bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of job control on hospital workers' safety performance: A moderated mediation analysis of the influences of hospital safety climate and social support
Authors: Zhao Guolong , Yin Chenxi
Published: August 2022

Aim

To improve the level of hospital workers' safety performance in response to emergencies (e.g. COVID‐19), this paper examines the relationship between hospital workers' job control on safety performance, and the mediating role of hospital safety climate and the moderating role of social support.

Design

In this cross‐sectional questionnaire survey, a convenience sampling of hospital workers from three hospitals that have COVID‐19 cases from Beijing and Shandong Province in China.

Methods

These questionnaires were used to obtain self‐reported data on hospital workers' job control, hospital safety climate, social support and safety performance. Mplus software was used to calculate CFA. SPSS25.0 software was used to calculate mean values, standard deviations, correlations and regression analyses.

Results

The participants were 241 hospital workers from three hospitals in China (male = 55.2%, female = 44.8%; age range <30 to >45; physician = 58%, nurse = 22%, other hospital worker = 20%). A moderated mediation model among job control, hospital safety climate, social support and safety performance was supported. Moderated mediation analysis indicates hospital workers' job control effectively improves the level of safety performance; hospital safety climate plays a partially mediating role in the process of job control affecting hospital workers' safety performance; social support moderates the effect of work control on medical workers' safety climate. Hence, it is important to increase job control and hospital safety climate. Further, social support for hospital workers should be encouraged, advocated and supported.
Investigating attitudes toward prenatal diagnosis and fetal therapy for spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Schwab Marisa E. , Shao Shirley , Zhang Li , Lianoglou Billie , Belter Lisa , Jarecki Jill , Schroth Mary , Sumner Charlotte J. , MacKenzie Tippi
Published: August 2022

Objective

In utero SMA treatment could improve survival and neurologic outcomes. We investigated the attitudes of patients and parents with SMA regarding prenatal diagnosis, fetal therapies, and clinical trials.

Methods

A multidisciplinary team designed a questionnaire that Cure SMA electronically distributed to parents and patients (>18 years old) affected by SMA. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression was used to analyze associations between respondent characteristics and attitudes.

Results

Of 114 respondents (60% of whom were patients), only 2 were prenatally diagnosed. However, 91% supported prenatal testing and 81% felt there had been a delay in their diagnosis. Overall, 55% would enroll in a phase I trial for fetal antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) while 79% would choose an established fetal ASO/small molecule therapy. Overall, 61% would enroll in fetal gene therapy trials and 87% would choose fetal gene therapies. Patients were less likely to enroll in a fetal gene therapy trial than parents enrolling a child (OR 0.31,p < 0.05). Older parental age and believing there had been excessive delay in diagnosis were associated with an interest in enrolling in a fetal ASO trial (OR 1.04, 7.38, respectively,p < 0.05).

Conclusion

In utero therapies are promising for severe genetic diseases. Patients with SMA and their parents view prenatal testing and therapies positively, with gene therapy being favored.
Initial validation of a new psychosocial screener for siblings of youth with cancer: The Psychosocial Assessment Tool Sibling Modules
Authors: Long Kristin A. , Davis Kathryn A. , Pariseau Emily , Muriel Anna C. , Kazak Anne E. , Alderfer Melissa A.
Published: August 2022

Objective

Psychosocial screening can facilitate the identification of families who have difficulty adjusting to and managing serious pediatric illness. Despite siblings' roles within the family and increased psychosocial risk, a systematic approach to screening siblings of youth with cancer remains rare. One barrier to systematic sibling screening is the lack of a validated screener. We aimed to establish initial validity of the new parent‐reported Psychosocial Assessment Tool (PAT) Sibling Modules for siblings ages 0–2, 3–4, 5–9, and 10+.

Methods

Families (N = 64) completed the PAT Sibling Modules and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) regarding siblings' functioning at cancer diagnosis (13–23 items, depending on age version) and 6 months later (17–42 items). Cross‐sectional and longitudinal analyses examined internal consistency and convergent and predictive validity of the PAT Sibling Modules.

Results

Baseline and follow‐up versions of the modules have strong internal consistency (Kuder‐Richardson 20 range: 0.82–0.93) and convergent validity at diagnosis (r‐values ≥0.4, p‐values <0.01) and follow‐up (r‐values >0.4, p‐values <0.05). Predictive validity was supported by significant correlations between baseline PAT Sibling Module scores and 6 month SDQ scores (r = 0.86, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Findings provide initial evidence that the PAT Sibling Modules are valid measures of sibling psychosocial risk. Availability of a validated screener is a first step toward addressing siblings' unmet psychosocial needs.
N‐glycosylation induced changes in tau protein dynamics reveal its role in tau misfolding and aggregation: A microsecond long molecular dynamics study
Authors: Mathew Alen T. , Baidya Anurag T. K. , Das Bhanuranjan , Devi Bharti , Kumar Rajnish
Published: August 2022

Various posttranslational modifications like hyperphosphorylation, O‐GlcNAcylation, and acetylation have been attributed to induce the abnormal folding in tau protein. Recent in vitro studies revealed the possible involvement of N‐glycosylation of tau protein in the abnormal folding and tau aggregation. Hence, in this study, we performed a microsecond long all atom molecular dynamics simulation to gain insights into the effects of N‐glycosylation on Asn‐359 residue which forms part of the microtubule binding region. Trajectory analysis of the stimulations coupled with essential dynamics and free energy landscape analysis suggested that tau, in its N‐glycosylated form tends to exist in a largely folded conformation having high beta sheet propensity as compared to unmodified tau which exists in a large extended form with very less beta sheet propensity. Residue interaction network analysis of the lowest energy conformations further revealed that Phe378 and Lys353 are the functionally important residues in the peptide which helped in initiating the folding process and Phe378, Lys347, and Lys370 helped to maintain the stability of the protein in the folded state.
Monkeypox: An international epidemic
Authors: Focosi Daniele , Novazzi Federica , Baj Andreina , Maggi Fabrizio
Published: August 2022

Human monkeypox (MPX) is a viral zoonosis caused by the Monkeypox virus. For decades outbreaks exclusively occurred in the tropical rainforests of Africa, with a few imported cases and very limited human‐to‐human transmission outside Africa. Nevertheless, in the last years sustained outbreaks have emerged, peaking at 4600 cases in 2020 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since May 2022, an international epidemic originated at 2 events in Spain and Belgium led to sustained human‐to‐human transmission across multiple continents, mostly in males having sex with males subjects. We review here clinical presentation, epidemiology, viral evolution, vaccines, and therapeutics against human MPX.
Countrywide classification of permanent grassland habitats at high spatial resolution
Authors: Huber Nica , Ginzler Christian , Pazur Robert , Descombes Patrice , Baltensweiler Andri , Ecker Klaus , Meier Eliane , Price Bronwyn
Published: August 2022

European grasslands face strong declines in extent and quality. Many grassland types are priority habitats for national and European conservation strategies. Countrywide, high spatial resolution maps of their distribution are often lacking. Here, we modelled the spatial distribution of 20 permanent grassland habitats at the level of phytosociological alliances across Switzerland at 10x10 m resolution. First, we applied ensemble models to provide distribution maps of the individual habitat types, using training data from various sources. Copernicus Sentinel satellite imagery and variables describing climate, soil and topography were used as predictors. The performance of these models was assessed based on the true skill statistics with a split‐sampling of the data. Second, the individual maps were combined into countrywide maps of the most and second most likely habitat type, respectively, using an expert‐based weighting approach. The performance of the combined map for the most likely habitat type was assessed via an independent testing dataset and a comparison of the predicted habitat‐type proportions with extrapolations from field surveys. Most individual maps had useful to excellent predictive performance (TSS ≥ 0.6). For most grid cells in the combined maps, the most and second most likely habitat types were either ecologically closely related or representing two grassland types along a nutrient gradient. The same was true for omission errors. We found good agreement between the predicted and estimated proportions from field surveys. The area of raised bogs appears to be underestimated, while dry grasslands showed highest agreement. This work highlights the potential of earth observation data at fine spatial and temporal resolution to map habitats at broad scales, thereby providing the foundation for diverse conservation applications. A particular challenge remains in capturing the transition from nutrient‐poor to nutrient‐rich grasslands, which is highly important for biodiversity conservation.
Explorative Study of Reactive Extrusion over Nixtamalization‐Maize Pericarp Residue: Effect on Dietary Fiber, Resistant Starch, and Nixtamalized Corn Flour Tortillas
Authors: Vázquez‐Villegas Patricia , Sánchez Marli , Heredia‐Olea Erick , Pérez‐Carrillo Esther
Published: August 2022

Interest in clean label products and decrease of effluents have increased. Nixtamalized maize flour (NMF) residues could be used as by‐products that modify NMF properties without the need for other additives. In this work, pericarp residue of NMF is subjected to reactive extrusion (REX) using 1% or 5% addition of phosphoric acid, sodium metabisulphite, benzoyl peroxide, or titaniumdioxide. The use of pericarp as an ingredient for cereal products has detrimental effects. Dietary fiber content, resistant starch, and moisture are studied to characterize the REX treatment products. Maize compound flours with 5% REX extruded maize pericarp are prepared. The apparent viscosity parameters of composite flours and the physical characteristics of maize tortillas with the compound flours are analyzed.

Pasting properties of compound flours is modified with chemical treatment. All REX tortilla treatments show a reduction in thickness without effect on resistance and extensibility, which can positively affect the yield of the product without impact on quality. Compared with control and other treatments, the addition of tortilla produced with phosphoric acid extruded material has the highest resistance to extension after 24 h of production.
Urinary interleukin‐6 is a potentially useful diagnostic and prognostic marker of acute kidney injury in dogs
Authors: Chen Hilla , Avital Yochai , Mazaki‐Tovi Michal , Aroch Itamar , Segev Gilad
Published: August 2022

Background

Interleukin‐6 (IL6) is a pro‐inflammatory cytokine implicated in the pathophysiology of urinary tract diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic utilities of urinary IL6 (uIL6) in dogs with acute kidney injury (AKI) and other urinary tract diseases.

Methods

Eighty client‐owned dogs were included and divided into four groups: AKI, chronic kidney disease (CKD), urinary tract infection and healthy controls. Urine samples were analysed for uIL6 and normalised to urinary creatinine (uIL6/uCr).

Results

Dogs in the AKI group had higher uIL6/uCr compared with the control and CKD groups (p < 0.001 and 0.012, respectively). Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis of uIL6/uCr as a diagnostic marker for AKI had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.91 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81–1.0) with 82% sensitivity and 90% specificity (cutoff point 4.5 pg/mg) when including the AKI and control groups. ROC analysis including AKI compared with all other groups had an AUC of 0.77 (95% CI, 0.67–0.87) for the diagnosis of AKI with sensitivity and specificity of 71% and 78%, respectively (cutoff point 10.4 pg/mg). The 30‐day mortality of the AKI group was 34%, and there was no difference in uIL6/uCr between survivors and non‐survivors of AKI.

Conclusions

uIL6/uCr is a potentially sensitive and specific diagnostic marker for AKI in dogs.
Performance analysis of a longitudinal fin under the influence of magnetic field using differential transform method with Pade approximant
Authors: Sowmya G. , Kumar K. Thanesh , Srilatha Pudhari , Kumar R. S. Varun , Madhu J.
Published: August 2022

The temperature distribution in a longitudinal fin with magnetic field due to conductive‐convective‐radiative heat transfer is debriefed in this research article. Thermal properties of the fin material, such as thermal conductivity and heat transfer coefficient, have been considered to vary non‐linearly with local temperature whereas surface emissivity has been taken to be constant. The main governing equation of the current model is developed with the aid of Fourier's law of heat conduction, exponentially temperature‐dependent thermal conductivity, Maxwell expression for the effect of the magnetic field, and power‐law temperature‐dependent heat transfer coefficient. This equation is converted into a non‐dimensional form using dimensionless variables and then traced out numerically with the assist of Runge‐Kutta Fehlberg's fourth‐fifth method. Also, the transformed nonlinear energy equation is solved using a DTM‐Pade approximant, yielding an approximate closed‐form solution. The findings of the analytical and numerical investigation are depicted graphically. The outcomes have divulged that the convective and radiative parameters significantly decrease the temperature distribution and improve convective cooling from the fin surface. The rise in the Hartmann number is responsible for the decreasing of the temperature distribution and it aids in accelerating heat transfer.
Algebraic Model Checking for Discrete Linear Dynamical Systems
Authors: Luca Florian , Ouaknine Joël , Worrell James
Published: August 2022

Model checking infinite-state systems is one of the central challenges in automated verification. In this survey we focus on an important and fundamental subclass of infinite-state systems, namely discrete linear dynamical systems. While such systems are ubiquitous in mathematics, physics, engineering, etc., in the present context our motivation stems from their relevance to the formal analysis and verification of program loops, weighted automata, hybrid systems, and control systems, amongst many others. Our main object of study is the problem of model checking temporal properties on the infinite orbit of a linear dynamical system, and our principal contribution is to show that for a rich class of properties this problem can be reduced to certain classical decision problems on linear recurrence sequences, notably the Skolem Problem. This leads us to discuss recent advances on the latter and to highlight the prospects for further progress on charting the algorithmic landscape of linear recurrence sequences and linear dynamical systems.
One-loop central-emission vertex for two gluons in $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 super Yang-Mills theory
Authors: Byrne Emmet P. , Del Duca Vittorio , Dixon Lance J. , Gardi Einan , Smillie Jennifer M.
Published: August 2022

Abstract

A necessary ingredient for extending the BFKL equation to next-to-next-to-leading logarithmic (NNLL) accuracy is the one-loop central emission vertex (CEV) for two gluons which are not strongly ordered in rapidity. Here we consider the one-loop six-gluon amplitude in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 super Yang-Mills (SYM) theory in a central next-to-multi-Regge kinematic (NMRK) limit, we show that its dispersive part factorises in terms of the two-gluon CEV, and we use it to extract the one-loop two-gluon CEV for any helicity configuration within this theory. This is a component of the two-gluon CEV in QCD. Although computed in the NMRK limit, both the colour structure and the kinematic dependence of the two-gluon CEV capture much of the complexity of the six-gluon amplitudes in general kinematics. In fact, the transcendental functions of the latter can be conveniently written in terms of impact factors, trajectories, single-emission CEVs and a remainder, which is a function of the conformally invariant cross ratios which characterise the six-gluon amplitudes in planar $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 SYM. Finally, as expected, in the MRK limit the two-gluon CEV neatly factorises in terms of two single-emission CEVs.
Binary Encoded Recursive Generation of Quantum Space-Times
Authors: Marks Dennis W.
Published: August 2022

Real geometric algebras distinguish between space and time; complex ones do not. Space-times can be classified in terms of numbernof dimensions and metric signatures(number of spatial dimensionsminusnumber of temporal dimensions). Real geometric algebras are periodic ins, but recursive inn. Recursion starts from the basis vectors of either the Euclidean plane or the Minkowskian plane. Although the two planes have different geometries, they have the same real geometric algebra. The direct product of the two planes yields Hestenes’ space-time algebra. Dimensions can be either open (for space-time) or closed (for the electroweak force). Their product yields the eight-fold way of the strong force. After eight dimensions, the pattern of real geometric algebras repeats. This yields a spontaneously expanding space-time lattice with the physics of the Standard Model at each node. Physics being the same at each node implies conservation laws by Noether’s theorem. Conservation laws are not pre-existent; rather, they are consequences of the uniformity of space-time, whose uniformity is a consequence of its recursive generation.
The Prognostic Impact of Extent of Vascular Invasion in Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Leong David , Gill Anthony J. , Turchini John , Waller Michael , Clifton‐Bligh Roderick , Glover Anthony , Sywak Mark , Sidhu Stan
Published: August 2022

Background

Encapsulated angioinvasive follicular thyroid carcinoma (EAFTC) is associated with an increased risk of distant metastasis and reduced survival compared to minimally invasive follicular thyroid carcinoma (MIFTC). There is controversy regarding the extent of surgery and adjuvant radioactive iodine therapy for angioinvasive follicular thyroid carcinoma when stratified by number of foci of angioinvasion.

Methods

All follicular thyroid carcinoma cases from 1990–2018 were identified from a thyroid cancer database. Primary outcomes were distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS) and disease‐specific survival (DSS) with factors of interest being age, gender, tumour size, treatment, foci of angioinvasion and histological subtype.

Results

A total of 292 cases were identified; 139 MIFTC, 141 EAFTC and 12 widely invasive follicular thyroid carcinoma (WIFTC). Over a follow‐up period of 6.25 years, DMFS was significantly reduced (p < 0.001) with 14.2% (EAFTC) and 50% of WIFTC developing metastasis. The risk of metastasis in EAFTC with ≥ 4 foci of angioinvasion was 31.7% (HR = 5.89, p = 0.004), 6.3% for EAFTC with < 4 foci of angioinvasion (HR = 1.74, p = 0.47), compared to 3.6% MIFTC. Age ≥ 50 years (HR = 4.24, p = 0.005) and tumour size (HR = 1.27, p = 0.014) were significantly associated with increased risk of distant metastasis. DSS was reduced significantly (p < 0.001), with 7.8% EAFTC patients dying of disease. For EAFTC patients, DSS was 96.8% for < 4 foci and 82.6% for ≥ 4 foci of angioinvasion (p = 0.003).

Conclusion

EAFTC is at increased risk of distant metastasis related to the extent of angioinvasion. Tumours with < 4 foci of angioinvasion should be considered for a total thyroidectomy, particularly in older patients.
Changes in temperature–precipitation correlations over Europe: are climate models reliable?
Authors: Vrac Mathieu , Thao Soulivanh , Yiou Pascal
Published: August 2022

Inter-variable correlations (e.g., between daily temperature and precipitation) are key statistical properties to characterise probabilities of simultaneous climate events and compound events. Their correct simulations from climate models, both in values and in changes over time, is then a prerequisite to investigate their future changes and associated impacts. Therefore, this study first evaluates the capabilities of one 11-single run multi-model ensemble (CMIP6) and one 40-member single model initial-condition large ensemble (CESM) over Europe to reproduce the characteristics of a reanalysis dataset (ERA5) in terms of temperature–precipitation correlations and their historical changes. Next, the ensembles’ correlations for the end of the 21st century are compared. Over the historical period, both CMIP6 and CESM ensembles have season-dependent and spatially structured biases. Moreover, the inter-variable correlations from both ensembles mostly appear stationary. Thus, although reanalysis displays significant correlation changes, none of the ensembles can reproduce them, with internal variability representing only 30% on the inter-model variability. However, future correlations show significant changes over large spatial patterns. Yet, those patterns are rather different for CMIP6 and CESM, reflecting a large uncertainty in changes. In addition, for historical and future projections, an analysis conditional on atmospheric circulation regimes is performed. The conditional correlations given the regimes are found to be the main contributor to the biases in correlation over the historical period, and to the past and future changes of correlation. These results highlight the importance of the large-scale circulation regimes and the need to understand their physical relationships with local-scale phenomena associated to specific inter-variable correlations.
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: an evaluation of obstetric management in German maternity units
Authors: Zehner Leonie , Mai Maria , Dückelmann Anna M. , Hamza Amr , Eckmann-Scholz Christel , Maass Nicolai , Pecks Ulrich
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is associated with adverse fetal and neonatal outcome. Evidence for improvement by obstetric management is sparse. Common international guidelines recommend induction of labor before term, however, they differ in recommendations of monitoring the disease and time point of active management. So far, an official guideline for treatment and management of ICP in Germany does not exist. This study aims to compile common practice and policy in obstetric management of ICP in German maternity units. The objective is to gather obstetricians’ opinion on management of ICP, and to estimate the need for standardization of current practice in Germany on the background of existing evidence.

Methods

A questionnaire focusing on indications for interventions was developed including fourteen multiple-choice questions comprising the areas of diagnostic criteria, laboratory testing, fetal monitoring, treatment, and delivery timing. The survey was sent to 699 maternity clinics and was distributed to participants of the annual congress hosted by the German society of perinatal medicine (DGPM). Collected data were summarized and evaluated in relation to available evidence and existing guidelines. Descriptive statistics and Fisher's exact test were used.

Results

334 completed questionnaires returned corresponding to a response rate of 48.1%. Coinciding with existing international guidelines, 48.8% of the participants acknowledge bile acid concentrations above 10 µmol/L to be indicative of ICP. 85.0% of obstetricians recommend antenatal testing with cardiotocography, exceeding common standards of maternity policy guidelines; 50.3% execute active management in ICP-affected pregnancies as they generally recommend a delivery between 37 + 0 and 38 + 6 weeks of gestation. Although recent studies evinced a risk of stillbirth in ICP-affected pregnancies not until a bile acid concentration of > 100 µmol/L, 22.2% of the respondents recommend delivery before 37 + 0 weeks of gestation due to raised bile acids of 40–99 µmol/L.

Conclusions

Opinions on the management of ICP in German maternity units differ widely and partly deviate by large from international standards. Reasons for this may be the lack of a national guideline and the low awareness due to the rarity of the disease on the one hand and the very slow dynamics in evidence generation and thus the uncertainty about the actual risks and optimal management on the other. The present data highlight the need for further research and clinical guidelines to standardize and optimize treatment based on the best available evidence.
Deciphering clinical significance of BCL11A isoforms and protein expression roles in triple-negative breast cancer subtype
Authors: Angius Andrea , Pira Giovanna , Cossu-Rocca Paolo , Sotgiu Giovanni , Saderi Laura , Muroni Maria Rosaria , Virdis Patrizia , Piras Daniela , Vincenzo Rallo , Carru Ciriaco , Coradduzza Donatella , Uras Maria Gabriela , Cottu Pierina , Fancellu Alessandro , Orrù Sandra , Uva Paolo , De Miglio Maria Rosaria
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive clinical tumor, accounting for about 25% of breast cancer (BC) related deaths. Chemotherapy is the only therapeutic option to treat TNBC, hence a detailed understanding of the biology and its categorization is required. To investigate the clinical relevance of BCL11A in TNBC subtype, we focused on gene and protein expression and its mutational status in a large cohort of this molecular subtype.

Methods

Gene expression profiling of BCL11A and its isoforms (BCL11A-XL, BCL11A-L and BCL11A-S) has been determined in Luminal A, Luminal B, HER2-enriched and TNBC subtypes. BCL11A protein expression has been analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and its mutational status by Sanger sequencing.

Results

In our study, BCL11A was significantly overexpressed in TNBC both at transcriptional and translational levels compared to other BC molecular subtypes. A total of 404 TNBCs were selected and examined showing a high prevalence of BCL11A-XL (37.3%) and BCL11A-L (31.4%) isoform expression in TNBC, associated with a 26% of BCL11A protein expression levels. BCL11A protein expression predicts scarce LIV (HR = 0.52; 95% CI, 0.29–0.92, P = 0.03) and AR downregulation (HR = 0.37; 95% CI, 0.16–0.88; P = 0.02), as well as a higher proliferative index in TNBC cells. BCL11A-L expression is associated with more aggressive TNBC histological types, such as medullary and metaplastic carcinoma.

Conclusion

Our finding showed that BCL11A protein expression acts as an unfavorable prognostic factor in TNBC patients, especially in non luminal TNBCs subgroups. These results may yield a better treatment strategy by providing a new parameter for TNBC classification.
Context-Dependent Parameter Sensitivities in Rock Slope Stability
Authors: Low Bak Kong
Published: August 2022

Context-dependent sensitivities of parameters and reliability-based design (RBD) of rock slopes are the subjects of this paper. The similarities and differences between the design points in RBD and those of partial factor design methods are discussed. It is demonstrated that partial factors provided by the design point of the first-order reliability method (FORM) can provide case-specific insights and guidance to partial factor design methods like Eurocode 7 (EC7) and the load and resistance factor design (LRFD). It is suggested that conducting RBD-via-FORM in tandem with partial factor designs is more illuminating and meaningful than calibration of partial factors of parameters which can be sensitive in one case but insensitive in another case. Three cases are analysed probabilistically with respect to plane sliding in rock slopes with one or more discontinuities. In the first two cases, different deterministic solution procedures are used for the single block and two-block mechanisms, for comparison with stereographic projection method and closed form equation, respectively, prior to extending the cases into RBD. The third case involves a failed slope in a limestone quarry, analysed using FORM in this paper, for comparison with Monte Carlo simulation.
Apixaban versus other anticoagulants in patients with nonvalvular fibrillation: a comparison of all-cause and event-related costs in real-life setting in France
Authors: Belhassen Manon , Hanon Olivier , Steg Philippe Gabriel , Mahé Isabelle , Née Mélanie , Jacoud Flore , Dalon Faustine , Cotté François-Emery , Guitard-Dehoux Dominique , Marant-Micallef Claire , Van Ganse Eric , Danchin Nicolas
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Compare costs associated with all-cause healthcare resource use (HCRU), stroke/systemic thromboembolism (STE) and major bleedings (MB) between patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) initiating apixaban or other oral anticoagulants (OACs).

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study using the French healthcare claims database, including NVAF patients between 2014/01/01 and 2016/12/31, followed until 2016/12/31. We used 4 sub-cohorts of OAC-naive patients, respectively initiating apixaban, dabigatran, rivaroxaban or VKAs. We matched patients initiating apixaban with patients initiating each other OACs using 1:n propensity score matching. All-cause HCRU and event-related costs by OAC treatment were estimated and compared between matched patients using generalised-linear models with gamma-distribution and two-part models.

Results

There were 175,766 patients in the apixaban–VKA, 181,809 in the apixaban–rivaroxaban, and 42,490 in the apixaban–dabigatran matched cohorts. Patients initiating apixaban had significantly lower HCRU costs than patients initiating VKA (€1,105 vs. €1,578, p < 0.0001), dabigatran (€993 vs. €1,140, p < 0.0001) and rivaroxaban (€1,013 vs. €1,088 p < 0.0001). They have had significantly lower costs related to stroke/STE and MB than patients initiating VKA (respectively, €183 vs. €449 and €147 vs. €413; p < 0.0001), rivaroxaban (respectively, €145 vs. €197 and €129 vs. €193; p < 0.0001), and lower costs related to stroke/STE than patients initiating dabigatran (€135 vs. €192, p < 0.02). Costs related to MB were not significantly different in patients initiating apixaban and those initiating dabigatran (€119 vs. €149, p = 0.07).

Conclusions

HCRU and most event-related costs were lower in patients initiating apixaban compared to other OACs. Apixaban may be cost-saving compared to VKAs, and significantly cheaper than other DOACs, although cost differences are limited.
Experimental investigations of the human oesophagus: anisotropic properties of the embalmed mucosa–submucosa layer under large deformation
Authors: Durcan Ciara , Hossain Mokarram , Chagnon Grégory , Perić Djordje , Karam Georges , Bsiesy Lara , Girard Edouard
Published: August 2022

Mechanical characterisation of the layer-specific, viscoelastic properties of the human oesophagus is crucial in furthering the development of devices emerging in the field, such as robotic endoscopic biopsy devices, as well as in enhancing the realism, and therefore effectiveness, of surgical simulations. In this study, the viscoelastic and stress-softening behaviour of the passive human oesophagus was investigated through ex vivo cyclic mechanical tests. Due to restrictions placed on the laboratory as a result of COVID-19, only oesophagi from cadavers fixed in formalin were allowed for testing. Three oesophagi in total were separated into their two main layers and the mucosa–submucosa layer was investigated. A series of uniaxial tensile tests were conducted in the form of increasing stretch level cyclic tests at two different strain rates: 1% s$$^{-1}$$

-
1

and 10% s$$^{-1}$$

-
1

. Rectangular samples in both the longitudinal and circumferential directions were tested to observe any anisotropy. Histological analysis was also performed through a variety of staining methods. Overall, the longitudinal direction was found to be much stiffer than the circumferential direction. Stress-softening was observed in both directions, as well as permanent set and hysteresis. Strain rate-dependent behaviour was also apparent in the two directions, with an increase in strain rate resulting in an increase in stiffness. This strain rate dependency was more pronounced in the longitudinal direction than the circumferential direction. Finally, the results were discussed in regard to the histological content of the layer, and the behaviour was modelled and validated using a visco-hyperelastic matrix-fibre model.
Burden of caregiving for cardiovascular dysautonomia in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Ledda Claudia , Montanaro Elisa , Imbalzano Gabriele , Merola Aristide , Bruno Ilaria , Artusi Carlo Alberto , Zibetti Maurizio , Rizzone Mario Giorgio , Bozzali Marco , Sobrero Gabriele , Vallelonga Fabrizio , Maule Simona , Lopiano Leonardo , Romagnolo Alberto
Published: August 2022

Purpose

We sought to estimate the impact of cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (cAN) on informal caregivers of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), defined as individuals providing regular care to a friend, partner, or family member with PD, and to evaluate the mutual relationship between caregiver burden and patient health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Methods

We enrolled 36 consecutive patients with PD and their informal caregivers. Patients underwent a detailed motor, autonomic, cognitive, and functional assessment. Caregivers were assessed using the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). Differences in caregiver burden, expressed by the ZBI score, and strength of association between caregiver burden, cAN, and HRQoL were assessed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), logistic regression, and linear regression analyses. Analyses were adjusted for patients’ age, PD duration, and motor and cognitive disability, as well as caregivers’ age.

Results

Moderate-severe caregiver burden was reported in 41.7% of PDcAN+ versus 8.7% of PDcAN− (p < 0.001). The ZBI score was increased in PDcAN+ versus PDcAN− (31.5 ± 3.4 versus 15.2 ± 2.3; p < 0.001), with tenfold higher odds (p = 0.012) of moderate-severe caregiver burden in PDcAN+, even after adjusting for potential confounders. The ZBI score correlated with cAN severity (p = 0.005), global autonomic impairment (p = 0.012), and HRQoL impairment (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

These results highlight the significant impact of cAN on PD caregivers and the need for targeted interventions addressing this frequently overlooked and insufficiently treated source of nonmotor disability in PD.
A Package of Momentum and Heat Transfer Coefficients for the Stable Surface Layer Extended by New Coefficients over Sea Ice
Authors: Gryanik Vladimir M. , Lüpkes Christof
Published: August 2022

The bulk transfer coefficients of momentum, heat, and humidity belong to the main ingredients of numerical weather prediction and climate models. They are needed for the calculation of turbulent fluxes in the surface layer and often rely on the Monin–Obukhov similarity theory requiring universal stability functions. The problem of a derivation of transfer coefficients based on different stability functions has been considered by many researchers over the years but it remains to this day. In this work, dedicated to the memory of S.S. Zilitinkevich, we also address this task, and obtain transfer coefficients from three pairs of theoretically derived stability functions suggested by Zilitinkevich and co-authors for stable conditios. Additionally, we construct non-iterative parametrizations of these transfer coefficients based on earlier work. Results are compared with state-of-the-art coefficients for land, ocean, and sea ice. The combined parametrizations form a package in a universal framework relying on a semi-analytical solution of the Monin-Obukhov similarity theory equations. A comparison with data of the Surface Heat Budget of the Arctic Ocean campaign (SHEBA) over sea ice reveals large differences between the coefficients for land conditions and the measurements over sea ice. However, two schemes of Zilitinkevich and co-authors show, after slight modification, good agreement with SHEBA although they had not been especially developed for sea ice. One pair of the modified transfer coefficients is superior and is compatible to earlier SHEBA-based parametrizations. Finally, an algorithm for practical use of all transfer coefficients in climate models is given.
Quantitative flow ratio to predict long-term coronary artery bypass graft patency in patients with left main coronary artery disease
Authors: Dowling Cameron , Nelson Adam J. , Lim Ren Yik , Zhang Jun Michael , Cheng Kevin , Smith Julian A. , Seneviratne Sujith , Malaiapan Yuvaraj , Zaman Sarah , Wong Dennis T. L.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Fractional flow reserve (FFR) has been demonstrated in some studies to predict long-term coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patency. Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) is an emerging technology which may predict FFR. In this study, we hypothesised that QFR would predict long-term CABG patency and that QFR would offer superior diagnostic performance to quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS).

Methods

A prospective study was performed on patients with left main coronary artery disease who were undergoing CABG. QFR, QCA and IVUS assessment was performed. Follow-up computed tomography coronary angiography and invasive coronary angiography was undertaken to assess graft patency.

Results

A total of 22 patients, comprising of 65 vessels were included in the analysis. At a median follow-up of 3.6 years post CABG (interquartile range, 2.3 to 4.8 years), 12 grafts (18.4%) were occluded. QFR was not statistically significantly higher in occluded grafts (0.81 ± 0.19 vs. 0.69 ± 0.21; P = 0.08). QFR demonstrated a discriminatory power to predict graft occlusion (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.52 to 0.88; P = 0.03). At long-term follow-up, the risk of graft occlusion was higher in vessels with a QFR > 0.80 (58.6% vs. 17.0%; hazard ratio, 3.89; 95% CI, 1.05 to 14.42; P = 0.03 by log-rank test). QCA (minimum lumen diameter, lesion length, diameter stenosis) and IVUS (minimum lumen area, minimum lumen diameter, diameter stenosis) parameters were not predictive of long-term graft patency.

Conclusions

QFR may predict long-term graft patency in patients undergoing CABG.
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor directs the differentiation of murine progenitor blastomeres
Authors: Ko Chia-I. , Biesiada Jacek , Zablon Hesbon A. , Zhang Xiang , Medvedovic Mario , Puga Alvaro
Published: August 2022

Key regulatory decisions during cleavage divisions in mammalian embryogenesis determine the fate of preimplantation embryonic cells. Single-cell RNA sequencing of early-stage—2-cell, 4-cell, and 8-cell—blastomeres show that the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), traditionally considered as an environmental sensor, directs blastomere differentiation. Disruption of AHR functions inAhrknockout embryos or in embryos from dams exposed to dioxin, the prototypic xenobiotic AHR agonist, significantly impairs blastocyst formation, causing repression and loss of transcriptional heterogeneity of OCT4 and CDX2 and incidence of nonspecific downregulation of pluripotency. Trajectory—the path of differentiation—and gene variability analyses further confirm that deregulation of OCT4 functions and changes of transcriptional heterogeneity resulting from disruption of AHR functions restrict the emergence of differentiating blastomeres in 4-cell embryos. It appears that AHR directs the differentiation of progenitor blastomeres and that disruption of preimplantation AHR functions may significantly perturb embryogenesis leading to long-lasting conditions at the heart of disease in offspring’s adulthood.
Molecularly imprinted copolymer/reduced graphene oxide for the electrochemical detection of herbicide propachlor
Authors: Elshafey Reda , Radi Abd-Elgawad
Published: August 2022

The toxicity of propachlor (PROP) with its chloroacetanilide members is reported. Rapid and sensitive detection of PROP is critical for ecotoxicity evaluation and the removal process. A novel voltammetric sensor is developed based on imprinted poly (o-phenylene diamine-co-pyrrole) (o-PD-co-Py) and electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (ERGO) to detect PROP at a trace level. The use of ERGO provides a high density of imprinted cavities for better sensitivity. The imprinted layer of poly (o-PD-co-Py) improves the selectivity of the sensor. The electrode modification was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical approaches. The working parameters of the sensor were investigated and optimized. The redox behavior of an external probe of [Fe(CN)6]3−/4− was recorded as the sensor signal for PROP selective binding. The proposed sensor presented wide linear responses to logarithmic PROP concentrations from 0.1 pM to 0.1 µM with a LOD of 0.08 pM. The sensor’s selectivity against some interference was demonstrated. This sensor was applied successfully to detect PROP in spiked water (lake and tap), red tea, and soil samples with good recoveries and reasonable RSD % values.

Graphical abstract
The pragmatics and syntax of pronoun preposing
Authors: Lindahl Filippa , Engdahl Elisabet
Published: August 2022

Preposed pronouns have a dual role of both connecting the utterance to the context and serving as its starting point. While central to understanding restrictions on syntactic movement to the left periphery, this type of fronting has often been overlooked. We provide an analysis of the pragmatics and syntax of Swedish pronoun preposing based on a study of spontaneously produced spoken language from theNordic Dialect Corpus. We find that there is a strong preference for preposing pronouns that function as switch topics and that it is also possible to prepose continued topics, but in neither case is the preposing obligatory. We argue that these sentence-external relations of the topic are not encoded in the syntax of the left periphery in Swedish, but reflect pragmatic strategies for discourse progression. The types of topic (switch or continued) are furthermore shown not to correlate with the prosodic realization of the pronoun. A key feature of our analysis is that we distinguish the sentence-external function of the preposed phrase from the sentence-internal function of providing the aboutness topic for the utterance. We adopt an analysis of the left periphery proposed by Holmberg, where FinP acts as a bottleneck, and there is only one, syncretic, Force-Topic head above Fin. The fact that we only see evidence for one topic position to the left of the subject in Swedish sets this language apart from German and Italian as they are analyzed by e.g. Frey and Frascarelli and Hinterhölzl, as does the fact that A$$'$$′-movement of pronouns in Swedish does not imply any particular prosodic marking.
Impact energy and the risk of injury to motorcar occupants in the front-to-side vehicle collision
Authors: Prochowski Leon , Ziubiński Mateusz , Dziewiecki Krzysztof , Szwajkowski Patryk
Published: August 2022

The effects of a road accident where one vehicle hits its front on the side of another one are explored. In such cases, the impacted vehicle’s side is usually significantly deformed, which causes a risk of serious injury to vehicle occupants. An analysis of the front-to-side collision covers many nonlinear and highly complex processes, especially when it is based on the collision energy balance. For the analysis, a model of a front-to-side motorcar collision and a dummy representing the impacted vehicle’s driver was prepared. The model simulations carried out were supplemented with important experimental test results. The model validation and the drawing of conclusions from research results were based on crash test results. The shares of major components in the front-to-side collision energy balance were determined. The impact energy has been proposed as an alternative predicate of the road accident effects; as a measure of the effects, the risk of injury to vehicle occupant’s head and torso is considered. The model simulations were found to be in good conformity with experimental test results. The research results enabled determining the relation between the side impact energy and the risk of dummy’s head and torso injuries according to the Abbreviated Injury Scale. The relation obtained was approximated using the logit model. This relation helps to reconstruct road accidents and to improve the car side’s passive safety systems. A discussion of the results obtained has shown good consistence between the results of this work and other comparable research results.
Building local capacity for managing environmental risk: a transferable framework for participatory, place-based, narrative-science knowledge exchange
Authors: McEwen Lindsey , Roberts Liz , Holmes Andrew , Blake James , Liguori Antonia , Taylor Tim
Published: August 2022

This paper evaluates a unique, transdisciplinary participatory research and knowledge exchange methodology developed in the Drought Risk and You (DRY) project and offers it as a transferable framework for others engaging stakeholders and systemic connections with environmental risk. Drought in the UK is a complex, diffuse and hidden risk, involving multiple stakeholders and systemic connections across diverse sectors. Historically, drought risk management has been underpinned by specialist science and technology implemented by statutory stakeholders. This paper critically evaluates the social learning from a longitudinal research process that involved co-working with seven river catchment-based, multi-stakeholder groups. The DRY project was a creative experiment in bringing drought science and stories into the same space, aiming to reveal different knowledges—specialist science, practical sector-level insight, and local knowledge—as a new evidence base to support better decision-making in UK drought risk management. An evaluative multi-method research methodology was overlaid on this process, using surveys, within meeting reflective evaluations, and summative semi-structured narrative interviews. This paper reflects on participant experiences of the ‘open’ scientific modelling development, ‘storying’ approaches, and their iterative interaction. It outlines the enablers, inhibitors and required support for this engagement process, which aimed to facilitate integration of different forms of knowledge as evidence, with social and sustainability learning among diverse stakeholders at its core. The process offered opportunity for valuable experiential learning as researchers of the nuanced impacts of intersecting factors on participatory place-based methods. It showed that similar approaches to science-narrative dialogic processes can play out locally to integrate aspects of social and sustainability learning in different ways. This sustainability learning provided a valuable platform for creative multi-stakeholder scenario-ing possible drought futures for increased local climate resilience. It then proposes a transferable research framework that promotes participatory, place-based, narrative-science knowledge exchange for building local capital for managing systemic environmental risk.