bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The evidence base for emergency use authorizations for COVID‐19 treatments: A rapid review
Authors: Knowlson Catherine , Byrne Ailish , Wilkinson Jacqueline , Whitmore Claire , Torgerson David
Published: January 2023

Background and Aims

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) permitted emergency use authorizations (EUAs) for vaccines/treatments with promising data. Eight treatments were issued EUAs by May 31, 2021; one of these was approved (Remdesivir for certain populations) and two were revoked (chloroquine phosphate/hydroxychloroquine and bamlanivimab) by September 30, 2021. The aim of this study is to find out what evidence the EUAs were based on and how many studies were published while they remained active (up to September 30, 2021).

Methods

A review of published clinical studies for the 6 months before each EUA was issued, and the time after (until September 30, 2021, or until revoked). PubMed and the identified systematic reviews were the sources for identifying published literature.

Results

The number of clinical studies published pre‐EUA varied from a single case study (for chloroquine phosphate/hydroxychloroquine) to numerous studies of multiple types (for convalescent plasma). Four treatments had a single randomized controlled trial (RCT) as evidence (bamlanivimab monotherapy, REGN‐COV, bamlanivimab + etesevimab, sotrovimab) and two also had other study types (remdesivir and baricitinib). The number of clinical studies published post‐EUA (for those active on September 30, 2021) was widely varied. Eighteen RCTs were published for Convalescent plasma, while Remdesivir had eight. Baricitinib, REGN‐COV, and bamlanivimab + etesevimab all had one, but none were published for sotrovimab.

Conclusion

The number of trials for treatments with EUAs was limited in all cases before the EUA was issued, and in most cases for those with EUAs ongoing at the end of September 2021. The presence of EUAs may discourage participation in relevant clinical trials, which delays the widespread implementation of evidenced‐based therapies. Large, robust RCTs should be completed, such as the RECOVERY trial in the United Kingdom, to quickly find the answers desperately required during a pandemic.
In Silico Re‐Optimization of Atezolizumab Dosing Using Population Pharmacokinetic Simulation and Exposure–Response Simulation
Authors: Peer Cody J. , Schmidt Keith T. , Arisa Oluwatobi , Richardson William J. , Paydary Koosha , Goldstein Daniel A. , Gulley James L. , Figg William D. , Ratain Mark J.
Published: January 2023

Atezolizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD‐L1), was initially approved in 2016, around the same time that the sponsor published the minimum serum concentration to maintain the saturation of receptor occupancy (6 μg/mL). The initially approved dose regimen of 1200 mg every 3 weeks (q3w) was subsequently modified to 840 mg q2w or 1680 mg q4w through pharmacokinetic simulations. Yet, each standard regimen yields steady‐state trough concentrations (CMIN,SS) far exceeding (≈ 40‐fold) the stated target concentration. Additionally, the steady‐state area under the plasma drug concentration–time curve (AUCSS) at 1200 mg q3w was significantly (P = .027) correlated with the probability of adverse events of special interest (AESIs) in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and, coupled with excess exposure, this provides incentive to explore alternative dose regimens to lower the exposure burden while maintaining an effective CMIN,SS. In this study, we first identified 840 mg q6w as an extended‐interval regimen that could robustly maintain a serum concentration of 6 μg/mL (≥99% of virtual patients simulated, n = 1000), then applied this regimen to an approach that administers 2 “loading doses” of standard‐interval regimens for a future clinical trial aiming to personalize dose regimens. Each standard dose was simulated for 2 loading doses, then 840 mg q6w thereafter; all yielded cycle‐7 CMIN,SS values of >6 μg/mL in >99% of virtual patients. Further, the AUCSS from 840 mg q6w resulted in a flattening (P = .63) of the exposure–response relationship with adverse events of special interest (AESIs). We next aim to verify this in a clinical trial seeking to validate extended‐interval dosing in a personalized approach using therapeutic drug monitoring.
Fourier transformation based texture analysis for differentiating between hyperplastic polyps and sessile serrated adenomas
Authors: Klorin Geula , Hayat Noa , Linder Revital , Amit Amnon , Reiss Ari , Sabo Edmond
Published: January 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common type of cancer. One major pathway involved in the development of CRC is the serrated pathway. Colorectal polyps can be divided in benign, like small hyperplastic polyps and premalignant polyps, like the sessile serrated adenomas (SSA) that has a significant potential of malignant transformation. The morphological similarity between these types of polyp, not‐infrequently raises diagnostic difficulties. This study aimed to morphologically differentiate between hyperplastic polyps (HP) and SSAs by using automated computerized texture analysis of Fourier transformed histological images. Thirty images of HP and 58 images of SSA were analyzed by computerized texture analysis. A fast Fourier transformation was applied to the images. The Fourier frequency plots were further transformed into gray level co‐occurrence matrices and four textural variables were extracted: entropy, correlation, contrast, and homogeneity. Our study is the first to combine this type of analysis for automated classification of colonic neoplasia. The results were analyzed using statistical and neural network (NNET) classification models. The predictive values of these classifiers were compared. The statistical regression algorithm presented a sensitivity of 95% to detect the SSA and a specificity of 80% to detect the HP. The NNET analysis was superior to the statistical analysis displaying a classification accuracy of 100%. The results of this study have confirmed the hypothesis that Fourier based texture image analysis is helpful in differentiating between HP and SSA.

Research Highlights

Colorectal polyps can be divided in benign, like hyperplastic polyps (HP) and premalignant, like the sessile serrated adenomas (SSA). There is a high morphologic similarity between these two types of polyp that not‐infrequently raises diagnostic difficulties. The results of our morphometric analysis that were used to build a neural network based model of prediction of the polyp types, have a great clinical importance of identifying SSA polyps which have significant potential of malignant progression as compared to HP.
Hsa_circ_0079480 enhances cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in colorectal cancer through miR‐498/ATP5E axis
Authors: Lin Ruo‐Yang , Huang Zhi‐Ming
Published: January 2023

Circular RNAs play critical roles in tumorigenesis. hsa_circ_0079480 was reported to be upregulated in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, its specific molecule in CRC is poorly understood. Hsa_circ_0079480, miR‐498, and ATP5E expressions in CRC tissues and CRC cells were determined using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay. ATP5E protein level was assessed using Western blot. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were examined by 3‐(4, 5‐Dimethylthiazolyl2)‐2, 5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and Transwell assays, respectively. Dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to analyze the interactions between hsa_circ_0079480, miR‐498, and ATP5E. This study results showed that hsa_circ_0079480 and ATP5E expressions were significantly increased in CRC tissues and CRC cells, while miR‐498 was downregulated. Hsa_circ_0079480 knockdown dramatically suppressed CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Meanwhile, it turned out that hsa_circ_0079480 knockdown inhibited CRC tumor growth in vivo. Hsa_circ_0079480 could negatively regulate miR‐498 expression by directly targeting miR‐498. MiR‐498 overexpression dramatically inhibited CRC cell malignant behaviors. miR‐498 negatively regulated ATP5E expression by directly binding to ATP5E. ATP5E knockdown suppressed CRC cell malignant behaviors. ATP5E overexpression mitigated the inhibitory effect of hsa_circ_0079480 on CRC cell malignant behaviors. Since hsa_circ_0079480 knockdown inhibited CRC cells malignant behaviors through regulation of the miR‐498/ATP5E axis, it can be concluded that hsa_circ_0079480 might have great potential as therapeutic target for CRC.
Analysis of T1‐T2 stage oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma treated with transoral robotic surgery
Authors: Li Hui , Zhang Xing , Chen Wenkuan , Zhang Quan , Li Qiuli , Chen Shuwei , Yang Zhongyuan , Su Xuan , Yan Shida , Yang Ankui , Song Ming
Published: January 2023

Objective

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has become an effective treatment for early‐stage oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCCs). We aimed to analyze the clinical safety and efficacy of TORS for human papilloma virus (HPV)‐positive and HPV‐negative OPSCC in China.

Methods

Patients with OPSCC of pT1‐T2 stage who underwent TORS from March 2017 to December 2021 were analyzed.

Results

A total of 83 patients (HPV‐positive, n = 25; HPV‐negative, n = 58) were included. The median age of the patients was 57.0 years and 71 were men. The majority of primary tumor sites were palatine tonsils (52, 62.7%) and base of tongues (20, 24.1%). Three patients have a positive margin. A total of 12 (14.5%) patients received tracheotomies, the average duration of tracheostomy tube use was 9.4 days, and nasogastric tube was 14.5 days. No patient had a long‐term tracheotomy. The 3‐year overall survival (OS), disease‐free survival (DFS), and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) for all 83 patients were 89.5%, 80.1%, and 83.3%, respectively. The OS at 3 years between the HPV‐positive group and HPV‐negative group were 100% versus 84.3% (P = .07), while the DFS and RFS between two groups also showed no significant difference. Among multivariate cox regression analysis of all potential risk factors, smoking was the significant risk factors for disease recurrence (P < .05).

Conclusion

Transoral robotic surgery achieved encouraging oncologic outcomes and safety in T1‐T2 stage OPSCC treatment, regardless of HPV status.

Level of Evidence

4
Invariant measure of the backward Euler method for stochastic differential equations driven by α$$ \alpha $$‐stable process
Authors: Jiang Yanan , Hu Liangjian , Lv Can , Lu Jianqiu
Published: January 2023

The backward Euler method is employed to approximate the invariant measure of a class of stochastic differential equations (SDEs) driven by
‐stable processes. The existence and uniqueness of the numerical invariant measure are proved. Then the numerical invariant measure is shown to converge to the underlying invariant measure. Numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the theoretical results.
MRS in neurodegenerative dementias, prodromal syndromes and at‐risk states: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: McKiernan Elizabeth , Su Li , O'Brien John
Published: January 2023

Background

In recent years, MRS has benefited from increased MRI field strengths, new acquisition protocols and new processing techniques. This review aims to determine how this has altered our understanding of MRS neurometabolic markers in neurodegenerative dementias.

Methods

Our systematic review of human in vivo MRS literature since 2002 pertains to Alzheimer's disease (AD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), Parkinson's disease dementia, frontotemporal dementia (FTD), prodromal and ‘at‐risk’ states. Studies using field strengths of 3 T or more were included.

Results

Of 85 studies, AD and/or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were the most common conditions of interest (58 papers, 68%). Only 14 (16%) studies included other dementia syndromes and 13 (15%) investigated ‘at‐risk’ cohorts. Earlier findings of lower N‐acetylaspartate and higher myo‐inositol were confirmed. Additionally, lower choline and creatine in AD and MCI were reported, though inconsistently. Previously challenging‐to‐measure metabolites (glutathione, glutamate and gamma‐aminobutyric acid) were reportedly lower in AD, FTD and DLB compared with controls.

Discussion

Increasing field strength alongside targeted acquisition protocols has revealed additional metabolite changes. Most studies were small and regional metabolite differences between dementia types may not have been captured due to the predominant placement of voxels in the posterior cingulate cortex. The standard of data collection, quality control and analysis is improving due to greater consensus regarding acquisition and processing techniques. Ongoing harmonization of techniques, creation of larger and longitudinal cohorts, and placement of MRS voxels in more diverse regions will strengthen future research.
Perturbed‐analytic direct transcription for optimal control (PADOC)
Authors: Jafarimoghaddam Amin , Soler Manuel
Published: January 2023

The herein coined PADOC (perturbed‐analytic direct transcription for optimal control) stands for a new transcription method for direct trajectory optimization. We construct PADOC on a novel segmented decomposition method that provides series solutions for nonlinear problems. To transcribe the infinite dimensional problem into a finite one, PADOC comes along with a new solution approach, namely, the herein coined average nonlinear programming (aNLP). The aNLP theorem suggests generating a staircase optimal solution (low resolution) and turning it into a distributed optimal solution (high resolution) by exploiting the Hamiltonian of the problem. The analytic architecture provides PADOC with an analytic connection of a truncated order between the discrete nodes of the solution. This renders stability, accuracy within an analytic resolution, robustness, and a cut‐down in the number of the decision variables in the frame of NLP. We also prove that the multipliers associated with the Karush–Kuhn–Tucker optimality conditions in the frame of NLP (as transcribed by PADOC) correspond to a backward analytic solution for the costate equations. We finally show distinct features of PADOC through some examples.
On the origin of gastric tumours: analysis of a case with intramucosal gastric carcinoma and oxyntic gland adenoma
Authors: Kumagai Ken , Shimizu Takahiro , Nikaido Mitsuhiro , Hirano Tomonori , Kakiuchi Nobuyuki , Takeuchi Yasuhide , Minamiguchi Sachiko , Sakurai Takaki , Teramura Mari , Utsumi Takahiro , Hiramatsu Yukiko , Nakanishi Yuki , Takai Atsushi , Miyamoto Shin'ichi , Ogawa Seishi , Seno Hiroshi
Published: January 2023

Most gastric cancers develop in inflamed gastric mucosa due to Helicobacter pylori infection, typically with metaplastic changes. However, the origins of gastric cancer remain unknown. Here, we present a case of intramucosal gastric carcinoma (IGC) and oxyntic gland adenoma (OGA) derived from spasmolytic polypeptide‐expressing metaplasia (SPEM). Early gastric cancer adjacent to a polyp was found in the upper corpus of a 71‐year‐old woman without H. pylori infection and was endoscopically resected. Histological examination showed IGC and OGA, both of which had predominant MUC6 expression. Interestingly, gastric glands with enriched MUC6‐positive mucous cells, referred to as SPEM, expanded between them. Whole‐exome sequencing analysis revealed a truncating KRAS(G12D) mutation in IGC, OGA, and SPEM. In addition, TP53 and CDKN2A mutations and a loss of chromosome 17p were found in the IGC, whereas a GNAS mutation was observed in the OGA. These results indicated that IGC and OGA originated from the KRAS‐mutated SPEM. © 2023 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
TheMPRINTHub Data, Model, Knowledge and Research Coordination Center: Bridging the gap in maternal–pediatric therapeutics research through data integration and pharmacometrics
Authors: Quinney Sara K. , Bies Robert R. , Grannis Shaun J. , Bartlett Christopher W. , Mendonca Eneida , Rogerson Colin M. , Backes Carl H. , Shah Dhaval K. , Tillman Emma M. , Costantine Maged M. , Aruldhas Blessed W. , Allam Reva , Grant Amelia , Abbasi Mohammad Yaseen , Kandasamy Murugesh , Zang Yong , Wang Lei , Shendre Aditi , Li Lang
Published: January 2023

Maternal and pediatric populations have historically been considered “therapeutic orphans” due to their limited inclusion in clinical trials. Physiologic changes during pregnancy and lactation and growth and maturation of children alter pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of drugs. Precision therapy in these populations requires knowledge of these effects. Efforts to enhance maternal and pediatric participation in clinical studies have increased over the past few decades. However, studies supporting precision therapeutics in these populations are often small and, in isolation, may have limited impact. Integration of data from various studies, for example through physiologically based pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PBPK/PD) modeling or bioinformatics approaches, can augment the value of data from these studies, and help identify gaps in understanding. To catalyze research in maternal and pediatric precision therapeutics, the Obstetric and Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics Branch of theEunice Kennedy ShriverNational Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) established the Maternal and Pediatric Precision in Therapeutics (MPRINT) Hub. Herein, we provide an overview of the status of maternal–pediatric therapeutics research and introduce the Indiana University‐Ohio State University MPRINT Hub Data, Model, Knowledge and Research Coordination Center (DMKRCC), which aims to facilitate research in maternal and pediatric precision therapeutics through the integration and assessment of existing knowledge, supporting pharmacometrics and clinical trials design, development of new real‐world evidence resources, educational initiatives, and building collaborations among public and private partners, including other NICHD‐funded networks. By fostering use of existing data and resources, the DMKRCC will identify critical gaps in knowledge and support efforts to overcome these gaps to enhance maternal–pediatric precision therapeutics.
Identification of Viscoelastic Parameters for Composite Propellant by Indentation Technique
Authors: Mei Yuan , Li Dao‐Kui , Zhou Shi‐Ming , Shen Zhi‐Bin , Wu Wei‐Jing
Published: January 2023

A method for identifying the relaxation modulus or creep compliance of composite propellant based on indentation technique is proposed, which can rapidly and nondestructively measure the mechanical properties of solid rocket motor grain in storage. According to viscoelastic indentation theories, a constitutive model for conical indentation is derived to predict the mechanical parameters of composite propellants. The indentation test with different loading rates and the traditional tensile stress relaxation test for a certain PBT composite propellant were carried out to verify the feasibility of the proposed method. The results show that the prediction results calculated by the constitutive model are in good agreement with the load‐displacement curves of the indentation test, and the mechanical parameters identified by the constitutive model are similar to those parameters fitted by the tensile stress relaxation test. Relevant methods and conclusions can provide a reference for structural analysis and storage life prediction of solid rocket motors.
Clathrin‐dependent endocytosis plays a critical role in larval and pupal development, and female oocyte production in the red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum)
Authors: Xiao Da , Yao Jianxiu , Gao Xiwu , Zhu Kun Yan
Published: January 2023

Background

Clathrin‐dependent endocytosis is a vesicular transport process by which cells take macromolecules from the extracellular space to the intracellular space. It plays important roles in various cellular functions, but its biological significance in insect development and reproduction has not been well studied.

Results

We characterized and functionally analyzed four major clathrin‐dependent endocytic pathway genes (TcChc,TcAP50,TcVhaSFD,TcRab7) inTribolium castaneum. RNA interference (RNAi) by injecting double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) targeting each gene at three doses (50, 100, or 200 ng per insect) in 20‐day‐old larvae led to 100% larval mortality. When the expressions ofTcChc,TcVhaSFD, andTcRab7were suppressed by injecting their respective dsRNAs at each dose in 1‐day‐old pupae, the adults that emerged from the dsRNA‐injected pupae were deformed, with the absence of wing development. The deformed adults died within 2 days after eclosion. When the expression ofTcAP50was suppressed by injecting its dsRNA into 1‐day‐old pupae, although no apparent deformed adults were observed, all the adults died within 35 days after eclosion. In addition, when the expressions ofTcChcandTcVhaSFDwere suppressed by injecting their respective dsRNAs at a reduced dose (10 ng per insect) in 5‐day‐old pupae, the ovarian development and oocyte production in the resultant females were completely inhibited.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that clathrin‐dependent endocytosis is essential for insect development and reproduction. The results from this study can help researchers identify potential molecular targets for developing novel strategies for insect pest management. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Societal costs associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension: A study utilizing linked national registries
Authors: Runheim Hannes , Kjellström Barbro , Beaudet Amélie , Ivarsson Bodil , Husberg Magnus , Pillai Nadia , Levin Lars‐Åke , Bernfort Lars
Published: January 2023

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disease with no cure. Healthcare resource utilization (HCRU; hospitalization, outpatient visits, and drug utilization) before diagnosis and productivity loss (sick leave and disability pension) before and after PAH diagnosis are not well known. By linking several Swedish national databases, this study have estimated the societal costs in a national PAH cohort (n = 749, diagnosed with PAH in 2008−2019) 5 years before and 5 years after diagnosis and compared to an age, sex, and geographically matched control group (n = 3745, 1:5 match). HCRU and productivity loss were estimated per patient per year.

The PAH group had significantly higher HCRU and productivity loss compared to the control group starting already 3 and 5 years before diagnosis, respectively. HCRU peaked the year after diagnosis in the PAH group with hospitalizations (mean ± standard deviation; 2.0 ± 0.1 vs. 0.2 ± 0.0), outpatient visits (5.3 ± 0.3 vs. 0.9 ± 0.1), and days on sick leave (130 ± 10 vs. 13 ± 1) significantly higher compared to controls. Total costs during the entire 10‐year period were six times higher for the PAH group than the control group. In the 5 years before diagnosis the higher costs were driven by productivity loss (76%) and hospitalizations (15%), while the 5 years after diagnosis the main cost drivers were drugs (63%), hospitalizations (16%), and productivity loss (16%). In conclusion, PAH was associated with large societal costs due to high HCRU and productivity loss, starting several years before diagnosis. The economic and clinical burden of PAH suggests that strategies for earlier diagnosis and more effective treatments are warranted.
Thermally activated motion of cold excitons in conjugated polymers
Authors: Köse Muhammet Erkan , Köse Esra
Published: January 2023

Thermally activated migration of localized cold excitons were investigated in archetypal conjugated polymers; trans‐polyacetylene, polythiophene, and poly(p‐phenylene vinylene). Room temperature thermal energy has been found to provide sufficient energy to avail substantial mobility for excitons. A simple undistorted but displaced harmonic oscillator model has been assumed to predict the activation energy for exciton hopping between identical sites in perfectly planar conjugated chains, promoted by vibrational modes with Bu symmetry. The activation energies of exciton hopping has been found to increase in the order of trans‐polyacetylene (6.4 meV), polythiophene (29.5 meV), and poly(p‐phenylene vinylene) (147.4 meV). A rough Monte‐Carlo simulation based on incoherent hopping mechanism reveals excitons can displace in an average of 2.17 nm in polythiophene whereas those distances are much smaller in poly(p‐phenylene vinylene) (0.24 nm) and trans‐polyacetylene (0.37 nm). The simulation results partially explain why polythiophene based polymers are better suited for organic photovoltaic applications whereas poly(p‐phenylene vinylene) are more appropriate for organic light emitting diode applications.
Fresh insights for sustainable development: Collaborative governance of carbon emissions based on social network analysis
Authors: Lu Ping , Li Zhihong , Wen Ying , Liu Jianhui , Yuan Yue , Niu Ruiyu , Wang Yiran , Han Liangliang
Published: January 2023

Global climate change caused by carbon emissions has brought severe challenges to the sustainable development of global economy. In this context, this study constructs a weighted and directed carbon emission network for the European Union (EU). We use social network analysis to measure the indicators of the structural characteristics of the EU carbon emission network, and employ cluster analysis to investigate the role of countries in the carbon emission network. Furthermore, we use linear regression to explore the impacts of structural characteristics of carbon emission network on carbon emissions. The results show that, first the carbon emissions ties among the EU countries show a typical network structure during the sample period. Countries such as Germany, France, and Belgium are at the center of the carbon emission network, while Malta, Cyprus, and Croatia are at the edge. Second, different countries play the roles of “net spillover,” “broker,” “two‐way spillover,” and “net receiver” in the EU carbon emission network. Last, the increase of network density, the decrease of network hierarchy and the decrease of network efficiency all significantly reduce the carbon emission intensity of the EU, and narrow the spatial difference of carbon emissions among countries. Improving the weighted centrality indicators of nodes in the carbon emission network is helpful to reduce the carbon emission intensity of the EU countries. Based on the findings, this article puts forward policy suggestions for the collaborative governance of EU carbon emission abatement.
A Ratiometric Fluorescent Nanoprobe for Ultrafast Detection of Formaldehyde in Wood and Food Samples
Authors: Pei Xiaojuan , Wang Tianzhu , Liu Chaozheng , Liu Zhipeng
Published: January 2023

Fluorescent sensing of formaldehyde (FA) in the environment is of great significance for human health. However, the development of ratiometric fluorescent probes for ultrasensitive FA detection is challenging due to the lack of suitable strategies. In this study, we demonstrate that ratiometric FA nanoprobes can be facile constructed by integrating two simultaneously excitable fluorophores into a polymer matrix. Using this strategy, we developed a ratiometric fluorescent nanoprobe (Nano‐FAP‐1) for the highly sensitive detection of FA in environmental samples by incorporating a 4‐hydrazino‐1,8‐naphthalimide derivative (Na‐FA) as the receptor and 7‐diethylaminocoumarin‐3‐carboxyl ethyl acetate (Cou‐1) as the reference into a Pluronic F‐127 matrix. The probe achieved a highly sensitive and selective response to low concentrations of FA, with a response time of fewer than 5 s and a detection limit of 0.407 μM. It is worth noting that the probe can be used for the determination of FA in wood and food samples, demonstrating its potential application in the field of toxic gas monitoring and environmental protection.
A practical approach to localization of a suppurative cavity and resolution of a chronic draining tract in a horse
Authors: Kelly Megan , Wood Bradley M.
Published: January 2023

This case report describes a practical method for resolving a hard to localize abscess in a horse resulting from a traumatic injury near the stifle joint. When the horse presented for a chronic draining tract, a foreign body was suspected, with no external indication of location. Although ultrasonography was attempted to localize the abscess, the practitioner could not confidently identify the source of the draining tract. Radiography revealed a gas‐filled cavity approximately 28 cm proximal to the tract opening. In order to establish continuity between the tract opening and the presumed suppurative cavity, the practitioner developed a malleable radiopaque probe from readily available materials. Ultrasonography combined with the radiopaque probe allowed for confident localization and formulation of a surgical plan. The use of inexpensive available materials minimized cost and avoided delays in diagnosis and treatment. This improvised fistulographic method is suitable for practitioners at any skill level or practice setting.
Pflegeheim-sensitive Krankenhausfälle und Ansätze zur Verringerung der Hospitalisierung von Pflegeheimbewohnerinnen und -bewohnern
Authors: Valk-Draad Maria Paula , Bohnet-Joschko Sabine ,   PSK-Studiengruppe, Valk-Draad Maria Paula , Stahl Katja , Bienstein Christel , Heppner Hans-Jürgen , Sönnichsen Andreas , Bachmann Hagen Sjard , Thuermann Petra , Gröne Oliver , Zietzsch Paula , Hildebrandt Helmut , Klie Thomas , Bohnet-Joschko Sabine
Published: January 2023

Hintergrund

Interventionen zur Vermeidung von potenziell risikobehafteten Krankenhauseinweisungen aus dem Pflegeheim sind von hoher Bedeutung für Patientensicherheit und Versorgungsqualität. Ein Katalog Pflegeheim-sensitiver Krankenhausfälle (PSK) bildet die Grundlage für die Entwicklung von Handlungsempfehlungen.

Methoden

In zwei vorangegangenen Forschungsphasen entwickelte ein Expertenpanel einen Katalog mit 58 PSK mittels eines angepassten Delphi-Verfahrens (die RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Methode). Dieses Verfahren wurde von der Nord-Amerikanischen gemeinnützigen Research and Development Organisation (RAND) und Klinikern der Universität von Kalifornien in Los Angeles (UCLA) entwickelt. In der hier vorgestellten dritten Projektphase wurden zunächst in einem Expertenworkshop Interventionsansätze zu deren Reduktion entwickelt. Die Ergebnisse wurden anschließend durch sechs Gutachtende aus themenverwandten Sektoren bewertet, ergänzt und systematisch zur Erstellung von Handlungsempfehlungen verwendet. Mögliche Umsetzungshürden wurden berücksichtigt und der Zeithorizont der Wirksamkeit abgeschätzt.

Ergebnis

Die Handlungsempfehlungen betreffen Bereiche der Kommunikation, Kooperation, Dokumentation und Versorgungskompetenz sowie einrichtungsbezogene, finanzielle und rechtliche Aspekte. Einzelne Indikationsbündel demonstrieren die Relevanz für das deutsche Gesundheitswesen. Zur Erhöhung der Wirksamkeit empfehlen die Sachverständigen eine sinnvolle Kombination von Handlungsempfehlungen.

Diskussion

Durch eine Optimierung multidisziplinärer Kommunikation und Kooperation, kombiniert mit einem – auch digitalen – Ausbau der Infrastruktur bei Schaffung einrichtungsbezogener rechtlicher Voraussetzungen und Vergütungsstrukturen, könnten fast 35 % aller Hospitalisierungen aus dem Pflegeheim, rund 220.000 Krankenhausfälle in Deutschland, vermieden werden. Die für Maßnahmen erforderlichen Ausgaben könnten aus Einsparungen durch vermiedene Krankenhausaufenthalte in Höhe von 768 Mio. € refinanziert werden.
Moderne Bildgebung des Lungenhilus
Authors: Kronenberg Daniel , Frauenfelder Thomas
Published: January 2023

Hintergrund

Die moderne medizinische Bildgebung ist ein wichtiger Teil der effizienten ambulanten und stationären Patientenversorgung. Die konventionelle Röntgenaufnahme und die Computertomographie (CT) gehören zu den am häufigsten durchgeführten radiologischen Untersuchungen. Die Radiologie ermöglicht eine zielorientierte Präzisionsmedizin.

Fragestellung

Ziel dieses Beitrags ist eine Übersicht über die Anatomie und die häufigsten Pathologien am Lungenhilus (LH), einer wichtigen Schnittstelle elementarer Strukturen des Thorax. Außerdem werden wichtige Zeichen und Muster zur Bildinterpretation in verschiedenen Modalitäten betrachtet.

Ergebnisse

Eine genaue Kenntnis der Anatomie, der bildgebenden Zeichen pathologischer Veränderungen und Pitfalls in der konventionellen Röntgenaufnahme und in der sensitiveren Schnittbildgebung ist essenziell, um eine zielgerichtete Patientenversorgung zu unterstützen.

Schlussfolgerung

Das konventionelle Röntgenbild ist günstig und schnell verfügbar. Es eignet sich sehr gut zum Pathologie-Screening, u. a. am Lungenhilus. Die Schnittbildgebung präzisiert aufgrund der deutlich besseren Differenzierbarkeit anatomischer Strukturen die Diagnostik.
Hippocampal neurochemicals are associated with exercise group and intensity, psychological health, and general cognition in older adults
Authors: Reitlo Line S. , Mihailovic Jelena M. , Stensvold Dorthe , Wisløff Ulrik , Hyder Fahmeed , Håberg Asta Kristine
Published: January 2023

Based on the premise that physical activity/exercise impacts hippocampal structure and function, we investigated if hippocampal metabolites for neuronal viability and cell membrane density (i.e., N-acetyl aspartate (NAA), choline (Cho), creatine (Cr)) were higher in older adults performing supervised exercise compared to following national physical activity guidelines. Sixty-three participants (75.3 ± 1.9 years after 3 years of intervention) recruited from the Generation 100 study (NCT01666340_date:08.16.2012) were randomized into a supervised exercise group (SEG) performing twice weekly moderate- to high-intensity training, and a control group (CG) following national physical activity guidelines of ≥ 30-min moderate physical activity ≥ 5 days/week. Hippocampal body and head volumes and NAA, Cho, and Cr levels were acquired at 3T with magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopic imaging. Sociodemographic data, peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), exercise characteristics, psychological health, and cognition were recorded. General linear models were used to assess group differences and associations corrected for age, sex, education, and hippocampal volume. Both groups adhered to their training, where SEG trained at higher intensity. SEG had significantly lower NAA/Cr in hippocampal body than CG (p = 0.04). Across participants, higher training intensity was associated with lower Cho/Cr in hippocampal body (p < 0.001). Change in VO2peak, increasing VO2peak from baseline to 3 years, or VO2peak at 3 years were not associated with hippocampal neurochemicals. Lower NAA/Cr in hippocampal body was associated with poorer psychological health and slightly higher cognitive scores. Thus, following the national physical activity guidelines and not training at the highest intensity level were associated with the best neurochemical profile in the hippocampus at 3 years.
Federated Learning with Privacy-preserving and Model IP-right-protection
Authors: Yang Qiang , Huang Anbu , Fan Lixin , Chan Chee Seng , Lim Jian Han , Ng Kam Woh , Ong Ding Sheng , Li Bowen
Published: January 2023

In the past decades, artificial intelligence (AI) has achieved unprecedented success, where statistical models become the central entity in AI. However, the centralized training and inference paradigm for building and using these models is facing more and more privacy and legal challenges. To bridge the gap between data privacy and the need for data fusion, an emerging AI paradigm federated learning (FL) has emerged as an approach for solving data silos and data privacy problems. Based on secure distributed AI, federated learning emphasizes data security throughout the lifecycle, which includes the following steps: data preprocessing, training, evaluation, and deployments. FL keeps data security by using methods, such as secure multi-party computation (MPC), differential privacy, and hardware solutions, to build and use distributed multiple-party machine-learning systems and statistical models over different data sources. Besides data privacy concerns, we argue that the concept of “model” matters, when developing and deploying federated models, they are easy to expose to various kinds of risks including plagiarism, illegal copy, and misuse. To address these issues, we introduce FedIPR, a novel ownership verification scheme, by embedding watermarks into FL models to verify the ownership of FL models and protect model intellectual property rights (IPR or IP-right for short). While security is at the core of FL, there are still many articles referred to distributed machine learning with no security guarantee as “federated learning”, which are not satisfied with the FL definition supposed to be. To this end, in this paper, we reiterate the concept of federated learning and propose secure federated learning (SFL), where the ultimate goal is to build trustworthy and safe AI with strong privacy-preserving and IP-right-preserving. We provide a comprehensive overview of existing works, including threats, attacks, and defenses in each phase of SFL from the lifecycle perspective.
Deep Gradient Learning for Efficient Camouflaged Object Detection
Authors: Ji Ge-Peng , Fan Deng-Ping , Chou Yu-Cheng , Dai Dengxin , Liniger Alexander , Van Gool Luc
Published: January 2023

This paper introduces deep gradient network (DGNet), a novel deep framework that exploits object gradient supervision for camouflaged object detection (COD). It decouples the task into two connected branches, i.e., a context and a texture encoder. The essential connection is the gradient-induced transition, representing a soft grouping between context and texture features. Benefiting from the simple but efficient framework, DGNet outperforms existing state-of-the-art COD models by a large margin. Notably, our efficient version, DGNet-S, runs in real-time (80 fps) and achieves comparable results to the cutting-edge model JCSOD-CVPR21 with only 6.82% parameters. The application results also show that the proposed DGNet performs well in the polyp segmentation, defect detection, and transparent object segmentation tasks. The code will be made available at https://github.com/GewelsJI/DGNet.
Brain-inspired Intelligent Robotics: Theoretical Analysis and Systematic Application
Authors: Qiao Hong , Wu Ya-Xiong , Zhong Shan-Lin , Yin Pei-Jie , Chen Jia-Hao
Published: January 2023

Traditional joint-link robots have been widely used in production lines because of their high precision for single tasks. With the development of the manufacturing and service industries, the requirement for the comprehensive performance of robotics is growing. Numerous types of bio-inspired robotics have been investigated to realize human-like motion control and manipulation. A study route from inner mechanisms to external structures is proposed to imitate humans and animals better. With this idea, a brain-inspired intelligent robotic system is constructed that contains visual cognition, decision-making, motion control, and musculoskeletal structures. This paper reviews cutting-edge research in brain-inspired visual cognition, decision-making, motion control, and musculoskeletal systems. Two software systems and a corresponding hardware system are established, aiming at the verification and applications of next-generation brain-inspired musculoskeletal robots.
A review on application of nanoparticles for EOR purposes: history and current challenges
Authors: Iravani Mostafa , Khalilnezhad Zahra , Khalilnezhad Ali
Published: January 2023

Applications of nanotechnology in several fields of petroleum industry, e.g., refinery, drilling and enhanced oil recovery (EOR), have attracted a lot of attention, recently. This research investigates the applications of nanoparticles in EOR process. The potential of various nanoparticles, in hybrid and bare forms for altering the state of wettability, reducing the interfacial tension (IFT), changing the viscosity and activation of other EOR mechanisms are studied based on recent findings. Focusing on EOR, hybrid applications of nanoparticles with surfactants, polymers, low-salinity phases and foams are discussed and their synergistic effects are evaluated. Also, activated EOR mechanisms are defined and specified. Since the stabilization of nanofluids in harsh conditions of reservoir is vital for EOR applications, different methods for stabilizing nanofluids through EOR procedures are reviewed. Besides, a discussion on different functional groups of NPs is represented. Later, an economic model for evaluation of EOR process is examined and “Hotelling” method as an appropriate model for investigation of economic aspects of EOR process is introduced in detail. The findings of this study can lead to better understanding of fundamental basis about efficiency of nanoparticles in EOR process, activated EOR mechanisms during application of nanoparticles, selection of appropriate nanoparticles, the methods of stabilizing and economic evaluation for EOR process with respect to costs and outcomes.
Spare Parts, Repairs, Trade Marks and Consumer Understanding
Authors: Tischner Anna , Stasiuk Katarzyna
Published: January 2023

The climate crisis has added circularity and sustainability arguments to those of competition and the consumer-friendly justification of limitations to design and trade mark rights. The increasingly widespread “right to repair” has changed consumer knowledge and understanding. This article presents the results of experimental studies on the perception of trade marks used in the commercialisation of spare parts and the impact thereof on how a product’s origin and quality are perceived. Against this background, there is a discussion of the recent referral by a Polish court, in case C-334/22, Audi, concerning the problem of spare parts that reproduce a trade mark as an element of the appearance of the part.
Flexible, Highly Thermally Conductive and Electrically Insulating Phase Change Materials for Advanced Thermal Management of 5G Base Stations and Thermoelectric Generators
Authors: Lin Ying , Kang Qi , Liu Yijie , Zhu Yingke , Jiang Pingkai , Mai Yiu-Wing , Huang Xingyi
Published: January 2023

Thermal management has become a crucial problem for high-power-density equipment and devices. Phase change materials (PCMs) have great prospects in thermal management applications because of their large capacity of heat storage and isothermal behavior during phase transition. However, low intrinsic thermal conductivity, ease of leakage, and lack of flexibility severely limit their applications. Solving one of these problems often comes at the expense of other performance of the PCMs. In this work, we report core–sheath structured phase change nanocomposites (PCNs) with an aligned and interconnected boron nitride nanosheet network by combining coaxial electrospinning, electrostatic spraying, and hot-pressing. The advanced PCN films exhibit an ultrahigh thermal conductivity of 28.3 W m−1 K−1 at a low BNNS loading (i.e., 32 wt%), which thereby endows the PCNs with high enthalpy (> 101 J g−1), outstanding ductility (> 40%) and improved fire retardancy. Therefore, our core–sheath strategies successfully balance the trade-off between thermal conductivity, flexibility, and phase change enthalpy of PCMs. Further, the PCNs provide powerful cooling solutions on 5G base station chips and thermoelectric generators, displaying promising thermal management applications on high-power-density equipment and thermoelectric conversion devices.
Ultrafast Synthesis of Metal-Layered Hydroxides in a Dozen Seconds for High-Performance Aqueous Zn (Micro-) Battery
Authors: Li Xiangyang , Chen Fangshuai , Zhao Bo , Zhang Shaohua , Zheng Xiaoyu , Wang Ying , Jin Xuting , Dai Chunlong , Wang Jiaqi , Xie Jing , Zhang Zhipan , Zhao Yang
Published: January 2023

Efficient synthesis of transition metal hydroxides on conductive substrate is essential for enhancing their merits in industrialization of energy storage field. However, most of the synthetic routes at present mainly rely on traditional bottom-up method, which involves tedious steps, time-consuming treatments, or additional alkaline media, and is unfavorable for high-efficiency production. Herein, we present a facile, ultrafast and general avenue to synthesize transition metal hydroxides on carbon substrate within 13 s by Joule-heating method. With high reaction kinetics caused by the instantaneous high temperature, seven kinds of transition metal-layered hydroxides (TM-LDHs) are formed on carbon cloth. Therein, the fastest synthesis rate reaches ~ 0.46 cm2 s−1. Density functional theory calculations further demonstrate the nucleation energy barriers and potential mechanism for the formation of metal-based hydroxides on carbon substrates. This efficient approach avoids the use of extra agents, multiple steps, and long production time and endows the LDHs@carbon cloth with outstanding flexibility and machinability, showing practical advantages in both common and micro-zinc ion-based energy storage devices. To prove its utility, as a cathode in rechargeable aqueous alkaline Zn (micro-) battery, the NiCo LDH@carbon cloth exhibits a high energy density, superior to most transition metal LDH materials reported so far.
Luminescence in Er3+ co-doped bismuth germinate glass–ceramics for blue and green emitting applications
Authors: Kashif I. , Ratep A.
Published: January 2023

Glass samples with the composition 40 Bi2O3-60 GeO2-x Er2O3 are prepared using the melt quenching procedure. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential thermal analysis (DTA), Ultraviolet/Visible/Near-infrared (UV/Vis–NIR) absorption, photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) are used to characterize the glass and glass–ceramic materials. The glass transition and crystallization temperatures are determined. Crystallization kinetics was studied in non-isothermal conditions. The oscillator strengths and Judd–Ofelt parameters (Ω2, Ω4, Ω6) for reported Er3+ absorption transitions are estimated, and they follow the trend Ω2 > Ω6 > Ω4 for observed Er3+ absorption transitions. The iconicity of glass samples was unaffected by an increase in Er3+ ions. XRD and FTIR confirmed the formation of the Bi4Ge3O12 phase after heat treatment of glass samples at the crystallization temperature. The CIE chromaticity diagram computes the CIE chromatic coordinates. The values for all glass and crystal samples are close to bright blue and green. Glass and glass ceramic samples are suitable for green and blue optoelectronics device applications.
Freedom in Captivity
Authors: Gupta Radhika
Published: January 2023

How do borderland dwellers living along militarised frontiers negotiate regimes of state security and their geopolitical location in everyday life? What might 'freedom' mean to those who do not resist captivity engendered by borders? Focusing on the predicaments of a double-minority, Freedom in Captivity examines the affective attachments, political imaginaries, and ethical claims-making among the Shia Muslims of Kargil. In contrast to calls for freedom in the Kashmir Valley, Shias on the frontiers of Kashmir have sought belonging to India. Yet they do not entirely succumb to its hegemonic ideological boundaries. Departing from the dominant focus on physical cross-border mobility, this book is an invitation to reimagine borderlands as cartographies of ideas, cutting across spatial scales. Based on original ethnographic research conducted between 2008 and 2021, this monograph offers a unique long durée insight into the lives of people residing at the intersections of the biggest states in Asia.