bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Urinary Tract Infection Incidence Following Intradetrusor OnabotulinumtoxinA in Office Versus Operating Room Settings
Authors: Briskin Rebeccah S. , Etta Patrick , Luck Ali M. , Raffee Samantha , Atiemo Humphrey O.
Published: July 2023

Importance

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a known complication of intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA (BTX) injection. However, whether administering intradetrusor BTX in different clinical settings affects the risk of postprocedural UTI has not been investigated.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to assess differences in the incidence of postprocedural UTI in women who received intradetrusor BTX in an outpatient office versus an operating room (OR).

Study Design

We performed a retrospective chart review of intradetrusor BTX procedures at a single institution between 2013 and 2020. Demographic data, comorbidities, and perioperative data were abstracted. The primary outcome was UTI defined as initiation of antibiotics within 30 days following BTX administration based on clinician assessment of symptoms and/or urine culture results. Univariate analysis of patients with and without UTI was performed.

Results

A total of 446 intradetrusor BTX procedures performed on female patients either in an outpatient office (n = 160 [35.9%]) or in an OR (n = 286 [64.1%]) were included in the analysis. Within 30 days of BTX administration, UTI was diagnosed after 14 BTX procedures (8.8%) in the office group and 29 BTX procedures (10.1%) in the OR group (P = 0.633). De novo postprocedural urinary retention occurred in more women who were treated in the office than in the OR (13 [9.6%] vs 3 [1.3%], P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Selecting the appropriate setting for BTX administration is dependent on multiple factors. However, the clinical setting in which intradetrusor BTX is administered may not be an important factor in the development of postprocedural UTI, and further research is warranted.
Patient-Initiated Telephone Calls Before and After Introduction of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocol for Female Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery
Authors: O'Meara Amanda , LaSala Christina , Rameseshan Aparna , O'Sullivan David M. , Tunitsky-Bitton Elena
Published: July 2023

Importance

An evaluation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) effect on perioperative patient phone calls.

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare perioperative patient phone calls before and after implementation of ERAS.

Study Design

This is a retrospective chart review of women who underwent surgery by urogynecologists where ERAS was implemented. Patients who underwent surgery were identified before the implementation and compared with the same time period after implementation. Perioperative phone calls were reviewed and categorized by reason for call. Differences between the 2 groups were compared with a Student t test if normally distributed or with a Mann-Whitney U test if not. Categorical outcomes were reported with a percentage and compared with a χ
2 test with an α level of 0.05.

Results

We reviewed 387 records. There was no difference in the percentage of patient calls before and after implementation of ERAS (preoperatively: 19.8% vs 25.1% [P = 0.21], postoperatively: 64.1% vs 61.5% [P = 0.61]). Questions about chronic home medications were the most common reasons for calling before surgery (pre-ERAS: 16 [42.1%]; post-ERAS: 12 [28.6%]). Questions related to medications, pain, and bowels were the top reasons people called postoperatively. These remained the top 3 in the post-ERAS time period; however, bowel-related questions switched with medications for the top reason.

Conclusions

Despite patient education being an essential component of ERAS with written and verbal instructions provided, our study found no difference in preoperative or postoperative calls with the implementation. By focusing on common concerns, we may be able to improve the patients experience and reduce office phone calls.
Assessment of Adverse Events in a Matched Cohort of Women Undergoing Concurrent Midurethral Sling at the Time of Minimally Invasive Benign Gynecologic Surgery
Authors: Wood Nicole , Casas-Puig Viviana , Ferrando Cecile K.
Published: July 2023

Importance

Procedures for stress urinary incontinence and benign gynecologic surgery are often performed concurrently, and associated complication rates have previously been unexplored.

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare postoperative complication rates between women undergoing midurethral sling (MUS) placement at the time of benign gynecologic surgery and those undergoing MUS alone.

Study Design

This was a retrospective matched cohort study of women undergoing MUS with or without concurrent minimally invasive benign gynecologic surgery from January 2010 through December 2020. Eligible women undergoing concurrent surgery were matched to a cohort of women undergoing MUS placement alone. The electronic medical record was queried for demographic and perioperative/postoperative data up to 12 months after surgery.

Results

Thirty-eight women met inclusion criteria for the concurrent group, and 152 women were matched accordingly. The overall adverse event rate was 39.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.25–0.55) for the concurrent group and 24.3% (95% CI, 0.18–0.32) for the MUS-only group (P = 0.05). Adverse events with Clavien-Dindo grade ≤ 2 were higher in the concurrent group (Clavien-Dindo Grade 1: 5% vs 0%, P = 0.04; Clavien-Dindo Grade 2: 16% vs 6%, P = 0.04), as was composite postoperative resource utilization (76% vs 49%, P = 0.003). Mesh exposure (P = 0.03) and sling lysis/excision rates (P = 0.02) were higher in the concurrent group. On logistic regression, concurrent surgery cases remained significantly associated with sling mesh erosion (adjusted odds ratio, 12.6; 95% CI, 1.4–116.4).

Conclusions

Midurethral sling placement at the time of minimally invasive benign gynecologic surgery is safe but is associated with a higher incidence of postoperative hospital resource utilization and sling mesh extrusion, and a need for revision.
Lysosomal Degradation Pathways Target Mutant Calreticulin and the Thrombopoietin Receptor in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms
Authors: Kaur Amanpreet , Venkatesan Arunkumar , Kandarpa Malathi , Talpaz Moshe , Raghavan Malini
Published: July 2023

Somatic mutants of calreticulin (CRT) drive myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) via binding to the thrombopoietin receptor (MPL) and aberrant activation of the JAK/STAT pathway. Compared with healthy donors, platelets from MPN patients with CRT mutations display low cell surface MPL. Co-expression of MPL with an MPN-linked CRT mutant (CRTDel52) reduces cell surface MPL expression, indicating the involvement of induced protein degradation, a better understanding of which could lead to new therapies. We show that lysosomal degradation is relevant to the turnover of both CRTDel52and MPL. Drug-mediated activation of lysosomal degradation reduces CRTDel52and MPL expression, with parallel inhibition of CRTDel52-induced cell proliferation and stem cell colony formation. Thus, reduced surface MPL, a marker of platelets from MPN patients with CRT mutations, results from mutant CRT-induced lysosomal degradation of MPL. Drug-induced activation of lysosomal degradation compromises the pathogenic effects of CRTDel52, which can be further exploited for therapeutic interventions.
Guiding Discovery of Protein Sequence-Structure-Function Modeling
Authors: Hussain Azam , Brooks Charles L.
Published: July 2023

Protein engineering techniques are key in designing novel catalysts for a wide range of reactions. Although approaches vary in their exploration of the sequence-structure-function paradigm, they are often hampered by the labor-intensive steps of protein expression and screening. In this work, we describe the development and testing of a high throughputin silicosequence-structure-function pipeline using AlphaFold2 and Fast Fourier Transform docking that is benchmarked with enantioselectivity and reactivity predictions for an ancestral sequence library of fungal flavin-dependent monooxygenases. The predicted enantioselectivities and reactivities correlate well with previously described screens of an experimentally available subset of these proteins and capture known changes in enantioselectivity across the phylogenetic tree representing ancestorial proteins from this family. With this pipeline established as our functional screen, we apply ensemble decision tree models and explainable AI techniques to build sequence function models and extract critical residues within the binding site and the second sphere residues around this site. We demonstrate that the top-identified key residues in the control of enantioselectivity and reactivity correspond to experimentally verified residues. Thein silicosequence-to-function pipeline serves as an accelerated framework to inform protein engineering efforts.
Deep spatial proteomic exploration of severe COVID-19-related pulmonary injury in post-mortem specimens
Authors: Mao Yiheng , Chen Ying , Li Yuan , Ma Longda , Wang Xi , Wang Qi , He An , Liu Xi , Dong Tianyi , Gao Weina , Xu Yanfen , Liu Liang , Ren Liang , Liu Qian , Zhou Peng , Hu Ben , Zhou Yiwu , Tian Ruijun , Shi Zheng-Li
Published: July 2023

The lung, as a primary target of SARS-CoV-2, exhibits heterogeneous microenvironment accompanied by various histopathological changes following virus infection. However, comprehensive insight into the protein basis of COVID-19-related pulmonary injury with spatial resolution is currently deficient. Here, we generated a region-resolved quantitative proteomic atlas of seven major pathological structures within the lungs of COVID-19 victims by integrating histological examination, laser microdissection, and ultrasensitive proteomic technologies. Over 10,000 proteins were quantified across 71 dissected FFPE post-mortem specimens. By comparison with control samples, we identified a spectrum of COVID-19-induced protein and pathway dysregulations in alveolar epithelium, bronchial epithelium, and pulmonary blood vessels, providing evidence for the proliferation of transitional-state pneumocytes. Additionally, we profiled the region-specific proteomes of hallmark COVID-19 pulmonary injuries, including bronchiole mucus plug, pulmonary fibrosis, airspace inflammation, and hyperplastic alveolar type 2 cells. Bioinformatic analysis revealed the enrichment of cell-type and functional markers in these regions (e.g. enriched TGFBI in fibrotic region). Furthermore, we identified the up-regulation of proteins associated with viral entry, host restriction, and inflammatory response in COVID-19 lungs, such as FURIN and HGF. Collectively, this study provides spatial proteomic insights for understanding COVID-19-caused pulmonary injury, and may serve as a valuable reference for improving therapeutic intervention for severe pneumonia.
Rgg2/Rgg3 quorum sensing is a determinant ofStreptococcus pyogenes-host interactions in a murine intact skin infection model
Authors: Wilkening Reid V. , Langouët-Astrié Christophe , Severn Morgan , Federle Michael J , Horswill Alexander R.
Published: July 2023

Streptococcus pyogenesis an obligate human pathobiont associated with many disease states. Here, we present a novel model ofS. pyogenesinfection using intact murine epithelium. From this model, we were able to perform RNA sequencing to evaluate the genetic changes undertaken by both the bacterium and host at 5- and 24-hours post infection. Analysis of these genomic data demonstrate thatS. pyogenesundergoes significant genetic adaptation to successfully infect the murine epithelium, including changes to metabolism and activation of the Rgg2/Rgg3 quorum sensing (QS) system. Subsequent experiments demonstrate that an intact Rgg2/Rgg3 QS cascade is necessary to establish a stable superficial skin infection. Furthermore, activation of this pathway results in increased murine morbidity and increased bacterial burden on the skin. This phenotype is associated with gross changes to the murine skin, as well as histopathological evidence of inflammation. Taken together, these experiments offer a novel method to investigateS. pyogenes-epithelial interactions and demonstrate that a well-studied QS pathway is critical to a persistent infection.

Importance

Streptococcus pyogenesremains a pathogen of global importance, with significant total disease burden worldwide. Much of this burden is due to skin infection or sequalae thereof, yet little is currently known about the initial interactions between the organism and host skin. Here we present a new mouse model of skin infection. From this model, we were able to study gene expression by both the bacteria and the host during early infection time points. Both genetic and phenotypic data derived from these results demonstrate that a well-conservedS. pyogenescommunication network, the Rgg2/Rgg3 quorum sensing pathway, contributes to establishing and maintaining a durable skin infection. We propose that by better understanding the genetic pathways needed to colonize and adapt to new niches, new approaches to preventing and treatingS. pyogenesmay be possible.
An N-terminal delivery domain defines a new class of polymorphic T6SS effectors inEnterobacterales
Authors: Carobbi Andrea , di Nepi Simone , Bosis Eran , Salomon Dor , Sessa Guido
Published: July 2023

The type VI secretion system (T6SS), a widespread protein delivery apparatus, plays a role in bacterial competition by delivering toxic effectors into neighboring cells. Identifying new T6SS effectors and deciphering the mechanism that governs their secretion remain major challenges. Here, we report two orphan, antibacterial T6SS effectors in the pathogenPantoea agglomerans(Pa). These effectors share an N-terminal domain, PIX, that defines a widespread class of polymorphic T6SS effectors inEnterobacterales. We show that the PIX domain is necessary and sufficient for T6SS-mediated effector secretion and that PIX binds to a specializedPaVgrG protein, outside of its C-terminal toxic domain. Our findings underline the importance of identifying and characterizing new delivery domains in polymorphic toxin classes as a tool to reveal novel effectors and shed light on effector delivery mechanisms.
Maresin-2 Fine-tunes ULK1 O-GlcNAcylation to Improve Post Myocardial Infarction Remodeling
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Li Chenyu , Wei Yanzhao , Jiang Shujuan , Wu Xiaolin , Zhou Qing , Yang Shuang , Hu He , Huang He , Kong Bin , Shuai Wei
Published: July 2023

Maresin-2, a specialized pro-solving mediator of inflammation has been consolidated to be a novel cytokine fine-tuning inflammatory cascade. However, the underlying molecular basis is still largely unknown. Focused on cardiac dysfunction and remodeling, we employed in vivo- and in vitro- based genome editing methodology tools including adenosine associated virus, adenosine virus, lenti-virus, plasmid transfection, and CRISPR-Cas9 methodology for investigation. As suggested, exogenous maresin-2 supplement facilitated autophagosome formation by microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3B (LC3) conjugation system under the modulation of O-GlcNAcylation dependent ULK1 activation, whereas reversed by ULK1 S409A and S422A mutagenesis, showcasing the potential O-GlcNAc (O-linked β- N-acetylglucosamine) modifiable sites on ULK1. Moreover, we found that hereafter maresin-2 treatment glutamine-fructose-6-phosphate aminotransferase 1 (GFAT1) which is accessary to sense hexosamine biosynthesis influx is more likely the prime checkpoint for conjugating O-terminal β-N-acetylglucosamine motif onto ULK1, rather than O-linked N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (OGT). Mechanistically, maresin-2 largely prohibits transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), therefore increasing the availability of TAB1 for GFAT1, which encourages O-GlcNAcylation of ULK1.
Reliability analysis for air-breathing hypersonic vehicles based on a new dynamic PHI2 method
Authors: Guo Zhongge , Wang Yuhui , He Jiale , Pang Dong
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to present a novel dynamic reliability model that considers the interval mixed uncertainty for the air-breathing hypersonic flight vehicle (AHFV) to guarantee flight safety and structural reliability.

Design/methodology/approach

Initially, the force condition of the fuselage is analyzed based on the longitudinal elastic model of an AHFV. Subsequently, a new high-efficiency dynamic reliability model is presented to describe the failure probability evolution of the fuselage structure. For the random uncertainty problem with interval distribution parameters, the interval PHI2 method of time-dependent reliability is used to obtain the time-dependent reliability interval of the AHFV. Finally, the key variables that affect the failure probability accumulation are determined, which provide an important reference for ensuring structural reliability and improving the life span of AHFVs.

Findings

It is demonstrated that the proposed reliability model can obtain more accurate dynamic reliability results for the fuselage, and it is confirmed the key variables that affect the failure probability accumulation. The results also provide an important reference for the reliability analysis of hypersonic vehicles.

Originality/value

The novelty of this work comes from the first application of the PHI2 method (considering the interval mixed uncertainty) in the AHFV and the development of a new reliability model for the entire body of AHFVs. The proposed analysis scheme is implemented on the dynamic model of the AHFV, which provides a more accurate reference for improving the structural reliability and life span of AHFVs.
Integrating as-built BIM model from point cloud data in construction projects
Authors: Zeng Ruochen , Shi Jonathan J.S. , Wang Chao , Lu Tao
Published: July 2023

Purpose

As laser scanning technology becomes readily available and affordable, there is an increasing demand of using point cloud data collected from a laser scanner to create as-built building information modeling (BIM) models for quality assessment, schedule control and energy performance within construction projects. To enhance the as-built modeling efficiency, this study explores an integrated system, called Auto-Scan-To-BIM (ASTB), with an aim to automatically generate a complete Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) model consisted of the 3D building elements for the given building based on its point cloud without requiring additional modeling tools.

Design/methodology/approach

ASTB has been developed with three function modules. Taking the scanned point data as input, Module 1 is built on the basis of the widely used region segmentation methodology and expanded with enhanced plane boundary line detection methods and corner recalibration algorithms. Then, Module 2 is developed with a domain knowledge-based heuristic method to analyze the features of the recognized planes, to associate them with corresponding building elements and to create BIM models. Based on the spatial relationships between these building elements, Module 3 generates a complete IFC model for the entire project compatible with any BIM software.

Findings

A case study validated the ASTB with an application with five common types of building elements (e.g. wall, floor, ceiling, window and door).

Originality/value

First, an integrated system, ASTB, is developed to generate a BIM model from scanned point cloud data without using additional modeling tools. Second, an enhanced plane boundary line detection method and a corner recalibration algorithm are developed in ASTB with high accuracy in obtaining the true surface planes. At last, the research contributes to develop a module, which can automatically convert the identified building elements into an IFC format based on the geometry and spatial relationships of each plan.
Mandatory auditor rotation and audit quality
Authors: Dayanandan Ajit , Kuntluru Sudershan
Published: July 2023

Purpose

In the post-Enron era around the world, the role of auditor is widely debated. There is an increasing concern that an auditor’s continuous involvement with clients could impair audit quality – the negative view. There is also a positive view that a long auditor tenure leads to accumulation of client-specific knowledge over time, which could lead to high-quality audits. The empirical result with regards to impact of mandatory auditor rotation (MAR) is mixed world-wide. This study aims to examine whether MAR rules implemented in 2017 impact audit quality in India.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a unique setting in which MAR was required from 2017 to 2018 onwards in India, this study provides empirical evidence of the impact of MAR regulation on audit quality (modified audit opinion). The study uses data for 714 firms (4,284 firms) for six years (three years before MAR and three years after MAR regulation in India).

Findings

The study found that auditor tenure and MAR had significant negative impacts on audit quality, validating the “positive” view of audit tenure and audit quality. In addition, concentrated ownership had a negative impact on audit quality, implying the control and influence by concentrated ownership on auditors and audit opinion. The analysis shows that MAR regulation has not yielded the intended objective of improving audit quality in India. MAR is not a good template for improving audit quality.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of the study are useful to policymakers, regulators, managers, investors and users of financial reports. The study calls for public policy on auditor rotation based on objective scientific evidence. In light of the evidence in India that MAR does not lead to better audit quality, the study calls for reset of regulatory policy in India.

Practical implications

The study provides valuable insights to analysts, regulators and other users of financial accounts about the implications of MAR in India.

Originality/value

The study is one of the few to report on the impact of MAR, particularly in the context of an emerging market economy such as India.
I can be myself: robots reduce social discomfort in hospitality service encounters
Authors: Liu Jingyu , Zhou Lingxu , Li Yibei
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate service robots as an alternative service provider that can reduce customers’ social discomfort in hospitality service encounters. Specifically, the authors discuss when and in what scenarios service robots can alleviate such social discomfort and explain this effect from the perspective of dehumanization.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a social constructivist paradigm, the authors adopt a qualitative research design, gathering data through 21 semistructured interviews to explore why the presence of service employees causes customers’ social discomfort in hospitality service encounters and how service robots alleviate such discomfort.

Findings

This study’s results suggest that both the active and passive engagement of service employees are sources of customers’ social discomfort in hospitality service encounters; thus, adopting service robots can help reduce such discomfort in some scenarios. Customers’ differentiating behaviors, a downstream effect of social discomfort, are also addressed.

Practical implications

Service robots can reduce customers’ social discomfort in certain scenarios and influence their consumption behaviors. This finding offers actionable insights regarding the adoption of service robots in hospitality service encounters.

Originality/value

This research enhances the understanding of social discomfort in hospitality service encounters and expands the research on service robots. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, it is the first attempt to reveal the bright side of robots in service encounters from a dehumanization perspective.
A review of studies on tourism and climate change from 2007 to 2021
Authors: Pan Su-Lan , Wu Lingqiong , Morrison Alastair M.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to review empirical studies on the relationship between climate change and tourism for a period of 15 years, from 2007 to 2021. The main variables analyzed were research subjects, topics and economic development levels.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature review was used to analyze articles published on climate change and tourism from 2007 to 2021. A staged article selection process was followed using the Scopus database. Statistical comparison tests found differences among sub-groupings of articles.

Findings

The research articles on climate change and tourism continued their upward trajectory until 2021. The 893 articles analyzed were published in 254 different journals, with over 60% from non-tourism or cross-disciplinary journals. Significant differences were found by time period and between developed and developing countries.

Research limitations/implications

Gaps in the literature were detected with respect to policy analysis and it was concluded that the research for developing nations remains insufficient. More research should be encouraged to focus on the situation and solutions to climate change and tourism in developing countries. Additional research is also needed on biodiversity declines in destinations because of climate change.

Originality/value

This research dealt exclusively with empirical research studies in academic articles. It compared results across three different time periods and between developing and developed countries. Statistical tests supported the comparisons.
Estimation of the aggregate import demand function for Mexico: a cointegration analysis
Authors: Romero Tellaeche José Antonio , Aliphat Rodrigo
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study estimated total import demand elasticities concerning income, import prices and domestic prices. A high propensity to import constitutes a significant obstacle to economic growth in Mexico since the benefits of increased exports or any other aggregate demand expansion leak to the rest of the world.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper estimated a Vector Error Correction Model of the total import demand elasticities concerning income, import prices and domestic prices. Total imports are a dependent variable, while Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and import and domestic prices are the independent variables.

Findings

The principal finding is that an increase of 1 peso in the Mexican GDP leads to a rise of 0.50 pesos in Mexican imports; the elasticity of import demand for prices is low. Still, the elasticity of import demand for domestic prices is 2.14 times greater than that for import prices. These results have significant economic policy implications, such as promoting the expansion of the domestic market and the national content of exports.

Research limitations/implications

It is tempting to estimate the import demand function for the entire 1993–2019 period since such data is available. But by doing so, the authors would overestimate the propensity to import, given that from 1993 to 2019, the proportion of imports as a percentage of GDP went from 11.37 in 1993 to 29.66 in 2019. Therefore, it makes more sense to estimate the import demand function from 2000 to 2019, a period with a stable proportion of imports to GDP.

Originality/value

A high level of imports in developing countries means that much of their aggregate demand is filtered abroad. Therefore, the low impact of its exports on GDP is related to the Mexican economy’s high imports. The authors calculate this relationship with new data and methods.
Study of speed and angle during safe and comfortable standing of elderly people
Authors: Wang Haiyan , Fu Jiayu , Mei Li , Xu Xiangrong , Xu Shanshan , Wang Zhixiong , Na Ri Su
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to obtain the speed and angle during safe and comfortable standing of elderly people. With the advancement of society, it is becoming increasingly difficult for the elderly to sit-to-stand (STS) independently and comfortably in a safe and comfortable manner. Safety is essentially a prerequisite for the elderly to achieve a comfortable STS. The speed, angle and power of the STS process can all affect safe STS. From the standpoint of health-care delivery and administration, comfortable STS can be realized easily by addressing the safety issues during STS.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper summarizes the research progress on speed and angle during safe and comfortable standing of older people. The authors analyzed the speed and angle of the STS using the Vicon optical gait acquisition system and plantar pressure sensor to find the appropriate angle and speed thresholds.

Findings

The center of gravity movement is a prerequisite for the elderly to achieve a comfortable STS. The authors found that the standing speed during the STS process should not be higher than 103.8 mm/s so that the elderly can stand comfortably and safely (safe and dangerous speeds are 72.8 mm/s and 125.2 mm/s). The limitations of waist angle, waist angle speed and the acceleration are also obtained.

Originality/value

This paper analyzes and summarizes the research status of speed and angle during safe and comfortable standing of elderly people, which is essentially a prerequisite for the elderly to achieve a comfortable STS. These results can lay the foundation for the development of assistive devices and related technologies that meet the needs of older adults.
Deghosting dual‐component streamer data using demigration‐based supervised learning
Authors: de Jonge Thomas , Vinje Vetle , Poole Gordon , Zhao Peng , Iversen Einar
Published: July 2023

Ghost reflections from the free surface distort the source signature and generate notches in the seismic amplitude spectrum. For this reason, removing ghost reflections is essential to improve the bandwidth and signal‐to‐noise ratio of seismic data. We have developed a novel approach that involves training a convolutional neural network to remove source and receiver ghosts from marine dual‐component data. High‐quality training data is essential for the network to produce accurate predictions on real data. We have used the demigration of a stacked depth‐migrated image to create training shot gathers. Demigrated pressure and vertical velocity data are used to train the network. We apply the trained network on real pressure and vertical velocity data with ghosts. The network's output may be either source deghosting and receiver deghosting, or both. We test our method on synthetic Marmousi and real North Sea data with dual‐component streamers. The method is compared with conventional dual‐component deghosting using the summation of pressure and vertical velocity. Results show that the method can accurately remove the ghosts with only minor errors in synthetic data. Based on a decimation test, the method is less affected by spatially aliased data than a conventional method, which could benefit data with high frequencies and/or large receiver or cable separations. On real data, the results show consistency with conventional deghosting, both within and outside the training area. This indicates that the method is a viable alternative to conventional methods on real data.
Toward commercial applications of LED and laser‐induced fluorescence techniques for food identity, quality, and safety monitoring: A review
Authors: Ma Shaojin , Li Yongyu , Peng Yankun , Wang Wei
Published: July 2023

The assessment of food safety and quality is a matter of paramount importance, especially considering the challenges posed by climate change. Convenient, eco‐friendly, and non‐destructive techniques have attracted extensive attention in the food industry because they can retain food safety and quality. Fluorescence radiation, the process by which fluorophore emits light upon the absorption of ultraviolet or visible light, offers the advantages of high sensitivity and selectivity. The use of excitation–emission matrix (EEM) has been extensively explored in the food industry, but on‐site detection of EEMs remain a challenge. To address this limitation, laser‐induced fluorescence (LIF) and light emitting diode‐induced fluorescence (LED‐IF) have been implemented in many cases to facilitate the transition of fluorescence measurements from the laboratory to commercial applications. This review provides an overview of the application of commercially available LIF/LED‐IF devices for non‐destructive food measurement and recent studies that focus on the development of LIF/LED‐IF devices for commercial applications. These studies were categorized into two stages: the preliminary exploration stage, which emphasizes the selection of an appropriate excitation wavelength based on the combination of EEM and chemometrics, and the pre‐application stage, where experiments were conducted on scouting with specific excitation wavelength. Although commercially available devices have emerged in many research fields, only a limited number have been reported for use in the food industry. Future studies should focus on enhancing the diversity of test samples and parameters that can be measured by a single device, exploring the application of LIF techniques for detecting low‐concentration substances in food, investigating more quantitative approaches, and developing embedded computing devices.
The prevalence of glaucoma in a 70‐year‐old Swedish population in the city area of Gothenburg
Authors: Johansson Lena Havstam , Kalaboukhova Lada , Erhag Hanna Falk , Skoog Ingmar , Zetterberg Madeleine
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To determine the prevalence of and risk factors for open‐angle glaucoma in a population of 70‐year‐olds in Gothenburg, Sweden and to compare the visual function between the glaucoma population and the non‐glaucoma population.

Methods

Of the entire cohort (n = 1203), 1182 participants responded a questionnaire on self‐reported glaucoma and were tested for blood pressure (BP) and diabetes. In all, 560 participants underwent ophthalmic examination including best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), central corneal thickness (CCT), contrast sensitivity (CS), perimetry and photos of the retina and lens.

Results

Glaucoma prevalence was 4.8% (95% confidence interval, 3.0%–6.6%), of which 56% was previously undiagnosed. The proportion of participants with diastolic BP >90 mmHg was higher in the non‐glaucomatous group (8.3%) than the glaucoma group (0%), p < 0.001. A family history of glaucoma was present in a larger proportion of the glaucoma group (39%) than of the non‐glaucomatous group (1.1%), p = 0.001. Mean IOP in individuals without glaucoma was 16 mmHg, versus 21 mmHg in participants with glaucoma detected at the examination. IOP was ≤21 mmHg in 67% among participants with previously unknown glaucoma. BCVA was lower in eyes with previously unknown glaucoma than in eyes without glaucoma (p = 0.017) but BCVA in the best eye did not differ. CCT and CS were similar in all cases.

Conclusions

The prevalence of glaucoma was comparable to that reported previously. A family history of glaucoma and higher IOP were risk factors associated with glaucoma. BCVA in the best eye did not differ significantly between subjects with and without glaucoma.
Acute megakaryoblastic leukaemia shows high frequency of chromosome 1q aberrations and dismal outcome
Authors: Pastore Friederike , Gittinger Hanna , Raab Susanne , Tschuri Sebastian , Ksienzyk Bianka , Konstandin Nikola P. , Schneider Stephanie , Rothenberg‐Thurley Maja , Horny Hans‐Peter , Werner Martin , Sauerland Maria C. , Amler Susanne , Görlich Dennis , Berdel Wolfgang E. , Wörmann Bernhard , Braess Jan , Hiddemann Wolfgang , Tischer Johanna , Herold Tobias , Metzeler Klaus H. , Spiekermann Karsten
Published: July 2023

Acute megakaryoblastic leukaemia (AMKL) is associated with poor prognosis. Limited information is available on its cytogenetics, molecular genetics and clinical outcome. We performed genetic analyses, evaluated prognostic factors and the value of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) in a homogenous adult AMKL patient cohort. We retrospectively analysed 38 adult patients with AMKL (median age: 58 years, range: 21–80). Most received intensive treatment in AML Cooperative Group (AMLCG) trials between 2001 and 2016. Cytogenetic data showed an accumulation of adverse risk markers according to ELN 2017 and an unexpected high frequency of structural aberrations on chromosome arm 1q (33%). Most frequently, mutations occurred in TET2 (23%), TP53 (23%), JAK2 (19%), PTPN11 (19%) and RUNX1 (15%). Complete remission rate in 33 patients receiving intensive chemotherapy was 33% and median overall survival (OS) was 33 weeks (95% CI: 21–45). Patients undergoing allo‐HSCT (n = 14) had a superior median OS (68 weeks; 95% CI: 11–126) and relapse‐free survival (RFS) of 27 weeks (95% CI: 4–50), although cumulative incidence of relapse after allo‐HSCT was high (62%). The prognosis of AMKL is determined by adverse genetic risk factors and therapy resistance. So far allo‐HSCT is the only potentially curative treatment option in this dismal AML subgroup.
‘We just need to find space for them to practice so that we can help to make a stronger society’: Perceived barriers and facilitators to employing health psychologists in UK public health and clinical health settings
Authors: Hart J. K. , Michael P. , Hawkins R. , Bull E. R. , Farrar A. , Baguley C. , Turner R. R. , Byrne‐Davis L. M. T.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

In recent years, health psychology has received significant attention within the health sector, due to its application to understanding influences on health and well‐being and translation of health psychology into interventions to support behaviour change. The number of health psychologists in public health and healthcare settings is growing but remains limited, and is it unclear why. This study aimed to explore the views of potential and current employers of health psychologists, to elucidate barriers and facilitators of employing health psychologists in healthcare settings.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were carried out to explore the experiences of working with and/or employing health psychologists. Opportunities and barriers were explored for increasing access to health psychology expertise in the NHS and public health. Interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Fifteen participants took part in interviews. Participants were mid‐senior‐level professionals working in varied healthcare settings and/or academic institutions. The majority had experience of health psychology/working with health psychologists, whilst others had limited experience but an interest in employing health psychologists. Three key themes were identified: (1) the organizational fit of health psychologists, (2) perception of competition for roles and (3) ideas for changing hearts, minds and processes.

Conclusion

Barriers exist to employing health psychologists in healthcare settings. These barriers include misunderstandings of the role of health psychologists and the need to preserve other disciplines due to perceived competition. Recommendations for change included showcasing the benefits and skills of health psychologists and having transparent conversations with employees and multi‐disciplinary colleagues about roles.
Young type 1 diabetes subjects sway more than healthy persons when somatosensory system is challenged in static standing postural stability tests
Authors: Lesch Kim J. , Hyrylä Vesa V. , Eronen Timo , Kupari Saana , Stenroth Lauri , Venojärvi Mika , Tarvainen Mika P. , Tikkanen Heikki O.
Published: July 2023

In type 1 diabetes, it is important to prevent diabetes‐related complications and postural instability may be one clinically observable manifestation early on. This study was set to investigate differences between type 1 diabetics and healthy controls in variables of instrumented posturography assessment to inform about the potential of the assessment in early detection of diabetes‐related complications. Eighteen type 1 diabetics with no apparent complications (HbA1c = 58 ± 9 mmol/L, diabetes duration = 15 ± 7 years) and 35 healthy controls underwent six 1‐min two feet standing postural stability tests on a force plate. Study groups were comparable in age and anthropometric and performed the test with eyes open, eyes closed (EC), and EC head up with and without unstable padding. Type 1 diabetics exhibited greater sway (path length, p = 0.044 and standard deviation of velocity, p = 0.039) during the EC test with the unstable pad. Also, power spectral density indicated greater relative power (p = 0.043) in the high‐frequency band in the test with EC head up on the unstable pad and somatosensory activity increased more (p = 0.038) when the unstable pad was added to the EC test. Type 1 diabetes may induce subtle changes in postural control requiring more active balancing when stability is challenged. Postural assessment using a portable easy‐to‐use force plate shows promise in detecting a diabetes‐related decline in postural control that may be used as a sensitive biomarker of early‐phase diabetes‐related complications.
Combining polygenic risk scores and human leukocyte antigen variants for personalized risk assessment of type 1 diabetes in the Taiwanese population
Authors: Liao Wen‐Ling , Huang Yu‐Nan , Chang Ya‐Wen , Liu Ting‐Yuan , Lu Hsing‐Fang , Tiao Zih‐Yu , Su Pen‐Hua , Wang Chung‐Hsing , Tsai Fuu‐Jen
Published: July 2023

Aims

To analyse the genome‐wide association study (GWAS) data of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) in order to develop a risk score for the genetic effects on T1D risk and age at diagnosis in the Taiwanese population.

Materials and Methods

We selected 610 patients with T1D and 2511 healthy individuals from an electronic medical record database of more than 300 000 individuals with genetic information, analysed their GWAS data, and developed a polygenic risk score (PRS).

Results

The PRS, based on 149 selected single‐nucleotide polymorphisms, could effectively predict T1D risk. A PRS increase was associated with increased T1D risk (odds ratio [OR] 2.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.72‐2.55). Moreover, a 1‐unit increase in standardized T1D PRS decreased the age at diagnosis by 0.74 years. Combined PRS and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DQA1*03:02–DQA1*05:01 genotypes could accurately predict T1D risk. In multivariable models, HLA variants and PRS were independent risk factors for T1D risk (OR 3.76 [95% CI 1.54‐9.16] and 1.71 [95% CI 1.37‐2.13] for HLA DQA1*03:02–DQA1*05:01 and PRS, respectively). In a limited study population of those aged ≤18 years, PRS remained significantly associated with T1D risk. The association between T1D PRS and age at diagnosis was more obvious among males and patients aged ≤18 years.

Conclusions

Polygenic risk score and HLA variations enable personalized risk estimates, enhance newborn screening efficiency for ketoacidosis prevention, and addresses the gap in data on T1D prediction in isolated Asian populations.
Metabolomics reveals serum metabolic signatures in H‐type hypertension based on mass spectrometry multi‐platform
Authors: Gao Siqi , Zhao Jinhui , Liu Xiaowei , Liu Liyan , Chen Rui
Published: July 2023

Background

H‐type hypertension (HHT) is a disease combined with hyperhomocysteinaemia and hypertension (HT). This study aims to find specific metabolic changes and reveal the pathophysiological mechanism of HHT, which provide the theoretical basis for the early prevention and treatment of HHT.

Methods

Serum samples from three groups including 53 HHT patients, 36 HT patients and 46 healthy controls (HC) were collected. The targeted and untargeted metabolomics analyses were performed to determine the metabolic changes. Based on multivariate statistical analysis, the serum potential metabolites were screened and different metabolic pathways were explored.

Results

Our results demonstrated that there were 28 important potential metabolites for distinguishing HT from HHT patients. Metabolic pathway analysis showed that the different metabolic pathways between HHT and HC group were arginine biosynthesis, arginine and proline metabolism, and tyrosine metabolism. The changed metabolic pathway of HT and HC group included linoleic acid metabolism. The specific metabolic pathways of HT‐HHT comparison group had phenylalanine metabolism; phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis; glycine, serine and threonine metabolism.

Conclusions

Metabolomics analysis by mass spectrometry multi‐platform revealed the differences of metabolic profiles between HHT and HT subjects. This work laid the groundwork for understanding the aetiology of HHT, and these findings may provide the useful information for explaining the HHT metabolic alterations and try to prevent HHT.
Psychological toxicity in classical hematology
Authors: Pfeffer Michael A. , Martens Kylee , Kartika Thomas , McMurry Hannah , Olson Sven , DeLoughery Thomas , Shatzel Joseph J.
Published: July 2023

Although considered “benign,” mild blood count abnormalities, genetic factors imparting inconsequential thrombotic risk, and low‐risk premalignant blood disorders can have significant psychological and financial impact on our patients. Several studies have demonstrated that patients with noncancerous conditions have increased levels of anxiety with distress similar to those with malignancy. Additionally, referral to a classical hematologist can be a daunting process for many patients due to uncertainties surrounding the reason for referral or misconstrued beliefs in a cancer diagnosis ascribed to the pairing of oncology and hematology in medical practice. If not properly triaged, incidental laboratory abnormalities can trigger extensive and costly evaluation. These challenges are compounded by a lack of consensus guidance and generalizability of modern reference ranges that do not adequately account for common influencing factors. Although often benign, incidental hematologic findings can lead to emotional suffering and careful consideration of the potential psychological and financial duress imparted to an individual must be considered. In this article, we will review the current literature describing the psychological effect of some commonly known hematologic conditions, identify benign causes for variations in hematologic laboratory values, and provide recommendations to reduce psychological toxicity as it pertains to hematologic testing.
Applying a Mixture Rasch Model‐Based Approach to Standard Setting
Authors: Peabody Michael R. , Muckle Timothy J. , Meng Yu
Published: July 2023

The subjective aspect of standard‐setting is often criticized, yet data‐driven standard‐setting methods are rarely applied. Therefore, we applied a mixture Rasch model approach to setting performance standards across several testing programs of various sizes and compared the results to existing passing standards derived from traditional standard‐setting methods. We found that heterogeneity of the sample is clearly necessary for the mixture Rasch model approach to standard setting to be useful. While possibly not sufficient to determine passing standards on their own, there may be value in these data‐driven models for providing additional validity evidence to support decision‐making bodies entrusted with establishing cut scores. They may also provide a useful tool for evaluating existing cut scores and determining if they continue to be supported or if a new study is warranted.