bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of immunocytochemical and molecular analysis of six genes in liquid‐based endometrial cytology
Authors: Munakata Satoru , Yamamoto Toshiya
Published: November 2021

Background

The Yokohama System of Endometrial Cytology has been used for reporting endometrial cytology, which includes gray zone category, atypical endometrial cells (ATEC), subdivided into ATEC‐US and ATEC‐AE. ATEC‐US has been reported to be correlated with malignancy in nearly 10% of the cases. For accurate diagnosis, application of ancillary techniques on endometrial cytology was investigated.

Methods

Thirty‐seven liquid based cytological specimens (SurePath™) with diagnosis of ATEC or malignant which have corresponding histological specimens, were subjected to immunocytochemical analysis for β‐catenin, ARID1A, and PTEN. Hot spots of mutations for KRAS, BRAF and PIK3CA were evaluated by using i‐densy system (ARKRAY).

Results

In endometrial samples with the diagnosis of ATEC and malignant, aberrant gene expressions and/or gene mutations for β‐catenin, ARID1A, PTEN, KRAS, BRAF, and PIK3CA were observed in 32.4, 18.9, 37.8, 18.8, 0, and 37.1%, respectively. When any of the genes had aberrant expression or mutation, only sensitivity was better than that of cytology (77 vs. 53.8%). However, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy was better in cytology than those of ancillary techniques. Increasing rate of abnormality according to the consequent histology results was observed in ARID1A (p = .015). Frequent loss of PTEN immunostaining (45.8%) and PIK3CA mutation (43.5%) was observed in the cases with consequent benign histology results.

Conclusion

In ATEC category of endometrial cytology, gene expression and mutation analysis of six genes were insufficient to aid conventional cytological diagnoses albeit increased sensitivity. Further investigation would be necessary.
Identifying managerial legacies within conservation corridors using remote sensing and grasshoppers as bioindicators
Authors: Theron K. Jurie , Pryke James S. , Samways Michael J.
Published: November 2021

Biodiversity conservation under global change requires effective management of key biodiversity areas, even areas not under formal protection. Natural grassland conservation corridors between plantation forests are such areas, as they improve landscape connectivity, mitigate the impact of landscape fragmentation, and conserve biodiversity. However, empirical evidence is required to identify the extent to which past management actions promote effectiveness of conservation corridors into the future. We address this issue using grasshoppers, which are well‐established indicators of habitat quality. In particular, we assess grasshopper response within corridors to historic grassland photosynthetic activity using a 25‐yr normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) time series. We then use vegetation characteristics measured in the field to understand the potential mechanisms driving grasshopper response. Furthermore, we explore the efficacy of satellite remote sensing for monitoring grasshopper habitat using additive models. We found that grasshopper evenness responded positively to deviation in NDVI within a 3‐yr period, whereas assemblage composition responded positively over a shorter time of two years. Grasshopper richness and evenness responded strongly to the local vegetation height and bare ground, whereas grasshopper assemblage composition also responded to plant species richness. We found a major negative impact of the invasive alien bramble (Rubus cuneifolius) on large‐sized grasshoppers and species of conservation concern. Overall, the results illustrate the importance of maintaining primary high‐quality habitat for maintaining grasshopper diversity, alongside removal of invasive bramble. We recommend prescribed burning to maintain high‐quality habitat heterogeneity, with sites burned within three years. Furthermore, high‐resolution satellite imagery is effective for monitoring grasshopper richness and assemblage composition response to changes in vegetation within the corridors. Grassland conservation corridors do conserve biodiversity, although effective management and monitoring needs to be in place to ensure biodiversity resembles that of neighbouring protected areas.
Tradeoffs of managing cod as a sustainable resource in fluctuating environments
Authors: Goto Daisuke , Filin Anatoly A. , Howell Daniel , Bogstad Bjarte , Kovalev Yury , Gjøsæter Harald
Published: November 2021

Sustainable human exploitation of living marine resources stems from a delicate balance between yield stability and population persistence to achieve socioeconomic and conservation goals. But our imperfect knowledge of how oceanic oscillations regulate temporal variation in an exploited species can obscure the risk of missing management targets. We illustrate how applying a management policy to suppress fluctuations in fishery yield in variable environments (prey density and regional climate) can present unintended outcomes in harvested predators and the sustainability of harvesting. Using Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua, an apex predatory fish) in the Barents Sea as a case study we simulate age‐structured population and harvest dynamics through time‐varying, density‐dependent and density‐independent processes with a stochastic, process‐based model informed by 27‐year monitoring data. In this model, capelin (Mallotus villosus, a pelagic forage fish), a primary prey of cod, fluctuations modulate the strength of density‐dependent regulation primarily through cannibalistic pressure on juvenile cod survival; sea temperature fluctuations modulate thermal regulation of cod feeding, growth, maturation, and reproduction. We first explore how capelin and temperature fluctuations filtered through cod intrinsic dynamics modify catch stability and then evaluate how management to suppress short‐term variability in catch targets alters overharvest risk. Analyses revealed that suppressing year‐to‐year catch variability impedes management responses to adjust fishing pressure, which becomes progressively out of sync with variations in cod abundance. This asynchrony becomes amplified in fluctuating environments, magnifying the amplitudes of both fishing pressure and cod abundance and then intensifying the density‐dependent regulation of juvenile survival through cannibalism. Although these transient dynamics theoretically give higher average catches, emergent, quasicyclic behaviors of the population would increase long‐term yield variability and elevate overharvest risk. Management strategies that overlook the interplay of extrinsic (fishing and environment) and intrinsic (life history and demography) fluctuations thus can inadvertently destabilize fish stocks, thereby jeopardizing the sustainability of harvesting. These policy implications underscore the value of ecosystem approaches to designing management measures to sustainably harvest ecologically connected resources while achieving socioeconomic security.
Safety risk control in construction engineering based on the interval analytic hierarchy process and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution
Authors: Du Minggang , Han Tongyin , Shang Yanliang
Published: November 2021

To improve the safety management level of construction projects, the housing construction project was taken as the research object and the hierarchical structure model by using the improved analytic hierarchy process (IAHP) was established. Based on the four dimensions of human, material, environment, management, the 12 influencing factor evaluation indexes and 34 scoring items were designed. By the redistribution of weight, the value range of scoring items was determined, and then the construction safety management evaluation system was constructed to evaluate the project safety management. When evaluating multiple projects, if the overall evaluation conclusion is poor, the technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) was used to evaluate the relative advantages and disadvantages of the project by introducing reference interval [0.5,0.6]. By calculating the membership relationship between nearness degree and reference interval , the decision‐making method to improve the level of project safety management was given. The results show that, if ,need external interactive learning, if , internal communication and learning can be organized. If ,the project safety management level can be improved by the combination of external interactive learning and internal experience exchange.
Resource use efficiency of warm‐water fish culture upon different pond sizes
Authors: Firouzi Saeed , Kosari‐Moghaddam Armaghan , Radgoudarzi Mohammad
Published: November 2021

Improving the energy efficiency of fish culture has always been a concern for warm‐water fish farming units. In this respect, the present study explored energy consumption flow and energy indices of warm‐water fish production in Guilan province, northern Iran. The impact of the energy equivalent of the system inputs on the energy equivalent of fish yield was modeled by the Cobb–Douglas function. The results revealed that total energy input, energy ratio, energy productivity, and energy intensity were 3710.4 MJ per 100 m2, 0.042, 0.009 kg MJ−1, and 109.77 MJ kg−1, respectively. Feed, electricity, and fossil fuel were the most energy‐intensive inputs accounting for 70.09%, 11.95%, and 11.70% of total energy use, respectively; representing the dominant role of feed in the energy input of warm‐water fish farming. Renewable and nonrenewable energy resources accounted for 6.97% and 93.03% of the total energy input of warm‐water fish culture system, respectively; requiring more care to cut the share of nonrenewable energy inputs. The Pareto chart determined that fingerling, labor, and electricity had the highest effects on the warm‐water fish yield. Therefore, more attention should be paid to the appropriate use of these inputs in warm‐water fish culture in the study region.
Nanoporous anodic alumina with ohmic contact between substrate and infill: Application to perovskite solar cells
Authors: Montero‐Rama María P. , Viterisi Aurelien , Ferré‐Borrull Josep , Marsal Lluis F.
Published: November 2021

The use of a nanostructured aluminum substrate as the cathode for a perovskite photovoltaic device is described. This cathode consists of an aluminum substrate onto which a highly ordered array of aluminum oxide tubular pores was grown via anodization. The 1‐μm thick pores – arranged in a closed‐packed hexagonal pattern – were subsequently selectively etched at the bottom to remove the so‐called aluminum oxide barrier layer. The subsequent infiltration of the pores with the components of a methylammonium lead iodide perovskite solar cells, and the completion with a semi‐transparent anode, have shown to allow the establishment of an ohmic contact between the substrate itself and the components infiltrated into the Al2O3 pores. Indeed, a clear rectifying behavior was observed on the full devices, as well as modest photovoltaic conversion efficiencies. This paper demonstrates that an ohmic contact can be established between the aluminum substrate from which nanoporous anodic alumina was grown, and that the pores can be used to compartmentalize the infill material down to the nanoscopic level.
Impacts of COVID‐19 pandemic on electrical energy storage technologies
Authors: Catalbas Mehmet Cem
Published: November 2021

In this study, the effect of the COVID‐19 pandemic on electrical energy storage technologies was investigated. The results of the crises and opportunities created by this unpredictable epidemic in the future processes were evaluated according to energy and especially electrical energy storage areas. Home quarantines used to reduce the spread of the epidemic significantly increased the electrical energy needs of home users. In addition, great changes have occurred in public transportation habits during the COVID‐19 pandemic, and it has been observed that approximately 20% of individuals may prefer electric micromobility devices working with lithium batteries due to the risk of infection in closed areas such as public buses or metros. Although the demand for main energy sources has decreased significantly during the COVID‐19 pandemic, it is important that the percentage of energy produced from renewable energy sources increases by about 1%. With the increasing use of renewable energy sources and the increasing importance of the concept of sustainability in all areas of our lives, energy storage systems compatible with renewable energy technologies will become more and more important. At the beginning of these technologies, hydroelectric energy storage systems with closed‐loop pumps are preferred for large‐scale applications.
PSMA as a Theranostic Target in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Immunohistochemistry and 68Ga‐PSMA‐11 PET Using Cyclotron‐Produced 68Ga
Authors: Thompson Scott M. , Suman Garima , Torbenson Michael S. , Chen Zong‐Ming E. , Jondal Danielle E. , Patra Anurima , Ehman Eric C. , Andrews James C. , Fleming Chad J. , Welch Brian T. , Kurup Anil N. , Roberts Lewis R. , Watt Kymberly D. , Truty Mark J. , Cleary Sean P. , Smoot Rory L. , Heimbach Julie K. , Tran Nguyen H. , Mahipal Amit , Yin Jun , Zemla Tyler , Wang Chen , Fogarty Zachary , Jacobson Mark , Kemp Bradley J. , Venkatesh Sudhakar K. , Johnson Geoffrey B. , Woodrum David A. , Goenka Ajit H.
Published: November 2021

Prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a validated target for molecular diagnostics and targeted radionuclide therapy. Our purpose was to evaluate PSMA expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), and hepatic adenoma (HCA); investigate the genetic pathways in HCC associated with PSMA expression; and evaluate HCC detection rate with 68Ga‐PSMA‐11 positron emission tomography (PET). In phase 1, PSMA immunohistochemistry (IHC) on HCC (n = 148), CCA (n = 111), and HCA (n = 78) was scored. In a subset (n = 30), messenger RNA (mRNA) data from the Cancer Genome Atlas HCC RNA sequencing were correlated with PSMA expression. In phase 2, 68Ga‐PSMA‐11 PET was prospectively performed in patients with treatment‐naïve HCC on a digital PET scanner using cyclotron‐produced 68Ga. Uptake was graded qualitatively and semi‐quantitatively using standard metrics. On IHC, PSMA expression was significantly higher in HCC compared with CCA and HCA (P < 0.0001); 91% of HCCs (n = 134) expressed PSMA, which principally localized to tumor‐associated neovasculature. Higher tumor grade was associated with PSMA expression (P = 0.012) but there was no association with tumor size (P = 0.14), fibrosis (P = 0.35), cirrhosis (P = 0.74), hepatitis B virus (P = 0.31), or hepatitis C virus (P = 0.15). Overall survival tended to be longer in patients without versus with PSMA expression (median overall survival: 4.2 vs. 1.9 years; P = 0.273). FGF14 (fibroblast growth factor 14) mRNA expression correlated positively (rho = 0.70; P = 1.70 × 10‐5) and MAD1L1 (Mitotic spindle assembly checkpoint protein MAD1) correlated negatively with PSMA expression (rho = −0.753; P = 1.58 × 10‐6). Of the 190 patients who met the eligibility criteria, 31 patients with 39 HCC lesions completed PET; 64% (n = 25) lesions had pronounced 68Ga‐PSMA‐11 standardized uptake value: SUVmax (median [range] 9.2 [4.9‐28.4]), SUVmean 4.7 (2.4‐12.7), and tumor‐to‐liver background ratio 2 (1.1‐11). Conclusion: Ex vivo expression of PSMA in neovasculature of HCC translates to marked tumor avidity on 68Ga‐PSMA‐11 PET, which suggests that PSMA has the potential as a theranostic target in patients with HCC.
An Analysis of Free‐Text Refusals as an Indicator of Readiness to Accept Organ Offers in Liver Transplantation
Authors: Ge Jin , Ku Elaine , Roll Garrett R. , Lai Jennifer C.
Published: November 2021

Racial/ethnic minorities experience higher rates of wait‐list mortality and longer waiting times on the liver transplant wait list. We hypothesized that racial/ethnic minorities may encounter greater logistical barriers to maintaining “readiness” on the wait list, as reflected in offer nonacceptance. We identified all candidates who received an organ offer between 2009 and 2018 and investigated candidates who did not accept an organ offer using a free‐text refusal reason associated with refusal code 801. We isolated patients who did not accept an organ offer due to “candidate‐related logistical reasons” and evaluated their characteristics. We isolated 94,006 “no 801” patients and 677 “with 801 logistical” patients. Common reasons for offer decline among the 677 were 60% “unable to travel/distance,” 22% “cannot be contacted,” 13% “not ready/unspecified,” and 5% “financial/insurance.” Compared to “no 801,” “with 801 logistical” patients were more likely to be Hispanic (19% vs. 15%, P < 0.01). Multivariate logistic modeling showed Hispanic (odds ratio [OR] 1.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17‐1.76, P < 0.01) and multiracial/other ethnicity (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.08‐3.05, P = 0.02) were associated with “with 801 logistical” status. The “with 801 logistical” patients were listed with higher allocation (inclusive of exception points) Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease scores (16 vs. 15, P < 0.01) and remained longer on the wait list (median 428 days vs. 187 days, P < 0.01). Conclusion: In this analysis of wait‐list candidates, we isolated 677 patients who declined an organ offer with a free‐text reason consistent with a “candidate‐related logistical reason.” Compared with non‐Hispanic Whites, Hispanics were at 1.44 odds of not accepting organ offers due to logistical reasons. These limited findings motivate further research into interventions that would improve candidates’ “readiness” to accept organ offers and may benefit racial/ethnic minorities on the liver‐transplantation wait list.
Elastin MIcrofibriL INterfacer1 (EMILIN‐1) is an alternative prosurvival VLA‐4 ligand in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Tissino Erika , Pivetta Eliana , Capuano Alessandra , Capasso Guido , Bomben Riccardo , Caldana Chiara , Rossi Francesca Maria , Pozzo Federico , Benedetti Dania , Boldorini Renzo , Gaidano Gianluca , Rossi Davide , Zamò Alberto , Hartmann Tanja Nicole , Doliana Roberto , Colombatti Alfonso , Gattei Valter , Spessotto Paola , Zucchetto Antonella
Published: November 2021

CD49d, the α4 chain of the VLA‐4 integrin, is a negative prognosticator in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with a key role in CLL cell‐microenvironment interactions mainly occurring via its ligands VCAM‐1 and fibronectin. In the present study, we focused on EMILIN‐1 (Elastin‐MIcrofibriL‐INterfacer‐1), an alternative VLA‐4 ligand whose role has been so far reported only in non‐hematological settings, by investigating: i) the distribution of EMILIN‐1 in CLL‐involved tissues; ii) the capability of EMILIN‐1 to operate, via its globular C1q (gC1q) domain, as additional adhesion ligand in CLL; iii) the functional meaning of EMILIN‐1 gC1q/VLA‐4 interactions in CLL. EMILIN‐1 is widely present in the CLL‐involved areas of bone marrow biopsies (BMBs) without difference between CD49d negative and positive cases, displaying at least three different expression patterns: “fibrillar”, “dot‐like” and “mixed”. The lack in CLL‐BMB of neutrophil elastase, whose proteolytic activity degrades EMILIN‐1 and impairs EMILIN‐1 function, suggests full functional EMILIN‐1 in CLL independently of its expression pattern. Functionally, EMILIN‐1 gC1q domain promotes adhesion of CLL cells through specific interaction with VLA‐4, and releases pro‐survival signals for CLL cells, as demonstrated by enhanced ERK and AKT phosphorylation and impairment of in‐vitro‐induced apoptosis. EMILIN‐1/VLA‐4 interaction can efficiently contribute to the maintenance of the neoplastic clone in CLL.
Vitamin D and Breast Cancer: Mechanistic Update
Authors: Welsh JoEllen
Published: November 2021

The presence of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in mammary gland and breast cancer has long been recognized, and multiple preclinical studies have demonstrated that its ligand, 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25D), modulates normal mammary gland development and inhibits growth of breast tumors in animal models. Vitamin D deficiency is common in breast cancer patients, and some evidence suggests that low vitamin D status enhances the risk for disease development or progression. Although many 1,25D‐responsive targets in normal mammary cells and in breast cancers have been identified, validation of specific targets that regulate cell cycle, apoptosis, autophagy, and differentiation, particularly in vivo, has been challenging. Model systems of carcinogenesis have provided evidence that both VDR expression and 1,25D actions change with transformation, but clinical data regarding vitamin D responsiveness of established tumors is limited and inconclusive. Because breast cancer is heterogeneous, the relevant VDR targets and potential sensitivity to vitamin D repletion or supplementation will likely differ between patient populations. Detailed analysis of VDR actions in specific molecular subtypes of the disease will be necessary to clarify the conflicting data. Genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic analyses of in vitro and in vivo model systems are also warranted to comprehensively understand the network of vitamin D–regulated pathways in the context of breast cancer heterogeneity. This review provides an update on recent studies spanning the spectrum of mechanistic (cell/molecular), preclinical (animal models), and translational work on the role of vitamin D in breast cancer. © 2021 The Author. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Investigation of the quantitative detection of serum Helicobacter pylori antibody in clinical laboratories in China
Authors: Zhang Chao , Zhou Weiyan , Wang Jing , Zhang Jiangtao , Zhang Chuanbao
Published: November 2021

Background

This study aimed to investigate the implementation and quality control of the quantitative detection of serum Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) antibody in clinical laboratories in China.

Methods

Online external quality assessment (EQA) questionnaires were distributed to the clinical laboratories by National Center for Clinical Laboratories (NCCL) of China. We collected information on the quantitative detection procedures of serum H. pylori antibody in clinical laboratories, including detection reagents, methods, instruments, calibrators, and internal quality control (IQC). We distributed quality control products to some select laboratories that conducted quantitative detection and analyzed the obtained test data. We evaluated the quantitative detection procedure based on the standard evaluation criteria set at a target value of ±30%.

Results

70.9% (146/206) of the laboratories conducted quantitative detection of H. pylori antibody; 29.1% (60/206) of the laboratories performed qualitative detection. Domestic reagents and matching calibrators accounted for more than 97.1% (200/206) of all reagents. Latex‐enhanced immunoturbidimetry was used in 89.7% (131/146) of the laboratories for quantitative determination, while the colloidal gold method was used in 66.7% (40/60) of the laboratories for qualitative determination. A total of 130 laboratories participated in the EQA; 123 completed the assessment, and the pass rate was 75.6% (93/123).

Conclusion

Clinical quantitative detection of serum H. pylori antibody is performed at a high rate in China. Thus, further studies on the specificity of commercial detection reagents are needed. EQAs are useful to monitor and improve the detection quality of H. pylori antibodies.
Ontogeny of the testicular excurrent duct system of male Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica): A histological, ultrastructural, and histometric study
Authors: Ibrahim Mohammed I. A. , Zakariah Musa , Molele Reneilwe A. , Mahdy Mohamed A. A. , Williams June H. , Botha Christo J.
Published: November 2021

The testicular excurrent duct system undergoes several physiological and morphological changes during the reproductive stage or breeding season in mammals, birds, and reptiles. Studies on normal age‐related histomorphological changes in the excurrent duct system of Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) remain unreported, despite the extensive use of this bird as an avian model in research studies. The current study investigated the histological, ultrastructural, and histometric changes in the testicular excurrent duct system of the Japanese quail during three reproductive stages, namely prepubertal, pubertal, and adult. Simple squamous to low cuboidal cells formed the epithelia of the rete testis in prepubertal and pubertal birds, while in adult birds the lining was low cuboidal to cuboidal. In pubertal and adult birds, the nonciliated Type I epithelial cells of the proximal efferent duct displayed a subapical endocytotic apparatus comprising coated pits, coated apical tubules, and endosomes. There was a significant increase (p ≤ .001) in epithelial heights of all ducts of the excurrent duct system in the mature, sexually active, adult birds when compared to the other age groups. The luminal and tubular diameters, and the cross‐sectional areas of efferent ducts and the epididymal duct unit increased significantly (p ≤ .001) with age. It is concluded that the morphology and morphometry of the excurrent ducts of the testis of the Japanese quail change as birds mature.
A stability result for girth‐regular graphs with even girth
Authors: Kiss György , Miklavič Štefko , Szőnyi Tamás
Published: November 2021

Let denote a finite, connected, simple graph. For an edge of let denote the number of girth cycles containing . For a vertex of let be the set of edges incident to ordered such that . Then is called the signature of . The graph is said to be girth‐regular if all of its vertices have the same signature. Let be a girth‐regular graph with girth and signature . It is known that in this case we have . In this paper we show that if for some nonnegative integer , then . We also show that the above bound on is sharp by displaying examples of girth‐regular graphs with for some values of and (in particular, for ), and construct geometric examples where is not far from .
Morphology and postnatal ontogeny of the cranial endocast and paranasal sinuses of capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), the largest living rodent
Authors: Ferreira José D. , Dozo Maria Teresa , de Moura Bubadué Jamile , Kerber Leonardo
Published: November 2021

Recent studies have analyzed and described the endocranial cavities of caviomorph rodents. However, no study has documented the changes in the morphology and relative size of such cavities during ontogeny. Expecting to contribute to the discussion of the endocranial spaces of extinct caviomorphs, we aimed to characterize the cranial endocast morphology and paranasal sinuses of the largest living rodent, Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris, by focusing on its ontogenetic growth patterns. We analyzed 12 specimens of different ontogenetic stages and provided a comparison with other cavioids. Our study demonstrates that the adult cranial endocast of H. hydrochaeris is characterized by olfactory bulbs with an irregular shape, showing an elongated olfactory tract without a clear circular fissure, a marked temporal region that makes the endocast with rhombus outline, and gyrencephaly. Some of these traits change as the brain grows. The cranial pneumatization is present in the frontal and lacrimal bones. We identified two recesses (frontal and lacrimal) and one sinus (frontal). These pneumatic cavities increase their volume as the cranium grows, covering the cranial region of the cranial endocast. The encephalization quotient was calculated for each specimen, demonstrating that it decreases as the individual grows, being much higher in younger specimens than in adults. Our results show that the ontogenetic stage can be a confounding factor when it comes to the general patterns of encephalization of extinct rodents, reinforcing the need for paleobiologists to take the age of the specimens into account in future studies on this subject to avoid age‐related biases.
2021 Focused update of the 2017 consensus guidelines of the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS) on stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation
Authors: Chao Tze‐Fan , Joung Boyoung , Takahashi Yoshihide , Lim Toon Wei , Choi Eue‐Keun , Chan Yi‐Hsin , Guo Yutao , Sriratanasathavorn Charn , Oh Seil , Okumura Ken , Lip Gregory Y. H.
Published: November 2021

The consensus of the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS) on stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF) has been published in 2017 which provided useful clinical guidance for cardiologists, neurologists, geriatricians, and general practitioners in Asia‐Pacific region. In these years, many important new data regarding stroke prevention in AF were reported. The Practice Guidelines subcommittee members comprehensively reviewed updated information on stroke prevention in AF, and summarized them in this 2021 focused update of the 2017 consensus guidelines of the APHRS on stroke prevention in AF. We highlighted and focused on several issues, including the importance of AF Better Care (ABC) pathway, the advantages of non–vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) for Asians, the considerations of use of NOACs for Asian patients with AF with single 1 stroke risk factor beyond gender, the role of lifestyle factors on stroke risk, the use of oral anticoagulants during the “coronavirus disease 2019” (COVID‐19) pandemic, etc. We fully realize that there are gaps, unaddressed questions, and many areas of uncertainty and debate in the current knowledge of AF, and the physician's decision remains the most important factor in the management of AF.
Analysis of handmade paper by Raman spectroscopy combined with machine learning
Authors: Yan Chunsheng , Cheng Zhongyi , Luo Si , Huang Chen , Han Songtao , Han Xiuli , Du Yuandong , Ying Chaonan
Published: November 2021

Handmade paper is a major carrier and restoration material of traditional Chinese ancient books, calligraphies, and paintings. In this study, we carried out a Raman spectroscopy analysis of 18 types of handmade paper samples. The main components of the handmade paper were cellulose and lignin, according to the wavenumber and Raman vibration assignment. We divided its Raman spectrum into eight subbands. Five machine learning models were employed: principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares (PLS), support vector machine (SVM), k‐nearest neighbors (KNN), and random forest (RF). The Raman spectral data were normalized, and the fluorescence envelope was subtracted using the airPLS algorithm to obtain four types of data, raw, normalized, defluorescence, and fluorescence data. An RF variable importance analysis of data processing showed that data normalization eliminated the intensity differences of fluorescence signals caused by lignin, which contained important information of raw materials and papermaking technology, let alone the data defluorescence. The data processing also reduced the importance of the average variables in almost all spectral bands. Nevertheless, the data processing is worthwhile because it significantly improves the accuracy of machine learning, and the information loss does not affect the prediction. Using the machine learning models of PCA, PLS, and SVM combined with linear regression (LR), KNN, and RF, the classification and prediction of handmade paper samples were realized. For almost all processed data, including the fluorescence data, PCA‐LR had the highest classification and prediction accuracy (R2 = 1) in almost all spectral bands. PLS‐LR and SVM‐LR had the second‐highest accuracies (R2 = 0.4–0.9), whereas KNN and RF had the lowest accuracies (R2 = 0.1–0.4) for full band spectral data. Our results suggest that the abundant information contained in Raman spectroscopy combined with powerful machine learning models could inspire further studies on handmade paper and related cultural relics.
Detergents containing cationic hydroxyethyl cellulose: Benefits on dark garments leveraging a consumer relevant wash method
Authors: Chalmond Thomas , Martinez Alberto , Lebron Ariel , Bianchetti Giulia Ottavia
Published: November 2021

The industrial standard methods to evaluate color care of detergents leverage technical fabrics and use known dye standards from A.I.S.E. (International Association for Soaps, Detergents and Maintenance Products). This has some limitations: (1) it is not always following the latest fashion trends; (2) overall color fading of a garment is due to both dye bleeding out of the fabric as well as friction during the wash leading to fabric texture changes. The latter depends on parameters such as fabric type and surface area that could be better assessed on real garments. To overcome the above limitations, we have designed a new protocol considering the incidence of garment types, fiber and dye chemistry. Leveraging this protocol, we assessed the effect of the presence of a cationic hydroxyethyl cellulose in a commercial detergent formulation on dark fabrics/garments. Our results indicate that the commercial detergent formulation with cationic hydroxyethyl cellulose delivers dark/black color benefit.
Influence of microbial probiotics on ruminant health and nutrition: sources, mode of action and implications
Authors: Reuben Rine C , Elghandour Mona M M Y , Alqaisi Othman , Cone John W , Márquez Ofelia , Salem Abdelfattah Z M
Published: November 2021

Globally, ruminant production contributes immensely to the supply of the highest quality and quantity of proteins for human consumption, sustenance of livelihoods, and attainment of food security. Nevertheless, the phasing out of antibiotics in animal production has posed a myriad of challenges, including poor growth, performance and nutrient utilization, pathogen colonization, dysbiosis, and food safety issues in ruminants. Probiotics (direct‐fed microbials), comprising live microbial strains that confer health and nutritional benefits to the host when administered in appropriate quantities, are emerging as a viable, safe, natural and sustainable alternative to antibiotics. Although the mechanisms of action exerted by probiotics on ruminants are not well elucidated, dietary probiotic dosage to ruminants enhances development and maturation, growth and performance, milk production and composition, nutrient digestibility, feed efficiency, pathogen reduction, and mitigation of gastrointestinal diseases. However, the beneficial response to probiotic supplementation in ruminants is not consistent, being dependent on the microbial strain selected, combination of strains, dose, time and frequency of supplementation, diet, animal breed, physiological stage, husbandry practice, and farm management. Nonetheless, several studies have recently reported beneficial effects of probiotics on ruminant performance, health and production. This review conclusively re‐iterates the need for probiotics inclusion for the sustainability of ruminant production. Considering the role that ruminants play in food production and employment, global acceptance of sustainable ruminant production through supplementation with probiotics will undoubtedly ensure food security and food safety for the world. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Performance of conventional and enhanced‐efficiency nitrogen fertilizers on potato tuber mineral composition and marketability
Authors: Souza Emerson F C , Soratto Rogério P , Fernandes Adalton M , Gupta Sanjay K
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Potato is an essential crop for global food security, and its cultivation requires a significant amount of readily available nitrogen (N) to ensure tuber quality. Therefore, managing N with enhanced‐efficiency fertilizers becomes a potential strategy to meet the seasonal potato N demand. A 3 site‐years (SYs) study was conducted to assess the marketable attributes and mineral composition of table‐stock potato in response to N rates and fertilizers urea, ammonium sulfate and ammonium sulfate nitrate (ASN) with nitrification inhibitor dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP).

RESULTS

At 75% of recommended N rate (RNR), ammonium sulfate and ASN+DMPP ensured marketable tuber yields equivalent to that observed at 100% of RNR. Urea promoted greater tuber K and Mg concentrations than ammonium sulfate and ASN+DMPP. Although inconsistent across SYs, ASN+DMPP generally reduced starch and reducing sugars contents and increased pulp pH and protein content than other fertilizers. Increasing N rates from 50% up to 75% and 100% of RNR increased marketable tuber yields and protein content, whereas soluble solids increased from 50% to 100% of RNR. Conversely, increasing N rates from zero to 75% of RNR reduced tuber firmness, whereas N application reduced tuber P concentration, regardless of N rates.

CONCLUSION

Although ASN+DMPP showed potential for increasing marketable tuber yield and protein content, potatoes receiving ammonium sulfate and ASN+DMPP lowered tuber K and Mg concentrations compared to those receiving urea. Overall, potato tuber quality improvements are N source‐specific, demanding strategies under which these fertilizers can ensure/improve tuber nutritional composition along with size quality. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Intervention of 4% salmon phospholipid on metabolic syndrome in mice based on colonic lipidomics analysis
Authors: Cao Hui , Chen Shu‐Fen , Wang Zi‐Chen , Dong Xin‐Jie , Wang Ran‐Ran , Lin Hong , Wang Qi , Zhao Xiu‐Ju
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

The incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is increasing, and n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in salmon (Oncorhynchus) phospholipids can effectively reduce the risk of MetS.

RESULTS

Under the intervention of 4% salmon phospholipid, the levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) were significantly reduced in the plasma of MetS mice, whereas adiponectin was significantly increased. By screening, we found that the 18 differential metabolites, consisting of seven triglycerides (TGs), six diglycerides (DGs), one phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), three sphingomyelins (SMs) and one eicosanoid, could be the key differential metabolites, and two metabolic pathways were significantly affected: glycerolipid metabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolism.

CONCLUSION

4% salmon phospholipids could affect MetS by inhibiting insulin resistance, reducing inflammatory factors and promoting the synthesis of PE, yet the mechanism required further study. Our results could help in the treatment of MetS. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Directional Coupling of Emitters into Waveguides: A Symmetry Perspective
Authors: Lamprianidis Aristeidis G. , Zambrana‐Puyalto Xavier , Rockstuhl Carsten , Fernandez‐Corbaton Ivan
Published: November 2021

Recent experiments demonstrate strongly directional coupling of light into waveguide modes. Here, the symmetry mechanisms behind this effect are studied, and it is shown that the analysis of the symmetries and symmetry‐breakings of the emitter‐waveguide system allows to qualitatively understand directional coupling in several situations. The authors consider emitters either centered in a median plane of the waveguide, or displaced from it, and whose emissions have a well‐defined angular momentum in either one of the two different axis typically chosen experimentally, which are called transverse and vertical. These insights are matched by simulations, and previous experimental measurements. It is shown that handedness plays a secondary role in directional coupling. The spin‐momentum locking concept is generalized to an exponentially strong locking between the transverse angular momentum and the preferential coupling direction. A new selection rule is obtained that controls the coupling of electric(magnetic) multipolar emissions into waveguide modes. An experiment is proposed featuring a transverse magnetic bias that aggregates the directional emissions from many quantum dots on top of waveguides, in contrast to the typically used vertical bias, which effectively restricts experiments to using a single quantum dot. Finally, the Huygens' dipole is analyzed and the symmetries that enable its directional behavior revealed.
Proton density water fraction as a reproducible MR‐based measurement of breast density
Authors: Henze Bancroft Leah C. , Strigel Roberta M. , Macdonald Erin B. , Longhurst Colin , Johnson Jacob , Hernando Diego , Reeder Scott B.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To introduce proton density water fraction (PDWF) as a confounder‐corrected (CC) MR‐based biomarker of mammographic breast density, a known risk factor for breast cancer.

Methods

Chemical shift encoded (CSE) MR images were acquired using a low flip angle to provide proton density contrast from multiple echo times. Fat and water images, corrected for known biases, were produced by a six‐echo CC CSE‐MRI algorithm. Fibroglandular tissue (FGT) volume was calculated from whole‐breast segmented PDWF maps at 1.5T and 3T. The method was evaluated in (1) a physical fat‐water phantom and (2) normal volunteers. Results from two‐ and three‐echo CSE‐MRI methods were included for comparison.

Results

Six‐echo CC‐CSE‐MRI produced unbiased estimates of the total water volume in the phantom (mean bias 3.3%) and was reproducible across protocol changes (repeatability coefficient [RC] = 14.8 cm3 and 13.97 cm3 at 1.5T and 3.0T, respectively) and field strengths (RC = 51.7 cm3) in volunteers, while the two‐ and three‐echo CSE‐MRI approaches produced biased results in phantoms (mean bias 30.7% and 10.4%) that was less reproducible across field strengths in volunteers (RC = 82.3 cm3 and 126.3 cm3). Significant differences in measured FGT volume were found between the six‐echo CC‐CSE‐MRI and the two‐ and three‐echo CSE‐MRI approaches (p = 0.002 and p = 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

The use of six‐echo CC‐CSE‐MRI to create unbiased PDWF maps that reproducibly quantify FGT in the breast is demonstrated. Further studies are needed to correlate this quantitative MR biomarker for breast density with mammography and overall risk for breast cancer.
Self‐gated 3D stack‐of‐spirals UTE pulmonary imaging at 0.55T
Authors: Javed Ahsan , Ramasawmy Rajiv , O’Brien Kendall , Mancini Christine , Su Pan , Majeed Waqas , Benkert Thomas , Bhat Himanshu , Suffredini Anthony F. , Malayeri Ashkan , Campbell‐Washburn Adrienne E.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To develop an isotropic high‐resolution stack‐of‐spirals UTE sequence for pulmonary imaging at 0.55 Tesla by leveraging a combination of robust respiratory‐binning, trajectory correction, and concomitant‐field corrections.

Methods

A stack‐of‐spirals golden‐angle UTE sequence was used to continuously acquire data for 15.5 minutes. The data was binned to a stable respiratory phase based on superoinferior readout self‐navigator signals. Corrections for trajectory errors and concomitant field artifacts, along with image reconstruction with conjugate gradient SENSE, were performed inline within the Gadgetron framework. Finally, data were retrospectively reconstructed to simulate scan times of 5, 8.5, and 12 minutes. Image quality was assessed using signal‐to‐noise, image sharpness, and qualitative reader scores. The technique was evaluated in healthy volunteers, patients with coronavirus disease 2019 infection, and patients with lung nodules.

Results

The technique provided diagnostic quality images with parenchymal lung SNR of 3.18 ± 0.0.60, 4.57 ± 0.87, 5.45 ± 1.02, and 5.89 ± 1.28 for scan times of 5, 8.5, 12, and 15.5 minutes, respectively. The respiratory binning technique resulted in significantly sharper images (p < 0.001) as measured with relative maximum derivative at the diaphragm. Concomitant field corrections visibly improved sharpness of anatomical structures away from iso‐center. The image quality was maintained with a slight loss in SNR for simulated scan times down to 8.5 minutes. Inline image reconstruction and artifact correction were achieved in <5 minutes.

Conclusion

The proposed pulmonary imaging technique combined efficient stack‐of‐spirals imaging with robust respiratory binning, concomitant field correction, and trajectory correction to generate diagnostic quality images with 1.75 mm isotropic resolution in 8.5 minutes on a high‐performance 0.55 Tesla system.
A semi‐elliptical surface compound diffusion model for synchronous grouting filling stage in specially shaped shield tunnelling
Authors: Li Peinan , Liu Jun , Shi Lai , Zhai Yixin , Huang Dezhong , Fan Jie
Published: November 2021

In constructing super‐large section shield tunnels, it is difficult to guarantee the filling efficiency and uniformity of grouting behind the segments. Studies on grout diffusion models often simplify the grout filling process, leading to inaccurate results, especially for shield tail void with special noncircular profiles. This paper presents a theoretical study on the grout filling diffusion mechanism and its mechanical behaviour, with a particular focus on the grout actual motion process at the synchronous grouting filling stage when the shield is advancing. A semi‐elliptical surface compound diffusion model without the predetermined flowing passage was developed, and this model was used to derive the grout filling pressure and diffusion distance formulas. To address the time‐varying diffusion surface and irregular integral region issues in derived equations, a stepwise solution algorithm based on the spatiotemporal discretisation operation was proposed. Finally, the grout pressure distribution patterns and some critical influence factors were analysed using a case study in the soft silty clay area to compare the presence and absence of circumferential‐longitudinal correlations in the grout filling diffusion process. The results show that the diffusion mechanical behaviour and force transmission significantly affected the total and per‐unit‐area grout pressures, and the proposed theoretical model is more consistent with the field‐measured data. The local trend and fluctuation characteristics of grout filling pressure are clearly different from those of a circular tunnel. The grout filling diffusion mechanism was determined to be the main cause of pressure distribution changes under the premise of a certain initial grouting pressure.
Evaluation of SIMESON, a training program to improve access to quality health care for pregnant women and newborn in different healthcare facilities of northern Bangladesh
Authors: Das Rina , Farzana Fahmida Dil , Sultana Zakia , Mukherji Kallol , Baayo Adnan , Sultana Marufa , Ali Nausad , Chisti Mohammod Jobayer , Sarker Shafiqul Alam , Ahmed Tahmeed , Faruque ASG
Published: November 2021

Aim

The study aims to explore the current knowledge and skills of healthcare providers already trained by SIMESON (simulation for essential skills for obstetrical and neonatal care), in reviewing perinatal health situations including current status of healthcare facilities and cost estimation.

Design

It was an observational study.

Methods

Cost estimation following both quantitative and qualitative approaches was also attempted.

Result

Knowledge and skills of 88 healthcare providers about the provision of normal delivery and immediate postpartum care, management of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), retained placenta and use of bag and mask ventilation to help a baby breathe were found to be considerably strengthened following SIMESON training. During the 6 months after training, there were 477 PPH cases managed successfully with only one death; neonatal deaths observed were 6.6/1,000 live births; twice the number of facility deliveries; and 80% use rate of Ambu bag for helping baby breathe. The estimated cost per trainee was 395.68 USD, and 5.85 USD per beneficiary.