bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deriving spatially explicit direct and indirect interaction networks from animal movement data
Authors: Yang Anni , Wilber Mark Q. , Manlove Kezia R. , Miller Ryan S. , Boughton Raoul , Beasley James , Northrup Joseph , VerCauteren Kurt C. , Wittemyer George , Pepin Kim
Published: March 2023

Quantifying spatiotemporally explicit interactions within animal populations facilitates the understanding of social structure and its relationship with ecological processes. Data from animal tracking technologies (Global Positioning Systems [“GPS”]) can circumvent longstanding challenges in the estimation of spatiotemporally explicit interactions, but the discrete nature and coarse temporal resolution of data mean that ephemeral interactions that occur between consecutive GPS locations go undetected. Here, we developed a method to quantify individual and spatial patterns of interaction using continuous‐time movement models (CTMMs) fit to GPS tracking data. We first applied CTMMs to infer the full movement trajectories at an arbitrarily fine temporal scale before estimating interactions, thus allowing inference of interactions occurring between observed GPS locations. Our framework then infers indirect interactions—individuals occurring at the same location, but at different times—while allowing the identification of indirect interactions to vary with ecological context based on CTMM outputs. We assessed the performance of our new method using simulations and illustrated its implementation by deriving disease‐relevant interaction networks for two behaviorally differentiated species, wild pigs (Sus scrofa) that can host African Swine Fever and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) that can host chronic wasting disease. Simulations showed that interactions derived from observed GPS data can be substantially underestimated when temporal resolution of movement data exceeds 30‐min intervals. Empirical application suggested that underestimation occurred in both interaction rates and their spatial distributions. CTMM‐Interaction method, which can introduce uncertainties, recovered majority of true interactions. Our method leverages advances in movement ecology to quantify fine‐scale spatiotemporal interactions between individuals from lower temporal resolution GPS data. It can be leveraged to infer dynamic social networks, transmission potential in disease systems, consumer–resource interactions, information sharing, and beyond. The method also sets the stage for future predictive models linking observed spatiotemporal interaction patterns to environmental drivers.
Prior choice and data requirements of Bayesian multivariate hierarchical models fit to tag‐recovery data: The need for power analyses
Authors: Deane Cody E. , Carlson Lindsay G. , Cunningham Curry J. , Doak Pat , Kielland Knut , Breed Greg A.
Published: March 2023

Recent empirical studies have quantified correlation between survival and recovery by estimating these parameters as correlated random effects with hierarchical Bayesian multivariate models fit to tag‐recovery data. In these applications, increasingly negative correlation between survival and recovery has been interpreted as evidence for increasingly additive harvest mortality. The power of these hierarchal models to detect nonzero correlations has rarely been evaluated, and these few studies have not focused on tag‐recovery data, which is a common data type. We assessed the power of multivariate hierarchical models to detect negative correlation between annual survival and recovery. Using three priors for multivariate normal distributions, we fit hierarchical effects models to a mallard (Anas platyrhychos) tag‐recovery data set and to simulated data with sample sizes corresponding to different levels of monitoring intensity. We also demonstrate more robust summary statistics for tag‐recovery data sets than total individuals tagged. Different priors led to substantially different estimates of correlation from the mallard data. Our power analysis of simulated data indicated most prior distribution and sample size combinations could not estimate strongly negative correlation with useful precision or accuracy. Many correlation estimates spanned the available parameter space (−1,1) and underestimated the magnitude of negative correlation. Only one prior combined with our most intensive monitoring scenario provided reliable results. Underestimating the magnitude of correlation coincided with overestimating the variability of annual survival, but not annual recovery. The inadequacy of prior distributions and sample size combinations previously assumed adequate for obtaining robust inference from tag‐recovery data represents a concern in the application of Bayesian hierarchical models to tag‐recovery data. Our analysis approach provides a means for examining prior influence and sample size on hierarchical models fit to capture–recapture data while emphasizing transferability of results between empirical and simulation studies.
Ecosystem engineers in the extreme: The modest impact of marmots on vegetation cover and plant nitrogen and phosphorus content in a cold, extremely arid mountain environment
Authors: Chibowski Piotr , Zegarek Marcin , Zarzycka Aleksandra , Suska‐Malawska Małgorzata
Published: March 2023

Burrowing mammals strongly impact plant communities. One of the main effects is accelerating nutrient cycling and thus promoting plant growth. This mechanism is well‐studied in grasslands and alpine habitats, but less is known about this phenomenon in arid, cold mountain environments. We studied ecosystem engineering by long‐tailed marmots (Marmota caudata) by measuring the content of plant nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as nitrogen stable isotopes in plant biomass and marmot feces in a distance gradient up to 20 m from marmot burrows in an extremely arid glacier valley in Eastern Pamir, Tajikistan. We also captured aerial images of the area inhabited by marmots to study the spatial distribution of vegetation. There was a weak relationship between the presence of burrows and vegetation cover on soil not covered by burrow material. Burrow mounds were not colonized by plants, as opposed to other studies, where mounds are often microhabitats that enhance plant diversity. A significant increase in N and P in aboveground green plant biomass in the proximity of burrows was found in one out of six studied plant species. Contrary to our expectations, stable N isotopes did not give further insight into N routing. We assume that plant growth is strongly limited by water availability, which prevents them from utilizing the local increase in nutrients, certainly provided by marmot activity. The results are contrary to numerous studies, which showed that the role of burrowing animals as ecosystem engineers increases with increasing abiotic stress, including aridity. This shows a lack of this type of study at the end of the gradient of abiotic factors.
Prevalence of transthyretin amyloidosis among heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction in Japan
Authors: Naito Takanori , Nakamura Kazufumi , Abe Yukio , Watanabe Hiroyuki , Sakuragi Satoru , Katayama Yusuke , Kihara Hajime , Okizaki Atsutaka , Kawai Yusuke , Yoshikawa Masaki , Takaishi Atsushi , Fujio Hideki , Otsuka Hiroaki , Ogura Soichiro , Ito Hiroshi ,   ATTR‐HFpEF registry investigators
Published: March 2023

Aims

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), which is caused by wide various conditions, has become a major public health problem. Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR‐CM), which is thought to be an underdiagnosed disease, can cause HFpEF. Non‐invasive diagnosis using 99mTechnetium (Tc)‐pyrophosphate (PYP) scintigraphy enables accurate diagnosis of ATTR‐CM. The aim of this study was to clarify the prevalence and characteristics of ATTR‐CM among Japanese patients with HFpEF.

Methods and results

This study was a multicentre, prospective, observational study conducted in Japan. We enrolled 373 patients with HFpEF [left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction ≥50%] aged ≥65 years who were admitted to the department of cardiology from September 2018 to January 2022. A 99mTc‐PYP scintigraphy scan was performed during admission in all eligible patients. Cardiac 99mTc‐PYP retention was graded according to a previously reported visual scale ranging from 0 to 3 points. The scan was considered positive when it revealed moderate‐to‐severe 99mTc‐PYP uptake (Grade 2–3) in both ventricles. Patients were divided into ATTR‐CM and non‐ATTR‐CM patients according to positive (Grade 2–3) or negative (Grade 0–1) 99mTc‐PYP scintigraphy, respectively. Medical history, blood tests, electrocardiogram, echocardiography, and magnetic resonance imaging in the two groups of patients were compared. Among the 373 patients with HFpEF, 53 patients (14.2%; 95% confidence interval: 10.7–17.7) showed positive uptake on 99mTc‐PYP scintigraphy. An endomyocardial biopsy was performed in 32 patients and confirmed amyloidosis in all cases. There were no significant differences between the two groups in age, severity of heart failure as assessed by the New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification, renal function values, left ventricular ejection fraction, and tricuspid regurgitant pressure gradient (ATTR‐CM, n = 53 vs. non‐ATTR‐CM, n = 320). Patients in the ATTR‐CM group had a higher N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide level [2314 (1081–3398) vs. 900 (415–1828), P < 0.001], higher sensitive troponin T level (0.074 ± 0.049 vs. 0.035 ± 0.038, P < 0.001), and higher mean LV maximal wall thickness [12.5 (11–14) vs. 10.5 (9.5–11.5), P < 0.001].

Conclusions

ATTR‐CM is an underdiagnosed disease with a significant prevalence in Japanese patients with HFpEF. This study showed that results of examinations for ATTR‐CM patients appear to be worse than those for non‐ATTR‐CM patients, but clinical severities of heart failure as assessed by the NYHA functional classification are similar in ATTR‐CM and non‐ATTR‐CM patients, and the clinical overlap between ATTR‐CM and non‐ATTR‐CM is high.
Experimental study on the effect of load and air+gas/fuel ratio on the performances, emissions and combustion characteristics of diesel–LPG fuelled single stationary ci engine
Authors: Tchato Yotchou Giovani Vidal , Issondj Banta Nelson Junior , Kabini Karanja Samuel , Ngayihi Abbe Claude Valery
Published: March 2023

Due to the issue of combustion stability when using natural gas and the problem of knocking when using both natural gas and hydrogen, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is then a good candidate to use for the dual‐fuel concept since it has been proven to be a good solution to limit the pollutants and the excessive use of fossil resources in the aim to support and advance the African Union's and UN's sustainable development goals. In this paper, the effect of load as well as the air + gas/fuel ratio on the performance, emission, and combustion characteristics of a dual‐fuel diesel–LPG engine, single‐cylinder, four‐stroke, direct injection diesel engine with a rated power of 3.5 kW at a speed of 1500 rpm has been carried out. Experiments have been performed in dual‐fuel mode for a range of loads from 0 to 12 kg and a range of volume flow of LPG from 1 to 5.5 L/min, and the results were compared with those obtained from the single‐fuel mode. Results show that the dual‐fuel mode gives better performance and fewer pollutants than the single‐fuel mode. For example, at low load, Brake thermal efficiency, the indicated thermal efficiency, and mechanical efficiency increased by 83.79%, 24.36%, and 41.77%, respectively, and by 57.48%, 19.84%, and 24.37% at high load when we moved from the single‐fuel mode to the dual‐fuel mode. The smoke, carbon monoxide, and NOx decreased by 24.3%, 94.2%, and 96.2% respectively at low load and by 62.3%, 89.8%, and 91.4% at high load. And, no knocking came up during this research compared to natural gas or hydrogen dual‐fuel engines.
Differential roles of abscisic acid in maize roots in the adaptation to soil drought
Authors: Xu Yunji , Qian Xiyang , Li Ke , Zhou Tianyang , Tian Yinfang , Yuan Limin , Wang Zhiqin , Yang Jianchang
Published: March 2023

Maize yield reduction occurs frequently due to soil drought. Abscisic acid (ABA) is an important hormonal signal indicating drought. However, it remains unclear about the specific roles of root ABA in the adaptation to soil drought in maize. This study applied five different soil water potentials (SWP), referring to maintaining SWP at −15, −30, −45, −60, and −75 kPa, respectively, and investigated the ABA content in roots and the activities and gene expression levels of key enzymes involved in the ABA biosynthesis, the leaf photosynthetic properties, root traits, and kernel yield. The results showed that maize root ABA content, the activities and gene expressions of key enzymes involved in the ABA biosynthesis were increased with the decrease of SWP. The leaf transpiration rate, and root dry weight, length, volume, surface area, and activity, and kernel yield of maize were increased first and then decreased with the severity of soil drying. The leaf photosynthetic rate was not significantly reduced with ABA accumulation at a low ABA content in roots. Root ABA content was significantly positively correlated with leaf transpiration efficiency and root activity when ABA content was relatively low (9.03–22.02 nmol g−1 DW), whereas root ABA content was negatively correlated with leaf photosynthetic rate, leaf transpiration efficiency, root volume, and root activity when ABA content was high (28.32–39.23 nmol g−1 DW). The results indicate that maize root ABA exhibit differential roles in the adaptation to soil drought, and can positively regulate the drought‐resistance of maize at an appropriate level.
A systematic review of specialty dementia care units in long‐term care settings
Authors: Orth Jessica , Flowers Devon , Betz Gail , Cagle John G.
Published: March 2023

Background

Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) are common among nursing home residents. Yet, conclusive evidence regarding best care practices among this population is lacking. Objectives of this systematic review were to explore features of dementia specialty care units (DSCUs) in long‐term care settings and examine benefits for residents, staff, families, and facilities.

Methods

PubMed, CINAHL, and PsychINFO were searched to identify articles involving DSCUs in long‐term care settings published in English with full text available between 01.01.2008 and 06.03.2022. Articles containing empirical data about ADRD special care in long‐term care settings were included in the review. Articles focused on clinic‐based or out‐patient dementia care programs (e.g., adult day care) were excluded. Articles were categorized based on geography (U.S. vs. international) and study design: interventions, descriptive studies, or comparison studies (traditional vs. specialty ADRD care).

Results

Our review included 38 U.S. articles and 54 articles from 15 international countries. In the U.S., 12 intervention, 13 descriptive, and 13 comparison studies met the inclusion criteria. Articles from international countries included 22 intervention, 20 descriptive, and 12 comparison studies. Results were mixed in terms of the efficacy of DSCUs. Promising DSCU features include small‐scale settings, dementia‐educated staff, and multidisciplinary approaches to care.

Conclusion

Overall, our review did not find conclusive evidence regarding the benefits of DSCUs in long‐term care settings. No rigorous study designs were found examining ‘special’ features of DSCUs and associations with outcomes among residents, family, staff, and the facility. Randomized clinical trials are needed to disentangle the ‘special’ features of DSCUs.
Development of an objective method to quantify hippocampal dentation
Authors: Kilpattu Ramaniharan Anandh , Parpura Vuga , Zhang Mike Weng , Martin Roy , Ver Hoef Lawrence
Published: March 2023

Hippocampal dentation (HD) refers to a series of ridges (dentes) seen on the inferior aspect of the hippocampus. The degree of HD varies dramatically across healthy individuals, and hippocampal pathology may result in loss of HD. Existing studies show associations between HD and memory performance in healthy adults as well as temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patients. However, until now studies relied on visual assessment of HD as no objective methods to quantify HD have been described. In this work, we describe a method to objectively quantify HD by transforming the characteristic 3D surface morphology of HD into a simplified 2D plot for which area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. This was applied to T1w scans of 59 TLE subjects, each with one epileptic hippocampus and one normal appearing hippocampus. Results showed that AUC significantly correlated with the number of dentes based on visual inspection (p < .05) and correctly sorted a set of hippocampi from least to most prominently dentated. Intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability was nearly perfect (ICC ≥ 0.99). AUC values were significantly lower in epileptic hippocampi compared to contralateral hippocampi (p = .00019), consistent with previously published findings. In the left TLE group, the AUC values from the contralateral hippocampi showed a positive trend (p = .07) with verbal memory acquisition scores but was not statistically significant. The proposed approach is the first objective, quantitative measurement of dentation described in the literature. The AUC values numerically capture the complex surface contour information of HD and will enable future study of this interesting morphologic feature.
Single‐value scores of memory‐related brain activity reflect dissociable neuropsychological and anatomical signatures of neurocognitive aging
Authors: Richter Anni , Soch Joram , Kizilirmak Jasmin M. , Fischer Larissa , Schütze Hartmut , Assmann Anne , Behnisch Gusalija , Feldhoff Hannah , Knopf Lea , Raschick Matthias , Schult Annika , Seidenbecher Constanze I. , Yakupov Renat , Düzel Emrah , Schott Björn H.
Published: March 2023

Memory‐related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) activations show age‐related differences across multiple brain regions that can be captured in summary statistics like single‐value scores. Recently, we described two single‐value scores reflecting deviations from prototypical whole‐brain fMRI activity of young adults during novelty processing and successful encoding. Here, we investigate the brain‐behavior associations of these scores with age‐related neurocognitive changes in 153 healthy middle‐aged and older adults. All scores were associated with episodic recall performance. The memory network scores, but not the novelty network scores, additionally correlated with medial temporal gray matter and other neuropsychological measures including flexibility. Our results thus suggest that novelty‐network‐based fMRI scores show high brain‐behavior associations with episodic memory and that encoding‐network‐based fMRI scores additionally capture individual differences in other aging‐related functions. More generally, our results suggest that single‐value scores of memory‐related fMRI provide a comprehensive measure of individual differences in network dysfunction that may contribute to age‐related cognitive decline.
Improving the quality and safety of radiology reporting: A prospective audit of discrepancies among consultant radiologists
Authors: Connor Jenny , Graham Yitka , McGarry Ken , Hayes Catherine , Mehrotra Pallavi , Cox Julie
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To examine discrepancy rates over multiple annual cycles in reporting by consultant radiologists for the interpretation of acute Computerized Tomography (CT) examinations.

Methods

A prospective audit with peer review and second reading of acute CT scans was implemented in one radiology department in the UK. A longitudinal audit over 5 years was performed to determine the discrepancy rate of acute and emergency CT scans conducted on weekends. The examinations comprised CT head, thorax, abdomen and pelvis, CT Kidneys, Ureters, and Bladder (CT KUB), and CT angiography scans. Discrepancies were scored as no discrepancy (zero), minor discrepancy (one), moderate discrepancy (two), or significant discrepancy (three). Seventeen consultants took part in the audit as primary reporters and second readers. All consultants were on‐call radiologists, and the allocation of cases was randomized depending on the on‐call rota. Results were reported annually to one consultant radiologist.

Results

A significant discrepancy rate of 1.2% (p = 0.026) was found for consultant radiologists, interpreting acute CT examinations based on 2951 s read CT scans.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to establish significant discrepancy rates among consultant radiologists, interpreting acute CT examinations over time.
A hybrid approach to assess the structural impact of long noncoding RNA mutations uncovers key NEAT1 interactions in colorectal cancer
Authors: Aydın Efe , Saus Ester , Chorostecki Uciel , Gabaldón Toni
Published: March 2023

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging players in cancer and they entail potential as prognostic biomarkers or therapeutic targets. Earlier studies have identified somatic mutations in lncRNAs that are associated with tumor relapse after therapy, but the underlying mechanisms behind these associations remain unknown. Given the relevance of secondary structure for the function of some lncRNAs, some of these mutations may have a functional impact through structural disturbance. Here, we examined the potential structural and functional impact of a novel A > G point mutation in NEAT1 that has been recurrently observed in tumors of colorectal cancer patients experiencing relapse after treatment. Here, we used the nextPARS structural probing approach to provide first empirical evidence that this mutation alters NEAT1 structure. We further evaluated the potential effects of this structural alteration using computational tools and found that this mutation likely alters the binding propensities of several NEAT1‐interacting miRNAs. Differential expression analysis on these miRNA networks shows upregulation of Vimentin, consistent with previous findings. We propose a hybrid pipeline that can be used to explore the potential functional effects of lncRNA somatic mutations.
National Health Insurance Scheme and household welfare: Evidence from Ghana
Authors: Kofinti Raymond Elikplim , Annim Samuel Kobina , Luginaah Isaac
Published: March 2023

This study examines the effect of the National Health Insurance Scheme on household poverty and basic asset accumulation using the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey. We corrected the endogeneity and sample selection bias associated with subscription to the scheme. The estimates show that health insurance subscription reduces household poverty and has a positive asset accumulation effect on households. The results show consistency in decreasing poverty more among rural households. We identify an increase in the coverage of health services needed by households in the health insurance scheme as a potential channel through which subscription could smoothen household welfare.
Anti‐CD30 (Ber‐H2) epitope requires structural elements as shown by mass spectroscopy and dual‐site associated kinetics
Authors: Warren Phillip Daniel , Smith Margaret Helfrich
Published: March 2023

The Ber‐H2 mouse monoclonal antibody has been in use for 35 years for detecting the CD‐30 biomarker in a variety of lymphomas. Despite the wide use of this clone, we have not been successful in applying synthetic peptides derived from the published epitope sequence and affinity data toward the development of a new Ber‐H2‐based in vitro diagnostic reagent assay. We found that synthetic peptides based on the published epitope sequence do not function to inhibit antibody‐binding activity, thus indicating that the sequence is not the full epitope recognized by Ber‐H2. In this report, we used mass spectroscopic analysis of proteolyzed CD30 fragments capable of binding Ber‐H2 to identify additional regions within the epitope that participate in binding. Using surface plasmon resonance binding kinetic analyses and immuno‐histochemical peptide‐inhibition assays, we also demonstrate that the epitope sequence as originally reported is missing two key elements necessary for binding the Ber‐H2 antibody.
Evaluation of Hypoxia in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using QuantitativeMRI: Significances, Challenges, and Advances
Authors: Chen Meicheng , Zhou Xiaoqi , Cai Huasong , Li Di , Song Chenyu , You Huayu , Ma Ruixia , Dong Zhi , Peng Zhenpeng , Feng Shi‐Ting
Published: March 2023

This review aimed to perform a scoping review of promising MRI methods in assessing tumor hypoxia in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The hypoxic microenvironment and upregulated hypoxic metabolism in HCC are determining factors of poor prognosis, increased metastatic potential, and resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Assessing hypoxia in HCC is essential for personalized therapy and predicting prognoses. Oxygen electrodes, protein markers, optical imaging, and positron emission tomography can evaluate tumor hypoxia. These methods lack clinical applicability because of invasiveness, tissue depth, and radiation exposure. MRI methods, including blood oxygenation level‐dependent, dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI, diffusion‐weighted imaging, MRI spectroscopy, chemical exchange saturation transfer MRI, and multinuclear MRI, are promising noninvasive methods that evaluate the hypoxic microenvironment by observing biochemical processes in vivo, which may inform on therapeutic options. This review summarizes the recent challenges and advances in MRI techniques for assessing hypoxia in HCC and highlights the potential of MRI methods for examining the hypoxic microenvironment via specific metabolic substrates and pathways. Although the utilization of MRI methods for evaluating hypoxia in patients with HCC is increasing, rigorous validation is needed in order to translate these MRI methods into clinical use. Due to the limited sensitivity and specificity of current quantitative MRI methods, their acquisition and analysis protocols require further improvement.

Evidence Level

3.

Technical Efficacy

Stage 4.
Impact of fracture‐prone implantable cardioverter defibrillator leads on long‐term patient mortality
Authors: Koike Toshiharu , Shoda Morio , Ejima Koichiro , Yagishita Daigo , Suzuki Atsushi , Hasegawa Shun , Kataoka Shohei , Yazaki Kyoichiro , Higuchi Satoshi , Kanai Miwa , Yamaguchi Junichi
Published: March 2023

Background

The long‐term relationship between fracture‐prone implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) leads and poor prognosis remains unclear in Japanese patients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of the records of 445 patients who underwent implantation of advisory/Linox leads (Sprint Fidelis, 118; Riata, nine; Isoline, 10; Linox S/SD, 45) and non‐advisory leads (Endotak Reliance, 33; Durata, 199; Sprint non‐Fidelis, 31) between January 2005 and June 2012 at our hospital. The primary outcomes were all‐cause mortality and ICD lead failure. The secondary outcomes were cardiovascular mortality, heart failure (HF) hospitalization, and the composite outcome of cardiovascular mortality and HF hospitalization.

Results

During the follow‐up period (median, 8.6 [4.1–12.0] years), there were 152 deaths: 61 (34%) in patients with advisory/Linox leads and 91 (35%) in those with non‐advisory leads. There were 32 ICD lead failures: 27 (15%) in patients with advisory/Linox leads and five (2%) in those with non‐advisory leads. Multivariate analysis for ICD lead failure demonstrated that the advisory/Linox leads had a 6.65‐fold significantly greater risk of ICD lead failure than non‐advisory leads. Congenital heart disease (hazard ratio 2.51; 95% confidence interval 1.08–5.83; p = .03) could also independently predict ICD lead failure. Multivariate analysis for all‐cause mortality demonstrated no significant association between advisory/Linox leads and all‐cause mortality.

Conclusions

Patients who have implanted fracture‐prone ICD leads should be carefully followed up for ICD lead failure. However, these patients have a long‐term survival rate comparable with that of patients with non‐advisory ICD leads in Japanese patients.
Revision Rates and Symptom Trends Following Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: Impact of Race on Outcomes
Authors: Hentati Firas , Kim Jaehee , Hoying David , D'Anza Brian , Rodriguez Kenneth
Published: March 2023

Objective

The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of demographics and sinonasal comorbidities on the revision rate of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

Background

Although endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is often successful in providing long‐term relief for patients suffering from CRS, revision surgery can occur. There is conflicting literature on the impact of race on FESS outcomes.

Methods

A single‐center retrospective cohort study of patients that underwent FESS for CRS between January 1, 2015 and June 1, 2021 at a single tertiary care academic center.

Results

A total of 682 patients between the ages of 18 and 89 underwent primary ESS between January 1, 2015 and June 1, 2021 and were included in this study. Of these patients, 388 (56.9%) were female, with an average age of 48.6 ± 16.7. Thirty‐eight patients (5.6%) underwent revision sinus surgery during the study period. Patients that identified as White had significantly lower rates of revision sinus surgery (4.1%) than non‐White patients (10.7%), including those identifying as Asian, Black, multiracial, or other. On multivariate analysis, non‐White race (OR 4.933), polyposis (3.175), and high preoperative SNOT‐22 scores (OR 1.029) were independently associated with revision sinus surgery. The mean preoperative SNOT‐22 for all participants was 39.1 ± 22.0, whereas the mean postoperative SNOT‐22 was 20.6 ± 17.5 (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Race plays an important role in outcomes following revision sinus surgery that is independent of location and insurance status. More studies are required to assess the reason race plays an important role in outcomes following revision sinus surgery.

Level of Evidence

Level 3 Laryngoscope, 133:2878–2884, 2023
Facile Fabrication of Fluorescent Cellulose with Aggregation‐Induced Emission Characteristic in a CO2 Switchable Solvent
Authors: Zhang Wei , Sun Yi , Xu Yiting , Yu Xiaobo , Fang Yajin , Liu Fei , Na Haining , Zhu Jin
Published: March 2023

Fabrication of fluorescent cellulose with aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) characteristics is usually achieved by grafting tetraphenylethylene (TPE) to the cellulose backbone using TPE derivatives with highly active functional groups such as carboxylic, isothiocyanate, and alkynyl groups. However, besides the complicated synthetic routes of these TPE derivatives, conversion of hydroxyl groups in the cellulose chain to more reactive groups such as amine or azide groups is usually involved, and the resulting products have a degree of substitution (DS) of TPE lower than 0.08. Herein, a facile one‐pot strategy for the grafting of a TPE group to the cellulose backbone with high DS of up to 0.22 in a CO2 switchable solvent under mild reaction conditions is reported. The hydroxyl groups in the cellulose are in situ converted to cellulose carbonate intermediately during the dissolution step. Subsequently, nucleophilic substitution between the intermediate and a halogenated TPE derivative with bromine atom as leaving group is carried out to achieve the effective grafting of TPE. The synthetic route for this promising TPE derivative is much more convenient than those of TPE derivatives reported in previous studies. This work suggests a new and facile pathway for the synthesis of high‐emission fluorescent cellulose with AIE functionality.
Technical note: Angular dependence in fiber optic dosimetry using YVO4:Eu3+
Authors: Martínez Nahuel , Fernández Yohanna , Machello Soledad , Molina Pablo , Massa José , Santiago Martín
Published: March 2023

Background

Fiber optic dosimetry (FOD) has emerged as a useful technique that can be used in those cases when intracavitary, real time, high spatial resolution dose assessment is required. Among the several factors characterizing a dosimeter, angular response of FOD probes has to be assessed in order to consider possible clinical application.

Purpose

The objective of this study was to characterize the angular response of a FOD probe based on a cylindrical shaped YVO4:Eu3+ scintillator under irradiation with a 6 MV photon beam generated by a linear accelerator (LINAC).

Methods

A FOD probe was irradiated inside a plastic phantom using a 6 MV LINAC photon beam at different azimuthal angles (0° to 360°, 15° steps). Scintillation output was measured with a photomultiplier tube. Similar measurements were performed with a second FOD probe having an optical filter interposed between the scintillator and the fiber. Monte Carlo simulations using PENELOPE were carried out in order to interpret the observed results.

Results

The FOD output was symmetrical with respect to the scintillator axis. For the unfiltered probe, the signal was maximum at rear incidence (0°) and steadily decreased down to its minimum value at frontal incidence (180°) having a signal ratio of 37%. The output of the filtered probe showed a plateau from 15° up to 115°. The signal was maximum at 60° and minimum at 180° having a signal ratio of 16%. Monte Carlo simulations predicted symmetry of the deposited dose about 0° and 90°, which contrasts with experimental findings.

Conclusions

Photoluminescence (PL) of the scintillator induced by the Cherenkov light increases the angular dependence. Radiation attenuation inside the scintillator and partial light collection of the scintillation yield by the optical fiber (OF) are responsible for asymmetrical response. Results from this study should be considered in order to minimize angular dependence in FOD.
A Scholte wave approach for ultrasonic surface acoustic wave elastography
Authors: Liu Jingfei , Leer Jurjen , Aglayomov Salavat R. , Emelianov Stanislav Y.
Published: March 2023

Background

Pathological changes in tissues are often related to changes in tissue mechanical properties, making elastography an important tool for medical applications. Among the existing elastography methods, ultrasound elastography is of great interest due to the inherent advantages of ultrasound imaging technology, such as low cost, portability, safety, and wide availability. Although ultrasonic shear wave elastography, as a platform technology, can potentially quantify the elasticity of tissue at any depth, its current implementation cannot assess superficial tissue but can only image deep tissue.

Purpose

To address this challenge, we proposed an ultrasonic Scholte‐wave‐based approach for imaging the elasticity of superficial tissue.

Methods

The feasibility of the proposed technique was tested using a gelatin phantom with a cylindrical inclusion. To generate Scholte wave in the superficial region of the phantom, we proposed a new experimental configuration in which a liquid layer was introduced between an ultrasound imaging transducer and the tissue‐mimicking phantom. We utilized an acoustic radiation force impulse to excite the tissue‐mimicking phantom, analyzed the properties of the generated Scholte waves, and applied the waves for elasticity imaging.

Results

In this study, we first reported the observation that Scholte (surface) waves and shear (bulk) waves were simultaneously generated, and they propagated in the superficial and deeper regions of the phantom, respectively. Then, we presented some important properties of the generated Scholte waves. For a 5w/v% gelatin phantom, the generated Scholte waves have a speed of around 0.9 m/s, a frequency of about 186 Hz, and thus a wavelength of about 4.8 mm. The speed ratio between the simultaneously generated Scholte wave and shear wave is about 0.717, which is 15% lower than the theoretical expectation. And we further demonstrated the feasibility of Scholte wave as a mechanism for imaging superficial tissue elasticity. Together with the simultaneously generated shear wave, the Scholte wave was shown to be able to quantitatively image both the background and the cylindrical inclusion (4 mm in diameter) of the tissue‐mimicking gelatin phantom.

Conclusions

This work shows that the elasticity of superficial tissue can be evaluated by utilizing the generated Scholte wave alone, and it also shows that a comprehensive elasticity imaging of the tissue extending from the superficial to deep regions can be achieved by combining the proposed Scholte wave technique and the conventional shear wave technique.
Age‐related white matter hyperintensities and overactive bladder: A systematic review
Authors: Silva Ricardo Pereira e , Sousa Diana Aguiar , Lopes Filipe Abadesso , Silva‐Ramos Miguel , Verdelho Ana
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Age‐related white matter hyperintensities (ARWMHs) on brain magnetic resonance imaging have been associated with lower urinary tract symptoms/dysfunction (LUTS/LUTD), namely overactive bladder (OAB) and detrusor overactivity. We aimed to systematically review existing data on the association between ARWMH and LUTS and which clinical tools have been used for this assessment.

Materials and Methods

We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and clinicaltrials.gov (from 1980 to November 2021) and considered original studies reporting data on ARWMH and LUTS/LUTD in patients of both sexes aged 50 or above. The primary outcome was OAB. We calculated the unadjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for the outcomes of interest using random‐effects models.

Results

Fourteen studies were included. LUTS assessment was heterogeneous and mainly based on the use of nonvalidated questionnaires. Urodynamics assessment was reported in five studies. ARWMHs were graded using visual scales in eight studies. Patients with moderate‐to‐severe ARWMHs were more likely to present with OAB and urgency urinary incontinence (UUI; OR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.05–2.49, p = 0.03), I2 = 21.3%) when compared to patients with similar age and absent or mild ARWMH.

Discussion and Conclusions

High‐quality data on the association between ARWMH and OAB is scarce. Patients with moderate to severe ARWMH showed higher levels of OAB symptoms, including UUI, when compared to patients with absent or mild ARWMH. The use of standardized tools to assess both ARWMH and OAB in these patients should be encouraged in future research.
Fully discrete error analysis of first‐order low regularity integrators for the Allen‐Cahn equation
Authors: Doan Cao‐Kha , Hoang Thi‐Thao‐Phuong , Ju Lili
Published: March 2023

The Allen‐Cahn equation satisfies the maximum bound principle, that is, its solution is uniformly bounded for all time by a positive constant under appropriate initial and/or boundary conditions. It has been shown recently that the time‐discrete solutions produced by low regularity integrators (LRIs) are likewise bounded in the infinity norm; however, the corresponding fully discrete error analysis is still lacking. This work is concerned with convergence analysis of the fully discrete numerical solutions to the Allen‐Cahn equation obtained based on two first‐order LRIs in time and the central finite difference method in space. By utilizing some fundamental properties of the fully discrete system and the Duhamel's principle, we prove optimal error estimates of the numerical solutions in time and space while the exact solution is only assumed to be continuous in time. Numerical results are presented to confirm such error estimates and show that the solution obtained by the proposed LRI schemes is more accurate than the classical exponential time differencing (ETD) scheme of the same order.
Preparation of high breakdown strength meta‐aramid composite paper reinforced by polyphenylene sulfide superfine fiber
Authors: Zhao Yuzhen , Yao Songjun , Xiong Siwei , Li Bingyang , Wang Xuyi , Yang Feihua , Jia Yingbin , Wang Luoxin , Wang Hua
Published: March 2023

Meta‐aramid paper has been widely used in transformers because of its excellent insulation properties and thermal stability. However, with the rapid development of high‐voltage transformers, higher requirements are placed on the breakdown strength of meta‐aramid paper. In this study, meta‐aramid chopped fibers/polyphenylene sulfide (MACFs/PPS) composite paper was prepared by a combination of wet‐copying and hot‐rolling technology. Then the microscopic morphology, mechanical properties, crystallization behavior, insulation properties, and thermal stability of the MACFs/PPS composite paper were studied and evaluated. The experimental results showed that the breakdown strength of the MACFs/PPS composite paper was as high as 46.46 kV/mm, which was 2.7 times higher than the famous Nomex T410 insulating paper. Meanwhile, the MACFs/PPS composite paper presented good mechanical properties and thermal stability. This paper provides a simple and versatile method for the preparation of meta‐aramid composite paper with high breakdown strength.
The experiences of school psychological counselors on reporting sexual abuse cases: A thematic analysis
Authors: Avcı Mahsum , Yıldırım Taşkın
Published: March 2023

The purpose of the present study was to analyze and understand the experiences of school counselors regarding the reporting of sexual abuse cases and to offer solutions. This study, which was based on a qualitative design, was also based on a phenomenological approach. The study group was determined with the purposeful sampling method and consisted of 15 school counselors who had previously reported sexual abuse cases in 15 different cities. The five main themes that emerged as a result of the thematic analysis of the qualitative interviews with the participants were as follows; “Security Problem of School Counselors,” “Chain of Ethical Violations,” “Judicial Process,” “Competence,” “Reputation Issue” and finally “School Counselor's Disclosure Dilemma.” The victim's family and environment, the accused and the environment, and the school administration are exposed to pressures in the process of reporting sexual abuse cases, as a result of these pressures, they give up the legal obligation to run the judicial reporting process, the chain of ethical violations and difficulties in the investigation and prosecution process, and the spiral of not seeing themselves as professionally competent are at the center of the experiences of school counselors who report sexual abuse cases.
Fixed‐time event‐triggered consensus tracking control for uncertain nonlinear multiagent systems with dead‐zone constraint
Authors: Wang Chen , Wang Jianhui , Zhang Chunliang , Du Yongping , Liu Zhi , Chen C. L. Philip
Published: March 2023

This research investigates the fixed‐time event‐triggered consensus tracking control for a class of uncertain nonlinear multiagent systems (MASs) under directed graphs. In MASs, frequent and continuous communication is difficult to achieve because the network bandwidth of the system is limited. In addition, unknown nonlinearities and dead‐zone input may exacerbate the communication burden of the system. It is challenging to guarantee the fixed‐time stability of the system when it suffers from these constraints. To overcome the above problems, based on the radial basis neural networks and backstepping technology, an event‐triggered mechanism is designed to reduce the frequency of control input updates and compensate for the dead‐zone input. On this basis, a novel consensus tracking control protocol is established based on the practically fixed‐time stability theorem. Technically, by using the protocol, the system is practically fixed‐time stable, even under the effect of those aforementioned constraints. Finally, some simulation examples validate the validity of the proposed protocol.
Chymotrypsin inhibitor assay: Expressing, calculating, and standardizing inhibitory activity in absolute amounts of chymotrypsin inhibited
Authors: Liu Keshun
Published: March 2023

There is a growing interest in monitoring chymotrypsin inhibitor activity (CIA) in soybean and other legume products, although trypsin inhibitor activity has been primarily measured. Recently, for accurately measuring CIA, an optimized method was developed in our laboratory and published elsewhere. Like most reported methods, the new method expresses CIA as chymotrypsin units (CU) inhibited (CUI)/mg sample. This arbitrary unit makes comparison of results impossible among different methods. The present study solved this problem by expressing CIA in absolute amounts of chymotrypsin inhibited (CId) and standardizing against a reference chymotrypsin. With the new method, two experiments were conducted, using four chymotrypsin reagents having different specific activities (SA), respectively. Experiment 1 determined the relationship between absorbance at 400 nm (A400) and μg chymotrypsin. Experiment 2 measured raw and heated soybeans, expressed CIA as CUI/mg sample and μg CId/mg sample, respectively, and determined conversion factors between the two units. Conversion factors determined in both experiments matched each other but varied with chymotrypsin SA. Yet, after standardizing against the reference chymotrypsin having a fixed SA of 150 N‐benzoyl‐L‐tyrosine‐p‐nitroanilide (BTNA) (equivalent to 50 N‐benzoyl‐L‐tyrosine ethyl ester [BTEE]) units/mg protein, a standardized conversion factor of 1.5 CUI (= 0.015 ΔA400) = 1 μg CId was determined. It remained consistent regardless of chymotrypsin SA, sample heating history, and levels. The new method can now express results in μg CId/mg sample (or mg/g) by dividing CUI/mg sample by 1.5. When other methods follow the same strategies for determining standardized conversion factors, CIA results could be comparable.
Interfacial Engineering of Copper–Nickel Selenide Nanodendrites for Enhanced Overall Water Splitting in Alkali Condition
Authors: Cao Dong , Shao Jie , Cui Yahui , Zhang Lipeng , Cheng Daojian
Published: March 2023

Fabricating heterogeneous interfaces is an effective approach to improve the intrinsic activity of noble‐metal‐free catalysts for water splitting. Herein, 3D copper–nickel selenide (CuNi@NiSe) nanodendrites with abundant heterointerfaces are constructed by a precise multi‐step wet chemistry method. Notably, CuNi@NiSe only needs 293 and 41 mV at 10 mA cm−2 for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), respectively. Moreover, the assembled CuNi@NiSe system just requires 2.2 V at 1000 mA cm−2 in anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyzer, which is 2.0 times better than Pt/C//IrO2. Mechanism studies reveal Cu defects on the Cu2−xSe surface boost the electron transfer between Cu atoms and Se atoms of Ni3Se4 via Cu2−xSe/Ni3Se4 interface, largely lowering the reaction barrier of rate‐determining step for HER. Besides, the intrinsic activity of Ni atoms for in situ generated NiOOH is largely enhanced during OER because of the electron‐modulating effect of Se atoms at Ni3Se4/NiOOH interface. The unique 3D structure also promotes the mass transfer during catalysis process. This work emphasizes the essential role of interfacial engineering for practical water splitting.