bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the vitamin D status of children: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Li Tiewei , Li Xiaojuan , Chen Nan , Yang Jianli , Yang Junmei , Bi Lijun
Published: December 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), as well as its prevention and control measures, seriously affected people's livehood, which may have affected the body's level of vitamin D (VD). This study aimed to investigate the effect of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the VD status of children in Zhengzhou, China. In this study, we included 12 272 children in 2019 (before the COVID‐19 pandemic) and 16 495 children in 2020 (during the COVID‐19 pandemic) to examine the changes in VD levels and deficiency rates among children before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Total VD levels in 2020 were significantly higher than those in 2019 (26.56 [18.15, 41.40] vs. 25.98 [17.92, 40.09] ng/ml, p  < 0.001). Further analysis revealed that during the COVID‐19 pandemic control period in 2020, the VD levels in February, March, and April were lower than those in the same months of 2019, while the VD deficiency rates were significantly higher. Additionally, our data revealed that VD levels decreased significantly with age. Among children older than 6 years, the VD deficiency rate exceeded 50%. These results indicate that we should pay close attention to VD supplementation during the COVID‐19 pandemic control period and in children older than 6 years of age.
A comparison of seasonal rainfall forecasts over Central America using dynamic and hybrid approaches from Copernicus Climate Change Service seasonal forecasting system and the North American Multimodel Ensemble
Authors: Kowal Katherine M. , Slater Louise J. , García López Alan , Van Loon Anne F.
Published: December 2022

Seasonal rainfall forecasts provide information several months ahead to support decision making. These forecasts may use dynamic, statistical, or hybrid approaches, but their comparative value is not well understood over Central America. This study conducts a regional evaluation of seasonal rainfall forecasts focusing on two of the leading dynamic climate ensembles: the Copernicus Climate Change Service seasonal forecasting system (C3S) and the North American Multimodel Ensemble (NMME). We compare the multimodel ensemble mean and individual model predictions of seasonal rainfall over key wet season periods in Central America to better understand their relative forecast skill at the seasonal scale. Three types of rainfall forecasts are compared: direct dynamic rainfall predictions from the C3S and NMME ensembles, a statistical approach using the lagged observed sea surface temperature (SST), and an indirect hybrid approach, driving a statistical model with dynamic ensemble SST predictions. Results show that C3S and NMME exhibit similar regional variability with strong performance in the northern Pacific part of Central America and weaker skill primarily in eastern Nicaragua. In the northern Pacific part of the region, the models have high skill across the wet season. Indirect forecasts can outperform the direct rainfall forecasts in specific cases where the direct forecasts have lower predictive power (e.g., eastern Nicaragua during the early wet season). The indirect skill generally reflects the strength of SST associations with rainfall. The indirect forecasts based on Tropical North Atlantic SSTs are best in the early wet season and the indirect forecasts based on Niño3.4 SSTs are best in the late wet season when each SST zone has a stronger association with rainfall. Statistical predictions are competitive with the indirect and direct forecasts in multiple cases, especially in the late wet season, demonstrating how a variety of forecasting approaches can enhance seasonal forecasting.
Long‐term changes in the frequency of exceptionally cold and warm months in Europe (1831–2020)
Authors: Skrzyńska Magdalena , Twardosz Robert
Published: December 2022

The onset of periods with very high or low air temperatures has aroused general interest for a long time, which is understandable since it has many dangerous effects directly affecting humans. Such perilous climatic phenomena include exceptionally cold and exceptionally warm months, which this study investigates for all Europe and for its five physico‐geographic regions over the 190‐year period of 1831–2020. Therefore, the research in this paper includes two periods characteristic of the history of climate – the late Little Ice Age (LIA) and present‐day warming. The studies are based on average monthly air temperature values from 40 weather stations in Europe. In this paper, exceptionally cold months (ECMs) or exceptionally warm months (EWMs) are considered to have occurred when the average air temperature at a station differed from the respective long‐term average by at least two standard deviations. The highlights of the study include the identification of a drop in the number of ECMs by 20 over the entire 190‐year period, and a highly statistically significant increase in EWMs by 44 between 1980 and 2020. These changes proceeded with different intensities from one physico‐geographic region of Europe to another.
The double‐ITCZ problem in CMIP6 and the influences of deep convection and model resolution
Authors: Ma Xinyu , Zhao Shuyun , Zhang Hua , Wang Wuke
Published: December 2022

The double Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) bias is an outstanding bias in many climate models. This work assesses the annual‐mean double‐ITCZ problem in the models participating in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) based on several quantitative indices. Within the 46 CMIP6 models, 9 models from mainland China are evaluated as a group to verify the effort of model development from one perspective. The double‐ITCZ bias and its large intermodel spread still exist in CMIP6 models. The overall performance of the models from Chinese mainland is similar with all CMIP6 models. It is found that the top‐five models with relatively low double‐ITCZ biases can effectively restrain the frequency of deep convection and related sea surface temperature (SST) bias in the southeastern Pacific dry subsidence region, which highlights the necessity of improving convective physics in climate models. Impacts of model resolution on the double‐ITCZ problem are examined by comparing the high‐ and low‐resolution groups in CMIP6 and High Resolution Model Intercomparison Project (HighResMIP) historical experiments, respectively. Increased resolution in atmospheric models is found to be able to reduce the positive precipitation bias over the tropical southern Atlantic and improve the simulation of deep convection frequency and convective precipitation ratio there. However, the double‐ITCZ bias over the Pacific is not improved significantly by increased resolution.
The preparation of soy glycinin/sugar beet pectin complex network gels catalyzed by laccase under weakly acidic conditions
Authors: Wu Liang , Hu Jing , Nie Peng , Yin Qi , Shao Dongliang , Wang Chuyan , Luo Shuizhong , Zhao Yanyan , Zhong Xiyang , Zheng Zhi
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND

Traditional soy protein gel products such as tofu, formed from calcium sulfate or magnesium chloride, have poor textural properties and water retention capacity. Soy glycinin (SG) is the main component affecting the gelation of soy protein and can be cross‐linked with polysaccharides, such as sugar beet pectin (SBP), and can be modified by changing system factors (e.g., pH) to improve the gel's properties. Soy glycinin/sugar beet pectin (SG/SBP) complex double network gels were prepared under weakly acidic conditions using laccase cross‐linking and heat treatment. The structural changes in SG and the properties of complex gels were investigated.

RESULTS

Soy glycinin exposed more hydrophobic groups and free sulfhydryl groups at pH 5.0. Under the action of laccase cross‐linking, SBP could promote the unfolding of SG tertiary structures. The SG/SBP complex gels contained 46.77% β‐fold content and had good gelling properties in terms of hardness 290.86 g, adhesiveness 26.87, and springiness 96.70 mm at pH 5.0. The T22 relaxation time had the highest peak, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed that the gel had even water distribution. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal scanning laser microscopy (CLSM) indicated that the SG/SBP complex network structure was uniform, and the pore walls were thicker and contained filamentous structures.

CONCLUSION

Soy glycinin/ sugar beet pectin complex network gels have good water‐holding, rheological, and textural properties at pH 5.0. The properties of soy protein gels can be improved by binding to polysaccharides, with laccase cross‐linked, and adjusting the pH of the solution. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Therapeutic effect of Lactobacillus plantarum JS19 on mice with dextran sulfate sodium induced acute and chronic ulcerative colitis
Authors: Ren Rong , Zhao Ai‐Qing , Chen Li , Wu Shan , Hung Wei‐Lun , Wang Bini
Published: December 2022

Background

Ulcerative colitis is associated with intestinal inflammation and dysbiosis. Previous studies have shown that probiotics are potential agents for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Jiang‐shui is a traditional fermented vegetable that is rich in lactic acid bacteria (LABs), but the preventive effect of LABs in jiang‐shui on IBD is not yet fully understood.

Results

We isolated 38 LAB strains from jiang‐shui, and Lactobacillus plantarum JS19 exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity among them. Our data indicate that oral administration of L. plantarum JS19 significantly inhibited body weight loss, colon shortening and damage, and reduced the disease activity index score in the mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‐induced colitis. In addition, L. plantarum JS19 also alleviated inflammatory responses and oxidative stress through reducing lipid peroxidation, tumor necrosis factor‐α expression, and myeloperoxidase activity and enhancing the antioxidant enzyme activity. Importantly, L. plantarum JS19 significantly rebalanced DSS‐induced dysbiosis of gut microbiota.

Conclusion

L. plantarum JS19 may be used as a potential probiotic to prevent IBD, particularly ulcerative colitis. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effects of vegetation restoration on soil organic carbon in the Loess Plateau: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhao Qianzhuo , Shi Peng , Li Peng , Li Zhanbin , Min Zhiqiang , Sun Jingmei , Cui Lingzhou , Niu Hongbo , Zu Pengju , Cao Manhong
Published: December 2022

Vegetation restoration is one of the most effective ways to increase soil organic carbon (SOC). After the implementation of vegetation restoration policies such as the Grain‐for‐Green Program, which has increased regional vegetation coverage. However, the impact of land use, vegetation types, restoration time, and topographic and meteorological factors on SOC remains unclear. Therefore, this study examined the effect of vegetation restoration on SOC in the Loess Plateau through a meta‐analysis of 520 sample data collected from 60 research papers. The results showed that vegetation restoration in the Loess Plateau significantly increased SOC by 29.40%. Restoration time was the most important factor affecting the SOC after revegetation. Land use type was an important factor that influenced SOC; the most significant impact on SOC was found when the previous land use type was abandoned land and the current land use type was woodland. Different vegetation types resulted in different SOC as follows: Fagaceae > Salicaceae > Pinaceae > Leguminosae. Broad‐leaved forests had significantly higher SOC than that of coniferous forests. Non‐nitrogen‐fixing plants increased SOC significantly compared to nitrogen‐fixing plants. SOC decreased in 0–5 years after vegetation restoration, and then increased with the increase of restoration years. Especially, the soil carbon sequestration effect of vegetation has been significantly improved after 10 years of restoration.
Drainage‐induced browning causes both loss and change of benthic biodiversity in headwater streams
Authors: Brüsecke Joanna , Muotka Timo , Huttunen Kaisa‐Leena , Litjo Sanni , Lepo Wille‐Pekka , Jyväsjärvi Jussi
Published: December 2022

Concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) have increased over the past few decades, causing freshwater browning. Impacts of browning on biodiversity have been little studied, despite many of the individual stressors associated with browning being known to control freshwater communities. We explored the responses of benthic invertebrates along a wide gradient of DOC concentrations (3.6–27 mg L−1) in 63 boreal streams variously impacted by peatland drainage or peat production. DOC was a prime determinant of macroinvertebrate diversity and abundance, with the strongest negative response in algal scrapers. Threshold indicator taxa analysis indicated an abrupt community change at 12–13 mg DOC L−1, with only four taxa increasing, while 13 taxa decreased along the gradient. Our findings of both a gradual loss and abrupt change of biodiversity along a browning gradient provide a benchmark against which changes to stream biodiversity relative to the predicted browning trend can be gauged.
Morphologic and molecular biologic analyses of the skin rejuvenation effect of the fractional 1064‐nm picosecond laser: An animal study
Authors: Lim Sung Ha , Seo Hee Seok , Lee Young Bin , Kang Hyun , Hong Seung Phil
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Application of the picosecond laser in the field of dermatology has expanded from tattoo removal to skin rejuvenation on a clinical basis. Although various mechanisms of pigment removal have been elucidated, the molecular changes associated with skin rejuvenation have yet to be identified. The aim of this study was to explore the theoretical basis and to evaluate the efficacy of skin rejuvenation using a 1064‐nm fractional picosecond laser in a mouse model.

Methods

We conducted an in vivo study using a fractional picosecond laser on the skin of old and young female hairless mice and performed topographical, histological, micro‐, and electron microscopic assessments.

Results

The topography of the skin surface was enhanced and showed increased dermal thickness on histological examination. Electron microscopy revealed disarranged collagen bundles with microspaces and vascular leakage in the upper dermis. Levels of collagen synthesis markers and various inflammatory cytokines, such as procollagens, interleukin‐1β, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and heat shock proteins, were elevated in the laser‐treated skin.

Conclusions

This study provides a possible mechanism for the skin rejuvenation effect of fractional picosecond laser that has been reported previously in clinical observations. Based on our findings, the fractional picosecond laser could be widely applied in clinical settings where dermal regeneration and promotion of skin rejuvenation is required.
Stem cell‐derived exosomes in the treatment of melasma and its percutaneous penetration
Authors: Wang Ting , Gao Hangqi , Wang Dezhi , Zhang Chaoyu , Hu Kailun , Zhang Haoruo , Lin Jian , Chen Xiaosong
Published: December 2022

Background and Objectives

Melasma is a refractory skin disease due to its complex pathogenesis and difficult treatment. Studies have found that human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell‐derived exosomes (hUCMSC‐Exos) could serve as a novel cell‐free therapeutic strategy in regenerative and esthetic medicine. It could potentially treat melasma, but the skin barrier is a challenge. In this study, we aim to explore the safety and efficacy of hUCMSC‐Exos in the treatment of melasma and the means to promote its percutaneous penetration.

Materials and Methods

In the animal study about the effect of penetration, percutaneous penetration of PKH67‐labeled hUCMSC‐Exos was studied under microneedles, 1565 nm nonablative fractional laser (NAFL), and a plasma named Peninsula Blue Aurora Shumin Master (PBASM) treatments, observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. In the clinical application study, 60 patients with melasma treated in our department were divided into four groups. NAFL combined with normal saline treatment was used for Group A. Microneedles, NAFL, and PBASM combined with hUCMSC‐Exos treatments were used for Groups B, C, and D, respectively. Each patient received four treatments at 1‐month intervals. Assessments were done using the degree of pain posttreatment, melasma area and severity score, improvement rate, physician global assessment score, satisfaction, and complications.

Results

In the animal study about the effect of penetration, hUCMSC‐Exos can penetrate the deep dermis under microneedles, NAFL, and PBASM treatments. In the clinical application study, compared with Group A, Groups B, C, and D showed significantly improved therapeutic effect and patient satisfaction (p < 0.05), and there was no significant difference among Groups B, C, and D.(p > 0.05). Patients in Group B reported higher pain levels than those in the other three groups (p < 0.05); the treatment experience of patients in Group D was better.

Conclusion

hUCMSC‐Exos can improve the symptoms of melasma safely and effectively. Compared with microneedles, NAFL and PBASM can also achieve a good effect toward promoting penetration. These findings are worthy of exploration and clinical application.
Government subsidies of new energy vehicle industry and enterprise innovation: Moderating role of chief executive officers' technical background
Authors: Huang Shuang , Nahm Abraham Y. , Song Zengji
Published: December 2022

The development of new energy vehicles has become an important means by which China can continue to grow as a major automobile manufacturing powerhouse while joining the worldwide effort to tackle climate change. This paper uses Chinese‐listed new energy vehicle companies during 2015–2019 as the research sample and examines the impact of government subsidies on enterprise innovation, with the technical background of CEOs as an important moderating factor. We also analyze the extent of this moderating role within different institutional environments and corporate ownership structures. The results show that government subsidies can encourage new energy vehicle enterprises to increase innovation investment, and CEOs' technical backgrounds can strengthen this relationship. Compared with regions with better institutional environments, the moderating effect of CEOs' technical backgrounds is more obvious in regions with poor institutional environments, and when compared with state‐owned enterprises, the effect is more obvious in the private sector. We propose a list of government and internal enterprise policies that would make use of the insights gained from our research results.
Diagnosis and Outcomes of Late‐Onset Wilson's Disease: A National Registry‐Based Study
Authors: Nilles Christelle , Obadia Mickael Alexandre , Sobesky Rodolphe , Dumortier Jérôme , Guillaud Olivier , Laurencin Chloé , Moreau Caroline , Vanlemmens Claire , Ory‐Magne Fabienne , de Ledinghen Victor , Bardou‐Jacquet Edouard , Fluchère Frederique , Collet Corinne , Oussedik‐Djebrani Nouzha , Woimant France , Poujois Aurélia
Published: December 2022

Background

Wilson's disease (WD) is usually diagnosed in children and young adults; limited data exist on late‐onset forms.

Objective

The aim was to characterize the clinical and paraclinical presentations, therapeutic management, and outcomes in patients with late‐onset WD.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with WD after age 40 years were identified from the French Wilson's Disease Registry (FWDR). Clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings and treatment were reported at diagnosis and last follow‐up.

Results

Forty‐five patients were identified (median age: 49, range: 40–64) and placed in three groups according to their clinical presentation: neurological (n = 20, median diagnostic delay: 20 months), hepatic (n = 13, diagnostic delay: 12 months), and family screening (n = 12), all confirmed genetically. Six neurological patients had an atypical presentation (1 torticollis, 2 writer's cramps, 2 functional movement disorders, and 1 isolated dysarthria), without T2/fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) hyperintensities; 5 of 6 had no Kayser–Fleischer ring (KFR); 5 of 6 had liver involvement. In the neurological group, 84% of patients improved clinically, and 1 developed copper deficiency. In the hepatic group, 77% had cirrhosis; 6 patients required liver transplantation. In the screened group, 43% had mild liver involvement; 3 were not treated and remained stable; 24‐h urinary copper excretion was normal in 33% of patients at diagnosis.

Conclusions

In the FWDR, late‐onset forms of WD affect 8% of patients, mostly with neurological presentations. Thirty percent of the neurological forms were atypical (isolated long‐lasting symptoms, inconspicuous brain MRI, no KFR). With personalized treatment, prognosis was good. This study emphasized that WD should be suspected at any age and even in cases of atypical presentation. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Critical points and stability analysis in MHD radiative non‐Newtonian nanoliquid transport phenomena with artificial neural network prediction
Authors: Rana Puneet , Bhardwaj Anuj , Makkar Vinita , Pop Ioan , Gupta Gaurav
Published: December 2022

In the present framework, flow and thermal transport behavior of non‐Newtonian viscoelastic fluid induced by stretching/shrinking of the horizontal sheet under the influence of Lorentz force, volumetric heat source/sink, and radiation (assuming optically thick medium) has been investigated. Multiple solutions (Branches) have been predicted numerically using Lie symmetry transformation and Runge Kutta Dormand Prince (RKDP) algorithm‐based Shooting method for the different controlling parameters, stretching/shrinking , and suction with substantial impact with UCM parameter, . Some of the results have also been compared with MATLAB built‐in solvers to validate our in‐house code. The deviations in critical (turning) points have been noticed for different values of and . The temporal stability analysis is performed for these parameters , and the upper (lower) branch is only physically feasible (infeasible). The combined effect on Nusselt number and skin‐friction coefficient is also depicted in the form of contour plots. The outcomes from artificial neural network (ANN) using Levenberg‐Marquardt algorithm give a preferred estimate for current numerical simulation. In ANN prediction, the optimal number of neurons in the hidden layer is used, having minimum value of RMSE and RMRE with maximum for different cases of non Newtonian stretching/shrinking sheet. Finally, the results conclude that the applied ANN model can accurately predict the output results.
[6]‐Gingerol Facilitates CXCL8 Secretion and ROS Production in Primary Human Neutrophils by Targeting the TRPV1 Channel
Authors: Andersen Gaby , Kahlenberg Kristin , Krautwurst Dietmar , Somoza Veronika
Published: December 2022

Scope

Clarifying the function of sensory active TRP (transient receptor potential) channels in non‐sensory tissue is of growing interest, especially with regard to food ingredients in nutritionally relevant concentrations. The study hypothesizes the TRPV1 agonist [6]‐gingerol to facilitate cellular immune responses of primary human neutrophils, after treatment with 50 nM, a concentration that can be reached in the circulation after habitual dietary intake.

Methods and results

qRT‐PCR analyses reveal a high abundancy of TRP channel RNA expression in the types of primary leukocytes investigated, namely neutrophils, monocytes, NK cells, T cells, and B cells. Incubation of neutrophils with 50 nM of the known TRPV1 ligand [6]‐gingerol led to increased surface expression of CD11b, CD66b, and the fMLF receptor FPR1, as shown by flow cytometry. Upon subsequent stimulation with fMLF, the neutrophils display an about 30% (p < 0.05) increase in CXCL8 secretion as well as in ROS production. Pharmacological inhibition of TRPV1 by trans‐tert‐butylcyclohexanol abolishes the [6]‐gingerol induced effects.

Conclusions

The TRPV1 channel is functionally expressed in human neutrophils. Activation of the channel with [6]‐gingerol as a food‐derived ligand in nutritionally relevant concentrations leads to an enhanced responsiveness in the cells towards activating stimuli, thereby facilitating a canonical cellular immune response in human neutrophils.
Green Tea Catechin EGCG Ameliorates Thioacetamide‐Induced Hepatic Encephalopathy in Rats via Modulation of the Microbiota‐Gut‐Liver Axis
Authors: Zhou Zhengming , Li Ke , Guo Jiankui , Wang Yunfeng , Wei Yaoyao , Duan Juan , Chen Muxi , Shi Lei , Hu Wen
Published: December 2022

Scope

Existing research suggests that (−)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG), which is a natural tea catechin active substance, can protect against liver injury. However, its mechanism for hepatic encephalopathy (HE) treatment is still unclear. In this study, the role of EGCG in the amelioration of HE rats and the effect on the microbiota‐gut‐liver axis are mainly analyzed.

Methods and results

Thioacetamide (TAA) is employed to induce the HE model in rats. The results of open field test show that EGCG restores locomotor activity and exploratory behavior. Histological and biochemical results demonstrate that EGCG ameliorates brain and liver damage, decreases the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, and increases the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Meanwhile, EGCG modulates the Nrf2 pathway and TLR4/NF‐κB pathway to mitigate TAA‐induced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Immunohistochemistry reveals protection of the intestinal barrier by EGCG upregulating the expression of occludin and zonula occludens‐1. Furthermore, serum levels of ammonia and LPS are reduced. 16S rRNA analysis shows that EGCG treatment increases the abundance of beneficial bacteria (e.g., Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Limosilactobacillus).

Conclusion

The above results reveal that EGCG has anti‐oxidative stress and anti‐inflammatory effects, and ameliorates the condition through the microbiota‐gut‐liver axis, with potential for the treatment of HE.
AAPM task group report 273: Recommendations on best practices for AI and machine learning for computer‐aided diagnosis in medical imaging
Authors: Hadjiiski Lubomir , Cha Kenny , Chan Heang‐Ping , Drukker Karen , Morra Lia , Näppi Janne J. , Sahiner Berkman , Yoshida Hiroyuki , Chen Quan , Deserno Thomas M. , Greenspan Hayit , Huisman Henkjan , Huo Zhimin , Mazurchuk Richard , Petrick Nicholas , Regge Daniele , Samala Ravi , Summers Ronald M. , Suzuki Kenji , Tourassi Georgia , Vergara Daniel , Armato Samuel G.
Published: December 2022

Rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, and specifically in deep learning (DL) techniques, have enabled broad application of these methods in health care. The promise of the DL approach has spurred further interest in computer‐aided diagnosis (CAD) development and applications using both “traditional” machine learning methods and newer DL‐based methods. We use the term CAD‐AI to refer to this expanded clinical decision support environment that uses traditional and DL‐based AI methods.

Numerous studies have been published to date on the development of machine learning tools for computer‐aided, or AI‐assisted, clinical tasks. However, most of these machine learning models are not ready for clinical deployment. It is of paramount importance to ensure that a clinical decision support tool undergoes proper training and rigorous validation of its generalizability and robustness before adoption for patient care in the clinic.

To address these important issues, the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) Computer‐Aided Image Analysis Subcommittee (CADSC) is charged, in part, to develop recommendations on practices and standards for the development and performance assessment of computer‐aided decision support systems. The committee has previously published two opinion papers on the evaluation of CAD systems and issues associated with user training and quality assurance of these systems in the clinic. With machine learning techniques continuing to evolve and CAD applications expanding to new stages of the patient care process, the current task group report considers the broader issues common to the development of most, if not all, CAD‐AI applications and their translation from the bench to the clinic. The goal is to bring attention to the proper training and validation of machine learning algorithms that may improve their generalizability and reliability and accelerate the adoption of CAD‐AI systems for clinical decision support.
Distinguishing glutamate and glutamine in in vivo1H MRS based on nuclear spin singlet order filtering
Authors: Xin Jia‐Xiang , Wei Da‐Xiu , Ren Yan , Wang Jun‐Long , Yang Guang , Zhang Huojun , Li Jianqi , Fu Caixia , Yao Ye‐Feng
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The signals of glutamate (Glu) and glutamine (Gln) are often significantly overlapped in routine1H‐MR spectra of human brain in vivo. Selectively probing the signals of Glu and Gln in vivo is very important for the study of the metabolisms in which Glu and Gln are involved.

Methods

The Glu−/Gln‐ targeted pulse sequences are developed to selectively probe the signals of Glu and Gln. The core part of the Glu−/Gln‐ targeted pulse sequences lies on the preparation of the nuclear spin singlet orders (SSOs) of the five‐spin systems of Glu and Gln. The optimal control method is used to prepare the SSOs of Glu and Gln with high efficiency.

Results

The Glu−/Gln‐ targeted pulse sequences have been applied on phantoms to selectively probe the signals of Glu and Gln. Moreover, in the in vivo experiments, the signals of Glu and Gln in human brains of healthy subjects have been successfully probed separately.

Conclusion

The developed Glu−/Gln‐ targeted pulse sequences can be used to distinguish the1H‐MR signals of Glu and Gln in human brains in vivo. The optimal control method provides an effective way to prepare the SSO of a specific spin system with high efficiency and in turn selectively probe the signals of a targeted molecule.
The ability of physiotherapists to identify psychosocial factors in patients with musculoskeletal pain: A scoping review
Authors: Henning Michael , Smith Mike
Published: December 2022

Background

It is not known how well physiotherapists identify psychosocial factors in people with musculoskeletal pain, when using clinical judgement. The purpose of this scoping review was to examine the research related to physiotherapist ability in identifying psychosocial factors and to subsequently identify gaps in the literature to help direct future research.

Data Sources

Searches using relevant key words, were conducted of Medline, Cinahl, the Cochrane Library, PEDro, PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar. All primary quantitative and qualitative research from the year 2000 onwards, which met the search criteria, were included.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

A data extraction tool was used to tabulate data regarding demographics, study design and key findings of the included papers. The Mixed Methods Appraisals Tool (MMAT) was utilised to help examine the quality of included studies.

Results

Overall, the quality of the included studies was moderate. The total number of studies which met the inclusion criteria was relatively small (n = 20). The most common method for determining ability was comparison of physiotherapist estimations with validated screening tools or questionnaires. Physiotherapist estimates of psychosocial factors were poor and in the qualitative research, the lack of clinician confidence in psychosocial assessment was evident.

Conclusion

The available research suggests that physiotherapists lack confidence and ability in identifying psychosocial factors. More rigorous, mixed‐methods research is warranted to capture the complexity of the research question.
Development of an implant technique and early experience using a novel implantable pulse generator with a quadripolar electrode array at the tibial nerve for refractory overactive bladder
Authors: Sirls Larry T. , Schonhoff Amanda , Waldvogel Angela , Peters Kenneth M.
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Tibial nerve stimulation is an effective treatment for overactive bladder (OAB) and has been utilized as an in‐person recurring session treatment option for many years. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a long‐term implantable device and the method of utilizing a retrograde approach to place the device (a percutaneous implantable pulse generator [pIPG] with integrated quadripolar electrodes) at the tibial nerve (Protect PNS; Uro Medical Corp.).

Methods

A novel retrograde implant technique was developed through multiple cadaveric dissections to percutaneously implant a chronic, wireless, minimally invasive pIPG device with integrated quadripolar electrodes (now licensed to Uro Medical) at the tibial nerve. A proof‐of‐concept pIPG device approved as part of an FDA IDE was designed to gain early experience in subjects with refractory OAB. The pIPG was implanted in the office under local anesthesia using the novel retrograde approach, and stimulation was activated using an external wireless energy source called a transmitter. Initially, a pilot study was designed to compare outcomes in subjects randomized to either percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) or Protect PNS. However, due to the small sample sizes available at this time, it was not possible to compare the two groups. Thus, the purpose of this manuscript is to describe the outcome of subjects who underwent implantation of the Protect PNS system. Twelve‐month safety and efficacy were evaluated.

Results

Nine subjects were enrolled in the randomized pilot study; 5 to the pIPG group and 4 to PTNS, and all completed the 13‐week primary endpoint. Subsequently, two subjects in the PTNS group chose to cross over and have the pIPG implanted after 13 weeks. Outcomes of the seven subjects who underwent implantation of the pIPG are described. No complications related to the office procedure were noted. Two of the older model pIPG devices became nonresponsive at 1 and 4 weeks and were replaced. Six minor adverse events were reported and resolved. Subjects reported improvement in urge urinary incontinence (UUI) episodes, OAB symptoms, and quality of life. Subjects impanted with a pIPG reported a 50% reduction in UUI as early as 1 week.

Conclusions

Results of this pilot study suggest that retrograde percutaneous implantation of a pIPG is a safe, minimally invasive one‐stage office procedure for treatment for urge incontinence related OAB symptoms, without significant complications after 12 months follow‐up. Future studies will be required to compare outcomes among treatment modalities.
Reliability analysis for shock systems based on damage evolutions via Markov processes
Authors: Yin Juan , Cui Lirong
Published: December 2022

Reliability evaluation under shock models has attracted considerable attention in the literature. Existing research on shock models has focused primarily on damage effects of shocks treated as constants after the arrivals of shocks. Due to the presence of self‐healing, deterioration, and variation over time, the damage effects caused by the shocks may have some evolutions. In this work, we focus on arrivals of shocks that follow a continuous‐time renewal process, and a Markov process that describes the evolution of shock damage. In this regard, we develop here two kinds of shock models and then derive system reliabilities under these two kinds of shock models. The asymptotic behavior of the damage evolution process of each shock is then discussed, and the probabilities of each shock eventually disappearing and destroying the system are derived through the use of aggregated stochastic processes. Finally, the results and numerical examples are presented for three special cases, namely: (1) when the inter‐arrival times of the shocks follow exponential distribution, (2) when the inter‐arrival times of the shocks follow Erlang distribution, and (3) when the inter‐arrival times of the shocks follow uniform distribution.
Impact of number of shipping lines on ports' charges and profits: A game‐theoretic model
Authors: Do Minh , Arthanari Tiru , Olsen Tava Lennon , Shalpegin Timofey , Wang Shuaian
Published: December 2022

This study examines the effect of changes in the number of shipping lines on port charges and profits. A two‐stage noncooperative game‐theoretic model with two ports and multiple identical shipping lines is developed. In the first stage, the ports decide their container handling charges, and in the second stage, the shipping lines decide on the number of calls to make at each port, given the port charges. The model is then applied to the case of competition between two ports in New Zealand, the Port of Tauranga and the Port of Auckland, to derive managerial insights. Our study extends the literature on port competition by incorporating competition between shipping lines. We also demonstrate that a decrease in the number of shipping lines may force ports to increase their handling charges. Furthermore, we show that each shipping line ships more cargo than the industry optimal via the port with lower costs.
A combinatorial branch and bound for the safe set problem
Authors: Boggio Tomasaz Alberto , Cordone Roberto , Hosteins Pierre
Published: December 2022

The Weighted Safe Set Problem requires to partition an undirected graph into two families of connected components, respectively denoted as safe and unsafe, in such a way that each safe component dominates the unsafe adjacent components with respect to a weight function. We introduce a combinatorial branch and bound approach, whose main strength is a refined relaxation that combines graph manipulations and the solution of an auxiliary problem. We also propose fixing procedures to reduce the number of branching nodes. The algorithm solves all weighted instances available in the literature and most unweighted ones, up to 50 vertices, with computational times orders of magnitude smaller than the competing algorithms. In order to investigate the limits of the approach, we introduce a benchmark of graphs with 60 vertices, solving to optimality the denser instances.
Nurses' comfort care of transarterial chemoembolization patients based on their perceptions around postembolization syndrome and symptom interference
Authors: Kim Myoung Soo , Kang Minkyeong , Park Jiwon , Ryu Jung Mi
Published: December 2022

Aim

Post‐embolization syndrome is a common adverse event following trans‐arterial chemoembolization, which negatively impacts the daily life of the patients involved. This study examined whether perceptions around post‐embolization syndrome and symptom interference among nurses affect their comfort care performance toward patients who have undergone this procedure.

Design

A descriptive cross‐sectional study.

Methods

One hundred and fifty registered nurses were surveyed from September to November 2020. Perceived post‐embolization syndrome, symptom interference, and comfort care (including physical, psychospiritual, sociocultural, and environmental dimensions) were measured. Data were analyzed using t‐tests, analysis of variance, Pearson's correlation, and a multivariate analysis of variance.

Results

There were no individual effects found of perceived post‐embolization syndrome or symptom interference on nurses' comfort care performance. However, statistically significant interaction effects were found in terms of their sociocultural and environmental care.

Conclusion

Nurses who recognized both high post‐embolization syndrome and symptom interference among their patients were found to provide greater sociocultural and environmental care. As such, nurses should improve their early symptom and symptom interference detection protocols based on current care guidelines and provide physical, psychospiritual, sociocultural, and environmental comfort care.
Learning engagement; nursing students' experiences in an online environment at a university
Authors: Munangatire Takaedza , Indjamba Lea
Published: December 2022

Aim

The aim of this study was to understand students' engagement with learning in an online environment at a university in Namibia.

Design

A qualitative descriptive design was applied.

Methods

Data were collected using in‐depth telephonic interviews among 12 purposively selected nursing students. Data were analysed thematically.

Results

While the students did practice engagement, their understanding of learning engagement was not clear. The students considered online learning to be a safe space for engagement that enhanced active participation. They also noted that it forced them to reflect on their pre‐existing knowledge before learning new information and ultimately enhanced their understanding of the learning material. The findings of this research suggest that online platforms and apps can support nursing students' learning engagement, in particular behavioural engagement, but they are less conducive to cognitive and affective engagement.
First‐time parents' experiences related to parental self‐efficacy: A scoping review
Authors: Sæther Kristin M. , Berg Rigmor C. , Fagerlund Bettina Holmberg , Glavin Kari , Jøranson Nina
Published: December 2022

Becoming a parent for the first time is a major transition, and parental self‐efficacy (PSE) is considered an important predictor of parenting functioning. We aimed to describe and synthesize qualitative studies that explore first‐time parents' experiences related to PSE in the transition to parenthood in the first‐year postpartum. We conducted a scoping review in accordance with international guidelines. The main search strategy consisted of searches in six electronic databases. We selected studies based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted data, and conducted a descriptive qualitative thematic analysis. We included 58 studies (presented in 61 reports) with 1341 participants from 17 countries. Most of the participants (89%) were mothers, and a third of the studies were task‐specific regarding breastfeeding. The thematic analysis of the findings concerning PSE revealed five main, interconnected themes: culture—factors in society and the healthcare services; parents—processes within the parents; tasks—different parental tasks; support—parents' perceived support from professionals, peers, friends, family, and partner; and child—the child's well‐being and feedback. This scoping review describes qualitative studies on first‐time parents' experiences related to PSE. The findings inform future studies of PSE and clinical practice by confirming the importance of PSE in the transition to parenthood, the complexity of different factors that may have an impact, and the centrality of breastfeeding in PSE. Based on these findings, we suggest that a full systematic review with quality assessment would be appropriate.
Greener Cleavage of Protected Peptide Fragments from Sieber Amide Resin
Authors: Al Musaimi Othman , Gavva Varshitha , Williams Daryl R.
Published: December 2022

Following the successful introduction of two benign solvents for cleaving protected acid peptide fragments from 2‐chlorotrityl chloride (2‐CTC) resin, there is a need to green the cleavage process for obtaining protected peptide amide fragments. In this work, p‐xylene and toluene are introduced as greener alternates to dichloromethane (DCM) for preparing protected peptide amide fragments from a Sieber amide resin. The N‐dealkylation is a demanding chemical reaction, requiring that the cleavage protocol be optimised to ensure complete cleavage from the resin. After a 30 min reaction time, only 66 % of the final peptide product was retrieved even with the conventional dichloromethane solvent. Therefore, 120 min was considered sufficient to fully cleave the peptide from the Sieber amide resin. This work reaffirms the fact that greening strategies are far from detrimental, with green alternatives often outperforming their replaced counterparts.
Phenolate‐Induced N−O Bond Formation versus Tiemann‐Type Rearrangement for the Synthesis of 3‐Aminobenzisoxazoles and 2‐Aminobenzoxazoles
Authors: Hufnagel Benedikt , Zhu W. Felix , Franz Hanna M. , Proschak Ewgenij , Hernandez‐Olmos Victor
Published: December 2022

A novel oxadiazolone‐based method for the synthesis of 3‐aminobenzisoxazoles by N−O bond formation and of 2‐aminobenzoxazoles through a Tiemann‐type rearrangement has been developed. The synthesis of these two pharmaceutically relevant heterocycles was realized by an unexplored retrosynthetic disconnection using a cyclic nitrenoid precursor‐based strategy. The selective formation of the two isomers was significantly influenced by steric and electronic effects of substituents. However, tetrabutylammonium chloride (TBACl) efficiently promoted the Tiemann‐type rearrangement over N−O bond formation. Control experiments indicate that deprotonation of the phenol induces both rearrangements.
Imaging of pediatric calvarial and skull base tumors: A COG Diagnostic Imaging Committee/SPR Oncology Committee/ASPNR White Paper
Authors: Intrapiromkul Jarunee , Wangaryattawanich Pattana , Patay Zoltan , Huisman Thierry A.G.M. , Wright Jason N. , Jones Jeremy Y. , Ramakrishnaiah Raghu , Patel Rajan , Goldman‐Yassen Adam E. , Kralik Stephen , Mamlouk Mark , Desai Nilesh K.
Published: December 2022

A standardized imaging protocol for pediatric oncology patients is essential for accurate and efficient imaging, while simultaneously promoting collaborative understanding of pathologies and radiologic assessment of treatment response. The objective of this article is to provide standardized pediatric imaging guidelines and parameters for evaluation of tumors of the pediatric orbit, calvarium, skull base, and temporal bone. This article was drafted based on current scientific literature as well as consensus opinions of imaging experts in collaboration with the Children's Oncology Group Diagnostic Imaging Committee, Society of Pediatric Radiology Oncology Committee, and American Society of Pediatric Neuroradiology.
Allogeneic CD34+ selected hematopoietic stem cell boost following CAR T‐cell therapy in a patient with prolonged cytopenia and active infection
Authors: Lipsitt Amanda , Beattie Lisa , Harstead Elaine , Li Ying , Goorha Salil , Maron Gabriela , Gottschalk Stephen , Triplett Brandon , Naik Swati
Published: December 2022

Hematological toxicity (hematotoxicity) leading to peripheral cytopenias is a common long‐term adverse effect following the use of CD19‐chimeric antigen receptor (CD19‐CAR) T‐cell therapies. However, management remains unclear for patients whose cytopenias persist beyond 1 month after CAR T‐cell infusion. We present the case of a 21‐year old who received CD19‐CAR T‐cell therapy for relapse following a haploidentical transplant. He developed hematotoxicity and consequently multiple life‐threatening infections. We administered a CD34+ hematopoietic stem cell boost (HSCB) from his transplant donor, which led to hematopoietic recovery and resolution of his infections without any effect on the activity of CD19‐CAR T cells. CD34+ HSCB can be a safe and effective option to treat hematotoxicity following CD19‐CAR T‐cell therapy.