bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Huc-MSC-derived exosomes modified with the targeting peptide of aHSCs for liver fibrosis therapy
Authors: Lin Yan , Yan Mengchao , Bai Zhongtian , Xie Ye , Ren Longfei , Wei Jiayun , Zhu Dan , Wang Haiping , Liu Yonggang , Luo Junqian , Li Xun
Published: October 2022

Background

Effective therapeutics to stop or reverse liver fibrosis have not emerged, because these potential agents cannot specifically target activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) or are frequently toxic to parenchymal cells. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (Huc-MSC)-derived exosomes show promise in nanomedicine for the treatment of liver fibrosis. However, systemic injection showed that unmodified exosomes were mainly taken up by the mononuclear phagocyte system. The discovery of ligands that selectively bind to a specific target plays a crucial role in clinically relevant diagnostics and therapeutics. Herein, we aimed to identify the targeting peptide of aHSCs by screening a phage-displayed peptide library, and modify Huc-MSC-derived exosomes with the targeting peptide.

Results

In this study, we screened a phage-displayed peptide library by biopanning for peptides preferentially bound to HSC-T6 cells. The identified peptide, HSTP1, also exhibited better targeting ability to aHSCs in pathological sections of fibrotic liver tissues. Then, HSTP1 was fused with exosomal enriched membrane protein (Lamp2b) and was displayed on the surface of exosomes through genetic engineering technology. The engineered exosomes (HSTP1-Exos) could be more efficiently internalized by HSC-T6 cells and outperformed both unmodified exosomes (Blank-Exos) and Lamp2b protein overexpressed exosomes (Lamp2b + Exos) in enhancing the ability of exosomes to promote HSC-T6 reversion to a quiescent phenotype. In vivo results showed HSTP1-Exos could specifically target to the aHSC region after intravenous administration, as demonstrated by coimmunofluorescence with the typical aHSCs marker α-SMA, and enhance the therapeutic effect on liver fibrosis.

Conclusion

These results suggest that HSTP1 is a reliable targeting peptide that can specifically bind to aHSCs and that HSTP1-modified exosomes realize the precise treatment for aHSCs in complex liver tissue. We provide a novel strategy for clinical liver fibrosis therapy.

Graphical Abstract
“I don’t go to funerals anymore”: how people who use opioids grieve drug-related death in the US overdose epidemic
Authors: Schlosser Allison V. , Hoffer Lee D.
Published: October 2022

Background

Opioid-related overdose death is a public health epidemic in much of the USA, yet little is known about how people who use opioids (PWUO) experience overdose deaths in their social networks. We explore these experiences through a qualitative study of opioid-related overdose death bereavement among PWUO.

Methods

We recruited 30 adults who inject opioids from a syringe service program in the Midwestern USA and interviewed them using a semi-structured guide that addressed experiences of opioid use, opioid-related overdose, and overdose reversal via the medication naloxone. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically.

Findings

Participants described overdose death as ever-present in their social worlds. Most (approximately 75%) reported at least one overdose death in their social network, and many came to consider death an inevitable end of opioid use. Participants described grief shaped by complex social relations and mourning that was interrupted due to involvement with social services and criminal legal systems. They also reported several ways that overdose deaths influenced their drug use, with some increasing their use and others adopting safer drug use practices. Despite the high prevalence of overdose deaths in their social networks, only one participant reported receiving grief support services.

Discussion

Findings underscore the need for interventions that not only maintain life, such as naloxone distribution, but also improve quality of life by attending to grief related to overdose death bereavement. We discuss policies and practices with the potential to address the unique psychological, social, and structural challenges of grief for this population.
Does the neighborhood built environment moderate the effectiveness of a weight-loss intervention for mothers with overweight or obesity? Findings from the Healthy Eating and Active Living Taught at Home (HEALTH) study
Authors: Gilbert Amanda S. , Salvo Deborah , Tabak Rachel G. , Haire-Joshu Debra
Published: October 2022

Background

Women of childbearing age are vulnerable to weight gain and experience a high prevalence of obesity due to pregnancy and stressors of parenthood. Lifestyle interventions such as the Healthy Eating and Active Living Taught at Home (HEALTH) study have been effective for weight loss; however, little is known about how the built environment (parks, transit, grocery stores, fast food, walkability etc.), where participants live might modify intervention effectiveness. This study examined whether characteristics of the neighborhood built environment modified effectiveness of the HEALTH study on weight loss. 

Methods

Secondary data analysis was conducted using data from HEALTH. Using GIS, buffers were built around participant addresses to capture distance to and availability of food (grocery store, convenience store, fast food) and urban design and transit (parks, street connectivity, transit) built environment characteristics. Built environment characteristics were dichotomized into low and high density and distance. Likelihood ratio tests for interaction were conducted to determine if built environment characteristics modified intervention effectiveness on Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). Mixed effects linear regression models were then run to estimate the effect of the HEALTH intervention on weight outcomes at 24-months across both strata of built environment characteristics. 

Results

The analytic sample (n = 151) had baseline mean BMI 34.9 (SD = 5.8) and mean WC 46.0 cm (SD4.9). All urban design and transit and all food environment characteristics modified HEALTH effectiveness on one or both weight outcomes. The built environment modified the HEALTH intervention such that it was mostly effective for mothers residing in neighborhoods with low transit access, low street connectivity, high park access, and low access to grocery stores, convenience stores, and fast food.

Conclusions

Result show the HEALTH was most effective for women residing neighborhoods with built environment characteristics suggestive of suburban neighborhood typology. To maximize impact for mothers residing in all types of neighborhoods, future research should explore scaling up HEALTH in suburban settings, while adapting HEALTH to maximize effectiveness in compact neighborhoods most likely, urban core neighborhoods.
miR-1297 sensitizes glioma cells to temozolomide (TMZ) treatment through targeting adrenomedullin (ADM)
Authors: He Zongze , Cheng Meixiong , Hu Junting , Liu Lingtong , Liu Ping , Chen Longyi , Cao Deqian , Tang Jian
Published: October 2022

Background

Gliomas account for about 80% of all malignant brain and other central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Temozolomide (TMZ) resistance represents a major treatment hurdle. Adrenomedullin (ADM) has been reported to induce glioblastoma cell growth.

Methods

Cell viability was measured using the CCK-8 assay. The apoptosis analysis was performed using the Annexin V-FITC Apoptosis Detection Kit. The mitochondrial membrane potential was determined by JC-1 staining. A nude mouse tumor assay was used to detect tumor formation. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining were performed in tissue sections. Activation of Akt and Erk and expression of apoptosis-related proteins were determined by immunoblotting.

Results

ADM expression has been found upregulated in TMZ -resistant glioma samples based on bioinformatics and experimental analyses. Knocking down ADM in glioma cells enhanced the suppressive effects of TMZ on glioma cell viability, promotive effects on cell apoptosis, and inhibitory effects on mitochondrial membrane potential. Moreover, ADM knockdown also enhanced TMZ effects on Bax/Bcl-2, Akt phosphorylation, and Erk1/2 phosphorylation. Bioinformatics and experimental investigation indicated that miR-1297 directly targeted ADM and inhibited ADM expression. miR-1297 overexpression exerted similar effects to ADM knockdown on TMZ-treated glioma cells. More importantly, under TMZ treatment, inhibition of miR-1297 attenuated TMZ treatment on glioma cells; ADM knockdown partially attenuated the effects of miR-1297 inhibition on TMZ-treated glioma cells.

Conclusions

miR-1297 sensitizes glioma cells to TMZ treatment through targeting ADM. The Bax/Bcl-2, Akt, and Erk1/2 signaling pathways, as well as mitochondrial functions might be involved.
Transitioning patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis to adult care: the Nordic experience
Authors: Mikola Katriina , Rebane Katariina , Arnstad Ellen Dalen , Berntson Lillemor , Fasth Anders , Glerup Mia , Herlin Troels , Kautiainen Hannu , Nielsen Susan , Nordal Ellen , Peltoniemi Suvi , Rygg Marite , Rypdal Veronika , Zak Marek , Aalto Kristiina
Published: October 2022

Background

With juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), there are several protocols and practices used worldwide for the transition from paediatric to adult care. In this study, we examined the transferral rates and disease activity after transition, as well as the disease- and health-related outcomes. We also introduce the transition practices employed in the Nordic countries.

Methods

The study population comprised 408 participants with a disease onset from 1997 to 2000 who attended an 18-year follow-up visit in this population-based Nordic JIA cohort study. The patients were retrospectively divided into three subgroups: Patients transferred directly from paediatric care to adult rheumatology care, patients referred there later, and patients never transferred during the 18-year follow-up period.

Results

One hundred and sixty-three (40%) JIA patients had been directly transferred to an adult clinic. The cumulative transition rate was 52%, but there were significant differences between the participating centres. Fifty patients had later been referred to an adult clinic. Among the 195 patients who had never been transferred, 39% were found to have disease activity at the study visit.

Conclusion

This study highlights the need to reconsider transition practices to avoid our undesirable finding of patients with disease activity in JIA, but no appropriate health care follow-up.
Required sample size to detect mediation in 3-level implementation studies
Authors: Williams Nathaniel J. , Preacher Kristopher J. , Allison Paul D. , Mandell David S. , Marcus Steven C.
Published: October 2022

Background

Statistical tests of mediation are important for advancing implementation science; however, little research has examined the sample sizes needed to detect mediation in 3-level designs (e.g., organization, provider, patient) that are common in implementation research. Using a generalizable Monte Carlo simulation method, this paper examines the sample sizes required to detect mediation in 3-level designs under a range of conditions plausible for implementation studies.

Method

Statistical power was estimated for 17,496 3-level mediation designs in which the independent variable (X) resided at the highest cluster level (e.g., organization), the mediator (M) resided at the intermediate nested level (e.g., provider), and the outcome (Y) resided at the lowest nested level (e.g., patient). Designs varied by sample size per level, intraclass correlation coefficients of M and Y, effect sizes of the two paths constituting the indirect (mediation) effect (i.e., X→M and M→Y), and size of the direct effect. Power estimates were generated for all designs using two statistical models—conventional linear multilevel modeling of manifest variables (MVM) and multilevel structural equation modeling (MSEM)—for both 1- and 2-sided hypothesis tests.

Results

For 2-sided tests, statistical power to detect mediation was sufficient (≥0.8) in only 463 designs (2.6%) estimated using MVM and 228 designs (1.3%) estimated using MSEM; the minimum number of highest-level units needed to achieve adequate power was 40; the minimum total sample size was 900 observations. For 1-sided tests, 808 designs (4.6%) estimated using MVM and 369 designs (2.1%) estimated using MSEM had adequate power; the minimum number of highest-level units was 20; the minimum total sample was 600. At least one large effect size for either the X→M or M→Y path was necessary to achieve adequate power across all conditions.

Conclusions

While our analysis has important limitations, results suggest many of the 3-level mediation designs that can realistically be conducted in implementation research lack statistical power to detect mediation of highest-level independent variables unless effect sizes are large and 40 or more highest-level units are enrolled. We suggest strategies to increase statistical power for multilevel mediation designs and innovations to improve the feasibility of mediation tests in implementation research.
Documenting manifestations and impacts of autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix–Saguenay to develop patient-reported outcome
Authors: Tremblay Marjolaine , Girard-Côté Laura , Brais Bernard , Gagnon Cynthia
Published: October 2022

Background

Autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxias (ARCA) are a group of rare inherited disorders characterized by degeneration or abnormal development of the cerebellum. Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix–Saguenay (ARSACS) is one of the most prevalent in Europe.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to provide a better understanding of the manifestations and impacts of ARSACS.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was conducted, followed by a qualitative study using semistructured interviews and discussion groups to obtain the experience of people affected.

Results

According to the PROMIS framework, the results show manifestations and impacts in three components of health: physical, mental, and social. Fatigue and struggles with balance and dexterity are the physical manifestations of the disease most often cited by participants. Negative affects such as frustration and depression are among the mental health impacts with some loss in cognitive abilities. Social health is the least documented component; nonetheless, people with the disease report significant impacts in terms of social relationships, activities and work.

Conclusions

These findings shed new light on the experience of people with recessive ataxia and identify key aspects to assess to improve their overall health.
Cognitive functioning and mental health in children with a primary mitochondrial disease
Authors: van de Loo Kim F. E. , Custers José A. E. , de Boer Lonneke , van Lieshout Marloes , de Vries Maaike C. , Janssen Mirian C. H. , Verhaak Christianne M.
Published: October 2022

Background

Studies regarding cognitive and mental health functioning in children with mitochondrial disease (MD) are scarce, while both are important issues given their impact on QoL. Knowledge on these aspects of functioning and its relationship with disease parameters is essential to gather more insight in working mechanisms and provide recommendations for future research and patientcare. The aim of this study was to map the cognitive functioning and mental health in children with MD in relation to disease specific factors.

Methods

Pediatric patients (< 18 year) with a genetically confirmed MD were included. Demographic and disease specific factors (International Paediatric Mitochondrial Disease Scale) were assessed, as well as cognitive functioning (intelligence, attention, working memory (WM)), and mental health (psychological functioning and quality of life). Individual patient data was described.

Results

Thirty-three children with MD were included. Intellectual functioning ranged from a clinically low IQ (36% of the patients, N = 12/33) to an average or above average IQ (39%, N = 13/33). A higher verbal versus performance IQ was observed (36% N = 5/14), a lower processing speed (43%, N = 6/14), attentional problems (50%, N = 7/14), and verbal WM problems (11%, N = 2/18). Regarding mental health, general behavioral problems were reported (45%, N = 10/22), and on subscale level, attention problems (45%, N = 10), withdrawn/depressed (36%, N = 8/22) and anxious/depressed behavior (14%, N = 3/22). Furthermore, QoL impairments were reported (42%, N = 5/12). The specific intelligence profiles, cognitive impairments, behavioral problems and QoL impairments occurred in every intelligence subgroup. Children with an average or above general intellectual functioning had a generally lower and less variability in IPMDS scores, less frequently epilepsy, vision and hearing problems, and a relatively later age of onset, as compared to patients with a clinically low intellectual functioning.

Conclusions

Despite considerable heterogeneity, overall results showed a high rate of impairments in both cognitive and mental health functioning. Also in children with an average or above level of intellectual functioning, specific cognitive impairments were observed. Children with a clinically low intellectual functioning more often had disease related impairments compared to children with a higher intellectual functioning. The importance of structural assessment of cognitive functioning and mental health is warranted, also in children with mild disease related symptoms.
BTK inhibitors in the treatment of hematological malignancies and inflammatory diseases: mechanisms and clinical studies
Authors: Alu Aqu , Lei Hong , Han Xuejiao , Wei Yuquan , Wei Xiawei
Published: October 2022

Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) is an essential component of multiple signaling pathways that regulate B cell and myeloid cell proliferation, survival, and functions, making it a promising therapeutic target for various B cell malignancies and inflammatory diseases. Five small molecule inhibitors have shown remarkable efficacy and have been approved to treat different types of hematological cancers, including ibrutinib, acalabrutinib, zanubrutinib, tirabrutinib, and orelabrutinib. The first-in-class agent, ibrutinib, has created a new era of chemotherapy-free treatment of B cell malignancies. Ibrutinib is so popular and became the fourth top-selling cancer drug worldwide in 2021. To reduce the off-target effects and overcome the acquired resistance of ibrutinib, significant efforts have been made in developing highly selective second- and third-generation BTK inhibitors and various combination approaches. Over the past few years, BTK inhibitors have also been repurposed for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Promising data have been obtained from preclinical and early-phase clinical studies. In this review, we summarized current progress in applying BTK inhibitors in the treatment of hematological malignancies and inflammatory disorders, highlighting available results from clinical studies.
From clinical to molecular diagnosis: relevance of diagnostic strategy in two cases of branchio-oto-renal syndrome – case report
Authors: Cacciatori Elena , Aleo Sebastiano , Scuvera Giulietta , Rigon Chiara , Marchisio Paola Giovanna , Cassina Matteo , Milani Donatella
Published: October 2022

Background

Branchio-oto-renal syndrome (BOR) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by deafness, branchiogenic malformations and renal abnormalities. Pathogenic variants in EYA1, SIX1 and SIX5 genes cause almost half of cases; copy number variants (CNV) and complex genomic rearrangements have been revealed in about 20% of patients, but they are not routinely and commonly included in the diagnostic work-up.

Case presentation

We report two unrelated patients with BOR syndrome clinical features, negative sequencing for BOR genes and the identification of a 2.65 Mb 8q13.2–13.3 microdeletion.

Conclusions

We highlight the value of CNV analyses in high level of suspicion for BOR syndrome but negative sequencing for BOR genes and we propose an innovative diagnostic flow-chart to increase current detection rate. Our report confirms a mechanism of non-allelic homologous recombination as causing this recurrent 8q13.2–13.3 microdeletion. Moreover, considering the role of PRDM14 and NCOA2 genes, both involved in regulation of fertility and deleted in our patients, we suggest the necessity of a longer follow-up to monitor fertility issues or additional clinical findings.
What is the purpose of clinical trial monitoring?
Authors: Love Sharon B. , Yorke-Edwards Victoria , Ward Elizabeth , Haydock Rebecca , Keen Katie , Biggs Katie , Gopalakrishnan Gosala , Marsh Lucy , O’Sullivan Lydia , Fox Lisa , Payerne Estelle , Hood Kerenza , Meakin Garry
Published: October 2022

Background

The sources of information on clinical trial monitoring do not give information in an accessible language and do not give detailed guidance. In order to enable communication and to build clinical trial monitoring tools on a strong easily communicated foundation, we identified the need to define monitoring in accessible language.

Methods

In a three-step process, the material from sources that describe clinical trial monitoring were synthesised into principles of monitoring. A poll regarding their applicability was run at a UK national academic clinical trials monitoring meeting.

Results

The process derived 5 key principles of monitoring: keeping participants safe and respecting their rights, having data we can trust, making sure the trial is being run as it was meant to be, improving the way the trial is run and preventing problems before they happen.

Conclusion

From the many sources mentioning monitoring of clinical trials, the purpose of monitoring can be summarised simply as 5 principles. These principles, given in accessible language, should form a firm basis for discussion of monitoring of clinical trials.
The diversity and evolutionary relationships of ticks and tick-borne bacteria collected in China
Authors: Tian JunHua , Hou Xin , Ge MiHong , Xu HongBin , Yu Bin , Liu Jing , Shao RenFu , Holmes Edward C. , Lei ChaoLiang , Shi Mang
Published: October 2022

Background

Ticks (order Ixodida) are ectoparasites, vectors and reservoirs of many infectious agents affecting humans and domestic animals. However, the lack of information on tick genomic diversity leaves significant gaps in the understanding of the evolution of ticks and associated bacteria.

Results

We collected > 20,000 contemporary and historical (up to 60 years of preservation) tick samples representing a wide range of tick biodiversity across diverse geographic regions in China. Metagenomic sequencing was performed on individual ticks to obtain the complete or near-complete mitochondrial (mt) genome sequences from 46 tick species, among which mitochondrial genomes of 23 species were recovered for the first time. These new mt genomes data greatly expanded the diversity of many tick groups and revealed five cryptic species. Utilizing the same metagenomic sequence data we identified divergent and abundant bacteria in Haemaphysalis, Ixodes, Dermacentor and Carios ticks, including nine species of pathogenetic bacteria and potentially new species within the genus Borrelia. We also used these data to explore the evolutionary relationship between ticks and their associated bacteria, revealing a pattern of long-term co-divergence relationship between ticks and Rickettsia and Coxiella bacteria.

Conclusions

In sum, our study provides important new information on the genetic diversity of ticks based on an analysis of mitochondrial DNA as well as on the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in China. It also sheds new light on the long-term evolutionary and ecological relationships between ticks and their associated bacteria.

Graphical Abstract
Targeting cancer stem cells with polymer nanoparticles for gastrointestinal cancer treatment
Authors: Sun Yao , Li Bo , Cao Qian , Liu Tongjun , Li Jiannan
Published: October 2022

Nanomaterials are developing rapidly in the medical field, bringing new hope for treating various refractory diseases. Among them, polymer nanomaterials, with their excellent properties, have been used to treat various diseases, such as malignant tumors, diabetes, and nervous system diseases. Gastrointestinal cancer is among the cancers with the highest morbidity and mortality worldwide. Cancer stem cells are believed to play an important role in the occurrence and development of tumors. This article summarizes the characteristics of gastrointestinal cancer stem cells and reviews the latest research progress in treating gastrointestinal malignant tumors using polymer nanoparticles to target cancer stem cells. In addition, the review article highlights the potential of polymer nanoparticles in targeting gastrointestinal cancer stem cells.
Sex differences in clinical cognitive impairment with Lewy bodies: a Chinese multicenter study
Authors: Gan Jinghuan , Chen Zhichao , Shi Zhihong , Li Xudong , Liu Shuai , Liu Yiming , Zhu Hongcan , Shen Lu , Zhang Guili , You Yong , Guo Qihao , Zhang Nan , Lv Yang , Gang Baozhi , Yuan Junliang , Ji Yong
Published: October 2022

Background

Research on sex ratios of Lewy body dementia is controversial, established in small samples, and rarely focused on prodromal stage. The objective is to investigate the clinical sex ratios (men/women) and their associations with clinical features among individuals with mild cognitive impairment with Lewy bodies (MCI-LB), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), Parkinson’s disease with mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI), and Parkinson’s disease with dementia (PDD) in China.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter cohort study, including 1038 individuals with probable MCI-LB, DLB, PD-MCI, or PDD diagnosis from 22 memory clinics in China from January 2018 to March 2022, and recorded their demographic and clinical data by reviewing medical records. Descriptive and regression analyses were used to calculate the sex ratio (men/women), and its associations with demographic and clinical data.

Results

In this study, men comprised 35.14% (men/women sex ratio = 0.54) for MCI-LB, 46.72% (men/women sex ratio = 0.88) for DLB, 63.56% (men/women sex ratio = 1.74) for PD-MCI, and 52.40% (men/women sex ratio = 1.10) for PDD. Sex ratios roughly increased with age. Men had more parkinsonism (p = 0.000) and less fluctuating cognition (p = 0.024) in MCI-LB, and those with PD-MCI had more RBD (p = 0.001). Women with PD-MCI had lower MMSE scores (β ± standard error =  − 1.24 ± 0.58, p = 0.04), more irritability (0.95 ± 0.46, p = 0.04) and fluctuating cognition (− 3.41 ± 1.31, p = 0.01), and less parkinsonism (− 2.10 ± 0.97, p = 0.03) than men after adjusting for demographic and cardiometabolic conditions.

Conclusion

There were more women in DLB and MCI-LB, and more men in PD-MCI and PDD. The sex distribution, demographic, and clinical characteristics differed, which strengthened the independence and heterogeneity of the four diseases, and indicated sex-sensitive strategies for management of dementia necessary.
A promising Ka band leaky-wave antenna based on a periodic structure of non-identical irregularities
Authors: Shaaban Mohamed N. , Ali Mohamed Hassan Essai , Yasseen M. S. , Nasybullin Aydar R. , Sedelnikov Yuri E.
Published: October 2022

This paper presents a new periodic grooved dielectric leaky-wave antenna with non-identical irregularities for an extremely high-frequency range capable of performing efficiently in the Ka band through a stable gain, a decrease in the level of the side lobes, and the achievement of a narrower main lobe beam. It consists of a dielectric waveguide antenna placed inside a channelled rectangular metallic waveguide to improve performance. A dielectric rod was used to overcome the losses related to the propagation of electromagnetic waves in metal conductors. A grooved dielectric of a 21-element linear array is used to propose a simple approach for the synthesis of such antennas based on a modified energy method and is fed by a standard waveguide. It was designed and simulated at 37.2 GHz for satellite, 5G antenna, and radar applications. The major novelty of this study is the ability to control the direction of the main lobe through non-identical irregularities in geometric parameters such as the width, height, and distance between each element. Radiation techniques have been extensively studied using simulations. A performance antenna with radiation efficiency of 99.35%, gain of 22 dBi, width of radiation pattern of 3.2 $$^{\circ }$$∘, and side lobe level (SLL) of$${-}$$- 18.3 dB has been achieved.
Dynamic visual SLAM and MEC technologies for B5G: a comprehensive review
Authors: Peng Jiansheng , Hou Yaru , Xu Hengming , Li Taotao
Published: October 2022

In recent years, dynamic visual SLAM techniques have been widely used in autonomous navigation, augmented reality, and virtual reality. However, the increasing demand for computational resources by SLAM techniques limits its application on resource-constrained mobile devices. MEC technology combined with 5G ultra-dense networks enables complex computational tasks in visual SLAM systems to be offloaded to edge computing servers, thus breaking the resource constraints of terminals and meeting real-time computing requirements. This paper firstly introduces the research results in the field of visual SLAM in detail through three categories: static SLAM, dynamic SLAM, and SLAM techniques combined with deep learning. Secondly, the three major parts of the technology comparison between mobile edge computing and mobile cloud computing, 5G ultra-dense networking technology, and MEC and UDN integration technology are introduced to sort out the basic technologies related to the application of 5G ultra-dense network to offload complex computing tasks from visual SLAM systems to edge computing servers.
A multi-task learning framework for efficient grammatical error correction of textual messages in mobile communications
Authors: Pan Fayu , Cao Bin , Fan Jing
Published: October 2022

In mobile communications, plenty of textual messages need to be transmitted and processed rapidly. However, messages usually contain noise, which will affect the performance of related applications. Thus, we investigate grammatical error correction (GEC) to correct errors in messages. Unlike recent works, we focus on improving the efficiency of GEC because low time delay is significant in mobile communications. We propose a novel multi-task learning approach to GEC by detecting errors first and then making corrections. Two classifiers are used to serially detect sentence-level and token-level errors, so the correct content can be free from correction operations. We adapt a non-autoregressive decoder to parallelly generate corrected tokens, making the correction stage efficient. Experiments show that our approach is ten times faster than the traditional approach and can achieve a comparable GEC performance.
Interaction analysis of lipid accumulation product and family history of diabetes on impaired fasting glucose and diabetes risk in population with normotension in Eastern China: a community-based cross-sectional survey
Authors: Shu Li , Zhao Yingying , Shen Yanqi , Jia Linlin , Zhang Jiaye
Published: October 2022

Background

Lipid accumulation product (LAP) is considered to be a new convenient useful indicator to assess the visceral fat. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the risk factors of impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and diabetes, and explore the possible interacting influences of LAP with other factors on the risk of IFG and diabetes among Chinese normotension adults.

Methods

A multistage stratified cluster sampling method was conducted to select urban residents in Bengbu, China. For each eligible participant, data on questionnaire survey, anthropometric measurements and laboratory tests were obtained. The effects of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist to height ratio (WHtR) and LAP for predicting IFG and diabetes were performed by multiple logistic regressions and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses. The interaction effects were evaluated by relative excess risk of interaction (RERI), attributable proportion due to interaction (AP) and synergy index (SI).

Results

Six thousand, four hundred sixty-seven normotension subjects (2695 men and 3772 women) were enrolled in our study, the prevalence of IFG and diabetes were 9.37% and 14.33%, respectively. When assessed using ROC curve analysis, LAP exhibited higher diagnostic accuracy for identifying IFG and diabetes than BMI, the area under the AUC curve was 0.650 (95% CI: 0.637 to 0.662). After adjustment for age, sex, educational level and other confounding factors, multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated that subjects with the fourth quartile of LAP were more likely to develop IFG (adjusted OR: 2.735, 95% CI: 1.794–4.170) and diabetes (adjusted OR: 1.815, 95% CI: 1.297–2.541) than those with the first quartile. A significant interaction between LAP and family history of diabetes was observed in participants (RERI = 1.538, 95%CI: 0.167 to 3.612; AP = 0.375, 95%CI: 0.118 to 0.631; SI = 1.980, 95%CI: 1.206 to 3.251). However, a significant interaction between LAP and abdominal obesity was indicated by the value of RERI (1.492, 95%CI: 0.087 to 3.723) and AP (0.413, 95%CI: 0.014 to 0.756), but not the value of SI (1.824, 95%CI: 0.873 to 3.526).

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that there might be synergistic effect between LAP and family history of diabetes on the risk of IFG and diabetes.
Modified Artificial Neural Networks and Support Vector Regression to Predict Lateral Pressure Exerted by Fresh Concrete on Formwork
Authors: Kandiri Amirreza , Shakor Pshtiwan , Kurda Rawaz , Deifalla Ahmed Farouk
Published: October 2022

In this study, a modified Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Support Vector Regression (SVR) with three different optimization algorithms (Genetic, Salp Swarm and Grasshopper) were used to establish an accurate and easy-to-use module to predict the lateral pressure exerted by fresh concrete on formwork based on three main inputs, namely mix proportions (cement content, w/c, coarse aggregates, fine aggregates and admixture agent), casting rate, and height of specimens. The data have been obtained from 30 previously piloted experimental studies (resulted 113 samples). Achieved results for the model including all the input data provide the most excellent prediction of the exerted lateral pressure. Additionally, having different magnitudes of powder volume, aggregate volume and fluid content in the mix exposes different rising and descending in the lateral pressure outcomes. The results indicate that each model has its own advantages and disadvantages; however, the root mean square error values of the SVR models are lower than that of the ANN model. Additionally, the proposed models have been validated and all of them can accurately predict the lateral pressure of fresh concrete on the panel of the formwork.
Blowing in the wind? Testing the effect of weather on the spatial distribution of crime using Generalized Additive Models
Authors: Hart Rannveig , Pedersen Willy , Skardhamar Torbjørn
Published: October 2022

Oslo, the capital of Norway, is situated in a North European cool climate zone. We investigate the effect of weather on the overall level of crime in the city, as well as the impact of different aspects of weather (temperature, wind speed, precipitation) on the spatial distribution of crime, net of both total level of crime, time of day and seasonality. Geocoded locations of criminal offences were combined with data on temperature, wind speed, and precipitation. Generalized Additive Models (GAMs) allowed us to map level of and the spatial distribution of crime, and how it was impacted by weather, in a more robust manner than in previous studies. There was slightly more crime in pleasurable weather (i.e. low precipitation and wind speed and high temperatures). However, neither temperature, precipitation nor wind speed impacted the spatial distribution of crime in the city.
Evaluation of closed-loop U-Tube deep borehole heat exchanger in the Basal Cambrian Sandstone formation, Alberta, Canada
Authors: Chong Qinwan , Wang Jingyi , Gates Ian D.
Published: October 2022

Closed-loop deep borehole heat exchanger (DBHE) systems for producing heat from geothermal sources have the advantage that the heat transfer fluid is contained within the loop. In this study, for the first time, a U-configuration closed-loop DBHE was examined to evaluate the energy produced per unit energy invested from a 2330-m-deep geothermal reservoir in central Alberta, Canada. A detailed earth model where the system is modeled from the surface to the geothermal source is used in a numerical simulation model to understand the efficiency of the process. The results reveal that the fluid flow reaches its highest temperature in the ascending section of the U-loop rather than the bottom section which implies that the insulation on the working fluid should start in the ascending section of the U-loop. The results demonstrate that the closed-loop system can achieve ratios of the energy produced and energy invested of 7 GJ/GJ. Although this efficiency is promising, the absolute amount of heat energy harvested is limited by the loop’s heat transfer area in the geothermal reservoir.
Geothermal resources assessment using temperature–depth relationships in the fault-controlled hydrothermal system of Aristino-Traianoupolis area, Northern Greece
Authors: Dalampakis P. , Papachristou M. , Neofotistos P.
Published: October 2022

Aristino-Traianoupolis area hosts one of the most significant water-dominated low-temperature geothermal fields in Greece. It is located on the southwestern uplifted margin of the Tertiary Evros Delta molassic basin, 10 km east of the town of Alexandroupolis (Thrace, NE Greece). The upper hydrothermal system of the Aristino Geothermal Field (AGF), one of the most promising in continental Greece, contains fluids with temperatures ranging from 51 to 99 °C, within a series of overlapping aquifers at very low depths (100–430 m). The main geothermal anomaly for temperatures higher than 90 °C covers an area of 6 km2, to a maximum prospected depth of 500 m below ground surface. The scattered regional anomaly exceeds 50 km2 and is characterized by excessively high and abruptly changing thermal gradient (42 to 450 °C/km) and heat flow (80–800 mW/m2), that are both typical of a fault-controlled hydrothermal system. Since 1993, the AGF has undergone non-systematic geothermal investigation, with emphasis on low-depth (100–500 m) drilling. This paper provides, for the first time, a synthetic and detailed evaluation of all available temperature data gathered in the last 25 years. The steady-state temperature logs reveal the dominant role of conduction for the upper geothermal system, accompanied, in most cases, by rapidly changing and abnormally high thermal gradients (100–450 °C/km), triggered, most probably, by a deeper system of higher temperature. This hypothesis is also supported by the applied chemical geothermometers, which suggest initial fluid temperatures at 140–150 °C, the hydrochemical characteristics of the fluids hosted in the deeper and most promising investigated reservoir (ignimbrite) of the upper system, and the extrapolated temperatures from the conductive temperature–depth profiles. The lower widespread medium enthalpy hydrothermal system should extend at depths 500–1000 m within volcanics and the expected Eocene limestones and basal clastic series of the Tertiary sequence that have filled the basin. Nevertheless, these assumptions need to be verified by appropriate investigations and new drillings at depths greater than 600–700 m, which would confirm the presence of a productive medium enthalpy reservoir.
The pteropod species Heliconoides inflatus as an archive of late Pleistocene to Holocene environmental conditions on the Northwest Shelf of Australia
Authors: Hallenberger Maximilian , Reuning Lars , Takayanagi Hideko , Iryu Yasufumi , Keul Nina , Ishiwa Takeshige , Yokoyama Yusuke
Published: October 2022

There is growing interest in the use of pteropods as potential archives of past changes in ocean chemistry. However, pteropods have rarely been used in studies of millennial-scale sedimentary records, especially in shallow-marine environments. This study obtained core data for the last 16 kyr from the Northwest Shelf of Australia (NWS). Changes in the carbonate saturation state were assessed based on the carbon isotope ratios (δ13C) of shells and the Limacina dissolution index (LDX) measured on the planktonic pteropod species Heliconoides inflatus. In addition, the calcification depth of the pteropods was estimated based on oxygen isotope values (δ18O) of pteropod shells and seawater. Our findings indicate that H. inflatus calcifies at a depth of 95–140 m. This confirms that H. inflatus records a shallow-marine signal on the NWS. The δ13C values of the pteropods record a notable decrease in carbonate ion concentrations after 8.5 ka. This decrease is associated with the post-glacial onset of humid conditions on the NWS. The studied pteropod shells are pristine throughout the 16 kyr section and have low LDX values. Therefore, the LDX proxy appears to lack the sensitivity to be applicable in this highly supersaturated, shallow-marine environment. Until this study, proxies derived from H. inflatus have been exclusively utilized in open-marine settings. Our results indicate that the δ13C values of H. inflatus also represent a useful proxy for carbonate ion concentrations in shallow-marine environments.
Evaluation of a method based on synthetic data inserted into raw data prior to reconstruction for the assessment of PET scanners
Authors: Maronnier Quentin , Courbon Frédéric , Caselles Olivier
Published: October 2022

Background

Performance assessment of positron emission tomography (PET) scanners is crucial to guide clinical practice with efficiency. Even though clinical data are the final target, their use to characterize systems response is constrained by the lack of ground truth. Phantom tests overcome this limitation by controlling the object of study, but remain simple and are not representative of patient complexity. The objective of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of a simulation method using synthetic spheres inserted into acquired raw data prior to reconstruction, simulating multiple scenarios in comparison with equivalent physical experiments.

Methods

We defined our experimental framework using the National Electrical Manufacturers Association NU-2 2018 Image Quality standard, but replaced the standard sphere set with more appropriate sizes (4, 5, 6, 8, 10 and 13 mm) better suited to current PET scanner performance. Four experiments, with different spheres-to-background ratios (2:1, 4:1, 6:1 and 8:1), were performed. An additional dataset was acquired with a radioactive background but no activity within the spheres (water only) to establish a baseline. Then, we artificially simulated radioactive spheres to reproduce other experiments using synthetic data inserted into the original sinogram. Images were reconstructed following standard guidelines using ordered subset expectation maximization algorithm along with a Bayesian penalized likelihood algorithm. We first visually compared experimental and simulated images. Afterward, we measured the activity concentration values into the spheres to calculate the mean and maximum recovery coefficients (RCmean and RCmax) which we used in a quantitative analysis.

Results

No significant visual differences were identified between experimental and simulated series. Mann–Whitney U tests comparing simulated and experimental distributions showed no statistical differences for both RCmean (P value = 0.611) and RCmax (P value = 0.720). Spearman tests revealed high correlation for RCmean (ρ = 0.974, P value < 0.001) and RCmax (ρ = 0.974, P value < 0.001) between both datasets. From Bland–Altman plots, we highlighted slight shifts in RCmean and RCmax of, respectively, 2.1 ± 16.9% and 3.3 ± 22.3%.

Conclusions

We evaluated the efficiency of our hybrid method in faithfully mimicking practical situations producing satisfactory results compared to equivalent experimental data.
Evaluating the safety and efficiency of robotic dispensing systems
Authors: Takase Tomoki , Masumoto Norio , Shibatani Naoki , Matsuoka Yusaku , Tanaka Fumiaki , Hirabatake Masaki , Kashiwagi Hiroko , Nishioka Itaru , Ikesue Hiroaki , Hashida Tohru , Koide Naoshi , Muroi Nobuyuki
Published: October 2022

Background

Although automated dispensing robots have been implemented for medication dispensing in Japan, their effect is yet to be fully investigated. In this study, we evaluated the effect of automated dispensing robots and collaborative work with pharmacy support staff on medication dispensing.

Methods

A robotic dispensing system integrating the following three components was established: (1) automated dispensing robot (Drug Station®), which is operated by pharmacy support staff, (2) automated dispensing robot for powdered medicine (Mini DimeRo®), and (3) bar-coded medication dispensing support system with personal digital assistance (Hp-PORIMS®). Subsequently, we evaluated the incidences of dispensing errors and dispensing times before and after introducing the robotic dispensing system. Dispensing errors were classified into two categories, namely prevented dispensing errors and unprevented dispensing errors. The incidence of dispensing errors was calculated as follows: incidence of dispensing errors = total number of dispensing errors/total number of medication orders in each prescription.

Results

After introducing the robotic dispensing system, the total incidence of prevented dispensing errors was significantly reduced (0.204% [324/158,548] to 0.044% [50/114,111], p < 0.001). The total incidence of unprevented dispensing errors was significantly reduced (0.015% [24/158,548] to 0.002% [2/114,111], p < 0.001). The number of cases of wrong strength and wrong drug, which can seriously impact a patient’s health, reduced to almost zero. The median dispensing time of pharmacists per prescription was significantly reduced (from 60 to 23 s, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The robotic dispensing system enabled the process of medication dispensing by pharmacist to be partially and safely shared with automated dispensing robots and pharmacy support staff. Therefore, clinical care for patients by pharmacists could be enhanced by ensuring quality and safety of medication.