bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In silico analyses of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and its genetic variants in interaction with the anti‐Alzheimer drug Rivastigmine
Authors: Pereira Gabriel Rodrigues Coutinho , Gonçalves Lucas Machado , Abrahim‐Vieira Bárbara de Azevedo , De Mesquita Joelma Freire
Published: May 2022

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia worldwide. Despite causing great social and economic impact, there is currently no cure for AD. The most effective therapy to manage AD symptoms is based on acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEi), from which rivastigmine presented numerous benefits. However, mutations in AChE, which affect approximately 5% of the population, can modify protein structure and function, changing the individual response to Alzheimer's treatment. In this study, we performed computer simulations of AChE wild type and variants R34Q, P135A, V333E, and H353N, identified by one or more genome‐wide association studies, to evaluate their effects on protein structure and interaction with rivastigmine. The functional effects of AChE variants were predicted using eight machine learning algorithms, while the evolutionary conservation of AChE residues was analyzed using the ConSurf server. Autodock4.2.6 was used to predict the binding modes for the hAChE–rivastigmine complex, which is still unknown. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed in triplicates for the AChE wild type and mutants using the GROMACS packages. Among the analyzed variants, P135A was classified as deleterious by all the functional prediction algorithms, in addition to occurring at highly conserved positions, which may have harmful consequences on protein function. The molecular docking results suggested that rivastigmine interacts with hAChE at the upper active‐site gorge, which was further confirmed by MD simulations. Our MD findings also suggested that the complex hAChE‐rivastigmine remains stable over time. The essential dynamics revealed flexibility alterations at the active‐site gorge upon mutations P135A, V333E, and H353N, which may lead to strong and nonintuitive consequences to hAChE binding. Nonetheless, similar binding affinities were registered in the MMPBSA analysis for the hAChE wild type and variants when complexed to rivastigmine. Finally, our findings indicated that the rivastigmine binding to hAChE is an energetically favorable process mainly driven by negatively charged amino acids.
Reduced insulin signaling and high glucagon in early insulin resistance impaired fast‐fed regulation of renal gluconeogenesis via insulin receptor substrate
Authors: Sharma Rajni , Sahoo Biswajit , Srivastava Aneesh , Tiwari Swasti
Published: May 2022

Gluconeogenesis is one of the key processes through which the kidney contributes to glucose homeostasis. Urinary exosomes (uE) have been used to study renal gene regulation noninvasively in humans and rodents. Recently, we demonstrated fast‐fed regulation of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), the rate‐limiting enzyme for gluconeogenesis, in human uE. The regulation was impaired in subjects with early insulin resistance. Here, we studied primary human proximal tubule cells (hPT) and human uE to elucidate a potential link between insulin resistance and fast‐fed regulation of renal PEPCK. We demonstrate that fasted hPTs had higher PEPCK and insulin receptor substrate‐2 (IRS2) mRNA and protein levels, relative to fed cells. The fast‐fed regulation was, however, attenuated in insulin receptor knockdown (IRKO) hPTs. The IRKO was confirmed by the blunted insulin‐induced response on PEPCK, PGC1α, p‐IR, and p‐AKT expression in IRKO cells. Exosomes secreted by the wild‐type or IRKO hPT showed similar regulation to the respective hPT. Similarly, in human uE, the relative abundance of IRS‐2 mRNA (to IRS1) was higher in the fasted state relative to the fed condition. However, the fast‐fed difference was absent in subjects with early insulin resistance. These subjects had higher circulating glucagon levels relative to subjects with optimal insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, in hPT cells, glucagon significantly induced PEPCK and IRS2 gene, and gluconeogenesis. IR knockdown in hPT cells further increased the gene expression levels. Together the data suggest that reduced insulin sensitivity and high glucagon in early insulin resistance may impair renal gluconeogenesis via IRS2 regulation.
Duality of bone morphogenetic proteins in cancer: A comprehensive analysis
Authors: Sharma Tanu , Kapoor Anmol , Mandal Chandi C.
Published: May 2022

Over 20 different growth factors belonging to the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) family have been identified, that were initially discovered as growth factors that promote osteogenesis, and play a vital role in bone remodeling and various developmental processes. Numerous studies have explored the aberrance level of BMPs in various cancer types, questioning their role in tumorigenesis. These growth factors have been studied extensively over the decades to define their function during cancer progression and metastasis. Nonetheless, the BMP expression profiles in clinical samples correlate with cancer prognosis. Based on clinical data, various in vitro, and in vivo findings, it has been reported that BMPs have dual roles, that is, they can act as a tumor suppressor, tumor promoter, and both. On contrary, some studies have reported that BMPs have an oncogenic role while others reported their tumor‐suppressive role. So, this creates a knowledge gap in the behavior of different types of BMPs. Thus, this review updates and bridges the knowledge gap while considering the dual behavior of various BMPs including BMP‐2, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 10. Moreover, the comprehensive analysis provides insight into the role of different BMPs in cancer potential and how the behavior of BMPs alters in the tissue‐dependent context in various cancers by modulating canonical SMAD signaling, various noncanonical pathways such as PI3K/AKT, NF‐κB, MAPK, STAT, cMYC, cJUN, and so forth. This review also enlightens the role of BMP heterodimers, several ligand‐binding proteins (agonists and antagonists), mutational status of BMP receptors, and the tumor microenvironment in relating to the bi‐functional aspects of the BMPs in various cancerous tissues by regulating the levels of BMP's canonical and noncanonical signals.
Bisphosphonate Use Is Not Associated With Tuberculosis Risk Among Patients With Osteoporosis: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Chen Jin‐Hua , Lee Chih‐Hsin , Lee Meng‐Rui , Huang Pei‐Yu , Yen Tzu‐Hsin , Lee Ming‐Chia , Tsai Ching‐Wen , Wang Jann‐Yuan , Lee Jen‐Ai
Published: May 2022

Bisphosphonates are considered an effective inhibitor of glutamine synthetase and thus can be used for treating tuberculosis (TB). However, its clinical benefit in TB remains unknown. We conducted a population‐based cohort study by using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database and TB databases of the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control. Patients with osteoporosis and a history of bone fracture from 2007 to 2014 were identified. Among them, bisphosphonate users and propensity score–matched nonusers were selected. A stratified multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression model was employed to investigate the independent predictors of TB. Among 218 908 patients with osteoporosis and bone fracture, 46 842 bisphosphonate users and 46 842 propensity score–matched nonusers were selected. Within the 2‐year follow‐up, 723 patients—348 in the user group and 375 in the nonuser group—developed TB. Bisphosphonate use was not an independent predictor of TB in the multivariable Cox proportional hazard model (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.86; 95%CI, 0.71‐1.04); however, male sex, older age, being bedridden, and steroid use were independent risk factors. The real‐world data revealed that bisphosphonate use did not protect patients with osteoporosis against TB.
Siderophores of Bacillus pumilus promote 2‐keto‐L‐gulonic acid production in a vitamin C microbial fermentation system
Authors: Zhang Qian , Lin Ying , Shen Guozheng , Zhang Haihong , Lyu Shuxia
Published: May 2022

The precursor of vitamin C, 2‐keto‐l‐gulonic acid (2‐KLG), is bio‐converted from l‐sorbose by a microbial consortium of Ketogulonicigenium vulgare and a helper strain (Bacillus spp.). Most helper strains produce siderophores. To understand the effects of siderophores on promoting 2‐KLG yield, the siderophores of Bacillus pumilus SY‐A9 were purified and added to a monoculture fermentation system of K. vulgare 25B‐1. The results revealed that the titer of 2‐KLG reached 7.18 g/L within 60 h and increased by 71.45% when the added concentration of siderophores was 500 µg/L. Moreover, the increased production of 2‐KLG was accompanied by the overexpressed iron uptake system‐related genes, electron transfer chain‐related genes, ATP synthesis enzyme‐related genes, antioxidant enzyme‐related genes, and 2‐KLG producing enzyme‐related genes, which reduced oxidative stress and ensured the normal energy metabolism of K. vulgare 25B‐1. This study demonstrated that siderophores of the helper strain play a key role in the enhancement of 2‐KLG biosynthesis.
Black children matter too: Disrupting systemic oppression in education
Authors: Conner Charmaine
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this article is to propose child‐centered interventions that may support disrupting systemic oppression within the education system for Black children. The author shares Black children's experiences in the U.S. education system and how child‐centered interventions may be helpful for both school and school based clinical counselors.
The client–counselor encounter: Assessing relational depth and motivation to change in substance use disorder treatment
Authors: Woehler Elliott , Ray Dee
Published: May 2022

This nonexperimental field study examined the relationship between participant reported experiences of relational depth (RD) with their individual counselors in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and participant reported motivation to change substance use. Participants in the study were clients enrolled in inpatient and outpatient levels of substance use disorder treatment.
Fusobacterium nucleatum mediates endothelial damage and increased permeability following single species and polymicrobial infection
Authors: Farrugia Cher , Stafford Graham P. , Gains Ashley F. , Cutts Antonia R. , Murdoch Craig
Published: May 2022

Background

Numerous lines of evidence link periodontal pathobionts and their virulence factors with endothelial damage. Most research has been conducted using single species infections at the exclusion of other periodontal microorganisms that have been identified in vascular tissue. Here, we assessed endothelial infection with either single or mixed periodontal species infection and examined their effect on endothelial damage and permeability.

Methods

Cell surface abundance of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule‐1 (PECAM‐1) or endothelial permeability following infection with Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum subspecies (ssp) nucleatum, ssp polymorphum or Tannerella forsythia as single or mixed species infection was determined by flow cytometry and a fluorescent dextran permeability assay. Zebrafish embryos were infected systemically with either single or mixed species with mortality and disease measured over time.

Results

F. nucleatum ssp nucleatum, ssp polymorphum and P. gingivalis significantly reduced PECAM‐1 abundance in single species infection, whereas T. forsythia had no effect. F. nucleatum ssp polymorphum caused considerable mortality and morbidity in a zebrafish systemic infection model. Polymicrobial infection underscored the virulence of F. nucleatum ssp polymorphum in particular with increased endothelial cell death and reduced PECAM‐1 abundance in co‐infection studies with this organism. When injected systemically into zebrafish in polymicrobial infection, fluorescently labeled bacteria were distributed throughout the vasculature and cardiac region where, in some instances, they co‐localized with each other.

Conclusions

These data provide further evidence on the effects of F. nucleatum on endothelium adhesion molecule abundance and permeability while also highlighting the importance of performing polymicrobial infection to study the molecular mechanisms associated with periodontal pathogen‐induced vascular damage.
Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic considerations of antibiotics and antifungals in liver transplantation recipients
Authors: Morales Junior Ronaldo , Telles João Paulo , Kwiatkowski Shaina Ying‐Ching , Juodinis Vanessa D'Amaro , de Souza Daniela Carla , Santos Silvia Regina Cavani Jorge
Published: May 2022

The liver plays a major role in drug metabolism. Liver transplantation impacts the intrinsic metabolic capability and extrahepatic mechanisms of drug disposition and elimination. Different levels of inflammation and oxidative stress during transplantation, the process of liver regeneration, and the characteristics of the graft alter the amount of functional hepatocytes and activity of liver enzymes. Binding of drugs to plasma proteins is affected by the hyperbilirubinemia status and abnormal synthesis of albumin and alpha‐1‐acid glycoproteins. Postoperative intensive care complications such as biliary, circulatory, and cardiac also impact drug distribution. Renally eliminated antimicrobials commonly present reduced clearance due to hepatorenal syndrome and the use of nephrotoxic immunosuppressants. In addition, liver transplantation recipients are particularly susceptible to multidrug‐resistant infections due to frequent manipulation, multiple hospitalizations, invasive devices, and frequent use of empiric broad‐spectrum therapy. The selection of appropriate anti‐infective therapy must consider the pathophysiological changes after transplantation that impact the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of antibiotics and antifungal drugs.
A Monte Carlo study of the relative biological effectiveness in surface brachytherapy
Authors: Valdes‐Cortez Christian , Niatsetski Yury , Perez‐Calatayud Jose , Ballester Facundo , Vijande Javier
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This work aims to simulate clustered DNA damage from ionizing radiation and estimate the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) for radionuclide (rBT)‐ and electronic (eBT)‐based surface brachytherapy through a hybrid Monte Carlo (MC) approach, using realistic models of the sources and applicators.

Methods

Damage from ionizing radiation has been studied using the Monte Carlo Damage Simulation algorithm using as input the primary electron fluence simulated using a state‐of‐the‐art MC code, PENELOPE‐2018. Two 192Ir rBT applicators, Valencia and Leipzig, one 60Co source with a Freiburg Flap applicator (reference source), and two eBT systems, Esteya and INTRABEAM, have been included in this study implementing full realizations of their geometries as disclosed by the manufacturer. The role played by filtration and tube kilovoltage has also been addressed.

Results

For rBT, an RBE value of about 1.01 has been found for the applicators and phantoms considered. In the case of eBT, RBE values for the Esteya system show an almost constant RBE value of about 1.06 for all depths and materials. For INTRABEAM, variations in the range of 1.12–1.06 are reported depending on phantom composition and depth. Modifications in the Esteya system, filtration, and tube kilovoltage give rise to variations in the same range.

Conclusions

Current clinical practice does not incorporate biological effects in surface brachytherapy. Therefore, the same absorbed dose is administered to the patients independently on the particularities of the rBT or eBT system considered. The almost constant RBE values reported for rBT support that assumption regardless of the details of the patient geometry, the presence of a flattening filter in the applicator design, or even significant modifications in the photon energy spectra above 300 keV. That is not the case for eBT, where a clear dependence on the eBT system and the characteristics of the patient geometry are reported. A complete study specific for each eBT system, including detailed applicator characteristics (size, shape, filtering, among others) and common anatomical locations, should be performed before adopting an existing RBE value.
The mediating effects of social support on the influencing relationship between grit and academic burnout of the nursing students
Authors: Kim Hae‐Ok , Lee Insook
Published: May 2022

Aim(s)

This study aimed to examine the social supports' mediating effects on the relationship between grit and academic burnout in nursing students.

Design

This was a descriptive study.

Methods

This study was conducted in two nursing departments in Korea, utilizing a convenience sample of 158 nursing students. Data were analysed using hierarchical multiple regression analysis and bootstrapping to verify the mediation effect.

Results

The grit's direct effect on academic burnout and indirect effect with social support on academic burnout were statistically significant. Social support mediated the relationship between grit and academic burnout. Social support can improve grit and reduce academic burnout. Social support programs for nursing students should be implemented to prevent/reduce academic burnout.
Web‐based chlamydia education for university students: A pilot project
Authors: Russell Nancy G. , Sharps Phyllis W. , Sloand Elizabeth
Published: May 2022

Aims

Chlamydia disproportionately affects individuals aged 15–24 years. A lack of chlamydia knowledge in this high‐risk group likely contributes to decreased testing, but interventions to increase chlamydia knowledge in this population are not well‐described in the literature. The purpose of this pilot project was to increase chlamydia knowledge in a sample of university students using nurse‐developed web‐based education.

Design

A pre‐ and post‐test design was used to evaluate participant knowledge of chlamydia before and after completing a nurse‐developed web‐based education intervention designed for university students.

Methods

Forty‐seven undergraduate students at one U.S. university participated. A focus group and scientific evidence informed the development of the web‐based education.

Results

Participants had a significant increase in chlamydia knowledge after completing the online educational intervention (M = 8.0, SD = 0.000) compared to baseline (M = 6.5, SD = 1.5), t(33) = −5.821, p < .0001. Pilot results provide promising evidence that web‐based nurse‐developed education designed specifically for university students can increase chlamydia knowledge.
Factors associated with pregnancy uptake decisions among seropositive HIV people receiving antiretroviral therapy in sub‐Saharan Africa: A systematic review
Authors: Doat Abdul Razak , Amoah Roberta Mensima , Konlan Kennedy Diema , Konlan Kennedy Dodam , Abdulai Juliana Asibi , Kukeba Margaret W. , Mohammed Iddrisu , Saah Joel Afram
Published: May 2022

Aim

This study determined the factors associated with pregnancy uptake decision among seropositive HIV people receiving antiretroviral therapy in sub‐Saharan Africa.

Design

Systematic review.

Methods

The population, intervention, comparison and outcomes framework was adopted to search for literature after a scoping review using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses guidelines adopted in searching, and screening articles from four databases (PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Embase, and Google scholar) to find 12 articles suitable for this study.

Results

Motivators of pregnancy uptake among HIV‐positive women include desire to have children, knowledge about PMTCT, cultural duty for married women to have children, and household income. Demotivating factors included the modern method of contraception and burden associated with pregnancy.

Conclusion

There is a need to improve on services that reduce conception‐related risks especially for women who choose to conceive and to incorporate fertility‐related counselling into HIV treatment services.
Plasma activated liquid synergistically enhances response to radiation for improved cancer therapy
Authors: Harley Juliette C. , Suchowerska Natalka , Rogers Linda J. , Lo Helen , Choong Ee Siang , McKenzie David R.
Published: May 2022

Plasma activated liquid (PAL) is an emerging cancer treatment. Two prostate cell lines and one melanoma cell line were used in clonogenic assays to assess the cytotoxicity of PAL and radiation individually and in combination, using the multiplicative survival method to quantify interactions between the treatments. PAL applied before a dose of radiation synergistically increases cytotoxicity in cancer cells, while in immortalized normal cells, the combined treatment was found to be antagonistic. These results demonstrate the potential to improve the therapeutic window of cancer treatment, giving a higher cancer response rate with less toxicity.
Involvement of β‐adrenoceptors in the cardiovascular responses induced by selective adenosine A2A and A2B receptor agonists
Authors: Wragg Edward S. , Pannucci Patrizia , Hill Stephen J. , Woolard Jeanette , Cooper Samantha L.
Published: May 2022

A2A and A2B adenosine receptors produce regionally selective regulation of vascular tone and elicit differing effects on mean arterial pressure (MAP), whilst inducing tachycardia. The tachycardia induced by the stimulation of A2A or A2B receptors has been suggested to be mediated by a reflex increase in sympathetic activity. Here, we have investigated the role of β1‐ and β2‐adrenoceptors in mediating the different cardiovascular responses to selective A2A and A2B receptor stimulation. Hemodynamic variables were measured in conscious male Sprague‐Dawley rats (350–450 g) via pulsed Doppler flowmetry. The effect of intravenous infusion (3 min per dose) of the A2A‐selective agonist CGS 21680 (0.1, 0.3, 1.0 µg.kg−1.min−1) or the A2B‐selective agonist BAY 60–6583 (4.0, 13.3, 40.0 µg.kg−1.min−1) in the absence or following pre‐treatment with the non‐selective β‐antagonist propranolol (1.0 mg.kg−1), the selective β1‐antagonist CGP 20712A (200 µg.kg−1), or the selective β2‐antagonist ICI 118,551 (2.0 mg.kg−1) was investigated (maintenance doses also administered). CGP 20712A and propranolol significantly reduced the tachycardic response to CGS 21680, with no change in the effect on MAP. ICI 118,551 increased BAY 60–6583‐mediated renal and mesenteric flows, but did not affect the heart rate response. CGP 20712A attenuated the BAY 60–6583‐induced tachycardia. These data imply a direct stimulation of the sympathetic activity via cardiac β1‐adrenoceptors as a mechanism for the A2A‐ and A2B‐induced tachycardia. However, the regionally selective effects of A2B agonists on vascular conductance were independent of sympathetic activity and may be exploitable for the treatment of acute kidney injury and mesenteric ischemia.
Selenium nanoparticles are effective in penetrating pine and causing high oxidative damage to Bursaphelenchus xylophilus in pine wilt disease control
Authors: Shang Hongyi , Zhang Hongyan , Zhao Rui , Yu Meng , Ma Yingjian , Sun Zhe , Wu Xuemin , Xu Yong
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

Research on selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) in chemical defense and chemotherapy of plants has developed rapidly owing to their high microbial toxicity, environmental safety, and degradability. Pine wilt disease (PWD) threatens pine forests worldwide; however, it is difficult to kill the nematodes (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) inside the tree that cause PWD using traditional pesticide formulations. SeNPs could be the key to controlling PWD.

RESULTS

In this study, approximately 50 nm SeNPs were prepared using a simple and green method, and chitosan was used to increase their biocompatibility and stability. The preparation and characterization results showed that the prepared SeNPs coated with chitosan (SeNPs@CS) were spherical and evenly dispersed. The bioassay results showed that SeNPs@CS had an LC50 of 15.627 mg L−1 against B. xylophilus. In addition, the killing mechanism of SeNPs@CS against B. xylophilus was studied. Confocal microscopy and transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that B. xylophilus were killed by reactive oxygen species, and the penetration of nano‐form materials to B. xylophilus was higher than that of non‐nano‐form materials. To verify the effective penetration of SeNPs in pine tissues, Cy5‐labeled SeNPs@CS was observed inside pine needles and branches using frozen sections and confocal microscopy. In addition, the cytotoxicity of SeO2 and SeNPs@CS was tested, and the results showed that the cytotoxicity of SeNPs@CS to MC3T3‐E1 cells was reduced.

CONCLUSION

These results show that SeNPs are expected to be used as a new strategy for the control of PWD with oxidative damage and high penetration to B. xylophilus and effective target penetration and biosafety. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Natural product‐based nanomedicine applied to fungal infection treatment: A review of the last 4 years
Authors: Marena Gabriel Davi , Ramos Matheus Aparecido dos Santos , Carvalho Gabriela Corrêa , Junior José Alberto Paris , Resende Flávia Aparecida , Corrêa Ione , Ono Gabriela Yuki Bressanim , Sousa Araujo Victor Hugo , de Camargo Bruna Almeida Furquim , Bauab Tais Maria , Chorilli Marlus
Published: May 2022

Fungal infections are one of the main public health problems, especially in immunocompromised patients, nosocomial environments, patients with chronic diseases, and transplant recipients. These diseases are increasingly frequent and lethal because the microorganism has a high capacity to acquire resistance to available therapy. The main resistance factors are the emergence of new strains and the uncontrolled use of antifungals. It is, therefore, important to develop new methods that contribute to combating fungal diseases in the clinical area. Natural products have considerable potential for the development of new drugs with antifungal activity, mainly due to their biocompatibility and low toxic effect. This promising antimicrobial activity of natural products is mainly due to the presence of flavonoids, terpenes, and quinones, which explains their antifungal potential. Pharmaceutical nanotechnology has been explored to enhance the delivery, selectivity, and clinical efficacy of these products. Nanotechnological systems provide a safe and selective environment for various substances, such as natural products, improving antifungal activity. However, further safety experiments (in vivo or clinical trials) need to be carried out to prove the therapeutic action of natural products, since they may have undesirable, toxic, and mutagenic effects. Therefore, this review article addresses the main nanotechnological methods using natural products for effective future treatment against the main fungal diseases.
Illustration of an object‐based approach to identify structural differences in tropical cyclone wind fields
Authors: Zick Stephanie , Matyas Corene , Lackmann Gary , Tang Jingyin , Bennett Brian
Published: May 2022

The meteorology community primarily assesses tropical cyclone (TC) forecast skill using track and intensity errors. These metrics are frequently uncorrelated and can offer conflicting information about model performance. Continued improvements in intensity forecasting require improved representation of physical processes over multiple scales, and model verification of TC spatial structure can contribute to these improvements. To date, there are limited studies into forecast model representation of wind fields. More work is needed to better understand model deficiencies in skillfully predicting TC size metrics. In this study, we demonstrate an object‐based approach that can reveal structural differences in TC wind fields. Object‐based methods have been underutilized, and these methods, along with spatial metrics, can serve as additional verification methods for assessing storm structure in both observations and model simulations. Specifically, we illustrate this approach by examining a major difference between the Tiedtke and Kain–Fritsch cumulus parametrization schemes: The Tiedtke scheme includes convective momentum transport while the Kain–Fritsch scheme does not. We create three experiments of Hurricane Isabel (2003) using the Weather Research and Forecasting model using the Kain–Fritsch and Tiedtke cumulus parametrization schemes and an altered Tiedtke scheme with convective momentum transport turned off. Within the three experiments, we generate a small ensemble of four simulations to avoid drawing erroneous conclusions due to growth of numerical noise. Then, we use object‐based methods to measure and compare spatial attributes of the low‐level wind fields to confirm the dominant influence of momentum transport in influencing the TC spatial structure. Our spatial metric approach offers an objective suite of structural attributes that could be useful in diverse applications. A future goal is to use spatial metrics in systematic verification studies of TCs in operational model forecasts and climate model simulations, which may offer great benefit to operational forecasters and numerical model developers.
Defining relative yield for soil test correlation and calibration trials in the Fertilizer Recommendation Support Tool
Authors: Pearce Austin W. , Slaton Nathan A. , Lyons Sarah E. , Bolster Carl H. , Bruulsema Tom W. , Grove John H. , Jones John D. , McGrath Josh M. , Miguez Fernando E. , Nelson Nathan O. , Osmond Deanna L. , Parvej Md. Rasel , Pena‐Yewtukhiw Eugenia M. , Spargo John T.
Published: May 2022

The Fertilizer Recommendation Support Tool (FRST) will perform correlations between soil nutrient concentrations and crop response to fertilization from user‐selected datasets in the FRST national database. Yield response for the nutrient of interest in a particular site‐year is presented as relative yield (RY), a ratio of unfertilized yield to the maximum attainable yield (A). Several methods exist in the literature for estimating A and calculating RY but the effect of method choice on soil test correlation outcomes is undocumented. We used six published methods to calculate RY from site‐year yield data for five published correlation datasets, and fit a generalized linear plateau (LP) model to each. The critical soil test value (at the LP join point) and RY intercept coefficients were not significantly affected by RY method for any of the datasets, and RY plateau was significantly affected by method for only one dataset. The top options after robust group discussions were the so‐called MAX and FITMAX methods. We selected the MAX method, which defines A as the numerically highest treatment yield mean, as the most appropriate method for FRST because MAX represents maximal yield in responsive sites, is inclusive of trial data having a range of treatment numbers, limits RY to 100% (which allows options for transforming data), and is simpler to implement than FITMAX, which requires a decision tree to calculate RY for diverse trials.
Towards a win‐win situation for innovation and sustainable development: The role of environmental regulation
Authors: Lyu Yanwei , Zhang Jinning , Wang Lingli , Yang Fei , Hao Yu
Published: May 2022

Innovation and sustainable development are important concerns for countries around the world, and strengthening environmental regulation (ER) may have a critical implication for the promotion of green technology innovation. On the basis of elaborating the mechanism of ER on technological innovation, the Super‐SBM‐Windows‐DEA model is employed to measure the green innovation efficiency (GIE) using provincial‐level panel data from 2004–2017 in China. The system generalised method of moments is used to estimate the direct effects of ER on GIE, an innovative mediating effect model that based on structural equation model is utilised to explore their indirect effects. Further, a spatial econometric model is developed to examine the possible spatial effects between ER and GIE. The ‘U’ shaped relationship between ER and GIE is verified in the direct effect test. The results of the indirect effects indicate that ER is not conducive to GIE by discouraging the inflows and outflows of FDI, while it contributes to GIE by promoting the structural upgrading of industry. The spatial effect results show that the impact of ER on GIE in neighbouring areas has an obvious spatial spillover characteristic, which is manifested as an inverted ‘U’‐shaped relationship of promotion followed by inhibition. The paper further proposes policy implications including strengthening cross‐regional joint prevention and control, integrating ER strategies, and rational application of ER tools, so as to promote a win‐win development of innovation and sustainability, and the positive effects of ER are better developed.
Deprivation and fire injury
Authors: Taylor Mark , Francis Hulya , Oakford Gary , Appleton Debbie , Fielding John
Published: May 2022

The association between deprivation and accidental dwelling fire injuries was examined in Merseyside which has a high proportion of deprived areas. For the years 2006 to 2016, over half of the accidental dwelling fire injuries in Merseyside occurred in deprived areas, and almost three quarters of alcohol and drug related accidental dwelling fire injuries occurred in such areas. In particular, we examine the relationship between the established accidental dwelling fire injury risk factors of old age, disability and alcohol and drug consumption and the level of deprivation. There were strong correlations between deprivation and the overall number of fire injuries, and between deprivation and fire injuries relating to alcohol/drug consumption, disability/mobility related fire injuries, and fire injuries sustained by those aged 65+.
Wind of change brought by COVID‐19: Exploring the response and the new normal from the perspectives of Indian flexpatriates
Authors: Sengupta Santoshi , Patel Parth , Mohyuddin Syed , Prikshat Verma , Rajesh J. Irudhaya , Rana Vishal
Published: May 2022

Drawing from the positive organizational change theory, this paper aims to explore how Indian flexpatriates responded to the change brought by the pandemic of COVID‐19 and what is the new normal according to them. Thematic analysis of 19 in‐depth interviews with flexpatriates from the IT industry revealed four explicit phases of change process – reflection, communication, collaboration, and transformation. Further, the analysis brought out four tenets of the new normal. First, it is time to blend physical and virtual work; second, the “personal” touch of Indians in international assignments is irreplaceable; third, working from home amidst the entire household being housebound is the new normal; and last, international travel will resume soon with some changed protocols. This is the first qualitative study combining the issue of global talent management with Indian flexpatriates vis‐à‐vis the impact of COVID‐19, the findings of which expand the positive organizational change theory and have important implications.
Herausforderung: Revision eines fest eingewachsenen kurvierten Kurzschaftes in der Hüftendoprothetik
Authors: Kutzner Karl Philipp , Stoffel Karl , Hochreiter Josef
Published: May 2022

Operationsziel

Sichere und knochensparende Extraktion eines fest eingewachsenen kurvierten Kurzschaftes ohne die Notwendigkeit eines transfemoralen Zuganges.

Indikationen

Revision eines fest eingewachsenen Kurzschaftes beispielsweise bei periprothetischer Infektion oder Malposition.

Kontraindikationen

Korrekte Platzierung der Konusschablone nicht möglich.

Operationstechnik

Wahl eines Standardzugangs zum Hüftgelenk. Luxation des Gelenkes. Abschlagen des einliegenden Kopfimplantats. Sorgfältiges Freipräparieren des Konus und der lateralen Schulter. Aufbringen und Befestigen der Konusschablone. Beginn des vorsichtigen Einschlagens der Eröffnungsmeißel, zunächst lateral, anschließend ventral und dorsal über die Führungen der Schablone. Es ist darauf zu achten, dass stets der Schliff vom Implantat weg zeigt. Anschließend Wiederholung des Vorganges mit den Startermeißeln in gleicher Reihenfolge. Entfernung der Schablone. Vorsichtiges Einschlagen der Finalen Meißel in gleicher Reihenfolge. Versuch einer Schaftextraktion mittels Ausschlaginstrumentarium. Fakultativ Wiederholung des Gesamtvorganges. Zur Vermeidung von Frakturen, erst nach Mobilisation des Interfaces lateral, ventral und dorsal, Freilegung des Interfaces auch medial mittels medialer Meißel in der entsprechenden Reihenfolge. Abschließend Schaftextraktion.

Weiterbehandlung

Mobilisierung und Belastungsaufbau gemäß der gewählten Revisionsimplantate und Verankerungstechnik.

Ergebnisse

Das beschriebene Vorgehen hat sich in der klinischen Praxis in den 3 Autorenkliniken in insgesamt 14 Fällen bewährt. In 3 (21,4 %) Fällen musste trotz Nutzung des Extraktions-Meißel-Systems zusätzlich ein transfemoraler Zugang bzw. eine Fensterung erfolgen, um das Schaftimplantat zu entfernen. Als Revisionsimplantate wurden in über der Hälfte der Fälle (57,8 %) primäre Geradschäfte verwendet, in 4 Fällen (36,4 %) konnte erneut ein zementfreier Kurzschaft verwendet werden.
Development and internal validation of a clinical prediction model using machine learning algorithms for 90 day and 2 year mortality in femoral neck fracture patients aged 65 years or above
Authors: Oosterhoff Jacobien Hillina Froukje , Savelberg Angelique Berit Marte Corlijn , Karhade Aditya Vishwas , Gravesteijn Benjamin Yaël , Doornberg Job Nicolaas , Schwab Joseph Hasbrouck , Heng Marilyn
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Preoperative prediction of mortality in femoral neck fracture patients aged 65 years or above may be valuable in the treatment decision-making. A preoperative clinical prediction model can aid surgeons and patients in the shared decision-making process, and optimize care for elderly femoral neck fracture patients. This study aimed to develop and internally validate a clinical prediction model using machine learning (ML) algorithms for 90 day and 2 year mortality in femoral neck fracture patients aged 65 years or above.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study at two trauma level I centers and three (non-level I) community hospitals was conducted to identify patients undergoing surgical fixation for a femoral neck fracture. Five different ML algorithms were developed and internally validated and assessed by discrimination, calibration, Brier score and decision curve analysis.

Results

In total, 2478 patients were included with 90 day and 2 year mortality rates of 9.1% (n = 225) and 23.5% (n = 582) respectively. The models included patient characteristics, comorbidities and laboratory values. The stochastic gradient boosting algorithm had the best performance for 90 day mortality prediction, with good discrimination (c-statistic = 0.74), calibration (intercept = − 0.05, slope = 1.11) and Brier score (0.078). The elastic-net penalized logistic regression algorithm had the best performance for 2 year mortality prediction, with good discrimination (c-statistic = 0.70), calibration (intercept = − 0.03, slope = 0.89) and Brier score (0.16). The models were incorporated into a freely available web-based application, including individual patient explanations for interpretation of the model to understand the reasoning how the model made a certain prediction: https://sorg-apps.shinyapps.io/hipfracturemortality/

Conclusions

The clinical prediction models show promise in estimating mortality prediction in elderly femoral neck fracture patients. External and prospective validation of the models may improve surgeon ability when faced with the treatment decision-making.

Level of evidence

Prognostic Level II.
Radiation synthesis and anticancer drug delivery of poly(acrylic acid/acrylamide) magnetite hydrogel
Authors: Hosny Nasser Mohammed , Abbass Mohammed , Ismail Faten , El‐Din Horia M. Nizam
Published: May 2022

Hydrogels had gained considerable importance in drug delivery systems. Polyacrylic acid/acrylamide (AAc/AAm) and polyacrylic acid/acrylamide doped with magnetite (AAc/AAm)Fe3O4 hydrogels have been prepared by ɣ-radiations and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectra (IR), X-ray diffractions (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmittance electron microscope (TEM). The morphology and the particle size were determined from TEM images. The average particle size of Fe3O4 was found to be 12 nm. The degree of cross-linking of Poly (AAc/AAm) hydrogel was determined from the gel fraction at different radiation doses and compositions. Swelling of the hydrogel was studied at different conditions. The magnetism of (AAc/AAm) Fe3O4 was studied by vibrating sample magnetometer and the results indicated super-paramagnetic character of (AAc/AAm)Fe3O4. The band gap (Eg) was determined and the values suggested semi-conductivity of the hydrogels. Doxorubicin loading and release by (AAc/AAm)Fe3O4 hydrogel was studied and indicated that the hydrogel can load 78% of doxorubicin.
Sparse reconstruction for integral Fourier holography using dictionary learning method
Authors: Kuruguntla Lakshmi , Dodda Vineela Chandra , Wan Min , Elumalai Karthikeyan , Chinnadurai Sunil , Muniraj Inbarasan , Sheridan John T.
Published: May 2022

A simplified (i.e., single shot) method is demonstrated to generate a Fourier hologram from multiple two-dimensional (2D) perspective images (PIs) under low light level imaging conditions. It was shown that the orthographic projection images (OPIs) can be synthesized using PIs and then, following incorporation of corresponding phase values, a digital hologram can be generated. In this work, a fast dictionary learning (DL) technique, known as Sequential Generalised K-means (SGK) algorithm, is used to perform Integral Fourier hologram reconstruction from fewer samples. The SGK method transforms the generated Fourier hologram into its sparse form, which represented it with a linear combination of some basis functions, also known as atoms. These atoms are arranged in the form of a matrix called a dictionary. In this work, the dictionary is updated using an arithmetic average method while the Orthogonal Matching Pursuit algorithm is opted to update the sparse coefficients. It is shown that the proposed DL method provides good hologram quality, (in terms of peak signal-to-noise ratio) even for cases of ~ 90% sparsity.
Multiparametric MRI identifies subtle adaptations for demarcation of disease transition in murine aortic valve stenosis
Authors: Quast Christine , Kober Frank , Becker Katrin , Zweck Elric , Hoffe Jasmina , Jacoby Christoph , Flocke Vera , Gyamfi-Poku Isabella , Keyser Fabian , Piayda Kerstin , Erkens Ralf , Niepmann Sven , Adam Matti , Baldus Stephan , Zimmer Sebastian , Nickenig Georg , Grandoch Maria , Bönner Florian , Kelm Malte , Flögel Ulrich
Published: May 2022

Aortic valve stenosis (AS) is the most frequent valve disease with relevant prognostic impact. Experimental model systems for AS are scarce and comprehensive imaging techniques to simultaneously quantify function and morphology in disease progression are lacking. Therefore, we refined an acute murine AS model to closely mimic human disease characteristics and developed a high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) approach for simultaneous in-depth analysis of valvular, myocardial as well as aortic morphology/pathophysiology to identify early changes in tissue texture and critical transition points in the adaptive process to AS. AS was induced by wire injury of the aortic valve. Four weeks after surgery, cine loops, velocity, and relaxometry maps were acquired at 9.4 T to monitor structural/functional alterations in valve, aorta, and left ventricle (LV). In vivo MRI data were subsequently validated by histology and compared to echocardiography. AS mice exhibited impaired valve opening accompanied by significant valve thickening due to fibrotic remodelling. While control mice showed bell-shaped flow profiles, AS resulted not only in higher peak flow velocities, but also in fragmented turbulent flow patterns associated with enhanced circumferential strain and an increase in wall thickness of the aortic root. AS mice presented with a mild hypertrophy but unaffected global LV function. Cardiac MR relaxometry revealed reduced values for both T1 and T2 in AS reflecting subtle myocardial tissue remodelling with early alterations in mitochondrial function in response to the enhanced afterload. Concomitantly, incipient impairments of coronary flow reserve and myocardial tissue integrity get apparent accompanied by early troponin release. With this, we identified a premature transition point with still compensated cardiac function but beginning textural changes. This will allow interventional studies to explore early disease pathophysiology and novel therapeutic targets.
Generative Adversarial Network to evaluate quantity of information in financial markets
Authors: Santoro Domenico , Grilli Luca
Published: May 2022

Nowadays, the information obtainable from the markets are potentially limitless. Economic theory has always supported the possible advantage obtainable from having more information than competitors, however quantifying the advantage that these can give has always been a problem. In particular, in this paper we study the amount of information obtainable from the markets taking into account only the time series of the prices, through the use of a specific Generative Adversarial Network. We consider two types of financial instruments traded on the market, stocks and cryptocurrencies: the first are traded in a market subject to opening and closing hours, whereas cryptocurrencies are traded in a 24/7 market. Our goal is to use this GAN to be able to “convert” the amount of information that the different instruments can have in discriminative and predictive power, useful to improve forecast. Finally, we demonstrate that by using the initial dataset with the 5 most important feature useds by traders, the prices of cryptocurrencies present higher discriminatory and predictive power than stocks, while by adding a feature the situation can be completely reversed.
Effect of the mixing ratio on the composting of OFMSW digestate: assessment of compost quality
Authors: Núñez Fabián , Pérez Montserrat , Leon-Fernández Luis Fernando , García-Morales José Luis , Fernández-Morales Francisco Jesús
Published: May 2022

This study presents the results obtained in compostability tests of organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) digestate. The final aim was to obtain mature compost without phytotoxic effects. For the evaluation of the composting process, a novel parameter describing the performance of the composting process, the relative heat generation standardized with the initial volatile solid content (RHGVS0), was defined and evaluated at laboratory-scale. From these laboratory-scale test, the optimum operational conditions were obtained, a mixing ratio (v/v) of 1:1:0 (bulking agent:digestate:co-substrate) and with 15% of mature compost as inoculum. Subsequently, these optimum operational conditions were applied in the active phase of the composting pilot-scale reactor. The active composting stage took 7 days, subsequently a curing phase of 60 days was carried out at ambient conditions. After 30 days of curing, the mature compost showed a specific oxygen uptake rate (SOUR) of 0.14 mg O2/g VS·h, a germination index (GI) of 99.63% and a low volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentration (41.3 AcH mg/kgdm), being indicative of the good compost stability and maturity of the compost. The very good quality of the final compost obtained indicated that the RHGVS0 accurately describes the performance of the composting process.