bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dyspnea and the electromyographic activity of inspiratory muscles during weaning from mechanical ventilation
Authors: Bureau Côme , Dres Martin , Morawiec Elise , Mayaux Julien , Delemazure Julie , Similowski Thomas , Demoule Alexandre
Published: June 2022

Rationale

Dyspnea, a key symptom of acute respiratory failure, is not among the criteria for spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) failure. Here, we sought (1) to determine whether dyspnea is a reliable failure criterion for SBT failure; (2) to quantify the relationship between dyspnea and the respective electromyographic activity of the diaphragm (EMGdi), the parasternal (EMGpa) and the Alae nasi (EMGan).

Methods

Mechanically ventilated patients undergoing an SBT were included. Dyspnea intensity was measured by the Dyspnea-Visual Analogic Scale (Dyspnea-VAS) at the initiation and end of the SBT. During the 30-min SBT or until SBT failure, the EMGdi was continuously measured with a multi-electrode nasogastric catheter and the EMGan and EMGpa with surface electrodes.

Results

Thirty-one patients were included, SAPS 2 (median [interquartile range]) 53 (37‒74), mechanically ventilated for 6 (3‒10) days. Seventeen patients (45%) failed the SBT. The increase in Dyspnea-VAS along the SBT was higher in patients who failed (6 [4‒8] cm) than in those who passed (0 [0‒1] cm, p = 0.01). The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve for Dyspnea-VAS was 0.909 (0.786–1.032). The increase in Dyspnea-VAS was significantly correlated to the increase in EMGan (Rho = 0.42 [0.04‒0.70], p < 0.05), but not to the increase in EMGpa (Rho = − 0.121 [− 0.495 to − 0.290], p = 0.555) and EMGdi (Rho = − 0.26 [− 0.68 to 0.28], p = 0.289).

Conclusion

Dyspnea is a reliable criterion of SBT failure, suggesting that Dyspnea-VAS could be used as a monitoring tool of the SBT. In addition, dyspnea seems to be more closely related to the electromyographic activity of the Alae nasi than of the diaphragm.
Oscillation of super-linear fourth-order differential equations with several sub-linear neutral terms
Authors: El-Gaber A. A. , El-Sheikh M. M. A. , El-Saedy E. I.
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we discuss the oscillatory behavior of solutions of a class of Super-linear fourth-order differential equations with several sub-linear neutral terms using the Riccati and generalized Riccati transformations. Some Kamenev–Philos-type oscillation criteria are established. New oscillation criteria are deduced in both canonical and non-canonical cases. An illustrative example is given.
Organizing the health interview survey at the local level: design of a pilot study
Authors: Hermans Lize , Braekman Elise , Drieskens Sabine , Demarest Stefaan
Published: June 2022

Background

The local Health Interview Study (LHIS) was developed to gain health information at the level of the municipality in Flanders, the northern part of Belgium. It enables municipalities to make evidence-based decisions in their public health policy. To test the feasibility of implementing the LHIS, a pilot study was conducted in Melle, a small Flemish municipality with 11.736 inhabitants.

Methods

The target sample size was 1000 (≥ 15 years). A systematic sampling technique was applied with substitutes for non-respondents who were matched in terms of statistical sector, age and sex. Selected persons were contacted by post to complete the questionnaire and in case of non-response, a reminder was sent. Questionnaires were collected using a concurrent mixed-mode design: a paper and pencil, and web option. All questions were selected from the Belgian Health Interview Survey relating to health status and determinants of health.

Results

One thousand twenty-two questionnaires were obtained after inviting 3137 individuals (response rate = 32.6%). Older adults were more likely to participate than younger adults, and women more than men. The final sample resembled the initial sample in terms of sex and statistical sector, but not in terms of age. Younger adults were underrepresented whereas older adults were overrepresented. Lastly, older adults were more likely to fill in the questionnaire on paper than younger adults, and women more than men.

Conclusion

The LHIS can be successfully implemented in Flemish municipalities. The method, however, does not guarantee that the composition of the final sample reflects the initial sample. Therefore, weights should be added in the analyses to correct for potential deviations in sample composition. Furthermore, implementing a sequential mixed-mode design with a web option preceding a paper and pencil option in future studies could reduce costs and improve data quality.
Physical exercise and its associated factors among Ethiopian pregnant women: a cross-sectional study based on the theory of planned behavior
Authors: Addis Abebaw , Alemnew Wallelign , Kassie Ayenew , Handebo Simegnew
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Women in Ethiopia prefer sedentary behavior and are physically inactive during pregnancy; this increases the risks of pregnancy-related complications. Therefore, this study aimed to assess physical exercise and its associated factors among pregnant women attending Antenatal Care at Debermarkose Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: using the theory of planned behavior.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 23rd February to 10th June, 2020. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 333 study participants. Data were collected with face-to-face interviews using a pretested structured questionnaire. Epi-info and STATA version 14.0 were used for data entry and analysis respectively. Multivariable linear regression analysis was done to identify the association between dependent and independent factors, and p < 0.05 was used as a cutoff to determine statistical significance at multivariable logistics regressions.

Result

A total of 333 pregnant women were participated in this study with response rate of 98%. The proportion of variance (R2) in intention accounted for the factors was 0.79. The magnitude of intention to do physical exercise during the current pregnancy was 3.8 ± 2. primary level of education (β = 0.43; 95% CI 0.25, 0.61), 2nd trimester gestational age (β = 0.19; 95% CI 0.04, 0.33), 3rd trimester gestational age (β = 0.17; 95% CI 0.02, 0.32), Attitude (β = 0.34; 95% CI 0.19, 0.49), subjective norm (β = 0.12; 95% CI 0.01, 0.23) and perceived behavioral control (β = 0.45; 95% CI 0.33, 0.57) were significantly associated with pregnant womens’ intention to do physical exercise during pregnancy period.

Conclusion and recommendations

This study provided that the theory of planned behavior could be successfully applied to identify the factors related to the intention to do physical exercise during pregnancy The program designers who work on pregnancy better consider providing Information education and communication to change the attitude, work on influencing significant individuals and barriers and enabling factors.
Dynamic earthquake sequence simulation with an SBIEM accounting for interseismic poroelastic rebound
Authors: Noda Hiroyuki
Published: June 2022

Afterslip inside a coseismic slip patch is rarely observed, though some previous studies suggest that it is driven by poroelastic rebound (PER). These studies assume constant frictional strength, whereas time-dependent strengthening (healing) of a fault is expected from laboratory experiments, which provide a basis for a rate- and state-dependent friction law (RSF). In this study, quasistatic poroelasticity (PE) was implemented in a dynamic earthquake sequence simulation using a spectral boundary integral equation method, and the effect of PER on the behavior of a fault governed by RSF was examined. Spatio-temporal convolution for PE would significantly affect the resolution of the numerical simulation affordable. This problem has been resolved by numerical approximation of the time dependency of Green’s function of PE in the wavenumber domain, definition of memory variables, and reformulation of the temporal convolution into ordinary differential equations of them. In the novel method, the additional numerical costs due to PE are negligible. A planar fault with a rate-weakening patch embedded in the rate-strengthening region was simulated. Because it is the healing of the fault that competes against PER, both the aging law and slip law were examined, which have different characteristics in the evolution of the fault strength. The simulation results indicate that PER causes postseismic loading to the patch, but the healing efficiently suppresses afterslip not only for the aging law, but also for the slip law. When cases with different friction laws are compared, the healing is more significant for the aging law, which has log-$$t$$
t
strengthening at a limit of $$V\to 0$$

V
→
0

. However, the effect of PER on the slip rate is minor for the slip law. The slip law yields additional healing if the fault is accelerated by loading owing to PER. The simulation results are consistent with the absence of afterslip within the coseismic slip patches in the observations.

Graphical Abstract
Changes in the pharyngeal airway after different orthognathic procedures for correction of class III dysplasia
Authors: Khaghaninejad Mohammad Saleh , Khojastehpour Leila , Danesteh Hossein , Changizi Mehdi , Ahrari Farzaneh
Published: June 2022

Objective

This study was conducted to compare changes in pharyngeal airway after different orthognathic procedures in subjects with class III deformity.

Methods

The study included CBCT scans of 48 skeletal class III patients (29 females and 19 males, mean age 23.50 years) who underwent orthognathic surgery in conjunction with orthodontic treatment. The participants were divided into three groups of 16, as follows: Group 1, mandibular setback surgery; group 2, combined mandibular setback and maxillary advancement surgery; and group 3, maxillary advancement surgery. CBCT images were taken 1 day before surgery (T0), 1 day (T1), and 6 months (T2) later. The dimensions of the velopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx were measured in CBCT images.

Results

In all groups, there was a significant decrease in airway variables immediately after surgery, with a significant reversal 6 months later (P < 0.05). In subjects who underwent maxillary advancement, the airway dimensions were significantly greater at T2 than the T0 time point (P < 0.05), whereas in the mandibular setback and bimaxillary surgery groups, the T2 values were lower than the baseline examination (P < 0.05). The alterations in airway variables were significantly different between the study groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The mandibular setback procedure caused the greatest reduction in the pharyngeal airway, followed by the bimaxillary surgery and maxillary advancement groups, with the latter exhibiting an actual increase in the pharyngeal airway dimensions. It is recommended to prefer a two-jaw operation instead of a mandibular setback alone for correction of the prognathic mandible in subjects with predisposing factors to the development of sleep-disordered breathing.
Creativity and its relationship with intelligence and reading skills in children: an exploratory study
Authors: Bezerra Roberta Louise Mariano , Alves Rauni Jandé Roama , Azoni Cíntia Alves Salgado
Published: June 2022

Creativity, intelligence, and reading skills such as phonological awareness and decoding in reading can be critical to academic success, especially during childhood. Thus, this study aimed to characterize creativity, intelligence, phonological awareness, and reading decoding and verify possible relationships between creativity and these skills. The sample consisted of 75 children divided between the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades of municipal public schools in the Brazilian context. The results indicated the gradual evolution of creativity, intelligence, phonological awareness, and reading decoding in children from the 1st to the 3rd year, especially for the performance of the 3rd year. Correlations between creativity with intelligence and reading skills were also evidenced for all three classes, with the 3rd year with stronger correlations, which are promising results for these relationships. The study of creativity is still a recent field for empirical investigations and deserves future investigations for a better understanding of these constructs in this population.
A dynamic-model-based fault diagnosis method for a wind turbine planetary gearbox using a deep learning network
Authors: Li Dongdong , Zhao Yang , Zhao Yao
Published: June 2022

The planetary gearbox is a critical part of wind turbines, and has great significance for their safety and reliability. Intelligent fault diagnosis methods for these gearboxes have made some achievements based on the availability of large quantities of labeled data. However, the data collected from the diagnosed devices are always unlabeled, and the acquisition of fault data from real gearboxes is time-consuming and laborious. As some gearbox faults can be conveniently simulated by a relatively precise dynamic model, the data from dynamic simulation containing some features are related to those from the actual machines. As a potential tool, transfer learning adapts a network trained in a source domain to its application in a target domain. Therefore, a novel fault diagnosis method combining transfer learning with dynamic model is proposed to identify the health conditions of planetary gearboxes. In the method, a modified lumped-parameter dynamic model of a planetary gear train is established to simulate the resultant vibration signal, while an optimized deep transfer learning network based on a one-dimensional convolutional neural network is built to extract domain-invariant features from different domains to achieve fault classification. Various groups of transfer diagnosis experiments of planetary gearboxes are carried out, and the experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and the reliability of both the dynamic model and the proposed method.
Patient-reported outcome measures for life engagement in mental health: a systematic review
Authors: McIntyre Roger S. , Ismail Zahinoor , Watling Christopher P. , Weiss Catherine , Meehan Stine R. , Musingarimi Primrose , Thase Michael E.
Published: June 2022

Background

Life engagement in the context of mental health is a broad term that describes positive health aspects relating to cognition, vitality, motivation and reward, and the ability to feel pleasure—concepts that are meaningful to patients. The aim of this systematic literature review was to identify validated patient-reported outcomes (PROs) that can assess any aspect of life engagement in adults, in the field of general mental health.

Methods

This was a systematic literature review of articles in English from the MEDLINE database (date of search: September 9, 2020). The search strategy had three components: (1) terms to capture PROs; (2) terms to capture mental health; and (3) terms to capture aspects of life engagement. Articles were eligible if they included a PRO that: (1) is named; (2) can be used across mental health disorders; (3) is used to assess any aspect of life engagement; and (4) has undergone psychometric validation and/or qualitative content validation. A list of PROs was extracted.

Results

A total of 1585 records were screened and 233 articles were eligible for inclusion. Within these 233 articles, 49 distinct PROs were identified, two of which specifically captured their authors’ interpretation of life engagement: the Engaged Living Scale (ELS) and the Life Engagement Test (LET). However, while the ELS and LET covered motivation and reward, life fulfillment, and value-based living, neither scale captured the cognitive or vitality aspects of life engagement. The remaining identified PROs generally captured single aspects of life engagement, most commonly motivation/reward/energy–apathy, pleasure–anhedonia, and mental/psychological well-being.

Conclusion

Numerous PROs are available that may capture aspects of life engagement. However, a need remains for a new PRO that can be used in clinical trials to provide a more comprehensive description of the improvements in life engagement that patients with mental health disorders may experience with successful treatment.
Leather for flexible multifunctional bio-based materials: a review
Authors: Bai Zhongxue , Wang Xuechuan , Zheng Manhui , Yue Ouyang , Xie Long , Zha Siyu , Dong Shuyin , Li Tong , Song Yanyan , Huang Mengchen , Liu Xinhua
Published: June 2022

Nowadays, diverse leather usage conditions and increasing demands from consumers challenge the leather industry. Traditional leather manufacturing is facing long-term challenges, including low-value threshold, confined application fields, and environmental issues. Leather inherits all the biomimetic properties of natural skin such as flexibility, sanitation, cold resistance, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and other cross-domain functions, achieving unremitting attention in multi-functional bio-based materials. Series of researches have been devoted to creating and developing leather-based flexible multi-functional bio-materials, including antibacterial leather, conductive leather, flame-retardant leather, self-cleaning leather, aromatic leather, and electromagnetic shielding leather. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the commonly used leather-based functional materials. Furthermore, the possible challenges for the development of functional leathers are proposed, and expected development directions of leather-based functional materials are discussed. This review may promote and inspire the emerging preparation and applications of leather for flexible functional bio-based materials.

Graphical Abstract
The classification of gastric antral vascular ectasia in cirrhotic patients by Versatile Intelligent Staining Technology
Authors: Abdelmoneim Randa Salah Eldin , Abdelmoety Amr Aly , Baddour Nahed , Salem Perihan , Metawea Marwa
Published: June 2022

Background

Portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) and gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) are two different pathologies that cause bleeding in cirrhotic patients. These two pathologies are still difficult to be distinguished by white light endoscopy (conventional), as they both appear as red spots in the gastric antral mucosa in the case of severe PHG. The aim of our study was to assess the efficacy of Versatile Intelligent Staining Technology (VIST) in comparison to histopathology in the diagnosis and classification of GAVE.

Methods

A cross-sectional study included 50 patients with liver cirrhosis recruited from Alexandria Main University Hospital. Patients with connective tissue diseases and chronic kidney disease were excluded. All patients were examined by both conventional white light endoscopy (WLE) and image enhancement technology (VIST) using Sonoscape HD500 endoscope. GAVE was diagnosed as tortuous columns of ectatic vessels in the gastric antrum. Histopathological examination was used as the standard tool for the diagnosis of GAVE.

Results

A total of 50 patients were included, 28 patients (56 %) were diagnosed as GAVE by pathology vs 22 (44 %) as non-GAVE. Twenty-three of 28 (78.6 %) cases of GAVE were detected by VIST. VIST had superior sensitivity than WLE in the detection of GAVE, 82.1 % vs 7.1 %, while WLE had higher specificity 95.5 % vs 59.1 % by VIST. There was statistical significance between VIST and pathology in the diagnosis of GAVE, p<0.035, but no statistical significance between WLE and pathology. VIST has identified two types of GAVE: focal in 12/28 cases and diffuse in 11/28, and five were not diagnosed by VIST.

Conclusions

Versatile Intelligent Staining Technology could be used as an alternative tool to histopathological diagnosis of GAVE. GAVE can present as a focal group of ectatic vessels which adds a new class to GAVE classification that was previously misdiagnosed.
Mapping the facies and geomorphology of igneous bodies by integrating multiple disciplines data: A case study of the BZ-A oilfield, Bohai Bay Basin, China
Authors: Yin Zhijun , Zhang Bo , Li Chao , Wang Shaopeng , Cui Mingzhe , Chen Hui
Published: June 2022

The BZ-A oilfield is one of the significant discoveries within the Huanghekou Sag, the southern Bohai Sea Basin, China, and the reservoirs of the BZ-A oilfield were deposited in the Paleogene period. Unfortunately, the spatial continuity of the Paleogene clastic reservoirs of the BZ-A oilfield was destroyed by the widely distributed igneous rocks. Characterizing those “isolated” clastic geobodies is the main task in the exploration and production phases. The exploration wells within the BZ-A oilfield demonstrate that the size of the clastic geobodies is one of the main factors that determine if a new drilled well is a commercial oil-producing well. The spatial distribution and the size of igneous rocks are other important factors affecting whether a drilled well is an oil-producing well. Thus, the analysis of 3D geomorphology of igneous rocks is among the most important tasks in well and development planning. We integrate 3D seismic data, well logs, and core data to characterize the Paleogene igneous bodies within the BZ-A oilfield. The analyzing procedure begins with determining the igneous rock types by analyzing the texture of cores and corresponding thin sections. Then, the volcanic/volcaniclastic facies are defined by integrating the well logs and igneous rock. Finally, the volcanic edifices are interpreted by integrating the seismic data, well logs, and core data. The analysis demonstrates that the volcanic edifice usually consists of five facies (volcanic conduit, effusive, explosive, extrusive, volcanic sedimentary, and subvolcanic facies). The overall shape of the edifice and the distribution of each facies are controlled by the volcanic eruption styles. In our study area, the seismic variance attribute can be used to locate the volcanic conduit facies, and the seismic root-mean-square amplitude can characterize the volcanic effusive facies.
The influence of caregiver attitudes and socioeconomic group on formal and informal mental health service use among youth
Authors: Paula Cristiane Silvestre , Ziebold Carolina , Ribeiro Wagner S. , Pan Pedro Mario , Mari Jair Jesus , Bressan Rodrigo , Miguel Euripedes Constantino , Rohde Luiz Augusto , Salum Giovanni A. , Evans-Lacko Sara
Published: June 2022

Background

Young people can receive mental health care from many sources, from formal and informal sectors. Caregiver characteristics/experiences/beliefs may influence whether young people get help and the type of care or support used by their child. We investigate facilitators/barriers to receiving formal and/or informal care, particularly those related to the caregiver’s profile.

Methods

We interviewed 1,400 Brazilian primary caregivers of young people (aged 10–19), participants of a high-risk cohort. Caregivers reported on young people’s formal/informal mental health care utilization, and associated barriers and facilitators to care. Data were also collected on youth mental health and its impact on everyday life; and caregiver characteristics—education, socioeconomics, ethnicity, mental health, and stigma. Logistic regression models were used to examine the relationship between caregiver and young people characteristics with formal/informal care utilization.

Results

Persistence and greater impact of youth mental health conditions were associated with a higher likelihood of care, more clearly for formal care. Caregiver characteristics, however, also played a key role in whether young people received any care: lower parental stigma was associated with greater formal service use, and lower socioeconomic class showed higher odds of informal care (mainly from religious leaders).

Conclusions

This study highlights the key role of the caregivers as gatekeepers to child treatment access, particularly parental stigma influencing whether young people received any mental health care, even in a low resource setting. These results help to map barriers for treatment access and delivery for young people, aiming to improve intervention efforts and mental health support.
Sensitive agents under group pressure form fewer opinion clusters
Authors: Huang Changwei , Cai Huasheng , Han Wenchen
Published: June 2022

The number of opinion clusters is the main focus of opinion dynamics. Different methods have been proposed to help agents form fewer opinion clusters or achieve consensus. In this study, sensitive agents suffering the group pressure are introduced into the Hegselmann-Krause opinion model, where other agents are insensitive and without the group pressure. The introduction of sensitive agents provides more chances for cluster merging, forming fewer clusters, and even reaching consensus. The sensitive factor plays a dominant role in opinion consensus: a large value for the group pressure becomes the public opinion, small value makes the group pressure concentrate on the agent's own opinion, and medium one causes a nonlocal one to greatly forge consensus. The group pressure significance tunes the proportion group pressure felt by sensitive agents and forms fewer clusters together with the sensitive factor. Surprisingly, the ratio of sensitive agents shows almost no difference.
Effects of Short-term Fasting on Ghrelin/GH/IGF-1 Axis in Healthy Humans: The Role of Ghrelin in the Thrifty Phenotype
Authors: Hollstein Tim , Basolo Alessio , Unlu Yigit , Ando Takafumi , Walter Mary , Krakoff Jonathan , Piaggi Paolo
Published: June 2022

Context

A greater decrease in 24-hour energy expenditure (24hEE) during short-term fasting is indicative of a thrifty phenotype.

Objective

As ghrelin and the growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) axis are implicated in the regulation of energy intake and metabolism, we investigated whether ghrelin, GH, and IGF-1 concentrations mediate the fasting-induced decrease in 24hEE that characterizes thriftiness.

Methods

In 47 healthy individuals, 24hEE was measured in a whole-room indirect calorimeter both during 24-hour eucaloric and fasting conditions. Plasma total ghrelin, GH, and IGF-1 concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay after an overnight fast the morning before and after each 24-hour session.

Results

During 24-hour fasting, on average 24hEE decreased by 8.0% (P < .001), GH increased by ~5-fold (P < .001), whereas ghrelin (mean +23 pg/mL) and IGF-1 were unchanged (both P ≥ .19) despite a large interindividual variability in ghrelin change (SD 150 pg/mL). Greater fasting-induced increase in ghrelin was associated with a greater decrease in 24hEE during 24-hour fasting (r = –0.42, P = .003), such that individuals who increased ghrelin by 200 pg/mL showed an average decrease in 24hEE by 55 kcal/day.

Conclusion

Short-term fasting induced selective changes in the ghrelin/GH/IGF-1 axis, specifically a ghrelin-independent GH hypersecretion that did not translate into increased IGF-1 concentrations. Greater increase in ghrelin after 24-hour fasting was associated with greater decrease in 24hEE, indicating ghrelin as a novel biomarker of increased energy efficiency of the thrifty phenotype.
Effect of COVID-19 Vaccines on Thyroid Function and Autoimmunity and Effect of Thyroid Autoimmunity on Antibody Response
Authors: Lui David Tak Wai , Lee Chi Ho , Cheung Chloe Yu Yan , Mak Jimmy Ho Cheung , Fong Carol Ho Yi , Lui Brian Wan Ching , Cheung Venus Suet Ying , Chow Wing Sun , Lee Alan Chun Hong , Tam Anthony Raymond , Pang Polly , Ho Tip Yin , Tan Kathryn Choon Beng , Woo Yu Cho , Hung Ivan Fan Ngai , Lam Karen Siu Ling
Published: June 2022

Context

There are concerns for COVID-19 vaccination in triggering thyroid autoimmunity and causing thyroid dysfunction. Also, data on the effect of preexisting thyroid autoimmunity on the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination are limited.

Objectives

We evaluated the effect of COVID-19 vaccination on thyroid function and antibodies, and the influence of preexisting thyroid autoimmunity on neutralizing antibody (NAb) responses.

Methods

Adults without a history of COVID-19/thyroid disorders who received the COVID-19 vaccination during June to August 2021 were recruited. All received 2 doses of vaccines. Thyrotropin (TSH), free thyroxine (fT4), free 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine (fT3), antithyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO), and antithyroglobulin (anti-Tg) antibodies were measured at baseline and 8 weeks post vaccination. NAb against SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain was measured.

Results

A total of 215 individuals were included (129 [60%] BNT162b2; 86 [40%] CoronaVac recipients): mean age 49.6 years, 37.2% men, and 12.1% anti-TPO/Tg positive at baseline. After vaccination, TSH did not change (P = .225), but fT4 slightly increased (from 12.0 ± 1.1 to 12.2 ± 1.2 pmol/L [from 0.93 ± 0.09 to 0.95 ± 0.09 ng/dL], P < .001) and fT3 slightly decreased (from 4.1 ± 0.4 to 4.0 ± 0.4 pmol/L [from 2.67 ± 0.26 to 2.60 ± 0.26 pg/mL], P < .001). Only 3 patients (1.4%) had abnormal thyroid function post vaccination, none clinically overt. Anti-TPO and anti-Tg titers increased modestly after vaccination (P < .001), without statistically significant changes in anti-TPO/Tg positivity. Changes in thyroid function and antithyroid antibodies were consistent between BNT162b2 and CoronaVac recipients, except for greater anti-TPO titer increase post BNT162b2 (P < .001). NAb responses were similar between individuals with and without preexisting thyroid autoimmunity (P = .855).

Conclusion

COVID-19 vaccination was associated with a modest increase in antithyroid antibody titers. Anti-TPO increase was greater among BNT162b2 recipients. However, there was no clinically significant thyroid dysfunction post vaccination. NAb responses were not influenced by preexisting thyroid autoimmunity. Our results provide important reassurance for people to receive the COVID-19 vaccination.
Aberrant Nuclear Translocation of E2F1 and Its Association in Cushing’s Disease
Authors: Araki Takako , Wang Justin , Lawrence Ryan , Kawakami Yasuhiko
Published: June 2022

Nonsurgical medical treatments are often performed for Cushing’s disease due to high recurrence rates. However, current medical treatment that targets corticotroph adenomas are limited. To develop a treatment that specifically targets corticotrophs in Cushing’s disease, it is necessary to identify corticotroph lineage–specific proteins, which are involved in the Cushing’s tumor phenotype. We have previously reported that the expression of E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1), one of the cell cycle regulatory proteins, was increased in corticotrophs in Cushing’s disease model mice and was involved in the regulation of POMC gene expression. Phosphorylation of Ser337 of E2F1 (pS337-E2F1) facilitates its binding to the POMC promoter, which was suggested to contribute to elevated POMC expression in corticotrophs. Here, we report that E2F1 expression is specific to the corticotroph lineage in normal human pituitaries and that the E2F1 protein is localized in the cytosol in normal corticotrophs. We show that pS337-E2F1 is localized in the nucleus specifically in Cushing’s tumors, while it is localized in the perinuclear cytoplasm in the normal pituitary. This observation demonstrates that pS337 is a marker for Cushing’s tumors and suggests that phosphorylation of E2F1 may be a target for developing a novel pharmacological treatment for tumorigenesis and hormone dysregulation of Cushing’s disease.
The Value of Neuroimaging in Dementia Diagnosis
Authors: Raji Cyrus A. , Benzinger Tammie L. S.
Published: June 2022

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article discusses neuroimaging in dementia diagnosis, with a focus on new applications of MRI and positron emission tomography (PET).

RECENT FINDINGS

Although the historical use of MRI in dementia diagnosis has been supportive to exclude structural etiologies, recent innovations allow for quantification of atrophy patterns that improve sensitivity for supporting the diagnosis of dementia causes. Neuronuclear approaches allow for localization of specific amyloid and tau neuropathology on PET and are available for clinical use, in addition to dopamine transporter scans in dementia with Lewy bodies and metabolic studies with fludeoxyglucose PET (FDG-PET).

Using computerized software programs for MRI analysis and cross-sectional and longitudinal evaluations of hippocampal, ventricular, and lobar volumes improves sensitivity in support of the diagnosis of Alzheimer disease and frontotemporal dementia. MRI protocol requirements for such quantification are three-dimensional T1-weighted volumetric imaging protocols, which may need to be specifically requested. Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) and 3.0T susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) sequences are useful for the detection of white matter hyperintensities as well as microhemorrhages in vascular dementia and cerebral amyloid angiopathy. PET studies for amyloid and/or tau pathology can add additional specificity to the diagnosis but currently remain largely inaccessible outside of research settings because of prohibitive cost constraints in most of the world. Dopamine transporter PET scans can help identify Lewy body dementia and are thus of potential clinical value.
Preventing Spinal Hypotension During Cesarean Birth With Two Initial Boluses of Norepinephrine in Chinese Parturients: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Trial
Authors: Lyu Wenyuan , Wei Penghui , Tang Wenxi , Ma Xiaotian , Zheng Qiang , Zhou Haipeng , Zhou Jinfeng , Li Jianjun
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND:

Norepinephrine is effective in preventing spinal hypotension during cesarean birth; however, an optimal regimen has not been determined. We hypothesized that an initial bolus of norepinephrine improves efficacy of spinal hypotension prophylaxis beyond continuous norepinephrine alone.

METHODS:

In this double-blind, controlled study, 120 patients scheduled for cesarean birth under spinal anesthesia were randomly allocated to receive a norepinephrine bolus at 0.05 or 0.10 μg/kg, followed by norepinephrine infusion at a rate of 0.05 μg·kg–1·min–1. The primary outcome was the frequency of spinal hypotension during cesarean birth. The doses of the rescue drug (phenylephrine), frequency of nausea or vomiting, duration of hypotension, frequency of intraoperative hypertension, frequency of bradycardia, and fetal outcomes were also compared.

RESULTS:

One-hundred-fifteen patients were included in the analysis. Compared with the 0.05 μg/kg group, the frequency of spinal hypotension was lower in the 0.10 μg/kg group (20.7% vs 45.6%; odds ratio [OR], 0.31; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.14–0.71; P = .004). Fewer rescue doses of phenylephrine (0 [0,0] vs 0 [0,80]; 95% CI for the difference, 0 (0–0); P = .006) were required, and the frequency of nausea or vomiting was lower (5.2% vs 17.5%; OR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.07–0.99; P = .04) in the 0.10 μg/kg group. The duration of hypotension was shorter in the 0.10 μg/kg group than that in the 0.05 μg/kg group (0 [0,0] vs 0 [0,2]; 95% CI for the difference, 0 [0–0]; P = .006). The incidence of intraoperative hypertension, frequency of bradycardia, and fetal outcomes were comparable between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

With a fixed-rate norepinephrine infusion of 0.05 μg·kg–1·min–1, the 0.10 μg/kg initial bolus was more effective in reducing the incidence of spinal hypotension compared with the 0.05 μg/kg initial bolus.
PEX11β and FIS1 cooperate in peroxisome division independently of mitochondrial fission factor
Authors: Schrader Tina A. , Carmichael Ruth E. , Islinger Markus , Costello Joseph L. , Hacker Christian , Bonekamp Nina A. , Weishaupt Jochen H. , Andersen Peter M. , Schrader Michael
Published: June 2022

Peroxisome membrane dynamics and division are essential to adapt the peroxisomal compartment to cellular needs. The peroxisomal membrane protein PEX11β (also known as PEX11B) and the tail-anchored adaptor proteins FIS1 (mitochondrial fission protein 1) and MFF (mitochondrial fission factor), which recruit the fission GTPase DRP1 (dynamin-related protein 1, also known as DNML1) to both peroxisomes and mitochondria, are key factors of peroxisomal division. The current model suggests that MFF is essential for peroxisome division, whereas the role of FIS1 is unclear. Here, we reveal that PEX11β can promote peroxisome division in the absence of MFF in a DRP1- and FIS1-dependent manner. We also demonstrate that MFF permits peroxisome division independently of PEX11β and restores peroxisome morphology in PEX11β-deficient patient cells. Moreover, targeting of PEX11β to mitochondria induces mitochondrial division, indicating the potential for PEX11β to modulate mitochondrial dynamics. Our findings suggest the existence of an alternative, MFF-independent pathway in peroxisome division and report a function for FIS1 in the division of peroxisomes.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first authors of the paper.
Pancreatic cancer, radiomics and artificial intelligence
Authors: Marti-Bonmati Luis , Cerdá-Alberich Leonor , Pérez-Girbés Alexandre , Díaz Beveridge Roberto , Montalvá Orón Eva , Pérez Rojas Judith , Alberich-Bayarri Angel
Published: June 2022

Patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are generally classified into four categories based on contrast-enhanced CT at diagnosis: resectable, borderline resectable, unresectable, and metastatic disease. In the initial grading and staging of PDAC, structured radiological templates are useful but limited, as there is a need to define the aggressiveness and microscopic disease stage of these tumours to ensure adequate treatment allocation. Quantitative imaging analysis allows radiomics and dynamic imaging features to provide information of clinical outcomes, and to construct clinical models based on radiomics signatures or imaging phenotypes. These quantitative features may be used as prognostic and predictive biomarkers in clinical decision-making, enabling personalised management of advanced PDAC. Deep learning and convolutional neural networks also provide high level bioinformatics tools that can help define features associated with a given aspect of PDAC biology and aggressiveness, paving the way to define outcomes based on these features. Thus, the prediction of tumour phenotype, treatment response and patient prognosis may be feasible by using such comprehensive and integrated radiomics models. Despite these promising results, quantitative imaging is not ready for clinical implementation in PDAC. Limitations include the instability of metrics and lack of external validation. Large properly annotated datasets, including relevant semantic features (demographics, blood markers, genomics), image harmonisation, robust radiomics analysis, clinically significant tasks as outputs, comparisons with gold-standards (such as TNM or pretreatment classifications) and fully independent validation cohorts, will be required for the development of trustworthy radiomics and artificial intelligence solutions to predict PDAC aggressiveness in a clinical setting.
Effect of natural products use prior to infection with COVID-19 on disease severity and hospitalization: A self-reported cross-sectional survey study
Authors: Nimer Refat M. , Khabour Omar F. , Swedan Samer F. , Kofahi Hassan M.
Published: June 2022

Background: Managing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) using available resources is essential to reduce the health burden of disease. The severity of COVID-19 is affected by nutritional status. In this study the effect of natural product use prior to infection with COVID-19 on disease severity and hospitalization was explored.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Between March and July 2021, a self-administered survey was conducted in Jordan. Individuals who recovered from COVID-19 and were ≥18 years old were the study population. Study measures included the use of natural products, COVID-19 severity, and hospitalization status. A multivariate regression model was used for statistical analysis.

Results: The mean age (mean ± SD) of the study sample (n=2,148) was 40.25 ± 15.58 years old. Multivariate logistic regression showed that the regular intake of carnation (OR [0.56], CI [0.37–0.85]), onion (OR [0.69], CI [0.52–0.92]), lemon (OR [0.68], CI [0.51–0.90]), and citrus fruits (OR [0.66], CI [0.50–0.89]) before infection were associated with a substantial reduction in COVID-19 severity (P<0.01). Also, the consumption of carnation (OR [0.55], CI [0.34–0.88]), lemon (OR [0.57], CI [0.42–0.78]), and citrus fruits (OR [0.61], CI [0.44–0.84]) were associated with a significant decrease in the frequency of COVID-19-induced hospitalization (P<0.01).

Conclusions: Regular consumption of carnation, lemon, and citrus fruits before infection was associated with better outcomes for COVID-19. Studies on other populations are required to confirm these findings.
“We threw away the stones”: a mixed method evaluation of a simple cookstove intervention in Malawi
Authors: Saleh Sepeedeh , Sambakunsi Henry , Makina Debora , Kumwenda Moses , Rylance Jamie , Chinouya Martha , Mortimer Kevin
Published: June 2022

Background: Air pollution exposure is responsible for a substantial burden of respiratory disease globally. Household air pollution from cooking using biomass is a major contributor to overall exposure in rural low-income settings. Previous research in Malawi has revealed how precarity and food insecurity shape individuals’ daily experiences, contributing to perceptions of health. Aiming to avoid a mismatch between research intervention and local context, we introduced a simple cookstove intervention in rural Malawi, analysing change in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposures, and community perceptions.

Methods: Following a period of baseline ethnographic research, we distributed ‘chitetezo mbaula’, locally-made cookstoves, to all households (n=300) in a rural Malawian village. Evaluation incorporated village-wide participant observation and concurrent exposure monitoring using portable PM2.5 monitors at baseline and follow-up (three months post-intervention). Qualitative data were thematically analysed. Quantitative analysis of exposure data included pre-post intervention comparisons, with datapoints divided into periods of combustion activity (almost exclusively cooking) and non-combustion periods. Findings were integrated at the interpretation stage, using a convergent design mode of synthesis.

Results: Individual exposure monitoring pre- and post-cookstove intervention involved a sample of 18 participants (15 female; mean age 43). Post-intervention PM2.5 exposures (median 9.9μg/m3 [interquartile range: 2.2–46.5]) were not significantly different to pre-intervention (11.8μg/m3 [3.8–44.4]); p=0.71. On analysis by activity, background exposures were found to be reduced post-intervention (from 8.2μg/m3 [2.5–22.0] to 4.6μg/m3 [1.0–12.6]; p=0.01). Stoves were well-liked and widely used by residents as substitutes for previous cooking methods (mainly three-stone fires). Commonly cited benefits related to fuel saving and shorter cooking times.

Conclusions: The cookstove intervention had no impact on cooking-related PM2.5 exposures. A significant reduction in background exposures may relate to reduced smouldering emissions. Uptake and continued use of the stoves was high amongst community members, who preferred using the stoves to cooking over open fires.
Modified OXIS classification for primary canines
Authors: Aarthi J , Muthu MS , Kirthiga M , Kailasam Vignesh
Published: June 2022

Background: A new classification called OXIS was proposed for categorising the interproximal contacts of primary molars, and its prevalence was established. The aim of this study was to establish the variations in interproximal contacts of primary canines and thereby modify the OXIS classification of primary molars to primary canines. Additionally, we aimed to estimate the applicability of modifications to primary anterior teeth.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted with sectional die models obtained from a previous study of 1,090 caries-free children. Two calibrated examiners evaluated a total of 4,674 contacts from the occlusal aspect. The contacts were scored according to the former OXIS classification, with two modifications incorporated to encompass the morphological differences and rotations of primary canines and other primary anterior teeth.

Results: The most prevalent contact was O (62.1%), followed by X (19.6%), I (12.6%), S type I (4.1%), and S type II (1.6%). Inter-arch comparison by means of the Chi-square test revealed significant differences for all types of contacts (P < .001).

Conclusions: The interproximal contacts of canines were categorised as O, X, I, S I, and S II. The OXIS classification of primary molars was modified to befit the variations in primary canines. This study showed the presence of different types of contacts in primary canines. Identification of these contacts and their complexity has warranted a need for this to be studied as an inherent risk factor for caries risk assessment.
Applied Research Methods in Criminal Justice and Criminology
Authors: Fritsch Eric , Trulson Chad , Blackburn Ashley
Published: June 2022

Applied Research Methods in Criminal Justice and Criminology provides a solid foundation in research methods for undergraduate students who are studying to become practitioners in the criminal justice field. This text takes a practical and applied approach that is both engaging and useful in developing students into educated consumers of research.
Bidding on a Peer-to-Peer Energy Market: An Exploratory Field Study
Authors: Wörner Anselma , Tiefenbeck Verena , Wortmann Felix , Meeuw Arne , Ableitner Liliane , Fleisch Elgar , Azevedo Inês
Published: June 2022

Faced with the challenge of increasing the share of renewable energy generation, many countries have put local peer-to-peer (P2P) energy markets on their political agenda for driving the adoption of renewable energy. This is the first study to examine this concept empirically in a real-world P2P market, in which renewable energy was auctioned among households in a local area. Over the duration of an entire year, this field study investigated whether households engaged in the bidding and trading of energy, and which prices emerged on the P2P energy market. The results show that the market outcomes were efficient and that households engaged surprisingly actively in bidding, despite energy being a low-involvement good. The findings indicate that P2P energy markets can have a positive impact on balancing demand and supply, thereby addressing the fundamental challenge of distributed renewable energy systems.
Health Externalities and Policy: The Role of Social Preferences
Authors: Alfaro Laura , Faia Ester , Lamersdorf Nora , Saidi Farzad
Published: June 2022

Social preferences facilitate the internalization of health externalities, for example, by reducing mobility during a pandemic. We test this hypothesis using mobility data from 258 cities worldwide alongside experimentally validated measures of social preferences. Controlling for time-varying heterogeneity that could arise at the level at which mitigation policies are implemented, we find that they matter less in regions that are more altruistic, patient, or exhibit less negative reciprocity. In those regions, mobility falls ahead of lockdowns, and remains low after the lifting thereof. Our results elucidate the importance, independent of the cultural context, of social preferences in fostering cooperative behavior.

This paper was accepted by Yan Chen, behavioral economics and decision analysis.