bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hopelessness during and after the COVID‐19 pandemic lockdown among Chinese college students: A longitudinal network analysis
Authors: Tao Yanqiang , Niu Haiqun , Hou Wenxin , Zhang Liang , Ying Ronghua
Published: August 2022

Introduction

In China, recurrent pandemics require frequent city‐wide lockdowns and quarantine actions to contain the impact of COVID‐19, exposing college students to psychological problems, including hopelessness. Hence, the purpose of helping problematic college students alleviate hopelessness symptoms motivates us to carry out the present study to explore their interrelationship.

Methods

Hopelessness (i.e., a complex phenomenon with important clinical consequences, such as depression and suicidality) was investigated in a large longitudinal sample of college students (N = 2787; 58.59% female; age mean±SD = 18.34 ± 0.92) who were recruited during and after the COVID‐19 lockdown using the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS).

Results

Applying the novel approach (i.e., symptom network analysis), the results indicated that the edge of #BHS1 (i.e., [NOT] hope‐enthusiasm)–#BHS15 (i.e., [NOT] faith‐in‐the‐future) showed the strongest association both in Wave 1 and Wave 2. Similarly, #BHS20 (i.e., not‐trying) had the highest node expectedinfluence (centrality) in the hopelessness symptoms network both among Wave 1 and Wave 2. The Network Comparison Test indicated that the global network strength significantly differed between the two time points. As expected, college students' hopelessness will gradually dissipate with the end of segregation control. The stability and accuracy indicated that the network analysis results were trustworthy.

Conclusions

The study findings provide evidence that central nodes and edges connecting symptoms should be addressed. Further interventions and treatments that may target these symptoms are essential to effectively alleviate the overall hopelessness level among college students. Theoretical and clinical potential consequences were discussed in detail.
Preparation of carbon black‐based porous carbon adsorbents and study of toluene adsorption properties
Authors: Chen Yixian , Fan Chunmei , Li Xiaole , Ren Jianmin , Zhang Guizhi , Xie Hongmei , Liu Biyan , Zhou Guilin
Published: August 2022

Background

Carbon black, which has a low utilization rate, is a powdered carbon material produced by incomplete combustion or decomposition of hydrocarbons. Carbon black is used in rubber, coating and ink industries, the product quality will be affected due to its powder structure, and serious environmental pollution will be caused in the stacking process. However, carbon black used as the raw material for the preparation of porous carbon materials with high volatile organic compounds (VOCs) adsorption capacity, which can realize the resource utilization of carbon black and environmental protection.

Results

Porous carbon based adsorbents (PCBAs) were prepared by low‐temperature physical pore‐forming and high‐temperature chemical pore‐forming with waste carbon black as raw material and (NH4)2CO3 as pore‐forming agent. The high pore‐forming temperature was beneficial to the pore structure to be formed. The surface morphology of the prepared PCBAs was more wrinkled and loose, and the specific surface area, micropore ratio and graphitization degree showed a volcanic change trend with the increase of pore‐forming temperature. The micropore ratio reached the maximum (81.7%) and the graphitization degree reached the maximum (ID/IG = 1.15) at the pore‐forming temperature of 850 °C. When the pore‐forming temperature was 850 °C, the toluene saturated adsorption capacity of PCBA850 adsorbent was 298.9 mg/g. In addition, the kinetic fitting results show that the adsorption behavior of toluene molecules on the adsorbent is mainly affected by the pore diffusion.

Conclusion

Although increasing pore‐forming temperature did not change the surface chemical properties of PCBAs, high temperature pore‐forming could significantly increase the microporosity and surface area of PCBAs. The high microporous ratio and specific surface area can provide more active sites for toluene adsorption, thus improving the toluene adsorption performance of the porous carbon‐based adsorbent. In addition, the PCBA adsorbent prepared at 850 °C can restore the toluene adsorption performance at 120 °C, which provides a possibility for its practical application. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Factor analysis of risk perceptions of using digital and social media in dental education and profession
Authors: Sharka Rayan , San Diego Jonathan , Nasseripour Melanie , Banerjee Avijit
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study explored how dental students and dental professionals perceive risks of using digital and social media (DSM) in a dental professional context and validated a questionnaire to measure DSM perceived risks specifically among dental students and dental professionals.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey study was carried out amongst dental students (undergraduate and postgraduate) and dental professionals at a dental school in the UK. Data were collected using a 38‐item questionnaire developed using interviews, experts’ evaluation, and previous perceived risks studies of internet services and social media. Risk factors were identified using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). The internal consistency of the extracted factors was determined by Cronbach's α‐coefficient reliability test.

Results

A total of 301 dental students and dental professionals completed the questionnaire. EFA identified eight factors perceived by dental students and professionals as critical to their DSM use. Some identified perceived risks were associated with all DSM users in the general context (e.g., personal privacy, and negative impact on self‐image), but others were specific to the dental professional context (e.g., breaches of patients’ confidentiality, public deception, and reputational damage). The identified factors explained 63.55% of the variance with eigenvalues >1. Cronbach's alpha for the total questionnaire was 0.9.

Conclusions

This study data has deepened the understanding of perceived risks that influence dental students and professionals’ DSM use. This will help develop education, training, and guidance to mitigate and manage the risks associated with DSM use in the dental professional context.
Constitution of mucosa‐associated microbiota in the lower digestive tract does not change in early stage of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease with fecal dysbiosis
Authors: Asaji Naoki , Inoue Jun , Hayashi Hiroki , Tokunaga Eri , Shimamoto Yusaku , Kinoshita Masato , Tanaka Takeshi , Sakai Arata , Yano Yoshihiko , Ueda Yoshihide , Kodama Yuzo
Published: August 2022

Background and Aim

Regarding the gut–liver axis, fecal dysbiosis is implicated in the pathogenesis of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The significance of mucosa‐associated microbiota (MAM, which is present in the mucin layer covering the intestinal mucosa) has not been well explored. We aimed to clarify the characteristics of MAM in patients with NAFLD.

Methods

MAM were obtained from seven patients with early‐stage NAFLD and seven controls by colonoscopy in five locations (terminal ileum, cecum, ascending and sigmoid colon, and rectum) using mucosal brushes. The microbial 16S rDNA profiles of the MAM and fecal microbiota of patients in the NAFLD and control groups were analyzed.

Results

α‐diversities of fecal microbiota were decreased in patients with NAFLD (observed species, Shannon index, and Chao1: 174.57 vs 134.86, 5.51 vs 4.65, and 206.34 vs 167.91; P = 0.048, 0.067, and 0.087, respectively), and microbial composition analyses by principal coordinate analysis differed between the fecal microbiota of patients with NAFLD and those of controls (permutational analysis of variance [PERMANOVA] of weighted and unweighted: Pseud‐F: 1.4179/P‐value: 0.05 and Pseud‐F: 2.1497/P‐value: 0.049, respectively). However, α‐diversities or microbial composition of MAM in most parts of the intestine did not differ significantly between the NAFLD and control groups. Unclassified Rikenellaceae, Oscillospira, Odoribacter, unclassified clostridiales, and Holdemania were decreased in the feces of patients with NAFLD (determined by linear discriminant analysis effect size), but five (except Holdemania) of the six genera were not decreased in the MAM of these patients.

Conclusion

In early‐stage NAFLD, MAM was uniform and relatively stable throughout the intestine, even when fecal dysbiosis appeared.
Resident and nurse perspectives on the use of secure text messaging systems
Authors: Aziz Sara , Barber John , Singh Amit , Alayari Amethyst , Rassbach Caroline E.
Published: August 2022

Background

As hospitals shift away from pagers and towards secure text messaging systems (STMS), limited research exists on the drawbacks of such systems. Preliminary data show that introduction of STMS can lead to a dramatic increase in interruptions, which may contribute to medical errors.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate residents' and nurses' experiences with STMS at a quaternary care children's hospital.

Design

This was a qualitative study with focus groups.

Setting and Participants

Participants were pediatric residents and nurses at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital.

Intervention

Focus groups were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded by 2 independent coders. Codes were discussed until consensus was reached.

Main Outcome and Measures

Data was analyzed through a thematic, descriptive content analysis approach. Themes were developed alongside a framework of teamwork, patient safety, and clinician well‐being.

Results

Three resident focus groups (n = 14) and three nurse focus groups (n = 21) were held. Six themes were identified: (1) STMS can facilitate teamwork through multiple communication modalities and technological features. (2) STMS can negatively impact teamwork by decreasing face‐to‐face communication and frontline decision‐making. (3) STMS can promote patient safety through closed‐loop communication and ready access to team members. (4) STMS can negatively impact patient safety through alarm fatigue, interruptions, and miscommunication. (5) STMS can positively impact clinician well‐being through satisfaction and relationship building. (6) STMS can negatively impact clinician well‐being through increased stress related to communication volume.

Conclusion

Use of STMS in the hospital setting has many advantages as well as drawbacks. With appropriate guidelines and training designed to mitigate the drawbacks, STMS have the potential to be valuable means of communication for healthcare team members.
Macromolecular‐Suppressed GABA‐Edited MR Spectroscopy in the Posterior Cingulate Cortex of Patients With Acute Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Manzhurtsev Andrei V. , Yakovlev Alexey N. , Bulanov Petr A. , Menshchikov Petr E. , Ublinskiy Maxim V. , Melnikov Ilya A. , Akhadov Tolib A. , Semenova Natalia A.
Published: August 2022

Background

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) causes a number of molecular and cellular alterations. There is evidence of an imbalance between the main excitatory (glutamate, Glu) and the main inhibitory (gamma‐aminobutyric acid [GABA]) neurotransmitters following mTBI. In vivo human GABA–Glu balance studies following mTBI are sparse.

Purpose

To investigate the effect of acute mTBI on the GABA concentration measured in the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) of pediatric patients by using the macromolecular (MM)‐suppressed GABA J‐editing technique.

Study type

Prospective patient and phantom.

Participants

A total of 14 pediatric patients (mean age 16.0 ± 1.7) with acute mTBI (<3 days after trauma; Glasgow Coma Scale 15) and 16 healthy volunteers (mean age 16.9 ± 2.8). Phantom: 524 cm3 sphere containing 10 mM glycine, 10 mM GABA.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3 T, MEGA‐PRESS pulse sequence.

Assessment

GABA spectra were processed in Gannet software. MM‐suppressed GABA editing efficiency was derived from the phantom study. Absolute GABA and glutamate + glutamine (Glx) concentrations were quantified using different types of correction and compared between groups. N‐acetyl aspartate (NAA) and choline (Cho) levels relative to tCr were also compared.

Statistical tests

Shapiro–Wilk test, Mann–Whitney U test, Student t‐test, Pearson or Spearman correlations. P < 0.01 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The MM‐suppressed GABA editing efficiency was 0.63. GABA signal fit error was <16% for all participants. The GABA concentration in the PCC of the mTBI group was significantly different from that in healthy controls: GABA/tCr was higher by 27%, absolute GABA concentration with different types of correction was higher by ≈17%. No significant differences were observed in Glx concentrations (P ≥ 0.32) or in Glx/tCr (P ≥ 0.1), NAA/tCr (P = 0.55), and Cho/tCr levels (P = 0.85).

Data conclusion

We report an increase in the GABA concentration in the PCC region in acute mTBI pediatric patients. This may suggest activation of GABA synthesis and impairment of the GABAergic system after acute mTBI.

Evidence Level

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Bacteriophage therapy for periprosthetic joint infections: Current limitations and research needed to advance this therapeutic
Authors: Doub James B. , Urish Ken , Chan Benjamin
Published: August 2022

Bacteriophage therapy is a promising treatment for periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs), particularly given these agents have innate abilities to degrade the biofilm matrix and lyse bacteria within. However, many aspects of this therapy are poorly understood causing treatments to lack uniform effectiveness and reproducibility, which is in part a consequence of several inherent limitations to using bacteriophages to treat PJI. Herein, these limitations are discussed as are additional translational research that needs to be conducted to advance this therapeutic. These include determining if bacteria causing PJIs are polyclonal, consequences of bacteriophage attachment receptor phenotypic variations and ramifications of bacteriophage activity when bacteria interact with in vivo macromolecules. Only with the realization of the current limitations and subsequent knowledge gained from translational research will the potential of bacteriophages to reduce the morbidity and mortality in PJI be fully elucidated.
Optimization of enzymatic soy protein isolate‐glucosamine conjugates to improve the freeze–thaw stability of emulsion
Authors: Li Ning , Zhang Zhihui , Cui Yifan , Shi Jiahui , Sun Xiaotong , Liu Yi‐an , Wang Xibo , Xu Ning
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND

Using transglutaminase (TGase) is a new method to improve protein properties in order to promote protein glycosylation. This article mainly studies soy protein isolate (SPI) and glucosamine to improve the freeze–thaw stability of emulsion under the action of TGase. The degree of glycosylation was studied by the content of free amino groups and the degree of conjugation. The optimal conditions for preparing soy protein isolate‐glucosamine (SPI‐G) conjugate were determined by a response surface optimization model based on single‐factor experiments using the creaming index of the emulsion after the first freeze–thaw cycle as the response value.

RESULTS

The results showed that the emulsion had the lowest creaming index when the conditions of protein concentration was 20 g L−1, mass ratio of SPI‐G was 5:3 (w/w), enzyme addition amount was 10 U g−1, and reaction time was 2 h. The optimized modified product was measured for the creaming index after the first freeze–thaw cycle. It was found that the creaming index of the modified product SPI‐G after the first freeze–thaw cycle was 9.02%, which was less than and close to the optimized model predicted value. The creaming index and optical microscopy results after three freeze–thaw cycles confirmed that the freeze–thaw stability of the SPI‐G samples was significantly enhanced after optimization of the response surface model.

CONCLUSION

It showed that glycosylation promoted by TGase could improve the freeze–thaw stability of SPI emulsion, thereby broadening the application of SPI in food. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Longitudinal Analysis of Swallowing Displacement Kinematics After Oropharyngeal Cancer Treatment
Authors: Kidane Joseph , Laus Joey , Gulati Arushi , Gochman Grant E. , Schneider Sarah L. , Chan Jason W. , Yom Sue S. , Ha Patrick , Boscardin W. John , Ryan William R. , Ma Yue
Published: August 2022

Background/Objective

Quantitative swallowing displacement kinematics evolve in patients treated for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). We aimed to longitudinally assess these measurements and correlate them with functional swallowing outcomes.

Method

A retrospective review was conducted on patients with OPSCC treated with definitive (chemo)radiation ([C]RT) or surgery with adjuvant (chemo)radiation (S‐[C]RT) who completed at least two videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS). Longitudinal analysis was accomplished via mixed‐effects logistic regression for the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), and Penetration Aspiration Scale (PAS), and mixed‐effects linear regression for kinematic measures. Spearman's correlation was conducted between changes in FOIS/PAS and kinematic measures.

Results

Ninety‐seven patients (76 males; mean age 61) completed 245 VFSS studies. A total of 94% had human papillomavirus (HPV)/p16 positive OPSCC and 74% were T0–T2. Sixty‐four patients underwent [C]RT while 33 patients underwent S‐[C]RT. After treatment, posterior pharyngeal wall at hold (PPWhold) increased 3.2 standard deviation (SD) between 0 and 6 months (p < 0.001), then decreased 2.2 SD between 6 and 12 months (p < 0.001) and did not return to baseline. Hyoid‐to‐larynx (HL) (p = 0.046) and maximal hyoid displacement (Hmax) + HL (p = 0.042) increased between 6 and 12 months. Hmax (p = 0.020) and Hmax + HL (p < 0.001) decreased between 12–24 months beyond baseline values. The decrease in HL and increase in PPWhold (p < 0.05) correlated with an increase in PAS. From baseline, increased pharyngeal constriction ratio correlated with decreased FOIS and PPWhold (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Quantitative swallowing kinematic measures can effectively track changes in swallowing physiology. Increased PPWhold and restricted hyolaryngeal movement were seen in patients with OPSCC after treatment and correlated with a change in swallowing outcome, emphasizing the need for serial VFSS monitoring and targeted intervention.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 133:1339–1348, 2023
Long‐Term Binaural Hearing Improvements for Cochlear Implant Users with Asymmetric Hearing Loss
Authors: Thompson Nicholas J. , Brown Kevin D. , Buss Emily , Rooth Meredith A. , Richter Margaret E. , Dillon Margaret T.
Published: August 2022

Objective

To assess long‐term binaural hearing abilities for cochlear implant (CI) users with unilateral hearing loss (UHL) or asymmetric hearing loss (AHL).

Methods

A prospective, longitudinal, repeated measures study was completed at a tertiary referral center evaluating adults with UHL or AHL undergoing cochlear implantation. Binaural hearing abilities were assessed with masked speech recognition tasks using AzBio sentences in a 10‐talker masker. Performance was evaluated as the ability to benefit from spatial release from masking (SRM). SRM was calculated as the difference in scores when the masker was presented toward the CI‐ear (SRMci) or the contralateral ear (SRMcontra) relative to the co‐located condition (0°). Assessments were completed pre‐operatively and at annual intervals out to 5 years post‐activation.

Results

Twenty UHL and 19 AHL participants were included in the study. Linear Mixed Models showed significant main effects of interval and group for SRMcontra. There was a significant interaction between interval and group, with UHL participants reaching asymptotic performance early and AHL participants demonstrating continued growth in binaural abilities to 5 years post‐activation. The improvement in SRM showed a significant positive correlation with contralateral unaided hearing thresholds (p = 0.050) as well as age at implantation (p = 0.031).

Conclusions

CI recipients with UHL and AHL showed improved SRM with long‐term device use. The time course of improvement varied by cohort, with the UHL cohort reaching asymptotic performance early and the AHL cohort continuing to improve beyond 1 year. Differences between cohorts could be driven by differences in age at implantation as well as contralateral unaided hearing thresholds.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 133:1480–1485, 2023
Intuitionistic propositional probability logic
Authors: Ilić‐Stepić Anelina , Knežević Mateja , Ognjanović Zoran
Published: August 2022

We give a sound and complete axiomatization of a probabilistic extension of intuitionistic logic. Reasoning with probability operators is also intuitionistic (in contradistinction to other works on this topic), i.e., measure functions used for modeling probability operators are partial functions. Finally, we present a decision procedure for our logic, which is a combination of linear programming and an intuitionistic tableaux method.
Assessment of the internet impact on road transportation industry operational efficiency
Authors: Li Ying , Cen Hongyi , Lin Tai‐Yu , Lin Yi‐Nuo , Chiu Yung‐ho , Wang Su‐wan
Published: August 2022

The Internet of Things has been driving the development of China's transportation industry. This paper used a dynamic direct distance function Data Envelopment Analysis model with internet access as the input index to more comprehensively assess the efficiency and the improvements needed in the application of internet technology in the road transportation industries. It was found that (1) the average total efficiency was higher when the internet influences were considered than when they are not considered. (2) The commercial passenger vehicle, freight vehicle, passenger traffic, and freight volume efficiencies in most provinces were positively affected by the internet.
Magnetic Resonance–Guided Focused Ultrasound Thalamotomy May Spare Dopaminergic Therapy in Early‐Stage Tremor‐Dominant Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Study
Authors: Golfrè Andreasi Nico , Cilia Roberto , Romito Luigi Michele , Bonvegna Salvatore , Straccia Giulia , Elia Antonio Emanuele , Novelli Alessio , Messina Giuseppe , Tringali Giovanni , Levi Vincenzo , Devigili Grazia , Rinaldo Sara , Gasparini Valentina , Grisoli Marina , Stanziano Mario , Ghielmetti Francesco , Prioni Sara , Bocchi Elisa , Amami Paolo , Piacentini Sylvie Hélène Marie Jeanne , Ciceri Elisa Francesca Maria , Bruzzone Maria Grazia , Eleopra Roberto
Published: August 2022

Background

Magnetic resonance–guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) thalamotomy is a safe and effective procedure for drug‐resistant tremor in Parkinson's disease (PD).

Objective

The aim of this study was to demonstrate that MRgFUS ventralis intermedius thalamotomy in early‐stage tremor‐dominant PD may prevent an increase in dopaminergic medication 6 months after treatment compared with matched PD control subjects on standard medical therapy.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled patients with early‐stage PD who underwent MRgFUS ventralis intermedius thalamotomy (PD‐FUS) and patients treated with oral dopaminergic therapy (PD‐ODT) with a 1:2 ratio. We collected demographic and clinical data at baseline and 6 and 12 months after thalamotomy.

Results

We included 10 patients in the PD‐FUS group and 20 patients in the PD‐ODT group. We found a significant increase in total levodopa equivalent daily dose and levodopa plus monoamine oxidase B inhibitors dose in the PD‐ODT group 6 months after thalamotomy.

Conclusions

In early‐stage tremor‐dominant PD, MRgFUS thalamotomy may be useful to reduce tremor and avoid the need to increase dopaminergic medications. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Mini‐hyper CVD + CRIB (condensed rituximab, inotuzumab ozogamicin, and blinatumomab) for refractory pediatric B‐acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: McCall David , Jabbour Elias , Roth Michael , Nunez Cesar , Cuglievan Branko
Published: August 2022

Relapsed or refractory pediatric patients with B‐acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B‐ALL) have high rates of toxicities and relapse, and novel therapy is needed. We present a case of a 5‐year‐old male child with high‐risk B‐ALL that was refractory to several re‐induction regimens. He was put into minimal residual disease‐negative remission after re‐induction with chemotherapy plus overlapping rituximab, inotuzumab ozogamicin, and blinatumomab, termed mini‐hyper‐CVD (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and dexamethasone) plus CRIB (condensed rituximab, inotuzumab ozogamicin, and blinatumomab). This regimen was well tolerated, and he received his transplant and engrafted with no significant infections, toxicities, or sinusoidal obstruction syndrome. This is the first reported use of a condensed sequential immunotherapy/chemotherapy regimen in a pediatric leukemia patient.
Effect of green hybrid fillers loading on mechanical and thermal properties of vinyl ester composites
Authors: Nagaprasad N. , Vignesh V. , Karthik Babu N. B. , Manimaran P. , Stalin B. , Ramaswamy Krishnaraj
Published: August 2022

The need for eco‐friendly materials has been attracted due to renewability, abundance availability, low cost, and so on. Therefore, the search for bio fillers for the fabrication of bio‐based composite materials is gaining more and more attention in both academic and industry circles because it promotes sustainability. The present study represents the utilization of biomass solid waste in the hybrid form of Tamarind Seed and Date Seed Filler (TSF/DSF) into polymer reinforced composite which has been explored for the first time by a compression molding technique. These fillers are bio‐waste that can be obtained at a minimal cost from renewable sources. An attempt has been made to use these hybrid fillers to reinforce the matrix ranging from 0 to 50 wt%, and their physical, mechanical, and thermal properties were investigated. In general, the inclusion of hybrid fillers increases mechanical properties, although the addition of hybrid fillers had only a minor impact on thermal properties. When compared to the pure vinyl ester resin, the hybrid fillers reinforced composites revealed a significant enhancement in tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness properties, with improvements of 1.51 times, 1.44 times, 1.87 times, and 1.46 times respectively, at 10 wt% filler loading. Filler matrix interaction of fractured mechanical testing samples was evaluated by scanning electron microscope. Based on the findings, hybrid filler reinforced composites may be suitable for applications where cost is a consideration and where minor compromises in thermal qualities are acceptable.
Consensus recommendations for use of maintenance immunosuppression in solid organ transplantation: Endorsed by the American College of Clinical Pharmacy, American Society of Transplantation, and the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation
Authors: Nelson Joelle , Alvey Nicole , Bowman Lyndsey , Schulte Jamie , Segovia Maria Cristina , McDermott Jennifer , Te Helen S. , Kapila Nikhil , Levine Deborah Jo , Gottlieb Robert L. , Oberholzer Jose , Campara Maya
Published: August 2022

Advances in maintenance immunosuppression over the past three decades have improved solid organ transplantation outcomes dramatically. Uninterrupted access to immunosuppression is paramount to minimize rejection and maintain allograft and patient survival. There is no standardized approach to maintenance immunosuppression management. Agents used vary based on transplanted organ, center‐specific protocol, provider expertise, insurance formularies, ability to cover co‐pays, recipient characteristics and tolerability. Published data reflects this heterogeneity. Despite this limitation, maintenance immunosuppression usage cross pollinates between organ groups with standard of care agents often being used off‐label, making medication access a challenge for many transplant recipients. A multidisciplinary panel of American transplant clinicians was formed to review published literature on maintenance immunosuppression with the goal to formulate consensus recommendations for their use in specific organ groups. These consensus recommendations are intended to provide transplant clinicians with a summary of literature on maintenance immunosuppression in the modern era and to support transplant team members working to secure medication access for patients.
Data‐independent acquisition proteomics methods for analyzing post‐translational modifications
Authors: Yang Yi , Qiao Liang
Published: August 2022

Protein post‐translational modifications (PTMs) increase the functional diversity of the cellular proteome. Accurate and high throughput identification and quantification of protein PTMs is a key task in proteomics research. Recent advancements in data‐independent acquisition (DIA) mass spectrometry (MS) technology have achieved deep coverage and accurate quantification of proteins and PTMs. This review provides an overview of DIA data processing methods that cover three aspects of PTMs analysis, that is, detection of PTMs, site localization, and characterization of complex modification moieties, such as glycosylation. In addition, a survey of deep learning methods that boost DIA‐based PTMs analysis is presented, including in silico spectral library generation, as well as feature scoring and error rate control. The limitations and future directions of DIA methods for PTMs analysis are also discussed. Novel data analysis methods will take advantage of advanced MS instrumentation techniques to empower DIA MS for in‐depth and accurate PTMs measurements.
CD47 (don't eat me signal) expression levels and its relationship with clinicopathologic features in early‐stage prostate carcinoma
Authors: Semiz Hüseyin S. , Küçük Ülkü , Kısa Erdem , Keskinkılıç Merve , Süyün Dilara Ecem , Arayıcı Mehmet Emin , Atağ Elif , Karaoglu Aziz
Published: August 2022

Background

Prostate cancer is a cancer with poor host immune response and could be defined as a non‐T‐cell inflamed tumor. Therefore, immunotherapy treatments could not be included in the treatment of prostate cancer until recently. Inadequate antitumoral response is one of the main reasons why tumor cells multiply rapidly and cause lethal results. It was shown that CD47 molecule, which is secreted at high levels by leukemia cells, reduces macrophage‐mediated phagocytosis and thus facilitates escape from the antitumoral immune response. The aim of this study was to show don't eat me signaling in prostate carcinoma tissues and its relationship with macrophage polarization.

Materials and Methods

A total of 263 patients with a diagnosis of prostatic adenocarcinoma after radical prostatectomy between 2015 and 2020 at our institute were included in the study. CD47, CD68, and CD163 expression levels were examined immunohistochemically (IHC) in these tissues. The relationship of these expression levels with unfavorable prognostic factors and survival for prostate carcinoma was investigated.

Results

In this study, all the operated prostate carcinoma cases had CD47 expression in tumor tissue, but only 52.5% had a high level of expression. Of 263 prostate cancer tissues, 135 (51.3%) showed high expression of CD68 protein and 189 (71.9%) showed high expression of CD163 protein. There was a statistically strong relationship between CD47, CD68, and CD163.

Conclusions

The CD47 molecule is basically a molecule that inhibits macrophage activation. CD68 is mostly used for macrophage classification, while CD163 is used for tumor‐associated macrophage classification. Unlike others, we IHC examined CD47, CD68, and CD163 expressions in the surgical materials of patients who were operated for prostate carcinoma. In addition, we concluded that strong CD47 expression was closely associated with strong CD68 and CD163 expression in all tumor samples. However, a significant relationship between these expression levels and survival could not be demonstrated.
On the identification of active factors in nonregular two‐level designs with a small number of runs
Authors: Hamre Yngvild Hole , Tyssedal John
Published: August 2022

Nonregular two‐level designs are attractive screening designs due to their good projection properties and flexible run sizes. In particular, the 12‐run Plackett–Burman (PB) design has become quite popular. However, existing methods struggle with the identification of active factors when the number of active factors exceeds the projectivity of the designs. This is especially the case when interactions are present, the variance is high and the number of runs is small. In this paper, we propose a method for analysing nonregular two‐level designs that particularly addresses the issues above. It exploits the projection properties of designs and is here applied on the 12‐run PB design and the 16‐run no‐confounding (NC) designs. In the construction of the method, the use of test‐ and penalty‐based procedures are avoided. Instead, the number of allowed terms in a model is restricted. The effectiveness of the method and comparison between designs are evaluated by simulations for different scenarios. Ways to evaluate the reliability of the screening procedure are pointed out. An example with real data is given to demonstrate how one might perform the analysis in practice.
Evaluation of nonhazardous lime requirement estimation methods for Oregon soils
Authors: Makepeace Carl , Moore Amber , Sullivan Dan M. , Huggins David R.
Published: August 2022

The Shoemaker, McLean, and Pratt (SMP) buffer pH method has been used historically in Oregon for estimating lime requirement, however concerns regarding hazardous waste disposal have caused increased interest in nonhazardous methods. The objective was to compare nonhazardous lime requirement estimate (LRE) methods to the SMP method for predicting incubation lime requirement (LRi) for Oregon soils. Twenty‐four soils (pH ≤ 5.5) were incubated with seven rates of CaCO3 ranging from 0 to 22.4 Mg ha–1 and incubated for 90 d at 19 °C. Seven different LRE methods were evaluated and regressed against LRi for pH targets of 5.6, 6.0, and 6.4 using linear regression. The Sikora (r2 = .91–.93), modified Mehlich (r2 = .87–.90), and Sikora‐2 (r2 = .82–.93) buffer methods showed potential as alternatives to SMP (r2 = .91–.93) based on accuracy. A multilinear model combining clay content, KCl‐extractable Al, soil organic matter (SOM), extractable Mg, and pH1:2 also effectively predicted LRi (R2 = .97). The Moore–Sikora method (r2 = .89–.93) showed precision issues due to high replication variability. The single addition of Ca(OH)2 method (r2 = .67–.74) was less accurate than other evaluated methods. In conclusion, there were several viable non‐hazardous LRE method alternatives to the SMP buffer method for Oregon soils, based on accuracy and precision.
Research Trends in Carbon Chain Polymers and Their Derivatives: Highlighting the Decade‐Long Research
Authors: Ullah Khan Wasim , Ahmed Al‐Harthi Mamdouh
Published: August 2022

Polyolefins include low‐density polyethylene (LDPE), high‐density polyethylene (HDPE), linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE), polypropylene (PP), and polybutylene (PB). Polyolefins offer unique characteristics such as chemical resistance, smooth surface, re‐shapability, and are lighter than glass and metal‐based materials. The global plastics industry produces polyolefin as their major product and these polyolefins are mostly used as commercial commodity plastics. Moreover, the characteristics of polyolefin can be further improved by forming their blends and/or composites and incorporating fillers. This review highlights the role of various fillers such as titanium dioixde‐based, nitride‐based, and carbon‐based nanomaterials, in influencing polyolefin composites. Moreover, the contribution of layered double hydroxide in olefin polymerization, and the impact of filler properties such as filler content, filler type, filler phase stability, and synergistic effect between the fillers and polymers on nanocomposites are discussed.
Scutellarin alleviates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammatory responses via MAPK/NF‐κB pathways in rats
Authors: Zhang Yuming , Zhang Zhen , Wang Jun , Zhang Xiajing , Zhao Jing , Bai Ning , Vijayalakshmi Annamalai , Huo Qifan
Published: August 2022

Neuroinflammation contributes to the progression of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) damage. Scutellarin (SL) is a glucuronide flavonoid that has apoptotic, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐tumor properties. It is anti‐oxidant and anti‐inflammatory mechanism as a neuroprotective against ischemic brain injury is unknown. The purpose of the study was to examine the role and mechanism of SL in preventing I/R damage in a rat model. SL (40 and 80 mg/kg) was given to the rats for 14 days before the ischemic stroke. SL administration prevented I/R mediated brain injury, and neuronal apoptosis. Malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, IL‐6, and IL‐1β and nitric oxide were modulated by SL. SL suppressed the p65 and p38 expressions in particular. The findings show that SL protects rats from cerebral damage caused by I/R through the nuclear factor kappa‐B p65 and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling pathway. Thus, SL protected the brain of rats from ischemic injury by inhibiting the inflammatory process.
Low‐Temperature Synthesis of NiSb2, Cu2Sb, InSb and Sb2Te3 Starting from the Elements
Authors: Grasser Matthias A. , Müller Ulrike , Ruck Michael
Published: August 2022

Ionic liquids (ILs) are able to activate elements that are insoluble in common solvents. Here, the synthesis of binary antimony compounds directly from elements was explored. The 12 elements Ti−Cu, Al, Ga, In, and Te, known to form binary compounds with Sb, were reacted with Sb in [P66614]Cl under inert conditions in a closed glass flask with vigorous stirring for 16 h at 200 °C. This was immediately successful in four cases and resulted in the formation of NiSb, InSb, Cu2Sb and Sb2Te3. The applied reaction temperature is several hundred degrees below the temperatures required for solvent‐free conversions. Compared to reactions based on diffusion in the solid state, reaction times are much shorter. The IL is not consumed and can be recycled. Since the reaction with Cu showed almost complete conversion, the influences of reaction time, temperature and medium were further investigated. Among the tested imidazolium ILs ([BMIm]Cl, [BMIm][OAc], [BDMIm]Cl) and phosphonium ILs ([P66614]X, X=Cl−, [DCA]−, [OAc]−, [NTf2]−), those with chloride anion yielded the best results. In a diffusion experiment, Cu2Sb formed on the copper, which indicates that antimony forms mobile species in these ILs. Supplemental crystal structure data of (As3S4)[AlCl4], which was ionothermally synthesized from As and S, are reported.
Introduction: Secularities, Technologies, and Modern Temporalities
Authors: Fisher-Høyrem Stefan
Published: August 2022

Connecting the historiography of British secularization to two theoretical developments known as the material and temporal turns, this chapter shifts the focus from conceptualizations of religion and its negation, attending instead to the implicit assumptions about the nature of time underpinning specific modern socio-technological networks. Starting from Charles Taylor’s association of secularity with the temporal dimension of modern social imaginaries, the chapter argues that scholars of secular time tend to make three mistakes: conflating secular time with other kinds of time; assuming too much about the global reach and power of secular time based on the presence of certain technologies; and failing to operationalize the concept in specific case studies. This book offers a way to avoid repeating these mistakes and offers examples of how historians can operationalize secular time.
Banknotes: The Money of Civilization
Authors: Fisher-Høyrem Stefan
Published: August 2022

For centuries, the value of Bank of England’s notes had been guaranteed through the state’s punitive system and prerogative to claim future taxes. The early nineteenth century saw a deliberate and extensive mobilization of human skill and sophisticated technology through which the value of the bank’s notes was further secured by force of their inimitability. This chapter describes how through this deliberate ‘combination of the arts’, Bank of England notes came to embody the immutability of the abstract gold standard, acquiring a function as immutable mobiles which might be circulated without deterioration, or in other words through a time independent of their motion. In this way, Bank of England notes, and the networks that produced them and facilitated their circulation, mediated secular time.
Generationen abnehmenden Glaubens
Authors: Stolz Jörg , Senn Jeremy
Published: August 2022

Der vorliegende Artikel untersucht, inwiefern das in anderen westlichen Ländern nachgewiesene Phänomen der Kohorten-Säkularisierung auch für die Schweiz gilt. Nach dieser Theorie kommt die Säkularisierung zustande, weil religiösere durch weniger religiöse Kohorten ersetzt werden – und nicht weil die Religiosität von Individuen im Lebensverlauf abnimmt. Der Artikel untersucht die Entwicklung christlicher Religiosität und holistischer (ganzheitlicher) Spiritualität auf der Basis mehrerer großer Sozialumfragen. Die These der Kohorten-Säkularisierung kann für christliche Religiosität großenteils bestätigt werden: Die Säkularisierung entsteht zu einem wichtigen Teil, weil jede neue Generation etwas weniger religiös ist. Es handelt sich um «Generationen abnehmenden Glaubens». Hingegen finden wir keine Hinweise darauf, dass viele Personen ihren Glauben behalten und nur die Kirchenmitgliedschaft ablegen («believing without belonging»). Auch eine holistisch-spirituelle Revolution hat nicht stattgefunden.
Toxic metal pollution of aquatic ecosystems of European Union nature protection areas in a region of intensive agriculture (Lake Gopło, Poland)
Authors: Juśkiewicz Włodzimierz , Gierszewski Piotr
Published: August 2022

The paper presents the results of research into toxic metal concentrations in the surface layer of bottom sediments in Lake Gopło. The research objectives were to identify the levels and spatial variability of Cu, Pb, Cd, Zn, Ni, Cr, As and Hg concentrations, their potential sources and the determinants of pollution levels. Metal contamination of the sediments was assessed using the geoaccumulation index (Igeo), pollution load index (PLI) and ecological risk index (RI). Chemometric methods (Pearson correlation, principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) were used to determine the relationship between sampling sites and concentrations of toxic metals, thereby identifying the sources of contamination. The research found that grain-size composition, carbonate content and organic matter content in the bottom surface sediments of Lake Gopło are all characterised by low diversity. Therefore, the lithological features of the sediments are not a major factor in the concentrations and spatial variability of the metals. It was found that the metal concentrations in the great majority of samples were above regional geochemical background levels. The geochemical indices (Igeo, PLI, RI) indicate that the degree of toxic metal pollution in the sediments is slight in the central and southern parts of the lake and high in the northern part. The chemical analysis results showed that the samples in the central and southern parts of the lake differ little in their shares and concentrations of individual metals. This provides evidence that, as well as geogenic sources, their presence in sediments can be associated with non-point sources related to agricultural activities and with atmospheric sources (mainly the products of fossil fuel combustion). The higher concentrations of metals (especially Ni, Cd, Cr and Hg) in the northern part of the lake are influenced by the supply of industrial and communal pollutants from the lakeside town of Kruszwica. A factor limiting the migration of pollutants from the northern part of the lake towards the south is the lake’s morphology of the lake, which hinders water exchange between the northern part and the rest of the lake.
Von der Nase ins Ohr: Feldkanzerisierung über die Tuba auditiva
Authors: Flockerzi Veronika , Schick Bernhard , Bozzato Alessandro
Published: August 2022

Wir berichten über das metachrone Auftreten eines invertierten Papilloms im ipsilateralen Mittelohr nach Resektion eines endonasalen invertierten Papilloms sowie über dessen maligne Transformation. Nach mehrfachen sanierenden Operationen sowie adjuvanter Radiochemotherapie kam es zu einem Rezidiv mit intrazerebraler Manifestation. Diese führte zum Tod der Patientin drei Jahre nach Erstvorstellung.
A three-dimensional (3D) printed simulator as a feasible assessment tool for evaluating hip arthroscopy skills
Authors: Cai Bohong , Duan Shengfeng , Yi Jiahui , Bay Boon Huat , Huang Jiaxing , Huang Wei , Hu Ning , Chen Cheng
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The aims of this study were (1) to develop a three-dimensional (3D) printed simulator that facilitates the simulation of surgical skills for portal placement, intra-articular identification of anatomical structures and arthroscope navigation for hip arthroscopy and (2) to concurrently examine the feasibility of using this simulator as an assessment tool to evaluate trainees’ surgical competencies.

Methods

A simulator was developed using a combination of medical imaging, computer-aided design, and 3D printing. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 29 participants divided into 3 subgroups (novice, intermediate and experienced). All participants performed related skills on the simulator, and their performance was evaluated using different assessment parameters. The participants’ qualitative feedback regarding the simulator was also collected. The data collated from each group of participants were subsequently compared.

Results

Significant differences were observed between the three subgroups of participants with regard to the total checklist score (F2,26 = 11.3), total Arthroscopic Surgical Skill Evaluation score (F2,26 = 92.1), overall final global rating scale score (F2,26 = 49), number of times the participants used fluoroscopy (F2,26 = 7.4), and task completion times (F2,26 = 23.5). The participants’ performance in the simulated operation was correlated with their prior clinical experience. There was mainly positive feedback with regard to the fidelity and utility of the simulator in relation to the surgeons’ prior clinical experience.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that a reliable hip arthroscopic simulator can be developed for use by orthopedic surgeons to evaluate their hip arthroscopic skills before performing actual surgical operations.

Level of evidence

Level III.