bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population Pharmacokinetics Analysis of Pemigatinib in Patients With Advanced Malignancies
Authors: Ji Tao , Chen Xuejun , Liu Xiang , Yeleswaram Swamy
Published: January 2022

Pemigatinib is a fibroblast growth factor receptor 1–3 inhibitor used to treat cholangiocarcinoma. A compartmental population pharmacokinetics model was developed using data from 318 patients with cancer enrolled in a phase 1 dose‐escalation/dose‐expansion study, a phase 1 Japanese PK bridging study, and a phase 2 cholangiocarcinoma study. The final model for pemigatinib was a 2‐compartment disposition model with first‐order absorption and linear elimination. All fixed‐ and random‐effect parameters were estimated with good precision, and no apparent biases in the overall model fit were observed. For females, the estimated typical pemigatinib absorption rate constant (ka) and oral clearance (CL/F) were estimated (1.49 L/h and 10.3 L/h, respectively). For males, the typical apparent clearance and ka are 19.0% higher and 56.5% lower, respectively, compared with females. Typical apparent volume of distribution of the central compartment (Vc/F) and peripheral compartment for a 73.3‐kg patient was estimated to be 122.0 L and 80.1 L, respectively; both increased with body weight. Phosphate binder coadministration decreases typical pemigatinib CL/F by 14.1%. Proton pump inhibitor coadministration increases typical pemigatinib apparent Vc/F by 24.4%. Phosphate binders and sex contribute a <20% change to CL/F. The impact of the investigated covariates on pemigatinib pharmacokinetics are not clinically significant.
Content‐based image retrieval for super‐resolutioned images using feature fusion: Deep learning and hand crafted
Authors: Pathak Debanjan , Raju Undi Surya Narayana
Published: January 2022

An innovative image retrieval agenda by concatenating deep learning features from GoogleNet and low‐level features from HSI and RGB color space is proposed in this article. Most of the CNN features suffer from loss of information due to image resize as a pre‐processing stage. To reduce this information loss super‐resolution technic is used for resizing images. An improved form of dot‐diffused block truncation coding is used for extracting RGB handcraft features. To discover the interdependencies between color and intensity component of an image, interchannel voting between hue, saturation, and intensity component is calculated as a color feature in HSI space. Histogram of orientated gradient (HOG) feature is used as shape feature. Five standard performance parameters, average precision rate, average recall rate, F‐Measure, Average Normalized Modified Retrieval Rank, and Total Minimum Retrieval Epoch, are applied on nine image datasets: Corel‐1K, Corel‐5K, Corel‐10K, VisTex, STex, ColorBrodatz and three subsets of ImageNet dataset for evaluation process of proposed method. For all dataset the best performance is achieved by the proposed method with respect to all performance parameters.
Plant waterflow restrictions among sweet corn lines related to limited‐transpiration trait
Authors: Sinclair Thomas R. , Jafarikouhini Nahid
Published: January 2022

While partial stomata closure under elevated vapor pressure deficit (VPD), that is, a limited‐transpiration trait resulting in soil water conservation and crop drought resiliency, has been identified in a few lines in all major crop species, the basis for the trait is not resolved. Since changes in stomatal aperture are associated with hydraulic processes, properties influencing waterflow in the plant are candidates associated with expression of limited‐transpiration. In a previous study with leaves of sweet corn (Zea mays L.), limited‐transpiration was only weakly associated with the effect of silver ion, an aquaporin inhibitor, on leaf transpiration rate. The hypothesis was explored that total aquaporin activity rather than only silver‐sensitive aquaporins may be more relevant in the expression of limited transpiration. Leaves were fed potent aquaporin inhibitors of mercury and peroxide which both resulted in greater transpiration inhibition than silver, but there were no differences in response among lines. A second hypothesis was that there may be a major limitation of waterflow in the root system accounting for genotypic variation in expression of the limited‐transpiration trait. No differences in root hydraulic conductance were found among sweet corn lines differing in the limited‐transpiration trait. However, it was discovered that the root conductance decreased during the photoperiod in all tested lines. Measurements of root hydraulic conductance in response to a silver treatment showed differences among lines with an association between the VPD breakpoint for limited transpiration and transpiration sensitivity to the silver treatment.
Expression of unique gene signature distinguishes TCRαβ+/BCR+ dual expressers from CD3+CD14+ doublets
Authors: Jie Chunfa , Ahmed Rizwan , Hamad Abdel Rahim A.
Published: January 2022

Increasing evidence shows pathophysiological significance of rare immune cells, necessitating the need for reliable and proper methods for their detection and analysis. We have recently identified a new lymphocyte that coexpresses lineage markers of T‐ and B‐cells including T cell receptor and B cell receptor (called dual expressers, DEs). Because of the peculiar phenotype of DEs, we used multiple techniques to authenticate their identity (fluorescence‐activated cell sorting [FACS], scRNAseq, EBV cell lines, and imaging flow cytometry). In an recent article published in this journal, Burel and colleagues successfully detected DEs using FACS and imaging microscopy. Yet they claimed, based on the profile of what they called naturally occurring CD3+CD14+ T cell/monocyte complexes that the scRNAseq signature of DEs resembles that of cell–cell complexes. Serious flaws in their analysis, however, invalidate their conclusions. Unlike the CD3+CD14+ complexes, DEs have a distinct identity due to expression of a unique set of signature genes. Without a clear explanation, Burel and colleagues excluded these genes from their analysis, thereby effectively stripped DEs from their identity. Inclusion of these genes as described in this communication restores the identity of DEs. Moreover, contrary to the claim of Burel and colleagues, B‐ and T‐cell specific genes are similarly expressed in DE cells.
Performance of a cognitive device‐to‐device network in disaster situation under a collision constraint
Authors: Ghosh Sayanti , Bhowmick Abhijit , Chandra Aniruddha , Roy Sanjay Dhar , Kundu Sumit
Published: January 2022

In this paper, a multi‐hop cognitive radio (CR) enabled device‐to‐device (D2D) network is considered to extend the communication from a functional area (FA) to a non‐functional area (NFA). A D2D user utilizes a cellular user (CU) band in the cognitive mode for information transmission while maintaining the service quality of CUs by satisfying a collision constraint. It transmits with full power in overlay mode, while the power is controlled in underlay mode. We derive the outage probability of the considered D2D network. The main challenge in CR communications lies in the system robustness to uncertainties. In this paper, we also show the impact of the noise power uncertainty in a multi‐hop D2D network. The expressions for throughput and energy efficiency are also developed under collision constraint and noise uncertainty. The outage probability, throughput, and energy efficiency are investigated for several network parameters such as collision probability, sensing time, noise uncertainty, etc. It is observed that the collision constraint and noise uncertainty have significant impacts on network performance. A simulation test‐bed is developed in MATLAB, and the results obtained in the simulation are verified with the analytical results.
Ancillary studies on cell blocks from fine needle aspiration specimens of salivary gland lesions: A multi‐institutional study
Authors: Tabibi Seena , Gabrielson Matthew , Saoud Carla , Davis Katelynn , Wangsiricharoen Sintawat , Lu Ryan , Tondi Resta Isabella , Viswanathan Kartik , Faquin William C. , Baloch Zubair , Maleki Zahra
Published: January 2022

Background

Ancillary studies are commonly performed on cell blocks prepared from fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) specimens. There are limited studies in application of ancillary studies on cell blocks from salivary gland (SG) FNAs. This multi‐institutional study evaluates the role of ancillary studies performed on cell blocks in the diagnosis of SG lesions, and their impact on clinical management.

Method

The electronic pathology archives of three large academic institutions were searched for SG FNAs with ancillary studies performed on cell blocks. The patient demographics, FNA site, cytologic diagnosis, ancillary studies, and surgical follow‐up were recorded. If needed, the cytologic diagnoses were reclassified as per the Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology (MSRSGC).

Results

117 SG FNA cases were identified including 3, 10, 11, 6, 23, 4, and 60 cases in MSRSGC categories I, II, III, IVa, IVb, V, VI, respectively with surgical follow‐up available ranging from 27% to 100% within each category. Ancillary studies including histochemistry, immunocytochemistry (IHC), and in situ hybridization (ISH) were beneficial in 60%–100% of cases in each category. Risk of malignancy was 100% in both the suspicious for malignancy (V) and malignant (VI) categories. Ancillary studies improved diagnosis in 60% of non‐neoplastic cases (II, 6/10), 100% of benign neoplasm cases (IVa, 6/6), and 98.3% of malignant cases (VI, 59/60).

Conclusion

Judicious and case‐based ancillary studies performed on SG FNA cell blocks with sufficient material can improve the diagnostic yield by further characterization of the atypical/neoplastic cells, particularly in MSRSGC categories IVa‐VI.
Autophagic and apoptotic cell death induced by the quinoline derivative 2‐(6‐methoxynaphthalen‐2‐yl)quinolin‐4‐amine in pancreatic cancer cells is via ER stress and inhibition of Akt/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Begum Habeebunnisa , Chirra Nagaraju , Kumar Dinesh , Murugesan Periyasamy , Kantevari Srinivas , Tangutur Anjana Devi
Published: January 2022

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is among the most lethal cancers and is resistant to existing therapies, which highlights the need for new and alternative therapeutic treatments. Autophagy is emerging as one of the alternative cell death mechanisms and is well known to cross‐talk with apoptosis. Autophagy can act as a viable option to treat highly resistant PC. The current study investigates and provides insight into the autophagic and apoptotic cell death induced by quinoline derivative 2‐(6‐methoxynaphthalen‐2‐yl)quinolin‐4‐amine (6MN‐4‐AQ) in PC cell lines PANC‐1 and MIA PaCa‐2. Treatment with 6MN‐4‐AQ reduced cell viability in concentration dependent manner (2–16 μM) and inhibited the clonogenic potential of PC cells at a concentration of 4 μM for 24 h. Further, we found that 6MN‐4‐AQ induced both apoptosis and autophagic cell death simultaneously. We identified that 6MN‐4‐AQ induced autophagic cell death by forming cytoplasmic vacuoles, the elevation of autophagy flux, increase in LC3‐II, Beclin‐1 protein expression, and degradation of p62. Moreover, 6MN‐4‐AQ induced apoptosis via Caspase‐3 activation and cleavage of PARP in PC cells. Upon investigating the underlying mechanism associated with 6MN‐4‐AQ induced cell death, it was observed that 6MN‐4‐AQ treatment is able to suppress the Akt/mTOR pathway and induced ER stress leading to the induction of autophagy. Also, 6MN‐4‐AQ treatment suppressed epithelial to mesenchymal transition by reducing the protein expression of SLUG, snail, and vimentin. Subsequently, 6MN‐4‐AQ inhibited cell migration and invasion by down regulating MMP‐7 and MMP‐9 protein expression, suggesting that 6MN‐4‐AQ may serve as a plausible therapeutic agent for PC.
No association between psychiatric symptoms and doses of anabolic steroids in a cohort of male and female bodybuilders
Authors: Amaral Julio X. , Deslandes Andrea C. , Padilha Monica C. , Vieira Neto Leonardo , Osorio Luiz E. , Aquino Neto Francisco Radler , Cruz Marcelo S.
Published: January 2022

The use of androgenic‐anabolic steroids (AAS) can be associated with psychiatric symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety and increased aggressiveness. Although dose‐dependent effects have been observed in some controlled studies, this association is not always seen in the ecological use of AAS. This study utilized WADA's steroid profile of suspicious use of AAS, urinary detection of AAS metabolites and measurement of sexual hormones to confirm recent use of AAS in a cohort of 103 bodybuilders (75 males, 28 females). The majority of participants (61.2%) presented symptoms of agitation, insomnia, increased aggressiveness or depression in the last 3 months. About one‐third of participants presented scores on the HAM‐A anxiety scale equivalent to moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety. A minority of participants (12.6%) presented high to moderate scores on the BPQ aggressiveness scale. The majority of participants (73.8%) presented hyperthymic temperament in the BRIEF‐TEMPS scale. There was no significant difference in the presence of psychiatric symptoms between males and females and no association between psychiatric symptoms and estimated weekly doses of AAS. A negative association was observed between scores on the BPQ scale (verbal aggression, anger and total score) and the time of AAS use. We discuss differences of AAS use between male and female bodybuilders and the screening of AAS use in the general population. Our findings highlight the importance of mental health awareness among people using AAS.
Disordered eating in sexual minority post‐9/11 United States veterans
Authors: Serier Kelsey N. , Smith Brian N. , Cooper Zafra , Vogt Dawne , Mitchell Karen S.
Published: January 2022

Objective

It is well documented that sexual minority individuals are more likely to report disordered eating (DE) than those identifying as heterosexual. Although DE is prevalent in veterans, investigation of potential disparities in DE among sexual minority veterans is limited. This study examined rates of DE in post‐9/11 United States (U.S.) veterans identifying as sexual minorities and explored their association with discrimination because of marginalized identities.

Methods

A national sample of recently separated post‐9/11 U.S. veterans were recruited. Women (N = 805; heterosexual [n = 656]; lesbian [n = 51]; bisexual [n = 98]) and men (N = 558; heterosexual [n = 540]; gay [n = 11]; bisexual [n = 7]) completed a survey assessing eating behaviors, mental health, and military experiences. Weighted correlational and regression analyses were conducted. Analyses in men were exploratory.

Results

DE was prevalent across gender and sexual orientation identity groups. Women identifying as bisexual and men identifying as gay reported higher rates of DE and consequent impairment compared to veterans who identified as heterosexual. There were no differences in DE between heterosexual and lesbian female veterans, but lesbian women reported lower DE‐related impairment. Experiencing any discrimination in the military was positively related to DE.

Discussion

This study found evidence of disparities in DE among sexual minority U.S. military veterans. While the factors contributing to these differences, such as the role of discrimination, are not completely understood, DE is a health concern for sexual minority veterans and requires continued investigation.

Public significance

Sexual minority individuals experience disparities in disordered eating; yet, this has not been explored in military veterans. This study found that disordered eating is a significant health concerns for veteran women and men, especially among those identifying as sexual minorities. More research is needed to explore why these disparities exist, such as the role of minority stress, in order to address the unique healthcare needs of these veterans.
Systemic lupus erythematosus patients contain B‐cell receptor repertoires sensitive to immunosuppressive drugs
Authors: Wu Meiyu , Pan Wenjing , Jia Chen , He Zhenghao , Zhao Ming , Tang Congli , Chang Christopher , Li Song , Wu Haijing , Lu Qianjin
Published: January 2022

Immune repertoire (IR) during treatment may be a surrogate biomarker for disease response. Changes of the IR in systemic lupus erythematosus patients in response to immunosuppressive drugs were identified in ten SLE patients. Patients provided peripheral blood mononuclear cells at two time points for sequencing. They were divided into sensitive and nonsensitive groups by their clinical responses to immunosuppressive drugs. After treatment, the BCR expression significantly decreased in patients from the sensitive group while there was no change in patients from the nonsensitive group. IgM comprised a dominant portion of the BCR repertoire and increased slightly in all patients in the sensitive group but decreased in the nonsensitive group. IgA also exhibited opposing changes between the two groups. Shorter CDR3 of TRB and TRG chains occurred in the sensitive group. CDR3 length of IGK decreased significantly in the sensitive group. CDR3 of TCR δ/γ changed distinctly between time points in the sensitive group. Six immune‐related genes showed differential expression levels in sensitive and nonsensitive groups. Our study shows that it is BCR repertoire sensitivity to immunosuppressive drugs in SLE patients and sheds light on personalized therapy for SLE.
Ketamine in chronic pain: A Delphi survey
Authors: Voute Marion , Riant Thibault , Amodéo Jean‐Marie , André Gilbert , Barmaki Mario , Collard Olivier , Colomb Caroline , Créac’h Christelle , Deleens Rodrigue , Delorme Claire , de Montgazon Géraldine , Dixneuf Véronique , Dy Lénaïg , Gaillard Jacques , Gov Christian , Kieffer Xavier , Lanteri‐Minet Michel , Le Borgne Jean‐Marie , Le Caër Franck , Maamar Fadel , Maindet Caroline , Marcaillou Fabienne , Plantevin Frédéric , Pluchon Yves‐Marie , Rioult Bruno , Rostaing Sylvie , Salvat Eric , Sep Hieng Virith , Sorel Marc , Vergne‐Salle Pascale , Morel Véronique , de Chazeron Ingrid , Pickering Gisèle
Published: January 2022

Background

There is no recommendation in Europe for the use of ketamine in patients with chronic pain. The heterogeneity of practice highlights the need to seek the advice of experts in order to establish a national consensus. This Delphi survey aimed to reach a national consensus on the use of ketamine in chronic pain in Pain clinics.

Methods

A collaborative four‐round internet‐based questionnaire was used. It was created after literature search on ketamine administration in chronic pain and included about 96 items. It discussed utility and advantages, adverse events and deleterious aspects, methods of administration, concomitant treatments and assessment of results.

Results

Twenty‐eight experts completed all rounds of the survey with a total of 81.3% items reaching a consensual answer. Neuropathic pain represents the first indication to use ketamine, followed, with a good to moderate utility, by other situations (fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome, central neuropathic pain, peripheral neuropathic pain, nociceptive pain, sensitization, opioid withdrawal, palliative care, depression). Experts agreed on the rare occurrence of adverse events. Concerning routes of administration, intravenous infusion with doses of 0.5–0.9 mg/kg/d for 4 days of treatment is preferred. Place of care is hospital, as in‐ or out‐patient, with a quarterly administration of ketamine. Finally, ketamine effectiveness is assessed 1 month after infusion, and experts encourage combination with non‐pharmacological treatment.

Conclusions

This Delphi survey established a consensus of pain specialists on the use of ketamine in refractory chronic pain, thus providing a basis for future comparative trials.

Significance

This Delphi survey in chronic pain reached agreement on four main aspects: (1) Priority to treat neuropathic pain with evaluation of effectiveness at 1 month; (2) No deleterious effects in the majority of listed diseases/situations with the absence or <3% of suggested adverse events; (3) 0.5–0.9 mg/kg/d IV infusion; (4) Combination with non‐pharmacological treatment.
Accelerated hierarchical optimization method for emergency energy management of microgrids with energy storage systems
Authors: Zhou Weihao , Li Qiang , Wu Kunming , Zhang Leiqi , Hassan Muhammad Arshad Shehzad , Chen Minyou
Published: January 2022

When failures occur in microgrids (MGs), the energy management for emergencies is required. To respond to emergencies in MGs rapidly, an accelerated hierarchical optimization method has been proposed, where the outputs of energy storage systems (ESSs) are controlled to provide urgent supports, before the MG reconfiguration starts. However, it is time‐consuming to find the optimal schemes for MG reconfiguration. To reduce the time of reconfiguration, an optimization method based on deep neural networks (DNNs) for MG reconfiguration is presented, which consists of three levels. First, the combinational optimization for load shedding amounts is solved to determine the loads that have to be cut off. Second, a DNN is used to find the parameters of reconfiguration instead of the time‐consuming calculation of power flow, which is a good way to reduce time of reconfiguration. Third, according to these parameters, the optimal scheme for reconfiguration is selected by a comprehensive evaluation method, where the Delphi method (DM) is employed to adjust the weights of preferences in a comprehensive evaluation function, so it offers the diversity of decisions for the MG reconfiguration. Finally, to test our method, a modified IEEE 33‐bus system is built in MATLAB for simulations. Compared to traditional methods, our method can obtain the same reconfiguration scheme under different on/off states of load switches, but the time of reconfiguration is only one‐sixty‐seventh of that of other methods. Furthermore, in terms of our comprehensive evaluation method, reconfiguration schemes can be selected under different preferences.
Secure authentication and session key management scheme for Internet of Vehicles
Authors: Sharma Nishant , Chauhan Naveen , Chand Narottam , Awasthi Lalit Kumar
Published: January 2022

Internet of Vehicles (IoV) is an internet enabled connected network of vehicles that provide services more effectively to its users via data sharing and communication with other vehicles and objects in the network. Use of fog servers to create a vehicular cloud which is connected to a primary cloud server is another effective technique that gives better performance by achieving better cooperation between the vehicular cloud and the internet. However, due to dependence on wireless technologies for communication, there is a need for a secure IoV network that can authenticate each device connecting to the network and can further secure the communication among these devices. This article introduced a secure authentication and session key management scheme for IoV (SASM‐IoV) working in fog computing‐based IoV network. SASM‐IoV first authenticates objects before entering into the network and then creates session keys for further communication to be secure. Devices registered to the network are assigned temporary identities, further used in the authentication process, thereby making our scheme more secure. SASM‐IoV protocol is effective against many security attacks such as impersonation, man‐in‐the‐middle, replay attack, and many more. Informal security analysis performed over SASM‐IoV shows that it is resilient against most security attacks. We have also performed a formal security analysis of the scheme using the widely accepted AVISPA tool. Network simulation and communication cost comparisons show that SASM‐IoV is better in terms of different network parameters and provides better security with lower costs when compared to similar security schemes.
One‐ and two‐step semi‐Lagrangian integrators for arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian‐finite element two‐phase flow simulations
Authors: Anjos Gustavo R. , Oliveira Gustavo P. , Mangiavacchi Norberto , Thome John R.
Published: January 2022

Semi‐Lagrangian (SL) schemes are of utmost relevance to simulate two‐phase flows where advection dominates. The combination of SL schemes with the finite element (FE) method and arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) dynamic meshes yields a strong ingredient to deal with applications in Earth sciences, environmental engineering, and oil and gas industry whose numerical background is incipient. This article is intended to propose a second‐order time multistep SL/ALE/FE scheme to track particle trajectories traveling amidst single‐ or two‐phase incompressible flows both in fixed and moving mesh situations. The novel scheme is a BDF2‐like implementation that considers the mesh velocity as part of its backward‐in‐time integration. Trajectory departure points are searched through extrapolation and followed by a multistep interpolation corrector that works both for constant and varying time steps. A series of two‐phase benchmark flow simulations are carried out by using the cubic element to compare the performance of the new integrator against single‐step approximations as well as to analyze enhancements in representing the two‐phase flow dynamics. We use the 2D axisymmetric Navier–Stokes equations as underlying model. Error analyses, convergence tests, quantitative, and qualitative comparisons are presented and discussed to highlight the superior conservative feature of the novel scheme.
Numerical simulation and entropy dissipative cure of the carbuncle instability for the shallow water circular hydraulic jump
Authors: Ketcheson David I. , Quezada de Luna Manuel
Published: January 2022

We investigate the numerical artifact known as a carbuncle, in the solution of the shallow water equations. We propose a new Riemann solver that is based on a local measure of the entropy residual and aims to avoid carbuncles while maintaining high accuracy. We propose a new challenging test problem for shallow water codes, consisting of a steady circular hydraulic jump that can be physically unstable. We show that numerical methods are prone to either suppress the instability completely or form carbuncles. We test existing cures for the carbuncle. In our experiments, only the proposed method is able to avoid unphysical carbuncles without suppressing the physical instability.
Characteristics of snowmelt transport in farmland soil in cold regions: The regulatory mechanism of biochar
Authors: Zuo Yutian , Fu Qiang , Li Tianxiao , Liu Dong , Hou Renjie , Li Qinglin , Li Mo , Meng Fanxiang
Published: January 2022

As a vital water source in cold and arid areas, snowmelt alleviates spring drought problems. Based on a laboratory simulation tests, after nine freeze–thaw cycles, under the simulated conditions of different biochar application amounts (0%, 1%, 2% and 3%, denoted as H0, H1, H2 and H3, respectively) in the spring soil thawing period, the characteristics of soil structure and the process of snowmelt transport in farmland black soil were explored. The research results showed that (a) the addition of biochar increased the soil total porosity and the proportion of pores in the middle section (0.3 ~ 100 μm) and reduced the proportion of soil voids (> 100 μm) and extremely micro pores (< 0.3 μm). (b) As the biochar application amount increased, the stability of soil aggregates first increased and then decreased. The rules of the medium aggregates (0.25 ~ 2 mm) were consistent with the structural stability indexes, while the rules of the silt and clay (< 0.106 mm) were opposite. (c) With an increase in the amount of applied biochar, the saturated water conductivity of unfrozen soil increased; however, the opposite effect was observed for frozen soil. The coefficient Xi was developed to evaluate the soil infiltration performance in the thawing period based on the soil saturation water conductivity. Xi exhibited a good correlation with snowmelt transport. (d) Evaporation, infiltration and runoff also showed a trend of first improving and then producing negative effects with increasing biochar application amount in the snowmelt period. From the perspective of the utilization efficiency of spring snowmelt, the utilization rate of H0 snowmelt was 71.13% and it increased by 6.4% and 1.2% in H1 and H2, respectively, and decreased by 13.53% in the H3 treatment compared with the H0 treatment. Considering the soil structure and soil moisture demand needed for spring sowing, 1% biochar application amount is the most suitable for farmland black soil.
Quality of care at childbirth: Findings of IMAgiNE EURO in Italy during the first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Lazzerini Marzia , Covi Benedetta , Mariani Ilaria , Giusti Angela , Pessa Valente Emanuelle ,   for the IMAgiNE EURO Study Group
Published: January 2022

Objective

Investigate the quality of maternal and newborn care (QMNC) during childbirth in the first year of COVID‐19 pandemic in Italy, from the mothers' perspective, as key service users.

Methods

Women who gave birth in an Italian facility from March 1, 2020 to February 29, 2021 answered an online questionnaire including 40 WHO Standard‐based Quality Measures. Descriptive and multivariate quantile regression analyses were performed.

Results

In total, 4824 women were included, reporting heterogeneity of practices across regions: among 3981 women who underwent labour 78.4% (63.0%–92.0%) were not allowed a companion of choice, 44.6% (28.9%–53.3%) had difficulties in attending routine antenatal visits, 36.3% (24.9%–61.1%) reported inadequate breastfeeding support, 39.2% (23.3%–62.2%) felt not involved in medical choices, 33.0% (23.9%–49.3%) experienced unclear communication from staff, 24.8% (15.9%–39.4%) were not always treated with dignity and 12.7% (10.1%–29.3%) reported abuses. Findings in the group of women who did not experience labour were substantially similar. Multivariate analyses confirmed a significant lower QMNC index for regions in southern Italy compared to North and Central regions.

Conclusion

Mothers reported substantial inequities in the QMNC across Italian regions. Future studies should monitor QMNC over time. Meanwhile, actions to ensure high QMNC for all mothers and newborns across Italy are urgently required.
A lightweight capsule network architecture for detection of COVID‐19 from lung CT scans
Authors: Tiwari Shamik , Jain Anurag
Published: January 2022

COVID‐19, a novel coronavirus, has spread quickly and produced a worldwide respiratory ailment outbreak. There is a need for large‐scale screening to prevent the spreading of the disease. When compared with the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) test, computed tomography (CT) is far more consistent, concrete, and precise in detecting COVID‐19 patients through clinical diagnosis. An architecture based on deep learning has been proposed by integrating a capsule network with different variants of convolution neural networks. DenseNet, ResNet, VGGNet, and MobileNet are utilized with CapsNet to detect COVID‐19 cases using lung computed tomography scans. It has found that all the four models are providing adequate accuracy, among which the VGGCapsNet, DenseCapsNet, and MobileCapsNet models have gained the highest accuracy of 99%. An Android‐based app can be deployed using MobileCapsNet model to detect COVID‐19 as it is a lightweight model and best suited for handheld devices like a mobile.
Photobiomodulation and photodynamic therapy applied after electrocauterization for skin healing optimization in rats
Authors: do Amparo Manoel Cecília , de Sousa Mariano Samara , da Silva Ramos Ericsson , Paolillo Fernanda Rossi , de Aro Andrea Aparecida , Mendes Carolini , Venturini Ligia Milanez , Silveira Paulo Cesar Lock , Bagnato Vanderlei Salvador , de Andrade Thiago Antônio Moretti
Published: January 2022

Photobiomodulation‐PBM and Photodynamic Therapy‐PDT have been used to induce healing. However, the effects of these therapies on skin‐lesions induced by electrocautery are unknown, aiming at more favorable clinical and esthetic results. Electrocauterization was done in 78‐female Wistar‐rats using a system that includes an electrocautery and red‐LED. The groups were: No injury, Injury, Injury + ALA (topical 5‐aminolevulinic acid application), Injury + LED and Injury + ALA + LED (topical ALA application followed by photoactivation with LED). After 2nd, 7th and 14th days post‐injury, immuno‐histomorphometric analyses (inflammatory infiltrate, blood vessels, fibroblasts, eschar/epidermal thickness, IL‐10 and VEGF) and biochemical assays of MPO (neutrophil), NAG (macrophage), nitrite, DCF (H2O2), carbonyl (membrane's damage), sulfhydryl (membrane's integrity), SOD, GSH, hydroxyproline and re‐epithelialization area were performed. The Injury + LED and Injury + ALA + LED groups controlled inflammation and oxidative stress, favoring angiogenesis, fibroblasts proliferation and collagen formation. Therefore, the PBM or PDT was effective in tissue formation with thinner eschar and epidermis, resulting in less scarring after electrocauterization.
Systemic effect of TiO2 micro‐ and nanoparticles after acute exposure in a murine model
Authors: Domingo Mariela Gisele , Kurtz Melisa , Maglione Guillermo , Martin Maximiliano , Brites Fernando , Tasat Deborah Ruth , Olmedo Daniel Gustavo
Published: January 2022

The surface of a biomedical implant can be a potential endogenous source of release of microparticles (MPs) and nanoparticles (NPs) into the biological environment. In addition, titanium particles from exogenous sources can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or dermal contact. The aim of this work was to evaluate the biological response of the lung, liver, and kidneys to acute exposure to titanium dioxide (TiO2). Male Wistar rats were intraperitoneally injected with a suspension of 45 μm or 5 nm TiO2 particles. One month post‐exposure, titanium concentration was determined spectrometrically (ICP‐MS) in plasma and target organs. Blood smears and organ tissue samples were examined histopathologically, and oxidative metabolism was analyzed (superoxide anion by nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) test; superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT); lipid peroxidation; paraoxonase 1). Liver (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase) and kidney (urea, creatinine) function was evaluated using serum biochemical markers. Microchemical and histological analysis revealed the presence of particles, though no structural alterations, in TiO2‐exposed groups. NBT test showed an increase in the percentage of reactive cells and antioxidant enzyme consumption in lung samples in the 45 μm and 5 nm TiO2‐exposed groups. Only the 5 nm particles caused a decrease in SOD and CAT activity in the liver. No changes in renal oxidative metabolism were observed in either of the TiO2‐exposed groups. Determination of serum biochemical markers and analysis of oxidative metabolism are not early bioindicators of tissue damage caused by TiO2 MPs and NPs.
Animal Models of Bone Marrow Lesions in Osteoarthritis
Authors: Bowen Andrew , Shamritsky David , Santana Josue , Porter Ian , Feldman Erica , Pownder Sarah L , Koff Matthew F , Hayashi Kei , Hernandez Christopher J
Published: January 2022

Bone marrow lesions are abnormalities in magnetic resonance images that have been associated with joint pain and osteoarthritis in clinical studies. Increases in the volume of bone marrow lesions have been associated with progression of joint degeneration, leading to the suggestion that bone marrow lesions may be an early indicator of—or even a contributor to—cartilage loss preceding irreversible damage to the joint. Despite evidence that bone marrow lesions play a role in osteoarthritis pathology, very little is known about the natural history of bone marrow lesions and their contribution to joint degeneration. As a result, there are limited data regarding the cell activity within a bone marrow lesion and any associated bone‐cartilage cross‐talk. Animal models provide the best approach for understanding bone marrow lesions at their early, reversible stages. Here, we review the few animal studies of bone marrow lesions. An ideal animal model of a bone marrow lesion occurs in joints large enough to accurately measure bone marrow lesion volume. Additionally, the ideal animal model would facilitate the study of bone‐cartilage cross‐talk by generating the bone marrow lesion immediately adjacent to subchondral bone and would do so without causing direct damage to neighboring soft tissues to isolate the effects of the bone marrow lesion on cartilage loss. Early reports demonstrate the feasibility of such an animal model. Given the irreversible nature of osteoarthritic changes in the joint, factors such as bone marrow lesions that are present early in disease pathogenesis remain an enticing target for new therapeutic approaches. © 2022 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The differential role of Leydig cells in the skin and gills of Lissotriton italicus larvae
Authors: Brunelli Elvira , Macirella Rachele , Curcio Vittoria , D'Aniello Biagio , Di Cosmo Anna
Published: January 2022

Larval urodeles are provided with external gills involved, along with the skin, in gas exchange and osmoregulation. Gills and skin epithelia are different, each showing a peculiar set of specialized cells but both provided with Leydig cells (LCs). Information on LCs in the gills is lacking as the literature has focused primarily on the epidermis. Contradictory and fragmentary results highlight that LCs origin, fate, and functions remain not fully understood. Here, we investigated the morpho‐functional differences of LCs in the skin and gills of Lissotriton italicus larvae for the first time. LCs showed the same morphological and ultrastructural features in both tissues, even if LCs were significantly larger in the epidermis. Despite the uniform morphology within the LCs population, the proliferative ability was different. The putative diversity in the mucus composition was evaluated using a panel of 4 lectins as markers of specific carbohydrate moieties, revealing that sites of specific glycoconjugates were comparable in two tissues. To disclose the involvement of LCs in water storage and transport, immunofluorescence assay for aquaporin‐3 has also been performed, demonstrating the expression of this protein only in gills epithelium. By demonstrating that LCs can multiply by cell division in gills, our results will also contribute to the discussion about their proliferative ability. Finally, we found that the LCs cytoplasm is rich in glycoconjugates, which are involved in many diverse and essential functions in vertebrates.

Research Highlights

In gills LCs can multiply by cell division and express aquaporin‐3 demonstrating a tissue‐specific role of LCs.

LCs cytoplasm is rich in glycoconjugates.

LCs population show a uniform morphology in both gills and skin.
Effect of nutrition status and inflammatory stimuli on ghrelin and peptide‐YY levels among critically ill children: A prospective and observational study
Authors: Zaher Sara , White Deborah , Ridout Jenna , Branco Ricardo Garcia , Meyer Rosan , Pathan Nazima
Published: January 2022

Background

Ghrelin and peptide‐YY (PYY) are two gut peptides with apparent opposing actions. In normal conditions, ghrelin and PYY work together in synergy to regulate energy homeostasis. During critical illness, series of metabolic, endocrine, and inflammatory changes take place in response to a severe insult. Emerging studies recorded alterations in gut hormone levels in critically ill adults. This study aims to assess the effect of inflammation, nutrition, and feeding status on ghrelin and PYY levels in critically ill children.

Methods

In this prospective study, we collected blood samples from critically ill children on days 2 or 3 of pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission for the analysis of serum ghrelin, PYY, and inflammatory markers. Data related to the intake anthropometry, as well as other clinical data, were collected from patients' records. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify factors affecting serum levels of these hormones.

Results

Forty‐two children admitted to the PICU were included in this study. Ghrelin level was influenced by admission nutrition status of the children and age. PYY was influenced by macronutrient intake and age. Inflammatory markers also showed an association with the measured levels of these hormones, with C‐reactive protein being positively associated with ghrelin levels and tumor necrosis factor alpha showing a positive association with PYY levels.

Conclusion

Although ghrelin and PYY have been linked to feeding status in healthy patients, during critical illness there might be other factors, such as inflammation and nutrition status, that might contribute to the changes observed in ghrelin/PYY profiles.
Characterization and evaluation of the influence of an alginate, cocoa and a bilayer alginate–cocoa coating on the quality of fresh‐cut oranges during storage
Authors: Glicerina Virginia , Siroli Lorenzo , Betoret Ester , Canali Giada , Dalla Rosa Marco , Lanciotti Rosalba , Romani Santina
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Fresh‐cut products are ready‐to‐use goods which retain the fresh characteristics of raw produce. However, numerous factors restrict the quality and shelf‐life of fresh‐cut products. One of the most promising, convenient and safe technologies to preserve the quality and to prolong the shelf‐life of fresh fruits and vegetables is the application of edible coatings.

RESULTS

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different coatings (alginate‐based, cocoa‐based and a combination of them) on physicochemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics of fresh‐cut oranges during storage. Preliminary rheological analyses were performed on coatings in order to characterize them. The three different coated orange samples were packaged in polyethylene terephthalate trays under atmospheric conditions and stored for 9 days at 6 °C. During storage, all samples were analysed for water activity, moisture, colour, texture, microbiological analyses and sensory quality. Orange samples coated with sodium alginate maintained the highest quality characteristics in terms of texture and microbiological properties, but not from a sensory point of view. Samples coated only with cocoa presented very high sensory attributes, but the lowest microbiological and textural quality. Samples covered in both alginate and cocoa demonstrated the best quality parameters throughout the whole storage period, including high sensory characteristics and the lowest microbiological cell loads (yeast and mesophilic aerobic bacteria under the threshold limit of 6.0 log cfu g−1).

CONCLUSION

The bilayer coating represented the best solution in order to develop new ready to‐eat‐fresh oranges with both high textural and sensory attributes and prolonged shelf‐life. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Structural and emulsifying properties of soybean protein isolate glycated with glucose based on pH treatment
Authors: Sun Xiaotong , Cui Qiang , Li Rui , Hao Lianghuan , Liu Henglin , Wang Xibo , Xu Ning , Zhao Xinhuai
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUNDS

In the present study, a glycosylated soybean protein with glucose was prepared after pH treatment under different conditions (5.0, 6.0 7.0, 8.0, 9.0) and the conformation and emulsifying properties of soybean protein isolate (SPI) and soybean protein isolate‐glucose (SPI‐G) were investigated.

RESULTS

The degree of grafting (37.11%) and browning (39.2%) of SPI‐G conjugates were obtained at pH 9.0 (P < 0.05). The results of analysis of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Endogenous fluorescence spectroscopy showed that the Maillard reaction between the SPI and glucose occurred and the natural rigid structure of test proteins was stretched and became looser, and thus the tertiary conformation was unfolding. Furthermore, the particle size of the all of samples was reduced under different pH conditions, indicating that pH treatment can increase the flexibility of SPI molecules. The proteins exhibited the best surface hydrophobicity, thermal stability and emulsifying activity (EA) of modified products when subjected to a pH treatment of 9.0, whereas they afforded the best emulsion stability (ES) at pH 8.0. There was a good correlation between the molecular flexibility and emulsifying properties of SPI‐G [0.963 (F:EA) and 0.879 (F:ES)] (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The present study shows that the structural and emulsification characteristics of natural SPI and SPI‐G conjugates have been significantly enhanced via pH treatment and these results provide a theoretical guidance for the application of glycosylated SPI in the food industry. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Seasonal and trend forecasting of tourist arrivals: An adaptive multiscale ensemble learning approach
Authors: Xing Guangyuan , Sun Shaolong , Bi Dan , Guo Ju‐e , Wang Shouyang
Published: January 2022

In this study, we propose an adaptive multiscale ensemble (AME) learning approach, which consists of variational mode decomposition (VMD) and least square support vector regression (LSSVR) for seasonal and trend forecasting of tourist arrivals. In the formulation of AME learning approach, the original tourist arrival series is decomposed into the trend, seasonal, and remaining volatility components. Then, ARIMA is used to forecast the trend component, SARIMA is used to forecast the seasonal component, and LSSVR is used to forecast the remaining volatility components. The empirical results demonstrate that our proposed AME learning approach can achieve higher forecasting accuracy.
Bereavement Practices Among Head and Neck Cancer Surgeons
Authors: Solis Roberto N. , Farber Nicole I. , Fairman Nathan , Yang Nuen T. , Taylor Sandra L. , Abouyared Marianne , Bewley Arnaud F. , Farwell D. Gregory , Birkeland Andrew C.
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Head and neck cancer surgeons frequently interact with dying patients with advanced disease and their families, but little is known about their bereavement practices after a patient's death. The aim of this study is to elucidate the frequency of common bereavement practices, cited barriers to bereavement, and predictive physician factors that lead to an increase in bereavement practices among head and neck cancer surgeons.

Methods

A 20‐item survey was sent to 827 active surgeons of the American Head and Neck Society. Approval was obtained and the survey was distributed through the American Head and Neck Society. Demographics, frequency of common bereavement practices, empathy, and barriers were assessed. Multiple linear regression was performed to determine physician factors associated with more frequent bereavement follow‐up.

Results

There were 156 respondents (18.9% response rate). Overall, surgeons were more likely to usually/always call (48.5%) or send a letter (42.4%) compared with other practices such as attending funerals (0%), offering family meetings (18.6%), or referring family members to counseling (7.7%). Many barriers were cited as being at least somewhat important: being unaware about a patient's death (67.3%) was the most cited, whereas 51.3% cited a lack of mentorship/training in this area. Scoring higher on empathy questions (P ≤ .001) was associated with more frequent surgeon bereavement follow‐up with the family of deceased patients.

Conclusion

There is substantial practice variation among surgeons suggesting a lack of consensus on their roles in bereavement follow‐up. Having higher empathy was predictive of higher engagement.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 132:1971–1975, 2022