bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An overview of the electrocardiographic monitoring devices in sports cardiology: Between present and future
Authors: Pingitore Annachiara , Peruzzi Mariangela , Clarich Sofia Calaciura , Palamà Zefferino , Sciarra Luigi , Cavarretta Elena
Published: June 2023

Background

Athletes represent a mainly healthy population, which however could be considered at risk of major arrhythmic events, especially in case of undiagnosed cardiomyopathies. For this reason, the periodical sports medicine examination and the electrocardiography are essential tools in the cardiovascular screening, even though they do not always succeed in identifying rhythm disturbances, particularly when asymptomatic or rarely symptomatic.

Hypothesis

Prolonged cardiac monitoring often enables clinicians to stratify the arrhythmic risk and reach the diagnosis. The technological progress of the last decades has produced an always‐increasing number of heart rhythm monitoring devices, starting from the 24‐hour electrocardiogram Holter monitoring and ending with the wide world of wearable devices.

Methods

In the literature, the extreme utility of this equipment in the patients affected by cardiovascular diseases and in the general population is well established. On the contrary, athletes‐based randomized trials or large‐scale epidemiological studies targeting the frequency of cardiac symptoms and the use of cardiac monitoring are missing, while an ever‐growing number of case series and small observational studies are flourishing in recent years.

Results

The present review showcases the available electrocardiographic monitoring options, principally in the medical setting, listing their characteristics, their indications, their supporting evidence, and their general pros and cons.

Conclusions

The ultimate goal of this review is guiding physicians through the wide variety of heart rhythm monitoring options in the specific subfield of sports cardiology, when an arrhythmia is suspected in an athlete, to tailor the diagnostic process and favor the best diagnostic accuracy.
Design and Optimization of C6H5NO2‐Core Photonic Crystal Fibers for Broadband Supercontinuum Generation with Low Peak Power
Authors: Dang Van Trong , Chu Van Lanh
Published: June 2023

This study presents a new square‐lattice photonic crystal fiber (PCF) with a nitrobenzene core. Considering the non‐uniformity of the air hole diameter, this new design allows the characteristic quantities to be optimized simultaneously to ensure near‐zero dispersion, a small effective mode area, and low loss for efficient spectral broadening. The spectrum broadens significantly at peak powers many times lower than in previous studies. Based on the obtained results, two optimal PCFs are proposed and validated in detail for supercontinuum generation (SCG). The first fiber #F1 operates in an all‐normal dispersion regime with a pump wavelength of 1.3 µm.It produces a spectral supecontinuum (SC) from 0.726 to 1.649 µm with a pulse duration of 90 fs and a peak power of 133 W. Meanwhile, the second fiber #F2 operates in anomalous dispersion regime with a pump wavelength of 1.61 µm. With a low peak power of 300 W and a pulse duration of 150 fs, the fiber #F2 provides SC generation with bandwidth from 0.805 µm to 3.970 µm. The proposed fibers are suitable for all‐fiber SC light sources, respectively, and may lead to new low‐cost all‐fiber optical systems.
Accelerated leaf appearance and flowering in maize after four decades of commercial breeding
Authors: dos Santos Caio L. , Miguez Fernando E. , King Kyle A. , Ruiz Alejo , Sciarresi Cintia , Baum Mitchell E. , Danalatos Gerasimos J. N. , Stallman Mickala , Wiley Emily , Pico Lia Olmedo , Thies August , Puntel Laila A. , Topp Christopher N. , Trifunovic Slobodan , Eudy Douglas , Mensah Clarice , Edwards Jode W. , Schnable Patrick S. , Lamkey Kendall R. , Vyn Tony J. , Archontoulis Sotirios V.
Published: June 2023

Maize breeding programs have indirectly altered many plant traits; however, our knowledge of some important phenological traits remains unexplored. One such trait is leaf appearance rate, which is crucial for predicting maize development. We studied 40 short‐season (103‐day) and 38 long‐season (111‐day) hybrids released from 1980 to 2020 by Bayer Crop Science. Measurements included weekly counting of collared leaves across 13 experiments in the US Corn Belt. The progression of leaf number was expressed as a function of thermal time and described with a trilinear model. Results indicated that new 111‐day hybrids produce leaves faster than old hybrids throughout the vegetative phase (7.4% and 3.1% faster before and after the ninth leaf stage, respectively), whereas new 103‐day hybrids produce leaves faster only after the ninth leaf stage (9.4%). Thermal time to silking and anthesis decreased by about 1 and 0.56°C day year−1, respectively. Our data revealed that silking and anthesis can precede the final collared leaf by 96°C day (3.3 days under optimal conditions), which indicates an overlap between vegetative and reproductive phases. We concluded that maize breeding has indirectly altered the rate of vegetative development of maize hybrids without affecting the final leaf number. Present results expand our knowledge base on the genotypic variability in maize development traits, which can improve empirical and process‐based models used for crop stage and yield prediction.
How to combine ESG scores? A proposal based on credit rating prediction
Authors: Agosto Arianna , Giudici Paolo , Tanda Alessandra
Published: June 2023

The diffusion of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) metrics is increasingly affecting corporates behaviour and their ability to attract investors. Corporate ESG practices are nowadays considered as a key element in evaluating creditworthiness and the cost of capital, to direct funds to the best‐performing companies that limit the harmful impact on the planet and the societies. Due to this increased interest in ESG by companies, investors and policymakers, a high number of ESG scores and metrics have been developed, each with different methodologies and scopes. Because of this variety, it could be therefore challenging for investors to understand and compare ESG measures. In this paper, we address this issue by proposing a method to combine the information provided by different ESG scores into a single aggregate measure of company sustainability and link this combined score to the credit rating of companies. The proposed methodology can help investors to improve their investment decisions by combining more diverse information on company sustainability as a driver of companies' credit rating, thereby reducing information asymmetries.
Multi‐port single‐phase inverter considering battery‐alone mode for stand‐alone applications
Authors: Ahmadian Sina , Hemmati Siroos , Abbasi Vahid
Published: June 2023

This paper presents a new single‐phase multi‐port DC–AC converter with high voltage gain in low duty cycle. The operation of the proposed converter consists of four modes, especially battery‐alone mode, which makes it appropriate for stand‐alone renewable applications. Using a suitable boosting method, this converter can achieve high voltage gain in all modes. The high gain performance of the converter occurs at both low shoot‐through duty cycle and high modulation index. Therefore, the output voltage and current harmonics as well as the filter size are reduced. In addition, the converter transfers the power with a continuous current through its input ports and has a common ground between the input sources and the inverter bridge. The positive features of this converter are the result of the appropriate design and localization of the bidirectional port that connects the battery to the converter. The proposed configuration includes an impedance network that protects the converter in the shoot‐through states and takes the advantage of the shoot through in its boosting performance. Another advantage of the proposed converter is that the voltage stress on the power switches on the DC side is considerably low. In order to validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the converter, a prototype rated at 110 V is prepared and tested.
Identification of IKZF1 genetic mutations as new molecular subtypes in acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Wang Yang , Cheng Wenyan , Zhang Yvyin , Zhang Yuliang , Sun Tengfei , Zhu Yongmei , Yin Wei , Zhang Jianan , Li Jianfeng , Shen Yang
Published: June 2023

Background

Genetic mutations of IKZF1 have been frequently delineated in B‐lineage acute leukaemia (B‐ALL) but rarely elucidated in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). IKZF1 mutations confer a poor prognosis in AML, and hotspot mutations of IKZF1, N159Y and N159S tend to occur in B‐ALL and AML respectively. However, the pathogenesis of IKZF1 N159S in AML and IKZF1 lineage susceptibility are largely unknown.

Methods

The genetic and clinical characteristics of IKZF1‐mutated AML patients were evaluated. Multi‐omics analysis and functional assays were performed in vitro using IKZF1 mutations knock‐in AML cell lines.

Results

23 (4.84%) small sequence variants of IKZF1 were identified in 475 newly diagnosed AML (non‐M3) patients. Based on RNA sequencing, three classes of IKZF1‐related AML were defined, including 9 patients (39.13%) with IKZF1 N159S mutations, 10 (43.47%) with CEBPA mutations and 4 others (17.39%). IKZF1 N159S may define a unique subgroup with higher HOXA/B expression and native B‐cell immune fractions. Gene expression data of multiple knock‐in cell lines indicate that the lymphocyte differentiation‐related MME and CD44 kept high expression in IKZF1 N159Y but were downregulated in N159S. CUT&TAG sequencing showed that IKZF1 N159S reshaped the binding profiles of IKZF1. Integration analysis suggested that the pathogenesis of IKZF1 N159S may depend on the deregulation of several cofactors, such as oncogenic MYC and CPNE7 targets.

Conclusions

Collectively, we dissected the molecular spectrum and clinical features of IKZF1‐related AML, which may promote an in‐depth understanding of the pathogenesis, lineage susceptibility and clinical research of AML.
Small bowel capsule endoscopy examination and open access database with artificial intelligence: The SEE‐artificial intelligence project
Authors: Yokote Akihito , Umeno Junji , Kawasaki Keisuke , Fujioka Shin , Fuyuno Yuta , Matsuno Yuichi , Yoshida Yuichiro , Imazu Noriyuki , Miyazono Satoshi , Moriyama Tomohiko , Kitazono Takanari , Torisu Takehiro
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Artificial intelligence (AI) may be practical for image classification of small bowel capsule endoscopy (CE). However, creating a functional AI model is challenging. We attempted to create a dataset and an object detection CE AI model to explore modeling problems to assist in reading small bowel CE.

Methods

We extracted 18,481 images from 523 small bowel CE procedures performed at Kyushu University Hospital from September 2014 to June 2021. We annotated 12,320 images with 23,033 disease lesions, combined them with 6161 normal images as the dataset, and examined the characteristics. Based on the dataset, we created an object detection AI model using YOLO v5 and we tested validation.

Results

We annotated the dataset with 12 types of annotations, and multiple annotation types were observed in the same image. We test validated our AI model with 1396 images, and sensitivity for all 12 types of annotations was about 91%, with 1375 true positives, 659 false positives, and 120 false negatives detected. The highest sensitivity for individual annotations was 97%, and the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.98, but the quality of detection varied depending on the specific annotation.

Conclusions

Object detection AI model in small bowel CE using YOLO v5 may provide effective and easy‐to‐understand reading assistance. In this SEE‐AI project, we open our dataset, the weights of the AI model, and a demonstration to experience our AI. We look forward to further improving the AI model in the future.
Reliability analysis of bridges under different loads using polynomial chaos and subset simulation
Authors: Ni Pinghe , Li Jun , Hao Hong
Published: June 2023

Reliability analysis of bridges is essential for the design of civil engineering structures. The classical methods, such as Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) and subset simulation techniques, may provide accurate results. However, since the finite element model of the large‐scale civil engineering structures usually consists of a large number of degrees of freedom, structural reliability analysis of such structures is time‐consuming and computational intensive, which may restrict the use of these methods. This paper proposes a novel method for the reliability analysis of bridge under different types of loads by combining Polynomial Chaos (PC) and subset simulation techniques. The surrogate model of the limit state function is approximated by using the PC expansion, in which the PC coefficients are obtained from the least‐squares method. The subset simulation with a PC‐based surrogate model is then used to estimate the rare failure probability. Reliability analyses of bridge structures under different loading types, that is, static load, dynamic moving load, and seismic load are performed. Studies by using the MCS method and the classical subset simulation are also conducted, and the results from the proposed approach are compared with those from MCS and subset simulation to demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method.
Where does it hurt? Small area estimates and inequality in the prevalence of chronic pain
Authors: Lynch Marty , Peat George , Jordan Kelvin , Yu Dahai , Wilkie Ross
Published: June 2023

Background

Chronic pain affects up to half of UK adults, impacting quality of life and demand on local health services. Whilst local health planning is currently based on subnational prevalence estimates, associations between pain and sociodemographic characteristics suggest that inequalities in the prevalence of chronic and high‐impact chronic pain between neighbourhoods within local authorities are likely. We aimed to derive lower super output area (LSOA) estimates of the prevalence of chronic and high‐impact chronic pain.

Methods

Presence of self‐reported chronic and high‐impact chronic pain were measured in adults aged 35+ in North Staffordshire and modelled using multilevel regression as a function of demographic and geographic predictors. Multilevel model predictions were post‐stratified using the North Staffordshire age‐sex population structure and LSOA demographic characteristics to estimate the prevalence of chronic and high‐impact chronic pain in 298 LSOAs, corrected for ethnic diversity underrepresented in the data. Confidence intervals were generated for high‐impact chronic pain using bootstrapping.

Results

Data were analysed from 4162 survey respondents (2358 women, 1804 men). The estimated prevalence of chronic and high‐impact chronic pain in North Staffordshire LSOAs ranged from 18.6% to 50.1% and 6.18 [1.71, 16.0]% to 33.09 [13.3, 44.7]%, respectively.

Conclusions

Prevalence of chronic and high‐impact chronic pain in adults aged 35+ varies substantially between neighbourhoods within local authorities. Further insight into small‐area level variation will help target resources to improve the management and prevention of chronic and high‐impact chronic pain to reduce the impact on individuals, communities, workplaces, services and the economy.

Significance

Post‐stratified multilevel model predictions can produce small‐area estimates of pain prevalence and impact. The evidence of substantial variation indicates a need to collect local‐level data on pain and its impact to understand health needs and to guide interventions.
Comprehensive evaluation of target spectra for selecting bidirectional ground motions in nonlinear response history analysis of frame buildings at far‐field sites
Authors: Reyes Juan C. , Acosta Juan E. , Kwong N. Simon
Published: June 2023

An ensemble of bidirectional ground motions (GMs) is required as input for nonlinear response history analysis (RHA) of complex 3D structures. In building codes, an ensemble of GMs is often developed from a given design spectrum, or target spectrum. In the research literature, several target spectra have been proposed for such intensity‐based assessments. The present study aims to comprehensively evaluate different options for developing target spectra to select bidirectional GMs as inputs to nonlinear RHAs of 3D structural systems. To achieve this goal, we conducted both intensity‐based and risk‐based assessments of 49 multistory buildings with varying dynamic characteristics, heights, and plan shapes. The results from performing 11,074 bidirectional nonlinear RHAs and deriving the seismic demand hazard suggest that the Conditional Mean Spectrum‐Uniform Hazard Spectrum (CMS‐UHS) Composite Spectrum appears to be the most promising alternative. With less computational effort than use of multiple CMS, the Composite Spectrum tends to accurately estimate story drift ratios (average overestimation of 4%) and floor accelerations (average overestimation of 3%). Moreover, the relative ranking between the various target spectra options remains largely independent of the building type, height, and plan shape. However, the precision in estimates of demand tends to decrease for buildings with increasing complexity (e.g., more realistic, or taller, or more asymmetrical in plan).
Pathways between childhood maltreatment and life satisfaction in adolescents with eating disorders: A network analysis
Authors: Monteleone Alessio Maria , Cascino Giammarco , Meule Adrian , Barone Eugenia , Voderholzer Ulrich , Kolar David R.
Published: June 2023

Objective

This study explored the association between Childhood maltreatment (CM) experiences and life satisfaction in adolescents with eating disorders (EDs).

Methods

Adolescent inpatients with EDs completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, the Satisfaction With Life Scale, the Brief Symptom Inventory and the Eating Disorder Inventory–2 at admission (n = 361) and discharge (n = 354). A network analysis was conducted to identify the shortest pathways between different types of CM and life satisfaction at admission and discharge.

Results

General psychopathology, life satisfaction, and ED symptoms improved from admission to discharge. At admission, emotional abuse and emotional neglect were included in the pathway between sexual/physical abuse and life satisfaction. Emotional neglect was directly connected with life satisfaction while emotional abuse was connected through feeling disliked by others, feelings of inferiority and worthlessness. At discharge, only the direct negative connection between emotional neglect and perception of excellent conditions in the life persisted.

Conclusions

Emotional maltreatment experiences and general psychopathology, but not disordered eating symptoms, are involved in the association between sexual/physical CM and life satisfaction in adolescents with EDs. Emotional neglect may affect life satisfaction regardless of symptoms severity. These findings inform clinicians for assessment and treatment of maltreated adolescents with EDs.
Epinecidin‐1 (an active marine antimicrobial peptide): Effects on the survival of inoculated Escherichia Coli O157:H7 And Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, antioxidant, and sensory attributes in raw milk
Authors: Salimnejhad Ziba , Hassanzadazar Hassan , Aminzare Majid
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Epinecidin‐1 (Epi‐1) on total viable count (TVC), total psychrotrophic count (TPC), sensory attributes, and the survival of Escherichia Coli O157:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria inoculated in pasteurized milk samples during cold storage (4°C). Four treatments of milk samples were prepared including milk samples containing three concentrations of Epi‐1 (0.0025, 0.005, and 0.01%) and control (without Epi‐1). The treated milk samples were evaluated in vitro (minimum inhibitory concentration, Minimum bactericidal concentration, disk diffusion test, DPPH, reducing power assays) and in vivo (TVC, TPC, sensory properties, and enumeration of inoculated E. coli and S. aureus) during 9 days at cold storage. The best antibacterial and antioxidant power of Epi‐1 was observed at a concentration of 0.01%. Based on the MICs and MBCs, the most susceptible and resistant bacteria to Epi‐1 were B. cereus and S. aureus strains, respectively. The DPPH scavenging potential of Epi‐1 was in the range of 77%–80%. Treated samples containing 0.01% Epi‐1 had the lowest TVC and TPC and reached 3.9 and 2.96 CFU log/mL at the end day of storage. A decrease of 6 and 1.4 logs CFU/g of E. coli O157:H7 and S. aureus was seen in all treatments containing Epi‐1, respectively, on the last day of storage period. There are no unpleasant sensory properties in treated samples with Epi‐1. Our results indicate that Epi‐1 has good potential as a bio‐preservative to prevent raw milk spoilage and reduction of milk‐borne pathogens.
Comparative impact of grade on mortality across salivary cancers: A novel, unifying staging system
Authors: Ho Allen S. , Luu Michael , Balzer Bonnie L. , Aro Katri , Jang Julie K. , Mita Alain C. , Scher Kevin S. , Mallen‐St. Clair Jon , Vasquez Missael , Bastien Amanda J. , Epstein Joel B. , Lin De‐Chen , Chen Michelle M. , Zumsteg Zachary S.
Published: June 2023

Background

The comparative impact of histologic variants and grade has not been well described.

Methods

Salivary cancer histologies were profiled using hospital and population‐based cancer registries. Multivariable models were employed to assess relationships between histology, grade, and survival.

Results

On univariate analysis, histologic variants exhibited a wide spectrum of mortality risk (5‐year overall survival (OS): 86% (acinic cell carcinoma), 78% (mucoepidermoid carcinoma), 72% (adenoid cystic carcinoma), 64% (carcinoma ex‐pleomorphic adenoma), 52% (adenocarcinoma NOS), and 47% (salivary duct carcinoma) (p < 0.001). However, on multivariable analysis these differences largely vanished. Worsening grade corresponded with deteriorating survival (5‐year OS: 89% [low‐grade], 81% [intermediate‐grade], 45% [high‐grade]; p < 0.001), which was upheld on multivariable analysis and propensity score matching. Recursive partitioning analysis generated TNM + G schema (c‐index 0.75) superior to the existing system (c‐index 0.73).

Conclusion

Grade represents a primary determinant of salivary cancer prognosis. Integrating grade into stage strengthens current staging systems.
Sovereign credit and geopolitical risks during and after the EMU crisis
Authors: Bratis Theodoros , Kouretas Georgios P. , Laopodis Nikiforos T. , Vlamis Prodromos
Published: June 2023

This paper focuses on the sovereign crisis of the Euro debt crisis era, and we address the existence of the relationship of CDS and bond markets sovereign credit risk pricing for selected core and periphery EMU countries, during and after the 2009 EMU crisis. We study this relationship in conjunction to geopolitical risk as a measure of macroeconomic uncertainty. We use daily observations for several bond maturities and CDS premium with reference to the core (France and Germany) versus periphery EMU countries (Portugal, Italy, Ireland Spain, and Greece) for the period 2009 to 2014. To measure global geopolitical risk, we employ the Caldara and Iacoviello (2022) global geopolitics index (GPR). Using alternative econometric approaches, we find adequate evidence of volatility spillovers between the geopolitical risk index and sovereign risk markets mainly during the crisis period (2009–2012) and weaker during the easing of the eurozone debt crisis period (2012–2014). Moreover, based on Granger causality the estimation of the short‐ term dynamics reveals a significant linkage during the post‐crisis period rather than during crisis. During the crisis period, we found significant dynamic responses between GPR and bond yields.
Impact of HIV infection on access to cancer care and survival among women with invasive cervical cancer in Côte d'Ivoire: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Boni Simon P. , Horo Apollinaire , Didi‐Kouko‐Coulibaly Judith , Tanon Aristophane , Tchounga Boris K. , Coffie Patrick A. , Comoe Jean‐Claude , Moh Raoul D. , Dabis François , Adoubi Innocent , Jaquet Antoine ,   The IeDEA West Africa Collaboration
Published: June 2023

Objective

To assess the impact of HIV on access to invasive cervical cancer (ICC) care and overall survival (OS) in a time of universal access to antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Methods

A cohort of women prospectively diagnosed with ICC was consecutively recruited from 2018 to 2020 in public/private cancer centers in Côte d'Ivoire. Follow‐up data were collected through facility‐ and phone‐based approaches. Logistic and Cox regression models allowed analysis of factors associated with access to cancer care and OS, respectively.

Results

Overall, 294 women with ICC aged 50 years (interquartile range [IQR] 43–60) were enrolled, including 21.4% of women living with HIV (WLHIV), 87% being on ART. An advanced ICC clinical stage (III–IV) was less frequent in WLHIV (63.5% vs. 77.1% in HIV‐uninfected women; P = 0.029). Cancer care was initiated in 124 (42.2%) women (54.0% in WLHIV; 39.0% in HIV‐uninfected; P = 0.030). Factors independently associated with access to cancer care were International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage I–II (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.58, 95% CI 2.01–6.38) and no treatment by traditional healers prior to ICC diagnosis (aOR 3.69, 95% CI 1.96–6.96). The 2‐year OS was 37.9% (95% CI 30.0–47.9). HIV status was not predictive of mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.98, 95% CI 0.60–1.69). An advanced clinical stage was the only measured predictor of death (aHR 1.59, 95% CI 1.02–2.47).

Conclusion

In a time of universal access to ART, HIV infection was not associated with OS among women with ICC in Côte d'Ivoire. Higher access to cancer care in WLHIV might be mediated by enhanced access to ICC screening services, supporting the need to expand these services to other types of healthcare facilities.
An integrated qualitative and quantitative study on sexual and reproductive health problems faced by women with disabilities in Chandigarh, India
Authors: Sharma Ruchi , Kumar Ajit , Suri Vanita , Kaur Sukhpal , Singh Amar Jeet
Published: June 2023

Objectives

To estimate the prevalence of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) problems among women with disabilities (WWD) in Chandigarh, India, and to ascertain the difficulties experienced by WWD in accessing hospital services.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted during 2014 to 2017 in Chandigarh, India. The study participants were women 15 years and older with at least 40% disability. A pretested questionnaire and in‐depth interview were used to determine sociodemographic profile, medical history, sexual and reproductive morbidity, treatment‐seeking behavior, and the type, extent, and course of the disability. Verbatim responses of the participants were noted. Data were manually coded and collated into possible themes.

Results

Postpolio residual paralysis (80; 30.7%) was the main reported disability, followed by severe sight impairment (52; 19.9%). A majority (170; 65%) of participants were unmarried. Of them, 66 (39%) were not willing to get married. The prevalence of SRH problems was high (151; 57.9%) among WWD, and only 82 (54%) took treatment. Dysmenorrhea (47; 31.1%), irregular periods (36; 23.8%), and vaginal discharge (17; 11.3%) were the main problems reported. The WWD in this study were likely to hide their SRH problems from others out of shame or fear.

Conclusion

Among WWD, the prevalence of SRH problems is high and obtaining relief is difficult.
Research for accurate auxiliary diagnosis of lung cancer based on intracellular fluorescent fingerprint information
Authors: Tian Chongxuan , Zhu He , Meng Xiangwei , Ma Zhixiang , Yuan Shuanghu , Li Wei
Published: June 2023

The distinctions in pathological types and genetic subtypes of lung cancer have a direct impact on the choice of treatment choices and clinical prognosis in clinical practice. This study used pathological histological sections of surgically removed or biopsied tumor tissue from 36 patients. Based on a small sample size, millions of spectral data points were extracted to investigate the feasibility of employing intracellular fluorescent fingerprint information to diagnose the pathological types and mutational status of lung cancer. The intracellular fluorescent fingerprint information revealed the EGFR gene mutation characteristics in lung cancer, and the area under the curve (AUC) value for the optimal model was 0.98. For the classification of lung cancer pathological types, the macro average AUC value for the ensemble‐learning model was 0.97. Our research contributes new idea for pathological diagnosis of lung cancer and offers a quick, easy, and accurate auxiliary diagnostic approach.
Perspective in resource recovery from reverse osmosis brines: the case for sustainable seawater refineries for small islands
Authors: Acevedo Diego , Mijts Eric , John Nigel , El Bouzidi Mohamed , van der Bruggen Bart
Published: June 2023

Reverse osmosis has become the dominant technique for desalination while at the same time there is a steady increase in reliance on desalination systems for water production globally. Resource recovery and mitigation of adverse effects from brine discharge are important factors and are increasingly being considered by researchers and industrial actors. The island nation of Aruba, with over 100 years of commercial desalination history, is used as a case study to illustrate the possibilities of shifting from centralized seawater desalination plants to seawater refineries in which freshwater is considered only one of the possible products. We identify possible economic value from desalination plants of medium scale (as is the case in Aruba) from the production of magnesium, caustic soda, chlorine‐based products and rubidium and possible energy recovery possibilities through osmotic gradients and/or hydrogen storage while at the same time highlighting the insufficient potential for lithium harvesting from seawater desalination brines. We have found that the economic value from resources recovered from brine may be even larger than the value of the freshwater produced by these plants. Furthermore, reduction of salinity and quantity of brine can reduce the overall ecological impact from current brine effluents. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
The influence of early adoption of nonenhanced computed tomography on management of patients with pyogenic liver abscess
Authors: Chiang Tung‐Ying , Huang Yung‐Ning , Weng Yu‐Chieh , Liu Xiang‐Bo , Zeng Chun‐Guang , Yang Guang‐Ming , Lee Jung‐Chieh , Liu Peng‐Xiang , Yang Chih‐Kai , Cheng Pei‐Ting , Hsieh Hui‐Shan , Chen Wei‐Ting , Lu Yang‐Bor
Published: June 2023

Background and Aim

A pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is an infectious disease with high in‐hospital mortality. It has no specific symptoms and is difficult to be diagnosed early in the emergency department. Ultrasound is commonly used to detect PLA lesions of PLA, but its sensitivity can be affected by lesion size, location, and clinician experience. Therefore, early diagnosis and prompt treatment (especially abscess drainage) are crucial for better patient outcomes and should be prioritized by clinical physicians.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study to compare the effect of early and late (i.e., receiving CT scanning within 48 h and >48 h after admission) adoption of nonenhanced computed tomography (CT) scanning regarding the hospitalization days and interval between admission and drainage of patients with PLA.

Results

This study included 76 hospitalized patients with PLA in the Department of Digestive Disease of Xiamen Chang Gung Hospital in China who underwent CT examinations from 2014 to 2021. We conducted CT scans on 56 patients within 48 h of admission and on 20 patients more than 48 h after admission. The early CT group had a significantly shorter hospitalization length compared with the late CT group (15.0 days vs. 20.5 days; P = 0.035). Besides, the median time to initiate drainage after admission was also significantly shorter in the early CT group than in the late CT group (1.0 days vs. 4.5 days; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Early CT scanning within 48 h of admission may aid in early PLA diagnosis and benefit disease recovery, as revealed by our findings.
Humoral immune reconstitution following therapy with daratumumab, carfilzomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (Dara‐KRd), autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation, and measurable residual disease‐response‐adapted treatment cessation
Authors: Silbermann Rebecca W. , Schmidt Timothy Martin , Bal Susan , Dhakal Binod , Dholaria Bhagirathbhai , Biltibo Eden , Chhabra Saurabh , Giri Smith , Godby Kelly N. , Gowda Sonia , Medvedova Eva , Cornell Robert F. , Callander Natalie S. , Costa Luciano J.
Published: June 2023

Quadruplet induction, autologous hematopoietic cell transplant (AHCT), and measurable residual disease (MRD) response‐adapted consolidation yield an unprecedented depth of response in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Patients treated on MASTER (NCT03224507) ceased therapy and entered active surveillance (MRD‐SURE) after achieving MRD negativity. This study characterizes quantitative changes in the immunoglobulin (Ig) gene repertoire by next‐generation sequencing and serum gamma globulin levels. Quadruplet therapy leads to profound hypogammaglobulinemia and reduction in the Ig gene repertoire. Immune reconstitution (IR) is delayed in patients who received post‐AHCT consolidation compared to those who do not. Eighteen months after treatment cessation, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups.
A retrospective cohort study of Libmeldy (atidarsagene autotemcel) for MLD: What we have accomplished and what opportunities lie ahead
Authors: Horgan Claire , Watts Kelly , Ram Dipak , Rust Stewart , Hutton Rebekah , Jones Simon , Wynn Rob
Published: June 2023

Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) results from ARSA gene mutations. Affected individuals meet early milestones before neurological deterioration and early death. Atidarsagene autotemcel (arsa‐cel), an autologous haematopoietic stem cell gene therapy (HSC‐GT) product, has demonstrated sustained clinical benefits in MLD. Arsa‐cel was approved for NHS treatment in February 2022 for asymptomatic late infantile or early juvenile disease, or early symptomatic early juvenile MLD. We evaluate the impact of this approval in the largest real‐world dataset of MLD HSC‐GT. Hospital records were reviewed for all patients referred for NHS treatment following arsa‐cel approval. Information was gathered about disease phenotype, presentation, eligibility, and affected siblings. In the year following NHS approval, 17 UK MLD patients were referred for treatment. Four patients met eligibility criteria and have been treated, including 1 infant who weighed 5 kg at leukapheresis. Eleven patients failed screening: 10 symptomatic patients with late infantile disease and 1 with early juvenile disease and cognitive decline. Two further patients with later onset subtypes did not meet the approval criteria. Three out of four treated patients were diagnosed by screening after MLD was diagnosed in a symptomatic older sibling. The success of HSC‐GT for MLD has heralded a new era of hope for families affected by this devastating disease, yet currently, most patients are ineligible for treatment at diagnosis. The feasibility of apheresis in infants and the availability of a licenced, effective HSC‐GT product highlights the urgent need for newborn screening to ensure that patients can be diagnosed and treated before symptom onset.
Cloud type frequency over Poland (2003–2021) revealed by independent satellite‐based (MODIS) and surface‐based (SYNOP) observations
Authors: Wojciechowska Izabela , Kotarba Andrzej Z. , Żmudzka Elwira
Published: June 2023

Recent studies have identified several statistically significant trends in cloud genera frequency over Poland. Notably, there has been an increase in high and convective clouds, along with a decrease in Stratus, Altostratus and Nimbostratus. These earlier studies were, however, only based on traditional, surface data. As the ability to observe mid and high‐level clouds from the ground is limited, due to overlapping, we address the question of whether these trends are confirmed by other sources of cloud data, such as satellite records. In this paper, we analyse cloud data from two fully independent sources to characterize the cloud type climatology over Poland for the period 2003–2021: cloud optical thickness (COT) and cloud top pressure (CTP) parameters retrieved from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), and surface (SYNOP) observations of cloud genera from the country's 27 ground‐based stations. The International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) COT–CTP classification was used to define MODIS cloud types. We explore the hypothesis that MODIS data, classified using the ISCCP philosophy, confirms the changes in cloud type frequencies found in SYNOP observations. Our analysis is based on the application of the Spearman rank correlation test to mean monthly SYNOP and MODIS cloud type frequencies, and we compare per decade trends for two time series. Our hypothesis was confirmed, but only for Cirrus, Altostratus + Nimbostratus and Cumulus. We therefore conclude that the two analysed data sources are not fully consistent, and cannot substitute for each other in cloud type climatologies. Hence, at least for Poland, they should be treated as independent rather than complementary. We also demonstrate that the increase in high‐level cloud frequency over Poland, which has been observed by other authors who based their research on synoptic data, is not due to a decrease in the frequency of low‐ and mid‐level clouds. Our findings are confirmed by satellite records.
Local drying climate magnified by urbanization in West Africa
Authors: Igun Eghosa , Sanganyado Edmond , Igben Jomata Lucky
Published: June 2023

Urbanization often increases surface runoff and land surface temperature due to loss of land cover. However, the effect of urbanization on local atmospheric humidity remains understudied despite the disastrous effects it can have on human health and water‐food‐energy‐ecosystem nexus. Here, we examined changes in atmospheric humidity in the West Africa (WA) region between 1985 and 2018. There was an increase in vapour pressure and decrease in atmospheric humidity in urban areas suggesting intensified urban drying island (UDI) effects. Rapid urban expansion has aggravated UDI effect in recent years, particularly during the hot, wet summer but mild during the cold, and dry winter. In future climate, the impacts of the UDI effect in the region may be enormous considering the increasing rate of urbanization in the region. To achieve a sustainable future, city planners and policymakers should consider the UDI effect by promoting developments that increase green land cover. Overall, this study provides a detailed understanding of the urban ecosystem's environmental change, which is helpful for local climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Acid/base balance in fortified donor human milk: An experimental study
Authors: Pineda Daphne , Bingham Rhyan , Gates Amy , Thompson Amy B. , Stansfield Brian K.
Published: June 2023

Background

Our goal was to quantify the pH and total acidity of human milk fortified with human milk fortifiers (HMFs), powder infant formulas, and protein additives.

Methods

Commercial liquid HMFs and powder infant formulas were added to pasteurized pooled donor human milk in triplicate and stirred. The pH of unfortified and fortified human milk at 22, 24, 26, 27, 28, and 30 kcal/ounce (624, 680, 737, 765, 794, and 850 kcal/g, respectively) was determined using a pH meter. Phenolphthalein acidity at 24 and 30 kcal/ounce (680 and 850 kcal/g, respectively) was determined using diluted sodium hydroxide.

Results

The pH of unfortified human milk increased within the first hour (6.52 ± 0.06 vs 6.62 ± 0.05, P < 0.0001). Changes in pH largely correlated with caloric density; however, directional changes varied considerably between HMFs and powder infant formulas. Two liquid HMFs demonstrated modest reductions in pH with increasing caloric density whereas one liquid HMF alkalinized human milk with increasing caloric density (analysis of variance P < 0.0001). Phenolphthalein acidity was significantly higher for five HMFs and lower for one HMF at 30 kcal/ounce (850 kcal/g) but not 24 kcal/ounce (680 kcal/g). Powder infant formulas generally increased pH with increasing caloric density (analysis of variance P < 0.0001), but no differences in phenolphthalein acidity were noted.

Conclusion

Changes in acid/base balancefor fortified human milk are variable and may be a consideration when selecting a fortifying agent for human milk.
Evaluating the patient‐perceived impact of a neratinib special access program in an Australian community pharmacy
Authors: Zhang Jessie , Cheong Lynn
Published: June 2023

Background

In Australia, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, and improved survival rates have placed an increased burden on the healthcare system. To better utilise community pharmacists in anticancer therapy, a medicine management service for neratinib was initiated in an Australian community pharmacy for patients with breast cancer.

Aim

To explore the experience and satisfaction of Australian breast cancer patients who received a pharmacist medicine management service for their neratinib treatment through a community pharmacy.

Method

Patients enrolled in the neratinib special access program were invited to complete an electronic survey between February–September 2019. A mixed‐methods approach was utilised in data analysis. Ethics approval was granted by the University of Canberra Human Research Ethics Committee (Project No: 20181648).

Results

Thirty‐three individuals completed the survey. A majority of participants (94%) were either ‘very satisfied’ or ‘satisfied’ with the time the pharmacist spent with them. As part of the service, 88% of participants viewed the first pharmacist session as ‘absolutely’ worthwhile and 79% believed that the pharmacist interaction increased their understanding of neratinib therapy. Many participants supported the continued provision and expansion of the service (88%).

Conclusion

This pilot study provided valuable insights into participants' experiences of a pharmacist medicine management service for neratinib therapy. The unique preferences and health information needs of patients were highlighted. Further investigation is needed to explore how community pharmacists may be best utilised to improve breast cancer care and support patient needs.
Targeted quantitative analysis of monoterpenoid indole alkaloids in Alstonia scholaris by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Qin Yan , He Ying‐Jie , Zhao Yun‐Li , Zhou Zhong‐Shun , Wang Zhao‐Jie , Zhu Yan‐Yan , Luo Xiao‐Dong
Published: June 2023

Monoterpene indole alkaloids exhibit structural diversity in herbal resources and have been developed as promising drugs owing to their significant biological activities. Confidential identification and quantification of monoterpene indole alkaloids is the key to quality control of target plants in industrial production but has rarely been reported. In this study, quantitative performance of three data acquisition modes of ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry including full scan, auto‐MS2 and target‐MS2, was evaluated and compared for specificity, sensitivity, linearity, precision, accuracy, and matrix effect using five monoterpene indole alkaloids (scholaricine, 19‐epi‐scholaricine, vallesamine, picrinine, and picralinal). Method validations indicated that target‐MS2 mode showed predominant performance for simultaneous annotation and quantification of analytes, and was then applied to determine monoterpene indole alkaloids in Alstonia scholaris (leaves, barks) after extraction procedures optimization using Box‐Behnken design of response surface methodology. The variations of A. scholaris monoterpene indole alkaloids in different plant parts, harvest periods, and post‐handling processes, were subsequently investigated. The results indicated that target‐MS2 mode could improve the quantitative capability of ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry for structure‐complex monoterpene indole alkaloids in herbal matrices.

Alstonia scholaris, monoterpene indole alkaloids, quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry, qualitative and quantitative analysis, ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography
Identification and quantitative analysis of the chemical constituents of Gandouling tablets using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Liu Cuicui , Liu Qiao , Nian Mengnan , Wu Hongfei , Cao Shijian , Wu Huan , Dong Ting , Wu Peng , Zhou An
Published: June 2023

Gandouling tablets are used in a clinical agent for the treatment of hepatocellular degeneration; however, their chemical constituents have not been elucidated. Here, we screened and identified the chemical constituents of Gandouling tablets using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC)‐quadrupole time of flight/mass spectrometry. A method for the quality evaluation of Gandouling tablets was developed by combining the UHPLC fingerprints and the simultaneous quantitative analysis of multiple active ingredients. For fingerprint analysis, 20 shared peaks were identified to assess the similarities among the 10 batches of Gandouling tablets and the similarity was >0.9. The levels of nine representative active ingredients were simultaneously determined to ensure consistency in quality. A total of 99 chemical components were identified, including 18 alkaloids, 20 anthraquinones, 13 flavonoids, 11 phenolic acids, 9 polyphenols, 7 phenanthrenes, 5 sesquiterpenes, 3 curcuminoids, 2 lignans, 2 isoflavones, 2 dianthranones, and 7 other components. The retention times, molecular formulae, and secondary fragmentation information of these compounds were analyzed, and the cleavage pathways and characteristic fragments of some of the representative compounds were elucidated. This systematic analysis used to identify the chemical components of Gandouling tablets lays the foundation for its further quality control and research on their pharmacodynamic substances.
Atypical presentation of Monkeypox virus infection
Authors: Fourcade Lionel , Monnier Jilliana , Bourgea Emilie , Gaudy‐Marqueste Caroline , Richard Marie‐Aleth
Published: June 2023

A 69‐year‐old man was referred for a necrotic lesion on the nose suggestive of bacterial infection. The patient had a HIV‐positive status with normal CD4+ T‐cell count and undetectable viral load. Despite antibiotic treatment, the lesion expanded, and vesiculopustular lesions appeared on the legs and hands. Monkeypox infection was diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction of swabs obtained from lesions on the hands and nose. This unusual presentation, suggestive of bacterial cellulitis of the face, highlights the importance of extra‐genital presentations of Monkeypox infection.