bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sports Event Model Evaluation and Prediction Method Using Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Yu Weiwei , Xing Jinming
Published: January 2022

Aiming at the problems of poor average fitness, low-risk prediction accuracy, high mean square error, low-risk evaluation precision, and long average running time of traditional sports event model evaluation and prediction methods, a sports event model evaluation and prediction method using principal component analysis (PCA) is proposed. Sports event risk monitoring microbase is deployed by ZigBee technology, and sports event risk monitoring data is monitored and packaged at each base station. Optical fiber and Ethernet are used to transmit the data to the monitoring and management center to complete the risk data collection of sports events. After data standardization, the risk evaluation index system of sports events is constructed, and the comprehensive score of each risk index of sports events is obtained by using the PCA method. The BP neural network is improved by genetic algorithm (GA), and the comprehensive score of risk index is input into the network to obtain the evaluation and prediction results of sports event risk. The results show that the proposed method has good average fitness, the predicted value of sports event risk is almost equal to the actual value, the prediction mean square error is less than 0.15, the evaluation precision is high, and the average running time is only 8 s. The cost (time complexity) is low. Overall, the method has a good application prospect in the field of sports event evaluation and prediction.
Transdermal Administration of Volatile Oil from Citrus aurantium-Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae Alleviates Constipation in Rats by Altering Host Metabolome and Intestinal Microbiota Composition
Authors: Wang Liangfeng , Wang Fang , Zhang Xiaofei , Chen Qingyao , Xu Jie , Li Huiting , Li FengQin , Yang Ming
Published: January 2022

Background. The Citrus aurantium- (ZhiShi, ZS-) Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae (BaiZhu, BZ) pairs are often found in herbal formulas for constipation. The volatile oils of ZS and BZ (ZBVO) have good pharmacological activity against constipation, but the mechanism for treatment of slow transit constipation (STC) remains unclear. Method. A rat model using diphenoxylate tablets was constructed to investigate if transdermal administration of ZBVO would mediate intestinal microorganisms and fecal metabolites and improve STC symptoms. The regulatory effects of ZBVO at 0.15, 0.30, and 0.60 mL kg-1 d-1 on STC rats were assessed by measuring fecal water content, intestinal propulsion rate, histopathology, expression of gastrointestinal hormones, brain and intestinal peptides, and inflammatory factors. The changes in intestinal flora of STC rats were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Moreover, the untargeted fecal metabolomics analysis was performed by ultraperformance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) technology. Results. The results showed that ZBVO had a modulating effect on STC by increasing the fecal water content and intestinal propulsion rate. Transdermal administration of ZBVO decreased serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and increased the levels of gastrin (GAS) and substance P (SP). In addition, ZBVO increased 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels and decreased vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) levels in colon and hippocampus tissues. The results of intestinal microbiota showed that ZBVO improved the diversity and abundance of intestinal microbiota and changed the community composition by decreasing Romboutsia and increasing Proteobacteria, Allobaculum, and Ruminococcaceae. And the feces metabolomics found that nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, purine metabolism, citrate cycle (TCA cycle), pyruvate metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, and primary bile acid biosynthesis were modulated. Conclusion. These findings suggest that ZBVO can alleviate STC symptoms by promoting intestinal peristalsis, increasing fecal water content, regulating gastrointestinal hormone level, reducing the inflammatory response, and regulating brain and intestinal peptides after transdermal administration. And structural changes in the intestinal microbiota are closely related to host metabolism and intestinal microbiota destroyed in STC modeling could be significantly improved by the ZBVO, which provides a reference for the development of aromatic drug macrohealth products.
Stability Study and Simulation of Quadruped Robots with Variable Parameters
Authors: Cong Qian , Shi Xiaojie , Wang Ju , Xiong Yu , Su Bo , Xu Wei , Liu Hai , Zhou Kuiyue , Jiang Lei , Tian Weijun
Published: January 2022

Walking stability is one of the key problems restricting the development of quadruped robots. Two new kinds of variable parameter quadruped robots with high stability were proposed. The two groups of variable parameter models were applied to quadruped robots with the full elbow joint or elbow joint for front legs and knee joint for back legs, respectively, and the stability of their linear motion under different variable parameters was deeply studied by Recurdyn. The quadruped robots with elbow joint for front legs and knee joint for back legs displayed good antijamming ability to lateral impact. According to the rigid-flexible simulation experiment, the largest force occurred in the knee joint during the movement of the quadruped robot. This provided a theoretical basis for the design of real quadruped robots.
CircRPN2 Inhibits Aerobic Glycolysis and Metastasis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Li Jia , Hu Zhi-Qiang , Yu Song-Yang , Mao Li , Zhou Zheng-Jun , Wang Peng-Cheng , Gong Yu , Su Sheng , Zhou Jian , Fan Jia , Zhou Shao-Lai , Huang Xiao-Wu
Published: January 2022

Although circular RNAs (circRNA) are known to modulate tumor initiation and progression, their role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) metastasis remains poorly understood. Here, three metastasis-associated circRNAs identified in a previous circRNA-sequencing study were screened and validated in two HCC cohorts. CircRPN2 was downregulated in highly metastatic HCC cell lines and HCC tissues with metastasis. Patients with HCC with lower circRPN2 levels displayed shorter overall survival and higher rates of cumulative recurrence. Mechanistic studies in vitro and in vivo revealed that circRPN2 binds to enolase 1 (ENO1) and accelerates its degradation to promote glycolytic reprogramming through the AKT/mTOR pathway, thereby inhibiting HCC metastasis. CircRPN2 also acted as a competing endogenous RNA for miR-183–5p, which increases forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) expression to suppress glucose metabolism and tumor progression. In clinical samples, circRPN2 expression negatively correlated with ENO1 and positively correlated with FOXO1, and expression of circRPN2, either alone or in combination with ENO1 and FOXO1, was a novel indicator of HCC prognosis. These data support a model wherein circRPN2 inhibits HCC aerobic glycolysis and metastasis via acceleration of ENO1 degradation and regulation of the miR-183–5p/FOXO1 axis, suggesting that circRPN2 represents a possible therapeutic target in HCC.

Significance:

The circRNA circRPN2 is a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma that suppresses aerobic glycolysis and metastasis.
Phase I Trial Combining Chemokine-Targeting with Loco-Regional Chemoimmunotherapy for Recurrent, Platinum-Sensitive Ovarian Cancer Shows Induction of CXCR3 Ligands and Markers of Type 1 Immunity
Authors: Orr Brian , Mahdi Haider , Fang Yusi , Strange Mary , Uygun Ibrahim , Rana Mainpal , Zhang Lixin , Suarez Mora Adria , Pusateri Alexandra , Elishaev Esther , Kang Chaeryon , Tseng George , Gooding William , Edwards Robert P. , Kalinski Pawel , Vlad Anda M.
Published: January 2022

Purpose:

Increased prevalence of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) predicts positive outcomes in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), whereas the regulatory T cells (Treg) predict poor outcomes. Guided by the synergistic activity of TLR3 ligands, IFNα, and COX-2 blockers in selectively enhancing CTL-attractants but suppressing Treg-attractants, we tested a novel intraperitoneal chemoimmunotherapy combination (CITC), to assess its tolerability and TME-modulatory impact in patients with recurrent EOC.

Patients and Methods:

Twelve patients were enrolled in phase I portion of the trial NCT02432378, and treated with intraperitoneal cisplatin, intraperitoneal rintatolimod (dsRNA, TLR3 ligand), and oral celecoxib (COX-2 blocker). Patients in cohorts 2, 3, and 4 also received intraperitoneal IFNα at 2, 6, and 18 million units (MU), respectively. Primary objectives were to evaluate safety, identify phase 2 recommended dose (P2RD), and characterize changes in the immune TME. Peritoneal resident cells and intraperitoneal wash fluid were profiled via NanoString and Meso Scale Discovery (MSD) multiplex assay, respectively.

Results:

The P2RD of IFNα was 6 MU. Median progression-free survival and overall survival were 8.4 and 30 months, respectively. Longitudinal sampling of the peritoneal cavity via intraperitoneal washes demonstrated local upregulation of IFN-stimulated genes (ISG), including CTL-attracting chemokines (CXCL-9, -10, -11), MHC I/II, perforin, and granzymes. These changes were present 2 days after chemokine modulation and subsided within 1 week.

Conclusions:

The chemokine-modulating intraperitoneal-CITC is safe, tolerable, and associated with ISG changes that favor CTL chemoattraction and function. This combination (plus DC vaccine) will be tested in a phase II trial.

See related commentary by Aranda et al., p. 1993
Patients with Rare Cancers in the Drug Rediscovery Protocol (DRUP) Benefit from Genomics-Guided Treatment
Authors: Hoes Louisa R. , van Berge Henegouwen Jade M. , van der Wijngaart Hanneke , Zeverijn Laurien J. , van der Velden Daphne L. , van de Haar Joris , Roepman Paul , de Leng Wendy J. , Jansen Anne M.L. , van Werkhoven Erik , van der Noort Vincent , Huitema Alwin D.R. , Gort Eelke H. , de Groot Jan Willem B. , Kerver Emile D. , de Groot Derk Jan , Erdkamp Frans , Beerepoot Laurens V. , Hendriks Mathijs P. , Smit Egbert F. , van der Graaf Winette T.A. , van Herpen Carla M.L. , Labots Mariette , Hoeben Ann , Morreau Hans , Lolkema Martijn P. , Cuppen Edwin , Gelderblom Hans , Verheul Henk M.W. , Voest Emile E.
Published: January 2022

Purpose:

Patients with rare cancers (incidence less than 6 cases per 100,000 persons per year) commonly have less treatment opportunities and are understudied at the level of genomic targets. We hypothesized that patients with rare cancer benefit from approved anticancer drugs outside their label similar to common cancers.

Experimental Design:

In the Drug Rediscovery Protocol (DRUP), patients with therapy-refractory metastatic cancers harboring an actionable molecular profile are matched to FDA/European Medicines Agency–approved targeted therapy or immunotherapy. Patients are enrolled in parallel cohorts based on the histologic tumor type, molecular profile and study drug. Primary endpoint is clinical benefit (complete response, partial response, stable disease ≥ 16 weeks).

Results:

Of 1,145 submitted cases, 500 patients, including 164 patients with rare cancers, started one of the 25 available drugs and were evaluable for treatment outcome. The overall clinical benefit rate was 33% in both the rare cancer and nonrare cancer subgroup. Inactivating alterations of CDKN2A and activating BRAF aberrations were overrepresented in patients with rare cancer compared with nonrare cancers, resulting in more matches to CDK4/6 inhibitors (14% vs. 4%; P ≤ 0.001) or BRAF inhibitors (9% vs. 1%; P ≤ 0.001). Patients with rare cancer treated with small-molecule inhibitors targeting BRAF experienced higher rates of clinical benefit (75%) than the nonrare cancer subgroup.

Conclusions:

Comprehensive molecular testing in patients with rare cancers may identify treatment opportunities and clinical benefit similar to patients with common cancers. Our findings highlight the importance of access to broad molecular diagnostics to ensure equal treatment opportunities for all patients with cancer.
Tumor Microenvironment Acidity Triggers Lipid Accumulation in Liver Cancer via SCD1 Activation
Authors: Ding Ming , Zhang Shuwei , Guo Yajuan , Yao Jingjing , Shen Qinghong , Huang Min , Chen Wenbo , Yu Shaofang , Zheng Yaqiu , Lin Yuefang , Yan Wenxin , Liu Zhongqiu , Su Tao , Lu Linlin
Published: January 2022

Acidification is recognized as the predominant characteristic of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and contributes to tumor progression. However, the mechanism of extracellular acidic TME directly influences intercellular pathologic responses remains unclear. Meanwhile, acidic TME is mainly ascribed to aberrant metabolism of lipids and glucose, but whether and how acidity affects metabolic reprogramming, especially for lipid metabolism, is still unknown. We found that lipid was significantly accumulated in liver cancer cells when exposed to acidic TME. Moreover, proteomic analysis showed that differentially expressed proteins were mainly clustered into fatty acid pathways. Subsequently, we found that acidification increased the expression of SCD1 by activating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Interestingly, we found that SCD1 directly bound to PPARα in the acidic TME, which vanished after 2-day reverse incubation in pH 7.4 medium, implying extracellular acidosis might influence intercellular function by mediating the binding affinity between SCD1 and PPARα under different pH gradients. In summary, our data revealed that acidosis could significantly trigger fatty acid synthesis to promote liver tumorigenesis by upregulating SCD1 in a PI3K/AKT activation dependent manner and simultaneously promote SCD1 binding to PPARα. Our study not only provides direct mechanistic evidence to support the vital role of acidosis in lipid metabolic reprogramming, but also provides novel insights for determining the binding affinity of functional proteins as a molecular mechanism to better understand the role of the acidic TME in tumor development.

Implications:

The acidic TME contributes to lipid accumulation in liver cancer by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and promoting SCD1–PPARα binding.
MOB3A Bypasses BRAF and RAS Oncogene-Induced Senescence by Engaging the Hippo Pathway
Authors: Dutchak Kendall , Garnett Sam , Nicoll Mary , de Bruyns Angeline , Dankort David
Published: January 2022

Oncogenic activation of the RTK–RAS–RAF–MEK–ERK pathway occurs in approximately 25% of all human cancers, yet activated RAS, BRAF, or MEK expression in primary cells leads to a prolonged and predominantly irreversible cell-cycle arrest termed oncogene-induced senescence (OIS). OIS acts as an intrinsic tumor suppressor mechanism, serving as a barrier to tumor progression. Screening a library of activated kinases and kinase-regulatory proteins we identified MOB3A, a Mps-one binder coactivator (MOB) protein family member, whose constitutive expression permits proliferation and suppresses senescence in response to oncogenic RAS and BRAF signals. MOB3A is one of seven human MOB genes, which are highly conserved from yeast to human and that function to activate the Hippo pathway kinases (MST/LATS) or NDR kinases through direct association. Here we show that within the MOB family of genes MOB3A and C are unique in their ability to allow primary cell proliferation in the face of sustained oncogene signaling. Unlike the canonical MOB1A/B proteins, MOB3A inhibits Hippo/MST/LATS signaling and constitutive MOB3A membrane localization phenocopies OIS bypass seen with elevated YAP expression. Moreover, inhibition of MOB3 family member expression results in decreased proliferation and tumor growth of cancer cell lines. Together these data identify MOB3A's role in bypass of oncogene induced senescence and its role as a Hippo pathway inhibitor.

Implications:

These results suggest that MOB3 targeting to re-engage the Hippo pathway, or direct targeting of YAP/TAZ, may be viable therapeutic strategies potential for RAS-pathway driven tumours.
A Structure is Worth a Thousand Words: New Insights for RAS and RAF Regulation
Authors: Simanshu Dhirendra K. , Morrison Deborah K.
Published: January 2022

The RAS GTPases are frequently mutated in human cancer, with KRAS being the predominant tumor driver. For many years, it has been known that the structure and function of RAS are integrally linked, as structural changes induced by GTP binding or mutational events determine the ability of RAS to interact with regulators and effectors. Recently, a wealth of information has emerged from structures of specific KRAS mutants and from structures of multiprotein complexes containing RAS and/or RAF, an essential effector of RAS. These structures provide key insights regarding RAS and RAF regulation as well as promising new strategies for therapeutic intervention.

Significance:

The RAS GTPases are major drivers of tumorigenesis, and for RAS proteins to exert their full oncogenic potential, they must interact with the RAF kinases to initiate ERK cascade signaling. Although binding to RAS is typically a prerequisite for RAF to become an activated kinase, determining the molecular mechanisms by which this interaction results in RAF activation has been a challenging task. A major advance in understanding this process and RAF regulation has come from recent structural studies of various RAS and RAF multiprotein signaling complexes, revealing new avenues for drug discovery.
Expansion of Candidate HPV-Specific T Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment during Chemoradiotherapy Is Prognostic in HPV16+ Cancers
Authors: Colbert Lauren E. , El Molly B. , Lynn Erica J. , Bronk Julianna , Karpinets Tatiana V. , Wu Xiaogang , Chapman Bhavana V. , Sims Travis T. , Lin Daniel , Kouzy Ramez , Sammouri Julie , Biegert Greyson , Delgado Medrano Andrea Y. , Olvera Adilene , Sastry K. Jagannadha , Eifel Patricia J. , Jhingran Anuja , Lin Lilie , Ramondetta Lois M. , Futreal Andrew P. , Jazaeri Amir A. , Schmeler Kathleen M. , Yue Jingyan , Mitra Aparna , Yoshida-Court Kyoko , Wargo Jennifer A. , Solley Travis N. , Hegde Venkatesh , Nookala Sita S. , Yanamandra Ananta V. , Dorta-Estremera Stephanie , Mathew Geena , Kavukuntla Rohit , Papso Cassidy , Ahmed-Kaddar Mustapha , Kim Minsoo , Zhang Jianhua , Reuben Alexandre , Holliday Emma B. , Minsky Bruce D. , Koong Albert C. , Koay Eugene J. , Das Prajnan , Taniguchi Cullen M. , Klopp Ann
Published: January 2022

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection causes 600,000 new cancers worldwide each year. HPV-related cancers express the oncogenic proteins E6 and E7, which could serve as tumor-specific antigens. It is not known whether immunity to E6 and E7 evolves during chemoradiotherapy or affects survival. Using T cells from 2 HPV16+ patients, we conducted functional T-cell assays to identify candidate HPV-specific T cells and common T-cell receptor motifs, which we then analyzed across 86 patients with HPV-related cancers. The HPV-specific clones and E7-related T-cell receptor motifs expanded in the tumor microenvironment over the course of treatment, whereas non–HPV-specific T cells did not. In HPV16+ patients, improved recurrence-free survival was associated with HPV-responsive T-cell expansion during chemoradiotherapy.
Impact of Body Mass Index on Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Undergoing Septal Myectomy
Authors: Zhang Jian , Zhu Changsheng , Nie Changrong , Song Changpeng , Zhang Yang , Huang Manyun , Zheng Xinxin , Lu Jie , Wang Shuiyun , Huang Xiaohong
Published: January 2022

Background

Obesity is an established cardiovascular risk factor in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is one of the most common complications after surgery in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (OHCM). We aimed to determine the impact of body mass index (BMI) on the occurrence of POAF in patients with OHCM who underwent septal myectomy.

Methods and Results

In all, 712 OHCM patients without previous atrial fibrillation who underwent septal myectomy were identified. Patients were stratified into 3 groups based on BMI. Of these, 224 (31.5%) had normal weight (BMI<24 kg/m
2
), 339 (47.6%) were overweight (BMI, 24 to <28 kg/m
2
), and 149 (20.9%) were obese (BMI≥28 kg/m
2
). Overweight and obese patients had increased levels of left atrial diameter (
P
<0.001) and left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter (
P
<0.001), compared with patients with normal weight. Among 184 patients (25.8%) developing POAF, 32 cases (14.3%) occurred in the normal weight group, 100 cases (29.5%) occurred in the overweight group, and 52 cases (34.9%) occurred in the obese group (
P
<0.001). Logistic regression analysis indicated that overweight (odds ratio [OR]: 2.161, 95% CI, 1.333–3.503;
P
=0.002) or obesity (OR, 2.803; 95% CI, 1.589–4.944;
P
<0.001), age (OR, 1.037; 95% CI, 1.018–1.057;
P
<0.001), and left atrial diameter (OR, 1.060; 95% CI, 1.027–1.095;
P
<0.001) were independently associated with the occurrence of POAF in patients with OHCM.

Conclusions

Overweight and obesity are strong predictors of POAF in patients with OHCM. Strategies aimed at lowering BMI may be a potential way to prevent POAF.
Hyperglycemia, Risk of Subsequent Stroke, and Efficacy of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy: A Post Hoc Analysis of the POINT Trial
Authors: Mac Grory Brian , Piccini Jonathan P. , Yaghi Shadi , Poli Sven , De Havenon Adam , Rostanski Sara K. , Weiss Martin , Xian Ying , Johnston S. Claiborne , Feng Wuwei
Published: January 2022

Background

One‐quarter of all strokes are subsequent events. It is not known whether higher levels of blood glucose are associated with an increased risk of subsequent stroke after high‐risk transient ischemic attack or minor ischemic stroke.

Methods and Results

We performed a secondary analysis of the POINT (Platelet Oriented Inhibition in New TIA and Minor Ischemic Stroke) trial to evaluate the relationship between serum glucose hyperglycemia (≥180 mg/dL) versus normoglycemia (<180 mg/dL) before enrollment in the trial and outcomes at 90 days. The primary end point was subsequent ischemic stroke modeled by a multivariable Cox model with adjustment for age, sex, race, ethnicity, study treatment assignment, index event, and key comorbidities. Of 4878 patients included in this study, 267 had a recurrent stroke. There was a higher hazard of subsequent stroke in patients with hyperglycemia compared with normoglycemia (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.50 [95% CI, 1.05–2.14]). Treatment with dual antiplatelet therapy was not associated with a reduced hazard of subsequent stroke in patients with hyperglycemia (HR, 1.18 [95% CI, 0.69–2.03]), though the wide confidence interval does not exclude a treatment effect. When modeled as a continuous variable, there was evidence of a nonlinear association between serum glucose and the hazard of subsequent stroke (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

Hyperglycemia on presentation is associated with an increased risk of subsequent ischemic stroke after high‐risk transient ischemic attack or minor stroke. A rapid, simple assay of serum glucose may be a useful biomarker to identify patients at particularly high risk of subsequent ischemic stroke.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT0099102.
Prevalence and Patterns of Resuscitation‐Associated Injury Detected by Head‐to‐Pelvis Computed Tomography After Successful Out‐of‐Hospital Cardiac Arrest Resuscitation
Authors: Karatasakis Aris , Sarikaya Basar , Liu Linda , Gunn Martin L. , Kudenchuk Peter J. , Gatewood Medley O. , Maynard Charles , Sayre Michael R. , Counts Catherine R. , Carlbom David J. , Edwards Rachael M. , Branch Kelley R. H.
Published: January 2022

Background

Patients resuscitated from out‐of‐hospital circulatory arrest (OHCA) frequently have cardiopulmonary resuscitation injuries identifiable by computed tomography, although the prevalence, types of injury, and effects on clinical outcomes are poorly characterized.

Methods and Results

We assessed the prevalence of resuscitation‐associated injuries in a prospective, observational study of a head‐to‐pelvis sudden‐death computed tomography scan within 6 hours of successful OHCA resuscitation. Primary outcomes included total injuries and time‐critical injuries (such as organ laceration). Exploratory outcomes were injury associations with mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation and survival to discharge. Among 104 patients with OHCA (age 56±15 years, 30% women), 58% had bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and total cardiopulmonary resuscitation time was 15±11 minutes. The prevalence of resuscitation‐associated injury was high (81%), including 15 patients (14%) with time‐critical findings. Patients with resuscitation injury were older (58±15 versus 46±13 years;
P
<0.001), but had otherwise similar baseline characteristics and survival compared with those without. Mechanical chest compression systems (27%) had more frequent sternal fractures (36% versus 12%;
P
=0.009), including displaced fractures (18% versus 1%;
P
=0.005), but no difference in survival (46% versus 41%;
P
=0.66).

Conclusions

In patients resuscitated from OHCA, head‐to‐pelvis sudden‐death computed tomography identified resuscitation injuries in most patients, with nearly 1 in 7 with time‐critical complications, and one‐half with extensive rib‐cage injuries. These data suggest that sudden‐death computed tomography may have additional diagnostic utility and treatment implications beyond evaluating causes of OHCA. These important findings need to also be taken in context of the certain fatal outcome without resuscitation efforts.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03111043.
Amapeza and Nigripeza, new genera of Neotropical micropezid flies (Diptera, Micropezidae, Taeniapterinae)
Authors: MARSHALL STEPHEN A.
Published: January 2022

The new Neotropical genera Amapeza and Nigripeza are described for seven new species and three named species previously treated as part of the genus Grallipeza Rondani. Amapeza includes A. amazonica (Enderlein) new combination, A. affinis (Hennig) new combination, A. hyaloptera (Hendel) new combination and the new species A. camelina A. plicata, and A. tricincta. Nigripeza includes N. obscura (Hennig) new combination and the new species N. cali, N. octa and N. spangleri.
A new species, Yalvaciana unal sp. nov. of the genus Yalvaciana Ciplak et al. 2002 (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Tettigoniinae) from Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Authors: SHAH MUZAMIL SYED , USMANI MOHD KAMIL
Published: January 2022

A new bushcricket species, Yalvaciana unal sp. nov. of the genus Yalvaciana Ciplak et al. (2002) is described. It is distinguished from other species of the genus based on various morphological characters. The genus has two species, Yalvaciana yalvaci Demirsoy, (1974) endemic to Anatolia, Turkey Taylan et al. (2019) and Yalvaciana allowpora Shah & Usmani, (2021). Detailed information about the morphology and distribution of the new species is given. The holotype has been deposited in the museum of the Zoology Department, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India.
Cognitive Orientation to Daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis
Authors: Roostaei Meysam , Dalvand Hamid , Rassafiani Mehdi , Kelly Greg , Razi Bahman
Published: January 2022

Background: Cognitive orientation to daily occupational performance (CO-OP) is a client-centered treatment approach that was developed in the 1990s by occupational therapists. Purpose: Exploring current evidence about the effectiveness of CO-OP on children with cerebral palsy (CP). Method: Major electronic databases were searched. A narrative synthesis of current literature and meta-analyses on randomized control trials (RCTs) were conducted on changes in occupational performance. Findings: Seven studies with 103 participants were included. Four studies were RCTs with moderate levels of evidence, and three studies had single-subject designs. Although beneficial effects of CO-OP on goal achievement and transferring learned skills were reported, meta-analyses showed that CO-OP had no significant effect on the performance (WMD = 1.52, 95% CI = −1.58 to 4.63, P = .33) and satisfaction domains (WMD = 1.71, 95% CI = −1.14 to 4.57, P = .24) of Canadian Occupational Performance Measure scores compared to alternative interventions. Implications: CO-OP improves occupational performance but not more than alternative interventions. Results are inconclusive due to small sample sizes and heterogeneity of alternative interventions and participants. Therefore, research with a larger number of participants with sound RCT methods is needed.
Who performs better? A comparative analysis of problem-solving effectiveness and legitimacy attributions to international organizations
Authors: Panke Diana , Polat Gurur , Hohlstein Franziska
Published: January 2022

The performance of individual international organizations (IOs) has received considerable scholarly attention, not in the least because their importance for global governance. This paper adds to this body of work by adopting genuine comparative lenses. Based on a novel survey, it assesses the attributed performance of 49 IOs over two important dimensions: problem-solving effectiveness and legitimacy of outputs. This reveals variation between IOs with respect to both components. We derive hypotheses from international cooperation and IO design. The quantitative analysis reveals that except deliberative diplomatic practices many factors increasing attributed legitimacy differ from the ones increasing the attributed problem-solving effectiveness. Most notably, autonomous secretariats increase the problem-solving effectiveness attributed to IOs. Legitimacy attributions increase when IOs are regional instead of global in nature and when non-state actors have access to IO decision-making.
When I Think of Home: Black Families Supporting Their Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Wright Brian L. , Cross Beverly E. , Ford Donna Y. , Tyson Cynthia
Published: January 2022

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic crisis, and persistent systemic and structural racism have plagued Black communities. The continued physical and symbolic violence and murders of Black bodies are undeniable. As White institutions, schools are definite contributors to this brutality as they center the culture and realities of White children while ignoring or denigrating Black children. This is even evident in the undermining of Black families’ efforts to prepare their children to face the inequities and injustices they experience in the U.S. In this article, we discuss Black families’ engagement in their children’s education amid threats through racial socialization research aimed at developing and validating Black children’s perspectives, experiences, and realities in Black identity to promote their positive social-emotional and psychological development. Black families must know how to cultivate their child’s healthy self-identity, voice, and agency, along with academic achievement. Schools should learn from these practices. Schools that choose to ignore these concepts will continue contributing to trauma and violence against Black children and maintain deficit-oriented views. The article includes examples and implications for teaching and supporting the well-being of Black children, and concludes with practical ideas that educators can learn from and integrate into their practices.
COVID-19 and Global Distributive Justice: ‘Health Diplomacy’ of India and South Africa for the TRIPS waiver
Authors: Singh Bawa , Chattu Vijay Kumar , Kaur Jaspal , Mol Rajni , Gauttam Priya , Singh Balinder
Published: January 2022

The second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic had left heart-wrenching impacts on all facets of life in general and the availability, accessibility, and affordability of medicines and vaccines in particular. Rather, the world has been divided into two groups regarding access to medicine and vaccines as haves and have-nots. The rich countries had pre-ordered the vaccines of COVID-19 along with the holding of the same. The pandemic situation was further worsened, given the Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) in practice and restrictions on sharing technology of vaccines, medicines, and life-saving equipment. In this context, India and South Africa have proposed the joint proposal and garnered support for waiving off TRIPS to ensure equity, accessibility, and affordability of vaccines and the same as public goods. In this review, we emphasize that global justice is one of the important elements of normative international theories, which focus on all the moral obligations from the world’s rich to the world’s poor. The paper also questions and argues that if the rich countries fail to go by the principles of global justice, can the Indian and South African (SA) patent diplomacy play a catalyst role in global justice? The review concludes with an emphasis on global solidarity, and the acceptance of joint India–South Africa’s “patent diplomacy” for TRIPS waiver would result in mass production and fair distribution, making the COVID-19 medicines and technologies available to everyone regardless of their poor–rich status.
Health Care Providers’ Attitudes Toward Do-Not-Resuscitate Order in COVID-19 Patients: An Ethical Dilemma in Iran
Authors: Mirhosseini Seyedmohammad , Aghayan Seyed Shahrokh , Basirinezhad Mohammad Hasan , Ebrahimi Hossein
Published: January 2022

This study aimed to investigate the health care providers’ attitudes toward the Do-Not-Resuscitate order (DNR) in COVID-19 patients. This study was conducted on 332 health care providers (HCPs) at the COVID-19 referral hospital in Shahroud, Iran by convenience sampling method. The study tools included a demographic information form and the DNR attitude questionnaire. Significance level was considered 0.05 for all tests. The mean scores of attitudes toward DNR order, the procedure of DNR, some aspects of passive euthanasia, and religious and cultural factors were 25.27 ± 2.78, 40.61 ± 5.99, 11.26 ± 2.51, and 6.12 ± 1.27, respectively. The death of relatives due to COVID-19 and female gender were associated with high and low scores of attitudes toward DNR order, respectively. Extended working hours and more work experience were correlated with high scores of DNR procedure. The history of COVID-19 increased the mean score of attitudes toward some aspects of passive euthanasia. In addition, an increase in following COVID-19 news decreased the score of religious and cultural factors affecting DNR order. Despite the legal ban on implementation of the DNR in Iran, the attitude of Iranian HCPs toward this was positive in COVID-19 patients.
Simple micro-drainage system for palliation of severe subcutaneous emphysema
Authors: Chari M Ravindra , Leo Sneha , Priya A Ramya
Published: January 2022

Subcutaneous emphysema (SE) occurs when air enters the tissues under the skin and passes into the soft tissues. We demonstrated a simple, minimally invasive technique for treating extensive SE, using a readily available infant nasogastric tube, in a mechanically ventilated patient.
Performance Engineered Concrete Mixtures: Implementation at an Interstate Rigid Pavement Project
Authors: Cavalline Tara L. , White Fredrick D. , Tempest Brett Q. , Hunter Brian J. , Ange Christopher M. , Simpson R. Powell
Published: January 2022

Performance engineered concrete mixtures (PEM) include optimized mixture designs which, paired with advanced quality assurance methods, provide substantially improved durability, economy, and sustainability. One agency challenge to implementation of PEM has been engagement of contractors and other industry stakeholders in field deployment. In this case, an agency, North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), US, found a willing contractor partner to support an initial concrete paving PEM implementation project. The collaborative effort supported both agency PEM implementation initiatives and provided benefits to the contractor. PEM tests included the Box Test, Super Air Meter (SAM), and surface resistivity, as “shadow tests.” The contractor found the Box Test useful for mixture development and evaluation of modifications during the project. The SAM and resistivity meter were readily implemented into standard quality control (QC) testing without additional QC staff. SAM tests were performed over the course of the project, but the data was variable, and additional training is needed to support improved results. Surface resistivity test results indicated the contractor improved concrete consistency over the two project phases, and the concrete should provide good durability performance. The contractor intends to implement PEM tests for QC on future projects to help improve pavement quality. The agency found surface resistivity tests for acceptance easy to perform. For mixtures containing fly ash, research is needed to identify a 28-day surface resistivity target that generally correlates to a 56-day or 90-day resistivity that predicts good durability performance. This experience reinforced that collaboration between agency, industry, and academia will support advancement of PEM initiatives.
Effects of Individual Vehicle Differences on Advanced Driver-Assist System Takeover Alert Behavior
Authors: Bauchwitz Benjamin , Cummings Mary
Published: January 2022

Disengagement of advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS) has significant safety implications in partially automated vehicles where drivers may not be paying attention; this requires rigorous testing to ensure vehicles can safely transfer control to drivers. Existing testing and regulation on this topic are minimal, and do not address the role of difficult-to-measure but potentially important variables relating to individual vehicle differences or variations in environmental conditions. This study assessed variability in takeover alerting performance in three Model 3 Tesla vehicles in a demanding driving setting on a closed track. Results revealed that once an alerting sequence had begun, the ADAS systems performed as designed, but the vehicles were highly variable in the timing of alert initiation following the loss of lane marking tracking. In addition, luminosity and sun angle were found to potentially have a role in alert initiation, but dashboard-mounted cameras may be insufficient for measuring variations in atmospheric brightness. We recommend that future work studies brightness, as well as more comprehensive sampling guidelines for vehicle test protocols to ensure differences are adequately considered.
A Scalable Deep Learning Framework for Extracting Model Inventory of Roadway Element Intersection Control Types From Panoramic Images
Authors: Kwayu Keneth Morgan , Toth Michael , Himmelein Austin
Published: January 2022

In the United States, the Model Inventory of Roadway Element (MIRE) provides a comprehensive list of data that are needed to support states’ data-driven safety programs. The intersection control is part of the MIRE Fundamental Data Elements (FDE) for which state Departments of Transportation are required to complete the collection by September 30, 2026. It is essential roadway data that have been used widely in traffic safety studies. This study proposes a scalable and automated deep learning framework for detecting and classifying stop and yield intersection controls using panoramic street view images. The Faster Region-based Convolutional Neural Networks (Faster R-CNN) model architecture was used to detect and classify stop and yield signs from the images. A transfer learning process was deployed using the Inception-ResNet-v2 generic feature extractor to accelerate the training and performance of the deep learning model with less data collection effort. The effectiveness and scalability of the proposed framework were tested on a sample of road intersections in the state of Michigan. The proposed deep learning model achieved a recall value of 97.7% and 98.2% for detecting and classifying stop and yield signs respectively. The evaluation of the model performance at a county level suggests that the model can be scaled to a statewide level without a substantial increase in the demand for computational resources. As demonstrated in this study, state DOTs can leverage the advancement of deep learning techniques and the availability of imagery data to expedite the process of collecting the MIRE data.
Challenges of modelling approaches for network meta-analysis of time-to-event outcomes in the presence of non-proportional hazards to aid decision making: Application to a melanoma network
Authors: Freeman Suzanne C , Cooper Nicola J , Sutton Alex J , Crowther Michael J , Carpenter James R , Hawkins Neil
Published: January 2022

Background

Synthesis of clinical effectiveness from multiple trials is a well-established component of decision-making. Time-to-event outcomes are often synthesised using the Cox proportional hazards model assuming a constant hazard ratio over time. However, with an increasing proportion of trials reporting treatment effects where hazard ratios vary over time and with differing lengths of follow-up across trials, alternative synthesis methods are needed.

Objectives

To compare and contrast five modelling approaches for synthesis of time-to-event outcomes and provide guidance on key considerations for choosing between the modelling approaches.

Methods

The Cox proportional hazards model and five other methods of estimating treatment effects from time-to-event outcomes, which relax the proportional hazards assumption, were applied to a network of melanoma trials reporting overall survival: restricted mean survival time, generalised gamma, piecewise exponential, fractional polynomial and Royston-Parmar models.

Results

All models fitted the melanoma network acceptably well. However, there were important differences in extrapolations of the survival curve and interpretability of the modelling constraints demonstrating the potential for different conclusions from different modelling approaches.

Conclusion

The restricted mean survival time, generalised gamma, piecewise exponential, fractional polynomial and Royston-Parmar models can accommodate non-proportional hazards and differing lengths of trial follow-up within a network meta-analysis of time-to-event outcomes. We recommend that model choice is informed using available and relevant prior knowledge, model transparency, graphically comparing survival curves alongside observed data to aid consideration of the reliability of the survival estimates, and consideration of how the treatment effect estimates can be incorporated within a decision model.
A Forecasting Model for MSMEs of Manufacturing and Engineering Sector of India
Authors: Das Sourav Kumar , Chakraborty Mainak
Published: January 2022

Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are the key ingredients for economic growth of any country. The engineering and manufacturing sector has an important role to play in this development. This sector contributes to around 40% of the industrial production. This also supports the Make in India movement that has been initiated by Government of India. This sector employs around 15 million people as per the recent survey by Government of India, making it the second largest source for employment, after agriculture. The engineering and manufacturing sector also witnessed a steady growth. This sector employs more casual labours than the permanent workers. Their concentration also depends on the availability of resources as well as the infrastructure. The growth and development also depend on the economic and political scenarios. This study concentrates on factors like correlation among employers, employees and other economic factors based on a time series analysis of data gathered from registered MSMEs in India. The time series taken here is simple seasonal time series analysis.
Colocation of Entrepreneurs and New Firm Survival: Role of New Firm Founder’s Experiential Relatedness to Local Entrepreneurs
Authors: Tavassoli Sam , Jienwatcharamongkhol Viroj , Arenius Pia
Published: January 2022

Geographical clustering (colocation) influences new firm survival; however, not all new firms within a cluster are impacted equally. In this paper, we elaborate on how the colocation of local entrepreneurs may have different influences on new firm founder's learning depending on his/her fit, in terms of his/her experiential relatedness, to that of local entrepreneurs. We then associate such founder’s learning with the higher survival of his/her new firm. We test our hypotheses using a matched founder-firm dataset that covers the population of the knowledge-intensive business service sector in Sweden during 2001–2012. We find support for our propositions concerning the relatedness of new firm founders’ experiential background to that of local entrepreneurs. Specifically we find that high level of relatedness to local entrepreneurs enhances the survival rate of a new firm started by a novice founder, whereas intermediate level of relatedness suits better for a new firm started by an experienced founder.
Hospice Care Services Associated With a Lower Utilization of Life-Sustaining Treatments During End-Of-Life Care Among People Living With HIV/AIDS: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Lai Yun-Ju , Ko Ming-Chung , Chan Shang-Yih , Chou Yi-Sheng , Wang Chun-Chieh , Ku Po-Wen , Chen Li-Jung , Hsu Li-Fei , Chuang Pei-Hung , Chen Chu-Chieh , Yen Yung-Feng
Published: January 2022

Background: Hospice care involves improving quality of end-of-life (EOL) care and respecting patients’ preferences regarding EOL treatment. However, the impact of hospice care services on the utilization of life-sustaining treatments during EOL care in patients with life-limiting diseases has not been extensively studied. Objectives: This nationwide cohort study aimed to determine the impact of hospice care services on the utilization of life-sustaining treatments during the last 3 months of life among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Taiwan. Methods: From 2000 to 2018, we identified adult PLWHA from Taiwan centers for disease control HIV Surveillance System. HIV-infected individuals were defined as positive HIV-1 Western blot. Life-sustaining treatments included cardiopulmonary resuscitation, intubation, mechanical ventilation support, and defibrillation. The association of hospice care services with the utilization of life-sustaining treatments was determined using multiple logistic regression. Results: Of 5691 PLWHA, 2595 (45.9%) subjects utilized life-sustaining treatments during the last 3 months of life. After adjusting for other covariates, PLWHA with hospice care services were less likely to receive life-sustaining treatments during the last 3 months of life than those without the services (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = .50, 95% confidence interval [CI]: .37-.66). Considering the type of life-sustaining treatments, hospice care services were associated with lower likelihood of receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (AOR = .22, 95% CI: .13-.39), endotracheal intubation (AOR = .48, 95% CI: .35-.65), and mechanical ventilation support (AOR = .56, 95% CI: .42-.75). Conclusion: Hospice care services were associated with a lower utilization of life-sustaining treatments during the last 3 months of life among PLWHA.