bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating a multicomponent survivorship programme for men with prostate cancer in Australia: a single cohort study
Authors: Yates Patsy , Carter Rob , Cockerell Robyn , Cowan Donna , Dixon Cyril , Lal Anita , Newton Robert U , Hart Nicolas , Galvão Daniel A , Baguley Brenton , Denniston Nicholas , Skinner Tina , Couper Jeremy , Emery Jon , Frydenberg Mark , Liu Wei-Hong
Published: February 2022

Objective

To evaluate the implementation of a multicomponent survivorship programme for men with prostate cancer and their carers.

Design

A single cohort study, guided by the RE-AIM framework.

Setting

Multiple health services in Australia.

Participants

Men with prostate cancer and their carers, and health professionals.

Intervention

A 12-month telehealth programme that provided centralised and coordinated decision and information support, exercise and nutrition management, specialised clinical support and practical support to men and their carers.

Data collection

Multiple sources of data including participant-reported health outcomes and experience of care, qualitative interviews, records of the programme were collected at different time points.

Results

Reach: Of 394 eligible men at various stages of survivorship, 142 consented (36% consent rate) and 136 (96%) completed the programme. Adoption: All men participated in general care coordination and more than half participated in exercise and/or nutrition management interventions. Participation in the specialised support component (ie, psychosocial and sexual health support, continence management) was low despite the high level of need reported by men. Effectiveness: Overall, the men reported improvements in their experience of care. Implementation: Factors such as addressing service gaps, provision of specialised services, care coordination, adoption of needs-based and telehealth-based approaches were identified as enablers to the successful implementation of the programme. Issues such as insufficient integration with existing services, lack of resources and high caseload of the intervention team, men’s reluctance to discuss needs and lack of confidence with technology were barriers in implementing the programme.

Conclusion

Survivorship interventions are relevant to men regardless of the stage of their disease and treatments undertaken. It is possible to provide access to a comprehensive model of survivorship care to promote the health and quality of life for men with prostate cancer.

Trial registration number

This study was registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12617000174381).
Randomised controlled trial of Advanced Hybrid Closed Loop in an Adult Population with Type 1 Diabetes (ADAPT): study protocol and rationale
Authors: de Portu Simona , Vorrink Linda , Re Roseline , Shin John , Castaneda Javier , Habteab Aklilu , Cohen Ohad
Published: February 2022

Introduction

For many people with type 1 diabetes who struggle to achieve glycaemic control with multiple daily injections of insulin (MDI) plus self-monitoring of blood glucose, MDI plus intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (IS-CGM) or real-time continuous glucose monitoring (RT-CGM), or insulin administration using insulin pump therapy represent optimised care in many regions. Through technological advances an advanced hybrid closed loop (AHCL) system has been developed; studies of incremental effects relative to MDI plus IS-CGM are lacking.

Methods and analysis

The Advanced Hybrid Closed Loop study in Adult Population with Type 1 Diabetes (ADAPT) study is a multinational, prospective, open-label, confirmatory and exploratory randomised controlled trial to examine outcomes with the MiniMed 670G version 4.0 AHCL system (with an equivalent algorithm and commercialised as the MiniMed 780G system, referred to as AHCL) relative to MDI plus IS-CGM in adults with baseline HbA1c≥8.0%. An exploratory cohort will compare AHCL with MDI plus RT-CGM. The study will be conducted in approximately 124 adults on MDI plus either IS-CGM or RT-CGM for at least 3 months prior to screening. The primary endpoint will be the difference in mean HbA1c change from baseline to 6 months between the AHCL and the MDI plus IS-CGM arms. Secondary endpoints will include proportion of time spent in hypoglycaemic, euglycaemic and hyperglycaemic ranges.

Ethics and dissemination

The ADAPT study will be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Declaration of Helsinki and local laws and regulations, and has been approved by ethics committees. The trial will provide valuable information on the incremental benefits that may be provided by AHCL for patients failing to achieve glycaemic targets on MDI plus IS-CGM or RT-CGM and form a basis for health economic evaluations to support market access.

Trial registration number

NCT04235504; Pre-results.
Role of cardiac CT in the diagnostic evaluation and risk stratification of patients with myocardial infarction and non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA): rationale and design of the MINOCA-GR study
Authors: Rampidis Georgios P , Kampaktsis Polydoros Ν , Kouskouras Konstantinos , Samaras Athanasios , Benetos Georgios , Giannopoulos Andreas Α , Karamitsos Theodoros , Kallifatidis Alexandros , Samaras Antonios , Vogiatzis Ioannis , Hadjimiltiades Stavros , Ziakas Antonios , Buechel Ronny R , Gebhard Catherine , Smilowitz Nathaniel R , Toutouzas Konstantinos , Tsioufis Konstantinos , Prassopoulos Panagiotis , Karvounis Haralambos , Reynolds Harmony , Giannakoulas George
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) occurs in 5%–15% of all patients with acute myocardial infarction. Cardiac MR (CMR) and optical coherence tomography have been used to identify the underlying pathophysiological mechanism in MINOCA. The role of cardiac CT angiography (CCTA) in patients with MINOCA, however, has not been well studied so far. CCTA can be used to assess atherosclerotic plaque volume, vulnerable plaque characteristics as well as pericoronary fat tissue attenuation, which has not been yet studied in MINOCA.

Methods and analysis

MINOCA-GR is a prospective, multicentre, observational cohort study based on a national registry that will use CCTA in combination with CMR and invasive coronary angiography (ICA) to evaluate the extent and characteristics of coronary atherosclerosis and its correlation with pericoronary fat attenuation in patients with MINOCA. A total of 60 consecutive adult patients across 4 participating study sites are expected to be enrolled. Following ICA and CMR, patients will undergo CCTA during index hospitalisation. The primary endpoints are quantification of extent and severity of coronary atherosclerosis, description of high-risk plaque features and attenuation profiling of pericoronary fat tissue around all three major epicardial coronary arteries in relation to CMR. Follow-up CCTA for the evaluation of changes in pericoronary fat attenuation will also be performed. MINOCA-GR aims to be the first study to explore the role of CCTA in combination with CMR and ICA in the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and assisting in diagnostic evaluation and prognosis of patients with MINOCA.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol has been approved by the institutional review board/independent ethics committee at each site prior to study commencement. All patients will provide written informed consent. Results will be disseminated at national meetings and published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT4186676.
Sex differences in risks of in-hospital and late outcomes after cardiac surgery: a nationwide population-based cohort study
Authors: Chang Feng-Cheng , Chen Shao-Wei , Chan Yi‐Hsin , Lin Chia-Pin , Wu Victor Chien-Chia , Cheng Yu-Ting , Chen Dong-Yi , Hung Kuo-Chun , Chu Pao-Hsien , Chou An-Hsun
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Outcomes of sex differences in major cardiac surgery remain controversial. A comprehensive understanding of sex differences in major adult cardiac surgery could provide better knowledge of risk factors, management strategy and short-term or long-term outcomes. The present study aimed to investigate sex differences in the risks of outcomes of major cardiac surgeries and subgroup analyses of different valve types.

Design

Population-based nationwide cohort study.

Setting

Data were obtained from National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) in Taiwan.

Participants

A total of 66 326 adult patients (age ≥20 years; 30.3% women) who underwent a first major cardiac surgery (isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), isolated valve or concomitant bypass/valve) from 2000 to 2013 were identified via Taiwan NHIRD.

Main outcome measures

Outcomes of primary interest were in-hospital death and all-cause mortality during follow-up period. Propensity score matching was conducted as a secondary analysis for the sensitivity test.

Results

Women who underwent isolated CABG tended to have greater risks of both in-hospital (OR 1.37; 95% CI 1.26 to 1.49) and late outcomes (HR 1.26; 95% CI 1.22 to 1.31). Women after concomitant CABG/valve also had a greater in-hospital (OR 1.19; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.40) and long-term mortality (HR 1.14; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.24). Women after isolated mitral valve repair have a non-favourable outcome of in-hospital mortality (OR 1.70; 95% CI 1.01 to 2.87). Women who did not receive an isolated aortic valve replacement had more favourable all-cause mortality outcome (HR 0.90; 95% CI 0.84 to 0.96). Secondary analysis in the propensity score-matching cohort demonstrated results similar to the primary analysis.

Conclusions

Female patients who underwent procedures involving CABG (with or without concurrent valvular intervention) had generally worse outcomes. However, the results of isolated valve surgery were variable on the basis of the type of intervened valve.
Trauma radiology teaching for foundation doctors working within the Scottish Trauma Network improves radiology requests and patient safety: a multidepartmental quality improvement project
Authors: O'Rourke Sara Caterina Maria , Christmas Daniel , Blankenstein Tom
Published: February 2022

The importance of radiology in trauma management is particularly relevant today as Scotland develops its Scottish Trauma Network. Trauma and radiology are scarcely covered in the 2016 and 2021 Foundation Programme Curriculum. Trauma is a significant and endemic public health challenge, while radiology is ever growing in use as a diagnostic and interventional tool. Currently, the majority of radiological investigation requests in trauma are made by foundation doctors. Accordingly, there is an urgent need to ensure foundation doctors are adequately trained in trauma radiology. This prospective, multidepartmental quality improvement project at a single major trauma centre primarily analysed the impact of trauma radiology teaching on the quality of foundation doctors’ radiology requests according to Ionising Radiation Medical Exposure Regulations (IRMER) criteria. As a secondary outcome, the impact of teaching on patient safety was also evaluated. 50 foundation doctors across three departments dealing with trauma patients had their trauma radiology requests analysed before and after the intervention of trauma-focused radiology teaching. Results showed cancelled and altered radiology requests decreased from 20% to 5% and from 25% to 10%, respectively, with a p value of 0.01. This translated to fewer delays in trauma patients receiving radiological investigations. The foundation curriculum would benefit from the introduction of trauma radiology teaching for its foundation doctors, in parallel to the demands of a growing national trauma network. Education globally improves radiology request quality by raising awareness and respect of IRMER criteria and ultimately leads to positive changes for patient safety.
Differentially Private Deep Learning with Iterative Gradient Descent Optimization
Authors: Ding Xiaofeng , Chen Lin , Zhou Pan , Jiang Wenbin , Jin Hai
Published: February 2022

Deep learning has achieved great success in various areas and its success is closely linked to the availability of massive data. But in general, a large dataset could include sensitive data and therefore the model should have the capability to avoid privacy leakage. To achieve this aim, many works apply the famous privacy framework named differential privacy into deep learning to preserve privacy. In this article, we propose a novel perturbed iterative gradient descent optimization (PIGDO) algorithm and prove that this algorithm satisfies the differential privacy. Besides, we propose a modified moments accountant (MMA) method to conduct the privacy analysis and obtain a tighter bound of privacy loss compared with the original moments accountant method. A number of experiments demonstrate that our optimization algorithm can not only improve the model accuracy and training speed, but also achieve better privacy guarantees over the state-of-the-art algorithm while reaching the equivalent accuracy. We provide codes for all of our experiments in
https://github.com/CGCL-codes/DPDLIGDO.git
.
Electrical-Level Attacks on CPUs, FPGAs, and GPUs: Survey and Implications in the Heterogeneous Era
Authors: Mahmoud Dina G. , Lenders Vincent , Stojilović Mirjana
Published: February 2022

Given the need for efficient high-performance computing, computer architectures combining central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) are currently prevalent. However, each of these components suffers from electrical-level security risks. Moving to heterogeneous systems, with the potential of multitenancy, it is essential to understand and investigate how the security vulnerabilities of individual components may affect the system as a whole. In this work, we provide a survey on the electrical-level attacks on CPUs, FPGAs, and GPUs. Additionally, we discuss whether these attacks can extend to heterogeneous systems and highlight open research directions for ensuring the security of heterogeneous computing systems in the future.
Spatial Data Quality in the Internet of Things: Management, Exploitation, and Prospects
Authors: Li Huan , Lu Hua , Jensen Christian S. , Tang Bo , Cheema Muhammad Aamir
Published: February 2022

With the continued deployment of the
Internet of Things (IoT)
, increasing volumes of devices are being deployed that emit massive spatially referenced data. Due in part to the dynamic, decentralized, and heterogeneous architecture of the IoT, the varying and often low quality of
spatial IoT data (SID)
presents challenges to applications built on top of this data. This survey aims to provide unique insight to practitioners who intend to develop IoT-enabled applications and to researchers who wish to conduct research that relates to data quality in the IoT setting. The survey offers an inventory analysis of major data quality dimensions in SID and covers significant data characteristics and associated quality considerations. The survey summarizes data quality related technologies from both task and technique perspectives. Organizing the technologies from the task perspective, it covers recent progress in SID quality management, encompassing location refinement, uncertainty elimination, outlier removal, fault correction, data integration, and data reduction; and it covers low-quality SID exploitation, encompassing querying, analysis, and decision-making techniques. Finally, the survey covers emerging trends and open issues concerning the quality of SID.
Edge Computing AI-IoT Integrated Energy-efficient Intelligent Transportation System for Smart Cities
Authors: Chavhan Suresh , Gupta Deepak , Gochhayat Sarada Prasad , N. Chandana B. , Khanna Ashish , Shankar K. , Rodrigues Joel J. P. C.
Published: February 2022

With the advancement of information and communication technologies (ICTs), there has been high-scale utilization of IoT and adoption of AI in the transportation system to improve the utilization of energy, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, increase quality of services, and provide many extensive benefits to the commuters and transportation authorities. In this article, we propose a novel edge-based AI-IoT integrated energy-efficient intelligent transport system for smart cities by using a distributed multi-agent system. An urban area is divided into multiple regions, and each region is sub-divided into a finite number of zones. At each zone an optimal number of RSUs are installed along with the edge computing devices. The MAS deployed at each RSU collects a huge volume of data from the various sensors, devices, and infrastructures. The edge computing device uses the collected raw data from the MAS to process, analyze, and predict. The predicted information will be shared with the neighborhood RSUs, vehicles, and cloud by using MAS with the help of IoT. The predicted information can be used by freight vehicles to maintain smooth and steady movement, which results in reduction in GHG emissions and energy consumption, and finally improves the freight vehicles’ mileage by reducing traffic congestion in the urban areas. We have exhaustively carried out the simulation results and demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed system.
Towards Semantic Management of On-Device Applications in Industrial IoT
Authors: Ren Haoyu , Anicic Darko , Runkler Thomas A.
Published: February 2022

The Internet of Things (IoT)
is revolutionizing the industry. Powered by pervasive embedded devices, the
Industrial IoT (IIoT)
provides a unique solution for retrieving and analyzing data near the source in real-time. Many emerging techniques, such as
Tiny Machine Learning (TinyML)
and
Complex Event Processing (CEP)
, are actively being developed to support decision making at the edge, shifting the paradigm from centralized processing to distributed computing. However, distributed computing presents management challenges, as IoT devices are diverse and constrained, and their number is growing exponentially. The situation is even more challenging when various on-device applications (so-called artifacts) are deployed across decentralized IoT networks. Questions to be addressed include how to discover an appropriate function, whether that function can be executed on a certain device, and how to orchestrate a cross-platform service. To tackle these challenges, we propose an approach for the scalable management of on-device applications among distributed IoT devices. By leveraging the W3C
Web of Things (WoT)
, the capabilities of each IoT device, or more precisely, its interaction patterns, can be semantically expressed in a
Thing Description (TD)
. In addition, we introduce semantic modeling of on-device applications to supplement an TD with additional information regarding applications on the device. Specifically, we demonstrate two examples of semantic modeling:
neural networks (NN)
and CEP rules. The ontologies are evaluated by answering a set of competency questions. By hosting the enriched semantic knowledge of the entire IoT system in a
Knowledge Graph (KG)
, we can discover and interoperate edge devices and artifacts across the decentralized network. This can reduce fragmentation and increase the reusability of IoT components. We demonstrate the feasibility of our concept on an industrial workstation consisting of a conveyor belt and several IoT devices. Finally, the requirements for constructing an IoT semantic management system are discussed.
Modelling and Analysing Replica- and Fault-aware Management of Horizontally Scalable Applications
Authors: Soldani Jacopo , Cameriero Marco , Paparelli Giulio , Brogi Antonio
Published: February 2022

Modern enterprise applications integrate multiple interdependent software components, whose management must be suitably coordinated. This must be done by taking into account all inter-component dependencies, the faults potentially affecting them, and the fact that each component can be horizontally scaled, i.e.,  that multiple instances of each component can be spawned or destroyed, depending on application needs. In this article, we introduce a novel solution for suitably modelling and analysing the replica- and fault-aware management of multi-component applications, based on topology graphs and management protocols. More precisely, we first introduce a compositional model of the management behaviour of the (possibly multiple) instances of the components forming an application, faults included. We then show how this model enables automating various useful analyses, from checking the validity of management plans to automatically determining management plans allowing the instance of an application to reach and maintain a desired target configuration.
Structural, Electronic, Elastic and Dynamical Properties of MCO3 (M: Mn, Co, Ni) Precursor Materials for Li-Ion Batteries: A First-Principles Study
Authors: Morukuladi M. T. , Lethole N. L , Masedi M. C , Ngoepe N. N , Ngoepe P. E
Published: February 2022

This communication reports first-principles calculations on the structural, thermodynamic, electronic, elastic and dynamic properties of transition metal carbonates, MCO3 (M=Mn, Co, Ni) at 0 K. These materials are projected to be excellent candidates as precursors for advanced cathode materials in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries which employ an NMC chemistry. We have employed the plane-wave pseudopotential method framed within the density functional theory (DFT) as embedded in the VASP code. The exchange-correlation functional of Perdew, Burke and Ernzerhof (PBE) was used. Moreover, the Hubbard U-correction in the rotationally invariant form was applied to improve the description of the strongly correlated 3d electrons of the transition metals. The structural cell parameters were calculated to 96% agreement with the experimental data, warranting the robustness of the approach employed. All MCO3 crystal systems have negative enthalpies of formation, indicating thermodynamic stability leading to good cycling performance and safety. All the elastic constants for the considered transition metal carbonates satisfied the necessary stability conditions, indicating mechanical stability. Moreover, negative vibrations are not observed in the high symmetry directions of the Brillouin zone, suggesting dynamical stability.
Multifunctional Periodontal Probes and Their Handheld Electronic System for Simultaneous Temperature, pH, and Depth Measurements
Authors: Ritzert Nicole L. , Rani Asha , Ko Tae-Jun , Kim Jeffrey J. , Kim Shin Ae
Published: February 2022

Microscale temperature and pH sensors, contained within an area of 125 μm × 750 μm, were fabricated on disposable 3D printed periodontal probe tips (0.5-mm diameter) with Marquis color-coded calibration marks using microfabrication and electrochemical methods. The probe tips were inserted in a reusable, wireless handheld electronic system that records the temperature and pH of specific oral sites such as a gingival sulcus. The linear response and precision of each sensor were tested in solutions of varying temperature and pH representing the physiological range of the oral cavity. The temperature and pH sensors showed linear response from 25 °C to 60 °C (±0.1 °C) and pH 4.0 to pH 8.0 (±0.1 pH unit), respectively. A calibration function performed by the system software increased precision between probes tenfold for temperature sensors (deviation range: 0.69 °C to –0.07 °C) and twofold for pH sensors (deviation range: 0.07 to 0.04). Wireless communication along with compatible software provides portability and facilitates chairside use. Simultaneous measurement of temperature and pH along with gingival sulcus depth may detect early signs of inflammation that current methods, such as probing and radiography, may not identify, thus minimizing potential tissue damage caused by periodontal disease.
A Study on Performance According to Differential Pressure of 1kW PEMFC Stack for Fuel Cell Vehicles
Authors: Kim Myong-Hwan , Goo Youngmo , Yoo Seung Eul
Published: February 2022

In this study, HDP(High Differential Pressure) and LDP(Low Differential Pressure) bipolar plates which had difference from inner pressure was designed for analyzing the correlation about differential pressure and performance of stack. The increase of inner pressure different was shown by increasing of flow rate according to current density about 1kW class stack using the designed bipolar plates and the inner pressure of stack was lower than unit cell. The anode inner pressure of HDP stack was 1.0, 1.4 and 1.7 kPa on SR(Stoichiometric Rate) 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5, respectively. Also, cathode side appeared to 9.0, 11.8 and 14.9 kPa on SR 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 at 1,000mA/cm2. The LDP stack was shown as inner pressure of sextuple compared with HDP stack. The performance of 1kW class HDP stack and LDP stack was 0.585 V and 0.593 V on average voltage of each cell at atmosphere pressure, anode SR 1.5, cathode SR 2.0 and 1,000mA/cm2. These results showed that LDP stack with low inner pressure were superior to HDP stack about power consumption of BOP(Balance of Plant) like compressor and blower. However, performance of LDP stack at low current density was decreased by channel flooding. To supplementation of this phenomenon, increase of flow rate was necessary to stable operation of LDP stack.
Myocardial Proteomics Based on Smart Fog Computing and Its Application in Sports
Authors: Zhang Fucai , Wu Yejin
Published: February 2022

How to strengthen physical fitness to improve the effect and efficiency of sports is an important research direction worthy of research. In response to these problems and limitations, Smart Fog Computing technology is introduced in this paper. Taking rats as the research object, the effective quantitative analysis and research of aerobic exercise on myocardial proteome are achieved through combining the business scope of myocardial proteomics, and connecting corresponding continuous aerobic exercises, verified by simulation analysis. The simulation research results show that the smart fog calculation is effective. For moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, the expression and intensity of the corresponding myocardial protein are changed significantly, and the corresponding heart becomes larger; meanwhile, moderate aerobic exercise can improve the metabolism and enhance digestive ability.
Hysteretic Behavior of H‐Shaped Honeycombed Steel Web Composite Columns with Rectangular Concrete‐Filled Steel Tube Flanges
Authors: Ji Jing , Lin Yubo , Jiang Liangqin , Li Wen , Ren Hongguo , Wang Ruili , Wang Zihao , Yang MaoMao , Yu Chenyu
Published: February 2022

This study aims to investigate the hysteretic behavior of H‐shaped honeycombed steel web composite columns with rectangular concrete‐filled steel tube flanges (STHCCs). Taking the shear span ratio (λs), axial compression ratio (n), steel ratio of section (α), aspect ratio of section (D/B), yield strength of steel tube (fyfk), and compressive strength of concrete (fck) as the main parameters, we designed 22 full‐scale STHCCs. By comparing the load‐displacement curves between test and simulation, the rationality of finite element modeling method was verified. The quasi‐static analysis of 22 specimens was carried out, and the influence regularity of different variables on the hysteretic behavior, skeleton curves, ductility, energy dissipation, resistance degradation, and stiffness degradation of STHCCs was obtained. The results show that the hysteresis curves of all the specimens show full shuttle shape and strong energy dissipation capacity. λs, α, and fyfk have great influence on the bearing capacity of skeleton curves. With the increase of α and fyfk, the initial stiffness of the specimens gradually increases. The stiffness degradation rate of the specimens gradually slows down, and the energy dissipation coefficient gradually decreases by increasing λs, α, and fyfk, but energy dissipation capacity is still at a high level. The resistance degradation of specimens increases gradually by increasing λs, α, fyfk, and D/B. The ductility of specimens gradually increases by increasing n, α, and fck. The maximum bulging deformation and maximum stress of specimens appear at the column foot. The trilinear skeleton curve model and restoring force model of STHCCs are established by statistical regression.
A Comparative Study of Phytochemical Profile of Different Solvents’ Effects on Total Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activities of Various Parts of Halimium halimifolium
Authors: El gamouz Sabah , Bouzekri Omayma , Elidrissi Mostafa , Amechrouq Ali , Choukrad M’bark
Published: February 2022

In the present work, the extraction and the variation of total phenolic and the flavonoid content of the Halimium halimifolium plant (the leaves and the stems) harvested from Morocco have been studied. It explores extracting the essential oil of this plant and analyzing its chemical composition by the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Interesting results have been obtained, in particular, the presence of 26 compounds where the major one is (+)-2-Bornanone (38.26%) followed by Eucalyptol (27.74%). This essential oil proves great antioxidant capacities which is measured with the total antioxidant activity (TAC) and the organic chemical compound 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. On the other hand, using solvents with different polarities (the hexane, the dichloromethane, the ethyl acetate, the ethanol, and the water), the quantifying of the total phenolic and the flavonoid content for different crude extracts of the Halimium halimifolium was done. The results show simultaneous increasing in the total phenolic content of the crude extract and the solvent polarity.
Serum Indicators of Oxidative Damage from Embedded Metal Fragments in a Rat Model
Authors: Kalinich John F. , Vergara Vernieda B. , Hoffman Jessica F.
Published: February 2022

Injuries suffered in armed conflicts often result in embedded metal fragments. Standard surgical guidance recommends leaving embedded fragments in place except under certain circumstances in an attempt to avoid the potential morbidity that extensive surgery often brings. However, technological advances in weapon systems and insurgent use of improvised explosive devices now mean that practically any metal can be found in these types of wounds. Unfortunately, in many cases, the long-term toxicological properties of embedded metals are not known, further complicating treatment decisions. Because of concerns over embedded metal fragment injuries, the U.S. Departments of Defense and Veterans’ Affairs developed a list of “metals of concern” for these types of injuries. In this study, we selected eight of these metals including tungsten, nickel, cobalt, iron, copper, aluminum, lead, and depleted uranium to investigate the long-term health effects using a rodent model developed in our Institute to study embedded fragment injuries. In this report, we show that metals surgically implanted into the gastrocnemius muscle of laboratory rats to simulate a shrapnel wound induce a variety of cytokines including IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-13. TNF-α and KC/GRO were not affected, and IL-1β was below the limit of detection. Serum levels of C-reactive protein were also affected, increasing with some metals and decreasing with others. The TBARS assay, an assessment of lipid peroxidation, demonstrated that implanted aluminum and lead increased markers of lipid peroxidation in serum. Taken together, the results suggest that serum cytokine levels, as well as other indicators of oxidative damage, may prove useful in identifying potential adverse health effects of embedded metals.
Research on the Whole Teaching of Vocal Music Course in University Music Performance Major Based on Multimedia Technology
Authors: Zheng XiaoFang
Published: February 2022

MT (multimedia technology) music teaching has changed the rigid, unitary, and boring teaching form of traditional music teaching, which has made a comprehensive breakthrough and impact on traditional university music education and has shown a brand-new teaching form to contemporary college students, greatly increasing their strong interest in learning music. In this paper, an objective evaluation method of vocal music quality based on the comparison of sound parameter characteristics is proposed by using the technology of sound signal parameter analysis and extraction. Through confidence measure, reliable data are selected for online adaptive updating of Gaussian mixture model, and the recognition results are smoothed to further remove the instantaneous mutation error. The main melody of singing is discriminated by fundamental frequency discrimination model. Experiments show that the overall accuracy rate of the main melody of vocal music extracted by this algorithm is 86.24%.
Module-LWE-Based Key Exchange Protocol Using Error Reconciliation Mechanism
Authors: Jia Wenjuan , Xue Guanhao , Wang Baocang , Hu Yupu
Published: February 2022

Lattice-based key exchange protocols have attracted tremendous attention for its post-quantum security. In this work, we construct a Module-LWE-based key exchange protocol using Peikert’s error reconciliation mechanism. Compared with Kyber.KE, our key exchange protocol reduces the total communication cost by 96-byte, i.e., 3.2%

∼

6.1%, under the different parameter sets, and without reducing the post-quantum security levels. Moreover, our key exchange protocol slightly reduces the probability of session key agreement failure and the time consumed by modular multiplication of numbers and ring elements by approximately 30%. Thus, the key exchange protocol in this paper is more suitable for the lightweight communication systems.
Optimal Contract for Reducing Flight Delays in EU: In the Context of SESAR
Authors: Malavolti Estelle , Wang Chunan
Published: February 2022

In the context of the SESAR (Single European Sky Air traffic management Research) Joint Undertaking, the role that the air navigation service provider (ANSP) could play has been reconsidered. ANSP manages traffic and deals with potential conflict situations and external events, which have led to the reorganization of the air traffic. The modification of traffic inevitably leads to delays for airlines, which is costly. In this study, we suggest that ANSP could provide a costly delay reduction service to airlines. Indeed, if ANSP has several solutions for traffic conflict resolution or reorganization, there is room for a choice between these solutions using additional criteria. Our study thus proposes an original model in which we determine the optimal design of a delay reduction contract signed between welfare- or profit-maximizing ANSPs and a monopoly airline. We give some comparative statics, in particular, the evaluation of the impact of a modification in safety standards on the contract.
Different Grades of Collateral Circulation for Evaluating Cerebral Hemodynamic Status in Carotid Artery Stenosis
Authors: Fan Weijian , Shi Weihao , Rong Jianjie , Guo Wencheng , Lu Shuangshuang , Tan Jinyun , Yu Bo
Published: February 2022

Normally, ipsilateral hemodynamic compromise of patients with carotid stenosis (CS) is subjectively identified by collateral circulation through cerebral angiography in the clinical process. It is unclear whether collaterals would linearly determine cerebral perfusion in CS patients. This study aimed to investigate the independent role of collateral circulation on cerebral perfusion in CS patients and the underlying interrelations among them. From 2017 to 2020, 124 CS patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy (CEA) with both preoperative CTP and digital substruction angiography (DSA) images were enrolled. Division of subgroups was based on degree of CS (50–70%, 70–90%, and near-occlusion (NO)) and grades of collateral circulation by DSA. Differences in CTP parameters between CS patients with different collateral circulation were analyzed. Among 124 CS patients, grades 2 and 3 were highly associated with carotid NO (n = 22, 32.35% and n = 22, 32.35%) compared with others (

P
<
0.0001

). The collateral circulation was found to have poor relation with cerebral perfusion parameters in all enrolled patients but significantly improved ipsilateral cerebral perfusion in patients with carotid NO (

P
<
0.05

). Linear hemodynamic compromise was barely related to degree of CS in lobes supplied by middle cerebral artery (MCA) except the frontal lobe (

P
<
0.05

). The grades of collateral circulation are positively associated with degree of CS while having nonsignificant effect on cerebral perfusion. Overall, severity of CS is poorly related to hemodynamic status while the perfectibility of compensation defined by grades of collateral circulation effectively alleviates ipsilateral cerebral perfusion deficit in carotid NO.
Radar-Based Rainfall Estimation of Landfalling Tropical Storm “PABUK” 2019 over Southern Thailand
Authors: Chantraket Pakdee , Kirtsaeng Sukrit , Chaotamonsak Chakrit , Chantara Somporn , Nakapan Supachai , Panityakul Thammarat
Published: February 2022

Tropical storm PABUK developed from tropical depression first defined on 31 December 2018 in the lower South China Sea. It made landfall in Pak Phanang, Nakhon Si Thammarat province, southern Thailand. PABUK caused heavy rain and flash floods from 3 to 5 January 2019 (D1, D2, and D3) where the total rainfall reached 150–300 mm across 14 provinces of southern Thailand. This paper is aimed to investigate rainstorm properties and rainfall estimation of tropical storm PABUK with weather radar in southern Thailand. The radar data analysis in this study was to extract the radar reflectivity to study rainstorm properties of PABUK over 3 days along southern Thailand derived from the Thunderstorm Identification and Tracking Analysis and Nowcasting (TITAN) algorithm including 5 variables of duration, area, cloud-based height, maximum reflectivity, and speed in the data set. Based on the properties and frequency distribution of 2,557 rainstorms in D1, D2, and D3, rainstorms in D2 and D3 when PABUK made landfall over southern Thailand show a longer lifetime, higher reflectivity, and larger rain-cells as well as it was found efficient in terms of rainfall amount than in D1. In addition, the estimated rainfall using weather radar provides important information of the rainfall distribution for the analysis of the rainstorm as well. These analyses provide a context for interpreting the feasible rainfall estimates based on Z-R relationship during tropical storm PABUK that produced extreme floods in southern Thailand. A Z-R relationship in the form Z = 104R1.5 provided acceptable statistical indicators, making it appropriate for radar estimated rainfall in case studies presented of tropical storm PABUK in southern Thailand. However, the result of this study should be improved to estimate precipitation in case of extremely heavy rainfall in tropical storm occurrence by using radar of southern Thailand and applied for applications of early warning systems.
EZH2 Inhibitors: The Unpacking Revolution
Authors: Adema Vera , Colla Simona
Published: February 2022

The methylation of lysine 27 on histone H3 (H3K27me3) is a chromatin mark associated with nucleosome condensation and gene expression silencing. EZH2 is a lysine methyltransferase that catalyzes H3K27me3. In this issue of Cancer Research, Porazzi and colleagues report that pretreatment with EZH2 inhibitors opened up the H3K27me3-marked chromatin of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells, which enhanced DNA damage and apoptosis induced by chemotherapeutic agents, in particular the topoisomerase II inhibitors, doxorubicin and etoposide. The EZH2 inhibitor/doxorubicin combination also enabled the expression of proapoptotic genes, potentially contributing to the death of AML cells. This study has significant implications for improving the efficacy of DNA-damaging cytotoxic agents in AML, thereby enabling lower chemotherapy doses and reducing treatment-related side effects.

See related article by Porazzi et al., p. 458
Combined Treatment with a WNT Inhibitor and the NSAID Sulindac Reduces Colon Adenoma Burden in Mice with Truncated APC
Authors: Faux Maree C. , Weinstock Janet , Gogos Sophia , Prato Emma , Azimpour Alexander I. , O'Keefe Ryan , Cathcart-King Yasmin , Garnham Alexandra L. , Ernst Matthias , Preaudet Adele , Christie Michael , Putoczki Tracy L. , Buchert Michael , Burgess Antony W.
Published: February 2022

Adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) truncations occur in many colorectal cancers and are often associated with immune infiltration. The aim of this study was to determine whether a combination of Wnt inhibition with anti-inflammatory (sulindac) and/or proapototic (ABT263) drugs can reduce colon adenomas. Apcmin/+ and doublecortin-like kinase 1 (Dclk1)Cre/+;Apcfl/fl mice were exposed to dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) in their drinking water to promote the formation of colon adenomas. Mice were then treated with either a Wnt-signaling antagonist pyrvinium pamoate (PP), an anti-inflammatory agent sulindac or proapoptotic compound ABT263 or a combination of PP+ABT263, or PP+sulindac. Colon adenoma frequency, size, and T-cell abundance were measured. DSS treatment resulted in significant increases in colon adenoma number (P < 0.001, n > 5) and burden in Apcmin/+ (P < 0.01, n > 5) and Dclk1Cre/+;Apcfl/fl (P < 0.02, n > 5) mice. There was no effect on adenomas following treatment with PP in combination with ABT263. Adenoma number and burden were reduced with PP+sulindac treatment in Dclk1Cre/+;Apcfl/fl mice (P < 0.01, n > 17) and in Apcmin/+ mice (P < 0.001, n > 7) treated with sulindac or PP+sulindac with no detectable toxicity. PP treatment of Apcmin/+ mice increased the frequency of CD3+ cells in the adenomas. The combination of Wnt pathway inhibition with sulindac was more effective in Dclk1Cre/+;Apcfl/fl mice and provides an opportunity for killing Apc-mutant colon adenoma cells, indicating a strategy for both colorectal cancer prevention and potential new treatments for patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Outcomes from the results of this study may be translatable to the clinic for management of FAP and other patients with a high risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Significance:

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide with limited therapeutic options. APC and other Wnt signaling mutations occur in the majority of colorectal cancers but there are currently no Wnt inhibitors in the clinic. The combination of Wnt pathway inhibition with sulindac provides an opportunity for killing Apc-mutant colon adenoma cells and suggests a strategy for colorectal cancer prevention and new treatments for patients with advanced colorectal cancer.
Delineation of a Phenotype Caused by a KAT6B Missense Variant Not Resembling Say-Barber-Biesecker-Young-Simpson and Genitopatellar Syndromes
Authors: Nishimura Naoto , Enomoto Yumi , Kumaki Tatsuro , Murakami Hiroaki , Ikeda Azusa , Goto Tomohide , Kurosawa Kenji
Published: February 2022

Say-Barber-Biesecker-Young-Simpson syndrome (SBBYSS) and genitopatellar syndrome (GPS) are caused by variants of lysine acetyltransferase 6B (KAT6B). These variants tend to occur in the terminal exons of KAT6B. Here, we report a patient with global developmental delay, intellectual disability, autistic behavior, muscular hypotonia, facial dysmorphism, and seizures caused by a novel missense variant in exon 7 of KAT6B. The patient showed a phenotype differing from those of SBBYSS and GPS. We also report patients with missense variants in the proximal exons of KAT6B showing dysmorphic features and autistic behavior not resembling the characteristics of SBBYSS and GPS. Missense variants in the proximal exons of KAT6B may have a dominant negative effect or cause gain of function, leading to unique phenotypes not resembling those of SBBYSS and GPS.
Endobiliary Radiofrequency Ablation for Malignant Biliary Obstruction over 32-Month Follow-Up
Authors: Lanza Davide , Casty Adrian , Schlosser Stefan H.
Published: February 2022

Hilar cholangiocellular carcinoma (CCC) is a malignant neoplasm of epithelial origin occurring at the confluence of the right and left hepatic bile ducts. Typically, these tumors are small, poorly differentiated, exhibit aggressive biologic behavior with non-specific symptoms and tend to obstruct the intrahepatic bile ducts. Surgery is the only available curative option. Unfortunately, in less than half of the patients a complete resection is possible with poor survival rate in unresectable cases. In this report, we present the case of a 58-year-old woman with a history of unresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Initially she was treated with intraductal dilatation of malignancy and placement of a plastic stent and chemotherapy (Gemcitabin® and Platinol®). Two years later she underwent a second-line chemotherapy with Gemcitabin® and Oxyplatin® because of tumor progression. Despite a second line chemotherapy and placement of an uncovered self-expandible metal stent (ucSEMS) that was extended later on by stent-in stent technique, there was tumor progression which led to a complex course with relapsing obstructive cholangiosepsis and cholestasis. Because of tumor ingrowth, endobiliary radiofrequency ablation of the malignant stenosis was performed in repeated sessions. This case illustrates that radiofrequency ablation of solitary malignant biliary obstruction is feasible, safe and allows an improvement of quality of life in non-operable patients.
Abstract TP106: Diagnostic Capability Of An Emerging Portable Stroke Detection Device In Clinical Practice
Authors: Chennareddy Susmita , Kalagara Roshini , Smith Colton , Matsoukas Stavros , Kellner Christopher P
Published: February 2022

Introduction:
Portable stroke detection devices may serve as important tools in stroke triage. With the capacity to differentiate stroke type and severity, these devices may allow for reductions in time-to-treatment, leading to improved patient outcomes in time sensitive neurologic diseases. One such device is the Cerebrotech Visor, an FDA-approved technology that aims to identify severe stroke by detecting bioimpedance asymmetry in brain tissue across a wide range of electromagnetic wavelengths. This study aims to evaluate the ability of this device to detect stroke types in a pilot set of patients presenting as acute stroke codes.

Methods:
Trained operators performed scans using the Visor during stroke codes from November 2020 to July 2021 on eligible patients. Clinical and radiologic characteristics as well as the Visor output, an algorithmically derived asymmetry score, were prospectively entered into a quality assurance database. CT findings and subsequent physician notes were used to classify patient stroke type and severity. T-tests were performed to assess the ability of the Visor score to detect various types of CT-confirmed stroke.

Results:
Seventy-eight patients were included and scanned. Using CT results, patients were classified into categories: ischemic stroke (IS) (16), intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) (12), subdural hematoma (2), brain tumor (0), prior neurosurgical procedure (0), intraventricular hemorrhage (2), hydrocephalus (1), and no findings (49), with 3 patients experiencing a combination of these neurological findings. Visor scores for IS and ICH were individually compared to the cohort without IS and ICH, respectively. A t-test comparing patients with IS to the rest of the cohort showed significantly higher Visor scores (9.66 vs 7.13, p = 0.014). Although patients with ICH also had higher Visor scores, the difference was not statistically significant (8.16 vs 7.55, p = 0.30).

Conclusion:
The Cerebrotech Visor was able to differentiate between IS and non-IS with the current bioimpedance asymmetry-based device algorithm. Future studies aim to increase patient cohort size and use this patient-centered data to develop a machine learning algorithm to better differentiate other stroke types with this bioimpedance technology.