bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economical and sustainable microbial peroxide‐producing cell utilizing domestic sewage water and its contemporaneous treatment
Authors: Chang Changsomba , Gupta Pratima
Published: October 2022

To boost growth and global competitiveness, a growing number of industries and sewage treatment plants are making “sustainability” and “cost‐effectiveness” key goals in their strategy and vision. This movement is also spreading far beyond the small group of people who recognize as “green”. This is the first study to demonstrate that domestic sewage water can be utilized as anodic feed for the electrochemical production of H2O2 in the catholyte with simultaneous wastewater treatment in a microbial peroxide‐producing cell (MPPC) designed cost‐effectively utilizing a variety of catholyte and few electrode materials. The electrochemical output utilizing domestic wastewater resulted in maximum production of 62 mM H2O2 in a 37‐day batch in the MPPC with 50 mM H2SO4 catholyte having a bare activated charcoal electrode. The constantly rising H2O2 production during the 37‐day hydraulic retention time demonstrated the system's sustainability and efficiency in contrast to other reported studies. Cyclic voltammetry analysis of the catholyte with the Fenton process showed excellent redox peaks, indicating its applicability for in‐situ pollutant degradation. The MPPCs had an overall 40%–60% and 65%–85% removal efficiency of biochemical oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand. This study shows that a simple MPPC design with no extensive modifications can be efficient at producing H2O2 and simultaneously treating wastewater.
Changes in the options contract size and arbitrage opportunities
Authors: Song Joonhyuk , Ryu Doojin , Yu Jinyoung
Published: October 2022

We examine the impacts of changes to the options multiplier on market efficiency by analyzing their effects on arbitrage proxies based on the performance of options spread strategies. Despite the intentions of the reforms, both decisions to raise and reduce the multiplier significantly increase the frequency and probability of arbitrage opportunities. Whereas the increment in the multiplier also deteriorates market efficiency by increasing the duration and average size of the arbitrage opportunities in a day, the decrement does not affect these proxies. Our results overall provide evidence that reforms to the options multiplier do not enhance market efficiency and suggest that retail investors are not homogeneously noisy.
Offshore FDI, tax havens, and productivity: A network analysis
Authors: Jha Soni , Awate Snehal
Published: October 2022

Research summary

Multinational enterprises (MNEs) use tax havens to benefit from international tax arbitrage and increase their capital efficiency. These activities are purported to distort global financial markets, erode national corporate tax bases, and are singularly targeted in the media. Despite this, MNEs continue to increase the dispersion of their tax haven activities by investing in multiple tax havens. We study how this dispersion affects home and host country productivity. We model the inward and outward offshore foreign direct investment (FDI) networks using longitudinal data on 212 countries. We find that increasing dispersion leads to productivity losses at home but productivity gains in the host country. Further, increasing the prominence of home and host countries in the offshore network, by connecting with central, well‐developed tax havens, improves their productivity.

Managerial summary

Is offshore FDI routed through tax havens always unproductive to the MNEs' home and host countries? While governments attempt to contain such investments, MNE managers disperse them into multiple tax havens and continue benefitting from tax arbitrage. We show that all offshore FDI is not unproductive. As managers route their investments through multiple tax havens, their home countries may experience productivity losses, but the host countries receive productivity gains. Further, using central, well‐established tax havens bring productivity gains to both home and host countries. We thus show that MNEs' home countries need to reassess their offshore FDI policies since several of them also host these investments. Our paper extends a multilateral perspective on offshore FDI and possible benefits attainable, particularly from central tax havens.
Spatial variation of changes in test–retest reliability of functional connectivity after global signal regression: The effect of considering hemodynamic delay
Authors: Wanger Timothy J. , Janes Amy C. , Frederick Blaise B.
Published: October 2022

Global signal regression (GSR) is a controversial analysis method, since its removal of signal has been observed to reduce the reliability of functional connectivity estimates. Here, we used test–retest reliability to characterize potential differences in spatial patterns between conventional, static GSR (sGSR) and a novel dynamic form of GSR (dGSR). In contrast with sGSR, dGSR models the global signal at a time delay to correct for blood arrival time. Thus, dGSR accounts for greater variation in global signal, removes blood‐flow‐related nuisance signal, and leaves higher quality neuronal signal remaining. We used intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) to estimate the reliability of functional connectivity in 462 healthy controls from the Human Connectome Project. We tested across two factors: denoising method used (control, sGSR, and dGSR), and interacquisition interval (between days, or within session while varying phase encoding direction). Reliability was estimated regionally to identify topographic patterns for each condition. sGSR and dGSR provided global reductions in reliability compared with the non‐GSR control. Test–retest reliability was highest in the frontoparietal and default mode regions, and lowest in sensorimotor cortex for all conditions. dGSR provides more effective denoising in regions where both strategies greatly reduce reliability. Both GSR methods substantially reduced test–retest reliability, which was most evident in brain regions that had low reliability prior to denoising. These findings suggest that reliability of interregional correlation is likely inflated by the global signal, which is thought to primarily reflect dynamic blood flow.
Efficacy of the lumbar sympathetic ganglion block in lower limb pain and its application prospects during the perioperative period
Authors: Zhang Jing‐Han , Deng Yan‐Ping , Geng Min‐Jian
Published: October 2022

The sympathetic nervous system is involved in the physiological pathogenesis of many different types of chronic pain. Sympathetic blocks can interrupt the reflex control system by intercepting the noxious afferent fibers accompanying autonomic nerves, resulting in changes in peripheral or central sensory processing. A lumbar sympathetic ganglion block (LSGB), as a treatment method, refers to the injection of nerve blockers into the corresponding lumbar sympathetic nerve segments, usually requiring imaging assistance (CT, X‐ray, ultrasound) to guide. At present, LSGB has been widely used in the clinical treatment of lower limb pain, such as neuropathic pain, lower limb ischemic pain, and so on. Its mechanism of action may be through inhibiting sympathetic nerve activity and dilating blood vessels, thereby alleviating pain and inhibiting stress response. However, there are few reports of LSGB during the perioperative period, especially in postoperative pain and gastrointestinal function. Therefore, by studying the literature about LSGB‐related studies, this article reviews the anatomy of the lumbar sympathetic nerve (LSN), with its clinical application and possible mechanism. We reviewed the analgesic effect of LSGB in patients with lower limb pain and postoperative pain and the potential application prospects in the recovery of gastrointestinal function, finally providing a reference for its clinical application.
Proteomic signature for detection of high‐grade ovarian cancer in germline BRCA mutation carriers
Authors: Bahar‐Shany Keren , Barnabas Georgina D. , Deutsch Lisa , Deutsch Netanel , Glick‐Saar Efrat , Dominissini Dan , Sapoznik Stav , Helpman Limor , Perri Tamar , Blecher Anna , Katz Guy , Yagel Itai , Rosenblatt Orgad , Shai Daniel , Brandt Benny , Meyer Raanan , Mohr‐Sasson Aya , Volodarsky‐Perel Alexander , Zilberman Itamar , Armon Shunit , Jakobson‐Setton Ariella , Eitan Ram , Kadan Yfat , Beiner Mario , Josephy Dana , Brodsky Malka , Friedman Eitan , Anafi Liat , Molchanov Yossef , Korach Jacob , Geiger Tamar , Levanon Keren
Published: October 2022

No current screening methods for high‐grade ovarian cancer (HGOC) guarantee effective early detection for high‐risk women such as germline BRCA mutation carriers. Therefore, the standard‐of‐care remains risk‐reducing salpingo‐oophorectomy (RRSO) around age 40. Proximal liquid biopsy is a promising source of biomarkers, but sensitivity has not yet qualified for clinical implementation. We aimed to develop a proteomic assay based on proximal liquid biopsy, as a decision support tool for monitoring high‐risk population. Ninety Israeli BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation carriers were included in the training set (17 HGOC patients and 73 asymptomatic women), (BEDOCA trial; ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03150121). The proteome of the microvesicle fraction of the samples was profiled by mass spectrometry and a classifier was developed using logistic regression. An independent cohort of 98 BRCA mutation carriers was used for validation. Safety information was collected for all women who opted for uterine lavage in a clinic setting. We present a 7‐protein diagnostic signature, with AUC >0.97 and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 100% for detecting HGOC. The AUC of the biomarker in the independent validation set was >0.94 and the NPV >99%. The sampling procedure was clinically acceptable, with favorable pain scores and safety. We conclude that the acquisition of Müllerian tract proximal liquid biopsies in women at high‐risk for HGOC and the application of the BRCA‐specific diagnostic assay demonstrates high sensitivity, specificity, technical feasibility and safety. Similar classifier for an average‐risk population is warranted.
The Digital Engineering Competency Framework (DECF): Critical Skillsets to Support Digital Transformation
Authors: Hutchison Nicole , Tao Hoong Yan See
Published: October 2022

In the US, the Department of Defense (DoD) is engaging in major digital transformation efforts to modernize the defense workforce, particularly the engineering acquisition workforce to ensure that the workforce remains technically competent. This effort was kicked off with the publication of its Digital Engineering Strategy in 2018. Digital engineering is necessary to update and support systems engineering practices to maintain a competitive advantage in data analytics, data science, computation technology, modeling, and simulation. The DoD envisions successful digital engineering transformation through the modernization of the way the Department designs, develops, delivers, operates, maintains, and sustains systems. One of the key aspects of this transformation is developing a digital engineering competency model to develop and sustain the workforce. In 2019, the DoD tasked the Systems Engineering Research Center (SERC) with the creation of a “Digital Engineering Competency Framework (DECF)” as part of its critical digital transformation and workforce development modernization efforts. Though created in the context of the US DoD, the DECF is not intended to be a defense‐ or US‐centric and instead provides a foundation for any individual or organization looking to embark on digital transformation. This paper provides an overview of the DECF and its potential relationships with other competency frameworks.
For the Journey to Expertise in Systems Engineering, Enhance the Path with Shu Ha Ri
Authors: Robinson Fred Y.
Published: October 2022

This paper offers a perspective for considering enhancements to the current programs for developing systems engineering professionals, incorporating consideration for developing characteristics of expertise and mastery throughout. Shu Ha Ri represents an approach for three phases of mastery development, established in ancient practices such as some martial arts and mimicked in many current approaches: beginner > intermediate > advanced, apprentice > journeyman > master, bachelors > masters > doctorate.

Anders Eriksson's research on expertise depicts three levels of progression, naïve practice > purposeful practice > deliberate practice, building on Bloom's earlier three phases of development. However, Eriksson's model is limited to domains where the demonstration of expertise can be characterized, is well understood, and is measurable or at least objectively evaluable by existing domain experts.

Most systems engineering expert achievement certifications that exist are still relatively subjective or IKIWISI (I'll know it when I see it) evaluations by the subject's future peer experts. For a given population of experts in systems engineering, there is a shared thematic set of highly diverse experiential assessment characteristics which diverge in orthogonal dimensions from some of the earlier assessment levels.

David Epstein suggests that the power of generalists comes to play more when experts address wicked problems (those lacking a pre‐ordained approach for solving) than when specialists address kind problems (the opposite). Kind problems are not necessarily easy to solve, but the route is well defined. Solving wicked problems without exemplar solutions often requires the generalist's leveraging of analogic thinking, and the recognition and possible synthesis of matchable patterns (isomorphisms) learned from diverse experience sampling of other domains, not merely relying on T‐shaped or Pi‐shaped knowledge.

Using the Shu Ha Ri framing presents an opportunity to consider enhancements to earlier systems engineering practitioner development stages towards excelling beyond emergence and effectiveness.
A facile 3D bio‐fabrication of customized tubular scaffolds using solvent‐based extrusion printing for tissue‐engineered tracheal grafts
Authors: Kandi Rudranarayan , Sachdeva Kunj , Choudhury Saumitra Dey , Pandey Pulak Mohan , Mohanty Sujata
Published: October 2022

Tracheal implantation remains a major therapeutic challenge due to the unavailability of donors and the lack of biomimetic tubular grafts. Fabrication of biomimetic tracheal scaffolds of suitable materials with matched rigidity, enhanced flexibility and biocompatibility has been a major challenge in the field of tracheal reconstruction. In this study, customized tubular grafts made up of FDA‐approved polycaprolactone () and polyurethane () were fabricated using a novel solvent‐based extrusion 3D printing. The printed scaffolds were investigated by various physical, thermal, and mechanical characterizations such as contact angle measurement, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), radial compression, longitudinal compression, and cyclic radial compression. In this study, the native goat trachea was used as a reference for the fabrication of different types of scaffolds (cylindrical, bellow‐shaped, and spiral‐shaped). The mechanical properties of the goat trachea were also compared to find suitable formulations of . Spiral‐shaped scaffolds were found to be an ideal shape based on longitudinal compression and torsion load maintaining clear patency. To check the long‐term implantation, in vitro degradation test was performed for all the 3D printed scaffolds and it was found that blending of with reduced the degradation behavior. The printed scaffolds were further evaluated for biocompatibility assay, live/dead assay, and cell adhesion assay using bone marrow‐derived human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). From biomechanical and biological assessments, of spiral‐shaped scaffolds could be a suitable candidate for the development of tracheal regenerative applications.
A comparative in vitro and in vivo study of porcine‐ and bovine‐derived non‐cross‐linked collagen membranes
Authors: Zhu Mengdi , Duan Beibei , Hou Kegui , Mao Lisha , Wang Xuejiu
Published: October 2022

The porcine‐derived non‐cross‐linked collagen membrane Bio‐gide® (BG) and the bovine‐derived non‐cross‐linked collagen membrane Heal‐all® (HA) were compared to better understand their in vitro biophysical characteristics and in vivo degradation patterns as a reference for clinical applications. It was showed that the porosity, specific surface area, pore volume and pore diameter of BG were larger than those of HA (64.5 ± 5.2% vs. 48.6 ± 6.1%; 18.6 ± 2.8 m2/g vs. 2.3 ± 0.6 m2/g; 0.114 ± 0.002 cm3/g vs. 0.003 ± 0.001 cm3/g; 24.4 ± 3.5 nm vs. 7.3 ± 1.7 nm, respectively); the average swelling ratio of BG was higher than that of HA (412.6 ± 41.2% vs. 270.0 ± 2.7%); the tensile strength of both dry and wet HA was higher than those of BG (18.26 ± 3.27 MPa vs. 4.02 ± 1.35 MPa; 2.24 ± 0.21 MPa vs. 0.16 ± 0.02 MPa, respectively); 73% of HA remained after 72 h in collagenase solution, whereas only 8.2% of BG remained. A subcutaneous rat implantation model revealed that, at 3, 7, 14, 28, and 56 days postmembrane implantation, there were more total inflammatory cells, especially more M1 and M2 polarized macrophages and higher M2/M1 ratio in BG than in HA; in addition, the fibrous capsule around BG was also thicker than that around HA. Moreover, concentrations of dozens of cytokines including interleukin‐2(IL‐2), IL‐7, IL‐10 and so forth. in BG were higher than those in HA. It is suggested that BG and HA might be suitable for different clinical applications according to their different characteristics.
The development and initial validation of self‐report measures of ICD‐11 depressive episode and generalized anxiety disorder: The International Depression Questionnaire (IDQ) and the International Anxiety Questionnaire (IAQ)
Authors: Shevlin Mark , Hyland Philip , Butter Sarah , McBride Orla , Hartman Todd K. , Karatzias Thanos , Bentall Richard P.
Published: October 2022

Background

The new International Classification of Diseases came into effect in 2022 (ICD‐11; World Health Organization, 2022) and included updated descriptions and diagnostic rules for “Depressive Episode” and “Generalized Anxiety Disorder.” No self‐report measures align with these disorders so this study reports the development and initial validation of the “International Depression Questionnaire” (IDQ) and “International Anxiety Questionnaire” (IAQ).

Methods

Items were developed that aligned to the ICD‐11 descriptions and their performance was assessed using data from a community sample (N = 2058) that was representative of the United Kingdom adult population.

Results

Item response theory models indicated that the two scales were unidimensional, and the items performed well in terms of difficulty and discrimination. Estimates of internal reliability were high. Based on ICD‐11 derived diagnostic algorithms, 7.4% met requirements for ICD‐11 Depressive Episode and 7.1% for Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

Conclusions

The IDQ and the IAQ are short, easy to use, self‐report measures aligned to the new and updated ICD‐11 diagnostic descriptions. This study provides initial evidence that the scales produce scores that are reliable and valid.
Tulostoma loonbanglaense: A new species from Azad Jammu and Kashmir using light and scanning electron microscopy and DNA barcoding technique
Authors: Niazi Abdul Rehman , Ghafoor Aneeqa , Afshan Najam‐ul‐Sehar , Moreno Gabriel
Published: October 2022

Tulostoma loonbanglaense sp. nov. is described from Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. ITS sequences confirm its position within the genus Tulostoma, and suggest that it is separate from other identified species of this genus. The species has globose to subglobose, with wide, solitary and appressed spines basidiospores, the basidiospores are relatively small, 4.39 × 4.23 μm, that make it distinguished from the related species. Sequences of nr ITS region of the newly described species nested as a distinct taxon in both phylogenetic analyses of the current study.
Integrins are enriched on aberrantly fucosylated tumour‐derived urinary extracellular vesicles
Authors: Islam Md. Khirul , Dhondt Bert , Syed Parvez , Khan Misba , Gidwani Kamlesh , Webber Jason , Hendrix An , Jenster Guido , Lamminen Tarja , Boström Peter J. , Pettersson Kim , Lamminmäki Urpo , Leivo Janne
Published: October 2022

Urinary extracellular vesicles (uEVs) are enriched with glycosylated proteins which have been extensively studied as putative biomarkers of urological cancers. Here, we characterized the glycosylation and integrin profile of EVs derived from urological cancer cell lines. We used fluorescent europium‐doped nanoparticles coated with lectins and antibodies to identify a biomarker combination consisting of integrin subunit alpha 3 (ITGA3) and fucose. In addition, we used the same cancer cell line‐derived EVs as analytical standards to assess the sensitivity of the ITGA3‐UEA assay. The clinical performance of the ITGA3‐UEA assay was analysed using urine samples of various urological pathologies including diagnostically challenging benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cancer (PCa) and bladder cancer (BlCa). The assay can significantly discriminate BlCa from all other patient groups: PCa (9.2‐fold;p = 0.00038), BPH (5.5‐fold;p = 0.004) and healthy individuals (and 23‐fold;p = 0.0001). Our results demonstrate that aberrantly fucosylated uEVs and integrin ITGA3 can be detected with fucose‐specific lectin UEA in a simple bioaffinity assay for the detection of BlCa directly from unprocessed urine.
On bivariate modelling using a new statistical distribution with homogeneous marginals
Authors: Poonia Neeraj , Azad Sarita
Published: October 2022

Recent studies have shown that the univariate exponentiated Teissier distribution is an effective model for analysing rainfall data. A bivariate probability distribution offers greater insight into a process like a flood or drought than a univariate method for analysing the characteristics of environmental occurrences. As a result, in this study we developed a bivariate exponentiated Teissier distribution. The marginals of the proposed distribution model follow the exponentiated Teissier distribution. The cumulative distribution function of this bivariate model consists of continuous and singular components. The proposed model is shown to have several fundamental statistical properties, including joint cumulative distribution, joint density, marginals, and conditional distributions. Additionally, some copula functions are examined. The proposed model's parameter estimations are derived using the maximum likelihood method. Furthermore, the asymptotic confidence intervals are given for these estimates. A Monte Carlo simulation study with various sample sizes was performed to evaluate the behaviour of maximum likelihood estimates. Finally, we used football and flood datasets to demonstrate how the proposed model may be employed.
Ultrasound‐Guided Trigger Point Injections for the Treatment of Neck and Back Pain in the Emergency Department
Authors: Farrow Robert A. , Newberry Mark , Zitek Tony , Farrow Jackie , Mechanic Oren J. , Rosselli Michael
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Patients frequently present to the emergency department (ED) with neck or back pain, which can be difficult to treat. We sought to compare ultrasound‐guided trigger point injection (TPI) to standard medications for patients with neck or back pain.

Methods

We performed a single‐center, open label, randomized controlled trial on ED patients with neck or back pain from myofascial pain syndrome comparing ultrasound‐guided TPIs to those who received the combination of a nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) and a muscle relaxant (MR). The primary outcome of this study was the reduction in mean pain score at the time of ED disposition.

Results

In total, we analyzed 196 patients. At the time of ED disposition, patients in the TPI group had a mean reduction in their pain scores of 45.0 mm as compared to 49.9 mm in the NSAID plus MR group (difference: 4.9 [95% confidence interval (CI) −3.0 to 12.7], P = .22). At the first reassessment, patients in the TPI group had greater pain reduction by 10.7 mm (95% CI 3.1 to 18.4). The rate of rescue therapy use was higher in the NSAID plus MR group (difference: 17.5% [95% CI 4.4 to 36.2]).

Conclusions

We found no difference in pain reduction at the time of ED disposition between patients randomized to the ultrasound‐guided TPI group as compared to those who received an NSAID plus a MR. However, patients in the TPI group had greater pain reduction at the time of first reassessment and lower rates of rescue therapy use.
Length of Stay in Patients Undergoing Tracheoplasty: A NSQIP Study
Authors: Patel Rushi , Dhanda Aatin K. , Georges Kirolos , Cohen David A. , Patel Prayag , Eloy Jean Anderson
Published: October 2022

Background

Prolonged length of stay (LOS) has been associated with increased morbidity and resource utilization in various surgical procedures. We aim to determine factors associated with increased hospital stay in patient undergoing tracheoplasty.

Methods

The 2012–2018 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was queried for patients undergoing tracheoplasty. Patient LOS was the primary clinical outcome. A LOS >75th percentile was considered as prolonged and was utilized for bivariate analysis of demographic, comorbidity, and operative characteristics. LOS was utilized as a continuous variable for multivariate linear regression analysis.

Results

A total of 252 patients were queried. The majority of patients were female (67.5%), white (82.4%), and over the age of 65 (77.0%). Patients had a median LOS of 7 days with the 75th percentile cutoff being defined at 10 days. On bivariate analysis of associated comorbidities, patients with prolonged LOS were more commonly obese (72.4% vs. 53.1%, p = 0.009), diabetic (37.9% vs. 16.5%, p < 0.001), dyspneic (58.6% vs. 40.7%, p = 0.016), and had chronic steroid use (25.9% vs. 12.9%, p = 0.018). Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated significant associations between prolonged LOS and both chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) (OR: 3.43, p = 0.020) and chronic steroid use (OR: 3.81, p = 0.018).

Conclusions

This study elucidates factors associated with prolonged LOS in patients undergoing tracheoplasty. Patients with COPD and chronic steroid use were significantly associated with prolonged LOS.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 133:1938–1942, 2023
Metal‐Free Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization of PVDF‐Based Block Copolymers Catalyzed by Organic Photoredox Catalysts
Authors: Altomare Aldo , Loos Katja
Published: October 2022

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and its copolymers represent a class of electroactive fluoropolymers with very attractive piezo/ferroelectric properties that can be chemically modified to achieve high‐quality composites with improved properties. Here, the synthesis of poly(methyl methacrylate)‐b‐poly(vinylidene fluoride)‐b‐poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA‐b‐PVDF‐b‐PMMA) triblock copolymers via metal‐free light‐catalyzed atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) using organic photoredox catalysts (OPRC) and light of suitable wavelength is reported. Using benzoyl peroxide bearing an ATRP active group at both ends of the molecule, telechelic PVDF is synthesized, and is used as a macroinitiator in the metal‐free, light‐catalyzed ATRP in presence of methyl methacrylate (MMA), an OPRC, and light of suitable wavelength. Kinetic studies are performed by monitoring the monomer consumed in solution and by using 1H‐NMR to calculate the formation of the new PMMA blocks. Three of the five tested OPRC, operating through an oxidative quenching pathway, guarantee a good control over the polymerization, confirmed by the constant concentration of radicals during the process and by the linear growth of the conversion versus the percentage of monomer consumed. Chain extension reactions are also performed to prove chain‐end fidelity, as well as “light ON/light OFF” reactions to test the temporal control guaranteed by the external stimuli used to catalyze the polymerization.
Annonaceae Consumption Worsens Disease Severity and Cognitive Deficits in Degenerative Parkinsonism
Authors: Cleret de Langavant Laurent , Roze Emmanuel , Petit Aimée , Tressières Benoit , Gharbi‐Meliani Amin , Chaumont Hugo , Michel Patrick Pierre , Bachoud‐Lévi Anne‐Catherine , Remy Philippe , Edragas Régine , Lannuzel Annie
Published: October 2022

Background

High consumption ofAnnona muricatafruit has been previously identified as a risk factor for atypical parkinsonism in the French Caribbean islands.

Objective

We tested whether consumption of Annonaceae products could worsen the clinical phenotype of patients with any form of degenerative parkinsonism.

Methods

We analyzed neurological data from 180 Caribbean parkinsonian patients and specifically looked for dose effects of lifelong, cumulative Annonaceae consumption on cognitive performance. Using unsupervised clustering, we identified one cluster with mild/moderate symptoms (N = 102) and one with severe symptoms including cognitive impairment (N = 78).

Results

We showed that even low cumulative consumption of fruits/juices (>0.2 fruit‐years) or any consumption of herbal tea from Annonaceae worsen disease severity and cognitive deficits in degenerative parkinsonism including Parkinson's disease (OR fruits‐juices: 3.76 [95% CI: 1.13–15.18]; OR herbal tea: 2.91 [95% CI: 1.34–6.56]).

Conclusion

We suggest that more restrictive public health preventive recommendations should be made regarding the consumption of Annonaceae products. © 2022 The Authors.Movement Disorderspublished by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Cerebrospinal fluid characteristics of patients treated with intrathecal nusinersen for spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Orbach Rotem , Sagi Liora , Sadot Efraim , Tokatly Latzer Itay , Shtamler Anna , Zisberg Tehila , Fattal‐Valevski Aviva
Published: October 2022

Introduction/Aims

There is limited information on the potential effects of repeated intrathecal antisense oligonucleotide drug delivery on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biochemical and blood cell profiles. This study aimed to examine longitudinal changes in the biochemical components (glucose, protein) and blood cell counts in the CSF of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) patients treated with intrathecal nusinersen.

Methods

We collected and analyzed clinical and CSF parameters (cell count, protein, glucose, culture) of 50 individuals with SMA during nusinersen treatment (22 type 1, 17 type 2, and 11 type 3).

Results

The median protein concentration at baseline and during treatment was within the normal range but rose during treatment and was significantly above baseline at the time of the ninth intrathecal injection (p = 0.02, two‐tailed Wilcoxon matched‐pairs test, and p = 0.0015, Friedman test for repeated measures). Further analysis showed that the increase in CSF protein concentration was evident for SMA types 2 and 3 patients, but not for type 1. This observation was also demonstrated by a significant correlation between the SMN2 gene copy number and the increase in CSF protein concentration (Spearman rank correlation test).

Discussion

Our results demonstrate that a delayed increase in CSF protein concentration is expected during nusinersen treatment for SMA types 2 and 3. This might reflect the medication's effect and a possible therapeutic biochemical marker.
Oculopharyngodistal myopathy: The recent discovery of an old disease
Authors: Kumutpongpanich Theerawat , Liewluck Teerin
Published: October 2022

See article on pages 679–685 in this issue.
A nonsmooth method for spatial frictional contact dynamics of flexible multibody systems with large deformation
Authors: Wang Kun , Tian Qiang
Published: October 2022

A nonsmooth contact dynamics computation methodology for spatial frictional contact dynamics of flexible multibody systems with large deformation is presented. The contact and friction conditions between contact bodies are formulated as a cone complementary problem (CCP). Based on the mortar discretization method, nonsmooth frictional contact formulations for surface‐to‐surface and beam‐to‐beam contact problems are derived. These formulations can be used to study a wide range of contact problems between three‐dimensional bodies, thin plates and beams. The nonsmooth multibody dynamics equations are solved by using the generalized‐ method. The CCP is solved by using the accelerated projected gradient descend (APGD) algorithm in each Newton's iteration. Finally, six numerical examples are provided to validate the proposed computation methodology.
Joining processes of CFRP‐Al sheets in automobile lightweighting technologies: A review
Authors: Han Shanling , Guang Xinjie , Li Zhiyong , Li Yong
Published: October 2022

According to the development trend of modern car body, the future car body will be composed of steel, aluminum‐magnesium alloy, plastic, carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), and other lightweight materials. Hybrid material body represents the latest development trend of car body structure in the future. With the development of lightweight technology, the application of carbon fiber composite material in automobile bodies is increasing due to its exceptional performance. Therefore, the joining of carbon fiber sheets with dissimilar sheets process in the hybrid material body is a key technical problem that needs to be solved. In this paper, the existing joining processes of adhesive process, mechanical joining, welding process, and hybrid joining for carbon fiber composites are reviewed; the principle, development, advantages, and shortcomings of each process for carbon fiber composites joining processes are systematically described; and the latest progress of the joining process are introduced. The purpose is tantamount to broaden the application range of carbon fiber sheets with dissimilar sheets and provide reference for its extensive application in the development of hybrid car body and lightweight.
Are those with diabetes more willing to adhere to COVID‐19 guidance?
Authors: Walker Mark David , Lane Hakan
Published: October 2022

Background: Those with diabetes were at a higher risk of experiencing severe illness in the event of contracting COVID‐19. Did they therefore act more cautiously?

Method: The Imperial ‘COVID‐19 Behavioural Tracker’ details the results of regular surveying on attitudes surrounding COVID‐19 guidance. Results from UK participants to questions reflecting willingness to adhere to important recommendations regarding everyday behaviour were examined. Responses from those with diabetes were compared to those stating none of a list of pre‐existing health conditions. The effect of gender and age was examined.

Results: Respondents with diabetes showed higher willingness to follow guidance than those with no health conditions. Compliance varied over time; willingness to self‐isolate remained high throughout, while willingness to avoid shopping, avoid going out, or avoid large gatherings rose in winter months. Greater adherence was seen in older age ranges, and in females, for both those with diabetes and healthy respondents. A logistic regression underlined the influence of gender, showing it as the most important variable influencing willingness to follow guidance.

Discussion: The results underline that interrelating factors influence health behaviour decisions. The results suggest that those with diabetes are likely to listen to advice provided to them by health care professionals. Copyright © 2022 John Wiley & Sons.
Are guidelines a help or a hindrance?
Authors: Ogden Joy
Published: October 2022

The question of whether or not updated guidelines are a help or hindrance in clinical practice formed the focus of the June 2022 Trend Diabetes Nursing Conference held in London and Birmingham. Joy Ogden here reports on conference highlights examining this and other crucial considerations in the care of people with diabetes.
Getting it right first time – precision medicine in diabetes
Authors: Kilvert Anne , Fox Charles
Published: October 2022

Precision medicine – ‘The right therapy for the right patient at the right time – every time’ – has been a hot topic over the past few years. The definition refers not just to treatment but also to diagnosis, prevention and prognosis. The evidence base for precision medicine is drawn from three categories: (i) assessment of the genetic and metabolic state; (ii) interrogation of big data to inform disease categories; (iii) science‐guided preventative and treatment decisions.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) launched the Precision Medicine in Diabetes Initiative (PMDI) in 2018. Their first consensus report was published in 2020, with a four‐phase plan in place to produce guidelines and commence education of clinicians and patients by 2025.

The best example of precision medicine in diabetes is monogenic diabetes, for which a genetic test in an individual identifies a specific diabetes type with implications for treatment. At the other extreme, ADA/EASD guidelines for type 2 diabetes identify four broad groups (cardiovascular disease risk; risk of hypoglycaemia; weight; cost) to guide treatment choice. Data analysis has led to identification of clusters within type 2 diabetes, with different clinical and genetic characteristics, but simple clinical factors such as age, weight, and eGFR may be sufficient to predict therapeutic response.

For precision medicine to benefit the millions of people with diabetes globally, characteristics used to identify the best treatment for subgroups of populations must be easily measured and inexpensive. Precision medicine is a tool to aid treatment selection but the final choice must lie with the person who will be taking the treatment. Copyright © 2022 John Wiley & Sons.
HARmonized Protocol Template to Enhance Reproducibility of hypothesis evaluating real‐world evidence studies on treatment effects: A good practices report of a joint ISPE/ISPOR task force
Authors: Wang Shirley V. , Pottegård Anton , Crown William , Arlett Peter , Ashcroft Darren M. , Benchimol Eric I. , Berger Marc L. , Crane Gracy , Goettsch Wim , Hua Wei , Kabadi Shaum , Kern David M. , Kurz Xavier , Langan Sinead , Nonaka Takahiro , Orsini Lucinda , Perez‐Gutthann Susana , Pinheiro Simone , Pratt Nicole , Schneeweiss Sebastian , Toussi Massoud , Williams Rebecca J.
Published: October 2022

Problem

Ambiguity in communication of key study parameters limits the utility of real‐world evidence (RWE) studies in healthcare decision‐making. Clear communication about data provenance, design, analysis, and implementation is needed. This would facilitate reproducibility, replication in independent data, and assessment of potential sources of bias.

What We Did

The International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology (ISPE) and ISPOR–The Professional Society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) convened a joint task force, including representation from key international stakeholders, to create a harmonized protocol template for RWE studies that evaluate a treatment effect and are intended to inform decision‐making. The template builds on existing efforts to improve transparency and incorporates recent insights regarding the level of detail needed to enable RWE study reproducibility. The overarching principle was to reach for sufficient clarity regarding data, design, analysis, and implementation to achieve 3 main goals. One, to help investigators thoroughly consider, then document their choices and rationale for key study parameters that define the causal question (e.g., target estimand), two, to facilitate decision‐making by enabling reviewers to readily assess potential for biases related to these choices, and three, to facilitate reproducibility.

Strategies to Disseminate and Facilitate Use

Recognizing that the impact of this harmonized template relies on uptake, we have outlined a plan to introduce and pilot the template with key international stakeholders over the next 2 years.

Conclusion

The HARmonized Protocol Template to Enhance Reproducibility (HARPER) helps to create a shared understanding of intended scientific decisions through a common text, tabular and visual structure. The template provides a set of core recommendations for clear and reproducible RWE study protocols and is intended to be used as a backbone throughout the research process from developing a valid study protocol, to registration, through implementation and reporting on those implementation decisions.
Electrospun nanofibers of poly (lactic acid)/poly (ε‐caprolactone) blend for the controlled release of levetiracetam
Authors: Ghafouri Seyede Elaheh , Mousavi Seyed Rasoul , Khakestani Maliheh , Mozaffari Shahla , Ajami Narges , Khonakdar Hossein Ali
Published: October 2022

This study deals with poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(‐caprolactone) (PCL), and their blend electrospun nanofibers (ESNF) as novel systems for the release of levetiracetam (LEV). Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that the morphology of all samples is smooth and beads‐free. In addition, with increasing LEV content, the average diameters of PLA, PCL, and PCL/PLA ESNF enhanced by almost 69%, 41%, and 14%, respectively. FTIR spectroscopy was utilized to confirm the structure of polymer and drug, polymer‐drug interaction, and the observation of functional groups. The pore percentage was also diminished by adding LEV. The results of x‐ray diffraction revealed that the crystallinity decreased from 18.2%, 40.1%, and 21.5% for PLA, PCL, and PLA/PCL ESNF, respectively, to 15%, 31.2%, and 13.6% for the samples containing 18 wt% LEV. In addition, PLA ESNF containing 10 and 18 wt% LEV demonstrated a steady uptrend for drug release, while PCL and PLA/PCL ESNF containing 10 and 18 wt% LEV initially indicated an abrupt increase in drug release and then became steady. Moreover, drug release kinetics were evaluated using different models such as zero order, first order, Higuchi, and Korsmeyer‐Peppas models and the best model for predicting the drug release behavior was selected.
Synthesis of 2D fluorescent polyaniline derivatives as multifunctional fluorescent chemosensor
Authors: Lu Qingyi , Qian Junning , Xu Feng , He Guohang , Liu Yuwen , Xia Jiangbin
Published: October 2022

Polyaniline (PANI) has been widely studied and applied due to its easy‐to‐obtain raw materials, excellent electrochemical performance and high environmental stability. Here, we present a general synthetic strategy for preparing two‐dimensional (2D) fluorescent PANI derivatives. The double bonds are used as a conjugated spacer between benzene rings in PPED and PPBA. The work breaks through the limitation of PANI derivatives are non‐emissive in solutions. The fluorescence quantum yields (Фf) of PPED and PPBA are 2.5% and 1.5%, respectively. PPED and PPBA show highly selective and sensitive detection of iron ion (Fe3+), copper ion (Cu2+) and hydrochloric acid (HCl). It is worth noting that the detection limit of PPED for Fe3+ is 35 nM. In addition, the theoretical study indicates that the introduction of double bonds in PPED and PPBA greatly enhances their conjugation extent. The results demonstrate that we provide a powerful method for the preparation of highly sensitive fluorescent chemosensors based on 2D PANI derivatives.
Characterization of irrigator emitter to be used as solid set canopy delivery system: which is best for which role in the vineyard?
Authors: Mozzanini Eric , Grella Marco , Marucco Paolo , Balsari Paolo , Gioelli Fabrizio
Published: October 2022

Background

The timely and flexible treatment of solid set canopy delivery systems (SSCDS) is expanding. Laboratory and field trials were conducted to evaluate the performance of three different irrigators (Pulsar™ system and nozzle combination), typically used in anti‐frost and irrigation in vineyards/apple orchards, for plant protection product (PPP) delivery in a Guyot‐trained trellised vineyard.

Results

Results showed that irrigator setups perform best when matched to the task—flat fan emitters for horizontal spray application (canopy top) and circular emitters for middle and low canopy application. A combination configuration of a double‐sided flat fan and circular emitter system was indicated as the best option for homogenous coverage and minimal ground losses.

Conclusion

The tested emitters hold promise for SSCDS delivery of PPPs in vineyards. Further validation of the alternative use of this technology is warranted. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Effects of soil redistribution by tillage on subsequent transport of pesticide to subsurface drains
Authors: Summerton Lily , Greener Mark , Patterson David , Brown Colin D
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND

Tillage operations will change the distribution in soil for any pesticide residues still present from earlier applications. This redistributive effect of tillage has been neglected in the study of pesticide leaching behavior. This study reviews the literature to characterize this redistributive effect for different tillage operations and uses a pesticide leaching model to investigate the impact of redistribution on pesticide transport to subsurface drains which is a significant input route to surface water bodies.

RESULTS

Inversion ploughing moves the majority of any residues of pesticide present at or near the soil surface into the bottom two‐thirds of the plough layer, whereas non‐inversion ploughing has only a limited redistributive effect. Incorporating this redistributive effect into model simulations resulted in large changes (typically 5–10‐fold difference) in both the maximum concentration and total mass of pesticide transported to drains over the winter following cultivation. More intense cultivation decreased subsequent leaching for relatively mobile compounds (Koc ≤1000 mL g−1), but increased it for strongly sorbed pesticides (Koc ≥2000 mL g−1).

CONCLUSION

The redistributive effect of soil tillage on pesticide residues can have a large effect on subsequent transport to subsurface drains. This effect has been neglected in the literature. Field research is required to validate the model simulations presented here, and consideration should be given as to whether the effect needs to be included within risk assessment procedures. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Output‐feedback robust control of systems with uncertain dynamics via data‐driven policy learning
Authors: Zhao Jun , Lv Yongfeng
Published: October 2022

In this article, we develop two online learning techniques to address the output‐feedback robust control problem of systems with uncertain dynamics. For this purpose, an equivalence is first constructed between the robust control problem of the uncertain systems and the optimal control problem of the nominal systems. Then, an output algebraic Riccati equation (OARE) is constructed using its state‐feedback control counterpart, which can be adopted to realize the online learning. To obtain the online solution of the OARE, an online policy learning (PL) algorithm based on the state reconstruction (SR) is first presented, where the unknown system internal states can be reconstructed via using the input–output information. To further relax the requirement on the system internal states, a novel online PL method is designed, where only the system output information is required, thus the observer or SR is removed in this online PL algorithm. Simulations are provided to test the developed online learning methods.
Meet the needs of adult transfer students
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: October 2022

Between 35 and 40 million students in the United States have earned some credit but not a degree, said Marc Booker, Ph.D., Vice Provost of Strategy at the University of Phoenix. He spoke at the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers Transfer & Technology Summit, held online.