bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wide area circumferential ablation for pulmonary vein isolation using radiofrequency versus laser balloon ablation
Authors: Skeete Jamario , Sharma Parikshit S. , Kenigsberg David , Pietrasik Grzegorz , Osman Ahmed F. , Ravi Venkatesh , Du‐Fay‐de‐Lavallaz Jeanne M. , Post Zoe , Wasserlauf Jeremiah , Larsen Timothy R. , Krishnan Kousik , Trohman Richard , Huang Henry D.
Published: May 2022

Background

Persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with high recurrence rates of AF and atypical atrial flutters or tachycardia (AFT) postablation. Laser balloon (LB) ablation of the pulmonary vein (PV) ostia has similar efficacy as radiofrequency wide area circumferential ablation (RF‐WACA); however, an approach of LB wide area circumferential ablation (LB‐WACA) may further improve success rates.

Objective

To evaluate freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmia (AFT/AF) recurrence postablation using RF‐WACA versus LB‐WACA in persistent AF patients.

Methods

This was a retrospective multicenter study. Patients were followed for up to 24 months via office visits, Holter, and/or device monitoring. The primary endpoint was freedom from AFT/AF after a single ablation procedure. Secondary endpoints included freedom from AF, freedom from AFT, first‐pass isolation of all PVs, and procedural complications.

Results

Two hundred and four patients were studied (LB‐WACA: n = 103; RF‐WACA: n = 101). Patients’ baseline characteristics were similar except patients in the RF‐WACA group were older (64 vs. 68, p = .03). First‐pass isolation was achieved more often during LBA (LB‐WACA: 88% vs. RF‐WACA 75%; p = .04). Procedure (p = .36), LA dwell (p = .41), and fluoroscopy (p = .44) time were similar. The mean follow‐up was 506 ± 279 days. Sixty‐six patients had arrhythmic events including 24 AFT and 59 AF recurrences. LB‐WACA group had higher arrhythmia‐free survival (p = .009) after single ablation procedures. In the multivariate Cox regression model, RF‐WACA was associated with a higher recurrence of AFT compared with LB‐WACA (Adjusted HR 3.16 [95% CI: 1.13–8.83]; p = .03).

Conclusions

LB‐WACA was associated with higher freedom from atrial arrhythmias mostly driven by the lower occurrence of AFT compared with RF‐WACA.
Electrocardiographic variables associated with underlying Brugada syndrome or drug‐induced Type 1 Brugada pattern in patients with slow/fast atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia
Authors: Hasdemir Can , Sahin Hatice , Duran Gulten , Orman Mehmet N. , Kocabas Umut , Payzin Serdar , Aydin Mehmet , Antzelevitch Charles
Published: May 2022

Background

The coexistence of clinical atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) and drug‐induced type 1 Brugada pattern (DI‐Type 1 BrP) has been previously reported. The present study was designed to determine the 12‐lead ECG characteristics at baseline and during AVNRT and to identify a subset of 12‐lead ECG variables of benefit associated with underlying Brugada syndrome (BrS)/DI‐Type 1 BrP among patients with slow/fast AVNRT.

Methods

A total of 40 (11 numerical/29 categorical) 12‐lead ECG parameters were analyzed and compared between patients with (n = 69) and without (n = 104) BrS/DI‐Type1‐BrP matched for age, female gender, body mass index, left ventricular ejection fraction and comorbid conditions. Five distinct types of ECG pattern (Type A/B/C/D/E) in V1–V2 leads during AVNRT were defined.

Results

A total of nine electrocardiographic variables, four at baseline, and five during AVNRT were identified. At baseline, patients with BrS/DI‐Type 1 BrP had higher prevalence of interatrial block, leftward shift of frontal plane QRS axis, the absence of normal QRS pattern (the presence of rSr’ pattern or type 2/3 Brugada pattern) in V1–V2 and QRS fragmentation in inferior leads compared to patients without BrS/DI‐Type 1 BrP. During AVNRT, patients with BrS/DI‐Type 1 BrP had higher prevalence of Type A ECG pattern (“coved‐type” ST‐segment elevation) in V1–V2, Type C ECG pattern (pseudo‐r’ deflection in V1 and “RBBB‐like” pattern in V2), pseudo‐r’ deflection in V1, QRS fragmentation in inferior leads and “isolated” QRS fragmentation/notching/slurring in aVL compared to patients without BrS/DI‐Type 1 BrP.

Conclusions

We identify several electrocardiographic variables that point to an underlying type 1 BrP among patients with slow/fast AVNRT.
Intraseasonal variability modes of winter surface air temperature over central Asia and their modulation by Greenland Sea ice and central Pacific El Niño–Southern Oscillation
Authors: Qin Mingyue , Li Shuanglin , Xue Yufeng , Han Zhe
Published: May 2022

The two dominant patterns of the winter (December–February) intraseasonal surface air temperature (SAT) over central Asia is derived by empirical orthogonal function analysis, with the first (mode 1) featuring a regional monopole and the second (mode 2) featuring a northwest–southeast‐orientated dipole. Mode 1 is characterized with warmer (colder) Arctic and colder (warmer) Eurasia along with an anomalous high (low) over the Ural Mountains, while mode 2 is characterized with northwest–southeast dipole over Eurasia along with wave train‐like atmospheric circulation anomalies from the western Atlantic to Asia. Whether the two intraseasonal modes are modulated by lower‐boundary forcing is then investigated, and the results suggest that mode 1 is significantly modulated by sea ice concentration over the Greenland Sea, but by central‐Pacific ENSO for mode 2. Finally, the underlying mechanisms are diagnosed, and the results suggest that the diabatic heating related with decreased sea ice in Greenland Sea induce a positive height anomaly over Urals which favours the formation of Ural blocking and therefore tends to intensify the occurrence of mode 1. Also, central‐Pacific El Niño excites the Pacific–North American teleconnection, which alters North Atlantic subtropical jet extension, favours intensified energy conversion to intraseasonal wave train and subsequently intensifies the occurrence of mode 2. This study highlights the joint role of Arctic sea ice and the SST in the tropical central Pacific.
Distinct impacts of two types of South Asian high on the connection of the summer rainfall over India and north China
Authors: Xue Xu , Chen Wen , Chen Shangfeng
Published: May 2022

This study reveals a distinct impact of two types of the South Asian highs (SAH)—the northern mode of the SAH (NSAH) and the traditional SAH in its entirety (ESAH)—on the relation between Indian and north China summer rainfall variation. Specifically, variation of the summer rainfall over India has a strong (weak) relation with that over north China in the anomalous NSAH (ESAH) years. In particular, in association with a reinforced and northwestward shifting NSAH, the westerly jet stream at upper‐level troposphere over mid‐latitude also enhances and shifts northward. This is accompanied by a significant circumglobal teleconnection (CGT)‐like atmospheric wave train over mid‐latitude, with two marked anticyclonic anomalies around western Asia and northeastern China. The associated southerly wind anomalies over tropical northern Indian Ocean transport more water vapour northward to India and lead to above‐normal rainfall there. In addition, the pronounced southerly wind anomalies over East Asia transport abundant water vapour to north China and also result in more rainfall over north China. The above‐normal summer rainfall and associated atmospheric heating over India help maintain the CGT wave train over mid‐latitude, which is beneficial to increasing rainfall over north China, and leading to a close connection between the Indian and north China summer rainfall variation. However, for the ESAH years, the summer rainfall anomalies over India are weak, which cannot induce an obvious CGT‐like wave train over mid‐latitude and thus have a weak impact on the rainfall over north China. Thereby, the relation between Indian and north China summer is weak for the ESAH years.
Evaluation of a lanthanide nanoparticle‐based contrast agent for microcomputed tomography of porous channels in subchondral bone
Authors: Silva Mateus O. , Kirkwood Nicholas , Mulvaney Paul , Ellis Amanda V. , Stok Kathryn S.
Published: May 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joint disease that causes disability and pain. The osteochondral interface is a gradient tissue region that plays a significant role in maintaining joint health. It has been shown that during OA, increased neoangiogenesis creates porous channels at the osteochondral interface allowing the transport of molecules related to OA. Importantly, the connection between these porous channels and the early stages of OA development is still not fully understood. Microcomputed tomography (microCT) offers the ability to image the porous channels at the osteochondral interface, however, a contrast agent is necessary to delineate the different X‐ray attenuations of the tissues. In this study BaYbF5‐SiO2nanoparticles are synthesized and optimized as a microCT contrast agent to obtain an appropriate contrast attenuation for subsequent segmentation of structures of interest, that is, porous channels, and mouse subchondral bone. For this purpose, BaYbF5nanoparticles were synthesized and coated with a biocompatible silica shell (SiO2). The optimized BaYbF5‐SiO227 nm nanoparticles exhibited the highest average microCT attenuation among the biocompatible nanoparticles tested. The BaYbF5‐SiO227 nm nanoparticles increased the mean X‐ray attenuation of structures of interest, for example, porous channel models and mouse subchondral bone. The BaYbF5‐SiO2contrast attenuation was steady after diffusion into mouse subchondral bone. In this study, we obtained for the first time, the average microCT attenuation of the BaYbF5‐SiO2nanoparticles into porous channel models and mouse subchondral bone. In conclusion, BaYbF5‐SiO2nanoparticles are a potential contrast agent for imaging porous channels at the osteochondral interface using microCT.
Medicines and driving in older people
Authors: A Gowan Jennifer
Published: May 2022

Many prescribed medicines can impair driving skills, at any age. Each year in Australia approximately 250 people aged 65 and over die from road crashes and approximately 4000 more are hospitalised. Older people are more likely to have comorbidities and require multiple medicines. Of particular concern in relation to driving are psychoactive medicines and other psychoactive substances including alcohol and other drugs. Alcohol, cannabis, opioids, gabapentinoids (pregabalin, gabapentin), stimulants and sedating medicines such as benzodiazepines are the substances of greatest concern in road safety. Patients who have complex medical conditions and take multiple medicines should be assessed for safety to drive a motor vehicle. Pharmacists have an important role to assess the impact of medicines on driving and other motor skills and counsel patients about the risks.
Long‐term conservation agriculture helps in the reclamation of sodic soils in major agri‐food systems
Authors: Jat Hanuman S. , Choudhary Madhu , Datta Ashim , Kakraliya Suresh K. , McDonald Andrew J. , Jat Mangi L. , Sharma Parbodh C.
Published: May 2022

Globally crop production is impaired by soil salinity and sodicity and to maintain the sustainability of the production systems under such degraded lands, conservation agriculture (CA) may be an alternative in arid and semiarid regions. An experiment was initiated with different agri‐food systems with CA‐based practices to understand the reclamation potential of sodic soil after continuous cultivation for 4 and 9 years. This included: (i) conventional tillage (CT)‐based rice‐wheat system (Sc1); (ii) partial CA with puddled rice‐zero tillage (ZT) wheat and mungbean (Sc2); (iii) ZT rice‐wheat‐mungbean (Sc3); (iv) ZT maize‐wheat‐mungbean (Sc4). Soil samples were collected from 0 to 15 and 15 to 30‐cm depth after 4 and 9 years of wheat harvesting. Results showed an 18% decline in pH2 with Sc2 and ~30% decline in EC2 with Sc2 and Sc3 at upper soil depth after 9 years. Higher cation exchange capacity by 35% and 89% in Sc2 and 38% and 58% in Sc3 after 4 and 9 years was found, respectively, over initial levels. A decrease in exchangeable sodium percentage was recorded in Sc2 by 43% and 50%, after 4 and 9 years over the initial level, respectively. The oxidizable carbon and total organic carbon were increased by ~76%, 69%, and 64% in Sc4, Sc3, and Sc2, respectively, over initial values at 0–15 cm soil depth. Results showed that the CA‐based rice‐wheat‐mungbean system had more reclamation potential than other studied systems. Therefore, long‐term CA practices involving ZT with crop residue recycling and efficient crop rotations have the potential to reduce the sodicity stress and improve soil organic carbon thereby bringing the sodic lands under productive crop cultivation.
Multifactor relationships between the forest structure and water conservation function ofPicea crassifoliaKom. plantations in Qinghai Province, China
Authors: Lin Sha , He Kangning , Wang Zuoxiao , Zuo Yafan , Cheng Chang , Zhang Jing
Published: May 2022

Forest structure and ecosystem function/service relationships have attracted considerable attention; however, knowledge of how forest structure systematically affects water conservation function is still lacking. Such research is urgently needed in Qinghai Province, China's Water Tower, to guide forest structure optimization for plantations with weak water conservation functions. Since healthy, stable tree growth is crucial for forests to fulfill their water conservation functions, this study examined the impacts of forest structure on tree growth. We investigated 115 plots in Qinghai Province and analyzed tree size, size heterogeneity, species diversity, competition and spatial distribution effects on the individual tree growth and water conservation function ofPicea crassifoliaKom. using mixed‐effect and structural equation models, respectively. Forest structure was important in modulating tree growth and the water conservation function. Tree size had the greatest impact on growth performance and directly enhanced the water conservation function. High‐size heterogeneity increased the tree growth rate and directly and indirectly improved the water conservation function via competition. Both individual growth and water conservation function were negatively related to competition between trees. Species diversity promotedP. crassifoliagrowth under a given degree of neighbourhood competition and indirectly affected the water conservation function by increasing size heterogeneity and reducing competition. An uneven spatial distribution did not influence tree growth but positively affected the water conservation function. Therefore, we emphasize that for plantations to fulfill their water conservation functions, pure forests with homogeneous structures should be transformed into mixed forests with heterogeneous structures.
Mapping Organizational Changes of Fiber‐Like Structures in Disease Progression by Multiparametric, Quantitative Imaging
Authors: Qian Shuhao , Meng Jia , Feng Zhe , Zhou Lingxi , Jiang Shenyi , Wang Yalun , Ye Zitong , Zhuo Shuangmu , Chen Jianxin , Li Xinjian , Gao Lixia , Ding Zhihua , Qian Jun , Liu Zhiyi
Published: May 2022

With the progression of diseases, modified cell–matrix interactions have major effects not only upon key cellular functions but also upon the structure of extracellular matrix and vasculature, which are two of the most prevalent fiber‐like structures in biological tissues. Unfortunately, quantitative approaches to assessing these structural changes are lacking. Herein, a multiparametric imaging system is established to resolve subtle organizational changes of collagen fibers and vasculature in disease progression. The pixel‐wise, automated waviness (paWav) is developed as a novel biomarker, and a multimodal analysis system combining paWav with orientation and alignment assessments is constructed. Aggregation‐induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) with second near‐infrared excitation or emission are developed for in vivo deep‐penetration vasculature imaging. The organization remodeling of cortical blood vessels in stroke in marmosets is quantitatively characterized using biologically excretable AIE dots that highlight the clinical translation potential, and a distance dependence law in vessel morphological remodeling is identified. Finally, the multiparametric analysis relying completely on collagen fiber signatures successfully differentiates cancerous from normal pancreatic tissues using a predictive classification approach. Collectively, the combined use of these structural changes in fibrillar tissue components may enable a better understanding of cell–matrix interactions in pathogenesis and identification of new potential treatment targets.
Caregiver perspectives on the everyday medical and social needs of long‐term pediatric liver transplant patients
Authors: Wadhwani Sharad I. , Barrera Ana‐Gabriela , Shifman Holly P. , Baker Ethel , Bucuvalas John , Gottlieb Lara M. , Kotagal Uma , Rhee Sue J. , Lai Jennifer C. , Lyles Courtney R.
Published: May 2022

Using in‐depth interviews, we sought to characterize the everyday medical and social needs of pediatric liver transplant caregivers to inform the future design of solutions to improve care processes. Participants (parents/caregivers of pediatric liver transplant recipients) completed a survey (assessing socioeconomic status, economic hardship, health literacy, and social isolation). We then asked participants to undergo a 60‐min virtual, semistructured qualitative interview to understand the everyday medical and social needs of the caregiver and their household. We intentionally oversampled caregivers who reported a social or economic hardship on the survey. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis and organized around the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation–Behavior model. A total of 18 caregivers participated. Of the participants, 50% reported some form of financial strain, and about half had less than 4 years of college education. Caregivers had high motivation and capability in executing transplant‐related tasks but identified several opportunities for improving care. Caregivers perceived the health system to lack capability in identifying and intervening on specific family social needs. Caregiver interviews revealed multiple areas in which family supports could be strengthened, including (1) managing indirect costs of prolonged hospitalizations (e.g., food, parking), (2) communicating with employers to support families' needs, (3) coordinating care across hospital departments, and (4) clarifying care team roles in helping families reduce both medical and social barriers. This study highlights the caregiver perspective on barriers and facilitators to posttransplant care. Future work should identify whether these themes are present across transplant centers. Caregiver perspectives should help inform future interventions aimed at improving long‐term outcomes for children after liver transplantation.
Influence of PEG Subunit on the Biological Activity of Ionenes: Synthesis of Novel Polycations, Antimicrobial and Toxicity Studies
Authors: Kopiasz Rafał J. , Kulbacka Natalia , Drężek Karolina , Podgórski Rafał , Łojszczyk Ilona , Mierzejewska Jolanta , Ciach Tomasz , Augustynowicz‐Kopeć Ewa , Głogowska Agnieszka , Iwańska Agnieszka , Tomaszewski Waldemar , Jańczewski Dominik
Published: May 2022

An alarming increase of antibiotic resistance among pathogens creates an urgent need to develop new antimicrobial agents. Many reported polycations show high antimicrobial activity along with low hemolytic activity. Unfortunately, most of those molecules remain highly cytotoxic against various mammalian cells. In this work, a systematic study on the impact of triethylene glycol monomethyl ether side groups (short polyethylene glycol (PEG) analog) on antimicrobial, hemolytic, and cytotoxic properties of novel amphiphilic ionenes is presented. A detailed description of synthesis, leading to well‐defined alternating polymers, which differ in structural elements responsible for hydrophilicity (PEG) and hydrophobicity (alkyl chain), is presented. Obtained results show that the PEG moiety and fine‐tuned hydrophilic‐lipophilic balance of ionenes synergistically lead to low cytotoxic, low hemolytic molecules with high activity against S. aureus, including methicillin‐resistant strains (MRSA). Additionally, the results of mechanistic studies on bacterial cells and fluorescently labeled liposomes are also discussed.
Multicomponent Hydrogel Matrices of Fmoc‐FF and Cationic Peptides for Application in Tissue Engineering
Authors: Rosa Elisabetta , Diaferia Carlo , Gianolio Eliana , Sibillano Teresa , Gallo Enrico , Smaldone Giovanni , Stornaiuolo Mariano , Giannini Cinzia , Morelli Giancarlo , Accardo Antonella
Published: May 2022

In the last years, peptide‐based hydrogels are being increasingly used as suitable matrices for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications, including drug delivery and tissue engineering. Recently, the synthesis and the gelation properties of a small library of cationic peptides, containing a Lys residue at the C‐terminus and derivatized with an Fmoc group or with the fluorenyl methoxycarbonyl‐diphenylalanine (FmocFF) at the N‐terminus are derived. Here, it is demonstrated that the combination of these peptides with the well‐known hydrogelator FmocFF, in different weight/weight ratios, allows the achievement of seven novel self‐sorted hydrogels, which share similar peptide organization of their supramolecular matrix. Rheological and relaxometric characterization highlight a different mechanical rigidity and water mobility in the gels as demonstrated by the storage modulus values (200 Pa < G’ < 35 000 Pa) and by relaxometry, respectively. In vitro studies demonstrate that most of the tested mixed hydrogels do not disturb significantly the cell viability (>95%) over 72 h of treatment. Moreover, in virtue to its capability to strongly favor adhesion, spreading and duplication of 3T3‐L1 cells, one of the tested hydrogel may be eligible as synthetic extracellular matrix.
Water‐Soluble (Poly)acylhydrazones: Syntheses and Applications
Authors: Caillaud Kilian , Ladavière Catherine
Published: May 2022

Acylhydrazone‐based (macro)molecules display an increasingly broad spectrum of applications, from small therapeutic molecules and metal‐ions probes to self‐healing films and biorelevant dynamic polymers. The acylhydrazone function is indeed of prime interest since its unique design combines hydrogen bonds, pH‐dependent reversibility, ability to undergo molecular exchanges, and a possible polyvalency. However, a key parameter of its use in aqueous media is the associated water‐solubility of the resulting (macro)molecule. This property can indeed become a limitation for applications requiring high concentrations or no organic cosolvent. This review first focuses on describing the acylhydrazone function, its properties, and its relevancy in dynamic combinatorial chemistry. Then it details the synthesis strategies (molecular design, cosolvent, reaction conditions) reported in the literature to ensure a sufficient solubilization of both single‐bond and multiple‐bond acylhydrazone (macro)molecules, together with their various applications.
2D Polymer Nanonets: Controllable Constructions and Functional Applications
Authors: Tang Ning , Chen Yu , Li Yuyao , Yu Bin
Published: May 2022

2D polymer nanonets have demonstrated great potential in various application fields due to their integrated advantages of ultrafine diameter, small pore size, high porosity, excellent interconnectivity, and large specific surface area. Here, a comprehensive overview of the controlled constructions of the polymer nanonets derived from electrospinning/netting, direct electronetting, self‐assembly of cellulose nanofibers, and nonsolvent‐induced phase separation is provided. Then, the widely researched multifunctional applications of polymer nanonets in filtration, sensor, tissue engineering, and electricity are also given. Finally, the challenges and possible directions for further developing the polymer nanonets are also intensively highlighted.
Wide Bandgap Polymer Donor with Acrylate Side Chains for Non‐Fullerene Acceptor‐Based Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Yuan Yi , Kumar Pankaj , Ngai Jenner H. L. , Gao Xiguang , Li Xu , Liu Haitao , Wang Jinliang , Li Yuning
Published: May 2022

Organic semiconductors inherently have a low dielectric constant and hence high exciton binding energy, which is largely responsible for the rather low power conversion efficiency of organic solar cells as well as the requirements to achieve delicate bulk‐heterojunction nanophase separation in the active layer. In this study, methyl acrylate as a weakly electron‐withdrawing side chain for the electron rich thiophene to prepare a new building block, methyl thiophene‐3‐acrylate (TA), with increased polarity is used. A wide bandgap polymer PBDT‐TA synthesized using TA and a benzodithiophene (BDT) monomer shows increased dielectric constant and reduced exciton binding energy compared to the analogous polymer PBDT‐TC, which is made of BDT and methyl thiophene‐3‐carboxylate (TC). An organic solar cell device based on PBDT‐TA:ITIC also achieves a higher power conversion efficiency of 10.47% than that of the PBDT‐TC:ITIC based solar cell (9.68%). This work demonstrates the effectiveness of using acrylate side chains to increase the dielectric constant, reduce the exciton binding energy, and enhance the solar cell efficiency of polymer semiconductors.
Financing preference and the role of credit insurance in a green supply chain
Authors: Li Bo , Du Zijia , Wang Minxue
Published: May 2022

As environmental pollution becomes more serious, green supply chain management has gradually become a research hotspot. However, the fact is often ignored that many companies are small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises. They do not have enough capital to make green decisions. This paper studies a green supply chain financing system, including a green manufacturer and a capital‐constrained retailer and analyzes the effect of credit insurance on financing and product's green level. We consider consumers have a green preference. The retailer can finance through two methods: bank credit financing and trade credit financing. We find the manufacturer's financing preference is closely related to unit production cost and green investment cost coefficient. When the unit production cost is low, and the green investment cost coefficient is high, or the unit production cost is high, and the green investment cost coefficient is in the middle threshold, the manufacturer prefers to actively provide trade credit financing for the capital‐constrained retailer. And, in the former case, trade credit financing can also enhance the green level of the supply chain. Finally, we also find that credit insurance can mitigate the default risk of the retailer and help the manufacturer improve profits but cannot improve the product's green level.
Dopaminergic Positron Emission Tomography Imaging in the Alpha‐Synuclein Preformed Fibril Model Reveals Similarities to Early Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Sossi Vesna , Patterson Joseph R. , McCormick Siobhan , Kemp Christopher J. , Miller Kathryn M. , Stoll Anna C. , Kuhn Nathan , Kubik Michael , Kochmanski Joseph , Luk Kelvin C. , Sortwell Caryl E.
Published: May 2022

Background

Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in early Parkinson's disease (PD) subjects reveals that increased dopamine (DA) turnover and reduced dopamine transporter (DAT) density precede decreases in DA synthesis and storage. The rat α‐synuclein preformed fibril (α‐syn PFF) model provides a platform to investigate DA dynamics during multiple stages of α‐syn inclusion‐triggered nigrostriatal degeneration.

Objectives

We investigated multiple aspects of in vivo dopaminergic deficits longitudinally and similarities to human PD using translational PET imaging readouts.

Methods

Longitudinal imaging was performed every 2 months in PFF and control rats for 7 months. [18F]‐Fluoro‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl‐L‐alanine (FDOPA) imaging was performed to investigate DA synthesis and storage (Kocc) and DA turnover, estimated by its inverse, the effective distribution volume ratio (EDVR). 11C‐Methylphenidate (MP) was used to estimate DAT density (BPND).

Results

Early DA turnover increases and DAT binding decreases were observed in the ipsilateral striatum of PFF rats, progressing longitudinally. EDVR decreased 26%, 38%, and 47%, and BPND decreased 36%, 50%, and 65% at the 2‐, 4‐, and 6‐month time points, respectively, compared to ipsilateral control striatum. In contrast, deficits in DA synthesis and storage were not observed in the ipsilateral striatum of PFF rats compared to control injections and were relatively preserved up to 6 months (Kocc decreased 20% at 6 months).

Conclusions

The relative preservation of DA synthesis and storage compared to robust progressive deficits in DAT density and increases in DA turnover in the rat α‐syn PFF model display remarkable face validity to dopaminergic alterations in human PD. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Dairy Product Consumption and Changes in Cognitive Performance: Two‐Year Analysis of the PREDIMED‐Plus Cohort
Authors: Ni Jiaqi , Nishi Stephanie K. , Babio Nancy , Martínez‐González Miguel A. , Corella Dolores , Castañer Olga , Martínez J. Alfredo , Alonso‐Gómez Ángel M. , Gómez‐Gracia Enrique , Vioque Jesús , Romaguera Dora , López‐Miranda José , Estruch Ramon , Tinahones Francisco J. , Lapetra José , Serra‐Majem J. Luís , Bueno‐Cavanillas Aurora , Tur Josep A. , Martín‐Sánchez Vicente , Pintó Xavier , Gaforio José J. , Barabash Bustelo Ana , Vidal Josep , Vázquez Clotilde , Daimiel Lidia , Ros Emili , Toledo Estefanía , Coltell Oscar , Gómez‐Martínez Carlos , Zomeño María Dolores , Donat‐Vargas Carolina , Goicolea‐Güemez Leire , Bouzas Cristina , Garcia‐de‐la‐Hera Manoli , Chaplin Alice , Garcia‐Rios Antonio , Casas Rosa , Cornejo‐Pareja Isabel , Santos‐Lozano José Manuel , Rognoni Teresa , Saiz Carmen , Paz‐Graniel Indira , Malcampo Mireia , Sánchez‐Villegas Almudena , Salaverria‐Lete Itziar , García‐Arellano Ana , Schröder Helmut , Salas‐Salvadó Jordi ,   PREDIMED‐Plus investigators.
Published: May 2022

Scope

Dairy consumption has been suggested to impact cognition; however, evidence is limited and inconsistent. This study aims to longitudinally assess the association between dairy consumption with cognitive changes in an older Spanish population at high cardiovascular disease risk.

Methods and results

Four thousand six hundred sixty eight participants aged 55–75 years, completed a validated food frequency questionnaire at baseline and a neuropsychological battery of tests at baseline and 2‐year follow‐up. Multivariable linear regression models are used, scaled by 100 (i.e., the units of β correspond to 1 SD/100), to assess associations between baseline tertile daily consumption and 2‐year changes in cognitive performance. Participants in the highest tertile of total milk and whole‐fat milk consumption have a greater decline in global cognitive function (β: –4.71, 95% CI: –8.74 to –0.69, p‐trend = 0.020 and β: –6.64, 95% CI: –10.81 to –2.47, p‐trend = 0.002, respectively) compared to those in the lowest tertile. No associations are observed between low fat milk, yogurt, cheese or fermented dairy consumption, and changes in cognitive performance.

Conclusion

Results suggest there are no clear prospective associations between consumption of most commonly consumed dairy products and cognition, although there may be an association with a greater rate of cognitive decline over a 2‐year period in older adults at high cardiovascular disease risk for whole‐fat milk.
Multitarget identification method for dual‐plane detection based on data fusion and correlation analysis
Authors: Cao Jianjian , Li Hanshan , Zhang Xiaoqian
Published: May 2022

The light screen that tests the velocity of a projectile is often affected by indoor illumination changes and interference caused by air disturbance of the projectile, affecting the identification of the projectile target signals by the test system. To solve these problems, based on the detection light screen formed by the array infrared diodes and the array photosensitive tube, this article proposes the method of identifying multiprojectile targets in the dual‐plane detection of data fusion and related analysis. Use the amplitude of signals generated by the projectile moving in the screen and the time width of valid signals as the diagnosis basis to build a multiprojectile signal identification model for a single plane detection light screen. Using the similarity of projectile passing through two light screens, a matching algorithm for the two‐plane detection screen projectile signal is established. By collecting the multiprojectile signals of the dual‐plane detection light screen and following the single detection light screen data fusion model, the velocity measuring system can identify the projectile signals of the dual‐plane detection screen. Based on the fusion and identification result of each detection plane and the established match algorithm related to the shot signal, the test result of the test system with interference is obtained. The result verifies the correctness of the established model and algorithm.
Automatic stent recognition using perceptual attention U‐net for quantitative intrafraction motion monitoring in pancreatic cancer radiotherapy
Authors: He Xiuxiu , Cai Weixing , Li Feifei , Zhang Pengpeng , Reyngold Marsha , Cuaron John J. , Cerviño Laura I. , Li Tianfang , Li Xiang
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Stent has often been used as an internal surrogate to monitor intrafraction tumor motion during pancreatic cancer radiotherapy. Based on the stent contours generated from planning CT images, the current intrafraction motion review (IMR) system on Varian TrueBeam only provides a tool to verify the stent motion visually but lacks quantitative information. The purpose of this study is to develop an automatic stent recognition method for quantitative intrafraction tumor motion monitoring in pancreatic cancer treatment.

Methods

A total of 535 IMR images from 14 pancreatic cancer patients were retrospectively selected in this study, with the manual contour of the stent on each image serving as the ground truth. We developed a deep learning–based approach that integrates two mechanisms that focus on the features of the segmentation target. The objective attention modeling was integrated into the U‐net framework to deal with the optimization difficulties when training a deep network with 2D IMR images and limited training data. A perceptual loss was combined with the binary cross‐entropy loss and a Dice loss for supervision. The deep neural network was trained to capture more contextual information to predict binary stent masks. A random‐split test was performed, with images of ten patients (71%, 380 images) randomly selected for training, whereas the rest of four patients (29%, 155 images) were used for testing. Sevenfold cross‐validation of the proposed PAUnet on the 14 patients was performed for further evaluation.

Results

Our stent segmentation results were compared with the manually segmented contours. For the random‐split test, the trained model achieved a mean (±standard deviation) stent Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), 95% Hausdorff distance (HD95), the center‐of‐mass distance (CMD), and volume difference were 0.96 (±0.01), 1.01 (±0.55) mm, 0.66 (±0.46) mm, and 3.07% (±2.37%), respectively. The sevenfold cross‐validation of the proposed PAUnet had the mean (±standard deviation) of 0.96 (±0.02), 0.72 (±0.49) mm, 0.85 (±0.96) mm, and 3.47% (±3.27%) for the DSC, HD95, CMD, and .

Conclusion

We developed a novel deep learning–based approach to automatically segment the stent from IMR images, demonstrated its clinical feasibility, and validated its accuracy compared to manual segmentation. The proposed technique could be a useful tool for quantitative intrafraction motion monitoring in pancreatic cancer radiotherapy.
Foot evaluation via telephone and video virtual medical visits
Authors: Applewhite Andres I. , Pujalte George G.A. , Denay Keri , Odom Mitchell J. , Arizpe Azael , Albano‐Aluquin Shirley , Kinaszczuk Anja M. , Aiyer Amiethab
Published: May 2022

Background

Telemedicine plays a very important role in our society by allowing providers to treat patients who do not have easy access to a healthcare facility, especially in the setting of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Objective

We aimed to create an extensive, yet concise guide for medical providers to virtually evaluate patients with foot concerns.

Methods

This article outlines how to conduct a well‐planned virtual consultation with specific questions, instructions, and examination manoeuvres to navigate musculoskeletal foot problems.

Conclusion

With this narrative review, we have provided a guide with suggestions, questions and interpretations of answers to help physicians new to the practice of telemedicine have successful virtual encounters with patients suffering from foot musculoskeletal ailments.
Working from the ground up: Prosperity for farmers in Soroti District starts in the soil
Authors: Barron Christopher
Published: May 2022

Agriculture in much of Uganda is struggling, especially in Soroti District. Many of the issues are linked to the poor soils that are present in this region. Farmers in Soroti District will need to adopt various soil conservation techniques and practices to improve their soils over time and increase production.
Analysis and optimization of M‐shaped boom based on response surface method
Authors: Shi Jiaqi , Qi Junwei , Wang Yuequan , Xiao Jun , Zhao Cong
Published: May 2022

The M‐shaped boom is a support structure that can be packed and launched and deployed in orbit using stored elastic strain energy. This work attempts a method to optimize the M boom. The response surface method was used to fit the finite element (FE) results to obtain surrogate models for the strain storage and the fundamental frequency in the deployed state, and the average errors between the surrogate model results and FE results were 1.56% and 0.9% respectively. The influence of different design variables on the results is analyzed by using surrogate models. Considering the requirements of boom deployment, a non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm is used for multi‐objective optimization. The optimization targets the maximum strain stored energy and the maximum fundamental frequency, with the constraint of boom mass. The optimization results are at the Pareto frontier.
Varying Cu and Zn composition in brass and its effect on the fade and recovery behavior of the phenolic‐based friction composites
Authors: K Asrar Ahmed , S Rasool Mohideen , Balachandran Surya Rajan , M.A. Sai Balaji
Published: May 2022

Brass as a functional filler in the formulation of brake friction composites helps to improve the thermal conductivity, tribo‐load bearing ability, fade, recovery and wear resistance of the brake pads. The commercial brass alloy has 70 wt% copper and 30 wt% zinc. In this work, the tribological performance of the brass powders with 60 wt% Cu +40 wt% Zn and 80 wt% Cu +20 wt% Zn having similar morphology with the commercial brass was evaluated. The commercial and the two modified versions of brass filler were introduced in the formulation. Totally nine phenolic brake composite were formulated and fabricated by varying the brass filler types and their composition (6, 8 and 10 wt%) in the brake formulations. The tribological performance of the developed brake pads was studied using a chase‐type friction tester following IS 2742 test standard. The worn surface of the tested samples was studied using scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The tribological performance of the developed samples shows a nonlinear behavior concerning the variation in the composition. Therefore, statistical evaluation techniques such as hybrid analytical hierarchy process coupled with extension evaluation method (AHP‐EEM) and analytical hierarchy process coupled with Preference Selection Index (AHP‐PSI) were used to rank the developed samples based on the multiple tribological performance parameters. Based on the evaluation process the brake composite's composition with 8 wt% brass containing 70 wt% Cu and 30 wt% Zn has given the best overall performance.
Epoxy resin matrix integrating epoxy‐polydimethylsiloxane based self‐healing microcapsules: Healing efficiency, mechanical and thermal stability
Authors: Chamkouri Hossein , Ahmadlouydarab Majid , Chamkouri Mahyodin , Hosseini saeidavi Fatemeh
Published: May 2022

Environmental factors such as climate change, temperature fluctuations, and mechanical forces hinder long‐term space, transportation, and research missions due to structural damage. We report an innovative system to overcome this problem. The self‐healing structure under examination is an epoxy as a polymeric matrix, which includes microcapsules embedded with epoxy‐polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), as a healing agent, separately combined by microcapsules embedded with triethylenetetramine (TETA) as a hardener or curing agent. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the presence and size of the microcapsules. It was shown that the rough appearance of microcapsules improves mechanical bonding. The diameter of microcapsules varied between 40 and 200 μm, with an average diameter of ~100 μm. The information of microcapsules and their structures were scrutinized through Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy for chemical structure confirmation. It was determined that epoxy‐PDMS practical liquids have been effectively encapsulated. The thermal performance of the microcapsules was investigated utilizing thermogravimetric analysis. The results showed that the microcapsules have thermal stability up to 220°C without degradation and decomposition. Additionally, the flexural test was used to evaluate the samples manually scratched with blade and compared with the pure epoxy sample. The results showed the sample containing 15% microcapsules has 105% recovery efficiency after 55 h.
Hydrophilic cloth by surface modification of polypropylene fabrics with mineral particles
Authors: Castillo Luciana , Lescano Leticia , Marfil Silvina , Barbosa Silvia
Published: May 2022

Different surface modifications of polypropylene non‐woven fabric (NWF) by using mineral particles are proposed to increase fabric hydrophilicity. Particles from a zeolitized vitreous breccia are selected as an economic mineral having high water absorption capacity. The efficacy of each methodology concerning particle inclusion on and within NWF is studied with different techniques. Scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction are used to analyze particle presence and coverage. Particle concentration on modified‐NWF is determined by using thermogravimetric analysis. The selection of the surface modification methodology is done considering the particle inclusion efficacy and its scalability to be directly used during NWF fabrication. Particle inclusion on the heat softened NWF followed by the removal of non‐adhered particles is chosen as the selected surface modification methodology to increase NWF hydrophilicity. To guarantee the no‐particle detachment during the use of modified‐NMF, specific assays are performed simulating extreme conditions such handling under water. After these assays, modified‐NWFs have a minimum water absorption capacity of 5.8 g/cm2. It means that 0.25 m2 of modified‐NWF has at least similar absorption capacity than 5 g of silica gel. These modified‐NWFs, obtained from an easy process during NWF fabrication, favor the beneficiation of the raw zeolitized vitreous breccia, leading to a new hydrophilic cloth.
Implementation barriers and facilitators of a mindfulness‐based social emotional learning program and the role of relational trust: A qualitative study
Authors: Mischenko Polina P. , Nicholas‐Hoff Pamela , Schussler Deborah L. , Iwu Jessica , Jennings Patricia A.
Published: May 2022

Based on an overarching analysis of the ecological levels or contexts that implementers experienced as barriers and facilitators in the delivery of a mindfulness‐based social‐emotional learning program, this study reveals the importance of relational trust between the implementer and actors within the various ecological levels. This study applies Bryk and Schneider's framework of relational trust to bring nuance and understanding to relationships that influence the implementer's ability to effectively deliver the program. This study explores the implementers' relationships with: the curriculum professional learning team, the district/school administration, schoolteachers/colleagues, students' families, students, and themselves. A qualitative case study approach was employed and included interviews and classroom observations of 10 teachers delivering the program in the elementary school context. Inferences about the strength of relational trust are made between implementers with high and low fidelity based on qualitative and numerical analysis of coded interview segments. Recommendations are made for a whole school community approach that emphasizes the development of relational trust before program implementation.
Improved definition of growing pains: A common familial primary pain disorder of early childhood
Authors: Champion G. David , Bui Minh , Sarraf Sara , Donnelly Theresa J. , Bott Aneeka N , Goh Shuxiang , Jaaniste Tiina , Hopper John
Published: May 2022

Background

Commonly applied diagnostic criteria for growing pains (GP) have evolved without determination by an authoritative representative body. GP and restless legs syndrome (RLS) share anatomical, distributional, temporal, and other clinical features and are associated in individuals over time, in families, and in population samples. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that GP, diagnosed by widely used criteria, is confounded by cases of painful restless legs syndrome (RLS‐Painful).

Methods

A twin family study of genetic influence and associations of GP using questionnaires was administered by Twins Research Australia. Twins (3–18 years; monozygous 503, dizygous 513), their oldest siblings, mothers, and fathers were randomly selected from the twin registry. Family members completed the questionnaires assessing lifetime prevalence of GP by commonly applied criteria and covariates including the history of iron deficiency and pediatric pain disorders. A GP‐Specific phenotype was defined as GP without urge to move the legs. We determined similarities in twin pairs for the GP and GP‐Specific phenotypes, family associations, and estimated familial and individual‐specific associations for each phenotype.

Results

Lifetime prevalence was one‐third lower for GP‐Specific than for GP among the twin and family members. Monozygous twin pairs were more similar than dizygous twin pairs for GP and for the derived GP‐Specific phenotype by three methods, consistent with genetic influence. There were familial associations, but the essential evidence for genetic influence was the twin‐cotwin data. GP was associated, in multivariable analyses, with migraine, headaches, recurrent abdominal pain, and iron deficiency, while GP‐Specific associations were limited to migraine and headaches.

Conclusions

GP is hybrid, one‐third of cases having symptoms and associations of RLS, necessarily RLS‐Painful. GP‐Specific (without symptoms and associations of RLS) could have a genetic etiology. We propose new criteria to facilitate etiological and therapeutic research.