bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early detection of Alzheimer’s disease based on the state-of-the-art deep learning approach: a comprehensive survey
Authors: Arafa Doaa Ahmed , Moustafa Hossam El-Din , Ali-Eldin Amr M. T. , Ali Hesham A.
Published: March 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a form of brain disorder that causes functions’ loss in a person’s daily activity. Due to the tremendous progress of Alzheimer’s patients and the lack of accurate diagnostic tools, early detection and classification of Alzheimer’s disease are open research areas. Accurate detection of Alzheimer’s disease in an effective way is one of the many researchers’ goals to limit or overcome the disease progression. The main objective of the current survey is to introduce a comprehensive evaluation and analysis of the most recent studies for AD early detection and classification under the state-of-the-art deep learning approach. The article provides a simplified explanation of the system stages such as imaging, preprocessing, learning, and classification. It addresses broad categories of structural, functional, and molecular imaging in AD. The included modalities are magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; both structural and functional) and positron emission tomography (PET; for assessment of both cerebral metabolism and amyloid). It reviews the process of pre-processing techniques to enhance the quality. Additionally, the most common deep learning techniques used in the classification process will be discussed. Although deep learning with preprocessing images has achieved high performance as compared to other techniques, there are some challenges. Moreover, it will also review some challenges in the classification and preprocessing image process over some articles what they introduce, and techniques used, and how they solved these problems.
Hybrid coupling of finite element and boundary element methods using Nitsche’s method and the Calderon projection
Authors: Betcke Timo , Bosy Michał , Burman Erik
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we discuss a hybridised method for FEM-BEM coupling. The coupling from both sides use a Nitsche-type approach to couple to the trace variable. This leads to a formulation that is robust and flexible with respect to approximation spaces and can easily be combined as a building block with other hybridised methods. Energy error norm estimates and the convergence of Jacobi iterations are proved and the performance of the method is illustrated on some computational examples.
Fundamentality and minimalist grounding laws
Authors: Giannotti Joaquim
Published: March 2022

What grounds facts of ground? Some metaphysicians invoke fundamental grounding laws to answer this question. These are general principles that link grounded facts to their grounds. The main business of this paper is to advance the debate about the metaphysics of grounding laws by exploring the prospects of a plausible yet underexplored minimalist account, one which is structurally analogous to a familiar Humean conception of natural laws. In the positive part of this paper, I articulate such a novel view and argue for its merits. The minimalist account shuns essences and takes laws to be unmysterious elite regularities. Therefore, it is a promising alternative for theorists of ground who spurn the acceptance of essentialism about the grounding laws but think that these are needed in our theorizing. In the negative part, I argue that widely accepted principles of ground, coupled with the tenets of minimalism, jeopardize the fundamentality of the grounding laws. I discuss two immediately available andprima facieappealing strategies to evade this threat. However, I show that both have undesirable theoretical costs. I conclude by casting doubts on whether the benefits of a minimalist account of fundamental grounding laws outweigh such costs.
Micro-Skills for Learning Soft Systems Methodology? Challenges and Opportunities in an Undergraduate Dissertation Project
Authors: Armstrong Ryan , Jiménez Guillermo
Published: March 2022

Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) holds promise as an effective approach to addressing real-world problem situations. However, new learners of SSM can expect a number of challenges in learning the approach: its ambiguity and complexity, the number of likely unfamiliar concepts, its focus on rational analysis over emotion, and the demanding environment in which it is applied. This paper furthers the discussion of the teaching and learning of SSM in undergraduate education by considering SSM and its components from a skills-based perspective. We suggest that attention to critical, underlying component behaviors that make up SSM and an increased consideration of emotional issues in its application are key to improving learning outcomes for initial learners. We explore challenges and an approach for address these through an illustrative case involving an undergraduate dissertation project. Finally, we offer a number of recommendations and possible future lines of research which could support SSM’s more widespread adoption in education and practice.
Plasticizers: negative impacts on the thyroid hormone system
Authors: Bereketoglu Ceyhun , Pradhan Ajay
Published: March 2022

This review aims to understand the impacts of plasticizers on the thyroid system of animals and humans. The thyroid gland is one of the earliest endocrine glands that appear during embryogenesis. The thyroid gland synthesizes thyroid hormones (TH), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) that are important in the regulation of body homeostasis. TH plays critical roles in regulating different physiological functions, including metabolism, cell growth, circadian rhythm, and nervous system development. Alteration in thyroid function can lead to different medical problems. In recent years, thyroid-related medical problems have increased and this could be due to rising environmental pollutants. Plasticizers are one such group of a pollutant that impacts thyroid function. Plasticizers are man-made chemicals used in a wide range of products, such as children’s toys, food packaging items, building materials, medical devices, cosmetics, and ink. The increased use of plasticizers has resulted in their detection in the environment, animals, and humans. Studies indicated that plasticizers could alter thyroid function in both animals and humans at different levels. Several studies demonstrated a positive and/or negative correlation between plasticizers and serum T4 and T3 levels. Plasticizers could also change the expression of various TH-related genes and proteins, including thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), and transporters. Histological analyses demonstrated thyroid follicular cell hypertrophy and hyperplasia in response to several plasticizers. In conclusion, plasticizers could disrupt TH homeostasis and the mechanisms of toxicity could be diverse.
A link between the steepest descent method and fixed-point iterations
Authors: Heid Pascal
Published: March 2022

We will make a link between the steepest descent method for an unconstrained minimisation problem and fixed-point iterations for its Euler–Lagrange equation. In this context, we shall rediscover the preconditioned algebraic conjugate gradient method for the discretised problem. The benefit of the connection of those concepts will be illustrated by a numerical experiment.
Interindividuell unterschiedliche Veränderungen der Lesemotivation – welche Bedeutung hat die Unterstützung der Lehrkraft?
Authors: Hettinger Katharina , Lazarides Rebecca , Retelsdorf Jan
Published: March 2022

Lesemotivation ist von Bedeutung für Leseleistung und ist interindividuell unterschiedlich ausgeprägt. Jedoch ist bislang wenig bekannt über Veränderungen unterschiedlicher Lesemotivationsmuster und die Bedeutung des Geschlechts, der Leseleistung und der Unterrichtsgestaltung für solche Veränderungen. Mittels dieser Erkenntnisse könnten adaptive Lernangebote ausgeweitet werden. Die vorliegende Längsschnittstudie greift diese Frage auf und untersucht basierend auf Daten von N = 1313 Lernenden (50,0 % Mädchen) in der 5. und 6. Jahrgangsstufe, wie sich Wertüberzeugungen und Leseselbstkonzept interindividuell unterschiedlich verändern. Latente Profilanalysen verweisen auf drei motivationale Muster zu beiden Zeitpunkten: ‚Geringer intrinsischer Wert‘, ‚Moderate Lesemotivation‘ und ‚Hohe Lesemotivation‘. Hohe Lehrkraftunterstützung trägt dazu bei, dass Lernende im Verlauf des fünften Schuljahres in das Profil ‚Hohe Lesemotivation‘ statt in das Motivationsprofil ‚Geringer intrinsischer Wert‘ wechseln. Mädchen und Lernende mit hoher Leseleistung wechseln eher in das Profil ‚Hohe Lesemotivation‘ statt in das Profil ‚Moderate Lesemotivation‘. Implikationen für Unterricht werden diskutiert.
Membrane-based Operations for the Fractionation of Polyphenols and Polysaccharides From Winery Sludges
Authors: Mejia Jaime A. Arboleda , Ricci Arianna , Figueiredo Ana Sofia , Versari Andrea , Cassano Alfredo , de Pinho Maria Norberta , Parpinello Giuseppina Paola
Published: March 2022

The present work investigated the impact of ultrafiltration (UF) and nanofiltration (NF) membranes on the recovery and fractionation of polyphenolic compounds and polysaccharides from Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon wine lees. A laboratory-made flat-sheet membrane in cellulose acetate (CA400-38) was used in the UF treatment of Sangiovese wine lees; three laboratory-made flat-sheet membranes in cellulose acetate (CA316, CA316-70, CA400-22) and a polyamide commercial membrane (NF90) were used in the NF treatment of Cabernet Sauvignon wine lees. All membranes were characterized in terms of hydraulic permeability and rejection toward references solutes; the performances of the membranes were measured in terms of productivity, fouling index, cleaning efficiency and retention toward target compounds.

Experimental results indicated that all UF and NF membranes were effective in separating target compounds rejecting more than 92% of polysaccharides with polyphenols preferentially permeating through the membrane. The UF membrane rejected more than 40% of total polyphenols; rejections toward non-flavonoids and flavonoids were less than 25% and 12.5%, respectively.

The laboratory-made NF membranes exhibited higher permeate flux values (of the order of 11–12 L/m2h) in comparison with the commercial NF membrane, despite the observed differences in the retention of specific solutes. Among the prepared membranes the CA316 showed a total rejection toward most part of non-flavonoids and flavonoids.

The experimental results support the use of UF and NF processes in a sequential design to fractionate and refine phenolic compounds from winery sludge for the production of concentrated fractions with high antioxidant activities.
Thoracic Involvement in Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases: Pathogenesis and Management
Authors: De Zorzi Elena , Spagnolo Paolo , Cocconcelli Elisabetta , Balestro Elisabetta , Iaccarino Luca , Gatto Mariele , Benvenuti Francesco , Bernardinello Nicol , Doria Andrea , Maher Toby M. , Zanatta Elisabetta
Published: March 2022

Thoracic involvement is one of the main determinants of morbidity and mortality in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs), with different prevalence and manifestations according to the underlying disease. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the most common pulmonary complication, particularly in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Other thoracic manifestations include pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), mostly in patients with SSc, airway disease, mainly in RA, and pleural involvement, which is common in systemic lupus erythematosus and RA, but rare in other ARDs.

In this review, we summarize and critically discuss the current knowledge on thoracic involvement in ARDs, with emphasis on disease pathogenesis and management. Immunosuppression is the mainstay of therapy, particularly for ARDs-ILD, but it should be reserved to patients with clinically significant disease or at risk of progressive disease. Therefore, a thorough, multidisciplinary assessment to determine disease activity and degree of impairment is required to optimize patient management. Nevertheless, the management of thoracic involvement—particularly ILD—is challenging due to the heterogeneity of disease pathogenesis, the variety of patterns of interstitial pneumonia and the paucity of randomized controlled clinical trials of pharmacological intervention. Further studies are needed to better understand the pathogenesis of these conditions, which in turn is instrumental to the development of more efficacious therapies.
Prognostic significance of laterality in lung neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: La Salvia Anna , Persano Irene , Siciliani Alessandra , Verrico Monica , Bassi Massimiliano , Modica Roberta , Audisio Alessandro , Zanata Isabella , Trabalza Marinucci Beatrice , Trevisi Elena , Puliani Giulia , Rinzivillo Maria , Parlagreco Elena , Baldelli Roberto , Feola Tiziana , Sesti Franz , Razzore Paola , Mazzilli Rossella , Mancini Massimiliano , Panzuto Francesco , Volante Marco , Giannetta Elisa , Romero Carmen , Appetecchia Marialuisa , Isidori Andrea , Venuta Federico , Ambrosio Maria Rosaria , Zatelli Maria Chiara , Ibrahim Mohsen , Colao Annamaria , Brizzi Maria Pia , García-Carbonero Rocío , Faggiano Antongiulio
Published: March 2022

Purpose:

Well-differentiated lung neuroendocrine tumors (Lu-NET) are classified as typical (TC) and atypical (AC) carcinoids, based on mitotic counts and necrosis. However, prognostic factors, other than tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage and the histopathological diagnosis, are still lacking. The current study is aimed to identify potential prognostic factors to better stratify lung NET, thus, improving patients’ treatment strategy and follow-up.

Methods:

A multicentric retrospective study, including 300 Lung NET, all surgically removed, from Italian and Spanish Institutions.

Results:

Median age 61 years (13–86), 37.7% were males, 25.0% were AC, 42.0% were located in the lung left parenchyma, 80.3% presented a TNM stage I-II. Mitotic count was ≥2 per 10 high-power field (HPF) in 24.7%, necrosis in 13.0%. Median overall survival (OS) was 46.1 months (0.6–323), median progression-free survival (PFS) was 36.0 months (0.3–323). Female sex correlated with a more indolent disease (T1; N0; lower Ki67; lower mitotic count and the absence of necrosis). Left-sided primary tumors were associated with higher mitotic count and necrosis. At Cox-multivariate regression model, age, left-sided tumors, nodal (N) positive status and the diagnosis of AC resulted independent negative prognostic factors for PFS and OS.

Conclusions:

This study highlights that laterality is an independent prognostic factors in Lu-NETs, with left tumors being less frequent but showing a worse prognosis than right ones. A wider spectrum of clinical and pathological prognostic factors, including TNM stage, age and laterality is suggested. These parameters could help clinicians to personalize the management of Lu-NET.
Kai-Xin-San Inhibits Tau Pathology and Neuronal Apoptosis in Aged SAMP8 Mice
Authors: Jiao Ya-Nan , Zhang Jing-Sheng , Qiao Wen-Jun , Tian Shu-Yu , Wang Yi-Bin , Wang Chun-Yan , Zhang Yan-Hui , Zhang Qi , Li Wen , Min Dong-Yu , Wang Zhan-You
Published: March 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an age-related neurological disorder. Currently, there is no effective cure for AD due to its complexity in pathogenesis. In light of the complex pathogenesis of AD, the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula Kai-Xin-San (KXS), which was used for amnesia treatment, has been proved to improve cognitive function in AD animal models. However, the active ingredients and the mechanism of KXS have not yet been clearly elucidated. In this study, network pharmacology analysis predicts that KXS yields 168 candidate compounds acting on 863 potential targets, 30 of which are associated with AD. Enrichment analysis revealed that the therapeutic mechanisms of KXS for AD are associated with the inhibition of Tau protein hyperphosphorylation, inflammation, and apoptosis. Therefore, we chose 7-month-old senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) mice as AD mouse model, which harbors the behavioral and pathological hallmarks of AD. Subsequently, the potential underlying action mechanisms of KXS on AD predicted by the network pharmacology analyses were experimentally validated in SAMP8 mice after intragastric administration of KXS for 3 months. We observed that KXS upregulated AKT phosphorylation, suppressed GSK3β and CDK5 activation, and inhibited the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway to attenuate Tau hyperphosphorylation and neuroinflammation, thus suppressing neuronal apoptosis and improving the cognitive impairment of aged SAMP8 mice. Taken together, our findings reveal a multi-component and multi-target therapeutic mechanism of KXS for attenuating the progression of AD, contributing to the future development of TCM modernization, including KXS, and broader clinical application.

Graphical abstract
Development of a wide-range and fast-response digitizing pulse signal acquisition and processing system for neutron flux monitoring on EAST
Authors: Yang Li , Cao Hong-Rui , Zhao Jin-Long , Zhang Zi-Han , Li Qiang , Wu Guo-Bin , Zhang Yong-Qiang , Zhong Guo-Qiang , Hu Li-Qun , Zhang Zi-Jun
Published: March 2022

The neutron count rate fluctuation reaches six orders of magnitude between the ohmic plasma scenario and high power of auxiliary heating on an experimental advanced superconducting tokamak (EAST). The measurement result of neutron flux monitoring (NFM) is a significant feedback parameter related to the acquisition of radiation protection-related information and rapid fluctuations in neutron emission induced by plasma magnetohydrodynamic activity. Therefore, a wide range and high time resolution are required for the NFM system on EAST. To satisfy these requirements, a digital pulse signal acquisition and processing system with a wide dynamic range and fast response time was developed. The present study was conducted using a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) and peripheral component interconnect extension for instrument express (PXIe) platform. The digital dual measurement modes, which are composed of the pulse-counting mode and AC coupled square integral’s Campbelling mode, were designed to expand the measurement range of the signal acquisition and processing system. The time resolution of the signal acquisition and processing system was improved from 10 to 1 ms owing to utilizing high-speed analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), a high-speed PXIe communication with a direct memory access (DMA) mode, and online data preprocessing technology of FPGA. The signal acquisition and processing system was tested experimentally in the EAST radiation field. The test results showed that the time resolution of NFM was improved to 1 ms, and the dynamic range of the neutron counts rate was expanded to more than $$10^{6}$$

10
6

counts per second. The Campbelling mode was calibrated using a multipoint average linear fitting method; subsequently, the fitting coefficient reached 0.9911. Therefore, the newly developed pulse signal acquisition and processing system ensures that the NFM system meets the requirements of high-parameter experiments conducted on EAST more effectively.
Genomic Epidemiology of Carbapenemase-Producing Klebsiella Pneumoniae in China
Authors: Li Cuidan , Jiang Xiaoyuan , Yang Tingting , Ju Yingjiao , Yin Zhe , Yue Liya , Ma Guannan , Wang Xuebing , Jing Ying , Luo Xinhua , Li Shuangshuang , Yang Xue , Chen Fei , Zhou Dongsheng
Published: March 2022

The rapid spread of carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (cpKP) poses serious threats to public health; however, the underlying genetic basis for its dissemination is still unknown. We conducted a comprehensive genomic epidemiology analysis on 420 cpKP isolates collected from 70 hospitals in 24 provinces/autonomous regions/municipalities of China during 2009–2017 by short-/long-read sequencing. The results showed that most cpKP isolates were categorized into clonal group 258 (CG258), in which ST11 was the dominant clone. Phylogenetic analysis revealed three major clades including the top one of Clade 3 for CG258 cpKP isolates. Additionally, carbapenemase gene analysis indicated that blaKPC was dominant in the cpKP isolates, and most blaKPC genes were located in five major incompatibility (Inc) groups of blaKPC-harboring plasmids. Importantly, three advantageous combinations of host–blaKPC-carrying plasmid (Clade 3.1+3.2–IncFIIpHN7A8, Clade 3.1+3.2–IncFIIpHN7A8:IncR, and Clade 3.3–IncFIIpHN7A8:IncpA1763-KPC) were identified to confer cpKP isolates the advantages in both genotypes (strong correlation/coevolution) and phenotypes (resistance/growth/competition) to facilitate the nationwide spread of ST11/CG258 cpKP. Intriguingly, Bayesian skyline analysis illustrated that the three advantageous combinations might be directly associated with the strong population expansion during 2007–2008 and subsequent maintenance of the population of ST11/CG258 cpKP after 2008. We then examined drug resistance profiles of these cpKP isolates and proposed combination treatment regimens for CG258/non-CG258 cpKP infections. Thus, the findings of our systematical analysis shed light on the molecular epidemiology and genetic basis for the dissemination of ST11/CG258 cpKP in China, and much emphasis should be given to the close monitoring of advantageous cpKP–plasmid combinations.
Professional Outcomes and Satisfaction Among Graduate Medical Education Wilderness Medicine Fellowship Alumni in the United States
Authors: Dove Alexandra J. , Castaneda Ruben , Spano Susanne J.
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Wilderness medicine (WM) graduate medical education (GME) fellowships were established in 2003. Outcomes and satisfaction of US WM GME fellowship alumni can inform prospective applicants and program directors of the strengths of fellowships and professional gaps in them.

Methods

A 34-question Qualtrics survey was emailed to 111 alumni from 17 institutions listed in the Wilderness Medical Society’s GME database in May 2019. Professional service, scholarship, and satisfaction were queried. Results are represented as percent response (n=answered affirmative) based on the number of respondents per question.

Results

The survey response rate was 41% (n=46); 67% reported (n=31) Fellowship of the Academy of Wilderness Medicine recognition. Within the last 5 y, 71% (n=32) reported publications in WM. Free text entry questions had 78% (n=28) describe improved clinical skills, and 68% (n=26) were exposed to new career choices in fellowship. Those who rated exposure to a variety of WM knowledge and skills highly rated the overall fellowship experience higher ( P<0.001), as did those reporting a higher number of WM publications ( P=0.023). Nearly half, 48% (n=21), felt they could hold their current position without fellowship training. In hindsight, 76% (n=34) would follow the same professional path.

Conclusions

WM GME fellowship alumni reported high rates of professional engagement and scholarly productivity in the subspecialty. Responding alumni overwhelmingly rated the fellowship experience positively. Fellowships that ensure a wide exposure to experiences and foster scholarly productivity are more likely to yield professionally satisfied graduates.
Static Rope Rescue Operations in Western Norway: A Retrospective Analysis of 141 Missions
Authors: Mattingsdal Håvard , Abrahamsen Håkon B. , Fevang Espen , Sollid Stephen J.M.
Published: March 2022

Introduction

The Norwegian national standard for rescuers describes medical and rescue requirements for helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) technical crew members, but there is a lack of scientific data supporting these requirements and their safety relevance. The study aims to analyze the rescue profile of Norwegian HEMS static rope human external cargo operations, emphasizing terrain challenges and additional safety measures utilized on-site.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective descriptive analysis of static rope missions performed in daylight by 3 HEMS bases in Western Norway in the period 2015 to 2019. The analysis measures evacuation methods, terrain, on-site safety measures, and medical treatment.

Results

Out of 8352 primary HEMS and search and rescue missions, a total of 141 (2%) static rope missions were performed by the 3 HEMS bases in Western Norway. The most commonly used evacuation method was triangle harness (62%) and a static rope length of 30 m (81%). Ninety-two (65%) missions were completed in simple terrain, 38 (27%) in challenging terrain, and 11 (8%) in complex terrain. There were no reported accidents, but a small number of adverse events were registered. The most frequent medical intervention administered on-site was pain management, followed by spinal immobilization.

Conclusions

Thirty-five percent of the static rope missions performed by HEMS in Western Norway were completed in challenging or complex terrain, requiring additional safety measures on-site. The most common safety measure needed was the ability to operate in a mountain or alpine environment. Our findings support the safety relevance of a national standard for rescuers.
Clash of Empires
Authors: Hung Ho-fung
Published: March 2022

Many believe the recent deterioration in US–China relations represents a 'New Cold War' rooted in ideological differences. However, such differences did not prevent the two countries from pursuing economic integration and geopolitical cooperation in the 1990s and 2000s. Ho-fung Hung argues that what underlies the change in US–China relations is the changing relationship between US–China corporations. Following China's slowdown after 2010, state-backed Chinese corporations turned increasingly aggressive when they expanded in both domestic and global markets. This was at the expense of US corporations, who then halted their previously intense lobbying for China in Washington. Simultaneously, China's export of industrial overcapacity has provoked geopolitical competition with the United States. The resulting dynamic, Hung argues, resembles interimperial rivalry among the great powers at the turn of the twentieth century.
Voting between two global crises. A NUTS3-level analysis of retrospective voting in four South-European countries
Authors: Giuliani Marco
Published: March 2022

Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain went several times to the polls during the 2010–2019 decade. It was a period characterised by the strenuous effort to recover the economic situation before the onset of the Great Recession; an effort, however, often constrained by externally imposed austerity policies, and by a refugee crisis that contributed to the growing salience of the immigration issue. The article adopts an original sub-national approach to examine if and how the economic situation and the incidence of immigration affected the electoral outcomes in the four South-European countries. Adopting a theory of retrospective behaviour, the research reported in the article confirms the association between employment and immigration levels, on the one hand, and punishment of the incumbent government on the other. However, the electoral effects of immigration are conditioned by the partisan composition of the government and, under centre-right cabinets, are aggravated by a negative economic conjuncture.
Outcomes of surgical versus non-surgical treatment of resectable T4a laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Thiagarajan S , Gupta M , Sathe P , Gill G , Ghosh-Laskar S , Prabhash K , Chaukar D
Published: March 2022

Objective

Surgery is the recommended treatment for resectable T4a laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinoma. Non-surgical treatment is an option in a select few patients.

Method

This retrospective study was undertaken to assess the treatment outcomes in patients with resectable T4a carcinoma of the larynx and hypopharynx who received either surgical or non-surgical treatment at our institute and to assess factors influencing these outcomes.

Results

A total of 120 patients were included in the study. They were divided into groups A, B and C based on the presence of extralaryngeal spread through laryngeal membrane, cartilage or both. The overall survival was better among patients who received surgery than those who received non-surgical treatment in the three groups. The factor influencing overall survival was the treatment given in the form of surgical versus non-surgical treatment.

Conclusion

Surgery is the preferred treatment for T4a laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinoma, even in patients with extralaryngeal spread without cartilage erosion.
On Charles V
Authors: Tracy James D.
Published: March 2022

Biographies of great men are often undertaken by amateurs. Professional historians prefer to focus on collective institutions that are thought to be the theater of history properly understood. Geoffrey Parker has been a key figure in developing the “military revolution” hypothesis that has guided a good deal of recent work in early modern military history; he understands the perils of a biography better than most. But, having spent years amid the stacks of paperwork left by Spanish-Habsburg rulers, he also knows that the personal decisions of a Charles V (1500–58) made a difference. Charles signed more than 100,000 state documents, many of them with annotations in a distinctive hand that (one might say) only a mother could love.
Social justice in applied linguistics: Not a conclusion, but a way forward
Authors: Charity Hudley Anne H. , Flores Nelson
Published: March 2022

Abstract in African American English as Anne Would Use It Teaching a Class or Giving a Talk

Charity Hudley and Flores give you the real about the papers in this volume and share their direct vision for how to take this work forward in theory and practice. They shout out the leadership of emerging scholars as key to dreaming a world and a role for applied linguistics in the ongoing struggle for justice and liberation throughout the whole world. They lift up the volumes as the start of a new model of justice in scholarly publishing in applied linguistics and linguistics, where the conversations between emerging and more established scholars are more regularly integrated into our scholarly output. In doing so, the flavor that emerging scholars are adding to our understanding of language in various applied contexts will more quickly become part of the educational policy and practice that we legit need everywhere all the time.
Ultrastructural Characterization of Salivary Glands, Alimentary Canal and Malpighian Tubules of the Red Shield Bug Carpocoris mediterraneus Tamanini, 1958 (Heteroptera, Pentatomidae)
Authors: Özyurt Koçakoğlu Nurcan , Candan Selami
Published: March 2022

In this study, the gut structure and excretory system of Carpocoris mediterraneus which is phytophagous insect, were described with light and electron microscopies and discussed in relation to other Heteroptera species. The salivary system has two principal and accessory salivary glands, two principal and accessory gland ducts. The salivary gland and duct wall have a single layer of cuboidal cells. The duct lumen is surrounded by a thick intima layer. In the cytoplasm of the epithelial cells are seen vesicles. The gut includes fore, mid, and hindguts. The foregut consists of a long narrow tubular pharynx which opens into a slightly wider esophagus. The esophagus is thin walled and in turn opens into the midgut. The midgut has four regions (V1–V4). V1–V4 walls have a monolayered epithelium. V1 epithelium is double-nucleated. V1 cytoplasm contains numerous vesicles, secretory granules, spherocrystals, and cytoplasmic inclusions. Rod-shaped bacteria are seen in V4 lumen. The hindgut has pylorus and rectum. Malpighian tubules were attached in the pylorus. Malpighian tubules have a single-layer cuboidal epithelium. In their lumen, there are spherocrystals. The rectum wall has a monolayer of squamous epithelium and muscle layer. Numerous bacteria and uric acid crystals are seen in its lumen.
Evaluation of the Interprofessional Spiritual Care Education Curriculum in Australia: Online
Authors: Best Megan C. , Jones Kate , Washington Jenny , Sullivan Jo , Kearney Matthew , Puchalski Christina
Published: March 2022

Objective

Spiritual care is a component of quality palliative care, but healthcare providers have reported lack of training as a barrier to its provision. This paper describes the evaluation of the Interprofessional Spiritual Care Educational Curriculum (ISPEC)©which is a six-module evidence-based curriculum developed for teaching interprofessional spiritual care based on a generalist-specialist model of spiritual care.

Method

The course was run online in 2020 and attended by 20 healthcare workers who were invited to join the evaluation. Questionnaires were completed by participants before the training program (baseline), immediately after the training (post), and 3 months following the end of the program (follow-up). After the follow-up questionnaires, participants were invited to join a Focus Group to expand on their responses. Descriptive and exploratory statistical analysis was performed on quantitative data, and qualitative data was subjected to Thematic Analysis.

Results

Exploratory data analysis showed that self-reported competence, confidence, and comfort in providing spiritual care significantly improved following training (p= 0.002) and were maintained over time (p= 0.034). In qualitative analysis, the main themes were: (1) overwhelmed by content; (2) the importance of practical training; (3) spiritual care is for everyone; (4) spiritual care should come from the heart; (5) training needs to be inclusive; and (6) spirituality is culturally specific.

Significance of results

This article describes an evaluation of the ISPEC©spiritual care training course administered to an Australian healthcare cohort using an online format. These preliminary findings suggest that the ISPEC©program is effective in improving the ability of healthcare professionals to provide spiritual care. More work is needed to improve the cultural relevance of the program in Australia.
An exploration of financial toxicity among low-income patients with cancer in Central Texas: A mixed methods analysis
Authors: Petruzzi Liana J. , Prezio Elizabeth , Phillips Farya , Smith Blake , Currin-McCulloch Jennifer , Blevins Cheasequah , Gaddis Damon , Eckhardt S. Gail , Kvale Elizabeth , Jones Barbara
Published: March 2022

Objective

Financial toxicity is of increasing concern in the United States. The Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (COST) is a validated measure; however, it has not been widely utilized among low-income patients and may not fully capture financial toxicity in this population. Furthermore, the relationships between financial toxicity, quality of life (QOL), and patient well-being are poorly understood. We describe the experience of financial toxicity among low-income adults receiving cancer care. We hypothesized that higher financial toxicity would be associated with less income and lower quality of life. Qualitative interviews focused on the financial impact of cancer treatment.

Method

This study was conducted at a cancer clinic in Central Texas. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected in Fall and Spring 2018, respectively. The quantitative sample (N = 115) was dichotomized by annual income (<$15,000 vs. >$15,000). Outcomes included financial toxicity (COST), quality of life (FACT-G), and patient well-being (PROMIS measures: Anxiety, Depression, Fatigue, Pain Interference, and Physical Function). Associations between quality of life, patient well-being, and financial toxicity were evaluated using linear regression. Sequential qualitative interviews were conducted with a subsample of 12 participants.

Results

Patients with <$15k had significantly lower levels of QOL and patient well-being such as depression and anxiety compared to patients with >$15k across multiple measures. A multivariate linear regression found QOL (Β = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.05, 0.29, p = 0.008) and insurance status (Β = −3.79, 95% CI = −7.42, −0.16, p = 0.04), but not income, were significantly associated with financial toxicity. Three qualitative themes regarding patient's access to cancer care were identified: obtaining healthcare coverage, maintaining financial stability, and receiving social support.

Significance of results

Low-income patients with cancer face unique access barriers and are at risk for forgoing treatment or increased symptom burdens. Comprehensive assessment and financial navigation may improve access to care, symptom management, and reduce strain on social support systems.
The social question and the transnational constitutional space
Authors: Rieder Clemens M
Published: March 2022

Although markets are becoming increasingly transnationalized, the social question appears to remain firmly national. The aim of this article is to discuss under what circumstances, if at all, the social question ought to have a transnational dimension and what form it should take. As such, the article seeks to build a normative framework that abandons the conventional taxonomies of moral duties and instead links the concept of responsibility to governance, which takes place in the space of thepolisthrough a reliance on questions of group agency. To this end, the article will draw on different aspects of responsibility. Having established a link between the social question and the concept of responsibility based on outcome and remedial responsibility, it will draw on collective and shared responsibility to consider what, if any, transnational dimension the social question should have.
Members of Transgressor Groups Prefer Reparations to Come From Third Parties
Authors: Sekerdej Maciej , Giner-Sorolla Roger
Published: March 2022

Abstract. Interpersonal research has shown that guilt motivates perpetrators to compensate victims at the expense of a third party, indicating that the emotion’s goal involves reparative outcomes rather than self-mortification. However, this motivation has yet to be tested in an intergroup context. Based on findings about ingroup wrongdoing, compensation was expected to draw primarily on shame rather than guilt. Three experiments (total N = 617) showed that participants only allocated more to the victims versus their own group when compensation was assigned from a third party’s rather than their own group’s resources. There was also evidence that shame was felt, and related to compensating victims, more strongly than guilt, whether at the expense of the ingroup or the third party.
Decreased Aviation Leads to Increased Ice Crystal Number and a Positive Radiative Effect in Cirrus Clouds
Authors: Zhu Jialei , Penner Joyce E. , Garnier Anne , Boucher Olivier , Gao Meng , Song Lei , Deng Junjun , Liu Cong‐qiang , Fu Pingqing
Published: March 2022

Travel restrictions in the wake of the COVID‐19 pandemic resulted in an unprecedented decrease of 73% in global flight mileage in April–May 2020 compared to 2019. Here we examine the CALIPSO satellite observations and do not find a significant increase in ice crystal number concentrations (Ni) in cirrus clouds in the mid‐latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, which might be expected due to an increase in homogeneous freezing when soot from aircraft emissions is reduced. Nevertheless this result is consistent with our model simulations, so do not rule out a positive forcing if reductions in aircraft emissions continue. A relatively small positive global average radiative effect of 21 mW m−2 is estimated if a decrease in aircraft traffic continues, with an average of up to 64 mW m−2 over the area where aviation is most active. We infer from this analysis that the worldwide adoption of biofuel blending in aircraft fuels that lead to smaller soot emissions could lead to a significant change in the microphysical properties of cirrus clouds but a rather small positive radiative effect.
A qualitative exploration of decisions about dental recall intervals - part 2: perspectives of dentists and patients on the role of shared decision making in dental recall decisions
Authors: Scott Hannah , Cope Anwen L. , Wood Fiona , Joseph-Williams Natalie , Karki Anup , Roberts Emyr M. , Lovell-Smith Candida , Chestnutt Ivor G.
Published: March 2022

Introduction Patients are sensitive to both the frequency and costs of dental recall visits. Shared decision making (SDM) is a principle of patient-centred care, advocated by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and policymakers, whereby joint decisions are made between clinicians and patients.

Aims To explore NHS dentists' and patients' attitudes towards SDM in decisions about recall interval.

Methods Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 25 NHS patients and 25 NHS general dental practitioners in Wales, UK. Transcripts were thematically analysed.

Results While many patients would be happy to accept changes to their recall interval, most wanted to be seen at least annually. Most patients were willing to be guided by their dentist in decisions about recall interval, as long as consideration was given to issues such as time, travel and cost. This contrasted with the desire to actively participate in decisions about operative treatment. Although the dentists' understanding of SDM varied, practitioners considered it important to involve patients in decisions about their care. However, dentists perceived that time, patient anxiety and concerns about potential adverse outcomes were barriers to the use of SDM.

Conclusions Since there is uncertainty about the most clinically effective and cost-effective dental recall strategy, patient preference may play a role in these decisions.
Near-atomic structure of the inner ring of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae nuclear pore complex
Authors: Li Zongqiang , Chen Shuaijiabin , Zhao Liang , Huang Guoqiang , Pi Xiong , Sun Shan , Wang Peiyi , Sui Sen-Fang
Published: March 2022

Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) mediate bidirectional nucleocytoplasmic transport of substances in eukaryotic cells. However, the accurate molecular arrangement of NPCs remains enigmatic owing to their huge size and highly dynamic nature. Here we determined the structure of the asymmetric unit of the inner ring (IR monomer) at 3.73 Å resolution by single-particle cryo-electron microscopy, and created an atomic model of the intact IR consisting of 192 molecules of 8 nucleoporins. In each IR monomer, the Z-shaped Nup188–Nup192 complex in the middle layer is sandwiched by two approximately parallel rhomboidal structures in the inner and outer layers, while Nup188, Nup192 and Nic96 link all subunits to constitute a relatively stable IR monomer. In contrast, the intact IR is assembled by loose and instable interactions between IR monomers. These structures, together with previously reported structural information of IR, reveal two distinct interaction modes between IR monomers and extensive flexible connections in IR assembly, providing a structural basis for the stability and malleability of IR.
MiR-206 conjugated gold nanoparticle based targeted therapy in breast cancer cells
Authors: Chaudhari Ramesh , Nasra Simran , Meghani Nikita , Kumar Ashutosh
Published: March 2022

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are single-stranded, non-coding, 19–25 nucleotide RNA molecules that have been observed to be dysregulated in many diseases including cancer. miRNAs have been known to play an important role in cellular proliferation, differentiation, migration, apoptosis, survival, and morphogenesis. Breast cancer is heterogeneous in nature and contributed extensively to the increased mortality rate. miRNA can either be tumor-suppressive or oncogenic in nature. The level of expression of miRNA changes according to the subtypes of cancer and the mutation responsible for different cancers. miRNA mimicry or inhibition are emerging possible therapies to maintain the level of miRNA inside the cells. In order to have proper miRNA mimicry, the major hurdle is to deliver the miRNA mimics at the site of tumor. Metallic nanoparticles with modified surface can be used to solve the problem of miRNA delivery. MiR-206 is reported to be down-regulated in Luminal-A type of breast cancer. In the current manuscript, we aim to modify the surface of gold-nanoparticles (AuNPs) with PEG moiety and allow miRNA to attach to it. The fabricated nano-complex, not only delivered miR-206 but also caused cell death in MCF-7 by arresting cells in the G0-G1 phase and inducing apoptosis by downregulating NOTCH 3.
Assessing radiomics feature stability with simulated CT acquisitions
Authors: Flouris Kyriakos , Jimenez-del-Toro Oscar , Aberle Christoph , Bach Michael , Schaer Roger , Obmann Markus M. , Stieltjes Bram , Müller Henning , Depeursinge Adrien , Konukoglu Ender
Published: March 2022

Medical imaging quantitative features had once disputable usefulness in clinical studies. Nowadays, advancements in analysis techniques, for instance through machine learning, have enabled quantitative features to be progressively useful in diagnosis and research. Tissue characterisation is improved via the “radiomics” features, whose extraction can be automated. Despite the advances, stability of quantitative features remains an important open problem. As features can be highly sensitive to variations of acquisition details, it is not trivial to quantify stability and efficiently select stable features. In this work, we develop and validate a Computed Tomography (CT) simulator environment based on the publicly available ASTRA toolbox (www.astra-toolbox.com). We show that the variability, stability and discriminative power of the radiomics features extracted from the virtual phantom images generated by the simulator are similar to those observed in a tandem phantom study. Additionally, we show that the variability is matched between a multi-center phantom study and simulated results. Consequently, we demonstrate that the simulator can be utilised to assess radiomics features’ stability and discriminative power.
Discovery of calcium-binding peptides derived from defatted lemon basil seeds with enhanced calcium uptake in human intestinal epithelial cells, Caco-2
Authors: Kheeree Norhameemee , Kuptawach Kittisak , Puthong Songchan , Sangtanoo Papassara , Srimongkol Piroonporn , Boonserm Patamalai , Reamtong Onrapak , Choowongkomon Kiattawee , Karnchanatat Aphichart
Published: March 2022

It is anticipated that calcium-chelating peptides may serve to enhance the absorption of calcium. This research examined defatted lemon basil seeds (DLBS) which had been treated with Alcalase under optimized parameters for the degree of hydrolysis for proteolysis, discovering that the activity for calcium-binding in a competitive condition with phosphate ion was 60.39 ± 1.545%. The purification of the hydrolysates was performed via ultrafiltration along with reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Determination of the purified peptide amino acid sequence was confirmed for both peptides and reported as Ala-Phe-Asn-Arg-Ala-Lys-Ser-Lys-Ala-Leu-Asn-Glu-Asn (AFNRAKSKALNEN; Basil-1), and Tyr-Asp-Ser-Ser-Gly-Gly-Pro-Thr-Pro-Trp-Leu-Ser-Pro-Tyr (YDSSGGPTPWLSPY; Basil-2). The respective activities for calcium-binding were 38.62 ± 1.33%, and 42.19 ± 2.27%. Fluorescence spectroscopy, and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were employed in order to assess the chelating mechanism between calcium and the peptides. It was found that the calcium ions took place through the activity of the amino nitrogen atoms and the oxygen atoms on the carboxyl group. Moreover, both of these peptides served to improve calcium transport and absorption in Caco-2 cell monolayers, depending on the concentration involved. It was revealed that the peptide-calcium complexes offered an increased calcium absorption percentage when compared to free calcium at similar concentrations. It might be concluded that the peptide within the peptide-calcium complex can promote calcium absorption through both active and passive transport pathways by increasing calcium concentration and promoting cell membrane interaction. Accordingly, DLBS protein can be considered a strong potential source of protein which can be used to produce calcium-binding peptides and might therefore play a role in the production of nutraceutical foods as a bioactive ingredient.