bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CProtMEDIAS: clustering of amino acid sequences encoded by gene families by MErging and DIgitizing Aligned Sequences
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Zhu Miaomiao , Xie Qi , Larkin Robert M , Shi Xueping , Zheng Bo
Published: July 2022

Protein phylogenetic analysis focuses on the evolutionary relationships among related protein sequences and can help researchers infer protein functions and developmental trajectories. With the advent of the big data era, the existing protein phylogenetic methods, including distance matrix and character-based methods, are facing challenges in both running time and application scope. Here, we developed an R package that we call CProtMEDIAS that is useful for protein phylogenetic analysis. In contrast to existing phylogenetic analysis methods, CProtMEDIAS utilizes dimensionality reduction algorithms to digitize multiple sequence alignments and quickly conduct phylogenetic analysis with a large number of amino acid sequences from similarly distant protein families and species. We used CProtMEDIAS to perform a dimensionality reduction, clustering, pseudotime, specific residue and evolutionary trajectory analysis of the plant homeobox superfamily. We found that CProtMEDIAS delivers consistent clustering, fast running and elegant presentation and thus provides powerful new tools and methods for protein clustering and evolutionary analysis.
Experimental performance analysis of an installed microgrid-based PV/battery/EV grid-connected system
Authors: Haffaf Aziz , Lakdja Fatiha , Ould Abdeslam Djaffar
Published: July 2022

Global energy demand, which is largely based on fossil fuels, is expected to increase rapidly. An effort must be made to mitigate carbon emissions and climate change to ensure sustainable and clean development. In recent years, the increasing share of renewable energy and energy-storage systems, the development of electric vehicles (EVs), promotion of energy efficiency and demand-side management (DSM) have become today’s solution technologies. The microgrid (MG), which involves the interconnection of several generation and storage units capable of operating locally with or without connection to the power grid, is also a very useful emerging technology. This study allowed the experimental operation and performance analysis of a grid-connected photovoltaic (PV)/battery/EV MG hybrid system, which was used for maximizing PV self-consumption and DSM objectives. The entire MG consisting of two subsystems (polycrystalline PV array of 2.16 kWp for Subsystem 1, monocrystalline PV system of 2.4 kWp for Subsystem 2, EV with lithium-ion battery capacity of 6.1 kWh) was installed under outdoor conditions at the University Institute of Technology in Mulhouse, France in August 2018. The operation and behaviour of the system components, including the inverter, batteries and power grid, were analysed in both scenarios with and without EV connection. The results shows that the total cumulative energy injected into the grid during the entire system operating cycle is estimated to be 3466.82 and 5836.58 kWh for Subsystems 1 and 2, respectively. In addition, the energy produced by Subsystem 2 during its lifetime and the emissions emitted are respectively estimated at 5597.65 kWh and 4.17 tons. The other results in terms of PV output power, energy yield, feed-in power and self-consumed energy were quantified and analysed in detail.
Role of the amygdala in disrupted integration and effective connectivity of cortico-subcortical networks in apathy
Authors: Zeng Ningning , Aleman André , Liao Chong , Fang Huihua , Xu Pengfei , Luo Yuejia
Published: July 2022

Background

Apathy is a quantitative reduction in motivation and goal-directed behaviors, not only observed in neuropsychiatric disorders, but also present in healthy populations. Although brain abnormalities associated with apathy in clinical disorders have been studied, the organization of brain networks in healthy individuals has yet to be identified.

Method

We examined properties of intrinsic brain networks in healthy individuals with varied levels of apathy. By using functional magnetic resonance imaging in combination with graph theory analysis and dynamic causal modeling analysis, we tested communications among nodes and modules as well as effective connectivity among brain networks.

Results

We found that the average participation coefficient of the subcortical network, especially the amygdala, was lower in individuals with high than low apathy. Importantly, we observed weaker effective connectivity fromthe hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus to the amygdala, and from the amygdala to the parahippocampal gyrus and medial frontal cortex in individuals with apathy.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that individuals with high apathy exhibit aberrant communication within the cortical-to-subcortical network, characterized by differences in amygdala-related effective connectivity. Our work sheds light on the neural basis of apathy in subclinical populations and may have implications for understanding the development of clinical conditions that feature apathy.
Biological constraints on stereotaxic targeting of functionally-defined cortical areas
Authors: Narayanan Divya P , Tsukano Hiroaki , Kline Amber M , Onodera Koun , Kato Hiroyuki K
Published: July 2022

Understanding computational principles in hierarchically organized sensory systems requires functional parcellation of brain structures and their precise targeting for manipulations. Although brain atlases are widely used to infer area locations in the mouse neocortex, it has been unclear whether stereotaxic coordinates based on standardized brain morphology accurately represent functional domains in individual animals. Here, we used intrinsic signal imaging to evaluate the accuracy of area delineation in the atlas by mapping functionally-identified auditory cortices onto bregma-based stereotaxic coordinates. We found that auditory cortices in the brain atlas correlated poorly with the true complexity of functional area boundaries. Inter-animal variability in functional area locations predicted surprisingly high error rates in stereotaxic targeting with atlas coordinates. This variability was not simply attributed to brain sizes or suture irregularities but instead reflected differences in cortical geography across animals. Our data thus indicate that functional mapping in individual animals is essential for dissecting cortical area-specific roles with high precision.
Green, Validated HPLC Method Coupled With Fluorescence Detection for the Analysis of Tafluprost in its Pure Form and Ophthalmic Formulation: Application to Aqueous Humor and Content Uniformity Testing
Authors: Abd-AlGhafar Walaa Nabil , Aly Fatma Ahmed , Sheribah Zeinab Awad , Saad Samar
Published: July 2022

A green, simple and sensitive HPLC method coupled with fluorescence detection was implemented for the quantitative determination of the anti-glaucoma drug tafluprost (TFL). Liquid chromatography was performed on HyperClone™ ODS (C18) column of dimensions; 150 × 4.6 mm i.d. and 5 μm particle size using a green eluent; ethanol:0.01 M phosphate buffer (60:40 v/v, pH 4.5) delivered at 1 mL min−1. Fluorescence detection was accomplished at 220 nm (excitation) and 292 nm (emission). Bimatoprost (BIM) was used as an internal standard (I.S.). In this method, TFL was eluted after 6.70 minutes. The method satisfied International Council for Harmonization (ICH) validation guidelines, as proved by good linearity (r = 0.9999, over the range 0.05–2 μg mL−1), accuracy (recovery average 100.13 ± 1.27%), precision, robustness and specificity. The limit of detection and limit of quantification were found to be 0.016 and 0.048 μg mL−1, respectively. The proposed method has been successfully applied for the estimation of TFL in eye drops and aqueous humor. For the first time, the approach was applied with acceptable results for the evaluation of the uniformity of TFL eye drops content. Furthermore, Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI) and analytical Eco-scale were used to prove that the proposed HPLC method is environmentally friendly.
Resistance to Spinetoram Affects Host Adaptability of Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) Based on Detoxifying Enzyme Activities and an Age-Stage-Two-Sex Life Table
Authors: Li Dingyin , Zhi Junrui , Yue Wenbo , Zhang Tao , Liu Li
Published: July 2022

The western flower thrip (WFT) Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) is a serious agricultural pest with a wide host range which has developed resistance to several groups of insecticides. In this study, the effect of insecticide resistance on WFT host adaptability was explored by examining changes in detoxification enzyme activities and thrip development, and reproduction on preferred and less preferred host plants, eggplant Solanum melongena L. and broad bean Vicia faba L., respectively. Thrips were screened with spinetoram on kidney bean for six generations. Activities of glutathione S-transferase (GST), mixed function oxidases (MFOs), and cytochrome P450 enzyme (P450) in a resistant strain (RS) reared on broad bean were significantly higher than those in a sensitive strain (SS), and only carboxylesterase (CarE) increased in the RS when reared on eggplant, compared with the SS. Activities of the four detoxification enzymes in the RS reared on broad bean were significantly higher than in those reared-on eggplant. On broad bean, RS adult longevity was lower and developmental duration of offspring was shorter than those of the SS, but fecundity increased. On eggplant, RS fecundity was lower and developmental duration of offspring was shorter than those of the SS. In addition, fecundity was higher and developmental duration was longer in the RS reared on broad bean than in those reared-on eggplant. The results indicated that spinetoram resistance could change WFT host preference and that those changes might be associated with detoxification enzyme activities. Thus, it was hypothesized that adaptability of the RS to the less preferred host broad bean increased, whereas adaptability to the preferred host eggplant decreased.
Screening for atrial fibrillation to prevent stroke: a meta-analysis
Authors: McIntyre William F , Diederichsen Søren Z , Freedman Ben , Schnabel Renate B , Svennberg Emma , Healey Jeff S
Published: July 2022

Aims

We aimed to summarize existing evidence from published randomized trials that assessed atrial fibrillation (AF) screening for stroke prevention.

Methods and results

We searched MEDLINE for randomized trials that enrolled patients without known AF, screened for AF using electrocardiogram-based methods, and reported stroke outcomes. For this analysis, we excluded studies that focused on post-stroke populations. We combined data using a random-effects model and performed trial sequential meta-analysis using an O’Brien-Fleming alpha-spending function.

We identified four randomized clinical trials with a total of 35 836 participants. The populations, screening intervention, and definition of stroke varied markedly. As compared with no screening, AF screening was associated with a reduction in stroke (relative risk 0.91; 95% confidence interval: 0.84–0.99]. Trial sequential meta-analysis found that the cumulative z-score did not cross the stopping boundary.

After polling members of the AF-SCREEN and AFFECT-EU consortia, we identified a further 12 trials that are complete but have not yet reported stroke outcomes or are ongoing and expected to collect stroke outcomes. These consortia are planning an individual participant data meta-analysis which will permit the exploration of methodological heterogeneity.

Conclusions

If and how to screen for AF is an important public health concern. The body of evidence published to date suggests that AF could be effective to prevent strokes in some settings. The AF-SCREEN/AFFECT-EU individual patient data meta-analysis aims to comprehensively assess the benefits and risks of AF screening, and determine how population, screening method, and health-system factors influence stroke prevention.
Counting People in Early Modern England: Registers, Registrars, and Political Arithmetic
Authors: Slack Paul
Published: July 2022

Although there was no complete census in England until 1801, there had been counts of people for various purposes in towns and villages since the sixteenth century, and by the end of the seventeenth century political arithmeticians were trying to calculate the total population and its demographic characteristics from a range of documents, old and new. There had even been projects to collect new data from parish registers which in some respects anticipated the civil registers of vital events finally established in 1837. The aim of this paper is to look again at the invention in the sixteenth century of the sources later used for demographic investigation, especially parish registers and bills of mortality; to demonstrate that their value for such purposes was appreciated by contemporaries earlier than has often been assumed; and to show why, when their utility declined in the eighteenth century, it proved impossible to reform them. Pressure from political arithmeticians and a growing sector of the medical profession to redesign the established machinery of registration had no effect because it had become a monopoly in the hands of an ecclesiastical establishment determined to defend it. In the 1530s England acquired a precocious system of national registration, potentially adaptable to multiple uses, but it scarcely changed at all for three hundred years because there was no agreement on how to adapt or replace it.
An overview of the intraoral features and craniofacial morphology of growing and adult Japanese cleidocranial dysplasia subjects
Authors: Shih-Wei Cheng Eric , Tsuji Michiko , Suzuki Shoichi , Moriyama Keiji
Published: July 2022

Background

Orthodontic treatment for cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) requires an understanding of the nature of the retained deciduous teeth, supernumerary teeth, delayed eruption of the permanent teeth, and craniofacial morphology from childhood to adulthood. This study aimed to provide an overview of the intraoral and craniofacial characteristics of growing and adult Japanese CCD subjects.

Methods

We assessed cross-sectionally the intraoral features of 28 CCD subjects (males, 15.3 ± 7.0 years; females, 15.2 ± 5.1 years) using orthopantomograms and photographs. Mean facial diagrams (profilograms) of 3 age groups (5–10 years, 11–14 years, over 15 years: adult) were constructed, and linear and angular measurements of 2 age groups (under 15 years, adult) were performed by using cephalograms. The data were compared with Japanese standards.

Results

A mean of 11.7 and 8.4 retained deciduous teeth, 10.4 and 15.8 erupted permanent teeth were observed in the adult males and females, and a mean of 6.8 and 5.3 supernumerary teeth were observed in all males and females, respectively. A positive correlation was found between the number of supernumerary teeth and the age at initial visit. Cephalometric analysis showed an average to anteriorly positioned maxilla, a tendency for counter-clockwise rotation of the ramus, and a prognathic mandible in all groups.

Conclusions

The number of supernumerary teeth increased with age. The maxilla was average to anteriorly positioned, and the mandible was counter-clockwise rotated and prognathic for all groups. These characteristic craniofacial morphologies and changes of intraoral conditions at different ages in CCD patients should be considered when proposing rational orthodontic treatment plans.
South African men’s perceptions of breast cancer: impact of gender norms on health care accessibility
Authors: Burgess Raquel , Lekekela Brown , McBride Ruari-Santiago , Eyles John
Published: July 2022

Women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) often present to the health care system at advanced stages of breast cancer (BC), leading to poor outcomes. A lack of BC awareness and affordability issues are proposed as contributors to delayed presentation. In many areas of the world, however, women lack the autonomy to deal with their health needs due to restrictive gender norms. The role of gender norms has been relatively underexplored in the BC literature in LMICs and little is known about what men know about BC and how they are involved in women’s access to care. To better understand these factors, we conducted a qualitative descriptive study in South Africa. We interviewed 20 low-income Black men with current woman partners who had not experienced BC. Interviewees had limited knowledge and held specific misconceptions about BC symptoms and treatment. Cancer is not commonly discussed within their community and multiple barriers prevent them from reaching care. Interviewees described themselves as having a facilitative role in their partner’s access to health care, facets of which could inadvertently prevent their partners from autonomously seeking care. The findings point to the need to better consider the role of the male partner in BC awareness efforts in LMICs to facilitate prevention, earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Estimands in cluster-randomized trials: choosing analyses that answer the right question
Authors: Kahan Brennan C , Li Fan , Copas Andrew J , Harhay Michael O
Published: July 2022

Background

Cluster-randomized trials (CRTs) involve randomizing groups of individuals (e.g. hospitals, schools or villages) to different interventions. Various approaches exist for analysing CRTs but there has been little discussion around the treatment effects (estimands) targeted by each.

Methods

We describe the different estimands that can be addressed through CRTs and demonstrate how choices between different analytic approaches can impact the interpretation of results by fundamentally changing the question being asked, or, equivalently, the target estimand.

Results

CRTs can address either the participant-average treatment effect (the average treatment effect across participants) or the cluster-average treatment effect (the average treatment effect across clusters). These two estimands can differ when participant outcomes or the treatment effect depends on the cluster size (referred to as ‘informative cluster size’), which can occur for reasons such as differences in staffing levels or types of participants between small and large clusters. Furthermore, common estimators, such as mixed-effects models or generalized estimating equations with an exchangeable working correlation structure, can produce biased estimates for both the participant-average and cluster-average treatment effects when cluster size is informative. We describe alternative estimators (independence estimating equations and cluster-level analyses) that are unbiased for CRTs even when informative cluster size is present.

Conclusion

We conclude that careful specification of the estimand at the outset can ensure that the study question being addressed is clear and relevant, and, in turn, that the selected estimator provides an unbiased estimate of the desired quantity.
Failure of Herpes Simplex Virus Glycoprotein D Antibodies to Elicit Antibody-Dependent Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity: Implications for Future Vaccines
Authors: Mahant Aakash Mahant , Guerguis Sandra , Blevins Tamara P , Cheshenko Natalia , Gao Wei , Anastos Kathryn , Belshe Robert B , Herold Betsy C
Published: July 2022

Background

The glycoprotein D (gD)/AS04 vaccine failed to prevent herpes simplex virus (HSV) 2 in clinical trials. Failure was recapitulated in mice, in which the vaccine elicited neutralizing antibody but not antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) responses. Preclinical findings suggest that ADCC is important for protection, but the clinical data are limited. We hypothesized that gD/AS04 and acute HSV-2 infection elicit primarily neutralizing antibodies, whereas ADCC emerges over time.

Methods

HSV-specific immunoglobulin G, subclass, function (neutralization, C1q binding and ADCC), and antigenic targets were compared (paired t test or Mann-Whitney U test) at enrollment and after gD/AS04 vaccination, before and after HSV-2 acquisition in vaccine controls, and in an independent cohort with chronic HSV-2 infection.

Results

Vaccination elicited only a neutralizing antibody response, whereas acute infection elicited neutralizing and C1q-binding antibodies but not a significant ADCC response. Antibodies to gD were exclusively immunoglobulin G1 and only neutralizing. In contrast, women with chronic HSV-2 infection had significantly greater ADCC responses and targeted a broader range of viral antigens compared with acutely infected or gD/AS04 vaccine recipients (P < .001).

Conclusions

Results from gD/AS04 vaccinated or acutely infected women recapitulate murine findings of limited functional antibody responses, supporting the speculation that vaccines that generate polyfunctional and specifically ADCC responses may be required to prevent HSV-2 acquisition and limit recurrences.
Geometric Morphometrics Reveal Shape Differences in the Toes of Urban Lizards
Authors: Howell Bailey K , Winchell Kristin M , Hagey Travis J
Published: July 2022

Synopsis

Urbanization, despite its destructive effects on natural habitats, offers species an opportunity to colonize novel niches. Previous research found that urban Anolis lizards in Puerto Rico had increased adhesive toepad area and more ventral toepad scales, traits that are likely adaptive and genetically based. We further investigated these phenotypic changes using geometric morphometrics to measure differences in toe shape, toepad shape, and lamellar morphology. Our results indicate that the increased toepad area of urban Anolis cristatellus lizards in Puerto Rico is not simply an isometric increase in toe size. Toes of urban populations exhibit multiple disproportional changes compared to forest lizards, with a larger proportion of the toe length covered in adhesive toepad. In addition, the toepads of urban lizards increase more in length than width. Lastly, lizards in urban populations exhibit both increased number of lamellae as well as increased spacing between individual lamellae. We also observed regional variation, with urban specimens having significantly more disparity, suggesting similar processes of urban adaptation are likely happening in parallel across the island, yet with region-specific idiosyncrasies, possibly generating more variation in toepad morphology across urban specimens as compared to forest specimens. Considering the use of geometric morphometrics, we found that specimen preparation, specifically how flat and straight toes are during imaging, to be an important factor affecting our data, more so than specimen size or any other meaningful morphological variation. In addition, we found that landmark and semilandmark data can be used to directly estimate toepad area, offering the opportunity to streamline future studies. In conclusion, our results highlight the value of considering toepad morphology in more detail beyond adhesive pad area or number of lamellae. Geometric morphometrics tools may be employed to elucidate subtle differences in shape to better allow researchers to connect changes in morphology to ecology and adhesive performance.
Researchers experience of using the regulatory affairs information system (RAIS) in strengthening research compliance in a large research program: A case study of the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) in Uganda
Authors: Nabukenya Sylvia , Okoboi Stephen , Nakate Vivian , Twimukye Adelline , Opio Bruce , Castelnuovo Barbara
Published: July 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore researchers’ experience of using the regulatory affairs information system (RAIS) in strengthening research compliance to national ethics guidelines through tracking ethics and regulatory approvals for research projects at the Infectious Diseases Institute.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study using purposive sampling of 50 participants who were principal investigators (PI) and study coordinators (SC) of active projects between November 2019 and January 2020. Only 36 of them responded to the survey. We also conducted 12 key informant interviews among PI, SC, and research management at the Institute. We used STATA 13 to analyze responses to the survey. The interviews lasted between 20 and 30 min. We used NVivo 10 software to manage the transcripts and generation of themes.

Results

Majority 19 (52.8%) of those who participated in the survey were study coordinators, 19 (52.8%) had participated in more than 5 research studies, 28 (90.3%) had ever received a notification from the RAIS and 26 (92.9%) submitted requests for renewal of their studies approvals to Ethics committees and regulatory bodies 4 weeks prior to expiration dates. The study also examined participants’ general understanding of the regulatory requirements and all were aware that RECs and NDA grant approval for a period of 1 year, and 35 (97.2%) that UNCST grants approval for the duration of the study. Three prominent themes; researchers’ experiences, benefits, and shortcomings of RAIS were generated from the key informant interviews.

Discussion

Having experience in research coupled with a novel automated system provides a platform for a better understanding of research regulatory requirements, hence compliance to the national guidelines.

Conclusion

Our case study demonstrates that supporting researchers and research institutions in low resource settings with an automated system in tracking expiration dates for research approvals can facilitate compliance to national ethics guidelines.
Calibration method of azimuth electromagnetic boundary detection logging while drilling based on air–seawater double-layer dielectric as reflection interface
Authors: Li Xinghan , Zhang Wenxiu , Chen Peng , Chen Wenxuan , Wang Jun , Zheng Jian , You Jiaqi , Zhang Yali , Li Hong
Published: July 2022

An azimuth electromagnetic propagation logging while drilling tool provides the electrical parameters around a well in the intelligent drilling guidance system. It is a key link in intelligent guidance technology. As the stratum directivity parameter, the azimuth signal is associated with the compensation measurement of the resistivity instrument, which guides the drilling. However, it must be calibrated to have physical significance. The traditional method uses a water tank for calibration. However, this method is affected by the edge effect, which greatly weakens the azimuth signal. The model is complex and difficult to recover, which seriously suppresses the calibration results and causes errors in the azimuth signal. To eliminate the edge effect and simplify the model to improve the signal quality, an instrument calibration method based on sea level as the reflection interface is proposed in this paper. The air–seawater structure can simplify the calculation model, eliminate the edge effect and improve the signal strength. According to 1D air–seawater model simulation and 3D water tank model calculation, the feasibility of the simplified model is analyzed. According to the azimuth signal characteristics of the simplified model, an azimuth signal correction process that is more suitable for azimuth electromagnetic propagation logging while drilling is proposed. The measured data show that the air–seawater model improves the signal-to-noise ratio of the azimuth signal, verifies the detection ability of the azimuth antenna and provides technical support for oil and gas development in complex reservoirs.
Morphological and Molecular Identification ofCulicoides(Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) Species of the Southern California Desert
Authors: Zhang Xinmi , Phillips Robert A , Gerry Alec C
Published: July 2022

Culicoides Latreille (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) biting midges are vectors of important animal pathogens including bluetongue virus (BTV) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV). While some Culicoides species present in the southern California desert are implicated in the transmission of these viruses to ruminant animals, these species have not been extensively studied due in part to the challenge of identifying Culicoides to species and to the lack of published gene sequences for these species to support their molecular identification. In this study, Culicoides were captured using suction traps baited with either carbon dioxide or UV light from transitional habitat between the southern California peninsular mountain ranges and the Colorado desert of southeastern California. Captured midges were initially identified using traditional morphological methods, with species identification subsequently confirmed by sequence analysis of COI and 28S rDNA genes. Phylogenetic analyses support that some Culicoides subgenera are not monophyletic. Two recognized species (C. sitiens Wirth and Hubert and C. bakeri Vargas) shared the same COI and 28S sequences. An additional cryptic species may be present within C. sitiens. Two additional recognized species (C. cacticola Wirth and Hubert and C. torridus Wirth and Hubert) may be conspecific or cryptic to each other. In total, 19 Culicoides species (or species aggregate) were collected in this study, with genetic sequences published for the first time for 16 of them. Published genetic sequences will support future research on these species, including studies on the ecology and habits of their immature stages which are often tedious to identify using morphology.
‘This Crime is Not That Crime’—Classification and evaluation of four common crimes
Authors: Xu Ke , Liu Hangyu , Wang Fang , Wang Hansheng
Published: July 2022

As the basis of criminal penalty, criminal conviction, integral to the protection of fundamental rights and freedom of people constitutes the basis and the core issue of criminal trials. Based on the data published on China Judgments Online, we proposed two types of classification models to apply the data of four common crimes from China Judgments Online and expounded their applications in identifying ‘abnormal cases’, defined as wrongly sentenced cases in this article. The two types of classification models we proposed are a two-stage model and two deep learning models. To construct the two-stage model, we first used three keyword-extraction models to extract the keywords and vectorize all the keywords, then used five classification models to build the two-stage model. For the deep learning models, we applied two different deep neural network models in the data to build the classifier. We then applied these two types of classification models to discover ‘abnormal cases’ in two steps. In the first step, we applied the two-stage model to extract the ‘important words’ which will significantly improve the probability of the two-stage model to classify cases into crimes of intentional injury. In the second step, we constructed a validation data set of cases whose verdicts are changed in the second instance rulings to test the ‘important words’ extracted in first step and the ability of the two-stage model and the two deep learning models to discover ‘abnormal cases’. The results of this exercise show that: (1) ‘important words’ extracted in the first step are often associated with ‘abnormal cases’; (2) these two types of classification models can effectively discover ‘abnormal cases’, but compared with the two deep learning models, the two-stage model (aka. Term Frequency-Inverse Document Frequency and Artificial Neural Network, the combination of a keyword extraction model and a classic machine-learning model) is more capable of discovering ‘abnormal cases’.
Weather forecast of the Milky Way: shear and stellar feedback determine the lives of Galactic-scale filaments
Authors: Li Guang-Xing , Zhou Ji-Xuan , Chen Bing-Qiu
Published: July 2022

The interstellar medium (ISM) is an inseparable part of the Milky Way ecosystem whose evolutionary history remains a challenging question. We trace the evolution of the molecular ISM using a sample of young stellar objects (YSO) association–molecular cloud complex (YSO–MC complex). We derive their three-dimensional (3D) velocities by combining the Gaia astrometric measurements of the YSO associations and the CO observations of the associated molecular clouds. Based on the 3D velocities, we simulate the motions of the YSO–MC complexes in the Galactic potential and forecast the ISM evolution by tracing the motions of the individual complexes, and reveal the roles of shear and stellar feedback in determining ISM evolution: Galactic shear stretches Galactic-scale molecular cloud complexes, such as the G120 Complex, into Galactic-scale filaments, and it also contributes to the destruction of the filaments; while stellar feedback creates interconnected superbubbles whose expansion injects peculiar velocities into the ISM. The Galactic-scale molecular gas clumps are often precursors of the filaments and the Galactic-scale filaments are transient structures under a constant stretch by shear. This evolutionary sequence sets a foundation to interpret other gas structures.
Effect of anti-inflammatory diets on inflammation markers in adult human populations: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Mukherjee Mitali S , Han Chad Y , Sukumaran Shawgi , Delaney Christopher L , Miller Michelle D  
Published: July 2022

Context

Chronic inflammation, characterized by prolonged elevated inflammation markers, is linked to several chronic conditions. Diet can influence the levels of inflammation markers in the body.

Objective

The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effects of anti-inflammatory diets on 14 different inflammation markers in adults.

Data Sources

This systematic review conducted searches using Medline, PubMed, EMCare, Cochrane, and CINAHL, to locate randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Data Extraction

Two researchers independently screened 1537 RCTs that measured changes in inflammation markers after prescription of an intervention diet.

Data Analysis

In total, 20 RCTs were included and assessed qualitatively. The results demonstrated that a Mediterranean diet can bring about statistically significant and clinically meaningful between-group differences in interleukins -1α, -1β, -4, -5, -6, -7, -8, -10, and -18, interferon γ, tumor necrosis factor α, C-reactive protein, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, as compared with a control diet.

Conclusions

There may be a link between diet, inflammation markers, and disease outcomes in various adult populations. However, further research using consistent RCT protocols is required to determine correlations between diet, specific inflammation markers, and clinically relevant outcomes.
A Prevascularized Sinus Tract on the Liver Surface for Islet Transplantation
Authors: Li Feng , Lv Yi , Li Xiaohang , Yang Zhaoming , Guo Tingwei , Zhang Jialin
Published: July 2022

Background.

The lack of a suitable transplantation site has become a bottleneck restricting the development of islet transplantation.

Methods.

In this study, for the first time, a prevascularized sinus tract (PST) for islet transplantation was constructed in a mouse model by temporarily embedding a 4× silk thread between the liver surface and the attached decellularized human amniotic membrane. After which, the characteristics of the PST and the function of the islet graft within the PST were evaluated.

Results.

The results showed that PST was lined with granulation tissue, the blood vessel density of the local tissue increased, and proangiogenic proteins were upregulated, which mimics the microenvironment of the islets in the pancreas to a certain extent. Transplantation of ~200 syngeneic islets into the PST routinely reversed the hyperglycemia of the recipient mice and maintained euglycemia for >100 d until the islet grafts were retrieved. The islet grafts within the PST achieved better results to those in the nonprevascularized control groups and comparable results to those under the kidney capsule with respect to glycemic control and glucose tolerance.

Conclusions.

By attaching a decellularized human amniotic membrane to the surface of mouse liver and temporarily embedding a 4× silk thread, the PST formed on the liver surface has a favorable local microenvironment and is a potential clinical islet transplantation site.
Is There a Chance to Treat Modified Gartland Type IIB Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures With Closed Reduction and Casting?
Authors: Sisman Ali , Avci Ozgür , Cepni Serdar Kamil , Cullu Emre
Published: July 2022

Background:

Wilkins modification of the Gartland classification (WMGC) type IIB supracondylar humeral fractures (SCHFs) are unstable, and their primary treatment is surgery. This study sought to evaluate the chance of closed reduction and long arm cast (CR&LAC) treatment of type IIB fractures.

Methods:

In this retrospective case-control study, pediatric patients with WMGC type II fractures whose initial treatment was CR&LAC were examined. Cases were subdivided according to WMGC. Type IIA and IIB cases were compared in terms of the reduction loss rate and clinical and radiologic results. Then, patients with type IIB fractures who were treated conservatively or surgically were compared in terms of clinical and radiologic results.

Results:

A total of 817 pediatric SCHFs were examined, of which 233 had type II fractures. This study finally enrolled 87 cases who met the inclusion criteria, including 52 with type IIA fractures and 35 with type IIB fractures. Among those with type IIB fractures, the first-time reduction success rate was 44.3%. Although the probability of a loss of reduction among type IIB fractures in conservative follow-up was ~5 times higher than that among type IIA fractures, all the cases with reduction loss were detected among the first-week controls, and 9 of them were type IIB and 3 were type IIA (P=0.011). The treatment of 26 (32.9%) cases with type IIB fractures was completed conservatively. There was no difference in the clinical or radiologic comparison results of type IIA and type IIB fractures whose treatment was completed conservatively. There was no clinical or radiologic difference in the comparison of type IIB fractures whose treatment began with CR&LAC but was completed conservatively or surgically.

Conclusions:

Although the initial reduction success is not high among WMGC type IIB fractures, the results are like those of conservatively managed type IIA fractures if successful reduction is achieved. This study showed that the treatment results of all type II SCHFs with no loss of reduction in the first week after CR&LAC are satisfactory. No reduction loss was observed in any of the cases after the first week.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, case-control study.
Same-Day Patient Consultation and Cochlear Implantation: Patient Experiences and Barriers to Implementation
Authors: Patro Ankita , Haynes David S. , Perkins Elizabeth L.
Published: July 2022

Objective

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of same-day cochlear implant (SDCI) evaluation and surgery in improving patient experience.

Patients

Adult CI candidates participated in this study.

Interventions

Education materials and communication with providers were offered via telephone, e-mail, and/or telemedicine. Patients then arrived for in-person consultation, imaging studies, and outpatient CI surgery in one visit and received a 3-month postoperative survey.

Main Outcome Measures

Preoperative hearing, referral-to-surgery time, travel burden, and patient satisfaction were included as outcome measures.

Results

Of 35 patients who qualified, 14 were successfully contacted regarding the same-day program: 9 underwent CI, 1 enrolled but did not ultimately meet candidacy criteria, and 4 declined because of coronavirus and/or active medical conditions and did not pursue a CI. For the nine patients who underwent SDCI, mean age was 78 years, and mean preoperative consonant–nucleus–consonant score was 16% in the implanted ear. Mean referral-to-surgery time was 103 days and, after accounting for cancellations because of coronavirus, was 52 days. Mean travel distance to institution was 234 miles. Of the seven patients who completed the follow-up survey, none felt rushed for surgery, and mean program experience was rated 8.6 out of 10. Net promoter score was positive (+72), supporting high experience favorability among patients. Barriers to program expansion included patient recruitment and education, surgery scheduling, and the coronavirus pandemic.

Conclusions

No patients declined the SDCI program to pursue traditional CI evaluation, and all patients were satisfied with their experience. The SDCI program is a feasible and successful model that overcomes barriers to implantation, including travel burden, and improves access to care.
Risk factors for recurrent venous thromboembolism: a real-world analysis
Authors: Fu Alex Z. , Feng Xue , Ashton Veronica , Kharat Akshay
Published: July 2022

This study was conducted in patients treated for initial venous thromboembolism (VTE) for approximately 6 months to enhance understanding of the risk factors to inform clinical decision-making about long-term anticoagulation therapy. This retrospective cohort study was conducted using a large administrative claims database in the United States. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to examine demographic and clinical characteristics associated with recurrent VTE. A total of 13 831 patients had an index VTE event, and recurrent VTE occurred in 844 (6.1%) of these patients over a median follow-up of 22.8 months. Baseline comorbidities of arrhythmia, congestive heart failure, and chronic kidney disease were significantly associated with recurrent VTE. During the period of anticoagulation treatment after the index VTE, use of antidepressants was associated with an increased risk of recurrent VTE, whereas use of antibiotics and major surgery were associated with a decreased risk. In the 6 months prior to index VTE, anti-inflammatory agents and major surgery were associated with a decreased risk of recurrent VTE. The type of index VTE was also significantly associated with recurrent VTE, with an increased risk observed in patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) alone or PE with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) versus DVT alone. This real-world analysis identified baseline comorbidities, medications, and index VTE type to be factors predictive of recurrent VTE among patients treated for index VTE for approximately 6 months. Consideration of these factors may assist in the identification of patients who may benefit from extended anticoagulant therapy.
Evaluation of paediatric immune thrombocytopenia patients with clinical and laboratory findings: emphasizing the role of monocytosis
Authors: Akyol Şefika , Tüfekçi Özlem , Yılmaz Şebnem , Ören Hale
Published: July 2022

We aimed to investigate the relationship between demographics, clinical features, laboratory findings including monocytosis and clinical course in children with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).

Data of 100 ITP patients were analysed. Complete blood count findings of the patients at certain time points were evaluated to classify the disease as acute, persistent and chronic.

An effect of sex on chronicity was not observed (P = 0.166). Of the patients enrolled in the study, 38% (n = 38) had chronic course. The mean age of patients with the chronic course was 7 ± 4.1 years, which was significantly higher than the other groups (P = 0.007). Sixty-five percent (n = 13) of the patients presenting with mucosal bleeding and 27.4% (n = 20) of the patients presenting with skin bleeding became chronic (P = 0.008). MPV was found to be significantly high in chronic ITP patients (P = 0.049). Monocytosis was noted in 80% of the patients at diagnosis. Intravenous immunoglobulin was used in 84% of the patients with acute ITP; 33% of them developed chronic ITP.

The age at diagnosis, presence of mucosal bleeding and increased MPV on admission were high-risk factors for the development of the chronic course. Monocytosis was detected in 80% of the patients on admission, and it may play a role in the pathogenesis of ITP.
Effects of Momordica charantia exosomes on platelet activation, adhesion, and aggregation
Authors: Zhang Jianchao , Wang Wan , Liu Tingting , Wang Yanqiu , Wei Xuewen , Qi Suhua , Gu Bing
Published: July 2022

The platelets play a crucial role in the progression of multiple medical conditions, such as stroke and tumor metastasis, where antiplatelet therapy may be a boon for treating these diseases. In this study, we have attempted to study the effects of extracted Momordica charantia exosomes (MCEs) on platelet activation, adhesion, and aggregation. Adult platelets isolated from healthy individuals were dose-dependently treated with MCEs (0.1, 40, and 200 μg/ml). We performed flow cytometry to detect the expression of platelet activation protein marker-activated GP IIb/IIIa (PAC-1) and P-selectin (CD62P). Platelet adhesion was analyzed through fluorescence labeling assays. The effect of MCEs on platelet-mediated cell migration of HCT116 cells was observed by transwell. Furthermore, the MCAO model of Sprague–Dawley rats was used to observe the effect of MCEs (200, 400, and 800 μg/kg) on platelet aggregation and maximum thrombotic agglutination in vivo. The results showed that 200 μg/ml MCEs exerted the most pronounced effect on platelet activation, adhesion, and aggregation. Experiments on animals showed that MCEs significantly inhibited platelet aggregation and attenuated the maximum thrombus agglutination. We concluded that MCEs inhibited platelet activation, adhesion, aggregation, and platelet-mediated migration of HCT116 cells, indicating the potential role MCEs may play in the treatment of stroke and tumor metastasis.
The Association Between Opioid Use and Opioid Type and the Clinical Course and Outcomes of Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Elias Adi , Korytny Alexander , Klein Amir , Khoury Yara , Ben Hur Dana , Braun Eyal , Azzam Zaher S. , Ghersin Itai
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Basic science studies suggest that opioids aggravate disease severity and outcomes in acute pancreatitis. We sought to determine the association of opioid use and opioid type with the clinical course and outcome of acute pancreatitis.

Methods

In this retrospective single-center observational study, we included all adult patients admitted with acute pancreatitis between 2008 and 2021. Patients were classified into 3 groups based on analgesia type: morphine, noonmorphine opioid, and nonopioid.

Results

We included 2308 patients. Of the patients, 343 (14.9%) were treated with morphine, 733 (31.8%) were treated with nonmorphine opioids, and 1232 (53.4%) patients were in the nonopioid group. The incidence of 30-day mortality did not differ significantly between study groups: 3.9%, 2.9%, and 4.4% in the nonopioid, nonmorphine-opioid, and morphine groups, respectively (P = 0.366).

In multivariate analysis, the composite end point consisting of 30-day mortality, invasive ventilation, emergent abdominal surgery, and need for vasopressors was significantly more likely to occur in the morphine group than in the nonopioid group (adjusted odds ratio, 1.69; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–2.598; P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Mortality among acute pancreatitis patients did not differ significantly between patients receiving morphine, nonmorphine opioids, and nonopioids. However, morphine treatment was associated with higher rates of some serious adverse events.