bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integration concepts in German cities: How can they contribute to Shared Societies?
Authors: Hussak Melanie , Zeigermann Ulrike , Schilling Janpeter , Reiter Anna
Published: November 2021

Integration concepts at the municipal level can be seen as an important step towards a Shared Society. The concept of Shared Society was developed against the background of increasing political and social polarization. A Shared Society means a stable and safe society where everybody feels at home and respected and has equal opportunities. Tolerance and diversity are key elements. This paper analyzes integration concepts of five German cities: Aachen, Frankfurt, Potsdam, Trier and Wiesbaden. It examines their strategies and explores how they could overcome previous assimilative approaches and contribute to a Shared Society. The comparative analysis is based on three key dimensions of a Shared Society: social cohesion, joint structures and enabling environment. We show how the application of the Shared Society concept could address current challenges in the field of migration and integration and discuss factors that drive Shared Society policies and practices in cities.
Gold nanoparticle‐modified capacitive field‐effect sensors: Studying the surface density of nanoparticles and coupling of charged polyelectrolyte macromolecules
Authors: Karschuck Tobias , Kaulen Corinna , Poghossian Arshak , Wagner Patrick H. , Schöning Michael J.
Published: November 2021

The coupling of ligand‐stabilized gold nanoparticles with field‐effect devices offers new possibilities for label‐free biosensing. In this work, we study the immobilization of aminooctanethiol‐stabilized gold nanoparticles (AuAOTs) on the silicon dioxide surface of a capacitive field‐effect sensor. The terminal amino group of the AuAOT is well suited for the functionalization with biomolecules. The attachment of the positively‐charged AuAOTs on a capacitive field‐effect sensor was detected by direct electrical readout using capacitance‐voltage and constant capacitance measurements. With a higher particle density on the sensor surface, the measured signal change was correspondingly more pronounced. The results demonstrate the ability of capacitive field‐effect sensors for the non‐destructive quantitative validation of nanoparticle immobilization. In addition, the electrostatic binding of the polyanion polystyrene sulfonate to the AuAOT‐modified sensor surface was studied as a model system for the label‐free detection of charged macromolecules. Most likely, this approach can be transferred to the label‐free detection of other charged molecules such as enzymes or antibodies.
Are changes in postpandemic student consumer behavior temporary or permanent?
Authors: Dennis Marguerite J.
Published: November 2021

According to a July 30, 2020, article in the Journal of Health Management, authors Seema Mehta, Tanjul Saxena, and Neetu Purohit make the case that in every market consumers are the drivers of market competitiveness, growth, and economic integration.
Improving coordination paved way for enrollment boom
Authors: Enos Gary A.
Published: November 2021

Breaking down organizational walls has been critical to achieving ambitious goals for enrollment growth at Texas Tech University. Jamie Hansard, Vice President for Enrollment Management, credits consistency of messaging among the university's student‐serving departments for the major expansion of what people on campus call the “Red Raider family.”
Purification and characterization of phytase from Bacillus subtilis P6: Evaluation for probiotic potential for possible application in animal feed
Authors: Trivedi Shraddha , Husain Islam , Sharma Anjana
Published: November 2021

The antinutritional property of phytate is the main problem associated with food animals, but phytase‐producing probiotic strain could be the best alternative for resolving this problem. In the present study, phytase from probiotic strain Bacillus subtilis P6 was purified to homogeneity, which showed a relative molecular mass of 40 kDa on native and SDS‐PAGE. The purification fold of purified phytase was 86.99, with a specific activity of 104.39 U/mg protein. The purified enzyme showed optimum activity at 40°C and pH 6.0. Semi‐metal ions, such as K+ and Ca2+, slightly enhance the enzyme activity while Cu2+, Co2+, and Zn2+ prominently inhibited phytase activity. Purified phytase showed the highest substrate specificity toward its natural substrate phytate and did not hydrolyze other substrates having a phosphate bond. The purified enzyme exhibited strong proteolytic tolerance against trypsin and pepsin. Further, we evaluated the probiotic potential of B. subtilis and noted that it showed excellent resistance toward high acidic and bile concentrations. Subsequently, it revealed exceptional antimicrobial activity, good hydrophobicity, autoaggregation ability, nonhemolytic, and nonlecithinase activity. Additionally, B. subtilis P6 displayed susceptibility against major antibiotics. Owing to the excellent biochemical properties of phytase with notable probiotic characteristics, B. subtilis P6 may offer the possibility of being a promising candidate for the application in animal feed and food supplements. However, the in vivo use of strain secreting phytase needs to be studied in animals for its intended benefits
Incidence of bowel injury during gynecologic surgery for benign indications: A nationwide cross‐sectional study of cases from 2009 to 2018
Authors: Yuk Jin‐Sung , Cho Hyunjin , Kim Myoung H. , Gwak Geumhee , Seo Yong‐Soo , Yang Keunho , Yang Seung W. , Bae Byung‐Noe , Yoon Sang‐Hee , Lee Yujin
Published: November 2021

Objective

To investigate the incidence and risk factors of intestinal injury during gynecologic surgery for benign diseases, based on a national database.

Method

The study cohort was generated by extracting patients with operation codes for benign gynecologic diseases from the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service National Inpatient Sample from 2009 to 2018. After analyzing the incidence of bowel injury during gynecologic surgery, a multivariate analysis was performed to identify the associated risk factors for bowel injury.

Results

Among 81 451 patients who underwent gynecologic surgery for benign diseases, the incidence of bowel injury was 6.14 per 1000 women. The risk of bowel injury decreased with laparoscopy (odds ratio [OR] 0.54; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.41–0.69; P < 0.001) and increased with subtotal hysterectomy (OR 2.83; 95% CI 1.79–4.46; P < 0.001) and adnexectomy (OR 2.83; 95% CI 1.93–4.16; P < 0.001). Old age, higher Charlson comorbidity index, low socioeconomic status, and a higher clinic grade were associated with a higher risk of bowel injury.

Conclusion

This study revealed the incidence of bowel injury during benign gynecologic surgery in a Korean national population‐based cohort. The risk of bowel injury increased with open surgery, subtotal hysterectomy, and adnexectomy.
APOE polymorphism status (E4) may help in predicting the risk of recurrent implantation failure
Authors: Mohtasebi Parinaz , Eslami Maryam , Ramezanali Fariba , Borjian Boroujeni Parnaz , Rokhsat Talab Zeinab , Zamanian Mohammadreza
Published: November 2021

Objective

To examine the association between apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene polymorphisms and incidence of recurrent implantation failure (RIF).

Methods

In a case–control study, 100 women with RIF were compared with 100 women with at least one live child. DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood and APOE genotyping was performed through polymerase chain reaction, followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism. Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson's χ2 test.

Results

Our data revealed a significantly higher frequency for the E3/E4 genotype and E4 allele in the RIF group compared with controls. Significant differences in frequencies of the E4 allele (odds ratio [OR] 2.176; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.131–4.185; P = 0.026) and E3/E4 genotype (OR 2.203; 95% CI 1.092–4.443; P = 0.038) were observed between the groups.

Conclusion

The E4 polymorphism is correlated with RIF occurrence in women undergoing assisted reproductive treatment and potentially can be considered as a risk factor to the human implantation process.
Late‐onset Hem‐o‐Lok® migration into the bladder after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Ohyama Takehiro , Shimbo Masaki , Endo Fumiyasu , Hattori Kazunori
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Hem‐o‐Lok® clips are widely used in robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy because of their ease of application and secure clamping. Although there have been some reports of their migration into the urinary tract, this usually occurs a few months after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy. Late‐onset cases of Hem‐o‐Lok® clip migration, that is, after more than 1 year, are rare.

Case presentations

We report three cases of delayed endourethral Hem‐o‐Lok® clip migration more than 2 years after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy. The Hem‐o‐Lok® clips were almost completely endoluminal, and were attached at one end to the vesicourethral anastomosis. We successfully removed them via transurethral surgery using a holmium laser.

Conclusion

This case series describes late‐onset Hem‐o‐Lok® clip migration into the bladder more than 1 year after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy. Transurethral holmium laser surgery was very effective for Hem‐o‐Lok® clip removal. To avoid involvement of Hem‐o‐Lok® clips in the vesicourethral anastomosis, appropriate resection at the time of bladder neck transection is important.
Acute renal failure due to severe bilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction treated by urinary drainage in a 2‐year‐old infant
Authors: Suda Kazuto , Nakajima Hideaki , Yanai Toshihiro
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Conscientious follow‐up is essential for bilateral grade 4 hydronephrosis with ureteropelvic junction obstruction to ensure optimal surgical timing. We have reported a case of a male infant who required emergent urinary drainage due to severe bilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction‐derived acute renal failure.

Case presentation

Bilateral grade 4 hydronephrosis was diagnosed in a male neonate. Vesicoureteral reflux was ruled out. Two years after the initial diagnosis, he developed acute renal failure and underwent bilateral emergent urinary drainage, followed by multiple urinary tract reconstructions against left ureterovesical junction stenosis and bilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction. The postoperative renogram demonstrated a bilateral nonobstructive pattern.

Conclusion

Bilateral emergency drainage for acute renal failure was successful without hemodialysis. Unilateral drainage or pyeloplasty should be planned early for bilateral grade 4 hydronephrosis with ureteropelvic junction obstruction to avoid lethal events if the obstruction pattern with decreased split renal function is <40% or if it is symptomatic.
Effect of pH on lactic acid fermentation of food waste using different mixed culture inocula
Authors: Pau Simone , Tan Lea Chua , Lens Piet NL
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Increasing amounts of food waste (FW) have become a critical problem in the last few decades. Sustainable methods to limit the impact of FW on the environment are required. FW valorisation through lactic acid (LA) fermentation can assist by producing a valuable commodity from a cheap substrate. LA is a chemical with increasing market potential, it is used in several industrial sectors, and it is the main component of polylactic acid bioproducts.

RESULTS

The role of pH on LA production from FW was tested with three anaerobic inocula and a control with solely FW. The most suitable condition for LA production was at pH < 4. The best results in terms of final LA concentration (1.8 gCOD L–1), yield (224 mgCOD/gVS), and COD conversion (50%) were found in uncontrolled pH conditions with no external inoculum addition. FW already has a good abundance of LA bacteria that are responsible for lactate production. Among the external inocula supplied, primary sludge best enabled LA accumulation at a high concentration (1.3 g COD L–1) and yield (167 mgCOD/gVS).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that the reactor pH is a key factor to stimulate LA acid fermentation and its accumulation. Under acidic conditions, LA accumulated in the system instead of being converted to volatile fatty acids (VFAs); this was likely due to the inhibition of the microbial community responsible for VFAs production. Uncontrolled pH condition impacts positively the overall fermentation cost since the alkalinizing agents used to keep pH neutral are not required and simplifies the downstream processes for LA extraction and purification. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Comparing nitisinone 2 mg and 10 mg in the treatment of alkaptonuria—An approach using statistical modelling
Authors: Ranganath Lakshminarayan R. , Milan Anna M. , Hughes Andrew T. , Khedr Milad , Norman Brendan P. , Alsbou Mohammed , Imrich Richard , Gornall Matthew , Sireau Nicolas , Gallagher James A. , Jackson Richard
Published: November 2021

Background

Outcomes from studies employing nitisinone 10 mg and 2 mg in alkaptonuria were compared.

Patients and methods

Sixty‐nine patients in each of the nitisinone (10 mg daily) and controls of suitability of nitisinone in alkaptonuria 2 (SONIA 2), as well as 37 and 23 in nitisinone (2 mg daily) and control cohorts at the National Alkaptonuria Centre (NAC), respectively, were followed up for 4 years. Severity of alkaptonuria (AKU) was assessed by the AKU Severity Score Index (AKUSSI). 24‐h urine homogentisic acid (uHGA24), serum HGA (sHGA), serum tyrosine (sTYR) and serum nitisinone (sNIT) were also analysed at each time point. Dietetic support was used in the NAC, but not in SONIA 2. Safety outcomes were also compared. All statistical analyses were post hoc.

Results

The slope of the AKUSSI was 0.55, 0.19, 0.30, and 0.06 per month in the control NAC, nitisinone NAC, control SONIA 2, and nitisinone SONIA 2 cohorts, respectively. The intersection of the slopes on the x‐axis was −132, −411, −295, and − 1460 months, respectively. The control and nitisinone slope comparisons were statistically significant both in the NAC (p < 0.001) and the SONIA 2 (p < 0.001). Corneal keratopathy occurred in 3 and 10 patients in the NAC and SONIA 2, respectively.

Discussion

The nitisinone 10 mg dose decreased disease progression more than the 2 mg dose although the incidence of corneal keratopathy was 14.5% and 4.9%, respectively.

Conclusion

Nitisinone 10 mg decreased urine and serum HGA, increased serum tyrosine, and decreased disease progression more than 2 mg. Low‐protein dietetic support may be needed to mitigate tyrosinaemia following nitisinone.

Highlights

Nitisinone 10 mg apparently slows alkaptonuria disease progression more than 2 mg in adults.

Corneal keratopathy during nitisinone therapy was more common in men.

Serum nitisinone concentrations increased significantly over time.

Nitisinone may inhibit cytochrome P450 self catabolism.
Insights into the role of vaginal microbiome in women's health
Authors: Deka Namrata , Hassan Saqib , Seghal Kiran George , Selvin Joseph
Published: November 2021

The vaginal microbiome is a complex and dynamic microecosystem that fluctuates continually throughout a woman's life. Lactobacillus, a bacterium that possesses antibacterial properties dominates a healthy vaginal microbiome. Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal disorder that has been linked with the dysbiosis of normal vaginal microbiota. Despite the importance of vaginal microbiome, little is known about functions it performs especially, how it helps in protecting the female reproductive tract. This knowledge gap is a significant impediment to the development of effective and feasible clinical treatments that might be required to improve women's health. Thus, a deeper understanding of the functional aspects and not just the composition of vaginal microbiome may aid in improving the diagnostics and treatment strategies. Recent advancement in molecular methods and computational biology have allowed researchers to acquire more knowledge about the vaginal microbiome. The use of metagenomics (culture‐independent high‐throughput technology) and bioinformatics tools have improved our understanding of the vaginal microbiome. In this review, we have attempted to explore the factors that may alter normal vaginal microbiota homeostasis such as age, sexual behavior, ethnicity, and hygiene, and so forth. We also discuss the role of probiotics in restoring healthy vaginal microbiome.
Laser beam welding of deoxidized copper: microstructure investigation and thermodynamic consideration
Authors: von Lintel H. , Böhlke P. , Wobker H.‐G. , Michels W. , Krupp U. , Jahns K.
Published: November 2021

During the deep‐penetration welding of phosphorus deoxidized copper, a multitude of reactions occur which influence the formation of phases inside the welding region. Thereby, the microstructure evolution during laser beam welding depends on the chemical composition of the alloy as well as of the gaseous environment. As a result of reactions in a phosphorus rich copper melt, copper phosphides are formed which are located inside the grains as well as at the grain boundaries. Meanwhile, the formation of phosphorus pentoxide and an uncomplete decomposition of copper‐I‐oxide to elemental copper and phosphorus pentoxide were identified at the keyhole. Thereby, the decomposition of copper‐I‐oxide depends on the oxygen concentration. Thus, a complete decomposition of copper‐I‐oxide to elemental copper and phosphorus pentoxide was observed at the bottom side of the welding region due to a higher oxygen concentration.
Synthesis and characterisation of cerium sulphide over optical fiber and its gas sensing application
Authors: Theoderaj A.K.C. , Jacob I.D. , Chitra M.
Published: November 2021

In this study, a cladding‐modified optical fiber‐based gas sensor is proposed for detection of carbon dioxide gas. Cerium disulphide (CeS2) is synthesised and coated by chemical bath deposition (CBD) route over the region in which cladding is removed. This synthesised cerium disulphide is characterised by x‐ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence spectrum (PL), ultra violet‐visible absorption spectrum, ultra violet ‐visible reflectance and transmittance spectrum, scanning electron microscope images (SEM) and energy dispersive x‐ray spectrum (EDX). The response of the sensor is recorded for different concentrations of test gases (nitrogen dioxide and carbon dioxide) and the sensor's selectivity is compared and analysed. It is observed that cerium disulphide is more sensitive to carbon dioxide compared to nitrogen dioxide.
Equivalence between invariant measures and statistical solutions for the 2D non‐autonomous magneto‐micropolar fluid equations
Authors: Li Yanjiao , Li Xiaojun
Published: November 2021

In this article, we aim to investigate the regularity of the statistical solution for a 2D non‐autonomous magneto‐micropolar fluid system as well as the relationship between invariant measure and statistical solution. First, in order to get the regularity of the statistical solution, we prove the existence and regularity of pullback attractor for the system. Then we obtain that the statistical solution possesses some regularity properties by using the regularity of pullback attractor. Finally, we show that the statistical solution is actually an invariant measure for the system under consideration.
Design of optical system of photoelectric detection sensor and flare signal processing with array lens
Authors: Zhang Xuewei , Li Hanshan
Published: November 2021

Because the flare signal formed by projectile explosion is affected by the external environment, it is difficult for multi‐acoustic sensor array to obtain accurate synchronization signal. In order to solve this problem, this paper proposes a design method of ultra‐wide‐angle photoelectric detection sensor by using circular curved surface array lens, analyze the detection ability of photoelectric detection sensor with array lens, and establish the output signal function calculation model. According to the output signal of flare detection circuit, the feature points detection algorithm of modulus maxima based on wavelet transform is studied. Based on this algorithm, the signal is processed on the hardware processor to output the actual flare trigger control signal. The processing and recognition algorithm of signal mainly uses the relationship among wavelet modulus maxima, scale, Lipschitz index, and signal singularity to select the appropriate wavelet basis to process the flare signal formed by projectile explosion. Thus, the feature points of the flare signal singularity can be obtained. When the detection conditions of the feature points of the signal singularity are satisfied, the hardware outputs pulse signals to control the acoustic sensor array. The experimental results show that the designed detection algorithm of wavelet filtering and modulus maxima feature points can effectively detect the flare signal.
Jordanian migration and mobility in the Middle Bronze Age (ca. 2100–1550 BCE) at Pella
Authors: Stantis Chris , Maaranen Nina , Kharobi Arwa , Nowell Geoff M. , Macpherson Colin , Schutkowski Holger , Bourke Stephen
Published: November 2021

The site of Pella, located in the foothills of the east Jordan valley, was a prosperous city–state throughout the Middle Bronze Age (MBA, ca. 2000–1500 BCE). As part of a widespread trading network, Pella enjoyed extensive socio‐economic relationships with Egypt, Cyprus, and the Aegean, Anatolia, and Babylonia during this period. We report isotopic analysis (87Sr/86Sr, δ18O, and δ13C) from enamel of 22 human permanent second molars of which 13 second lower molars were used for an additional biodistance analysis based on ASUDAS. The multidisciplinary approach investigates the ancestral background of MBA Pella and the degree of temporary or more permanent relocation from other settlements. Ancillary to carbonate isotope analysis for migration investigation, dietary information in the form of δ13Ccarbonate was also collected. δ13Ccarbonate values (mean −12.3‰ ± 0.4 SD) suggest a uniform diet reliant on C3 cereals and legumes as crops and animal fodder, adhering to expected Bronze Age Levantine dietary norms. Two methods are used to identify non‐locals. Using a biospheric baseline, three individuals with non‐local 87Sr/86Sr ratios are identified. Bagplot analysis of both 87Sr/86Sr and δ18O data suggests that three individuals (14%) grew up elsewhere; two individuals who were already identified as 87Sr/86Sr outliers using biospheric data and one more with outlying δ18O values. All individuals identified as non‐locals, using either method, are from one tomb, Tomb 62. The dental nonmetric traits indicated diverse morphology and subsequent ancestry for Tomb 62 (11/13), whereas primary burials (2/13) clustered together. The commingled condition of Tomb 62 material prevented a more exhaustive biodistance analysis, but the tentative results coincide with interpretations of the tomb. Significant movements of populations throughout the Middle Bronze Age are evidenced through funerary rituals and architecture, and this study demonstrates that Pella, thought to be peripheral, nonetheless had some permanent movement evidenced through isotopes and ancestry analysis.
SWI/SNF‐deficient undifferentiated malignancies: where to draw the line†
Authors: Tessier‐Cloutier Basile , Kleinman Claudia L , Foulkes William D
Published: November 2021

Alterations in chromatin remodelling genes are increasingly recognised as drivers of undifferentiated malignancies. In atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumours (ATRTs) and extracranial rhabdoid tumours (ECRTs), inactivation of SMARCB1 underlies >95% of cases. In the remainder, the culprit is another SWI/SNF family member, SMARCA4. By contrast, in small cell carcinoma of the ovary hypercalcaemic type (SCCOHT), SMARCA4 deficiency is by far the most common driver mechanism, while SMARCB1 alterations are rarely seen. It is unclear why alterations are so heavily weighted towards one or another subunit based on site alone, but both have become essential markers for the diagnosis and management of these undifferentiated lesions. Core SMARCA4‐deficient undifferentiated malignancies share an aggressive clinical course and show an overlapping morphologic phenotype. In their study, Andrianteranagna, Cyrta and colleagues used DNA methylation and gene expression profiling to compare two subsets of SMARCA4‐deficient malignancies diagnosed as SCCOHT and ECRT. Their work gives further insight into the subtle molecular spectrum of SMARCA4‐deficient tumours, and their distinction from ATRT and ECRT with SMARCB1 inactivation. The characterisation of these molecular features is likely to play an important role in the future as we try to establish a clinically meaningful framework for the diagnosis and management of these lesions. © 2021 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Epidemiological characteristics and survival outcomes of children with medulloblastoma treated at the National Cancer Institute (INCA) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Oigman Gabriela , Osorio Diana S. , Ferman Sima , Stanek Joseph R. , Aversa do Souto Antonio , Christiani Marcio M. C. , Magalhaes Denise M. A. , Finlay Jonathan L. , Vianna Denizar A.
Published: November 2021

Background

Medulloblastoma (MB),the most common malignant brain tumor of childhood has survival outcomes exceeding 80% for standard‐risk and 60% for high‐risk patients in high‐income countries (HICs). These results have not been replicated in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), where 80% of children with cancer live.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of 114 children aged 3–18 years diagnosed with MB from 1997 to 2016 at National Cancer Institute (INCA). Sociodemographic, clinical, and treatment data were extracted from the medical records and summarized descriptively. Overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

The male‐to‐female ratio was 1.32 and the median age at diagnosis was 8.2 years. Headache (83%) and nausea/vomiting (78%) were the most common presenting symptoms. Five‐year OS was 59.1% and PFS was 58.4%. The OS for standard‐risk and high‐risk patients was 69% and 53%, respectively. The median time to diagnosis interval was 50.5 days and the median time from surgery to radiation therapy initiation was 50.4 days. Patients who lived >40 km from INCA fared better (OS = 68.2% vs. 51.1%, p = .032). Almost 20% of families lived below the Brazilian minimum wage. Forty‐five patients (35%) had metastatic disease at admission. Gross total resection was achieved in 57% of the patitents.

Conclusions

Although there are considerable barriers to deliver effective MB treatment in countries like Brazil, the OS seen in the present study demonstrates that good outcomes are not only feasible but can and should be increased with appropriate interventions.
Neurocognitive and psychological functioning of pediatric brain tumor patients undergoing proton beam therapy for three different tumor types
Authors: Youn Sang Hee , Ha Boram , Lee Eun‐Hee , Park Boram , Yang Song Ei , Yu Eun‐Seung , Kim Joo‐Young
Published: November 2021

Background

A high proportion of pediatric patients with brain tumors (BTs) are known to experience a decline in neurocognitive function after treatment. We prospectively examined neuropsychological functioning of patients with BTs of varying tumor types at different time points before, during, and after proton beam therapy.

Materials and methods

A total of 98 patients with posterior fossa tumors (PFTs; n = 33), germ cell tumors (GCTs; n = 52), and other supratentorial tumors (STTs; n = 13) underwent baseline neuropsychological assessments and 57 patients underwent follow‐up assessments.

Results

All groups displayed significantly lower performance intelligence quotient (PIQ) and processing speed (PS) scores than the normative means at baseline. The PFT group exhibited significantly lower scores for full‐scale IQ, PIQ, PS, attention, and executive function. The GCT group displayed full‐scale IQ scores within the normal range, but a significantly high proportion had memory deficits. In the STT group, all functions except for the PIQ and PS were intact. Longitudinal evaluations demonstrated stable global IQ scores over time in all groups. In the PFT group, verbal comprehension, attention, and PS improved over time. However, in the GCT group, verbal IQ scores declined significantly and psychological problems worsened over time, which were correlated with poorer neurocognitive function at 3–5 years after treatment. In the STT group, no significant changes were observed.

Conclusion

Because patients with BTs exhibit various types of neurocognitive deficit before radiotherapy, early cognitive treatment tailored to the tumor type maybe beneficial. Interventions for psychological problems and memory function may be necessary, especially for patients with GCT.
A prospective study of filgrastim pharmacokinetics in morbidly obese patients compared with non‐obese controls
Authors: Stewart Aaron W. , Shillingburg Alexandra , Petros William , Wen Sijin , Piktel Debra , Moses Rebecca , Gibson Laura F. , Craig Michael , Cumpston Aaron
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Filgrastim is a human granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF). There are limited data on dosing filgrastim in obesity. The objective of this study was to compare filgrastim pharmacokinetic parameters for morbidly obese and non‐obese patients after a single subcutaneous dose of filgrastim dosed per actual body weight.

Methods

This prospective, matched‐pair study (NCT01719432) included patients ≥18 years of age, receiving filgrastim at 5 μg/kg with a weight >190% of their ideal body weight (IBW) for “morbidly obese” patients or within 80%–124% of IBW for matched‐control patients. The control group was prospectively matched for age (within 10 years), degree of neutropenia, and gender. Filgrastim doses were not rounded to vial size, to allow more accurate assessment of exposure. Blood samples were collected at 0 (prior to dose), 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 h after the first subcutaneous administration of filgrastim.

Results

A total of 30 patients were enrolled in this prospective pharmacokinetic study, with 15 patients assigned to each arm. Non‐compartmental analysis showed that the systemic clearance (Cl) was 0.111 ± 0.041 ml/min in the morbidly obese group versus 0.124 ± 0.045 ml/min in the non‐obese group (p = 0.44). Additionally, the mean area under the curve (AUC0‐24h) was 49.3 ± 13.9 ng/ml × min in the morbidly obese group versus 46.3 ± 16.8 ng/mL x min in the non‐obese group (p = 0.6). No differences were seen in maximum concentrations (Cmax) between the two groups (morbidly obese: 48.1 ± 14.7 ng/ml vs. non‐obese: 49.2 ± 20.7 ng/ml (p = 0.87)). The morbidly obese group had a numerically higher, but not statistically significant, increase in time to maximum concentration (Tmax) compared to the non‐obese group (544 ± 145 min vs 436 ± 156 min (p = 0.06), respectively).

Conclusion

Calculating subcutaneous filgrastim doses using actual body weight appears to produce similar systemic exposure in morbidly obese and non‐obese patients with severe neutropenia.
Numerical Simulation of Detonation and Brisance Performance of Aluminized HMX Using Density‐Adaptive SPH
Authors: Chen Jian‐Yu , Feng Dian‐Lei , Wang Guang‐Yu , Gao Fei , Peng Chong
Published: November 2021

The prediction of the brisance performance of the aluminized explosive detonation, which involves complicated multiphase and multiphysics flow, is a difficult problem to tackle. In this paper, the detonation and brisance performance of aluminized HMX explosives is investigated using the density‐adaptive smoothed particle hydrodynamics methodology. The ignition and growth model was incorporated in smoothed particle hydrodynamics to calculate the pressure generated by the detonation of aluminized explosive, and the after‐burning combustion model was used to obtain the released energy caused by the combustion of aluminium particles. The elastic‐perfectly plastic model and Tillotson equation of state were employed to predict the dynamic behavior of metal material. In addition, the density‐adaptive method is employed to deal with the multiphase interface with a large density ratio. Firstly, the equations of state and constitutive models are verified by two benchmark cases, namely three‐dimensional detonation of PBX 9501 explosive and three‐dimensional aluminium‐aluminium high‐velocity impact. Subsequently, the detonation velocity and peak pressure of aluminized HMX with different mass fractions of aluminium powder are investigated. In the end, the interaction between the steel confiner and the detonation of aluminized explosive is conducted in order to study the brisance performance of aluminized explosive. The numerical results obtained from smoothed particle hydrodynamics are in good agreement with the experimental data, which shows that the detonation and the ballistic performance of the condensed explosive can be captured by density‐adaptive smoothed particle hydrodynamics very well.
A synthetic multivariate exponentially weighted moving average scheme for monitoring of bivariate Gamma distributed processes
Authors: Xie FuPeng , Mukherjee Amitava , Sun JinSheng , Tang AnAn , Hu XueLong
Published: November 2021

Several scholarly works intrinsically assume that the frequency and magnitude of events are two independent variables . However, in many practical situations, it is necessary to consider the dependence between these two characteristics of events. In this paper, two Smith–Adelfang–Tubbs (SAT) models, namely, the four‐ and the five‐parameter bivariate Gamma distributions (BGD) with a particular dependency parameter, are first reviewed. Then, a synthetic multivariate exponentially weighted moving average (synthetic MEWMA, or SMEWMA) type scheme is proposed to monitor the individual BGD observations (subgroups of size one) generated from those two specific SAT models. The Monte‐Carlo simulation method is developed to evaluate the run length () properties of the recommended SMEWMA BGD scheme in both the zero‐state and the steady‐state cases. Furthermore, we discuss the average run length (ARL) of the proposed SMEWMA BGD scheme with different design parameters, and then compare both the zero‐state and the steady‐state out‐of‐control ARL performances of the recommended SMEWMA BGD scheme with those of the classic MEWMA chart, the paired individual Gamma chart, and the MCUSUM chart. Simulation results suggest that the overall performance of the recommended SMEWMA BGD scheme is superior to the other comparative schemes. Finally, the implementation of the proposed SMEWMA BGD scheme is illustrated with a natural flood event dataset .
A Markowitz‐based alternative model: Hedging market shocks under endowment constraints*
Authors: Martin Brett , Swanson Adam
Published: November 2021

This paper suggests an alternative method of investing funds managed by endowments and foundations that is largely based on the work of Harry Markowitz, Arnold Zellner, and Nassim Taleb. Recognizing most endowments work around their traditional allocation of capital to bonds and stocks, this paper offers another piece of evidence that alternative methods of protection may be advantageous when their portfolios are constructed with forecasting error in mind. It suggests taking long only positions in two Markowitz optimized long/short funds. This could allow exposure to short positions while under long only constraints, and if done correctly, outperform the typical stock/bond split, providing the needed premium for payout liabilities. While this is frequently done by endowments, these funds typically invest in portfolios that are poorly constructed. The approach discussed in this paper utilizes the covariance of forecasting errors in optimizing each of the before mentioned portfolios; they would also be constructed for performance during normal market conditions and unpredictable Black Swan event. This optimization method can be achieved by using a seemingly unrelated regression system for forecasted returns, thereby providing the theoretically correct variance covariance to be utilized in optimization. Even with the very simplistic forecasting model utilized, application of the correct methodology provides enhanced performance. The result is a portfolio that maintains its value during adverse market conditions without sacrificing annual return. The risk‐adjusted return of a portfolio constructed using the methodology outlined in this paper would be far higher than that of the stock/bond approach foundations and endowments have relied upon, even during a period of extremely good bond performance, by historical standards.
Doubly random polytopes
Authors: Newman Andrew
Published: November 2021

A two‐step model for generating random polytopes is considered. For parameters d, m, and p, the first step is to generate a simple polytope P whose facets are given by m uniform random hyperplanes tangent to the unit sphere in , and the second step is to sample each vertex of P independently with probability p and let Q be the convex hull of the sampled vertices. We establish results on how well Q approximates the unit sphere in terms of m and p as well as asymptotics on the combinatorial complexity of Q for certain regimes of p.
Ultrasound‐Assisted Liquid‐Phase Synthesis and Mechanical Properties of Aluminum Matrix Nanocomposites Incorporating Boride Nanocrystals
Authors: Ma Binghua , Gómez‐Recio Isabel , Mazerolles Léo , Mazeran Pierre‐Emmanuel , Sanchez Clément , Delalande Stéphane , Portehault David
Published: November 2021

Incorporating boride nanocrystals could significantly impact the mechanical properties of aluminum alloys. Molten salts synthesis offers opportunities to fabricate superhard boride nanoparticles, which can sustain the harsh conditions during the liquid‐phase design of metallic nanocomposites. Here hafnium diboride‐aluminum nanocomposites are unveiled from molten salt‐derived HfB2 nanoparticles sequentially dispersed in aluminum by ultrasound treatment. The structure and size of the nanocrystals are retained in the final nanocomposites, supporting their high chemical stability. Semicoherent interfaces between the nanoparticles and the matrix are then evidenced by TEM, suggesting that the nanocrystals could promote heterogeneous nucleation of Al and then limit the Al grain size to ≈20 µm. Nanoindentation measurements reveal significant grain boundary strengthening and grain refinement effects. It is finally shown that HfB2 nanoparticles also enable a decrease in matrix grain size and an increase in the hardness of the AlSi7Cu0.5Mg0.3 alloy. These proof‐of‐concept materials are paving the way to light‐weight Al matrix nanocomposites doped by molten‐salt synthesized nanoparticles.
Microcrystalline silica particles induce inflammatory response via pyroptosis in primary human respiratory epithelial cells
Authors: Chen Shangya , Han Bing , Geng Xiao , Li Peng , Lavin Martin F. , Yeo Abrey J. , Li Chao , Sun Jiayin , Peng Cheng , Shao Hua , Du Zhongjun
Published: November 2021

The mechanism of the sterile inflammatory response in the respiratory tract induced by exposure to sterile particles has not been fully elucidated. The aim of our study is to explore the earlier events in initiating inflammatory response at molecular and cellular level in primary cultured human airway epithelial cells (AEC) exposed to silica particles in order to provide information for earlier diagnosis and prevention of silica particle‐induced toxicity as well as possible information on the genesis of silicosis. We isolated primary AEC from three healthy adults and treated them with silica particles at different concentrations for 48 h. We found evidence for silica‐induced inflammasome activation by the co‐localization of Caspase‐1 and NLRP3, as well as increased levels of IL‐1β and IL‐18. Lactate dehydrogenase and NucGreen analysis proved the occurrence of pyroptosis. High throughput mRNA sequencing showed that the inflammatory response and NF‐κB signaling pathways were significantly enriched in gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes analysis, and pyroptosis‐related genes were up‐regulated. The miR‐455‐3p and five lncRNAs (LOC105375913, NEAT1, LOC105375181, LOC100506098, and LOC105369370) were verified as key factors related to the mechanism by ceRNA network analysis. LOC105375913 was first discovered to be associated with inflammation in AEC. These data suggest that microcrystalline silica can induce significant inflammation and pyroptosis in human primary AEC through NLRP3 inflammasome pathway and NF‐κB signaling pathway at both the gene and protein levels, and the possible mechanism could be miR‐455‐3p mediated ceRNA hypothesis. Our data provide a method for the studies of the respiratory toxicity of fine particulate matter and the pathogenesis of early silicosis. The miR‐455‐3p and five lncRNAs related ceRNA network might be the toxicity mechanism of microcrystalline silica particles to AEC.
Computational resources in healthcare
Authors: Sharma Neelam , Naorem Leimarembi Devi , Gupta Satakshi , Raghava Gajendra P. S.
Published: November 2021

Healthcare is the most important component in the life of all human beings as each individual wish to have happy, healthy, and wealthy life‐span. Most of the branches of science are dedicated to improve the healthcare. In the era of knowledge mining, informatics is playing a crucial role in different branches of research. Thus, a wide range of informatics‐based fields have emerged in the last three decades that include medical informatics, bioinformatics, cheminformatics, pharmacoinformatics, immunoinformatics, and clinical informatics. In the past, a number of reviews have been focused on the application of an informatics‐based field in the healthcare. In this review, an attempt is made to summarize the major computational resources developed in any informatics‐based field that have an application in healthcare. This review enlists computational resources in following groups ‐ drug discovery, toxicity prediction, vaccine designing, disease biomarkers, and Internet of Things. We mainly focused on freely available, functional resources like data repositories, prediction models, standalone software, mobile apps, and web services. In order to provide service to the community, we developed a health portal that maintain links related to healthcare http://webs.iiitd.edu.in/.

This article is categorized under:

Application Areas > Health Care
Collider signatures of coannihilating dark matter in light of the B-physics anomalies
Authors: Baker Michael J. , Faroughy Darius A. , Trifinopoulos Sokratis
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Motivated by UV explanations of the B-physics anomalies, we study a dark sector containing a Majorana dark matter candidate and a coloured coannihilation partner, connected to the Standard Model predominantly via a U1 vector leptoquark. A TeV scale U1 leptoquark, which couples mostly to third generation fermions, is the only successful single-mediator description of the B-physics anomalies. After calculating the dark matter relic surface, we focus on the most promising experimental avenue: LHC searches for the coloured coannihilation partner. We find that the coloured partner hadronizes and forms meson-like bound states leading to resonant signatures at colliders reminiscent of the quarkonia decay modes in the Standard Model. By recasting existing dilepton and monojet searches we exclude coannihilation partner masses less than 280 GeV and 400 GeV, respectively. Since other existing collider searches do not significantly probe the parameter space, we propose a new dedicated search strategy for pair production of the coloured partner decaying into bbττ final states and dark matter particles. This search is expected to probe the model up to dark matter masses around 600 GeV with current luminosity.
Are humanized IgE reporter systems potential game changers in serological diagnosis of human parasitic infection?
Authors: Prakash Prema S. , Weber Michael H. W. , van Hellemond Jaap J. , Falcone Franco H.
Published: November 2021

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is thought to have evolved to protect mammalian hosts against parasitic infections or toxins and plays a central role in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and therapy of IgE-mediated allergy. Despite the prominence of IgE responses in most parasitic infections, and in stark contrast to its use in the diagnosis of allergy, this isotype is almost completely unexploited for parasite diagnosis. Here, we discuss the perceived or real limitations of IgE-based diagnosis in parasitology and suggest that the recent creation of a new generation of very sensitive cellular IgE-based reporters may represent a powerful new diagnostic platform, but needs to be based on a very careful choice of diagnostic allergens.
Genetic mapping of the tomato quality traits brix and blossom-end rot under supplemental LED and HPS lighting conditions
Authors: Prinzenberg Aina E. , van der Schoot Hanneke , Visser Richard G. F. , Marcelis Leo F. M. , Heuvelink Ep , Schouten Henk J.
Published: November 2021

LED lighting has emerged as alternative to the current HPS standard in greenhouse production. However little is known about the impact on fruit quality under the different light spectra. We grew a biparental tomato RIL population between September 2019 and January 2020 under two commercial greenhouse supplemental lighting conditions, i.e. HPS, and 95% red/5% blue- LED, of about 220 µmol m−2 s−1at maximum canopy height for 16 h per day. Differences in Brix and blossom-end rot (BER) between the two light conditions were observed and we studied the genetic influences on those traits, separating genetics located on chromosomes from genetics located in plastids. The Brix value was on average 11% lower under LED than under HPS supplemental lighting. A LED-light specific QTL for Brix was identified on chromosome 6. This QTL can be of interest for breeding for tomato varieties cultivated under LED supplemental lighting. A Brix-QTL on chromosome 2 was found for both light conditions. In our study fewer plants developed BER under LED supplemental lighting than under HPS. We identified a novel genetic locus on chromosome 11 for the incidence of BER that lead to a difference in about 20% of fruits with BER. This genetic component was independent of the light.
Perioperative coronary artery spasms in patients undergoing catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Hachisuka Masato , Fujimoto Yuhi , Oka Eiichiro , Hayashi Hiroshi , Yamamoto Teppei , Murata Hiroshige , Yodogawa Kenji , Iwasaki Yu-ki , Hayashi Meiso , Miyauchi Yasushi , Shimizu Wataru
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Catheter ablation (CA) is an established treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF). Although coronary artery spasms (CAS) during or after ablation procedures have been described as a rare complication in some case reports, the incidence and characteristics of this complication have not been fully elucidated. The present observational study aimed to clarify the CAS in a large number of patients experiencing AF ablation.

Methods

A total of 2913 consecutive patients (male: 78%, mean 66 ± 10 years) who underwent catheter ablation of AF were enrolled.

Results

Nine patients (0.31%, mean 66 ± 10 years, 7 males) had transient ST-T elevation (STE). Eight out of the 9 patients had STE in the inferior leads. STE occurred after the transseptal puncture in 7 patients, after the sheath was pulled out of the left atrium in 1, and 2 h after the ablation procedure in 1. Six patients had definite angiographic CAS without any sign of an air embolization on the emergent coronary angiography. In the3 other patients, the STE improved either directly after an infusion of nitroglycerin or spontaneously before the CAG. The patients with CAS had a higher frequency of a smoking habit (89% vs. 53%; P = .04), smaller left atrial diameter (36 ± 6 vs. 40 ± 7; P = .07), and lower CHADS2 score (0.6 ± 0.5 vs. 1.3 ± 1.1; P = .004) than those without.

Conclusions

Although the incidence was rare (0.31%), CAS should be kept in mind as a potentially life-threatening complication throughout an AF ablation procedure especially performed under conscious sedation.