bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic imaging and histopathologic features of rounded atelectasis in four cats and one dog: A descriptive case series study
Authors: Fukuda Shoko , Reetz Jennifer A. , Hamamoto Kohei , Griffin Lynn , Schaffer Paula A.
Published: December 2022

In humans, rounded atelectasis is defined as focal lung collapse that radiologically appears as a round mass‐like lesion in the periphery of the lung. In general, human patients with rounded atelectasis have a history of pleural effusion and abnormal pleura and characteristic CT findings help to distinguish rounded atelectasis from pulmonary neoplasia without the need for invasive surgical biopsy. This retrospective multi‐center case series describes rounded atelectasis in four cats and one dog. Chylothorax was seen in four patients and an eosinophilic and lymphoplasmacytic effusion was seen in one patient. All patients had solitary or multifocal subpleural pulmonary masses (26 masses total in 5 patients) with diffuse, multifocal, or focal visceral and parietal pleural thickening. All the masses but one were broad‐based towards the visceral pleura. Masses were most common in the ventral or lateral aspect of the lungs. Indistinctness at the hilar aspect of the lesion was seen in all masses; a “comet tail” sign was seen in 14 of 26 masses. On postcontrast images, the lesions were homogeneously enhanced in 24 of 26 masses and heterogeneous in two of 26 masses. Other findings include ground glass opacities (n = 5), parenchymal bands (n = 4), mild to moderate lymphadenopathy (n = 4), and compensatory hyperinflation of the lung lobes not affected by atelectasis (n = 2). Histopathology of four cases revealed atelectasis with fixed pleural folds, chronic pleuritis, and mild to moderate pleural fibrosis. Awareness of rounded atelectasis in veterinary species will enable inclusion of a benign etiology into the differential diagnosis for subpleural masses in cases with pleural abnormalities.
Equipment and Facilities Gap in Vocational Technical Education of Higher Institution: Implication for Graduates Employability in Nigeria
Authors: Olojuolawe Sunday , Adeoluwa Olufemi Victor
Published: December 2022

Sains
 
Humanika

 

Full paper

 

Equipment and Facilities Gap in Vocational Technical Education of Higher Institution: Implication for Graduates Employability in Nigeria
The global aim of technical education is to produce competent manpower who will be employable or self-reliant. The rising rate of restiveness and criminality occasioned by the spate of unemployment among technical education graduates in Nigeria calls for concern. Despite the huge government investment in technical education, there seem to be a lot of grounds to be covered in equipment and facilities. This study surveys the equipment and facilities used for teaching technical students in Nigeria Universities. A peer-reviewed methodological approach based on a systematic review of journal articles and a checklist of the minimum equipment and facilities standards by the National University Commission was conducted using research assistants from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ekiti State University and the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti was used for this study. The totality of equipment and Facilities available in the 3 Universities for imparting knowledge in Electrical/Electronics, Building technology, Woodwork Technology, Metalwork and Automobile technologies.  The percentages of the available equipment and facilities were obtained using Excel Package for generalization. The study reveals that equipment and facilities for some courses in technical education are grossly in short supply. A recommendation was made for further study on the quality and functionality of the equipment and facility for teaching technical students in Nigerian Universities.
Adaptive exhaustion during prolonged intermittent hypoxia causes dysregulated skeletal muscle protein homeostasis
Authors: Attaway Amy H. , Bellar Annette , Mishra Saurabh , Karthikeyan Manikandan , Sekar Jinendiran , Welch Nicole , Musich Ryan , Singh Shashi Shekhar , Kumar Avinash , Menon Aishwarya , King Jasmine , Langen Ramon , Webster Justine , Scheraga Rachel G. , Rochon Kristy , Mears Jason , Naga Prasad Sathyamangla V. , Hatzoglou Maria , Chakraborty Abhishek A. , Dasarathy Srinivasan
Published: December 2022

Nocturnal hypoxaemia, which is common in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, is associated with skeletal muscle loss or sarcopenia, which contributes to adverse clinical outcomes. In COPD, we have defined this as prolonged intermittent hypoxia (PIH) because the duration of hypoxia in skeletal muscle occurs through the duration of sleep followed by normoxia during the day, in contrast to recurrent brief hypoxic episodes during obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Adaptive cellular responses to PIH are not known. Responses to PIH induced by three cycles of 8 h hypoxia followed by 16 h normoxia were compared to those during chronic hypoxia (CH) or normoxia for 72 h in murine C2C12 and human inducible pluripotent stem cell‐derived differentiated myotubes. RNA sequencing followed by downstream analyses were complemented by experimental validation of responses that included both unique and shared perturbations in ribosomal and mitochondrial function during PIH and CH. A sarcopenic phenotype characterized by decreased myotube diameter and protein synthesis, and increased phosphorylation of eIF2α (Ser51) by eIF2α kinase, and of GCN‐2 (general controlled non‐derepressed‐2), occurred during both PIH and CH. Mitochondrial oxidative dysfunction, disrupted supercomplex assembly, lower activity of Complexes I, III, IV and V, and reduced intermediary metabolite concentrations occurred during PIH and CH. Decreased mitochondrial fission occurred during CH. Physiological relevance was established in skeletal muscle of mice with COPD that had increased phosphorylation of eIF2α, lower protein synthesis and mitochondrial oxidative dysfunction. Molecular and metabolic responses with PIH suggest an adaptive exhaustion with failure to restore homeostasis during normoxia.

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Key points

Sarcopenia or skeletal muscle loss is one of the most frequent complications that contributes to mortality and morbidity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Unlike chronic hypoxia, prolonged intermittent hypoxia is a frequent, underappreciated and clinically relevant model of hypoxia in patients with COPD.

We developed a novel, in vitro myotube model of prolonged intermittent hypoxia with molecular and metabolic perturbations, mitochondrial oxidative dysfunction, and consequent sarcopenic phenotype.

In vivo studies in skeletal muscle from a mouse model of COPD shared responses with our myotube model, establishing the pathophysiological relevance of our studies.

These data lay the foundation for translational studies in human COPD to target prolonged, nocturnal hypoxaemia to prevent sarcopenia in these patients.
Neural representation and modulation of volitional motivation in response to escalating efforts
Authors: Zhang Liping , Liu Chengwei , Zhou Xiaopeng , Zhou Hui , Luo Shengtao , Wang Qin , Yao Zhimo , Chen Jiang‐Fan
Published: December 2022

Task‐dependent volitional control of the selected neural activity in the cortex is critical to neuroprosthetic learning to achieve reliable and robust control of the external device. The volitional control of neural activity is driven by a motivational factor (volitional motivation), which directly reinforces the target neurons via real‐time biofeedback. However, in the absence of motor behaviour, how do we evaluate volitional motivation? Here, we defined the criterion (ΔF/F) of the calcium fluorescence signal in a volitionally controlled neural task, then escalated the efforts by progressively increasing the number of reaching the criterion or holding time after reaching the criterion. We devised calcium‐based progressive threshold‐crossing events (termed ‘Calcium PTE’) and calcium‐based progressive threshold‐crossing holding‐time (termed ‘Calcium PTH’) for quantitative assessment of volitional motivation in response to progressively escalating efforts. Furthermore, we used this novel neural representation of volitional motivation to explore the neural circuit and neuromodulator bases for volitional motivation. As with behavioural motivation, chemogenetic activation and pharmacological blockade of the striatopallidal pathway decreased and increased, respectively, the breakpoints of the ‘Calcium PTE’ and ‘Calcium PTH’ in response to escalating efforts. Furthermore, volitional and behavioural motivation shared similar dopamine dynamics in the nucleus accumbens in response to trial‐by‐trial escalating efforts. In general, the development of a neural representation of volitional motivation may open a new avenue for smooth and effective control of brain–machine interface tasks.

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Key points

Volitional motivation is quantitatively evaluated by M1 neural activity in response to progressively escalating volitional efforts.

The striatopallidal pathway and adenosine A2A receptor modulate volitional motivation in response to escalating efforts.

Dopamine dynamics encode prediction signal for reward in response to repeated escalating efforts during motor and volitional conditioning.

Mice learn to modulate neural activity to compensate for repeated escalating efforts in volitional control.
DDE-GAN: Integrating a Data-Driven Design Evaluator Into Generative Adversarial Networks for Desirable and Diverse Concept Generation
Authors: Yuan Chenxi , Marion Tucker , Moghaddam Mohsen
Published: December 2022

Generative adversarial networks (GANs) have shown remarkable success in various generative design tasks, from topology optimization to material design, and shape parametrization. However, most generative design approaches based on GANs lack evaluation mechanisms to ensure the generation of diverse samples. In addition, no GAN-based generative design model incorporates user sentiments in the loss function to generate samples with high desirability from the aggregate perspectives of users. Motivated by these knowledge gaps, this paper builds and validates a novel GAN-based generative design model with an offline design evaluation function to generate samples that are not only realistic but also diverse and desirable. A multimodal data-driven design evaluation (DDE) model is developed to guide the generative process by automatically predicting user sentiments for the generated samples based on large-scale user reviews of previous designs. This paper incorporates DDE into the StyleGAN structure, a state-of-the-art GAN model, to enable data-driven generative processes that are innovative and user-centered. The results of experiments conducted on a large dataset of footwear products demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed DDE-GAN in generating high-quality, diverse, and desirable concepts.
Evaluation of Component Level Degradation in the Boeing 737-800 Air Cycle Machine
Authors: Jennions Ian , Ali Fakhre
Published: December 2022

An aircraft is composed of several highly integrated and complex systems that enable it to deliver safe and comfortable flight. Its functionality is therefore strongly dependent on the safe operation of these systems within their designed optimal efficiencies. The air cycle machine (ACM) is a subsystem of the pressurized air conditioner (PACK) system, its key function is to enable refrigeration of the air in order to comply with the wide range of cabin environment requirements for maintaining aircraft safety and passenger comfort. The operation of the ACM is governed by the PACK control system which can mask degradation in its component during operation until severe degradation or failure results. The required maintenance is then both costly and disruptive. The ACM has been reported as one of the most frequently replaced subsystem and has been therefore reported as a major driver of unscheduled maintenance by the operators. This paper aims to investigate the component level degradation in the ACM at various severities and quantify the impact of its performance characteristics and associated interdependencies at PACK system level. In this paper, Cranfield University’s in-house environmental control system (ECS) simulation framework called simscape ECS simulation under all conditions (SESAC) has been implemented to evaluate degradation in the ACM components in a representative Boeing 737-800 aircraft PACK model. The fault modes of interest are those highlighted by the operators and correspond to the ACM compressor, turbine, and interconnecting mechanical shaft efficiency degradation. Simulation results, in terms of temperature, pressure, and mass flow at various degradation severities, are presented and discussed for each component at PACK system level. The acquired results suggest that, for all three fault modes, the PACK controller can compensate for an ACM degradation severity of up to 20%, allowing the PACK to sustain the delivery of the demanded temperature and mass flow. For degradation severity of above 20%, the PACK is able to deliver the demanded temperature with a substantially reduced mass flow. This has a significant impact on the PACK’s ability to meet the cabin demand efficiently. The methodology reported and the findings conceived to serve as an enabler toward formulating an effective PACK fault diagnostics and condition monitoring solution at system level, and fault reasoning at vehicle level.
Technoeconomic Analysis of a Small-Scale Downdraft Gasification-Based Cogeneration Power Plant Using Green Wastes
Authors: Duque-Uribe David , Montiel-Bohórquez Néstor D. , Pérez Juan F.
Published: December 2022

In this work, the technoeconomic assessment of a small-scale gasification-based cogeneration plant (25–50 kWe) fed with green wastes (fallen leaves, spent coffee grounds, and paperboard) is presented. The cogeneration power plant is modeled using Thermoflex software under thermochemical equilibrium and steady-state assumptions. Subsequently, the performance of the cogeneration plant is numerically analyzed as a function of the feedstock moisture content (6–30%), air–waste equivalence ratio (0.20–0.55), and the system load (6.25–25 kWe). The results show that the best energy performance of the cogeneration plant is achieved with a feedstock moisture of 6.05%, an equivalence ratio of 0.358, and a load of 25 kWe. At this best performance mode, the electric generation and cogeneration efficiencies are 19.33% and 49.71%, respectively, with a specific biomass consumption of 1.19 kg/kWh. Two scenarios are established for the economic assessment. The baseline scenario considers a 25-kWe cogeneration plant, while, in the second one, the generation capacity of the system was assumed to be doubled (50 kWe). The financial results show that the power generation has an energy levelized cost of 11.7 ¢$/kWh and 8.4 ¢$/kWh for 25 kWe and 50 kWe, respectively. Nevertheless, none of the proposed scenarios were found to be economically feasible based on the negative net present value obtained. Therefore, further energy laws and regulations are required seeking to support the small-scale auto-generation units based on biomass gasification.
Development of JAEA Advanced Multi-Physics Analysis Platform for Nuclear Systems
Authors: Kamiya Tomohiro , Ono Ayako , Tada Kenichi , Akie Hiroshi , Nagaya Yasunobu , Yoshida Hiroyuki , Kawanishi Tomohiro
Published: December 2022

JAEA (Japan Atomic Energy Agency) Advanced Multi-Physics Analysis platform for Nuclear systems (JAMPAN) has been developed for high-fidelity multi-physics simulation. This platform has good extensibility and modularity, enabling us to consider multi-physics and -scale phenomena in a nuclear power plant by combining various simulation codes. JAMPAN consists of a data container and physics components. The physics components can be freely connected and disconnected from the data container and contain common modules. Owing to the common modules, additional modules for an independent analysis code are only required when this code is added. This paper presents an overview of JAMPAN and the numerical simulation results of a neutronics and thermal-hydraulics coupling simulation by JAMPAN. Reference solutions derived from a high-fidelity simulation are required to validate the reactor analysis codes; hence, codes without empirical correlations are required. As the first platform examination, the neutronics and thermal-hydraulics coupling simulation for a 4 × 4 fuel bundle system is conducted using JAMPAN. Consequently, the detailed power distribution of fuel rods, which varies along with the complex two-phase flow, could be acquired through the high-fidelity neutronics and thermal-hydraulics coupling simulation using JAMPAN.
Feasibility Analysis and Minimum Flowable Temperature Calculation Method of Normal Temperature Gathering and Transportation Process in Oilfield
Authors: He Guoxi , Zhao Jianhua , Liao Kexi , Tian Zhiyuan
Published: December 2022

The oilfield is unable to carry out normal temperature gathering and transportation (NTGT) process, since the feasibility has not been verified and the minimum flowable temperature (MFT) calculations have not been proposed. In this paper, the simulation of parameters such as temperature and pressure of the pipeline network are performed based on the production data of the oilfield during the period of unheated gathering. It is verified that the temperature and pressure errors of the simulation results are less than 0.79 °C and 0.1 MPa, respectively. It is found that the gathering network of this oilfield can operate normally in winter, which proves the feasibility of NTGT theoretically. Through calculating the flow parameters of the gathering network under extreme cold conditions in winter, a novel formula for calculating the MFT of oil-gas-water three-phase mixed transmission process is proposed, where the shearing effect of gas on fluid has been extra considered. The fitting effect of MFT formula on a single well is better than that on multiple wells. The application of the fitted MFT formula in situ as well as the corresponding preliminary oilfield tests has proved the feasibility of the NTGT process. Thus, the oilfield gathering network is successfully guided to change from a heated gathering process to a NTGT process.
Detection and Mitigation of Copper Contamination in Mechanized Onshore Pipeline Girth Welds
Authors: Lee Kenneth , Spielbauer Paul , Culbertson David , Huntley Bob
Published: December 2022

Copper contamination in pipeline girth welds was experienced in the construction of onshore high strength steel transmission pipelines with mechanized welding using gas metal arc welding short-circuit transfer (GMAW-S) on root pass welds with copper backing, gas metal arc welding pulsed spray transfer (GMAW-P) on fill and cap pass welds, and flux cored gas-shielded arc welding (FCAW-G) on fill and cap pass welds. Copper contamination may result in copper contamination cracking, which is a type of liquid metal embrittlement (LME), or copper inclusions which have elevated hardness.

Traditionally, pipeline girth welds were made using manual shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), which is generally not susceptible to copper contamination, as copper is not present in the weld zone. However, mechanized welding requires the use of copper materials in the weld zone, including the contact tip, gas nozzle, and backing bar when using the copper backup clamp (CBU) system.

Copper contamination cracking in mechanized girth welds occurs in specific weld passes and weld locations, with distinct characteristics detectable by common nondestructive examination (NDE) methods, including visual testing (VT), radiographic testing (RT), and ultrasonic testing (UT). Copper contamination cracking of production welds may be effectively controlled when it is recognized and appropriate actions are taken to optimize mechanized welding procedure qualification, welding operator training and production controls, and tailor NDE methods and personnel training to improve detection.
Internal Corrosion Considerations for Hydrogen Embrittlement Inhibitors
Authors: Kotu Susmitha Purnima , Kagarise Christopher , Taylor Christopher D. , Finneran Shane
Published: December 2022

Converting natural gas pipelines to transport pure hydrogen or blends with natural is currently being implemented as part of the energy transition strategy to achieve net zero emissions. Addition of hydrogen to existing natural gas pipelines increases the risk of hydrogen embrittlement and poses potential integrity issues such as cracking to the pipelines. Prior work has demonstrated that the use of inhibitors such as oxygen, carbon monoxide, and others can inhibit a material’s adsorption of atomic hydrogen and have been proposed to reduce the risk of hydrogen embrittlement. While these inhibitors may potentially reduce the risk of hydrogen embrittlement, there may be unintended consequences if the impact of these inhibitors on internal corrosion is not carefully evaluated. For example, the use of oxygen in the inhibitors can increase the potential for oxygen corrosion. This paper covers the methodology to evaluate the impact of internal corrosion on pipelines for any inhibitors used to prevent hydrogen embrittlement before they are applied. The recommendations for internal corrosion control when using oxygen-based inhibitors are discussed. Additionally, a comprehensive review of the proposed inhibitors for hydrogen embrittlement along with a discussion on their mode of action to prevent or mitigate hydrogen embrittlement is presented.
Close-packed silicon field emitter arrays with integrated anode fabricated by electron-beam lithography
Authors: Ghotbi S. , Mohammadi S.
Published: December 2022

Design, fabrication, and characterization of close-packed field emitter tips enclosed in an Si trench and stand-alone arrays are presented. The two types of field emitter arrays (FEAs) are fabricated using a combination of high-throughput electron-beam lithography, plasma etching, and anode bonding integration technology. The field emitter array inside the trench shows a higher turn-on voltage compared to the stand-alone array. Without any tip sharpening, a current of 7.5 μA was observed at 300 V from FEAs inside the trench, while a higher current of 12.5 μA was observed at the same voltage for the stand-alone array.
Wearable Device Validity in Measuring Steps, Energy Expenditure, and Heart Rate Across Age, Gender, and Body Mass Index: Data Analysis From a Systematic Review
Authors: Musa Sumayyah B. , Ellis Ryan , Chafe Brianne , Sturrock Shelby L. , Maher Rebecca Ann , Cullen Kim , Fuller Daniel
Published: December 2022

Background: This paper examined whether the criterion validity of step count (SC), energy expenditure (EE), and heart rate (HR) varied across studies depending on the average age, body mass index (BMI), and predominant gender of participants. Methods: Data from 1536 studies examining the validity of various wearable devices were used. Separate multilevel regression models examined the associations among age, gender, and BMI with device criterion validity assessed using mean absolute percent error (MAPE) at the study level. Results: MAPE values were reported in 970 studies for SC, 328 for EE, and 238 for HR, respectively. There were several significant differences in MAPE between age, gender, and BMI categories for SC, EE, and HR. SC MAPE was significantly different for older adults compared with adults. Compared with studies among normal-weight populations, MAPE was greater among studies with overweight samples for SC, HR, and EE. Comparing studies with more women than men, MAPE was significantly greater for EE and HR. Conclusions: There are important differences in the criterion validity of commercial wearable devices across studies of varying ages, BMIs, and genders. Few studies have examined differences in error between different age groups, particularly for EE and HR.
Omptin Proteases of Enterobacterales Show Conserved Regulation by the PhoPQ Two-Component System but Exhibit Divergent Protection from Antimicrobial Host Peptides and Complement
Authors: Cho Youn Hee , Fadle Aziz Monir Riasad , Malpass Avery , Sutradhar Tanuja , Bashal Jasika , Cojocari Veronica , McPhee Joseph B.
Published: December 2022

Bacteria that colonize eukaryotic surfaces interact with numerous antimicrobial host-produced molecules, including host defense peptides, complement, and antibodies. Bacteria have evolved numerous strategies to both detect and resist these molecules, and in the Enterobacterales order of bacteria these include alterations of the cell surface lipopolysaccharide structure and/or charge and the production of proteases that can degrade these antimicrobial molecules. Here, we show that omptin family proteases from
Escherichia coli
and
Citrobacter rodentium
are regulated by the PhoPQ system.
Update on Accepted Novel Bacterial Isolates Derived from Human Clinical Specimens and Taxonomic Revisions Published in 2020 and 2021
Authors: Munson Erik , Carroll Karen C.
Published: December 2022

A number of factors, including microbiome analyses and the increased utilization of whole-genome sequencing in the clinical microbiology laboratory, has contributed to the explosion of novel prokaryotic species discovery, as well as bacterial taxonomy revision. This review attempts to summarize such changes relative to human clinical specimens that occurred in 2020 and 2021, per primary publication in the
International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology
or acceptance on Validation Lists published by the
International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology
.
Genome Sequences of Anelloviruses, a Genomovirus, Microviruses, Polyomaviruses, and an Unclassified Caudovirus Identified in Vaginal Secretions from South African Adolescents
Authors: Jimoh Adijat O. , Balle Christina , Brown Bryan , Feng Colin , Havyarimana Enock , Konstantinus Iyaloo N. , Gill Katherine , Bekker Linda-Gail , Passmore Jo-Ann S. , Jaspan Heather B. , Varsani Arvind , Happel Anna-Ursula
Published: December 2022

Other than for papillomaviruses, there is a paucity of whole-genome sequences for bacteriophages and eukaryote-infecting viruses isolated from the female genital tract. Here, we report the genome sequences of 16 microviruses, 3 anelloviruses, 2 polyomaviruses, 1 genomovirus, and 1 caudovirus that were identified in vaginal secretion samples from adolescents in South Africa.
Microbiome-Metabolomics Analysis of the Impacts of
Cryptosporidium muris
Infection in BALB/C Mice
Authors: Wang Luyang , Cao Letian , Chang Yankai , Fu Yin , Wang Yuexin , Zhang Kaihui , Zhang Sumei , Zhang Longxian
Published: December 2022

Cryptosporidiosis is a gastrointestinal disease in humans and animals caused by the protozoan parasite
Cryptosporidium
. Control and treatment of the disease is challenging due to the lack of sensitive diagnostic tools and effective chemotherapy.
Rapid Phenotypic Convergence towards Collateral Sensitivity in Clinical Isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Presenting Different Genomic Backgrounds
Authors: Hernando-Amado Sara , López-Causapé Carla , Laborda Pablo , Sanz-García Fernando , Oliver Antonio , Martínez José Luis
Published: December 2022

Collateral sensitivity (CS) is a trade-off of antibiotic resistance evolution that could be exploited to design strategies for treating bacterial infections. Clinical application of CS requires it to robustly emerge in different genomic backgrounds.
Detection of Six Different Human Enteric Viruses Contaminating Environmental Water in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Authors: Kumthip Kattareeya , Khamrin Pattara , Ushijima Hiroshi , Maneekarn Niwat
Published: December 2022

Human enteric viruses are a major cause of gastrointestinal illness, and these viruses can be introduced into environmental water through various routes. Viral contamination in water could play a significant role in human health.
Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors Display Potent Activity against Cryptosporidium parvum
Authors: Nava Maria G. , Calderón Félix , Fernández Elena , Ballell Lluis , Bamborough Paul , Vinayak Sumiti
Published: December 2022

The intestinal parasite
Cryptosporidium parvum
is a major cause of diarrhea-associated morbidity and mortality in children, immunocompromised people, and young ruminant animals. With no effective drug available to treat cryptosporidiosis in humans and animals, there is an urgent need to identify anti-parasitic compounds and new targets for drug development.
ACTH-secreting metastatic prostate cancer with neuroendocrine differentiation
Authors: Hassan Bashar , Yazbeck Yara , Akiki Vanessa , Salti Ibrahim , Tfayli Arafat
Published: December 2022

Cushing’s syndrome (CS) due to ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretion (EAS) can result from a variety of tumours and rarely from those of prostatic origin. We present a male patient in his early 60s with ACTH-secreting metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation (ICD-O code 8574/3) years after prostatectomy and androgen-deprivation therapy, initially presenting with Cushingoid features. After open radical prostatectomy and bilateral orchiectomy for disease recurrence, the patient was found to have metastatic liver and bone lesions highly suggestive of metastatic prostatic cancer. About 10% of cells on liver biopsy expressed ACTH, a finding consistent with EAS as the cause of CS. His stay was complicated with multiple infections and ultimate death. Hence, we report a case of metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation who presented with CS. We also emphasize the importance of adequate and timely treatment.
Do renal and cardiac malformations in the fetus signal carnitine palmitoyltransferase II deficiency? A rare lethal fatty acid oxidation defect
Authors: Tan Yee Yin , Fong Wen Yan Nikki , Chan Charmaine Jiahui , Chandran Suresh
Published: December 2022

The neonatal form of carnitine palmitoyltransferase II (CPT II) deficiency is a rare lethal inherited disorder of fatty acid oxidation. Carnitine essentially transfers long-chain fatty acids across the mitochondrial membranes for β-oxidation, where CPT II plays a key role. CPT II deficiency phenotypical forms include lethal neonatal, severe infantile and myopathic forms. We present a term small-for-gestational-age neonate with hypoglycaemia, seizures, refractory cardiac arrhythmias and intracranial haemorrhage. Plasma acylcarnitine profile and the genetic study confirmed CPT II deficiency. Additionally, likely pathogenic variants in theSLC22A5gene point to primary carnitine deficiency. Antenatal findings of polycystic kidney disease and cardiomegaly were confirmed postnatally. All supportive measures, including extracorporeal life support, failed to improve the clinical course, and the baby succumbed. Major renal, cerebral and cardiac anomalies were reported with CPT II deficiency. In our case, fetal polycystic nephromegaly and cardiomegaly with parental consanguinity should have signalled the possibility of this disorder.
Parotid gland keratocystoma: a rare diagnosis of a neck lump
Authors: Anparasan Abethan , Makaranka Stanislau , Brown Paul , Asimakopoulos Panagiotis
Published: December 2022

Keratocystoma of the parotid gland is a rare benign tumour, with only a handful of case reports in literature. We report a case of a man in his 70s who presented to the head and neck clinic with a 2-month history of a gradually increasing left neck swelling. Fine-needle aspiration showed contents of an epidermal cyst; however, an MRI showed a solid/cystic mass with a low T2 signal, suggesting increased risk of malignancy. The patient went on to have a left superficial parotidectomy and level IIa supraselective neck dissection. The lesion contained laminated keratin and was lined by squamous epithelium, with nodal extension. Features were those of a keratocystoma; metastatic cystic well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma was not favoured. This is the first reported case of a parotid keratocystoma with nodal extension of the lesion. This case report demonstrates that surgical excision and clinical monitoring can be a safe management strategy for these benign tumours.
Using the IMEDS distributed database for epidemiological studies in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Huang Ting-Ying , Rodriguez-Watson Carla , Wang Tongtong , Calhoun Shawna R , Marshall James , Burk Jillian , Nam Young Hee , Mendelsohn Aaron B , Jamal-Allial Aziza , Greenlee Robert T , Selvan Mano , Pawloski Pamala A , McMahill Walraven Cheryl N , Rai Ashish , Toh Sengwee , Brown Jeffery S
Published: December 2022

Introduction

This study aimed to assess data relevancy and data quality of the Innovation in Medical Evidence Development and Surveillance System Distributed Database (IMEDS-DD) for diabetes research and to evaluate comparability of its type 2 diabetes cohort to the general type 2 diabetes population.

Research design and methods

A retrospective study was conducted using the IMEDS-DD. Eligible members were adults with a medical encounter between April 1, 2018 and March 31, 2019 (index period). Type 2 diabetes and co-existing conditions were determined using all data available from April 1, 2016 to the most recent encounter within the index period. Type 2 diabetes patient characteristics, comorbidities and hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c) values were summarized and compared with those reported in national benchmarks and literature.

Results

Type 2 diabetes prevalence was 12.6% in the IMEDS-DD. Of 4 14 672 patients with type 2 diabetes, 52.8% were male, and the mean age was 65.0 (SD 13.3) years. Common comorbidities included hypertension (84.5%), hyperlipidemia (82.8%), obesity (45.3%), and cardiovascular disease (44.7%). Moderate-to-severe chronic kidney disease was observed in 20.2% patients. The most commonly used antihyperglycemic agents included metformin (35.7%), sulfonylureas (14.8%), and insulin (9.9%). Less than one-half (48.9%) had an HbA1cvalue recorded. These findings demonstrated the notable similarity in patient characteristics between type 2 diabetes populations identified within the IMEDS-DD and other large databases.

Conclusions

Despite the limitations related to HbA1cdata, our findings indicate that the IMEDS-DD contains robust information on key data elements to conduct pharmacoepidemiological studies in diabetes, including member demographic and clinical characteristics and health services utilization.
Long-term outcomes and clinical safety of expanded indication early gastric cancer treated with endoscopic submucosal dissection versus surgical resection: a meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Xing , Zheng Guoliang , Gao Na , Zheng Zhichao
Published: December 2022

Background and aims

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) remains an investigational issue for early gastric cancer (EGC) with expanded indications owing to the risk of lymph node metastasis. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes and safety of ESD versus surgical resection (SR) for EGC with expanded indications.

Methods

The systematic review selected studies from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and Web of Science databases from 2010 to 2020, and compared survival and clinical safety data of ESD with those of surgical resection for EGC with expanded indications. The fixed-effects or random-effects model was used to calculate the differences between the two groups. To assess the validity of the eligible studies, risk of bias was measured using the Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale.

Results

Nine retrospective studies were used to calculate the differences in survival and clinical safety data between the two groups for EGC with expanded indications. Differences were not significant between the groups in terms of age, sex, tumour size, tumour histology or lesion morphology. Regarding tumour site, tumours located in the L area (the lower third of the stomach) were more likely to be found in the ESD group. With regard to metachronous and synchronous carcinomas, there was a significant difference favouring SR treatment (metachronous: OR=0.12, 95% CI=0.05 to 0.25, p<0.00001; synchronous: OR=0.11, 95% CI=0.02 to 0.46, p=0.003). Adverse event data were identified in six studies showing a significant difference favouring ESD treatment (ESD vs SR, OR=0.49, 95% CI=0.34 to 0.72. p=0.002). Additionally, six studies evaluating 5-year overall survival showed no significant differences between the two groups (HR=1.22, 95% CI=0.66 to 2.25, p=0.53). With regard to 5-year disease-free survival, patients with expanded indication EGC undergoing SR showed better survival (ESD vs SR, HR=3.29, 95% CI=1.60 to 6.76, p=0.001).

Conclusion

ESD provided favourable results for patients with EGC with expanded indications regarding clinical outcomes and safety in retrospective studies. Further, to detect synchronous or metachronous lesions, endoscopic surveillance should be performed following ESD. However, the included studies were observational, some did not have adequate adjustment for confounding factors and their results lacked generalisability due to their origin. Thus, further related randomised controlled trials are urgently encouraged.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021251068.
Real-world effectiveness of casirivimab and imdevimab among patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in the ambulatory setting: a retrospective cohort study using a large claims database
Authors: Hussein Mohamed , Wei Wenhui , Mastey Vera , Sanchez Robert J , Wang Degang , Murdock Dana J , Hirshberg Boaz , Weinreich David M , Jalbert Jessica J
Published: December 2022

Objective

To assess the real-world effectiveness of casirivimab and imdevimab (CAS+IMD) versus no COVID-19 antibody treatment among patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in the ambulatory setting, including patients diagnosed during the Delta-dominant period prior to Omicron emergence.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Komodo Health closed claims database.

Participants

13 273 128 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 (December 2020 through September 2021) were treated with CAS+IMD or untreated but treatment eligible under the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). Each treated patient was exact and propensity score matched without replacement to up to five untreated EUA-eligible patients.

Interventions

CAS+IMD.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Composite endpoint of 30-day all-cause mortality or COVID-19-related hospitalisation. Kaplan-Meier estimators were used to calculate outcome risks overall and across subgroups: age, COVID-19 vaccination status, immunocompromised status, and timing of diagnosis (December 2020 to June 2021, and July to September 2021). Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate adjusted HRs (aHRs) and 95% CIs.

Results

Among 75 159 CAS+IMD-treated and 1 670 338 EUA-eligible untreated patients, 73 759 treated patients were matched to 310 688 untreated patients; matched patients were ~50 years, ~60% were women and generally well balanced across risk factors. The 30-day risk of the composite outcome was 2.1% and 5.2% in the CAS+IMD-treated and CAS+IMD-untreated patients, respectively; equivalent to a 60% lower risk (aHR 0.40; 95% CI, 0.38 to 0.42). The effect of CAS+IMD was consistent across subgroups, including those who received a COVID-19 vaccine (aHR 0.48, 95% CI, 0.41 to 0.56), and those diagnosed during the Delta-dominant period (aHR 0.40, 95% CI, 0.38 to 0.42).

Conclusions

The real-world effectiveness of CAS+IMD is consistent with the efficacy for reducing all-cause mortality or COVID-19-related hospitalisation reported in clinical trials. Effectiveness is maintained across patient subgroups, including those prone to breakthrough infections, and was effective against susceptible variants including Delta.
New Tsallis holographic dark energy with future event horizon as IR-cutoff in non-flat Universe
Authors: Nisha Muttathazhathu Ali , Pankaj  , Sharma Umesh Kumar , Kumar P. Suresh , Mishra Ambuj Kumar
Published: December 2022

In this work, new Tsallis holographic dark energy (NTHDE) with future event horizon as IR-cutoff is constructed in a non-flat Friedmann–Lemaitre–Robertson–Walker Universe. The accelerating expansion phase of the universe is described by using deceleration parameter, equation of state parameter and density parameter by using different values of NTHDE parameter “[Formula: see text]” and “[Formula: see text]”. We specifically derive the differential equations for the dark-energy density parameter (DP) and hence the equation of state parameter (EoS) by taking into account closed and open spatial geometry. In both a closed and an open universe, the equation of state parameter exhibits pure quintessence behavior for [Formula: see text], quintom behavior for [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text]CDM model recovery for [Formula: see text]. We can see the phase changes from deceleration to acceleration at [Formula: see text] by tracking the evolution of the deceleration parameter. As inferred from the evolution of the Hubble parameter, NTHDE in a non-flat universe precisely matches Hubble data. Stability of our model by analyzing the squared speed of sound is investigated as well.
Surface reconstruction algorithm using a modified Allen–Cahn equation
Authors: Wang Jian , Jiang Wenjing
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we propose a novel efficient surface reconstruction method from unorganized point cloud data in three-dimensional Euclidean space. The proposed method is based on the Allen–Cahn partial differential equation, with an edge indicating function to restrict the evolution. We applied the explicit Euler’s method to solve the discrete equation, and use the operator splitting technique to split the governing equation. Furthermore, we also modify the double well form to a periodic potential. Then we find that the proposed model can reconstruct the surface well even in the case of insufficient data. After selecting the appropriate parameters, we carried out various numerical experiments to demonstrate the robustness and accuracy of the proposed method. We adopt the proposed method to reconstruct the surfaces on simple, irregular and complex models, respectively, and can obtain smooth three-dimensional surfaces and visual effects. In addition, we also perform comparison tests to show the superiority of the proposed model. Statistic metrics such as the [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], CPU time, and vertex numbers are evaluated. Results show that our model performs better than the other methods in statistical metrics even use far less point cloud data, and with the faster CPU computing speed.
Resonant collisions among localized waves in the (2+1)-dimensional Hirota–Satsuma–Ito equation
Authors: Wu Jiaojiao , Li Biao
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we study the resonant collisions among different types of localized solitary waves in the (2+1)-dimensional Hirota–Satsuma–Ito equation, which are described by N-soliton solutions constructed using bilinear method. Through the asymptotic analysis and limit treatment of the phase shift of these localized waves, the elastic collisions among different localized waves can be transformed into resonant collisions. Hereby, we study the resonant collision between a breather/ lump and a bright line soliton and find two collision situations: (i) the breather is semi-localized in space and the shape of the breather is not localized during the propagation and (ii) the lump wave generates from the bright line wave. At the same time, we investigate the resonant collision between a breather/lump and two bright line solitons. In these evolution processes, we also gain two dynamical behaviors: (iii) the breather is always localized in space and the shape of the breather is not localized during the propagation, and (iv) the lump wave appears from a bright line soliton and then disappears into the other bright line soliton. Localized wave and interaction solutions of the nonlinear wave models have a great impact on oceanography and physics. The results may be useful in researching the physical phenomena in shallow water waves and nonlinear optics.
Spatially coherent control of infrared pulse propagation in a graphene monolayer system
Authors: Kadhim Zainab Jawad , Abbass Rathab , Chlib Alkaaby Hussein Humedy , Izzat Samar Emad , Shams Marwah A. , Adhab Ayat Hussein , Kadhim Athmar Ali
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we have discussed the spatial dependence of linear and nonlinear optical properties of infrared laser pulse in a single-layer graphene system. We have proposed two scenarios for adjusting the linear and nonlinear optical properties of the medium. In the first assumption, the graphene system interacts by an elliptical polarized optical vortex light and we adjust the linear and nonlinear properties via ellipticity and vorticity parameters. We found that the enhanced nonlinear coefficient was obtained with reduced linear absorption. In the second assumption, we assumed that two composite optical vortex lights interact with graphene layer. In this case the linear and nonlinear optical properties can be controlled via orbital angular momentum (OAM) of the applied lights. Here, we have shown that by adjusting the azimuthal angle of the composite vortex light, the spatial control of linear and nonlinear properties is possible. We found that in some regions of space the probe absorption vanishes and enhanced the nonlinear coefficient accompanied with optical transparency. Our results may be useful applications in future in all-optical system devices in nanostructures.
Annotated OpenAPI Descriptions and Ontology for REST Services
Authors: Mainas Nikolaos , Bouraimis Fotios , Karavisileiou Aikaterini , Petrakis Euripides G. M.
Published: December 2022

Leveraging the latest research results on hypermedia-driven Web APIs and the newest update of the OpenAPI Specification, we propose a reference ontology for REST services along with a formal procedure for converting OpenAPI service descriptions to instances of this ontology. At the heart of the approach is a model for enhancing the meaning of Schema properties (i.e. re-usable JSON Schema properties that clarify the meaning of service components). Schema properties are semantically annotated (i.e. their meaning is mapped to a semantic model) and existing properties are combined to form composed or polymorphic expressions. The algorithm for mapping service descriptions to the OpenAPI ontology is implemented and is available as a Web Application.
Making infrastructure into nature
Authors: Weber Ryan
Published: December 2022

This article contributes to a growing research area in writing studies that examines how documents perform infrastructure functions. The article uses document analysis and interviews to examine the ecology of documents necessary to establish oyster aquaculture in the state of Alabama. The results show that performative infrastructural documents exist in a larger ecology of documents and that they can embed themselves in natural environments and living creatures. This analysis extends the analytical framework of infrastructure-based writing studies by connecting writing and infrastructure with the natural world.