bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of second allogeneic stem cell transplantation and anti‐relapse strategies in patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia: A unicentric retrospective analysis
Authors: Shumilov Evgenii , Hasenkamp Justin , Maulhardt Markus , Mazzeo Paolo , Schmidt Nicole , Boyadzhiev Hristo , Jung Wolfram , Ganster Christina , Haase Detlef , Koch Raphael , Wulf Gerald
Published: April 2022

Second allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo‐SCT2) represents a rescue option for selected patients (pts) with relapsed/refractory (r/r) acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Still, relapse rates post‐allo‐SCT2 remain high and effective anti‐relapse strategies and predictive biomarkers remain to be defined. We here analyzed a cohort of 41 AML patients (pts) undergoing allo‐SCT2 in our center. Allo‐SCT2 induced a third hematologic complete remission (CR) in 37 pts, at costs of a 36% non‐relapse mortality rate. Furthermore, 19 pts eventually relapsed post allo‐SCT2. Addressing relapse after allo‐SCT2, 14 pts (74%) underwent cell‐based anti‐relapse strategies, including third allogeneic transplantation (allo‐SCT3; 3/14), donor lymphocyte infusions (DLIs) combined with either 5‐azacytidin and venetoclax (4/14) or chemotherapeutic agents (7/14). Notably, six of seven pts (86%) who received either allo‐SCT3 or a combination therapy of DLIs, 5‐azacytidine and venetoclax achieved CR despite poor cytogenetics post‐allo‐SCT2 (e.g., TP53). Finally, 11 of 41 pts were alive at the last follow‐up (seven CR2, three CR3, one partial remission) resulting in estimated 2‐ and 5‐year overall survival of 35% and 25%, respectively.
The effects of interventions to integrate long‐acting reversible contraception with treatment for incomplete abortion: Results of a 6‐year interrupted time series analysis in hospitals in mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar
Authors: Baynes Colin , O’Connell Kathryn A. , Lusiola Grace , Garfinkel Danielle , Kahwa Justin
Published: April 2022

Objective

To evaluate an intervention that aimed at strengthening voluntary access to long‐acting reversible contraception (LARC) within postabortion care (PAC) in hospitals in mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.

Methods

From 2016 to 2018, we conducted PAC quality improvement interventions, emphasizing family planning (FP) counseling and voluntary access to LARC. Researchers conducted an interrupted time‐series analysis of service statistics compiled from 2014 to 2020 using segmented linear mixed effects regression models to assess the interventions' effect on postabortion contraceptive uptake.

Results

The intervention in mainland Tanzania was associated with an immediate 38% increase in postabortion LARC uptake, a trend that declined from late 2016 to mid‐2020 to 34%. In Zanzibar, the intervention was associated with a gradual increase in LARC uptake that peaked in late 2018 at 23% and stabilized at approximately 15% by mid‐2020. Whereas the interventions in mainland facilities did not generate significant changes in postabortion FP uptake overall, the launch of interventions in Zanzibar in mid‐2016 was associated with a precipitous rise in that outcome over time, which plateaued at approximately 54% by 2019.

Conclusion

Increased voluntary uptake of postabortion contraception was associated with the introduction of training in PAC, including FP, and quality improvement interventions and gains were sustained over time.
Potential and limitations of convection‐permitting CNRM‐AROME climate modelling in the French Alps
Authors: Monteiro Diego , Caillaud Cécile , Samacoïts Raphaëlle , Lafaysse Matthieu , Morin Samuel
Published: April 2022

Convection‐permitting climate modelling is a promising avenue for climate change research and services especially in mountainous regions. Work is required to evaluate the results of high‐resolution simulations against relevant observations, and put them in a broader context against coarser resolution modelling frameworks. Here we evaluate numerical simulations with the convection‐permitting regional climate model CNRM‐AROME ran at 2.5 km horizontal resolution over a large pan‐Alpine domain in the European Alps, using either the ERA‐Interim or climate model output as boundary conditions. This study analyses annual and seasonal characteristics of 2 m temperature, total precipitation, solid fraction of precipitation and snow depth at the scale of the French Alps under past and future climate conditions. The results are compared with the local reanalysis S2M, and raw or adjusted, with the ADAMONT method, simulations of the regional climate model CNRM‐ALADIN driven either by the ERA‐Interim reanalysis or the CNRM‐CM5 global climate model. The study highlights generally similar differences in past and future climate between the datasets, as well as obstacles to the use of some CNRM‐AROME outputs as they stand. These consist of excessive accumulation of snow on the ground above 1,800 m a.s.l., as well as lower temperature values at same elevations than the S2M reanalysis and the ADAMONT‐adjusted outputs. Besides these obstacles, CNRM‐AROME simulations present several advantages compared to the raw CNRM‐ALADIN outputs. Among them, a significantly smaller cold bias, more realistic values of accumulated precipitations, as well as a better representation of the spatial variability of the different variables investigated, which always stand closer to the reference data than in the CNRM‐ALADIN outputs. As suggested by many studies, CNRM‐AROME could even produce more realistic accumulated precipitations at high elevation than the S2M reanalysis taken as our reference and consequently than the ADAMONT‐adjusted projections, but the lack of a reliable set of high‐resolution observations at high elevation remains an obstacle to their evaluation.
Atmospheric energy change in the Arctic troposphere under Arctic warming
Authors: Kong Linlin , Zou Han , Zhou Libo , Zhu Jinhuan
Published: April 2022

The atmospheric energy is an essential property of atmosphere, mainly composed of internal, potential and latent energies, and could be changed by energy balance processes. The recent Arctic warming and wetting could have direct impacts on the internal and latent energies, and indirect impacts on energy transport and transformation. It is necessary to understand if and how the Arctic atmosphere, described by energy, has been changed under Arctic warming. This study attempts to analyse and discuss the changes of tropospheric energy over the Arctic (north of 66°N) from 1979 to 2018, including the general status, seasonal variation, long‐term trend, interannual variability and extremes. Three latest reanalysis products, ERA5, CFSR and JRA55, are used in this study, with acceptable reliability in validation with radiosonde observations. The reanalysis products exhibit high consistence in energy changes over the Arctic. The main results are obtained as (a) the Arctic troposphere has a total energy of 3.42 × 1022 J, dominated by internal energy; (b) an increase of total energy in the Arctic troposphere is found on annual basis, with a trend of 7.20 ± 5.47 × 1019 J·decade−1, and possibly enhanced in last 20 years, mainly contributed by internal energy; (c) the tropospheric energy over the Arctic had a interannual variability of 1.95 × 1020 J, mainly supported by internal and potential energies, and the extremes of high energies were gradually enhanced. Therefore, the Arctic atmosphere, described by energy, has been changed under Arctic warming, evidenced by significant increases of total energy and its components in the Arctic troposphere on annual basis.
Stabilization activity of a new protein–carbohydrate complex in sesame paste: rheology, microstructure, and particle size analysis
Authors: Saatchi Aida , Kiani Hossein , Labbafi Mohsen
Published: April 2022

Background

Sesame protein concentrate is a by‐product of sesame processing with great nutritional and functional value. In the present study, sesame protein concentrate and a conjugated form of the protein with maltodextrin were applied to improve stability and texture of sesame paste. The rheological properties of samples were studied using dynamic measurement, controlled rate and controlled stress rheological analysis, and creep analysis to investigate the sesame paste structure and to illustrate the mechanism of their stability against oil separation.

Results

Samples containing the conjugate showed good stability, low average droplet size and uniform microstructure. Creep analyses showed as the conjugate was added to sesame paste, μ0 and μ1 values (corresponding dashpot viscosities) were higher than that of G0 and G1 (shear moduli of Maxwell and Kelvin–Voigt springs). Dynamic shear test exhibited increased storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″) by the increase in frequency and elastic structure of sesame paste converted to viscose behavior with the contribution of conjugate.

Conclusion

Particle interaction in sesame protein concentrate (SPC)–maltodextrin conjugate (SMC), may be overcome by steric repulsion force. Furthermore, impression of a weak network structure can be observed. These phenomenon could resolve the phase separation problem of traditional sesame paste. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
The Ukraine crisis: Mental health resources for clinicians and researchers
Authors: Shevlin Mark , Hyland Philip , Karatzias Thanos , Makhashvili Nino , Javakhishvili Jana , Roberts Bayard
Published: April 2022

The mental health consequences of the war in Ukraine will be enormous. Mental health professionals who are providing care for people in Ukraine, or those resettled elsewhere, may require access to standardized and validated assessment tools. We have developed a repository of mental health measures that are available in Ukrainian, Russian, and English and can be accessed at http://www.traumameasuresglobal.com/ukraine.
Lateral image reconstruction of optical coherence tomography using one‐dimensional deep deconvolution network
Authors: Lee Minsuk , Bang Hyeonjin , Lee Eungjang , Won Youngjae , Kim Kisub , Park Sungsoo , Yoo Hongki , Lee Seungrag
Published: April 2022

Background and Objectives

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a cross‐sectional imaging method utilizing a low coherence interferometry. The lateral resolution of the OCT is limited by the numerical aperture (NA) of the imaging lens. Using a high NA lens improves the lateral resolution but reduces the depth of focus (DOF). In this study, we propose a method to improve the lateral resolution of OCT images by end‐to‐end training of a deep 1‐D deconvolution network without use of high‐resolution images.

Materials and Methods

To improve the lateral resolution of the OCT, we trained the 1‐D deconvolution network using lateral profiles of OCT images and the beam spot size. We used our image‐guided laparoscopic surgical tool (IGLaST) to acquire OCT images of nonbiological and biological samples ex vivo. The OCT images were then blurred by applying Gaussian functions with various full width half maximums ranging from 40 to 160 µm. The network was trained using the blurred OCT images as input and the non‐blurred original OCT images as output. We quantitatively evaluated the developed network in terms of similarity and signal‐to‐ratio (SNR), using in‐vivo images of mesenteric tissue from a porcine model that was not used for training. In addition, we performed knife‐edge tests and qualitative evaluation of the network to show the lateral resolution improvement of ex‐vivo and in‐vivo OCT images.

Results

The proposed method showed an improvement of image quality on both blurred images and non‐blurred images. When the proposed deconvolution network was applied, the similarity to the non‐blurred image was improved by 1.29 times, and the SNR was improved by 1.76 dB compared to the artificially blurred images, which was superior to the conventional deconvolution method. The knife‐edge tests at distances at 200 to 1000 µm from the imaging probe showed an approximately 1.2 times improvement in lateral resolution. In addition, through qualitative evaluation, it was found that the image quality of both ex‐vivo and in‐vivo tissue images was improved with clear structure and less noise.

Conclusions

This study showed the ability of the 1‐D deconvolution network to improve the image quality of OCT images with variable lateral resolution. We were able to train the network with a small amount of data by constraining the network in 1‐D. The quantitative evaluation showed better results than conventional deconvolution methods for various amount of blurring. Qualitative evaluation showed analogous results with quantitative results. This simple yet powerful image restoration method provides improved lateral resolution and suppresses background noise, making it applicable to a variety of OCT imaging applications.
RDRP (Meth)acrylic Homo and Block Polymers from Lignocellulosic Sugar Derivatives
Authors: Palà Marc , Woods Sarah E. , Hatton Fiona L. , Lligadas Gerard
Published: April 2022

Currently, most commodity chemicals and polymers are manufactured from nonrenewable petroleum‐based resources. However, due to its finite nature and social claims about environment preservation, alternative sources of value‐added and building block chemicals are being intensively studied. Renewable lignocellulosic biomass has offered an attractive replacement for fossil‐based chemicals. Lignin and C5/C6 sugars obtained from lignocellulosic biomass through chemical and enzymatic methods can be further transformed to targeted chemical platforms. In the present review, synthetic pathways for well‐defined poly(meth)acrylates obtained from C5/C6 sugar‐derived platforms in which the sugar structure is not retained are discussed. While bio‐based polymers from these monomers are investigated using a wide range of polymerization techniques, this study focuses on precise synthesis of macromolecular structures taking advantage of reversible‐deactivation radical polymerization methods and their applications.
The Preparation of Biomineralized PIC/HA Hybrid Composites with Strain‐Stiffening and the Effect on MC3T3‐E1 Cells
Authors: Cao Zhanshuo , Yuan Hongbo , Li Ning , Liu Xiaoning , Qu Xiongwei , Xing Chengfen
Published: April 2022

The development of biomimetic extracellular matrix (ECM) with fibrous structure and complex nonlinear mechanics has been attracting intensive attention over the past decades both in material science and tissue engineering. Polyisocyanopeptide (PIC) hydrogels are a class of fully synthetic materials that can mimic biogels, such as fibrin and collagen, in nearly all aspects, particularly the micron‐sized gel network and the strong strain‐stiffening behavior in the biological regime. Here, a biomimetic PIC/hydroxyapatite (HA) hybrid composite through an enzymatic biomineralization strategy is constructed. HA biominerals grew on PIC bundles in situ catalyzed by the embedded alkaline phosphatase (ALP), which further crosslinked the gel networks and reinforced the mechanical property of PIC hydrogels. Significantly, PIC/HA composites exhibited ultra‐responsive nonlinear mechanics with higher sensitivity to mechanical stress compared with those without biomineralization. As a consequence, the presence of HA can provide cell adhesion sites for PIC gels and induce osteogenic differentiation of pre‐osteoblasts by virtue of the changes in mechanical properties. With these outstanding properties, therefore, PIC/HA composites present promising prospects in bone tissue engineering as biomimetic ECM.
A roadmap to clinical trials for FLASH
Authors: Taylor Paige A. , Moran Jean M. , Jaffray David A. , Buchsbaum Jeffrey C.
Published: April 2022

While FLASH radiation therapy is inspiring enthusiasm to transform the field, it is neither new nor well understood with respect to the radiobiological mechanisms. As FLASH clinical trials are designed, it will be important to ensure we can deliver dose consistently and safely to every patient. Much like hyperthermia and proton therapy, FLASH is a promising new technology that will be complex to implement in the clinic and similarly will require customized credentialing for multi‐institutional clinical trials. There is no doubt that FLASH seems promising, but many technologies that we take for granted in conventional radiation oncology, such as rigorous dosimetry, 3D treatment planning, volumetric image guidance, or motion management, may play a major role in defining how to use, or whether to use, FLASH radiotherapy. Given the extended time frame for patients to experience late effects, we recommend moving deliberately but cautiously forward toward clinical trials. In this paper, we review the state of quality assurance and safety systems in FLASH, identify critical pre‐clinical data points that need to be defined, and suggest how lessons learned from previous technological advancements will help us close the gaps and build a successful path to evidence‐driven FLASH implementation.
Conformance of a 3T radiotherapy MRI scanner to the QIBA Diffusion Profile
Authors: Carr Madeline E. , Keenan Kathryn E. , Rai Robba , Boss Michael A. , Metcalfe Peter , Walker Amy , Holloway Lois
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To assess the technical performance of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) on a dedicated 3T radiotherapy scanner, using a standardized phantom and sequences. Investigations into factors that could impact the technical performance of ADC in the clinic were also completed, including changing the slice‐encoded imaging direction and the reference sample ADC value.

Methods

ADC acquisitions were performed monthly on an isotropic diffusion phantom over 1 year. Measurements of ADC %bias, coefficients of variation for short‐/long‐term repeatability and precision (CVST/CVLT and CVP), and b‐value dependency (Depb) were calculated. The measurements were then assessed according to the Quantitative Imaging Biomarker Alliance (QIBA) Diffusion Profile specifications.

Results

The average of all measurements over the year was within Profile recommended ranges. This included when testing was performed in different imaging directions, and on samples that had different ADC reference values (0.4–1.1 μm2/ms). Results in the axial plane for the central water vial included a bias of +0.05%, CVST /CVLT/CVP = 0.1%/ 0.9%/0.4% and Depb = 0.4%.

Conclusions

The technical performance of ADC on a radiotherapy dedicated MRI scanner over the course of 12 months was considered conformant to the QIBA Profile. Quantifying these metrics and factors that may affect the performance is essential in progressing the use of ADC clinically: ensuring that the observed change of ADC in a tissue is due to a physiological response and not measurement variability.
Constrained data smoothing via optimal control
Authors: Dontchev Assen L. , Kolmanovsky Ilya V. , Tran Trung B.
Published: April 2022

The article considers a problem of best smoothing in a strip, where the objective is to find a function that satisfies bilateral constraints on its values, for all and minimizes a weighted sum of the ‐norm of the second derivative and squared deviations from specified values, , at discrete points . We assume that constraints and are continuous functions that are linear in each interval , . We connect this problem to a state‐constrained optimal control problem for the double integrator, and give conditions for the existence and uniqueness of the solution under which we also show that the solution is a cubic spline with knots at and no more than two additional knots in each interval . We propose a numerical algorithm for solving this problem based on a two stage minimization, where the outer loop optimization problem is finite‐dimensional and convex, while the inner loop optimization problem admits a solution which is easy to compute. Numerical results that show the efficacy of the proposed approach are reported.
Computationally assisted design and prediction of remarkably boosted NLO response of organoimido‐substituted hexamolybdates
Authors: Haroon Muhammad , Janjua Muhammad Ramzan Saeed Ashraf
Published: April 2022

In recent years, nonlinear optical (NLO) molecular material networks/frameworks have shown attractive application prospects in modern laser technology, data storage components, optical communication, and digital processing. Finding new and novel materials with excellent nonlinear optical properties has become an attractive research topic in the field of nonlinear optics. Herein, DFT calculations have been performed on hybrid organic‐inorganic composite push‐pull systems based on polyoxometalates (POMs). Systems (DPA1‐DPA4) are theoretically analyzed to study the second‐order NLO response and have been compared with reference compound. The effect of four substituent groups on NLO properties has been investigated. Based on optimized geometric configurations, dipole polarizability(α), first‐order hyperpolarization(β), transition energy (E), oscillation frequency (ƒ), and HOM0 (highest occupied molecular orbital)‐LUM0 (lowest unoccupied molecular orbital) analysis have been performed. All the studied systems possess significantly large second‐order polarizability and proven to be excellent nonlinear optical hybrid composite materials. The asymmetric polarization of charges caused by D‐π‐A combination in our studied systems is accountable for the improvement of nonlinear optical activity of these push‐pull compounds. POM cluster/cage is behaving as an electron donor, whereas charge transfer has been observed in the direction of chain length. On the bases of the electron donor and electron acceptor ability of these substituent groups, substantial influence on NLO response and charge transfer characteristics has been identified. Our studied systems are efficient NLO materials and will be helpful for the synthetic chemists to produce effective hybrid composites.
Risk factors for QT prolongation with atypical antipsychotics
Authors: Lam Y. W. Francis
Published: April 2022

Drug‐induced prolongation of the QT interval can increase risk of developing the life‐threatening, albeit rare, atypical ventricular tachycardia known as torsade de pointes. Research literature, including individual case reports as well as meta‐analyses, suggests that use of atypical antipsychotic agents, especially sertindole and ziprasidone, can prolong the QT interval.
Augmented reality for oral and maxillofacial surgery: The feasibility of a marker‐free registration method
Authors: Shi Jiafeng , Liu Shaofeng , Zhu Zhaoju , Deng Zhen , Bian Guibin , He Bingwei
Published: April 2022

Background

Recognition of markers in the augmented reality system can reduce the additional cost of a guide plate required for the removal of benign tumours in oral and maxillofacial surgery, but the use of markers often has complex problems.

Method

In order to avoid the complex problem of using markers, an augmented reality system based on a marker‐free registration method was proposed to track the contour of the mandible edge. Use the computer to perform preoperative planning on the jaw model, select and mark the path of maxillofacial lesion resection.

Results

This method has an error of the surface matching was mm, and an error of the surgical resection was mm.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that the system can accurately enhance the display of the surgical path and provide guidance for the tradition of maxillofacial surgery.
Pseudobullous Pilomatricoma: A Rare Variant of Pilomatricoma
Authors: Lee Tung-Chun , Liu Yan , Zhang Ya-Mei , Huang Yike , Wang Zhi-Yan , Lu Gui-Qing
Published: April 2022

Pilomatricoma (PM; calcifying epithelioma of Malherbe) is an uncommon adnexal tumour originating from the matrix of the hair follicles. Bullous appearance is a rare variant of PM, and its pathogenesis remains unclear. Here, we present a case of a 17-year-old girl with a pseudobullous PM on the right shoulder. Lymphatic dilatation and collagen disorder were histopathologically observed in this case, which may provide clues to elucidate the pathogenesis of pseudobullous PM.
Birds of a feather flock (even more) together: An intergroup relations perspective on how #MeToo‐related media coverage affects the evaluation of prospective corporate directors
Authors: Bednar Michael K. , Westphal James D. , McDonald Michael L.
Published: April 2022

Research Summary

This study examines how incumbent director reactions to media coverage of the #MeToo movement have impacted the evaluation of prospective corporate directors. We argue that heightened intergroup anxiety related to male–female interactions leads incumbents to seize on social attributes that bolster category‐based trust in the reliability of prospective directors' interpersonal behavior. We predict that in response to #MeToo coverage, incumbents evaluate board candidates more positively when they share demographic characteristics or have prior social connections, and these effects are strengthened when incumbents socially identify with the firm. Empirical analyses using a longitudinal survey of evaluations of director candidates support these predictions. Our findings suggest how social movements can produce unintended consequences by inadvertently triggering psychological processes that partially offset the anticipated benefits of the movement.

Managerial Summary

Increased coverage of #MeToo has heightened concerns among board members about male–female interactions on the board. Our study finds that as #MeToo coverage increases, incumbent directors evaluate potential board candidates more positively to the extent that they share demographic characteristics, including gender, race, functional background, education and age, or when they are connected through the social network of board appointments. These effects are especially pronounced for incumbents who psychologically identify with the firm, meaning that their self‐concept is aligned with features of the organization. Our study suggests how psychological reactions of corporate directors to #MeToo may inadvertently reduce board diversity and overall board effectiveness, and we call for research‐based interventions to correct this unfortunate side effect of a critically important social justice movement.
Novel ranking framework for retrospective simultaneous assessment of fire and mechanical performances of natural fiber‐reinforced polymeric composites: Literature update from the previous decade
Authors: Teles Fernando , Antunes Filipe
Published: April 2022

The development of natural fiber (NF)‐reinforced polymeric composites (NFRCs) has made great progress in the last decade due to the low cost, wide availability, and environmental friendliness of NFs. They can compete with synthetic fiber (SF) reinforcements regarding some relevant functional properties for engineering applications, such as fireproofing. However, they usually require additional fire protection treatments or additives to meet the stringent criteria of the industry, frequently at the expense of downgrading the mechanical properties. In this paper, we review the main aspects of fire retardancy of NFs, polymers and composites and establish a novel conceptual framework for comprehensive and simultaneous evaluation of the fire performance and mechanical properties of NFRCs, which was retrospectively applied to some literature published during 2010–2019. Our sequential approach essentially confirmed some well‐established fundamental aspects of the mechanical and fire behaviors of NFRCs and, more generally, establishes a new paradigm for their quantitative analysis.
A detailed study of the stability of vortons
Authors: Battye Richard A. , Cotterill Steven J. , Pearson Jonathan A.
Published: April 2022

Abstract

We construct and simulate the dynamics of gauged vortons — circular loops of cosmic string supported by the angular momentum of trapped charge and current and provide additional details on the fully stable vorton that we have previously presented. We find that their existence and dynamical properties can be accurately predicted by an analysis based on infinite, straight superconducting strings if an additional constraint on their phase frequency is satisfied. We show a good quantitative agreement with the thin string approximation (TSA) and provide evidence that curvature corrections are inversely proportional to the vorton radius. This is verified with an energy minimisation algorithm that produces vorton solutions and subsequent axial and full three dimensional evolution codes. We find that we can predict the frequencies of each mode of oscillation, determine which modes are unstable and calculate the growth rate of the unstable modes to a high degree of accuracy.
Inhibition of colony stimulating factor-1 receptor (CSF-1R) as a potential therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases: opportunities and challenges
Authors: Han Jinming , Chitu Violeta , Stanley E. Richard , Wszolek Zbigniew K. , Karrenbauer Virginija Danylaité , Harris Robert A.
Published: April 2022

Microglia are specialized dynamic immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS) that plays a crucial role in brain homeostasis and in disease states. Persistent neuroinflammation is considered a hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and primary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). Colony stimulating factor 1-receptor (CSF-1R) is predominantly expressed on microglia and its expression is significantly increased in neurodegenerative diseases. Cumulative findings have indicated that CSF-1R inhibitors can have beneficial effects in preclinical neurodegenerative disease models. Research using CSF-1R inhibitors has now been extended into non-human primates and humans. This review article summarizes the most recent advances using CSF-1R inhibitors in different neurodegenerative conditions including AD, PD, HD, ALS and MS. Potential challenges for translating these findings into clinical practice are presented.
Suspension spectra of matrix algebras, the rank filtration, and rational noncommutative CW-spectra
Authors: Arone Gregory , Barnea Ilan , Schlank Tomer M.
Published: April 2022

In a companion paper (Arone et al. in Noncommutative CW-spectra as enriched presheaves on matrix algebras, arXiv:2101.09775, 2021) we introduced the stable $$\infty $$
∞
-category of noncommutative CW-spectra, which we denoted $$\mathtt {NSp}$$
NSp
. Let $${\mathcal {M}}$$
M
denote the full spectrally enriched subcategory of $$\mathtt {NSp}$$
NSp
whose objects are the non-commutative suspension spectra of matrix algebras. In Arone et al. (2021) we proved that $$\mathtt {NSp}$$
NSp
is equivalent to the $$\infty $$
∞
-category of spectral presheaves on $${\mathcal {M}}$$
M
. In this paper we investigate the structure of $${\mathcal {M}}$$
M
, and derive some consequences regarding the structure of $$\mathtt {NSp}$$
NSp
. To begin with, we introduce a rank filtration of $${\mathcal {M}}$$
M
. We show that the mapping spectra of $${\mathcal {M}}$$
M
map naturally to the connective K-theory spectrum ku, and that the rank filtration of $${\mathcal {M}}$$
M
is a lift of the classical rank filtration of ku. We describe the subquotients of the rank filtration in terms of spaces of direct-sum decompositions which also arose in the study of K-theory and of Weiss’s orthogonal calculus. We prove that the rank filtration stabilizes rationally after the first stage. Using this we give an explicit model of the rationalization of $$\mathtt {NSp}$$
NSp
as presheaves of rational spectra on the category of finite-dimensional Hilbert spaces and unitary transformations up to scaling. Our results also have consequences for the p-localization and the chromatic localization of $${\mathcal {M}}$$
M
.
Esophagectomy for End‐Stage Achalasia
Authors: Waters John , Martin Linda W. , Molena Daniela
Published: April 2022

Esophagectomy for achalasia is reserved for patients with end‐stage disease for whom prior treatment has failed. Esophagectomy can be performed safely through a variety of techniques. Conduit options include stomach, colon, and small intestine. There are many potential complications following esophagectomy. Outcomes of esophagectomy for achalasia are good when performed in experienced surgical centers.
Prospective associations between a priori dietary patterns adherence and kidney function in an elderly Mediterranean population at high cardiovascular risk
Authors: Valle-Hita Cristina , Díaz-López Andrés , Becerra-Tomás Nerea , Martínez-González Miguel A. , García Verónica Ruiz , Corella Dolores , Goday Albert , Martínez J. Alfredo , Alonso-Gómez Ángel M. , Wärnberg Julia , Vioque Jesús , Romaguera Dora , López-Miranda José , Estruch Ramon , Tinahones Francisco J. , Lapetra José , Serra-Majem Luís , Cano-Ibáñez Naomi , Tur Josep A. , Rubín-García María , Pintó Xavier , Delgado-Rodríguez Miguel , Matía-Martín Pilar , Vidal Josep , Fontao Sebastian Mas , Daimiel Lidia , Ros Emilio , Toledo Estefania , Sorlí José V. , Roca C. , Abete Iztiar , Moreno-Rodriguez Anai , Crespo-Oliva Edelys , Candela-García Inmaculada , Morey Marga , Garcia-Rios Antonio , Casas Rosa , Fernandez-Garcia Jose Carlos , Santos-Lozano José Manuel , Diez-Espino Javier , Ortega-Azorín Carolina , Comas M. , Zulet M. Angeles , Sorto-Sanchez Carolina , Ruiz-Canela Miguel , Fitó Montse , Salas-Salvadó Jordi , Babio Nancy
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To assess the association between three different a priori dietary patterns adherence (17-item energy reduced-Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet), Trichopoulou-MedDiet and Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH)), as well as the Protein Diet Score and kidney function decline after one year of follow-up in elderly individuals with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Methods

We prospectively analyzed 5675 participants (55–75 years) from the PREDIMED-Plus study. At baseline and at one year, we evaluated the creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and food-frequency questionnaires-derived dietary scores. Associations between four categories (decrease/maintenance and tertiles of increase) of each dietary pattern and changes in eGFR (ml/min/1.73m2) or ≥ 10% eGFR decline were assessed by fitting multivariable linear or logistic regression models, as appropriate.

Results

Participants in the highest tertile of increase in 17-item erMedDiet Score showed higher upward changes in eGFR (β: 1.87 ml/min/1.73m2; 95% CI: 1.00–2.73) and had lower odds of ≥ 10% eGFR decline (OR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.47–0.82) compared to individuals in the decrease/maintenance category, while Trichopoulou-MedDiet and DASH Scores were not associated with any renal outcomes. Those in the highest tertile of increase in Protein Diet Score had greater downward changes in eGFR (β: − 0.87 ml/min/1.73m2; 95% CI: − 1.73 to − 0.01) and 32% higher odds of eGFR decline (OR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.00–1.75).

Conclusions

Among elderly individuals with overweight/obesity and MetS, only higher upward change in the 17-item erMedDiet score adherence was associated with better kidney function after one year. However, increasing Protein Diet Score appeared to have an adverse impact on kidney health. Trial Registration Number: ISRCTN89898870 (Data of registration: 2014).
Long-term effects on the quality of life following cochlear implant treatment in older patients
Authors: Issing Christian , Holtz Svea , Loth Andreas G. , Baumann Uwe , Pantel Johannes , Stöver Timo
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Even in older patients, hearing rehabilitation with a cochlear implant has become an established method for deafened or severely hearing-impaired patients. In addition to the hearing improvement, numerous other effects of CI treatment can be observed in clinical routine. In the literature, there is multiple evidence for a rapid and significant improvement in quality of life with CI treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of hearing rehabilitation using CI on the quality of life in older patients (≥ 65 years).

Methods

This prospective cross-sectional study examined 84 patients between the age of 65 and 101 years who received unilateral CI treatment for the first time between one and 10 years ago. The World Health Organization Quality-of-Life Scale-Old (WHOQL-OLD) was used to determine the quality of life. The study cohort was divided into three groups to compare the quality of life over time: group I (1–3 years after CI treatment), group II (4–6 years after CI treatment), and group III (7–10 years after CI treatment). In addition, the data from this study were compared with the results of our previous study (Issing et al. 2020) in which we focused on the first 6 months after CI treatment.

Results

In all three groups, there was a significant improvement in monosyllabic discrimination within 1 year after CI fitting (p > 0.001). No significant differences were found between the three groups. There were no significant differences between the three groups in the WHOQOL-OLD total score (p = 0.487) or any of the other six facets. Moreover, no significant differences were found compared to the study group of our previous study 6 months after CI treatment.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the long-term stability of the improved quality of life following unilateral CI treatment in patients aged 65 years or older.
Executive functioning and divergent thinking predict creative problem-solving in young adults and elderlies
Authors: Cancer Alice , Iannello Paola , Salvi Carola , Antonietti Alessandro
Published: April 2022

The role of executive functioning in creative thinking is under debate. Some authors suggested that increased inhibitory control, a component of executive functioning, is detrimental to creative solutions, whereas others argued that executive functions are central to creative problem-solving, thus questioning Guilford’s classical distinction between divergent and convergent thinking. Executive functions decline with age. In this study, we investigated the contributions of executive functioning and its age-related decline and divergent thinking to creative problem-solving. To this aim, we divided our sample of sixty healthy adults into two age groups of young adults (20–26 years) and elderly (60–70 years) and we assessed their creative problem-solving abilities (using the compound remote associate problems) as well as other potential cognitive predictors of creative problem-solving (i.e., impulsivity, divergent thinking, verbal working memory, and decision-making style). A linear regression model revealed that the ability to solve problems creatively is negatively predicted by older age and impulsivity, while positively predicted by divergent thinking and verbal working memory. These findings reveal a combined contribution of executive functions and divergent thinking to creative problem-solving, suggesting that both convergent and divergent processes should be considered in interventions to contrast age-related decline.
Teachers’ enactment of policy in classrooms: making students accountable through inscriptions from the curriculum in classroom interactions
Authors: Silseth Kenneth , Hontvedt Magnus , Mäkitalo Åsa
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this paper is to examine the complex relationships between educational policy and classroom practice. By employing a sociocultural perspective, we examine formulations inscribed in socio-material artifacts about what students should learn and how they should engage with knowledge. We explore how these formulations are mobilized in instructional work and the implications this activity has for student participation. To address this issue, we analyzed video data of how teachers invoke competence aims from the national curriculum in their instructional work in six classrooms. The analytical procedures were derived from interaction analysis. The analysis focuses on how such formulations explicitly mediate social interaction as it unfolds on a micro level. The findings show that competence aims gain different functions as they are mobilized in classroom practice; in other words, they serve different purposes in teachers’ instructional work and anticipate different modes of student participation. In this study, the competence aims were (a) invoked as a source of authority, (b) translated into instructions, and (c) mobilized to obtain social order in the classroom. More rarely, the competence aims were used in meta-level discussions, where they functioned to reach agreements on how to pursue work toward joint goals. We discuss the implications of these ways of invoking competence aims for student participation.
A methodological approach of QRA for slow-moving landslides at a regional scale
Authors: Caleca Francesco , Tofani Veronica , Segoni Samuele , Raspini Federico , Rosi Ascanio , Natali Marco , Catani Filippo , Casagli Nicola
Published: April 2022

Landslides represent a serious worldwide hazard, especially in Italy, where exposure to hydrogeological risk is very high; for this reason, a landslide quantitative risk assessment (QRA) is crucial for risk management and for planning mitigation measures. In this study, we present and describe a novel methodological approach of QRA for slow-moving landslides, aiming at national replicability. This procedure has been applied at the basin scale in the Arno River basin (9100 km2, Central Italy), where most landslides are slow-moving. QRA is based on the application of the equation risk = hazard (H) × vulnerability (V) × exposure (E) and on the use of open data with uniform characteristics at the national scale. The study area was divided into a grid with a 1 km2 cell size, and for each cell, the parameters necessary for the risk assessment were calculated. The obtained results show that the total risk of the study area amounts to approximately 7 billion €. The proposed methodology presents several novelties in the risk assessment for the regional/national scale of the analysis, mainly concerning the identification of the datasets and the development of new methodologies that could be applicable over such large areas. The present work demonstrates the feasibility of the methodology and discusses the obtained results.
Buddy or burden? Patterns, perceptions, and experiences of pet ownership among older adults in Switzerland
Authors: Meier Clément , Maurer Jürgen
Published: April 2022

While interactions with pets may yield significant emotional, social, and physical benefits, taking care of them can also be demanding and experienced as a burden, especially among persons with physical restrictions or economically disadvantaged individuals. This study investigates pet ownership and corresponding perceptions and experiences in a nationally representative sample of adults aged 55 years and older in Switzerland. We use data from a questionnaire on human-animal interactions from 1832 respondents administered during wave 7 (2017) in the Swiss country study of the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe. Multivariable associations between pet ownership and pet owners’ corresponding perceptions and experiences with respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics were estimated using probit and ordered probit models. Slightly more than one-third of adults aged 55 years and older reported owning a pet. Pet owners reported mostly positive experiences with pet ownership, with women showing higher pet bonding levels than men. Moreover, pet ownership was less common among adults aged 75 and older and individuals living in apartments. At the same time, older pet owners aged 75 and above, pet owners living in apartments, and pet owners without a partner reported more positive perceptions and experiences of owning a pet. These findings suggest that promoting pet ownership may help individual well-being and feelings of companionship, especially among women, older adults, and individuals without a partner but also points toward potential selection effects into pet ownership. Financial costs of pet ownership appear to be an important challenge for some older pet owners, notably those with relatively low levels of education and more limited financial resources.
Non-Linear Device Head Coupling and Temporal Delays in Large Animal Acceleration Models of Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Mayer Andrew R. , Ling Josef M. , Patton Declan A. , Stephenson David D. , Dodd Andrew B. , Dodd Rebecca J. , Rannou-Latella Julie G. , Smith Douglas H. , Johnson Victoria E. , Cullen D. Kacy , Meier Timothy B. , Kinsler Rachel E.
Published: April 2022

Accurate characterization of head kinematics following an external blow represents a fundamental aspect of traumatic brain injury (TBI) research. The majority of previous large animal studies have assumed an equivalent relationship between the device delivering the impulsive load and subsequent head kinematics rather than performing direct measurement (sensors or videography). The current study therefore examined factors affecting device/head coupling kinematics in an acceleration TBI model. Experiment 1 indicated ~ 50% reduction in peak angular velocity for swine head relative to the device, with an approximate doubling in temporal duration. The peak angular velocity for the head was not significantly altered by variations in restraint device (straps vs. cables), animal positioning or body mass. In Experiment 2, reducing the impulsive load by 32% resulted in only a 14% reduction in angular velocity of the head (approximately 69% head/device coupling ratio), with more pronounced differences qualitatively observed for angular momentum. A temporal delay was identified in initial device/head coupling, potentially a result of soft tissue deformation. Finally, similar head kinematics were obtained regardless of mounting the sensor directly to the skull or through the scalp (Experiment 3). Current findings highlight the importance of direct measurement of head kinematics for future studies.
FLASc: a formal algebra for labeled property graph schema
Authors: Sharma Chandan , Sinha Roopak
Published: April 2022

Contemporary labeled property graph databases are either schema-less or schema-optional to support frequent changes in the structure of data found in domains requiring high flexibility. However, the lack of structure impacts data transformation and loading operations from heterogeneous sources into graph databases. We present a formal algebra for specifying and generating graph schema for labeled property graph databases. We formally define and demonstrate the use of generated graph schemas to systematically transform and load data-sets related to domains of cyber-physical systems, big data analytics and tourism. Findings from three disparate case studies show that -generated schemas assist in enforcing integrity constraints that reduce the chance of data corruption, hence assuring data consistency and integrity.
The synthesis and properties of mitochondrial targeted iron chelators
Authors: Cilibrizzi Agostino , Pourzand Charareh , Abbate Vincenzo , Reelfs Olivier , Versari Laura , Floresta Giuseppe , Hider Robert
Published: April 2022

Iron levels in mitochondria are critically important for the normal functioning of the organelle. Abnormal levels of iron and the associated formation of toxic oxygen radicals have been linked to a wide range of diseases and consequently it is important to be able to both monitor and control levels of the mitochondrial labile iron pool. To this end a series of iron chelators which are targeted to mitochondria have been designed. This overview describes the synthesis of some of these molecules and their application in monitoring mitochondrial labile iron pools and in selectively removing excess iron from mitochondria.