussion with live polling on items not yet excluded or accepted from previous rounds. Progression or exclusion of potential components through the rounds was based on the achievement of strong consensus. Strong consensus was defined as ≥75% agreement and weak consensus as 50%–74% agreement.

Results

Seventy-seven collaborators participated in both rounds 1 and 2, while 50 collaborators took part in round 3. In total, experts voted on 83 items and achieved a strong consensus on 51 items, weak consensus on 3 and rejected 29.

Conclusion

By means of a modified Delphi process, we have established expert consensus on documentation in regional anesthesia.
Strong deflection gravitational lensing by an Einstein–Lovelock ultracompact object
Authors: Gao Yuan-Xing , Xie Yi
Published: February 2022

We investigate the strong deflection gravitational lensing by an Einstein–Lovelock ultracompact object. Its unique features are the relativistic images inside its photon sphere which are absent for an Einstein–Lovelock black hole. We obtain its lensing observables and evaluate their observability for the direct images of two supermassive black holes in the Galaxy and M87 respectively, Sgr A* and M87*, and for the relativistic microlensing on a star closely around Sgr A*. We find that although it is impossible to tell difference of the ultracompact object from the black hole in Einstein–Lovelock gravity by the direct images, it might be possible to distinguish the Einstein–Lovelock ultracompact object by measuring the total flux of the relativistic microlensing in the not-so-far future.