bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunotherapeutic targets in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Sadeghirad Habib , Bahrami Tayyeb , Layeghi Sepideh M. , Yousefi Hassan , Rezaei Meysam , Hosseini‐Fard Seyed R. , Radfar Payar , Warkiani Majid E. , O'Byrne Ken , Kulasinghe Arutha
Published: August 2022

Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most common types of cancer in the world and has a 5‐year survival rate of ~20%. Immunotherapies have shown promising results leading to durable responses, however, they are only effective for a subset of patients. To determine the best therapeutic approach, a thorough and in‐depth profiling of the tumour microenvironment (TME) is required. The TME is a complex network of cell types that form an interconnected network, promoting tumour cell initiation, growth and dissemination. The stroma, immune cells and endothelial cells that comprise the TME generate a plethora of cytotoxic or cytoprotective signalling pathways. In this review, we discuss immunotherapeutic targets in NSCLC tumours and how the TME may influence patients' response to immunotherapy.
β1 Integrin induces adhesion and migration of human Th17 cells via Pyk2‐dependent activation of P2X4 receptor
Authors: Hamoudi Chakib , Muheidli Abbas , Aoudjit Fawzi
Published: August 2022

Integrin‐mediated T‐cell adhesion and migration is a crucial step in immune response and autoimmune diseases. However, the underlying signalling mechanisms are not fully elucidated. In this study, we examined the implication of purinergic signalling, which has been associated with T‐cell activation, in the adhesion and migration of human Th17 cells across fibronectin, a major matrix protein associated with inflammatory diseases. We showed that the adhesion of human Th17 cells to fibronectin induces, via β1 integrin, a sustained release of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) from the mitochondria through the pannexin‐1 hemichannels. Inhibition of ATP release or its degradation with apyrase impaired the capacity of the cells to attach and migrate across fibronectin. Inhibition studies identified a major role for the purinergic receptor P2X4 in T‐cell adhesion and migration but not for P2X7 or P2Y11 receptors. Blockade of P2X4 but not P2X7 or P2Y11 receptors reduced cell adhesion and migration by inhibiting activation of β1 integrins, which is essential for ligand binding. Furthermore, we found that β1 integrin‐induced ATP release, P2X4 receptor transactivation, cell adhesion and migration were dependent on the focal adhesion kinase Pyk2 but not FAK. Finally, P2X4 receptor inhibition also blocked fibronectin‐induced Pyk2 activation suggesting the existence of a positive feedback loop of activation between β1 integrin/Pyk2 and P2X4 purinergic signalling pathways. Our findings uncovered an unrecognized link between β1 integrin and P2X4 receptor signalling pathways for promoting T‐cell adhesion and migration across the extracellular matrix.
Presence at a distance: Video chat supports intergenerational sensitivity and positive infant affect during COVID‐19
Authors: Roche Ellen , Rocha‐Hidalgo Joscelin , Piper Douglas , Strouse Gabrielle A. , Neely Lucinda I. , Ryu Jenna , Myers Lauren J. , McClure Elisabeth , Troseth Georgene L. , Zosh Jennifer M. , Barr Rachel
Published: August 2022

COVID‐19 disrupted infant contact with people beyond the immediate family. Because grandparents faced higher COVID‐19 risks due to age, many used video chat instead of interacting with their infant grandchildren in person. We conducted a semi‐naturalistic, longitudinal study with 48 families, each of whom submitted a series of video chats and surveys, and most (n = 40) also submitted a video of an in‐person interaction. Families were mostly highly‐educated, White/Caucasian, and lived between 1 and 2700 miles apart. We used multilevel models to examine grandparents’ and parents’ sensitivity during video chat across time (centered at February 1, 2021, the approximate date of vaccine availability). Grandparent video chat sensitivity changed as a function of date and parent sensitivity. Parent sensitivity changed as a function of date, grandparent sensitivity, and geographic distance. We then modeled infants' affective valence during video chat and in‐person interactions with their grandparents, which was only predicted by grandparent sensitivity, not modality or other factors. This study demonstrates that caregivers were sensitive toward infants during video chat interactions despite fluctuations in family stress and reduced in‐person contact during COVID‐19 and that grandparent sensitivity predicted positive infant affect during both video chat and in‐person interactions.
An in vivo critically colonised wound model with dysbiotic wound microbiota
Authors: Kunimitsu Mao , Nakagami Gojiro , Minematsu Takeo , Koudounas Sofoklis , Sanada Hiromi
Published: August 2022

In critically colonised wounds, many of the signs of infection are often absent, and delayed healing may be the only clinical sign. The prevention of critical colonisation is important, but its pathophysiology has not yet been elucidated. We have previously reported that dysbiotic microbiota dissimilar to the peri‐wound skin microbiota may develop in critically colonised wounds. To investigate the role of dysbiotic microbiota, this study aimed to develop a critically colonised wound model by transplantation of dysbiotic microbiota. To transplant microbiota, a bacterial solution (dysbiosis group) or with Luria‐Bertani medium (commensal group) was inoculated to full‐thickness wounds of rats. The bacterial solution was prepared by anaerobically culturing bacteria from donor rats on an artificial dermis in Luria‐Bertani medium for 72 hours. As a result, the degree of the change in the microbial similarity between pre‐ and post‐transplantation of microbiota was significantly higher in the dysbiosis group (P < .001). No signs of infection were observed in any rat in either group. The wound area in the dysbiosis group was significantly larger (P < .001), and there was a significant infiltration of neutrophils (P < .001). All rats of the dysbiosis group represented the clinical features of critically colonised wounds. Furthermore, there were significantly fewer regulatory T cells in the wounds of the dysbiosis group. This is the first study to develop a novel animal model that represents the clinical features of critically colonised wounds and will be useful in investigating the pathogenesis of critical colonisation via regulatory T cells.
An novel and alternative treatment method for large heel ulceration in diabetic patients: Proximal tibial cortex transverse distraction
Authors: Jianda Xu , Maosheng Bai , Chenjian Peng , Xiaojing Yan , Changhui Wei , Junhao Lu , Jianning Zhao , Ningwen Shi
Published: August 2022

Heel ulceration in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major clinical challenge, manifesting with a protracted and uncertain healing process. The prefer treatment of heel ulceration is still controversial. This study aims at describing a newly alternative surgical method with the proximal transverse tibial bone transport technique, as an attempt to achieve wound healing in diabetic patients with large heel ulceration. Retrospective clinical study. A total of 21 diabetic patients with large heel ulceration were enrolled and followed up at least 6 months. The following parameters were assessed: Visual analogue scale (VAS), healing time, ulcer healing rate, ulcer recurrence rate and limb salvage rate. All patients got fully follow‐up and achieved wound healing uneventfully. Eighteen patients returned to independent walking without any helper while three patients walked using a crutch. Limb salvage was achieved in all 21 patients (100%). The mean wound area was 67.43 ± 13.31 cm2 (range: 46‐97 cm2). The mean healing time was 128.62 ± 16.76 days (range: 91‐160 days). 16 out of 21 patients without calcaneal osteomyelitis achieved ulcer healing with a mean duration of 124.69 ± 14.42 days (range: 91–143 days), while the other five patients with calcaneal osteomyelitis were 141.20 ± 19.12 days (range: 110‐160 days). 2 out of 21 patients got superficial rupture at the previous wounds and healed after outpatient dressing change combined with oral antibiotics. The novel technique described is particularly applicable for large heel ulceration in diabetic patients. It offers a better alternative for achieving wound healing with a favourable encouraging outcome.
The lattice vibration and microwave dielectric properties of BaZnP2−xNbxO7 ceramics for microwave substrates
Authors: Huang Fangyi , Su Hua , Zhang Qin , Wu Xiaohui , Jing Yulan , Li Yuanxun , Tang Xiaoli
Published: August 2022

The BaZnP2−xNbxO7 microwave dielectric ceramics were prepared by solid‐state reaction method to investigate the impact of Nb5+ on the composition, microstructure, and vibrational properties, as well as sintering characteristics and microwave dielectric properties. The solubility of Nb5+ in the BaZnP2−xNbxO7 lattice was limited. A moderate amount of Nb5+ substitution could promote the densification process. The vibrational characteristics of the BaZnP2O7 ceramics were first studied by performing experimental and theoretical Raman and infrared spectroscopy measurements in this work, and their relationship with the microwave dielectric properties was studied. The acquired results showed that (Ⅰ) εr was influenced by both the density and the second phase; (Ⅱ) the density and full width at half maximum of the Raman vibrational peak played a critical role in affecting the Q × f values. The BaZnP2−xNbxO7 samples sintered at 925°C exhibited the outstanding microwave dielectric properties with x = 0.02: εr = 7.98, Q × f = 60 615 GHz (tan δ = 2.18 × 10−4; f = 13.21 GHz) and τf = −52.93 ppm/°C (ρbulk = 4.03 g/cm3; ρr = 92.69%). The proposed ceramic is expected to be used in microwave substrates.
Formation of zircon‐type (Zr,Ti)1−x(Dy)x(SiO4)1−x(PO4)x solid solution and their optical and magnetic characteristics
Authors: Ezhilan Manivannan , Alam Madar Saheb Mushtaq , Kannan Sanjeevi
Published: August 2022

The present study is aimed to tailor the structure of zircon (ZrSiO4) for potential application in hard tissue replacements. In this context, zircon (Zr,Ti)1−x(Dy)x(SiO4)1−x(PO4)x type solid solution has been formed through a simple sol–gel technique. Zircon formation is induced by the Ti4+ substitution, whereas the progressive addition of Dy3+/PO43− led to their accommodation at the resultant lattice sites. The maximum occupancy limit of Dy3+/PO43− is determined as 20 wt.% beyond, in which the ZrSiO4 structure is destabilized to enable the exclusion of Ti4+ and Zr4+ and subsequently yields ZrTiO4 trace alongside the crystallization of DyPO4. Dy3+ accommodation facilitated the improved absorption and emission (blue [483 nm] and yellow [576 nm]) phenomena and further the paramagnetic features are also induced in the resultant ZrSiO4.
Effect of sucrose on technetium and rhenium retention during vitrification of low‐activity wastes
Authors: Lee SeungMin , Jin Tongan , Rivers Eden , Kloužek Jaroslav , Luksic Steven , Marcial Jose , George Jaime , Dixon Derek R. , Eaton William C. , Kruger Albert A.
Published: August 2022

Sucrose (C12H22O11) has been used in low‐activity waste (LAW) melter feeds containing large fractions of nitrates, nitrites, or both because it facilitates foam suppression and denitration. This study focused on the effect of sucrose in LAW feeds on technetium (Tc) and rhenium (Re) retention. The amount of sucrose added in feeds was varied to differentiate the carbon‐to‐nitrogen mole ratio (C/N ratio). The results show that larger sucrose addition (higher C/N ratio) enhances Tc and Re retention. Reducing conditions induced by sucrose decomposition and early chemical reactions between sucrose and NaNO3/NaNO2 are expected to increase Tc and Re retention. However, high sucrose addition decreased sulfur (S) retention slightly because sodium sulfate decomposes in reducing conditions at lower temperature. This early sulfate decomposition can affect Tc and Re retention partly because these species can be soluble in sulfate phases. This correlation indicates that the decrease of sulfate phases in the glass by early decomposition can reduce the solubility of Tc and Re in the sulfate phases, which may increase Tc and Re retention in the glass. In addition, continuous gas evolution and vigorous foaming at the foaming temperature range of 700–900°C may influence Tc and Re retention process interrupting retention or facilitating volatilization.
A near‐infrared spectroscopy method for the detection of texture profile analysis of Litopeneo vannamei based on partial least squares regression
Authors: Wei Changhui , Li Xinxing
Published: August 2022

Among aquatic products freshness testing methods, spectral detection method is the most commonly used rapid nondestructive testing method, and the quality structure index can be used as the judgment index of aquatic products freshness, so studying the near‐infrared (NIR) spectroscopy detection method of aquatic products based on texture index is helpful to improve the detection accuracy of freshness of products. In order to find a method for NIR spectroscopy based on texture indicators, we took shrimp as the research target, collected total 216 NIR spectral data of 680–2600 nm and texture index of sample for 8 consecutive days, and established a quantitative prediction model. In this study, we compared the effects of six spectral pretreatments on partial least squares regression (PLSR) models, including multiple scattering correction, standard normal variate transformation, mean centering, Savitzky–Golay (S‐G) smoothing, moving average method, and normalization. The results show that the PLSR model based on S‐G smoothing has the best model accuracy in prediction after the S‐G smoothing algorithm has preprocessed the spectral data. In addition, principal component analysis and the Mahalanobis distance algorithm were used in the study to remove abnormal samples to improve the accuracy of the model. Finally, the quantitative prediction model for qualitative construct indicators constructed based on the S‐G smoothing algorithm and the PLSR algorithm had better prediction results than the other models algorithm we considered, with a correlation coefficient (R) of 0.868 for the cohesive validation set and 0.781 for the elastic validation set of qualitative construct indicators. Finally, based on the above study, this study developed a prediction graphical user interface system for qualitative metrics of texture.

Practical Applications

Most of the existing aquatic meat freshness detection methods are offline detection based on physical and chemical tests, and some use spectral technology to detect the chemical parameters of aquatic meat freshness. This project innovatively applies NIR spectroscopy technology to aquatic products. The physical parameters of meat freshness can be quickly detected online. By preprocessing the data samples and selecting the response characteristic wavelengths, a NIR spectroscopy prediction model of texture indicators with self‐learning ability and high precision is constructed, and the texture is established based on this. Indicator NIR spectroscopy prediction system. This whole process provides new research methods and analytical tools for rapid nondestructive testing of aquatic product freshness.
Effect of endoscopic treatment in patients with secondary sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Zhang Chengcheng Christine , Sauer Peter , Rupp Christian
Published: August 2022

Background and Aim

Secondary sclerosing cholangitis (SSC) is a progressive disease with high mortality and characterized by chronic inflammation and biliary obstruction. Therapeutic options are limited. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the effects of endoscopic treatment in patients with SSC, the outcome, and association with potential risk factors.

Methods

Data from all patients with SSC from 1996 to April 2021 were included.

Results

Eighty patients with SSC were included. Seventy‐five patients (93.8%) underwent diagnostic endoscopic retrograde cholangiography; 46 patients (57.5%) could be treated endoscopically. Endoscopic treatment comprised removal of biliary casts (n = 36/75), dilatation of bile ducts (n = 17/75), and intermittent stenting (n = 11/75). Twenty patients underwent orthotopic liver transplantation (25%); 27 patients died (33.8%). Transplantation‐free survival was affected neither by endoscopic treatment nor by presence of biliary strictures, but bacteria positive bile culture was associated with better and increased levels of serum alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin levels with poor outcome.

Conclusions

Secondary sclerosing cholangitis is a progressive disease with poor long‐term prognosis. Endoscopic treatment options seem to be limited regarding transplantation‐free survival but might improve quality of life and prevent local complications such as cholangitis. The observed limited effect of endoscopic treatment might be attributed to the rapid progression of this disease.
Time of day influences stress hormone response to ketamine
Authors: Birnie Matthew T. , Eapen Alen V. , Kershaw Yvonne M. , Lodge David , Collingridge Graham L. , Conway‐Campbell Becky L. , Lightman Stafford L.
Published: August 2022

Over 50% of depressed patients show hyperactivity of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. Conventional therapy takes weeks to months to improve symptoms. Ketamine has rapid onset antidepressant effects. Yet its action on HPA axis activity is poorly understood. Here, we measured the corticosterone (CORT) response to ketamine administered at different times of day in the Wistar–Kyoto (WKY) rat. In male rats, blood was collected every 10 min for 28 h using an automated blood sampling system. Ketamine (5/10/25 mg · kg) was infused through a subcutaneous cannula at two time points–during the active and inactive period. CORT levels in blood were measured in response to ketamine using a radioimmunoassay. WKY rats displayed robust circadian secretion of corticosterone and was not overly different to Sprague Dawley rats. Ketamine (all doses) significantly increased CORT response at both infusion times. However, a dose dependent effect and marked increase over baseline was observed when ketamine was administered during the inactive phase. Ketamine has a robust and rapid effect on HPA axis function. The timing of ketamine injection may prove crucial for glucocorticoid‐mediated action in depression.
Intraspecific variation and directional casque asymmetry in adult southern cassowaries (Casuarius casuarius)
Authors: Green Todd L. , Kay David Ian , Gignac Paul M.
Published: August 2022

The cranial casques of modern cassowaries (Casuarius) have long intrigued researchers; however, in‐depth studies regarding their morphological variation are scarce. Through visual inspection, it has been recognized that casque variability exists between conspecifics. Understanding casque variation has both evolutionary and ecological importance. Although hypothesized to be targeted by selection, intraspecific casque variation has not been quantified previously. Through a large sample of C. casuarius (n = 103), we compared casque shape (lateral and rostral views) between sexes and between individuals from non‐overlapping geographical regions using two‐dimensional (2D) geometric morphometrics. We found no statistically significant differences between the casque shape of females and males and few substantial shape differences between individuals from different geographic areas. Much of the intraspecific variation within C. casuarius is due to casque asymmetries (77.5% rightward deviating, 20.7% leftward deviating, and 1.8% non‐deviating from the midline; n = 111), which explain the high variability of southern cassowary casque shape, particularly from the rostral aspect. Finally, we discuss how our non‐significant findings implicate social selection theory, and we identify the benefits of quantifying such variation for further elucidating casque function(s) and the social biology of cassowaries.
Microneedling with cutaneous delivery of topical agents for the treatment of melasma: A systematic review
Authors: Brasil dos Santos Jenifer , Nagem Lopes Luis Phillipe , de Lima Gabriela Gomes , Teixeira da Silva Renata , da Silva e Souza Lorca Bárbara , Miranda Pinheiro Gláucia , Faria de Freitas Zaida Maria
Published: August 2022

Background

Melasma is an acquired hyperpigmentation disorder. Microneedling is an alternative treatment for melasma especially by improving penetration of pharmacological agents into the skin.

Objective

The main objective of this review was to systematize and analyze available evidence on the efficacy and safety of microneedling alone or associated with topical agents in reducing skin stains and improving melasma‐related quality of life in adult patients.

Methods

Only randomized clinical trials were included. The following databases were consulted: MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and the gray literature. The Cochrane risk‐of‐bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2.0) was used to assess risk of bias.

Results

The search retrieved 719 records and seven studies were included. A total of 368 participants (96.19% women) were evaluated. Two studies were split‐face. Most of the studies evaluated microneedling associated with tranexamic acid. High risk of bias was presented by most studies, especially in the safety outcome. A significant decrease was observed in the MASI, mMASI, or hemi‐MASI scores, regardless of the topical agents associated. Meta‐analysis was not possible due to the heterogeneity of the studies.

Conclusion

Based on the results of this review, microneedling can, in association with topical agents or isolated, be used safely in the treatment of melasma in the clinical practice, obtaining results on reduction of stain severity and improvement of patients' quality of life.
Opaque liabilities, learning, and the cost of equity capital for insurers
Authors: Chiang Chia‐Chun , Kim Hugh Hoikwang , Niehaus Greg
Published: August 2022

Analyzing major US property–liability insurers, we find that their cost of equity capital is negatively associated with their underwriting performance, but not with their investment performance. We provide cross‐sectional evidence that the difference is attributable, at least in part, to investor learning about opaque insurer liabilities. We also find that capital market and product market imperfections are important determinants of insurers' cost of equity capital. Overall, our evidence contributes to the important literature examining insurers' cost of equity capital, and it suggests that opaque liabilities are a distinguishing feature of insurers in determining their cost of equity capital.
Seagrass (Zostera marina) transplant experiment reveals core microbiota and resistance to environmental change
Authors: Adamczyk Emily M. , O'Connor Mary I. , Parfrey Laura Wegener
Published: August 2022

Zostera marina(seagrass) is a coastal marine angiosperm that sustains a diverse and productive ecosystem. Seagrass‐associated microbiota support host health, yet the ecological processes that maintain biodiversity and stability of the seagrass leaf microbiota are poorly understood. We tested two hypotheses: (1) Microbes select seagrass leaves as habitat such that they consistently host distinct microbiota and/or core taxa in comparison to nearby substrates, and (2) seagrass leaf microbiota are stable once established and are resistant to change when transplanted to a novel environment. We reciprocally transplanted replicate seagrass shoots (natural and surface sterilized/dead tissue treatments) among four meadows with different environmental conditions and deployed artificial seagrass treatments in all four meadows. At the end of the 5‐day experiment, the established microbiota on natural seagrass partially turned over to resemble microbial communities in the novel meadow, and all experimental treatments hosted distinct surface microbiota. We consistently found that natural and sterilized/dead seagrass hosted more methanol‐utilizing bacteria compared to artificial seagrass and water, suggesting that seagrass core microbiota are shaped by taxa that metabolize seagrass exudates coupled with minor roles for host microbial defence and/or host‐directed recruitment. We found evidence that the local environment strongly influenced the seagrass leaf microbiota in natural meadows and that transplant location explained more variation than experimental treatment. Transplanting resulted in high turnover and variability of the seagrass leaf microbiota, suggesting that it is flexibly assembled in a wide array of environmental conditions which may contribute to resilience of seagrass in future climate change scenarios.
May I See Your Credentials, Please? Displays of Pedagogical Expertise by Language Teaching Researchers
Authors: ROSE HEATH , MCKINLEY JIM
Published: August 2022

There is a growing popular discourse that the intellectualization of the field of language teaching has resulted in a growing divide between language teaching researchers and professionals. Some scholars have called for more holistic professionals, that is, people who embody the identities of both researcher and practitioner. To explore such positioning, this study analyzed author biographies (bios; N = 400) of research articles in leading language teaching journals that self‐identified as major avenues to communicate research to language teaching practitioners. Questionnaires were then sent to authors to probe further into their professional positionality and their perspectives on the importance of teaching experience for researchers. Results of the biographical text analysis showed that authors primarily positioned themselves as researchers through their research interests, academic qualifications, and publication achievements. The questionnaire (N = 233) revealed that authors had a wealth of language teaching experience and qualifications and viewed the relationship between research and teaching as important. Comparing survey data to biographical data revealed that a majority of researchers clearly underreported teaching credentials in their author bios. We conclude that researchers with relevant teacher identities to draw upon should foreground their professional expertise in their published work, especially in journal outlets that claim to operate within a teaching–research nexus.
Effective strategies in ending weight stigma in healthcare
Authors: Talumaa Britta , Brown Adrian , Batterham Rachel L. , Kalea Anastasia Z.
Published: August 2022

Weight stigma impacts negatively healthcare quality and hinders public health goals. The aim of this review was to identify strategies for minimizing weight bias among healthcare professionals and explore future research directions. An electronic search was performed in PubMed, PsycINFO and Scopus (until June 2020). Studies on weight stigma reduction in healthcare students, trainees and professionals were assessed based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. A narrative synthesis was undertaken to analyze emerging themes. We identified five stigma reduction strategies in healthcare: (i) increased education, (ii) causal information and controllability, (iii) empathy evoking, (iv) weight‐inclusive approach, and (v) mixed methodology. Weight stigma needs to be addressed early on and continuously throughout healthcare education and practice, by teaching the genetic and socioenvironmental determinants of weight, and explicitly discussing the sources, impact and implications of stigma. There is a need to move away from a solely weight‐centric approach to healthcare to a health‐focused weight‐inclusive one. Assessing the effects of weight stigma in epidemiological research is equally important. The ethical argument and evidence base for the need to reduce weight stigma in healthcare and beyond is strong. Although evidence on long‐term stigma reduction is emerging, precautionary action is needed.
Safety and efficacy of the Amplatzer Amulet and Watchman 2.5 for left atrial appendage occlusion: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhu Ming‐Zhen , Song Hao , Song Guang‐Min , Bai Xiao
Published: August 2022

Background

Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is an alternative to oral anticoagulation (OAC) to decrease the risk of stroke in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF); however, certain complications remain a concern. Amplatzer Amulet and Watchman are the two most popular used devices for preventing stroke in patients with NVAF. We assessed the safety and efficacy of LAAO using the Amplatzer Amulet and Watchman.

Methods

A meta‐analysis was conducted to compare the safety and efficacy outcomes associated with the use of the Amplatzer Amulet and Watchman 2.5. The Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale has been utilized to assess the quality of study.

Results

The meta‐analysis includes seven studies involving 2926 patients (1418 patients with an amulet and 1508 with a Watchman 2.5). Generally, adverse event rates for both systems were minimal. No significant differences between the two devices were found in safety (pericardial effusion, device embolization, and cardiac tamponade) or efficacy outcomes (death, TIA, stroke, major/minor bleeding, device leak, and thromboembolic events).

Conclusions

The data suggest LAAO is a safe procedure, regardless of which device was used. LAAO devices generally have low complication rates. Outcomes were comparable between the two groups with no significant differences in their safety or efficacy.
5,6‐Dihydroxyindole eumelanin content in human skin with varying degrees of constitutive pigmentation
Authors: Del Bino Sandra , Ito Shosuke , Sok Juliette , Wakamatsu Kazumasa
Published: August 2022

Human skin contains two distinct components: brown to black, insoluble eumelanin and light colored, alkaline‐soluble pheomelanin. Eumelanin consists of 5,6‐dihydroxyindole (DHI) and 5,6‐dihydroxyindole‐2‐carboxylic acid (DHICA) moieties, while pheomelanin consists of benzothiazine (BT) and benzothiazole (BZ) moieties. These melanin monomer units can be quantitatively analyzed through specific degradation products by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Alkaline hydrogen peroxide oxidation (AHPO) of eumelanin gives rise to pyrrole‐2,3,5‐tricarboxylic acid (PTCA) and pyrrole‐2,3‐dicarboxylic acid (PDCA) as specific degradation products of the DHICA and DHI moieties, respectively. BZ moiety in pheomelanin can be analyzed as thiazole‐2,4,5‐tricarboxylic acid (TTCA). By reductive hydrolysis with hydroiodic acid, BT moieties in pheomelanin can be analyzed as 4‐amino‐3‐hydroxyphenylalanine (4‐AHP). As a recently improved AHPO–HPLC method enabled a better characterization of PDCA, this prompted us to address the question of DHI to DHICA ratio in human skin samples with varying degrees of constitutive pigmentation ranging from very light to dark. Results showed for the first time the ratio of 4 moieties: DHI 35%, DHICA 41%, BZ 20%, and BT 4%. The ratio is constant regardless of the degree of pigmentation. The high content of DHICA moiety may impart an antioxidant property to the epidermis melanin.
Reinforcement learning: A brief guide for philosophers of mind
Authors: Haas Julia
Published: August 2022

In this opinionated review, I draw attention to some of the contributions reinforcement learning can make to questions in the philosophy of mind. In particular, I highlight reinforcement learning's foundational emphasis on the role of reward in agent learning, and canvass two ways in which the framework may advance our understanding of perception and motivation.
The Bayesian and Classical Approaches to statistical inference
Authors: Kotzen Matthew
Published: August 2022

The Bayesian Approach and the Classical Approach are two very different families of approaches to statistical inference. There are many different versions of each view, often with very substantial differences among them. But I will here endeavor to explain the philosophical core of each family of approaches, as well as to identify four main philosophical differences between them.
Breath‐holding physiology, radiological severity and adverse outcomes in COVID‐19 patients: A prospective validation study
Authors: Messineo Ludovico , Fanfulla Francesco , Pedroni Leonardo , Pini Floriana , Borghesi Andrea , Golemi Salvatore , Vailati Guido , Kerlin Kayla , Malhotra Atul , Corda Luciano , Sands Scott
Published: August 2022

Background and objective

COVID‐19 remains a major cause of respiratory failure, and means to identify future deterioration is needed. We recently developed a prediction score based on breath‐holding manoeuvres (desaturation and maximal duration) to predict incident adverse COVID‐19 outcomes. Here we prospectively validated our breath‐holding prediction score in COVID‐19 patients, and assessed associations with radiological scores of pulmonary involvement.

Methods

Hospitalized COVID‐19 patients (N = 110, three recruitment centres) performed breath‐holds at admission to provide a prediction score (Messineo et al.) based on mean desaturation (20‐s breath‐holds) and maximal breath‐hold duration, plus baseline saturation, body mass index and cardiovascular disease. Odds ratios for incident adverse outcomes (composite of bi‐level ventilatory support, ICU admission and death) were described for patients with versus without elevated scores (>0). Regression examined associations with chest x‐ray (Brixia score) and computed tomography (CT; 3D‐software quantification). Additional comparisons were made with the previously‐validated ‘4C‐score’.

Results

Elevated prediction score was associated with adverse COVID‐19 outcomes (N = 12/110), OR[95%CI] = 4.54[1.17–17.83], p = 0.030 (positive predictive value = 9/48, negative predictive value = 59/62). Results were diminished with removal of mean desaturation from the prediction score (OR = 3.30[0.93–11.72]). The prediction score rose linearly with Brixia score (β[95%CI] = 0.13[0.02–0.23], p = 0.026, N = 103) and CT‐based quantification (β = 1.02[0.39–1.65], p = 0.002, N = 45). Mean desaturation was also associated with both radiological assessment. Elevated 4C‐scores (≥high‐risk category) had a weaker association with adverse outcomes (OR = 2.44[0.62–9.56]).

Conclusion

An elevated breath‐holding prediction score is associated with almost five‐fold increased adverse COVID‐19 outcome risk, and with pulmonary deficits observed in chest imaging. Breath‐holding may identify COVID‐19 patients at risk of future respiratory failure.
Side effects of labor market policies*
Authors: Caliendo Marco , Mahlstedt Robert , van den Berg Gerard J. , Vikström Johan
Published: August 2022

Labor market policies, such as training and sanctions, are commonly used to bring workers back to work. By analogy to medical treatments, exposure to these tools can have side effects. We study the effects on health using individual‐level population registers on labor market outcomes, drug prescriptions, and sickness absence, comparing outcomes before and after exposure to training and sanctions. Training improves cardiovascular and mental health, and lowers sickness absence. This is likely to be the result of the instantaneous features of participation, such as the adoption of a more rigorous daily routine, rather than improved employment prospects. Benefits sanctions cause a short‐run deterioration of mental health.
Discovery of the novel HLA‐DRB1*16:02:11 allele, a variant of HLA‐DRB1*16:02:01:01, in a Taiwanese bone marrow donor
Authors: Yang Kuo‐Liang , Lin Py‐Yu
Published: August 2022

One nucleotide substitution at codon 217 of HLA‐DRB1*16:02:01:01 results in a novel allele, HLA‐DRB1*16:02:11.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐A*01:419 allele by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Blandin Lucie , Visentin Jonathan , Ralazamahaleo Mamy , Lemal Richard , Rouzaire Paul
Published: August 2022

HLA‐A*01:419 differs from HLA‐A*01:01:01:03 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 200 in exon 4.
Revisiting the nexus between globalisation and the shadow economy: Untying the influences of de jure versus de facto globalisation
Authors: Berdiev Aziz N. , Gomes Brandon , Saunoris James W.
Published: August 2022

This paper examines the relationship between globalisation and the size of the shadow economy, focusing on the differential effects of de jure and de facto globalisation. Using panel data on over 120 countries from 1991 to 2017, the results suggest that globalisation reduces the prevalence of the shadow economy. Furthermore, after differentiating between de jure and de facto globalisation, we find that both de facto and de jure globalisation are effective in curbing the spread of the shadow economy, with de jure globalisation showing a marginally larger impact. However, once we disaggregate the sample into OECD and non‐OECD countries, the results show that it is mainly the OECD countries driving this result while the influence of globalisation is statistically insignificant in non‐OECD countries. These results withstand a series of robustness analyses and offer important policy implications.
Cost-effectiveness of Total Mixed Ration with Varying Crude Protein Levels for Feeding Dorper Lambs for Human Consumption
Authors: Panadi Mira , Mat Khairiyah , Rusli Nor Dini , Darmansah Nur Fadilah
Published: August 2022

The demand for food consumption had increased by 60% due to the increase of human population, resulting in an increasing demand for sheep meat. High cost of imported feed had restricted the growth of the sheep industry. Hence, the objective of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of feeding total mixed ration (TMR) in the form of creep feed (CF) and growing ration (GR) to Dorper lambs compared to the control (CON) group fed with farm routine diet consisted of Napier grass and commercial pellet. Two (2) experimental phases were conducted, i.e., Phase I (CF) and Phase II (GR), which consisted of twenty (20) Dorper lambs with five (5) lambs in each group. The CF and GR consisted of constant metabolize energy (ME) (11 MJ/kg DM ME). The crude protein (CP) (%) in CF was varied at 14, 16, 18 and 20 for CON 14, CF 16, CF 18 and CF 20 respectively, whereas the CP (%) in GR was varied at 11, 14, 16 and 18 for CON 11, GR 14, GR 16 and GR 18 respectively. The cost of feed/kg gain (RM/kg) of CON 14 (1.63) and CF 18 (1.97) was significantly lowered (p<0.05) than CF 20 (3.35) whereas, GR 16 (8.94) was significantly lowered (p<0.05) than CON 11 (22.92) and GR 18 (23.99). This finding revealed that feeding local feed ingredients in TMR form, resulting in low feeding cost and subsequently higher economic returns. It can be concluded that feeding 18% CP (CF 18) and 16% CP (GR 16) were efficient to enhance the growth performance of pre-and post-weaning Dorper lambs respectively.
Encapsulation of Milk Protein with Inulin for Improved Digestibility
Authors: Tee Zhi Ni , Abang Zaidel Dayang Norulfairuz , Mohd Jusoh Yanti Maslina , Muhamad Ida Idayu , Hashim Zanariah
Published: August 2022

Encapsulation is the packaging of bioactive compounds to isolate and control their release upon applying specific conditions. By using inulin as the wall material for milk protein encapsulation, it can improve the stability and reduce the rate of protein release which can be related to better digestibility. This study aims to find the best encapsulation parameters for milk protein encapsulation using inulin based on the encapsulation efficiency and evaluate the protein release by simulation of intestinal fluid in vitro. Protein encapsulation was prepared under various parameters including inulin concentration, stirring temperature and stirring speed. The encapsulation parameters were analysed by Response Surface Methodology to obtain the highest encapsulation efficiency, which was subsequently used for the analysis of particle size, zeta potential and protein release kinetics. The results showed that inulin concentration was the most significant in determining encapsulation efficiency, and the highest encapsulation efficiency (75.90%) was achieved at 0.47 % w/v of inulin concentration, stirring temperature of 35.17°C and stirring speed of 510.79 rpm. The inulin-encapsulated milk protein produced under the best encapsulation parameters had an average particle size value of 485.8 nm and zeta potential of -10.5 mV. Zero order kinetics model was most suited to describe the encapsulated milk protein release, indicating slow release of protein that may be associated with better digestibility.
Low-cost Knee Brace Prototype for Rehabilitation After Sports Injury
Authors: Abduh Azeddin Laraki , Mohamad Mohd Riduan , Salleh Mariam
Published: August 2022

The knee brace is a very popular medical device commonly used for rehabilitation and injury prevention of knees. However, conventional knee braces can be very expensive for patients with limited financial resources. Previous study on low-cost knee braces conducted by Alexander Hendricks (2018) only consisted of braces design for Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) and Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) injuries. This paper aims to create a new low-cost knee brace design using 3D printing material that can be used for MCL, LCL and Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries. The proposed design was developed and tested using SolidWorks simulation features. The simulated materials were set similar to the materials of three dimensional (3D) printing filaments and the dimensions of the knee braces were based upon an actual patient. The results of this study showed that the new designs have been improved in term of Factor of Safety (FOS), due to its adjustable hinges, while the price is much cheaper than conventional knee braces. In conclusion, the aims for this study have been achieved to develop a low-cost knee brace that can be used for MCL, LCL and ACL injuries.
Cluster Analysis of Biomechanical Gait Data and Pain Score as a Potential Classification of Severity in Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Abdul Halim Husnir Nasyuha , Azaman Aizreena , Zulkapri Izwyn
Published: August 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis affecting approximately 240 million people globally, with increasing prevalence with age. The knee is the most prevalent joint affected by OA and it causes physical disability and decreased motor function which consequently affects the activity of daily living including mobility. Pain is the main symptom that is characterized in OA, which is measured using self-rated scales or questionnaires to determine several aspects of the pain including the intensity, frequency, and pattern. Quantifying pain is a standard clinical practice to diagnose and monitor symptomatic OA, however, its application for severity assessment is not well explored. To date, the severity assessment of knee OA is only by radiographic severity assessment that does not necessarily reflect the symptomatic OA. In this study, gait analysis was performed on symptomatic knee OA patients. Distinctive gait kinematic features were extracted using principal component analysis (PCA). Pain score and the gait features including spatiotemporal and kinematics were used for clustering analysis. Two clustering algorithms, K-means and K-medoids were conducted to cluster samples with similar features to assess knee OA characterization. The clustering solutions were evaluated based on three measures which are the Davies Bouldin index, Calinzki Harabasz index, and Silhouette index. This study discovered that majority of the datasets which is 5 out of 9 datasets had the best performance (fulfill at least 2 out of 3 performance index criteria) when the number of clusters, k is 4 and using the k-means algorithm. These clustering models can be used in the future as the labeling class of symptomatic knee OA that is based on pain and gait characteristics of knee OA. Future studies are suggested to test other pain assessment scores, include other gait features such as kinetic and muscle activity features, and employ various types of feature selection methods to improve the clustering performance.
Drone Image Based Illegal Crowd Detection For Covid-19 Disease Prevention Via Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) Transfer Learning
Authors: Ong Jia Eek , As'ari Muhammad Amir
Published: August 2022

COVID-19 originated in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and quickly became a global outbreak in January 2020. COVID-19 is a disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, which is a human transmission disease. Since it is a human transmission disease, thus mass gathering in public is not allowed to prevent the possible spread of COVID-19. However, the current monitoring technology, such as closed-circuit television (CCTV), only cover a limited area of the public and lack of mobility. Image classification is one of the approaches that can detect crowds in an image and can be done through either machine learning or deep learning approach. Recently, deep learning, especially convolutional neural networks (CNNs) outperform classical machine learning in image classification and the common approach for modelling CNN is through transfer learning. Thus, this study aims to develop a convolutional neural network that can detect illegal crowd gathering from offline drone view images through image classification using the transfer learning technique. Several models are used to train on the same dataset obtained, and the all-model performance is evaluated through a confusion matrix. Based on performance analysis, it shows that the ResNet50 model outperforms the VGG16 model and InceptionV3 model by achieving 95% test accuracy, 95% precision, 95% recall and 95% F1-score. In conclusion, it can be concluded that the deep learning approach uses a pre-trained convolutional neural network that can be used to classify object images in this study.
The Significant and Challenges of Extended Reality Technologies in Learning and Training during Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ahmed Alnagrat Ahmed Jamah , Ismail Rizalafande , Syed Idrus Syed Zulkarnain
Published: August 2022

Extended Reality (XR) technologies can play a significant role in proving huge value to education following the changed circumstances universities faced during pandemic. This study presents Virtual Reality (VR) as a means of enhancing learning in education and training field during outbreak. This paper represents the use of XR technologies in a wide variety of settings, including the context of the education, learning, and training. Considering the most significant papers with a total of 2,270 articles from conferences and journals were obtained through online search was conducted from databases such as Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, Springer Link, Research Gate, and Academia. The number of papers released, and the number of references obtained in both databases have a substantial-high influence. Researchers performing literature searches using bibliographic databases as their initial and dominant resource to customized and filtered sort out the most relevant publications examined based on abstract and key words such as Extended reality, Virtual reality, VR training, COVID-19, Distance education, Virtual environments, Education, Virtual Laboratories. According to the findings, XR equips students to gain professional skills to their subject as well as to increase the performance of learning quality and improve training.