bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biodiversity associated with restored small-scale mussel habitats has restoration decision implications
Authors: Benjamin Emilee D. , Handley Sean J. , Hale Rachel , Toone Trevyn A. , Jeffs Andrew , Hillman Jenny R.
Published: August 2022

The global loss of marine ecosystem engineers has caused an unprecedented decline in biodiversity. Although wild shellfish habitats have been shown to support biodiverse ecosystems, little is known about how biodiversity is altered by restored shellfish habitats, particularly mussels. To explore the biodiversity response to restored mussel habitats we deposited mussels on the seafloor in 1.5 × 1.5 m plots across a gradient of benthic environments. To understand a holistic community response, this study looks at the response of three faunal classifications over 1 year: infauna, epifauna, and pelagic fauna, compared with adjacent control plots (no mussels). The restored mussel habitats recorded 42 times more demersal fish than control areas, while macroalgae and mobile benthic invertebrates had over a twofold increase in abundance. Overall, the addition of mussels to the seafloor resulted in a general reduction of infaunal abundance and biodiversity, but an increase in epifaunal and pelagic faunal abundances, specifically from those species that benefit from benthic habitat complexity and an increase in food availability. From a management perspective, we highlight location-specific differences to consider for future restoration efforts, including environmental conditions and potential observed factors such as nearby sources of species, particularly predators, and relevant demersal fish ranges. Ultimately, measuring biodiversity responses in small-scale studies will serve as a valuable guide for larger scale restoration efforts and this study recommends considerations to enhance biodiversity outcomes in restored mussel habitats.
Exogenous Attention to Emotional Stimuli Presenting Realistic (3D) Looming Motion
Authors: Fernández-Folgueiras Uxía , Hernández-Lorca María , Méndez-Bértolo Constantino , Álvarez Fátima , Giménez-Fernández Tamara , Carretié Luis
Published: August 2022

Previous research shows that dynamic stimuli, on the one hand, and emotional stimuli, on the other, capture exogenous attention due to their biological relevance. Through neural (ERPs) and behavioral measures (reaction times and errors), the present study explored the combined effect of looming motion and emotional content on attentional capture. To this end, 3D-recreated static and dynamic animals assessed as emotional (positive or negative) or neutral were presented as distractors while 71 volunteers performed a line orientation task. We observed a two-phase effect: firstly (before 300 ms), early components of ERPs (P1p and N2po) showed enhanced exogenous attentional capture by looming positive distractors and static threatening animals. Thereafter, dynamic and static threatening distractors received enhanced endogenous attention as revealed by both late ERP activity (LPC) and behavioral (errors) responses. These effects are likely explained by both the emotional valence and the distance of the stimulus at each moment.
Correlation of tumour subtype with long-term outcome in small breast carcinomas: a Swedish population-based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Rask Gunilla , Nazemroaya Anoosheh , Jansson Malin , Wadsten Charlotta , Nilsson Greger , Blomqvist Carl , Holmberg Lars , Wärnberg Fredrik , Sund Malin
Published: August 2022

Purpose

To investigate if molecular subtype is associated with outcome in stage 1 breast cancer (BC).

Methods

Tissue samples from 445 women with node-negative BC ≤ 15 mm, treated in 1986–2004, were classified into surrogate molecular subtypes [Luminal A-like, Luminal B-like (HER2−), HER2-positive, and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC)]. Information on treatment, recurrences, and survival were gathered from medical records.

Results

Tumour subtype was not associated with overall survival (OS). Luminal B-like (HER2−) and TNBC were associated with higher incidence of distant metastasis at 20 years (Hazard ratio (HR) 2.26; 95% CI 1.08–4.75 and HR 3.24; 95% CI 1.17–9.00, respectively). Luminal B-like (HER2−) and TNBC patients also had worse breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS), although not statistically significant (HR 1.53; 95% CI 0.70–3.33 and HR 1.89; 95% CI 0.60–5.93, respectively). HER2-positive BC was not associated with poor outcome despite no patient receiving HER2-targeted therapy, with most of these tumours being ER+.

Conclusions

Stage 1 TNBC or Luminal B-like (HER2−) tumours behave more aggressively. Women with HER2+/ER+ tumours do not have an increased risk of distant metastasis or death, absent targeted treatment.
A DEIM driven reduced basis method for the diffuse Stokes/Darcy model coupled at parametric phase-field interfaces
Authors: Stoter Stein K.F. , Jessen Etienne , Niedens Viktor , Schillinger Dominik
Published: August 2022

In this article, we develop a reduced basis method for efficiently solving the coupled Stokes/Darcy equations with parametric internal geometry. To accommodate possible changes in topology, we define the Stokes and Darcy domains implicitly via a phase-field indicator function. In our reduced order model, we approximate the parameter-dependent phase-field function with a discrete empirical interpolation method (DEIM) that enables affine decomposition of the associated linear and bilinear forms. In addition, we introduce a modification of DEIM that leads to non-negativity preserving approximations, thus guaranteeing positive-semidefiniteness of the system matrix. We also present a strategy for determining the required number of DEIM modes for a given number of reduced basis functions. We couple reduced basis functions on neighboring patches to enable the efficient simulation of large-scale problems that consist of repetitive subdomains. We apply our reduced basis framework to efficiently solve the inverse problem of characterizing the subsurface damage state of a complete in-situ leach mining site.
An open-label, crossover study to compare different formulations and evaluate effect of food on pharmacokinetics of pimitespib in patients with advanced solid tumors
Authors: Komatsu Yoshito , Shimokawa Tsuneo , Akiyoshi Kohei , Karayama Masato , Shimomura Akihiko , Kawamoto Yasuyuki , Yuki Satoshi , Tambo Yuichi , Kasahara Kazuo
Published: August 2022

This study compared the bioavailability of two pimitespib formulations (Formulations A and B), evaluated the food effect on Formulation A, and evaluated the safety and efficacy of multiple pimitespib doses in patients with solid tumors. This clinical, pharmacological multicenter study had two cohorts and periods. A single dose of Formulation A or B was administered in a crossover design to compare the pharmacokinetics in Cohort 1. In Cohort 2, the effects of fed vs fasting conditions were evaluated among those receiving Formulation A. Subsequently, multiple Formulation A doses were administered to all patients for safety and efficacy assessments. In Cohorts 1 and 2, 12 and 16 patients, respectively, were analyzed for pharmacokinetics. Thirty patients were analyzed for safety and efficacy. Maximum concentration (Cmax), area under the curve (AUC)last, and AUCinf geometric mean ratios for Formulations A and B (90% confidence interval [CI]) were 0.8078 (0.6569–0.9933), 0.7973 (0.6672–0.9529), and 0.8094 (0.6697–0.9782), respectively; 90% CIs were not within the bioequivalence range (0.80–1.25). In Cohort 2, mean Cmax, AUClast, and AUCinf were higher in fed vs fasting conditions. No safety concerns emerged with single or multiple administration. Overall response rate, disease control rate, and median progression-free survival were 0%, 33%, and 1.5 months, respectively. Four patients had stable disease ≥ 5 months. Bioequivalence of the two formulations was unconfirmed. Systemic exposure of Formulation A was approximately 20% less than Formulation B. A high-fat/calorie meal increased the relative pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of a single 160-mg dose. Trial Registration: JapicCTI-184191 (Japan Pharmaceutical Information Center) registered on November 5, 2018.
Synchronization and cyclicality of social spending in economic crises
Authors: Ayala-Cañón Luis , Delgado-Rodríguez María Jesús , De Lucas-Santos Sonia
Published: August 2022

This paper expands the analysis of the cyclical characteristics of social spending by providing information on its joint behaviour across OECD countries. With this aim we propose the use of dynamic factor analysis and recursive models to estimate synchronization and cyclicality of social policies within a broad perspective. By considering the synchronization of social spending it is possible to assess the short-run characteristics of the joint response to changes in the economic cycle. We find that synchronization of social spending was only possible for advanced economies, achieving the highest countercyclical stabilization effect during the Global Financial Crisis. Emerging market economies are not able to join the synchronized response, maintaining independent and, in most cases, procyclical stances in the behaviour of their social policies.
The Plastic Intensity of Industries in the USA: The Devil Wears Plastic
Authors: White Dominic , Winchester Niven
Published: August 2022

Plastic pollution is a big source of concern around the world. Research to date has focused on the types of plastic in the environment and the processing of plastic waste. For policymakers and consumers to be informed decision makers, they need to understand the industries which use plastics and the plastic intensity of those industries. Using input–output data for the USA, we calculate the plastic intensity (the value of plastic inputs per dollar of output) of 415 non-plastic industries for 13 types of plastic. We find the most plastic intensive industries are related to clothing and fabric manufacturing. This is true for aggregate plastics as well as plastics most likely to contribute to pollution. The high plastic intensity of the clothing and fabric industries is consistent with the abundance of clothing-related microplastics found in waterways. The results indicate that policies focused on consumer-facing plastics such as plastic bags do not address key plastic pollution pathways, and can help policymakers and consumers make decisions that improve environmental outcomes.
Small Block Model Tests for the Behaviour of a Blocky Rock Mass Under a Concentrated Rock Anchor Load
Authors: Grindheim Bjarte , Aasbø Karsten Sannes , Høien Are Håvard , Li Charlie C.
Published: August 2022

Rock anchors are used to stabilise large-scale infrastructure such as the foundations of high buildings or road cuts, and their failure could lead to severe economic and social consequences. A rock anchor can fail in one or more of the following four modes; breakage of the tendon steel, tendon-grout bond failure, grout-rock bond failure and rock mass failure. In current rock anchor design, the knowledge for the first two failure modes is satisfactorily known and is relatively easy to test. The scientific background for the last two failure modes still has a potential of improvement and further development of the design criteria is needed. To help fill this gap, a series of block model tests were conducted on a small-scale test apparatus to evaluate the load capacity of a blocky mass under a rock anchor load. Digital image correlation (DIC) was used to monitor the full-field displacements in the block models. The tests showed that load arches were formed in the block layers and the anchor load was transferred to the side frames of the apparatus through these arches. The load capacity of the mass increased with the number of the block layers and the confinement. The observed load arches and the effect of the confinement were also captured in a numerical model using UDEC software. The DIC monitoring showed that the displacements in the block model were identical along a vertical line. At a given depth, the displacements decrease with the distance to the centre line of the anchor.
Establishment of a bi-layered tissue engineered conjunctiva using a 3D-printed melt electrowritten poly-(ε-caprolactone) scaffold
Authors: Xie Jiajun , Gao Qi , del Prado Zelmira Nuñez , Venkateswaran Nandini , Mousa Hazem M. , Salero Enrique , Ye Juan , De Juan-Pardo Elena M. , Sabater Alfonso L. , Perez Victor L.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

To utilize melt electrowriting (MEW) technology using poly-(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) coupled with a 2-step co-culturing strategy for the development of a conjunctival bi-layer synthetic construct.

Methods

Melt electrowritten scaffolds using PCL were fabricated using an in-house-built MEW printer. Human conjunctival stromal cells (CjSCs) and epithelial cells (CjECs) were isolated from donor tissue. A 2-step co-culture method was done by first seeding the CjSCs and culturing for 4 weeks to establish a stromal layer, followed by CjECs and co-culturing for 2 more weeks. Cultured cells were each characterized by morphology and marker expression on immunofluorescence and qPCR. The produced construct was assessed for cellular proliferation using viability assays. The bi-layer morphology was assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confocal microscopy, and immunofluorescence imaging. The expression of extracellular matrix components and TGF-b was evaluated using qPCR.

Results

CjSCs were spindle-shaped and vimentin + while CjECs were polygonal and CK13 + . CjSCs showed consistent proliferation and optimal adherence with the scaffold at the 4-week culture mark. A 2-layered construct consisting of a CjSC-composed stromal layer and a CjEC-composed epithelial layer was appreciated on confocal microscopy, SEM, and immunofluorescence. CjSCs secreted collagens (types I, V, VI) but at differing amounts from natural tissue while TGF-b production was comparable.

Conclusion

The 3D-printed melt electrowritten PCL scaffold paired with the 2-step co-culturing conditions of the scaffold allowed for the first approximation of a bi-layered stromal and epithelial reconstruction of the conjunctiva that can potentially improve the therapeutic arsenal in ocular surface reconstruction.
Teachers and Inclusive Practices Against Bullying: A Qualitative Study
Authors: D’Urso Giulio , Fazzari Erika , La Marca Luana , Simonelli Chiara
Published: August 2022

The study investigates inclusivity practices and bullying management in a group of teachers. The study involved 18 volunteer teachers from upper secondary school in Italy (12 of them were women). They ranged in age from 33 to 66 years of age (M = 44.53). A semi-structured interview was adopted to explore their knowledge on inclusivity within teaching interventions or programmes, and experiences about bullying management. Data were collected using online interviews through specific platform such as Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet. The interviews were carried out between April 2020 and October 2020 in the participant’s native language. Using thematic analysis, we identified themes within individuals’ brief narratives. Analysis was inductive and involved line-by-line coding with codes deriving from brief narratives. Four major themes emerged: (1) Contact with the phenomenon of bullying (i.e., direct experience versus lack of experience); (2) Educational-didactic practices (i.e., lack of specific knowledge regarding educational-didactic practices versus attempted solutions); (3) Awareness of the bullying phenomenon and its effects on students; (4) Avoidance solutions of topics concerning bullying incidents (i.e., disengagement and disconfirmation responses). Theoretical and psycho-educational implications are discussed.
Development and usage of an anesthesia data warehouse: lessons learnt from a 10-year project
Authors: Lamer Antoine , Moussa Mouhamed Djahoum , Marcilly Romaric , Logier Régis , Vallet Benoit , Tavernier Benoît
Published: August 2022

This paper describes the development and implementation of an anesthesia data warehouse in the Lille University Hospital. We share the lessons learned from a ten-year project and provide guidance for the implementation of such a project. Our clinical data warehouse is mainly fed with data collected by the anesthesia information management system and hospital discharge reports. The data warehouse stores historical and accurate data with an accuracy level of the day for administrative data, and of the second for monitoring data. Datamarts complete the architecture and provide secondary computed data and indicators, in order to execute queries faster and easily. Between 2010 and 2021, 636 784 anesthesia records were integrated for 353 152 patients. We reported the main concerns and barriers during the development of this project and we provided 8 tips to handle them. We have implemented our data warehouse into the OMOP common data model as a complementary downstream data model. The next step of the project will be to disseminate the use of the OMOP data model for anesthesia and critical care, and drive the trend towards federated learning to enhance collaborations and multicenter studies.
The Role of Beliefs About Emotions in Emotion-Focused Therapy for Binge-Eating Disorder
Authors: Glisenti Kevin , Strodl Esben , King Robert
Published: August 2022

Individuals with binge-eating disorder (BED) often experience emotion regulation deficits, including negative beliefs about emotions and low emotional expressivity. The current exploratory study examined whether emotion-focused therapy (EFT) for BED could change negative beliefs about emotions and emotional expressivity. Twenty participants were randomly allocated to either immediate treatment of 12 weekly one-hour sessions of EFT for BED, or a waitlist control group. Beliefs about emotions and emotional expressivity were assessed before and after 12 sessions of EFT or 12 weeks on the waitlist. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to examine beliefs about emotions and emotional expressivity changes. EFT for BED resulted in significant changes in particular beliefs about emotions (Overwhelming and uncontrollable, shameful and irrational, invalid and meaningless, and total score on the beliefs about emotions questionnaire) but not emotional expressivity treatment outcomes. This pilot study provides preliminary evidence that EFT may be effective in improving maladaptive beliefs about emotions in adults with BED.

Trial registration ACTRN12620000563965, 14 May 2020, retrospectively registered.
Comparative analysis of the molecular subtype landscape in canine and human mammary gland tumors
Authors: Bergholtz Helga , Lien Tonje , Lingaas Frode , Sørlie Therese
Published: August 2022

Breast cancers in humans belong to one of several intrinsic molecular subtypes each with different tumor biology and different clinical impact. Mammary gland tumors in dogs are proposed as a relevant comparative model for human breast cancer; however, it is still unclear whether the intrinsic molecular subtypes have the same significance in dogs and humans. Using publicly available data, we analyzed gene expression and whole-exome sequencing data from 158 canine mammary gland tumors. We performed molecular subtyping using the PAM50 method followed by subtype-specific comparisons of gene expression characteristics, mutation patterns and copy number profiles between canine tumors and human breast tumors from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) breast cancer cohort (n = 1097). We found that luminal A canine tumors greatly resemble luminal A human tumors both in gene expression characteristics, mutations and copy number profiles. Also, the basal-like canine and human tumors were relatively similar, with low expression of luminal epithelial markers and high expression of genes involved in cell proliferation. There were, however, distinct differences in immune-related gene expression patterns in basal-like tumors between the two species. Characteristic HER2-enriched and luminal B subtypes were not present in the canine cohort, and we found no tumors with high-level ERBB2 amplifications. Benign and malignant canine tumors displayed similar PAM50 subtype characteristics. Our findings indicate that deeper understanding of the different molecular subtypes in canine mammary gland tumors will further improve the value of canines as comparative models for human breast cancer.
PVA/CMC/Attapulgite Clay Composite Hydrogel Membranes for Biomedical Applications: Factors Affecting Hydrogel Membranes Crosslinking and Bio-evaluation Tests
Authors: Farid Eman , Kamoun Elbadawy A. , Taha Tarek H. , El-Dissouky Ali , Khalil Tarek E.
Published: August 2022

Herein, polyvinyl alcohol-carboxymethyl cellulose (PVA-CMC) composite hydrogel membranes were prepared using solution-casting method, where citric acid (CA) was added as crosslinker in different ratios of (7, 10 and12 wt%). Attapulgite clay extracted from Northwestern Desert of Borg El-Arab, Egypt; was incorporated as nanofiller (1, 2, 4, and 5 wt%) into membranes for improving their mechanical/ thermal stability. Results revealed that, physicochemical properties of membranes e.g. swelling%, tensile strength and morphology of membranes affected significantly by different clay concentrations and citric acid crosslinker. Also, attapulgite clay with concentration 1 (wt%) enhanced mechanical strength of composite membranes, compared to other clay concentrations. Furthermore, protein adsorption %, hydrolytic degradation, hemolysis (%) and antimicrobial activity significantly affected by clay contents and CA concentrations. Four bacterial pathogens e.g. Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Bacillus cereus were used for testing antimicrobial activity of prepared membranes. Results referred to increasing of clay contents led to a high hemolysis %; however, increasing CA concentration significantly reduced hemolysis %. Meanwhile, membranes with low clay contents offered the most effective resistance against tested microbes. These findings are referring to the ability of using PVA-CMC-attapulgite composite membranes crosslinked by CA as good candidate of biomaterials for dermal wound dressings.
Analysis of cellular kinetic models suggest that physiologically based model parameters may be inherently, practically unidentifiable
Authors: Brown Liam V. , Coles Mark C. , McConnell Mark , Ratushny Alexander V. , Gaffney Eamonn A.
Published: August 2022

Physiologically-based pharmacokinetic and cellular kinetic models are used extensively to predict concentration profiles of drugs or adoptively transferred cells in patients and laboratory animals. Models are fit to data by the numerical optimisation of appropriate parameter values. When quantities such as the area under the curve are all that is desired, only a close qualitative fit to data is required. When the biological interpretation of the model that produced the fit is important, an assessment of uncertainties is often also warranted. Often, a goal of fitting PBPK models to data is to estimate parameter values, which can then be used to assess characteristics of the fit system or applied to inform new modelling efforts and extrapolation, to inform a prediction under new conditions. However, the parameters that yield a particular model output may not necessarily be unique, in which case the parameters are said to be unidentifiable. We show that the parameters in three published physiologically-based pharmacokinetic models are practically (deterministically) unidentifiable and that it is challenging to assess the associated parameter uncertainty with simple curve fitting techniques. This result could affect many physiologically-based pharmacokinetic models, and we advocate more widespread use of thorough techniques and analyses to address these issues, such as established Markov Chain Monte Carlo and Bayesian methodologies. Greater handling and reporting of uncertainty and identifiability of fit parameters would directly and positively impact interpretation and translation for physiologically-based model applications, enhancing their capacity to inform new model development efforts and extrapolation in support of future clinical decision-making.
Coping, Meaning Making and Resilience Within the Dutch Reformed Pietist Community During the COVID-19 Outbreak: An Exploratory Qualitative Study
Authors: Cinjee Tobias , Schaap-Jonker Hanneke
Published: August 2022

In this qualitative study, we examined how community members of the Dutch reformed pietist community coped with the COVID-19 pandemic, and which religious sources of meaning making and resilience they used during this time of crisis. Based on seven in-depth interviews, we found that the representation of God being ‘above all things’ was prominent in times of close encounter with the coronavirus. In actively interpreting the pandemic, community members tended to stay away from concrete eschatological or ecological interpretations. Rather, the general theme of ‘malleability’ was used and linked to notions of calling and punishment. Furthermore, we identified the importance of community and scepticism towards the government as sources of resilience, whereas thinking about the future of the church was a source of fear and concern.
Synergic effect between TRAIL gene and curcumin in magnetic chitosan nanoparticles on cancer cells apoptosis enhanced by laser photoactivation
Authors: Alvizo-Báez Cynthia Aracely , Peña-Torres Arnulfo Aramis , Terrazas-Armendáriz Luis Daniel , Luna-Cruz Itza Eloisa , Uscanga-Palomeque Ashanti Concepción , Sampayo-Reyes Adriana , Tamez-Guerra Reyes S. , Rodríguez-Padilla Cristina , Alcocer-González Juan Manuel
Published: August 2022

The Apoptosis is an intensely studied mechanism for cancer therapy. Various genes, drugs, and molecules have been combined to potentiate the apoptotic effect against tumor cells. Magnetic nanocomplexes with biopolymers have been proposed as nanocarriers for delivery of active molecules and improve apoptosis induction. To these purpose were formulated magnetic nanoparticles with curcumin coated chitosan (MNPs-CHI-TPP-CUR) and magnetic nanoparticles with pCEM-TRAIL plasmid coated chitosan (MNPs-CHI-TPP-TRAIL) for use alone or in combination to induce the apoptosis of B16F10 tumor cells because curcumin is capable of overexpressing receptors TRAIL required for apoptosis induction. Also, curcumin (CUR) has been used as a photosensitizer in photodynamic therapy (PDT). In this work, it was produced and characterized nanoparticles with curcumin and nanoparticles with TRAIL gene. Both types of nanoparticles were ~ 200 nm size. The results showed that the combination of (MNPs-CHI-TPP-CUR) and (MNPs-CHI-TPP-TRAIL) induced a significant increase in cellular death within 48 h compared with the effect of each nanocomplex individually, demonstrating a synergic effect. This is the first description the synergic interaction between TRAIL gene and curcumin drug to improve the apoptosis in cancer cells. Also, it was determined that cellular death was potentiated when the treated cells were exposed to laser photoactivation with wavelengths of 405 nm and 532 nm for 15 min.

Graphical abstract
Infusion-related side-effects during convection enhanced delivery for brainstem-diffuse midline glioma/diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma
Authors: Hollingworth Milo , Zacharoulis Stergios
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Side-effects during convection enhanced delivery (CED) are poorly understood. We intended to determine the frequency of side-effects during brain stem infusion and determine risk factors for side-effects persisting longer than 24 h.

Methods

Children with a radiological diagnosis of brain stem diffuse midline glioma/Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma were treated on compassionate grounds with awake infusion of carboplatin and sodium valproate into the brain stem using the 4-catheter (2 trans-cerebellar 2 trans-frontal) chronic, intermittent Renishaw Drug Delivery System. We used change in the Pontine Neurological Observation Score (PONScore), a standardised neurological assessment tool, to identify side-effects during infusion. Recovery was determined by retrospective chart review.

Results

55 infusions were performed in 8 children (3–11 years). Mean PONScore increased during infusion from 3.3 to 5.7 (p-value > 0.001). One hundred and fifty-seven infusion-related side-effects were identified including headache (33/157) and limb weakness (49/157). Fifty-four side-effects persisted > 24 h. Side-effects that had occurred during a previous infusion and those that occurred during infusion via trans-cerebellar catheters were more likely to be persistent with OR 2.333 (95% CI 1.094–4.976; p-value = 0.028) and 2.155 (1.029–4.513; p-value = 0.042) respectively. If infusion was stopped or titrated at onset rather than continued, the side-effect was less likely to persist > 24 h, OR 0.473 (95% CI 0.177–0.948; p-value = 0.037). Most side-effects developed within the first three millilitre of infusion.

Conclusions

Side-effects during brainstem infusion are common, can be transient or persist longer than 24 h. Neurological injury during infusion may be time dependent and accumulative rather than volume dependent.
Nonlinear analysis of forced mechanical systemswith internal resonance using spectral submanifolds, Part I: Periodic response and forced response curve
Authors: Li Mingwu , Jain Shobhit , Haller George
Published: August 2022

We show how spectral submanifold theory can be used to construct reduced-order models for harmonically excited mechanical systems with internal resonances. Efficient calculations of periodic and quasi-periodic responses with the reduced-order models are discussed in this paper and its companion, Part II, respectively. The dimension of a reduced-order model is determined by the number of modes involved in the internal resonance, independently of the dimension of the full system. The periodic responses of the full system are obtained as equilibria of the reduced-order model on spectral submanifolds. The forced response curve of periodic orbits then becomes a manifold of equilibria, which can be easily extracted using parameter continuation. To demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the reduction, we compute the forced response curves of several high-dimensional nonlinear mechanical systems, including the finite-element models of a von Kármán beam and a plate.
Expert hearings in mini-publics: How does the field of expertise influence deliberation and its outcomes?
Authors: Leino Mikko , Kulha Katariina , Setälä Maija , Ylisalo Juha
Published: August 2022

One of key goals of deliberative mini-publics is to counteract expert domination in policymaking. Mini-publics can be expected to democratize expertise by providing citizens with good opportunities for weighing expert information. Yet, there are concerns about undue influence of experts even within mini-publics. We test these expectations by analysing data from an online mini-public organized in Finland in March 2021. The topic of deliberation was measures taken to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. We examine whether experts’ field of specialization and the order of expert hearings had an impact on how participants’ views developed. We find that neither the field of expertise nor the order of hearings had systematic effects on participants’ perceptions on containment measures. The results suggest that interactive modes of expert hearings in mini-publics seem not to be prone to domination by experts.
Defining Higher-Risk Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: Risk Scores, Genomic Landscape, and Prognostication
Authors: Shahrin Nur Hezrin , Wadham Carol , Branford Susan
Published: August 2022

Purpose of Review

The chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) treatment success story is incomplete as some patients still fail therapy, leading to end-stage disease and death. Here we discuss recent research into CML incidence, the role of comorbidities on survival and detecting patients at risk of failing therapy.

Recent Findings

The incidence of CML has fallen markedly in high social-demographic index (SDI) regions of the world but there is disturbing evidence that this is not the case in low and low-middle SDI countries. Now that CML patients more frequently die from their co-morbid conditions than from CML the Adult Comorbidity Evaluation-27 score can assist in risk assessment at diagnosis. Non-adherence to therapy contributes greatly to treatment failure. A good doctor-patient relationship and social support promote good adherence, but patient age, gender, and financial burden have negative effects, suggesting avenues for intervention. Mutations in cancer-associated genes adversely affect outcome and their detection at diagnosis may guide therapeutic choice and offer non-BCR::ABL1 targeted therapies. A differential gene expression signature to assist risk detection is a highly sought-after diagnostic tool being actively researched on several fronts.

Detecting patients at risk of failing therapy is being assisted by recent technological advances enabling highly sensitive genomic and expression analysis of insensitive cells. However, patient lifestyle, adherence to therapy, and comorbidities are critical risk factors that need to be addressed by interventions such as social and financial support.
Examining the congruence hypothesis in vocational interest research: the case of teacher students
Authors: Leichner Nikolas , Ottenstein Charlotte , Eckhard Jan , Matheis Svenja , Weis Susanne , Schmitt Manfred , Lischetzke Tanja
Published: August 2022

According to the congruence hypothesis, job and study satisfaction will be higher when individual interests and the respective environment (both conceptualised according to Holland’s RIASEC model) are congruent. As our target group were teacher students, all participants who did not intend to become a teacher or did not meet other inclusion criteria (e.g., no missing data on relevant variables) were removed from the sample, resulting in a final sample of N = 1171. Teacher students completed questionnaires on their vocational interests and their satisfaction with course content. To obtain an assessment of the environment (study majors), N = 166 lecturers were asked to rate their courses with respect to Holland’s RIASEC model. As previous findings have indicated that conclusions are influenced by the congruence measure that is used, we applied two different approaches. First, we computed the profile correlation between the individual interest profile and the environmental profile for each individual to measure congruence. Profile correlation scores were then correlated with satisfaction with course content scores. This correlation was significant (r = .21, p < .001), offering support for the congruence hypothesis. Second, Response Surface Analysis (RSA) was used to predict satisfaction with course content scores from the individual interest and environmental assessment variables and their interaction separately for each interest dimension. Results showed that the relationships between these three constructs were complex, but evidence for the congruence hypothesis could not be found. This makes this study the first study to investigate this hypothesis using RSA methodology.
Common Ultrasound Applications for Pediatric Musculoskeletal Conditions
Authors: de Borja Celina , Watkins Rhonda , Woolridge Tiana
Published: August 2022

Purpose of Review

To discuss the use of ultrasound for diagnosis and management of common pediatric musculoskeletal conditions through a case-based approach.

Recent Findings

Ultrasound is an essential diagnostic modality in the early detection of developmental dysplasia of the hips and can be used as early as 6 weeks of age when the ossific nucleus has not developed yet. Ultrasound is helpful in diagnosing traumatic injuries such as fractures and intramuscular hematomas, can visualize fracture healing at early stages, and can also be used to guide aspiration of hematomas that can help with decreasing pain and faster recovery. Ultrasound is superior to radiographs in evaluating joint effusions and soft tissue infections or masses and is better tolerated by children compared to other imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Ultrasound is an easily accessible, affordable, non-invasive, and radiation-free imaging modality that is well tolerated by children and their families. It can aid in the diagnosis and management of a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions including developmental, traumatic, and infectious etiologies, as well as in the evaluation of superficial soft tissue masses.
The Child and Adolescent Thriving Index 1.0: Developing a Measure of the Outcome Indicators of Well-Being for Population Health Assessment
Authors: Anderson Nathaniel W. , Markowitz Anna J. , Eisenberg Daniel , Halfon Neal , Moore Kristin Anderson , Zimmerman Frederick J.
Published: August 2022

The well-being of children and adolescents is emerging as an area of interest for population health measurement. Previous approaches assessing national and state trends in well-being have relied on composite indices. However, these methodologies suffer from several weaknesses. This paper develops an improved index for the United States that is measurable with existing population-data resources. It derives the appropriate weights for items in this index using a longitudinal panel of 2,942 children in the Panel Study of Income Dynamics. Candidate component measures are selected for the index based on their demonstrated association with several subjective scales assessed during young adulthood. The final index demonstrates that a broad range of measures indicate higher levels of population-level well-being. The predictive validity of the index for outcomes during young adulthood is also assessed: a one-standard-deviation increase in the index score is associated with a 7.9-percentage-point decrease [95% CI: 5.9 – 9.8] in ever reporting fair or poor health, a 6.3-percentage-point decrease [95% CI: 4.6 – 8.0] in ever reporting depression, and a 17.2% [95% CI: 13.7% – 20.5%] increase in peak earnings. These values for predictive validity are slightly higher than those of existing methodologies. We also find that incorporating contextual indicators from childhood and adolescence does not substantively improve predictive validity. Policy-makers and government agencies interested in population-level well-being of children and adolescents can continue to use existing indices as reasonable proxies, but should also commit to upgrading data systems to make them more child-centric in the future.
The risk and prognostic influence of caspase 9 promotor polymorphisms in Egyptian patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Makhlouf Manal Mohamed , Ayoub Mahmoud Aly , Mourad Dalia Farag
Published: August 2022

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a genetic disorder of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) followed by clonal selection and uncontrolled proliferation leading to malignant neoplasm. Inappropriate regulation of apoptosis contributes to many human disorders including cancer. Caspase 9 (CASP9) is associated with the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CASP9 might influence gene expression leading to altered apoptosis and increased AML risk. Previously, two CASP9 promoter polymorphisms (CASP9 1263 rs4645978A > G and CASP9 712 rs4645981C > T) were shown to be associated with increased risk of developing AML and inferior AML survival in South Indian subjects. This study was to evaluate these polymorphisms in an independent cohort of AML patients and controls in Egypt. PCR–RFLP for CASP9 1263 rs4645978 A > G and CASP9 712 rs4645981 C > T genotypes were done in 60 de novo AML cases and 40 healthy control subjects. Our study showed that CASP9 712 rs4645981 C > T gene polymorphism is associated with increased risk of developing AML and poor disease outcome (p value = 0.006, < 0.001; OR = 3.644, 26; and 95% CI = 1.39–9.528, 6.5–103.5, respectively). In contrast, CASP9 1263 rs4645978 A > G showed no significant difference between AML patients and the controls regarding the risk of developing AML or disease outcome (p value = 0.301, 0.573, respectively). CASP9 712 rs4645981 C > T could be involved in the pathophysiology and development of AML in Egypt and may be useful as a predictive molecular markers for inferior prognosis in AML. Notably, risk was highest and outcomes worst in patients with both the 712C > T and 1263A > G alleles.
A multi-criteria approach to drinking and irrigation water assessment of spring water in Igbo-Etiti, Nigeria
Authors: Ezea Valentine Chinakwugwo , Ihedioha Janefrances Ngozi , Abugu Hillary Onyeka , Ekere Nwachukwu Romanus
Published: August 2022

The study aimed at assessing the spring water within Igbo-Etiti, Nigeria, for drinking and irrigation applications using physicochemical parameters, water quality index, mineral and trace elements, pollution indices, and risk assessment. Standard methods were used to determine the physicochemical properties of the spring water in rainy and dry seasons. Trace metals such as Pb, Cd, Zn and Cu were determined with atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results showed that most of the physicochemical properties studied were within the guideline values set by Nigeria Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ), WHO and US EPA for drinking water purposes. However, pH of all the spring water (4.27–4.73; and 4.95–5.73) for dry and rainy seasons, respectively, were slightly acidic. Lead (Pb) (0.01–1.08 mg/L) and cadmium (Cd) (0.01–0.15 mg/L) concentrations were above the guideline values in both seasons. This could be attributed to the lithology of the study area which is Nsukka FORMATION. Leaching of lead and sulphides from the embedded coal deposits could be responsible for the increased lead levels and made the water acidic. The mineral and trace elements examined were within WHO and NSDWQ limits for drinking water except Cd and Pb. The permeability index and other irrigation indices showed that all the spring water was suitable for irrigation purposes. The pollution index suggested that the pollution level of all the samples in the dry season was insignificant (PIS < 1). Two-way ANOVA showed significant differences in most of the parameters studied in the dry and rainy seasons. Pearson correlation analysis and cluster analysis showed strong significant positive and negative correlations in some of the parameters studied in both seasons. The water quality index showed that none of the spring water had excellent water status. However, one spring (Iyi Ase) had poor water status in dry season and is considered unsafe for drinking. Iyi Ase was also considered not suitable for irrigation application as predicted by most of the pollution indices, while others were generally considered suitable for irrigation application. Probable cancer and non-cancer risk assessment revealed a probable risk associated with the consumption of the spring in Igbo-Ettiti area, Nigeria.
Modelling of liquid loading in gas wells using a software-based approach
Authors: Abhulimen Kingsley Eromoses , Abhulimen K. E. , Oladipupo A. D.
Published: August 2022

Liquid loading is the most common operational problem influencing gas well productivity for the petroleum operator. Liquid loading is defined as an operational constraint that is associated with gas wells where the major driving mechanism for hydrocarbon production is by the associated gas-driven mechanisms. Liquid loading occurs when liquid accumulated in the tubing or casing results in the gas velocity lower than the critical value (the minimum velocity required for gas to push the liquid out of the gas well), which overtime leads to a hydrostatic back pressure greater than the formation pressure of the well, thereby limiting the flow of gas into the well. The continuous build-up of pressure from liquid loading eventually minimizes well productivity and expensive work over operations. However, current mathematical models to predict liquid loading are flawed with varying inaccuracies and depending on the models deployed will ultimately lead to loss of production time and well productivity. In our work we present prediction of liquid loading using a software-based model incorporating the particle swarm optimization algorithm, genetic algorithm, and artificial neural network and Bayesian neural network algorithms applications. The results of our research findings show that artificial neural network software-based model with a simulated accuracy of 93% and 92% for test and trained data, respectively, outperformed the particle swarm optimization data-driven model with a simulated sensitivity accuracy of 92% and 83%, and genetic algorithm data-driven models with a simulated accuracy of 89% and 83%. The Bayesian neural network was postulated as a robust model because of its simplicity shown to have simulated accuracy of 77% and 73% for train and test data, respectively. Thus software-based code environment and data-driven model developed and presented in this paper may resolve many of current deficiencies and gaps in the current technical literature to predict liquid loading with high precision offering saving in millions of dollars to the operators.
Implications of machine learning on geomechanical characterization and sand management: a case study from Hilal field, Gulf of Suez, Egypt
Authors: Abdelghany Wael K. , Hammed M. S. , Radwan Ahmed E. , T. Nassar
Published: August 2022

Sand production is one of the major challenges in the oil and gas industry, so a comprehensive geomechanical analysis is necessary to mitigate sand production in mature fields. As the pore pressure drastically decline in depleted reservoirs, the sand production risk becomes more critical and needs to be studied. However, the absence of key logs in many wells is a big challenge in the petroleum industry, and most geologists and engineers use empirical equations to predict missed log intervals. We conducted a comprehensive geomechanical modeling study on a full set of logs from two wells from the Hilal field, Gulf of Suez, Egypt, to infer the geomechanical elements and predict sand production. We have used the multi-arm calipers to calculate the actual depth of damage ratio to validate the geomechanical parameters in the prognosis model and confirm the stress orientations. We used machine learning approach to infer key sonic log in X-10 well to replace the empirical equations. The multi-arm calipers analysis showed an observed anisotropy in the hole diameter size with more enlargement in the ENE direction and fits with the minimum horizontal stress direction in the direction of N 60oE. The later also deduced the maximum horizontal stress direction in N150 ° based on the induced fractures from borehole image data in a nearby field. We developed and compared two sand management models: one using empirical equation and the other using machine learning. The model driven by the Gardner equation suggests sand production from day one, which is not matched with the production data, while the model driven by machine learning suggests no sand production risk, which is matched with the actual production data. Our results demonstrate the advantage of using machine learning technique in geomechanical studies on the classical empirical equations in the area of study that can be applied in other basins. The findings of this study can help with a better understanding of the implications of machine learning on geomechanical characterization and sand management.