bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coverage with evidence development for medical devices in Europe: Can practice meet theory?
Authors: Drummond Michael , Federici Carlo , Reckers‐Droog Vivian , Torbica Aleksandra , Blankart Carl Rudolf , Ciani Oriana , Kaló Zoltán , Kovács Sándor , Brouwer Werner
Published: February 2022

Health economists have written extensively on the design and implementation of coverage with evidence development (CED) schemes and have proposed theoretical frameworks based on cost‐effectiveness modeling and value of information analysis. CED may aid decision‐makers when there is uncertainty about the (cost‐)effectiveness of a new health technology at the time of reimbursement. Medical devices are potential candidates for CED schemes, as regulatory regimes do not usually require the same level of efficacy and safety data normally needed for pharmaceuticals. The purpose of this research is to assess whether the actual practice of CED for medical devices in Europe meets the theoretical principles proposed by health economists and whether theory and practice can be more closely aligned. Based on decision‐makers' perceptions of the challenges associated with CED schemes, plus examples from the schemes themselves, we discuss a series of proposals for assessing the desirability of schemes, their design, implementation, and evaluation. These proposals, while reflecting the practical challenges with developing CED programs, embody many of the principles suggested by economists and should support decision‐makers in dealing with uncertainty about the real‐world performance of devices.
Direct Conversion of Human Endothelial Cells Into Liver Cancer‐Forming Cells Using Nonintegrative Episomal Vectors
Authors: Goya Takeshi , Horisawa Kenichi , Udono Miyako , Ohkawa Yasuyuki , Ogawa Yoshihiro , Sekiya Sayaka , Suzuki Atsushi
Published: February 2022

Liver cancer is an aggressive cancer associated with a poor prognosis. Development of therapeutic strategies for liver cancer requires fundamental research using suitable experimental models. Recent progress in direct reprogramming technology has enabled the generation of many types of cells that are difficult to obtain and provide a cellular resource in experimental models of human diseases. In this study, we aimed to establish a simple one‐step method for inducing cells that can form malignant human liver tumors directly from healthy endothelial cells using nonintegrating episomal vectors. To screen for factors capable of inducing liver cancer‐forming cells (LCCs), we selected nine genes and one short hairpin RNA that suppresses tumor protein p53 (TP53) expression and introduced them into human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), using episomal vectors. To identify the essential factors, we examined the effect of changing the amounts and withdrawing individual factors. We then analyzed the proliferation, gene and protein expression, morphologic and chromosomal abnormality, transcriptome, and tumor formation ability of the induced cells. We found that a set of six factors, forkhead box A3 (FOXA3), hepatocyte nuclear factor homeobox 1A (HNF1A), HNF1B, lin‐28 homolog B (LIN28B), MYCL proto‐oncogene, bHLH transcription factor (L‐MYC), and Kruppel‐like factor 5 (KLF5), induced direct conversion of HUVECs into LCCs. The gene expression profile of these induced LCCs (iLCCs) was similar to that of human liver cancer cells, and these cells effectively formed tumors that resembled human combined hepatocellular–cholangiocarcinoma following transplantation into immunodeficient mice. Conclusion: We succeeded in the direct induction of iLCCs from HUVECs by using nonintegrating episomal vectors. iLCCs generated from patients with cancer and healthy volunteers will be useful for further advancements in cancer research and for developing methods for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of liver cancer.
Preoperative portal vein recanalization–transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for chronic obliterative portal vein thrombosis: Outcomes following liver transplantation
Authors: Talwar Abhinav , Varghese Jeffrey , Knight Gabriel M. , Katariya Nitin , Caicedo Juan‐Carlos , Dietch Zach , Borja‐Cacho Daniel , Ladner Daniella , Christopher Derrick , Baker Talia , Abecassis Michael , Mouli Samdeep , Desai Kush , Riaz Ahsun , Thornburg Bart , Salem Riad
Published: February 2022

High‐grade portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is often considered to be a technically challenging scenario for liver transplantation (LT) and in some centers a relative contraindication. This study compares patients with chronic obliterative PVT who underwent portal vein recanalization–transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (PVR‐TIPS) and subsequent LT to those with partial nonocclusive PVT who underwent LT without an intervention. This institutional review board‐approved study analyzed 49 patients with cirrhosis with PVT from 2000 to 2020 at our institution. Patients were divided into two groups, those that received PVR‐TIPS due to anticipated surgical challenges from chronic obliterative PVT and those who did not because of partial PVT. Demographic data and long‐term outcomes were compared. A total of 35 patients received PVR‐TIPS while 14 did not, with all receiving LT. Patients with PVR‐TIPS had a higher Yerdel score and frequency of cavernoma than those that did not. PVR‐TIPS was effective in decreasing portosystemic gradient (16 down to 8 mm HG; p < 0.05). Both groups allowed for end‐to‐end anastomoses in >90% of cases. However, veno–veno bypass was used significantly more in patients who did not receive PVR‐TIPS. Additionally, patients without PVR‐TIPS required significantly more intraoperative red blood cells. Overall survival was not different between groups. PVR‐TIPS demonstrated efficacy in resolving PVT and allowed for end‐to‐end portal vein anastomoses. PVR‐TIPS is a viable treatment option for chronic obliterative PVT with or without cavernoma that simplifies the surgical aspects of LT.
Global and regional long‐term survival following resection for HCC in the recent decade: A meta‐analysis of 110 studies
Authors: Reveron‐Thornton Rosyli F. , Teng Margaret L. P. , Lee Eunice Yewon , Tran Andrew , Vajanaphanich Sean , Tan Eunice X. , Nerurkar Sanjna N. , Ng Rui Xin , Teh Readon , Tripathy Debi Prasad , Ito Takanori , Tanaka Taku , Miyake Nozomi , Zou Biyao , Wong Connie , Toyoda Hidenori , Esquivel Carlos O. , Bonham C. Andrew , Nguyen Mindie H. , Huang Daniel Q.
Published: March 2022

Surgical resection for HCC remains a major curative treatment option, but it is unclear whether there are differences in outcomes by region and whether outcomes have improved over time. We aimed to estimate pooled overall survival (OS), recurrence‐free survival (RFS), and complication rates in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following curative surgical resection and to compare outcomes by region and by time period. In this systematic review and meta‐analysis, we searched Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane databases from inception to May 15, 2020. We selected studies reporting OS, RFS, and complications in adult patients with HCC undergoing curative surgical resection. Two authors independently searched the literature and extracted the data. We screened 6983 articles and included 110 eligible studies with 82,392 patients, with study periods spanning from 1980–2017. The global pooled 1‐year and 5‐year survival rates were 88.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 87.1–90.4) and 56.2% (95% CI 52.8–59.6) for OS and 71.1% (95% CI 67.6–74.3) and 35.2% (95% CI 32.5–38.0) for RFS, respectively. Five‐year OS was higher in Asia (57.03%) than in other regions (Europe 48.3%; North America 48.0%; and South America 49.5%); p = 0.002. Five‐year RFS was higher in patients with hepatitis B virus versus patients with hepatitis C virus (34.8% vs. 24.1%; p = 0.02). There was no significant improvement in 5‐year OS and RFS over time. The pooled rate for complications was 27.6% (95% CI 23.4–32.3), with 9.7% (95% CI 6.3–14.7) classified as major. One‐year OS after surgical resection for HCC is excellent (~90%). However, 5‐year OS (~55%) and RFS (~35%) are still poor, suggesting that long‐term care is suboptimal. Greater efforts are required to improve survival through enhanced surveillance and preventing recurrence through antiviral therapy.
Investigation of risk factors of de novo urinary stress incontinence after cystocele repair: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hu Pan , Lei Li , Wei Linna , Wang Ying , Liu Lubin
Published: February 2022

The contents of this page will be used as part of issue TOC only. It will not be published as part of main article.

Levator avulsion is a risk factor for de novo urinary stress incontinence after transvaginal mesh surgery for cystocele repair.
Ex vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy: A diagnostic technique for easy real‐time evaluation of benign and malignant skin tumours
Authors: Vladimirova Gabriela , Ruini Cristel , Kapp Florian , Kendziora Benjamin , Ergün Ecem Z. , Bağcı Işın S. , Krammer Sebastian , Jastaneyah Jawaher , Sattler Elke C. , Flaig Michael J. , French Lars E. , Hartmann Daniela
Published: March 2022

Ex vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy (ex vivo CLSM) is a novel diagnostic tool for a quick bedside evaluation of freshly excised tissue, comparable to histology. We aimed to assess the sensitivity and specificity of ex vivo CLSM in detecting malignant features, to validate its reliability in identifying various skin tumours based on a combination of confocal features and to evaluate the digital staining mode (DS). One‐hundred twenty freshly excised skin samples from 91 patients were evaluated. Each lesion was screened for the presence of 23 predefined confocal criteria with ex vivo CLSM, followed by a histopathological examination. The diagnostic agreement between ex vivo CLSM and histology was 89.2%. The diagnostic accuracy of ex vivo CLSM in detecting malignancy reached a sensitivity of 98% and a specificity of 76%. Ex vivo CLSM enabled a rapid identification of the most common skin tumours, the tumour dignity and cytological features. The DS demonstrated a close resemblance to conventional histopathology.
Distinct Roles of Glutamine Metabolism in Benign and Malignant Cartilage Tumors With IDH Mutations
Authors: Zhang Hongyuan , Puviindran Vijitha , Nadesan Puviindran , Ding Xiruo , Shen Leyao , Tang Yuning J , Tsushima Hidetoshi , Yahara Yasuhito , Ban Ga I , Zhang Guo-Fang , Karner Courtney M , Alman Benjamin A.
Published: February 2022

Enchondromas and chondrosarcomas are common cartilage neoplasms that are either benign or malignant, respectively. The majority of these tumors harbor mutations in either IDH1 or IDH2. Glutamine metabolism has been implicated as a critical regulator of tumors with IDH mutations. Using genetic and pharmacological approaches, we demonstrated that glutaminase-mediated glutamine metabolism played distinct roles in enchondromas and chondrosarcomas with IDH1 or IDH2 mutations. Glutamine affected cell differentiation and viability in these tumors differently through different downstream metabolites. During murine enchondroma-like lesion development, glutamine-derived α-ketoglutarate promoted hypertrophic chondrocyte differentiation and regulated chondrocyte proliferation. Deletion of glutaminase in chondrocytes with Idh1 mutation increased the number and size of enchondroma-like lesions. In contrast, pharmacological inhibition of glutaminase in chondrosarcoma xenografts reduced overall tumor burden partially because glutamine-derived non-essential amino acids played an important role in preventing cell apoptosis. This study demonstrates that glutamine metabolism plays different roles in tumor initiation and cancer maintenance. Supplementation of α-ketoglutarate and inhibiting GLS may provide a therapeutic approach to suppress enchondroma and chondrosarcoma tumor growth, respectively. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Early offset‐increasing migration predicts later revision for humeral head resurfacing implants. A randomized controlled radiostereometry trial with 10‐year clinical follow‐up
Authors: Tøttrup Mikkel , Thillemann Janni Kjærgaard , Thillemann Theis Muncholm , Mechlenburg Inger , Klebe Thomas , Søballe Kjeld , Stilling Maiken
Published: February 2022

In a randomized controlled setting, medium‐term implant migration and long‐term clinical outcomes were compared for the Copeland and the Global C.A.P. humeral head resurfacing implants (HHRI). Thirty‐two patients (mean age 63 years) were randomly allocated to a Copeland (n = 14) or Global C.A.P. (n = 18) HHRI. Patients were followed for 5 years with radiostereometry, Constant Shoulder Score, and the Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder Index (WOOS). WOOS and revision status were also obtained cross‐sectionally at a mean 10‐year follow‐up. At the 5‐year follow‐up, total translation (TT) was 0.75 mm (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.53–0.97) for the Copeland HHRIs and 1.15 mm (95% CI: 0.85–1.46) for the Global C.A.P. HHRIs (p = 0.04), but the clinical scores were similar at all follow‐ups. The cumulative risks of revision at 5 and 10 years were 29% and 43% for Copeland and 35% and 41% for Global C.A.P HHRIs (p > 0.7). No implants were loose at revision, but HHRIs that were later revised followed an early offset‐increasing migration pattern with medial translation and lift‐off resulting in a mean 0.53 mm (95% CI: 0.18–0.88) higher TT at the 1‐year follow‐up compared to non‐revised HHRIs. In conclusion, the Global C.A.P. HHRI had higher TT compared with the Copeland HHRI, but clinical scores and revision rates were similar. Nonetheless, revision rates were high and challenge the use of HHRIs. Interestingly, an early radiostereometry evaluated HHRI migration pattern with increased off‐set predicted later implant revision.
Develop a stepwise integrated method to screen biomarkers of Baihe‐Dihuang Tang on the treatment of depression in rats applying with composition screened, untargeted, and targeted metabolomics analysis
Authors: Gu Shuo , Mou Tingting , Chen Jian , Wang Jing , Zhang Ying , Cui Meirong , Hao Wenqian , Sun Yue , Zhang Chengqin , Zhao Tiantian , Wei Binbin
Published: March 2022

Baihe‐Dihuang Tang is a commonly prescribed remedy for depression. In this study, component screening with untargeted and targeted metabolomics was used to identify potential biomarkers for depression in chronic unpredictable mildly stressed rats. Using this novel identification method, the screening of organic acids, lily saponins, iridoids, and other ingredients formed the basis for subsequent metabolomics research. Baihe‐Dihuang Tang supplementation in chronic unpredictable mild‐stress‐induced depression models, increased their body weight, sucrose preference, brain‐derived neurotrophic factor deposition, and spatial exploring. Untargeted metabolomics revealed that Baihe‐Dihuang Tang exerts its antidepressant effects by regulating the levels of lipids, organic acids, and its derivatives, and benzenoids in the brain, plasma, and urine of the depressed rats. Moreover, it also modulates the d‐glutamine and d‐glutamate metabolism and purine metabolism. Targeted metabolomics demonstrated significant reduction in l‐glutamate levels in the brains of depressed rats. This could be a potential biomarker for depression. Baihe‐Dihuang Tang alleviated depression by regulating the levels of l‐glutamate, xanthine, and adenine in the brains of depressed rats. Together, these findings conclusively established the promising therapeutic effect of Baihe‐Dihuang Tang on depression and also unraveled the underlying molecular mechanism of its potential antidepressant function.
Superior Labial Frenulum Attachment Site and Correlation with Breastfeeding Outcomes
Authors: Haischer‐Rollo Gayle D. , Lu Khang , Drumm Caitlin , Fagiana Angela , Bowe Sarah N. , Aden James , Demarcantonio Micheal
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Current literature suggests that infant oral anatomy may impact breastfeeding outcomes. Our research seeks to evaluate superior labial frenulum (SLF) attachment site grade utilizing a modified existing system and investigate the correlation with breastfeeding outcomes.

Methods

Two hundred and eight dyads were recruited from the nursery at Brooke Army Medical Center. The neonate's SLF and lingual frenulum were evaluated and photo‐documented. Photos were assessed by blinded reviewers utilizing a modified Stanford SLF grade. Breastfeeding mothers completed surveys on attitudes and associated pain with feedings 24 h postdelivery, at 2 weeks and at 2 months. Categorical data were analyzed using chi‐squared tests or Fisher's exact tests. Means and standard deviations were analyzed using analysis of variance or Wilcoxon's test.

Results

At 2 weeks and 2 months, 86.8% and 72.8% were breastfeeding, respectively. At 2 months, SLF grade 1 newborn dyads had a significantly lower breastfeeding rate (50.0%) compared to SLF grade 2 (75.3%) and SLF grade 3 (85.7%) subjects (p = 0.0384). At 2 weeks and 2 months, there was no difference between SLF groups with regard to maternal breastfeeding attitudes or pain scores. There was no significant difference in terms of weight, referrals, or lingual–labial frenulectomy between SLF groups.

Conclusions

Our study shows no correlation between SLF attachment grade and breastfeeding outcomes to include length of breastfeeding, maternally reported confidence, maternal pain, or infant weight. Our findings do not support labial frenulectomy based on SLF grade alone and highlight the need for a more robust functional grading system.

Level of Evidence

2

Oxford Center for Evidence‐Based Medicine. http://www.cebm.net/index.aspx?o=5653 Laryngoscope, 132:2498–2504, 2022
Water seepage and retention in purple soil bunds on sloping farmland in the Three Gorges Reservoir area, China
Authors: Luo Yingli , Wei Jie , Tang Qiang , Gan Fengling , Li Juanjuan
Published: February 2022

Soil bunds are a common land reconstruction practice in the Three Gorges Reservoir area of China, and play a key role in runoff regulation and soil conservation on cultivated hillslopes. This study investigated water movement pathways and retaining effects of soil bunds using water transport trajectory observations inferred from field dye tracing experiments. It was found that water infiltration in the bund was characterised by spatial heterogeneity in three dimensions. The stained area ratio (SAR) of the bund was much lower than that of the adjacent field at all depths. Dye patterns resembled inclined strips in the bund, and lateral seepage occurred mainly on the top of hard pan. SAR, stained path width (SPW) <20 mm, and stained path number (SPN) all decreased with increasing horizontal distance. The SPW <20 mm proportion and SAR both decreased according to a logarithmic function, while the changing trend of SPN followed a first‐order exponential decay. Three pathways of water movement in the bund could be distinguished, namely, vertical infiltration, lateral seepage and flow along the bund–bedrock interface. The primary water seepage channel in the bund was likely to be the bund–bedrock interface (accounting for around 80% of the total flow). These results provide preliminary realisation of water movement mechanisms in the purple soil bunds on sloping farmland and inform management options for bund stability maintenance.
Exponential stabilization of wave equation with acoustic boundary conditions and its application to memory‐type boundary
Authors: Guo Dandan , Zhang Zhifei
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we deal with the wave equation with acoustic boundary conditions. The exponential stabilization is obtained by Lyapunov approach and Riemannian geometry method. We then apply our main theorem to the wave equations with memory‐type acoustic boundary conditions, which is not available in the literature and give an example in the end.
Representations by degenerate Bernoulli polynomials arising from Volkenborn integral
Authors: Kim Dae San , Kim Taekyun
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we consider the problem of representing any polynomial in terms of the degenerate Bernoulli polynomials arising from Volkenborn integral and more generally of the higher‐order degenerate Bernoulli polynomials arising from iterated Volkenborn integral. We derive explicit formulas with the help of umbral calculus and illustrate our results with some examples.
Alpha‐Ketoglutarate Attenuates Colitis in Mice by IncreasingLactobacillusAbundance and Regulating Stem Cell Proliferation via Wnt‐Hippo Signaling
Authors: Si Xuemeng , Jia Hai , Liu Ning , Li Jun , Pan Lina , Wang Jiaqi , Wu Zhenlong
Published: February 2022

Scope

Inflammatory bowel disease is an inflammatory gastrointestinal disorder associated with intestinal barrier damage, cell proliferation disorder, and dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota. It remains unknown whether alpha‐ketoglutarate (α‐KG) can alleviate colitis in mice.

Methods and results

Six‐week‐old male C57BL/6 mice supplemented with or without 0.5% α‐KG (delivered in the form of sodium salt) are subjected to drinking water or 2.5% DSS to induce colitis. The results show that α‐KG administration is attenuated the severity of colitis, as is indicated by reduced body‐weight loss, colon shortening and colonic hyperplasia, and repressed proinflammatory cytokine secretion in DSS‐challenged mice. Additionally, DSS‐induced increases in malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and decreases in glutathione (GSH) levels are attenuated by α‐KG administration. Further study shows that the protective effect of α‐KG is associated with restoring gut barrier integrity by enhancing the expression of tight junction proteins, increasingLactobacilluslevels, and regulating gut hyperplasia by the Wnt‐Hippo signaling pathway in DSS‐induced colitis.

Conclusion

Collectively, the data provided herein demonstrate that α‐KG administration is attenuated mucosal inflammation, barrier dysfunction, and gut microflora dysbiosis. This beneficial effect is associated with increasedLactobacilluslevels and regulated colon hyperplasia by the Wnt‐Hippo signaling pathway.
Service evaluation of telehealth in a physiotherapy musculoskeletal setting: Patient outcomes and results from risk stratification
Authors: Slattery Brian , Ackerman Lyndsey , Jagadamma Kavi C.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Due to COVID‐19 the ability to see all patients face‐to‐face (FTF) was removed. Services implemented telehealth to cater for patients requiring musculoskeletal care. A service evaluation was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of a mixed telehealth/FTF approach and identify if stratifying patients could help tailor intervention.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of data collected from patients who were assessed by Musculoskeletal Physiotherapists in one Scottish health board was undertaken. Patients were divided into low, medium and high risk sub‐groups through the Keele STarT MSK tool. Outcome measures for pain and musculoskeletal health were taken at baseline/discharge along with satisfaction/preference. Descriptive and Inferential statistical analysis was conducted to establish whether changes in the outcome measures within and between risk sub‐groups were statistically significant.

Results

Pain level difference from baseline to discharge demonstrated clinically and statistically significant improvements across all risk groups (N = 89). Musculoskeletal health demonstrated clinically significant improvements across all risk groups and statistically significant improvements in the medium/high risk groups but not the low risk. Patients with knee osteoarthritis and low back pain in the medium risk group had fewest appointments while patients with chronic shoulder pain had the most. The majority of patients were satisfied with all mediums but preferred FTF or an option between telehealth/FTF in the future.

Conclusion

Telehealth is a promising model of care when utilised in combination with FTF for patients with musculoskeletal conditions. Through stratification, identifying specific conditions and shared decision making it may be possible to treat certain patient groups via telehealth.
Vertical frequency‐domain compliance of an elastic pipe pile embedded in a liquid‐filled and porous‐viscoelastic soil
Authors: Zhang Shiping , Xu Zhan , Deng Chen
Published: February 2022

The analytical dynamic compliance of an elastic pipe pile fully buried in a fluid‐filled and porous‐viscoelastic soil stratum resting on rigid bedrock and subjected to a vertical time‐harmonic load is proposed. In this study, the Hamilton's principle of dynamics is employed to establish the governing equations for the pipe pile, which is treated as a two‐dimensional (2D) hollow bar structure. The outer and inner soil media surrounding the pipe pile are considered as three‐dimensional (3D), homogenous, and liquid‐saturated porous continuum, besides they are described by the porous‐elastic media model proposed by de Boer. The governing equations for the pipe pile and the soils are solved with the aid of the separation technique of variables, and also utilizing the boundary and contact conditions of the pipe pile and the soils. Then, the analytical solution for the vertical dynamic compliance of the pipe pile is derived. By comparing with the existing solutions and finite element model (FEM), the results from the newly proposed method confirm its validation. Comparative analyses of numerical examples are finally conducted to reveal the variations and response principle of the dynamic compliance of the pipe pile under different material/geometry parameters.
Time scales in the primary and secondary compression of soils
Authors: Liu Yingxiao , Borja Ronaldo I.
Published: February 2022

The last several decades have seen a surge of papers dealing with analytical and semi‐analytical solutions to the problem of one‐dimensional consolidation of soils. But rarely has any of these contributions focused on the time scales arising from combined primary and secondary compression. Primary compression has always been attributed to the dissipation of excess pore pressure as fluid is expelled from the soil skeleton to the drainage boundaries. However, there have been several schools of thought when it comes to the process governing the secondary compression. In this paper, we attribute the secondary compression to any of the following processes occurring either individually or in combination: (a) rate‐dependent (viscoplastic) constitutive response of the soil skeleton; (b) existence of a secondary pore scale system that expels fluid from the smaller‐scale pores to the larger‐scale pores; and (c) delayed compression due to creep following Bjerrum's concept of secondary consolidation. Contributions of the present work include closed‐form analytical solutions to the problem of combined primary and secondary compression of soils in one dimension, as well as a quantitative analysis of the time scales involved in such coupled hydromechanical processes.
Metabolic and physiologic magnetic resonance imaging in distinguishing true progression from pseudoprogression in patients with glioblastoma
Authors: Chawla Sanjeev , Bukhari Sultan , Afridi Omar M. , Wang Sumei , Yadav Santosh K. , Akbari Hamed , Verma Gaurav , Nath Kavindra , Haris Mohammad , Bagley Stephen , Davatzikos Christos , Loevner Laurie A. , Mohan Suyash
Published: March 2022

Pseudoprogression (PsP) refers to treatment‐related clinico‐radiologic changes mimicking true progression (TP) that occurs in patients with glioblastoma (GBM), predominantly within the first 6 months after the completion of surgery and concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CCRT) with temozolomide. Accurate differentiation of TP from PsP is essential for making informed decisions on appropriate therapeutic intervention as well as for prognostication of these patients. Conventional neuroimaging findings are often equivocal in distinguishing between TP and PsP and present a considerable diagnostic dilemma to oncologists and radiologists. These challenges have emphasized the need for developing alternative imaging techniques that may aid in the accurate diagnosis of TP and PsP. In this review, we encapsulate the current state of knowledge in the clinical applications of commonly used metabolic and physiologic magnetic resonance (MR) imaging techniques such as diffusion and perfusion imaging and proton spectroscopy in distinguishing TP from PsP. We also showcase the potential of promising imaging techniques, such as amide proton transfer and amino acid‐based positron emission tomography, in providing useful information about the treatment response. Additionally, we highlight the role of “radiomics”, which is an emerging field of radiology that has the potential to change the way in which advanced MR techniques are utilized in assessing treatment response in GBM patients. Finally, we present our institutional experiences and discuss future perspectives on the role of multiparametric MR imaging in identifying PsP in GBM patients treated with “standard‐of‐care” CCRT as well as novel/targeted therapies.
Circumcision bleeding rates in patients diagnosed with delta‐storage pool deficiency later in life
Authors: Absi Hebah Al , Stein Dagmar
Published: March 2022

Background

Male circumcision is a common procedure, generally performed during the newborn period. Bleeding is an uncommon but feared complication of circumcision. Few reports have evaluated circumcision bleeding rates in patients with bleeding disorders.

Objectives

To study circumcision bleeding rates in male subjects who were diagnosed later in life with delta‐storage pool deficiency (δ‐SPD).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of male subjects (≤18 years of age) who were circumcised without hemostatic prophylaxis prior to δ‐SPD diagnosis from 2000 to 2020. Bleeding rates and severity were the main outcomes evaluated. We collected demographic data, bleeding scores using a validated assessment tool, laboratory data, and platelet electron microscopy results. A descriptive analysis was performed.

Results

Twenty‐five male subjects were included. The median bleeding score at presentation was 3.5 (range: 2–9). The diagnosis was confirmed using platelet electron microscopy. A value of <2 dense granules/platelet was considered abnormal. Circumcision was performed at a median age of 2 days (range: 1 day to 4 months). None of the subjects had intraoperative or postoperative bleeding. With a bleeding rate of zero, we suggest that newborn males with a family history of δ‐SPD may be safely circumcised without hemostatic prophylaxis.
Thermal conductivity and mechanical properties enhancement of CF/PPBESK thermoplastic composites by introducing graphene
Authors: Wang Bing , Li Nan , Cheng Shan , Hu Fangyuan , Li Guiyang , Guo Hongjun , Liu Cheng , Chen Yousi , Jian Xigao
Published: March 2022

Design and preparation structure/function integrated polymer composites with high thermal conductivities and ideal mechanical properties have attracted widespread attention. Nanoscale graphene were employed to fabricate the thermal‐structural integration graphene/carbon fiber/copoly (phthalazinone ether sulfone ketone) composites via solution prepreg followed by hot‐compression method. The thermal conductivity (λ) and mechanical properties were all improved with the formation of graphene thermally conductive self‐reinforced network. The thermal conductivity was increased to 1.057 W/(m K) by 89.8% higher than the pure carbon fiber composites. Moreover, the flexural strength (1878 MPa), compressive strength (907 MPa) and interlaminar shear strength (66 MPa) of graphene‐modified composites improved with 22.1%, 51.9%, and 24.5% than the conventional composites, respectively. Dynamic mechanical analysis has proved that graphene/carbon fiber/copoly (phthalazinone ether sulfone ketone) composites had excellent high temperature mechanical properties, which presented a great potential for structure/function integrated composites.
Noninvasive prenatal testing of Duchenne muscular dystrophy in a twin gestation
Authors: Kong Lingrong , Li Shaojun , Zhao Zhenhua , Feng Jun , Liu Lina , Tang Weiqin , Zhang Haichuan , Wu Di , Sun Luming , Kong Xiangdong
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Haplotype‐based assay has been proved efficient in noninvasive prenatal testing for various monogenic disorders in singleton pregnancies. However, its application in twin pregnancies is still blank. Here we provide a novel algorithmic approach to noninvasively assess fetal genotypes in a dizygotic twin pregnancy at risk for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

Methods

One pregnant woman carrying a dizygotic twin gestation was recruited as she was a heterozygote of DMD gene duplication and has delivered an affected son. Construction of parental haplotypes was achieved by target sequencing of DNA samples from the parent and the proband. Single nucleotide polymorphisms within target regions were classified into six categories according to parental haplotypes. Individual fetal fractions were calculated using paternal heterozygous. Maternal‐inherited haplotype was deduced using relative haplotype dosage through a two‐step Bayesian model.

Results

One male fetus with a lower fetal fraction of 4.6% and one female fetus with a higher fetal fraction of 10.1% were observed. The male fetus was predicted to be a DMD pathogenic variant carrier, while the female fetus was predicted to be homozygous normal. Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) results were concordant with the findings of invasive prenatal diagnosis.

Conclusions

This study is the first report of the use of NIPT for the assessment of DMD in a twin pregnancy. The algorithm provided could expand the use of NIPT to monogenic disorders in dizygotic twin pregnancies.
Consequences of imprecision in fetal fraction estimation on performance of cell‐free DNA screening for Down syndrome
Authors: Persson Fredrik , Cuckle Howard S.
Published: February 2022

Background

There is a significant variability in reported fetal fraction (FF), a common cause for no‐calls in cell‐free (cf)DNA based non‐invasive prenatal screening. We examine the effect of imprecision in FF measurement on the performance of cfDNA screening for Down syndrome, when low FF samples are classified as no‐calls.

Methods

A model for the reported FF was constructed from the FF measurement precision and the underlying true FF. The model was used to predict singleton Down syndrome detection rates (DRs) for various FF cut‐offs and underlying discriminatory powers of the test.

Results

Increasing the FF cut‐off led to slightly increased apparent DR, when no‐calls are excluded, and an associated larger decrease in effective DR, when no‐calls are included. These effects were smaller for tests with higher discriminatory power and larger as maternal weight increased.

Conclusions

Most no‐calls due to a low reported FF have a true FF above the cut‐off. The discriminatory power of a test limits its effective DR and FF precision determines the tradeoff between apparent and effective DR when low FF is used to discard samples. Tests with high discriminatory power do not benefit from current FF measurements.
Integration of Bayesian network with fuzzy analytical hierarchy process for determining the pipeline conditions
Authors: Sulaiman Nurul Sa'aadah , Tan Henry , Zardasti Libriati , Md Noor Norhazilan
Published: March 2022

The evaluation of subsea pipeline conditions and the calculation of the likelihood of failures are among the important factors for effective maintenance decision‐making. Traditional qualitative methods to calculate the likelihood of failures are subjective, highly dependent on the experience and knowledge of the decision‐makers, and suffer data limitations. Thus, the calculated likelihood of failures may not reflect the actual value, resulting in an improper maintenance program. In this work, an analysis of subsea pipeline conditions based on a Bayesian Network was proposed to handle knowledge uncertainties and assist in decision‐making. This work aims to elucidate the conversion of experts' perceptions into a pseudo‐quantitative likelihood for conditional probability tables (CPTs) elicitation for the proposed Bayesian network. The experts' opinion was transformed into a more crisp value to be integrated with the objective data for accurate determination of the failure likelihood. The formulation to predict the likelihood of pipeline failures that relies on experts' perceptions was developed using the artificial intelligent fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) with the decomposition method. The proposed pseudo‐quantitative formulation was established and was able to complement the existing risk‐based model, which enabled the making of more informed pipeline maintenance decisions. The approach assisted the experts in eliciting the probabilities of nodes with emphasis on generating the conditional probabilities of the nodes with multiple parents.
The safener isoxadifen‐ethyl confers fenoxaprop‐p‐ethyl resistance on a biotype of Echinochloa crus‐galli
Authors: Cutti Luan , Rigon Carlos Alberto Gonsiorkiewicz , Girelli Natane , Angonese Paula Sinigaglia , Ulguim André da Rosa , Merotto Aldo
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Some herbicides are commercially formulated with safeners to increase crop selectivity. Fenoxaprop‐p‐ethyl is formulated with the safener isoxadifen‐ethyl for Echinochloa crus‐galli control in rice. Safeners act on crops by increasing herbicide metabolism, but this effect may also occur in weeds. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the safener isoxadifen‐ethyl on the resistance to fenoxaprop‐p‐ethyl in a biotype of E. crus‐galli.

RESULTS

A screening of 52 biotypes identified lack of control in the biotype SANTPAT‐R treated with the recommended dose of 69 g ha−1 of the commercial formulation of fenoxaprop‐p‐ethyl with the safener isoxadifen‐ethyl. While this biotype survived doses greater than 2208 g ha−1 of the formulation fenoxaprop‐p‐ethyl + isoxadifen‐ethyl, it was killed with 69 g ha−1 of fenoxaprop‐p‐ethyl without the safener. A glutathione‐s‐transferase (GST) enzymes inhibitor reduced the resistance factor in two dose–response curves. A minor effect of a CytP450 inhibitor was observed. The previous spraying of the safener isoxadifen‐ethyl followed by fenoxaprop‐p‐ethyl induced survival in the resistant but not in the susceptible biotype. The GST1 and GSTF1 genes were up‐regulated in the resistant biotype. ACCase gene mutations were not found, and no cross‐resistance to other ACCase inhibitors was identified.

CONCLUSION

The safener isoxadifen‐ethyl present in the commercial herbicide formulation of fenoxaprop‐p‐ethyl is associated with resistance in the E. crus‐galli SANTPAT‐R biotype. This resistance is related with herbicide metabolization mediated by GST pathways. This is the first field‐selected weed biotype with herbicide resistance due to safener presence in the sprayed formulation. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Decreased dissimilarity of turbulent transport attributed to large eddies
Authors: Lan Changxing , Wang Baomin , Zheng Dan , Wang Ye , Zhang Zhijie , Fang Renzhi
Published: February 2022

A number of studies have brought up that turbulent transport dissimilarity between momentum and scalars, and even among scalars, is a distinct feature of the unstable boundary layer, affecting the performance of the Monin–Obukhov similarity theory. Although the source/sink distribution of scalars, as well as the top‐down entrainment processes, are identified as being responsible for affecting transport dissimilarity, less is known about the role of bulk‐shear‐generated non‐local large eddies. Using data collected by an eddy covariance system mounted on a 70‐m meteorological tower over a complex rural area, decreased transport dissimilarity with enhanced wind shear is observed during daytime unstable conditions, prompting our interest in the underlying governing mechanisms. Enhanced wind shear increases the intensity of coherent large eddies, with spectra analysis confirming that large eddies with scales larger than 0.3 (in the normalized frequency) are mainly responsible for the enhanced correlation of fluxes. Moreover, this process is operating on large eddies with minimal phase differences. With enhanced wind shear, fluctuations of scalars within these non‐local large eddies become synchronous. Due to the enhanced ejections of large eddies under strong wind shears, fluxes are transported evenly, thereby resulting in decreased transport dissimilarity.
SIA 2057 – Merkblatt zum Glasbau in der Schweiz
Authors: Wüest Thomas , Stöckli Thomas , Fildhuth Thiemo , Luible Andreas
Published: March 2022

In der Schweiz gab es bisher keine Bemessungsgrundlage basierend auf einer nationalen Norm für Glas, weshalb zumeist unterschiedliche, ältere und neuere, ausländische Regelwerke angewendet wurden. Dies führte in der Vergangenheit immer wieder zu Problemen, auch da das Normenverständnis in der Schweiz anders geprägt ist als z. B. in Deutschland. Im August 2021 wurde das SIA‐Merkblatt 2057 Glasbau veröffentlicht, welches diese Lücke schließt und einheitliche Grundlagen für die Schweizer Baubranche schafft. Unter der Berücksichtigung neuester Erkenntnisse aus Wirtschaft und Wissenschaft wird ein breites Anwendungsspektrum von Glasanwendungen und Bauteilen behandelt. Das Merkblatt 2057 folgt den bewährten SIA‐Grundsätzen, nur dort zu reglementieren, wo es notwendig ist, um auch Innovationen zuzulassen. Neben einfachen Methoden steht es Ingenieuren und Ingenieurinnen frei, alternative und innovative Wege zu beschreiten. Der vorliegende Beitrag stellt das Merkblatt 2057 in seinen Grundzügen und im Kontrast zu vergleichbaren Regelwerken vor.
Benefits of incorporating point of care ultrasound in the anaesthetic management of a dog requiring surgical correction of traumatic zygomatic fracture causing pseudoankylosis and severe dental malocclusion
Authors: Phillips Victoria , Ferreira Jacques
Published: February 2022

A 1‐year‐old male lurcher, weighing 19.5 kg, required general anaesthesia for correction of pseudoankylosis of the left temporomandibular joint. Severe left‐sided maxillomandibular and nasal deviation resulting in dental malocclusion was present with subsequent bilateral masseter muscle atrophy. Retrograde intubation was successfully performed using point of care ultrasonography to confirm percutaneous introduction of a catheter and vascular guide wire in the tracheal lumen which, when advanced rostrally, exiting the mouth via an occlusal gap, allowed ‘railroading’ of an armoured endotracheal tube into the extrathoracic trachea. A state of light general anaesthesia was maintained using total intravenous anaesthesia with propofol and medetomidine continuous rate infusions. Complete anti‐nociception provided by ultrasound‐guided trigeminal nerve blockade using bupivacaine was performed. Surgery restored sufficient range of motion to the temporomandibular joint permitting opening of the mouth. Recovery from anaesthesia was uneventful, and µ‐opioid analgesia was only required 18 hours after termination of surgery.
Collaborative Transformations: Circular Economy Strategies in Europe
Authors: Godina Košir Ladeja , Kuenkel Petra
Published: March 2022

This chapter looks at ways of strengthening transformations towards a Circular Economy in Europe. The current economic system is plundering the planet and endangering the quality of life of future generations. Extractive economies take resources, produce goods and drop waste, as if resource could never get depleted, and waste would not accumulate as environmental threat. Mindset shifts are underway, because resources are increasingly getting scarce, greenhouse gas emissions have reached a point which lets people begin to experience the volatility of the future, and connections between the climate crisis and the health crisis are apparent. Yet, there is a tendency to believe, circularity is mainly about technology. But a Circular Economy approach is more than recycling: it includes many aspects of actions that lead to an overall regenerative operating system at the core of economic activities. Practitioner pioneers require support from Governments, and without national strategies and roadmaps, pathways to regenerative future will be underutilized. This chapter looks at the need for collaborative approaches to transformative change. The most important strategies get highlighted, and the challenges elaborated. The chapter concludes with recommendations to governments and other relevant stakeholders on how to drive the transitiontowards Circular Economies.
Possible Futures
Authors: Suppiah Samantha , Chattopadhyay Sahana , De Nardin Anna Clara Franzen , Couto Lua
Published: March 2022

The regeneration of the Global South is the regeneration of our beautiful planet. Recognising the immense transformation required to reach this aspiration, we remember that evolution is the death of the obsolete and the birth of the new. We acknowledge the critically flawed philosophies, arguments and institutional frameworks that define recent human history: fragmentation by modernity, sanitised reductionism of mechanistic thought, dominating exploitation of entrenched inequality. Standing at the precipice of civilisational collapse, we see and make visible the forces set in motion by hegemonic powers past and present—these run deep, strong undercurrents throughout our globalised capitalist human systems, today and tomorrow. Our ability to dance with complexity and chaos, even if awkwardly at first, underscores the emergent experimentation desperately needed to find new routes to our possible futures. A pluriverse already exists and awaits us, where restored and newly fostered ecosystems co-evolve with our freshly reinvigorated humanity.
Chinese Cultural Treasures as Contributions to a Mindset of Interconnectedness for Global Transformations
Authors: Fang Man
Published: March 2022

This chapter elaborates how the cultural perspective of Chinese philosophy supports an interconnected worldview. The author elaborates how three fundamental Chinese traditional beliefs not only manifest in social life in China, but could make a decisive contribution to the emerging narratives around regenerative civilization. In Chinese harmonic philosophy, the assumption is that in their core all people are good and kind and that part of the social obligation is to grow by taking care and trusting each other, while protecting the essential human virtues in a harmonic atmosphere. In this philosophical tradition, personal development is not isolated from others, and it begins in the self and emerges gradually into the family-oriented self, then into the extended family-oriented self, and finally into taking responsibility for one’s organization, the community, and even the state, respectively, the globality of all people. All these layers are inseparably linked. The author suggests that China’s contribution to mastering the global challenges in the Anthropocene goes far beyond technological and political capacities to meet ecological, social, and ecological targets. The treasures of Chinese philosophy offer opportunities to reframe our views of reality in a way that may be much more in service of well-being on a healthy planet.