bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Machine Learning for the Estimation of Down‐ and Up‐Link Field Exposure in Multi‐Source Indoor WiFi Scenarios
Authors: Tognola Gabriella , Plets David , Chiaramello Emma , Gallucci Silvia , Bonato Marta , Fiocchi Serena , Parazzini Marta , Martens Luc , Joseph Wout , Ravazzani Paolo
Published: July 2021

A novel Machine Learning (ML) method based on Neural Networks (NN) is proposed to assess radio‐frequency (RF) exposure generated by WiFi sources in indoor scenarios. The aim was to build an NN capable of addressing the complexity and variability of real‐life exposure setups, including the effects of not only down‐link transmission access points (APs) but also up‐link transmission by different sources (e.g. laptop, printers, tablets, and smartphones). The NN was fed with easy to be found data, such as the position and type of WiFi sources (APs, clients, and other users) and the position and material characteristics (e.g. penetration loss) of walls. The NN model was assessed using an additional new layout, distinct from that one used to build and optimize the NN coefficients. The NN model achieved a remarkable field prediction accuracy across exposure conditions in both layouts, with a median prediction error of −0.4 to 0.6 dB and a root mean square error of 2.5−5.1 dB, compared with the target electric field estimated by a deterministic indoor network planner. The proposed approach performs well for the different layouts and is thus generally used to assess RF exposure in indoor scenarios. © 2021 The Authors. Bioelectromagnetics published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Bioelectromagnetics Society.
A novel, scalable, and modular bioreactor design for dynamic simulation of the digestive tract
Authors: Habib Salam , Swaby Anikka M. , Gaisawat Mohd B. , Kubow Stan , Agellon Luis B.
Published: July 2021

In vitro gut model systems permit the growth of gut microbes outside their natural habitat and are essential to the study of gut microbiota. Systems available today are limited by a lack of scalability and flexibility in the mode of operation. Here, we describe the development of a versatile bioreactor module that can be easily adjusted for culture size and capable of sensing and controlling of environmental parameters such as pH control of culture medium, rate of influx and efflux of the culture medium, and aerobic/anaerobic atmosphere. Bioreactor modules can be operated as single units or linked in series to construct a model of a digestive tract with multiple compartments to allow the growth of microbiota in vitro. We tested the growth of synthetic and natural bacterial communities in a multicompartment continuous dynamic culture model simulation of the mammalian gut. The distal compartments of a sterile system inoculated with the synthetic bacterial community at the proximal module attained a stable bacterial density by 24 h, and all the genera present in the inoculum were firmly established in the distal modules simulating the large intestine at 5 days of continuous culture. A natural bacterial community simultaneously inoculated into the distal modules attained a stable bacterial composition at the phylum level by Day 7 of continuous culture. The findings illustrate the utility of the system to culture mixed bacterial communities which can be used to study the collective biological activities of the cultured microbiota in the absence of host influence.
LungBEAM: A prospective multicenter study to monitor stage IV NSCLC patients with EGFR mutations using BEAMing technology
Authors: Garrido Pilar , Paz‐Ares Luis , Majem Margarita , Morán Teresa , Trigo José Manuel , Bosch‐Barrera Joaquim , Garcίa‐Campelo Rosario , González‐Larriba José Luis , Sánchez‐Torres José Miguel , Isla Dolores , Viñolas Núria , Camps Carlos , Insa Amelia , Juan Óscar , Massuti Bartomeu , Paredes Alfredo , Artal Ángel , López‐Brea Marta , Palacios José , Felip Enriqueta
Published: July 2021

Objectives

The aim of LungBEAM was to determine the value of a novel epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation test in blood based on BEAMing technology to predict disease progression in advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with first‐ or second‐generation EGFR‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR‐TKIs). Another goal was to monitor the dynamics of EGFR mutations, as well as to track EGFR exon 20 p.T790M (p.T790M) resistance during treatment, as critical indicators of therapeutic efficacy and patient survival.

Methods

Stage IV NSCLC patients with locally confirmed EGFR‐TKI sensitizing mutations (ex19del and/or L858R) in biopsy tissue who were candidates to receive first‐ or second‐generation EGFR‐TKI as first‐line therapy were included. Plasma samples were obtained at baseline and every 4 weeks during treatment until a progression‐free survival (PFS) event or until study completion (72‐week follow‐up). The mutant allele fraction (MAF) was determined for each identified mutation using BEAMing.

Results

A total of 68 of the 110 (61.8%) patients experienced a PFS event. Twenty‐six patients (23.6%) presented with an emergent p.T790M mutation in plasma at some point during follow‐up, preceding radiologic progression with a median of 76 (interquartile ratio: 54–111) days. Disease progression correlated with the appearance of p.T790M in plasma with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.94 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.48–2.54; p < 0.001). The HR for progression in patients showing increasing plasma sensitizing mutation levels (positive MAF slope) versus patients showing either decreasing or unchanged plasma mutation levels (negative or null MAF slopes) was 3.85 (95% CI, 2.01–7.36; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Detection and quantification of EGFR mutations in circulating tumor DNA using the highly sensitive BEAMing method should greatly assist in optimizing treatment decisions for advanced NSCLC patients.
CNTs‐CaP/chitosan‐coated AZ91D magnesium alloy extract promoted rat dorsal root ganglia neuron growth via activating ERK signalling pathway
Authors: Liu Tingjiao , Li Qianqian , Yang Shanshan , Zhao Tingting , Lin Jinghan , Ju Ting , Wen Zhaohui
Published: July 2021

Increasing attention has been paid on the application of biodegradable materials such as magnesium and its alloys in neuron repair. AZ91D magnesium alloy coated with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and/or calcium phosphate (CaP)/chitosan (CS) was fabricated in this study. To evaluate the bioactivity of these AZ91D‐based composites, the extracts were prepared by immersing samples in modified simulated body fluid (m‐SBF) for 0, 2, 8, 16, 24, 34, 44, 60, or 90 days. Immunofluorescence staining for neuronal class III β‐tubulin (TUJ1) revealed that both CNTs‐CaP/CS‐AZ91D and CaP/CS‐AZ91D extracts promoted axon outgrowth of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons, accompanied with increased expression of phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase (p‐FAK) and growth associated protein‐43 (GAP‐43). Besides, the extracts increased the expression and the release of neurotrophic factors including nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). ERK signalling was activated in DRG neurons after treating with either CNTs‐CaP/CS‐AZ91D or CaP/CS‐AZ91D extracts, and its inhibition with U0126 counteracted the beneficial effects of these extracts on DRG neuron. Overall, the extracts from these AZ91D‐based composites might promote DRG neuron growth via activating ERK signalling pathway. Notably, CNTs‐CaP/CS‐AZ91D extracts showed a better promoting effect on neuron growth than CaP/CS‐AZ91D. Assessment of ion elements showed that the addition of CNTs coating enhanced magnesium corrosion resistance and reduced the deposition of calcium and phosphorus on the surface of CaP/CS‐AZ91D alloy. These findings demonstrate that CNTs‐CaP/CS‐AZ91D likely provide a more suitable environment for neuron growth, which suggests a potential implantable biomaterial for the treatment of nerve injury.

Significance

AZ91D magnesium alloy coated with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and/or calcium phosphate (CaP)/chitosan (CS) was fabricated and their immersion extracts were prepared using modified simulated body fluid in this study. Both extracts from CNTs‐CaP/CS and CaP/CS‐coated AZ91D magnesium alloy promotes rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neuron growth via activating ERK signalling pathway. Notably, the addition of CNTs improves the performance of CaP/CS‐AZ91D. For the first time, our research demonstrates that CNTs‐CaP/CS‐AZ91D likely provide a suitable environment for neuron growth, suggesting these AZ91D‐based composites as potential implantable biomaterials for the treatment of nerve injury.
Scoliosis with peculiar radiological features in a patient with McCune‐Albright syndrome
Authors: Michev Alexandre , Lungarotti Luca , Prevedoni Gorone Maria Sole , Apicella Antonia , Di Vincenzo Giulia , Marseglia Gian Luigi , Brambilla Ilaria
Published: July 2021

Patients with McCune‐Albright Syndrome (MAS) should always attend regular follow‐up. Beside the endocrinological aspects, the screening must take into account osteoarticular complications such as scoliosis, even in patients without fibrous dysplasia.
Premortem diagnosis of pathologically confirmed sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease
Authors: Ziukelis Elina T , Sharma Vasu Keshav , Gome James J
Published: July 2021

Sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease should be considered in any case of rapid neuropsychiatric decline. While neuropathological examination of a brain biopsy specimen remains the only definitive diagnostic method and real‐time quaking‐induced conversion tests have simplified premortem diagnosis, careful evaluation of magnetic resonance imaging can provide readily accessible clues.
Occasional detection of lupus erythematosus cells in bone marrow samples: A case report
Authors: Mohammed Safaa Jassim
Published: July 2021

This unexpected observation in the smear indicated that an improved morphological analysis could provide a definitive guide for the detection of atypical SLE.
Urine retention as presenting manifestation of tuberculous meningitis complicated by lacunar infarction and transverse myelitis: Case report and literature review
Authors: Salih Abdulhadi Ahmed , Abdelmahmuod Elabbass A. , Al‐Rubaiei Jawaher , Ali Elrazi , Mahfouz Ahmed Emad , Farooqi Amer
Published: July 2021

Early diagnosis and management of tuberculous meningitis will prevent lethal and fatal neurological complications such as acute infarction and permanent disability.
Clinical outcomes of post‐renal transplant patients with COVID‐19 infection in the ICU: A single‐center case series
Authors: Shaikh Nissar , Khatib Mohamad Y. , Alwraidat Mohammad A. , Ananthegowda Dore C. , Othman Muftah , Aroos Asra , Jujjavarapu Sagar B. , Banerjee Saptarshi , Nasir Zishan , Mohamed Ahmed S. , Elshafei Moustafa S. , Almaslamani Muna A. , Nashwan Abdulqadir J.
Published: July 2021

Most of the post‐renal transplant patients are taking immunosuppressive medications, including calcineurin inhibitors, anti‐proliferative agents, and steroids. This case series highlights the clinical characteristics and outcomes of eight post‐renal transplant patients with severe COVID‐19 infection admitted to the intensive care unit.
Targeted treatment in viral‐associated inflammatory cardiomyopathy
Authors: Amin Ahmad , Taghavi Sepideh , Chenaghlou Maryam , Zare Elahe , Kamali Monireh , Naderi Nasim
Published: July 2021

Detection of viruses like HHV‐6 in endomyocardial biopsy or serum serology of patients with myocarditis or heart failure features unresponsive to conventional heart failure therapies could be a potential targeted treatment especially in refractory cases.
Myocardial infarction following repair of a ruptured heart
Authors: Vakili Hossein , Taherpour Zhiva
Published: July 2021

Penetrating chest trauma can lead to the cardiac rupture and coronary artery damage, which causes a high mortality rate (1). Most of the patients with penetrating cardiac trauma die at the scene of the accident (1). Coronary artery (CA) injuries are rare but highly lethal (2). Also, CA injury may occur during repair of a ruptured heart as in our reported case.
Use of alternative cerebrospinal fluid‐based biomarkers to help diagnose Xpert‐negative tuberculous meningitis: A case report
Authors: Poudel Deechit , Poudel Diptee , Poudel Dhiraj
Published: July 2021

The widely used Xpert MTB/RIF assay, limited by its suboptimal sensitivity, does not perform well as a rule‐out test for tuberculous meningitis. Alternative CSF‐based biomarkers can help determine the microbial etiology of clinical meningitis when standard diagnostic modalities fail.
Oral manifestations and dental care management of a young patient with lymphangioma of the tongue: A case report
Authors: Chouchene Farah , Masmoudi Fatma , Baaziz Ahlem , Maatouk Fethi , Ghedira Hichem
Published: July 2021

Children with lymphangioma of the tongue may require a close collaboration between physician and dentist to establish preventive, conservative approaches, and eradicate any sources of dental infections before undertaking immunosuppressive therapy.
Rebleeding in aneurysm after rectal enema: Re‐emphasis on careful subarachnoid hemorrhage management
Authors: Shrestha Suraj , Raut Akash , Homagain Sushan , Sedain Gopal , Ramtel Rupesh
Published: July 2021

Rebleeding in an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is catastrophic with high mortality and grave outcome. Meticulous management of SAH patients and the prevention of activities that might increase the chances of rebleeding are life‐saving.
Sequential development of ANCA‐associated vasculitis and anti‐GBM disease: A report of two cases
Authors: Le Moine Camille , Jourde‐Chiche Noémie , Kemlin Delphine , Terrier Benjamin , Vandergheynst Frédéric
Published: July 2021

In case of AAV with kidney involvement, physicians should explore anti‐GBM antibodies and be aware of the possible sequential development of AAV, especially with MPO‐ANCA, and anti‐GBM glomerulonephritis. This sequential disease history is associated with a poor renal outcome, highlighting the need for urgent diagnosis and management.
The combined effect of hypomagnesemia and hypokalemia inducing nephrogenic diabetes insipidus in a patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Sangey Esmail , Chudasama Kishan , Mwinyi Ahmad
Published: July 2021

Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) is rarely considered against more common differentials such as diabetes mellitus in patients presenting with polydipsia and polyuria. Hypokalemia and hypercalcemia are known to induce NDI, but not much is known about hypomagnesemia. Hypokalemia refractory to therapy should prompt consideration of hypomagnesemia.
Blocky Sb/C Anodes with Enhanced Diffusion Kinetics for High‐Rate and Ultra‐Long Cyclability Sodium Dual‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Hong‐Ji , Li Jing‐Jing , Chen Zhe , Wang Zhen‐Zhen , Qu Jin , Chen Yi‐Qian , Zhu Li‐Jun , Jiang Fei
Published: July 2021

Sodium ion‐based dual ion batteries (SDIBs) have attracted increasing attentions for their high operative voltages and low cost, but their poor long‐term cycling stability and rate capability largely hinder their practical applications. Here, an optimized anode‐antimony/carbon/graphene (Sb/C/G) composite for SDIBs is designed. Sb nanoparticles (NPs) not only can enhance the specific capacity but also facilitate the Na+ diffusion kinetics. The continuous conductive carbon matrix can promote the electron transfer process and accommodate volume changes of Sb NPs during sodiation/desodiation. Therefore, superior electrochemical performance, for example, a high discharge capacity of 376 mA h g−1 with a higher ICE (69.1 %) at current density of 500 mA g−1, an excellent cycling stability (73 mA h g−1 is retained even after 1400 cycles at current density of 1000 mA g−1), and high stable CE of 99.0 %. Our study offers a suitable design for Na+‐based batteries anode structure and accelerates their practical applications.
New Ideas for Understanding the Structure and Magnetism in AgF2: Prediction of Ferroelasticity
Authors: Sánchez‐Movellán Inés , Moreno‐Ceballos Jorge , García‐Fernández Pablo , Aramburu Jose Antonio , Moreno Miguel
Published: July 2021

In the search for new high‐temperature superconductors, it has been proposed that there are strong similarities between the fluoroargentate AgF2 and the cuprate La2CuO4. We explored the origin of the possible layered structure of AgF2 by studying its parent high‐symmetry phase and comparing these results with those of a seemingly analogous cuprate, CuF2. Our findings first stress the large differences between CuF2 and AgF2. Indeed, the parent structure of AgF2 is found to be cubic, naturally devoid of any layering, even though Ag2+ ions occupy trigonal sites that, nevertheless, allow the existence of a Jahn‐Teller effect. The observed Pbca orthorhombic phase is found when the system is cooperatively distorted by a local E⊗e trigonal Jahn‐Teller effect around the silver sites that creates both geometrical and magnetic layering. While the distortion implies that two Ag2+−F− bonds increase their distance by 15 % and become softer, our simulations indicate that covalent bonding and interlayer electron hopping is strong, unlike the situation in cuprate superconductors, and that, in fact, exfoliation of individual planes might be a harder task than previously suggested. As a salient feature, these results prove that the actual magnetic structure in AgF2 is a direct consequence of vibronic contributions involved in the Jahn‐Teller effect. Finally, our findings show that, due to the multiple minima intrinsic to the Jahn‐Teller energy surface, the system is ferroelastic, a property that is strongly coupled to magnetism in this argentate.
Current Advances on Zn Anodes for Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Xin , Zeng Jiaming , Yao Hong , Yuan Du , Zhang Liping
Published: July 2021

As the representative in rechargeable multivalence ion batteries, aqueous zinc ion battery (ZIB) is a promising safe and green solution in the post‐lithium ion era. Though ZIB is being intensively investigated due to its unique merits, the development of ZIB is facing the fundamental obstacles during Zn stripping/plating, namely, zinc dendrite formation, hydrogen evolution, and solid‐electrolyte interface (SEI) formation, which severely affect the cycling stability of ZIB. In this minireview, we aim to provide current aspects of novel approaches to deal with the above critical issues. The approaches are discussed from the perspectives of regulation of electrolyte, construction of Zn anode, and design of surface coating or SEI layer, where their effects on Zn deposition and surface evolution are focused. Last, the challenges and outlooks on the current approaches towards highly reversible Zn anode are presented for the development of ZIB.
A scalable high‐speed hybrid 1‐bit full adder design using XOR‐XNOR module
Authors: Hasan Mehedi , Islam Sharnali , Hossain Mainul , Zaman Hasan U.
Published: July 2021

High‐speed XOR‐XNOR‐based hybrid full adder (FA) using a combination of three logic techniques (transmission gate [TG], conventional CMOS [CCMOS], pass transistor [PT]) is presented in this work. Performance analysis and validation of the FA design presented in this work have been realized with reference to 10 state‐of‐the‐art FAs. The scalability of the design has been tested by extending FA up to 32‐bits in ripple carry adder (RCA) style. It has been observed that only four existing FAs and the proposed FA could be scaled up to 32‐bits without including voltage restoration buffers in the internal stages. The proposed XOR‐XNOR‐based FA showed excellent performance metrics, both as a 1‐bit adder cell as well as in wide word length adder form. Hence, the proposed XOR‐XNOR‐based hybrid FA can serve as a better alternative to the existing FAs in digital arithmetic blocks of modern microprocessors.
The Human Melanoma Proteome Atlas—Complementing the melanoma transcriptome
Authors: Betancourt Lazaro Hiram , Gil Jeovanis , Sanchez Aniel , Doma Viktória , Kuras Magdalena , Murillo Jimmy Rodriguez , Velasquez Erika , Çakır Uğur , Kim Yonghyo , Sugihara Yutaka , Parada Indira Pla , Szeitz Beáta , Appelqvist Roger , Wieslander Elisabet , Welinder Charlotte , de Almeida Natália Pinto , Woldmar Nicole , Marko‐Varga Matilda , Eriksson Jonatan , Pawłowski Krzysztof , Baldetorp Bo , Ingvar Christian , Olsson Håkan , Lundgren Lotta , Lindberg Henrik , Oskolas Henriett , Lee Boram , Berge Ethan , Sjögren Marie , Eriksson Carina , Kim Dasol , Kwon Ho Jeong , Knudsen Beatrice , Rezeli Melinda , Malm Johan , Hong Runyu , Horvath Peter , Szász A. Marcell , Tímár József , Kárpáti Sarolta , Horvatovich Peter , Miliotis Tasso , Nishimura Toshihide , Kato Harubumi , Steinfelder Erik , Oppermann Madalina , Miller Ken , Florindi Francesco , Zhou Quimin , Domont Gilberto B. , Pizzatti Luciana , Nogueira Fábio C. S. , Szadai Leticia , Németh István Balázs , Ekedahl Henrik , Fenyö David , Marko‐Varga György
Published: July 2021

The MM500 meta‐study aims to establish a knowledge basis of the tumor proteome to serve as a complement to genome and transcriptome studies. Somatic mutations and their effect on the transcriptome have been extensively characterized in melanoma. However, the effects of these genetic changes on the proteomic landscape and the impact on cellular processes in melanoma remain poorly understood. In this study, the quantitative mass‐spectrometry‐based proteomic analysis is interfaced with pathological tumor characterization, and associated with clinical data. The melanoma proteome landscape, obtained by the analysis of 505 well‐annotated melanoma tumor samples, is defined based on almost 16 000 proteins, including mutated proteoforms of driver genes. More than 50 million MS/MS spectra were analyzed, resulting in approximately 13,6 million peptide spectrum matches (PSMs). Altogether 13 176 protein‐coding genes, represented by 366 172 peptides, in addition to 52 000 phosphorylation sites, and 4 400 acetylation sites were successfully annotated. This data covers 65% and 74% of the predicted and identified human proteome, respectively. A high degree of correlation (Pearson, up to 0.54) with the melanoma transcriptome of the TCGA repository, with an overlap of 12 751 gene products, was found.

Mapping of the expressed proteins with quantitation, spatiotemporal localization, mutations, splice isoforms, and PTM variants was proven not to be predicted by genome sequencing alone. The melanoma tumor molecular map was complemented by analysis of blood protein expression, including data on proteins regulated after immunotherapy. By adding these key proteomic pillars, the MM500 study expands the knowledge on melanoma disease.
Energy‐efficient remote mobile device management in infrastructure‐less environment for emergency assessment
Authors: Pandey Vipin Kumar , De Suddhasil
Published: July 2021

Personal mobile devices, or PMDs, have the main objective of supporting connectivity in infrastructured network. However, they are rarely researched to support connectivity in infrastructure‐less network environment, particularly in case of no network or when existing network is damaged. This research direction has significant benefit towards emergency management, where PMDs in affected areas can be configured to establish inexpensive infrastructure‐less network for victims' information gathering. Existing PMD configurations techniques either lack flexibility and hinder device reachability or are slow and consume significant energy. These factors have motivated towards the two‐fold contribution proposed in this paper—(1) a novel over‐the‐air mobile device management approach of PMDs to establish multi‐hop infrastructure‐less network and (2) additional over‐the‐air sensing configuration of PMDs to record and transmit incapacitated victims' surrounding conditions using proposed network. These contributions allow multiple PMDs to establish network with minimal time and energy overheads, leading to efficient emergency management. Simulation and testbed results validate proposed approaches.
An unusual case of paediatric plasmablastic lymphoma presenting with malignant effusion and the challenges in its diagnosis
Authors: Modi Nisha , Khurana Ujjawal , Mukhopadhyay Sramana , Joshi Deepti , Soni Deepti , Chaudhary Narendra , Malik Shikha , Shet Tanuja
Published: July 2021

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is an aggressive non‐Hodgkin lymphoma occurring commonly in the oral mucosa and jaw of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive adult males. PBL is not a common occurrence in children and a presentation with malignant effusion is rarely reported. Herein, we share our experience in the challenges confronted in the diagnosis of PBL in a 6‐year‐old, HIV positive boy presenting with malignant pleural and peritoneal effusions along with gum hypertrophy, lymphadenopathy and paranasal sinus mass. Amenability of pleural effusion to exfoliative cytology led to an initial cytological examination demonstrating large atypical lymphoid cells with plasmacytoid morphology and a plasmablastic variant of Burkitt lymphoma was initially considered. However immunophenotyping by flowcytometry (FCM) and a cell block immunohistochemical evaluation of the serous effusion suggested a plasma cell immunophenotype and a diagnosis of PBL was favored. A subsequent biopsy from the paranasal sinus mass confirmed the diagnosis of PBL but showed tumour cell angiocentricity on morphology and CD45 expression on immunohistochemistry (IHC), both unusual features in PBL. A CD20 negative/MUM‐1 positive immunoprofile and presence of a solid tumour mass in a typical location in addition to malignant effusion substantiated the diagnosis of PBL. The patient was offered HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy) and chemotherapy and is on follow‐up. Paediatric PBL with malignant effusion is rarely reported and this case stresses the importance of use of a multimodality diagnostic approach for an accurate diagnosis.
Frontline bureaucrats in wildlife management: Caught in the dilemma between effectiveness and responsiveness
Authors: Cinque Serena , Sjölander‐Lindqvist Annelie , Sandström Camilla
Published: July 2021

Frontline bureaucrats are positioned at the interface between citizens and the state. They convert political resolution into action and in effect form the core of many public decisions through interaction and communication with both the recipients of those decisions and upper management levels that initiate them. However, dilemmas often arise when frontline bureaucrats attempt to translate political goals and strategies into local administrative praxis. The case of large carnivore management in Sweden will be used to demonstrate the insuperable difficulties that can arise when managers simultaneously need to balance the bureaucratic tasks of planning, executing, and evaluating performed decisions with attending to calls for increased responsiveness to public values in order to improve the delivery of service. This responsiveness is typically reflected through the new principles of public participation and collaboration, which are added to the bureaucracy to support the integration of broader sets of interests, experiences, and knowledge. In such an environment, the work of frontline managers becomes even more crucial in order to balance and align policy goals with the need to enhance public involvement. Our study reveals that in striving to meet the formal policy requirement to implement and lead collaboration (which in turn creates the central dilemma that concerns us here) managers develop strategies to secure effectiveness rather than responsiveness. Actually, they have few possibilities to do, otherwise when the latest policy edict clearly instructs the authorities to oversee the effective implementation and achievement of goals, leaving little opportunity to pursue genuine collaboration.
Being “smart” differently: Implications of profiling the worldwide smart grids based on a two‐dimensional smartness framework
Authors: Zhang Jing , Li Li , Cai Hua , Wang Jianjun , Zhang Jian
Published: July 2021

As more than 10 years have passed since different countries started to build smart grids (SGs), a holistic review of the relative “smartness” of popular SGs may be useful to provide implications for other countries as they plan their own SG roadmaps. This study established a two‐dimensional smartness framework, including functional and technical dimensions, to describe and study the SGs’ smartness comprehensively. Scientific research was used as a reliable source to construct SG profiles for North America, Europe and China, to understand the diversity of SG potential, and the SG projects implemented in these regions were used to further explore its’ smartness. The research results revealed the following SG attributes: (1) Even if the functions performed by all SGs are not exactly the same, SGs in both North America and Europe are distinguished by their functional smartness, meaning they optimize their support for smart electricity usage; (2) China's SG contains less functional smartness than do those of North America and Europe, whereas more technical smartness related to the “energy internet” transition is highlighted; (3) since the SG transition involves both technical innovations and social reforms, although the SG in North America and Europe is superior to China's in terms of functional capabilities, when considering social acceptance, China's SG may actually grow more rapidly in the future. Finally, we analyzed the challenges and future directions in the construction of SGs, the implications for other regions in developing their own SG strategies were also discussed.
Exploring brain connectivity changes in major depressive disorder using functional‐structural data fusion: A CAN‐BIND‐1 study
Authors: Ayyash Sondos , Davis Andrew D. , Alders Gésine L. , MacQueen Glenda , Strother Stephen C. , Hassel Stefanie , Zamyadi Mojdeh , Arnott Stephen R. , Harris Jacqueline K. , Lam Raymond W. , Milev Roumen , Müller Daniel J. , Kennedy Sidney H. , Rotzinger Susan , Frey Benicio N. , Minuzzi Luciano , Hall Geoffrey B. ,   CAN‐BIND Investigator Team
Published: July 2021

There is a growing interest in examining the wealth of data generated by fusing functional and structural imaging information sources. These approaches may have clinical utility in identifying disruptions in the brain networks that underlie major depressive disorder (MDD). We combined an existing software toolbox with a mathematically dense statistical method to produce a novel processing pipeline for the fast and easy implementation of data fusion analysis (FATCAT‐awFC). The novel FATCAT‐awFC pipeline was then utilized to identify connectivity (conventional functional, conventional structural and anatomically weighted functional connectivy) changes in MDD patients compared to healthy comparison participants (HC). Data were acquired from the Canadian Biomarker Integration Network for Depression (CAN‐BIND‐1) study. Large‐scale resting‐state networks were assessed. We found statistically significant anatomically‐weighted functional connectivity (awFC) group differences in the default mode network and the ventral attention network, with a modest effect size (d < 0.4). Functional and structural connectivity seemed to overlap in significance between one region‐pair within the default mode network. By combining structural and functional data, awFC served to heighten or reduce the magnitude of connectivity differences in various regions distinguishing MDD from HC. This method can help us more fully understand the interconnected nature of structural and functional connectivity as it relates to depression.
Self‐identified motivators for physical activity: Perspectives of older residential care facility residents
Authors: Wootten Steven , Harris Neil , Wiseman Nicola
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To inform strategies to increase physical activity amongst Older Residential Care Facility Residents (ORCFR), this research explored self‐identified motivators for, benefits of and barriers to physical activity engagement.

Methods

The research was framed within a salutogenic model of health, viewing health as a continuum shaped by one’s health resources and life stressors. This exploratory qualitative research examined the physical activity experiences of seven ORCFR in Brisbane, Australia. Semi‐structured interviews with open‐ended questions assessed basic demographics, Physical Activity (PA) levels, perceived benefits of and barriers to PA. The resulting data underwent thematic analysis.

Results

After seven interviews, data saturation was reached, revealing three major themes and seven subthemes. These were positive socialisation (inclusion) with subthemes of enjoying social contact and avoiding “zombieland” (loneliness). Negative socialisation (isolation) with subthemes of avoiding conflict and feeling awkward. Maintaining independence was the benefit, with subthemes of getting around to socialise, activities of daily living and preserving health to socialise.

Conclusion

Conventional physical activity programs emphasising medical and clinical benefits are disconnected from ORCFR motivators, as residents perceive benefits in terms of mobility and socialisation. This disconnect partially explains poor acceptability and uptake of ORCFR physical activity interventions over the last 25 years.
Hormesis: Transforming disciplines that rely on the dose response
Authors: Calabrese Edward J. , Agathokleous Evgenios
Published: July 2021

This article tells the story of hormesis from its conceptual and experimental origins, its dismissal by the scientific and medical communities in the first half of the 20th century, and its rediscovery over the past several decades to be a fundamental evolutionary adaptive strategy. The upregulation of hormetic adaptive mechanisms has the capacity to decelerate the onset and reduce the severity of a broad spectrum of common age‐related health, behavioral, and performance decrements and debilitating diseases, thereby significantly enhancing the human health span. Incorporation of hormetic‐based lifestyle options within the human population would have profoundly positive impacts on the public health, significantly reducing health care costs.
Circular RNA circβ‐catenin aggravates the malignant phenotype of non‐small‐cell lung cancer via encoding a peptide
Authors: Zhao Weijun , Zhang Yandan , Zhu Yonggang
Published: July 2021

Background

More and more evidences demonstrate that circular RNAs (circNRAs) can encode protein. As a circRNA with translation capabilities, outcomes of circβ‐catenin in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) still need to be explored.

Method

The research methods of circβ‐catenin in the article include qRT‐PCR, wound healing assay, CCK‐8, colony formation, and Transwell assay. Western blotting and immunofluorescence were provided to detect protein expression levels and peptide encoded by circβ‐catenin, respectively.

Results

A prominently higher circβ‐catenin expression was found in NSCLC tissues. Silencing of circβ‐catenin was able to inhibit NSCLC cell migrating, invasive, and proliferative phenotypes. Overexpression of circβ‐catenin could enhance the migrating, invasive, and proliferative phenotypes of NSCLC cells. Importantly, circβ‐catenin was found to encode a peptide in NSCLC cells. Silencing or overexpression of circβ‐catenin could reduce or increase β‐catenin protein expression via suppressing the degradation of β‐catenin.

Conclusion

Circβ‐catenin could promote NSCLC cell malignant phenotypes via peptide‐regulated β‐catenin pathway. Our study provided a new understanding for the mechanisms of NSCLC.
Diagnostic value of conventional tumor markers in young patients with pulmonary nodules
Authors: Xu Lihuan , Su Zhiming , Xie Baosong
Published: July 2021

Background

Lung cancer is one of the most common malignancies, and there is a trend of increasing incidence in young patients. The preoperative diagnosis of pulmonary nodules is mainly based on the combination of imaging and tumor markers. There is no relevant report on the diagnostic value of tumor markers in young pulmonary nodules. Our study was designed to explore the value of five tumor markers in young patients with pulmonary nodules.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of 390 young patients (age ≤45 years) with pulmonary nodules treated at two separate centers from January 1, 2015, to January 1, 2021. Malignant pulmonary nodules were confirmed in 318 patients, and the other 72 patients were diagnosed with benign pulmonary nodules. The gold standard for diagnosis of pulmonary nodules was surgical biopsy. The conventional serum biomarkers included cytokeratin 19 (CYFRA21‐1), pro‐gastrin‐releasing‐peptide (ProGRP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), neuron‐specific enolase (NSE), and squamous cell carcinoma‐associated antigen (SCCA). The diagnostic values of five tumor markers were analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

There were no significant differences in the expression of five tumor markers between the groups (p > 0.05). Single tumor marker (CYFRA21‐1, ProGRP, CEA, NSE, and SCCA) showed a limited value in the diagnosis of malignant pulmonary nodules, with the AUC of 0.506, 0.503 0.532, 0.548, and 0.562, respectively. The AUC of the combined examination was only 0.502~0.596, which did not improve the diagnostic value.

Conclusions

Five conventional tumor markers had a limited diagnostic value in young patients with pulmonary nodules.
Patterns of alliance development in cognitive behavioral therapy versus attention bias modification for social anxiety disorder: Sawtooth patterns and sudden gains
Authors: Kivity Yogev , Strauss Asher Y. , Elizur Jonathan , Weiss Michal , Cohen Lior , Huppert Jonathan D.
Published: July 2021

Objectives

We examined patterns in alliance development in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for social anxiety disorder (SAD) compared to attention bias modification (ABM). We focused on the occurrence of sawtooth patterns (increases within‐ and decreases between‐sessions) and sudden gains and their association with outcome.

Methods

Clients received CBT (n = 33) or ABM (n = 17). Client‐rated alliance was measured before and after each session. Self‐reported and clinician‐rated anxiety were measured weekly and monthly, respectively.

Results

The alliance increased in CBT in a sawtooth pattern and did not change in ABM. When examining individual clients, sawtooths were more common in CBT (61% clients) than in ABM (6%) and predicted worse outcome in CBT. Sudden gains were equally frequent (CBT, 18%; ABM, 18%) and did not predict outcome.

Conclusion

The alliance in CBT is dynamic and important for outcome. Sawtooths are common in CBT and may mark worse outcome.
Mitochondrial damage in renal epithelial cells is potentiated by protein exposure in propionic aciduria
Authors: Schumann Anke , Belche Véronique , Schaller Kristin , Grünert Sarah C. , Kaech Andres , Baumgartner Matthias R. , Kölker Stefan , Hannibal Luciana , Spiekerkoetter Ute
Published: July 2021

Propionic aciduria (PA) is caused by deficiency of the mitochondrial enzyme propionyl‐CoA carboxylase (PCC). Due to inefficient propionate catabolism patients are endangered by life‐threatening ketoacidotic crisis. Protein and amino acid restriction are major therapeutic pillars. However, long‐term complications like neurological deterioration and cardiac abnormalities cannot be prevented. Chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is a well‐known characteristic of methylmalonic aciduria two enzymatic steps downstream from PCC, has been recognized as a novel late‐onset complication in PA. The pathophysiology of CKD in PA is unclear. We investigated mitochondrial structure and metabolism in human renal tubular cells of healthy controls and PA patients. The cells were exposed to either standard cell culture conditions (NT), high protein (HP) or high concentrations of isoleucine and valine (I/V). Mitochondrial morphology changed to condensed, fractured morphology in PA cells irrespective of the cell culture medium. HP and I/V exposure, however, potentiated oxidative stress in PA cells. Mitochondrial mass was enriched in PA cells, and further increased by HP and I/V exposure suggesting a need for compensation. Alterations in the tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates and accumulation of medium‐ and long‐chain acylcarnitines pointed to altered mitochondrial energy metabolism. Mitophagy was silenced while autophagy as cellular defense mechanisms was highly active in PA cells. The data demonstrate that PA is associated with renal mitochondrial damage which is aggravated by protein and I/V load. Preservation of mitochondrial energy homeostasis in renal cells may be a potential future therapeutic target.
Biparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging‐Derived Nomogram to Detect Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer by Targeted Biopsy for Index Lesion
Authors: Kim Min Je , Park Sung Yoon
Published: July 2021

Background

Currently, it is necessary to investigate how to combine biparametric magnetic resonance imaging (bpMRI) with various clinical parameters for the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa).

Purpose

To develop a multivariate prebiopsy nomogram using clinical and bpMRI parameters for estimating the probability of csPCa.

Study type

Retrospective, single‐center study.

Subjects

Two hundred and twenty‐six patients who underwent targeted biopsy (TBx) for the MRI‐suspected index lesion because of clinical suspicions of PCa.

Field strength/sequence

A 3 T MRI including turbo spin‐echo T2‐weighted and diffusion‐weighted single‐shot echo‐planar imaging sequences.

Assessment

Prebiopsy clinical and bpMRI parameters were patient age, biopsy history (biopsy‐naïve or repeated biopsy status), prostate‐specific antigen density (PSAD), Prostate Imaging‐Reporting and Data System version 2.1 (PI‐RADSv2.1), and apparent diffusion coefficient ratio (ADCR). ADCR was defined as mean ADC of the index lesion divided by mean ADC of the contralateral prostatic region. A multivariate prebiopsy nomogram for csPCa (i.e. Gleason sum ≥7) was developed. Area under the curve (AUC) of each parameter and prebiopsy nomogram was assessed. Five‐fold cross‐validation was performed for robust estimation of performance of the prebiopsy nomogram.

Statistical tests

Logistic regression, receiver‐operating curve, and 5‐fold cross‐validation. P‐value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Proportion of csPCa was 31.9% (72/226). The AUCs of age, biopsy‐naïve status, PSAD, PI‐RADSv2.1, ADCR, and prebiopsy nomogram were 0.657 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.580–0.733), 0.593 (95% CI, 0.525–0.660), 0.762 (95% CI, 0.697–0.826), 0.824 (95% CI, 0.770–0.878), 0.829 (95% CI, 0.769–0.888), and 0.906 (95% CI, 0.863–0.948), respectively: AUC of nomogram was significantly different than that of individual parameter. In the 5‐fold cross‐validation, the mean AUC of the prebiopsy nomogram for csPCa was 0.888 (95% CI, 0.786–0.983).

Data conclusions

This multivariate prebiopsy nomogram using clinical and bpMRI parameters may help estimate the probability of csPCa in patients undergoing TBx. ADCR seems to enhance the role of bpMRI in detecting csPCa.

Level of evidence

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2.
The Evaluation of Longitudinal Strain of Large and Small Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm by Two‐Dimensional Speckle‐Tracking Ultrasound
Authors: Ning Hongxia , Liu Xiaozheng , Ma Chunyan , Yang Jun , Li Tan
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a dangerous and lethal vascular disease. Non‐invasive two‐dimensional speckle‐tracking imaging (2D STI) plays an important role in assessing aortic biomechanical properties. Our study aimed to evaluate the alterations of biomechanical characteristics using 2D STI in 91 AAA patients with different size.

Methods

Aneurysm strain, elastic modulus, stiffness index β, and aortic distensibility determined by M‐Mode ultrasound (US), and longitudinal strain (LS) derived from 2D STI were compared in 40 large AAA patients (diameter ≥ 55 mm) and 51 small AAA patients (diameter < 55 mm).

Results

Compared with small AAA group, anterior wall longitudinal strain (ALS) and posterior wall longitudinal strain (PLS) were significantly decreased in large AAA group (all P < .05) and not affected by age, symptom, hypertension, and thrombus. Meanwhile, ALS and PLS correlated negatively with maximal aneurysm diameters (r = −0.628 and −0.469, respectively, all P < .001). And only ALS was associated with M‐Mode US parameters (all P < .05). Based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, ALS and PLS had strong diagnostic values for large AAA with the area under the curve (AUC) of 0.82 and 0.72, and cut‐off points of 1.71 and 1.64% with a sensitivity of 78 and 72%, and a specificity of 75 and 70%, respectively.

Conclusions

LS measured by 2D STI could evaluate the biomechanical properties of aneurysm wall with different size, and add additional diagnostic value in distinguishing between small and large AAA.
Guest editorial—Policies and practices in action to address soil erosion: A special issue from the Global Symposium on Soil Erosion 2019
Authors: Lefèvre Clara , Balks Megan , Nziguheba Generose , Poch Rosa M.
Published: July 2021

This special issue is the second one drawn from the Global Symposium on Soil Erosion (GSER, May 15–17, 2019, Rome, Italy) and includes contributions dealing with the second theme of the GSER: Policies and practices in action to address soil erosion. While there is a good scientific understanding of the physical measures that can be used to prevent or mitigate soil erosion, the main constraints to progress often relate to policy development and or implementation as well as socio‐economic aspects that provide limitations to the implementation of sustainable soil management (SSM) practices including those directed to control erosion. There are no right or wrong answers to which policy or approach is most effective. Some combination of approaches needs to be adopted that work in the particular political, cultural, and socio‐economic environment under consideration. The papers included in this special issue provide examples, from the national to a local level that could be adapted, or used, to improve uptake and implementation of SSM practices to prevent or reduce soil erosion. Regardless of what policy or plan is developed, there has to be effective interaction with the local farmers and land managers as they are the key to implementing any actions that will make a practical difference on the ground. Effective policies cannot be developed or implemented without bringing the land managers ‘on board’ and the needs and limitations of the local farmers must be thoroughly understood and considered in any policy or plan development.