bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CD8+ T-cell Responses Are Boosted by Dual PD-1/VEGFR2 Blockade after EGFR Inhibition in Egfr-Mutant Lung Cancer
Authors: Nishii Kazuya , Ohashi Kadoaki , Tomida Shuta , Nakasuka Takamasa , Hirabae Atsuko , Okawa Sachi , Nishimura Jun , Higo Hisao , Watanabe Hiromi , Kano Hirohisa , Ando Chihiro , Makimoto Go , Ninomiya Kiichiro , Kato Yuka , Kubo Toshio , Ichihara Eiki , Hotta Katsuyuki , Tabata Masahiro , Toyooka Shinichi , Udono Heiichiro , Maeda Yoshinobu , Kiura Katsuyuki
Published: July 2022

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is the most frequently mutated driver oncogene in nonsmoking-related, non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). EGFR-mutant NSCLC has a noninflamed tumor microenvironment (TME), with low infiltration by CD8+ T cells and, thus, immune-checkpoint inhibitors, such as antiprogrammed cell death-1 (anti–PD-1), have weak antitumor effects. Here, we showed that CD8+ T-cell responses were induced by an EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) in syngeneic Egfr-mutant NSCLC tumors, which was further pronounced by the sequential dual blockade of PD-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2). However, the simultaneous triple blockade had no such effect. The PD-1/VEGFR2 dual blockade did not exert tumor-inhibitory effects without pretreatment with the EGFR-TKI, suggesting that the treatment schedule is crucial for the efficacy of the dual blockade therapy. Pretreatment with EGFR-TKI increased the CD8+ T-cell/regulatory T-cell (Treg) ratio, while also increasing the expression of immunosuppressive chemokines and chemokine receptors, as well as increasing the number of M2-like macrophages, in the TME. Discontinuing EGFR-TKI treatment reversed the transient increase of immunosuppressive factors in the TME. The subsequent PD-1/VEGFR2 inhibition maintained increased numbers of infiltrating CD8+ T cells and CD11c+ dendritic cells. Depletion of CD8+ T cells in vivo abolished tumor growth inhibition by EGFR-TKI alone and the sequential triple therapy, suggesting that EGFR inhibition is a prerequisite for the induction of CD8+ T-cell responses. Our findings could aid in developing an alternative immunotherapy strategy in patients with cancers that have driver mutations and a noninflamed TME.
Direct T-cell Presentation by cDC1: The Key Feature for Cancer Vaccine Success?
Authors: Hubert Margaux , Caux Christophe , Valladeau-Guilemond Jenny
Published: July 2022

In this issue of Cancer Immunology Research, Ferris and colleagues demonstrate that type 1 conventional DC (cDC1) vaccines drive tumor rejection through direct antigen presentation, without the need of endogenous cDC1. This suggests that cDC1-based vaccines could represent an optimal strategy to induce antitumor immunity in patients.

See related article by Ferris et al., p. 920 (7) .
Viscum album L., a Therapeutic Option for Neoplastic Diseases in Companion Animals? A Systematic Review
Authors: Biegel Ulrike , Mevissen Meike , Schuller Simone , Ruess Katja , Christen Ophélie , Ayrle Hannah , Koch Christoph , Walkenhorst Michael
Published: July 2022

Cancer is a common disease in humans and in companion animals and treatment is challenging. The aim of this systematic review was to identify and assess the potential use of Viscum album L. extracts (VAE) for treatment of neoplastic diseases in companion animals. Peer-reviewed animal, in vivo and in vitro studies were included, considering the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement and A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR). Overall, 6,148 references were identified. Following a predefined protocol, 114 full-text references were assessed. Ultimately, 61 references were included for further assessment, 25 references included in vitro experiments, 26 included in vivo and clinical experiments, and 10 references included both in vitro and in vivo experiments. These 61 references comprised data of 193 in vitro and 67 in vivo and clinical experiments. Most of the 67 in vivo and clinical experiments were conducted with mice (59), followed by rats (4), dogs (3), and horses (1). So far, oral melanomas, mammary tumors, and sticker sarcomas in dogs, as well as sarcoids in horses, have been investigated in controlled clinical trials. A scoring system was established to evaluate the outcomes of each study based on defined effect levels. The efficacy of VAE treatment was most pronounced for melanomas, sarcomas, mammary carcinoma, and equine sarcoids. The limited number and quality of published studies on VAE treatment in companion animals impede drawing definitive conclusions regarding the efficacy of VAE in the treatment of cancer. Thus, further research is needed to elucidate the impact of VAE on the treatment of cancer in companion animals and possible underlying mechanisms.
A Rapid and Sensitive Determination of Histamine in Mast Cells Using a Didansyl Derivatization Method
Authors: Asai Haruka , Yamamoto Ritsuko , Kuromiya Kotone , Takamura Reika , Jin Wanchun , Kurosaki Hiromasa , Fukuishi Nobuyuki
Published: July 2022

Background: Mast cells play a central role in allergic responses such as food allergy, asthma, allergic rhinitis, and allergic conjunctivitis. Symptoms in the early phase of these allergic diseases are primarily caused by histamine. However, due to the high histidine content in the cytosol and low histamine content in secretory granules, separating and quantifying histamine from histidine is often difficult. Objectives: We studied a method for rapid and sensitive quantitation of mast cell-derived histamine and evaluated its application to allergic disease research. Methods: Bone marrow-derived mouse mast cells (BMMCs) were employed in this study. IgE-sensitized BMMCs were activated by FcεRI cross-linking. After activation, both the histamine released to the supernatant and histamine remaining in BMMCs were didansylated and then analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FD). Didansyl histamine was synthesized as a standard material. Results: Synthetic didansyl histamine was detected by HPLC-FD with a peak retention time of 18.5 min. Very high linearity of the standard curve was maintained at concentrations of 10 pg/μL or less when the didansyl histamine method was used. This method enables detection of histamine released from 1 × 105 BMMCs. In addition, the histamine concentration in the supernatant due to spontaneous release was also determined. Finally, the ratio of histamine release was highly correlated with the degranulation ratio. Conclusion: These results indicate that the proposed method using didansylated histamine to determine mast cell-derived histamine is highly useful for allergy research applications.
Survival and Survival without Major Morbidity Seem to Be Consistently Better throughout Gestational Age in 24- to 30-Week Gestational Age Very-Low-Birth-Weight Female Infants Compared to Males
Authors: García-Muñoz Rodrigo Fermín , Fabres Jorge G. , Zozaya Nieto Carlos , San Feliciano Laura , Figueras-Aloy Josep , Saenz de Pipaon Miguel , D’Apremont Ivonne , Genes de Lovera Larissa E. , Bancalari Aldo , Tapia José L. , Vento Máximo
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Several studies showed advantages in outcomes for very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) female infants. It has been suggested that recent advances in perinatal care might have benefited boys relatively more than girls, making differences disappear. Objectives: The aims of the study were (1) to determine if sex differences in survival and survival without morbidity in VLBW infants are still present in the context of more advanced perinatal care and (2) to know whether these differences are consistent throughout gestational age (GA). Methods: Retrospective cohort study in seven countries participating in the Spanish SEN1500 and the South American NEOCOSUR neonatal networks. We included VLBW infants 24–30 weeks’ GA, born alive without major congenital anomalies (2013–2016). Major morbidity, survival, and survival without morbidity were compared between male and female infants overall and stratified by GA. Results: 10,565 patients were included: 5,620 (53.2%) males and 4,945 (46.8%) females. Female infants exhibited a lower incidence rate ratio (95% CI) of respiratory distress syndrome: 0.91 (0.88, 0.94), necrotizing enterocolitis: 0.83 (0.74, 0.93), major brain damage: 0.79 (0.72, 0.86), moderate-severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD): 0.77 (0.72, 0.83), higher survival: 1.03 (1.01, 1.05), survival without BPD: 1.11 (1.07, 1.16), survival without major brain damage: 1.05 (1.02, 1.08), and survival without major morbidity: 1.14 (1.07, 1.21). Survival and survival without morbidity were almost consistently favourable to females throughout GA. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that perinatal results continue to be favourable for VLBW female infants in the context of current perinatology, and that they are almost consistent throughout GA.
Effect of Levothyroxine Replacement on Cognitive Function Impairment in a Sample of Egyptian Population with Subclinical Hypothyroidism
Authors: El-khwaga Salwa Seddik Hosny , Marwan Dina Ahmed , Adly Nahla Nader , Hakim Marina El-Amir , Bahaaeldin Ahmed Mohamed
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SHT) is characterized by a normal range of free thyroxin concentrations together with increased serum TSH levels. SHT is defined as serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration above the upper limit of the reference range in the face of normal free FT4 and FT3 levels. The effect of SHT on cognitive function has been investigated in several preclinical studies, and a growing body of evidence has suggested a relevant link between thyroid hormones and the central nervous system. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of levothyroxine replacement on cognitive impairment in a sample of Egyptian patients with SHT. Methods: A prospective cohort study conducted on 30 patients with cognitive impairment and SHT attending an endocrine outpatient clinic at the Ain Shams University Hospital to study the effect of levothyroxine supplementation on cognitive impairment in patients with SHT. The study was conducted on 30 patients. All participants were subjected to a full history taking; thorough clinical examination; laboratory investigations including thyroid profile (FT3, FT4, TSH), anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies, anti-thyroglobulin antibodies, and lipid profile; imaging tests as neck ultrasound, echocardiography, and carotid duplex; and finally Addenbrooke’s questionnaire used to diagnose mild cognitive impairment. Results: A highly statistically significant difference was found before, 3 months and 6 months after treatment with levothyroxine regarding all clinical data, TSH, LDL, T. cholesterol, FT3, FT4 and HDL, carotid intima-media thickness, and Addenbrooke’s questionnaire. Our study showed a statistically significant inverse correlation between TSH level and mild cognitive impairment before and after treatment with levothyroxine at 3 and 6 months intervals as when TSH increased, results of Addenbrooke’s questionnaire decreased and, so, cognitive impairment increased, while when TSH decreased in response to thyroxine replacement, cognitive impairment improved as detected by an increase in the patient’s score. Conclusion: SHT has a great effect on cognitive impairment, as normalization in TSH level results in improvement in cognitive function. Also, there was a significant reduction in carotid intima-media thickness, which may contribute to improvement of cognitive function in addition to a great improvement in lipid profile, which in turn positively affects cardiac and cognitive function.
Remnant Cholesterol and the Risk of Coronary Artery Calcium Progression: Insights From the CARDIA and MESA Study
Authors: Hao Qing-Yun , Gao Jing-Wei , Yuan Zhi-Min , Gao Ming , Wang Jing-Feng , Schiele François , Zhang Shao-Ling , Liu Pin-Ming
Published: July 2022

Background:

Remnant cholesterol (RC) contributes to residual risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, but population-based evidence on the prospective relationship between RC and coronary artery calcium (CAC) progression is rare.

Methods:

We pooled data obtained from 6544 atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease–free individuals from the CARDIA study (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults; n=2635) and MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis; n=3909), with a mean±SD age of 47.2±19.8 years; 3019 (46.1%) were men who completed computed tomography of CAC at baseline. RC was measured as total cholesterol minus HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol minus calculated LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol (LDL-C) estimated by using the Martin/Hopkins equation. Adjusted Cox models were used to assess the relationships between RC levels and CAC progression. We also performed discordance analyses examining the risk of CAC progression in RC versus LDL-C discordant/concordant groups using median cut points and clinically relevant LDL-C targets.

Results:

During a median follow-up of 8.6 years, 2778 (42.5%) participants had CAC progression. After multivariable adjustment for demographics and cardiovascular risk factors, a 1-mg/dL increase in RC levels was associated with a 1.3% higher risk of CAC progression (hazard ratio, 1.013 [95% CI, 1.008–1.017]). Results were similar when we categorized individuals by RC quartiles. Furthermore, the discordant high RC/low LDL-C group had a significantly higher risk of CAC progression than the concordant low RC/LDL-C group regarding their medians (hazard ratio, 1.195 [95% CI, 1.063–1.343]) or when setting the clinical LDL-C cut points at 100 and 130 but not 70 mg/dL. The association remained robust across a series of sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions:

Elevated RC levels were associated with an increased risk of CAC progression independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, even in individuals with optimal LDL-C levels.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifiers: NCT00005130 (CARDIA) and NCT00005487 (MESA).
Primary Aldosteronism Screening Rates Differ with Sex, Race, and Comorbidities
Authors: Turcu Adina F. , Nhan Winnie , Grigoryan Seda , Zhang Lei , Urban Caitlin , Liu Haiping , Holevinski Lynn , Zhao Lili
Published: July 2022

Background

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is a common but under‐recognized cause of secondary hypertension. Data directly comparing screening rates across single and overlapping indications are lacking.

Methods and Results

We conducted a retrospective review of adults with hypertension seen in outpatient clinics at a tertiary referral academic center between January 1, 2017, and June 30, 2020. We included patients with hypertension plus at least one of the following: resistant hypertension; age<35 years; obstructive sleep apnea; hypokalemia; or an adrenal mass. We excluded patients with adrenal insufficiency, severe renal disease, or heart failure, and renovascular hypertension. Of 203 535 patients with hypertension, 86044 (42.3%) met at least 1 PA screening criterion, and of these, 2898 (3.4%) were screened for PA. Screening occurred in 2.7% of patients with resistant hypertension; 4.2% of those with obstructive sleep apnea; 5.1% of those <35 years; 10.0% of those with hypokalemia; and 47.3% of patients with an adrenal mass. Screening rates were higher in patients with multiple risk factors: 16.8% for ≥3, 5.7% for 2, and 2.5% for 1 criterion. Multiple logistic regression showed that the odds of PA screening were higher in patients with hypokalemia: odds ratio (95% CI): 3.0 (2.7–3.3); women: 1.3 (1.2–1.4); Black versus White: 1.5 (1.4–1.7); those with obstructive sleep apnea, chronic renal disease, stroke, and dyslipidemia.

Conclusions

Consideration for PA is given in a small subset of at‐risk patients, and typically after comorbidities have developed.
Gains and Losses Affect Learning Differentially at Low and High Attentional Load
Authors: Boroujeni Kianoush Banaie , Watson Marcus , Womelsdorf Thilo
Published: July 2022

Prospective gains and losses influence cognitive processing, but it is unresolved how they modulate flexible learning in changing environments. The prospect of gains might enhance flexible learning through prioritized processing of reward-predicting stimuli, but it is unclear how far this learning benefit extends when task demands increase. Similarly, experiencing losses might facilitate learning when they trigger attentional reorienting away from loss-inducing stimuli, but losses may also impair learning by increasing motivational costs or when negative outcomes are overgeneralized. To clarify these divergent views, we tested how varying magnitudes of gains and losses affect the flexible learning of feature values in environments that varied attentional load by increasing the number of interfering object features. With this task design, we found that larger prospective gains improved learning efficacy and learning speed, but only when attentional load was low. In contrast, expecting losses impaired learning efficacy, and this impairment was larger at higher attentional load. These findings functionally dissociate the contributions of gains and losses on flexible learning, suggesting they operate via separate control mechanisms. One mechanism is triggered by experiencing loss and reduces the ability to reduce distractor interference, impairs assigning credit to specific loss-inducing features, and decreases efficient exploration during learning. The second mechanism is triggered by experiencing gains, which enhances prioritizing reward-predicting stimulus features as long as the interference of distracting features is limited. Taken together, these results support a rational theory of cognitive control during learning, suggesting that experiencing losses and experiencing distractor interference impose costs for learning.
Revision of F. R. C. Reed’s Ordovician trilobite types from Myanmar (Burma) and western Yunnan Province, China
Authors: FORTEY RICHARD A. , WERNETTE SHELLY J. , HUGHES NIGEL C.
Published: July 2022

The field collections made from Burma (Myanmar) by the Geological Survey of India, and described by F.R.C. Reed more than a century ago, still provide the only ‘ground truthing’ for an important region of the Ordovician marginal terranes fringing Gondwana. A revision of these faunas is overdue, particularly as it is likely that further collections cannot be made in the northern Shan State in the near future. The specimens, stored in the Geological Survey of India collections in Kolkata, cannot be loaned. Sixteen species are fully revised herein; another twelve species are left under open nomenclature because of inadequacies in the material. Several of Reed’s species subsequently became type species of genera that have proved to be widespread: Birmanites Sheng, 1934, Encrinurella Reed, 1915, Neseuretinus Dean, 1967, and Pliomerina Chugaeva, 1956. Reed’s Ordovician trilobite collections came from two main areas: northern Shan State (Myanmar), and westernmost Yunnan (China). The Burmese (Myanmar) collections are from the Upper Ordovician (Katian) while Yunnan specimens are from the Middle Ordovician (Darriwilian), though Upper Ordovician trilobites also occur in the area. Both collections are predominantly from clastic strata. Based on a small new Katian collection from Pupiao, we report Neseuretinus birmanicus (Reed, 1906) in common between the northern part of the Shan State and western Yunnan. A few genera (Dionide Barrande, 1847, Phorocephala Lu, 1957, Lonchodomas Angelin, 1854, Nileus Dalman, 1827) are distributed worldwide, and include pelagic (Phorocephala) or deeper benthic (Dionide) taxa. The palaeogeographic comparisons offered by the other taxa are mostly peri-Gondwanan and extend from southwest China westwards (present geography) as far as the Iberian Pennsula. Birmanites is the type genus of a subfamily (Birmanitinae Kobayashi, 1960, revived herein) widely distributed over Ordovician Gondwana, and absent from Laurentia, Baltica and North China/Siberia. Mioptychopyge Zhou, Dean, Yuan & Zhou, 1998, probably belongs with the same group and is otherwise known from South China. Parillaenus Jaanusson, 1954, is also peripheral Gondwanan, as is Prionocheilus Rouault, 1847. The Reedocalymeninae Kobayashi, 1951 (Neseuretinus, Reedocalymene Kobayashi, 1951) are similarly diagnostic of peri–Gondwanan sites. However, some genera (Pliomerina, Encrinurella, Ovalocephalus Koroleva, 1959) have been associated with other oriental and Australian occurrences in particular, with ‘outliers’ in certain terranes in Kazakhstan, i.e. palaeotropical Gondwana.
Cobitis indus, a new spined loach from the Dalaman River in the Eastern Aegean Sea basin (Teleostei: Cobitidae)
Authors: EAGDERI SOHEIL , SECER BURAK , FREYHOF JÖRG
Published: July 2022

Cobitis indus, new species, from the Dalaman River drainage, is distinguished from other Cobitis species in the eastern Aegean Sea basin by having two laminae circularis, a bifurcate suborbital spine, a narrow caudal peduncle, pigmentation zone 4 with 17–24 small blotches often fused into a stripe, pigmentation below Z4 usually absent, and one black, comma-shaped spot at the upper caudal-fin base. It is further distinguished from its closest relative, C. dorademiri, by having 13 diagnostic nucleotide substitutions in the mtDNA COI barcode region and a K2P nearest–neighbour distance of 2.3–2.7%. This is the fourth Cobitis species found in the Dalaman River drainage making this river the most species-rich in spined loaches in the Middle East.
Controls on Subtropical Cloud Reflectivity during a Waterbelt Scenario for the Cryogenian Glaciations
Authors: Braun Christoph , Voigt Aiko , Hoose Corinna , Ekman Annica M. L. , Pinto Joaquim G.
Published: July 2022

Waterbelt climate states with an ice-free tropical ocean provide a straightforward explanation for the survival of advanced marine species during the Cryogenian glaciations (720–635 million years ago). Previous work revealed that stable waterbelt states require the presence of highly reflective low-level mixed-phase clouds with a high abundance of supercooled liquid in the subtropics. However, the high uncertainty associated with representing mixed-phase clouds in coarse-scale general circulation models (GCMs) that parameterize atmospheric convection has prohibited assessment of whether waterbelt states are a robust feature of Earth’s climate. Here we investigate whether resolving convective-scale motion at length scales of hectometers helps us to assess the plausibility of a waterbelt scenario. First, we show that substantial differences in cloud reflectivity among GCMs do not arise from the resolved atmospheric circulation. Second, we conduct a hierarchy of simulations using the Icosahedral Nonhydrostatic (ICON) modeling framework, ranging from coarse-scale GCM simulations with parameterized convection to large-eddy simulations that explicitly resolve atmospheric convective-scale motions. Our hierarchy of simulations supports the existence of highly reflective subtropical clouds if we apply moderate ice nucleating particle (INP) concentrations. Third, we test the sensitivity of cloud reflectivity to the INP concentration. In the presence of high but justifiable INP concentrations, cloud reflectivity is strongly reduced. Hence, the existence of stable waterbelt states is controlled by the abundance of INPs. We conclude that explicitly resolving convection can help to constrain Cryogenian cloud reflectivity, but limited knowledge concerning Cryogenian aerosol conditions hampers strong constraints. Thus, waterbelt states remain an uncertain feature of Earth’s climate.

Significance Statement

The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of atmospheric convection and small airborne ice nucleating particles on the reflectivity of mixed-phase clouds over a subtropical ice margin. This is important as these clouds can determine whether the Cryogenian Earth (720–635 million years ago) was in a hard “snowball” state with a fully ice-covered ocean or a habitable waterbelt state with an ice-free tropical ocean. Our results indicate a clear impact of convection but neither confirm nor deny the existence of a waterbelt state since cloud reflectivity depends critically on the abundance of ice nucleating particles. Therefore, a Cryogenian waterbelt scenario remains uncertain, which calls for more comprehensive Earth system modeling approaches in future studies.
Regional Anesthesia for Thoracic and Abdominal Surgery: Tips and Tricks for the Surgeon
Authors: Allen Brian F. S. , McEvoy Matthew D.
Published: July 2022

The use of ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia (UGRA) has flourished over the past two decades with the description of many novel techniques and the incorporation of UGRA into patient care pathways for many types of surgery, including thoracic and abdominal surgery. Numerous facial plane blocks have been developed for analgesia of the chest and abdomen. Though analgesic efficacy varies based on the specific technique, it is important to be aware of the regional anesthesia techniques in common usage, their analgesic distributions, side effect profiles, and efficacy. In this review, we describe fascial plane blocks developed since 2010 as well as older regional anesthesia techniques and provide context for how and why they might be incorporated into patient care pathways. We will provide salient details on block coverage and briefly discuss evidence and relevant controversies around their use.
Should Deliberative Democrats Eschew Modernist Social Science?
Authors: Ansari Nabil , Bevir Mark , Chan Kai Yui Samuel
Published: July 2022

The empirical turn in the study of deliberative democracy raises a problem: deliberative democracy’s conceptual premises are in tension with those of the social scientific approaches often used to study it. If deliberation is to function as a source of political legitimacy, we must treat citizens as intentional agents capable of reasoning. In contrast, modernist social science characteristically employs forms of explanation that bypass intentionality. Deliberative democrats thus risk theoretical inconsistency when they attempt to study deliberation using the techniques of modernist social science. The danger is that when deliberative democrats rely on modernist social science, they at least implicitly reinforce a fallacious belief in expertise at the expense of a more dialogic and democratic ethos. The concepts and the practical aims of deliberative democracy seem, therefore, to require a more interpretive social science.
The Use of Human Tissues for Research: What Investigators Need to Know
Authors: Bledsoe Marianna J. , Grizzle William E.
Published: July 2022

While laboratory animals are necessary for some aspects of the development of scientific and biomedical advances, including those of precision medicine, the use of human tissues is necessary in order to explore the findings and ensure that they are relevant to human systems. Many sources of human tissues exist, but researchers — particularly those making the transition from animal to human systems — may not be aware of how best to find quality sources of human tissues or how best to use them in their research. In this article, we discuss the advantages of using human tissues in research. In addition, we highlight some of the major advances made possible through the use of human tissue, and describe how human tissue is collected for research. We discuss the various types of bioresources that make human tissue available, and advise on how investigators can find and use appropriate bioresources to support their research — with the hope that this information will help facilitate the transition from research on animals to research using human tissues, as rapidly as is practicable.
Identifying Hospital Deserts in Texas Before and During the COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors: Jiao Junfeng , Degen Nathaniel , Azimian Amin
Published: July 2022

In this study, we proposed a GIS-based approach to analyzing hospital visitors from January to June 2019 and January to June 2020 with the goal of revealing significant changes in the visitor demographics. The target dates were chosen to observe the effect of the first wave of COVID-19 on the visitor count in hospitals. The results indicated that American Indian and Pacific Islander groups were the only ones that sometimes showed no shift in visitor levels between the studied years. For 19 of the 28 hospitals in Austin, TX, the average distance traveled to those hospitals from home increased in 2020 compared with 2019. A hospital desert index was devised to identify the areas in which the demand for hospitals is greater than the current hospital supply. The hospital desert index considers the travel time, location, bed supply, and population. The cities located along the outskirts of metropolitan regions and rural towns showed more hospital deserts than dense city centers.
Literature Review on Problem Models and Solution Approaches for Managing Real-Time Passenger Train Operations: The Perspective of Train Operating Companies
Authors: Marques Luis , Moro Sergio , Ramos Pedro
Published: July 2022

This study presents a comprehensive review of different problem models for managing railway operations by problem-type classification. Railway terminology was used to identify the studies that encompass the existing body of knowledge. The 28 articles analyzed showed that existing studies are focused on the individual schedule components, such as rolling stock, schedules, crews, and passengers. Few studies have adopted a broader scope by covering several of those components. Two of the most popular approaches include the integer linear program and the mixed integer linear program variant. The difference between them is that integer programming uses discrete decision-making variable data, while mixed integer programming also admits continuous variable data. In contrast, few studies involve combining computational algorithms with human knowledge-based approaches. This analysis reveals that the most significant variables for managing disruptive events are related to verifying suppressed circulation and the discrete events of real-time traffic, such as departures and arrivals at stations.
Human rights in the Olympic Movement: The application of international and European standards to the lex sportiva
Authors: Di Marco Antonio
Published: July 2022

The promotion of the Olympic ideals is strongly correlated with the effective protection of human rights in the sporting context. However, countless practical examples of violations of athletes’ human rights have shown how the link between sport and human rights is continuously placed under strong pressure. Taking into consideration the thesis according to which human rights are an indirect legal source of the lex sportiva, this study analyses the gaps in the protection of the fundamental rights of athletes. By verifying the potential effects on the sporting juridical bodies’ competences and on the effective implications in sporting affairs for the European Court of Human Rights, the hypothesis of an emerging incorporation of human rights in sports legal orders will also be investigated. At the end of these pages, by identifying the limits and perspectives of the judicial protection of athletes’ human rights, we should also be able to evaluate if, and to what extent, a reform of sport justice bodies is urgently needed in order to guarantee the function of sport as an instrument of peace and sustainable development, vehicle of rights, and source of social inclusion.
Football, dictatorship, and human rights: The 1978 World Cup and solidarity activism in the Netherlands for Argentina
Authors: Daanen Bram
Published: July 2022

This research shows that the 1978 World Cup was a key moment in the evolution of Dutch solidarity with Argentina. Based on both oral and written sources, it reconstructs the development of this solidarity. Argentine exiles played a leading role in the process by using the attention generated by the Dutch campaign for a boycott of the tournament to denounce the human rights violations by the Argentinian dictatorship. These efforts led to the emergence of the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo on the international stage, which prompted the formation of the first support group of its kind in the Netherlands. Therefore, this research casts doubt on the dictatorship's alleged success to instrumentalise the tournament and proposes to see it as a Pyrrhic victory for the regime. Finally, the findings contribute to the understanding of the emergence of a human rights discourse during the 1970s, authoritarian regime's endeavours to instrumentalise sporting events, and the importance of football in modern society.
Experimental and theoretical investigation of extrusion load for AA6063/SiC extruded composite billet
Authors: Veerasundaram Jayaseelan , Kani Kalaichelvan , Nallumuthu Ramasamy , Thangaraj Muthuramalingam
Published: July 2022

Because of their great strength and stiffness with regard to their weight, extruded sections are commonly utilized as essential parts in many areas. The investigation focuses on experimental and theoretical analysis of cold extruded aluminium composites. Four types of extrusion die configurations, such as 12:8, 2:4, 12:2, and 8:4, were used to obtain the aluminium composite billets. Aluminium with 5 wt% SiC material was used for the fabrication of Ingot. The theoretical models have been used to determine the extrusion load compared with the experimental value. Moreover, the theoretical model is modified to reflect the relative significance of extrusion parameters in the extrusion process and to provide the actual value of the testing process. Also, the modified model was attributed to developing the equation for evaluating the extrusion load in the intermediate process of extrusion for all the types of extrusion die configurations. The experimentally investigated extrusion load has a 0.81% deviation with the modified model and increased with other theoretical models. Surface morphology analysis was carried out for all configurations of extruded billet components and indicated the surface quality of the extruded billet.
Effect of powder size in microwave joining of oxygen-free copper to SS304
Authors: Tamang Siddharth , Aravindan Sivanandam
Published: July 2022

This paper investigates the prospect of microwave hybrid heating to join oxygen-free copper with stainless steel (SS304). The effect of size of copper (Cu) powder interlayer in the microstructure and mechanical properties of the joint formed is investigated, along with the incites on the mechanism of joint formation. Cu powder of average sizes 4 and 45 μm was studied. The microwave heating rate was observed to be high for 4 μm Cu in the absence of voids or porosities in the joint region. Voids were observed in the interlayer when 45 μm Cu powder was used. The joint was formed due to volumetric diffusion of the major elements of the substrates, e.g. Fe, Cu, Cr that was verified by energy dispersive spectroscopy. Oxides were present for 45 μm Cu which was absent for 4 μm Cu. X-ray diffraction and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis concluded that no intermetallic compound was formed along the interlayer. The micro-hardness of ∼128 HV was observed to be uniform across the interlayer depicting a good metallurgical joint. The maximum tensile shear strength of 83.12 MPa was recorded for 4 μm copper powder and microwave time of 14 min, exhibiting ductile failure of the joint.
Effect of COVID-19: Understanding Customer’s Evaluation on Hotel and Airline Sector—A Text Mining Approach
Authors: Sekar Srinivasan , Santhanam Nivethitha
Published: July 2022

The travel and tourism sector is one of the most impacted sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Existing limited studies often focused on assessing the flow of travellers and economic patterns. However, scant work evaluates customers’ perceptions and evaluation of the services offered during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examines customers’ perceptions and emotions by evaluating their experiences shared through online reviews. The online reviews of the customers on the hotel (41,687 reviews) and airline (9,574 reviews) sectors were analysed via text mining and sentiment analysis techniques. The study results reveal that most customers exhibit a positive attitude towards the services in the hotel sector, while 50% of the airline reviews were negative. The results indicated that ‘anticipation’ and ‘trust’ are the customers’ most expressed emotions. This study provides important insights for restoring the hotel and airline sectors from the effect of COVID-19.
Exploring Construct and Consequential Validity of Collaborative Learning Assessment in Higher Education
Authors: Meijer Hajo , Brouwer Jasperina , Hoekstra Rink , Strijbos Jan-Willem
Published: July 2022

Despite the advance of collaborative learning in higher education, there is a tension between its assessment and the orientation on students’ individual domain-specific abilities (e.g., knowledge and/or skills) of most higher education curricula. We examined the construct and consequential validity of group assessment, individual assessment, and combined assessment of collaborative learning. Findings showed that the construct and consequential validity of these assessment methods can vary widely within and across cohorts. In view of these findings and considering pragmatic and didactic considerations, combined assessment of collaborative learning might be better suited than group assessment and individual assessment of collaborative learning.
Social Cognitive Predictors of Music Majors’ Academic Well-Being and Persistence Intentions
Authors: Cygrymus Emily R. , Lent Robert W.
Published: July 2022

Vocational psychology has devoted limited attention to factors that promote or hinder the career development of musicians. We combined features of social cognitive career theory’s (SCCT) well-being and choice models to examine the experiences of musicians at a formative point in their career development – the first few years of college, during which many would-be musicians either reaffirm or abandon their career paths. Consistent with SCCT, we posited that academic satisfaction and stress would be predicted by favorable levels of self-efficacy, outcome expectations, social support, goal progress, and trait negative affect. We also expected that satisfaction and stress levels would, along with self-efficacy and outcome expectations, predict intentions to persist in undergraduate music majors. Participants were 260 first- and second-year undergraduate music majors. The hypothesized model and a slightly revised version (which added a direct path from goal progress to persistence intentions) produced good fit to the data and accounted well for variation in academic satisfaction, stress, and persistence intentions.
Experimental study on vertical vehicle-rail-bridge coupling of medium and low speed maglev train based on track beam with different stiffness
Authors: Chen Chen , Xu Junqi , Lu Yang , Lin Guobin , Ji Wen
Published: July 2022

In order to analyze and verify the adaptability of train to track beams with different stiffness, the dynamic response of vertical vehicle-track-bridge with different stiffness track beam is studied. Firstly, according to the actual vehicle-track-bridge coupling system, the corresponding mechanical and kinematic equations are established. The natural vibration characteristics of track beams (bridges) with different stiffness are studied, and the dynamic response caused by current control algorithm is analyzed. Secondly, combined with the 3-D model of vehicle-track-bridge and the actual system, the dynamic simulation and experiment of the coupling system of track beam with different stiffness in the speed range of 60 km/h are carried out. The results show that the vertical first-order natural frequency of track beam decreases with the decrease of track beam stiffness. When the deflection span ratio increases, the suspension gap fluctuation increases, but the increase of deflection span ratio within a certain range will not affect the tracking performance of control current, and the train is still in a relatively stable suspension state. For the track beam, with the decrease of stiffness, the vertical deflection of the track beam increases and the high-frequency vibration energy increases, which has a great impact on the vibration response of the coupling system. The research results of this paper can provide a useful reference for the optimization of suspension system of medium and low speed maglev train, line design, and the formulation of construction standard of maglev vehicle-track-bridge system. In addition, the research results of this paper can provide a theoretical basis for reducing the construction cost of track beam.
Nonpharmacologic Interventions and Seizure Frequency in Patients With Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures: An Integrative Review
Authors: Cobb Sandra J. , Vaughn Bradley V. , Sagherian Knar
Published: July 2022

Background:

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) pose a heavy burden on patients’ lives and the health care system. The symptoms of PNES are often debilitating and cause high rates of disability and poor quality of life. Many treatment options are available, but there is no clear consensus on best practices.

Aim:

To critique and synthesize the current literature on nonpharmacologic interventions and effects on seizure frequency in patients with PNES.

Methods:

An integrative review guided by the Whittemore and Knafl approach.

Results:

The review included 24 studies published from 2010 to 2020. Interventions for PNES included individualized psychotherapies, group therapies, multimodal psychotherapies, self-help therapies, and complementary and alternative medicine therapies. Individual psychotherapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy and psychoeducation were the most used treatment modalities. The most effective treatments for seizure frequency reduction were those that included multiple psychotherapy sessions with a health care provider and covered multiple domains (e.g., understanding of diagnosis, identifying triggers, and developing effective coping strategies).

Conclusions:

Seizure frequency can be reduced in patients with PNES with multiple nonpharmacologic interventions. However, seizure frequency is not considered a comprehensive outcome measure and provides little insight into other important life domains. Further research is needed on nonpharmacologic interventions for PNES and effects on other areas of life such as sleep, employment status, global functioning, and self-efficacy.
Macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer defect patterns in multiple sclerosis patients without optic neuritis: A Spectral-Domain-Optical Coherence Tomography Cross-Sectional, Case-Control, Pilot Study
Authors: Albano Valeria , Dammacco Rosanna , Manni Alessia , Sisto Dario , Iaffaldano Antonio , Mavilio Alberto , Alessio Giovanni , Trojano Maria , Paolicelli Damiano
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was used to evaluate, in patients with multiple sclerosis without a history of optic neuritis (MSNON), the proportion of the different macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer complex (mGCIP) defect patterns. The results were compared with those of healthy controls (HCs).

Methods

In this cross-sectional case-control study, 34 eyes of 34 individuals, 17 with MSNON and 17 HCs, were evaluated. All participants underwent mGCIP thickness measurement using SD-OCT (Zeiss Cirrus HD-OCT 4000, macular cube protocol). The mGCIP defect patterns were classified in nine types (minimal, inner, outer, diffuse mild, diffuse severe inferior confined, inferior dominant, superior confined, and superior dominant), according to the shape derived by the deviation map of the instrument, and the proportion of each type was assessed.

Results

A mGCIP defect pattern was detected in 70.5% of MSNON eyes, with an inner type as the most frequent pattern (47%), followed by the outer type (11.7%) and the inferior confined type (11.7%). No defect was found in Hcs.

Conclusions

A significant thinning of the mGCIP with the frequent presence of an inner defect was seen in MSNON patients. The presence of this defect may serve as a biomarker of subclinical optic nerve involvement in MS patients.
Vessel wall imaging in COVID-19 associated carotid atherothrombosis and stroke: a case report and literature review
Authors: Md Noh Mohamad Syafeeq Faeez , Yusof Khan Abdul Hanif Khan , Mohd Sabri Mohd Naqib , Kamis Mohd Fandi Al-Khafiz , Mohd Yaakob Mohd Naim , Rahim Ezamin Abdul , Muda Ahmad Sobri
Published: July 2022

COVID-19 associated neurological syndromes, including acute ischemic stroke, pose a challenge to treating physicians. The role of MRI in aiding diagnosis and further management is indispensable. The advent of new MRI sequences such as vessel wall imaging (VWI) allows an avenue in which these patients could be better investigated and treated. We describe our experience in managing a patient with COVID-19 associated atherothrombosis and stroke, focusing on the VWI imaging findings.
Implementation of Teledermatology in Alberta, Canada: A Report of One Thousand Cases
Authors: Olteanu Cristina , Motamedi Melika , Hersthammer Jessica , Azer Brandon , Rao Jaggi
Published: July 2022

Background

Teledermatology utilizes photoimaging and background information to allow dermatologists to remotely provide a diagnosis to practitioners. ConsultDerm is an asynchronous, web-based teledermatology software that allows practitioners to submit their electronic referrals for assessment by board-certified dermatologists.

Objective

Our study aimed to retrospectively analyze teledermatology’s utilization in Canada by using the teledermatology platform ConsultDerm.

Methods

After implementing inclusion criteria, 1000 patients were selected, and relevant demographic and clinical information were extracted for data analysis. In addition, an online survey with pre-formulated questions was distributed to 7 dermatologists currently using the ConsultDerm platform to determine their experience in utilizing teledermatology.

Results

Of the 1000 patients, 66.5% had not received treatment prior to their teledermatology referral, and on average, patients experienced symptoms for 489.5 days prior to their referral. Diagnoses made were categorized by conditions, most common being dermatitis (37.1%), followed by acneiform conditions (10.6%), benign lesions/neoplasms (12.1%), infections (9.4%), and dyspigmentation (3.1%). Most consults originated from small population centers, and the referring practitioners were predominantly family physicians. Dermatologists utilizing the platform expressed ease of use, however, areas of improvement were identified such as increasing the quality of imaging and more detailed patient history.

Conclusion

Through our analysis of 1000 cases, we identified how a teledermatology consultation could be used to assess a wide variety of cutaneous conditions, improving access for patients who may face barriers to seeing a dermatologist.
Fretting wear mechanical analysis of double rough surfaces based on energy method
Authors: Li Ling , Li Ganghua , Wang Jingjing , Fan Chongqing , Cai Anjiang
Published: July 2022

A fretting wear model of a rough surface that conforms to the actual situation is established to accurately reveal the wear mechanism of the connection structure. In the ABAQUS software, the UMESHMOTION subroutine and the energy dissipation model are used to simulate the fretting wear of double rough surfaces. The new model, a single rough surface model, and a smooth model are compared to analyze their differences. In addition, the influence of surface roughness, material, and friction coefficient on the fretting wear of rough surfaces is systematically explored through finite element simulation. The results show that the model's reliability has been verified through Hertz's theory and experiments. The stress and wear of the contact surface are more realistically reflected by the double roughness model. Besides, with the increase of surface roughness and material rigidity and the decrease of friction coefficient, the wear of the double rough surface model becomes more severe. The research work provides a theoretical basis for the design and performance prediction of the connection structure.