bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Techno-Economic Dispatch Analysis of a Case Study Consisting of Micro Gas Turbines Using Real-Time Data
Authors: Uslu Hasan Huseyin , Vinci Andrea , Saviozzi Matteo , Mosaico Gabriele , Assadi Mohsen , Silvestro Federico , Nikpey Somehsaraei Homam
Published: November 2022

The high share of renewables has a significant role in decarbonization targets. However, it increases the intermittency of the power supply and disrupts the optimal operation and grid reliability. This raises the costs for the system and the end-users. To avoid such costs, distributed and dispatchable power generation technologies like small scale combined heat and power systems (CHP) should be promoted to avoid transmission losses and fulfill the energy needs of customers. In this regard, micro gas turbine (MGT) technology can be considered a promising and attractive solution through its environmentally friendly operation and fuel flexibility.

Within the scope of this paper, such a solution is proposed as a system consisting of MGTs for CHP purposes to capture the advantage derived from the potential gap between electricity and gas tariff prices for public organizations in Italy. The analyses are based on expected spot power and gas prices traded on the forward markets and actual tariff prices to show the real potential. A specific case study, consisting of 14 buildings of the University of Genoa (UniGe) in Italy has been studied, focusing on using MGTs for CHP as an alternative for the existing energy solution which is electricity and natural gas import from the national grid. A real-time energy monitoring system for the buildings is available at present. The proposed system considers all data points for the consumption and generation capacity of MGTs and optimizes the operational schedule of MGTs based on the electricity and heat demand together with the power and gas prices according to the time zones. Then a comparison is made between the current situation, which is the electricity import from the grid with a variable tariff; and the proposed system, based on net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), return on investment (ROI), and payback period.

Further analysis is performed to demonstrate the opportunities to use hydrogen as an alternative fuel in MGTs and breakeven hydrogen price is calculated to show where it becomes more attractive than natural gas for this case.
Inner surface modification of polyethylene tubing induced by dielectric barrier discharge plasma
Authors: Organski Lee , Wang Xingxing , Myers Andrew , Chen Yun-Chu , Park Kinam , Horava Sarena D. , Richard Coralie A. , Yeo Yoon , Shashurin Alexey
Published: November 2022

Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) offers an attractive alternative to conventional wet chemical approaches for surface modification of polymer materials while inducing adhesive or wettability properties in small diameter tubes. A DBD plasma apparatus was developed in this work to induce modification to the inner surface of microbore tubing with the capability for continuous treatment. This study investigates the effects of deposited plasma power and treatment time on surface roughness and wettability induced by the DBD system. The developed system successfully demonstrates the ability to generate a broad range of surface roughness, size and density of induced surface features, and contact angles. Additional evidence of mechanical adhesion of poly(lactic-coglycolic acid) to the induced surface features is also observed.
The January 2022 eruption of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano reached the mesosphere
Authors: Proud Simon R. , Prata Andrew T. , Schmauß Simeon
Published: November 2022

Explosive volcanic eruptions can loft ash, gases, and water into the stratosphere, which affects both human activities and the climate. Using geostationary satellite images of the 15 January 2022 eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano, we find that the volcanic plume produced by this volcano reached an altitude of 57 kilometers at its highest extent. This places the plume in the lower mesosphere and provides observational evidence of a volcanic eruption injecting material through the stratosphere and directly into the mesosphere. We then discuss potential implications of this injection and suggest that the altitude reached by plumes from previous eruptions, such as the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991, may have been underestimated because of a lack of observational data.
Polarized x-rays from a magnetar
Authors: Taverna Roberto , Turolla Roberto , Muleri Fabio , Heyl Jeremy , Zane Silvia , Baldini Luca , González-Caniulef Denis , Bachetti Matteo , Rankin John , Caiazzo Ilaria , Di Lalla Niccolò , Doroshenko Victor , Errando Manel , Gau Ephraim , Kırmızıbayrak Demet , Krawczynski Henric , Negro Michela , Ng Mason , Omodei Nicola , Possenti Andrea , Tamagawa Toru , Uchiyama Keisuke , Weisskopf Martin C. , Agudo Ivan , Antonelli Lucio A. , Baumgartner Wayne H. , Bellazzini Ronaldo , Bianchi Stefano , Bongiorno Stephen D. , Bonino Raffaella , Brez Alessandro , Bucciantini Niccolò , Capitanio Fiamma , Castellano Simone , Cavazzuti Elisabetta , Ciprini Stefano , Costa Enrico , De Rosa Alessandra , Del Monte Ettore , Di Gesu Laura , Di Marco Alessandro , Donnarumma Immacolata , Dovčiak Michal , Ehlert Steven R. , Enoto Teruaki , Evangelista Yuri , Fabiani Sergio , Ferrazzoli Riccardo , Garcia Javier A. , Gunji Shuichi , Hayashida Kiyoshi , Iwakiri Wataru , Jorstad Svetlana G. , Karas Vladimir , Kitaguchi Takao , Kolodziejczak Jeffery J. , La Monaca Fabio , Latronico Luca , Liodakis Ioannis , Maldera Simone , Manfreda Alberto , Marin Frédéric , Marinucci Andrea , Marscher Alan P. , Marshall Herman L. , Matt Giorgio , Mitsuishi Ikuyuki , Mizuno Tsunefumi , Ng Stephen C.-Y. , O’Dell Stephen L. , Oppedisano Chiara , Papitto Alessandro , Pavlov George G. , Peirson Abel L. , Perri Matteo , Pesce-Rollins Melissa , Pilia Maura , Poutanen Juri , Puccetti Simonetta , Ramsey Brian D. , Ratheesh Ajay , Romani Roger W. , Sgrò Carmelo , Slane Patrick , Soffitta Paolo , Spandre Gloria , Tavecchio Fabrizio , Tawara Yuzuru , Tennant Allyn F. , Thomas Nicholas E. , Tombesi Francesco , Trois Alessio , Tsygankov Sergey S. , Vink Jacco , Wu Kinwah , Xie Fei
Published: November 2022

Magnetars are neutron stars with ultrastrong magnetic fields, which can be observed in x-rays. Polarization measurements could provide information on their magnetic fields and surface properties. We observed polarized x-rays from the magnetar 4U 0142+61 using the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer and found a linear polarization degree of 13.5 ± 0.8% averaged over the 2– to 8–kilo–electron volt band. The polarization changes with energy: The degree is 15.0 ± 1.0% at 2 to 4 kilo–electron volts, drops below the instrumental sensitivity ~4 to 5 kilo–electron volts, and rises to 35.2 ± 7.1% at 5.5 to 8 kilo–electron volts. The polarization angle also changes by 90° at ~4 to 5 kilo–electron volts. These results are consistent with a model in which thermal radiation from the magnetar surface is reprocessed by scattering off charged particles in the magnetosphere.
Boiling over
Authors: Kennedy Ann
Published: November 2022

An emergent encoding of aggressive motivation in neurons of the hypothalamus
Gene therapy for epilepsy
Authors: Staley Kevin
Published: November 2022

On-demand inhibition of neuronal activity reduced spontaneous seizures in mice
Molecular diversity of astrocytes
Authors: Baldwin Katherine T.
Published: November 2022

The tissue environment influences astrocyte form and function in health and disease
Measure emissions to manage emissions
Authors: Gore Al
Published: November 2022

In the 30 years since the world began negotiating the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, no one has identified exactly where all that pollution is coming from. That will begin to change next week when Climate TRACE (Tracking Real-Time Atmospheric Carbon Emissions)—a nonprofit coalition of artificial intelligence (AI) specialists, data scientists, researchers, and nongovernmental organizations—releases the first facility-level inventory of the largest known individual sources of the 162 million tons of GHG pollution emitted into the troposphere every day. With thousands of businesses, banks, investors, and 88 nation-states committed to reducing emissions to net zero by 2050, comprehensively tracking progress toward that goal is essential. This is especially important given last week’s United Nations Emissions Gap Report indicating that the world is far behind pace for reducing emissions by 2030.
In Other Journals
Authors: Ash Caroline , Jiang Di , Maroso Mattia , Hines Pamela J. , Osborne Ian S. , Wible Brad , Grocholski Brent
Published: November 2022

Editors’ selections from the current scientific literature
Teeth record pneumonia—and racism
Authors: Pérez Ortega Rodrigo
Published: November 2022

Research raises standards for working with anthropological collections
Prominent astronomer barred after complaints
Authors: O’Grady Cathleen
Published: November 2022

Tim de Zeeuw had a pattern of “extremely unacceptable” behavior, Leiden University says
S-217622, a SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitor, decreases viral load and ameliorates COVID-19 severity in hamsters
Authors: Sasaki Michihito , Tabata Koshiro , Kishimoto Mai , Itakura Yukari , Kobayashi Hiroko , Ariizumi Takuma , Uemura Kentaro , Toba Shinsuke , Kusakabe Shinji , Maruyama Yuki , Iida Shun , Nakajima Noriko , Suzuki Tadaki , Yoshida Shinpei , Nobori Haruaki , Sanaki Takao , Kato Teruhisa , Shishido Takao , Hall William W. , Orba Yasuko , Sato Akihiko , Sawa Hirofumi
Published: November 2022

In parallel with vaccination, oral antiviral agents are highly anticipated to act as countermeasures for the treatment of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Oral antiviral medication demands not only high antiviral activity but also target specificity, favorable oral bioavailability, and high metabolic stability. Although a large number of compounds have been identified as potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro, few have proven to be effective in vivo. Here, we show that oral administration of S-217622 (ensitrelvir), an inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 main protease (M
pro
; also known as 3C-like protease), decreases viral load and ameliorates disease severity in SARS-CoV-2–infected hamsters. S-217622 inhibited viral proliferation at low nanomolar to submicromolar concentrations in cells. Oral administration of S-217622 demonstrated favorable pharmacokinetic properties and accelerated recovery from acute SARS-CoV-2 infection in hamster recipients. Moreover, S-217622 exerted antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, including the highly pathogenic Delta variant and the recently emerged Omicron BA.5 and BA.2.75 variants. Overall, our study provides evidence that S-217622, an antiviral agent that is under evaluation in a phase 3 clinical trial (clinical trial registration no. jRCT2031210350), has remarkable antiviral potency and efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 and is a prospective oral therapeutic option for COVID-19.
Clinical Outcome with Standard Regimen plus Clofazimine or Moxifloxacin in Cavitary Mycobacterium avium Complex Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Park Yea Eun , Chong Yong Pil , Lee Hyun Joo , Shim Tae Sun , Jo Kyung-Wook
Published: November 2022

In this retrospective analysis including 173 patients in a tertiary referral center in South Korea, compared with the standard therapeutic regimen, clofazimine or moxifloxacin plus standard treatment regimen potentially did not induce a higher 1-year culture conversion rate in patients with
Mycobacterium avium
complex pulmonary disease who present with cavitary lesions (fibrocavitary or cavitary nodular bronchiectatic type).
Draft Genome Sequence of Alkalihalobacillus clausii Strain AXA-BCL3, Isolated from the Sahastradhara Springs of Uttarakhand, India
Authors: Gaurav Amit , Bisht Vishakha , Gupta Ruchir , Shrivastav Sanjay , Navani Naveen Kumar
Published: November 2022

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Alkalihalobacillus clausii
strain AXA-BCL3, which was isolated from a soil sample from the Sahastradhara springs of Uttarakhand, India. The genome was assembled in 125 contigs with a total length of 4,428,477 bp and a GC content of 44.5%. Genome annotation predicted 4,278 protein-coding genes and 75 tRNA genes.
Complete Genome Sequence of Nocardiopsis exhalans Strain JCM 11759
T
, Isolated from Indoor Air of a Water-Damaged Private House in Finland
Authors: Chen Dan , Mo Ping , Li Baiyuan
Published: November 2022

The genus
Nocardiopsis
contains pharmaceutically and biotechnologically important species that produce a wide variety of secondary metabolites with a wide range of biological activities. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
Nocardiopsis exhalans
JCM 11759
T
for a better understanding of its metabolic characteristics and toxin synthesis pathway.
Maternal socioeconomic status and infant feeding practices underlying pathways to child stunting in Cambodia: structural path analysis using cross-sectional population data
Authors: Harvey Chloe Mercedes , Newell Marie-Louise , Padmadas Sabu
Published: November 2022

Objectives

To identify and investigate complex pathways to stunting among children aged 6–24 months to determine the mediating effects of dietary diversity and continued breast feeding on the association between socioeconomic factors and child stunting.

Design, setting and participants

We analysed the most recent cross-sectional Demographic and Health Survey data from Cambodia (2014). We applied structural path analysis on a sample of 1365 children to model the complex and inter-related pathways of factors determining children’s height for age. Explanatory variables included a composite indicator of maternal employment, household wealth, maternal education, current breastfeeding status and dietary diversity score. Results are presented both in terms of non-standardised and standardised coefficients.

Outcome measure

The primary outcome measure was height-for-age Z-scores as a continuous measure.

Results

Findings suggest that children’s dietary diversity and continued breast feeding mediate the association between socioeconomic status and children’s height. While there was no significant direct effect of maternal education on children’s height, results suggested significant indirect pathways through which maternal education effects children’s height; operating through household wealth, maternal employment, dietary diversity and continued breastfeeding status (p<0.001). Most notably, 41% of the effect of maternal employment on children’s height was mediated by either dietary diversity or continued breast feeding.

Conclusion

We provide evidence to support targeted nutrition interventions which account for the different ways in which underlying socioeconomic factors influence infant and young child feeding practices, and the potential impact on child nutritional status.
Diagnostic accuracy of blood tests of inflammation in paediatric appendicitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fawkner-Corbett David , Hayward Gail , Alkhmees Mohammed , Van Den Bruel Ann , Ordóñez-Mena Jose M , Holtman Gea A
Published: November 2022

Objective

Possible childhood appendicitis is a common emergency presentation. The exact value of blood tests is debated. This study sought to determine the diagnostic accuracy of four blood tests (white cell count (WCC), neutrophil(count or percentage), C reactive protein (CRP) and/or procalcitonin) for childhood appendicitis.

Design

A systematic review and diagnostic meta-analysis. Data sources included MEDLINE, EMBASE, Central, Web of Science searched from inception-March 2022 with reference searching and authors contacted for missing/unclear data. Eligibility criteria was studies reporting the diagnostic accuracy of the four blood tests compared to the reference standard (histology or follow-up). Risk of bias was assessed (QUADAS-2), pooled sensitivity and specificity were generated for each test and commonly presented cut-offs. To provide insight into clinical impact, we present strategies using a hypothetical cohort.

Results

67 studies were included (34 839 children, 13 342 with appendicitis), all in the hospital setting. The most sensitive tests were WCC (≥10 000 cells/µL, 53 studies sensitivity 0.85 (95% CI 0.80 to 0.89)) and absolute neutrophil count (ANC) (≥7500 cells/µL, five studies sensitivity 0.90 (95% CI 0.85 to 0.94)). Combination of WCC or CRP increased sensitivity further(≥10 000 cells/µL or ≥10 mg/L, individual patient data (IPD) of 6 studies, 0.97 (95% CI 0.93 to 0.99)).

Applying results to a hypothetical cohort(1000 children with appendicitis symptoms, of whom 400 have appendicitis) 60 and 40 children would be wrongly discharged based solely on WCC and ANC, respectively, 12 with combination of WCC or CRP.

The most specific tests were CRP alone (≥50 mg/L, 38 studies, specificity 0.87 (95% CI 0.80 to 0.91)) or combined with WCC (≥10 000 cells/µL and ≥50 mg/L, IPD of six studies, 0.93 (95% CI 0.91 to 0.95)).

Conclusions

The best performing single blood tests for ruling-out paediatric appendicitis are WCC or ANC; with accuracy improved combining WCC and CRP. These tests could be used at the point of care in combination with clinical prediction rules. We provide insight into the best cut-offs for clinical application.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017080036
Effectiveness of virtual reality on functional mobility during treadmill training in children with cerebral palsy: a single-blind, two-arm parallel group randomised clinical trial (VirtWalkCP Project)
Authors: Ochandorena-Acha Mirari , Terradas-Monllor Marc , Nunes Cabrera Tania Fabiola , Torrabias Rodas Meritxell , Grau Sergi
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Treadmill training and virtual reality have been investigated in children with cerebral palsy. However, few studies have assessed the effectiveness of the combination of both treatments on children’s functional and balance activities. The project aims to compare the effects of treadmill training with and without virtual reality on walking endurance and speed, static and dynamic balance, gross motor function, functional independence, quality of life and occupational participation in children with spastic cerebral palsy between the ages of 4 and 12 years classified at levels I, II and III of the Gross Motor Function Classification System.

Methods and analysis

This study is a single-blind, two-arm parallel group, randomised, controlled clinical trial. Participants will be recruited at the Pediatric Department of the Vic Hospital Consortium, and the research will be conducted at the University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia. The participants will be randomly allocated into two groups: (1) the experimental group, which will receive the treadmill training at the same time as the virtual reality; and (2) the control group, which will undertake treadmill gait training alone. The training will be provided in 10 sessions over 2 weeks with 30 min for each session. Assessments will be performed on three occasions: 1 week before the intervention, 1 week following the intervention and 1 month after the end of the intervention. The evaluations will involve the 6 min walk test, stabilometry, the Berg Balance Scale, the 10 m walk test, the Gross Motor Function Measure, the Functional Independence Measure, the paediatric quality of life inventory and the Children Participation Questionnaire. For between-within group comparison, a mixed-effect linear model will be used.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the Osona Foundation for Health Research and Education (2021061). Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT05131724.
Serum oestradiol levels and risk of adverse cardiovascular events associated with gender-affirming oestrogen therapy: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rytz Chantal L , Turino Miranda Keila , Ronksley Paul E , Dumanski Sandra M , Saad Nathalie , Raj Satish R , Somayaji Ranjani , Ganshorn Heather , Newbert Amelia M , Peace Lindsay , Ahmed Sofia B
Published: November 2022

Introduction

The use of gender-affirming oestrogen therapy (GAOT) is an integral part of the gender-affirming transition process for transgender women (assigned male at birth who identify as women) and gender-diverse individuals. However, its use may present significant cardiovascular implications, which may be influenced by systemic oestradiol levels. Therefore, we aim to establish the association between serum oestradiol levels and incidence of adverse cardiovascular events in individuals using GAOT.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a systematic review addressing the association between serum oestradiol levels and risk of adverse cardiovascular events in individuals using GAOT. Our primary outcome is the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events, our secondary outcome is the incidence of cardiovascular-related mortality and our tertiary outcome is cardiovascular-related risk factors. Electronic databases (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, MEDLINE and Web of Science) will be searched from inception until September 2022. Two investigators will independently complete screening to determine appropriateness of inclusion. Extracted data will include information on serum sex hormone levels (oestradiol and testosterone), participants, GAOT (route of administration, formulations, dosages and duration of exposure), incidence of cardiovascular outcomes, study quality and risk of bias. Inter-reviewer reliability will be calculated at both phases. Data will be presented both descriptively and meta-analysed using a random effects model, if appropriate. Heterogeneity will be explored and meta-regressed if noted.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not needed. We will disseminate findings through international conferences, distributions to transgender and gender-diverse support organisations, decision-makers and key stakeholders. The final systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

CRD42021247717.
Best Case/Worst Case: protocol for a multisite randomised clinical trial of a scenario planning intervention for patients with kidney failure
Authors: Haug Karlie , Buffington Anne , Zelenski Amy , Hanlon Bret M , Stalter Lily , Kwekkeboom Kristine L , Rathouz Paul , Bansal Amar D , Cheung Katharine , Crews Deidra , Frazier Rebecca , Koncicki Holly , Lam Daniel , Moss Alvin , Rao Maya , Wolfgram Dawn F , Yi Jeniann , Brill Carrie , Kendrick Rachael , Campbell Toby C , Jhagroo Roy , Schwarze Margaret
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Given the burdens of treatment and poor prognosis, older adults with kidney failure would benefit from improved decision making and palliative care to clarify goals, address symptoms, and reduce unwanted procedures. Best Case/Worst Case (BC/WC) is a communication tool that uses scenario planning to support patients’ decision making. This article describes the protocol for a multisite, cluster randomised trial to test the effect of training nephrologists to use the BC/WC communication tool on patient receipt of palliative care, and quality of life and communication.

Methods and analysis

We are enrolling attending nephrologists, at 10 study sites in the USA, who see outpatients with advanced chronic kidney disease considering dialysis. We aim to enrol 320 patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of ≤24 mL/min/1.73 m2who are age 60 and older and have a predicted survival of 18 months or less. Nephrologists will be randomised in a 1:1 ratio to receive training to use the communication tool (intervention) at study initiation or after study completion (wait-list control). Patients in the intervention group will receive care from a nephrologist trained to use the BC/WC communication tool. Patients in the control group will receive usual care. Using chart review and surveys of patients and caregivers, we will test the efficacy of the BC/WC intervention with receipt of palliative care as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes include intensity of treatment at the end of life, the effect of the intervention on quality of communication (QOC) between nephrologists and patients (using the QOC scale), the change in quality of life (using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Palliative Care scale) and receipt of dialysis.

Ethics and dissemination

Approvals have been granted by the Institutional Review Board at the University of Wisconsin (ID: 2022-0193), with each study site ceding review to the primary IRB. All nephrologists will be consented and given a copy of the consent form. No patients or caregivers will be recruited or consented until their nephrology provider has chosen to participate in the study. Results will be disseminated via submission for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and at national meetings.

Trial registration number

NCT04466865.
Antivascular endothelial growth factor for macular oedema secondary to retinal vein occlusion: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Shanshan , Song Zhihui , Li Guangyao , Zhang Chao
Published: November 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents in treating macular oedema due to retinal vein occlusion (RVO-ME).

Methods

Studies of randomised controlled trials were searched in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane databases and ClinicalTrials.gov registry. RevMan V.5.4 software and GRADE were used to synthesise the data and validate the evidence, respectively.

Results

Seventeen studies were included in this meta-analysis. The anti-VEGF agents showed significant better mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improvement, more patients with ≧15 Early Treatment in Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters gained and fewer patients with ≧15 ETDRS letters lost, more effectiveness at reducing central retinal thickness (CRT) and improving the quality of life than sham and steroids both at 6 and 12 months. Compared with laser, the anti-VEGF agents showed significant BCVA improvement and more effectiveness at CRT both at 6 and 12 months. The proportion of eyes gaining ≧15 ETDRS letters was greater in the anti-VEGF group at 6 months. The anti-VEGF and other three groups reported similar levels of non-ocular serious adverse events (SAEs). The incidence of eye pain was significantly higher in the anti-VEGF group than in the sham group. There was a significant increase in the incidence of ocular AEs and conjunctival haemorrhage in the anti-VEGF group compared with the laser group. The incidence of elevated intraocular pressure and cataract was significantly higher in the steroid group than in the anti-VEGF group.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis suggested that treatment of ME secondary to RVO with anti-VEGF improves visual and anatomical outcomes compared with other treatments. Thus, anti-VEGF treatment is the first choice for treating patients with ME secondary to RVO.
Examining the empirical evidence for IDEAL 2b studies: the effects of preceding prospective collaborative cohort studies on the quality and impact of subsequent randomized controlled trials of surgical innovations – protocol for a systematic review and case–control analysis
Authors: Ibrahim Mudathir , Paez Arsenio , Yu Jiajie , Vasey Baptiste , Horovitz Joel , McCulloch Peter
Published: November 2022

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in surgery face methodological challenges, which often result in low quality or failed trials. The Idea, Development, Exploration, Assessment and Long-term (IDEAL) framework proposes preliminary prospective collaborative cohort studies with specific properties (IDEAL 2b studies) to increase the quality and feasibility of surgical RCTs. Little empirical evidence exists for this proposition, and specifically designed 2b studies are currently uncommon. Prospective collaborative cohort studies are, however, relatively common, and might provide similar benefits. We will, therefore, assess the association between prior ‘IDEAL 2b-like’ cohort studies and the quality and impact of surgical RCTs.

We propose a systematic review using two parallel case–control analyses, with surgical RCTs as subjects and study quality and journal impact factor (IF) as the outcomes of interest. We will search for surgical RCTs published between 2015 and 2019 and and prior prospective collaborative cohort studies authored by any of the RCT investigators. RCTs will be categorized into cases or controls by (1) journal (IF ≥or <5) and (2) study quality (PEDro score ≥or < 7). The case/control OR of exposure to a prior ‘2b like’ study will be calculated independently for quality and impact. Cases will be matched 1: 1 with controls by year of publication, and confounding by peer-reviewed funding, author academic affiliation and trial protocol registration will be examined using multiple logistic regression analysis.

This study will examine whether preparatory IDEAL 2b-like studies are associated with higher quality and impact of subsequent RCTs.
Metformin increases natural killer cell functions in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma through CXCL1 inhibition
Authors: Crist McKenzie , Yaniv Benyamin , Palackdharry Sarah , Lehn Maria A , Medvedovic Mario , Stone Timothy , Gulati Shuchi , Karivedu Vidhya , Borchers Michael , Fuhrman Bethany , Crago Audrey , Curry Joseph , Martinez-Outschoorn Ubaldo , Takiar Vinita , Wise-Draper Trisha M
Published: November 2022

Background

Metformin slows tumor growth and progression in vitro, and in combination with chemoradiotherapy, resulted in high overall survival in patients with head and neck cancer squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in our phase 1 clinical trial (NCT02325401). Metformin is also postulated to activate an antitumor immune response. Here, we investigate immunologic effects of metformin on natural killer (NK) and natural killer T cells, including results from two phase I open-label studies in patients with HNSCC treated with metformin (NCT02325401,NCT02083692).

Methods

Peripheral blood was collected before and after metformin treatment or from newly diagnosed patients with HNSCC. Peripheral immune cell phenotypes were evaluated using flow cytometry, cytokine expression by ELISA and/or IsoLight, and NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity was determined with a flow-based NK cell cytotoxicity assay (NKCA). Patient tumor immune infiltration before and after metformin treatment was analyzed with immunofluorescence. NK cells were treated with either vehicle or metformin and analyzed by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). NK cells were then treated with inhibitors of significant pathways determined by RNA-seq and analyzed by NKCA, ELISA, and western blot analyses.

Results

Increased peripheral NK cell activated populations were observed in patients treated with metformin. NK cell tumor infiltration was enhanced in patients with HNSCC treated with metformin preoperatively. Metformin increased antitumorigenic cytokines ex vivo, including significant increases in perforin. Metformin increased HNSCC NK cell cytotoxicity and inhibited the CXCL1 pathway while stimulating the STAT1 pathway within HNSCC NK cells. Exogenous CXCL1 prevented metformin-enhanced NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Metformin-mediated NK cell cytotoxicity was found to be AMP-activated protein kinase independent, but dependent on both mechanistic target of rapamycin and pSTAT1.

Conclusions

Our data identifies a new role for metformin-mediated immune antitumorigenic function through NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity and downregulation of CXCL1 in HNSCC. These findings will inform future immunomodulating therapies in HNSCC.
Reocclusion after successful endovascular treatment in acute ischemic stroke: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Oliveira Renato , Correia Manuel A , Marto João Pedro , Carvalho Dias Mariana , Mohamed Ghada A , Nguyen Thanh N , Nogueira Raul G , Aboul-Nour Hassan , Marin Horia , Bou Chebl Alex , Mohammaden Mahmoud H , Al-Bayati Alhamza R , Haussen Diogo C , Abdalkader Mohamad , Fifi Johanna T , Ortega-Gutierrez Santiago , Yavagal Dileep R , Mayer Stephan A. , Tsivgoulis Georgios , Neto Lia Lucas , Aguiar de Sousa Diana
Published: November 2022

Background

Endovascular treatment (EVT) is the standard of care for selected patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large vessel occlusion (LVO).

Objective

To systematically review the available data on: (1) incidence, predictors, and outcomes of patients with reocclusion after successful EVT for AIS and, (2) the characteristics, complications, and outcomes of patients with reocclusion treated with repeated EVT (rEVT) within 30 days of the first procedure.

Methods

PubMed was searched (between January 2012 and April 2021) to identify studies reporting reocclusion following successful EVT (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction ≥2b) in patients with AIS due to LVO. Pooled incidence of reocclusion per 100 patients with successful recanalization following EVT was calculated using a random-effects model with Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation. Extracted incidences of reocclusion according to etiology and use of intravenous thrombolysis were pooled using random-effects meta-analytic models.

Results

A total of 840 studies was identified and seven studies qualified for the quantitative analysis, which described 91 same-vessel reocclusions occurring within the first 7 days after treatment among 2067 patients (4.9%; 95% CI 3% to 7%, I2=70.2%). Large vessel atherosclerosis was associated with an increased risk of reocclusion (OR=3.44, 95% CI 1.12 to 10.61, I2=50%). We identified 90 patients treated with rEVT for recurrent LVO, described in five studies. The rates of procedural complications, mortality, and unfavorable functional outcome at 3 months were 18.0%, 18.9%, and 60.3%, respectively.

Conclusion

In cohorts of patients with AIS due to LVO, 5% of patients experienced reocclusion within 7 days after successful EVT. Repeated EVT can be a safe and effective treatment for selected patients with reocclusion.
Immunogenicity and safety of a three-dose SARS-CoV-2 vaccination strategy in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases on immunosuppressive therapy
Authors: Syversen Silje Watterdal , Jyssum Ingrid , Tveter Anne Therese , Sexton Joe , Christensen Ingrid Egeland , Tran Trung T , Bjørlykke Kristin Hammersbøen , Mjaaland Siri , Warren David J , Kvien Tore K , Chopra Adity , Kro Grete Birkeland , Jahnsen Jorgen , Munthe Ludvig A , Haavardsholm Espen A , Grødeland Gunnveig , Vaage John Torgils , Provan Sella Aarrestad , Jørgensen Kristin Kaasen , Goll Guro Løvik
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Humoral vaccine responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are impaired and short lasting in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID) following two vaccine doses. To protect these vulnerable patients against severe COVID-19 disease, a three-dose primary vaccination strategy has been implemented in many countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate humoral response and safety of primary vaccination with three doses in patients with IMID.

Methods

Patients with IMID on immunosuppressive therapy and healthy controls receiving three-dose and two-dose primary SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, respectively, were included in this prospective observational cohort study. Anti-Spike antibodies were assessed 2–4 weeks, and 12 weeks following each dose. The main outcome was anti-Spike antibody levels 2–4 weeks following three doses in patients with IMID and two doses in controls. Additional outcomes were the antibody decline rate and adverse events.

Results

1100 patients and 303 controls were included. Following three-dose vaccination, patients achieved median (IQR) antibody levels of 5720 BAU/mL (2138–8732) compared with 4495 (1591–6639) in controls receiving two doses, p=0.27. Anti-Spike antibody levels increased with median 1932 BAU/mL (IQR 150–4978) after the third dose. The interval between the vaccine doses and vaccination with mRNA-1273 or a combination of vaccines were associated with antibody levels following the third dose. Antibody levels had a slower decline-rate following the third than the second vaccine dose, p<0.001. Adverse events were reported by 464 (47%) patients and by 196 (78%) controls. Disease flares were reported by 70 (7%) patients.

Conclusions

This study shows that additional vaccine doses to patients with IMID contribute to strong and sustained immune-responses comparable to healthy persons vaccinated twice, and supports repeated vaccination of patients with IMID.

Trial registration number

NCT04798625.
Risk of pre-eclampsia and impact of disease activity and antirheumatic treatment in women with rheumatoid arthritis, axial spondylarthritis and psoriatic arthritis: a collaborative matched cohort study from Sweden and Denmark
Authors: Secher Anne Emilie Pape , Granath Fredrik , Glintborg Bente , Rom Ane , Hetland Merete Lund , Hellgren Karin
Published: November 2022

Objective

To explore the risk of pre-eclampsia in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), focusing on the impact of treatment and disease activity.

Methods

We identified RA, AxSpA and PsA singleton pregnancies (2006–2018) by linking medical birth registers to Swedish (SRQ) and Danish (DANBIO) rheumatology registers. Control pregnancies from the medical birth registers were matched 1:10 on maternal age, parity and birth year.

We obtained information on antirheumatic treatment before and during pregnancy and disease activity during pregnancy. Risks of pre-eclampsia in RA, AxSpA and PsA pregnancies, compared with control pregnancies, were estimated overall and by antirheumatic treatment (conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD)/biological DMARD/corticosteroids, as monotherapy or combination therapy) and disease load (Health Assessment Questionnaire≥1/C-reactive protein≥10/Disease Activity Score in 28 joints≥3.2) through logistic regression (adjusted ORs (aORs) with 95% CI).

Results

We observed 69, 34, and 26 pre-eclampsia events among RA (n=1739), AxSpA (n=819) and PsA (n=489), resulting in a risk of pre-eclampsia of, respectively, aOR 1.27 (95% CI 0.96 to 1.67), 1.17 (0.76 to 1.78) and 1.85 (1.10 to 3.12), compared with controls.

For RA, maternal combination therapy before and during pregnancy was associated with increased risk (1.59; 1.07 to 2.37 and 1.53; 0.97 to 2.39, respectively). For PsA, maternal monotherapy before pregnancy was associated with pre-eclampsia (2.72; 1.4 to 5.13). In RA pregnancies with available information (43%), high disease load was associated with doubled risk of pre-eclampsia (aOR 1.96; 1.26 to 3.04).

Conclusion

PsA pregnancies, but not AxSpA pregnancies, were at increased risk of pre-eclampsia. For RA, combination therapy (potentially a surrogate for high disease activity both before and during pregnancy) and high disease load during pregnancy might be a risk factor for pre-eclampsia.
Analysis of chemical weathering trends across three compositional dimensions: applications to modern and ancient mafic-rock weathering profiles
Authors: Babechuk Michael G. , Fedo Christopher M.
Published: November 2022

Chemical weathering indices (one-dimensional/1D index values) and accompanying ternary plots (two-dimensional/2D compositional space) facilitate quantitative comparison of whole-rock and mineral major-element data, and empirical chemical trends with predicted weathering vectors. However, data analysis in ternary plots is restricted by poles grouping elements that are hosted in different minerals or that are influenced selectively by later alteration (e.g., diagenesis/metasomatism). Tetrahedral plots (three-dimensional/3D compositional space) offer enhanced analytical utility of major-element data by shifting elements across four poles and (or) incorporating additional proxy elements. Tetrahedral space can better reveal combined effects on major-element compositions from independent mineralogical controls and post-depositional alteration via curvilinear trends that are otherwise simplified and linear in ternary space. This study focuses on mafic-rock weathering and first reviews applications and limitations of the 1D mafic index of alteration (MIA) and index of lateritization/bauxitization (IOL/IOB) that integrate into molar Al2O3–CaO*–Na2O–K2O–(FeO(T)/Fe2O3(T))–MgO and SiO2–Al2O3–Fe2O3(T) ternary compositional space, respectively. Analysis in tetrahedral space is then demonstrated with Phanerozoic weathering profile and Precambrian paleosol data in two plots of the molar Al2O3–CaO*–Na2O–K2O–(FeO(T)/Fe2O3(T))–MgO system (A–CN–K–FM and AF–CN–K–M plots) and one plot of the molar Al2O3–CaO*–Na2O–K2O–(FeO(T)/Fe2O3(T))–MgO–SiO2 system (A–L–F–S plot). Common chemical weathering indices are integrated into these 3D tetrahedral spaces or onto some of their 2D ternary faces. However, the tetrahedral compositional space is a key to (1) assessing integrative effects from labile element loss while accounting for the variable, redox-dependent behaviour of Fe, (2) better exposing, and correcting for, overprinting effects of diagenesis/metasomatism, and (3) tracking Si loss across all stages of chemical weathering.
Entanglement in joint $$\Lambda \bar{\Lambda }$$ decay; cont.
Authors: Fäldt Göran
Published: November 2022

We have previously investigated joint $$\Lambda \bar{\Lambda }$$

Λ

Λ

¯

decay in the reaction $$e^+ e^- \rightarrow \gamma \Lambda (\rightarrow p\pi ^-) \bar{\Lambda }(\rightarrow \bar{p}\pi ^+)$$

e
+

e
-

→
γ
Λ

(
→
p

π
-

)

Λ

¯

(
→

p

¯

π
+

)

. The cross-section-distribution functions encountered were relativistically covariant and expressed in terms of scalar products of the four-momentum vectors of the particles involved. In the present, sequel investigation, we work instead in the $$\Lambda \bar{\Lambda } $$

Λ

Λ

¯

rest system and with three-momentum scalars. In this configuration our results become directly comparable to those of others, including experiment.
A Cubic Memristive System with Two Twin Rössler-Type Chaotic Attractors Symmetrical About an Invariant Plane
Authors: Messias Marcelo , Meneguette Messias , de Carvalho Reinol Alisson , Gokyildirim Abdullah , Akgül Akif
Published: November 2022

Memristive circuits and systems have been widely studied in the last years due to their potential applications in several technological areas. They are capable of producing nonlinear periodic and chaotic oscillations, due to their locally-active characteristics. In this paper, we consider a cubic four-parameter differential system which models a memristive circuit consisting of three elements: a passive linear inductor, a passive linear capacitor and a locally-active current-controlled generic memristor. This system has a saddle-focus equilibrium point at the origin, whose global stable and unstable manifolds are, respectively, the [Formula: see text]-axis and the plane [Formula: see text], which are invariant sets where the dynamic is linear. We show that this structure can generate two twin Rössler-type chaotic attractors symmetrical with respect to the plane [Formula: see text]. We describe the mechanism of creation of these chaotic attractors, showing that, although being similar to the Rössler attractor, the twin attractors presented here have simpler structural mechanism of formation, since the system has no homoclinic or heteroclinic orbits to the saddle-focus, as presented by the Rössler system. The studied memristive system has the rare property of having chaotic dynamics and an invariant plane with linear dynamic, which is quite different from other chaotic systems presented in the literature that have invariant surfaces filled by equilibrium points. We also present and discuss the electronic circuit implementation of the considered system and study its dynamics at infinity, via the Poincaré compactification, showing that all the solutions, except the ones contained in the plane [Formula: see text], are bounded and cannot escape to infinity.
Hyperchaotic System with Application to Image Encryption
Authors: Xiong Li , Yang Feifei , An Xinlei , Zhang Xinguo
Published: November 2022

This paper introduces a novel hyperchaotic circuit system that is extremely sensitive to circuit parameters and system initial values. The typical dynamical behaviors of the hyperchaotic system such as one-parameter bifurcation diagrams, two-parameter bifurcation diagrams and Lyapunov exponent spectrum are discussed in detail. Then an image encryption algorithm is designed by using the hyperchaotic sequences. In this algorithm, Zigzag algorithm is used to scramble pixel positions, and backward diffusion and forward diffusion algorithms are used to diffuse pixel values. The results indicate that the proposed algorithm can improve the security of the image encryption algorithm. In addition, some circuit simulation experiments are performed to verify the sensitivity of the hyperchaotic circuit to parameters by Multisim. Finally, the hyperchaotic circuit is implemented by using physical elements. The simulation results are consistent with the experimental results of hardware circuit, which effectively verifies the existence of hyperchaotic attractors.
Triple-Coupling Cellular Automata and Their Application to Image Encryption
Authors: Ping Ping , Yu Yile , Xu Feng , Bloh Olano Teah
Published: November 2022

Cellular automaton (CA) as a discrete and deterministic dynamic system has been widely used in cryptography. In this paper, a novel triple-coupling CA model is proposed. We first apply the triple-coupling model to 1D CA to design a high-quality pseudo-random number generator (PRNG). Numerical simulation and analyses show that triple-coupling CA exhibits more complex evolutionary behavior than uncoupling CA. The pseudo-random sequence generated by triple-coupling 1D CA can pass all NIST SP800-22 tests. Subsequently, the triple-coupling model is also applied to 2D CA, and a novel image encryption scheme based on this model is proposed. Thanks to the triple-coupling model, the diffusion operation can be completed between different color channels of the color image. Experimental simulations and extensive cryptanalysis show that the image encryption algorithm using the triple-coupling model has superior security and high efficiency.