bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review of direct PCR and Rapid DNA approaches to streamline sexual assault kit testing
Authors: Harrel Michelle , Holmes Amy S.
Published: April 2022

Crime laboratories have been faced with large casework backlogs due to lengthy processing times, limited resources and scientists, and rising crime rates. Evidence related to sexual assault crimes, specifically sexual assault kits (SAKs), heavily contribute to the reported backlogs. Although more sensitive, faster chemistries and automated techniques have been implemented over the years, the traditional STR workflow remains relatively unchanged. Enhanced workflows such as direct PCR and Rapid DNA have the potential to streamline the processing of forensic evidence items including those commonly submitted in SAKs, but the FBI QAS guidelines restrict CODIS‐approved labs from implementing these methods for forensic samples. Recent studies have shown decreased turnaround times and improved or comparable profiling success with both approaches. However, review of the literature shows a lack of in‐depth research comparing traditional DNA workflows to faster and more sensitive direct PCR and/or Rapid DNA approaches for evidentiary samples, especially for SAKs. By providing the forensic science and criminal justice communities with the strengths and limitations of direct PCR and Rapid DNA methods, stakeholders and policy makers may be better informed.
Long‐term outcomes after esophagectomy for end‐stage achalasia: A bridge to a better quality of life?
Authors: Bard Vyacheslav , Solomon Daniel , Raveh Guy , Menasherov Nikolai , Kashtan Hanoch
Published: April 2022

Objective

We sought to evaluate the outcomes of patients with end‐stage achalasia (ESA) who underwent esophagectomy.

Methods

All patients who underwent esophagectomy for ESA and replied to a QoL‐centred questionnaire from 2002 to 2015 were included.

Results

Overall, 14 patients underwent esophagectomy for ESA, 12 (85.7%) patients completed the questionnaire and were included in the study. Patients were referred for esophagectomy after 18.5 median years (IQR1‐3 13.5–35.25) since presentation of symptoms. Heller's myotomy was previously performed in eight patients (66.7%). Major postoperative complications occurred in 2 (16.7%) patients. No patients required reoperation, and there was no postoperative mortality. At a median follow‐up of 84 months (IQR1‐3 60–84 months), satisfaction in postoperative symptom control was reported in 10 (83.3%) patients. Patients reported significant improvements in frequency of dysphagia (p < .001), regurgitation (p = .004), heartburn (p = .034), cough (p = .003), and odynophagia (p = .001). Specifically, incidence of dysphagia for liquid food was reduced from 100% to 16.7% (p < .001), for semisolid food from 81.8% to 16.7% (p = .003), and for solid food from 100% to 41.7% (p = .005).

Conclusions

In select patients suffering from long‐standing ESA, esophagectomy is feasible and is associated with good perioperative and long‐term outcomes.
Radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer: Hong Kong status in the era of Surgical Outcomes Monitoring and Improvement Programme
Authors: Chau Hin Lysander , Ng Tsui‐lin , Kan Chi‐fai , Yee Chi‐hang , Leung Lok‐hei , Ho Kowk‐leung , So Hing‐shing , Chu Sau‐kwan
Published: April 2022

Aim

The aim of the present study was to show the status of radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer since the introduction of the Surgical Outcomes Monitoring and Improvement Programme (SOMIP) among hospitals from six clusters under the Hospital Authority.

Patients and Methods

All RPs including robot‐assisted laparoscopic RP (RALRP), traditional laparoscopic RP (LRP) and open RP (ORP) performed between July 2009 and June 2017 were reviewed through electronic patient records under the SOMIP. The pre‐operative cancer characteristics, perioperative parameters, pathology, functional outcomes and early oncological outcomes were studied.

Results

A total of 1998 men were included in the analysis including 1446 RALRP, 500 LRP and 52 ORP cases. The overall mean procedure time was 295, 258 and 239 minutes, respectively. About 80.4% of RP cases had blood loss of more than 100 ml with a mean blood loss of 671 ml and transfusion rate of 7.4%. The overall 30‐day morbidity rate was 13.2%, including anastomotic leakage rate of 3.9% and unplanned readmission rate of 2.5%. Only 1 (0.2%) procedure‐related mortality was reported in the LRP group. The mean pre‐operative serum prostate‐specific antigen level was 10.9 ng/mL and 93.6% achieved less than 0.1 ng/mL after the operation. RALRP had a significantly less estimated blood loss (581 ml vs. 759 ml; P < .0001), less transfusion rate (5% vs. 10.8%; P < .0001) and less morbidity rate (10.4% vs. 19.4%; P < .0001) than LRP. RALRP also had a shorter length of post‐operative stay (5.5 days vs. 8.3 days; P < .0001) and better early continence rate at 3 months (39.5% vs. 27.6%; P = .0001) as well as 6 months (58.4% vs. 51.1%; P = .007) than LRP. Positive surgical margins were noted to be lower in the RALRP group (27.2% vs. 38.4%).

Conclusion

RALRP seems to be the standard approach for prostate cancer in Hong Kong. The procedure showed greater minimally invasive benefit, better early functional outcome and early oncological outcome of better surgical margin positive rate.
Postoperative mortality after liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma—A systematic review. Metanalysis and metaregression of studies published in the last 5 years
Authors: Vasavada Bhavin , Patel Hardik
Published: April 2022

Aim

This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to analyse 90 days of mortality after liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Google Scholar, Web of Science were searched with keywords mesh terms like ‘Hepatocellular carcinoma’; ‘liver resection”;” mortality”;” hepatectomy”, “postoperative mortality”, “Hepatocellular carcinoma AND mortality”, “liver resection AND mortality”, “hepatectomy AND mortality.” Weighted percentage 90 days mortalities were analysed. Random effect meta‐analysis was done by DerSimonian‐Laird methods. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Higgins I2 test. Publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot. Funnel plot asymmetry was evaluated by Egger's test.

Results

A total of 8474 patients underwent liver resection. 301 patients died within 90 days postoperatively. Weighted 90 days mortality was 4.2% (95% CI 3.0–5.4%). Heterogeneity was significant (I2 = 89.96%, p < .001). We analysed various covariates like major hepatectomy, age, open surgery, more than one tumour nodule, the median size of the largest tumour and cirrhotic liver to check for their association with heterogeneity in the analysis and hence 90 days mortality. On metaregression analysis open hepatectomy (p = .044) was associated with heterogeneity in the analysis and 90 days mortality.

Conclusion

90 days mortality after liver resection is 3–5.4%. Differences across the studies may be due to various associated factors.
Toward victim‐sensitive body‐worn camera policy: Initial insights
Authors: Saulnier Alana , Couture‐Carron Amanda , Scholte Daniel
Published: April 2022

Research Summary

Despite constituting a substantial portion of police contacts, victims in general, and violence against women (VAW) survivors in particular, have received little attention in body‐worn camera (BWC) research. As BWCs proliferate in policing, crafting victim‐sensitive BWC policies is important. Drawing from qualitative interviews with 33 survivors of sexual assault and/or intimate partner violence, we identify themes that characterize victim‐sensitive BWC policies: notification, consent, alternative recording options, procedural consistency, and data storage and access. These findings lay a foundation for further research that can assess the generalizability of these themes to other samples of survivors.

Policy Implications

VAW survivors are stakeholders who should be consulted in the production of victim‐sensitive BWC policy for police services. This exploratory study suggests that BWC use will be more victim‐sensitive when (1) officers notify victims of BWC use as soon as reasonably possible during an interaction, (2) officers ask victims if they consent to BWC recording, (3) officers deactivate the video recording function of the BWC (or reposition the BWC's lens away from the victim) if consent is not provided or if doing so would make the victim more comfortable, (4) police services ensure that BWCs are used consistently by frontline members, that BWC videos are regularly subject to supervisory review, and that videos are appropriately used in training to prepare for quality survivor‐police interactions, and (5) officers and services provide victims with clear information regarding BWC footage access and data security.
Structural and biochemical assessment of the molecular binding of hexylresorcinol to insect immune phenoloxidase: A quest for a new insecticidal activity
Authors: Aloui Sarra , Ghazouani Tesnime , Raboudi Faten , Talbi Wafa , Vanden Broeck Jozef , Salghi Rachid , Fattouch Sami
Published: April 2022

The enzyme phenoloxidase (PO) plays an essential role in insect immune defense. Phenolic compounds sharing structural homology with PO substrates could act as substrate analogues, and may interfere with insect physiological process, thus, leading to their control. Herein, the bioinformatic molecular docking was used to predict the interaction of the crystal 3D structure of the insectManduca sextaPO (PDB: 3HHS) with the antiseptic 4 hexylresorcinol (4‐Hr). The method was firstly validated using phenylthiourea (PTU) as reference ligand. Data demonstrated the ability of the 4‐Hr to bind toM. sextaPO with binding energy score ΔG = −372,285 Kcal/mol indicative of a plausible affinity to active site of the enzyme, nevertheless, the affinity of PTU was stronger with a binding energy of ΔG = −462.173 Kcal/mol. Furthermore, biochemicalin vitroassays confirmed the behavior of 4‐Hr as substrate‐analog when binding to the active site of the insect PO leading to its competitive inhibition. This is the first report demonstrating the molecular bases of the usefulness of hexylresorcinol as a promising insecticide. Further investigations could emphasize synergistic effects of 4‐Hr with other insecticides in integrated pest management (IPM) programs.
Cannabinoid receptor availability modulates the magnitude of dopamine release in vivo in the human reward system: A preliminary multitracer positron emission tomography study
Authors: Ceccarini Jenny , Koole Michel , Van Laere Koen
Published: April 2022

The established role of dopamine (DA) in the mediation of reward and positive reinforcement, reward processing is strongly influenced by the type 1 cannabinoid receptors (CB1Rs). Although considerable preclinical evidence has demonstrated several functional CB1R–DA interactions, the relation between human CB1R availability, DA release capacity and drug‐reinforcing effects has been never investigated so far. Here, we perform a multitracer [18F]MK‐9470 and [18F]fallypride positron emission tomography (PET) study in 10 healthy male subjects using a placebo‐controlled and single‐blinded amphetamine (AMPH) (30 mg) administration paradigm to (1) investigate possible functional interactions between CB1R expression levels and DA release capacity in a normo‐DAergic state, relating in vivo AMPH‐induced DA release to CB1R availability, and (2) to test the hypothesis that the influence of striatal DAergic signalling on the positive reinforcing effects of AMPH may be regulated by prefrontal CB1R levels. Compared with placebo, AMPH significantly reduced [18F]fallypride binding potential (hence increase DA release; ΔBPND ranging from −6.1% to −9.6%) in both striatal (p < 0.005, corrected for multiple comparisons) and limbic extrastriatal regions (p ≤ 0.04, uncorrected). Subjects who reported a greater dopaminergic response in the putamen also showed higher CB1R availability in the medial and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (r = 0.72; p = 0.02), which are regions involved in salience attribution, motivation and decision making. On the other hand, the magnitude of DA release was greater in those subjects with lower CB1R availability in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) (r = −0.66; p = 0.03). Also, the correlation between the DA release in the nucleus accumbens with the subjective AMPH effect liking was mediated through the CB1R availability in the ACC (c′ = −0.76; p = 0.01). Our small preliminary study reports for the first time that the human prefrontal CB1R availability is a determinant of DA release within both the ventral and dorsal reward corticostriatal circuit, contributing to a number of studies supporting the existence of an interaction between CB1R and DA receptors at the molecular and behavioural level. These preliminary findings warrant further investigation in pathological conditions characterized by hypo/hyper excitability to DA release such as addiction and schizophrenia.
Regional variation in post‐operative mortality in New Zealand
Authors: Gurney Jason K. , McLeod Melissa , Stanley James , Robson Bridget , Campbell Douglas , Dennett Elizabeth , Ongley Dick , Rumball‐Smith Juliet , Sarfati Diana , Koea Jonathan
Published: April 2022

Background

There is a growing body of evidence that access to best practice perioperative care varies within our population. In this study, we use national‐level data to begin to address gaps in our understanding of regional variation in post‐operative outcomes within New Zealand.

Methods

Using National Collections data, we examined all inpatient procedures in New Zealand public hospitals between 2005 and 2017 (859 171 acute, 2 276 986 elective/waiting list), and identified deaths within 30 days. We calculated crude and adjusted rates per 100 procedures for the 20 district health boards (DHBs), both for the total population and stratified by ethnicity (Māori/European). Odds ratios comparing the risk of post‐operative mortality between Māori and European patients were calculated using crude and adjusted Poisson regression models.

Results

We observed regional variations in post‐operative mortality outcomes. Māori, compared to European, patients experienced higher post‐operative mortality rates in several DHBs, with a trend to higher mortality in almost all DHBs. Regional variation in patterns of age, procedure, deprivation and comorbidity (in particular) largely drives regional variation in post‐operative mortality, although variation persists in some regions even after adjusting for these factors. Inequitable outcomes for Māori also persist in several regions despite adjustment for multiple factors, particularly in the elective setting.

Conclusions

The persistence of variation and ethnic disparities in spite of adjustment for confounding and mediating factors suggests that multiple regions require additional resource and support to improve outcomes. Efforts to reduce variation and improve outcomes for patients will require both central planning and monitoring, as well as region‐specific intervention.
Trends in the prevalence of breastfeeding up to 6 months of age using structured data from routine child healthcare visits
Authors: Revheim Ingrid , Balthasar Melissa R. , Akerkar Rupali R. , Stangenes Kristine M. , Almenning Grethe , Nygaard Eva , Markestad Trond , Øverland Simon , Roelants Mathieu , Juliusson Petur B.
Published: April 2022

Aim

The Norwegian Action Plan for a Healthier Diet (2017–2021) set the target that 25% of infants should be exclusively breastfed for 6 months by 2022. Our aim was to determine trends in the prevalence and duration of breastfeeding in the municipality of Bergen.

Methods

Data on breastfeeding status in 2010–2018 were extracted from a standardised electronic medical record kept by public child health centres and recorded as exclusive, partial or none, at 6 weeks and 6 months of age.

Results

We found that 28,503 and 26,735 infants attended the 6‐week and 6‐month consultations, respectively. The prevalence of any breastfeeding was 92.0% at 6 weeks and 78.0% at 6 months with no trend over time between 2010 and 2018. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding at 6 weeks was 73.9% and stable over time, but it declined at 6 months, from 28.1% in 2010 to 11.1% in 2014 and remained stable thereafter.

Conclusion

During 2010–2018, the prevalence of any and exclusive breastfeeding at 6 weeks and any breastfeeding at 6 months was stable. Exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months declined halfway through the study period, to a stable, but low, prevalence of 11.1% by 2014.
How plants affect amphibian populations
Authors: Burrow Angela , Maerz John
Published: April 2022

Descriptions of amphibian habitat, both aquatic and terrestrial, often include plants as characteristics but seldom is it understood whether and how those plants affect amphibian ecology. Understanding how plants affect amphibian populations is needed to develop strategies to combat declines of some amphibian populations. Using a systematic approach, we reviewed and synthesized available literature on the effects of plants on pond‐breeding amphibians during the aquatic and terrestrial stages of their life cycle. Our review highlights that plant communities can strongly influence the distribution, abundance, and performance of amphibians in multiple direct and indirect ways. We found three broad themes of plants' influence on amphibians: plants can affect amphibians through effects on abiotic conditions including the thermal, hydric, and chemical aspects of an amphibian's environment; plants can have large effects on aquatic life stages through effects on resource quality and abundance; and plants can modify the nature and strength of interspecific interactions between amphibians and other species – notably predators. We synthesized insights gained from the literature to discuss how plant community management fits within efforts to manage amphibian populations and to guide future research efforts. While some topical areas are well researched, we found a general lack of mechanistic and trait‐based work which is needed to advance our understanding of the drivers through which plants influence amphibian ecology. Our literature review reveals the substantial role that plants can have on amphibian ecology and the need for integrating plant and amphibian ecology to improve research and management outcomes for amphibians.
Parents, neighborhoods, and the developing brain
Authors: Hyde Luke W. , Gard Arianna M. , Tomlinson Rachel C. , Suarez Gabriela L. , Westerman Heidi B.
Published: April 2022

Although a growing literature has linked extreme psychosocial adversity in early development to brain structure and function, recent studies highlight that differences in socioeconomic resources may also affect brain development. In this article, we describe research linking variation in neighborhood context and parenting practices, two contexts shaped by socioeconomic resources, to neural function and structure, particularly in the corticolimbic circuit that supports socioemotional processing. Key considerations include the nested nature of contexts, the developmental timing of exposures, and the role of resilience. While this area of research may help inform policy, scientists and policymakers must be cautious in their interpretation of disadvantage‐to‐brain research to avoid a deficit‐centered approach. Ultimately, this emerging area of research highlights that common and normative variation in experiences in the home and neighborhood is linked to brain structure and function, which may provide proximal mechanisms to understand how and why socioeconomic resources are related to brain development.
Systematic review of artificial intelligence‐based image diagnosis for inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Kawamoto Ami , Takenaka Kento , Okamoto Ryuichi , Watanabe Mamoru , Ohtsuka Kazuo
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Diagnosis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) involves combining clinical, laboratory, endoscopic, histologic, and radiographic data. Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly being developed in various fields of medicine, including IBD. Because a key part in the diagnosis of IBD involves evaluating imaging data, AI is expected to play an important role in this aspect in the coming decades. We conducted a systematic literature review to highlight the current advancement of AI in diagnosing IBD from imaging data.

Methods

We performed an electronic PubMed search of the MEDLINE database for studies up to January 2022 involving IBD and AI. Studies using imaging data as input were included, and nonimaging data were excluded.

Results

A total of 27 studies are reviewed, including 18 studies involving endoscopic images and nine studies involving other imaging data.

Conclusion

We highlight in this review the recent advancement of AI in diagnosing IBD from imaging data by summarizing the relevant studies, and discuss the future role of AI in clinical practice.
Dynamic evolutionary history of spiralian‐specific TALE homeobox genes in mollusks
Authors: Morino Yoshiaki
Published: April 2022

Homeobox genes play essential roles in the early development of many animals. Although the repertoire of most homeobox genes, including three amino acid loop extension (TALE)‐type homeobox genes, is conserved in animals, spiralian‐TALE (SPILE) genes are a notable exception. In this study, SPILE genes were extracted from the genomic data of 22 mollusk species and classified into four clades (‐A/C, ‐B, ‐D, and ‐E) to determine which SPILE genes exhibit dynamic repertoire changes. While SPILE‐D and ‐E duplications were rarely observed, SPILE‐B duplication was observed in the bivalve lineage and SPILE‐A/C duplication was observed in multiple clades. Conversely, most or all SPILE genes were lost in cephalopods and in some gastropod lineages. SPILE gene expression patterns were also analyzed in multiple mollusk species using publicly available RNA‐seq data. The majority of SPILE genes examined, particularly those in the A/C‐ and B‐clades, were specifically expressed during early development, suggesting that most SPILE genes exert specific roles in early development. This comprehensive cataloging and characterization revealed a dynamic evolutionary history, including SPILE‐A/C and ‐B gene duplications and the loss of SPILE genes in several lineages. Furthermore, this study provides a useful resource for studying the molecular mechanism of spiralian early development and the evolution of young and lineage‐specific transcription factors.
Common data elements to standardize genomics studies in cerebral palsy
Authors: Wilson Yana A. , Smithers‐Sheedy Hayley , Ostojic Katarina , Waight Emma , Kruer Michael C. , Fahey Michael C. ,   ICPGC Phenotype Working Group*, Baynam Gareth , Gécz Jozef , Badawi Nadia , McIntyre Sarah
Published: April 2022

Aim

To define clinical common data elements (CDEs) and a mandatory minimum data set (MDS) for genomic studies of cerebral palsy (CP).

Method

Candidate data elements were collated following a review of the literature and existing CDEs. An online, three‐round Delphi survey was used to rate each data element as either ‘core’, ‘recommended’, ‘exploratory’, or ‘not required’. Members of the International Cerebral Palsy Genomics Consortium (ICPGC) rated the core CDEs as either mandatory or not, to form the MDS. For both the CDEs and the MDS, a data element was considered to have reached consensus if more than 75% of respondents agreed.

Results

Forty‐six individuals from around the world formed the Delphi panel: consumers (n=2), scientists/researchers (n=17), medical (n=19), and allied health professionals (n=8). The CDEs include 107 data elements across six categories: demographics, diagnostics, family history, antenatal and neonatal details, clinical traits, and CP‐specific assessments. Of these, 10 are mandatory, 42 core, 41 recommended, and 14 are exploratory.

Interpretation

The ICPGC CDEs provide a foundation for the standardization of phenotype data captured in CP genomic studies and will benefit international collaborations and pooling of data, particularly in rare conditions.

What this paper adds

A set of 107 common data elements (CDEs) for genomics studies in cerebral palsy is provided.

The CDEs include standard definitions and data values domains.

The CDEs will facilitate international data sharing, collaboration, and improved clinical interpretation of findings.
Efficacy and safety benefits of iGlarLixi versus insulin glargine 100 U/mL or lixisenatide in Asian Pacific people with suboptimally controlled type 2 diabetes on oral agents: The LixiLan‐O‐AP randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yang Wenying , Dong Xiaolin , Li Qingju , Cheng Zhifeng , Yuan Guoyue , Liu Ming , Xiao Jianzhong , Gu Shenghong , Niemoeller Elisabeth , Chen Lijuan , Ping Lin , Souhami Elisabeth ,   LixiLan‐O‐AP trial investigators
Published: April 2022

Aims

To compare the efficacy and safety of iGlarLixi with insulin glargine 100 units/mL (iGlar) and lixisenatide (Lixi), in Asian Pacific people with suboptimally controlled type 2 diabetes (T2D) on metformin with or without a second oral antihyperglycaemic drug (OAD).

Materials and Methods

LixiLan‐O‐AP (NCT03798054) was a 24‐week multicentre study in adults (n = 878, mean age 56.0 years, mean body mass index 26.0 kg/m2) with glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels ≥53 mmol/mol (7%) and ≤97 mmol/mol (11%) on OAD(s), randomized (2:2:1) to open‐label once‐daily iGlarLixi, iGlar or Lixi while on continued metformin ± sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors. The primary efficacy endpoint was change in HbA1c.

Results

After 24 weeks, greater reductions in HbA1c from baseline (67 mmol/mol; 8.3%) were seen with iGlarLixi (−21 mmol/mol; −1.9%) compared with iGlar (−16 mmol/mol; −1.4%; P < 0.0001) and Lixi (−10 mmol/mol; −0.9%; P < 0.0001). Greater proportions of participants achieved HbA1c <53 mmol/mol (<7%) with iGlarLixi versus iGlar or Lixi (79%, 60% and 30%, respectively), overall and as composite endpoints including weight and hypoglycaemia. iGlarLixi improved 2‐hour postprandial glucose versus iGlar and Lixi and mitigated the weight gain seen with iGlar (least squares mean difference −1.1 kg; P < 0.0001). Documented ≤3.9 mmol/L (≤70 mg/dL) hypoglycaemia was similar between iGlarLixi and iGlar (both 3.38 events per participant‐year). The incidence rates of nausea and vomiting were lower with iGlarLixi (14% and 6%) than Lixi (21% and 11%).

Conclusions

iGlarLixi achieved significant HbA1c reductions, to near‐normoglycaemic levels, compared with iGlar or Lixi, with no meaningful additional risk of hypoglycaemia and mitigated body weight gain versus iGlar, with fewer gastrointestinal adverse events versus Lixi. iGlarLixi with specifically adapted ratios may provide an efficacious and well‐tolerated treatment option for Asian Pacific people with T2D.
Crude glycerol, a biodiesel byproduct, used as a soil amendment to temporarily immobilise and then release nitrogen
Authors: De Mriganka , Sawyer John E. , McDaniel Marshall D.
Published: April 2022

Loss of nitrate‐nitrogen (NO3−–N) from Midwestern U.S. agricultural fields can impair water quality and be an economic loss to farmers. Winter cover crops have shown promise as a remedy, but low adoption illustrates the need for alternatives. Here, we tested whether adding a carbon (C)‐rich soil amendment (i.e., crude glycerol, a biodiesel byproduct) can increase soil microbial biomass (MB) and promote N immobilisation under various conditions and then determined whether and when immobilised N would be released. We conducted a laboratory incubation with a full factorial combination of four glycerol rates (0, +117, +468 and +1872 mg C kg−1 soil), three supplemental NO3−–N rates (0, +10 and +40 mg N kg−1) and two soils (Clarion clay loam and Sparta loamy sand). Soil inorganic N (NH4+–N and NO3−–N) and MB were measured at seven and three time points, respectively, across the 98 days incubation period. Across all treatments, glycerol increased MBN in both short term (7 days; 4%–1137% compared to no glycerol addition) and long term (98 days; 10%–169%) and decreased NO3−–N with increasing rate of glycerol. Adding glycerol caused net N immobilisation of 21%–61% (+117 mg C kg−1 addition) and ~100% (+468 and +1872 mg C kg−1 addition) compared to the control. Some of that immobilised inorganic N was likely released through MB turnover, but timing and rate of release depended on the soil and added N rate. Adding 40 mg N kg−1 with no glycerol showed nearly twice the net N mineralisation rate than with the low or no applied N – providing evidence for soil N priming. Overall, glycerol has the potential for use as a soil amendment to increase MB and temporarily immobilise NO3−–N and then make some of that N crop available through MB turnover.

Highlights

Crude glycerol, a biodiesel by‐product, was evaluated as a soil amendment to reduce soil nitrate.

Glycerol strongly increased soil microbial biomass and decreased nitrate under all conditions.

N immobilisation was temporary, and N was mineralised at a lower glycerol rate.

Glycerol rates, N rates and soil type affected N immobilisation‐mineralisation dynamics.
Enhancement pattern of demyelination‐mimicking cerebral B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Ma Xiaoyu , Guo Zhuoxin , Huang Zhenchao , Hui Dayang , Liu Yuxin , Jiang Yuxuan , Lu Zhengqi , Qiu Wei , Lu Tingting , Qin Feng
Published: April 2022

Background and purpose

Central nervous system (CNS) B‐cell lymphoma‐mimicking demyelinating diseases creates a diagnostic dilemma. This study aimed to determine the specific magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of CNS B‐cell lymphoma to facilitate the early identification of the disease.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the brain MRI of biopsy‐confirmed CNS B‐cell lymphoma patients. They were initially diagnosed with CNS demyelination, and these images were compared with those of actual patients with demyelinating diseases.

Results

A total of 20 patients with CNS B‐cell lymphoma and 12 patients with demyelination were included in this study. Cohesive enhancement with satellite enhancing foci surrounded by prominent non‐enhancing areas of oedema is the major contrast‐enhancing pattern of lymphoma patients, accounting for 81% (13) of patients with primary diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). This imaging pattern revealed a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 75% for lymphoma in the differential diagnosis between primary DLBCL and demyelinating disease in our cohort. Among these lesions, most of the nodules were located deeply, which yielded a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 69% for primary DLBCL. Enhancement in a single pattern (mainly ring‐like, patchy or punctate; 57%) and no enhancement (30%) were commonly observed in demyelinating lesions, distinct from primary DLBCL (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Lesions with cohesive enhancement and satellite foci on T1 contrast‐enhanced imaging could be a specific hallmark of CNS B‐cell lymphoma, suggesting the need to withdraw steroidal therapy and biopsy confirmation.
Multi‐criteria probabilistic dual hesitant fuzzy group decision making for supply chain finance credit risk assessments
Authors: Li Ziyang , Zhang Xingyu , Wang Wenju , Li Zhi
Published: April 2022

Supply chain finance is important for resolving small and medium‐sized enterprise financing difficulties and optimizing supply chain capital flows. Therefore, supply chain finance credit risk assessments are key financing indicators for decision makers. However, most current supply chain finance credit risk assessment research has been based on traditional and subjective methods and has focused less on the actual decision‐making requirements. The TODIM method in a fuzzy environment has proven to be a useful tool for multi‐criteria decision‐making as it can better reflect the DMs' psychological characteristics. As probabilistic dual hesitant fuzzy sets can contain more original evaluation information and more comprehensively reflect the DM uncertainties, this paper first proposes a Hamming distance measure in a probabilistic dual hesitant fuzzy environment to compare the relationships between two probabilistic dual hesitant fuzzy elements and prove some of the properties. Then, to fully consider the DMs' risk preferences, a model is proposed to evaluate supply chain finance credit risk that extends the TODIM method to a probabilistic dual hesitant fuzzy environment based on cumulative prospect theory and the proposed Hamming distance. Finally, using improved credit risk assessment criteria, a practical case from Ping An Bank is given to demonstrate the proposed model's practicality, and a comparison given with the classical TODIM and the probabilistic hesitant fuzzy TODIM method to illustrate the effectiveness of the extended method.
Enhanced anaerobic digestion of dairy wastewater in a granular activated carbon amended sequential batch reactor
Authors: Logan Mohanakrishnan , Tan Lea Chua , Nzeteu Corine Orline , Lens Piet N. L.
Published: April 2022

This study investigated the potential of granular activated carbon (GAC) supplementation to enhance anaerobic degradation of dairy wastewater. Two sequential batch reactors (SBRs; 0.8 L working volume), one control and another amended with GAC, were operated at 37°C and 1.5–1.6 m/h upflow velocity for a total of 120 days (four cycles of 30 days each). The methane production at the end of each cycle run increased by about 68%, 503%, 110%, and 125% in the GAC‐amended SBR, compared with the Control SBR. Lipid degradation was faster in the presence of GAC. Conversely, the organic compounds, especially lipids, accumulated in the absence of the conductive material. In addition, a reduction in lag phase duration by 46%–100% was observed at all four cycles in the GAC‐amended SBR. The peak methane yield rate was at least 2 folds higher with GAC addition in all cycles. RNA‐based bacterial analysis revealed enrichment of Synergistes (0.8% to 29.2%) and Geobacter (0.4% to 11.3%) in the GAC‐amended SBR. Methanolinea (85.8%) was the dominant archaea in the biofilm grown on GAC, followed by Methanosaeta (11.3%), at RNA level. Overall, this study revealed that GAC supplementation in anaerobic digesters treating dairy wastewater can promote stable and efficient methane production, accelerate lipid degradation and might promote the activity of electroactive microorganisms.
Characteristics, practices, and outcomes in a Belgian cohort of incident home hemodialysis patients: A 6‐year experience
Authors: Vô Bernard , Anthonissen Blaise , Verger Christian , Jadoul Michel , Morelle Johann , Goffin Eric
Published: April 2022

Background

Home hemodialysis (HHD) remains underused in patients with kidney failure. Current literature on HHD mostly originates from non‐European countries, making generalization difficult. The present study describes patients' profile and practice patterns from a Belgian HHD center, and assesses patient and technique survival and complications associated with HHD.

Methods

We analyzed data from all our incident patients during a 6‐year period. The patient's characteristics were summarized using descriptive statistics. Transition to another therapeutic modality, estimated using a risk model with death and transplantation as competing events, episodes of respite cares and hospitalizations, and access complications were analyzed.

Results

Eighty patients (mean age: 47 years; male: 64%) met the inclusion criteria. Fifty‐one percent of patients initiated dialysis with a central venous catheter (CVC) and 96% were not assisted. Arterio‐venous fistula (AVF) cannulation was performed using buttonhole technique. Standard‐frequent HD (47%) and short‐frequent low‐flow dialysate HD (34%) were mostly used at HHD initiation. Cumulative incidences of technique failure and death were 15%, 24%, and 32% at 1, 2, and 5 years. Incidence rates for respite dialysis and hospitalizations were 2.39 and 0.54 per patient‐year of HHD. In comparison with AVF, incidence rate ratios of overall access complications and access‐related infections for CVC were 4.3 (95% CI: 3.1–6, p < 0.01) and 4.4 (95% CI: 2.1–10, p < 0.01), respectively. Buttonhole cannulation was complicated by 0.26 (95% CI: 0.15–0.46) infections per 1000 AVF‐days.

Conclusions

This present study provides important information about patient's profile and practice patterns and safety in a cohort of 80 incident Belgian HHD patients, with encouraging techniques and patient survival.
Economic evaluation of expanded hemodialysis with the Theranova 400 dialyzer: A post hoc evaluation of a randomized clinical trial in the United States
Authors: Blackowicz Michael J. , Falzon Luke , Beck Werner , Tran Ha , Weiner Daniel E.
Published: April 2022

Introduction

The Theranova 400 is a medium cut‐off dialyzer that allows for superior clearance of larger middle molecules than traditional high‐flux dialyzers. This study evaluates the association of expanded hemodialysis (HDx) using the Theranova dialyzer versus conventional hemodialysis (HD) with a high‐flux dialyzer on hospitalization rates and healthcare costs as compared to conventional HD in a post hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial.

Methods

In a non‐concealed, 24‐week clinical trial, maintenance HD patients were randomized to receive treatment with either Theranova 400 or a similar size high‐flux dialyzer. Hospitalization rate and average length of stay were calculated from trial data. Use of erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents and iron were assumed to be equal and therefore excluded from the model. Average cost per inpatient day was obtained from a publicly available published source. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to account for variability in model inputs.

Findings

There were 86 patients (389 patient‐months) in the Theranova group and 85 patients (366 patient‐months) in the high‐flux HD group. All‐cause hospitalization rate was 45% lower with Theranova compared to high‐flux HD (IRR = 0.55; p = 0.05). Average annual estimated cost of hospitalization was $6098 lower with Theranova compared to high‐flux HD. Compared to high‐flux HD, average annual estimated cost associated with Theranova use was $4772 lower per patient. Hospitalization rate and hospital length of stay were the main drivers of cost.

Conclusions

Use of the Theranova dialyzer is associated with lower estimated costs of care among maintenance HD patients, driven by fewer hospitalization events.
Who spends more to combat COVID‐19 social risks and why?
Authors: Noh Hye Sang , Han Seon Hoe , Choi Young Jun
Published: April 2022

COVID‐19 has gone beyond a public health crisis and poses a serious threat to people's livelihoods. In response to the growing employment and income crisis, most OECD countries have introduced various policies and programs to alleviate rapidly rising social risks and stabilise people's livelihoods. However, these measures vary, with some governments spending only 1% of GDP in 2020, while others spent more than 10%. We conducted a multiple regression analysis to examine factors associated with the level of additional social spending in 31 OECD countries. The results indicate that lower generosity of unemployment benefits was associated with additional social policy spending. However, contrary to the hypothesis, higher additional spending was found among countries with higher levels of government debt. We ended with policy recommendations.
Ranking firms based on their financial and diversity performance using multiple‐stage unweighted TOPSIS
Authors: Bouslah K. , Liern V. , Ouenniche J. , Pérez‐Gladish B.
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we address the problem of the ranking of companies based on their diversity and financial performance. The addressed problem is a multiple criteria decision‐making problem where a composite measure needs to be obtained to rank firms. Taking as a reference the methodological approach followed by Refinitiv in the construction of their Diversity and Inclusion Index, we propose an alternative ranking framework that overcomes some of the problems identified in the methodological approach of Refinitiv. In particular, the proposed method in this work does not require the a priori establishment of a weighting scheme and is able to incorporate the past behavior of the companies in terms of diversity in their workplaces.
A matheuristic approach for the minimum broadcast time problem using a biased random‐key genetic algorithm
Authors: Lima Alfredo , Aquino Andre L. L. , Nogueira Bruno , Pinheiro Rian G. S.
Published: April 2022

TheMinimum Broadcast Time(MBT) is a well‐known data dissemination problem whose goal is to find a broadcast scheme that minimizes the number of steps needed to execute the broadcast operation. The problem has many applications in distributed systems and, in particular, the Industry 4.0 domain. Because Industry 4.0 applications rely primarily on the use of large‐scale machine to machine communications, they need data dissemination techniques that combine high reliability with low communication latency. This work proposes a Biased Random‐Key Genetic Algorithm and a matheuristic for the MBT. We carry out experiments with our algorithms on instances commonly used in the literature (hypercube, shuffle exchange, cube‐connected cycles, de Bruijn, Harary graphs), and also on massive synthetic instances (up to 1000 vertices), allowing to cover many possibilities of real industry topologies. Our proposal is also compared with state‐of‐the‐art exact methods and heuristics. Experimental results show that our algorithm is able to outperform the best‐known heuristics for the MBT, and also that it is a very good alternative for large instances that cannot be solved by current exact methods.
Healing effect of acellular fish skin with plasma rich in growth factor on full‐thickness skin defects
Authors: Biazar Esmaeil , Heidari Keshel Saeed , Rezaei Tavirani Mostafa , Kamalvand Mahshad
Published: April 2022

Acellular skin as a scaffold has a good potential to regenerate or repair damaged tissues. Growth factors such as Plasma Rich in Growth Factor (PRGF) as a rich source of active proteins can accelerate tissue regeneration. In this study, an acellular scaffold derived from fish skin with growth factors was used to repair full‐thickness skin defects in a rat model. Cellular results demonstrated that epithelial cells adhere well to acellular scaffolds. The results of animal studies showed that the groups treated with acellular scaffold and growth factor have a high ability to close and heal wounds on the 28th day after surgery. Histological and staining results showed that in the treated groups with scaffold and growth factor, an epidermal layer was formed with some skin appendages similar to normal skin. Overall, such scaffolds with biological agents can cause an acceptable synergistic effect on skin regeneration and wound healing.
Intense continuous‐wave laser and mode‐locked pulse operation from Yb3+‐doped oxyfluoride glass–ceramic fibers
Authors: Kang Shiliang , Wang Wenlong , Qiu Jianrong , Yang Zhongmin , Dong Guoping
Published: April 2022

Ultrafast fiber lasers, due to their short pulse duration, excellent beam quality, and high brightness, are extensively used in precision processing, biomedicine, nonlinear optics, and spectroscopy. However, great challenges still exist in improving the optical conversion efficiency in glass‐based gain media because of the high non‐radiative transition probability. Here, we demonstrate an oxyfluoride glass–ceramic (GC) fiber containing NaYF4:Yb3+ nanocrystal that enables enhanced 1064‐nm continuous‐wave laser output with an optical signal‐to‐noise ratio of 60 dB. Compared with the as‐prepared glass fiber, the optical conversion efficiency of GC fiber is improved from 24.2% to 30.0%. The improvement of laser action is mainly caused by the preferential incorporation of Yb3+ into the NaYF4 nanocrystal with low phonon energy. Using this well‐developed GC fiber, we successfully built a passively mode‐locked pulsed fiber laser that deliveries laser pulses with a pulse duration of 8.1 ps and a repetition frequency of 56.92 MHz. These results highlight that the GC strategy may provide a roadmap for the development of ultrafast fiber laser and the application of GC fibers in various optoelectronic fields.
Nurse‐led vascular risk assessment in a regional Victorian Indigenous primary care diabetes clinic: An integrated Diabetes Education and Eye disease Screening [iDEES] study
Authors: Atkinson‐Briggs Sharon , Ryan Christopher , Keech Anthony , Jenkins Alicia , Brazionis Laima ,   Centre of Research Excellence in Diabetic Retinopathy Study Group
Published: April 2022

Aim

The aim was to describe vascular risk factors in Australian adults with diabetes attending an Indigenous primary care nurse‐led diabetes clinic.

Design

This was a cross‐sectional descriptive single‐site study.

Methods

Vascular risk factor data were extracted from the electronic health records of participants in the nurse‐led integrated Diabetes Education and Eye disease Screening (iDEES) study at a regional Victorian Indigenous primary health‐care clinic between January 2018 and March 2020.

Results

Of 172 eligible adults, 135 (79%) provided data. Median (IQR) age was 56 (46–67) years; 89% were Indigenous; 95% had Type 2 diabetes of median (IQR) duration of 6 (2–12) years and 48 (36%) were male. Median HbA1c, blood pressure, cholesterol (total; LDL and HDL), triglycerides, eGFR, CRP and BMI were 8.0% (64 mmol/mol), 127/78 mm Hg, 4.2; 1.9; 1.1 mmol/L, 2.3 mmol/L, 89 ml/min/1.73 m2, 7.0 mg/L and 32.4 kg/m2. Of nine clinical risk factors, the median (IQR) number of risk factors at target was 4 (3–5) for women and 3 (2–5) for men, pχ2 = 0.563. Clinical targets for BMI, HbA1c, blood pressure, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, urine albumin: creatinine ratio, HDL cholesterol and smoking were met by 14%, 34%, 38%, 39%, 44%, 52%, 54%, 62% and 64%, respectively.

Conclusion

A nurse‐led model of integrated clinical risk factor assessment and diabetes education identified suboptimal levels of clinical risk factor control for avoiding diabetes chronic complications amongst Australian adults with diabetes in an Indigenous primary care setting.

Impact

A nurse‐led model of diabetes care integrating clinical risk factor assessment into a diabetes education service is achievable. Understanding by stakeholders, including people with diabetes, their clinicians and health services, of the importance of regular monitoring of risk factors impacting diabetes complications is important. The novel nurse‐managed iDEES primary‐care model of care can assist.

Trial registration

This study was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12618001204235).