bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical, thermal, tribological, and flammability properties of polybutylene terephthalate composites: Comparing the effects of synthetic wollastonite nanofibers, natural wollastonite, and graphene oxide
Authors: Chan Jia Xin , Wong Joon Fatt , Hassan Azman , Othman Norhayani , Abd Razak Jeefferie , Nirmal Umar , Hashim Shahrir , Ching Yern Chee , Yunos Muhamad Zaini , Yahaya Ridwan , Gunathilake T. M. Sampath U.
Published: November 2022

Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) composites were prepared with 1.0 phr synthetic wollastonite nanofibers (SWN), natural wollastonite (NW) and graphene oxide (GO) to study the effect of different fillers on mechanical, thermal, tribological, and flammability properties. The properties of PBT composites are related to the size, structure, and interfacial adhesion of the fillers in PBT matrix. PBT/SWN demonstrated the highest tensile strength and Young's modulus (6% and 9% increment), followed by PBT/NW (1.3% and 7% increment) and PBT/GO (2% decrement and 4% increment). PBT/SWN gave the highest degradation temperature (409°C), followed by PBT/GO (404.7°C). The maximum enhancement in wear resistance (73%) by PBT/SWN and anti‐friction performance (26%) by PBT/GO evinced the excellent load‐bearing ability of SWN and the great lubricating effect of GO. PBT/NW had the lowest peak heat release rate, smoke, and carbon dioxide production rate. This study shows that PBT composites have great potential in different automotive applications.
A comprehensive assessment of lymphocyte subsets, their prognostic significance, and changes after first‐line therapy administration in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Vodárek Pavel , Écsiová Dominika , Řezáčová Vladimíra , Souček Ondřej , Šimkovič Martin , Vokurková Doris , Belada David , Žák Pavel , Smolej Lukáš
Published: November 2022

Background

In chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), changes in the peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets play an important role in disease progression and infectious complications. The impact of chemoimmunotherapy (CIT) on these changes has not been extensively studied

Methods

We used multi‐color flow cytometry, to prospectively measure absolute and relative numbers of CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cells and their subsets in 45 patients with indolent untreated CLL, 86 patients indicated for first‐line treatment, and 34 healthy controls. In 55 patients, we analyzed the impact of CIT

Results

CLL patients had a significant increase in most cell populations in comparison to controls. Progression of CLL was characterized by significantly elevated counts with the exception of a lower percentage of naïve T‐cells. After treatment, the percentage of naïve T‐cells further decreased at the expense of effector memory T‐cells (TEM). In patients with indolent CLL, higher percentages of naïve CD4+ (p = 0.0026) and naïve CD8+ (p = 0.023) T‐cells were associated with a longer time to first treatment (TTFT). The elevation of CD4+ central memory T‐cells (TCM) (p = 0.27) and TEM (p = 0.003) counts and a higher percentage of CD4+ TEM (p = 0.0047), were linked with shorter TTFT. In treated patients, increased regulatory T‐cells count was associated with shorter time to next treatment (TTNT) (p = 0.042), while higher CD4+ TCM count with shorter TTNT (p = 0.035) and shorter overall survival (p = 0.041).

Conclusion

Our results indicate that naïve cell depletion and CD4+ TCM and TEM increases are detrimental to CLL patients' prognosis.
Synthesis of Palladium‐Catalysed C−C Bond Forming 5‐Chloro Quinolines via Suzuki‐Miyaura Coupling; Anti‐Pancreatic Cancer Screening on PANC‐1 Cell Lines
Authors: Rahman Abdul , Ningegowda Nippu Belur , Siddappa Manjunatha Kammathalli , Pargi Meghana , Kumaraswamy Honnenahally Malleshappa , Satyanarayan Nayak Devappa , Achur Rajeshwara
Published: November 2022

Pancreatic cancer is the most severe among other cancers due to its late detection and less chance of survivability. Heterocycles are proven ring systems in the treatment of various cancers and this is due to the presence of two biodynamic molecules combined, which have a greater synergistic efficacy in many anticancer drugs. Quinoline and pyridine ring systems are brought together to obtain greater potency and this is achieved by coupling both using Pd‐catalyst, and in the present investigation, Suzuki‐Miyaura coupling (SMC) reactions are adopted to generate potent molecular entities. Pancreatic cancer is difficult to treat due to overexpression of the VEGFR2 protein. VEGFR2 is targeted to design the molecules of quinoline‐coupled pyridine moieties and is docked to evaluate the protein‐ligand interaction at the binding site. The binding affinity of conjugates revealed the potency and capability of ligands to inhibit the VEGFR2 pathway. The in‐silico ADMET properties determined their inherent pharmacokinetic feasibility. The synthesized conjugates have been evaluated by MTT assay against the human pancreatic cancer cell lines (PANC‐1). Among the series, compounds 5d, 5e, and 5h exhibited a greater inhibitory activity against the cell lines with an IC50 value of 82.32±1.38, 54.74±1.18 and 80.35±1.68 μM. In the present exploration, 5e exhibited greater inhibitory activity and it could be a promising lead for the development of new chemotherapeutics against pancreatic cancer.
Chemical Constituents of the Deep‐Sea‐Derived Fungus Cladosporium oxysporum 170103 and Their Antibacterial Effects
Authors: Xie Ming‐Min , Jiang Jia‐Yang , Zou Zheng‐Biao , Xu Lin , Zhang Yong , Wang Chao‐Feng , Liu Cheng‐Bin , Yan Qing‐Xiang , Liu Zhu , Yang Xian‐Wen
Published: November 2022

The Cladosporium fungi, one of the largest genera of dematiaceous hyphomycetes, could produce various bioactive secondary metabolites. From the AcOEt‐soluble extract of Cladosporium oxysporum 170103, three new secopatulolides (1–3) and thirteen known compounds (4–16) were obtained. Their structures were established by detailed analysis of the NMR and HR‐ESI‐MS data. All sixteen compounds were tested for antibacterial activity against Vibrio parahemolyticus, ergosterol (10) presented moderate effect with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 32 μM. It can destruct the membrane integrity of Vibrio parahemolyticus to change the cell shape.
Reduction in 90 day readmission rates utilizing ambulatory pulmonary pressure monitoring
Authors: Valika Ali , Sulemanjee Nasir , Pedersen Rachel , Heidenreich Debra
Published: November 2022

Aims

In the CHAMPION (CardioMEMS Heart Sensor Allows Monitoring of Pressure to Improve Outcomes in New York Heart Association Functional Class III Heart Failure Patients) trial, heart failure hospitalization (HFH) rates were lower in patients with ambulatory pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) monitoring guidance. We investigated the effect of ambulatory haemodynamic monitoring on 90 day readmission rates after HFH.

Methods and results

We retrospectively analysed patients across the Advocate Aurora Health hospital network who had undergone PAP sensor implantation between 1 October 2015 and 31 October 2019. Patients with a ventricular assist device (VAD) or transplant prior to implantation were excluded. Rates of total HFH and 30 and 90 day all‐cause readmission up to 12 months after implantation were collected, while censoring for an endpoint of heart transplantation, VAD, or death. Event rates were compared using Poisson regression. Of 459 patients included, there were 404 HFHs before and 179 after implantation. Compared with pre‐implantation, 30 day all‐cause readmission [incidence rate ratio (IRR): 0.55 (0.39–0.77), P = 0.0006] and 90 day all cause readmission rates were lower post‐implantation [IRR: 0.45 (0.35–0.58), P < 0.0001]. The effect of PAP sensor implantation on 90 day all‐cause readmission incidence rates was consistent across multiple subgroups.

Conclusions

Across a large hospital network, ambulatory haemodynamic monitoring was associated with lower HFH rates, as well as 30 and 90 day all‐cause readmission rates. This supports the utility of ambulatory PAP monitoring to improve HF management in the era of value‐based medicine.
Mendelian Disorders in an Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome Cohort
Authors: Estrella Elicia , Rockowitz Shira , Thorne Marielle , Smith Pressley , Petit Jeanette , Zehnder Veronica , Yu Richard N. , Bauer Stuart , Berde Charles , Agrawal Pankaj B. , Beggs Alan H. , Gharavi Ali G. , Kunkel Louis , Brownstein Catherine A.
Published: November 2022

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a chronic pain disorder causing symptoms of urinary frequency, urgency, and bladder discomfort or pain. Although this condition affects a large population, little is known about its etiology. Genetic analyses of whole exome sequencing are performed on 109 individuals with IC/BPS. One family has a previously reported SIX5 variant (ENST00000317578.6:c.472G>A, p.Ala158Thr), consistent with Branchiootorenal syndrome 2 (BOR2). A likely pathogenic heterozygous variant in ATP2A2 (ENST00000539276.2:c.235G>A, p.Glu79Lys) is identified in two unrelated probands, indicating possible Darier‐White disease. Two private heterozygous variants are identified in ATP2C1 (ENST00000393221.4:c.2358A>T, p.Glu786Asp (VUS/Likely Pathogenic) and ENST00000393221.4:c.989C>G, p.Thr330Ser (likely pathogenic)), indicative of Hailey‐Hailey Disease. Sequence kernel association test analysis finds an increased burden of rare ATP2C1 variants in the IC/BPS cases versus a control cohort (p = 0.03, OR = 6.76), though does not survive Bonferroni correction. The data suggest that some individuals with IC/BPS may have unrecognized Mendelian syndromes. Comprehensive phenotyping and genotyping aid in understanding the range of diagnoses in the population‐based IC/BPS cohort. Conversely, ATP2C1, ATP2A2, and SIX5 may be candidate genes for IC/BPS. Further evaluation with larger numbers is needed. Genetically screening individuals with IC/BPS may help diagnose and treat this painful disorder due to its heterogeneous nature.
Sedimentary model of the Ediacaran Doushantuo cap carbonates from the southeastern margin of the Yangtze Block: Evidence from carbon and oxygen isotopes and elemental geochemistry
Authors: Dong Guoming , Xiong Guoqing , Dan Yong , Dong Jun , Li Xiaogang , Ma Long , Deng Qi , Liu Chunlai
Published: November 2022

Cap carbonate of the early Ediacaran period represents an abrupt climate shift from severe Marinoan glaciation to a post‐glacial warm environment. Some consensuses on the distinctive negative excursion of δ13Ccarb and the origin of its unique sedimentary structures have been reached over the past decades, but certain aspects such as the distribution and redox conditions of cap carbonate still remain controversial. To resolve these issues, we collected detailed samples of the Doushantuo cap carbonate from the Ganlong‐Fanyang section and the Poutoushang reservoir section in the Danzhai County, southeast Guizhou Province, respectively. We conducted carbon and oxygen isotope analysis and trace element analysis in this study. The Ganlong‐Fanyang section was possibly situated in a submarine highland because of its higher carbon isotope than that of the Potoushang section according to the carbon isotopic gradient. Negative carbon isotope excursions at the basal Doushantuo cap carbonate from the two sections correlate well with those from other equivalent cap carbonates and were corresponding to the first one (SN1 or EN1) of the carbon isotopic curve during the Ediacaran period, implying a remarkable global event after the post‐Marinoan glaciation. Geochemical features of trace elements and rare earth elements support an overall oxygen‐rich condition with syn‐depositional or pene‐contemporaneous hydrothermal activities and methane seeps during the deposition of cap carbonate. We reconstruct a new sedimentary model that the Doushantuo cap carbonates were mainly precipitated in relatively shallow‐ to deep‐water shelf environments without disturbance by abundant terrestrial materials, which may be on isolated platforms over the early developed grabens in a deep‐water basinal condition, rather than within the entire oceanic basin.
Delineating the fluvial sedimentary reservoirs of Cretaceous sedimentation using seismic attributes and seismic‐petrophysical simulations, Southwest Pakistan
Authors: Naseer Muhammad Tayyab , Naseem Shazia , Naseer Adil , Ameen Hawzhen Fateh M.
Published: November 2022

Channels filled with coarse‐grained sands are one of the hot issues in stratigraphic explorations. However, the sub‐surface uncertainty restricts the prediction of porous channel sandstones using the conventional seismic attributes, which is a concern for the demarcation of stratigraphic plays. The amplitude‐based frequency attributes and seismic‐petrophysical simulation tools were applied to characterize the fluvial channel system from the Indus Basin, Pakistan. The conventional amplitude of the Basal Sand Formation shows limited imaging ability to detect the dimensions of channel‐levee and point bars. The continuous wavelet transforms (CWT) tool distinguishes the whole channel‐levee reservoir system at tuning frequencies of 21, 25, 29, and 34 Hz. The amplitudes extracted along the pseudo‐porosity wells depict the low‐density and low‐velocity profiles within the gas‐bearing zones. The zone between 20% and 30% porosity displays low‐density and low‐velocity compartments within the point bars. Hence, it implicates the zone of deposition for hydrocarbon‐bearing fluvial facies. Based on the porosity constraint, the gas‐bearing fluvial reservoirs have high (>25%) porosity, which implicates the development of aggradational parasequences. The oil‐dominated sandstone facies experience relatively low‐porosity of <12% and negligibly high density and high velocity, which implicates the development of transgressive parasequences. The reservoir system shows an eastward shale‐out zone, where the high‐density and high‐velocity shales mask the channel‐levee systems. Consequently, these stratigraphic configurations are developing into a cost‐effective stratigraphic trap, and hence, this exploration scheme serves as an analogue for global fluvial depositional systems.
Multisitetest–retestreliability and compatibility of brain metrics derived fromFreeSurferversions 7.1, 6.0, and 5.3
Authors: Haddad Elizabeth , Pizzagalli Fabrizio , Zhu Alyssa H. , Bhatt Ravi R. , Islam Tasfiya , Ba Gari Iyad , Dixon Daniel , Thomopoulos Sophia I. , Thompson Paul M. , Jahanshad Neda
Published: November 2022

Automatic neuroimaging processing tools provide convenient and systematic methods for extracting features from brain magnetic resonance imaging scans. One tool, FreeSurfer, provides an easy‐to‐use pipeline to extract cortical and subcortical morphometric measures. There have been over 25 stable releases of FreeSurfer, with different versions used across published works. The reliability and compatibility of regional morphometric metrics derived from the most recent version releases have yet to be empirically assessed. Here, we used test–retest data from three public data sets to determine within‐version reliability and between‐version compatibility across 42 regional outputs from FreeSurfer versions 7.1, 6.0, and 5.3. Cortical thickness from v7.1 was less compatible with that of older versions, particularly along the cingulate gyrus, where the lowest version compatibility was observed (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.37–0.61). Surface area of the temporal pole, frontal pole, and medial orbitofrontal cortex, also showed low to moderate version compatibility. We confirm low compatibility between v6.0 and v5.3 of pallidum and putamen volumes, while those from v7.1 were compatible with v6.0. Replication in an independent sample showed largely similar results for measures of surface area and subcortical volumes, but had lower overall regional thickness reliability and compatibility. Batch effect correction may adjust for some inter‐version effects when most sites are run with one version, but results vary when more sites are run with different versions. Age associations in a quality controlled independent sample (N = 106) revealed version differences in results of downstream statistical analysis. We provide a reference to highlight the regional metrics that may yield recent version‐related inconsistencies in published findings. An interactive viewer is provided athttp://data.brainescience.org/Freesurfer_Reliability/.
The role of Vertebral Augmentation Procedures in the management of vertebral compression fractures secondary to multiple myeloma
Authors: Eseonu Kelechi C. , Panchmatia Jaykar R. , Streetly Matthew J. , Grauer Jonathan N. , Fakouri Bahram
Published: November 2022

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a systemic disorder characterised by proliferation of B‐lymphocytes and plasma cells in the bone marrow. The primary aims of the management of spinal lesions in MM are pain control and fracture stabilisation. Vertebral augmentation procedures (VAP) can be subdivided into percutaneous vertebroplasty (VP) and balloon kyphoplasty (BKP). BKP involves the placement of orthopaedic balloons into the fractured vertebral body, creating a void into which polymethylmethacrylate bone cement is injected. This review outlines the management of spinal lesions in patients with MM, with a focus on the comparative risks and efficacy of vertebroplasty (VP) and balloon kyphoplasty (BKP). Soft tissue masses in MM are highly radiosensitive. Bisphosphonates and newer oncological therapies have decreased the indications for palliative radiotherapy, while spinal bracing can be utilised in selected cases to provide stability. BKP and VP provide equivalent long term pain control after MM vertebral compression fractures (VCF). BKP is superior to non‐operative management and VP for restoration of vertebral body height and prevention of segmental kyphosis. Current evidence suggests a greater degree of correction of kyphotic deformity and restoration of mid vertebral height (MVH) with BKP when compared with VP. The literature supports the use of BKP even in the presence of posterior vertebral body wall (PVBW) fractures, a group previously considered a contraindication to VAP. Superior functional outcomes have been reported in patients undergoing early versus delayed BKP (<6–8 weeks). Current evidence supports a lower risk of cement extrusion with BKP than with VP, but serious complications following VAP are rare. MM spinal pathology should be managed in a multidisciplinary setting. Surgical decompression and instrumentation are rarely indicated, due to the radio‐sensitivity of soft tissue lesions in MM. BKP is a safe and effective procedure for VCF secondary to MM.
The effect of weight loss interventions for obesity on fertility and pregnancy outcomes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Boyle Bonnie R. , Ablett Andrew D. , Ochi Christiantus , Hudson Jemma , Watson Laura , Rauh Diayne , Avenell Alison
Published: November 2022

Background

Weight loss could improve fertility, perhaps by reducing insulin resistance.

Objectives

To assess the effect of weight loss interventions on fertility in women with obesity not recruited because of known infertility.

Search Strategy

Three databases during 1966–2020, trial registry.

Selection Criteria

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a follow‐up of 1 year or more, with a mean cohort BMI of 30 kg/m2 or above.

Data Collection and Analysis

A systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted. The primary outcome was pregnancy. The secondary outcome was weight change.

Main Results

A total of 27 RCTs (5938 women) were included. Weight loss interventions showed no statistically significant increase in pregnancies compared to control interventions (24 trials, 97 women with pregnancy; risk ratio [RR] 1.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.91–2.23); weight change (mean difference [MD] −2.36 kg, 21 trials, 95% CI −3.17 to −1.55). Compared with low‐fat diets, very‐low‐carbohydrate diets showed no statistically significant effect on women with pregnancy (three trials, 14 women with pregnancy; RR 1.37, 95% CI 0.49–3.84) or weight change (MD −0.32 kg, 95% CI −3.84 to 3.21).

Conclusions

Diet‐based weight loss interventions for women with obesity not recruited because of infertility were effective at producing long‐term weight loss. The effects on fertility were not statistically significant, but few trials provided data. Weight loss trials should routinely collect fertility outcomes.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42017078819.
Constructing a personalized recommender system for life insurance products with machine‐learning techniques
Authors: Kong Hyeongwoo , Yun Wonje , Joo Weonyoung , Kim Ju‐Hyun , Kim Kyoung‐Kuk , Moon Il‐Chul , Kim Woo Chang
Published: November 2022

The collaborative filtering (CF) recommendation algorithm predicts the purchases of specific users based on their characteristics and purchase history. This study empirically analyzes the possibility of applying CF to the insurance industry using real customer data from South Korea. Using three different CF models, we examined the relevance of applying the CF model to insurance products under various situations by comparing them with logistic‐regression‐based recommendation models. Through experiments, we empirically show that CF models apply to the insurance industry, especially when customer purchase information is added to the model.
The effect of internal control and corporate social responsibility on conditional accounting conservatism: Evidence from France
Authors: Boulhaga Mounia , Elbardan Hany , Elmassri Moataz
Published: November 2022

This study examines the impact of internal control (IC) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) on conditional accounting conservatism (CAC). We employ legitimacy theory to understand whether managers adopt CSR reports and IC systems to seek legitimacy through symbolic actions or whether they do so to provide substantive actions to their stakeholders.

We adopt a multivariate analysis for a sample of 98 French companies belonging to the SBF 120 index during the period between 2012 and 2021. All accounting and stock market information is extracted from the Thomson Reuter database (Datastream) and the Thomson Reuters ASSET4 ESG database. We found that both IC and CSR have a negative and significant impact on CAC; hence, managers may use CAC levels as a legitimizing tool for corporate activities. French companies are generally characterized by strong IC systems, suggesting a low demand for conditional conservatism. Socially responsible companies may have fewer agency issues and therefore will not practice accounting conservatism (AC) in a pronounced way. Distinct from the previous literature, our study examines the impact of IC as well as CSR on CAC, which provides useful insights regarding how stakeholder pressure, in terms of reporting on social responsibility and maintaining effective control systems, interacts with and impacts upon managers’ decisions to adopt CAC in the French context. Given the position of France after Brexit and the new laws adopted regarding an emphasis on the social dimension in corporate reporting, protecting stakeholders’ interests, and adopting conservatism, it is worth using such a context to gain a better understanding of AC, as this will enrich the literature.
Synthesis of robust insoluble anhydrite whiskers from desulphurization gypsum containing organic matter via improved hydrothermal‐calcination process for the removal of lead and zinc ions
Authors: Liu Shuang , Ma Wenjing , Li Yun , Chen Xueqing , Cao Jilin
Published: November 2022

Background

An improved hydrothermal‐calcination method was used to convert desulphurization gypsum containing organic matter (OM‐gypsum) to insoluble anhydrite (II‐CaSO4) whiskers, where OM‐gypsum was directly transformed to soluble anhydrite (γ‐CaSO4) whiskers via the hydrothermal method followed by calcination. The synthesized II‐CaSO4 whiskers were applied for the removal of lead ion (Pb(II)) and zinc ion (Zn(II)).

Results

The synthesized II‐CaSO4 whiskers possessed a smooth surface, large aspect ratio, and high whiteness of above 90%. The mother liquor after synthesis could be recycled. The synthesized II‐CaSO4 whiskers exhibited maximum adsorption capacities of 641.03 mg/g and 14.00 mg/g for Pb(II) and Zn(II), respectively, under optimal adsorption conditions. The pseudo‐second‐order model and Langmuir isotherm model were appropriate for describing the adsorption process of II‐CaSO4 whiskers. Compared with II‐CaSO4 whiskers calcined from hemihydrate gypsum and the short and columnar II‐CaSO4 crystals, the synthesized II‐CaSO4 whiskers in this work possessed a superior adsorption performance.

Conclusion

The improved hydrothermal‐calcination process could completely remove the organic matter from OM‐gypsum, and the direct formation of γ‐CaSO4 intermediate helped avoid the lattice collapse caused by the removal of water molecules during calcination. The excellent adsorption performance of the synthesized II‐CaSO4 whiskers in this work could be attributed to their large negatively charged surface areas, which were formed by the large aspect ratio and excellent stability. This work provides a practical method for the comprehensive utilization of chemical gypsum containing organic impurities. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Ganglion cell complex thickness with spectral domain optical coherence tomography and correlations in a normative pediatric South Asian cohort
Authors: Nadeem Sana
Published: November 2022

Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) was used to assess the perifoveal Ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness in healthy Pakistani children. 174 eyes of 87 healthy children (3 to 16 years) were included after a thorough eye examination. Significant refractive error was excluded (>± 5 DS), glaucoma, ocular pathology, intraocular surgery, trauma, and systemic ailments. The perifoveal GCC analysis was done by Optopol Revo 80® high resolution SD‐OCT. The average age was 11.1 ± 3.12 years. The average GCC thickness globally was 120.01 ± 76.74 μm, superiorly; 117.51 ± 8.77 μm, superonasally; 120.47 ± 8.78 μm, superotemporally, 103.83 ± 8.25 μm, inferiorly; 117.41 ± 8.71 μm, inferonasally 120.57 ± 8.88 μm, and inferotemporally; 107.15 ± 7.69 μm. The average GCC thickness was positively correlated with axial length (p = .02) and the GCC thickness in all sectors was significantly higher amongst males as compared to females (p < .05). Our study provides normative data for the macular GCC thickness in healthy children of our population. GCC thickness estimation is an important diagnostic parameter in glaucoma and optic neuropathies. Establishing a normative database for our pediatric population would help immensely in the diagnosis and monitoring of optic nerve disorders.

Research Highlights

Spectral domain optical coherence tomography guided measurement of the ganglion cell complex thickness of the Pakistani pediatric population has not been done before.

Our study provides normative data for the macular ganglion cell complex in healthy children of our population and studies its correlations with age, gender, intraocular pressure, axial length, refractive status, and corneal thickness.

This will guide us in optic nerve and neurological disease diagnosis and monitoring.
Evaluating Upstaging in Ductal Carcinoma In Situ Using Preoperative MRI‐Based Radiomics
Authors: Hong Minping , Fan Sijia , Yu Zhexuan , Gao Chen , Fang Zhen , Du Liang , Wang Shiwei , Chen Xiaobo , Xu Maosheng , Zhou Changyu
Published: November 2022

Background

About 20%–40% of patients diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) by core needle biopsy (CNB) will develop invasive cancer at the time of excision. Improving the preoperative diagnosis of DCIS is important for surgical planning.

Purpose

To establish an MRI‐based radiomics nomogram for preoperatively evaluating the upstaging of DCIS patients and help with risk stratification.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

A total of 227 patients (50.5 ± 9.7 years; 67 upstaged DCIS) were divided into training (n = 109), internal (n = 47), and external (n = 71) validation cohort.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5‐T or 3‐T, dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) imaging, and diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI).

Assessment

DCIS lesions were manually segmented using ITK‐SNAP software and 1304 radiomic features were extracted from DCE, DWI, and apparent diffusion coef‐ficient (ADC) maps, respectively. A radscore was calculated by a random forest algo‐rithm based on DCIS upstaging‐related radiomic features, which selected by a coarse‐to‐fine method including interclass correlation coefficient, single‐factor anal‐ysis, and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method. Uni‐variate and multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors, including age, location, lesion size, estrogen receptor (ER) status, and other clinico‐pathologic factors. Finally, Mann‐Whitney U tests were performed to com‐pare the differences in radscore between low/intermediate and high nuclear grade groups for pure DCIS patients.

Statistical Tests

Student's t‐tests or Mann–Whitney U tests, chi‐square‐tests, or Fisher's‐tests, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, calibration curve, Youden index, the area under the curve (AUC), Delong test, net reclassification improvement (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) analyses.

Results

Eight important radiomic features (two from ADC, three from DWI, and three from DCE) were selected for calculating radscore. Clinical model including age and ER was established with AUCs of 0.747 and 0.738 in the internal and external validation cohorts, respectively. A combined model integrating age, estrogen receptor (ER), and radscore were also constructed with AUCs of 0.887 and 0.881. Further subgroup analysis showed that pure DCIS patients with different nuclear grade have significant differences in radscore.

Data Conclusion

Multisequence MRI radiomics may preoperatively evaluate the upstaging of DCIS and might provide personalized image‐based clinical decision support.

Evidence Level

4.

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2.
Study on AC interference law of high voltage AC cable to submarine pipeline and safe distance
Authors: Zhu Zhenhong , Liang Yi , Chen Le , Liu Yang , Du Yanxia
Published: November 2022

In recent years, due to the large‐scale construction of wind power and shore power projects, the amount of submarine high‐voltage AC cables has been increasing year by year, and they often form a “common corridor” in parallel with adjacent submarine pipelines, resulting in AC interference on pipelines. A lot of research has been carried out on the AC interference law of buried pipelines onshore. However, there is a lack of discussion on the AC interference suffered by submarine pipelines from high‐voltage AC cables. How to understand the AC interference law of high‐voltage AC cables to submarine pipelines and determining the safe distance has become an urgent demand in practical production. Based on this, this paper established a calculation model for AC interference suffered by submarine pipelines from high‐voltage AC cables on through CDGES software. Through simulation calculation, the influence laws of many factors such as parallel distance between AC cables and pipelines, parallel length, cable load current, anticorrosive coating resistivity, and longitudinal pipeline resistance per unit length on AC interference parameters of pipelines were investigated. It was found that the degree of AC interference increases with the increase of the anticorrosive coating resistivity, the load current, and the longitudinal pipeline resistance per unit length, as well as the decrease of the parallel interval. However, with the increase of the parallel length, the AC interference voltage and current density of the pipeline increase firstly, then decrease, and at the end remains unchanged, and it was found that there existed the parallel length with the maximum AC interference and the saturation parallel length with unchanged AC interference. Based on the principles of electromagnetic induction and AC circuits, the main reasons for the parallel length with maximum AC interference and the saturation parallel length were analyzed in this paper. The safe distances avoiding AC corrosion under different parallel lengths and load currents were discussed, which can provide a reference for the evaluation of AC interference of submarine pipelines and the selection of submarine routing.
Gender Equality Theology and Essentialism: Catholic Responses to Gender‐Based Violence and Inequality in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Hermkens Anna‐Karina , Kenneth Roselyne , McKenna Kylie
Published: November 2022

This paper addresses how Christianity, and in particular Catholicism, is deployed in response to gender‐based violence (GBV) in Papua New Guinea. It provides insights into the various ways the Catholic community, Church, and its clergy respond to and manage GBV. Focusing on a case study in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville in Papua New Guinea, the article reveals how Gender Equality Theology is used and received to address GBV in this region. What transpires is that despite supporting social change, Gender Equality Theology also advocates a particular status quo by essentialising gender relations, and thereby excluding non‐binary gender identifications and relations. The article will discuss this paradox, highlighting the importance of vernacularisation and how despite its conservatism, Gender Equality Theology provides victims, survivors, counselors, and activists with resources to respond to GBV and change gender inequality in the region.
EBV infection mediated BDNF expression is associated with bladder inflammation in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome with Hunner's lesion
Authors: Jhang Jia‐Fong , Liu Cheng‐Der , Hsu Yung‐Hsiang , Chen Chien‐Chin , Chen Hsiang‐Chin , Jiang Yuan‐Hong , Wu Wan‐Chen , Peng Chih‐Wen , Kuo Hann‐Chorng
Published: November 2022

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome with Hunner's lesion (HIC) is characterized by chronic inflammation and nerve hyperplasia; however, the pathogenesis of HIC remains a mystery. In this study, we detected both Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) latency infection genes EBNA‐1 and LMP‐1 and EBV lytic infection BZLF‐1 and BRLF‐1 expression in the HIC bladders, indicating the coexistence of EBV persistence and reactivation in the B cells in HIC bladders. Upregulation of EBV‐associated inflammatory genes in HIC bladders, such as TNF‐α and IL‐6, suggests EBV infection is implicated in the pathogenesis of bladder inflammation. Nerve hyperplasia and upregulation of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were noted in the HIC bladders. Double immunochemical staining and flow cytometry revealed the origin of BDNF to be EBV‐infected B cells. Inducible BDNF expression was noted in B cells upon EBV infection, but not in the T cells. A chromatin immunoprecipitation study revealed BDNF transcription could be promoted by cooperation between EBV nuclear antigens, chromatin modifiers, and B‐cell‐specific transcription. Knockdown of BDNF in EBV‐infected B cells resulted in the inhibition of cell proliferation and viability. Downregulation of phosphorylated SMAD2 and STAT3 after BDNF knockdown may play a role in the mechanism. Implantation of latent EBV‐infected B cells into rat bladder walls resulted in a higher expression level of CD45 and PGP9.5, suggesting tissue inflammation and nerve hyperplasia. In contrast, implantation of BDNF depleted EBV‐infected B cells abrogated these effects. This is the first study to provide insights into the mechanisms underlying the involvement of EBV‐infected B cells in HIC pathogenesis. © 2022 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Impact of magnetic resonance angiography parameters on stroke prevention therapy in pediatric patients with sickle cell anemia
Authors: Strumph Kaitlin , Morrone Kerry , Dhillon Parmpreet , Hsu Kevin , Gomes William , Silver Ellen , Lax Daniel , Peng Qi , Lee Seon Kyu , Manwani Deepa , Mitchell William
Published: November 2022

Background

Degree of cerebrovascular stenosis in pediatric patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA) informs need for chronic transfusion therapy, which has significant risks. Flow artifact, intrinsic to magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), is dependent on technical parameters and can lead to overinterpretation of stenosis. The primary objective of this study was to document any change in stroke prevention therapy that could be attributed to the implementation of a standardized MRA scanning protocol for patients with SCA.

Methods

A standardized MRA scanning protocol with an echo time of less than 5 ms was implemented at Montefiore Medical Center (MMC), NY in May 2016. Retrospective chart review identified 21 pediatric patients with SCA, with an MRA head both pre‐ and post‐May 2016. Arterial stenosis on MRA, machine parameters, and treatment plans were compared pre‐ and post‐implementation.

Results

Ten of the 21 patients met inclusion criteria. Previously seen stenosis was re‐classified to a lower degree in six of the 10 patients, leading to discontinuation of transfusions in five patients. No patients required escalation of therapy to chronic transfusions.

Conclusion

Optimizing flow artifact by decreasing echo time to less than 5 ms can improve accurate interpretation of cerebrovascular disease, and ensure appropriate treatment plans are in place for stroke prevention. This is especially important for implementing “TCD With Transfusions Changing to Hydroxyurea (TWiTCH)” clinical trial results in the real‐world setting.
How the hidden quantum realm reveals the invisible
Authors: Stubbs Stuart
Published: November 2022

Current infrared (IR) sensing and imaging technology is at its practical limit. Siliconbased CMOS solutions are cost‐effective but spectrally limited, while InGaAs sensors offer excellent photon conversion efficiency, but are too complex and costly. As the world experiences both a second quantum revolution and an increasing proliferation of machine sensing technology, using quantum dots to gather detailed IR data is the next frontier for sensing and imaging technology.
Ultrastable, ultraprecise, portable
Authors: Krok Patrizia , Simpson Malcolm
Published: November 2022

In quantum applications such as optical clocks ultrastable laser sources address extremely narrow atomic transitions without introducing noise to the system. This level of stability and precision has historically only been achieved under controlled laboratory conditions. Novel commercial solutions combined with new approaches are now meeting the high demands for field applications of emerging quantum technologies.
The efficacy of cryogenic plasma tonsillectomy in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea‐hypopnea syndrome in children: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Zhiqing , Li Sha , Mu Shan , Yang Zuo , Li Jiongke , Ding Lingyan , Han Rui , Xie Hui , Zhang Qinxiu
Published: November 2022

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) refers to the apnea and hypopnea caused by partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway collapse during sleep. The cryogenic plasma tonsillectomy is mostly used for the clinical treatment of children with OSAHS.

Aims

The objective of this meta‐analysis is to investigate the clinical efficacy of cryogenic plasma tonsillectomy for OSAHS in children.

Materials & Methods

The literature search was conducted through China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. The search was from the establishment of each database to June 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) meeting the criteria for partial/total cryo‐plasma tonsillectomy for treating patients with obstructive sleep apnea‐hypopnea syndrome in children were included, with data extracted. The meta‐analysis was performed using the Stata 16.0 and Review Manager 5.4. Seven RCTs were included in this study.

Results

The results showed that the partial/complete cryo‐plasma tonsillectomy in the experimental group had a better therapeutical effective rate than the control group of patients treated with conventional surgery [Odds ratio (OR) = 2.181, 95% CI: 1.306‐3.645, P < 0.05]. Also, in terms of postoperative adverse reactions, the number of adverse reactions in the experimental group was significantly lower than in the control group (OR = 0.445, 95% CI: 0.287‐0.689, P = 0.001). The analysis of surgical efficacy showed that the operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative pain score were all significantly lower than those of the control group. Furthermore, further analysis of the apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) and the lowest oxygen saturation (LSaO2) of the two groups showed that the cryo‐plasma tonsillectomy treatment had higher LSaO2 levels than conventional treatment [Standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.380, 95% CI: 0.094‐0.667, P = 0.009].

Conclusion

The application of cryo‐plasma tonsillectomy can significantly improve the treatment effect of OSAHS, reducing adverse reactions.
Importance of leaf surface and formulation properties in predicting wetting outcomes
Authors: Nairn Justin J , Forster W Alison
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND

Leaf wettability is a major hurdle for the retention of agrichemical sprays that is combated, in part, by using adjuvant modified formulations. Scientists must understand the properties of the leaf surface and the formulation that govern wetting to intelligently select or formulate products to target specific pests.

RESULTS

A comprehensive database comprising 11 synthetic surfaces and 54 leaf surfaces (species, adaxial and abaxial sides, cultivars, and plant age) using 35 formulations (neat solutions and adjuvants solutions at different concentrations) was compiled. Surface properties of the physical roughness and chemical polarity, as quantified by the wetting tension dielectric method, and formulation properties of surface tension and polarity, as quantified by dielectric constant, were found to govern wetting. A comprehensive wetting model was developed that employed these variables and was capable of accurately predicting the wetting outcome (R2 = 0.86) on all the leaf and synthetic surfaces investigated. This model adequately predicts adjuvant formulation wetting despite exact formulation polarity being unknown.

CONCLUSIONS

Wetting can be modelled for a wide range of surfaces and solutions. The comprehensive wetting model developed shows potential to better predict the wetting outcome of adjuvant formulations should a method to quantify the formulation dielectric constant be developed. This research provides a significant advancement in the understanding of the properties governing wetting, which may aid the selection and development of adjuvants to target specific surfaces. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Adaptive finite/fixed‐time stabilizing control for nonlinear systems with parametric uncertainty
Authors: Yu Jiangbo , Stancu Alexandru , Ding Zhengtao , Wu Yuqiang
Published: November 2022

This article investigates the adaptive finite/fixed‐time stabilizing control problem for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems. Remarkably, the studied system allows the nonlinear parametric uncertainties. Compared with the existing results on adaptive finite/fixed‐time stabilizing control, the proposed state feedback stabilizing process consists of the first phase of steering the system states into a region of the fixed‐time stability in finite‐time and the second phase of further driving the states to the origin in fixed‐time, while the other signals in closed‐loop system are kept bounded. The adaptive finite/fixed‐time stabilizing control scheme is developed using a recursive design method, which is inspired by the adding‐a‐power‐integrator technique. The proof is based on the nonsmooth finite/fixed‐time Lyapunov stability theorem developed recently for nonlinear control systems. The angular set‐point stabilizing control of a pendulum system is used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the presented algorithm.
What if it Were Otherwise? Teachers Use Exams from the Past to Imagine Possible Futures in the Teaching of Literature
Authors: Levine Sarah , Moore Daniel P. , Bene Emma , Smith Michael W.
Published: November 2022

In the United States, standardized tests shape what, how, and why English Language Arts teachers teach. For the last generation, these tests have increasingly taken a narrowly text‐centered approach to literature, making it difficult to enact or research alternatives. But what if it were otherwise? In the current study, we asked teachers to imagine alternatives to the current world of standardized testing. Drawing from a hundred years of New York state exams, we selected reader‐ and text‐centered essay prompts that represented a range of alternatives to current standardized exams. Then we interviewed 30 high school English Language Arts teachers from across the U.S., asking them to imagine what, how, and why they might teach with these alternative prompts in mind. Compared to their responses to a current Common Core aligned exam, when teachers responded to the alternative prompts, they were more likely to imagine selecting texts by authors of color, plan a wide variety of discussion‐based and writing activities, highlight the ethical dimensions of the teaching of literature, and envision the pleasure of aligning their beliefs with their instructional choices. As testing becomes more uniform, studies that imagine alternatives to the status quo allow for a broad exploration of the possibilities of language arts curriculum and instruction, as well as an understanding of teachers' untapped creativity and skill.
Generalized mean residual life models for survival data with missing censoring indicators
Authors: Li Wenwen , Ma Huijuan , Faraggi David , Dinse Gregg E.
Published: November 2022

The mean residual life (MRL) function is an important and attractive alternative to the hazard function for characterizing the distribution of a time‐to‐event variable. In this article, we study the modeling and inference of a family of generalized MRL models for right‐censored survival data with censoring indicators missing at random. To estimate the model parameters, augmented inverse probability weighted estimating equation approaches are developed, in which the non‐missingness probability and the conditional probability of an uncensored observation are estimated by parametric methods or nonparametric kernel smoothing techniques. Asymptotic properties of the proposed estimators are established and finite sample performance is evaluated by extensive simulation studies. An application to brain cancer data is presented to illustrate the proposed methods.
Cell‐Based Drug Delivery Systems Participate in the Cancer Immunity Cycle for Improved Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Fan Xiaoyuan , Wang Kaiyuan , Lu Qi , Lu Yutong , Sun Jin
Published: November 2022

Immunotherapy aims to activate the cancer patient's immune system for cancer therapy. The whole process of the immune system against cancer referred to as the “cancer immunity cycle”, gives insight into how drugs can be designed to affect every step of the anticancer immune response. Cancer immunotherapy such as immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy, cancer vaccines, as well as small molecule modulators has been applied to fight various cancers. However, the effect of immunotherapy in clinical applications is still unsatisfactory due to the limited response rate and immune‐related adverse events. Mounting evidence suggests that cell‐based drug delivery systems (DDSs) with low immunogenicity, superior targeting, and prolonged circulation have great potential to improve the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Therefore, with the rapid development of cell‐based DDSs, understanding their important roles in various stages of the cancer immunity cycle guides the better design of cell‐based cancer immunotherapy. Herein, an overview of how cell‐based DDSs participate in cancer immunotherapy at various stages is presented and an outlook on possible challenges of clinical translation and application in future development.