bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contemporary paediatric radiation oncology
Authors: Boterberg Tom , Dunlea Cathy , Harrabi Semi , Janssens Geert , Laprie Anne , Whitfield Gillian , Gaze Mark
Published: July 2022

Treatment with ionising radiation is a valuable component of treatment schedules for a many children and young people with cancer. While some form of radiotherapy has been in use for over 100 years, a series of innovations has revolutionised paediatric radiation oncology. Mostly, high-energy X-ray photons are used, but proton beam radiotherapy is increasingly offered, especially in children and young people. This is to reduce the radiation exposure of healthy normal tissues and so the likelihood of adverse effects. Other methods of radiotherapy delivery include brachytherapy and molecular radiotherapy. The most appropriate treatment technique should be selected for every child. Advances in computers and imaging, developments in the technology of radiation delivery and a better understanding of pathology and molecular biology of cancer, coupled with parallel improvements in surgery and systemic therapy, have led to a transformation of practice in recent decades. Initially an empirical art form, radiotherapy for children has become a technically advanced, evidence-based cornerstone of increasingly personalised cancer medicine with solid scientific foundations. Late sequelae of treatment—the adverse effects once accepted as the cost of cure—have been significantly reduced in parallel with increased survival rates. The delivery of radiotherapy to children and young people requires a specialised multiprofessional team including radiation oncologists, therapeutic radiographers, play specialists and physicists among others. This article reviews the types of radiotherapy now available and outlines the pathway of the child through treatment. It aims to demonstrate to paediatricians how contemporary paediatric radiation oncology differs from past practice.
Risk factors of long term symptoms and outcomes among patients discharged after covid-19: prospective, multicentre observational study
Authors: Legrand Matthieu , Fong Nicholas , Laouénan Cédric , Ghosn Jade , Thill Benoit , Faure Karine , Garot Denis , Goujard Cécile , Curlier Elodie , Resche-Rigon Matthieu , Rossignol Patrick , Pirracchio Romain
Published: July 2022

Objective

To investigate risk factors and subphenotypes associated with long term symptoms and outcomes after hospital admission for covid-19.

Design

Prospective, multicentre observational study.

Setting

93 hospitals in France.

Participants

Data from 2187 adults admitted to hospital with covid-19 in France between 1 February 2020 and 30 June 2021.

Main outcome measures

Primary endpoint was the total number of persistent symptoms at six months after hospital admission that were not present before admission. Outcomes examined at six months were persistent symptoms, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, six minute walk test distances, 36-Item Short Form Health Survey scores, and ability to resume previous professional activities and self-care. Secondary endpoints included vital status at six months, and results of standardised quality-of-life scores. Additionally, an unsupervised consensus clustering algorithm was used to identify subphenotypes based on the severity of hospital course received by patients.

Results

1109 (50.7%) of 2187 participants had at least one persistent symptom. Factors associated with an increased number of persistent symptoms were in-hospital supplemental oxygen (odds ratio 1.12, 95% confidence interval 1 to 1.24), no intensive care unit admission (1.15, 1.01 to 1.32), female sex (1.33, 1.22 to 1.45), gastrointestinal haemorrhage (1.51, 1.02 to 2.23), a thromboembolic event (1.66, 1.17 to 2.34), and congestive heart failure (1.76, 1.27 to 2.43). Three subphenotypes were identified: including patients with the least severe hospital course (based on ventilatory support requirements). Although Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scores were within normal values for all groups, patients of intermediate severity and more comorbidities had a higher median Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score than did the other subphenotypes. Patients in the subphenotype with most severe hospital course had worse short form-36 scores and were less able to resume their professional activity or care for themselves as before compared with other subphenotypes.

Conclusions

Persistent symptoms after hospital admission were frequent, regardless of acute covid-19 severity. However, patients in more severe subphenotypes had a significantly worse functional status and were less likely to resume their professional activity or able to take care of themselves as before.

Trial registration

NCT04262921.
Real-world, feasibility study to investigate the use of a multidisciplinary app (Pulsara) to improve prehospital communication and timelines for acute stroke/STEMI care
Authors: Bladin Chris F , Bagot Kathleen L , Vu Michelle , Kim Joosup , Bernard Stephen , Smith Karen , Hocking Grant , Coupland Tessa , Pearce Debra , Badcock Diane , Budge Marc , Nadurata Voltaire , Pearce Wayne , Hall Howard , Kelly Ben , Spencer Angie , Chapman Pauline , Oqueli Ernesto , Sahathevan Ramesh , Kraemer Thomas , Hair Casey , Stub Dion , Cadilhac Dominique A
Published: July 2022

Objectives

To determine if a digital communication app improves care timelines for patients with suspected acute stroke/ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Design

Real-world feasibility study, quasi-experimental design.

Setting

Prehospital (25 Ambulance Victoria branches) and within-hospital (2 hospitals) in regional Victoria, Australia.

Participants

Paramedics or emergency department (ED) clinicians identified patients with suspected acute stroke (onset <4.5 hours; n=604) or STEMI (n=247).

Intervention

The Pulsara communication app provides secure, two-way, real-time communication. Assessment and treatment times were recorded for 12 months (May 2017–April 2018), with timelines compared between ‘Pulsara initiated’ (Pulsara) and ‘not initiated’ (no Pulsara).

Primary outcome measure

Door-to-treatment (needle for stroke, balloon for STEMI) Secondary outcome measures: ambulance and hospital processes.

Results

Stroke (no Pulsara n=215, Pulsara n=389) and STEMI (no Pulsara n=76, Pulsara n=171) groups were of similar age and sex (stroke: 76 vs 75 years; both groups 50% male; STEMI: 66 vs 63 years; 68% and 72% male). When Pulsara was used, patients were off ambulance stretcher faster for stroke (11(7, 17) vs 19(11, 29); p=0.0001) and STEMI (14(7, 23) vs 19(10, 32); p=0.0014). ED door-to-first medical review was faster (6(2, 14) vs 23(8, 67); p=0.0001) for stroke but only by 1 min for STEMI (3 (0, 7) vs 4 (0, 14); p=0.25). Door-to-CT times were 44 min faster (27(18, 44) vs 71(43, 147); p=0.0001) for stroke, and percutaneous intervention door-to-balloon times improved by 17 min, but non-significant (56 (34, 88) vs 73 (49, 110); p=0.41) for STEMI. There were improvements in the proportions of patients treated within 60 min for stroke (12%–26%, p=0.15) and 90 min for STEMI (50%–78%, p=0.20).

Conclusions

In this Australian-first study, uptake of the digital communication app was strong, patient-centred care timelines improved, although door-to-treatment times remained similar.
Effect of epidural spinal cord stimulation after chronic spinal cord injury on volitional movement and cardiovascular function: study protocol for the phase II open label controlled E-STAND trial
Authors: Darrow David P , Balser David Young , Freeman David , Pelrine Eliza , Krassioukov Andrei , Phillips Aaron , Netoff Theoden , Parr Ann , Samadani Uzma
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to significant changes in morbidity, mortality and quality of life (QOL). Currently, there are no effective therapies to restore function after chronic SCI. Preliminary studies have indicated that epidural spinal cord stimulation (eSCS) is a promising therapy to improve motor control and autonomic function for patients with chronic SCI. The aim of this study is to assess the effects of tonic eSCS after chronic SCI on quantitative outcomes of volitional movement and cardiovascular function. Our secondary objective is to optimise spinal cord stimulation parameters for volitional movement.

Methods and analysis

The Epidural Stimulation After Neurologic Damage (ESTAND) trial is a phase II single-site self-controlled trial of epidural stimulation with the goal of restoring volitional movement and autonomic function after motor complete SCI. Participants undergo epidural stimulator implantation and are followed up over 15 months while completing at-home, mobile application-based movement testing. The primary outcome measure integrates quantity of volitional movement and similarity to normal controls using the volitional response index (VRI) and the modified Brain Motor Control Assessment. The mobile application is a custom-designed platform to support participant response and a kinematic task to optimise the settings for each participant. The application optimises stimulation settings by evaluating the parameter space using movement data collected from the tablet application and accelerometers. A subgroup of participants with cardiovascular dysautonomia are included for optimisation of blood pressure stabilisation. Indirect effects of stimulation on cardiovascular function, pain, sexual function, bowel/bladder, QOL and psychiatric measures are analysed to assess generalisability of this targeted intervention.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved after full review by the Minneapolis Medical Research Foundation Institutional Review Board and by the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. This project has received Food and Drug Administration investigational device exemption approval. Trial results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and seminars.

Trial registration number

NCT03026816.
Burden of brain and other central nervous system cancer in China, 1990–2019: a systematic analysis of observational data from the global burden of disease study 2019
Authors: Hou Xinran , Song Zongbin , Zhang Fan , Liu Zhuoyi , Long Wenyong , Long Zheng , Zhou Maigeng , Wang E , Yin Peng , Zhu Maoen
Published: July 2022

Objective

To evaluate the trends in disease burden and the epidemiological features of central nervous system (CNS) cancer in China from 1990 to 2019.

Design

A population-based observational study.

Setting

The incidence, prevalence, death and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to CNS cancer in China, stratified by sex, age and provincial region, were collected from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

Participants

Data were publicly available and individuals were not involved.

Results

In 2019, the incident cases of CNS cancer in China were 347 992 (95% UI 262 084–388 896), and the age-standardised rate (ASR) of incidence was 5.69 (95% UI 4.36–6.78) per 100 000 person-years increased by 27.9% compared with that in 1990; meanwhile, CNS cancer caused 63 527 (95% UI 47 793–76 948) deaths in China in 2019, and the ASR of death was 3.5 (95% UI 2.62–4.21) per 100 000 person-years decreased by 9.6%. The ASRs of incidence and prevalence of CNS cancer in China increased more rapidly than the global average; meanwhile, the ASRs of DALYs owing to CNS cancer declined more rapidly. The burden of CNS cancer showed no significant differences between men and women, but was more pronounced in early childhood and old adulthood. The ASRs of incidence and prevalence were higher in high-income provinces, confirmed by the positive correlation with Sociodemographic Index (SDI), with correlation coefficient r of 0.322 and 0.767, respectively (both p<0.0001). However, the ASRs of death and DALYs demonstrated a negative correlation with SDI, with r of -‍0.319 and −0.642, respectively (both p<0.0001).

Conclusions

From a global perspective, China has been bearing a substantial burden of CNS cancer. More attention should be paid to children and elderly populations for CNS cancer. The disease burden varied significantly at the subnational level of China, which was associated with socioeconomic development.
SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, ABO blood group and risk of COVID-19: population-based cohort study
Authors: Ray Joel G , Park Alison L
Published: July 2022

Objective

To compare outcomes between O and non-O blood groups, and by modified RNA (mRNA) and adenovirus-vectored (Ad-V) vaccines.

Design

Population-based cohort study.

Setting

All of Ontario, Canada. Linked data sets captured clinical encounters, vaccinations and laboratory testing for SARS-CoV-2.

Participants

Individuals aged 12+ years with known ABO blood group and free of SARS-CoV-2 before 15 January 2021.

Main outcomes measures

The main exposure, first SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, was modelled in a time-varying manner. O and non-O blood group was known prior to vaccination. SARS-CoV-2 infection, and severe COVID-19 (hospitalisation or death), were assessed starting 14 days after vaccination, up to 27 June 2021.

Results

2 472 261 individuals were included. 1 743 916 (70.5%) had at least one vaccination, of which 24.6% were fully vaccinated. Those vaccinated were more likely to be women, older in age, residing in a higher-income area and have higher rates of certain comorbid conditions, like cancer, diabetes and hypertension. Relative to unvaccinated, after receiving their first mRNA (adjusted HR (aHR) 0.46, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.47) or Ad-V (aHR 0.49, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.54) vaccine, the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection was lower, as was severe COVID-19 (aHR 0.29, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.43 (mRNA); aHR 0.29, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.33 (Ad-V)). Stratifying by blood group produced similar results. For example, after first mRNA vaccination, the aHR of severe COVID-19 was 0.31 (95% CI 0.27 to 0.36) among non-O blood groups, and 0.27 (95% CI 0.22 to 0.32) among O blood groups, relative to unvaccinated. Fully vaccinated individuals had the lowest risk of SARS-CoV-2 and severe COVID-19.

Conclusions

SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe COVID-19 are reduced by vaccination. This effect does not vary by vaccine type or blood group, but is more pronounced among fully, than partially, vaccinated individuals.
Factors associated with poor mental health outcomes in nurses in COVID-19-designated hospitals in the postepidemic period in Guangdong Province: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Min-Rou , Huang Hui-Gen , Chen Han-Xi , Deng Ya-Fang
Published: July 2022

Objective

The early days of the COVID-19 pandemic placed enormous pressure and subsequent negative psychological problems on nurses, but at this stage of the year-long COVID-19 outbreak, the level of stress and negative emotions that nurses experience is unclear. Our study attempted to assess the factors influencing mental health status in nurses during the postepidemic period of COVID-19.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

COVID-19 designated hospitals.

Participants

1284 Chinese nurses.

Main outcome measures

Electronic questionnaires, including the Chinese version of the Perceived Stress Scale (CPSS) and Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90), were distributed for self-evaluation. Regression analysis was used to analyse the associated factors of psychological stress among variables such as age, years of nursing experience, weekly working hours, anxiety symptoms, somatisation symptoms and compulsive symptoms.

Results

A total of 1284 respondents from COVID-19-designated hospitals in Guangdong Province were studied. The average CPSS score for all respondents was 22.91±7.12. A total of 38.5% of respondents scored ≥26 on the CPSS, indicating a significant degree of psychological stress. Nurses with high psychological stress had higher levels of anxiety symptoms (41.7% vs 8.0%), somatisation symptoms (31.4% vs 7.7%) and compulsion symptoms (62.3% vs 27.0%) than nurses with low psychological stress. Stepwise multiple linear regression revealed that weekly working hours, years of nursing experience, anxiety symptoms, somatisation symptoms and compulsion symptoms had a linear relationship with the participants’ psychological stress scores.

Conclusion

Nurses experienced significant physical and psychological risk while working in the postepidemic period. Our findings suggest that nurses still need support to protect their physical and mental health.
Individual participant data meta-analysis of trials comparing frozen versus fresh embryo transfer strategy (INFORM): a protocol
Authors: Wang Rui , McLernon David J , Lai Shimona , Showell Marian G , Chen Zi-Jiang , Wei Daimin , Legro Richard S , Wang Ze , Sun Yun , Wu Keliang , Vuong Lan N , Hardy Pollyanna , Pinborg Anja , Stormlund Sacha , Santamaría Xavier , Simón Carlos , Blockeel Christophe , Mol Femke , Ferraretti Anna P , Shapiro Bruce S , Garner Forest C , Li Rong , Venetis Christos A , Mol Ben W , Bhattacharya Siladitya , Maheshwari Abha
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Existing randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing a freeze-all embryo transfer strategy and a fresh embryo transfer strategy have shown conflicting results. A freeze-all or a fresh transfer policy may be preferable for some couples undergoing in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), but it is unclear which couples would benefit most from each policy, how and under which protocols. Therefore, we plan a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis of RCTs comparing a freeze-all and a fresh transfer policy.

Methods and analysis

We will search electronic databases (Medline, Embase, PsycINFO and CENTRAL) and trial registries (ClinicalTrials.gov and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform) from their inception to present to identify eligible RCTs. We will also check reference lists of relevant papers. The search was performed on 23 September 2020 and will be updated. We will include RCTs comparing a freeze-all embryo transfer strategy and a fresh embryo transfer strategy in couples undergoing IVF. The primary outcome will be live birth resulting from the first embryo transfer. All outcomes listed in the core outcome set for infertility research will be reported. We will invite the lead investigators of eligible trials to join the Individual participant data meta-analysis of trials comparing frozen versus fresh embryo transfer strategy (INFORM) collaboration and share the deidentified individual participant data (IPD) of their trials. We will harmonise the IPD and perform a two-stage meta-analysis and examine treatment–covariate interactions for important baseline characteristics.

Ethics and dissemination

The study ethics have been granted by the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (Project ID: 30391). The findings will be disseminated via presentations at international conferences and publication in peer-reviewed journals.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021296566.
Identifying biomarkers for epilepsy after cerebral malaria in Zambian children: rationale and design of a prospective observational study
Authors: Patel Archana A , Birbeck Gretchen L , Mazumdar Maitreyi , Mwanza Suzanna , Nyirongo Rosemary , Berejena Dixon , Kasolo Joseph , Mwale Tina , Nambeye Violet , Nkole Kafula Lisa , Kawatu Nfwama , Zhang Bo , Rotenberg Alexander
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Malaria affecting the central nervous system (CM) is a major contributor to paediatric epilepsy in resource-poor settings, with 10%–16% of survivors developing epilepsy within 2 years of infection. Despite high risk for post-malaria epilepsy (PME), biomarkers indicating which CM survivors will develop epilepsy are absent. Such biomarkers are essential to identify those at highest risk who might benefit most from close surveillance and/or preventive treatments. Electroencephalography (EEG) contains signals (specifically gamma frequency activity), which are correlated with higher risk of PME and provide a biomarker for the development of epilepsy. We propose to study the sensitivity of quantitative and qualitative EEG metrics in predicting PME, and the potential increased sensitivity of this measure with additional clinical metrics. Our goal is to develop a predictive PME index composed of EEG and clinical history metrics that are highly feasible to obtain in low-resourced regions.

Methods and analyses

This prospective observational study being conducted in Eastern Zambia will recruit 250 children aged 6 months to 11 years presenting with acute CM and follow them for two years. Children with pre-existing epilepsy diagnoses will be excluded. Outcome measures will include qualitative and quantitative analysis of routine EEG recordings, as well as clinical metrics in the acute and subacute period, including histidine-rich protein 2 levels of parasite burden, depth and length of coma, presence and severity of acute seizures, presence of hypoglycaemia, maximum temperature and 1-month post-CM neurodevelopmental assessment scores. We will test the performance of these EEG and clinical metrics in predicting development of epilepsy through multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the Boston Children’s Hospital Institutional Review Board, University of Zambia Biomedical Research Ethics Committee, and National Health Research Authority of Zambia. Results will be disseminated locally in Zambia followed by publication in international, open access, peer-reviewed journals when feasible.
Robotic versus laparoscopic surgery for severe deep endometriosis: protocol for a randomised controlled trial (ROBEndo trial)
Authors: Terho Anna Maria , Mäkelä-Kaikkonen Johanna , Ohtonen Pasi , Uimari Outi , Puhto Terhi , Rautio Tero , Koivurova Sari
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Endometriosis is a common gynaecological disease affecting around 10% of fertile-aged women, causing severe pain symptoms. Deep endometriosis is defined as endometriotic implants that infiltrate the underlying organs more than 5 mm in depth. Surgery for deep endometriosis requires advanced multidisciplinary surgical technique, often in very difficult surgical conditions, with increased risks of complications. Robotic surgery offers a high-definition three-dimensional view and articulating instruments that may allow more precise dissection than conventional laparoscopy in the pelvic area. The superiority of robotic surgery has not, however, been provedin randomised controlled studies, and there is a lack of long-term outcome data. Advanced endometriosis surgery offers an excellent platform to study the feasibility and long-term outcomes of robotic surgery compared with conventional laparoscopy.

Methods and analysis

ROBEndo is a prospective, randomised, controlled clinical trial in a single-centre setting. Patients with deep endometriosis verified by MRI needing surgery at Oulu University Hospital (Oulu, Finland) will be considered eligible. 70 patients will be allocated 1:1 to receive either robotic-assisted or conventional laparoscopic surgery in two strata: radical surgery (with the removal of the uterus and adnexae) and gynaecological organ-sparing surgery. The primary outcome will be the surgical outcome as regards to pain symptoms measured on numeric rating scale (NRS) questionnaires at 24 hours and 6, 12 and 24 months postoperatively. As secondary outcomes, intraoperative measures, enhanced recovery after surgery factors, complications, cost and long-term quality of life measured with Endometriosis Health Profile-30 (EHP-30), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and 15-dimensional (15D) questionnaires will be compared.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the Northern Ostrobothnian Hospital District Ethical Committee at Oulu University Hospital (212/2021). Informed consent will be obtained during the preoperative check-up by the operating gynaecologist. The results will be published in peer-reviewed international journals.

Trial registration number

NCT05179109.
Toll-like receptor 7/8 agonist R848 alters the immune tumor microenvironment and enhances SBRT-induced antitumor efficacy in murine models of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Ye Jian , Mills Bradley N , Qin Shuyang S , Garrett-Larsen Jesse , Murphy Joseph D , Uccello Taylor P , Han Booyeon J , Vrooman Tara G , Johnston Carl J , Lord Edith M , Belt Brian A , Linehan David C , Gerber Scott A
Published: July 2022

Background

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) has been increasingly used as adjuvant therapy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and induces immunogenic cell death, which leads to the release of tumor antigen and damage-associated molecular patterns. However, this induction often fails to generate sufficient response to overcome pre-existing tumor microenvironment (TME) immunosuppression. Toll-like receptor (TLR) 7/8 ligands, such as R848, can amplify the effect of tumor vaccines, with recent evidence showing its antitumor effect in pancreatic cancer by modulating the immunosuppressive TME. Therefore, we hypothesized that the combination of R848 and SBRT would improve local and systemic antitumor immune responses by potentiating the antitumor effects of SBRT and reversing the immunosuppressive nature of the PDAC TME.

Methods

Using murine models of orthotopic PDAC, we assessed the combination of intravenous TLR7/8 agonist R848 and local SBRT on tumor growth and immune response in primary pancreatic tumors. Additionally, we employed a hepatic metastatic model to investigate if the combination of SBRT targeting only the primary pancreatic tumor and systemic R848 is effective in controlling established liver metastases.

Results

We demonstrated that intravenous administration of the TLR7/8 agonist R848, in combination with local SBRT, leads to superior tumor control compared with either treatment alone. The combination of R848 and SBRT results in significant immune activation of the pancreatic TME, including increased tumor antigen-specific CD8+T cells, decreased regulatory T cells, and enhanced antigen-presenting cells maturation, as well as increased interferon gamma, granzyme B, and CCL5 along with decreased levels of interleukin 4 (IL-4), IL-6, and IL-10. Importantly, the combination of SBRT and systemic R848 also resulted in similar immunostimulatory changes in liver metastases, leading to improved metastatic control. CD8+T cell depletion studies highlighted the necessity of these effector cells at both the local and hepatic metastatic sites. T cell receptor (TCR) clonotype analysis indicated that systemic R848 not only diversified the TCR repertoire but also conditioned the metastatic foci to facilitate entry of CD8+T cells generated by SBRT therapy.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that systemic administration of TLR7/8 agonists in combination with SBRT may be a promising avenue for metastatic PDAC treatment.
Alien-hand syndrome with mirror movements in hereditary diffuse leukoencephalopathy with spheroids
Authors: Dongre Nikhil , Ambwani Varsha , Mani Vinita Elizabeth , Paliwal Vimal Kumar
Published: July 2022

Hereditary diffuse leukoencephalopathy with spheroids is a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations of the colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor gene. It is an adult-onset leukodystrophy, with a wide spectrum of neurological and psychiatric manifestations that includes Parkinsonism, dementia, seizures, limb weakness, spasticity and abnormal motor behaviour. Alien-hand syndrome and mirror movements are rare manifestations of this and other neurodegenerative disorders. We describe a woman with progressive limb and trunk rigidity, Parkinsonism and dementia, who also had involuntary left arm levitation (part of the posterior variant of alien-hand syndrome) and left-hand mirror movements. We discuss the different types of alien-hand syndrome, and the likely mechanisms of arm levitation and mirror movements.
Recommendations for the execution and reporting of skin ultrasound in systemic sclerosis: an international collaboration under the WSF skin ultrasound group
Authors: Santiago Tânia , Santos Eduardo José Ferreira , Ruaro Barbara , Lepri Gemma , Green Lorraine , Wildt Marie , Watanabe Shinji , Lescoat Alain , Hesselstrand Roger , del Galdo Francesco , Pauling John D , Reeve Lucy Jean , D'Agostino Maria Antonieta , Matucci-Cerinic Marco , Iagnocco Annamaria , da Silva Jose Antonio Pereira
Published: July 2022

Objective

Ultrasound is a promising tool to foster much-needed improvement of skin assessment in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Our aim was to develop evidence and expert opinion-based recommendations to promote the standardisation and harmonisation of technical execution and reporting of skin ultrasound studies in SSc.

Methods

A multidisciplinary task force of 16 members from five European countries and Japan was convened under the auspices of World Scleroderma Foundation. First, a systematic literature review (SLR) was performed. Then, each member proposed and formulated items to the overarching principles, recommendations and research agenda. Two rounds of mails exchange for consensus as well as an on-line meeting were performed to debate and refine the proposals. Two Delphi rounds of voting resulted in the final recommendations. Levels of evidence and strengths of recommendations were assigned, and task force members voted anonymously on the level of agreement with each of the items.

Results

Five overarching principles and seven recommendations were developed, based on an SLR and expert opinion, through consensus procedures. The overarching principles highlight the promising role of skin ultrasound in SSc assessment, the need for standardisation of technical aspects, sufficient training and adequate equipment. The recommendations provide standards for the execution and reporting of skin ultrasound in SSc. The research agenda includes the need for more research into unmet needs according to Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Algorithm requirements.

Conclusion

These are the first recommendations providing guidance on the execution and reporting of skin ultrasound in SSc patients, aiming at improving the interpretability, reliability and generalisability of skin ultrasound, thus consolidating its role in research and practice.
DOES AID FOR INNOVATION FOSTER INNOVATION? EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
Authors: AMPAH ISAAC KWESI , ABOTSI ANSELM KOMLA , ABBAM ANTHONY
Published: July 2022

The flow of official development assistance (ODA) to support research and training (TR) in developing countries has raised questions within the academic and policy circles about whether this ODA intervention is effective. In addressing this question, this paper examines empirically, whether ODA channelled to research in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to promote innovation and technology advancement in the sub-region leads to innovation. The study includes 32 countries in the SSA sub-region and the datasets deployed for the study were obtained from the World Bank Enterprise Survey (WBES), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) aid database, and the World Bank online database. Using firm-level data while controlling for country-specific characteristics and the fixed effect estimator, the results show that countries in SSA have the potential to introduce new products and services or significantly improve processes in their product or service if governments in the sub-region or their development partners increase their subventions to support research and TR.
A Normalized Slicing-assigned Virtualization Method for 6G-based Wireless Communication Systems
Authors: Alharbi Abdullah , Aljebreen Mohammed , Tolba Amr , Lizos Konstantinos A. , El-Atty Saied Abd , Shawki Farid
Published: July 2022

The next generation of wireless communication systems will rely on advantageous sixth-generation wireless network (6G) features and sophisticated edge Internet-of-Things technology to provide continuous service delegation and resource allocation. Network slicing and virtualization are common in these scenarios to meet user demands and application services. This article introduces a Normalized Slicing-assigned Virtualization Method for satisfying the 6G features in future generation systems. The proposed method relies on available resource roots and time intervals for replications. Based on the availability and Accessibility, the resource virtualization and network slicing processes are forwarded. The proposed method exploits federated learning for determining availability and accessibility models in detecting slicing, virtualization, or both the requirements throughout the resource sharing process. This improves the resource sharing rate, with less latency and high processing despite the user and application demands. The learning models are trained to balance replication and network slicing for confining complexity across different resources. The proposed method's performance is validated using the above metrics for varying users and intervals.
Convergence
Authors: Kleppmann Martin
Published: July 2022

It is with great pride and no small amount of excitement that I announce the reboot of acmqueue's Research for Practice column. For three years, beginning at its inception in 2016, Research for Practice brought both seminal and cutting-edge research - via careful curation by experts in academia - within easy reach for practitioners who are too busy building things to manage the deluge of scholarly publications. We believe the series succeeded in its stated goal of sharing "the joy and utility of reading computer science research" between academics and their counterparts in industry. We know our readers have missed it, and we are delighted to rekindle the flame after a three-year hiatus. For this first installment, we invited Dr. Martin Kleppmann, research fellow and affiliated lecturer at the University of Cambridge, to curate a selection of recent research papers in a perennially interesting domain: convergent or "eventual consistent" replicated systems. His expert analysis circles the topic, viewing it through the lens of recent work in four distinct research domains: systems, programming languages, human-computer interaction, and data management. Along the way, readers will be exposed to a variety of data structures, algorithms, proof techniques, and programming models (each described in terms of a distinct formalism), all of which attempt to make programming large-scale distributed systems easier. I hope you enjoy his column as much as I did.
Near-memory Computing on FPGAs with 3D-stacked Memories: Applications, Architectures, and Optimizations
Authors: Iskandar Veronia , Ghany Mohamed A. Abd El , Göhringer Diana
Published: July 2022

The near-memory computing (NMC) paradigm has transpired as a promising method for overcoming the memory wall challenges of future computing architectures. Modern systems integrating 3D-stacked DRAM memory can be leveraged to prevent unnecessary data movement between the main memory and the CPU. FPGA vendors have started introducing 3D memories to their products in an effort to remain competitive on bandwidth requirements of modern memory-intensive applications. Recent NMC proposals target various types of data processing workloads such as graph processing, MapReduce, sorting, machine learning, and database analytics.

In this article, we conduct a literature survey on previous proposals of NMC systems on FPGAs integrated with 3D memories. By leveraging the high bandwidth offered from such memories together with specifically designed hardware, FPGA architectures have become a competitor to GPU solutions in terms of speed and energy efficiency. Various FPGA-based NMC designs have been proposed with software and hardware optimization methods to achieve high performance and energy efficiency. Our review investigates various aspects of NMC designs such as platforms, architectures, workloads, and tools. We identify the key challenges and open issues with future research directions.
Tissue Homeostasis and Non-Homeostasis: From Cell Life Cycles to Organ States
Authors: O'Brien Lucy Erin
Published: July 2022

Although tissue homeostasis—the steady state—implies stability, our organs are in a state of continual, large-scale cellular flux. This flux underpins an organ's ability to homeostatically renew, to non-homeostatically resize upon altered functional demand, and to return to homeostasis after resizing or injury—in other words, to be dynamic. Here, I examine the basic unit of organ-scale cell dynamics: the cellular life cycle of birth, differentiation, and death. Focusing on epithelial organs, I discuss how spatial patterns and temporal kinetics of life cycle stages depend upon lineage organization and tissue architecture. I review how signaling between stages coordinates life cycle dynamics to enforce homeostasis, and I highlight how particular stages are transiently unbalanced to drive organ resizing or repair. Finally, I offer that considering organs as a collective of not cells but rather cell life cycles provides a powerful vantage for deciphering homeostatic and non-homeostatic tissue states.
COVID-19: Challenges of Viral Variants
Authors: Jacobs Jana L. , Haidar Ghady , Mellors John W.
Published: July 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has been accompanied by SARS-CoV-2 evolution and emergence of viral variants that have far exceeded initial expectations. Five major variants of concern (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron) have emerged, each having both unique and overlapping amino acid substitutions that have affected transmissibility, disease severity, and susceptibility to natural or vaccine-induced immune responses and monoclonal antibodies. Several of the more recent variants appear to have evolved properties of immune evasion, particularly in cases of prolonged infection. Tracking of existing variants and surveillance for new variants are critical for an effective pandemic response.
SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination-Induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia: A Rare but Serious Immunologic Complication
Authors: Abrams Charles S. , Barnes Geoffrey D.
Published: July 2022

Billions of individuals worldwide have benefited from the unprecedented large-scale rollout of COVID-19 vaccines. Given the sheer number of people that have received these vaccines, it is not surprising that rare side effects are reported that were not previously detected in the phase III vaccine trials. This review addresses one rare complication called SARS-CoV-2 vaccination-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT). It occurs in approximately 1/50,000 to 1/100,000 recipients of the adenovirus vector–based COVID-19 vaccines made by AstraZeneca-Oxford or Johnson & Johnson. Information on VITT syndrome was disseminated quickly via social media and publications after it was first discovered. Initial observations associating VITT with specific patient populations, thrombus locations, and outcomes associated with heparin therapy have since been refined with additional clinical experience. In this review, we discuss what is currently known about the incidence, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of VITT.
A Delightful Trip Along the Pathway of Cannabinoid and Endocannabinoid Chemistry and Pharmacology
Authors: Mechoulam Raphael
Published: July 2022

After a traumatic childhood in Europe during the Second World War, I found that scientific research in Israel was a pleasure beyond my expectations. Over the last 65 year, I have worked on the chemistry and pharmacology of natural products. During the last few decades, most of my research has been on plant cannabinoids, the endogenous cannabinoids arachidonoyl ethanolamide (anandamide) and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol, and endogenous anandamide-like compounds, all of which are involved in a wide spectrum of physiological reactions. Two plant cannabinoids, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol, are approved drugs. However, the endogenous cannabinoids and the anandamide-like constituents have not yet been well investigated in humans. For me, intellectual freedom—the ability to do research based on my own scientific interests—has been the most satisfying part of my working life. Looking back over the 91 years of my long life, I conclude that I have been lucky, very lucky, both personally and scientifically.
Review—Research Progress of Li2FeSiO4 Cathode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Wenjuan , Shao Weiwei , Zhao Beibei , Dai Kehua
Published: July 2022

Li2FeSiO4, as a highly promising polyanionic cathode material, has the advantages of high energy density, low cost, good thermal stability, high safety and environmental friendliness. However, its electrochemical performance has been affected by the drawbacks such as low electrical conductivity, low Li-ion diffusion rate and crystal instability. Over the years, in order to solve these problems and truly realize the commercial application of Li2FeSiO4 cathode materials, researchers have proposed more and more preparation or modification methods to optimize the electrochemical performance of Li2FeSiO4. This paper lists the electrochemical performance improvement of modified Li2FeSiO4 and its innovation points. The realistic problems that still exist in the application of Li2FeSiO4 cathode materials at this stage were discussed. This paper provides a basis for the next innovative research and application of cathode materials for Li-ion batteries.
Electrodeposition of Equiatomic FePt Permanent Magnets from Non-Aqueous Electrolytes Based on Ethylene Glycol
Authors: Bernasconi Roberto , Nova Anna , Pané Salvador , Magagnin Luca
Published: July 2022

The highly ordered L10hard-magnetic phase of the equiatomic FePt alloy is of significant interest for a great number of applications, ranging from the realization of magnetic sensors to the deposition of thin layers for vertical recording. In this context, the development of wet deposition processes able to yield high-quality layers of FePt represents a need of considerable industrial relevance. While several aqueous-based electrodeposition approaches have been developed for the manufacturing of FePt, these formulations evidenced substantial technological limitations, specifically connected to the use of water as solvent. The present work describes the deposition of FePt from a non-aqueous electrolyte based on ethylene glycol, which presents potential advantages in terms of gas evolution reduction and purity improvement of the obtained coatings. Deposition was carried out using Fe(III) and Pt(IV) as precursors and ammonium chloride as additive to enhance the quality of the coatings and their compositional uniformity. In this way, equiatomic FePt thin films characterized by a good morphology were easily obtained. After annealing at 600 °C, their microstructure changed and the disordered fcc phase present in the as-plated alloy evolved into the highly magneto-crystalline anisotropic L10phase. As a consequence, coercivity reached values in excess of 10 kOe.
Carbon-Coated Porous LiTi2(PO4)3 Network with Excellent Electrochemical Property via Replication of Cotton Fabric
Authors: Zhou Xiao-Liang , Yan Zheng-Guang , Ma Lin , Xiao Wei-Qiang , Han Xiao-Dong
Published: July 2022

A simple morphogenetic route has been developed to obtain free-standing lithium titanium phosphate (LiTi2(PO4)3, LTP) with physical morphology resemble to a fabric. Commercial cotton textiles are used as templates by loading with aqueous solutions of corresponding precursors and then the cellulosic component is burned off in a furnace held at 600 °C. A well-crystallized centimeter-sized lithium titanium phosphate piece can then be synthesized with morphology similar to the fabric and high porosity. After uniformly coating the as-obtained lithium titanium phosphate network with amorphous carbon, the sample shows superior rate capability and cyclability in rechargeable lithium ion batteries. This method can be extendable for other templates and other titanium based electrode materials.
Dielectric Characterization and Modeling of Composite Materials Based on Epoxy Resin/Black Iron Oxide/Titanates in Several Frequency Ranges
Authors: Delfouf R. , Bouzit N. , Bourouba N. , Martinez Jiménez J.P. , Brahimi A. , Khouni H. , Arab T.
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this article is to study the dielectric dispersion of two different ternary composites made of epoxy resin (RE), black iron oxide (Fe3O4) with one of the two titanates (calcium titanate (CaTiO3) or strontium (SrTiO3)) on several frequency bands. Additionally, the effect of the two titanates and the (Fe3O4) on the permittivity and conductivity of these ternary composites is investigated. These composite materials were characterized using time domain spectroscopy (TDS). The inclusion of the two titanates increased the real permittivity and conductivity of the two composites, shifting the resonance frequency (ƒR) towards the low frequency range and causing the opposite phenomenon for the static permittivity (ε
s). The frequency dispersion behavior model for the complex permittivity has been proposed to improve the effectiveness of the predictive frequency model through a better choice of the damping factor and to bring theoretical and experimental findings closer together. Comparing these data shows that the proposed model is applicable to ternary combinations with high accuracy. The values of the quality factor (Q) obtained are encouraging in microwave applications. These composite materials witch containing CaTiO3 and SrTiO3 inclusions have contributed to the development of dielectric permittivity that suits very well frequency communication systems.
The role of L-type amino acid transporter 1 (Slc7a5) during in vitro myogenesis
Authors: Collao Nicolas , Akohene-Mensah Paul , Nallabelli Julian , Binet Emileigh R. , Askarian Ali , Lloyd Jessica , Niemiro Grace M. , Beals Joseph W. , van Vliet Stephan , Rajgara Rashida , Saleh Aisha , Wiper-Bergeron Nadine , Paluska Scott A. , Burd Nicholas A. , De Lisio Michael
Published: July 2022

Satellite cells are required for muscle regeneration, remodeling, and repair through their activation, proliferation, and differentiation; however, how dietary factors regulate this process remains poorly understood. The L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) transports amino acids, such as leucine, into mature myofibers, which then stimulate protein synthesis and anabolic signaling. However, whether LAT1 is expressed on myoblasts and is involved in regulating myogenesis is unknown. The aim of this study was to characterize the expressional and functional relevance of LAT1 during different stages of myogenesis and in response to growth and atrophic conditions in vitro. We determined that LAT1 is expressed by C2C12 and human primary myoblasts, and its gene expression is lower during differentiation ( P < 0.05). Pharmacological inhibition and genetic knockdown of LAT1 impaired myoblast viability, differentiation, and fusion (all P < 0.05). LAT1 protein content in C2C12 myoblasts was not significantly altered in response to different leucine concentrations in cell culture media or in two in vitro atrophy models. However, LAT1 content was decreased in myotubes under atrophic conditions in vitro ( P < 0.05). These findings indicate that LAT1 is stable throughout myogenesis and in response to several in vitro conditions that induce muscle remodeling. Further, amino acid transport through LAT1 is required for normal myogenesis in vitro.