bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Free‐breathing 3D CEST MRI of human liver at 3.0 T
Authors: Han Pei , Cheema Karandeep , Cao Tianle , Lee Hsu‐Lei , Han Fei , Wang Nan , Han Hui , Xie Yibin , Christodoulou Anthony G. , Li Debiao
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To develop a novel 3D abdominal CEST MRI technique at 3 T using MR multitasking, which enables entire‐liver coverage with free‐breathing acquisition.

Methods

k‐Space data were continuously acquired with repetitive steady‐state CEST (ss‐CEST) modules. The stack‐of‐stars acquisition pattern was used for k‐space sampling. MR multitasking was used to reconstruct motion‐resolved 3D CEST images of 53 frequency offsets with entire‐liver coverage and 2.0 × 2.0 × 6.0 mm3 spatial resolution. The total scan time was 9 min. The sensitivity of amide proton transfer (APT)‐CEST (magnetization transfer asymmetry [MTRasym] at 3.5 ppm) and glycogen CEST (glycoCEST) (mean MTRasym around 1.0 ppm) signals generated with the proposed method were tested with fasting experiments.

Results

Both APT‐CEST and glycoCEST signals showed high sensitivity between post‐fasting and post‐meal acquisitions. APT‐CEST and glycoCEST MTRasym signals from post‐mean scans were significantly increased (APT‐CEST: −0.019 ± 0.017 in post‐fasting scans, 0.014 ± 0.021 in post‐meal scans, p < 0.01; glycoCEST: 0.003 ± 0.009 in post‐fasting scans, 0.027 ± 0.021 in post‐meal scans, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The proposed 3D abdominal steady‐state CEST method using MR multitasking can generate CEST images of the entire liver during free breathing.
Prediagnostic BMI trajectories in relation to pancreatic cancer risk in theProstate, Lung, Colorectal, and OvarianCancer Screening Trial
Authors: Hoyt Margaret , Song Yiqing , Gao Sujuan , O'Palka Jacquelynn , Zhang Jianjun
Published: September 2022

Objective

It remains elusive whether prediagnostic BMI trajectory is associated with pancreatic cancer.

Methods

This study investigated this question among 145,489 participants who gave rise to 696 incident cases of pancreatic cancer over a median follow‐up of 12 years in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial. At baseline, participants were asked to recall their weight at ages 20, 50, and 55 to 74 years (at enrollment), as well as their height.

Results

At age 50 years, people with obesity had a significantly increased risk of pancreatic cancer compared with those with a normal weight after adjustment for confounders (hazard ratio [95% CI]: 1.27 [1.01‐1.60]). Individuals who had overweight at age 20 years experienced a marginally significant elevated risk of pancreatic cancer (hazard ratio [95% CI]: 1.22 [0.99‐1.50]). Compared with individuals who maintained a steady normal weight during follow‐up, no significantly altered risk of pancreatic cancer was observed for those whose weight status changed from normal weight to overweight, from normal weight to obesity, and from overweight to obesity.

Conclusions

The present study revealed that prediagnostic adulthood BMI trajectory was not associated with pancreatic cancer risk, but overweight at young adulthood and obesity at middle adulthood may confer an elevated risk of this malignancy.
Design of smart nanodevices based on N‐vinyl caprolactam nanogels for photosensitizers
Authors: Carnicero Anabela , Miretti Mariana , Rosso Anabella P. , Martinelli Marisa
Published: September 2022

Smart PVCL‐based nanogels for photosensitizers were prepared following the thermo precipitation methodology. PVCL‐based imprinted and non‐imprinted NGs are reported with different percentages of N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide (BIS) as crosslinker agent. Zn(II)phthalocyanine (ZnPc) is employed as a model photosensitizer and incorporated as a template molecule for imprinted NGs or it loads post‐synthesis for non‐imprinted NGs. In order to analyze the chemical structure, NGs were characterized using infrared microscopy. Hydrodynamic diameter was determined by dynamic light scattering. The phase transition temperature was measured by UV–vis spectroscopy. The phase transition temperature and Dh values were regulated by the percentage of crosslinker and the presence of the photosensitizer as a template or post‐synthesis load. In all cases, the yields were acceptable and the smart nanodevices were stable.
Suitability characterization of novel cellulosic plant fiber from Ficus benjamina L. aerial root for a potential polymeric composite reinforcement
Authors: Mohan Sergius Joe , Devasahayam Prince Sahaya Sudherson , Suyambulingam Indran , Siengchin Suchart
Published: September 2022

The demand of plant fibers is increasing day by day due to the worldwide acceptance of natural plant fibers for various applications in a variety of sectors. However, the identification of suitable plant fibers with superior properties is the need of the hour in the context of developing more eco‐friendly, renewable, cost‐effective, and fiber‐based materials. This study was designed with the intention of identifying suitability of Ficus benjamina L. aerial root fiber (FBRF) as a potential reinforcement for composite structures. The fundamental physicochemical, mechanical, thermal, and morphological features were investigated to explore the potentiality of FBRF. This study was advantageous in finding the occurrence of fiber in aerial root, fiber position, and characteristics of fibrous cells. The density analysis proved that the fiber possessed a relatively low density (1175 ± 22.14 kg/m3), which shows its lightweight applicability. High cellulose content (64.48%) and crystallinity index (55.17%) observed for tested fibers in turn enhanced the thermal and mechanical behavior of the fiber. The tensile strength of 292.66 ± 12.32 MPa and thermal stability of 330°C were worthy for considering it for high‐temperature processing and applications. The investigation of surface properties revealed that FBRF partake good surface roughness, which offers good fiber–matrix interfacial bonding. Hence, this study endorses further use of FBRF as a good reinforcement for composite manufacturing.
Facile production of binary polymer/carbonic nanofiller‐based biodegradable electromagnetic interference shield films with low electrical percolation threshold
Authors: Nath Krishnendu , Ghosh Suman Kumar , Katheria Ankur , Das Palash , Das Narayan Chandra
Published: September 2022

Interference of electromagnetic (EM) radiation generated from different electronic gadgets produces noises diminishing their performance. So, shielding of EM interferences (EMI) is necessary to achieve noise‐free performance from electronic gadgets. In the present work, we have produced thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)/polybutylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate (PBAT) based biodegradable binary polymeric blend and incorporated different carbonic nanofillers such as Vulcan XC‐72 conductive carbon black (VCB) and multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) into it employing solvent mixing and casting technique and studied the morphology of polymer blends, EMI shielding effectiveness in X‐band of the EM spectrum as well as mechanical performance, electrical performance, and biodegradability of polymer nanocomposites. The selective nanofiller distribution in the low viscous PBAT phase of the “co‐continuous” binary blend is found to achieve a “lower electrical percolation threshold” compared to neat polymer nanocomposites. For each of the TPU/PBAT/VCB and TPU/PBAT/MWCNT nanocomposites, electrical percolation threshold of around 12.5 and 5 wt% respectively has been achieved successfully. Nanocomposite sheets with a thickness of 1.0 mm and loading of 30 wt% of VCB and 15 wt% of MWCNT gave EMI shielding values of −25 dB and −28 dB respectively at a frequency of 8.4 GHz.
Smart polydimethylsiloxane sponges with high piezoelectric responses
Authors: Hu Hang
Published: September 2022

In recent years, soft and stretchable electrets have drawn considerable attention for their wide applications in energy harvesters, sensors, and actuators. However, existing electrets struggle to attain both longevity and stretchability (softness), which means charge retention capability and stretchability (softness) of electrets conflict. In this article, one novel soft and stretchable electret (PPSE) with great electromechanical performance is demonstrated. The PPSE is composed of a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) sponge and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) particles. The uniformly distributed pores obtained by the sugar leaching method inside the PPSE can not only accumulate macroscopic dipoles but also provide great stretchability, flexibility, and softness for the material. The resulting PPSE has a large value up to 477 pC/N and great charge stability. Moreover, by the virtue of stretchability and softness, it can output electric signals from twisting, bending, and other mechanical interactions without breaking apart. With these great performances, PPSE will potentially enable applications for actuation, sensing, and energy harvesting.
Indirubin regulates T cell differentiation by promoting αVβ8 expression in bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells to alleviate inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Zhang Tao , Peng Hong , Li Yunxiang , Zhou Xiaoqing , Pu Wenfeng , Zhang Yan , Du Zhonghan , Wei Fuxia , Li Siqing , Zhou Qian
Published: September 2022

Inflammatory bowel disease is a disease that can invade the whole digestive tract and is accompanied by immune abnormalities. Immune dysfunction involving dendritic cells (DCs) and T cells is recognized as a key factor in diseases. Indirubin (IDRB) exerts antiinflammatory effects and can help in treating immune diseases. This study aimed to isolate bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to obtain mature DCs (mDCs). The expression of CD80, CD86, CD40, and MHC‐II was detected using flow cytometry after treatment with IDRB. αVβ8 siRNA was used to knock down αVβ8 in mDCs, and the expression of CD80, CD86, CD40, and MHC‐II was detected. Meanwhile, DCs were co‐cultured with T cells. Then, T cell differentiation was detected using flow cytometry, and the cytokine levels were detected using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The animal model of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‐induced inflammatory bowel disease was established in mice. After intervention with IDRB and αVβ8 shRNA, the intestinal tissues were evaluated using H&E staining, disease activity index (DAI) score, and histological damage index, and the corresponding factors and cytokines to regulatory T cells (Treg) and Th17 were measured. The results showed that αVβ8 was expressed in immature DCs and mDCs. CD80, CD86, CD40, and MHC‐II expression decreased after IDRB treatment in mDCs. Meanwhile, the expression of TNF‐α and TGF‐β also decreased after IDRB treatment. The effect of IDRB on the expression of CD80, CD86, CD40, MHC‐II, TNF‐α, and TGF‐β in mDCs was reversed by αVβ8 siRNA. The Treg differentiation increased after IDRB treatment, while the differentiation of Th17 cells was inhibited. This effect of IDRB was reversed by mDCs after treatment with αVβ8 siRNA. In vivo experiments showed that IDRB alleviated the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease in animals. Enteritis significantly reduced, and the effect of IDRB was reversed by αVβ8 shRNA. The results suggested that IDRB regulated the differentiation of T cells by mediating the maturation of BMDCs through αVβ8. This study confirmed the therapeutic effect of IDRB in inflammatory bowel disease and suggested that IDRB might serve as a potential drug.
Antibacterial activity and synergistic antibiotic mechanism of trialdehyde phloroglucinol against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Shen Dingyi , Duan Songpo , Hu Yuhan , Liang Jintong , Tang Youzhi
Published: September 2022

The emergence of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become a critical global concern. Identifying new anti‐S. aureus agents or therapeutic strategies are urgently needed to treat S. aureus infection. The present study investigated the antibacterial activity of 16 phenolic compounds against MRSA, four of which exhibited antibacterial activity. Their antibacterial activities increased in a dose‐dependent manner but showed different responses with the extension of treatment time. Trialdehyde phloroglucinol (TPG) and 2‐nitrophloroglucinol (NPG) maintained stable antibacterial activity; however, that of dichlorophenol and myricetin decreased rapidly over 24 hr of treatment. Checkerboard and time‐kill assays indicated that TPG and NPG exhibited strong synergistic antibacterial activities with penicillin or bacitracin. Microscopic observation and membrane integrity analysis showed that the combination of TPG and penicillin destroyed the MRSA cell membrane, resulting in the leakage of intracellular biomacromolecules, marked changes in surface zeta potential, and the collapse of membrane potential. Moreover, the combination significantly decreased penicillinase activity and penicillin‐binding protein 2a mRNA expression, inhibiting MRSA growth. Taken together, these results demonstrated that the combination of the phloroglucinol derivative TPG and penicillin has significant synergistic anti‐MRSA activity and can serve as a potential therapeutic strategy to treat MRSA infections.
DNAzyme‐Assisted Nano‐Herb Delivery System for Multiple Tumor Immune Activation
Authors: Du Shiyu , Chen Chao , Qu Suchen , Song Hongxiu , Yang Jingjing , Li Yayao , Liu Kunguo , Lu Qianglan , Luo Wen , Wang Runtian , Guan Xiaoxiang , Song Yujun , Han Xin
Published: September 2022

As a promising therapeutic strategy against cancer, immunotherapy faces critical challenges, especially in solid tumors. Immune checkpoint blockade therapy, particularly blocking the interaction of the programmed cell death 1 (PD1)‐PD1 ligand 1 (PD‐L1) axis, can reverse the suppression of T cells so as to destroy tumor cells and exert antitumor effects. Here, a strategy of multiple activation of immune pathways is developed, to provide supporting evidence for potential antitumor therapies. Briefly, a pH/glutathione responsive drug‐loading hollow‐manganese dioxide (H‐MnO2)‐based chlorine6 (Ce6)‐modified DNAzyme therapeutic nanosystem for the combination of gene therapy and immunotherapy is established. The H‐MnO2 nanoparticles could efficiently deliver the DNAzyme and glycyrrhizic acid (GA) to enhance the tumor target effects. In the tumor microenvironments, the biodegradation of H‐MnO2 via pH‐induced hydrolyzation allows the release of guest DNAzyme payloads and host Mn2+ ions, which serve as PD‐L1 mRNA‐targeting reagent and require DNAzyme cofactors for activating gene therapy. In addition, Mn2+ is also associated with the immune activation of thcGAS‐STING pathway. Auxiliary photosensitizers Ce6 and GA could produce reactive oxygen species, resulting in immunogenic cell death. Overall, this study provides a general strategy for targeted gene inhibition and GA release, which is valuable for the development of potential tumor immunotherapies.
Chameleon‐Like Fluorescent Probe for Monitoring Interplays between Three Organelles and Reporting Cell Damage Processes through Dramatic Color Change
Authors: Zhang Zheming , Yang Shuxian , Dong Baoli , Kong Xiuqi , Tian Minggang
Published: September 2022

The in‐depth study of the interplay and cooperation between multiple organelles is an important biological task. Single fluorescent probes for separate visualization of multiple organelles is a desirable molecular tool, but the construction of such a probe is extremely difficult owing to the lack of valid strategies. In this work, utilizing the reversible cyclization reaction and intermolecular π stacking mechanism, a robust fluorescent probe is constructed to discriminatively illuminate lipid droplets (LDs), mitochondria, and lysosomes with blue, green, and red emission colors, respectively. Using the probe, the interplays and cooperation between LDs, mitochondria, and lysosomes are successfully studied, and the critical roles of lysosomes and LDs during mitochondrial fission are successfully revealed. Furthermore, this unique probe reveals the sequential damage of mitochondria and lysosomes during apoptosis through the successive fading of green and red emission. Thereby, the probe enables the discrimination of health state, early apoptosis, and late apoptosis of cells with three different sets of fluorescent signals. Overall, the robust probe is a desirable molecular tool to reveal the interactions between the three organelles, and investigate cell apoptosis and relative areas.
Thiophene‐2,3‐Dialdehyde Enables Chemoselective Cyclization on Unprotected Peptides, Proteins, and Phage Displayed Peptides
Authors: Wei Tongyao , Li Dongfang , Zhang Yue , Tang Yubo , Zhou Haiyan , Liu Han , Li Xuechen
Published: September 2022

Ortho‐phthalaldehyde has recently found wide potentials for protein bioconjugation and peptide cyclization. Herein, the second‐generation dialdehyde‐based peptide cyclization method is reported. The thiophene‐2,3‐dialdehyde (TDA) reacts specifically with the primary amine (from Lys side chain or peptide N‐terminus) and thiol (from Cys side chain) within unprotected peptides to generate a highly stable thieno[2,3‐c]pyrrole‐bridged cyclic structure, while it does not react with primary amine alone. This reaction is carried out in the aqueous buffer and features tolerance of diverse functionalities, rapid and clean transformation, and operational simplicity. The features allow TDA to be used for protein stapling and phage displayed peptide cyclization.
Taxonomic and palaeobiological implications of a large, pathological sabretooth (Carnivora, Felidae, Machairodontinae) from the Lower Pliocene of South Africa
Authors: Rabe Caitlin , Chinsamy Anusuya , Valenciano Alberto
Published: September 2022

We describe the most complete postcranial remains of a pathological, large‐bodied sabretooth from the Lower Pliocene site of Langebaanweg ‘E’ Quarry (South Africa). The skeleton consists of hind limb and vertebral elements that exhibit distinctive exostoses, osteophytes and eburnation. We performed a quantitative morphological comparison of the new postcranial remains found in Langebaanweg, with other Neogene and Quaternary sabretooth and non‐sabretooth felids, consisting of the genera Amphimachairodus, Machairodus, Lokotunjailurus, Dinofelis, Panthera, Homotherium and Smilodon from several sites in Africa, Europe and North America, using principal component analysis and Mosimann transformations. Although the pathological deformation of the remains distorted some of the linear measurements, most of the analysed variables do not contain pathological features, and strongly indicate that the Langebaanweg sabretooth is morphologically closer to Machairodus aphanistus and Lokotunjailurus emageritus than it is to Amphimachairodus giganteus. This indicates that the remains could belong to an undetermined sabretooth species from the Langebaanweg locality. The observed pathologies in the foot and lumbar spine are consistent with diagnostic criteria for severe osteoarthritis (due to maturity), which would have limited limb mobility with severe consequences for hunting success.
Vision Zero in Disease Eradication
Authors: Rosenberg Mark , Laney Emaline , Tingvall Claes
Published: September 2022

The eradication of smallpox – the first and so far only human disease to be eradicated – generated a tremendous amount of excitement and attention to the idea of disease eradication and elimination. In the twentieth century alone, smallpox had claimed the lives of more than 300,000,000 people (Sneed A, Scientific American, https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/who-remember-smallpox/, 2014). The last natural case occurred in 1977, almost 200 years after the smallpox vaccine was discovered, and in 1979 the World Health Organization declared that the disease had been eradicated (WHO, Smallpox, World Health Organization. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/csr/disease/smallpox/en/, 2019c). Most importantly, it demonstrated that eradication was possible; that through the use of science, we could change our future for the better in ways that we had not even dared to think about previously. This achievement also helped to focus attention on clear definitions of disease eradication and elimination. Since then, these definitions have been continuously evolving. In 1993, the International Task Force for Disease Eradication (ITFDE I) defined disease control, elimination, and eradication. With that, they evaluated over 90 potential infectious disease candidates and concluded that six were eradicable. Subsequently in 1997, the Dahlem Workshop focused on the science of eradication and defined a range of public health approaches to infectious diseases from control, to elimination of disease, elimination of infections, eradication, and extinction. Three years later, the second International Task Force for Disease Eradication (ITFDE II) convened in 2000 to review the progress over the past decade.

Inspired by these efforts, we reviewed our own experience and interviewed leaders of several disease eradication and elimination campaigns to identify lessons learned from a variety of disease elimination campaigns including smallpox, polio, Guinea worm, and onchocerciasis. Our aim was to identify lessons that might be applied to road traffic injuries. We identified 12 lessons from these infectious disease campaigns: (1) this is a cause and effect world; (2) know the truth; (3) coalitions are absolutely essential and absolutely hard; (4) avoid certainty (the Achilles heel of science); (5) measure frequently and build in continuous improvement; (6) respect the culture and work with the people you are trying to help; (7) the best decisions are based on the best science, but the best results, on the best management; (8) the best solutions move us closer to global health equity; (9) do not underestimate the time, resources, or tenacity it will take succeed; (10) eradication does not always require a vaccine or a cure; (11) start in the most difficult places first; and (12) you don’t begin at the end. These concepts from infectious disease campaigns have broader public health applications, and we discuss some of the implications for reducing road traffic injuries.
Miscommunications Based on Different Meanings of “Safe” and Their Implications for the Meaning of Safe System
Authors: Sakashita Chika , Job R. F. Soames , Belin Matts-Åke
Published: September 2022

While many countries are apparently adopting “Safe System” for road safety, the failure to deliver the vision of zero deaths and serious injuries continues in part due to the lack of a rigorous and agreed definition of “safe” in road safety. Multiple authoritative definitions of the adjective “safe” exist which may be categorized as probabilistic and absolute. While apparently similar, these definitions are in a fundamental sense inconsistent with each other. The probabilistic definition involves degrees of safety, through probabilities that harm is not likely or unlikely, or that there is little risk. The absolute definition presents safety as free from harm or not involving any risk or protected from danger. Road safety is currently communicated as though there is an agreed meaning of safe, but the vital conversation around what is meant by safe is not undertaken because the difference in usage of the term safe is not appreciated. For example, in road design and engineering, road design standards are generally developed to achieve this probabilistic definition of safety and not absolute safety: the road can be described as safe because it by itself (with perfect use) will not cause a crash, even though people still die on it. Based on the absolute definition of safe, such roads are not safe as unambiguously demonstrated by people dying on them. Calls for roads to be made safe employing the absolute definition are often met with the response that they are already safe (in the probabilistic sense), having been built to “accepted” design guidelines. The acceptance of the probabilistic definition of safe for Safe System hinders progress toward its fundamental aims of zero deaths and serious injuries. In order to achieve zero deaths and serious injuries, uniform understanding and acceptance of “safe” adopting the absolute definition is needed.
Collateral Capacity Assessment
Authors: Yang Wenjin , Soomro Jazba , Jansen Ivo G. H. , Venkatesh Aashish , Yoo Albert J. , Lopes Demetrius , Beenen Ludo F. M. , Emmer Bart J. , Majoie Charles B. L. M. , Marquering Henk A.
Published: September 2022

Background and Purpose

Intracranial collateral capacity is conducive to imply parenchymal perfusion of affected territory after acute vessel occlusion. The Tan collateral score is commonly used to assess the intracranial collateral capacity; however, this score is coarsely grained and interobserver agreement is low, which reduces prognostic value and clinical utility. We introduce and evaluate an alternative extended Tan score based on the conventional Tan scale and assess the agreement with a quantitative score.

Methods

We included 100 consecutive patients with a proven acute single large vessel occlusion of the proximal anterior circulation. Collaterals were graded with the conventional and extended Tan score and an automated quantitative score. The extended Tan score is a finer 6‑scale manual score based on the conventional 4‑point Tan scale. The quantitative score is calculated by an automatic software package (StrokeViewer). Interobserver agreement of the manual scores was assessed with the weighted kappa. The Spearman correlation coefficient was calculated to determine the agreement between the manual and automated collateral scores.

Results

The interobserver agreement was higher for the extended score than for the conventional score with a weighted kappa of 0.70 and 0.65, respectively. For the extended and conventional score, the Spearman correlation coefficient for the agreement with the automated score was 0.78 and 0.76, respectively.

Conclusion

Because of the good interobserver agreement and good agreement with quantitative assessment, the extended collateral score is a strong candidate to improve prognostic value of collateral assessment and implementation in clinical practice.
Investigation and prediction of central cracking in cross wedge rolling
Authors: Zhou Xianyan , Sun Chaoyang , Wang Baoyu , Jiang Jun
Published: September 2022

Central cracking refers to the formation of internal cavities in cross wedge rolling (CWR) products. It occurs in various materials such as aluminium/titanium alloys, steels and plasticine at room or elevated temperatures, driven by different central cracking mechanisms. However, these mechanisms are still elusive, and a unified central cracking predictive model is absent due to the complex stress states within the workpiece, including triaxial stress states, cyclic loading and severe shear effects. In this study, the underlying fracture mechanisms were revealed, and a robust unified damage model with sound physical meanings was developed using a lab-scale CWR physical model and finite element models. The physical model with the plasticine billets was built, allowing the CWR dies with different geometries rapidly 3D printed and the billets with various ductility efficiently manufactured. The central cracking transiting from brittle to ductile fracture was experimentally observed for the first time using specifically designed plasticine/flour composite samples at varying ductility. The corresponding physics-based central cracking predictive model was proposed and validated quantitatively with 60 groups of CWR tests and compared with ten existing damage models/fracture criteria. This study effectively solves the long-lasting central cracking problem in the CWR industry and enhances the scientific understanding of fracture mechanics in complex engineering applications.
Radiogenomic markers enable risk stratification and inference of mutational pathway states in head and neck cancer
Authors: Spielvogel Clemens P. , Stoiber Stefan , Papp Laszlo , Krajnc Denis , Grahovac Marko , Gurnhofer Elisabeth , Trachtova Karolina , Bystry Vojtech , Leisser Asha , Jank Bernhard , Schnoell Julia , Kadletz Lorenz , Heiduschka Gregor , Beyer Thomas , Hacker Marcus , Kenner Lukas , Haug Alexander R.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are a molecularly, histologically, and clinically heterogeneous set of tumors originating from the mucosal epithelium of the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx. This heterogeneous nature of HNSCC is one of the main contributing factors to the lack of prognostic markers for personalized treatment. The aim of this study was to develop and identify multi-omics markers capable of improved risk stratification in this highly heterogeneous patient population.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we approached this issue by establishing radiogenomics markers to identify high-risk individuals in a cohort of 127 HNSCC patients. Hybrid in vivo imaging and whole-exome sequencing were employed to identify quantitative imaging markers as well as genetic markers on pathway-level prognostic in HNSCC. We investigated the deductibility of the prognostic genetic markers using anatomical and metabolic imaging using positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography. Moreover, we used statistical and machine learning modeling to investigate whether a multi-omics approach can be used to derive prognostic markers for HNSCC.

Results

Radiogenomic analysis revealed a significant influence of genetic pathway alterations on imaging markers. A highly prognostic radiogenomic marker based on cellular senescence was identified. Furthermore, the radiogenomic biomarkers designed in this study vastly outperformed the prognostic value of markers derived from genetics and imaging alone.

Conclusion

Using the identified markers, a clinically meaningful stratification of patients is possible, guiding the identification of high-risk patients and potentially aiding in the development of effective targeted therapies.

Graphical abstract
Minimally Invasive Liver Surgery: A Snapshot from a Major Dutch HPB and Transplant Center
Authors: Marino Rebecca , Olthof Pim B. , Shi Hong J. , Tran Khe T. C. , Ijzermans Jan N. M. , Terkivatan Türkan
Published: September 2022

Background

Minimally invasive liver surgery (MILS) has been progressively adopted on a nationwide scale. The aim of this study is to investigate MILS implementation in a high‐volume Dutch hepato‐pancreato‐biliary and transplant center, which is considered a moderate to low‐volume center from a European standpoint.

Methods

All patients who underwent MILS at Erasmus Medical Center between April 2010 and December 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients’ surgical outcomes were compared after stratification according to resections’ difficulty and liver cirrhosis.

Results

A total of 212 cases were included. Major liver resections were performed in 24 patients (11%), while minor resections were performed in 188 patients (89%). Among those, 177 (94%) resections were classified as technically minor and 11 (6%) as technically major. Major morbidity was reported in 14/177 patients (8%) after technically minor resections and in 3/24 patients (13%) after major resections. Anatomically and technically major resections had higher intraoperative blood losses (425 (0–2100) vs. 240 (50–110) vs. 100 (0–2400) mL; p‐value < 0.001) and longer hospital stay (6 (3–25) vs. 5 (2–9) vs. 3 (1–44); p‐value < 0.001) when compared with the technically minor counterpart. Perioperative outcomes were similar when comparing cirrhotic MILS with the non‐cirrhotic cohort.

Conclusion

MILS program implementation can lead to encouraging surgical outcomes even in low‐ to moderate‐volume centers. Although low procedural volume might be predictive of impaired outcomes, long‐standing experience in the HPB and liver transplant field could mitigate low‐case volume effects on surgical outcomes.
Evaluating the resistant force of an endoscopic capsule self-propelling in the small intestine
Authors: Yan Yao , Guo Bingyong , Tian Jiyuan , Zhang Jiajia , Zhang Baoquan , Ley Ellis , Liu Yang , Prasad Shyam
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we study a mathematical model for evaluating the resistant force of endoscopic devices self-propelling in the small intestine with a consideration of its anatomy. Circular fold is the main source of intestinal resistance that needs to be overcome during the endoscopic procedure. Our model is able to calculate the resistances of such folds in different dimensions. Finite element analysis and experimental testing are presented to validate the proposed model by using a pulling-type endoscopic capsule. Our investigation shows that the resistance reaches its maximum immediately after the capsule is pulled against the fold, and drops off gradually during the crossing motion. The proposed method is further demonstrated by using a magnetic pulling-type capsule prototype in an intestine simulator. The findings of this study provide a better insight into the biomechanics of the small intestine and advance the understanding of capsule–intestine interaction for robotic and endoscopic engineers.
Detection of group A streptococcus in children with confirmed viral pharyngitis and antiviral host response
Authors: Ivaska Lauri , Niemelä Jussi , Gröndahl-Yli-Hannuksela Kirsi , Putkuri Niina , Vuopio Jaana , Vuorinen Tytti , Waris Matti , Rantakokko-Jalava Kaisu , Peltola Ville
Published: September 2022

Our aim was to study the detection of group A streptococcus (GAS) with different diagnostic methods in paediatric pharyngitis patients with and without a confirmed viral infection. In this prospective observational study, throat swabs and blood samples were collected from children (age 1–16 years) presenting to the emergency department with febrile pharyngitis. A confirmed viral infection was defined as a positive virus diagnostic test (nucleic acid amplification test [NAAT] and/or serology) together with an antiviral immune response of the host demonstrated by elevated (≥ 175 µg/L) myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA) blood concentration. Testing for GAS was performed by a throat culture, by 2 rapid antigen detection tests (StrepTop and mariPOC) and by 2 NAATs (Simplexa and Illumigene). Altogether, 83 children were recruited of whom 48 had samples available for GAS testing. Confirmed viral infection was diagnosed in 30/48 (63%) children with febrile pharyngitis. Enteroviruses 11/30 (37%), adenoviruses 9/30 (30%) and rhinoviruses 9/30 (30%) were the most common viruses detected. GAS was detected by throat culture in 5/30 (17%) with and in 6/18 (33%) patients without a confirmed viral infection. Respectively, GAS was detected in 4/30 (13%) and 6/18 (33%) by StrepTop, 13/30 (43%) and 10/18 (56%) by mariPOC, 6/30 (20%) and 9/18 (50%) by Simplexa, and 5/30 (17%) and 6/18 (30%) patients by Illumigene.

Conclusion: GAS was frequently detected also in paediatric pharyngitis patients with a confirmed viral infection. The presence of antiviral host response and increased GAS detection by sensitive methods suggest incidental throat carriage of GAS in viral pharyngitis.

What is Known:•The frequency and significance of GAS-virus co-detection are poorly characterised in children with pharyngitis.•Detection of a virus and the antiviral host response likely indicates symptomatic infection.

What is New:•Group A streptococcus (GAS) was detected in 17–43% of the children with confirmed viral pharyngitis depending on the GAS diagnostic method.•Our results emphasize the risk of detecting and treating incidental pharyngeal carriage of GAS in children with viral pharyngitis.
Is collaborative care a key component for treating pregnant women with psychiatric symptoms (and additional psychosocial problems)? A systematic review
Authors: Klatter Celine K. , van Ravesteyn Leontien M. , Stekelenburg Jelle
Published: September 2022

Mental disorders during pregnancy are common, with long-lasting negative effects on mother and child. Treatment of these women is challenging, because of the high incidence of additional psychosocial problems and barriers on population and healthcare level. Collaborative care, collaboration between mental health and obstetric care professionals, may help to overcome these problems. The aim of this review is to review antenatal mental health interventions and analyse the impact of collaborative care. Two independent reviewers searched for RCT’s in PubMed, Embase and PsycINFO. Trials studying the effect of psychological or pharmacological interventions on the mental health of pregnant women with psychiatric symptoms (and psychosocial problems) were eligible for inclusion. Two reviewers independently abstracted data and assessed study quality and risk of bias. Each study was scored on collaborative care criteria: multi-professional approach to patient care, structured management plan, scheduled patient follow-ups and enhanced interprofessional communication. Thirty-five studies were included. Most trials studied the effect of cognitive behavioural therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy on antenatal depression. Almost all interventions met at least one collaborative care criteria. Interventions were mostly provided by multiple professionals, but interprofessional communication rarely took place. Interventions that met more criteria did not more often show a positive effect on maternal mental health. There is lack of research on antenatal psychiatric disorders other than depressive and on long-term treatment outcomes. Collaborative care is partly implemented in most current interventions, but more trials (including interprofessional communication) are needed to be conclusive whether collaborative care is a key component in antenatal mental healthcare.
Examining Geographical Differences in the HIV Care Continuum Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Mexico
Authors: Algarin Angel B , Lara Marisol Valenzuela , Chapin-Bardales Johanna , Baruch-Dominguez Ricardo , Sanchez Travis H , Hernandez-Avila Mauricio , Smith Laramie R.
Published: September 2022

We analyzed data collected by the Encuesta de Sexo Entre Hombres study from 15,233 Mexican men who have sex with men (MSM) between May-July 2017 to examine differences in the HIV care continuum. Data were stratified into 6 geographical regions. Prevalence ratios assessed associations between region and care outcomes. Among participants never testing HIV positive (n = 13,583), 66.1% had ever been tested and 43.0% in the past year. Among HIV-positive persons (n = 1,650), 83.9% reported counseling post-diagnosis, 61.9% timely linkage to care, 42.4% timely CD4/viral load results, 38.2% timely access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 87.7% were currently on ART. The Ciudad de México /Estado de México region had significantly superior care continuum outcomes in ever and recent HIV testing, linkage to care, CD4/viral load results, and current ART use. Understanding geographical variations in HIV care for MSM in Mexico is one important step to inform efforts for ending HIV/AIDS by 2030 in Latin America.
Home Care Assistance: Has Covid-19 had an Impact on the Complex Management of HIV Patients?
Authors: Dusina Alex , Lombardi Francesca , Tamburrini Enrica , Onorati Fiorella , Petrucci Massimo , Di Giambenedetto Simona
Published: September 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, people living with HIV (PLWH) could have had to face problems with treatment adherence because of the difficulty of accessing services connected with antiretroviral therapy (ART) dispensation, which could have undermined their health. In this article, we described, over the period 2015–2020, both the activities of our home care assistance unit, the “Unità di Trattamento Domiciliare (UTD)”, and the characteristics of the comorbid HIV patients followed-up. To determine whether the COVID-19 pandemic affected this service, we compared the number/type of services provided in 2020 with those provided in the preceding 5 years, i.e., 2015–2019. We also compared the proportion of monthly interventions carried out in 2018, 2019 and 2020. We found comparable values with some differences in the types of performances due to the heterogeneity of the population and their medical assistance needs. We also observed a stable viro-immunological status of the patients. All of these data suggest that the UTD was consistently active during the lockdown months and pandemic waves preventing therapy discontinuation, and was able to maintain optimal control of patients’ HIV infections.
Automation and Well-Being: Bridging the Gap between Economics and Business Ethics
Authors: Spencer David A.
Published: September 2022

Some economists now predict that technology will eliminate many millions of jobs and lead to a future without work. Much debate focuses on the accuracy of such a prediction—whether, or at what rate, jobs will disappear. But there is a wider question raised by this prediction, namely the merits or otherwise of automating work. Beyond estimating future job losses via automation, there is the normative issue of whether the quality of life would be enhanced in a world where machines replace humans in work. Economics makes particular assumptions about the value of work and the nature of well-being that can address this normative issue. But a deeper enquiry into the scope for living well in a possible automated future requires us to think beyond the limits of standard economic theory and to engage in matters of relevance to business ethicists. This paper shows how automation raises crucial concerns about work—its meaning and contribution to well-being—and how the ability to envisage a better future of work depends on bridging the gap between economics and business ethics. Overall, the paper aims to further understanding of automation as a possible mechanism to raise well-being within work and beyond it.
Cultural heritage content development and dissemination through a participatory platform: lessons learned from in-service teachers’ perception
Authors: Koutromanos George , Koukopoulos Dimitrios , Koukopoulos Zois , Mouzakis Charalampos
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this study was to explore teachers’ perceptions and patterns of their activities on a participatory platform for cultural heritage content creation and dissemination. Using a convenience sample of participants, eight in-service teachers enrolled in a postgraduate program were invited to the study. Qualitative research methods were used, including (a) interviews with in-service teachers, (b) focus group discussions with two randomly selected teachers, the instructor of the course and an ICT expert as a digital content evaluator, and (c) observation of teachers’ activities patterns on the participatory Culture Gate platform. The results of this study highlight, as well as encourage discussion on how teachers can learn through online collaboration and also aims to identify factors connected with teachers’ professional development within a pedagogic framework.
Online Demodulation and Trigger for Flux-ramp Modulated SQUID Signals
Authors: Karcher N. , Muscheid T. , Wolber T. , Richter D. , Enss C. , Kempf S. , Sander O.
Published: September 2022

Due to the periodic characteristics of SQUIDs, a suitable linearization technique is required for SQUID-based readout. Flux-ramp modulation is a common linearization technique and is typically applied for the readout of a microwave SQUID multiplexer as well as since recently also for dc-SQUIDs. Flux-ramp modulation requires another stage in the signal processing chain to demodulate the SQUID output signal before further processing. For cryogenic microcalorimeters, the signal contains events that are given by a fast exponentially rising and slowly exponentially decaying pulses shape. The events shall be detected by a trigger engine and recorded by a storage logic. Since the data rate can be decreased significantly by demodulation and event detection, it is desirable to do both steps on the deployed fast FPGA logic during measurement before passing the data to a general-purpose processor. In this contribution, we show the implementation of efficient multi-channel flux-ramp demodulation computed at run-time on a SoC-FPGA. Furthermore, a concept and implementation for an online trigger and buffer mechanism with its theoretical trigger loss rates depending on buffer size is presented. Both FPGA modules can be operated with up to 500 MHz clock frequency and can efficiently process 32 channels. Correct functionality and data reduction capability of the modules are demonstrated in measurements utilizing magnetic microcalorimeter irradiated with an Iron-55 source for event generation and read out by a microwave SQUID multiplexer.
Long Memory, Spurious Memory: Persistence in Range-Based Volatility of Exchange Rates
Authors: Afzal Alia , Sibbertsen Philipp
Published: September 2022

This study considers the long memory and fractional integration in the range-based volatilities across 30 currencies against USD. Graphical analysis of the autocorrelation function at long lags and pole near zero frequencies in the periodogram suggests the existence of fractional integration. We apply semi-parametric methods to measure long-range dependence. We find a decrease in the memory estimates with an increase in the bandwidth, which indicates the presence of spurious memory rather true long memory. The hypothesis of long memory against the alternative of spurious memory is also tested by applying the different semi-parametric methods. Empirical results confirm the presence of spurious memory that may be a result of some shocks to the volatility estimator. Furthermore, the reduced memory estimates obtained by utilising an estimator accounting for level shifts also explains the inconsistency of the Local Whittle estimator. We also estimate the number of breaks for each series.
Preferences of Pinus sylvestris seedling roots for different phosphorus sources under phosphorus-deficient conditions
Authors: Lei Kaiyu , Creber Hamish , Bol Roland , Tietema Albert , Sohi Saran P.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Phosphorus (P) is a limiting nutrient in many managed forests. To further understand the risks and benefits of biochars as sustainable P source in forest management, an improved mechanistic understanding of its interactions in root systems is required.

Methods

A rhizobox experiment was conducted to observe root response of P. sylvestris (Scots pine) seedlings to different biochars in comparison to triple superphosphate (TSP) fertiliser as a P source. Three types of wood-derived biochar were compared: biochar from mixed softwood pellets (“Reference biochar”); from the vascular cambium zone of Picea sitchensis (“VCZ biochar”) and from mixed softwood pellets infused with TSP (“Processed biochar”). These biochars presented a range of available P from low to high. Seedling root development was spatially analysed using GIS software.

Results

The total length of P. sylvestris roots did not significantly differ between treatments. However, seedling roots showed strong preference for soil proximal to VCZ biochar and strong avoidance to TSP fertiliser. There was a milder avoidance effect for Processed biochar. Differences in root responses could be explained by available P: roots favored a moderate, sustained P source and avoided high available P sources. The avoidance effect can be attributed partially to lower soil pH around TSP fertiliser.

Conclusion

The extent concentration and duration of P availability affects the root response of P. sylverstris to P sources. Under P-deficient conditions, P. sylvestris root growth was markedly improved by introducing biochar with a certain P concentration, and VCZ biochar has potential as an effective source of P in forest establishment.