bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of opportunistic quantitative computed tomography in the evaluation of bone disease and risk of fracture in thalassemia major
Authors: Carnevale Aldo , Pellegrino Fabio , Bravi Beatrice , Gamberini Maria Rita , Gagliardi Irene , Reverberi Roberto , Zatelli Maria Chiara , Giganti Melchiore , Ambrosio Maria Rosaria
Published: August 2022

Objective

Dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) remains the cornerstone for osteoporosis evaluation in Thalassemia major. However, several drawbacks have been observed in this unique setting. We sought to determine the correlation between quantitative CT (QCT) and DXA‐derived parameters; secondarily, we aimed to investigate the role of the two techniques in predicting the risk of fracture.

Methods

We retrospectively included patients with β‐thalassemia major who had undergone both lumbar and femoral DXA examinations, and CT scans including the lumbar spine, performed for disparate diagnostic issues, within 4 months from the DXA. CT data were examined employing a phantom‐less QCT method for bone mineral density (BMD) assessment. We also retrieved any spontaneous or fragility fractures occurring from 1 year before up to 5 years after the date of DXA scans.

Results

The 43 patients were included. QCT measures were significantly higher than those determined by DXA. The gap between QCT and DXA values was strongly associated with patient age. The most powerful predictive variable for risk of fracture was the ACR classification based on volumetric BMD obtained by QCT.

Conclusions

DXA provided more negative measures than those determined by QCT. However, QCT seemed to evaluate thalassaemic osteopathy better than DXA, since volumetric BMD was a stronger predictor of fracture.
Long‐term modulation of the axonal refractory period
Authors: Jankowska Elzbieta , Kaczmarek Dominik , Hammar Ingela
Published: August 2022

The main question addressed in this study was whether the refractoriness of nerve fibres can be modulated by their depolarisation and, if so, whether depolarisation of nerve fibres evokes a long‐term decrease in the duration of the refractory period as well as the previously demonstrated increase in their excitability. This was investigated on nerve fibres within the dorsal columns, dorsal roots and peripheral nerves in deeply anaesthetised rats in vivo. The results revealed major differences depending on the sites of fibre stimulation and polarisation. Firstly, the relative refractory period was found to be shorter in epidurally stimulated dorsal column fibres than in fibres stimulated at other sites. Secondly, the minimal effective interstimulus intervals reflecting the absolute refractory period were likewise shorter for nerve fibres within the dorsal columns even though action potentials evoked by the second of a pair of stimuli were similarly delayed with respect to the preceding action potentials at all the stimulation sites. Thirdly, the minimal interstimulus intervals were reduced by epidurally applied cathodal direct current polarisation but not at other stimulation sites. Consequently, higher proportions of dorsal column fibres could be excited at higher frequencies, especially following their depolarisation, at interstimulus intervals as short as 0.5–0.7 ms. The results demonstrate that epidural depolarisation results in long‐lasting effects not only on the excitability but also on the refractoriness of dorsal column fibres. They also provide further evidence for specific features of afferent fibres traversing the dorsal columns previously linked to properties of their branching regions.
Aortic valve stenosis associated with valvular heterotopic ossification with extramedullary haematopoiesis in a horse
Authors: Hammond Anna , Savage Victoria , Harley Ross , Borgeat Kieran
Published: August 2022

This report describes a case of functional aortic stenosis with heterotopic ossification in the aortic valve of a 20‐year‐old Thoroughbred mare. The aortic valve pathology was associated with aortic outflow obstruction, dilation of the left ventricle and left atrial enlargement ultimately leading to pulmonary hypertension and clinical signs of right‐sided heart failure. Histopathological examination demonstrated the presence of haemopoietic cells within the calcified aortic valve leaflets, which is a rare finding, and revealed myxomatous degenerative changes in the mitral valve and multifocal areas of fibrous tissue within the myocardium. There is marked similarity between this case and the human condition of calcific aortic valvular disease (CAVD), which is the most common reason for valve replacement surgery. In this case, we report the clinical and pathological features in this first reported case of equine aortic valve stenosis.
State audit of public–private partnerships: Effects on transparency, auditor's roles, and impact on auditee's reactions
Authors: Cracel Viana Luis , Moreira José António , Alves Paulo
Published: August 2022

Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) play an active role in the government's accountability to the parliament. Public–private partnerships (PPPs) are a different route used to deliver infrastructure‐based public services by private sector entities compared to traditional public procurement. Due to their nature, PPPs raise specific issues related to transparency for public accountability and SAIs, through the independent and competent audit they provide, may enhance the information content of the accountability relationship between the government and the parliament. We conducted a documentary analysis of 16 PPP audit reports issued by the Portuguese Court of Auditors (CoA) to analyze the audit process and outputs. Overall, our evidence suggests that the CoA, through the audit reports, reduced the information asymmetry by disclosing relevant information for more comprehensive public scrutiny and political accountability of PPPs and made several recommendations towards better PPP governance and management. Furthermore, our findings corroborate the two functions of SAIs, which can both be found in the same audit report: the watchdog function (magistrate and public accountant roles), drawing attention to failures at different stages of the PPP cycle, and the shepherding function (management accountant role), providing advice to the Government towards best practices on PPP governance and management. Considering the Government's reactions to the audit reports and the information available about CoA's recommendations implementation, there are doubts about the desired audit impact on the auditee's change of PPPs governance and management.
Biochar and nitrogen fertilizer promote rice yield by altering soil enzyme activity and microbial community structure
Authors: Sun Jiali , Li Hongbo , Wang Yanan , Du Zhangliu , Rengel Zed , Zhang Aiping
Published: August 2022

Biochar can significantly change soil properties and improve soil quality. However, the effects of long‐term combined application of biochar (B) and nitrogen (N) fertilizer on relationships between soil enzyme activity, microbial community structure, and crop yield are still obscure. We characterized these relationships in a long‐term (8 years) field experiment with rice, two biochar rates of 0 and 13.5 t ha−1 year−1 (B0 and B) and two N fertilizer rates of 0 and 300 kg N ha−1 year−1 (N0 and N). The repeated, long‐term combined applications of biochar and N fertilizer significantly increased microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN), but biochar decreased the abundance of total bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, and gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria as well as the amount of total phospholipid fatty acids. The activity of leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) decreased significantly in the biochar‐amended and N fertilized treatment, but the LAP activity either remained unchanged or increased with biochar amendment at N0. The relative abundance of bacterial phylum Chloroflexi was increased in the combined biochar and N fertilizer treatment. The changes in soil organic matter and the activity of α‐1,4‐xylosidase were the major properties influencing soil bacterial community composition, whereas the structure of fungal community was governed by MBC, MBN, and LAP activities. In addition, long‐term biochar and N fertilizer applied together significantly increased rice yield (more than biochar and nitrogen fertilizer applied alone). Yield was significantly positively correlated with LAP activity, but significantly negatively correlated with the relative abundance of Chloroflexi. In conclusion, long‐term biochar and nitrogen fertilizer applications increased rice yield, which was associated with altered soil microbial community and enhanced activity of some enzymes.
Assuring patient participation and care continuity in intermediate care: Getting the most out of family meetings using the four habits model
Authors: Kvæl Linda A. H. , Olsen Cecilie F.
Published: August 2022

Introduction

As a transitional care intervention, intermediate care (IC) bridges the pathway for older patients from hospital to home. Within family meetings in IC, the older patient, his or her relatives, the interdisciplinary team and the municipal case manager come together to discuss goals and interventions during the IC stay, including follow‐up services after discharge. Although family meetings are a common aspect of teamwork in IC, it is unclear how the voices of older people and their relatives are coming across. The aim of this study is to explore how patient participation is framed and negotiated within family meetings in IC.

Methods

This study is based on qualitative data from the observation of 14 interdisciplinary family meetings in Norwegian IC services. As a theoretical framework, the authors have used the four habits model developed by Frankel and Stein as a lens to understand the interrelated sequence of events that typically takes place during a family meeting and the importance of communication skills to promote patient participation.

Results

The thematic analysis resulted in 16 categories and 4 main themes related to the 4 habits model: (i) grounding the family meetings, (ii) what matters to you?, (iii) being empathically present and (iv) the power of a final closure.

Conclusion

There was considerable variation in the way current family meetings were conducted. It seemed crucial to start the meeting with a proper introduction and explanation of the purpose of the meeting to establish trust and to be able to successfully move to the next stage of eliciting the patients' preferences, views and goals via the ‘what matters to you?’ question. There were examples of empathetic communication among meeting participants perceived to facilitate patient participation. Finally, to successfully end the meeting and agree on a shared plan, it seemed crucial for case managers who held the decision‐making power to attend the meetings. Framing family meetings in line with the four habits sequential approach may have the potential to assure patient participation and care continuity in IC services.

Patient or Public Contribution

This article is part of a larger project based on a James Lind Alliance process that brings patients, relatives, health care professionals and researchers together in priority setting partnerships to identify and prioritize evidence uncertainties that they agree are the most important. Accordingly, the design and content of this article have been initiated and discussed in the project's stakeholder group consisting of one patient representative, one relative representative, two health care professionals from IC settings, two representatives from the Norwegian Health Association and two representatives from the Agency of Health in Norway.
Duns Scotus on Atonement and Penance
Authors: Labooy Guus H. , Wisse P. M.
Published: August 2022

In this historical contribution, we assess Duns Scotus’s analysis of atonement (Commentary on the Sentences bk. III). We also include a partial exploration of his analysis of penance (Sentences bk. IV), because certain topics which we tend to discuss within atonement‐theory, for example the analysis of the virtue of punishment, pertained to the subject of penance for Scotus. In recent scholarship, Andrew Rosato has argued that Scotus adapted the Anselmian non‐penal view of Christ’s substitutionary satisfaction to the penal understanding of satisfaction operative in penance. In this contribution, however, we argue that Scotus’s understanding remained non‐penal: his view of the atonement depends on meritorious supererogatory acts of love. Additionally, we harvest some valuable Scotistic insights for atonement‐theory, some of them applicable to penal theories as well.
Anticancer maintenance chemotherapy prolonged prognosis of metastatic urothelial carcinoma patients: A single institute retrospective study using propensity score matching
Authors: Yamamoto Akinaru , Kawashima Atsunari , Uemura Toshihiro , Yamamichi Gaku , Tomiyama Eisuke , Koh Yoko , Matsushita Makoto , Kato Taigo , Hatano Koji , Uemura Motohide , Imamura Ryoichi , Nonomura Norio
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of anticancer maintenance chemotherapy for metastatic urothelial carcinoma.

Methods

We retrospectively compared the clinical outcomes of 74 patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma who had been treated with or without anticancer maintenance chemotherapy between 2006 and 2020 at Osaka University Hospital. Progression‐free survival and cancer‐specific survival periods were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method starting from the end date of induction chemotherapy. The backgrounds of patients who had treated with or without anticancer maintenance chemotherapy were adjusted using the propensity score matching method.

Results

Twenty‐nine patients had undergone anticancer maintenance chemotherapy, whereas 45 patients had not. The median progression‐free survival periods were 18.7 and 5.6 months (p = 0.0209), and the median cancer‐specific survival periods were 25.1 and 15.2 months (p = 0.1299), in patients with or without anticancer maintenance chemotherapy respectively. In multivariate analysis, anticancer maintenance chemotherapy significantly prolonged both progression‐free survival (hazard ratio 3.65, 95% confidence interval 1.96–6.78, p < 0.0001) and cancer‐specific survival (hazard ratio 3.05, 95% confidence interval 1.62–5.76, p = 0.0006) in patients with partial response or stable disease after induction chemotherapy. Also, anticancer maintenance chemotherapy significantly prolonged both progression‐free survival (13.1 months vs. 4.9 months, p = 0.0027) and cancer‐specific survival (35.1 months vs. 11.8 months, p = 0.0044) in propensity score matched patients.

Conclusions

Anticancer maintenance chemotherapy may be considered the treatment for metastatic urothelial carcinoma patients after induction chemotherapy.
Impact of family history on clinicopathological variables and disease progression in Japanese prostate cancer patients undergoing robotic‐assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Sasaki Takeshi , Matsumoto Ryuki , Higashi Shinichiro , Kato Manabu , Masui Satoru , Yoshio Yuko , Nishikawa Kouhei , Inoue Takahiro
Published: August 2022

Objective

We evaluated whether a first‐degree family history (FH) of prostate cancer (PCa) in Japanese patients undergoing robotic‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RP) is correlated with clinicopathological variables and disease progression.

Methods

We reviewed consecutive 392 localized PCa patients undergoing robotic‐assisted RP at our institution between 2015 and 2020. Information on FH was obtained via a self‐administered questionnaire. A positive FH was defined as having a first‐degree FH: a father and/or one or more brothers with PCa prior to diagnosis. All patients had clinically localized PCa treated by robotic‐assisted RP. We evaluated the relationship between clinical characteristics, pathological findings, and biochemical progression‐free survival (bPFS) according to first‐degree FH status.

Results

Median follow‐up was 20.8 months. FH was identified in 42 (10.7%) patients. Patients in the FH group (median, 64.8 years) were diagnosed at a significantly younger age than patients in the non‐FH (NFH) group (patients without FH) (median, 67.7 years) (p = 0.003). The 5‐year bPFS in the FH and NFH groups was 72.0% and 78.1%, respectively (p = 0.90). A subgroup analysis revealed a significant difference in prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) density between the FH group (median, 0.51 ng/ml/cm3) and the NFH group (median, 0.29 ng/ml/cm3) in patients younger than 60 years (p = 0.033).

Conclusions

In this RP population, FH of PCa was not associated with worse clinical characteristics, pathological findings, or disease progression. Patients with a FH underwent surgery at a significantly younger age, and among patients <60 years, patients with a FH had significantly higher PSA density compared with patients without a FH.
Predictors of renal function after adrenalectomy in patients with Cushing or subclinical Cushing syndrome
Authors: Kufukihara Ryohei , Takeda Toshikazu , Hakozaki Kyohei , Yasumizu Yota , Tanaka Nobuyuki , Matsumoto Kazuhiro , Morita Shinya , Kosaka Takeo , Mizuno Ryuichi , Asanuma Hiroshi , Miyashita Kazutoshi , Kurihara Isao , Oya Mototsugu
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The postoperative course of renal function remains unclear in Cushing syndrome. We examined changes in renal function after adrenalectomy in patients with Cushing syndrome and attempted to identify predictors of renal impairment.

Methods

The study population comprised 76 patients who underwent adrenalectomy for Cushing and subclinical Cushing syndrome between 2001 and 2018. Renal function and other factors were evaluated pre‐operation, at 1 postoperative month, and 1 postoperative year. We defined a ≥10% decrease in the estimated glomerular filtration rate at 1 postoperative year as renal impairment, and predictors associated with this reduction were investigated. The relationship between renal function and steroid replacement after surgery was also examined.

Results

Mean pre‐operative estimated glomerular filtration rate was 82.2 ml/min/1.73 m2. While mean estimated glomerular filtration rate was significantly lower at 1 postoperative month than the pre‐operative value (71.7 ml/min/1.73 m2 [89.1%], p < 0.001), no significant differences were observed between 1 postoperative year and pre‐operation (79.5 ml/min/1.73 m2 [97.6%], p = 0.108). Twenty‐six patients (34.2%) developed renal impairment. A multivariate analysis identified a low pre‐operative adrenocorticotropic hormone level as an independent predictor of renal impairment (odds ratio 6.30, p = 0.031). Among 43 patients with available records of steroid replacement history, 18 (41.9%) developed renal impairment. The ratio of patients with a reduced steroid replacement dose at 1 postoperative month was significantly lower among patients with renal impairment than those without (22.2% vs. 56.0%, p = 0.027).

Conclusions

The pre‐operative adrenocorticotropic hormone level was a predictor of renal function after adrenalectomy in patients with Cushing or subclinical Cushing syndrome.
Advance selling under uncertain supply and demand: a robust newsvendor perspective
Authors: Yu Hui , Yan Xiaoli
Published: August 2022

Considering the restriction of supply risk on optimal profit realization in advance selling, we discuss three selling strategies of a seller who produces and sells a seasonal product to a consumer under uncertain supply and demand: all advance selling, partial advance selling, and non‐advance selling. The robust newsvendor model is designed to solve the problem. Our results show that implementing an advance selling strategy is always beneficial from the demand uncertainty perspective to the seller. However, sellers should choose advance selling carefully from the standpoint of supply uncertainty: sellers will non‐advance selling under certain conditions. This condition is contingent on the market, capacity level, selling price, supply–demand correlation, consumer characteristics, and seller's pricing power. Interestingly, pricing power is the key driver to stimulate advance selling under supply uncertainty. In addition, the impact of supply and demand uncertainty and supply–demand correlation on these strategies are related to price discounts.
Utilization of a topical autologous blood clot for treatment of pressure ulcers
Authors: Landau Zvi , Whitacre Katie Lyn , Leewood Charles , Hawkins Jessie , Wachuku Chinenye D.
Published: August 2022

Management and treatment of pressure ulcers (PUs) are met with great difficulty due to various factors that cause vulnerability of the soft tissue such as location, limited mobility, increased friction and shearing forces, as well as other comorbidities that may delay or halt wound healing. The topical autologous blood clot therapy (TABCT) is a point‐of‐care treatment used as a blood clot to assist in recreating and repairing the extracellular matrix (ECM). The mechanism of action consists of reconstruction of the ECM by incorporating into the ulcer, providing protection from further external destruction, while assisting in advancement through the wound healing phases via interaction of necessary growth factors, mediators, and chemokines. This study aims to assess the efficacy of the TABCT in the treatment of PUs in comparison to standard of care (SOC) treatment. Twenty‐four patients, 18 years or older, with PUs ranging from stage 1 to 4, were included in this study. TABCT was created by using the patient's own peripheral blood in a point of care setting. Efficacy in percent area reduction (PAR) on weeks 4 and 12 with TABCT over SOC was assessed. Treatment using TABCT in PUs resulted in 77.9% of the patients achieving a 50% PAR on week 4. The mean PAR on week 12 was 96.23% with 45% of the wounds treated with TABCT achieving complete wound closure. TABCT exhibited efficacy in PAR of PUs. In addition, TABCT use prompted granulation tissue formation over vital structures, such as bone, which is often present in later stage PUs. The potential of bringing an affordable, cost‐effective, advanced biologic bedside treatment that is efficacious in resolution of these complex wounds has the potential to drastically reduce the burden of treatment on the health system.
Ontogenetic changes in cortical bone vascular microstructure in the domestic duck (Anas platyrhynchos) and ring‐necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)
Authors: Williams Katherine A. , Gostling Neil J. , Oreffo Richard O. C. , Schneider Philipp
Published: August 2022

Age‐related changes in bone microstructure can inform our understanding the biology of both extant and fossil birds, but to date, histological work in birds, and particularly work using high‐resolution 3D imaging, has largely been restricted to limited growth stages. We used minimally destructive synchrotron radiation‐based X‐ray computed tomography to visualise and measure key morphological and histological traits in 3D across development in the domestic duck and ring‐necked pheasant. We use these measurements to build on the database of key reference material for interpreting bone histology. We found that growth patterns differed between the two species, with the ducks showing rapid growth in their lower limbs and early lower limb maturation, while pheasants grew more slowly, reflecting their later age at maturity. In the pheasant, both walking and flight occur early and their upper and lower limbs grew at similar rates. In the duck, flight and wing development are delayed until the bird is almost at full body mass. Through juvenile development, the second moment of area for the duck wing was low but increased rapidly towards the age of flight, at which point it became significantly greater than that of the lower limb, or the pheasant. On a microstructural level, both cortical porosity and canal diameter were related to cortical bone deposition rate. In terms of orientation, vascular canals in the bone cortex were more laminar in the humerus and femur compared with the tibiotarsus, and laminarity increased through juvenile development in the humerus, but not the tibiotarsus, possibly reflecting torsional vs compressive loading. These age‐related changes in cortical bone vascular microstructure of the domestic duck and pheasant will help understanding the biology of both extant and fossil birds, including age estimation, growth rate and growth patterns, and limb function.
We, campesinos: The potentials and pitfalls of agrarian populism in Colombia's agrarian strike
Authors: Sankey Kyla
Published: August 2022

This contribution aims to explore the potentials and pitfalls for the emergence of a popular agrarian movement capable of offering a progressive alternative to the far‐right. Taking the case of Colombia's national agrarian strike, the paper argues that food sovereignty can offer a mobilizing framework for a multiclass, antineoliberal agrarian coalition. However, the possibilities for building a counter‐hegemonic movement should be taken with more caution. An examination of the class differentiation between and within campesino movements reveals how the interests of certain groups may be prioritized over others. While agrarian populism may offer an important political strategy for building coalitions and framing demands, a closer class analysis points to limits to its transformative potential.
Artificial intelligence in melanoma: A systematic review
Authors: Zhang Shu , Wang Yuanzhuo , Zheng Qingyue , Li Jiarui , Huang Jiuzuo , Long Xiao
Published: August 2022

Background

Melanoma accounts for the majority of skin cancer deaths. Artificial intelligence has been applied in many types of cancers, and in melanoma in recent years. However, no systematic review summarized the application of artificial intelligence in melanoma.

Aims

This study aims to systematically review previously published articles to explore the application of artificial intelligence in melanoma.

Materials & Methods

PubMed database was used to search the eligible publications on August 1, 2020. The query term was “artificial intelligence” and “melanoma.”

Results

A total of 51 articles were included in this review. Artificial intelligence technique is mainly used in the evaluation of dermoscopic images, other image segmentation and processing, and artificial intelligence diagnosis system.

Discussion

Artificial intelligence is also applied in metastasis prediction, drug response prediction, and prognosis of melanoma. Besides, patients' perspectives of artificial intelligence and collaboration of human and artificial intelligence in melanoma also attracted attention. The query term might not include all articles, and we could not examine the algorithms that were built without publication.

Conclusion

The performance of artificial intelligence in melanoma is satisfactory and the future for potential applications is enormous.
Maternal overweight and obesity and its associated factors and outcomes in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected and HIV‐uninfected black South African pregnant women
Authors: Erasmus Christen R. , Chuturgoon Anil A. , Maharaj Niren R.
Published: August 2022

Aim

This study aimed to investigate various variables between maternal overweight and/or obesity versus normal‐weight pregnant black South African women living with and without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Methods

A cross‐sectional study design was employed. A total of 200 pregnant women were enrolled in the study, categorized according to body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2) into two groups: (1) overweight/obese (≥25 kg/m2) (n = 97); and (2) nonoverweight/nonobese (<25 kg/m2) (n = 103), where 90 were HIV‐infected and 110 were HIV‐uninfected. The differences between the maternal BMI categories were assessed using Fisher's exact t‐test and the χ2 test. Simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to determine factors associated with maternal overweight and obesity.

Results

Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that maternal age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.061; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.008–1.117; p = 0.023) and gestational age (OR: 1.121; 95% CI 1.005–1.251; p = 0.041) were significantly associated with maternal overweight/obesity in both HIV‐infected and HIV‐uninfected. For maternal health outcomes, multiple logistic regression analysis showed that hypertensive disorders (OR: 0.273; 95% CI 0.124–0.601; p = 0.001) and anemia (OR: 2.420; 95% CI 1.283–4.563; p = 0.006) were significantly associated with maternal overweight/obesity in both HIV‐infected and HIV‐uninfected. The overweight/obese HIV‐infected participants (OR: 0.233; 95% CI 0.075–0.717; p = 0.011) had increased odds for developing hypertensive disorders compared to HIV‐uninfected overweight/obese participants (OR: 0.471; 95% CI 0.172–1.291; p = 0.143).

Conclusions

Maternal overweight/obesity in both HIV‐infected and HIV‐uninfected pregnant black South African women was significantly associated with maternal age, gestational age, HPT disorders, and anemia. Maternal overweight/obesity decreased the odds for anemia, but increased the odds for the development of HPT disorders, especially in the HIV‐infected pregnant women.
Percutaneous ultrasound‐guided microwave ablation for treatment of hepatocellular carcinomas in dogs: four cases (2019‐2020)
Authors: Locatelli A. , Treggiari E. , Innocenti M. , Romanelli G.
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To describe ultrasound‐guided microwave ablation as a minimally invasive treatment option for primary or metastatic hepatocellular carcinomas.

Methods

Four client‐owned dogs underwent percutaneous ultrasound‐guided microwave ablation of three primary and one metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma, diagnosed on cytology/histopathology. In each case, multiple ultrasound‐guided thermal lesions were created in a 10 to 40 minutes ablation at 30 to 35 W. Real‐time monitoring was performed using 10 MHz diagnostic ultrasound transducers. The procedures were performed without complication and CT scans or abdominal ultrasounds were repeated immediately after. Patients were discharged on oral analgesia on the same day or 24 hours later.

Results

Hepatocellular carcinomas were successfully ablated, which in some cases resulted in an improvement in clinical signs and laboratory values. The patients were followed up for a time ranging between 39 and 649 days and no evidence of disease progression was found. Three out of four patients are still alive at the time of writing.

Clinical Significance

In these four patients, minimally invasive ultrasound‐guided microwave ablation was feasible and resulted in no immediate complications. Regular imaging follow‐up is recommended after the procedure and further studies on microwave ablation are warranted to establish its effectiveness in dogs with hepatocellular carcinomas.
Developmental evidence for parental conflict in driving Mimulus species barriers
Authors: Sandstedt Gabrielle D. , Sweigart Andrea L.
Published: August 2022

The endosperm, a tissue that nourishes the embryo in the seeds of flowering plants, is often disrupted in inviable hybrid seeds of closely related species. A key question is whether parental conflict is a major driver of this common form of reproductive isolation.

Here, we performed reciprocal crosses between pairs of three monkeyflower species (Mimulus caespitosa, Mimulus tilingii, and Mimulus guttatus). The severity of hybrid seed inviability varies among these crosses, which we inferred to be due to species divergence in effective ploidy. By performing a time series experiment of seed development, we discovered parent‐of‐origin phenotypes that provide strong evidence for parental conflict in shaping endosperm evolution.

We found that the chalazal haustorium, a tissue within the endosperm that is found at the maternal–filial boundary, shows pronounced differences between reciprocal hybrid seeds formed from Mimulus species that differ in effective ploidy. These parent‐of‐origin effects suggest that the chalazal haustorium might act as a mediator of parental conflict, potentially by controlling sucrose movement from the maternal parent into the endosperm.

Our study suggests that parental conflict in the endosperm may function as a driver of speciation by targeting regions and developmental stages critical for resource allocation and thus proper seed development.
Effects of Chemical Sterilization and Gamma Irradiation on the Biochemical and Biomechanical Properties of Human Tendon Allografts In Vitro Study
Authors: Zhang Hao‐ran , Xu Ming‐you , Zhang Lei , Zhang Hao , Yang Li , Liu Jie , Zhang Jing‐yu , Hu Yong‐cheng
Published: August 2022

Objective

Pre‐implantation sterilization procedures for tendons are important measures to reduce the risk of disease transmission, however these procedures may compromise tendon microarchitecture and biomechanical properties to varying degrees. We explore the effects of different sterilization procedures on the micro‐histology, biomechanical strength and biochemical properties of human tendon allografts in vitro study.

Methods

The tendon allografts were harvested from cadaveric donors after the donors were serologically screened by antibody or nucleic acid testing of infectious agents. All samples were divided into five groups, which were fresh‐frozen group (control group), 15 kGy gamma irradiation group, 25 kGy gamma irradiation group, 70% ethanol group, and peracetic acid‐ethanol group. Each group included 10 tendons for testing. Histological staining and transmission electron microscopy were applied to observe the internal structure and arrangement of tendon collagen fibers, while the machine learning classifier was trained to distinguish the darker cross‐sections of collagen fibers and brighter backgrounds of the electron micrograph to detect the distribution of diameters of tendon collagen fibers. The viscoelasticity, mechanical properties and material properties of tendon allografts were examined to detect the influence of different intervention factors on the biomechanical properties of tendons.

Results

Histological staining and transmission electron microscopy showed that the structure of fresh‐frozen tendons was similar to the structures of other experimental groups, and no obvious fiber disorder or delamination was observed. In the uniaxial cyclic test, the cyclic creep of 25 kGy irradiation group (1.5%) and peracetic acid‐ethanol group (1.5%) were significantly lower than that of the control group (3.6%, F = 1.52, P = 0.039) while in the load‐to‐failure test, the maximum elongation and maximum strain of the peracetic acid‐ethanol group were significantly higher than those of the control group (F = 4.60, P = 0.010), and there was no significant difference in other biomechanical indicators. According to the experimental results of denatured collagen, it could be seen that no matter which disinfection procedure was used, the denaturation of the tendon sample would be promoted (F = 1.97, P = 0.186), and high‐dose irradiation seemed to cause more damage to collagen fibers than the other two disinfection procedures (296.2 vs 171.1 vs 212.9 μg/g).

Conclusion

Biomechanical experiments and collagen denaturation tests showed that 15 kGy gamma irradiation and 70% ethanol can preserve the biomechanical strength and biochemical properties of tendons to the greatest extent, and these two sterilization methods are worthy of further promotion.
The Sense of Scriptural Authority
Authors: Kim H. Jong
Published: August 2022

Starting with the puzzlement M O.C. Drury and Rush Rhees felt about Wittgenstein's admonition that believers ought not to pick and choose among the passages of the bible, this paper seeks to clarify the sense of scriptural authority in the Judeo‐Christian traditions. This paper argues that (1) picking and choosing, imposing certain criteria external to the Scripture, is grammatically constitutive of accepting the authority of Scripture and (2) such a picking and choosing is guided by a tradition and its grammar. It notes that Wittgenstein's stance on Scripture is itself based on (1) and (2).
Stakeholders’ perceptions of barriers and facilitators for dental and mental health referrals of HIV/AIDS clinic patients
Authors: Bhanat Namrata , McIntosh Scott , Khanal Prasida , Ghosh Sucharu , Gajendra Sangeeta
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) are understudied and underserved with respect to both dental and mental health services. The coexistence of psychiatric and dental problems in PLWHA leads to more complex diagnostic assessments and treatments compared to the general population. The aim of the present study was to identify relevant themes from the perspectives of important stakeholders regarding the barriers to and facilitators of patient referral to these services.

Method

Semi‐structured Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were conducted with nine program directors and other key staff from New York State HIV clinics to examine barriers to and facilitators of successful dental and mental health referrals and factors that affect patient motivation.

Results

Primary themes crystalized around dental and mental health referral, subject knowledge and perspective, patient barriers, and strategies to overcome barriers. Identified barriers included mental health and HIV status stigma, social determinants of health, fear, disconnectedness, and inconsistent access for dental care. Facilitators identified included case management, integrated one‐stop‐shop care, and interprofessional awareness and collaboration. Potential patient motivators included process improvement strategies such as transportation support, case management, incentives, and building trust.

Conclusion

Specific strategies to facilitate patient motivation such as care coordination and interprofessional collaboration is useful for improving dental and mental health referrals.
Empowering girls in STEM: Impact of the girls meet science project
Authors: Yabas Defne , Kurutas Busra Sumeyye , Corlu Mehmet Sencer
Published: August 2022

Gender equity is a critical agenda for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education to increase women involvement in the STEM pathway. Our study is about the impact of a project in which all‐girl teams participated to an educational robotics program. We used quantitative and qualitative data to determine the impact and understand the girls' program experiences. After the participation of the program, the mean scores have increased in interest in STEM, interest in STEM careers, STEM identity, and understanding of STEM scales. The groups underlined their problem solving and group work experiences, as well as their excitement and motivation related with the STEM activities.
Systematic Review and Classification of the Engineering for Global Development Literature Based on Design Tools and Methods for Social Impact Consideration
Authors: Armstrong Andrew G. , Suk Hailie , Mabey Christopher S. , Mattson Christopher A. , Hall John , Salmon John L.
Published: August 2022

While many tools and methodologies for assessing social impact exist and are used in the social science and global development fields, there is a lack of standard methods for considering the broader social impact of products in the engineering community. Some reasons these methods are not as widely used in the engineering community include designers not being aware of the methods, or methods not being widely applicable. The purpose of this research is to help designers and researchers find relevant design tools and methods for implementing social impact considerations. This is done through the classification of 374 papers in the Engineering for Global Development (EGD) literature along several dimensions including method purpose, industry sector, social impacts considered, sustainable development goals, paper setting, and data inputs required. This article describes how designers and researchers can use this set of classified papers to locate relevant design tools and methods to improve social impact considerations in their work.
The Effect of Wind Screens on the Performance of an Induced Draft Air-Cooled Condenser Under Windless and Windy Conditions
Authors: Bekker G. M. , Meyer C. J. , van der Spuy S. J.
Published: August 2022

Wind generally reduces the thermal effectiveness of air-cooled condensers (ACCs). Therefore, this study investigates wind screens as a means to improve the performance of a 20-fan induced draft ACC under windy conditions. Two wind-screen configurations are tested: walls extending above the fan platform (termed wind walls) and walls extending below the fan platform (termed wind skirts). The performance of this five-by-four ACC is evaluated using the open-source computational fluid dynamics code, OpenFOAM. The performance is first analyzed under windless operating conditions and then when the ACC is subjected to wind speeds of 3, 6, and 9 m/s directed along the shorter and longer axes of the ACC. Under windless conditions, wind walls increase the ACC’s thermal effectiveness by 1.0%. Wind skirts, however, reduce the effectiveness by 1.8%. Depending on the wind speed and direction, wind walls increase the mean thermal effectiveness of the ACC by 0.3–3.9% under windy conditions. Wind skirts, on the other hand, are only beneficial at higher wind speeds: At 3 m/s, the effectiveness declines by 1.4–2.1%; at 6 m/s, the change in effectiveness ranges from −0.4% to 2.2%; and at 9 m/s, the effectiveness increases by 2.4–3.8%. Wind walls are therefore considered more effective than wind skirts for the tested range of wind speeds.
Experimental Investigation Into the Effect of a Ceramic Matrix Composite Surface on Film Cooling
Authors: Wilkins Peter H. , Lynch Stephen P. , Thole Karen A. , Vincent Tyler , Quach San , Kaufman Eleanor
Published: August 2022

Ceramic matrix composite (CMC) components enable high turbine entry temperatures, which can lead to improved efficiencies in gas turbines. Implementing film cooling over CMC components, similar to how it is employed for conventional metal components, can extend part life and push operating temperatures beyond the temperature capabilities of CMCs alone. However, CMCs have a unique surface topology that can influence film cooling performance. Often this topology takes the form of an irregular wavy pattern due to the weave of the fibers that make up the strengthening component of the composite. In this study, shaped 7–7–7 film cooling holes are embedded in a five-harness-satin weave pattern representative of a CMC, at two orientations of the pattern. Detailed adiabatic film effectiveness measurements are obtained in a wind tunnel using an infrared camera while near-wall flowfield measurements are obtained with a high-speed particle image velocimetry system. A range of blowing ratios between one and three are investigated at a density ratio of 1.5 and freestream turbulence intensities of 0.5% and 13%. Across the majority of the tested conditions, the CMC surfaces result in lower film cooling performance than a smooth surface. At a freestream turbulence intensity of 0.5%, the adiabatic film effectiveness is moderately insensitive to the blowing ratio for both weave orientations. The boundary layer over the CMC surfaces increases the mixing between the coolant and the mainstream through a combination of increased turbulence, reduced near-wall velocities, and a thicker boundary layer.
An Iterative Neural Operator to Predict the Thermo-Fluid Information in Internal Cooling Channels
Authors: Yang Li , Wang Qi , Rao Yu
Published: August 2022

The design of internal cooling channels played an important role in turbine cooling. Distributions of thermo-fluid information, including surface distributions, cross section distributions, and projected distributions are common forms of data for internal cooling research. For over half a century since 2D thermo-fluid data were obtainable, there were very few universal tools to regress images. This study proposed a reduced ordered model to regress thermo-fluid image data by integrating the physics nature of thermo-fluid problems with neural networks. This effort started from a general partial differential equation and utilized a series of derivations to convert the equations into recurrent convolutional neural networks. The tested data included the temperature distribution on the cooled solid surface, the projected heat flux image on the fluid-solid interfaces, and the pressure distribution in the middle cross section. Results indicated an excellent regressing accuracy of the presented model for the three types of data, which was elevated as compared with a widely used conditional generative adversarial networks (cGAN) deep learning model. Most importantly, the proposed model only consumed 1/290 trainable parameters as compared to cGAN model. The key features that led to the success of the proposed reduced ordered model included: the matching between the differential nature of a convention-diffusion phenomenon and the convolution calculation process, and the compliance of the time evolution nature of thermo-fluid images with the recurrent structure of the model.
Molecular basis of hUHRF1 allosteric activation for synergistic histone modification binding by PI5P
Authors: Mandal Papita , Eswara Karthik , Yerkesh Zhadyra , Kharchenko Vladlena , Zandarashvili Levani , Szczepski Kacper , Bensaddek Dalila , Jaremko Łukasz , Black Ben E. , Fischle Wolfgang
Published: August 2022

Chromatin marks are recognized by distinct binding modules, many of which are embedded in multidomain proteins. How the different functionalities of such complex chromatin modulators are regulated is often unclear. Here, we delineated the interplay of the H3 amino terminus– and K9me-binding activities of the multidomain hUHRF1 protein. We show that the phosphoinositide PI5P interacts simultaneously with two distant flexible linker regions connecting distinct domains of hUHRF1. The binding is dependent on both, the polar head group, and the acyl part of the phospholipid and induces a conformational rearrangement juxtaposing the H3 amino terminus and K9me3 recognition modules of the protein. In consequence, the two features of the H3 tail are bound in a multivalent, synergistic manner. Our work highlights a previously unidentified molecular function for PI5P outside of the context of lipid mono- or bilayers and establishes a molecular paradigm for the allosteric regulation of complex, multidomain chromatin modulators by small cellular molecules.
Crustacean leg regeneration restores complex microanatomy and cell diversity
Authors: Almazán Alba , Çevrim Çağrı , Musser Jacob M. , Averof Michalis , Paris Mathilde
Published: August 2022

Animals can regenerate complex organs, yet this process frequently results in imprecise replicas of the original structure. In the crustacean
Parhyale
, embryonic and regenerating legs differ in gene expression dynamics but produce apparently similar mature structures. We examine the fidelity of
Parhyale
leg regeneration using complementary approaches to investigate microanatomy, sensory function, cellular composition, and cell molecular profiles. We find that regeneration precisely replicates the complex microanatomy and spatial distribution of external sensory organs and restores their sensory function. Single-nuclei sequencing shows that regenerated and uninjured legs are indistinguishable in terms of cell-type composition and transcriptional profiles. This remarkable fidelity highlights the ability of organisms to achieve identical outcomes via distinct processes.