bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retracted: Arecoline induces epithelial‐mesenchymal transformation and promotes metastasis of oral cancer by SAA1 expression
Authors: Ren Hui , He Guoqin , Lu Zhiyuan , He Qianting , Li Shuai , Huang Zhexun , Chen Zheng , Cao Congyuan , Wang Anxun
Published: February 2021

Arecoline, the main alkaloid of areca nut, is well known for its role in inducing submucosal fibrosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), however the mechanism remains unclear. The aim of this study was to establish an arecoline‐induced epithelial‐mesenchymal transformation (EMT) model of OSCC cells and to investigate the underlying mechanisms. CAL33 and UM2 cells were induced with arecoline to establish an EMT cell model and perform RNA‐sequence screening. Luminex multiplex cytokine assays, western blot, and RT‐qPCR were used to investigate the EMT mechanism. Arecoline at a concentration of 160 μg/ml was used to induce EMT in OSCC cells, which was confirmed using morphological analysis, transwell assays, and EMT marker detection. RNA‐sequence screening and Luminex multiplex cytokine assays showed that many inflammatory cytokines (such as serum amyloid A1 [SAA1], interleukin [IL]‐6, IL‐36G, chemokine [CCL]2, and CCL20) were significantly altered during arecoline‐induced EMT. Of these cytokines, SAA1 was the most highly upregulated. SAA1 overexpression induced EMT and promoted the migration and invasion of CAL33 cells, while SAA1 knockdown attenuated arecoline‐induced EMT. Moreover, arecoline enhanced cervical lymph node metastasis in an orthotopic xenograft model of the tongue established using BALB/c nude mice. Our findings revealed that arecoline induced EMT and enhanced the metastatic capability of OSCC by the regulation of inflammatory cytokine secretion, especially that of SAA1. Our study provides a basis for understanding the mechanism of OSCC metastasis and suggests possible therapeutic targets to prevent the occurrence and development of OSCC associated with areca nut chewing.
Children expressing their views in child protection casework: Current research and their rights going forward
Authors: Falch‐Eriksen Asgeir , Toros Karmen , Sindi Ingrid , Lehtme Rafaela
Published: February 2021

Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) provides children with the right to express their views in matters that affect them, particularly those of an administrative and judicial nature. This paper examines the academic discourse in child protection research concerning how Article 12 of the CRC is implemented and how it is manifested in child protection service (CPS) casework practices. The systematic review was performed following the principles of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) statement and included 16 peer‐reviewed articles published in English in academic journals from multiple scientific databases from January 2009 to January 2019 reporting primary research with children about their experiences of participation in CPS. Despite the widespread ratification of the CRC several decades ago, the studies in the current review establish a clear and predictable pattern of an inability of children to express themselves throughout CPS proceedings. Findings consistently indicate that children in different countries felt they were not being asked, listened to or heard, in some cases even regarding harmful and unsafe situations. We argue the academic discourse must move beyond these findings and discuss how research can contribute to dealing with these obstacles and improving practices by focussing on Article 12 in particular and human rights in general throughout CPS practices.
Achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals‐2030 through the nutraceutical industry: A review of managerial research and the role of operations management
Authors: Chaurasia Shailly , Pati Rupesh Kumar , Padhi Sidhartha S. , Jensen Jennifer M. K. , Gavirneni Nagesh
Published: February 2021

This article focuses on the current state of management literature about the emerging nutraceutical industry, examining its strengths and weaknesses and future research opportunities within the context of global goals to end hunger, such as United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In this paper, we review one decade of nutraceutical management literature in the context of international antihunger agreements, detailing trends in the literature related to geographic and temporal diffusion, journals publishing in these topics, research methodologies applied, theoretical approaches discussed, and managerial research themes addressed (including sustainability issues). Nutraceuticals have been proposed by international public–private partnerships and food industry actors as having the potential to address malnutrition and undernourishment. The review reflects that research on nutraceutical business practices is still in its early stages. The study indicates that future research and policy‐related studies should focus on resolving the operational challenges that underdeveloped and developing economies face in improving accessibility and affordability.
Financial stability and the Fed: Evidence from congressional hearings
Authors: Wischnewsky Arina , Jansen David‐Jan , Neuenkirch Matthias
Published: February 2021

This article retraces how financial stability considerations interacted with US monetary policy before and during the Great Recession. Using text‐mining techniques, this article innovates by constructing indicators for financial stability sentiment expressed during testimonies of five Federal Reserve Chairs. Including these text‐based measures adds explanatory power to Taylor‐rule models. Negative financial stability sentiment coincided with a more accommodative monetary policy stance than implied by standard Taylor‐rule factors, even during the decades before the Great Recession. These findings are consistent with a preference for monetary policy reacting to financial instability rather than acting pre‐emptively to a perceived build‐up of risks.
The role of surgery in the management of Lennox–Gastaut syndrome: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the clinical evidence
Authors: Thirunavu Vineeth , Du Rebecca , Wu Joyce Y. , Berg Anne T. , Lam Sandi K.
Published: February 2021

Lennox–Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a severe form of childhood onset epilepsy in which patients require multiple medications and may be candidates for palliative surgical intervention. In this meta‐analysis, we sought to evaluate the impact of palliative vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), corpus callosotomy (CC), and resective surgery (RS) by analyzing their impact on seizure control, antiepileptic drug (AED) usage, quality of life (QOL), behavior, cognition, prognostic factors, and complications. A systematic search of PubMed MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews was performed to find articles that met the following criteria: (1) prospective/retrospective study with original data, (2) at least one LGS surgery patient aged less than 18 years, and (3) information on seizure frequency reduction (measured as percentage, Engel class, or qualitative comment). Seizures were analyzed quantitatively in a meta‐analysis of proportions and a random‐effects model, whereas other outcomes were analyzed qualitatively. Forty studies with 892 LGS patients met the selection criteria, with 19 reporting on CC, 17 on VNS, four on RS, two on RS + CC, one on CC + VNS, and one on deep brain stimulation. CC seizure reduction rate was 74.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 64.5%–83.7%), and VNS was 54.6% (95% CI = 42.9%–66.3%), which was significantly different (p < .001). RS seizure reduction was 88.9% (95% CI = 66.1%–99.7%). Many VNS patients reported alertness improvements, and most had no major complications. VNS was most effective for atonic/tonic seizures; higher stimulation settings correlated with better outcomes. CC patients reported moderate cognitive and QOL improvements; disconnection syndrome, transient weakness, and respiratory complications were noted. Greater callosotomy extent correlated with better outcomes. AED usage most often did not change after surgery. RS showed considerable QOL improvements for patients with localized seizure foci. In the reported literature, CC appeared to be more effective than VNS for seizure reduction. VNS may provide a similar or higher level of QOL improvement with lower aggregate risk of complications. Patient selection, anatomy, and seizure type will inform decision‐making.
Ipomoea coccinea L. (Convolvulaceae): a new introduced alien plant species in Turkey
Authors: Onen H. , Ozaslan C. , Farooq S. , Jones C. A.
Published: February 2021

This study reports the first record of Ipomoea coccinea L. [(Convolvulaceae), red morning glory] from Turkey. The literature review revealed that this taxon has not been recorded yet for the flora of Turkey. The species was mainly observed on the embankments along the Ardeşen‐Çamlıhemşin road during 2016. It was again recorded during 2019 with a certain extension of the invaded area and a significant increase in population density. I. coccinea was observed in disturbed areas along roads, on the edges of tea plantations, in abandoned fields and in other waste lands. The rapid spread of the species in a short period of time suggests that it could become troublesome in future, if not managed. Therefore effective management strategies must be developed to halt its further spread. Modelling and risk assessment studies are needed to predict the potential spread and possible risks of the species to different ecosystems.
Targeting tumour necrosis factor to ameliorate viral pneumonia
Authors: Pandey Pratikshya , Karupiah Gunasegaran
Published: February 2021

Pneumonia is a serious complication associated with inflammation of the lungs due to infection with viral pathogens. Seasonal and pandemic influenza viruses, variola virus (agent of smallpox) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2; agent of COVID‐19) are some leading examples. Viral pneumonia is triggered by excessive inflammation associated with dysregulated cytokine production, termed ‘cytokine storm’. Several cytokines have been implicated but tumour necrosis factor (TNF) plays a critical role in driving lung inflammation, severe lung pathology and death. Despite this, the exact role TNF plays in the aetiology and pathogenesis of virus infection‐induced respiratory complications is not well understood. In this review, we discuss the pathological and immunomodulatory roles of TNF in contributing to immunopathology and resolution of lung inflammation, respectively, in mouse models of influenza‐ and smallpox (mousepox)‐induced pneumonia. We review studies that have investigated dampening of inflammation on the outcome of severe influenza and orthopoxvirus infections. Most studies on the influenza model have evaluated the efficacy of treatment with anti‐inflammatory drugs, including anti‐TNF agents, in animal models on the day of viral infection. We question the merits of those studies as they are not transferable to the clinic given that individuals generally present at a hospital only after the onset of disease symptoms and not on the day of infection. We propose that research should be directed at determining whether dampening lung inflammation after the onset of disease symptoms will reduce morbidity and mortality. Such a treatment strategy will be more relevant clinically.
Police and policing in geography: From methods, to theory, to praxis
Authors: Bloch Stefano
Published: February 2021

Despite the fact that any semblance of a “police studies” in geography is relatively recent, with calls for its development and expansion still being made in the literature today, geographers have nevertheless made important contributions to how scholars understand police and policing as a multifaceted manifestation of state power, coercion, and territoriality. Given the formative contributions that have already been made, and with promises of increased scholarly activity to come, there remains much opportunity for geography to become the go‐to social scientific discipline for translating theory into action and advanced methods into practice. This is particularly so given heightened and widespread credence to the concept of defunding policing as we know it in the wake of continued and increasingly ruthless killings by police across the United States. In this article on police and policing in geography, I trace the brief history of a police studies, highlighting recent and contemporary contributions to its progress through critical examinations of community‐, border‐, affective‐, and insidious‐policing practices. Finally, I conclude with a brief discussion about how a police/policing studies can move forward as a durable geographical sub‐field vis‐à‐vis greater inclusion of would‐be scholars for whom being policed has been a lived experience that has resulted in personal encounters with hyper‐criminalization, displacement, expulsion, un‐homing, and incarceration.
Enzymatic and extrusion pretreatments of defatted rice bran to improve functional properties of protein concentrates
Authors: Leal Francisco Henrique Pereira Neves , Senna Caroline de Almeida , Kupski Larine , Mendes Gabriela da Rocha Lemos , Badiale‐Furlong Eliana
Published: February 2021

This study evaluated effects of enzymatic, extrusion and combined pretreatments on functional and thermal properties of protein concentrates from defatted rice bran to improve their applicability to food formulations. After the pretreatments, protein concentrates were recovered by alkaline solubilisation and isoelectric point precipitation. Water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity, emulsifying and foaming properties, and thermal stability were determined in protein concentrates. Yields of each pretreatment were above 62% protein. Enzymatic hydrolysis increased all functional properties studied, mainly for emulsifying activity index (an increase of 71.1%) and foaming capacity (an increase of 60.3%). The extrusion affected positively the oil absorption capacity, emulsifying activity index and foaming capacity. The combined process was able to raise the functional properties. The principal component analysis confirmed that 95.5% improvement in functional properties of concentrates had a strong positive correlation with the pretreatments. However, the pretreatments affected thermal stability and the enthalpy of denaturation negatively.
Household gender dynamics and remitting behaviour in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Souza Emmanuel
Published: February 2021

This paper examines how gender dynamics in different patriarchal societies shape remitting behaviour in sub‐Saharan Africa. Data come from surveys conducted in Burkina Faso, Kenya, Uganda and Senegal. Results show that immediate family members, migrants with high earning potential and household with most financial need are more likely to send or receive remittances and, on average, send or receive more remittances than contrasting migrants or households. Gender dynamics show that remitters are more likely to be married individuals, particularly men, which demonstrate the importance of conjugal family responsibility in remitting behaviour. Consequently, the bulk of evidence suggests altruism as the primary motive behind remittances, although results also point to insurance as a motivation. However, the altruistic behaviour seems to be driven by the responsibility to remit rather than mere concern for the non‐migrating household members. This remitting pattern is much stronger in societies with high gender inequality than not.
How nursing leaders promote evidence‐based practice implementation at point‐of‐care: A four‐country exploratory study
Authors: Kitson Alison L. , Harvey Gillian , Gifford Wendy , Hunter Sarah C. , Kelly Janet , Cummings Greta G. , Ehrenberg Anna , Kislov Roman , Pettersson Lena , Wallin Lars , Wilson Paul
Published: February 2021

Aims

To describe strategies nursing leaders use to promote evidence‐based practice implementation at point‐of‐care using data from health systems in Australia, Canada, England and Sweden.

Design

A descriptive, exploratory case‐study design based on individual interviews using deductive and inductive thematic analysis and interpretation.

Methods

Fifty‐five nursing leaders from Australia, Canada, England and Sweden were recruited to participate in the study. Data were collected between September 2015 and April 2016.

Results

Nursing leaders both in formal managerial roles and enabling roles across four country jurisdictions used similar strategies to promote evidence‐based practice implementation. Nursing leaders actively promote evidence‐based practice implementation, work to influence evidence‐based practice implementation processes and integrate evidence‐based practice implementation into everyday policy and practices.

Conclusion

The deliberative, conscious strategies nursing leaders used were consistent across country setting, context and clinical area. These strategies were based on a series of activities and interventions around promoting, influencing and integrating evidence‐based practice implementation. We conjecture that these three key strategies may be linked to two overarching ways of demonstrating effective evidence‐based practice implementation leadership. The two overarching modes are described as mediating and adapting modes, which reflect complex, dynamic, relationship‐focused approaches nursing leaders take towards promoting evidence‐based practice implementation.

Impact

This study explored how nursing leaders promote evidence‐based practice implementation. Acknowledging and respecting the complex work of nursing leaders in promoting evidence‐based practice implementation through mediating and adapting modes of activity is necessary to improve patient outcomes and system effectiveness.
Invertebrate‐mediated dispersal plays an important role in shaping the current distribution of a herbaceous monocot
Authors: Chen Yong‐Sheng , Zeng Chun‐Xia , Muellner‐Riehl Alexandra N. , Wang Zhi‐Heng , Sun Lu , Schinnerl Johann , Kongkiatpaiboon Sumet , Kadota Yuichi , Cai Xiang‐Hai , Chen Gao
Published: February 2021

Aim

Invertebrate‐mediated dispersal has previously been proposed to promote angiosperm diversification and distribution. However, little is known about the specific impact of invertebrate‐mediated dispersal on the biogeography and current distribution of plants. We aim to infer the influence of vespicochorous (hornet) and myrmecochorous (ant) dispersal on the historical biogeography of herbaceous monocot species.

Location

Southeast Asia, East Asia, Australia, North America.

Taxon

Family Stemonaceae.

Method

We sampled ca. 75% of the species diversity in Stemonaceae (28 out of 37 species), covering the entire distribution range of the family, to reconstruct the biogeographic history of this family. Using phylogenetic logistic regression analyses, we then tested the relationship between dispersal modes and geographic distributions.

Results

Stemonaceae originated on the Asian mainland during the late Cretaceous and then dispersed to North America, the western Malay Archipelago and eastern Malay Archipelago and Australia between the late Cretaceous and Pliocene. Geographical ranges of ant‐ versus hornet‐dispersed Stemonaceae species are significantly different, with vespicochorous species having broader distribution ranges than myrmecochorous species.

Main conclusions

Invertebrate‐mediated dispersal in Stemonaceae may promote narrow endemism and play an important role in shaping the current distribution of species. Most lineages dispersed by ants failed to cross biogeographic barriers and exhibit limited range expansion overland. Vespicochorous lineages were able to cross oceanic barriers and occupy larger continental areas and/or occur on oceanic islands.
The collaborative care model: Improving access to children's mental health care
Authors: LaVille Thoren Kennedy , Vista‐Wayne Joyce
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Current accessibility to child and adolescent mental health services is negatively affected by the shortage of mental health providers. The primary care provider or pediatrician is in a key position to identify behavioral health concerns, coordinate services, and provide treatment to the patient.

Aim

This project aimed to improve access to children's mental health care by creating and implementing an educational course on the collaborative care model (CoCM), a model of integrated care that embeds mental health professionals into the primary care setting.

Methods

Pre‐ and post‐surveys were embedded in the online CoCM course to track course completion, identify clinical staff knowledge, and identify clinical staff interest in implementing the CoCM in practice.

Results

Following project implementation, clinical staffs’ responses from the pre‐ and post‐surveys represented an increase in knowledge and interest in implementing the CoCM in practice after taking the online course.

Conclusion

This project suggests further exploration of funding and planning to implement a pilot of the CoCM in a primary care practice setting.
A unique mapping strategy for localization and ablation of the atrial input of an antegrade only conducting accessory pathway
Authors: Ward Chad , Kamp Anna , Kertesz Naomi , Kalbfleisch Steven
Published: February 2021

The standard technique for accessory pathway ablation involves mapping along the mitral and tricuspid annulus to localize the regions of earliest ventricular activation during antegrade pathway conduction, earliest atrial activation during retrograde conduction or detection of an accessory pathway potential. In some cases despite what appears to be appropriate mapping, catheter positioning and adequate power delivery the ablation is not successful. In many of these cases, the pathway is felt to be inaccessible because of a location remote from the mitral or tricuspid annulus that cannot be affected by endocardial power delivery along the annulus. In the case of difficult left sided pathways, some may be reached and ablated via the coronary sinus or its branches. Right sided pathways cannot be approached in this fashion since there is no venous structure analogous to the coronary sinus around the tricuspid annulus. Alternative mapping and ablation techniques for these difficult pathways have included epicardial mapping via direct pericardial access or attempts to localize pathway insertion areas remote from the valve annulus which may be amenable to endocardial ablation. We describe the use of post‐pacing interval mapping to localize the atrial input of a right sided antegrade only accessory pathway that was resistant to conventional mapping and ablation strategies.
When market unraveling fails and mandatory disclosure backfires: Persuasion games with labeling and costly information acquisition
Authors: Bilancini Ennio , Boncinelli Leonardo
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we develop a variant of the persuasion game by Milgrom and Roberts to study the emergence and the desirability of product labeling when buyers can acquire information on the quality of the product by paying a cost. Labeling is modeled as the (verifiable) public disclosure of an otherwise unobservable trait of the seller that is correlated with the quality of the product. Our main finding is that market unraveling can fail, in which case imposing mandatory disclosure can backfire. When the joint distribution of seller's qualities and traits is exogenous, if market unraveling fails and mandatory labeling is imposed, then profits decrease for high‐quality sellers and, if the label is sufficiently informative, buyers are better off and profits increase for low‐quality sellers as well. When, instead, the joint distribution of qualities and traits is endogenous, mandatory labeling fails to yield an increase in average quality and buyers' utility, while cost inefficiencies arise.
Physiological response to capture stress in endemic Southern African catsharks (familyScyliorhinidae)
Authors: Scarponi Valentina , Gennari Enrico , Hughes William
Published: February 2021

Fishing is the major threat to marine fish populations, particularly to higher trophic‐level predators such as sharks. Many sharks, and other fish, are caught as commercial by‐catch or for recreational purposes and then released; therefore, it is important to understand the effects of capture stress on their physiology and subsequent survival. Nonetheless, although important data have been collected for some sharks, there can be substantial interspecific differences, and the consequences of capture stress are still poorly understood for most species. In this study, the authors quantified the physiological effect of capture on four catshark species endemic to Southern Africa, which are regularly discarded as by‐catch and targeted by recreational fisheries. Fifteen pyjama sharks, nine leopard sharks and nine shysharks were captured, and a blood sample was collected to measure their physiological response to capture stress. Stressed blood biochemistry was compared to samples obtained after the sharks recovered for 24 h in an underwater pen. Levels of pH and K+were significantly lower, and lactate levels were significantly higher, in sharks immediately after capture stress compared to after the 24 h recovery period. Although the species showed a similar response to capture stress, they differed significantly in pH, K+and lactate levels, and there was some evidence of size affecting the strength of the response to capture stress. The substantial physiological response elicited by even the relatively quick capture event in this study suggests that common fishing practices will have a stronger impact on catshark homeostasis because of longer hooking times and more disruptive fishing gear. Although the relationship between survival and physiological changes elicited by capture needs further investigation, the results provide further evidence that minimizing stress would be beneficial to maximize the survival of sharks and other fish following capture‐and‐release fishing practices.
Assessment of aflatoxin B1 in animal feed and aflatoxin M1 in raw milk samples of different species of milking animals from Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Waqas Muhammad , Pervaiz Wajeeha , Zia Khalid Mahmood , Iqbal Shahzad Zafar
Published: February 2021

The research was designed to investigate the amount of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in animal feed (corn, wheat bran, peanut cake, soybean meal, and cotton seed meal) and aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in raw milk of animals (cow milk, buffalo milk, goat milk and sheep milk), from Punjab, Pakistan collected March 2017 till February 2018. The samples were examined with liquid chromatography, with a fluorescence detector. The findings demonstrated that 126 (65.3%) out of 193 samples of animal feed were found positive with AFB1, and 88 (45.6%) samples have levels higher than 5 μg/kg; positive samples are those whose levels of AFM1 ≥ LOD. The highest average amount of AFB1 was found in mustard oil cake meal (25.0 ± 4.5 μg/kg). Out of 278 samples of milk, 134 (48.2%) were found positive with AFM1, and 48 (17.3%) samples have levels of AFM1 higher than the European Union legal limit (i.e., 50 ng/L). The highest mean level of 70.5 ± 10.5 ng/L was found in raw milk of buffalo. The levels of AFM1 in milk from the urban region versus suburb region showed a significant difference (at α 0.05) except sheep milk samples, which presented a significant difference at α 0.01. Samples, 65 (64.4%) out of 140 from the urban region, and 69 (50%) from the suburb region were found positive with AFM1 in milk samples. The amount of AFB1 in animal feed and AFM1 in milk samples are comparatively high and could pose health hazards for local consumers.
Challenges of developing artificial intelligence‐assisted tools for clinical medicine
Authors: Shung Dennis L , Sung Joseph J Y
Published: February 2021

Machine learning, a subset of artificial intelligence (AI), is a set of computational tools that can be used to enhance provision of clinical care in all areas of medicine. Gastroenterology and hepatology utilize multiple sources of information, including visual findings on endoscopy, radiologic imaging, manometric testing, genomes, proteomes, and metabolomes. However, clinical care is complex and requires a thoughtful approach to best deploy AI tools to improve quality of care and bring value to patients and providers. On the operational level, AI‐assisted clinical management should consider logistic challenges in care delivery, data management, and algorithmic stewardship. There is still much work to be done on a broader societal level in developing ethical, regulatory, and reimbursement frameworks. A multidisciplinary approach and awareness of AI tools will create a vibrant ecosystem for using AI‐assisted tools to guide and enhance clinical practice. From optically enhanced endoscopy to clinical decision support for risk stratification, AI tools will potentially transform our practice by leveraging massive amounts of data to personalize care to the right patient, in the right amount, at the right time.
Applications of artificial intelligence in pancreatic and biliary diseases
Authors: Chen Po‐Ting , Chang Dawei , Wu Tinghui , Wu Ming‐Shiang , Wang Weichung , Liao Wei‐Chih
Published: February 2021

The application of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine has increased rapidly with respect to tasks including disease detection/diagnosis, risk stratification, and prognosis prediction. With recent advances in computing power and algorithms, AI has shown promise in taking advantage of vast electronic health data and imaging studies to supplement clinicians. Machine learning and deep learning are the most widely used AI methodologies for medical research and have been applied in pancreatobiliary diseases for which diagnosis and treatment selection are often complicated and require joint consideration of data from multiple sources. The aim of this review is to provide a concise introduction of the major AI methodologies and the current landscape of AI research in pancreatobiliary diseases.
Clinical applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning‐based methods in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Cohen‐Mekelburg Shirley , Berry Sameer , Stidham Ryan W , Zhu Ji , Waljee Akbar K
Published: February 2021

Our objective was to review and exemplify how selected applications of artificial intelligence (AI) might facilitate and improve inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) care and to identify gaps for future work in this field. IBD is highly complex and associated with significant variation in care and outcomes. The application of AI to IBD has the potential to reduce variation in healthcare delivery and improve quality of care. AI refers to the ability of machines to mimic human intelligence. The range of AI's ability to perform tasks that would normally require human intelligence varies from prediction to complex decision‐making that more closely resembles human thought. Clinical applications of AI have been applied to study pathogenesis, diagnosis, and patient prognosis in IBD. Despite these advancements, AI in IBD is in its early development and has tremendous potential to transform future care.
Impact of environmental and health consciousness on ecological consumption intention: The moderating effects of haze and self‐competence
Authors: Hao Zhang , Chenyue Qi
Published: February 2021

This study is an investigation of how environmental consciousness and health consciousness influence consumers' ecological purchase intentions regarding eco‐friendly products (pollution‐reduction behavior) and self‐protective products (pollution‐avoidance behavior). Data collected in a between‐subject experiment indicate that environmental and health consciousness influence ecological purchase intentions. Moreover, haze pollution moderates these effects. On hazy days, environmental consciousness motivates ecological intentions; on clear days, health consciousness motivates ecological purchase intentions. In addition, perceived self‐competence moderates the impacts of environmental consciousness and health consciousness on purchase intentions. Consumers with high self‐competence are only influenced by environmental consciousness. Health consciousness has the strongest effects on consumers who have low self‐competence. Implications for policymakers and managers are discussed.
Evaluation of the accuracy of an electronic point‐of‐care analyzer to quantify blood creatinine concentration in goats
Authors: Boileau Melanie J , Wagner Leslie , Taylor Jared D
Published: February 2021

Background

There are no commercially available handheld blood creatinine analyzers validated in goats.

Objectives

The objective of the study was to validate the accuracy of a handheld point‐of‐care (POC) analyzer (Nova StatSensor) for quantifying blood creatinine concentration in goats. A secondary objective was to compare this POC against a chemistry analyzer to classify goats as normal or having mild or moderate azotemia.

Animals

Sixty‐three goats admitted to a referral hospital.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study. Venous blood was obtained, and creatinine concentration was measured by the POC in duplicate. Plasma was submitted for creatinine determination via the chemistry analyzer (gold standard).

Results

A total of 101 blood samples were collected from 63 goats. There was high repeatability for creatinine concentrations obtained by the POC (adjusted R2 = .97, P < .0001). Correlation of POC concentrations with those reported by the chemistry analyzer was moderate (adjusted R2 = .57, P < .0001). When correctly categorizing goats with mild azotemia, the POC demonstrated a sensitivity of 73.3% and a specificity of 88.3%. For moderate to severe azotemia, the POC had a sensitivity of 75.0% and specificity of 97.5%.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

The Nova StatSensor POC provided above average accuracy for measuring blood creatinine concentration in goats compared with the gold standard test.
Validation of an international prediction model including the Oxford classification in Korean patients with IgA nephropathy
Authors: Hwang Dohui , Choi Kyoungjin , Cho Nam‐Jun , Park Samel , Yu Byung Chul , Gil Hyo‐Wook , Lee Eun Young , Choi Soo Jeong , Park Moo Yong , Kim Jin Kuk , Hwang Seung Duk , Kwon Soon Hyo , Jeon Jin Seok , Noh Hyunjin , Han Dong Cheol , Kim Hyoungnae
Published: February 2021

Background

Recently, a new international risk prediction model including the Oxford classification was published which was validated in a large multi‐ethnic cohort. Therefore, we aimed to validate this risk prediction model in Korean patients with IgA nephropathy.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted with 545 patients who diagnosed IgA nephropathy with renal biopsy in three medical centers. The primary outcome was defined as a reduction in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of >50% or incident end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). Continuous net reclassification improvement (cNRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) were used to validate models.

Results

During the median 3.6 years of follow‐up period, 53 (9.7%) renal events occurred. In multivariable Cox regression model, M1 (hazard ratio [HR], 2.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02–4.82; p = .043), T1 (HR, 2.98; 95% CI, 1.39–6.39; p = .005) and T2 (HR, 4.80; 95% CI, 2.06–11.18; p < .001) lesions were associated with increased risk of renal outcome. When applied the international prediction model, the area under curve (AUC) for 5‐year risk of renal outcome was 0.69, which was lower than previous validation and internally derived models. Moreover, cNRI and IDI analyses showed that discrimination and reclassification performance of the international model was inferior to the internally derived models.

Conclusion

The international risk prediction model for IgA nephropathy showed not as good performance in Korean patients as previous validation in other ethnic group. Further validation of risk prediction model is needed for Korean patients with IgA nephropathy.
Evidence for the presence and release of BDNF in the neuronal and non‐neuronal structures of the internal anal sphincter
Authors: Singh Arjun , Singh Jagmohan , Rattan Satish
Published: February 2021

Background

Data on the neuromodulatory effects of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the gastrointestinal tract were recently reported, but there are still no data on the presence, distribution, and release of BDNF in the gastrointestinal tract, including the internal anal sphincter (IAS).

Methods

We examined the presence and distribution of BDNF and its receptor TrkB in the different IAS structures (neuronal and non‐neuronal) via immunohistochemical and immunocytochemical analyses. We also monitored the release of BDNF in an IAS muscle bath (consisting of smooth muscle cells [SMCs], myenteric plexus, and submucosal plexus) before and after different agonists, and electrical field stimulation in the absence and presence of neurotoxin tetrodotoxin.

Key Results

BDNF/TrkB was found to be present in all layers of the IAS, especially the smooth muscle, mucosa, myenteric plexus, and submucosal plexus. Detailed analyses revealed a significant colocalization between BDNF and TrkB in different structures, especially in the smooth muscle, the SMCs, and both plexuses. Data further showed higher levels of BDNF in the cytosol and that of TrkB toward the periphery of the SMCs.

Conclusions & Inferences

These studies showed that BDNF/TrkB was present not only in the enteric nervous system (ENS), but also in the SMCs. For the neuromodulatory effects, BDNF is released locally from the ENS ((myenteric (10.01 ± 0.23 pg/ml) and submucosal plexus (9.05 ± 0.51 pg/ml)) and the SMCs (18.63 ± 1.63 pg/ml). Collectively, these findings have pathophysiological and therapeutic implications regarding the role of BDNF/TrkB in the IAS‐associated rectoanal motility disorders.
A Model-Free Approach for Testing Association
Authors: Chatterjee Saptarshi , Chowdhury Shrabanti , Basu Sanjib
Published: February 2021

The question of association between outcome and feature is generally framed in the context of a model based on functional and distributional forms. Our motivating application is that of identifying serum biomarkers of angiogenesis, energy metabolism, apoptosis and inflammation, predictive of recurrence after lung resection in node-negative non-small cell lung cancer patients with tumour stage T2a or less. We propose an omnibus approach for testing the association that is free of assumptions on functional forms and distributions and can be used as a general method. This proposed maximal permutation test is based on the idea of thresholding, is readily implementable and is computationally efficient. We demonstrate that the proposed omnibus tests maintain their levels and have strong power for detecting linear, nonlinear and quantile-based associations, even with outlier-prone and heavy-tailed error distributions and under nonparametric setting. We additionally illustrate the use of this approach in model-free feature screening and further examine the level and power of these tests for binary outcome. We compare the performance of the proposed omnibus tests with comparator methods in our motivating application to identify the preoperative serum biomarkers associated with non-small cell lung cancer recurrence in early stage patients.
The historical postulate: Is it the basis, at the level of the system, for self‐nonself discrimination?
Authors: Bretscher Peter A.
Published: February 2021

Burnet envisaged the early presence of self‐antigens in development, or ‘the history’ of an animal, ablates the animal's ability to immunologically respond against them. Lederberg added the idea that the continuous presence of self‐antigens is required to maintain tolerance throughout life. We refer to Lederberg's proposal as ‘The Historical Postulate’. The mechanism of central tolerance, as now understood, is consistent with The Historical Postulate. Some observations, reflecting peripheral tolerance, appear inconsistent with this postulate. For example, some foreign peripheral tissues, grafted onto an animal before the immune system develops, can be rejected as the immune system matures. The original two‐signal model of lymphocyte activation was proposed in part because it accounted for peripheral tolerance in a manner consistent with The Historical Postulate. We proposed that lymphocyte activation required antigen‐mediated lymphocyte cooperation, whereas antigen would inactivate lymphocytes when insufficient in number to achieve activation. We argue here that the exceptions to The Historical Postulate can be explained by the two‐signal model of lymphocyte activation: they reflect the existence of greater numbers of lymphocytes specific for these antigens than for natural peripheral antigens, and so are outside the physiological limits important in selecting through evolution this mechanism of peripheral tolerance. We argue that a consideration of whether The Historical Postulate is valid is important, even if only valid within certain understandable limits. The currently popular DAMP model of CD4 T cell activation is, strictly speaking and in a manner we discuss, in violation of this postulate.
A dynamical systems approach to examining the efficacy of suicide‐focused interventions
Authors: Butner Jonathan E. , Bryan Craig J. , Munion Ascher K. , Tabares Jeffrey V.
Published: February 2021

Objective

Suicide risk is a nonlinear temporal process, but the ways in which suicide‐focused interventions have statistically examined risk effects have ignored these nonlinearities. This paper highlights the potential benefits of using data analytic methods that account for nonlinear change patterns.

Method

Using a dynamical systems perspective, interventions are framed in terms of attractor dynamics. An attractor has three primary qualities where an intervention can have an effect. These correspond to contextual differences, shifts in the underlying temporal patterns, and changes in the stability of the temporal pattern.

Results/Conclusions

It is argued that the ideal effect is one in which there is both an observed change in stability and a shift in the underlying temporal pattern toward less risk. Other types of intervention effects can have alternate explanations that are less desirable. Mean, variance, and growth differences are discussed within a systems context, and an example model is provided using Latent Change Score Modeling (McArdle, Annual Review of Psychology, 60, 2009, 577–605).
Study designs and statistical approaches to suicide and prevention research in real‐world data
Authors: Lavigne Jill E. , Lagerberg Tyra , Ambrosi John W. , Chang Zheng
Published: February 2021

Objective

To provide researchers, clinicians and policy makers with a primer to study designs, statistical approaches and graphical reporting methods for suicide research in real world data (RWD).

Methods

Study designs, statistical method and graphical reporting standards are detailed with examples from the recently published literature.

Results

Data sources and codes for identifying suicidal behavior are described. Study designs are described in detail for post‐market surveillance, retrospective cohort studies, case control and nested case–control studies, and self‐controlled (within‐individual) studies including applications of marginal structural models. Graphical reporting of designs is described using an original research study.

Conclusions

Compared to RCTs, RWE studies offer larger sample sizes, greater generalizability, and real‐world validity. However, these non‐experimental data risk uncontrolled confounding and potential introduction of bias unless data, design and statistical approaches are rigorously aligned.
Mechanical Structural Interference Detection for Dedicated Hybrid Transmissions
Authors: Sun Hanqiao , Xu Xiangyang , Liu Yanfang , Dong Peng , Wang Shuhan , Ma Mingyue
Published: February 2021

Planetary gear set (PGS) has been one of the best components to constitute a transmission configuration, including the dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT). Using different synthesis approaches, the DHT configurations can be obtained through algorithms. However, different synthesis results correspond to different connection states of the planetary gear system. There are a certain number of results that violate the motion requirements of the mechanical principal need to be detected and removed. Therefore, this paper presents a novel modeling method to systematically remove the interference structures, with graph theory in structural synthesis. Based on the original graph theory, this paper proposes an equivalent replacement modeling method to convert the motor graph model into a brake-like graph model. Based on the conversion, avoid the appearance of the hanging points in the graph model. By applying the proposed approach, a DHT structure proves the feasibility of the method. The proposed detection approach can systematically detect all the PGS-based transmission with multi-PGSs, multi-shifting elements, and multi-power sources.
Static Balancing of Four-Bar Compliant Mechanisms With Torsion Springs by Exerting Negative Stiffness Using Linear Spring At the Instant Center of Rotation
Authors: Franco Jorge A. , Gallego Juan A. , Herder Just L.
Published: February 2021

A design approach for the quasi-static balancing of four-bar linkages with torsion springs is proposed. Such an approach is useful in the design of quasi-statically balanced fully compliant mechanisms by tuning the stiffness of the pseudo-rigid-body-model. Here, the positive stiffness exhibited by torsion springs at the R-joints is compensated by a negative stiffness function. The negative stiffness is created by a non-zero-free-length linear spring connected between the coupler link and the ground, and where both connecting points trace a line directed to the coupler link’s instant center of rotation. A full example of the static balancing of two compliant linkages for approximate straight path generation is developed, where actuation energy of the compliant designs is reduced in 66% and 54%, respectively.
Thermal atomic layer etching of germanium-rich SiGe using an oxidation and “conversion-etch” mechanism
Authors: Abdulagatov Aziz I. , Sharma Varun , Murdzek Jessica A. , Cavanagh Andrew S. , George Steven M.
Published: February 2021

The thermal atomic layer etching (ALE) of germanium-rich SiGe was demonstrated using an oxidation and “conversion-etch” mechanism with oxygen (O2) or ozone (O3), hydrofluoric acid (HF), and trimethylaluminum [TMA, Al(CH3)3] as the reactants. The crystalline germanium-rich SiGe film was prepared using physical vapor deposition and had a composition of Si0.15Ge0.85. In situ spectroscopic ellipsometry was employed to monitor the thickness of both the SiGe film and the surface oxide layer on the SiGe film during thermal ALE. Using a reactant sequence of O2-HF-TMA, the etch rate of the SiGe film increased progressively with temperatures from 225 to 290 °C. At 290 °C, the SiGe film thickness decreased linearly at a rate of 0.57 Å/cycle with a surface oxide thickness of 18–19 Å. This etch rate was obtained using reactant pressures of 25, 0.2, and 0.4 Torr and doses of 1.5, 1.0, and 1.0 s for O2, HF, and TMA, respectively. The TMA and HF reactions were self-limiting and the O2 reaction was reasonably self-limiting at 290 °C. Using an O3-HF-TMA reaction sequence, the SiGe ALE etch rate was 0.42 Å/cycle at 290 °C. This etch rate was obtained using reactant pressures of 15, 0.2, and 0.4 Torr and dose times of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.0 s for O3, HF, and TMA, respectively. The O3, TMA, and HF reactions were all self-limiting at 290 °C. Atomic force microscopy images revealed that thermal ALE with the O2-HF-TMA or O3-HF-TMA reaction sequences did not roughen the surface of the SiGe film. The SiGe film was etched selectively compared with Si or Si3N4 at 290 °C using an O2-HF-TMA reaction sequence. The etch rate for the SiGe film was >10 times faster than Si(100) or Si3N4 that was prepared using low-pressure chemical vapor deposition. This selectivity for the SiGe film will be useful to fabricate Si nanowires and nanosheets using SiGe as the sacrificial layer.