bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A panel of three serum microRNA can be used as potential diagnostic biomarkers for nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Li Rongkang , Lu Chong , Yang Weiqiang , Zhou Yaqi , Zhong Jiatao , Chen Xuan , Li Xinji , Huang Guocheng , Peng Xiqi , Liu Kaihao , Zhang Chunduo , Hu Hongyi , Lai Yongqing
Published: January 2022

Background

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is cancer with unique epidemiological characteristics, showing obvious ethnicity, gender, and geographical prevalence. More and more evidence shows that microRNAs are stable in serum and are specific to different tumor types. Therefore, miRNA is a new non‐invasive biomarker for cancer detection.

Methods

The experiment is divided into three stages, namely, the screening stage, the training stage, and the verification stage. We took 54 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma and 108 healthy controls as the research objects. We use the receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the ROC curve (AUC) to evaluate the diagnostic value of miRNA. Finally, a three‐miRNA panel with high diagnostic efficiency was constructed. In addition, we conducted biological information analysis of these miRNAs to explore their functions.

Results

In NPC patients, the expression of five serum miRNAs (miR‐29c‐3p, miR‐143‐5p, miR‐150‐5p, miR‐145‐3p, and miR‐205‐5p) is significantly dysregulated. Among them, the diagnostic value of these three miRNAs (miR‐29c‐3p, AUC = 0.702; miR‐143‐5p, AUC = 0.733; and miR‐205‐5p, AUC = 787) is more prominent. The diagnostic panel constructed by them has a higher diagnostic value (AUC = 0.902). Through the analysis of the TCGA data set, the target gene of the three‐miRNA panel may be KLF7, NRG1, SH3BGRL2, and SYNPO2.

Conclusion

The three‐miRNA panel (miR‐29c‐3p, miR‐143‐5p, and miR‐205‐5p) may become a novel non‐invasive biological marker for nasopharyngeal cancer screening.
Primary skeletal muscle cells from chronic kidney disease patients retain hallmarks of cachexia in vitro
Authors: Baker Luke A. , O'Sullivan Thomas F. , Robinson Katherine A. , Graham‐Brown Matthew P.M. , Major Rupert W. , Ashford Robert U. , Smith Alice C. , Philp Andrew , Watson Emma L.
Published: January 2022

Background

Skeletal muscle wasting and dysfunction are common characteristics noted in people who suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD). The mechanisms by which this occurs are complex, and although progress has been made, the key underpinning mechanisms are not yet fully elucidated. With work to date primarily conducted in nephrectomy‐based animal models, translational capacity to our patient population has been challenging. This could be overcome if rationale developing work could be conducted in human based models with greater translational capacity. This could be achieved using cells derived from patient biopsies, if they retain phenotypic traits noted in vivo.

Methods

Here, we performed a systematic characterization of CKD derived muscle cells (CKD; n = 10; age: 54.40 ± 15.53 years; eGFR: 22.25 ± 13.22 ml/min/1.73 m2) in comparison with matched controls (CON; n = 10; age: 58.66 ± 14.74 years; eGFR: 85.81 ± 8.09 ml/min/1.73 m2 ). Harvested human derived muscle cells (HDMCs) were taken through proliferative and differentiation phases and investigated in the context of myogenic progression, inflammation, protein synthesis, and protein breakdown. Follow up investigations exposed HDMC myotubes from each donor type to 0, 0.4, and 100 nM of IGF‐1 in order to investigate any differences in anabolic resistance.

Results

Harvested human derived muscle cells isolated from CKD patients displayed higher rates of protein degradation (P = 0.044) alongside elevated expression of both TRIM63 (2.28‐fold higher, P = 0.054) and fbox32 (6.4‐fold higher, P < 0.001) in comparison with CONs. No differences were noted in rates of protein synthesis under basal conditions (P > 0.05); however, CKD derived cells displayed a significant degree of anabolic resistance in response to IGF‐1 stimulation (both doses) in comparison with matched CONs (0.4 nm: P < 0.001; 100 nM: P < 0.001).

Conclusions

In summary, we report for the first time that HDMCs isolated from people suffering from CKD display key hallmarks of the well documented in vivo phenotype. Not only do these findings provide further mechanistic insight into CKD specific cachexia, but they also demonstrate this is a reliable and suitable model in which to perform targeted experiments to begin to develop novel therapeutic strategies targeting the CKD associated decline in skeletal muscle mass and function.
HIV prevention: better choice for better coverage
Authors: Bekker Linda‐Gail , Pike Carey , Hillier Sharon L.
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Antiretroviral‐based pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is today an established, effective and safe method of HIV prevention used in multiple countries worldwide by a broad range of populations at risk of HIV infection. Biomedical innovations are critical in supporting the primary prevention of HIV; however, their potential can only be maximized if end‐user challenges are recognized, described and used to develop next‐generation models.

Discussion

First‐generation PrEP, a daily oral pill, is highly efficacious, discreet and affords users the ability to commence and conclude treatment rapidly. However, consistent daily adherence and persistence is challenging, especially among younger populations, due in part to side effects, the risk of stock‐outs and a lack of pill storage options. Second‐generation PrEP, longer acting agents that require less frequent dosing, could overcome such challenges. Agents that have shown efficacy in clinical trials include a monthly vaginal ring and PrEP injectables to be administered every 8 weeks, while products in development include 6 monthly injectables, oral therapy that uses monthly rather than daily pills, implants and the potential for long‐acting passive immunization.

Conclusions

Second‐generation PrEP agents will have the potential to offer improved adherence and less frequent reminders once they have undergone further development and the delivery systems that will best support them have been established. In order to pursue global UNAIDS targets of reducing new HIV infections to fewer than 500,000 annually by 2025, and to ensure that all people have access to prevention options that meet their specific prevention needs, both early and next‐generation PrEP options are needed.
BRIDGE THE GAP IN WORKPLACE RELATIONSHIPS
Authors: Edwards Jennifer , McCleary Katie
Published: January 2022

The authors “explore a foundational skill and tool in our curriculum: the ability to “show up clean” using psychological flexibility and distance, along with the power of naming a negative “Inner Narrator” who threatens relationships.” They note that many people feel disconnected in the workplace, a problem that threatens crucial working relationships. They state that “research shows that people don't quit because of pay, but rather because of how they are treated by the people they work alongside.” They reference a 2015 Virgin Pulse survey, which found that “nearly 40% of people said that their co‐workers were the top reason that they loved working for a particular company, and 66% of those relationships positively impact their focus and productivity.” The article draws on an example of one particular executive, , Francisco, to illustrate key points. Describing the work of the authors’ firm, they “equip working professionals with tangible skills on how to show up clean and curious so that they can work effectively with a diverse spectrum of people. Our framework offers easy‐to‐use and memorable tools that help people increase their self‐awareness by understanding how their biology, psychology, lived experiences, default behaviors, and communication styles intersect and impact their relationships and conversations.”
Information security investment and purchase decision for personalized products
Authors: Xu Lu , Li Yanhui , Yao Qi
Published: January 2022

Considering information security and personalization paradoxes, this paper investigates the optimal information security investments of a firm and purchasing decisions of consumers with different privacy concerns in online personalization. It is found that consumers and firm tend to fall into a prisoner's dilemma in Nash equilibrium. To improve security investment efficiency and boost personalization consumption, firm‐led Stackelberg game and firm‐led Stackelberg game with punishment mechanism are proposed and analyzed. The results indicate that the security information measures firm take in advance can effectively increase the waverers' willingness to purchase personalized products. Government punishment helps to facilitate a win‐win situation but does not work when proportion of wavers in the market is very small. Furthermore, the responses of equilibrium strategies and payoffs to related characteristics are discussed numerically. Finally, some managerial insights are recommended to firms who provide personalized products for making proper security investment and to government departments for formulating security punishment policies.
An efficient interpolating wavelet collocation scheme for quasi‐exactly solvable Sturm–Liouville problems in ℝ+
Authors: Singh Debabrata , Saha M. K. , Banik Sayan , Mohan Panja Madan
Published: January 2022

This investigation is an attempt to obtain a highly accurate approximation of the spectrum of Sturm–Liouville problems in
by representing the unknown solution of the model in the interpolating wavelet basis of
. To accomplish the goal, the domain
has been stretched to
to avoid the additional care of the elements in the basis containing boundary point 0. In addition, such transformation may judiciously be utilized to eliminate (up to quadratic) the singularity of the equation. The equation in the new variable has been subsequently transformed into a generalized matrix eigenvalue problem by approximating the new (unknown) function in an appropriate (truncated) basis comprising interpolating scale functions generated by scale functions in Daubechies family. The (interpolating wavelet‐collocation) scheme developed here has been applied to some solvable and quasi‐exactly solvable Sturm–Liouville problems in
appearing in quantum mechanical modeling in flat and curved spaces. It is observed that the approximation of eigenfunctions in the (compact support) interpolating wavelet basis obtained by using the collocation method can be reliably used to reveal a hidden spectrum of quasi‐exactly solvable Sturm–Liouville problems in
with high accuracy.
Optimism for the New Year and Our 60th Anniversary
Authors: Atwood Stephen P.
Published: January 2022

Welcome to 2022 and the start of our 60th anniversary celebrations for the Society for Information Display! Yes, that's right, SID turns 60 this year. Our Society was formed in September 1962 by a small group of visionary people at the University of California in Los Angeles.
Automotive Augmented Reality: User Experience and Enabling Technology
Authors: Chang Kai‐Han , Seder Thomas
Published: January 2022

AR HUD systems offer compelling benefits to drivers because of improvements in situational awareness and an increase in comfort with autonomous systems.
How New Applications in Automotive Exterior Lighting Will Illuminate the Future of Driving
Authors: Nguyen Richard , Peiler Kimberly , Kizak Ulrich
Published: January 2022

The digitization of information combined with advances in LED technology, driver modules, and optical materials for automotive exterior lighting has launched many exciting applications.
Levofloxacin prophylaxis for pediatric leukemia patients: Longitudinal follow‐up for impact on health care‐associated infections
Authors: Davis Andrea , Stevens Alexandra M. , Brackett Julienne , Marquez Lucila , Foster Catherine E. , Sauer Hannah E. , Campbell Judith R.
Published: January 2022

Background

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) cause morbidity and mortality in pediatric patients with leukemia. Antibiotic prophylaxis during periods of chemotherapy‐induced neutropenia may reduce the incidence of BSIs.

Procedure

A levofloxacin prophylaxis guideline was implemented for pediatric patients with acute myeloid leukemia and relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia. We conducted a retrospective cohort study over 4 years (2 years pre and 2 years post implementation) of the practice guideline to assess the impact on central line‐associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) and BSI events. Secondary outcomes included incidence of Clostridioides difficile‐associated diarrhea, bacteremia due to multidrug‐resistant organisms (MDRO), and bacteremia due to levofloxacin nonsusceptible organisms. STATA was used for data analysis.

Results

Sixty‐three and 72 patients met inclusion criteria for the pre‐ and postimplementation cohorts, respectively. Demographics were similar between the groups. We observed 60 BSI events in the pre‐group versus 49 events in the post‐group (p = .1). Bacteremia due to Gram‐negative rods (risk ratio [RR] 0.37 [0.21, 0.66], p < .001) and National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) CLABSIs (RR 0.62 [0.44, 0.89], p = .01) were significantly reduced in the postimplementation group. The incidences of C. difficile‐associated diarrhea and MDRO bacteremia were similar between groups. However, we observed an increase in the incidence of BSI due to Gram‐negative rods that were nonsusceptible to levofloxacin (RR 3.38 [0.72, 6.65], p < .001).

Conclusion

Following implementation of a levofloxacin prophylaxis guideline, we observed a significant decrease in BSIs due to Gram‐negative rods and NHSN CLABSIs. Vigilant monitoring of outcomes post guideline implementation is critical to track emergence of resistant organisms.
Success rates for US and Canadian anticancer drug development efforts in pediatric oncology
Authors: Oliviero Elisabeth , Kourkopoulos Georgiana , Kimmelman Jonathan
Published: January 2022

Background

Approximately 5% of adult cancer interventions put into clinical testing attain regulatory approval. Little is known about corresponding rates for pediatric cancer.

Methods

Our primary outcomes were the proportion of interventions graduating to the next trial phase, randomized trials, and/or clinical practice. We created a saturation sample of clinical trials by searching ClinicalTrials.gov for all pediatric anticancer trials in the United States or Canada. Trial characteristics were extracted automatically from ClinicalTrials.gov records, and cancer indication/drug class categorization, biomarker enrichment, and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval status at time of recruitment were double‐extracted from each record. Regulatory approval status and labeling modifications for each intervention were determined by searching Drugs@FDA and the New Pediatric Labeling Information Database.

Results

Five hundred eighty‐nine pediatric trials launched between 1987 and 2019 were captured. The overall probability of graduation was 17.0%; 18.9% of interventions graduated from phase 1 to phase 2 trials, and 1.6% of interventions graduated from phase 2 to phase 3 trials. The proportion of interventions advancing from phase 1 to FDA approval was 3.6%, and 1.9% of interventions tested in phase 1 advanced to a randomized phase 2 trial. Only biomarker enrichment was significantly predictive of graduation from phase 1 to phase 2 trials (p = .011).

Conclusion

The proportion of interventions advancing from phase 1 testing to FDA approval was similar to estimates for adult oncology. Our findings highlight the challenges for current paradigms of pediatric anticancer drug development.
Ultrasound of pneumothorax in neonates: Diagnostic value of the anterior transverse plane and of mirrored ribs
Authors: Montero‐Gato Jon , Rodeño‐Fernández Lorena , Serna‐Guerediaga Iker , Aguirre‐Unceta‐Barrenechea Ana , Aguirre‐Conde Ainhoa , Perez‐Legorburu Alberto
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Point‐of‐care lung ultrasound is increasingly used to diagnose pneumothorax efficiently and safely in neonates.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of the central and anterior transverse thoracic plane in the ultrasound diagnosis of pneumothorax, analyze the diagnostic value of the “mirrored ribs” sign, and evaluate the predictive value of the lung point location for the need of pleural drainage.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of all newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of the Basurto University Hospital (Bilbao, Spain) due to respiratory distress and with ultrasound, with or without pneumothorax, between January 2014 and December 2020.

Results

The presence of A‐lines behind the sternum in the anterior transverse plane in newborns with pneumothorax (N = 311) and controls (N = 195) was compared. A‐lines were present in 98.9% of newborns with pneumothorax compared to none in the controls (p < .0001). Diagnosis of pneumothorax with the anterior transverse plane presented high interobserver reproducibility (κ = 0.92, 95% confidence interval: 0.84–1.00). In contrast, the “mirrored ribs” sign in the anterior longitudinal plane was observed in 35.6% of patients with pneumothorax and in 36.9% of controls (p = .1505). A significant association was observed between lung point location and the need for pleural drainage (p < .0001).

Conclusions

A‐lines in the anterior transverse plane is a simple ultrasound sign which presents high sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility for the diagnosis of pneumothorax. The mirrored ribs sign showed low diagnostic utility. Patients with severe pneumothorax in lung ultrasound are most likely to require thoracic drainage.
Conservation systems influence on soil properties in pumpkin production
Authors: Davis Cathryn J. , Presley DeAnn R. , Rivard Cary L. , Griffin Jason J. , Tomlinson Peter J.
Published: January 2022

Vegetable crop production typically involves smaller land areas than agronomic production but relies heavily on intensive cultivation of soil to prepare the seedbed for planting and to manage weeds. Over time, extensive tillage can have negative effects on soil structure and microbial properties because soil is more prone to erosion when aggregation is reduced, and aggregates provide necessary habitat for a healthy microbial community. This 3‐yr study compared two types of systems: One was an intensively tilled control where no cover crops were planted, and the other type of system included cover crops and only one tillage event per year. For this study, no‐till is defined as the pumpkin cash crop no‐till planted into terminated cover crop residue. Treatments were a control (no‐cover crop, and tilled ≥ twice annually); plus seven conservation treatments including either fall‐planted or spring‐planted cover crops. Infiltration, bulk density, wet aggregate stability, microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) were determined. The main soil physical property that was affected by cover crops was an improvement in soil aggregation for the conservation systems, while lesser effects were observed for water infiltration and bulk density. While these changes did not occur immediately, soil aggregation showed differences between conservation treatments compared with the conventional control. Therefore, we conclude that the use of less tillage and a cover crop in a conservation system is generally beneficial as compared with a conventional system. This study illustrates the potential for improving some soil health parameters in as little as 2 yr.
Comparing the accuracy of screening tests with verification of disease status restricted to test positives
Authors: Wang Lu , Zhou Xiao‐Hua
Published: January 2022

As a fundamental component of health care, disease screening is of highly importance. Oftentimes, two screening tests for a specific disease are compared in order to determine an optimal screening policy, for example, the digital rectal examination (DRE) and serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) level for screening prostate cancer. Ideally, if a gold standard test is given to each individual being screened to establish their true disease status, the difference in accuracy measures between two tests can be evaluated. In practice, however, it is common that only individuals who test positive on at least one screening test are to receive gold standard tests, which are often invasive and cannot be applied to those with negative results on both tests due to ethical reasons. Under such circumstances, estimates of the differences in accuracy measures between two tests cannot be determined, thus the inference problem within this framework is challenging. In this article, using sensitivity and specificity as measures of test accuracy, we show that their difference between two tests is interval‐identified, as bounded by estimable sharp bounds. Here, we develop the asymptotic normality for the estimators of the bounds and construct confidence intervals for the difference by utilizing the method for solving inference problem for partially identified parameters. The performance of constructed confidence intervals for the difference and their sharp bounds are evaluated via simulation studies. We also apply the proposed method to the prostate cancer example to compare the accuracy of DRE and PSA.
Causal effect random forest of interaction trees for learning individualized treatment regimes with multiple treatments in observational studies
Authors: Li Luo , Levine Richard A. , Fan Juanjuan
Published: January 2022

Individuals may respond to treatments with significant heterogeneity. To optimize the treatment effect, it is necessary to recommend treatments based on individual characteristics. Existing methods in the literature for learning individualized treatment regimes are usually designed for randomized studies with binary treatments. In this study, we propose an algorithm to extend random forest of interaction trees (Su et al., 2009) to accommodate multiple treatments. By integrating the generalized propensity score into the interaction tree growing process, the proposed method can handle both randomized and observational study data with multiple treatments. The performance of the proposed method, relative to existing approaches in the literature, is evaluated through simulation studies. The proposed method is applied to an assessment of multiple voluntary educational programmes at a large public university.
Bone‐Conducted Speech Synthesis Based on Least Squares Method
Authors: Zhang Shiming , Sugiura Yosuke , Shimamura Tetsuya
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we present a methodology to synthesize bone‐conduced (BC) speech. Without relying on commonly used techniques for speech synthesis, we consider to transform air‐conducted (AC) speech into BC speech. An infinite impulse response (IIR) filter is explored for the transformation. From the concept of system identification, the least squares (LS) method is employed and the IIR filter is designed through the recorded AC and BC speech data. By experiments, it is shown that the BC speech synthesis method is satisfactory. Filter model, order selection and stability in the methodology are discussed and noise‐robustness gained by the BC speech synthesis is also investigated. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Surgical decompression of a paraspinal abscess in a 4‐month‐old lamb—Providing perioperative anaesthesia and analgesia within the remits of UK legislation for food‐producing animals
Authors: Dagnall Clare , Fadda Angela , Adams James , Macfarlane Paul
Published: January 2022

This report describes the perioperative anaesthesia and analgesia management of a 4‐month‐old lamb undergoing surgical decompression of a paraspinal abscess while adhering to the drug‐prescribing cascade. This is a legal requirement covered under UK prescribing regulations. Premedication with 2 μg/kg detomidine and 0.1 mg/kg butorphanol preceded induction, with 6 mg/kg ketamine administered to effect. General anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane in 100% oxygen, 1 μg/kg/h detomidine and 10 μg/kg/min ketamine. Additional analgesia was provided with 10 mg/kg paracetamol, 0.5 mg/kg meloxicam and infiltration of 10 mg lidocaine. Postoperative analgesia was achieved with ketamine 5 μg/kg/min IV, butorphanol 0.1 mg/kg IV q6h, 0.5 mg/kg meloxicam IV q24h and 10 mg/kg paracetamol IV q8h. A withdrawal period of 28 days for meat/offal and 15 days for milk was recommended. Neurological improvement was observed, and the lamb was discharged at 7 days.
Dynamic problems for elastic bodies with double voids
Authors: Tsagareli Ivane
Published: January 2022

In this paper, in a general formulation, we solve the initial‐boundary value problems of dynamics for an isotropic elastic body with a double voids. Using the Laplace transform, these problems are reduced to pseudo‐oscillation boundary value problems the solutions of which are represented explicitly as absolutely and uniformly converging series. It is proved that inverse transforms yield solutions of the initial dynamic problems. The uniqueness of regular solutions of the considered problems is investigated.
On Uncertainties of Laser Interferometric Absolute Ballistic Gravimeters Due to Magnetic Effects in the Free-Fall Gravity Measurements
Authors: Vitushkin L. F. , Gidaspov D. D. , Karpeshin F. F. , Orlov O. A. , Khasiev I. S. , Sheremet V. I.
Published: January 2022

At present, the uncertainty in measurements of free fall acceleration (FFA) by the designed absolute ballistic gravimeter (ABG), developed in VNIIM, attains microgal values (1 Gal = 1 cm/s2). At such a high level of accuracy, the effects of the interaction of a test body (TB) falling in the vacuum chamber of the ABG in the geomagnetic field could comprise sources of systematic errors. Furthermore, individual units and systems of the ABG itself also can be sources of the magnetic field (MF). We report about more rigorous calculations of the possible effects than those performed in the past. A consecutive self-consistent method of calculation of the desired correction to the FFA has been developed. It results in the differential equation, including not only the field itself, but also its vertical first and second derivatives and variation of the velocity along the trajectory. The desired correction is obtained by its numerical solution on the basis of the parameters of the field generated by the magnet of the stepper motor. The derived correction proved to be at the level of a tenth part of microgal.
The Role of Non-tidal Atmospheric Loading in the Task of Gravity Field Estimation by Inter-Satellite Measurements
Authors: Skakun I. O. , Mitrikas V. V. , Ianishevskii V. V.
Published: January 2022

The paper reviews models of tidal and non-tidal variations of the Earth's gravitational field. Proposing an algorithm for the estimation of the Stokes coefficients based on inter-satellite measurements of low-orbit spacecrafts. By processing measurements of the GRACE mission, we obtained experimental estimates of gravity field monthly variations. The analysis of these values was carried out by calculating the change in the equivalent water height for a given area.
Time Variations of the Vertical Component in Some of Japanese GEONET GNSS Sites
Authors: Shimada S. , Aichi M. , Harada T. , Tokunaga T.
Published: January 2022

We analyze the vertical component of GEONET GNSS measurements in Central Japan and clarify in some of the sites the origin of large annual time variations, as well as the secular variations. Many of these vertical movements may be attributable to the use of groundwater for agriculture, for snow melting, industrial, and hospital usages, etc. and the pumping up of the groundwater mining for refining natural gas and iodine at the production area of natural gas dissolved in water. For this reason, highly accurate monitoring of vertical variations by GNSS observations can provide new observation methods for understanding of not only geodynamics but also hydrology through monitoring groundwater fluctuation, and natural gas and oil resource development through monitoring ground movements caused by mining.
Common Features Between Stroke Following Varicella in Children and Stroke Following Herpes Zoster in Adults
Authors: Grose Charles , Shaban Amir , Fullerton Heather J.
Published: January 2022

The cerebral arteries are innervated by afferent fibers from the trigeminal ganglia. Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) frequently resides in the trigeminal ganglion. Reports of arterial ischemic stroke due to VZV cerebral vasculopathy in adults after herpes zoster have been described for decades. Reports of arterial ischemic stroke due to post-varicella cerebral arteriopathy in children have also been described for decades. One rationale for this review has been post-licensure studies that have shown an apparent protective effect from stroke in both adults who have received live zoster vaccine and children who have received live varicella vaccine. In this review, we define common features between stroke following varicella in children and stroke following herpes zoster in adults. The trigeminal ganglion and to a lesser extent the superior cervical ganglion are central to the stroke pathogenesis pathway because afferent fibers from these two ganglia provide the circuitry by which the virus can travel to the anterior and posterior circulations of the brain. Based on studies in pseudorabies virus (PRV) models, it is likely that VZV is carried to the cerebral arteries on a kinesin motor via gE, gI and the homolog of PRV US9. The gE product is an essential VZV protein.
Provable properties of asymptotic safety in f(R) approximation
Authors: Mitchell Alex , Morris Tim R. , Stulga Dalius
Published: January 2022

Abstract

We study an f(R) approximation to asymptotic safety, using a family of non-adaptive cutoffs, kept general to test for universality. Matching solutions on the four-dimensional sphere and hyperboloid, we prove properties of any such global fixed point solution and its eigenoperators. For this family of cutoffs, the scaling dimension at large n of the nth eigenoperator, is λn ∝ b n ln n. The coefficient b is non-universal, a consequence of the single-metric approximation. The large R limit is universal on the hyperboloid, but not on the sphere where cutoff dependence results from certain zero modes. For right-sign conformal mode cutoff, the fixed points form at most a discrete set. The eigenoperator spectrum is quantised. They are square integrable under the Sturm-Liouville weight. For wrong sign cutoff, the fixed points form a continuum, and so do the eigenoperators unless we impose square-integrability. If we do this, we get a discrete tower of operators, infinitely many of which are relevant. These are f(R) analogues of novel operators in the conformal sector which were used recently to furnish an alternative quantisation of gravity.
Searching for physics beyond the Standard Model in an off-axis DUNE near detector
Authors: Breitbach Moritz , Buonocore Luca , Frugiuele Claudia , Kopp Joachim , Mittnacht Lukas
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Next generation neutrino oscillation experiments like DUNE and T2HK are multi-purpose observatories, with a rich physics program beyond oscillation measurements. A special role is played by their near detector facilities, which are particularly well-suited to search for weakly coupled dark sector particles produced in the primary target. In this paper, we demonstrate this by estimating the sensitivity of the DUNE near detectors to the scattering of sub-GeV DM particles and to the decay of sub-GeV sterile neutrinos (“heavy neutral leptons”). We discuss in particular the importance of the DUNE-PRISM design, which allows some of the near detectors to be moved away from the beam axis. At such off-axis locations, the signal-to-background ratio improves for many new physics searches. We find that this leads to a dramatic boost in the sensitivity to boosted DM particles interacting mainly with hadrons, while for boosted DM interacting with leptons, data taken on-axis leads to marginally stronger exclusion limits. Searches for heavy neutral leptons perform equally well in both configurations.
Higher order RG flow on the Wilson line in $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 SYM
Authors: Beccaria M. , Giombi S. , Tseytlin A. A.
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Extending earlier work, we find the two-loop term in the beta-function for the scalar coupling ζ in a generalized Wilson loop operator of the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 SYM theory, working in the planar weak-coupling expansion. The beta-function for ζ has fixed points at ζ = ±1 and ζ = 0, corresponding respectively to the supersymmetric Wilson-Maldacena loop and to the standard Wilson loop without scalar coupling. As a consequence of our result for the beta-function, we obtain a prediction for the two-loop term in the anomalous dimension of the scalar field inserted on the standard Wilson loop. We also find a subset of higher-loop contributions (with highest powers of ζ at each order in ‘t Hooft coupling λ) coming from the scalar ladder graphs determining the corresponding terms in the five-loop beta-function. We discuss the related structure of the circular Wilson loop expectation value commenting, in particular, on consistency with a 1d defect version of the F-theorem. We also compute (to two loops in the planar ladder model approximation) the two-point correlators of scalars inserted on the Wilson line.
Comparison of efficacy and safety between simultaneous integrated boost intensity-modulated radiotherapy and standard-dose intensity-modulated radiotherapy in locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a retrospective study
Authors: Lan Wang , Lihong Liu , Chun Han , Shutang Liu , Qi Wang , Liang Xu , Xiaoning Li , Likun Liu
Published: January 2022

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of simultaneous integrated boost intensity-modulated radiotherapy (SIB-IMRT) versus standard-dose intensity-modulated radiotherapy (SD-IMRT) in the treatment of locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods

From July 2003 to March 2014, 1748 patients in a single center who received definitive chemoradiotherapy were included in the analysis. A total of 109 patients who underwent SIB-IMRT and fulfilled all inclusion and exclusion criteria were identified as the study group. A total of 266 patients who underwent SD-IMRT (60 Gy/30 fractions, 2 Gy/fraction, 1 time/day, 5 times/week) during the same period were selected as the control group. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance the baseline characteristics. Survival status, treatment failure mode, and the occurrence of adverse events were compared between the two groups.

Results

There were more women and more cervical and upper thoracic cancers (P = 0.038, < 0.001, respectively) in the SIB-IMRT group before case matching. The median progression-free survival (PFS) in the SD-IMRT and SIB-IMRT groups was 22 and 19 months, respectively, and the median overall survival duration was 24 and 22 months, respectively, with χ2 = 0.244 and P = 0.621. After PSM of 1:1, 138 patients entered the final analysis (69 cases from each group). The median PFS of the SD-IMRT group and the SIB-IMRT group was 13 and 18 months, respectively, with χ2 = 8.776 and P = 0.003. The 1‑, 3‑, and 5‑year overall survival rates were 66.7, 21.7, and 8.7% and 65.2, 36.2, and 27.3%, respectively, and the median overall survival duration was 16 and 22 months, respectively, with χ2 = 5.362 and P = 0.021. Treatment failure mode: 5‑year local regional recurrence rates of SD-IMRT and SIB-IMRT were 50.7 and 36.2%, respectively, with χ2 = 2.949 and P = 0.086. The 5‑year distant metastasis rates of the two groups were 36.2 and 24.6%, respectively, with χ2 = 2.190 and P = 0.139. Adverse events: 3 patients experienced grade 4–5 toxicity (2.2%), including one case of grade 4 radiation esophagitis and two cases of grade 5 radiation pneumonitis, all in the SD-IMRT group; 14 patients experienced grade 3 adverse events (10.1%), primarily including radiation esophagitis, radiation pneumonitis, and hematological toxicity.

Conclusion

The technique of SIB-IMRT was safe and reliable compared with SD-IMRT. In addition, SIB-IMRT had locoregional control advantages and potential survival benefits.
Integrated sustainability policy assessment – an agent-based ecological-economic model
Authors: Geisendorf Sylvie , Klippert Christian
Published: January 2022

The paper proposes an agent-based evolutionary ecological-economic model that captures the link between the economy and the ecosystem in a more inclusive way than standard economic optimization models do. We argue that an evolutionary approach is required to understand the integrated dynamics of both systems, i.e. micro–macro feedbacks. In the paper, we illustrate that claim by analyzing the non-triviality of finding a sustainability policy mix as a use case for such a coupled system. The model has three characteristics distinguishing it from traditional environmental and resource economic models: (1) it implements a multi-dimensional link between the economic and the ecological system, considering side effects of production, and thus combines the analyses of environmental and resource economics; (2) following literature from biology, it uses a discrete time approach for the biological resource allowing for the whole range of stability regimes instead of artificially stabilizing the system, and (3) it links this resource system to an evolving, agent-based economy (on the basis of a Nelson-Winter model) with bounded rational decision makers instead of the standard optimization model. The policy case illustrates the relevance of the proposed integrated assessment as it delivers some surprising results on the effects of combined and consecutively introduced policies that would go unnoticed in standard models.
CEST MRI provides amide/amine surrogate biomarkers for treatment-naïve glioma sub-typing
Authors: Mancini Laura , Casagranda Stefano , Gautier Guillaume , Peter Philippe , Lopez Bruno , Thorne Lewis , McEvoy Andrew , Miserocchi Anna , Samandouras George , Kitchen Neil , Brandner Sebastian , De Vita Enrico , Torrealdea Francisco , Rega Marilena , Schmitt Benjamin , Liebig Patrick , Sanverdi Eser , Golay Xavier , Bisdas Sotirios
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Accurate glioma classification affects patient management and is challenging on non- or low-enhancing gliomas. This study investigated the clinical value of different chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) metrics for glioma classification and assessed the diagnostic effect of the presence of abundant fluid in glioma subpopulations.

Methods

Forty-five treatment-naïve glioma patients with known isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation and 1p/19q codeletion status received CEST MRI (B1rms = 2μT, Tsat = 3.5 s) at 3 T. Magnetization transfer ratio asymmetry and CEST metrics (amides: offset range 3–4 ppm, amines: 1.5–2.5 ppm, amide/amine ratio) were calculated with two models: ‘asymmetry-based’ (AB) and ‘fluid-suppressed’ (FS). The presence of T2/FLAIR mismatch was noted.

Results

IDH-wild type had higher amide/amine ratio than IDH-mutant_1p/19qcodel (p < 0.022). Amide/amine ratio and amine levels differentiated IDH-wild type from IDH-mutant (p < 0.0045) and from IDH-mutant_1p/19qret (p < 0.021). IDH-mutant_1p/19qret had higher amides and amines than IDH-mutant_1p/19qcodel (p < 0.035). IDH-mutant_1p/19qret with AB/FS mismatch had higher amines than IDH-mutant_1p/19qret without AB/FS mismatch ( < 0.016). In IDH-mutant_1p/19qret, the presence of AB/FS mismatch was closely related to the presence of T2/FLAIR mismatch (p = 0.014).

Conclusions

CEST-derived biomarkers for amides, amines, and their ratio can help with histomolecular staging in gliomas without intense contrast enhancement. T2/FLAIR mismatch is reflected in the presence of AB/FS CEST mismatch. The AB/FS CEST mismatch identifies glioma subgroups that may have prognostic and clinical relevance.
Comparison of delirium detection tools in acute care
Authors: Brefka Simone , Eschweiler Gerhard Wilhelm , Dallmeier Dhayana , Denkinger Michael , Leinert Christoph
Published: January 2022

Background

Delirium is a frequent psychopathological syndrome in geriatric patients. It is sometimes the only symptom of acute illness and bears a high risk for complications. Therefore, feasible assessments are needed for delirium detection.

Objective and methods

Rapid review of available delirium assessments based on a current Medline search and cross-reference check with a special focus on those implemented in acute care hospital settings.

Results

A total of 75 delirium detection tools were identified. Many focused on inattention as well as acute onset and/or fluctuating course of cognitive changes as key features for delirium. A range of assessments are based on the confusion assessment method (CAM) that has been adapted for various clinical settings. The need for a collateral history, time resources and staff training are major challenges in delirium assessment. Latest tests address these through a two-step approach, such as the ultrabrief (UB) CAM or by optional assessment of temporal aspects of cognitive changes (4 As test, 4AT). Most delirium screening assessments are validated for patient interviews, some are suitable for monitoring delirium symptoms over time or diagnosing delirium based on collateral history only.

Conclusion

Besides the CAM the 4AT has become well-established in acute care because of its good psychometric properties and practicability. There are several other instruments extending and improving the possibilities of delirium detection in different clinical settings.
“Are you safe to talk?”: Perspectives of Service Providers on Experiences of Domestic Violence During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Leigh Jenny K. , Peña Lita Danielle , Anurudran Ashri , Pai Anant
Published: January 2022

This study aimed to better understand the factors driving reported trends in domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the effect of the pandemic on survivors’ experiences of violence and ability to seek support. We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 32 DV service providers operating in organizations across 24 U.S. cities. The majority of providers described a decrease in contact volume when shelter-in-place orders were first established, which they attributed to safety concerns, competing survival priorities, and miscommunication about what resources were available. For most organizations, this decrease was followed by an increase in contacts after the lifting of shelter-in-place orders, often surpassing typical contact counts from the pre-pandemic period. Providers identified survivors’ ability to return to some aspects of their pre-pandemic lives, increased stress levels, and increased lethality of cases as key factors driving this increase. In addition, providers described several unique challenges faced by DV survivors during the pandemic, such as the use of the virus as an additional tool for control by abusers and an exacerbated lack of social support. These findings provide insight into the lived experiences driving observed trends in DV rates during COVID-19. Understanding the impact of the pandemic on survivors can help to shape public health and policy interventions to better support this vulnerable population during future crises.
Liebe, Sex und Anders-sein
Authors: Duttweiler Stefanie
Published: January 2022

Die Gesprächspartnerin Sandra Schäfer ‚lebt‘ die theoretische Prämisse, „dass Kinder und Jugendliche ‚ihre‘ Erwachsenen ‚verwenden‘ können müssen, ohne befürchten zu müssen, dass die Erwachsenen ihren Verführungskünsten erliegen oder sich erschreckt abwenden“ (Winterhager-Schmid 2000, zitiert nach Dörr 2019, S. 135). Sie zeigt, wie sehr das Ent-Schamen auf Selbstreflexion, aber auch auf ein umsichtiges Begleiten Anderer angewesen ist: sei es die Jugendarbeiterin, die den Jugendlichen hilft, ihre Gefühle zu verstehen und einen produktiven Umgang damit zu finden, sei es der Praktikumsanleiter, der ohne Angst oder moralische Verurteilung den Prozess der Nähe-Distanz-Regulierung mit der Praktikantin diskutiert, oder sei es die (queere) Community von Gleichgesinnten, in der Scham obsolet und in der Offenheit möglich wird.
Tackling erosion-accumulation events in a moat sequence from a unique Ottoman memorial place (Szigetvár, SW Hungary) using 14C and geoarcheological data
Authors: Gulyás Sándor , Torma Andrea , Pap Norbert , Fodor Pál , Kitanics Máté , Gyenizse Péter , Molnár Mihály , Sümegi Pál
Published: January 2022

One of the most influential rulers of the sixteenth century, Sultan Suleyman I, passed away and was buried temporarily near the fortress of Szigetvár in SW Hungary in 1566. Later, a memorial place was erected on the site in the second half of the sixteenth century. The complex was surrounded by a palisade system and a moat on its northern side. The site was fully destroyed in 1692, and the exact location vanished with time. Recent investigations of historical sources complemented by geophysical, archeological, and geoarcheological investigations managed to identify the location of the site, and probe corings revealed the moat system. This study presents the results of complex chronological, sedimentological, and geochemical investigations done on the sediments accumulated in the moat. Based on geoarcheological data, two major changes could have been noted in the nature of the deposit marking erosion and transportation of soil from the banks of the moat. Elevated concentrations of Fe and K, and high MS values mark the effects of fire on the deposit and accumulation of flue ash. A rise in heavy metals in these horizons is attributable to anthropogenic sources related to the destruction of the site. Chronological data comes from dateable artifacts reposited and 14C dates of charred cereal seeds. A Bayesian age model built using 14C ages constrained by written historical data on site use helped us to determine the age of moat construction and the referred erosion-accumulation events. The older event was dated around 1670, which is in line with historical records of the first siege of Szigetvár. The second event postdates 1684 and thus must correspond to the time of the site’s final siege and later destruction.
The Cyanotoxin 2,4-DAB Reduces Viability and Causes Behavioral and Molecular Dysfunctions Associated with Neurodegeneration in Larval Zebrafish
Authors: Martin Rubia M. , Bereman Michael S. , Marsden Kurt C.
Published: January 2022

Exposure to cyanotoxins has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease. While the cyanotoxin β-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) has received much attention, cyanobacteria produce many cyanotoxic compounds, several of which have been detected in nature alongside BMAA, including 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (2,4-DAB) and N-(2-aminoethyl)glycine (AEG). Thus, the question of whether 2,4-DAB and AEG also cause neurotoxic effects in vivo is of great interest, as is the question of whether they interact to enhance toxicity. Here, we evaluate the toxic and neurotoxic effects of these cyanotoxins alone or in combination by measuring zebrafish larval viability and behavior after exposure. 2,4-DAB was the most potent cyanotoxin as it decreased larval viability by approximately 50% at 6 days post fertilization, while BMAA and AEG decreased viability by just 16% and 8%, respectively. Although we only observed minor neurotoxic effects on spontaneous locomotion, BMAA and AEG enhanced acoustic startle sensitivity, and they interacted in an additive manner to exert their effects. 2,4-DAB; however, only modulated startle kinematics, an indication of motor dysfunction. To investigate the mechanisms of 2,4-DAB’s effects, we analyzed the protein profile of larval zebrafish exposed to 500 µM 2,4-DAB at two time points and identified molecular signatures consistent with neurodegeneration, including disruption of metabolic pathways and downregulation of the ALS-associated genes SOD1 and UBQLN4. Together, our data demonstrate that BMAA and its isomers AEG and 2,4-DAB cause neurotoxic effects in vivo, with 2,4-DAB as the most potent of the three in the zebrafish model.