bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integration of Reinforcement Learning in a Virtual Robotic Surgical Simulation
Authors: Bourdillon Alexandra T. , Garg Animesh , Wang Hanjay , Woo Y. Joseph , Pavone Marco , Boyd Jack
Published: May 2022

Background. The revolutions in AI hold tremendous capacity to augment human achievements in surgery, but robust integration of deep learning algorithms with high-fidelity surgical simulation remains a challenge. We present a novel application of reinforcement learning (RL) for automating surgical maneuvers in a graphical simulation.

Methods. In the Unity3D game engine, the Machine Learning-Agents package was integrated with the NVIDIA FleX particle simulator for developing autonomously behaving RL-trained scissors. Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO) was used to reward movements and desired behavior such as movement along desired trajectory and optimized cutting maneuvers along the deformable tissue-like object. Constant and proportional reward functions were tested, and TensorFlow analytics was used to informed hyperparameter tuning and evaluate performance.

Results. RL-trained scissors reliably manipulated the rendered tissue that was simulated with soft-tissue properties. A desirable trajectory of the autonomously behaving scissors was achieved along 1 axis. Proportional rewards performed better compared to constant rewards. Cumulative reward and PPO metrics did not consistently improve across RL-trained scissors in the setting for movement across 2 axes (horizontal and depth).

Conclusion. Game engines hold promising potential for the design and implementation of RL-based solutions to simulated surgical subtasks. Task completion was sufficiently achieved in one-dimensional movement in simulations with and without tissue-rendering. Further work is needed to optimize network architecture and parameter tuning for increasing complexity.
The prognostic impact of bone metastasis in patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma treated with first-line platinum-based chemotherapy
Authors: Alqaisi Husam A. , Stecca Carlos , Veitch Zachary W. , Riromar Jamila , Kaiser Jeenan , Fallah-Rad Nazanin , Jiang Di Maria , North Scott , Samnani Sunil , Alimohamed Nimira , Sridhar Srikala S.
Published: May 2022

Background:

In metastatic urothelial cancer (mUC), bone metastasis (BM) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, yet their role as an independent prognostic variable remains unclear. We aimed to determine the impact of BM on overall survival (OS) in patients with mUC treated with first-line platinum-based chemotherapy (PBC).

Methods:

mUC patients receiving PBC at the Princess Margaret Cancer Center, Tom Baker Cancer Center, or Cross Cancer Institute from January 2005 to January 2018 were identified retrospectively using central pharmacy database records. Patient disease, treatment, and response characteristics were collected. Progression-free survival (PFS) and OS were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Variables reaching significance ( p < 0.05) in univariable analysis (UVA) of survival (OS) were included in multivariable analysis (MVA) (Cox).

Results:

Overall, 376 patients with a median follow-up of 16.8 (range: 2.2–218.3) months were included. Median age was 67 (range: 28–91) years, 76% were male, 63% had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) of 0–1, and 41% had BM. All patients received first-line PBC. Patients with BM had inferior median PFS (4.9 months (95% CI 3.6–6.2) versus 6.5 months (95% CI 5.4–7.6), p = 0.03) and median OS (8.8 months (95% CI 7.8–9.7) versus 10.8 months (95% CI 9.1–12.5), p = 0.002). In UVA, ECOG PS 2–3 ( p < 0.001), presence of BM ( p = 0.002), and WBC count ⩾ 11,000 cells/mm3 ( p = 0.001) were associated with inferior survival. Prior cystectomy ( p < 0.001) and lack of progression (stable disease, partial or complete response) on treatment was associated with improved OS ( p < 0.001). These variables maintained significance in MVA.

Conclusion:

In this retrospective study, mUC patients with BM had worse OS suggesting that BM may be an independent negative prognostic factor and including BM as a stratification factor in future mUC clinical trial designs may be warranted. A greater focus must be placed on novel therapeutic strategies to better manage BM to reduce both morbidity and mortality.
Stigma and healthcare access among men who have sex with men and transgender women who have sex with men in Senegal
Authors: Dibble Kate E , Baral Stefan D , Beymer Matthew R , Stahlman Shauna , Lyons Carrie E , Olawore Oluwasolape , Ndour Cheikh , Turpin Nunez Gnilane , Toure-Kane Coumba , Leye Diouf Nafissatou , Diouf Daouda , Drame Fatou Maria , Mboup Souleymane , Murray Sarah M
Published: May 2022

Objectives:

Cisgender gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men and transgender women experience HIV incidence disparities in Senegal. These analyses determined how depression and different stigma mechanisms related to sexual behavior are associated with healthcare access, sexually transmitted infection testing, and HIV testing among cisgender gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men and transgender women across three cities in western Senegal.

Methods:

Logistic regression assessed the relationship of three stigma scales (stigma from family and friends, anticipated healthcare stigma, and general social stigma) and depression with these outcomes.

Results:

Depression and stigma were not associated with healthcare access, sexually transmitted infection testing, or HIV testing. However, individuals who had disclosed their sexual identity to a medical provider were more likely to test for HIV.

Conclusions:

Sexual behavior stigma experienced by cisgender gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men and trans women in Senegal may not limit access to routine healthcare, but may limit disclosure of sexual orientation and practices, limiting access to appropriate HIV prevention services.
Can Peer Review Be Kinder? Supportive Peer Review: A Re-Commitment to Kindness and a Call to Action
Authors: Clase Catherine M. , Dicks Elizabeth , Holden Rachel , Sood Manish M. , Levin Adeera , Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar , Moore Linda W , Bartlett Susan J. , Bello Aminu K. , Bohm Clara , Bridgewater Darren , Bouchard Josee , Burger Dylan , Carrero Juan Jesús , Donald Maoliosa , Elliott Meghan , Goldenberg Maya J. , Jardine Meg , Lam Ngan N. , Maddigan W. Joy , Madore François , Mavrakanas Thomas A. , Molnar Amber O. , Prasad G. V. Ramesh , Rigatto Claudio , Tennankore Karthik K. , Torban Elena , Trainor Laurel , White Christine A. , Hartwig Sunny
Published: May 2022

Peer review aims to select articles for publication and to improve articles before publication. We believe that this process can be infused by kindness without losing rigor. In 2014, the founding editorial team of the Canadian Journal of Kidney Health and Disease (CJKHD) made an explicit commitment to treat authors as we would wish to be treated ourselves. This broader group of authors reaffirms this principle, for which we suggest the terminology “supportive review.”
Remote work video meetings: Workers’ emotional exhaustion and practices for greater well-being
Authors: Johnson Betty J , Mabry J Beth
Published: May 2022

Meeting science literature provides a foundation for understanding workplace meetings as a source of stress. However, a new form of worker stress, “Zoom fatigue,” quickly emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic when organizations rapidly adopted video meetings for remote work-from-home. We sought to understand workers’ perceptions about video meeting experiences and how they relate to their sense of emotional exhaustion. Additionally, we were curious about what workers might see as ways to make video meetings less tiring and more beneficial. These insights could inform practical solutions for leaders and organizations to reduce the stress and resulting emotional fatigue related to video meetings. This mixed-methods study, based on survey data collected in August 2020 from 345 workers at a cross-section of U.S.-headquartered organizations, provides evidence of worker experiences related to video meeting stress. The quantitative and qualitative results show that workers feel psychologically depleted by video meeting load, an excess of load needed to do their job, video meetings that are not beneficial to them, video meetings that conflict with the time and energy needed to perform their other job responsibilities and fulfill their home responsibilities, and the perceived necessity to surface act. The data show these factors relate to diminished well-being in the form of emotional exhaustion. Participants’ qualitative responses corroborate the results and suggest supportive practices related to planning and inclusion and supportive interaction that can ease video meeting exhaustion.
Decompressive craniectomy combined with temporal pole resection in the treatment of massive cerebral infarction
Authors: Lu Wenchao , Jia Dong , Qin Yanchang
Published: May 2022

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and prognosis of decompressive craniectomy combined with temporal pole resection in the treatment of massive cerebral infarction, in order to provide basis for treatment selection.

Methods

The clinical data of the patient with massive cerebral infarction treated in our hospital from January 2015 to December 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. According to the surgical methods, the patients were divided into control group (decompressive craniectomy) and study group (decompressive craniectomy + temporal pole resection). Intracranial pressure monitoring devices were placed in both groups. The NIHSS scores of the two groups before and 14 days after operation, the changes of intracranial pressure, length of hospital stay, length of NICU, mortality and modified Rankin scale before and after treatment were compared between the two groups.

Results

The NIHSS score of the two groups after operation was lower than that before operation, and the NIHSS score of the study group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05); The intracranial pressure in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05); One month after operation, the mortality of the study group (13.0%) was lower than that of the control group (27.8%). After one year of follow-up, the mortality of the study group (21.7%) was significantly lower than that of the control group (38.8%) (P < 0.05); The scores of mRS in the two groups were significantly improved compared with those before treatment (P < 0.05), and the scores of mRS in the study group were better than those in the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Decompressive craniectomy combined with temporal pole resection has a better effect in the treatment of patients with massive cerebral infarction. It has good decompression effect, the postoperative intracranial pressure is well controlled, and significantly reduced the mortality. So it has better clinical application value.
Challenges in the management of metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1: a case report
Authors: Bharath B. G. , Rastogi Sameer , Ahmed Shamim , Barwad Adarsh
Published: May 2022

Background

Neurofibromatosis type 1 is an inherited cancer predisposition syndrome that is caused by a mutation in the NF1 gene that encodes neurofibromin. Patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 have a higher risk of gastrointestinal stromal tumor. This study reports the case of a patient with gastrointestinal stromal tumor who was later diagnosed to have neurofibromatosis type 1 and, unlike usual features, had some uncommon features such as occurrence at an early age and unusual site of origin.

Case

We report the case of a 29-year-old Indian female diagnosed to have gastrointestinal stromal tumor originating from the greater curvature of the stomach. Gastrointestinal stromal tumor was wild type, negative for c-kit and platelet-derived growth factor receptor, and had an aggressive clinical course not responding to oral tyrosine kinase inhibitors. On later evaluation, we found that the patient had germline mutation in NF1. This case has some unusual features compared with gastrointestinal stromal tumor cases reported in neurofibromatosis type 1. Firstly, the age of onset for gastrointestinal stromal tumor in neurofibromatosis type 1 is earlier in our case compared with previous cases reported in literature. Secondly, the site of occurrence is in the stomach, without involving other parts of the intestine. Gastrointestinal stromal tumor in neurofibromatosis type 1 is usually multifocal, and small intestine is the common site of occurrence. When occurring in the stomach, it is usually associated with other lesions in the small intestine. Lastly, the clinical course is aggressive compared with previous case reports and series.

Conclusion

Our patient had germline NF1 mutation and cutaneous stigmata of neurofibromatosis. Our patient had unicentric gastrointestinal stromal tumor occurring at younger age and involving greater curvature of the stomach, with spindle cell type histology and high-risk features. If gastrointestinal stromal tumor occurs at young age, we should look into neurocutaneous markers.
Fabrication of SA/Gel/C scaffold with 3D bioprinting to generate micro-nano porosity structure for skin wound healing: a detailed animal in vivo study
Authors: Niu Changmei , Wang Liyang , Ji Dongdong , Ren Mingjun , Ke Dongxu , Fu Qiang , Zhang Kaile , Yang Xi
Published: May 2022

Bioprinting has exhibited remarkable promises for the fabrication of functional skin substitutes. However, there are some significant challenges for the treatment of full-thickness skin defects in clinical practice. It is necessary to determine bioinks with suitable mechanical properties and desirable biocompatibilities. Additionally, the key for printing skin is to design the skin structure optimally, enabling the function of the skin. In this study, the full-thickness skin scaffolds were prepared with a gradient pore structure constructing the dense layer, epidermis, and dermis by different ratios of bioinks. We hypothesized that the dense layer protects the wound surface and maintains a moist environment on the wound surface. By developing a suitable hydrogel bioink formulation (sodium alginate/gelatin/collagen), to simulate the physiological structure of the skin via 3D printing, the proportion of hydrogels was optimized corresponding to each layer. These results reveal that the scaffold has interconnected macroscopic channels, and sodium alginate/gelatin/collagen scaffolds accelerated wound healing, reduced skin wound contraction, and re-epithelialization in vivo. It is expected to provide a rapid and economical production method of skin scaffolds for future clinical applications.
Fixed point theorems for generalized $(\alpha ,\psi )$-contraction mappings in rectangular quasi b-metric spaces
Authors: Abagaro Bontu Nasir , Tola Kidane Koyas , Mamud Mustefa Abduletif
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we introduce the class of rectangular quasi b-metric spaces as a generalization of rectangular metric spaces, rectangular quasi-metric spaces, rectangular b-metric spaces, define generalized$(\alpha ,\psi ) $(α,ψ)-contraction mappings and study fixed point results for the maps introduced in the setting of rectangular quasi b-metric spaces. Our results extend and generalize related fixed point results in the literature, in particular, the works of Karapinar and Lakzian (J. Funct. Spaces 2014:914398, 2014), Alharbi et al. (J. Math. Anal. 9(3):47–60, 2018), and Khuangsatung et al. (Thai J. Math. 2020:89–101, 2020) from rectangular quasi metric space and rectangularb-metric space to rectangular quasib-metric spaces. We also provide examples in support of our main findings. Furthermore, we applied one of our results to determine the existence of a solution to an integral equation.
Does linking women farmers to markets improve food security? Evidence from rural Bangladesh
Authors: Lee Han Bum , McNamara Paul E. , Bhattacharyya Kamal
Published: May 2022

Background

This study examined the effect of linking small-scale women farmers to markets, referred to as community marketing, and homestead food production extension services in two districts of rural Bangladesh.

Method

We particularly focused on identifying the relationship between treatment and food security, monthly expenditure patterns, and food production and marketing by adopting a doubly robust method that mediated bias from project site selection and potential misspecification of the postulated outcome or treatment model.

Results

The main results showed that establishing community marketing sites along with extension services provided women farmers a secured marketing outlet for food production, plausibly associated with a decreased likelihood of a reduction in monthly expenditures on healthcare (12.7 percentage points), child education (19.4 percentage points), and transportation (51.5 percentage points) during the lean season. However, if farmers did not spend extra income generated from marketing on food purchases, it would be difficult to anticipate an improvement in food security.

Conclusion

Community marketing was devised to link women smallholders to the markets without conflicting with social and cultural norms for which women were responsive, and our research findings supported the claim that they benefited from community marketing participation. Therefore, government, NGO, or other extension providers looking for a culturally appropriate approach to address women farmers’ limited mobility may consider using or modifying community marketing.
Non-destructive, spectrophotometric analysis of the thickness of the cell-multilayered periosteal sheet
Authors: Aizawa Hachidai , Uematsu Takashi , Sato Atsushi , Masuki Hideo , Kawabata Hideo , Tsujino Tetsuhiro , Isobe Kazushige , Kitamura Yutaka , Nagata Masaki , Nakata Koh , Kawase Tomoyuki
Published: May 2022

Background

Autologous tissue-engineered periosteal sheets, which have been clinically applied for periodontal regeneration, sinus lift, and alveolar ridge augmentation, are enriched with osteoblast precursor cells and the abundant deposition of collagen type I in the extracellular spaces. Their quality is inspected prior to clinical use; however, most criteria cannot be evaluated without sacrificing samples. To reduce such losses, we developed a non-destructive optical method that can quantitatively evaluate the thickness of the periosteal sheet.

Methods

Dispersed periosteal cells were inoculated into small pieces of collagen sponge (Terudermis®) and plated into 60-mm dishes for further explant culture using a conventional medium and a stem-cell culture medium. The thickness of periosteal sheets was evaluated using inverted microscopic, histological, labeling (CellVue®)-based imaging and spectrophotometric (Spectro-1®) methods.

Results

The three-dimensional growth of periosteal sheets did not necessarily correlate with two-dimensional growth. The periosteal sheet prepared with the stem-cell medium formed cell multilayers, a phenomenon that could be observed qualitatively by inverted microscopy. The spectrophotometric analysis enabled the quantitative evaluation of the thickness of the cell multilayer without sacrificing the samples processed for scheduled cell therapy.

Conclusions

The growth of periosteal sheets is influenced by several major factors, including the basic quality of the individual original periosteal tissue segments, the technical expertise of doctors and operators involved in tissue harvesting and processing, and culture conditions. This newly developed spectrophotometric analysis can quantify the thickness of cell-multilayered periosteal sheets for quality assurance in a non-destructive manner, thereby contributing to better bone augmentation prior to implant therapy.
Infectious diseases and predominant travel-related syndromes among long-term expatriates living in low-and middle- income countries: a scoping review
Authors: Kitro Amornphat , Ngamprasertchai Thundon , Srithanaviboonchai Kriengkrai
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Expatriates working in low-and middle-income countries have unique health problems. Migration leads not only to an increase in individual health risk but also a risk of global impact, such as pandemics. Expatriates with no prior experience living in tropical settings have expressed greatest concern about infectious diseases and appropriate peri-travel consultation is essential to expatriates. The objective of this review is to describe infections and travel-related syndromes among expatriates living in low-and middle-income countries.

Methods

MEDLINE database since the year 2000 was searched for relevant literature. Search terms were “long-term travel”, “expatriate”, and “health problems”. The additional references were obtained from hand-searching of selected articles.

Results

Up to 80% of expatriates suffered from gastrointestinal problems followed by dermatologic problems (up to 40%), and febrile systemic infection/vector-borne/parasitic infection (up to 34%) Expatriates living in Southeast Asia were at risk of vector-borne diseases including dengue and non-Plasmodium falciparum (pf) malaria while expatriates living in South Asia had a high prevalence of acute and chronic diarrhea. Staying long-term in Africa was related to an elevated risk for pf malaria and gastrointestinal infection. In Latin America, dermatologic problems were commonly reported illnesses among expatriates.

Conclusion

Certain health risks for expatriates who are going to depart to specific regions should be the focus of pre-travel consultation. Specific health preparations may reduce the risk of disease throughout their time abroad. Disease and symptom awareness is essential for screening, early diagnosis, and better health outcomes for ill-expatriates.
A literature review and integrated framework for the determinants of crowdfunding success
Authors: Deng Lingfei , Ye Qiang , Xu DaPeng , Sun Wenjun , Jiang Guangxin
Published: May 2022

Crowdfunding is an innovative strategy for financing a new business venture from the general public instead of seeking funds in traditional ways, such as issuing bonds or bank lending. This study aims to identify the determinants affecting the success of a crowdfunding campaign and how different measurements for crowdfunding success, different crowdfunding models, and the selection of subdivided determinants influence the determinants’ impacts on crowdfunding success. We set the disciplines in the search strategy to select studies related to crowdfunding success. Ultimately, 94 empirical papers are selected to reveal the different findings for the determinants of crowdfunding success; based on this information, we construct an integrated framework for future research. There has been much research on project- and creator-related factors; however, many of these factors have inconsistent relationships with crowdfunding success due to varying measurements of success. In particular, different measurements used within the same study for determinants or crowdfunding success may also produce inconsistent results. In addition, different crowdfunding models of a project have been found to induce additional findings. Our review of the determinants of crowdfunding success and the definitions of the determinants, as well as the proposed integrated framework, can help focus future work on relatively new or unique determinants rarely addressed in the existing literature. This work provides practical implications for both theory and practice, and directions for future research.
Modelling the dynamics of stock market in the gulf cooperation council countries: evidence on persistence to shocks
Authors: Boubaker Heni , Saidane Bassem , Ben Saad Zorgati Mouna
Published: May 2022

This study examines the statistical properties required to model the dynamics of both the returns and volatility series of the daily stock market returns in six Gulf Cooperation Council countries, namely Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, under different financial and economic circumstances. The empirical investigation is conducted using daily data from June 1, 2005 to July 1, 2019. The analysis is conducted using a set of double long-memory specifications with some significant features such as long-range dependencies, asymmetries in conditional variances, non-linearity, and multiple seasonality or time-varying correlations. Our study indicates that the joint dual long-memory process can adequately estimate long-memory dynamics in returns and volatility. The in-sample diagnostic tests as well as out-of-sample forecasting results demonstrate the prevalence of the Autoregressive Fractionally Integrated Moving Average and Hyperbolic Asymmetric Power Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity modeling process over other competing models in fitting the first and the second conditional moments of the market returns. Moreover, the empirical results show that the proposed model offers an interesting framework to describe the long-range dependence in returns and seasonal persistence to shocks in conditional volatility and strongly support the estimation of dynamic returns that allow for time-varying correlations. A noteworthy finding is that the long-memory dependencies in the conditional variance processes of stock market returns appear important, asymmetric, and differ in their volatility responses to unexpected shocks. Our evidence suggests that these markets are not completely efficient in processing regional news, thus providing a sound alternative for regional portfolio diversification.
Interventions in hypertension: systematic review and meta-analysis of natural and quasi-experiments
Authors: Xia Tong , Zhao Fan , Nianogo Roch A.
Published: May 2022

Background

Hypertension is an urgent public health problem. Consistent summary from natural and quasi-experiments employed to evaluate interventions that aim at preventing or controlling hypertension is lacking in the current literature. This study aims to summarize the evidence from natural and quasi-experiments that evaluated interventions used to prevent or control hypertension.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase and Web of Science for natural and quasi-experiments evaluating interventions used to prevent hypertension, improve blood pressure control or reduce blood pressure levels from January 2008 to November 2018. Descriptions of studies and interventions were systematically summarized, and a meta-analysis was conducted.

Results

Thirty studies were identified, and all used quasi-experimental designs including a difference-in-difference, a pre-post with a control group or a propensity score matching design. Education and counseling on lifestyle modifications such as promoting physical activity (PA), promoting a healthy diet and smoking cessation consultations could help prevent hypertension in healthy people. The use of computerized clinical practice guidelines by general practitioners, education and management of hypertension, the screening for cardiovascular disease (CVD) goals and referral could help improve hypertension control in patients with hypertension. The educating and counseling on PA and diet, the monitoring of patients’ metabolic factors and chronic diseases, the combination of education on lifestyles with management of hypertension, the screening for economic risk factors, medical needs, and CVD risk factors and referral all could help reduce blood pressure. In the meta-analysis, the largest reduction in blood pressure was seen for interventions which combined education, counseling and management strategies: weighted mean difference in systolic blood pressure was − 5.34 mmHg (95% confidence interval [CI], − 7.35 to − 3.33) and in diastolic blood pressure was − 3.23 mmHg (95% CI, − 5.51 to − 0.96).

Conclusions

Interventions that used education and counseling strategies; those that used management strategies; those that used combined education, counseling and management strategies and those that used screening and referral strategies were beneficial in preventing, controlling hypertension and reducing blood pressure levels. The combination of education, counseling and management strategies appeared to be the most beneficial intervention to reduce blood pressure levels.
Molecular mechanism of crosstalk between immune and metabolic systems in metabolic syndrome
Authors: Hachiya Rumi , Tanaka Miyako , Itoh Michiko , Suganami Takayoshi
Published: May 2022

Chronic inflammation is currently considered as a molecular basis of metabolic syndrome. Particularly, obesity-induced inflammation in adipose tissue is the origin of chronic inflammation of metabolic syndrome. Adipose tissue contains not only mature adipocytes with large lipid droplets, but also a variety of stromal cells including adipocyte precursors, vascular component cells, immune cells, and fibroblasts. However, crosstalk between those various cell types in adipose tissue in obesity still remains to be fully understood. We focus on two innate immune receptors, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and macrophage-inducible C-type lectin (Mincle). We provided evidence that adipocyte-derived saturated fatty acids (SFAs) activate macrophage TLR4 signaling pathway, thereby forming a vicious cycle of inflammatory responses during the development of obesity. Intriguingly, the TLR4 signaling pathway is modulated metabolically and epigenetically: SFAs augment TLR4 signaling through the integrated stress response and chromatin remodeling, such as histone methylation, regulates dynamic transcription patterns downstream of TLR4 signaling. Another innate immune receptor Mincle senses cell death, which is a trigger of chronic inflammatory diseases including obesity. Macrophages form a histological structure termed “crown-like structure (CLS)”, in which macrophages surround dead adipocytes to engulf cell debris and residual lipids. Mincle is exclusively expressed in macrophages forming the CLS in obese adipose tissue and regulates adipocyte death-triggered adipose tissue fibrosis. In addition to adipose tissue, we found a structure similar to CLS in the liver of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and the kidney after acute kidney injury. This review article highlights the recent progress of the crosstalk between immune and metabolic systems in metabolic syndrome, with a focus on innate immune receptors.
Novel chaos game optimization tuned-fractional-order PID fractional-order PI controller for load–frequency control of interconnected power systems
Authors: Barakat Mohamed
Published: May 2022

In this work, chaos game optimization (CGO), a robust optimization approach, is employed for efficient design of a novel cascade controller for four test systems with interconnected power systems (IPSs) to tackle load–frequency control (LFC) difficulties. The CGO method is based on chaos theory principles, in which the structure of fractals is seen via the chaotic game principle and the fractals’ self-similarity characteristics are considered. CGO is applied in LFC studies as a novel application, which reveals further research gaps to be filled. For practical implementation, it is also highly desirable to keep the controller structure simple. Accordingly, in this paper, a CGO-based controller of fractional-order (FO) proportional–integral–derivative–FO proportional–integral (FOPID–FOPI) controller is proposed, and the integral time multiplied absolute error performance function is used. Initially, the proposed CGO-based FOPID–FOPI controller is tested with and without the nonlinearity of the governor dead band for a two-area two-source model of a non-reheat unit. This is a common test system in the literature. A two-area multi-unit system with reheater–hydro–gas in both areas is implemented. To further generalize the advantages of the proposed scheme, a model of a three-area hydrothermal IPS including generation rate constraint nonlinearity is employed. For each test system, comparisons with relevant existing studies are performed. These demonstrate the superiority of the proposed scheme in reducing settling time, and frequency and tie-line power deviations.
Do investments in human and physical capital respond differently to financing constraints?
Authors: Brunello Giorgio , Gereben Áron , Rückert Désirée , Weiss Christoph , Wruuck Patricia
Published: May 2022

Using a representative sample of European firms, we study whether financing constraints affect employers’ investments in employee training and physical capital differently. We measure financing constraints with an index that combines survey and balance sheet data. We instrument this index with the non-performing loans ratio of the bank that provided the last loan to the firms or with the average ratio of banks in the local area. We find that financing constraints have no effect on investment in training, but substantially reduce investment in physical capital.
Impact assessment of genetically modified herbicide-tolerant cotton on arthropod communities
Authors: LI Dongyang , ZHU Xiangzhen , ZHANG Kaixin , WANG Li , ZHANG Rui , LIANG Chengzhen , LUO Junyu , CUI Jinjie
Published: May 2022

Background

Cotton (Gossypium spp.) is one of the most important economic crops worldwide, and its production plays an important role in the economy of many countries. Genetically modified herbicide-tolerant (GMHT) crops, which were developed to minimize the losses caused by weeds, have gradually become the most widely adopted genetically modified crops in the world due to their economic and environmental benefits. However, the potential ecological and environmental risks of GMHT crops have attracted extensive attention and controversy. Arthropod communities form a prominent part of the biodiversity of agroecosystems and are important indicators of environmental health. Elucidating the effects of GMHT crops on the diversity of arthropod communities is necessary to ensure the safety of GMHT crops.

Result

In this 2-year study, we investigated the potential impact of GMHT crops on arthropod communities. The GMHT cotton variety GGK2 with glyphosate tolerance and its near-isogenic non-GMHT variety K312 were used for the experimental groups. The Shannon diversity index (H), Simpson diversity index (D), Pielou evenness index (J), and principal co-ordinates analysis (PCoA) of the Bray–Curtis distance were used to evaluate the population dynamics and biodiversity of arthropods in cotton fields. No significant differences were found between GGK2 and K312 in their total abundance of arthropod communities, and biodiversity indexes on most sampling dates. The arthropod composition in the GGK2 and K312 plots was similar. Sampling dates had a significant effect on biodiversity indexes, whereas no clear tendencies related to cotton variety or cotton variety × sampling dates interaction were recorded. In addition, PCoA revealed high similarity between the arthropod communities in the plots of the GMHT cotton variety GGK2 and its near-isogenic variety K312.

Conclusion

There was no obvious difference in abundance, diversity indexes of arthropod communities between GMHT cotton variety GGK2 and its near-isogenic variety K312 under the small-scale planting regime.
Enabling data-driven anomaly detection by design in cyber-physical production systems
Authors: Pinto Rui , Gonçalves Gil , Delsing Jerker , Tovar Eduardo
Published: May 2022

Designing and developing distributed cyber-physical production systems (CPPS) is a time-consuming, complex, and error-prone process. These systems are typically heterogeneous, i.e., they consist of multiple components implemented with different languages and development tools. One of the main problems nowadays in CPPS implementation is enabling security mechanisms by design while reducing the complexity and increasing the system’s maintainability. Adopting the IEC 61499 standard is an excellent approach to tackle these challenges by enabling the design, deployment, and management of CPPS in a model-based engineering methodology. We propose a method for CPPS design based on the IEC 61499 standard. The method allows designers to embed a bio-inspired anomaly-based host intrusion detection system (A-HIDS) in Edge devices. This A-HIDS is based on the incremental Dendritic Cell Algorithm (iDCA) and can analyze OPC UA network data exchanged between the Edge devices and detect attacks that target the CPPS’ Edge layer. This study’s findings have practical implications on the industrial security community by making novel contributions to the intrusion detection problem in CPPS considering immune-inspired solutions, and cost-effective security by design system implementation. According to the experimental data, the proposed solution can dramatically reduce design and code complexity while improving application maintainability and successfully detecting network attacks without negatively impacting the performance of the CPPS Edge devices.
Machine learning based potentiating impacts of 12-lead ECG for classifying paroxysmal versus non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
Authors: Kim Sungsoo , Kwon Sohee , Markey Mia K. , Bovik Alan C. , Hong Sung-Hwi , Kim JunYong , Hwang Hye Jin , Joung Boyoung , Pak Hui-Nam , Lee Moon-Hyeong , Park Junbeom
Published: May 2022

Background

Conventional modality requires several days observation by Holter monitor to differentiate atrial fibrillation (AF) between Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) and Non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (Non-PAF). Rapid and practical differentiating approach is needed.

Objective

To develop a machine learning model that observes 10-s of standard 12-lead electrocardiograph (ECG) for real-time classification of AF between PAF versus Non-PAF.

Methods

In this multicenter, retrospective cohort study, the model training and cross-validation was performed on a dataset consisting of 741 patients enrolled from Severance Hospital, South Korea. For cross-institutional validation, the trained model was applied to an independent data set of 600 patients enrolled from Ewha University Hospital, South Korea. Lasso regression was applied to develop the model.

Results

In the primary analysis, the Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUC) on the test set for the model that predicted AF subtype only using ECG was 0.72 (95% CI 0.65–0.80). In the secondary analysis, AUC only using baseline characteristics was 0.53 (95% CI 0.45–0.61), while the model that employed both baseline characteristics and ECG parameters was 0.72 (95% CI 0.65–0.80). Moreover, the model that incorporated baseline characteristics, ECG, and Echocardiographic parameters achieved an AUC of 0.76 (95% CI 0.678–0.855) on the test set.

Conclusions

Our machine learning model using ECG has potential for automatic differentiation of AF between PAF versus Non-PAF achieving high accuracy. The inclusion of  Echocardiographic parameters further increases model performance. Further studies are needed to clarify the next steps towards clinical translation of the proposed algorithm.
Effect on sinus cycle length and atrioventricular node function after high-power short-duration versus conventional radiofrequency catheter ablation in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
Authors: Do Ungjeong , Kim Minsoo , Cho Min Soo , Nam Gi-Byoung , Choi Kee-Joon , Kim Jun
Published: May 2022

Background

The efficacy and safety of high-power, short-duration (HPSD) radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) have been demonstrated in several studies. We aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of the conventional method and the HPSD method for AF ablation on the sinus and AV node function in patients with paroxysmal AF.

Methods

The medical records of patients with paroxysmal AF who underwent pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) were retrieved from a prospectively collected AF ablation registry at a large-sized tertiary center. The HPSD group (n = 41) was distinguished from the conventional ablation group (n = 198) in terms of the power (50 W vs. 20–40 W) and duration (6–10 s vs. 20–30 s) of radiofrequency energy delivery during PVI. Peri-procedural changes in cardiac autonomy were assessed in terms of the changes in sinus cycle length (SCL), block cycle length (BCL), and effective refractory period (ERP) of the atrioventricular node (AVN).

Results

The SCL, BCL, and ERP of the AVN at baseline and post-ablation were not significantly different between the conventional ablation group and the HPSD group. Shortening of the SCL, BCL, and ERP of the AVN was observed immediately after AF ablation in both groups. One-year recurrence of AF/atrial flutter (35.1% vs. 20.3%; P = 0.011) and atrial flutter (13.8% vs. 4.7%; P = 0.015) were higher in the HPSD group than in the conventional ablation group.

Conclusion

Both the HPSD and the conventional ablation method resulted in post-ablation vagal modification as evidenced by the shortening of SCL, BCL, and ERP of the AVN. One-year recurrence of atrial flutter and AF/atrial flutter was higher in patients who underwent the HPSD method.
Identification of the blast resistance genes in three elite restorer lines of hybrid rice
Authors: Hassan Beenish , Peng Yu-Ting , Li Sha , Yin Xiao-Xiao , Chen Chen , Gulzar Faiza , Zhou Shi-Xin , Pu Mei , Ji Yun-Peng , Wang Yu-Ping , Zhao Wensheng , Huang Fu , Peng You-Liang , Zhao Zhi-Xue , Wang Wen-Ming
Published: May 2022

Hybrid rice has the advantage to pyramid multiple resistance (R) genes because a hybrid rice cultivar is developed from the cross of a sterile line with a restorer line that can harbor different R genes. Thus, knowing the R genes in an elite line will help the combination of different R genes into a hybrid rice cultivar. Here, we identified the blast R genes in Shu Hui 548 (SH548), Shu Hui 882 (SH882), and Wu Shan Si Miao (WSSM), three elite restorer lines of hybrid rice that showed resistance to the rice blast fungus in the disease nurseries. At controlled laboratory conditions, the three elite restorer lines exhibited resistance to more than 20 China Rice Blast strains that harbor different avirulence genes, indicating their broad-spectrum resistance to blast disease. Expression analyses detected the transcripts of multiple known blast R genes. Sequencing of the expressed R genes indicated that, besides Pid2, SH548 also contains Pi2 and Ptr, SH882 and WSSM also contain Pikm and Pi9-Type5, respectively. Pi9-Type5 is a novel functional allele of Pi9. Therefore, SH548, SH882, and WSSM can be exploited in combination with the sterile lines containing other R genes, and they can be used as blast resistance donors in disease-resistance breeding programs.
Risk factors associated with surgical site infections following joint replacement surgery: a narrative review
Authors: Li Tao , Zhang Haining , Chan Ping Keung , Fung Wing Chiu , Fu Henry , Chiu Kwong Yuen
Published: May 2022

Background

Surgical site infection following joint replacement surgery is still a significant complication, resulting in repeated surgery, prolonged antibiotic therapy, extended postoperative hospital stay, periprosthetic joint infection, and increased morbidity and mortality. This review discusses the risk factors associated with surgical site infection.

Related risk factors

The patient-related factors include sex, age, body mass index (BMI), obesity, nutritional status, comorbidities, primary diagnosis, living habits, and scores of the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification system, etc. Surgery-related factors involve preoperative skin preparation, prolonged duration of surgery, one-stage bilateral joint replacement surgery, blood loss, glove changes, anti-microbial prophylaxis, topical anti-bacterial preparations, wound management, postoperative hematoma, etc. Those risk factors are detailed in the review.

Conclusion

Preventive measures must be taken from multiple perspectives to reduce the incidence of surgical site infection after joint replacement surgery.
Is attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder increased in patients with celiac disease?
Authors: Honar Naser , Radanfar Roya , Ghanizadeh Ahmad , Barkhordarian Maryam , Javaherizadeh Hazhir
Published: May 2022

Background

Some studies have shown that neurological and mental disorders in children with celiac disease are higher than in the general population. The aim of this study is to find frequency of ADHD in celiac patients.

Result

The findings of the study showed that the frequency of ADHD in males was 6 cases (22.2%) and 6 cases (18.2%) in females, and although the ADHD score was higher in males, there was no significant difference in sex (P = 0.697). The frequency of ADHD in terms of age group also showed that there were no hyperactive children in the age group under 5 years of age; in the age group of 5–9 years old, 8 cases (28.6%); in the age group of 10 to 14 years old, 4 cases (19%); and in the age group of 15 and older, no one was diagnosed with ADHD. The chi-square test showed that the frequency of ADHD in terms of age group was not significantly different (P = 0.26). It should be noted that according to Pearson correlation test, there was a reverse correlation between the age and ADHD, but it was not statistically significant (P = 0.33).

Conclusions

The frequency of ADHD among boys and girls with celiac disease was 22.2% and 18.2%, respectively.
Incidence of post-procedure symptomatic urinary tract infection in children undergoing micturition cystourethrogram in the absence of antibiotic cover
Authors: Thanneeru Suresh Kumar , Ravindra Avinash Sriramapura , Toms Ann Sumin , Jacob Tarun John , Kurian Jujju Jacob
Published: May 2022

Context

Prophylactic antibiotics are usually not recommended for an in and out catheterization. However procedures involving similar catheterizations like micturition cystourethrogram (MCUG) and cystometrogram are being performed under prophylactic antibiotic cover.

Aims

We aim to find the incidence of symptomatic urinary tract infections following MCUG done in children without antibiotic cover.

Settings and design

A retrospective cross sectional study was conducted on 398 patients who underwent MCUG from January 2015 to January 2016. The median age was 24 months and here were 272 males and 126 females, with 102 of them being infants.

Methods and material

Urine microscopy or culture was checked before performing the MCUG and only those without UTI were included in the study. Those with symptomatic and culture proven UTI within 2 weeks post-MCUG were defined as having post-procedure UTI (ppUTI). The incidence of post-procedure UTI was calculated and was compared with other studies.

Statistical analysis used

Data was entered in Microsoft Excel and analyzed using SPSS. Categorical variables were summarized as percentage and continuous variables were summarized as mean with standard deviation.

Results

Symptomatic procedure induced UTI were seen in only 3 of the 398 (0.75%) patients with a 95% CI of 0.02–0.008.

Conclusions

Strict adherence to aseptic precautions while performing an MCUG and prompt initiation of appropriate therapy when indicated may help obviate the need for routine administration of pre procedure antibiotics before MCUG.