bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advances in the application of novel carbon nanomaterials in illicit drug detection
Authors: Rui Huang , Ting Yang , Yan Mou Yan
Published: December 2022

New carbon nanomaterials include carbon dots, graphene, and carbon nanotubes.
Nano-interfacial interactions in 2-D Ni3S2–Ni3N nanosheets for the hydrogen evolution reaction in an alkaline medium
Authors: Pundir Vikas , Gaur Ashish , Kaur Rajdeep , Aashi  , Bagchi Vivek
Published: January 2023

Herein, a heterostructure of Ni3S2–Ni3N was prepared by a three-step synthesis procedure that consists of the formation of Ni3S2 on NF, the electrodeposition of Ni(OH)2 over Ni3S2 and nitridation in the presence of ammonia.
Transient event classification using pmu data with deep learning techniques and synthetically supported training‐set
Authors: Gök Görkem , Salor Özgül , Taplamacıoğlu Müslüm Cengiz
Published: January 2023

This paper presents a research work which focuses on generating synthetic data to enrich the training‐set of a deep learning (DL) based classification system to classify power system transient events using PMU frequency measurements. The synthetically improved training‐set is shown to increase the classification performance compared to the case when only the actual‐data training‐set is used. The proposed classification system helps to reveal high‐frequency transient variation information out of PMU measurements collected at a relatively much lower rate, especially when a small set of training‐data exists. Synthetic PMU frequency data is generated based on the DFT analysis statistics on the limited‐size PMU frequency data. Generation of the synthetic data is achieved by re‐synthesis of the PMU frequency data using inverse DFT, which imitates the DFT frequency and phase behaviour for each event type separately. Then the DL structure is trained to classify the power system transients using the synthetically enriched train set. The proposed method of generating synthetically supported training‐set has lower computational complexity compared to the existing methods in the literature and helps to obtain improved classification results. It can be used to increase the classification performances of power quality devices performing transient event analysis, especially for those with access to a limited set of training‐set.
Comparing size measurement of colorectal polyps using a novel virtual scale endoscope, endoscopic ruler or forceps: A preclinical randomized trial
Authors: Djinbachian Roupen , Taghiakbari Mahsa , Haumesser Claire , Zarandi-Nowroozi Melissa , Khalil Maria Abou , Sidani Sacha , Liu Jeremy , Panzini Benoit , von Renteln Daniel
Published: January 2023

Background and study aims Accurate polyp size measurement is important for guideline conforming choice of polypectomy techniques and subsequent surveillance interval assignments. Some endoscopic tools (biopsy forceps [BF] or endoscopic rulers [ER]) exist to help with visual size estimation. A virtual scale endoscope (VSE) has been developed that allows superimposing a virtual measurement scale during live endoscopies. Our aim was to evaluate the performance of VSE when compared to ER and BF-based measurement.

Methods We conducted a preclinical randomized trial to evaluate the relative accuracy of size measurement of simulated colorectal polyps when using: VSE, ER, and BF. Six endoscopists performed 60 measurements randomized at a 1:1:1 ratio using each method. Primary outcome was relative accuracy in polyp size measurement. Secondary outcomes included misclassification of sizes at the 5-, 10-, and 20-mm thresholds.

Results A total of 360 measurements were performed. The relative accuracy of BF, ER, and VSE was 78.9 % (95 %CI = 76.2–81.5), 78.4 % (95 %CI = 76.0–80.8), and 82.7 % (95 %CI = 80.8–84.8). VSE had significantly higher accuracy compared to BF (P = 0.02) and ER (P = 0.006). VSE misclassified a lower percentage of polyps > 5 mm as ≤ 5 mm (9.4 %) compared to BF (15.7 %) and ER (20.9 %). VSE misclassified a lower percentage of ≥ 20 mm polyps as < 20 mm (8.3 %) compared with BF (66.7 %) and ER (75.0 %). Of polyps ≥10mm, 25.6 %, 25.5 %, and 22.5 % were misclassified as <10 mm with ER, BF, and VSE, respectively.

Conclusions VSE had significantly higher relative accuracy in measuring polyps compared to ER or BF assisted measurement. VSE improves correct classification of polyps at clinically important size thresholds.
Ideal Anchor Points for Patellar Anti-rotational Sutures for Management of Medial Patellar Luxation in Dogs: A Radiographic Survey
Authors: Mazdarani Parisa , Miles James Edward
Published: January 2023

Objective The aim of this study was to identify the ideal anchor point for patellar anti-rotational sutures for adjunctive stabilization of medial patellar luxation in both small and large breed dogs.

Study Design Retrospective radiographic survey was performed on 110 stifles from 101 dogs. Radiographs were grouped based on patient weight (≤15 kg; >15 kg) and diagnosis (medial patellar luxation, cranial cruciate ligament rupture, and normal joints). Radiographic measurements included: the proximal, middle, and distal points of the trochlear ridge, the caudal aspect of Blumensaat's line (roof of the intercondylar notch), the centre of the lateral fabella, as well as the “best-fit” centre of a circle overlying the trochlea. These landmark coordinates were used to calculate radii for comparison, and for scaling between joints.

Results Use of the fabellar centre resulted in larger radii (corrected p <0.001) than those from the best-fit circle centre for all but one combination of patient group and trochlear end point locations. Using the best-fit circle centre, radius variation was less marked than with the fabellar centre. Significant differences in location for centres of the best-fit circle and fabella were seen across all patient categories (Pillai's trace p <0.001).

Conclusion The fabella is unlikely to be the best choice for anchoring a patellar anti-rotational suture. Use of the best-fit circle centre to place a suture anchor should be preferred to maximise suture isometry during joint flexion and extension in large and small breed dogs.
Age and Sex Comparison of the Canine Supraspinatus Tendon Using Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging T2 Mapping
Authors: Pownder Sarah L. , Neri John P. , Hayashi Kei , Vanderbeek Alyssa M. , Koff Matthew F.
Published: January 2023

Objective The normal canine supraspinatus tendon has properties commonly attributed to damage such as core hyperintensity and increased width. Little is published regarding the normal tendon, including how senescent changes and sex differences may affect the appearance. Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques provide subjective analysis of tendons based on observer assessment of signal intensity and appearance. Quantitative MRI (qMRI) techniques such as T2 mapping provide an objective comparison of collagen orientation with analysis of a decay constant, T2. This study investigates age and sex related changes in the canine supraspinatus tendon using the qMRI technique of T2 mapping.

Study Design In this study, 34 tendons of clinically sound male and female dogs (0.6–13 years) were imaged using qMRI T2 mapping techniques. Sagittal plane T2 maps of the supraspinatus tendon were depth-normalized, and profiles compared using two separate four-parameter logistic equations describing T2 mapping profiles as sigmoidal curves. Combined parameters evaluated included range of T2 values, curve steepness, vertical curve shift, lower bound of T2, upper bound of T2 and horizontal curve shift.

Results A significant reduction in the most central portion of the supraspinatus tendon was found for every increased year in age (−1.56 ± 0.47 milliseconds [−2.56, −0.56, p = 0.004]). No significant difference in curve parameters was found between sexes.

Conclusion The reduction in T2 with age suggests a senescent change may be anticipated with the canine supraspinatus tendon.
A new gas–liquid mass transfer enhancement method for a multi-downcomer sieve tray: Bubble breakup by falling droplets
Authors: Wang Weiwen , Zou Yuanqiang , Li Chaojie , Zhang Xiaoxu , Li Guiyong , Fang Xianxin , Shen Zongwang , Duan Jihai
Published: December 2022

Gas–liquid multiphase flows are a significant phenomenon in many chemical processes. Smaller bubbles have higher mass transfer efficiency, so this work proposes a new gas–liquid mass transfer enhancement method for a multi-downcomer sieve tray: bubble breakup by falling droplets. The motion of the bubbles was studied with computational fluid dynamics and particle image velocimetry. The main depth of influence of droplets was determined to be around 15 mm. A droplet breaks a bubble better when the gas velocity is 0.34–0.42 m/s. The droplet enters the liquid layer and acts directly or indirectly on the bubble, increasing its residence time and surface area after large bubbles impacted by droplets are split into smaller ones. The flow field around the bubble changes, the pressure and velocity inside the bubble increase, and the surface renewal accelerates. CO2 absorption experiments show that droplet-broken bubbles enhance the gas–liquid mass transfer effect.
Sedimentation of elliptical particles in Bingham fluids using graphics processing unit accelerated immersed boundary-lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Hui Da , Xu Zhijing , Zhang Guiyong , Liu Moubin
Published: December 2022

Elliptical particles settling in Bingham fluids in a confined, the vertical channel is studied using the immersed boundary-lattice Boltzmann method to understand their sedimentation characteristics. The present elliptical particles-Bingham fluids two-phase systems involve a single particle, a pair of particles, a chain of particles, and a cluster of particles. The graphics processing unit (GPU) is used to improve computational efficiency. Special attention is placed on the influence of yield stress on sedimentation behavior. For a pair of elliptic particles, alongside the drafting–kissing–tumbling (DKT) mode or non-DKT sedimentation mode, a periodic sedimentation mode is found. The results indicate that two elliptic particles keep a kissing state and their trajectories and orientations periodically change during settling in the confined channel. For the elliptic particles chain, the first kissing occurs between the middle and lower particles regarding any Bingham number. Moreover, particles form the cluster for different inclination angles of the particle chain at the Bingham number Bn = 0.02. For the cluster of particles (15×15), the effect of vortex interaction around particles in Newtonian fluids is revealed, and the rheological property of the fluid–particle interaction in Bingham fluids is displayed. Overall, the role of yield stress on the sedimentation of elliptic particles is significant. With the acceleration of GPU, the present method has great potential for modeling large numbers of particles settling in non-Newtonian fluids.
Peak heat flux prediction of hypersonic flow over compression ramp under vibrationally excited free-stream condition
Authors: Liu Fangrui , Bao Lin
Published: December 2022

In hypersonic shock tunnel experiments, the high-temperature reservoir gas expands and accelerates so rapidly that there is not enough time for vibrational energy relaxation. As a result, thermal nonequilibrium gas flow is frequently encountered in the test section, and this significantly affects the measured heat flux. In this paper, hypersonic compression-ramp flows are studied numerically to investigate the effect of incomplete vibrational energy accommodation on the separation flow structure and peak heat flux in the reattachment region under low-to-medium Reynolds number and high Mach number conditions. Numerical results and theoretical analysis suggest that the vibrational energy accommodation has no noticeable impact on the length scale of the separation zone, but strongly influences the peak heat flux of the separated ramp flows. Decomposing the peak heat flux into translational–rotational energy and vibrational energy components, qtr and qv, respectively, we find that qv/qtr characterizes the nonequilibrium degree of the vibrational energy accommodation. A formula for predicting the peak heat flux is then proposed, taking the effect of incomplete vibrational energy accommodation into consideration. Finally, surface heat flux measurements in a hypersonic shock tunnel indicate that a deviation of up to 13% in total peak heat flux could arise if vibrational energy accommodation is not considered under the vibrationally excited free-stream condition.
How to accurately predict nanoscale flow: Theory of single-phase or two-phase?
Authors: Sun Chengzhen , Zhou Runfeng , Bai Bofeng
Published: December 2022

Accurate evaluation and recognition of nanoscale flow is the premise of the extension of classical theories of fluid mechanics to nanoscales. Despite the widely reported nonuniform characteristics of nanoconfined fluids, nanoscale flow is still considered as a single-phase flow in general, resulting in large deviations in theoretical predictions of velocity profile and flow rate. Considering the significant characteristics of a two-phase flow in nanoscales and the similarity between nanoscale flow and gas–liquid two-phase annular flow, we put forward a novel viewpoint that nanoscale flows should be described based on the theory of a two-phase flow. To support this idea, nanoscale flows under different fluid types, densities, temperatures, fluid–solid interactions, and driving pressures are extensively tested using molecular dynamics simulations. The results demonstrate that nanoscale flows can be divided into an adsorption phase and a bulk phase, and the characteristics of a two-phase flow are especially obvious under low fluid density, strong fluid–solid interaction, and low fluid temperature. The reasonability is further demonstrated by systematically analyzing the interphase density difference, interphase velocity difference, interphase mass exchange, and interfacial fluctuation, which are typical characteristics of a two-phase flow at macroscales. Finally, we present a series of theoretical descriptions of nanoscale flow from the perspective of a two-phase flow. By adopting different viscosity and density in the adsorption phase and bulk phase, the new model can better capture the physical details of nanoscale flow, such as velocity distribution and flow rate.
Molecular dynamics simulation of Wenzel-state nanodroplets: Evaporation on heated substrates with different rough structures
Authors: Bi Lisen , Liu Bin , Zhu Zongsheng , Theodorakis Panagiotis E. , Hu Hengxiang , Li Zhuorui
Published: December 2022

Droplet evaporation on rough substrates is ubiquitous in nature and has numerous technological applications, such as coating. To study the evaporation characteristics of nanodroplets on substrates with different rough structures, molecular dynamics simulations have been performed. Based on the Wenzel wetting model, three systems with different rough structures were constructed, in which the ratios of contact area (RCA) between substrates and nanodroplets were 33.3%, 50%, and 66.6%, respectively. The results indicate that the evaporation pattern of the nanodroplet in the system with RCA = 33.3% is the mixed mode, the evaporation pattern of the nanodroplet in the system with RCA = 50% is the constant-contact-radius mode, and the evaporation pattern of the nanodroplet in the system with RCA = 66.6% is the constant-contact-angle mode. Meanwhile, when the temperature of substrates (T) is suddenly raised from 0.67 to 0.83 ε/kB, followed by a corresponding rise in the temperature of nanodroplets, we find that temperature and evaporation rates of the nanodroplets increase with the increase in RCA in this period. Changes in RCA that lead to the changes in substrate wettability affect the heat transfer between nanodroplets and substrates. In particular, the more the substrate wettability, the higher the heat transfer efficiency. Moreover, the wettability of the substrate in the systems with RCA = 50% and 66.6% promotes the heat and mass transfer in the three-phase contact line region of the nanodroplets during the evaporation process, while the non-wettability of the substrate in the system with RCA = 33.3% suppresses the local heat and mass transfer. This work offers further knowledge of droplet evaporation on rough substrates, which, in turn, provides a reference for the process optimization of its technological applications.
A different attempt to analysis friction stir spot welding of AA5083-copper alloys
Authors: Bagheri Behrouz , Abdollahzadeh Amin , Shamsipur Ali
Published: January 2023

A study has been made on the possibility of friction stir spot welding (FSSW) of the aluminium to copper sheet with SiC nanoparticles. Modified microstructures with different morphologies and properties were observed in the joint interface. It has been shown that the reinforcing particles cause an increasing role in the developed mechanical properties of joint samples such as strength and hardness due to the more particle-stimulated nucleation of recrystallisation (PSN), Zener pinning effect, and larger tension for the movement of dislocations. The experimental measurements indicated that AlCu and Al2Cu were the main intermetallic compounds formed in the interfacial region. It was concluded from fracture surfaces that ductile fracture is the primary fracture mode during the FSSW with SiC reinforcing particles.
Stakeholders’ Perspectives on the Feasibility of Adopting a Healthy Nail Salon Recognition Program in Philadelphia: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Nguyen Duong T , Nguyen Chau , Pintor Jessie K , Huynh Tran B
Published: December 2022

Objectives

The California Healthy Nail Salon Recognition Program is a statewide initiative to incentivize nail salons to adopt occupational health and safety best practices such as the use of safer nail products without certain harmful chemicals, ventilation systems upgrade, proper personal protective equipment use, and staff training. This public policy intervention is in response to the call to protect nail care workers, mostly women of color, who bear a disproportionate burden of chemical exposure at work. Because there is an interest to adopt a similar program in the Greater Philadelphia region, we conducted this formative research to document stakeholders’ perspectives on the feasibility of adopting a Healthy Nail Salon Recognition Program in Philadelphia.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 31 stakeholders in Philadelphia in 2021. Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Science as our theoretical framework, we developed the interview guide and analysed the data using qualitative research methods to identify key facilitators and barriers.

Results

Key facilitating themes were perceived need and benefits of program to improve workers’ health and working conditions, and willingness of stakeholders to leverage their organizational resources. Barriers included perceived high cost and time commitment from salon owners and employees, lack of funding and implementation leaders at the city government, community members’ willingness to be visible and advocate for the program affected by the stigmas of being immigrant workers, and fear of interacting with authorities, as well as the impact of COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions

Our results suggest successful adoption of a Healthy Nail Salon Recognition Program in Philadelphia will require outreach within the community to raise awareness of the benefits of the program and close partnership with community-based organizations to facilitate mutual understanding between the authorities and the ethnically diverse nail salon communities.
scGMAAE: Gaussian mixture adversarial autoencoders for diversification analysis of scRNA-seq data
Authors: Wang Hai-Yun , Zhao Jian-Ping , Zheng Chun-Hou , Su Yan-Sen
Published: January 2023

The progress of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has led to a large number of scRNA-seq data, which are widely used in biomedical research. The noise in the raw data and tens of thousands of genes pose a challenge to capture the real structure and effective information of scRNA-seq data. Most of the existing single-cell analysis methods assume that the low-dimensional embedding of the raw data belongs to a Gaussian distribution or a low-dimensional nonlinear space without any prior information, which limits the flexibility and controllability of the model to a great extent. In addition, many existing methods need high computational cost, which makes them difficult to be used to deal with large-scale datasets. Here, we design and develop a depth generation model named Gaussian mixture adversarial autoencoders (scGMAAE), assuming that the low-dimensional embedding of different types of cells follows different Gaussian distributions, integrating Bayesian variational inference and adversarial training, as to give the interpretable latent representation of complex data and discover the statistical distribution of different types of cells. The scGMAAE is provided with good controllability, interpretability and scalability. Therefore, it can process large-scale datasets in a short time and give competitive results. scGMAAE outperforms existing methods in several ways, including dimensionality reduction visualization, cell clustering, differential expression analysis and batch effect removal. Importantly, compared with most deep learning methods, scGMAAE requires less iterations to generate the best results.
DSN-DDI: an accurate and generalized framework for drug–drug interaction prediction by dual-view representation learning
Authors: Li Zimeng , Zhu Shichao , Shao Bin , Zeng Xiangxiang , Wang Tong , Liu Tie-Yan
Published: January 2023

Drug–drug interaction (DDI) prediction identifies interactions of drug combinations in which the adverse side effects caused by the physicochemical incompatibility have attracted much attention. Previous studies usually model drug information from single or dual views of the whole drug molecules but ignore the detailed interactions among atoms, which leads to incomplete and noisy information and limits the accuracy of DDI prediction. In this work, we propose a novel dual-view drug representation learning network for DDI prediction (‘DSN-DDI’), which employs local and global representation learning modules iteratively and learns drug substructures from the single drug (‘intra-view’) and the drug pair (‘inter-view’) simultaneously. Comprehensive evaluations demonstrate that DSN-DDI significantly improved performance on DDI prediction for the existing drugs by achieving a relatively improved accuracy of 13.01% and an over 99% accuracy under the transductive setting. More importantly, DSN-DDI achieves a relatively improved accuracy of 7.07% to unseen drugs and shows the usefulness for real-world DDI applications. Finally, DSN-DDI exhibits good transferability on synergistic drug combination prediction and thus can serve as a generalized framework in the drug discovery field.
Genetic overlap between Parkinson’s disease and inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Kang Xiaoying , Ploner Alexander , Wang Yunzhang , Ludvigsson Jonas F , Williams Dylan M , Pedersen Nancy L , Wirdefeldt Karin
Published: January 2023

Parkinson’s disease and inflammatory bowel disease have been increasingly associated, implying shared pathophysiology. To explore biological explanations for the reported connection, we leveraged summary statistics of updated genome-wide association studies and characterized the genetic overlap between the two diseases. Aggregated genetic association data were available for 37 688 cases versus 981 372 controls for Parkinson’s disease and 25 042 cases versus 34 915 controls for inflammatory bowel disease. Genetic correlation was estimated with the high-definition likelihood method. Genetic variants with joint association to both diseases were identified by conditional false discovery rate framework and further annotated to reveal shared loci, genes, and enriched pathways. For both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, the two main subtypes of inflammatory bowel disease, we detected weak but statistically significant genetic correlations with Parkinson’s disease (Crohn’s disease: rg = 0.06, P = 0.01; ulcerative colitis: rg = 0.06, P = 0.03). A total of 1290 variants in 27 independent genomic loci were detected to associate with Parkinson’s disease and Crohn’s disease at conjunctional false discovery rate under 0.01 and 1359 variants in 15 loci were pleiotropic to Parkinson’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Among the identified pleiotropic loci, 23 are novel and have never been associated with both phenotypes. A mixture of loci conferring either same or opposing genetic effects on two phenotypes was also observed. Positional and expression quantitative trait loci mapping prioritized 296 and 253 genes for Parkinson’s disease with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, respectively, among which only <10% are differentially expressed in both colon and substantia nigra. These genes were identified to overrepresent in pathways regulating gene expression and post-translational modification beyond several immune-related pathways enriched by major histocompatibility complex genes. In conclusion, we found robust evidence for a genetic link between Parkinson’s disease and inflammatory bowel disease. The identified genetic overlap is complex at the locus and gene levels, indicating the presence of both synergistic and antagonistic pleiotropy. At the functional level, our findings implied a role of immune-centered mechanisms in the reported gut-brain connection.
Functional alteration due to structural damage is network dependent: insight from multiple sclerosis
Authors: Bartnik Alexander , Fuchs Tom A , Ashton Kira , Kuceyeski Amy , Li Xian , Mallory Matthew , Oship Devon , Bergsland Niels , Ramasamy Deepa , Jakimovski Dejan , Benedict Ralph H B , Weinstock-Guttman Bianca , Zivadinov Robert , Dwyer Michael G
Published: December 2022

Little is known about how the brain’s functional organization changes over time with respect to structural damage. Using multiple sclerosis as a model of structural damage, we assessed how much functional connectivity (FC) changed within and between preselected resting-state networks (RSNs) in 122 subjects (72 with multiple sclerosis and 50 healthy controls). We acquired the structural, diffusion, and functional MRI to compute functional connectomes and structural disconnectivity profiles. Change in FC was calculated by comparing each multiple sclerosis participant’s pairwise FC to controls, while structural disruption (SD) was computed from abnormalities in diffusion MRI via the Network Modification tool. We used an ordinary least squares regression to predict the change in FC from SD for 9 common RSNs. We found clear differences in how RSNs functionally respond to structural damage, namely that higher-order networks were more likely to experience changes in FC in response to structural damage (default mode R2 = 0.160–0.207, P < 0.001) than lower-order sensory networks (visual network 1 R2 = 0.001–0.007, P = 0.157–0.387). Our findings suggest that functional adaptability to structural damage depends on how involved the affected network is in higher-order processing.
Evaluation on the Metabolic Activity of Two Carboxylesterase Isozymes in Mouse Liver Microsomes by a LC–MS/MS Method
Authors: Lan Lulu , Li Min , Xu Yanjiao , Ren Xiuhua , Zhang Chengliang
Published: December 2022

An applicable method for the precise measurement of major carboxylesterase (CESs) activity in liver still limited. Clopidogrel and irinotecan are specific substrates for CES1 and CES2, respectively. Clopidogrel is metabolized to the inactive metabolite clopidogrel carboxylate (CCAM) by CES1. Irinotecan is metabolized to the active metabolite 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin (SN-38) by CES2. In the present study, the LC–MS/MS method for the determination of CCAM and SN-38 were separately developed to characterize the metabolic activities of CES1 and CES2 in mouse liver microsomal. CCAM was separated on a Ecosil ODS column with an isocratic mobile phase consisted of 5 mmol/L ammonium formate and 0.1% formic acid in water and acetonitrile (15:85, V:V) at a flow rate of 0.4mL/min. SN-38 was separated on a Waters symmetry C18 column with an gradient mobile phase consisted of 5 mmol/L ammonium formate and 0.1% formic acid in water and acetonitrile at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. Calibration curves were linear within the concentration range of 100-20,000 ng/mL for CCAM and 1-200 ng/mL for SN-38. The results of method showed excellent accuracy and precision. The recovery rate, matrix effect and stability inspection results were within the acceptance criteria. The optimized incubation conditions were as follows: protein concentration of microsomes were all 0.1 mg/mL, incubation time was 60 min for clopidogrel and 30 min for irinotecan, respectively. This method was sensitive and applicable for the determination of the activity of CESs in the mouse liver microsomes.
Long-term clinical and functional results of magnetic sphincter augmentation
Authors: Sarici Inanc S , Dunn Colin P , Eriksson Sven E , Jobe Blair A , Ayazi Shahin
Published: December 2022

Magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) was introduced in 2007 as an alternative surgical procedure for patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The majority of data since MSA’s introduction has focused on short and intermediate-term results, demonstrating safety and high efficacy in terms of reflux symptom control, freedom from proton pump inhibitor use and normalization of distal esophageal acid exposure. However, GERD is a chronic condition that demands a long-term solution. Limited available data from studies reporting outcomes at 5 years or later following MSA demonstrate that the promising short- and mid-term efficacy and safety profile of MSA remains relatively constant in the long term. Compared with Nissen fundoplication, MSA has a much lower rate of gas-bloat and inability to belch at a short-term follow-up, a difference that persists in the long-term. The most common complaint after MSA at a short-term follow-up is dysphagia. However, limited data suggest dysphagia rates largely decrease by 5 years. Dysphagia is the most common indication for dilation and device removal in both early- and long-term studies. However, the overall rates of dilation and removal are similar in short- and long-term reports, suggesting the majority of these procedures are performed in the short-term period after device implantation. The indications and standard practices of MSA have evolved over time. Long-term outcome data currently available are all from patient cohorts who were selected for MSA under early restricted indications and outdated regimens. Therefore, further long-term studies are needed to corroborate the preliminary, yet encouraging long-term results.
Variation in antibiotic resistance patterns for children and adults treated at 166 non-affiliated US facilities using EHR data
Authors: Sivasankar Shivani , Goldman Jennifer L , Hoffman Mark A
Published: January 2023

Background

Antibiotic resistance (AR) is a global public health threat. Surveillance of baseline AR and trends and emerging resistance among priority bacterial isolates with respect to the age of the patients and the type of healthcare setting are required due to differences in antimicrobial need and use in these populations.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study using deidentified electronic health record (EHR) data in the Cerner Health Facts™ data warehouse. Antibiotic susceptibility data were extracted for all bacterial isolates of interest at 166 non-affiliated healthcare facilities reporting microbiology susceptibility results of the FDA recommended antibiotics between the years 2012 to 2017. We assessed and visualized the slope coefficient from linear regression to compare changes in resistance over time for the four patient care groups.

Results

The trends in resistance rates to clinically relevant antibiotics were influenced by age and care setting. For example, ertapenem-resistant Enterobacter cloacae isolates from children overall increased significantly compared with adults (0.7% to 9.8%, 2.1% to 2.8%, P = 0.00013) and isolates from children in paediatric facilities increased significantly compared with facilities treating adults and children (0.1% to 27.1%, 0.9% to 3.8%, P = 0.0002).

Conclusions

Large-scale analysis of EHR data from 166 facilities shows that AR patterns for some bug-drug combinations vary by care setting and patient age. We describe novel data visualizations to interpret large-scale EHR data on the prevalence and trends of AR that should influence antimicrobial prescribing and antimicrobial stewardship programme interventions.
Can’t keep it SECRET: system evaluation of carbapenem restriction against empirical therapy
Authors: Wells Drew A , Johnson Asia J , Lukas Jack G , Hobbs Diana A , Cleveland Kerry O , Twilla Jennifer D , Hobbs Athena L V
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Carbapenems are appealing agents for empirical use given their broad spectrum of activity; however, selective use is vital in minimizing the risk for development of carbapenem-resistant pathogens. We aimed to examine the impact of carbapenem restriction criteria and a pre-authorization process on utilization and cost savings across a health system.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted across five adult hospitals. The pre-implementation period was 8 February 2020 to 30 April 2020 and the post-implementation period was 8 February 2022 to 30 April 2022. The primary outcome was to compare the number of orders for carbapenems between the study periods for both the intervention and non-intervention hospitals. Secondary outcomes included projected annual cost and an estimated cost-savings evaluation using a stratified analysis for the intervention and non-intervention facilities to account for more resource-limited settings.

Results

The total number of carbapenem orders decreased between study periods at the intervention hospital (246 versus 61, P < 0.01). At the non-intervention hospitals, orders decreased, although not significantly (333 versus 279, P = 0.58). Meropenem orders decreased by 66% compared with 12% for the intervention and the non-intervention hospitals, respectively (P < 0.001). Annual estimated cost for all facilities was $255 561 in the pre-implementation period compared with $29 593 in the post-implementation period (P < 0.001). Using a stratified analysis to account for available resources, the estimated annual cost saving was $225 968 for the system.

Conclusions

Implementation of carbapenem restriction at the intervention hospital decreased utilization and provided significant cost savings. Furthermore, resource-limited facilities can still experience significant cost savings using a stratified antimicrobial stewardship intervention approach.
Spontaneous rupture of splenic artery pseudoaneurysm
Authors: Hordiychuk Andriy , Mehanna Daniel
Published: December 2022

False aneurysm or visceral artery pseudoaneurysm (VAPA) results from a tear in the vessel wall due to trauma with subsequent periarterial haematoma formation. VAPA is relatively rare, with a reported incidence of 0.1–0.2%, although the actual incidence is not known since many are asymptomatic. Splenic artery pseudoaneurysm is even more rare pathology. Only around 200 cases have been described in the literature. The case report below describes a spontaneous rupture of splenic artery pseudoaneurysm.
Implementing evidence-based interventions for managing pediatric hydrocephalus: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Ikwuegbuenyi Chibuikem A , Zolo Yvan , Nyalundja Arsene Daniel , Ngoma Placide , Abu-Bonsrah Nancy , Kanmounye Ulrick Sidney , Groves Mari L
Published: January 2023

Background

Pediatric hydrocephalus (PH) accounts for one of the most frequent neurological conditions in children and with a high burden in developing countries. The plurality of its etiological mechanisms has led to several therapeutic modalities, including the endoscopic third ventriculostomy, which has shown significant benefits. This study aims to determine the availability of PH treatment modalities worldwide using an implementation science framework.

Methods

This systematic review will be conducted following AMSTAR guidelines and reported following PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search from database inception to the date the search is run will be conducted in Medline, Embase and Global Index Medicus. Conference abstracts, scoping, systematic reviews (SRs), book chapters and non-French/English publications will be excluded. After the screening process, data will be extracted, and its quality analyzed. Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Cochrane risk of bias 2.00 tool will be employed to assess the risk of bias. Odds or risk ratios and mean differences with their 95% confidence interval will measure the effect. The I2 statistic will describe effect heterogeneity in meta-analysis data. No Ethic approval is required.

Study Implications

Evidence-based practice is a complex problem-solving approach derived from high-quality evidence. Their implementation models are well reported in neurosciences in resource-limited countries. This SR will use the Framework for Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance to conceptualize the public health impact of PH treatment modalities. We will identify reasons for the low use of an evidence-based strategy to inform policy.

Systematic Review Registration

The protocol has been registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO CRD42022354804).
Time-dependent boundary conditions for data-driven coronal global and spherical wedge-shaped models
Authors: Feng Xueshang , Lv Jiakun , Xiang Changqing , Jiang Chaowei
Published: December 2022

The development of an efficient and accurate method for boundary condition treatments is of fundamental importance to data-driven magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) modelling of the global solar corona and solar active region. Particularly, in a 3D spherical wedge-shaped volume, suitable to the numerical study of solar active region, the transverse terms calls for a delicate treatment at the computational domain’s edges and corners, and properly prescribed conditions for boundaries joining regions of different flow properties, so as to take account of the joint effect of incoming and outgoing waves. To provide a solution to the determination of boundary conditions, in this paper a systematic tactics is formulated for handling edges and corners and the prescribed conditions for inner/outer/edge/corner boundaries are proposed through the combination (CBC-ILW) of the time-dependent characteristic boundary conditions (CBCs) and the inverse Lax-Wendroff (ILW) procedure. First, a data-driven 3D MHD simulation has been carried out to study the dynamic evolution of the solar corona from 1Rs to 6.7Rs during the period between 2018 May 16 and August 6. The simulated results of the global coronal evolution provide a good comparison with observed coronal images during the period investigated. Then, the validity of 3D MHD-CBC-ILW is verified for a 3D spherical wedge model, by producing almost the same results as those taken out of the global model on a 3D spherical wedge-shaped volume.
scAVENGERS: a genotype-based deconvolution of individuals in multiplexed single-cell ATAC-seq data without reference genotypes
Authors: Han Seungbeom , Kim Kyukwang , Park Seongwan , Lee Andrew J , Chun Hyonho , Jung Inkyung
Published: December 2022

Genetic differences inferred from sequencing reads can be used for demultiplexing of pooled single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) data across multiple donors without WGS-based reference genotypes. However, such methods could not be directly applied to single-cell ATAC-seq (scATAC-seq) data owing to the lower read coverage for each variant compared to scRNA-seq. We propose a new software, scATAC-seq Variant-based EstimatioN for GEnotype ReSolving (scAVENGERS), which resolves this issue by calling more individual-specific germline variants and using an optimized mixture model for the scATAC-seq. The benchmark conducted with three synthetic multiplexed scATAC-seq datasets of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and prefrontal cortex tissues showed outstanding performance compared to existing methods in terms of accuracy, doublet detection, and a portion of donor-assigned cells. Furthermore, analyzing the effect of the improved sections provided insight into handling pooled single-cell data in the future. Our source code of the devised software is available at GitHub: https://github.com/kaistcbfg/scAVENGERS.
Thirty years since the Maastricht Treaty
Authors: Tizzano Antonio
Published: January 2023

2022 marks the thirtieth anniversary of the Maastricht Treaty on European Union (TEU), signed in that city in the Netherlands on 7 February 1992. Even though many may have almost forgotten about this Treaty, or may simply remember it as part of the sequence of textual revisions that have contributed to the process of European integration since 1985, it in fact represented an important turning point in the history of the EU s integration process.
What is the J-sign and why is it important?
Authors: Rousseau-Saine Alexis , Nault Marie-Lyne , Hiemstra Laurie A.
Published: January 2023

Purpose of review

Recurrent lateral patellofemoral instability is a complex condition that requires a thorough evaluation to optimize treatment. The J-sign test is classically part of the physical examination, but its significance and importance remain unclear. This review aims to describe how to perform the test and classify the observation as well as to analyze the most recent literature on its clinical applications.

Recent findings

The J-sign test has been described as positive (present) or negative (absent), and classified using the quadrant method and the Donnell classification. Suboptimal inter-rater reliability has been shown for both classifications, making comparison between clinicians and studies challenging. The J-sign is most predominantly associated with patella alta, trochlear dysplasia, lateral force vector, and rotational abnormalities. A growing number of studies have shown a correlation between a positive J-sign and lower clinical outcome scores and higher rate of surgical failure.

The J-sign is an important aspect of the physical examination in patients with recurrent lateral patellofemoral instability. Although there is no consensus on how to perform or classify the test, it can be used as a marker of severity of patellofemoral instability and is one of the tools available to guide the treatment plan.
Proteins with amino acid repeats constitute rapidly evolvable and human-specific essentialome
Authors: Singh Anjali Kumari , Amar Ishita , Ramadasan Harikrishnan , Kappagantula Keertana Sai , Chavali Sreenivas
Published: December 2022

Protein products of essential genes, indispensable for organismal survival, are highly conserved and bring about fundamental functions. Interestingly, proteins that contain amino acid homorepeats that tend to evolve rapidly are enriched in eukaryotic essentialomes. Why are proteins with hypermutable homorepeats enriched in conserved and functionally vital essential proteins? We solve this function versus evolutionary paradox by demonstrating that human essential proteins with homorepeats bring about cross-talk across biological processes through high interactability and have distinct regulatory functions affecting expansive global regulation. Importantly, essential proteins with homorepeats rapidly diverge with the amino acid substitutions frequently affecting functional sites, likely facilitating rapid adaptability. Strikingly, essential proteins with homorepeats influence human-specific embryonic and brain development, implying that the presence of homorepeats could contribute to the emergence of human-specific processes. Thus, we propose that homorepeat containing essential proteins affecting species-specific traits can be potential intervention targets across pathologies including cancers and neurological disorders.
Virtual motivation: The psychological and transfer of learning effects of immersive virtual reality practice
Authors: Markwell Logan T. , Velten Joei R. , Partridge Julie A. , Porter Jared M.
Published: December 2022

Previous research has shown practice within an immersive virtual reality (VR) environment improves real-world (RW) performance. Increased user motivation is one possible advantage of practicing in VR. One recent study showed that an enriched gaming environment led to higher levels of engagement, resulting in a direct learning benefit. The purpose of this study was to compare the intrinsic motivation, engagement, and transfer of learning differences between VR practice and RW practice of the same motor skill. Participants (n= 61) were randomly assigned to a RW practice group (n= 30) or a VR practice group (n= 31) in which they performed a golf putting task. Analyses showed VR practice led to a significantly greater increase in average IMI score than RW practice. Analyses for performance showed there was a significant (p< .001) improvement in accuracy (i.e., radial error) from pre to posttest, but the two groups did not differ from one another. Overall, these results partially support our hypotheses and suggest that VR practice led to a greater increase in motivation compared to RW practice. Additionally, these results suggest that VR practice was similarly effective at improving accuracy compared to RW practice. Future research directions are discussed.
Genotyping ofOrientia tsutsugamushicirculating in and around Vellore (South India) using TSA 56 gene
Authors: Kumaraswamy Janaki , Govindasamy Punitha , Nagarajan Lakshmi Surya , Gunasekaran Karthik , Abhilash KPP , Prakash John Antony Jude
Published: January 2023

The immunodominant TSA 56 gene ofOrientia tsutsugamushi, (scrub typhus agent) has four variable regions (VD-I to VD-IV) making it useful for genotyping. As of date the genotyping data from India is based on partial 56kDa gene sequence analysis. The complete TSA 56 gene sequence is important for knowing the circulating strains and for designing region specific diagnostics and vaccines. This study was undertaken to determineOrientia tsutsugamushigenotypes circulating in and around Vellore using complete and partial TSA 56 gene. Of the 379 whole blood samples from suspected scrub typhus patients, 162 were positive by 47 kDa qPCR. Long protocol to amplify the complete TSA 56 gene (≈1605 bp) was performed on 21 samples. On the same 21 samples the partial gene sequence was also amplified using the Horinouchi (≈650bp) and the Furuya (≈480 bp) protocol. Using a combination of Sanger and Nanopore technology complete sequence was obtained for 9 and near complete (1551 to 1596 bp) for 4 respectively. As Furuya protocol gave multiple bands we obtained 480 bp sequences from the 13 complete gene sequences byin silicoanalysis. In contrast, 650bp sequences were obtained for 11 samples while for the remaining two we derived the 650 bp sequences from the complete gene sequences (Long protocol). Phylogenetic analysis of the complete gene (Long protocol) which includes VD-I to VD-IV region and partial gene (Horinouchi) which amplifies the VD-I to VD-III regions showed identical genotypes. Twelve belonged to TA763 genotype and one belongs to Karp genotype. The Furuya sequence (in silico) correctly identified the Karp genotype and 10 of the TA763 genotypes. Two TA763 genotypes (identified by complete and 650 bp partial gene analysis) were misidentified by Furuya sequence analysis as Karp genotype.

The limited analysis showed the commonestOrientia tsutsugamushigenotypes circulating in and around Vellore is TA763 and that the 650 bp (Sanger) sequencing could be a cost effective method for identifying the scrub typhus genotypes. However, these results need to be validated by larger prospective multi-centric studies.