bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical activity estimated by osteogenic potential and energy expenditure has differing associations with bone mass in young adults: the raine study
Authors: Ng Carrie-Anne , Scott David , Sim Marc , Zhu Kun , Siafarikas Aris , Hart Nicolas H. , Tan Jocelyn , Chivers Paola
Published: April 2022

Summary

Ground impacts during physical activity may be important for peak bone mass. We found differences in how energy expenditure and impact scores estimated from a physical activity questionnaire related to bone health in young adults. Using both estimate types can improve our understanding of the skeletal benefits of physical activity.

Purpose

It is unclear whether mechanical loading during physical activity, estimated from physical activity questionnaires which assess metabolic equivalents of task (METs), is associated with skeletal health. This longitudinal study investigated how physical activity loading scores, assessed at ages 17 and 20 years, (a) compares with physical activity measured in METs, and (b) is associated with bone mass at age 20 years.

Methods

A total of 826 participants from the Raine Study Gen2 were assessed for physical activity energy expenditure via the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) at age 17 and 20 years. Loading scores (the product of peak force and application rate) per week were subsequently estimated from the IPAQ. Whole-body and appendicular bone mineral density (BMD) at age 20 years were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

Results

Bland–Altman minimal detectable difference for physical activity Z-

scores at age 17 and 20 years were 1.59 standard deviations (SDs) and 1.33 SDs, respectively, greater than the a priori minimal clinically important change of 0.5 SDs. Loading score, but not IPAQ score, had significant positive associations with whole-body and leg BMD after adjustment for covariates (β = 0.008 and 0.012 g/cm2, respectively, for age 17 and 20 years loading scores). IPAQ score at age 20 years, but not loading score, had a significant positive association with arm BMD (β = 0.007 g/cm2).

Conclusion

This study revealed disagreement in associations of self-reported METs and loading score estimates with bone health in young adults. Coupling traditional energy expenditure questionnaire outcomes with bone-loading estimates may improve understanding of the location-specific skeletal benefits of physical activity in young adults.
Robust Metal Additive Manufacturing Process Selection and Development for Aerospace Components
Authors: Gradl Paul , Tinker Darren C. , Park Alison , Mireles Omar R. , Garcia Marissa , Wilkerson Ryan , Mckinney Christopher
Published: April 2022

Metal additive manufacturing (AM) encapsulates the myriad of manufacturing processes available to meet industrial needs. Determining which of these AM processes is best for a specific aerospace application can be overwhelming. Based on the application, each of these AM processes has advantages and challenges. The most common metal AM methods in use include Powder Bed Fusion, Directed Energy Deposition, and various solid-state processes. Within each of these processes, there are different energy sources and feedstock requirements. Component requirements heavily affect the process determination, despite existing literature on these AM processes (often inclusive of input parameters and material properties). This article provides an overview of the considerations taken for metal AM process selection for aerospace components based on various attributes. These attributes include geometric considerations, metallurgical characteristics and properties, cost basis, post-processing, and industrialization supply chain maturity. To provide information for trade studies and selection, data on these attributes were compiled through literature reviews, internal NASA studies, as well as academic and industry partner studies and data. These studies include multiple AM components and sample build experiments to evaluate (1) material and geometric variations and constraints within the processes, (2) alloy characterization and mechanical testing, (3) pathfinder component development and hot-fire evaluations, and (4) qualification approaches. This article summarizes these results and is meant to introduce various considerations when designing a metal AM component.
The Phase Transformation of Silicon Assessed by an Unloading Contact Pressure Approach
Authors: Schaffar Gerald J. K. , Kappacher Johann , Tscharnuter Daniel , Maier-Kiener Verena
Published: April 2022

Silicon is of great economic importance for the semiconductor industry as well as of academic interest because of its high-pressure phase transformations. These transformations also occur during the indentation of silicon. To further investigate these transformations, a modified method using the continuous stiffness measurement (CSM) during unloading is presented in this work. The use of the CSM signal allows directly calculating the mean contact pressure while unloading. The measurements will be compared to conventional indentation tests and data from high-pressure cell experiments reported in the literature. Furthermore, the influence of constant load holding segments on the phase transformation during unloading is investigated.
Hand hygiene practices for prevention of health care-associated infections associated with admitted infectious patients in the emergency department: a systematic review
Authors: Issa M , Dunne SS , Dunne CP
Published: April 2022

Background

In most high-income countries, emergency departments (ED) represent the principal point of access forcer by critically ill or injured patients. Unlike inpatient units, ED healthcare workers (ED HCWs) have demonstrated relative lack of adherence to hand hygiene (HH) guidelines, commonly citing frequency of intervention and high rates of admission, which reflect severity of cases encountered.

Aim

Assessment of studies on hand hygiene compliance (HHC) by ED HCWs conducted between 2010 and 2020, seeking to estimate HHC rates and intervention strategies utilised to improve HHC in EDs.

Methods

Searches conducted in Web of Science, EBSCO HOST (CINHAL & Medline), PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane for full studies published between 2010 and 2020 on the topic of HHC in the ED.

Results

One hundred twenty-nine eligible articles were identified of which 79 were excluded. Fifty-one underwent full-text screening before 20 studies were deemed relevant. Of the eligible studies, fifteen (75%) had, as the primary outcome, HHC according to the WHO-recommended 5-moments. Twelve studies (60%) implemented multimodal or single intervention strategies. Eight studies were ambiguous regarding the nature of the approach adopted. In the nine observational studies where HHC was documented, an overall post-intervention median HHC rate of 45% (range 8–89.7%).

Conclusion

Multimodal approaches appear to have enhanced HHC moderately among ED HCWs. Elevated complexity associated with critically ill patients, and ED overcrowding, are contributing factors to relatively low compliance rates observed. Strategies to improve HHC rates may need to acknowledge, and cater for, the context of an unpredictable environment.
Angiography-Based Fractional Flow Reserve: State of the Art
Authors: Scoccia Alessandra , Tomaniak Mariusz , Neleman Tara , Groenland Frederik T. W. , Plantes Annemieke C. Ziedses des , Daemen Joost
Published: April 2022

Purpose of Review

Three-dimensional quantitative coronary angiography-based methods of fractional flow reserve (FFR) derivation have emerged as an appealing alternative to conventional pressure-wire-based physiological lesion assessment and have the potential to further extend the use of physiology in general. Here, we summarize the current evidence related to angiography-based FFR and perspectives on future developments.

Recent Findings

Growing evidence suggests good diagnostic performance of angiography-based FFR measurements, both in chronic and acute coronary syndromes, as well as in specific lesion subsets, such as long and calcified lesions, left main coronary stenosis, and bifurcations. More recently, promising results on the superiority of angiography-based FFR as compared to angiography-guided PCI have been published.

Currently available angiography -FFR indices proved to be an excellent alternative to invasive pressure wire-based FFR. Dedicated prospective outcome data comparing these indices to routine guideline recommended PCI including the use of FFR are eagerly awaited.
Early Life Social Stress Causes Sex- and Region-Dependent Dopaminergic Changes that Are Prevented by Minocycline
Authors: Catale Clarissa , Lo Iacono Luisa , Martini Alessandro , Heil Constantin , Guatteo Ezia , Mercuri Nicola Biagio , Viscomi Maria Teresa , Palacios Daniela , Carola Valeria
Published: April 2022

Early life stress (ELS) is known to modify trajectories of brain dopaminergic development, but the mechanisms underlying have not been determined. ELS perturbs immune system and microglia reactivity, and inflammation and microglia influence dopaminergic transmission and development. Whether microglia mediate the effects of ELS on dopamine (DA) system development is still unknown. We explored the effects of repeated early social stress on development of the dopaminergic system in male and female mice through histological, electrophysiological, and transcriptomic analyses. Furthermore, we tested whether these effects could be mediated by ELS-induced altered microglia/immune activity through a pharmacological approach. We found that social stress in early life altered DA neurons morphology, reduced dopamine transporter (DAT) and tyrosine hydroxylase expression, and lowered DAT-mediated currents in the ventral tegmental area but not substantia nigra of male mice only. Notably, stress-induced DA alterations were prevented by minocycline, an inhibitor of microglia activation. Transcriptome analysis in the developing male ventral tegmental area revealed that ELS caused downregulation of dopaminergic transmission and alteration in hormonal and peptide signaling pathways. Results from this study offer new insight into the mechanisms of stress response and altered brain dopaminergic maturation after ELS, providing evidence of neuroimmune interaction, sex differences, and regional specificity.
Novel Approaches Guiding the Future of Spinal Biologics for Bone Regeneration
Authors: Phan Eileen N. , Hsu Wellington K.
Published: April 2022

Purpose of Review

Despite the continued growth of spine fusion procedures, the ideal material for bone regeneration remains unclear. Current bone graft substitutes and extenders in use such as exogenous BMP-2 or demineralized bone matrix and hydroxyapatite either have serious complications associated with use or lead to clinically significant rates of non-union. The introduction of nanotechnology and 3D printing to regenerative medicine facilitates the development of safer and more efficacious bone regenerative scaffolds that present solutions to these problems. Many researchers in orthopedics recognize the importance of lowering the dose of recombinant growth factors like BMP-2 to avoid the complications associated with its normal required supraphysiologic dosing to achieve high rates of fusion in spine surgery.

Recent Findings

Recent iterations of bioactive scaffolds have moved towards peptide amphiphiles that bind endogenous osteoinductive growth factor sources at the site of implantation. These molecules have been shown to provide a highly fluid, natural mimetic of natural extracellular matrix to achieve 100% fusion rates at 10–100 times lower doses of BMP-2 relative to controls in pre-clinical animal posterolateral fusion models. Alternative approaches to bone regeneration include the combination of existing natural growth factor sources like human bone combined with bioactive, biocompatible components like hydroxyapatite using 3D-printing technologies. Their elastomeric, 3D-printed scaffolds demonstrate an optimal safety profile and high rates of fusion (~92%) in the rat posterolateral fusion model.

Bioactive peptide amphiphiles and developments in 3D printing offer the promising future of a recombinant growth factor- free bone graft substitute with similar efficacy but improved safety profiles compared to existing bone graft substitutes.
Validation of a nuclear grading system for resected stage I–IIIA, high-risk, node-negative invasive breast carcinoma in the N·SAS-BC 01 trial
Authors: Tsuda Hitoshi , Kurosumi Masafumi , Akiyama Futoshi , Ohno Shinji , Saji Shigehira , Masuda Norikazu , Shimomura Akihiko , Sato Nobuaki , Takao Shintaro , Ohsumi Shozo , Tokuda Yutaka , Inaji Hideo , Watanabe Toru
Published: April 2022

Background

This retrospective observational study validated nuclear grading criteria developed to identify a high-risk group with recurrence rate ≥20–30% and local pathology diagnosis used in a previous multi-institutional randomized N·SAS-BC 01 trial, where the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy regimens was evaluated in 733 high-risk node-negative invasive breast cancer patients.

Methods

Of 545 patients with long-term follow-up data (median 12.1 years), pathology slides, and local pathology diagnosis, 530 eligible patients were subjected to central pathology review (CPR) for histological type and nuclear grade (NG). Concordance in NGs was compared with local diagnosis. The 10/15-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) rates stratified by NG and histological type were calculated.

Results

Local diagnoses were invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC)-NG2, IDC-NG3, invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), and metaplastic carcinoma (MC) in 158/327/38/7 patients, respectively. The 10/15-year RFS rates were 87.2/82.6% for IDC-NG2 and 81.8/75.0% for IDC-NG3 (p = 0.061), and OS rates were 95.0/92.8% for IDC-NG2 and 90.8/85.7% for IDC-NG3 (p = 0.042). CPR graded 485 locally diagnosed IDCs as IDC-NG1/NG2/NG3/unknown in 98/116/267/4 patients, respectively. No significant difference was found among survival curves for the three NG groups. Although the agreement level between local and CPR diagnoses was low (κ = 0.311), both diagnoses identified a patient group with a 15-year recurrence rate ≥ 20%. The 10/15-year RFS rates were 79.4/63.5% for ILC and 68.6%/unknown for MC.

Conclusions

The N·SAS grading system identified a patient group with high-risk node-negative invasive breast cancer, suggesting that local diagnosis was performed efficiently in the N·SAS-BC 01 trial.

Trial registration number: UMIN000022571.

Date of registration: June 1, 2016.
Declining morphological diversity in snakefly larvae during last 100 million years
Authors: Haug Joachim T. , Engel Michael S. , Mendes dos Santos Patrick , Haug Gideon T. , Müller Patrick , Haug Carolin
Published: April 2022

Raphidioptera, the group of snakeflies, is a rather species-poor in-group of Holometabola. Yet, fossils of snakeflies indicate that the group was more diverse in the past. Here we compare the morphological diversity of snakefly larvae over time. Snakefly larvae are well represented in Cretaceous and Eocene ambers facilitating such a comparison. We used measurements of discrete dimensions as a basis for comparison. This reveals a larger diversity of snakefly larvae in the Cretaceous, especially in relation to head shapes and morphology of the antennae, which were much more variable. In particular, some Cretaceous larvae possessed greatly elongated head capsules and uniquely long and prominent antennae, unparalleled among modern forms. Already by the Eocene, snakefly larvae were less variable than those of the Cretaceous, although some still possessed longer antennae than modern-day larvae. The loss of morphological diversity supports the already well-established loss of taxonomic diversity in the group across time. Quite likely, this also indicates a loss of ecological diversity. These results are comparable to losses in different lineages of the closely related group Neuroptera.
EDP-mitotane in children: reassuring evidence of reversible side-effects and neurotoxicity
Authors: Steenaard Rebecca V. , Rutjens Marieke , Ettaieb Madeleine H. T. , van Noesel Max M. , Haak Harm R.
Published: April 2022

Adrenocortical carcinoma affects one in 5 million children each year. Since prognosis for children older than 4 years is limited, clinicians often choose aggressive treatment with etoposide, doxorubicin, cisplatin (EDP) and mitotane after resection. However, little is known about the impact of EDP-mitotane in children. We provide an overview of case-reports and case series listing side-effects and neurotoxicity of EDP-mitotane in children. Fourteen studies were identified describing a range of gastro-intestinal, endocrine, developmental and neuropsychological side-effects. Neurotoxicity included motor- and speech delay, decreased concentration and lower school performance. These side-effects appear to be reversible after mitotane discontinuation. We have added our own experience with a 10 year old girl with advanced adrenocortical carcinoma treated with EDP and 2 years of mitotane after irradical resection. She developed an impactful, but reversible, decrease in cognitive development measured by a standardized neuropsychological assessment before, during and after mitotane therapy. This decrease was mostly measurable in terms of decreased processing speed and concentration and a significant drop in school performance. Combined with fatigue and insecurity, this caused problems in short-term memory and the need to change her school type. In conclusion, EDP-mitotane is associated with several side-effects including neurotoxicity in pediatric cases, all reversible after mitotane discontinuation.
T cell differentiation protein 2 facilitates cell proliferation by enhancing mTOR-mediated ribosome biogenesis in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Lian Zhenying , Yan Xingyu , Diao Yutao , Cui Dayong , Liu Hongyan
Published: April 2022

Dysregulation of T cell differentiation protein 2 (MAL2) has been observed in multiple cancers, but its exact role in lung cancer is poorly understood. Here we report a role of MAL2 in accelerating cell proliferation in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MAL2 expression enhances cell proliferation in both cell and nude mouse models. Mechanistically, overexpression of MAL2 results in the hyper-activation of the MAPK/mTOR signaling pathway in NSCLC cells which leads to active ribosome biogenesis. Importantly, pharmacological inhibition of mTOR or MEK lowered the abundance of PCNA, a marker of tumor cell proliferation, and subsequently suppressed ribosome biogenesis, cell growth and xenograft growth in mouse model. MAL2 upregulation in clinical tumors is also linked to worse prognosis. Overall our data reveal that MAL2 is a potential diagnostic biomarker and targeting the MAL2/MAPK/mTOR signaling pathway may improve therapeutic strategy and efficacy for this subset of NSCLC patients.
Contrasting phylogeographic patterns of intertidal mites (Acari, Oribatida) along the South African shoreline
Authors: Pfingstl Tobias , Wagner Maximilian , Baumann Julia , Neethling Jan Andries , Bardel-Kahr Iris , Hugo-Coetzee Elizabeth A.
Published: April 2022

The South African coast is known to harbor four different species of intertidal oribatid mites and their distribution strongly correlates with marine ecoregions. Relatively little is known about the dispersal of these organisms and how populations of different locations are connected. To test dispersal abilities and connectivity of these South African species, we performed a morphometric and molecular genetic study. COI gene sequences of two of the widely distributed South African intertidal oribatid mite species revealed clearly contrasting patterns. Halozetes capensis, which occurs in the Agulhas Ecoregion, shows distinct genetic structuring, whereas Fortuynia elamellata micromorpha, which is distributed in the Natal Ecoregion, exhibits gene flow between all populations. The paleoenvironmental history and specific ocean current pattern are suggested to be responsible for these patterns. During the last glacial maximum, the colder climate and the weakening of the Agulhas Current possibly resulted in a bottleneck in the warm-adapted F. e. micromorpha populations, but the subsequent global warming allowed the populations to expand again. The cold-adapted H. capensis populations, on the other hand, experienced no dramatic changes during this period and thus could persist in the Agulhas Ecoregion. Considering transport on ocean currents, the Agulhas Current could be further responsible for the connectivity between the Fortuynia populations. But the deflection of this current in the Agulhas Ecoregion could support the isolation of Halozetes populations. The concomitant morphometric study demonstrated morphological homogeneity among populations of Fortuynia and thus confirms strong connectivity. The Halozetes populations, on the other hand, form two different morphological groups not reflecting geography.
Introducing an Austrian backpack in Spain
Authors: Sousa João Brogueira de , Díaz-Saavedra Julián , Marimon Ramon
Published: April 2022

In an overlapping generations economy with incomplete insurance markets, the introduction of an employment fund—akin to the one introduced in Austria in 2003, also known as ‘Austrian backpack’—can enhance production efficiency and social welfare. It complements the two classical systems of public insurance: pay-as-you-go (PAYG) pensions and unemployment insurance (UI). We show this in a calibrated dynamic general equilibrium model with heterogeneous agents of the Spanish economy in 2018. A ‘backpack’  (BP) employment fund is an individual (across jobs) transferable fund, which earns a market interest rate as a return and is financed with a payroll tax (a BP tax). The worker can use the fund while unemployed or retired. Upon retirement, backpack savings can be converted into an (actuarially fair) retirement pension. To complement the existing PAYG pension and UI systems with a welfare maximizing 6% BP tax would raise welfare by 0.96% of average consumption at the new steady state, if we model Spain as an open economy. As a closed economy, there are important general equilibrium effects, and as a result, the social value of introducing the backpack is substantially greater: 16.14%, with a BP tax of 18%. In both economies, the annuity retirement option is an important component of the welfare gains.
The fractional-order Lorenz-type systems: A review
Authors: Petráš Ivo
Published: April 2022

This paper deals with a survey of Lorenz-type systems. For the first time, a new classification of the fractional-order Lorenz-type systems was introduced. Several chaotic systems, as particular cases of the new general form, which belong to large Lorenz family, are presented together with equilibria, eigenvalues as well as attractors of these systems in 3-dimensional state space, respectively.
Monte Carlo method for fractional-order differentiation
Authors: Leonenko Nikolai , Podlubny Igor
Published: April 2022

In this work the Monte Carlo method is introduced for numerical evaluation of fractional-order derivatives. A general framework for using this method is presented and illustrated by several examples. The proposed method can be used for numerical evaluation of the Grünwald-Letnikov fractional derivatives, the Riemann-Liouville fractional derivatives, and also of the Caputo fractional derivatives, when they are equivalent to the Riemann-Liouville derivatives. The proposed method can be enhanced using standard approaches for the classic Monte Carlo method, and it also allows easy parallelization, which means that it is of high potential for applications of the fractional calculus.
Sodium-ion battery from sea salt: a review
Authors: Nurohmah Anisa Raditya , Nisa Shofirul Sholikhatun , Stulasti Khikmah Nur Rikhy , Yudha Cornelius Satria , Suci Windhu Griyasti , Aliwarga Kiwi , Widiyandari Hendri , Purwanto Agus
Published: April 2022

The electrical energy storage is important right now, because it is influenced by increasing human energy needs, and the battery is a storage energy that is being developed simultaneously. Furthermore, it is planned to switch the lithium-ion batteries with the sodium-ion batteries and the abundance of the sodium element and its economical price compared to lithium is the main point. The main components anode and cathode have significant effect on the sodium battery performance. This review briefly describes the components of the sodium battery, including the anode, cathode, electrolyte, binder, and separator, and the sources of sodium raw material is the most important in material synthesis or installation. Sea salt or NaCl has potential ability as a raw material for sodium battery cathodes, and the usage of sea salt in the cathode synthesis process reduces production costs, because the salt is very abundant and environmentally friendly as well. When a cathode using a source of Na2CO3, which was synthesized independently from NaCl can save about 16.66% after being calculated and anode with sodium metal when synthesized independently with NaCl can save about 98% after being calculated, because sodium metal is classified as expensive matter.
Understanding current UK practice for the incidental identification of vertebral fragility fractures from CT scans: an expert elicitation study
Authors: Dalal Garima , Bromiley Paul A. , Kariki Eleni P. , Luetchens Shawn , Cootes Timothy F. , Payne Katherine
Published: April 2022

Background

There is an emerging interest in using automated approaches to enable the incidental identification of vertebral fragility fractures (VFFs) on existing medical images visualising the spine.

Aim

To quantify values, and the degree of uncertainty associated with them, for the incidental identification of VFFs from computed tomography (CT) scans in current practice.

Methods

An expert elicitation exercise was conducted to generate point estimates and measures of uncertainty for four values representing the probability of: VFF being correctly reported by the radiologist; the absence of VFF being correctly assessed by the radiologist; being referred for management when a VFF is identified; having a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan after general practitioner (GP) referral. Data from a sample of seven experts in the diagnosis and management of people with VFFs were pooled using mathematical aggregation.

Results

The estimated mean values for each probability parameter were: VFF being correctly reported by the radiologist = 0.25 (standard deviation (SD): 0.21); absence of VFF being correctly assessed by the radiologist = 0.89 (0.10); being referred for management when a VFF is identified by the radiologist = 0.15 (0.12); having a DXA scan after GP referral = 0.66 (0.28).

Discussion

These estimates could be used to facilitate the subsequent early economic evaluation of potential new approaches to improve the health outcomes of people with VFFs.

Conclusion

In the absence of epidemiological studies, this study produced point estimates and measures of uncertainty for key parameters needed to describe current pathways for the incidental diagnosis of VFFs.
Comorbidity and osteoporotic fracture: approach through predictive modeling techniques using the OSTEOMED registry
Authors: Coco Martín María Begoña , Leal Vega Luis , Blázquez Cabrera José Antonio , Navarro Amalia , Moro María Jesús , Arranz García Francisca , Amérigo María José , Sosa Henríquez Manuel , Vázquez María Ángeles , Montoya María José , Díaz Curiel Manuel , Olmos José Manuel , Pérez Castrillón José Luis ,   OSTEOMED Group, Filgueira Rubio José , Sánchez Molini Pilar , Aguado Caballero José María , Armengol Sucarrats Dolors , Calero Bernal María Luz , de Escalante Yanguas Begoña , Hernández de Sosa Nerea , Hernández José Luis , Jareño Chaumel Julia , Miranda García María José , Giner García Mercedes , Miranda Díaz Cristina , Cotos Canca Rafael , Cobeta García Juan Carlos , Rodero Hernández Francisco Javier , Tirado Miranda Raimundo
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To examine the response to anti-osteoporotic treatment, considered as incident fragility fractures after a minimum follow-up of 1 year, according to sex, age, and number of comorbidities of the patients.

Methods

For this retrospective observational study, data from baseline and follow-up visits on the number of comorbidities, prescribed anti-osteoporotic treatment and vertebral, humerus or hip fractures in 993 patients from the OSTEOMED registry were analyzed using logistic regression and an artificial network model.

Results

Logistic regression showed that the probability of reducing fractures for each anti-osteoporotic treatment considered was independent of sex, age, and the number of comorbidities, increasing significantly only in males taking vitamin D (OR = 7.918), patients without comorbidities taking vitamin D (OR = 4.197) and patients with ≥ 3 comorbidities taking calcium (OR = 9.412). Logistic regression correctly classified 96% of patients (Hosmer–Lemeshow = 0.492) compared with the artificial neural network model, which correctly classified 95% of patients (AUC = 0.6).

Conclusion

In general, sex, age and the number of comorbidities did not influence the likelihood that a given anti-osteoporotic treatment improved the risk of incident fragility fractures after 1 year, but this appeared to increase when patients had been treated with risedronate, strontium or teriparatide. The two models used classified patients similarly, but predicted differently in terms of the probability of improvement, with logistic regression being the better fit.
Seeing is Believing: Inclusion of Biomedical Scientist Educators as Observers on Clinical Rounds
Authors: Clay Alison , Velkey Matt , Andolsek Kathryn M. , Knudsen Nancy W.
Published: April 2022

Increasingly, medical school curricula seek to integrate the biomedical and clinical sciences. Inclusion of the basic sciences into the clinical curricula is less robust than including clinical content early in medical school. We describe inclusion of biomedical scientists on patient care rounds to increase the visibility of biomedical sciences, to nurture relationships between clinicians and biomedical scientists, and to identify additional opportunities for integration throughout medical school.
A competitive swarm optimizer with probabilistic criteria for many-objective optimization problems
Authors: He Chao , Li Ming , Zhang Congxuan , Chen Hao , Li Xin , Li Junhua
Published: April 2022

Although multiobjective particle swarm optimizers (MOPSOs) have performed well on multiobjective optimization problems (MOPs) in recent years, there are still several noticeable challenges. For example, the traditional particle swarm optimizers are incapable of correctly discriminating between the personal and global best particles in MOPs, possibly leading to the MOPSOs lacking sufficient selection pressure toward the true Pareto front (PF). In addition, some particles will be far from the PF after updating, this may lead to invalid search and weaken the convergence efficiency. To address the abovementioned issues, we propose a competitive swarm optimizer with probabilistic criteria for many-objective optimization problems (MaOPs). First, we exploit a probability estimation method to select the leaders via the probability space, which ensures the search direction to be correct. Second, we design a novel competition mechanism that uses winner pool instead of the global and personal best particles to guide the entire population toward the true PF. Third, we construct an environment selection scheme with the mixed probability criterion to maintain population diversity. Finally, we present a swarm update strategy to ensure that the next generation particles are valid and the invalid search is avoided. We employ various benchmark problems with 3–15 objectives to conduct a comprehensive comparison between the presented method and several state-of-the-art approaches. The comparison results demonstrate that the proposed method performs well in terms of searching efficiency and population diversity, and especially shows promising potential for large-scale multiobjective optimization problems.
Preferences for climate change-related fiscal policies in European countries: drivers and seasonal effects
Authors: Becchetti Leonardo , Conzo Gianluigi
Published: April 2022

We investigate drivers of preferences for policies of climate change mitigation using the European Social Survey. We find that the share of individuals who agree on (bonus/malus) potentially balanced budget policies that tax fossil fuels and subsidize renewable energies is much less than those who agree only on subsidizing renewable energies. Low levels of education and income are significantly and negatively correlated with the probability of being part of the group of tax-and-subsidy advocates. We also find evidence of a strong seasonal effect, with a significantly higher share of support for the tax-and-subsidy policy being present when interviews are conducted during the hottest months of the year. We discuss the implications of our findings in terms of politically feasible climate change policies.
Enhanced Electrokinetic Remediation of Cadmium (Cd)-Contaminated Soil with Interval Power Breaking
Authors: Cai Zongping , Sun Yan , Deng Yanghong , Zheng Xiaojie , Sun Shuiyu , Sinkkonen Aki , Romantschuk Martin
Published: April 2022

This study compared electrokinetic (EK) remediation with and without interval power breaking in the removal of total and plant available cadmium (Cd) in the soil. Two laboratory experiments, i.e. EK remediation with interval power breaking (24–12 h power-on-off cycles) and conventional EK remediation (continuous power supply), with the same accumulated time (192 h) of power supply, were conducted to remove soil Cd. After the EK remediation with interval power breaking, the total Cd removal efficiency in the soil rose to 38%, in comparison to 28% after the conventional EK remediation. As for the plant available Cd, the removal efficiency was enhanced from 52 to 63%. Additionally, the electric current during the EK remediation and electric conductivity after the EK remediation were higher in the soil treated by interval power breaking, which indicated an enhanced desorption and/or migration of charged species. It further meant that the higher removal efficiency of soil Cd by interval power breaking could be related to the enhanced desorption and/or migration of Cd species. This study indicated that both conventional EK remediation and EK remediation with interval power breaking were effective methods to remove soil Cd but EK remediation with interval power breaking was more efficient.
Should We Call This Oral Granuloma “Telangiectatic” Instead of “Pyogenic”? A Case Report
Authors: Ramírez-Rámiz Albert , Brunet-Llobet Lluís , Ramírez-Narbón Joaquim , Miranda-Rius Jaume
Published: April 2022

Telangiectatic granuloma, traditionally known as pyogenic granuloma, is a benign vascular tumor that appears in the oral mucosa in response to irritant, inflammatory, or traumatic stimuli. This case has a strong academic focus and will be of interest to dental surgeons. Clinicians should be alert to any gingival overgrowth. We present the case of a 79-year-old patient with a profuse lesion on a gingival papilla. Complete excision was performed followed by a confirmatory pathology study. We review the terminology, semiology, etiopathogenesis, and incidence of the lesion. Soft tissue enlargements of the oral cavity often present a major challenge because they may be produced by a diverse group of pathological processes. A tumor-like growth may be the result of a variation in normal anatomic structures, inflammation, cysts, development anomalies, or a neoplasm. We propose a differential diagnosis with other entities based on histopathology, and stress the importance of close follow-up from the time of diagnosis until surgical treatment and resolution. This case report does not query the validity of pyogenic expression but somehow, it might be misleading. We conclude that, in our case, the term “telangiectatic” is more appropriate than “pyogenic.”
Bayesian Tensor Completion and Decomposition with Automatic CP Rank Determination Using MGP Shrinkage Prior
Authors: Takayama Hiromu , Zhao Qibin , Hontani Hidekata , Yokota Tatsuya
Published: April 2022

Tensor completion, which completes high-dimensional data with missing entries, has many applications, such as recommender systems and image inpainting. Low-rank CP decomposition is one of the popular methods in tensor completion and is an extension of matrix decomposition to higher order tensors. However, unlike matrix factorization, it is NP-hard to obtain the rank of CP decomposition directly. In this paper, our objective is simultaneously achieving tensor completion and rank determination in CP decomposition. This can be achieved using Bayesian CP decomposition with Multiplicative Gamma Process (MGP) as the prior distribution. MGP is a distribution that decays the components. Using MGP, the proposed method avoids duplication of components and enables highly accurate rank estimation in Bayesian tensor modeling. In addition, MGP helps to reduce noise sensitivity and estimation time. Numerical experiments using artificial data and image data demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Assessing the Risk of Decrease in Kidney Function in Patients Prescribed Direct-Acting Antivirals for Hepatitis C Utilizing the MID-NET® Medical Information Database Network in Japan
Authors: Hasegawa Tomoaki , Sawada Sono , Ishiguro Chieko , Ando Takashi , Kobayashi Kanae , Komiyama Noriyuki , Iguchi Toyotaka , Nonaka Takahiro , Uyama Yoshiaki
Published: April 2022

An association between kidney disease and direct-acting antivirals against hepatitis C (DAAs) has been suggested, however the warning on the package insert (PI) of the drug varies among DAAs. In this study, the risk of decreased kidney function associated with DAAs marketed in Japan was investigated to determine whether the risk of kidney disease is a common adverse event and class effect of DAAs. Data for patients who were new users of DAAs marketed in Japan, with eGFR ≥ 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 and without specific risk factors, were extracted from the MID-NET® medical information database network in Japan. Changes from the baseline on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) categories (eGFR ≥ 90, 90 > eGFR ≥ 60, 60 > eGFR ≥ 45, 45 > eGFR ≥ 30, 30 > eGFR ≥ 15, 15 > eGFR; unit: mL/min/1.73 m2) were used for evaluating the risk of decreased kidney function. Exposure groups for DAAs and relevant concomitant drugs were categorized into 10 patterns based on the PI. Among the 10 patterns, a significant increase in the incidence rate ratio (P < 0.01) was observed in the prescription patterns of concomitant use of telaprevir with peginterferon alpha and ribavirin, concomitant use of daclatasvir hydrochloride with asunaprevir, and ombitasvir hydrate combined with paritaprevir hydrate and ritonavir, which were concomitantly used with ribavirin; such an increase was not observed in the other prescription patterns. The effects of DAAs on kidney function may differ among drugs, suggesting the possibility that the risk of kidney disease is not a class effect of DAAs and should be evaluated individually for each DAA.
Nash equilibrium seeking over directed graphs
Authors: Tang Yutao , Yi Peng , Zhang Yanqiong , Liu Dawei
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we aim to develop distributed continuous-time algorithms over directed graphs to seek the Nash equilibrium in a noncooperative game. Motivated by the recent consensus-based designs, we present a distributed algorithm with a proportional gain for weight-balanced directed graphs. By further embedding a distributed estimator of the left eigenvector associated with zero eigenvalue of the graph Laplacian, we extend it to the case with arbitrary strongly connected directed graphs having possible unbalanced weights. In both cases, the Nash equilibrium is proven to be exactly reached with an exponential convergence rate. An example is given to illustrate the validity of the theoretical results.
Personal experiences of appropriate access to post-acute care services in acquired brain injury: a scoping review
Authors: Laurie Kirstyn , Foster Michele , Gustafsson Louise
Published: April 2022

People with an acquired brain injury (ABI) experience substantial access inequalities and unmet health needs, with many experiencing insufficient access to appropriate rehabilitation in the community. To deepen our understanding of what appropriate access to post-acute care services is for this population, and to facilitate optimal recovery, there is a need to synthesise research from the service user perspective. A scoping review study was conducted to identify key characteristics of ‘appropriate’ access to post-acute care services, as defined by the personal experiences of adults with ABI. Electronic scientific databases Medline, PsycINFO, Proquest Central and CINAHL were searched for studies published between 2000 and 2020. The initial search identified 361 articles which, along with articles retrieved from reference list searches, resulted in 52 articles included in the final analysis. Results indicated that a majority of the studies sampled participants with an average of over 1 year post-injury, with some studies sampling participants ranging over 10 years in difference in time post-injury. A thematic synthesis was conducted and results indicated a number of dominant elements which relate to (1) the characteristics of services: provider expertise, interpersonal qualities, partnership and adaptability; (2) characteristics of the health system: navigable system, integrated care, adequacy, and opportunity. These findings provide some insight into what might be considered appropriate. However, rigorous research, focused on personalised access to post-acute care services, is recommended to verify and elaborate on these findings.
Demystifying Humility's Paradoxes
Authors: Hughes Derick
Published: April 2022

The utterance “I am humble” is thought to be paradoxical because a speaker implies that they know they are virtuous or reveals an aim to impress others – a decidedly non-humble aim. Such worries lead to the seemingly absurd conclusion that a humble person cannot properly assert that they are humble. In this paper, I reconstruct and evaluate three purported paradoxes of humility concerning its self-attribution, knowledge and belief about our own virtue, and humility's value. I argue that humility is not genuinely paradoxical and that these puzzles do not have meaningful implications for its conceptual analyses. I instead offer error theoretical explanations of humility's apparent paradoxicality.
Demodex density increases after adalimumab therapy in ankylosing spondylitis: a pilot study
Authors: Li Xuegang , Lam Nelson Siu Kei , Yang Li , Liang Anqi , Long Xin Xin , Guo Junli , Zhong Shuping
Published: April 2022

Demodex infestation and density changes remain one of the main challenges in some clinical settings. Tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) inhibitors have been recommended as a first-line treatment for ankylosing spondylitis (AS). However, there have been no studies investigating the impact of TNF-α inhibitor adalimumab on changes in the Demodex density in patients with AS. The aim of this study was to investigate Demodex density changes before and after adalimumab treatment and analyse the relationship between the Demodex density and clinical characteristics in AS. It was found that the Demodex density was positively correlated with age and C-reactive protein levels and the number of Demodex mites could increase after adalimumab treatment in AS.
Molecular targets for the development of new acaricides againstRhipicephalus microplus: a review
Authors: Cerqueira Amanda Ponce Morais , Santos Matheus da Cunha , dos Santos Júnior Manoelito Coelho , Botura Mariana Borges
Published: April 2022

The cattle tickRhipicephalus microplusis an ectoparasite with high economic importance to bovine culture, mainly in tropical and subtropical regions. The resistance of the tick from the commercial acaricides has hindered its control, thus motivating the search for new strategies. The purpose of this study was to perform a critical review about the main molecular targets ofR. microplusthat are useful for the discovery of new acaricides. Bibliographic search was conducted in the databases PubMed, ScienceDirect and CAB Direct, using the following descriptors: ‘Rhipicephalus microplus’, ‘Boophilus microplus’, ‘molecular targets’ and ‘action’, published between 2010 and 2021. Out of the 212 publications identified, 17 articles were selected for study inclusion. This review described 14 molecular targets and among these 4 are targets from commercial acaricides. Most of them are enzymes to catalyse important reactions to tick survival, related to energetic metabolism, mechanisms of biotransformation and neurotransmission. The data will be helpful in the development of new more effective and selective acaricides.
Logical grouping of data and control functions on the displays of shipboard navigation systems
Authors: Vu Viet Dung , Lutzhoft Margareta , Imset Marius
Published: April 2022

Standards IEC 62288:2014 and MSC.191(79) require information on the displays of shipboard navigation systems to be logically grouped, but only provide limited specification for this ‘logical’ criterion. Meanwhile, complex interfaces and information overload remain as major design issues, being connected to several maritime accidents. To address this matter, a three-phase study was conducted to develop a pattern to organise essential information on Radar and Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) displays and their equivalent modules on integrated navigation systems and integrated bridge systems. The first phase involved identifying the information most essential for safe navigation using cognitive task analyses, equipment performance standards and frequency of use. The second phase involved a card-sorting experiment with seafarers (n = 63) to develop an initial grouping pattern for the identified essential information. The third phase involved validating the initial grouping pattern with a new sample of seafarers (n = 35). The result is a pattern to group 48 types of information on shipboard navigation displays into 13 groups. The paper details the selected methods and the findings, and provides implications for future research.
Geochemical characteristics of terrigenous saline lacustrine shale in the Qianjiang Depression, Jianghan Basin, China: implications for controls on the formation of the inter-salt organic-rich shale
Authors: JIA Nan , WANG Zixiang , SUN Lina
Published: April 2022

The inter-salt shale of the Qianjiang Formation in Jianghan Basin is a typical and important continental saline lake shale oil system in China. To achieve a better understanding of the formation of the inter-salt organic-rich shale, the mineral, major and trace elements and organic geochemical characteristics (total organic carbon (TOC) and biomarkers) of the Eq34-10 shale (high TOC) and the Eq40-5 shale (low TOC) were studied. The results suggest that (a) the organic matter in the inter-salt shale was predominantly derived from endogenous lower aquatic organisms, algae and bacteria; (b) there was a hot arid palaeoclimate and a low degree of chemical weathering conditions during the deposition of the inter-salt shale; (c) the inter-salt shale deposited in an extreme restriction hyper-saline lacustrine and reducing environment, and the salinity of the palaeolake decreases with the increase of the input of terrigenous clastic materials; and (d) the inter-salt shale deposited under an arid and semi-arid climate condition with an intermittent warm and humid climate. In summary, lake palaeoproductivity under the control of palaeoclimate change is the key and direct factor controlling the development of inter-salt organic-rich shale of Qianjiang Formation in Jianghan Basin.