bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circulating endothelial cells and endothelial progenitor cells as potential predictors of acute GVHD after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Takamatsu Akiko , Nakashima Yasuhiro , Haji Shojiro , Tsuda Mariko , Masuda Toru , Kimura Daisaku , Shiratsuchi Motoaki , Ogawa Yoshihiro
Published: April 2022

Objective

Acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGVHD) is a major cause of treatment‐related mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Endothelial cell damage may trigger the initiation of aGVHD.

Methods

Endothelial damage and repair were evaluated by counting circulating endothelial cells (CECs) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in 17 allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients at pre‐conditioning, day 0, day 7, day 14, day 30, and day 60 by multicolor flow cytometry. Von Willebrand factor activity was simultaneously measured.

Results

Eight patients developed aGVHD and were compared to non‐aGVHD patients. Patients' characteristics were not different, except for previous treatment courses. There was no difference in von Willebrand factor activity between the two groups. Both CEC and EPC counts were decreased on day 7 and day 14 and then increased thereafter. The CEC count on day 7 was significantly lower in the aGVHD group than in the non‐aGVHD group (p = .0401). Restoration of the EPC count on day 60 was significantly suppressed in the aGVHD group (p = .0464). The CEC count on day 7 could predict aGVHD development (AUC 0.8214, p = .0372).

Conclusion

The present results showed that CEC count on day 7 could be a predictor of aGVHD.
Myeloneuropathy induced by recreational nitrous oxide use with variable exposure levels
Authors: Largeau Bérenger , Karam Arnaud , Potey Camille , Caous Anne‐Sylvie , Tard Céline , Carton Louise , Kuchcinski Grégory , Gautier Sophie , Deheul Sylvie , Bordet Régis
Published: April 2022

Background and purpose

Although several case series have described nitrous‐oxide‐associated neurological disorders, a comprehensive assessment of exposure characteristics (e.g., time to onset, level of exposure) in substance abusers has not been performed. The aim of this study was to describe the onset patterns of recreational use of nitrous‐oxide‐induced neurological disorders.

Methods

All cases of neurological disorders related to nitrous oxide recreational use reported to the Hauts‐de‐France addictovigilance center between January 2019 and August 2020 were selected. Only cases requiring hospitalization with informative data to perform the nitrous oxide causality assessment were included.

Results

A total of 20 cases from five hospitals were included. The male‐to‐female ratio was 6:1 and the median age was 19 years (range 16–34). The neurological presentation (myeloneuropathy 64%, 7/11; sensorimotor neuropathy 36%, 4/11) included for all patients gait disorders due to proprioceptive ataxia and limb hypoesthesia. The median dose used per occasion was 100 cartridges (range 5–960; n = 19). The median time from the start of nitrous oxide use to the onset of neurological symptoms was 6 months (range 0.7–54; n = 16). The cumulative dose was significantly higher in patients with damage to all four limbs than in patients with lower limb symptoms only (p = 0.042).

Conclusions

A low intermittent exposure may be sufficient to cause neurological damage in some subjects, suggesting that, at the population level, there is no safe exposure to nitrous oxide in recreational settings. The severity of neurological impairment could increase once used at high doses and for prolonged durations of nitrous oxide.
A combined low‐ and high‐cycle life prediction model considering the closure effect of micro‐defects
Authors: Ding Xin , Yan Xiaojun , Guo Zixu , Guo Kaimin
Published: April 2022

In this study, a combined low‐ and high‐cycle fatigue (CCF) life prediction model, which considers the crack closure effect (CCE) of micro‐defects, is proposed based on the continuous damage mechanics. The model is decomposed into three submodels: the low‐cycle fatigue (LCF), high‐cycle fatigue (HCF) under the maximum stress of LCF (HCFML), and their coupled damage models. The experimental CCF data of K403 full‐scale turbine blades are used to verify the accuracy. The prediction life falls within the ±2.62 times of scatter band compared with the experimental results. Further, there are the different damage evolution forms at different vibration stresses. When the vibration stress is below 29 MPa, the CCF damage mainly is caused by the LCF. However, while the vibration stress is above 29 MPa, the HCFML damage plays a major role. The CCF damage of the first stage serration of K403 turbine blades is mainly from HCFML.
Serving quarreling masters: Frontline workers and policy implementation under pressure
Authors: Hinterleitner Markus , Wittwer Stefan
Published: April 2022

How do frontline workers implement policy when it is politically contested and they face strong pressure from politicians and the media? Based on original data and a multi‐method analysis of juvenile justice policy and child protection policy in Switzerland, we show that political conflict can change policy implementation when frontline workers adapt their implementation practices in response to political and media pressure. We demonstrate that frontline workers seek to limit the influence of political pressure on policy implementation to safeguard their professional autonomy and reputation. However, we observe that they may also occasionally engage in what we call “blame‐avoiding policy implementation.” While formally complying with the policy mandate, frontline workers exploit their street‐level discretion to make policy implementation less scandal‐prone and blameworthy, thereby lowering the likelihood of blame attacks. The findings have important implications for our understanding of policy implementation and the functioning of bureaucracy in more conflictual times.
“Without support, victims do not report”: The Co‐creation of a workplace sexual harassment risk assessment survey tool
Authors: Gómez‐González Aitor , Girbés‐Peco Sandra , González José Miguel Jiménez , Casado María Vieites
Published: April 2022

Workplace sexual harassment (WSH) remains a common experience for many women worldwide. European policies and guidelines point to the need to establish comprehensive WSH prevention programs and strategies. One of the strategies contemplated is establishing risk assessment and monitoring systems to prevent and identify WSH situations. However, few WSH risk assessment tools are currently available to European organizations and companies. This article analyses the co‐creation process that has led to developing an evidence‐based risk assessment survey tool (ST) to prevent in a wide diversity of work contexts. This process has involved experts, survivors, activists, and other relevant stakeholders. The research has been carried out based on the communicative methodology through the implementation of qualitative fieldwork. Furthermore, an extensive review of scientific literature and international guidelines has been carried out. The established co‐creation process has led to the inclusion of the Isolating Gender Violence approach in a risk assessment ST to prevent WSH for the first time.
Filling a gap in maternity care: The caring dilemma in doula practice
Authors: Young Christina
Published: April 2022

Doulas are non‐medical support persons, paid for privatively by clients, who offer emotional support during pregnancy and childbirth. While doulas work alongside clinical care providers, such as physicians, midwives, and nurses, they are unregulated and typically have no formal standing in hospitals. As with other types of care work, doula practice is shaped by gendered assumptions about women's “natural” and boundless capacity to provide care. In this paper, I draw on interviews with 26 doulas practicing in Toronto, Canada, to explore the nature of doulas' caring dilemma―the tension between an altruistic motivation to provide care and a desire for greater professional autonomy and control over working conditions among care workers. I show that doulas' self‐imposed obligation to provide a specific model of care, along with their desire to fill gaps in maternity care, results in a caring dilemma that places their own needs in opposition to those of their clients. In response to their significant caring demands, some doulas attempt to alter their work to improve their working conditions.
Disentangling the impact of temperature on consumers' attitudes toward nostalgic advertising
Authors: Yang Qiang , Lin Yanqing , Li Hongxiu , Huo Jiale
Published: April 2022

Although the effect of temperature on consumers is ubiquitous, little is known about how temperature affects consumers' attitudes toward nostalgic advertising. Drawing on embodied cognition theory, this study explores the effect of temperature on consumers' attitudes toward nostalgic advertising through the mediator of the affective system. Based on two experiments involving personal and historical nostalgic advertising, our results show that when exposed to comfortable temperature, consumers follow the “assimilative effect” of temperature; warm temperatures trigger more positive attitudes toward nostalgic advertising when compared with cool temperatures. However, when exposed to uncomfortable temperatures, consumers follow the “complementary effect” of temperatures; cold temperatures lead to more positive attitudes toward nostalgic advertising than hot temperatures. Furthermore, the affective system plays a mediating role between temperature and consumers' attitudes toward nostalgic advertising. This study contributes to the literature on temperature in marketing and provides a practical guide for companies to implement nostalgic advertising strategies.
Effect of encapsulation methods and materials on the survival and viability of Lactobacillus acidophilus: A review
Authors: Altamirano‐Ríos Ana Veronica , Guadarrama‐Lezama Andrea Y. , Arroyo‐Maya Izlia J. , Hernández‐Álvarez Alan‐Javier , Orozco‐Villafuerte Juan
Published: April 2022

Consumption of probiotics is an area of research that has rapidly expanded in the last years. Lactobacilli are one of the most important probiotic bacteria owing to their beneficial impacts on human health. The most important challenge is the survival of probiotics against several conditions during processing, as well as harsh environments during gastrointestinal digestion. As an alternative to the preservation of probiotic bacteria, different encapsulation processes have been proved. Several methods and materials are currently used for probiotic encapsulation, which influences the survivability of probiotics. Thus, this review aims to understand and summarise the effects of the methods and materials used in the encapsulation of Lactobacillus acidophilus, and its consequences on their survival and viability under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Among several studies reported, the alginate capsules obtained by external ionic gelation through extrusion and chitosan coating showed the highest encapsulation yield of 99.33%. Lastly, future research directions on the topic are suggested.
Nondestructive detection of Panax notoginseng saponins by using hyperspectral imaging
Authors: Shi Lei , Li Lixia , Zhang Fujie , Lin Yuhao
Published: April 2022

Panax notoginseng saponin (PNS) is the most important physical and chemical index of panax notoginseng. In order to detect PNS rapidly and non‐destructively, 160 hyperspectral images of panax notoginseng rhizome and main root were acquired by using a visible‐near infrared hyperspectral image acquisition system (400–1000 nm), and the original spectrum were extracted from hyperspectral images. The signal‐to‐noise ratio of the spectrum was improved by savitzky‐golay mixed multiplication scatter correction (SG‐MSC) pretreatment. Feature wavelengths were extracted by using competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS), variable combination population analysis (VCPA) and bootstrapping soft shrinkage (BOSS), and support vector regression (SVR) model was established based on the feature spectrum and the original spectrum. By comparing, it was found that BOSS had the best effect of feature selection. In order to improve the accuracy of the model, equilibrium optimizer (EO) was used to optimise the parameters (c, g) of the BOSS‐SVR model. The results showed that BOSS‐EO‐SVR of the optimal prediction model of PNS, achieving and RMSEP of 0.95 and 0.32%, respectively. Therefore, hyperspectral imaging combined with BOSS‐EO‐SVR model is a feasible method to detect PNS.
Hypolipidemic effects of the fermented soymilk with a novel Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strain X7021 on mice via modulating lipid metabolism and gut microbiota
Authors: Jiang Chentian , Liu Yafan , Wang Yijia , Su Erzheng , Du Lei , Tang Ya‐Jie , Xie Jingli , Wei Dongzhi
Published: April 2022

The hypolipidemic effect of soymilk fermented by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum X7021, which is a novel strain isolated from the brine of stinky tofu, on high‐fat‐diet (HFD)‐induced hyperlipidemic mice was studied. The fermented soymilk could significantly inhibit 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) in vitro, and lower 23.8% total cholesterol, 45.5% triglyceride, and 15.4% low density lipoprotein cholesterol and increase 31.1% high density lipoprotein cholesterol in hyperlipidemic mice serum at the end of 4 w administration period. At the same time, the oxidative stress in hyperlipidemic mice was nearly alleviated to normal level. Furthermore, the bile salt hydrolase produced by the strain, the key enzymes, hormones and transcriptional regulators involved in hepatic lipids metabolism, faecal short chain fatty acids contents, and the abundance and diversity of gut microbiota in hyperlipidemic mice were analysed, verifying that the fermented soymilk ameliorated hyperlipidemia through the degradation of bile salts, modulating lipids metabolism and influencing gut microbiota. Consequently, this fermented soymilk is prospective in the functional food for the hypolipidemic application.
Neuroprotective effects on microglia and insights into the structure–activity relationship of an antioxidant peptide isolated from Pelophylax perezi
Authors: Plácido Alexandra , do Pais do Amaral Constança , Teixeira Cátia , Nogueira Ariane , Brango‐Vanegas José , Alves Barbosa Eder , C. Moreira Daniel , Silva‐Carvalho Amandda É. , da Silva Maria da Gloria , do Nascimento Dias Jhones , Albuquerque Patrícia , Saldanha‐Araújo Felipe , C. D. A. Lima Filipe , Batagin‐Neto Augusto , Kuckelhaus Selma , Bessa Lucinda J. , Freitas Jaime , Dotto Brand Guilherme , C. Santos Nuno , B. Relvas João , Gomes Paula , S. A. Leite José Roberto , Eaton Peter
Published: April 2022

Tryptophyllins constitute a heterogeneous group of peptides that are one of the first classes of peptides identified from amphibian’s skin secretions. Here, we report the structural characterization and antioxidant properties of a novel tryptophyllin‐like peptide, named PpT‐2, isolated from the Iberian green frog Pelophylax perezi. The skin secretion of P. perezi was obtained by electrical stimulation and fractionated using RP‐HPLC. De novo peptide sequencing was conducted using MALDI MS/MS. The primary structure of PpT‐2 (FPWLLS‐NH2) was confirmed by Edman degradation and subsequently investigated using in silico tools. PpT‐2 shared physicochemical properties with other well‐known antioxidants. To test PpT‐2 for antioxidant activity in vitro, the peptide was synthesized by solid phase and assessed in the chemical‐based ABTS and DPPH scavenging assays. Then, a flow cytometry experiment was conducted to assess PpT‐2 antioxidant activity in oxidatively challenged murine microglial cells. As predicted by the in silico analyses, PpT‐2 scavenged free radicals in vitro and suppressed the generation of reactive species in PMA‐stimulated BV‐2 microglia cells. We further explored possible bioactivities of PpT‐2 against prostate cancer cells and bacteria, against which the peptide exerted a moderate antiproliferative effect and negligible antimicrobial activity. The biocompatibility of PpT‐2 was evaluated in cytotoxicity assays and in vivo toxicity with Galleria mellonella. No toxicity was detected in cells treated with up to 512 µg/ml and in G. mellonella treated with up to 40 mg/kg PpT‐2. This novel peptide, PpT‐2, stands as a promising peptide with potential therapeutic and biotechnological applications, mainly for the treatment/prevention of neurodegenerative disorders.
Incidence and familial clustering of infantile haemangiomas: a multicentre study
Authors: Lin P.‐F. , Chen F.‐C. , Chen J.‐Y. , Hu L.‐H. , Xie W.‐J. , Liu T.‐Y. , Guo S.‐B. , Lin X.‐M. , Liu X.‐W. , Ye X.‐H. , Li M. , Jiang C.‐H.
Published: April 2022

Background

The exact incidence of infantile haemangiomas (IH) in the Chinese population is still unknown. A positive family history of IH was considered as a risk factor for the development of IH.

Objectives

This study aims to investigate the incidence of IH in the Chinese population and the mechanism of family history increases the risk for IH development.

Methods

A total of 2489 women and their newborns were enrolled in the prospective study. All newborns were followed up for 12 months to determine whether they developed IH. In addition, 213 IH probands and their 174 siblings were enrolled in the study. The incidence of IH in siblings of the IH probands was investigated. Information regarding risk factors for IH and demographic data were collected on all children.

Results

Of the 2572 newborns, 58 IH were identified in 56 (2.2%) newborns. The majority of IH were located on the trunk (46.6%). Siblings of the IH probands were at increased risk for the development of IH (P = 0.024, relative risk 2.451), and the occurrence of prenatal risk factors for IH(P = 0.003) compared with the general population.

Conclusions

Our study showed that the incidence of IH is 2.2% in the Chinese population. Siblings of the individuals with IH were at increased risk for the development of IH may be related to the family clustering of prenatal risk factors for IH. Further exploration of the mechanisms and common features of these prenatal risk factors may help to disclose the origin and pathogenesis of IH.
Reconceptualizing the Haitian Migration System in the Caribbean Basin: A Spatial Approach to Multi‐local Fields
Authors: Audebert Cédric
Published: April 2022

This article addresses the issue of Haitian migration in the Caribbean basin from a geodynamic point of view—that is to say, by focusing on the spatial dynamics of migratory flows that integrate societies of origin, settlement, and transit within the same framework. It approaches the geographies of Haitian mobility by situating the bilocal transnational migration field in the larger framework of the multilocal, global Haitian migration system. Transnational fields interconnect to weave a Caribbean system of migration and circulation. The observation of individuals’ mobility patterns in this diasporic system reveals the strategic role of regional hubs (Miami, St. Martin, etc.), in which Caribbean migration fields (those that connect Haiti to the rest of the region) and extra‐Caribbean mobility fields (i.e., intra‐US or transatlantic fields) are interconnected.
The tauopathies: Neuroimaging characteristics and emerging experimental therapies
Authors: Riley Kalen J. , Graner Brian D. , Veronesi Michael C.
Published: April 2022

The tauopathies are a heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative disorders in which the prevailing underlying disease process is intracellular deposition of abnormal misfolded tau protein. Diseases often categorized as tauopathies include progressive supranuclear palsy, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, corticobasal degeneration, and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Tauopathies can be classified through clinical assessment, imaging findings, histologic validation, or molecular biomarkers tied to the underlying disease mechanism. Many tauopathies vary in their clinical presentation and overlap substantially in presentation, making clinical diagnosis of a specific primary tauopathy difficult. Anatomic imaging findings are also rarely specific to a single tauopathy, and when present may not manifest until well after the point at which therapy may be most impactful. Molecular biomarkers hold the most promise for patient care and form a platform upon which emerging diagnostic and therapeutic applications could be developed. One of the most exciting developments utilizing these molecular biomarkers for assessment of tau deposition within the brain is tau‐PET imaging utilizing novel ligands that specifically target tau protein. This review will discuss the background, significance, and clinical presentation of each tauopathy with additional attention to the pathologic mechanisms at the protein level. The imaging characteristics will be outlined with select examples of emerging imaging techniques. Finally, current treatment options and emerging therapies will be discussed. This is by no means a comprehensive review of the literature but is instead intended for the practicing radiologist as an overview of a rapidly evolving topic.
Long‐term recurrence‐free survival and complications of percutaneous balloon compression and radiofrequency thermocoagulation of Gasserian ganglion for trigeminal neuralgia: A retrospective study of 1313 cases
Authors: Zheng Shuyue , Yuan Rong , Ni Jiaxiang , Liu Hongfu , Yang Yucheng , Zhang Shusheng , Li Juanhong
Published: April 2022

Objective

To estimate long‐term recurrence, complications after percutaneous balloon compression (PBC) and radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFT) of gasserian ganglion among a large sample of patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) during a long‐term follow‐up.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 1313 patients undergoing PBC or RFT for the treatment of TN was conducted from 2006 to 2020. Recurrence‐free survival (RFS) was assessed by the Kaplan–Meier method. Complications including facial numbness, corneal reflex decrease and masseter weakness were also estimated.

Results

For patients who received first initial PBC and RFT, the median RFS was 130.1 months (95% CI: 124.4, 135.9) and 123.3 months (95% CI: 117.6, 128.9) in PBC and RFT group with log‐rank p = 0.108. The RFS rate was, respectively, 90.6% (95% CI: 88.1%–93.3%) and 91.4% (95% CI: 89.1%–93.7%) at 1 year, 84.6% (95% CI: 81.4%–87.8%) and 83.3% (95% CI: 80.3%–86.3%) at 3 years, 81.5% (95% CI: 78.1%–85.0%), and 78.6% (95% CI: 75.2%–81.9%) at 5 years, 71.5% (95% CI: 67.5%–75.5%), and 64.8% (95% CI: 61.0%–68.7%) at 10 years in two groups. No significant difference was observed in facial numbness degree between two groups after procedure. Compared with PBC group, ophthalmic complication prevalence was higher in RFT group (9.6%) (p = 0.001). However, masseter weakness incidence was lower (10.7%) than that in PBC group (24.0%) with p < 0.001.

Conclusions

Patients with TN seemed to attain similar long‐term benefit from PBC and RFT, especially in elderly. However, in order to reduce postoperative complications, PBC provided a safer and alternative for treating TN involving ophthalmic division, whereas RFT could be employed as a preferred regimen for maxillary and mandibular TN.
Nitrate fertilization may delay autumn leaf senescence, while amino acid treatments do not
Authors: Fataftah Nazeer , Edlund Erik , Lihavainen Jenna , Bag Pushan , Björkén Lars , Näsholm Torgny , Jansson Stefan
Published: April 2022

Fertilization with nitrogen (N)‐rich compounds leads to increased growth but may compromise phenology and winter survival of trees in boreal regions. During autumn, N is remobilized from senescing leaves and stored in other parts of the tree to be used in the next growing season. However, the mechanism behind the N fertilization effect on winter survival is not well understood, and it is unclear how N levels or forms modulate autumn senescence. We performed fertilization experiments and showed that treating Populus saplings with inorganic nitrogen resulted in a delay in senescence. In addition, by using precise delivery of solutes into the xylem stream of Populus trees in their natural environment, we found that delay of autumn senescence was dependent on the form of N administered: inorganic N () delayed senescence, but amino acids (Arg, Glu, Gln, and Leu) did not. Metabolite profiling of leaves showed that the levels of tricarboxylic acids, arginine catabolites (ammonium, ornithine), glycine, glycine‐serine ratio and overall carbon‐to‐nitrogen (C/N) ratio were affected differently by the way of applying NO3− and Arg treatments. In addition, the onset of senescence did not coincide with soluble sugar accumulation in control trees or in any of the treatments. We propose that different regulation of C and N status through direct molecular signaling of NO3− and/or different allocation of N between tree parts depending on N forms could account for the contrasting effects of NO3− and tested here amino acids (Arg, Glu, Gln, and Leu) on autumn senescence.
A value of information framework for assessing the trade‐offs associated with uncertainty, duration, and cost of chemical toxicity testing
Authors: Hagiwara Shintaro , Paoli Greg M. , Price Paul S. , Gwinn Maureen R. , Guiseppi‐Elie Annette , Farrell Patrick J. , Hubbell Bryan J. , Krewski Daniel , Thomas Russell S.
Published: April 2022

A number of investigators have explored the use of value of information (VOI) analysis to evaluate alternative information collection procedures in diverse decision‐making contexts. This paper presents an analytic framework for determining the value of toxicity information used in risk‐based decision making. The framework is specifically designed to explore the trade‐offs between cost, timeliness, and uncertainty reduction associated with different toxicity‐testing methodologies. The use of the proposed framework is demonstrated by two illustrative applications which, although based on simplified assumptions, show the insights that can be obtained through the use of VOI analysis. Specifically, these results suggest that timeliness of information collection has a significant impact on estimates of the VOI of chemical toxicity tests, even in the presence of smaller reductions in uncertainty. The framework introduces the concept of the expected value of delayed sample information, as an extension to the usual expected value of sample information, to accommodate the reductions in value resulting from delayed decision making. Our analysis also suggests that lower cost and higher throughput testing also may be beneficial in terms of public health benefits by increasing the number of substances that can be evaluated within a given budget. When the relative value is expressed in terms of return‐on‐investment per testing strategy, the differences can be substantial.
Riemann problem for isentropic magnetogasdynamics in a variable cross‐section duct
Authors: Sheng Wancheng , Xiao Tao , Zhang Qinglong
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we mainly discuss the Riemann problem for conservation laws of isentropic magnetogasdynamics in a variable cross‐section duct. For any Riemann initial data, the existence of solution is obtained constructively in phase plane. The stability condition of stationary wave and the entropy rate admissibility criterion are postulated to guarantee the uniqueness of the Riemann solution. Our results can be applied to other conservation laws with similar geometric source terms without much difficulty. Moreover, the Riemann solutions have potential in the application to the design of numerical schemes in the future study.
New method of internal fixation in laparoscopic Tenckhoff catheter placement
Authors: Peng Jianwei , Lin Hanfei , Cai Chudan , Cai Cong , Yang Lihua , Peng Yanqiang , Wu Kefei
Published: April 2022

Background

Despite obvious advantages of peritoneal dialysis (PD), mechanical complications are responsible for the failure of PD at early stage. Suture fixation in laparoscopic PD catheter method could reduce mechanical complications. In our study, a simple method to fix PD catheter was developed.

Methods

Tenckhoff catheter placement was performed in 49 consecutive patients. In the technique, only two trocars were used. With the help of syringe needle and forceps, a loop of silk was prepared at the abdominal wall. The PD catheter was thread through the loop. The silk ligature was tied subcutaneously keeping the catheter suspended from the abdominal wall. Primary outcomes were catheter‐related complications. Secondary outcomes were 6‐month catheter survival rates and death within 30 days. Data were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

The average operation time was 49.7 ± 15.8 min. Minimum follow‐up time was 6 months. No catheter displacement or hernia was detected. One patient had omental wrapping after silk suture rupture, 2 patients had outflow obstruction, and 3 patients had leakage. No one died within 30 days postoperatively. Catheter survival was 95.8% at 6 months.

Conclusions

The method we described greatly reduced the risk of catheter displacement and omental wrap. Also, the required instrument and laparoscopic skill were simple.
The rise of Chengdu between geopolitics and geo‐economics: City‐regional development under the Belt and Road Initiative and beyond
Authors: Zhang Mengzhu , Wen Tianzuo
Published: April 2022

City‐regional development is a key lens to understand the interplay between geo‐economics and geopolitics (re)shaping multiscale geographic processes. We advance this thesis by foregrounding the state–finance–infrastructure nexus underpinning contemporary city‐regional development. We argue that unpacking this nexus is important for understanding how the co‐constitution of crisis‐driven state restructurings and state‐mediated geographic processes arises as a solution to pressing crises emerging from the current conjuncture. In this conjuncture, the financial sector and the city‐region are the focal points of state regulation for addressing multidimensional and multiscale crises. We substantiate this argument by tracing how and why the Chinese central state restructured the municipal financing policy to prompt the rapid transformation of Chengdu from a less‐developed city in Western China to an emerging gateway city on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) since the mid‐2010s. We contribute an inward and material approach to understanding the geostrategy by shifting the attention from the broad‐level abstraction of external geopolitical/geo‐economic goals to (1) the material processes in which the geostrategy unfolds through internal institutional restructurings and territorial reorganisation and (2) how the BRI‐related infrastructure projects are enacted for addressing social, political and economic requisites at the (sub)national scale.
Downregulation of aquaporin 3 in patients with pemphigus vulgaris
Authors: Mahmoud Sara Bahaa , Saleh Marwah Adly , Aziz Marina Alfy , Amer Marwa Ahmed
Published: April 2022

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune bullous skin disease. Aquaporin 3 (AQP3) is a glycerol/water channel involved in several physiological functions. Evaluation of the tissue expression and localization of AQP3 in the skin of PV patients. Twenty‐seven PV patients and 30 controls were included. The patients were subjected to history taking, clinical evaluation, Autoimmune Bullous Skin Disorder Intensity Score and 4‐mm punch biopsy. The biopsies were stained using anti‐human AQP3 antibody and the immunofluorescence pattern and intensity were evaluated using a scoring system and ImageJ software analysis. AQP3 was expressed in the basal epidermis in 27 (100%) and in the suprabasal epidermis in 19 PV patients (70.4%). It was expressed in all controls in basal and suprabasal layers. Intensity of AQP3 immunofluorescence was strong in 2 (7.4%), moderate in 19 (70.4%) and weak in 6 patients (22.2%) while it was strong in 18 (60%) and moderate in 12 controls (40%). AQP3 expression was significantly lower in patients than controls in the suprabasal epidermis (p = 0.001). Patients with extensive disease had significantly weaker AQP3 intensity than those with marked disease (p = 0.005) Downregulation of AQP3 in patients with PV, especially in the suprabasal layers and in extensive clinical disease, suggests a potential role of AQP3 in the pathogenesis of PV.
Presence and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Escherichia coli, Enterococcusspp. and Salmonellasp. in 12 species of Australian shorebirds and terns
Authors: Smith Hannah G. , Bean David C. , Clarke Rohan H. , Loyn Richard , Larkins Jo‐Ann , Hassell Chris , Greenhill Andrew R.
Published: April 2022

Antibiotic resistance is an ongoing threat to both human and animal health. Migratory birds are a potential vector for the spread of novel pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes. To date, there has been no comprehensive study investigating the presence of antibiotic resistance (AMR) in the bacteria of Australian shorebirds or terns. In the current study, 1022 individual birds representing 12 species were sampled across three states of Australia (Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia) and tested for the presence of phenotypically resistant strains of three bacteria with potential to be zoonotic pathogens; Escherichia coli, Enterococcusspp., and Salmonellasp. In total, 206 E. coli, 266 Enterococcusspp., and 20 Salmonellasp. isolates were recovered, with AMR detected in 42% of E. coli, 85% of Enterococcusspp., and 10% of Salmonellasp. Phenotypic resistance was commonly detected to erythromycin (79% of Enterococcusspp.), ciprofloxacin (31% of Enterococcusspp.) and streptomycin (21% of E. coli). Resident birds were more likely to carry AMR bacteria than migratory birds (p ≤ .001). Bacteria isolated from shorebirds and terns are commonly resistant to at least one antibiotic, suggesting that wild bird populations serve as a potential reservoir and vector for AMR bacteria. However, globally emerging phenotypes of multidrug‐resistant bacteria were not detected in Australian shorebirds. This study provides baseline data of the carriage of AMR bacteria in Australian shorebirds and terns.
Non-invasive Glucometer using Acetone Gas Sensor for Low Income Earners’ Diabetes Monitoring
Authors: Ajibola Taiye Mary , Ibitoye Morufu Olusola , Ahmed Yusuf Kola , Jimoh Zainab Gbemisola
Published: April 2022

A glucometer is an important device used to monitor blood glucose level of diabetes patients to prevent degenerated health conditions. The conventional glucometers are characterized by piercing of the sample site for patients’ testing. The invasive nature of these glucometers is painful to the patients and some patients are also scared at the sight of blood. To promote glucometer acceptance among patients, it is important to develop a non-invasive glucometer using acetone gas sensor with “exhaled breath” collected non-invasively as the sample for the glucometer. After the device development, exhaled breath sample of twenty subjects with age range of 20 to 55 years from a University were taken using the developed acetone sensor device. Prior to the exhaled breath sample collection, the blood glucose levels of the volunteered subjects were also determined using the conventional and proprietary invasive clinical method. To infer whether there is significant different between the mean of the results obtained from the conventional and the exhaled breath method, a t-test was carried out on the results and P values of 0.9860 and 0.9306 were obtained for fasting blood sugar and random blood sugar respectively, indicating no significant differences in the results obtained from the developed device when compared with the proprietary device. Hence, non-invasive glucometer using acetone gas sensor can be used to promote inexpensive personalized diabetes monitoring without inflicting pain on the patients. Promotion of this device could also reduce the expenses incurred on lancet and test strips, thus, making it suitable for low income earners.
Optimal Sitting and Sizing of Distributed Generators using Pareto-Based Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization for Improving Power System Operation
Authors: Abd Khalid Saifulnizam , Arumugam Meenuja Arumugam , Shareef Hussain Shareef
Published: April 2022

Utilization of distributed generation (DG) in the distribution network has become trending ever since it has been introduced with proven benefits. DG plays a significant role in improving the quality and quantity as well as the efficiency of the power transmission and distribution system. By allowing smaller generating units to operate in parallel with the main grid, a continuous reliable power supply with lower power loss and higher power output can be achieved. However, improper placement and inappropriate sizing of DG leads to a moderate level performance in terms of power loss and voltage profile. Limited studies have been conducted on mitigating these problems in order to maximize the benefits from DG’s application. To solve this problem, a research is proposed which mainly aims in determining the location and size of DG as well as improving the voltage profile and efficiency of the distribution system significantly. A metaheuristic algorithm called Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization (MOPSO) method is used to simultaneously determine the optimal size and location of DG. To assist the proposed method, Pareto analysis is incorporated to handle conflicting objectives. This method is then tested on the IEEE 14-bus and 33-bus distribution systems under two different conditions which is before and after optimization. The percentage of power loss reduction is calculated and the voltage profile is drawn to compare the output of both conditions. Evaluations from the tests have proven that by using the Pareto-Based MOPSO method, the most optimal size and location of DG in producing an improved voltage profile with lower power loss is identified.
Performance Analysis of Digital Video Broadcasting - Second Generation Terrestrial (DVB-T2) Propagation for Fixed Reception in The Central Region of Malaysia
Authors: Mansor Ahmad Fesol , Mohd Ali Darmawaty , Yusuf Yusmardiah
Published: April 2022

Due to the increasing demand of services and content, Quality of Service (QoS) has become an important aspect in digital broadcasting industry especially with the implementation of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) in Malaysia. Thus, the performance of DVB-T2 in Malaysia should be investigated because there are areas which are not in the coverage due to variety of terrain, where some areas received weak DVB-T2 signals. Apart from geological and topographic factors in Malaysia, the selection of DVB-T2 parameters is also an important factor in determining signal strength and coverage This research has proposed to study the performance analysis of DVB-T2 propagation for fixed reception in Malaysia's central region. The Field Strength Measurement (FSM) was set up to evaluate the QoS of DVB-T2 signal such as Field Strength (E), Modulation Error Ratio (MER), and Carrier to Noise Ratio (C/N) at specific test points across Malaysia's central region. The FSM was simulated at the designated test points using CHIRplus_BC software to evaluate the performance of Single Frequency Network (SFN) at three locations of transmitter. The DVB-T2 Modulation and Forward Error Correction (FEC) code rate parameters were simulated in order to evaluate the improvement in terms of coverage area. It can be concluded that the coverage of DTT is reduced with the increase in the distance of the measurement area to the transmitter. The finding also shows that the field strength value obtained from FSM and simulation was comparable. Furthermore, from the simulation results. it can be perceived that the coverage area across the central region of Malaysia could be improved by optimizing the modulation and FEC code rate. However, there is a trade-off between the signal coverage and channel capacity. The greater the signal coverage the less the channel capacity.
Sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium handling in unbranched, immediately post‐necrotic fast‐twitch mdx fibres is similar to wild‐type littermates
Authors: Chan Stephen , Kueh Sindy L. L. , Morley John W. , Head Stewart I.
Published: April 2022

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

What are the early effects of dystrophin deficiency on sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ handling in the mdx mouse?

What is the main finding and its importance?

In the mdx mouse, Ca2+ handling by the sarcoplasmic reticulum is little affected by the absence of dystrophin when looking at fibres without branches that have recently regenerated after massive myonecrosis. This has important implications for our understanding of Ca2+ pathology in the mdx mouse.

There is a variety of results in the literature regarding the effects of dystrophin deficiency on the Ca2+ handling properties of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in the mdx mouse, an animal model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. One possible source of variation is the presence of branched fibres. Fibre branching, a consequence of degenerative–regenerative processes such as muscular dystrophy, has in itself a significant influence on the function of the SR. In this study, we attempted to detect early effects of dystrophin deficiency on SR Ca2+ handling by using unbranched fibres from the immediate post‐necrotic stage in mdx mice (recently regenerated after massive necrosis). Using kinetically corrected fura‐2 fluorescence signals measured during twitch and tetanus, we analysed the amplitude, rise time and decay time of Δ[Ca2+]i in unfatigued and fatigued fibres. Decay was also resolved into SR pump and SR leak components. Fibres from mdx mice were similar in all respects to fibres from wild‐type littermates apart from: (1) a smaller amplitude of the initial spike of Δ[Ca2+]i during a tetanus; and (2) a mitigation of the fall in Δ[Ca2+]i amplitude during the course of fatigue. Our findings suggest that the early effects of a loss of dystrophin on SR Ca2+ handling in mdx mice are subtle, and we emphasize the importance of distinguishing between Ca2+ pathology that is attributable to lack of dystrophin and Ca2+ pathology that is attributable to muscle degeneration.
Multi-Objective Optimization of Lobed Enclosure for Wind Turbine Applications Using Gray Relation Analysis
Authors: Ramayee L. , Supradeepan K. , Sreejith S. , Priyadarshini Amrita
Published: April 2022

Lobed mixer wind turbines have the lobed mixer added around the turbine, enhancing the wind power compared to conventional wind turbines. This article aims to design a bare lobed mixer that satisfies the multi-objectives of maximizing average throat (where the turbine blades are fixed) velocity uavg and minimizing drag coefficient Cd. The objectives are set considering that a bare enclosure with a higher uavg will produce higher power output when the turbine is included. Numerical simulations were performed to understand the flow characteristics of the non-lobed and lobed enclosure using ansys fluent. The lobed mixer angle was varied using a one factor at a time (OFAT) approach, and the angle with the highest uavg/Cd was found. Then, by fixing the lobed mixer angle, multi-objective gray relation analysis (GRA) was used to optimize the lobed mixer’s three geometrical parameters, such as the number of lobes, lobe width, and lobe height simultaneously. The GRA results show that lobe height is the most significant parameter affecting throat velocity and drag coefficient, and the optimum combination which fulfills both objectives were found. The most significant lobe height was further analyzed to improve uavg using the OFAT approach. Then in the optimized enclosure, the plug/center body was included at the axis, and the performance of two different plug geometries was compared. NACA 0024 was found to be better plug cross section. Thus, the proposed design of lobed enclosure helps to enhance the average velocity as 1.76 times the freestream velocity and reduce the drag coefficient by 5.43% than the case without lobes. Hence lobed mixer is a better option to use as an enclosure, especially to reduce the drag forces.
First-Passage Problem in Random Vibrations With Radial Basis Function Neural Networks
Authors: Wang Xi , Jiang Jun , Hong Ling , Sun Jian-Qiao
Published: April 2022

The first-passage time probability plays an important role in the reliability assessment of dynamic systems in random vibrations. To find the solution of the first-passage time probability is a challenging task. The analytical solution to this problem is not available even for linear dynamic systems. For nonlinear and multi-degree-of-freedom systems, it is even more challenging. This paper proposes a radial basis function neural networks method for solving the first-passage time probability problem of linear, nonlinear, and multi-degree-of-freedom dynamic systems. In this paper, the proposed method is applied to solve for the backward Kolmogorov equation subject to boundary conditions defined by the safe domain. A null-space solution strategy is proposed to deal with the boundary condition. Several examples including a two degrees-of-freedom nonlinear Duffing system are studied with the proposed method. The results are compared with Monte Carlo simulations. It is believed that the radial basis function neural networks method provides a new and effective tool for the reliability assessment and design of multi-degree-of-freedom nonlinear stochastic dynamic systems.
Effects of Physical Activity Timing and Intensity on the Occurrence and Risk of Nocturnal Hypoglycemia in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Potter Rebecca L. , Moore Erin M. , Lopez Rebecca M.
Published: April 2022

Clinical Scenario: Athletic trainers should be aware of how physical activity may influence the risk of nocturnal hypoglycemia in adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Clinical Question: Does the timing and intensity of physical activity affect the occurrence and risk of nocturnal hypoglycemia in adolescents with T1D? Results of the Search: Four studies meeting the inclusion criteria were found and included in the appraisal. Three studies were prospective observational cohorts, and one was a randomized case-crossover study. Clinical Bottom Line: Adolescents with T1D may be at greater risk of nocturnal hypoglycemia after performing 30–60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity during the late afternoon or evening. Implications: Athletic trainers should educate adolescents with T1D and their parents about the risk of nocturnal hypoglycemia after MVPA, and work in collaboration with the diabetes care physician to ensure prevention techniques are included in the patient'’s diabetes care plan. Level of Evidence: Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy Grade B.